Sample records for psi status 2008-developments
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Harkness, Allan R; Finn, Jacob A; McNulty, John L; Shields, Susan M
2012-06-01
The Personality Psychopathology-Five (PSY-5; Harkness & McNulty, 1994) is a model of individual differences relevant to adaptive functioning in both clinical and non-clinical populations. In this article, we review the development of the PSY-5 model (Harkness, 1992; Harkness & McNulty, 1994) and discuss the ways in which the PSY-5 model is related to and distinct from other 5-factor models. Using different methods and measures, the dimensions of the PSY-5 model have been constructively replicated (Lykken, 1968) by Tackett, Silberschmidt, Krueger, and Sponheim (2008) and by Watson, Clark, and Chmielewski (2008), and dimensions congruent with the PSY-5 have even been suggested for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; Krueger et al., 2011). PSY-5 Scales can be scored from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; Butcher et al., 2001), the MMPI-Adolescent version (MMPI-A; Butcher et al., 1992), and the Restructured Form of the MMPI-2 (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008). Because the largest body of research exists for the MMPI-2-based scales, we focus our review of the literature on the MMPI-2-based PSY-5 scales (Harkness, McNulty, & Ben-Porath, 1995), but we briefly cover the small, but growing, body of MMPI-A and MMPI-2-RF PSY-5 scales research. We show that the PSY-5 research literature includes a wide variety of psychometric methodologies as well as diverse samples and clinical problems. An integrative summary reprises the theory behind each PSY-5 construct and links it to the reviewed literature. Advantages and limitations of MMPI-2-based PSY-5 scales are discussed. (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Storm, Lance; Tressoldi, Patrizio E.; Di Risio, Lorenzo
2010-01-01
We report the results of meta-analyses on 3 types of free-response study: (a) ganzfeld (a technique that enhances a communication anomaly referred to as "psi"); (b) nonganzfeld noise reduction using alleged psi-enhancing techniques such as dream psi, meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis; and (c) standard free response (nonganzfeld, no noise…
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POWER SUPPLY CONTROL AND MONITORING FOR THE SNS RING AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
LAMBIASE,R.; OERTER,B.; PENG,S.
2001-06-28
There are approximately 300 magnet power supplies in the SNS accumulator ring and transport lines. Control and monitoring of the these converters will be primarily accomplished with a new Power Supply Interface and Controller (PSI/PSC) system developed for the SNS project. This PSI/PSC system provides all analog and digital commands and status readbacks in one fiber isolated module. With a maximum rate of 10KHz, the PSI/PSC must be supplemented with higher speed systems for the wide bandwidth pulsed injection supplies, and the even wider bandwidth extraction kickers. This paper describes the implementation of this PSI/PSC system, which was developed throughmore » an industry/laboratory collaboration, and the supplementary equipment used to support the wider bandwidth pulsed supplies.« less
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Proteomics Standards Initiative: Fifteen Years of Progress and Future Work
2017-01-01
The Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) has now been developing and promoting open community standards and software tools in the field of proteomics for 15 years. Under the guidance of the chair, cochairs, and other leadership positions, the PSI working groups are tasked with the development and maintenance of community standards via special workshops and ongoing work. Among the existing ratified standards, the PSI working groups continue to update PSI-MI XML, MITAB, mzML, mzIdentML, mzQuantML, mzTab, and the MIAPE (Minimum Information About a Proteomics Experiment) guidelines with the advance of new technologies and techniques. Furthermore, new standards are currently either in the final stages of completion (proBed and proBAM for proteogenomics results as well as PEFF) or in early stages of design (a spectral library standard format, a universal spectrum identifier, the qcML quality control format, and the Protein Expression Interface (PROXI) web services Application Programming Interface). In this work we review the current status of all of these aspects of the PSI, describe synergies with other efforts such as the ProteomeXchange Consortium, the Human Proteome Project, and the metabolomics community, and provide a look at future directions of the PSI. PMID:28849660
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Proteomics Standards Initiative: Fifteen Years of Progress and Future Work.
Deutsch, Eric W; Orchard, Sandra; Binz, Pierre-Alain; Bittremieux, Wout; Eisenacher, Martin; Hermjakob, Henning; Kawano, Shin; Lam, Henry; Mayer, Gerhard; Menschaert, Gerben; Perez-Riverol, Yasset; Salek, Reza M; Tabb, David L; Tenzer, Stefan; Vizcaíno, Juan Antonio; Walzer, Mathias; Jones, Andrew R
2017-12-01
The Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) of the Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) has now been developing and promoting open community standards and software tools in the field of proteomics for 15 years. Under the guidance of the chair, cochairs, and other leadership positions, the PSI working groups are tasked with the development and maintenance of community standards via special workshops and ongoing work. Among the existing ratified standards, the PSI working groups continue to update PSI-MI XML, MITAB, mzML, mzIdentML, mzQuantML, mzTab, and the MIAPE (Minimum Information About a Proteomics Experiment) guidelines with the advance of new technologies and techniques. Furthermore, new standards are currently either in the final stages of completion (proBed and proBAM for proteogenomics results as well as PEFF) or in early stages of design (a spectral library standard format, a universal spectrum identifier, the qcML quality control format, and the Protein Expression Interface (PROXI) web services Application Programming Interface). In this work we review the current status of all of these aspects of the PSI, describe synergies with other efforts such as the ProteomeXchange Consortium, the Human Proteome Project, and the metabolomics community, and provide a look at future directions of the PSI.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Smart, D. R.; Cosby Hess, S.; Plant, R.; Feihn, O.; Heymann, H.; Ebeler, S.
2014-11-01
The geoscience component of terroir in wine grape production continues to be criticized for its quasi-mystical nature, and lack of testable hypotheses. Nonetheless, recent relational investigations are emerging and most involve water availability as captured by available water capacity (AWC, texture) or plant available water (PAW) in the root zone of soil as being a key factor. The second finding emerging may be that the degree of microscale variability in PAW and other soil factors at the vineyard scale renders larger regional characterizations questionable. Cimatic variables like temperature are well mixed, and its influence on wine characteristic is fairly well established. The influence of mesogeology on mesoclimate factors has also been characterized to some extent. To test the hypothesis that vine water status mirrors soil water availability, and controls fruit sensory and chemical properties at the vineyard scale we examined such variables in a iconic, selectively harvested premium winegrape vineyard in the Napa Valley of California during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. Geo-referenced data vines remained as individual study units throughout data gathering and analysis. Cartographic exercises using geographic information systems (GIS) were used to vizualize geospatial variation in soil and vine properties. Highly significant correlations (P < 0.01) emerged for pre-dawn leaf water potential (ΨPD), mid-day leaf water potential (ΨL) and PAW, with berry size, berry weight, pruning weights (canopy size) and soluble solids content (°Brix). Areas yielding grapes with perceived higher quality had vines with (1) lower leaf water potential (LWP) both pre-dawn and mid-day, (2) smaller berry diameter and weight, (3) lower pruning weights, and (4) higher °Brix. A trained sensory panel found grapes from the more water-stressed vines had significantly sweeter and softer pulp, absence of vegetal character, and browner and crunchier seeds. Metabolomic analysis of the grape skins showed significant differences in accumulation of amino acids and organic acids. Data vines were categorized as non-stressed (ΨPD ≥ -7.9 bars and ΨL ≥ -14.9 bars) and stressed (ΨPD ≤ -8.0 bars and ΨL ≤ -15.0 bars) and subjected to analysis of variance. Significant separation emerged for vines categorized as non-stressed versus stressed at véraison, which correlated to the areas described as producing higher and lower quality fruit. This report does not advocate the use of stress levels herein reported. The vineyard was planted to a vigorous, deep rooted rootstock (V. rupestris cv. St. George), and from years of management is known to be able to withstand stress levels of the magnitude we observed. Nonetheless, the results may suggest there is not a linear relationship between physiological water stress and grape sensory characteristics, but rather the presence of an inflection point controlling grape composition as well as physiological development.
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Association between insurance status and patient safety in the lumbar spine fusion population.
Tanenbaum, Joseph E; Alentado, Vincent J; Miller, Jacob A; Lubelski, Daniel; Benzel, Edward C; Mroz, Thomas E
2017-03-01
Lumbar fusion is a common and costly procedure in the United States. Reimbursement for surgical procedures is increasingly tied to care quality and patient safety as part of value-based reimbursement programs. The incidence of adverse quality events among lumbar fusion patients is unknown using the definition of care quality (patient safety indicators [PSI]) used by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The association between insurance status and the incidence of PSI is similarly unknown in lumbar fusion patients. This study sought to determine the incidence of PSI in patients undergoing inpatient lumbar fusion and to quantify the association between primary payer status and PSI in this population. A retrospective cohort study was carried out. The sample comprised all adult patients aged 18 years and older who were included in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) that underwent lumbar fusion from 1998 to 2011. The incidence of one or more PSI, a validated and widely used metric of inpatient health-care quality and patient safety, was the primary outcome variable. The NIS data were examined for all cases of inpatient lumbar fusion from 1998 to 2011. The incidence of adverse patient safety events (PSI) was determined using publicly available lists of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between primary payer status (Medicaid and self-pay relative to private insurance) and the incidence of PSI. A total of 539,172 adult lumbar fusion procedures were recorded in the NIS from 1998 to 2011. Patients were excluded from the secondary analysis if "other" or "missing" was listed for primary insurance status. The national incidence of PSI was calculated to be 2,445 per 100,000 patient years of observation, or approximately 2.5%. In a secondary analysis, after adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid and self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more PSI during the inpatient episode relative to privately insured patients (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.27). Among patients undergoing inpatient lumbar fusion, insurance status is associated with the adverse health-care quality events used to determine hospital reimbursement by the CMS. The source of this disparity must be studied to improve the quality of care delivered to vulnerable patient populations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Mehdi, Syed K.; Tanenbaum, Joseph E.; Alentado, Vincent J.; Miller, Jacob A.; Lubelski, Daniel; Benzel, Edward C.; Mroz, Thomas E.
2017-01-01
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. BACKGROUND CONTEXT CMS defines “adverse quality events” as the incidence of certain complications such as post-surgical hematoma and/or iatrogenic pneumothorax during an inpatient stay. Patient safety indicators (PSI) are a means to measure the incidence of these adverse events. When these occur, reimbursement to the hospital decreases. The incidence of adverse quality events among patients hospitalized for primary spinal neoplasms is unknown. Similarly, it is unclear what the impact of insurance status is on adverse care quality among this patient population. PURPOSE We aimed to determine the incidence of patient safety indicators (PSI) among patients admitted with primary spinal neoplasms, and to determine the association between insurance status and the incidence of PSI in this population. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort design PATIENT SAMPLE All patients, 18 years and older, in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) that were hospitalized for primary spine neoplasms from 1998–2011. OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of PSI from 1998–2011. METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for all hospitalizations with a diagnosis of primary spinal neoplasm during the inpatient episode from 1998–2011. Incidence of PSI was determined using publicly available lists of ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of primary payer status on PSI incidence. All comparisons were made between privately insured patients and Medicaid/self-pay patients. RESULTS We identified 6,095 hospitalizations in which a primary spinal neoplasm was recorded during the inpatient episode. We excluded patients younger than 18 years as well as those with “other” or “missing” primary insurance status, leaving 5,880 patients for analysis. After adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid/self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more PSI (OR 1.81 95% CI 1.11– 2.95) relative to privately insured patients. CONCLUSIONS Among patients hospitalized for primary spinal neoplasms, primary payer status predicts the incidence of PSI, an indicator of adverse healthcare quality used to determine hospital reimbursement by CMS. As reimbursement continues to be intertwined with reportable quality metrics, identifying vulnerable populations is critical to improving patient care. PMID:27664341
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Mehdi, Syed K; Tanenbaum, Joseph E; Alentado, Vincent J; Miller, Jacob A; Lubelski, Daniel; Benzel, Edward C; Mroz, Thomas E
2017-02-01
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) defines "adverse quality events" as the incidence of certain complications such as postsurgical hematoma or iatrogenic pneumothorax during an inpatient stay. Patient safety indicators (PSI) are a means to measure the incidence of these adverse events. When adverse events occur, reimbursement to the hospital decreases. The incidence of adverse quality events among patients hospitalized for primary spinal neoplasms is unknown. Similarly, it is unclear what the impact of insurance status is on adverse care quality among this patient population. We aimed to determine the incidence of PSI among patients admitted with primary spinal neoplasms, and to determine the association between insurance status and the incidence of PSI in this population. This is a retrospective cohort study. We included all patients, 18 years and older, in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) who were hospitalized for primary spine neoplasms from 1998 to 2011. Incidence of PSI from 1998 to 2011 served as outcome variable. The NIS was queried for all hospitalizations with a diagnosis of primary spinal neoplasm during the inpatient episode from 1998 to 2011. Incidence of PSI was determined using publicly available lists of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes. Logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of primary payer status on PSI incidence. All comparisons were made between privately insured patients and Medicaid or self-pay patients. We identified 6,095 hospitalizations in which a primary spinal neoplasm was recorded during the inpatient episode. We excluded patients younger than 18 years and those with "other" or "missing" primary insurance status, leaving 5,880 patients for analysis. After adjusting for patient demographics and hospital characteristics, Medicaid or self-pay patients had significantly greater odds of experiencing one or more PSI (odds ratio [OR] 1.81 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.95) relative to privately insured patients. Among patients hospitalized for primary spinal neoplasms, primary payer status predicts the incidence of PSI, an indicator of adverse health-care quality used to determine hospital reimbursement by the CMS. As reimbursement continues to be intertwined with reportable quality metrics, identifying vulnerable populations is critical to improving patient care. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Liu, Li; Chang, Ying; Fu, Jialiang; Wang, Jiana; Wang, Lie
2012-03-21
Although occupational stress is an identified predictor of depressive symptoms, the mechanism behind the association is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine how psychological capital (PsyCap), a positive psychological state, mediates the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms among Chinese physicians. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Liaoning Province, China, during September-October 2010. Self-administered questionnaires including items on depressive symptoms assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, occupational stress assessed by the effort-reward imbalance scale and PsyCap estimated by a 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire, together with age, gender, marital status and education were distributed to 1300 physicians employed in large general hospitals. The final sample consisted of 998 participants. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to examine how PsyCap mediates the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. Both the effort/reward ratio (ERR) and overcommitment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among male and female physicians. There was a gender difference in the mediating role of PsyCap on the occupational stress-depressive symptoms association. For male physicians, PsyCap did not mediate the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. For female physicians, ERR and overcommitment were negatively associated with PsyCap, and PsyCap was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. As a result, PsyCap significantly mediated the associations of ERR and overcommitment with depressive symptoms. The proportion of PsyCap mediation was 19.07% for ERR, and 24.29% for overcommitment. PsyCap could be a positive resource for combating depressive symptoms in Chinese physicians. In addition to reducing occupational stress, PsyCap development should be included in depression prevention and treatment strategies, especially for female physicians.
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Software for imaging phase-shift interference microscope
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Malinovski, I.; França, R. S.; Couceiro, I. B.
2018-03-01
In recent years absolute interference microscope was created at National Metrology Institute of Brazil (INMETRO). The instrument by principle of operation is imaging phase-shifting interferometer (PSI) equipped with two stabilized lasers of different colour as traceable reference wavelength sources. We report here some progress in development of the software for this instrument. The status of undergoing internal validation and verification of the software is also reported. In contrast with standard PSI method, different methodology of phase evaluation is applied. Therefore, instrument specific procedures for software validation and verification are adapted and discussed.
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Sen. Landrieu, Mary L. [D-LA
2011-07-29
Senate - 07/29/2011 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:
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2012-01-01
Background Although occupational stress is an identified predictor of depressive symptoms, the mechanism behind the association is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine how psychological capital (PsyCap), a positive psychological state, mediates the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms among Chinese physicians. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Liaoning Province, China, during September–October 2010. Self-administered questionnaires including items on depressive symptoms assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, occupational stress assessed by the effort–reward imbalance scale and PsyCap estimated by a 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire, together with age, gender, marital status and education were distributed to 1300 physicians employed in large general hospitals. The final sample consisted of 998 participants. Asymptotic and resampling strategies were used to examine how PsyCap mediates the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. Results Both the effort/reward ratio (ERR) and overcommitment were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among male and female physicians. There was a gender difference in the mediating role of PsyCap on the occupational stress–depressive symptoms association. For male physicians, PsyCap did not mediate the association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms. For female physicians, ERR and overcommitment were negatively associated with PsyCap, and PsyCap was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. As a result, PsyCap significantly mediated the associations of ERR and overcommitment with depressive symptoms. The proportion of PsyCap mediation was 19.07% for ERR, and 24.29% for overcommitment. Conclusions PsyCap could be a positive resource for combating depressive symptoms in Chinese physicians. In addition to reducing occupational stress, PsyCap development should be included in depression prevention and treatment strategies, especially for female physicians. PMID:22436106
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Annual Expeditionary Warfare Conference (22nd)
2017-10-24
for many copies of data and a unique software stack to operate on it. PSI designs and manufactures shipping and carrying cases as well as providing...An ISO 9001:2008 rated company, Trijicon Inc., is committed to Customer Satisfaction through the design , development, and manufacture of superior...their endeavors to continue as a world leader in the design and manufacture of high quality, innovative sighting systems. TABLE TOP dISPLAyErS 12 LtGen
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Proteomics data exchange and storage: the need for common standards and public repositories.
Jiménez, Rafael C; Vizcaíno, Juan Antonio
2013-01-01
Both the existence of data standards and public databases or repositories have been key factors behind the development of the existing "omics" approaches. In this book chapter we first review the main existing mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics resources: PRIDE, PeptideAtlas, GPMDB, and Tranche. Second, we report on the current status of the different proteomics data standards developed by the Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI): the formats mzML, mzIdentML, mzQuantML, TraML, and PSI-MI XML are then reviewed. Finally, we present an easy way to query and access MS proteomics data in the PRIDE database, as a representative of the existing repositories, using the workflow management system (WMS) tool Taverna. Two different publicly available workflows are explained and described.
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Cynthia J. Najdowski: Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
American Psychologist, 2012
2012-01-01
Presents a short biography of the winner of the American Psychological Association's Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award. The 2012 winner is Cynthia J. Najdowski for an outstanding research paper that examines how jurors' judgments are influenced by a juvenile defendant's confession and status as intellectually disabled. Through…
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nelson, B. A.; Akcay, C.; Glasser, A. H.; Hansen, C. J.; Jarboe, T. R.; Marklin, G. J.; Milroy, R. D.; Morgan, K. D.; Norgaard, P. C.; Shumlak, U.; Sutherland, D. A.; Victor, B. S.; Sovinec, C. R.; O'Bryan, J. B.; Held, E. D.; Ji, J.-Y.; Lukin, V. S.
2014-10-01
The Plasma Science and Innovation Center (PSI-Center - http://www.psicenter.org) supports collaborating validation platform experiments with 3D extended MHD simulations using the NIMROD, HiFi, and PSI-TET codes. Collaborators include the Bellan Plasma Group (Caltech), CTH (Auburn U), HBT-EP (Columbia), HIT-SI (U Wash-UW), LTX (PPPL), MAST (Culham), Pegasus (U Wisc-Madison), SSX (Swarthmore College), TCSU (UW), and ZaP/ZaP-HD (UW). The PSI-Center is exploring application of validation metrics between experimental data and simulations results. Biorthogonal decomposition (BOD) is used to compare experiments with simulations. BOD separates data sets into spatial and temporal structures, giving greater weight to dominant structures. Several BOD metrics are being formulated with the goal of quantitive validation. Results from these simulation and validation studies, as well as an overview of the PSI-Center status will be presented.
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Passive Suicidal Ideation and Community Mental Health Resources in South Africa.
Collins, Pamela Y; Kondos, Leeza; Pillai, Aravind; Joestl, Sarah S; Frohlich, Janet
2016-07-01
South African communities continue to experience elevated incidence and prevalence of HIV infection. Passive suicidal ideation (PSI) may be one expression of distress in high prevalence communities. We report the prevalence of PSI and examine the relationship between PSI and participation in community organizations in a semi-rural sample of South African adults (N = 594). The prevalence of PSI in the 2 weeks prior to the interview was 9.1 %. Members of burial societies (Χ (2) = 7.34; p = 0.01) and stokvels (Χ (2) = 4.1; p = 0.04) (community-based savings groups) reported significantly less PSI compared to other respondents. Using a multivariate model adjusted for demographic characteristics, psychological distress, and socioeconomic status, we found lower odds of reporting PSI for members of burial societies (OR 0.48, CI 0.25 -0.91). Participation in community organizations that provide contextually salient resources in settings with high levels of distress may be a resource for mental health.
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Flowerika; Alok, Anshu; Kumar, Jitesh; Thakur, Neha; Pandey, Ashutosh; Pandey, Ajay Kumar; Upadhyay, Santosh Kumar; Tiwari, Siddharth
2016-01-01
Phytoene synthase (PSY) regulates the first committed step of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway in plants. The present work reports identification and characterization of the three PSY genes (TaPSY1, TaPSY2 and TaPSY3) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The TaPSY1, TaPSY2, and TaPSY3 genes consisted of three homoeologs on the long arm of group 7 chromosome (7L), short arm of group 5 chromosome (5S), and long arm of group 5 chromosome (5L), respectively in each subgenomes (A, B, and D) with a similarity range from 89% to 97%. The protein sequence analysis demonstrated that TaPSY1 and TaPSY3 retain most of conserved motifs for enzyme activity. Phylogenetic analysis of all TaPSY revealed an evolutionary relationship among PSY proteins of various monocot species. TaPSY derived from A and D subgenomes shared proximity to the PSY of Triticum urartu and Aegilops tauschii, respectively. The differential expression of TaPSY1, TaPSY2, and TaPSY3 in the various tissues, seed development stages, and stress treatments suggested their role in plant development, and stress condition. TaPSY3 showed higher expression in all tissues, followed by TaPSY1. The presence of multiple stress responsive cis-regulatory elements in promoter region of TaPSY3 correlated with the higher expression during drought and heat stresses has suggested their role in these conditions. The expression pattern of TaPSY3 was correlated with the accumulation of β-carotene in the seed developmental stages. Bacterial complementation assay has validated the functional activity of each TaPSY protein. Hence, TaPSY can be explored in developing genetically improved wheat crop. PMID:27695116
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PSI-Center Simulations of Validation Platform Experiments
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nelson, B. A.; Akcay, C.; Glasser, A. H.; Hansen, C. J.; Jarboe, T. R.; Marklin, G. J.; Milroy, R. D.; Morgan, K. D.; Norgaard, P. C.; Shumlak, U.; Victor, B. S.; Sovinec, C. R.; O'Bryan, J. B.; Held, E. D.; Ji, J.-Y.; Lukin, V. S.
2013-10-01
The Plasma Science and Innovation Center (PSI-Center - http://www.psicenter.org) supports collaborating validation platform experiments with extended MHD simulations. Collaborators include the Bellan Plasma Group (Caltech), CTH (Auburn U), FRX-L (Los Alamos National Laboratory), HIT-SI (U Wash - UW), LTX (PPPL), MAST (Culham), Pegasus (U Wisc-Madison), PHD/ELF (UW/MSNW), SSX (Swarthmore College), TCSU (UW), and ZaP/ZaP-HD (UW). Modifications have been made to the NIMROD, HiFi, and PSI-Tet codes to specifically model these experiments, including mesh generation/refinement, non-local closures, appropriate boundary conditions (external fields, insulating BCs, etc.), and kinetic and neutral particle interactions. The PSI-Center is exploring application of validation metrics between experimental data and simulations results. Biorthogonal decomposition is proving to be a powerful method to compare global temporal and spatial structures for validation. Results from these simulation and validation studies, as well as an overview of the PSI-Center status will be presented.
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Storm, Lance; Tressoldi, Patrizio E; Di Risio, Lorenzo
2010-07-01
We report the results of meta-analyses on 3 types of free-response study: (a) ganzfeld (a technique that enhances a communication anomaly referred to as "psi"); (b) nonganzfeld noise reduction using alleged psi-enhancing techniques such as dream psi, meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis; and (c) standard free response (nonganzfeld, no noise reduction). For the period 1997-2008, a homogeneous data set of 29 ganzfeld studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.142 (Stouffer Z = 5.48, p = 2.13 x 10(-8)). A homogeneous nonganzfeld noise reduction data set of 16 studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.110 (Stouffer Z = 3.35, p = 2.08 x 10(-4)), and a homogeneous data set of 14 standard free-response studies produced a weak negative mean effect size of -0.029 (Stouffer Z = -2.29, p = .989). The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database was significantly higher than the mean effect size of the standard free-response database but was not higher than the effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction database [corrected].We also found that selected participants (believers in the paranormal, meditators, etc.) had a performance advantage over unselected participants, but only if they were in the ganzfeld condition.
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Proliferation Control Regimes: Background and Status
2006-12-26
developing a national capability to conduct forensic analysis of evidence from bio-crimes and terrorism. Given the difficulty of differentiating between...North Korea in 2004 galvanized the international community to examine strengthening implementation of national export controls and interdiction ... interdiction of WMD-related equipment shipments at sea, on land, and by air. President Bush announced the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) on May 31
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Htat, Han Win; Longfield, Kim; Mundy, Gary; Win, Zaw; Montagu, Dominic
2015-03-01
Concerns about appropriate pricing strategies and the high market share of subsidized condoms prompted Population Services International (PSI)/Myanmar to adopt a total market approach (TMA). This article presents data on the size and composition of the Myanmar condom market, identifies inefficiencies and recommends methods for better targeting public subsidy. Data on condom need and condom use came from PSI/Myanmar's (PSI/M's) behavioural surveys; data for key populations' socioeconomic status profiles came from the same surveys and the National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey. Data on market share, volumes, value and number of condoms were from PSI/M's quarterly retail audits and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Between 2008 and 2010, the universal need for condoms decreased from 112.9 to 98.2 million while condom use increased from 32 to 46%. Free and socially marketed condoms dominated the market (94%) in 2009-11 with an increase in the proportion of free condoms over time. The retail price of socially marketed condoms was artificially low at 44 kyats ($0.05 USD) in 2011 while the price for commercial condoms was 119-399 kyats ($0.15-$0.49 USD). Equity analyses demonstrated an equal distribution of female sex workers across national wealth quintiles, but 54% of men who have sex with men and 55% of male clients were in the highest two quintiles. Donor subsidies for condoms increased over time; from $434,000 USD in 2009 to $577,000 USD in 2011. The market for male condoms was stagnant in Myanmar due to: limited demand for condoms among key populations, the dominance of free and socially marketed condoms on the market and a neglected commercial sector. Subsidies for socially marketed and free condoms have prevented the growth of the private sector, an unintended consequence. A TMA is needed to grow and sustain the condom market in Myanmar, which requires close co-ordination between the public, socially marketed and commercial sectors. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2015; all rights reserved.
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Longfield, Kim; Mundy, Gary; Win, Zaw; Montagu, Dominic
2015-01-01
Background Concerns about appropriate pricing strategies and the high market share of subsidized condoms prompted Population Services International (PSI)/Myanmar to adopt a total market approach (TMA). This article presents data on the size and composition of the Myanmar condom market, identifies inefficiencies and recommends methods for better targeting public subsidy. Methodology Data on condom need and condom use came from PSI/Myanmar’s (PSI/M’s) behavioural surveys; data for key populations’ socioeconomic status profiles came from the same surveys and the National Tuberculosis Prevalence Survey. Data on market share, volumes, value and number of condoms were from PSI/M’s quarterly retail audits and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Results Between 2008 and 2010, the universal need for condoms decreased from 112.9 to 98.2 million while condom use increased from 32 to 46%. Free and socially marketed condoms dominated the market (94%) in 2009–11 with an increase in the proportion of free condoms over time. The retail price of socially marketed condoms was artificially low at 44 kyats ($0.05 USD) in 2011 while the price for commercial condoms was 119–399 kyats ($0.15–$0.49 USD). Equity analyses demonstrated an equal distribution of female sex workers across national wealth quintiles, but 54% of men who have sex with men and 55% of male clients were in the highest two quintiles. Donor subsidies for condoms increased over time; from $434 000 USD in 2009 to $577 000 USD in 2011. Conclusion The market for male condoms was stagnant in Myanmar due to: limited demand for condoms among key populations, the dominance of free and socially marketed condoms on the market and a neglected commercial sector. Subsidies for socially marketed and free condoms have prevented the growth of the private sector, an unintended consequence. A TMA is needed to grow and sustain the condom market in Myanmar, which requires close co-ordination between the public, socially marketed and commercial sectors. PMID:25759450
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Reactor physics teaching and research in the Swiss nuclear engineering master
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Chawla, R.; Paul Scherrer Inst., CH-5232 Villigen PSI
Since 2008, a Master of Science program in Nuclear Engineering (NE) has been running in Switzerland, thanks to the combined efforts of the country's key players in nuclear teaching and research, viz. the Swiss Federal Inst.s of Technology at Lausanne (EPFL) and at Zurich (ETHZ), the Paul Scherrer Inst. (PSI) at Villigen and the Swiss Nuclear Utilities (Swissnuclear). The present paper, while outlining the academic program as a whole, lays emphasis on the reactor physics teaching and research training accorded to the students in the framework of the developed curriculum. (authors)
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Mayer, Sabine; Boschung, Markus; Butterweck, Gernot; Assenmacher, Frank; Hohmann, Eike
2016-09-01
Since 2008 the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) has been using a microscope-based automatic scanning system for assessing personal neutron doses with a dosemeter based on PADC. This scanning system, known as TASLImage, includes a comprehensive characterisation of tracks. The distributions of several specific track characteristics such as size, shape and optical density are compared with a reference set to discriminate tracks of alpha particles and non-track background. Due to the dosemeter design at PSI, it is anticipated that radon should not significantly contribute to the creation of additional tracks in the PADC detector. The present study tests the stability of the neutron dose determination algorithm of the personal neutron dosemeter system in operation at PSI at different radon gas exposures. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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Assertiveness and problem solving in midwives.
Yurtsal, Zeliha Burcu; Özdemir, Levent
2015-01-01
Midwifery profession is required to bring solutions to problems and a midwife is expected to be an assertive person and to develop midwifery care. This study was planned to examine the relationship between assertiveness and problem-solving skills of midwives. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 midwives between July 2008 and February 2009 in the city center of Sivas. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) were used to determine the level of assertiveness and problem-solving skills of midwives. Statistical methods were used as mean, standard deviation, percentage, Student's T, ANOVA and Tukey HSD, Kruskal Wallis, Fisher Exact, Pearson Correlation and Chi-square tests and P < 0.05. The RAS mean scores and the PSI mean scores showed statistically significant differences in terms of a midwife's considering herself as a member of the health team, expressing herself within the health care team, being able to say "no" when necessary, cooperating with her colleagues, taking part in problem-solving skills training. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the RAS and PSI scores. The RAS scores decreased while the problem-solving scores increased (r: -0451, P < 0.01). There were significant statistical differences between assertiveness levels and problem solving skills of midwives, and midwives who were assertive solved their problems better than did others. Assertiveness and problem-solving skills training will contribute to the success of the midwifery profession. Midwives able to solve problems, and display assertive behaviors will contribute to the development of midwifery profession.
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Morin, Alexandre J S; Maïano, Christophe
2011-09-01
In a recent review of various physical self-concept instruments, Marsh and Cheng (in press) noted that the very short 12-item version of the French Physical Self-Inventory (PSI-VS) represents an important contribution to applied research but that further research was needed to investigate the robustness of its psychometric properties in new and diversified samples. The present study was designed to answer these questions based on a sample of 1103 normally achieving French adolescents. The results show that the PSI-VS measurement model is quite robust and fully invariant across subgroups of students formed according to gender, weight, age and ethnicity. The results also confirm the convergent validity and scale score reliability of the PSI-VS subscales. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Zhang, Zi-Shan; Liu, Mei-Jun; Gao, Hui-Yuan; Jin, Li-Qiao; Li, Yu-Ting; Li, Qing-Ming; Ai, Xi-Zhen
2015-10-16
Although root-to-shoot communication has been intensively investigated in plants under drought, few studies have examined root-to-shoot communication under chilling. Here we explored whether root-to-shoot communication contributes to the chilling-light tolerance of cucumber shoots and clarified the key signal involves in this communication. After leaf discs chilling-light treatment, the photoinhibitions of Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) were similar in leaf discs of two cucumber varieties (JY-3 and JC-4). When the whole plants, including roots, were chilled under light, the photosynthetic performances in JC-4 leaves decreased more seriously than that in JY-3 leaves. However, when the water status of leaves was maintained by warming roots or floating the attached leaves on water, the PSII activity and amount of PSI in the leaves of the two varieties were similar after chilling-light treatment. In addition, the differences of PSII activities and amount of PSI between the two varieties under whole plant chilling-light treatment were independent of ABA pretreatment. Above results indicate that (1) the better water status in leaves under chilling contributes to the higher chilling tolerance of JY-3; (2) the water status, rather than an ABA signal, dominates root-to-shoot communication under chilling and the chilling tolerance of cucumber shoot.
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Mitchell, Patrick J; Veneklaas, Erik J; Lambers, Hans; Burgess, Stephen S O
2008-12-01
We measured leaf water relations and leaf structural traits of 20 species from three communities growing along a topographical gradient. Our aim was to assess variation in seasonal responses in leaf water status and leaf tissue physiology between sites and among species in response to summer water deficit. Species from a ridge-top heath community showed the greatest reductions in pre-dawn leaf water potentials (Psi(leaf)) and stomatal conductance during summer; species from a valley-floor woodland and a midslope mallee community showed less reductions in these parameters. Heath species also displayed greater seasonal reduction in turgor-loss point (Psi(TLP)) than species from woodland or mallee communities. In general, species that had larger reductions in Psi(leaf) during summer showed significant shifts in either their osmotic potential at full turgor (Psi(pi 100); osmotic adjustment) or in tissue elasticity (epsilon(max)). Psi(pi 100) and epsilon(max) were negatively correlated, during both spring and summer, suggesting a trade-off between these different mechanisms to cope with water stress. Specific leaf area varied greatly among species, and was significantly correlated with seasonal changes in Psi(TLP) and pre-dawn Psi(leaf). These correlations suggest that leaf structure is a prerequisite for cellular mechanisms to be effective in adjusting to water deficit.
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Domec, J C; Scholz, F G; Bucci, S J; Meinzer, F C; Goldstein, G; Villalobos-Vega, R
2006-01-01
Vulnerability to water-stress-induced embolism and variation in the degree of native embolism were measured in lateral roots of four co-occurring neotropical savanna tree species. Root embolism varied diurnally and seasonally. Late in the dry season, loss of root xylem conductivity reached 80% in the afternoon when root water potential (psi root) was about -2.6 MPa, and recovered to 25-40% loss of conductivity in the morning when psi root was about -1.0 MPa. Daily variation in psi root decreased, and root xylem vulnerability and capacitance increased with rooting depth. However, all species experienced seasonal minimum psi root close to complete hydraulic failure independent of their rooting depth or resistance to embolism. Predawn psi root was lower than psi soil when psi soil was relatively high (> -0.7 MPa) but became less negative than psi soil, later in the dry season, consistent with a transition from a disequilibrium between plant and soil psi induced by nocturnal transpiration to one induced by hydraulic redistribution of water from deeper soil layers. Shallow longitudinal root incisions external to the xylem prevented reversal of embolism overnight, suggesting that root mechanical integrity was necessary for recovery, consistent with the hypothesis that if embolism is a function of tension, refilling may be a function of internal pressure imbalances. All species shared a common relationship in which maximum daily stomatal conductance declined linearly with increasing afternoon loss of root conductivity over the course of the dry season. Daily embolism and refilling in roots is a common occurrence and thus may be an inherent component of a hydraulic signaling mechanism enabling stomata to maintain the integrity of the hydraulic pipeline in long-lived structures such as stems.
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Assertiveness and problem solving in midwives
Yurtsal, Zeliha Burcu; Özdemir, Levent
2015-01-01
Background: Midwifery profession is required to bring solutions to problems and a midwife is expected to be an assertive person and to develop midwifery care. This study was planned to examine the relationship between assertiveness and problem-solving skills of midwives. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 midwives between July 2008 and February 2009 in the city center of Sivas. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) were used to determine the level of assertiveness and problem-solving skills of midwives. Statistical methods were used as mean, standard deviation, percentage, Student's T, ANOVA and Tukey HSD, Kruskal Wallis, Fisher Exact, Pearson Correlation and Chi-square tests and P < 0.05. Results: The RAS mean scores and the PSI mean scores showed statistically significant differences in terms of a midwife's considering herself as a member of the health team, expressing herself within the health care team, being able to say “no” when necessary, cooperating with her colleagues, taking part in problem-solving skills training. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the RAS and PSI scores. The RAS scores decreased while the problem-solving scores increased (r: -0451, P < 0.01). Conclusions: There were significant statistical differences between assertiveness levels and problem solving skills of midwives, and midwives who were assertive solved their problems better than did others. Assertiveness and problem-solving skills training will contribute to the success of the midwifery profession. Midwives able to solve problems, and display assertive behaviors will contribute to the development of midwifery profession. PMID:26793247
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Uribe, Carlos Alberto
2017-11-01
This paper exposes the status of psy cultures in Colombia. It is shown how the country's official health system has transformed biomedical psychiatry and cognitive behavioral psychology into the dominant and hegemonic psy culture. However, far from being hegemonic, as presented, both serve to foster and sustain the existence of different "religious" or "sacred" therapeutic systems and practices that denaturalize human existential and psychological suffering. In general, the latter are ritual practices with a strong spiritualist, anti-materialist and antimonist content, that deal freely with a wide range of cosmologies, beliefs and symbols, even including the same concepts and practices of a biomedical origin. The result is a hyper-ritualization of daily life in the country.
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Rep. Hastings, Alcee L. [D-FL-23
2009-07-17
House - 10/22/2009 Referred to the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2013-11-26
... AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Proposed rule. SUMMARY: EPA is proposing to... Emissions Simulator (MOVES) and NONROAD2008 models which are the most current versions of modeling systems... Area from those areas subject to the 7.8 psi Federal RVP requirements, such action will occur in a...
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Yhokha, Akano; Goswami, Pradeep K.; Chang, Chung-Pai; Yen, Jiun-Yee; Ching, Kuo-En; Aruche, K. Manini
2018-02-01
Orogenic movements and sub-tropical climate have rendered the slopes of the Himalayan region intensely deformed and weathered. As a result, the incidences of slope failure are quite common all along the Himalayan region. The Lesser Himalayan terrane is particularly vulnerable to mass-movements owing to geological fragility, and many parts of it are bearing a high-risk of associated disaster owing to the high population density. An important step towards mitigation of such disasters is the monitoring of slope movement. Towards this, the Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) technique can be applied. In the present study, the PSI technique is employed in Lesser Himalayan town of Nainital in Uttarakhand state of India to decipher and monitor slope movements. A total of 15 multi-date ENVISAT ASAR satellite images, acquired during August 2008 to August 2010 period, were subjected to PSI, which revealed a continuous creep movement along the hillslopes located towards the eastern side of the Nainital lake. The higher reaches of the hill seem to be experiencing accelerated creep of {˜ }21 mm/year, which decreases downslope to {˜ }5 mm/year. Based on spatial pattern of varying PSI Mean LOS Velocity (MLV) values, high (H), moderate (M), low (L) and very low (S) creeping zones have been delineated in the hillslopes. Given the long history of mass movements and continuously increasing anthropogenic activities in Nainital, these results call for immediate measures to avert any future disaster in the town.
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New superconducting cyclotron driven scanning proton therapy systems
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Klein, Hans-Udo; Baumgarten, Christian; Geisler, Andreas; Heese, Jürgen; Hobl, Achim; Krischel, Detlef; Schillo, Michael; Schmidt, Stefan; Timmer, Jan
2005-12-01
Since one and a half decades ACCEL is investing in development and engineering of state of the art particle-therapy systems. A new medical superconducting 250 MeV proton cyclotron with special focus on the present and future beam requirements of fast scanning treatment systems has been designed. The first new ACCEL medical proton cyclotron is under commissioning at PSI for their PROSCAN proton therapy facility having undergone successful factory tests especially of the closed loop cryomagnetic system. The second cyclotron is part of ACCEL's integrated proton therapy system for Europe's first clinical center, RPTC in Munich. The cyclotron, the energy selection system, the beamline as well as the four gantries and patient positioners have been installed. The scanning system and major parts of the control software have already been tested. We will report on the concept of ACCEL's superconducting cyclotron driven scanning proton therapy systems and the current status of the commissioning work at PSI and RPTC.
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Plant photosystem I design in the light of evolution.
Amunts, Alexey; Nelson, Nathan
2009-05-13
Photosystem I (PSI) is a membrane protein complex that catalyzes sunlight-driven transmembrane electron transfer as part of the photosynthetic machinery. Photosynthetic organisms appeared on the Earth about 3.5 billion years ago and provided an essential source of potential energy for the development of life. During the course of evolution, these primordial organisms were phagocytosed by more sophisticated eukaryotic cells, resulting in the evolvement of algae and plants. Despite the extended time interval between primordial cyanobacteria and plants, PSI has retained its fundamental mechanism of sunlight conversion. Being probably the most efficient photoelectric apparatus in nature, PSI operates with a quantum efficiency close to 100%. However, adapting to different ecological niches necessitated structural changes in the PSI design. Based on the recently solved structure of plant PSI, which revealed a complex of 17 protein subunits and 178 prosthetic groups, we analyze the evolutionary development of PSI. In addition, some aspects of PSI structure determination are discussed.
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The MMPI-2-RF Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5-RF) scales: development and validity research.
Harkness, Allan R; McNulty, John L; Finn, Jacob A; Reynolds, Shannon M; Shields, Susan M; Arbisi, Paul
2014-01-01
This article describes the development, internal psychometric, and external validation studies on scales designed to measure the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) from MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) items. Diverse and comprehensive data sets, representing various clinical and nonclinical populations, were classified into development and validation research samples. Item selection, retention, and exclusion procedures are detailed. The final set of PSY-5-RF scales contain 104 items, with no item overlap between scales (same as the original MMPI-2 PSY-5 scales), and no item overlap with the Demoralization scale. Internal consistency estimates are comparable to the longer MMPI-2 PSY-5 scales. Appropriate convergent and discriminant validity findings utilizing various self-report, collateral rating, and record review data are reported and discussed. A particular emphasis is offered for the unique aspects of the PSY-5 model: psychoticism and disconstraint. The findings are connected to the broader PSY-5 literature and the recommended review of systems (Harkness, Reynolds, & Lilienfeld, this issue) presented in this series of articles.
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Concentrating Solar Power Projects - Jülich Solar Tower | Concentrating
: 1.5 MW Gross: 1.5 MW Status: Operational Start Year: 2008 Do you have more information, corrections : July 31, 2007 Start Production: December 2008 Project Type: Demonstration Participants Developer(s
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The small heat shock protein Hsp31 cooperates with Hsp104 to modulate Sup35 prion aggregation.
Aslam, Kiran; Tsai, Chai-Jui; Hazbun, Tony R
2016-11-01
The yeast homolog of DJ-1, Hsp31, is a multifunctional protein that is involved in several cellular pathways including detoxification of the toxic metabolite methylglyoxal and as a protein deglycase. Prior studies ascribed Hsp31 as a molecular chaperone that can inhibit α-Syn aggregation in vitro and alleviate its toxicity in vivo. It was also shown that Hsp31 inhibits Sup35 aggregate formation in yeast, however, it is unknown if Hsp31 can modulate [PSI + ] phenotype and Sup35 prionogenesis. Other small heat shock proteins, Hsp26 and Hsp42 are known to be a part of a synergistic proteostasis network that inhibits Sup35 prion formation and promotes its disaggregation. Here, we establish that Hsp31 inhibits Sup35 [PSI + ] prion formation in collaboration with a well-known disaggregase, Hsp104. Hsp31 transiently prevents prion induction but does not suppress induction upon prolonged expression of Sup35 indicating that Hsp31 can be overcome by larger aggregates. In addition, elevated levels of Hsp31 do not cure [PSI + ] strains indicating that Hsp31 cannot intervene in a pre-existing prion oligomerization cycle. However, Hsp31 can modulate prion status in cooperation with Hsp104 because it inhibits Sup35 aggregate formation and potentiates [PSI + ] prion curing upon overexpression of Hsp104. The absence of Hsp31 reduces [PSI + ] prion curing by Hsp104 without influencing its ability to rescue cellular thermotolerance. Hsp31 did not synergize with Hsp42 to modulate the [PSI + ] phenotype suggesting that both proteins act on similar stages of the prion cycle. We also showed that Hsp31 physically interacts with Hsp104 and together they prevent Sup35 prion toxicity to greater extent than if they were expressed individually. These results elucidate a mechanism for Hsp31 on prion modulation that suggest it acts at a distinct step early in the Sup35 aggregation process that is different from Hsp104. This is the first demonstration of the modulation of [PSI + ] status by the chaperone action of Hsp31. The delineation of Hsp31's role in the chaperone cycle has implications for understanding the role of the DJ-1 superfamily in controlling misfolded proteins in neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
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Functional analysis of the Brassica napus L. phytoene synthase (PSY) gene family.
López-Emparán, Ada; Quezada-Martinez, Daniela; Zúñiga-Bustos, Matías; Cifuentes, Víctor; Iñiguez-Luy, Federico; Federico, María Laura
2014-01-01
Phytoene synthase (PSY) has been shown to catalyze the first committed and rate-limiting step of carotenogenesis in several crop species, including Brassica napus L. Due to its pivotal role, PSY has been a prime target for breeding and metabolic engineering the carotenoid content of seeds, tubers, fruits and flowers. In Arabidopsis thaliana, PSY is encoded by a single copy gene but small PSY gene families have been described in monocot and dicotyledonous species. We have recently shown that PSY genes have been retained in a triplicated state in the A- and C-Brassica genomes, with each paralogue mapping to syntenic locations in each of the three "Arabidopsis-like" subgenomes. Most importantly, we have shown that in B. napus all six members are expressed, exhibiting overlapping redundancy and signs of subfunctionalization among photosynthetic and non photosynthetic tissues. The question of whether this large PSY family actually encodes six functional enzymes remained to be answered. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (i) isolate, characterize and compare the complete protein coding sequences (CDS) of the six B. napus PSY genes; (ii) model their predicted tridimensional enzyme structures; (iii) test their phytoene synthase activity in a heterologous complementation system and (iv) evaluate their individual expression patterns during seed development. This study further confirmed that the six B. napus PSY genes encode proteins with high sequence identity, which have evolved under functional constraint. Structural modeling demonstrated that they share similar tridimensional protein structures with a putative PSY active site. Significantly, all six B. napus PSY enzymes were found to be functional. Taking into account the specific patterns of expression exhibited by these PSY genes during seed development and recent knowledge of PSY suborganellar localization, the selection of transgene candidates for metabolic engineering the carotenoid content of oilseeds is discussed.
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Qin, Xiaoqiong; Coku, Ardian; Inoue, Kentaro; Tian, Li
2011-10-01
Carotenoids perform many critical functions in plants, animals, and humans. It is therefore important to understand carotenoid biosynthesis and its regulation in plants. Phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyzes the first committed and rate-limiting step in carotenoid biosynthesis. While PSY is present as a single copy gene in Arabidopsis, duplicated PSY genes have been identified in many economically important monocot and dicot crops. CmPSY1 was previously identified from melon (Cucumis melo L.), but was not functionally characterized. We isolated a second PSY gene, CmPSY2, from melon in this work. CmPSY2 possesses a unique intron/exon structure that has not been observed in other plant PSYs. Both CmPSY1 and CmPSY2 are functional in vitro, but exhibit distinct expression patterns in different melon tissues and during fruit development, suggesting differential regulation of the duplicated melon PSY genes. In vitro chloroplast import assays verified the plastidic localization of CmPSY1 and CmPSY2 despite the lack of an obvious plastid target peptide in CmPSY2. Promoter motif analysis of the duplicated melon and tomato PSY genes and the Arabidopsis PSY revealed distinctive cis-regulatory structures of melon PSYs and identified gibberellin-responsive motifs in all PSYs except for SlPSY1, which has not been reported previously. Overall, these data provide new insights into the evolutionary history of plant PSY genes and the regulation of PSY expression by developmental and environmental signals that may involve different regulatory networks.
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Ampomah-Dwamena, Charles; Driedonks, Nicky; Lewis, David; Shumskaya, Maria; Chen, Xiuyin; Wurtzel, Eleanore T; Espley, Richard V; Allan, Andrew C
2015-07-28
Carotenoid compounds play essential roles in plants such as protecting the photosynthetic apparatus and in hormone signalling. Coloured carotenoids provide yellow, orange and red colour to plant tissues, as well as offering nutritional benefit to humans and animals. The enzyme phytoene synthase (PSY) catalyses the first committed step of the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway and has been associated with control of pathway flux. We characterised four PSY genes found in the apple genome to further understand their involvement in fruit carotenoid accumulation. The apple PSY gene family, containing six members, was predicted to have three functional members, PSY1, PSY2, and PSY4, based on translation of the predicted gene sequences and/or corresponding cDNAs. However, only PSY1 and PSY2 showed activity in a complementation assay. Protein localisation experiments revealed differential localization of the PSY proteins in chloroplasts; PSY1 and PSY2 localized to the thylakoid membranes, while PSY4 localized to plastoglobuli. Transcript levels in 'Granny Smith' and 'Royal Gala' apple cultivars showed PSY2 was most highly expressed in fruit and other vegetative tissues. We tested the transient activation of the apple PSY1 and PSY2 promoters and identified potential and differential regulation by AP2/ERF transcription factors, which suggested that the PSY genes are controlled by different transcriptional mechanisms. The first committed carotenoid pathway step in apple is controlled by MdPSY1 and MdPSY2, while MdPSY4 play little or no role in this respect. This has implications for apple breeding programmes where carotenoid enhancement is a target and would allow co-segregation with phenotypes to be tested during the development of new cultivars.
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2012-01-01
Background Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments, essential for photosynthesis and photoprotection in plants. The enzyme phytoene synthase (PSY) plays an essential role in mediating condensation of two geranylgeranyl diphosphate molecules, the first committed step in carotenogenesis. PSY are nuclear enzymes encoded by a small gene family consisting of three paralogous genes (PSY1-3) that have been widely characterized in rice, maize and sorghum. Results In wheat, for which yellow pigment content is extremely important for flour colour, only PSY1 has been extensively studied because of its association with QTLs reported for yellow pigment whereas PSY2 has been partially characterized. Here, we report the isolation of bread wheat PSY3 genes from a Renan BAC library using Brachypodium as a model genome for the Triticeae to develop Conserved Orthologous Set markers prior to gene cloning and sequencing. Wheat PSY3 homoeologous genes were sequenced and annotated, unravelling their novel structure associated with intron-loss events and consequent exonic fusions. A wheat PSY3 promoter region was also investigated for the presence of cis-acting elements involved in the response to abscisic acid (ABA), since carotenoids also play an important role as precursors of signalling molecules devoted to plant development and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Expression of wheat PSYs in leaves and roots was investigated during ABA treatment to confirm the up-regulation of PSY3 during abiotic stress. Conclusions We investigated the structural and functional determinisms of PSY genes in wheat. More generally, among eudicots and monocots, the PSY gene family was found to be associated with differences in gene copy numbers, allowing us to propose an evolutionary model for the entire PSY gene family in Grasses. PMID:22672222
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Myndrul, Valerii; Viter, Roman; Savchuk, Maryna; Shpyrka, Nelya; Erts, Donats; Jevdokimovs, Daniels; Silamiķelis, Viesturs; Smyntyna, Valentyn; Ramanavicius, Arunas; Iatsunskyi, Igor
2018-04-15
A rapid and low cost photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor for the determination of low concentrations of Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been developed. This immunosensor was based on porous silicon (PSi) and modified by antibodies against OTA (anti-OTA). PSi layer was fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) procedure. Main structural parameters (pore size, layer thickness, morphology and nanograins size) and composition of PSi were investigated by means of X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. PL-spectroscopy of PSi was performed at room temperature and showed a wide emission band centered at 680 ± 20nm. Protein A was covalently immobilized on the surface of PSi, which in next steps was modified by anti-OTA and BSA in this way a anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi structure sensitive towards OTA was designed. The anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi-based immunosensors were tested in a wide range of OTA concentrations from 0.001 upto 100ng/ml. Interaction of OTA with anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi surface resulted in the quenching of photoluminescence in comparison to bare PSi. The limit of detection (LOD) and the sensitivity range of anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi immunosensors were estimated. Association constant and Gibbs free energy for the interaction of anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi with OTA were calculated and analyzed using the interaction isotherms. Response time of the anti-OTA/Protein-A/PSi-based immunosensor toward OTA was in the range of 500-700s. These findings are very promising for the development of highly sensitive, and potentially portable immunosensors suitable for fast determination of OTA in food and beverages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Nakamoto, Jonathan; Bojorquez, Juan Carlos
2017-01-01
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the Pathways to STEM Initiative (PSI) on students and science teachers and to describe the level of PSI implementation. One group of middle schools participated in PSI, which included project-based science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) coursework; extra-curricular STEM opportunities…
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Harkness, Allan R.; Finn, Jacob A.; McNulty, John L.; Shields, Susan M.
2012-01-01
The Personality Psychopathology-Five (PSY-5; Harkness & McNulty, 1994) is a model of individual differences relevant to adaptive functioning in both clinical and non-clinical populations. In this article, we review the development of the PSY-5 model (Harkness, 1992; Harkness & McNulty, 1994) and discuss the ways in which the PSY-5 model is…
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Smith, Daniel G A; Burns, Lori A; Sirianni, Dominic A; Nascimento, Daniel R; Kumar, Ashutosh; James, Andrew M; Schriber, Jeffrey B; Zhang, Tianyuan; Zhang, Boyi; Abbott, Adam S; Berquist, Eric J; Lechner, Marvin H; Cunha, Leonardo A; Heide, Alexander G; Waldrop, Jonathan M; Takeshita, Tyler Y; Alenaizan, Asem; Neuhauser, Daniel; King, Rollin A; Simmonett, Andrew C; Turney, Justin M; Schaefer, Henry F; Evangelista, Francesco A; DePrince, A Eugene; Crawford, T Daniel; Patkowski, Konrad; Sherrill, C David
2018-06-11
Psi4NumPy demonstrates the use of efficient computational kernels from the open-source Psi4 program through the popular NumPy library for linear algebra in Python to facilitate the rapid development of clear, understandable Python computer code for new quantum chemical methods, while maintaining a relatively low execution time. Using these tools, reference implementations have been created for a number of methods, including self-consistent field (SCF), SCF response, many-body perturbation theory, coupled-cluster theory, configuration interaction, and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory. Furthermore, several reference codes have been integrated into Jupyter notebooks, allowing background, underlying theory, and formula information to be associated with the implementation. Psi4NumPy tools and associated reference implementations can lower the barrier for future development of quantum chemistry methods. These implementations also demonstrate the power of the hybrid C++/Python programming approach employed by the Psi4 program.
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Functional Analysis of the Brassica napus L. Phytoene Synthase (PSY) Gene Family
López-Emparán, Ada; Quezada-Martinez, Daniela; Zúñiga-Bustos, Matías; Cifuentes, Víctor; Iñiguez-Luy, Federico; Federico, María Laura
2014-01-01
Phytoene synthase (PSY) has been shown to catalyze the first committed and rate-limiting step of carotenogenesis in several crop species, including Brassica napus L. Due to its pivotal role, PSY has been a prime target for breeding and metabolic engineering the carotenoid content of seeds, tubers, fruits and flowers. In Arabidopsis thaliana, PSY is encoded by a single copy gene but small PSY gene families have been described in monocot and dicotyledonous species. We have recently shown that PSY genes have been retained in a triplicated state in the A- and C-Brassica genomes, with each paralogue mapping to syntenic locations in each of the three “Arabidopsis-like” subgenomes. Most importantly, we have shown that in B. napus all six members are expressed, exhibiting overlapping redundancy and signs of subfunctionalization among photosynthetic and non photosynthetic tissues. The question of whether this large PSY family actually encodes six functional enzymes remained to be answered. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (i) isolate, characterize and compare the complete protein coding sequences (CDS) of the six B. napus PSY genes; (ii) model their predicted tridimensional enzyme structures; (iii) test their phytoene synthase activity in a heterologous complementation system and (iv) evaluate their individual expression patterns during seed development. This study further confirmed that the six B. napus PSY genes encode proteins with high sequence identity, which have evolved under functional constraint. Structural modeling demonstrated that they share similar tridimensional protein structures with a putative PSY active site. Significantly, all six B. napus PSY enzymes were found to be functional. Taking into account the specific patterns of expression exhibited by these PSY genes during seed development and recent knowledge of PSY suborganellar localization, the selection of transgene candidates for metabolic engineering the carotenoid content of oilseeds is discussed. PMID:25506829
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Sherief, Laila M.; Kamal, Naglaa M.; Abdalrahman, Hadel M.; Youssef, Doaa M.; Alhady, Mohamed A Abd; Ali, Adel SA; Elbasset, Maha Aly Abd; Hashim, Hiatham M.
2015-01-01
Abstract To assess the self-esteem of pediatric patients on chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and psychological status of their parents. The psychological status of 178 children receiving chemotherapy for ALL and their parents was assessed using parenting stress index (PSI) to determine the degree of stress the parents are exposed to using parent's and child's domains. Self-esteem Scale was used to determine the psychological status of patients. The study revealed significant low level of self-esteem in 84.83% of patients. Their parents had significant psychological stress. PSI was significantly associated with parents’ low sense of competence, negative attachment to their children, feeling of high restriction, high depression, poor relation to spouse, high social isolation variables of parent's domains. It was significantly associated with low distraction, negative parents’ reinforcement, low acceptability, and high demanding variables of child's domains. Long duration of disease was the most detrimental factor among demographic data of the patients. Chemotherapy for ALL has a significant impact on the psychological status of both patients and their parents with high prevalence of low self-esteem in children and high degree of stress in their parents. PMID:26705211
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Sherief, Laila M; Kamal, Naglaa M; Abdalrahman, Hadel M; Youssef, Doaa M; Abd Alhady, Mohamed A; Ali, Adel S A; Abd Elbasset, Maha Aly; Hashim, Hiatham M
2015-12-01
To assess the self-esteem of pediatric patients on chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and psychological status of their parents.The psychological status of 178 children receiving chemotherapy for ALL and their parents was assessed using parenting stress index (PSI) to determine the degree of stress the parents are exposed to using parent's and child's domains. Self-esteem Scale was used to determine the psychological status of patients.The study revealed significant low level of self-esteem in 84.83% of patients. Their parents had significant psychological stress. PSI was significantly associated with parents' low sense of competence, negative attachment to their children, feeling of high restriction, high depression, poor relation to spouse, high social isolation variables of parent's domains. It was significantly associated with low distraction, negative parents' reinforcement, low acceptability, and high demanding variables of child's domains. Long duration of disease was the most detrimental factor among demographic data of the patients.Chemotherapy for ALL has a significant impact on the psychological status of both patients and their parents with high prevalence of low self-esteem in children and high degree of stress in their parents.
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A survey of work engagement and psychological capital levels.
Bonner, Lynda
2016-08-11
To evaluate the relationship between work engagement and psychological capital (PsyCap) levels reported by registered nurses. PsyCap is a developable human resource. Research on PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement in nurses is needed. A convenience sample of 137 registered nurses participated in this quantitative cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires measured self-reported levels of work engagement and psychological capital. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between work engagement and PsyCap scores (r=0.633, p<0.01). Nurses working at band 5 level reported statistically significantly lower PsyCap scores compared with nurses working at band 6 and 7 levels. Nurses reporting high levels of work engagement also reported high levels of PsyCap. Band 5 nurses might benefit most from interventions to increase their PsyCap. This study supports PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement.
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Plöchinger, Magdalena; Torabi, Salar; Rantala, Marjaana; Tikkanen, Mikko; Suorsa, Marjaana; Jensen, Poul-Erik; Aro, Eva Mari; Meurer, Jörg
2016-09-01
PsaI represents one of three low molecular weight peptides of PSI. Targeted inactivation of the plastid PsaI gene in Nicotiana tabacum has no measurable effect on photosynthetic electron transport around PSI or on accumulation of proteins involved in photosynthesis. Instead, the lack of PsaI destabilizes the association of PsaL and PsaH to PSI, both forming the light-harvesting complex (LHC)II docking site of PSI. These alterations at the LHCII binding site surprisingly did not prevent state transition but led to an increased incidence of PSI-LHCII complexes, coinciding with an elevated phosphorylation level of the LHCII under normal growth light conditions. Remarkably, LHCII was rapidly phosphorylated in ΔpsaI in darkness even after illumination with far-red light. We found that this dark phosphorylation also occurs in previously described mutants impaired in PSI function or state transition. A prompt shift of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool into a more reduced redox state in the dark caused an enhanced LHCII phosphorylation in ΔpsaI Since the redox status of the PQ pool is functionally connected to a series of physiological, biochemical, and gene expression reactions, we propose that the shift of mutant plants into state 2 in darkness represents a compensatory and/or protective metabolic mechanism. This involves an increased reduction and/or reduced oxidation of the PQ pool, presumably to sustain a balanced excitation of both photosystems upon the onset of light. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.
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Lee, Choon Sung; Hwang, Chang Ju; Lim, Eic Ju; Lee, Dong-Ho; Cho, Jae Hwan
2016-12-01
OBJECTIVE Postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) is a critical consideration after corrective surgery for a double thoracic curve (Lenke Type 2); however, the radiographic factors related to PSI remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the radiographic factors related to PSI after corrective surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in patients with a double thoracic curve. METHODS This study included 80 patients with Lenke Type 2 AIS who underwent corrective surgery. Patients were grouped according to the presence [PSI(+)] or absence [PSI(-)] of shoulder imbalance at the final follow-up examination (differences of 20, 15, and 10 mm were used). Various radiographic parameters, including the Cobb angle of the proximal and middle thoracic curves (PTC and MTC), radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, T-1 tilt, trunk shift, and proximal and distal wedge angles (PWA and DWA), were assessed before and after surgery and compared between groups. RESULTS Overall, postoperative RSH decreased with time in the PSI(-) group but not in the PSI(+) group. Statistical analyses revealed that the preoperative Risser grade (p = 0.048), postoperative PWA (p = 0.028), and postoperative PTC/MTC ratio (p = 0.011) correlated with PSI. Presence of the adding-on phenomenon was also correlated with PSI, although this result was not statistically significant (p = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS Postoperative shoulder imbalance is common after corrective surgery for Lenke Type 2 AIS and correlates with a higher Risser grade, a larger postoperative PWA, and a higher postoperative PTC/MTC ratio. Presence of the distal adding-on phenomenon is associated with an increased PSI trend, although this result was not statistically significant. However, preoperative factors other than the Risser grade that affect the development of PSI were not identified by the study. Additional studies are required to reveal the risk factors for the development of PSI.
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Report #13-P-0057, November 27, 2012. EPA has taken a number of actions to address findings and recommendations from the OIG’s 2008 report, including developing the GAP Online database, drafting a GAP guidebook, and revising GAP guidance.
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Cholesterol-lowering activity of plant sterol-egg yolk lipoprotein complex in rats.
Matsuoka, Ryosuke; Muto, Ayano; Kimura, Mamoru; Hoshina, Ryosuke; Wakamatsu, Toshio; Masuda, Yasunobu
2008-01-01
Free plant sterols cannot be dissolved in oil or water. Using free plant sterols and egg yolks, we developed a plant sterol-egg yolk lipoprotein complex (PSY) that can be dispersed in water and considered suitable for use in processed foods. The cholesterol-lowering activity of PSY was equal to that of free plant sterols and plant sterol esters. Consumption of a freeze-dried PSY-containing omelet reduced serum and hepatic cholesterol concentrations. The results suggest that PSY has cholesterol-lowering activity equivalent to that of free plant sterols and plant sterol esters. Moreover, the cholesterol-lowering activity of PSY was maintained in processed foods.
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Bennecke, Elena; Werner-Rosen, Knut; Thyen, Ute; Kleinemeier, Eva; Lux, Anke; Jürgensen, Martina; Grüters, Annette; Köhler, Birgit
2015-10-01
Disorders/diversity of sex development (dsd) is an umbrella term for congenital conditions often diagnosed within childhood. As most parents are unprepared for this situation, psychological support (PsySupp) is recommended. The aim of this study was to analyse the extent to which parents express a need for PsySupp. Three hundred twenty-nine parents of children with dsd were included; 40.4 % of the parents indicated to have a need for PsySupp, only 50 % of this group received it adequately. The diagnoses partial gonadal dysgenesis, partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (pAIS) and disorders of androgen synthesis are associated with a high need for PsySupp in parents (54, 65, and 50 %). Sex assignment surgery neither reduced nor increased the need for PsySupp. Taking a picture, radiography, laparoscopy, gonadal biopsy, gonadectomy and hormonal puberty induction are associated with a high need for PsySupp. There was no association between the need for PsySupp and the parents' perception of the appearance of the genitalia. Having a child with dsd is associated with a high need for PsySupp in parents. In particular, parents of children with XY-dsd with androgen effects other than hypospadias expressed a high need of PsySupp. PsySupp for parents should be an obligatory part of interdisciplinary care to reduce fears and concerns. What is known • In parents, having a child with dsd provokes insecurities and fears. Hence, psychological support is recommended as part of the interdisciplinary care. What is new • This is the first study investigating the subjective need for psychological support in a large sample of parents of children with dsd in Germany. We present data on the subjective need for psychological support of the parents, related diagnoses and factors, which should be considered in psychological counselling.
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BES-III distributed computing status
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Belov, S. D.; Deng, Z. Y.; Korenkov, V. V.; Li, W. D.; Lin, T.; Ma, Z. T.; Nicholson, C.; Pelevanyuk, I. S.; Suo, B.; Trofimov, V. V.; Tsaregorodtsev, A. U.; Uzhinskiy, A. V.; Yan, T.; Yan, X. F.; Zhang, X. M.; Zhemchugov, A. S.
2016-09-01
The BES-III experiment at the Institute of High Energy Physics (Beijing, China) is aimed at the precision measurements in e+e- annihilation in the energy range from 2.0 till 4.6 GeV. The world's largest samples of J/psi and psi' events and unique samples of XYZ data have been already collected. The expected increase of the data volume in the coming years required a significant evolution of the computing model, namely shift from a centralized data processing to a distributed one. This report summarizes a current design of the BES-III distributed computing system, some of key decisions and experience gained during 2 years of operations.
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2018-01-01
for Mach 14 possibly degrading seals ability to contain pressure due to exposure to high temperatures. A different solution for Mach 14 case will be...AEDC-TR-18-H-1 Development of High Temperature (3400°F) and High Pressure (27,000 PSI) Gas Venting Process for Nitrogen Batch...Development of High Temperature (3400°F) and High Pressure (27,000 PSI) Gas Venting Process for Nitrogen Batch Heater FA9101-10-D-0001-0010 5b. GRANT
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Wygant, Dustin B.; Sellbom, Martin; Graham, John R.; Schenk, Paul W.
2006-01-01
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) Personality Psychopathology-Five (PSY-5) scales were developed to measure abnormal personality symptomatology. The present study examines the incremental validity of the PSY-5 scales beyond the clinical and content scales in assessing criteria associated with personality disorders. The…
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Development of a Self-Powered Food Sanitation Center
2002-11-01
This pump is capable of priming itself, up to 7 feet of water, and can operate dry without damage. The pump is actuated by a pressure - switch sensing...the pressure of the accumulator. The pressure - switch is set to 45 psi and has a 5 psi differential. 3.8 Mixing Valve The mixing valve...pressure of about 0.8 psi. When the boiler reaches about 0.7 psi, a pressure - switch deactivates the high-fire fuel-control solenoid, bypassing the
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mccandles, L. C.; Davies, L. G.
1973-01-01
Techniques were studied to reinforce or strengthen electroformed nickel to allow a fuller utilization of electroforming as a reliable and low cost fabrication technique for regenerately cooled thrust chambers. Techniques for wire wrapping while electrodepositing were developed that can result in a structurally strong wall with less weight than a conventional electroformed wall. Also a technique of codepositing submicron sized THO2 particles with the nickel to form a dispersion strengthened structure was evaluated. The standard nickel cylinders exhibited an average hoop strength of 80,000 psi with a yield strength of 65,000 psi and a modulus of 25.6 x 10 to the 6th power psi. The as produced dispersion strengthened nickel showed a hoop strength of 97,000 psi with a yield strength of 67,000 psi. This is an increase of 17,000 psi or 21% over the standard nickel hoop strength. The wire wrapping cylinders showed an increased strength over the standard nickel test samples of 26,000 to 66,800 psi which is in the range of 26 to 104% increase in strength over the base standard nickel. These latter test results are indicative of a volume percent wire reinforcement from 15 to 31. The measured hoop strengths agree with calculated composite strengths based upon rule of mixtures.
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Principal Components Analyses of the MMPI-2 PSY-5 Scales. Identification of Facet Subscales
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Arnau, Randolph C.; Handel, Richard W.; Archer, Robert P.
2005-01-01
The Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) is a five-factor personality trait model designed for assessing personality pathology using quantitative dimensions. Harkness, McNulty, and Ben-Porath developed Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales based on the PSY-5 model, and these scales were recently added to the standard…
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Exploring the Validity of the Problem-Solving Inventory with Mexican American High School Students
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Huang, Yu-Ping; Flores, Lisa Y.
2011-01-01
The Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI; Heppner & Petersen, 1982) was developed to assess perceived problem-solving abilities. Using confirmatory factor analysis, results supported a bilevel model of PSI scores with a sample of 164 Mexican American students. Findings support the cultural validity of PSI scores with Mexican Americans and enhance the…
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A tutorial for software development in quantitative proteomics using PSI standard formats☆
Gonzalez-Galarza, Faviel F.; Qi, Da; Fan, Jun; Bessant, Conrad; Jones, Andrew R.
2014-01-01
The Human Proteome Organisation — Proteomics Standards Initiative (HUPO-PSI) has been working for ten years on the development of standardised formats that facilitate data sharing and public database deposition. In this article, we review three HUPO-PSI data standards — mzML, mzIdentML and mzQuantML, which can be used to design a complete quantitative analysis pipeline in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. In this tutorial, we briefly describe the content of each data model, sufficient for bioinformaticians to devise proteomics software. We also provide guidance on the use of recently released application programming interfaces (APIs) developed in Java for each of these standards, which makes it straightforward to read and write files of any size. We have produced a set of example Java classes and a basic graphical user interface to demonstrate how to use the most important parts of the PSI standards, available from http://code.google.com/p/psi-standard-formats-tutorial. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Computational Proteomics in the Post-Identification Era. Guest Editors: Martin Eisenacher and Christian Stephan. PMID:23584085
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Photoactive films of photosystem I on transparent reduced graphene oxide electrodes.
Darby, Emily; LeBlanc, Gabriel; Gizzie, Evan A; Winter, Kevin M; Jennings, G Kane; Cliffel, David E
2014-07-29
Photosystem I (PSI) is a photoactive electron-transport protein found in plants that participates in the process of photosynthesis. Because of PSI's abundance in nature and its efficiency with charge transfer and separation, there is a great interest in applying the protein in photoactive electrodes. Here, we developed a completely organic, transparent, conductive electrode using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on which a multilayer of PSI could be deposited. The resulting photoactive electrode demonstrated current densities comparable to that of a gold electrode modified with a multilayer film of PSI and significantly higher than that of a graphene electrode modified with a monolayer film of PSI. The relatively large photocurrents produced by integrating PSI with RGO and using an opaque, organic mediator can be applied to the facile production of more economic solar energy conversion devices.
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Porous silicon biosensor for the detection of autoimmune diseases
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Jane, Andrew O.; Szili, Endre J.; Reed, Joanne H.; Gordon, Tom P.; Voelcker, Nicolas H.
2007-12-01
Advances in porous silicon (pSi) technology have led to the development of new sensitive biosensors. The unique optical properties of pSi renders the material a perfect candidate for optical transducers exploiting photoluminescence or white light interference effects. The ability of biosensors exploiting these transduction mechanisms to quickly and accurately detect biological target molecules affords an alternative to current bioassays such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Here, we present a pSi biosensor that was developed to detect antibodies against the autoimmune protein La. This protein is associated with autoimmune diseases including rheumatic disorders, systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS). A fast and sensitive detection platform such as the one described here can be applied to the rapid diagnosis of these debilitating autoimmune diseases. The immobilisation of the La protein onto pSi films gave a protein receptor-decorated sensor matrix. A cascade of immunological reactions was then initiated to detect anti-La antibody on the functionalised pSi surface. In the presence of o-phenylenediamine (OPD), horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H IIO II catalysed the formation of an oxidised radical species that accelerated pSi corrosion. pSi corrosion was detected as a blue-shift in the generated interference pattern, corresponding to a decrease in the effective optical thickness (EOT) of the pSi film. Compared to an ELISA, the pSi biosensor could detect the anti-La antibody at a similar concentration (500 - 125 ng/ml). Furthermore, we found that the experimental process can be significantly shortened resulting in detection of the anti-La antibody in 80 minutes compared to a minimum of 5 hours required for ELISA.
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Cynthia J. Najdowski: Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.
2012-11-01
Presents a short biography of the winner of the American Psychological Association's Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award. The 2012 winner is Cynthia J. Najdowski for an outstanding research paper that examines how jurors' judgments are influenced by a juvenile defendant's confession and status as intellectually disabled. Through the use of a mock trial experiment, the research revealed that jurors discounted a juvenile's coerced confession and sometimes used intellectual disability as a mitigating factor. Attribution theory and the discounting principle were used to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying this effect. The paper, titled 'Understanding Jurors' Judgments in Cases Involving Juvenile Defendants,' was published in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law in October 2011 and was the basis for Najdowski's selection as the recipient of the 2012 Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award. Bette L. Bottoms, PhD, served as faculty supervisor. Najdowski's Award citation and a selected bibliography are also presented. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.
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New flavor production in. gamma. ,. mu. ,. nu. , and hadron beams. [Review
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wojcicki, S.
1980-01-01
During the last few years the main emphasis in the study of heavy particle production (mainly charm) by means other than e/sup +/e/sup -/ annihilation has been on the production mechanisms. This review concentrates mainly on the production data in ..gamma.., ..mu.., ..nu.., and hadron beams. The heavy flavor searches divide themselves naturally into three categories, each one characterized by its own peculiar advantages and shortcomings; these are summarized briefly. Then the following topics are taken up: charm production by hadrons (central production, forward production - ..lambda../sub c/ and D production, anomalies and discrepancies), charm production by photons and muons,more » new flavor production by neutrinos, status of heavier flavors, and production bound flavors (eta/sub c/ search, UPSILON muoproduction, J/psi and UPSILON hadroproduction, J/psi muoproduction). In his outlook for the future, the author presents a few words concerning the status of detectors: emulsions, high-resolution streamer chambers, high-resolution bubble chambers, and solid-state detectors. 83 references, 36 figures, 4 tables. (RWR)« less
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Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS
2011-06-29
Senate - 06/29/2011 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in SenateHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:
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1982-10-01
The purpose of the program was to develop a production method for improved graphite fibers. A goal of 750 x 10 to the 3rd power psi tensile strength...at 60-65 x 10 to the 6th power psi modulus was set for the program. Improved 3-4 micron diameter boron strengthened graphite fibers were successfully... graphite fiber. An average tensile strength of 550 x 10 to the 3rd power psi at the 60 x 10 to the 6th power psi modulus level was achieved through a preliminary optimization of the plant processing conditions.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Othman, Yahia Abdelrahman
Demand for New Mexico's limited water resources coupled with periodic drought has increased the need to schedule irrigation of pecan orchards based on tree water status. The overall goal of this research was to develop advanced tree water status sensing techniques to optimize irrigation scheduling of pecan orchards. To achieve this goal, I conducted three studies in the La Mancha and Leyendecker orchards, both mature pecan orchards located in the Mesilla Valley, New Mexico. In the first study, I screened leaf-level physiological changes that occurred during cyclic irrigation to determine parameters that best represented changes in plant moisture status. Then, I linked plant physiological changes to remotely-sensed surface reflectance data derived from Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+). In the second study, I assessed the impact of water deficits that developed during the flood irrigation dry-down cycles on photosynthesis (A) and gas exchange and established preliminary water deficit thresholds of midday stem water potential (Psi smd) critical to A and gas exchange of pecans. In a third study, I investigated whether hyperspectral data obtained from a handheld spectroradiometer and multispectral remotely-sensed data derived from Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) could detect moisture status in pecans during cyclic flood irrigations. I conducted the first study simultaneously in both orchards. Leaf-level physiological responses and remotely-sensed surface reflectance data were collected from trees that were either well watered or in water deficit. Midday stem water potential was the best leaf-level physiological response to detect moisture status in pecans. Multiple linear regression between Psismd and vegetation indices revealed a significant relationship (R 2 = 0.54) in both orchards. Accordingly, I concluded that remotely-sensed multispectral data form Landsat TMETM+ holds promise for detecting the moisture status of pecans. I conducted the second study simultaneously on the same mature pecan orchards that were used in the first study. Photosynthesis and gas exchange were assessed at Psismd of -0.4 to -2.0 MPa. This study established preliminary values of Psismd that significantly impacted A and gas exchange of field-grown pecans. I recommended that pecan orchards be maintained at Psismd that ranged between -0.80 to -0.90 MPa to prevent significant reductions in A and gas exchange. Broken-line analysis revealed that A remained relatively constant when Psismd was above -0.65 MPa. Conversely, there was linear positive relationship between Psi smd and A when Psismd was less than -0.65 MPa. In the third study, again conducted on both orchards, leaf-level physiological measurements and remotely-sensed data were taken at Psismd levels of -0.40 to -0.85 MPa, -0.95 to -1.45 MPa , and -1.5 to -2.0 MPa. Hyperspectral reflectance indices (from handheld spectroradiometer) detected moisture status in pecan trees better than multispectral reflectance indices (from Landsat ETM+OLI). Vegetation moisture index-I (VMI-I) and vegetation moisture index-II (VMI-II) significantly correlated with Psismd (VMI-I, 0.88 > r > 0.87; VMI-II, -0.68 > r > -0.65). Vegetation moisture index-I Boxplot analysis did not clearly separate moderate water status (-0.95 to -1.45 MPa) at La Mancha, but did so at Leyendecker. However, multispectral reflectance indices had a limited capacity to precisely detect the moderate water status at both orchards (the time when A declined by 15 - 40 %). Given that Psi smd of-0.90 to -1.45 MPa is a critical range for irrigating pecans, I concluded that vegetation indices derived only from hyperspectral reflectance data could be used to detect plant physiological responses that are related to plant water status.
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JAMI: a Java library for molecular interactions and data interoperability.
Sivade Dumousseau, M; Koch, M; Shrivastava, A; Alonso-López, D; De Las Rivas, J; Del-Toro, N; Combe, C W; Meldal, B H M; Heimbach, J; Rappsilber, J; Sullivan, J; Yehudi, Y; Orchard, S
2018-04-11
A number of different molecular interactions data download formats now exist, designed to allow access to these valuable data by diverse user groups. These formats include the PSI-XML and MITAB standard interchange formats developed by Molecular Interaction workgroup of the HUPO-PSI in addition to other, use-specific downloads produced by other resources. The onus is currently on the user to ensure that a piece of software is capable of read/writing all necessary versions of each format. This problem may increase, as data providers strive to meet ever more sophisticated user demands and data types. A collaboration between EMBL-EBI and the University of Cambridge has produced JAMI, a single library to unify standard molecular interaction data formats such as PSI-MI XML and PSI-MITAB. The JAMI free, open-source library enables the development of molecular interaction computational tools and pipelines without the need to produce different versions of software to read different versions of the data formats. Software and tools developed on top of the JAMI framework are able to integrate and support both PSI-MI XML and PSI-MITAB. The use of JAMI avoids the requirement to chain conversions between formats in order to reach a desired output format and prevents code and unit test duplication as the code becomes more modular. JAMI's model interfaces are abstracted from the underlying format, hiding the complexity and requirements of each data format from developers using JAMI as a library.
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Lam, Angela M.; Espiritu, Christine; Bansal, Shalini; Micolochick Steuer, Holly M.; Zennou, Veronique; Otto, Michael J.; Furman, Phillip A.
2011-01-01
PSI-352938, a cyclic phosphate nucleotide, and PSI-353661, a phosphoramidate nucleotide, are prodrugs of β-d-2′-deoxy-2′-α-fluoro-2′-β-C-methylguanosine-5′-monophosphate. Both compounds are metabolized to the same active 5′-triphosphate, PSI-352666, which serves as an alternative substrate inhibitor of the NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase during HCV replication. PSI-352938 and PSI-353661 retained full activity against replicons containing the S282T substitution, which confers resistance to certain 2′-substituted nucleoside/nucleotide analogs. PSI-352666 was also similarly active against both wild-type and S282T NS5B polymerases. In order to identify mutations that confer resistance to these compounds, in vitro selection studies were performed using HCV replicon cells. While no resistant genotype 1a or 1b replicons could be selected, cells containing genotype 2a JFH-1 replicons cultured in the presence of PSI-352938 or PSI-353661 developed resistance to both compounds. Sequencing of the NS5B region identified a number of amino acid changes, including S15G, R222Q, C223Y/H, L320I, and V321I. Phenotypic evaluation of these mutations indicated that single amino acid changes were not sufficient to significantly reduce the activity of PSI-352938 and PSI-353661. Instead, a combination of three amino acid changes, S15G/C223H/V321I, was required to confer a high level of resistance. No cross-resistance exists between the 2′-F-2′-C-methylguanosine prodrugs and other classes of HCV inhibitors, including 2′-modified nucleoside/-tide analogs such as PSI-6130, PSI-7977, INX-08189, and IDX-184. Finally, we determined that in genotype 1b replicons, the C223Y/H mutation failed to support replication, and although the A15G/C223H/V321I triple mutation did confer resistance to PSI-352938 and PSI-353661, this mutant replicated at only about 10% efficiency compared to the wild type. PMID:21957306
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Mithil Kumar, N; Gupta, Sanjay Kumar; Jagadeesh, Dani; Kanny, K; Bux, F
2015-01-01
Polyaspartic acid (PSI) is suitable for the inhibition of inorganic scale deposition. To enhance its scale inhibition efficiency, PSI was modified by reacting aspartic acid with malic acid (MA) using thermal polycondensation polymerization. This reaction resulted in poly(aspartic acid-co-malic acid) (PSI-co-MA) dual polymer. The structural, chemical and thermal properties of the dual polymers were analysed by using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and gel permeation chromatography. The effectiveness of six different molar ratios of PSI-co-MA dual polymer for calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate scale inhibition at laboratory scale batch experiments was evaluated with synthetic brine solution at selected doses of polymer at 65-70°C by the static scale test method. The performance of PSI-co-MA dual polymer for the inhibition of calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate precipitation was compared with that of a PSI single polymer. The PSI-co-MA exhibited excellent ability to control inorganic minerals, with approximately 85.36% calcium carbonate inhibition and 100% calcium sulphate inhibition at a level of 10 mg/L PSI-co-MA, respectively. Therefore, it may be reasonably concluded that PSI-co-MA is a highly effective scale inhibitor for cooling water treatment applications.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Burken, John J. (Inventor); Burcham, Frank W., Jr. (Inventor); Bull, John (Inventor)
2000-01-01
Development of an emergency flight control system is disclosed for lateral control using only differential engine thrust modulation of multiengine aircraft is currently underway. The multiengine has at least two engines laterally displaced to the left and right from the axis of the aircraft. In response to a heading angle command psi(sub c) is to be tracked. By continually sensing the heading angle psi of the aircraft and computing a heading error signal psi(sub e) as a function of the difference between the heading angle command psi(sub c) and the sensed heading angle psi, a track control signal is developed with compensation as a function of sensed bank angle phi. Bank angle rate phi, or roll rate p, yaw rate tau, and true velocity produce an aircraft thrust control signal ATC(sub psi(L,R)). The thrust control signal is differentially applied to the left and right engines, with equal amplitude and opposite sign, such that a negative sign is applied to the control signal on the side of the aircraft. A turn is required to reduce the error signal until the heading feedback reduces the error to zero.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ehmann, B.; Balázs, L.; Fülöp, É.; Hargitai, R.; Kabai, P.; Péley, B.; Pólya, T.; Vargha, A.; László, J.
2011-05-01
This paper is about a pilot application of narrative psychological content analysis in the psychological status monitoring of Crew 71 of a space analog simulation environment, the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS). Both the method and its theoretical framework, Scientific Narrative Psychology, are original developments by Hungarian psychologists [5] (László, 2008). The software was NooJ, a multilingual linguistic development environment [11] (Silberztein, 2008). Three measures were conceptualized and assessed: emotional status, team spirit and subjective physical comfort. The results showed the patterns of these three measures on a daily basis at group level, and allowed for detecting individual differences as well. The method is adaptable to languages involved in space psychology, e.g. Russian, French and German in addition to English.
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Force-field parameters of the Psi and Phi around glycosidic bonds to oxygen and sulfur atoms.
Saito, Minoru; Okazaki, Isao
2009-12-01
The Psi and Phi torsion angles around glycosidic bonds in a glycoside chain are the most important determinants of the conformation of a glycoside chain. We determined force-field parameters for Psi and Phi torsion angles around a glycosidic bond bridged by a sulfur atom, as well as a bond bridged by an oxygen atom as a preparation for the next study, i.e., molecular dynamics free energy calculations for protein-sugar and protein-inhibitor complexes. First, we extracted the Psi or Phi torsion energy component from a quantum mechanics (QM) total energy by subtracting all the molecular mechanics (MM) force-field components except for the Psi or Phi torsion angle. The Psi and Phi energy components extracted (hereafter called "the remaining energy components") were calculated for simple sugar models and plotted as functions of the Psi and Phi angles. The remaining energy component curves of Psi and Phi were well represented by the torsion force-field functions consisting of four and three cosine functions, respectively. To confirm the reliability of the force-field parameters and to confirm its compatibility with other force-fields, we calculated adiabatic potential curves as functions of Psi and Phi for the model glycosides by adopting the Psi and Phi force-field parameters obtained and by energetically optimizing other degrees of freedom. The MM potential energy curves obtained for Psi and Phi well represented the QM adiabatic curves and also these curves' differences with regard to the glycosidic oxygen and sulfur atoms. Our Psi and Phi force-fields of glycosidic oxygen gave MM potential energy curves that more closely represented the respective QM curves than did those of the recently developed GLYCAM force-field. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Alternative Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Requirements Have Not Changed
Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Requirements Have Not Changed (June 2008) on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Requirements Have Not Changed (June 2008) on Twitter Bookmark Alternative Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Requirements Have Not Changed (June 2008) on Google Bookmark
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Bridging the PSI Knowledge Gap: A Multi-Scale Approach
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Wirth, Brian D.
2015-01-08
Plasma-surface interactions (PSI) pose an immense scientific hurdle in magnetic confinement fusion and our present understanding of PSI in confinement environments is highly inadequate; indeed, a recent Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee report found that 4 out of the 5 top five fusion knowledge gaps were related to PSI. The time is appropriate to develop a concentrated and synergistic science effort that would expand, exploit and integrate the wealth of laboratory ion-beam and plasma research, as well as exciting new computational tools, towards the goal of bridging the PSI knowledge gap. This effort would broadly advance plasma and material sciences,more » while providing critical knowledge towards progress in fusion PSI. This project involves the development of a Science Center focused on a new approach to PSI science; an approach that both exploits access to state-of-the-art PSI experiments and modeling, as well as confinement devices. The organizing principle is to develop synergistic experimental and modeling tools that treat the truly coupled multi-scale aspect of the PSI issues in confinement devices. This is motivated by the simple observation that while typical lab experiments and models allow independent manipulation of controlling variables, the confinement PSI environment is essentially self-determined with few outside controls. This means that processes that may be treated independently in laboratory experiments, because they involve vastly different physical and time scales, will now affect one another in the confinement environment. Also, lab experiments cannot simultaneously match all exposure conditions found in confinement devices typically forcing a linear extrapolation of lab results. At the same time programmatic limitations prevent confinement experiments alone from answering many key PSI questions. The resolution to this problem is to usefully exploit access to PSI science in lab devices, while retooling our thinking from a linear and de-coupled extrapolation to a multi-scale, coupled approach. The PSI Plasma Center consisted of three equal co-centers; one located at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center, one at UC San Diego Center for Energy Research and one at the UC Berkeley Department of Nuclear Engineering, which moved to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) with Professor Brian Wirth in July 2010. The Center had three co-directors: Prof. Dennis Whyte led the MIT co-center, the UCSD co-center was led by Dr. Russell Doerner, and Prof. Brian Wirth led the UCB/UTK center. The directors have extensive experience in PSI and material research, and have been internationally recognized in the magnetic fusion, materials and plasma research fields. The co-centers feature keystone PSI experimental and modeling facilities dedicated to PSI science: the DIONISOS/CLASS facility at MIT, the PISCES facility at UCSD, and the state-of-the-art numerical modeling capabilities at UCB/UTK. A collaborative partner in the center is Sandia National Laboratory at Livermore (SNL/CA), which has extensive capabilities with low energy ion beams and surface diagnostics, as well as supporting plasma facilities, including the Tritium Plasma Experiment, all of which significantly augment the Center. Interpretive, continuum material models are available through SNL/CA, UCSD and MIT. The participating institutions of MIT, UCSD, UCB/UTK, SNL/CA and LLNL brought a formidable array of experimental tools and personnel abilities into the PSI Plasma Center. Our work has focused on modeling activities associated with plasma surface interactions that are involved in effects of He and H plasma bombardment on tungsten surfaces. This involved performing computational material modeling of the surface evolution during plasma bombardment using molecular dynamics modeling. The principal outcomes of the research efforts within the combined experimental – modeling PSI center are to provide a knowledgebase of the mechanisms of surface degradation, and the influence of the surface on plasma conditions.« less
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2015-02-01
nanoparticles, , multifunction porous metal oxide -silica composites, porous silicon - Titania and PSi-silver heterojunctions ) have been successfully...nanoparticles, multifunctional porous metal oxide -silica composites, porous silicon -Titania and PSi-silver heterojunctions ) have been successfully...generated charge separation and enhance the photocatalytic oxidation . In the PSi-Ag heterojunctions , Ag can not only act as time-honored antibacterial
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Song, Da
2008-02-01
One of the major challenges confronting the current integrated circuits (IC) industry is the metal "interconnect bottleneck". To overcome this obstacle, free space optical interconnects (FSOIs) can be used to address the demand for high speed data transmission, multi-functionality and multi-dimensional integration for the next generation IC. One of the crucial elements in FSOIs system is to develop a high performance and flexible optical network to transform the incoming optical signal into a distributed set of optical signals whose direction, alignment and power can be independently controlled. Among all the optical materials for the realization of FSOI components, porous silicon (PSi) is one of the most promising candidates because of its unique optical properties, flexible fabrication methods and integration with conventional IC material sets. PSi-based Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) and Fabry-Perot (F-P) structures with unique optical properties are realized by electrochemical etching of silicon. By incorporating PSi optical structures with Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MOEMS), several components required for FSOI have been developed. The first type of component is the out-of-plane freestanding optical switch. Implementing a PSi DBR structure as an optically active region, the device can realize channel selection by changing the tilting angle of the micromirror supported by the thermal bimorph actuator. All the fabricated optical switches have reached kHz working frequency and life time of millions of cycles. The second type of component is the in-plane tunable optical filter. By introducing PSi F-P structure into the in-plane PSi film, a thermally tunable optical filter with a sensitivity of 7.9nm/V has been realized for add/drop optical signal selection. Also, for the first time, a new type of PSi based reconfigurable diffractive optical element (DOE) has been developed. By using patterned photoresist as a protective mask for electrochemical etching, the freestanding PSi-based MOEMS DOE has been created as a beam splitter to redistribute the incoming optical signal with onto desired detector arrays. All the developed devices are realized in array fashion and can be addressed and controlled individually. The combination of PSi and MOEMS opens the door for a new generation of silicon compatible optical interconnects.
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Inhibition of HIV-1 by a peptide ligand of the genomic RNA packaging signal Psi.
Dietz, Julia; Koch, Joachim; Kaur, Ajit; Raja, Chinnappan; Stein, Stefan; Grez, Manuel; Pustowka, Anette; Mensch, Sarah; Ferner, Jan; Möller, Lars; Bannert, Norbert; Tampé, Robert; Divita, Gilles; Mély, Yves; Schwalbe, Harald; Dietrich, Ursula
2008-05-01
The interaction of the nucleocapsid NCp7 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag polyprotein with the RNA packaging signal Psi ensures specific encapsidation of the dimeric full length viral genome into nascent virus particles. Being an essential step in the HIV-1 replication cycle, specific genome encapsidation represents a promising target for therapeutic intervention. We previously selected peptides binding to HIV-1 Psi-RNA or stem loops (SL) thereof by phage display. Herein, we describe synthesis of peptide variants of the consensus HWWPWW motif on membrane supports to optimize Psi-RNA binding. The optimized peptide, psi-pepB, was characterized in detail with respect to its conformation and binding properties for the SL3 of the Psi packaging signal by NMR and tryptophan fluorescence quenching. Functional analysis revealed that psi-pepB caused a strong reduction of virus release by infected cells as monitored by reduced transduction efficiencies, capsid p24 antigen levels, and electron microscopy. Thus, this peptide shows antiviral activity and could serve as a lead compound to develop new drugs targeting HIV-1.
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Improved management of community-acquired pneumonia in the emergency department.
Julián-Jiménez, Agustín; Palomo de los Reyes, María José; Parejo Miguez, Raquel; Laín-Terés, Natividad; Cuena-Boy, Rafael; Lozano-Ancín, Agustín
2013-06-01
To determine the impact of implementing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the emergency department (ED) by analyzing case management decisions (admission or discharge, appropriateness and timeliness of antibiotic therapy, complementary tests) and the consequent results (clinical stabilization time, length of hospital stay, re-admission to ED and mortality). A prospective, observational, descriptive, comparative study carried out from 1st January 2008 to 1st August 2009 in two phases: before and after the implementation of the "Management of CAP in ED" SEMES-SEPAR (Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine - Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery) clinical practice guidelines from 2008. Two hundred adult patients treated in the ED with a diagnosis of CAP were included in the study, both in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups. The application of the guidelines increased the administration of early and appropriate antibiotic therapy (P<.001) and shortened both the total antibiotic therapy (P<.001) and the intravenous antibiotic therapy (P=.042) times. Time to clinical stabilization (P=.027), length of hospital stay (1.14 days, P=.01), intra-hospital mortality (P=.004) and total 30-day mortality (P=.044) were all reduced. Assessment with the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and biomarkers aided in appropriate decision-making concerning admission/discharge (P<.001). The implementation of the SEMES-SEPAR 2008 guidelines, along with the use of PSI and biomarkers, significantly improved the entire treatment process of CAP. This benefitted both patients and the system by reducing mortality and improving the results of other patient management factors. Copyright © 2012 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.
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PSI:Biology-Materials Repository: A Biologist’s Resource for Protein Expression Plasmids
Cormier, Catherine Y.; Park, Jin G.; Fiacco, Michael; Steel, Jason; Hunter, Preston; Kramer, Jason; Singla, Rajeev; LaBaer, Joshua
2011-01-01
The Protein Structure Initiative:Biology-Materials Repository (PSI:Biology-MR; MR; http://psimr.asu.edu) sequence-verifies, annotates, stores, and distributes the protein expression plasmids and vectors created by the Protein Structure Initiative (PSI). The MR has developed an informatics and sample processing pipeline that manages this process for thousands of samples per month from nearly a dozen PSI centers. DNASU (http://dnasu.asu.edu), a freely searchable database, stores the plasmid annotations, which include the full-length sequence, vector information, and associated publications for over 130,000 plasmids created by our laboratory, by the PSI and other consortia, and by individual laboratories for distribution to researchers worldwide. Each plasmid links to external resources, including the PSI Structural Biology Knowledgebase (http://sbkb.org), which facilitates cross-referencing of a particular plasmid to additional protein annotations and experimental data. To expedite and simplify plasmid requests, the MR uses an expedited material transfer agreement (EP-MTA) network, where researchers from network institutions can order and receive PSI plasmids without institutional delays. Currently over 39,000 protein expression plasmids and 78 empty vectors from the PSI are available upon request from DNASU. Overall, the MR’s repository of expression-ready plasmids, its automated pipeline, and the rapid process for receiving and distributing these plasmids more effectively allows the research community to dissect the biological function of proteins whose structures have been studied by the PSI. PMID:21360289
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Riecher-Rössler, A; Aston, J; Borgwardt, S; Bugra, H; Fuhr, P; Gschwandtner, U; Koutsouleris, N; Pflueger, M; Tamagni, C; Radü, E-W; Rapp, C; Smieskova, R; Studerus, E; Walter, A; Zimmermann, R
2013-05-01
We have conducted various studies in Basel with the aim of improving the methods for the early detection of psychosis (Früherkennung von Psychosen, FePsy). From 1.3.2000 to 29.2.2004 234 individuals were screened using the Basel Screening Instrument for Psychosis (BSIP). 106 patients were identified as at risk for psychosis; out of these 53 remained in follow-up for up to 7 years (mean 5.4 years). The assessments were done with a specifically developed instrument for history taking, various scales for the psychopathology, assessments of neuropsychology and fine motor functioning, clinical and quantitative EEG, MRI of the brain, laboratory etc. Based on the BSIP alone, a relatively reliable prediction was possible: 21 (39.6%) of the individuals identified as at risk developed psychosis within the follow-up time. Post-hoc prediction could be improved to 81% by weighting psychopathology and including neuropsychology. Including the other domains obviously allows further improvements of prediction. The risk for psychosis should be assessed in a stepwise procedure. In a first step, a clinically oriented screening should be conducted. If an at-risk status is found, further assessments in various domains should be done in a specialised centre. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
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Costa, Marcio G C; Moreira, Cristina D; Melton, John R; Otoni, Wagner C; Moore, Gloria A
2012-02-01
In the present study, the full-length cDNA sequences of PSY, PDS, and ZDS, encoding the early carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes in the carotenoid pathway of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), were isolated and characterized for the first time. CpPSY contained a 1311-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 436 amino acids, CpPDS contained a 1659-bp ORF encoding a polypeptide of 552 amino acids, and CpZDS contained a 1713-bp ORF encoding a polypeptide of 570 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CpPSY shares homology with PSYs from Citrus, tomato, pepper, Arabidopsis, and the monocot PSY1 group, while CpPDS and CpZDS are most closely related to orthologs from Citrus and tomato. Expression analysis revealed fluctuations in CpPSY, CpPDS, and CpZDS transcript abundance and a non-coordinated regulation between the former and the two latter genes during fruit development in albedo and juice vesicles of white ('Duncan') and red ('Flame') grapefruits. A 3× higher upregulation of CpPSY expression in juice vesicles of red-fleshed 'Flame' as compared to white-fruited 'Duncan' was observed in the middle stages of fruit development, which correlates with the well documented accumulation pattern of lycopene in red grapefruit. Together with previous data, our results suggest that the primary mechanism controlling lycopene accumulation in red grapefruit involves the transcriptional upregulation of CpPSY, which controls the flux into the carotenoid pathway, and the downregulated expression of CpLCYB2, which controls the step of cyclization of lycopene in chromoplasts during fruit ripening. A correlation between CpPSY expression and fruit color evolution in red grapefruit is demonstrated.
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The current status of theory evaluation in nursing.
Im, Eun-Ok
2015-10-01
To identify the current status of theory evaluation in nursing and provide directions for theory evaluation for future development of theoretical bases of nursing discipline. Theory evaluation is an essential component in development of nursing knowledge, which is a critical element in development of nursing discipline. Despite earlier significant efforts for theory evaluation in nursing, a recent decline in the number of theory evaluation articles was noted and there have been few updates on theory evaluation in nursing. Discussion paper. A total of 58 articles published from 2003-2014 were retrieved through searches using the PUBMED, PsyInfo and CINAHL. The articles were sorted by the area of evaluation and analysed to identify themes reflecting the theory evaluation process. Diverse ways of theory evaluation need to be continuously used in future theory evaluation efforts. Six themes reflecting the theory evaluation process were identified: (a) rarely using existing theory evaluation criteria; (b) evaluating specifics; (c) using various statistical analysis methods; (d) developing instruments; (e) adopting in practice and education; and (f) evaluating mainly middle-range theories and situation-specific theories. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Powell, A. H.; Amos, J. C.; Ehde, C. L.; Gahan, J. W.
1972-01-01
A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump, designed for the boiler-feed pump of a potassium Rankine-cycle space power system, was built and tested. The pump was tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction heads (NPSH) from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. The maximum efficiency at the pump design point of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed pressure, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant temperature was 16.3 percent. The tests also showed successful operation of the pump at an NPSH as low as 1.5 psi without cavitating.
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Hystad, Sigurd W; Eid, Jarle
2016-12-01
Seafaring is an inherently stressful environment. Because working time and leisure time is spent in the same confined environment for a prolonged period of time, many stressors present in seafaring can also be conceived of as chronic. We explored the effects of duration at sea, seafaring experience, environmental stressors, and psychological capital (PsyCap) on the sleep quality and fatigue of seafarers. PsyCap is a construct that draws upon ideas from positive psychology and positive organizational behavior, and is intended to capture an individual's psychological capacities that can be developed and utilized for performance improvements. We collected survey data from a sample of seafarers working in the offshore re-supply industry ( n = 402) and a sample of seafarers working on board combined passenger and cargo ships ( n = 340). PsyCap emerged as a robust predictor with statistically significant relations to fatigue and sleep quality in both samples. PsyCap also interacted with duration at sea in explaining fatigue in seafarers working on board the passenger and cargo ships. Seafarers on passenger and cargo ships also reported significantly higher levels of fatigue than those working in the offshore re-supply industry. Coupled with emerging research showing that PsyCap is trainable, our results suggest that maritime organizations could have much to gain by being cognizant of and developing routines for continually developing the PsyCap of their employees.
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Advancing Porous Silicon Biosensor Technology for Use in Clinical Diagnostics
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bonanno, Lisa Marie
Inexpensive and robust analytical techniques for detecting molecular recognition events are in great demand in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Despite vast research in this area, challanges remain to develop practical biomolecular platforms that, meet the rigorous demands of real-world applications. This includes maintaining low-cost devices that are sensitive and specific in complex test specimens, are stable after storage, have short assay time, and possess minimal complexity of instrumentation for readout. Nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) material has been identified as an ideal candidate towards achieving these goals and the past decade has seen diverse proof-of-principle studies developing optical-based sensing techniques. In Part 1 of this thesis, the impact of surface chemistry and PSi morphology on detection sensitivity of target molecules is investigated. Initial proof-of-concept that PSi devices facilitate detection of protein in whole blood is demonstrated. This work highlights the importance of material stability and blocking chemistry for sensor use in real world biological samples. In addition, the intrinisic filtering capability of the 3-D PSi morphology is shown as an advantage in complex solutions, such as whole blood. Ultimately, this initial work identified a need to improve detection sensitivity of the PSI biosensor technique to facilitate clinical diagnostic use over relevant target concentration ranges. The second part of this thesis, builds upon sensitivity challenges that are highlighted in the first part of the thesis and development of a surface-bound competitive inhibition immunoassay facilitated improved detection sensitivity of small molecular weight targets (opiates) over a relevant clinical concentration range. In addition, optimization of assay protocol addressed issues of maintaining stability of sensors after storage. Performance of the developed assay (specificity and sensitivity) was then validated in a blind clinical study that screened real patient urine samples (n=70) for opiates in collaboration with Strong Memorial Hospital Clinical Toxicology Laboratory. PSI sensor results showed improved clinical specificity over current commercial opiate immunoassay techniques and therefore, identified potential for a reduction in false-negative and false-positive screening results. Here, we demonstrate for the first time, successful clinical capability of a PSi sensor to detect opiates as a model target in real-world patient samples. The final part of this thesis explores novel sensor designs to leverage the tunable optical properties of PSi photonic devices and facilitate colorimetric readout of molecular recognition events by the unaided eye. Such a design is ideal for uncomplicated diagnostic screening at point-of-care as no instrumentation is needed for result readout. The photonic PSi transducers were integrated with target analyte-responsive hydrogels (TRAP-gels) that upon exposure to a target solution would swell and dissolute, inducing material property changes that were optically detected by the incorporated PSi transducer. This strategy extends target detection throughout the 3-ll internal volume of the PSi, improving upon current techniques that limit detection to the surface area (2-ll) of PSi. Work to acheive this approach involved design of TRAP-gel networks, polymer synthesis and characterization techniques, and optical characterization of the hybrid hydrogel-PSi material sensor. Successful implementation of a hybrid sensor design was exhibited for a. model chemical target (reducing agent), in which visual colorimetric change from red to green was observed for above-threshold exposure to the chemical target. In addition, initial proof-of-concept of an opiate responsive TRAP-gel is also demonstrated where cross-links are formed between antibody-antigen interactions and exposure to opiates induces bulk gel dissolution.
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Mahdavi, A M; Ostadrahimi, A; Safaiyan, A
2011-01-01
This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of children consecutively admitted as inpatients to Tabriz Paediatric Hospital in the north-west of the Islamic Republic of Iran between June and August 2008. A total of 140 children aged 2-12 years were included. Patients' weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) were measured, and nutritional status was evaluated. Evaluation of weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and TSFT showed that 48.6%, 30.7%, 32.2% and 14.3% of the patients, respectively, were malnourished. Malnutrition among hospitalized children is worthy of attention, and effective strategies for systematic screening and treatment of malnutrition need to be developed and implemented.
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Nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kafshgari, Morteza Hasanzadeh; Cavallaro, Alex; Delalat, Bahman; Harding, Frances J.; McInnes, Steven JP; Mäkilä, Ermei; Salonen, Jarno; Vasilev, Krasimir; Voelcker, Nicolas H.
2014-07-01
In this study, the ability of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) to entrap and deliver nitric oxide (NO) as an effective antibacterial agent is tested against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. NO was entrapped inside PSi NPs functionalized by means of the thermal hydrocarbonization (THC) process. Subsequent reduction of nitrite in the presence of d-glucose led to the production of large NO payloads without reducing the biocompatibility of the PSi NPs with mammalian cells. The resulting PSi NPs demonstrated sustained release of NO and showed remarkable antibacterial efficiency and anti-biofilm-forming properties. These results will set the stage to develop antimicrobial nanoparticle formulations for applications in chronic wound treatment.
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Nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles.
Kafshgari, Morteza Hasanzadeh; Cavallaro, Alex; Delalat, Bahman; Harding, Frances J; McInnes, Steven Jp; Mäkilä, Ermei; Salonen, Jarno; Vasilev, Krasimir; Voelcker, Nicolas H
2014-01-01
In this study, the ability of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) to entrap and deliver nitric oxide (NO) as an effective antibacterial agent is tested against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. NO was entrapped inside PSi NPs functionalized by means of the thermal hydrocarbonization (THC) process. Subsequent reduction of nitrite in the presence of d-glucose led to the production of large NO payloads without reducing the biocompatibility of the PSi NPs with mammalian cells. The resulting PSi NPs demonstrated sustained release of NO and showed remarkable antibacterial efficiency and anti-biofilm-forming properties. These results will set the stage to develop antimicrobial nanoparticle formulations for applications in chronic wound treatment.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Sharif, Raed M.
2013-01-01
Although there appears to be a broad recognition of the key role that Public Sector Information (PSI) can play in the development of societies, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of how PSI is actually being utilized and of its wider societal value, especially in developing countries. The overarching goal of this dissertation…
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Nelsen, C E; Safir, G R; Hanson, A D
1978-01-01
Leaf water potential (Psi(leaf)) determinations were made on excised leaf samples using a commercial dew point hygrometer (Wescor Inc., Logan, Utah) and a thermocouple psychrometer operated in the isopiestic mode. With soybean leaves (Glycine max L.), there was good agreement between instruments; equilibration times were 2 to 3 hours. With cereals (Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgare L.), agreement between instruments was poor for moderately wilted leaves when 7-mm-diameter punches were used in the hygrometer and 20-mm slices were used in the psychrometer, because the Psi(leaf) values from the dew point hygrometer were too high. Agreement was improved by replacing the 7-mm punch samples in the hygrometer by 13-mm slices, which had a lower cut edge to volume ratio. Equilibration times for cereals were normally 6 to 8 hours. Spuriously high Psi(leaf) values obtained with 7-mm leaf punches may be associated with the ion release and reabsorption that occur upon tissue excision; such errors evidently depend both on the species and on tissue water status.
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Miyake, Chikahiro
2010-12-01
An electron flow in addition to the major electron sinks in C(3) plants [both photosynthetic carbon reduction (PCR) and photorespiratory carbon oxidation (PCO) cycles] is termed an alternative electron flow (AEF) and functions in the chloroplasts of leaves. The water-water cycle (WWC; Mehler-ascorbate peroxidase pathway) and cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF-PSI) have been studied as the main AEFs in chloroplasts and are proposed to play a physiologically important role in both the regulation of photosynthesis and the alleviation of photoinhibition. In the present review, I discuss the molecular mechanisms of both AEFs and their functions in vivo. To determine their physiological function, accurate measurement of the electron flux of AEFs in vivo are required. Methods to assay electron flux in CEF-PSI have been developed recently and their problematic points are discussed. The common physiological function of both the WWC and CEF-PSI is the supply of ATP to drive net CO(2) assimilation. The requirement for ATP depends on the activities of both PCR and PCO cycles, and changes in both WWC and CEF-PSI were compared with the data obtained in intact leaves. Furthermore, the fact that CEF-PSI cannot function independently has been demonstrated. I propose a model for the regulation of CEF-PSI by WWC, in which WWC is indispensable as an electron sink for the expression of CEF-PSI activity.
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Kuzman, Martina Rojnic; Andlauer, Olivier; Burmeister, Kai; Dvoracek, Boris; Lencer, Rebekka; Koelkebeck, Katja; Nawka, Alexander; Riese, Florian
2017-06-01
Mobile health interventions are regarded as affordable and accessible tools that can enhance standard psychiatric care. As part of the mHealth Psycho-Educational Intervention Versus Antipsychotic-Induced Side Effects (mPIVAS) project (www.psylog.eu), we developed the mobile application "PsyLOG" based on mobile "smartphone" technology to monitor antipsychotic-induced side effects. The aim of this paper is to describe the rationale and development of the PsyLOG and its clinical use. The PsyLOG application runs on smartphones with Android operating system. The application is currently available in seven languages (Croatian, Czech, English, French, German, Japanese and Serbian). It consists of several categories: "My Drug Effects", "My Life Styles", "My Charts", "My Medication", "My Strategies", "My Supporters", "Settings" and "About". The main category "My Drug Effects" includes a list of 30 side effects with the possibility to add three additional side effects. Side effects are each accompanied by an appropriate description and the possibility to rate its severity on a visual analogue scale from 0-100%. The PsyLOG application is intended to enhance the link between patients and mental health professionals, serving as a tool that more objectively monitors side-effects over certain periods of time. To the best of our knowledge, no such applications have so far been developed for patients taking antipsychotic medication or for their therapists.
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A Replication of the MMPI-A PSY-5 Scales and Development of Facet Subscales
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Bolinskey, P. Kevin; Arnau, Randolph C.; Archer, Robert P.; Handel, Richard W.
2004-01-01
McNulty, Harkness, Ben-Porath and Williams recently developed Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) scales for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory A (MMPI-A). This study examined these new scales in a sample of 545 adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Item-level principal components analyses were employed to…
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The Development and Resulting Performance Impact of Positive Psychological Capital
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Luthans, Fred; Avey, James B.; Avolio, Bruce J.; Peterson, Suzanne J.
2010-01-01
Recently, theory and research have supported psychological capital (PsyCap) as an emerging core construct linked to positive outcomes at the individual and organizational level. However, to date, little attention has been given to PsyCap development through training interventions; nor have there been attempts to determine empirically if such…
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Pullman, Gerald S; Johnson, Shannon
2009-06-01
Water potential (Psi) and osmotic potential (Psis) were measured weekly through the sequence of seed development in megagametophytes of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). A Wescor 5500XRS vapor pressure osmometer, modified with a cycle hold switch, was used to measure Psi for whole megagametophytes containing embryos. The Psi measurements for megagametophytes with embryos removed were also attempted but readings were distorted due to cell lysates from the cut surfaces. Six seasonal sets of megagametophyte Psi profiles were generated. Megagametophytes from most of the trees examined showed a consistent Psi pattern: low measurements of -1.0 to -0.75 MPa during early embryo development in late June to early July when embryo Stages 1-2 occur; an increase for one to several weeks to levels of -0.5 to -0.75 MPa, beginning at Stages 3-5 when apical dome formation occurs; followed by a steady drop from -0.85 to -1.7 to -2.0 MPa from Stage 6 onward from late August until just before cone seed release. The Psis was measured for supernatant from centrifuged frozen-thawed megagametophyte tissue (embryos removed). Megagametophyte Psis profiles were similar for seeds analyzed from two trees and resembled Psi observations starting low, rising around Stages 4-7 and then undergoing a major reduction indicating a strong solute accumulation beginning at Stages 7-9.1. Somatic embryos stop growth prematurely in vitro at Stages 8-9.1. The major change in the accumulation of megagametophyte solutes at Stages 8-9.1 correlates with the halt in somatic embryo maturation and suggests that identifying, quantifying and using the major natural soluble compounds that accumulate during mid- to late-stage seed development may be important to improve conifer somatic embryo maturation.
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Broadening the horizon – level 2.5 of the HUPO-PSI format for molecular interactions
Kerrien, Samuel; Orchard, Sandra; Montecchi-Palazzi, Luisa; Aranda, Bruno; Quinn, Antony F; Vinod, Nisha; Bader, Gary D; Xenarios, Ioannis; Wojcik, Jérôme; Sherman, David; Tyers, Mike; Salama, John J; Moore, Susan; Ceol, Arnaud; Chatr-aryamontri, Andrew; Oesterheld, Matthias; Stümpflen, Volker; Salwinski, Lukasz; Nerothin, Jason; Cerami, Ethan; Cusick, Michael E; Vidal, Marc; Gilson, Michael; Armstrong, John; Woollard, Peter; Hogue, Christopher; Eisenberg, David; Cesareni, Gianni; Apweiler, Rolf; Hermjakob, Henning
2007-01-01
Background Molecular interaction Information is a key resource in modern biomedical research. Publicly available data have previously been provided in a broad array of diverse formats, making access to this very difficult. The publication and wide implementation of the Human Proteome Organisation Proteomics Standards Initiative Molecular Interactions (HUPO PSI-MI) format in 2004 was a major step towards the establishment of a single, unified format by which molecular interactions should be presented, but focused purely on protein-protein interactions. Results The HUPO-PSI has further developed the PSI-MI XML schema to enable the description of interactions between a wider range of molecular types, for example nucleic acids, chemical entities, and molecular complexes. Extensive details about each supported molecular interaction can now be captured, including the biological role of each molecule within that interaction, detailed description of interacting domains, and the kinetic parameters of the interaction. The format is supported by data management and analysis tools and has been adopted by major interaction data providers. Additionally, a simpler, tab-delimited format MITAB2.5 has been developed for the benefit of users who require only minimal information in an easy to access configuration. Conclusion The PSI-MI XML2.5 and MITAB2.5 formats have been jointly developed by interaction data producers and providers from both the academic and commercial sector, and are already widely implemented and well supported by an active development community. PSI-MI XML2.5 enables the description of highly detailed molecular interaction data and facilitates data exchange between databases and users without loss of information. MITAB2.5 is a simpler format appropriate for fast Perl parsing or loading into Microsoft Excel. PMID:17925023
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hawkins, Nathan Ryan
The Blackland Prairie of Texas is one of the most heavily altered and threatened ecoregions in North America. A large part of the current threats to the ecoregion are related to rapid urban growth in cities within the Blackland Prairie. Major threats are related to conversion natural and semi-natural land to urban and suburban land, and increased resource demands from the growing urban population. To quantify these changes, I generated landcover maps using unsupervised classification techniques for the years 1984, 1993, 2004, and 2009 in a portion of the central Blackland Prairie centered around Navarro County, Texas and used post-classification comparison to determine the change in landcover. The largest changes in landcover occurred due to the creation of Richland Chambers Reservoir in 1987, and the subsequent flooding of mostly bottomland forest (a loss of 11,858.4ha of water from 1985-1993). This change occurred because of increased demand for water by the population of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Study Area. Other changes that occurred in the study area included increases in cropland (26,590.14ha from 1985-2009), grass (25,368ha from 1985-2009), and developed (4,877.55ha from 1985-2009) landcover types. Increases in crop and grass landcover types suggest agricultural intensification occurring within the study area, while an increase in developed landcover indicates an increase in urbanization in a mostly rural county. Since changes in landcover have been demonstrated to affect wildlife in other areas, I used motion-sensing camera traps to survey the predator community in the area. I identified species occurring and developed occupancy models using variables that describe a number of landscape features that may be important to those species. Detections were dominated by a few common species, which included coyotes (psi4=0.7778 winter, psi=0.6667 summer), bobcats (psi=0.8889 winter, psi=0.7778 summer), raccoons (psi=1 winter, psi=0.9091 summer), striped skunks (psi=0.9167 winter, psi=0.8182 summer), and opossums (psi=0.9231 winter, psi=0.9231 summer). Uncommon species detected included river otters (psi=0.4000 winter, psi=0.2000 summer), gray foxes (psi=0.2308 winter), and one spotted skunk (psi=0.0833 summer). Results indicate that changes in landscape features will most likely affect mesopredators in the area. Some species will likely increase in abundance and distribution while others will decrease in abundance and distribution as a result of changes. I also estimated species richness using nonparametric richness estimators that use incidence (presence/absence) data. I detected 9 mesopredator species (bobcat, coyote, opossum, river otter, raccoon, striped skunk, domestic dog, and domestic cat, gray fox, and eastern spotted skunk) in the study area. Considering all study sites at once resulted in species richness estimates of 9-10 species, suggesting that most predators were sampled. When study sites were split into eastern and western groups based on habitat gradients within the study area, slightly different estimates were generated. For the western part of the study area, estimates suggest 9-10 species are present, while in the eastern part of the study area, estimates suggest 6-8 species are present. Results suggest that mesopredator richness is declining compared to historical levels. Large contiguous prairie habitats need to be protected and/or restored to conserve rare prairie communities and the mesopredators they support.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Colley, Helen; Guéry, Frédérique
2015-01-01
Public spending reductions across the advanced capitalist world are creating new professions that have a "hybrid" status and/or role. However, research on professional learning has paid little attention to them. This qualitative study of one such profession, public service interpreting (PSI), addresses that lacuna. The paper focuses on…
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Nanostructured porous Si-based nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery
Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Herranz, Barbara; Santos, Hélder A.
2012-01-01
One of the backbones in nanomedicine is to deliver drugs specifically to unhealthy cells. Drug nanocarriers can cross physiological barriers and access different tissues, which after proper surface biofunctionalization can enhance cell specificity for cancer therapy. Recent developments have highlighted the potential of mesoporous silica (PSiO2) and silicon (PSi) nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. In this review, we outline and discuss the most recent advances on the applications and developments of cancer therapies by means of PSiO2 and PSi nanomaterials. Bio-engineering and fine tuning of anti-cancer drug vehicles, high flexibility and potential for sophisticated release mechanisms make these nanostructures promising candidates for “smart” cancer therapies. As a result of their physicochemical properties they can be controllably loaded with large amounts of drugs and coupled to homing molecules to facilitate active targeting. The main emphasis of this review will be on the in vitro and in vivo studies. PMID:23507894
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Femtosecond Visible Transient Absorption Spectroscopy of Chlorophyll f-Containing Photosystem I.
Kaucikas, Marius; Nürnberg, Dennis; Dorlhiac, Gabriel; Rutherford, A William; van Thor, Jasper J
2017-01-24
Photosystem I (PSI) from Chroococcidiopsis thermalis PCC 7203 grown under far-red light (FRL; >725 nm) contains both chlorophyll a and a small proportion of chlorophyll f. Here, we investigated excitation energy transfer and charge separation using this FRL-grown form of PSI (FRL-PSI). We compared femtosecond transient visible absorption changes of normal, white-light (WL)-grown PSI (WL-PSI) with those of FRL-PSI using excitation at 670 nm, 700 nm, and (in the case of FRL-PSI) 740 nm. The possibility that chlorophyll f participates in energy transfer or charge separation is discussed on the basis of spectral assignments. With selective pumping of chlorophyll f at 740 nm, we observe a final ∼150 ps decay assigned to trapping by charge separation, and the amplitude of the resulting P700 +• A 1 -• charge-separated state indicates that the yield is directly comparable to that of WL-PSI. The kinetics shows a rapid 2 ps time constant for almost complete transfer to chlorophyll f if chlorophyll a is pumped with a wavelength of 670 nm or 700 nm. Although the physical role of chlorophyll f is best supported as a low-energy radiative trap, the physical location should be close to or potentially within the charge-separating pigments to allow efficient transfer for charge separation on the 150 ps timescale. Target models can be developed that include a branching in the formation of the charge separation for either WL-PSI or FRL-PSI. Copyright © 2017 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Towards a subcutaneous optical biosensor based on thermally hydrocarbonised porous silicon.
Tong, Wing Yin; Sweetman, Martin J; Marzouk, Ezzat R; Fraser, Cara; Kuchel, Tim; Voelcker, Nicolas H
2016-01-01
Advanced biosensors in future medicine hinge on the evolvement of biomaterials. Porous silicon (pSi), a generally biodegradable and biocompatible material that can be fabricated to include environment-responsive optical characteristics, is an excellent candidate for in vivo biosensors. However, the feasibility of using this material as a subcutaneously implanted optical biosensor has never been demonstrated. Here, we investigated the stability and biocompatibility of a thermally-hydrocarbonised (THC) pSi optical rugate filter, and demonstrated its optical functionality in vitro and in vivo. We first compared pSi films with different surface chemistries and observed that the material was cytotoxic despite the outstanding stability of the THC pSi films. We then showed that the cytotoxicity correlates with reactive oxygen species levels, which could be mitigated by pre-incubation of THC pSi (PITHC pSi). PITHC pSi facilitates normal cellular phenotypes and is biocompatible in vivo. Importantly, the material also possesses optical properties capable of responding to microenvironmental changes that are readable non-invasively in cell culture and subcutaneous settings. Collectively, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PITHC pSi rugate filters are both biocompatible and optically functional for lab-on-a-chip and subcutaneous biosensing scenarios. We believe that this study will deepen our understanding of cell-pSi interactions and foster the development of implantable biosensors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Mori, Michela; Almeida, Patrick V; Cola, Michela; Anselmi, Giulia; Mäkilä, Ermei; Correia, Alexandra; Salonen, Jarno; Hirvonen, Jouni; Caramella, Carla; Santos, Hélder A
2014-11-01
The wound healing stands as very complex and dynamic process, aiming the re-establishment of the damaged tissue's integrity and functionality. Thus, there is an emerging need for developing biopolymer-based composites capable of actively promoting cellular proliferation and reconstituting the extracellular matrix. The aims of the present work were to prepare and characterize biopolymer-functionalized porous silicon (PSi) microparticles, resulting in the development of drug delivery microsystems for future applications in wound healing. Thermally hydrocarbonized PSi (THCPSi) microparticles were coated with both chitosan and a mixture of chondroitin sulfate/hyaluronic acid, and subsequently loaded with two antibacterial model drugs, vancomycin and resveratrol. The biopolymer coating, drug loading degree and drug release behavior of the modified PSi microparticles were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that both the biopolymer coating and drug loading of the THCPSi microparticles were successfully achieved. In addition, a sustained release was observed for both the drugs tested. The viability and proliferation profiles of a fibroblast cell line exposed to the modified THCPSi microparticles and the subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were also evaluated. The cytotoxicity and proliferation results demonstrated less toxicity for the biopolymer-coated THCPSi microparticles at different concentrations and time points comparatively to the uncoated counterparts. The ROS production by the fibroblasts exposed to both uncoated and biopolymer-coated PSi microparticles showed that the modified PSi microparticles did not induce significant ROS production at the concentrations tested. Overall, the biopolymer-based PSi microparticles developed in this study are promising platforms for wound healing applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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[Risk factors of development of nosocomial pyogenic and septic infections in maternity hospitals].
Zakharova, Iu A; Nikolaeva, A M; Fel'dblium, I V
2007-01-01
During prospective epidemiological surveillance cases of pyogenic and septic infections (PSI) in mothers and newborns in two maternity hospitals were studied using standard case definition and leading risk factors of their development were revealed. These factors differed in two hospitals and were connected mainly with high level of patients colonization, contamination of the environment by nosocomial strains of microorganisms, and degree of participation of mother's relatives in delivery. It was shown that permission to relatives for presence on delivery did not influence on the rate of PSI. Specificity of risk factors of PSI in mothers and newborns dictates necessity to determine them in each maternity hospital.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1993-01-01
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts led to two commercial instruments and a new subsidiary for Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI). The FAST system, originally developed for testing the effect of space environment on materials, is now sold commercially for use in aging certification of materials intended for orbital operation. The Optical Temperature Monitor was designed for precise measurement of high temperatures on certain materials to be manufactured in space. The original research was extended to the development of a commercial instrument that measures and controls fuel gas temperatures in industrial boilers. PSI created PSI Environmental Instruments to market the system. The company also offers an Aerospace Measurement Service that has evolved from other SBIR contracts.
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Nitric oxide-releasing porous silicon nanoparticles
2014-01-01
In this study, the ability of porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) to entrap and deliver nitric oxide (NO) as an effective antibacterial agent is tested against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. NO was entrapped inside PSi NPs functionalized by means of the thermal hydrocarbonization (THC) process. Subsequent reduction of nitrite in the presence of d-glucose led to the production of large NO payloads without reducing the biocompatibility of the PSi NPs with mammalian cells. The resulting PSi NPs demonstrated sustained release of NO and showed remarkable antibacterial efficiency and anti-biofilm-forming properties. These results will set the stage to develop antimicrobial nanoparticle formulations for applications in chronic wound treatment. PMID:25114633
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A Developmental Study of Photosystem I Peripheral Chlorophyll Proteins 1
Mullet, John E.; Burke, John J.; Arntzen, Charles J.
1980-01-01
An isolated “native” photosystem I (PSI complex) contains three spectral populations of chlorophyll a antennae (Mullet, Burke, Arntzen 1980 Plant Physiol 65: 814-822). It was hypothesized that nearly one-half of these antennae (≃45 Chl/P700) are associated with polypeptides of 21,500 to 24,500 daltons. The present study utilizes two developmental systems to verify this association. Chloroplasts were isolated from a Chl b-less barley mutant and from partially-developed cucumber cotyledons (greened under intermittent illumination [ImL] chloroplasts) and were compared to control chloroplasts isolated from wild-type barley and mature cucumber. Both the mutant and ImL chloroplasts exhibited a long wavelength fluorescence maximum at 724 nanometers at 77 K as compared to 735 to 738 nanometers emission maximum in the respective controls. Both the mutant and ImL chloroplasts were deficient in polypeptides of 21,500 to 24,500 daltons which were present in control membranes and in PSI fractions isolated from control membranes. In light-induced maturation of the ImL cucumbers, the synthesis of polypeptides in the 21,500 to 24,500 molecular weight range paralleled the appearance of PSI Chl species fluorescing at long wavelength (≃735 nm). The PSI spectral properties of the control membranes were retained in isolated PSI particles containing 100 to 120 Chl/P700 (PSI-110). Detergent extraction of PSI-110 removed polypeptides of 21,500 to 24,500 daltons plus ≃ 45 Chl/P700. The antennae-depleted PSI particle mimics PSI properties exhibited by incompletely differentiated mutant or ImL chloroplasts. Images PMID:16661289
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nakashima, Hiroyuki; Nakatsuji, Hiroshi
2008-12-12
The local energy defined by H{psi}/{psi} must be equal to the exact energy E at any coordinate of an atom or molecule, as long as the {psi} under consideration is exact. The discrepancy from E of this quantity is a stringent test of the accuracy of the calculated wave function. The H-square error for a normalized {psi}, defined by {sigma}{sup 2}{identical_to}<{psi}|(H-E){sup 2}|{psi}>, is also a severe test of the accuracy. Using these quantities, we have examined the accuracy of our wave function of a helium atom calculated using the free complement method that was developed to solve the Schroedinger equation.more » Together with the variational upper bound, the lower bound of the exact energy calculated using a modified Temple's formula ensured the definitely correct value of the helium fixed-nucleus ground state energy to be -2.903 724 377 034 119 598 311 159 245 194 4 a.u., which is correct to 32 digits.« less
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Cloud4Psi: cloud computing for 3D protein structure similarity searching.
Mrozek, Dariusz; Małysiak-Mrozek, Bożena; Kłapciński, Artur
2014-10-01
Popular methods for 3D protein structure similarity searching, especially those that generate high-quality alignments such as Combinatorial Extension (CE) and Flexible structure Alignment by Chaining Aligned fragment pairs allowing Twists (FATCAT) are still time consuming. As a consequence, performing similarity searching against large repositories of structural data requires increased computational resources that are not always available. Cloud computing provides huge amounts of computational power that can be provisioned on a pay-as-you-go basis. We have developed the cloud-based system that allows scaling of the similarity searching process vertically and horizontally. Cloud4Psi (Cloud for Protein Similarity) was tested in the Microsoft Azure cloud environment and provided good, almost linearly proportional acceleration when scaled out onto many computational units. Cloud4Psi is available as Software as a Service for testing purposes at: http://cloud4psi.cloudapp.net/. For source code and software availability, please visit the Cloud4Psi project home page at http://zti.polsl.pl/dmrozek/science/cloud4psi.htm. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.
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Cloud4Psi: cloud computing for 3D protein structure similarity searching
Mrozek, Dariusz; Małysiak-Mrozek, Bożena; Kłapciński, Artur
2014-01-01
Summary: Popular methods for 3D protein structure similarity searching, especially those that generate high-quality alignments such as Combinatorial Extension (CE) and Flexible structure Alignment by Chaining Aligned fragment pairs allowing Twists (FATCAT) are still time consuming. As a consequence, performing similarity searching against large repositories of structural data requires increased computational resources that are not always available. Cloud computing provides huge amounts of computational power that can be provisioned on a pay-as-you-go basis. We have developed the cloud-based system that allows scaling of the similarity searching process vertically and horizontally. Cloud4Psi (Cloud for Protein Similarity) was tested in the Microsoft Azure cloud environment and provided good, almost linearly proportional acceleration when scaled out onto many computational units. Availability and implementation: Cloud4Psi is available as Software as a Service for testing purposes at: http://cloud4psi.cloudapp.net/. For source code and software availability, please visit the Cloud4Psi project home page at http://zti.polsl.pl/dmrozek/science/cloud4psi.htm. Contact: dariusz.mrozek@polsl.pl PMID:24930141
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Albar, Juan Pablo; Binz, Pierre-Alain; Eisenacher, Martin; Jones, Andrew R; Mayer, Gerhard; Omenn, Gilbert S; Orchard, Sandra; Vizcaíno, Juan Antonio; Hermjakob, Henning
2015-01-01
Objective To describe the goals of the Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI) of the Human Proteome Organization, the methods that the PSI has employed to create data standards, the resulting output of the PSI, lessons learned from the PSI’s evolution, and future directions and synergies for the group. Materials and Methods The PSI has 5 categories of deliverables that have guided the group. These are minimum information guidelines, data formats, controlled vocabularies, resources and software tools, and dissemination activities. These deliverables are produced via the leadership and working group organization of the initiative, driven by frequent workshops and ongoing communication within the working groups. Official standards are subjected to a rigorous document process that includes several levels of peer review prior to release. Results We have produced and published minimum information guidelines describing what information should be provided when making data public, either via public repositories or other means. The PSI has produced a series of standard formats covering mass spectrometer input, mass spectrometer output, results of informatics analysis (both qualitative and quantitative analyses), reports of molecular interaction data, and gel electrophoresis analyses. We have produced controlled vocabularies that ensure that concepts are uniformly annotated in the formats and engaged in extensive software development and dissemination efforts so that the standards can efficiently be used by the community. Conclusion In its first dozen years of operation, the PSI has produced many standards that have accelerated the field of proteomics by facilitating data exchange and deposition to data repositories. We look to the future to continue developing standards for new proteomics technologies and workflows and mechanisms for integration with other omics data types. Our products facilitate the translation of genomics and proteomics findings to clinical and biological phenotypes. The PSI website can be accessed at http://www.psidev.info. PMID:25726569
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Fontana, Flavia; Mori, Michela; Riva, Federica; Mäkilä, Ermei; Liu, Dongfei; Salonen, Jarno; Nicoletti, Giovanni; Hirvonen, Jouni; Caramella, Carla; Santos, Hélder A
2016-01-13
The new frontier in the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds is the use of micro- and nanoparticles to deliver drugs or growth factors into the wound. Here, we used platelet lysate (PL), a hemoderivative of platelets, consisting of a multifactorial cocktail of growth factors, to modify porous silicon (PSi) microparticles and assessed both in vitro and ex vivo the properties of the developed microsystem. PL-modified PSi was assessed for its potential to induce proliferation of fibroblasts. The wound closure-promoting properties of the microsystem were then assessed in an in vitro wound healing assay. Finally, the PL-modified PSi microparticles were evaluated in an ex vivo experiment over human skin. It was shown that PL-modified PSi microparticles were cytocompatible and enhanced the cell proliferation in different experimental settings. In addition, this microsystem promoted the closure of the gap between the fibroblast cells in the wound healing assay, in periods of time comparable with the positive control, and induced a proliferation and regeneration process onto the human skin in an ex vivo experiment. Overall, our results show that PL-modified PSi microparticles are suitable microsystems for further development toward applications in the treatment of chronic nonhealing wounds.
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T700 Blisk and Impeller Manufacturing Process Development Program.
1979-11-01
700(40) Reworked Media Temperature - 790 F Average Media Pressure - 200 psi Total Cycles (Test No. 1) - 40 Total Cycles (Test No. 2) - 20 Total Time...36A(73), - 700(40" Media Temperature - 80F Average Media Pressure - 150 psi Total Cycles - 52 Total Time - 95 Minutes Some difficulty was...61)-36A(73)-700( 4O)Media Temperature - 79OF average Media Pressure - 200 psi Time - 40 cycles - 72 minutes Time - 60 cycles - 109 minutes Time - 80
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The Development and Design of a Prototype Ultra High Pressure P-19 Firefighting Vehicle
2007-02-03
the energizing affects of a delivery pressure 4 times (approximately 1200 psi) the magnitude of the standard system at the bumper turret nozzle...permanently extinguish a fire. The onboard CAF system is capable of 300 gpm delivery of foam at approximately 165 psi out of the bumper turret, and a...hand line flowing 45 gpm at approximately 165 psi also. The dry chemical system is designed to flow approximately 7 pps from the bumper turret, and 5
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
None, None
2009-01-18
Contributors from the Geothermal Technologies Program and the geothermal community highlight the current status and activities of the Program and the development of the global resource of geothermal energy.
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Forecasting daily attendances at an emergency department to aid resource planning
Sun, Yan; Heng, Bee Hoon; Seow, Yian Tay; Seow, Eillyne
2009-01-01
Background Accurate forecasting of emergency department (ED) attendances can be a valuable tool for micro and macro level planning. Methods Data for analysis was the counts of daily patient attendances at the ED of an acute care regional general hospital from July 2005 to Mar 2008. Patients were stratified into three acuity categories; i.e. P1, P2 and P3, with P1 being the most acute and P3 being the least acute. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method was separately applied to each of the three acuity categories and total patient attendances. Independent variables included in the model were public holiday (yes or no), ambient air quality measured by pollution standard index (PSI), daily ambient average temperature and daily relative humidity. The seasonal components of weekly and yearly periodicities in the time series of daily attendances were also studied. Univariate analysis by t-tests and multivariate time series analysis were carried out in SPSS version 15. Results By time series analyses, P1 attendances did not show any weekly or yearly periodicity and was only predicted by ambient air quality of PSI > 50. P2 and total attendances showed weekly periodicities, and were also significantly predicted by public holiday. P3 attendances were significantly correlated with day of the week, month of the year, public holiday, and ambient air quality of PSI > 50. After applying the developed models to validate the forecast, the MAPE of prediction by the models were 16.8%, 6.7%, 8.6% and 4.8% for P1, P2, P3 and total attendances, respectively. The models were able to account for most of the significant autocorrelations present in the data. Conclusion Time series analysis has been shown to provide a useful, readily available tool for predicting emergency department workload that can be used to plan staff roster and resource planning. PMID:19178716
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Multifunctional porous silicon nanoparticles for cancer theranostics.
Wang, Chang-Fang; Sarparanta, Mirkka P; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Hyvönen, Maija L K; Laakkonen, Pirjo M; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Airaksinen, Anu J; Santos, Hélder A
2015-04-01
Nanomaterials provide a unique platform for the development of theranostic systems that combine diagnostic imaging modalities with a therapeutic payload in a single probe. In this work, dual-labeled iRGD-modified multifunctional porous silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) were prepared from dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO) modified PSi NPs by strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) click chemistry. Hydrophobic antiangiogenic drug, sorafenib, was loaded into the modified PSi NPs to enhance the drug dissolution rate and improve cancer therapy. Radiolabeling of the developed system with (111)In enabled the monitoring of the in vivo biodistribution of the nanocarrier by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in an ectopic PC3-MM2 mouse xenograft model. Fluorescent labeling with Alexa Fluor 488 was used to determine the long-term biodistribution of the nanocarrier by immunofluorescence at the tissue level ex vivo. Modification of the PSi NPs with an iRGD peptide enhanced the tumor uptake of the NPs when administered intravenously. After intratumoral delivery the NPs were retained in the tumor, resulting in efficient tumor growth suppression with particle-loaded sorafenib compared to the free drug. The presented multifunctional PSi NPs highlight the utility of constructing a theranostic nanosystems for simultaneous investigations of the in vivo behavior of the nanocarriers and their drug delivery efficiency, facilitating the selection of the most promising materials for further NP development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Zhou, H; Peng, J; Wang, D; Kou, L; Chen, F; Ye, M; Deng, Y; Yan, J; Liao, S
2017-03-01
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Studies show that psychological capital (PsyCap) is a protective factor against psychological distress, such as depressive symptoms. However, few have attempted to address the role of coping styles in the relationship between PsyCap and psychological distress. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Our study found moderate levels of PsyCap among nurses in China. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Psychological distress was positively associated with negative coping and negatively associated with positive coping. This study confirmed the partial mediating effect of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. In other words, this study found direct and indirect effects of PsyCap on psychological distress mediated via coping styles. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The significant mediating effect of negative and positive coping styles between PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, and alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be emphasized in PsyCap investment. Different styles of coping are influenced and modified by teaching and experience. Therefore, it is essential that nurse managers organize educational and training programmes to provide nurses with relative coping knowledge and techniques, and improve their coping ability. Several studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress. Introduction PsyCap includes four categories namely self-efficacy, hope, optimism and resilience. Research has demonstrated that PsyCap and coping styles affect current psychological distress. Nevertheless, few studies have explored the role of coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress. Aim This study investigated the role of coping styles as a mediator in PsyCap and psychological distress among Chinese nurses. Methods Participants included 538 nurses who completed self-report questionnaires assessing PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress. Linear regression analyses were used to explore the role of coping styles. Results PsyCap, coping styles and psychological distress were significantly correlated. Among the subcategories of PsyCap, optimism and hope were most highly correlated with psychological distress. Coping styles is a partial mediator of PsyCap and psychological distress. Implications for mental health nursing The significant role of negative and positive coping styles in PsyCap and psychological distress has implications for hospital administrators, especially nurse leaders. Effective strategies should be implemented to improve PsyCap and coping styles among Chinese nurses, to alleviate psychological distress. Optimism and hope should be the focus of the improvement. Different styles of coping are developed from education and experience. Therefore, it is necessary for nurse managers to organize educational and training programmes to improve coping skills among nurses. Studies suggest that coping styles are affected by social support. Thus, nurse managers should also assist nurses with social support and enhance coping strategies to reduce psychological distress. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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ORNLs Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program FY 2008 Annual Report
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
None, None
2009-03-01
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program reports its status to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in March of each year. The program operates under the authority of DOE Order 413.2B, “Laboratory Directed Research and Development” (April 19, 2006), which establishes DOE’s requirements for the program while providing the Laboratory Director broad flexibility for program implementation. LDRD funds are obtained through a charge to all Laboratory programs. This report includes summaries all ORNL LDRD research activities supported during FY 2008. The associated FY 2008 ORNL LDRD Self-Assessment (ORNL/PPA-2008/2) provides financial data and anmore » internal evaluation of the program’s management process.« less
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Moghavem, Nuriel; McDonald, Kathryn; Ratliff, John K; Hernandez-Boussard, Tina
2016-04-01
Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) are administratively coded identifiers of potentially preventable adverse events. These indicators are used for multiple purposes, including benchmarking and quality improvement efforts. Baseline PSI evaluation in high-risk surgeries is fundamental to both purposes. Determine PSI rates and their impact on other outcomes in patients undergoing cranial neurosurgery compared with other surgeries. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) PSI software was used to flag adverse events and determine risk-adjusted rates (RAR). Regression models were built to assess the association between PSIs and important patient outcomes. We identified cranial neurosurgeries based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes in California, Florida, New York, Arkansas, and Mississippi State Inpatient Databases, AHRQ, 2010-2011. PSI development, 30-day all-cause readmission, length of stay, hospital costs, and inpatient mortality. A total of 48,424 neurosurgical patients were identified. Procedure indication was strongly associated with PSI development. The neurosurgical population had significantly higher RAR of most PSIs evaluated compared with other surgical patients. Development of a PSI was strongly associated with increased length of stay and hospital cost and, in certain PSIs, increased inpatient mortality and 30-day readmission. In this population-based study, certain accountability measures proposed for use as value-based payment modifiers show higher RAR in neurosurgery patients compared with other surgical patients and were subsequently associated with poor outcomes. Our results indicate that for quality improvement efforts, the current AHRQ risk-adjustment models should be viewed in clinically meaningful stratified subgroups: for profiling and pay-for-performance applications, additional factors should be included in the risk-adjustment models. Further evaluation of PSIs in additional high-risk surgeries is needed to better inform the use of these metrics.
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Detection of nerve agent stimulants based on photoluminescent porous silicon interferometer
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kim, Seongwoong; Cho, Bomin; Sohn, Honglae
2012-09-01
Porous silicon (PSi) exhibiting dual optical properties, both Fabry-Pérot fringe and photolumincence, was developed and used as chemical sensors. PSi samples were prepared by an electrochemical etch of p-type silicon under the illumination of 300-W tungsten lamp during the etch process. The surface of PSi was characterized by cold field-emission scanning electron microscope. PSi samples exhibited a strong visible orange photoluminescence at 610 nm with an excitation wavelength of 460 nm as well as Fabry-Pérot fringe with a tungsten light source. Both reflectivity and photoluminescence were simultaneously measured under the exposure of organophosphate vapors. An increase of optical thickness and quenching photoluminescences under the exposure of various organophosphate vapors were observed.
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psiTurk: An open-source framework for conducting replicable behavioral experiments online.
Gureckis, Todd M; Martin, Jay; McDonnell, John; Rich, Alexander S; Markant, Doug; Coenen, Anna; Halpern, David; Hamrick, Jessica B; Chan, Patricia
2016-09-01
Online data collection has begun to revolutionize the behavioral sciences. However, conducting carefully controlled behavioral experiments online introduces a number of new of technical and scientific challenges. The project described in this paper, psiTurk, is an open-source platform which helps researchers develop experiment designs which can be conducted over the Internet. The tool primarily interfaces with Amazon's Mechanical Turk, a popular crowd-sourcing labor market. This paper describes the basic architecture of the system and introduces new users to the overall goals. psiTurk aims to reduce the technical hurdles for researchers developing online experiments while improving the transparency and collaborative nature of the behavioral sciences.
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Alternative Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Clarification of Ethanol
Center: Status Update: Clarification of Ethanol Certification Limits for Legacy Equipment (December 2008 ) on Facebook Tweet about Alternative Fuels Data Center: Status Update: Clarification of Ethanol : Status Update: Clarification of Ethanol Certification Limits for Legacy Equipment (December 2008) on
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Rodríguez-Suárez, Cristina; Atienza, Sergio G.; Pistón, Fernando
2011-01-01
Background The wild barley Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schult. is a valuable source of genes for increasing carotenoid content in wheat. Tritordeums, the amphiploids derived from durum or common wheat and H. chilense, systematically show higher values of yellow pigment colour and carotenoid content than durum wheat. Phytoene synthase 1 gene (Psy1) is considered a key step limiting the carotenoid biosynthesis, and the correlation of Psy1 transcripts accumulation and endosperm carotenoid content has been demonstrated in the main grass species. Methodology/Principal findings We analyze the variability of Psy1 alleles in three lines of H. chilense (H1, H7 and H16) representing the three ecotypes described in this species. Moreover, we analyze Psy1 expression in leaves and in two seed developing stages of H1 and H7, showing mRNA accumulation patterns similar to those of wheat. Finally, we identify thirty-six different transcripts forms originated by alternative splicing of the 5′ UTR and/or exons 1 to 5 of Psy1 gene. Transcripts function is tested in a heterologous complementation assay, revealing that from the sixteen different predicted proteins only four types (those of 432, 370, 364 and 271 amino acids), are functional in the bacterial system. Conclusions/Significance The large number of transcripts originated by alternative splicing of Psy1, and the coexistence of functional and non functional forms, suggest a fine regulation of PSY activity in H. chilense. This work is the first analysis of H. chilense Psy1 gene and the results reported here are the bases for its potential use in carotenoid enhancement in durum wheat. PMID:21603624
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Evaluation of the SEDline to improve the safety and efficiency of conscious sedation
Caputo, Thomas D.; Rossmann, Jeffrey A.; Beach, M. Miles; Griffiths, Garth R.; Meyrat, Benjamin; Barnes, James B.; Kerns, David G.; Crump, Brad; Bookatz, Barnett; Ezzo, Paul
2011-01-01
Brain function monitors have improved safety and efficiency in general anesthesia; however, they have not been adequately tested for guiding conscious sedation for periodontal surgical procedures. This study evaluated the patient state index (PSI) obtained from the SEDline monitor (Sedline Inc., San Diego, CA) to determine its capacity to improve the safety and efficiency of intravenous conscious sedation during outpatient periodontal surgery. Twenty-one patients at the periodontics clinic of Baylor College of Dentistry were admitted to the study in 2009 and sedated to a moderate level using midazolam and fentanyl during periodontal surgery. The PSI monitoring was blinded from the clinician, and the following data were collected: vital signs, Ramsay sedation scale (RSS), medications administered, adverse events, PSI, electroencephalography, and the patients' perspective through visual analogue scales. The data were correlated to evaluate the PSI's ability to assess the level of sedation. Results showed that the RSS and PSI did not correlate (r = −0.25) unless high values associated with electromyographical (EMG) activity were corrected (r = −0.47). Oxygen desaturation did not correlate with the PSI (r = −0.08). Satisfaction (r = −0.57) and amnesia (r = −0.55) both increased as the average PSI decreased. In conclusion, within the limits of this study, PSI appears to correlate with amnesia, allowing a practitioner to titrate medications to that effect. It did not provide advance warning of adverse events and had inherent inaccuracies due to EMG activity during oral surgery. The PSI has the potential to increase safety and efficiency in conscious sedation but requires further development to eliminate EMG activity from confounding the score. PMID:21738291
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PSI Model Curriculum for Office Careers.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Professional Secretaries International, Kansas City, MO.
The PSI [Professional Secretaries International] Model Curriculum for Office Careers provides a framework for the curriculum revision process, making it easier for schools to update, change, expand, or revise their office programs. Through a series of suggested courses, this curriculum develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes office…
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Cuddy, John S; Buller, Mark; Hailes, Walter S; Ruby, Brent C
2013-07-01
To evaluate the previously developed physiological strain index (PSI) model using heart rate and skin temperature to provide further insight into the detection and estimation of thermal and physiological heat strain indices. A secondary aim was to characterize individuals who excel in their performance in the heat. 56 male participants completed 2 walking trials (3.5 miles per hour, 5% grade) in controlled environments of 43.3 °C and 15.5 °C (40% humidity). Core and skin temperature, along with heart rate and PSI, were continually monitored during exercise. Participants completed a physical fitness test. The logistic regression model exhibited 4 false positives and 1 false negative at the 40% decision boundary. The "Not at Risk" group (N = 33) had higher body weight (84 ± 13 vs. 77 ± 10 kg, respectively) compared to the "At Risk" (N = 23) group, p < 0.05. The "Not at Risk" group had a faster 3-mile run time compared to the "At Risk" group (21:53 ± 3:13 vs. 25:16 ± 2:37, respectively), p < 0.05. During the Heat Trial, the "At Risk" group had a higher rating of perceived exertion at 60 and 90 minutes compared to the "Not at Risk" group (13.5 ± 2.8 vs. 11.5 ± 1.8 and 14.8 ± 3.2 vs. 12.2 ± 2.0 for "At Risk" vs. "Not at Risk" at 60 and 90 minutes, respectively), p < 0.05. The previously developed model relating heart rate and skin temperature to PSI is highly accurate at assessing heat risk status. Participants classified as "At Risk" had lower physical performance scores and different body weights compared to the "Not at Risk" group and perceived themselves as working harder during exercise in the heat. Reprint & Copyright © 2013 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Nelsen, C.E.; Safir, G.R.; Hanson, A.D.
1978-01-01
Leaf water potential (Psi/sub leaf/) determinations were made on excised leaf samples using a commercial dew point hygrometer (Wescor Inc., Logan, Utah) and a thermocouple psychrometer operated in the isopiestic mode. With soybean leaves (Glycine max L.), there was good agreement between instruments; equilibration times were 2 to 3 hours. With cereals (Triticum aestivum L. and Hordeum vulgare L.), agreement between instruments was poor for moderately wilted leaves when 7-mm-diameter punches were used in the hygrometer and 20-mm slices were used in the psychrometer, because the Psi/sub leaf/ values from the dew point hygrometer were too high. Agreement was improvedmore » by replacing the 7-mm punch samples in the hygrometer by 13-mm slices, which had a lower cut edge to volume ratio. Equilibration times for cereals were normally 6 to 8 hours. Spuriously high Psi/sub leaf/ values obtained with 7-mm leaf punches may be associated with the ion release and reabsorption that occur upon tissue excision; such errors evidently depend both on the species and on tissue water status.« less
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Correction to storm, Tressoldi, and di Risio (2010).
2015-03-01
Reports an error in "Meta-analysis of free-response studies, 1992-2008: Assessing the noise reduction model in parapsychology" by Lance Storm, Patrizio E. Tressoldi and Lorenzo Di Risio (Psychological Bulletin, 2010[Jul], Vol 136[4], 471-485). In the article, the sentence giving the formula in the second paragraph on p. 479 was stated incorrectly. The corrected sentence is included. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2010-12718-001.) [Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 136(5) of Psychological Bulletin (see record 2010-17510-009). In the article, the second to last sentence of the abstract (p. 471) was stated incorrectly. The sentence should read as follows: "The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database was significantly higher than the mean effect size of the standard free-response database but was not higher than the effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction database."] We report the results of meta-analyses on 3 types of free-response study: (a) ganzfeld (a technique that enhances a communication anomaly referred to as "psi"); (b) nonganzfeld noise reduction using alleged psi-enhancing techniques such as dream psi, meditation, relaxation, or hypnosis; and (c) standard free response (nonganzfeld, no noise reduction). For the period 1997-2008, a homogeneous data set of 29 ganzfeld studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.142 (Stouffer Z = 5.48, p = 2.13 × 10-8). A homogeneous nonganzfeld noise reduction data set of 16 studies yielded a mean effect size of 0.110 (Stouffer Z = 3.35, p = 2.08 × 10-4), and a homogeneous data set of 14 standard free-response studies produced a weak negative mean effect size of -0.029 (Stouffer Z = -2.29, p = .989). The mean effect size value of the ganzfeld database were significantly higher than the mean effect size of the nonganzfeld noise reduction and the standard free-response databases. We also found that selected participants (believers in the paranormal, meditators, etc.) had a performance advantage over unselected participants, but only if they were in the ganzfeld condition. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved.
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PsyToolkit: a software package for programming psychological experiments using Linux.
Stoet, Gijsbert
2010-11-01
PsyToolkit is a set of software tools for programming psychological experiments on Linux computers. Given that PsyToolkit is freely available under the Gnu Public License, open source, and designed such that it can easily be modified and extended for individual needs, it is suitable not only for technically oriented Linux users, but also for students, researchers on small budgets, and universities in developing countries. The software includes a high-level scripting language, a library for the programming language C, and a questionnaire presenter. The software easily integrates with other open source tools, such as the statistical software package R. PsyToolkit is designed to work with external hardware (including IoLab and Cedrus response keyboards and two common digital input/output boards) and to support millisecond timing precision. Four in-depth examples explain the basic functionality of PsyToolkit. Example 1 demonstrates a stimulus-response compatibility experiment. Example 2 demonstrates a novel mouse-controlled visual search experiment. Example 3 shows how to control light emitting diodes using PsyToolkit, and Example 4 shows how to build a light-detection sensor. The last two examples explain the electronic hardware setup such that they can even be used with other software packages.
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Generic FPGA-Based Platform for Distributed IO in Proton Therapy Patient Safety Interlock System
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Eichin, Michael; Carmona, Pablo Fernandez; Johansen, Ernst; Grossmann, Martin; Mayor, Alexandre; Erhardt, Daniel; Gomperts, Alexander; Regele, Harald; Bula, Christian; Sidler, Christof
2017-06-01
At the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland, cancer patients are treated with protons. Proton therapy at PSI has a long history and started in the 1980s. More than 30 years later, a new gantry has recently been installed in the existing facility. This new machine has been delivered by an industry partner. A big challenge is the integration of the vendor's safety system into the existing PSI environment. Different interface standards and the complexity of the system made it necessary to find a technical solution connecting an industry system to the existing PSI infrastructure. A novel very flexible distributed IO system based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology was developed, supporting many different IO interface standards and high-speed communication links connecting the device to a PSI standard versa module eurocard-bus input output controller. This paper summarizes the features of the hardware technology, the FPGA framework with its high-speed communication link protocol, and presents our first measurement results.
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Wang, Xiaoxi; Liu, Li; Zou, Futing; Hao, Junhui; Wu, Hui
2017-01-01
This study aimed to explore the associations of occupational stressors (extrinsic effort, reward, and overcommitment), perceived organizational support (POS), and psychological capital (PsyCap) and its components (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) with work engagement and the mediating roles of PsyCap and its components among Chinese female nurses within the framework of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. A cross-sectional sample (1,330) completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale, Survey of POS, and PsyCap Questionnaire, and effective respondents were 1,016 (76.4%). Hierarchical regression analysis and Preacher and Hayes' asymptotic and resampling strategies were used. Extrinsic effort was negatively associated with vigor, dedication, and absorption, while POS, PsyCap, and hope were positively associated with them. Reward and overcommitment were positively associated with dedication and absorption. Optimism was positively associated with vigor and dedication. Optimism mediated the associations of extrinsic effort, reward, and POS with vigor and dedication. PsyCap and hope mediated the associations of POS with vigor, dedication, and absorption. There is a low level of work engagement among Chinese female nurses. Extrinsic effort could reduce work engagement, while reward, overcommitment, POS, PsyCap, hope, and optimism could enhance work engagement. Hospital managers should develop the PsyCap of female nurses through controlling occupational stressors and establishing supportive organizational climate to enhance their work engagement.
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Wang, Xiaoxi; Zou, Futing; Hao, Junhui
2017-01-01
This study aimed to explore the associations of occupational stressors (extrinsic effort, reward, and overcommitment), perceived organizational support (POS), and psychological capital (PsyCap) and its components (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) with work engagement and the mediating roles of PsyCap and its components among Chinese female nurses within the framework of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. A cross-sectional sample (1,330) completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale, Survey of POS, and PsyCap Questionnaire, and effective respondents were 1,016 (76.4%). Hierarchical regression analysis and Preacher and Hayes' asymptotic and resampling strategies were used. Extrinsic effort was negatively associated with vigor, dedication, and absorption, while POS, PsyCap, and hope were positively associated with them. Reward and overcommitment were positively associated with dedication and absorption. Optimism was positively associated with vigor and dedication. Optimism mediated the associations of extrinsic effort, reward, and POS with vigor and dedication. PsyCap and hope mediated the associations of POS with vigor, dedication, and absorption. There is a low level of work engagement among Chinese female nurses. Extrinsic effort could reduce work engagement, while reward, overcommitment, POS, PsyCap, hope, and optimism could enhance work engagement. Hospital managers should develop the PsyCap of female nurses through controlling occupational stressors and establishing supportive organizational climate to enhance their work engagement. PMID:28168198
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Rapid analysis of drug dissolution by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry.
Liu, Yang; Liu, Ning; Zhou, Ya-Nan; Lin, Lan; He, Lan
2017-03-20
With a great quantity of solid dosage tested by dissolution technology, developing a rapid and sensitive method to access the content of drug within dissolution media is highly desired by analysts and scientists. Traditionally, dissolution media is not compatible with mass spectrometry since the inorganic salts in the media might damage the mass spectrometer. Here, paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI-MS), one of the ambient mass spectrometry technologies, is developed to characterize the content of drugs in dissolution media. The porous structure of paper can effectively retain salts from entering mass spectrometer. This makes the measurement of drug content within dissolution media by mass spectrometer possible. After the experimental parameters were optimized, calibration curves of model drugs - enalapril, quinapril and benazepril were established by using corresponding deuterated internal standards. PSI-MS was then deployed to characterize the content of enalapril from the dissolution testing of enalapril tablets. The results from PSI-MS are comparable to those from HPLC characterization. More importantly, the analysis time of 6 samples is shortened from 90min to 6min. Detection limit of enalapril maleate tablets by PSI-MS is 1/300 of LC. PSI-MS is rapid, sensitive and accurate in analyzing drug content from dissolution tests. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Sadeghi, Mozhgan; Hemmati, Salar; Hamishehkar, Hamed
2016-01-01
Disintegrants are the key excipients administered in tablet formulations to boost the decomposition of the tablet into smaller pieces in the gastrointestinal environment, thereby increasing the available surface area and enhancing a more rapid release of the active ingredient. Polysuccinimide (PSI), a biodegradable polymer synthesized from aspartic acid, was reacted with starch and fully assessed by CHN, (1)H-NMR, and FTIR. PSI-grafted starch (PSI-St) was synthesized and applied as a disintegrant in the formulation of a rapidly disintegrating tablet of Ondansetron, a nausea and vomiting medicine. The tablet formulated with the newly developed superdisintegrant was evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution rate, and the results were compared with tablets formulated with an identical composition of test formulation differing only in type of disintegrant. Tablets prepared with starch and tablets prepared with sodium starch glycolate (SSG) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Dissolution study results indicated that although the onset of disintegration action was faster for SSG than PSI-St, higher amounts of drug were released from tablets formulated from PSI-St than from those formulated from SSG during 10 min. It was concluded that the novel synthesized superdisintegrant has an appropriate potential for the application in the formulation of fast dissolving tablets.
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Sadeghi, Mozhgan; Hemmati, Salar; Hamishehkar, Hamed
2016-05-01
Disintegrants are the key excipients administered in tablet formulations to boost the decomposition of the tablet into smaller pieces in the gastrointestinal environment, thereby increasing the available surface area and enhancing a more rapid release of the active ingredient. Polysuccinimide (PSI), a biodegradable polymer synthesized from aspartic acid, was reacted with starch and fully assessed by CHN, 1 H-NMR, and FTIR. PSI-grafted starch (PSI-St) was synthesized and applied as a disintegrant in the formulation of a rapidly disintegrating tablet of Ondansetron, a nausea and vomiting medicine. The tablet formulated with the newly developed superdisintegrant was evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, and dissolution rate, and the results were compared with tablets formulated with an identical composition of test formulation differing only in type of disintegrant. Tablets prepared with starch and tablets prepared with sodium starch glycolate (SSG) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. Dissolution study results indicated that although the onset of disintegration action was faster for SSG than PSI-St, higher amounts of drug were released from tablets formulated from PSI-St than from those formulated from SSG during 10 min. It was concluded that the novel synthesized superdisintegrant has an appropriate potential for the application in the formulation of fast dissolving tablets.
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Kumeria, Tushar; McInnes, Steven J P; Maher, Shaheer; Santos, Abel
2017-12-01
Porous silicon (pSi) engineered by electrochemical etching has been used as a drug delivery vehicle to address the intrinsic limitations of traditional therapeutics. Biodegradability, biocompatibility, and optoelectronic properties make pSi a unique candidate for developing biomaterials for theranostics and photodynamic therapies. This review presents an updated overview about the recent therapeutic systems based on pSi, with a critical analysis on the problems and opportunities that this technology faces as well as highlighting pSi's growing potential. Areas covered: Recent progress in pSi-based research includes drug delivery systems, including biocompatibility studies, drug delivery, theranostics, and clinical trials with the most relevant examples of pSi-based systems presented here. A critical analysis about the technical advantages and disadvantages of these systems is provided along with an assessment on the challenges that this technology faces, including clinical trials and investors' support. Expert opinion: pSi is an outstanding material that could improve existing drug delivery and photodynamic therapies in different areas, paving the way for developing advanced theranostic nanomedicines and incorporating payloads of therapeutics with imaging capabilities. However, more extensive in-vivo studies are needed to assess the feasibility and reliability of this technology for clinical practice. The technical and commercial challenges that this technology face are still uncertain.
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The experimental evidence for parapsychological phenomena: A review.
Cardeña, Etzel
2018-05-24
This article presents a comprehensive integration of current experimental evidence and theories about so-called parapsychological (psi) phenomena. Throughout history, people have reported events that seem to violate the common sense view of space and time. Some psychologists have been at the forefront of investigating these phenomena with sophisticated research protocols and theory, while others have devoted much of their careers to criticizing the field. Both stances can be explained by psychologists' expertise on relevant processes such as perception, memory, belief, and conscious and nonconscious processes. This article clarifies the domain of psi, summarizes recent theories from physics and psychology that present psi phenomena as at least plausible, and then provides an overview of recent/updated meta-analyses. The evidence provides cumulative support for the reality of psi, which cannot be readily explained away by the quality of the studies, fraud, selective reporting, experimental or analytical incompetence, or other frequent criticisms. The evidence for psi is comparable to that for established phenomena in psychology and other disciplines, although there is no consensual understanding of them. The article concludes with recommendations for further progress in the field including the use of project and data repositories, conducting multidisciplinary studies with enough power, developing further nonconscious measures of psi and falsifiable theories, analyzing the characteristics of successful sessions and participants, improving the ecological validity of studies, testing how to increase effect sizes, recruiting more researchers at least open to the possibility of psi, and situating psi phenomena within larger domains such as the study of consciousness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
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Estimation of osmotic parameters accompanying zeatin-induced growth of detached cucumber cotyledons.
Rayle, D L; Ross, C W; Robinson, N
1982-12-01
Water potential (psi), the osmotic potential (psi(pi)), and the pressure potential (psi(p)) of detached cotyledons isolated from Cucumis sativus L. cv Marketer seedlings after 0, 1.5, and 3 days growth with and without zeatin were determined. From zero time to 3 days, cotyledons incubated without exogenous zeatin exhibited a slight decrease in psi (from -0.4 to -1.0 bars), while those grown with zeatin developed even more negative values (about -4 bars). Both groups showed rising psi(pi) values (decreases in solutes per unit volume), but this rise was more dramatic in those treated with zeatin. These data indicate that the capacity of zeatin-treated cotyledons to take up water more rapidly than controls and thus expand faster must be due to wall loosening, as reflected in psi(p) values which declined during 3 days from about +11 bars to about +1.4 bars.It was also found that freshly detached cotyledons or those grown without exogenous zeatin exhibited osmoregulation in polyethylene glycol (PEG) solutions. That is, while cotyledons initially lost H(2)O into certain PEG solutions, their psi values decreased over time and they began absorbing water after 1 to 4 hours. After 3 days growth, zeatin-treated cotyledons had lost most of this capacity of osmoregulate. It seems likely that osmoregulation in cotyledons not treated with zeatin is due to wall loosening rather than changes in psi(pi). Zeatin-treated cotyledons with already loosened walls may not have this option to deal with water stress and thus simply come to equilibrium with external PEG solutions.
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Ways of problem solving as predictors of relapse in alcohol dependent male inpatients.
Demirbas, Hatice; Ilhan, Inci Ozgur; Dogan, Yildirim Beyatli
2012-01-01
The purpose of this study was to identify how remitters and relapsers view their everyday problem solving strategies. A total of 128 male alcohol dependent male inpatients who were hospitalized at the Ankara University Psychiatry Clinic, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Unit were recruited for the study. Subjects demographic status and alcohol use histories were assessed by a self-report questionnaire. Also, patients were evaluated with The Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory (CSI), The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-I-II), and The Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). Patients were followed for six months with monthly intervals after hospital discharge. Drinking status was assessed in terms of abstinence and relapse. Data were assessed with Student t-test, and univariate and multivariate analyses. In the logistic regression analysis, age, marital status, employment status and PSI subscores were taken as the independent variables and drinking state at the end of six months as the dependent variable. There were significant differences in reflective and avoidant styles, and monitoring style of problem solving between abstainers and relapses. It was found that subjects who perceived their problem solving style as less avoidant and less reflective were at greater risk to relapse. The findings demonstrated that active engagement in problem solving like utilizing avoidant and reflective styles of problem solving enhances abstinence. In treatment, expanding the behavior repertoire and increasing the variety of ways of problem solving ways that can be utilized in daily life should be one of the major goals of the treatment program. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Korpa, Terpsichori; Pervanidou, Panagiota; Angeli, Eleni; Apostolakou, Filia; Papanikolaou, Katerina; Papassotiriou, Ioannis; Chrousos, George P; Kolaitis, Gerasimos
2017-03-01
The aim of this study was to explore the relation between mothers' parenting stress and the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), as expressed by daily salivary cortisol concentrations, in their children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Seventy-five children aged 6-11 years diagnosed with ADHD predominant hyperactive-impulsive/combined (ADHD-HI/C, N = 49) and inattentive symptoms (ADHD-I, N = 26) and 45 healthy peers and their mothers participated in the study. Μothers completed measures assessing their children's ADHD status, perceived parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index - Short Form, PSI-SF), mothers' symptoms of psychopathology, social support and socioeconomic status. Children's salivary cortisol samples were collected at six different time points on a single day. Mothers of children with ADHD-HI/C reported higher levels of parenting stress than mothers of children with ADHD-I and controls. All PSI-SF subscales showed significant associations with children's cortisol awakening response (CAR) in both ADHD groups, with the exception of the parental distress subscale in the ADHD-I group. In both ADHD groups, the parent-child dysfunctional interaction subscale, the difficult child subscale and the PSI total score were significantly associated with children's CAR. An interrelation is revealed between mothers' high levels of parenting stress and HPAA functioning in children with ADHD. In this population, CAR has been identified as a sensitive peripheral measure of HPAA functioning in children. Lay summaryThis study showed that in families of children diagnosed with ADHD, there is a complex relation between the mothers' high levels of parenting stress and children's atypical hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning.
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Sánchez-Blanco, Ma Jesús; Ferrández, Trinitario; Morales, Ma Angeles; Morte, Asunción; Alarcón, Juan José
2004-06-01
The influence of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus deserticola on the water relations, gas exchange parameters, and vegetative growth of Rosmarinus officinalis plants under water stress was studied. Plants were grown with and without the mycorrhizal fungus under glasshouse conditions and subjected to water stress by withholding irrigation water for 14 days. Along the experimental period, a significant effect of the fungus on the plant growth was observed, and under water stress, mycorrhizal plants showed an increase in aerial and root biomass compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. The decrease in the soil water potential generated a decrease in leaf water potential (psi(l)) and stem water potential (psi(x)) of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants, with this decrease being lower in mycorrhizal water-stressed plants. Mycorrhization also had positive effects on the root hydraulic conductivity (Lp) of water stressed plants. Furthermore, mycorrhizal-stressed plants showed a more important decrease in osmotic potential at full turgor (psi(os)) than did non-mycorrhizal-stressed plants, indicating the capacity of osmotic adjustment. Mycorrhizal infection also improved photosynthetic activity (Pn) and stomatal conductance (g(s)) in plants under water stress compared to the non-mycorrhizal-stressed plants. A similar behaviour was observed in the photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) with this parameter being lower in non-mycorrhizal plants than in mycorrhizal plants under water stress conditions. In the same way, under water restriction, mycorrhizal plants showed higher values of chlorophyll content than did non-mycorrhizal plants. Thus, the results obtained indicated that the mycorrhizal symbiosis had a beneficial effect on the water status and growth of Rosmarinus officinalis plants under water-stress conditions.
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Use of thermal and visible imagery for estimating crop water status of irrigated grapevine.
Möller, M; Alchanatis, V; Cohen, Y; Meron, M; Tsipris, J; Naor, A; Ostrovsky, V; Sprintsin, M; Cohen, S
2007-01-01
Achieving high quality wine grapes depends on the ability to maintain mild to moderate levels of water stress in the crop during the growing season. This study investigates the use of thermal imaging for monitoring water stress. Experiments were conducted on a wine-grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot) vineyard in northern Israel. Irrigation treatments included mild, moderate, and severe stress. Thermal and visible (RGB) images of the crop were taken on four days at midday with a FLIR thermal imaging system and a digital camera, respectively, both mounted on a truck-crane 15 m above the canopy. Aluminium crosses were used to match visible and thermal images in post-processing and an artificial wet surface was used to estimate the reference wet temperature (T(wet)). Monitored crop parameters included stem water potential (Psi(stem)), leaf conductance (g(L)), and leaf area index (LAI). Meteorological parameters were measured at 2 m height. CWSI was highly correlated with g(L) and moderately correlated with Psi(stem). The CWSI-g(L) relationship was very stable throughout the season, but for that of CWSI-Psi(stem) both intercept and slope varied considerably. The latter presumably reflects the non-direct nature of the physiological relationship between CWSI and Psi(stem). The highest R(2) for the CWSI to g(L) relationship, 0.91 (n=12), was obtained when CWSI was computed using temperatures from the centre of the canopy, T(wet) from the artificial wet surface, and reference dry temperature from air temperature plus 5 degrees C. Using T(wet) calculated from the inverted Penman-Monteith equation and estimated from an artificially wetted part of the canopy also yielded crop water-stress estimates highly correlated with g(L) (R(2)=0.89 and 0.82, respectively), while a crop water-stress index using 'theoretical' reference temperatures computed from climate data showed significant deviations in the late season. Parameter variability and robustness of the different CWSI estimates are discussed. Future research should aim at developing thermal imaging into an irrigation scheduling tool applicable to different crops.
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Vivekananda-Schmidt, Pirashanthie; Crossley, James; Murdoch-Eaton, Deborah
2015-04-29
Professional self-identity [PSI] can be defined as the degree to which an individual identifies with his or her professional group. Several authors have called for a better understanding of the processes by which healthcare students develop their professional identities, and suggested helpful theoretical frameworks borrowed from the social science and psychology literature. However to our knowledge, there has been little empirical work examining these processes in actual healthcare students, and we are aware of no data driven description of PSI development in healthcare students. Here, we report a data driven model of PSI formation in healthcare students. We interviewed 17 student doctors and dentists who had indicated, on a tracking questionnaire, the most substantial changes in their PSI. We analysed their perceptions of the experiences that had influenced their PSI, to develop a descriptive model. Both the primary coder and the secondary coder considered the data without reference to the existing literature; i.e. we used a bottom up approach rather than a top down approach. The results indicate that two overlapping frames of reference affect PSI formation: the students' self-perception and their perception of the professional role. They are 'learning' both; neither is static. Underpinning those two learning processes, the following key mechanisms operated: [1] When students are allowed to participate in the professional role they learn by trying out their knowledge and skill in the real world and finding out to what extent they work, and by trying to visualise themselves in the role. [2] When others acknowledge students as quasi-professionals they experience transference and may respond with counter-transference by changing to meet expectations or fulfil a prototype. [3] Students may also dry-run their professional role (i.e., independent practice of professional activities) in a safe setting when invited. Students' experiences, and their perceptions of those experiences, can be evaluated through a simple model that describes and organises the influences and mechanisms affecting PSI. This empirical model is discussed in the light of prevalent frameworks from the social science and psychology literature.
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White matter integrity and processing speed in sickle cell anemia.
Stotesbury, Hanne; Kirkham, Fenella J; Kölbel, Melanie; Balfour, Philippa; Clayden, Jonathan D; Sahota, Sati; Sakaria, Simrat; Saunders, Dawn E; Howard, Jo; Kesse-Adu, Rachel; Inusa, Baba; Pelidis, Maria; Chakravorty, Subarna; Rees, David C; Awogbade, Moji; Wilkey, Olu; Layton, Mark; Clark, Christopher A; Kawadler, Jamie M
2018-05-11
The purpose of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to investigate whether changes in white matter integrity are related to slower processing speed in sickle cell anemia. Thirty-seven patients with silent cerebral infarction, 46 patients with normal MRI, and 32 sibling controls (age range 8-37 years) underwent cognitive assessment using the Wechsler scales and 3-tesla MRI. Tract-based spatial statistics analyses of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) parameters were performed. Processing speed index (PSI) was lower in patients than controls by 9.34 points (95% confidence interval: 4.635-14.855, p = 0.0003). Full Scale IQ was lower by 4.14 scaled points (95% confidence interval: -1.066 to 9.551, p = 0.1), but this difference was abolished when PSI was included as a covariate ( p = 0.18). There were no differences in cognition between patients with and without silent cerebral infarction, and both groups had lower PSI than controls (both p < 0.001). In patients, arterial oxygen content, socioeconomic status, age, and male sex were identified as predictors of PSI, and correlations were found between PSI and DTI scalars (fractional anisotropy r = 0.614, p < 0.00001; r = -0.457, p < 0.00001; mean diffusivity r = -0.341, p = 0.0016; radial diffusivity r = -0.457, p < 0.00001) and NODDI parameters (intracellular volume fraction r = 0.364, p = 0.0007) in widespread regions. Our results extend previous reports of impairment that is independent of presence of infarction and may worsen with age. We identify processing speed as a vulnerable domain, with deficits potentially mediating difficulties across other domains, and provide evidence that reduced processing speed is related to the integrity of normal-appearing white matter using microstructure parameters from DTI and NODDI. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Weening, R. H.
2012-06-15
In order to model the effects of small-scale current-driven magnetic fluctuations in a mean-field theoretical description of a large-scale plasma magnetic field B(x,t), a space and time dependent hyper-resistivity {Lambda}(x,t) can be incorporated into the Ohm's law for the parallel electric field E Dot-Operator B. Using Boozer coordinates, a theoretical method is presented that allows for a determination of the hyper-resistivity {Lambda}({psi}) functional dependence on the toroidal magnetic flux {psi} for arbitrary experimental steady-state Grad-Shafranov axisymmetric plasma equilibria, if values are given for the parallel plasma resistivity {eta}({psi}) and the local distribution of any auxiliary plasma current. Heat transport inmore » regions of plasma magnetic surfaces destroyed by resistive tearing modes can then be modeled by an electron thermal conductivity k{sub e}({psi})=({epsilon}{sub 0}{sup 2}m{sub e}/e{sup 2}){Lambda}({psi}), where e and m{sub e} are the electron charge and mass, respectively, while {epsilon}{sub 0} is the permittivity of free space. An important result obtained for axisymmetric plasma equilibria is that the {psi}{psi}-component of the metric tensor of Boozer coordinates is given by the relation g{sup {psi}{psi}}({psi}){identical_to}{nabla}{psi} Dot-Operator {nabla}{psi}=[{mu}{sub 0}G({psi})][{mu}{sub 0}I({psi})]/{iota}({psi}), with {mu}{sub 0} the permeability of free space, G({psi}) the poloidal current outside a magnetic surface, I({psi}) the toroidal current inside a magnetic surface, and {iota}({psi}) the rotational transform.« less
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Parenting stress and development of late preterm infants at 4 months corrected age.
Mughal, Muhammad K; Ginn, Carla S; Magill-Evans, Joyce; Benzies, Karen M
2017-10-01
Parenting stress has been linked to child development issues in early preterm infants, but less is known about its effects on development in infants born late preterm. We examined relationships between parenting stress of 108 mothers and 108 fathers and development of late preterm infants born at 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation. At 4 months corrected age, mothers and fathers completed the Parenting Stress Index (PSI-3); mothers were primary caregivers in almost all families and completed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-2) on child development. Mothers reported significantly more stress than fathers on the PSI-3 Parent Domain. PSI-3 subscale scores from the Child Domain were significant predictors of mother-reported infant development as measured by the ASQ-2 in regression models: Reinforces Parent predicted Gross Motor, Mood predicted Communication, and Acceptability predicted Communication, Fine Motor, Problem Solving, and Personal -Social development scale scores. Experiences of parenting stress differed for mothers and fathers. Further research is required on specific dimensions of parenting stress related to development of late preterm infants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Assessment of Global Psychiatric Categories: The PSI/PSI-2 and the MMPI-2-RF
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lanyon, Richard I.; Thomas, Michael L.
2013-01-01
The 3 Higher Order (HO) scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form and the 3 core clinical scales of the Psychological Screening Inventory/Psychological Screening Inventory-2 were developed to broadly represent the 3 traditional psychiatric categories of mental disorder: major psychiatric disorder…
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Imaging the Photosystem I/Photosystem II chlorophyll ratio inside the leaf.
Wientjes, Emilie; Philippi, John; Borst, Jan Willem; van Amerongen, Herbert
2017-03-01
Oxygenic photosynthesis is driven by photosystems I (PSI) and II (PSII). In plants the number of chlorophylls of PSI versus PSII is adjusted to the light irradiance spectrum. On a timescale of days, this is regulated at the level of protein concentration. Instead, on a timescale of minutes, it is regulated by the dynamic association of light-harvesting complex II with either PSI or PSII. Thus far very diverse values have been reported for the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio, ranging from 0.54 to 1.4. The methods used require the isolation of chloroplasts and are time consuming. We present a fluorescence lifetime imaging approach that quantifies the PSI/PSII Chl ratio of chloroplasts directly in their natural leaf environment. In wild type Arabidopsis thaliana plants, grown under white light, the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio appeared to be 0.99±0.09 at the adaxial side and 0.83±0.05 at the abaxial side of the leaf. When these plants were acclimated to far red light for several days the PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratio decreased by more than a factor of 3 to compensate for the ineffective far red light absorption of PSII. This shows how plants optimize their light-harvesting capacity to the specific light conditions they encounter. Zooming in on single chloroplasts inside the leaf allowed to study the grana/stroma membrane network and their PSI/PSII chlorophyll ratios. The developed method will be useful to study dynamic processes in chloroplasts in intact leaves which involve changes in the grana and the stroma membranes such as state transitions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Social marketing campaign swaps condoms for bottle tops.
1993-01-01
PSI, a non-profit organization based in the United States, uses private sector condom marketing programs to provide condoms to developing countries at low cost to help stem the spread of AIDS. PSI started promoting condoms in the CAR in November 1991. 150,000 Prudence brand condoms were sold in the 1st month. The price for a pack of 4 was far below that charged by private pharmacies. PSI turned to a collaborative venture with Societe Centrafricaine des Boissons (SCB), a local drinks manufacturer. In a joint campaign in April 1992, 4 packs of condoms were exchanged for 5 tops from SCB bottles. At markets and bars promotional items were given away during condom demonstration contests. SCB bought all the condoms from PSI and financed all the publicity. Similar promotion launched the improved Prudence Plus condom in December. Cumulative sales of Prudence and Plus condoms in the CAR now exceed 1 million. Another marketing idea was to commission a textile company called UCATEX to design a fabric based on the Prudence logo. 1600 lengths of cotton cloth were printed and sold. There was also Operation Taxi Bus. PSI's team broadcast twice on the taxi association's weekly radio show about AIDS prevention, the importance of condoms, and the Prudence brand. Then, every morning for a week, PSI promoters put stickers on as many taxis as possible. Every driver agreeing to display a sticker was entitled to receive 2 packets of Prudence for personal use. The 450 taxis with stickers now in a city of 500,000 are an effective promotion network. In order to prevent a gap in supply before PSI receives its long-term funding from a US donor, The World Health Organization recently bought 500,000 Prudence condoms for PSI to distribute.
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Improved alignment and operating room efficiency with patient-specific instrumentation for TKA.
Renson, Luc; Poilvache, Pascal; Van den Wyngaert, Hans
2014-12-01
Achieving accurate alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a concern. Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) produced using preoperative 3D models was developed to offer surgeons a simplified, reliable, efficient and customised TKA procedure. In this prospective study, 60 patients underwent TKA with conventional instrumentation and 71 patients were operated on using PSI. The primary endpoint was surgical time. Secondary endpoints included operating room (OR) time, the number of instrument trays used and postoperative radiographic limb alignment. Compared to conventional instrumentation, PSI significantly reduced total surgical time by 8.9 ± 3.3 min (p=0.038), OR time by 8.6 ± 4.2 min (p=0.043), and the number of instrument trays by six trays (p<0.001). Mechanical axis malalignment of the lower limb of >3° was observed in 13% of PSI patients versus 29% with conventional instrumentation (p=0.043). PSI predicted the size of the femoral and tibial components actually used in 85.9% and 78.9% of cases, respectively. PSI improves alignment, surgical and OR time, reduces the number of instruments trays used compared to conventional instrumentation in patients undergoing TKA and results in fewer outliers in overall mechanical alignment in the coronal plane. Prospective comparative therapeutic study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Abnormal tactile temporal discrimination in psychogenic dystonia.
Morgante, F; Tinazzi, M; Squintani, G; Martino, D; Defazio, G; Romito, L; Albanese, A; Di Matteo, A; Quartarone, A; Girlanda, P; Fiorio, M; Berardelli, A
2011-09-20
Neurophysiologic studies demonstrated that patients with primary torsion dystonia (PTD) and with psychogenic dystonia (Psy-D) share similar abnormalities in the motor system. In this study, we evaluated somatosensory function in Psy-D by testing temporal discrimination threshold (TDT), and compared the results with those obtained in patients with PTD. TDT of tactile stimuli was assessed in 10 patients with Psy-D, 10 patients with PTD, and 16 control subjects. The 2 groups of patients were matched for age, gender, disease duration, and distribution of dystonia. Tactile stimuli consisted of pairs of non-noxious electrical shocks delivered to the right or left hand at interstimulus interval increasing from 0 to 400 msec, in 10-msec steps. TDT was defined as the value at which subjects recognized the 2 stimuli as asynchronous. TDT was higher in Psy-D and PTD compared to control subjects, for both the right and the left hand. In a subgroup of patients with unilateral dystonia (Psy-D = 4, PTD = 5), TDT did not differ between the affected and the unaffected side in both groups of patients. Disease duration was not correlated to the increased TDT value. Our study suggests an impaired processing of somatosensory inputs in both Psy-D and PTD. These abnormalities might represent a neurophysiological trait predisposing to develop a dystonic posture triggered by psychiatric and psychological factors.
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Najjar, Peter; Kachalia, Allen; Sutherland, Tori; Beloff, Jennifer; David-Kasdan, Jo Ann; Bates, David W; Urman, Richard D
2015-01-01
The AHRQ Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) are used for calculation of risk-adjusted postoperative rates for adverse events. The payers and quality consortiums are increasingly requiring public reporting of hospital performance on these metrics. We discuss processes designed to improve the accuracy and clinical utility of PSI reporting in practice. The study was conducted at a 793-bed tertiary care academic medical center where PSI processes have been aggressively implemented to track patient safety events at discharge. A three-phased approach to improving administrative data quality was implemented. The initiative consisted of clinical review of all PSIs, documentation improvement, and provider outreach including active querying for patient safety events. This multidisciplinary effort to develop a streamlined process for PSI calculation reduced the reporting of miscoded PSIs and increased the clinical utility of PSI monitoring. Over 4 quarters, 4 of 41 (10%) PSI-11 and 9 of 138 (7%) PSI-15 errors were identified on review of clinical documentation and appropriate adjustments were made. A multidisciplinary, phased approach leveraging existing billing infrastructure for robust metric coding, ongoing clinical review, and frontline provider outreach is a novel and effective way to reduce the reporting of false-positive outcomes and improve the clinical utility of PSIs.
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Overseas testing of a multisensor landmine detection system: results and lessons learned
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Keranen, Joe G.; Topolosky, Zeke
2009-05-01
The Nemesis detection system has been developed to provide an efficient and reliable unmanned, multi-sensor, groundbased platform to detect and mark landmines. The detection system consists of two detection sensor arrays: a Ground Penetrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (GPSAR) developed by Planning Systems, Inc. (PSI) and an electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor array developed by Minelab Electronics, PTY. Limited. Under direction of the Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD), overseas testing was performed at Kampong Chhnang Test Center (KCTC), Cambodia, from May 12-30, 2008. Test objectives included: evaluation of detection performance, demonstration of real-time visualization and alarm generation, and evaluation of system operational efficiency. Testing was performed on five sensor test lanes, each consisting of a unique soil mixture and three off-road lanes which include curves, overgrowth, potholes, and non-uniform lane geometry. In this paper, we outline the test objectives, procedures, results, and lessons learned from overseas testing. We also describe the current state of the system, and plans for future enhancements and modifications including clutter rejection and feature-level fusion.
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Kaur, Navneet; Pandey, Ashutosh; Shivani; Kumar, Prateek; Pandey, Pankaj; Kesarwani, Atul K.; Mantri, Shrikant S.; Awasthi, Praveen; Tiwari, Siddharth
2017-01-01
Phytoene synthase (PSY) is a key regulatory enzyme of carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in plants. The present study examines the role of PSY in carotenogenesis and stress management in banana. Germplasm screening of 10 Indian cultivars showed that Nendran (3011.94 μg/100 g dry weight) and Rasthali (105.35 μg/100 g dry weight) contained the highest and lowest amounts of β-carotene, respectively in ripe fruit-pulp. Nendran ripe pulp also showed significantly higher antioxidant activity as compared to Rasthali. Meta-analysis of three banana PSY genes (MaPSY1, MaPSY2, and MaPSY3) was performed to identify their structural features, subcellular, and chromosomal localization in banana genome. The distinct expression patterns of MaPSY1, MaPSY2, and MaPSY3 genes were observed in various tissues, and fruit developmental stages of these two contrasting cultivars, suggesting differential regulation of the banana PSY genes. A positive correlation was observed between the expression of MaPSY1 and β-carotene accumulation in the ripe fruit-peel and pulp of Nendran. The presence of stress responsive cis-regulatory motifs in promoter region of MaPSY genes were correlated with the expression pattern during various stress (abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and dark) treatments. The positive modulation of MaPSY1 noticed under abiotic stresses suggested its role in plant physiological functions and defense response. The amino acid sequence analysis of the PSY proteins in contrasting cultivars revealed that all PSY comprises conserved domains related to enzyme activity. Bacterial complementation assay has validated the functional activity of six PSY proteins and among them PSY1 of Nendran (Nen-PSY1) gave the highest activity. These data provide new insights into the regulation of PSY expression in banana by developmental and stress related signals that can be explored in the banana improvement programs. PMID:28421096
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Panda, J.; Maji, Nilay; Nath, T. K.
2017-05-01
The room temperature spin injection and detection in non magnetic p-Si semiconductor have been studied in details in our CoFe2O4 (CFO)/MgO/p-Si heterojunction. The 3-terminal tunnel contacts have been made on the device for transport measurements. The electrical transport properties have been investigated at different isothermal conditions in the temperature range of 10-300 K. The spin accumulation in non magnetic p-Si semiconductor has been observed at different bias current under the applied magnetic field parallel to the film plane in the temperature range of 40-300 K. We have observed a giant spin accumulation in p-Si semiconductor using MgO/CFO tunnel contact. The Hanley effect is used to control the reduction of spin accumulation by applying magnetic field perpendicular to the carrier spin in the p-Si. The accumulated spin signal decays as a function of applied magnetic field for fixed bias current. These results will enable utilization of the spin degree of freedom in complementary Si devices and its further development.
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"He Hasn't Got the Real Toolkit!" Young Children's Reasoning about Real/Not-Real Status
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Bunce, Louise; Harris, Margaret
2013-01-01
During the preschool years, children develop an understanding of 2 types of real/not-real distinctions: ontological status and authenticity (Bunce & Harris, 2008). Two studies compared 3- to 5-year-old children's real/not-real judgments and justifications for 3 types of contrast involving a real entity and either a fictional character, a child…
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Resistance Management Research Status-May 2008
Long-term sustainability of genetically modified corn expressing Bt relies on the validity of assumptions underlying IRM models used by the EPA and the ability of EPA to monitor, detect and react to insect resistance when it develops. The EPA is developing a multi-tiered approac...
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[Total and unicompartmental knee replacement. Patient-specific Instrumentation].
Köster, G; Biró, C
2016-04-01
The objective of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI Zimmer®) technology is to optimize positioning and selection of components as well as surgical procedure in uni- and bicompartimental knee replacement. The article contains a description of the planning and surgical technique and evaluates the method based on own results and literature. Using MRI or CT scans a virtual 3D model of the joint is created in order to simulate and plan the implant positioning. According to these data, pin placement and/or cutting guides are produced, which enable the surgeon to transfer the planning to the surgical procedure. In a prospective comparative study 88 patients (44 per each of the two techniques) were operated by one surgeon receiving the same TKA using either MRI-based PSI or a conventional technique. The number of surgical trays, operating time, intraoperative changes and frontal alignment using a full leg x‑ray (70 cases) were compared. In 17 patients the method was applied with unicondylar knee replacement. Anatomical abnormalities could be detected preoperatively and considered during the operation. With PSI the number of trays could be reduced and predictability of the component size was more precise. Intraoperative changes became necessary only for distal femoral (25 %) and proximal tibial (36 %) resection and tibial rotation (40 %). Alignment was more precise in the PSI cases PSI using the applied technique proved to be practicable and reliable. The advantages of precise planning became obvious. Results concerning alignment are inconsistent in the literature. Soft tissue balancing has only been included in the technique to a limited degree so far. PSI is still in an early stage of development and further development opportunities should be exploited before final assessment.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Balaguer, María; Matveeva, Eugenia
2010-10-01
The quenching of porous silicon photoluminescence (pSi PL) by molecular oxygen has been studied in different storing media in an attempt to clarify the mechanism of the energy transfer from the silicon photosensitizer to the oxygen acceptor. Luminescent materials have been prepared by two methods: electrochemical anodizing and chemical etching. Different structural forms were used: porous layers on silicon wafer and two kinds of differently prepared powder. Dry air and liquid water were employed as storing media; quenching behaviour was under observation until total degradation of quenching properties. Singlet oxygen molecules generation through energy transfer from photoluminescent pSi was the only photosensitizing mechanism observed under dry gas conditions. This PL quenching process was preferentially developed at 760 nm (1.63 eV) that corresponds to the formation of the 1Σ singlet oxygen state. Oxidation of the pSi photosensitizer was the main factor that led to its total deactivation in a time scale of few weeks. Regarding water medium, different photosensitizing behaviour was observed. In watery conditions, two preferred energy levels were found: the one detected in dry gas and another centred at approximately 2.2 eV (550 nm). Formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) different from singlet oxygen, such as superoxide anion or superoxide radical, can be responsible for the second one. This second quenching process developed gradually after the initial contact of pSi photosensitizer with water and then degraded. The process lasted only several hours. Therefore, functionalization of the pSi photosensitizer is probably required to stabilize its PL and quenching properties in the watery physiological conditions required for biomedical applications.
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Fu, Xiumin; Feng, Chao; Wang, Chunyan; Yin, Xueren; Lu, Pengjun; Grierson, Don; Xu, Changjie; Chen, Kunsong
2014-01-01
Differences in carotenoid accumulation between tissues and cultivars is common in plants. White-fleshed loquat cultivars had low levels of carotenoids in the flesh, but accumulated carotenoids in peel when ripe, and the leaves accumulated similar carotenoids to those in the red-fleshed loquat cultivars. The catalytic activity and expression patterns of four phytoene synthase (PSY) genes, EjPSY1, EjPSY2A, EjPSY2B, and EjPSY3, were analysed to understand their roles in different loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) types. EjPSY1 was responsible for carotenoid synthesis in the fruit peel but not the flesh, whereas EjPSY2A was responsible for carotenoid accumulation in flesh of ripening fruit. A mutant EjPSY2A d, with the same tissue specificity and expression level as EjPSY2A, but lacking the C-terminal region and corresponding catalytic activity, was discovered in white-fleshed varieties, explaining the lack of carotenoids in the white flesh. The catalytic role of EjPSY2B was most significant in leaves. The tissue-specific expression of EjPSY1 and EjPSY2B explained well how peel and leaf tissues can still accumulate carotenoids in white-fleshed cultivars, which have lost the functional EjPSY2A. EjPSY3 mRNA abundance was ~1000-fold less than that of other PSY mRNAs in all tissues examined. In addition, neither the normal sized transcript nor two alternatively spliced forms, EjPSY3α in LYQ and EjPSY3β in BS cultivars, encoded functional enzymes, and it is concluded that EjPSY3 plays no role in carotenoid accumulation. In addition, it was noted that recruitment of PSY genes for expression in specific tissues of different plants has occurred independently of gene structure and evolutionary origin. PMID:24935622
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Results from DORIS, DASP. [Review
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Pretzl, K.P.
1976-01-01
An updated report is given on the results of the DASP-Collaboration obtained at the e/sup +/e/sup -/ storage rings DORIS at DESY (Hamburg) on inclusive distributions, particle ratios, mass searches in J/psi and psi' decays, hadronic two body decays of J/psi and psi', radiative decays of J/psi and psi'.
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Alternatives to Greek-Letter Organizations Warrant a Second Look
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
David, Marc C.
2004-01-01
Because of the discriminatory practices and lack of appeal of many predominantly White Greek-letter organizations, students of color sought the development of their own. Alpha Phi Alpha, Rho Psi, MALIK Sigma Psi, Lambda Theta Phi, and Alpha Pi Omega set the stage for later African American, Asian, African, Latino and American Indian Greek-letter…
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Quilty, Lena C.; Bagby, R. Michael
2007-01-01
The Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) is a model of personality psychopathology assessed in adult populations with a set of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales. The authors examine the reliability and validity of recently developed lower-order facet subscales for each of these five domains, with an emphasis on…
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Avey, James B.; Reichard, Rebecca J.; Luthans, Fred; Mhatre, Ketan H.
2011-01-01
The positive core construct of psychological capital (or simply PsyCap), consisting of the psychological resources of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, has recently been demonstrated to be open to human resource development (HRD) and performance management. The research stream on PsyCap has now grown to the point that a quantitative…
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Anderson, Jaime L; Sellbom, Martin; Bagby, R Michael; Quilty, Lena C; Veltri, Carlo O C; Markon, Kristian E; Krueger, Robert F
2013-06-01
The DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders workgroup and their consultants have developed the 220-item, self-report Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5) for direct assessment of the proposed personality trait system for DSM-5; however, most practicing clinical psychologists will likely continue to rely on separate omnibus measures to index symptoms and traits associated with psychopathology. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) is one such measure and assesses the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) domains, which are conceptual cognates of the DSM-5 trait domains. The current study examined the associations between the MMPI-2-RF PSY-5 scales and the DSM-5 trait domains and facets indexed by the PID-5. A clear pattern of convergence was found indicating that each of the PSY-5 scales was most highly correlated with its conceptually expected PID-5 counterpart (rs = .44-.67; Mdn r = .53) and facet correlations generally showed the same pattern. Similarly, when each of the PSY-5 scales was regressed onto the PID-5 domains, the conceptually expected pattern of associations emerged even more clearly. Finally, a joint exploratory factor analysis with the PSY-5 and PID-5 trait facet scales indicated a five-factor solution that clearly resembled both of the PSY-5/DSM-5 trait domains. These results show clear evidence that the MMPI-2-RF has utility in the assessment of dimensional personality traits proposed for the upcoming DSM-5.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Patarroyo, Manuel E., E-mail: mepatarr@gmail.com; Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota; Moreno-Vranich, Armando
Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Phi ({Phi}) and psi ({Psi}) angles determine sterile protective immunity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Modified peptide's tendency to assume a regular conformation related to a PPII{sub L}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural modifications in mHABPs induce Ab and protective immunity. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer mHABP backbone atom's interaction with HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator} is stabilised by H-bonds. -- Abstract: Modified HABP (mHABP) regions interacting with HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator} molecules have a more restricted conformation and/or sequence than other mHABPs which do not fit perfectly into their peptide binding regions (PBR) and do not induce an acceptable immune response due to the critical role of their {Phi} and {Psi} torsion angles.more » These angle's critical role was determined in such highly immunogenic, protection-inducing response against experimental malaria using the conformers (mHABPs) obtained by {sup 1}H-NMR and superimposed into HLA-DR{beta}1{sup Asterisk-Operator }-like Aotus monkey molecules; their phi ({Phi}) and psi ({Psi}) angles were measured and the H-bond formation between these molecules was evaluated. The aforementioned mHABP propensity to assume a regular conformation similar to a left-handed polyproline type II helix (PPII{sub L}) led to suggesting that favouring these conformations according to their amino acid sequence would lead to high antibody titre production and sterile protective immunity induction against malaria, thereby adding new principles or rules for vaccine development, malaria being one of them.« less
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Unicompartmental knee arthroplasties: robot vs. patient specific instrumentation.
Jaffry, Zahra; Masjedi, Milad; Clarke, Susannah; Harris, Simon; Karia, Monil; Andrews, Barry; Cobb, Justin
2014-03-01
The technical reliability demonstrated by semi active robots in implant placement could render unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKAs) more favourable than they are currently. The relatively untested method using patient specific instrumentation (PSI), however, has the potential to match the accuracy produced by robots but without the barriers that have prevented them from being used more widely in clinical practice, namely operative time. Therefore this study took a step towards comparing the accuracy and time taken between the two technologies. Thirty-six UKAs were carried out on identical knee models, 12 with the Sculptor, 12 with PSI and 12 conventionally under timed conditions. Implant placement in these knees was then judged against that in a pre-operative plan. Tibial implant orientations and femoral implant positions and orientations were significantly more accurate in the PSI group with mean errors of 6°, 2 mm and 4° respectively, than the conventional group which had means of 9°, 4 mm and 10°. There was no significant difference between the robot and PSI generally except in tibial implant orientation (mean robotic error 3°) and tibial implant position did not vary significantly across all three groups. It was also found that use of PSI and conventional methods took half the time taken by the robot (p<0.001). With further development, PSI can match and possibly surpass the accuracy of the robot, as it does with the conventional method, and achieve planned surgery in less time. This work sets the foundation for clinical trials involving PSI. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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McGillicuddy, Neil B; Rychtarik, Robert G; Morsheimer, Elizabeth T
2004-12-01
This article reports on the generalizability, reliability, and construct validity of the Parent Situation Inventory (PSI), a role-play measure of coping skills in parents experiencing problems from an adolescent's drug and alcohol use. Generalizability was robust (.80) and alternate form and test-retest reliability were satisfactory. PSI skillfulness was negatively related to the parent's own substance use and to the adolescent's alcohol use. The PSI shows promise as a reliable and potentially valid measure of coping in this population and has direct implications for developing and evaluating skill-based parent training programs. Copyright 2004 APA.
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Observation of Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1)-->gammagammaJ/Psi.
Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Dorjkhaidav, O; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nandakumar, R; Randrianarivony, K; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Crede, V; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Shepherd, M R; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Weaver, K M; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; White, E J; Williams, J; Wiss, J; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Severini, H; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Savinov, V; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H
2006-05-12
From e(+)e(-) collision data acquired with the CLEO detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we observe the non-DD(_) decay Psi(3770))-->gammachi(c1) with a statistical significance of 6.6 standard deviations, using the two-photon cascades to J/Psi and J/Psi-->l(+)l(-). We determine sigma(e(=)e(-)-->Psi(3770))xBeta(Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1))=(18.0 +/- 3.3 +/- 2.5) pb and branching fraction Beta(Psi(3770)-->gammachi(c1)=(2.8 +/- 0.5+/-0.4) x 10(-3). We set 90% C.L. upper limits for the transition to chi(c2) (chi(c0)): sigma x Beta<5.7 pb (<282 pb) and Beta<0.9 x 10(-3) (<44 x 10(-3)). We also determine Gamma(Psi(3770)gammachi(c1))/Gamma(Psi(3770)-->pi(+)pi(-)J/Psi)=1.5 +/- 0.3 +/- 0.3 (>1.0 at 90% C.L.), which bears upon the interpretation of X(3872).
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mayhew, R.T.; Kohli, D.K.
CYTEC Engineered Materials Inc. has developed several adhesives based on LaRC{trademark} PETI-5 Polyimide Resin for bonding titanium and composite substrates. These adhesives are intended for long term service at 177{degrees}C (350{degrees}F) and are processed at 350{degrees}C (660{degrees}F) in conventional autoclaves under 50 psi pressure. Titanium lap shears range from 48.3MPa (7000 psi) at room temperature to 31MPa (4500 psi) at 177{degrees}C (350{degrees}F). Excellent metal-to-metal peels and honeycomb bonding properties are reported for these products. In addition to film adhesive, primer and paste products have been described. Pilot line quantities of several hundred square feet of the film adhesive have beenmore » produced and sampled under the CYTEC designation FM{reg_sign} x5.« less
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Current and anticipated uses of thermalhydraulic and neutronic codes at PSI
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Aksan, S.N.; Zimmermann, M.A.; Yadigaroglu, G.
1997-07-01
The thermalhydraulic and/or neutronic codes in use at PSI mainly provide the capability to perform deterministic safety analysis for Swiss NPPs and also serve as analysis tools for experimental facilities for LWR and ALWR simulations. In relation to these applications, physical model development and improvements, and assessment of the codes are also essential components of the activities. In this paper, a brief overview is provided on the thermalhydraulic and/or neutronic codes used for safety analysis of LWRs, at PSI, and also of some experiences and applications with these codes. Based on these experiences, additional assessment needs are indicated, together withmore » some model improvement needs. The future needs that could be used to specify both the development of a new code and also improvement of available codes are summarized.« less
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Recovery from Proactive Semantic Interference and MRI Volume: A Replication and Extension Study.
Loewenstein, David A; Curiel, Rosie E; DeKosky, Steven; Rosselli, Monica; Bauer, Russell; Grieg-Custo, Maria; Penate, Ailyn; Li, Chunfei; Lizagarra, Gabriel; Golde, Todd; Adjouadi, Malek; Duara, Ranjan
2017-01-01
The rise in incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has led to efforts to advance early detection of the disease during its preclinical stages. To achieve this, the field needs to develop more sensitive cognitive tests that relate to biological markers of disease pathology. Failure to recover from proactive interference (frPSI) is one such cognitive marker that is associated with volumetric reductions in the hippocampus, precuneus, and other AD-prone regions, and to amyloid load in the brain. The current study attempted to replicate and extend our previous findings that frPSI is a sensitive marker of early AD, and related to a unique pattern of volumetric loss in AD prone areas. Three different memory measures were examined relative to volumetric loss and cortical thickness among 45 participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment. frPSI was uniquely associated with reduced volumes in the hippocampus (r = 0.50) precuneus (r = 0.41), and other AD prone regions, replicating previous findings. Strong associations between frPSI and lower entorhinal cortex volumes and cortical thickness (r≥0.60) and precuneus (r = 0.50) were also observed. Unique and strong associations between volumetric reductions and frPSI as observed by Loewenstein and colleagues were replicated. Together with cortical thickness findings, these results indicate that frPSI is worthy of further study as a sensitive and early cognitive marker of AD.
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Charmonium Decays of Y(4260), psi(4160), and psi(4040).
Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Artuso, M; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nisar, S; Randrianarivony, K; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Briere, R A; Brock, I; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Wilksen, T; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; White, E J; Wiss, J; Shepherd, M R; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Severini, H; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Savinov, V; Aquines, O; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mehrabyan, S; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Xin, B; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Insler, J; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H
2006-04-28
Using data collected with the CLEO detector operating at the CESR e+e- collider at sqrt[s]=3.97-4.26 GeV, we investigate 15 charmonium decay modes of the psi(4040), psi(4160), and Y(4260) resonances. We confirm, at 11 sigma significance, the BABAR Y(4260)-->pi+pi- J/psi discovery, make the first observation of Y(4260)--> pi(0)pi(0) J/psi (5.1 sigma), and find the first evidence for Y(4260)-->K+K- J/psi(3.7 sigma). We measure e+e- cross sections at sqrt[s]=4.26 GeV as sigma(pi+pi- J/psi)=58(+12)(-10)+/-4 pb, sigma(pi(0)pi(0) J/psi)=23(+12)(-8)+/-1 pb, and sigma(K+K- J/psi)=9(+9)(-5)+/-1 pb, in which the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. Upper limits are placed on other decay rates from all three resonances.
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Bioinformatics analysis of the phytoene synthase gene in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sun, Bo; Jiang, Min; Xue, Shengling; Zheng, Aihong; Zhang, Fen; Tang, Haoru
2018-04-01
Phytoene Synthase (PSY) is an important enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis. Here, the Brassica oleracea var. capitata PSY (BocPSY) gene sequences were obtained from Brassica database (BRAD), and preformed for bioinformatics analysis. The BocPSY1, BocPSY2 and BocPSY3 genes mapped to chromosomes 2,3 and 9, and contains an open reading frame of 1,248 bp, 1,266 bp and 1,275 bp that encodes a 415, 421, 424 amino acid protein, respectively. Subcellular localization predicted all BocPSY genes were in the chloroplast. The conserved domain of the BocPSY protein is PLN02632. Homology analysis indicates that the levels of identity among BocPSYs were all more than 85%, and the PSY protein is apparently conserved during plant evolution. The findings of the present study provide a molecular basis for the elucidation of PSY gene function in cabbage.
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Inclusive gamma-ray spectra from psi/3095/ and psi-prime/3684/ decays
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Biddick, C. J.; Burnett, T. H.; Masek, G. E.; Miller, E. S.; Smith, J. G.; Stronski, J. P.; Sullivan, M. K.; Vernon, W.; Badtke, D. H.; Barnett, B. A.
1977-01-01
Inclusive gamma-ray experiments were carried out in a e(+)e(-) colliding-beam apparatus with NaI(Tl) arrays as detectors. The inclusive gamma-ray spectra, after cosmic-ray background subtraction, are shown as histograms for the decays of the psi(3095) and psi-prime(3684). The psi spectrum has no significant narrow structure, while the psi-prime spectrum shows at least four peaks. Three major radiative decays of the psi-prime(3684) are found, and their respective branching fractions are computed.
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[Evaluation on running status of Chinese Polio Laboratories Network in 2008].
Zhu, Shuang-li; Yan, Dong-mei; Zhu, Hui
2010-04-01
In order to evaluate the running status and provide the laboratory data for maintaining polio-free status in China, the virology surveillance database of Chinese Polio Laboratories Network (not include Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan)in 2008 were analyzed. The case investigation data of Acute Flaccid Paralysis(AFP)cases reported by 31 provinces (municipal, autonomous regions) through EPI surveillance information management system and the database of National Polio Laboratory (NPL) were analyzed, and the indicators of running status of Chinese Polio Laboratories Network were evaluated. 10,116 stool samples were collected from 5116 AFP cases by Chinese Polio Laboratories Network in 2008, and viral isolation and identification of all stool samples were done according to 4th World Health Organization (WHO) Polio Laboratory Manual. The rate of viral isolation and identification performed within 28d was 94.9%. 189 polioviruses (PV) and 597 of non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) were isolated from AFP cases, the isolatien rates were 3.72% and 11.74% respectively. 251 polio positive isolates were sent to NPL from 31 provincial polio laboratories. There were 318 single serotype PVs were performed VPI sequencing. And no wild polioviruses and Vaccine-derived Polioviruses (VDPVs) were found in 2008. NPL passed the proficiency test and got full accreditation for on-site review by WHO experts in 2008. All 31 provincial Polio laboratories passed the proficiency test with the same panel as NPL, and 13 provincial Polio laboratories joined and passed the on-site review by WHO experts. The running status of Chinese Polio Laboratories Network was good, polio-free status was maintained in China in 2008. The Chinese polio laboratories network running is normaly, the laboratory surveillance system was sensitive and laboratory data were provided for maintaining the polio-free status in China.
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Aubert, B; Barate, R; Boutigny, D; Couderc, F; Gaillard, J-M; Hicheur, A; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Tisserand, V; Zghiche, A; Palano, A; Pompili, A; Chen, J C; Qi, N D; Rong, G; Wang, P; Zhu, Y S; Eigen, G; Ofte, I; Stugu, B; Abrams, G S; Borgland, A W; Breon, A B; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Charles, E; Day, C T; Gill, M S; Gritsan, A V; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadel, R W; Kadyk, J; Kerth, L T; Kolomensky, Yu G; Kukartsev, G; LeClerc, C; Levi, M E; Lynch, G; Mir, L M; Oddone, P J; Orimoto, T J; Pripstein, M; Roe, N A; Ronan, M T; Shelkov, V G; Telnov, A V; Wenzel, W A; Ford, K; Harrison, T J; Hawkes, C M; Morgan, S E; Watson, A T; Watson, N K; Fritsch, M; Goetzen, K; Held, T; Koch, H; Lewandowski, B; Pelizaeus, M; Steinke, M; Boyd, J T; Chevalier, N; Cottingham, W N; Kelly, M P; Latham, T E; Wilson, F F; Abe, K; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Thiessen, D; Kyberd, P; Teodorescu, L; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Druzhinin, V P; Golubev, V B; Ivanchenko, V N; Kravchenko, E A; Onuchin, A P; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Yu I; Solodov, E P; Yushkov, A N; Best, D; Bruinsma, M; Chao, M; Eschrich, I; Kirkby, D; Lankford, A J; Mandelkern, M; Mommsen, R K; Roethel, W; Stoker, D P; Buchanan, C; Hartfiel, B L; Gary, J W; Shen, B C; Wang, K; del Re, D; Hadavand, H K; Hill, E J; MacFarlane, D B; Paar, H P; Rahatlou, Sh; Sharma, V; Berryhill, J W; Campagnari, C; Dahmes, B; Levy, S L; Long, O; Lu, A; Mazur, M A; Richman, J D; Verkerke, W; Beck, T W; Eisner, A M; Heusch, C A; Lockman, W S; Schalk, T; Schmitz, R E; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Spradlin, P; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Albert, J; Chen, E; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dvoretskii, A; Hitlin, D G; Narsky, I; Piatenko, T; Porter, F C; Ryd, A; Samuel, A; Yang, S; Jayatilleke, S; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Sokoloff, M D; Abe, T; Blanc, F; Bloom, P; Chen, S; Clark, P J; Ford, W T; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Rankin, P; Smith, J G; van Hoek, W C; Zhang, L; Harton, J L; Hu, T; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Altenburg, D; Brandt, T; Brose, J; Colberg, T; Dickopp, M; Feltresi, E; Hauke, A; Lacker, H M; Maly, E; Müller-Pfefferkorn, R; Nogowski, R; Otto, S; Schubert, J; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Spaan, B; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Brochard, F; Grenier, P; Thiebaux, Ch; Vasileiadis, G; Verderi, M; Bard, D J; Khan, A; Lavin, D; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Andreotti, M; Azzolini, V; Bettoni, D; Bozzi, C; Calabrese, R; Cibinetto, G; Luppi, E; Negrini, M; Sarti, A; Treadwell, E; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Finocchiaro, G; Patteri, P; Piccolo, M; Zallo, A; Buzzo, A; Capra, R; Contri, R; Crosetti, G; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Passaggio, S; Patrignani, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Tosi, S; Bailey, S; Brandenburg, G; Morii, M; Won, E; Dubitzky, R S; Langenegger, U; Bhimji, W; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Gaillard, J R; Morton, G W; Nash, J A; Taylor, G P; Grenier, G J; Lee, S-J; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Lamsa, J; Meyer, W T; Prell, S; Rosenberg, E I; Yi, J; Davier, M; Grosdidier, G; Höcker, A; Laplace, S; Le Diberder, F; Lepeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Petersen, T C; Plaszczynski, S; Schune, M H; Tantot, L; Wormser, G; Cheng, C H; Lange, D J; Simani, M C; Wright, D M; Bevan, A J; Coleman, J P; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; Kay, M; Parry, R J; Payne, D J; Sloane, R J; Touramanis, C; Back, J J; Harrison, P F; Mohanty, G B; Brown, C L; Cowan, G; Flack, R L; Flaecher, H U; George, S; Green, M G; Kurup, A; Marker, C E; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Vaitsas, G; Winter, M A; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, N R; Barlow, R J; Hart, P A; Hodgkinson, M C; Lafferty, G D; Lyon, A J; Williams, J C; Farbin, A; Hulsbergen, W D; Jawahery, A; Kovalskyi, D; Lae, C K; Lillard, V; Roberts, D A; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Flood, K T; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Koptchev, V B; Moore, T B; Saremi, S; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Cowan, R; Sciolla, G; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Mangeol, D J J; Patel, P M; Robertson, S H; Lazzaro, A; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Godang, R; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Zhao, H W; Brunet, S; Côté, D; Taras, P; Nicholson, H; Cartaro, C; Cavallo, N; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Monorchio, D; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; Baak, M; Raven, G; Wilden, L; Jessop, C P; LoSecco, J M; Gabriel, T A; Allmendinger, T; Brau, B; Gan, K K; Honscheid, K; Hufnagel, D; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Pulliam, T; Ter-Antonyan, R; Wong, Q K; Brau, J; Frey, R; Igonkina, O; Potter, C T; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Torrence, E; Colecchia, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Tiozzo, G; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; de laVassière, Ch; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; John, M J J; Leruste, Ph; Ocariz, J; Pivk, M; Roos, L; T'Jampens, S; Therin, G; Manfredi, P F; Re, V; Behera, P K; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J; Anulli, F; Biasini, M; Peruzzi, I M; Pioppi, M; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bondioli, M; Bucci, F; Calderini, G; Carpinelli, M; Del Gamba, V; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Marchiori, G; Martinez-Vidal, F; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Sandrelli, F; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Wagoner, D E; Danielson, N; Elmer, P; Lu, C; Miftakov, V; Olsen, J; Smith, A J S; Varnes, E W; Bellini, F; Cavoto, G; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Gaspero, M; Li Gioi, L; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Pierini, M; Piredda, G; Safai Tehrani, F; Voena, C; Christ, S; Wagner, G; Waldi, R; Adye, T; De Groot, N; Franek, B; Geddes, N I; Gopal, G P; Olaiya, E O; Xella, S M; Aleksan, R; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P-F; Hamel de Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Langer, M; Legendre, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Schott, G; Vasseur, G; Yèche, Ch; Zito, M; Purohit, M V; Weidemann, A W; Yumiceva, F X; Aston, D; Bartoldus, R; Berger, N; Boyarski, A M; Buchmueller, O L; Convery, M R; Cristinziani, M; De Nardo, G; Dong, D; Dorfan, J; Dujmic, D; Dunwoodie, W; Elsen, E E; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Gowdy, S J; Hadig, T; Halyo, V; Hryn'ova, T; Innes, W R; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Leith, D W G S; Libby, J; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Marsiske, H; Messner, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Ozcan, V E; Perazzo, A; Perl, M; Petrak, S; Ratcliff, B N; Roodman, A; Salnikov, A A; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Simi, G; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weaver, M; Weinstein, A J R; Wisniewski, W J; Wittgen, M; Wright, D H; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Edwards, A J; Meyer, T I; Petersen, B A; Roat, C; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Ernst, J A; Saeed, M A; Saleem, M; Wappler, F R; Bugg, W; Krishnamurthy, M; Spanier, S M; Eckmann, R; Kim, H; Ritchie, J L; Satpathy, A; Schwitters, R F; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Ye, S; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Gallo, F; Gamba, D; Borean, C; Bosisio, L; Cossutti, F; Della Ricca, G; Dittongo, S; Grancagnolo, S; Lanceri, L; Poropat, P; Vitale, L; Vuagnin, G; Panvini, R S; Banerjee, Sw; Brown, C M; Fortin, D; Jackson, P D; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Band, H R; Dasu, S; Datta, M; Eichenbaum, A M; Hollar, J J; Johnson, J R; Kutter, P E; Li, H; Liu, R; Di Lodovico, F; Mihalyi, A; Mohapatra, A K; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Sekula, S J; Tan, P; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, J; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Neal, H
2004-06-18
We study B+/ --> J/psi pi(+/-) and B+/ --> J/psi K+/- decays in a sample of about 89 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B factory at SLAC. We observe a signal of 244+/-20 B+/ --> J/psi pi(+/-) events and determine the ratio B(B+/ --> J/psi pi(+/-))/B(B+/ --> J/psi K+/-) to be [5.37+/-0.45(stat)+/-0.11(syst)]%. The charge asymmetries for the B+/ --> J/psi pi(+/-) and B+/ --> J/psi K+/- decays are determined to be A(pi)=0.123+/-0.085(stat)+/-0.004(syst) and A(K)=0.030+/-0.015(stat)+/-0.006(syst), respectively.
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Observation of psi(3770) --> pi pi J/psi and measurement of Gamma ee[psi(2S)].
Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Crede, V; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Shepherd, M R; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Weaver, K M; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; White, E J; Williams, J; Wiss, J; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Severini, H; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Savinov, V; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Dorjkhaidav, O; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nandakumar, R; Randrianarivony, K; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L
2006-03-03
We observe signals for the decays psi(3770) --> XJ/psi from data acquired with the CLEO detector operating at the CESR e+ e- collider with square root of s = 3773 MeV. We measure the following branching fractions Beta(psi(3770) --> XJ/psi and significances: (189 +/- 20 +/- 20) x 10(-5) (11.6sigma) for X = pi+ pi-, (80 +/- 25 +/- 16) x 10(-5) (3.4sigma) for X = pi0 pi0, and (87 +/- 33 +/- 22) x 10(-5) (3.5sigma) for X = eta, where the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The radiative return process e+ e- --> gamma psi(2S) populates the same event sample and is used to measure Gamma ee[psi(2S)] = (2.54 +/- 0.03 +/- 0.11) keV.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Jackson, Emma J.; Davies, Emma. L.
2014-01-01
Following the success of last year's teaching and career development workshop, this year's DART-P sponsored workshop at the Psychology Postgraduate Affairs Group (PsyPAG) Annual Conference held at Lancaster University focused on postgraduate's experiences of teaching research methods. This article provides a review of the invited speakers…
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Liu, Rui; Li, Wei; Cai, Tingting; Deng, Yang; Ding, Zhi; Liu, Yan; Zhu, Xuerui; Wang, Xin; Liu, Jie; Liang, Baowen; Zheng, Tiesong; Li, Jianlin
2018-05-02
A new aptamer microarray method on the TiO 2 -porous silicon (PSi) surface was developed to simultaneously screen multiplex mycotoxins. The TiO 2 nanolayer on the surface of PSi can enhance the fluorescence intensity 14 times than that of the thermally oxidized PSi. The aptamer fluorescence signal recovery principle was performed on the TiO 2 -PSi surface by hybridization duplex strand DNA from the mycotoxin aptamer and antiaptamer, respectively, labeled with fluorescence dye and quencher. The aptamer microarray can simultaneously screen for multiplex mycotoxins with a dynamic linear detection range of 0.1-10 ng/mL for ochratoxin A (OTA), 0.01-10 ng/mL for aflatoxins B 1 (AFB 1 ), and 0.001-10 ng/mL for fumonisin B 1 (FB 1 ) and limits of detection of 15.4, 1.48, and 0.21 pg/mL for OTA, AFB 1 , and FB 1 , respectively. The newly developed method shows good specificity and recovery rates. This method can provide a simple, sensitive, and cost-efficient platform for simultaneous screening of multiplex mycotoxins and can be easily expanded to the other aptamer-based protocol.
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El-Mohri, Youcef; Antonuk, Larry E.; Koniczek, Martin; Zhao, Qihua; Li, Yixin; Street, Robert A.; Lu, Jeng-Ping
2009-01-01
Active matrix, flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) employing a 2D matrix of a-Si addressing TFTs have become ubiquitous in many x-ray imaging applications due to their numerous advantages. However, under conditions of low exposures and∕or high spatial resolution, their signal-to-noise performance is constrained by the modest system gain relative to the electronic additive noise. In this article, a strategy for overcoming this limitation through the incorporation of in-pixel amplification circuits, referred to as active pixel (AP) architectures, using polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) TFTs is reported. Compared to a-Si, poly-Si offers substantially higher mobilities, enabling higher TFT currents and the possibility of sophisticated AP designs based on both n- and p-channel TFTs. Three prototype indirect detection arrays employing poly-Si TFTs and a continuous a-Si photodiode structure were characterized. The prototypes consist of an array (PSI-1) that employs a pixel architecture with a single TFT, as well as two arrays (PSI-2 and PSI-3) that employ AP architectures based on three and five TFTs, respectively. While PSI-1 serves as a reference with a design similar to that of conventional AMFPI arrays, PSI-2 and PSI-3 incorporate additional in-pixel amplification circuitry. Compared to PSI-1, results of x-ray sensitivity demonstrate signal gains of ∼10.7 and 20.9 for PSI-2 and PSI-3, respectively. These values are in reasonable agreement with design expectations, demonstrating that poly-Si AP circuits can be tailored to provide a desired level of signal gain. PSI-2 exhibits the same high levels of charge trapping as those observed for PSI-1 and other conventional arrays employing a continuous photodiode structure. For PSI-3, charge trapping was found to be significantly lower and largely independent of the bias voltage applied across the photodiode. MTF results indicate that the use of a continuous photodiode structure in PSI-1, PSI-2, and PSI-3 results in optical fill factors that are close to unity. In addition, the greater complexity of PSI-2 and PSI-3 pixel circuits, compared to that of PSI-1, has no observable effect on spatial resolution. Both PSI-2 and PSI-3 exhibit high levels of additive noise, resulting in no net improvement in the signal-to-noise performance of these early prototypes compared to conventional AMFPIs. However, faster readout rates, coupled with implementation of multiple sampling protocols allowed by the nondestructive nature of pixel readout, resulted in a significantly lower noise level of ∼560 e (rms) for PSI-3. PMID:19673229
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El-Mohri, Youcef; Antonuk, Larry E; Koniczek, Martin; Zhao, Qihua; Li, Yixin; Street, Robert A; Lu, Jeng-Ping
2009-07-01
Active matrix, flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs) employing a 2D matrix of a-Si addressing TFTs have become ubiquitous in many x-ray imaging applications due to their numerous advantages. However, under conditions of low exposures and/or high spatial resolution, their signal-to-noise performance is constrained by the modest system gain relative to the electronic additive noise. In this article, a strategy for overcoming this limitation through the incorporation of in-pixel amplification circuits, referred to as active pixel (AP) architectures, using polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) TFTs is reported. Compared to a-Si, poly-Si offers substantially higher mobilities, enabling higher TFT currents and the possibility of sophisticated AP designs based on both n- and p-channel TFTs. Three prototype indirect detection arrays employing poly-Si TFTs and a continuous a-Si photodiode structure were characterized. The prototypes consist of an array (PSI-1) that employs a pixel architecture with a single TFT, as well as two arrays (PSI-2 and PSI-3) that employ AP architectures based on three and five TFTs, respectively. While PSI-1 serves as a reference with a design similar to that of conventional AMFPI arrays, PSI-2 and PSI-3 incorporate additional in-pixel amplification circuitry. Compared to PSI-1, results of x-ray sensitivity demonstrate signal gains of approximately 10.7 and 20.9 for PSI-2 and PSI-3, respectively. These values are in reasonable agreement with design expectations, demonstrating that poly-Si AP circuits can be tailored to provide a desired level of signal gain. PSI-2 exhibits the same high levels of charge trapping as those observed for PSI-1 and other conventional arrays employing a continuous photodiode structure. For PSI-3, charge trapping was found to be significantly lower and largely independent of the bias voltage applied across the photodiode. MTF results indicate that the use of a continuous photodiode structure in PSI-1, PSI-2, and PSI-3 results in optical fill factors that are close to unity. In addition, the greater complexity of PSI-2 and PSI-3 pixel circuits, compared to that of PSI-1, has no observable effect on spatial resolution. Both PSI-2 and PSI-3 exhibit high levels of additive noise, resulting in no net improvement in the signal-to-noise performance of these early prototypes compared to conventional AMFPIs. However, faster readout rates, coupled with implementation of multiple sampling protocols allowed by the nondestructive nature of pixel readout, resulted in a significantly lower noise level of approximately 560 e (rms) for PSI-3.
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Observation of the Z$$\\to\\psi\\ell^+\\ell^-$$ decay in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 13 TeV
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.
This Letter presents the observation of the rare Z boson decay Zmore » $$\\to\\psi\\ell^+\\ell^-$$. Here, $$\\psi$$ represents contributions from direct J/$$\\psi$$ and J/$$\\psi$$$\\to$$ J$$\\psi X$$, $$\\ell^+\\ell^-$$ is a pair of electrons or muons, and the J/$$\\psi$$ meson is detected via its decay to $$\\mu^+\\mu^-$$. The sample of proton-proton collision data, collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb$$^{-1}$$. The signal is observed with a significance in excess of 5 standard deviations. After subtraction of the $$\\psi$$(2S) $$\\to$$J/$$\\psi X$$ contribution, the ratio of the branching fraction of the exclusive decay Z$$\\to\\psi\\ell^+\\ell^-$$ to the decay Z$$\\to\\mu^+\\mu^-\\mu^+\\mu^-$$ within a fiducial phase space is measured to be $$\\mathcal{B}($$Z$$\\to\\psi\\ell^+\\ell^-) / \\mathcal{B}($$Z$$\\to\\mu^+\\mu^-\\mu^+\\mu^-) =$$ 0.67$$\\pm$$ 0.18 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 0.05 (syst).« less
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Guinan, Taryn M; Neldner, Declan; Stockham, Peter; Kobus, Hilton; Della Vedova, Christopher B; Voelcker, Nicolas H
2017-05-01
Porous silicon based surface-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (pSi SALDI-MS) is an analytical technique well suited for high throughput analysis of low molecular weight compounds from biological samples. A potential application of this technology is the compliance monitoring of opioid addiction programmes, where methadone is used as a pharmacological treatment for drugs such as heroin. Here, we present the detection and quantification of methadone and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) from water and clinical samples (saliva, urine, and plasma) from opioid dependent participants using pSi SALDI-MS. A one-step solvent phase extraction using chloroform was developed for the detection of methadone from clinical samples for analysis by pSi SALDI-MS. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used as a comparative technique for the quantification of methadone from clinical saliva and plasma samples. In all cases, we obtained a good correlation of pSi SALDI-MS and LC-MS results, suggesting that pSi SALDI-MS may be an alternative procedure for high-throughput screening and quantification for application in opioid compliance testing. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Scardelletti, M.; Neudeck, P.; Spry, D.; Meredith, R.; Jordan, J.; Prokop, N.; Krasowski, M.; Beheim, G.; Hunter, G.
2017-01-01
This paper describes initial development and testing of a novel high temperature capacitive pressure sensor system. The pressure sensor system consists of two 4H-SiC 11-stage ring oscillators and a SiCN capacitive pressure sensor. One oscillator has the capacitive pressure sensor fixed at one node in its feedback loop and varies as a function of pressure and temperature while the other provides a pressure-independent reference frequency which can be used to temperature compensate the output of the first oscillator. A two-day repeatability test was performed up to 500C on the oscillators and the oscillator fundamental frequency changed by only 1. The SiCN capacitive pressure sensor was characterized at room temperature from 0 to 300 psi. The sensor had an initial capacitance of 3.76 pF at 0 psi and 1.75 pF at 300 psi corresponding to a 54 change in capacitance. The integrated pressure sensor system was characterized from 0 to 300 psi in steps of 50 psi over a temperature range of 25 to 500C. The pressure sensor system sensitivity was 0.113 kHzpsi at 25C and 0.026 kHzpsi at 500C.
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A Genomic Selection Index Applied to Simulated and Real Data
Ceron-Rojas, J. Jesus; Crossa, José; Arief, Vivi N.; Basford, Kaye; Rutkoski, Jessica; Jarquín, Diego; Alvarado, Gregorio; Beyene, Yoseph; Semagn, Kassa; DeLacy, Ian
2015-01-01
A genomic selection index (GSI) is a linear combination of genomic estimated breeding values that uses genomic markers to predict the net genetic merit and select parents from a nonphenotyped testing population. Some authors have proposed a GSI; however, they have not used simulated or real data to validate the GSI theory and have not explained how to estimate the GSI selection response and the GSI expected genetic gain per selection cycle for the unobserved traits after the first selection cycle to obtain information about the genetic gains in each subsequent selection cycle. In this paper, we develop the theory of a GSI and apply it to two simulated and four real data sets with four traits. Also, we numerically compare its efficiency with that of the phenotypic selection index (PSI) by using the ratio of the GSI response over the PSI response, and the PSI and GSI expected genetic gain per selection cycle for observed and unobserved traits, respectively. In addition, we used the Technow inequality to compare GSI vs. PSI efficiency. Results from the simulated data were confirmed by the real data, indicating that GSI was more efficient than PSI per unit of time. PMID:26290571
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Ziebolz, Dirk; Werner, Christine; Schmalz, Gerhard; Nitschke, Ina; Haak, Rainer; Mausberg, Rainer F; Chenot, Jean-François
2017-01-31
This study was performed to assess oral and nutritional status of nursing home residents in a region of Lower Saxony, Germany. The aim was to show potential associations between oral status (dentate or edentulous), further anamnestic factors (dementia, age, smoking) and the risk for malnutrition in this population. In this observational cross-sectional pilot study of residents from four nursing homes Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Body-Mass-Index (BMI), dental status (DMF-T) and periodontal situation (PSR ® /PSI) were recorded. Associations of recorded factors with oral health and nutritional status were examined in univariate and multivariate analysis. Eighty-seven residents participated in the study (mean age: 84.1 years; female: 72%, demented: 47%). Average BMI was 26.2 kg/m 2 ; according MNA 52% were at risk for malnutrition. 48% of the residents were edentulous, and the average DMF-T of dentulous was 25.0 (3.7) (D-T: 2.0 [3.1], M-T: 15.0 [8.3], F-T: 8.0 [7.4]); PSR ® /PSI 3 and 4 (need for periodontal treatment) showed 79% of residents. In univariate analysis dementia (OR 2.5 CI 95 1.1-5.6) but not being edentulous (OR 2.0 CI 95 0.8-5.8) were associated with being at risk for malnutrition. Dementia remained associated in multivariate analysis adjusting for age and sex, (OR 3.1 CI 95 1.2-8.2) and additionally being edentulous (OR 2.8 CI 95 1.1-7.3) became associated significantly. Furthermore, nursing home residents with dementia had more remaining teeth (OR 2.5 CI 95 1.1-5.9). Dementia was a stronger predictor for risk of malnutrition in nursing home residents than being edentulous. Further studies to elucidate the possible role of oral health as cofactor for malnutrition in dementia are needed.
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Chlorophyll Proteins of Photosystem I 1
Mullet, John E.; Burke, John J.; Arntzen, Charles J.
1980-01-01
Data are presented which suggest the existence of a light-harvesting pigment-protein complex which is functionally and structurally associated with photosystem I (PSI) reaction centers. These observations are based on techniques which allow isolation of PSI using minimal concentrations of Triton X-100. Properties of density and self aggregation allowed purification of a “native” PSI complex. The isolated PSI particles appear as 106 Å spherical subunits when viewed by freeze fracture microscopy. When incorporated into phosphatidyl choline vesicles, the particles lose self-aggregation properties and disperse uniformly within the lipid membrane. The isolated PSI preparation contains 100 ± 10 chlorophylls/P700 (Chl a/b ratio greater than 18); this represents a recovery of 27% of the original chloroplast membrane Chl. These particles were enriched in Chl a forms absorbing at 701 to 710 nm. Chl fluorescence at room temperature exhibited a maximum at 690 nm with a pronounced shoulder at 710 nm. At 77 K, peak fluorescence emission was at 736 nm; in the presence of dithionite an additional fluorescence maximum at 695 nm was obtained at 77 K. This dual fluorescence emission peak for the PSI particles is evidence for at least two Chl populations within the PSI membrane subunit. The fluorescence emission observed at 695 nm was identified as arising from the core of PSI which contains 40 Chl/P700 (PSI-40). This core complex, derived from native PSI particles, was enriched in Chl a absorbing at 680 and 690 nm and fluorescing with maximal emission at 694 nm at 77 K. PSI particles consisting of the PSI core complex plus 20 to 25 Chl antennae (65 Chl/P700) could also be derived from native PSI complexes. These preparations were enriched in Chl a forms absorbing at 697 nm and exhibited a 77 K fluorescence emission maximum at 722 nm. A comparison of native PSI particles which contain 110 Chl/P700 (PSI-110) and PSI particles containing 65 Chl/P700 (PSI-65) provides evidence for the existence of a peripheral Chl-protein complex tightly associated in the native PSI complex. The native PSI subunits contain polypeptides of 22,500 to 24,500 daltons which are not found in the PSI-65 or PSI-40 subfractions. It is suggested that these polypeptides function to bind 40 to 45 Chl per structural complex, including the Chl which emits fluorescence at 736 nm. A model for the organization of Chl forms is presented in which the native PSI membrane subunit consists of a reaction center core complex plus two regions of associated light-harvesting antennae. The presence of energy “sinks” within the antennae is discussed. Images PMID:16661288
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Applegate, Amanda M; Lubner, Carolyn E; Knörzer, Philipp; Happe, Thomas; Golbeck, John H
2016-01-01
The quantum yield for light-induced H2 generation was measured for a previously optimized bio-hybrid cytochrome c 6-crosslinked PSI(C13G)-1,8-octanedithiol-[FeFe]-H2ase(C97G) (PSI-H2ase) nanoconstruct. The theoretical quantum yield for the PSI-H2ase nanoconstruct is 0.50 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to a requirement of two photons per H2 generated. Illumination of the PSI-H2ase nanoconstruct with visible light between 400 and 700 nm resulted in an average quantum yield of 0.10-0.15 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to a requirement of 6.7-10 photons per H2 generated. A possible reason for the difference between the theoretical and experimental quantum yield is the occurrence of non-productive PSI(C13G)-1,8-octanedithiol-PSIC13G (PSI-PSI) conjugates, which would absorb light without generating H2. Assuming the thiol-Fe coupling is equally efficient at producing PSI-PSI conjugates as well as in producing PSI-H2ase nanoconstructs, the theoretical quantum yield would decrease to 0.167 molecules of H2 per photon absorbed, which equates to 6 photons per H2 generated. This value is close to the range of measured values in the current study. A strategy that purifies the PSI-H2ase nanoconstructs from the unproductive PSI-PSI conjugates or that incorporates different chemistries on the PSI and [FeFe]-H2ase enzyme sites could potentially allow the PSI-H2ase nanoconstruct to approach the expected theoretical quantum yield for light-induced H2 generation.
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Harayama, Hisanori; Ikeda, Takefumi; Ishida, Atsushi; Yamamoto, Shin-Ichi
2006-08-01
We investigated seasonal patterns of water relations in current-year leaves of three evergreen broad-leaved trees (Ilex pedunculosa Miq., Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., and Eurya japonica Thunb.) with delayed greening in a warm-temperate forest in Japan. We used the pressure-volume method to: (1) assess the extent to which seasonal variation in leaf water relations is attributable to leaf development processes in delayed greening leaves versus seasonal variation in environmental variables; and (2) investigate variation in leaf water relations during the transition from the sapling to the adult tree stage. Leaf mass per unit leaf area was generally lowest just after completion of leaf expansion in May (late spring), and increased gradually throughout the year. Osmotic potential at full turgor (Psi(o) (ft)) and leaf water potential at the turgor loss point (Psi(w) (tlp)) were highest in May, and lowest in midwinter in all species. In response to decreasing air temperature, Psi(o) (ft) dropped at the rate of 0.037 MPa degrees C(-1). Dry-mass-based water content of leaves and the symplastic water fraction of total leaf water content gradually decreased throughout the year in all species. These results indicate that reductions in the symplastic water fraction during leaf development contributed to the passive concentration of solutes in cells and the resulting drop in winter Psi(o) (ft). The ratio of solutes to water volume increased in winter in current-year leaves of L. japonicum and E. japonica, indicating that osmotic adjustment (active accumulation of solutes) also contributed to the drop in winter in Psi(o) (ft). Bulk modulus of elasticity in cell walls fluctuated seasonally, but no general trend was found across species. Over the growing season, Psi(o) (ft) and Psi(w) (tlp) were lower in adult trees than in saplings especially in the case of I. pedunculosa, suggesting that adult-tree leaves are more drought and cold tolerant than sapling leaves. The ontogenetic increase in the stress resistance of I. pedunculosa may be related to its characteristic life form because I. pedunculosa grows taller than the other species studied.
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Winters, Bradford D; Bharmal, Aamir; Wilson, Renee F; Zhang, Allen; Engineer, Lilly; Defoe, Deidre; Bass, Eric B; Dy, Sydney; Pronovost, Peter J
2016-12-01
The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital-acquired Conditions (HACs) are increasingly being used for pay-for-performance and public reporting despite concerns over their validity. Given the potential for these measures to misinform patients, misclassify hospitals, and misapply financial and reputational harm to hospitals, these need to be rigorously evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess PSI and HAC measure validity. We searched MEDLINE and the gray literature from January 1, 1990 through January 14, 2015 for studies that addressed the validity of the HAC measures and PSIs. Secondary outcomes included the effects of present on admission (POA) modifiers, and the most common reasons for discrepancies. We developed pooled results for measures evaluated by ≥3 studies. We propose a threshold of 80% for positive predictive value or sensitivity for pay-for-performance and public reporting suitability. Only 5 measures, Iatrogenic Pneumothorax (PSI 6/HAC 17), Central Line-associated Bloodstream Infections (PSI 7), Postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma (PSI 9), Postoperative deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (PSI 12), and Accidental Puncture/Laceration (PSI 15), had sufficient data for pooled meta-analysis. Only PSI 15 (Accidental Puncture and Laceration) met our proposed threshold for validity (positive predictive value only) but this result was weakened by considerable heterogeneity. Coding errors were the most common reasons for discrepancies between medical record review and administrative databases. POA modifiers may improve the validity of some measures. This systematic review finds that there is limited validity for the PSI and HAC measures when measured against the reference standard of a medical chart review. Their use, as they currently exist, for public reporting and pay-for-performance, should be publicly reevaluated in light of these findings.
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Predicting the mental health of college students with psychological capital.
Selvaraj, Priscilla Rose; Bhat, Christine Suniti
2018-06-01
Behavioral health treatment is grounded in the medical model with language of deficits and problems, rather than resources and strengths. With developments in the field of positive psychology, re-focusing on well-being rather than illness is possible. The primary purpose of this study was to examine relationships and predictions that exist between levels of mental health in college students, i.e., flourishing, moderate mental health, and languishing, and psychological capital (PsyCap). For this cross-sectional, exploratory study survey method was used for data collection and for analyses of results a series of descriptive, correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analyses were done. Results indicated that developing positive psychological strengths such as hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism (acronym HERO) within college students significantly increased their positive mental health. Based on the predictive nature of PsyCap, mental health professionals may engage more in creating programs incorporating PsyCap development intervention for college students. Implications for counseling and programmatic services for college students are presented along with suggestions for future research.
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Information Science and the PSI Phenomenon.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Levine, Emil H.
1985-01-01
Relates research in psychical occurrences (PSI) encompassing three types of phenomena--extrasensory perception, psychokinesis, and out-of-body survival after death--to the field of information science. Highlights include concepts facilitating acceptance of PSI, remote viewing, applications of PSI phenomena in the business field, and PSI and…
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Mazor, Yuval; Nataf, Daniel; Toporik, Hila; Nelson, Nathan
2013-01-01
Oxygenic photosynthesis supports virtually all life forms on earth. Light energy is converted by two photosystems-photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Globally, nearly 50% of photosynthesis takes place in the Ocean, where single cell cyanobacteria and algae reside together with their viruses. An operon encoding PSI was identified in cyanobacterial marine viruses. We generated a PSI that mimics the salient features of the viral complex, named PSI(PsaJF). PSI(PsaJF) is promiscuous for its electron donors and can accept electrons from respiratory cytochromes. We solved the structure of PSI(PsaJF) and a monomeric PSI, with subunit composition similar to the viral PSI, providing for the first time a detailed description of the reaction center and antenna system from mesophilic cyanobacteria, including red chlorophylls and cofactors of the electron transport chain. Our finding extends the understanding of PSI structure, function and evolution and suggests a unique function for the viral PSI. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01496.001.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ablikim, M.; Bai, J. Z.; Cai, X.
2007-11-01
Using 58x10{sup 6} J/{psi} and 14x10{sup 6} {psi}(2S) events collected by the BESII detector at the BEPC, branching fractions or upper limits for the decays J/{psi} and {psi}(2S){yields}{lambda}{lambda}{pi}{sup 0} and {lambda}{lambda}{eta} are measured. For the isospin violating decays, the upper limits are determined to be B(J/{psi}{yields}{lambda}{lambda}{pi}{sup 0})<6.4x10{sup -5} and B[{psi}(2S){yields}{lambda}{lambda}{pi}{sup 0}]<4.9x10{sup -5} at the 90% confidence level. The isospin conserving process J/{psi}{yields}{lambda}{lambda}{eta} is observed for the first time, and its branching fraction is measured to be B(J/{psi}{yields}{lambda}{lambda}{eta})=(2.62{+-}0.60{+-}0.44)x10{sup -4}, where the first error is statistical and the second one is systematic. No {lambda}{lambda}{eta} signal is observed in {psi}(2S) decays, and B[{psi}(2S){yields}{lambda}{lambda}{eta}]<1.2x10{supmore » -4} is set at the 90% confidence level. Branching fractions of J/{psi} decays into {sigma}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{lambda} and {sigma}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{lambda} are also reported, and the sum of these branching fractions is determined to be B(J/{psi}{yields}{sigma}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{lambda}+c.c.)=(1.52{+-}0.08{+-}0.16)x10{sup -3}.« less
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Advanced thermoplastic resins, phase 2
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Brown, A. M.; Hill, S. G.; Falcone, A.
1991-01-01
High temperature structural resins are required for use on advanced aerospace vehicles as adhesives and composite matrices. NASA-Langley developed polyimide resins were evaluated as high temperature structural adhesives for metal to metal bonding and as composite matrices. Adhesive tapes were prepared on glass scrim fabric from solutions of polyamide acids of the semicrystalline polyimide LARC-CPI, developed at the NASA-Langley Research Center. Using 6Al-4V titanium adherends, high lap shear bond strengths were obtained at ambient temperature (45.2 MPa, 6550 psi) and acceptable strengths were obtained at elevated temperature (14.0 MPa, 2030 psi) using the Pasa-Jell 107 conversion coating on the titanium and a bonding pressure of 1.38 MPa (200 psi). Average zero degree composite tensile and compressive strengths of 1290 MPa (187 ksi) and 883 MPa (128 ksi) respectively were obtained at ambient temperature with unsized AS-4 carbon fiber reinforcement.
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Improving the nutritional value of Golden Rice through increased pro-vitamin A content.
Paine, Jacqueline A; Shipton, Catherine A; Chaggar, Sunandha; Howells, Rhian M; Kennedy, Mike J; Vernon, Gareth; Wright, Susan Y; Hinchliffe, Edward; Adams, Jessica L; Silverstone, Aron L; Drake, Rachel
2005-04-01
"Golden Rice" is a variety of rice engineered to produce beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) to help combat vitamin A deficiency, and it has been predicted that its contribution to alleviating vitamin A deficiency would be substantially improved through even higher beta-carotene content. We hypothesized that the daffodil gene encoding phytoene synthase (psy), one of the two genes used to develop Golden Rice, was the limiting step in beta-carotene accumulation. Through systematic testing of other plant psys, we identified a psy from maize that substantially increased carotenoid accumulation in a model plant system. We went on to develop "Golden Rice 2" introducing this psy in combination with the Erwinia uredovora carotene desaturase (crtI) used to generate the original Golden Rice. We observed an increase in total carotenoids of up to 23-fold (maximum 37 microg/g) compared to the original Golden Rice and a preferential accumulation of beta-carotene.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tosi, Luigi; Da Lio, Cristina; Strozzi, Tazio; Teatini, Pietro
2016-08-01
We present the result of a test aimed at evaluating the capability of RADARSAT-2 and COSMO-SkyMed to map the natural subsidence and ground movements induced by anthropogenic activities in the historical center of Venice. Firstly, ground movements have been retrieved at quite long- and short-term by the Persistent Scattered Interferometry (PSI) on 2008-2015 RADARSA T-2 and 2013-2015 COSMO-SkyMed image stacks, respectively. Secondly, PSI has been calibrated at regional scale using the records of permanent GPS stations. Thirdly, considering that over the last two decades "in the historical center of Venice" natural land movements are primarily ascribed to long- term processes, and those induced by human activities act at short-term, we have properly resampled 83-month RADARSA T-2 C-band and 27-month COSMO- SkyMed X-band interferometric products by a common grid and processed the outcome to estimate the two components of the displacements. Results show that the average natural subsidence is generally in the range of 0.9 - 1.1 mm/yr and the anthropogenic ground movements are up to 2 mm/yr.
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Exclusive decay of P-wave bottomonium into double J/{psi}
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Zhang Juan; Institute of Theoretical Physics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006; Dong Hairong
2011-11-01
We calculate the relativistic corrections of J/{psi}, including electromagnetic corrections, to {chi}{sub b}J{yields}J/{psi}J/{psi} in the framework of nonrelativistic QCD factorization. The relativistic effects are found to increase the lower-order prediction for the decay width by about 10%, while the electromagnetism contribution is very small, about 0.2% for {chi}{sub b0} and {chi}{sub b2}. The total branching ratios are predicted to be of order 10{sup -5} for {chi}{sub b0,b2}{yields}J/{psi}J/{psi}, but 10{sup -11} for {chi}{sub b1}{yields}J/{psi}J/{psi}, since there is only electromagnetism contribution in this channel. We predict it is possible to observe these reactions in LHC.
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Takagi, Daisuke; Takumi, Shigeo; Hashiguchi, Masaki; Sejima, Takehiro; Miyake, Chikahiro
2016-07-01
Photosystem I (PSI) photoinhibition suppresses plant photosynthesis and growth. However, the mechanism underlying PSI photoinhibition has not been fully clarified. In this study, in order to investigate the mechanism of PSI photoinhibition in higher plants, we applied repetitive short-pulse (rSP) illumination, which causes PSI-specific photoinhibition in chloroplasts isolated from spinach leaves. We found that rSP treatment caused PSI photoinhibition, but not PSII photoinhibition in isolated chloroplasts in the presence of O2 However, chloroplastic superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities failed to protect PSI from its photoinhibition. Importantly, PSI photoinhibition was largely alleviated in the presence of methyl viologen, which stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the stromal region by accepting electrons from PSI, even under the conditions where CuZn-superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase activities were inactivated by KCN. These results suggest that the ROS production site, but not the ROS production rate, is critical for PSI photoinhibition. Furthermore, we found that not only superoxide (O2 (-)) but also singlet oxygen ((1)O2) is involved in PSI photoinhibition induced by rSP treatment. From these results, we suggest that PSI photoinhibition is caused by both O2 (-) and (1)O2 produced within the thylakoid membranes when electron carriers in PSI become highly reduced. Here, we show, to our knowledge, new insight into the PSI photoinhibition in higher plants. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.
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Finite Element Modeling of the NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Grosveld, Ferdinand W.; Pritchard, Joselyn I.; Buehrle, Ralph D.; Pappa, Richard S.
2002-01-01
The NASA Langley Aluminum Testbed Cylinder (ATC) was designed to serve as a universal structure for evaluating structural acoustic codes, modeling techniques and optimization methods used in the prediction of aircraft interior noise. Finite element models were developed for the components of the ATC based on the geometric, structural and material properties of the physical test structure. Numerically predicted modal frequencies for the longitudinal stringer, ring frame and dome component models, and six assembled ATC configurations were compared with experimental modal survey data. The finite element models were updated and refined, using physical parameters, to increase correlation with the measured modal data. Excellent agreement, within an average 1.5% to 2.9%, was obtained between the predicted and measured modal frequencies of the stringer, frame and dome components. The predictions for the modal frequencies of the assembled component Configurations I through V were within an average 2.9% and 9.1%. Finite element modal analyses were performed for comparison with 3 psi and 6 psi internal pressurization conditions in Configuration VI. The modal frequencies were predicted by applying differential stiffness to the elements with pressure loading and creating reduced matrices for beam elements with offsets inside external superelements. The average disagreement between the measured and predicted differences for the 0 psi and 6 psi internal pressure conditions was less than 0.5%. Comparably good agreement was obtained for the differences between the 0 psi and 3 psi measured and predicted internal pressure conditions.
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Nanostructured Porous Silicon: The Winding Road from Photonics to Cell Scaffolds – A Review
Hernández-Montelongo, Jacobo; Muñoz-Noval, Alvaro; García-Ruíz, Josefa Predestinación; Torres-Costa, Vicente; Martín-Palma, Raul J.; Manso-Silván, Miguel
2015-01-01
For over 20 years, nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS) has found a vast number of applications in the broad fields of photonics and optoelectronics, triggered by the discovery of its photoluminescent behavior in 1990. Besides, its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioresorbability make porous silicon (PSi) an appealing biomaterial. These properties are largely a consequence of its particular susceptibility to oxidation, leading to the formation of silicon oxide, which is readily dissolved by body fluids. This paper reviews the evolution of the applications of PSi and nanoPS from photonics through biophotonics, to their use as cell scaffolds, whether as an implantable substitute biomaterial, mainly for bony and ophthalmological tissues, or as an in vitro cell conditioning support, especially for pluripotent cells. For any of these applications, PSi/nanoPS can be used directly after synthesis from Si wafers, upon appropriate surface modification processes, or as a composite biomaterial. Unedited studies of fluorescently active PSi structures for cell culture are brought to evidence the margin for new developments. PMID:26029688
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2014-01-01
The way cells explore their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) during development and migration is mediated by lamellipodia at their leading edge, acting as an actual motor pulling the cell forward. Lamellipodia are the primary area within the cell of actin microfilaments (filopodia) formation. In this work, we report on the use of porous silicon (pSi) scaffolds to mimic the ECM of mesenchymal stem cells from the dental pulp (DPSC) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Our atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that pSi promoted the appearance of lateral filopodia protruding from the DPSC cell body and not only in the lamellipodia area. The formation of elongated lateral actin filaments suggests that pores provided the necessary anchorage points for protrusion growth. Although MCF-7 cells displayed a lower presence of organized actin network on both pSi and nonporous silicon, pSi stimulated the formation of extended cell protrusions. PMID:25386101
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Fuel Cell Buses in U.S. Transit Fleets: Current Status 2008
DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2008-12-01
In September 2007, the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) published a report that reviewed past and present fuel cell bus technology development and implementation in the United States. That report reviewe...
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Measurement of Retinal Sensitivity on Tablet Devices in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
Wu, Zhichao; Guymer, Robyn H; Jung, Chang J; Goh, Jonathan K; Ayton, Lauren N; Luu, Chi D; Lawson, David J; Turpin, Andrew; McKendrick, Allison M
2015-06-01
We compared measurements of central retinal sensitivity on a portable, low-cost tablet device to the established method of microperimetry in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A customized test designed to measure central retinal sensitivity (within the central 1° radius) on a tablet device was developed using an open-source platform called PsyPad. A total of 30 participants with AMD were included in this study, and all participants performed a practice test on PsyPad, followed by four tests of one eye and one test of the other eye. Participants then underwent standardized microperimetry examinations in both eyes. The average test duration on PsyPad was 53.9 ± 7.5 seconds, and no significant learning effect was observed over the examinations performed ( P = 1.000). The coefficient of repeatability of central retinal sensitivity between the first two examinations on PsyPad was ±1.76 dB. The mean central retinal sensitivity was not significantly different between PsyPad (25.7 ± 0.4 dB) and microperimetry (26.1 ± 0.4 dB, P = 0.094), and the 95% limits of agreement between the two measures were between -4.12 and 4.92 dB. The measurements of central retinal sensitivity can be performed effectively using a tablet device, displaying reasonably good agreement with those obtained using the established method of microperimetry. These findings highlight the potential of tablet devices as low-cost and portable tools for developing and performing visual function measures that can be easily and widely implemented.
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Branching fractions for transitions of {psi}(2S) to J/{psi}
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Mendez, H.; Ge, J. Y.; Miller, D. H.
2008-07-01
We report determination of branching fractions for the decays {psi}(2S){yields}h+J/{psi}, where h=any, {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}, {pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, {eta}, {pi}{sup 0}, and {gamma}{gamma} through {chi}{sub c0,1,2}. These measurements use 27M {psi}(2S) decays produced in e{sup +}e{sup -} collision data collected with the CLEO detector. The resulting branching fractions and ratios thereof improve upon previously achieved precision in all cases, and in combination with other measurements permit determination of B({chi}{sub cJ}{yields}{gamma}J/{psi}) and B({psi}(2S){yields}light hadrons)
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Tian, Lirong; Liu, Zheyi; Wang, Fangjun; Shen, Liangliang; Chen, Jinghua; Chang, Lijing; Zhao, Songhao; Han, Guangye; Wang, Wenda; Kuang, Tingyun; Qin, Xiaochun; Shen, Jian-Ren
2017-09-01
Photosystem I (PSI)-light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) super-complex and its sub-complexes PSI core and LHCI, were purified from a unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae and characterized. PSI-LHCI of C. merolae existed as a monomer with a molecular mass of 580 kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 11 subunits (PsaA, B, C, D, E, F, I, J, K, L, O) in the core complex and three LHCI subunits, CMQ142C, CMN234C, and CMN235C in LHCI, indicating that at least three Lhcr subunits associate with the red algal PSI core. PsaG was not found in the red algae PSI-LHCI, and we suggest that the position corresponding to Lhca1 in higher plant PSI-LHCI is empty in the red algal PSI-LHCI. The PSI-LHCI complex was separated into two bands on native PAGE, suggesting that two different complexes may be present with slightly different protein compositions probably with respective to the numbers of Lhcr subunits. Based on the results obtained, a structural model was proposed for the red algal PSI-LHCI. Furthermore, pigment analysis revealed that the C. merolae PSI-LHCI contained a large amount of zeaxanthin, which is mainly associated with the LHCI complex whereas little zeaxanthin was found in the PSI core. This indicates a unique feature of the carotenoid composition of the Lhcr proteins and may suggest an important role of Zea in the light-harvesting and photoprotection of the red algal PSI-LHCI complex.
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ACRF Ingest Software Status: New, Current, and Future - April 2008
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
AS Koontz; S Choudhury; BD Ermold
2008-04-01
The purpose of this report is to provide status of the ingest software used to process instrument data for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Climate Research Facility (ACRF). The report is divided into 4 sections: (1) for news about ingests currently under development, (2) for current production ingests, (3) for future ingest development plans, and (4) for information on retired ingests. Please note that datastreams beginning in “xxx” indicate cases where ingests run at multiple ACRF sites, which results in a datastream(s) for each location.
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ACRF Ingest Software Status: New, Current, and Future - May 2008
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
AS Koontz; S Choudhury; BD Ermold
2008-05-01
The purpose of this report is to provide status of the ingest software used to process instrument data for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Climate Research Facility (ACRF). The report is divided into 4 sections: (1) for news about ingests currently under development, (2) for current production ingests, (3) for future ingest development plans, and (4) for information on retired ingests. Please note that datastreams beginning in “xxx” indicate cases where ingests run at multiple ACRF sites, which results in a datastream(s) for each location.
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ACRF Instrumentation Status: New, Current, and Future - January 2008
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
AS Koontz; S Choudhury; BD Ermold
2008-01-31
The purpose of this report is to provide status of the ingest software used to process instrument data for the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program Climate Research Facility (ACRF). The report is divided into 4 sections: (1) for news about ingests currently under development, (2) for current production ingests, (3) for future ingest development plans, and (4) for information on retired ingests. Please note that datastreams beginning in “xxx” indicate cases where ingests run at multiple ACRF sites, which results in a datastream(s) for each location.
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Branching fractions for psi(2S)-to-J/psi transitions.
Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Cassel, D G; Crede, V; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Hsu, L; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Phillips, E A; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shepherd, M R; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Williams, J; Wiss, J; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Ernst, J; Mahmood, A H; Severini, H; Asner, D M; Dytman, S A; Love, W; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Savinov, V; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shibata, E I; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Chasse, M; Cravey, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Park, W; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Dambasuren, E; Dorjkhaidav, O; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nandakumar, R; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Chen, J; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L
2005-06-17
We describe new measurements of the inclusive and exclusive branching fractions for psi(2S) transitions to J/psi using e(+)e(-) collision data collected with the CLEO detector operating at CESR. All branching fractions and ratios of branching fractions reported here represent either the most precise measurements to date or the first direct measurements. Indirectly and in combination with other CLEO measurements, we determine B(chi(cJ) --> gamma(J/psi)) and B[psi(2S) --> light hadrons].
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Peterson, Richard B; Oja, Vello; Eichelmann, Hillar; Bichele, Irina; Dall'Osto, Luca; Laisk, Agu
2014-10-01
This work addresses the question of occurrence and function of photosystem II (PSII) in bundle sheath (BS) cells of leaves possessing NADP-malic enzyme-type C4 photosynthesis (Zea mays). Although no requirement for PSII activity in the BS has been established, several component proteins of PSII have been detected in BS cells of developing maize leaves exhibiting O2-insensitive photosynthesis. We used the basal fluorescence emissions of PSI (F 0I) and PSII (F 0II) as quantitative indicators of the respective relative photosystem densities. Chl fluorescence induction was measured simultaneously at 680 and 750 nm. In mature leaves, the F m(680)/F 0(680) ratio was 10.5 but less in immature leaves. We propose that the lower ratio was caused by the presence of a distinct non-variable component, F c, emitting at 680 and 750 nm. After F c was subtracted, the fluorescence of PSI (F 0I) was detected as a non-variable component at 750 nm and was undetectably low at 680 nm. Contents of Chls a and b were measured in addition to Chl fluorescence. The Chl b/(a + b) was relatively stable in developing sunflower leaves (0.25-0.26), but in maize it increased from 0.09 to 0.21 with leaf tissue age. In sunflower, the F 0I/(F 0I + F 0II) was 0.39 ± 0.01 independent of leaf age, but in maize, this parameter was 0.65 in young tissue of very low Chl content (20-50 mg m(-2)) falling to a stable level of 0.53 ± 0.01 at Chl contents >100 mg m(-2). The values of F 0I/(F 0I + F 0II) showed that in sunflower, excitation was partitioned between PSII and PSI in a ratio of 2:1, but the same ratio was 1:1 in the C4 plant. The latter is consistent with a PSII:PSI ratio of 2:1 in maize mesophyll cells and PSI only in BS cells (2:1:1 distribution). We suggest, moreover, that redox mediation of Chl synthesis, rather than protein accumulation, regulates photosystem assembly to ensure optimum excitation balance between functional PSII and PSI. Indeed, the apparent necessity for two Chls (a and b) may reside in their targeted functions in influencing accumulation of PSI and PSII, respectively, as opposed to their spectral differences.
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Feminist identity as a predictor of eating disorder diagnostic status.
Green, Melinda A; Scott, Norman A; Riopel, Cori M; Skaggs, Anna K
2008-06-01
Passive Acceptance (PA) and Active Commitment (AC) subscales of the Feminist Identity Development Scale (FIDS) were examined as predictors of eating disorder diagnostic status as assessed by the Questionnaire for Eating Disorder Diagnoses (Q-EDD). Results of a hierarchical regression analysis revealed PA and AC scores were not statistically significant predictors of ED diagnostic status after controlling for diagnostic subtype. Results of a multiple regression analysis revealed FIDS as a statistically significant predictor of ED diagnostic status when failing to control for ED diagnostic subtype. Discrepancies suggest ED diagnostic subtype may serve as a moderator variable in the relationship between ED diagnostic status and FIDS. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Decays of J/psi (3100) to baryon final states
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Eaton, M.W.
We present results for the decays of psi(3100) into baryon and hyperon final states. The sample studied here consists of 1.3 million produced psi decays. The decays into nonstrange baryons agree well with currently established results, but with better statistics. In addition, significant resonance formation in multibody final states is observed. The decay psi ..-->.. anti pp..gamma.., the first direct photon decay of the psi involving baryons in the final state, is presented and the theoretical implications of the decays are briefly explored. Several new decays of the psi involving strange baryons are explored, including the first observations of threemore » body final states involving hyperons. The I-spin symmetry of the strong decay psi ..-->.. baryons has clearly been observed. The reduced matrix elements for psi ..-->.. B anti B are presented for final states of different SU(3) content. The B/sub 8/ anti B/sub 8/ results are in excellent agreement with the psi being an SU(3) singlet as are the results for psi ..-->.. B/sub 10/ anti B/sub 10/. We present the first evidence for the SU(3) violating decays of the type psi ..-->.. B/sub 8/ anti B/sub 10/ + c.c.. Angular distributions for psi ..-->.. B/sub 8/ anti B/sub 8/ are presented and compared with theoretical predictions. Statistics are limited, but the data tends to prefer other than a 1 + Cos/sup 2/theta distribution.« less
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Robbiano, Valentina; Paternò, Giuseppe M; La Mattina, Antonino A; Motti, Silvia G; Lanzani, Guglielmo; Scotognella, Francesco; Barillaro, Giuseppe
2018-05-22
Silicon photonics would strongly benefit from monolithically integrated low-threshold silicon-based laser operating at room temperature, representing today the main challenge toward low-cost and power-efficient electronic-photonic integrated circuits. Here we demonstrate low-threshold lasing from fully transparent nanostructured porous silicon (PSi) monolithic microcavities (MCs) infiltrated with a polyfluorene derivative, namely, poly(9,9-di- n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl) (PFO). The PFO-infiltrated PSiMCs support single-mode blue lasing at the resonance wavelength of 466 nm, with a line width of ∼1.3 nm and lasing threshold of 5 nJ (15 μJ/cm 2 ), a value that is at the state of the art of PFO lasers. Furthermore, time-resolved photoluminescence shows a significant shortening (∼57%) of PFO emission lifetime in the PSiMCs, with respect to nonresonant PSi reference structures, confirming a dramatic variation of the radiative decay rate due to a Purcell effect. Our results, given also that blue lasing is a worst case for silicon photonics, are highly appealing for the development of low-cost, low-threshold silicon-based lasers with wavelengths tunable from visible to the near-infrared region by simple infiltration of suitable emitting polymers in monolithically integrated nanostructured PSiMCs.
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Roberty, Stéphane; Bailleul, Benjamin; Berne, Nicolas; Franck, Fabrice; Cardol, Pierre
2014-10-01
Photosynthetic organisms have developed various photoprotective mechanisms to cope with exposure to high light intensities. In photosynthetic dinoflagellates that live in symbiosis with cnidarians, the nature and relative amplitude of these regulatory mechanisms are a matter of debate. In our study, the amplitude of photosynthetic alternative electron flows (AEF) to oxygen (chlororespiration, Mehler reaction), the mitochondrial respiration and the Photosystem I (PSI) cyclic electron flow were investigated in strains belonging to three clades (A1, B1 and F1) of Symbiodinium. Cultured Symbiodinium strains were maintained under identical environmental conditions, and measurements of oxygen evolution, fluorescence emission and absorption changes at specific wavelengths were used to evaluate PSI and PSII electron transfer rates (ETR). A light- and O2 -dependent ETR was observed in all strains. This electron transfer chain involves PSII and PSI and is insensitive to inhibitors of mitochondrial activity and carbon fixation. We demonstrate that in all strains, the Mehler reaction responsible for photoreduction of oxygen by the PSI under high light, is the main AEF at the onset and at the steady state of photosynthesis. This sustained photosynthetic AEF under high light intensities acts as a photoprotective mechanism and leads to an increase of the ATP/NADPH ratio. © 2014 The Authors New Phytologist © 2014 New Phytologist Trust.
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Fan, Hueng-Chuen; Hsu, Ting-Rong; Chang, Kai-Ping; Chen, Shyi-Jou; Tsai, Jeng-Dau
2018-06-01
Refractory epilepsy (RE) is frequently associated with neuropsychological impairment in children and may disrupt their social development. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) had been reported to have beneficial effects on behavioral outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare Parenting Stress Index (PSI) scores before and after VNS device implantation in children with RE, especially those who experienced seizure frequency reduction. We conducted a one-group pretest-posttest study in school age children with RE. Seizure frequency and PSI were recorded at 12months after VNS device implantation. Treatment with VNS was significantly associated with reduced seizure frequency and parental stress as measured by PSI. Factors contributing to seizure frequency included idiopathic/cryptogenic etiology and neurobehavioral comorbidities. In children with reduced seizure frequency, statistically significant improvements in the child domain of the PSI on the subscales of mood and reinforces parent were found. In the parent domain, the scores for social isolation were reduced. Treatment with VNS was significantly associated with reduced seizure frequency and improved PSI scores, especially within the child domain on the mood and reinforces parent subscales. These findings suggest that VNS reduced not only seizure frequency but also the psychological burden on children with RE. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Associated charmonium production in low energy pp annihilation
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Barnes, T.; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996; Li, X.
2007-03-01
The QCD mechanisms underlying the exclusive strong decays and hadronic production amplitudes of charmonium remain poorly understood, despite decades of study and an increasingly detailed body of experimental information. One set of hadronic channels of special interest are those that include baryon-antibaryon states. These are being investigated experimentally at BES and CLEO-c in terms of their baryon resonance content, and are also of interest for the future PANDA experiment, in which charmonium and charmonium hybrids will be produced in pp annihilation in association with light mesons. In this paper we develop a simple initial-state light meson emission model of themore » near-threshold associated charmonium production processes pp{yields}{pi}{sup 0}{psi}, and evaluate the differential and total cross sections for these reactions in this model. (Here we consider the states {psi}={eta}{sub c}, J/{psi}, {psi}{sup '}, {chi}{sub 0} and {chi}{sub 1}.) The predicted near-threshold cross section for pp{yields}{pi}{sup 0}J/{psi} is found to be numerically similar to two previous theoretical estimates, and is roughly comparable to the (sparse) existing data for this process. The theoretical charmonium angular distributions predicted by this model are far from isotropic, which may be of interest for PANDA detector design studies.« less
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Bovine serum albumin adsorption on functionalized porous silicon surfaces
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tay, Li-Lin; Rowell, Nelson L.; Lockwood, David J.; Boukherroub, Rabah
2004-10-01
The large surface area within porous Si (pSi) and its strong room temperature photoluminescence (PL) make it an ideal host for biological sensors. In particular, the development of pSi-based optical sensors for DNA, enzyme and other biochemical molecules have become of great interest. Here, we demonstrate that the in-situ monitoring of the pSi PL behaviour can be used as a positive identification of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein adsorption inside the porous matrix. Electrochemically prepared pSi films were first functionalized with undecylenic acid to produce an organic monolayer covalently attached to the porous silicon surfaces. The acid terminal group also provided favourable BSA binding sites on the pSi matrix sidewalls. In-situ PL spectra showed a gradual red shift (up to 12 meV) in the PL peak energy due to the protein incorporation into the porous matrix. The PL then exhibited a continuous blue shift after saturation of the protein molecules in the pores. This blue shift of the PL peak frequency and a steady increase in the PL intensity is evidence of surface oxidation. Comparing the specular reflectance obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before and after BSA incubation confirmed the adsorption of protein in the pSi matrix.
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Modeling MHD Equilibrium and Dynamics with Non-Axisymmetric Resistive Walls in LTX and HBT-EP
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Hansen, C.; Levesque, J.; Boyle, D. P.; Hughes, P.
2017-10-01
In experimental magnetized plasmas, currents in the first wall, vacuum vessel, and other conducting structures can have a strong influence on plasma shape and dynamics. These effects are complicated by the 3D nature of these structures, which dictate available current paths. Results from simulations to study the effect of external currents on plasmas in two different experiments will be presented: 1) The arbitrary geometry, 3D extended MHD code PSI-Tet is applied to study linear and non-linear plasma dynamics in the High Beta Tokamak (HBT-EP) focusing on toroidal asymmetries in the adjustable conducting wall. 2) Equilibrium reconstructions of the Lithium Tokamak eXperiment (LTX) in the presence of non-axisymmetric eddy currents. An axisymmetric model is used to reconstruct the plasma equilibrium, using the PSI-Tri code, along with a set of fixed 3D eddy current distributions in the first wall and vacuum vessel [C. Hansen et al., PoP Apr. 2017]. Simulations of detailed experimental geometries are enabled by use of the PSI-Tet code, which employs a high order finite element method on unstructured tetrahedral grids that are generated directly from CAD models. Further development of PSI-Tet and PSI-Tri will also be presented. This work supported by US DOE contract DE-SC0016256.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Punjabi, Alkesh; Ali, Halima
A new approach to integration of magnetic field lines in divertor tokamaks is proposed. In this approach, an analytic equilibrium generating function (EGF) is constructed in natural canonical coordinates ({psi},{theta}) from experimental data from a Grad-Shafranov equilibrium solver for a tokamak. {psi} is the toroidal magnetic flux and {theta} is the poloidal angle. Natural canonical coordinates ({psi},{theta},{phi}) can be transformed to physical position (R,Z,{phi}) using a canonical transformation. (R,Z,{phi}) are cylindrical coordinates. Another canonical transformation is used to construct a symplectic map for integration of magnetic field lines. Trajectories of field lines calculated from this symplectic map in natural canonicalmore » coordinates can be transformed to trajectories in real physical space. Unlike in magnetic coordinates [O. Kerwin, A. Punjabi, and H. Ali, Phys. Plasmas 15, 072504 (2008)], the symplectic map in natural canonical coordinates can integrate trajectories across the separatrix surface, and at the same time, give trajectories in physical space. Unlike symplectic maps in physical coordinates (x,y) or (R,Z), the continuous analog of a symplectic map in natural canonical coordinates does not distort trajectories in toroidal planes intervening the discrete map. This approach is applied to the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon and L. E. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)]. The EGF for the DIII-D gives quite an accurate representation of equilibrium magnetic surfaces close to the separatrix surface. This new approach is applied to demonstrate the sensitivity of stochastic broadening using a set of perturbations that generically approximate the size of the field errors and statistical topological noise expected in a poloidally diverted tokamak. Plans for future application of this approach are discussed.« less
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Synthesis and Characterization of Modified Phenylethynyl Terminated Polyimides
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Chang, Alice C.
1998-01-01
As an ongoing effort to develop structural adhesives for high performance aerospace applications, recent work has focused on phenylethynyl terminated imide (PETI) oligomers. The work reported herein involves the synthesis and characterization of a series of phenylethynyl containing oligomers designated LARC (TM) MPEI (Modified Phenylethynyl Terminated Polyimide). These oligomers contain mixtures of linear, branched and star-shaped molecules. The fully imidized polymers exhibited minimum melt viscosity as low as 600 poise at 335 C. Ti/Ti lap shear specimens processed at 288 C under 15 psi showed tensile shear strength of approx. 6000 psi and 5200 psi at ambient and 350 F temperatures, respectively. The chemistry and properties of these new MPEIs are presented and compared to an optimized linear PETI, LaRC(Tm) -PETI-5.
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Proton gradient regulation 5 supports linear electron flow to oxidize photosystem I.
Takagi, Daisuke; Miyake, Chikahiro
2018-03-31
In higher plants, light drives the linear photosynthetic electron transport reaction from H 2 O to electron sinks, which is called as linear electron flow (LEF). LEF activity should be regulated depending on electron sinks; otherwise excess electrons accumulate in the thylakoid membranes and stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in photosystem I (PSI), which causes oxidative damage to PSI. To prevent ROS production in PSI, PSI should be oxidized during photosynthesis, and PROTON GRADIENT REGULATION 5 (PGR5) and PGR like 1 (PGRL1) are important to oxidized PSI. PGR5 and PGRL1 are recognized as a component of ferredoxin-dependent cyclic electron flow around PSI (Fd-CEF-PSI), however there is no direct evidence for the significant operation of Fd-CEF-PSI during photosynthesis in wild-type (WT) plants. Thus, electron distribution by PGR5 and PGRL1 between Fd-CEF-PSI and LEF is still elusive. Here, we show direct evidence that Fd-CEF-PSI activity is minor during steady state photosynthesis by measuring the Fd redox state in vivo in Arabidopsis thaliana. We found that Fd oxidation rate is determined by LEF activity during steady state photosynthesis in WT. On the other hand, pgr5 and pgrl1 showed lower electron transport efficiency from PSI to electron sinks through Fd during steady state photosynthesis. These results demonstrate that electrons are exclusively consumed in electron sinks through Fd, and the phenotypes of pgr5 and pgrl1 are likely caused by the disturbance of the LEF between PSI and electron sinks. We suggest that PGR5 and PGRL1 modulate the LEF according to electron sink activities around PSI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Yu, Daoyong; Huang, Guihong; Xu, Fengxi; Ge, Baosheng; Liu, Shuang; Xu, Hai; Huang, Fang
2014-11-01
Surfactants play a significant role in solubilization of photosystem I (PSI) in vitro. Triton X-100 (TX), n-Dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were employed to solubilize PSI particles in MES buffer to compare the effect of surfactant and its dosage on the apparent oxygen consumption rate of PSI. Through a combined assessment of sucrose density gradient centrifugation, Native PAGE and 77 K fluorescence with the apparent oxygen consumption, the nature of the enhancement of the apparent oxygen consumption activity of PSI by surfactants has been analyzed. Aggregated PSI particles can be dispersed by surfactant molecules into micelles, and the apparent oxygen consumption rate is higher for surfactant-solubilized PSI than for integral PSI particles. For DDM, PSI particles are solubilized mostly as the integral trimeric form. For TX, PSI particles are solubilized as incomplete trimeric and some monomeric forms. For the much harsher surfactant, SDS, PSI particles are completely solubilized as monomeric and its subunit forms. The enhancement of the oxygen consumption rate cannot be explained only by the effects of surfactant on the equilibrium between monomeric and trimeric forms of solubililized PSI. Care must be taken when the electron transfer activity of PSI is evaluated by methods based on oxygen consumption because the apparent oxygen consumption rate is influenced by uncoupled chlorophyll (Chl) from PSI, i.e., the larger the amount of uncoupled Chl, the higher the rate of apparent oxygen consumption. 77 K fluorescence spectra can be used to ensure that there is no uncoupled Chl present in the system. In order to eliminate the effect of trace uncoupled Chl, an efficient physical quencher of (1)O2, such as 1 mM NaN3, may be added into the mixture.
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Ran, Mao-Sheng; Yang, Lawrence H; Liu, Yu-Jun; Huang, Debbie; Mao, Wen-Jun; Lin, Fu-Rong; Li, Jie; Chan, Cecilia Lai-Wan
2017-05-01
Little is known about whether family economic status might influence the long-term (e.g. over 10 years) outcome of persons with schizophrenia in the community. To examine the differences in outcome at 14-year follow-up of persons with schizophrenia from high versus low family economic status backgrounds in a Chinese rural area. A prospective 14-year follow-up study was conducted in six townships in Xinjin County, Chengdu, China. All participants with schizophrenia ( n = 510) were identified in an epidemiological investigation of 123,572 people aged 15 years and older and followed up from 1994 to 2008. Individuals from low family economic status (
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Longfield, Kim; Smith, Brian; Gray, Rob; Ngamkitpaiboon, Lek; Vielot, Nadja
2013-01-01
Implementing organizations are pressured to be accountable for performance. Many health impact metrics present limitations for priority setting; they do not permit comparisons across different interventions or health areas. In response, Population Services International (PSI) adopted the disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted as its bottom-line performance metric. While international standards exist for calculating DALYs to determine burden of disease (BOD), PSI's use of DALYs averted is novel. It uses DALYs averted to assess and compare the health impact of its country programs, and to understand the effectiveness of a portfolio of interventions. This paper describes how the adoption of DALYs averted influenced organizational strategy and presents the advantages and constraints of using the metric. Health impact data from 2001-2011 were analyzed by program area and geographic region to measure PSI's performance against its goal of doubling health impact between 2007-2011. Analyzing 10 years of data permitted comparison with previous years' performance. A case study of PSI's Asia and Eastern European (A/EE) region, and PSI/Laos, is presented to illustrate how the adoption of DALYs averted affected strategic decision making. Between 2007-2011, PSI's programs doubled the total number of DALYs averted from 2002-2006. Most DALYs averted were within malaria, followed by HIV/AIDS and family planning (FP). The performance of PSI's A/EE region relative to other regions declined with the switch to DALYs averted. As a result, the region made a strategic shift to align its work with countries' BOD. In PSI/Laos, this redirection led to better-targeted programs and an approximate 50% gain in DALYs averted from 2009-2011. PSI's adoption of DALYs averted shifted the organization's strategic direction away from product sales and toward BOD. Now, many strategic decisions are based on "BOD-relevance," the share of the BOD that interventions can potentially address. This switch resulted in more targeted strategies and greater program diversification. Challenges remain in convincing donors to support interventions in disease areas that are relevant to a country's BOD, and in developing modeling methodologies. The global health community will benefit from the use of standard health impact metrics to improve strategic decision making and more effectively respond to the changing global burden of disease.
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Gis-Based Spatial Statistical Analysis of College Graduates Employment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tang, R.
2012-07-01
It is urgently necessary to be aware of the distribution and employment status of college graduates for proper allocation of human resources and overall arrangement of strategic industry. This study provides empirical evidence regarding the use of geocoding and spatial analysis in distribution and employment status of college graduates based on the data from 2004-2008 Wuhan Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, China. Spatio-temporal distribution of employment unit were analyzed with geocoding using ArcGIS software, and the stepwise multiple linear regression method via SPSS software was used to predict the employment and to identify spatially associated enterprise and professionals demand in the future. The results show that the enterprises in Wuhan east lake high and new technology development zone increased dramatically from 2004 to 2008, and tended to distributed southeastward. Furthermore, the models built by statistical analysis suggest that the specialty of graduates major in has an important impact on the number of the employment and the number of graduates engaging in pillar industries. In conclusion, the combination of GIS and statistical analysis which helps to simulate the spatial distribution of the employment status is a potential tool for human resource development research.
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Mutants of the Paf1 Complex Alter Phenotypic Expression of the Yeast Prion [PSI+
Strawn, Lisa A.; Lin, Changyi A.; Tank, Elizabeth M.H.; Osman, Morwan M.; Simpson, Sarah A.
2009-01-01
The yeast [PSI+] prion is an epigenetic modifier of translation termination fidelity that causes nonsense suppression. The prion [PSI+] forms when the translation termination factor Sup35p adopts a self-propagating conformation. The presence of the [PSI+] prion modulates survivability in a variety of growth conditions. Nonsense suppression is essential for many [PSI+]-mediated phenotypes, but many do not appear to be due to read-through of a single stop codon, but instead are multigenic traits. We hypothesized that other global mechanisms act in concert with [PSI+] to influence [PSI+]-mediated phenotypes. We have identified one such global regulator, the Paf1 complex (Paf1C). Paf1C is conserved in eukaryotes and has been implicated in several aspects of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. Mutations in Ctr9p and other Paf1C components reduced [PSI+]-mediated nonsense suppression. The CTR9 deletion also alters nonsense suppression afforded by other genetic mutations but not always to the same extent as the effects on [PSI+]-mediated read-through. Our data suggest that the Paf1 complex influences mRNA translatability but not solely through changes in transcript stability or abundance. Finally, we demonstrate that the CTR9 deletion alters several [PSI+]-dependent phenotypes. This provides one example of how [PSI+] and genetic modifiers can interact to uncover and regulate phenotypic variability. PMID:19225160
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Welsch, Ralf; Zhou, Xiangjun; Yuan, Hui; Álvarez, Daniel; Sun, Tianhu; Schlossarek, Dennis; Yang, Yong; Shen, Guoxin; Zhang, Hong; Rodriguez-Concepcion, Manuel; Thannhauser, Theodore W; Li, Li
2018-01-08
Phytoene synthase (PSY) is the crucial plastidial enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway. However, its post-translational regulation remains elusive. Likewise, Clp protease constitutes a central part of the plastid protease network, but its substrates for degradation are not well known. In this study, we report that PSY is a substrate of the Clp protease. PSY was uncovered to physically interact with various Clp protease subunits (i.e., ClpS1, ClpC1, and ClpD). High levels of PSY and several other carotenogenic enzyme proteins overaccumulate in the clpc1, clpp4, and clpr1-2 mutants. The overaccumulated PSY was found to be partially enzymatically active. Impairment of Clp activity in clpc1 results in a reduced rate of PSY protein turnover, further supporting the role of Clp protease in degrading PSY protein. On the other hand, the ORANGE (OR) protein, a major post-translational regulator of PSY with holdase chaperone activity, enhances PSY protein stability and increases the enzymatically active proportion of PSY in clpc1, counterbalancing Clp-mediated proteolysis in maintaining PSY protein homeostasis. Collectively, these findings provide novel insights into the quality control of plastid-localized proteins and establish a hitherto unidentified post-translational regulatory mechanism of carotenogenic enzymes in modulating carotenoid biosynthesis in plants. Copyright © 2017 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Adolescent development and eating disorder related quality of life in Indian females.
Lal, M; Abraham, S
2011-03-01
To study the relationship of adolescent development and eating disorder related quality of life in Indian females. 461 female school students (aged 12-17 yrs) were recruited from middle to high socio-economic status (SES), English speaking schools in Delhi, India. Adolescent development was measured by Tanner stage and months since menarche. Subjects completed the Quality of Life for Eating Disorders questionnaire (QOL ED), which included six subscores. Correlation and partial correlation coefficient analysis to control for Body Mass Index (BMI) were performed. After controlling for BMI, all adolescent development measures were correlated with the psychological feelings (PSY) subscore. This subscore contained items relating to confusion, social unease, sadness, difficulty coping, desiring perfection and loss of control. Tanner breast stage was correlated with the eating behaviour (EB) subscore. During adolescent development, Indian girls became more aware of their psychological feelings and emotions. Only those reporting breast development were using behaviours to control their body, weight and shape. These behaviours are not associated with the presence of disordered eating thoughts, such as preoccupation with food, eating, body weight or shape.
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Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.
2016-11-01
The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is sponsored jointly by Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and the APA. The award is presented annually to the psychology graduate student who submits the best research paper that was published or presented at a national, regional, or state psychological association conference during the past calendar year. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is given jointly by Psi Chi and APA. Members of the 2016 Edwin B. Newman Award Committee were Shawn Carlton, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Christina Frederick-Recascino, PhD; John Norcross, PhD, APA representative; Karenna Malavanti, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Steven Kohn, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Warren Fass, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Chris Lovelace, PhD, Psi Chi representative; and Cathy Epkins, PhD, APA representative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).
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Optical characterization of porous silicon microcavities for glucose oxidase biosensing
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Palestino, G.; Agarwal, V.; Garcia, D. B.; Legros, R.; Pérez, E.; Gergely, C.
2008-04-01
PSi microcavity (PSiMc) is characterized by a narrow resonance peak in the optical spectrum that is very sensitive to small changes in the refractive index. We report that the resonant optical cavities of PSi structures can be used to enhance the detection of labeled fluorescent biomolecules. Various PSi configurations were tested in order to compare the optical response of the PSi devices to the capture of organic molecules. Morphological and topographical analyses were performed on PSiMc using Atomic Force (AFM) and Scanning Electron (SEM) microscopies. The heterogeneity in pores lengths resulting from etching process assures a better penetration of larger molecules into the pores and sensor sensitivity depends on the pore size. Molecular detection is monitored by the successive red shifts in the reflectance spectra after the stabilization of PSiMc with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The glucose oxidase was cross linked into the PSiMc structures following a silane-glutaraldehyde (GTA) chemistry.
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Stolz, Erwin; Fux, Beat; Mayerl, Hannes; Rásky, Éva; Freidl, Wolfgang
2016-09-01
Passive suicide ideation (PSI) is common among older adults, but prevalences have been reported to vary considerably across European countries. The goal of this study was to assess the role of individual-level risk factors and societal contextual factors associated with PSI in old age. We analyzed longitudinal data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) on 6,791 community-dwelling respondents (75+) from 12 countries. Bayesian logistic multilevel regression models were used to assess variance components, individual-level and country-level risk factors. About 4% of the total variance of PSI was located at the country level, a third of which was attributable to compositional effects of individual-level predictors. Predictors for the development of PSI at the individual level were female gender, depression, older age, poor health, smaller social network size, loneliness, nonreligiosity, and low perceived control (R (2) = 25.8%). At the country level, cultural acceptance of suicide, religiosity, and intergenerational cohabitation were associated with the rates of PSI. Cross-national variation in old-age PSI is mostly attributable to individual-level determinants and compositional differences, but there is also evidence for contextual effects of country-level characteristics. Suicide prevention programs should be intensified in high-risk countries and attitudes toward suicide should be addressed in information campaigns. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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Weisman de Mamani, Amy; Weintraub, Marc J; Gurak, Kayla; Maura, Jessica
2014-12-01
Research strongly suggests that family interventions can benefit patients with schizophrenia, yet current interventions often fail to consider the cultural context and spiritual practices that may make them more effective and relevant to ethnic minority populations. We have developed a family focused, culturally informed treatment for schizophrenia (CIT-S) patients and their caregivers to address this gap. Sixty-nine families were randomized to either 15 sessions of CIT-S or to a 3-session psychoeducation (PSY-ED) control condition. Forty-six families (66.7%) completed the study. The primary aim was to test whether CIT-S would outperform PSY-ED in reducing posttreatment symptom severity (controlling for baseline symptoms) on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Secondary analyses were conducted to test whether treatment efficacy would be moderated by ethnicity and whether patient-therapist ethnic match would relate to efficacy and patient satisfaction with treatment. Patients included 40 Hispanic/Latinos, 14 Whites, 11 Blacks, and 4 patients who identified as "other." In line with expectations, results from an ANCOVA indicated that patients assigned to the CIT-S condition had significantly less severe psychiatric symptoms at treatment termination than did patients assigned to the PSY-ED condition. Patient ethnicity and patient-therapist ethnic match (vs. mismatch) did not relate to treatment efficacy or satisfaction with the intervention. Results suggest that schizophrenia may respond to culturally informed psychosocial interventions. The treatment appears to work equally well for Whites and minorities alike. Follow-up research with a matched length control condition is needed. Further investigation is also needed to pinpoint specific mechanisms of change.
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Galka, Pierre; Santabarbara, Stefano; Khuong, Thi Thu Huong; Degand, Hervé; Morsomme, Pierre; Jennings, Robert C.; Boekema, Egbert J.; Caffarri, Stefano
2012-01-01
State transitions are an important photosynthetic short-term response that allows energy distribution balancing between photosystems I (PSI) and II (PSII). In plants when PSII is preferentially excited compared with PSI (State II), part of the major light-harvesting complex LHCII migrates to PSI to form a PSI-LHCII supercomplex. So far, little is known about this complex, mainly due to purification problems. Here, a stable PSI-LHCII supercomplex is purified from Arabidopsis thaliana and maize (Zea mays) plants. It is demonstrated that LHCIIs loosely bound to PSII in State I are the trimers mainly involved in state transitions and become strongly bound to PSI in State II. Specific Lhcb1-3 isoforms are differently represented in the mobile LHCII compared with S and M trimers. Fluorescence analyses indicate that excitation energy migration from mobile LHCII to PSI is rapid and efficient, and the quantum yield of photochemical conversion of PSI-LHCII is substantially unaffected with respect to PSI, despite a sizable increase of the antenna size. An updated PSI-LHCII structural model suggests that the low-energy chlorophylls 611 and 612 in LHCII interact with the chlorophyll 11145 at the interface of PSI. In contrast with the common opinion, we suggest that the mobile pool of LHCII may be considered an intimate part of the PSI antenna system that is displaced to PSII in State I. PMID:22822202
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Text mining and expert curation to develop a database on psychiatric diseases and their genes
Gutiérrez-Sacristán, Alba; Bravo, Àlex; Portero-Tresserra, Marta; Valverde, Olga; Armario, Antonio; Blanco-Gandía, M.C.; Farré, Adriana; Fernández-Ibarrondo, Lierni; Fonseca, Francina; Giraldo, Jesús; Leis, Angela; Mané, Anna; Mayer, M.A.; Montagud-Romero, Sandra; Nadal, Roser; Ortiz, Jordi; Pavon, Francisco Javier; Perez, Ezequiel Jesús; Rodríguez-Arias, Marta; Serrano, Antonia; Torrens, Marta; Warnault, Vincent; Sanz, Ferran
2017-01-01
Abstract Psychiatric disorders constitute one of the main causes of disability worldwide. During the past years, considerable research has been conducted on the genetic architecture of such diseases, although little understanding of their etiology has been achieved. The difficulty to access up-to-date, relevant genotype-phenotype information has hampered the application of this wealth of knowledge to translational research and clinical practice in order to improve diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric patients. PsyGeNET (http://www.psygenet.org/) has been developed with the aim of supporting research on the genetic architecture of psychiatric diseases, by providing integrated and structured accessibility to their genotype–phenotype association data, together with analysis and visualization tools. In this article, we describe the protocol developed for the sustainable update of this knowledge resource. It includes the recruitment of a team of domain experts in order to perform the curation of the data extracted by text mining. Annotation guidelines and a web-based annotation tool were developed to support the curators’ tasks. A curation workflow was designed including a pilot phase and two rounds of curation and analysis phases. Negative evidence from the literature on gene–disease associations (GDAs) was taken into account in the curation process. We report the results of the application of this workflow to the curation of GDAs for PsyGeNET, including the analysis of the inter-annotator agreement and suggest this model as a suitable approach for the sustainable development and update of knowledge resources. Database URL: http://www.psygenet.org PsyGeNET corpus: http://www.psygenet.org/ds/PsyGeNET/results/psygenetCorpus.tar PMID:29220439
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"MAPHICS", its development and influence on the future of Science.
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Castellano, Doc
2001-11-01
On the fifth 'anniversary' of his conferences with Einstein, the Author reviewed the State of the Art of Mathematical Physics. During this review, 1960, the Author formulated an Omega Science. Namely, combining the Philosophy of Mathematics with the Philosophy of Physics into ONE Philosophy, "MAPHICS". "MA from MAthematics and PH--ICS" from Physics; "MAPHICS" (TM). The PhD co. views Science in general, and Mathematical Physics in particular, from a Historic-Philosophical viewpoint. Thus, it remained anonymous and 'in the background' as publicly known Mathematicians and Physicists, with their great reservoir of rhetoric expertise in said Fields; gradually presented and refined the essence of what the Author calls "Spirito Mathematics". A Philosophical concept that now appears to be publicly developing, with the utilization of some its speed and resolution power. The Author will give at least three examples of its speed and resolution power. One being the partial differential equation in the development of Wave Mechanics & Quantum Mechanics. Namely, [(-ih bar(squared)/2m)(2nd Part.Der. psi/ respect to x)] + V psi = ih bar -(Part.Der. psi/respect to t).
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rawls, G.; Newhouse, N.; Rana, M.
2010-04-13
The Boiler and Pressure Vessel Project Team on Hydrogen Tanks was formed in 2004 to develop Code rules to address the various needs that had been identified for the design and construction of up to 15000 psi hydrogen storage vessel. One of these needs was the development of Code rules for high pressure composite vessels with non-load sharing liners for stationary applications. In 2009, ASME approved new Appendix 8, for Section X Code which contains the rules for these vessels. These vessels are designated as Class III vessels with design pressure ranging from 20.7 MPa (3,000 ps)i to 103.4 MPamore » (15,000 psi) and maximum allowable outside liner diameter of 2.54 m (100 inches). The maximum design life of these vessels is limited to 20 years. Design, fabrication, and examination requirements have been specified, included Acoustic Emission testing at time of manufacture. The Code rules include the design qualification testing of prototype vessels. Qualification includes proof, expansion, burst, cyclic fatigue, creep, flaw, permeability, torque, penetration, and environmental testing.« less
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Probing the conformational dynamics of photosystem I in unconfined and confined spaces.
Das, Gaurav; Chattoraj, Shyamtanu; Nandi, Somen; Mondal, Prasenjit; Saha, Abhijit; Bhattacharyya, Kankan; Ghosh, Surajit
2017-12-20
The fluorescence dynamics of Photosystem I (PSI) in bulk water and inside a confined environment like a liposome have been investigated using time resolved confocal microscopy. In bulk water, PSI exhibits a major emission peak at ∼680 nm, while in the liposome it exhibits a markedly blue shifted emission maximum at ∼485 nm. This is indicative of conformational changes due to entrapment and emergence of a stressed conformation of PSI inside the liposome. The observed time constants for the fluorescence lifetime of PSI inside the liposome are significantly high as opposed to PSI in bulk water. More interestingly, the fluorescence intensity of PSI in bulk water exhibits strong fluctuations with many high intensity jumps and these are anti-correlated with the fluorescence lifetime of PSI. In contrast, inside the liposome, no such anti-correlated behaviour is observed. We further demonstrated that PSI exhibits at least two conformational states in bulk water, whereas a single conformation is observed inside the liposome, indicating the conformational rigidity and locking of the PSI complex inside a liposome.
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DOT National Transportation Integrated Search
2008-01-01
This document is a summary of the 2008 Status of the Nations Highways, Bridges, and Transit: Conditions and Performance report to Congress (C&P report). The C&P report is intended to provide decision makers with an objective appraisal of the physi...
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Memorandum: Status of 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) SIPs for the 2008 Ozone NAAQS
This document describes the status of each Clean Air Act (CAA) section 110(a)(2)(D)(i)(I) state implementation plan (SIP) for the 2008 ozone NAAQS for the eastern states and the District of Columbia that are the focus of the final rule.
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Isentropic Bulk Modulus: Development of a Federal Test Method
2016-01-01
ranging from 30-80 °C and applied pressures of 1,000-18,000 psi. This method has been applied successfully to aviation turbine fuels and diesel fuels...FFP), aviation fuel, diesel fuel, 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE...pressures of 1,000-18,000 psi. This method has been applied successfully to aviation turbine fuels and diesel fuels composed of petroleum, synthetic
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Hamid, Kamran S; Matson, Andrew P; Nwachukwu, Benedict U; Scott, Daniel J; Mather, Richard C; DeOrio, James K
2017-01-01
Traditional intraoperative referencing for total ankle replacements (TARs) involves multiple steps and fluoroscopic guidance to determine mechanical alignment. Recent adoption of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) allows for referencing to be determined preoperatively, resulting in less steps and potentially decreased operative time. We hypothesized that usage of PSI would result in decreased operating room time that would offset the additional cost of PSI compared with standard referencing (SR). In addition, we aimed to compare postoperative radiographic alignment between PSI and SR. Between August 2014 and September 2015, 87 patients undergoing TAR were enrolled in a prospectively collected TAR database. Patients were divided into cohorts based on PSI vs SR, and operative times were reviewed. Radiographic alignment parameters were retrospectively measured at 6 weeks postoperatively. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) was used to derive direct costs. Cost vs operative time-savings were examined via 2-way sensitivity analysis to determine cost-saving thresholds for PSI applicable to a range of institution types. Cost-saving thresholds defined the price of PSI below which PSI would be cost-saving. A total of 35 PSI and 52 SR cases were evaluated with no significant differences identified in patient characteristics. Operative time from incision to completion of casting in cases without adjunct procedures was 127 minutes with PSI and 161 minutes with SR ( P < .05). PSI demonstrated similar postoperative accuracy to SR in coronal tibial-plafond alignment (1.1 vs 0.3 degrees varus, P = .06), tibial-plafond alignment (0.3 ± 2.1 vs 1.1 ± 2.1 degrees varus, P = .06), and tibial component sagittal alignment (0.7 vs 0.9 degrees plantarflexion, P = .14). The TDABC method estimated a PSI cost-savings threshold range at our institution of $863 below which PSI pricing would provide net cost-savings. Two-way sensitivity analysis generated a globally applicable cost-savings threshold model based on institution-specific costs and surgeon-specific time-savings. This study demonstrated equivalent postoperative TAR alignment with PSI and SR referencing systems but with a significant decrease in operative time with PSI. Based on TDABC and associated sensitivity analysis, a cost-savings threshold of $863 was identified for PSI pricing at our institution below which PSI was less costly than SR. Similar internal cost accounting may benefit health care systems for identifying cost drivers and obtaining leverage during price negotiations. Level III, therapeutic study.
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Lateral Segregation of Photosystem I in Cyanobacterial Thylakoids
MacGregor-Chatwin, Craig; Sener, Melih; Barnett, Samuel F. H.; ...
2017-03-31
Photosystem I (PSI) is the dominant photosystem in cyanobacteria and it plays a pivotal role in cyanobacterial metabolism. Despite its biological importance, the native organization of PSI in cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes is poorly understood. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that ordered, extensive macromolecular arrays of PSI complexes are present in thylakoids from Thermosynechococcus elongatus, Synechococcus sp PCC 7002, and Synechocystis sp PCC 6803. Hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy and three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy of Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 cells visualize PSI domains within the context of the complete thylakoid system. Crystallographic and AFM data were used tomore » build a structural model of a membrane landscape comprising 96 PSI trimers and 27,648 chlorophyll a molecules. Rather than facilitating intertrimer energy transfer, the close associations between PSI primarily maximize packing efficiency; short-range interactions with Complex I and cytochrome b6f are excluded from these regions of the membrane, so PSI turnover is sustained by long-distance diffusion of the electron donors at the membrane surface. Elsewhere, PSI-photosystem II contact zones provide sites for docking phycobilisomes and the formation of megacomplexes. Finally, PSI-enriched domains in cyanobacteria might foreshadow the partitioning of PSI into stromal lamellae in plants, similarly sustained by long-distance diffusion of electron carriers.« less
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Lateral Segregation of Photosystem I in Cyanobacterial Thylakoids[CC-BY
MacGregor-Chatwin, Craig; Sener, Melih; Hitchcock, Andrew; Barnhart-Dailey, Meghan C.; Barber, James; Schulten, Klaus
2017-01-01
Photosystem I (PSI) is the dominant photosystem in cyanobacteria and it plays a pivotal role in cyanobacterial metabolism. Despite its biological importance, the native organization of PSI in cyanobacterial thylakoid membranes is poorly understood. Here, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that ordered, extensive macromolecular arrays of PSI complexes are present in thylakoids from Thermosynechococcus elongatus, Synechococcus sp PCC 7002, and Synechocystis sp PCC 6803. Hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy and three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy of Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 cells visualize PSI domains within the context of the complete thylakoid system. Crystallographic and AFM data were used to build a structural model of a membrane landscape comprising 96 PSI trimers and 27,648 chlorophyll a molecules. Rather than facilitating intertrimer energy transfer, the close associations between PSI primarily maximize packing efficiency; short-range interactions with Complex I and cytochrome b6f are excluded from these regions of the membrane, so PSI turnover is sustained by long-distance diffusion of the electron donors at the membrane surface. Elsewhere, PSI-photosystem II contact zones provide sites for docking phycobilisomes and the formation of megacomplexes. PSI-enriched domains in cyanobacteria might foreshadow the partitioning of PSI into stromal lamellae in plants, similarly sustained by long-distance diffusion of electron carriers. PMID:28364021
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Development and Evaluation of Elastomeric Materials for Geothermal Applications
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Mueller, W. A.; Kalfayan, S. H.; Reilly, W. W.; Yavrouian, A. H.; Mosesman, I. D.; Ingham, J. D.
1979-01-01
A material was formulated having about 250-350 psi tensile strength and 30-80 percent elongation at 260 C for at least 24 hours in simulated brine. The relationship between these laboratory test results and sealing performance in actual or simulated test conditions is not entirely clear; however, it is believed that no conventional formation or casing packer design is likely to perform well using these materials. The synthetic effort focused on high temperature block copolymers and development of curable polystyrene. Procedures were worked out for synthesizing these new materials. Initial results with heat-cured unfilled polystyrene 'gum' at 260 C indicate a tensile strength of about 50 psi. Cast films of the first sample of polyphenyl quinoxaline-polystyrene block copolymer, which has 'graft-block' structure consisting of a polystyrene chain with pendant polyphenyl quinoxaline groups, show elastomeric behavior in the required temperature range. Its tensile strength and elongation at 260 C were 220-350 psi and 18-36 percent, respectively. All of these materials also showed satisfactory hydrolytic stability.
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Combined environmental stress and physiological strain indices for physical training guidelines.
Moran, Daniel S; Pandolf, Kent B; Heled, Yuval; Gonzalez, Richard R
2003-01-01
The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines based on the previously described environmental stress index (ESI) and physiological strain index (PSI) for work-rest cycles (WRC) during training, especially in the military. The ESI was introduced as a potential substitute for the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index because of the very high correlation coefficients between them. The ESI is constructed from the fast-reading meteorological response sensors ambient temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), and global radiation (GR), which require only a few seconds to reach equilibrium. The ESI, the first stress index using direct measurements of solar radiation (SR), is calculated as follows: ESI = 0.63Ta - 0.03RH + 0.002SR + 0.0054 (Ta x RH) - 0.073(0.1 + SR)(-1). The PSI is based on heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (Tre) and can indicate heat strain online and analyze databases. The PSI is constructed as follows: PSI = 5(Tret - Tre0) x (39.5 - Tre0)(-1) + 5(HRt - HR0) x (180 - HR0)(-1), where Tre0 and HR0 are the initial Tre and HR, and Tret and HRt are simultaneous measurements taken at any time. The PSI is scaled from 0 to 10, whereby the respective variables, PSIHR and PSITre, representing the cardiovascular and thermoregulation systems, can contribute up to five units to the overall strain assessment. To integrate the PSI and ESI, we decided to use only the PSIHR component, which represents the metabolic rate and the strain reflected by the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, PSIHR is easier to measure, is easier to implement, and simplifies the integration with ESI. Concomitantly, PSIHR categorizes the strain between 0 and 5, the higher the value, the higher the strain. We believe that the use of the PSI WRC values will help in decreasing the risk of future heat injuries.
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Use of multitemporal InSAR data to develop geohazard scenarios for Bandung, Western Java, Indonesia
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Salvi, Stefano; Tolomei, Cristiano; Duro, Javier; Pezzo, Giuseppe; Koudogbo, Fifamè
2015-04-01
The Greater Bandung metropolitan area is the second largest urban area in Indonesia, with a population of 8.6 million. It is subject to a variety of geohazards: volcanic hazards from seven active volcanoes within a radius of 50 km; high flood hazards, seismic hazard due to crustal active faults, the best known being the 30-km long Lembang fault, 10 km North of the city centre; subsidence hazards due to strong aquifer depletion; landslide hazard in the surrounding high country. In the framework of the FP7 RASOR project, multitemporal satellite SAR data have been processed over Bandung, Western Java. We used the SBAS InSAR technique (Berardino et al., 2002) to process two ALOS-1 datasets, to investigate the various sources of surface deformation acting in the area in the period 2008-2011. Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) has also been applied to achieve ground motion measurements with millimetric precision and high accuracy. The PSI processing technique considers a system of points that reflect the radar signal from the satellite continuously through the time. It makes use of differential interferometric phase measurements to generate long term terrain deformation and digital surface model maps. The GlobalSARTM algorithms developed by Altamira Information are applied to COSMO-SkyMed data acquired to measure ground motion over the area of interest. Strong ground displacements (up to 7 cm/yr) due to groundwater abstraction have been measured in the Bandung basin. The identification of long wavelength signals from tectonic sources is difficult due to the limited InSAR coherence outside of the urban environment. Limited deformation is observed also in the Tangkuban Perahu volcano to the north. The spatial and temporal distribution of the ground motion is important supporting information for the generation of long term subsidence and flood hazard scenarios.
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Observation of J/psi-->3gamma.
Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Hu, D; Moziak, B; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Insler, J; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Yang, F; Artuso, M; Blusk, S; Khalil, S; Li, J; Mountain, R; Nisar, S; Randrianarivony, K; Sultana, N; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, L M; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Naik, P; Rademacker, J; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Reed, J; Briere, R A; Ferguson, T; Ma, J S Y; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Alexander, J P; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Hunt, J M; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Ledoux, J; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Mohapatra, D; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Shi, X; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Wilksen, T; Athar, S B; Patel, R; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Eisenstein, B I; Karliner, I; Mehrabyan, S; Lowrey, N; Selen, M; White, E J; Wiss, J; Mitchell, R E; Shepherd, M R; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Zweber, P; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Libby, J; Powell, A; Wilkinson, G; Ecklund, K M; Love, W; Savinov, V; Mendez, H; Ge, J Y; Miller, D H; Shipsey, I P J; Xin, B
2008-09-05
We report the first observation of the decay J/psi-->3gamma. The signal has a statistical significance of 6sigma and corresponds to a branching fraction of B(J/psi-->3gamma)=(1.2+/-0.3+/-0.2)x10;{-5}, in which the errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The measurement uses psi(2S)-->pi;{+}pi;{-}J/psi events acquired with the CLEO-c detector operating at the CESR e;{+}e;{-} collider.
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Selective attention: psi performance in children with learning disabilities.
Garcia, Vera Lúcia; Pereira, Liliane Desgualdo; Fukuda, Yotaka
2007-01-01
Selective attention is essential for learning how to write and read. The objective of this study was to examine the process of selective auditory attention in children with learning disabilities. Group I included forty subjects aged between 9 years and six months and 10 years and eleven months, who had a low risk of altered hearing, language and learning development. Group II included 20 subjects aged between 9 years and five months and 11 years and ten months, who presented learning disabilities. A prospective study was done using the Pediatric Speech Intelligibility Test (PSI). Right ear PSI with an ipsilateral competing message at speech/noise ratios of 0 and -10 was sufficient to differentiate Group I and Group II. Special attention should be given to the performance of Group II on the first tested ear, which may substantiate important signs of improvements in performance and rehabilitation. The PSI - MCI of the right ear at speech/noise ratios of 0 and -10 was appropriate to differentiate Groups I and II. There was an association with the group that presented learning disabilities: this group showed problems in selective attention.
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Lu, Lu; Liu, Li; Sui, Guoyuan; Wang, Lie
2015-01-01
Police officers’ job satisfaction is an important issue for police force management, but insufficient research exists on the topic, especially in China. This study aimed to examine the associations of job stress and organizational identification with job satisfaction among Chinese police officers, and particularly the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Liaoning Province of China during the period of September–October 2014. A set of self-administered questionnaires was distributed to 2514 police officers, and complete responses were obtained from 2226 participants. The associations among variables in relation to job satisfaction were validated by structural equation modeling. Job stress was negatively associated with job satisfaction, while organizational identification and PsyCap were positively associated with job satisfaction among Chinese police officers. PsyCap mediated the associations of job stress and organizational identification with job satisfaction. Interventions to improve Chinese police officers’ job satisfaction should be developed in the future, especially the enhancement of PsyCap. PMID:26633436
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Developing Canadian physician: the quest for leadership effectiveness.
Comber, Scott; Wilson, Lisette; Crawford, Kyle C
2016-07-04
Purpose The purpose of this study is to discern the physicians' perception of leadership effectiveness in their clinical and non-clinical roles (leadership) by identifying their political skill levels. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 209 Canadian physicians was surveyed using the Political Skills Inventory (PSI) during the period 2012-2014. The PSI was chosen because it assesses leadership effectiveness on four dimensions: social astuteness, interpersonal influence, networking ability and apparent authenticity. Findings Physicians in clinical roles' PSI scores were significantly lower in all four PSI dimensions when compared to all other physicians in non-clinical roles, with the principal difference being in their networking abilities. Practical implications More emphasis is needed on educating and training physicians, specifically in the areas of political skills, in current clinical roles if they are to assume leadership roles and be effective. Originality/value Although this study is located in Canada, the study design and associated findings may have implications to other areas and countries wanting to increase physician leadership effectiveness. Further, replication of this study in other settings may provide insight into the future design of physician leadership training curriculum.
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Microgrid Optimal Scheduling With Chance-Constrained Islanding Capability
Liu, Guodong; Starke, Michael R.; Xiao, B.; ...
2017-01-13
To facilitate the integration of variable renewable generation and improve the resilience of electricity sup-ply in a microgrid, this paper proposes an optimal scheduling strategy for microgrid operation considering constraints of islanding capability. A new concept, probability of successful islanding (PSI), indicating the probability that a microgrid maintains enough spinning reserve (both up and down) to meet local demand and accommodate local renewable generation after instantaneously islanding from the main grid, is developed. The PSI is formulated as mixed-integer linear program using multi-interval approximation taking into account the probability distributions of forecast errors of wind, PV and load. With themore » goal of minimizing the total operating cost while preserving user specified PSI, a chance-constrained optimization problem is formulated for the optimal scheduling of mirogrids and solved by mixed integer linear programming (MILP). Numerical simulations on a microgrid consisting of a wind turbine, a PV panel, a fuel cell, a micro-turbine, a diesel generator and a battery demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheduling strategy. Lastly, we verify the relationship between PSI and various factors.« less
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Lu, Lu; Liu, Li; Sui, Guoyuan; Wang, Lie
2015-11-30
Police officers' job satisfaction is an important issue for police force management, but insufficient research exists on the topic, especially in China. This study aimed to examine the associations of job stress and organizational identification with job satisfaction among Chinese police officers, and particularly the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). A cross-sectional study was conducted in Liaoning Province of China during the period of September-October 2014. A set of self-administered questionnaires was distributed to 2514 police officers, and complete responses were obtained from 2226 participants. The associations among variables in relation to job satisfaction were validated by structural equation modeling. Job stress was negatively associated with job satisfaction, while organizational identification and PsyCap were positively associated with job satisfaction among Chinese police officers. PsyCap mediated the associations of job stress and organizational identification with job satisfaction. Interventions to improve Chinese police officers' job satisfaction should be developed in the future, especially the enhancement of PsyCap.
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A dynamic pressure calibration standard
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schutte, P. C.; Cate, K. H.; Young, S. D.
1985-01-01
A dynamic pressure calibration standard has been developed for calibrating flush diaphragm mounted pressure transducers. Pressures up to 20 kPa (3 psi) have been accurately generated over a frequency range of 50 to 1800 hz. The uncertainty of the standard is +/-5 pct to 5kPa (.75 psi) and +/-10 pct from 5 kPa (.75 psi) to 20 kPa (3 psi). The system consists of two conically shaped, aluminum columns, one 5 cm (2 in.) high for low pressures and another 11 cm (4.3 in.) high for higher pressures, each filled with a viscous fluid. A column is mounted on the armature of a vibration exciter which imparts a sinusoidally varying acceleration to the fluid column. Two pressure transducers mounted at the base of the column sense the sinusoidally varying pressure. This pressure is determined from measurements of the density of the fluid, the height of the fluid, and the acceleration of the column. A section of the taller column is filled with steel balls to control the damping of the fluid to extend its useful frequency range.
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Molecular mimicry modulates plant host responses to pathogens.
Ronald, Pamela; Joe, Anna
2018-01-25
Pathogens often secrete molecules that mimic those present in the plant host. Recent studies indicate that some of these molecules mimic plant hormones required for development and immunity. This Viewpoint reviews the literature on microbial molecules produced by plant pathogens that functionally mimic molecules present in the plant host. This article includes examples from nematodes, bacteria and fungi with emphasis on RaxX, a microbial protein produced by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. RaxX mimics a plant peptide hormone, PSY (plant peptide containing sulphated tyrosine). The rice immune receptor XA21 detects sulphated RaxX but not the endogenous peptide PSY. Studies of the RaxX/XA21 system have provided insight into both host and pathogen biology and offered a framework for future work directed at understanding how XA21 and the PSY receptor(s) can be differentially activated by RaxX and endogenous PSY peptides. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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Calliess, T; Ettinger, M; Stukenborg-Colsmann, C; Windhagen, H
2016-04-01
The story of ShapeMatch® custom-fit cutting guides for primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is special compared to other available techniques. First, it was the first such patient-specific instrument (PSI) on the market. Second, the underlying philosophy of kinematic alignment is unique compared to other competitors. Finally, it is the only PSI technique that has been withdrawn from the market. The objective of this paper is to summarize the history of the ShapeMatch® technology and to review the current literature regarding clinical evidence for kinematically aligned TKA. In the recent literature, faster rehabilitation, better knee function and higher patient satisfaction are described for kinematically aligned TKA compared to conventional alignment. However, there is also evidence for inaccuracies by using the PSI technology as a possible cause of treatment failures. Due to those problems, this technology was recalled from the market. As an alternative method to achieve kinematic alignment in TKA, manual as well as computer-assisted techniques are currently under development and are discussed here.
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Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 15, Number 5, June 2008
2008-06-01
attacks, the severity of symptoms during attacks, the impacts on military operational performance, and health care costs. However, the management of...health status as reported on deployment health assesment forms, U.S. Armed Forces, June 2007-May 2008 (Figure 2). For example, prior to...transmitted Environmental Lyme disease Malaria Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis‡ Urethritis§ Cold Heat 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
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Inclusive J / $$\\psi$$ Production at D0
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Murphy, Christopher R.
1995-04-01
We present results on inclusivemore » $$J/\\psi$$ and b-quark production in $$p\\bar{p}$$ collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}$$ = 1.8 TeV. The results are based on data collected at the D0 experiment during the 1992-1993 FermiLab collider run. There is excellent agreement between the differential $$J/\\psi$$ cross section measured at D0 and that measured at the CDF detector. A measurement of the fraction of $$J/\\psi$$ events due to b-quark decays is presented and we extract from this a measurement of the integrated b-quark cross section. The radiative decays of $$_{Xc}$$ charmonium states into the $$J/\\psi$$ is discussed and we present results on the fraction of $$J/\\psi$$ mesons that are due to $$_{Xc}$$ decays. We also observe that a fraction of promptly produced $$J/\\psi$$ mesons is larger than the measured fraction of $$J/\\psi$$ due to $$_{Xc}$$ decays and is not accounted for by existing charmonium. production models.« less
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Geography Influences Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Weight Status of Adolescents
Downs, Shauna M.; Fraser, Shawn N.; Storey, Kate E.; Forbes, Laura E.; Spence, John C.; Plotnikoff, Ronald C.; Raine, Kim D.; Hanning, Rhona M.; McCargar, Linda J.
2012-01-01
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess rural and urban differences in the dietary intakes, physical activity levels and weight status of a large sample of Canadian youth in both 2005 and 2008. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study of rural and urban adolescents (n = 10, 023) in Alberta was conducted in both 2005 and 2008 using a web-based survey. Results. There was an overall positive change in nutrient intakes between 2005 and 2008; however, rural residents generally had a poorer nutrient profile than urban residents (P < .001). They consumed less fibre and a greater percent energy from saturated fat. The mean physical activity scores increased among rural youth between 2005 and 2008 (P < .001), while remaining unchanged among urban youth. Residence was significantly related to weight status in 2005 (P = .017), but not in 2008. Conclusion. Although there were small improvements in nutrient intakes from 2005 to 2008, several differences in the lifestyle behaviours of adolescents living in rural and urban areas were found. The results of this study emphasize the importance of making policy and program recommendations to support healthy lifestyle behaviours within the context of the environments in which adolescents live. PMID:22685637
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Porous Silicon Structures as Optical Gas Sensors.
Levitsky, Igor A
2015-08-14
We present a short review of recent progress in the field of optical gas sensors based on porous silicon (PSi) and PSi composites, which are separate from PSi optochemical and biological sensors for a liquid medium. Different periodical and nonperiodical PSi photonic structures (bares, modified by functional groups or infiltrated with sensory polymers) are described for gas sensing with an emphasis on the device specificity, sensitivity and stability to the environment. Special attention is paid to multiparametric sensing and sensor array platforms as effective trends for the improvement of analyte classification and quantification. Mechanisms of gas physical and chemical sorption inside PSi mesopores and pores of PSi functional composites are discussed.
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DePietro, Paul J; Julfayev, Elchin S; McLaughlin, William A
2013-10-21
Protein Structure Initiative:Biology (PSI:Biology) is the third phase of PSI where protein structures are determined in high-throughput to characterize their biological functions. The transition to the third phase entailed the formation of PSI:Biology Partnerships which are composed of structural genomics centers and biomedical science laboratories. We present a method to examine the impact of protein structures determined under the auspices of PSI:Biology by measuring their rates of annotations. The mean numbers of annotations per structure and per residue are examined. These are designed to provide measures of the amount of structure to function connections that can be leveraged from each structure. One result is that PSI:Biology structures are found to have a higher rate of annotations than structures determined during the first two phases of PSI. A second result is that the subset of PSI:Biology structures determined through PSI:Biology Partnerships have a higher rate of annotations than those determined exclusive of those partnerships. Both results hold when the annotation rates are examined either at the level of the entire protein or for annotations that are known to fall at specific residues within the portion of the protein that has a determined structure. We conclude that PSI:Biology determines structures that are estimated to have a higher degree of biomedical interest than those determined during the first two phases of PSI based on a broad array of biomedical annotations. For the PSI:Biology Partnerships, we see that there is an associated added value that represents part of the progress toward the goals of PSI:Biology. We interpret the added value to mean that team-based structural biology projects that utilize the expertise and technologies of structural genomics centers together with biological laboratories in the community are conducted in a synergistic manner. We show that the annotation rates can be used in conjunction with established metrics, i.e. the numbers of structures and impact of publication records, to monitor the progress of PSI:Biology towards its goals of examining structure to function connections of high biomedical relevance. The metric provides an objective means to quantify the overall impact of PSI:Biology as it uses biomedical annotations from external sources.
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2013-01-01
Background Protein Structure Initiative:Biology (PSI:Biology) is the third phase of PSI where protein structures are determined in high-throughput to characterize their biological functions. The transition to the third phase entailed the formation of PSI:Biology Partnerships which are composed of structural genomics centers and biomedical science laboratories. We present a method to examine the impact of protein structures determined under the auspices of PSI:Biology by measuring their rates of annotations. The mean numbers of annotations per structure and per residue are examined. These are designed to provide measures of the amount of structure to function connections that can be leveraged from each structure. Results One result is that PSI:Biology structures are found to have a higher rate of annotations than structures determined during the first two phases of PSI. A second result is that the subset of PSI:Biology structures determined through PSI:Biology Partnerships have a higher rate of annotations than those determined exclusive of those partnerships. Both results hold when the annotation rates are examined either at the level of the entire protein or for annotations that are known to fall at specific residues within the portion of the protein that has a determined structure. Conclusions We conclude that PSI:Biology determines structures that are estimated to have a higher degree of biomedical interest than those determined during the first two phases of PSI based on a broad array of biomedical annotations. For the PSI:Biology Partnerships, we see that there is an associated added value that represents part of the progress toward the goals of PSI:Biology. We interpret the added value to mean that team-based structural biology projects that utilize the expertise and technologies of structural genomics centers together with biological laboratories in the community are conducted in a synergistic manner. We show that the annotation rates can be used in conjunction with established metrics, i.e. the numbers of structures and impact of publication records, to monitor the progress of PSI:Biology towards its goals of examining structure to function connections of high biomedical relevance. The metric provides an objective means to quantify the overall impact of PSI:Biology as it uses biomedical annotations from external sources. PMID:24139526
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2011-12-02
... Payable Periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) Program for Colorado AGENCY... Change in Status of the payable periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) program... claiming benefits in high unemployment states. The Department of Labor produces a trigger notice indicating...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-02-13
... Payable Periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) Program for Alaska AGENCY... status of the payable periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) program for Alaska... high unemployment states. The Department of Labor produces a trigger notice indicating which states...
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Bonanno, Lisa M.; Kwong, Tai C.; DeLouise, Lisa A.
2010-01-01
In this work we evaluate for the first time the performance of a label-free porous silicon (PSi) immunosensor assay in a blind clinical study designed to screen authentic patient urine specimens for a broad range of opiates. The PSi opiate immunosensor achieved 96% concordance with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) results on samples that underwent standard opiate testing (n=50). In addition, successful detection of a commonly abused opiate, oxycodone, resulted in 100% qualitative agreement between the PSi opiate sensor and LC-MS/MS. In contrast, a commercial broad opiate immunoassay technique (CEDIA®) achieved 65% qualitative concordance with LC-MS/MS. Evaluation of important performance attributes including precision, accuracy, and recovery was completed on blank urine specimens spiked with test analytes. Variability of morphine detection as a model opiate target was < 9% both within-run and between-day at and above the cutoff limit of 300 ng ml−1. This study validates the analytical screening capability of label-free PSi opiate immunosensors in authentic patient samples and is the first semi-quantitative demonstration of the technology’s successful clinical use. These results motivate future development of PSi technology to reduce complexity and cost of diagnostic testing particularly in a point-of-care setting. PMID:21062030
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Autogenous Metallic Pipe Leak Repair in Potable Water Systems.
Tang, Min; Triantafyllidou, Simoni; Edwards, Marc A
2015-07-21
Copper and iron pipes have a remarkable capability for autogenous repair (self-repair) of leaks in potable water systems. Field studies revealed exemplars that metallic pipe leaks caused by nails, rocks, and erosion corrosion autogenously repaired, as confirmed in the laboratory experiments. This work demonstrated that 100% (N = 26) of 150 μm leaks contacting representative bulk potable water in copper pipes sealed autogenously via formation of corrosion precipitates at 20-40 psi, pH 3.0-11.0, and with upward and downward leak orientations. Similar leaks in carbon steel pipes at 20 psi self-repaired at pH 5.5 and 8.5, but two leaks did not self-repair permanently at pH 11.0 suggesting that water chemistry may control the durability of materials that seal the leaks and therefore the permanence of repair. Larger 400 μm holes in copper pipes had much lower (0-33%) success of self-repair at pH 3.0-11.0, whereas all 400 μm holes in carbon steel pipes at 20 psi self-repaired at pH 4.0-11.0. Pressure tests indicated that some of the repairs created at 20-40 psi ambient pressure could withstand more than 100 psi without failure. Autogenous repair has implications for understanding patterns of pipe failures, extending the lifetime of decaying infrastructure, and developing new plumbing materials.
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Jenie, S N Aisyiyah; Prieto-Simon, Beatriz; Voelcker, Nicolas H
2015-12-15
The up-regulation of L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an intracellular enzyme present in most of all body tissues, is indicative of several pathological conditions and cellular death. Herein, we demonstrate LDH detection using porous silicon (pSi) microcavities as a luminescence-enhancing optical biosensing platform. Non-fluorescent resazurin was covalently attached onto the pSi surface via thermal hydrocarbonisation, thermal hydrosylilation and acylation. Each surface modification step was confirmed by means of FTIR and the optical shifts of the resonance wavelength of the microcavity. Thermal hydrocarbonisation also afforded excellent surface stability, ensuring that the resazurin was not reduced on the pSi surface. Using a pSi microcavity biosensor, the fluorescence signal upon detection of LDH was amplified by 10 and 5-fold compared to that of a single layer and a detuned microcavity, respectively, giving a limit of detection of 0.08 U/ml. The biosensor showed a linear response between 0.16 and 6.5 U/ml, covering the concentration range of LDH in normal as well as damaged tissues. The biosensor was selective for LDH and did not produce a signal upon incubation with another NAD-dependant enzyme L-glutamic dehydrogenase. The use of the pSi microcavity as a sensing platform reduced reagent usage by 30% and analysis time threefold compared to the standard LDH assay in solution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Modified Coulomb-Dipole Theory for 2e Photoionization
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
2004-01-01
In the light of recent experiment on 2e photoionization of Li near threshold, we have considered a modification of the Coulomb-dipole theory, retaining the basic assumption that the threshold is dominated by asymmetric events in phase space [implies r(sub 1), k(sub 1)) greater than or equal to 2(r(sub 2), k(sub )]. In this region [in a collinear model, 2/r(sub 12) approached + 2/(r(sub 1)+r(sub 2)] the interaction reduces to V(rIsub 1) is greater than or equal to 2r(sub 2) is identically equal to [(-Z/r(sub 2)-(A-1)/r(sub 1)] + [(-2r(sub 2)/r(sub 1 exp 2)] is identically equal to V(sub c)+[V(sub d)]. For two electron emission Z = 2, thus both electrons see a Coulomb potential (V(sub c)) asymptotically, albeit each seeing a different charge. The residual potential (V(sub d)) is dipole in character. Writing the total psi = psi (sub c) + psi(sub d) = delta psi, and noting that. (T+V(sub c)-E)psy(sub c) = 0 and (T+V(sub c))psi(sub d) = 0 can be solved exactly, we find, substituting psi into the complete Schrod. Eq., that delta psi = -(H-E)(exp -1)(V(sub d) psi(sub 0)+V(sub c psi (sub 1). Using the fact that the absolute value of V(sub c) is much more than the absolute value of V(sub d) in almost all of configuration space, we can replace H by H(sub 0) in 9H-E)(exp -1) to obtain an improved approximation psi (improved) = psi(sub c) + psi(sub d) -(H(sub 0)-E)(exp -1) (V(sub c) psi (sub 0) + V(sub c) psi(sub 1). Here's the Green's function (H(sub 0)-E)(exp -1), can be exhibited explicitly, but the last term in psi (improved) is small, compared to the first two terms. Inserting them into the transition matrix element, which one handles in the usual way, we obtain in the limit E approaches 0, the threshold law: Q(E) alpha E + M(E)E(exp 5/4) + higher order (Eq. 1a). The modulation function, M(E), is a well-defined (but very non-trivial integral, but it is expected to be well approximated by a sinusoidal function containing a dipole phase term (M(E) = c sin[alpha log (E) + micron] (Eq. 1b). Experimental results show definite modulations, and are well fitted by Eqs (1).
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IFT Scientific Status Summary 2008: Innovative Food Packaging Solutions
USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database
Food and beverage packaging comprises 55-65% of the $110 billion value of packaging in the United States. This review provides a summary of innovative technology developments in food packaging. The expanded role of food and beverage packaging is reviewed. Active and intelligent food packaging, ba...
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Flanagan, Sheila; Goswami, Usha
2018-03-01
Recent models of the neural encoding of speech suggest a core role for amplitude modulation (AM) structure, particularly regarding AM phase alignment. Accordingly, speech tasks that measure linguistic development in children may exhibit systematic properties regarding AM structure. Here, the acoustic structure of spoken items in child phonological and morphological tasks, phoneme deletion and plural elicitation, was investigated. The phase synchronisation index (PSI), reflecting the degree of phase alignment between pairs of AMs, was computed for 3 AM bands (delta, theta, beta/low gamma; 0.9-2.5 Hz, 2.5-12 Hz, 12-40 Hz, respectively), for five spectral bands covering 100-7250 Hz. For phoneme deletion, data from 94 child participants with and without dyslexia was used to relate AM structure to behavioural performance. Results revealed that a significant change in magnitude of the phase synchronisation index (ΔPSI) of slower AMs (delta-theta) systematically accompanied both phoneme deletion and plural elicitation. Further, children with dyslexia made more linguistic errors as the delta-theta ΔPSI increased. Accordingly, ΔPSI between slower temporal modulations in the speech signal systematically distinguished test items from accurate responses and predicted task performance. This may suggest that sensitivity to slower AM information in speech is a core aspect of phonological and morphological development.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Shaulov, S. B.; Besshapov, S. P.; Kabanova, N. V.; Sysoeva, T. I.; Antonov, R. A.; Anyuhina, A. M.; Bronvech, E. A.; Chernov, D. V.; Galkin, V. I.; Tkaczyk, W.; Finger, M.; Sonsky, M.
2009-12-01
The expedition carried out in March, 2008 to Lake Baikal became an important stage in the development of the SPHERE experiment. During the expedition the SPHERE-2 installation was hoisted, for the first time, on a tethered balloon, APA, to a height of 700 m over the lake surface covered with ice and snow. A series of test measurements were made. Preliminary results of the data processing are presented. The next plan of the SPHERE experiment is to begin a set of statistics for constructing the CR spectrum in the energy range 10-10 eV.
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Enzymatic Synthesis of Psilocybin.
Fricke, Janis; Blei, Felix; Hoffmeister, Dirk
2017-09-25
Psilocybin is the psychotropic tryptamine-derived natural product of Psilocybe carpophores, the so-called "magic mushrooms". Although its structure has been known for 60 years, the enzymatic basis of its biosynthesis has remained obscure. We characterized four psilocybin biosynthesis enzymes, namely i) PsiD, which represents a new class of fungal l-tryptophan decarboxylases, ii) PsiK, which catalyzes the phosphotransfer step, iii) the methyltransferase PsiM, catalyzing iterative N-methyl transfer as the terminal biosynthetic step, and iv) PsiH, a monooxygenase. In a combined PsiD/PsiK/PsiM reaction, psilocybin was synthesized enzymatically in a step-economic route from 4-hydroxy-l-tryptophan. Given the renewed pharmaceutical interest in psilocybin, our results may lay the foundation for its biotechnological production. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
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J/psi and psi(2S) Radiative Transitions to eta_{c}.
Mitchell, R E; Shepherd, M R; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Zweber, P; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Libby, J; Powell, A; Wilkinson, G; Ecklund, K M; Love, W; Savinov, V; Lopez, A; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Ge, J Y; Miller, D H; Shipsey, I P J; Xin, B; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Hu, D; Moziak, B; Napolitano, J; He, Q; Insler, J; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Yang, F; Artuso, M; Blusk, S; Khalil, S; Li, J; Mountain, R; Nisar, S; Randrianarivony, K; Sultana, N; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, L M; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Naik, P; Rademacker, J; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Reed, J; Briere, R A; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Alexander, J P; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Hunt, J M; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Ledoux, J; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Mohapatra, D; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Shi, X; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Wilksen, T; Athar, S B; Patel, R; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Eisenstein, B I; Karliner, I; Mehrabyan, S; Lowrey, N; Selen, M; White, E J; Wiss, J
2009-01-09
Using 2.45x10;{7} psi(2S) decays collected with the CLEO-c detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring we present the most precise measurements of magnetic dipole transitions in the charmonium system. We measure B(psi(2S)-->gammaeta_{c})=(4.32+/-0.16+/-0.60)x10;{-3}, B(J/psi-->gammaeta_{c})/B(psi(2S)-->gammaeta_{c})=4.59+/-0.23+/-0.64, and B(J/psi-->gammaeta_{c})=(1.98+/-0.09+/-0.30)%. We observe a distortion in the eta_{c} line shape due to the photon-energy dependence of the magnetic dipole transition rate. We find that measurements of the eta_{c} mass are sensitive to the line shape, suggesting an explanation for the discrepancy between measurements of the eta_{c} mass in radiative transitions and other production mechanisms.
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Attachment dynamics of Photosystem I on nano-tailored surfaces for photovoltaic applications
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Mukherjee, Dibyendu; Bruce, Barry D.; Khomami, Bamin
2010-03-01
Photosystem I (PSI), a biological photodiode, is a supra-molecular protein complex that charge separates upon exposure to light. Effective use of photo-electrochemical activities of PSI for hybrid photovoltaic (PV) device fabrications requires optimal encapsulation of these proteins onto organic/ inorganic substrates. Our results indicate that various experimental parameters alter the surface attachment dynamics of PSI deposited from colloidal aqueous buffer suspensions onto OH-terminated alkanethiolate/Au SAM substrates, thereby resulting in complex structural arrangements which affect the electron transfer and capture pathway of PSI. We present surface topographical, specific adsorption and polarization fluorescence characterizations of PSI/Au SAM substrates to elucidate the protein-surface interaction kinetics as well as the directional attachment dynamics of PSI. Our final goal is to enable site-specific homogeneous attachment of directionally aligned PSI onto chemically tailored nano-patterned substrates.
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Zhang, C; Jiang, S Z; Huo, Y Y; Liu, A H; Xu, S C; Liu, X Y; Sun, Z C; Xu, Y Y; Li, Z; Man, B Y
2015-09-21
We present a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles/silicon pyramid arrays structure (GO/Ag/PSi). The SERS behaviors are discussed and compared by the detection of R6G. Based on the contrast experiments with PSi, GO/PSi, Ag/PSi and GO/AgA/PSi as SERS substrate, the perfect bio-compatibility, good homogeneity and chemical stability were confirmed. We also calculated the electric field distributions using Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) analysis to further understand the GO/Ag/PSi structure as a perfect SERS platform. These experimental and theoretical results imply that the GO/Ag/PSi with regular pyramids array is expected to be an effective substrate for label-free sensitive SERS detections in areas of medicine, food safety and biotechnology.
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The indirect cost of Patient-Specific Instruments.
Thienpont, Emmanuel; Paternostre, Frederic; Van Wymeersch, Charles
2015-09-01
To calculate the indirect costs of Patient Specific Instruments (PSI) based on an opportunity cost, cost of efforts and a supply chain cost model to compare PSI for value with conventional total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In 81 patients the total (direct+indirect) cost of PSI-assisted TKA was compared with conventional TKA. Surgical times and coronal mechanical alignment were measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the PSI system. Indirect costs (459 euro) make up 40% of the total cost that can run up to 1142 euro for a patient operated with PSI guides. No difference in surgical times or coronal alignment was observed in between both groups. Considering the total cost of PSI no value was found for the use of PSI in primary TKA as measured by surgical times or for obtaining a neutral mechanical axis in the coronal plane.
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Ultraviolet mutagenesis studies of [psi], a cytoplasmic determinant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Tuite, M F; Cox, B S
1980-07-01
UV mutagenesis was used to probe the molecular nature of [psi], a nonmitochondrial cytoplasmic determinant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae involved in the control of nonsense suppression. The UV-induced mutation from [psi+] to [psi-] showed characteristics of forward nuclear gene mutation in terms of frequency, induction kinetics, occurrence of whole and sectored mutant clones and the effect of the stage in the growth cycle on mutation frequency. The involvement of pyrimidine dimers in the premutational lesion giving the [psi-] mutation was demonstrated by photoreactivation. UV-induced damage to the [psi] genetic determinant was shown to be repaired by nuclear-coded repair enzymes that are responsible for the repair of nuclear DNA damage. UV-induced damage to mitochondrial DNA appeared to be, at least partly, under the control of different repair processes. The evidence obtained suggests that the [psi] determinant is DNA.
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Liquid Methane/Liquid Oxygen Propellant Conditioning Feed System (PCFS) Test Rigs
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Skaff, A.; Grasl, S.; Nguyen, C.; Hockenberry S.; Schubert, J.; Arrington, L.; Vasek, T.
2008-01-01
As part of their Propulsion and Cryogenic Advanced Development (PCAD) program, NASA has embarked upon an effort to develop chemical rocket engines which utilize non-toxic, cryogenic propellants such as liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid methane (LCH4). This effort includes the development and testing of a 100 lbf Reaction Control Engine (RCE) that will be used to evaluate the performance of a LO2/LCH4 rocket engine over a broad range of propellant temperatures and pressures. This testing will take place at NASA-Glenn Research Center's (GRC) Research Combustion Laboratory (RCL) test facility in Cleveland, OH, and is currently scheduled to begin in late 2008. While the initial tests will be performed at sea level, follow-on testing will be performed at NASA-GRC's Altitude Combustion Stand (ACS) for altitude testing. In support of these tests, Sierra Lobo, Inc. (SLI) has designed, developed, and fabricated two separate portable propellant feed systems under the Propellant Conditioning and Feed System (PCFS) task: one system for LCH4, and one for LO2. These systems will be capable of supplying propellants over a large range of conditions from highly densified to several hundred pounds per square inch (psi) saturated. This paper presents the details of the PCFS design and explores the full capability of these propellant feed systems.
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PEGylated PEI-based biodegradable polymers as non-viral gene vectors.
Huang, Fu-Wei; Wang, Hui-Yuan; Li, Cao; Wang, Hua-Fen; Sun, Yun-Xia; Feng, Jun; Zhang, Xian-Zheng; Zhuo, Ren-Xi
2010-11-01
Novel functional biodegradable gene vectors, poly(L-succinimide)-g-polyethylenimines-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs) were synthesized by conjugating methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG, M(w)=750 Da) to PEI segments (M(w)=800 Da) of PSI-g-PEI. The physicochemical properties of PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs, including buffering capability, pDNA binding ability, cytotoxicity, zeta potential and the particle size of polymer/pDNA complexes, were explored. The influence of PEGylation was discussed based on a comparative study of PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs, PSI-g-PEI and PEI25k (M(w)=25 kDa). SEM images revealed that PSI-g-PEI-g-PEG/pDNA particles have a regular shape with the diameter ranging from 70 to 170 nm. PEGylation could suppress the aggregation occurrence between complexes, resulting in a reduction of the polymer/pDNA complex size. PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs exhibited remarkably lower cytotoxicity compared to PSI-g-PEI and PEI25k. In 293T and HeLa cells, the obtained PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs showed very high transfection efficiency compared to PEI25k. Fluorescent confocal microscopy demonstrated that PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs could effectively transport pGL-3 plasmids into the nuclei of HeLa cells. Taking into account the continued high transfection efficacy and decreased toxicity after PEG modification, PSI-g-PEI-g-PEGs show great potential as the non-viral vectors for gene transfection. Copyright © 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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New Space Weather Systems Under Development and Their Contribution to Space Weather Management
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tobiska, W.; Bouwer, D.; Schunk, R.; Garrett, H.; Mertens, C.; Bowman, B.
2008-12-01
There have been notable successes during the past decade in the development of operational space environment systems. Examples include the Magnetospheric Specification Model (MSM) of the Earth's magnetosphere, 2000; SOLAR2000 (S2K) solar spectral irradiances, 2001; High Accuracy Satellite Drag Model (HASDM) neutral atmosphere densities, 2004; Global Assimilation of Ionospheric Measurements (GAIM) ionosphere specification, 2006; Hakamada-Akasofu-Fry (HAF) solar wind parameters, 2007; Communication Alert and Prediction System (CAPS) ionosphere, high frequency radio, and scintillation S4 index prediction, 2008; and GEO Alert and Prediction System (GAPS) geosynchronous environment satellite charging specification and forecast, 2008. Operational systems that are in active operational implementation include the Jacchia-Bowman 2006/2008 (JB2006/2008) neutral atmosphere, 2009, and the Nowcast of Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation for Aviation Safety (NAIRAS) aviation radiation model using the Radiation Alert and Prediction System (RAPS), 2010. U.S. national agency and commercial assets will soon reach a state where specification and prediction will become ubiquitous and where coordinated management of the space environment and space weather will become a necessity. We describe the status of the CAPS, GAPS, RAPS, and JB2008 operational development. We additionally discuss the conditions that are laying the groundwork for space weather management and estimate the unfilled needs as we move beyond specification and prediction efforts.
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Final Technical Report -- Bridging the PSI Knowledge Gap: A Multiscale Approach
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Whyte, Dennis
2014-12-12
The Plasma Surface Interactions (PSI) Science Center formed by the grant undertook a multidisciplinary set of studies on the complex interface between the plasma and solid states of matter. The strategy of the center was to combine and integrate the experimental, diagnostic and modeling toolkits from multiple institutions towards specific PSI problems. In this way the Center could tackle integrated science issues which were not addressable by single institutions, as well as evolve the underlying science of the PSI in a more general way than just for fusion applications. The overall strategy proved very successful. The research result and highlightsmore » of the MIT portion of the Center are primarily described. A particular highlight is the study of tungsten nano-tendril growth in the presence of helium plasmas. The Center research provided valuable new insights to the mechanisms controlling the nano-tendrils by developing coupled modeling and in situ diagnostic methods which could be directly compared. For example, the role of helium accumulation in tungsten distortion in the surface was followed with unique in situ helium concentration diagnostics developed. These depth-profiled, time-resolved helium concentration measurements continue to challenge the numerical models of nano-tendrils. The Center team also combined its expertise on tungsten nano-tendrils to demonstrate for the first time the growth of the tendrils in a fusion environment on the Alcator C-Mod fusion experiment, thus having significant impact on the broader fusion research effort. A new form of isolated nano-tendril “columns” were identified which are now being used to understand the underlying mechanisms controlling the tendril growth. The Center also advanced PSI science on a broader front with a particular emphasis on developing a wide range of in situ PSI diagnostic tools at the DIONISOS facility at MIT. For example the strong suppression of sputtering by the certain combination of light-species plasmas and metals was experimentally studied with independent measurement methods across the Center. This surprising result challenges the universal use of the binary-collision approximation in sputtering predictions and continues to be the subject of study. In order to address this issue MIT developed a new in situ erosion measurement technique based on ion beam analysis which can be used at elevated material temperatures. This exciting new technique is now being used to study material erosion in high performance plasma thrusters for space exploration and is being adopted to fusion experimental devices. This is an indicator of the positive synergies that arise from such a Center, with the research having impact beyond the initial area of study. The Center also served successfully as an organizing force for communication to the science community. The MIT members of the Center provided many high-profile overview presentations at prestigious international conferences and national workshops. The research resulted in three student theses and 24 peer-reviewed publications. PSI research continues to be identified as a critical area for fusion energy.« less
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Interest in PSI across Sixteen Years.
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Lamal, P. A.
1984-01-01
To determine whether interest in the personalized system of instruction (PSI) in the behavioral sciences has waned since 1968, conference papers and poster presentations dealing with PSI were surveyed. The number of papers and posters devoted to PSI peaked in the years 1972-1979 and has since clearly declined. (RM)
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Relation between sleep status of preterm infants aged 1-2 years and mothers' parenting stress.
Asaka, Yoko; Takada, Satoshi
2013-08-01
The aim of this study was to compare infants' sleep measures through an actigraph and maternal parenting stress among preterm and full-term mothers, and to explore the factors affecting maternal parenting stress in relation to infants' sleep. The subjects were 44 pairs of mothers and children. Twenty-one were in the preterm group, and 23 were in the full-term group. Inclusion criteria for preterm infants were born at less than 36 weeks and birthweight of less than 2500 g. The Parenting Stress Index (PSI) Short Form assesses maternal perception of the degree of parenting stress: the children's domain, and the parent's domain. An actigraph was applied to assess the infants' sleep measures. The PSI showed significant differences, with high scores in parenting stress in the preterm group. Also, the number of mothers who complained about their infant's sleep issues was significantly higher in the preterm group. Most of the sleep measures showed improvement by their age in both preterm and full-term infants. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sleep efficiency, longest sleep duration at nighttime accounted for 71% of stress in the children's domain of the PSI of the preterm group. The parenting stress among mothers of preterm infants was significantly higher than that of mothers of full-term infants. The mothers of preterm infants were concerned about their infant's nocturnal sleep quality. © 2013 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2013 Japan Pediatric Society.
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ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Ala-Mutka, Kirsti; Gaspar, Pal; Kismihok, Gabor; Suurna, Margit; Vehovar, Vasja
2010-01-01
This article summarises research carried out between 2006 and 2008 by IPTS (Institution for Prospective Technological Studies) in collaboration with a consortium of experts from 10 member states, led by ICEGEC. The project gathered information on eLearning developments to assess drivers and barriers and to suggest implications for policy and…
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Boucaud, Ph.; Leroy, J. P.; Le Yaouanc, A.
2006-08-01
The next-to-leading-order (NLO) term in the operator product expansion (OPE) of the quark propagator vector part Z{sub {psi}} and the vertex function g{sub 1} of the vector current in the Landau gauge should be dominated by the same
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Surface chemistry dependent immunostimulative potential of porous silicon nanoplatforms.
Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Fernández, Tahia D; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Le Guével, Xavier; Mayorga, Cristobalina; Kaasalainen, Martti H; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Santos, Hélder A
2014-11-01
Nanoparticles (NPs) have been suggested for immunotherapy applications in order to optimize the delivery of immuno-stimulative or -suppressive molecules. However, low attention towards the impact of the NPs' physicochemical properties has presented a major hurdle for developing efficient immunotherapeutic agents. Here, the effects of porous silicon (PSi) NPs with different surface chemistries were evaluated on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and lymphocytes in order to highlight the importance of the NPs selection in immuno-stimulative or -suppressive treatment. Although all the PSi NPs showed high biocompatibility, only thermally oxidized PSi (TOPSi) and thermally hydrocarbonized PSi (THCPSi) NPs were able to induce very high rate of immunoactivation by enhancing the expression of surface co-stimulatory markers of the MDDCs (CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR), inducing T-cell proliferation, and also the secretion of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α). These results indicated a balanced increase in the secretion of Th1, Th2, and Treg cytokines. Moreover, undecylenic acid functionalized THCPSi, as well as poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic acid) conjugated to (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane functionalized thermally carbonized PSi and polyethyleneimine conjugated undecylenic acid functionalized THCPSi NPs showed moderate immunoactivation due to the mild increase in the above-mentioned markers. By contrast, thermally carbonized PSi (TCPSi) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane functionalized TCPSi NPs did not induce any immunological responses, suggesting that their application could be in the delivery of immunosuppressive molecules. Overall, our findings suggest all the NPs containing more nitrogen or oxygen on the outermost backbone layer have lower immunostimulatory effect than NPs with higher C-H structures on the surface. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Froehlich, Claus; Pap, Judit M.; Hudson, Hugh S.
1994-06-01
The photometric sunspot index (PSI) was developed to study the effects of sunspots on solar irradiance. It is calculated from the sunspot data published in the Solar-Geophysical Data catalog. It has been shown that the former PSI models overestimate the effect of dark sunspots on solar irradiance; furthermore results of direct sunspot photometry indicate that the contrast of spots depends on their area. An improved PSI calculation is presented; it takes into account the area dependence of the contrast and calculates `true' daily means for each observation using the differential rotation of the spots. Moreover, the observations are screened for outliers which improves the homogeneity of the data set substantially, at least for the period after December 1981 when NOAA started to report data from a few instead of one to two stations. A detailed description of the method is provided. The correlation between the newly calculated PSI and total solar irradiance is studied for different phases of the solar cycles 21 and 22 using bi-variate spectral analysis. The results can be used as a `calibration' of PSI in terms of gain, the factor by which PSI has to be multiplied to yield the observed irradiance change. The factor changes with time from about 0.6 in 1980 to 1.1 in 1990. This unexpected result cannot be interpreted by a change of the contrast relative to the quiet Sun (as it is normally defined and determined by direct photometry) but rather as a change of the contrast between the spots and their surrounding as seen in total irradiance (integrated over the solar disk). This may partly be explained by a change in the ratio between the areas of the spots and the surrounding faculae.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Froehlich, Claus; Pap, Judit M.; Hudson, Hugh S.
1994-01-01
The photometric sunspot index (PSI) was developed to study the effects of sunspots on solar irradiance. It is calculated from the sunspot data published in the Solar-Geophysical Data catalog. It has been shown that the former PSI models overestimate the effect of dark sunspots on solar irradiance; furthermore results of direct sunspot photometry indicate that the contrast of spots depends on their area. An improved PSI calculation is presented; it takes into account the area dependence of the contrast and calculates `true' daily means for each observation using the differential rotation of the spots. Moreover, the observations are screened for outliers which improves the homogeneity of the data set substantially, at least for the period after December 1981 when NOAA started to report data from a few instead of one to two stations. A detailed description of the method is provided. The correlation between the newly calculated PSI and total solar irradiance is studied for different phases of the solar cycles 21 and 22 using bi-variate spectral analysis. The results can be used as a `calibration' of PSI in terms of gain, the factor by which PSI has to be multiplied to yield the observed irradiance change. The factor changes with time from about 0.6 in 1980 to 1.1 in 1990. This unexpected result cannot be interpreted by a change of the contrast relative to the quiet Sun (as it is normally defined and determined by direct photometry) but rather as a change of the contrast between the spots and their surrounding as seen in total irradiance (integrated over the solar disk). This may partly be explained by a change in the ratio between the areas of the spots and the surrounding faculae.
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Weisman de Mamani, Amy; Suro, Giulia
2015-01-01
Objective Caring for a family member with schizophrenia often results in high degrees of self-conscious emotions (shame and guilt/self -blame), burden, and other serious mental health consequences. Research suggests that ethnic and cultural factors strongly influence the manner in which family members respond to mental illness. Research further indicates that certain cultural practices and values (spirituality, collectivism) may assist family members in coping with the self-conscious emotions and burden associated with caregiving. With this in mind, we have developed a family focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia (CIT-S). Method Using a sample of 113 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (60% Hispanic, 28.2% Caucasian, 8% African American and 3.8% “Other”), we assessed the ability of CIT-S to reduce self-conscious emotions and caregiver burden above and beyond a three-session psychoeducation (PSY-ED) control condition. We further examined whether self-conscious emotions mediated the relationship between treatment type and caregiver burden. Results In line with expectations, CIT-S was found to outperform PSY-ED in reducing guilt/self-blame and caregiver burden. Furthermore, consistent with hypotheses, reductions in guilt/self-blame were found to mediate the changes observed between treatment type and caregiver burden. While caregivers in both treatment groups demonstrated significant post treatment reductions in shame, CIT-S was not found to outperform PSY-ED in reducing levels of this construct. Conclusions Results suggest that caregivers of patients with schizophrenia may respond well to a treatment that specifically taps in to their cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors in helping them cope with schizophrenia in a loved one. Study implications and future directions are discussed. PMID:26654115
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de Mamani, Amy Weisman; Suro, Giulia
2016-03-01
Caring for a family member with schizophrenia often results in high degrees of self-conscious emotions (shame and guilt/self-blame), burden, and other serious mental health consequences. Research suggests that ethnic and cultural factors strongly influence the manner in which family members respond to mental illness. Research further indicates that certain cultural practices and values (spirituality, collectivism) may assist family members in coping with the self-conscious emotions and burden associated with caregiving. With this in mind, the authors have developed a family-focused, culturally informed treatment for schizophrenia (CIT-S). Using a sample of 113 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (60% Hispanic, 28.2% Caucasian, 8% African American, and 3.8% other), the authors assessed the ability of CIT-S to reduce self-conscious emotions and caregiver burden above and beyond a 3-session psychoeducation (PSY-ED) control condition. They further examined whether self-conscious emotions mediated the relationship between treatment type and caregiver burden. In line with expectations, CIT-S was found to outperform PSY-ED in reducing guilt/self-blame and caregiver burden. Furthermore, consistent with hypotheses, reductions in guilt/self-blame were found to mediate the changes observed between treatment type and caregiver burden. Although caregivers in both treatment groups demonstrated significant posttreatment reductions in shame, CIT-S was not found to outperform PSY-ED in reducing levels of this construct. Results suggest that caregivers of patients with schizophrenia may respond well to a treatment that specifically taps in to their cultural beliefs, values, and behaviors in helping them cope with schizophrenia in a loved one. Study implications and future directions are discussed. (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).
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Beikircher, Barbara; Mayr, Stefan
2009-06-01
An adequate general drought tolerance and the ability to acclimate to changing hydraulic conditions are important features for long-lived woody plants. In this study, we compared hydraulic safety (water potential at 50% loss of conductivity, Psi(50)), hydraulic efficiency (specific conductivity, k(s)), xylem anatomy (mean tracheid diameter, d(mean), mean hydraulic diameter, d(h), conduit wall thickness, t, conduit wall reinforcement, (t/b)(h)(2)) and stomatal conductance, g(s), of forest plants as well as irrigated and drought-treated garden plants of Ligustrum vulgare L. and Viburnum lantana L. Forest plants of L. vulgare and V. lantana were significantly less resistant to drought-induced cavitation (Psi(50) at -2.82 +/- 0.13 MPa and -2.79 +/- 0.17 MPa) than drought-treated garden plants (- 4.58 +/- 0.26 MPa and -3.57 +/- 0.15 MPa). When previously irrigated garden plants were subjected to drought, a significant decrease in d(mean) and d(h) and an increase in t and (t/b)(h)(2) were observed in L. vulgare. In contrast, in V. lantana conduit diameters increased significantly but no change in t and (t/b)(h)(2) was found. Stomatal closure occurred at similar water potentials (Psi(sc)) in forest plants and drought-treated garden plants, leading to higher safety margins (Psi(sc) - Psi(50)) of the latter (L. vulgare 1.63 MPa and V. lantana 0.43 MPa). These plants also showed higher g(s) at moderate Psi, more abrupt stomatal closure and lower cuticular conductivity. Data indicate that the development of drought-tolerant xylem as well as stomatal regulation play an important role in drought acclimation, whereby structural and physiological responses to drought are species-specific and depend on the plant's hydraulic strategy.
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Béhague, Dominique Pareja
2008-06-01
Since the fall of the Brazilian military dictatorship in 1984, a number of structural and ideological changes associated with demilitarization and democracy have changed the face of psychiatric theory and practice. Around the country, pockets of innovative, politically sensitive and Marxist-inspired community-based forms of "psi" practice are developing. This emergent psi movement is making a range of positive contributions to the lives of average citizens, including those of poor disenfranchized youth. This paper, however, explores one particular dimension of the work of psi practitioners that has proven antithetical to the psi community's current politicized community-based aims. Based on qualitative and quantitative longitudinal ethnographic fieldwork with therapists and young men in Pelotas, this paper analyzes how certain kinds of psi interventions being carried out in schools for a subset of lower-class young men during their early teen years are encouraging some youth to seek military training as a life option. Although these young men initially had quite captivating, engaged and politicized-if also conflicting-interactions with therapists, their eventual disillusionment with their therapeutic and scholastic experiences resulted in high levels of social alienation and de-politicization. In these young men's search for what can best be described as formulaic solutions to troubling psychological experiences associated with a tumultuous institutionalized transition to adulthood, military training came to represent a form of self-cultivation and self-therapy. Several youth also hoped military training would enable them to actively disengage with local political processes and find shelter from troubling social inequities and injustice. The paper ends by reviewing the implications of these results for the future of psi knowledge and practice in Brazil.
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Public Education: Fingertip Facts 2009
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Harrington, Patti
2009-01-01
This paper offers facts and figures on Utah's education status for 2009. This paper contains the following: (1) Core CRT Language Arts Testing, 2008; (2) Core CRT Mathematics Testing, 2008; (3) 2008 Public Education General Fund--Funding by Source and Expenditures by Function; (4) 2008-09 Public School Enrollment Demographics; (5) Public Schools…
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Pucci, Bruna; Adams, Christopher S; Fertala, Jolanta; Snyder, Bradley C; Mansfield, Kyle D; Tafani, Marco; Freeman, Theresa; Shapiro, Irving M
2007-03-01
The maturation of epiphyseal chondrocytes is accompanied by dramatic changes in energy metabolism and shifts in proteins concerned with the induction of apoptosis. We evaluated the role of mitochondria in this process by evaluating the membrane potential (Delta psi m) of chondrocytes of embryonic tibia and the epiphyseal growth plate. We observed that there was a maturation-dependent change in fluorescence, indicating a fall in the Delta psi m. The level of mitochondrial Bcl-2 was decreased during maturation, while in the same time period there was an obvious increase in Bax levels in the mitochondrial fraction of the terminally differentiated chondrocytes. Bcl(xL), another anti-apoptotic protein, was also robustly expressed in the mitochondrial fraction, but its expression was not dependent on the maturation status of the chondrocytes. We found that caspase-3 was present throughout the growth plate and in hypertrophic cells in culture. We blocked caspase-3 activity and found that alkaline phosphatase staining and mineral formation was decreased, and the cells had lost their characteristic shape. Moreover, we noted that the undifferentiated cells were insensitive to elevated concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi). It is concluded that during hypertrophy, the change in membrane potential, the increased binding of a pro-apoptotic protein to mitochondria, and the activation of caspase-3 serve to prime cells for apoptosis. Only when the terminally differentiated chondrocytes are challenged with low levels of apoptogens there is activation of apoptosis. Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Porous Silicon Structures as Optical Gas Sensors
Levitsky, Igor A.
2015-01-01
We present a short review of recent progress in the field of optical gas sensors based on porous silicon (PSi) and PSi composites, which are separate from PSi optochemical and biological sensors for a liquid medium. Different periodical and nonperiodical PSi photonic structures (bares, modified by functional groups or infiltrated with sensory polymers) are described for gas sensing with an emphasis on the device specificity, sensitivity and stability to the environment. Special attention is paid to multiparametric sensing and sensor array platforms as effective trends for the improvement of analyte classification and quantification. Mechanisms of gas physical and chemical sorption inside PSi mesopores and pores of PSi functional composites are discussed. PMID:26287199
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First measurements of J/{psi} decays into {sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -} and {xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0}
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ablikim, M.; Bai, J. Z.; Bai, Y.
Based on 58x10{sup 6} J/{psi} events collected with the BESII detector at the Beijing Electron-Positron Collider, the baryon pair processes J/{psi}{yields}{sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -} and J/{psi}{yields}{xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0} are observed for the first time. The branching fractions are measured to be B(J/{psi}{yields}{sigma}{sup +}{sigma}{sup -})=(1.50{+-}0.10{+-}0.22)x10{sup -3} and B(J/{psi}{yields}{xi}{sup 0}{xi}{sup 0})=(1.20{+-}0.12{+-}0.21)x10{sup -3}, where the first errors are statistical and the second ones are systematic.
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Townes, T M; Fitzgerald, M C; Lingrel, J B
1984-01-01
Distinct hemoglobins are synthesized in goats at different stages of development, similar to humans. Embryonic hemoglobins (zeta 2 epsilon 2 and alpha 2 epsilon 2) are synthesized initially and are followed sequentially by fetal (alpha 2 beta F2), preadult (alpha 2 beta C2), and adult (alpha 2 beta A2) hemoglobins. To help understand the basis of these switches, the genes of the beta-globin locus have been cloned and their linkage arrangement has been determined by the isolation of lambda phage carrying overlapping inserts of genomic goat DNA. The locus extends over 120 kilobase pairs and consists of 12 genes arranged in the following order: epsilon I-epsilon II-psi beta X-beta C-epsilon III-epsilon IV-psi beta Z-beta A-epsilon V-epsilon VI-psi beta Y-beta F. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the 12 genes shows that the locus is organized into three homologous four-gene sets that presumably evolved by the triplication of an ancestral set of four genes (epsilon-epsilon-psi beta-beta). Interestingly, the three genes (beta C, beta A, and beta F) located at the ends of the four-gene sets are expressed at different stages of development. Therefore, the goat beta F-, beta C-, and beta A-globin genes appear to have evolved by a mechanism that includes the triplication of 40-50 kilobase pairs of DNA and the recruitment of newly formed genes for expression in fetal, preadult, and adult life. PMID:6593719
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High Sensitivity pH Sensor Based on Porous Silicon (PSi) Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor
Al-Hardan, Naif H.; Abdul Hamid, Muhammad Azmi; Ahmed, Naser M.; Jalar, Azman; Shamsudin, Roslinda; Othman, Norinsan Kamil; Kar Keng, Lim; Chiu, Weesiong; Al-Rawi, Hamzah N.
2016-01-01
In this study, porous silicon (PSi) was prepared and tested as an extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) for pH sensing. The prepared PSi has pore sizes in the range of 500 to 750 nm with a depth of approximately 42 µm. The results of testing PSi for hydrogen ion sensing in different pH buffer solutions reveal that the PSi has a sensitivity value of 66 mV/pH that is considered a super Nernstian value. The sensor considers stability to be in the pH range of 2 to 12. The hysteresis values of the prepared PSi sensor were approximately 8.2 and 10.5 mV in the low and high pH loop, respectively. The result of this study reveals a promising application of PSi in the field for detecting hydrogen ions in different solutions. PMID:27338381
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High Sensitivity pH Sensor Based on Porous Silicon (PSi) Extended Gate Field-Effect Transistor.
Al-Hardan, Naif H; Abdul Hamid, Muhammad Azmi; Ahmed, Naser M; Jalar, Azman; Shamsudin, Roslinda; Othman, Norinsan Kamil; Kar Keng, Lim; Chiu, Weesiong; Al-Rawi, Hamzah N
2016-06-07
In this study, porous silicon (PSi) was prepared and tested as an extended gate field-effect transistor (EGFET) for pH sensing. The prepared PSi has pore sizes in the range of 500 to 750 nm with a depth of approximately 42 µm. The results of testing PSi for hydrogen ion sensing in different pH buffer solutions reveal that the PSi has a sensitivity value of 66 mV/pH that is considered a super Nernstian value. The sensor considers stability to be in the pH range of 2 to 12. The hysteresis values of the prepared PSi sensor were approximately 8.2 and 10.5 mV in the low and high pH loop, respectively. The result of this study reveals a promising application of PSi in the field for detecting hydrogen ions in different solutions.
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METHODS FOR AQUATIC RESOURCE ASSESSMENT (MARA) FY 2008 - 2012
For the past 17 years, members of the Freshwater Ecology Branch (FEB) at EPA’s Western Ecology Division (WED) have been engaged in research to develop the concepts and tools that would allow EPA and it’s partners to monitor the status and trends in the condition of freshwater sys...
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Aaltonen, T; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzurri, P; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Beecher, D; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Bridgeman, A; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burke, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Calancha, C; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carls, B; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavaliere, V; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Chwalek, T; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Cox, C A; Cox, D J; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'orso, M; Deluca, C; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; Derwent, P F; di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Elagin, A; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Frank, M J; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Genser, K; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Gessler, A; Giagu, S; Giakoumopoulou, V; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Hussein, M; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeon, E J; Jha, M K; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Keung, J; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, H W; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krop, D; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kurata, M; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; Lecompte, T; Lee, E; Lee, H S; Lee, S W; Leone, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C-S; Linacre, J; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, C; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lucchesi, D; Luci, C; Lueck, J; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Macqueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis-Katsikakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mathis, M; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M J; Morlock, J; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Nett, J; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Neubauer, S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oakes, L; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Peiffer, T; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Pianori, E; Pinera, L; Pinfold, J; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Pueschel, E; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Renton, P; Renz, M; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rodriguez, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savoy-Navarro, A; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, A; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sforza, F; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Shimojima, M; Shiraishi, S; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Strycker, G L; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Ttito-Guzmán, P; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Totaro, P; Tourneur, S; Trovato, M; Tsai, S-Y; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, W; Wagner-Kuhr, J; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Weinelt, J; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Wilbur, S; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Würthwein, F; Xie, S; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zhang, L; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S
2009-06-19
In CDF we have observed the reactions p + p[over] --> p + X + p[over], with X being a centrally produced J/psi, psi(2S), or chi_{c0}, and gammagamma-->micro;{+}micro;{-} in pp[over] collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV. The event signature requires two oppositely charged central muons, and either no other particles or one additional photon detected. Exclusive vector meson production is as expected for elastic photoproduction, gamma + p --> J/psi(psi(2S)) + p, observed here for the first time in hadron-hadron collisions. We also observe exclusive chi_{c0} --> J/psi + gamma. The cross sections dsigma/dy|_{y = 0} for J/psi, psi(2S), and chi_{c0} are 3.92 +/- 0.25(stat) +/- 0.52(syst) nb, 0.53 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.10(syst) nb, and 76 +/- 10(stat) +/- 10(syst) nb, respectively, and the continuum is consistent with QED. We put an upper limit on the cross section for Odderon exchange in exclusive J/psi production.
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Impact reactivity of materials at very high oxygen pressure
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Connor, H. W.; Minchey, J. G.; Crowder, R.; Davidson, R.
1983-01-01
The requirements for impact testing of materials in an oxygen atmosphere at pressures from 82.7 MPa (12,000 psi) to 172 MPa (25,000 psi) were evaluated. The impact tester system was evaluated for potential pressure increases from 69 MPa (10,000 psi) to 82.7 MPa (12,000 psi). The low pressure oxygen and nitrogen systems, the impact tower, the impact test cell, and the high pressure oxygen system were evaluated individually. Although the structural integrity of the impact test cell and the compressor were sufficient for operation at 82.7 MPa (12,000 psi), studies revealed possible material incompatibility at that pressure and above. It was recommended that if a component should be replaced for 82.7 MPa (12,000 psi) operation the replacement should meet the final objectives of 172 MPa (25,000 psi). Recommended changes in the system include; use of Monel 400 for pressures above 82.7 MPa (12,000 psi), use of bellows to replace the seal in the impact tester, use of a sapphire window attached to a fiber optic for event sensing, and use of a three diaphragm compressor.
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End-of-Grade (EOG) Multiple-Choice Test Results, 2008-09. Measuring Up. E&R Report No. 10.12
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
McMillen, Brad
2010-01-01
In 2008-09, results from End-of-Grade (EOG) reading and mathematics tests in WCPSS continued to demonstrate an upward trend across grade levels and student subgroups. Disaggregation of results by ethnicity, income level, disability status, and English proficiency status showed that achievement gaps between historically underperforming subgroups…
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-01-13
... Payable Periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) Program for Iowa and Oklahoma... Notice of a Change in Status of the payable period in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08... unemployed workers claiming benefits in high unemployment states. The Department of Labor produces a trigger...
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Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-02-24
... Payable Periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08) Program for Connecticut and... announces a change in status of the payable periods in the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 2008 (EUC08... unemployed workers claiming benefits in high unemployment states. The Department of Labor produces a trigger...
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Medical Surveillance Monthly Report (MSMR). Volume 15, Number 9, November 2008
2008-11-01
nature, incidence, and impact of eye injuries among U.S. military personnel. Arch Ophthalmol. 2001; 119:1693-1697. 3. Armed Forces Health Surveillance...October 2008 Figure 2. Percent distributions of self-assessed health status as reported on deployment health assesment forms, U.S. Armed Forces...borne Sexually transmitted Environmental Lyme disease Malaria Chlamydia Gonorrhea Syphilis‡ Urethritis§ Cold Heat 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008
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Drug release from porous silicon for stable neural interface
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Sun, Tao; Tsang, Wei Mong; Park, Woo-Tae
2014-02-01
70 μm-thick porous Si (PSi) layer with the pore size of 11.1 ± 7.6 nm was formed on an 8-in. Si wafer via an anodization process for the microfabrication of a microelectrode to record neural signals. To reduce host tissue responses to the microelectrode and achieve a stable neural interface, water-soluble dexamethesone (Dex) was loaded into the PSi via incubation with the drug solution overnight. After the drug loading process, the pore size of PSi reduced to 4.7 ± 2.6 nm on the basis of scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, while its wettability was remarkably enhanced. Fluorescence images demonstrated that Dex was loaded into the porous structure of the PSi. Degradation rate of the PSi was investigated by incubation in distilled water for 21 days. Moreover, the drug release profile of the Dex-loaded PSi was a combination of an initial burst release and subsequent sustained release. To evaluate cellular responses to the drug release from the PSi, primary astrocytes were seeded on the surface of samples. After 2 days of culture, the Dex-loaded PSi could not only moderately prevent astrocyte adhesion in comparison with Si, but also more effectively suppress the activation of primary astrocytes than unloaded PSi due to the drug release. Therefore, it might be an effective method to reduce host tissue responses and stabilize the quality of the recorded neural signal by means of loading drugs into the PSi component of the microelectrode.
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First Born amplitude for transitions from a circular state to a state of large (l, m)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dewangan, D. P.
2005-01-01
The use of cylindrical polar coordinates instead of the conventional spherical polar coordinates enables us to derive compact expressions of the first Born amplitude for some selected sets of transitions from an arbitrary initial circular \\big|\\psi_{n_i,n_i-1,n_i-1}\\big\\rangle state to a final \\big|\\psi_{n_f,l_f,m_f}\\big\\rangle state of large (lf, mf). The formulae for \\big|\\psi_{n_i,n_i-1,n_i-1}\\big\\rangle \\longrightarrow \\big|\\psi_{n_f,n_f-1,n_f-2}\\big\\rangle and \\big|\\psi_{n_i,n_i-1,n_i-1}\\big\\rangle \\longrightarrow \\big|\\psi_{n_f,n_f-1,n_f-3}\\big\\rangle transitions are expressed in terms of the Jacobi polynomials which serve as suitable starting points for constructing complete solutions over the bound energy levels of hydrogen-like atoms. The formulae for \\big|\\psi_{n_i,n_i-1,n_i-1}\\big\\rangle \\longrightarrow \\big|\\psi_{n_f,n_f-1,-(n_f-2)}\\big\\rangle and \\big|\\psi_{n_i,n_i-1,n_i-1}\\big\\rangle \\longrightarrow \\big|\\psi_{n_f,n_f-1,-(n_f-3)}\\big\\rangle transitions are in simple algebraic forms and are directly applicable to all possible values of ni and nf. It emerges that the method can be extended to evaluate the first Born amplitude for many other transitions involving states of large (l, m).
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Giera, Wojciech; Szewczyk, Sebastian; McConnell, Michael D; Redding, Kevin E; van Grondelle, Rienk; Gibasiewicz, Krzysztof
2018-04-04
Energetic properties of chlorophylls in photosynthetic complexes are strongly modulated by their interaction with the protein matrix and by inter-pigment coupling. This spectral tuning is especially striking in photosystem I (PSI) complexes that contain low-energy chlorophylls emitting above 700 nm. Such low-energy chlorophylls have been observed in cyanobacterial PSI, algal and plant PSI-LHCI complexes, and individual light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) proteins. However, there has been no direct evidence of their presence in algal PSI core complexes lacking LHCI. In order to determine the lowest-energy states of chlorophylls and their dynamics in algal PSI antenna systems, we performed time-resolved fluorescence measurements at 77 K for PSI core and PSI-LHCI complexes isolated from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The pool of low-energy chlorophylls observed in PSI cores is generally smaller and less red-shifted than that observed in PSI-LHCI complexes. Excitation energy equilibration between bulk and low-energy chlorophylls in the PSI-LHCI complexes at 77 K leads to population of excited states that are less red-shifted (by ~ 12 nm) than at room temperature. On the other hand, analysis of the detection wavelength dependence of the effective trapping time of bulk excitations in the PSI core at 77 K provided evidence for an energy threshold at ~ 675 nm, above which trapping slows down. Based on these observations, we postulate that excitation energy transfer from bulk to low-energy chlorophylls and from bulk to reaction center chlorophylls are thermally activated uphill processes that likely occur via higher excitonic states of energy accepting chlorophylls.
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[PSI+] prion propagation is controlled by inositol polyphosphates
Wickner, Reed B.; Kelly, Amy C.; Bezsonov, Evgeny E.; Edskes, Herman K.
2017-01-01
The yeast prions [PSI+] and [URE3] are folded in-register parallel β-sheet amyloids of Sup35p and Ure2p, respectively. In a screen for antiprion systems curing [PSI+] without protein overproduction, we detected Siw14p as an antiprion element. An array of genetic tests confirmed that many variants of [PSI+] arising in the absence of Siw14p are cured by restoring normal levels of the protein. Siw14p is a pyrophosphatase specifically cleaving the β phosphate from 5-diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate (5PP-IP5), suggesting that increased levels of this or some other inositol polyphosphate favors [PSI+] propagation. In support of this notion, we found that nearly all variants of [PSI+] isolated in a WT strain were lost upon loss of ARG82, which encodes inositol polyphosphate multikinase. Inactivation of the Arg82p kinase by D131A and K133A mutations (preserving Arg82p’s nonkinase transcription regulation functions) resulted the loss of its ability to support [PSI+] propagation. The loss of [PSI+] in arg82Δ is independent of Hsp104’s antiprion activity. [PSI+] variants requiring Arg82p could propagate in ipk1Δ (IP5 kinase), kcs1Δ (IP6 5-kinase), vip1Δ (IP6 1-kinase), ddp1Δ (inositol pyrophosphatase), or kcs1Δ vip1Δ mutants but not in ipk1Δ kcs1Δ or ddp1Δ kcs1Δ double mutants. Thus, nearly all [PSI+] prion variants require inositol poly-/pyrophosphates for their propagation, and at least IP6 or 5PP-IP4 can support [PSI+] propagation. PMID:28923943
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Kawamura, Etsushi; Habu, Daiki; Hayashi, Takehiro; Oe, Ai; Kotani, Jin; Ishizu, Hirotaka; Torii, Kenji; Kawabe, Joji; Fukushima, Wakaba; Tanaka, Takashi; Nishiguchi, Shuhei; Shiomi, Susumu
2005-01-01
AIM: To examine the correlation between the porto-systemic hypertension evaluated by portal shunt index (PSI) and life-threatening complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver failure (Child-Pugh stage progression), and esophagogastric varices. METHODS: Two hundred and twelve consecutive subjects with HCV-related cirrhosis (LC-C) underwent per-rectal portal scintigraphy. They were allocated into three groups according to their PSI: group I, PSI ≤ 10%; group II, 10%
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Psi Chi/APA Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award.
2017-12-01
The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is sponsored jointly by Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, and the APA. The award is presented annually to the psychology graduate student who submits the best research paper that was published or presented at a national, regional, or state psychological association conference during the past calendar year. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award was established in 1979. The award was established to recognize young researchers at the beginning of their professional lives and to commemorate both the 50th anniversary of Psi Chi and the 100th anniversary of psychology as a science (dating from the founding of Wundt's laboratory). It was named for Dr. Edwin B. Newman, the first national president of Psi Chi (1929) and one of its founders. He was a prolific researcher and a long-time chair of the Department of Psychology at Harvard University. Newman was a member of APA's Board of Directors, served as recording secretary of the board from 1962 to 1967, and was parliamentarian for the APA Council of Representatives for many years. He served both Psi Chi and APA in a distinguished manner for half a century. The Edwin B. Newman Graduate Research Award is given jointly by Psi Chi and APA. Members of the 2017 Edwin B. Newman Award Committee were Shawn Carlton, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Christina Frederick-Recascino, PhD; John Norcross, PhD, APA representative; Karenna Malavanti, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Steven Kohn, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Warren Fass, PhD, Psi Chi representative; Chris Lovelace, PhD, Psi Chi representative; and Cathy Epkins, PhD, APA representative. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).
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Cidade, Luciana C; de Oliveira, Tahise M; Mendes, Amanda F S; Macedo, Amanda F; Floh, Eny I S; Gesteira, Abelmon S; Soares-Filho, Walter S; Costa, Marcio G C
2012-12-01
Abscisic acid (ABA) is an important regulator of plant responses to environmental stresses and an absolute requirement for stress tolerance. Recently, a third phytoene synthase (PSY3) gene paralog was identified in monocots and demonstrated to play a specialized role in stress-induced ABA formation, thus suggesting that the first committed step in carotenogenesis is a key limiting step in ABA biosynthesis. To examine whether the ectopic expression of PSY, other than PSY3, would similarly affect ABA level and stress tolerance, we have produced transgenic tobacco containing a fruit-specific PSY (CpPSY) of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.). The transgenic plants contained a single- or double-locus insertion and expressed CpPSY at varying transcript levels. In comparison with the wild-type plants, the CpPSY expressing transgenic plants showed a significant increase on root length and shoot biomass under PEG-, NaCl- and mannitol-induced osmotic stress. The enhanced stress tolerance of transgenic plants was correlated with the increased endogenous ABA level and expression of stress-responsive genes, which in turn was correlated with the CpPSY copy number and expression level in different transgenic lines. Collectively, these results provide further evidence that PSY is a key enzyme regulating ABA biosynthesis and that the altered expression of other PSYs in transgenic plants may provide a similar function to that of the monocot's PSY3 in ABA biosynthesis and stress tolerance. The results also pave the way for further use of CpPSY, as well as other PSYs, as potential candidate genes for engineering tolerance to drought and salt stress in crop plants.
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Loewenstein, David A; Curiel, Rosie E; Wright, Clinton; Sun, Xiaoyan; Alperin, Noam; Crocco, Elzabeth; Czaja, Sara J; Raffo, Arlene; Penate, Ailyn; Melo, Jose; Capp, Kimberly; Gamez, Monica; Duara, Ranjan
2017-01-01
There is growing evidence that proactive semantic interference (PSI) and failure to recover from PSI may represent early features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated the association between PSI, recovery from PSI, and reduced MRI volumes in AD signature regions among cognitively impaired and unimpaired older adults. Performance on the LASSI-L (a novel test of PSI and recovery from PSI) and regional brain volumetric measures were compared between 38 cognitively normal (CN) elders and 29 older participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The relationship between MRI measures and performance on the LASSI-L as well as traditional memory and non-memory cognitive measures was also evaluated in both diagnostic groups. Relative to traditional neuropsychological measures, MCI patients' failure to recover from PSI was associated with reduced volumes in the hippocampus (rs = 0.48), precuneus (rs = 0.50); rostral middle frontal lobules (rs = 0.54); inferior temporal lobules (rs = 0.49), superior parietal lobules (rs = 0.47), temporal pole (rs = 0.44), and increased dilatation of the inferior lateral ventricle (rs = -0.49). For CN elders, only increased inferior lateral ventricular size was associated with vulnerability to PSI (rs = -0.49), the failure to recover from PSI (rs = -0.57), and delayed recall on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (rs = -0.48). LASSI-L indices eliciting failure to recover from PSI were more highly associated with more MRI regional biomarkers of AD than other traditional cognitive measures. These results as well as recent amyloid imaging studies with otherwise cognitively normal subjects, suggest that recovery from PSI may be a sensitive marker of preclinical AD and deserves further investigation.
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Santabarbara, Stefano; Tibiletti, Tania; Remelli, William; Caffarri, Stefano
2017-03-29
State transitions are a phenomenon that maintains the excitation balance between photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI-LHCI) by controlling their relative absorption cross-sections. Under light conditions exciting PSII preferentially, a trimeric LHCII antenna moves from PSII to PSI-LHCI to form the PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplex. In this work, the excited state dynamics in the PSI-LHCI and PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplexes isolated from Arabidopsis have been investigated by picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The excited state decays were analysed using two approaches based on either (i) a sum of discrete exponentials or (ii) a continuous distribution of lifetimes. The results indicate that the energy transfer from LHCII to the bulk of the PSI antenna occurs with an average macroscopic transfer rate in the 35-65 ns -1 interval. Yet, the most satisfactory description of the data is obtained when considering a heterogeneous population containing two PSI-LHCI-LHCII supercomplexes characterised by a transfer time of ∼15 and ∼60 ns -1 , likely due to the differences in the strength and orientation of LHCII harboured to PSI. Both these values are of the same order of magnitude of those estimated for the average energy transfer rates from the low energy spectral forms of LHCI to the bulk of the PSI antenna (15-40 ns -1 ), but they are slower than the transfer from the bulk antenna of PSI to the reaction centre (>150 ns -1 ), implying a relatively small kinetics bottleneck for the energy transfer from LHCII. Nevertheless, the kinetic limitation imposed by excited state diffusion has a negligible impact on the photochemical quantum efficiency of the supercomplex, which remains about 98% in the case of PSI-LHCI.
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Viswanathan, Hema N; Mutebi, Alex; Milmont, Cassandra E; Gordon, Kenneth; Wilson, Hilary; Zhang, Hao; Klekotka, Paul A; Revicki, Dennis A; Augustin, Matthias; Kricorian, Gregory; Nirula, Ajay; Strober, Bruce
2017-09-01
The Psoriasis Symptom Inventory (PSI) is a patient-reported outcome instrument that measures the severity of psoriasis signs and symptoms. This study evaluated measurement properties of the PSI in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This secondary analysis used pooled data from a phase 3 brodalumab clinical trial (AMAGINE-1). Outcome measures included the PSI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA), psoriasis-affected body surface area, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). The PSI was evaluated for dimensionality, item performance, reliability (internal consistency and test-retest), construct validity, ability to detect change, and agreement between PSI response and response measures based on the PASI, sPGA, and DLQI. Results supported unidimensionality, good item fit, ordered responses, and PSI scoring. The PSI demonstrated reliability: baseline Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.92 and intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.95. Correlations between PSI total score and DLQI item 1 (r = 0.86), DLQI symptoms and feelings (r = 0.87), and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 bodily pain (r = -0.61) supported convergent validity. PSI scores differed significantly (P < 0.001) among severity groups based on the PASI (< 12/≥ 12), sPGA (0-1/2-3/4-5), body surface area (< 5%/5%-10%/> 10%), and DLQI (≤ 5/> 5) at weeks 8 and 12. At week 12, the PSI detected significant changes in severity based on PASI responses (< 50/50- < 75/≥ 75) and sPGA (0-1/≥ 2), and showed good agreement (k ≥ 0.66) between PSI response and PASI, sPGA, and DLQI responses. The PSI demonstrated excellent validity, reliability, and ability to detect change in the severity of psoriasis signs and symptoms. Copyright © 2017 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Unconventional energy resources: 2007-2008 review
Warwick, Peter D.; ,
2009-01-01
This paper summarizes five 2007–2008 resource commodity committee reports prepared by the Energy Minerals Division (EMD) of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Current United States and global research and development activities related to gas hydrates, gas shales, geothermal resources, oil sands, and uranium resources are included in this review. These commodity reports were written to advise EMD leadership and membership of the current status of research and development of unconventional energy resources. Unconventional energy resources are defined as those resources other than conventional oil and natural gas that typically occur in sandstone and carbonate rocks. Gas hydrate resources are potentially enormous; however, production technologies are still under development. Gas shale, geothermal, oil sand, and uranium resources are now increasing targets of exploration and development, and are rapidly becoming important energy resources that will continue to be developed in the future.
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Improved fireman's compressed air breathing system pressure vessel development program
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
King, H. A.; Morris, E. E.
1973-01-01
Prototype high pressure glass filament-wound, aluminum-lined pressurant vessels suitable for use in a fireman's compressed air breathing system were designed, fabricated, and acceptance tested in order to demonstrate the feasibility of producing such high performance, lightweight units. The 4000 psi tanks have a 60 standard cubic foot (SCF) air capacity, and have a 6.5 inch diamter, 19 inch length, 415 inch volume, weigh 13 pounds when empty, and contain 33 percent more air than the current 45 SCF (2250 psi) steel units. The current steel 60 SCF (3000 psi) tanks weigh approximately twice as much as the prototype when empty, and are 2 inches, or 10 percent shorter. The prototype units also have non-rusting aluminum interiors, which removes the hazard of corrosion, the need for internal coatings, and the possibility of rust particles clogging the breathing system.
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Detection of Human Ig G Using Photoluminescent Porous Silicon Interferometer.
Cho, Bomin; Kim, Seongwoong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Kim, Sungsoo; Sohn, Honglae
2015-02-01
Photoluminescent porous silicon (PSi) interferometers having dual optical properties, both Fabry-Pérot fringe and photolumincence (PL), have been developed and used as biosensors for detection of Human Immunoglobin G (Ig G). PSi samples were prepared by electrochemical etching of p-type silicon under white light exposure. The surface of PSi was characterized using a cold field emission scanning electron microscope. The sensor system studied consisted of a single layer of porous silicon modified with Protein A. The system was probed with various fragments of aqueous human immunoglobin G (Ig G) analyte. Both reflectivity and PL were simultaneously measured under the exposure of human Ig G. An increase of optical thickness and decrease of PL were obtained under the exposure of human Ig G. Detection limit of 500 fM was observed for the human Ig G.
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Laboratory simulation of cratering on small bodies
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Schmidt, Robert M.
1991-01-01
A new technique using external pressure was developed to simulate the lithostatic pressure due to self-gravity of small bodies. A 13-in. diameter cylindrical test chamber with L/D of 1 was fabricated to accommodate firing explosive charges with gas overpressures of up to 6000 psi. The chamber was hydrotested to 9000 psi. The method allows much larger scale factors that can be obtained with existing centrifuges and has the correct spherical geometry of self gravity. A simulant for jointed rock to be used in this fixture was developed using weakly cemented basalt. Various strength/pressure scaling theories can now be examined and tested.
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Quadratic Finite Element Method for 1D Deterministic Transport
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Tolar, Jr., D R; Ferguson, J M
2004-01-06
In the discrete ordinates, or SN, numerical solution of the transport equation, both the spatial ({und r}) and angular ({und {Omega}}) dependences on the angular flux {psi}{und r},{und {Omega}}are modeled discretely. While significant effort has been devoted toward improving the spatial discretization of the angular flux, we focus on improving the angular discretization of {psi}{und r},{und {Omega}}. Specifically, we employ a Petrov-Galerkin quadratic finite element approximation for the differencing of the angular variable ({mu}) in developing the one-dimensional (1D) spherical geometry S{sub N} equations. We develop an algorithm that shows faster convergence with angular resolution than conventional S{sub N} algorithms.
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Multilayer compressive seal for sealing in high temperature devices
Chou, Yeong-Shyung [Richland, WA; Stevenson, Jeffry W [Richland, WA
2007-08-21
A mica based compressive seal has been developed exhibiting superior thermal cycle stability when compared to other compressive seals known in the art. The seal is composed of compliant glass or metal interlayers and a sealing (gasket) member layer composed of mica that is infiltrated with a glass forming material, which effectively reduces leaks within the seal. The compressive seal shows approximately a 100-fold reduction in leak rates compared with previously developed hybrid seals after from 10 to about 40 thermal cycles under a compressive stress of from 50 psi to 100 psi at temperatures in the range from 600.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C.
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Development of a Flexible Seal for a 60 psi Cryogenic Pressure Box
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Glass, David E.
1998-01-01
A cryogenic pressure box test facility has been designed and fabricated for use at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) to subject 5 ft x 6 ft curved panels to cryogenic temperatures and biaxial tensile loads. The cryogenic pressure box is capable of testing curved panels down to -423 F (20 K) with 54 psig maximum pressure. The key challenge in the design and fabrication of the pressure box was the development of a seal that could remain flexible at -423 F and contain 60 psi gaseous helium as the pressurization gas. A C-shaped seal was developed using a Gore-tex woven fabric. Mechanical testing of the fabric at room and elevated temperature, liquid nitrogen temperature, and liquid helium temperature demonstrated the strength and creep resistance of the material over the desired operating range. A small scale cryogenic pressure box was used to test prototype seals at cryogenic temperatures up to 60 psi. Preliminary tests indicated that excessive leakage was present through the seal. As a result, an aluminized mylar liner was placed inside the Gore-tex seal to reduce leakage through the seal. The final seal configuration resulted in minimal pressure loss during seal testing.
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High temperature dynamic engine seal technology development
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Steinetz, Bruce M.; Dellacorte, Christopher; Machinchick, Michael; Mutharasan, Rajakkannu; Du, Guang-Wu; Ko, Frank; Sirocky, Paul J.; Miller, Jeffrey H.
1992-01-01
Combined cycle ramjet/scramjet engines being designed for advanced hypersonic vehicles, including the National Aerospace Plane (NASP), require innovative high temperature dynamic seals to seal the sliding interfaces of the articulated engine panels. New seals are required that will operate hot (1200 to 2000 F), seal pressures ranging from 0 to 100 psi, remain flexible to accommodate significant sidewall distortions, and resist abrasion over the engine's operational life. This report reviews the recent high temperature durability screening assessments of a new braided rope seal concept, braided of emerging high temperature materials, that shows promise of meeting many of the seal demands of hypersonic engines. The paper presents durability data for: (1) the fundamental seal building blocks, a range of candidate ceramic fiber tows; and for (2) braided rope seal subelements scrubbed under engine simulated sliding, temperature, and preload conditions. Seal material/architecture attributes and limitations are identified through the investigations performed. The paper summarizes the current seal technology development status and presents areas in which future work will be performed.
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Barr, Helen L; Britton, John; Smyth, Alan R; Fogarty, Andrew W
2011-08-23
To determine the trend in the association between socioeconomic status and sex and median age at death from cystic fibrosis in England and Wales, over the past 50 years. Series of annual cross sectional studies of all registered deaths with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in England and Wales, from 1959 to 2008. We obtained national mortality data for cystic fibrosis from the Office for National Statistics. From 1959 to 2000, the Registrar General's Social Class coded socioeconomic status as manual or non-manual. From 2001 onwards, the National Statistics Socioeconomic Classification was implemented and socioeconomic status was split into three groups: professional and managerial, intermediate, and routine and manual. We calculated median age at death for every study year. We calculated the effects of sex and socioeconomic status on the odds of death above the median age at death for every study decade using logistic regression. From 1959 to 2008, 6750 deaths were attributed to cystic fibrosis in England and Wales. Males were more likely to die above the annual median age at death than females (from 1959 to 1999, adjusted odds ratio for socioeconomic status 1.28, 95% confidence intervals 1.13 to 1.45; from 2000 to 2008, 1.57, 1.18 to 2.08). Individuals in the highest socioeconomic class were also more likely to die above the median age of death than those in the lowest socioeconomic class (from 1959 to 2000, adjusted odds ratio for sex 2.50, 2.16 to 2.90; from 2001 to 2008, 1.89, 1.20 to 2.97). Socioeconomic status and sex remain strong determinants of survival from cystic fibrosis in England and Wales, and the magnitude of these effects does not appear to have substantially reduced over time.
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Research Activities for the DORIS Contribution to the Next International Terrestrial Reference Frame
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Soudarin, L.; Moreaux, G.; Lemoine, F.; Willis, P.; Stepanek, P.; Otten, M.; Govind, R.; Kuzin, S.; Ferrage, P.
2012-01-01
For the preparation of ITRF2008, the IDS processed data from 1993 to 2008, including data from TOPEX/Poseidon, the SPOT satellites and Envisat in the weekly solutions. Since the development of ITRF2008, the IDS has been engaged in a number of efforts to try and improve the reference frame solutions. These efforts include (i) assessing the contribution of the new DORIS satellites, Jason-2 and Cryosat2 (2008-2011), (ii) individually analyzing the DORIS satellite contributions to geocenter and scale, and (iii) improving orbit dynamics (atmospheric loading effects, satellite surface force modeling. . . ). We report on the preliminary results from these research activities, review the status of the IDS combination which is now routinely generated from the contributions of the IDS analysis centers, and discuss the prospects for continued improvement in the DORIS contribution to the next international reference frame.
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Huang, Wei; Yang, Ying-Jie; Zhang, Shi-Bao
2017-02-01
Cyclic electron flow (CEF) around photosystem I (PSI) is essential for photosynthesis in mature leaves. However, the physiological roles of CEF in immature leaves are little known. Here, we measured the PSI and PSII activities, light response changes in PSI and PSII energy quenching for immature and mature leaves of Erythrophleum guineense grown under full sunlight. Comparing with the maximum quantum yield of PSII (F v /F m ), the immature leaves had much lower values of the maximum photo-oxidizable P700 (P m ) than the mature leaves, suggesting the unsynchronized development of PSI and PSII activities. Furthermore, the immature leaves displayed significantly lower capacities for the photosynthetic electron flow through PSII (ETRII) and CEF. However, when exposed to high light, the immature leaves displayed higher levels of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and P700 oxidation ration [Y(ND)] than mature leaves. Under high light, the similar NPQ values were accompanied with much lower CEF activity in the immature leaves. These results suggest that, in immature leaves, CEF primarily contributes to photoprotection for PSI and PSII via acidification of thylakoid lumen. By comparison, in mature leaves, a large fraction of CEF-dependent generation of ΔpH contributes to ATP synthesis and a relative small proportion favors photoprotection via lumen acidification. These findings highlight the specific roles of CEF in photosynthetic regulation in immature and mature leaves. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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The hydraulic architecture of Juniperus communis L. ssp. communis: shrubs and trees compared.
Beikircher, Barbara; Mayr, Stefan
2008-11-01
Juniperus communis ssp. communis can grow like a shrub or it can develop a tree-like habit. In this study, the hydraulic architecture of these contrasting growth forms was compared. We analysed the hydraulic efficiency (leaf-specific conductivity, k(l); specific conductivity, k(s); Huber value, HV) and the vulnerability to cavitation (the water potential corresponding to a 50% loss of conductivity, Psi(50)), as well as anatomical parameters [mean tracheid diameter, d; mean hydraulic diameter, d(h); cell wall reinforcement (t/b)(h)(2)] of shrub shoots, tree stems and tree branches. Shrub shoots were similar to tree branches (especially to lower branches) in growth form and conductivity (k(l) = 1.93 +/- 0.11 m(2) s(-1) MPa(-1) 10(-7), k(s) = 5.71 +/- 0.19 m(2) s(-1) MPa(-1) 10(-4)), but were similar to tree stems in their vulnerability to cavitation (Psi(50) = -5.81 +/- 0.08 MPa). Tree stems showed extraordinarily high k(l) and k(s) values, and HV increased from the base up. Stem xylem was more vulnerable to cavitation than branch xylem, where Psi(50) increased from lower (Psi(50) = -6.44 +/- 0.19 MPa) to upper branches (Psi(50) = -5.98 +/- 0.13 MPa). Conduit diameters were correlated with k(l) and k(s). Data indicate that differences in hydraulic architecture correspond to changes in growth form. In some aspects, the xylem hydraulics of tree-like Juniperus communis differs from that of other coniferous tree species.
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Wu, Bing; Shao, Hongbo; Wang, Zhipeng; Hu, Yandi; Tang, Yinjie J; Jun, Young-Shin
2010-12-01
To study potential ecological impacts of CO(2) leakage to shallow groundwater and soil/sediments from geologic CO(2) sequestration (GCS) sites, this work investigated the viability and metal reduction of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 under CO(2) stress. While MR-1 could grow under high-pressure nitrogen gas (500 psi), the mix of 1% CO(2) with N(2) at total pressures of 15 or 150 psi significantly suppressed the growth of MR-1, compared to the N(2) control. When CO(2) partial pressures were over 15 psi, the growth of MR-1 stopped. The reduced bacterial viability was consistent with the pH decrease and cellular membrane damage under high pressure CO(2). After exposure to 150 psi CO(2) for 5 h, no viable cells survived, the cellular contents were released, and microscopy images confirmed significant cell structure deformation. However, after a relatively short exposure (25 min) to 150 psi CO(2), MR-1 could fully recover their growth within 24 h after the stress was removed, and the reduction of MnO(2) by MR-1 was observed right after the stress was removed. Furthermore, MR-1 survived better if the cells were aggregated rather than suspended, or if pH buffering minerals, such as calcite, were present. To predict the cell viability under different CO(2) pressures and exposure times, a two-parameter mathematical model was developed.
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Akhtar, Parveen; Lingvay, Mónika; Kiss, Teréz; Deák, Róbert; Bóta, Attila; Ughy, Bettina; Garab, Győző; Lambrev, Petar H
2016-04-01
Light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), the major peripheral antenna of Photosystem II in plants, participates in several concerted mechanisms for regulation of the excitation energy and electron fluxes in thylakoid membranes. In part, these include interaction of LHCII with Photosystem I (PSI) enhancing the latter's absorption cross-section - for example in the well-known state 1 - state 2 transitions or as a long-term acclimation to high light. In this work we examined the capability of LHCII to deliver excitations to PSI in reconstituted membranes in vitro. Proteoliposomes with native plant thylakoid membrane lipids and different stoichiometric ratios of LHCII:PSI were reconstituted and studied by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Fluorescence emission from LHCII was strongly decreased in PSI-LHCII membranes due to trapping of excitations by PSI. Kinetic modelling of the time-resolved fluorescence data revealed the existence of separate pools of LHCII distinguished by the time scale of energy transfer. A strongly coupled pool, equivalent to one LHCII trimer per PSI, transferred excitations to PSI with near-unity efficiency on a time scale of less than 10ps but extra LHCIIs also contributed significantly to the effective antenna size of PSI, which could be increased by up to 47% in membranes containing 3 LHCII trimers per PSI. The results demonstrate a remarkable competence of LHCII to increase the absorption cross-section of PSI, given the opportunity that the two types of complexes interact in the membrane. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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77 FR 28375 - Adequacy Status of the Submitted 2008 and 2022 VOC and NOX
Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
2012-05-14
... ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA-R01-OAR-2012-0290; A-1-FRL-9672-6] Adequacy Status of the... has found that the 2008 and 2022 motor vehicle emissions budgets in the March 2, 2012 New Hampshire... and 2022 MOVES2010 motor vehicle emissions budgets (MVEBs) in the March 2, 2012 SIP are adequate for...
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Establishing the Baseline Height and Weight Status of New Hampshire Head Start Children, 2007-2008
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Blaney, David D.; Flynn, Regina T.; Martin, Nancy R.; Anderson, Ludmila
2010-01-01
We report on a standardized survey of height and weight status of children attending the New Hampshire Head Start Program during the 2007-2008 school year. Baseline prevalence estimates of overweight and obesity are needed for obesity prevention activities and intervention. We selected a random one-stage cluster sample and screened 629 children…
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
An, Yuehua; Zhi, Yusong; Wu, Zhenping; Cui, Wei; Zhao, Xiaolong; Guo, Daoyou; Li, Peigang; Tang, Weihua
2016-12-01
Deep ultraviolet photodetectors based on p-Si/ n-Ga2O3 and p-Si/ i-SiC/ n-Ga2O3 heterojunctions were fabricated by laser molecular beam epitaxial (L-MBE), respectively. In compare with p-Si/ n-Ga2O3 heterostructure-based photodetector, the dark current of p-Si/ i-SiC/ n-Ga2O3-based photodetector decreased by three orders of magnitude, and the rectifying behavior was tuned from reverse to forward. In order to improve the quality of the photodetector, we reduced the oxygen vacancies of p-Si/ i-SiC/ n-Ga2O3 heterostructures by changing the oxygen pressure during annealing. As a result, the rectification ratio ( I F/ I R) of the fabricated photodetectors was 36 at 4.5 V and the photosensitivity was 5.4 × 105% under the 254 nm light illumination at -4.5 V. The energy band structure of p-Si/ n-Ga2O3 and p-Si/ i-SiC/ n-Ga2O3 heterostructures was schematic drawn to explain the physic mechanism of enhancement of the performance of p-Si/ i-SiC/ n-Ga2O3 heterostructure-based deep UV photodetector by introduction of SiC layer.
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Wang, Chang-Fang; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Kaasalainen, Martti H; Hagström, Marja V; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Santos, Hélder A
2015-04-01
Dual-drug delivery of antiangiogenic and chemotherapeutic drugs can enhance the therapeutic effect for cancer therapy. Conjugation of methotrexate (MTX) to porous silicon (PSi) nanoparticles (MTX-PSi) with positively charged surface can improve the cellular uptake of MTX and inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Herein, MTX-PSi conjugates sustained the release of MTX up to 96 h, and the released fragments including MTX were confirmed by mass spectrometry. The intracellular distribution of the MTX-PSi nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Compared to pure MTX, the MTX-PSi achieved similar inhibition of cell proliferation in folate receptor (FR) over-expressing U87 MG cancer cells, and a higher effect in low FR-expressing EA.hy926 cells. Nuclear fragmentation analysis demonstrated programmed cell apoptosis of MTX-PSi in the high/low FR-expressing cancer cells, whereas PSi alone at the same dose had a minor effect on cell apoptosis. Finally, the porous structure of MTX-PSi enabled a successful concomitant loading of another anti-angiogenic hydrophobic drug, sorafenib, and considerably enhanced the dissolution rate of sorafenib. Overall, the MTX-PSi nanoparticles can be used as a platform for combination chemotherapy by simultaneously enhancing the dissolution rate of a hydrophobic drug and sustaining the release of a conjugated chemotherapeutic drug. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Repetitive short-pulse light mainly inactivates photosystem I in sunflower leaves.
Sejima, Takehiro; Takagi, Daisuke; Fukayama, Hiroshi; Makino, Amane; Miyake, Chikahiro
2014-06-01
Under field conditions, the leaves of plants are exposed to fluctuating light, as observed in sunfleck. The duration and frequency of sunfleck, which is caused by the canopy being blown by the wind, are in the ranges from 0.2 to 50 s, and from 0.004 to 1 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, >60% of the sunfleck duration ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 s. In the present research, we analyzed the effects of repetitive illumination by short-pulse (SP) light of sunflower leaves on the photosynthetic electron flow. The duration of SP light was set in the range from 10 to 300 ms. We found that repetitive illumination with SP light did not induce the oxidation of P700 in PSI, and mainly inactivated PSI. Increases in the intensity, duration and frequency of SP light enhanced PSI photoinhibition. PSI photoinhibition required the presence of O2. The inactivation of PSI suppressed the net CO2 assimilation. On the other hand, the increase in the oxidized state of P700 suppressed PSI inactivation. That is, PSI with a reduced reaction center would produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) by SP light, leading to PSI photodamage. This mechanism probably explains the PSI photodamage induced by constant light. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Hill, S. G.; Sheppard, C. H.; Johnson, J. C.
1980-01-01
A LARC-13 type adhesive system was developed and property data obtained that demonstrated improved thermomechanical properties superior to base LARC-13 adhesive. An improved adhesive for 589 K (600 F) use was developed by physical or chemical modification of LARC-13. The adhesive was optimized for titanium and composite bonding, and a compatible surface preparation for titanium and composite substrates was identified. The data obtained with the improved adhesive system indicated it would meet the 589 K (600 F) properties desired for application on space shuttle components. Average titanium lap shear data were: (1) 21.1 MPa (3355 psi) at RT, (2) 13.0 MPa (1881 psi) at 600 F, and (3) 16.4 MPa (2335) after aging 125 hours at 600 F and tested at 600 F.
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Koole, Sander L; Schlinkert, Caroline; Maldei, Tobias; Baumann, Nicola
2018-03-10
One of the enduring missions of personality science is to unravel what it takes to become a fully functioning person. In the present article, the authors address this matter from the perspectives of self-determination theory (SDT) and personality systems interactions (PSI) theory. SDT (a) is rooted in humanistic psychology; (b) has emphasized a first-person perspective on motivation and personality; (c) posits that the person, supported by the social environment, naturally moves toward growth through the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. PSI theory (a) is rooted in German volition psychology; (b) has emphasized a third-person perspective on motivation and personality; and (c) posits that a fully functioning person can form and enact difficult intentions and integrate new experiences, and that such competencies are facilitated by affect regulation. The authors review empirical support for SDT and PSI theory, their convergences and divergences, and how the theories bear on recent empirical research on internalization, vitality, and achievement flow. The authors conclude that SDT and PSI theory offer complementary insights into developing a person's full potential. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Personality Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Protein delivery of a Ni catalyst to photosystem I for light-driven hydrogen production.
Silver, Sunshine C; Niklas, Jens; Du, Pingwu; Poluektov, Oleg G; Tiede, David M; Utschig, Lisa M
2013-09-11
The direct conversion of sunlight into fuel is a promising means for the production of storable renewable energy. Herein, we use Nature's specialized photosynthetic machinery found in the Photosystem I (PSI) protein to drive solar fuel production from a nickel diphosphine molecular catalyst. Upon exposure to visible light, a self-assembled PSI-[Ni(P2(Ph)N2(Ph))2](BF4)2 hybrid generates H2 at a rate 2 orders of magnitude greater than rates reported for photosensitizer/[Ni(P2(Ph)N2(Ph))2](BF4)2 systems. The protein environment enables photocatalysis at pH 6.3 in completely aqueous conditions. In addition, we have developed a strategy for incorporating the Ni molecular catalyst with the native acceptor protein of PSI, flavodoxin. Photocatalysis experiments with this modified flavodoxin demonstrate a new mechanism for biohybrid creation that involves protein-directed delivery of a molecular catalyst to the reducing side of Photosystem I for light-driven catalysis. This work further establishes strategies for constructing functional, inexpensive, earth-abundant solar fuel-producing PSI hybrids that use light to rapidly produce hydrogen directly from water.
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Nigerian CSM project ready to roll.
1985-01-01
Nigeria's contraceptive social marketing (CSM) project is ready to be launched. Population Services Intenational (PSI) had completed the groundwork for the project, funded primarily by a $200,000 grant from the nonpofit D.K. Tyagi Fund. The Population Crisis Committee also provided support for the new project. At presstime, PSI was negotiating for continued project funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Futures Group. PSI already has identified suitable products, researched brand names, arranged for distribution, appointed an advertising agency, designed packaging, written a marketing plan, and taken steps to create a local, nonprofit marketing organization to manage the project. PSI has named Tim Barton as the resident manager. He will take up his post once the issue of future funding is resolved. Contraceptives now available are distributed through the private sector and by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria, the Local International Planned Parenthood Federation affiliate. Nigeria's annual rate of population growth is about 3% and the country is urbanizing rapidly. A 1983 fertility report revealed that only 14% of Nigerian women had ever used any type of contraception; 6% of married women were using a contraceptive method at the time of the survey.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ganesh, S.; Singh, R., Captain; Mishra, M.
2018-03-01
Proton-nucleus collisions serve as an important baseline for the understanding and interpretation of the nucleus-nucleus collisions. These collisions have been employed to characterize the cold nuclear matter effects at SPS and Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collider energies for the past several years, as it was thought that quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is not formed in such collisions. However, at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), there seems a possibility that QGP is formed during proton-lead (p-Pb) collisions. In this work, we have derived an expression for gluon induced excitation of J/\\psi to \\psi (2S), using pNRQCD, and show that the relative enhancement of \\psi (2S) vis-à-vis J/\\psi , especially at high p T , gives further indication that the QGP is indeed formed in p-Pb collisions at the most central collisions at LHC energy. J/\\psi and \\psi (2S) suppression effects seen at ALICE are also qualitatively explained.
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Mazor, Yuval; Nataf, Daniel; Toporik, Hila; Nelson, Nathan
2014-01-01
Oxygenic photosynthesis supports virtually all life forms on earth. Light energy is converted by two photosystems—photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). Globally, nearly 50% of photosynthesis takes place in the Ocean, where single cell cyanobacteria and algae reside together with their viruses. An operon encoding PSI was identified in cyanobacterial marine viruses. We generated a PSI that mimics the salient features of the viral complex, named PSIPsaJF. PSIPsaJF is promiscuous for its electron donors and can accept electrons from respiratory cytochromes. We solved the structure of PSIPsaJF and a monomeric PSI, with subunit composition similar to the viral PSI, providing for the first time a detailed description of the reaction center and antenna system from mesophilic cyanobacteria, including red chlorophylls and cofactors of the electron transport chain. Our finding extends the understanding of PSI structure, function and evolution and suggests a unique function for the viral PSI. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01496.001 PMID:24473073
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A Measurement of PSI(2S) Resonance Parameters
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Dunwoodie, William
2002-11-08
Cross sections for e{sup +}e{sup -} {yields} hadrons, {pi}{sup +} {pi}{sup -} J/{psi}, and {mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -} have been measured in the vicinity of the {psi}(2S) resonance using the BESII detector operated at the BEPC. The {psi}(2S) total width; partial widths to hadrons, {pi}{sup +} {pi}{sup -} J/{psi}, muons; and corresponding branching fractions have been determined to be {Lambda}{sub t} = 264 {+-} 27 keV; {Lambda}{sub h} = 258 {+-} 26 keV, {Lambda}{sub {mu}} = 2.44 {+-} 0.21 keV, and {Lambda}{sub {pi}+{pi} = J/{psi}} = 85.4 {+-} 8.7 keV; and B{sub h} = (97.79 {+-} 0.15)%, B{sub {pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}}more » = (32.3 {+-} 1.4)%, B{sub {mu}} = (0.93 {+-} 0.08)%, respectively.« less
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The osmotic potential of polyethylene glycol 6000.
Michel, B E; Kaufmann, M R
1973-05-01
Osmotic potential (psi(s)) of aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG-6000) was curvilinearly related to concentration. At given concentrations, psi(s) increased linearly with temperature. The effects of concentration and temperature on psi(s) of PEG-6000 solutions differ from those for most salts and sugars and apparently are related to structural changes in the PEG polymer. Measurements of psi(s) with thermocouple psychrometers are more negative than those with a vapor pressure osmometer, with the psychrometer probably giving the more nearly correct psi(s) for bulk solutions. An empirical equation permits calculation of psi(s) from known concentrations of PEG-6000 over a temperature range of 15 to 35 C. Viscometery and gravimetric analysis are convenient methods by which the concentrations of PEG-6000 solutions may be measured.
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Polarizations of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons produced in pp collisions at square root s = 1.96 TeV.
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2007-09-28
We have measured the polarizations of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons as functions of their transverse momentum p(T) when they are produced promptly in the rapidity range |y| < 0.6 with p(T) > or =5 GeV/c. The analysis is performed using a data sample with an integrated luminosity of about 800 pb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector. For both vector mesons, we find that the polarizations become increasingly longitudinal as p(T) increases from 5 to 30 GeV/c. These results are compared to the predictions of nonrelativistic quantum chromodynamics and other contemporary models. The effective polarizations of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons from B-hadron decays are also reported.
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Buzzo, A; Contri, R; Crosetti, G; Fabbricatore, P; Farinon, S; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Musenich, R; Pallavicini, M; Parodi, R; Passaggio, S; Pastore, F C; Patrignani, C; Pia, M G; Priano, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Morii, M; Bartoldus, R; Dignan, T; Hamilton, R; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Fischer, P A; Lamsa, J; Meyer, W T; Rosenberg, E I; Benkebil, M; Grosdidier, G; Hast, C; Höcker, A; Lacker, H M; Lepeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Plaszczynski, S; Schune, M H; Trincaz-Duvoid, S; Valassi, A; Wormser, G; Bionta, R M; Brigljević, V; Fackler, O; Fujino, D; Lange, D J; Mugge, M; Shi, X; van Bibber, K; Wenaus, T J; Wright, D M; Wuest, C R; Carroll, M; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; George, M; Kay, M; Payne, D J; Sloane, R J; Touramanis, C; Aspinwall, M L; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Eschrich, I; Gunawardane, N J; Martin, R; Nash, J A; Sanders, P; Smith, D; Azzopardi, D E; Back, J J; Dixon, P; Harrison, P F; Potter, R J; Shorthouse, H W; Strother, P; Vidal, P B; Williams, M I; Cowan, G; George, S; Green, M G; Kurup, A; Marker, C E; McGrath, P; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Scott, I; Vaitsas, G; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, R J; Boyd, J T; Forti, A C; Fullwood, J; Jackson, F; Lafferty, G D; Savvas, N; Simopoulos, E T; Weatherall, J H; Farbin, A; Jawahery, A; Lillard, V; Olsen, J; Roberts, D A; Schieck, J R; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Flood, K T; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Lin, C S; Moore, T B; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Wittlin, J; Brau, B; Cowan, R; Sciolla, G; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Britton, D I; Milek, M; Patel, P M; Trischuk, J; Lanni, F; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Booke, M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Martin, J P; Nief, J Y; Seitz, R; Taras, P; Zacek, V; Nicholson, H; Sutton, C S; Cartaro, C; Cavallo, N; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; LoSecco, J M; Alsmiller, J R; Gabriel, T A; Handler, T; Brau, J; Frey, R; Iwasaki, M; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Colecchia, F; Dal Corso, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Michelon, G; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Torassa, E; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; de la Vaissière, C; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; Le Diberder, F; Leruste, P; Lory, J; Roos, L; Stark, J; Versillé, S; Manfredi, P F; Re, V; Speziali, V; Frank, E D; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J H; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bondioli, M; Carpinelli, M; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Martinez-Vidal, F; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Sandrelli, F; Simi, G; Triggiani, G; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Turnbull, L; Wagoner, D E; Albert, J; Bula, C; Elmer, P; Lu, C; McDonald, K T; Miftakov, V; Schaffner, S F; Smith, A J; Tumanov, A; Varnes, E W; Cavoto, G; del Re, D; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Fratini, K; Lamanna, E; Leonardi, E; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Safai Tehrani, F; Serra, M; Voena, C; Christ, S; Waldi, R; Adye, T; Franek, B; Geddes, N I; Gopal, G P; Xella, S M; Aleksan, R; De Domenico, G; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P F; Hamel de Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Langer, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Serfass, B; Vasseur, G; Yèche, C; Zito, M; Copty, N; Purohit, M V; Singh, H; Yumiceva, F X; Adam, I; Anthony, P L; Aston, D; Baird, K; Bloom, E; Boyarski, A M; Bulos, F; Calderini, G; Claus, R; Convery, M R; Coupal, D P; Coward, D H; Dorfan, J; Doser, M; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Godfrey, G L; Gowdy, S J; Grosso, P; Himel, T; Huffer, M E; Innes, W R; Jessop, C P; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Langenegger, U; Leith, D W; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Manzin, G; Marsiske, H; Menke, S; Messner, R; Moffeit, K C; Mount, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Perl, M; Petrak, S; Quinn, H; Ratcliff, B N; Robertson, S H; Rochester, L S; Roodman, A; Schietinger, T; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Serbo, V V; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Spanier, S M; Stahl, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Talby, M; Tanaka, H A; Trunov, A; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weinstein, A J; Wisniewski, W J; Wright, D H; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Cheng, C H; Kirkby, D; Meyer, T I; Roat, C; Henderson, R; Bugg, W; Cohn, H; Hart, E; Weidemann, A W; Benninger, T; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Turcotte, M; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Di Girolamo, B; Gamba, D; Smol, A; Zanin, D; Lanceri, L; Pompili, A; Vaugin, G; Panvini, R S; Brown, C M; De Silva, A; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Band, H R; Charles, E; Dasu, S; Di Lodovico, F; Eichenbaum, A M; Hu, H; Johnson, J R; Liu, R; Nielsen, J; Orejudos, W; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Scott, I J; Sekula, S J; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Zobernig, H; Kordich, T M; Neal, H
2001-10-15
The production of J/psi mesons in continuum e(+)e(-) annihilations has been studied with the BABAR detector at energies near the Upsilon(4S) resonance. The mesons are distinguished from J/psi production in B decays through their center-of-mass momentum and energy. We measure the cross section e(+)e(-)-->J/psi X to be 2.52+/-0.21+/-0.21 pb. We set a 90% C.L. upper limit on the branching fraction for direct Upsilon(4S)-->J/psi X decays at 4.7 x 10(-4).
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Righini, Gaia; Del Conte, Sara; Cigna, Francesca; Casagli, Nicola
2010-05-01
In the last decade Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) was used in natural hazards investigations with significant results and it is considered a helpful tool in ground deformations detection and mapping (Berardino et. al., 2003; Colesanti et al., 2003; Colesanti & Wasowski, 2006; Hilley et al., 2004). In this work results of PSI processing were interpreted after the main seismic shock that affected the Abruzzo region (Central Italy) on 6th of April 2009, in order to carry out a slope instability mapping according to the requirement of National Department of Civil Protection and in the framework of the Landslides thematic services of the EU FP7 project ‘SAFER' (Services and Applications For Emergency Response - Grant Agreement n° 218802). The area of interest was chosen in almost 460 km2 around L'Aquila according the highest probability of reactivations of landslides which depends on the local geological conditions, on the epicenter location and on other seismic parameters (Keefer, 1984). The radar images datasets were collected in order to provide estimates of the mean yearly velocity referred to two distinct time intervals: historic ERS (1992-2000) and recent ENVISAT (2002-2009), RADARSAT (2003-2009); the ERS and RADARSAT images were processed by Tele-Rilevamento Europa (TRE) using PS-InSAR(TM) technique, while the ENVISAT images were processed by e-GEOS using PSP-DIFSAR technique. A pre-existing landslide inventory map was updated through the integration of conventional photo interpretation and the radar-interpretation chain, as defined by Farina et al. (2008) and reported in literature (Farina et al. 2006, Meisina et al. 2007, Pancioli et al., 2008; Righini et al., 2008, Casagli et al., 2008, Herrera et al., 2009). The data were analyzed and interpreted in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Main updates of the pre-existing landslides are focusing on the identification of new landslides, modification of boundaries through the spatial radar interpretation and the assessment of the state of activity, intended as defined by Cruden and Varnes (1996). The information coming from the radar interpretation is the basis to evaluate the state of activity and the intensity of slow landslides. Two main situations can occur: the presence of PS within the already mapped landslides, and the presence of PS outside the previous mapped area resulting often in new landslides. The analysis of PSI data allowed to map 57 new landslides and gave information on 203 (39%) landslides mapped of the pre-existed PAI while the updated Landslide Inventory Map has 579 landslides totally: thus EO data did not give any additional information on 319 landslides of the pre-existing inventory map. Considering the 203 updated landslides, the modifications concern 155 phenomena while 48 are confirmed: the modifications are related to the boundary and/or the state of activity and the typology. All the new landslides added are considered active. It is worth noting that almost all the landslides where the state of activity is changed from dormant (or stabilized) to active involve urban areas and the road network where the reliability of radar benchmarks is higher. Radar satellite data were in particular very useful to map slow superficial movements named as "creep" that are widespread in the slopes around L'Aquila: the typical velocity is few centimeters per year which is perfectly suited to the capability of multi-interferometric techniques for ground deformation detection. References: Berardino, P., Costantini, M., Franceschetti, G., Iodice, A., Pietranera, L., Rizzo, V. (2003). use of differential SAR interferometry in monitoring and modelling large slope instability at Maratea (Basilicata, Italy). Engineering Geology, 68 (1-2), 31 - 51. Casagli N., Colombo D., Ferretti A., Guerri L., Righini G. (2008)- Case Study on Local Landslide Risk Management During Crisis by Means of Remote Sensing Data. Proceedings of the First World Landslide Forum. 16-19 November 2008 Tokyo Japan, 125-128. Colesanti, C., Ferretti, A., Prati, C., Rocca, F. (2003). Monitoring landslides and tectonic motions with the Permanent Scatterers Technique. Engineering Geology, 68, 3 - 14. Colesanti, C., Wasowski, J., (2006). Investigating landslides with satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry. Engineering Geology, 88 (3 - 4), 173 - 199. Cruden, D.M., Varnes, D.J. (1996). Landslide types and processes. In: Turner AK, Schuster RL (eds) Landslides investigation and mitigation, Special Report 247. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, DC, 36 - 75. Farina P., Colombo D., Fumagalli A., Marks F., Moretti S. (2006) - Permanent Scatterers for landslide investigations: outcomes from the ESA-SLAM project. Engineering Geology, v. 88, p.200-217. Farina P., Casagli N., Ferretti A. (2008) - Radar-interpretation of InSAR measurements for landslide investigations in civil protection practices. First North American Landslide Conference, June 3-8, 2007.Vail, Colorado, pp. 272-283. Hilley, G.E, Burgmann, R., Ferretti, A., Novali, F., Rocca, F. (2004). Dynamics of slow-moving landslides from Permanent Scatterer analysis. Science, 304 (5679), 1952 - 1955. Herrera G., Davalillo J.C., Mulas J., Cooksley G., Monserrat O., Pancioli V. (2009) - Mapping and monitoring geomorphological processes in mountainous areas using PSI data: Central Pyrenees case study Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 9, 1587-1598, Meisina C., Zucca F., Fossati D., Ceriani M, Allievi J. (2006) - Ground deformations monitoring by using the Permanent Scatterers Technique: the example of the Oltrepo Pavese (Lombardia, Italy), Engineering Geology, 88, 240-259. Pancioli V., Farina P., (2007) - Analisi dei fenomeni franosi con dati InSAR satellitari: primi risultati del progetto ESA-Terrafirma. Giornale di Geologia Applicata 6-A: 101-102. Righini, G., Del Ventisette, C., Costantini, M., Malvarosa, F., Minati, F. (2008). Space-borne SAR Analysis for Landslides Mapping in the Framework of the PREVIEW Project. Proceedings of the First World Landslide Forum, Tokyo Japan, 505-506.
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Evaluation of Wetland Hydrology in Formerly Irrigated Areas
2017-07-01
Laboratory 1987). The USACE requires defensible documentation identifying the presence or absence of wetland conditions when agricultural lands...irrigated agricultural areas (USACE 2008). In 2012, the USACE South Pacific Division (SPD) developed guidelines encouraging landowners to...geographic range; regulatory status; creation in agricultural landscapes; wildlife habitat; threatened and endangered species; water quality; hydrology
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Legislating Language in Taiwan: From Equality to Development to Status Quo
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Dupré, Jean-François
2016-01-01
This paper looks into failed attempts by the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) minority government (2000-2008) to alter Taiwan's Mandarin-dominated language regime by drafting law proposals recognizing the languages of all Taiwanese ethnic groups as equal national languages. This paper argues that the failure to enact language regime change in…
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Lam, Angela M; Murakami, Eisuke; Espiritu, Christine; Steuer, Holly M Micolochick; Niu, Congrong; Keilman, Meg; Bao, Haiying; Zennou, Veronique; Bourne, Nigel; Julander, Justin G; Morrey, John D; Smee, Donald F; Frick, David N; Heck, Julie A; Wang, Peiyuan; Nagarathnam, Dhanapalan; Ross, Bruce S; Sofia, Michael J; Otto, Michael J; Furman, Phillip A
2010-08-01
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B RNA polymerase facilitates the RNA synthesis step during the HCV replication cycle. Nucleoside analogs targeting the NS5B provide an attractive approach to treating HCV infections because of their high barrier to resistance and pan-genotype activity. PSI-7851, a pronucleotide of beta-D-2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-2'-C-methyluridine-5'-monophosphate, is a highly active nucleotide analog inhibitor of HCV for which a phase 1b multiple ascending dose study of genotype 1-infected individuals was recently completed (M. Rodriguez-Torres, E. Lawitz, S. Flach, J. M. Denning, E. Albanis, W. T. Symonds, and M. M. Berry, Abstr. 60th Annu. Meet. Am. Assoc. Study Liver Dis., abstr. LB17, 2009). The studies described here characterize the in vitro antiviral activity and cytotoxicity profile of PSI-7851. The 50% effective concentration for PSI-7851 against the genotype 1b replicon was determined to be 0.075+/-0.050 microM (mean+/-standard deviation). PSI-7851 was similarly effective against replicons derived from genotypes 1a, 1b, and 2a and the genotype 1a and 2a infectious virus systems. The active triphosphate, PSI-7409, inhibited recombinant NS5B polymerases from genotypes 1 to 4 with comparable 50% inhibitory concentrations. PSI-7851 is a specific HCV inhibitor, as it lacks antiviral activity against other closely related and unrelated viruses. PSI-7409 also lacked any significant activity against cellular DNA and RNA polymerases. No cytotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, or bone marrow toxicity was associated with PSI-7851 at the highest concentration tested (100 microM). Cross-resistance studies using replicon mutants conferring resistance to modified nucleoside analogs showed that PSI-7851 was less active against the S282T replicon mutant, whereas cells expressing a replicon containing the S96T/N142T mutation remained fully susceptible to PSI-7851. Clearance studies using replicon cells demonstrated that PSI-7851 was able to clear cells of HCV replicon RNA and prevent viral rebound.
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[The running status of Chinese Measles Laboratory Network in 2008].
Zhang, Yan; Xu, Song-Tao; Jiang, Xiao-Hong
2009-04-01
To evaluate the running status of Measles laboratory network of China (Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan were excluded) in 2008. To analyze the database of Measles laboratory network surveillance of the year 2008, and the database of serologic and virologic surveillance of National laboratory for Measles in Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CCDC), then the indicators of the running of Measles laboratory network of China were analyzed. 1, serologic surveillance: 107,160 Measles sera samples were collected between Feburary and September of 2008, and the collection rate was 77.93%; 53 778 samples were qualified and positive for IgM, the positive percentage was 50.2%. 2, Virologic surveillance: 287 Measles viral isolates were isolated by 18 provincial Measles laboratories in 2008, all were certified as H1a genotype, H1a genotype was still the predominant genotype circulating in China; 29 Rubella viral isolates were isolated by 4 provincial Measles laboratories in 2008, all belonged to 1E genotype. 3, Laboratory quality control: National laboratory for Measles passed the proficiency test and on-site review in 2008; all provincial Measles laboratories passed the sera samples recheck and proficiency test hold by National laboratory for Measles in 2008; Tianjin, Shanxi, Shandong, Zhejiang, Jilin, Hubei, provincial Measles laboratory passed the on-site review by WHO. The running status of Chinese Measles laboratory network was good in 2008, and good laboratory quality control system was also set up, methods such as specimens collection, serologic detection, cell culture and viral isolation, etc, were standardized, and applied to Chinese Measles laboratory network, and it provided important scientific basis for eradication Measles in the year of 2012.
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Vukovic, Rade; Milenkovic, Tatjana; Stojan, George; Vukovic, Ana; Mitrovic, Katarina; Todorovic, Sladjana; Soldatovic, Ivan
2017-01-01
The dichotomous nature of the current definition of metabolic syndrome (MS) in youth results in loss of information. On the other hand, the calculation of continuous MS scores using standardized residuals in linear regression (Z scores) or factor scores of principal component analysis (PCA) is highly impractical for clinical use. Recently, a novel, easily calculated continuous MS score called siMS score was developed based on the IDF MS criteria for the adult population. To develop a Pediatric siMS score (PsiMS), a modified continuous MS score for use in the obese youth, based on the original siMS score, while keeping the score as simple as possible and retaining high correlation with more complex scores. The database consisted of clinical data on 153 obese (BMI ≥95th percentile) children and adolescents. Continuous MS scores were calculated using Z scores and PCA, as well as the original siMS score. Four variants of PsiMS score were developed in accordance with IDF criteria for MS in youth and correlation of these scores with PCA and Z score derived MS continuous scores was assessed. PsiMS score calculated using formula: (2xWaist/Height) + (Glucose(mmol/l)/5.6) + (triglycerides(mmol/l)/1.7) + (Systolic BP/130)-(HDL(mmol/l)/1.02) showed the highest correlation with most of the complex continuous scores (0.792-0.901). The original siMS score also showed high correlation with continuous MS scores. PsiMS score represents a practical and accurate score for the evaluation of MS in the obese youth. The original siMS score should be used when evaluating large cohorts consisting of both adults and children.
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Kono, Masaru; Yamori, Wataru; Suzuki, Yoshihiro; Terashima, Ichiro
2017-01-01
It has been reported that PSI photoinhibition is induced even in wild-type plants of Arabidopsis thaliana, rice and other species by exposure of leaves to fluctuating light (FL) for a few hours. Because plants are exposed to FL in nature, they must possess protective mechanisms against the FL-induced photodamage. Here, using A. thaliana grown at various irradiances, we examined PSI photoprotection by far-red (FR) light at intensities comparable with those observed in nature. Dark-treated leaves were illuminated by red FL alternating high/low light at 1,200/30 µmol m-2 s-1 for 800 ms/10 s. By this FL treatment without FR light for 120 min, the level of photo-oxidizable P700 was decreased by 30% even in the plants grown at high irradiances. The addition of continuous FR light during the FL suppressed this damage almost completely. With FR light, P700 was kept in a more oxidized state in both low- and high-light phases. The protective effect of FR light was diminished more in mutants of the NADH dehydrogenase-like complex (NDH)-mediated cyclic electron flow around PSI (CEF-PSI) than in the PGR5 (proton gradient regulation 5)-mediated CEF-PSI, indicating that the NDH-mediated CEF-PSI would be a major contributor to PSI photoprotection in the presence of FR light. We also confirmed that PSI photoinhibition decreased with the increase in growth irradiance in A. thaliana and field-grown plants, and that this PSI photodamage was largely suppressed by addition of FR light. These results clearly indicate that the most effective PSI protection is realized in the presence of FR light. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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Gordo-Remartínez, Susana; Sevillano-Fernández, José A.; Álvarez-Sala, Luis A.; Andueza-Lillo, Juan A.; de Miguel-Yanes, José M.
2015-01-01
Background midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a prognostic biomarker in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We sought to confirm whether MR-proADM added to Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) improves the potential prognostic value of PSI alone, and tested to what extent this combination could be useful in predicting poor outcome of patients with CAP in an Emergency Department (ED). Methods Consecutive patients diagnosed with CAP were enrolled in this prospective, single-centre, observational study. We analyzed the ability of MR-proADM added to PSI to predict poor outcome using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, logistic regression and risk reclassification and comparing it with the ability of PSI alone. The primary outcome was “poor outcome”, defined as the incidence of an adverse event (ICU admission, hospital readmission, or mortality at 30 days after CAP diagnosis). Results 226 patients were included; 33 patients (14.6%) reached primary outcome. To predict primary outcome the highest area under curve (AUC) was found for PSI (0.74 [0.64-0.85]), which was not significantly higher than for MR-proADM (AUC 0.72 [0.63-0.81, p > 0.05]). The combination of PSI and MR-proADM failed to improve the predictive potential of PSI alone (AUC 0.75 [0.65-0.85, p=0.56]). Ten patients were appropriately reclassified when the combined PSI and MR-proADM model was used as compared with the model of PSI alone. Net reclassification improvement (NRI) index was statistically significant (7.69%, p = 0.03) with an improvement percentage of 3.03% (p = 0.32) for adverse event, and 4.66% (P = 0.02) for no adverse event. Conclusion MR-proADM in combination with PSI may be helpful in individual risk stratification for short-term poor outcome of CAP patients, allowing a better reclassification of patients compared with PSI alone. PMID:26030588
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2012-01-01
We have developed a method for obtaining a direct pattern of silver nanoparticles (NPs) on porous silicon (p-Si) by means of inkjet printing (IjP) of a silver salt. Silver NPs were obtained by p-Si mediated in-situ reduction of Ag+ cations using solutions based on AgNO3 which were directly printed on p-Si according to specific geometries and process parameters. The main difference with respect to existing literature is that normally, inkjet printing is applied to silver (metal) NP suspensions, while in our experiment the NPs are formed after jetting the solution on the reactive substrate. We performed both optical and scanning electron microscopes on the NPs traces, correlating the morphology features with the IjP parameters, giving an insight on the synthesis kinetics. The patterned NPs show good performances as SERS substrates. PMID:22953722
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Choi, Ji Young; Park, Soo Hyun
2018-02-01
Extant literature indicates that childhood maltreatment is significantly associated with personality disorders. With the recent call for a more dimensional approach to understanding personality and pathological personality traits, the aim of the present study was to examine whether the experience of childhood maltreatment is associated with pathological personality traits as measured by the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5). We analyzed data from 557 adult psychiatric patients with diverse psychiatric diagnoses, including mood disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and anxiety disorders. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the degree to which childhood maltreatment explained the five trait dimensions after controlling for demographic variables, presence of psychotic symptoms, and degree of depressive symptoms. Childhood maltreatment significantly predicted all of the five trait dimensions of the PSY-5. This suggests that childhood maltreatment may negatively affect the development of an adaptive adjustment system, thereby potentially contributing to the emergence of pathological personality traits.
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High quality silicon-based substrates for microwave and millimeter wave passive circuits
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Belaroussi, Y.; Rack, M.; Saadi, A. A.; Scheen, G.; Belaroussi, M. T.; Trabelsi, M.; Raskin, J.-P.
2017-09-01
Porous silicon substrate is very promising for next generation wireless communication requiring the avoidance of high-frequency losses originating from the bulk silicon. In this work, new variants of porous silicon (PSi) substrates have been introduced. Through an experimental RF performance, the proposed PSi substrates have been compared with different silicon-based substrates, namely, standard silicon (Std), trap-rich (TR) and high resistivity (HR). All of the mentioned substrates have been fabricated where identical samples of CPW lines have been integrated on. The new PSi substrates have shown successful reduction in the substrate's effective relative permittivity to values as low as 3.7 and great increase in the substrate's effective resistivity to values higher than 7 kΩ cm. As a concept proof, a mm-wave bandpass filter (MBPF) centred at 27 GHz has been integrated on the investigated substrates. Compared with the conventional MBPF implemented on standard silicon-based substrates, the measured S-parameters of the PSi-based MBPF have shown high filtering performance, such as a reduction in insertion loss and an enhancement of the filter selectivity, with the joy of having the same filter performance by varying the temperature. Therefore, the efficiency of the proposed PSi substrates has been well highlighted. From 1994 to 1995, she was assistant of physics at (USTHB), Algiers . From 1998 to 2011, she was a Researcher at characterization laboratory in ionized media and laser division at the Advanced Technologies Development Center. She has integrated the Analog Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits team as Researcher since 2011 until now in Microelectronic and Nanotechnology Division at Advanced Technologies Development Center (CDTA), Algiers. She has been working towards her Ph.D. degree jointly at CDTA and Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algiers, since 2012. Her research interest includes fabrication and characterization of microwave passive devices on porous silicon as new substrate, such as characterization of FinFET components.
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Stauder, Ron; Welsch, Ralf; Camagna, Maurizio; Kohlen, Wouter; Balcke, Gerd U.; Tissier, Alain; Walter, Michael H.
2018-01-01
Strigolactones (SLs) are apocarotenoid phytohormones synthesized from carotenoid precursors. They are produced most abundantly in roots for exudation into the rhizosphere to cope with mineral nutrient starvation through support of root symbionts. Abscisic acid (ABA) is another apocarotenoid phytohormone synthesized in roots, which is involved in responses to abiotic stress. Typically low carotenoid levels in roots raise the issue of precursor supply for the biosynthesis of these two apocarotenoids in this organ. Increased ABA levels upon abiotic stress in Poaceae roots are known to be supported by a particular isoform of phytoene synthase (PSY), catalyzing the rate-limiting step in carotenogenesis. Here we report on novel PSY3 isogenes from Medicago truncatula (MtPSY3) and Solanum lycopersicum (SlPSY3) strongly expressed exclusively upon root interaction with symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and moderately in response to phosphate starvation. They belong to a widespread clade of conserved PSYs restricted to dicots (dPSY3) distinct from the Poaceae-PSY3s involved in ABA formation. An ancient origin of dPSY3s and a potential co-evolution with the AM symbiosis is discussed in the context of PSY evolution. Knockdown of MtPSY3 in hairy roots of M. truncatula strongly reduced SL and AM-induced C13 α-ionol/C14 mycorradicin apocarotenoids. Inhibition of the reaction subsequent to phytoene synthesis revealed strongly elevated levels of phytoene indicating induced flux through the carotenoid pathway in roots upon mycorrhization. dPSY3 isogenes are coregulated with upstream isogenes and downstream carotenoid cleavage steps toward SLs (D27, CCD7, CCD8) suggesting a combined carotenoid/apocarotenoid pathway, which provides “just in time”-delivery of precursors for apocarotenoid formation. PMID:29545815
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Liu, Chunqin; Zhao, Yuanyuan; Tian, Xiaohong; Zou, Guiyuan; Li, Ping
2015-06-01
Adjustment difficulties of college students are common and their school adjustment has gained wide concern in recent years. Negative life events and psychological capital (PsyCap) have been associated with school adjustment. However, the potential impact of negative life events on PsyCap, and whether PsyCap mediates the relationship between negative life events and school adjustment among nursing students have not been studied. To investigate the relationship among negative life events, PsyCap, and school adjustment among five-year vocational high school nursing students in China and the mediating role of PsyCap between negative life events and school adjustment. A cross-sectional survey design was conducted. 643 five-year vocational high school nursing students were recruited from three public high vocational colleges in Shandong of China. Adolescent Self-Rating Life Event Checklist (ASLEC), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire for Adolescent Students scale (PCQAS), and the Chinese College Student Adjustment Scale (CCSAS) were used in this study. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of PsyCap. Negative life events were negatively associated with the dimensions of school adjustment (interpersonal relationship adaptation, learning adaptation, campus life adaptation, career adaptation, emotional adaptation, self-adaptation, and degree of satisfaction). PsyCap was positively associated with the dimensions of school adjustment and negatively associated with negative life events. PsyCap partially mediated the relationship between negative life events and school adjustment. Negative life events may increase the risk of school maladjustment in individuals with low PsyCap. Interventions designed to increase nursing students' PsyCap might buffer the stress of adverse life events, and thereby, enhance students' positive adjustment to school. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Sandoval, Luis R; González, Betzamel López; Stone, William S; Guimond, Synthia; Rivas, Cristina Torres; Sheynberg, David; Kuo, Susan S; Eack, Shaun; Keshavan, Matcheri S
2017-09-04
Recent studies show that computer-based training enhances cognition in schizophrenia; furthermore, socialization has also been found to improve cognitive functions. It is generally believed that non-social cognitive remediation using computer exercises would be a pre-requisite for therapeutic benefits from social cognitive training. However, it is also possible that social interaction by itself enhances non-social cognitive functions; this possibility has scarcely been explored in schizophrenia patients. This pilot study examined the effects of computer-based neurocognitive training, along with social interaction either with a peer (PSI) or without one (N-PSI). We hypothesized that PSI will enhance cognitive performance during computerized exercises in schizophrenia, as compared with N-PSI. Sixteen adult participants diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participating in an ongoing trial of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy completed several computerized neurocognitive remediation training sessions (the Orientation Remedial Module©, or ORM), either with a peer or without a peer. We observed a significant interaction between the effect of PSI and performance on the different cognitive exercises (p<0.05). More precisely, when patients performed the session with PSI, they demonstrated better cognitive performances than with N-PSI in the ORM exercise that provides training in processing speed, alertness, and reaction time (the standard Attention Reaction Conditioner, or ARC) (p<0.01, corrected). PSI did not significantly affect other cognitive domains such as target detection and spatial attention. Our findings suggest that PSI could improve cognitive performance, such as processing speed, during computerized cognitive training in schizophrenia. Additional studies investigating the effect of PSI during cognitive remediation are needed to further evaluate this hypothesis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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Application of porous silicon in solar cell
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Maniya, Nalin H.; Ashokan, Jibinlal; Srivastava, Divesh N.
2018-05-01
Silicon is widely used in solar cell applications with over 95% of all solar cells produced worldwide composed of silicon. Nanostructured thin porous silicon (PSi) layer acting as anti-reflecting coating is used in photovoltaic solar cells due to its advantages including simple and low cost fabrication, highly textured surfaces enabling lowering of reflectance, controllability of thickness and porosity of layer, and high surface area. PSi layers have previously been reported to reduce the reflection of light and replaced the conventional anti-reflective coating layers on solar cells. This can essentially improve the efficiency and decrease the cost of silicon solar cells. Here, we investigate the reflectance of different PSi layers formed by varying current density and etching time. PSi layers were formed by a combination of current density including 60 and 80 mA/cm2 and time for fabrication as 2, 4, 6, and 8 seconds. The fabricated PSi layers were characterized using reflectance spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thickness and pore size of PSi layer were increased with increase in etching time and current density, respectively. The reflectance of PSi layers was decreased with increase in etching time until 6 seconds and increased again after 6 seconds, which was observed across both the current density. Reduction in reflectance indicates the increase of absorption of light by silicon due to the thin PSi layer. In comparison with the reflectance of silicon wafer, PSi layer fabricated at 80 mA/cm2 for 6 seconds gave the best result with reduction in reflectance up to 57%. Thus, the application of PSi layer as an effective anti-reflecting coating for the fabrication of solar cell has been demonstrated.
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Study of the branching ratio of {psi}(3770){yields}DD in e{sup +}e{sup -{yields}}DD scattering
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Li Haibo; Qin Xiaoshuai; Yang Maozhi
2010-01-01
Based on the data of BES and Belle, the production of DD in the e{sup +}e{sup -{yields}}DD scattering process is studied in this paper. We analyze the continuum and resonant contributions in the energy region from 3.7 to 4.4 GeV. In the {chi}{sup 2} fit to data, we obtain the resonance parameters of {psi}(3770), the branching ratio of {psi}(3770){yields}DD decay by confronting the data to the theoretical formula where both the contributions of the resonances, continuum and interference effects are included. We obtain the branching ratio of {psi}(3770){yields}DD decay is 97.2%{+-}8.9%, as well as the branching ratio of {psi}(4040), {psi}(4160){yields}DDmore » decays.« less
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Um, Sungyong; Lee, Sung Gi; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Cho, Sungdong; Sohn, Honglae
2013-01-01
Adsorption and desorption characteristics of gradient distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) porous silicon (PSi) were investigated under the exposure of organic vapors. Gradient DBR PSi whose average pore size decreased as the lateral distance from the Pt electrode increased was generated by using an asymmetric etching configuration. The reflection resonances were measured as a function of lateral distance from a point closest to the plate Pt electrode to a position on the silicon surface. Two types of gradient DBR PSi (H- and HO-terminated gradient DBR PSi) were used in this study. The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using the gradient DBR PSi had been achieved. When the vapor of VOCs condensed in the nanopores, the gradient DBR PSi modified with hydrophobic and hydrophilic functionality exhibited different pore adsorption and desorption characteristics.
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Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Ambrose, D; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arguin, J-F; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Belforte, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Budroni, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carron, S; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciljak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Cyr, D; DaRonco, S; Datta, M; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; D'Onofrio, M; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; DiTuro, P; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Donega, M; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Foland, A; Forrester, S; Foster, G W; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, A; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Griffiths, M; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Group, R C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ishizawa, Y; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jensen, H; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kovalev, A; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kravchenko, I; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Loverre, P; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Manca, G; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nigmanov, T; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ranjan, N; Rappoccio, S; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Sabik, S; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Saltzberg, D; Sánchez, C; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Sjolin, J; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Takikawa, K; Tanaka, M; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuchiya, R; Tsuno, S; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Unverhau, T; Uozumi, S; Usynin, D; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waschke, S; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S
2007-06-08
We measure the ratio of cross section times branching fraction, Rp=sigma chi c2 B(chi c2-->J/psi gamma)/sigma chi c1 B(chi c1-->J/psi gamma), in 1.1 fb(-1) of pp collisions at square root s=1.96 TeV. This measurement covers the kinematic range pT(J/psi)>4.0 GeV/c, |eta(J/psi)<1.0, and pT(gamma)>1.0 GeV/c. For events due to prompt processes, we find Rp=0.395+/-0.016(stat)+/-0.015(syst). This result represents a significant improvement in precision over previous measurements of prompt chi c1,2 hadro production.
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Omidi, Katayoun; Hooshyar, Mohsen; Jessulat, Matthew; Samanfar, Bahram; Sanders, Megan; Burnside, Daniel; Pitre, Sylvain; Schoenrock, Andrew; Xu, Jianhua; Babu, Mohan; Golshani, Ashkan
2014-01-01
One of the main mechanisms for double stranded DNA break (DSB) repair is through the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway. Using plasmid and chromosomal repair assays, we showed that deletion mutant strains for interacting proteins Pph3p and Psy2p had reduced efficiencies in NHEJ. We further observed that this activity of Pph3p and Psy2p appeared linked to cell cycle Rad53p and Chk1p checkpoint proteins. Pph3/Psy2 is a phosphatase complex, which regulates recovery from the Rad53p DNA damage checkpoint. Overexpression of Chk1p checkpoint protein in a parallel pathway to Rad53p compensated for the deletion of PPH3 or PSY2 in a chromosomal repair assay. Double mutant strains Δpph3/Δchk1 and Δpsy2/Δchk1 showed additional reductions in the efficiency of plasmid repair, compared to both single deletions which is in agreement with the activity of Pph3p and Psy2p in a parallel pathway to Chk1p. Genetic interaction analyses also supported a role for Pph3p and Psy2p in DNA damage repair, the NHEJ pathway, as well as cell cycle progression. Collectively, we report that the activity of Pph3p and Psy2p further connects NHEJ repair to cell cycle progression. PMID:24498054
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Huang, Wei; Yang, Ying-Jie; Hu, Hong; Zhang, Shi-Bao
2016-12-01
Low temperature associated with high light can induce photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). However, the photosynthetic electron flow and specific photoprotective responses in alpine evergreen broad-leaf plants in winter is unclear. We analyzed seasonal changes in PSI and PSII activities, and energy quenching in PSI and PSII in three alpine broad-leaf tree species, Quercus guyavifolia (Fagaceae), Rhododendron decorum (Ericaceae), Euonymus tingens (Celastraceae). In winter, PSII activity remained stable in Q. guyavifolia but decreased significantly in R. decorum and E. tingens. Q. guyavifolia showed much higher capacities of cyclic electron flow (CEF), water-water cycle (WWC), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) than R. decorum and E. tingens in winter. These results indicated that in alpine evergreen broad-leaf tree species the PSII activity in winter was closely related to these photoprotective mechanisms. Interestingly, unlike PSII, PSI activity was maintained stable in winter in the three species. Meanwhile, photosynthetic electron flow from PSII to PSI (ETRII) was much higher in Q. guyavifolia, suggesting that the mechanisms protecting PSI activity against photoinhibition in winter differed among the three species. A high level of CEF contributed the stability of PSI activity in Q. guyavifolia. By comparison, R. decorum and E. tingens prevented PSI photoinhibition through depression of electron transport to PSI. Taking together, CEF, WWC and NPQ played important roles in coping with excess light energy in winter for alpine evergreen broad-leaf tree species. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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Omidi, Katayoun; Hooshyar, Mohsen; Jessulat, Matthew; Samanfar, Bahram; Sanders, Megan; Burnside, Daniel; Pitre, Sylvain; Schoenrock, Andrew; Xu, Jianhua; Babu, Mohan; Golshani, Ashkan
2014-01-01
One of the main mechanisms for double stranded DNA break (DSB) repair is through the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway. Using plasmid and chromosomal repair assays, we showed that deletion mutant strains for interacting proteins Pph3p and Psy2p had reduced efficiencies in NHEJ. We further observed that this activity of Pph3p and Psy2p appeared linked to cell cycle Rad53p and Chk1p checkpoint proteins. Pph3/Psy2 is a phosphatase complex, which regulates recovery from the Rad53p DNA damage checkpoint. Overexpression of Chk1p checkpoint protein in a parallel pathway to Rad53p compensated for the deletion of PPH3 or PSY2 in a chromosomal repair assay. Double mutant strains Δpph3/Δchk1 and Δpsy2/Δchk1 showed additional reductions in the efficiency of plasmid repair, compared to both single deletions which is in agreement with the activity of Pph3p and Psy2p in a parallel pathway to Chk1p. Genetic interaction analyses also supported a role for Pph3p and Psy2p in DNA damage repair, the NHEJ pathway, as well as cell cycle progression. Collectively, we report that the activity of Pph3p and Psy2p further connects NHEJ repair to cell cycle progression.
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Choat, Brendan; Ball, Marilyn C; Luly, Jon G; Donnelly, Christine F; Holtum, Joseph A M
2006-05-01
Diurnal and seasonal patterns of leaf gas exchange and water relations were examined in tree species of contrasting leaf phenology growing in a seasonally dry tropical rain forest in north-eastern Australia. Two drought-deciduous species, Brachychiton australis (Schott and Endl.) A. Terracc. and Cochlospermum gillivraei Benth., and two evergreen species, Alphitonia excelsa (Fenzal) Benth. and Austromyrtus bidwillii (Benth.) Burret. were studied. The deciduous species had higher specific leaf areas and maximum photosynthetic rates per leaf dry mass in the wet season than the evergreens. During the transition from wet season to dry season, total canopy area was reduced by 70-90% in the deciduous species and stomatal conductance (g(s)) and assimilation rate (A) were markedly lower in the remaining leaves. Deciduous species maintained daytime leaf water potentials (Psi(L)) at close to or above wet season values by a combination of stomatal regulation and reduction in leaf area. Thus, the timing of leaf drop in deciduous species was not associated with large negative values of daytime Psi(L) (greater than -1.6 MPa) or predawn Psi(L) (greater than -1.0 MPa). The deciduous species appeared sensitive to small perturbations in soil and leaf water status that signalled the onset of drought. The evergreen species were less sensitive to the onset of drought and g(s) values were not significantly lower during the transitional period. In the dry season, the evergreen species maintained their canopies despite increasing water-stress; however, unlike Eucalyptus species from northern Australian savannas, A and g(s) were significantly lower than wet season values.
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Lumbar plexus block using high-pressure injection leads to contralateral and epidural spread.
Gadsden, Jeff C; Lindenmuth, Danielle M; Hadzic, Admir; Xu, Daquan; Somasundarum, Lakshmanasamy; Flisinski, Kamil A
2008-10-01
The main advantage of lumbar plexus block over neuraxial anesthesia is unilateral blockade; however, the relatively common occurrence of bilateral spread (up to 27%) makes this advantage unpredictable. The authors hypothesized that high injection pressures during lumbar plexus block carry a higher risk of bilateral or neuraxial anesthesia. Eighty patients undergoing knee arthroscopy (age 18-65 yr; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II) during a standard, nerve stimulator-guided lumbar plexus block using 35 ml mepivacaine, 1.5%, were scheduled to be studied. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a low-pressure (< 15 psi) or a high-pressure (> 20 psi) injection, as assessed by an inline injection pressure monitor (BSmart; Concert Medical LLC, Norwell, MA). The block success rate and the presence of bilateral sensory and/or motor blockade were assessed. An interim analysis was performed at n = 20 after an unexpectedly high number of patients had neuraxial spread, necessitating early termination of the study. Five of 10 patients (50%) in the high-pressure group had a neuraxial block with a dermatomal sensory level T10 or higher. In contrast, no patient in the low-pressure group (n = 10) had evidence of neuraxial spread. Moreover, 6 patients (60%) in the high-pressure group demonstrated bilateral sensory blockade in the femoral distribution, whereas no patient in the low-pressure group had evidence of a bilateral femoral block. Injection of local anesthetic with high injection pressure (> 20 psi) during lumbar plexus block commonly results in unwanted bilateral blockade and is associated with high risk of neuraxial blockade.
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49 CFR 192.509 - Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR
2012-10-01
... 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage. 192.509 Section 192.509 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... STANDARDS Test Requirements § 192.509 Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa... below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage must be leak tested in accordance with the following: (a) The test...
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49 CFR 192.509 - Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR
2014-10-01
... 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage. 192.509 Section 192.509 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... STANDARDS Test Requirements § 192.509 Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa... below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage must be leak tested in accordance with the following: (a) The test...
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49 CFR 192.509 - Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR
2011-10-01
... 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage. 192.509 Section 192.509 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... STANDARDS Test Requirements § 192.509 Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa... below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage must be leak tested in accordance with the following: (a) The test...
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49 CFR 192.509 - Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage.
Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR
2010-10-01
... 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage. 192.509 Section 192.509 Transportation Other Regulations Relating to... STANDARDS Test Requirements § 192.509 Test requirements for pipelines to operate below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa... below 100 p.s.i. (689 kPa) gage must be leak tested in accordance with the following: (a) The test...
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Oxidation of P700 in Photosystem I Is Essential for the Growth of Cyanobacteria.
Shimakawa, Ginga; Shaku, Keiichiro; Miyake, Chikahiro
2016-11-01
The photoinhibition of photosystem I (PSI) is lethal to oxygenic phototrophs. Nevertheless, it is unclear how photodamage occurs or how oxygenic phototrophs prevent it. Here, we provide evidence that keeping P700 (the reaction center chlorophyll in PSI) oxidized protects PSI. Previous studies have suggested that PSI photoinhibition does not occur in the two model cyanobacteria, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, when photosynthetic CO 2 fixation was suppressed under low CO 2 partial pressure even in mutants deficient in flavodiiron protein (FLV), which mediates alternative electron flow. The lack of FLV in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 (S. 7002), however, is linked directly to reduced growth and PSI photodamage under CO 2 -limiting conditions. Unlike Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and S. elongatus PCC 7942, S. 7002 reduced P700 during CO 2 -limited illumination in the absence of FLV, resulting in decreases in both PSI and photosynthetic activities. Even at normal air CO 2 concentration, the growth of S. 7002 mutant was retarded relative to that of the wild type. Therefore, P700 oxidation is essential for protecting PSI against photoinhibition. Here, we present various strategies to alleviate PSI photoinhibition in cyanobacteria. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.
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Li, Meng; Semchonok, Dmitry A; Boekema, Egbert J; Bruce, Barry D
2014-03-01
Photosystem I (PSI) is a reaction center associated with oxygenic photosynthesis. Unlike the monomeric reaction centers in green and purple bacteria, PSI forms trimeric complexes in most cyanobacteria with a 3-fold rotational symmetry that is primarily stabilized via adjacent PsaL subunits; however, in plants/algae, PSI is monomeric. In this study, we discovered a tetrameric form of PSI in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp TS-821 (TS-821). In TS-821, PSI forms tetrameric and dimeric species. We investigated these species by Blue Native PAGE, Suc density gradient centrifugation, 77K fluorescence, circular dichroism, and single-particle analysis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of native membranes confirms the presence of the tetrameric PSI structure prior to detergent solubilization. To investigate why TS-821 forms tetramers instead of trimers, we cloned and analyzed its psaL gene. Interestingly, this gene product contains a short insert between the second and third predicted transmembrane helices. Phylogenetic analysis based on PsaL protein sequences shows that TS-821 is closely related to heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria, some of which also have a tetrameric form of PSI. These results are discussed in light of chloroplast evolution, and we propose that PSI evolved stepwise from a trimeric form to tetrameric oligomer en route to becoming monomeric in plants/algae.
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Development of Fuel Hose for Use in the Arctic.
1983-12-01
Teonsil* Strength. psi (min) 1500 1500 AST" D-412 eStress (100% elongation), psi record record AST4 D-412 .Ultimate Elongation, t (min) I(i 150 ASTM D-412...0.5 hr 94 hras + 0.5 hr AST14 D-47173.40F + 3.60F for: - - .Tensile Strength Retained, % (min) 60 40 ASTM D-471 eStress (1001 elongation) Retained...or fracture at -600 F, it was stiff. Moreover, it was very difficult to process and a cure temperature in excess of 302OF is necessary. Present hose
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Increased capability gas generator for Space Shuttle APU. Development/hot restart test report
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
1980-01-01
The design, fabrication, and testing of an increased capability gas generator for use in space shuttles are described. Results show an unlimited hot restart capability in the range of feed pressures from 400 psi to 80 psi. Effects of vacuum on hot restart were not addressed, and only beginning-of-life bed conditions were tested. No starts with bubbles were performed. A minimum expected life of 35 hours or more is projected, and the design will maintain a surface temperature of 350 F or more.
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NASA Fuel Tank Wireless Power and Signal Study
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Merrill, Garrick
2015-01-01
Hydro Technologies has developed a custom electronics and mechanical framework for interfacing with off-the-shelf sensors to achieve through barrier sensing solutions. The core project technology relies on Hydro Technologies Wireless Power and Signal Interface (Wi psi) System for transmitting data and power wirelessly using magnetic fields. To accomplish this, Wi psi uses a multi-frequency local magnetic field to produce magnetic fields capable of carrying data and power through almost any material such as metals, seawater, concrete, and air. It will also work through layers of multiple materials.
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Development of an Inflatable Head/Neck Restraint System for Ejection Seats
1977-02-28
crewman’s head . It has been observed that low pressures, about 2 psi (1.38 nt/cm2 ) to 4 psi (2.76 nt/cm2 ), create some "spring back" or trampoline ...neck ring Neck injury Head rotation 210 ABSTRACT (Continue on rev’erse side If necessary end identify by block number) 4A ringý-shaped inflatable head ...injuries due to violent forward head rotation at the time of ejection thrust and parachute opening shock. Inflation of the neck ring will,’ be conducted by a
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Fabrication of gradient optical filter containing anisotropic Bragg nanostructure.
Cho, Bomin; Um, Sungyong; Woo, Hee-Gweon; Sohn, Honglae
2011-08-01
New gradient optical filters containing asymmetric Bragg structure were prepared from the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) porous silicon (PSi). Anisotropic DBR PSi displaying a rainbow-colored reflection was generated by using an asymmetric etching configuration. Flexible anisotropic DBR PSi composite films were obtained by casting of polymer solution onto anisotropic DBR PSi thin films. The surface and cross-sectional images images of anisotropic DBR PSi composite films obtained with cold field emission scanning electron microscope indicated that the average pore size and the thickness of porous layer decreased as the lateral distance increased. As lateral distance increased, the reflection resonance shifted to shorter wavelength.
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Wind-To-Hydrogen Energy Pilot Project
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ron Rebenitsch; Randall Bush; Allen Boushee
2009-04-24
WIND-TO-HYDROGEN ENERGY PILOT PROJECT: BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE In an effort to address the hurdles of wind-generated electricity (specifically wind's intermittency and transmission capacity limitations) and support development of electrolysis technology, Basin Electric Power Cooperative (BEPC) conducted a research project involving a wind-to-hydrogen system. Through this effort, BEPC, with the support of the Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota, evaluated the feasibility of dynamically scheduling wind energy to power an electrolysis-based hydrogen production system. The goal of this project was to research the application of hydrogen production from wind energy, allowing for continued wind energymore » development in remote wind-rich areas and mitigating the necessity for electrical transmission expansion. Prior to expending significant funding on equipment and site development, a feasibility study was performed. The primary objective of the feasibility study was to provide BEPC and The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) with sufficient information to make a determination whether or not to proceed with Phase II of the project, which was equipment procurement, installation, and operation. Four modes of operation were considered in the feasibility report to evaluate technical and economic merits. Mode 1 - scaled wind, Mode 2 - scaled wind with off-peak, Mode 3 - full wind, and Mode 4 - full wind with off-peak In summary, the feasibility report, completed on August 11, 2005, found that the proposed hydrogen production system would produce between 8000 and 20,000 kg of hydrogen annually depending on the mode of operation. This estimate was based on actual wind energy production from one of the North Dakota (ND) wind farms of which BEPC is the electrical off-taker. The cost of the hydrogen produced ranged from $20 to $10 per kg (depending on the mode of operation). The economic sensitivity analysis performed as part of the feasibility study showed that several factors can greatly affect, both positively and negatively, the "per kg" cost of hydrogen. After a September 15, 2005, meeting to evaluate the advisability of funding Phase II of the project DOE concurred with BEPC that Phase I results did warrant a "go" recommendation to proceed with Phase II activities. The hydrogen production system was built by Hydrogenics and consisted of several main components: hydrogen production system, gas control panel, hydrogen storage assembly and hydrogen-fueling dispenser The hydrogen production system utilizes a bipolar alkaline electrolyzer nominally capable of producing 30 Nm3/h (2.7 kg/h). The hydrogen is compressed to 6000 psi and delivered to an on-site three-bank cascading storage assembly with 80 kg of storage capacity. Vehicle fueling is made possible through a Hydrogenics-provided gas control panel and dispenser able to fuel vehicles to 5000 psi. A key component of this project was the development of a dynamic scheduling system to control the wind energy's variable output to the electrolyzer cell stacks. The dynamic scheduling system received an output signal from the wind farm, processed this signal based on the operational mode, and dispatched the appropriate signal to the electrolyzer cell stacks. For the study BEPC chose to utilize output from the Wilton wind farm located in central ND. Site design was performed from May 2006 through August 2006. Site construction activities were from August to November 2006 which involved earthwork, infrastructure installation, and concrete slab construction. From April - October 2007, the system components were installed and connected. Beginning in November 2007, the system was operated in a start-up/shakedown mode. Because of numerous issues, the start-up/shakedown period essentially lasted until the end of January 2008, at which time a site acceptance test was performed. Official system operation began on February 14, 2008, and continued through the end of December 2008. Several issues continued to prevent consistent operation, resulting in operation of the system in fits and starts. During the operational period, three ramp tests were performed on the electrolyzer cell stacks to evaluate cell stack degradation, if present. In addition, from December 23 - 30 2008, the hydrogen system was operated using Mode 1 protocol. From February 14, 2008 - December 31, 2008, the system produced a total of just less than 26,000,000 liters (2320 kg), including approximately 3,300,000 liters (295 kg) of hydrogen during Mode 1 operation. Unfortunately, the chronic shutdown issues prevented consistent operation and, therefore, did not allow for any accurate economic analysis as originally intended. With that said, much valuable experience was gained in the form of "lessons learned," and the project served as an extremely valuable platform for educating the public.« less
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Chondrogiannis, Christos; Grammatikopoulos, George
2016-12-01
Leaf development is influenced by almost all the prevailing environmental conditions as well as from the conditions at the time of bud formation. Furthermore, the growth form of a plant determines the leaf longevity and subsequently the investment in biomass and the internal structure of the mesophyll. Therefore, photosynthetic traits of a growing leaf, though, partly predetermined, should also acclimate to temporal changes during developmental period. In addition, the age of the plant can affect photosynthesis of the growing leaf, yet, in the majority of studies, the age is associated to the size of the plant. To test if the reproductive status of the plant affects the time kinetics of the photosynthetic capacity of a growing leaf and the relative contribution of the plants' growth form to the whole procedure, field measurements were conducted in juveniles (prereproductive individuals) and adults (fully reproductive individuals) of an evergreen sclerophyllous shrub (Nerium oleander), a semi-deciduous dimorphic shrub (Phlomis fruticosa), and a winter deciduous tree with pre-leafing flowering (Cercis siliquastrum). PSII structural and functional integrity was progressively developed in all species, but already completed, only some days after leaf expansion in P. fruticosa. Developing leaf as well as fully developed leaf in adults of C. siliquastrum showed enhanced relative size of the pool of final PSI electron acceptors. Photosynthetic traits between juveniles and adults of P. fruticosa were similar, though the matured leaf of adults exhibited lower transpiration rates and improved water-use efficiency than that of juveniles. Adults of the evergreen shrub attained higher CO 2 assimilation rate than juveniles in matured leaf which can be attributed to higher electron flow devoted to carboxylation, and lower photorespiration rate. The reproductive phase of the plant seemed to be involved in modifications of the PSII and PSI functions of the deciduous tree, in carboxylation and photorespiration traits of the evergreen shrub, and in water conductance efficiency of the semi-deciduous shrub. However, it is interesting, that regardless of the growth form of the plant and the prospective leaf longevity of the developing leaf, adults need to support flowering outmatch juveniles, in terms of photosynthesis.
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Ashraf, Imran; Konrad, Alexander; Lokstein, Heiko; Skandary, Sepideh; Metzger, Michael; Djouda, Joseph M; Maurer, Thomas; Adam, Pierre M; Meixner, Alfred J; Brecht, Marc
2017-03-23
We report the temperature dependence of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) of individual photosystem I (PSI) complexes from Thermosynechococcus elongatus (T. elongatus) coupled to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). A strong temperature dependence of shape and intensity of the emission spectra is observed when PSI is coupled to AuNPs. For each temperature, the enhancement factor (EF) is calculated by comparing the intensity of individual AuNP-coupled PSI to the mean intensity of 'uncoupled' PSI. At cryogenic temperature (1.6 K) the average EF was 4.3-fold. Upon increasing the temperature to 250 K the EF increases to 84-fold. Single complexes show even higher EFs up to 441.0-fold. At increasing temperatures the different spectral pools of PSI from T. elongatus become distinguishable. These pools are affected differently by the plasmonic interactions and show different enhancements. The remarkable increase of the EFs is explained by a rate model including the temperature dependence of the fluorescence yield of PSI and the spectral overlap between absorption and emission spectra of AuNPs and PSI, respectively.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Cashman, Derek J.; Zhu, Tuo; Simmerman, Richard F.
2014-08-01
The stromal domain (PsaC, PsaD, and PsaE) of photosystem I (PSI) reduces transiently bound ferredoxin (Fd) or flavodoxin. Experimental structures exist for all of these protein partners individually, but no experimental structure of the PSI/Fd or PSI/flavodoxin complexes is presently available. Molecular models of Fd docked onto the stromal domain of the cyanobacterial PSI site are constructed here utilizing X-ray and NMR structures of PSI and Fd, respectively. Moreover, predictions of potential protein-protein interaction regions are based on experimental site-directed mutagenesis and cross-linking studies to guide rigid body docking calculations of Fd into PSI, complemented by energy landscape theory tomore » bring together regions of high energetic frustration on each of the interacting proteins. Results identify two regions of high localized frustration on the surface of Fd that contain negatively charged Asp and Glu residues. Our study predicts that these regions interact predominantly with regions of high localized frustration on the PsaC, PsaD, and PsaE chains of PSI, which include several residues predicted by previous experimental studies.« less
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Achasov, N. N., E-mail: achasov@math.nsc.ru
2011-03-15
The approach to the Z {yields} {gamma}{psi} and Z {yields} {gamma}Y decay study is presented in detail, based on the sum rules for the Z {yields} cc-bar {yields} {gamma}{gamma}* and Z {yields} bb-bar {yields} {gamma}{gamma}* amplitudes and their derivatives. The branching ratios of the Z {yields} {gamma}{psi} and Z {yields} {gamma}Y decays are calculated for different hypotheses on saturation of the sum rules. The lower bounds of {Sigma}{sub {psi}} BR(Z {yields} {gamma}{psi}) = 1.95 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7} and {Sigma}{sub {upsilon}} BR(Z {yields} {gamma}Y) = 7.23 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -7} are found. Deviations from the lower bounds are discussed, including the possibilitymore » of BR(Z {yields} {gamma}J/{psi}(1S)) {approx} BR(Z {yields} {gamma}Y(1S)) {approx} 10{sup -6}, that could be probably measured in LHC. The angular distributions in the Z {yields} {gamma}{psi} and Z {yields} {gamma}Y decays are also calculated.« less
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Sequestration of Sup35 by aggregates of huntingtin fragments causes toxicity of [PSI+] yeast.
Zhao, Xiaohong; Park, Yang-Nim; Todor, Horia; Moomau, Christine; Masison, Daniel; Eisenberg, Evan; Greene, Lois E
2012-07-06
Expression of huntingtin fragments with 103 glutamines (HttQ103) is toxic in yeast containing either the [PIN(+)] prion, which is the amyloid form of Rnq1, or [PSI(+)] prion, which is the amyloid form of Sup35. We find that HttQP103, which has a polyproline region at the C-terminal end of the polyQ repeat region, is significantly more toxic in [PSI(+)] yeast than in [PIN(+)], even though HttQP103 formed multiple aggregates in both [PSI(+)] and [PIN(+)] yeast. This toxicity was only observed in the strong [PSI(+)] variant, not the weak [PSI(+)] variant, which has more soluble Sup35 present than the strong variant. Furthermore, expression of the MC domains of Sup35, which retains the C-terminal domain of Sup35, but lacks the N-terminal prion domain, almost completely rescued HttQP103 toxicity, but was less effective in rescuing HttQ103 toxicity. Therefore, the toxicity of HttQP103 in yeast containing the [PSI(+)] prion is primarily due to sequestration of the essential protein, Sup35.
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Polymethacrylic acid grafted psyllium (Psy- g-PMA): a novel material for waste water treatment
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Kumar, Ranvijay; Sharma, Kaushlendra; Tiwary, K. P.; Sen, Gautam
2013-03-01
Polymethacrylic acid grafted psyllium (Psy- g-PMA) was synthesized by microwave assisted method, which involves a microwave irradiation in synergism with silver sulfate as a free radical initiator to initiate grafting reaction. Psy- g-PMA grades have been synthesized and characterized on structural basis (elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, intrinsic viscosity study) as well as morphological and thermal studies, taking psyllium as reference. The effects of reaction time, amount of monomer and silver sulfate (free radical initiator) on grafting of PMA on psyllium backbone have been studied. It is observed that all the grades of Psy- g-PMA have higher intrinsic viscosities than that of psyllium. The best synthesized grade was Psy- g-PMA having intrinsic viscosity of 6.93 and 58 % grafting of PMA on the main polymer backbone. Further Psy- g-PMA applications as flocculants for waste water treatment have been investigated. Psy- g-PMA resulted in higher decrease in the flocculation parameters such as total dissolved solid or total solids compared to psyllium. Hence the result shows the possible application of grafted psyllium in wastewater treatment.
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PsyGeNET: a knowledge platform on psychiatric disorders and their genes.
Gutiérrez-Sacristán, Alba; Grosdidier, Solène; Valverde, Olga; Torrens, Marta; Bravo, Àlex; Piñero, Janet; Sanz, Ferran; Furlong, Laura I
2015-09-15
PsyGeNET (Psychiatric disorders and Genes association NETwork) is a knowledge platform for the exploratory analysis of psychiatric diseases and their associated genes. PsyGeNET is composed of a database and a web interface supporting data search, visualization, filtering and sharing. PsyGeNET integrates information from DisGeNET and data extracted from the literature by text mining, which has been curated by domain experts. It currently contains 2642 associations between 1271 genes and 37 psychiatric disease concepts. In its first release, PsyGeNET is focused on three psychiatric disorders: major depression, alcohol and cocaine use disorders. PsyGeNET represents a comprehensive, open access resource for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms underpinning psychiatric disorders and their comorbidities. The PysGeNET platform is freely available at http://www.psygenet.org/. The PsyGeNET database is made available under the Open Database License (http://opendatacommons.org/licenses/odbl/1.0/). lfurlong@imim.es Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.
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Nanoscale Photosynthesis and the Photophysics of Neural Cells
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Greenbaum, Elias; Kuritz, Tanya; Owens, Elizabeth; Lee, Ida; Humayun, Mark
2004-03-01
We extracted and purified integral membrane Photosystem I (PSI) reaction centers from spinach leaves and measured their open and closed circuit photovoltages. The open circuit value is at least 1 V whereas the closed circuit value is at least 0.6 V. A quantitative analysis of the physical properties of PSI reaction centers and voltage-gated ion channels indicates that PSI should be able to trigger the opening of the channels. The cell membrane can be depolarized or hyperpolarized depending on the orientation of the PSI reaction center in the membrane. PSI-proteoliposomes were used as the delivery vehicle. We inserted PSI reaction centers into liposome membranes and, using P700 absorption spectroscopy, demonstrated that the reaction centers retain their functional activity in the liposomes. We have also obtained microscopic evidence that the liposomes are capable of fusing with the membranes of retinoblastoma cells. We report the creation of photoreceptor activity in retinoblastoma cells by PSI reaction centers as indicated by light-induced movement of calcium ions. These results may have application in the field of artificial sight in treating age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
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Sassoon, Adam; Nam, Denis; Nunley, Ryan; Barrack, Robert
2015-01-01
Patient-specific cutting blocks have been touted as a more efficient and reliable means of achieving neutral mechanical alignment during TKA with the proposed downstream effect of improved clinical outcomes. However, it is not clear to what degree published studies support these assumptions. We asked: (1) Do patient-specific cutting blocks achieve neutral mechanical alignment more reliably during TKA when compared with conventional methods? (2) Does patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) provide financial benefit through improved surgical efficiency? (3) Does the use of patient-specific cutting blocks translate to improved clinical results after TKA when compared with conventional instrumentation? We performed a systematic review in accordance with Cochrane guidelines of controlled studies (prospective and retrospective) in MEDLINE® and EMBASE® with respect to patient-specific cutting blocks and their effect on alignment, cost, operative time, clinical outcome scores, complications, and survivorship. Sixteen studies (Level I-III on the levels of evidence rubric) were identified and used in addressing the first question, 13 (Level I-III) for the second question, and two (Level III) for the third question. Qualitative assessment of the selected Level I studies was performed using the modified Jadad score; Level II and III studies were rated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa scoring system. The majority of studies did not show an improvement in overall limb alignment when PSI was compared with standard instrumentation. Mixed results were seen across studies with regard to the prevalence of alignment outliers when PSI was compared with conventional cutting blocks with some studies demonstrating no difference, some showing an improvement with PSI, and a single study showing worse results with PSI. The studies demonstrated mixed results regarding the influence of PSI on operative times. Decreased operative times were not uniformly observed, and when noted, they were found to be of minimal clinical or financial significance. PSI did reliably reduce the number of instrument trays required for processing perioperatively. The accuracy of the preoperative plan, generated by the PSI manufacturers, was found lacking, often leading to multiple intraoperative changes, thereby disrupting the flow of the operation and negatively impacting efficiency. Limited data exist with regard to the effect of PSI on postoperative function, improvement in pain, and patient satisfaction. Neither of the two studies we identified provided strong evidence to support an advantage favoring the use of PSI. No identified studies addressed survivorship of components placed with PSI compared with those placed with standard instrumentation. PSI for TKA has not reliably demonstrated improvement of postoperative limb or component alignment when compared with standard instrumentation. Although decisive evidence exists to support that PSI requires fewer surgical trays, PSI has not clearly been shown to improve overall surgical efficiency or the cost-effectiveness of TKA. Mid- and long-term data regarding PSI's effect on functional outcomes and component survivorship do not exist and short-term data are scarce. Limited available literature does not clearly support any improvement of postoperative pain, activity, function, or ROM when PSI is compared with traditional instrumentation.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Duro, Javier; Iglesias, Rubén; Blanco, Pablo; Albiol, David; Koudogbo, Fifamè
2015-04-01
The Wide Area Product (WAP) is a new interferometric product developed to provide measurement over large regions. Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) has largely proved their robust and precise performance in measuring ground surface deformation in different application domains. In this context, however, the accurate displacement estimation over large-scale areas (more than 10.000 km2) characterized by low magnitude motion gradients (3-5 mm/year), such as the ones induced by inter-seismic or Earth tidal effects, still remains an open issue. The main reason for that is the inclusion of low quality and more distant persistent scatterers in order to bridge low-quality areas, such as water bodies, crop areas and forested regions. This fact yields to spatial propagation errors on PSI integration process, poor estimation and compensation of the Atmospheric Phase Screen (APS) and the difficult to face residual long-wavelength phase patterns originated by orbit state vectors inaccuracies. Research work for generating a Wide Area Product of ground motion in preparation for the Sentinel-1 mission has been conducted in the last stages of Terrafirma as well as in other research programs. These developments propose technological updates for keeping the precision over large scale PSI analysis. Some of the updates are based on the use of external information, like meteorological models, and the employment of GNSS data for an improved calibration of large measurements. Usually, covering wide regions implies the processing over areas with a land use which is chiefly focused on livestock, horticulture, urbanization and forest. This represents an important challenge for providing continuous InSAR measurements and the application of advanced phase filtering strategies to enhance the coherence. The advanced PSI processing has been performed out over several areas, allowing a large scale analysis of tectonic patterns, and motion caused by multi-hazards as volcanic, landslide and flood. Several examples of the application of the PSI WAP to wide regions for measuring ground displacements related to different types of hazards, natural and human induced will be presented. The InSAR processing approach to measure accurate movements at local and large scales for allowing multi-hazard interpretation studies will also be discussed. The test areas will show deformations related to active faults systems, landslides in mountains slopes, ground compaction over underneath aquifers and movements in volcanic areas.
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Heldt, Scott A.; Elberger, Andrea J.; Deng, Yunping; Guley, Natalie H.; Del Mar, Nobel; Rogers, Joshua; Choi, Gy Won; Ferrell, Jessica; Rex, Tonia S.; Honig, Marcia G.; Reiner, Anton
2014-01-01
Emotional disorders are a common outcome from mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) in humans, but their pathophysiological basis is poorly understood. We have developed a mouse model of closed-head blast injury using an air pressure wave delivered to a small area on one side of the cranium, to create mild TBI. We found that 20-psi blasts in 3-month-old C57BL/6 male mice yielded no obvious behavioral or histological evidence of brain injury, while 25–40 psi blasts produced transient anxiety in an open field arena but little histological evidence of brain damage. By contrast, 50–60 psi blasts resulted in anxiety-like behavior in an open field arena that became more evident with time after blast. In additional behavioral tests conducted 2–8 weeks after blast, 50–60 psi mice also demonstrated increased acoustic startle, perseverance of learned fear, and enhanced contextual fear, as well as depression-like behavior and diminished prepulse inhibition. We found no evident cerebral pathology, but did observe scattered axonal degeneration in brain sections from 50 to 60 psi mice 3–8 weeks after blast. Thus, the TBI caused by single 50–60 psi blasts in mice exhibits the minimal neuronal loss coupled to “diffuse” axonal injury characteristic of human mild TBI. A reduction in the abundance of a subpopulation of excitatory projection neurons in basolateral amygdala enriched in Thy1 was, however, observed. The reported link of this neuronal population to fear suppression suggests their damage by mild TBI may contribute to the heightened anxiety and fearfulness observed after blast in our mice. Our overpressure air blast model of concussion in mice will enable further studies of the mechanisms underlying the diverse emotional deficits seen after mild TBI. PMID:24478749
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Chatrchyan, Serguei
2014-05-22
A peaking structure in the J/psi phi mass spectrum near threshold is observed in B(+/-) to J/psi phi K(+/-) decays, produced in pp collisions at sqrt(s) = 7 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the LHC. The data sample, selected on the basis of the dimuon decay mode of the J/psi, corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.2 inverse femtobarns. Fitting the structure to an S-wave relativistic Breit-Wigner lineshape above a three-body phase-space nonresonant component gives a signal statistical significance exceeding five standard deviations. The fitted mass and width values are m = 4148.0 +- 2.4 (stat.) +- 6.3more » (syst.) MeV and Gamma = 28 +15 -11 (stat.) +- 19 (syst.) MeV, respectively. Evidence for an additional peaking structure at higher J/psi phi mass is also reported.« less
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Erratum: Measurement of σ(e+e-→ψ(3770)→hadrons) at Ec.m.=3773MeV [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 092002 (2006)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Besson, D.; Pedlar, T. K.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; Gao, K. Y.; Gong, D. T.; Hietala, J.; Kubota, Y.; Klein, T.; Lang, B. W.; Poling, R.; Scott, A. W.; Smith, A.; Dobbs, S.; Metreveli, Z.; Seth, K. K.; Tomaradze, A.; Zweber, P.; Ernst, J.; Arms, K.; Severini, H.; Dytman, S. A.; Love, W.; Mehrabyan, S.; Mueller, J. A.; Savinov, V.; Li, Z.; Lopez, A.; Mendez, H.; Ramirez, J.; Huang, G. S.; Miller, D. H.; Pavlunin, V.; Sanghi, B.; Shipsey, I. P. J.; Adams, G. S.; Anderson, M.; Cummings, J. P.; Danko, I.; Napolitano, J.; He, Q.; Muramatsu, H.; Park, C. S.; Thorndike, E. H.; Coan, T. E.; Gao, Y. S.; Liu, F.; Artuso, M.; Boulahouache, C.; Blusk, S.; Butt, J.; Li, J.; Menaa, N.; Mountain, R.; Nisar, S.; Randrianarivony, K.; Redjimi, R.; Sia, R.; Skwarnicki, T.; Stone, S.; Wang, J. C.; Zhang, K.; Csorna, S. E.; Bonvicini, G.; Cinabro, D.; Dubrovin, M.; Lincoln, A.; Briere, R. A.; Chen, G. P.; Chen, J.; Ferguson, T.; Tatishvili, G.; Vogel, H.; Watkins, M. E.; Rosner, J. L.; Adam, N. E.; Alexander, J. P.; Berkelman, K.; Cassel, D. G.; Duboscq, J. E.; Ecklund, K. M.; Ehrlich, R.; Fields, L.; Gibbons, L.; Gray, R.; Gray, S. W.; Hartill, D. L.; Heltsley, B. K.; Hertz, D.; Jones, C. D.; Kandaswamy, J.; Kreinick, D. L.; Kuznetsov, V. E.; Mahlke-Krüger, H.; Meyer, T. O.; Onyisi, P. U. E.; Patterson, J. R.; Peterson, D.; Phillips, E. A.; Pivarski, J.; Riley, D.; Ryd, A.; Sadoff, A. J.; Schwarthoff, H.; Shi, X.; Stroiney, S.; Sun, W. M.; Wilksen, T.; Weinberger, M.; Athar, S. B.; Avery, P.; Breva-Newell, L.; Patel, R.; Potlia, V.; Stoeck, H.; Yelton, J.; Rubin, P.; Cawlfield, C.; Eisenstein, B. I.; Karliner, I.; Kim, D.; Lowrey, N.; Naik, P.; Sedlack, C.; Selen, M.; White, E. J.; Wiss, J.; Shepherd, M. R.; Asner, D. M.; Edwards, K. W.
2010-04-01
We have updated our measurement of the cross section for e^+e^- -> psi(3770) -> hadrons, our publication "Measurement of sigma(e^+e^- -> psi(3770) -> hadrons) at E_{c.m.} = 3773 MeV", arXiv:hep-ex/0512038, Phys.Rev.Lett.96, 092002 (2006). Simultaneous with this arXiv update, we have published an erratum in Phys.Rev.Lett.104, 159901 (2010). There, and in this update, we have corrected a mistake in the computation of the error on the difference of the cross sections for e^+e^- -> psi(3770) -> hadrons and e^+e^- -> psi(3770) -> DDbar. We have also used a more recent CLEO measurement of cross section for e^+e^- -> psi(3770) -> DDbar. From this, we obtain an upper limit on the branching fraction for psi(3770) -> non-DDbar of 9% at 90% confidence level.
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Porous silicon platform for optical detection of functionalized magnetic particles biosensing.
Ko, Pil Ju; Ishikawa, Ryousuke; Sohn, Honglae; Sandhu, Adarsh
2013-04-01
The physical properties of porous materials are being exploited for a wide range of applications including optical biosensors, waveguides, gas sensors, micro capacitors, and solar cells. Here, we review the fast, easy and inexpensive electrochemical anodization based fabrication porous silicon (PSi) for optical biosensing using functionalized magnetic particles. Combining magnetically labeled biomolecules with PSi offers a rapid and one-step immunoassay and real-time detection by magnetic manipulation of superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) functionalized with target molecules onto corresponding probe molecules immobilized inside nano-pores of PSi. We first give an introduction to electrochemical and chemical etching procedures used to fabricate a wide range of PSi structures. Next, we describe the basic properties of PSi and underlying optical scattering mechanisms that govern their unique optical properties. Finally, we give examples of our experiments that demonstrate the potential of combining PSi and magnetic beads for real-time point of care diagnostics.
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NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Powell, A. H.; Amos, J. C.
1972-01-01
A three-phase helical induction electromagnetic pump designed for the boiler feed pump of a potassium Rankine cycle space power system was developed and built. It was mounted in a liquid metal test loop and successfully tested over a range of potassium temperatures from 900 to 1400 F, flow rates from 0.75 to 4.85 lb/sec, developed pressures up to 340 psi, net positive suction head from 1 to 22 psi, and NaK coolant temperatures from 800 to 950 F. Maximum efficiency at design point conditions of 3.25 lb/sec flow rate, 240 psi developed head, 1000 F potassium inlet temperature, and 800 F NaK coolant inlet temperature was 16.3 percent. After the performance tests the pump was operated without any difficulty at design point for 10,000 hours, and then a limited number of repeat performance tests were made. There was no appreciable change in pump performance after 10,000 hours of operation. A supplementary series of tests using the quasi-square wave power output of a dc to three-phase ac inverter showed that the pump would operate without difficulty at a frequency as low as 25 Hz, with little loss in efficiency.
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Spin Seebeck effect and thermal spin galvanic effect in Ni80Fe20/p-Si bilayers
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bhardwaj, Ravindra G.; Lou, Paul C.; Kumar, Sandeep
2018-01-01
The development of spintronics and spin-caloritronics devices needs efficient generation, detection, and manipulation of spin current. The thermal spin current from the spin-Seebeck effect has been reported to be more energy efficient than the electrical spin injection methods. However, spin detection has been the one of the bottlenecks since metals with large spin-orbit coupling is an essential requirement. In this work, we report an efficient thermal generation and interfacial detection of spin current. We measured a spin-Seebeck effect in Ni80Fe20 (25 nm)/p-Si (50 nm) (polycrystalline) bilayers without a heavy metal spin detector. p-Si, having a centrosymmetric crystal structure, has insignificant intrinsic spin-orbit coupling, leading to negligible spin-charge conversion. We report a giant inverse spin-Hall effect, essential for the detection of spin-Seebeck effects, in the Ni80Fe20/p-Si bilayer structure, which originates from Rashba spin orbit coupling due to structure inversion asymmetry at the interface. In addition, the thermal spin pumping in p-Si leads to spin current from p-Si to the Ni80Fe20 layer due to the thermal spin galvanic effect and the spin-Hall effect, causing spin-orbit torques. The thermal spin-orbit torques lead to collapse of magnetic hysteresis of the 25 nm thick Ni80Fe20 layer. The thermal spin-orbit torques can be used for efficient magnetic switching for memory applications. These scientific breakthroughs may give impetus to the silicon spintronics and spin-caloritronics devices.
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Hybrid nanoporous silicon optical biosensor architectures for biological sample analysis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bonanno, Lisa M.; Zheng, Hong; DeLouise, Lisa A.
2010-02-01
This work focuses on demonstrating proof-of-concept for a novel nanoparticle optical signal amplification scheme employing hybrid porous silicon (PSi) sensors. We are investigating the development of target responsive hydrogels integrated with PSi optical transducers. These hybrid-PSi sensors can be designed to provide a tunable material response to target concentration ranging from swelling to complete chain dissolution. The corresponding refractive index changes are significant and readily detected by the PSi transducer. However, to increase signal to noise, lower the limit of detection, and provide a visual read out capability, we are investigating the incorporation of high refractive index nanoparticles (NP) into the hydrogel for optical signal amplification. These NPs can be nonspecifically encapsulated, or functionalized with bioactive ligands to bind polymer chains or participate in cross linking. In this work, we demonstrate encapsulation of high refractive index QD nanoparticles into a 5wt% polyacrylamide hydrogel crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) and N,N Bis-acryloyl cystamine (BAC). A QD loading (~0.29 wt%) produced a 2X larger optical shift compared to the control. Dissolution of disulphide crosslinks, using Tris[2-carboxyethyl] phosphine (TCEP) reducing agent, induced gel swelling and efficient QD release. We believe this hybrid sensor concept constitutes a versatile technology platform capable of detecting a wide range of bio/chemical targets provided target analogs can be linked to the polymer backbone and crosslinks can be achieved with target responsive multivalent receptors, such a antibodies. The optical signal amplification scheme will enable a lower limit of detection sensitivity not yet demonstrated with PSi technology and colorimetric readout visible to the naked eye.
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First observation of associated production of J/psi meson and W boson
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Melachrinos, Constantinos
Particle physics concerns the understanding of the fundamental building blocks of nature, the production of particles and their interactions. The experimental study of high energy collisions allows us to probe the theoretical predictions pertaining to particles. The Large Hadron Collider was built on the outskirts of Geneva, to accelerate and collide protons at the highest energies ever, and allow for the study of the products of these collisions. The ATLAS detector is designed to detect the particles resulting from the proton-proton collisions and collect the data for further study. The discovery of the J/psi meson in 1974 paved the way for the presence of three families of quarks in the Standard Model of Particle Physics. The production mechanism of J/psi at the LHC is not well understood, and several models have been proposed to explain it, such as the Color Singlet and Color Octet models. The associated production of J/psi meson with a W boson offers an additional insight on the production of J/psi. In this thesis, we report the first observation of the W +/- + J/psi production using 4.5 fb -1 of ATLAS data from proton-proton collisions at center of mass energy of 7 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider. In addition, we measure the cross-section ratio of the W+/- + J/psi production to the inclusive W production. The results are dominated by statistical uncertainties and suggest that a combination of the different models for J/psi production is needed to explain J/psi production.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nakanishi, Yohei; Ishige, Ryohei; Ogawa, Hiroki; Sakakibara, Keita; Ohno, Kohji; Morinaga, Takashi; Sato, Takaya; Kanaya, Toshiji; Tsujii, Yoshinobu
2018-03-01
Using ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), we analyzed the higher-order structures of nanoparticles with a concentrated brush of an ionic liquid (IL)-type polymer (concentrated-polymer-brush-modified silica particle; PSiP) in an IL and the structure of the swollen shell layer of PSiP. Homogeneous mixtures of PSiP and IL were successfully prepared by the solvent-casting method involving the slow evaporation of a volatile solvent, which enabled a systematic study over an exceptionally wide range of compositions. Different diffraction patterns as a function of PSiP concentration were observed in the USAXS images of the mixtures. At suitably low PSiP concentrations, the USAXS intensity profile was analyzed using the Percus-Yevick model by matching the contrast between the shell layer and IL, and the swollen structure of the shell and "effective diameter" of the PSiP were evaluated. This result confirms that under sufficiently low pressures below and near the liquid/crystal-threshold concentration, the studied PSiP can be well described using the "hard sphere" model in colloidal science. Above the threshold concentration, the PSiP forms higher-order structures. The analysis of diffraction patterns revealed structural changes from disorder to random hexagonal-closed-packing and then face-centered-cubic as the PSiP concentration increased. These results are discussed in terms of thermodynamically stable "hard" and/or "semi-soft" colloidal crystals, wherein the swollen layer of the concentrated polymer brush and its structure play an important role.
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Current Sheets in the Corona and the Complexity of Slow Wind
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Antiochos, Spiro
2010-01-01
The origin of the slow solar wind has long been one of the most important problems in solar/heliospheric physics. Two observational constraints make this problem especially challenging. First, the slow wind has the composition of the closed-field corona, unlike the fast wind that originates on open field lines. Second, the slow wind has substantial angular extent, of order 30 degrees, which is much larger than the widths observed for streamer stalks or the widths expected theoretically for a dynamic heliospheric current sheet. We propose that the slow wind originates from an intricate network of narrow (possibly singular) open-field corridors that emanate from the polar coronal hole regions. Using topological arguments, we show that these corridors must be ubiquitous in the solar corona. The total solar eclipse in August 2008, near the lowest point of cycle 23 affords an ideal opportunity to test this theory by using the ultra-high resolution Predictive Science's (PSI) eclipse model for the corona and wind. Analysis of the PSI eclipse model demonstrates that the extent and scales of the open-field corridors can account for both the angular width of the slow wind and its closed-field composition. We discuss the implications of our slow wind theory for the structure of the corona and heliosphere at solar minimum and describe further observational and theoretical tests.
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Regional and local land subsidence at the Venice coastland by TerraSAR-X PSI
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Tosi, L.; Strozzi, T.; Da Lio, C.; Teatini, P.
2015-11-01
Land subsidence occurred at the Venice coastland over the 2008-2011 period has been investigated by Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) using a stack of 90 TerraSAR-X stripmap images with a 3 m resolution and a 11-day revisiting time. The regular X-band SAR acquisitions over more than three years coupled with the very-high image resolution has significantly improved the monitoring of ground displacements at regional and local scales, e.g., the entire lagoon, especially the historical palaces, the MoSE large structures under construction at the lagoon inlets to disconnect the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea during high tides, and single small structures scattered within the lagoon environments. Our results show that subsidence is characterized by a certain variability at the regional scale with superimposed important local displacements. The movements range from a gentle uplift to subsidence rates of up to 35 mm yr-1. For instance, settlements of 30-35 mm yr-1 have been detected at the three lagoon inlets in correspondence of the MoSE works, and local sinking bowls up to 10 mm yr-1 connected with the construction of new large buildings or restoration works have been measured in the Venice and Chioggia historical centers. Focusing on the city of Venice, the mean subsidence of 1.1 ± 1.0 mm yr-1 confirms the general stability of the historical center.
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Photon transitions in {psi}(2S) decays to {chi}{sub cJ}(1P) and {eta}{sub c}(1S)
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Athar, S.B.; Avery, P.; Breva-Newell, L.
2004-12-01
We have studied the inclusive photon spectrum in {psi}(2S) decays using the CLEO III detector. We present the most precise measurements of electric dipole (E1) photon transition rates for {psi}(2S){yields}{gamma}{chi}{sub cJ}(1P) (J=0,1,2). We also confirm the hindered magnetic dipole (M1) transition, {psi}(2S){yields}{gamma}{eta}{sub c}(1S). However, the direct M1 transition {psi}(2S){yields}{gamma}{eta}{sub c}(2S) observed by the Crystal Ball as a narrow peak at a photon energy of 91 MeV is not found in our data.
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TerraSAR-X InSAR multipass analysis on Venice, Italy)
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Nitti, D. O.; Nutricato, R.; Bovenga, F.; Refice, A.; Chiaradia, M. T.; Guerriero, L.
2009-09-01
The TerraSAR-X (copyright) mission, launched in 2007, carries a new X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor optimally suited for SAR interferometry (InSAR), thus allowing very promising application of InSAR techniques for the risk assessment on areas with hydrogeological instability and especially for multi-temporal analysis, such as Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) techniques, originally developed at Politecnico di Milano. The SPINUA (Stable Point INterferometry over Unurbanised Areas) technique is a PSI processing methodology which has originally been developed with the aim of detection and monitoring of coherent PS targets in non or scarcely-urbanized areas. The main goal of the present work is to describe successful applications of the SPINUA PSI technique in processing X-band data. Venice has been selected as test site since it is in favorable settings for PSI investigations (urban area containing many potential coherent targets such as buildings) and in view of the availability of a long temporal series of TerraSAR-X stripmap acquisitions (27 scenes in all). The Venice Lagoon is affected by land sinking phenomena, whose origins are both natural and man-induced. The subsidence of Venice has been intensively studied for decades by determining land displacements through traditional monitoring techniques (leveling and GPS) and, recently, by processing stacks of ERS/ENVISAT SAR data. The present work is focused on an independent assessment of application of PSI techniques to TerraSAR-X stripmap data for monitoring the stability of the Venice area. Thanks to its orbital repeat cycle of only 11 days, less than a third of ERS/ENVISAT C-band missions, the maximum displacement rate that can be unambiguously detected along the Line-of-Sight (LOS) with TerraSAR-X SAR data through PSI techniques is expected to be about twice the corresponding value of ESA C-band missions, being directly proportional to the sensor wavelength and inversely proportional to the revisit time. When monitoring displacement phenomena which are known to be within the C-band rate limits, the increased repeat cycle of TerraSAR-X offers the opportunity to decimate the stack of TerraSAR-X data, e.g. by doubling the temporal baseline between subsequent acquisitions. This strategy can be adopted for reducing both economic and computational processing costs. In the present work, the displacement rate maps obtained through SPINUA with and without decimation of the number of Single Look Complex (SLC) acquisitions are compared. In particular, it is shown that with high spatial resolution SAR data, reliable displacement maps could be estimated through PSI techniques with a number of SLCs much lower than in C-band.
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Sarzyńska-Długosz, Iwona; Krawczyk, Maciej; Członkowska, Anna
2011-01-01
Every stroke patient should undergo early rehabilitation. We aimed to evaluate accessibility, development and needs in early stroke inpatient rehabilitation in Poland. A questionnaire evaluating rehabilitation departments was prepared and sent (in 2004 and 2008) to rehabilitation wards in Poland, where stroke patients are treated and undergo early rehabilitation. We divided departments into classes: class A - having comprehensive rehabilitation (physiotherapy minimum 60 minutes/day, speech therapy minimum 30 minutes/5 days/week, rehabilitation of other cognitive impairments minimum 30 minutes/5 days/week, group physiotherapy); B - having the possibility of all types of therapy, but done less frequently; C - physiotherapy and speech therapy; D - physiotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation; E - only physiotherapy. In 2004, we obtained responses from 115 of 172 (66.9%) rehabilitation departments. According to prespecified criteria there were 11 class A, 31 class B, 28 class C, 4 class D, and 41 class E wards. In 2008, we received response from 89 of 149 (59.7%) rehabilitation departments. According to prespecified criteria there were 17 class A, 40 class B, 22 class C, 0 class D, and 10 class E wards. In 2004, 159 beds and in 2008, 294 beds in class A departments were available for stroke patients. The minimal number of needed but lacking beds was 604 in 2004 and 469 in 2008. Development of departments providing early comprehensive stroke rehabilitation from 2004 to 2008 is marked, but still insufficient. In 2008, 19% of rehabilitation departments could provide comprehensive stroke rehabilitation and this was 38.5% of beds actually needed.
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Charm (and Beauty) Production at the Tevatron
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rademacker, Jonas; /Bristol U.
2007-11-01
The authors present recent results on heavy flavor production at Tevatron Run II for typically {approx} 1 fb{sup -1} of analyzed p{bar p} data at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV. This includes results on single and correlated open charm and bottom cross sections, charm pair production kinematics, J/{psi}, {psi}(2S) and {chi}{sub cJ} cross sections and polarization measurements in J/{psi}, {psi}(2S), {Upsilon}(1S), and {Upsilon}(2S).
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Leaf magnesium alters photosynthetic response of low water potentials in sunflower
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Rao, I.M.; Sharp, R.E.; Boyer, J.S.
1987-08-01
We grew sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants in nutrient solutions having nutritionally adequate but low or high Mg{sup 2+} concentrations and determined whether photosynthesis was effected as leaf water potentials ({psi}{sub w}) decreased. Leaf Mg contents were 3- to 4-fold higher in the plants grown in high Mg{sup 2+} concentrations (10 millimolar) than in those grown in low concentrations (0.25 millimolar). These contents were sufficient to support maximum growth, plant dry weight, and photosynthesis, and the plants appeared normal. As low {psi}{sub w} developed, photosynthesis was inhibited but more so in high Mg leaves than in low Mg leaves. Themore » effect was particularly apparent under conditions of light- and CO{sub 2}-saturation, indicating that the chloroplast capacity to fix CO{sub 2} was altered. The differential inhibition observed in leaves of differing Mg contents was not observed in leaves having differing K contents, suggesting that the effect may have been specific for Mg. Because Mg{sup 2+} inhibits photophosphorylation and coupling factor activities at concentrations likely to occur as leaves dehydrate, Mg may play a role in the inhibition of chloroplast reactions at low {psi}{sub w}, especially in leaves such as sunflower that markedly decrease in water content as {psi}{sub w} decreases.« less
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Cormier, Catherine Y.; Mohr, Stephanie E.; Zuo, Dongmei; Hu, Yanhui; Rolfs, Andreas; Kramer, Jason; Taycher, Elena; Kelley, Fontina; Fiacco, Michael; Turnbull, Greggory; LaBaer, Joshua
2010-01-01
The Protein Structure Initiative Material Repository (PSI-MR; http://psimr.asu.edu) provides centralized storage and distribution for the protein expression plasmids created by PSI researchers. These plasmids are a resource that allows the research community to dissect the biological function of proteins whose structures have been identified by the PSI. The plasmid annotation, which includes the full length sequence, vector information and associated publications, is stored in a freely available, searchable database called DNASU (http://dnasu.asu.edu). Each PSI plasmid is also linked to a variety of additional resources, which facilitates cross-referencing of a particular plasmid to protein annotations and experimental data. Plasmid samples can be requested directly through the website. We have also developed a novel strategy to avoid the most common concern encountered when distributing plasmids namely, the complexity of material transfer agreement (MTA) processing and the resulting delays this causes. The Expedited Process MTA, in which we created a network of institutions that agree to the terms of transfer in advance of a material request, eliminates these delays. Our hope is that by creating a repository of expression-ready plasmids and expediting the process for receiving these plasmids, we will help accelerate the accessibility and pace of scientific discovery. PMID:19906724
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Static-stress analysis of dual-axis safety vessel
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bultman, D. H.
1992-11-01
An 8 ft diameter safety vessel, made of HSLA-100 steel, is evaluated to determine its ability to contain the quasi-static residual pressure from a high explosive (HE) blast. The safety vessel is designed for use with the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrotest (DARHT) facility being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A smaller confinement vessel fits inside the safety vessel and contains the actual explosion, and the safety vessel functions as a second layer of containment in the unlikely case of a confinement vessel leak. The safety vessel is analyzed as a pressure vessel based on the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section 8, Division 1, and the Welding Research Council Bulletin, WRC107. Combined stresses that result from internal pressure and external loads on nozzles are calculated and compared to the allowable stresses for HSLA-100 steel. Results confirm that the shell and nozzle components are adequately designed for a static pressure of 830 psi, plus the maximum expected external loads. Shell stresses at the 'shell to nozzle' interface, produced from external loads on the nozzles, were less than 700 psi. The maximum combined stress resulting from the internal pressure plus external loads was 17,384 psi, which is significantly less than the allowable stress of 42,375 psi for HSLA-100 steel.
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Static-stress analysis of dual-axis confinement vessel
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Bultman, D. H.
1992-11-01
This study evaluates the static-pressure containment capability of a 6-ft-diameter, spherical vessel, made of HSLA-100 steel, to be used for high-explosive (HE) containment. The confinement vessel is designed for use with the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrotest Facility (DARHT) being developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Two sets of openings in the vessel are covered with x-ray transparent covers to allow radiographic imaging of an explosion as it occurs inside the vessel. The confinement vessel is analyzed as a pressure vessel based on the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section 8, Division 1, and the Welding Research Council Bulletin, WRC-107. Combined stresses resulting from internal pressure and external loads on nozzles are calculated and compared with the allowable stresses for HSLA-100 steel. Results confirm that the shell and nozzles of the confinement vessel are adequately designed to safely contain the maximum residual pressure of 1675 psi that would result from an HE charge of 24.2 kg detonated in a vacuum. Shell stresses at the shell-to-nozzle interface, produced from external loads on the nozzles, were less than 400 psi. The maximum combined stress resulting from the internal pressure plus external loads was 16,070 psi, which is less than half the allowable stress of 42,375 psi for HSLA-100 steel.
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Ryu, DongHyun; Kim, Yong Jae; Kim, Seon Il; Hong, Hyeonaug; Ahn, Hyun S.
2018-01-01
Photosynthesis converts solar energy to electricity in a highly efficient manner. Since only water is needed as fuel for energy conversion, this highly efficient energy conversion process has been rigorously investigated. In particular, photosynthetic apparatus, such as photosystem II (PSII), photosystem I (PSI), or thylakoids, have been isolated from various plants to construct bio-hybrid anodes. Although PSII or PSI decorated anodes have shown potentials, there still remain challenges, such as poor stability of PSII-based systems or need for electron donors other than water molecules of PSI-based systems. Thylakoid membranes are relatively stable after isolation and they contain all the necessary photosynthetic apparatus including the PSII and PSI. To increase electrical connections between thylakoids and anodes, nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanoparticles, or graphene have been employed. However, since they rely on the secondary electrical connections between thylakoids and anodes; it is desired to achieve larger direct contacts between them. Here, we aimed to develop micro-pillar (MP) array anodes to maximize direct contact with thylakoids. The thylakoid morphology was analyzed and the MP array was designed to maximize direct contact with thylakoids. The performance of MP anodes and a photosynthetic fuel cell based on MP electrodes was demonstrated and analyzed. PMID:29587387
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Li, Meng; Semchonok, Dmitry A.; Boekema, Egbert J.; Bruce, Barry D.
2014-01-01
Photosystem I (PSI) is a reaction center associated with oxygenic photosynthesis. Unlike the monomeric reaction centers in green and purple bacteria, PSI forms trimeric complexes in most cyanobacteria with a 3-fold rotational symmetry that is primarily stabilized via adjacent PsaL subunits; however, in plants/algae, PSI is monomeric. In this study, we discovered a tetrameric form of PSI in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp TS-821 (TS-821). In TS-821, PSI forms tetrameric and dimeric species. We investigated these species by Blue Native PAGE, Suc density gradient centrifugation, 77K fluorescence, circular dichroism, and single-particle analysis. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of native membranes confirms the presence of the tetrameric PSI structure prior to detergent solubilization. To investigate why TS-821 forms tetramers instead of trimers, we cloned and analyzed its psaL gene. Interestingly, this gene product contains a short insert between the second and third predicted transmembrane helices. Phylogenetic analysis based on PsaL protein sequences shows that TS-821 is closely related to heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria, some of which also have a tetrameric form of PSI. These results are discussed in light of chloroplast evolution, and we propose that PSI evolved stepwise from a trimeric form to tetrameric oligomer en route to becoming monomeric in plants/algae. PMID:24681621
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Dhandapani, R; Singh, V P; Arora, A; Bhattacharya, R C; Rajendran, Ambika
2017-12-01
An experiment was conducted with twelve major Indian banana cultivars to investigate the molecular relationship between the differential accumulation of β-carotene in peel and pulp of the banana fruit and carotenoid biosynthetic pathway genes. The high performance liquid chromatography showed that all banana cultivars accumulated two-three fold more β-carotene in non-edible portion of the banana fruit. However, Nendran , a famous orange fleshed cultivar of South India, had high β-carotene content (1362 µg/100 g) in edible pulp. The gene encoding Musa accuminata phytoene synthase ( MaPsy ) was successfully amplified using a pair of degenerate primers designed from Oncidium orchid. The deduced amino acid sequences shared a high level of identity to phytoene synthase gene from other plants. Gene expression analysis confirmed the presence of two isoforms ( MaPsy1 and MaPsy2 ) of MaPsy gene in banana fruits. Presence of two isoforms of MaPsy gene in peel and one in pulp confirmed the differential accumulation of β-carotene in banana fruits. However, Nendran accumulated more β-carotene in edible pulp due to presence of both the isoforms of MaPsy gene. Thus, carotenoid accumulation is a tissue specific process strongly dependent on differential expression pattern of two isoforms of MaPsy gene in banana.
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Consuming an edge: ADHD, stimulant use, and psy culture at the corporate university.
Levinson, Jack; McKinney, Kelly A
2013-06-01
We examine "psy" on the college campus. Psy refers to ways of knowing and acting on ourselves that shape everyday life psychologically. We suggest that there is an "elective affinity" between psy and the neoliberal management strategies that now dominate the "corporate university." We describe ways that psy organizes college life by drawing on the history of college health services; interviews about mental health and services at a university in Canada; and historical, social, and media accounts of student mental health and pharmaceutical drug use-both prescribed and not-on campus in the US and Canada. By the 1990s, for the first time, many students were arriving at college as already experienced consumers of psy with diagnoses and prescriptions. We approach this and the increased use of medication as an aspect of the psy-campus. We focus on stimulants, using ADHD to illustrate the blurring line between treatment and enhancement. Students who use stimulants-with or without prescription-do so in the same way: instrumentally in relation to academic demands. The blurred line between academic stress and psychiatric distress is further illustrated by "clinic notes," an institutionalized practice that enables all students to act on academic pressure as a matter of mental health. We describe the links between psy and institutional branding and marketing to illustrate the role of mental health and wellness services in the corporate university.
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Improved characterization of slow-moving landslides by means of adaptive NL-InSAR filtering
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Albiol, David; Iglesias, Rubén.; Sánchez, Francisco; Duro, Javier
2014-10-01
Advanced remote sensing techniques based on space-borne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) have been developed during the last decade showing their applicability for the monitoring of surface displacements in landslide areas. This paper presents an advanced Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) processing based on the Stable Point Network (SPN) technique, developed by the company Altamira-Information, for the monitoring of an active slowmoving landslide in the mountainous environment of El Portalet, Central Spanish Pyrenees. For this purpose, two TerraSAR-X data sets acquired in ascending mode corresponding to the period from April to November 2011, and from August to November 2013, respectively, are employed. The objective of this work is twofold. On the one hand, the benefits of employing Nonlocal Interferomtric SAR (NL-InSAR) adaptive filtering techniques over vegetated scenarios to maximize the chances of detecting natural distributed scatterers, such as bare or rocky areas, and deterministic point-like scatterers, such as man-made structures or poles, is put forward. In this context, the final PSI displacement maps retrieved with the proposed filtering technique are compared in terms of pixels' density and quality with classical PSI, showing a significant improvement. On the other hand, since SAR systems are only sensitive to detect displacements in the line-of-sight (LOS) direction, the importance of projecting the PSI displacement results retrieved along the steepest gradient of the terrain slope is discussed. The improvements presented in this paper are particularly interesting in these type of applications since they clearly allow to better determine the extension and dynamics of complex landslide phenomena.
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Frey, María Eugenia; D'Ippolito, Sebastián; Pepe, Alfonso; Daleo, Gustavo Raúl; Guevara, María Gabriela
2018-05-01
The plant-specific insert of Solanum tuberosum aspartic proteases (StAP-PSI) has high structural similarity with NK-lysin and granulysin, two saposin-like proteins (SAPLIPs) with antimicrobial activity. Recombinant StAP-PSI and some SAPLIPs show antimicrobial activity against pathogens that affect human and plants. In this work, we transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants with StAP-PSI encoding sequence with its corresponding signal peptide under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Results obtained show that StAP-PSI significantly enhances Arabidopsis resistance against Botrytis cinerea infection. StAP-PSI is secreted into the leaf apoplast and acts directly against pathogens; thereby complementing plant innate immune responses. Data obtained from real-time PCR assays show that the constitutive expression of StAP-PSI induces the expression of genes that regulate jasmonic acid signalling pathway, such as PDF1.2, in response to infection due to necrotrophic pathogens. On the other hand, according to the data described for other antimicrobial peptides, the presence of the StAP-PSI protein in the apoplast of A. thaliana leaves is responsible for the expression of salicylic acid-associated genes, such as PR-1, irrespective of infection with B. cinerea. These results indicate that the increased resistance demonstrated by A. thaliana plants that constitutively express StAP-PSI owing to B. cinerea infection compared to the wild-type plants is a consequence of two factors, i.e., the antifungal activity of StAP-PSI and the overexpression of A. thaliana defense genes induced by the constitutive expression of StAP-PSI. We suggest that the use of this protein would help in minimizing the ecological and health risks that arise from the use of pesticides. We suggest that the use of this protein would help in minimizing the ecological and health risks that arise from the spreading of resistance of agriculturally important pathogens. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Frost drought in conifers at the alpine timberline: xylem dysfunction and adaptations.
Mayr, Stefan; Hacke, Uwe; Schmid, Peter; Schwienbacher, Franziska; Gruber, Andreas
2006-12-01
Drought stress can cause xylem embolism in trees when the water potential (psi) in the xylem falls below specific vulnerability thresholds. At the alpine timberline, frost drought is known to cause excessive winter embolism unless xylem vulnerability or transpiration is sufficiently reduced to avoid critical psi. We compared annual courses of psi and embolism in Picea abies, Pinus cembra, Pinus mugo, Larix decidua, and Juniperus communis growing at the timberline vs. low altitude. In addition, vulnerability properties and related anatomical parameters as well as wood density (D(t)) and wall reinforcement (wall thickness related to conduit diameter) were studied. This allowed an estimate of stress intensities as well as a detection of adaptations that reduce embolism formation. At the alpine timberline, psi was lowest during winter with corresponding embolism rates of up to 100% in three of the conifers studied. Only Pinus cembra and Larix decidua avoided winter embolism due to moderate psi. Minor embolism was observed at low altitude where the water potentials of all species remained within a narrow range throughout the year. Within species, differences in psi50 (psi at 50% loss of conductivity) at high vs. low altitude were less than 1 MPa. In Picea abies and Pinus cembra, psi50 was more negative at the timberline while, in the other conifer species, psi50 was more negative at low altitude. Juniperus communis exhibited the lowest (-6.4 +/- 0.04 MPa; mean +/- SE) and Pinus mugo the highest psi50 (-3.34 +/- 0.03 MPa). In some cases, D(t) and tracheid wall reinforcement were higher than in previously established relationships of these parameters with psi50, possibly because of mechanical demands associated with the specific growing conditions. Conifers growing at the alpine timberline were exposed to higher drought stress intensities than individuals at low altitude. Frost drought during winter caused high embolism rates which were probably amplified by freeze-thaw stress. Although frost drought had a large effect on plant water transport, adaptations in hydraulic safety and related anatomical parameters were observed in only a few of the conifer species studied.
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Patient-specific instruments: industry's innovation with a surgeon's interest.
Thienpont, Emmanuel; Bellemans, Johan; Delport, Hendrik; Van Overschelde, Philippe; Stuyts, Bart; Brabants, Karl; Victor, Jan
2013-10-01
The aim of this study was (1) to survey the orthopaedic companies about the volume of patient-specific instruments (PSI) used in Europe and worldwide; (2) to survey a group of knee arthroplasty surgeons on their acceptance of PSI and finally; (3) to survey a medico-legal expert on PSI-related issues. Seven orthopaedic implant manufacturers were contacted to obtain their sales figures (in volume) of PSI in Europe and worldwide for the 2011 and 2012 period. During the Open Meeting of the Belgian Knee Society, a survey by a direct voting system was submitted to a selection of knee surgeons. Finally, a number of medico-legal 'PSI-related' questions were submitted to an adult reconstruction surgeon/legal expert. The total volume, for all contacted companies, of PSI in Europe for 2012 was 17,515 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 82,556 TKA worldwide. Biomet (Warsaw, USA) was the number one in volume, both in Europe as worldwide with their Signature system. Biomet represented 27 % of the market share in PSI worldwide. Stryker preferred not to reply to the survey because of the FDA class 1 recall on ShapeMatch cutting guides. Eighty per cent of the Belgian knee surgeons expressed a great interest in PSI and especially, for 58 % of them, if it would increase their surgical accuracy. They valued it even more in unicompartmental arthroplasty, and 55 % was ready to use single-use instruments. Surprisingly, 47 % of surgeons thought it was the company's responsibility if something goes wrong with a PSI-assisted case. The medico-legal expert concluded that PSI is a complex process that exposes surgeons to new risks in case of failure and stated that companies should not produce surgical guides without validation of the planning by the surgeon. Patient-specific instruments is of great interest if it can proof to increase the surgical accuracy in knee arthroplasty to the level surgeons are expecting and if in the same time it would make the surgical process more efficient. V.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
1990-01-01
System 8400 is an advanced system for measurement of gas and liquid pressure, along with a variety of other parameters, including voltage, frequency and digital inputs. System 8400 offers exceptionally high speed data acquisition through parallel processing, and its modular design allows expansion from a relatively inexpensive entry level system by the addition of modular Input Units that can be installed or removed in minutes. Douglas Juanarena was on the team of engineers that developed a new technology known as ESP (electronically scanned pressure). The Langley ESP measurement system was based on miniature integrated circuit pressure-sensing transducers that communicated pressure information to a minicomputer. In 1977, Juanarena formed PSI to exploit the NASA technology. In 1978 he left Langley, obtained a NASA license for the technology, introduced the first commercial product, the 780B pressure measurement system. PSI developed a pressure scanner for automation of industrial processes. Now in its second design generation, the DPT-6400 is capable of making 2,000 measurements a second and has 64 channels by addition of slave units. New system 8400 represents PSI's bid to further exploit the 600 million U.S. industrial pressure measurement market. It is geared to provide a turnkey solution to physical measurement.
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Sun, Yuanxia; Hayakawa, Shigeru; Ogawa, Masahiro; Fukada, Kazuhiro; Izumori, Ken
2008-06-25
d-Psicose (Psi) might be an ideal sucrose (Suc) substitute for food products due to its sweet taste, easy processing, and functional properties (noncaloric and low glycemic response). In the present study, the effects of Psi on foaming properties of egg white (EW) protein and the quality of butter cookies were analyzed to find a better use of Psi in aerated food systems. The results showed that Psi could improve the foaming properties of EW protein with increasing whipping time in comparison to Suc and d-fructose (Fru). The addition of Psi to butter cookies, as partial replacement of Suc, had no influence on the cook loss while significantly contributing to a color change of the cookie crust through a nonenzymatic browning reaction. Furthermore, Psi-containing cookies possessed the highest antioxidant capacity in all tested cookies using two assays of radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing power. It was found that there was a close correlation between the crust color and the antioxidant activity of the cookie. The results suggest that the addition of Psi enhanced the browning reaction during cookie processing and, consequently, produced a strong antioxidant activity.
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A microbially derived tyrosine-sulfated peptide mimics a plant peptide hormone
Pruitt, Rory N.; Joe, Anna; Zhang, Weiguo; Feng, Wei; Stewart, Valley; Schwessinger, Benjamin; Dinneny, José R.; Ronald, Pamela C.
2018-01-01
Summary The biotrophic pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) produces a sulfated peptide named RaxX, which shares similarity to peptides in the PSY (plant peptide containing sulfated tyrosine) family. We hypothesize that RaxX mimics the growth-stimulating activity of PSY peptides.Root length was measured in Arabidopsis and rice treated with synthetic RaxX peptides. We also used comparative genomic analyses and reactive oxygen species burst assays to evaluate the activity of RaxX and PSY peptides.Here we found that a synthetic sulfated RaxX derivative comprising 13 residues (RaxX13-sY), highly conserved between RaxX and PSY, induces root growth in Arabidopsis and rice in a manner similar to that triggered by PSY. We identified residues that are required for activation of immunity mediated by the rice XA21 receptor but that are not essential for root growth induced by PSY. Finally, we showed that a Xanthomonas strain lacking raxX is impaired in virulence.These findings suggest that RaxX serves as a molecular mimic of PSY peptides to facilitate Xoo infection and that XA21 has evolved the ability to recognize and respond specifically to the microbial form of the peptide. PMID:28556915
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Amount and distribution of study in a personalized instruction course and in a lecture course1
Born, David G.; Davis, Michael L.
1974-01-01
The rapid proliferation of courses based on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) calls for a prompt evaluation of the relative costs involved in PSI and more traditional forms of college instruction. To determine the cost in student time required by a course taught with PSI relative to lecture, students did their studying in a special Study Center where course materials could be used but not removed. Students in the PSI section spent an average of about 50% more time in the Study Center (46 hr) than did students in the lecture section (30 hr), but that difference was made up by the lecture students spending an average of 20 hr attending lectures. Thus, total preparation time was about the same. PSI students scored slightly higher on common course exams, and while college entrance exam scores correlated highly with course exam scores, Study Center time was reliably related to course exam score only for PSI students. An analysis of the study records of individual students revealed that PSI produced fairly regular patterns of study by all students, while lecture students varied greatly in their patterns. PMID:16795469
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Bindon, Keren A; Dry, Peter R; Loveys, Brian R
2007-05-30
The influence of irrigation strategy on grape berry carotenoids and C13-norisoprenoid precursors was investigated for Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. Two irrigation treatments were compared, one in which vines received reduced irrigation applied alternately to either side of the vine (partial rootzone drying, PRD) and a second control treatment in which water was applied to both sides of the vine. Over the two years of the experiments, PRD vines received on average 66% of the water applied to the controls. Initially, the PRD treatment did not alter midday leaf (psiL) and stem (psiS) water potential relative to the control, but decreased stomatal conductance (gs). Continued exposure to the PRD treatment resulted in treated grapevines experiencing hydraulic water deficit relative to the control treatment and induced lowered midday psiL and psiS, which was also reflected in decreased berry weight at harvest. In both irrigation treatments, the most abundant grape berry carotenoids, beta-carotene and lutein, followed the developmental pattern typical of other grape varieties, decreasing post-veraison. At certain points in time, as the fruit approached maturity, the concentration of these carotenoids was increased in fruit of PRD-treated vines relative to the controls. This effect was greater for lutein than for beta-carotene. PRD consistently caused increases in the concentration of hydrolytically released C13-norisoprenoids beta-damascenone, beta-ionone, and 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene in fruit at harvest (24 degrees Brix) over two seasons. The effect of the PRD treatment on the concentration of hydrolytically released C13-norisoprenoids was greater in the second of the two seasons of the experiment and was also reflected in an increase in total C13-norisoprenoid content per berry. This suggests that the increases in the concentration of the C13-norisoprenoids in response to PRD were independent of water deficit induced changes in berry size and were not the result of an altered berry surface area to volume ratio.
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Pétré, Benoit; Scheen, André J; Ziegler, Olivier; Donneau, Anne-Françoise; Dardenne, Nadia; Husson, Eddy; Albert, Adelin; Guillaume, Michèle
2016-01-01
Background and objective Despite the strength and consistency of the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and quality of life (QoL), a reduction in BMI does not necessarily lead to an improvement in QoL. Between-subject variability indicates the presence of mediators and moderators in the BMI–QoL association. This study aimed to examine the roles of body image discrepancy (BID) and subjective norm (SN) as potential mediators and moderators. Subjects and methods In 2012, 3,016 volunteers (aged ≥18 years) participated in a community-based survey conducted in the French-speaking region of Belgium. Participation was enhanced using a large multimedia campaign (which was supported by a large network of recruiters) that employed the nonstigmatizing slogan, “Whatever your weight, your opinion will count”. Participants were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire on their weight-related experiences. Self-reported measures were used to calculate each participant’s BMI, BID, SN, and QoL (a French obesity-specific QoL questionnaire was used to calculate the participants’ physical dimension of QoL scores [PHY-QoL], psychosocial dimension of QoL scores [PSY/SOC-QoL], and their total scores). The covariates included gender, age, subjective economic status, level of education, household size, and perceived health. The mediation/moderation tests were based on Hayes’ method. Results Tests showed that the relationships between BMI and PHY-QoL, PSY/SOC-QoL, and TOT-QoL were partially mediated by BID in both males and females and by SN in females. Moreover, BID was a moderator of the relationship between BMI and PSY/SOC-QoL in males and females. SN was a moderator of the relationship between BMI and PSY/SOC-QoL in males and between BMI and total scores in males (when used without BID in the models). Conclusion BID and SN should be considered as important factors in obesity management strategies. The study shows that targeting BMI only is not sufficient to improve the QoL of overweight and obese subjects, and that other variables, including perceptual factors, should be considered. PMID:27853356
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MacInnis, Morgan C; McDonald, Robert; Ferguson, Michael J; Tobisch, Sven; Turculet, Laura
2011-08-31
Unprecedented diamagnetic, four-coordinate, formally 14-electron (Cy-PSiP)RuX (Cy-PSiP = [κ(3)-(2-R(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)SiMe](-); X = amido, alkoxo) complexes that do not require agostic stabilization and that adopt a highly unusual trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry are reported. The tertiary silane [(2-Cy(2)PC(6)H(4))(2)SiMe]H ((Cy-PSiP)H) reacted with 0.5 [(p-cymene)RuCl(2)](2) in the presence of Et(3)N and PCy(3) to afford [(Cy-PSiP)RuCl](2) (1) in 74% yield. Treatment of 1 with KO(t)Bu led to the formation of (Cy-PSiP)RuO(t)Bu (2, 97% yield), which was crystallographically characterized and shown to adopt a trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry in the solid state. Treatment of 1 with NaN(SiMe(3))(2) led to the formation of (Cy-PSiP)RuN(SiMe(3))(2) (3, 70% yield), which was also found to adopt a trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry in the solid state. The related anilido complexes (Cy-PSiP)RuNH(2,6-R(2)C(6)H(3)) (4, R = H; 5, R = Me) were also prepared in >90% yields by treating 1 with LiNH(2,6-R(2)C(6)H(3)) (R = H, Me) reagents. The solid state structure of 5 indicates a monomeric trigonal pyramidal complex that features a C-H agostic interaction. Complexes 2 and 3 were found to react readily with 1 equiv of H(2)O to form the dimeric hydroxo-bridged complex [(Cy-PSiP)RuOH](2) (6, 94% yield), which was crystallographically characterized. Complexes 2 and 3 also reacted with 1 equiv of PhOH to form the new 18-electron η(5)-oxocyclohexadienyl complex (Cy-PSiP)Ru(η(5)-C(6)H(5)O) (7, 84% yield). Both amido and alkoxo (Cy-PSiP)RuX complexes reacted with H(3)B·NHRR' reagents to form bis(σ-B-H) complexes of the type (Cy-PSiP)RuH(η(2):η(2)-H(2)BNRR') (8, R = R' = H; 9, R = R' = Me; 10, R = H, R' = (t)Bu), which illustrates that such four-coordinate (Cy-PSiP)RuX (X = amido, alkoxo) complexes are able to undergo multiple E-H (E = main group element) bond activation steps. Computational methods were used to investigate structurally related PCP, PPP, PNP, and PSiP four-coordinate Ru complexes and confirmed the key role of the strongly σ-donating silyl group of the PSiP ligand set in enforcing the unusual trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry featured in complexes 2-5, thus substantiating a new strategy for the synthesis of low-coordinate Ru species. The mechanism of the activation of ammonia-borane by such low-coordinate (R-PSiP)RuX (X = amido, alkoxo) species was also studied computationally and was determined to proceed most likely in a stepwise fashion via intramolecular deprotonation of ammonia and subsequent borane B-H bond oxidative addition steps.
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Binomial test statistics using Psi functions
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Bowman, Kimiko o
2007-01-01
For the negative binomial model (probability generating function (p + 1 - pt){sup -k}) a logarithmic derivative is the Psi function difference {psi}(k + x) - {psi}(k); this and its derivatives lead to a test statistic to decide on the validity of a specified model. The test statistic uses a data base so there exists a comparison available between theory and application. Note that the test function is not dominated by outliers. Applications to (i) Fisher's tick data, (ii) accidents data, (iii) Weldon's dice data are included.
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SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Becklin, E. E.
The SOFIA project to develop and operate a 2 5-meter infrared telescope in a Boeing 747-SP is in its final stages of development First science flights will begin in 2008 with the observatory designed to operate for over 20 years Status of the development and technical issues will be discussed along with the expected sensitivity and first light science instruments Also discussed will be examples of the science to be carried out and opportunities for the science community to use SOFIA
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Lunar cement and lunar concrete
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Lin, T. D.
1991-01-01
Results of a study to investigate methods of producing cements from lunar materials are presented. A chemical process and a differential volatilization process to enrich lime content in selected lunar materials were identified. One new cement made from lime and anorthite developed compressive strengths of 39 Mpa (5500 psi) for 1 inch paste cubes. The second, a hypothetical composition based on differential volatilization of basalt, formed a mineral glass which was activated with an alkaline additive. The 1 inch paste cubes, cured at 100C and 100 percent humidity, developed compressive strengths in excess of 49 Mpa (7100 psi). Also discussed are tests made with Apollo 16 lunar soil and an ongoing investigation of a proposed dry mix/steam injection procedure for casting concrete on the Moon.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ma, Yan -Qing; Venugopalan, Raju; Watanabe, Kazuhiro
Here, we argue that the large suppression of themore » $$\\psi(2S)$$ inclusive cross-section relative to the $$J/\\psi$$ inclusive cross-section in proton-nucleus (p+A) collisions can be attributed to factorization breaking effects in the formation of quarkonium. These factorization breaking effects arise from soft color exchanges between charm-anticharm pairs undergoing hadronization and comoving partons that are long-lived on time scales of quarkonium formation. We compute the short distance pair production of heavy quarks in the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) effective field theory and employ an improved Color Evaporation model (ICEM) to describe their hadronization into quarkonium at large distances. The combined CGC+ICEM model provides a quantitative description of $$J/\\psi$$ and $$\\psi(2S)$$ data in proton-proton (p+p) collisions from both RHIC and the LHC. Factorization breaking effects in hadronization, due to additional parton comovers in the nucleus, are introduced heuristically by imposing a cutoff $$\\Lambda$$, representing the momentum kick from soft color exchanges, in the ICEM model. Such soft exchanges have no perceptible effect on $$J/\\psi$$ suppression in p+A collisions. In contrast, the interplay of the physics of these soft exchanges at large distances, with the physics of semi-hard rescattering at short distances, causes a significant additional suppression of $$\\psi(2S)$$ yields relative to that of the $$J/\\psi$$. A good fit of all RHIC and LHC $$J/\\psi$$ and $$\\psi(2S)$$ data, for transverse momenta $$P_\\perp\\leq 5$$ GeV in p+p and p+A collisions, is obtained for $$\\Lambda\\sim 10$$ MeV.« less
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Speldewinde, Shaun H.; Tuite, Mick F.
2017-01-01
Mammalian and fungal prions arise de novo; however, the mechanism is poorly understood in molecular terms. One strong possibility is that oxidative damage to the non-prion form of a protein may be an important trigger influencing the formation of its heritable prion conformation. We have examined the oxidative stress-induced formation of the yeast [PSI+] prion, which is the altered conformation of the Sup35 translation termination factor. We used tandem affinity purification (TAP) and mass spectrometry to identify the proteins which associate with Sup35 in a tsa1 tsa2 antioxidant mutant to address the mechanism by which Sup35 forms the [PSI+] prion during oxidative stress conditions. This analysis identified several components of the cortical actin cytoskeleton including the Abp1 actin nucleation promoting factor, and we show that deletion of the ABP1 gene abrogates oxidant-induced [PSI+] prion formation. The frequency of spontaneous [PSI+] prion formation can be increased by overexpression of Sup35 since the excess Sup35 increases the probability of forming prion seeds. In contrast to oxidant-induced [PSI+] prion formation, overexpression-induced [PSI+] prion formation was only modestly affected in an abp1 mutant. Furthermore, treating yeast cells with latrunculin A to disrupt the formation of actin cables and patches abrogated oxidant-induced, but not overexpression-induced [PSI+] prion formation, suggesting a mechanistic difference in prion formation. [PIN+], the prion form of Rnq1, localizes to the IPOD (insoluble protein deposit) and is thought to influence the aggregation of other proteins. We show Sup35 becomes oxidized and aggregates during oxidative stress conditions, but does not co-localize with Rnq1 in an abp1 mutant which may account for the reduced frequency of [PSI+] prion formation. PMID:28369054
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Ma, Yan -Qing; Venugopalan, Raju; Watanabe, Kazuhiro; ...
2018-01-31
Here, we argue that the large suppression of themore » $$\\psi(2S)$$ inclusive cross-section relative to the $$J/\\psi$$ inclusive cross-section in proton-nucleus (p+A) collisions can be attributed to factorization breaking effects in the formation of quarkonium. These factorization breaking effects arise from soft color exchanges between charm-anticharm pairs undergoing hadronization and comoving partons that are long-lived on time scales of quarkonium formation. We compute the short distance pair production of heavy quarks in the Color Glass Condensate (CGC) effective field theory and employ an improved Color Evaporation model (ICEM) to describe their hadronization into quarkonium at large distances. The combined CGC+ICEM model provides a quantitative description of $$J/\\psi$$ and $$\\psi(2S)$$ data in proton-proton (p+p) collisions from both RHIC and the LHC. Factorization breaking effects in hadronization, due to additional parton comovers in the nucleus, are introduced heuristically by imposing a cutoff $$\\Lambda$$, representing the momentum kick from soft color exchanges, in the ICEM model. Such soft exchanges have no perceptible effect on $$J/\\psi$$ suppression in p+A collisions. In contrast, the interplay of the physics of these soft exchanges at large distances, with the physics of semi-hard rescattering at short distances, causes a significant additional suppression of $$\\psi(2S)$$ yields relative to that of the $$J/\\psi$$. A good fit of all RHIC and LHC $$J/\\psi$$ and $$\\psi(2S)$$ data, for transverse momenta $$P_\\perp\\leq 5$$ GeV in p+p and p+A collisions, is obtained for $$\\Lambda\\sim 10$$ MeV.« less
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Zhang, W; Dubcovsky, J
2008-03-01
A better understanding of the genetic factors controlling grain yellow pigment content (GYPC) is important for both pasta (high GYPC) and bread wheat (low GYPC) quality improvement. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for GYPC have been mapped repeatedly on the distal regions of chromosome arms 7AL and 7BL in wheat, and the Phytoene synthase 1 (PSY-1) gene located in this region has been proposed as a candidate gene. We show here that PSY-E1, the tall wheatgrass orthologue, is completely linked to differences in GYPC, and that selection for white endosperm mutants in recombinant lines carrying this gene resulted in the identification of a mutation in a conserved amino acid of PSY-E1. These results, together with the association between GYPC and allelic differences in PSY-1 in hexaploid wheat, suggest that this gene plays an important role in the determination of GYPC. However, a second white endosperm mutant previously mapped to chromosome arm 7EL showed no mutations in PSY-E1 suggesting the existence of additional gene(s) affecting GYPC in this chromosome region. This hypothesis was further supported by the mapping of QTL for GYPC on 7AL proximal to PSY-1 in a cross between pasta wheat varieties UC1113 and Kofa. Interestingly, the Kofa PSY-B1 allele showed unusually high levels of polymorphisms as a result of a conversion event involving the PSY-A1 allele. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that allelic differences in PSY-1 and at least one additional gene in the distal region of the long arm of homoeologous group 7L are associated with differences in GYPC.
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Nguyen, Khoa; Bruce, Barry D
2014-09-01
Oxygenic photosynthesis is driven via sequential action of Photosystem II (PSII) and (PSI)reaction centers via the Z-scheme. Both of these pigment-membrane protein complexes are found in cyanobacteria, algae, and plants. Unlike PSII, PSI is remarkably stable and does not undergo limiting photo-damage. This stability, as well as other fundamental structural differences, makes PSI the most attractive reaction centers for applied photosynthetic applications. These applied applications exploit the efficient light harvesting and high quantum yield of PSI where the isolated PSI particles are redeployed providing electrons directly as a photocurrent or, via a coupled catalyst to yield H₂. Recent advances in molecular genetics, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology have merged to allow PSI to be integrated into a myriad of biohybrid devices. In photocurrent producing devices, PSI has been immobilized onto various electrode substrates with a continuously evolving toolkit of strategies and novel reagents. However, these innovative yet highly variable designs make it difficult to identify the rate-limiting steps and/or components that function as bottlenecks in PSI-biohybrid devices. In this study we aim to highlight these recent advances with a focus on identifying the similarities and differences in electrode surfaces, immobilization/orientation strategies, and artificial redox mediators. Collectively this work has been able to maintain an annual increase in photocurrent density (Acm⁻²) of ~10-fold over the past decade. The potential drawbacks and attractive features of some of these schemes are also discussed with their feasibility on a large-scale. As an environmentally benign and renewable resource, PSI may provide a new sustainable source of bioenergy. This article is part of a special issue entitled: photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.
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Yan, Kun; Zhao, Shijie; Cui, Mingxing; Han, Guangxuan; Wen, Pei
2018-04-01
Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important energy crop for utilizing coastal marginal land. This study was to investigate waterlogging tolerance of Jerusalem artichoke through photosynthetic diagnose with emphasis on photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) performance. Potted plants were subjected to severe (liquid level 5 cm above vermiculite surface) and moderate (liquid level 5 cm below vermiculite surface) waterlogging for 9 days. Large decreased photosynthetic rate suggested photosynthesis vulnerability upon waterlogging. After 7 days of severe waterlogging, PSII and PSI photoinhibition arose, indicated by significant decrease in the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and PSI (△MR/MR 0 ), and PSI seemed more vulnerable because of greater decrease in △MR/MR 0 than Fv/Fm. In line with decreased △MR/MR 0 and unchanged Fv/Fm after 9 days of moderate waterlogging, the amount of PSI reaction center protein rather than PSII reaction center protein was lowered, confirming greater PSI vulnerability. According to positive correlation between △MR/MR 0 and efficiency that an electron moves beyond primary quinone and negative correlation between △MR/MR 0 and PSII excitation pressure, PSI inactivation elevated PSII excitation pressure by depressing electron transport at PSII acceptor side. Thus, PSI vulnerability induced PSII photoinhibition and endangered the stability of whole photosynthetic apparatus under waterlogging. In agreement with photosystems photoinhibition, elevated H 2 O 2 concentration and lipid peroxidation in the leaves corroborated waterlogging-induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, Jerusalem artichoke is a waterlogging sensitive species in terms of photosynthesis and PSI vulnerability. Consistently, tuber yield was tremendously reduced by waterlogging, confirming waterlogging sensitivity of Jerusalem artichoke. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
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Development of the photosynthetic apparatus of Cunninghamia lanceolata in light and darkness.
Xue, Xian; Wang, Qi; Qu, Yanli; Wu, Hongyang; Dong, Fengqin; Cao, Haoyan; Wang, Hou-Ling; Xiao, Jianwei; Shen, Yingbai; Wan, Yinglang
2017-01-01
Here, we compared the development of dark- and light-grown Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) cotyledons, which synthesize chlorophyll in the dark, representing a different phenomenon from angiosperm model plants. We determined that the grana lamellar membranes were well developed in both chloroplasts and etiochloroplasts. The accumulation of thylakoid membrane protein complexes was similar between chloroplasts and etiochloroplasts. Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters indicated that photosystem II (PSII) had low photosynthetic activities, whereas the photosystem I (PSI)-driven cyclic electron flow (CEF) rate exceeded the rate of PSII-mediated photon harvesting in etiochloroplasts. Analysis of the protein contents in etiochloroplasts indicated that the light-harvesting complex II remained mostly in its monomeric conformation. The ferredoxin NADP + oxidoreductase and NADH dehydrogenase-like complexes were relatively abundantly expressed in etiochloroplasts for Chinese fir. Our transcriptome analysis contributes a global expression database for Chinese fir cotyledons, providing background information on the regulatory mechanisms of different genes involved in the development of dark- and light-grown cotyledons. In conclusion, we provide a novel description of the early developmental status of the light-dependent and light-independent photosynthetic apparatuses in gymnosperms. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.
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The Netherlands Brain Bank for Psychiatry.
Rademaker, Marleen C; de Lange, Geertje M; Palmen, Saskia J M C
2018-01-01
The Netherlands Brain Bank (NBB) performs rapid autopsies of donors who gave written informed consent during life for the use of their brain tissue and medical files for research. The NBB initiated the Netherlands Brain Bank for Psychiatry (NBB-Psy), a prospective donor program for psychiatric diseases. NBB-Psy wants to expand the tissue collections in order to provide a strong incentive to increase research in psychiatry. The ultimate goal of NBB-Psy is to reduce the burden of psychiatric disorders for patients, their families, and for society as a whole. NBB-Psy consists of an antemortem and postmortem donor program. This chapter focuses on the design of NBB-Psy and the antemortem donor program, where patients and relatives are actively informed on the possibility to become a brain donor. Since the initiation of NBB-Psy, the number of registered donors with a psychiatric diagnosis has increased from 149 in 2010 to 1018 in May 2016. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Dwivedi, Priyanka; Das, Samaresh; Dhanekar, Saakshi
2017-04-01
This paper highlights the surface treatment of porous silicon (PSi) for enhancing the sensitivity of water vapors at room temperature. A simple and low cost technique was used for fabrication and functionalization of PSi. Spin coated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used for functionalizing PSi surface. Morphological and structural studies were conducted to analyze samples using SEM and XRD/Raman spectroscopy respectively. Contact angle measurements were performed for assessing the wettability of the surfaces. PSi and functionalized PSi samples were tested as sensors in presence of different analytes like ethanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and water vapors in the range of 50-500 ppm. Electrical measurements were taken from parallel aluminium electrodes fabricated on the functionalized surface, using metal mask and thermal evaporation. Functionalized PSi sensors in comparison to non-functionalized sensors depicted selective and enhanced response to water vapor at room temperature. The results portray an efficient and selective water vapor detection at room temperature.
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{phi} meson production in Au + Au and p + p collisions at {radical}s{sub NN}=200 GeV
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Adams, J.; Adler, C.; Aggarwal, M.M.
2004-06-01
We report the STAR measurement of {psi} meson production in Au + Au and p + p collisions at {radical}s{sub NN} = 200 GeV. Using the event mixing technique, the {psi} spectra and yields are obtained at midrapidity for five centrality bins in Au+Au collisions and for non-singly-diffractive p+p collisions. It is found that the {psi} transverse momentum distributions from Au+Au collisions are better fitted with a single-exponential while the p+p spectrum is better described by a double-exponential distribution. The measured nuclear modification factors indicate that {psi} production in central Au+Au collisions is suppressed relative to peripheral collisions when scaledmore » by the number of binary collisions (
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Ablikim, M.; Bai, J. Z.; Cai, X.
2007-12-15
By analyzing the data collected at the center-of-mass energy E{sub cm}=3.773 GeV and below the DD meson pair production threshold with the BES-II detector at the BEPC Collider, we directly measured the observed non-DD cross section of {psi}(3770) decay to be {sigma}{sub {psi}}{sub (3770){yields}}{sub non-DD}{sup obs}=(0.95{+-}0.35{+-}0.29) nb at E{sub cm}=3.773 GeV, and the branching fraction BF[{psi}(3770){yields}non-DD]=(13.4{+-}5.0{+-}3.6)% for inclusive non-DD decay of {psi}(3770). We also determined the cross section for DD meson pair production to be {sigma}{sub DD}{sup obs}=(6.12{+-}0.37{+-}0.23) nb at E{sub cm}=3.773 GeV.
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Wild yeast harbor a variety of distinct amyloid structures with strong prion-inducing capabilities
Westergard, Laura; True, Heather L.
2014-01-01
Summary Variation in amyloid structures profoundly influences a wide array of pathological phenotypes in mammalian protein conformation disorders and dominantly inherited phenotypes in yeast. Here, we describe, for the first time, naturally occurring, self-propagating, structural variants of a prion protein isolated from wild strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Variants of the [RNQ+] prion propagating in a variety of wild yeast differ biochemically, in their intracellular distributions, and in their ability to promote formation of the [PSI+] prion. [PSI+] is an epigenetic regulator of cellular phenotype and adaptability. Strikingly, we find that most natural [RNQ+] variants induced [PSI+] at high frequencies and the majority of [PSI+] variants elicited strong cellular phenotypes. We hypothesize that the presence of an efficient [RNQ+] template primes the cell for [PSI+] formation in order to induce [PSI+] in conditions where it would be advantageous. These studies utilize naturally occurring structural variants to expand our understanding of the consequences of diverse prion conformations on cellular phenotypes. PMID:24673812
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WAIS-III index score profiles in the Canadian standardization sample.
Lange, Rael T
2007-01-01
Representative index score profiles were examined in the Canadian standardization sample of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III). The identification of profile patterns was based on the methodology proposed by Lange, Iverson, Senior, and Chelune (2002) that aims to maximize the influence of profile shape and minimize the influence of profile magnitude on the cluster solution. A two-step cluster analysis procedure was used (i.e., hierarchical and k-means analyses). Cluster analysis of the four index scores (i.e., Verbal Comprehension [VCI], Perceptual Organization [POI], Working Memory [WMI], Processing Speed [PSI]) identified six profiles in this sample. Profiles were differentiated by pattern of performance and were primarily characterized as (a) high VCI/POI, low WMI/PSI, (b) low VCI/POI, high WMI/PSI, (c) high PSI, (d) low PSI, (e) high VCI/WMI, low POI/PSI, and (f) low VCI, high POI. These profiles are potentially useful for determining whether a patient's WAIS-III performance is unusual in a normal population.
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Patient-Specific Instrumentation Affects Perioperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Cucchi, Davide; Menon, Alessandra; Zanini, Beatrice; Compagnoni, Riccardo; Ferrua, Paolo; Randelli, Pietro
2018-05-23
Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) may contribute to reduced blood loss related to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to compare the estimated hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell volume (RBC) losses in two groups of patients undergoing TKA with PSI and conventional instrumentation. Pre- and postoperative blood samples were collected from 22 patients randomly assigned to receive a PSI-assisted or conventional TKA. Post- to preoperative Hb difference was calculated and RBC loss was estimated according to Sehat et al. A significant difference in Hb reduction in favor of the PSI group was registered on the last day of stay ( p = 0.0084) and significant treatment effect ( p = 0.027) on Hb reduction after intervention was found with a regression model for longitudinal measurements. This study demonstrated that PSI leads to a significant trend in earlier Hb regain. These promising results suggest a beneficial effect of PSI in blood loss reduction. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
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Ultra-High-Modulus Graphite-Epoxy Conical Shell Development. Supplement
1979-04-01
934 (0/±45/90)8 t = o.040 T - 300/934 MS124815 CRES HELICOIL O. 190-32 TiffiEAD, 3 DIA · NOM. LG. Install per MS33537 Oirnensions are inches...1613 psi avg 325F critu 1384 psi avg 3 -29 0.5 i ’ I 2.0 DIA • .. - -..-.! 0.75 DIA . + LOAD t LOAD THREAD Dimensions are inches. STEEL...THiCK T-300/934 (Ol!. 45/90Jsc T-300/934 [ 0/:!::. 45/90]5 t := 0.040 MS124815 CRES HEUCOIL I I I I ’ ’ I I ~ ;, 0 . 190-32 WREAD, 3 DIA
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Not Available
1977-05-31
Research was expanded to the drilling of crystalline rock. Advance rates of 40 inches per minute have been achieved at 16,000 psi, 10 gpm flow rate in a 30,000 psi compressive strength rock using the water alone as the drilling mechanism. The quality of the hole achieved as the jet drilled a variety of rock was found to vary and a hydromechanical drilling bit, combining high pressure water jets with roller cones, has been developed. A field drilling unit has been tested and modified to allow the drilling of holes to 3/sup 1///sub 2/ inch diameter using the hydromechanical drill.more » Preliminary work on the development of a cavitation test for rock is also included.« less
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SM-1 REACTOR VESSEL COVER AND FLANGE STRESS ANALYSIS
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sayre, M.F.
1962-02-19
The maximum stress calculated for the SMl-1 reactor vessel closure studs occurs during operation at full power. This value is 27,180 psi of which 19,800 psi is tension and 7380 psi bending. This stress does not include a stress concentration factor for effect of threads. It was eonservatively assumed the studs were initially tightened to a code allowable stress of 20,000 psi as specified in the ASME Code rather than the lesser stress obtained by the normal operating procedure. The maximum calculated stress occurs at the outside surface of the cover where the stress ranges from 318 psi in tensionmore » to 90,660 psi in compression. The alternating stress is 50,000 psi. According to the Navy Code for a stress range of 50,000 psi, the eover material ean safely undergo a maximum of 1600 cycles. It was estimated that the SM-1 will go through approximately 000 startup and shutdown cycles during a 20-yr life period, so the calculated stress is regarded as safe. For a transient eondition of 30 deg F/hr during heat-up, approximate temperature differences between the inside and outside surfaces of the cover were obtained. Temperature differentials between the inside and outside surfaces of the cover are increased by roughly 10%; above the steady state condition. More exact calculations of the transient stresses did not appear necessary siuce they would be not more than 10% greater than the steady state thermal stress. (auth)« less
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Ferroni, Lorenzo; Suorsa, Marjaana; Aro, Eva-Mari; Baldisserotto, Costanza; Pancaldi, Simonetta
2016-07-01
Vascular plants have evolved a long-term light acclimation strategy primarily relying on the regulation of the relative amounts of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) and of the two photosystems, photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). We investigated whether such a model is also valid in Selaginella martensii, a species belonging to the early diverging group of lycophytes. Selaginella martensii plants were acclimated to three natural light regimes (extremely low light (L), medium light (M) and full sunlight (H)) and thylakoid organization was characterized combining ultrastructural, biochemical and functional methods. From L to H plants, thylakoid architecture was rearranged from (pseudo)lamellar to predominantly granal, the PSII : PSI ratio changed in favour of PSI, and the photochemical capacity increased. However, regulation of light harvesting did not occur through variations in the amount of free LHCII, but rather resulted from the flexibility of the association of free LHCII with PSII and PSI. In lycophytes, the free interspersed LHCII serves a fixed proportion of reaction centres, either PSII or PSI, and the regulation of PSI-LHCII(-PSII) megacomplexes is an integral part of long-term acclimation. Free LHCII ensures photoprotection of PSII, allows regulated use of PSI as an energy quencher, and can also quench endangered PSI. © 2016 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2016 New Phytologist Trust.
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Effect of D-psicose used as sucrose replacer on the characteristics of meringue.
O'Charoen, Siwaporn; Hayakawa, Shigeru; Matsumoto, Yoshiki; Ogawa, Masahiro
2014-12-01
Excessive intake of sugar-rich foods leads to metabolic syndrome. D-Psicose (Psi) not commonly found in nature, is noncalorie sweetener with a suppressive effect on the blood glucose level. Thus, Psi has the potential to be utilized as a sucrose (Suc) replacer in sugar-rich foods, including meringue-based confectionery (MBC). In this study, we investigated the effect of Psi on the physical and chemical properties of meringue. Meringue was made by whipping egg white and Suc (at a weight ratio of 1:1) and baking at 93 °C for 2 h. Thirty percent of the total weight of Suc was replaced with D-ketohexoses such as Psi, D-fructose, D-tagatose, and D-sorbose. The meringues containing D-ketohexoses had higher specific volume than the meringue not containing D-ketohexoses (Ct-meringue). Baking of meringue caused differences between Psi and the other D-ketohexose meringues. Meringue containing Psi (P30-meringue) had the highest breaking stress (7.00 × 10(5) N/m(2)) and breaking strain (4.40%), resulting in the crunchiest texture. In addition, P30-meringue also had the highest antioxidant activity (491.84 μM TE/mg-meringue determined by ABTS method) and was the brownest due to a Maillard reaction occurring during baking. The replacement of Suc with Psi improved the characteristics of baked meringue. Thus, Psi was found to be useful in modifying the physical and chemical properties of MBC. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®
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Szmolka, Ama; Szabó, Móni; Kiss, János; Pászti, Judit; Adrián, Erzsébet; Olasz, Ferenc; Nagy, Béla
2018-05-01
Salmonella Infantis (SI) became endemic in Hungary where the PFGE cluster B, characterized by a large multiresistance (MDR) plasmid emerged among broilers leading to an increased occurrence in humans. We hypothesized that this plasmid (pSI54/04) assisted dissemination of SI. Indeed, Nal-Sul-Tet phenotypes carrying pSI54/04 occurred increasingly between 2011 and 2013 among SI isolates from broilers and humans. Characterization of pSI54/04 based on genome sequence data of the MDR strain SI54/04 indicated a size of ∼277 kb and a high sequence similarity with the megaplasmid pESI of SI predominant in Israel. Molecular characterization of 78 representative broiler and human isolates detected the prototype plasmid pSI54/04 and its variants together with novel plasmid associations within the emerging cluster B. To test in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity of pSI54/04 we produced plasmidic transconjugant of the plasmid-free pre-emergent strain SI69/94. This parental strain and its transconjugant have been tested on chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) and in orally infected day old chicks. The uptake of pSI54/04 did not increase the pathogenicity of the strain SI69/94 in these systems. Thus, dissemination of SI in poultry could be assisted by antimicrobial resistance rather than by virulence modules of the endemic plasmid pSI54/04 in Hungary. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Constructing a Time-Invariant Measure of the Socio-economic Status of U.S. Census Tracts.
Miles, Jeremy N; Weden, Margaret M; Lavery, Diana; Escarce, José J; Cagney, Kathleen A; Shih, Regina A
2016-02-01
Contextual research on time and place requires a consistent measurement instrument for neighborhood conditions in order to make unbiased inferences about neighborhood change. We develop such a time-invariant measure of neighborhood socio-economic status (NSES) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses fit to census data at the tract level from the 1990 and 2000 U.S. Censuses and the 2008-2012 American Community Survey. A single factor model fit the data well at all three time periods, and factor loadings--but not indicator intercepts--could be constrained to equality over time without decrement to fit. After addressing remaining longitudinal measurement bias, we found that NSES increased from 1990 to 2000, and then--consistent with the timing of the "Great Recession"--declined in 2008-2012 to a level approaching that of 1990. Our approach for evaluating and adjusting for time-invariance is not only instructive for studies of NSES but also more generally for longitudinal studies in which the variable of interest is a latent construct.
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The Built Environment and Childhood Obesity in Durham, NC
Miranda, Marie Lynn; Edwards, Sharon E.; Anthopolos, Rebecca; Dolinsky, Diana H.; Kemper, Alex R.
2013-01-01
The relationship between childhood obesity and aspects of the built environment characterizing neighborhood social context is understudied. We evaluate the association between seven built environment domains and childhood obesity in Durham, NC. Measures of housing damage, property disorder, vacancy, nuisances, and territoriality were constructed using data from a 2008 community assessment. Renter-occupied housing and crime measures were developed from public databases. We linked these measures to 2008–2009 Duke University Medical Center pediatric preventive care visits. Age- and sex-specific body mass index percentiles were used to classify children as normal weight (>5th and ≤ 85th percentile), overweight (>85th and ≤ 95th percentile), or obese (> 95th percentile). Ordinal logistic regression models with cluster-corrected standard errors evaluated the association between weight status and the built environment. Adjusting for child-level socioeconomic characteristics, nuisances and crime were associated with childhood overweight/obesity (P<0.05). Built environment characteristics appear important to childhood weight status in Durham, NC. PMID:22563061
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The Association between Socioeconomic Status and Obesity in Peruvian Women
Poterico, J.A.; Stanojevic, S.; Ruiz, P.; Bernabe-Ortiz, A.; Miranda, J. J.
2012-01-01
Historically in developing countries, the prevalence of obesity has been greater in more advantaged socioeconomic groups. However, in recent years the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity has changed and varies depending on the country’s development stage. This study examines the relationship between SES and obesity using two indicators of SES: education or possession assets. Using the cross-sectional 2008 National Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru (ENDES 2008) we investigated this relationship in women aged 15 to 49 years living in rural and urban settings. Descriptive, linear and logistic regressions analyses were conducted accounting for the multi-staged nature of the sampling design. The overall prevalence of obesity in this study was 14.1% (95%CI: 13.3–14.8); 8.4% (95%CI: 7.5–9.3) in rural areas and 16.2% (95%CI: 15.2–17-2) in urban areas. Wealthier women were more likely to be obese, and this association was stronger in rural areas. Conversely, more educated women were less likely to be obese, especially in urban areas. The distribution of obesity in Peruvian women is strongly related to socioeconomic position, and differs whether measured as possession assets or by level of education. These findings could have important implications for policy development in Peru. PMID:21959344
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Nutritional status and oral status of the elderly with dementia: a 2-year study.
Sadamori, Shinsuke; Hayashi, Syouji; Fujihara, Isao; Abekura, Hitoshi; Hamada, Taizo; Akagawa, Yasumasa
2012-06-01
To determine the relationship between denture wearing and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia. There could be a correlation between nutrition, oral health, dietary habits, patients' satisfaction, and their socio-economic status in the elderly, and the relationship between compromised oral status and nutritional status in the elderly with dementia. A 2-year follow-up study of 63 elderly Japanese women with and without dentures from a nursing home was undertaken to investigate their oral, physical and mental, and nutritional status. Each item for 2006 and 2008 in this study showed no significant difference between 2006 and 2008, except the calories/day. The elderly with dementia without complete dentures during the 2 years of the study only significantly decreased the mean of the calories/day. The calories/day of the elderly with dementia without dentures decreased after 2 years. Denture wearing for the elderly with dementia could be necessary to maintain a satisfactory intake of calories. © 2011 The Gerodontology Society and John Wiley & Sons A/S.
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Electrogenic active proton pump in Rana esculenta skin and its role in sodium ion transport.
Ehrenfeld, J; Garcia-Romeu, F; Harvey, B J
1985-02-01
Kinetic and electrophysiological studies were carried out in the in vitro Rana esculenta skin, bathed in dilute sodium solution, to characterize the proton pump and coupling between sodium absorption (JNa+n) and proton excretion (JH+n). JNa+n and JH+n were both dependent on transepithelial potential (psi ms); hyperpolarizing the skin decreased JNa+n and increased JH+n; depolarization produced the opposite effects. Amiloride (5 X 10(-5) M) at a clamped psi ms of +50 mV inhibited JNa+n without affecting JH+n. Variations of psi ms or pH had identical effects on JH+n. Ethoxzolamide inhibited JH+n and simultaneously increased psi ms by 15-30 mV. These changes were accompanied by depolarization of the apical membrane potential psi mc from -47 to -25 mV and an increase in apical membrane resistance of 30%; no significant effects on basolateral membrane potential (psi cs) and resistance (Rb) nor on shunt resistance (Rj) were observed. The proton pump appears to be localized at the apical membrane. The proton pump was also inhibited by deoxygenation, oligomycin, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and vanadate (100, 78, 83 and 100% inhibition respectively). The variations of JH+n and of the measured electrical currents were significantly correlated. These findings are supportive evidence of a primary active proton pump, electrogenic and strictly linked to aerobic metabolism. The current-voltage (I-V) relation of the proton pump was obtained as the difference in the I-V curves of the apical membrane extracted before and after proton-pump inhibition by ethoxzolamide during amiloride block of sodium transport. The proton-pump current (IP) was best described by a saturable exponential function of psi mc. Maximal pump current (ImaxP) was calculated to be 200 nequiv h-1 cm-2 at a psi mc of +50 mV and the pump reversal potential ERP was -130 mV. The effect of ethoxzolamide to depolarize psi mc was dependent on the relation between psi mc and ERP. Maximal induced depolarization occurred at a psi mc of +50 mV whereas ethoxzolamide exerted minimal effect on psi mc when the ERP was approached either by voltage clamping the apical membrane or by the addition of amiloride. We show that electroneutral sodium-proton countertransport is not the mechanism of active proton excretion in frog skin but that it is the proton excretion which provides a favourable electrical driving force for passive apical sodium entry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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Electrogenic active proton pump in Rana esculenta skin and its role in sodium ion transport.
Ehrenfeld, J; Garcia-Romeu, F; Harvey, B J
1985-01-01
Kinetic and electrophysiological studies were carried out in the in vitro Rana esculenta skin, bathed in dilute sodium solution, to characterize the proton pump and coupling between sodium absorption (JNa+n) and proton excretion (JH+n). JNa+n and JH+n were both dependent on transepithelial potential (psi ms); hyperpolarizing the skin decreased JNa+n and increased JH+n; depolarization produced the opposite effects. Amiloride (5 X 10(-5) M) at a clamped psi ms of +50 mV inhibited JNa+n without affecting JH+n. Variations of psi ms or pH had identical effects on JH+n. Ethoxzolamide inhibited JH+n and simultaneously increased psi ms by 15-30 mV. These changes were accompanied by depolarization of the apical membrane potential psi mc from -47 to -25 mV and an increase in apical membrane resistance of 30%; no significant effects on basolateral membrane potential (psi cs) and resistance (Rb) nor on shunt resistance (Rj) were observed. The proton pump appears to be localized at the apical membrane. The proton pump was also inhibited by deoxygenation, oligomycin, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and vanadate (100, 78, 83 and 100% inhibition respectively). The variations of JH+n and of the measured electrical currents were significantly correlated. These findings are supportive evidence of a primary active proton pump, electrogenic and strictly linked to aerobic metabolism. The current-voltage (I-V) relation of the proton pump was obtained as the difference in the I-V curves of the apical membrane extracted before and after proton-pump inhibition by ethoxzolamide during amiloride block of sodium transport. The proton-pump current (IP) was best described by a saturable exponential function of psi mc. Maximal pump current (ImaxP) was calculated to be 200 nequiv h-1 cm-2 at a psi mc of +50 mV and the pump reversal potential ERP was -130 mV. The effect of ethoxzolamide to depolarize psi mc was dependent on the relation between psi mc and ERP. Maximal induced depolarization occurred at a psi mc of +50 mV whereas ethoxzolamide exerted minimal effect on psi mc when the ERP was approached either by voltage clamping the apical membrane or by the addition of amiloride. We show that electroneutral sodium-proton countertransport is not the mechanism of active proton excretion in frog skin but that it is the proton excretion which provides a favourable electrical driving force for passive apical sodium entry.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Images Fig. 6 Fig. 7 PMID:2582114
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Ignatova, Lyudmila K; Rudenko, Natalia N; Mudrik, Vilen A; Fedorchuk, Tat'yana P; Ivanov, Boris N
2011-12-01
The procedure of isolating the thylakoids and the thylakoid membrane fragments enriched with either photosystem I or photosystem II (PSI- and PSII-membranes) from Arabidopsis thaliana leaves was developed. It differed from the one used with pea and spinach in durations of detergent treatment and centrifugation, and in concentrations of detergent and Mg(2+) in the media. Both the thylakoid and the fragments preserved carbonic anhydrase (CA) activities. Using nondenaturing electrophoresis followed by detection of CA activity in the gel stained with bromo thymol blue, one low molecular mass carrier of CA activity was found in the PSI-membranes, and two carriers, a low molecular mass one and a high molecular mass one, were found in the PSII-membranes. The proteins in the PSII-membranes differed in their sensitivity to acetazolamide (AA), a specific CA inhibitor. AA at 5 × 10(-7) M inhibited the CA activity of the high molecular mass protein but stimulated the activity of the low molecular mass carrier in the PSII-membranes. At the same concentration, AA moderately inhibited, by 30%, the CA activity of PSI-membranes. CA activity of the PSII-membranes was almost completely suppressed by the lipophilic CA inhibitor, ethoxyzolamide at 10(-9) M, whereas CA activity of the PSI-membranes was inhibited by this inhibitor even at 5 × 10(-7) M just the same as for AA. The observed distribution of CA activity in the thylakoid membranes from A. thaliana was close to the one found in the membranes of pea, evidencing the general pattern of CA activity in the thylakoid membranes of C3-plants. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011
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Li, Ming; Zhang, Jingjing; Jiang, Jie; Zhang, Jing; Gao, Jing; Qiao, Xiaolin
2014-04-07
In this paper, a novel approach based on paper spray ionization coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (PSI-IMS) was developed for rapid, in situ detection of cocaine residues in liquid samples and on various surfaces (e.g. glass, marble, skin, wood, fingernails), without tedious sample pretreatment. The obvious advantages of PSI are its low cost, easy operation and simple configuration without using nebulizing gas or discharge gas. Compared with mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) takes advantage of its low cost, easy operation, and simple configuration without requiring a vacuum system. Therefore, IMS is a more congruous detection method for PSI in the case of rapid, in situ analysis. For the analysis of cocaine residues in liquid samples, dynamic responses from 5 μg mL(-1) to 200 μg mL(-1) with a linear coefficient (R(2)) of 0.992 were obtained. In this case, the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 2 μg mL(-1) as signal to noise (S/N) was 3 with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 6.5% for 11 measurements (n = 11). Cocaine residues on various surfaces such as metal, glass, marble, wood, skin, and fingernails were also directly analyzed before wiping the surfaces with a piece of paper. The LOD was calculated to be as low as 5 ng (S/N = 3, RSD = 6.3%, n = 11). This demonstrates the capability of the PSI-IMS method for direct detection of cocaine residues at scenes of cocaine administration. Our results show that PSI-IMS is a simple, sensitive, rapid and economical method for in situ detection of this illicit drug, which could help governments to combat drug abuse.
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A Community Standard Format for the Representation of Protein Affinity Reagents*
Gloriam, David E.; Orchard, Sandra; Bertinetti, Daniela; Björling, Erik; Bongcam-Rudloff, Erik; Borrebaeck, Carl A. K.; Bourbeillon, Julie; Bradbury, Andrew R. M.; de Daruvar, Antoine; Dübel, Stefan; Frank, Ronald; Gibson, Toby J.; Gold, Larry; Haslam, Niall; Herberg, Friedrich W.; Hiltke, Tara; Hoheisel, Jörg D.; Kerrien, Samuel; Koegl, Manfred; Konthur, Zoltán; Korn, Bernhard; Landegren, Ulf; Montecchi-Palazzi, Luisa; Palcy, Sandrine; Rodriguez, Henry; Schweinsberg, Sonja; Sievert, Volker; Stoevesandt, Oda; Taussig, Michael J.; Ueffing, Marius; Uhlén, Mathias; van der Maarel, Silvère; Wingren, Christer; Woollard, Peter; Sherman, David J.; Hermjakob, Henning
2010-01-01
Protein affinity reagents (PARs), most commonly antibodies, are essential reagents for protein characterization in basic research, biotechnology, and diagnostics as well as the fastest growing class of therapeutics. Large numbers of PARs are available commercially; however, their quality is often uncertain. In addition, currently available PARs cover only a fraction of the human proteome, and their cost is prohibitive for proteome scale applications. This situation has triggered several initiatives involving large scale generation and validation of antibodies, for example the Swedish Human Protein Atlas and the German Antibody Factory. Antibodies targeting specific subproteomes are being pursued by members of Human Proteome Organisation (plasma and liver proteome projects) and the United States National Cancer Institute (cancer-associated antigens). ProteomeBinders, a European consortium, aims to set up a resource of consistently quality-controlled protein-binding reagents for the whole human proteome. An ultimate PAR database resource would allow consumers to visit one on-line warehouse and find all available affinity reagents from different providers together with documentation that facilitates easy comparison of their cost and quality. However, in contrast to, for example, nucleotide databases among which data are synchronized between the major data providers, current PAR producers, quality control centers, and commercial companies all use incompatible formats, hindering data exchange. Here we propose Proteomics Standards Initiative (PSI)-PAR as a global community standard format for the representation and exchange of protein affinity reagent data. The PSI-PAR format is maintained by the Human Proteome Organisation PSI and was developed within the context of ProteomeBinders by building on a mature proteomics standard format, PSI-molecular interaction, which is a widely accepted and established community standard for molecular interaction data. Further information and documentation are available on the PSI-PAR web site. PMID:19674966
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Application of paper spray ionization for explosives analysis.
Tsai, Chia-Wei; Tipple, Christopher A; Yost, Richard A
2017-10-15
A desired feature in the analysis of explosives is to decrease the time of the entire analysis procedure, including sampling. A recently utilized ambient ionization technique, paper spray ionization (PSI), provides the possibility of combining sampling and ionization. However, an interesting phenomenon that occurs in generating negatively charged ions pose some challenges in applying PSI to explosives analysis. The goal of this work is to investigate the possible solutions for generating explosives ions in negative mode PSI. The analysis of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) was performed. Several solvent systems with different surface tensions and additives were compared to determine their effect on the ionization of explosives. The solvents tested include tert-butanol, isopropanol, methanol, and acetonitrile. The additives tested were carbon tetrachloride and ammonium nitrate. Of the solvents tested, isopropanol yielded the best results. In addition, adding ammonium nitrate to the isopropanol enhanced the analyte signal. Experimentally determined limits of detection (LODs) as low as 0.06 ng for PETN, on paper, were observed with isopropanol and the addition of 0.4 mM ammonium nitrate as the spray solution. In addition, the explosive components of two plastic explosive samples, Composition 4 and Semtex, were successfully analyzed via surface sampling when using the developed method. The analysis of explosives using PSI-MS in negative ion mode was achieved. The addition of ammonium nitrate to isopropanol, in general, enhanced the analyte signal and yielded better ionization stability. Real-world explosive samples were analyzed, which demonstrates one of the potential applications of PSI-MS analysis. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Béhague, Dominique Pareja
2010-01-01
Since the fall of the Brazilian military dictatorship in 1984, a number of structural and ideological changes associated with demilitarization and democracy have changed the face of psychiatric theory and practice. Around the country, pockets of innovative, politically sensitive and Marxist-inspired community-based forms of “psi” practice are developing. This emergent psi movement is making a range of positive contributions to the lives of average citizens, including those of poor disenfranchized youth. This paper, however, explores one particular dimension of the work of psi practitioners that has proven antithetical to the psi community’s current politicized community-based aims. Based on qualitative and quantitative longitudinal ethnographic fieldwork with therapists and young men in Pelotas, this paper analyzes how certain kinds of psi interventions being carried out in schools for a subset of lower-class young men during their early teen years are encouraging some youth to seek military training as a life option. Although these young men initially had quite captivating, engaged and politicized—if also conflicting—interactions with therapists, their eventual disillusionment with their therapeutic and scholastic experiences resulted in high levels of social alienation and depoliticization. In these young men’s search for what can best be described as formulaic solutions to troubling psychological experiences associated with a tumultuous institutionalized transition to adulthood, military training came to represent a form of self-cultivation and self-therapy. Several youth also hoped military training would enable them to actively disengage with local political processes and find shelter from troubling social inequities and injustice. The paper ends by reviewing the implications of these results for the future of psi knowledge and practice in Brazil. PMID:18347961
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The Gel Electrophoresis Markup Language (GelML) from the Proteomics Standards Initiative
Gibson, Frank; Hoogland, Christine; Martinez-Bartolomé, Salvador; Medina-Aunon, J. Alberto; Albar, Juan Pablo; Babnigg, Gyorgy; Wipat, Anil; Hermjakob, Henning; Almeida, Jonas S; Stanislaus, Romesh; Paton, Norman W; Jones, Andrew R
2011-01-01
The Human Proteome Organisation’s Proteomics Standards Initiative (HUPO-PSI) has developed the GelML data exchange format for representing gel electrophoresis experiments performed in proteomics investigations. The format closely follows the reporting guidelines for gel electrophoresis, which are part of the Minimum Information About a Proteomics Experiment (MIAPE) set of modules. GelML supports the capture of metadata (such as experimental protocols) and data (such as gel images) resulting from gel electrophoresis so that laboratories can be compliant with the MIAPE Gel Electrophoresis guidelines, while allowing such data sets to be exchanged or downloaded from public repositories. The format is sufficiently flexible to capture data from a broad range of experimental processes, and complements other PSI formats for mass spectrometry data and the results of protein and peptide identifications to capture entire gel-based proteome workflows. GelML has resulted from the open standardisation process of PSI consisting of both public consultation and anonymous review of the specifications. PMID:20677327
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Structure-based view on [PSI(+)] prion properties.
Bondarev, Stanislav A; Zhouravleva, Galina A; Belousov, Mikhail V; Kajava, Andrey V
2015-01-01
Yeast [PSI(+)] prion is one of the most suitable and well characterized system for the investigation of the prion phenomenon. However, until recently, the lack of data on the 3D arrangement of Sup35p prion fibrils hindered progress in this area. The recent arrival in this field of new experimental techniques led to the parallel and in-register superpleated β-structure as a consensus model for Sup35p fibrils. Here, we analyzed the effect of amino acid substitutions of the Sup35 protein through the prism of this structural model. Application of a newly developed computational approach, called ArchCandy, gives us a better understanding of the effect caused by mutations on the fibril forming potential of Sup35 protein. This bioinformatics tool can be used for the design of new mutations with desired modification of prion properties. Thus, we provide examples of how today, having progress toward elucidation of the structural arrangement of Sup35p fibrils, researchers can advance more efficiently to a better understanding of prion [PSI(+)] stability and propagation.
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Magnetic assessment and modelling of the Aramis undulator beamline
Calvi, M.; Camenzuli, C.; Ganter, R.; Sammut, N.; Schmidt, Th.
2018-01-01
Within the SwissFEL project at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), the hard X-ray line (Aramis) has been equipped with short-period in-vacuum undulators, known as the U15 series. The undulator design has been developed within the institute itself, while the prototyping and the series production have been implemented through a close collaboration with a Swiss industrial partner, Max Daetwyler AG, and several subcontractors. The magnetic measurement system has been built at PSI, together with all the data analysis tools. The Hall probe has been designed for PSI by the Swiss company SENIS. In this paper the general concepts of both the mechanical and the magnetic properties of the U15 series of undulators are presented. A description of the magnetic measurement equipment is given and the results of the magnetic measurement campaign are reported. Lastly, the data reduction methods and the associated models are presented and their actual implementation in the control system is detailed. PMID:29714179
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High-pressure microhydraulic actuator
Mosier, Bruce P [San Francisco, CA; Crocker, Robert W [Fremont, CA; Patel, Kamlesh D [Dublin, CA
2008-06-10
Electrokinetic ("EK") pumps convert electric to mechanical work when an electric field exerts a body force on ions in the Debye layer of a fluid in a packed bed, which then viscously drags the fluid. Porous silica and polymer monoliths (2.5-mm O.D., and 6-mm to 10-mm length) having a narrow pore size distribution have been developed that are capable of large pressure gradients (250-500 psi/mm) when large electric fields (1000-1500 V/cm) are applied. Flowrates up to 200 .mu.L/min and delivery pressures up to 1200 psi have been demonstrated. Forces up to 5 lb-force at 0.5 mm/s (12 mW) have been demonstrated with a battery-powered DC-DC converter. Hydraulic power of 17 mW (900 psi@ 180 uL/min) has been demonstrated with wall-powered high voltage supplies. The force and stroke delivered by an actuator utilizing an EK pump are shown to exceed the output of solenoids, stepper motors, and DC motors of similar size, despite the low thermodynamic efficiency.
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Tennant, Alan; Tyson, Sarah F.; Nordenskiöld, Ulla; Hawkins, Ruth; Prior, Yeliz
2015-01-01
Objectives. The Evaluation of Daily Activity Questionnaire (EDAQ) includes 138 items in 14 domains identified as important by people with RA. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the English EDAQ. Methods. A total of 502 participants completed two questionnaires 3 weeks apart. The first consisted of the EDAQ, HAQ, RA Quality of Life (RAQoL) and the Medical Outcomes Scale (MOS) 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36v2), and the second consisted of the EDAQ only. The 14 EDAQ domains were tested for: unidimensionality—using confirmatory factor analysis; fit, response dependency, invariance across groups (differential item functioning)—using Rasch analysis; internal consistency [Person Separation Index (PSI)]; concurrent validity—by correlations with the HAQ, SF-36v2 and RAQoL; and test–retest reliability (Spearman’s correlations). Results. Confirmatory factor analysis of the 14 EDAQ domains indicated unidimensionality, after adjustment for local dependency in each domain. All domains achieved a root mean square error of approximation <0.10 and satisfied Rasch model expectations for local dependency. DIF by age, gender and employment status was largely absent. The PSI was consistent with individual use (PSI = 0.94 for all 14 domains). For all domains, except Caring, concurrent validity was good: HAQ (rs = 0.72–0.91), RAQoL (rs = 0.67–0.82) and SF36v2 Physical Function scale (rs = −0.60 to −0.84) and test–retest reliability was good (rs = 0.70–0.89). Conclusion. Analysis supported a 14-domain, two-component structure (Self care and Mobility) of the EDAQ, where each domain, and both components, satisfied Rasch model requirements, and have robust reliability and validity. PMID:25863045
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Impact on Family and Parental Stress of Prenatal versus Postnatal Repair of Myelomeningocele
Antiel, Ryan M.; Adzick, N. Scott; Thom, Elizabeth A.; Burrows, Pamela K.; Farmer, Diana L.; Brock, John W.; Howell, Lori J.; Farrell, Jody A.; Houtrow, Amy J.
2016-01-01
BACKGROUND The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial that compared prenatal repair with standard postnatal repair for fetal myelomeningocele. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe the long-term impact on the families of the women who participated and to evaluate how the timing of repair influenced the impact on families and parental stress. STUDY DESIGN Randomized women completed the 24-item Impact on Family Scale (IFS) and the 36-item Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF) at 12 and 30 months after delivery. A revised 15-item score of the IFS (RIFS) describing overall impact was also computed. Higher scores reflect more negative impacts or greater stress. In addition, we examined Family Support Scale (FSS) and Family Resource Scale (FRS) scores along with various neonatal outcomes. Repeated measures analysis was conducted for each scale and subscale. RESULTS Of 183 women randomized, 171 women completed the IFS and 172 completed the PSI at both 12 and 30 months. The prenatal surgery group had significantly lower RIFS scores as well as familial-social impact subscale scores compared to the postnatal surgery group (p=0.02 and 0.004, respectively). There was no difference in total parental stress between the two groups (p=0.89) or in any of the PSI-SF subscales. In addition, walking independently at 30 months and family resources at 12 months are associated with both family impact and parental stress. CONCLUSION The overall negative family impact of caring for a child with spina bifida, up to 30 months of age, was significantly lower in the prenatal surgery group compared to the postnatal surgery group. Ambulation status and family resources were predictive of impact on family and parental stress. PMID:27263997
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Status of K-12 Education in California at a Time of Fiscal Crisis: Preliminary Results
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Kitmitto, Sami; Parrish, Thomas; Shambaugh, Larisa
2010-01-01
The worldwide economic decline in 2008 hit many states hard, and had an especially strong impact on California and its public education system. The purpose of this report is to develop and present baseline information regarding K-12 public education in California prior to this fiscal crisis. This report presents alternative ways of comparing the…
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The goldspotted oak borer: revisiting the status of an invasive pest six years after its discovery
Steve Seybold; Tom W. Coleman
2015-01-01
The goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), was first associated with oak mortality in San Diego County, California in May of 2008. Since that time, a research and survey program has outlined the biology of this flatheaded borer in the invaded and native habitats; delimited the invaded range; and developed the...
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Integrated NO{sub x} control at New England Power, Salem Harbor Station
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Frish, M.B.; Johnson, S.A.; Comer, J.P.
Selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) is a viable technology for reducing NO{sub x} emissions from coal-fired boilers, especially those older units where large capital expenditures for alternative technologies may not be justified. However, NO{sub x} reduction efficiency of the SNCR process is maximized when the proper amount of reagent is injected at the proper temperature and dispersed rapidly enough to avoid ammonia slip. Early NEP experience at Salem Harbor station indicated that NO{sub x} reductions of 60% were achievable with SNCR. However, less NO{sub x} reductions were tolerated to avoid NH{sub 3} slip and subsequent flyash contamination and visible stack plumemore » resulting from excess ammonia. Preliminary tests by PSI Environmental showed that ammonia slip could be monitored in real time using their patented SpectraScan{trademark}-NH{sub 3} instrument, and that furnace exit temperature could be continuously monitored and controlled using GasTemp{trademark} another PSI Environmental product. Based on this information, detailed tests were planned to show integrated control over the SNCR process. A goal of the project was to achieve lower NO{sub x} with less reagent! This paper describes the status of the project.« less
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Gabanyi, Margaret J; Adams, Paul D; Arnold, Konstantin; Bordoli, Lorenza; Carter, Lester G; Flippen-Andersen, Judith; Gifford, Lida; Haas, Juergen; Kouranov, Andrei; McLaughlin, William A; Micallef, David I; Minor, Wladek; Shah, Raship; Schwede, Torsten; Tao, Yi-Ping; Westbrook, John D; Zimmerman, Matthew; Berman, Helen M
2011-07-01
The Protein Structure Initiative's Structural Biology Knowledgebase (SBKB, URL: http://sbkb.org ) is an open web resource designed to turn the products of the structural genomics and structural biology efforts into knowledge that can be used by the biological community to understand living systems and disease. Here we will present examples on how to use the SBKB to enable biological research. For example, a protein sequence or Protein Data Bank (PDB) structure ID search will provide a list of related protein structures in the PDB, associated biological descriptions (annotations), homology models, structural genomics protein target status, experimental protocols, and the ability to order available DNA clones from the PSI:Biology-Materials Repository. A text search will find publication and technology reports resulting from the PSI's high-throughput research efforts. Web tools that aid in research, including a system that accepts protein structure requests from the community, will also be described. Created in collaboration with the Nature Publishing Group, the Structural Biology Knowledgebase monthly update also provides a research library, editorials about new research advances, news, and an events calendar to present a broader view of structural genomics and structural biology.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.; Albrecht, M.; Alekseev, M.; Amoroso, A.; An, F. F.; An, Q.; Bai, Y.; Bakina, O.; Baldini Ferroli, R.; Ban, Y.; Begzsuren, K.; Bennett, D. W.; Bennett, J. V.; Berger, N.; Bertani, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bianchi, F.; Boger, E.; Boyko, I.; Briere, R. A.; Cai, H.; Cai, X.; Cakir, O.; Calcaterra, A.; Cao, G. F.; Cetin, S. A.; Chai, J.; Chang, J. F.; Chang, W. L.; Chelkov, G.; Chen, G.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, J. C.; Chen, M. L.; Chen, P. L.; Chen, S. J.; Chen, X. R.; Chen, Y. B.; Chu, X. K.; Cibinetto, G.; Cossio, F.; Dai, H. L.; Dai, J. P.; Dbeyssi, A.; Dedovich, D.; Deng, Z. Y.; Denig, A.; Denysenko, I.; Destefanis, M.; De Mori, F.; Ding, Y.; Dong, C.; Dong, J.; Dong, L. Y.; Dong, M. Y.; Dou, Z. L.; Du, S. X.; Duan, P. F.; Fang, J.; Fang, S. S.; Fang, Y.; Farinelli, R.; Fava, L.; Fegan, S.; Feldbauer, F.; Felici, G.; Feng, C. Q.; Fioravanti, E.; Fritsch, M.; Fu, C. D.; Gao, Q.; Gao, X. L.; Gao, Y.; Gao, Y. G.; Gao, Z.; Garillon, B.; Garzia, I.; Gilman, A.; Goetzen, K.; Gong, L.; Gong, W. X.; Gradl, W.; Greco, M.; Gu, L. M.; Gu, M. H.; Gu, Y. T.; Guo, A. Q.; Guo, L. B.; Guo, R. P.; Guo, Y. P.; Guskov, A.; Haddadi, Z.; Han, S.; Hao, X. Q.; Harris, F. A.; He, K. L.; He, X. Q.; Heinsius, F. H.; Held, T.; Heng, Y. K.; Holtmann, T.; Hou, Z. L.; Hu, H. M.; Hu, J. F.; Hu, T.; Hu, Y.; Huang, G. S.; Huang, J. S.; Huang, X. T.; Huang, X. Z.; Huang, Z. L.; Hussain, T.; Ikegami Andersson, W.; Irshad, M.; Ji, Q.; Ji, Q. P.; Ji, X. B.; Ji, X. L.; Jiang, X. S.; Jiang, X. Y.; Jiao, J. B.; Jiao, Z.; Jin, D. P.; Jin, S.; Jin, Y.; Johansson, T.; Julin, A.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Kang, X. S.; Kavatsyuk, M.; Ke, B. C.; Khan, T.; Khoukaz, A.; Kiese, P.; Kliemt, R.; Koch, L.; Kolcu, O. B.; Kopf, B.; Kornicer, M.; Kuemmel, M.; Kuessner, M.; Kupsc, A.; Kurth, M.; Kühn, W.; Lange, J. S.; Lara, M.; Larin, P.; Lavezzi, L.; Leiber, S.; Leithoff, H.; Li, C.; Li, Cheng; Li, D. M.; Li, F.; Li, F. Y.; Li, G.; Li, H. B.; Li, H. J.; Li, J. C.; Li, J. W.; Li, K. J.; Li, Kang; Li, Ke; Li, Lei; Li, P. L.; Li, P. R.; Li, Q. Y.; Li, T.; Li, W. D.; Li, W. G.; Li, X. L.; Li, X. N.; Li, X. Q.; Li, Z. B.; Liang, H.; Liang, Y. F.; Liang, Y. T.; Liao, G. R.; Liao, L. Z.; Libby, J.; Lin, C. X.; Lin, D. X.; Liu, B.; Liu, B. J.; Liu, C. X.; Liu, D.; Liu, D. Y.; Liu, F. H.; Liu, Fang; Liu, Feng; Liu, H. B.; Liu, H. L.; Liu, H. M.; Liu, Huanhuan; Liu, Huihui; Liu, J. B.; Liu, J. Y.; Liu, K.; Liu, K. Y.; Liu, Ke; Liu, L. D.; Liu, Q.; Liu, S. B.; Liu, X.; Liu, Y. B.; Liu, Z. A.; Liu, Zhiqing; Long, Y. F.; Lou, X. C.; Lu, H. J.; Lu, J. G.; Lu, Y.; Lu, Y. P.; Luo, C. L.; Luo, M. X.; Luo, X. L.; Lusso, S.; Lyu, X. R.; Ma, F. C.; Ma, H. L.; Ma, L. L.; Ma, M. M.; Ma, Q. M.; Ma, X. N.; Ma, X. Y.; Ma, Y. M.; Maas, F. E.; Maggiora, M.; Malik, Q. A.; Mangoni, A.; Mao, Y. J.; Mao, Z. P.; Marcello, S.; Meng, Z. X.; Messchendorp, J. G.; Mezzadri, G.; Min, J.; Min, T. J.; Mitchell, R. E.; Mo, X. H.; Mo, Y. J.; Morales Morales, C.; Morello, G.; Muchnoi, N. Yu; Muramatsu, H.; Mustafa, A.; Nakhoul, S.; Nefedov, Y.; Nerling, F.; Nikolaev, I. B.; Ning, Z.; Nisar, S.; Niu, S. L.; Niu, X. Y.; Olsen, S. L.; Ouyang, Q.; Pacetti, S.; Pan, Y.; Papenbrock, M.; Patteri, P.; Pelizaeus, M.; Pellegrino, J.; Peng, H. P.; Peng, Z. Y.; Peters, K.; Pettersson, J.; Ping, J. L.; Ping, R. G.; Pitka, A.; Poling, R.; Prasad, V.; Qi, H. R.; Qi, M.; Qi, T. Y.; Qian, S.; Qiao, C. F.; Qin, N.; Qin, X. S.; Qin, Z. H.; Qiu, J. F.; Rashid, K. H.; Redmer, C. F.; Richter, M.; Ripka, M.; Rolo, M.; Rong, G.; Rosner, Ch.; Ruan, X. D.; Sarantsev, A.; Savrié, M.; Schnier, C.; Schoenning, K.; Shan, W.; Shan, X. Y.; Shao, M.; Shen, C. P.; Shen, P. X.; Shen, X. Y.; Sheng, H. Y.; Shi, X.; Song, J. J.; Song, W. M.; Song, X. Y.; Sosio, S.; Sowa, C.; Spataro, S.; Sun, G. X.; Sun, J. F.; Sun, L.; Sun, S. S.; Sun, X. H.; Sun, Y. J.; Sun, Y. K.; Sun, Y. Z.; Sun, Z. J.; Sun, Z. T.; Tan, Y. T.; Tang, C. J.; Tang, G. Y.; Tang, X.; Tapan, I.; Tiemens, M.; Tsednee, B.; Uman, I.; Varner, G. S.; Wang, B.; Wang, B. L.; Wang, C. W.; Wang, D.; Wang, D. Y.; Wang, Dan; Wang, K.; Wang, L. L.; Wang, L. S.; Wang, M.; Wang, Meng; Wang, P.; Wang, P. L.; Wang, W. P.; Wang, X. F.; Wang, Y.; Wang, Y. F.; Wang, Y. Q.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Z. G.; Wang, Z. Y.; Wang, Zongyuan; Weber, T.; Wei, D. H.; Weidenkaff, P.; Wen, S. P.; Wiedner, U.; Wolke, M.; Wu, L. H.; Wu, L. J.; Wu, Z.; Xia, L.; Xia, X.; Xia, Y.; Xiao, D.; Xiao, Y. J.; Xiao, Z. J.; Xie, Y. G.; Xie, Y. H.; Xiong, X. A.; Xiu, Q. L.; Xu, G. F.; Xu, J. J.; Xu, L.; Xu, Q. J.; Xu, Q. N.; Xu, X. P.; Yan, F.; Yan, L.; Yan, W. B.; Yan, W. C.; Yan, Y. H.; Yang, H. J.; Yang, H. X.; Yang, L.; Yang, S. L.; Yang, Y. H.; Yang, Y. X.; Yang, Yifan; Ye, M.; Ye, M. H.; Yin, J. H.; You, Z. Y.; Yu, B. X.; Yu, C. X.; Yu, J. S.; Yuan, C. Z.; Yuan, Y.; Yuncu, A.; Zafar, A. A.; Zallo, A.; Zeng, Y.; Zeng, Z.; Zhang, B. X.; Zhang, B. Y.; Zhang, C. C.; Zhang, D. H.; Zhang, H. H.; Zhang, H. Y.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, J. L.; Zhang, J. Q.; Zhang, J. W.; Zhang, J. Y.; Zhang, J. Z.; Zhang, K.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, S. F.; Zhang, T. J.; Zhang, X. Y.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, Y. H.; Zhang, Y. T.; Zhang, Yang; Zhang, Yao; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Z. H.; Zhang, Z. P.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zhao, G.; Zhao, J. W.; Zhao, J. Y.; Zhao, J. Z.; Zhao, Lei; Zhao, Ling; Zhao, M. G.; Zhao, Q.; Zhao, S. J.; Zhao, T. C.; Zhao, Y. B.; Zhao, Z. G.; Zhemchugov, A.; Zheng, B.; Zheng, J. P.; Zheng, W. J.; Zheng, Y. H.; Zhong, B.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, Q.; Zhou, X.; Zhou, X. K.; Zhou, X. R.; Zhou, X. Y.; Zhu, A. N.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, K.; Zhu, K. J.; Zhu, S.; Zhu, S. H.; Zhu, X. L.; Zhu, Y. C.; Zhu, Y. S.; Zhu, Z. A.; Zhuang, J.; Zou, B. S.; Zou, J. H.; BESIII Collaboration
2018-05-01
To investigate the nature of the {{\\psi }}(3770) resonance and to measure the cross section for {{{e}}}+{{{e}}}-\\to {{D}}\\bar{{{D}}}, a cross-section scan data sample, distributed among 41 center-of-mass energy points from 3.73 to 3.89 GeV, was taken with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider in the year 2010. By analyzing the large angle Bhabha scattering events, we measure the integrated luminosity of the data sample at each center-of-mass energy point. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample is 76.16+/- 0.04+/- 0.61 {pb}}-1, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. Supported by National Key Basic Research Program of China (2015CB856700), National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (11235011, 11335008, 11425524, 11625523, 11635010), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Large-Scale Scientific Facility Program, the CAS Center for Excellence in Particle Physics (CCEPP), Joint Large-Scale Scientific Facility Funds of the NSFC and CAS (U1332201, U1532257, U1532258), CAS Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences (QYZDJ-SSW-SLH003, QYZDJ-SSW-SLH040), 100 Talents Program of CAS, National 1000 Talents Program of China, INPAC and Shanghai Key Laboratory for Particle Physics and Cosmology, German Research Foundation DFG under Contracts Nos. Collaborative Research Center CRC 1044, FOR 2359, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Italy, Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen (KNAW) (530-4CDP03), Ministry of Development of Turkey (DPT2006K-120470), National Science and Technology fund, The Swedish Research Council, U. S. Department of Energy (DE-FG02-05ER41374, DE-SC-0010118, DE-SC-0010504, DE-SC-0012069), University of Groningen (RuG) and the Helmholtzzentrum fuer Schwerionenforschung GmbH (GSI), Darmstadt, WCU Program of National Research Foundation of Korea (R32-2008-000-10155-0)
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Jung, Hyeson; Gulis, Galina; Gupta, Subhadra; Redding, Kevin; Gosztola, David J; Wiederrecht, Gary P; Stroscio, Michael A; Dutta, Mitra
2010-11-18
In the natural photosynthesis process, light harvesting complexes (LHCs) absorb light and pass excitation energy to photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII). In this study, we have used nanocrystalline quantum dots (NQDs) as an artificial LHC by integrating them with PSI to extend their spectral range. We have performed photoluminescence (PL) and ultrafast time-resolved absorption measurements to investigate this process. Our PL experiments showed that emission from the NQDs is quenched, and the fluorescence from PSI is enhanced. Transient absorption and bleaching results can be explained by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the NQDs to the PSI. This nonradiative energy transfer occurs in ∼6 ps. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements on the composite NQD-PSI samples demonstrate a clear photoresponse.
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A microbially derived tyrosine-sulfated peptide mimics a plant peptide hormone.
Pruitt, Rory N; Joe, Anna; Zhang, Weiguo; Feng, Wei; Stewart, Valley; Schwessinger, Benjamin; Dinneny, José R; Ronald, Pamela C
2017-07-01
The biotrophic pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) produces a sulfated peptide named RaxX, which shares similarity to peptides in the PSY (plant peptide containing sulfated tyrosine) family. We hypothesize that RaxX mimics the growth-stimulating activity of PSY peptides. Root length was measured in Arabidopsis and rice treated with synthetic RaxX peptides. We also used comparative genomic analyses and reactive oxygen species burst assays to evaluate the activity of RaxX and PSY peptides. Here we found that a synthetic sulfated RaxX derivative comprising 13 residues (RaxX13-sY), highly conserved between RaxX and PSY, induces root growth in Arabidopsis and rice in a manner similar to that triggered by PSY. We identified residues that are required for activation of immunity mediated by the rice XA21 receptor but that are not essential for root growth induced by PSY. Finally, we showed that a Xanthomonas strain lacking raxX is impaired in virulence. These findings suggest that RaxX serves as a molecular mimic of PSY peptides to facilitate Xoo infection and that XA21 has evolved the ability to recognize and respond specifically to the microbial form of the peptide. © 2017 UT-Battelle LLC. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.
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Peptide Synthetase Gene in Trichoderma virens
Wilhite, S. E.; Lumsden, R. D.; Straney, D. C.
2001-01-01
Trichoderma virens (synonym, Gliocladium virens), a deuteromycete fungus, suppresses soilborne plant diseases caused by a number of fungi and is used as a biocontrol agent. Several traits that may contribute to the antagonistic interactions of T. virens with disease-causing fungi involve the production of peptide metabolites (e.g., the antibiotic gliotoxin and siderophores used for iron acquisition). We cloned a 5,056-bp partial cDNA encoding a putative peptide synthetase (Psy1) from T. virens using conserved motifs found within the adenylate domain of peptide synthetases. Sequence similarities with conserved motifs of the adenylation domain, acyl transfer, and two condensation domains support identification of the Psy1 gene as a gene that encodes a peptide synthetase. Disruption of the native Psy1 gene through gene replacement was used to identify the function of this gene. Psy1 disruptants produced normal amounts of gliotoxin but grew poorly under low-iron conditions, suggesting that Psy1 plays a role in siderophore production. Psy1 disruptants cannot produce the major T. virens siderophore dimerum acid, a dipetide of acylated Nδ-hydroxyornithine. Biocontrol activity against damping-off diseases caused by Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani was not reduced by the Psy1 disruption, suggesting that iron competition through dimerum acid production does not contribute significantly to disease suppression activity under the conditions used. PMID:11679326
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Health and the 2008 Economic Recession: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Astell-Burt, Thomas; Feng, Xiaoqi
2013-01-01
Introduction The economic recession which began in 2008 has resulted in a substantial increase in unemployment across many countries, including the United Kingdom. Strong association between unemployment and poor health status among individuals is widely recognised. We investigated whether the prevalence of poor health at a population level increased concurrent to the rise in unemployment during the economic recession, and whether the impact on health varied by geographical and socioeconomic circumstances. Method Health, demographic and socioeconomic measures on 1.36 million survey responses aged 16–64 were extracted from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey of the United Kingdom, collected every three months, from January 2006 to December 2010. The likelihood of self-reporting poor health status and specific types of health problems (depression, mental illness, cardiovascular and respiratory) across time were estimated separately using logistic regression. Explanatory variables included economic status (International Labour Organization definition), occupational class, age, gender, country of birth, ethnicity, educational qualifications, couple status, household tenure, number of dependents, and geographical region. Results Unemployment (age-gender adjusted) rose from 4.5% in January 2008 to 7.1% by September 2009. The reporting of poor health status increased from 25.7% in July 2009 to 29.5% by December 2010. Similar increases were found for cardiovascular and respiratory health problems; not depression or mental illness. The prevalence of poor health status among the unemployed decreased from 28.8% in July 2008, to 24.9% by March 2009; but this was followed by an increase in poor health experienced across all regions and by all socioeconomic groups, including those who remained employed, regardless of their occupational class. Interpretation Although our study found no exacerbation of pre-recession health inequalities, the rise in poor health status not only for the unemployed, but also among people who remained employed, regardless of their occupational class, justifies concern voiced among many public health commentators. PMID:23437208
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.
Measurements are presented of the lifetimes of the Bmore » $^0$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$, $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ hadrons using the decay channels B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$, B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\phi$$(1020), $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\Lambda^0$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\pi^+$$. The data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$$^{-1}$$, was collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 8 TeV. The B$^0$ lifetime is measured to be 453.0 $$\\pm$$ 1.6 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$ and 457.8 $$\\pm$$ 2.7 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, which results in a combined measurement of $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0} = $$454.1 $$\\pm$$ 1.4 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.7 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The effective lifetime of the B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$ meson is measured in two decay modes, with contributions from different amounts of the heavy and light eigenstates. This results in two different measured lifetimes: $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-} =$$ 502.7 $$\\pm$$ 10.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 3.4 (syst) $$\\mu$$m and $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi\\phi(1020)} = $$443.9 $$\\pm$$ 2.0 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.5 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$ lifetime is found to be 442.9 $$\\pm$$ 8.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The precision from each of these channels is as good as or better than previous measurements. The B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ lifetime, measured with respect to the B$^+$ to reduce the systematic uncertainty, is 162.3 $$\\pm$$ 7.8 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 4.2 (syst) $$\\pm$$ 0.1 $$(\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^+})$$ $$\\mu$$m. All results are in agreement with current world-average values.« less
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Measurement of b hadron lifetimes in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} =$$ 8 TeV
Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.
2018-06-07
Measurements are presented of the lifetimes of the Bmore » $^0$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$, $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ hadrons using the decay channels B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$, B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\phi$$(1020), $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\Lambda^0$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\pi^+$$. The data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$$^{-1}$$, was collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 8 TeV. The B$^0$ lifetime is measured to be 453.0 $$\\pm$$ 1.6 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$ and 457.8 $$\\pm$$ 2.7 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, which results in a combined measurement of $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0} = $$454.1 $$\\pm$$ 1.4 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.7 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The effective lifetime of the B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$ meson is measured in two decay modes, with contributions from different amounts of the heavy and light eigenstates. This results in two different measured lifetimes: $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-} =$$ 502.7 $$\\pm$$ 10.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 3.4 (syst) $$\\mu$$m and $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi\\phi(1020)} = $$443.9 $$\\pm$$ 2.0 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.5 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$ lifetime is found to be 442.9 $$\\pm$$ 8.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The precision from each of these channels is as good as or better than previous measurements. The B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ lifetime, measured with respect to the B$^+$ to reduce the systematic uncertainty, is 162.3 $$\\pm$$ 7.8 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 4.2 (syst) $$\\pm$$ 0.1 $$(\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^+})$$ $$\\mu$$m. All results are in agreement with current world-average values.« less
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Measurement of b hadron lifetimes in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} = 8$$ $$\\,\\text {Te}\\text {V}$$
Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; ...
2018-06-07
Here, measurements are presented of the lifetimes of the Bmore » $^0$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$, $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ hadrons using the decay channels B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$, B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\phi$$(1020), $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\Lambda^0$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\pi^+$$. The data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$$^{-1}$$, was collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 8 TeV. The B$^0$ lifetime is measured to be 453.0 $$\\pm$$ 1.6 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$ and 457.8 $$\\pm$$ 2.7 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, which results in a combined measurement of $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0} = $$454.1 $$\\pm$$ 1.4 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.7 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The effective lifetime of the B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$ meson is measured in two decay modes, with contributions from different amounts of the heavy and light eigenstates. This results in two different measured lifetimes: $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-} =$$ 502.7 $$\\pm$$ 10.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 3.4 (syst) $$\\mu$$m and $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi\\phi(1020)} = $$443.9 $$\\pm$$ 2.0 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.5 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$ lifetime is found to be 442.9 $$\\pm$$ 8.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The precision from each of these channels is as good as or better than previous measurements. The B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ lifetime, measured with respect to the B$^+$ to reduce the systematic uncertainty, is 162.3 $$\\pm$$ 7.8 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 4.2 (syst) $$\\pm$$ 0.1 $$(\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^+})$$ $$\\mu$$m. All results are in agreement with current world-average values.« less
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Measurement of b hadron lifetimes in pp collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} = 8$$ $$\\,\\text {Te}\\text {V}$$
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sirunyan, A. M.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.
Here, measurements are presented of the lifetimes of the Bmore » $^0$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$, $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ hadrons using the decay channels B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$, B$$^0\\to$$J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-$$, B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\phi$$(1020), $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\Lambda^0$$, and B$$_\\mathrm{c}\\to$$J/$$\\psi\\pi^+$$. The data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb$$^{-1}$$, was collected by the CMS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at $$\\sqrt{s}=$$ 8 TeV. The B$^0$ lifetime is measured to be 453.0 $$\\pm$$ 1.6 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K*(892)$^0$ and 457.8 $$\\pm$$ 2.7 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m in J/$$\\psi$$K$$^0_\\mathrm{S}$$, which results in a combined measurement of $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0} = $$454.1 $$\\pm$$ 1.4 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.7 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The effective lifetime of the B$$^0_\\mathrm{s}$$ meson is measured in two decay modes, with contributions from different amounts of the heavy and light eigenstates. This results in two different measured lifetimes: $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi \\pi^+\\pi^-} =$$ 502.7 $$\\pm$$ 10.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 3.4 (syst) $$\\mu$$m and $$c\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^0_\\mathrm{s} \\to \\mathrm{J}/\\psi\\phi(1020)} = $$443.9 $$\\pm$$ 2.0 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 1.5 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The $$\\Lambda^0_\\mathrm{b}$$ lifetime is found to be 442.9 $$\\pm$$ 8.2 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 2.8 (syst) $$\\mu$$m. The precision from each of these channels is as good as or better than previous measurements. The B$$_\\mathrm{c}^+$$ lifetime, measured with respect to the B$^+$ to reduce the systematic uncertainty, is 162.3 $$\\pm$$ 7.8 (stat) $$\\pm$$ 4.2 (syst) $$\\pm$$ 0.1 $$(\\tau_{\\mathrm{B}^+})$$ $$\\mu$$m. All results are in agreement with current world-average values.« less
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Khan, M. Naziruddin; Aldalbahi, Ali; Almohammedi, Abdullah
2018-03-01
Colloidal porous silicon (PSi) in different solvents was synthesized by simple chemical etching. Colloidal solutions were then prepared using different quantities of silicon wafer pieces (Pcs) and chloroplatinic (Pt) acid in catalyst solution. The effect on the properties of the colloidal solutions and composite rods were investigated using various optical characterization techniques. Absorption and photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the colloidal PSi solutions are observed to depend on the quantity of wafer Pcs, the Pt-solution, and the porosity formation on the wafer surface. The morphological structure of the PSi in a solvent and the solid-rod environments were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and were observed to have different structures. A mono-oriented structure of PSi exists in tetrahydrofuran, which has stereo orientation in dioxane and dimethylsulfoxide (approximately 5-8 nm as confirmed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy). Subsequently, some colloidal PSi solutions were directly embedded in three types of sol-gel-based matrices, silica, ormosils (or organically modified silica) and polymer, which easily generated solid rods. Spontaneous emission (SE) of the PSi solutions and their composite rods were examined using a high power picosecond 355 nm laser source. The emitted PL and SE signals of the colloidal PSi solutions were dependent on the Pt volume, nature of the solvent, quantity of Si wafer piece, and pumping energy. The response of SE signals from the PSi composites rods is an interesting phenomenon, and such nanocomposites may be used for future research on light amplification.
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Matveenko, A G; Belousov, M V; Bondarev, S A; Moskalenko, S E; Zhouravleva, G A
2016-01-01
Translation termination is an important step in gene expression. Its correct processing is governed by eRF1 (Sup45) and eRF3 (Sup35) proteins. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mutations in the corresponding genes, as well as Sup35 aggregation in [PSI^(+)] cells that propagate the prion form of Sup35 lead to inaccurate stop codon recognition and, consequently, nonsense suppression. The presence of stronger prion variants results in the more efficient suppression of nonsense mutations. Previously, we proposed a synthetic lethality test that enables the identification of genes that may influence either translation termination factors or [PSI^(+)] manifestation. This is based on the fact that the combination of sup45 mutations with the strong [PSI^(+)] prion variant in diploids is lethal. In this work, a set of genes that were previously shown to enhance nonsense suppression was analyzed. It was found that ABF1, FKH2, and REB1 overexpression decreased the growth of strains in a prion-dependent manner and, thus, might influence [PSI^(+)] prion toxicity. It was also shown that the synthetic lethality of [PSI^(+)] and sup45 mutations increased with the overexpression of GLN3 and MOT3 that encode Q/N-rich transcription factors. An analysis of the effects of their expression on the transcription of the release factors genes revealed an increase in SUP35 transcription in both cases. Since SUP35 overexpression is known to be toxic in [PSI^(+)] strains, these genes apparently enhance [PSI^(+)] toxicity via the regulation of SUP35 transcription.
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NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Khan, M. Naziruddin; Aldalbahi, Ali; Almohammedi, Abdullah
2018-07-01
Colloidal porous silicon (PSi) in different solvents was synthesized by simple chemical etching. Colloidal solutions were then prepared using different quantities of silicon wafer pieces (Pcs) and chloroplatinic (Pt) acid in catalyst solution. The effect on the properties of the colloidal solutions and composite rods were investigated using various optical characterization techniques. Absorption and photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the colloidal PSi solutions are observed to depend on the quantity of wafer Pcs, the Pt-solution, and the porosity formation on the wafer surface. The morphological structure of the PSi in a solvent and the solid-rod environments were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and were observed to have different structures. A mono-oriented structure of PSi exists in tetrahydrofuran, which has stereo orientation in dioxane and dimethylsulfoxide (approximately 5-8 nm as confirmed using high resolution transmission electron microscopy). Subsequently, some colloidal PSi solutions were directly embedded in three types of sol-gel-based matrices, silica, ormosils (or organically modified silica) and polymer, which easily generated solid rods. Spontaneous emission (SE) of the PSi solutions and their composite rods were examined using a high power picosecond 355 nm laser source. The emitted PL and SE signals of the colloidal PSi solutions were dependent on the Pt volume, nature of the solvent, quantity of Si wafer piece, and pumping energy. The response of SE signals from the PSi composites rods is an interesting phenomenon, and such nanocomposites may be used for future research on light amplification.
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Saito, Takami; Naiola, B Paul; Terashima, Ichiro
2007-12-01
This study aimed at clarifying how the water potential gradient (deltapsi) is maintained in the shoots of evergreen trees with expanding leaves, whose leaf water potentials at the turgor loss point (psi(tlp)) are generally high. The water relations were examined in current-year expanding (CEX) and 1-year-old (OLD) leaves on the same shoots in temperate (Osaka, Japan) and tropical (Bogor, Indonesia) areas. A temperate evergreen species, Quercus glauca growing in both sites, was compared with a temperate deciduous species, Q. serrata, in Osaka, and two tropical evergreen species, Q. gemelliflora and Q. subsericea, in Bogor. (1) In Osaka, the midday leaf water potential (psi(midday)) was slightly higher in OLD (-0.5 MPa) than in CEX leaves (-0.6 MPa), whereas psi(tlp) was significantly lower in OLD (-2.9 MPa) than in CEX leaves (-1.0 MPa). In Bogor, psi(midday) was also higher in OLD leaves (-1.0 MPa) despite the low psi(tlp) (-1.9 MPa), although stomatal conductance was not always low in OLD leaves. In the branch bearing CEX and OLD leaves, most of the hydraulic resistance (86 %) exists in the current-year branch, leading to differences in water supply between CEX and OLD leaves. The removal of buds just before breaking did not affect the high psi(midday) in OLD leaves after 1 month. Psi(midday) in OLD leaves thus appears to be independent of that in CEX leaves. The moderate decrease in psi(midday) in OLD leaves would contribute to maintenance of deltapsi in the shoots during leaf expansion.
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Wong, Kwok-Chuen; Sze, Kwan-Yik; Wong, Irene Oi-Ling; Wong, Chung-Ming; Kumta, Shekhar-Madhukar
2016-02-01
Inaccurate resection in pelvic tumors can result in compromised margins with increase local recurrence. Navigation-assisted and patient-specific instrument (PSI) techniques have recently been reported in assisting pelvic tumor surgery with the tendency of improving surgical accuracy. We examined and compared the accuracy of transferring a virtual pelvic resection plan to actual surgery using navigation-assisted or PSI technique in a cadaver study. We performed CT scan in twelve cadaveric bodies including whole pelvic bones. Either supraacetabular or partial acetabular resection was virtually planned in a hemipelvis using engineering software. The virtual resection plan was transferred to a CT-based navigation system or was used for design and fabrication of PSI. Pelvic resections were performed using navigation assistance in six cadavers and PSI in another six. Post-resection images were co-registered with preoperative planning for comparative analysis of resection accuracy in the two techniques. The mean average deviation error from the planned resection was no different ([Formula: see text]) for the navigation and the PSI groups: 1.9 versus 1.4 mm, respectively. The mean time required for the bone resection was greater ([Formula: see text]) for the navigation group than for the PSI group: 16.2 versus 1.1 min, respectively. In simulated periacetabular pelvic tumor resections, PSI technique enabled surgeons to reproduce the virtual surgical plan with similar accuracy but with less bone resection time when compared with navigation assistance. Further studies are required to investigate the clinical benefits of PSI technique in pelvic tumor surgery.
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Murillo-Zamora, Efrén; Medina-González, Alfredo; Zamora-Pérez, Liliana; Vázquez-Yáñez, Andrés; Guzmán-Esquivel, José; Trujillo-Hernández, Benjamín
2018-02-09
Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) is the leading cause of infection in a hospital setting and is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the pneumonia severity index (PSI) and confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age≥65 (CURB-65) systems in predicting 30-day mortality in HCAP in adult patients. A cross-sectional study took place and data from 109 non-immunocompromised individuals aged>18 years were analyzed. The clinical diagnosis of HCAP included the presence of radiographic infiltrates in patients≥48hours after hospital admission. The PSI and CURB-65 scores were calculated and performance measures were estimated. Summary statistics were used to describe the study sample. The PSI and CURB-65 scores were calculated based on 20 and 5 criteria, respectively, and the performance indicators of the screening tools were estimated. The overall 30-day mortality was 59.6%. At every given threshold, PSI sensitivity was higher, but showed a lower specificity than the CURB-65, and the highest Youden index (0.392) was observed at cut-off V in the PSI. The area under the ROC curve was 0.737 (95% CI: 0.646-0.827) and 0.698 (95% CI: 0.600-0.797) using the PSI and CURB-65 systems, respectively (P=.323). Our findings suggest that the performance of the PSI and CURB-65 is reasonable for predicting 30-day mortality in adult HCAP patients and may be used in healthcare settings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.
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Chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool for nutrient status identification in rapeseed plants.
Kalaji, Hazem M; Bąba, Wojciech; Gediga, Krzysztof; Goltsev, Vasilij; Samborska, Izabela A; Cetner, Magdalena D; Dimitrova, Stella; Piszcz, Urszula; Bielecki, Krzysztof; Karmowska, Kamila; Dankov, Kolyo; Kompała-Bąba, Agnieszka
2018-06-01
In natural conditions, plants growth and development depends on environmental conditions, including the availability of micro- and macroelements in the soil. Nutrient status should thus be examined not by establishing the effects of single nutrient deficiencies on the physiological state of the plant but by combinations of them. Differences in the nutrient content significantly affect the photochemical process of photosynthesis therefore playing a crucial role in plants growth and development. In this work, an attempt was made to find a connection between element content in (i) different soils, (ii) plant leaves, grown on these soils and (iii) changes in selected chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, in order to find a method for early detection of plant stress resulting from the combination of nutrient status in natural conditions. To achieve this goal, a mathematical procedure was used which combines principal component analysis (a tool for the reduction of data complexity), hierarchical k-means (a classification method) and a machine-learning method-super-organising maps. Differences in the mineral content of soil and plant leaves resulted in functional changes in the photosynthetic machinery that can be measured by chlorophyll a fluorescent signals. Five groups of patterns in the chlorophyll fluorescent parameters were established: the 'no deficiency', Fe-specific deficiency, slight, moderate and strong deficiency. Unfavourable development in groups with nutrient deficiency of any kind was reflected by a strong increase in F o and ΔV/Δt 0 and decline in φ Po , φ Eo δ Ro and φ Ro . The strong deficiency group showed the suboptimal development of the photosynthetic machinery, which affects both PSII and PSI. The nutrient-deficient groups also differed in antenna complex organisation. Thus, our work suggests that the chlorophyll fluorescent method combined with machine-learning methods can be highly informative and in some cases, it can replace much more expensive and time-consuming procedures such as chemometric analyses.
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Shrestha, Neha; Shahbazi, Mohammad-Ali; Araújo, Francisca; Zhang, Hongbo; Mäkilä, Ermei M; Kauppila, Jussi; Sarmento, Bruno; Salonen, Jarno J; Hirvonen, Jouni T; Santos, Hélder A
2014-08-01
Porous silicon (PSi) based particulate systems are emerging as an important drug delivery system due to its advantageous properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to tailor the particles' physicochemical properties. Here, annealed thermally hydrocarbonized PSi (AnnTHCPSi) and undecylenic acid modified AnnTHCPSi (AnnUnTHCPSi) microparticles were developed as a PSi-based platform for oral delivery of insulin. Chitosan (CS) was used to modify the AnnUnTHCPSi microparticles to enhance the intestinal permeation of insulin. Surface modification with CS led to significant increase in the interaction of PSi microparticles with Caco-2/HT-29 cell co-culture monolayers. Compared to pure insulin, the CS-conjugated microparticles significantly improved the permeation of insulin across the Caco-2/HT-29 cell monolayers, with ca. 20-fold increase in the amount of insulin permeated and ca. 7-fold increase in the apparent permeability (P(app)) value. Moreover, among all the investigated particles, the CS-conjugated microparticles also showed the highest amount of insulin associated with the mucus layer and the intestinal Caco-2 cells and mucus secreting HT-29 cells. Our results demonstrate that CS-conjugated AnnUnTHCPSi microparticles can efficiently enhance the insulin absorption across intestinal cells, and thus, they are promising microsystems for the oral delivery of proteins and peptides across the intestinal cell membrane. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Le, Rosemary K.; Harris, Bradley J.; Iwuchukwu, Ifeyinwa J.
2014-05-01
Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to investigate the structure of trimeric photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus (T. elongatus) stabilized in n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM) detergent solution. Scattering curves of detergent and protein–detergent complexes were measured at 18% D2O, the contrast match point for the detergent, and 100% D2O, allowing observation of the structures of protein/detergent complexes. It was determined that the maximum dimension of the PSI–DDM complex was consistent with the presence of a monolayer belt of detergent around the periphery of PSI. A dummy-atom reconstruction of the shape of the complex from the SANSmore » data indicates that the detergent envelope has an irregular shape around the hydrophobic periphery of the PSI trimer rather than a uniform, toroidal belt around the complex. A 50 ns MD simulation model (a DDM ring surrounding the PSI complex with extra interstitial DDM) of the PSI–DDM complex was developed for comparison with the SANS data. The results suggest that DDM undergoes additional structuring around the membrane-spanning surface of the complex instead of a simple, relatively uniform belt, as is generally assumed for studies that use detergents to solubilize membrane proteins.« less
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Bardakcioglu, Ovunc; Khan, Ashraf; Aldridge, Christopher; Chen, Jiajing
2013-08-01
The study was designed to determine the growth pattern and current rate of laparoscopic partial colectomy in the United States and analyze various factors that influence the adaptation rate over time. Laparoscopic colectomy has been shown to have significant short- and long-term benefits compared with the open approach. Despite the evidence from multiple, prospective, randomized trials, the adoption rate in the Unites States is reported to be low. The Nationwide Inpatient Database was used to estimate the rate of laparoscopic partial colectomy in the United States for the years 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2009 and examine the growth pattern. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of the following patient and hospital variables: age, sex, race, payer status, hospital region, and hospital location and teaching status. Significant factors were analyzed for changes over time. Overall, 226,585 partial colectomies were identified. The rate of laparoscopic colectomy was 2.2% (878/38,264) for 1996, 2.7% (1175/42,166) for 2000, 5% (2336/44,817) for 2004, 15% (7548/42,903) for 2008, and 31.4% (14,610/31,888) for 2009. A noticeable change of the growth rate of laparoscopic partial colectomies was noted after 2004, with a significant increase and a possible tipping point after 2008.Urban hospital location [odds ratio (OR = 1.71)], teaching hospital status (OR = 1.21), and private insurance status (OR = 1.46) are significant hospital characteristics predicting the use of laparoscopy overall, but teaching hospital status is not significant after 2008 (OR = 1.51 in 1996 to OR = 1.09 in 2008). Age above 80 years significantly decreases the utilization of laparoscopy (OR = 0.78 for age 80-89 years and 0.69 for >90 years). African American race (OR = 0.84), Medicaid insurance status (OR = 0.52), and self-pay (0.6) are significant socioeconomic characteristics negatively influencing the use of the minimal invasive technique. A marked increase in the rate of laparoscopic colectomy is seen in recent years. The minimal invasive technique seems to be increasingly used in nonteaching hospitals. Significant socioeconomic differences in access to minimal invasive techniques persist.
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6. COMPRESSOR CONTROL PANELS: AT LEFT, 6,000 P.S.I. PANEL, CIRCA ...
6. COMPRESSOR CONTROL PANELS: AT LEFT, 6,000 P.S.I. PANEL, CIRCA 1957; AT RIGHT, FACING CAMERA, 10,000 P.S.I. PANEL. - Edwards Air Force Base, Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Helium Compression Plant, Test Area 1-115, intersection of Altair & Saturn Boulevards, Boron, Kern County, CA
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Quantum mechanics problems in observer's mathematics
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Khots, Boris; Khots, Dmitriy; iMath Consulting LLC, Omaha, Nebraska
2012-11-06
This work considers the ontology, guiding equation, Schrodinger's equation, relation to the Born Rule, the conditional wave function of a subsystem in a setting of arithmetic, algebra and topology provided by Observer's Mathematics (see www.mathrelativity.com). Observer's Mathematics creates new arithmetic, algebra, geometry, topology, analysis and logic which do not contain the concept of continuum, but locally coincide with the standard fields. Certain results and communications pertaining to solutions of these problems are provided. In particular, we prove the following theorems: Theorem I (Two-slit interference). Let {Psi}{sub 1} be a wave from slit 1, {Psi}{sub 2} - from slit 2, andmore » {Psi} = {Psi}{sub 1}+{Psi}{sub 2}. Then the probability of {Psi} being a wave equals to 0.5. Theorem II (k-bodies solution). For W{sub n} from m-observer point of view with m>log{sub 10}((2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 2n}-1){sup 2k}+1), the probability of standard expression of Hamiltonian variation is less than 1 and depends on n,m,k.« less
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Which hadronic decay modes are good for {eta}{sub b} searching: Double J/{psi} or something else?
DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Jia Yu
2008-09-01
It has been controversial whether {eta}{sub b} can be discovered in Tevatron Run 2 through the decay {eta}{sub b}{yields}J/{psi}J/{psi} followed by J/{psi}{yields}{mu}{sup +}{mu}{sup -}. I clear this controversy by an explicit calculation which predicts Br[{eta}{sub b}{yields}J/{psi}J/{psi}] to be of order 10{sup -8}. It is concluded that observing {eta}{sub b} through this decay mode in Tevatron Run 2 may be rather unrealistic. The {eta}{sub b} may be observed in the forthcoming CERN LHC experiments through the 4-lepton channel, if the background events can be significantly reduced by imposing some kinematical cuts. By some rough but plausible considerations, I find that themore » analogous decay processes {eta}{sub b}{yields}VV, D*D* also have very suppressed branching ratios; nevertheless it may be worth looking for {eta}{sub b} at LHC and Super B factory through the decay modes {eta}{sub b}{yields}K{sub S}K{sup {+-}}{pi}{sup {+-}}, D*D.« less
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DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)
Sirunyan, Albert M; et al.
2018-05-06
Measurements of promptmore » $$\\psi$$(2S) meson production cross sections in proton-lead (pPb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of $$\\sqrt{s_{_\\mathrm{NN}}}=$$ 5.02 TeV are reported. The results are based on pPb and pp data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 34.6 nb$$^{-1}$$ and 28.0 pb$$^{-1}$$, respectively. The nuclear modification factor $$R_\\mathrm{pPb}$$ is measured for prompt $$\\psi$$(2S) in the transverse momentum range 4 $<$ p$$_\\mathrm{T}$$ $<$ 30 GeV$/c$ and the center-of-mass rapidity range $-$2.4 $$< y_\\mathrm{cm} <$$ 1.93. The results on $$\\psi$$(2S) $$R_\\mathrm{pPb}$$ are compared to the corresponding modification factor for prompt J$$/\\psi$$ mesons and are found to be more suppressed than the J$$/\\psi$$ states over the entire kinematic range studied.« less
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Yaakoubi, Hnia; Hamdani, Saber; Bekalé, Laurent; Carpentier, Robert
2014-01-01
The photo-stability of photosystem I (PSI) is of high importance for the photosynthetic processes. For this reason, we studied the protective action of two biogenic polyamines (PAs) spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) on PSI activity in isolated thylakoid membranes subjected to photoinhibition. Our results show that pre-loading thylakoid membranes with Spm and Spd reduced considerably the inhibition of O2 uptake rates, P700 photooxidation and the accumulation of superoxide anions (O2 −) induced by light stress. Spm seems to be more effective than Spd in preserving PSI photo-stability. The correlation of the extent of PSI protection, photosystem II (PSII) inhibition and O2 − generation with increasing Spm doses revealed that PSI photo-protection is assumed by two mechanisms depending on the PAs concentration. Given their antioxidant character, PAs scavenge directly the O2 − generated in thylakoid membranes at physiological concentration (1 mM). However, for non-physiological concentration, the ability of PAs to protect PSI is due to their inhibitory effect on PSII electron transfer. PMID:25420109