Simulated binding of transcription factors to active and inactive regions folds human chromosomes into loops, rosettes and topological domains

PubMed Central

Brackley, Chris A.; Johnson, James; Kelly, Steven; Cook, Peter R.; Marenduzzo, Davide

2016-01-01

Biophysicists are modeling conformations of interphase chromosomes, often basing the strengths of interactions between segments distant on the genetic map on contact frequencies determined experimentally. Here, instead, we develop a fitting-free, minimal model: bivalent or multivalent red and green ‘transcription factors’ bind to cognate sites in strings of beads (‘chromatin’) to form molecular bridges stabilizing loops. In the absence of additional explicit forces, molecular dynamic simulations reveal that bound factors spontaneously cluster—red with red, green with green, but rarely red with green—to give structures reminiscent of transcription factories. Binding of just two transcription factors (or proteins) to active and inactive regions of human chromosomes yields rosettes, topological domains and contact maps much like those seen experimentally. This emergent ‘bridging-induced attraction’ proves to be a robust, simple and generic force able to organize interphase chromosomes at all scales. PMID:27060145

Photocontrol of germination in Amaranthus caudatus.

PubMed

Kendrick, R E; Frankland, B

1969-12-01

Germination of Amaranthus caudatus is inhibited by light, far-red being the most effective part of the spectrum. At temperatures of 25° and below there is a low final germination percentage under continuous far-red whereas above 25° there is only a delaying effect. In the presence of a saturating concentration of gibberellic acid (GA3) at 25° seeds germinate under continuous far-red although they are delayed. At 25° seeds exposed to 48 hr far-red fail to germinate when transferred to darkness. This induced dormancy can be broken by a single short exposure to red light given at any time after the far-red illumination. This effect of short red can be reversed by a subsequent short period of far-red indicating that the seeds are phytochrome controlled. Although most seeds have escaped from the reversing effect of short far-red after an intervening dark period of 5 hours, germination is greatly reduced by continuous far-red at this time. Results of exposing seeds to varying periods of far-red before and after dark imbibition are interpreted in terms of a continual production of phytochrome in its active P fr form and a requirement for P fr action over a long period of time. Effects of intermittent and continuous low intensity far-red on the inhibition of germination provides further evidence for a low energy photoreaction involving phytochrome. Effects on Germination Index of continuous illumination with various light sources maintaining different P fr /P total ratios have been investigated. The results suggest that the proportion of phytochrome in the P fr form is the most important factor in the regulation of germination. A scheme for the phytochrome control of germination in Amaranthus caudatus is presented and possible explanations for the dependence on P fr /P total ratio are discussed.

A Flavin Binding Cryptochrome Photoreceptor Responds to Both Blue and Red Light in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii[W

PubMed Central

Beel, Benedikt; Prager, Katja; Spexard, Meike; Sasso, Severin; Weiss, Daniel; Müller, Nico; Heinnickel, Mark; Dewez, David; Ikoma, Danielle; Grossman, Arthur R.; Kottke, Tilman; Mittag, Maria

2012-01-01

Cryptochromes are flavoproteins that act as sensory blue light receptors in insects, plants, fungi, and bacteria. We have investigated a cryptochrome from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with sequence homology to animal cryptochromes and (6-4) photolyases. In response to blue and red light exposure, this animal-like cryptochrome (aCRY) alters the light-dependent expression of various genes encoding proteins involved in chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, light-harvesting complexes, nitrogen metabolism, cell cycle control, and the circadian clock. Additionally, exposure to yellow but not far-red light leads to comparable increases in the expression of specific genes; this expression is significantly reduced in an acry insertional mutant. These in vivo effects are congruent with in vitro data showing that blue, yellow, and red light, but not far-red light, are absorbed by the neutral radical state of flavin in aCRY. The aCRY neutral radical is formed following blue light absorption of the oxidized flavin. Red illumination leads to conversion to the fully reduced state. Our data suggest that aCRY is a functionally important blue and red light–activated flavoprotein. The broad spectral response implies that the neutral radical state functions as a dark form in aCRY and expands the paradigm of flavoproteins and cryptochromes as blue light sensors to include other light qualities. PMID:22773746

Mechanisms of red blood cells agglutination in antibody-treated paper.

PubMed

Jarujamrus, Purim; Tian, Junfei; Li, Xu; Siripinyanond, Atitaya; Shiowatana, Juwadee; Shen, Wei

2012-05-07

Recent reports on using bio-active paper and bio-active thread to determine human blood type have shown a tremendous potential of using these low-cost materials to build bio-sensors for blood diagnosis. In this work we focus on understanding the mechanisms of red blood cell agglutination in the antibody-loaded paper. We semi-quantitatively evaluate the percentage of antibody molecules that are adsorbed on cellulose fibres and can potentially immobilize red blood cells on the fibre surface, and the percentage of the molecules that can desorb from the cellulose fibre surface into the blood sample and cause haemagglutination reaction in the bulk of a blood sample. Our results show that 34 to 42% of antibody molecules in the papers treated with commercial blood grouping antibodies can desorb from the fibre surface. When specific antibody molecules are released into the blood sample via desorption, haemagglutination reaction occurs in the blood sample. The reaction bridges the red cells in the blood sample bulk to the layer of red cells immobilized on the fibre surface by the adsorbed antibody molecules. The desorbed antibody also causes agglutinated lumps of red blood cells to form. These lumps cannot pass through the pores of the filter paper. The immobilization and filtration of agglutinated red cells give reproducible identification of positive haemagglutination reaction. Results from this study provide information for designing new bio-active paper-based devices for human blood typing with improved sensitivity and specificity.

Red Geyser: A New Class of Galaxy with Large-scale AGN-driven Winds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Namrata; Bundy, Kevin; Cheung, Edmond; MaNGA Team

2018-01-01

A new class of quiescent (non-star-forming) galaxies harboring possible AGN-driven winds have been discovered using the spatially resolved optical spectroscopy from the ongoing SDSS-IV MaNGA (Sloan Digital Sky Survey-IV Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory) survey. These galaxies named "red geysers" constitute 5%-10% of the local quiescent galaxy population and are characterized by narrow bisymmetric ionized gas emission patterns. These enhanced patterns are seen in equivalent width maps of Hα, [OIII] and other strong emission lines. They are co-aligned with the ionized gas velocity gradients but significantly misaligned with stellar velocity gradients. They also show very high gas velocity dispersions (~200 km/s). Considering these observations in light of models of the gravitational potential, Cheung et al. argued that red geysers host large-scale AGN-driven winds of ionized gas that may play a role in suppressing star formation at late times. In this work, we test the hypothesis that AGN activity is ultimately responsible for the red geyser phenomenon. We compare the nuclear radio activity of the red geysers to a matched control sample of galaxies of similar stellar mass, redshift, rest frame NUV–r color and axis ratio. and additionally, control for the presence of ionized gas. We have used 1.4 GHz radio continuum data from the VLA FIRST Survey to stack the radio flux from the red geyser sample and control sample. We find that the red geysers have a higher average radio flux than the control galaxies at > 3σ significance. Our sample is restricted to rest-frame NUV–r color > 5, thus ruling out possible radio emission due to star formation activity. We conclude that red geysers are associated with more active AGN, supporting a feedback picture in which episodic AGN activity drives large-scale but relatively weak ionized winds in many in many early-type galaxies.

The role of RNase H2 in processing ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication.

PubMed

Williams, Jessica S; Gehle, Daniel B; Kunkel, Thomas A

2017-05-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNase H2 resolves RNA-DNA hybrids formed during transcription and it incises DNA at single ribonucleotides incorporated during nuclear DNA replication. To distinguish between the roles of these two activities in maintenance of genome stability, here we investigate the phenotypes of a mutant of yeast RNase H2 (rnh201-RED; ribonucleotide excision defective) that retains activity on RNA-DNA hybrids but is unable to cleave single ribonucleotides that are stably incorporated into the genome. The rnh201-RED mutant was expressed in wild type yeast or in a strain that also encodes a mutant allele of DNA polymerase ε (pol2-M644G) that enhances ribonucleotide incorporation during DNA replication. Similar to a strain that completely lacks RNase H2 (rnh201Δ), the pol2-M644G rnh201-RED strain exhibits replication stress and checkpoint activation. Moreover, like its null mutant counterpart, the double mutant pol2-M644G rnh201-RED strain and the single mutant rnh201-RED strain delete 2-5 base pairs in repetitive sequences at a high rate that is topoisomerase 1-dependent. The results highlight an important role for RNase H2 in maintaining genome integrity by removing single ribonucleotides incorporated during DNA replication. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Characterisation of phenolics, betanins and antioxidant activities in seeds of three Chenopodium quinoa Willd. genotypes.

PubMed

Tang, Yao; Li, Xihong; Zhang, Bing; Chen, Peter X; Liu, Ronghua; Tsao, Rong

2015-01-01

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is known for its exceptional nutritional value and potential health benefits. The present study identified the composition of different forms of extractable phenolics and betacyanins of quinoa cultivars in white, red and black, and how they contribute to antioxidant activities. Results showed that at least 23 phenolic compounds were found in either free or conjugated forms (liberated by alkaline and/or acid hydrolysis); the majority of which were phenolic acids, mainly vanillic acid, ferulic acid and their derivatives as well as main flavonoids quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides. Betacyanins, mainly betanin and isobetanin, were confirmed for the first time to be the pigments of the red and black quinoa seeds, instead of anthocyanins. Darker quinoa seeds had higher phenolic concentration and antioxidant activity. Findings of these phenolics, along with betacyanins in this study add new knowledge to the functional components of quinoa seeds of different cultivar background. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The impact of wine components on fractionation of Cu and Fe in model wine systems: Macromolecules, phenolic and sulfur compounds.

PubMed

Kontoudakis, Nikolaos; Smith, Mark; Guo, Anque; Smith, Paul A; Scollary, Geoffrey R; Wilkes, Eric N; Clark, Andrew C

2017-08-01

A variety of techniques have been developed with the ability to measure different forms of metals in wine with the ultimate aim of providing a more accurate indicator of metal induced spoilage of wine. This study was conducted in order to identify which wine components influence the measurement of Cu and Fe in their fractionated and/or electrochemically active forms. The measurement techniques involved detection of labile Cu by stripping potentiometry and fractionation of Cu and Fe by sequential solid phase extraction, with detection by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The wine components assessed included those extracted from wine (red wine tannin, white wine protein, white wine polysaccharide, red wine polyphenol, white wine polyphenol), and commercially available monomeric compounds, including phenolic compounds and sulfur-containing compounds. For Cu, only hydrogen sulfide, which is known to induce the formation of Cu(I) sulfide, showed any appreciable influence on the fractionation and electrochemical detection of Cu. This form of Cu was also identified as the major component of red and white wines. For Fe, the fractionation was different for red versus white wine, and influenced significantly by extracted red wine polyphenol, (-)-epicatechin, gallic acid and tartaric acid. The wine components showed more influence on Fe at pH4.00 compared to pH3.25. These results enable a targeted use of these techniques in the assessment of metal-induced spoilage of wine. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Experiment on ``discovery'' STS 51-C: Aggregation of red cells and thrombocytes in heart disease, hyperlipidaemia and other conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dintenfass, L.

The aim of this experiment was to study aggregation of red cells in the blood of patients with ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and (silent) cancer, and in two normal donors. Reconstituted blood using IgG was also used. The instrument, the automated slit-capillary photo-viscometer (100 kg weight) was set on the middeck of the Space Shuttle. An analogous instrument was at the Kennedy Space Center. Blood was obtained from donors, anticoagulated, and adjusted to haematocrit of 30% using native plasma. Experiments took place at 25°C, during which blood was forced to flow in the slit formed by two parallel glass plates. Macro and microphotography was carried out at specific intervals controlled by a computer. During stasis, lasting 6 minutes, aggregates (or clumps) of the red cells were formed. Results indicated that red cell aggregates do form under zero-G; that such aggregates are smaller than the ones obtained at one-G; that morphology is different, the zero-G showing rouleaux while one-G showing usual sludge-like clumps of red cells in all severe disorders. Platelets appeared to remain monodisperse under zero-G. Assuming that these data can be confirmed, one could suggest that zero-G affects cell-cell interaction, and may consequently influence the internal microstructure of the cell membrane and of the receptors, as well as their activity. Gravitational studies may thus open a new door on immunology and haematology in general.

Doping Y 2O 3 with Mn 4+ for energy-efficient lighting

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

Ming, Wenmei; Shi, Hongliang; Du, Mao-Hua

Developing energy-efficient LEDs that emit warm white light requires new red phosphors with appropriate emission wavelengths and band widths. Mn 4+-activated Y 2O 3 is a potential red LED phosphor with narrow emission and improved emission wavelength compared to previously known Mn 4+-activated oxide phosphors. Here in this work, the dopability and the oxidation state of Mn in Y 2O 3 are investigated based on the formation energies of native defects, Mn dopants, and divalent co-dopants (i.e., Ca, Sr, Cd, and Zn) calculated using hybrid density functional theory. We found that Mn 4+ is difficult to form in Y 2Omore » 3 without co-doping. Stabilizing Mn 4+ on Y 3+ sites (forming Mn + Y donors) requires the co-doping of compensating acceptors (Ca or Sr) in oxygen-rich growth environments.« less

Doping Y 2O 3 with Mn 4+ for energy-efficient lighting

DOE PAGES

Ming, Wenmei; Shi, Hongliang; Du, Mao-Hua

2018-03-28

Developing energy-efficient LEDs that emit warm white light requires new red phosphors with appropriate emission wavelengths and band widths. Mn 4+-activated Y 2O 3 is a potential red LED phosphor with narrow emission and improved emission wavelength compared to previously known Mn 4+-activated oxide phosphors. Here in this work, the dopability and the oxidation state of Mn in Y 2O 3 are investigated based on the formation energies of native defects, Mn dopants, and divalent co-dopants (i.e., Ca, Sr, Cd, and Zn) calculated using hybrid density functional theory. We found that Mn 4+ is difficult to form in Y 2Omore » 3 without co-doping. Stabilizing Mn 4+ on Y 3+ sites (forming Mn + Y donors) requires the co-doping of compensating acceptors (Ca or Sr) in oxygen-rich growth environments.« less

In vitro anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial activity of Junceella juncea for its biomedical application

PubMed Central

Kumar, P; Selvi, S Senthamil; Govindaraju, M

2012-01-01

Objective To investigate the anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial activity of Junceella juncea (J. juncea) against biofilm forming pathogenic strains. Methods Gorgonians were extracted with methanol and analysed with fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biofilm forming pathogens were identified by Congo red agar supplemented with sucrose. A quantitative spectrophotometric method was used to monitor in vitro biofilm reduction by microtitre plate assay. Anti-bacterial activity of methanolic gorgonian extract (MGE) was carried out by disc diffusion method followed by calculating the percentage of increase with crude methanol (CM). Results The presence of active functional group was exemplified by FT-IR spectroscopy. Dry, black, crystalline colonies confirm the production of extracellular polymeric substances responsible for biofilm formation in Congo red agar. MGE exhibited potential anti-biofilm activity against all tested bacterial strains. The anti-bacterial activity of methanolic extract was comparably higher in Salmonella typhii followed by Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae and Shigella flexneri. The overall percentage of increase was higher by 50.2% to CM. Conclusions To conclude, anti-biofilm and anti-bacterial efficacy of J. juncea is impressive over biofilm producing pathogens and are good source for novel anti-bacterial compounds. PMID:23593571

Room temperature spectrally resolved single-molecule spectroscopy reveals new spectral forms and photophysical versatility of aequorea green fluorescent protein variants.

PubMed

Blum, Christian; Meixner, Alfred J; Subramaniam, Vinod

2004-12-01

It is known from ensemble spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures that variants of the Aequorea green fluorescent protein (GFP) occur in interconvertible spectroscopically distinct forms which are obscured in ensemble room temperature spectroscopy. By analyzing the fluorescence of the GFP variants EYFP and EGFP by spectrally resolved single-molecule spectroscopy we were able to observe spectroscopically different forms of the proteins and to dynamically monitor transitions between these forms at room temperature. In addition to the predominant EYFP B-form we have observed the blue-shifted I-form thus far only seen at cryogenic temperatures and have followed transitions between these forms. Further we have identified for EYFP and for EGFP three more, so far unknown, forms with red-shifted fluorescence. Transitions between the predominant forms and the red-shifted forms show a dark time which indicates the existence of a nonfluorescent intermediate. The spectral position of the newly-identified red-shifted forms and their formation via a nonfluorescent intermediate hint that these states may account for the possible photoactivation observed in bulk experiments. The comparison of the single-protein spectra of the red-shifted EYFP and EGFP forms with single-molecule fluorescence spectra of DsRed suggest that these new forms possibly originate from an extended chromophoric pi-system analogous to the DsRed chromophore.

Red mud enhances methanogenesis with the simultaneous improvement of hydrolysis-acidification and electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Ye, Jie; Hu, Andong; Ren, Guoping; Zhou, Ting; Zhang, Guangming; Zhou, Shungui

2018-01-01

The role of red mud in the improvement of methanogenesis during sludge anaerobic digestion was innovatively investigated in this study. The results demonstrated that the addition of 20g/L red mud resulted in a 35.5% increase in methane accumulation. Red mud effectively promoted the hydrolysis-acidification of organic compounds in the sludge, which resulted in the increase of protein, polysaccharide, and VFAs by 5.1-94.5%. The activities of key enzymes were improved by 41.4-257.3%. Electrochemical measurements presented direct evidence that the electrical conductivity was significantly improved with red mud. More conductive magnetite was formed during the secondary mineralization after Fe(III) reduction by Fe (III)-reducing genes such as Clostridiaceae and Ruminococcaceae. The higher conductivity enhanced the electron transfer between the syntrophic bacteria (Geobacteraceae) and methanogens (Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina), and then improved the methanogenesis. This research provides a novel perspective on the synergism between sludge and red mud for methane production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymeric Nanoparticles of Brazilian Red Propolis Extract: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Activity.

PubMed

do Nascimento, Ticiano Gomes; da Silva, Priscilla Fonseca; Azevedo, Lais Farias; da Rocha, Louisianny Guerra; de Moraes Porto, Isabel Cristina Celerino; Lima E Moura, Túlio Flávio Accioly; Basílio-Júnior, Irinaldo Diniz; Grillo, Luciano Aparecido Meireles; Dornelas, Camila Braga; Fonseca, Eduardo Jorge da Silva; de Jesus Oliveira, Eduardo; Zhang, Alex Tong; Watson, David G

2016-12-01

The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases. The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of "multiple-constituent extract in co-delivery system" for antileishmanial therapies. The polymeric nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract were prepared with a combination of poly-ε-caprolactone and pluronic using nanoprecipitation method and characterized by different analytical techniques, antioxidant and leishmanicidal assay. The red propolis nanoparticles in aqueous medium presented particle size (200-280 nm) in nanometric scale and zeta analysis (-20 to -26 mV) revealed stability of the nanoparticles without aggregation phenomenon during 1 month. After freeze-drying method using cryoprotectant (sodium starch glycolate), it was possible to observe particles with smooth and spherical shape and apparent size of 200 to 400 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermal analysis revealed the encapsulation of the flavonoids from the red propolis extract into the polymeric matrix. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and biochanin A in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and nanoparticles of red propolis extract (NRPE). The efficiency of encapsulation was determinate, and median values (75.0 %) were calculated using UPLC-DAD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl method showed antioxidant activity to EEP and red propolis nanoparticles. Compared to negative control, EEP and NRPE exhibited leishmanicidal activity with an IC50 value of ≅38.0 μg/mL and 31.3 μg/mL, 47.2 μg/mL, 154.2μg/mL and 193.2 μg/mL for NRPE A1, NRPE A2, NRPE A3 and NRPE A4, respectively. Nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract in co-delivery system and EEP presented cytotoxic activity on Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Red propolis extract loaded in nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as intermediate products for preparation of various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing red propolis extract in the therapy against negligible diseases such as leishmaniasis. Graphical Abstract Some biochemical mechanisms of cellular debridement of Leishmania (V.) braziliensis species by the flavonoids of red propolis extract (EEP) or NRPE loaded with red propolis extract.

Polymeric Nanoparticles of Brazilian Red Propolis Extract: Preparation, Characterization, Antioxidant and Leishmanicidal Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

do Nascimento, Ticiano Gomes; da Silva, Priscilla Fonseca; Azevedo, Lais Farias; da Rocha, Louisianny Guerra; de Moraes Porto, Isabel Cristina Celerino; Lima e Moura, Túlio Flávio Accioly; Basílio-Júnior, Irinaldo Diniz; Grillo, Luciano Aparecido Meireles; Dornelas, Camila Braga; Fonseca, Eduardo Jorge da Silva; de Jesus Oliveira, Eduardo; Zhang, Alex Tong; Watson, David G.

2016-06-01

The ever-increasing demand for natural products and biotechnology derived from bees and ultra-modernization of various analytical devices has facilitated the rational and planned development of biotechnology products with a focus on human health to treat chronic and neglected diseases. The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Brazilian red propolis extract and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of "multiple-constituent extract in co-delivery system" for antileishmanial therapies. The polymeric nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract were prepared with a combination of poly-ɛ-caprolactone and pluronic using nanoprecipitation method and characterized by different analytical techniques, antioxidant and leishmanicidal assay. The red propolis nanoparticles in aqueous medium presented particle size (200-280 nm) in nanometric scale and zeta analysis (-20 to -26 mV) revealed stability of the nanoparticles without aggregation phenomenon during 1 month. After freeze-drying method using cryoprotectant (sodium starch glycolate), it was possible to observe particles with smooth and spherical shape and apparent size of 200 to 400 nm. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and thermal analysis revealed the encapsulation of the flavonoids from the red propolis extract into the polymeric matrix. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin and biochanin A in ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and nanoparticles of red propolis extract (NRPE). The efficiency of encapsulation was determinate, and median values (75.0 %) were calculated using UPLC-DAD. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl method showed antioxidant activity to EEP and red propolis nanoparticles. Compared to negative control, EEP and NRPE exhibited leishmanicidal activity with an IC50 value of ≅38.0 μg/mL and 31.3 μg/mL, 47.2 μg/mL, 154.2μg/mL and 193.2 μg/mL for NRPE A1, NRPE A2, NRPE A3 and NRPE A4, respectively. Nanoparticles loaded with red propolis extract in co-delivery system and EEP presented cytotoxic activity on Leishmania (V.) braziliensis. Red propolis extract loaded in nanoparticles has shown to be potential candidates as intermediate products for preparation of various pharmaceutical dosage forms containing red propolis extract in the therapy against negligible diseases such as leishmaniasis.

Lymphocyte-dependent antibody-mediated cytotoxicity in Hashimoto thyroiditis

PubMed Central

Calder, Elizabeth A.; Penhale, W. J.; McLeman, Dena; Barnes, E. W.; Irvine, W. J.

1973-01-01

In the presence of normal human lymphocytes, decomplemented sera from twentynine out of thirty-nine patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis caused significant lysis of thyroglobulin-coated chicken red blood cells, as estimated by the release of 51Cr; the mean% specific 51Cr release being 14·1 ± 1·9 (SEM). Serum from twenty-one control subjects studied concurrently caused no significant lysis of thyroglobulin-coated chicken red blood cells; the mean% specific 51Cr release being −1·6±0·7 (SEM). The degree of cytotoxicity correlated with the titre of thyroglobulin antibodies in the serum, determined by tanned red cell haemagglutination. The active component in the Hashimoto serum was localized in the 19S fraction, was unaffected by pre-absorption with anti-human IgM serum, but was neutralized by pre-absorption with anti-human IgG serum. These findings suggest that the cytotoxic activity of serum from patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis is due to the presence of thyroglobulin antibody of the IgG class in the form of complexes, either alone or with antigen. It is postulated that non-specific lymphocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis, being activated by the presence in the gland of thyroglobulin antibody, either alone or in the form of complexes attached to thyroid cells. PMID:4740445

Dwarf Galaxies Swimming in Tidal Tails

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

This false-color infrared image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows little 'dwarf galaxies' forming in the 'tails' of two larger galaxies that are colliding together. The big galaxies are at the center of the picture, while the dwarfs can be seen as red dots in the red streamers, or tidal tails. The two blue dots above the big galaxies are stars in the foreground.

Galaxy mergers are common occurrences in the universe; for example, our own Milky Way galaxy will eventually smash into the nearby Andromeda galaxy. When two galaxies meet, they tend to rip each other apart, leaving a trail, called a tidal tail, of gas and dust in their wake. It is out of this galactic debris that new dwarf galaxies are born.

The new Spitzer picture demonstrates that these particular dwarfs are actively forming stars. The red color indicates the presence of dust produced in star-forming regions, including organic molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These carbon-containing molecules are also found on Earth, in car exhaust and on burnt toast, among other places. Here, the molecules are being heated up by the young stars, and, as a result, shine in infrared light.

This image was taken by the infrared array camera on Spitzer. It is a 4-color composite of infrared light, showing emissions from wavelengths of 3.6 microns (blue), 4.5 microns (green), 5.8 microns (orange), and 8.0 microns (red). Starlight has been subtracted from the orange and red channels in order to enhance the dust features.

Red-light-induced positive phototropism in Arabidopsis roots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruppel, N. J.; Hangarter, R. P.; Kiss, J. Z.

2001-01-01

The interaction between light and gravity is critical in determining the final form of a plant. For example, the competing activities of gravitropism and phototropism can determine the final orientation of a stem or root. The results reported here indicate that, in addition to the previously described blue-light-dependent negative phototropic response in roots, roots of Arahidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. display a previously unknown red-light-dependent positive phototropic response. Both phototropic responses in roots are considerably weaker than the graviresponse, which often masks phototropic curvature. However, through the use of mutant strains with impaired gravitropism, we were able to identify a red-light-dependent positive phototropic response in Arabidopsis roots. The red-induced positive phototropic response is considerably weaker than the blue-light response and is barely detectable in plants with a normal gravitropic response.

Red-light-induced positive phototropism in Arabidopsis roots.

PubMed

Ruppel, N J; Hangarter, R P; Kiss, J Z

2001-02-01

The interaction between light and gravity is critical in determining the final form of a plant. For example, the competing activities of gravitropism and phototropism can determine the final orientation of a stem or root. The results reported here indicate that, in addition to the previously described blue-light-dependent negative phototropic response in roots, roots of Arahidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. display a previously unknown red-light-dependent positive phototropic response. Both phototropic responses in roots are considerably weaker than the graviresponse, which often masks phototropic curvature. However, through the use of mutant strains with impaired gravitropism, we were able to identify a red-light-dependent positive phototropic response in Arabidopsis roots. The red-induced positive phototropic response is considerably weaker than the blue-light response and is barely detectable in plants with a normal gravitropic response.

High pressure chemistry of red phosphorus by photoactivated simple molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceppatelli, Matteo; Bini, Roberto; Fanetti, Samuele; Caporali, Maria; Peruzzini, Maurizio

2013-06-01

High pressure (HP) is very effective in reducing intermolecular distances and inducing unexpected chemical reactions. In particular the photoactivation of the reactants in HP conditions can lead to very efficient and selective processes. The chemistry of phosphorus is currently based on the white molecular form. The red polymeric allotrope, despite more stable and much less toxic, has not attracted much attention so far. However, switching from the white to the red form would benefit any industrial procedure, especially from an environmental point of view. On the other side, water and ethanol are renewable, environmental friendly and largely available molecules, usable as reactants and photoactivators in HP conditions. Here we report a study on the HP photoinduced reactivity of red phosphorus with water and ethanol, showing the possibility of very efficient and selective processes, leading to molecular hydrogen and valuable phosphorus compounds. The reactions have been studied by means of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and pressure has been generated using DAC and SAC. HP reactivity has been activated by the two-photon absorption of near-UV wavelengths and occured in total absence of solvents, catalysts and radical initiators, at room T and mild pressure conditions (0.2-1.5 GPa).

Desferrioxamine as an electron donor. Inhibition of membranal lipid peroxidation initiated by H2O2-activated metmyoglobin and other peroxidizing systems.

PubMed

Kanner, J; Harel, S

1987-01-01

Desferrioxamine (DFO) involvement in several peroxidative systems was studied. These systems included: a) membranal lipid peroxidation initiated by H2O2-activated metmyoglobin (or methemoglobin); b) phenol-red oxidation by activated metmyoglobin or horseradish peroxidase (HRP): c) beta-carotene-linoleate couple oxidation stimulated by lipoxygenase or hemin. Desferrioxamine was found to inhibit all these systems but not ferrioxamine (FO). Phenol-red oxidation by H2O2-horseradish peroxidase was inhibited competitively with DFO. Kinetic studies using the spectra changes in the Soret region of metmyoglobin suggest a mechanism by which H2O2 reacts with the iron-heme to form an intermediate of oxy-ferryl myoglobin that subsequently reacts with DFO to return the activated compound to the resting state. These activities of DFO resemble the reaction of other electron donors.

Site-directed mutagenesis of firefly luciferase: implication of conserved residue(s) in bioluminescence emission spectra among firefly luciferases.

PubMed

Tafreshi, Narges Kh; Sadeghizadeh, Majid; Emamzadeh, Rahman; Ranjbar, Bijan; Naderi-Manesh, Hossein; Hosseinkhani, Saman

2008-05-15

The bioluminescence colours of firefly luciferases are determined by assay conditions and luciferase structure. Owing to red light having lower energy than green light and being less absorbed by biological tissues, red-emitting luciferases have been considered as useful reporters in imaging technology. A set of red-emitting mutants of Lampyris turkestanicus (Iranian firefly) luciferase has been made by site-directed mutagenesis. Among different beetle luciferases, those from Phrixothrix (railroad worm) emit either green or red bioluminescence colours naturally. By substitution of three specific amino acids using site-specific mutagenesis in a green-emitting luciferase (from L. turkestanicus), the colour of emitted light was changed to red concomitant with decreasing decay rate. Different specific mutations (H245N, S284T and H431Y) led to changes in the bioluminescence colour. Meanwhile, the luciferase reaction took place with relative retention of its basic kinetic properties such as K(m) and relative activity. Structural comparison of the native and mutant luciferases using intrinsic fluorescence, far-UV CD spectra and homology modelling revealed a significant conformational change in mutant forms. A change in the colour of emitted light indicates the critical role of these conserved residues in bioluminescence colour determination among firefly luciferases. Relatively high specific activity and emission of red light might make these mutants suitable as reporters for the study of gene expression and bioluminescence imaging.

Conformational Changes and Substrate Recognition in Pseudomonas aeruginosa d-Arginine Dehydrogenase

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

Fu, Guoxing; Yuan, Hongling; Li, Congran

2010-11-15

DADH catalyzes the flavin-dependent oxidative deamination of D-amino acids to the corresponding {alpha}-keto acids and ammonia. Here we report the first X-ray crystal structures of DADH at 1.06 {angstrom} resolution and its complexes with iminoarginine (DADH{sub red}/iminoarginine) and iminohistidine (DADH{sub red}/iminohistidine) at 1.30 {angstrom} resolution. The DADH crystal structure comprises an unliganded conformation and a product-bound conformation, which is almost identical to the DADH{sub red}/iminoarginine crystal structure. The active site of DADH was partially occupied with iminoarginine product (30% occupancy) that interacts with Tyr53 in the minor conformation of a surface loop. This flexible loop forms an 'active site lid',more » similar to those seen in other enzymes, and may play an essential role in substrate recognition. The guanidinium side chain of iminoarginine forms a hydrogen bond interaction with the hydroxyl of Thr50 and an ionic interaction with Glu87. In the structure of DADH in complex with iminohistidine, two alternate conformations were observed for iminohistidine where the imidazole groups formed hydrogen bond interactions with the side chains of His48 and Thr50 and either Glu87 or Gln336. The different interactions and very distinct binding modes observed for iminoarginine and iminohistidine are consistent with the 1000-fold difference in k{sub cat}/K{sub m} values for D-arginine and D-histidine. Comparison of the kinetic data for the activity of DADH on different D-amino acids and the crystal structures in complex with iminoarginine and iminohistidine establishes that this enzyme is characterized by relatively broad substrate specificity, being able to oxidize positively charged and large hydrophobic D-amino acids bound within a flask-like cavity.« less

Monounsaturated fatty acid ether oligomers formed during heating of virgin olive oil show agglutination activity against human red blood cells.

PubMed

Patrikios, Ioannis S; Mavromoustakos, Thomas M

2014-01-29

The present work focuses on the characterization of molecules formed when virgin olive oil is heated at 130 °C for 24 h open in air, which are found to be strong agglutinins. The hemagglutinating activity of the newly formed molecule isolated from the heated virgin olive oil sample was estimated against human red blood cells (RBCs). Dimers and polymers (high molecular weight molecules) were identified through thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the oil mixture. (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were the methods used for structural characterization. Among others, oligomerization of at least two monounsaturated fatty acids (FA) by an ether linkage between the hydrocarbon chains is involved. Light microscopy was used to characterize and visualize the agglutination process. Agglutination without fusion or lysis was observed. It was concluded that the heating of virgin olive oil open in air, among other effects, produces oligomerization as well as polymerization of unsaturated FA, possibly of monohydroxy, monounsaturated FA that is associated with strong hemagglutinating activity against human RBCs. The nutritional value and the effects on human health of such oligomers are not discussed in the literature and remain to be investigated.

The super sickling haemoglobin HbS-Oman: a study of red cell sickling, K+ permeability and associations with disease severity in patients heterozygous for HbA and HbS-Oman (HbA/S-Oman genotype).

PubMed

Al Balushi, Halima W M; Wali, Yasser; Al Awadi, Maha; Al-Subhi, Taimoora; Rees, David C; Brewin, John N; Hannemann, Anke; Gibson, John S

2017-10-01

Studying different sickle cell genotypes may throw light on the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease (SCD). Here, the clinical profile, red cell sickling and K + permeability in 29 SCD patients (15 patients with severe disease and 14 with a milder form) of HbA/S-Oman genotype were analysed. The super sickling nature of this Hb variant was confirmed. The red cell membrane permeability to K + was markedly abnormal with elevated activities of P sickle , Gardos channel and KCl cotransporter (KCC). Results were consistent with Ca 2+ entry and Mg 2+ loss via P sickle stimulating Gardos channel and KCC activities. The abnormal red cell behaviour was similar to that in the commonest genotype of SCD, HbSS, in which the level of mutated Hb is considerably higher. Although activities of all three K + transporters also correlated with the level of HbS-Oman, there was no association between transport phenotype and disease severity. The super sickling behaviour of HbS-Oman may obviate the need for solute loss and red cell dehydration to encourage Hb polymerisation, required in other SCD genotypes. Disease severity was reduced by concurrent α thalassaemia, as observed in other SCD genotypes, and represents an obvious genetic marker for prognostic tests of severity in young SCD patients of the HbA/S-Oman genotype. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

75 FR 3758 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-22

... Collection Under Review: International Terrorism Victim Expense Reimbursement Program Application. The... which approval has expired. (2) The title of the form/collection: International Terrorism Victim Expense... international terrorism that occur(red) outside of the United States. The application will be used to collect...

List identifies threatened ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2012-09-01

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced on 9 September that it will develop a new Red List of Ecosystems that will identify which ecosystems are vulnerable or endangered. The list, which is modeled on the group's Red List of Threatened Species™, could help to guide conservation activities and influence policy processes such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, according to the group. “We will assess the status of marine, terrestrial, freshwater, and subterranean ecosystems at local, regional, and global levels,” stated Jon Paul Rodriguez, leader of IUCN's Ecosystems Red List Thematic Group. “The assessment can then form the basis for concerted implementation action so that we can manage them sustainably if their risk of collapse is low or restore them if they are threatened and then monitor their recovery.”

DUST-CORRECTED COLORS REVEAL BIMODALITY IN THE HOST-GALAXY COLORS OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI AT z {approx} 1

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

Cardamone, Carolin N.; Megan Urry, C.; Brammer, Gabriel

2010-09-20

Using new, highly accurate photometric redshifts from the MUSYC medium-band survey in the Extended Chandra Deep Field-South (ECDF-S), we fit synthetic stellar population models to compare active galactic nucleus (AGN) host galaxies to inactive galaxies at 0.8 {<=} z {<=} 1.2. We find that AGN host galaxies are predominantly massive galaxies on the red sequence and in the green valley of the color-mass diagram. Because both passive and dusty galaxies can appear red in optical colors, we use rest-frame near-infrared colors to separate passively evolving stellar populations from galaxies that are reddened by dust. As with the overall galaxy population,more » {approx}25% of the 'red' AGN host galaxies and {approx}75% of the 'green' AGN host galaxies have colors consistent with young stellar populations reddened by dust. The dust-corrected rest-frame optical colors are the blue colors of star-forming galaxies, which imply that these AGN hosts are not passively aging to the red sequence. At z {approx} 1, AGN activity is roughly evenly split between two modes of black hole growth: the first in passively evolving host galaxies, which may be heating up the galaxy's gas and preventing future episodes of star formation, and the second in dust-reddened young galaxies, which may be ionizing the galaxy's interstellar medium and shutting down star formation.« less

Les galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Combes, Francoise

2016-08-01

Considerable progress has been made on galaxy formation and evolution in recent years, and new issues. The old Hubble classification according to the tuning fork of spirals, lenticulars and ellipticals, is still useful but has given place to the red sequence, the blue cloud and the green valley, showing a real bimodality of types between star forming galaxies (blue) and quenched ones (red). Large surveys have shown that stellar mass and environment density are the two main factors of the evolution from blue to red sequences. Evolution is followed directly with redshift through a look-back time of more than 12 billion years. The most distant galaxy at z=11. has already a stellar mass of a billion suns. In an apparent anti-hierarchical scenario, the most massive galaxies form stars early on, while essentially dwarf galaxies are actively star-formers now. This downsizing feature also applies to the growth of super-massive black holes at the heart of each bulgy galaxy. The feedback from active nuclei is essential to explain the distribution of mass in galaxies, and in particular to explain why the fraction of baryonic matter is so low, lower by more than a factor 5 than the baryonic fraction of the Universe. New instruments just entering in operation, like MUSE and ALMA, provide a new and rich data flow, which is developed in this series of articles.

Anemia and Red Blood Cell Indices Predict HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment in the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Era

PubMed Central

Kallianpur, Asha R.; Wang, Quan; Jia, Peilin; Hulgan, Todd; Zhao, Zhongming; Letendre, Scott L.; Ellis, Ronald J.; Heaton, Robert K.; Franklin, Donald R.; Barnholtz-Sloan, Jill; Collier, Ann C.; Marra, Christina M.; Clifford, David B.; Gelman, Benjamin B.; McArthur, Justin C.; Morgello, Susan; Simpson, David M.; McCutchan, J. A.; Grant, Igor

2016-01-01

Background. Anemia has been linked to adverse human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes, including dementia, in the era before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Milder forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) remain common in HIV-infected persons, despite HAART, but whether anemia predicts HAND in the HAART era is unknown. Methods. We evaluated time-dependent associations of anemia and cross-sectional associations of red blood cell indices with neurocognitive impairment in a multicenter, HAART-era HIV cohort study (N = 1261), adjusting for potential confounders, including age, nadir CD4+ T-cell count, zidovudine use, and comorbid conditions. Subjects underwent comprehensive neuropsychiatric and neuromedical assessments. Results. HAND, defined according to standardized criteria, occurred in 595 subjects (47%) at entry. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were positively associated with the global deficit score, a continuous measure of neurocognitive impairment (both P < .01), as well as with all HAND, milder forms of HAND, and HIV-associated dementia in multivariable analyses (all P < .05). Anemia independently predicted development of HAND during a median follow-up of 72 months (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.55; P < .01). Conclusions. Anemia and red blood cell indices predict HAND in the HAART era and may contribute to risk assessment. Future studies should address whether treating anemia may help to prevent HAND or improve cognitive function in HIV-infected persons. PMID:26690344

Selenium-Enriched Foods Are More Effective at Increasing Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) Activity Compared with Selenomethionine: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Bermingham, Emma N.; Hesketh, John E.; Sinclair, Bruce R.; Koolaard, John P.; Roy, Nicole C.

2014-01-01

Selenium may play a beneficial role in multi-factorial illnesses with genetic and environmental linkages via epigenetic regulation in part via glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. A meta-analysis was undertaken to quantify the effects of dietary selenium supplementation on the activity of overall GPx activity in different tissues and animal species and to compare the effectiveness of different forms of dietary selenium. GPx activity response was affected by both the dose and form of selenium (p < 0.001). There were differences between tissues on the effects of selenium supplementation on GPx activity (p < 0.001); however, there was no evidence in the data of differences between animal species (p = 0.95). The interactions between dose and tissue, animal species and form were significant (p < 0.001). Tissues particularly sensitive to changes in selenium supply include red blood cells, kidney and muscle. The meta-analysis identified that for animal species selenium-enriched foods were more effective than selenomethionine at increasing GPx activity. PMID:25268836

Red Blood Cell Hematocrit Influences Platelet Adhesion Rate in a Microchannel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spann, Andrew; Campbell, James; Fitzgibbon, Sean; Rodriguez, Armando; Shaqfeh, Eric

2014-11-01

The creation of a blood clot to stop bleeding involves platelets forming a plug at the site of injury. Red blood cells indirectly play a role in ensuring that the distribution of platelets across the height of the channel is not uniform - the contrast in deformability and size between platelets and red blood cells allows the platelets to preferentially marginate close to the walls. We perform 3D boundary integral simulations of a suspension of platelets and red blood cells in a periodic channel with a model that allows for platelet binding at the walls. The relative rate of platelet activity with varying hematocrit (volume fraction of red blood cells) is compared to experiments in which red blood cells and platelets flow through a channel coated with von Willebrand factor. In the simulations as well as the experiments, a decrease in hematocrit of red blood cells is found to reduce the rate at which platelets adhere to the channel wall in a manner that is both qualitatively and quantitatively similar. We conclude with a discussion of the tumbling and wobbling motions of platelets in 3D leading up to the time at which the platelets bind to the wall. Funded by Stanford Army High Performance Computing Research Center, experiments by US Army Institute of Surgical Research.

Seasonality of Red Sea Mixed-Layer Depth and Density Budget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kartadikaria, A. R.; Cerovecki, I.; Krokos, G.; Hoteit, I.

2016-02-01

The Red Sea is an active area of water mass formation. Dense water initially formed in the northern Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, spreads southward and finally flows to the open ocean through the Gulf of Aden via the narrow strait of Bab Al Mandeb. The signature of this outflow can be traced until the southern Indian Ocean, and is characterized by potential density of σθ ≈ 27.4. This water mass is important because it represents a significant source of heat and salt for the Indian Ocean. Using a high-resolution 1km regional MITgcm ocean model for the period 1992-2001 configured for the Red Sea, we examine the spatio-temporal characteristics of water mass formation inside the basin by analyzing closed and complete temperature and salinity budgets. The deepest mixed-layers (MLD) always develop in the northern part of the basin where surface ocean buoyancy loss leads to the Red Sea Intermediate and Deep Water formation. As this water is advected south, it is strongly modified by diapycnal mixing of heat and salt.

Relationship of soil properties and sugarcane yields to red stripe in Louisiana

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Red stripe of sugarcane caused by Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae consists of two forms: leaf stripe and top rot. Symptoms of red stripe in Louisiana observed by the authors between 1985 and 2010 were limited to the leaf stripe form which caused no apparent yield loss. During 2010, the more severe t...

Enzymatic biotransformation of polyphenolics increases antioxidant activity of red and white grape pomace

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Grape pomace (GP) is a polyphenolic-rich byproduct of wine production. As most polyphenolics are either bound to cellular matrices or present as free polymeric forms, treatment with hydrolytic enzymes may act to increase GP functionalities. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of tannase ...

Isolation and characterization of diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) hydrolase from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

PubMed

Robinson, A K; de la Peña, C E; Barnes, L D

1993-02-13

An enzyme that catalyzes the asymmetric hydrolysis of Ap4A has been partially purified from the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The crude supernatant fraction from log-phase cells was fractionated by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation followed by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Red A dye-ligand and QAE-Sepharose resins. Two peaks of Ap4A hydrolase activity, designated major and minor, were separated on the Red A dye-ligand resin. Both the major and minor Ap4A hydrolase have an apparent molecular mass of 49 kDa based on gel filtration chromatography. On a SDS polyacrylamide gel, a protein of 22 kDa exhibited Ap4A hydrolase activity. Both forms of the enzyme have a Km value in the range of 22 to 36 microM for Ap4A. Both forms of the enzyme asymmetrically hydrolyze Ap4A to AMP and ATP as determined by HPLC. Ap4A is the optimal substrate among several nucleotides and dinucleoside polyphosphates tested at 10 microM. A divalent metal cation is required for activity. Concentrations of Pi below 30 mM stimulate Ap4A hydrolase while higher concentrations inhibit the activity. Pi is not a substrate for this Ap4A-degradative enzyme. Fluoride, from 50 microM to 20 mM, has no significant effect on Ap4A hydrolase activity.

A synthetic GFP-like chromophore undergoes base-catalyzed autoxidation into acylimine red form.

PubMed

Ivashkin, Pavel E; Lukyanov, Konstantin A; Lukyanov, Sergey; Yampolsky, Ilia V

2011-04-15

Fluorescent proteins are widely used in modern experimental biology, but much controversy exists regarding details of maturation of different types of their chromophores. Here we studied possible mechanisms of DsRed-type red chromophore formation using synthetic biomimetic GFP-like chromophores, bearing an acylamino substituent, corresponding to an amino acid residue at position 65. We have shown these model compounds to readily react with molecular oxygen to produce a highly unstable DsRed-like acylimine, isolated in the form of stable derivatives. Under the same aerobic conditions an unusual red-shifted imide chromophore--a product of 4-electron oxidation of Gly65 residue--is formed. Our data showed that GFP chromophore is prone to autoxidation at position 65 Cα by its chemical nature with basic conditions being the only key factor required.

The morphological classification of normal and abnormal red blood cell using Self Organizing Map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahmat, R. F.; Wulandari, F. S.; Faza, S.; Muchtar, M. A.; Siregar, I.

2018-02-01

Blood is an essential component of living creatures in the vascular space. For possible disease identification, it can be tested through a blood test, one of which can be seen from the form of red blood cells. The normal and abnormal morphology of the red blood cells of a patient is very helpful to doctors in detecting a disease. With the advancement of digital image processing technology can be used to identify normal and abnormal blood cells of a patient. This research used self-organizing map method to classify the normal and abnormal form of red blood cells in the digital image. The use of self-organizing map neural network method can be implemented to classify the normal and abnormal form of red blood cells in the input image with 93,78% accuracy testing.

Autoantibodies against the inner aspect of erythrocyte membranes in NZB mice.

PubMed Central

Linder, E

1977-01-01

Erythrocyte autoantibodies in NZB mice react by hemagglutination methods with exposed and hidden red cell antigens. The hidden antigens can be exposed by treatment with proteolytic enzymes. By indirect immunofluorescence one antibody population can be shown to react with modified red cells. In the present study the location of the corresponding autoantigen within the membrane was studied. Mechanical or hypotonic lysis of the red cells exposed the antigen. Proteolytic digestion known to expose other erythrocyte autoantigens had no effect. The autoantigen was exposed on 'inside out' erythrocyte membrane vesicles, but not on 'right-side out' vesicles, prepared from isolated erythrocyte ghosts. Frezzing and thawing as well as mechanical disintergration of red cells liberated antigenically active material as saline-insuluble fibrillar material. The observations indicate that the autoantigen studied is located at the inner aspect of the erythrocyte membrane and suggest that it is associated with fibril-forming structural components. The observed reactivity distinguishes the described antibodies from previously identified erythrocyte autoantibodies. PMID:862240

One-electron redox processes in a cyclic selenide and a selenoxide: a pulse radiolysis study.

PubMed

Singh, Beena G; Thomas, Elizabeth; Kumakura, Fumio; Dedachi, Kenichi; Iwaoka, Michio; Priyadarsini, K Indira

2010-08-19

One-electron redox reactions of cyclic selenium compounds, DL-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-1-selenolane (DHS(red)), and DL-trans-3,4-dihydroxy-1-selenolane oxide (DHS(ox)) were carried out in aqueous solutions using nanosecond pulse radiolysis, and the resultant transients were detected by absorption spectroscopy. Both *OH radical and specific one-electron oxidant, Br(2)(*-) radical reacted with DHS(red) to form similar transients absorbing at 480 nm, which has been identified as a dimer radical cation (DHS(red))(2)(*+). Secondary electron transfer reactions of the (DHS(red))(2)(*+) were studied with 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS(2-)) and superoxide (O(2)(*-)) radicals. The bimolecular rate constants for the electron transfer reaction between (DHS(red))(2)(*+) with ABTS(2-) was determined as 2.4 +/- 0.4 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). From this reaction, the yield of (DHS(red))(2)(*+) formed on reaction with *OH radical was estimated in the presence of varying phosphate concentrations. (DHS(red))(2)(*+) reacted with O(2)(*-) radical with a bimolecular rate constant of 2.7 +/- 0.1 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) at pH 7. From the same reaction, the positive charge on (DHS(red))(2)(*+) was confirmed by the kinetic salt effect. HPLC analysis of the products formed in the reaction of (DHS(red))(2)(*+) with O(2)(*-) radicals showed formation of the selenoxide, DHS(ox). In order to know if a similar mechanism operated during the reduction of DHS(ox), its reactions with e(aq)(-) were studied at pH 7. The rate constant for this reaction was determined as 5.6 +/- 0.9 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), and no transient absorption could be observed in the wavelength region from 280 to 700 nm. It is proposed that the radical anion (DHS(ox))(*-) formed by a one-electron reduction would get protonated to form a hydroxyl radical adduct, which in presence of proton donors, would undergo dehydration to form DHS(*+). Evidence for this mechanism was obtained by converting DHS(*+) to (DHS(red))(2)(*+) with the addition of DHS(red) to the same system. Quantum chemical calculations provided supporting evidence for some of the redox reactions.

Sorting Out Antibiotics' Mechanisms of Action: a Double Fluorescent Protein Reporter for High-Throughput Screening of Ribosome and DNA Biosynthesis Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Osterman, Ilya A.; Komarova, Ekaterina S.; Shiryaev, Dmitry I.; Korniltsev, Ilya A.; Khven, Irina M.; Lukyanov, Dmitry A.; Tashlitsky, Vadim N.; Serebryakova, Marina V.; Efremenkova, Olga V.; Ivanenkov, Yan A.; Bogdanov, Alexey A.; Dontsova, Olga A.

2016-01-01

In order to accelerate drug discovery, a simple, reliable, and cost-effective system for high-throughput identification of a potential antibiotic mechanism of action is required. To facilitate such screening of new antibiotics, we created a double-reporter system for not only antimicrobial activity detection but also simultaneous sorting of potential antimicrobials into those that cause ribosome stalling and those that induce the SOS response due to DNA damage. In this reporter system, the red fluorescent protein gene rfp was placed under the control of the SOS-inducible sulA promoter. The gene of the far-red fluorescent protein, katushka2S, was inserted downstream of the tryptophan attenuator in which two tryptophan codons were replaced by alanine codons, with simultaneous replacement of the complementary part of the attenuator to preserve the ability to form secondary structures that influence transcription termination. This genetically modified attenuator makes possible Katushka2S expression only upon exposure to ribosome-stalling compounds. The application of red and far-red fluorescent proteins provides a high signal-to-background ratio without any need of enzymatic substrates for detection of the reporter activity. This reporter was shown to be efficient in high-throughput screening of both synthetic and natural chemicals. PMID:27736765

Ecophysiology, secondary pigments and ultrastructure of Chlainomonas sp. (Chlorophyta) from the European Alps compared with Chlamydomonas nivalis forming red snow

PubMed Central

Remias, Daniel; Pichrtová, Martina; Pangratz, Marion; Lütz, Cornelius; Holzinger, Andreas

2016-01-01

Red snow is a well-known phenomenon caused by microalgae thriving in alpine and polar regions during the melting season. The ecology and biodiversity of these organisms, which are adapted to low temperatures, high irradiance and freeze–thaw events, are still poorly understood. We compared two different snow habitats containing two different green algal genera in the European Alps, namely algae blooming in seasonal rock-based snowfields (Chlamydomonas nivalis) and algae dominating waterlogged snow bedded over ice (Chlainomonas sp.). Despite the morphological similarity of the red spores found at the snow surface, we found differences in intracellular organization investigated by light and transmission electron microscopy and in secondary pigments investigated by chromatographic analysis in combination with mass spectrometry. Spores of Chlainomonas sp. show clear differences from Chlamydomonas nivalis in cell wall arrangement and plastid organization. Active photosynthesis at ambient temperatures indicates a high physiological activity, despite no cell division being present. Lipid bodies containing the carotenoid astaxanthin, which produces the red color, dominate cells of both species, but are modified differently. While in Chlainomonas sp. astaxanthin is mainly esterified with two fatty acids and is more apolar, in Chamydomonas nivalis, in contrast, less apolar monoesters prevail. PMID:26884467

Phosphatase activity and culture conditions of the yeast Candida mycoderma sp. and analysis of organic phosphorus hydrolysis ability.

PubMed

Yan, Mang; Yu, Liufang; Zhang, Liang; Guo, Yuexia; Dai, Kewei; Chen, Yuru

2014-11-01

Orthophosphate is an essential but limiting macronutrient for plant growth. About 67% cropland in China lacks sufficient phosphorus, especially that with red soil. Extensive soil phosphorus reserves exist in the form of organic phosphorus, which is unavailable for root uptake unless hydrolyzed by secretory acid phosphatases. Thus, many microorganisms with the ability to produce phosphatase have been exploited. In this work, the activity of an extracellular acid phosphatase and yeast biomass from Candida mycoderma was measured under different culture conditions, such as pH, temperature, and carbon source. A maximal phosphatase activity of 8.47×10(5)±0.11×10(5)U/g was achieved by C. Mycoderma in 36 hr under the optimal conditions. The extracellular acid phosphatase has high activity over a wide pH tolerance range from 2.5 to 5.0 (optimum pH3.5). The effects of different phosphorus compounds on the acid phosphatase production were also studied. The presence of phytin, lecithin or calcium phosphate reduced the phosphatase activity and biomass yield significantly. In addition, the pH of the culture medium was reduced significantly by lecithin. The efficiency of the strain in releasing orthophosphate from organic phosphorus was studied in red soil (used in planting trees) and rice soil (originating as red soil). The available phosphorus content was increased by 230% after inoculating 20 days in rice soil and decreased by 50% after inoculating 10 days in red soil. This work indicates that the yeast strain C. mycoderma has potential application for enhancing phosphorus utilization in plants that grow in rice soil. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Pathophysiological insights in sickle cell disease.

PubMed

Odièvre, Marie-Hélène; Verger, Emmanuelle; Silva-Pinto, Ana Cristina; Elion, Jacques

2011-10-01

The first coherent pathophysiological scheme for sickle cell disease (SCD) emerged in the sixties-seventies based on an extremely detailed description of the molecular mechanism by which HbS in its deoxy-form polymerises and forms long fibres within the red blood cell that deform it and make it fragile. This scheme explains the haemolytic anaemia, and the mechanistic aspects of the vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), but, even though it constitutes the basic mechanism of the disease, it does not account for the processes that actually trigger VOCs. This paper reviews recent data which imply: red blood cell dehydration, its abnormal adhesion properties to the endothelium, the participation of inflammatory phenomenon and of a global activation of all the cells present in the vessel, and finally, abnormalities of the vascular tone and of nitric oxide metabolism. These data altogether have shed a new light on the pathophysiology of the first molecular disease i.e. sickle cell disease.

ACTIVITY OF DISSOCIATED AND REASSOCIATED 19S ANTI-γ-GLOBULINS

PubMed Central

Schrohenloher, Ralph E.; Kunkel, Henry G.; Tomasi, Thomas B.

1964-01-01

19S anti-γ-globulins were isolated in a high state of purity from the sera of two patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Following reduction with ethyl mercaptan and alkylation by iodoacetamide, fragments were produced which retained the capacity to combine with 7S γ-globulin. The fragments from one of the 19S anti-γ-globulins agglutinated red cells coated with incomplete anti-Rh antibodies. This activity was shown by density gradient ultracentrifugation to be associated with low molecular weight fractions. The agglutination of the coated red cells by the fragments was strongly inhibited by normal and myeloma 7S γ-globulins and showed a greater specificity than the parent 19S material. Analytical ultracentrifuge experiments demonstrated that the fragments from either of the 19S anti-γ-globulins formed complexes with 7S γ-globulin. Reassociation of the dissociated fragments through reformation of disulfide bonds resulted in the formation of fast sedimenting molecules having properties similar to those of the untreated 19S material in respect to precipitation with aggregated γ-globulin and agglutination of coated red cells. PMID:14238936

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase in red blood cells: Key to a new erythrocrine function?☆

PubMed Central

Cortese-Krott, Miriam M.; Kelm, Malte

2014-01-01

Red blood cells (RBC) have been considered almost exclusively as a transporter of metabolic gases and nutrients for the tissues. It is an accepted dogma that RBCs take up and inactivate endothelium-derived NO via rapid reaction with oxyhemoglobin to form methemoglobin and nitrate, thereby limiting NO available for vasodilatation. Yet it has also been shown that RBCs not only act as “NO sinks”, but exert an erythrocrine function – i.e an endocrine function of RBC – by synthesizing, transporting and releasing NO metabolic products and ATP, thereby potentially controlling systemic NO bioavailability and vascular tone. Recent work from our and others laboratory demonstrated that human RBCs carry an active type 3, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), constitutively producing NO under normoxic conditions, the activity of which is compromised in patients with coronary artery disease. In this review we aim to discuss the potential role of red cell eNOS in RBC signaling and function, and to critically revise evidence to this date showing a role of non-endothelial circulating eNOS in cardiovascular pathophysiology. PMID:24494200

Nanobiotechnological modification of hemoglobin and enzymes from this laboratory

PubMed Central

Chang, Thomas Ming Swi

2012-01-01

Polyhemoglobin is formed by the nanobiotechnological assembling of hemoglobin molecules into soluble nanodimension complex. A further step involves the nanobiotechnological assembly of hemoglobin, catalase and superoxide dismutase into a soluble nanodimension complex. This acts both as oxygen carrier and antioxidant to prevent the oxidative effects of hemoglobin. A further step is the preparation of nanodimension artificial red blood cells that contain hemoglobin and all the enzymes present in red blood cells. Other approaches include a polyhemoglobin–fibrinogen that acts as an oxygen carrier with platelet-like activity, and a polyhemoglobin–tyrosinase to retard the growth of a fatal skin cancer, melanoma. PMID:18565337

Photocatalytic degradation of congo red using copper substituted cobalt ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirankumar, V. S.; Hardik, B.; Sumathi, S.

2017-11-01

Co1-xCuxFe2O4 nanoparticles with x = 0 and 0.5 were synthesized through the combustion method. The as-made materials are face centered-cubic close-packed spinel structures. The characterization techniques such as powder XRD, FTIR, UV-DRS and SEM studies collectively verified that the formed products are cobalt ferrite and copper substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. In addition, the mean crystalline size, lattice parameter and band gap energy of nanoparticles are calculated. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained Co1-xCuxFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles is evaluated by monitoring the degradation of congo red under visible light irradiation.

Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor from Cajanus cajan seeds: purification, characterization, and insecticidal properties.

PubMed

Prasad, Elaprolu R; Merzendorfer, H; Madhurarekha, C; Dutta-Gupta, A; Padmasree, K

2010-03-10

A red gram proteinase inhibitor (RgPI) was purified from red gram ( Cajanus cajan ) seeds by using ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion-exchange, affinity, and gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE under nonreducing condition revealed two protein bands with molecular masses of approximately 8.5 and approximately 16.5 kDa corresponding to monomeric and dimeric forms of RgPI, respectively. Similarly, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry also confirmed the presence of dimer as well as other oligomeric forms: trimer, tetramer, and pentamer. Reduction of RgPI with dithiothreitol (DTT) led to the dissociation of the dimeric and oligomeric forms. Native-PAGE and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis indicated the existence of isoinhibitors with pI values of 5.95, 6.25, 6.50, 6.90, and 7.15, respectively. The MALDI-TOF-TOF mass spectrum and N-terminal sequence 'DQHHSSKACC' suggested that the isolated RgPI is a member of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor family. RgPI exhibited noncompetitive type inhibitory activity against bovine pancreatic trypsin and chymotrypsin, with inhibition constants of 292 and 2265 nM, respectively. It was stable up to a temperature of 80 degrees C and was active over a wide pH range between 2 and 12. However, reduction with DTT or 2-mercaptoethanol resulted in loss of inhibitory activity against trypsin and chymotrypsin. It also decreased the activity of larval midgut trypsin-like proteinases in Manduca sexta . Its insecticidal property was further confirmed by reduction in the growth and development of these larvae, when supplemented in the diet.

Analyses of the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the products formed after the biotransformation of the azo dye Disperse Red 1.

PubMed

Chequer, Farah Maria Drumond; Lizier, Thiago Mescoloto; de Felício, Rafael; Zanoni, Maria Valnice Boldrin; Debonsi, Hosana Maria; Lopes, Norberto Peporine; Marcos, Ricard; de Oliveira, Danielle Palma

2011-12-01

Azo dyes constitute the largest class of synthetic dyes. Following oral exposure, these dyes can be reduced to aromatic amines by the intestinal microflora or liver enzymes. This work identified the products formed after oxidation and reduction of the dye Disperse Red 1, simulating hepatic biotransformation and evaluated the mutagenic potential of the resultant solution. Controlled potential electrolysis was carried out on dye solution using a Potentiostat/Galvanostat. HPLC-DAD and GC/MS were used to determine the products generated after the oxidation/reduction process. The Salmonella/microsome assay with the strains TA98 and YG1041 without S9, and the mouse lymphoma assay (MLA) using the thymidine kinase (Tk) gene, were used to evaluate the mutagenicity of the products formed. Sulfate 2-[(4-aminophenyl)ethylamino]-ethanol monohydrate, nitrobenzene, 4-nitro-benzamine and 2-(ethylphenylamino)-ethanol were detected. This dye has already being assigned as mutagenic in different cell system. In addition, after the oxidation/reduction process the dye still had mutagenic activity for the Salmonella/microsome assay. Nevertheless, both the original dye Disperse Red 1 and its treated solutions showed negative results in the MLA. The present results suggest that the ingestion of water and food contaminated with this dye may represent human and environmental health problem, due to the generation of harmful compounds after biotransformation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photooxidation of Amplex Red to resorufin: implications of exposing the Amplex Red assay to light

PubMed Central

Zhao, Baozhong; Summers, Fiona A.; Mason, Ronald P.

2012-01-01

The Amplex Red assay, a fluorescent assay for the detection of H2O2, relies on the reaction of H2O2 and colorless, nonfluorescent Amplex Red with a 1:1 stoichiometry to form colored, fluorescent resorufin, catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We have found that resorufin is artifactually formed when Amplex Red is exposed to light. In the absence of H2O2 and HRP, the absorption and fluorescence spectra of Amplex Red changed during exposure to ambient room light or instrumental excitation light, clearly indicating that the fluorescent product resorufin had formed. This photochemistry was initiated by trace amounts of resorufin that are present in Amplex Red stock solutions. ESR spin-trapping studies demonstrated that superoxide radical was an intermediate in this process. Oxygen consumption measurements further confirmed that superoxide and H2O2 were artifactually produced by the photooxidation of Amplex Red. The artifactual formation of resorufin was also significantly increased by the presence of superoxide dismutase or HRP. This photooxidation process will result in a less sensitive assay for H2O2 under ambient light exposure and potentially invalid measurements under high energy exposure such as UVA irradiation. In general, precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to light during measurement of oxidative stress with Amplex Red. PMID:22765927

Photooxidation of Amplex Red to resorufin: implications of exposing the Amplex Red assay to light.

PubMed

Zhao, Baozhong; Summers, Fiona A; Mason, Ronald P

2012-09-01

The Amplex Red assay, a fluorescent assay for the detection of H(2)O(2), relies on the reaction of H(2)O(2) and colorless, nonfluorescent Amplex Red with a 1:1 stoichiometry to form colored, fluorescent resorufin, catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We have found that resorufin is artifactually formed when Amplex Red is exposed to light. In the absence of H(2)O(2) and HRP, the absorption and fluorescence spectra of Amplex Red changed during exposure to ambient room light or instrumental excitation light, clearly indicating that the fluorescent product resorufin had formed. This photochemistry was initiated by trace amounts of resorufin that are present in Amplex Red stock solutions. ESR spin-trapping studies demonstrated that superoxide radical was an intermediate in this process. Oxygen consumption measurements further confirmed that superoxide and H(2)O(2) were artifactually produced by the photooxidation of Amplex Red. The artifactual formation of resorufin was also significantly increased by the presence of superoxide dismutase or HRP. This photooxidation process will result in a less sensitive assay for H(2)O(2) under ambient light exposure and potentially invalid measurements under high energy exposure such as UVA irradiation. In general, precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to light during measurement of oxidative stress with Amplex Red. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Lipase, protease, and biofilm as the major virulence factors in staphylococci isolated from acne lesions.

PubMed

Saising, Jongkon; Singdam, Sudarat; Ongsakul, Metta; Voravuthikunchai, Supayang Piyawan

2012-08-01

Staphylococci involve infections in association with a number of bacterial virulence factors. Extracellular enzymes play an important role in staphylococcal pathogenesis. In addition, biofilm is known to be associated with their virulence. In this study, 149 staphylococcal isolates from acne lesions were investigated for their virulence factors including lipase, protease, and biofilm formation. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were demonstrated to present lipase and protease activities more often than coagulase-positive staphylococci. A microtiter plate method (quantitative method) and a Congo red agar method (qualitative method) were comparatively employed to assess biofilm formation. In addition, biofilm forming ability was commonly detected in a coagulase-negative group (97.7%, microtiter plate method and 84.7%, Congo red agar method) more frequently than in coagulase-positive organisms (68.8%, microtiter plate method and 62.5%, Congo red agar method). This study clearly confirms an important role for biofilm in coagulasenegative staphylococci which is of serious concern as a considerable infectious agent in patients with acnes and implanted medical devices. The Congo red agar method proved to be an easy method to quickly detect biofilm producers. Sensitivity of the Congo red agar method was 85.54% and 68.18% and accuracy was 84.7% and 62.5% in coagulase-negative and coagulase-positive staphylococci, respectively, while specificity was 50% in both groups. The results clearly demonstrated that a higher percentage of coagulasenegative staphylococci isolated from acne lesions exhibited lipase and protease activities, as well as biofilm formation, than coagulase-positive staphylococci.

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

[Active forms of oxygen and nitrogen in blood cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: effect of laser therapy].

PubMed

Ostrakhovich, E A; Ilich-Stoianovich, O; Afanas'ev, I B

2001-01-01

Infrared pulse laser therapy was studied for its impact on the production of active forms of oxygen and nitrogen by neutrophils from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The authors determined the non-activated and PMA-activated production of superoxide anion-radical, peroxynitrite, peripheral neurophilic NAD.PH-oxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, and the red blood cell concentrations of reduced glutathione. Before therapy, non-activation RA neurophilic production of superoxide was much higher than in donors. Laser therapy made this parameter normal. Similarly, neutrophilic peroxynitrite production (defined by dihydrorhodamine oxidation) in RA patients was 1.7 times higher than the normal values. IF-laser therapy decreased peroxynitrite production to the values observed in donors. It is important that the therapy caused increased SOD activity (that was lower in RA patients prior to therapy) up to apparently control values. Thus, IF-laser therapy has a certain antioxidative effect by increasing SOD activity in RA patients' blood cells and reducing the production of highly reactive oxygen and nitrogen forms.

Molecular Simulation Study on Modification Mechanism of Red Mud Modified Asphalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, FU; Hui-ming, BAO; xing-xing, Duan

2017-12-01

This article used red mud, the aluminum industrial wastes, as modified asphalt material, through the study of the routine test of modified asphalt properties, and the micro test of electron microscope scanning, infrared spectrum and differential scanning calorimetry analysis etc. to discuss its performance and modification mechanism . The test results show that after mixing red mud, asphalt’s penetration index and 15 °C ductility reduced, softening point enhanced, thus the temperature sensitivity and high temperature stability of asphalt improved; Red mud after mixing the matrix asphalt, can form a uniform, stable and matrix asphalt blending system, and improve the asphalt’s thermal stability. Using molecular simulation technology to analyze the asphalt with the temperature change of energy and find in the process of asphalt melting, the largest is the key to influence on bituminous, and van der waals energy is small. It concludes that red mud -modified asphalt material is mainly controlled by bond energy, in order to obtain its favorable property of modification mechanism, red mud of senior activation and molecular bond energy of asphalt is needed to be enhanced.The results of molecular simulation show that the main component of hematite in red mud is the most adsorbed in the asphalt, the asphaltene is the second, the colloid is the worst, but the adsorption capacity of the colloid is the highest.

Power output and force-velocity relationship of red and white muscle fibres from the Pacific blue marlin (Makaira nigricans).

PubMed

Johnston, I A; Salamonski, J

1984-07-01

Single white fibres and small bundles (two to three) of red fibres were isolated from the trunk muscle of Pacific Blue Marlin (50-121 kg body weight). Fibres were chemically skinned with 1% Brij. Maximum Ca2+-activated force production (Po) was 57 kN m-2 for red fibres and 176 kN m-2 for white fibres at 25 degrees C. The force-velocity (P-V) characteristics of these fibres were determined at 15 and 25 degrees C. Points below 0.6 Po on the P-V curve could be fitted to a linear form of Hill's equation. The degree of curvature of the P-V curve was similar at 15 and 25 degrees C (Hill's constant a/Po = 0.24 and 0.12 for red and white fibres respectively). Extrapolated maximum contraction velocities (Vmax) were 2.5 muscle lengths s-1 (Lo S-1) (red fibres) and 5.3 Lo S-1 (white fibres) at 25 degrees C. Q10(15-25 degrees C) values for Vmax were 1.4 and 1.3 for red and white fibres respectively. Maximum power output had a similar low temperature dependence and amounted to 13 W kg-1 for red and 57 W kg-1 for white muscle at 25 degrees C. The results are briefly discussed in relation to the locomotion and ecology of marlin.

Occupational exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins during Florida red tide events: effects on a healthy worker population.

PubMed

Backer, Lorraine C; Kirkpatrick, Barbara; Fleming, Lora E; Cheng, Yung Sung; Pierce, Richard; Bean, Judy A; Clark, Richard; Johnson, David; Wanner, Adam; Tamer, Robert; Zhou, Yue; Baden, Daniel G

2005-05-01

Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve) is a marine dinoflagellate responsible for red tides that form in the Gulf of Mexico. K. brevis produces brevetoxins, the potent toxins that cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. There is also limited information describing human health effects from environmental exposures to brevetoxins. Our objective was to examine the impact of inhaling aerosolized brevetoxins during red tide events on self-reported symptoms and pulmonary function. We recruited a group of 28 healthy lifeguards who are occupationally exposed to red tide toxins during their daily work-related activities. They performed spirometry tests and reported symptoms before and after their 8-hr shifts during a time when there was no red tide (unexposed period) and again when there was a red tide (exposed period). We also examined how mild exercise affected the reported symptoms and spirometry tests during unexposed and exposed periods with a subgroup of the same lifeguards. Environmental sampling (K. brevis cell concentrations in seawater and brevetoxin concentrations in seawater and air) was used to confirm unexposed/exposed status. Compared with unexposed periods, the group of lifeguards reported more upper respiratory symptoms during the exposed periods. We did not observe any impact of exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins, with or without mild exercise, on pulmonary function.

[For the history of creation of central anatomicopathological facility of the Ministry of Defence].

PubMed

Chirskiĭ, V S; Sibirev, S A; Bushurov, S E

2012-12-01

The system of anatomicopathological facilities was created in 30s of XX century and first years of the Great Patriotic War. The goal of this system was to increase the effectiveness of Sanitary Corps of the Red Army. These anatomicopathological facilities analyzed causes of death of injured soldiers during all stages of the system of treatment-evacuative support of troops and mistakes made by medical specialists during first aid treatment. Organisational forms of anatomicopathological activity were changed and developed according to acquired battle experience. The main stage of formation of anatomicopathological service of the Red Army, and in fact the finished period in organisational formation of anatomicopathological service, was establishment of Central anatomicopathological facility - main methodological, organisational, coordinating and monioring center of anatomicopathological activity of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

D-Galacturonic acid as a highly reactive compound in nonenzymatic browning. 1. Formation of browning active degradation products.

PubMed

Bornik, Maria-Anna; Kroh, Lothar W

2013-04-10

Thermal treatment of an aqueous solution of D-galacturonic acid at pH 3, 5, and 8 led to rapid browning of the solution and to the formation of carbocyclic compounds such as reductic acid (2,3-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one), DHCP (4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-one), and furan-2-carbaldehyde, as degradation products in weak acidic solution. Studies on their formation revealed 2-ketoglutaraldehyde as their common key intermediate. Norfuraneol (4-hydroxy-5-methyl-3-(2H)-furanone) is a typical alkaline degradation product and formed after isomerization. Further model studies revealed reductic acid as an important and more browning active compound than furan-2-carbaldehyde, which led to a red color of the model solution. This red-brown color is also characteristic of thermally treated uronic acid solutions.

Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles differentiate tropical fire ant populations (Solenopsis geminata, Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) from hexane rinses of workers from two Florida populations (dark and red forms) of the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata, were separated by silica gel chromatography and identified by GC-MS analysis. Both the dark form and the red form produce similar CHCs with...

A new CMOS SiGeC avalanche photo-diode pixel for IR sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augusto, Carlos; Forester, Lynn; Diniz, Pedro C.

2009-05-01

Near-infra-red sensing with silicon is limited by the bandgap of silicon, corresponding to a maximum wavelength of absorption of 1.1 μm. A new type of CMOS sensor is presented, which uses a SiGeC epitaxial film in conjunction with novel device architecture to extend absorption into the infra-red. The SiGeC film composition and thickness determine the spectrum of absorption; in particular for SiGeC superlattices, the layer ordering to create pseudo direct bandgaps is the critical parameter. In this new device architecture, the p-type SiGeC film is grown on an active region surrounded by STI, linked to the S/D region of an adjacent NMOS, under the STI by a floating N-Well. On a n-type active, a P-I-N device is formed, and on a p-type active, a P-I-P device is formed, each sensing different regions of the spectrum. The SiGeC films can be biased for avalanche operation, as the required vertical electric field is confined to the region near the heterojunction interface, thereby not affecting the gate oxide of the adjacent NMOS. With suitable heterojunction and doping profiles, the avalanche region can also be bandgap engineered, allowing for avalanche breakdown voltages that are compatible with CMOS devices.

Muscle enzyme activities in a deep-sea squaloid shark, Centroscyllium fabricii, compared with its shallow-living relative, Squalus acanthias.

PubMed

Treberg, Jason R; Martin, R Aidan; Driedzic, William R

2003-12-01

The activities of several enzymes of energy metabolism were measured in the heart, red muscle, and white muscle of a deep and a shallow living squaloid shark, Centroscyllium fabricii and Squalus acanthias, respectively. The phylogenetic closeness of these species, combined with their active predatory nature, similar body form, and size makes them well matched for comparison. This is the first time such a comparison has been made involving a deep-sea elasmobranch. Enzyme activities were similar in the heart, but generally lower in the red muscle of C. fabricii. Paralleling the trend seen in deep-sea teleosts, the white muscle of C. fabricii had substantially lower activities of key glycolytic enzymes, pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, relative to S. acanthias or other shallow living elasmobranchs. Unexpectedly, between the squaloid sharks examined, creatine phosphokinase activity was higher in all tissues of the deep living C. fabricii. Low white muscle glycolytic enzyme activities in the deep-sea species coupled with high creatine phosphokinase activity suggests that the capacity for short burst swimming is likely limited once creatine phosphate supplies have been exhausted. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Red blood cell production

MedlinePlus Videos and Cool Tools

... body's tissues in exchange for carbon dioxide, which is carried to and eliminated by the lungs. Red blood cells are formed in the red bone marrow ... 2 days. The body makes about two million red blood cells every second. Blood is made up of both cellular and liquid components. ...

Assessment of red onion on antioxidant activity in rat.

PubMed

Lee, Bora; Jung, Ji-Hye; Kim, Hyun-Sook

2012-11-01

Oxidative stress related to the aging process can increase the risk of degenerative disease. Red onions contain antioxidative compounds. This study was designed to investigate the effect of dietary red onion peel and/or flesh on antioxidative activity in rats. Twenty Sprague-Dawley male rats (18 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Each group was raised for 4 weeks on a red onion free control diet (ND), red onion diet containing 5% red onion peel (RP), 5% red onion flesh (RF), or 5% red onion peel+flesh (RPF). The results demonstrated that serum SOD activity was significantly increased in the RP and RPF groups, whereas glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly higher in the RF group than in the ND group. Catalase activity and ORAC activity in liver showed upward tendency in the RP, RF, and RPF groups although the differences were not statistically significant. Liver malondialdehyde levels in the RPF group were significantly lower than those in the ND group were. In conclusion, red onion may enhance antioxidant defense mechanism through the induction of plasma SOD and GPx activities and inhibited liver lipid peroxidation. Therefore, red onion may exert important protective effects against oxidative stress related diseases. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dendron-functionalized perylenes for red luminescent materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Jianfeng; Zhu, Weihong; Li, Shangfeng; Tian, He

2005-01-01

This paper presents a novel series of dendrimers containing perylene diimide cores, Fréchet-type poly(arylether) dendrons, and peripheral functional units such as hole-transporting groups (carbazole) via a convergent synthetic approach with three generation. The higher generation dendrimer has an obvious site-isolation effect or dilution effect of dendrons, which results in a relatively small red-shift of absorption and emission spectra when they form a solid thin film for applications. The interactions between peripheral units and perylene diimide core in the dendrimers are studied by fluorescence spectra. The steady-state fluorescence shows there is no effective Förster intramolecular energy transfer. DSC results indicate that the incorporation of Fréchet-type poly(arylether) dendrons can improve the amorphous property and increase glass transition temperature (Tg). The preliminary EL results with a single-layer architecture demonstrate that these dendrimers could be utilized as a promising kind of active red luminescent emitters.

Revisiting the mechanistic basis of the French Paradox: Red wine inhibits the activity of protein disulfide isomerase in vitro.

PubMed

Galinski, Christine N; Zwicker, Jeffrey I; Kennedy, Daniel R

2016-01-01

Although epidemiologic evidence points to cardioprotective activity of red wine, the mechanistic basis for antithrombotic activity has not been established. Quercetin and related flavonoids are present in high concentrations in red but not white wine. Quercetin-glycosides were recently shown to prevent thrombosis in animal models through the inhibition of extracellular protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). We evaluated whether red or white wine inhibited PDI activity in vitro. Quercetin levels in red and white wines were measured by HPLC analysis. Inhibition of PDI activity by red and white wines was assessed by an insulin reduction turbidity assay at various concentrations of wine. PDI inhibition was confirmed using a reduced peptide that contained a disulfide containing peptide as a substrate. The inhibition of PDI related thiol isomerases ERp5 and ERp57 was also assessed. We observed a dose-dependent decrease of PDI activity for a variety of red but not white wines. Red wine diluted to 3% final concentration resulted in over 80% inhibition of PDI activity by insulin reductase assay for all varieties tested. This inhibition was also observed in the peptide based assay. Red grape juice yielded similar results but ethanol alone did not affect PDI activity. Interestingly, red wine also inhibited the PDI related thiol isomerases ERp5 and ERp57, albeit to a lesser degree than PDI. PDI activity is inhibited by red wine and grape juice, identifying a potentially novel mechanism underlying the cardiovascular benefits attributed to wine consumption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Revisiting the mechanistic basis of the French Paradox: red wine inhibits the activity of protein disulfide isomerase in vitro

PubMed Central

Galinski, Christine N.; Zwicker, Jeffrey I.; Kennedy, Daniel R.

2015-01-01

Introduction Although epidemiologic evidence points to cardioprotective activity of red wine, the mechanistic basis for antithrombotic activity has not been established. Quercetin and related flavonoids are present in high concentrations in red but not white wine. Quercetin-glycosides were recently shown to prevent thrombosis in animal models through the inhibition of extracellular protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). We evaluated whether red or white wine inhibited PDI activity in vitro. Methods Quercetin levels in red and white wines were measured by HPLC analysis. Inhibition of PDI activity by red and white wines was assessed by an insulin reduction turbidity assay at various concentrations of wine. PDI inhibition was confirmed using a reduced peptide that contained a disulfide containing peptide as a substrate. The inhibition of PDI related thiol isomerases ERp5 and ERp57 was also assessed. Results We observed a dose-dependent decrease of PDI activity for a variety of red but not white wines. Red wine diluted to 3% final concentration resulted in over 80% inhibition of PDI activity by insulin reductase assay for all varieties tested. This inhibition was also observed in the peptide based assay. Red grape juice yielded similar results but ethanol alone did not affect PDI activity. Interestingly, red wine also inhibited the PDI related thiol isomerases ERp5 and ERp57, albeit to a lesser degree than PDI. Conclusions PDI activity is inhibited by red wine and grape juice, identifying a potentially novel mechanism underlying the cardiovascular benefits attributed to wine consumption. PMID:26585763

Microparticles from stored red blood cells promote a hypercoagulable state in a murine model of transfusion.

PubMed

Kim, Young; Xia, Brent T; Jung, Andrew D; Chang, Alex L; Abplanalp, William A; Caldwell, Charles C; Goodman, Michael D; Pritts, Timothy A

2018-02-01

Red blood cell-derived microparticles are biologically active, submicron vesicles shed by erythrocytes during storage. Recent clinical studies have linked the duration of red blood cell storage with thromboembolic events in critically ill transfusion recipients. In the present study, we hypothesized that microparticles from aged packed red blood cell units promote a hypercoagulable state in a murine model of transfusion. Microparticles were isolated from aged, murine packed red blood cell units via serial centrifugation. Healthy male C57BL/6 mice were transfused with microparticles or an equivalent volume of vehicle, and whole blood was harvested for analysis via rotational thromboelastometry. Serum was harvested from a separate set of mice after microparticles or saline injection, and analyzed for fibrinogen levels. Red blood cell-derived microparticles were analyzed for their ability to convert prothrombin to thrombin. Finally, mice were transfused with either red blood cell microparticles or saline vehicle, and a tail bleeding time assay was performed after an equilibration period of 2, 6, 12, or 24 hours. Mice injected with red blood cell-derived microparticles demonstrated an accelerated clot formation time (109.3 ± 26.9 vs 141.6 ± 28.2 sec) and increased α angle (68.8 ± 5.0 degrees vs 62.8 ± 4.7 degrees) compared with control (each P < .05). Clotting time and maximum clot firmness were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Red blood cell-derived microparticles exhibited a hundredfold greater conversion of prothrombin substrate to its active thrombin form (66.60 ± 0.03 vs 0.70 ± 0.01 peak OD; P<.0001). Additionally, serum fibrinogen levels were lower in microparticles-injected mice compared with saline vehicle, suggesting thrombin-mediated conversion to insoluble fibrin (14.0 vs 16.5 µg/mL, P<.05). In the tail bleeding time model, there was a more rapid cessation of bleeding at 2 hours posttransfusion (90.6 vs 123.7 sec) and 6 hours posttransfusion (87.1 vs 141.4 sec) in microparticles-injected mice as compared with saline vehicle (each P<.05). There was no difference in tail bleeding time at 12 or 24 hours. Red blood cell-derived microparticles induce a transient hypercoagulable state through accelerated activation of clotting factors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

THE FORMATION OF MACROCYTES AND MICROCYTES FROM RED CORPUSCLES IN HANGING DROP PREPARATIONS

PubMed Central

Auer, John

1932-01-01

In hanging drop preparations of normal blood from various species of animals including man, the following processes were directly observed for the first time: 1. The process of fusion between two red corpuscles so as to form a round or slightly oval macrocyte with normal hemoglobin content, a diameter of 10µ± and no delle. These macrocytes appear to be slightly thicker in the centre than at the periphery. No thickness measurements could be made. 2. The process of fusion between two microcytes each 5µ± in diameter, so as to form a red corpuscle of approximately normal size but with dense hemoglobin and no delle. 3. The process of fusion between a red corpuscle and a microcyte, forming a macrocyte slightly larger than a normal red corpuscle and exhibiting a normal hemoglobin tint but no delle. 4. The process of microcyte formation from red corpuscles was seen occurring in four different ways: (a) By the intermittent compression of a single red corpuscle by the pull of three or more fibrin threads attached to the corpuscle. (b) By the steady, continuous compression of a single red corpuscle by the pull of two polar fibrin threads, (c) By intermittent rises of intracorpuscular pressure in a red corpuscle due to trauma, (d) By avulsion and retraction or contraction of the hemoglobin stroma from the intact surface layer of a red corpuscle. Thickness measurements in single microcytes were made in rabbit blood. 5. The process of a typical microcyte with dense hemoglobin and no delle changing back to a fairly large red corpuscle with practically normal hemoglobin tint and with a delle. 6. Macrocytes were seen expelling their hemoglobin in a fraction of a second and turning into shadows which were often paler than the background, but without any decrease in the visible surface area or change in the contour. 7. Extensibility and retractibility (or perhaps relaxation and contraction) may be exhibited by the corpuscle as a whole, by local sections of both surface layer and stroma, or retractility (contractility (?)) may be shown by the hemoglobin stroma alone. On the basis of observational evidence it is inferred that: 1. The surface layer of a red corpuscle is probably a condensed stroma rather than an anatomically defined membrane. 2. A pigment, probably hemoglobin, is present in the surface layer. 3. The surface layer of red corpuscles becomes rigid before or during spontaneous hemolysis. 4. Hemoglobin exists in an undissolved form in the intact red corpuscle. 5. The transverse diameter of microcytes (5µ±) represents the maximal shortening of which this diameter is capable in normal red corpuscles of man, rabbit and guinea pig under the conditions studied. 6. Fusing red corpuscle are destroyed by repeated washings with Ringer solution. 7. In stagnating blood there is no increase in fusion forms, nor in the production of microcytes. PMID:19870085

Effect of Exogenous Phytase Addition on Soil Phosphatase Activities: a Fluorescence Spectroscopy Study.

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-zhu; Chen, Zhen-hua; Zhang, Yu-lan; Chen, Li-jun

2015-05-01

The utilization of organic phosphorus (P) has directly or indirectly improved after exogenous phytase was added to soil. However, the mechanism by which exogenous phytase affected the soil phosphatases (phosphomonoesterase and phosphodiesterase) activities was not clear. The present work was aimed to study red soil, brown soil and cinnamon soil phosphomonoesterase (acid and alkaline) (AcP and AlP) and phosphodiesterase (PD) activities responding to the addition of exogenous phytase (1 g phytase/50 g air dry soil sample) based on the measurements performed via a fluorescence detection method combined with 96 microplates using a TECAN Infinite 200 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader. The results indicated that the acid phosphomonoesterase activity was significantly enhanced in red soil (p≤0. 01), while it was significantly reduced in cinnamon soil; alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity was significantly enhanced in cinnamon soil (p≤ 0. 01), while it was significantly reduced in red soil; phosphodiesterase activity was increased in three soils but it was significantly increased in brown soil (p≤0. 01) after the addition of exogenous phytase. The activities still remained strong after eight days in different soils, which indicated that exogenous phytase addition could be enhance soil phosphatases activities effectively. This effect was not only related to soil properties, such as pH and phosphorus forms, but might also be related to the excreted enzyme amount of the stimulating microorganism. Using fluorescence spectroscopy to study exogenous phytase addition influence on soil phosphatase activities was the first time at home and abroad. Compared with the conventional spectrophotometric method, the fluorescence microplate method is an accurate, fast and simple to use method to determine the relationships among the soil phosphatases activities.

What makes red quasars red?. Observational evidence for dust extinction from line ratio analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dohyeong; Im, Myungshin

2018-02-01

Red quasars are very red in the optical through near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths, which is possibly due to dust extinction in their host galaxies as expected in a scenario in which red quasars are an intermediate population between merger-driven star-forming galaxies and unobscured type 1 quasars. However, alternative mechanisms also exist to explain their red colors: (i) an intrinsically red continuum; (ii) an unusual high covering factor of the hot dust component, that is, CFHD = LHD/Lbol, where the LHD is the luminosity from the hot dust component and the Lbol is the bolometric luminosity; and (iii) a moderate viewing angle. In order to investigate why red quasars are red, we studied optical and NIR spectra of 20 red quasars at z 0.3 and 0.7, where the usage of the NIR spectra allowed us to look into red quasar properties in ways that are little affected by dust extinction. The Paschen to Balmer line ratios were derived for 13 red quasars and the values were found to be 10 times higher than unobscured type 1 quasars, suggesting a heavy dust extinction with AV > 2.5 mag. Furthermore, the Paschen to Balmer line ratios of red quasars are difficult to explain with plausible physical conditions without adopting the concept of the dust extinction. The CFHD of red quasars are similar to, or marginally higher than, those of unobscured type 1 quasars. The Eddington ratios, computed for 19 out of 20 red quasars, are higher than those of unobscured type 1 quasars (by factors of 3-5), and hence the moderate viewing angle scenario is disfavored. Consequently, these results strongly suggest the dust extinction that is connected to an enhanced nuclear activity as the origin of the red color of red quasars, which is consistent with the merger-driven quasar evolution scenario. Full Table A.1 is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/610/A31

Using diets of Canis breeding pairs to assess resource partitioning between sympatric red wolves and coyotes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hinton, Joseph W.; Ashley, Annaliese K.; Dellinger, Justin A.; Gittleman, John L.; van Manen, Frank T.; Chamberlain, Michael J.

2017-01-01

Foraging behaviors of red wolves (Canis rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) are complex and their ability to form congeneric breeding pairs and hybridize further complicates our understanding of factors influencing their diets. Through scat analysis, we assessed prey selection of red wolf, coyote, and congeneric breeding pairs formed by red wolves and coyotes, and found that all 3 had similar diets. However, red wolf and congeneric pairs consumed more white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) than coyote pairs. Coyotes forming breeding pairs with red wolves had 12% more white-tailed deer in their diet than conspecifics paired with coyotes. Contrary to many studies on coyotes in the southeastern United States, we found coyotes in eastern North Carolina to be primarily carnivorous with increased consumption of deer during winter. Although prey selection was generally similar among the 3 groups, differences in diet among different breeding pairs were strongly associated with body mass. Larger breeding pairs consumed more white-tailed deer, and fewer rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) and other small mammals. Partitioning of food resources by sympatric red wolves and coyotes is likely via differences in the proportions of similar prey consumed, rather than differences in types of prey exploited. Consequently, our results suggest coexistence of red wolves and coyotes in the southeastern United States may not be possible because there are limited opportunities for niche partitioning to reduce competitive interactions.

Variation in polygalacturonase production among Aspergillus flavus isolates.

PubMed Central

Cotty, P J; Cleveland, T E; Brown, R L; Mellon, J E

1990-01-01

Pectinase production by Aspergillus flavus was determined by measuring clear zones formed around colonies stained with ruthenium red. Several isolates produced red zones instead of clear zones. Red zones were reproduced with pectinesterase and correlated with absence of specific polygalacturonases. Of 87 isolates tested, 15 produced red zones. Images PMID:2128015

Use of Intraductal Adenovins Transduction to Assess the Mammary Tumorigenic Potential of a Constitutively Active Prolactin Receptor

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-10-01

interfere with the function of the mammary cells in which they are expressed. Transgenic technology has been used to evaluate the effects of an activated... wheat germ agglutinin; pfu, plaque-forming units; Cy3, a red fluorescent used for visualization of cell structures in the presence of GFP; DAPI, a...tumorigenesis in mice. The second objective has been achieved in part using transgenic mouse technology. We have begun exploration of the third objective. BODY

U-Shape Suppressive Effect of Phenol Red on the Epileptiform Burst Activity via Activation of Estrogen Receptors in Primary Hippocampal Culture

PubMed Central

Liu, Xu; Chen, Ben; Chen, Lulan; Ren, Wan-Ting; Liu, Juan; Wang, Guoxiang; Fan, Wei; Wang, Xin; Wang, Yun

2013-01-01

Phenol red is widely used in cell culture as a pH indicator. Recently, it also has been reported to have estrogen-like bioactivity and be capable of promoting cell proliferation in different cell lines. However, the effect of phenol red on primary neuronal culture has never been investigated. By using patch clamp technique, we demonstrated that hippocampal pyramidal neurons cultured in neurobasal medium containing no phenol red had large depolarization-associated epileptiform bursting activities, which were rarely seen in neurons cultured in phenol red-containing medium. Further experiment data indicate that the suppressive effect of the phenol red on the abnormal epileptiform burst neuronal activities was U-shape dose related, with the most effective concentration at 28 µM. In addition, this concentration related inhibitory effect of phenol red on the epileptiform neuronal discharges was mimicked by 17-β-estradiol, an estrogen receptor agonist, and inhibited by ICI-182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist. Our results suggest that estrogen receptor activation by phenol red in the culture medium prevents formation of abnormal, epileptiform burst activity. These studies highlight the importance of phenol red as estrogen receptor stimulator and cautions of careful use of phenol red in cell culture media. PMID:23560076

Molecular line study of massive star-forming regions from the Red MSX Source survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Naiping; Wang, Jun-Jie

2014-05-01

In this paper, we have selected a sample of massive star-forming regions from the Red MSX Source survey, in order to study star formation activities (mainly outflow and inflow signatures). We have focused on three molecular lines from the Millimeter Astronomy Legacy Team Survey at 90 GHz: HCO+(1-0), H13CO+(1-0) and SiO(2-1). According to previous observations, our sources can be divided into two groups: nine massive young stellar object candidates (radio-quiet) and 10 H II regions (which have spherical or unresolved radio emissions). Outflow activities have been found in 11 sources, while only three show inflow signatures in all. The high outflow detection rate means that outflows are common in massive star-forming regions. The inflow detection rate was relatively low. We suggest that this was because of the beam dilution of the telescope. All three inflow candidates have outflow(s). The outward radiation and thermal pressure from the central massive star(s) do not seem to be strong enough to halt accretion in G345.0034-00.2240. Our simple model of G318.9480-00.1969 shows that it has an infall velocity of about 1.8 km s-1. The spectral energy distribution analysis agrees our sources are massive and intermediate-massive star formation regions.

The Morphological Evolution, AGN Fractions, Dust Content, Environments, and Downsizing of Massive Green Valley Galaxies at 0.5 < z < 2.5 in 3D-HST/CANDELS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yizhou; Fang, Guanwen; Yuan, Qirong; Cai, Zhenyi; Wang, Tao

2018-03-01

To explore the evolutionary connection among red, green, and blue galaxy populations, based on a sample of massive ({M}* > {10}10 {M}ȯ ) galaxies at 0.5 < z < 2.5 in five 3D-HST/CANDELS fields, we investigate the dust content, morphologies, structures, active galactic nucleus (AGN) fractions, and environments of these three populations. Green valley galaxies are found to have intermediate dust attenuation and reside in the middle of the regions occupied by quiescent and star-forming galaxies in the UVJ diagram. Compared with blue and red galaxy populations at z < 2, green galaxies have intermediate compactness and morphological parameters. The above findings seem to favor the scenario that green galaxies are at a transitional phase when star-forming galaxies are being quenched into quiescent status. The green galaxies at z < 2 show the highest AGN fraction, suggesting that AGN feedback may have played an important role in star formation quenching. For the massive galaxies at 2 < z < 2.5, both red and green galaxies are found to have a similarly higher AGN fraction than the blue ones, which implies that AGN feedback may help to keep quiescence of red galaxies at z > 2. A significant environmental difference is found between green and red galaxies at z < 1.5. Green and blue galaxies at z > 0.5 seem to have similar local density distributions, suggesting that environment quenching is not the major mechanism to cease star formation at z > 0.5. The fractions of three populations as functions of mass support a “downsizing” quenching picture that the bulk of star formation in more massive galaxies is completed earlier than that of lower-mass galaxies.

Comparative Study of Betacyanin Profile and Antimicrobial Activity of Red Pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and Red Spinach (Amaranthus dubius).

PubMed

Yong, Yi Yi; Dykes, Gary; Lee, Sui Mae; Choo, Wee Sim

2017-03-01

Betacyanins are reddish to violet pigments that can be found in red pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) and red spinach (Amaranthus dubius). This study investigated the impact of sub-fractionation (solvent partitioning) on betacyanin content in both plants. Characterization of betacyanins and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities were also carried out. Betanin was found in both plants. In addition, isobetanin, phyllocactin and hylocerenin were found in red pitahaya whereas amaranthine and decarboxy-amaranthine were found in red spinach. Sub-fractionated red pitahaya and red spinach had 23.5 and 121.5 % more betacyanin content, respectively, than those without sub-fractionation. Sub-fractionation increased the betanin and decarboxy-amaranthine content in red pitahaya and red spinach, respectively. The betacyanin fraction from red spinach (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] values: 0.78-3.13 mg/mL) demonstrated a better antimicrobial activity profile than that of red pitahaya (MIC values: 3.13-6.25 mg/mL) against nine Gram-positive bacterial strains. Similarly, the red spinach fraction (MIC values: 1.56-3.13 mg/mL) was more active than the red pitahaya fraction (MIC values: 3.13-6.25 mg/mL) against five Gram-negative bacterial strains. This could be because of a higher amount of betacyanin, particularly amaranthine in the red spinach.

Record of complex scoria cone eruptive activity at Red Mountain, Arizona, USA, and implications for monogenetic mafic volcanoes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riggs, N. R.; Duffield, W. A.

2008-12-01

Scoria cone eruptions are generally modeled as a simple succession from explosive eruption to form the cone to passive effusion of lava, generally from the base of the cone. Sector collapse of scoria cones, wherein parts of the cone are rafted on a lava flow, is increasingly recognized as common, but the reasons that a cone may not be rebuilt are poorly understood. Red Mountain volcano is a Pleistocene scoria cone in the San Francisco Volcanic Field of northern Arizona, USA. The cone lies along the trace of a major steeply dipping normal fault that originated during Proterozoic tectonism and was reactivated in Tertiary time. The earliest phase of eruption at Red Mountain was typical "Strombolian", forming a cone that was followed by or possibly synchronous with lava effusion, toward the west from the base of the cone. Rafting then ensued as the west side of the cone collapsed; approximately 15% of the cone is preserved in mounds as much as 30 m high. Rafting was extensive enough to remove most of the cone over the vent area, which effectively reduced the pressure cap on the magma conduit. Resultant low fountaining fed clastogenic lava flows and minor scoria fallback. Clastogenic flows traveled as far as 4 km and now form a cliff 30-40 m high at the edge of the lava platform. Although several possibilities explain the change in vent dynamics and eruptive style, we favor the interpretation that an increase in magma-rise rate caused collapse of the cone. The abrupt removal of 300 m of material over the vent removed a conduit "cork" and low fountaining began. Magma that had erupted effusively suddenly became explosive. This aspect of scoria cone rafting at Red Mountain is broadly similar to sector collapse followed by explosive eruption in larger systems. A steep-walled, 150-m-high amphitheatre on the northeast side of Red Mountain exposes weakly to strongly altered scoria cemented by calcite, iron, and zeolites. We suggest that vapor-phase alteration was responsible for sealing fine-grained ash beds in the cone, and a pressurized system developed. Residual heat from a dike that was emplaced as part of the magmatic activity provided heat that drove groundwater along the regional fault up into the cone. Eventually the overpressurized system exploded in a phreatic eruption that created the amphitheatre, which has subsequently been enlarged by water and wind erosion. The combined sequence of events at Red Mountain illustrates some of the complexities in monogenetic scoria cone eruptions that have received little attention to date.

The impact of red cabbage fermentation on bioavailability of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity of human plasma.

PubMed

Wiczkowski, Wieslaw; Szawara-Nowak, Dorota; Romaszko, Jerzy

2016-01-01

The effect of red cabbage fermentation on anthocyanin bioavailability and plasma antioxidant capacity in humans was studied. In a randomized crossover study, 13 volunteers consumed fresh and fermented red cabbage. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after consumption. Analyses of anthocyanins by HPLC-MS/MS and plasma antioxidant capacity by photochemiluminescence assay were conducted. Red cabbage products contained 20 different nonacylated and acylated anthocyanins with the main structure of cyanidin triglucosides. The anthocyanins ingested were present in physiological fluids in form of 18 native anthocyanins and 12 metabolites (methylated, glucuronided, sulfated). Among cyanidin metabolites identified, methylated forms were predominant. Bioavailability of anthocyanin from fresh red cabbage was over 10% higher than from fermented red cabbage. Upon fresh cabbage consumption, volunteers plasma showed higher antioxidant capacity than after fermented cabbage intake. The study has shown that fermentation process affects red cabbage anthocyanins bioavailability and human plasma antioxidant capacity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Light Requirement for Shoot Regeneration in Horseradish Hairy Roots 1

PubMed Central

Saitou, Tsutomu; Kamada, Hiroshi; Harada, Hiroshi

1992-01-01

Hairy roots of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) were induced by inoculation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes harboring Ri plasmid and cultured on phytohormone-free Murashige and Skoog medium after eliminating the bacteria. Hairy roots grew vigorously and sometimes formed yellowish calli under dark conditions. On the other hand, growth of hairy roots stopped after several weeks of culture with light, then shoots were regenerated. Frequency of shoot formation from hairy roots increased as the culture period in light lengthened and the light intensity increased. The shoot regeneration was induced by treatment with white or red light, but not with far-red light. Shoot regeneration by red light was inhibited by following treatment with far-red light. Red and far-red light reversibly affected shoot regeneration. Excised roots of nontransformed plants grew quite slowly on phytohormone-free Murashige and Skoog medium and occasionally formed shoots under white light conditions. PMID:16669041

Light requirement for shoot regeneration in horseradish hairy roots.

PubMed

Saitou, T; Kamada, H; Harada, H

1992-08-01

Hairy roots of horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) were induced by inoculation with Agrobacterium rhizogenes harboring Ri plasmid and cultured on phytohormone-free Murashige and Skoog medium after eliminating the bacteria. Hairy roots grew vigorously and sometimes formed yellowish calli under dark conditions. On the other hand, growth of hairy roots stopped after several weeks of culture with light, then shoots were regenerated. Frequency of shoot formation from hairy roots increased as the culture period in light lengthened and the light intensity increased. The shoot regeneration was induced by treatment with white or red light, but not with far-red light. Shoot regeneration by red light was inhibited by following treatment with far-red light. Red and far-red light reversibly affected shoot regeneration. Excised roots of nontransformed plants grew quite slowly on phytohormone-free Murashige and Skoog medium and occasionally formed shoots under white light conditions.

Characterization of the heterooligomeric red-type rubisco activase from red algae

PubMed Central

Loganathan, Nitin; Tsai, Yi-Chin Candace; Mueller-Cajar, Oliver

2016-01-01

The photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) is inhibited by nonproductive binding of its substrate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) and other sugar phosphates. Reactivation requires ATP-hydrolysis–powered remodeling of the inhibited complexes by diverse molecular chaperones known as rubisco activases (Rcas). Eukaryotic phytoplankton of the red plastid lineage contain so-called red-type rubiscos, some of which have been shown to possess superior kinetic properties to green-type rubiscos found in higher plants. These organisms are known to encode multiple homologs of CbbX, the α-proteobacterial red-type activase. Here we show that the gene products of two cbbX genes encoded by the nuclear and plastid genomes of the red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae are nonfunctional in isolation, but together form a thermostable heterooligomeric Rca that can use both α-proteobacterial and red algal-inhibited rubisco complexes as a substrate. The mechanism of rubisco activation appears conserved between the bacterial and the algal systems and involves threading of the rubisco large subunit C terminus. Whereas binding of the allosteric regulator RuBP induces oligomeric transitions to the bacterial activase, it merely enhances the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis in the algal enzyme. Mutational analysis of nuclear and plastid isoforms demonstrates strong coordination between the subunits and implicates the nuclear-encoded subunit as being functionally dominant. The plastid-encoded subunit may be catalytically inert. Efforts to enhance crop photosynthesis by transplanting red algal rubiscos with enhanced kinetics will need to take into account the requirement for a compatible Rca. PMID:27872295

Characterization of the heterooligomeric red-type rubisco activase from red algae.

PubMed

Loganathan, Nitin; Tsai, Yi-Chin Candace; Mueller-Cajar, Oliver

2016-12-06

The photosynthetic CO 2 -fixing enzyme ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) is inhibited by nonproductive binding of its substrate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) and other sugar phosphates. Reactivation requires ATP-hydrolysis-powered remodeling of the inhibited complexes by diverse molecular chaperones known as rubisco activases (Rcas). Eukaryotic phytoplankton of the red plastid lineage contain so-called red-type rubiscos, some of which have been shown to possess superior kinetic properties to green-type rubiscos found in higher plants. These organisms are known to encode multiple homologs of CbbX, the α-proteobacterial red-type activase. Here we show that the gene products of two cbbX genes encoded by the nuclear and plastid genomes of the red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae are nonfunctional in isolation, but together form a thermostable heterooligomeric Rca that can use both α-proteobacterial and red algal-inhibited rubisco complexes as a substrate. The mechanism of rubisco activation appears conserved between the bacterial and the algal systems and involves threading of the rubisco large subunit C terminus. Whereas binding of the allosteric regulator RuBP induces oligomeric transitions to the bacterial activase, it merely enhances the kinetics of ATP hydrolysis in the algal enzyme. Mutational analysis of nuclear and plastid isoforms demonstrates strong coordination between the subunits and implicates the nuclear-encoded subunit as being functionally dominant. The plastid-encoded subunit may be catalytically inert. Efforts to enhance crop photosynthesis by transplanting red algal rubiscos with enhanced kinetics will need to take into account the requirement for a compatible Rca.

Photobiomodulation of freshly isolated human adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction cells by pulsed light-emitting diodes for direct clinical application.

PubMed

Priglinger, E; Maier, J; Chaudary, S; Lindner, C; Wurzer, C; Rieger, S; Redl, H; Wolbank, S; Dungel, P

2018-06-01

A highly interesting source for adult stem cells is adipose tissue, from which the stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-a heterogeneous cell population including the adipose-derived stromal/stem cells-can be obtained. To enhance the regenerative potential of freshly isolated SVF cells, low-level light therapy (LLLT) was used. The effects of pulsed blue (475 nm), green (516 nm), and red (635 nm) light from light-emitting diodes applied on freshly isolated SVF were analysed regarding cell phenotype, cell number, viability, adenosine triphosphate content, cytotoxicity, and proliferation but also osteogenic, adipogenic, and proangiogenic differentiation potential. The colony-forming unit fibroblast assay revealed a significantly increased colony size after LLLT with red light compared with untreated cells, whereas the frequency of colony-forming cells was not affected. LLLT with green and red light resulted in a stronger capacity to form vascular tubes by SVF when cultured within 3D fibrin matrices compared with untreated cells, which was corroborated by increased number and length of the single tubes and a significantly higher concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor. Our study showed beneficial effects after LLLT on the vascularization potential and proliferation capacity of SVF cells. Therefore, LLLT using pulsed light-emitting diode light might represent a new approach for activation of freshly isolated SVF cells for direct clinical application. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The occurrence of blue luminescing enstatite in E3 and E4 chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dehart, John M.; Lofgren, Gary E.

1994-01-01

Two compositional types of enstatite that emit cathodoluminescence (CL) are known to exist in E3 and E4 chondrites. The first type consists of the most common enstatites that are relatively FeO-poor and emit a red CL. Their CL is apparently activated by the presence of MnO and Cr2O3 in concentrations of 0.2 and 0.6 weight percent. The second type of enstatite is nearly FeO-free, contains no MnO or Cr2O3 and emits a blue CL. The origin of these two types of enstatite and their accompanying chemical and CL differences has long been a subject of discussion. Leitch and Smith first observed to two types and felt the compositional differences were too great to have formed under the same conditions. They postulated the two types of enstatite formed on separate parent bodies and were mixed when these bodies collided. McKinley et al. observed a continuous range of compositions between blue luminescing and red luminescing enstatites and concluded the two types of enstatite formed evidence that blue luminescing pyroxenes were relics that did not completely melt during the heating event which melted other precursor grains, and are distinct from the red CL pyroxene in the chondrules in E chondrites. In order to further clarify the nature and origin of the pyroxene that emits blue CL, the sections listed in another work were examined for the occurrence of blue luminescing enstatite.

Effects of disinfectants in renal dialysis patients

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

Klein, E.

1986-11-01

Patients receiving hemodialysis therapy risk exposure to both disinfectants and sterilants. Dialysis equipment is disinfected periodically with strong solutions of hypochlorite or formaldehyde. Gross hemolysis resulting from accidental hypochlorite infusion has led to cardiac arrest, probably as a result of hyperkalemia. Formaldehyde is commonly used in 4% solutions to sterilize the fluid paths of dialysis controllers and to sterilize dialyzers before reuse. It can react with red cell antigenic surfaces leading to the formation of anti-N antibodies. The major exposure risk is the low concentration of disinfectant found in municipal water used to prepare 450 L dialysate weekly. With thrice-weeklymore » treatment schedules, the quality requirements for water used to make this solution must be met rigorously. Standards for water used in the preparation of dialysate have recently been proposed but not all patients are treated with dialysate meeting such standards. The introduction of sterilants via tap water is insidious and has let to more pervasive consequences. Both chlorine and chloramines, at concentrations found in potable water, are strong oxidants that cause extensive protein denaturation and hemolysis. Oxidation of the Fe/sup 2 +/ in hemoglobin to Fe/sup 3 +/ forms methemoglobin, which is incapable of carrying either O/sub 2/ or CO/sub 2/. Chloramine can form not only methemoglobin, but can also denature proteins within the red cell, thus forming aggregates (Heinz bodies). Chloramines also inhibit hexose monophosphate shunt activity, a mechanism that makes the red cell even more susceptible to oxidant damage.« less

Wet disc contraction to galactic blue nuggets and quenching to red nuggets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekel, A.; Burkert, A.

2014-02-01

We study the origin of high-redshift, compact, quenched spheroids (red nuggets) through the dissipative shrinkage of gaseous discs into compact star-forming systems (blue nuggets). The discs, fed by cold streams, undergo violent disc instability that drives gas into the centre (along with mergers). The inflow is dissipative when its time-scale is shorter than the star formation time-scale. This implies a threshold of ˜0.28 in the cold-to-total mass ratio within the disc radius. For the typical gas fraction ˜0.5 at z ˜ 2, this threshold is traced back to a maximum spin parameter of ˜0.05, implying that ˜half the star-forming galaxies contract to blue nuggets, while the rest form extended stellar discs. Thus, the surface density of blue galaxies is expected to be bimodal about ˜109 M⊙ kpc-2, slightly increasing with mass. The blue nuggets are expected to be rare at low z when the gas fraction is low. The blue nuggets quench to red nuggets by complementary internal and external mechanisms. Internal quenching by a compact bulge, in a fast mode and especially at high z, may involve starbursts, stellar and active galactic nucleus feedback, or Q-quenching. Quenching due to hot-medium haloes above 1012 M⊙ provides maintenance and a slower mode at low redshift. These predictions are confirmed in simulations and are consistent with observations at z = 0-3.

THE RED SEQUENCE AT BIRTH IN THE GALAXY CLUSTER Cl J1449+0856 AT z = 2

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

Strazzullo, V.; Pannella, M.; Daddi, E.

We use Hubble Space Telescope /WFC3 imaging to study the red population in the IR-selected, X-ray detected, low-mass cluster Cl J1449+0856 at z = 2, one of the few bona fide established clusters discovered at this redshift, and likely a typical progenitor of an average massive cluster today. This study explores the presence and significance of an early red sequence in the core of this structure, investigating the nature of red-sequence galaxies, highlighting environmental effects on cluster galaxy populations at high redshift, and at the same time underlining similarities and differences with other distant dense environments. Our results suggest thatmore » the red population in the core of Cl J1449+0856 is made of a mixture of quiescent and dusty star-forming galaxies, with a seedling of the future red sequence already growing in the very central cluster region, and already characterizing the inner cluster core with respect to lower-density environments. On the other hand, the color–magnitude diagram of this cluster is definitely different from that of lower-redshift z ≲ 1 clusters, as well as of some rare particularly evolved massive clusters at similar redshift, and it is suggestive of a transition phase between active star formation and passive evolution occurring in the protocluster and established lower-redshift cluster regimes.« less

Thiopurine methyltransferase activity in a French population: h.p.l.c. assay conditions and effects of drugs and inhibitors.

PubMed Central

Jacqz-Aigrain, E; Bessa, E; Medard, Y; Mircheva, Y; Vilmer, E

1994-01-01

1. Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) is a cytosolic enzyme involved in the catabolism of thiopurine drugs, which are used to treat cancer patients and organ transplant recipients. Because TPMT activity is polymorphic and under genetic control, large interindividual variations in the immunosuppressive activity and toxicity of these drugs may, at least in part, be inherited. 2. We have developed a specific h.p.l.c. method for measuring 6-methyl mercaptopurine formed from 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in red blood cell lysates during the TPMT assay procedure. In blinded assays of 55 samples from adult blood donors, the results of the h.p.l.c. method correlated with those of the radiochemical reference method (r = 0.83, P < 0.001). 3. Using this h.p.l.c. assay, we tested the effect of known inhibitors of TPMT activity (syringic acid, p-anisic acid and tropolone) in vitro and showed that they were highly inhibitory. We also found that drugs often administered concomitantly with 6-MP (prednisone, prednisolone, 6-methylprednisolone, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole) had little or no effect on TPMT activity in vitro. 4. In a group of 300 French individuals, TMPT activity was highly variable, ranging from 4.7 to 35.3 nmol h-1 ml-1 of packed red blood cells (nmol h-1 ml-1 PRBC) with a mean value of 19.3 +/- 4.9. TMPT activity was not influenced by sex. 5. This sensitive and reproducible h.p.l.c. assay for TPMT activity in red blood cells may prove useful for prospective clinical studies designed to optimise dosage regimens of thiopurine drugs (detection limit for 6-methyl mercaptopurine is 5 ng ml-1, intra- and inter-assay variations are 6.8 and 8.2%, respectively). PMID:7946931

40 CFR 82.110 - Form of label bearing warning statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... contrast are: black letters on a dark blue or dark green background, dark red letters on a light red background, light red letters on a reflective silver background, and white letters on a light gray or tan...

40 CFR 82.110 - Form of label bearing warning statement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... contrast are: black letters on a dark blue or dark green background, dark red letters on a light red background, light red letters on a reflective silver background, and white letters on a light gray or tan...

Textural, compositional, and sulfur isotope variations of sulfide minerals in the Red Dog Zn-Pb-Ag deposits, Brooks Range, Alaska: Implications for Ore Formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kelley, K.D.; Leach, D.L.; Johnson, C.A.; Clark, J.L.; Fayek, M.; Slack, J.F.; Anderson, V.M.; Ayuso, R.A.; Ridley, W.I.

2004-01-01

The Red Dog Zn-Pb deposits are hosted in organic-rich mudstone and shale of the Mississippian Kuna Formation. A complex mineralization history is defined by four sphalerite types or stages: (1) early brown sphalerite, (2) yellow-brown sphalerite, (3) red-brown sphalerite, and (4) late tan sphalerite. Stages 2 and 3 constitute the main ore-forming event and are volumetrically the most important. Sulfides in stages 1 and 2 were deposited with barite, whereas stage 3 largely replaces barite. Distinct chemical differences exist among the different stages of sphalerite. From early brown sphalerite to later yellow-brown sphalerite and red-brown sphalerite, Fe and Co content generally increase and Mn and Tl content generally decrease. Early brown sphalerite contains no more than 1.9 wt percent Fe and 63 ppm Co, with high Mn (up to 37 ppm) and Tl (126 ppm), whereas yellow-brown sphalerite and red-brown sphalerite contain high Fe (up to 7.3 wt %) and Co (up to 382 ppm), and low Mn (<27 ppm) and Tl (<37 ppm). Late tan sphalerite has distinctly lower Fe (< 0.9 wt %) and higher Tl (up to 355 ppm), Mn (up to 177 ppm), and Ge (426 ppm), relative to earlier sphalerite. Wide ranges in concentrations of Ag, Cu, Pb, and Sb characterize all sphalerite types, particularly yellow-brown sphalerite and red-brown sphalerite, and most likely reflect submicroscopic inclusions of galena, chalcopyrite and/or tetrahedrite in the sphalerite. In situ ion microprobe sulfur isotope analyses show a progression from extremely low ??34S values for stage 1 (as low as -37.20???) to much higher values for yellow-brown sphalerite (mean of 3.3???; n = 30) and red-brown sphalerite (mean of 3.4; n = 20). Late tan sphalerite is isotopically light (-16.4 to -27.2???). The textural, chem ical, and isotopic data indicate the following paragenesis: (1) deposition of early brown sphalerite with abundant barite, minor pyrite, and trace galena immediately beneath the sea floor in unconsolidated mud; (2) deposition of yellow-brown sphalerite during subsea-floor hydrothermal recrystallization and coarsening of preexisting barite; (3) open-space deposition of barite, red-brown sphalerite and other sulfides in veins and coeval replacement of barite; and (4) postore sulfide deposition, including the formation of late tan sphalerite breccias. Stage 1 mineralization took place in a low-temperature environment where fluids rich in Ba mixed with pore water or water-column sulfate to form barite, and metals combined with H2S derived from bacterial sulfate reduction to form sulfides. Higher temperatures and salinities and relatively oxidized ore-stage fluids (stages 2 and 3) compared with stage 1 were probably important controls on the abundances and relative amounts of metals in the fluids and the resulting sulfide chemistry. Textural observations and isotopic data show that preexisting barite was reductively dissolved, providing a source of H2S for sulfide mineral formation. In stage 3, the continued flow of hydrothermal fluids caused thermal alteration of organic-rich mudstones and a build-up of methane that led to fluid overpressuring, hydrofracturing, and vein formation. Barite, red-brown sphalerite, and other sulfides were deposited in the veins, and preexisting barite was pervasively replaced by red-brown sphalerite. Hydrothermal activity ceased until Jurassic time when thrusting and large-scale fluid flow related to the Brookian orogeny remobilized and formed late tan sphalerite in tectonic breccias. ?? 2004 by Economic Geology.

The Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis): Over 1000 years of domestication

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The cultivated strawberry of South America, Fragaria chiloensis, has a long history. At least two native peoples, the Mapuche and the Picunche began the domestication process. While white- and red-fruited forms were domesticated, the white form was preferred as the red-fruited types are not mention...

Protect and Restore Red River Watershed, 2007-2008 Annual Report.

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

Bransford, Stephanie

2009-05-04

The Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resource Management, Watershed Division approaches watershed restoration with a ridge-top to ridge-top approach. The Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) and the Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF) have formed a partnership in completing watershed restoration activities, and through this partnership more work is accomplished by sharing funding and resources in our effort. The Nez Perce Tribe began watershed restoration projects within the Red River Watershed of the South Fork Clearwater River in 2001. Progress has been made in restoring the watershed through road decommissioning and culvert replacement. From completing a watershed assessment to two NEPAmore » efforts and a final stream restoration design, we will begin the effort of restoring the mainstem channel of Red River to provide spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous and resident fish species. Roads have been surveyed and prioritized for removal or improvement as well as culverts being prioritized for replacement to accommodate fish passage throughout the watershed. Another major, and extremely, important component of this project is the Red River Meadow Conservation Easement. We have begun the process of pursuing a conservation easement on approximately 270 acres of prime meadow habitat (Red River runs through this meadow and is prime spawning and rearing habitat).« less

On the molecular interaction between lactoferrin and the dye Red HE-3B. A novel approach for docking a charged and highly flexible molecule to protein surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grasselli, Mariano; Cascone, Osvaldo; Anspach, F. Birger; Delfino, Jose M.

2002-12-01

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a non-heme, iron binding protein present in many physiological fluids of vertebrates where its main role is the microbicidal activity. It has been isolated by different methods, including dye-affinity chromatography. Red HE-3B is one of the most common triazinic dyes applied in protein purification, but scant knowledge is available on structural details and on the energetics of its interaction with proteins. In this work we present a computational approach useful for identifying possible binding sites for Red HE-3B in apo and holo forms of Lfs from human and bovine source. A new geometrical description of Red HE-3B is introduced which greatly simplifies the conformational analysis. This approach proved to be of particular advantage for addressing conformational ensembles of highly flexible molecules. Predictions from this analysis were correlated with experimentally observed dye-binding sites, as mapped by protection from proteolysis in Red HE-3B/Lf complexes. This method could bear relevance for the screening of possible dye-binding sites in proteins whose structure is known and as a potential tool for the design of engineered protein variants which could be purified by dye-affinity chromatography.

On the molecular interaction between lactoferrin and the dye Red HE-3b. A novel approach for docking a charged and highly flexible molecule to protein surfaces.

PubMed

Grasselli, Mariano; Cascone, Osvaldo; Birger Anspach, F; Delfino, Jose M

2002-12-01

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a non-heme, iron binding protein present in many physiological fluids of vertebrates where its main role is the microbicidal activity. It has been isolated by different methods, including dye-affinity chromatography. Red HE-3B is one of the most common triazinic dyes applied in protein purification, but scant knowledge is available on structural details and on the energetics of its interaction with proteins. In this work we present a computational approach useful for identifying possible binding sites for Red HE-3B in apo and holo forms of Lfs from human and bovine source. A new geometrical description of Red HE-3B is introduced which greatly simplifies the conformational analysis. This approach proved to be of particular advantage for addressing conformational ensembles of highly flexible molecules. Predictions from this analysis were correlated with experimentally observed dye-binding sites, as mapped by protection from proteolysis in Red HE-3B/Lf complexes. This method could bear relevance for the screening of possible dye-binding sites in proteins whose structure is known and as a potential tool for the design of engineered protein variants which could be purified by dye-affinity chromatography.

Polyphenols from red wine are potent modulators of innate and adaptive immune responsiveness.

PubMed

Magrone, Thea; Jirillo, Emilio

2010-08-01

It is well known that the consumption of dietary polyphenols leads to beneficial effects for human health as in the case of prevention and/or attenuation of cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases. This review summarizes the role of polyphenols from red wine in the immune function. In particular, using healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we have demonstrated the in vitro ability of Negroamaro, an Italian red wine, to induce the release of nitric oxide and both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus leading to the maintenance of the immmune homeostasis in the host. All these effects were abrogated by deprivation of polyphenols from red wine samples. We have also provided evidence that Negromaro polyphenols are able to activate extracellular regulated kinase and p38 kinase and switch off the NF-kappaB pathway via an increased expression with time of the IkappaBalpha phosphorylated form. These mechanisms may represent key molecular events leading to inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cascade and atherogenesis. In conclusion, according to the current literature and our own data, moderate consumption of red wine seems to be protective for the host in the prevention of several diseases, even including aged-related diseases by virtue of its immunomodulating properties.

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

Thilker, David A.; Bianchi, Luciana; Schiminovich, David

We have discovered recent star formation in the outermost portion ((1-4) x R {sub 25}) of the nearby lenticular (S0) galaxy NGC 404 using Galaxy Evolution Explorer UV imaging. FUV-bright sources are strongly concentrated within the galaxy's H I ring (formed by a merger event according to del RIo et al.), even though the average gas density is dynamically subcritical. Archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging reveals resolved upper main-sequence stars and conclusively demonstrates that the UV light originates from recent star formation activity. We present FUV, NUV radial surface brightness profiles, and integrated magnitudes for NGC 404. Within the ring,more » the average star formation rate (SFR) surface density ({Sigma}{sub SFR}) is {approx}2.2 x 10{sup -5} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}. Of the total FUV flux, 70% comes from the H I ring which is forming stars at a rate of 2.5 x 10{sup -3} M {sub sun} yr{sup -1}. The gas consumption timescale, assuming a constant SFR and no gas recycling, is several times the age of the universe. In the context of the UV-optical galaxy color-magnitude diagram, the presence of the star-forming H I ring places NGC 404 in the green valley separating the red and blue sequences. The rejuvenated lenticular galaxy has experienced a merger-induced, disk-building excursion away from the red sequence toward bluer colors, where it may evolve quiescently or (if appropriately triggered) experience a burst capable of placing it on the blue/star-forming sequence for up to {approx}1 Gyr. The green valley galaxy population is heterogeneous, with most systems transitioning from blue to red but others evolving in the opposite sense due to acquisition of fresh gas through various channels.« less

Discovery of extreme [O III] λ5007 Å outflows in high-redshift red quasars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zakamska, Nadia L.; Hamann, Fred; Pâris, Isabelle; Brandt, W. N.; Greene, Jenny E.; Strauss, Michael A.; Villforth, Carolin; Wylezalek, Dominika; Alexandroff, Rachael M.; Ross, Nicholas P.

2016-07-01

Black hole feedback is now a standard component of galaxy formation models. These models predict that the impact of black hole activity on its host galaxy likely peaked at z = 2-3, the epoch of strongest star formation activity and black hole accretion activity in the Universe. We used XSHOOTER on the Very Large Telescope to measure rest-frame optical spectra of four z ˜ 2.5 extremely red quasars with infrared luminosities ˜1047 erg s-1. We present the discovery of very broad (full width at half max = 2600-5000 km s-1), strongly blueshifted (by up to 1500 km s-1) [O III] λ5007 Å emission lines in these objects. In a large sample of type 2 and red quasars, [O III] kinematics are positively correlated with infrared luminosity, and the four objects in our sample are on the extreme end in both [O III] kinematics and infrared luminosity. We estimate that at least 3 per cent of the bolometric luminosity in these objects is being converted into the kinetic power of the observed wind. Photo-ionization estimates suggest that the [O III] emission might be extended on a few kpc scales, which would suggest that the extreme outflow is affecting the entire host galaxy of the quasar. These sources may be the signposts of the most extreme form of quasar feedback at the peak epoch of galaxy formation, and may represent an active `blow-out' phase of quasar evolution.

Micro-structural characterization of the hydration products of bauxite-calcination-method red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaoming; Zhang, Na; Yao, Yuan; Sun, Henghu; Feng, Huan

2013-11-15

In this research, the micro-structural characterization of the hydration products of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials has been investigated through SEM-EDS, (27)Al MAS NMR and (29)Si MAS NMR techniques, in which the used red mud was derived from the bauxite calcination method. The results show that the red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials mainly form fibrous C-A-S-H gel, needle-shaped/rod-like AFt in the early hydration period. With increasing of the hydration period, densification of the pastes were promoted resulting in the development of strength. EDS analysis shows that with the Ca/Si of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials increases, the average Ca/Si and Ca/(Si+Al) atomic ratio of C-A-S-H gel increases, while the average Al/Si atomic ratio of C-A-S-H gel decreases. MAS NMR analysis reveals that Al in the hydration products of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials exists in the forms of Al(IV) and Al(VI), but mainly in the form of Al(VI). Increasing the Ca/Si ratio of raw material promotes the conversion of [AlO4] to [AlO6] and inhibits the combination between [AlO4] and [SiO4] to form C-A-S-H gel. Meanwhile, the polymerization degree of [SiO4] in the hydration products declines. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Monitoring and reporting transfusion reactions as a quality indicator - a clinical audit.

PubMed

Hussain, Shabneez; Moiz, Bushra; Ausat, Fatima Azra; Khurshid, Mohammad

2015-02-01

This audit was conducted as a part of a quality assurance activity to assess the frequency of receiving completely filled out blood transfusion reaction forms which were accompanied by the required samples. Once this information is known, we will elevate the bar each year to achieve 100% compliance. The sub-aim was to evaluate the frequency of the reported transfusion reactions. The study was conducted from 1st April 2010 to 30th April 2011. The information was evaluated and the frequency of receiving completely filled blood transfusion reaction forms was assessed. The variables identified were the type of transfusion reaction, the blood component transfused, the health care personnel filling the form, and whether there was legible handwriting and a completely filled form. Transfusion reactions were reported as a percentage of the total number of units transfused. During the study period, 17,880 packed red cells, 13,200 platelets, 13,620 fresh frozen plasma and 2256 cryoprecipitate were transfused and 106 transfusion reactions (0.23%) were reported. Of these, febrile non hemolytic transfusion reaction was the most common (47%), the majority caused by packed red cells. Eighty-four percent of the transfusion reaction forms were completely filled as per our criteria. Febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions were the most common reactions reported. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Some dinophycean red tide plankton species generate a superoxide scavenging substance.

PubMed

Sato, Emiko; Niwano, Yoshimi; Matsuyama, Yukihiko; Kim, Daekyung; Nakashima, Takuji; Oda, Tatsuya; Kohno, Masahiro

2007-03-01

Recent studies indicate that some raphidophycean red tide flagellates produce substances able to scavenge superoxide, whereas there have been no reports on superoxide scavenger production by dinophycean red tide flagellates. In this study, we examined the superoxide-scavenging activity of aqueous extracts from dinophycean red tide flagellates, Gymnodinium spp., Scrippsiella trochoidea, and Karenia sp., by a luminol analog L-012-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) method and an electron spin resonance (ESR)-spin trapping method, and compared the activity to that of raphidophycean red tide flagellates, Chattonella spp., Heterosigma akashiwo, and Fibrocapsa japonica. In the experiment applying the L-012-dependent CL method, only the aqueous extracts from raphidophycean red tide flagellates showed superoxide-scavenging activity. On the other hand, applying the ESR-spin trapping method, we found that the aqueous extracts from dinophycean red tide flagellates also showed superoxide-scavenging activity. This is the first report on the production of a superoxide-scavenger by dinophycean red tide flagellates.

Physical properties of Meridiani Sinus-type units in the central equatorial region of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strickland, Edwin L., III

1992-01-01

Classification and mapping of surficial units in the central equatorial region of Mars (30 degrees N to 20 degrees S, 57 degrees E to 75 degrees W) using enhanced color images and Mars Consortium data identified four major color/albedo units in the dark, reddish-gray regions that form the classical dark albedo markings of Mars, including Meridiani Sinus. The darkest, least red (relatively 'blue') materials form splotches (some with dune forms) in craters, inter-crater depressions, and part of Valles Marineris. These form the 'Dark Blue' Meridiani unit. Abundant materials that have higher albedos and are somewhat redder than the 'Dark Blue' unit have uniquely high green/(violet + red) color ratios in Viking Orbiter images. These materials, named 'Green-blue' Meridiani surround and mix with 'Dark Blue' Meridiani patches and are abundant on crater rims and local elevations. Discontinuous, patchy deposits with still higher albedos and much redder colors have morphologies classified of the Type Ib bright depositional dust streaks and sheets that were classified by Thomas et al. These dust deposits, which appear to be optically thin and patchy and are darker and not as red as other Type Ib dust deposits on Mars, and their Meridiani substrates, were designated the 'Red' Meridiani unit. Distinctive deposits that form highly eroded mesas and escarpments in northern Meridiani Sinus were named 'Light Blue' Meridiani, since they are not as red as other materials with moderately high albedos. Large areas dominated by these units form Meridiani Province in the central equatorial region of Mars.

Phytochemical Profiles and Antimicrobial Activities of Allium cepa Red cv. and A. sativum Subjected to Different Drying Methods: A Comparative MS-Based Metabolomics.

PubMed

Farag, Mohamed A; Ali, Sara E; Hodaya, Rashad H; El-Seedi, Hesham R; Sultani, Haider N; Laub, Annegret; Eissa, Tarek F; Abou-Zaid, Fouad O F; Wessjohann, Ludger A

2017-05-08

Plants of the Allium genus produce sulphur compounds that give them a characteristic (alliaceous) flavour and mediate for their medicinal use. In this study, the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Allium cepa red cv. and A. sativum in the context of three different drying processes were assessed using metabolomics. Bulbs were dried using either microwave, air drying, or freeze drying and further subjected to chemical analysis of their composition of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Volatiles were collected using solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with 42 identified volatiles including 30 sulphur compounds, four nitriles, three aromatics, and three esters. Profiling of the polar non-volatile metabolites via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution MS (UPLC/MS) annotated 51 metabolites including dipeptides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. Major peaks in GC/MS or UPLC/MS contributing to the discrimination between A. sativum and A. cepa red cv. were assigned to sulphur compounds and flavonoids. Whereas sulphur conjugates amounted to the major forms in A. sativum , flavonoids predominated in the chemical composition of A. cepa red cv. With regard to drying impact on Allium metabolites, notable and clear separations among specimens were revealed using principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA scores plot of the UPLC/MS dataset showed closer metabolite composition of microwave dried specimens to freeze dried ones, and distant from air dried bulbs, observed in both A. cepa and A. sativum . Compared to GC/MS, the UPLC/MS derived PCA model was more consistent and better in assessing the impact of drying on Allium metabolism. A phthalate derivative was found exclusively in a commercial garlic preparation via GC/MS, of yet unknown origin. The freeze dried samples of both Allium species exhibited stronger antimicrobial activities compared to dried specimens with A. sativum being in general more active than A. cepa red cv.

Dataset of red light induced pupil constriction superimposed on post-illumination pupil response.

PubMed

Lei, Shaobo; Goltz, Herbert C; Sklar, Jaime C; Wong, Agnes M F

2016-09-01

We collected and analyzed pupil diameter data from of 7 visually normal participants to compare the maximum pupil constriction (MPC) induced by "Red Only" vs. "Blue+Red" visual stimulation conditions. The "Red Only" condition consisted of red light (640±10 nm) stimuli of variable intensity and duration presented to dark-adapted eyes with pupils at resting state. This condition stimulates the cone-driven activity of the intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGC). The "Blue+Red" condition consisted of the same red light stimulus presented during ongoing blue (470±17 nm) light-induced post-illumination pupil response (PIPR), representing the cone-driven ipRGC activity superimposed on the melanopsin-driven intrinsic activity of the ipRGCs ("The Absence of Attenuating Effect of Red light Exposure on Pre-existing Melanopsin-Driven Post-illumination Pupil Response" Lei et al. (2016) [1]). MPC induced by the "Red Only" condition was compared with the MPC induced by the "Blue+Red" condition by multiple paired sample t -tests with Bonferroni correction.

Green Mind Theory: How Brain-Body-Behaviour Links into Natural and Social Environments for Healthy Habits

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

We propose a Green Mind Theory (GMT) to link the human mind with the brain and body, and connect the body into natural and social environments. The processes are reciprocal: environments shape bodies, brains, and minds; minds change body behaviours that shape the external environment. GMT offers routes to improved individual well-being whilst building towards greener economies. It builds upon research on green exercise and nature-based therapies, and draws on understanding derived from neuroscience and brain plasticity, spiritual and wisdom traditions, the lifeways of original cultures, and material consumption behaviours. We set out a simple metaphor for brain function: a bottom brain stem that is fast-acting, involuntary, impulsive, and the driver of fight and flight behaviours; a top brain cortex that is slower, voluntary, the centre for learning, and the driver of rest and digest. The bottom brain reacts before thought and directs the sympathetic nervous system. The top brain is calming, directing the parasympathetic nervous system. Here, we call the top brain blue and the bottom brain red; too much red brain is bad for health. In modern high-consumption economies, life has often come to be lived on red alert. An over-active red mode impacts the gastrointestinal, immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. We develop our knowledge of nature-based interventions, and suggest a framework for the blue brain-red brain-green mind. We show how activities involving immersive-attention quieten internal chatter, how habits affect behaviours across the lifecourse, how long habits take to be formed and hard-wired into daily practice, the role of place making, and finally how green minds could foster prosocial and greener economies. We conclude with observations on twelve research priorities and health interventions, and ten calls to action. PMID:28665327

Green Mind Theory: How Brain-Body-Behaviour Links into Natural and Social Environments for Healthy Habits.

PubMed

Pretty, Jules; Rogerson, Mike; Barton, Jo

2017-06-30

We propose a Green Mind Theory (GMT) to link the human mind with the brain and body, and connect the body into natural and social environments. The processes are reciprocal: environments shape bodies, brains, and minds; minds change body behaviours that shape the external environment. GMT offers routes to improved individual well-being whilst building towards greener economies. It builds upon research on green exercise and nature-based therapies, and draws on understanding derived from neuroscience and brain plasticity, spiritual and wisdom traditions, the lifeways of original cultures, and material consumption behaviours. We set out a simple metaphor for brain function: a bottom brain stem that is fast-acting, involuntary, impulsive, and the driver of fight and flight behaviours; a top brain cortex that is slower, voluntary, the centre for learning, and the driver of rest and digest. The bottom brain reacts before thought and directs the sympathetic nervous system. The top brain is calming, directing the parasympathetic nervous system. Here, we call the top brain blue and the bottom brain red; too much red brain is bad for health. In modern high-consumption economies, life has often come to be lived on red alert. An over-active red mode impacts the gastrointestinal, immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. We develop our knowledge of nature-based interventions, and suggest a framework for the blue brain-red brain-green mind. We show how activities involving immersive-attention quieten internal chatter, how habits affect behaviours across the lifecourse, how long habits take to be formed and hard-wired into daily practice, the role of place making, and finally how green minds could foster prosocial and greener economies. We conclude with observations on twelve research priorities and health interventions, and ten calls to action.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Classroom Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Texas State Dept. of Parks and Wildlife, Austin.

This packet provides information on the balance between the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and modern forestry in Texas. A set of classroom activities about the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and its habitat for grades 3-6, and a booklet, a pamphlet, and a poster are featured. Sections of the booklet include: (1) "The Red-cockaded…

Removal of hexavalent chromium by using red mud activated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide.

PubMed

Li, Deliang; Ding, Ying; Li, Lingling; Chang, Zhixian; Rao, Zhengyong; Lu, Ling

2015-01-01

The removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from aqueous solution by using red mud activated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was studied. The optimum operation parameters, such as CTAB concentration, pH values, contact time, and initial Cr(VI) concentration, were investigated. The best concentration of CTAB for modifying red mud was found to be 0.50% (mCTAB/VHCl,0.6 mol/L). The lower pH (<2) was found to be much more favourable for the removal of Cr(VI). Red mud activated with CTAB can greatly improve the removal ratio of Cr(VI) as high as four times than that of original red mud. Adsorption equilibrium was reached within 30 min under the initial Cr(VI) concentration of 100 mg L(-1). The isotherm data were analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The adsorption of Cr(VI) on activated red mud fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was estimated as 22.20 mg g(-1) (Cr/red mud). The adsorption process could be well described using the pseudo-second-order model. The result shows that activated red mud is a promising agent for low-cost water treatment.

Characterization of cosmetic sticks at Xiaohe Cemetery in early Bronze Age Xinjiang, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, Huijuan; Yang, Yimin; Abuduresule, Idelisi; Li, Wenying; Hu, Xingjun; Wang, Changsui

2016-01-01

Cosmetics have been studied for a long time in the society and culture research, and its consumption is regarded as a cultural symbol of human society. This paper focuses on the analysis of the red cosmetic sticks, found in Xiaohe Cemetery (1980-1450BC), Xinjiang, China. The structure of the red cosmetic sticks was disclosed by SR-μCT scanning (Synchrotron Radiation Micro-computed Tomography), while the chemical components were characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), Raman Spectroscopy and Proteomics. The results suggested that the cosmetic sticks were made from the cattle heart and covered with a layer of hematite powders as the pigment. Given the numerous red painted relics in Xiaohe Cemetery, this kind of cosmetic sticks might be used as a primitive form of crayon for makeup and painting. The usage of cattle hearts as cosmetic sticks is firstly reported up to our knowledge, which not only reveals the varied utilizations of cattle in Xiaohe Cemetery but also shows the distinctive religious function. Furthermore, these red cosmetic sticks were usually buried with women, implying that the woman may be the painter and play a special role in religious activities.

Characterization of cosmetic sticks at Xiaohe Cemetery in early Bronze Age Xinjiang, China

PubMed Central

Mai, Huijuan; Yang, Yimin; Abuduresule, Idelisi; Li, Wenying; Hu, Xingjun; Wang, Changsui

2016-01-01

Cosmetics have been studied for a long time in the society and culture research, and its consumption is regarded as a cultural symbol of human society. This paper focuses on the analysis of the red cosmetic sticks, found in Xiaohe Cemetery (1980–1450BC), Xinjiang, China. The structure of the red cosmetic sticks was disclosed by SR-μCT scanning (Synchrotron Radiation Micro-computed Tomography), while the chemical components were characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), Raman Spectroscopy and Proteomics. The results suggested that the cosmetic sticks were made from the cattle heart and covered with a layer of hematite powders as the pigment. Given the numerous red painted relics in Xiaohe Cemetery, this kind of cosmetic sticks might be used as a primitive form of crayon for makeup and painting. The usage of cattle hearts as cosmetic sticks is firstly reported up to our knowledge, which not only reveals the varied utilizations of cattle in Xiaohe Cemetery but also shows the distinctive religious function. Furthermore, these red cosmetic sticks were usually buried with women, implying that the woman may be the painter and play a special role in religious activities. PMID:26820435

Characterization of cosmetic sticks at Xiaohe Cemetery in early Bronze Age Xinjiang, China.

PubMed

Mai, Huijuan; Yang, Yimin; Abuduresule, Idelisi; Li, Wenying; Hu, Xingjun; Wang, Changsui

2016-01-28

Cosmetics have been studied for a long time in the society and culture research, and its consumption is regarded as a cultural symbol of human society. This paper focuses on the analysis of the red cosmetic sticks, found in Xiaohe Cemetery (1980-1450BC), Xinjiang, China. The structure of the red cosmetic sticks was disclosed by SR-μCT scanning (Synchrotron Radiation Micro-computed Tomography), while the chemical components were characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), Raman Spectroscopy and Proteomics. The results suggested that the cosmetic sticks were made from the cattle heart and covered with a layer of hematite powders as the pigment. Given the numerous red painted relics in Xiaohe Cemetery, this kind of cosmetic sticks might be used as a primitive form of crayon for makeup and painting. The usage of cattle hearts as cosmetic sticks is firstly reported up to our knowledge, which not only reveals the varied utilizations of cattle in Xiaohe Cemetery but also shows the distinctive religious function. Furthermore, these red cosmetic sticks were usually buried with women, implying that the woman may be the painter and play a special role in religious activities.

Purification and Pore Forming Activity of Two Hydrophobic Polypeptides from the Secretion of the Red Sea Moses Sole (Pardachirus marmoratus)

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-11-01

Uppsala, Sweden. Ovalbumin, bovine albumin fractio n V, soybean lecithin , sodium cnolate, gramicidin D and Dowex 50 x 8 (50-100 mesh) were obtained from...A-,.ino acid analysis 50 ug duplIcate samples of PXI and PXII, from reverse phase HPLC, were dissolved in 0.4 ml of 6 N HCI and hydrolyzed ocr 24 hr

Water-tunnel studies of heat balance in swimming mako sharks.

PubMed

Bernal, D; Sepulveda, C; Graham, J B

2001-12-01

The mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) has specialized vascular networks (retia mirabilia) forming counter-current heat exchangers that allow metabolic heat retention in certain regions of the body, including the aerobic, locomotor red muscle and the viscera. Red muscle, white muscle and stomach temperatures were measured in juvenile (5-13.6 kg) makos swimming steadily in a water tunnel and exposed to stepwise square-wave changes in ambient temperature (T(a)) to estimate the rates of heat transfer and to determine their capacity for the activity-independent control of heat balance. The rates of heat gain of red muscle during warming were significantly higher than the rates of heat loss during cooling, and neither the magnitude of the change in T(a) nor the direction of change in T(a) had a significant effect on red muscle latency time. Our findings for mako red muscle are similar to those recorded for tunas and suggest modulation of retial heat-exchange efficiency as the underlying mechanism controlling heat balance. However, the red muscle temperatures measured in swimming makos (0.3-3 degrees C above T(a)) are cooler than those measured previously in larger decked makos. Also, the finding of non-stable stomach temperatures contrasts with the predicted independence from T(a) recorded in telemetry studies of mako and white sharks. Our studies on live makos provide new evidence that, in addition to the unique convergent morphological properties between makos and tunas, there is a strong functional similarity in the mechanisms used to regulate heat transfer.

Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Suppresses Adaptive Immune Responses in Vivo and at Picomolar Levels in Vitro

PubMed Central

Anton, Benito; Calva, Juan C.; Acevedo, Rodolfo; Salazar, Alberto; Matus, Maura; Flores, Anabel; Martinez, Martin; Adler, Martin W.; Gaughan, John P.; Eisenstein, Toby K.

2014-01-01

Nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), added in vitro to murine spleen cells in the picomolar range, suppressed antibody formation to sheep red blood cells in a primary and a secondary plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay. The activity of the peptide was maximal at 10−12 M, with an asymmetric U-shaped dose response curve that extended activity to 10−14 M. Suppression was not blocked by pretreatment with naloxone. Specificity of the suppressive response was shown using affinity purified rabbit antibodies against two N/OFQ peptides, and with a pharmacological antagonist. Antisera against both peptides were active, in a dose related manner, in neutralizing N/OFQ -mediated immunosuppression, when the peptide was used at concentrations from 10−12.3 to 10−11.6 M. In addition, nociceptin given in vivo by osmotic pump for 48 hr suppressed the capacity of spleen cells placed ex vivo to make an anti-sheep red blood cell response. These studies show that nociceptin directly inhibits an adaptive immune response, i.e. antibody formation, both in vitro and in vivo. PMID:20119853

GREEN GALAXIES IN THE COSMOS FIELD

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

Pan, Zhizheng; Kong, Xu; Fan, Lulu, E-mail: panzz@mail.ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: xkong@ustc.edu.cn

2013-10-10

We present research on the morphologies, spectra, and environments of ≈2350 'green valley' galaxies at 0.2 < z < 1.0 in the COSMOS field. The bimodality of dust-corrected NUV–r {sup +} color is used to define 'green valley'; it removes dusty star-forming galaxies from galaxies that are truly transitioning between the blue cloud and the red sequence. Morphological parameters of green galaxies are intermediate between those of blue and red galaxy populations, both on the Gini-asymmetry and the Gini-M{sub 20} planes. Approximately 60%-70% of green disk galaxies have intermediate or big bulges, and only 5%-10% are pure disk systems, basedmore » on morphological classification using the Zurich Estimator of Structural Types. The obtained average spectra of green galaxies are intermediate between blue and red ones in terms of [O II], Hα, and Hβ emission lines. Stellar population synthesis on the average spectra shows that green galaxies are on average older than blue galaxies but younger than red galaxies. Green galaxies and blue galaxies have similar projected galaxy density (Σ{sub 10}) distributions at z > 0.7. At z < 0.7, the fractions of M{sub *} < 10{sup 10.0} M{sub ☉} green galaxies located in a dense environment are found to be significantly larger than those of blue galaxies. The morphological and spectral properties of green galaxies are consistent with the transitioning population between the blue cloud and the red sequence. The possible mechanisms for quenching star formation activities in green galaxies are discussed. The importance of active galactic nucleus feedback cannot be well constrained in our study. Finally, our findings suggest that environmental conditions, most likely starvation and harassment, significantly affect the transformation of M{sub *} < 10{sup 10.0} M{sub ☉} blue galaxies into red galaxies, especially at z < 0.5.« less

Comparison of non-invasive approaches to red marrow dosimetry for radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies.

PubMed

Plaizier, M A; Roos, J C; Teule, G J; van Dieren, E B; den Hollander, W; Haisma, H J; DeJager, R L; van Lingen, A

1994-03-01

Red marrow is usually the dose-limiting organ during radioimmunotherapy. Several non-invasive approaches to calculate the red marrow dose have been proposed. We compared four approaches to analyse the differences in calculated red marrow doses. The data were obtained from immunoscintigraphy of two antibodies with different red marrow kinetics [iodine-131-16.88 IgM and indium-111-OV-TL-3 F(ab')2]. The approaches are based on, respectively, homogeneously distributed activity in the body, a red marrow-blood activity concentration ratio of 0.3, scintigraphic quantification, and a combination of the second and third approaches. This fourth approach may be more adequate because of its independence from the chosen antibody. In addition, the influence of activity accumulation in liver, kidneys or cancellous bone on red marrow dose was studied. The calculated red marrow dose varied between 0.14 and 0.42 mGy/MBq for 111In-OV-TL-3 and between 0.13 and 0.68 mGy/MBq for 131I-16.88. If the radiopharmaceutical shows high affinity for cancellous bone or another organ situated near the red marrow, the activity in these organs must be included in dose calculations. This study shows a large variation in calculated red marrow dose and selection of the definitive non-invasive approach awaits validation.

A comparison of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of sword beans and soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Han, Seon Su; Hur, Sun Jin; Lee, Si Kyung

2015-08-01

This study was conducted to determine the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of non-fermented or Bacillus subtilis-fermented soybeans and sword beans (red and white). The total flavonoid content in both sword bean types was higher (1.9-2.5-fold) than that in soybeans. The total phenolic content in fermented red sword beans was 2.5-fold greater than that in non-fermented red sword beans. HPLC profiles revealed that gallic acid, methyl gallate, and ellagic acid were major phenolic components of non-fermented/fermented red sword beans. DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power were higher in fermented red sword beans than in other beans. Non-fermented/fermented red sword beans had higher nitrite scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene and non-fermented/fermented soybeans. The hyaluronidase inhibitory activity of non-fermented/fermented red sword beans was higher (1.5-2.6-fold) than that of non-fermented/fermented soybeans. These results suggest that B. subtilis-fermented sword beans are potential natural antioxidant sources and anti-inflammatory agents for the food industry.

Role of Small Subunit in Mediating Assembly of Red-type Form I Rubisco

PubMed Central

Joshi, Jidnyasa; Mueller-Cajar, Oliver; Tsai, Yi-Chin C.; Hartl, F. Ulrich; Hayer-Hartl, Manajit

2015-01-01

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is the key enzyme involved in photosynthetic carbon fixation, converting atmospheric CO2 to organic compounds. Form I Rubisco is a cylindrical complex composed of eight large (RbcL) subunits that are capped by four small subunits (RbcS) at the top and four at the bottom. Form I Rubiscos are phylogenetically divided into green- and red-type. Some red-type enzymes have catalytically superior properties. Thus, understanding their folding and assembly is of considerable biotechnological interest. Folding of the green-type RbcL subunits in cyanobacteria is mediated by the GroEL/ES chaperonin system, and assembly to holoenzyme requires specialized chaperones such as RbcX and RAF1. Here, we show that the red-type RbcL subunits in the proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides also fold with GroEL/ES. However, assembly proceeds in a chaperone-independent manner. We find that the C-terminal β-hairpin extension of red-type RbcS, which is absent in green-type RbcS, is critical for efficient assembly. The β-hairpins of four RbcS subunits form an eight-stranded β-barrel that protrudes into the central solvent channel of the RbcL core complex. The two β-barrels stabilize the complex through multiple interactions with the RbcL subunits. A chimeric green-type RbcS carrying the C-terminal β-hairpin renders the assembly of a cyanobacterial Rubisco independent of RbcX. Our results may facilitate the engineering of crop plants with improved growth properties expressing red-type Rubisco. PMID:25371207

Spectrophotometric and theoretical studies of the protonation of Allura Red AC and Ponceau 4R

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevziuk, Kateryna; Chebotarev, Alexander; Snigur, Denys; Bazel, Yaroslav; Fizer, Maksym; Sidey, Vasyl

2017-09-01

The acid-base properties of Allura Red AC and Ponceau 4R azo dyes were investigated by spectrophotometric, potentiometric and tristimulus colourimetry methods. Ionization constants of the functional groups were also found in aqueous solutions of the dyes. It was discovered that the wavelength of the maximum light absorption of Allura Red AC and Ponceau 4R solutions does not change significantly over a wide pH range. As a result, spectrophotometric methods yield little information for assessing the acid-base properties of the dyes. It was shown with a help of the tristimulus colourimetry method that it is possible to determine the ionization constants of the functional groups of the dyes even when there is significant overlap of the absorption bands of the acid-base forms. The basic spectrophotometric characteristics of the main forms of Allura Red AC and Ponceau 4R in water and organic solvents were calculated. The molar absorbance coefficients of azo forms were shown to increase as the dielectric permittivity of the solvent increases. It was determined that in aqueous solution the dyes exist in the azo form over a wide range of acidity - pH 2-12 for Allura Red AC (λmax = 505 nm; ελ = 3.1·104 dm3 mol-1 cm-1) and 1-13 for Ponceau 4R (λmax = 510 nm; ελ = 1.7·10-4 dm3 mol-1 cm-1). The most probable protonation/deprotonation schemes were theoretically determined for Allura Red AC and Ponceau 4R using DFT calculations.

Are pileated woodpeckers attracted to red-cockaded woodpecker cavity trees?

Treesearch

Daniel Saenz; Richard N. Conner; James R. McCormick

2002-01-01

Pileated Woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus) cause damage to Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) cavity trees in the form of cavity enlargement or other excavations on the surface of the pine tree. However, it is not known whether Pileated Woodpeckers excavate more frequently on Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees than on...

Antileishmanial Activity of Liposomal Clarithromycin against Leishmania Major Promastigotes.

PubMed

Sazgarnia, Ameneh; Zabolinejad, Naghmeh; Layegh, Pouran; Rajabi, Omid; Berenji, Fariba; Javidi, Zari; Salari, Roshanak

2012-11-01

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease which is endemic in some parts of the world. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown azithromycin efficacy on some Leishmania species. Because of structural similarity between clarithromycin and azithromycin and efficacy of clarithromycin against intracellular organisms and due to the absence of previous studies in this respect, we decided to evaluate the efficacy of clarithromycin against promastigotes of L. major in vitro. First, liposomal and non- liposomal clarithromycin were prepared, then both forms of the drug were incubated with promastigotes for 24 hr in NNN culture media without red phenol in the presence of 5% FCS with different concentrations as follows: 20, 40, 80, 100, 200 and 500 µg/ml. According to the results, clarithromycin in both liposomal and non- liposomal forms has in vitro activity against the promastigotes of L. major. The concentration of drug that killed 50% of parasites (ED 50) was 169 and 253.6 µg/ml for liposomal and non- liposomal forms, respectively which shows that lower concentrations of liposomal drug are required to have the same effect as non- liposomal drug and the liposomal form of the drug is more effective than non- liposomal form. Clarithromycin in both liposomal and non- liposomal forms has in vitro activity against the promastigotes of L. major.

Chemical and cellular antioxidant activity of phytochemicals purified from olive mill waste waters.

PubMed

Angelino, Donato; Gennari, Lorenzo; Blasa, Manuela; Selvaggini, Roberto; Urbani, Stefania; Esposto, Sonia; Servili, Maurizio; Ninfali, Paolino

2011-03-09

The isolation and identification of a phytocomplex from olive mill waste waters (OMWW) was achieved. The isolated phytocomplex is made up of the following three phenolic compounds: hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA), tyrosol (p-HPEA) and the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethyl elenolic acid, linked with (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol (3,4-DHPEA-EDA). The purification of this phytocomplex was reached by partial dehydration of the OMWW, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate and middle pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) on a Sephadex LH-20 column. The phytocomplex accounted for 6% of the total phenolic content of the OMWW. The phytocomplex and individual compounds were tested for antioxidant capacity by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) method. The ORAC phytocomplex produced 10,000 ORAC units/g dry weight, whereas the cellular antioxidant activity, measured by the cellular antioxidant activity in red blood cell (CAA-RBC) method, demonstrated that the phytocomplex and all of the components are able to permeate the cell membrane thus exhibiting antioxidant activity inside the red blood cells. Our phytocomplex could be employed in the formulation of fortified foods and nutraceuticals, with the goal to obtain substantial health protective effects due to the suitable combination of the component molecules.

Effects of Processing Temperature on Color Properties of Dry-Cured Hams Made without Nitrite.

PubMed

Parolari, Giovanni; Aguzzoni, Agnese; Toscani, Tania

2016-04-29

Dry cured hams were investigated for their ability to develop red color even at low temperature (3-4 °C) and in the absence of added nitrites; results were compared with those obtained from nitrite-free hams made at conventional warm maturing temperatures. Colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, b*, and hue) and concentration of the main pigments Zn protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) and heme were measured at three stages of preparation (six, nine, and 12 months), showing that red color was successfully formed at low temperatures, though at a slower rate and less intensively than under warm conditions. Major differences in the pattern of color development were found with the two processing temperatures. While the typical features of an enzyme-dependent mechanism, with a progressive drop in enzyme activity paralleling the synthesis of Zn protoporphyrin IX, were observed at warm temperatures, the same did not occur in cold-made hams, where the enzyme activity was almost unchanged throughout the process. These results, along with data from a descriptive sensory analysis, are supportive of a non-enzymatic mechanism leading to ZnPP (hence the red color) under cold conditions, with an estimated three-month delay compared with nitrite-free hams manufactured in a warm maturing regimen.

Effects of Processing Temperature on Color Properties of Dry-Cured Hams Made without Nitrite

PubMed Central

Parolari, Giovanni; Aguzzoni, Agnese; Toscani, Tania

2016-01-01

Dry cured hams were investigated for their ability to develop red color even at low temperature (3–4 °C) and in the absence of added nitrites; results were compared with those obtained from nitrite-free hams made at conventional warm maturing temperatures. Colorimetric parameters (L*, a*, b*, and hue) and concentration of the main pigments Zn protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) and heme were measured at three stages of preparation (six, nine, and 12 months), showing that red color was successfully formed at low temperatures, though at a slower rate and less intensively than under warm conditions. Major differences in the pattern of color development were found with the two processing temperatures. While the typical features of an enzyme-dependent mechanism, with a progressive drop in enzyme activity paralleling the synthesis of Zn protoporphyrin IX, were observed at warm temperatures, the same did not occur in cold-made hams, where the enzyme activity was almost unchanged throughout the process. These results, along with data from a descriptive sensory analysis, are supportive of a non-enzymatic mechanism leading to ZnPP (hence the red color) under cold conditions, with an estimated three-month delay compared with nitrite-free hams manufactured in a warm maturing regimen. PMID:28231128

Effect of gamma irradiation on phenol content, antioxidant activity and biological activity of black maca and red maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii walp).

PubMed

Zevallos-Concha, A; Nuñez, D; Gasco, M; Vasquez, C; Quispe, M; Gonzales, G F

2016-01-01

This study was performed to determine the effects of gamma irradiation on UV spectrum on maca, total content of polyphenols, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activities and in vivo biological activities of red and black maca extracts (Lepidium meyenii). Adult mice of the strain Swiss aged 3 months and weighing 30-35 g in average were used to determine biological activities. Daily sperm production, effect on testosterone-induced prostate hyperplasia and forced swimming test were used to determine the effect of irradiation on biological activities of maca extracts. Irradiation did not show differences in UV spectrum but improves the amount of total polyphenols in red maca as well as in black maca extracts. In both cases, black maca extract has more content of polyphenols than red maca extract (p < 0.01). Gamma irradiation significantly increased the antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). No difference was observed in daily sperm production when irradiated and nonirradiated maca extract were administered to mice (p > 0.05). Black maca extract but not red maca extract has more swimming endurance capacity in the forced swimming test. Irradiation of black maca extract increased the swimming time to exhaustion (p < 0.05). This is not observed with red maca extract (p > 0.05). Testosterone enanthate (TE) increased significantly the ventral prostate weight. Administration of red maca extract in animals treated with TE prevented the increase in prostate weight. Irradiation did not modify effect of red maca extract on prostate weight (p > 0.05). In conclusion, irradiation does not alter the biological activities of both black maca and red maca extracts. It prevents the presence of microorganisms in the extracts of black or red maca, but the biological activities were maintained.

Insights from ecological niche modeling on the taxonomic distinction and niche differentiation between the black-spotted and red-spotted tokay geckoes (Gekko gecko).

PubMed

Zhang, Yueyun; Chen, Chongtao; Li, Li; Zhao, Chengjian; Chen, Weicai; Huang, Yong

2014-09-01

The black-spotted tokay and the red-spotted tokay are morphologically distinct and have largely allopatric distributions. The black-spotted tokay is characterized by a small body size and dark skin with sundry spots, while the red-spotted tokay has a relatively large body size and red spots. Based on morphological, karyotypic, genetic, and distribution differences, recent studies suggested their species status; however, their classifications remain controversial, and additional data such as ecological niches are necessary to establish firm hypotheses regarding their taxonomic status. We reconstructed their ecological niches models using climatic and geographic data. We then performed niche similarity tests (niche identity and background tests) and point-based analyses to explore whether ecological differentiation has occurred, and whether such differences are sufficient to explain the maintenance of their separate segments of environmental ranges. We found that both niche models of the black- and the red-spotted tokay had a good fit and a robust performance, as indicated by the high area under the curve (AUC) values ("black" = 0.982, SD = ± 0.002, "red" = 0.966 ± 0.02). Significant ecological differentiation across the entire geographic range was found, indicating that the involvement of ecological differentiation is important for species differentiation. Divergence along the environmental axes is highly associated with climatic conditions, with isothermality being important for the "black" form, while temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter, and annual temperature range together being important for the "red" form. These factors are likely important factors in niche differentiation between the two forms, which result in morphological replacement. Overall, beside morphological and genetic differentiation information, our results contribute to additional insights into taxonomic distinction and niche differentiation between the black- and the red-spotted tokay.

Investigations on solid-solid phase transformation of 5-methyl-2-[(4-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile.

PubMed

Li, Hui; Stowell, Joseph G; He, Xiaorong; Morris, Kenneth R; Byrn, Stephen R

2007-05-01

Solid-solid transformation of 5-methyl-2-[(4-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile from the dark-red to the red form was investigated. By controlled crystallization, the dark-red form was prepared and the crystals were sieved into fractions: coarse (>250 microm), medium (125-177 microm), and fine (<88 microm). The transformation rate order (fastest to slowest) of the different fractions is coarse > medium > fine. However, milling accelerates the transformation, that is, smaller particles generated by milling transforms faster. Furthermore, ethanol vapor annealing slows both the transformation of the coarse and medium fractions, especially the latter. Therefore, the mechanism of transformation is not directly related to the crystal-size and most likely related to the amount and activity of the defects in the crystals. The three-dimensional (3-D) Avrami-Erofe'ev model, know as "random nucleation and growth" model, fits the kinetics of coarse fraction best. Higher relative humidity accelerates the transformation dramatically even though the compound is highly-hydrophobic. With minimal hydrogen bonding interaction involved, it appears even small amounts of water can serve as a nucleation catalyst by binding to the crystal surface, especially at defect sites, thus increasing the molecular mobility of these sites, promoting the transformation to the second phase and thereby increasing the transformation rate. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Biological effects of a nano red elemental selenium.

PubMed

Zhang, J S; Gao, X Y; Zhang, L D; Bao, Y P

2001-01-01

A novel selenium form, nano red elemental selenium (Nano-Se) was prepared by adding bovine serum albumin to the redox system of selenite and glutathione. Nano-Se has a 7-fold lower acute toxicity than sodium selenite in mice (LD(50) 113 and 15 mg Se/kg body weight respectively). In Se-deficient rat, both Nano-Se and selenite can increase tissue selenium and GPx activity. The biological activities of Nano-Se and selenite were compared in terms of cell proliferation, enzyme induction and protection against free racial-mediated damage in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Nano-Se and selenite are similarly cell growth inhibited and stimulated synthesis of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TR). When HepG2 cells were co-treated with selenium and glutathione, Nano-Se showed less pro-oxidative effects than selenite, as measured by cell growth. These results demonstrate that Nano-Se has a similar bioavailability in the rat and antioxidant effects on cells.

Immune response in mice infected with Candida albicans in the mycelial form.

PubMed

Bibas Bonet de Jorrat, M E; de Valdez, G A; de Petrino, S F; Sirena, A; Perdigón, G

1989-05-01

The effect of the infection with the mycelial form of a Candida albicans strain (Mycology Dept.) upon the immune system in mice was studied. BALB/c mice were infected intraperitoneally in a single dose of a 3 x 10(6), 6 x 10(6) and 12 x 10(6) cell suspension of the strain. Macrophages's activity was studied the days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after inoculation, by the following assays: phagocytosis in vitro, mononucleated phagocytic system by the colloidal carbon clearance technique, the lymphocyte's activity by the direct plaque forming cells technique (PFC) and delayed hypersensitivity (DTH). Infection with the mycelial form did not affect the peritoneal macrophage's phagocytic ability, neither modified the delayed hypersensitivity to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). However, a slight and transient depression of the lymphocyte stimulation was found. Suppression of PFC to SRBC was high when a 12 x 10(6) cell suspension was used in contrast to the infection with blastospores. These results suggest that systemic infection by Candida albicans in its mycelial form do not induce a non specific immunosuppression.

Immobilization of acetylcholinesterase in lipid membranes deposited on self-assembled monolayers.

PubMed

Milkani, Eftim; Khaing, Aung M; Huang, Fei; Gibson, Daniel G; Gridley, Scott; Garceau, Norman; Lambert, Christopher R; McGimpsey, W Grant

2010-12-21

Human red blood cell acetylcholinesterase was incorporated into planar lipid membranes deposited on alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold substrates. Activity of the protein in the membrane was detected with a standard photometric assay and was determined to be similar to the protein in detergent solution or incorporated in lipid vesicles. Monolayer and bilayer lipid membranes were generated by fusing liposomes to hydrophobic and hydrophilic SAMs, respectively. Liposomes were formed by the injection method using the lipid dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC). The formation of alkanethiol SAMs and lipid monolayers on SAMs was confirmed by sessile drop goniometry, ellipsometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In this work, we report acetylcholinesterase immobilization in lipid membranes deposited on SAMs formed on the gold surface and compare its activity to enzyme in solution.

DNA Damage Protecting Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Anthocyanins from Red Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Bran

PubMed Central

Devi, P. Suganya; Kumar, M. Saravana; Das, S. Mohan

2012-01-01

There is increasing interest in natural food colorants like carotenoids and anthocyanins with functional properties. Red sorghum bran is known as a rich source for anthocyanins. The anthocyanin contents extracted from red sorghum bran were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Among the three solvent system used, the acidified methanol extract showed a highest anthocyanin content (4.7 mg/g of sorghum bran) followed by methanol (1.95 mg/g) and acetone (1 mg/g). Similarly, the highest total flavonoids (143 mg/g) and total phenolic contents (0.93 mg/g) were obtained in acidified methanol extracts than methanol and acetone extracts. To study the health benefits of anthocyanin from red sorghum bran, the total antioxidant activity was evaluated by biochemical and molecular methods. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in acidified methanol extracts of anthocyanin in dose-dependent manner. The antioxidant activity of the red sorghum bran was directly related to the total anthocyanin found in red sorghum bran. PMID:22400119

Phosphorus allotropes: Stability of black versus red phosphorus re-examined by means of the van der Waals inclusive density functional method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aykol, Muratahan; Doak, Jeff W.; Wolverton, C.

2017-06-01

We evaluate the energetic stabilities of white, red, and black allotropes of phosphorus using density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid functional methods, van der Waals (vdW) corrections (DFT+vdW and hybrid+vdW), vdW density functionals, and random phase approximation (RPA). We find that stability of black phosphorus over red-V (i.e., the violet form) is not ubiquitous among these methods, and the calculated enthalpies for the reaction phosphorus (red-V)→phosphorus (black) are scattered between -20 and 40 meV/atom. With local density and generalized gradient approximations, and hybrid functionals, mean absolute errors (MAEs) in densities of P allotropes relative to experiments are found to be around 10%-25%, whereas with vdW-inclusive methods, MAEs in densities drop below ˜5 %. While the inconsistency among the density functional methods could not shed light on the stability puzzle of black versus red phosphorus, comparison of their accuracy in predicting densities and the supplementary RPA results on relative stabilities indicate that opposite to the common belief, black and red phosphorus are almost degenerate, or the red-V (violet) form of phosphorus might even be the ground state.

Identification of the products of the cleavage of the galactans of red seaweeds in the form of pyridylamino derivatives

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

Usov, A.I.; Dobkina, I.M.

1986-06-01

It has been shown that pyridylamino derivatives are convenient for the identification of various products of the galactans of red algae. Reductive amination with 2-aminopyridine and sodium thiohydroborate has been investigated for the case of several monosaccharides that are common components of the polysaccharide fractions of red seaweeds and also for carrabiose, agarobiose, and oligosaccharides of the neoagarobiose series. Various forms of chromatography and high-voltage paper electrophoresis were used to separate the pyridylamino derivatives, and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy of the full acetates for structural characterization.

Red coral extinction risk enhanced by ocean acidification

PubMed Central

Cerrano, Carlo; Cardini, Ulisse; Bianchelli, Silvia; Corinaldesi, Cinzia; Pusceddu, Antonio; Danovaro, Roberto

2013-01-01

The red coral Corallium rubrum is a habitat-forming species with a prominent and structural role in mesophotic habitats, which sustains biodiversity hotspots. This precious coral is threatened by both over-exploitation and temperature driven mass mortality events. We report here that biocalcification, growth rates and polyps' (feeding) activity of Corallium rubrum are significantly reduced at pCO2 scenarios predicted for the end of this century (0.2 pH decrease). Since C. rubrum is a long-living species (>200 years), our results suggest that ocean acidification predicted for 2100 will significantly increases the risk of extinction of present populations. Given the functional role of these corals in the mesophotic zone, we predict that ocean acidification might have cascading effects on the functioning of these habitats worldwide. PMID:23492780

THE PRODUCTION OF ERYTHROCYTE AUTOANTIBODIES IN CHIMPANZEES

PubMed Central

Zmijewski, Chester M.

1965-01-01

Young adult chimpanzees immunized with human blood products produced circulating antibodies which reacted with human red cells of a certain proportion of chimpanzees. In addition, agglutinins were formed which reacted with the animals' own erythrocytes. That these agglutinins were true autoantibodies was demonstrated by: (a) their ability to sensitize the animals' own erythrocytes at 37°C both in vivo and in intro; (b) the iso-specificity which they displayed toward other chimpanzee red cells; and (c) the fact that they belonged to the γG-class of immunoglobulins. Complement appeared to be bound to the in vivo sensitized cells but no evidence of increased cell destruction was observed. It seemed most likely that these autoagglutinins were produced as a result of active immunization with closely related antigens. PMID:14278223

Supermassive black holes and central star clusters: Connection with the host galaxy kinematics and color

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zasov, A. V.; Cherepashchuk, A. M.

2013-11-01

The relationship between the masses of the central, supermassive black holes ( M bh) and of the nuclear star clusters ( M nc) of disk galaxies with various parameters galaxies are considered: the rotational velocity at R = 2 kpc V (2), the maximum rotational velocity V max, the indicative dynamical mass M 25, the integrated mass of the stellar population M *, and the integrated color index B-V. The rotational velocities andmasses of the central objects were taken from the literature. Themass M nc correlatesmore closely with the kinematic parameters and the disk mass than M bh, including with the velocity V max, which is closely related to the virial mass of the dark halo. On average, lenticular galaxies are characterized by higher masses M bh compared to other types of galaxies with similar characteristics. The dependence of the blackhole mass on the color index is bimodal: galaxies of the red group (red-sequence) with B-V >0.6-0.7 which are mostly early-type galaxies with weak star formation, differ appreciably from blue galaxies, which have higher values of M nc and M bh. At the dependences we consider between the masses of the central objects and the parameters of the host galaxies (except for the dependence of M bh on the central velocity dispersion), the red-group galaxies have systematically higher M bh values, even when the host-galaxy parameters are similar. In contrast, in the case of nuclear star clusters, the blue and red galaxies form unified sequences. The results agree with scenarios in which most red-group galaxies form as a result of the partial or complete loss of interstellar gas in a stage of high nuclear activity in galaxies whose central black-hole masses exceed 106-107 M ⊙ (depending on the mass of the galaxy itself). The bulk of disk galaxies with M bh > 107 M ⊙ are lenticular galaxies (types S0, E/S0) whose disks are practically devoid of gas.

Hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel materials and components for integrated optoelectronics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dong

On the technical platform of hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel, the integrated optoelectronics in the forms of heterogeneous integration between the hybrid sol-gel waveguide and the high refractive index semiconductors and the nonlinear functional doping of disperse red chromophore into hybrid sol-gel is developed. The structure of hybrid sol-gel waveguide on high index semiconductor substrate is designed with BPM-CAD software. A hybrid sol-gel based on MAPTMS and TEOS suitable for lower cladding for the waveguide is developed. The multi-layer hybrid sol-gel waveguide with good mode confinement and low polarization dependence is fabricated on Si and InP. As proof of concept, a 1 x 12 beam splitter based on multimode interference is fabricated on silicon substrate. The device shows excess loss below 0.65 dB and imbalance below 0.28 dB for both TE and TM polarization. A nonlinear active hybrid sol-gel doped with disperse red 13 has been developed by simple co-solvent method. It permits high loading concentration and has low optical loss at 1550 nm. The second-order nonlinear property of the active sol-gel is induced with corona poling and studied with second harmonic generation. A 3-fold of enhancement in the poling efficiency is achieved by blue light assisted corona poling. The chromophore alignment stability is improved by reducing the free volume of the formed inorganic network from the sol-gel condensation reaction. An active sol-gel channel waveguide has been fabricated using active and passive hybrid sol-gel materials by only photopatterning and spin-coating. An amplitude modulator based on the active sol-gel containing 30 wt.% of DR13 shows an electro-optic coefficient of 14 pm/V at 1550 nm and stable operation within the observation time of 24 days.

Active-Optical Sensors Using Red NDVI Compared to Red Edge NDVI for Prediction of Corn Grain Yield in North Dakota, U.S.A.

PubMed Central

Sharma, Lakesh K.; Bu, Honggang; Denton, Anne; Franzen, David W.

2015-01-01

Active-optical sensor readings from an N non-limiting area standard established within a farm field are used to predict yield in the standard. Lower yield predictions from sensor readings obtained from other parts of the field outside of the N non-limiting standard area indicate a need for supplemental N. Active-optical sensor algorithms for predicting corn (Zea mays, L.) yield to direct in-season nitrogen (N) fertilization in corn utilize red NDVI (normalized differential vegetative index). Use of red edge NDVI might improve corn yield prediction at later growth stages when corn leaves cover the inter-row space resulting in “saturation” of red NDVI readings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of red edge NDVI in two active-optical sensors (GreenSeeker™ and Holland Scientific Crop Circle™) improved corn yield prediction. Nitrogen rate experiments were established at 15 sites in North Dakota (ND). Sensor readings were conducted at V6 and V12 corn. Red NDVI and red edge NDVI were similar in the relationship of readings with yield at V6. At V12, the red edge NDVI was superior to the red NDVI in most comparisons, indicating that it would be most useful in developing late-season N application algorithms. PMID:26540057

Active-Optical Sensors Using Red NDVI Compared to Red Edge NDVI for Prediction of Corn Grain Yield in North Dakota, U.S.A.

PubMed

Sharma, Lakesh K; Bu, Honggang; Denton, Anne; Franzen, David W

2015-11-02

Active-optical sensor readings from an N non-limiting area standard established within a farm field are used to predict yield in the standard. Lower yield predictions from sensor readings obtained from other parts of the field outside of the N non-limiting standard area indicate a need for supplemental N. Active-optical sensor algorithms for predicting corn (Zea mays, L.) yield to direct in-season nitrogen (N) fertilization in corn utilize red NDVI (normalized differential vegetative index). Use of red edge NDVI might improve corn yield prediction at later growth stages when corn leaves cover the inter-row space resulting in "saturation" of red NDVI readings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of red edge NDVI in two active-optical sensors (GreenSeeker™ and Holland Scientific Crop Circle™) improved corn yield prediction. Nitrogen rate experiments were established at 15 sites in North Dakota (ND). Sensor readings were conducted at V6 and V12 corn. Red NDVI and red edge NDVI were similar in the relationship of readings with yield at V6. At V12, the red edge NDVI was superior to the red NDVI in most comparisons, indicating that it would be most useful in developing late-season N application algorithms.

Data on changes in red wine phenolic compounds, headspace aroma compounds and sensory profile after treatment of red wines with activated carbons with different physicochemical characteristics.

PubMed

Filipe-Ribeiro, Luís; Milheiro, Juliana; Matos, Carlos C; Cosme, Fernanda; Nunes, Fernando M

2017-06-01

Data in this article presents the changes on phenolic compounds, headspace aroma composition and sensory profile of a red wine spiked with 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol and treated with seven activated carbons with different physicochemical characteristics, namely surface area, micropore volume and mesopore volume ("Reduction of 4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol in red wine by activated carbons with different physicochemical characteristics: impact on wine quality" Filipe-Ribeiro et al. (2017) [1]). Data on the physicochemical characteristics of the activated carbons are shown. Statistical data on the sensory expert panel consistency by General Procrustes Analysis is shown. Statistical data is also shown, which correlates the changes in chemical composition of red wines with the physicochemical characteristics of activated carbons used.

AKARI OBSERVATION OF THE NORTH ECLIPTIC POLE (NEP) SUPERCLUSTER AT z = 0.087: MID-INFRARED VIEW OF TRANSITION GALAXIES

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

Ko, Jongwan; Im, Myungshin; Lee, Hyung Mok

2012-02-01

We present the mid-infrared (MIR) properties of galaxies within a supercluster in the north ecliptic pole region at z {approx} 0.087 observed with the AKARI satellite. We use data from the AKARI NEP-Wide (5.4 deg{sup 2}) IR survey and the CLusters of galaxies EVoLution studies (CLEVL) mission program. We show that near-IR (3 {mu}m)-mid-IR (11 {mu}m) color can be used as an indicator of the specific star formation rate and the presence of intermediate-age stellar populations. From the MIR observations, we find that red-sequence galaxies consist not only of passively evolving red early-type galaxies, but also of (1) 'weak-SFGs' (disk-dominatedmore » star-forming galaxies that have star formation rates lower by {approx}4 Multiplication-Sign than blue-cloud galaxies) and (2) 'intermediate-MXGs' (bulge-dominated galaxies showing stronger MIR dust emission than normal red early-type galaxies). These two populations can be a set of transition galaxies from blue, star-forming, late-type galaxies evolving into red, quiescent, early-type ones. We find that the weak-SFGs are predominant at intermediate masses (10{sup 10} M{sub Sun} < M{sub *} < 10{sup 10.5} M{sub Sun }) and are typically found in local densities similar to the outskirts of galaxy clusters. As much as 40% of the supercluster member galaxies in this mass range can be classified as weak-SFGs, but their proportion decreases to <10% at larger masses (M{sub *} > 10{sup 10.5} M{sub Sun }) at any galaxy density. The fraction of the intermediate-MXG among red-sequence galaxies at 10{sup 10} M{sub Sun} < M{sub *} < 10{sup 11} M{sub Sun} also decreases as the density and mass increase. In particular, {approx}42% of the red-sequence galaxies with early-type morphologies are classified as intermediate-MXGs at intermediate densities. These results suggest that the star formation activity is strongly dependent on the stellar mass, but that the morphological transformation is mainly controlled by the environment.« less

Thymus-like activities of sulphur derivatives on T-cell differentiation

PubMed Central

1977-01-01

Levamisole and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate can induce in vivo thymocyte differentiation from precursor spleen cells of nu/nu mice and evoke indirect plaque-forming cells in nude mice immunized with sheep red cells. These sulphur drugs induce in thymusless mice the production of a serum factor which transfer in vivo immune enhancement and in vitro thymocyte differentiation. In vivo treatment with sulphur derivative can substitute for an alleged thymice hormone. PMID:188971

A new molecular link between defective autophagy and erythroid abnormalities in chorea-acanthocytosis.

PubMed

Lupo, Francesca; Tibaldi, Elena; Matte, Alessandro; Sharma, Alok K; Brunati, Anna Maria; Alper, Seth L; Zancanaro, Carlo; Benati, Donatella; Siciliano, Angela; Bertoldi, Mariarita; Zonta, Francesca; Storch, Alexander; Walker, Ruth H; Danek, Adrian; Bader, Benedikt; Hermann, Andreas; De Franceschi, Lucia

2016-12-22

Chorea-acanthocytosis is one of the hereditary neurodegenerative disorders known as the neuroacanthocytoses. Chorea-acanthocytosis is characterized by circulating acanthocytes deficient in chorein, a protein of unknown function. We report here for the first time that chorea-acanthocytosis red cells are characterized by impaired autophagy, with cytoplasmic accumulation of active Lyn and of autophagy-related proteins Ulk1 and Atg7. In chorea-acanthocytosis erythrocytes, active Lyn is sequestered by HSP90-70 to form high-molecular-weight complexes that stabilize and protect Lyn from its proteasomal degradation, contributing to toxic Lyn accumulation. An interplay between accumulation of active Lyn and autophagy was found in chorea-acanthocytosis based on Lyn coimmunoprecipitation with Ulk1 and Atg7 and on the presence of Ulk1 in Lyn-containing high-molecular-weight complexes. In addition, chorein associated with Atg7 in healthy but not in chorea-acanthocytosis erythrocytes. Electron microscopy detected multivesicular bodies and membrane remnants only in circulating chorea-acanthocytosis red cells. In addition, reticulocyte-enriched chorea-acanthocytosis red cell fractions exhibited delayed clearance of mitochondria and lysosomes, further supporting the impairment of authophagic flux. Because autophagy is also important in erythropoiesis, we studied in vitro CD34 + -derived erythroid precursors. In chorea-acanthocytosis, we found (1) dyserythropoiesis; (2) increased active Lyn; (3) accumulation of a marker of autophagic flux and autolysososme degradation; (4) accumlation of Lamp1, a lysosmal membrane protein, and LAMP1-positive aggregates; and (5) reduced clearance of lysosomes and mitochondria. Our results uncover in chorea-acanthocytosis erythroid cells an association between accumulation of active Lyn and impaired autophagy, suggesting a link between chorein and autophagic vesicle trafficking in erythroid maturation.

Antihyperglucolipidaemic and anticarbonyl stress properties in green, yellow and red sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.).

PubMed

Shukla, Srishti; Kumar, Dommati Anand; Anusha, Sanga Venkata; Tiwari, Ashok Kumar

2016-01-01

Effect of aqueous methanol extract of different colour sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) on parameters of diabesity and carbonyl stress was analysed in vitro. Yellow pepper displayed significantly (p < 0.001) higher intestinal α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than green and red pepper. Porcine pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was significantly (p < 0.01) high in yellow and red pepper than in green pepper. Green and red pepper inhibited vesperlysine-type advanced glycation end products (AGEs) more potently than yellow pepper; however, pentosidine-type AGEs were similarly inhibited by all three peppers. Yellow and red pepper inhibited lipid peroxidation more potently (p < 0.01) than green pepper. Total polyphenol content and free radicals scavenging activities in yellow and red bell peppers were higher than in green pepper. Total flavonoid content was high in green pepper than that present in yellow and red peppers. Green pepper displayed presence of proanthocyanins; however, oligomeric anthocyanins were detected in yellow and red peppers.

Inhibitory effect of red koji extracts on mushroom tyrosinase.

PubMed

Wu, Li-Chen; Chen, Yun-Chen; Ho, Ja-An Annie; Yang, Chung-Shi

2003-07-16

Red koji has been recognized as a cholesterol-lowering diet supplement because of it contains fungi metabolites, monacolins, which reduce cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. In this study, water extracts of red koji were loaded onto a C(18) cartridge, and the acetonitrile eluate was collected as test fraction. Red koji water extracts and its C(18) cartridge acetonitrile eluent had total phenols concentrations of 5.57 and 1.89 mg/g of red koji and condensed tannins concentrations of 2.71 and 1.20 mg/g of red koji, respectively. Both exhibited an antioxidant activity and an inhibitory activity to mushroom tyrosinase. The higher antioxidant activity of the red koji acetonitrile eluent was due to the existence of a high percentage of condensed tannins. The results from the kinetic study for inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase by red koji extracts showed that the compounds in the extracts competitively inhibited the oxidation of tyrosine catalyzed by mushroom tyrosinase with an ID(50) of 5.57 mg/mL.

Panel 1: A pulsating red giant star and a compact, hot white dwarf star orbit each other.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

Panel 1: A pulsating red giant star and a compact, hot white dwarf star orbit each other. Panel 2: The red giant sheds much of its outer layers in a stellar wind. The white dwarf helps concentrate the wind along a thin equatorial plane. The white dwarf accretes some of this escaping gas forming a disk around the itself. Panel 3: When enough gas accumulates on the white dwarf's surface it explodes as a nova outburst. Most of the hot gas forms a pair of expanding bubbles above and below the equatorial disk. Panel 4: A few thousand years after the bubbles expand into space, the white dwarf goes through another nova outburst and makes another pair of bubbles, which form a distinctive hourglass shape.

Red Light-enhanced Phytochrome Pelletability

PubMed Central

Pratt, Lee H.; Marmé, Dieter

1976-01-01

Red light-enhanced pelletability of phytochrome was observed in extracts of all 11 plants tested: Avena sativa L., Secale cereale L., Zea mays L., Cucurbita pepo L., Sinapis alba L., Pisum sativum L., Helianthus anuus L., Raphanus sativus L., Glycine max (L.) Merr., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Lupinus albus L. This enhanced pelletability was observed in all 11 plants following in situ irradiation (in vivo binding) but only in Sinapis and Cucurbita after irradiation of crude extracts (in vitro binding). In vivo binding was not strongly dependent upon pH and, with few exceptions, was not markedly sensitive to high salt concentration, whereas in vitro binding was completely reversed by both high pH and high salt concentration. However, both binding phenomena were observed only with a divalent cation in the extract buffer. In vivo binding was further characterized using Avena which showed an increase in pelletability from less than 10% in dark control extracts to more than 60% in extracts of red light-irradiated shoots. The half-life for binding was 40 seconds at 0.5 C and was strongly temperature-dependent, binding being complete within 5 to 10 sec at 22 C. If pelletable phytochrome in the far red-absorbing form was photoconverted back to the red-absorbing form in situ, phytochrome was released from the pelletable condition with a half-life of 25 minutes at 25 C and 100 minutes at both 13 C and 3 C. No cooperativity in red light-enhanced pelletability with respect to phytochrome-far red-absorbing form was observed. PMID:16659745

Red wines and flavonoids diminish Staphylococcus aureus virulence with anti-biofilm and anti-hemolytic activities.

PubMed

Cho, Hyun Seob; Lee, Jin-Hyung; Cho, Moo Hwan; Lee, Jintae

2015-01-01

The emergence of antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus presents a worldwide problem that requires non-antibiotic strategies. This study investigated the anti-biofilm and anti-hemolytic activities of four red wines and two white wines against three S. aureus strains. All red wines at 0.5-2% significantly inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation and hemolysis by S. aureus, whereas the two white wines had no effect. Furthermore, at these concentrations, red wines did not affect bacterial growth. Analyses of hemolysis and active component identification in red wines revealed that the anti-biofilm compounds and anti-hemolytic compounds largely responsible were tannic acid, trans-resveratrol, and several flavonoids. In addition, red wines attenuated S. aureus virulence in vivo in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, which is killed by S. aureus. These findings show that red wines and their compounds warrant further attention in antivirulence strategies against persistent S. aureus infection.

Active nitric oxide produced in the red cell under hypoxic conditions by deoxyhemoglobin-mediated nitrite reduction.

PubMed

Nagababu, Enika; Ramasamy, Somasundaram; Abernethy, Darrell R; Rifkind, Joseph M

2003-11-21

Recent studies have generated a great deal of interest in a possible role for red blood cells in the transport of nitric oxide (NO) to the microcirculation and the vascular effect of this nitric oxide in facilitating the flow of blood through the microcirculation. Many questions have, however, been raised regarding such a mechanism. We have instead identified a completely new mechanism to explain the role of red cells in the delivery of NO to the microcirculation. This new mechanism results in the production of NO in the microcirculation where it is needed. Nitrite produced when NO reacts with oxygen in arterial blood is reutilized in the arterioles when the partial pressure of oxygen decreases and the deoxygenated hemoglobin formed reduces the nitrite regenerating NO. Nitrite reduction by hemoglobin results in a major fraction of the NO generated retained in the intermediate state where NO is bound to Hb(III) and in equilibrium with the nitrosonium cation bound to Hb(II). This pool of NO, unlike Hb(II)NO, is weakly bound and can be released from the heme. The instability of Hb(III)NO in oxygen and its displacement when flushed with argon requires that reliable determinations of red blood cell NO must be performed on freshly lysed samples without permitting the sample to be oxygenated. In fresh blood samples Hb(III)NO accounts for 75% of the red cell NO with appreciably higher values in venous blood than arterial blood. These findings confirm that nitrite reduction at reduced oxygen pressures is a major source for red cell NO. The formation and potential release from the red cell of this NO could have a major impact in regulating the flow of blood through the microcirculation.

Physical properties of distant red galaxies in the COSMOS/UltraVISTA field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Zhongyang; Fang, Guanwen; Kong, Xu; Fan, Lulu

2015-10-01

We present a study on physical properties for a large distant red galaxy (DRG) sample, using the K-selected multi-band photometry catalog of the COSMOS/UltraVISTA field and the CANDELS near-infrared data. Our sample includes 4485 DRGs with (J - K)AB > 1.16 and KAB < 23.4 mag, and 132 DRGs have HST/WFC3 morphological measurements. The results of nonparametric measurements of DRG morphology are consistent with our rest-frame UVJ color classification; quiescent DRGs are generally compact while star-forming DRGs tend to have extended structures. We find the star formation rate (SFR) and the stellar mass of star-forming DRGs present tight "main sequence" relations in all redshift bins. Moreover, the specific SFR (sSFR) of DRGs increases with redshift in all stellar mass bins and DRGs with higher stellar masses generally have lower sSFRs, which indicates that galaxies were much more active on average in the past, and star formation contributes more to the mass growth of low-mass galaxies than to high-mass galaxies. The infrared-derived SFR dominates the total SFR of DRGs which occupy the high-mass range, implying that the J - K color criterion effectively selects massive and dusty galaxies. DRGs with higher M* generally have redder (U - V)rest colors, and the (U - V)rest colors of DRGs become bluer at higher redshifts, suggesting high-mass galaxies have higher internal dust extinctions or older stellar ages and they evolve with time. Finally, we find that DRGs have different overlap among extremely red objects, BzK galaxies, IRAC-selected extremely red objects, and high-z ultraluminous infrared galaxies, indicating that DRGs are not a special population and they can also be selected by other color criteria.

Role of small subunit in mediating assembly of red-type form I Rubisco.

PubMed

Joshi, Jidnyasa; Mueller-Cajar, Oliver; Tsai, Yi-Chin C; Hartl, F Ulrich; Hayer-Hartl, Manajit

2015-01-09

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is the key enzyme involved in photosynthetic carbon fixation, converting atmospheric CO2 to organic compounds. Form I Rubisco is a cylindrical complex composed of eight large (RbcL) subunits that are capped by four small subunits (RbcS) at the top and four at the bottom. Form I Rubiscos are phylogenetically divided into green- and red-type. Some red-type enzymes have catalytically superior properties. Thus, understanding their folding and assembly is of considerable biotechnological interest. Folding of the green-type RbcL subunits in cyanobacteria is mediated by the GroEL/ES chaperonin system, and assembly to holoenzyme requires specialized chaperones such as RbcX and RAF1. Here, we show that the red-type RbcL subunits in the proteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides also fold with GroEL/ES. However, assembly proceeds in a chaperone-independent manner. We find that the C-terminal β-hairpin extension of red-type RbcS, which is absent in green-type RbcS, is critical for efficient assembly. The β-hairpins of four RbcS subunits form an eight-stranded β-barrel that protrudes into the central solvent channel of the RbcL core complex. The two β-barrels stabilize the complex through multiple interactions with the RbcL subunits. A chimeric green-type RbcS carrying the C-terminal β-hairpin renders the assembly of a cyanobacterial Rubisco independent of RbcX. Our results may facilitate the engineering of crop plants with improved growth properties expressing red-type Rubisco. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Vibrio sp. DSM 14379 pigment production--a competitive advantage in the environment?

PubMed

Starič, Nejc; Danevčič, Tjaša; Stopar, David

2010-10-01

The ability to produce several antibacterial agents greatly increases the chance of producer's survival. In this study, red-pigmented Vibrio sp. DSM 14379 and Bacillus sp., both isolated from the same sampling volume from estuarine waters of the Northern Adriatic Sea, were grown in a co-culture. The antibacterial activity of the red pigment extract was tested on Bacillus sp. in microtiter plates. The MIC(50) for Bacillus sp. was estimated to be around 10⁻⁵ mg/L. The extract prepared form the nonpigmented mutant of Vibrio sp. had no antibacterial effect. The pigment production of Vibrio sp. was studied under different physicochemical conditions. There was no pigment production at high or low temperatures, high or low salt concentrations in peptone yeast extract (PYE) medium, low glucose concentration in mineral growth medium or high glucose concentration in PYE medium. This indicates that the red pigment production is a luxurious good that Vibrio sp. makes only under favorable conditions. The Malthusian fitness of Bacillus sp. in a co-culture with Vibrio sp. under optimal environmental conditions dropped from 4.0 to -7.6, which corresponds to three orders of magnitude decrease in the number of CFU relative to the monoculture. The nonpigmented mutant of Vibrio sp. in a co-culture with Bacillus sp. had a significant antibacterial activity. This result shows that studying antibacterial properties in isolation (i.e. pigment extract only) may not reveal full antibacterial potential of the bacterial strain. The red pigment is a redundant antibacterial agent of Vibrio sp.

trans- cis Isomerism and acylimine formation in DsRed chromophore models: Intrinsic rotation barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olsen, Seth; Smith, Sean C.

2006-07-01

The chromophore of the red fluorescent protein DsRed contains an acylimine substituent to a GFP-like chromophore structure. The acylimine is formed from the trans peptide linkage between residues F65 and Q66 in immature DsRed, but has a cis configuration in the mature protein. The relationship between acylimine formation and trans- cis isomerization is unresolved. We have calculated bond rotation profiles for models of mature and immature DsRed chromophores using B3LYP DFT. The isomerization barrier is substantially reduced in acylimine-substituted models, providing prima facie evidence that acylimine formation precedes trans- cis isomerization in DsRed chromophores.

Effects of Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. fermentation on the nutritional, physicochemical, functional properties and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activity of red bean (Phaseolus angularis [Willd.] W.F. Wight.) flour.

PubMed

Xiao, Yu; Sun, Mingmei; Zhang, Qiuqin; Chen, Yulian; Miao, Junqing; Rui, Xin; Dong, Mingsheng

2018-04-01

The effects of solid-state fermentation with Cordyceps militaris (L.) Fr. on the nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties as well as angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of red bean ( Phaseolus angularis [Willd.] W.F. Wight.) flour were determined. Fermentation increased the amount of small peptides but significantly decreased large peptides. Fermentation also increased proteins and essential amino acids (by 9.31 and 13.89%, respectively) and improved the in vitro protein digestibility (6.54%) of red beans. Moreover, fermentation increased the water holding capacity (from 2.36 to 2.59 mL/g), fat absorption capacity (from 84.65 to 114.55%), emulsion activity (from 10.96 to 52.77%), emulsion stability (from 5.43 to 53.82%), and foaming stability (from 11.95 to 20.68%). Fermented red bean flour achieved a lower least gelation concentration of 14% than that of the control (18%). In contrast to the non-fermented red bean, the fermented red bean showed ACE inhibitory activity, with IC 50 value of 0.63 mg protein/mL. Overall, fermentation improved the nutritional, physicochemical, and functional properties as well as the biological activity of red bean flour. Thus, fermented red bean flour may serve as a novel nutritional and functional ingredient for applications in food design.

Kit for the selective labeling of red blood cells in whole blood with .sup.9 TC

DOEpatents

Srivastava, Suresh C.; Babich, John W.; Straub, Rita; Richards, Powell

1992-01-01

Disclosed herein are a method and kit for the preparation of .sup.99m Tc labeled red blood cells using whole blood in a closed sterile system containing stannous tin in a form such that it will enter the red blood cells and be available therein for reduction of technetium.

Volume tables for red alder.

Treesearch

Floyd A. Johnson; R. M. Kallander; Paul G. Lauterbach

1949-01-01

The increasing importance of red alder as a commercial species in the Pacific Northwest has prompted the three agencies listed above to pool their tree measurement data for the construction of standard regional red alder volume tables. The tables included here were based on trees from a variety of sites and form classes. Approximately one quarter of the total number of...

Space station image captures a red tide ciliate bloom at high spectral and spatial resolution.

PubMed

Dierssen, Heidi; McManus, George B; Chlus, Adam; Qiu, Dajun; Gao, Bo-Cai; Lin, Senjie

2015-12-01

Mesodinium rubrum is a globally distributed nontoxic ciliate that is known to produce intense red-colored blooms using enslaved chloroplasts from its algal prey. Although frequent enough to have been observed by Darwin, blooms of M. rubrum are notoriously difficult to quantify because M. rubrum can aggregate into massive clouds of rusty-red water in a very short time due to its high growth rates and rapid swimming behavior and can disaggregate just as quickly by vertical or horizontal dispersion. A September 2012 hyperspectral image from the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean sensor aboard the International Space Station captured a dense red tide of M. rubrum (10(6) cells per liter) in surface waters of western Long Island Sound. Genetic data confirmed the identity of the chloroplast as a cryptophyte that was actively photosynthesizing. Microscopy indicated extremely high abundance of its yellow fluorescing signature pigment phycoerythrin. Spectral absorption and fluorescence features were related to ancillary photosynthetic pigments unique to this organism that cannot be observed with traditional satellites. Cell abundance was estimated at a resolution of 100 m using an algorithm based on the distinctive yellow fluorescence of phycoerythrin. Future development of hyperspectral satellites will allow for better enumeration of bloom-forming coastal plankton, the associated physical mechanisms, and contributions to marine productivity.

Space station image captures a red tide ciliate bloom at high spectral and spatial resolution

PubMed Central

Dierssen, Heidi; McManus, George B.; Chlus, Adam; Qiu, Dajun; Gao, Bo-Cai; Lin, Senjie

2015-01-01

Mesodinium rubrum is a globally distributed nontoxic ciliate that is known to produce intense red-colored blooms using enslaved chloroplasts from its algal prey. Although frequent enough to have been observed by Darwin, blooms of M. rubrum are notoriously difficult to quantify because M. rubrum can aggregate into massive clouds of rusty-red water in a very short time due to its high growth rates and rapid swimming behavior and can disaggregate just as quickly by vertical or horizontal dispersion. A September 2012 hyperspectral image from the Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean sensor aboard the International Space Station captured a dense red tide of M. rubrum (106 cells per liter) in surface waters of western Long Island Sound. Genetic data confirmed the identity of the chloroplast as a cryptophyte that was actively photosynthesizing. Microscopy indicated extremely high abundance of its yellow fluorescing signature pigment phycoerythrin. Spectral absorption and fluorescence features were related to ancillary photosynthetic pigments unique to this organism that cannot be observed with traditional satellites. Cell abundance was estimated at a resolution of 100 m using an algorithm based on the distinctive yellow fluorescence of phycoerythrin. Future development of hyperspectral satellites will allow for better enumeration of bloom-forming coastal plankton, the associated physical mechanisms, and contributions to marine productivity. PMID:26627232

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Candida albicans Interactions: Localization and Fungal Toxicity of a Phenazine Derivative▿

PubMed Central

Gibson, Jane; Sood, Arpana; Hogan, Deborah A.

2009-01-01

Phenazines are redox-active small molecules that play significant roles in the interactions between pseudomonads and diverse eukaryotes, including fungi. When Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were cocultured on solid medium, a red pigmentation developed that was dependent on P. aeruginosa phenazine biosynthetic genes. Through a genetic screen in combination with biochemical experiments, it was found that a P. aeruginosa-produced precursor to pyocyanin, proposed to be 5-methyl-phenazinium-1-carboxylate (5MPCA), was necessary for the formation of the red pigmentation. The 5MPCA-derived pigment was found to accumulate exclusively within fungal cells, where it retained the ability to be reversibly oxidized and reduced, and its detection correlated with decreased fungal viability. Pyocyanin was not required for pigment formation or fungal killing. Spectral analyses showed that the partially purified pigment from within the fungus differed from aeruginosins A and B, two red phenazine derivatives formed late in P. aeruginosa cultures. The red pigment isolated from C. albicans that had been cocultured with P. aeruginosa was heterogeneous and difficult to release from fungal cells, suggesting its modification within the fungus. These findings suggest that intracellular targeting of some phenazines may contribute to their toxicity and that this strategy could be useful in developing new antifungals. PMID:19011064

Polyphenols content, phenolics profile and antioxidant activity of organic red wines produced without sulfur dioxide/sulfites addition in comparison to conventional red wines.

PubMed

Garaguso, Ivana; Nardini, Mirella

2015-07-15

Wine exerts beneficial effects on human health when it is drunk with moderation. Nevertheless, wine may also contain components negatively affecting human health. Among these, sulfites may induce adverse effects after ingestion. We examined total polyphenols and flavonoids content, phenolics profile and antioxidant activity of eight organic red wines produced without sulfur dioxide/sulfites addition in comparison to those of eight conventional red wines. Polyphenols and flavonoids content were slightly higher in organic wines in respect to conventional wines, however differences did not reach statistical significance. The phenolic acids profile was quite similar in both groups of wines. Antioxidant activity was higher in organic wines compared to conventional wines, although differences were not statistically significant. Our results indicate that organic red wines produced without sulfur dioxide/sulfites addition are comparable to conventional red wines with regard to the total polyphenols and flavonoids content, the phenolics profile and the antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of strong acids on red mud structural and fluoride adsorption properties.

PubMed

Liang, Wentao; Couperthwaite, Sara J; Kaur, Gurkiran; Yan, Cheng; Johnstone, Dean W; Millar, Graeme J

2014-06-01

The removal of fluoride using red mud has been improved by acidifying red mud with hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid. The acidification of red mud causes sodalite and cancrinite phases to dissociate, confirmed by the release of sodium and aluminium into solution as well as the disappearance of sodalite bands and peaks in infrared and X-ray diffraction data. The dissolution of these mineral phases increases the amount of available iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxide sites that are accessible for the adsorption of fluoride. However, concentrated acids have a negative effect on adsorption due to the dissolution of these iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxide sites. The removal of fluoride is dependent on the charge of iron and aluminium oxide/hydroxides on the surface of red mud. Acidifying red mud with hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid resulted in surface sites of the form ≡SOH2(+) and ≡SOH. Optimum removal is obtained when the majority of surface sites are in the form ≡SOH2(+) as the substitution of a fluoride ion does not cause a significant increase in pH. This investigation shows the importance of having a low and consistent pH for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions using red mud. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure, luminescence and thermal quenching properties of Eu doped Sr2-xBaxSi5N8 red phosphors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y. H.; Chen, L.; Zhou, X. F.; Liu, R. H.; Zhuang, W. D.

2017-02-01

Eu2+ doped Sr2-xBaxSi5N8 phosphors were synthesized at 1610 ℃ for 4 h via the solid-state reaction method. The XRD results confirm that the complete solid solutions are formed. With the increase of x, the emission spectra show an obvious blue-shift from 610 nm to 585 nm under the excitation of 460 nm. The color tone can be tuned from yellow to red. The corresponding mechanism for the blue-shift of peak-wavelength is studied in detail. The results of decomposed Gaussian spectra and fluorescence lifetime show that the local coordination structure surrounding activator ions changes with increasing x value. It is found that the probability of Eu occupying Sr1 and Sr2 site is dependent on Ba/Sr ratio. The variation of thermal quenching properties and the corresponding mechanism is discussed in detail. The results indicate that Eu2+ doped Sr2-xBaxSi5N8 is a promising orange red-emitting phosphor for near UV or blue light-pumped white light-emitting-diodes (wLEDs).

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of Serbian red wines produced from international Vitis vinifera grape varieties.

PubMed

Radovanović, Aleksandra N; Jovančićević, Branimir S; Radovanović, Blaga C; Mihajilov-Krstev, Tatjana; Zvezdanović, Jelena B

2012-08-15

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of Serbian red wines produced from different international Vitis vinifera grape varieties and their correlation with contents of phenolic compounds were studied by spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods. The antioxidant activity of red wines was estimated through their ability to scavenge 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH(•) ). The red wines, gallic acid, (+)-catechin and quercetin were screened in vitro for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains using microdilution and disc diffusion techniques. Excellent correlations between the contents of quercetin-3-glucoside (R(2) = 0.9463) and quercetin (R(2) = 0.9337) and DPPH(•) -scavenging ability of the red wines were found. Serbian red wines exhibited significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria inocua, Micrococcus flavus, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis and Shigella sonnei strains, which was in correlation with their phenolic composition and antioxidant activity. The compounds gallic acid, quercetin and (+)-catechin showed high activity against B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. lutea and M. flavus Gram-positive and S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa Gram-negative strains. The results show that quercetin-3-glucoside and quercetin concentrations can be used as markers for the determination of antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of red wines. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Carbonic anhydrase activity in the red blood cells of sea level and high altitude natives.

PubMed

Gamboa, J; Caceda, R; Gamboa, A; Monge-C, C

2000-01-01

Red blood cell carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity has not been studied in high altitude natives. Because CA is an intraerythocytic enzyme and high altitude natives are polycythemic, it is important to know if the activity of CA per red cell volume is different from that of their sea level counterparts. Blood was collected from healthy subjects living in Lima (150m) and from twelve subjects from Cerro de Pasco (4330m), and hematocrit and carbonic anhydrase activity were measured. As expected, the high altitude natives had significantly higher hematocrits than the sea level controls (p = 0.0002). No difference in the CA activity per milliliter of red cells was found between the two populations. There was no correlation between the hematocrit and CA activity.

Stellar Snowflake Cluster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 1 Stellar Snowflake Cluster Combined Image [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 2 Infrared Array CameraFigure 3 Multiband Imaging Photometer

Newborn stars, hidden behind thick dust, are revealed in this image of a section of the Christmas Tree cluster from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, created in joint effort between Spitzer's infrared array camera and multiband imaging photometer instruments.

The newly revealed infant stars appear as pink and red specks toward the center of the combined image (fig. 1). The stars appear to have formed in regularly spaced intervals along linear structures in a configuration that resembles the spokes of a wheel or the pattern of a snowflake. Hence, astronomers have nicknamed this the 'Snowflake' cluster.

Star-forming clouds like this one are dynamic and evolving structures. Since the stars trace the straight line pattern of spokes of a wheel, scientists believe that these are newborn stars, or 'protostars.' At a mere 100,000 years old, these infant structures have yet to 'crawl' away from their location of birth. Over time, the natural drifting motions of each star will break this order, and the snowflake design will be no more.

While most of the visible-light stars that give the Christmas Tree cluster its name and triangular shape do not shine brightly in Spitzer's infrared eyes, all of the stars forming from this dusty cloud are considered part of the cluster.

Like a dusty cosmic finger pointing up to the newborn clusters, Spitzer also illuminates the optically dark and dense Cone nebula, the tip of which can be seen towards the bottom left corner of each image.

This combined image shows the presence of organic molecules mixed with dust as wisps of green, which have been illuminated by nearby star formation. The larger yellowish dots neighboring the baby red stars in the Snowflake Cluster are massive stellar infants forming from the same cloud. The blue dots sprinkled across the image represent older Milky Way stars at various distances along this line of sight. This image is a five-channel, false-color composite, showing emission from wavelengths of 3.6 and 4.5 microns (blue), 5.8 microns (cyan), 8 microns (green), and 24 microns (red).

The top right (fig. 2) image from the infrared array camera show that the nebula is still actively forming stars. The wisps of red (represented as green in the combined image) are organic molecules mixed with dust, which has been illuminated by nearby star formation. The infrared array camera picture is a four-channel, false-color composite, showing emission from wavelengths of 3.6 microns (blue), 4.5 microns (green), 5.8 microns (orange) and 8.0 microns (red).

The bottom right image (fig. 3) from the multiband imaging photometer shows the colder dust of the nebula and unwraps the youngest stellar babies from their dusty covering. This is a false-color image showing emission at 24 microns (red).

Rooting stem cuttings of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) utilizing hedged stump sprouts formed on recently felled trees

Treesearch

Matthew H. Gocke; Daniel J. Robinson

2010-01-01

The ability to root stem cuttings collected from hedged stump sprouts formed on recently felled trees was evaluated for 26 codominant northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) trees growing in Durham County, NC. Sprouting occurred, the same year as felling, on 23 of the 26 tree stumps and sprout number was significantly and positively correlated with stump diameter. The...

Long-term effects of precommercial thinning on stem form, volume, and branch characteristics of red spruce and balsam fir crop trees

Treesearch

Aaron Weiskittel; Laura S. Kenefic; Robert S. Seymour; Leah M. Phillips

2009-01-01

The effects of precommercial thinning (PCT) on stem dimensions, form, volume, and branch attributes of red spruce [Picea rubens Sarg.] and balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] crop trees were assessed 25 years after treatment in an even-aged northern conifer stand. Treatments were a uniform 2.4 x 2.4-m spacing and a control (no...

Application of a clot-based assay to measure the procoagulant activity of stored allogeneic red blood cell concentrates

PubMed Central

Wannez, Adeline; Bailly, Nicolas; Alpan, Lutfiye; Gheldof, Damien; Douxfils, Jonathan; Deneys, Véronique; Bihin, Benoît; Chatelain, Bernard; Dogné, Jean-Michel; Chatelain, Christian; Mullier, François

2018-01-01

Background Thrombotic effects are possible complications of red blood cell transfusion. The generation and accumulation of procoagulant red blood cell extracellular vesicles during storage may play an important role in these thrombotic effects. The objective of this study was to assess the value of a simple phospholipid-dependent clot-based assay (STA®-Procoag-PPL) to estimate the procoagulant activity of stored red blood cells and changes in this activity during storage of the blood component. Materials and methods Extracellular vesicles from 12 red blood cell concentrates were isolated at 13 storage time-points and characterised by quantitative and functional methods: the degree of haemolysis (direct spectrophotometry), the quantification and determination of cellular origin (flow cytometry) and the procoagulant activity (thrombin generation and STA®-Procoag-PPL assays) were assessed. Results The mean clotting time of extracellular vesicles isolated from red blood cell concentrates decreased from 117.2±3.6 sec on the day of collection to 33.8±1.3 sec at the end of the storage period. This illustrates the phospholipid-dependent procoagulant activity of these extracellular vesicles, as confirmed by thrombin generation. Results of the peak of thrombin and the STA®-Procoag-PPL were well correlated (partial r=−0.41. p<0.001). In parallel, an exponential increase of the number of red blood cell-derived extracellular vesicles from 1,779/μL to 218,451/μL was observed. Discussion The STA®-Procoag-PPL is a potentially useful technique for assessing the procoagulant activity of a red blood cell concentrate. PMID:28287378

Influence of pre-harvest red light irradiation on main phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of Chinese kale sprouts.

PubMed

Deng, Mingdan; Qian, Hongmei; Chen, Lili; Sun, Bo; Chang, Jiaqi; Miao, Huiying; Cai, Congxi; Wang, Qiaomei

2017-05-01

The effects of pre-harvest red light irradiation on main healthy phytochemicals as well as antioxidant activity of Chinese kale sprouts during postharvest storage were investigated. 6-day-old sprouts were treated by red light for 24h before harvest and sampled for further analysis of nutritional quality on the first, second and third day after harvest. The results indicated that red light exposure notably postponed the degradation of aliphatic, indole, and total glucosinolates during postharvest storage. The vitamin C level was remarkably higher in red light treated sprouts on the first and second day after harvest when compared with the control. In addition, red light treatment also enhanced the accumulation of total phenolics and maintained higher level of antioxidant activity than the control. All above results suggested that pre-harvest red light treatment might provide a new strategy to maintain the nutritive value of Chinese kale sprouts during postharvest storage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Postharvest responses of red and yellow sweet peppers grown under photo-selective nets.

PubMed

Selahle, Kamogelo M; Sivakumar, Dharini; Jifon, John; Soundy, Puffy

2015-04-15

Postharvest responses of red ('HTSP-3') and yellow ('Celaya') sweet pepper fruit yield, quality parameters and bioactive compounds (to three types of photo-selective nets and a standard black net) were investigated in this study. Red and yellow peppers produced under the black net retained higher β-carotene, lower total phenolic contents and showed deep red and orange colour after storage. Both peppers produced under the pearl net retained a higher ascorbic content, antioxidant scavenging activity, fruit firmness and also reduced weight loss after storage. Red and yellow peppers grown under pearl and yellow nets resulted in a higher percentage of marketable fruit, after storage. Red pepper grown under the yellow net showed a higher number of odour active aroma compounds in the fruit, while black nets significantly affected the synthesis of odour active aroma compounds during storage. Sensory analysis indicated a preference for red pepper fruits after storage from plants grown under pearl nets. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antileishmanial Activity of Liposomal Clarithromycin against Leishmania Major Promastigotes

PubMed Central

Sazgarnia, Ameneh; Zabolinejad, Naghmeh; Layegh, Pouran; Rajabi, Omid; Berenji, Fariba; Javidi, Zari; Salari, Roshanak

2012-01-01

Objective(s) Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a common parasitic disease which is endemic in some parts of the world. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown azithromycin efficacy on some Leishmania species. Because of structural similarity between clarithromycin and azithromycin and efficacy of clarithromycin against intracellular organisms and due to the absence of previous studies in this respect, we decided to evaluate the efficacy of clarithromycin against promastigotes of L. major in vitro. Materials and Method First, liposomal and non- liposomal clarithromycin were prepared, then both forms of the drug were incubated with promastigotes for 24 hr in NNN culture media without red phenol in the presence of 5% FCS with different concentrations as follows: 20, 40, 80, 100, 200 and 500 µg/ml. Results According to the results, clarithromycin in both liposomal and non- liposomal forms has in vitro activity against the promastigotes of L. major. The concentration of drug that killed 50% of parasites (ED 50) was 169 and 253.6 µg/ml for liposomal and non- liposomal forms, respectively which shows that lower concentrations of liposomal drug are required to have the same effect as non- liposomal drug and the liposomal form of the drug is more effective than non- liposomal form. Conclusion Clarithromycin in both liposomal and non- liposomal forms has in vitro activity against the promastigotes of L. major. PMID:23658854

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic properties of various Brazilian propolis extracts

PubMed Central

Barreto, Gabriele de Abreu; Costa, Samantha Serra; Andrade, Luciana Nalone; Amaral, Ricardo Guimarães; Carvalho, Adriana Andrade; Padilha, Francine Ferreira; Barbosa, Josiane Dantas Viana

2017-01-01

Propolis is known for its biological properties and its preparations have been continuously investigated in an attempt to solve the problem of their standardization, an issue that limits the use of propolis in food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic effects of extracts of red, green, and brown propolis from different regions of Brazil, obtained by ethanolic and supercritical extraction methods. We found that propolis extracts obtained by both these methods showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The extracts obtained by ethanolic extraction showed higher antioxidant activity than that shown by the extracts obtained by supercritical extraction. Ethanolic extracts of red propolis exhibited up to 98% of the maximum antioxidant activity at the highest extract concentration. Red propolis extracts obtained by ethanolic and supercritical methods showed the highest levels of antimicrobial activity against several bacteria. Most extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the extracts analyzed showed activity against Escherichia coli or Candida albicans. An inhibitory effect of all tested ethanolic extracts on the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain epimastigotes was observed in the first 24 h. However, after 96 h, a persistent inhibitory effect was detected only for red propolis samples. Only ethanolic extracts of red propolis samples R01Et.B2 and R02Et.B2 showed a cytotoxic effect against all four cancer cell lines tested (HL-60, HCT-116, OVCAR-8, and SF-295), indicating that red propolis extracts have great cytotoxic potential. The biological effects of ethanolic extracts of red propolis revealed in the present study suggest that red propolis can be a potential alternative therapeutic treatment against Chagas disease and some types of cancer, although high activity of red propolis in vitro needs to be confirmed by future in vivo investigations. PMID:28358806

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic properties of various Brazilian propolis extracts.

PubMed

Dantas Silva, Rejane Pina; Machado, Bruna Aparecida Souza; Barreto, Gabriele de Abreu; Costa, Samantha Serra; Andrade, Luciana Nalone; Amaral, Ricardo Guimarães; Carvalho, Adriana Andrade; Padilha, Francine Ferreira; Barbosa, Josiane Dantas Viana; Umsza-Guez, Marcelo Andres

2017-01-01

Propolis is known for its biological properties and its preparations have been continuously investigated in an attempt to solve the problem of their standardization, an issue that limits the use of propolis in food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and cytotoxic effects of extracts of red, green, and brown propolis from different regions of Brazil, obtained by ethanolic and supercritical extraction methods. We found that propolis extracts obtained by both these methods showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The extracts obtained by ethanolic extraction showed higher antioxidant activity than that shown by the extracts obtained by supercritical extraction. Ethanolic extracts of red propolis exhibited up to 98% of the maximum antioxidant activity at the highest extract concentration. Red propolis extracts obtained by ethanolic and supercritical methods showed the highest levels of antimicrobial activity against several bacteria. Most extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. None of the extracts analyzed showed activity against Escherichia coli or Candida albicans. An inhibitory effect of all tested ethanolic extracts on the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain epimastigotes was observed in the first 24 h. However, after 96 h, a persistent inhibitory effect was detected only for red propolis samples. Only ethanolic extracts of red propolis samples R01Et.B2 and R02Et.B2 showed a cytotoxic effect against all four cancer cell lines tested (HL-60, HCT-116, OVCAR-8, and SF-295), indicating that red propolis extracts have great cytotoxic potential. The biological effects of ethanolic extracts of red propolis revealed in the present study suggest that red propolis can be a potential alternative therapeutic treatment against Chagas disease and some types of cancer, although high activity of red propolis in vitro needs to be confirmed by future in vivo investigations.

Clouds Near Mie Crater

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-13

Mie Crater, a large basin formed by asteroid or comet impact in Utopia Planitia, lies at the center of this Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) red wide angle image. The crater is approximately 104 km (65 mi) across. To the east and southeast (toward the lower right) of Mie, in this 5 December 2003 view, are clouds of dust and water ice kicked up by local dust storm activity. It is mid-winter in the northern hemisphere of Mars, a time when passing storms are common on the northern plains of the red planet. Sunlight illuminates this image from the lower left; Mie Crater is located at 48.5°N, 220.3°W. Viking 2 landed west/southwest of Mie Crater, off the left edge of this image, in September 1976. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04930

Method and kit for the selective labeling of red blood cells in whole blood with Tc-99m

DOEpatents

Srivastava, S.C.; Babich, J.W.; Straub, R.; Richards, P.

1988-07-05

Disclosed herein are a method and kit for the preparation of [sup 99m]Tc labeled red blood cells using whole blood in a closed sterile system containing stannous tin in a form such that it will enter the red blood cells and be available for the reduction of technetium. No Drawings

Growth patterns of red pine on fine-textured soils.

Treesearch

David H. Alban; Donald H. Prettyman; Gary J. Brand

1987-01-01

Compares growth of 28- to 49-year-old red pine plantations on sandy and fine-textured soils. Red pine growing on these two contrasting soils did not differ in bole form, live crown ratio, or mortality, and tree growth predicted by models (STEMS and REDPINE) developed from trees growing on sandy soils worked equally well for trees growing on fine-textured soils.

Method and kit for the selective labeling of red blood cells in whole blood with TC-99M

DOEpatents

Srivastava, Suresh C.; Babich, John W.; Straub, Rita; Richards, Powell

1988-01-01

Disclosed herein are a method and kit for the preparation of .sup.99m Tc labeled red blood cells using whole blood in a closed sterile system containing stannous tin in a form such that it will enter the red blood cells and be available therein for the reduction of technetium.

Kit for the selective labeling of red blood cells in whole blood with [sup 99]Tc

DOEpatents

Srivastava, S.C.; Babich, J.W.; Straub, R.; Richards, P.

1992-05-26

Disclosed herein are a method and kit for the preparation of [sup 99m]Tc labeled red blood cells using whole blood in a closed sterile system containing stannous tin in a form such that it will enter the red blood cells and be available therein for reduction of technetium. No Drawings

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

Park, Hong Soo; Lee, Myung Gyoon, E-mail: hspark@astro.snu.ac.kr, E-mail: mglee@astro.snu.ac.kr

We present a determination of the two-dimensional shape parameters of the blue and red globular cluster systems (GCSs) in a large number of elliptical galaxies and lenticular galaxies (early-type galaxies, called ETGs). We use a homogeneous data set of the globular clusters in 23 ETGs obtained from the HST/ACS Virgo Cluster Survey. The position angles of both blue and red GCSs show a correlation with those of the stellar light distribution, showing that the major axes of the GCSs are well aligned with those of their host galaxies. However, the shapes of the red GCSs show a tight correlation withmore » the stellar light distribution as well as with the rotation property of their host galaxies, while the shapes of the blue GCSs do much less. These provide clear geometric evidence that the origins of the blue and red globular clusters are distinct and that ETGs may have dual halos: a blue (metal-poor) halo and a red (metal-rich) halo. These two halos show significant differences in metallicity, structure, and kinematics, indicating that they are formed in two distinguishable ways. The red halos might have formed via dissipational processes with rotation, while the blue halos are through accretion.« less

Songs of two starling species: common traits versus adaptations to the social environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houdelier, C.; Hausberger, M.; Craig, A. J. F. K.

2012-12-01

We analysed, for the first time, songs of the African Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio and compared their general characteristics with those of the European Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Both species are gregarious during the non-breeding season, but European Starlings tend to nest in colonies, form unstable pair-bonds and are occasionally polygynous, whereas Red-winged Starlings form long-term pair-bonds and occupy exclusive nesting territories. Red-winged Starlings produced the same basic song categories as European Starlings: warbles and whistles. These two categories appeared to be involved in similar social interactions in the two species. However, several aspects of song behaviour differed between the two species: Red-winged Starlings, breeding in isolated nests, preferentially used whistles for long-distance communication and showed a simpler organization of warbling song. Whistles in the Red-winged Starling were mostly shared between birds and, in contrast to the European Starling, were not indicators of individual identity. Also in contrast to the European Starling, female song in Red-winged Starlings appeared very important throughout the breeding period. Our results suggest that some song characteristics in the two species are phylogenetically conserved whereas others are affected by the distinct social systems of the two species.

Offshore Evidence for an Undocumented Tsunami Event in the ‘Low Risk’ Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat, Northern Red Sea

PubMed Central

Goodman Tchernov, Beverly; Katz, Timor; Shaked, Yonathan; Qupty, Nairooz; Kanari, Mor; Niemi, Tina; Agnon, Amotz

2016-01-01

Although the Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat is located in the tectonically active northern Red Sea, it has been described as low-risk with regard to tsunami activity because there are no modern records of damaging tsunami events and only one tsunami (1068 AD) referred to in historical records. However, this assessment may be poorly informed given that the area was formed by and is located along the seismically active Dead Sea Fault, its population is known to fluctuate in size and literacy in part due to its harsh hyper-arid climate, and there is a dearth of field studies addressing the presence or absence of tsunamigenic deposits. Here we show evidence from two offshore cores for a major paleotsunami that occurred ~2300 years ago with a sedimentological footprint that far exceeds the scarce markers of the historically mentioned 1068 AD event. The interpretation is based on the presence of a laterally continuous and synchronous, anomalous sedimentological deposit that includes allochtonous inclusions and unique structural characteristics. Based on sedimentological parameters, these deposits could not be accounted for by other transport events, or other known background sedimentological processes. PMID:26815553

Offshore Evidence for an Undocumented Tsunami Event in the 'Low Risk' Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat, Northern Red Sea.

PubMed

Goodman Tchernov, Beverly; Katz, Timor; Shaked, Yonathan; Qupty, Nairooz; Kanari, Mor; Niemi, Tina; Agnon, Amotz

2016-01-01

Although the Gulf of Aqaba-Eilat is located in the tectonically active northern Red Sea, it has been described as low-risk with regard to tsunami activity because there are no modern records of damaging tsunami events and only one tsunami (1068 AD) referred to in historical records. However, this assessment may be poorly informed given that the area was formed by and is located along the seismically active Dead Sea Fault, its population is known to fluctuate in size and literacy in part due to its harsh hyper-arid climate, and there is a dearth of field studies addressing the presence or absence of tsunamigenic deposits. Here we show evidence from two offshore cores for a major paleotsunami that occurred ~2300 years ago with a sedimentological footprint that far exceeds the scarce markers of the historically mentioned 1068 AD event. The interpretation is based on the presence of a laterally continuous and synchronous, anomalous sedimentological deposit that includes allochtonous inclusions and unique structural characteristics. Based on sedimentological parameters, these deposits could not be accounted for by other transport events, or other known background sedimentological processes.

Changes in element accumulation, phenolic metabolism, and antioxidative enzyme activities in the red-skin roots of Panax ginseng.

PubMed

Zhou, Ying; Yang, Zhenming; Gao, Lingling; Liu, Wen; Liu, Rongkun; Zhao, Junting; You, Jiangfeng

2017-07-01

Red-skin root disease has seriously decreased the quality and production of Panax ginseng (ginseng). To explore the disease's origin, comparative analysis was performed in different parts of the plant, particularly the epidermis, cortex, and/or fibrous roots of 5-yr-old healthy and diseased red-skin ginseng. The inorganic element composition, phenolic compound concentration, reactive oxidation system, antioxidant concentrations such as ascorbate and glutathione, activities of enzymes related to phenolic metabolism and oxidation, and antioxidative system particularly the ascorbate-glutathione cycle were examined using conventional methods. Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), magnesium, and phosphorus were increased, whereas manganese was unchanged and calcium was decreased in the epidermis and fibrous root of red-skin ginseng, which also contained higher levels of phenolic compounds, higher activities of the phenolic compound-synthesizing enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and the phenolic compound oxidation-related enzymes guaiacol peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase. As the substrate of guaiacol peroxidase, higher levels of H 2 O 2 and correspondingly higher activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were found in red-skin ginseng. Increased levels of ascorbate and glutathione; increased activities of l-galactose 1-dehydrogenase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, and glutathione reductase; and lower activities of dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione peroxidase were found in red-skin ginseng. Glutathione- S -transferase activity remained constant. Hence, higher element accumulation, particularly Al and Fe, activated multiple enzymes related to accumulation of phenolic compounds and their oxidation. This might contribute to red-skin symptoms in ginseng. It is proposed that antioxidant and antioxidative enzymes, especially those involved in ascorbate-glutathione cycles, are activated to protect against phenolic compound oxidation.

Mannose and fructose metabolism in red blood cells during cold storage in SAGM.

PubMed

Rolfsson, Óttar; Johannsson, Freyr; Magnusdottir, Manuela; Paglia, Giuseppe; Sigurjonsson, Ólafur E; Bordbar, Aarash; Palsson, Sirus; Brynjólfsson, Sigurður; Guðmundsson, Sveinn; Palsson, Bernhard

2017-11-01

Alternate sugar metabolism during red blood cell (RBC) storage is not well understood. Here we report fructose and mannose metabolism in RBCs during cold storage in SAGM and the impact that these monosaccharides have on metabolic biomarkers of RBC storage lesion. RBCs were stored in SAGM containing uniformly labeled 13 C-fructose or 13 C-mannose at 9 or 18 mmol/L concentration for 25 days. RBCs and media were sampled at 14 time points during storage and analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Blood banking quality assurance measurements were performed. Red blood cells incorporated fructose and mannose during cold storage in the presence of glucose. Mannose was metabolized in preference to glucose via glycolysis. Fructose lowered adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels and contributed little to ATP maintenance when added to SAGM. Both monosaccharides form the advanced glycation end product glycerate. Mannose activates enzymes in the RBC that take part in glycan synthesis. Fructose or mannose addition to RBC SAGM concentrates may not offset the shift in metabolism of RBCs that occurs after 10 days of storage. Fructose and mannose metabolism at 4°C in SAGM reflects their metabolism at physiologic temperature. Glycerate excretion is a measure of protein deglycosylation activity in stored RBCs. No cytoprotective effect was observed upon the addition of either fructose or mannose to SAGM. © 2017 AABB.

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

Yang, Huan; Wang, JunXian; Zheng, Zhen-Ya

Using the Lyα emission line as a tracer of high-redshift, star-forming galaxies, hundreds of Lyα emission line galaxies (LAEs) at z > 5 have been detected. These LAEs are considered to be low-mass young galaxies, critical to the re-ionization of the universe and the metal enrichment of the circumgalactic medium (CGM) and the intergalactic medium (IGM). It is assumed that outflows in LAEs can help both ionizing photons and Lyα photons escape from galaxies. However, we still know little about the outflows in high-redshift LAEs due to observational difficulties, especially at redshift >5. Models of Lyα radiative transfer predict asymmetricmore » Lyα line profiles with broad red wings in LAEs with outflows. Here, we report a z ∼ 5.7 Lyα emission line with a broad red wing extending to >1000 km s{sup –1} relative to the peak of Lyα line, which has been detected in only a couple of z > 5 LAEs until now. If the broad red wing is ascribed to gas outflow instead of active galactic nucleus activity, the outflow velocity could be larger than the escape velocity (∼500 km s{sup –1}) of a typical halo mass of z ∼ 5.7 LAEs, which is consistent with the idea that outflows in LAEs disperse metals to CGM and IGM.« less

Seed-specific transcription factor HSFA9 links late embryogenesis and early photomorphogenesis

PubMed Central

Prieto-Dapena, Pilar; Almoguera, Concepción; Personat, José-María; Merchan, Francisco

2017-01-01

Abstract HSFA9 is a seed-specific transcription factor that in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is involved in desiccation tolerance and longevity. Here we show that the constitutive overexpression of HSFA9 in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) seedlings attenuated hypocotyl growth under darkness and accelerated the initial photosynthetic development. Plants overexpressing HSFA9 increased accumulation of carotenoids, chlorophyllide, and chlorophyll, and displayed earlier unfolding of the cotyledons. HSFA9 enhanced phytochrome-dependent light responses, as shown by an intensified hypocotyl length reduction after treatments with continuous far-red or red light. This observation indicated the involvement of at least two phytochromes: PHYA and PHYB. Reduced hypocotyl length under darkness did not depend on phytochrome photo-activation; this was inferred from the lack of effect observed using far-red light pulses applied before the dark treatment. HSFA9 increased the expression of genes that activate photomorphogenesis, including PHYA, PHYB, and HY5. HSFA9 might directly upregulate PHYA and indirectly affect PHYB transcription, as suggested by transient expression assays. Converse effects on gene expression, greening, and cotyledon unfolding were observed using a dominant-negative form of HSFA9, which was overexpressed under a seed-specific promoter. This work uncovers a novel transcriptional link, through HSFA9, between seed maturation and early photomorphogenesis. In all, our data suggest that HSFA9 enhances photomorphogenesis via early transcriptional effects that start in seeds under darkness. PMID:28207924

Origin of the Red Dog Zn-Pb-Ag deposits, Brooks Range, Alaska: Evidence from regional Pb and Sr isotope sources

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ayuso, R.A.; Kelley, K.D.; Leach, D.L.; Young, L.E.; Slack, J.F.; Wandless, G.; Lyon, A.M.; Dillingham, J.L.

2004-01-01

Pb and Sr isotope data were obtained on the shale-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag Red Dog deposits (Qanaiyaq, Main, Aqqaluk, and Paalaaq), other shale-hosted deposits near Red Dog, and Zn-Pb-Ag sulfide and barite deposits in the western and central Brooks Range. The Red Dog deposits and other shale-hosted Zn-Pb-Ag deposits near Red Dog are hosted in the Mississippian Kuna Formation, which is underlain by a sequence of marine-deltaic clastic rocks of the Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian Endicott Group. Ag-Pb-Zn vein-breccias are found in the Endicott Group. Galena formed during the main mineralization stages in the Red Dog deposits and from the Anarraaq and Wulik deposits have overlapping Pb isotope compositions in the range 206Pb/204Pb = 18.364 to 18.428, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.553 to 15.621, and 208Pb/204Pb = 38.083 to 38.323. Galena and sphalerite formed during the main ore-forming stages in the Red Dog deposits define a narrow field on standard uranogenic and thorogenic Pb isotope diagrams. Lead in sulfides of the Red Dog district is less radiogenic (238U/204Pb: ?? = 9.51-9.77) than is indicated by the average crustal lead evolution model (?? = 9.74), a difference consistent with a long history of evolution at low ratios of ?? before the Carboniferous. The homogeneous regional isotopic reservoir of Pb may indicate large-scale transport and leaching of minerals with various ?? ratios and Th/Pb ratios. Younger and genetically unrelated fluids did not significantly disturb the isotopic compositions of galena and sphalerite after the main mineralization event in the Red Dog district. Some pyrite shows evidence of minor Pb remobilization. The overall lead isotope homogeneity in the shale-hosted massive sulfide deposits is consistent with three types of control: a homogeneous regional source, mixing of lead during leaching of a thick sedimentary section and fluid transport, or mixing at the site of deposition. Isotopic variability of the hydrothermal fluids, as represented by galena in the Red Dog district, appears to be consistent with a simple mixing system. Evidence indicates that galena was deposited from largely similar hydrothermal solutions throughout the Red Dog district. A shared regional isotopic reservoir is also supported by the correspondence of Pb isotope compositions of galena in deposits of the Red Dog district and galena in clastic rocks (vein-breccias). Leaching of metals and progressive extraction of radiogenic lead from the clastic rocks in the Endicott Group may account for the trend of increasing 206Pb/204Pb in galena of the Red Dog district. Galena in the Red Dog deposits is unlikely to have been derived entirely from the same isotopic reservoir as that represented by the lead in the Kuna Formation or from the igneous rocks in the Red Dog district. Sr isotope data for barite, calcite, and witherite from the Red Dog deposits are compared with data from regional barite that is associated with sulfides and from barite in sulfide-poor occurrences. Fluids with heterogeneous Sr isotope signatures are indicated. Barite in the Main deposit extends to higher ratios of 87Sr/86Sr (0.709034-0.709899) than barite in the Anarraaq deposit (0.708615-0.709256). All barite is more radiogenic than Carboniferous seawater. Other Mississippian(?) shale-hosted deposits and mineral occurrences containing barite in the Red Dog district and barite in regional occurrences east of Red Dog in the western and central Brooks Range also have heterogeneous 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Carbonate (87Sr/86Sr = 0.710319-0.713637) and witherite (87 Sr/86 Sr = 0.710513) in the Main deposit are more radiogenic than barite. In contrast, carbonate (87Sr/86Sr = 0.708196-0.709740) intergrown with massive sulfides at Anarraaq has isotopic compositions similar to that of barite. Paragenetic and isotop ic studies suggest that early barite is similar to barite typically formed in cold seeps along continental margins. This early fine-grained barite formed before the main mineralizat

Recipes for antimicrobial wine marinades against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica.

PubMed

Friedman, Mendel; Henika, P R; Levin, C E; Mandrell, R E

2007-08-01

We have evaluated bactericidal activities against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica of several antimicrobial wine recipes, each consisting of red or white wine extracts of oregano leaves with added garlic juice and oregano oil. Dose-response plots were used to determine the percentage of the recipes that resulted in a 50% decrease in colony-forming units (CFU) at 60 min (BA(50)). Studies designed to optimize antibacterial activities of the recipes demonstrated that several combinations of the naturally occurring plant-derived ingredients rapidly inactivated the above mentioned 4 foodborne pathogens. We also showed that (a) incubation temperature affected activities in the following order: 37 degrees C > 21 degrees C > 4 degrees C; (b) varying the initial bacterial concentrations from 10(3) to 10(4) to 10(5) CFU/well did not significantly affect BA(50) values; (c) storage of 3 marinades up to 2 mo did not change their effectiveness against Salmonella enterica; and (d) polyphenolic compounds isolated by chromatography from red wine exhibited exceptional activity at nanogram levels against 2 strains of Bacillus cereus. These observations suggest that antimicrobial wine formulations have the potential to improve the microbiological safety of foods.

Lytic resistance of fibrin containing red blood cells

PubMed Central

Wohner, Nikolett; Sótonyi, Péter; Machovich, Raymund; Szabó, László; Tenekedjiev, Kiril; Silva, Marta M.C.G.; Longstaff, Colin; Kolev, Krasimir

2012-01-01

Objective Arterial thrombi contain variable amounts of red blood cell (RBC), which interact with fibrinogen through an eptifibatide-sensitive receptor and modify the structure of fibrin. Here we evaluate the modulator role of RBCs in the lytic susceptibility of fibrin. Methods and Results If fibrin is formed at increasing RBC counts, scanning electron microscopy evidenced a decrease in fiber diameter from 150 nm to 96 nm at 40 %(v/v) RBC, an effect susceptible to eptifibatide inhibition (restoring 140 nm diameter). RBC prolonged the lysis time in a homogeneous-phase fibrinolytic assay with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) by up to 22.7±1.6 %, but not in the presence of eptifibatide. Confocal laser microscopy using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled tPA and orange fluorescent fibrin showed that 20-40 %(v/v) RBC significantly slowed down the dissolution of the clots. tPA-GFP did not accumulate on the surface of fibrin containing RBC at any cell count above 10 %. The presence of RBC in the clot suppressed the tPA-induced plasminogen activation resulting in a 45 % less plasmin generated after 30 min activation at 40 %(v/v) RBC. Conclusion RBCs confer lytic resistance to fibrin resulting from modified fibrin structure and impaired plasminogen activation through a mechanism that involves eptifibatide-sensitive fibrinogen-RBC interactions. PMID:21737785

Fruits and vegetables protect against the genotoxicity of heterocyclic aromatic amines activated by human xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes expressed in immortal mammalian cells.

PubMed

Platt, K L; Edenharder, R; Aderhold, S; Muckel, E; Glatt, H

2010-12-21

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) can be formed during the cooking of meat and fish at elevated temperatures and are associated with an increased risk for cancer. On the other hand, epidemiological findings suggest that foods rich in fruits and vegetables can protect against cancer. In the present study three teas, two wines, and the juices of 15 fruits and 11 vegetables were investigated for their protective effect against the genotoxic effects of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) and 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP). To closely mimic the enzymatic activation of these HAAs in humans, genetically engineered V79 Chinese hamster fibroblasts were employed that express human cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase (hCYP) 1A2 (responsible for the first step of enzymatic activation) and human N(O)-acetyltransferase (hNAT) 2*4 or human sulfotransferase (hSULT)1A1*1 (responsible for the second step of enzymatic activation): V79-hCYP1A2-hNAT2*4 for IQ activation and V79-hCYP1A2-hSULT1A1*1 for PhIP activation. HAA genotoxicity was determined by use of the comet assay. Black, green and rooibos tea moderately reduced the genotoxicity of IQ (IC(50)=0.8-0.9%), whereas red and white wine were less active. From the fruit juices, sweet cherry juice exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on IQ genotoxicity (IC(50)=0.17%), followed by juices from kiwi fruit, plum and blueberry (IC(50)=0.48-0.71%). The juices from watermelon, blackberry, strawberry, black currant, and Red delicious apple showed moderate suppression, whereas sour cherry, grapefruit, red currant, and pineapple juices were only weakly active. Granny Smith apple juice and orange juice proved inactive. Of the vegetable juices, strong inhibition of IQ genotoxicity was only seen with spinach and onion juices (IC(50)=0.42-0.54%). Broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, sweet pepper, tomato, chard, and red-cabbage juices suppressed IQ genotoxicity only moderately, whereas cucumber juice was ineffective. In most cases, fruits and vegetables inhibited PhIP genotoxicity less strongly than IQ genotoxicity. As one possible mechanism of antigenotoxicity, the inhibition of activating enzymes was studied either indirectly with diagnostic substrates or directly by measuring CYP1A2 inhibition. Only sour cherry, blueberry, and black currant juices suppressed the first step of HAA enzymatic activation, whereas most plant-derived beverages inhibited the second step. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Double-Staining Method for Differentiation of Morphological Changes and Membrane Integrity of Campylobacter coli Cells

PubMed Central

Alonso, Jose L.; Mascellaro, Salvatore; Moreno, Yolanda; Ferrús, María A.; Hernández, Javier

2002-01-01

We developed a double-staining procedure involving NanoOrange dye (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.) and membrane integrity stains (LIVE/DEAD BacLight kit; Molecular Probes) to show the morphological and membrane integrity changes of Campylobacter coli cells during growth. The conversion from a spiral to a coccoid morphology via intermediary forms and the membrane integrity changes of the C. coli cells can be detected with the double-staining procedure. Our data indicate that young or actively growing cells are mainly spiral shaped (green-stained cells), but older cells undergo a degenerative change to coccoid forms (red-stained cells). Club-shaped transition cell forms were observed with NanoOrange stain. Chlorinated drinking water affected the viability but not the morphology of C. coli cells. PMID:12324366

What Makes Red Giants Tick? Linking Tidal Forces, Activity, and Solar-Like Oscillations via Eclipsing Binaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rawls, Meredith L.; Gaulme, Patrick; McKeever, Jean; Jackiewicz, Jason

2016-01-01

Thanks to advances in asteroseismology, red giants have become astrophysical laboratories for studying stellar evolution and probing the Milky Way. However, not all red giants show solar-like oscillations. It has been proposed that stronger tidal interactions from short-period binaries and increased magnetic activity on spotty giants are linked to absent or damped solar-like oscillations, yet each star tells a nuanced story. In this work, we characterize a subset of red giants in eclipsing binaries observed by Kepler. The binaries exhibit a range of orbital periods, solar-like oscillation behavior, and stellar activity. We use orbital solutions together with a suite of modeling tools to combine photometry and spectroscopy in a detailed analysis of tidal synchronization timescales, star spot activity, and stellar evolution histories. These red giants offer an unprecedented opportunity to test stellar physics and are important benchmarks for ensemble asteroseismology.

Low roll-off and high efficiency orange OLEDs using green and red dopants in an exciplex forming co-host

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sunghun; Kim, Kwon-Hyeon; Yoo, Seung-Jun; Park, Young-Seo; Kim, Jang-Joo

2013-09-01

We present high efficiency orange emitting OLEDs with low driving voltage and low roll-off of efficiency using an exciplex forming co-host by (1) co-doping of green and red emitting phosphorescence dyes in the host and (2) red and green phosphorescent dyes doped in the host as separate red and green emitting layers. The orange OLEDs achieved a low turn-on voltage of 2.4 V and high external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of 25.0% and 22.8%, respectively. Moreover, the OLEDs showed low roll-off of efficiency with an EQE of over 21% and 19.6% at 10,000 cd/m2, respectively. The devices displayed good orange color with very little color shift with increasing luminance. The transient electroluminescence of the OLEDs indicated that both energy transfer and direct charge trapping took place in the devices.

Bioluminescence of beetle luciferases with 6'-amino-D-luciferin analogues reveals excited keto-oxyluciferin as the emitter and phenolate/luciferin binding site interactions modulate bioluminescence colors.

PubMed

Viviani, Vadim R; Neves, Deimison Rodrigues; Amaral, Danilo Trabuco; Prado, Rogilene A; Matsuhashi, Takuto; Hirano, Takashi

2014-08-19

Beetle luciferases produce different bioluminescence colors from green to red using the same d-luciferin substrate. Despite many studies of the mechanisms and structural determinants of bioluminescence colors with firefly luciferases, the identity of the emitters and the specific active site interactions responsible for bioluminescence color modulation remain elusive. To address these questions, we analyzed the bioluminescence spectra with 6'-amino-D-luciferin (aminoluciferin) and its 5,5-dimethyl analogue using a set of recombinant beetle luciferases that naturally elicit different colors and different pH sensitivities (pH-sensitive, Amydetes vivianii λmax=538 nm, Macrolampis sp2 λmax=564 nm; pH-insensitive, Phrixotrix hirtus λmax=623 nm, Phrixotrix vivianii λmax=546 nm, and Pyrearinus termitilluminans λmax=534 nm), a luciferase-like enzyme (Tenebrionidae, Zophobas morio λmax=613 nm), and mutants of C311 (S314). The green-yellow-emitting luciferases display red-shifted bioluminescence spectra with aminoluciferin in relation to those with D-luciferin, whereas the red-emitting luciferases displayed blue-shifted spectra. Bioluminescence spectra with 5,5-dimethylaminoluciferin, in which enolization is blocked, were almost identical to those of aminoluciferin. Fluorescence probing using 2-(4-toluidino)naphthalene-6-sulfonate and inference with aminoluciferin confirm that the luciferin binding site of the red-shifted luciferases is more polar than in the case of the green-yellow-emitting luciferases. Altogether, the results show that the keto form of excited oxyluciferin is the emitter in beetle bioluminescence and that bioluminescence colors are essentially modulated by interactions of the 6'-hydroxy group of oxyluciferin and basic moieties under the influence of the microenvironment polarity of the active site: a strong interaction between a base moiety and oxyluciferin phenol in a hydrophobic microenvironment promotes green-yellow emission, whereas a more polar environment weakens such interaction promoting red shifts. In pH-sensitive luciferases, a pH-mediated switch from a closed hydrophobic conformation to a more open polar conformation promotes the typical red shift.

Betalain, Acid Ascorbic, Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Properties of Purple, Red, Yellow and White Cactus Pears

PubMed Central

Sumaya-Martínez, María Teresa; Cruz-Jaime, Sandra; Madrigal-Santillán, Eduardo; García-Paredes, Juan Diego; Cariño-Cortés, Raquel; Cruz-Cansino, Nelly; Valadez-Vega, Carmen; Martinez-Cardenas, Leonardo; Alanís-García, Ernesto

2011-01-01

Commercialization of cactus pears based on their antioxidant properties can generate competitive advantages, and these can turn into business opportunities and the development of new products and a high-value ingredient for the food industry. This work evaluated the antioxidant activities (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging, protection against oxidation of a β-carotene-linoleic acid emulsion, and iron (II) chelation), the content of total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, betacyanin, betaxanthin and the stability of betacyanin pigments in presence of Cu (II)-dependent hydroxyl radicals (OH•), in 18 cultivars of purple, red, yellow and white cactus pear from six Mexican states. Our results indicated that the antiradical activities from yellow and white cactus pear cultivars were not significantly different (p < 0.05) and were lower than the average antiradical activities in red and purple cultivars. The red cactus pear from the state of Zacatecas showed the highest antioxidant activity. The free radical scavenging activity for red cactus pears was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to the concentration of total phenolic compounds (R2 = 0.90) and ascorbic acid (R2 = 0.86). All 18 cultivars of cactus pears studied showed significant chelating activity of ferrous ions. The red and purple cactus pears showed a great stability when exposed to OH•. PMID:22072899

Preserved function of the plasma membrane calcium pump of red blood cells from diabetic subjects with high levels of glycated haemoglobin.

PubMed

Bookchin, Robert M; Etzion, Zipora; Lew, Virgilio L; Tiffert, Teresa

2009-03-01

The activity of the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-pump decreases steeply throughout the 120 days lifespan of normal human red blood cells. Experiments with isolated membrane preparations showed that glycation of a lysine residue near the catalytic site of the pump ATPase had a powerful inhibitory effect. This prompted the question of whether glycation is the mechanism of age-related decline in pump activity in vivo. It is important to investigate this mechanism because the Ca(2+) pump is a major regulator of Ca(2+) homeostasis in all cells. Its impaired activity in diabetic patients, continuously exposed to high glycation rates, may thus contribute to varied tissue pathology in this disease. We measured Ca(2+)-pump activity as a function of red cell age in red cells from diabetics continuously exposed to high glucose concentrations, as documented by their high mean levels of glycated haemoglobin. The distribution of Ca(2+)-pump activities was indistinguishable from that in non-diabetics, and the pattern of activity decline with cell age in the diabetics' red cells was identical to that observed in red cells from non-diabetics. These results indicate that in intact cells the Ca(2+) pump is protected from glycation-induced inactivation.

Nutritional performance and activity of some digestive enzymes of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera , in response to seven tested bean cultivars

PubMed Central

Namin, Foroogh Rahimi; Naseri, Bahram; Razmjou, Jabraeil; Cohen, Allen

2014-01-01

Abstract Nutritional performance and activity of some digestive enzymes (protease and α -amylase) of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in response to feeding on bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabales: Fabaceae)) cultivars (Shokufa, Akhtar, Sayyad, Naz, Pak, Daneshkadeh, and Talash) were evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a 16:8 L:D photoperiod). The highest and lowest respective values of approximate digestibility were observed when fourth, fifth, and sixth larval instar H. armigera were fed red kidney bean Akhtar and white kidney bean Daneshkadeh. The efficiency of conversion of ingested and digested food was highest when H. armigera was fed red kidney beans Akhtar and Naz and lowest when they were fed white kidney bean Pak. The highest protease activity of fifth instars was observed when they were fed red kidney bean Naz, and the highest amylase activity of fifth instars was observed when they were fed red kidney bean Sayyad. Sixth instar larvae that fed on red kidney bean Sayyad showed the highest protease activity. Larvae reared on common bean Talash and white kidney bean Pak showed the highest amylase activity. Among bean cultivars tested, red kidney bean Sayyad was the most unsuitable host for feeding H. armigera . PMID:25368049

Intermediate P* from soluble methane monooxygenase contains a diferrous cluster.

PubMed

Banerjee, Rahul; Meier, Katlyn K; Münck, Eckard; Lipscomb, John D

2013-06-25

During a single turnover of the hydroxylase component (MMOH) of soluble methane monooxygenase from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, several discrete intermediates are formed. The diiron cluster of MMOH is first reduced to the Fe(II)Fe(II) state (H(red)). O₂ binds rapidly at a site away from the cluster to form the Fe(II)Fe(II) intermediate O, which converts to an Fe(III)Fe(III)-peroxo intermediate P and finally to the Fe(IV)Fe(IV) intermediate Q. Q binds and reacts with methane to yield methanol and water. The rate constants for these steps are increased by a regulatory protein, MMOB. Previously reported transient kinetic studies have suggested that an intermediate P* forms between O and P in which the g = 16 EPR signal characteristic of the reduced diiron cluster of H(red) and O is lost. This was interpreted as signaling oxidation of the cluster, but a low level of accumulation of P* prevented further characterization. In this study, three methods for directly detecting and trapping P* are applied together to allow its spectroscopic and kinetic characterization. First, the MMOB mutant His33Ala is used to specifically slow the decay of P* without affecting its formation rate, leading to its nearly quantitative accumulation. Second, spectra-kinetic data collection is used to provide a sensitive measure of the formation and decay rate constants of intermediates as well as their optical spectra. Finally, the substrate furan is included to react with Q and quench its strong chromophore. The optical spectrum of P* closely mimics those of H(red) and O, but it is distinctly different from that of P. The reaction cycle rate constants allowed prediction of the times for maximal accumulation of the intermediates. Mössbauer spectra of rapid freeze-quench samples at these times show that the intermediates are formed at almost exactly the predicted levels. The Mössbauer spectra show that the diiron cluster of P*, quite unexpectedly, is in the Fe(II)Fe(II) state. Thus, the loss of the g = 16 EPR signal results from a change in the electronic structure of the Fe(II)Fe(II) center rather than oxidation. The similarity of the optical and Mössbauer spectra of H(red), O, and P* suggests that only subtle changes occur in the electronic and physical structure of the diiron cluster as P* forms. Nevertheless, the changes that do occur are necessary for O₂ to be activated for hydrocarbon oxidation.

Visual detection of cyanide ions by membrane-based nanozyme assay.

PubMed

Lien, Chia-Wen; Unnikrishnan, Binesh; Harroun, Scott G; Wang, Chih-Min; Chang, Jia-Yaw; Chang, Huan-Tsung; Huang, Chih-Ching

2018-04-15

In this paper, we report a simple one-step synthesis of well-dispersed amorphous cobalt hydroxide/oxide-modified graphene oxide (CoO x H-GO) possessing peroxidase-like catalytic activity, and its application for the detection of H 2 O 2 , glucose, and CN - ions. CoO x H is formed and deposited in situ on the GO surface through the reaction between GO (size ~ 240nm) and Co 2+ in basic solution at room temperature. We investigated the enzyme-mimicking activity of the CoO x H-GO nanohybrid in detail via the H 2 O 2 -mediated oxidation of Amplex Red (AR) to form fluorescent resorufin. The peroxidase-like activity of CoO x H-GO is utilized herein for the quantitation of H 2 O 2 in a wide concentration range, from 100nM to 100μM. When coupled with glucose oxidase (GOD), the AR/CoO x H-GO system can determine glucose level in blood samples. Interestingly, cyanide ions (CN - ) significantly inhibit the catalytic activity of the CoO x H-GO nanohybrid, which allows for the construction of a probe for the detection of CN - in water samples and laboratory wastes. We fabricated a membrane-based CoO x H-GO probe for the visual detection of CN - by preparing a thin film of CoO x H-GO on a positively charged and porous nylon membrane (N + M). The CoO x H-GO/N + M operates on the principle that CN - inhibits the catalytic activity of CoO x H-GO towards the H 2 O 2 -mediated oxidation of AR to form reddish resorufin on the membrane. The intensity of the red color of the membrane decreases with increasing CN - concentration, which can be easily observed with the naked eye at the nanomolar level. This cost-effective sensing system allows for the rapid and simple determination of the concentrations of CN - in complicated wastewater samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The relationship between the opening of South China Sea and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mo, X.

2010-12-01

The South China Sea is one of the largest marginal seas in western Pacific and underwent a complex history. Xu et al.(2004) suggested that the evolution of the South China Sea can be divided into two first order phases: Paleogene (—Early Miocene) rifting and Neogene post- rifting. An oceanic crust was formed during 32-17 Ma. Whether or not the opening of South China Sea were related to Indo-Eurasia collision and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau is one of challenging problem in Earth sciences. With an exception of the southwestern China, the Chinese continent has become an united continent in the Triassic by the Indosinian orogeny. However, the Qinghai-Tibet area in SW China was still an oceanic region, that is, the Neo-Tethys. During the period of 145-100 Ma, the Lhasa terrane collided with the Qiangtang terrane and added to the south margin of the Eurasian continent. On the other hand, the Indian plate subducted underneath the Eurasian continent since Jurassic- Cretaceous. Subsequently, collision between the two continents, India and Eurasia, were completed during 65-40 Ma, and went into a post-collisional stage, characterized by intra-continental movements, including intra-continental subduction, overthrust, strike-slip and so on. The Tibetan Plateau, the highest plateau in the world had been formed by multi-stage uplifts. Several huge strike-slip shear zone such as the Red River Fault and the Altyn were formed during that period. The >1000-km-long Oligocene—Miocene left-lateral Red River shear zone (RRSZ) and the Pliocene—active right-lateral Red River fault (RRF), stretching from SE Tibet to the South China Sea, has been cited as a lithospheric scale strike-slip fault. The age of RRSZ was recently determined no earlier than 31.9-24.2Ma and no later than 21.7 Ma (Searle et al., 2010). Many geologists believe that there possibly be close relationship between the opening of the South China Sea and Indo-Eurasia collision and the formation of the Tibetan Plateau via the evolution of the Red River shear zone.

The mantle beneath the Red Sea margin: xenoliths from western Saudi Arabia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, Anne Vaughan

1988-07-01

Xenoliths from alkali basalts in western Saudi Arabia provide the opportunity to study the composition and rheology of the mantle beneath the Red Sea rift margins. Characteristics of mantle xenolith suites from each of three localities in western Saudi Arabia can be related to locality position relative to the rift axis, and to crustal thickness and heat flow at each locality. Mantle xenoliths from Harrat al Birk, nearest the rift axis, are dominantly websterites (± spinel, plagioclase, amphibole, olivine), garnet clinopyroxenite, and two-pyroxene gabbro (± olivine); peridotite xenoliths, are rare. Garnet clinopyroxenites contain zoned clinopyroxene with Fe-Al-rich rims and reaction rims on garnet formed by breakdown of garnet to orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + spinel + plagioclase. Zoning and reaction rims are interpreted as forming under conditions of increasing temperature. Thermobarometry on Harrat al Birk garnet-bearing xenoliths yield high temperatures (1015-1040°C) at about 12 kbar. The abundance of plagioclase-bearing assemblages may be related to a relatively shallow upper mantle which extends up into stability fields for plagioclase-bearing pyroxenite and peridotite. Harrat al Kishb and Harrat Hutaymah are farther from the Red Sea axis, on the flanks of the rift. The mantle xenolith suites of al Kishb and Hutaymah are similar, consisting of abundant spinel peridotite and spinel pyroxenite xenoliths and minor garnet pyroxenites; plagioclase-bearing xenoliths are extremely rare. The Harrat Hutaymah suite includes wehrlite and amphibole-bearing peridotite lithologies not found at al Kishb. Variation of peridotite composition may reflect varying degrees of partial melt extraction. Igneous textures of some pyroxenite xenoliths and structural relationships in composite peridotite/pyroxenite nodules suggest that pyroxenites formed by crystallization of magmas within mantle veins. Abundant pyroxenites and fragments of amphibole veins reflect the activity of magmas and hydrous fluids within the mantle. Thermobarometry of al Kishb and Hutaymah garnet-bearing nodules yield temperatures of 1000-1050 °C at pressures of about 13.5-16.0 kbar. Mineral zoning and exsolution features indicate decreasing temperature conditions in the mantle at the flanks of the Red Sea rift.

The Application of Active Paper Incorporated with Oleoresin of Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum burmanii) Distillation Residues on Maintaining Dragon Fruits (Hylocereus costaricensis) Quality during Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, M. S. H.; Manuhara, G. J.; Utami, R.; Khasanah, L. U.

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of active paper placement methods on super red dragon fruits quality during storage at ambient temperature. The active papers were incorporated with oleoresin of cinnamon leaf distillation residues. Various active paper placement methods were applied such as wrapping, placed on the cardboard wall, placed cardboard pad, and scrap of paper on the sidelines. Weight loss, peel color, surface and flesh hardness, total titratable acid, soluble solid total, pH flesh fruit, and total plate count (TPC) of super red dragon fruits samples were investigated during 9 days storage. The result shows that active paper placement methods significantly affected the weight loss, surface firmness and color peel change of super red dragon fruits samples. However, active paper placement methods insignificantly affected the titrable acid total, soluble solid total, pH, flesh firmness and microbial spoilage of super red dragon fruits samples. The best method to maintain the super red dragon fruits quality was wrapping method.

Oral administration of red ginseng powder fermented with probiotic alleviates the severity of dextran-sulfate sodium-induced colitis in a mouse model.

PubMed

Jang, Sun-Hee; Park, Jisang; Kim, Sae-Hae; Choi, Kyung-Min; Ko, Eun-Sil; Cha, Jeong-Dan; Lee, Young-Ran; Jang, Hyonseok; Jang, Yong-Suk

2017-03-01

Red ginseng is a well-known alternative medicine with anti-inflammatory activity. It exerts pharmacological effects through the transformation of saponin into metabolites by intestinal microbiota. Given that intestinal microflora vary among individuals, the pharmacological effects of red ginseng likely vary among individuals. In order to produce homogeneously effective red ginseng, we prepared probiotic-fermented red ginseng and evaluated its activity using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. Initial analysis of intestinal damage indicated that the administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng significantly decreased the severity of colitis, compared with the control and the activity was higher than that induced by oral administration of ginseng powder or probiotics only. Subsequent analysis of the levels of serum IL-6 and TNF-α, inflammatory biomarkers that are increased at the initiation stage of colitis, were significantly decreased in probiotic-fermented red ginseng-treated groups in comparison to the control group. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs for inflammatory factors in colorectal tissues were also significantly decreased in probiotic-fermented red ginseng-treated groups. Collectively, oral administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng reduced the severity of colitis in a mouse model, suggesting that it can be used as a uniformly effective red ginseng product. Copyright © 2017 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photocatalytic removal of Congo red dye using MCM-48/Ni2O3 composite synthesized based on silica gel extracted from rice husk ash; fabrication and application.

PubMed

Shaban, Mohamed; Abukhadra, Mostafa R; Hamd, Ahmed; Amin, Ragab R; Abdel Khalek, Ahmed

2017-12-15

MCM-48 mesoporous silica was successfully synthesized from silica gel extracted from rice husk ash and loaded by nickel oxide (Ni 2 O 3 ). The resulted composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and UV-vis spectrophotometer. The role of MCM-48 as catalyst support in enhancing the photocatalytic properties of nickel oxide was evaluated through the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye under visible light source. MCM-48 as catalyst support for Ni 2 O 3 shows considerable enhancement in the adsorption capacity by 17% and 29% higher than the adsorption capacity of MCM-48 and Ni 2 O 3 , respectively. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation percentage increased by about 64% relative to the degradation percentage using Ni 2 O 3 as a single component. The adsorption mechanism of MCM-48/Ni 2 O 3 is chemisorption process of multilayer form. The using of MCM-48 as catalyst support for Ni 2 O 3 enhanced the adsorption capacity and the photocatalytic degradation through increasing the surface area and prevents the nickel oxide particles from agglomeration. This was done through fixing nickel oxide particles throughout the porous structure which providing more exposed active adsorption sites and active photocatalyst sites for the incident photons. Based on the obtained results, supporting of nickel oxide particles onto MCM-48 are promising active centers for the degradation of Congo red dye molecules. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crystal structure of the fluorescent protein from Dendronephthya sp. in both green and photoconverted red forms

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

Pletneva, Nadya V.; Pletnev, Sergei; Pakhomov, Alexey A.

The fluorescent protein fromDendronephthyasp. (DendFP) is a member of the Kaede-like group of photoconvertible fluorescent proteins with a His62-Tyr63-Gly64 chromophore-forming sequence. Upon irradiation with UV and blue light, the fluorescence of DendFP irreversibly changes from green (506 nm) to red (578 nm). The photoconversion is accompanied by cleavage of the peptide backbone at the C α—N bond of His62 and the formation of a terminal carboxamide group at the preceding Leu61. The resulting double C α=C βbond in His62 extends the conjugation of the chromophore π system to include imidazole, providing the red fluorescence. Here, the three-dimensional structures of nativemore » green and photoconverted red forms of DendFP determined at 1.81 and 2.14 Å resolution, respectively, are reported. This is the first structure of photoconverted red DendFP to be reported to date. The structure-based mutagenesis of DendFP revealed an important role of positions 142 and 193: replacement of the original Ser142 and His193 caused a moderate red shift in the fluorescence and a considerable increase in the photoconversion rate. It was demonstrated that hydrogen bonding of the chromophore to the Gln116 and Ser105 cluster is crucial for variation of the photoconversion rate. The single replacement Gln116Asn disrupts the hydrogen bonding of Gln116 to the chromophore, resulting in a 30-fold decrease in the photoconversion rate, which was partially restored by a further Ser105Asn replacement.« less

Fruit coloration and anthocyanin biosynthesis after bag removal in non-red and red apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.).

PubMed

Liu, Yulian; Che, Fei; Wang, Lixin; Meng, Rui; Zhang, Xiaojun; Zhao, Zhengyang

2013-01-25

In the present study, evolution of apple color (L* and a/b), the accumulation of anthocyanins and the activity of the related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone isomerase (CHI), dihydroflavonol4-reductase (DFR) and UDP-Glucose: flavonoid-3-O-galactosyl transferase (UFGT), were investigated in bagged non-red apple cultivars ('Granny Smith' and 'Golden Delicious') and red apple cultivars ('Starkrimon' and 'Pink Lady'). Young fruits were bagged 40-45 days after flowering (DAF), and fruits of 'Golden Delicious' and 'Starkrimon' were uncovered and exposed to light 120 DAF, while those of 'Granny Smith' and 'Pink Lady' were exposed for 160 DAF. Results showed that cyanidin 3-galactoside (cy3-gal) was the most abundant anthocyanin in both non-red and red cultivars. Level of anthocyanins was higher in 'Granny Smith' than in 'Golden Delicious', indicating that red color was easier to develop in green cultivar 'Granny Smith' than in yellow cultivar 'Golden Delicious' after bag removal. The cy3-gal accumulation of non-red cultivars tested was not significantly correlated with PAL, CHI and DFR activity, but was significantly correlated with UFGT activity. During the reddening of non-red apples, UFGT may be the more important factor in the anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Antioxidant effectiveness of organically and non-organically grown red oranges in cell culture systems.

PubMed

Tarozzi, A; Hrelia, S; Angeloni, C; Morroni, F; Biagi, P; Guardigli, M; Cantelli-Forti, G; Hrelia, P

2006-03-01

Consumers consider plant food products from organic origin healthier than the corresponding conventional plant foods. Clear experimental evidence supporting this assumption is still lacking. To determine if the organic red oranges have a higher phyto-chemical content (i. e., phenolics, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid), total antioxidant activity and in vitro bioactivity, in terms of protective effect against oxidative damage at cellular level, than nonorganic red oranges. Total phenolics were measured using the Folin Ciocalteau assay, while total anthocyanins and ascorbic acid levels were determined by spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis, respectively. In addition, the total antioxidant activity of red orange extracts was measured by the ABTS(*+) test. The ability of red orange extracts to counteract conjugated diene containing lipids and free radical production in cultured rat cardiomyocytes and differentiated Caco-2 cells, respectively, was assessed. Organic oranges had significantly higher total phenolics, total anthocyanins and ascorbic acid levels than the corresponding non-organic oranges (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the organic orange extracts had a higher total antioxidant activity than non-organic orange extracts (p < 0.05). In addition, our results indicate that red oranges have a strong capacity of inhibiting the production of conjugated diene containing lipids and free radicals in rat cardiomyocytes and differentiated Caco-2 cells, respectively. Statistically higher levels of antioxidant activity in both cell models were found in organically grown oranges as compared to those produced by integrated agriculture practice. Our results clearly show that organic red oranges have a higher phytochemical content (i. e., phenolics, anthocyanins and ascorbic acid), total antioxidant activity and bioactivity than integrated red oranges. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the organic agriculture practice is likely to increase the antioxidant activity of other varieties of fruits and vegetables.

Separation, Identification, and Bioactivities of the Main Gallotannins of Red Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Coats.

PubMed

Gan, Ren-You; Kong, Kin-Weng; Li, Hua-Bin; Wu, Kao; Ge, Ying-Ying; Chan, Chak-Lun; Shi, Xian-Ming; Corke, Harold

2018-01-01

The red sword bean ( Canavalia gladiata ) is an underutilized edible bean cultivated in China. It was previously found to have the highest content of antioxidant polyphenols among 42 edible beans, mainly gallic acid, and gallotannins in its red bean coat, an apparently unique characteristic among edible beans. In this study, the main phenolic compounds in red sword bean coats were further separated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and identified by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activities and antibacterial activity (diameter of inhibition zone, DIZ) of main gallotannin-rich fractions were tested. Our results showed that gallotannins of red sword bean coats were mainly comprised of monogalloyl to hexagalloyl hexosides. Interestingly, tetragalloyl, pentagalloyl, and hexagalloyl hexosides were identified as the possible candidates responsible for the red color of the coats. On the other hand, gallotannin-rich fractions exhibited diverse antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and tetragalloyl hexoside overall had the highest free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. The degree of galloylation did not completely explain the structure-function relationship of gallotannins isolated from red sword bean coats, as there should exist other factors affecting their bioactivities. In conclusion, red sword bean coats are excellent natural sources of gallotannins, and their gallotannin-rich extracts can be utilized as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents with potential health benefits as well as application in food industry.

Separation, Identification, and Bioactivities of the Main Gallotannins of Red Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) Coats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Ren-You; Kong, Kin-Weng; Li, Hua-Bin; Wu, Kao; Ge, Ying-Ying; Chan, Chak-Lun; Shi, Xian-Ming; Corke, Harold

2018-02-01

The red sword bean (Canavalia gladiata) is an underutilized edible bean cultivated in China. It was previously found to have the highest content of antioxidant polyphenols among 42 edible beans, mainly gallic acid and gallotannins in its red bean coat, an apparently unique characteristic among edible beans. In this study, the main phenolic compounds in red sword bean coats were further separated by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and identified by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, the FRAP and ABTS antioxidant activities and antibacterial activity (diameter of inhibition zone, DIZ) of main gallotannin-rich fractions were tested. Our results showed that gallotannins of red sword bean coats were mainly comprised of nonogalloyl to hexagalloyl hexosides. Interestingly, tetragalloyl, pentagalloyl, and hexagalloyl hexosides were identified as the main candidates responsible for the red color of the coats. On the other hand, gallotannin-rich fractions exhibited diverse antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and tetragalloyl hexoside overall had the highest free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. The degree of galloylation did not completely explain the structure-function relationship of gallotannins isolated from red sword bean coats, as there should exist other factors affecting their bioactivities. In conclusion, red sword bean coats are excellent natural sources of gallotannins, and their gallotannin-rich extracts can be utilized as natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents with potential health benefits as well as application in food industry.

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 571 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 171 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 171 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 571 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 571 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 571 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

12 CFR Appendix J to Part 171 - Interagency Guidelines on Identity Theft Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... III. Detecting Red Flags The Program's policies and procedures should address the detection of Red... detect relevant Red Flags that may arise in the performance of the service provider's activities, and... or creditor detects a fraud or active duty alert; (c) Implementing any requirements for furnishers of...

Determination of contents and antioxidant activity of free and bound phenolics compounds and in vitro digestibility of commercial black and red rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties.

PubMed

Sumczynski, Daniela; Kotásková, Eva; Družbíková, Helena; Mlček, Jiří

2016-11-15

Black and red rices (Oryza sativa L.) were analysed for total flavonoids and phenolics and the HPLC profile including both free and bound phenolic fractions. Moreover, antioxidant activity and in vitro digestibility was determined. Content of flavonoids and polyphenols as well as antioxidant activity was higher in free phenolic fractions. Bound flavonoids in black rices were not significant contributors to antioxidant activity. The main free phenolics in black rices were ferulic, protocatechuic and trans-p-coumaric acids, while the major free phenolics in red rices were catechin, protocatechuic and caffeic acids. The main bound phenolics in black rices were ferulic and vanillic acids and quercetin, in red rice types, they were ferulic, syringic, trans-p-coumaric acids and quercetin. Newly, the presence of m-coumaric acid in red rices was detected. Steam cooked rices showed very high levels of organic matter digestibility, whereas red rices were significantly more digestible than black rices (p<0.05). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification of the bioactive compounds and antioxidant, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities of thermally processed agro-industrial waste.

PubMed

Vodnar, Dan Cristian; Călinoiu, Lavinia Florina; Dulf, Francisc Vasile; Ştefănescu, Bianca Eugenia; Crişan, Gianina; Socaciu, Carmen

2017-09-15

The purpose of the research was to identify the bioactive compounds and to evaluate the antioxidant, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities of the major Romanian agro-industrial wastes (apple peels, carrot pulp, white- and red-grape peels and red-beet peels and pulp) for the purpose of increasing the wastes' value. Each type of waste material was analyzed without (fresh) and with thermal processing (10min, 80°C). Based on the obtained results, the thermal process enhanced the total phenolic content. The highest antioxidant activity was exhibited by thermally processed red-grape waste followed by thermally processed red-beet waste. Linoleic acid was the major fatty acid in all analyzed samples, but its content decreased significantly during thermal processing. The carrot extracts have no antimicrobial effects, while the thermally processed red-grape waste has the highest antimicrobial effect against the studied strains. The thermally processed red-grape sample has the highest antimutagenic activity toward S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dosimetric results in treatments of neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine tumors with {sup 131}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine with implications for the activity to administer

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

Mínguez, Pablo, E-mail: pablo.minguezgabina@osakidetza.net; Flux, Glenn; Genollá, José

2015-07-15

Purpose: The aim was to investigate whole-body and red marrow absorbed doses in treatments of neuroblastoma (NB) and adult neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with {sup 131}I-metaiodobenzylguanidine and to propose a simple method for determining the activity to administer when dosimetric data for the individual patient are not available. Methods: Nine NB patients and six NET patients were included, giving in total 19 treatments as four patients were treated twice. Whole-body absorbed doses were determined from dose-rate measurements and planar gamma-camera imaging. For six NB and five NET treatments, red marrow absorbed doses were also determined using the blood-based method. Results: Dosimetricmore » data from repeated administrations in the same patient were consistent. In groups of NB and NET patients, similar whole-body residence times were obtained, implying that whole-body absorbed dose per unit of administered activity could be reasonably well described as a power function of the patient mass. For NB, this functional form was found to be consistent with dosimetric data from previously published studies. The whole-body to red marrow absorbed dose ratio was similar among patients, with values of 1.4 ± 0.6–1.7 ± 0.7 (1 standard deviation) in NB treatments and between 1.5 ± 0.6 and 1.7 ± 0.7 (1 standard deviation) in NET treatments. Conclusions: The consistency of dosimetric results between administrations for the same patient supports prescription of the activity based on dosimetry performed in pretreatment studies, or during the first administration in a fractionated schedule. The expressions obtained for whole-body absorbed doses per unit of administered activity as a function of patient mass for NB and NET treatments are believed to be a useful tool to estimate the activity to administer at the stage when the individual patient biokinetics has not yet been measured.« less

Co-Inoculation with Rhizobia and AMF Inhibited Soybean Red Crown Rot: From Field Study to Plant Defense-Related Gene Expression Analysis

PubMed Central

Gao, Xiang; Lu, Xing; Wu, Man; Zhang, Haiyan; Pan, Ruqian; Tian, Jiang; Li, Shuxian; Liao, Hong

2012-01-01

Background Soybean red crown rot is a major soil-borne disease all over the world, which severely affects soybean production. Efficient and sustainable methods are strongly desired to control the soil-borne diseases. Principal Findings We firstly investigated the disease incidence and index of soybean red crown rot under different phosphorus (P) additions in field and found that the natural inoculation of rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could affect soybean red crown rot, particularly without P addition. Further studies in sand culture experiments showed that inoculation with rhizobia or AMF significantly decreased severity and incidence of soybean red crown rot, especially for co-inoculation with rhizobia and AMF at low P. The root colony forming unit (CFU) decreased over 50% when inoculated by rhizobia and/or AMF at low P. However, P addition only enhanced CFU when inoculated with AMF. Furthermore, root exudates of soybean inoculated with rhizobia and/or AMF significantly inhibited pathogen growth and reproduction. Quantitative RT-PCR results indicated that the transcripts of the most tested pathogen defense-related (PR) genes in roots were significantly increased by rhizobium and/or AMF inoculation. Among them, PR2, PR3, PR4 and PR10 reached the highest level with co-inoculation of rhizobium and AMF. Conclusions Our results indicated that inoculation with rhizobia and AMF could directly inhibit pathogen growth and reproduction, and activate the plant overall defense system through increasing PR gene expressions. Combined with optimal P fertilization, inoculation with rhizobia and AMF could be considered as an efficient method to control soybean red crown rot in acid soils. PMID:22442737

Interaction between Red Meat Intake and NAT2 Genotype in Increasing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Japanese and African Americans

PubMed Central

Wang, Hansong; Iwasaki, Motoki; Haiman, Christopher A.; Kono, Suminori; Wilkens, Lynne R.; Keku, Temitope O.; Berndt, Sonja I.; Tsugane, Shoichiro; Le Marchand, Loïc

2015-01-01

Heterocyclic aromatic amines formed in cooked meat may be an underlying mechanism for the red meat-colorectal cancer (CRC) association. These compounds require bioactivaction by N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2). An interaction effect between red meat consumption and NAT2 in increasing CRC risk has been inconsistently reported in whites. We investigated this interaction in two populations in which the high-activity rapid NAT2 phenotype is 10- and 2-fold more common than in whites. We meta-analyzed four studies of Japanese (2,217 cases, 3,788 controls) and three studies of African Americans (527 cases, 4,527 controls). NAT2 phenotype was inferred from an optimized seven-SNP genotyping panel. Processed and total red meat intakes were associated with an increased CRC risk in Japanese and in both ethnic groups combined (P’s ≤ 0.002). We observed an interaction between processed meat intake and NAT2 in Japanese (P = 0.04), African Americans (P = 0.02), and in both groups combined (P = 0.006). The association of processed meat with CRC was strongest among individuals with the rapid NAT2 phenotype (combined analysis, OR for highest vs. lowest quartile: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.28–2.05; Ptrend = 8.0×10−5), intermediate among those with the intermediate NAT2 phenotype (1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.59; Ptrend = 0.05) and null among those with the slow phenotype (Ptrend = 0.45). A similar interaction was found for NAT2 and total red meat (Pinteraction = 0.03). Our findings support a role for NAT2 in modifying the association between red meat consumption and CRC in Japanese and African Americans. PMID:26683305

Highly Efficient Solution-Processed Deep-Red Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Based on an Exciplex Host Composed of a Hole Transporter and a Bipolar Host.

PubMed

Huang, Manli; Jiang, Bei; Xie, Guohua; Yang, Chuluo

2017-10-19

With the aim to achieve highly efficient deep-red emission, we introduced an exciplex forming cohost, 4,4',4″-tris(3-methylphenylphenylamino)triphenylamine (m-MTDATA): 2,5-bis(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (o-CzOXD) (1:1). Due to the efficient triplet up-conversion processes upon the exciplex forming cohost, excellent performances of the devices were achieved with deep-red emission. Using the heteroleptic iridium complexes as the guest dopants, the solution-processed deep-red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) with the iridium(III) bis(6-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)phenanthridine)acetylacetonate [(TP-BQ) 2 Ir(acac)]-based phosphorescent emitter exhibited an electroluminescent peak at 656 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.9%, which is 6.6 times that of the device based on the guest emitter doped in the polymer-based cohost. The unique exciplex with a typical hole transporter and a bipolar material is ideal and universal for hosting the red PhOLEDs and tremendously improves the device performances.

Relationship between muscle antioxidant status, forms of iron, polyunsaturated fatty acids and functionality (retail colour) of meat in lambs.

PubMed

Ponnampalam, Eric N; Butler, Kym L; McDonagh, Matthew B; Jacobs, Joe L; Hopkins, David L

2012-02-01

The relationship between muscle vitamin E, forms of iron, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the redness of meat (retail display) at days 3 to 4 post slaughter from lambs offered 2 different diets was examined. Meat redness was positively related to vitamin E and heme iron and negatively related to total n-3, total n-6 and total PUFA content. However, after adjusting for the effects of vitamin E and heme iron content, there was no indication of any residual relationship between redness at days 3-4 of retail display and total n-3, total n-6 or total PUFA. This indicates that the relationship between PUFA and redness in meat is mediated through the effects of heme iron and vitamin E in the muscle. It appears that the level of highly oxidisable PUFAs in muscle tissues do not play a major role in maintenance of redness at days 3-4 of retail display, but the level of vitamin E and heme iron content are important. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Congenital dyserythropoiesis with intererythroblastic chromatin bridges and ultrastructurally-normal erythroblast heterochromatin: a new disorder.

PubMed

Wickramasinghe, S N; Spearing, R L; Hill, G R

1998-12-01

Two non-anaemic subjects, a father and daughter, with a new form of congenital dyserythropoiesis are reported. The features of their disorder are: (1) an abnormal blood film with basophilic stippling of red cells and oval macrocytes, (2) various dysplastic changes in the erythroblasts, including internuclear chromatin bridges, (3) ultrastructurally-normal erythroblast heterochromatin, (4) normal serum thymidine kinase activity, and (5) a probable autosomal dominant inheritance. The last three features distinguish this disorder from CDA type I.

An Institutional Analysis of the Lower Sheyenne River Basin, North Dakota: Sheyenne River Valley from Baldhill Dam to the Red River of the North, North Dakota,

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-09-30

When bonds to mature-- Callable before maturity 48 Commission to determine interest rate, form, denomina- tion, and execution of bonds 49 Officers whose...are limited in th:ir activity, however, sirce -hey nra without taxing, bonding , or assessment piwers (DeKrey, 1977). Soil conservation districts are...Qualification 04 Appointive members to qualify--Terms of office--Filling S vacancy 05 Officers--Office 06 Secretary-treasurer bond 07 Compensation and

Orbiter Boom Sensor System and TPS tiles on orbiter Discovery as seen during EVA 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-08-03

S114-E-6310 (3 August 2005) --- The Red Sea forms the backdrop for this view featuring a portion of thermal protection tiles on the Space Shuttle Discovery’s underside and the Canadian-built remote manipulator system (RMS) robotic arm while docked to the international space station during the STS-114 mission. The image was photographed by astronaut Stephen K. Robinson (out of frame), mission specialist, during today’s extravehicular activities (EVA).

NASA Spacecraft Images Some of Earth Newest Real

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-01-20

In December, 2011, NASA Terra spacecraft captured this image of a new volcanic island forming in the Red Sea. This region is part of the Red Sea Rift where the African and Arabian tectonic plates are pulling apart.

A common mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene is associated with an accumulation of formylated tetrahydrofolates in red blood cells

PubMed Central

Bagley, Pamela J.; Selhub, Jacob

1998-01-01

A common mutation (C677T) in the gene encoding for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) (5-methyltetrahydrofolate:(acceptor) oxidoreductase, EC 1.7.99.5), a key regulatory enzyme in one-carbon metabolism, results in a thermolabile variant of the MTHFR enzyme with reduced activity in vitro. In the present study we used a chromatographic method for folate analysis to test the hypothesis that this mutation would be associated with altered distribution of red blood cell (RBC) folates. An alteration was found as manifested by the presence of formylated tetrahydrofolate polyglutamates in addition to methylated derivatives in the RBCs from homozygous mutant individuals. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate polyglutamates were the only folate form found in RBCs from individuals with the wild-type genotype. Existence of formylated folates in RBCs only from individuals with the thermolabile MTHFR is consistent with the hypothesis that there is in vivo impairment in the activity of the thermolabile variant of MTHFR and that this impairment results in an altered distribution of RBC folates. PMID:9789068

Novel type of red-shifted chlorophyll a antenna complex from Chromera velia: II. Biochemistry and spectroscopy.

PubMed

Bína, David; Gardian, Zdenko; Herbstová, Miroslava; Kotabová, Eva; Koník, Peter; Litvín, Radek; Prášil, Ondřej; Tichý, Josef; Vácha, František

2014-06-01

A novel chlorophyll a containing pigment-protein complex expressed by cells of Chromera velia adapted to growth under red/far-red illumination [1]. Purification of the complex was achieved by means of anion-exchange chromatography and gel-filtration. The antenna is shown to be an aggregate of ~20kDa proteins of the light-harvesting complex (LHC) family, unstable in the isolated form. The complex possesses an absorption maximum at 705nm at room temperature in addition to the main chlorophyll a maximum at 677nm producing the major emission band at 714nm at room temperature. The far-red absorption is shown to be the property of the isolated aggregate in the intact form and lost upon dissociation. The purified complex was further characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. This work thus identified the third different class of antenna complex in C. velia after the recently described FCP-like and LHCr-like antennas. Possible candidates for red antennas are identified in other taxonomic groups, such as eustigmatophytes and the relevance of the present results to other known examples of red-shifted antenna from other organisms is discussed. This work appears to be the first successful isolation of a chlorophyll a-based far-red antenna complex absorbing above 700nm unrelated to LHCI. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pre-steady-state kinetic studies of redox reactions catalysed by Bacillus subtilis ferredoxin-NADP(+) oxidoreductase with NADP(+)/NADPH and ferredoxin.

PubMed

Seo, Daisuke; Soeta, Takahiro; Sakurai, Hidehiro; Sétif, Pierre; Sakurai, Takeshi

2016-06-01

Ferredoxin-NADP(+) oxidoreductase ([EC1.18.1.2], FNR) from Bacillus subtilis (BsFNR) is a homodimeric flavoprotein sharing structural homology with bacterial NADPH-thioredoxin reductase. Pre-steady-state kinetics of the reactions of BsFNR with NADP(+), NADPH, NADPD (deuterated form) and B. subtilis ferredoxin (BsFd) using stopped-flow spectrophotometry were studied. Mixing BsFNR with NADP(+) and NADPH yielded two types of charge-transfer (CT) complexes, oxidized FNR (FNR(ox))-NADPH and reduced FNR (FNR(red))-NADP(+), both having CT absorption bands centered at approximately 600n m. After mixing BsFNR(ox) with about a 10-fold molar excess of NADPH (forward reaction), BsFNR was almost completely reduced at equilibrium. When BsFNR(red) was mixed with NADP(+), the amount of BsFNR(ox) increased with increasing NADP(+) concentration, but BsFNR(red) remained as the major species at equilibrium even with about 50-fold molar excess NADP(+). In both directions, the hydride-transfer was the rate-determining step, where the forward direction rate constant (~500 s(-1)) was much higher than the reverse one (<10 s(-1)). Mixing BsFd(red) with BsFNR(ox) induced rapid formation of a neutral semiquinone form. This process was almost completed within 1 ms. Subsequently the neutral semiquinone form was reduced to the hydroquinone form with an apparent rate constant of 50 to 70 s(-1) at 10°C, which increased as BsFd(red) increased from 40 to 120 μM. The reduction rate of BsFNR(ox) by BsFd(red) was markedly decreased by premixing BsFNR(ox) with BsFd(ox), indicating that the dissociation of BsFd(ox) from BsFNR(sq) is rate-limiting in the reaction. The characteristics of the BsFNR reactions with NADP(+)/NADPH were compared with those of other types of FNRs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Secretion of Ipa proteins by Shigella flexneri: inducer molecules and kinetics of activation.

PubMed Central

Bahrani, F K; Sansonetti, P J; Parsot, C

1997-01-01

The type III Mxi-Spa secretion machinery of Shigella flexneri is responsible for secretion of Ipa proteins, which are involved in the entry of bacteria into epithelial cells. Ipa proteins accumulate within bacteria growing in laboratory media, and their secretion is activated upon contact of bacteria with eukaryotic cells. In this study, we have identified a group of chemical compounds, including Congo red, Evans blue, and direct orange, which are able to induce secretion of Ipa proteins by bacteria suspended in phosphate-buffered saline. Parameters of kinetics of activation of Ipa secretion by Congo red were determined by measuring by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay the amount of IpaC secreted and by investigating the increase in susceptibility of Ipa proteins to proteinase K degradation. Ipa secretion occurred at 37 degrees C, was obtained with 5 to 10 microM Congo red, and was complete within 30 min. In addition, activation of Ipa secretion by Congo red was observed with bacteria harvested throughout the exponential phase of growth but not with bacteria in the stationary phase. The interactions of Congo red and Congo red-related compounds with the Mxi-Spa secretion apparatus might be specific hydrophobic interactions similar to those involved in binding of Congo red to amyloid proteins. PMID:9316999

A Novel Mechanism for the Pathogenesis of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Resulting from Early Exposure to Ultraviolet Light

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

hybrid mice show a large population of cells that fluoresce with Tomato Red and few cells that fluoresce with GFP only or GFP/ Tomato Red double positive...percent of total cells Double Negative GFP Tomato Red Double Positive 15 Figure 3. Fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) shows slight...Negative Tomato Red Double Positive 17 Figure 5. Fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) shows no K14-GFP expressing cells and slight expression of

Cholecystokinin 1 Receptor - A Unique G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activated by Singlet Oxygen (GPCR-ABSO).

PubMed

Jiang, Hong Ning; Li, Yuan; Jiang, Wen Yi; Cui, Zong Jie

2018-01-01

Plasma membrane-delimited generation of singlet oxygen by photodynamic action with photosensitizer sulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (SALPC) activates cholecystokinin 1 receptor (CCK1R) in pancreatic acini. Whether CCK1R retains such photooxidative singlet oxygen activation properties in other environments is not known. Genetically encoded protein photosensitizers KillerRed or mini singlet oxygen generator (miniSOG) were expressed in pancreatic acinar tumor cell line AR4-2J, CCK1R, KillerRed or miniSOG were expressed in HEK293 or CHO-K1 cells. Cold light irradiation (87 mW⋅cm -2 ) was applied to photosensitizer-expressing cells to examine photodynamic activation of CCK1R by Fura-2 fluorescent calcium imaging. When CCK1R was transduced into HEK293 cells which lack endogenous CCK1R, photodynamic action with SALPC was found to activate CCK1R in CCK1R-HEK293 cells. When KillerRed or miniSOG were transduced into AR4-2J which expresses endogenous CCK1R, KillerRed or miniSOG photodynamic action at the plasma membrane also activated CCK1R. When fused KillerRed-CCK1R was transduced into CHO-K1 cells, light irradiation activated the fused CCK1R leading to calcium oscillations. Therefore KillerRed either expressed independently, or fused with CCK1R can both activate CCK1R photodynamically. It is concluded that photodynamic singlet oxygen activation is an intrinsic property of CCK1R, independent of photosensitizer used, or CCK1R-expressing cell types. Photodynamic singlet oxygen CCK1R activation after transduction of genetically encoded photosensitizer in situ may provide a convenient way to verify intrinsic physiological functions of CCK1R in multiple CCK1R-expressing cells and tissues, or to actuate CCK1R function in CCK1R-expressing and non-expressing cell types after transduction with fused KillerRed-CCK1R.

Luminescence properties of the dinuclear copper complex in the active site of hemocyanins.

PubMed

Beltramini, M; di Muro, P; Rocco, G P; Salvato, B

1994-09-01

The deoxygenated form of hemocyanin, containing a dinuclear Cu(I) active site, emits luminescence in the red with maximum around 1.54 microns-1 (650 nm). The luminescence of deoxyhemocyanin (deoxy-Hc) from arthropod species is detectable at room temperature, the quantum yield being 2.4-2.7 x 10(-3); in contrast, the emission from molluscan proteins can be detected only at liquid nitrogen temperature. The luminescence emission is an inherent property of the bis[Cu(I)-(histidine)3] complex of the deoxygenated form of the protein to which both Cu(I) ions contribute equally to the overall emission. Luminescence is not observed with the oxygenated and the oxidized forms of hemocyanin, in which the metal is in the Cu(II) state, and in the metal-depleted or apo-Hc form. Based on steady-state and time-resolved measurements and references to Cu(I) model compounds, the luminescence emission is attributed to a triplet excited state of a Cu(I)-to-N (histidine) charge transfer transition 3d-pi*. Acrylamide quenching experiments indicate that the metal active site is very shielded from the solvent. This property of deoxy-Hc enables us to directly follow reactions that modify either the copper oxidation number or the metal-to-protein stoichiometry.

Early wide spacing in red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.): effects on stem form and stem growth.

Treesearch

Bernard T. Bormann

1985-01-01

A thinning trial was established in 1962 in a 7-year-old red alder stand in northwestern Washington. Spacings were 8 x 8 ft (dense), 12 x 12 it (intermediate), and 16 x 16 ft (open). The effect of early thinning on growth and stem form was measured in 1982, 20 years after spacing treatment. There was negligible tree lean and sweep in open and intermediate stands except...

Phytochrome mediated gravimorphogenesis in the moss protonemata

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demkiv, O.; Khorkavtsiv, Y.

Moss protonemata are among the few cell types known that both sense and respond to gravity and light. Apical cells of moss protonemata grow by oriented tip growth which is negatively gravitropic in the dark or positively phototropic in unilateral light. Gametophore buds always arise some 4 - 6 cells behind the apical cells of main protonemal filaments differentiating from apical cells of shortened side branches. It has been shown, however, that in Pohlia nutans, as in Pottia intermedia (Ripetskyj et al, 1997) the apical cells of main filaments of dark grown protonemata differentiate buds under the influence of light. We tested the effectiveness of white and monochromatic light of the visible spectrum on the bud formation of Pohlia nutans which had been grown in darkness. The most morphogenetically effective light was red light, but green, yellow and white light were also active. Blue light alone completely inhibits bud formation but supplemented with red light this inhibitory effect of blue light is couneracted and buds are formed, provided a minimum exposure of red light is maintained. M.Bopp (1985) had demosnrated that exclusively cell that had not reached 80 μm in length initiated bud formation. Red light seemed to inhibit growth of apical cells and to promote bud formation. The action spectra for the induction of buds formation are, as expected, very similar to the absorption spectra of Pf r . The relatively small effectivity of quanta in the short-wave spectral range is caused by the strong absorption of radiation of < 520 nm by carotenoids and flavines. Red light might act as a triger for morphogenetic processes in dark-grown cells. The white or red light stopped an elongation of main filaments apical cells of protonema grown in the dark for 7 days retaining the rate of the cell divisions practically constant. As a result short apical cells are formed ready for a transition to new morphogenetic pathway of gametophore buds formation. The reaction proved to be reversible one. Transfering of the moss protonemata after 2 days illumination back into the dark leads to dedifferentiation of the apical bud cells into apical protonemal cells. Clinostat rotation of the dark-grown protonemata partially ihibited the light- dependent transformation of their apical cells into gameophore buds. The mechanisms of transformation of apical into the gametophore buds in the Pohlia nutans protonemata are discussed.

Mathematical modelling for distribution of heavy metals in estuary area of Red River (Vietnam)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, N. T. T.; Volkova, I. V.

2018-05-01

In this paper, the authors studied the features of spatial distribution of some heavy metals (Pb, Hg, As) in the system “suspended substance - bottom sediments” in the mouth area of the Red River (Vietnam). A mathematical modelling for diffusion processes of heavy metals in a suspended form, in bottom sediments and the spatial analysis for the results of these models were proposed and implemented. The studies were carried out during main hydrological seasons of 2014 - 2016 (during the flood and inter-natal periods). The propagation of heavy metals was modeled by solving the equation of turbulent diffusion. A spatial analysis of the content of heavy metals in the suspended form and in the bottom sediments was implemented by using the interpolation model in ArcGIS 10.2.2. The distribution of Pb, Hg, As concentration of the suspended form and bottom sediment phases in the estuary area of the Red River was characterized by maximum in the mouths of the branches and general decreasing gradient towards the sea. Maximum concentrations of Pb, Hg in suspended forms were observed in the surface layer of water at the river-sea barrier. The content of Hg and As in the estuary region of the Red River was observed in the following order: SSsurf< SSbott< BS; and content of Pb – SS >BS.

Exciplex-Forming Co-Host-Based Red Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Long Operational Stability and High Efficiency.

PubMed

Lee, Jeong-Hwan; Shin, Hyun; Kim, Jae-Min; Kim, Kwon-Hyeon; Kim, Jang-Joo

2017-02-01

The use of exciplex forming cohosts and phosphors incredibly boosts the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by providing a barrier-free charge injection into an emitting layer and a broad recombination zone. However, most of the efficient OLEDs based on the exciplex forming cohosts has suffered from the short operational lifetime. Here, we demonstrated phosphorescent OLEDs (PhOLEDs) having both high efficiency and long lifetime by using a new exciplex forming cohost composed of N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB) and (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tris(benzene-3,1-diyl))tris(diphenylphosphine oxide) (PO-T2T). The red-emitting PhOLEDs using the exciplex forming cohost achieved a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 34.1% and power efficiency of 62.2 lm W 1- with low operating voltages and low efficiency roll-offs. More importantly, the device demonstrated a long lifetime around 2249 h from 1000 cd m -2 to 900 cd m -2 (LT 90 ) under a continuous flow of constant current. The efficiencies of the devices are the highest for red OLEDs with an LT 90 > 1000 h.

Mitigation of NADPH Oxidase 2 Activity as a Strategy to Inhibit Peroxynitrite Formation*

PubMed Central

Zielonka, Jacek; Zielonka, Monika; VerPlank, Lynn; Cheng, Gang; Hardy, Micael; Ouari, Olivier; Ayhan, Mehmet Menaf; Podsiadły, Radosław; Sikora, Adam; Lambeth, J. David; Kalyanaraman, Balaraman

2016-01-01

Using high throughput screening-compatible assays for superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, we identified potential inhibitors of the NADPH oxidase (Nox2) isoform from a small library of bioactive compounds. By using multiple probes (hydroethidine, hydropropidine, Amplex Red, and coumarin boronate) with well defined redox chemistry that form highly diagnostic marker products upon reaction with superoxide (O2˙̄), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and peroxynitrite (ONOO−), the number of false positives was greatly decreased. Selected hits for Nox2 were further screened for their ability to inhibit ONOO− formation in activated macrophages. A new diagnostic marker product for ONOO− is reported. We conclude that the newly developed high throughput screening/reactive oxygen species assays could also be used to identify potential inhibitors of ONOO− formed from Nox2-derived O2˙̄ and nitric oxide synthase-derived nitric oxide. PMID:26839313

Platelet response heterogeneity in thrombus formation.

PubMed

Munnix, Imke C A; Cosemans, Judith M E M; Auger, Jocelyn M; Heemskerk, Johan W M

2009-12-01

Vascular injury leads to formation of a structured thrombus as a consequence of platelet activation and aggregation, thrombin and fibrin formation, and trapping of leukocytes and red cells. This review summarises current evidence for heterogeneity of platelet responses and functions in the thrombus-forming process. Environmental factors contribute to response heterogeneity, as the platelets in a thrombus adhere to different substrates, and sense specific (ant)agonists and rheological conditions. Contraction of platelets and interaction with fibrin and other blood cells cause further response variation. On the other hand, response heterogeneity can also be due to intrinsic differences between platelets in age and in receptor and signalling proteins. As a result, at least three subpopulations of platelets are formed in a thrombus: aggregating platelets with (reversible) integrin activation, procoagulant (coated) platelets exposing phosphatidylserine and binding coagulation factors, and contracting platelets with cell-cell contacts. This recognition of thrombus heterogeneity has implications for the use and development of antiplatelet medication.

Excited State Properties of 3'-Hydroxyechinenone in Solvents and in the Orange Carotenoid Protein from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

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

Niedzwiedzki, Dariusz M.; Liu, Haijun; Blankenship, Robert E.

The orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a 35 kDa water-soluble protein involved in a photoprotective mechanism of the photosynthetic apparatus of cyanobacteria. The OCP contains a single molecule of the carotenoid 3'-hydroxyechinenone (3'-hECN). We have performed transient absorption studies at 77 K in the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges on 3'-hECN in solvent glass and in both inactive (orange) and active (red) forms of OCP. In the OCP the cryogenic temperature prohibited the protein from spontaneous conversion between activity stages and allowed us to study well-defined spectral forms of the protein. The studies show that each form of the OCPmore » consists of two protein subpopulations having different photophysical properties of the bound 3'-hECN. At 77 K the inactive OCP reveals two lifetimes of the first excited state of 3'-hECN of 5.2 and 11 ps while in the active form of OCP these are 3.2 and 7.1 ps. We have also determined the energy of the first excited singlet state of 3'-hECN in long-lived subpopulations of both OCP forms at 77 K. This is 13,750 cm –1 in the inactive OCP and 12,300 cm -1 in the active OCP. Shortening of the lifetime and decrease of the energy of the first excited singlet state of 3'-hECN confirm the lengthening of the effective conjugation of the carotenoid upon the inactive-to-active conversion of OCP.« less

Characterization of form variants of Xenorhabdus luminescens.

PubMed Central

Gerritsen, L J; de Raay, G; Smits, P H

1992-01-01

From Xenorhabdus luminescens XE-87.3 four variants were isolated. One, which produced a red pigment and antibiotics, was luminescent, and could take up dye from culture media, was considered the primary form (XE-red). A pink-pigmented variant (XE-pink) differed from the primary form only in pigmentation and uptake of dye. Of the two other variants, one produced a yellow pigment and fewer antibiotics (XE-yellow), while the other did not produce a pigment or antibiotics (XE-white). Both were less luminescent, did not take up dye, and had small cell and colony sizes. These two variants were very unstable and shifted to the primary form after 3 to 5 days. It was not possible to separate the primary form and the white variant completely; subcultures of one colony always contained a few colonies of the other variant. The white variant was also found in several other X. luminescens strains. DNA fingerprints showed that all four variants are genetically identical and are therefore derivatives of the same parent. Protein patterns revealed a few differences among the four variants. None of the variants could be considered the secondary form. The pathogenicity of the variants decreased in the following order: XE-red, XE-pink, XE-yellow, and XE-white. The mechanism and function of this variability are discussed. Images PMID:1622273

Immobilized lysozyme for the continuous lysis of lactic bacteria in wine: Bench-scale fluidized-bed reactor study.

PubMed

Cappannella, Elena; Benucci, Ilaria; Lombardelli, Claudio; Liburdi, Katia; Bavaro, Teodora; Esti, Marco

2016-11-01

Lysozyme from hen egg white (HEWL) was covalently immobilized on spherical supports based on microbial chitosan in order to develop a system for the continuous, efficient and food-grade enzymatic lysis of lactic bacteria (Oenococcus oeni) in white and red wine. The objective is to limit the sulfur dioxide dosage required to control malolactic fermentation, via a cell concentration typical during this process. The immobilization procedure was optimized in batch mode, evaluating the enzyme loading, the specific activity, and the kinetic parameters in model wine. Subsequently, a bench-scale fluidized-bed reactor was developed, applying the optimized process conditions. HEWL appeared more effective in the immobilized form than in the free one, when the reactor was applied in real white and red wine. This preliminary study suggests that covalent immobilization renders the enzyme less sensitive to the inhibitory effect of wine flavans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of antigenic competition on the development of antibody-forming cell clones.

PubMed Central

Pritchard-Briscoe, H; McDougall, C; Inchley, C J

1977-01-01

Isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels was used to investigate the anti-sheep red blood cell antibody responses of mice subjected to antigenic competition. A reduction in the number and intensity of antibody bands was found, even in situations where the suppression of IgG antibody titres was minimal, while with large reductions in titre, antibody bands were rarely seen. It thus appeared that the output of individual B-cell clones was severely depressed during competition. It was concluded that inhibition of clonal expansion is an important feature of competition, and that this may reflect a normal regulatory activity which acts to limit cellular proliferation during immune responses. This conclusion was supported by observations on the level of DNA synthesis, following immunization with sheep red cells, in the spleens of normal and suppressed mice. Images Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 PMID:300313

Gellan sulfate inhibits Plasmodium falciparum growth and invasion of red blood cells in vitro

PubMed Central

Recuenco, Frances Cagayat; Kobayashi, Kyousuke; Ishiwa, Akiko; Enomoto-Rogers, Yukiko; Fundador, Noreen Grace V.; Sugi, Tatsuki; Takemae, Hitoshi; Iwanaga, Tatsuya; Murakoshi, Fumi; Gong, Haiyan; Inomata, Atsuko; Horimoto, Taisuke; Iwata, Tadahisa; Kato, Kentaro

2014-01-01

Here, we assessed the sulfated derivative of the microbial polysaccharide gellan gum and derivatives of λ and κ-carrageenans for their ability to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and Dd2 growth and invasion of red blood cells in vitro. Growth inhibition was assessed by means of flow cytometry after a 96-h exposure to the inhibitors and invasion inhibition was assessed by counting ring parasites after a 20-h exposure to them. Gellan sulfate strongly inhibited invasion and modestly inhibited growth for both P. falciparum 3D7 and Dd2; both inhibitory effects exceeded those achieved with native gellan gum. The hydrolyzed λ-carrageenan and oversulfated κ-carrageenan were less inhibitory than their native forms. In vitro cytotoxicity and anticoagulation assays performed to determine the suitability of the modified polysaccharides for in vivo studies showed that our synthesized gellan sulfate had low cytotoxicity and anticoagulant activity. PMID:24740150

Nanobiotechnology for hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.

PubMed

Chang, T M S

2009-04-01

Nanobiotechnology is the assembling of biological molecules into nanodimension complexes. This has been used for the preparation of polyhemoglobin formed by the assembling of hemoglobin molecules into a soluble nanodimension complex. New generations of this approach include the nanobiotechnological assembly of hemoglobin, catalase, and superoxide dismutase into a soluble nanodimension complex. This acts as an oxygen carrier and an antioxidant for those conditions with potential for ischemiareperfusion injuries. Another recent novel approach is the assembling of hemoglobin and fibrinogen into a soluble nanodimension polyhemoglobin-fibrinogen complex that acts as an oxygen carrier with platelet-like activity. This is potentially useful in cases of extensive blood loss requiring massive replacement using blood substitutes, resulting in the need for the replacement of platelets and clotting factors. A further step is the preparation of nanodimension artificial red blood cells that contain hemoglobin and all the enzymes present in red blood cells.

Polyphenols profile and antioxidant activity of skin and pulp of a rare apple from Marche region (Italy).

PubMed

Giomaro, Giovanna; Karioti, Anastasia; Bilia, Anna Rita; Bucchini, Anahi; Giamperi, Laura; Ricci, Donata; Fraternale, Daniele

2014-01-01

Apples are an important source of polyphenols in the human diet and the consumption of this fruit has been linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases. CATECHINS, PROCYANIDINS, HYDROXYCINNAMIC ACIDS, FLAVONOL GLYCOSIDES, DIHYDROCHALCONE GLYCOSIDES AND ONE ANTHOCYANIN: cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, were identified both in the peel and pulp. Procyanidins, catechins and flavonols represent the main constituents of peel. Concerning the antioxidant activity, in the reduction of the stable DPPH radical and in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the ethanolic extracts of red peel and red pulp showed a good similar activity comparable to ascorbic acid in the DPPH test and about ten times more active than BHT in the lipoxygenase test, and were much more active than aqueous extracts. The ORAC value of red pulp aqueous extract resulted comparable to that of red berries: vaccinium, rubus and ribes, foods appreciated for their health value. This apple contains an appreciable amount of polyphenols also in the flesh; this variety with red flesh can also be useful for researchers engaged in apples varietal innovation in addition to being used as food apple.

RED, a Spindle Pole-associated Protein, Is Required for Kinetochore Localization of MAD1, Mitotic Progression, and Activation of the Spindle Assembly Checkpoint*

PubMed Central

Yeh, Pei-Chi; Yeh, Chang-Ching; Chen, Yi-Cheng; Juang, Yue-Li

2012-01-01

The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is essential for ensuring the proper attachment of kinetochores to the spindle and, thus, the precise separation of paired sister chromatids during mitosis. The SAC proteins are recruited to the unattached kinetochores for activation of the SAC in prometaphase. However, it has been less studied whether activation of the SAC also requires the proteins that do not localize to the kinetochores. Here, we show that the nuclear protein RED, also called IK, a down-regulator of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) II, interacts with the human SAC protein MAD1. Two RED-interacting regions identified in MAD1 are from amino acid residues 301–340 and 439–480, designated as MAD1(301–340) and MAD1(439–480), respectively. Our observations reveal that RED is a spindle pole-associated protein that colocalizes with MAD1 at the spindle poles in metaphase and anaphase. Depletion of RED can cause a shorter mitotic timing, a failure in the kinetochore localization of MAD1 in prometaphase, and a defect in the SAC. Furthermore, the RED-interacting peptides MAD1(301–340) and MAD1(439–480), fused to enhanced green fluorescence protein, can colocalize with RED at the spindle poles in prometaphase, and their expression can abrogate the SAC. Taken together, we conclude that RED is required for kinetochore localization of MAD1, mitotic progression, and activation of the SAC. PMID:22351768

No effect on pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen by multiple doses of red clover capsule in rats

PubMed Central

Raju, Kanumuri Siva Rama; Taneja, Isha; Valicherla, Guru Raghavendra; Challagundla, Murali Krishna; Rashid, Mamunur; Syed, Anees Ahmed; Gayen, Jiaur Rahman; Singh, Sheelendra Pratap; Wahajuddin, Muhammad

2015-01-01

Tamoxifen is used in clinical practice for breast cancer patients and to prevent osteoporosis. Red clover (Trifolium pratense) preparations are consumed worldwide as dietary supplements for relieving postmenopausal symptoms. In the present study we investigated the possible herb-drug interaction between red clover and tamoxifen in rats. 15 days pre-treatment with red clover did not alter the tamoxifen and its active metabolite 4-hydroxytamoxifen pharmacokinetics significantly (p > 0.05). Therefore the therapeutic efficacy of the tamoxifen may not be compromised by the co-administration with red clover. Tamoxifen metabolism is primarily mediated by CYP2D6, CYP3A4 with minor contribution from CYP2C9, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 isoforms. Although, red clover pre-treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the mRNA expression and activity of CYP3a2, no effect on CYP2d4 and increased expression and activity of CYP2c11 could be the plausible reasons for lack of effect on tamoxifen and its metabolite pharmacokinetics in rats. CYP1a1 and CYP2b2 mRNA expression and activity were also significantly reduced by red clover. To extend the clinical utility of the present study, effect of red clover extract on major CYPs using human liver microsomes and HepG2 cell lines were also determined. Similar finding were observed in the human liver preparations as in rats. PMID:26530625

Prenatal Nicotine Increases Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) Expression in Fetal Guinea Pig Hearts

PubMed Central

Thompson, Loren P.; Liu, Hongshan; Evans, LaShauna; Mong, Jessica A.

2011-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that maternal nicotine ingestion increases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in fetal hearts, which is mediated by the generation of reactive oxygen species. Timed pregnant guinea pigs were administered either water alone, nicotine (200 μg/mL), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or nicotine plus NAC in their drinking water for 10 days at 52-day gestation (term = 65 days). Near-term (62 days), anesthetized fetuses were extracted, hearts were excised, and left cardiac ventricles snap frozen for analysis of MMP-2/-9/-13 protein and activity levels. Interstitial collagens were identified by Picrosirius red stain to assess changes in the extracellular matrix. Prenatal nicotine increased active MMP-2 forms and interstitial collagen but had no effect on either pro- or active MMP-9 or MMP-13 forms. In the presence of nicotine, NAC decreased active MMP-2 protein levels and reversed the nicotine-induced increase in collagen staining. We conclude that prenatal nicotine alters MMP-2 expression in fetal hearts that may be mediated by reactive oxygen species generation. PMID:21775771

Inhibition of sickle red cell adhesion and vasoocclusion in the microcirculation by antioxidants.

PubMed

Kaul, Dhananjay K; Liu, Xiao-du; Zhang, Xiaoqin; Ma, Li; Hsia, Carleton J C; Nagel, Ronald L

2006-07-01

In sickle cell anemia (SCA), inflammatory (i.e., intravascular sickling and transient vasoocclusive) events result in chronic endothelial activation. In addition to sickling behavior, sickle (SS) red blood cells exhibit abnormal interaction with the vascular endothelium, which is considered to have an important role in initiation of vasoocclusion. Upregulation of endothelial adhesion molecules caused by oxidants (and cytokines) may lead to increased SS red cell adhesion. We hypothesize that endothelial activation is indispensable in SS red cell adhesion to the endothelium and that antioxidants will have an inhibitory effect on this interaction. We examined the effect of selected antioxidants in ex vivo mesocecum vasculature, a well-established model that allows measurement of hemodynamic parameters and, by intravital microscopy, can allow quantification of adhesion. We tested antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) and an intravascular SOD mimetic, polynitroxyl albumin (PNA), in the presence of platelet-activating factor (PAF); the latter causes endothelial oxidant generation and endothelial activation, which characterize SCA. In ex vivo preparations, PAF not only induced marked endothelial oxidant generation, it also enhanced SS red cell adhesion, resulting in frequent blockage of small-diameter venules. The adhesion, inversely related to venular diameter, and vasoocclusion were markedly inhibited by antioxidants, resulting in improved hemodynamics. PNA, the most effective antioxidant, also abolished SS red cell adhesion in non-PAF-activated preparations. Thus SS red cell adhesion and related vasoocclusion may be ameliorated by antioxidant therapy with a stable and long-acting molecule (e.g., PNA).

A Protective Mechanism of Visible Red Light in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Enhancement of GADD45A-Mediated DNA Repair Activity.

PubMed

Kim, Yeo Jin; Kim, Hyoung-June; Kim, Hye Lim; Kim, Hyo Jeong; Kim, Hyun Soo; Lee, Tae Ryong; Shin, Dong Wook; Seo, Young Rok

2017-02-01

The phototherapeutic effects of visible red light on skin have been extensively investigated, but the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of visible red light in terms of DNA repair of UV-induced oxidative damage in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The protective effect of visible red light on UV-induced DNA damage was identified by several assays in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture systems. With regard to the protective mechanism of visible red light, our data showed alterations in base excision repair mediated by growth arrest and DNA damage inducible, alpha (GADD45A). We also observed an enhancement of the physical activity of GADD45A and apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) by visible red light. Moreover, UV-induced DNA damages were diminished by visible red light in an APE1-dependent manner. On the basis of the decrease in GADD45A-APE1 interaction in the activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2)-knockdown system, we suggest a role for ATF2 modulation in GADD45A-mediated DNA repair upon visible red light exposure. Thus, the enhancement of GADD45A-mediated base excision repair modulated by ATF2 might be a potential protective mechanism of visible red light. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Why Congo red binding is specific for amyloid proteins - model studies and a computer analysis approach.

PubMed

Roterman, I; KrUl, M; Nowak, M; Konieczny, L; Rybarska, J; Stopa, B; Piekarska, B; Zemanek, G

2001-01-01

The complexing of Congo red in two different ligand forms - unimolecular and supramolecular (seven molecules in a micelle) - with eight deca-peptides organized in a b-sheet was tested by computational analysis to identify its dye-binding preferences. Polyphenylananine and polylysine peptides were selected to represent the specific side chain interactions expected to ensure particularly the stabilization of the dye-protein complex. Polyalanine was used to verify the participation of non-specific backbone-derived interactions. The initial complexes for calculation were constructed by intercalating the dye between the peptides in the middle of the beta-sheet. The long axis of the dye molecule (in the case of unimolecular systems) or the long axis of the ribbon-like micelle (in the case of the supramolecular dye form) was oriented parallel to the peptide backbone. This positioning maximally reduced the exposure of the hydrophobic diphenyl (central dye fragment) to water. In general the complexes of supramolecular Congo red ligands appeared more stable than those formed by individual dye molecules. Specific interactions (electrostatic and/or ring stacking) dominated as binding forces in the case of the single molecule, while non-specific surface adsorption seemed decisive in complexing with the supramolecular ligand. Both the unimolecular and supramolecular versions of the dye ligand were found to be likely to form complexes of sufficient stability with peptides. The low stability of the protein and the gap accessible to penetration in the peptide sheet seem sufficient for supramolecular ligand binding, but the presence of positively charged or hydrophobic amino acids may strengthen binding significantly. The need for specific interaction makes single-molecule Congo red binding rather unusual as a general amyloid protein ligand. The structural feature of Congo red, which enables specific and common interaction with amyloid proteins, probably derives from the ribbon-like self-assembled form of the dye.

Physical and biological characteristics of the winter-summer transition in the Central Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarokanellos, Nikolaos D.; Papadopoulos, Vassilis P.; Sofianos, Sarantis. S.; Jones, Burton H.

2017-08-01

The Central Red Sea (CRS) lies between two distinct hydrographic and atmospheric regimes. In the southern Red Sea, seasonal monsoon reversal regulates the exchange of water between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. In the northern Red Sea, intermediate and occasionally deep water are formed during winter to sustain the basin's overturning circulation. Highly variable mesoscale eddies and the northward flowing eastern boundary current (EBC) determine the physical and biogeochemical characteristics of the CRS. Ship-based and glider observations in the CRS between March and June 2013 capture key features of the transition from winter to summer and depict the impact of the eddy activity on the EBC flow. Less saline and relatively warmer water of Indian Ocean origin reaches the CRS via the EBC. Initially, an anticyclonic eddy with diameter of 140 km penetrating to 150m depth with maximum velocities up to 30-35 cm s-1 prevails in the CRS. This anticyclonic eddy appears to block or at least redirect the northward flow of the EBC. Dissipation of the eddy permits the near-coastal, northward flow of the EBC and gives place to a smaller cyclonic eddy with a diameter of about 50 km penetrating to 200 m depth. By the end of May, as the northerly winds become stronger and persistent throughout the basin, characteristic of the summer southwest monsoon wind regime, the EBC, and its associated lower salinity water became less evident, replaced by the saltier surface water that characterizes the onset of the summer stratification in the CRS.

Red-fleshed sweet orange juice improves the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Silveira, Jacqueline Q; Dourado, Grace K Z S; Cesar, Thais B

2015-01-01

Orange juice consumption can promote lower levels of oxidative stress and inflammation due to the antioxidant activity of citrus flavonoids and carotenoids. In addition, red-fleshed sweet orange juice (red orange juice) also contains lycopene. This study investigated the effects of red orange juice consumption on risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Volunteers consumed red orange juice daily for 8 weeks, with clinical and biochemical assessments performed at baseline and on the final day. There was no change in the abdominal obesity, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein decreased, while there was an increase of the antioxidant activity in serum after red orange juice consumption. Insulin resistance and systolic blood pressure were reduced in normal-weight volunteers, while diastolic blood pressure decreased in overweight volunteers after intervention. Red orange juice showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties that may prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.

Global Picosecond Structural Dynamics of Orange Carotenoid Protein in Photo/Chemical Activated Signaling States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yanting; Xu, Mengyang; Liu, Hanjun; Blankenship, Robert; Markelz, Andrea

Light availability to photosynthetic organisms changes throughout the day. High light can over-saturate photosynthetic capacity and produce reactive oxygen which damages the photosynthetic apparatus and leads to cell death. Photosynthetic organisms have evolved multiple photo-protective strategies to prevent oxidative damage from light stress. For cyanobacteria, a blue-light photo-sensor orange carotenoid protein (OCP) responds to exposure to intense light. Upon high light stress, OCP converts from the orange inactive form (OCPO) to the red active form (OCPR) , with a large conformational change. And OCPR interacts with the light harvesting antenna phycobilisome (PB), and mediates the energy quenching of PB. We argue that both the susceptibility of OCP to large conformational change and its interaction with PB are associated with changes in the long range picosecond structural flexibility. To investigate the protein flexibility with signaling state dependence, temperature dependent terahertz time domain spectroscopy is performed in the range of 80 - 290 K on OCP solutions, as a function of illumination and chaotrope (NaSCN) concentration, which produces a long lived red state in the absence of photoexcitation. We characterize the global flexibility by both the net THz absorbance and the dynamical transition temperature, which scales with structural stability, and observed the dynamical transition occurred in the 180-220 K range. R.E.B. acknowledges DOE award DE-FG02- 07ER15902 and A.G.M. acknowledges NSF awards DBI 1556359 and MCB 1616529, and DOE award DE-SC0016317 for support of the work.

Assessment of FUN-1 vital dye staining: Yeast with a block in the vacuolar sorting pathway have impaired ability to form CIVS when stained with FUN-1 fluorescent dye.

PubMed

Essary, Brandin D; Marshall, Pamela A

2009-08-01

FUN-1 [2-chloro-4-(2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-(benzo-1,3-thiazol-2-yl)-methylidene)-1-phenylquinolinium iodide] is a fluorescent dye used in studies of yeast and other fungi to monitor cell viability in the research lab and to assay for active fungal infection in the clinical setting. When the plasma membrane is intact, fungal cells internalize FUN-1 and the dye is seen as diffuse green cytosolic fluorescence. FUN-1 is then transported to the vacuole in metabolically active wild type cells and subsequently is compacted into fluorescent red cylindrical intravacuolar structures (CIVS) by an unknown transport pathway. This dye is used to determine yeast viability, as only live cells form CIVS. However, in live Saccharomyces cerevisiae with impaired protein sorting to the yeast vacuole, we report decreased to no CIVS formation, depending on the cellular location of the block in the sorting pathway. Cells with a block in vesicle-mediated transport from the Golgi to prevacuolar compartment (PVC) or with a block in recycling from the PVC to the Golgi demonstrate a substantial impairment in CIVS formation. Instead, the FUN-1 dye is seen either in small punctate structures under fluorescence or as diffuse red cytosol under white light. Thus, researchers using FUN-1 should be cognizant of the limitations of this procedure in determining cell viability as there are viable yeast mutants with impaired CIVS formation.

Adhesive Properties and Acid-Forming Activity of Lactobacilli and Streptococci Under Inhibitory Substances, Such as Nitrates.

PubMed

Hakobyan, L; Harutyunyan, K; Harutyunyan, N; Melik-Andreasyan, G; Trchounian, A

2016-06-01

One of the main requirements for probiotics is their ability to survive during passage through gastrointestinal tract and to maintain their activity at different adverse conditions. The aim of the study was to look for the strains of lactobacilli and streptococci with high adhesive properties even affected by inhibitory substances, such as nitrates (NO3 (-)). To study the adhesion properties hemagglutination reaction of bacterial cells with red blood cells of different animals and humans was used. The acid formation ability of bacteria was determined by the method of titration after 7 days of incubation in the sterile milk. These properties were investigated at different concentrations of NO3 (-). The high concentration (mostly ≥2.0 %) NO3 (-) inhibited the growth of both lactobacilli and streptococci, but compared with streptococcal cultures lactobacilli, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus Ep 317/402, have shown more stability and higher adhesive properties. In addition, the concentrations of NO3 (-) of 0.5-2.0 % decreased the acid-forming activity of the strains, but even under these conditions they coagulated milk and, in comparison to control, formed low acidity in milk. Thus, the L. acidophilus Ep 317/402 with high adhesive properties has demonstrated a higher activity of NO3 (-) transformation.

Gangliosidoses.

PubMed

Patterson, Marc C

2013-01-01

The gangliosidoses comprise a family of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by the accumulation of complex glycosphingolipids in the nervous system and other tissues, secondary to the deficient activity of lysosomal hydrolases or their associated activator proteins. GM1 and GM2 gangliosidosis are associated with deficiency of β-galactosidase and β-hexosaminidase respectively. All gangliosidoses are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, the severity of which is proportional to the residual enzyme activity. The GM1 gangliosidoses are characterized by dysostosis, organomegaly and coarsening in their most severe forms, whereas children with classic infantile GM2 gangliosidosis (Tay-Sachs disease) are usually spared systemic involvement, except in the case of the Sandhoff variant, in which organomegaly may occur. Cherry-red macular spots occur in the early onset forms of the gangliosidoses, but are less frequently seen in the less severe, later onset phenotypes. Macrocephaly, an exaggerated startle response, cognitive decline, seizures, ataxia, and progressive muscular atrophy may occur in different forms of gangliosidosis. The diagnosis is made by assay of enzyme activity, and can be confirmed by mutation analysis. Carrier screening for Tay-Sachs disease has been remarkably successful in reducing the incidence of this disease in the at-risk Ashkenazi population. There are no proven disease-modifying therapies for the gangliosidoses. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Delocalization of frontier orbitals induced red emission for heptazine based thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecule: First-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Yongxiang; Zhao, Liyun; Leng, Jiancai

2018-04-01

Design of red organic emitting molecules with characteristic of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) remains a great challenge. Here, electronic and optical properties of a series of multi-branched TADF molecules have been investigated based on the newly-proposed optimal Hartree-Fock percentage method. Results show that, though enlarging the delocalization of HOMO and LUMO, the emission wavelength is redshift. The designed red TADF molecule possesses smaller reorganization energy than these for reported molecules. This indicates the non-radiative energy consumption of excited state is small and effective luminescence can be expected. Thus, a promising red thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecule is proposed.

Environmental impact of toxic elements in red mud studied by fractionation and speciation procedures.

PubMed

Milačič, Radmila; Zuliani, Tea; Ščančar, Janez

2012-06-01

Aluminum (Al) is mostly produced from bauxite ore, which contains up to 70% of Al(2)O(3) (alumina). Before alumina is refined to aluminum metal, it is purified by hot alkaline extraction. As a waste by-product red mud is formed. Due to its high alkalinity and large quantities, it represents a severe disposal problem. In Kidričevo (Slovenia), red mud was washed with water before disposal, and after drying, covered with soil. In Ajka (Hungary), the red mud slurry was collected directly in a containment structure, which burst caused a major accident in October 2010. In the present work the environmental impact of toxic elements in red mud from Kidričevo and Ajka were evaluated by applying a sequential extraction procedure and speciation analysis. The predominant red mud fraction was the insoluble residue; nevertheless, environmental concern was focused on the highly mobile water-soluble fraction of Al and Cr. Al in the water-soluble Ajka mud fraction was present exclusively in form of toxic [Al(OH)(4)](-), while Cr existed in its toxic hexavalent form. Comparative assessment to red mud from Kidričevo (Slovenia) with a lower alkalinity (pH 9) with that from Ajka demonstrated significantly lower Al solubility and the presence of only trace amounts of Cr(VI), confirming that disposal of neutralized mud is environmentally much more acceptable and carries a smaller risk of ecological accidents. Since during the Ajka accident huge amounts of biologically available Al and moderate Cr(VI) concentrations were released into the terrestrial and aquatic environments, monitoring of Al and Cr(VI) set free during remedial actions at the contaminated site is essential. Particular care should be taken to minimize the risk of release of soluble Al species and Cr(VI) into water supplies and surface waters. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydro-mechanical properties of the Red Salt Clay (T4) - Relevancy of the minimum stress criterion for barrier integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minkley, W.; Popp, T.; Salzer, K.; Gruner, M.; Böttge, V.

The so-called Red Salt Clay (T4) is deposited as clay-rich clastic sediment at the base of the Aller-series forming a persistent lateral layer of up to 20 m thickness above the lower Zechstein-series. The clay layers may act as a protective shield in the hanging wall of gas storages or underground repositories in salt formations, thus resulting in a multi-barrier system. As a proof of its reliability comprehensive hydro-mechanical investigations were performed on clay samples recovered at different sites in Germany. Most important, rock tightness against various fluids was confirmed in the lab and field-scale. Remarkably, only if the fluid pressure equalises the acting minimal stress (i.e. violence of the “minimum stress criterion”) a significant increase of permeability is observed (“pathway dilatation”) but no macro-frac. However, the material properties from different locations showed a significant variability according to different burial depths. Thus the Red Salt Clay may act as natural analogue, representing the material variability of various indurated clays. In addition, the existing knowledge gained from practical mining activities can be used to evaluate extreme in situ loading conditions.

Seed viability detection using computerized false-color radiographic image enhancement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vozzo, J. A.; Marko, Michael

1994-01-01

Seed radiographs are divided into density zones which are related to seed germination. The seeds which germinate have densities relating to false-color red. In turn, a seed sorter may be designed which rejects those seeds not having sufficient red to activate a gate along a moving belt containing the seed source. This results in separating only seeds with the preselected densities representing biological viability lending to germination. These selected seeds demand a higher market value. Actual false-coloring isn't required for a computer to distinguish the significant gray-zone range. This range can be predetermined and screened without the necessity of red imaging. Applying false-color enhancement is a means of emphasizing differences in densities of gray within any subject from photographic, radiographic, or video imaging. Within the 0-255 range of gray levels, colors can be assigned to any single level or group of gray levels. Densitometric values then become easily recognized colors which relate to the image density. Choosing a color to identify any given density allows separation by morphology or composition (form or function). Additionally, relative areas of each color are readily available for determining distribution of that density by comparison with other densities within the image.

Topical Treatment With Liposomal Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin Complex in Subjects With Facial Redness and Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: Case Studies.

PubMed

Vasily, David B

2015-10-01

Physicians are often presented with patients complaining of facial redness and difficult to control rosacea. The water soluble sodium copper chlorophyllin complex has been shown to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial activities in vitro and anti-redness, pore reduction, and anti-acne activities in pilot clinical studies. In these case studies, the safety and efficacy of a topical gel containing a liposomal suspension of sodium copper chlorophyllin complex was assessed in subjects with facial redness and erythematotelangiectatic rosacea.

Habitability of planets around red dwarf stars.

PubMed

Heath, M J; Doyle, L R; Joshi, M M; Haberle, R M

1999-08-01

Recent models indicate that relatively moderate climates could exist on Earth-sized planets in synchronous rotation around red dwarf stars. Investigation of the global water cycle, availability of photosynthetically active radiation in red dwarf sunlight, and the biological implications of stellar flares, which can be frequent for red dwarfs, suggests that higher plant habitability of red dwarf planets may be possible.

The absence of attenuating effect of red light exposure on pre-existing melanopsin-driven post-illumination pupil response.

PubMed

Lei, Shaobo; Goltz, Herbert C; Sklar, Jaime C; Wong, Agnes M F

2016-07-01

It has been proposed that after activation by blue light, activated melanopsin is converted back to its resting state by long wavelength red light exposure, a putative mechanism of melanopsin chromophore recovery in vivo. We tested this hypothesis by investigating whether red light attenuates the ongoing post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) induced by melanopsin-activating blue light. Pupillary light responses were tested using "Blue+Red" double flashes and "Blue Only" single flash stimuli in 10 visually normal subjects. For "Blue+Red" conditions, PIPR was induced with an intense blue flash, followed by experimental red light exposure of variable intensity and duration (Experiment 1) immediately or 9s after the offset of the blue flash (Experiment 2). For "Blue Only" conditions, only the PIPR-inducing blue stimuli were presented (reference condition). PIPR was defined as the mean pupil size from 10 to 30s (Experiment 1) and from 25 to 60s (Experiment 2) after the offset of blue light stimuli. The results showed that PIPR from "Blue+Red" conditions did not differ significantly from those of "Blue Only" conditions (p=0.55) in Experiment 1. The two stimulation conditions also did not differ in Experiment 2 (p=0.38). We therefore conclude that red light exposure does not alter the time course of PIPR induced by blue light. This finding does not support the hypothesis that long wavelength red light reverses activated melanopsin; rather it lends support to the hypothesis that the wavelengths of stimuli driving both the forward and backward reactions of melanopsin may be similar. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Digestive proteinases of red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri (Decapoda, Penaeoidea): partial characterization and relationship with molting.

PubMed

Fernández Gimenez, A V; García-Carreño, F L; Navarrete del Toro, M A; Fenucci, J L

2001-10-01

The present study describes the activity and some characteristics of proteinases in the hepatopancreas of red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri during the different stages of the molting cycle. Proteolytic activity was highest between pH 7.5 and 8. The hepatopancreatic protein content in the premolt stage was higher than in the other stages of the molting cycle (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in total proteolytic activity in the hepatopancreas when comparing molting stages. The proteolytic activity of the P. muelleri hepatopancreas enzyme preparations is the main responsibility of serine proteinases. TLCK, a trypsin inhibitor, reduced azocasein hydrolysis between 26% (intermolt) and 37% (premolt). TPCK, a chymotrypsin inhibitor, did not decrease hydrolytic activity, except for in postmolt. Low trypsin and chymotrypsin activities were found during intermolt, and increased in postmolt. The electrophoretogram of the enzyme extracts shows 12 bands of activity during intermolt (from 16.6 to 53.1 kDa). Some fractions were not detected in the postmolt and premolt stages. Three low molecular weight trypsin forms (17.4, 19.1 and 20 kDa) were found in all molting stages. One band of chymotrypsin (21.9 kDa) was observed in all molting stages. High molecular mass active bands (66-205 kDa) could not be characterized with inhibitors. Comparison of the protease-specific activity of the hepatopancreas of some species indicated a relationship between digestive enzyme activity and feeding habits of the shrimp. Omnivorous shrimp, such as Penaeus vannamei (syn: Litopenaeus vannamei) and Penaeus monodon, showed higher protease activity than the carnivorous shrimp, Penaeus californiensis (syn: Farfantepenaeus californiensis) and P. muelleri. In fact, the enzymatic activity in the hepatopancreas of P. muelleri showed variations in relation to feeding habit and molting cycle.

Preparation and Characteristics of Porous Ceramics by a foaming Technology at Low Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H. Q.; Wang, S. P.; Wen, J.; Wu, N.; Xu, S. H.

2017-12-01

Recycling and converting coal gangue and red mud into porous ceramics with good performance is a feasible disposal route. In this present work, porous foam ceramics was prepared using coal gangue and red mud as main raw materials at low sintering temperature, The amount of coal gangue and red mud were up to 70 wt%. To regulate the forming and sintering performance of the product, quartz sands and clay material were added to the formula. The green body was formed by a foaming technology using aluminum powders as foaming agents at room temperature. After foamed, the specimens were dried at 60-80 °C, and then calcined at 1060°C. Effects of concentration of NaOH and amount of aluminum powders on the phase, mechanical properties and microstructure were investigated here. Such study is expected to provide a new utilization route of the coal gangue and red mud, and brings both intensive environmental and economic benefits.

Atmospheric wet deposition of nitrogen and sulfur to a typical red soil agroecosystem in Southeast China during the ten-year monsoon seasons (2003-2012)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jian; Zhou, Jing; Peng, Ying; He, Yuanqiu; Yang, Hao; Mao, Jingdong

2014-01-01

Biological processes in agroecosystems have been affected by atmospheric nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition, but there is uncertainty about their deposition characteristics in the monsoon season. We collected rain samples using an ASP-2 sampler, recorded rainfall and rain frequency by an auto-meteorological experiment sub-station, and determined total N, NO3--N and NH4+-N levels in precipitation with an AutoAnalyzer 3 and SO42--S with a chromatography, in order to characterize the wet deposition of N and S to a typical red soil agroecosystem by a ten-year monitoring experiment in Southeast China. The results indicated that N and S wet deposition had an increased trend with the flux of total N (3.34-65.17 kg ha-1 N) and total S (SO42--S) (7.17-23.44 kg ha-1 S) during the monsoon seasons. The additional applications of pig mature in 2006 and 2007 led to the peaks of DON (dissolved organic nitrogen) and total N wet deposition. On average, NH4+-N was the major N form, accounting for 48.5% of total N wet deposition and DON was not a negligible N form, accounting for 20.8% during the ten-year monsoon seasons (except 2006 and 2007). Wet deposition of N and S has been intensively influenced by human activities in the monsoon season, and would increase the potential ecological risk in the red soil agricultural ecosystem.

Structure of the red fluorescent protein from a lancelet (Branchiostoma lanceolatum): a novel GYG chromophore covalently bound to a nearby tyrosine

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

Pletnev, Vladimir Z., E-mail: vzpletnev@gmail.com; Pletneva, Nadya V.; Lukyanov, Konstantin A.

The crystal structure of the novel red emitting fluorescent protein from lancelet Branchiostoma lanceolatum (Chordata) revealed an unusual five residues cyclic unit comprising Gly58-Tyr59-Gly60 chromophore, the following Phe61 and Tyr62 covalently bound to chromophore Tyr59. A key property of proteins of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) family is their ability to form a chromophore group by post-translational modifications of internal amino acids, e.g. Ser65-Tyr66-Gly67 in GFP from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria (Cnidaria). Numerous structural studies have demonstrated that the green GFP-like chromophore represents the ‘core’ structure, which can be extended in red-shifted proteins owing to modifications of the protein backbonemore » at the first chromophore-forming position. Here, the three-dimensional structures of green laGFP (λ{sub ex}/λ{sub em} = 502/511 nm) and red laRFP (λ{sub ex}/λ{sub em} ≃ 521/592 nm), which are fluorescent proteins (FPs) from the lancelet Branchiostoma lanceolatum (Chordata), were determined together with the structure of a red variant laRFP-ΔS83 (deletion of Ser83) with improved folding. Lancelet FPs are evolutionarily distant and share only ∼20% sequence identity with cnidarian FPs, which have been extensively characterized and widely used as genetically encoded probes. The structure of red-emitting laRFP revealed three exceptional features that have not been observed in wild-type fluorescent proteins from Cnidaria reported to date: (i) an unusual chromophore-forming sequence Gly58-Tyr59-Gly60, (ii) the presence of Gln211 at the position of the conserved catalytic Glu (Glu222 in Aequorea GFP), which proved to be crucial for chromophore formation, and (iii) the absence of modifications typical of known red chromophores and the presence of an extremely unusual covalent bond between the Tyr59 C{sup β} atom and the hydroxyl of the proximal Tyr62. The impact of this covalent bond on the red emission and the large Stokes shift (∼70 nm) of laRFP was verified by extensive structure-based site-directed mutagenesis.« less

Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Imaging of Red and Blue Galaxies at z ~ 2.5: A Correlation between Size and Star Formation Activity from Compact Quiescent Galaxies to Extended Star-forming Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toft, S.; van Dokkum, P.; Franx, M.; Labbe, I.; Förster Schreiber, N. M.; Wuyts, S.; Webb, T.; Rudnick, G.; Zirm, A.; Kriek, M.; van der Werf, P.; Blakeslee, J. P.; Illingworth, G.; Rix, H.-W.; Papovich, C.; Moorwood, A.

2007-12-01

We present HST NICMOS+ACS and Spitzer IRAC+MIPS observations of 41 galaxies at 2

Imprint of Southern Red Sea Major Tectonic Zone In A New Bouguer Anomaly Map of Southern Yemen Margin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blecha, V.

A new Bouguer anomaly map of western part of southern Yemen margin has been compiled. Densities of rock samples from main geological units (Precambrian base- ment, Mesozoic sediments, Tertiary volcanites) have been measured and used for grav- ity modeling. Regional gravity map indicates decrease of thickness of continental crust from volcanites of the Yemen Trap Series towards the coast of the Gulf of Aden. Most remarkable feature in the map of residual anomalies is a positive anomaly over the Dhala graben. The Dhala graben is a prominent geological structure in the area of study trending parallel to the Red Sea axis. Gravity modeling on a profile across the Dhala graben presumes intrusive plutonic rocks beneath the graben. There are two other areas in the southwestern tip of Arabia, which have essentially the same struc- tural position as the Dhala graben: the Jabal Tirf volcanic rift zone in the southern Saudi Arabia and Jabal Hufash extensional zone in northern Yemen. All three areas extend along the line trending parallel to the Red Sea axis with length of about 500 km. The line coincides with the axis of Afar (Danakil) depression after Arabia is shifted and rotated back to Africa. These facts imply conclusion that the Oligocene - Early Miocene magmatic activity on the Jabal Tirf - Dhala lineament is related to the same original deep tectonic zone, forming present-day Afar depression and still active.

Depositional conditions for the Kuna Formation, Red Dog Zn-PB-Ag-Barite District, Alaska, inferred from isotopic and chemical proxies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Craig A.; Dumoulin, Julie A.; Burruss, Robert A.; Slack, John F.

2015-01-01

Water column redox conditions, degree of restriction of the depositional basin, and other paleoenvironmental parameters have been determined for the Mississippian Kuna Formation of northwestern Alaska from stratigraphic profiles of Mo, Fe/Al, and S isotopes in pyrite, C isotopes in organic matter, and N isotopes in bulk rock. This unit is important because it hosts the Red Dog and Anarraaq Zn-Pb-Ag ± barite deposits, which together constitute one of the largest zinc resources in the world. The isotopic and chemical proxies record a deep basin environment that became isolated from the open ocean, became increasingly reducing, and ultimately became euxinic. The basin was ventilated briefly and then became isolated again just prior to its demise as a discrete depocenter with the transition to the overlying Siksikpuk Formation. Ventilation corresponded approximately to the initiation of bedded barite deposition in the district, whereas the demise of the basin corresponded approximately to the formation of the massive sulfide deposits. The changes in basin circulation during deposition of the upper Kuna Formation may have had multiple immediate causes, but the underlying driver was probably extensional tectonic activity that also facilitated fluid flow beneath the basin floor. Although the formation of sediment-hosted sulfide deposits is generally favored by highly reducing conditions, the Zn-Pb deposits of the Red Dog district are not found in the major euxinic facies of the Kuna basin, nor did they form during the main period of euxinia. Rather, the deposits occur where strata were permeable to migrating fluids and where excess H2S was available beyond what was produced in situ by decomposition of local sedimentary organic matter. The known deposits formed mainly by replacement of calcareous strata that gained H2S from nearby highly carbonaceous beds (Anarraaq deposit) or by fracturing and vein formation in strata that produced excess H2S by reductive dissolution of preexisting barite (Red Dog deposits).

Electrochemical methods for generation of a biological proton motive force

DOEpatents

Zeikus, Joseph Gregory [Okemos, MI; Shin, Hyoun S [Lansing, MI; Jain, Mahendra K [Lexington, KY

2008-12-02

Disclosed are methods using neutral red to mediate the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. Electrically reduced neutral red has been found to promote cell growth and formation of reduced products by reversibly increasing the ratio of the reduced:oxidized forms of NAD(H) or NADP(H). Electrically reduced neutral red is able to serve as the sole source of reducing power for microbial cell growth. Neutral red is also able to promote conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy by facilitating the transfer of electrons from microbial reducing power to a fuel cell cathode.

Electrochemical methods for generation of a biological proton motive force and pyridine nucleotide cofactor regeneration

DOEpatents

Zeikus, Gregory J.; Shin, Hyoun S.; Jain, Mahendra K.

2002-01-01

Disclosed are methods using neutral red to mediate the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. Electrically reduced neutral red has been found to promote cell growth and formation of reduced products by reversibly increasing the ratio of the reduced:oxidized forms of NAD(H) or NADP(H). Electrically reduced neutral red is able to serve as the sole source of reducing power for microbial, cell growth. Neutral red is also able to promote conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy by facilitating the transfer of electrons from microbial reducing power to a fuel cell cathode.

Electrochemical methods for generation of a biological proton motive force and pyridine nucleotide cofactor regeneration

DOEpatents

Zeikus, Joseph G.; Park, Doo

2001-01-01

Disclosed are methods using neutral red to mediate the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. Electrically reduced neutral red has been found to promote cell growth and formation of reduced products by reversibly increasing the ratio of the reduced:oxidized forms of NAD(H) or NADP(H). Electrically reduced neutral red is able to serve as the sole source of reducing power for microbial cell growth. Neutral red is also able to promote conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy by facilitating the transfer of electrons from microbial reducing power to a fuel cell cathode.

HcRed, a Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Binary Cross-Linking Agent for Cross-Linking of Mitochondrial ATP Synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Gong, Lan; Ramm, Georg; Devenish, Rodney J.; Prescott, Mark

2012-01-01

Genetically encoded fluorescent cross-linking agents represent powerful tools useful both for visualising and modulating protein interactions in living cells. The far-red fluorescent protein HcRed, which is fluorescent only in a dimer form, can be used to promote the homo-dimerisation of target proteins, and thereby yield useful information about biological processes. We have in yeast cells expressed HcRed fused to a subunit of mitochondrial ATP synthase (mtATPase). This resulted in cross-linking of the large multi-subunit mtATPase complex within the inner-membrane of the mitochondrion. Fluorescence microscopy revealed aberrant mitochondrial morphology, and mtATPase complexes isolated from mitochondria were recovered as fluorescent dimers under conditions where complexes from control mitochondria were recovered as monomers. When viewed by electron microscopy normal cristae were absent from mitochondria in cells in which mATPase complexes were cross-linked. mtATPase dimers are believed to be the building blocks that are assembled into supramolecular mtATPase ribbons that promote the formation of mitochondrial cristae. We propose that HcRed cross-links mATPase complexes in the mitochondrial membrane hindering the normal assembly/disassembly of the supramolecular forms of mtATPase. PMID:22496895

Use of red ochre by early Neandertals

PubMed Central

Roebroeks, Wil; Sier, Mark J.; Nielsen, Trine Kellberg; De Loecker, Dimitri; Parés, Josep Maria; Arps, Charles E. S.; Mücher, Herman J.

2012-01-01

The use of manganese and iron oxides by late Neandertals is well documented in Europe, especially for the period 60–40 kya. Such finds often have been interpreted as pigments even though their exact function is largely unknown. Here we report significantly older iron oxide finds that constitute the earliest documented use of red ochre by Neandertals. These finds were small concentrates of red material retrieved during excavations at Maastricht-Belvédère, The Netherlands. The excavations exposed a series of well-preserved flint artifact (and occasionally bone) scatters, formed in a river valley setting during a late Middle Pleistocene full interglacial period. Samples of the reddish material were submitted to various forms of analyses to study their physical properties. All analyses identified the red material as hematite. This is a nonlocal material that was imported to the site, possibly over dozens of kilometers. Identification of the Maastricht-Belvédère finds as hematite pushes the use of red ochre by (early) Neandertals back in time significantly, to minimally 200–250 kya (i.e., to the same time range as the early ochre use in the African record). PMID:22308348

Iron-sulfur cluster disassembly in the FNR protein of Escherichia coli by O2: [4Fe-4S] to [2Fe-2S] conversion with loss of biological activity

PubMed Central

Khoroshilova, Natalia; Popescu, Codrina; Münck, Eckard; Beinert, Helmut; Kiley, Patricia J.

1997-01-01

The transcription factor FNR (fumarate nitrate reduction) requires the presence of an iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster for its function as a global transcription regulator in Escherichia coli when oxygen becomes scarce. To define the oxidation state and type of Fe-S cluster present in the active form of FNR, we have studied anaerobically purified FNR with Mössbauer spectroscopy. Our data showed that this form of FNR contained a [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster (δ = 0.45 mm/s; ΔEQ = 1.22 mm/s) and that the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster was rapidly destroyed on exposure of FNR to air. Under these conditions, the yellow–green active form of FNR turned deep red; analysis of sulfide indicated that 70% of the labile sulfide was still present, suggesting that the Fe-S cluster had been converted into a different form. Little [3Fe-4S] cluster was, however, detected by EPR. According to Mössbauer spectroscopy, the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster was converted in about 60% yield to a [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster (δ = 0.28 mm/s; ΔEQ = 0.58 mm/s) following 17 min of exposure to air. The [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster form of FNR was much more stable to oxygen, but was unable to sustain biological activity (e.g., DNA binding). However, DNA binding and the absorption spectrum characteristic of the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster could be largely restored from the [2Fe-2S]2+ form when Cys, Fe, DTT, and the NifS protein were added. It has yet to be determined whether the form of FNR containing the [2Fe-2S]2+ cluster has any biological significance, e.g., as an in vivo intermediate that is more rapidly converted to the active form than the apoprotein. PMID:9177174

[Erythremia: the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes and the association with iron deficiency].

PubMed

Petukhov, V I; Kumerova, A O; Letse, A G; Silova, A A; Shkesters, A P; Krishchuna, M A; Mironova, N A

1997-01-01

Concentration of malonic dialdehyde (MDA) and activity of antioxidant enzymes G-6-PD, glutation peroxidase (GP), glutation reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase were measured in red cells of patients with polycythemia vera. Plasmic ions Fe3+ were estimated by means of electron-paramagnetic resonance. MDA concentration and antioxidant enzymes (except GP) in polycythemia red cells were found increased, while the activity of selenium-dependent GP was reduced, the inhibition being greatest in severe iron deficiency. It is suggested that GP activity in red cells depends on both selenium levels in the body and concentrations of non-hematic iron.

Local Membrane Deformations Activate Ca2+-Dependent K+ and Anionic Currents in Intact Human Red Blood Cells

PubMed Central

Dyrda, Agnieszka; Cytlak, Urszula; Ciuraszkiewicz, Anna; Lipinska, Agnieszka; Cueff, Anne; Bouyer, Guillaume; Egée, Stéphane; Bennekou, Poul; Lew, Virgilio L.; Thomas, Serge L. Y.

2010-01-01

Background The mechanical, rheological and shape properties of red blood cells are determined by their cortical cytoskeleton, evolutionarily optimized to provide the dynamic deformability required for flow through capillaries much narrower than the cell's diameter. The shear stress induced by such flow, as well as the local membrane deformations generated in certain pathological conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, have been shown to increase membrane permeability, based largely on experimentation with red cell suspensions. We attempted here the first measurements of membrane currents activated by a local and controlled membrane deformation in single red blood cells under on-cell patch clamp to define the nature of the stretch-activated currents. Methodology/Principal Findings The cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to allow recordings of single channel activity in intact red blood cells. Gigaohm seal formation was obtained with and without membrane deformation. Deformation was induced by the application of a negative pressure pulse of 10 mmHg for less than 5 s. Currents were only detected when the membrane was seen domed under negative pressure within the patch-pipette. K+ and Cl− currents were strictly dependent on the presence of Ca2+. The Ca2+-dependent currents were transient, with typical decay half-times of about 5–10 min, suggesting the spontaneous inactivation of a stretch-activated Ca2+ permeability (PCa). These results indicate that local membrane deformations can transiently activate a Ca2+ permeability pathway leading to increased [Ca2+]i, secondary activation of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels (Gardos channel, IK1, KCa3.1), and hyperpolarization-induced anion currents. Conclusions/Significance The stretch-activated transient PCa observed here under local membrane deformation is a likely contributor to the Ca2+-mediated effects observed during the normal aging process of red blood cells, and to the increased Ca2+ content of red cells in certain hereditary anemias such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. PMID:20195477

Local membrane deformations activate Ca2+-dependent K+ and anionic currents in intact human red blood cells.

PubMed

Dyrda, Agnieszka; Cytlak, Urszula; Ciuraszkiewicz, Anna; Lipinska, Agnieszka; Cueff, Anne; Bouyer, Guillaume; Egée, Stéphane; Bennekou, Poul; Lew, Virgilio L; Thomas, Serge L Y

2010-02-26

The mechanical, rheological and shape properties of red blood cells are determined by their cortical cytoskeleton, evolutionarily optimized to provide the dynamic deformability required for flow through capillaries much narrower than the cell's diameter. The shear stress induced by such flow, as well as the local membrane deformations generated in certain pathological conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, have been shown to increase membrane permeability, based largely on experimentation with red cell suspensions. We attempted here the first measurements of membrane currents activated by a local and controlled membrane deformation in single red blood cells under on-cell patch clamp to define the nature of the stretch-activated currents. The cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique was used to allow recordings of single channel activity in intact red blood cells. Gigaohm seal formation was obtained with and without membrane deformation. Deformation was induced by the application of a negative pressure pulse of 10 mmHg for less than 5 s. Currents were only detected when the membrane was seen domed under negative pressure within the patch-pipette. K(+) and Cl(-) currents were strictly dependent on the presence of Ca(2+). The Ca(2+)-dependent currents were transient, with typical decay half-times of about 5-10 min, suggesting the spontaneous inactivation of a stretch-activated Ca(2+) permeability (PCa). These results indicate that local membrane deformations can transiently activate a Ca(2+) permeability pathway leading to increased [Ca(2+)](i), secondary activation of Ca(2+)-sensitive K(+) channels (Gardos channel, IK1, KCa3.1), and hyperpolarization-induced anion currents. The stretch-activated transient PCa observed here under local membrane deformation is a likely contributor to the Ca(2+)-mediated effects observed during the normal aging process of red blood cells, and to the increased Ca(2+) content of red cells in certain hereditary anemias such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.

Deposition Form and Bioaccessibility of Keto-carotenoids from Mamey Sapote (Pouteria sapota), Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum), and Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Filet.

PubMed

Chacón-Ordóñez, Tania; Esquivel, Patricia; Jiménez, Víctor M; Carle, Reinhold; Schweiggert, Ralf M

2016-03-09

The ultrastructure and carotenoid-bearing structures of mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) chromoplasts were elucidated using light and transmission electron microscopy and compared to carotenoid deposition forms in red bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). Globular-tubular chromoplasts of sapote contained numerous lipid globules and tubules embodying unique provitamin A keto-carotenoids in a lipid-dissolved and presumably liquid-crystalline form, respectively. Bioaccessibility of sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin was compared to that of structurally related keto-carotenoids from red bell pepper and salmon. Capsanthin from bell pepper was the most bioaccessible pigment, followed by sapotexanthin and cryptocapsin esters from mamey sapote. In contrast, astaxanthin from salmon was the least bioaccessible keto-carotenoid. Thermal treatment and fat addition consistently enhanced bioaccessibility, except for astaxanthin from naturally lipid-rich salmon, which remained unaffected. Although the provitamin A keto-carotenoids from sapote were highly bioaccessible, their qualitative and quantitative in vivo bioavailability and their conversion to vitamin A remains to be confirmed.

Interaction of External K, Na, and Cardioactive Steroids with the Na-K Pump of the Human Red Blood Cell

PubMed Central

Sachs, John R.

1974-01-01

The interaction of extracellular Na (Nao), K (Ko), and strophanthidin with the Na-K pump of the human red blood cell has been investigated. Inhibition by submaximal concentrations of strophanthidin rapidly reaches a level which does not increase further over a relatively long period of time. Under these circumstances, it is possible to apply a steady-state kinetic analysis to the interaction of Nao, Ko, and strophanthidin with the pump. In Na-free solutions, strophanthidin increases the apparent K1/2 of the pump for Ko, but does not change the form of the relation between the reciprocal of the active K influx (i M K P–1) and the reciprocal of [Ko] ([Ko]–1); the relation both in the presence and absence of strophanthidin is adequately described by a straight line. In solutions containing Na, strophanthidin changes the form of the curve describing the relation between i M K P–1 vs. [Ko]–1; the curve becomes more parabolic in solutions containing strophanthidin. The rate of ouabain binding to K-free cells has also been measured; in the absence of K, the rate of binding is unaffected by Nao. The data are considered in terms of a simple kinetic model. The findings can be explained if it is supposed that at low external K the form of the pump combined with one Nao is more likely to combine with strophanthidin than is the uncombined form of the pump. The uncombined form of the pump is more likely to combine with K even at very low Ko than with strophanthidin. PMID:4812632

Preliminary study on fractions' activities of red betel vine (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav) leaves ethanol extract toward Mycobacterium tuberculosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rachmawaty, Farida Juliantina; Julianto, Tatang Shabur; Tamhid, Hady Anshory

2018-04-01

This research aims to identify the antimycobacterial activity of fraction of red betel vine leaves ethanol extract (methanol fraction, ethyl acetate, and chloroform) toward M. tuberculosis. Red betel vine leaves ethanol extract was made with maceration method using ethanol solvent 70%. Resulted extract was then fractionated using Liquid Vacuum Chromatography (LVC) with methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvent. Each fractionation was exposed to M. tuberculosis with serial dilution method. Controls of fraction, media, bacteria, and isoniazid as standard drug were included in this research. The group of compound from the most active fraction was then identified. The research found that the best fraction for antimycobacterial activity toward M. tuberculosisis chloroform fraction. The compound group of chloroform fraction was then identified. The fraction contains flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, and terpenoid. The fraction of methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform from red betel vine leaves has antimycobacterial activity toward M. tuberculosis. Chloroform fraction has the best antimycobacterial activity and it contains flavonoid, tannin, alkaloid, and terpenoid.

Influence of the amyloid dye Congo red on curli, cellulose, and the extracellular matrix in E. coli during growth and matrix purification.

PubMed

Reichhardt, Courtney; McCrate, Oscar A; Zhou, Xiaoxue; Lee, Jessica; Thongsomboon, Wiriya; Cegelski, Lynette

2016-11-01

Microbial biofilms are communities of cells characterized by a hallmark extracellular matrix (ECM) that confers functional attributes to the community, including enhanced cohesion, adherence to surfaces, and resistance to external stresses. Understanding the composition and properties of the biofilm ECM is crucial to understanding how it functions and protects cells. New methods to isolate and characterize ECM are emerging for different biofilm systems. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance was used to quantitatively track the isolation of the insoluble ECM from the uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain UTI89 and understand the role of Congo red in purification protocols. UTI89 assembles amyloid-integrated biofilms when grown on YESCA nutrient agar. The ECM contains curli amyloid fibers and a modified form of cellulose. Biofilms formed by UTI89 and other E. coli and Salmonella strains are often grown in the presence of Congo red to visually emphasize wrinkled agar morphologies and to score the production of ECM. Congo red is a hallmark amyloid-binding dye and binds to curli, yet also binds to cellulose. We found that growth in Congo red enabled more facile extraction of the ECM from UTI89 biofilms and facilitates isolation of cellulose from the curli mutant, UTI89ΔcsgA. Yet, Congo red has no influence on the isolation of curli from curli-producing cells that do not produce cellulose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate can remove Congo red from curli, but not from cellulose. Thus, Congo red binds strongly to cellulose and possibly weakens cellulose interactions with the cell surface, enabling more complete removal of the ECM. The use of Congo red as an extracellular matrix purification aid may be applied broadly to other organisms that assemble extracellular amyloid or cellulosic materials. Graphical abstract Solid-state NMR was used to quantitatively track the isolation of the insoluble amyloid-associated ECM from uropathogenic E. coli and understand the role of Congo red in purification protocols.

Strategy for sensor based on fluorescence emission red shift of conjugated polymers: applications in pH response and enzyme activity detection.

PubMed

Tang, Yanli; Liu, Yue; Cao, Ali

2013-01-15

A new strategy was developed and applied in monitoring pH response and enzyme activity based on fluorescence emission red shift (FERS) of the conjugated polymer PPP-OR10 induced by the inner filter effect (IFE) of nitrobenzene derivatives. Neutral poly(p-phenylenes) functionalized with oligo(oxyethylene) side chains (PPP-OR10) was designed and synthesized by the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Nitrobenzene derivatives display different light absorption activities in the acidic or basic form due to adopting different electron-transition types. When environmental pH is higher than their pK(a) values, nitrobenzene derivatives exhibit strong absorbance around 400 nm, which is close to the maximal emission of polymer PPP-OR10. As a result, the maximal emission wavelength of PPP-OR10/nitrobenzene derivatives red shifts with the pH value increasing. Apparently, the IFE plays a very important role in this case. A new method has been designed that takes advantage of this pH-sensitive platform to sensor α-chymotrypsin (ChT) based on the IFE of p-nitroaniline, since the absorption spectrum of p-nitroaniline, the ChT-hydrolyzed product of N-benzoyl-L-tyrosine-p-nitroaniline (BTNA), overlaps with the emission spectrum of PPP-OR10. In addition, the present approach can detect α-chymotrypsin with a detection limit of 0.1 μM, which is lower than that of the corresponding absorption spectroscopy method. Furthermore, the pH response and enzyme detections can be carried out in 10% serum, which makes this new FERS-based strategy promising in applications in more complex conditions and a broader field.

The use of enzymopathic human red cells in the study of malarial parasite glucose metabolism.

PubMed

Roth, E; Joulin, V; Miwa, S; Yoshida, A; Akatsuka, J; Cohen-Solal, M; Rosa, R

1988-05-01

The in vitro growth of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites was assayed in mutant red cells deficient in either diphosphoglycerate mutase (DPGM) or phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK). In addition, cDNA probes developed for human DNA sequences coding for these enzymes were used to examine the parasite genome by means of restriction endonuclease digestion and Southern blot analysis of parasite DNA. In both types of enzymopathic red cells, parasite growth was normal. In infected DPGM deficient red cells, no DPGM activity could be detected, and in normal red cells, DPGM activity declined slightly in a manner suggestive of parasite catabolism of host protein. However, in infected PGK deficient red cells, there was a 100-fold increase in PGK activity, and in normal red cells, a threefold increase in PGK activity was observed. Parasite PGK could be recovered from isolated parasites, and a marked increase in heat instability of parasite PGK as compared with the host cell enzyme was noted. Neither cDNA probe was found to cross-react with DNA sequences in the parasite genome. It is concluded that the parasite has no requirement for DPGM, and probably has no gene for this enzyme. On the other hand, the parasite does require PGK, (an adenosine triphosphate [ATP] generating enzyme) and synthesizes its own enzyme, which must have been encoded in the parasite genome. The parasite PGK gene most likely lacks sufficient homology to be detected by a human cDNA probe. Enzymopathic red cells are useful tools for elucidating the glycolytic enzymology of parasites and their co-evolution with their human hosts.

Impact of Neotectonic activities on coral reef Red Sea Egypt; Case study Jubal Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamouda, A.

2016-12-01

Abstract:The Red Sea considered the youngest oceanic basin of the world. It separates the Arabian sub-plate from the African plate. Neotectonic activity is a fundamental issue at the northern Red Sea for our understanding of the tectonic hazards at this region. The tectonic activity research will thus be geared to understand how a single tectonic process works and how a group of processes work together as a part of larger system ultimately leading to the formation of mountain systems and evolution of the solid earth. The recent seismic activity in the northern Red Sea has been impact on surface geology and coral reef. The most major earthquake swarm sequence around Jubal Island is the migration of epicenters northward in diameter circle about 50 km with focal depths less than 2 to 15 km. This swarm may release energy that can be accumulated to cause larger events in the future. This affects the accumulation of oil and gas reservoir causing natural seepage on the seafloor. The main aim of this study represents the impact of this seepage which is related to tectonic activity on the coral reef states at the northern part of Red Sea. The greatest impact of crude oil on marine organisms are categorized as: direct lethal toxicity, sub-lethal disruption of physiological behavioral activities, effects of direct coating, incorporation of hydrocarbons and alteration of habitat, especially substrate character. Adult marine organisms may exhibit lethal toxic and Sub-lethal effects from exposures to soluble aromatic derivative hydrocarbons. Keywords: Neotectonic activity, earthquakes, hydrocarbon seepage, coral reef, Red Sea.

Differential metabolism of hydroxycinnamic acids by two Brettanomyces bruxellensis strains grown in red wines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids) and their corresponding tartaric acid esters (caftaric, coutaric, and fertaric acids, respectively) are found in red wines in varying concentrations depending on cultivars and other factors. While some Brettanomyces form volatile phenols...

Making intersections safer : a toolbox of engineering countermeasures to reduce red-light running : an informational report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-01-01

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) formed a panel of experts from federal, state and local governments, as well as academia and the private sector, to share knowledge and experiences in addressing red-light running using engineering coun...

Anti-invasive activity against cancer cells of phytochemicals in red jasmine rice (Oryza sativa L.).

PubMed

Pintha, Komsak; Yodkeeree, Supachai; Pitchakarn, Pornsirit; Limtrakul, Pornngarm

2014-01-01

Red rice contains pharmacological substances including phenolics, oryzanol, tocotrienol and tocopherol. Recently, red rice extract has been employed as a source of antioxidants for inhibition of tumor growth. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-invasion effects of red rice extract fractions on cancer cells. It was found that at 100 μg/ml of crude ethanolic extract (CEE), hexane fraction (Hex) and dichloromethane fraction (DCM) could reduce HT1080 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell invasion. Hex and DCM revealed higher potency levels than CEE, whereas an ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc) had no effect. Gelatin zymography revealed that Hex decreased the secretion and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and-9). In contrast, the DCM fraction exhibited slightly effect on MMPs secretion and had no effect on MMPs activity. Collagenase activity was significantly inhibited by the Hex and DCM fractions. High amounts of γ-oryzanol and γ-tocotrienol were found in the Hex and DCM fractions and demonstrated an anti-invasion property. On the other hand, proanthocyanidin was detected only in the CEE fraction and reduced MDA-MB-231 cells invasion property. These observations suggest that proanthocyanidin, γ-oryzanol and γ-tocotrienol in the red rice fractions might be responsible for the anti invasion activity. The red rice extract may have a potential to serve as a food-derived chemotherapeutic agent for cancer patients.

CDC Grand Rounds: Improving the Lives of Persons with Sickle Cell Disease.

PubMed

Hulihan, Mary; Hassell, Kathryn L; Raphael, Jean L; Smith-Whitley, Kim; Thorpe, Phoebe

2017-11-24

Approximately 100,000 Americans have sickle cell disease (SCD), a group of recessively inherited red blood cell disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin, in the red blood cells. Persons with hemoglobin SS or hemoglobin Sß 0 thalassemia, also known as sickle cell anemia (SCA), have the most severe form of SCD. Hemoglobin SC disease and hemoglobin Sß + thalassemia are other common forms of SCD. Red blood cells that contain sickle hemoglobin are inflexible and can stick to vessel walls, causing a blockage that slows or stops blood flow. When this happens, oxygen cannot reach nearby tissues, leading to attacks of sudden, severe pain, called pain crises, which are the clinical hallmark of SCD. The red cell sickling and poor oxygen delivery can also cause damage to the brain, spleen, eyes, lungs, liver, and multiple other organs and organ systems. These chronic complications can lead to increased morbidity, early mortality, or both. Tremendous strides in treating and preventing the complications of SCD have extended life expectancy. Now, nearly 95% of persons born with SCD in the United States reach age 18 years (1); however, adults with the most severe forms of SCD have a life span that is 20-30 years shorter than that of persons without SCD (2).

Sensitive red protein calcium indicators for imaging neural activity

PubMed Central

Dana, Hod; Mohar, Boaz; Sun, Yi; Narayan, Sujatha; Gordus, Andrew; Hasseman, Jeremy P; Tsegaye, Getahun; Holt, Graham T; Hu, Amy; Walpita, Deepika; Patel, Ronak; Macklin, John J; Bargmann, Cornelia I; Ahrens, Misha B; Schreiter, Eric R; Jayaraman, Vivek; Looger, Loren L; Svoboda, Karel; Kim, Douglas S

2016-01-01

Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) allow measurement of activity in large populations of neurons and in small neuronal compartments, over times of milliseconds to months. Although GFP-based GECIs are widely used for in vivo neurophysiology, GECIs with red-shifted excitation and emission spectra have advantages for in vivo imaging because of reduced scattering and absorption in tissue, and a consequent reduction in phototoxicity. However, current red GECIs are inferior to the state-of-the-art GFP-based GCaMP6 indicators for detecting and quantifying neural activity. Here we present improved red GECIs based on mRuby (jRCaMP1a, b) and mApple (jRGECO1a), with sensitivity comparable to GCaMP6. We characterized the performance of the new red GECIs in cultured neurons and in mouse, Drosophila, zebrafish and C. elegans in vivo. Red GECIs facilitate deep-tissue imaging, dual-color imaging together with GFP-based reporters, and the use of optogenetics in combination with calcium imaging. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12727.001 PMID:27011354

Composites based on PET and red mud residues as catalyst for organic removal from water.

PubMed

Bento, Natálya I; Santos, Patrícia S C; de Souza, Talita E; Oliveira, Luiz C A; Castro, Cínthia S

2016-08-15

In this study, we obtained a composite based on carbon/iron oxide from red mud and PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)) wastes by mechanical mixture (10, 15 and 20wt.% of PET powder/red mud) followed by a controlled thermal treatment at 400°C under air. XRD analyses revealed that the α-Fe2O3 is the main phase formed from red mud. TPR analyses showed that the iron oxide present in the composites undergoes reduction at lower temperature to form Fe(2+) species present in Fe3O4, indicating that the iron oxide in the composite can exhibit greater reactivity in the catalytic processes compared to the original red mud. In fact, catalytic tests showed that the composites presented higher capacity to remove methylene blue dye (MB), presenting about 90% of removal after 24h of reaction. The MB removal was also monitored by mass spectrometer with ionization via electrospray (ESI-MS), which demonstrated the occurrence of the oxidation process, showing the formation of MB oxidation products. The stability of the composites was confirmed after four reuse cycles. The results seem to indicate that PET carbon deposited over the iron oxide from red mud promotes adsorption of the contaminant allowing its contact with the iron atoms and their consequent reaction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Polyphenols profile and antioxidant activity of skin and pulp of a rare apple from Marche region (Italy)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Apples are an important source of polyphenols in the human diet and the consumption of this fruit has been linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases. Results Catechins, procyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonol glycosides, dihydrochalcone glycosides and one anthocyanin: cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, were identified both in the peel and pulp. Procyanidins, catechins and flavonols represent the main constituents of peel. Concerning the antioxidant activity, in the reduction of the stable DPPH radical and in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the ethanolic extracts of red peel and red pulp showed a good similar activity comparable to ascorbic acid in the DPPH test and about ten times more active than BHT in the lipoxygenase test, and were much more active than aqueous extracts. The ORAC value of red pulp aqueous extract resulted comparable to that of red berries: vaccinium, rubus and ribes, foods appreciated for their health value. Conclusion This apple contains an appreciable amount of polyphenols also in the flesh; this variety with red flesh can also be useful for researchers engaged in apples varietal innovation in addition to being used as food apple. PMID:25067944

NMDA Receptor Activity in Circulating Red Blood Cells: Methods of Detection.

PubMed

Makhro, Asya; Kaestner, Lars; Bogdanova, Anna

2017-01-01

Abundance and activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in circulating red blood cells contributes to the maintenance of intracellular Ca 2+ in these cells and, by doing that, controls red cell volume, membrane stability, and O 2 carrying capacity. Detection of the NMDA receptor activity in red blood cells is challenging as the number of its copies is low and shows substantial cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Receptor abundance is reliably assessed using the radiolabeled antagonist ([ 3 H]MK-801) binding technique. Uptake of Ca 2+ following the NMDA receptor activation is detected in cells loaded with Ca 2+ -sensitive fluorescent dye Fluo-4 AM. Both microfluorescence live-cell imaging and flow cytometry may be used for fluorescence intensity detection. Automated patch clamp is currently used for recording of electric currents triggered by the stimulation of the NMDA receptor. These currents are mediated by the Ca 2+ -sensitive K + (Gardos) channels that open upon Ca 2+ uptake via the active NMDA receptor. Furthermore, K + flux through the Gardos channels induced by the NMDA receptor stimulation in red blood cells may be detected using unidirectional K + ( 86 Rb + ) influx.

Unripe red fruits may be aposematic

PubMed Central

Ne'eman, Gidi; Izhaki, Ido

2009-01-01

The unripe fruits of certain species are red. Some of these species disperse their seeds by wind (Nerium oleander, Anabasis articulata), others by adhering to animals with their spines (Emex spinosa) or prickles (Hedysarum spinosissimum). Certainly neither type uses red coloration as advertisement to attract the seed dispersing agents. Fleshy-fruited species (Rhamnus alaternus, Rubus sanguineus and Pistacia sp.), which disperse their seeds via frugivores, change fruit color from green to red while still unripe and then to black or dark blue upon ripening. The red color does not seem to function primarily in dispersal (unless red fruits form advertisement flags when there are already black ripe fruits on the plant) because the red unripe fruits of these species are poisonous, spiny, or unpalatable. The unripe red fruits of Nerium oleander are very poisonous, those of Rhamnus alaternus and Anabasis articulata are moderately poisonous, those of Rubus sanguineus are very sour, those of Pistacia sp. contain unpalatable resin and those of Emex spinosa and Hedysarum spinosissimum are prickly. We propose that these unripe red fruits are aposematic, protecting them from herbivory before seed maturation. PMID:19847110

Unripe red fruits may be aposematic.

PubMed

Lev-Yadun, Simcha; Ne'eman, Gidi; Izhaki, Ido

2009-09-01

The unripe fruits of certain species are red. Some of these species disperse their seeds by wind (Nerium oleander, Anabasis articulata), others by adhering to animals with their spines (Emex spinosa) or prickles (Hedysarum spinosissimum). Certainly neither type uses red coloration as advertisement to attract the seed dispersing agents. Fleshy-fruited species (Rhamnus alaternus, Rubus sanguineus and Pistacia sp.), which disperse their seeds via frugivores, change fruit color from green to red while still unripe and then to black or dark blue upon ripening. The red color does not seem to function primarily in dispersal (unless red fruits form advertisement flags when there are already black ripe fruits on the plant) because the red unripe fruits of these species are poisonous, spiny, or unpalatable. The unripe red fruits of Nerium oleander are very poisonous, those of Rhamnus alaternus and Anabasis articulata are moderately poisonous, those of Rubus sanguineus are very sour, those of Pistacia sp. contain unpalatable resin and those of Emex spinosa and Hedysarum spinosissimum are prickly. We propose that these unripe red fruits are aposematic, protecting them from herbivory before seed maturation.

ACCRETION RATES OF RED QUASARS FROM THE HYDROGEN Pβ LINE

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

Kim, Dohyeong; Im, Myungshin; Glikman, Eilat

Red quasars are thought to be an intermediate population between merger-driven star-forming galaxies in dust-enshrouded phase and normal quasars. If so, they are expected to have high accretion ratios, but their intrinsic dust extinction hampers reliable determination of Eddington ratios. Here, we compare the accretion rates of 16 red quasars at z ∼ 0.7 to those of normal type 1 quasars at the same redshift range. The red quasars are selected by their red colors in optical through near-infrared (NIR) and radio detection. The accretion rates of the red quasars are derived from the Pβ line in NIR spectra, whichmore » is obtained by the SpeX on the Infrared Telescope Facility in order to avoid the effects of dust extinction. We find that the measured Eddington ratios (L{sub bol}/L{sub Edd} ≃ 0.69) of red quasars are significantly higher than those of normal type 1 quasars, which is consistent with a scenario in which red quasars are the intermediate population and the black holes of red quasars grow very rapidly during such a stage.« less

Experience of implementing a National pre-hospital Code Red bleeding protocol in Scotland.

PubMed

Reed, Matthew J; Glover, Alison; Byrne, Lauren; Donald, Michael; McMahon, Niall; Hughes, Neil; Littlewood, Nicola K; Garrett, Justin; Innes, Catherine; McGarvey, Margaret; Hazra, Eleanor; Rawlinson, P Sam M

2017-01-01

The Scottish Transfusion and Laboratory Support in Trauma Group (TLSTG) have introduced a unified National pre-hospital Code Red protocol. This paper reports the results of a study aiming to establish whether current pre-hospital Code Red activation criteria for trauma patients successfully predict need for in hospital transfusion or haemorrhagic death, the current admission coagulation profile and Concentrated Red Cell (CRC): Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) ratio being used, and whether use of the protocol leads to increased blood component discards? Prospective cohort study. Clinical and transfusion leads for each of Scotland's pre-hospital services and their receiving hospitals agreed to enter data into the study for all trauma patients for whom a pre-hospital Code Red was activated. Outcome data collected included survival 24h after Code Red activation, survival to hospital discharge, death in the Emergency Department and death in hospital. Between June 1st 2013 and October 31st 2015 there were 53 pre-hospital Code Red activations. Median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 24 (IQR 14-37) and mortality 38%. 16 patients received pre-hospital blood. The pre-hospital Code Red protocol was sensitive for predicting transfusion or haemorrhagic death (89%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the pre-hospital SBP <90mmHg component were 63%, 33%, 86% and 12%. 19% had an admission prothrombin time >14s and 27% had a fibrinogen <1.5g/L. CRC: FFP ratios did not drop to below 2:1 until 150min after arrival in the ED. 16 red cell units, 33 FFP and 6 platelets were discarded. This was not significantly increased compared to historical data. A National pre-hospital Code Red protocol is sensitive for predicting transfusion requirement in bleeding trauma patients and does not lead to increased blood component discards. A significant number of patients are coagulopathic and there is a need to improve CRC: FFP ratios and time to transfusion support especially FFP provision. Training clinicians to activate pre-hospital Code Red earlier during the pre-hospital phase may give blood bank more time to thaw and prepare FFP and may improve FFP administration times and ratios so long as components are used upon their availability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling photoabsorption of the asFP595 chromophore.

PubMed

Bravaya, Ksenia B; Bochenkova, Anastasia V; Granovsky, Alexander A; Savitsky, Alexander P; Nemukhin, Alexander V

2008-09-18

The fluorescent protein asFP595 is a promising photoswitchable biomarker for studying processes in living cells. We present the results of a high level theoretical study of photoabsorption properties of the model asFP595 chromophore molecule in biologically relevant protonation states: anionic, zwitterionic, and neutral. Ground state equilibrium geometry parameters are optimized in the PBE0/(aug)-cc-pVDZ density functional theory approximation. An augmented version of multiconfigurational quasidegenerate perturbation theory (aug-MCQDPT2) following the state-averaged CASSCF/(aug)-cc-pVDZ calculations is used to estimate the vertical S0-S1 excitation energies for all chromophore species. An accuracy of this approach is validated by comparing the computed estimates of the S0-S1 absorption maximum of the closely related chromophore from the DsRed protein to the known experimental value in the gas phase. An influence of the CASSCF active space on the aug-MCQDPT2 excitation energies is analyzed. The zwitterionic form of the asFP595 chromophore is found to be the most sensitive to a particular choice and amount of active orbitals. This observation is explained by the charge-transfer type of the S0-S1 transition involving the entire conjugated pi-electron system for the zwitterionic protonation state. According to the calculation results, the anionic form in the trans conformation is found to possess the most red-shifted absorption band with the maximum located at 543 nm. The bands of the zwitterionic and neutral forms are considerably blue-shifted compared to those of the anionic form. These conclusions are at variance with the results obtained in the TDDFT approximation for the asFP595 chromophore. The absorption wavelengths computed in the aug-MCQDPT2/CASSCF theory are as follows: 543 (535), 470 (476), and 415 (417) nm for the anionic, zwitterionic, and neutral forms of the trans and cis (in parentheses) isomers of the asFP595 chromophore. These data can be used as a reference for further theoretical studies of the asFP595 chromophore in different media and for modeling photoabsorption properties of the asFP595 fluorescent protein.

Gingivitis

MedlinePlus

... a common and mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease) that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) ... is an invisible, sticky film composed mainly of bacteria that forms on your teeth when starches and ...

Phenotypic differentiation of the Red Sea gastropods in response to the environmental deterioration: Geometric morphometric approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelhady, Ahmed Awad

2016-03-01

The negative impacts of degradation in the coastal zone of the Red Sea are becoming well known in upper portions of the trophic web (e.g., humans and fish), but are less well known among the benthic primary consumers. In addition, the degree to which heavy metals are entering the trophic web can be better-quantified using macrobenthos. Two-gastropod genera encompassing Echinolittorina subnodosa and Planaxis sulcatus from three different localities on the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea were examined in order to deduce the impact of environmental deterioration on the morphology of shells. The examined sites include clean pristine, slightly polluted, and markedly polluted rocky shores. Phosphate/lead industry is the main source of pollution in this zone. Because landmarks on the rugose Echinolittorina are difficult to define and to ensure finer resolution of the analyses, a newly 'grid-based' landmarks was implemented. Both Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) and Thin Plate Spline (TPS) were particularly capable to capture and terrace the minor morphological variations accurately. Two phenotypes portioned among the environmentally different populations were recognized and interpreted as ecotypes with many intermediate forms. The first ecotype has a higher spire and smaller aperture and dominating the pristine site North of Marsa Alam, whereas the second ecotype has a globular shell shape with big aperture and dominating the markedly polluted site. The intermediate forms dominating the slightly polluted site. The shape differences are interpreted as an adaptive differentiation to different metal concentrations. As the morphological variation between the two-ecotypes of both taxa is still minors, and both ecotypes occur together with many intermediate forms, the phenotypic divergence stage has not yet accomplished. The gradational shape change among the investigated populations was positively correlated with index of Pollution (IP). As the human activities were the main driver of the phenotypic changes, hence anthropogenic impact may shift the evolution and/or the extinction rates.

Cracks in the beta-can: fluorescent proteins from Anemonia sulcata (Anthozoa, Actinaria).

PubMed

Wiedenmann, J; Elke, C; Spindler, K D; Funke, W

2000-12-19

We characterize two green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), an orange fluorescent protein, and a nonfluorescent red protein isolated from the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata. The orange fluorescent protein and the red protein seem to represent two different states of the same protein. Furthermore, we describe the cloning of a GFP and a nonfluorescent red protein. Both proteins are homologous to the GFP from Aequorea victoria. The red protein is significantly smaller than other GFP homologues, and the formation of a closed GFP-like beta-can is not possible. Nevertheless, the primary structure of the red protein carries all features necessary for orange fluorescence. We discuss a type of beta-can that could be formed in a multimerization process.

Cracks in the β-can: Fluorescent proteins from Anemonia sulcata (Anthozoa, Actinaria)

PubMed Central

Wiedenmann, Jörg; Elke, Carsten; Spindler, Klaus-Dieter; Funke, Werner

2000-01-01

We characterize two green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), an orange fluorescent protein, and a nonfluorescent red protein isolated from the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata. The orange fluorescent protein and the red protein seem to represent two different states of the same protein. Furthermore, we describe the cloning of a GFP and a nonfluorescent red protein. Both proteins are homologous to the GFP from Aequorea victoria. The red protein is significantly smaller than other GFP homologues, and the formation of a closed GFP-like β-can is not possible. Nevertheless, the primary structure of the red protein carries all features necessary for orange fluorescence. We discuss a type of β-can that could be formed in a multimerization process. PMID:11121018

[Electromagnetic and mechanical vibrations in the therapy of myofascial pains].

PubMed

Miriutova, N F; Levitskiĭ, E F; Abdulkina, N G

2000-01-01

Low-frequency vibration effectively stimulates in a direct way or via reflexes neuromuscular apparatus in patients with muscular-tonic manifestations of spinal osteochondrosis. Long-term myofixation forms foci of denervation disorders as painful muscular consolidations with active center the irritation of which gives rise to phenomenon of reflected pain. In this case it is better to begin treatment with optic red and infrared radiation on the reflexogenic zones and muscular consolidations for reduction of trophic abnormalities. This creates favourable conditions for subsequent vibrostimulation of affected nerves and muscles.

Inhibitory activity of an extract from a marine bacterium Halomonas sp. HSB07 against the red-tide microalga Gymnodinium sp. (Pyrrophyta)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Juan; Li, Fuchao; Liu, Ling; Jiang, Peng; Liu, Zhaopu

2013-11-01

In recent years, red tides occurred frequently in coastal areas worldwide. Various methods based on the use of clay, copper sulfate, and bacteria have been successful in controlling red tides to some extent. As a new defensive agent, marine microorganisms are important sources of compounds with potent inhibitory bioactivities against red-tide microalgae, such as Gymnodinium sp. (Pyrrophyta). In this study, we isolated a marine bacterium, HSB07, from seawater collected from Hongsha Bay, Sanya, South China Sea. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence and biochemical characteristics, the isolated strain HSB07 was identified as a member of the genus Halomonas. A crude ethyl acetate extract of strain HSB07 showed moderate inhibition activity against Gymnodinium sp. in a bioactive prescreening experiment. The extract was further separated into fractions A, B, and C by silica gel column chromatography. Fractions B and C showed strong inhibition activities against Gymnodinium. This is the first report of inhibitory activity of secondary metabolites of a Halomonas bacterium against a red-tide-causing microalga.

75 FR 35038 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-21

... components of the RED, as well as the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse patients; (2) To pre-test the revised RED Toolkit in ten varied hospital settings, evaluating how the RED Toolkit is... intensity of technical assistance (TA). (3) To modify the revised RED Toolkit based on pre-testing and to...

Bioactive compounds and prebiotic activity in Thailand-grown red and white guava fruit (Psidium guajava L.).

PubMed

Thuaytong, W; Anprung, P

2011-06-01

This research involves the comparison of bioactive compounds, volatile compounds and prebiotic activity of white guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Pansithong and red guava cv. Samsi. The antioxidant activity values determined by 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were 10.28 µg fresh weight (fw)/µg DPPH and 78.56 µg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g fw for white guava and 7.82 µg/µg DPPH, fw and 111.06 µM TE/g fw for red guava. Ascorbic acid contents were 130 and 112mg/100g fw total phenolics contents 145.52 and 163.36 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g fw and total flavonoids contents 19.06 and 35.85 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g fw, in white and red guava, respectively. Volatile compounds in guava were analyzed by the solid-phase microextraction (SPME)/gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS) method. The major constituents identified in white and red guavas were cinnamyl alcohol, ethyl benzoate, ß-caryophyllene, (E)-3-hexenyl acetate and α-bisabolene. Prebiotic activity scores for Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 were 0.12 and 0.28 in white guava, respectively, and 0.13 and 0.29 in red guava, respectively.

Antioxidant properties of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins and polyphenolic extracts from Côte d'Ivoire's red and white sorghums assessed by ORAC and in vitro LDL oxidisability tests.

PubMed

Carbonneau, Marie-Annette; Cisse, Moctar; Mora-Soumille, Nathalie; Dairi, Sofiane; Rosa, Maxence; Michel, Françoise; Lauret, Céline; Cristol, Jean-Paul; Dangles, Olivier

2014-02-15

Red sorghum is a source of phenolic compounds (PCs), including 3-deoxyanthocyanidins that may protect against oxidative stress related disease such as atherosclerosis. HPLC was used to characterise and quantify PCs extracted from red or white sorghum whole grain flour. Antioxidant activity was measured by an oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and against LDL-oxidisability, and further compared to that of synthesised 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (i.e., luteolinidin and apigeninidin). Phenolic content of red and white sorghums was evaluated as 3.90 ± 0.01 and 0.07 ± 0.01 mmol gallic acid equivalents L(-1), respectively. Luteolinidin and apigeninidin were mainly found in red sorghum. Red sorghum had almost 3 and 10 times greater specific antioxidant activity compared to luteolinidin and apigeninidin, respectively. Red sorghum PCs and the two 3-deoxyanthocyanidins were also effective at preventing LDL vitamin E depletion and conjugated diene production. Red sorghum flour exhibits antioxidant capacity suggesting that it may be a valuable health-promoting food. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alternative storage for germplasm of native hawaiian berries

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ohelo (Vaccinium reticulatum Smith) is a small, native shrub commonly found in disturbed, open sites at 640 to 3700 meter elevation on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. The shrub is very hardy with compact form and bright waxy red new growth. Three Ohelo berry cultivars: Kilauea, Red Button, and Nene ...

THE RED-TIDE DINOFLAGELLATE, ALEXANDRIUM MONILATUM, SUPPRESSES GROWTH OF MIXED NATURAL PHYTOPLANKTON

EPA Science Inventory

Alexandrium monilatum is a large, chain-forming, autotrophic dinoflagellate associated with red-tides and fish kills along the US Gulf of Mexico coast. When cultured inocula of A. monilatum were added to nutrient-amended seawater samples, growth rates and biomass yields of the na...

The Red and White Yeast Lab: An Introduction to Science as a Process.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Brian T.

1999-01-01

Describes an experimental system based on an engineered strain of bakers' yeast that is designed to involve students in the process by which scientific knowledge is generated. Students are asked to determine why the yeast grow to form a reproducible pattern of red and white. (WRM)

GROWTH RATES, PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS AND ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF THE RED-TIDE DINOFLAGELLATE, ALEXANDRIUM MONILATUM

EPA Science Inventory

Alexandrium monilatum is a thecate, autotrophic, bioluminescent and chain-forming dinoflagellate. Although it has been known to be associated with red tides and fish kills along the US Gulf of Mexico coast for almost 50 years, little basic physiological information is available f...

21 CFR 310.503 - Requirements regarding certain radioactive drugs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... studies. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do Labeled red blood cells Do. Cobalt 58 or Cobalt 60 Labeled.... This exemption also applied to investigational radioactive biologics. (b) It is the opinion of the... Chemical form Use Chromium 51 Chromate Spleen scans. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do ......do Red...

21 CFR 310.503 - Requirements regarding certain radioactive drugs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... studies. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do Labeled red blood cells Do. Cobalt 58 or Cobalt 60 Labeled.... This exemption also applied to investigational radioactive biologics. (b) It is the opinion of the... Chemical form Use Chromium 51 Chromate Spleen scans. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do ......do Red...

21 CFR 310.503 - Requirements regarding certain radioactive drugs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... studies. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do Labeled red blood cells Do. Cobalt 58 or Cobalt 60 Labeled.... This exemption also applied to investigational radioactive biologics. (b) It is the opinion of the... Chemical form Use Chromium 51 Chromate Spleen scans. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do ......do Red...

21 CFR 310.503 - Requirements regarding certain radioactive drugs.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... studies. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do Labeled red blood cells Do. Cobalt 58 or Cobalt 60 Labeled.... This exemption also applied to investigational radioactive biologics. (b) It is the opinion of the... Chemical form Use Chromium 51 Chromate Spleen scans. Do ......do Placenta localization. Do ......do Red...

Panax red ginseng extract regulates energy expenditures by modulating PKA dependent lipid mobilization in adipose tissue.

PubMed

Cho, Hae-Mi; Kang, Young-Ho; Yoo, Hanju; Yoon, Seung-Yong; Kang, Sang-Wook; Chang, Eun-Ju; Song, Youngsup

2014-05-16

Regulation of balance between lipid accumulation and energy consumption is a critical step for the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Here, we show that Panax red ginseng extract treatments increased energy expenditures and prevented mice from diet induced obesity. Panax red ginseng extracts strongly activated Hormone Specific Lipase (HSL) via Protein Kinase A (PKA). Since activation of HSL induces lipolysis in WAT and fatty acid oxidation in brown adipose tissue (BAT), these results suggest that Panax red ginseng extracts reduce HFD induced obesity by regulating lipid mobilization. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is dopamine behind the health benefits of red wine?

PubMed

de la Torre, Rafael; Covas, Maria Isabel; Pujadas, Maria Antonia; Fitó, Montserrat; Farré, Magí

2006-08-01

The contribution of biologically active non-nutrient chemicals to the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet is controversial because of their low dietary concentrations. Hydroxytyrosol is a dopamine metabolite, and also a very active naturally occurring phenol compound in olive oil. To examine the disposition of hydroxytyrosol in humans, given that we discovered its presence in red wine in the frame of the study. The pharmacokinetics of hydroxytyrosol from two clinical trials, designed to assess the short-term and postprandial effects of moderate doses of wine and olive oil in healthy volunteers, were compared. Despite a five-fold difference in the doses of hydroxytyrosol administered (0.35 mg for red wine and 1.7 mg for olive oil), urinary recoveries of hydroxytyrosol were higher after red wine administration. An interaction between ethanol and dopamine after red wine ingestion leading to the formation of hydroxytyrosol was observed. Biological effects after red wine ingestion should be re-examined on the basis of combined hydroxytyrosol concentrations from red wine and dopamine turnover.

Radiolabeling of rituximab with (188)Re and (99m)Tc using the tricarbonyl technology.

PubMed

Dias, Carla Roberta; Jeger, Simone; Osso, João Alberto; Müller, Cristina; De Pasquale, Christine; Hohn, Alexander; Waibel, Robert; Schibli, Roger

2011-01-01

The most successful clinical studies of immunotherapy in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) use the antibody rituximab (RTX) targeting CD20(+) B-cell tumors. Rituximab radiolabeled with β(-) emitters could potentiate the therapeutic efficacy of the antibody by virtue of the particle radiation. Here, we report on a direct radiolabeling approach of rituximab with the (99m)Tc- and (188)Re-tricarbonyl core (IsoLink technology). The native format of the antibody (RTX(wt)) as well as a reduced form (RTX(red)) was labeled with (99m)Tc/(188)Re(CO)(3). The partial reduction of the disulfide bonds to produce free sulfhydryl groups (-SH) was achieved with 2-mercaptoethanol. Radiolabeling efficiency, in vitro human plasma stability as well as transchelation toward cysteine and histidine was investigated. The immunoreactivity and binding affinity were determined on Ramos and/or Raji cells expressing CD20. Biodistribution was performed in mice bearing subcutaneous Ramos lymphoma xenografts. The radiolabeling efficiency and kinetics of RTX(red) were superior to that of RTX(wt) ((99m)Tc: 98% after 3 h for RTX(red) vs. 70% after 24 h for RTX(wt)). (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was used without purification for in vitro and in vivo studies whereas (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was purified to eliminate free (188)Re-precursor. Both radioimmunoconjugates were stable in human plasma for 24 h at 37 °C. In contrast, displacement experiments with excess cysteine/histidine showed significant transchelation in the case of (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) but not with pre-purified (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red). Both conjugates revealed high binding affinity to the CD20 antigen (K(d) = 5-6 nM). Tumor uptake of (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red) was 2.5 %ID/g and 0.8 %ID/g for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) 48 h after injection. The values for other organs and tissues were similar for both compounds, for example the tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-liver ratios were 0.4 and 0.3 for (99m)Tc(CO)(3)-RTX(red) and for (188)Re(CO)(3)-RTX(red) 0.5 and 0.5 (24 h pi). Rituximab could be directly and stably labeled with the matched pair (99m)Tc/(188)Re using the IsoLink technology under retention of the biological activity. Labeling kinetics and yields need further improvement for potential routine application in radioimmunodiagnosis and therapy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterisation of a haemagglutinin from Hokkaido red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Hokkaido red bean).

PubMed

Wong, Jack H; Wan, Chung T; Ng, Tzi B

2010-01-15

A haemagglutinin was purified from Japanese Hokkaido red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Hokkaido red bean) with a procedure that included three chromatographic media. Haemagglutinating activity was adsorbed on DEAE cellulose, Affi-gel blue gel and Mono S. The pure haemagglutinin was a homodimer and each subunit was around 30 kDa in molecular mass. The haemagglutinating activity of this agglutinin could not be inhibited by a variety of simple sugars at 200 mmol L(-1) concentration including alpha-L-fucose, D(+)-galactose, D(+)-glucose, D(+)-glucosamine, D(-)galactosamine, galacturonic acid, (+)-lactose, D(+)-melibose, L(-)-mannose, D(+)-mannose, D-mannosamine, D(+)-raffinose, L-rhamnose, (+)-xylose and galacturonic acid. The haemagglutinating activity was fully retained at pH 4-11 and at 0-80 degrees C, but was completely lost at extreme pH values (0-2 and 13-14) and at very high temperatures (90 degrees C and 100 degrees C). The haemagglutinin exhibited a weak mitogenic activity toward mouse splenocytes, a stronger anti-proliferative activity than Con A toward HepG2 (human hepatoma) cells and inhibited >80% of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity at 3.3 micromol L(-1). It was devoid of anti-fungal activity. Hokkaido red bean haemagglutinin possesses a potent anti-proliferative effect on HepG2 cells. Copyright (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry.

Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in hair growth-promoting effect of 655-nm red light and LED in in vitro culture model.

PubMed

Han, Le; Liu, Ben; Chen, Xianyan; Chen, Haiyan; Deng, Wenjia; Yang, Changsheng; Ji, Bin; Wan, Miaojian

2018-04-01

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in hair follicle morphogenesis and hair growth. Recently, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated for stimulating hair growth in numerous clinical studies, in which 655-nm red light was found to be most effective and practical for stimulating hair growth. We evaluated whether 655-nm red light + light-emitting diode (LED) could promote human hair growth by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. An in vitro culture of human hair follicles (HFs) was irradiated with different intensities of 655-nm red light + LED, 21 h7 (an inhibitor of β-catenin), or both. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to assess the expression of β-catenin, GSK3β, p-GSK3β, and Lef1 in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The 655-nm red light + LED not only enhanced hair shaft elongation, but also reduced catagen transition in human hair follicle organ culture, with the greatest effectiveness observed at 5 min (0.839 J/cm 2 ). Additionally, 655-nm red light + LED enhanced the expression of β-catenin, p-GSK3β, and Lef1, signaling molecules of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, in the hair matrix. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in hair growth-promoting effect of 655-nm red light and LED in vitro and therefore may serve as an alternative therapeutic option for alopecia.

Did the Bering Sea Form as a Cenozoic Backarc Basin?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, R. J.; Barth, G. A.; Scheirer, D. S.; Scholl, D. W.

2012-12-01

Understanding the origins of Bering Sea marginal basins (Aleutian, Bowers, and Komandorsky basins; AB, BB, KB) is key for reconstructing N. Pacific tectonic and magmatic evolution. New acquisitions and recompilations of MCS, OBS, and potential field data (Barth et al. poster. this session) for USGS Extended Continental Shelf project and selection of Aleutians as GeoPrisms Subduction Cycles and Deformation focus site stimulate reconsideration of BB, KB, and especially AB origins. AB has long been regarded as N. Pacific crust trapped when the Aleutian subduction began ~45-50 Ma. BB and KB probably formed together as Miocene backarc basins. Presence of Oligo-Miocene arc volcanics on Bowers and Shirshov ridges suggests that these are remnant arcs, orphaned by AB and KB opening. Seven lines of evidence suggest that AB formed as a Paleogene backarc basin: 1) AB heatflow suggests an age of about 44 Ma (Langseth et al 1980 JGR). 2) Formation of NNW-trending rift basins on Bering shelf (Navarin, Pribilof, and St. George basins) in Paleogene time indicate extension at this time. 3) The early Paleogene "red unconformity" of the Beringian margin could indicate uplift, erosion, and subsidence associated with AB opening. 4) ~N-S magnetic anomalies in AB contrasts with E-W Kula anomalies on N. Pacific, indicating that the two tracts of oceanic crust formed at different spreading ridges. 5) Thicker sediment in AB (2-4 km) vs. BB and KB (< 2km) indicates AB is older and is consistent with episodic and short-lived (~20 m.y. duration) opening expected for backarc basins. 6) Aleutian arc magmatic activity began ~50 Ma, about the same time that the Beringian arc shut down. This could also be reconciled by rifting of the Beringian arc to form the AB as backarc basin, accompanied by the displacement of arc magmatic activity to near the present Aleutian arc. 7) Formation of the Aleutian arc as ~3900 km long, nearly perfect small circle is easiest to reconcile with an easily deformed backarc region, as might result from backarc basin opening. If the Aleutian arc formed by rifting of the Beringian margin then it is likely to contain some pre-50 Ma crust. The possibility that AB is a Paleogene backarc basin requires testing via IODP drilling through AB sediments and into oceanic crust.ectonic scenario for formation of Aleutian Arc and Bering Sea basins. Green = present land; yellow = shelf; AB = Aleutian Basin; KB = Komandorsky Basin; BB = Bowers Basin; SR = Shirshov Ridge, BR = Bowers Ridge; Red = active volcanism and spreading ; Blue = extinct volcanism and spreading

Antibacterial activity of red algae (Gracilaria verrucosa) extract against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dayuti, S.

2018-04-01

Red alga was widely used in several fields, including food, feed, phamacy and industrial point of view. The chemical analysis showed that red alga contained terpenoid, acetogenic, and aromatic compounds, which have a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-micobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. The objectives of this research was to evaluate the effect of extraction solvent and time on antibacterial activity of red alga (Gracilaria verrucosa), and to explore the bioactive compound contained within Gracilaria verrucosa. The method in this study used descriptive reseach. These findings revealed that the highest inhibition activity among all extracts was obtained with the ratio of methanol:aquades (75:25) and extraction time around 72 hours against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The bioactive compounds of Gracilaria verrucosa tested by phytochemical analysisi consisted of flavonoid, alkaloid, and saponin. Those secondary metabolites may be approximated as antibactial substances.

Human risk of diseases associated with red meat intake: Analysis of current theories and proposed role for metabolic incorporation of a non-human sialic acid.

PubMed

Alisson-Silva, Frederico; Kawanishi, Kunio; Varki, Ajit

2016-10-01

One of the most consistent epidemiological associations between diet and human disease risk is the impact of red meat consumption (beef, pork, and lamb, particularly in processed forms). While risk estimates vary, associations are reported with all-cause mortality, colorectal and other carcinomas, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and possibly other inflammatory processes. There are many proposed explanations for these associations, some long discussed in the literature. Attempts to explain the effects of red meat consumption have invoked various red meat-associated agents, including saturated fat, high salt intake, Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) generation by microbiota, and environmental pollutants contaminating red meat, none of which are specific for red meat. Even the frequently mentioned polycyclic aromatic carcinogens arising from high temperature cooking methods are not red meat specific, as these are also generated by grilling poultry or fish, as well as by other forms of cooking. The traditional explanations that appear to be more red meat specific invoke the impact of N-nitroso compounds, heme iron, and the potential of heme to catalyze endogenous nitrosation. However, heme can be denatured by cooking, high levels of plasma hemopexin will block its tissue delivery, and much higher amounts of heme likely originate from red blood cell breakdown in vivo. Therefore, red meat-derived heme could only contribute to colorectal carcinoma risk, via direct local effects. Also, none of these mechanisms explain the apparent human propensity i.e., other carnivores have not been reported at high risk for all these diseases. A more recently proposed hypothesis involves infectious agents in beef from specific dairy cattle as agents of colorectal cancer. We have also described another mechanistic explanation for the human propensity for risk of red-meat associated diseases that is consistent with most observations: metabolic incorporation of a non-human sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) into the tissues of red meat consumers and the subsequent interaction with inflammation-provoking antibodies against this "xenoautoantigen". Overall, we conclude that while multiple mechanisms are likely operative, many proposed theories to date are not specific for red meat, and that the viral and xenoautoantigen theories deserve further consideration. Importantly, there are potential non-toxic dietary antidotes, if the xenoautoantigen theory is indeed correct. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human Risk of Diseases Associated with Red Meat Intake: Analysis of Current Theories and Proposed Role for Metabolic Incorporation of a Non-Human Sialic Acid

PubMed Central

Alisson-Silva, Frederico; Kawanishi, Kunio; Varki, Ajit

2016-01-01

One of the most consistent epidemiological associations between diet and human disease risk is the impact of red meat consumption (beef, pork, and lamb, particularly in processed forms). While risk estimates vary, associations are reported with all-cause mortality, colorectal and other carcinomas, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and possibly other inflammatory processes. There are many proposed explanations for these associations, some long discussed in the literature. Attempts to explain the effects of red meat consumption have invoked various red meat-associated agents, including saturated fat, high salt intake, Trimethylamine–N-oxide (TMAO) generation by microbiota, and environmental pollutants contaminating red meat, none of which are specific for red meat. Even the frequently mentioned polycyclic aromatic carcinogens arising from high temperature cooking methods are not red meat specific, as these are also generated by grilling poultry or fish, as well as by other forms of cooking. The traditional explanations that appear to be more red meat specific invoke the impact of N-nitroso compounds, heme iron, and the potential of heme to catalyze endogenous nitrosation. However, heme can be denatured by cooking, high levels of plasma hemopexin will block its tissue delivery, and much higher amounts of heme likely originate from red blood cell breakdown in vivo. Therefore, red meat-derived heme could only contribute to colorectal carcinoma risk, via direct local effects. Also, none of these mechanisms explain the apparent human propensity i.e., other carnivores have not been reported at high risk for all these diseases. A more recently proposed hypothesis involves infectious agents in beef from specific dairy cattle as agents of colorectal cancer. We have also described another mechanistic explanation for the human propensity for risk of red-meat associated diseases that is consistent with most observations: metabolic incorporation of a non-human sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) into the tissues of red meat consumers and the subsequent interaction with inflammation-provoking antibodies against this “xenoautoantigen”. Overall, we conclude that while multiple mechanisms are likely operative, many proposed theories to date are not specific for red meat, and that the viral and xenoautoantigen theories deserve further consideration. Importantly, there are potential non-toxic dietary antidotes, if the xenoautoantigen is indeed correct. PMID:27421909

Cation Homeostasis in Red Cells From Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Heterologous for HbS and HbC (HbSC Genotype).

PubMed

Hannemann, A; Rees, D C; Tewari, S; Gibson, J S

2015-11-01

Sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients of HbSC genotype is considered similar, albeit milder, to that in homozygous HbSS individuals--but with little justification. In SCD, elevated red cell cation permeability is critical as increased solute loss causes dehydration and encourages sickling. Recently, we showed that the KCl cotransporter (KCC) activity in red cells from HbSC patients correlated significantly with disease severity, but that in HbSS patients did not. Two transporters involved in red cell dehydration, the conductive channels Psickle and the Gardos channel, behaved similarly in red cells from the two genotypes, but were significantly less active in HbSC patients. By contrast, KCC activity was quantitatively greater in HbSC red cells. Results suggest that KCC is likely to have greater involvement in red cell dehydration in HbSC patients, which could explain its association with disease severity in this genotype. This work supports the hypothesis that SCD in HbSC patients is a distinct disease entity to that in HbSS patients. Results suggest the possibility of designing specific treatments of particular benefit to HbSC patients and a rationale for the development of prognostic markers, to inform early treatment of children likely to develop more severe complications of the disease.

Large scale structures around radio galaxies at z ~ 1.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galametz, A.; De Breuck, C.; Vernet, J.; Stern, D.; Rettura, A.; Marmo, C.; Omont, A.; Allen, M.; Seymour, N.

2009-11-01

We explore the environments of two radio galaxies at z ~ 1.5, 7C 1751+6809 and 7C 1756+6520, using deep optical and near-infrared imaging. Our data cover 15×15 arcmin2 fields around the radio galaxies. We develop and apply BzK color criteria to select cluster member candidates around the radio galaxies and find no evidence of an overdensity of red galaxies within 2 Mpc of 7C 1751+6809. In contrast, 7C 1756+6520 shows a significant overdensity of red galaxies within 2 Mpc of the radio galaxy, by a factor of 3.1±0.8 relative to the four MUSYC fields. At small separation (r < 6 arcsec), this radio galaxy also has one z > 1.4 evolved galaxy candidate, one z > 1.4 star-forming galaxy candidate, and an AGN candidate (at indeterminate redshift). This is suggestive of several close-by companions. Several concentrations of red galaxies are also noticed in the full 7C 1756+6520 field, forming a possible large-scale structure of evolved galaxies with a NW-SE orientation. We construct the color-magnitude diagram of red galaxies found near 7C 1756+6520 (r < 2 Mpc), and find a clear red sequence that is truncated at Ks ~ 21.5 (AB). We also find an overdensity of mid-infrared selected AGN in the surroundings of 7C 1756+6520. These results are suggestive of a proto-cluster at high redshift. Tables 2-6 are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

[A systematic analysis of the Ottoman Red Crescent periodical (Part III)].

PubMed

Okutan, Yahya

2002-01-01

Founded in 1877, the Ottoman Red Crescent Society rendered a lot of important services in military and civil areas in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Red Crescent Society not only gave health services for the soldiers, but it also attempted to obey the international acts signed for the war captives and to rescue them together with the countries involved under the supervision of the international Red Cross. In the civilian area, the Ottoman Red Crescent Society also played an active role to meet the casualties' needs, such as food, clothes, and accommodation following natural disasters like earthquake, flood, fire etc. The Ottoman Red Crescent Society published a monthly newsletter called Osmanli Hilâl-i Ahmer Mecmuasi to announce its services more effectively to the public since 15 September 1921 (12 Muharrem 1340). The publication of the newsletter continued as Türkiye Hilâl-i Ahmer Mecmuas' after the 15th issue. Starting with the 85th issue on September 15th, 1928 (30 Rebiülevvel 1347) it was printed with Latin alphabet instead of Arabic letters. A brief translation in French and in English exist in the end of each issue. In the second part of this research, news about the Red Crescent Society's organization; financial supports for the Society and, in return, material and financial aids by the Society; local organizations providing aid to the Society; money collected during Bairams; plays and balls arranged by the Society; and the activities of the womens' branch of the Red Crescent Society, are introduced. The third and last part of the study deals with the comments of visitors about the Red Crescent Society; and news and activities of the European Red Cross Societies.

Secondary metabolites profiles and antioxidant activities of germinated brown and red rice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nurnaistia, Y.; Aisyah, S.; Munawaroh, H. S. H.; Zackiyah

2018-05-01

The research aims to investigate the effect of germination on the secondary metabolite profiles and antioxidant activity of brown and red rice. The germination was performed by using a simple laboratory-scale machine that was designed and optimized to provide conditions that support the germination process. The germination was carried out for 2 days in dark conditions at 26°C and 99% humidity. Analysis of the secondary metabolite profile of ungerminated and germinated rice was performed using LC-MS. The antioxidant activities of ungerminated and germinated rice were done by using DPPH method. The results showed that the profiles of secondary metabolites of brown and red rice changed after germination. Some peaks were found to be induced in the germinated rice. However, some peaks were also loss during germination. The antioxidant activity of brown rice was slightly increased due to the germination, from 11.2% to 22.5%. Meanwhile the antioxidant activity of red rice was decreased after germination, from 73.8% to 60.0%.

Resveratrol induces human keratinocyte damage via the activation of class III histone deacetylase, Sirt1.

PubMed

Lee, Ju-Hee; Kim, Jin-Shang; Park, Sang-Youel; Lee, You-Jin

2016-01-01

Human skin diseases are various and induce chronic inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and certain forms of ichthyosis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by circumscribed, red, thickened plaques. Regulation of the balance between growth, differentiation and death is critical to keratinocytes; when altered, epidermal keratinocytes undergo hyperproliferation, abnormal differentiation and inflammatory infiltration. In the present study, we focused on the effects of resveratrol, found in red wine and peanuts, on the cell death of keratinocytes. We additionally studied the mechanism of resveratrol on Sirt1, a class III histone deacetylase, and Akt phosphorylation. Resveratrol caused apoptosis and increased Sirt1 expression in human HaCaT keratinocytes, following a decrease in the p62 protein level. Inhibition of Sirt1 by Sirt1 inhibitor restored cell viability and protein levels. Furthermore, we showed that resveratrol-induced Sirt1 blocked Akt phosphorylation. The present results indicated that resveratrol inhibited the Akt pathways by inducing Sirt1, thus leading to cell death. These data suggest that resveratrol-mediated activation of Sirt1 histone deacetylase may be a potential therapeutic target for skin diseases including psoriasis.

Photoinduced charge-transfer materials for nonlinear optical applications

DOEpatents

McBranch, Duncan W.

2006-10-24

A method using polyelectrolyte self-assembly for preparing multi-layered organic molecular materials having individual layers which exhibit ultrafast electron and/or energy transfer in a controlled direction occurring over the entire structure. Using a high molecular weight, water-soluble, anionic form of poly-phenylene vinylene, self-assembled films can be formed which show high photoluminescence quantum efficiency (QE). The highest emission QE is achieved using poly(propylene-imine) (PPI) dendrimers as cationic binders. Self-quenching of the luminescence is observed as the solid polymer film thickness is increased and can be reversed by inserting additional spacer layers of transparent polyelectrolytes between each active conjugated layer, such that the QE grows with thickness. A red shift of the luminescence is also observed as additional PPV layers are added. This effect persists as self-quenching is eliminated. Charge transfer superlattices can be formed by additionally incorporating C.sub.60 acceptor layers.

Alcohol: Friend or Foe? Alcoholic Beverage Hormesis for Cataract and Atherosclerosis is Related to Plasma Antioxidant Activity

PubMed Central

Prickett, Claire D.; Lister, E.; Collins, Michelle; Trevithick-Sutton, C. C.; Hirst, M.; Vinson, J. A.; Noble, E.; Trevithick, J. R.

2004-01-01

Objectives: To correlate the oxidative state of postabsorptive blood plasma after consumption of one or three drinks of different beverages with known J-shaped epidemiological risk curves. Design, interventions, and main outcome measures: Red wine, lager beer, stout (alcoholic and alcohol-free), with antioxidant activity, and an aqueous solution of alcohol were compared for the plasma antioxidant or pro-oxidant activity in human volunteers following consumption of one or three typical drinks containing equivalent amounts of alcohol (except for an alcohol-free stout used as a control for stout). Results: One drink of red wine, lager beer, or stout (5% alcohol v/v, and alcohol-free) significantly increased the average antioxidant activity in plasma samples obtained from volunteers averaged over 240 min. Three drinks of red wine, lager beer, or stout (5% alcohol v/v, and alcohol-free) significantly increased the average pro-oxidant activity in plasma samples obtained from volunteers averaged over 360 min. For a solution of alcohol, three drinks resulted in pro-oxidant plasma on average, whereas while one drink did not significantly affect the plasma oxidative status. A preliminary experiment in which two volunteers showed a significantly increased time to metabolize ethanol after ingestion resulted in elevated antioxidant activity in plasma for lager beer and red wine. Conclusions: One drink of red wine, beer, or stout provided equivalent increases in plasma antioxidant activity. Three drinks of red wine, beer, or stout provided equivalent increases in plasma pro-oxidant activity. This may explain, at least in part, the decreased risk of cataract and atherosclerosis from daily consumption of one drink of different types of alcoholic beverages as well as the increased risk from daily consumption of three drinks of alcoholic beverages. The plasma pro-oxidant activity appears to be due to ethanol metabolism, whereas the antioxidant activity may be due to the absorption of polyphenols in the beverages. PMID:19330151

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

Yee, J.P.

The following studies were conducted using the resistive pulse spectroscopy (RPS) technique: cumulative spectra and individual pulse forms for rigid latex polymer spheres; acquisition and analysis of RPS spectral data by means of special computer program; interaction of red blood cells with glutaraldehyde; membrane properties of erythrocytes undergoing abrupt osmotic hemolysis; reversible effects of the binding of chlorpromazine HCl at the red cell membrane surface; effects of high cholesterol diet on erythrocytes of guinea pigs; and multi-population analysis for a mixture of fetal and maternal red cells. (HLW)

Color- and motion-specific units in the tectum opticum of goldfish.

PubMed

Gruber, Morna; Behrend, Konstantin; Neumeyer, Christa

2016-01-05

Extracellular recordings were performed from 69 units at different depths between 50 and [Formula: see text]m below the surface of tectum opticum in goldfish. Using large field stimuli (86[Formula: see text] visual angle) of 21 colored HKS-papers we were able to record from 54 color-sensitive units. The colored papers were presented for 5[Formula: see text]s each. They were arranged in the sequence of the color circle in humans separated by gray of medium brightness. We found 22 units with best responses between orange, red and pink. About 12 of these red-sensitive units were of the opponent "red-ON/blue-green-OFF" type as found in retinal bipolar- and ganglion cells as well. Most of them were also activated or inhibited by black and/or white. Some units responded specifically to red either with activation or inhibition. 18 units were sensitive to blue and/or green, 10 of them to both colors and most of them to black as well. They were inhibited by red, and belonged to the opponent "blue-green-ON/red-OFF" type. Other units responded more selectively either to blue, to green or to purple. Two units were selectively sensitive to yellow. A total of 15 units were sensitive to motion, stimulated by an excentrically rotating black and white random dot pattern. Activity of these units was also large when a red-green random dot pattern of high L-cone contrast was used. Activity dropped to zero when the red-green pattern did not modulate the L-cones. Neither of these motion selective units responded to any color. The results directly show color-blindness of motion vision, and confirm the hypothesis of separate and parallel processing of "color" and "motion".

A Glimpse of the Milky Way

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 1

In visible light, the bulk of our Milky Way galaxy's stars are eclipsed behind thick clouds of galactic dust and gas. But to the infrared eyes of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, distant stars and dust clouds shine with unparalleled clarity and color.

In this panoramic image (center row, fig. 1) from the Galactic Legacy Infrared Mid-Plane Survey Extraordinaire project, a plethora of stellar activity in the Milky Way's galactic plane, reaching to the far side of our galaxy, is exposed. This image spans 9 degrees of sky (approximately the width of a fist held out at arm's length).

The red clouds indicate the presence of large organic molecules (mixed with the dust), which have been illuminated by nearby star formation. The patches of black are dense obscuring dust clouds impenetrable by even Spitzer's super-sensitive infrared eyes. Bright arcs of white throughout the image are massive stellar incubators.

With over 160 megapixels, the full detail in this panorama cannot be appreciated without zooming in to various areas of interest (top and bottom rows, fig. 1). Bubbles, or holes, in the red clouds are formed by the powerful outflows from massive groups of forming stars. Wisps of green indicate the presence of hot hydrogen gas. Star clusters can also be seen as the groupings of blue, yellow, and green specks inside some of the red nebulae, or star-forming clouds.

In contrast to the plentiful examples of stellar youth in this montage, Spitzer also sees an object called a planetary nebula (top row, middle, fig. 1). Such nebulae are the final gasp of dying stars like our sun, whose outer layers are blown into space, leaving a burnt out core of a star, called a white dwarf, behind.

Although this panoramic image captures a large range of the galaxy, it represents only 7.5 percent of the primary Glimpse survey, which will image most of the star formation regions in our galaxy.

The infrared images were captured with the Spitzer's infrared array camera. The pictures are 4-channel false-color composites, showing emission from wavelengths of 3.6 microns (blue), 4.5 microns (green), 5.8 microns (orange), and 8.0 microns (red).

Caution: Images are best resolution available and are very large.

Involvement of allelopathy in inhibition of understory growth in red pine forests.

PubMed

Kato-Noguchi, Hisashi; Kimura, Fukiko; Ohno, Osamu; Suenaga, Kiyotake

2017-11-01

Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) forests are characterized by sparse understory vegetation although sunlight intensity on the forest floor is sufficient for undergrowth. The possible involvement of pine allelopathy in the establishment of the sparse understory vegetation was investigated. The soil of the red pine forest floor had growth inhibitory activity on six test plant species including Lolium multiflorum, which was observed at the edge of the forest but not in the forest. Two growth inhibitory substances were isolated from the soil and characterized to be 15-hydroxy-7-oxodehydroabietate and 7-oxodehydroabietic acid. Those compounds are probably formed by degradation process of resin acids. Resin acids are produced by pine and delivered into the soil under the pine trees through balsam and defoliation. Threshold concentrations of 15-hydroxy-7-oxodehydroabietate and 7-oxodehydroabietic acid for the growth inhibition of L. multiflorum were 30 and 10μM, respectively. The concentrations of 15-hydroxy-7-oxodehydroabietate and 7-oxodehydroabietic acid in the soil were 312 and 397μM, respectively, which are sufficient concentrations to cause the growth inhibition because of the threshold. These results suggest that those compounds are able to work as allelopathic agents and may prevent from the invasion of herbaceous plants into the forests by inhibiting their growth. Therefore, allelopathy of red pine may be involved in the formation of the sparse understory vegetation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Radical scavenging activities of Rio Red grapefruits and Sour orange fruit extracts in different in vitro model systems.

PubMed

Jayaprakasha, G K; Girennavar, Basavaraj; Patil, Bhimanagouda S

2008-07-01

Antioxidant fractions from two different citrus species such as Rio Red (Citrus paradise Macf.) and Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) were extracted with five different polar solvents using Soxhlet type extractor. The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Ethyl acetate extract of Rio Red and Sour orange was found to contain maximum phenolics. The dried fractions were screened for their antioxidant activity potential using in vitro model systems such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), phosphomolybdenum method and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction at different concentrations. The methanol:water (80:20) fraction of Rio Red showed the highest radical scavenging activity 42.5%, 77.8% and 92.1% at 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, respectively, while methanol:water (80:20) fraction of Sour orange showed the lowest radical scavenging activity at all the tested concentrations. All citrus fractions showed good antioxidant capacity by the formation of phosphomolybdenum complex at 200 ppm. In addition, superoxide radical scavenging activity was assayed using non-enzymatic (NADH/phenaxine methosulfate) superoxide generating system. All the extracts showed variable superoxide radical scavenging activity. Moreover, methanol:water (80:20) extract of Rio Red and methanol extract of Sour orange exhibited marked reducing power in potassium ferricyanide reduction method. The data obtained using above in vitro models clearly establish the antioxidant potential of citrus fruit extracts. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted to ascertain the in vivo bioavailability, safety and efficacy of such extracts in experimental animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on antioxidant activity of different polar extracts from Rio Red and Sour oranges.

Decolourization and biodegradation of azo dye methyl red by Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016.

PubMed

Maniyam, Maegala Nallapan; Ibrahim, Abdul Latif; Cass, Anthony E G

2018-06-20

In the present study, locally isolated Rhodococcus strains were attempted as biological tools for methyl red removal, a mutagenic azo dye posing threat to the environment if left untreated. Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 demonstrated superior methyl red-decolourizing activity of 100% after 24 hours at static condition in comparison to Rhodococcus strain UCC 0008 which recorded 65% decolourization after 72 hours. Optimization of physicochemical parameters at 30 °C, pH 7 and supplementing glucose as the carbon source resulted in improved methyl red-decolourizing activity at static condition and reduced the time taken to achieve complete decolourization by 80%. Higher concentration of methyl red (5 g/L) was able to be decolourized completely within 10 hours by adopting the technology of immobilization. The encapsulated cells of Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 demonstrated higher substrate affinity (K m =0.6995 g/L) and accelerated rate of disappearance of methyl red (V max = 0.3203 g/L/h) compared to the free cells. Furthermore, the gellan gum beads could be reused up to 9 batches without substantial loss in the catalytic activity indicating the economic importance of this protocol. Analysis of methyl red degradation products revealed no germination inhibition on Triticum aestivum and Vigna radiata demonstrating complete toxicity removal of the parent dye after biological treatment. The occurrence of new and altered peaks (UV-Vis and FTIR) further supported the notion that the removal of methyl red by Rhodococcus strain UCC 0016 was indeed through biodegradation. Therefore, this strain has a huge potential as a candidate for efficient bioremediation of wastewater containing methyl red.

21 CFR 864.7100 - Red blood cell enzyme assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Red blood cell enzyme assay. 864.7100 Section 864... enzyme assay. (a) Identification. Red blood cell enzyme assay is a device used to measure the activity in... kinase or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. A red blood cell enzyme assay is used to determine the enzyme defects...

21 CFR 864.7100 - Red blood cell enzyme assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... enzyme assay. (a) Identification. Red blood cell enzyme assay is a device used to measure the activity in... kinase or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. A red blood cell enzyme assay is used to determine the enzyme defects... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Red blood cell enzyme assay. 864.7100 Section 864...

21 CFR 864.7100 - Red blood cell enzyme assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... enzyme assay. (a) Identification. Red blood cell enzyme assay is a device used to measure the activity in... kinase or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. A red blood cell enzyme assay is used to determine the enzyme defects... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Red blood cell enzyme assay. 864.7100 Section 864...

21 CFR 864.7100 - Red blood cell enzyme assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... enzyme assay. (a) Identification. Red blood cell enzyme assay is a device used to measure the activity in... kinase or 2,3-diphosphoglycerate. A red blood cell enzyme assay is used to determine the enzyme defects... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Red blood cell enzyme assay. 864.7100 Section 864...

21 CFR 864.7100 - Red blood cell enzyme assay.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Red blood cell enzyme assay. 864.7100 Section 864...) MEDICAL DEVICES HEMATOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY DEVICES Hematology Kits and Packages § 864.7100 Red blood cell enzyme assay. (a) Identification. Red blood cell enzyme assay is a device used to measure the activity in...

The response of red ginger (Zinggiber officinalle var rubra) with various processing in broilers were infected by Eimeria tenella

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasution, E. Z. J.; Tafsin, M.; Hanafi, N. D.

2018-02-01

Red ginger contains high antioxidants and have anti -inflamatory properties. Ginger also has the ability to treat kimiatif, antiemetic, antinausea, and antiparasitik. The aim of this experiment was identified the response of red ginger in broilers were infected by Eimeria tenella. This research used Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 4 replications. Eimeria tenella were infected by 10.000 oocysts / head and red ginger solution were aplicated with 1% concentration. The treatments consist of KP (positive control), KO (coccidiostat), K1 (red ginger powder), K2 (extracted red ginger by ethanol) and K3 (extracted red ginger by water) . The results showed that the treatment of red ginger was significant effect (P<0.05) to lower oocyst production in broilers were infected by Eimeria tenella. The comparison between extracted red ginger by ethanol is better than by water or in powder form to decreased. The utilization of red ginger showed the percentage of heterophile and eosinophile close to normal when compared with positive control. Assesment of caecum lesion score was not significant (P>0.05) different effect between all the treatments. It is concluded that the treatment by red ginger better than coccidiostat and positive control.

Historic hybridization and persistence of a novel mito-nuclear combination in red-backed voles (genus Myodes)

PubMed Central

Runck, Amy M; Matocq, Marjorie D; Cook, Joseph A

2009-01-01

Background The role of hybridization in generating diversity in animals is an active area of discovery and debate. We assess hybridization across a contact zone of northern (Myodes rutilus) and southern (M. gapperi) red-backed voles using variation in skeletal features and both mitochondrial and nuclear loci. This transect extends approximately 550 km along the North Pacific Coast of North America and encompasses 26 populations (n = 485). We establish the history, geographic extent and directionality of hybridization, determine whether hybridization is ongoing, and assess the evolutionary stability of novel genomic combinations. Results Identification of M. rutilus and M. gapperi based on the degree of closure of the post-palatal bridge was concordant with the distribution of diagnostic nuclear MYH6 alleles; however, an 80 km zone of introgressed populations was identified. The introgressant form is characterized by having mitochondrial haplotypes closely related to the northern M. rutilus on a nuclear background and morphological characteristics of southern M. gapperi. Conclusion Introgression appears to have been historic as pure populations of M. rutilus are now isolated to the north from introgressants or pure M. gapperi by the LeConte Glacier. As we do not find pure M. rutilus or M. gapperi individuals throughout the distribution of the introgressant form, it appears that the introgressants are a self-sustaining entity not requiring continued hybridization between pure parental forms to generate this novel combination of characters. PMID:19460158

Surface activity and oscillation amplitudes of red giants in eclipsing binaries

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

Gaulme, P.; Jackiewicz, J.; Appourchaux, T.

2014-04-10

Among the 19 red-giant stars belonging to eclipsing binary systems that have been identified in Kepler data, 15 display solar-like oscillations. We study whether the absence of mode detection in the remaining 4 is an observational bias or possibly evidence of mode damping that originates from tidal interactions. A careful analysis of the corresponding Kepler light curves shows that modes with amplitudes that are usually observed in red giants would have been detected if they were present. We observe that mode depletion is strongly associated with short-period systems, in which stellar radii account for 16%-24% of the semi-major axis, andmore » where red-giant surface activity is detected. We suggest that when the rotational and orbital periods synchronize in close binaries, the red-giant component is spun up, so that a dynamo mechanism starts and generates a magnetic field, leading to observable stellar activity. Pressure modes would then be damped as acoustic waves dissipate in these fields.« less

Physiological and biochemical responses of Chlorella vulgaris to Congo red.

PubMed

Hernández-Zamora, Miriam; Perales-Vela, Hugo Virgilio; Flores-Ortíz, César Mateo; Cañizares-Villanueva, Rosa Olivia

2014-10-01

Extensive use of synthetic dyes in many industrial applications releases large volumes of wastewater. Wastewaters from dying industries are considered hazardous and require careful treatment prior to discharge into receiving water bodies. Dyes can affect photosynthetic activities of aquatic flora and decrease dissolved oxygen in water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Congo red on growth and metabolic activity of Chlorella vulgaris after 96h exposure. Exposure of the microalga to Congo red reduced growth rate, photosynthesis and respiration. Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence emission showed that the donor side of photosystem II was affected at high concentrations of Congo red. The quantum yield for electron transport (φEo), the electron transport rate (ETR) and the performance index (PI) also decreased. The reduction in the ability to absorb and use the quantum energy increased non-photochemical (NPQ) mechanisms for thermal dissipation. Overall, Congo red affects growth and metabolic activity in photosynthetic organisms in aquatic environments. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A simple and sensitive fluorescence method for the determination of trace ozone in air using acridine red as a probe.

PubMed

Liu, Qingye; Lin, Chenyin; Zhang, Xinghui; Wen, Guiqing; Liang, Aihui

2014-12-01

The ozone in an air sample was trapped by H3 BO3 -LK solution to produce iodine (I2) that interacted with excess I(-) to form I3(-). In pH 4.0 acetate buffer solutions, the I3(-) reacted with acridine red to form acridine red-I3 ion association particles that resulted in the fluorescence peak decreased at 553 nm. The decreased value ΔF553 nm is linear to the O3 concentration in the range 0.08-53.3 × 10(-6) mol/L, with a detection limit of 4 × 10(-8) mol/L. This fluorescence method was used to determine ozone in air samples, and the results were in agreement with that of indigo carmine spectrophotometry. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A photoswitchable orange-to-far-red fluorescent protein, PSmOrange.

PubMed

Subach, Oksana M; Patterson, George H; Ting, Li-Min; Wang, Yarong; Condeelis, John S; Verkhusha, Vladislav V

2011-07-31

We report a photoswitchable monomeric Orange (PSmOrange) protein that is initially orange (excitation, 548 nm; emission, 565 nm) but becomes far-red (excitation, 636 nm; emission, 662 nm) after irradiation with blue-green light. Compared to its parental orange proteins, PSmOrange has greater brightness, faster maturation, higher photoconversion contrast and better photostability. The red-shifted spectra of both forms of PSmOrange enable its simultaneous use with cyan-to-green photoswitchable proteins to study four intracellular populations. Photoconverted PSmOrange has, to our knowledge, the most far-red excitation peak of all GFP-like fluorescent proteins, provides diffraction-limited and super-resolution imaging in the far-red light range, is optimally excited with common red lasers, and can be photoconverted subcutaneously in a mouse. PSmOrange photoswitching occurs via a two-step photo-oxidation process, which causes cleavage of the polypeptide backbone. The far-red fluorescence of photoconverted PSmOrange results from a new chromophore containing N-acylimine with a co-planar carbon-oxygen double bond.

Habitat Characteristics of Active and Abandoned Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Colonies

Treesearch

Susan C. Loeb; William D. Pepper; Arlene T. Doyle

1992-01-01

Active red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) colonies in the Piedmont of Georgia are mature pine stands (mean age = 87 ± 1 yr old) with relatively sparse midstories (mean basal area = 31 ± 3 ft2/ac). Active and abandoned colony sites have similar overstory characteristics, but midstories are significantly denser in...

Cooking techniques improve the levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in kale and red cabbage.

PubMed

Murador, Daniella Carisa; Mercadante, Adriana Zerlotti; de Rosso, Veridiana Vera

2016-04-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different home cooking techniques (boiling, steaming, and stir-frying) in kale and red cabbage, on the levels of bioactive compounds (carotenoids, anthocyanins and phenolic compounds) determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS(n)), and on the antioxidant activity evaluated by ABTS, ORAC and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assays. The steaming technique resulted in a significant increase in phenolic content in kale (86.1%; p<0.001) whereas in red cabbage it was significantly reduced (34.6%; p<0.001). In the kale, steaming resulted in significant increases in antioxidant activity levels in all of the evaluation methods. In the red cabbage, boiling resulted in a significant increase in antioxidant activity using the ABTS assay but resulted in a significant decrease using the ORAC assay. According to the CAA assay, the stir-fried sample displayed the highest levels of antioxidant activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Erythrocyte enzymes in sheep: comparison of activity in fetal, newborn, maternal and nonpregnant ewe erythrocytes.

PubMed

Noble, N A; Cabalum, T C; Nathanielsz, P W; Tanaka, K R

1982-01-01

Hematological data and the activities of 21 red cell enzymes were measured in 8 nonpregnant ewes, 13 chronically catheterized fetuses at 125-135 days of gestation, and 8 of their mothers. In addition, 7 lambs were followed from birth to 17 days of age. Fetal sheep red cells have dramatically increased activities for 17 of 21 enzymes measured compared with adult nonpregnant ewes. The pattern of decline of enzyme activities with development varies considerably among enzymes. The activity of seven enzymes showed an orderly decline from fetal to adult life. For seven enzymes very little or no decline in activity was observed between 125 and 135 days of gestation and birth. Pyruvate kinase activity declined to adult levels by birth. Phosphoglucose isomerase and nucleoside phosphorylase activity increased, and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in newborn lamb red cells compared to fetal cells. Differences in blood cell variables were also found among these groups.

Insight into nuclear body formation of phytochromes through stochastic modelling and experiment.

PubMed

Grima, Ramon; Sonntag, Sebastian; Venezia, Filippo; Kircher, Stefan; Smith, Robert W; Fleck, Christian

2018-05-01

Spatial relocalization of proteins is crucial for the correct functioning of living cells. An interesting example of spatial ordering is the light-induced clustering of plant photoreceptor proteins. Upon irradiation by white or red light, the red light-active phytochrome, phytochrome B, enters the nucleus and accumulates in large nuclear bodies. The underlying physical process of nuclear body formation remains unclear, but phytochrome B is thought to coagulate via a simple protein-protein binding process. We measure, for the first time, the distribution of the number of phytochrome B-containing nuclear bodies as well as their volume distribution. We show that the experimental data cannot be explained by a stochastic model of nuclear body formation via simple protein-protein binding processes using physically meaningful parameter values. Rather modelling suggests that the data is consistent with a two step process: a fast nucleation step leading to macroparticles followed by a subsequent slow step in which the macroparticles bind to form the nuclear body. An alternative explanation for the observed nuclear body distribution is that the phytochromes bind to a so far unknown molecular structure. We believe it is likely this result holds more generally for other nuclear body-forming plant photoreceptors and proteins. Creative Commons Attribution license.

Traffic signal phasing at intersections to improve safety for alcohol-affected pedestrians.

PubMed

Lenné, Michael G; Corben, Bruce F; Stephan, Karen

2007-07-01

Alcohol-affected pedestrians are among the highest-risk groups involved in pedestrian casualty crashes. This paper investigates the opportunities to use a modified form of traffic signal operation during high-risk periods and at high-risk locations to reduce alcohol-affected pedestrian crashes and the severity of injuries that might otherwise occur. The 'Dwell-on-Red' treatment involves displaying a red traffic signal to all vehicle directions during periods when no vehicular traffic is detected, so that drivers approach high-risk intersections at a lower speed than if a green signal were displayed. Vehicle speed data were collected before and after treatment activation at both a control and treatment site. Speed data were collected both 30 m prior to and at the intersection stop line. The treatment was associated with a reduction in mean vehicle speeds of 3.9 kph (9%) and 11.0 kph (28%) at 30 m and stop line collection points, respectively, and substantial reductions in the proportion of vehicles travelling at threatening speeds with regard to the severity of pedestrian injury. Other important road safety concerns may also benefit from this form of traffic signal modification, and it is recommended that other areas of application be explored, including the other severe trauma categories typically concentrated around signalised intersections.

Mechanisms of Alizarin Red S and Methylene blue biosorption onto olive stone by-product: Isotherm study in single and binary systems.

PubMed

Albadarin, Ahmad B; Mangwandi, Chirangano

2015-12-01

The biosorption process of anionic dye Alizarin Red S (ARS) and cationic dye methylene blue (MB) as a function of contact time, initial concentration and solution pH onto olive stone (OS) biomass has been investigated. Equilibrium biosorption isotherms in single and binary systems and kinetics in batch mode were also examined. The kinetic data of the two dyes were better described by the pseudo second-order model. At low concentration, ARS dye appeared to follow a two-step diffusion process, while MB dye followed a three-step diffusion process. The biosorption experimental data for ARS and MB dyes were well suited to the Redlich-Peterson isotherm. The maximum biosorption of ARS dye, qmax = 16.10 mg/g, was obtained at pH 3.28 and the maximum biosorption of MB dye, qmax = 13.20 mg/g, was observed at basic pH values. In the binary system, it was indicated that the MB dye diffuses firstly inside the biosorbent particle and occupies the biosorption sites forming a monodentate complex and then the ARS dye enters and can only bind to untaken sites; forms a tridentate complex with OS active sites. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phosphoglycolate phosphatase and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in red cells of normal and anemic subjects.

PubMed

Somoza, R; Beutler, E

1983-10-01

Red cell phosphoglycolate phosphatase (PGP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) were investigated in normal and anemic patients and rabbits. In hemolytic anemia and blood-loss anemia, characterized by a young red cell population, there was an increase in both phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels. In aplastic anemia, the phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity was normal, but the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate values were nonetheless increased. Thus, no relationship was found between phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels. The lack of correlation between the activity of phosphoglycolate phosphatase and 2,3-DPG levels suggests that modulation of phosphoglycolate phosphatase activity does not control the level of 2,3-DPG in erythrocytes.

Real-time detection of caspase-2 activation in a single living HeLa cell during cisplatin-induced apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Juqiang; Zhang, Zhihong; Yang, Jie; Zeng, Shaoqun; Liu, Bifeng; Luo, Qingming

2006-03-01

Caspase-2 is important for the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, however, the mechanism by which caspase-2 executes apoptosis remains obscure. We carry out the first measurements of the dynamics of caspase-2 activation in a single living cell by a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) probe. Two FRET probes are constructed that each encoded a CRS (caspase-2 or caspase-3 recognition site) fused with a cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) and a red fluorescent protein (DsRed) (CFP-CRS-DsRed). Using these probes, we found that during cisplatin-induced apoptosis, caspase-2 activation occurred more slowly than did activation of caspase-3; additionally, caspase-2 activation was initiated much earlier than that of caspase-3.

Health benefits of wine: don't expect resveratrol too much.

PubMed

Xiang, Limin; Xiao, Lingyun; Wang, Yihai; Li, Haifeng; Huang, Zebo; He, Xiangjiu

2014-08-01

Moderate consumption of red wine reduces the risk of heart disease and extends lifespan, which these healthy benefits are often attributed to its high antioxidant content. The relative contributions of wine polyphenols in healthy benefits were studied in this study. Among all wine polyphenols, caffeic acid was the richest one, while gallic acid showed the highest free radical scavenging activity. There was no significant difference between the prime red wine and the red wine adding 10-fold resveratrol on neuroprotective effects on SH-SY5Y cell line. The contribution percentage of resveratrol to the antioxidant activity of red wine was less than other tested polyphenols. It suggested that resveratrol may be negligible with respect to healthy benefits of red wine. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanocolloidal gold-based immuno-dip strip assay for rapid detection of Sudan red I in food samples.

PubMed

Wang, Jia; Wang, Zhanhui; Liu, Jing; Li, Hao; Li, Qing X; Li, Ji; Xu, Ting

2013-02-15

A semiquantitative dip strip assay was developed using nanocolloidal gold-labelled monoclonal antibody (Mab) 8A10 for the rapid detection of Sudan red I in food samples. A protein-Sudan red I conjugate was coated on a nitro cellulose membrane strip in a defined test line. In flow of the complex of nanocolloidal gold labelled-Mab and Sudan red I along the strip, intensive red colour that was formed in the test line reflected the Sudan red I concentration. The test required 10 min and had a visual limit of detection of 10 ng/g Sudan red I in tomato sauce and chilli powder samples. The results of the strip assay agreed well with those of a high performance liquid chromatography method for both spiked and real commercial samples. The strip was stable for at least 2 months at 4°C. The strip assay offers the potential as a useful rapid and simple method for screening of Sudan red I in food samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geodetic constraints on continental rifting along the Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reilinger, R.; McClusky, S.; Arrajehi, A.; Mahmoud, S.; Rayan, A.; Ghebreab, W.; Ogubazghi, G.; Al-Aydrus, A.

2006-12-01

We are using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to monitor and quantify patterns and rates of tectonic and magmatic deformation associated with active rifting of the continental lithosphere and the transition to sea floor spreading in the Red Sea. Broad-scale motions of the Nubian and Arabian plates indicate coherent plate motion with internal deformation below the current resolution of our measurements (~ 1-2 mm/yr). The GPS-determined Euler vector for Arabia-Nubia is indistinguishable from the geologic Euler vector determined from marine magnetic anomalies, and Arabia-Eurasia relative motion from GPS is equal within uncertainties to relative motion determined from plate reconstructions, suggesting that Arabia plate motion has remained constant (±10%) during at least the past ~10 Ma. The approximate agreement between broad-scale GPS rates of extension (i.e., determined from relative plate motions) and those determined from magnetic anomalies along the Red Sea rift implies that spreading in the central Red Sea is primarily confined to the central rift (±10-20%). Extension appears to be more broadly distributed in the N Red Sea and Gulf of Suez where comparisons with geologic data also indicate a relatively recent (between 500 and 125 kyr BP) change in the motion of the Sinai block that is distinct from both Nubia and Arabia. In the southern Red Sea, GPS results are beginning to define the motion of the "Danakil micro-plate". We investigate and report on a model involving CCW rotation of the Danakil micro-plate relative to Nubia and magmatic inflation below the Afar Triple Junction that is consistent with available geodetic constraints. Running the model back in time suggests that the Danakil micro-plate has been an integral part of rifting/triple junction processes throughout the history of separation of the Arabian and Nubian plates. On the scale of Nubia-Arabia-Eurasia plate interactions, we show that new area formed at spreading centers roughly equals that consumed at trenches, implying a dynamic connection between extension and subduction.

Combinatorial Screening Of Inorganic And Organometallic Materials

DOEpatents

Li, Yi , Li, Jing , Britton, Ted W.

2002-06-25

A method for differentiating and enumerating nucleated red blood cells in a blood sample is described. The method includes the steps of lysing red blood cells of a blood sample with a lytic reagent, measuring nucleated blood cells by DC impedance measurement in a non-focused flow aperture, differentiating nucleated red blood cells from other cell types, and reporting nucleated red blood cells in the blood sample. The method further includes subtracting nucleated red blood cells and other interference materials from the count of remaining blood cells, and reporting a corrected white blood cell count of the blood sample. Additionally, the method further includes measuring spectrophotometric absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed upon lysing the blood sample, and reporting hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample.

Advances in engineering of fluorescent proteins and photoactivatable proteins with red emission.

PubMed

Piatkevich, Kiryl D; Verkhusha, Vladislav V

2010-02-01

Monomeric fluorescent proteins of different colors are widely used to study behavior and targeting of proteins in living cells. Fluorescent proteins that irreversibly change their spectral properties in response to light irradiation of a specific wavelength, or photoactivate, have become increasingly popular to image intracellular dynamics and superresolution protein localization. Until recently, however, no optimized monomeric red fluorescent proteins and red photoactivatable proteins have been available. Furthermore, monomeric fluorescent proteins, which change emission from blue to red simply with time, so-called fluorescent timers, were developed to study protein age and turnover. Understanding of chemical mechanisms of the chromophore maturation or photoactivation into a red form will further advance engineering of fluorescent timers and photoactivatable proteins with enhanced and novel properties. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Alternative Storage for Germplasm of Native Hawaiian Berries

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ohelo berry (Vaccinium reticulatum Smith) is a small, native shrub commonly found in disturbed, open sites at 640 to 3700 meter elevation on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. The shrub is very hardy with compact form and bright waxy red new growth. Three cultivars: Kilauea, Red Button, and Nene were s...

Red palm oil as an intervention food to prevent vitamin A deficiency.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is an important cause of blindness. Red palm oil (RPO) is the richest food source of VA-forming carotenoids. We evaluated RPO carotenoid concentration and bioavailability, and used this data to estimate the amount of RPO needed to meet VA requirements. Amounts ranged fr...

Aspergillosis in a red-crowned crane

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stroud, R.K.; Duncan, R.M.

1983-01-01

An unusual form of pulmonary aspergillosis in a red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) is described in this report. The major lesion is unique because it closely resembles a lesion referred to as an aspergilloma. An aspergilloma is a single large granulomatous lesion that resembles a tumor and is caused by fungi of the genus Aspergillus.

Taper equation and volume tables for plantation-grown red alder.

Treesearch

Andrew A. Bluhm; Sean M. Garber; David E. Hibbs

2007-01-01

A taper equation and associated tables are presented for red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) trees grown in plantations. The data were gathered from variable-density experimental plantations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Diameter inside bark along the stem was fitted to a variable exponent model form by using generalized nonlinear least squares and a...

Understanding of evolutionary genomics of invasive species of rice

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Red rice is an aggressive, weedy form of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) that infests crop fields and is a primary factor limiting rice productivity in the U.S. and worldwide. As the weedy relative of a genomic model species, red rice is a model for understanding the genetic and evolutionary mechani...

Establishment of northern red oak genetic tests with nursery-graded seedlings

Treesearch

S. A. Lay; M. A. Remaley; S. E. Schlarbaum; P. P. Kormanik; T. Tibbs; R. A. Cox; T. LaFarge; A. M. Saxton

1997-01-01

Artificial regeneration of northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) has had variable success over time. Current nursery practices generally involve the growth of seedlings to a standardized height and form with little regard to seed source, seedling quality, or subsequent field performance. Additionally, there is not an accepted culling criteria for...

Alcohol, red wine and cardiovascular disease.

PubMed

Wollin, S D; Jones, P J

2001-05-01

The objective of this article is to review the existing literature concerning the effects and mechanisms of action of red wine consumption vs. other alcoholic beverages on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of particular interest is the form and quantity of alcohol consumed. This relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality is well supported by epidemiologic studies, which have suggested that different forms of alcohol alter the relative risk values for mortality from CVD. Although not without exception, current evidence from epidemiologic and experimental studies suggests a protective effect against the development of CVD with moderate consumption of red wine. The exact nature of the protective effect remains to be established. However, mechanisms including LDL oxidation and alterations in hemostatic variables are being increasingly recognized as contributory. Key components of red wine thought to be responsible for the protective effects include phenolic compounds and alcohol content. Despite the research presented, some questions relating to the current recommendations regarding moderate alcohol consumption and cardiovascular health remain. However, collectively, the literature aids in understanding some of the ways in which alcoholic beverages and their components affect the health of our population.

Health education and community participation in the control of urinary schistosomiasis in Ghana.

PubMed

Aryeetey, M E; Aholu, C; Wagatsuma, Y; Bentil, G; Nkrumah, F K; Kojima, S

1999-06-01

To study the role of health education and community participation for the provision of facilities necessary for the control of urinary schistosomiasis in southern Ghana. Health education facilitates community participation in the provision of facilities for the control of bilharzia. Three rural communities drained by the Densu river in southern Ghana. Individuals aged 14 years and above formed groups of 10-12 persons by age, sex, ethnic and educational background; 15-16 groups were formed. Based on existing structures, one community received active, another passive health education and the third had no education. All three communities received chemotherapy. Study was carried out in three phases: pre-intervention phase--during which baseline data on residents' knowledge, attitude, beliefs and perception about bilharzia were collected using focus group discussions (FGD) prior to the second phase, intervention. Another FGD was held after 18 months to evaluate the intervention--third phase. This study suggests that most community members were aware of schistosomiasis but not as a disease. Before the health education, some residents believed bilharzia was a sign of manhood while others attributed the red colour of the urine to the red colour of a variety of sugar cane eaten in the area. After the health education, residents in the three areas constructed hand-dug wells. In addition, those who received active health education constructed two toilets for the schools and weeded the banks of the rivers. Residents also associated the disease with the water snail. Health education was useful in changing community perception on bilharzia.

Aqueous extracts of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) varieties inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in vitro.

PubMed

Ademiluyi, Adedayo O; Oboh, Ganiyu

2013-01-01

This study sought to investigate the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of two varieties (red and white) of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) calyces on carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), with the aim of providing the possible mechanism for their antidiabetes properties. Aqueous extracts were prepared (1:100 w/v) and the supernatant used for the analysis. The extracts caused inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in vitro.The IC(50) revealed that the red variety (25.2 μg/mL) exhibited higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the white variety (47.4 μg/mL), while the white variety (90.5 μg/mL) exhibited higher α-amylase inhibitory activity than the red variety (187.9 μg/mL). However, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of both calyces were higher than that of their α-amylase. In addition, the red variety possessed higher antioxidant capacity as exemplified by the (•)OH scavenging abilities, Fe(2+) chelating ability, and inhibition of Fe(2+)-induced pancreatic lipid peroxidation in vitro. The enzyme inhibitory activities and antioxidant properties of the roselle extracts agreed with their phenolic content. Hence, inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, coupled with strong antioxidant properties could be the possible underlying mechanism for the antidiabetes properties of H. sabdariffa calyces; however, the red variety appeared to be more potent.

Rational and random mutagenesis of firefly luciferase to identify an efficient emitter of red bioluminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branchini, Bruce R.; Southworth, Tara L.; Khattak, Neelum F.; Murtiashaw, Martha H.; Fleet, Sarah E.

2004-06-01

Firefly luciferase, which emits yellow-green (557 nm) light, and the corresponding cDNA have been used successfully as a bioluminescence reporter of gene expression. One particularly exciting application is in the area of in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Our interest is in developing improved reagents by identifying Photinus pyralis luciferase mutants that efficiently emit red bioluminescence. In this way, the proven advantages of the P. pyralis protein can be combined with the potential advantages of a red-shifted emitter. Using site-directed mutagenesis techniques, we have identified many mutants emitting red bioluminescence. Unfortunately, these enzymes generally have significantly decreased bioluminescence activity. Interestingly, we discovered a mutation, Ile351Ala, that produced a moderate 16 nm red-shift, while maintaining excellent bioluminescence activity. We then undertook a random mutagenesis approach to identify luciferase mutants that emit further red-shifted bioluminescence with minimal loss of activity. Libraries of mutants were created using an error-prone PCR method and the Ile351Ala luciferase mutant as the template DNA. The libraries were screened by in vivo bacterial assays and the promising mutants were purified to enable accurate determination of bioluminescence emission spectra and total bioluminescence activity. We will report the characterization results, including the identification of the randomly altered amino acids, of several mutants that catalyze bioluminescence with emission maxima of approximately 600 nm.

Myricetin down-regulates phorbol ester-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression in mouse epidermal cells by blocking activation of nuclear factor kappa B.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Mi; Kang, Nam Joo; Han, Jin Hee; Lee, Ki Won; Lee, Hyong Joo

2007-11-14

Abnormal expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been implicated in the development of cancer. There are multiple lines of evidence that red wine exerts chemopreventive effects, and 3,5,4'-trihydroxy- trans-stilbene (resveratrol), which is a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in red wine, has been reported to be a natural chemopreventive agent. However, other phytochemicals might contribute to the cancer-preventive activities of red wine, and the flavonol content of red wines is about 30 times higher than that of resveratrol. Here we report that 3,3',4',5,5',7-hexahydroxyflavone (myricetin), one of the major flavonols in red wine, inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (phorbol ester)-induced COX-2 expression in JB6 P+ mouse epidermal (JB6 P+) cells by suppressing activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB). Myricetin at 10 and 20 microM inhibited phorbol ester-induced upregulation of COX-2 protein, while resveratrol at the same concentration did not exert significant effects. The phorbol ester-induced production of prostaglandin E 2 was also attenuated by myricetin treatment. Myricetin inhibited both COX-2 and NF-kappaB transactivation in phorbol ester-treated JB6 P+ cells, as determined using a luciferase assay. Myricetin blocked the phorbol ester-stimulated DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB, as determined using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, TPCK (N-tosyl-l-phenylalanine chloromethyl ketone), a NF-kappaB inhibitor, significantly attenuated COX-2 expression and NF-kappaB promoter activity in phorbol ester-treated JB6 P+ cells. In addition, red wine extract inhibited phorbol ester-induced COX-2 expression and NF-kappaB transactivation in JB6 P+ cells. Collectively, these data suggest that myricetin contributes to the chemopreventive effects of red wine through inhibition of COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of NF-kappaB.

Climatology of the autumn Red Sea trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awad, Adel M.; Mashat, Abdul-Wahab S.

2018-03-01

In this study, the Sudan low and the associated Red Sea trough (RST) are objectively identified using the mean sea level pressure (SLP) data from the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis dataset covering the period 1955-2015. The Sudan low was detected in approximately 60.6% of the autumn periods, and approximately 83% of the detected low-pressure systems extended into RSTs, with most generated at night and during cold months. The distribution of the RSTs demonstrated that Sudan, South Sudan and Red Sea are the primary development areas of the RSTs, generating 97% of the RSTs in the study period. In addition, the outermost areas affected by RSTs, which include the southern, central and northern Red Sea areas, received approximately 91% of the RSTs originating from the primary generation areas. The synoptic features indicated that a Sudan low developed into an RST when the Sudan low deepened in the atmosphere, while the low pressures over the southern Arabian Peninsula are shallow and the anticyclonic systems are weakened over the northern Red Sea. Moreover, stabile areas over Africa and Arabian Peninsula form a high stability gradient around the Red Sea and the upper maximum winds weaken. The results of the case studies indicate that RSTs extend northward when the upper cyclonic and anticyclonic systems form a high geopotential gradient over Arabian Peninsula. Furthermore, the RST is oriented from the west to the east when the Azores high extends eastward and the Siberian high shrinks eastward or shifts northward.

Characterisation of oil and aluminium complex on replica and historical 19th c. Turkey red textiles by non-destructive diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wertz, Julie H; Tang, Pik Leung; Quye, Anita; France, David J

2018-06-11

This work investigates historical and replica Turkey red textiles with diffuse reflectance infrared (DRIFT) spectroscopy to study the coordination complex between cellulose, fatty acids, and the aluminium ions that form the basis of the colour lake. Turkey red was produced in Scotland for around 150 years, and is held in many museum and archive collections. The textile was renowned for its brilliant red hue, and for its fastness to light, washing, rubbing, and bleaching. This was attributed to its unusual preparatory process, the chemistry of which was never fully understood, that involved imbuing cotton with a solution of aqueous fatty acids and then aluminium in the following step. Here we show, for the first time, a characterisation of the Turkey red complex on replica and historical textiles. The development of techniques for non-destructive and in situ analysis of historical textiles is valuable for improving understanding of their chemistry, hopefully contributing to better conservation and display practices. The results show the fatty acids condense onto the cellulose polymer via hydrogen bonding between the CO and OH of the respective compounds, then the aluminium forms a bridging complex with the fatty acid carboxyl. This contributes to an improved understanding of Turkey red textiles, and shows the useful application of handheld diffuse FTIR instruments for heritage textile research. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Understanding the degradation of Congo red and bacterial diversity in an air-cathode microbial fuel cell being evaluated for simultaneous azo dye removal from wastewater and bioelectricity generation.

PubMed

Sun, Jian; Li, Youming; Hu, Yongyou; Hou, Bin; Zhang, Yaping; Li, Sizhe

2013-04-01

We investigated the mechanism of Congo red degradation and bacterial diversity in a single-chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) incorporating a microfiltration membrane and air-cathode. The MFC was operated continuously for more than 4 months using a mixture of Congo red and glucose as fuel. We demonstrated that the Congo red azo bonds were reduced at the anode to form aromatic amines. This is consistent with the known mechanism of anaerobic biodegradation of azo dyes. The MFC developed a less dense biofilm at the anode in the presence of Congo red compared to its absence indicating that Congo red degradation negatively affected biofilm formation. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and direct 16S ribosomal DNA gene nucleotide sequencing revealed that the microbial communities differed depending on whether Congo red was present in the MFC. Geobacter-like species known to generate electricity were detected in the presence or absence of Congo red. In contrast, Azospirillum, Methylobacterium, Rhodobacter, Desulfovibrio, Trichococcus, and Bacteroides species were only detected in its presence. These species were most likely responsible for degrading Congo red.

No psychological effect of color context in a low level vision task

PubMed Central

Pedley, Adam; Wade, Alex R

2013-01-01

Background: A remarkable series of recent papers have shown that colour can influence performance in cognitive tasks. In particular, they suggest that viewing a participant number printed in red ink or other red ancillary stimulus elements improves performance in tasks requiring local processing and impedes performance in tasks requiring global processing whilst the reverse is true for the colour blue. The tasks in these experiments require high level cognitive processing such as analogy solving or remote association tests and the chromatic effect on local vs. global processing is presumed to involve widespread activation of the autonomic nervous system. If this is the case, we might expect to see similar effects on all local vs. global task comparisons. To test this hypothesis, we asked whether chromatic cues also influence performance in tasks involving low level visual feature integration. Methods: Subjects performed either local (contrast detection) or global (form detection) tasks on achromatic dynamic Glass pattern stimuli. Coloured instructions, target frames and fixation points were used to attempt to bias performance to different task types. Based on previous literature, we hypothesised that red cues would improve performance in the (local) contrast detection task but would impede performance in the (global) form detection task.  Results: A two-way, repeated measures, analysis of covariance (2×2 ANCOVA) with gender as a covariate, revealed no influence of colour on either task, F(1,29) = 0.289, p = 0.595, partial η 2 = 0.002. Additional analysis revealed no significant differences in only the first attempts of the tasks or in the improvement in performance between trials. Discussion: We conclude that motivational processes elicited by colour perception do not influence neuronal signal processing in the early visual system, in stark contrast to their putative effects on processing in higher areas. PMID:25075280

No psychological effect of color context in a low level vision task.

PubMed

Pedley, Adam; Wade, Alex R

2013-01-01

A remarkable series of recent papers have shown that colour can influence performance in cognitive tasks. In particular, they suggest that viewing a participant number printed in red ink or other red ancillary stimulus elements improves performance in tasks requiring local processing and impedes performance in tasks requiring global processing whilst the reverse is true for the colour blue. The tasks in these experiments require high level cognitive processing such as analogy solving or remote association tests and the chromatic effect on local vs. global processing is presumed to involve widespread activation of the autonomic nervous system. If this is the case, we might expect to see similar effects on all local vs. global task comparisons. To test this hypothesis, we asked whether chromatic cues also influence performance in tasks involving low level visual feature integration. Subjects performed either local (contrast detection) or global (form detection) tasks on achromatic dynamic Glass pattern stimuli. Coloured instructions, target frames and fixation points were used to attempt to bias performance to different task types. Based on previous literature, we hypothesised that red cues would improve performance in the (local) contrast detection task but would impede performance in the (global) form detection task.  A two-way, repeated measures, analysis of covariance (2×2 ANCOVA) with gender as a covariate, revealed no influence of colour on either task, F(1,29) = 0.289, p = 0.595, partial η (2) = 0.002. Additional analysis revealed no significant differences in only the first attempts of the tasks or in the improvement in performance between trials. We conclude that motivational processes elicited by colour perception do not influence neuronal signal processing in the early visual system, in stark contrast to their putative effects on processing in higher areas.

Platelets Drive Thrombus Propagation in a Hematocrit and Glycoprotein VI-Dependent Manner in an In Vitro Venous Thrombosis Model.

PubMed

Lehmann, Marcus; Schoeman, Rogier M; Krohl, Patrick J; Wallbank, Alison M; Samaniuk, Joseph R; Jandrot-Perrus, Martine; Neeves, Keith B

2018-05-01

The objective of this study was to measure the role of platelets and red blood cells on thrombus propagation in an in vitro model of venous valvular stasis. A microfluidic model with dimensional similarity to human venous valves consists of a sinus distal to a sudden expansion, where for sufficiently high Reynolds numbers, 2 countercurrent vortices arise because of flow separation. The primary vortex is defined by the points of flow separation and reattachment. A secondary vortex forms in the deepest recess of the valve pocket characterized by low shear rates. An initial fibrin gel formed within the secondary vortex of a tissue factor-coated valve sinus. Platelets accumulated at the interface of the fibrin gel and the primary vortex. Red blood cells at physiological hematocrits were necessary to provide an adequate flux of platelets to support thrombus growth out of the valve sinus. A subpopulation of platelets that adhered to fibrin expose phosphatidylserine. Platelet-dependent thrombus growth was attenuated by inhibition of glycoprotein VI with a blocking Fab fragment or D-dimer. A 3-step process regulated by hemodynamics was necessary for robust thrombus propagation: First, immobilized tissue factor initiates coagulation and fibrin deposition within a low flow niche defined by a secondary vortex in the pocket of a model venous valve. Second, a primary vortex delivers platelets to the fibrin interface in a red blood cell-dependent manner. Third, platelets adhere to fibrin, activate through glycoprotein VI, express phosphatidylserine, and subsequently promote thrombus growth beyond the valve sinus and into the bulk flow. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Essential Role of an Unusually Long-lived Tyrosyl Radical in the Response to Red Light of the Animal-like Cryptochrome aCRY*

PubMed Central

Oldemeyer, Sabine; Franz, Sophie; Wenzel, Sandra; Essen, Lars-Oliver; Mittag, Maria

2016-01-01

Cryptochromes constitute a group of flavin-binding blue light receptors in bacteria, fungi, plants, and insects. Recently, the response of cryptochromes to light was extended to nearly the entire visible spectral region on the basis of the activity of the animal-like cryptochrome aCRY in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. This finding was explained by the absorption of red light by the flavin neutral radical as the dark state of the receptor, which then forms the anionic fully reduced state. In this study, time-resolved UV-visible spectroscopy on the full-length aCRY revealed an unusually long-lived tyrosyl radical with a lifetime of 2.6 s, which is present already 1 μs after red light illumination of the flavin radical. Mutational studies disclosed the tyrosine 373 close to the surface to form the long-lived radical and to be essential for photoreduction. This residue is conserved exclusively in the sequences of other putative aCRY proteins distinguishing them from conventional (6–4) photolyases. Size exclusion chromatography showed the full-length aCRY to be a dimer in the dark at 0.5 mm injected concentration with the C-terminal extension as the dimerization site. Upon illumination, partial oligomerization was observed via disulfide bridge formation at cysteine 482 in close proximity to tyrosine 373. The lack of any light response in the C-terminal extension as evidenced by FTIR spectroscopy differentiates aCRY from plant and Drosophila cryptochromes. These findings imply that aCRY might have evolved a different signaling mechanism via a light-triggered redox cascade culminating in photooxidation of a yet unknown substrate or binding partner. PMID:27189948

Genomic Survey and Biochemical Analysis of Recombinant Candidate Cyanobacteriochromes Reveals Enrichment for Near UV/Violet Sensors in the Halotolerant and Alkaliphilic Cyanobacterium Microcoleus IPPAS B353*

PubMed Central

Cho, Sung Mi; Jeoung, Sae Chae; Song, Ji-Young; Kupriyanova, Elena V.; Pronina, Natalia A.; Lee, Bong-Woo; Jo, Seong-Whan; Park, Beom-Seok; Choi, Sang-Bong; Song, Ji-Joon; Park, Youn-Il

2015-01-01

Cyanobacteriochromes (CBCRs), which are exclusive to and widespread among cyanobacteria, are photoproteins that sense the entire range of near-UV and visible light. CBCRs are related to the red/far-red phytochromes that utilize linear tetrapyrrole (bilin) chromophores. Best characterized from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the multicellular heterocyst forming filamentous cyanobacteria Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133 and Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, CBCRs have been poorly investigated in mat-forming, nonheterocystous cyanobacteria. In this study, we sequenced the genome of one of such species, Microcoleus IPPAS B353 (Microcoleus B353), and identified two phytochromes and seven CBCRs with one or more bilin-binding cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, adenylyl cyclase and FhlA (GAF) domains. Biochemical and spectroscopic measurements of 23 purified GAF proteins from phycocyanobilin (PCB) producing recombinant Escherichia coli indicated that 13 of these proteins formed near-UV and visible light-absorbing covalent adducts: 10 GAFs contained PCB chromophores, whereas three contained the PCB isomer, phycoviolobilin (PVB). Furthermore, the complement of Microcoleus B353 CBCRs is enriched in near-UV and violet sensors, but lacks red/green and green/red CBCRs that are widely distributed in other cyanobacteria. We hypothesize that enrichment in short wavelength-absorbing CBCRs is critical for acclimation to high-light environments where this organism is found. PMID:26405033

Intraspecific variation among Tetranychid mites for ability to detoxify and to induce plant defenses.

PubMed

Ozawa, Rika; Endo, Hiroki; Iijima, Mei; Sugimoto, Koichi; Takabayashi, Junji; Gotoh, Tetsuo; Arimura, Gen-Ichiro

2017-02-27

Two genotypes coexist among Kanzawa spider mites, one of which causes red scars and the other of which causes white scars on leaves, and they elicit different defense responses in host plants. Based on RNA-Seq analysis, we revealed here that the expression levels of genes involved in the detoxification system were higher in Red strains than White strains. The corresponding enzyme activities as well as performances for acaricide resistance and host adaptation toward Laminaceae were also higher in Red strains than White strains, indicating that Red strains were superior in trait(s) of the detox system. In subsequent generations of strains that had survived exposure to fenpyroximate, both strains showed similar resistance to this acaricide, as well as similar detoxification activities. The endogenous levels of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were increased similarly in bean leaves damaged by original Red strains and their subsequent generations that inherited high detox activity. Jasmonic acid levels were increased in leaves damaged by original White strains, but not by their subsequent generations that inherited high detox activity. Together, these data suggest the existence of intraspecific variation - at least within White strains - with respect to their capacity to withstand acaricides and host plant defenses.

Five novel lanthanide complexes with 2-chloroquinoline-4-carboxylic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline: Crystal structures, molecular spectra, thermal properties and bacteriostatic activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ye; Jin, Cheng-Wei; He, Shu-Mei; Ren, Ning; Zhang, Jian-Jun

2016-12-01

Five novel lanthanide complexes [Ln2(2-ClQL)6(phen)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (Ln = Pr(1), Sm(2), Eu(3), Ho(4), Er(5)); 2-ClQL: 2-chloroquinoline-4-carboxylate; phen: 1,10-phenanthroline; were synthesized by conventional solution method at room temperature and characterized via elemental analysis, powder x-ray diffraction, Infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectrometry. The results indicate that complexes 1-5 are isostructural, and each Ln3+ ion is eight-coordinated adopting a distorted square antiprismatic molecular geometry. Binuclear complex 1 are stitched together via hydrogen bonding interactions to form 1D chains, and further to form 2D sheets by the π-π interactions. Luminescence investigation reveals that complex 3 displays strong red emission. TG/DTG-FTIR, reveal the thermal decomposition processes and products of title complexes. The bacteriostatic activities of the complexes were evaluated against Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.

A homolog of Escherichia coli RecA in mitochondria of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Yasuna; Wakabayashi, Masayuki; Nakamura, Shogo; Kodaira, Ken-ichi; Shinohara, Hiroaki; Yasukawa, Hiro

2004-05-04

The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum expresses a gene encoding a 452-amino-acid polypeptide that is 47% identical to Escherichia coli RecA. A recA-deficient E. coli, JE6651, was transformed by pYSN1, which was designed to express the truncated form of the D. discoideum gene, and used in suppression assays. The viability of the transformant, JE6651(pYSN1), increased following UV irradiation or mitomycin C treatment. Phage lambda (red(-) gam(-)), which required RecA activity for DNA packaging, formed plaques on a lawn of JE6651(pYSN1). These results indicate that the gene product has a DNA recombination activity. Fluorescence of D. discoideum protein fused with GFP was detected in mitochondria. The gene disruption mutant was hypersensitive to UV-light (254nm), mitomycin C and H(2)O(2), indicating that D. discoideum recA is important for survival following exposure to DNA damaging agents.

Phytoplankton and bacterial community structures and their interaction during red-tide phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, Mona Mohamed; Ibrahim, Hassan Abd Allah

2017-09-01

Phytoplankton and bacteria diversity were studied before, during and after red tide phenomena during spring season 2015 in the Eastern Harbour (E.H.) of Alexandria, Egypt. Fifty five species of phytoplankton were identified and represented different distinct classes "Bacillariophyceae; Dinophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Eugelenophyceae". Also, Diatom formed the most dominant group. The average number of the phytoplankton density varied from 4.8 × 104 to 1.1 × 106 cell l-1 during the study period and Skeletonema costatum was the agent causing the red tide. The existence percentages of bacteria ranged from 2.6 to 17.9% on all media tested. The bacterial isolates on the nutrient agar medium represented the highest existence with a total percentage of 43.6%, followed by MSA medium (25.7%), while the lowest percentage was for the AA medium at 7.8%. However, twelve isolates were selected as representative for bacterial community during study interval. Based on the morphological, biochemical, physiological and enzymatic characteristics, the bacterial strains were described. Depending on the 16S rDNA gene sequence, three common antagonists were aligned as: Vibrio toranzoniae strain Vb 10.8, Ruegeria pelagia strain NBRC 102038 and Psychrobacter adeliensis strain DSM 15333. The interaction between these bacteria and S. costatum was studied. The growth of S. costatum was significantly lower whenever each bacterium was present as compared to axenic culture. More specifically, 30% (v/v) of the all tested bacteria showed the strongest algicidal activities, as all S. costatum cells were killed after two days. 10% of R. pelagia and P. adeliensis also showed significant algicidal activities within six days.

Light Regulation of Swarming Motility in Pseudomonas syringae Integrates Signaling Pathways Mediated by a Bacteriophytochrome and a LOV Protein

PubMed Central

Wu, Liang; McGrane, Regina S.; Beattie, Gwyn A.

2013-01-01

ABSTRACT The biological and regulatory roles of photosensory proteins are poorly understood for nonphotosynthetic bacteria. The foliar bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae has three photosensory protein-encoding genes that are predicted to encode the blue-light-sensing LOV (light, oxygen, or voltage) histidine kinase (LOV-HK) and two red/far-red-light-sensing bacteriophytochromes, BphP1 and BphP2. We provide evidence that LOV-HK and BphP1 form an integrated network that regulates swarming motility in response to multiple light wavelengths. The swarming motility of P. syringae B728a deletion mutants indicated that LOV-HK positively regulates swarming motility in response to blue light and BphP1 negatively regulates swarming motility in response to red and far-red light. BphP2 does not detectably regulate swarming motility. The histidine kinase activity of each LOV-HK and BphP1 is required for this regulation based on the loss of complementation upon mutation of residues key to their kinase activity. Surprisingly, mutants lacking both lov and bphP1 were similar in motility to a bphP1 single mutant in blue light, indicating that the loss of bphP1 is epistatic to the loss of lov and also that BphP1 unexpectedly responds to blue light. Moreover, whereas expression of bphP1 did not alter motility under blue light in a bphP1 mutant, it reduced motility in a mutant lacking lov and bphP1, demonstrating that LOV-HK positively regulates motility by suppressing negative regulation by BphP1. These results are the first to show cross talk between the LOV protein and phytochrome signaling pathways in bacteria, and the similarity of this regulatory network to that of photoreceptors in plants suggests a possible common ancestry. PMID:23760465

Healthful and nutritional components in select Florida tropical fruits

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fourteen tropical fruits from south Florida (red guava, white guava, carambola, red pitaya (red dragon), white pitaya (white dragon), mamey, sapodilla, lychee, longan, green mango, ripe mango, green papaya and ripe papaya) were evaluated for phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid (v...

Tuning the band gap of TiO2 by tungsten doping for efficient UV and visible photodegradation of Congo red dye.

PubMed

Ullah, Irfan; Haider, Ali; Khalid, Nasir; Ali, Saqib; Ahmed, Sajjad; Khan, Yaqoob; Ahmed, Nisar; Zubair, Muhammad

2018-06-13

Tungsten-doped TiO 2 (W@TiO 2 ) nanoparticles, with different percentages of atomic tungsten dopant levels (range of 0 to 6 mol%) have been synthesized by the sol-gel method and characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, EDX, ICP-OES and XPS analysis. By means of UV-Vis spectroscopy, it has been observed that with 6 mol% tungsten doping the wavelength range of excitation of TiO 2 has extended to the visible portion of spectrum. Therefore, we evaluated the photocatalytic activity of W@TiO 2 catalysts for the degradation of Congo red dye under varying experimental parameters such as dopant concentration, catalyst dosage, dye concentrations and pH. Moreover, 6 mol% W@TiO 2 catalyst was deposited on a glass substrate to form thin film using spin coating technique in order to make the photocatalyst effortlessly reusable with approximately same efficiency. The results compared with standard titania, Degussa P25 both in UV- and visible light, suggest that 6 mol% W@TiO 2 can be a cost-effective choice for visible light induced photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cation Homeostasis in Red Cells From Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Heterologous for HbS and HbC (HbSC Genotype)

PubMed Central

Hannemann, A.; Rees, D.C.; Tewari, S.; Gibson, J.S.

2015-01-01

Sickle cell disease (SCD) in patients of HbSC genotype is considered similar, albeit milder, to that in homozygous HbSS individuals — but with little justification. In SCD, elevated red cell cation permeability is critical as increased solute loss causes dehydration and encourages sickling. Recently, we showed that the KCl cotransporter (KCC) activity in red cells from HbSC patients correlated significantly with disease severity, but that in HbSS patients did not. Two transporters involved in red cell dehydration, the conductive channels Psickle and the Gardos channel, behaved similarly in red cells from the two genotypes, but were significantly less active in HbSC patients. By contrast, KCC activity was quantitatively greater in HbSC red cells. Results suggest that KCC is likely to have greater involvement in red cell dehydration in HbSC patients, which could explain its association with disease severity in this genotype. This work supports the hypothesis that SCD in HbSC patients is a distinct disease entity to that in HbSS patients. Results suggest the possibility of designing specific treatments of particular benefit to HbSC patients and a rationale for the development of prognostic markers, to inform early treatment of children likely to develop more severe complications of the disease. PMID:26870793

Hardness as a modification index for malting red and white sorghum (kaffir) grains.

PubMed

Uvere, Peter O; Ngoddy, Patrick O; Nwankwo, Chibuzo S

2014-03-30

This study investigated changes in the resistance to fracture of malting red and white sorghum grains using a hardness tester as another method for monitoring grain modification. Grain hardness decreased progressively from 134.35 N and 137.29 N in malting red and white sorghums and levelled off after 120 h at 76.98 N and 69.14 N. In the red grain malts traditionally used for burukutu production, moisture content (r = -0.983), dhurrinase activity (r = -0.981), malting loss (r = -0.981), free amino nitrogen (r = -0.909) and cold water extract (r = -0.908) were better indicators of grain hardness than root length (r = -0.89). In the white sorghum malts, malting loss (r = -0.988), dhurrinase activity (r = -0.954) and diastatic activity (r = -0.936) were better indicators of grain modification than root length (r = -0.916). The soluble nitrogen ratio at the end of malting was lower in the red (0.049) compared with the white (0.0548). Grain hardness using a hand-held tester is a simple, fast and good index of modification of malting red and white sorghum grains. Oven-dried red and white sorghum malts could be considered to be well modified at hardness values/indices below 77 N/0.5730 and 72 N/0.5036, respectively. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

A case of red-cell adenosine deaminase overproduction associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia found in Japan.

PubMed

Miwa, S; Fujii, H; Matsumoto, N; Nakatsuji, T; Oda, S; Asano, H; Asano, S

1978-01-01

A case of red cell adenosine deaminase (ADA) overproduction associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia is reported here. This appears to be the second report. Proband is a 38-year-old Japanese male who had hemoglobin, 15.8 g/100 ml; reticulocyte count, 4.5%; serum indirect bilirubin, 4.9 mg/100 ml; 51Cr-labeled red cell half-life, 12 days; red cells showed moderate stomatocytosis. His red cell ADA activity showed 40-fold increase while that of the mother showed 4-fold increase. The mother was hematologically normal. The father had a normal enzyme activity. The proband and the mother showed slightly high serum uric acid levels. The proband's red cell showed: ATP, 628 nmoles/ml (normal, 1,010--1,550); adenine nucleotide pool, 46% of the normal mean; 2,3-diphosphoglycerate content, 3,782 nmoles/ml (normal 4,170--5,300); increased oxygen affinity of hemoglobin, P50 of intact erythrocytes being 21.8 mmHg (normal, 24.1--26.1). Red cell glycolytic intermediates in the proband were low in general, and the rate of lactate production was low. Kinetic studies using crude hemolysate revealed a normal Km for adenosine, normal electrophoretic mobility but slightly abnormal pH curve and slightly low utilization of 2-deoxyadenosine. The ADA activity of lymphocytes was nearly normal.

Smartphone-Based VOC Sensor Using Colorimetric Polydiacetylenes.

PubMed

Park, Dong-Hoon; Heo, Jung-Moo; Jeong, Woomin; Yoo, Young Hyuk; Park, Bum Jun; Kim, Jong-Man

2018-02-07

Owing to a unique colorimetric (typically blue-to-red) feature upon environmental stimulation, polydiacetylenes (PDAs) have been actively employed in chemosensor systems. We developed a highly accurate and simple volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor system that can be operated using a conventional smartphone. The procedure begins with forming an array of four different PDAs on conventional paper using inkjet printing of four corresponding diacetylenes followed by photopolymerization. A database of color changes (i.e., red and hue values) is then constructed on the basis of different solvatochromic responses of the 4 PDAs to 11 organic solvents. Exposure of the PDA array to an unknown solvent promotes color changes, which are imaged using a smartphone camera and analyzed using the app. A comparison of the color changes to the database promoted by the 11 solvents enables the smartphone app to identify the unknown solvent with 100% accuracy. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the PDA array sensor was sufficiently sensitive to accurately detect the 11 VOC gases.

Influence of red wine pomace seasoning and high-oxygen atmosphere storage on carcinogens formation in barbecued beef patties.

PubMed

García-Lomillo, Javier; Viegas, Olga; Gonzalez-SanJose, Maria L; Ferreira, Isabel M P L V O

2017-03-01

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAs) are carcinogenic compounds formed in barbecued meat. Conditions that reduce their formation are of major interest. This study aims to evaluate the influence of red wine pomace seasoning (RWPS) and high-oxygen atmosphere storage on the formation of PAHs and HAs in barbecued beef patties. In general, the levels of PAHs and HAs quantified were low. The storage (9days) promoted higher formation of PAHs in control patties without increase of HAs. RWPS patties cooked at preparation day presented higher levels of PAHs and HAs than control. Nevertheless, RWPS patties cooked after storage presented lower levels of PAHs and HAs than control. ABTS assay pointed out that higher radical scavenging activity may be related to with lower PAHs or HAs formation. In conclusion, RWPS can be an interesting ingredient to inhibit the formation of cooking carcinogens in barbecued patties stored at high-oxygen atmosphere. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phosphorylation of translation factors in response to anoxia in turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans: role of the AMP-activated protein kinase and target of rapamycin signalling pathways.

PubMed

Rider, Mark H; Hussain, Nusrat; Dilworth, Stephen M; Storey, Kenneth B

2009-12-01

Long-term survival of oxygen deprivation by animals with well-developed anoxia tolerance depends on multiple biochemical adaptations including strong metabolic rate depression. We investigated whether the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could play a regulatory role in the suppression of protein synthesis that occurs when turtles experience anoxic conditions. AMPK activity and the phosphorylation state of ribosomal translation factors were measured in liver, heart, red muscle and white muscle of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) subjected to 20 h of anoxic submergence. AMPK activity increased twofold in white muscle of anoxic turtles compared with aerobic controls but remained unchanged in liver and red muscle, whereas in heart AMPK activity decreased by 40%. Immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies revealed that eukaryotic elongation factor-2 phosphorylation at the inactivating Thr56 site increased six- and eightfold in red and white muscles from anoxic animals, respectively, but was unchanged in liver and heart. The phosphorylation state of the activating Thr389 site of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase was reduced under anoxia in red muscle and heart but was unaffected in liver and white muscle. Exposure to anoxia decreased 40S ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation in heart and promoted eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) dephosphorylation in red muscle, but surprisingly increased 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in white muscle. The changes in phosphorylation state of translation factors suggest that organ-specific patterns of signalling and response are involved in achieving the anoxia-induced suppression of protein synthesis in turtles.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase plays a pivotal role in nitric oxide-involved defense against oxidative stress under salt stress in red kidney bean roots.

PubMed

Liu, Yinggao; Wu, Ruru; Wan, Qi; Xie, Gengqiang; Bi, Yurong

2007-03-01

The pivotal role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH)-mediated nitric oxide (NO) production in the tolerance to oxidative stress induced by 100 mM NaCl in red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) roots was investigated. The results show that the G-6-PDH activity was enhanced rapidly in the presence of NaCl and reached a maximum at 100 mM. Western blot analysis indicated that the increase of G-6-PDH activity in the red kidney bean roots under 100 mM NaCl was mainly due to the increased content of the G-6-PDH protein. NO production and nitrate reductase (NR) activity were also induced by 100 mM NaCl. The NO production was reduced by NaN(3) (an NR inhibitor), but not affected by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (an NOS inhibitor). Application of 2.5 mM Na(3)PO(4), an inhibitor of G-6-PDH, blocked the increase of G-6-PDH and NR activity, as well as NO production in red kidney bean roots under 100 mM NaCl. The activities of antioxidant enzymes in red kidney bean roots increased in the presence of 100 mM NaCl or sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. The increased activities of all antioxidant enzymes tested at 100 mM NaCl were completely inhibited by 2.5 mM Na(3)PO(4). Based on these results, we conclude that G-6-PDH plays a pivotal role in NR-dependent NO production, and in establishing tolerance of red kidney bean roots to salt stress.

Vigorous star formation in a bulge-dominated extremely red object at z= 1.34

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cotter, Garret; Simpson, Chris; Bolton, Rosemary C.

2005-06-01

We present near-infrared (near-IR) spectroscopy of three extremely red objects (EROs) using the OHS/CISCO spectrograph at the Subaru Telescope. One target exhibits a strong emission line, which we identify as Hα at z= 1.34. Using new and existing ground-based optical and near-IR imaging, and archival Hubble Space Telescope imaging, we argue that this target is essentially an elliptical galaxy, with an old stellar population of around 4 × 1011Msolar, but having a dust-enshrouded star-forming component with a star formation rate (SFR) of some 50-100Msolar yr-1. There is no evidence that the galaxy contains an active galactic nucleus. Analysis of a further two targets, which do not exhibit any features in our near-IR spectra, suggests that one is a quiescent galaxy in the redshift range 1.2 < z < 1.6, but that the other cannot be conclusively categorized as either star-forming or quiescent. Even though our first target has many of the properties of an old elliptical, the ongoing star formation means that it cannot have formed all of its stellar population at high redshift. While we cannot infer any robust values for the SFR in ellipticals at z > 1 from this one object, we argue that the presence of an object with such a high SFR in such a small sample suggests that a non-negligible fraction of the elliptical galaxy population may have formed a component of their stellar population at redshifts z~ 1-2. We suggest that this is evidence for ongoing star formation in the history of elliptical galaxies.

News and Views: Betelgeuse bubbles up dust; Hydrothermal activity on early asteroids; Is this a record? Galaxy evolution in 3D; LOFAR looks farther; IOPD makes plans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-08-01

Red supergiant star Betelgeuse is surrounded by a vast halo of silicate and aluminium dust, visible in false colour in this infrared image from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope. This material may eventually form planets around a new star. Biochemical analysis of the Tagish Lake meteorites, some of the most pristine samples of carbonaceous chondrites known, suggests that much of the variation in organic matter between different meteorite samples can be ascribed to hydrothermal activity on meteorite parent bodies. European Southern Observatory astronomers have discovered the most distant quasar yet - and reckon it is one of the brightest objects in the early universe.

Disaster-related injuries and illnesses treated by American Red Cross disaster health services during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

PubMed

Noe, Rebecca S; Schnall, Amy H; Wolkin, Amy F; Podgornik, Michelle N; Wood, April D; Spears, Jeanne; Stanley, Sharon A R

2013-01-01

To describe the injuries and illnesses treated by the American Red Cross (Red Cross) during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike disaster relief operations reported on a new Aggregate Morbidity Report Form. From August 28 to October 18, 2008, 119 Red Cross field service locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas addressed the healthcare needs of people affected by the hurricanes. From these locations, individual client visit data were retrospectively collated per site onto new 24-hour Aggregate Morbidity Report Forms. A total of 3863 clients were treated. Of the clients, 48% were girls and women and 44% were boys and men; 61% were 19 to 64 years old. Ninety-eight percent of the visits occurred in shelters. The reasons for half of the visits were acute illness and symptoms (eg, pain) and 16% were for routine follow-up care. The majority (65%) of the 2516 visits required treatment at a field location, although 34%, or 1296 visits, required a referral, including 543 healthcare facility transfers. During the hurricanes, a substantial number of displaced evacuees sought care for acute and routine healthcare needs. The capacity of the Red Cross to address the immediate and ongoing health needs of sheltered clients for an extended period of time is a critical resource for local public health agencies, which are often overwhelmed during a disaster. This article highlights the important role that this humanitarian organization fills, to decrease surge to local healthcare systems and to monitor health effects following a disaster. The Aggregate Morbidity Report Form has the potential to assist greatly in this role, and thus its utility for real-time reporting should be evaluated further.

Refined crystal structure of DsRed, a red fluorescent protein from coral, at 2.0-A resolution.

PubMed

Yarbrough, D; Wachter, R M; Kallio, K; Matz, M V; Remington, S J

2001-01-16

The crystal structure of DsRed, a red fluorescent protein from a corallimorpharian, has been determined at 2.0-A resolution by multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion and crystallographic refinement. Crystals of the selenomethionine-substituted protein have space group P2(1) and contain a tetramer with 222 noncrystallographic symmetry in the asymmetric unit. The refined model has satisfactory stereochemistry and a final crystallographic R factor of 0.162. The protein, which forms an obligatory tetramer in solution and in the crystal, is a squat rectangular prism comprising four protomers whose fold is extremely similar to that of the Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein despite low ( approximately 23%) amino acid sequence homology. The monomer consists of an 11-stranded beta barrel with a coaxial helix. The chromophores, formed from the primary sequence -Gln-Tyr-Gly- (residues 66-68), are arranged in a approximately 27 x 34-A rectangular array in two approximately antiparallel pairs. The geometry at the alpha carbon of Gln-66 (refined without stereochemical restraints) is consistent with an sp(2) hybridized center, in accord with the proposal that red fluorescence is because of an additional oxidation step that forms an acylimine extension to the chromophore [Gross, L. A., Baird, G. S., Hoffman, R. C., Baldridge, K. K. & Tsien, R. Y. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 11990-11995]. The carbonyl oxygen of Phe-65 is almost 90 degrees out of the plane of the chromophore, consistent with theoretical calculations suggesting that this is the minimum energy conformation of this moiety despite the conjugation of this group with the rest of the chromophore.

Hydration kinetics of cementitious materials composed of red mud and coal gangue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Na; Li, Hong-xu; Liu, Xiao-ming

2016-10-01

To elucidate the intrinsic reaction mechanism of cementitious materials composed of red mud and coal gangue (RGC), the hydration kinetics of these cementitious materials at 20°C was investigated on the basis of the Krstulović-Dabić model. An isothermal calorimeter was used to characterize the hydration heat evolution. The results show that the hydration of RGC is controlled by the processes of nucleation and crystal growth (NG), interaction at phase boundaries (I), and diffusion (D) in order, and the pozzolanic reactions of slag and compound-activated red mud-coal gangue are mainly controlled by the I process. Slag accelerates the clinker hydration during NG process, whereas the compound-activated red mud-coal gangue retards the hydration of RGC and the time required for I process increases with increasing dosage of red mud-coal gangue in RGC.

Evaluation of parasiticidal activity of fenbendazole, ivermectin, oxibendazole, and pyrantel pamoate in horse foals with emphasis on ascarids (Parascaris equorum) in field studies on five farms in Central Kentucky in 2007.

PubMed

Lyons, E T; Tolliver, S C; Ionita, M; Collins, S S

2008-07-01

Horse foals on five farms in Central Kentucky were used in field studies in 2007 evaluating activity of paste formulations of four compounds (fenbendazole-FBZ, ivermectin-IVM, oxibendazole-OBZ, and pyrantel pamoate-PRT) against internal parasites with emphasis on ascarids (Parascaris equorum). It has been well established the last few years that there is widespread resistance of P. equorum to ivermectin. The main purpose of the present research was to obtain current data on ascaridicidal activity of FBZ, OBZ, and PRT; also, to acquire further information on ascarid resistance to ivermectin. Additionally, data were documented on drug activity on small strongyles. Detection of ascarid and strongyle eggs in feces of foals was by a qualitative method (presence or absence) or a quantitative method (eggs per gram of feces). Strongyle eggs all were assumed to be from small strongyles. This is based on fecal cultures from horses on one farm and historic records from horses in this area on excellent deworming programs. A girth tape was used to estimate the body weight of each foal so that the appropriate dose rate of each drug could be given. Many of the foals were used in more than one cycle of treatments. Efficacy of the drugs, administered intraorally, was determined by calculating the average percentage reduction (% red.) of the number of foals passing eggs after vs. before treatment: (1) FBZ at 10 mg/kg was tested on four farms; 76 foals were examined, 50 with ascarid eggs (84% red.) and 62 with strongyle eggs (0% red.); (2) IVM at 200 microg/kg was tested on three farms; 58 foals were examined, 18 with ascarid eggs (0% red.) and 48 with strongyle eggs (100% red.); (3) OBZ at 10 mg/kg was tested on three farms; 181 foals were examined, 78 with ascarid eggs (94% red.) and 79 with strongyle eggs (0% red.); (4) PRT was tested on two farms, one farm at 1x (6.6 mg base/kg); 42 were foals examined, 16 with ascarid eggs (0% red.) and 33 with strongyle eggs (12% red.) and one farm at 2x (13.2 mg base/kg); 18 foals were examined, 13 with ascarid eggs (23% red.) and 15 with strongyle eggs (27% red.).

Enhanced visible-light photocatalysis and gas sensor properties of polythiophene supported tin doped titanium nanocomposite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, M. Ravi; Siva Prasada Reddy, P.; Rao, T. Siva; Pammi, S. V. N.; Siva Kumar, K.; Vijay Babu, K.; Kiran Kumar, Ch.; Hemalatha, K. P. J.

2017-06-01

The polythiophene supported tin doped titanium nanocomposites (PTh/Sn-TiO2) were synthesized by modified sol-gel process through oxidative polymerization of thiophene. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) analysis confirms the existence of synergetic interaction between metal oxide and polymer along with extension of absorption edge to visible region. The composites are found to be in spherical form with core-shell structure, which is confirmed by scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the presence of all respective elements of composite are proven by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The importance of polythiophene on surface of metal oxide has been were studied as a function of photocatalytic activity for degradation of organic pollutant congo red and gas sensor behavior towards liquid petroleum gas (LPG). All the composites are photocatalytically active and the composite with 1.5 wt% thiophene degrades the pollutant congo red within 120 min when compared to remaining catalysts under visible light irradiation. On the other hand, same composite have shown potential gas sensor properties towards LPG at 300 °C. Considering all the results, it can be noted that polythiophene acts as good sensitizer towards LPG and supporter for the tin doped titania that improve the photocatalytic activity under visible light.

Increased red cell turnover in a line of CD22-deficient mice is caused by Gpi1c: a model for hereditary haemolytic anaemia.

PubMed

Walker, Jennifer A; Hall, Andrew M; Kotsopoulou, Ekaterini; Espeli, Marion; Nitschke, Lars; Barker, Robert N; Lyons, Paul A; Smith, Kenneth G C

2012-12-01

CD22, an inhibitory co-receptor of the BCR, has been identified as a potential candidate gene for the development of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in mice. In this study, we have examined Cd22(tm1Msn) CD22-deficient mice and identified an increase in RBC turnover and stress erythropoiesis, which might be consistent with haemolysis. We then, however, eliminated CD22 deficiency as the cause of accelerated RBC turnover and established that enhanced RBC turnover occurs independently of B cells and anti-RBC autoanti-bodies. Accelerated RBC turnover in this particular strain of CD22-deficient mice is red cell intrinsic and appears to be the consequence of a defective allele of glucose phosphate isomerase, Gpi1(c). This form of Gpi1 was originally derived from wild mice and results in a substantial reduction in enzyme activity. We have identified the polymorphism that causes impaired catalytic activity in the Gpi1(c) allele, and biochemically confirmed an approximate 75% reduction of GPI1 activity in Cd22(-/-) RBCs. The Cd22(-/-).Gpi1(c) congenic mouse provides a novel animal model of GPI1-deficiency, which is one of the most common causes of chronic non-spherocytic haemolytic anaemia in humans. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Lightweight active router-queue management for multimedia networking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parris, Mark; Jeffay, Kevin; Smith, F. D.

1998-12-01

The Internet research community is promoting active queue management in routers as a proactive means of addressing congestion in the Internet. Active queue management mechanisms such as Random Early Detection (RED) work well for TCP flows but can fail in the presence of unresponsive UDP flows. Recent proposals extend RED to strongly favor TCP and TCP-like flows and to actively penalize `misbehaving' flows. This is problematic for multimedia flows that, although potentially well-behaved, do not, or can not, satisfy the definition of a TCP-like flow. In this paper we investigate an extension to RED active queue management called Class-Based Thresholds (CBT). The goal of CBT is to reduce congestion in routers and to protect TCP from all UDP flows while also ensuring acceptable throughput and latency for well-behaved UDP flows. CBT attempts to realize a `better than best effort' service for well-behaved multimedia flows that is comparable to that achieved by a packet or link scheduling discipline, however, CBT does this by queue management rather than by scheduling. We present results of experiments comparing our mechanisms to plain RED and to FRED, a variant of RED designed to ensure fair allocation of bandwidth amongst flows. We also compare CBT to a packet scheduling scheme. The experiments show that CBT (1) realizes protection for TCP, and (2) provides throughput and end-to-end latency for tagged UDP flows, that is better than that under FRED and RED and comparable to that achieved by packet scheduling. Moreover CBT is a lighter-weight mechanism than FRED in terms of its state requirements and implementation complexity.

Inhibition of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels by gallotannins as a possible molecular basis for health benefits of red wine and green tea

PubMed Central

Namkung, Wan; Thiagarajah, Jay R.; Phuan, Puay-Wah; Verkman, A. S.

2010-01-01

TMEM16A was found recently to be a calcium-activated Cl− channel (CaCC). CaCCs perform important functions in cell physiology, including regulation of epithelial secretion, cardiac and neuronal excitability, and smooth muscle contraction. CaCC modulators are of potential utility for treatment of hypertension, diarrhea, and cystic fibrosis. Screening of drug and natural product collections identified tannic acid as an inhibitor of TMEM16A, with IC50 ∼ 6 μM and ∼100% inhibition at higher concentrations. Tannic acid inhibited CaCCs in multiple cell types but did not affect CFTR Cl− channels. Structure-activity analysis indicated the requirement of gallic or digallic acid substituents on a macromolecular scaffold (gallotannins), as are present in green tea and red wine. Other polyphenolic components of teas and wines, including epicatechin, catechin, and malvidin-3-glucoside, poorly inhibited CaCCs. Remarkably, a 1000-fold dilution of red wine and 100-fold dilution of green tea inhibited CaCCs by >50%. Tannic acid, red wine, and green tea inhibited arterial smooth muscle contraction and intestinal Cl− secretion. Gallotannins are thus potent CaCC inhibitors whose biological activity provides a potential molecular basis for the cardioprotective and antisecretory benefits of red wine and green tea.—Namkung, W., Thiagarajah, J. R., Phuan, P.-W., Verkman, A. S. Inhibition of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels by gallotannins as a possible molecular basis for health benefits of red wine and green tea. PMID:20581223

Experiment on aggregation of red cells under microgravity on STS 51-C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dintenfass, L.; Osman, P.; Maguire, B.; Jedrzejczyk, H.

Kinetics and morphology of aggregation of red cells were studied using automatic slit-capillary photo-viscometers, one situated on the middeck of the space shuttle `Discovery', and the other in the ground laboratory at KSC. Experiments were run simultaneously, blood samples being adjusted to haematocrit of 0.30 using native plasma, at temp. of 25°C, and anticoagulated by EDTA. Donors included patients with myocardial infarction, insulin-dependent diabetes, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. Macro and microphotographs were obtained during flow and statis. There was a striking difference in the morphology of aggregates formed in space and on the ground. Aggregates formed under zero gravity showed rouleaux formation, while the same blood samples showed severe clumping on the ground, in all patients blood. Normal blood showed rouleaux on the ground, but a random swarm-like pattern in space. The shape of the red cells remained normal under zero gravity.

Antioxidant enzymes activity and phenolic compounds content in red cabbage seedlings exposed to copper stress.

PubMed

Posmyk, M M; Kontek, R; Janas, K M

2009-02-01

The phenolics: anthocyanin (ATH), sinapoyl esters and activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR), in red cabbage seedlings subjected to Cu2+ stress were investigated. Cu2+ at low doses (0.5 mM), increased the levels of ATH and sinapoyl derivatives in red cabbage. High Cu2+ concentration (2.5 mM) provoked oxidative stress and enhanced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content in tissues. A lower level of TBARS was correlated with high ATH content. It seems that synthesis of these isoflavonoids is an effective strategy against reactive oxygen species (ROS). The analysis of the antioxidant enzymes activity suggested that peroxidases were the most active enzymes in red cabbage seedlings exposed to Cu2+ stress. It could results from the fact that phenolic compounds (PhC), which could be also substrates for different peroxidases, were the first line of defence against metal stress.

In situ stabilization of cadmium-, lead-, and zinc-contaminated soil using various amendments.

PubMed

Lee, Sang-Hwan; Lee, Jin-Soo; Choi, Youn Jeong; Kim, Jeong-Gyu

2009-11-01

Chemical stabilization is an in situ remediation method that uses inexpensive amendments to reduce contaminant availability in polluted soil. We tested the effects of several amendments (limestone, red-mud, and furnace slag) on the extractability of heavy metals, microbial activities, phytoavailability of soil metals (assessed using lettuce, Lactuca sativa L.), and availability of heavy metals in ingested soil to the human gastrointestinal system (assessed using the physiologically based extraction test). The application of soil amendments significantly decreased the amount of soluble and extractable heavy metals in the soil (p<0.05). The decreased extractable metal content of soil was accompanied by increased microbial activity and decreased plant uptake of heavy metals. Soil microbial activities (soil respiration, urease, and dehydrogenase activity) significantly increased in limestone and red-mud-amended soils. Red-mud was the most effective treatment in decreasing heavy-metal concentrations in lettuce. Compared to non-amended control soil, lettuce uptake of Cd, Pb, and Zn was reduced 86%, 58%, and 73%, respectively, by the addition of red-mud.

Nitric oxide diffusion to red blood cells limits extracellular, but not intraphagosomal, peroxynitrite formation by macrophages.

PubMed

Prolo, Carolina; Álvarez, María Noel; Ríos, Natalia; Peluffo, Gonzalo; Radi, Rafael; Romero, Natalia

2015-10-01

Macrophage-derived nitric oxide ((•)NO) participates in cytotoxic mechanisms against diverse microorganisms and tumor cells. These effects can be mediated by (•)NO itself or (•)NO-derived species such as peroxynitrite formed by its diffusion-controlled reaction with NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide radical anion (O(2)(•-)). In vivo, the facile extracellular diffusion of (•)NO as well as different competing consumption routes limit its bioavailability for the reaction with O(2)(•-) and, hence, peroxynitrite formation. In this work, we evaluated the extent by which (•)NO diffusion to red blood cells (RBC) can compete with activated macrophages-derived O(2)(•-) and affect peroxynitrite formation yields. Macrophage-dependent peroxynitrite production was determined by boron-based probes that react directly with peroxynitrite, namely, coumarin-7-boronic acid (CBA) and fluorescein-boronate (Fl-B). The influence of (•)NO diffusion to RBC on peroxynitrite formation was experimentally analyzed in co-incubations of (•)NO and O(2)(•-)-forming macrophages with erythrocytes. Additionally, we evaluated the permeation of (•)NO to RBC by measuring the intracellular oxidation of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin. Our results indicate that diluted RBC suspensions dose-dependently inhibit peroxynitrite formation, outcompeting the O(2)(•-) reaction. Computer-assisted kinetic studies evaluating peroxynitrite formation by its precursor radicals in the presence of RBC are in accordance with experimental results. Moreover, the presence of erythrocytes in the proximity of (•)NO and O(2)(•-)-forming macrophages prevented intracellular Fl-B oxidation pre-loaded in L1210 cells co-cultured with activated macrophages. On the other hand, Fl-B-coated latex beads incorporated in the macrophage phagocytic vacuole indicated that intraphagosomal probe oxidation by peroxynitrite was not affected by nearby RBC. Our data support that in the proximity of a blood vessel, (•)NO consumption by RBC will limit the extracellular formation (and subsequent cytotoxic effects) of peroxynitrite by activated macrophages, while the intraphagosomal yield of peroxynitrite will remain unaffected. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Growth-inhibitory effects of pigmented rice bran extracts and three red bran fractions against human cancer cells: relationships with composition and antioxidative activities.

PubMed

Chen, Ming-Hsuan; Choi, Suk Hyun; Kozukue, Nobuyuke; Kim, Hyun-Jeong; Friedman, Mendel

2012-09-12

We determined the phenolic, anthocyanin, and proanthocyanidin content of three brown, purple, and red rice brans isolated from different rice varieties using HPLC-PDA with the aid of 27 standards of known structure and matching unknown peaks to a spectral library of known compounds. Antioxidative capacities were determined by DPPH and ORAC and cell-inhibiting effects using an MTT assay. Based on the calculated IC(50) values, the light-brown bran had no effect, the purple bran exhibited a minor effect on leukemia and cervical cancer cells, and the red bran exhibited strong inhibitory effects on leukemia, cervical, and stomach cancer cells. High concentrations of protocatechuic acid and anthocyanins in purple bran and proanthocyanidins in red bran were identified. The red bran was further fractionated on a Sephadex column. Fraction 3 rich in proanthocyanidin oligomers and polymers had the greatest activity. Red bran has the potential to serve as a functional food supplement for human consumption.

Phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of major Australian red wines throughout the winemaking process.

PubMed

Ginjom, Irine R; D'Arcy, Bruce R; Caffin, Nola A; Gidley, Michael J

2010-09-22

Three Australian red wine types (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) were analyzed for antioxidant activity and a range of phenolic component contents using various spectral methods. More than half of the total phenolic compounds were tannins, whereas monomeric anthocyanins and flavonols were present in much lesser amounts (<10%). The evolution of phenolic contents and the respective antioxidant activities in wine samples from all stages of winemaking showed progressive changes toward those of commercial wines. The antioxidant activity of the wines in DPPH and ABTS assays was positively correlated with total phenolic contents and tannins. Comparisons of the three wine varieties based on their individual phenolic component groups and antioxidant activities showed limited differences between the different varieties. However, when all of the variables were combined in a principal component analysis, variety differentiation was observed. The three varieties of red wines all contained similar and high concentrations of antioxidants despite differences in grape variety/maturity and winemaking process, suggesting that related health benefits would accrue from all of the red wines studied.

Selection for a nondiapausing strain of artificially reared red oak borers

Treesearch

Jimmy R. Galford

1984-01-01

The incidence of nondiapause in artificially reared red oak borers increased from 4 to 61 percent in five generations. Fecundity dropped by more than 50 percent, but fertility was unaffected. Sixty percent of the nondiapausing larvae formed prepupa by the 12th week of development in the F1 and in the F4 generations.

New method for the selective labeling of erythrocytes in whole blood with Tc-99m

DOEpatents

Srivastava, S.C.; Babich, J.W.; Straub, R.; Richards, P.

1984-01-27

Method and kit are described for the preparation of /sup 99m/Tc labeled red blood cells using whole blood in a closed sterile system containing stannous tin in a form such that it will enter the red blood cells and be available therein for the reduction of technetium.

February Is American Heart Month | Poster

Cancer.gov

By Camille Rees, Guest Writer February is American Heart Month, and Feb. 7 was designated “National Wear Red Day” by the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association has sponsored the “Go Red for Women” campaign for 10 years. The message: heart disease is the number one killer of women. Did you know that more women die of heart disease than men?  In fact, it is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. Over the years, the red dress has become the symbol of the fight against heart disease in women.

Reconnaissance geologic map of the Muwassam Quadrangle, sheet 16/42 D, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blank, H. Richard

1985-01-01

All of the mapped area is occupied by coastal plain bordering the Red Sea. The flat coastal plain is covered by Quaternary surficial deposits overlying a sequence of Tertiary rocks as much as 5 km thick. The coastal plain is separated from the Red Sea by zone of supratidal sabkha deposits, offshore bars, islands, tidal md flats, and shallow lagoons. The sea is shallow, less than 200 m deep, and forms part of the shelf marginal to the main axial trough of the Red Sea.

Heterogeneous Catalysts for VOC Oxidation from Red Mud and Bagasse Ash Carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pande, Gaurav

A range of VOC oxidation catalysts have been prepared in this study from agricultural and industrial waste as the starting point. The aim is to prepare catalysts with non-noble metal oxides as the active catalytic component (iron in red mud). The same active component was also supported on activated carbon obtained from unburned carbon in bagasse ash. Red mud which is an aluminum industry waste and rich in different phases of iron as oxide and hydroxide is used as the source for the catalytically active species. It is our aim to enhance the catalytic performance of red mud which though high in iron concentration has a low surface area and may not have the properties of an ideal catalyst by itself. In one of the attempts to enhance the catalytic performance, we have tried to leach red mud for which we have explored a range of leaching acids for effecting the leaching most efficiently and then precipitated the iron from the leachate as its hydroxide by precipitating with alkali solution followed by drying and calcination to give high surface area metal oxide material. Extensive surface characterization and VOC oxidation catalytic testing were performed for these solids. In a step to further enhance the catalytic activity towards oxidation, copper was introduced by taking another industrial waste from the copper tubing industry viz. the pickling acid. Copper has a more favourable redox potential making it catalytically more effective than iron. To make the mixed metal oxide, red mud leachate was mixed with the pickling acid in a pre-decided ratio before precipitating with alkali solution followed by drying and calcination as was done with the red mud leachate. The results from these experiments are encouraging. The temperature programmed reduction (TPR) of the solids show that the precipitate of red mud leachates show hydrogen uptake peak at a lower temperature than for just the calcined red mud. This could be due to the greatly enhanced surface area of the prepared solids. The highest surface area of 311 m2/g was for the sample prepared from oxalic acid and l-ascorbic acid as the leaching acid; as received red mud has a surface area of 11.5 m2/g. This sample showed better catalytic performance than the ones made from hydrochloric acid as the leaching acid in spite of a similar increase in surface area. High temperature XRD shows the reason for this difference in catalytic properties could be due to both the solids reducing in a different way to give different phases though they are both derived from red mud as the starting material. Also, the sample prepared with oxalic acid leachate had higher surface iron concentration. For the best catalyst (oxalic acid derived) the light off temperature is about 300 °C for toluene oxidation. For solids prepared from red mud leachate for iron source and pickling acid for copper source, it was seen that the TPR gave hydrogen absorption at temperatures even lower than that for red mud leachate precipitates. In another set of experiments, iron oxide impregnated on activated carbon supports were prepared. Activated carbon is known for its adsorption properties which could give a better access of the impregnated metal oxide catalyst to perform the catalytic oxidation on the adsorbed substrate. Unburned carbon in bagasse ash which is a sugar industry agricultural waste was used to get the activated carbon. This material was separated from the ash and further modified to enhance the activity and increase the porosity. To this effect steam activation was performed. To impart thermal stability for oxidation reaction, the carbon was impregnated by phosphoric acid at activated at high temperatures in inert atmosphere. These carbons were thermally stable due to the surface C--O--P groups. Toluene adsorption studies were also performed for both the steam activated as well as phosphoric acid activated carbon and it was found that the steam activated carbons with less surface oxygen had reasonable adsorption attributes. For iron impregnation onto the prepared bagasse ash carbons, two different methods of impregnation viz. incipient wetness method as well as impregnation by precipitation of the red mud leachate by adding alkali to a slurry of carbon and leachate (Pratt method) was used. It was found that impregnation by precipitation led to better butanol oxidation performing catalyst than the one prepared by impregnating by incipient wetness method. The best performing catalyst amongst the iron impregnated on carbon types was found to give 100% butanol conversion at 200 °C. It was also observed that red mud leachate precipitated catalyst performed well for toluene oxidation and not for butanol oxidation while carbon supported iron oxide catalysts worked better for butanol oxidation than for toluene oxidation.

Effects of red pepper powder on microbial communities and metabolites during kimchi fermentation.

PubMed

Jeong, Sang Hyeon; Lee, Hyo Jung; Jung, Ji Young; Lee, Se Hee; Seo, Hye-Young; Park, Wan-Soo; Jeon, Che Ok

2013-01-01

To investigate the effects of red pepper powder on kimchi fermentation, Baechu (Chinese cabbage) and Mu (radish) kimchi, with and without red pepper powder, were prepared and their characteristics, including pH, colony-forming units (CFU), microbial communities, and metabolites, were periodically monitored for 40days. Measurements of pH and CFU showed that the lag phases of kimchi fermentation were clearly extended by the addition of red pepper powder. Microbial community analysis using a barcoded pyrosequencing analysis showed that the bacterial diversities in kimchi with red pepper powder decreased more slowly than kimchi without red pepper powder as kimchi fermentation progressed. The kimchi microbial communities were represented mainly by the genera Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus in all kimchi, and the abundance of Weissella was negligible in kimchi without red pepper powder. However, interestingly, kimchi with red pepper powder contained much higher proportions of Weissella than kimchi without red pepper powder, while the proportions of Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus were evidently lower in kimchi with red pepper powder compared to kimchi without red pepper powder. Metabolite analysis using a (1)H NMR technique also showed that the fermentation of kimchi with red pepper powder progressed a little more slowly than that of kimchi without red pepper powder. Principle component analysis using microbial communities and metabolites supported the finding that the addition of red pepper powder into kimchi resulted in the slowing of the kimchi fermentation process, especially during the early fermentation period and influenced the microbial succession and metabolite production during the kimchi fermentation processes. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single channel recording of a mitochondrial calcium uniporter.

PubMed

Wu, Guangyan; Li, Shunjin; Zong, Guangning; Liu, Xiaofen; Fei, Shuang; Shen, Linda; Guan, Xiangchen; Yang, Xue; Shen, Yuequan

2018-01-29

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is the pore-forming subunit of the entire uniporter complex and plays an important role in mitochondrial calcium uptake. However, the single channel recording of MCU remains controversial. Here, we expressed and purified different MCU proteins and then reconstituted them into planar lipid bilayers for single channel recording. We showed that MCU alone from Pyronema omphalodes (pMCU) is active with prominent single channel Ca 2+ currents. In sharp contrast, MCU alone from Homo sapiens (hMCU) is inactive. The essential MCU regulator (EMRE) activates hMCU, and therefore, the complex (hMCU-hEMRE) shows prominent single channel Ca 2+ currents. These single channel currents are sensitive to the specific MCU inhibitor Ruthenium Red. Our results clearly demonstrate that active MCU can conduct large amounts of calcium into the mitochondria. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New Electrochemical Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity of Beverages with Polyoxometalates as Redox Probes.

PubMed

Ueda, Tadaharu; Okumura, Takashi; Tanaka, Yukino; Akase, Saki; Shimamura, Tomoko; Ukeda, Hiroyuki

2016-01-01

A new method was developed to evaluate antioxidant activity based on the redox properties of polyoxometalates, which are partially reduced by antioxidants to generate a limiting potential. The polyoxometalates [PMo12O40](3-), [PVW11O40](4-) and [SV2W10O40]4- formed in situ were used as electrochemical probes for the new evaluation method, and their formation conditions were optimized to evaluate the antioxidant activities of gallic acid, ellagic acid, catechin, quercetin, morin, trans-ferulic acid, sesamol, α-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and L-ascorbic acid. The observed difference between initial potential and limiting potential (ΔE) were compared with spectrophotometrically evaluated antioxidant activities. In addition, the antioxidant capacities of five beverages (Japanese green tea, concentrated catechin-containing green tea, grapefruit juice, red wine and Japanese sake) were evaluated.

Direct Imaging of ER Calcium with Targeted-Esterase Induced Dye Loading (TED)

PubMed Central

Samtleben, Samira; Jaepel, Juliane; Fecher, Caroline; Andreska, Thomas; Rehberg, Markus; Blum, Robert

2013-01-01

Visualization of calcium dynamics is important to understand the role of calcium in cell physiology. To examine calcium dynamics, synthetic fluorescent Ca2+ indictors have become popular. Here we demonstrate TED (= targeted-esterase induced dye loading), a method to improve the release of Ca2+ indicator dyes in the ER lumen of different cell types. To date, TED was used in cell lines, glial cells, and neurons in vitro. TED bases on efficient, recombinant targeting of a high carboxylesterase activity to the ER lumen using vector-constructs that express Carboxylesterases (CES). The latest TED vectors contain a core element of CES2 fused to a red fluorescent protein, thus enabling simultaneous two-color imaging. The dynamics of free calcium in the ER are imaged in one color, while the corresponding ER structure appears in red. At the beginning of the procedure, cells are transduced with a lentivirus. Subsequently, the infected cells are seeded on coverslips to finally enable live cell imaging. Then, living cells are incubated with the acetoxymethyl ester (AM-ester) form of low-affinity Ca2+ indicators, for instance Fluo5N-AM, Mag-Fluo4-AM, or Mag-Fura2-AM. The esterase activity in the ER cleaves off hydrophobic side chains from the AM form of the Ca2+ indicator and a hydrophilic fluorescent dye/Ca2+ complex is formed and trapped in the ER lumen. After dye loading, the cells are analyzed at an inverted confocal laser scanning microscope. Cells are continuously perfused with Ringer-like solutions and the ER calcium dynamics are directly visualized by time-lapse imaging. Calcium release from the ER is identified by a decrease in fluorescence intensity in regions of interest, whereas the refilling of the ER calcium store produces an increase in fluorescence intensity. Finally, the change in fluorescent intensity over time is determined by calculation of ΔF/F0. PMID:23685703

Direct imaging of ER calcium with targeted-esterase induced dye loading (TED).

PubMed

Samtleben, Samira; Jaepel, Juliane; Fecher, Caroline; Andreska, Thomas; Rehberg, Markus; Blum, Robert

2013-05-07

Visualization of calcium dynamics is important to understand the role of calcium in cell physiology. To examine calcium dynamics, synthetic fluorescent Ca(2+) indictors have become popular. Here we demonstrate TED (= targeted-esterase induced dye loading), a method to improve the release of Ca(2+) indicator dyes in the ER lumen of different cell types. To date, TED was used in cell lines, glial cells, and neurons in vitro. TED bases on efficient, recombinant targeting of a high carboxylesterase activity to the ER lumen using vector-constructs that express Carboxylesterases (CES). The latest TED vectors contain a core element of CES2 fused to a red fluorescent protein, thus enabling simultaneous two-color imaging. The dynamics of free calcium in the ER are imaged in one color, while the corresponding ER structure appears in red. At the beginning of the procedure, cells are transduced with a lentivirus. Subsequently, the infected cells are seeded on coverslips to finally enable live cell imaging. Then, living cells are incubated with the acetoxymethyl ester (AM-ester) form of low-affinity Ca(2+) indicators, for instance Fluo5N-AM, Mag-Fluo4-AM, or Mag-Fura2-AM. The esterase activity in the ER cleaves off hydrophobic side chains from the AM form of the Ca(2+) indicator and a hydrophilic fluorescent dye/Ca(2+) complex is formed and trapped in the ER lumen. After dye loading, the cells are analyzed at an inverted confocal laser scanning microscope. Cells are continuously perfused with Ringer-like solutions and the ER calcium dynamics are directly visualized by time-lapse imaging. Calcium release from the ER is identified by a decrease in fluorescence intensity in regions of interest, whereas the refilling of the ER calcium store produces an increase in fluorescence intensity. Finally, the change in fluorescent intensity over time is determined by calculation of ΔF/F0.

[Scapulo-thoracic mycetoma. A rare localization, a particular form].

PubMed

Sy, M H; Diouf, S; Ndiaye, A; Dansokho, A V; Ndiaye, P D; Diop, C A; Sèye, S I

1998-07-01

An uncommon form and a rare localization of mycetoma is reported. The aim of this report was to distinguish this inhabitual form of mycetoma from some tropical diseases like onchocerca and other fungal diseases. A 55 year old man was admitted 10 years after a septic worm-hole for a scapulo-thoracic tumor. This encapsulated mass was a bending and rounded polyfistular one attached to the dorsal aspect of left shoulder. The fistula discharge a serosanguineous or purulent exudate. The characteristic red granule was not visible. The tumor was removed and histological examination was performed. A typical granuloma of red granule of streptomyces pelletieri was found. A good result was obtained with associated cotrimoxazole treatment. Scapulo-thoracic form included: scapular, axillary and chest form of mycetoma. All these localizations are rare. One of them can be complicated by osteitis or pleuro-pulmonary localization. Streptomyces pellitieri is the actinomycetic causal agent. This encapsulated form is uncommon. Scapulo-thoracic mycetoma is rare. Encapsulated and pedicular form is uncommon. Around Sahel areas, differential diagnosis must be evoked such as parasitic and mycobacterial infections.

Antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of Brazilian red propolis and plant resin of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L) Taub.

PubMed

Regueira-Neto, Marcos da Silveira; Tintino, Saulo Relison; Rolón, Miriam; Coronal, Cathia; Vega, Maria C; de Queiroz Balbino, Valdir; de Melo Coutinho, Henrique Douglas

2018-04-14

The treatment for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease can be hard and painful, such that many patients give up on the treatment. In order to find an alternative path for the treatment of these diseases, researchers are using natural products to fight these parasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiprotozoan and cytotoxic activities of red propolis samples collected from different Brazilian states and seasons whilst searching for possible activity differences. We also compared the red propolis results with the ones obtained for the plant resin extract collected from Dalbergia ecastaphyllum trees. The hydroethanolic red propolis extracts from Pernambuco and Alagoas, and the D. ecastaphyllum resin were evaluated regarding their antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic activity. All extracts showed antiprotozoan and cytotoxic activity. RP-PER showed to be more cytotoxic against protozoan parasites and fibroblast cells. All propolis extracts showed a higher cytotoxic activity when compared to resin extracts. The propolis sample collected in Pernambuco during the rainy season killed the parasites with lower concentrations than the sample collected in the dry season. The IC 50 observed against the parasites could be used without high fibroblast cell damage. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sulfur and oxygen isotopes in barite deposits of the western Brooks Range, Alaska, and implications for the origin of the Red Dog massive sulfide deposits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, C.A.; Kelley, K.D.; Leach, D.L.

2004-01-01

Sulfur and oxygen isotope analyses have been obtained for barite samples from the giant stratiform sulfide barite deposits at Red Dog in the western Brooks Range of Alaska, from stratiform barite deposits elsewhere in the Red Dog district, and from stratiform and vein and breccia barite occurrences in the central Brooks Range. Twelve of the 15 deposits studied lie within middle to Upper Mississippian black shale and chert units. The data reveal two different patterns on ?? 34S versus ??18O plots. The first, which is best illustrated by the barite deposit at Anarraaq, shows linear trends with slopes that vary with barite texture. For most samples, ??34S and ??18O values are both higher than the values characteristic of Mississippian marine sulfate. The second pattern, which is evident at the Red Dog deposits, shows no correlation between ??34S and ??18. In most samples, ??18O is below the value for Mississippian marine sulfate. Comparisons with sulfate in modern marine environments suggest a possible model for the mineralizing process. Anarraaq-type barite formed at sea-floor vents where ascending fluids carrying barium and methane encountered sulfate-bearing pore waters or bottom waters. Barite deposition was accompanied by the reduction of sulfate to H2S by means of microbially mediated anaerobic methane oxidation. Red Dog-type barite was formed in a manner similar to Anarraaq-type barite but was over-printed by a massive sulfide-forming event. Red Dog sulfides precipitated where metal-bearing hydrothermal fluids encountered pore waters that had been charged with H2S by anaerobic methane oxidation. Textural and isotopic evidence indicates that the sulfide bodies grew by consuming the available H2S and then by reductively dissolving barite. Dissolution of barite caused barium to be released to higher stratigraphic levels where it was reprecipitated on encountering sulfate. Isotopic evidence is pre sented for a link between methane venting and barite formation and raises the possibility that the coexistence of barite and sulfide at Red Dog, and the occurrence elsewhere in the district of barite-only and sulfide-only deposits, can be explained by a spectrum of vent types in the Mississippian basin analogous to the spectrum that is observed today along the modern continental margins. Authigenic barite formed at some but not all methane seeps, perhaps owing to differences in the barium content of vent fluids, differences in the relative proportion of aqueous fluid and gas emanating from vents, or differences in sulfate availability in local bottom waters. Some barite-forming seeps were later replaced by sulfides (Red Dog deposits) whereas others were not (e.g., Anarraaq barite horizon, Gull Creek, Moil). At sulfide occurrences where there is little evidence of preexisting barite (e.g., Anarraaq, Wulik, Suds), methane venting is indicated by fossils suggestive of chemosynthetic fauna. Mammiform sedimentary structures that are widespread in black chert at the top of the Kuna Formation may represent seeps that supported neither authigenic mineral formation nor chemosynthetic megafauna. ?? 2004 by Economic Geology.

The beet Y locus encodes an anthocyanin-MYB-like protein that activates the betalain red pigment pathway

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Almost all flowering plants produce red/violet, phenylalanine-based, anthocyanin pigments. A single order, the Caryophyllales, contains families that replace anthocyanins with tyrosine-based red and yellow betalain pigments. Close biological correlation of pigmentation patterns suggested that betala...

A pain-inducing centipede toxin targets the heat activation machinery of nociceptor TRPV1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Shilong; Yang, Fan; Wei, Ningning; Hong, Jing; Li, Bowen; Luo, Lei; Rong, Mingqiang; Yarov-Yarovoy, Vladimir; Zheng, Jie; Wang, Kewei; Lai, Ren

2015-09-01

The capsaicin receptor TRPV1 ion channel is a polymodal nociceptor that responds to heat with exquisite sensitivity through an unknown mechanism. Here we report the identification of a novel toxin, RhTx, from the venom of the Chinese red-headed centipede that potently activates TRPV1 to produce excruciating pain. RhTx is a 27-amino-acid small peptide that forms a compact polarized molecule with very rapid binding kinetics and high affinity for TRPV1. We show that RhTx targets the channel's heat activation machinery to cause powerful heat activation at body temperature. The RhTx-TRPV1 interaction is mediated by the toxin's highly charged C terminus, which associates tightly to the charge-rich outer pore region of the channel where it can directly interact with the pore helix and turret. These findings demonstrate that RhTx binding to the outer pore can induce TRPV1 heat activation, therefore providing crucial new structural information on the heat activation machinery.

Altered expression of blood group A and H antigens on red cells from an acute leukemic patient.

PubMed

Matsuki, T; Shimano, S; Furukawa, K

1992-01-01

Alternate expressions of the blood group A and H antigens on red cells are described in a patient with acute myelocytic leukemia. The patient's red cells showed mixed field agglutination with anti-A and anti-H sera and lectins, and no agglutination with anti-B serum. The agglutinability of the A red cells with Dolichos biflorus lectin was between A1 and A2 (A intermediate). Inagglutinable red cells were separated with anti-A agglutinin, and the proportion was about 80% of total cells. The agglutinating activity with Ulex europaeus anti-H of red cells, which were inagglutinable with anti-A, was 16 times weaker than that of group O cells. The weaker reaction with Ricinus communis lectin and the stronger reaction with Psathyrella velutina lectin on the inagglutinable cells with anti-A than those on the group O cells suggest that fucosyl alpha (1-2) and galactosyl beta (1-4) residues at the nonreducing end of carbohydrate chains of H antigens on the red cells were diminished, and N-acetylglucosaminyl beta (1-3) residues were sequentially exposed. His saliva contained A and H substances in normal amounts of a secretor. Serum alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase activity which converts O red cells to A red cells was the same as those in sera from A1 individuals. These results suggest that the synthesis of H precursors is partially blocked in this patient's red cells.

The IOC consensus statement: beyond the Female Athlete Triad--Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S).

PubMed

Mountjoy, Margo; Sundgot-Borgen, Jorunn; Burke, Louise; Carter, Susan; Constantini, Naama; Lebrun, Constance; Meyer, Nanna; Sherman, Roberta; Steffen, Kathrin; Budgett, Richard; Ljungqvist, Arne

2014-04-01

Protecting the health of the athlete is a goal of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC convened an expert panel to update the 2005 IOC Consensus Statement on the Female Athlete Triad. This Consensus Statement replaces the previous and provides guidelines to guide risk assessment, treatment and return-to-play decisions. The IOC expert working group introduces a broader, more comprehensive term for the condition previously known as 'Female Athlete Triad'. The term 'Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport' (RED-S), points to the complexity involved and the fact that male athletes are also affected. The syndrome of RED-S refers to impaired physiological function including, but not limited to, metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, cardiovascular health caused by relative energy deficiency. The cause of this syndrome is energy deficiency relative to the balance between dietary energy intake and energy expenditure required for health and activities of daily living, growth and sporting activities. Psychological consequences can either precede RED-S or be the result of RED-S. The clinical phenomenon is not a 'triad' of the three entities of energy availability, menstrual function and bone health, but rather a syndrome that affects many aspects of physiological function, health and athletic performance. This Consensus Statement also recommends practical clinical models for the management of affected athletes. The 'Sport Risk Assessment and Return to Play Model' categorises the syndrome into three groups and translates these classifications into clinical recommendations.

Cytotoxicity of Crude Lectins from Red Macroalgae from the Southern Coast of Java Island, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anam, C.; Chasanah, E.; Perdhana, B. P.; Fajarningsih, ND; Yusro, N. F.; Sari, A. M.; Nursiwi, A.; Praseptiangga, D.; Yunus, A.

2017-04-01

Lectins or carbohydrate-binding proteins, are widely distributed in nature, including in marine algae. It may have been considered that binding specificity of lectins to some carbohydrates provokes to produce many unique biological activities, including cell agglutination, mitogenic activity, and antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxicity of crude lectins from red macroalgae collected from the southern coast of Java Island, Gunung Kidul Regency, Yogyakarta against MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells. In vitro MTT assay was used in this study. The results showed that less than 50% of MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells growth were inhibited by the crude lectins from five species of red macro algae used in this study. The highest inhibition ability shown in the red alga A. nana was able to kill 47.68% of HeLa cervical cancer cells.

Adrenergic System Activation Mediates Changes in Cardiovascular and Psychomotoric Reactions in Young Individuals after Red Bull© Energy Drink Consumption

PubMed Central

Cavka, Ana; Stupin, Marko; Panduric, Ana; Plazibat, Ana; Cosic, Anita; Rasic, Lidija; Debeljak, Zeljko; Martinovic, Goran; Drenjancevic, Ines

2015-01-01

Objectives. To assess the effect of Red Bull© on (1) blood glucose and catecholamine levels, (2) cardiovascular and respiratory function changes before, during, and after exercise, (3) reaction time, (4) cognitive functions, and (5) response to mental stress test and emotions in young healthy individuals (N=38). Methods. Heart rate (HR) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), blood glucose, adrenaline, and noradrenalin plasma levels were measured before and after Red Bull© intake. Participants were subjected to 4 different study protocols by randomized order, before and 30 minutes after consumption of 500 mL of Red Bull©. Results. Mean ABP and HR were significantly increased at rest after Red Bull© intake. Blood glucose level and plasma catecholamine levels significantly increased after Red Bull© consumption. Heart rate, respiration rate, and respiratory flow rate were significantly increased during exercise after Red Bull© consumption compared to control condition. Intake of Red Bull© significantly improved reaction time, performance in immediate memory test, verbal fluency, and subject's attention as well as performance in mental stress test. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that Red Bull© has beneficial effect on some cognitive functions and effect on cardiovascular and respiratory system at rest and during exercise by increasing activity of the sympathetic nervous system. PMID:26124829

Unexplored antifungal activity of linear battacin lipopeptides against planktonic and mature biofilms of C. albicans.

PubMed

De Zoysa, Gayan Heruka; Glossop, Hugh Douglas; Sarojini, Vijayalekshmi

2018-02-25

Novel antifungal agents are required against pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans. We report the anticandidal activity of battacin lipopeptide antibiotics with previously unexplored antifungal activity. From amongst sixteen battacin lipopeptides tested against C. alibicans (SC5314) the 4-methyl hexanoyl conjugated trimeric lipopeptide 13 emerged as the lead candidate with a MIC of 6.25 μM and negligible haemolysis of mouse red blood cells. The potency of this lipopeptide was maintained under acidic conditions. Additionally, antifungal activity was further enhanced with amphotericin B at its non-haemolytic concentrations. Herein we have demonstrated for the first time that battacin lipopeptides prevent C. albicans biofilm colonisation as well as inhibit pre-formed biofilms of this fungal pathogen. XTT biofilm assays revealed that 13 prevented colonisation of C. albicans biofilms at its MIC (6.25 μM) and, at a higher concentration, eradicated 24 h (25 μM) and 48 h (62.5 μM) old preformed biofilms. In comparison, we found that amphotericin at much lower concentrations prevented biofilm colonisation (0.78 μM) and inhibited 24 h old preformed biofilms (6.25 μM), however was completely inactive against 48 h old preformed biofilms. Thus, lipopeptide 13 is more effective than amphotericin at eradicating more mature C. albicans biofilms. The membrane lytic mechanism of action of compound 13 was validated by a colorimetric assay using lipid vesicles mimicking fungal membranes in which compound 13 effected an immediate dark purple to red colour transition of suspended vesicles upon peptide interaction. In addition, TEM images of C. albicans cells exposed to 13 showed clearly disrupted cellular membranes. Interestingly, compound 13 increased the endogenous generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration dependent manner. In the presence of an antioxidant, ascorbic acid, ROS production was diminished yet antifungal activity persisted, possibly indicating that ROS production is a secondary effect from membrane lysis caused by lipopeptide 13. The lipopeptide was non-haemolytic against mouse red blood cells at the highest tested concentration (1 mM). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Red ginseng powder fermented with probiotics exerts antidiabetic effects in the streptozotocin-induced mouse diabetes model.

PubMed

Jang, Sun-Hee; Park, Jisang; Kim, Sae-Hae; Choi, Kyung-Min; Ko, Eun-Sil; Cha, Jeong-Dan; Lee, Young-Ran; Jang, Hyonseok; Jang, Yong-Suk

2017-12-01

Red ginseng (heat-processed Panax ginseng) is a well-known alternative medicine with pharmacological antidiabetic activity. It exerts pharmacological effects through the transformation of saponin into metabolites by the intestinal microbiota. Given that intestinal conditions and intestinal microflora vary among individuals, the pharmacological effects of orally administered red ginseng likely may vary among individuals. To overcome this variation and produce homogeneously effective red ginseng, we evaluated the antidiabetic effects of probiotic-fermented red ginseng in a mouse model. The antidiabetic efficacy of orally administered probiotic-fermented red ginseng was assessed in ICR mice after induction of diabetes using streptozotocin (170 mg/kg body weight). Samples were given orally for 8 weeks, and indicators involved in diabetic disorders such as body weight change, water intake, blood glucose, glucose tolerance and various biochemical parameters were determined. Oral administration of probiotic-fermented red ginseng significantly decreased the level of blood glucose of about 62.5% in the fasting state and induced a significant increase in glucose tolerance of about 10.2% compared to the control diabetic mice. Additionally, various indicators of diabetes and biochemical data (e.g., blood glycosylated haemoglobin level, serum concentrations of insulin, and α-amylase activity) showed a significant improvement in the diabetic conditions of the mice treated with probiotic-fermented red ginseng in comparison with those of control diabetic mice. Our results demonstrate the antidiabetic effects of probiotic-fermented red ginseng in the streptozotocin-induced mouse diabetes model and suggest that probiotic-fermented red ginseng may be a uniformly effective red ginseng product.

[Impact of oxygen toxic action on the erythrocyte membrane and possibility of estimating central nervous system function disturbances].

PubMed

Belić, Branislava; Cincović, Marko R

2011-07-01

BACKGROUND/AIM; Prolonged exposure to hyperbaric oxygen leads to changes of erythrocytes shape as a consequence of toxic effects of oxygen on the erythrocyte membrane. The aim of this study was to examine the association between occurance of pathological forms of erythrocytes at different time from the start of hyperbaric oxygenation and the moment of convulsions occurrence, an interrelationship of different pathological forms of erythrocytes during exposure to hyperbaric oxygenation, as well as the correlation between the presence of ruptured erythrocytes and function of central nervous system (CNS) after completion of hyperbaric treatment. Sixty laboratory mice, Mus musculus, were exposed to the wholly-oxygen pressure of 3.5 absolute atmospheres (ATA). Blood was collected at the 32nd, 34th, 36th, 38th and 40th minutes after the exposure to oxygen. Pathological forms of erythrocytes were examined by electron microscopy. A moment of convulsions occurrence was registered in all animals. After decompression neurological examinations of experimental animals were perfomed. The Pearson's coefficient of correlation, and linear regression equations for the parameters outlined in the aim of the study were calculated. Hyperbaric oxygen caused damages of erythrocytes at the 34th minute after beginning of the treatment. Various forms of abnormal red blood cells occured, and immediately before the occurrence of irreversible changes (erythrocyte membrane rupture) echinocyte shape was dominated. A significant correlation between the number of damaged red blood cells at 34th minute and their number at the 36th, 38th and 40th minute was found. Convulsions were diagnosed significantly earlier in mice with a greater number of damaged red blood cells (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between the number of irreversiblly damaged red blood cells (ruptured) at the 40th minute and neurological score in the studied animals (p < 0.05). The analysis of altered erythrocytes during hyperbaric oxygenation could predict a moment of seizures occurrence, and therefore the duration of the therapy with hyperbaric oxygen. Ehinocytes indicate impending rupture of red blood cells and a possible occurrence of seizures. An increased number of ruptured red blood cells may also even indicate the potential burden of CNS after cessation of hyperbaric oxygenation.

The First Mutant of the Aequorea victoria Green Fluorescent Protein That Forms a Red Chromophore†

PubMed Central

Mishin, Alexander S.; Subach, Fedor V.; Yampolsky, Ilia V.; King, William; Lukyanov, Konstantin A.; Verkhusha, Vladislav V.

2010-01-01

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) from a jellyfish, Aequorea victoria, and its mutants are widely used in biomedical studies as fluorescent markers. In spite of the enormous efforts of academia and industry toward generating its red fluorescent mutants, no GFP variants with emission maximum at more than 529 nm have been developed during the 15 years since its cloning. Here, we used a new strategy of molecular evolution aimed at generating a red-emitting mutant of GFP. As a result, we have succeeded in producing the first GFP mutant that substantially matures to the red-emitting state with excitation and emission maxima at 555 and 585 nm, respectively. A novel, nonoxidative mechanism for formation of the red chromophore in this mutant that includes a dehydration of the Ser65 side chain has been proposed. Model experiments showed that the novel dual-color GFP mutant with green and red emission is suitable for multicolor flow cytometry as an additional color since it is clearly separable from both green and red fluorescent tags. PMID:18366185

The Thrombopoietin Receptor: Structural Basis of Traffic and Activation by Ligand, Mutations, Agonists, and Mutated Calreticulin.

PubMed

Varghese, Leila N; Defour, Jean-Philippe; Pecquet, Christian; Constantinescu, Stefan N

2017-01-01

A well-functioning hematopoietic system requires a certain robustness and flexibility to maintain appropriate quantities of functional mature blood cells, such as red blood cells and platelets. This review focuses on the cytokine receptor that plays a significant role in thrombopoiesis: the receptor for thrombopoietin (TPO-R; also known as MPL). Here, we survey the work to date to understand how this receptor functions at a molecular level throughout its lifecycle, from traffic to the cell surface, dimerization and binding cognate cytokine via its extracellular domain, through to its subsequent activation of associated Janus kinases and initiation of downstream signaling pathways, as well as the regulation of these processes. Atomic level resolution structures of TPO-R have remained elusive. The identification of disease-causing mutations in the receptor has, however, offered some insight into structure and function relationships, as has artificial means of receptor activation, through TPO mimetics, transmembrane-targeting receptor agonists, and engineering in dimerization domains. More recently, a novel activation mechanism was identified whereby mutated forms of calreticulin form complexes with TPO-R via its extracellular N-glycosylated domain. Such complexes traffic pathologically in the cell and persistently activate JAK2, downstream signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), and other pathways. This pathologic TPO-R activation is associated with a large fraction of human myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Fe isotope composition of the Quaternary Red Clay in Southeast China and its paleo-environmental implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xue-Feng; Xue, Yong

2015-04-01

Fe has four stable isotopes, 54Fe (5.84%), 56Fe (91.76%), 57Fe (2.12%) and 58Fe (0.28%). The occurrence of Fe isotopic fractionation during the weathering and pedogenic processes might have some significant paleo-environmental implications. The Quaternary Red Clay (QRC), widely distributed to the south of the Yangtze River, is regarded as a potential archive to record the paleoclimatic changes in subtropical China since the Middle Pleistocene. The composition of Fe isotopes in a profile of the QRC in Langxi County, Anhui Province, Southeast China, was analyzed by the MC-ICP-MS method in this study. The results were as follows: (1) δ56Fe of the Yellow-brown Earth (YBE), the uppermost layer of the profile, only slightly fluctuates between 0.10‰ ~ 0.12‰. That of the Uniform Red Clay (URC) was stable and 0.03‰ in content. That of the Reticulate Red Clay (RRC) in the lower part of the profile, however, was instable and fluctuates between -0.06‰ ~ 0.05‰. (2) The reticulate (net-like) pattern of the RRC was formed by the partial leaching of Fe in the red clay possibly due to long-term frequent fluctuations of groundwater table. The white veins of the RRC were deficiency in both total Fe (Fet) and free Fe (Fed), but the red ones were not. A significant difference of δ56Fe between the white and red veins of the RRC was found. δ56Fe of the white veins, 0.35‰ on average, was significantly higher than that of the red veins, -0.09‰ on average. This suggests that lighter Fe isotopes were preferentially removed during the formation of the reticulate pattern. (3) The content of free Fe oxides in soil is evaluated by the CBD-extracted method. δ56Fe of the CBD-extracted fraction of the red clay samples, -0.083‰ on average, is significantly lower than that of the residual fraction, 0.361‰ on average, suggesting that lighter Fe isotopes were preferentially released from primary minerals to form Fe oxides in the red clay. (4) δ56Fe of the entire profile was negatively significantly correlated with Fet and Fed contents (r2=0.3009 and 0.5105, respectively), which also suggests that Fe in the QRC becomes heavier after the preferential leaching of lighter Fe during the intensive weathering and reticulating processes. In short, the Fe isotopes were only weakly fractionated in the red clay formation under an aerobic condition. When the RRC was formed, however, a large amount of lighter Fe isotopes were preferentially removed under an anaerobic condition and heavier Fe were relatively accumulated in the residues. Therefore, heavier Fe in the red clay may imply a warm and humid climate and luxuriant vegetation during the Middle Pleistocene. The Fe isotope composition of soils or paleosols is a promising factor to interpret pedogenic processes and indicate paleo-environmental changes.

Congo red agar, a differential medium for Aeromonas salmonicida, detects the presence of the cell surface protein array involved in virulence.

PubMed Central

Ishiguro, E E; Ainsworth, T; Trust, T J; Kay, W W

1985-01-01

Strains of the fish pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida which possess the cell surface protein array known as the A-layer (A+) involved in virulence formed deep red colonies on tryptic soy agar containing 30 micrograms of Congo red per ml. These were readily distinguished from colorless or light orange colonies of avirulent mutants lacking A-layer (A-). The utility of Congo red agar for quantifying A+ and A- cells in the routine assessment of culture virulence was demonstrated. Intact A+ cells adsorbed Congo red, whereas A- mutants did not bind Congo red unless first permeabilized with EDTA. The dye-binding component of A+ cells was shown to be the 50,000-Mr A-protein component of the surface array. Purified A-protein avidly bound Congo red at a dye-to-protein molar ratio of about 30 by a nonspecific hydrophobic mechanism enhanced by high salt concentrations. Neither A+ nor A- cells adsorbed to Congo red-Sepharose columns at low salt concentrations. On the other hand, A+ (but not A-) cells were avidly bound at high salt concentrations. Images PMID:3934141

The Nature of Red-Sequence Cluster Spiral Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kashur, Lane; Barkhouse, Wayne; Sultanova, Madina; Kalawila Vithanage, Sandanuwa; Archer, Haylee; Foote, Gregory; Mathew, Elijah; Rude, Cody; Lopez-Cruz, Omar

2017-01-01

Preliminary analysis of the red-sequence galaxy population from a sample of 57 low-redshift galaxy clusters observed using the KPNO 0.9m telescope and 74 clusters from the WINGS dataset, indicates that a small fraction of red-sequence galaxies have a morphology consistent with spiral systems. For spiral galaxies to acquire the color of elliptical/S0s at a similar luminosity, they must either have been stripped of their star-forming gas at an earlier epoch, or contain a larger than normal fraction of dust. To test these ideas we have compiled a sample of red-sequence spiral galaxies and examined their infrared properties as measured by 2MASS, WISE, Spitzer, and Herschel. These IR data allows us to estimate the amount of dust in each of our red-sequence spiral galaxies. We compare the estimated dust mass in each of these red-sequence late-type galaxies with spiral galaxies located in the same cluster field but having colors inconsistent with the red-sequence. We thus provide a statistical measure to discriminate between purely passive spiral galaxy evolution and dusty spirals to explain the presence of these late-type systems in cluster red-sequences.

32 CFR 700.816 - The American National Red Cross.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS The Commanding Officer Commanding Officers in General § 700.816 The American National Red Cross. (a) Pursuant to the request of the... Medical Command. (c) Activities and personnel of the American National Red Cross in areas subject to naval...

32 CFR 700.816 - The American National Red Cross.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS The Commanding Officer Commanding Officers in General § 700.816 The American National Red Cross. (a) Pursuant to the request of the... Medical Command. (c) Activities and personnel of the American National Red Cross in areas subject to naval...

32 CFR 700.816 - The American National Red Cross.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS The Commanding Officer Commanding Officers in General § 700.816 The American National Red Cross. (a) Pursuant to the request of the... Medical Command. (c) Activities and personnel of the American National Red Cross in areas subject to naval...

32 CFR 700.816 - The American National Red Cross.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS The Commanding Officer Commanding Officers in General § 700.816 The American National Red Cross. (a) Pursuant to the request of the... Medical Command. (c) Activities and personnel of the American National Red Cross in areas subject to naval...

32 CFR 700.816 - The American National Red Cross.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS UNITED STATES NAVY REGULATIONS AND OFFICIAL RECORDS The Commanding Officer Commanding Officers in General § 700.816 The American National Red Cross. (a) Pursuant to the request of the... Medical Command. (c) Activities and personnel of the American National Red Cross in areas subject to naval...

Do Red-cockaded Woodpeckers Select Cavity Trees Based on Chemical Composition of Pine Resin?

Treesearch

Richard N. Conner; Robert H. Johnson; D. Craig Rudolph; Daniel Saenz

2003-01-01

We examined resin chemistry of loblolly (Pinus taeda) and shortleaf (P. echinata) pines selected as cavity trees by Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (Picoides borealis) in eastern Texas. We sampled resin from (1) pines selected by Red-cockaded Woodpeckers that contained naturally excavated active cavities, (2) pines...

Mantle flow beneath Arabia offset from the opening Red Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Sung-Joon; Merino, Miguel; Van der Lee, Suzan; Stein, Seth; Stein, Carol A.

2011-02-01

Continental rifting involves a poorly understood sequence of lithospheric stretching, volcanism, and mantle flow that evolves to seafloor spreading. We present new insight from inversion of seismic traveltimes and waveforms beneath Arabia and surroundings. Low velocities occur beneath the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, consistent with active spreading. However, hot material extends not below the northern Red Sea, but is offset eastward beneath Arabia, showing mantle flow from the Afar hotspot. The location of this channel beneath volcanic rocks erupted since rifting began 30 million years ago indicates that flow moves with Arabia. We propose that the absence of seafloor spreading in the northern Red Sea reflects the offset flow. This geometry may evolve to spreading in the Northern Red Sea, rifting of Arabia, or both. This situation has aspects of both active and passive rifting, showing that both can occur before coalescing to seafloor spreading.

Comparative Effects of Gamma Irradiation and Ozone Treatment on Hygienic Quality of Korean Red Ginseng Powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, Myung-Woo; Yook, Hong-Sun; Kang, Il-Jun; Chung, Cha-Kwon; Kwon, Joong-Ho; Choi, Kang-Ju

1998-06-01

For the purpose of improving hygienic quality of Korean red ginseng powder, the comparative effects of gamma irradiation and ozone treatment on the microbial and physicochemical properties were investigated. Gamma irradiation at 7.5 kGy resulted in sterilization of total aerobic bacteria, molds and coliforms below detective levels, while ozone treatment for 8 hours up to 18 ppm did not sufficiently eliminate the microorganisms of the red ginseng powder. Physicochemical properties including compositions of the red ginseng saponin (ginsenosides) and fatty acids, pH and hydrogen doanting activity were not significantly changed by gamma irradiation, whereas, ozone treatment caused significant changes in fatty acid compositions, TBA value, pH, acidity and hydrogen donating activity. The results from this study led us to conclude that gamma irradiation was more effective than ozone treatment both for the improvement of hygienic quality and for the maintenance of physicochemical quality of red ginseng powder.

Active-optical reflectance sensing evaluated for red and red-edge waveband sensitivity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Uncertainty exists with corn (Zea mays L.) N management due to year-to-year variation in crop N need, soil N supply, and N loss from leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. Active-optical reflectance sensing (AORS) has proven effective in some fields for generating N fertilizer recommendation...

Haemoglobin variants, iron status and anaemia in Sri Lankan adolescents with low red cell indices: A cross sectional survey.

PubMed

Rodrigo, Rexan; Allen, Angela; Manampreri, Aresha; Perera, Luxman; Fisher, Christopher A; Allen, Stephen; Weatherall, David J; Premawardhena, Anuja

2018-07-01

Iron deficiency complicates the use of red cell indices to screen for carriers of haemoglobin variants in many populations. In a cross sectional survey of 7526 secondary school students from 25 districts of Sri Lanka, 1963 (26.0%) students had low red cell indices. Iron deficiency, identified by low serum ferritin, was the major identifiable cause occurring in 550/1806 (30.5%) students. Low red cell indices occurred in iron-replete students with alpha-thalassaemia including those with single alpha-globin gene deletions. Anaemia and low red cell indices were also common in beta-thalassaemia trait. An unexpected finding was that low red cell indices occurred in 713 iron-replete students with a normal haemoglobin genotype. It is common practice to prescribe iron supplements to individuals with low red cell indices. Since low red cell indices were a feature of all forms of α thalassaemia and also of iron deficiency, in areas where both conditions are common, such as Sri Lanka, it is imperative to differentiate between the two, to allow targeted administration of iron supplements and avoid the possible deleterious effects of increased iron availability in iron replete individuals with low red cell indices due to other causes such as α thalassaemia. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prostaglandin E2 activates channel-mediated calcium entry in human erythrocytes: an indication for a blood clot formation supporting process.

PubMed

Kaestner, Lars; Tabellion, Wiebke; Lipp, Peter; Bernhardt, Ingolf

2004-12-01

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is released from platelets when they are activated. Using fluorescence imaging and the patch-clamp technique, we provide evidence that PGE(2) at physiological concentrations (10(-10) M) activates calcium rises mediated by calcium influx through a non-selective cation-channel in human red blood cells. The extent of calcium increase varied between cells with a total of 45% of the cells responding. It is well known that calcium increases elicited the calcium-activated potassium channel (Gardos channel) in the red cell membrane. Previously, it was shown that the Gardos channel activation results in potassium efflux and shrinkage of the cells. Therefore, we conclude that the PGE(2) responses of red blood cells described here reveal a direct and active participation of erythrocytes in blood clot formation.

Voltage activation and hysteresis of the non-selective voltage-dependent channel in the intact human red cell.

PubMed

Bennekou, Poul; Barksmann, Trine L; Jensen, Lars R; Kristensen, Berit I; Christophersen, Palle

2004-05-01

Suspension of intact human red cells in media with low chloride and sodium concentrations (isotonic sucrose substitution) results in strongly inside positive membrane potentials, which activate the voltage-dependent non-selective cation (NSVDC) channel. By systematic variation of the initial Nernst potentials for chloride (degree of ion substitution) as well as the chloride conductance (block by NS1652), and by exploiting the interplay between the Ca(2+)-permeable NSVDC channel, the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel (the Gárdos channel) and the Ca(2+)-pump, a graded activation of the NSVDC channel was achieved. Under these conditions, it was shown that the NSVDC channels exist in two states of activation depending on the initial conditions for the activation. The hysteretic behaviour, which in patch clamp experiments has been found for the individual channel unit, is thus retained at the cellular level and can be demonstrated with red cells in suspension.

Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Wine Lees

PubMed Central

Zhijing, Ye; Shavandi, Amin; Harrison, Roland; Bekhit, Alaa El-Din A.

2018-01-01

The effect of vinification techniques on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of wine lees are poorly understood. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of white and red wine lees generated at early fermentation and during aging. In this study, the total phenol content (TPC), total tannin content (TTC), mean degree of polymerization (mDP), and antioxidant activities of five white and eight red wine lees samples from different vinification backgrounds were determined. The results showed that vinification techniques had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on total phenol and tannin content of the samples. White wine lees had high mDP content compared with red ones. Catechin (50–62%) and epicatechin contents were the predominant terminal units of polymeric proanthocyanidin extracted from examined samples. Epigallocatechin was the predominant extension unit of white wine lees, whereas epicatechin was the predominant compound in red wine marc. The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay was strongly correlated with the DPPH (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and the results showed the strong antioxidant activities associated with red wine lees (PN > 35 mg Trolox/g FDM) (PN: Pinot noir lees; FDM: Freeze-dried Material). This study indicates that tannin is one of the major phenolic compounds available in wine lees that can be useful in human and animal health applications. PMID:29587406

Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in Wine Lees.

PubMed

Zhijing, Ye; Shavandi, Amin; Harrison, Roland; Bekhit, Alaa El-Din A

2018-03-25

The effect of vinification techniques on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of wine lees are poorly understood. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of white and red wine lees generated at early fermentation and during aging. In this study, the total phenol content (TPC), total tannin content (TTC), mean degree of polymerization (mDP), and antioxidant activities of five white and eight red wine lees samples from different vinification backgrounds were determined. The results showed that vinification techniques had a significant ( p < 0.05) impact on total phenol and tannin content of the samples. White wine lees had high mDP content compared with red ones. Catechin (50-62%) and epicatechin contents were the predominant terminal units of polymeric proanthocyanidin extracted from examined samples. Epigallocatechin was the predominant extension unit of white wine lees, whereas epicatechin was the predominant compound in red wine marc. The ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay was strongly correlated with the DPPH (α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) assay, and the results showed the strong antioxidant activities associated with red wine lees (PN > 35 mg Trolox/g FDM) (PN: Pinot noir lees; FDM: Freeze-dried Material). This study indicates that tannin is one of the major phenolic compounds available in wine lees that can be useful in human and animal health applications.

Inhibition of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels by gallotannins as a possible molecular basis for health benefits of red wine and green tea.

PubMed

Namkung, Wan; Thiagarajah, Jay R; Phuan, Puay-Wah; Verkman, A S

2010-11-01

TMEM16A was found recently to be a calcium-activated Cl(-) channel (CaCC). CaCCs perform important functions in cell physiology, including regulation of epithelial secretion, cardiac and neuronal excitability, and smooth muscle contraction. CaCC modulators are of potential utility for treatment of hypertension, diarrhea, and cystic fibrosis. Screening of drug and natural product collections identified tannic acid as an inhibitor of TMEM16A, with IC(50) ∼ 6 μM and ∼100% inhibition at higher concentrations. Tannic acid inhibited CaCCs in multiple cell types but did not affect CFTR Cl(-) channels. Structure-activity analysis indicated the requirement of gallic or digallic acid substituents on a macromolecular scaffold (gallotannins), as are present in green tea and red wine. Other polyphenolic components of teas and wines, including epicatechin, catechin, and malvidin-3-glucoside, poorly inhibited CaCCs. Remarkably, a 1000-fold dilution of red wine and 100-fold dilution of green tea inhibited CaCCs by >50%. Tannic acid, red wine, and green tea inhibited arterial smooth muscle contraction and intestinal Cl(-) secretion. Gallotannins are thus potent CaCC inhibitors whose biological activity provides a potential molecular basis for the cardioprotective and antisecretory benefits of red wine and green tea.

Influence of conventional and ultrasonic-assisted extraction on phenolic contents, betacyanin contents, and antioxidant capacity of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus).

PubMed

Ramli, Nurul Shazini; Ismail, Patimah; Rahmat, Asmah

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of extraction methods on antioxidant capacities of red dragon fruit peel and flesh. Antioxidant capacities were measured using ethylenebenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent while quantitative determination of total flavonoid content (TFC) was conducted using aluminium trichloride colorimetric method. Betacyanin content (BC) was measured by spectrophotometer. Red dragon fruit was extracted using conventional (CV) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UE) technique to determine the most efficient way of extracting its antioxidant components. Results indicated that UE increased TFC, reduced the extraction yield, BC, and TPC, but exhibited the strongest scavenging activity for the peel of red dragon fruit. In contrast, UE reduced BC, TFC, and scavenging activity but increased the yield for the flesh. Nonetheless, UE slightly increases TPC in flesh. Scavenging activity and reducing power were highly correlated with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Conversely, the scavenging activity and reducing power were weakly correlated with betacyanin content. This work gives scientific evidences for the consideration of the type of extraction techniques for the peel and flesh of red dragon fruit in applied research and food industry.

Intraspecific variation among Tetranychid mites for ability to detoxify and to induce plant defenses

PubMed Central

Ozawa, Rika; Endo, Hiroki; Iijima, Mei; Sugimoto, Koichi; Takabayashi, Junji; Gotoh, Tetsuo; Arimura, Gen-ichiro

2017-01-01

Two genotypes coexist among Kanzawa spider mites, one of which causes red scars and the other of which causes white scars on leaves, and they elicit different defense responses in host plants. Based on RNA-Seq analysis, we revealed here that the expression levels of genes involved in the detoxification system were higher in Red strains than White strains. The corresponding enzyme activities as well as performances for acaricide resistance and host adaptation toward Laminaceae were also higher in Red strains than White strains, indicating that Red strains were superior in trait(s) of the detox system. In subsequent generations of strains that had survived exposure to fenpyroximate, both strains showed similar resistance to this acaricide, as well as similar detoxification activities. The endogenous levels of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid were increased similarly in bean leaves damaged by original Red strains and their subsequent generations that inherited high detox activity. Jasmonic acid levels were increased in leaves damaged by original White strains, but not by their subsequent generations that inherited high detox activity. Together, these data suggest the existence of intraspecific variation - at least within White strains - with respect to their capacity to withstand acaricides and host plant defenses. PMID:28240222

Influence of Conventional and Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction on Phenolic Contents, Betacyanin Contents, and Antioxidant Capacity of Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

PubMed Central

Ramli, Nurul Shazini; Ismail, Patimah; Rahmat, Asmah

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of extraction methods on antioxidant capacities of red dragon fruit peel and flesh. Antioxidant capacities were measured using ethylenebenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent while quantitative determination of total flavonoid content (TFC) was conducted using aluminium trichloride colorimetric method. Betacyanin content (BC) was measured by spectrophotometer. Red dragon fruit was extracted using conventional (CV) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UE) technique to determine the most efficient way of extracting its antioxidant components. Results indicated that UE increased TFC, reduced the extraction yield, BC, and TPC, but exhibited the strongest scavenging activity for the peel of red dragon fruit. In contrast, UE reduced BC, TFC, and scavenging activity but increased the yield for the flesh. Nonetheless, UE slightly increases TPC in flesh. Scavenging activity and reducing power were highly correlated with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Conversely, the scavenging activity and reducing power were weakly correlated with betacyanin content. This work gives scientific evidences for the consideration of the type of extraction techniques for the peel and flesh of red dragon fruit in applied research and food industry. PMID:25379555

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in RAW264.7 Macrophages of Malvidin, a Major Red Wine Polyphenol

PubMed Central

Bognar, Eszter; Sarszegi, Zsolt; Szabo, Aliz; Debreceni, Balazs; Kalman, Nikoletta; Tucsek, Zsuzsanna; Sumegi, Balazs; Gallyas, Ferenc

2013-01-01

Background Red wine polyphenols can prevent cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Resveratrol, the most extensively studied constituent, is unlikely to solely account for these beneficial effects because of its rather low abundance and bioavailability. Malvidin is far the most abundant polyphenol in red wine; however, very limited data are available about its effect on inflammatory processes and kinase signaling pathways. Methods & Findings The present study was carried out by using RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide in the presence and absence of malvidin. From the cells, activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, mitogen-activated protein kinase, protein kinase B/Akt and poly ADP-ribose polymerase, reactive oxygen species production, mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression and mitochondrial depolarization were determined. We found that malvidin attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced nuclear factor-kappaB, poly ADP-ribose polymerase and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, reactive oxygen species production and mitochondrial depolarization, while upregulated the compensatory processes; mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression and Akt activation. Conclusions These effects of malvidin may explain the previous findings and at least partially account for the positive effects of moderate red wine consumption on inflammation-mediated chronic maladies such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. PMID:23755222

The effect of night illumination, red and infrared light, on locomotor activity, behaviour and melatonin of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) broodstock.

PubMed

Carazo, I; Norambuena, F; Oliveira, C; Sánchez-Vázquez, F J; Duncan, N J

2013-06-13

The present study aimed to determine a non-invasive nocturnal lighting system for the behavioural observation of a highly light sensitive species, Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). Locomotor activity, four types of behaviour and plasma melatonin were analysed in groups of 12 adult Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) reared in captivity and held under four night illumination treatments: total darkness (control), high 50lux intensity red light (group RH), low 5lux intensity red light (group RL) and infrared light (group IR). All groups experienced the same conditions during the day (lights on from 07:00 to 19:00) with white lighting of 125lux. Clarity of video images taken at night for the observation of fish behaviour were ranked as follows: group RH>RL>IR>control. All treatments presented a daily rhythm in locomotor activity with high activity from 14:00 to 18:00 and low activity from 21:00 to 12:00. The sole exposed to the high intensity red light at night appeared to be disturbed as during the low nocturnal locomotor activity period group RH presented higher activity and significantly higher nocturnal behaviour related to escape or fear than was observed in the other groups. The groups control, RL and IR exhibited similar levels of nocturnal locomotor activity and nocturnal behaviour related to escape or fear. Plasma melatonin, at mid-dark was not significantly different between the control and groups RL and IR, while melatonin was significantly lower in group RH compared to the control. The authors recommended low intensity red night illumination for the non-invasive study of nocturnal behaviour of Senegalese sole adults. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An improved growth intercept method for estimating site index of red pine.

Treesearch

David H. Alban

1972-01-01

Equations for predicting red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) site index from various internode lengths were developed from ring counts on sectioned trees form 69 natural stands in Minnesota. The precision of estimating site index was much improved by measuring the 5-year growth intercept beginning at 7 feet above the ground rather than at the conventional breast height....

Similar patterns of change in stemwood calcium concentration in red spruce and Siberian fir

Treesearch

W.C. Shortle; K.T. Smith; R. Minocha; V.A. Alexeyev

1995-01-01

Changes in stemwood calcium concentration ([Ca]) for the last 120 years occurred in a common pattern for two sample collections of red spruce (n = 33 and 20) from the northeastern United States and for one sample collection of Siberian fir (n = 20) from southcentral Siberia, Russia. The [Ca]was measured for wood formed during the...

Cluster analysis of historical and modern hard red spring wheat cultivars based on parentage and HPLC analysis of gluten forming proteins

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study, 30 hard red spring (HRS) wheat cultivars released between 1910 and 2013 were analyzed to determine how they cluster in terms of parentage and protein data, analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) of gliadins, and size-exclusion HPLC (SE-HPLC) of unreduced proteins. Dwarfing genes in...

Releasing red oak reproduction using a growing season application of Oust

Treesearch

Jamie L. Schuler; John Stephens

2010-01-01

In most cases, newly harvested upland oak stands contain sufficient numbers of red oak stems to form a fully stocked oak stand in the future. Unfortunately, many stands will not reach full stocking of oak due to intense competition from other non-oak reproduction. There are few feasible options to release established oak reproduction from other broadleaf woody or non-...

[Characteristics of soil phosphorous loss under different ecological planting patterns in hilly red soil regions of southern Hunan Province, China].

PubMed

Yuan, Min; Wen, Shi-Lin; Xu, Ming-Gang; Dong, Chun-Hua; Qin, Lin; Zhang, Lu

2013-11-01

Taking a large standard runoff plot on a red soil slope in Qiyang County, southern Hunan Province as a case, this paper studied the surface soil phosphorus loss characteristics in the hilly red soil regions of southern Hunan under eight ecological planting patterns. The phosphorus loss from wasteland (T1) was most serious, followed by that from natural sloped cropping patterns (T2 and T3), while the phosphorus loss amount from terrace cropping patterns (T4-T8) was the least, only occupying 9.9%, 37%, 0.7%, 2.3%, and 1.9% of T1, respectively. The ecological planting patterns directly affected the forms of surface-lost soil phosphorus, with the particulate phosphorus (PP) as the main lost form. Under the condition of rainstorm (daily rainfall > 50 mm), rainfall had lesser effects on the phosphorus loss among different planting patterns. However, the phosphorus loss increased with increasing rain intensity. The surface soil phosphorus loss mainly occurred from June to September. Both the rainfall and the rain intensity were the factors directly affected the time distribution of surface soil phosphorus loss in hilly red soil regions of southern Hunan.

Interacting supernovae from photoionization-confined shells around red supergiant stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackey, Jonathan; Mohamed, Shazrene; Gvaramadze, Vasilii V.; Kotak, Rubina; Langer, Norbert; Meyer, Dominique M.-A.; Moriya, Takashi J.; Neilson, Hilding R.

2014-08-01

Betelgeuse, a nearby red supergiant, is a fast-moving star with a powerful stellar wind that drives a bow shock into its surroundings. This picture has been challenged by the discovery of a dense and almost static shell that is three times closer to the star than the bow shock and has been decelerated by some external force. The two physically distinct structures cannot both be formed by the hydrodynamic interaction of the wind with the interstellar medium. Here we report that a model in which Betelgeuse's wind is photoionized by radiation from external sources can explain the static shell without requiring a new understanding of the bow shock. Pressure from the photoionized wind generates a standing shock in the neutral part of the wind and forms an almost static, photoionization-confined shell. Other red supergiants should have much more massive shells than Betelgeuse, because the photoionization-confined shell traps up to 35 per cent of all mass lost during the red supergiant phase, confining this gas close to the star until it explodes. After the supernova explosion, massive shells dramatically affect the supernova light curve, providing a natural explanation for the many supernovae that have signatures of circumstellar interaction.

Interacting supernovae from photoionization-confined shells around red supergiant stars.

PubMed

Mackey, Jonathan; Mohamed, Shazrene; Gvaramadze, Vasilii V; Kotak, Rubina; Langer, Norbert; Meyer, Dominique M-A; Moriya, Takashi J; Neilson, Hilding R

2014-08-21

Betelgeuse, a nearby red supergiant, is a fast-moving star with a powerful stellar wind that drives a bow shock into its surroundings. This picture has been challenged by the discovery of a dense and almost static shell that is three times closer to the star than the bow shock and has been decelerated by some external force. The two physically distinct structures cannot both be formed by the hydrodynamic interaction of the wind with the interstellar medium. Here we report that a model in which Betelgeuse's wind is photoionized by radiation from external sources can explain the static shell without requiring a new understanding of the bow shock. Pressure from the photoionized wind generates a standing shock in the neutral part of the wind and forms an almost static, photoionization-confined shell. Other red supergiants should have much more massive shells than Betelgeuse, because the photoionization-confined shell traps up to 35 per cent of all mass lost during the red supergiant phase, confining this gas close to the star until it explodes. After the supernova explosion, massive shells dramatically affect the supernova light curve, providing a natural explanation for the many supernovae that have signatures of circumstellar interaction.

Symbiotic stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kafatos, M.; Michalitsianos, A. G.

1984-01-01

The physical characteristics of symbiotic star systems are discussed, based on a review of recent observational data. A model of a symbiotic star system is presented which illustrates how a cool red-giant star is embedded in a nebula whose atoms are ionized by the energetic radiation from its hot compact companion. UV outbursts from symbiotic systems are explained by two principal models: an accretion-disk-outburst model which describes how material expelled from the tenuous envelope of the red giant forms an inwardly-spiralling disk around the hot companion, and a thermonuclear-outburst model in which the companion is specifically a white dwarf which superheats the material expelled from the red giant to the point where thermonuclear reactions occur and radiation is emitted. It is suspected that the evolutionary course of binary systems is predetermined by the initial mass and angular momentum of the gas cloud within which binary stars are born. Since red giants and Mira variables are thought to be stars with a mass of one or two solar mass, it is believed that the original cloud from which a symbiotic system is formed can consist of no more than a few solar masses of gas.

16S rRNA based microarray analysis of ten periodontal bacteria in patients with different forms of periodontitis.

PubMed

Topcuoglu, Nursen; Kulekci, Guven

2015-10-01

DNA microarray analysis is a computer based technology, that a reverse capture, which targets 10 periodontal bacteria (ParoCheck) is available for rapid semi-quantitative determination. The aim of this three-year retrospective study was to display the microarray analysis results for the subgingival biofilm samples taken from patient cases diagnosed with different forms of periodontitis. A total of 84 patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP,n:29), generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP, n:25), peri-implantitis (PI,n:14), localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP,n:8) and refractory chronic periodontitis (RP,n:8) were consecutively selected from the archives of the Oral Microbiological Diagnostic Laboratory. The subgingival biofilm samples were analyzed by the microarray-based identification of 10 selected species. All the tested species were detected in the samples. The red complex bacteria were the most prevalent with very high levels in all groups. Fusobacterium nucleatum was detected in all samples at high levels. The green and blue complex bacteria were less prevalent compared with red and orange complex, except Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitas was detected in all LAP group. Positive correlations were found within all the red complex bacteria and between red and orange complex bacteria especially in GCP and GAP groups. Parocheck enables to monitoring of periodontal pathogens in all forms of periodontal disease and can be alternative to other guiding and reliable microbiologic tests. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immunocompetence of the red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae): variation between developmental stages and sexes in populations in China.

PubMed

Shi, Zhang-Hong; Sun, Jiang-Hua

2010-11-01

Immune defense imposes fitness costs as well as benefits, so organisms should optimize, not maximize, their immune function through their life cycle. We investigated this issue in the red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), which is a pine-killing invasive beetle in China, though it is usually considered as a secondary pest in its native range of North America. We hypothesized that pathogen pressure may affect these beetles differently throughout their life history. We measured the insect's immunocompetence throughout life, determining encapsulation ability and phenoloxidase activity in larval stages, pupae and adults. Pupae had the highest encapsulation ability, but encapsulation was not different between final instar larvae and adults. Phenoloxidase (PO) activity was highest in final instar larvae and pupae, followed by the second instar larvae and adults. Total phenoloxidase activity increased significantly from the second instar larval stage to pupae, and then decreased in adults. Although the second instar larvae had the lowest phenoloxidase activity, more than 90% of total PO existed in the hemolymph in the form of the active enzyme, as compared with pupae, in which over 60% of PO occurred as a proenzyme. Both active PO and total PO were much higher in females than in males, though no significant differences were detected between the encapsulation ability of male and female adults. This result suggests the existence of a sexual dimorphism of immunocompetence in D. valens adults. Variations in immunocompetence across developmental stages suggest that D. valens adopts diverse investment strategies in immunocompetence during different stages. Potential reasons for variation in immunocompetence among developmental stages and between the sexes of D. valens are discussed. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The most distant, luminous, dusty star-forming galaxies: redshifts from NOEMA and ALMA spectral scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fudamoto, Y.; Ivison, R. J.; Oteo, I.; Krips, M.; Zhang, Z.-Y.; Weiss, A.; Dannerbauer, H.; Omont, A.; Chapman, S. C.; Christensen, L.; Arumugam, V.; Bertoldi, F.; Bremer, M.; Clements, D. L.; Dunne, L.; Eales, S. A.; Greenslade, J.; Maddox, S.; Martinez-Navajas, P.; Michalowski, M.; Pérez-Fournon, I.; Riechers, D.; Simpson, J. M.; Stalder, B.; Valiante, E.; van der Werf, P.

2017-12-01

We present 1.3- and/or 3-mm continuum images and 3-mm spectral scans, obtained using Northern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA), of 21 distant, dusty, star-forming galaxies. Our sample is a subset of the galaxies selected by Ivison et al. on the basis of their extremely red far-infrared (far-IR) colours and low Herschel flux densities; most are thus expected to be unlensed, extraordinarily luminous starbursts at z ≳ 4, modulo the considerable cross-section to gravitational lensing implied by their redshift. We observed 17 of these galaxies with NOEMA and four with ALMA, scanning through the 3-mm atmospheric window. We have obtained secure redshifts for seven galaxies via detection of multiple CO lines, one of them a lensed system at z = 6.027 (two others are also found to be lensed); a single emission line was detected in another four galaxies, one of which has been shown elsewhere to lie at z = 4.002. Where we find no spectroscopic redshifts, the galaxies are generally less luminous by 0.3-0.4 dex, which goes some way to explaining our failure to detect line emission. We show that this sample contains the most luminous known star-forming galaxies. Due to their extreme star-formation activity, these galaxies will consume their molecular gas in ≲ 100 Myr, despite their high molecular gas masses, and are therefore plausible progenitors of the massive, 'red-and-dead' elliptical galaxies at z ≈ 3.

Occurrence and origin of minerals in a chamosite-bearing coal of Late Permian age, Zhaotong, Yunnan, China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dai, S.; Chou, C.-L.

2007-01-01

The minerals found in the no.5 coal (Late Permian) from the Zhaotong Coalfield, Yunnan Province, southwestern China, have been examined and found to consist mainly of kaolinite, pyrite, chamosite, quartz, and calcite, with trace amounts of illite and mixed-layer illite-smectite. The proportion of chamosite in clay minerals ranges from 32 to 56 wt%, with an average of 46 wt%. Chamosite is distributed not only in collodetrinite, but also occurs as cell fillings in fusinite, semifusinite, and telinite. The high content and mode of occurrence of chamosite in this mine indicate its formation by interaction of kaolinite with Fe-Mg-rich fluids during early diagenesis. Except for a minor amount of terfigenous quartz, most quartz is of authigenic origin and formed from kaolinite desilication. The calcite content of the no. 5 coal is 1.4-6.3% (with an average of 3%) and is distributed in collodetrinite and as cell fillings of coal-forming plants. Calcite originated from seawater invasion during peat accumulation. Pyrite occurs in several ways: as massive, framboidal, isolated enhedral/ anhedral, and euhedral forms. In addition, the presence of a large amount of pyritized red algae provides strong evidence of seawater invasion during peat accumulation. The red algae may have played an important role in the enrichment of sulfur in the coal. The characteristic assemblage of minerals in this mine resulted from a unique basinal environment in which the mineral matter was derived from a basaltic source region, volcanic activity, and seawater transgression during coal formation.

Conversion of red fluorescent protein into a bright blue probe.

PubMed

Subach, Oksana M; Gundorov, Illia S; Yoshimura, Masami; Subach, Fedor V; Zhang, Jinghang; Grüenwald, David; Souslova, Ekaterina A; Chudakov, Dmitriy M; Verkhusha, Vladislav V

2008-10-20

We used a red chromophore formation pathway, in which the anionic red chromophore is formed from the neutral blue intermediate, to suggest a rational design strategy to develop blue fluorescent proteins with a tyrosine-based chromophore. The strategy was applied to red fluorescent proteins of the different genetic backgrounds, such as TagRFP, mCherry, HcRed1, M355NA, and mKeima, which all were converted into blue probes. Further improvement of the blue variant of TagRFP by random mutagenesis resulted in an enhanced monomeric protein, mTagBFP, characterized by the substantially higher brightness, the faster chromophore maturation, and the higher pH stability than blue fluorescent proteins with a histidine in the chromophore. The detailed biochemical and photochemical analysis indicates that mTagBFP is the true monomeric protein tag for multicolor and lifetime imaging, as well as the outstanding donor for green fluorescent proteins in Förster resonance energy transfer applications.

Colour and emotion: children also associate red with negative valence.

PubMed

Gil, Sandrine; Le Bigot, Ludovic

2016-11-01

The association of colour with emotion constitutes a growing field of research, as it can affect how humans process their environment. Although there has been increasing interest in the association of red with negative valence in adults, little is known about how it develops. We therefore tested the red-negative association in children for the first time. Children aged 5-10 years performed a face categorization task in the form of a card-sorting task. They had to judge whether ambiguous faces shown against three different colour backgrounds (red, grey, green) seemed to 'feel good' or 'feel bad'. Results of logistic mixed models showed that - as previously demonstrated in adults - children across the age range provided significantly more 'feel bad' responses when the faces were given a red background. This finding is discussed in relation to colour-emotion association theories. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The melting of native domain structure in effector activation of IgG studied by using congo red as a specific probe.

PubMed

Piekarska, B; Roterman, I; Rybarska, J; Koniczny, L; Kaszuba, J

1994-03-01

The nature of structural changes in IgG molecules associated with the binding to antigen and/or heat aggregation was studied using bis azo dye (Congo Red) as the specific probe. It was found, that protein conformation responsible for binding the dye represents an unfolding intermediate with properties corresponding to a molten globule state. The properties of the dye-protein complex reveal the signs of an unfolding of the peptide chain with simultaneously preserved relatively compact packing. Immunoglobulins which were induced by heating, or binding to antigen in order to form the complex with dye ligands, become more susceptible for digestion. The main peptide of molecular weight 30,000 D which appears in products was suggested to originate from a heavy chain after its splitting in the region of CH1 domain. The energetic evaluation of stability of IgG domains also indicates that CH1 is the least stable fragment of the heavy chain and its conformation may be destabilized first. It was concluded that destabilized tertiary packing of antibodies bound to antigen may favour the association of closely situated immunoglobulin molecules increasing the stability of the immune complex and influencing in the result its effector activity.