Molecular Interactions Involved in the Transactivation of the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Promoter Mediated by Tax and CREB-2 (ATF-4)

PubMed Central

Gachon, Frederic; Thebault, Sabine; Peleraux, Annick; Devaux, Christian; Mesnard, Jean-Michel

2000-01-01

The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax protein activates viral transcription through three 21-bp repeats located in the U3 region of the HTLV-1 long terminal repeat and called Tax-responsive elements (TxREs). Each TxRE contains nucleotide sequences corresponding to imperfect cyclic AMP response elements (CRE). In this study, we demonstrate that the bZIP transcriptional factor CREB-2 is able to bind in vitro to the TxREs and that CREB-2 binding to each of the 21-bp motifs is enhanced by Tax. We also demonstrate that Tax can weakly interact with CREB-2 bound to a cellular palindromic CRE motif such as that found in the somatostatin promoter. Mutagenesis of Tax and CREB-2 demonstrates that both N- and C-terminal domains of Tax and the C-terminal region of CREB-2 are required for direct interaction between the two proteins. In addition, the Tax mutant M47, defective for HTLV-1 activation, is unable to form in vitro a ternary complex with CREB-2 and TxRE. In agreement with recent results suggesting that Tax can recruit the coactivator CREB-binding protein (CBP) on the HTLV-1 promoter, we provide evidence that Tax, CREB-2, and CBP are capable of cooperating to stimulate viral transcription. Taken together, our data highlight the major role played by CREB-2 in Tax-mediated transactivation. PMID:10779337

RELATIONSHIP OF AMEBOCYTES AND TERRESTRIAL ELEMENTS TO ADULT SHELL DEPOSITION IN EASTERN OYSTERS

EPA Science Inventory

Fisher, William S. Submitted. Relationship of Amebocytes and Terrestrial Elements to Adult Shell Deposition in Eastern Oysters. J. Shellfish Res. 30 p. (ERL,GB 1197).

Freshwater runoff contains terrestrial elements from geological deposits that may be vital to eastern oys...

Review of quality assessment tools for the evaluation of pharmacoepidemiological safety studies

PubMed Central

Neyarapally, George A; Hammad, Tarek A; Pinheiro, Simone P; Iyasu, Solomon

2012-01-01

Objectives Pharmacoepidemiological studies are an important hypothesis-testing tool in the evaluation of postmarketing drug safety. Despite the potential to produce robust value-added data, interpretation of findings can be hindered due to well-recognised methodological limitations of these studies. Therefore, assessment of their quality is essential to evaluating their credibility. The objective of this review was to evaluate the suitability and relevance of available tools for the assessment of pharmacoepidemiological safety studies. Design We created an a priori assessment framework consisting of reporting elements (REs) and quality assessment attributes (QAAs). A comprehensive literature search identified distinct assessment tools and the prespecified elements and attributes were evaluated. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcome measure was the percentage representation of each domain, RE and QAA for the quality assessment tools. Results A total of 61 tools were reviewed. Most tools were not designed to evaluate pharmacoepidemiological safety studies. More than 50% of the reviewed tools considered REs under the research aims, analytical approach, outcome definition and ascertainment, study population and exposure definition and ascertainment domains. REs under the discussion and interpretation, results and study team domains were considered in less than 40% of the tools. Except for the data source domain, quality attributes were considered in less than 50% of the tools. Conclusions Many tools failed to include critical assessment elements relevant to observational pharmacoepidemiological safety studies and did not distinguish between REs and QAAs. Further, there is a lack of considerations on the relative weights of different domains and elements. The development of a quality assessment tool would facilitate consistent, objective and evidence-based assessments of pharmacoepidemiological safety studies. PMID:23015600

Complement inhibition prevents gut ischemia and endothelial cell dysfunction after hemorrhage/resuscitation.

PubMed

Fruchterman, T M; Spain, D A; Wilson, M A; Harris, P D; Garrison, R N

1998-10-01

Complement, a nonspecific immune response, is activated during hemorrhage/resuscitation (HEM/RES) and is involved in cellular damage. We hypothesized that activated complement injures endothelial cells (ETCs) and is responsible for intestinal microvascular hypoperfusion after HEM/RES. Four groups of rats were studied by in vivo videomicroscopy of the intestine: SHAM, HEM/RES, HEM/RES + sCR1 (complement inhibitor, 15 mg/kg intravenously given before resuscitation), and SHAM + sCR1. Hemorrhage was to 50% of mean arterial pressure for 60 minutes followed by resuscitation with shed blood plus an equal volume of saline. ETC function was assessed by response to acetylcholine. Resuscitation restored central hemodynamics to baseline after hemorrhage. After resuscitation, inflow A1 and premucosal A3 arterioles progressively constricted (-24% and -29% change from baseline, respectively), mucosal blood flow was reduced, and ETC function was impaired. Complement inhibition prevented postresuscitation vasoconstriction and gut ischemia. This protective effect appeared to involve preservation of ETC function in the A3 vessels (SHAM 76% of maximal dilation, HEM/RES 61%, HEM/RES + sCR1 74%, P < .05). Complement inhibition preserved ETC function after HEM/RES and maintained gut perfusion. Inhibition of complement activation before resuscitation may be a useful adjunct in patients experiencing major hemorrhage and might prevent the sequelae of gut ischemia.

An ensemble of regulatory elements controls Runx3 spatiotemporal expression in subsets of dorsal root ganglia proprioceptive neurons.

PubMed

Appel, Elena; Weissmann, Sarit; Salzberg, Yehuda; Orlovsky, Kira; Negreanu, Varda; Tsoory, Michael; Raanan, Calanit; Feldmesser, Ester; Bernstein, Yael; Wolstein, Orit; Levanon, Ditsa; Groner, Yoram

2016-12-01

The Runx3 transcription factor is essential for development and diversification of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) TrkC sensory neurons. In Runx3-deficient mice, developing TrkC neurons fail to extend central and peripheral afferents, leading to cell death and disruption of the stretch reflex circuit, resulting in severe limb ataxia. Despite its central role, the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal expression specificities of Runx3 in TrkC neurons were largely unknown. Here we first defined the genomic transcription unit encompassing regulatory elements (REs) that mediate the tissue-specific expression of Runx3. Using transgenic mice expressing BAC reporters spanning the Runx3 locus, we discovered three REs-dubbed R1, R2, and R3-that cross-talk with promoter-2 (P2) to drive TrkC neuron-specific Runx3 transcription. Deletion of single or multiple elements either in the BAC transgenics or by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated endogenous ablation established the REs' ability to promote and/or repress Runx3 expression in developing sensory neurons. Our analysis reveals that an intricate combinatorial interplay among the three REs governs Runx3 expression in distinct subtypes of TrkC neurons while concomitantly extinguishing its expression in non-TrkC neurons. These findings provide insights into the mechanism regulating cell type-specific expression and subtype diversification of TrkC neurons in developing DRGs. © 2016 Appel et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Knock-Down of the IFR1 Protein Perturbs the Homeostasis of Reactive Electrophile Species and Boosts Photosynthetic Hydrogen Production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

PubMed Central

Venkanna, Deepak; Südfeld, Christian; Baier, Thomas; Homburg, Sarah V.; Patel, Anant V.; Wobbe, Lutz; Kruse, Olaf

2017-01-01

The protein superfamily of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR), including members of the atypical type (aSDR), covers a huge range of catalyzed reactions and in vivo substrates. This superfamily also comprises isoflavone reductase-like (IRL) proteins, which are aSDRs highly homologous to isoflavone reductases from leguminous plants. The molecular function of IRLs in non-leguminous plants and green microalgae has not been identified as yet, but several lines of evidence point at their implication in reactive oxygen species homeostasis. The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii IRL protein IFR1 was identified in a previous study, analyzing the transcriptomic changes occurring during the acclimation to sulfur deprivation and anaerobiosis, a condition that triggers photobiological hydrogen production in this microalgae. Accumulation of the cytosolic IFR1 protein is induced by sulfur limitation as well as by the exposure of C. reinhardtii cells to reactive electrophile species (RES) such as reactive carbonyls. The latter has not been described for IRL proteins before. Over-accumulation of IFR1 in the singlet oxygen response 1 (sor1) mutant together with the presence of an electrophile response element, known to be required for SOR1-dependent gene activation as a response to RES, in the promoter of IFR1, indicate that IFR1 expression is controlled by the SOR1-dependent pathway. An implication of IFR1 into RES homeostasis, is further implied by a knock-down of IFR1, which results in a diminished tolerance toward RES. Intriguingly, IFR1 knock-down has a positive effect on photosystem II (PSII) stability under sulfur-deprived conditions used to trigger photobiological hydrogen production, by reducing PSII-dependent oxygen evolution, in C. reinhardtii. Reduced PSII photoinhibition in IFR1 knock-down strains prolongs the hydrogen production phase resulting in an almost doubled final hydrogen yield compared to the parental strain. Finally, IFR1 knock-down could be successfully used to further increase hydrogen yields of the high hydrogen-producing mutant stm6, demonstrating that IFR1 is a promising target for genetic engineering approaches aiming at an increased hydrogen production capacity of C. reinhardtii cells. PMID:28824682

Knock-Down of the IFR1 Protein Perturbs the Homeostasis of Reactive Electrophile Species and Boosts Photosynthetic Hydrogen Production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

PubMed

Venkanna, Deepak; Südfeld, Christian; Baier, Thomas; Homburg, Sarah V; Patel, Anant V; Wobbe, Lutz; Kruse, Olaf

2017-01-01

The protein superfamily of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR), including members of the atypical type (aSDR), covers a huge range of catalyzed reactions and in vivo substrates. This superfamily also comprises isoflavone reductase-like (IRL) proteins, which are aSDRs highly homologous to isoflavone reductases from leguminous plants. The molecular function of IRLs in non-leguminous plants and green microalgae has not been identified as yet, but several lines of evidence point at their implication in reactive oxygen species homeostasis. The Chlamydomonas reinhardtii IRL protein IFR1 was identified in a previous study, analyzing the transcriptomic changes occurring during the acclimation to sulfur deprivation and anaerobiosis, a condition that triggers photobiological hydrogen production in this microalgae. Accumulation of the cytosolic IFR1 protein is induced by sulfur limitation as well as by the exposure of C. reinhardtii cells to reactive electrophile species (RES) such as reactive carbonyls. The latter has not been described for IRL proteins before. Over-accumulation of IFR1 in the singlet oxygen response 1 ( sor1 ) mutant together with the presence of an electrophile response element, known to be required for SOR1-dependent gene activation as a response to RES, in the promoter of IFR1 , indicate that IFR1 expression is controlled by the SOR1-dependent pathway. An implication of IFR1 into RES homeostasis, is further implied by a knock-down of IFR1 , which results in a diminished tolerance toward RES. Intriguingly, IFR1 knock-down has a positive effect on photosystem II (PSII) stability under sulfur-deprived conditions used to trigger photobiological hydrogen production, by reducing PSII-dependent oxygen evolution, in C. reinhardtii . Reduced PSII photoinhibition in IFR1 knock-down strains prolongs the hydrogen production phase resulting in an almost doubled final hydrogen yield compared to the parental strain. Finally, IFR1 knock-down could be successfully used to further increase hydrogen yields of the high hydrogen-producing mutant stm6 , demonstrating that IFR1 is a promising target for genetic engineering approaches aiming at an increased hydrogen production capacity of C. reinhardtii cells.

Load Testing, Finite Element Analysis, and Design of Steel Traffic-Signal Poles

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1993-07-01

At request of the Structures Design and Construction Division, the Engineering Research and Development Bureau performed full-scale testing and finite element analysis (FEA) of span-wire traffic-signal poles to evaluate their structural adequacy. Res...

Mimicking the magnetic properties of rare earth elements using superatoms.

PubMed

Cheng, Shi-Bo; Berkdemir, Cuneyt; Castleman, A W

2015-04-21

Rare earth elements (REs) consist of a very important group in the periodic table that is vital to many modern technologies. The mining process, however, is extremely damaging to the environment, making them low yield and very expensive. Therefore, mimicking the properties of REs in a superatom framework is especially valuable but at the same time, technically challenging and requiring advanced concepts about manipulating properties of atom/molecular complexes. Herein, by using photoelectron imaging spectroscopy, we provide original idea and direct experimental evidence that chosen boron-doped clusters could mimic the magnetic characteristics of REs. Specifically, the neutral LaB and NdB clusters are found to have similar unpaired electrons and magnetic moments as their isovalent REs (namely Nd and Eu, respectively), opening up the great possibility in accomplishing rare earth mimicry. Extension of the superatom concept into the rare earth group not only further shows the power and advance of this concept but also, will stimulate more efforts to explore new superatomic clusters to mimic the chemistry of these heavy atoms, which will be of great importance in designing novel building blocks in the application of cluster-assembled nanomaterials. Additionally, based on these experimental findings, a novel "magic boron" counting rule is proposed to estimate the numbers of unpaired electrons in diatomic LnB clusters.

Circulating MicroRNA Responses between 'High' and 'Low' Responders to a 16-Wk Diet and Exercise Weight Loss Intervention.

PubMed

Parr, Evelyn B; Camera, Donny M; Burke, Louise M; Phillips, Stuart M; Coffey, Vernon G; Hawley, John A

2016-01-01

Interactions between diet, physical activity and genetic predisposition contribute to variable body mass changes observed in response to weight loss interventions. Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) may act as 'biomarkers' that are associated with the rate of change in weight loss, and/or play a role in regulating the biological variation, in response to energy restriction. To quantify targeted c-miRNAs with putative roles in energy metabolism and exercise adaptations following a 16 wk diet and exercise intervention in individuals with large (high responders; HiRes) versus small (low responders; LoRes) losses in body mass. From 89 male and female overweight/obese participants who completed the intervention (energy restriction from diet, 250 kcal/d, and exercise, 250 kcal/d), subgroups of HiRes (>10% body mass loss, n = 22) and LoRes (<5% body mass loss, n = 18) were identified. From resting plasma samples collected after an overnight fast pre and post intervention, RNA was extracted, quantified and reverse transcribed. Thirteen c-miRNA selected a priori were analysed using a customised 96-well miScript miRNA PCR Array. Loss of body mass (-11.0 ± 2.3 kg vs. -3.0 ± 1.3 kg; P<0.01) and fat mass (-11.1 ± 2.6 kg vs. -3.9 ± 1.6 kg; P<0.01) was greater for HiRes than LoRes (P<0.001). Expression of c-miR-935 was higher in LoRes compared to HiRes pre- (~47%; P = 0.025) and post- (~100%; P<0.01) intervention and was the only c-miRNA differentially expressed at baseline between groups. The abundance of c-miR-221-3p and -223-3p increased pre- to post-intervention in both groups (~57-69% and ~25-90%, P<0.05). There was a post-intervention increase in c-miR-140 only in LoRes compared to HiRes (~23%, P = 0.016). The differential expression and responses of selected c-miRNAs in overweight/obese individuals to an exercise and diet intervention suggests a putative role for these 'biomarkers' in the prediction or detection of individual variability to weight loss interventions.

Circulating MicroRNA Responses between ‘High’ and ‘Low’ Responders to a 16-Wk Diet and Exercise Weight Loss Intervention

PubMed Central

Parr, Evelyn B.; Camera, Donny M.; Burke, Louise M.; Phillips, Stuart M.; Coffey, Vernon G.; Hawley, John A.

2016-01-01

Background Interactions between diet, physical activity and genetic predisposition contribute to variable body mass changes observed in response to weight loss interventions. Circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) may act as ‘biomarkers’ that are associated with the rate of change in weight loss, and/or play a role in regulating the biological variation, in response to energy restriction. Objective To quantify targeted c-miRNAs with putative roles in energy metabolism and exercise adaptations following a 16 wk diet and exercise intervention in individuals with large (high responders; HiRes) versus small (low responders; LoRes) losses in body mass. Methods From 89 male and female overweight/obese participants who completed the intervention (energy restriction from diet, 250 kcal/d, and exercise, 250 kcal/d), subgroups of HiRes (>10% body mass loss, n = 22) and LoRes (<5% body mass loss, n = 18) were identified. From resting plasma samples collected after an overnight fast pre and post intervention, RNA was extracted, quantified and reverse transcribed. Thirteen c-miRNA selected a priori were analysed using a customised 96-well miScript miRNA PCR Array. Results Loss of body mass (-11.0 ± 2.3 kg vs. -3.0 ± 1.3 kg; P<0.01) and fat mass (-11.1 ± 2.6 kg vs. -3.9 ± 1.6 kg; P<0.01) was greater for HiRes than LoRes (P<0.001). Expression of c-miR-935 was higher in LoRes compared to HiRes pre- (~47%; P = 0.025) and post- (~100%; P<0.01) intervention and was the only c-miRNA differentially expressed at baseline between groups. The abundance of c-miR-221-3p and -223-3p increased pre- to post-intervention in both groups (~57–69% and ~25–90%, P<0.05). There was a post-intervention increase in c-miR-140 only in LoRes compared to HiRes (~23%, P = 0.016). Conclusion The differential expression and responses of selected c-miRNAs in overweight/obese individuals to an exercise and diet intervention suggests a putative role for these ‘biomarkers’ in the prediction or detection of individual variability to weight loss interventions. PMID:27101373

Spectroscopic investigations of the charge-transfer interaction between the drug reserpine and different acceptors: Towards understanding of drug-receptor mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eldaroti, Hala H.; Gadir, Suad A.; Refat, Moamen S.; Adam, Abdel Majid A.

2013-11-01

The study of the charge-transfer interaction of the drugs may be useful in understanding the drug-receptor interactions and the mechanism of drug action. Structural and thermal stability of charge-transfer (CT) complexes formed between the drug reserpine (Res) as a donor and quinol (QL), picric acid (PA), tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) or dichlorodicyanobenzoquinone (DDQ) as acceptors were reported. Elemental analysis, electronic absorption, spectrophotometric titration, IR, Raman, 1H NMR and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the new products. The thermal stability of the synthesized CT complexes was investigated using thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, and the morphology and particle size of these complexes were obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stoichiometry of the complexes (donor:acceptor molar ratio) was determined to be 1:1 for all complexes. Accordingly the formed CT complexes could be formulated as [(Res)(QL)], [(Res)(PA)], [(Res)(TCNQ)] and [(Res)(DDQ)]. It was found that the obtained CT complexes are nanoscale, semi-crystalline particles, thermally stable and formed through spontaneous reaction. The results obtained herein are satisfactory for estimation of drug Res in the pharmaceutical form.

Effects of ranavirus infection of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) on plasma proteins.

PubMed

Moore, A Russell; Allender, Matthew C; MacNeill, Amy L

2014-06-01

Ranavirus is an emerging disease that infects fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Ranavirus induces an inflammatory response leading to death in many susceptible species. Red-eared sliders (RES; Trachemys scripta elegans) are vulnerable to ranavirus infection and are economically significant chelonians kept in the pet trade and utilized in research. Early identification of RES with inflammatory diseases would allow for isolation of affected individuals and subsequent disease investigation, including molecular testing for ranavirus. Validation of an inexpensive, clinically relevant, and reproducible diagnostic test that detects inflammation in turtles is needed. Although commonly used, plasma protein electrophoresis to detect an inflammatory acute-phase protein response has not been evaluated in a controlled environment in turtles with experimentally induced inflammatory disease. The objective of this study was to measure plasma protein fractions by electrophoresis to determine if an acute-phase protein response occurs in RES during infection with a frog virus 3-like ranavirus (FV3-like virus) isolated from a chelonian. A Bradford assay and agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) were performed using plasma collected during a study of the effect of temperature on the pathogenesis of ranavirus in RES. In RES at the time of viremia, total albumin (ALB(mg/ml)) and albumin to globulin ratio were significantly lower and beta-globulin percentage was significantly higher in RES exposed to ranavirus (n = 4) as compared to matched, uninfected RES (n = 8). In the last sample collected prior to death, total protein (TP(mg/ml)), ALB(mg/ml), alpha-globulin percentage, and total alpha-globulin (alpha(mg/ml)) were significantly lower in RES exposed to ranavirus (n = 4) than control individuals (n = 8). In summary, FV3-like virus induces a decrease in plasma albumin concentration at the onset ofviremia and decreases in TP(mg/ml, ALB(mg/ml), and alpha(mg/ml) concentrations prior to death in RES as measured by AGE.

Resveratrol Improves the Mitochondrial Function and Fertilization Outcome of Bovine Oocytes

PubMed Central

TAKEO, Shun; SATO, Daichi; KIMURA, Koji; MONJI, Yasunori; KUWAYAMA, Takehito; KAWAHARA-MIKI, Ryoka; IWATA, Hisataka

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to address the effect of resveratrol-mediated upregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) during oocyte maturation on mitochondrial function, the developmental ability of oocytes and on mechanisms responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization. Oocytes collected from slaughterhouse-derived ovaries were cultured in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 10% FCS and 0 or 20 µM resveratrol (Res). We examined the effect of Res on SIRT1 expression in in vitro-matured oocytes (Exp 1); fertilization and developmental ability (Exp 2); mitochondrial DNA copy number (Mt number), ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential in matured oocytes (Exp 3); and the time required for proteinase to dissolve the zona pellucida following in vitro fertilization (as a marker of zona pellucida hardening), as well as on the distribution of cortical granules before and after fertilization (Exp 4). In Exp 1, the 20 µM Res treatment upregulated protein expression of SIRT1 in oocytes. In Exp 2, Res treatment improved the ratio of normal fertilization and the total cell number of blastocysts. In Exp 3, Res treatment significantly increased the ATP content in matured oocytes. Additionally, Res increased the overall Mt number and mitochondrial membrane potential, but the effect was donor-dependent. In Exp 4, Res-induced zona hardening improved the distribution and exocytosis of cortical granules after in vitro fertilization. In conclusion, Res improved the quality of oocytes by improving mitochondrial quantity and quality. In addition, Res added to the maturation medium enhanced SIRT1 protein expression in oocytes and improved fertilization via reinforcement of the mechanisms responsible for blockage of polyspermic fertilization. PMID:24390595

Cancer Treatment Side Effects: A Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Response Expectancies and Experience.

PubMed

Devlin, Elise J; Denson, Linley A; Whitford, Hayley S

2017-08-01

Although previous research has, overall, suggested a moderate relationship between response expectancies (REs) and cancer treatment-related side effects, empirical results have been mixed. We aimed to further explore these relationships, hypothesizing that REs would predict subsequent toxicities with the inclusion of more recent studies, across a broader range of side effects, while incorporating the impact of potential moderators including patients' experience with treatment and measurement methods. We further investigated the impact of REs across individual toxicities. A systematic search and analysis were conducted across four databases (PsychInfo, PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase) and reference lists, from 1985 to February 2016. This provided 27 eligible studies with 4474 participants, through which the main analysis, moderator analyses, and individual side-effect analyses were explored. REs were moderately related to side effects overall (r = 0.26), and effect sizes were significantly influenced by sample diagnostic homogeneity, whereas differences between type and timing of measurement showed trends. Of the 16 toxicities examined, 15 demonstrated significant relationships between REs and side-effect experience, with hair loss (r = 0.48) the strongest. No clear difference emerged between objective and subjective side effects; however, significant differences across individual toxicities were revealed. Findings support a relationship between REs and a wide range of subsequent side effects, yet differences between individual RE-toxicity associations emerged. These findings provide direction for the measurement of side effects and REs and support REs as potential targets for intervention during the informed consent process. Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

NRC safety research in support of regulation - FY 1994. Volume 9

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

NONE

This report, the tenth in a series of annual reports, was prepared in response to congressional inquiries concerning how nuclear regulatory research is used. It summarizes the accomplishments of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research during FY 1994. The goal of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES) is to ensure the availability of sound technical bases for timely rulemaking and related decisions in support of NRC regulatory/licensing/inspection activities. RES also has responsibilities related to the resolution of generic safety issues and to the review of licensee submittals regarding individual plant examinations. It is the responsibility of RES to conductmore » the NRC`s rulemaking process, including the issuance of regulatory guides and rules that govern NRC licensed activities.« less

Nonlinear Saturable and Polarization-induced Absorption of Rhenium Disulfide

PubMed Central

Cui, Yudong; Lu, Feifei; Liu, Xueming

2017-01-01

Monolayer of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with lamellar structure as that of graphene, has attracted significant attentions in optoelectronics and photonics. Here, we focus on the optical absorption response of a new member TMDs, rhenium disulphide (ReS2) whose monolayer and bulk forms have the nearly identical band structures. The nonlinear saturable and polarization-induced absorption of ReS2 are investigated at near-infrared communication band beyond its bandgap. It is found that the ReS2-covered D-shaped fiber (RDF) displays the remarkable polarization-induced absorption, which indicates the different responses for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations relative to ReS2 plane. Nonlinear saturable absorption of RDF exhibits the similar saturable fluence of several tens of μJ/cm2 and modulation depth of about 1% for ultrafast pulses with two orthogonal polarizations. RDF is utilized as a saturable absorber to achieve self-started mode-locking operation in an Er-doped fiber laser. The results broaden the operation wavelength of ReS2 from visible light to around 1550 nm, and numerous applications may benefit from the anisotropic and nonlinear absorption characteristics of ReS2, such as in-line optical polarizers, high-power pulsed lasers, and optical communication system. PMID:28053313

Immunomodulatory effects of high-protein diet with resveratrol supplementation on radiation-induced acute-phase inflammation in rats.

PubMed

Kim, Kyoung-Ok; Park, HyunJin; Chun, Mison; Kim, Hyun-Sook

2014-09-01

We hypothesized that a high-protein diet and/or resveratrol supplementation will improve acute inflammatory responses in rats after receiving experimental abdominal radiation treatment (ART). Based on our previous study, the period of 10 days after ART was used as an acute inflammation model. Rats were exposed to a radiation dose of 17.5 Gy and were supplied with a control (C), 30% high-protein diet (HP), resveratrol supplementation (RES), or HP with RES diet ([HP+RES]). At day 10 after ART, we measured profiles of lipids, proteins, and immune cells in blood. The levels of clusters of differentiating 4(+) (CD4(+)) cells and regulatory T cells, serum proinflammatory cytokines, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in urine were also measured. ART caused significant disturbances of lipid profiles by increasing triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and decreasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The proinflammatroy cytokine levels were also increased by ART. All the experimental diets (HP, RES, and [HP+RES]) significantly decreased levels of TG, monocytes, proinflammatory cytokines, and 8-OHdG, whereas the platelet counts were increased. In addition, the HP and [HP+RES] diets decreased the concentrations of plasma LDL-C and total cholesterol. Also, the HP and RES diets decreased regulatory T cells compared with those of the control diet in ART group. Further, the HP diet led to a significant recovery of white blood cell counts, as well as increased percentages of lymphocyte and decreased percentages of neutrophils. In summary, RES appeared to be significantly effective in minimizing radiation-induced damage to lipid metabolism and immune responses. Our study also demonstrated the importance of dietary protein intake in recovering from acute inflammation by radiation.

Hepatic transcriptome analysis of juvenile GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), fed diets supplemented with different concentrations of resveratrol.

PubMed

Zheng, Yao; Wu, Wei; Hu, Gengdong; Zhao, Zhixiang; Meng, Shunlong; Fan, Limin; Song, Chao; Qiu, Liping; Chen, Jiazhang

2018-01-01

The GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is cultured widely for the production of freshwater fish in China. Streptococcosis, which is related to pathogenic infections, occurs frequently in juvenile and adult female GIFT individuals. Resveratrol (RES) has been used in feed to control these infections in freshwater tilapia. To address the effects of RES on tilapia, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing technology (RNA-Seq, HiSeq. 2500) to explore the global transcriptomic response and specific involvement of hepatic mRNA of juvenile O. niloticus fed with diets containing different concentrations of (0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1g/kg) RES. A total of > 24,513,018 clean reads were generated and then assembled into 23,244 unigenes. The unigenes were annotated by comparing them against non-redundant protein sequence (Nr), non-redundant nucleotide (Nt), Swiss-Prot, Pfam, Gene Ontology database (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, and 12,578 unigenes were annotated to the GO database. A total of 1444 (0.025g/kg RES), 1526 (0.05g/kg RES), and 3135 (0.1g/kg RES) genes were detected as significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs), when compared with the controls. A total of 6 (0.025 vs 0.05g/kg RES), 19 (0.025 vs 0.1g/kg RES), and 124 (0.05 vs 0.1g/kg RES) genes were detected as significant DEGs. Six genes, including dnah7x1, sox4, fam46a, hsp90a, ddit4, and nmrk2, were associated with an immune response. These findings provide information on the innate immunity of GIFT and might contribute to the development of strategies for the effective management of diseases and long-term sustainability of O. niloticus culture. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Integration of local motion is normal in amblyopia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hess, Robert F.; Mansouri, Behzad; Dakin, Steven C.; Allen, Harriet A.

2006-05-01

We investigate the global integration of local motion direction signals in amblyopia, in a task where performance is equated between normal and amblyopic eyes at the single element level. We use an equivalent noise model to derive the parameters of internal noise and number of samples, both of which we show are normal in amblyopia for this task. This result is in apparent conflict with a previous study in amblyopes showing that global motion processing is defective in global coherence tasks [Vision Res. 43, 729 (2003)]. A similar discrepancy between the normalcy of signal integration [Vision Res. 44, 2955 (2004)] and anomalous global coherence form processing has also been reported [Vision Res. 45, 449 (2005)]. We suggest that these discrepancies for form and motion processing in amblyopia point to a selective problem in separating signal from noise in the typical global coherence task.

Residual Deep Convolutional Neural Network Predicts MGMT Methylation Status.

PubMed

Korfiatis, Panagiotis; Kline, Timothy L; Lachance, Daniel H; Parney, Ian F; Buckner, Jan C; Erickson, Bradley J

2017-10-01

Predicting methylation of the O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) gene status utilizing MRI imaging is of high importance since it is a predictor of response and prognosis in brain tumors. In this study, we compare three different residual deep neural network (ResNet) architectures to evaluate their ability in predicting MGMT methylation status without the need for a distinct tumor segmentation step. We found that the ResNet50 (50 layers) architecture was the best performing model, achieving an accuracy of 94.90% (+/- 3.92%) for the test set (classification of a slice as no tumor, methylated MGMT, or non-methylated). ResNet34 (34 layers) achieved 80.72% (+/- 13.61%) while ResNet18 (18 layers) accuracy was 76.75% (+/- 20.67%). ResNet50 performance was statistically significantly better than both ResNet18 and ResNet34 architectures (p < 0.001). We report a method that alleviates the need of extensive preprocessing and acts as a proof of concept that deep neural architectures can be used to predict molecular biomarkers from routine medical images.

Broadband extreme ultraviolet probing of transient gratings in vanadium dioxide

DOE PAGES

Sistrunk, Emily; Grilj, Jakob; Jeong, Jaewoo; ...

2015-02-11

Nonlinear spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray spectral range offers the opportunity for element selective probing of ultrafast dynamics using core-valence transitions (Mukamel et al., Acc. Chem. Res. 42, 553 (2009)). The study demonstrate a step on this path showing core-valence sensitivity in transient grating spectroscopy with EUV probing. We study the optically induced insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) of a VO 2 film with EUV diffraction from the optically excited sample. The VO 2 exhibits a change in the 3p-3d resonance of V accompanied by an acoustic response. Due to the broadband probing we are able to separatemore » the two features.« less

Identification of a unique library of complex, but ordered, arrays of repetitive elements in the human genome and implication of their potential involvement in pathobiology.

PubMed

Lee, Kang-Hoon; Lee, Young-Kwan; Kwon, Deug-Nam; Chiu, Sophia; Chew, Victoria; Rah, Hyungchul; Kujawski, Gregory; Melhem, Ramzi; Hsu, Karen; Chung, Cecilia; Greenhalgh, David G; Cho, Kiho

2011-06-01

Approximately 2% of the human genome is reported to be occupied by genes. Various forms of repetitive elements (REs), both characterized and uncharacterized, are presumed to make up the vast majority of the rest of the genomes of human and other species. In conjunction with a comprehensive annotation of genes, information regarding components of genome biology, such as gene polymorphisms, non-coding RNAs, and certain REs, is found in human genome databases. However, the genome-wide profile of unique RE arrangements formed by different groups of REs has not been fully characterized yet. In this study, the entire human genome was subjected to an unbiased RE survey to establish a whole-genome profile of REs and their arrangements. Due to the limitation in query size within the bl2seq alignment program (National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI]) utilized for the RE survey, the entire NCBI reference human genome was fragmented into 6206 units of 0.5M nucleotides. A number of RE arrangements with varying complexities and patterns were identified throughout the genome. Each chromosome had unique profiles of RE arrangements and density, and high levels of RE density were measured near the centromere regions. Subsequently, 175 complex RE arrangements, which were selected throughout the genome, were subjected to a comparison analysis using five different human genome sequences. Interestingly, three of the five human genome databases shared the exactly same arrangement patterns and sequences for all 175 RE arrangement regions (a total of 12,765,625 nucleotides). The findings from this study demonstrate that a substantial fraction of REs in the human genome are clustered into various forms of ordered structures. Further investigations are needed to examine whether some of these ordered RE arrangements contribute to the human pathobiology as a functional genome unit. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Monitoring Cellular Interactions during T Cell Activation at the Single Molecule Level Using Semiconductor Quantum-Dots

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-10

avidin-fusion constructs in mammalian immune cells. To facilitate detection, an epitope tag (HA, derived from the influenza A virus haemagglutinin...Enhanced Green Fluorescent protein (EGFP) cassette. The IRES element (internal ribosome entry site of the encephalomyocarditis virus ) permits both the...AVIDIN CD4 4 AVIDIN tAT .RES’ EGFP TRES’ EGFP IRES’ EGFp 1RES. EGFP g9K LP tar LP gK LP ITTK LIP IE "M33 Ee TM NAMI IAV ~ 𔃺M A ,A,0,, MIMI, A161 TM

Glyoxalase 1 Modulation in Obesity and Diabetes.

PubMed

Rabbani, Naila; Thornalley, Paul J

2018-01-02

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are increasing globally. There is also increasing associated complications, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and vascular complications of diabetes. There is currently no licensed treatment for NAFLD and no recent treatments for diabetic complications. New approaches are required, particularly those addressing mechanism-based risk factors for health decline and disease progression. Recent Advances: Dicarbonyl stress is the abnormal accumulation of reactive dicarbonyl metabolites such as methylglyoxal (MG) leading to cell and tissue dysfunction. It is a potential driver of obesity, diabetes, and related complications that are unaddressed by current treatments. Increased formation of MG is linked to increased glyceroneogenesis and hyperglycemia in obesity and diabetes and also down-regulation of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1)-which provides the main enzymatic detoxification of MG. Glo1 functional genomics studies suggest that increasing Glo1 expression and activity alleviates dicarbonyl stress; slows development of obesity, related insulin resistance; and prevents development of diabetic nephropathy and other microvascular complications of diabetes. A new therapeutic approach constitutes small-molecule inducers of Glo1 expression-Glo1 inducers-exploiting a regulatory antioxidant response element in the GLO1 gene. A prototype Glo1 inducer, trans-resveratrol (tRES)-hesperetin (HESP) combination, in corrected insulin resistance, improved glycemic control and vascular inflammation in healthy overweight and obese subjects in clinical trial. tRES and HESP synergize pharmacologically, and HESP likely overcomes the low bioavailability of tRES by inhibition of intestinal glucuronosyltransferases. Glo1 inducers may now be evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for treatment of NAFLD and vascular complications of diabetes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000-000.

Linking Alzheimer's disease to insulin resistance: the FoxO response to oxidative stress.

PubMed

Manolopoulos, K N; Klotz, L-O; Korsten, P; Bornstein, S R; Barthel, A

2010-11-01

Oxidative stress is an important determinant not only in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but also in insulin resistance (InsRes) and diabetic complications. Forkhead box class O (FoxO) transcription factors are involved in both insulin action and the cellular response to oxidative stress, thereby providing a potential integrative link between AD and InsRes. For example, the expression of intra- and extracellular antioxidant enzymes, such as manganese-superoxide dismutase and selenoprotein P, is regulated by FoxO proteins, as is the expression of important hepatic enzymes of gluconeogenesis. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD and InsRes and discuss the function of FoxO proteins in these processes. Both InsRes and oxidative stress may promote the transcriptional activity of FoxO proteins, resulting in hyperglycaemia and a further increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The consecutive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases and inhibition of Wingless (Wnt) signalling may result in the formation of β-amyloid plaques and τ protein phosphorylation. Wnt inhibition may also result in a sustained activation of FoxO proteins with induction of apoptosis and neuronal loss, thereby completing a vicious circle from oxidative stress, InsRes and hyperglycaemia back to the formation of ROS and consecutive neurodegeneration. In view of their central function in this model, FoxO proteins may provide a potential molecular target for the treatment of both InsRes and AD.

Intraspecific Trait Variation and Coordination: Root and Leaf Economics Spectra in Coffee across Environmental Gradients

PubMed Central

Isaac, Marney E.; Martin, Adam R.; de Melo Virginio Filho, Elias; Rapidel, Bruno; Roupsard, Olivier; Van den Meersche, Karel

2017-01-01

Hypotheses on the existence of a universal “Root Economics Spectrum” (RES) have received arguably the least attention of all trait spectra, despite the key role root trait variation plays in resource acquisition potential. There is growing interest in quantifying intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in plants, but there are few studies evaluating (i) the existence of an intraspecific RES within a plant species, or (ii) how a RES may be coordinated with other trait spectra within species, such as a leaf economics spectrum (LES). Using Coffea arabica (Rubiaceae) as a model species, we measured seven morphological and chemical traits of intact lateral roots, which were paired with information on four key LES traits. Field collections were completed across four nested levels of biological organization. The intraspecific trait coefficient of variation (cv) ranged from 25 to 87% with root diameter and specific root tip density showing the lowest and highest cv, respectively. Between 27 and 68% of root ITV was explained by site identity alone for five of the seven traits measured. A single principal component explained 56.2% of root trait covariation, with plants falling along a RES from resource acquiring to conserving traits. Multiple factor analysis revealed significant orthogonal relationships between root and leaf spectra. RES traits were strongly orthogonal with respect to LES traits, suggesting these traits vary independently from one another in response to environmental cues. This study provides among the first evidence that plants from the same species differentiate from one another along an intraspecific RES. We find that in one of the world’s most widely cultivated crops, an intraspecific RES is orthogonal to an intraspecific LES, indicating that above and belowground responses of plants to managed (or natural) environmental gradients are likely to occur independently from one another. PMID:28747919

Intraspecific Trait Variation and Coordination: Root and Leaf Economics Spectra in Coffee across Environmental Gradients.

PubMed

Isaac, Marney E; Martin, Adam R; de Melo Virginio Filho, Elias; Rapidel, Bruno; Roupsard, Olivier; Van den Meersche, Karel

2017-01-01

Hypotheses on the existence of a universal "Root Economics Spectrum" (RES) have received arguably the least attention of all trait spectra, despite the key role root trait variation plays in resource acquisition potential. There is growing interest in quantifying intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in plants, but there are few studies evaluating (i) the existence of an intraspecific RES within a plant species, or (ii) how a RES may be coordinated with other trait spectra within species, such as a leaf economics spectrum (LES). Using Coffea arabica (Rubiaceae) as a model species, we measured seven morphological and chemical traits of intact lateral roots, which were paired with information on four key LES traits. Field collections were completed across four nested levels of biological organization. The intraspecific trait coefficient of variation (cv) ranged from 25 to 87% with root diameter and specific root tip density showing the lowest and highest cv, respectively. Between 27 and 68% of root ITV was explained by site identity alone for five of the seven traits measured. A single principal component explained 56.2% of root trait covariation, with plants falling along a RES from resource acquiring to conserving traits. Multiple factor analysis revealed significant orthogonal relationships between root and leaf spectra. RES traits were strongly orthogonal with respect to LES traits, suggesting these traits vary independently from one another in response to environmental cues. This study provides among the first evidence that plants from the same species differentiate from one another along an intraspecific RES. We find that in one of the world's most widely cultivated crops, an intraspecific RES is orthogonal to an intraspecific LES, indicating that above and belowground responses of plants to managed (or natural) environmental gradients are likely to occur independently from one another.

Characterization of Nrf2 activation and heme oxygenase-1 expression in NIH3T3 cells exposed to aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke.

PubMed

Knörr-Wittmann, Constanze; Hengstermann, Arnd; Gebel, Stephan; Alam, Jawed; Müller, Thomas

2005-12-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) is a complex chemical mixture estimated to be composed of up to 5000 different chemicals, many of which are prooxidant. Here we show that, at least in vitro, the cellular response designed to combat oxidative stress resulting from CS exposure is primarily controlled by the transcription factor Nrf2, a principal inducer of antioxidant and phase II-related genes. The prominent role of Nrf2 in the cellular response to CS is substantiated by the following observations: In NIH3T3 cells exposed to aqueous extracts of CS (i) Nrf2 is strongly stabilized and becomes detectable in nuclear extracts. (ii) Nuclear localization of Nrf2 coincides with increased DNA binding of a putative Nrf2/MafK heterodimer to its cognate cis-regulatory site, i.e., the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE). (iii) Studies on the regulatory elements of the oxidative stress-inducible gene heme oxygenase-1 (hmox1) using various hmox1 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs revealed that the strong CS-dependent expression of this gene is primarily governed by the distal enhancers 1 ("E1") and 2 ("E2"), which both contain three canonical ARE-like stress-responsive elements (StREs). Notably, depletion of Nrf2 levels caused by RNA interference significantly compromised CS-induced hmox1 promoter activation, based on the distinct Nrf2 sensitivity exhibited by E1 and E2. Finally, (iv) siRNA-dependent knock-down of Nrf2 completely abrogated CS-induced expression of phase II-related genes. Taken together, these results confirm the outstanding role of Nrf2 both in sensing (oxidant) stress and in orchestrating an efficient transcriptional response aimed at resolving the stressing conditions.

Molecular profiling of prostate cancer derived exosomes may reveal a predictive signature for response to docetaxel

PubMed Central

Kharaziha, Pedram; Chioureas, Dimitris; Rutishauser, Dorothea; Baltatzis, George; Lennartsson, Lena; Fonseca, Pedro; Azimi, Alireza; Hultenby, Kjell; Zubarev, Roman; Ullén, Anders; Yachnin, Jeffrey; Nilsson, Sten; Panaretakis, Theocharis

2015-01-01

Docetaxel is a cornerstone treatment for metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, worldwide. The clinical usage of docetaxel has resulted in modest gains in survival, primarily due to the development of resistance. There are currently no clinical biomarkers available that predict whether a CRPC patient will respond or acquire resistance to this therapy. Comparative proteomics analysis of exosomes secreted from DU145 prostate cancer cells that are sensitive (DU145 Tax-Sen) or have acquired resistance (DU145 Tax-Res) to docetaxel, demonstrated significant differences in the amount of exosomes secreted and in their molecular composition. A panel of proteins was identified by proteomics to be differentially enriched in DU145 Tax-Res compared to DU145 Tax-Sen exosomes and was validated by western blotting. Importantly, we identified MDR-1, MDR-3, Endophilin-A2 and PABP4 that were enriched only in DU145 Tax-Res exosomes. We validated the presence of these proteins in the serum of a small cohort of patients. DU145 cells that have uptaken DU145 Tax-Res exosomes show properties of increased matrix degradation. In summary, exosomes derived from DU145 Tax-Res cells may be a valuable source of biomarkers for response to therapy. PMID:25844599

Molecular profiling of prostate cancer derived exosomes may reveal a predictive signature for response to docetaxel.

PubMed

Kharaziha, Pedram; Chioureas, Dimitris; Rutishauser, Dorothea; Baltatzis, George; Lennartsson, Lena; Fonseca, Pedro; Azimi, Alireza; Hultenby, Kjell; Zubarev, Roman; Ullén, Anders; Yachnin, Jeffrey; Nilsson, Sten; Panaretakis, Theocharis

2015-08-28

Docetaxel is a cornerstone treatment for metastatic, castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) which remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, worldwide. The clinical usage of docetaxel has resulted in modest gains in survival, primarily due to the development of resistance. There are currently no clinical biomarkers available that predict whether a CRPC patient will respond or acquire resistance to this therapy. Comparative proteomics analysis of exosomes secreted from DU145 prostate cancer cells that are sensitive (DU145 Tax-Sen) or have acquired resistance (DU145 Tax-Res) to docetaxel, demonstrated significant differences in the amount of exosomes secreted and in their molecular composition. A panel of proteins was identified by proteomics to be differentially enriched in DU145 Tax-Res compared to DU145 Tax-Sen exosomes and was validated by western blotting. Importantly, we identified MDR-1, MDR-3, Endophilin-A2 and PABP4 that were enriched only in DU145 Tax-Res exosomes. We validated the presence of these proteins in the serum of a small cohort of patients. DU145 cells that have uptaken DU145 Tax-Res exosomes show properties of increased matrix degradation. In summary, exosomes derived from DU145 Tax-Res cells may be a valuable source of biomarkers for response to therapy.

Divergent Binding and Transactivation by Two Related Steroid Receptors at the Same Response Element*

PubMed Central

Tesikova, Martina; Dezitter, Xavier; Nenseth, Hatice Z.; Klokk, Tove I.; Mueller, Florian; Hager, Gordon L.; Saatcioglu, Fahri

2016-01-01

Transcription factor (TF) recruitment to chromatin is central to activation of transcription. TF-chromatin interactions are highly dynamic, which are evaluated by recovery half time (t1/2) in seconds, determined by fluorescence recovery experiments in living cells, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, measured in minutes. These two states are related: the larger the t1/2, the longer the ChIP occupancy resulting in increased transcription. Here we present data showing that this relationship does not always hold. We found that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) significantly increased t1/2 of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused androgen receptor (AR) on a tandem array of positive hormone response elements (HREs) in chromatin. This resulted in increased ChIP signal of GFP-AR. Unexpectedly, however, transcription was inhibited. In contrast, the GFP-fused glucocorticoid receptor (GR), acting through the same HREs, displayed a profile consistent with current models. We provide evidence that these differences are mediated, at least in part, by HDACs. Our results provide insight into TF action in living cells and show that very closely related TFs may trigger significantly divergent outcomes at the same REs. PMID:27056330

Influence of signal processing strategy in auditory abilities.

PubMed

Melo, Tatiana Mendes de; Bevilacqua, Maria Cecília; Costa, Orozimbo Alves; Moret, Adriane Lima Mortari

2013-01-01

The signal processing strategy is a parameter that may influence the auditory performance of cochlear implant and is important to optimize this parameter to provide better speech perception, especially in difficult listening situations. To evaluate the individual's auditory performance using two different signal processing strategy. Prospective study with 11 prelingually deafened children with open-set speech recognition. A within-subjects design was used to compare performance with standard HiRes and HiRes 120 in three different moments. During test sessions, subject's performance was evaluated by warble-tone sound-field thresholds, speech perception evaluation, in quiet and in noise. In the silence, children S1, S4, S5, S7 showed better performance with the HiRes 120 strategy and children S2, S9, S11 showed better performance with the HiRes strategy. In the noise was also observed that some children performed better using the HiRes 120 strategy and other with HiRes. Not all children presented the same pattern of response to the different strategies used in this study, which reinforces the need to look at optimizing cochlear implant clinical programming.

US defensive operations against Libya and the nuclear accident at Chernobyl. Markup before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Ninety-Ninth Congress, Second Session on H. Res. 424 and H. Res 440, May 1, 1986

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

Not Available

1986-01-01

The House Foreign Affairs Committee met to mark up two resolutions: H. Res. 424 and H. Res. 440. H. Res. 424 thanks the United Kingdom for its assistance in the April 14, 1986 operation against Libya. Despite objections to the raid and to including the British, as well as questions about the quality of the US response and about the President's compliance with the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution, the resolution passed. H. Res. 440 expresses sympathy to the victims of the Chernobyl accident and asks the Soviet Union to relax restrictions on communications and the transfer of whatevermore » technology and assistance will be helpful. It also criticizes the Soviet handling of information about the accident. An amendment strengthened the wording of the criticism, and the resolution passed. The report includes the committee discussion and the tests of the two resolutions.« less

Vortex, ULF wave and Aurora Observation after Solar Wind Dynamic Pressure Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Q.

2017-12-01

Here we will summarize our recent study and show some new results on the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere Response to Dynamic Pressure Change/disturbances in the Solar Wind and foreshock regions. We study the step function type solar wind dynamic pressure change (increase/decrease) interaction with the magnetosphere using THEMIS satellites at both dayside and nightside in different geocentric distances. Vortices generated by the dynamic pressure change passing along the magnetopause are found and compared with model predictions. ULF waves and vortices are excited in the dayside and nightside plasma sheet when dynamic pressure change hit the magnetotail. The related ionospheric responses, such as aurora and TCVs, are also investigated. We compare Global MHD simulations with the observations. We will also show some new results that dayside magnetospheric FLRs might be caused by foreshock structures.Shi, Q. Q. et al. (2013), THEMIS observations of ULF wave excitation in the nightside plasma sheet during sudden impulse events, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 118, doi:10.1029/2012JA017984. Shi, Q. Q. et al. (2014), Solar wind pressure pulse-driven magnetospheric vortices and their global consequences, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 119, doi:10.1002/2013JA019551. Tian, A.M. et al.(2016), Dayside magnetospheric and ionospheric responses to solar wind pressure increase: Multispacecraft and ground observations, J. Geophys. Res., 121, doi:10.1002/2016JA022459. Shen, X.C. et al.(2015), Magnetospheric ULF waves with increasing amplitude related to solar wind dynamic pressure changes: THEMIS observations, J. Geophys. Res., 120, doi:10.1002/2014JA020913Zhao, H. Y. et al. (2016), Magnetospheric vortices and their global effect after a solar wind dynamic pressure decrease, J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 121, doi:10.1002/2015JA021646. Shen, X. C., et al. (2017), Dayside magnetospheric ULF wave frequency modulated by a solar wind dynamic pressure negative impulse, J. Geophys. Res., 122, doi:10.1002/2016JA023351.

[Cardiopulmonary dynamics during a maximal exertion test in Mexican endurance athletes].

PubMed

Padilla, J; Martínez, E; Olvera, G; Ojeda Cruz, P; Caudillo Pérez, D

2000-01-01

To search for cardiopulmonary (CP) kinetic and dynamic differences between Mexican resistance athletes (RES = 10) and non athletes (NON = 19). From the expired volume (Ve), measured by an open circuit spirometry, we calculated both VO2 and VCO2 during stress test while the volunteer pedalled seated on an electronic cycloergometer that started at 50 W.2 min-1 followed by increments of 25 W.2 min-1 each, until VO2máx was reached. The exercise transient time course (min) response (VO2, VCO2, Ve and heart rate, HR; and also O2 pulse, PulO2) was transformed to seconds and modelled by computer using linear regression technique by the interactive minimum squares method, and the mean response time (MRT) was used as an overall kinetic CP parameter. The transient MRTs for VO2, VCO2 and Ve were slow in RES compared to NON. While the transient CP dynamics in NON lasted MRT_VO2 < (MRT_PulO2, MRT_FC) < MRT_VCO2 < MRT_Ve; the RES: both MRT_PulO2 and MRT_HR shifted to the right ((MRT_VO2, MRT_VCO2) < (MRT_PulO2, MRT_FC) < MRT_Ve). The relationships between the best sport profit mean velocity and both the MRT_VO2, MRT_VCO2 and MRT_PulO2 (GEK = gas exchange kinetics) showed fast_RES and slow_GEK, and slow_RES and fast_GEK. The transient CP kinetics was slow in RES compared NON. It is possible to distinguish cardiopulmonary kinetic differences among resistance athletes holding different sport profiles.

The acute response of the amygdalar TRH system to psychogenic stressors varies dependent on the paradigm and circadian condition.

PubMed

Gutiérrez-Mariscal, Mariana; Sánchez, Edith; Rebolledo-Solleiro, Daniela; García-Vázquez, Arlene Iskra; Cote-Vélez, Antonieta; Acasuso-Rivero, Cristina; Charli, Jean-Louis; Joseph-Bravo, Patricia

2012-05-03

Central administration of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) reduces anxiety; amygdalar TRH expression is inversely proportional to the anxious behavior displayed in the elevated plus maze performed during the dark phase (EPM-D). To better understand the role of TRH in amygdala function, we evaluated the expression of TRH and the elements involved in its transmission in various stressful paradigms and how they associated with behavior. Wistar male rats were exposed to restraint (RES), EPM, or the open field test (OFT) and sacrificed 0-60 min afterwards; OFT, RES and EPM were performed during the light (L), and OFT during the dark phase. Restraint increased amygdalar levels of proCRH mRNA, without change in proTRH. All paradigms augmented corticosterone release, highest after OFT-L that also enhanced proCRH mRNA levels and decreased those of proTRH. OFT-D activated the TRH system. Levels of anxiety or locomotion were similar in animals tested in light or dark phases but their association with biochemical parameters differed. ProTRH expression and TRH release correlated positively with decreased anxiety in EPM-L and in OFT-D. No association with anxiety was detected in OFT-L where proCRH and proTRH expression correlated with locomotion supporting their involvement in arousal. The responses of TRH amygdalar systems appeared modulated by the extent of the stress response and by the circadian conditions. Increased proTRH expression of animals exposed to OFT-D was specifically observed in the cortical nucleus of the amygdala, area involved in processing fear stimuli; these TRH neurons may thus be part of a circuit with anxiolytic properties. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of auxin response factor (ARF) family genes related to flower and fruit development in papaya (Carica papaya L.).

PubMed

Liu, Kaidong; Yuan, Changchun; Li, Haili; Lin, Wanhuang; Yang, Yanjun; Shen, Chenjia; Zheng, Xiaolin

2015-11-05

Auxin and auxin signaling are involved in a series of developmental processes in plants. Auxin Response Factors (ARFs) is reported to modulate the expression of target genes by binding to auxin response elements (AuxREs) and influence the transcriptional activation of down-stream target genes. However, how ARF genes function in flower development and fruit ripening of papaya (Carica papaya L.) is largely unknown. In this study, a comprehensive characterization and expression profiling analysis of 11 C. papaya ARF (CpARF) genes was performed using the newly updated papaya reference genome data. We analyzed CpARF expression patterns at different developmental stages. CpARF1, CpARF2, CpARF4, CpARF5, and CpARF10 showed the highest expression at the initial stage of flower development, but decreased during the following developmental stages. CpARF6 expression increased during the developmental process and reached its peak level at the final stage of flower development. The expression of CpARF1 increased significantly during the fruit ripening stages. Many AuxREs were included in the promoters of two ethylene signaling genes (CpETR1 and CpETR2) and three ethylene-synthesis-related genes (CpACS1, CpACS2, and CpACO1), suggesting that CpARFs might be involved in fruit ripening via the regulation of ethylene signaling. Our study provided comprehensive information on ARF family in papaya, including gene structures, chromosome locations, phylogenetic relationships, and expression patterns. The involvement of CpARF gene expression changes in flower and fruit development allowed us to understand the role of ARF-mediated auxin signaling in the maturation of reproductive organs in papaya.

Perceived impact of the 80-hour workweek: five years later.

PubMed

Dozois, Eric J; Holubar, Stefan D; Tsikitis, Vassiliki L; Malireddy, Kishore; Cima, Robert R; Farley, David R; Larson, David W

2009-09-01

We aimed to assess perceptions of the effects of the 80-hour workweek (80hWW) restriction on patient care, education, and resident quality of life. In April 2007, attending surgeons and residents in nine surgical specialties at our institution were surveyed. Respondents were categorized into three groups: (1) attending surgeons; (2) residents beginning their training before the 80hWW implementation (ResBefore); and (3) residents beginning training after the 80hWW implementation (ResAfter). Differences between groups were assessed with univariate analysis. The overall response rate was 57%. A minority in all three groups (< or =33%) believed the 80hWW improved patient care. Fifteen percent of attending surgeons, 30% of ResBefore, and 67% of ResAfter believed patients were safer (P < 0.001). Eighty-three percent of attending surgeons, 74% of ResBefore, and 41% of ResAfter (P < 0.001) believed continuity of care was compromised. All groups (> or =84%) agreed that midlevel providers were now critical to successfully deliver health care (P = 0.40). Fewer attending surgeons (21%) and ResBefore (29%) perceived improvements in education compared with ResAfter (68%; P <0.001). A majority perceived improved work-life balance for residents (attending surgeons [85%], ResBefore [71%], and ResAfter [92%]; P = 0.008), but 76% of attending surgeons reported decreased job satisfaction. We showed a discrepancy between perceptions of attending surgeons and residents regarding the effect of the 80hWW on patient care and surgical education. Quality of life was improved for residents but not for attending surgeons. The impact of the 80hWW on patient care and surgical education needs to be quantified.

Obesity-induced hepatic hypoperfusion primes for hepatic dysfunction after resuscitated hemorrhagic shock.

PubMed

Matheson, Paul J; Hurt, Ryan T; Franklin, Glen A; McClain, Craig J; Garrison, R Neal

2009-10-01

Obese patients (BMI>35) after blunt trauma are at increased risk compared to non-obese for organ dysfunction, prolonged hospital stay, infection, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) produce a low grade systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with compromised hepatic blood flow, which increases with body mass index. We hypothesized that obesity further aggravates liver dysfunction by reduced hepatic perfusion following resuscitated hemorrhagic shock (HEM). Age-matched Zucker rats (Obese, 314-519 g & Lean, 211-280 g) were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10-12/group): (1) Lean-Sham; (2) Lean, HEM, and resuscitation (HEM/RES); (3) Obese-Sham; and (4) Obese-HEM/RES. HEM was 40% of mean arterial pressure (MAP) for 60 min; RES was return of shed blood/5 min and 2 volumes of saline/25 min. Hepatic blood flow (HBF) using galactose clearance, liver enzymes and complete metabolic panel were measured over 4 h after completion of RES. Obese rats had increased MAP, heart rate, and fasting blood glucose and BUN concentrations compared to lean controls, required less blood withdrawal (mL/g) to maintain 40% MAP, and RES did not restore BL MAP. Obese rats had decreased HBF at BL and during HEM/RES, which persisted 4 h post RES. ALT and BUN were increased compared to Lean-HEM/RES at 4 h post-RES. These data suggest that obesity significantly contributes to trauma outcomes through compromised vascular control or through fat-induced sinusoidal compression to impair hepatic blood flow after HEM/RES resulting in a greater hepatic injury. The pro-inflammatory state of NAFLD seen in obesity appears to prime the liver for hepatic ischemia after resuscitated hemorrhagic shock, perhaps intensified by insidious and ongoing hepatic hypoperfusion established prior to the traumatic injury or shock.

Repetitive element signature-based visualization, distance computation, and classification of 1766 microbial genomes.

PubMed

Lee, Kang-Hoon; Shin, Kyung-Seop; Lim, Debora; Kim, Woo-Chan; Chung, Byung Chang; Han, Gyu-Bum; Roh, Jeongkyu; Cho, Dong-Ho; Cho, Kiho

2015-07-01

The genomes of living organisms are populated with pleomorphic repetitive elements (REs) of varying densities. Our hypothesis that genomic RE landscapes are species/strain/individual-specific was implemented into the Genome Signature Imaging system to visualize and compute the RE-based signatures of any genome. Following the occurrence profiling of 5-nucleotide REs/words, the information from top-50 frequency words was transformed into a genome-specific signature and visualized as Genome Signature Images (GSIs), using a CMYK scheme. An algorithm for computing distances among GSIs was formulated using the GSIs' variables (word identity, frequency, and frequency order). The utility of the GSI-distance computation system was demonstrated with control genomes. GSI-based computation of genome-relatedness among 1766 microbes (117 archaea and 1649 bacteria) identified their clustering patterns; although the majority paralleled the established classification, some did not. The Genome Signature Imaging system, with its visualization and distance computation functions, enables genome-scale evolutionary studies involving numerous genomes with varying sizes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electronic and optoelectronic device applications based on ReS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Erfu; Long, Mingsheng; Wang, Yaojia; Pan, Yiming; Ho, Chinghwa; Wang, Baigeng; Miao, Feng

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2) is a unique semiconducting TMD with distorted 1T structure and weak interlayer coupling. We have previously investigated its in-plane anisotropic property and electronic applications on FET and digital inverters. In this talk, we will present high responsivity phototransistors based on few-layer ReS2. Depending on the back gate voltage, source drain bias and incident optical light intensity, the maximum attainable photoresponsivity can reach as high as 88,600 A W-1, which is one of the highest value among individual two-dimensional materials with similar device structures. Such high photoresponsivity is attributed to the increased light absorption as well as the gain enhancement due to the existence of trap states in the few-layer ReS2 flakes. The existence of trap states is proved by temperature dependent transport measurements. It further enables the detection of weak signals. Our studies underscore ReS2 as a promising material for future electronic and sensitive optoelectronic applications.

Intricate Resonant Raman Response in Anisotropic ReS2.

PubMed

McCreary, Amber; Simpson, Jeffrey R; Wang, Yuanxi; Rhodes, Daniel; Fujisawa, Kazunori; Balicas, Luis; Dubey, Madan; Crespi, Vincent H; Terrones, Mauricio; Hight Walker, Angela R

2017-10-11

The strong in-plane anisotropy of rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) offers an additional physical parameter that can be tuned for advanced applications such as logic circuits, thin-film polarizers, and polarization-sensitive photodetectors. ReS 2 also presents advantages for optoelectronics, as it is both a direct-gap semiconductor for few-layer thicknesses (unlike MoS 2 or WS 2 ) and stable in air (unlike black phosphorus). Raman spectroscopy is one of the most powerful characterization techniques to nondestructively and sensitively probe the fundamental photophysics of a 2D material. Here, we perform a thorough study of the resonant Raman response of the 18 first-order phonons in ReS 2 at various layer thicknesses and crystal orientations. Remarkably, we discover that, as opposed to a general increase in intensity of all of the Raman modes at excitonic transitions, each of the 18 modes behave differently relative to each other as a function of laser excitation, layer thickness, and orientation in a manner that highlights the importance of electron-phonon coupling in ReS 2 . In addition, we correct an unrecognized error in the calculation of the optical interference enhancement of the Raman signal of transition metal dichalcogenides on SiO 2 /Si substrates that has propagated through various reports. For ReS 2 , this correction is critical to properly assessing the resonant Raman behavior. We also implemented a perturbation approach to calculate frequency-dependent Raman intensities based on first-principles and demonstrate that, despite the neglect of excitonic effects, useful trends in the Raman intensities of monolayer and bulk ReS 2 at different laser energies can be accurately captured. Finally, the phonon dispersion calculated from first-principles is used to address the possible origins of unexplained peaks observed in the Raman spectra, such as infrared-active modes, defects, and second-order processes.

Dyspraxia in ASD: Impaired coordination of movement elements.

PubMed

McAuliffe, Danielle; Pillai, Ajay S; Tiedemann, Alyssa; Mostofsky, Stewart H; Ewen, Joshua B

2017-04-01

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have long been known to have deficits in the performance of praxis gestures; these motor deficits also correlate with social and communicative deficits. To date, the precise nature of the errors involved in praxis has not been clearly mapped out. Based on observations of individuals with ASD performing gestures, we hypothesized that the simultaneous execution of multiple movement elements is especially impaired in affected children. We examined 25 school-aged participants with ASD and 25 age-matched controls performing seven simultaneous gestures that required the concurrent performance of movement elements and nine serial gestures, in which all elements were performed serially. There was indeed a group × gesture-type interaction (P < 0.001). Whereas both groups had greater difficulty performing simultaneous than serial gestures, children with ASD had a 2.6-times greater performance decrement with simultaneous (vs. serial) gestures than controls. These results point to a potential deficit in the simultaneous processing of multiple inputs and outputs in ASD. Such deficits could relate to models of social interaction that highlight the parallel-processing nature of social communication. Autism Res 2016,. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 648-652. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Expression of endogenous retroviruses is negatively regulated by the pluripotency marker Rex1/Zfp42

PubMed Central

Guallar, D.; Pérez-Palacios, R.; Climent, M.; Martínez-Abadía, I.; Larraga, A.; Fernández-Juan, M.; Vallejo, C.; Muniesa, P.; Schoorlemmer, J.

2012-01-01

Rex1/Zfp42 is a Yy1-related zinc-finger protein whose expression is frequently used to identify pluripotent stem cells. We show that depletion of Rex1 levels notably affected self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in clonal assays, in the absence of evident differences in expression of marker genes for pluripotency or differentiation. By contrast, marked differences in expression of several endogenous retroviral elements (ERVs) were evident upon Rex1 depletion. We demonstrate association of REX1 to specific elements in chromatin-immunoprecipitation assays, most strongly to muERV-L and to a lower extent to IAP and musD elements. Rex1 regulates muERV-L expression in vivo, as we show altered levels upon transient gain-and-loss of Rex1 function in pre-implantation embryos. We also find REX1 can associate with the lysine-demethylase LSD1/KDM1A, suggesting they act in concert. Similar to REX1 binding to retrotransposable elements (REs) in ES cells, we also detected binding of the REX1 related proteins YY1 and YY2 to REs, although the binding preferences of the two proteins were slightly different. Altogether, we show that Rex1 regulates ERV expression in mouse ES cells and during pre-implantation development and suggest that Rex1 and its relatives have evolved as regulators of endogenous retroviral transcription. PMID:22844087

A Physicochemical Method for Separating Rare Earths: Addressing an Impending Shortfall

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

Schelter, Eric

2017-03-14

There are currently zero operating suppliers of critical rare earth elements La–Lu, Sc, Y (REs), in the western hemisphere. REs are critical materials due to their importance in clean energy and defense applications, including permanent magnets in wind turbines and phosphors in energy efficient lighting. It is not economically viable to produce pure REs in the U.S. given current separations technology. REs production is dominated by suppliers in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) because of their capacity in liquid­liquid solvent extraction (SX) used to purify mixtures. Weak environmental regulations in the PRC also contribute to a competitive advantage. SXmore » is a cost, time, solvent and waste intensive process but is highly optimized and scalable. The low efficiency of SX derives from the small thermodynamic differences in solvation enthalpy between the RE3+ cations. To foster stable domestic RE production there is a critical need for fundamentally new REs chemistry that contributes to disruptive technologies in RE separations. The overall goal of this project was to develop new thermodynamic bases, and apply them, for the solution separation of rare earth metals. We have developed the chemistry of rare earth metals: La–Lu, Sc and Y, with redox active ligands. Our hypothesis for the project was that electron­hole coupling in complexes of certain lanthanide metals with redox active ligands can be used to manifest chemical distinctiveness and affect separations. We also developed separations based on unique solution equilibria from tailored ligands.« less

Dual DNA binding property of ABA insensitive 3 like factors targeted to promoters responsive to ABA and auxin.

PubMed

Nag, Ronita; Maity, Manas Kanti; Dasgupta, Maitrayee

2005-11-01

The ABA responsive ABI3 and the auxin responsive ARF family of transcription factors bind the CATGCATG (Sph) and TGTCTC core motifs in ABA and auxin response elements (ABRE and AuxRE), respectively. Several evidences indicate ABI3s to act downstream to auxin too. Because DNA binding domain of ABI3s shows significant overlap with ARFs we enquired whether auxin responsiveness through ABI3s could be mediated by their binding to canonical AuxREs. Investigations were undertaken through in vitro gel mobility shift assays (GMSA) using the DNA binding domain B3 of PvAlf (Phaseolus vulgaris ABI3 like factor) and upstream regions of auxin responsive gene GH3 (-267 to -141) and ABA responsive gene Em (-316 to -146) harboring AuxRE and ABRE, respectively. We demonstrate that B3 domain of PvAlf could bind AuxRE only when B3 was associated with its flanking domain B2 (B2B3). Such strict requirement of B2 domain was not observed with ABRE, where B3 could bind with or without being associated with B2. This dual specificity in DNA binding of ABI3s was also demonstrated with nuclear extracts of cultured cells of Arachis hypogea. Supershift analysis of ABRE and AuxRE bound nuclear proteins with antibodies raised against B2B3 domains of PvAlf revealed that ABI3 associated complexes were detectable in association with both cis elements. Competition GMSA confirmed the same complexes to bind ABRE and AuxRE. This dual specificity of ABI3 like factors in DNA binding targeted to natural promoters responsive to ABA and auxin suggests them to have a potential role in conferring crosstalk between these two phytohormones.

Antibody-Mediated BRCC36 Silencing: A Novel Approach for Targeted Breast Cancer Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

C, Broccoli D, Godwin AK. 2006b. BRCC36 is essentia l for ionizing radiation- induced BRCA1 phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation. Cancer Res...BRCA1, BRCA2, and Rad51 operate in a common DNA dam age response pathway. Cancer Res 59: 1752s-1756s. Chen X, Arciero CA, Wang C, Broccoli D

Bone metabolic responses to low energy availability achieved by diet or exercise in active eumenorrheic women.

PubMed

Papageorgiou, Maria; Martin, Daniel; Colgan, Hannah; Cooper, Simon; Greeves, Julie P; Tang, Jonathan C Y; Fraser, William D; Elliott-Sale, Kirsty J; Sale, Craig

2018-06-19

We aimed to explore the effects of low energy availability (EA)[15 kcal·kg lean body mass (LBM) -1 ·d -1 ] achieved by diet or exercise on bone turnover markers in active, eumenorrheic women. By using a crossover design, ten eumenorrheic women (VO 2 peak : 48.1 ± 3.3 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) completed all three, 3-day conditions in a randomised order: controlled EA (CON; 45 kcal·kgLBM -1 ·d -1 ), low EA through dietary energy restriction (D-RES; 15 kcal·kgLBM -1 ·d -1 ) and low EA through increasing exercise energy expenditure (E-RES; 15 kcal·kgLBM -1 ·d -1 ), during the follicular phase of three menstrual cycles. In CON, D-RES and E-RES, participants consumed diets providing 45, 15 and 45 kcal·kgLBM -1 ·d -1 . In E-RES only, participants completed supervised running sessions (129 ± 10 min·d -1 ) at 70% of their VO 2 peak that resulted in an exercise energy expenditure of 30 kcal·kg LBM -1 ·d -1 . Blood samples were collected at baseline (BASE) and at the end of the 3-day period (D6) and analysed for bone turnover markers (β-CTX and P1NP), markers of calcium metabolism (PTH, albumin-adjusted Ca, Mg and PO 4 ) and hormones (IGF-1, T 3 , insulin, leptin and 17β-oestradiol). In D-RES, P1NP concentrations at D6 decreased by 17% (BASE: 54.8 ± 12.7 μg·L -1 , D6: 45.2 ± 9.3 μg·L -1 , P < 0.001, d = 0.91) and were lower than D6 concentrations in CON (D6: 52.5 ± 11.9 μg·L -1 , P = 0.001). P1NP did not change significantly in E-RES (BASE: 55.3 ± 14.4 μg·L -1 , D6: 50.9 ± 15.8 μg·L -1 , P = 0.14). β-CTX concentrations did not change following D-RES (BASE: 0.48 ± 0.18 μg·L -1 , D6: 0.55 ± 0.17 μg·L -1 ) or E-RES (BASE: 0.47 ± 0.24 μg·L -1 , D6: 0.49 ± 0.18 μg·L -1 ) (condition × time interaction effect, P = 0.17). There were no significant differences in P1NP (P = 0.25) or β-CTX (P = 0.13) responses between D-RES and E-RES. Both conditions resulted in reductions in IGF-1 (-13% and - 23% from BASE in D-RES and E-RES, both P < 0.01) and leptin (-59% and - 61% from BASE in D-RES and E-RES, both P < 0.001); T 3 decreased in D-RES only (-15% from BASE, P = 0.002) and PO 4 concentrations decreased in E-RES only (-9%, P = 0.03). Low EA achieved through dietary energy restriction resulted in a significant decrease in bone formation but no change in bone resorption, whereas low EA achieved through exercise energy expenditure did not significantly influence bone metabolism. Both low EA conditions elicited significant and similar changes in hormone concentrations. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

SIRT1 activation attenuates diastolic dysfunction by reducing cardiac fibrosis in a model of anthracycline cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Cappetta, Donato; Esposito, Grazia; Piegari, Elena; Russo, Rosa; Ciuffreda, Loreta Pia; Rivellino, Alessia; Berrino, Liberato; Rossi, Francesco; De Angelis, Antonella; Urbanek, Konrad

2016-02-15

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is an effective anti-neoplastic drug but its clinical benefits are hampered by cardiotoxicity. Oxidative stress, apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis mediate the anthracycline cardiomyopathy. ROS trigger TGF-β pathway that activates cardiac fibroblasts promoting fibrosis. Myocardial stiffness contributes to diastolic dysfunction, less studied aspect of anthracycline cardiomyopathy. Considering the role of SIRT1 in the inhibition of the TGF-β/SMAD3 pathway, resveratrol (RES), a SIRT1 activator, might improve cardiac function by interfering with the development of cardiac fibrosis in a model of DOXO-induced cardiomyopathy. F344 rats received a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg of DOXO in 2 weeks or DOXO+RES (DOXO and RES, 2.5mg/kg/day, concomitantly for 2 weeks and then RES alone for 1 more week). The effects of RES on cardiac fibroblasts were also tested in vitro. Along with systolic dysfunction, DOXO was also responsible of diastolic abnormalities. Myocardial stiffness correlated with fibroblast activation and collagen deposition. DOXO+RES co-treatment significantly improved ± dP/dt and, more interestingly, ameliorated end-diastolic pressure/volume relationship. Treatment with RES resulted in reduced fibrosis and fibroblast activation and, most importantly, the mortality rate was significantly reduced in DOXO+RES group. Fibroblasts isolated from DOXO+RES-treated rats, in which SIRT1 was upregulated, showed decreased levels of TGF-β and pSMAD3/SMAD3 when compared to cells isolated from DOXO-exposed hearts. Our findings reveal a key role of SIRT1 in supporting animal survival and functional parameters of the heart. SIRT1 activation by interfering with fibrogenesis can improve relaxation properties of myocardium and attenuate myocardial remodeling related to chemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting anxious response to a social challenge: the predictive utility of the social interaction anxiety scale and the social phobia scale in a college population.

PubMed

Gore, K L; Carter, M M; Parker, S

2002-06-01

Trait anxiety is believed to be a hierarchical construct composed of several lower-order factors (Adv. Behav. Res. Therapy, 15 (1993) 147; J. Anxiety Disorders, 9 (1995) 163). Assessment devices such as the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, the Social Phobia Scale (SIAS and SPS; Behav. Res. Therapy, 36 (4) (1998) 455), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; Behav. Res. Therapy, 24 (1986) 1) are good measures of the presumably separate lower-order factors. This study compared the effectiveness of the SIAS, SPS, ASI-physical scale and STAI-T (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press (1970)) as predictors of anxious response to a social challenge (asking an aloof confederate out on a date). Consistent with the hierarchical model of anxiety, the measures of trait anxiety were moderately correlated with each other and each was a significant predictor of anxious response. The specific measures of trait social anxiety were slightly better predictors of anxious response to the social challenge than was either the ASI-physical scale or the STAI-T. The results provide evidence of the predictive validity of these social trait measures and some support for their specificity in the prediction of anxious response to a social challenge.

Diversification, phylogeny and evolution of auxin response factor (ARF) family: insights gained from analyzing maize ARF genes.

PubMed

Wang, Yijun; Deng, Dexiang; Shi, Yating; Miao, Nan; Bian, Yunlong; Yin, Zhitong

2012-03-01

Auxin response factors (ARFs), member of the plant-specific B3 DNA binding superfamily, target specifically to auxin response elements (AuxREs) in promoters of primary auxin-responsive genes and heterodimerize with Aux/IAA proteins in auxin signaling transduction cascade. In previous research, we have isolated and characterized maize Aux/IAA genes in whole-genome scale. Here, we report the comprehensive analysis of ARF genes in maize. A total of 36 ARF genes were identified and validated from the B73 maize genome through an iterative strategy. Thirty-six maize ARF genes are distributed in all maize chromosomes except chromosome 7. Maize ARF genes expansion is mainly due to recent segmental duplications. Maize ARF proteins share one B3 DNA binding domain which consists of seven-stranded β sheets and two short α helixes. Twelve maize ARFs with glutamine-rich middle regions could be as activators in modulating expression of auxin-responsive genes. Eleven maize ARF proteins are lack of homo- and heterodimerization domains. Putative cis-elements involved in phytohormones and light signaling responses, biotic and abiotic stress adaption locate in promoters of maize ARF genes. Expression patterns vary greatly between clades and sister pairs of maize ARF genes. The B3 DNA binding and auxin response factor domains of maize ARF proteins are primarily subjected to negative selection during selective sweep. The mixed selective forces drive the diversification and evolution of genomic regions outside of B3 and ARF domains. Additionally, the dicot-specific proliferation of ARF genes was detected. Comparative genomics analysis indicated that maize, sorghum and rice duplicate chromosomal blocks containing ARF homologs are highly syntenic. This study provides insights into the distribution, phylogeny and evolution of ARF gene family.

Characterization of emergent leakage neutrons from multiple layers of hydrogen/water in the lunar regolith by Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

SU, J.; Sagdeev, R.; Usikov, D.; Chin, G.; Boyer, L.; Livengood, T. A.; McClanahan, T. P.; Murray, J.; Starr, R. D.

2013-12-01

Introduction: The leakage flux of lunar neutrons produced by precipitation of galactic cosmic ray (GCR) particles in the upper layer of the lunar regolith and measured by orbital instruments such as the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. Previous Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have been used to investigate neutron production and leakage from the lunar surface to assess the elemental composition of lunar soil [1-6] and its effect on the leakage neutron flux. We investigate effects on the emergent flux that depend on the physical distribution of hydrogen within the regolith. We use the software package GEANT4 [7] to calculate neutron production from spallation by GCR particles [8,9] in the lunar soil. Multiple layers of differing hydrogen/water at different depths in the lunar regolith model are introduced to examine enhancement or suppression of leakage neutron flux. We find that the majority of leakage thermal and epithermal neutrons are produced in 25 cm to 75 cm deep from the lunar surface. Neutrons produced in the shallow top layer retain more of their original energy due to fewer scattering interactions and escape from the lunar surface mostly as fast neutrons. This provides a diagnostic tool in interpreting leakage neutron flux enhancement or suppression due to hydrogen concentration distribution in lunar regolith. We also find that the emitting angular distribution of thermal and epithermal leakage neutrons can be described by cos3/2(theta) where the fast neutrons emitting angular distribution is cos(theta). The energy sensitivity and angular response of the LEND detectors SETN and CSETN are investigated using the leakage neutron spectrum from GEANT4 simulations. A simplified LRO model is used to benchmark MCNPX[10] and GEANT4 on CSETN absolute count rate corresponding to neutron flux from bombardment of 120MV solar potential GCR particles on FAN lunar soil. We are able to interpret the count rates of SETN and CSETN from the leakage neutron spectrum, emission angle, detector energy sensitivity and angular response. Reference: [1] W. C. Feldman, et al., Science 4 September 1998: Vol. 281 no. 5382 pp. 1496-1500. [2] Gasnault, O., et al., (2000) J. Geophys. Res., 105(E2), 4263-4271. [3] Little, R. C., et al. (2003), J. Geophys. Res., 108(E5), 5046. [4] McKinney et al., (2006), J. Geophys. Res., 111, E06004. [5] Lawrence et al., (2006), J. Geophys. Res., 111, E08001. [6] Looper et al, (2013), Space Weather, VOL. 11, 142-152. [7] J. Allison, et al, (2006) IEEE TRANS. ON NUCL SCI, VOL. 53, NO. 1. [8] J. Masarik and R. Reedy (1996), J. Geophys. Res., 101, 18,891-18,912. [9] P. O'Neil (2010) IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci., 57(6), 3148-3153. [10] D. Pelowitz, (2005), Rep. LA-CP-05-0369, LANL, Los Alamos, NM.

Ethanol deregulates Mecp2/MeCP2 in differentiating neural stem cells via interplay between 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at the Mecp2 regulatory elements

PubMed Central

Liyanage, Vichithra Rasangi Batuwita; Zachariah, Robby Mathew; Davie, James Ronald; Rastegar, Mojgan

2017-01-01

Methyl CpG Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) is an important epigenetic factor in the brain. MeCP2 expression is affected by different environmental insults including alcohol exposure. Accumulating evidence supports the role of aberrant MeCP2 expression in ethanol exposure-induced neurological symptoms. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of ethanol-induced MeCP2 deregulation remain elusive. To study the effect of ethanol on Mecp2/MeCP2 expression during neurodifferentiation, we established an in vitro model of ethanol exposure, using differentiating embryonic brain-derived neural stem cells (NSC). Previously, we demonstrated the impact of DNA methylation at the Mecp2 regulatory elements (REs) on Mecp2/MeCP2 expression in vitro and in vivo. Here, we studied whether altered DNA methylation at these REs is associated with the Mecp2/MeCP2 misexpression induced by ethanol. Binge-like and continuous ethanol exposure upregulated Mecp2/MeCP2, while ethanol withdrawal downregulated its expression. DNA methylation analysis by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation indicated that increased 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and decreased 5-methylcytosine (5mC) enrichment at specific REs were associated with upregulated Mecp2/MeCP2 following continuous ethanol exposure. The reduced Mecp2/MeCP2 expression upon ethanol withdrawal was associated with reduced 5hmC and increased 5mC enrichment at these REs. Moreover, ethanol altered global DNA methylation (5mC and 5hmC). Under the tested conditions, ethanol had minimal effects on NSC cell fate commitment, but caused changes in neuronal morphology and glial cell size. Taken together, our data represent an epigenetic mechanism for ethanol-mediated misexpression of Mecp2/MeCP2 in differentiating embryonic brain cells. We also show the potential role of DNA methylation and MeCP2 in alcohol-related neurological disorders, specifically Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PMID:25620416

Chinese children with autism: A multiple chemical elements profile in erythrocytes.

PubMed

Wu, Jing; Liu, Duo-Jian; Shou, Xiao-Jing; Zhang, Ji-Shui; Meng, Fan-Chao; Liu, Ya-Qiong; Han, Song-Ping; Zhang, Rong; Jia, Jin-Zhu; Wang, Jing-Yu; Han, Ji-Sheng

2018-06-01

Several lines of evidence suggested that abnormal levels of certain chemical elements may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The present work aimed to investigate the multiple chemical elements profile in the erythrocytes of autistic versus typically developing children (TDC) of China. Analyses were carried out to explore the possible association between levels of elements and the risk as well as the severity of ASD. Erythrocyte levels of 11 elements (32%) among 34 detected elements in autistic group were significantly different from those in the TDC group. To our knowledge, this is the first study which compared the levels of rare earth elements in erythrocytes between children with or without ASD. Five elements including Pb, Na, Ca, Sb, and La are associated with the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) total score. Also, a series of tendencies were found in this research which was believed to affect auditory response, taste, smell, and touch, as well as fear or nervousness. It can be concluded that Chinese autistic children suffer from multi-chemical element imbalances which involves a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. The results showed a significant correlation between abnormal levels of several chemical elements and the severity of the autistic syndrome. It is suggested that abnormal levels of some chemical elements may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this work, the impact of element imbalances on the risk and severity of ASD was investigated, focusing on the analysis of abnormal levels of the multi-chemical elements profile in erythrocytes compared with typically developing children. Furthermore, the results showed a significant correlation between abnormal levels of several chemical elements and the severity of the autistic syndrome. Autism Res 2018, 11: 834-845. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

XBP1, Unfolded Protein Response, and Endocrine Responsiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

initially modeled in yeast cells (21, 22). Components of the unfolded protein response (UPR) are also conserved across species and these include...response in tumors. Mol Cancer Res 2005;3:597–605. 38. Sriburi R, Jackowski S, Mori K, Brewer JW. XBP1: a link between the unfolded protein response

Cis-acting regulatory sequences promote high-frequency gene conversion between repeated sequences in mammalian cells.

PubMed

Raynard, Steven J; Baker, Mark D

2004-01-01

In mammalian cells, little is known about the nature of recombination-prone regions of the genome. Previously, we reported that the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) mu locus behaved as a hotspot for mitotic, intrachromosomal gene conversion (GC) between repeated mu constant (Cmu) regions in mouse hybridoma cells. To investigate whether elements within the mu gene regulatory region were required for hotspot activity, gene targeting was used to delete a 9.1 kb segment encompassing the mu gene promoter (Pmu), enhancer (Emu) and switch region (Smu) from the locus. In these cell lines, GC between the Cmu repeats was significantly reduced, indicating that this 'recombination-enhancing sequence' (RES) is necessary for GC hotspot activity at the IgH locus. Importantly, the RES fragment stimulated GC when appended to the same Cmu repeats integrated at ectopic genomic sites. We also show that deletion of Emu and flanking matrix attachment regions (MARs) from the RES abolishes GC hotspot activity at the IgH locus. However, no stimulation of ectopic GC was observed with the Emu/MARs fragment alone. Finally, we provide evidence that no correlation exists between the level of transcription and GC promoted by the RES. We suggest a model whereby Emu/MARS enhances mitotic GC at the endogenous IgH mu locus by effecting chromatin modifications in adjacent DNA.

On the roles of repetitive DNA elements in the context of a unified genomic-epigenetic system.

PubMed

von Sternberg, Richard

2002-12-01

Repetitive DNA sequences comprise a substantial portion of most eukaryotic and some prokaryotic chromosomes. Despite nearly forty years of research, the functions of various sequence families as a whole and their monomer units remain largely unknown. The inability to map specific functional roles onto many repetitive DNA elements (REs), coupled with the taxon-specificity of sequence families, have led many to speculate that these genomic components are "selfish" replicators generating genomic "junk." The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the selfishness, evolutionary effects, and functionality of REs. First, a brief overview of the range of ideas pertaining to RE function is presented. Second, the argument is presented that the selfish DNA "hypothesis" is actually a narrative scheme, that it serves to protect neo-Darwinian assumptions from criticism, and that this story is untestable and therefore not a hypothesis. Third, attempts to synthesize the selfish DNA concept with complex systems models of the genome and RE functionality are critiqued. Fourth, the supposed connection between RE-induced mutations and macroevolutionary events are stated to be at variance with empirical evidence and theoretical considerations. Hypotheses that base phylogenetic transitions in repetitive sequence changes thus remain speculative. Fifth and finally, the case is made for viewing REs as integrally functional components of chromosomes, genomes, and cells. It is argued throughout that a new conceptual framework is needed for understanding the roles of repetitive DNA in genomic/epigenetic systems, and that neo-Darwinian "narratives" have been the primary obstacle to elucidating the effects of these enigmatic components of chromosomes.

Identification and characterization of a newly recognized population of high-Na+, low-K+, low-density sickle and normal red cells.

PubMed

Bookchin, R M; Etzion, Z; Sorette, M; Mohandas, N; Skepper, J N; Lew, V L

2000-07-05

We describe a population of sickle cell anemia red cells (SS RBCs) ( approximately 4%) and a smaller fraction of normal RBCs (<0.03%) that fail to dehydrate when permeabilized to K(+) with either valinomycin or elevated internal Ca(2+). The nonshrinking, valinomycin-resistant (val-res) fractions, first detected by flow cytometry of density-fractionated SS RBCs, constituted up to 60% of the lightest, reticulocyte-rich (R1) cell fraction, and progressively smaller portions of the slightly denser R2 cells and discocytes. R1 val-res RBCs had a mean cell hemoglobin concentration of approximately 21 g of Hb per dl, and many had an elongated shape like "irreversibly sickled cells," suggesting a dense SS cell origin. Of three possible explanations for val-res cells, failure of valinomycin to K(+)-permeabilize the cells, low co-ion permeability, or reduced driving K(+) gradient, the latter proved responsible: Both SS and normal val-res RBCs were consistently high-Na(+) and low-K(+), even when processed entirely in Na-free media. Ca(2+) + A23187-induced K(+)-permeabilization of SS R1 fractions revealed a similar fraction of cal-res cells, whose (86)Rb uptake showed both high Na/K pump and leak fluxes. val-res/cal-res RBCs might represent either a distinct erythroid genealogy, or an "end-stage" of normal and SS RBCs. This paper focuses on the discovery, basic characterization, and exclusion of artifactual origin of this RBC fraction. Many future studies will be needed to clarify their mechanism of generation and full pathophysiological significance.

ONTOGENY OF THE ACOUSTIC STARTLE RESPONSE AND SENSITIZATION TO BACKGROUND NOISE IN THE RAT (JOURNAL VERSION)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of the study was to characterize the ontogeny of the acoustic startle response (ASR), and response sensitization to background noise, in preweanling rats. With constant low-level (45 dB) background noise, response latency decreased steadily with age, whereas, both res...

Rhenium: a rare metal critical in modern transportation

USGS Publications Warehouse

John, David A.

2015-01-01

Rhenium rarely occurs as a native element or as its own sulfide mineral—rheniite (ReS2)—and often occurs as a substitute for molybdenum in molybdenite (MoS2). Most extracted rhenium is a byproduct of copper mining, with about 80 percent recovered from flue dust during the processing of molybdenite concentrates from porphyry copper deposits.

The root economics spectrum: divergence of absorptive root strategies with root diameter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, D.; Wang, J.; Kardol, P.; Wu, H.; Zeng, H.; Deng, X.; Deng, Y.

2015-08-01

Plant roots usually vary along a dominant ecological axis, the root economics spectrum (RES), depicting a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation. For absorptive roots, which are mainly responsible for resource acquisition, we hypothesized that root strategies as predicted from the RES shift with increasing root diameter. To test this hypothesis, we used seven contrasting plant species for which we separated absorptive roots into two categories: thin roots (< 247 μm diameter) and thick roots. For each category, we analyzed a~range of root traits closely related to resource acquisition and conservation, including root tissue density, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions as well as root anatomical traits. The results showed that trait relationships for thin absorptive roots followed the expectations from the RES while no clear trait relationships were found in support of the RES for thick absorptive roots. Our results suggest divergence of absorptive root strategies in relation to root diameter, which runs against a single economics spectrum for absorptive roots.

Mutations involved in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome implicate SAMHD1 as regulator of the innate immune response.

PubMed

Rice, Gillian I; Bond, Jacquelyn; Asipu, Aruna; Brunette, Rebecca L; Manfield, Iain W; Carr, Ian M; Fuller, Jonathan C; Jackson, Richard M; Lamb, Teresa; Briggs, Tracy A; Ali, Manir; Gornall, Hannah; Couthard, Lydia R; Aeby, Alec; Attard-Montalto, Simon P; Bertini, Enrico; Bodemer, Christine; Brockmann, Knut; Brueton, Louise A; Corry, Peter C; Desguerre, Isabelle; Fazzi, Elisa; Cazorla, Angels Garcia; Gener, Blanca; Hamel, Ben C J; Heiberg, Arvid; Hunter, Matthew; van der Knaap, Marjo S; Kumar, Ram; Lagae, Lieven; Landrieu, Pierre G; Lourenco, Charles M; Marom, Daphna; McDermott, Michael F; van der Merwe, William; Orcesi, Simona; Prendiville, Julie S; Rasmussen, Magnhild; Shalev, Stavit A; Soler, Doriette M; Shinawi, Marwan; Spiegel, Ronen; Tan, Tiong Y; Vanderver, Adeline; Wakeling, Emma L; Wassmer, Evangeline; Whittaker, Elizabeth; Lebon, Pierre; Stetson, Daniel B; Bonthron, David T; Crow, Yanick J

2009-07-01

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a mendelian mimic of congenital infection and also shows overlap with systemic lupus erythematosus at both a clinical and biochemical level. The recent identification of mutations in TREX1 and genes encoding the RNASEH2 complex and studies of the function of TREX1 in DNA metabolism have defined a previously unknown mechanism for the initiation of autoimmunity by interferon-stimulatory nucleic acid. Here we describe mutations in SAMHD1 as the cause of AGS at the AGS5 locus and present data to show that SAMHD1 may act as a negative regulator of the cell-intrinsic antiviral response.

Mutations involved in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome implicate SAMHD1 as regulator of the innate immune response

PubMed Central

Rice, Gillian I; Bond, Jacquelyn; Asipu, Aruna; Brunette, Rebecca L; Manfield, Iain W; Carr, Ian M; Fuller, Jonathan C; Jackson, Richard M; Lamb, Teresa; Briggs, Tracy A; Ali, Manir; Gornall, Hannah; Couthard, Lydia R; Aeby, Alec; Attard-Montalto, Simon P; Bertini, Enrico; Bodemer, Christine; Brockmann, Knut; Brueton, Louise A; Corry, Peter C; Desguerre, Isabelle; Fazzi, Elisa; Cazorla, Angels Garcia; Gener, Blanca; Hamel, Ben C J; Heiberg, Arvid; Hunter, Matthew; van der Knaap, Marjo S; Kumar, Ram; Lagae, Lieven; Landrieu, Pierre G; Lourenco, Charles M; Marom, Daphna; McDermott, Michael F; van der Merwe, William; Orcesi, Simona; Prendiville, Julie S; Rasmussen, Magnhild; Shalev, Stavit A; Soler, Doriette M; Shinawi, Marwan; Spiegel, Ronen; Tan, Tiong Y; Vanderver, Adeline; Wakeling, Emma L; Wassmer, Evangeline; Whittaker, Elizabeth; Lebon, Pierre; Stetson, Daniel B; Bonthron, David T; Crow, Yanick J

2014-01-01

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a mendelian mimic of congenital infection and also shows overlap with systemic lupus erythematosus at both a clinical and biochemical level. The recent identification of mutations in TREX1 and genes encoding the RNASEH2 complex and studies of the function of TREX1 in DNA metabolism have defined a previously unknown mechanism for the initiation of autoimmunity by interferon-stimulatory nucleic acid. Here we describe mutations in SAMHD1 as the cause of AGS at the AGS5 locus and present data to show that SAMHD1 may act as a negative regulator of the cell-intrinsic antiviral response. PMID:19525956

Optical Strategies for Studying Metastatic Mechanisms, Tumor Cell Detection and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-01

Treatment, Photodynamic Therapy, Biological Response 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF...photodynamic therapy in a rat prostate tumor model. Clin Cancer Res 2005;11:720-7. 18 . Fukumura D, Yuan F, Monsky WL, Chen Y, Jain RK. Effect of host...angiogenesis and microvascular functions in human breast cancer xenografts : Mammary fat pad versus cranial tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2002;8:1008-13. 20. Hasan T

Dietary Regulation of PTEN Signaling and Mammary Tumor Initiating Cells: Implications for Breast Cancer Prevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

1999 Paradoxical decrease of an adipose-specific protein, adiponectin, in obesity. Biochem Bio- phys Res Commun 257:79–83 10. Barb D, Pazaitou...Y, Pecquery R 2006 Adiponectin mediates antiproliferative and ap- optotic responses in human MCF7 breast cancer cells. Biochem Bio- phys Res Commun ...Noorden S, Wahlstrom T, Coombes RC, Warner M, Gustafsson JA 2002 Estrogen receptor in breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 9:1–13 29. Esslimani-Sahla M

The wheat resistance gene Lr34 results in the constitutive induction of multiple defense pathways in transgenic barley.

PubMed

Chauhan, Harsh; Boni, Rainer; Bucher, Rahel; Kuhn, Benjamin; Buchmann, Gabriele; Sucher, Justine; Selter, Liselotte L; Hensel, Goetz; Kumlehn, Jochen; Bigler, Laurent; Glauser, Gaëtan; Wicker, Thomas; Krattinger, Simon G; Keller, Beat

2015-10-01

The wheat gene Lr34 encodes an ABCG-type transporter which provides durable resistance against multiple pathogens. Lr34 is functional as a transgene in barley, but its mode of action has remained largely unknown both in wheat and barley. Here we studied gene expression in uninfected barley lines transgenic for Lr34. Genes from multiple defense pathways contributing to basal and inducible disease resistance were constitutively active in seedlings and mature leaves. In addition, the hormones jasmonic acid and salicylic acid were induced to high levels, and increased levels of lignin as well as hordatines were observed. These results demonstrate a strong, constitutive re-programming of metabolism by Lr34. The resistant Lr34 allele (Lr34res) encodes a protein that differs by two amino acid polymorphisms from the susceptible Lr34sus allele. The deletion of a single phenylalanine residue in Lr34sus was sufficient to induce the characteristic Lr34-based responses. Combination of Lr34res and Lr34sus in the same plant resulted in a reduction of Lr34res expression by 8- to 20-fold when the low-expressing Lr34res line BG8 was used as a parent. Crosses with the high-expressing Lr34res line BG9 resulted in an increase of Lr34sus expression by 13- to 16-fold in progenies that inherited both alleles. These results indicate an interaction of the two Lr34 alleles on the transcriptional level. Reduction of Lr34res expression in BG8 crosses reduced the negative pleiotropic effects of Lr34res on barley growth and vigor without compromising disease resistance, suggesting that transgenic combination of Lr34res and Lr34sus can result in agronomically useful resistance. © 2015 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The root coverage esthetic score: Intra-examiner reliability among students and faculty at tufts university school of dental medicine.

PubMed

Isaia, Federica; Gyurko, Robert; Roomian, Tamar C; Hawley, Charles E

2018-04-06

The Root Coverage Esthetic Score (RES) was published in 2009 as an esthetic scoring system to measure visible final outcomes of root coverage procedures performed on Miller I and II recession defects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra-examiner, intra-group, and inter-examiner reliability of the (Root Coverage Esthetic Score) RES when used among periodontal faculty, post-graduate students in periodontology, and pre-doctoral DMD students when using the RES at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM). Thirty-three participants (12 second year DMD students, 11 periodontal residents, and 10 faculty members) were assembled to evaluate 25 baseline and 6-months post-treatment outcomes of mucogingival surgeries using the RES. Each projection was shown for 30 seconds during which the participants were asked to use the RES scoring system to evaluate the surgical outcomes. The results were then recorded on a standardized worksheet grid. To test intra-examiner reliability, 7 of the 25 projections were shown twice. Intra-examiner reliability and inter-examiner reliability were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient using a two-way mixed effects model, and stratified by education level. PG residents had the highest tendency to agree with each other with an interclass correlation (ICC) of 0.53 (95%CI 0.36 - 0.74). DMD students had an ICC: 0.51 (95%CI: 0.33 - 0.75), and PG faculty members produced an ICC: 0.41 (95%CI: 0.24 - 0.64). There was no statistically significant difference in ICC among the three groups of participants (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.2440). When the data for each RES element were then combined, the mean ICC for the total interrater agreement for RES was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.32-0.71). This corresponds to an overall moderate agreement among all participants using the RES to evaluate the 25 surgical outcomes. The intra-examiner reliability within each of the three groups was quite high. The highest mean ICC was produced by the PG Faculty (0.908). The mean ICCs for PG residents was 0.867, and the mean ICC for DMD students was 0.855. The Kruskal-Wallis test (p = 0.46) failed to find any statistical difference in intra-examiner reliability between the three groups of participants CONCLUSIONS: The RES is a "moderately" reliable scoring system for mucogingival treatments in a dental school setting and can be used even by operators with different level of periodontal experience. This scoring system can be repeated by the same examiner obtaining reliable results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 American Academy of Periodontology.

Expression of M2 macrophage markers YKL-39 and CCL18 in breast cancer is associated with the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PubMed

Litviakov, Nikolai; Tsyganov, Matvey; Larionova, Irina; Ibragimova, Marina; Deryusheva, Irina; Kazantseva, Polina; Slonimskaya, Elena; Frolova, Irina; Choinzonov, Eugeniy; Cherdyntseva, Nadezhda; Kzhyshkowska, Julia

2018-05-04

High activity of enzyme TOP2a in tumor cells is known to be associated with sensitivity to anthracycline chemotherapy, but 20% of such patients do not show clinical response. Tumor microenvironment, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), is an essential factor defining the efficiency of chemotherapy. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of M2 macrophage markers, YKL-39 and CCL18, in tumors of breast cancer patients received anthracycline-based NAC. Patients were divided into two groups according to the level of doxorubicin sensitivity marker TOP2a: DOX-Sense and DOX-Res groups. Expression levels of TOR2a, CD68, YKL-39 and CCL18 genes were analyzed by qPCR, the amplification of TOR2a gene locus was assessed by the microarray assay. Clinical and pathological responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy were assessed. We found that the average level of TOP2a expression in patients of DOX-Sense group was almost 10 times higher than in patients of DOX-Res group, and the expression of CD68 was 3 times higher in the DOX-Sense group compared to DOX-Res group. We demonstrated that expression levels of M2-derived cytokines but not the amount of TAM is indicative for clinical and pathological chemotherapy efficacy in breast cancer patients. Out of 8 patients from DOX-Sense group who did not respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), 7 patients had M2+ macrophage phenotype (YKL-39 + CCL18 - or YKL-39 - CCL18 + ) and only one patient had M2- macrophage phenotype (YKL-39 - CCL18 - ). In DOX-Res group, out of 14 patients who clinically responded to NAC 9 patients had M2- phenotype and only 5 patients had M2+ macrophage phenotype. Among pathological non-responders in DOX-Sense group, 19 (82%) patients had M2+ tumor phenotype and only 4 (18%) patients had M2- phenotype. In DOX-Res group, all 5 patients who pathologically responded to NAC had M2 phenotype (YKL-39 - CCL18 - ). Unlike the clinical response to NAC, the differences in the frequency of M2+ and M2- phenotypes between pathologically responding and non-responding patients within DOX-Sense and DOX-Res groups were statistically significant. Thus, we showed that in patients with breast cancer who received anthracycline-containing NAC the absence of clinical response is associated with the presence of M2+ macrophage phenotype (YKL-39-CCL18 + or YKL-39 + CCL18-) based on TOP2a overexpression data.

Supplementation with Resveratrol and Curcumin Does Not Affect the Inflammatory Response to a High-Fat Meal in Older Adults with Abdominal Obesity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

PubMed

Vors, Cécile; Couillard, Charles; Paradis, Marie-Eve; Gigleux, Iris; Marin, Johanne; Vohl, Marie-Claude; Couture, Patrick; Lamarche, Benoît

2018-03-01

High-fat meals induce postprandial inflammation. Resveratrol is a polyphenol known to prevent comorbidities associated with cardiovascular disease and exerts an anti-inflammatory action. There is also an increasing body of evidence supporting the role of curcumin, a polyphenol from the curcuminoid family, as a modulator of proinflammatory processes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the following: 1) the bioavailability of resveratrol consumed in combination with curcumin after consumption of a high-fat meal; and 2) the acute combined effects of this combination on the postprandial inflammatory response of subjects with abdominal obesity. In a double blind, crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 11 men and 11 postmenopausal women [mean ± SD age: 62 ± 5 y; mean ± SD body mass index (in kg/m2): 29 ± 3] underwent a 6-h oral fat tolerance test on 2 occasions separated by 1-2 wk: once after consumption of a dietary supplement (200 mg resveratrol and 100 mg curcumin, Res/Cur) and once after consumption of a placebo (cellulose). Plasma concentrations of total resveratrol and its major metabolites as well as inflammatory markers, adhesion molecules, and whole blood NFκB1 and PPARA gene expression were measured during both fat tolerance tests. Kinetics of resveratrol and identified metabolites revealed rapid absorption patterns but also relatively limited bioavailability based on free resveratrol concentrations. Supplementation with Res/Cur did not modify postprandial variations in circulating inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and adhesion molecules [soluble E-selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1] compared to placebo (PTreatment×Time > 0.05). However, Res/Cur significantly decreased the cumulative postprandial response of sVCAM-1, compared to placebo (incremental area under the curve -4643%, P = 0.01). Postprandial variations of whole-blood PPARA and NFKB1 gene expression were not different between Res/Cur and placebo treatments. Acute supplementation with Res/Cur has no impact on the postprandial inflammation response to a high-fat meal in abdominally obese older adults. Further studies are warranted to examine how resveratrol and curcumin may alter the vascular response to a high-fat meal. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01964846.

Atmospheric lidar co-alignment sensor: flight model electro-optical characterization campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valverde Guijarro, Ángel Luis; Belenguer Dávila, Tomás.; Laguna Hernandez, Hugo; Ramos Zapata, Gonzalo

2017-10-01

Due to the difficulty in studying the upper layer of the troposphere by using ground-based instrumentation, the conception of a space-orbit atmospheric LIDAR (ATLID) becomes necessary. ATLID born in the ESA's EarthCare Programme framework as one of its payloads, being the first instrument of this kind that will be in the Space. ATLID will provide vertical profiles of aerosols and thin clouds, separating the relative contribution of aerosol and molecular scattering to know aerosol optical depth. It operates at a wavelength of 355 nm and has a high spectral resolution receiver and depolarization channel with a vertical resolution up to 100m from ground to an altitude of 20 km and, and up to 500m from 20km to 40km. ATLID measurements will be done from a sun-synchronous orbit at 393 km altitude, and an alignment (co-alignment) sensor (CAS) is revealed as crucial due to the way in which LIDAR analyses the troposphere. As in previous models, INTA has been in charge of part of the ATLID instrument co-alignment sensor (ATLID-CAS) electro-optical characterization campaign. CAS includes a set of optical elements to take part of the useful signal, to direct it onto the memory CCD matrix (MCCD) used for the co-alignment determination, and to focus the selected signal on the MCCD. Several tests have been carried out for a proper electro-optical characterization: CAS line of sight (LoS) determination and stability, point spread function (PSF), absolute response (AbsRes), pixel response non uniformity (PRNU), response linearity (ResLin) and spectral response. In the following lines, a resume of the flight model electrooptical characterization campaign is reported on. In fact, results concerning the protoflight model (CAS PFM) will be summarized. PFM requires flight-level characterization, so most of the previously mentioned tests must be carried out under simulated working conditions, i.e., the vacuum level (around 10-5 mbar) and temperature range (between 50°C and -30°C) that are expected during ATLID Space operation.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome: a model disease for systemic autoimmunity.

PubMed

Lee-Kirsch, M A; Wolf, C; Günther, C

2014-01-01

Systemic autoimmunity is a complex disease process that results from a loss of immunological tolerance characterized by the inability of the immune system to discriminate self from non-self. In patients with the prototypic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), formation of autoantibodies targeting ubiquitous nuclear antigens and subsequent deposition of immune complexes in the vascular bed induces inflammatory tissue injury that can affect virtually any organ system. Given the extraordinary genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of SLE, one approach to the genetic dissection of complex SLE is to study monogenic diseases, for which a single gene defect is responsible. Considerable success has been achieved from the analysis of the rare monogenic disorder Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), an inflammatory encephalopathy that clinically resembles in-utero-acquired viral infection and that also shares features with SLE. Progress in understanding the cellular and molecular functions of the AGS causing genes has revealed novel pathways of the metabolism of intracellular nucleic acids, the major targets of the autoimmune attack in patients with SLE. Induction of autoimmunity initiated by immune recognition of endogenous nucleic acids originating from processes such as DNA replication/repair or endogenous retro-elements represents novel paradigms of SLE pathogenesis. These findings illustrate how investigating rare monogenic diseases can also fuel discoveries that advance our understanding of complex disease. This will not only aid the development of improved tools for SLE diagnosis and disease classification, but also the development of novel targeted therapeutic approaches. © 2013 British Society for Immunology.

Beyond reducing fire hazard: fuel treatment impacts on overstory tree survival.

PubMed

Collins, Brandon M; Das, Adrian J; Battles, John J; Fry, Danny L; Krasnow, Kevin D; Stephens, Scott L

Fuel treatment implementation in dry forest types throughout the western United States is likely to increase in pace and scale in response to increasing incidence of large wildfires. While it is clear that properly implemented fuel treatments are effective at reducing hazardous fire potential, there are ancillary ecological effects that can impact forest resilience either positively or negatively depending on the specific elements examined, as well as treatment type, timing, and intensity. In this study, we use overstory tree growth responses, measured seven years after the most common fuel treatments, to estimate forest health. Across the five species analyzed, observed mortality and future vulnerability were consistently low in the mechanical- only treatment. Fire-only was similar to the control for all species except Douglas-fir, while mechanical-plus-fire had high observed mortality and future vulnerability for white fir and sugar pine. Given that overstory trees largely dictate the function of forests and services they provide (e.g., wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, soil stability) these results have implications for understanding longer-term impacts of common fuel treatments on forest resilience.

Myeloid cell recruitment versus local proliferation differentiates susceptibility from resistance to filarial infection

PubMed Central

Campbell, Sharon M; Knipper, Johanna A; Ruckerl, Dominik; Finlay, Conor M; Logan, Nicola; Minutti, Carlos M; Mack, Matthias; Jenkins, Stephen J; Taylor, Matthew D

2018-01-01

Both TH2-dependent helminth killing and suppression of the TH2 effector response have been attributed to macrophages (MΦ) activated by IL-4 (M(IL-4)). To investigate how M(IL-4) contribute to diverse infection outcomes, the MΦ compartment of susceptible BALB/c mice and more resistant C57BL/6 mice was profiled during infection of the pleural cavity with the filarial nematode, Litomosoides sigmodontis. C57BL/6 mice exhibited a profoundly expanded resident MΦ (resMΦ) population, which was gradually replenished from the bone marrow in an age-dependent manner. Infection status did not alter the bone-marrow derived contribution to the resMΦ population, confirming local proliferation as the driver of resMΦ expansion. Significantly less resMΦ expansion was observed in the susceptible BALB/c strain, which instead exhibited an influx of monocytes that assumed an immunosuppressive PD-L2+ phenotype. Inhibition of monocyte recruitment enhanced nematode killing. Thus, the balance of monocytic vs. resident M(IL-4) numbers varies between inbred mouse strains and impacts infection outcome. PMID:29299998

SYNTHETIC COPPER-CONTAINING PARTICLES ENHANCE ALLERGIC AIRWAY RESPONSES IN MICE

EPA Science Inventory

SYNTHETIC COPPER-CONTAINING PARTICLES ENHANCE ALLERGIC AIRWAY RESPONSES IN MICE. SH Gavett, MI Gilmour, and N Haykal-Coates. National Health and Environ Effects Research Lab, USEPA, Res Triangle Park, NC USA
Respiratory morbidity and mortality associated with increases in ...

Gulf of California Response to Hurricane Juliette

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

desert. J. Geophys. Res. 109, C03043. doi:10.1029/2003JC001938. Barth, A., Alvera -Azcárate, A., Weisberg, R.H., 2008a. A nested model study of the Loop...Current generated variability and its impact on the West Florida Shelf. J. Geophys. Res. 113, C05009. doi:10.1029/2007JC004492. Barth, A., Alvera ...C08033. doi:10.1029/2007JC004585. Barth, A., Alvera -Azcárate, A., Weisberg, R.H., 2008c. Benefit of nesting a regional model into a large-scale ocean model

Chemotherapeutic Targeting of Fibulin-5 to Suppress Breast Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Stimulated by Transforming Growth Factor-Beta

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-22

Res. Commun 2004;316:997–1001. [PubMed: 15044083] 178. Karin M. NF-κB in cancer development and progression. Nature 2006;441:431. [PubMed: 16724054...of TWIST gene expression. Cancer Res 2007;67:9066–9076. [PubMed: 17909010] 199. Ali S, Coombes RC. Endocrine-responsive breast cancer and strategies...for combating resistance. Nat. Rev. Cancer 2002;2:101–112. [PubMed: 12635173] 200. Coombes RC, Gibson L, Hall E, Emson M, Bliss J. Aromatase

Dietary Regulation of PTEN Signaling and Mammary Tumor Initiating Cells: Implications for Breast Cancer Prevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

adiponectin, in obesity. Biochem Bio- phys Res Commun 257:79–83 10. Barb D, Pazaitou-Panayiotou K, Mantzoros CS 2006 Adiponectin: a link between obesity and...optotic responses in human MCF7 breast cancer cells. Biochem Bio- phys Res Commun 345:271–279 17. Liu J, Lam JB, Chow KH, Xu A, Lam KS, Moon RT...220 28. Palmieri C, Cheng GJ, Saji S, Zelada-Hedman M, Wärri A, Weihua Z, Van Noorden S, Wahlstrom T, Coombes RC, Warner M, Gustafsson JA 2002

Contributions of SERCA pump and ryanodine-sensitive stores to presynaptic residual Ca2+

PubMed Central

Scullin, Chessa S.; Partridge, L. Donald

2010-01-01

The presynaptic Ca2+ signal, which triggers vesicle release, disperses to a broadly distributed residual [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]res) that plays an important role in synaptic plasticity. We have previously reported a slowing in the decay timecourse of [Ca2+]res during the second of paired pulses. In this study, we investigated the contributions of organelle and plasma membrane Ca2+ flux pathways to the reduction of effectiveness of [Ca2+]res clearance during short-term plasticity in Schaffer collateral terminals in the CA1 field of the hippocampus. We show that the slowed decay timecourse is mainly the result of a transport-dependent Ca2+ clearance process; that presynaptic caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores are not functionally loaded in the unstimulated terminal, but that these stores can effectively take up Ca2+ even during high frequency trains of stimuli; and that a rate limiting step of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) kinetics following the first pulse is responsible for a large portion of the observed slowing of [Ca2+]res clearance during the second pulse. We were able to accurately fit our [Ca2+]res data with a kinetic model based on these observations and this model predicted a reduction in availability of unbound SERCA during paired pulses, but no saturation of Ca2+ buffer in the endoplasmic reticulum. PMID:20153896

KANSAS WIND POWERING AMERICAN STATE OUTREACH: KANSAS WIND WORKING GROUP

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

HAMMARLUND, RAY

2010-10-27

The Kansas Wind Working Group (WWG) is a 33-member group announced by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius on Jan. 7, 2008. Formed through Executive Order 08-01, the WWG will educate stakeholder groups with the current information on wind energy markets, technologies, economics, policies, prospects and issues. Governor Mark Parkinson serves as chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group. The group has been instrumental in focusing on the elements of government and coordinating government and private sector efforts in wind energy development. Those efforts have moved Kansas from 364 MW of wind three years ago to over 1000 MW today. Further, themore » Wind Working Group was instrumental in fleshing out issues such as a state RES and net metering, fundamental parts of HB 2369 that was passed and is now law in Kansas. This represents the first mandatory RES and net metering in Kansas history.« less

Genetics Home Reference: osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome

MedlinePlus

... pseudoglioma syndrome: three novel mutations in the LRP5 gene and response to bisphosphonate treatment. Horm Res Paediatr. ... are genome editing and CRISPR-Cas9? What is precision medicine? What ...

Effects of nutritional plane and selenium supply during gestation on visceral organ mass and indices of intestinal growth and vascularity in primiparous ewes at parturition and during early lactation.

PubMed

Meyer, A M; Reed, J J; Neville, T L; Taylor, J B; Reynolds, L P; Redmer, D A; Vonnahme, K A; Caton, J S

2012-08-01

Objectives were to investigate effects of nutritional plane and Se supply during gestation on visceral organ mass and intestinal growth and vascularization in ewes at parturition and during early lactation. Primiparous Rambouillet ewes (n = 84) were allocated to 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors included dietary Se [adequate Se (ASe, 11.5 μg/kg BW) or high Se (HSe, 77.0 μg/kg BW)], nutritional plane [60% (restricted; RES), 100% (control; CON), or 140% (high; HIH)], and physiological stage at necropsy (parturition or d 20 of lactation). At parturition, lambs were removed and 42 ewes (7 per treatment) were necropsied. Remaining ewes were transitioned to a common diet which met lactation requirements and mechanically milked for 20 d. In the absence of interactions (P > 0.10), main effects are reported. At parturition, stomach complex and liver masses were greatest for HIH, intermediate for CON, and least for RES (P < 0.02). Small intestinal mass was greater (P ≤ 0.002) for HIH than RES and CON, and greater (P < 0.01) for ASe than HSe. During early lactation, RES and CON gastrointestinal masses increased disproportionally to BW (P < 0.05). At parturition, jejunal mucosal density was less (P ≤ 0.01) for RES than CON and HIH, whereas CON had greater (P < 0.003) jejunal mucosal RNA concentration and RNA:DNA than RES and HIH. Although there were no differences (P > 0.17) at parturition, jejunal cell percent proliferation was greatest in RES, intermediate in CON, and least in HIH (P ≤ 0.09) at d 20 lactation. At both stages, RES had less (P = 0.01) jejunal capillary area density than HIH and less (P ≤ 0.03) capillary surface density than CON and HIH. During lactation, jejunal capillary size was greater (P = 0.04) for ewes previously fed HSe compared with ASe. At parturition, ASe-HIH had greater (P < 0.02) jejunal mucosal endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3 mRNA than all other treatments and greater (P = 0.10) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than all treatments, except ASe-RES. In addition, CON had less (P ≤ 0.08) jejunal VEGF receptor-1 (FLT1) mRNA compared with RES and HIH, and ASe had greater (P = 0.003) FLT1 than HSe at parturition. Ewes fed HIH had greater (P = 0.04) jejunal VEGF receptor-2 mRNA compared with RES. Results indicate that maternal intestinal growth and vascularization are responsive to nutritional plane and dietary Se during gestation and undergo changes postpartum when under similar lactational management.

Microlocalization and Quantitation of Risk Associated Elements in Gleason Graded Prostate Tissue

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-03-01

ORGANIZATION: Regents of the University of California Maya Conn Los Angeles CA 90024 REPORT DATE: March 2007 TYPE OF REPORT...California Maya Conn Los Angeles CA 90024 9. SPONSORING / MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S...carcinoma of different histological grading in comparison to normal prostate tissue and adenofibromyomatosis (BPH) Uro Res 10:301-303. 5. Feustel A

Effects of summer and winter harvesting on element phytoextraction efficiency of Salix and Populus clones planted on contaminated soil.

PubMed

Kubátová, Pavla; Száková, Jiřina; Břendová, Kateřina; Kroulíková-Vondráčková, Stanislava; Mercl, Filip; Tlustoš, Pavel

2018-04-16

The clones of fast-growing trees (FGTs) were investigated for phytoextraction of soil contaminated with risk elements (REs), especially Cd, Pb, and Zn. As a main experimental factor, the potential effect of biomass harvesting time was assessed. The field experiment with two Salix clones (S1 - (Salix schwerinii × Salix viminalis) × S. viminalis, S2 - S. × smithiana) and two Populus clones (P1 - Populus maximowiczii × Populus nigra, P2 - P. nigra) was established in April 2009. Shoots of all clones were first harvested in February 2012. After two further growing seasons, the first half of the trees was harvested in September 2013 before leaf fall (summer harvest) and the second half in February 2014 (winter harvest). Remediation factors (RFs) for all clones and all REs (except Pb for clone S1) were higher in the summer harvest. The highest annual RFs for Cd and for Zn (1.34 and 0.67%, respectively) were found for clone S2 and were significantly higher than other clones. Although no increased mortality of trees harvested in the summer was detected in the following season, the effect of summer harvesting on the phytoextraction potential of FGTs clones should be investigated in long-term studies.

Novel "Elements" of Immune Suppression within the Tumor Microenvironment.

PubMed

Gurusamy, Devikala; Clever, David; Eil, Robert; Restifo, Nicholas P

2017-06-01

Adaptive evolution has prompted immune cells to use a wide variety of inhibitory signals, many of which are usurped by tumor cells to evade immune surveillance. Although tumor immunologists often focus on genes and proteins as mediators of immune function, here we highlight two elements from the periodic table-oxygen and potassium-that suppress the immune system in previously unappreciated ways. While both are key to the maintenance of T-cell function and tissue homeostasis, they are exploited by tumors to suppress immuno-surveillance and promote metastatic spread. We discuss the temporal and spatial roles of these elements within the tumor microenvironment and explore possible therapeutic interventions for effective and promising anticancer therapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(6); 426-33. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Anomalous Polarized Raman Scattering and Large Circular Intensity Differential in Layered Triclinic ReS2.

PubMed

Zhang, Shishu; Mao, Nannan; Zhang, Na; Wu, Juanxia; Tong, Lianming; Zhang, Jin

2017-10-24

The Raman tensor of a crystal is the derivative of its polarizability tensor and is dependent on the symmetries of the crystal and the Raman-active vibrational mode. The intensity of a particular mode is determined by the Raman selection rule, which involves the Raman tensor and the polarization configurations. For anisotropic two-dimensional (2D) layered crystals, polarized Raman scattering has been used to reveal the crystalline orientations. However, due to its complicated Raman tensors and optical birefringence, the polarized Raman scattering of triclinic 2D crystals has not been well studied yet. Herein, we report the anomalous polarized Raman scattering of 2D layered triclinic rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) and show a large circular intensity differential (CID) of Raman scattering in ReS 2 of different thicknesses. The origin of CID and the anomalous behavior in polarized Raman scattering were attributed to the appearance of nonzero off-diagonal Raman tensor elements and the phase factor owing to optical birefringence. This can provide a method to identify the vertical orientation of triclinic layered materials. These findings may help to further understand the Raman scattering process in 2D materials of low symmetry and may indicate important applications in chiral recognition by using 2D materials.

Controls of repeating earthquakes' location from a- and b- values imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, K. H.; Kawamura, M.

2017-12-01

The locations where creeping and locked fault areas abut have commonly found to be delineated by the foci of small repeating earthquakes (REs). REs not only represent the finer structure of high creep-rate location, they also function as fault slip-rate indicators. Knowledge of the expected location of REs therefore, is crucial for fault deformation monitoring and assessment of earthquake potential. However, a precise description of factors determining REs locations is lacking. To explore where earthquakes tend to recur, we statistically investigated repeating earthquake catalogs and background seismicity from different regions including six fault segments in California and Taiwan. We show that the location of repeating earthquakes can be mapped using the spatial distribution of the seismic a- and b-values obtained from the background seismicity. Molchan's error diagram statistically confirmed that repeating earthquakes occur within areas with high a-values (2.8-3.8) and high b-values (0.9-1.1) on both strike-slip and thrust fault segments. However, no significant association held true for fault segments with more complicated geometry or for wider areas with a complex fault network. The productivity of small earthquakes responsible for high a- and b-values may thus be the most important factor controlling the location of repeating earthquakes. We hypothesize that, given that the deformation conditions within a fault zone are suitable for a planar fault plane, the location of repeating earthquakes can be best described by a-value 3 and b-value 1. This feature of a- and b-values may be useful for foresee the location of REs for measuring creep rate at depth. Further investigation of REs-rich areas may allow testing of this hypothesis.

Probing in-plane anisotropy in few-layer ReS2 using low frequency noise measurement.

PubMed

Mitra, Richa; Jariwala, Bhakti; Bhattacharya, Arnab; Das, Anindya

2018-02-19

ReS 2 , a layered two-dimensional material popular for its in-plane anisotropic properties, is emerging as one of the potential candidates for flexible electronics and ultrafast optical applications. It is an n-type semiconducting material having a layer independent bandgap of 1.55 eV. In this paper we have characterized the intrinsic electronic noise level of few-layer ReS 2 for the first time. Few-layer ReS 2 field effect transistor devices show a 1/f nature of noise for frequency ranging over three orders of magnitude. We have also observed that not only the electrical response of the material is anisotropic; the noise level is also dependent on direction. In fact the noise is found to be more sensitive towards the anisotropy. This fact has been explained by evoking the theory where the Hooge parameter is not a constant quantity, but has a distinct power law dependence on mobility along the two-axes direction. The anisotropy in 1/f noise measurement will pave the way to quantify the anisotropic nature of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which will be helpful for the design of low-noise transistors in future.

Probing in-plane anisotropy in few-layer ReS2 using low frequency noise measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitra, Richa; Jariwala, Bhakti; Bhattacharya, Arnab; Das, Anindya

2018-04-01

ReS2, a layered two-dimensional material popular for its in-plane anisotropic properties, is emerging as one of the potential candidates for flexible electronics and ultrafast optical applications. It is an n-type semiconducting material having a layer independent bandgap of 1.55 eV. In this paper we have characterized the intrinsic electronic noise level of few-layer ReS2 for the first time. Few-layer ReS2 field effect transistor devices show a 1/f nature of noise for frequency ranging over three orders of magnitude. We have also observed that not only the electrical response of the material is anisotropic; the noise level is also dependent on direction. In fact the noise is found to be more sensitive towards the anisotropy. This fact has been explained by evoking the theory where the Hooge parameter is not a constant quantity, but has a distinct power law dependence on mobility along the two-axes direction. The anisotropy in 1/f noise measurement will pave the way to quantify the anisotropic nature of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which will be helpful for the design of low-noise transistors in future.

Photoresponse Enhancement in Monolayer ReS2 Phototransistor Decorated with CdSe-CdS-ZnS Quantum Dots.

PubMed

Qin, Jing-Kai; Ren, Dan-Dan; Shao, Wen-Zhu; Li, Yang; Miao, Peng; Sun, Zhao-Yuan; Hu, PingAn; Zhen, Liang; Xu, Cheng-Yan

2017-11-15

ReS 2 films are considered as a promising candidate for optoelectronic applications due to their direct band gap character and optical/electrical anisotropy. However, the direct band gap in a narrow spectrum and the low absorption of atomically thin flakes weaken the prospect for light-harvesting applications. Here, we developed an efficient approach to enhance the performance of a ReS 2 -based phototransistor by coupling CdSe-CdS-ZnS core-shell quantum dots. Under 589 nm laser irradiation, the responsivity of the ReS 2 phototransistor decorated with quantum dots could be enhanced by more than 25 times (up to ∼654 A/W) and the rising and recovery time can be also reduced to 3.2 and 2.8 s, respectively. The excellent optoelectronic performance is originated from the coupling effect of quantum dots light absorber and cross-linker ligands 1,2-ethanedithiol. Photoexcited electron-hole pairs in quantum dots can separate and transfer efficiently due to the type-II band alignment and charge exchange process at the interface. Our work shows that the simple hybrid zero- and two-dimensional hybrid system can be employed for photodetection applications.

Individual Differences in Animal Stress Models: Considering Resilience, Vulnerability, and the Amygdala in Mediating the Effects of Stress and Conditioned Fear on Sleep.

PubMed

Wellman, Laurie L; Fitzpatrick, Mairen E; Hallum, Olga Y; Sutton, Amy M; Williams, Brook L; Sanford, Larry D

2016-06-01

To examine the REM sleep response to stress and fearful memories as a potential marker of stress resilience and vulnerability and to assess the role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in mediating the effects of fear memory on sleep. Outbred Wistar rats were surgically implanted with electrodes for recording EEG and EMG and with bilateral guide cannulae directed at the BLA. Data loggers were placed intraperitoneally to record core body temperature. After recovery from surgery, the rats received shock training (ST: 20 footshocks, 0.8 mA, 0.5-s duration, 60-s interstimulus interval) and afterwards received microinjections of the GABAA agonist muscimol (MUS; 1.0 μM) to inactivate BLA or microinjections of vehicle (VEH) alone. Subsequently, the rats were separated into 4 groups (VEH-vulnerable (VEH-Vul; n = 14), VEH-resilient (VEH-Res; n = 13), MUS-vulnerable (MUS-Vul; n = 8), and MUS-resilient (MUS-Res; n = 11) based on whether or not REM was decreased, compared to baseline, during the first 4 h following ST. We then compared sleep, freezing, and the stress response (stress-induced hyperthermia, SIH) across groups to determine the effects of ST and fearful context re-exposure alone (CTX). REM was significantly reduced on the ST day in both VEH-Vul and MUS-Vul rats; however, post-ST MUS blocked the reduction in REM on the CTX day in the MUS-Vul group. The VEH-Res and MUS-Res rats showed similar levels of REM on both ST and CTX days. The effects of post-ST inactivation of BLA on freezing and SIH were minimal. Outbred Wistar rats can show significant individual differences in the effects of stress on REM that are mediated by BLA. These differences in REM can be independent of behavioral fear and the peripheral stress response, and may be an important biomarker of stress resilience and vulnerability. © 2016 Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC.

Negative Energy Balance Blocks Neural and Behavioral Responses to Acute Stress by "Silencing" Central Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling in Rats.

PubMed

Maniscalco, James W; Zheng, Huiyuan; Gordon, Patrick J; Rinaman, Linda

2015-07-29

Previous reports indicate that caloric restriction attenuates anxiety and other behavioral responses to acute stress, and blunts the ability of stress to increase anterior pituitary release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Since hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons and noradrenergic prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) neurons participate in behavioral and endocrine stress responses, and are sensitive to the metabolic state, we examined whether overnight food deprivation blunts stress-induced recruitment of these neurons and their downstream hypothalamic and limbic forebrain targets. A single overnight fast reduced anxiety-like behavior assessed in the elevated-plus maze and acoustic startle test, including marked attenuation of light-enhanced startle. Acute stress [i.e., 30 min restraint (RES) or 5 min elevated platform exposure] robustly activated c-Fos in GLP-1 and PrRP neurons in fed rats, but not in fasted rats. Fasting also significantly blunted the ability of acute stress to activate c-Fos expression within the anterior ventrolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vlBST). Acute RES stress suppressed dark-onset food intake in rats that were fed ad libitum, whereas central infusion of a GLP-1 receptor antagonist blocked RES-induced hypophagia, and reduced the ability of RES to activate PrRP and anterior vlBST neurons in ad libitum-fed rats. Thus, an overnight fast "silences" GLP-1 and PrRP neurons, and reduces both anxiety-like and hypophagic responses to acute stress. The partial mimicking of these fasting-induced effects in ad libitum-fed rats after GLP-1 receptor antagonism suggests a potential mechanism by which short-term negative energy balance attenuates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute stress. The results from this study reveal a potential central mechanism for the "metabolic tuning" of stress responsiveness. A single overnight fast, which markedly reduces anxiety-like behavior in rats, reduces or blocks the ability of acute stress to activate hindbrain neurons that are immunoreactive for either prolactin-releasing peptide or glucagon-like peptide 1, and attenuates the activation of their stress-sensitive projection targets in the limbic forebrain. In nonfasted rats, central antagonism of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors partially mimics the effect of an overnight fast by blocking the ability of acute stress to inhibit food intake, and by attenuating stress-induced activation of hindbrain and limbic forebrain neurons. We propose that caloric restriction attenuates behavioral and physiological responses to acute stress by "silencing" central glucagon-like peptide 1 signaling pathways. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3510701-14$15.00/0.

Negative Energy Balance Blocks Neural and Behavioral Responses to Acute Stress by “Silencing” Central Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling in Rats

PubMed Central

Maniscalco, James W.; Zheng, Huiyuan; Gordon, Patrick J.

2015-01-01

Previous reports indicate that caloric restriction attenuates anxiety and other behavioral responses to acute stress, and blunts the ability of stress to increase anterior pituitary release of adrenocorticotropic hormone. Since hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons and noradrenergic prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) neurons participate in behavioral and endocrine stress responses, and are sensitive to the metabolic state, we examined whether overnight food deprivation blunts stress-induced recruitment of these neurons and their downstream hypothalamic and limbic forebrain targets. A single overnight fast reduced anxiety-like behavior assessed in the elevated-plus maze and acoustic startle test, including marked attenuation of light-enhanced startle. Acute stress [i.e., 30 min restraint (RES) or 5 min elevated platform exposure] robustly activated c-Fos in GLP-1 and PrRP neurons in fed rats, but not in fasted rats. Fasting also significantly blunted the ability of acute stress to activate c-Fos expression within the anterior ventrolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vlBST). Acute RES stress suppressed dark-onset food intake in rats that were fed ad libitum, whereas central infusion of a GLP-1 receptor antagonist blocked RES-induced hypophagia, and reduced the ability of RES to activate PrRP and anterior vlBST neurons in ad libitum-fed rats. Thus, an overnight fast “silences” GLP-1 and PrRP neurons, and reduces both anxiety-like and hypophagic responses to acute stress. The partial mimicking of these fasting-induced effects in ad libitum-fed rats after GLP-1 receptor antagonism suggests a potential mechanism by which short-term negative energy balance attenuates neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to acute stress. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The results from this study reveal a potential central mechanism for the “metabolic tuning” of stress responsiveness. A single overnight fast, which markedly reduces anxiety-like behavior in rats, reduces or blocks the ability of acute stress to activate hindbrain neurons that are immunoreactive for either prolactin-releasing peptide or glucagon-like peptide 1, and attenuates the activation of their stress-sensitive projection targets in the limbic forebrain. In nonfasted rats, central antagonism of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptors partially mimics the effect of an overnight fast by blocking the ability of acute stress to inhibit food intake, and by attenuating stress-induced activation of hindbrain and limbic forebrain neurons. We propose that caloric restriction attenuates behavioral and physiological responses to acute stress by “silencing” central glucagon-like peptide 1 signaling pathways. PMID:26224855

A novel p53 mutational hotspot in skin tumors from UV-irradiated Xpc mutant mice alters transactivation functions.

PubMed

Inga, Alberto; Nahari, Dorit; Velasco-Miguel, Susana; Friedberg, Errol C; Resnick, Michael A

2002-08-22

A mutation in codon 122 of the mouse p53 gene resulting in a T to L amino acid substitution (T122-->L) is frequently associated with skin cancer in UV-irradiated mice that are both homozygous mutant for the nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene Xpc (Xpc(-/-)) and hemizygous mutant for the p53 gene. We investigated the functional consequences of the mouse T122-->L mutation when expressed either in mammalian cells or in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Similar to a non-functional allele, high expression of the T122-->L allele in p53(-/-) mouse embryo fibroblasts and human Saos-2 cells failed to suppress growth. However, the T122-->L mutant p53 showed wild-type transactivation levels with Bax and MDM2 promoters when expressed in either cell type and retained transactivation of the p21 and the c-Fos promoters in one cell line. Using a recently developed rheostatable p53 induction system in yeast we assessed the T122-->L transactivation capacity at low levels of protein expression using 12 different p53 response elements (REs). Compared to wild-type p53 the T122-->L protein manifested an unusual transactivation pattern comprising reduced and enhanced activity with specific REs. The high incidence of the T122-->L mutant allele in the Xpc(-/-) background suggests that both genetic and epigenetic conditions may facilitate the emergence of particular functional p53 mutations. Furthermore, the approach that we have taken also provides for the dissection of functions that may be retained in many p53 tumor alleles.

Camera-Based Microswitch Technology to Monitor Mouth, Eyebrow, and Eyelid Responses of Children with Profound Multiple Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lancioni, Giulio E.; Bellini, Domenico; Oliva, Doretta; Singh, Nirbhay N.; O'Reilly, Mark F.; Lang, Russell; Didden, Robert

2011-01-01

A camera-based microswitch technology was recently used to successfully monitor small eyelid and mouth responses of two adults with profound multiple disabilities (Lancioni et al., Res Dev Disab 31:1509-1514, 2010a). This technology, in contrast with the traditional optic microswitches used for those responses, did not require support frames on…

A Biophysical-Computational Perspective of Breast Cancer Pathogenesis and Treatment Response

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

82. A.A. Rasmussen and K.J. Cullen, Breast Cancer Res Treat 47 (1998) 219- 33. 83. C. Kuperwasser, T. Chavarria, M. Wu, G. Magrane, J.W. Gray , L...24-34. 94. C.M. Lo, H.B. Wang, M. Dembo and Y.L. Wang, Biophys J 79 (2000) 144- 52. 95. D.S. Gray , J. Tien and C.S. Chen, J Biomed Mater Res A 66...Muller, G. Inghirami and F.G. Giancotti, Cell 126 (2006) 489-502. 103. C.C. Park, H. Zhang, M. Pallavicini, J.W. Gray , F. Baehner, C.J. Park and M.J

Unusual cutaneous features associated with a heterozygous gain-of-function mutation in IFIH1: overlap between Aicardi–Goutières and Singleton–Merten syndromes

PubMed Central

Bursztejn, A.-C.; Briggs, T.A.; del Toro Duany, Y.; Anderson, B.H.; O’Sullivan, J.; Williams, S.G.; Bodemer, C.; Fraitag, S.; Gebhard, F.; Leheup, B.; Lemelle, I.; Oojageer, A.; Raffo, E.; Schmitt, E.; Rice, G.I.; Hur, S.; Crow, Y.J.

2016-01-01

Summary Cutaneous lesions described as chilblain lupus occur in the context of familial chilblain lupus or Aicardi–Goutières syndrome. To date, seven genes related to Aicardi–Goutières syndrome have been described. The most recently described encodes the cytosolic double-stranded RNA receptor IFIH1 (also known as MDA5), a key component of the antiviral type I interferon-mediated innate immune response. Enhanced type I interferon signalling secondary to gain-of-function mutations in IFIH1 can result in a range of neuroinflammatory phenotypes including classical Aicardi–Goutières syndrome. It is of note that none of the patients with a neurological phenotype so far described with mutations in this gene was reported to demonstrate cutaneous involvement. We present a family segregating a heterozygous pathogenic mutation in IFIH1 showing dermatological involvement as a prominent feature, variably associated with neurological disturbance and premature tooth loss. All three affected individuals exhibited increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes in whole blood, and the mutant protein resulted in enhanced interferon signalling in vitro, both in the basal state and following ligand stimulation. Our results further extend the phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in IFIH1, indicating that the disease can be confined predominantly to the skin, while also highlighting phenotypic overlap with both Aicardi–Goutières syndrome and Singleton–Merten syndrome. PMID:26284909

Epidemiology of Chronic Wasting Disease: PrP(res) Detection, Shedding, and Environmental Contamination

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

Unlimited The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author( s ) and should not be construed as an official...DAMD17-03-1-0542 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Randolph V. Lewis 5e. TASK...NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER University of

THE CARCINOGENIC RESPONSE TO A MIXTURE OF DRINKING WATER DISINFECTION BY-PRODUCTS (DBP) WAS LESS THAN ADDITIVE

EPA Science Inventory

THE CARCINOGENIC RESPONSE TO A MIXTURE OF DRINKING WATER DISINFECTION BY -PRODUCTS (DBP) W AS LESS THAN ADDITIVE.

Current default risk assessments for chemical mixtures assume additivity of carcinogenic effects but this may under or over represent the actual biological res...

Fermi edge singularities in the mesoscopic regime: Photoabsorption spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hentschel, Martina; Ullmo, Denis; Baranger, Harold U.

2007-12-01

We study Fermi edge singularities in photoabsorption spectra of generic mesoscopic systems such as quantum dots or nanoparticles. We predict deviations from macroscopic-metallic behavior and propose experimental setups for the observation of these effects. The theory is based on the model of a localized, or rank one, perturbation caused by the (core) hole left behind after the photoexcitation of an electron into the conduction band. The photoabsorption spectra result from the competition between two many-body responses, Anderson’s orthogonality catastrophe and the Mahan-Nozières-DeDominicis contribution. Both mechanisms depend on the system size through the number of particles and, more importantly, fluctuations produced by the coherence characteristic of mesoscopic samples. The latter lead to a modification of the dipole matrix element and trigger one of our key results: a rounded K -edge typically found in metals will turn into a (slightly) peaked edge on average in the mesoscopic regime. We consider in detail the effect of the “bound state” produced by the core hole.

An Ethical Basis for Autonomous System Deployment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-24

Discussion on Robo -Ethics, Amsterdam, NL, March 2008.GSU Neurophilosophy 20. Brown Bag Lunch Series, "Governing Lethal Behavior: Embedding Ethics in an...5. Implementation of responsibility advisor : An ethical permission responsibility advisor was prototyped and demonstrated in a manner fully...PTF_Interface_Final_Largev3.mpg • Demonstration of the Ethical Responsibility Advisor : http://www.cc.gatech.edu/ai/robot-lab/ethics/res-advisor.mpg

Wide Band-Gap Semiconductors. 1991 Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

attention of many research groups bccause the instrumental simplicity and high growth rate (1,2). One of the basic problems with this technique, other than...solution with group 1a element as a dopant under controlled Zn vapor pressure. p-n junction diodes are also prepared by the Ga diffusion from Zn solution...stoichiometric composition catl be controlled by the application of the vapor pressure. Mat. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc. Vol. 242. 1992 Materials Research Society 180

MEMS For Rolling-Element Bearings

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Layers Illustration (not to scale) 17 - 4PH Stainless Steel Cross-section from A-A’ Top view from B-B’ Au flash ~ 500 Å Ni ~ 25 µm B...B’ A A’ 17 - 4PH Stainless Steel Pre-metallization region Pre-metallization of steel substrate for bonding of MEMS strain sensor Figure RB6: Pre...Code: RES-04 Canton, OH 44706 - REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE b. ABSTRACT UU c. THIS PAGE UU 2. REPORT TYPE Final Report 17 . LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT UU

Lehigh River Basin, Trexler Lake, Jordan Creek, Pennsylvania. Final Environmental Impact Statement.

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-01-01

InI w-.ater table elevations in the project arra . A lmg in lnn( uti lization from prim-arily private ag-ricultural and] res ident iil.rr’ to nubli c...AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT , TASK U.S. Army Engineer District Philadelphia AREA & WORK UNIT NUMBERS 2nd & Chestnut Sts. / I Philadelphia...Administrative ( ) Legislative 2. Description of Action. The Trexler project is located in Lehigh County in southeastern Pennsylvania. The dfm site is

Strong core hole in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markiewicz, Robert; Rehr, John; Bansil, Arun

2014-03-01

We apply a lattice version of Mahan, Nozières, and de Dominicis theory1 to RIXS calculations to understand the role of the core hole. The model reproduces the decomposition of the RIXS spectrum into well- and poorly-screened components. While the calculation can reproduce the full multiband spectrum, single pair excitations contribute the dominant part to the RIXS spectrum, and they can be described as the dynamic structure function S(q , ω) dressed by matrix element effects. We find evidence for an edge singularity at the RIXS threshold, similar to that found in x-ray absorption. We will discuss comparisons with long core hole lifetime calculations, and extensions to a system with antiferromagnetic order. 1. G.D. Mahan, Phys. Rev. 163, 612 (1967); P. Nozières and C.T. De Dominicis, ibid. 178, 1097 (1969). Supported by DOE Grants DE-FG02-07ER46352 and DE-FG03-97ER45623 and facilitated by the DOE CMCSN, under grant number DE-SC0007091.

The Optical Design of CHARIS: An Exoplanet IFS for the Subaru Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters-Limbach, Mary; Groff, Tyler; Kasdin, N. Jeremy; Driscoll, Dave; Galvin, Michael; Foster, Allen; Carr, Michael; LeClerc, Dave; Fagan, Rad; McElwain, Michael;

Berberine-induced Inactivation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 Signaling Promotes Male-specific Expression of a Bile Acid Uptake Transporter*

PubMed Central

Bu, Pengli; Le, Yuan; Zhang, Yue; Zhang, Youcai; Cheng, Xingguo

2017-01-01

Sodium-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (Ntcp/NTCP) is the major uptake transporter of bile salts in mouse and human livers. In certain diseases, including endotoxemia, cholestasis, diabetes, and hepatocarcinoma, Ntcp/NTCP expression is markedly reduced, which interferes with enterohepatic circulation of bile salts, impairing the absorption of lipophilic compounds. Therefore, normal Ntcp/NTCP expression in the liver is physiologically important. Berberine is an herbal medicine used historically to improve liver function and has recently been shown to repress STAT signaling. However, berberine effects on Ntcp/NTCP expression are unknown, prompting use to investigate this possible connection. Our results showed that berberine dose-dependently increased Ntcp expression in male mouse liver and decreased taurocholic acid levels in serum but increased them in the liver. In mouse and human hepatoma cells, berberine induced Ntcp/NTCP mRNA and protein expression and increased cellular uptake of [3H] taurocholate. Mechanistically, berberine decreased nuclear protein levels of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT5, thus disrupting the JAK2-STAT5 signaling. Moreover, berberine stimulated luciferase reporter expression from the mouse Ntcp promoter when one putative STAT5 response element (RE) (−1137 bp) was deleted and from the human NTCP promoter when three putative STAT5REs (−2898, −2164, and −691 bp) were deleted. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that berberine decreased binding of phospho-STAT5 protein to the−2164 and −691 bp STAT5REs in the human NTCP promoter. In summary, berberine-disrupted STAT5 signaling promoted mouse and human Ntcp/NTCP expression, resulting in enhanced bile acid uptake. Therefore, berberine may be a therapeutic candidate compound for maintaining bile acid homeostasis. PMID:28154180

Quantitative Analysis of NF-κB Transactivation Specificity Using a Yeast-Based Functional Assay

PubMed Central

Sharma, Vasundhara; Jordan, Jennifer J.; Ciribilli, Yari; Resnick, Michael A.; Bisio, Alessandra; Inga, Alberto

2015-01-01

The NF-κB transcription factor family plays a central role in innate immunity and inflammation processes and is frequently dysregulated in cancer. We developed an NF-κB functional assay in yeast to investigate the following issues: transactivation specificity of NF-κB proteins acting as homodimers or heterodimers; correlation between transactivation capacity and in vitro DNA binding measurements; impact of co-expressed interacting proteins or of small molecule inhibitors on NF-κB-dependent transactivation. Full-length p65 and p50 cDNAs were cloned into centromeric expression vectors under inducible GAL1 promoter in order to vary their expression levels. Since p50 lacks a transactivation domain (TAD), a chimeric construct containing the TAD derived from p65 was also generated (p50TAD) to address its binding and transactivation potential. The p50TAD and p65 had distinct transactivation specificities towards seventeen different κB response elements (κB-REs) where single nucleotide changes could greatly impact transactivation. For four κB-REs, results in yeast were predictive of transactivation potential measured in the human MCF7 cell lines treated with the NF-κB activator TNFα. Transactivation results in yeast correlated only partially with in vitro measured DNA binding affinities, suggesting that features other than strength of interaction with naked DNA affect transactivation, although factors such as chromatin context are kept constant in our isogenic yeast assay. The small molecules BAY11-7082 and ethyl-pyruvate as well as expressed IkBα protein acted as NF-κB inhibitors in yeast, more strongly towards p65. Thus, the yeast-based system can recapitulate NF-κB features found in human cells, thereby providing opportunities to address various NF-κB functions, interactions and chemical modulators. PMID:26147604

Berberine-induced Inactivation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 Signaling Promotes Male-specific Expression of a Bile Acid Uptake Transporter.

PubMed

Bu, Pengli; Le, Yuan; Zhang, Yue; Zhang, Youcai; Cheng, Xingguo

2017-03-17

Sodium-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (Ntcp/NTCP) is the major uptake transporter of bile salts in mouse and human livers. In certain diseases, including endotoxemia, cholestasis, diabetes, and hepatocarcinoma, Ntcp/NTCP expression is markedly reduced, which interferes with enterohepatic circulation of bile salts, impairing the absorption of lipophilic compounds. Therefore, normal Ntcp/NTCP expression in the liver is physiologically important. Berberine is an herbal medicine used historically to improve liver function and has recently been shown to repress STAT signaling. However, berberine effects on Ntcp/NTCP expression are unknown, prompting use to investigate this possible connection. Our results showed that berberine dose-dependently increased Ntcp expression in male mouse liver and decreased taurocholic acid levels in serum but increased them in the liver. In mouse and human hepatoma cells, berberine induced Ntcp/NTCP mRNA and protein expression and increased cellular uptake of [3H] taurocholate. Mechanistically, berberine decreased nuclear protein levels of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT5, thus disrupting the JAK2-STAT5 signaling. Moreover, berberine stimulated luciferase reporter expression from the mouse Ntcp promoter when one putative STAT5 response element (RE) (-1137 bp) was deleted and from the human NTCP promoter when three putative STAT5REs (-2898, -2164, and -691 bp) were deleted. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that berberine decreased binding of phospho-STAT5 protein to the-2164 and -691 bp STAT5REs in the human NTCP promoter. In summary, berberine-disrupted STAT5 signaling promoted mouse and human Ntcp/NTCP expression, resulting in enhanced bile acid uptake. Therefore, berberine may be a therapeutic candidate compound for maintaining bile acid homeostasis. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Synergistic effect of PEGylated resveratrol on delivery of anticancer drugs.

PubMed

Wang, Wenlong; Zhang, Liang; Le, Yuan; Chen, Jian-Feng; Wang, Jiexin; Yun, Jimmy

2016-02-10

Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol which can be considered as a nutraceutical because of its benefits such as anticancer and antioxidant activity. In this paper, we designed polymer-RES conjugates as anticancer drug carrier for synergistic therapeutic effect in cancer treatment. Bicalutamide (BIC) was used as a model drug to investigate the drug release behaviors and in vitro anticancer performance. PEG-RES and PEG-Glycine-RES nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. The size of the prepared particles was around 50 nm with RES content of 17.2 and 16.3 wt% for PEG-RES and PEG-Glycine-RES, respectively, and BIC loading efficiency were of 81.6% and 84.5%, separately. Release rate of RES from conjugates depended on the stability of ester group against hydrolysis. BIC release was much faster than RES release. The anticancer activity of BIC loaded PEGylated RES nanoparticles was much better than that of free BIC, indicating the conjugates provided a synergetic cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observation and flow cytometry analyses indicated that PEGylated RES conjugates were more efficiently internalized into cells, released drug into cytoplasm. These results suggest that PEGylated RES conjugates show great potential for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of magnesium alloys and poly-l-lactide screws as degradable implants in a canine fracture model.

PubMed

Marukawa, Eriko; Tamai, Masato; Takahashi, Yukinobu; Hatakeyama, Ichiro; Sato, Masaru; Higuchi, Yusuke; Kakidachi, Hiroshi; Taniguchi, Hirofumi; Sakamoto, Takamitsu; Honda, Jun; Omura, Ken; Harada, Hiroyuki

2016-10-01

The aims of this study were to evaluate in vivo the biological responses to implants composed of biodegradable anodized WE43 (containing magnesium yttrium, rare earth elements and zirconium; Elektron SynerMag®) magnesium alloy, monolithic WE43 magnesium alloy and poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), which are commonly used materials in clinic settings, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the materials as bone screws. The effectiveness of the magnesium alloy implants in osteosynthesis was evaluated using a bone fracture model involving the tibia of beagle dogs. For the monolithic WE43 implants, radiological, and histological evaluation revealed that bone trabeculae around the implanted monolithic WE43 decreased because of an inflammatory response. However, there was no damage due to hydrogen gas or inflammatory response in the bone tissue around the anodized WE43 implants. After 4 weeks, all the PLLA implants (n = 3) had broken but the WE43 implants had not (n = 6). These results suggest that the WE43 implants had sufficient strength to fix bone fractures at load-bearing sites in orthopedic and oral maxillofacial surgery. Therefore, these biodegradable magnesium alloys are good candidates for replacing biodegradable polymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1282-1289, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

ΔN-P63α and TA-P63α exhibit intrinsic differences in transactivation specificities that depend on distinct features of DNA target sites

PubMed Central

Foggetti, Giorgia; Raimondi, Ivan; Campomenosi, Paola; Menichini, Paola

2014-01-01

TP63 is a member of the TP53 gene family that encodes for up to ten different TA and ΔN isoforms through alternative promoter usage and alternative splicing. Besides being a master regulator of gene expression for squamous epithelial proliferation, differentiation and maintenance, P63, through differential expression of its isoforms, plays important roles in tumorigenesis. All P63 isoforms share an immunoglobulin-like folded DNA binding domain responsible for binding to sequence-specific response elements (REs), whose overall consensus sequence is similar to that of the canonical p53 RE. Using a defined assay in yeast, where P63 isoforms and RE sequences are the only variables, and gene expression assays in human cell lines, we demonstrated that human TA- and ΔN-P63α proteins exhibited differences in transactivation specificity not observed with the corresponding P73 or P53 protein isoforms. These differences 1) were dependent on specific features of the RE sequence, 2) could be related to intrinsic differences in their oligomeric state and cooperative DNA binding, and 3) appeared to be conserved in evolution. Since genotoxic stress can change relative ratio of TA- and ΔN-P63α protein levels, the different transactivation specificity of each P63 isoform could potentially influence cellular responses to specific stresses. PMID:24926492

Water hardness influences Flavobacterium columnare pathogenesis in channel catfish

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Studies were conducted to determine aspects of water chemistry responsible for large differences in pathogenesis and mortality rates in challenges of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus with Flavobacterium columnare; challenges were conducted in water supplying the Stuttgart National Aquaculture Res...

Children in Civil Law: The Tort of Negligence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheehy, N. P.; Chapman, A. J.

1984-01-01

Examines judgments involving children under the tort of negligence, using All England Law Reports for 1939 to 1983 and some cases from other countries. Discusses "contributory negligence,""parental liability,""responsibility,""allurement," and "res-ipsa loquitur." Suggests more use of developmental…

Modular structural elements in the replication origin region of Tetrahymena rDNA.

PubMed Central

Du, C; Sanzgiri, R P; Shaiu, W L; Choi, J K; Hou, Z; Benbow, R M; Dobbs, D L

1995-01-01

Computer analyses of the DNA replication origin region in the amplified rRNA genes of Tetrahymena thermophila identified a potential initiation zone in the 5'NTS [Dobbs, Shaiu and Benbow (1994), Nucleic Acids Res. 22, 2479-2489]. This region consists of a putative DNA unwinding element (DUE) aligned with predicted bent DNA segments, nuclear matrix or scaffold associated region (MAR/SAR) consensus sequences, and other common modular sequence elements previously shown to be clustered in eukaryotic chromosomal origin regions. In this study, two mung bean nuclease-hypersensitive sites in super-coiled plasmid DNA were localized within the major DUE-like element predicted by thermodynamic analyses. Three restriction fragments of the 5'NTS region predicted to contain bent DNA segments exhibited anomalous migration characteristic of bent DNA during electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. Restriction fragments containing the 5'NTS region bound Tetrahymena nuclear matrices in an in vitro binding assay, consistent with an association of the replication origin region with the nuclear matrix in vivo. The direct demonstration in a protozoan origin region of elements previously identified in Drosophila, chick and mammalian origin regions suggests that clusters of modular structural elements may be a conserved feature of eukaryotic chromosomal origins of replication. Images PMID:7784181

Continuous Flow Hygroscopicity-Resolved Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (Hy-Res REA) Method of Measuring Size-Resolved Sea-Salt Particle Fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meskhidze, N.; Royalty, T. M.; Phillips, B.; Dawson, K. W.; Petters, M. D.; Reed, R.; Weinstein, J.; Hook, D.; Wiener, R.

2017-12-01

The accurate representation of aerosols in climate models requires direct ambient measurement of the size- and composition-dependent particle production fluxes. Here we present the design, testing, and analysis of data collected through the first instrument capable of measuring hygroscopicity-based, size-resolved particle fluxes using a continuous-flow Hygroscopicity-Resolved Relaxed Eddy Accumulation (Hy-Res REA) technique. The different components of the instrument were extensively tested inside the US Environmental Protection Agency's Aerosol Test Facility for sea-salt and ammoniums sulfate particle fluxes. The new REA system design does not require particle accumulation, therefore avoids the diffusional wall losses associated with long residence times of particles inside the air collectors of the traditional REA devices. The Hy-Res REA system used in this study includes a 3-D sonic anemometer, two fast-response solenoid valves, two Condensation Particle Counters (CPCs), a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS), and a Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA). A linear relationship was found between the sea-salt particle fluxes measured by eddy covariance and REA techniques, with comparable theoretical (0.34) and measured (0.39) proportionality constants. The sea-salt particle detection limit of the Hy-Res REA flux system is estimated to be 6x105 m-2s-1. For the conditions of ammonium sulfate and sea-salt particles of comparable source strength and location, the continuous-flow Hy-Res REA instrument was able to achieve better than 90% accuracy of measuring the sea-salt particle fluxes. In principle, the instrument can be applied to measure fluxes of particles of variable size and distinct hygroscopic properties (i.e., mineral dust, black carbon, etc.).

ATGL and CGI-58 are lipid droplet proteins of the hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6.

PubMed

Eichmann, Thomas O; Grumet, Lukas; Taschler, Ulrike; Hartler, Jürgen; Heier, Christoph; Woblistin, Aaron; Pajed, Laura; Kollroser, Manfred; Rechberger, Gerald; Thallinger, Gerhard G; Zechner, Rudolf; Haemmerle, Günter; Zimmermann, Robert; Lass, Achim

2015-10-01

Lipid droplets (LDs) of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contain large amounts of vitamin A [in the form of retinyl esters (REs)] as well as other neutral lipids such as TGs. During times of insufficient vitamin A availability, RE stores are mobilized to ensure a constant supply to the body. To date, little is known about the enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of neutral lipid esters, in particular of REs, in HSCs. In this study, we aimed to identify LD-associated neutral lipid hydrolases by a proteomic approach using the rat stellate cell line HSC-T6. First, we loaded cells with retinol and FAs to promote lipid synthesis and deposition within LDs. Then, LDs were isolated and lipid composition and the LD proteome were analyzed. Among other proteins, we found perilipin 2, adipose TG lipase (ATGL), and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58), known and established LD proteins. Bioinformatic search of the LD proteome for α/β-hydrolase fold-containing proteins revealed no yet uncharacterized neutral lipid hydrolases. In in vitro activity assays, we show that rat (r)ATGL, coactivated by rat (r)CGI-58, efficiently hydrolyzes TGs and REs. These findings suggest that rATGL and rCGI-58 are LD-resident proteins in HSCs and participate in the mobilization of both REs and TGs. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Structural and vibrational properties of single crystals of Scandia, Sc{sub 2}O{sub 3} under high pressure

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

Ovsyannikov, Sergey V., E-mail: sergey.ovsyannikov@uni-bayreuth.de, E-mail: sergey2503@gmail.com; Wenz, Michelle D.; Pakhomova, Anna S.

2015-10-28

We report the results of single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies of scandium oxide, Sc{sub 2}O{sub 3}, at ambient temperature under high pressure up to 55 and 28 GPa, respectively. Both X-ray diffraction and Raman studies indicated a phase transition from the cubic bixbyite phase (so-called C-Res phase) to a monoclinic C2/m phase (so-called B-Res phase) at pressures around 25–28 GPa. The transition was accompanied by a significant volumetric drop by ∼6.7%. In addition, the Raman spectroscopy detected a minor crossover around 10–12 GPa, which manifested in the appearance of new and disappearance of some Raman modes, as well as in softeningmore » of one Raman mode. We found the bulk modulus values of the both C-Res and B-Res phases as B{sub 0} = 198.2(3) and 171.2(1) GPa (for fixed B′ = 4), respectively. Thus, the denser high-pressure lattice of Sc{sub 2}O{sub 3} is much softer than the original lattice. We discuss possible mechanisms that might be responsible for the pronounced elastic softening in the monoclinic high-pressure phase in this “simple” oxide with an ultra-wide band gap.« less

Estimating Neutral Atmosphere Drivers using a Physical Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-30

Araujo-Pradere, M. Fedrizzi, 2007, Memory effects in the ionosphere storm response. EGU General Assembly , Vienna, Austria Codrescu, M., T.J. Fuller...Strickland, D, 2007: Application of thermospheric general circulation models for space weather operations. J. Adv. Space Res., edited by Schmidtke

Co-encapsulated resveratrol and quercetin in chitosan and peg modified chitosan nanoparticles: For efficient intra ocular pressure reduction.

PubMed

Natesan, Subramanian; Pandian, Saravanakumar; Ponnusamy, Chandrasekar; Palanichamy, Rajaguru; Muthusamy, Sivakumar; Kandasamy, Ruckmani

2017-11-01

Natural anti-oxidants resveratrol (RES) and quercetin (QUR) posses the ability to reduce intra ocular pressure efficiently. Concurrent administration of RES and QUR was able to enhance the bioavailability of RES. Present research work describes upsurge of QUR in RES loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified CS NPs for improved delivery and synergic effects on reducing intra ocular pressure for the treatment of glaucoma. CS NPs and PEG modified CS NPs were prepared by ionic gelation of tripolyphosphate and CS. The synthesised NPs were spherical in shape and RES entrapment and loading efficiency in the formulation decreased with increasing PEG concentration. Particle size of the formulation increased while incorporating PEG and drugs. The crystalline nature of RES and QUR changed in the NPs and that was confirmed by XRD study. Free radical neutralising efficiency improved while incorporating QUR in the formulation. Ex-vivo corneal permeation of RES was higher from RES and QUR loaded formulation than RES alone containing NPs and free RES dispersion. RES and QUR loaded PEG modified CS NPs showed sustained and enhanced reduction of intra ocular pressure (5.5±0.5mmHg) in normotensive rabbits. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Responses of a constructed plant community to combinations of herbicides, a model for field tests?

EPA Science Inventory

As part of its regulation of pesticides, the US Environmental Protection Agency considers environmental risks, including impacts to nontarget plants exposed to pesticide drift. Normally these risk assessments consider impacts to individual species, using greenhouse, exposure-res...

Electrical Interactions between Mammalian Cortical Neutons

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-05-24

direct responses to acetyl- the entire mammalian central nervous sys- choline and nicotine. Deadvyler and col- teni (19, 32).’The development of...BERT J. (1985) Neurotoxic lesion ; of the athmic neurons recorded near the par-anterior hypothalamus disrupt the JoSentricular in vitro. Brain Res. Bull

Resveratrol inhibits estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis through induction of NRF2-mediated protective pathways

PubMed Central

Singh, Bhupendra; Shoulson, Rivka; Chatterjee, Anwesha; Ronghe, Amruta; Bhat, Nimee K.; Dim, Daniel C.; Bhat, Hari K.

2014-01-01

The importance of estrogens in the etiology of breast cancer is widely recognized. Estrogen-induced oxidative stress has been implicated in this carcinogenic process. Resveratrol (Res), a natural antioxidant phytoestrogen has chemopreventive effects against a variety of illnesses including cancer. The objective of the present study was to characterize the mechanism(s) of Res-mediated protection against estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis. Female August Copenhagen Irish rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), Res and Res + E2 for 8 months. Cotreatment of rats with Res and E2 inhibited E2-mediated proliferative changes in mammary tissues and significantly increased tumor latency and reduced E2-induced breast tumor development. Resveratrol treatment alone or in combination with E2 significantly upregulated expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in mammary tissues. Expression of NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes NQO1, SOD3 and OGG1 that are involved in protection against oxidative DNA damage was increased in Res- and Res + E2-treated mammary tissues. Resveratrol also prevented E2-mediated inhibition of detoxification genes AOX1 and FMO1. Inhibition of E2-mediated alterations in NRF2 promoter methylation and expression of NRF2 targeting miR-93 after Res treatment indicated Res-mediated epigenetic regulation of NRF2 during E2-induced breast carcinogenesis. Resveratrol treatment also induced apoptosis and inhibited E2-mediated increase in DNA damage in mammary tissues. Increased apoptosis and decreased DNA damage, cell migration, colony and mammosphere formation in Res- and Res + E2-treated MCF-10A cells suggested a protective role of Res against E2-induced mammary carcinogenesis. Small-interfering RNA-mediated silencing of NRF2 inhibited Res-mediated preventive effects on the colony and mammosphere formation. Taken together, these results suggest that Res inhibits E2-induced breast carcinogenesis via induction of NRF2-mediated protective pathways. PMID:24894866

Supplemental progesterone and timing of resynchronization on pregnancy outcomes in lactating dairy cows.

PubMed

Bilby, T R; Bruno, R G S; Lager, K J; Chebel, R C; Moraes, J G N; Fricke, P M; Lopes, G; Giordano, J O; Santos, J E P; Lima, F S; Stevenson, J S; Pulley, S L

2013-01-01

The objective was to determine the effect of exogenous progesterone (P4) in a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol initiated at 2 different times post-AI on pregnancies per AI (P/AI) in lactating dairy cows. Cows (n=1,982) in 5 dairy herds were assigned randomly at a nonpregnancy diagnosis 32 ± 3 d post-AI to 1 of 4 resynchronization (RES) treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design using the Ovsynch-56 (GnRH, 7d later PGF2α, 56 h later GnRH, 16 h later TAI) protocol. Treatments were as follows: cows initiating RES 32 ± 3 d after AI with no supplemental P4 (d 32 RES-CON; n=516); same as d 32 RES-CON plus a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) insert containing P4 at the onset of Ovsynch-56 (d 32 RES-CIDR; n=503); cows initiating RES 39 ± 3 d after AI (d 39 RES-CON; n=494); and same as d 39 RES-CON plus a CIDR (d 39 RES-CIDR; n=491). Cows were inseminated if observed in estrus before TAI. The P/AI was determined 32 and 60 d after TAI. In a subgroup of cows (n=1,152), blood samples were collected and ovarian structures examined by ultrasonography on the days of the first GnRH (G1) and PGF2α of Ovsynch-56. Percentage of cows with a corpus luteum (CL) at G1 was unaffected by timing of treatments, but percentage of cows with a CL at PGF2α was greater for d 32 than for d 39 cows (87.9 vs. 79.4%). In addition, percentage of cows with P4 ≥ 1 ng/mL at G1 was unaffected by timing of treatments, but was increased for d 32 compared with d 39 RES cows on the day of the PGF2α of the RES protocols (86.5 vs. 74.3%). Treatment did not affect ovulation to G1 or P/AI 32 d after RES TAI (d 32 RES-CON=30.1%, d 32 RES-CIDR=28.8%, d 39 RES-CON=27.5%, d 39 RES-CIDR=30.5%). A greater percentage of d 39 RES cows underwent premature luteolysis during the RES protocol compared with d 32 RES cows. An interaction was detected between day of RES initiation and CIDR treatment, in which the CIDR increased P/AI 60 d after TAI for d 39 (CON=23.7% vs. CIDR=28.0%), but not for d 32 (CON=26.9% and CIDR=24.2%) cows. Pregnancy loss was unaffected by treatment. In addition, cows had improved P/AI 60 d after TAI when they received a CIDR and did not have a CL (CON-CL=28.2%, CON-No CL=19.2%, CIDR-CL=27.0%, and CIDR-No CL=26.5%) or had P4 <1 ng/mL (CON-High P4=27.8%, CON-Low P4=15.0%, CIDR-High P4=25.0%, and CIDR-Low P4=29.4%) at G1, but not if a CL was present or P4 was ≥ 1 ng/mL at G1. In conclusion, addition of a CIDR insert to supplement P4 during the RES protocol increased P/AI for cows initiating RES 39 ± 3 d after AI but not 32 ± 3 d after AI. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modeling of TREX1-Dependent Autoimmune Disease using Human Stem Cells Highlights L1 Accumulation as a Source of Neuroinflammation.

PubMed

Thomas, Charles A; Tejwani, Leon; Trujillo, Cleber A; Negraes, Priscilla D; Herai, Roberto H; Mesci, Pinar; Macia, Angela; Crow, Yanick J; Muotri, Alysson R

2017-09-07

Three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) is an anti-viral enzyme that cleaves nucleic acids in the cytosol, preventing accumulation and a subsequent type I interferon-associated inflammatory response. Autoimmune diseases, including Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) and systemic lupus erythematosus, can arise when TREX1 function is compromised. AGS is a neuroinflammatory disorder with severe and persistent intellectual and physical problems. Here we generated a human AGS model that recapitulates disease-relevant phenotypes using pluripotent stem cells lacking TREX1. We observed abundant extrachromosomal DNA in TREX1-deficient neural cells, of which endogenous Long Interspersed Element-1 retrotransposons were a major source. TREX1-deficient neurons also exhibited increased apoptosis and formed three-dimensional cortical organoids of reduced size. TREX1-deficient astrocytes further contributed to the observed neurotoxicity through increased type I interferon secretion. In this model, reverse-transcriptase inhibitors rescued the neurotoxicity of AGS neurons and organoids, highlighting their potential utility in therapeutic regimens for AGS and related disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Computational characterization of fracture healing under reduced gravity loading conditions.

PubMed

Gadomski, Benjamin C; Lerner, Zachary F; Browning, Raymond C; Easley, Jeremiah T; Palmer, Ross H; Puttlitz, Christian M

2016-07-01

The literature is deficient with regard to how the localized mechanical environment of skeletal tissue is altered during reduced gravitational loading and how these alterations affect fracture healing. Thus, a finite element model of the ovine hindlimb was created to characterize the local mechanical environment responsible for the inhibited fracture healing observed under experimental simulated hypogravity conditions. Following convergence and verification studies, hydrostatic pressure and strain within a diaphyseal fracture of the metatarsus were evaluated for models under both 1 and 0.25 g loading environments and compared to results of a related in vivo study. Results of the study suggest that reductions in hydrostatic pressure and strain of the healing fracture for animals exposed to reduced gravitational loading conditions contributed to an inhibited healing process, with animals exposed to the simulated hypogravity environment subsequently initiating an intramembranous bone formation process rather than the typical endochondral ossification healing process experienced by animals healing in a 1 g gravitational environment. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1206-1215, 2016. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pulmonary Metabolism of Resveratrol: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

PubMed Central

Sharan, Satish

2013-01-01

The role of pulmonary metabolism in trans-resveratrol (RES) pharmacokinetics was studied in a mouse model. Plasma concentrations of RES and its major metabolites trans-resveratrol-3-sulfate (R3S) and trans-resveratrol-3-glucuronide (R3G) were compared after administration of RES by intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) routes. Total area under the curve (AUC) of RES decreased by approximately 50% when RES was administered by the IV route compared with the IA route. The AUC of R3G was also significantly higher in mice administered RES by the IV route compared with the IA route. In vitro studies performed with mouse and human lung fractions confirmed pulmonary metabolism of RES. Interestingly, mouse-lung fractions gave rise to both R3S and R3G, whereas human lung fractions yielded R3S. This indicates marked interspecies variation in RES conjugation, especially in the context of extrapolating rodent data to humans. Taken together, the results presented here underline, for the first time, the impact of pulmonary metabolism on resveratrol pharmacokinetics and interspecies differences in RES pulmonary metabolism. PMID:23474649

Pyrometallurgical Extraction of Valuable Elements in Ni-Metal Hydride Battery Electrode Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Yin-ju; Deng, Yong-chun; Bu, Wen-gang

2015-10-01

Gas selective reduction-oxidation (redox) and melting separation were consecutively applied to electrode materials of AB5-type Ni-metal hydride batteries leading to the production of a Ni-Co alloy and slag enriched with rare earth oxides (REO). In the selective redox process, electrode materials were treated with H2/H2O at 1073 K and 1173 K (800 °C and 900 °C). Active elements such as REs, Al, and Mn were oxidized whereas relatively inert elements such as Ni and Co were transformed into their elemental states in the treated materials. SiO2 and Al2O3 powders were added into the treated materials as fluxes which were then melted at 1823 K (1550 °C) to yield a Ni-Co alloy and a REO-SiO2-Al2O3-MnO slag. The high-purity Ni-Co alloy produced can be used as a raw material for AB5-type hydrogen-storage alloy. The REO content in slag was very high, i.e., 48.51 pct, therefore it can be used to recycle rare earth oxides.

Noninvasive Subharmonic Pressure Estimation for Monitoring Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

predict disease free survival for cervix cancer (34% disease free survival (DFS) if IFP > 19 mmHg, 68% DFS if IFP < 19 mmHg (p = 0.002)) [11]. Thus, the...pressure predicts survival in patients with cervix cancer independent of clinical prognostic factors and tumor oxygen measurements. Cancer Res...Estimation for Monitoring Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Flemming Forsberg, Ph.D

Anti-hepatocarcinoma effects of resveratrol nanoethosomes against human HepG2 cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiang-Ping; Zhang, Zhen; Chen, Tong-sheng; Wang, Yi-fei; Wang, Zhi-ping

2017-02-01

Hepatocarcinoma, a malignant cancer, threaten human life badly. It is a current issue to seek the effective natural remedy from plant to treat cancer due to the resistance of the advanced hepatocarcinoma to chemotherapy. Resveratrol (Res) has been widely investigated with its strong anti-tumor activity. However, its low oral bioavailability restricts its wide application. In this study, we prepared resveratrol nanoethosomes (ResN) via ethanol injection method. The in vitro anti-hepatocarcinoma effects of ResN relative to efficacy of bulk Res were evaluated on proliferation and apoptosis of human HepG2 cells. ResN were spherical vesicles and its particle diameter, zeta potential were (115.8 +/- 1.3) nm and (-12.8 +/- 1.9) mV, respectively. ResN exhibited significant inhibitory effects against human HepG2 cells by MTT assay, and the IC50 value was 49.2 μg/ml (105.4 μg/ml of Res bulk solution). By flow cytometry assay, there was an increase in G2/M phase cells treated with ResN. The results demonstrated ResN could effectively block the G2/M phase of HepG2 cells, which can also enhance the inhibitory effect of Res against HepG2 cells.

Reading the tea leaves: Dead transposon copies reveal novel host and transposon biology.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Richard N

2018-03-01

Transposable elements comprise a huge portion of most animal genomes. Unlike many pathogens, these elements leave a mark of their impact via their insertion into host genomes. With proper teasing, these sequences can relay information about the evolutionary history of transposons and their hosts. In a new publication, Larson and colleagues describe a previously unappreciated density of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) sequences that have been spliced (LINE-1 and other reverse transcribing elements are necessarily intronless). They provide data to suggest that the retention of these potentially deleterious splice sites in LINE-1 results from the sites' overlap with an important transcription factor binding site. These spliced LINE-1s (i.e., spliced integrated retrotransposed elements [SpiREs]) lose their ability to replicate, suggesting they are evolutionary dead ends. However, the lethality of this splicing could be an efficient means of blocking continued replication of LINE-1. In this way, the record of inactive LINE-1 sequences in the human genome revealed a new, though infrequent, event in the LINE-1 replication cycle and motivates future studies to test whether splicing might be another weapon in the anti-LINE-1 arsenal of host genomes.

Comparative Electrocardiographic, Autonomic, and Systemic Inflammatory Responses to Soy Biodiesel and Petroleum Diesel Emissions in Rats

EPA Science Inventory

CONTEXT: 8iodiesel fuel represents an alternative to high particulate matter (PM)-emitting petroleum-based diesel fuels, yet uncertainty remains regarding potential biodiesel combustion emission health impacts.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular res...

B-Type allatostatins and sex peptides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In many species, mating induces a number of behavioral changes in the female. For Drosophila melanogaster, the sex peptide (SP) has been identified as the main molecular factor behind these responses. Recently, the sex peptide receptor (SPR), a GPCR activated by SP has also been characterized as res...

CARDIOVASCULAR AND OTHER HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH ARSENIC EXPOSURE IN INNER MONGOLIA

EPA Science Inventory

Arsenic exposure is associated with cardiovascular and other health effects. The study objectives were to investigate the mode of action and to assess dose-response relationships of arsenic on cardiovascular, diabetic and carcinogenic effects in Ba Men, Inner Mongolia. Ba Men res...

Interhemispheric Asymmetries in Visual Evoked Potential Amplitude

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-12

Layne, 1965) and of patients with Korsakoff’s syndrome (Malerstein and Callaway, 1969) . In the schizophrenics, the high variability is related to poor...communication. Malerstein, A. J., Callaway, E. Two-tone average evoked response in Korsakoff patients. J. Psychiatr. Res. 6: 253-260, 1969. Marsh, G

MDA5-Associated Neuroinflammation and the Singleton–Merten Syndrome: Two Faces of the Same Type I Interferonopathy Spectrum

PubMed Central

Buers, Insa; Rice, Gillian I.; Crow, Yanick J.

2017-01-01

In 1973, Singleton and Merten described a new syndrome in 2 female probands with aortic and cardiac valve calcifications, early loss of secondary dentition, and widened medullary cavities of the phalanges. In 1984, Aicardi and Goutières defined a phenotype resembling congenital viral infection with basal ganglia calcification and increased protein content in the cerebrospinal fluid. Between 2006 and 2012, mutations in 6 different genes were described to be associated with Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, specifically—TREX1, RNASEH2A, RNASEH2B, RNASEH2C, ADAR, and SAMHD1. More recently, mutations in IFIH1 were reported in a variety of neuroimmunological phenotypes, including Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, while a specific Arg822Gln mutation in IFIH1 was described in 3 discrete families with Singleton–Merten syndrome (SMS). IFIH1 encodes for melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and all mutations identified to date have been associated with an enhanced interferon response in affected individuals. In this study, we present a male child demonstrating recurrent febrile episodes, spasticity, and basal ganglia calcification suggestive of Aicardi–Goutières syndrome, who carries the same Arg822Gln mutation in IFIH1 previously associated with SMS. We conclude that both diseases are part of the interferonopathy grouping and that the Arg822Gln mutation in IFIH1 can cause a spectrum of disease, including neurological involvement. PMID:28475458

Development of an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay using two baculovirus expressed recombinant antigens for diagnosis of Taenia solium taeniasis.

PubMed

Levine, Min Z; Lewis, Melissa M; Rodriquez, Silvia; Jimenez, Juan A; Khan, Azra; Lin, Sehching; Garcia, Hector H; Gonzales, Armando E; Gilman, Robert H; Tsang, Victor C W

2007-04-01

Taeniasis diagnosis is an important step in the control and elimination of both cysticercosis and taeniasis. We report the development of 2 serological taeniasis diagnostic tests using recombinant antigens rES33 and rES38 expressed by baculovirus in insect cells in an EITB format. In laboratory testing with defined sera from nonendemic areas, rES33 has a sensitivity of 98% (n = 167) and a specificity of 99% (n = 310) (J index: 0.97); rES38 has a sensitivity of 99% (n = 146) and a specificity of 97% (n = 275) (J index: 0.96). Independent field testing in Peru showed 97% (n = 203) of the taeniasis sera were positive with rES33, and 100% of the nontaeniasis sera (n = 272) were negative with rES33; 98% (n = 198) of taeniasis sera were positive with rES38, and 91% (n = 274) of the nontaeniasis sera were negative with rES38. Among the Peruvian sera tested, 17 of 26 Peruvian Taenia saginata sera were false positive with rES38 test. Both tests were also examined with cysticercosis sera, with a positive rate ranging from 21% to 46%. rES33 and rES38 tests offer sensitive and specific diagnosis of taeniasis and easy sample collection through finger sticks that can be used in large-scale studies. They are currently being used in cysticercosis elimination programs in Peru.

EDITORIAL: 'Best article' prize for the 5th anniversary of Environmental Research Letters 'Best article' prize for the 5th anniversary of Environmental Research Letters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kammen, Dan; Wright, Guillaume

2011-12-01

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of Environmental Research Letters (ERL) the publishers of the journal, IOP Publishing, have awarded a prize for the five best articles published in ERL since the journal began in 2006. The procedure for deciding the winning articles was as thorough as possible to ensure that the most outstanding articles would win the prize. A shortlist of 25 nominated research articles, five for each year since ERL was launched, which were chosen based on a range of criteria including novelty, scientific impact, readership, broad appeal and wider media coverage, was selected. The ERL Editorial Board then assessed and rated these 25 articles in order to choose a winning article for each year. We would like to announce that the following articles have been awarded ERL's 5th anniversary best article prize: 2006/7 The Bodélé depression: a single spot in the Sahara that provides most of the mineral dust to the Amazon forest Ilan Koren, Yoram J Kaufman, Richard Washington, Martin C Todd, Yinon Rudich, J Vanderlei Martins and Daniel Rosenfeld 2006 Environ. Res. Lett. 1 014005 2008 Causes and impacts of the 2005 Amazon drought Ning Zeng, Jin-Ho Yoon, Jose A Marengo, Ajit Subramaniam, Carlos A Nobre, Annarita Mariotti and J David Neelin 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 014002 2009 How difficult is it to recover from dangerous levels of global warming? J A Lowe, C Huntingford, S C B Raper, C D Jones, S K Liddicoat and L K Gohar 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 014012 2010 Is physical water scarcity a new phenomenon? Global assessment of water shortage over the last two millennia Matti Kummu, Philip J Ward, Hans de Moel and Olli Varis 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 034006 2011 Implications of urban structure on carbon consumption in metropolitan areas Jukka Heinonen and Seppo Junnila 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 014018 Our congratulations go to these authors. In recognition of their outstanding work, we are delighted to offer all of the authors of the winning articles free publication in the journal until the end of 2012. Of course all of the shortlisted papers were of great merit, and the full list of nominees can be found below (in alphabetical order). Nominees Achard F, DeFries R, Eva H, Hansen M, Mayaux P and Stibig H-J 2007 Environ. Res. Lett. 2 045022 Baccini A, Laporte N, Goetz S J, Sun M and Dong H 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 045011 Barona E, Ramankutty N, Hyman G and Coomes O T 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 024002 Charpentier A D, Bergerson J A and MacLean H L 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 014005 Chester M V and Horvath A 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 024008 Cooley S R and Doney S C 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 024007 Diffenbaugh N S, White M A, Jones G V and Ashfaq M 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 024024 Farrell A E and Brandt A R 2006 Environ. Res. Lett. 1 014004 Graham W M, Condon R H, Carmichael R H, D'Ambra I, Patterson H K, Linn L J and Hernandez F J Jr 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 045301 Hansen J E 2007 Environ. Res. Lett. 2 024002 Heinonen J and Junnila S 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 014018 Jackson R B et al 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 044006 Jiang M, Michael Griffin W, Hendrickson C, Jaramillo P, VanBriesen J and Venkatesh A 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 034014 Koren I, Kaufman Y J, Washington R, Todd M C, Rudich Y, Martins J V and Rosenfeld D 2006 Environ. Res. Lett. 1 014005 Kummu M, Ward P J, de Moel H and Varis O 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 034006 Lau W K M, Kim M-K, Kim K-M and Lee W-S 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 025204 Lindeboom H J et al 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 035101 Lowe J A, Huntingford C, Raper S C B, Jones C D, Liddicoat S K and Gohar L K 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 014012 Möhler O, Benz S, Saathoff H, Schnaiter M, Wagner R, Schneider J, Walter S, Ebert V and Wagner S 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 025007 Menon S, Akbari H, Mahanama S, Sednev I and Levinson R 2010 Environ. Res. Lett. 5 014005 Schneider A, Friedl M A and Potere D 2009 Environ. Res. Lett. 4 044003 Sloan T and Wolfendale A W 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 024001 Tedesco M, Fettweis X, van den Broeke M R, van de Wal R S W, Smeets C J P P, van de Berg W J, Serreze M C and Box J E 2011 Environ. Res. Lett. 6 014005 Wang M, Wu M and Huo H 2007 Environ. Res. Lett. 2 024001 Zeng N, Yoon J H, Marengo J A, Subramaniam A, Nobre C A, Mariotti A and Neelin J D 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 014002

Regional Emphysema Score Predicting Overall Survival, Quality of Life and Pulmonary Function Recovery in Early-stage Lung Cancer Patients

PubMed Central

Dai, Jie; Liu, Ming; Swensen, Stephen J.; Stoddard, Shawn M.; Wampfler, Jason A.; Limper, Andrew H.; Jiang, Gening; Yang, Ping

2017-01-01

Introduction Pulmonary emphysema is a common comorbidity in lung cancer, but its role in tumor prognosis remains obscure. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the regional emphysema score (RES) on patient’s overall survival, quality of life (QOL), and pulmonary function recovery in stage I–II lung cancer. Methods Between 1997 and 2009, 1,073 patients were identified and divided into two surgical groups (cancer in emphysematous [group 1, n=565] and non-emphysematous [group 2, n=435] region) and one non-surgical group (group 3, n=73). RES was derived from the emphysematous region and categorized into mild (≤5%), moderate (6–24%) and severe (25–60%). Results In group 1, patients with moderate and severe RES experienced slight decreases in postoperative FEV1, but increases in FEV1/FVC, compared to those with mild RES (p<0.01); however, this correlation was not observed in group 2. Post-treatment QOL was lower in patients with greater RES in all groups mainly due to dyspnea (p<0.05). Cox-regression analysis revealed that patients with higher RES had a significantly poorer survival in both surgical groups, with adjusted HRs of 1.41 and 1.43 for moderate RES and 1.63 and 2.04 for severe RES, respectively; however, this association was insignificant in the non-surgical group (adjusted HR of 0.99 for moderate/severe RES). Conclusions In surgically-treated patients with cancer in emphysematous region, RES is associated with postoperative changes in lung function. RES is also predictive of post-treatment QOL related to dyspnea in early-stage lung cancer. In both surgical groups, RES is an independent predictor of survival. PMID:28126539

Factors and trade-offs with rehabilitation effectiveness and efficiency in newly disabled older persons.

PubMed

Chow, Patsy; Chen, Cynthia; Cheong, Angela; Fong, Ngan Phoon; Chan, Kin Ming; Tan, Boon Yeow; Menon, Edward; Ee, Chye Hua; Lee, Kok Keng; Koh, David; Koh, Gerald C

2014-08-01

To determine the factors for rehabilitation effectiveness (REs) and rehabilitation efficiency (REy) among newly disabled older persons and if there is any trade-off between REs and REy. Retrospective cohort study. Rehabilitation hospitals. Patients (N=8828) aged ≥65 years admitted for inpatient rehabilitation from 1996 to 2005. Not applicable. Independent factors affecting REs and REy were determined. The median rank ratios of REs to REy for each admission Barthel Index (BI) unit and number of days of stay were generated. The ideal ranges of admission BI score and length of stay (LOS) that corresponded to the REs to REy median rank ratio of 1 (both REs and REy optimized) were identified. Factors associated with poorer REs and REy were older age, Malay ethnicity, delayed admission, admission diagnosis of amputation, and comorbidities of dementia and stroke. An increase of 10 in admission BI score was associated with an increase of 3.47% in REs but a decrease of 1.1 per 30 days in REy; and an increase in LOS of 2.7 days was associated with an increase of 28% in REs but a decrease of 5.2 per 30 days in REy. A trade-off relation between REs and REy with respect to admission functional status and LOS was observed. The range, which optimized both REs and REy, was 50 to 59 units for admission BI score and 37 to 46 days for LOS. There are trade-offs between REs and REy with respect to admission functional status and LOS. Clinicians, policymakers, patients, and other stakeholders should be aware of such trade-offs when they make joint policy decisions about rehabilitation services. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Randomized clinical study assessing two membranes for guided bone regeneration of peri-implant bone defects: clinical and histological outcomes at 6 months.

PubMed

Naenni, Nadja; Schneider, David; Jung, Ronald E; Hüsler, Jürg; Hämmerle, Christoph H F; Thoma, Daniel S

2017-10-01

To test whether or not one of two membranes is superior for peri-implant-guided bone regeneration in terms of clinical and histologic outcomes. In 27 patients, 27 two-piece dental implants were placed in single-tooth gaps in the esthetic area. Buccal dehiscence and/or fenestration-type defects were regenerated using demineralized bovine bone mineral and randomly covered with either a resorbable membrane (RES) or a titanium-reinforced non-resorbable membrane (N-RES). Clinical measurements included vertical defect resolution and the horizontal thickness of regenerated bone at implant placement and at 6 months. Statistics were performed by means of nonparametric testing. The remaining mean vertical defect measured 4 mm (±2.07) (RES) and 2.36 mm (±2.09) (N-RES) (P = 0.044) at baseline and 0.77 mm (±0.85) (RES) and 0.21 mm (±0.80) (N-RES) (P = 0.021) at re-entry. This translated into a defect resolution of 85% (RES) and 90.7% (N-RES) (P = 0.10). The horizontal thickness after augmentation measured 3.46 mm (±0.52) (RES) and 2.82 mm (±0.50) (N-RES) (P = 0.004). The mean loss in horizontal thickness from baseline to re-entry measured 2.23 mm (SD ±1.21) (RES) and 0.14 mm (±0.79) (N-RES) (P = 0.017). The horizontal changes in thickness at the implant shoulder level were statistically significant between the groups (P = 0.0001). Both treatment modalities were clinically effective in regenerating bone as demonstrated by a similar horizontal thickness and vertical defect fill at 6 months. The N-RES group exhibited significantly less horizontal bone thickness reduction from baseline to follow-up. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Individual Differences in Animal Stress Models: Considering Resilience, Vulnerability, and the Amygdala in Mediating the Effects of Stress and Conditioned Fear on Sleep

PubMed Central

Wellman, Laurie L.; Fitzpatrick, Mairen E.; Hallum, Olga Y.; Sutton, Amy M.; Williams, Brook L.; Sanford, Larry D.

2016-01-01

Study Objectives: To examine the REM sleep response to stress and fearful memories as a potential marker of stress resilience and vulnerability and to assess the role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in mediating the effects of fear memory on sleep. Methods: Outbred Wistar rats were surgically implanted with electrodes for recording EEG and EMG and with bilateral guide cannulae directed at the BLA. Data loggers were placed intraperitoneally to record core body temperature. After recovery from surgery, the rats received shock training (ST: 20 footshocks, 0.8 mA, 0.5-s duration, 60-s interstimulus interval) and afterwards received microinjections of the GABAA agonist muscimol (MUS; 1.0 μM) to inactivate BLA or microinjections of vehicle (VEH) alone. Subsequently, the rats were separated into 4 groups (VEH-vulnerable (VEH-Vul; n = 14), VEH-resilient (VEH-Res; n = 13), MUS-vulnerable (MUS-Vul; n = 8), and MUS-resilient (MUS-Res; n = 11) based on whether or not REM was decreased, compared to baseline, during the first 4 h following ST. We then compared sleep, freezing, and the stress response (stress-induced hyperthermia, SIH) across groups to determine the effects of ST and fearful context re-exposure alone (CTX). Results: REM was significantly reduced on the ST day in both VEH-Vul and MUS-Vul rats; however, post-ST MUS blocked the reduction in REM on the CTX day in the MUS-Vul group. The VEH-Res and MUS-Res rats showed similar levels of REM on both ST and CTX days. The effects of post-ST inactivation of BLA on freezing and SIH were minimal. Conclusions: Outbred Wistar rats can show significant individual differences in the effects of stress on REM that are mediated by BLA. These differences in REM can be independent of behavioral fear and the peripheral stress response, and may be an important biomarker of stress resilience and vulnerability. Citation: Wellman LL, Fitzpatrick ME, Hallum OY, Sutton AM, Williams BL, Sanford LD. Individual differences in animal stress models: considering resilience, vulnerability, and the amygdala in mediating the effects of stress and conditioned fear on sleep. SLEEP 2016;39(6):1293–1303. PMID:27091518

Atmospheric Pressure and Velocity Fluctuations Near the Auroral Electrojet.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-15

various aspects of the atmosphere’s dynamical response to auroral activity have been carried out by Blumen and Hendl (1969), Testud (1970), Francis...Geophys. Res. 80, 2839, 1975. Testud , 3., Gravity waves generated during magnetic substorms, 3. Atmos. Terr. Phys. 32, 1793, 1970. Waco, D. E., A

The Relationship of Visual Evoked Potential Asymmetries to the Performance of Sonar Operators

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-08-11

also been related to EP variability. Schizophrenic adults and patients with Korsakoff’s Syndrome have shown higher evoked potential variability than...average evoked response in Korsakoff patients. J. Psychiatry Res. 6: 253-260, 1969. Santoro, T. and D. Fender. Rules for the perception of

Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Resveratrol: Enhanced Oral Bioavailability and Reduced Physical Fatigue in Rats

PubMed Central

Yen, Ching-Chi; Hsu, Mei-Chich; Wu, Yu-Tse

2017-01-01

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenolic compound, exerts anti-fatigue activity, but its administration is complicated by its low water solubility. To improve RES bioavailability, this study developed a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for RES and evaluated its anti-fatigue activity and rat exercise performance by measuring fatigue-related parameters, namely lactate, ammonia, plasma creatinine phosphokinase, and glucose levels and the swimming time to exhaustion. Through solubility and emulsification testing, the optimized SNEDDS composed of Capryol 90, Cremophor EL, and Tween 20 was developed; the average particle size in this formulation, which had favorable self-emulsification ability, was approximately 41.3 ± 4.1 nm. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the oral bioavailability of the optimized RES-SNEDDS increased by 3.2-fold compared with that of the unformulated RES-solution. Pretreatment using the RES-SNEDDS before exercise accelerated the recovery of lactate after exercise; compared with the vehicle group, the plasma ammonia level in the RES-SNEDDS group significantly decreased by 65.4%, whereas the glucose level significantly increased by approximately 1.8-fold. Moreover, the swimming time to exhaustion increased by 2.1- and 1.8-fold, respectively, compared with the vehicle and RES-solution pretreatment groups. Therefore, the developed RES-SNEDDS not only enhances the oral bioavailability of RES but may also exert anti-fatigue pharmacological effect. PMID:28841149

Mathematics as a conduit for translational research in post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Ayati, Bruce P; Kapitanov, Georgi I; Coleman, Mitchell C; Anderson, Donald D; Martin, James A

2017-03-01

Biomathematical models offer a powerful method of clarifying complex temporal interactions and the relationships among multiple variables in a system. We present a coupled in silico biomathematical model of articular cartilage degeneration in response to impact and/or aberrant loading such as would be associated with injury to an articular joint. The model incorporates fundamental biological and mechanical information obtained from explant and small animal studies to predict post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression, with an eye toward eventual application in human patients. In this sense, we refer to the mathematics as a "conduit of translation." The new in silico framework presented in this paper involves a biomathematical model for the cellular and biochemical response to strains computed using finite element analysis. The model predicts qualitative responses presently, utilizing system parameter values largely taken from the literature. To contribute to accurate predictions, models need to be accurately parameterized with values that are based on solid science. We discuss a parameter identification protocol that will enable us to make increasingly accurate predictions of PTOA progression using additional data from smaller scale explant and small animal assays as they become available. By distilling the data from the explant and animal assays into parameters for biomathematical models, mathematics can translate experimental data to clinically relevant knowledge. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:566-572, 2017. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Resveratrol and its combination with α-tocopherol mediate salt adaptation in citrus seedlings.

PubMed

Kostopoulou, Zacharoula; Therios, Ioannis; Molassiotis, Athanassios

2014-05-01

Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in red wine, has the potential to impact a variety of human diseases but its function in plants exposed to stressful conditions is still unknown. In the present study the effect of exogenous application of resveratrol (Res), α-tocopherol (α-Toc) and their combination (Res+α-Toc) in salt adaptation of citrus seedlings was investigated. It was found that Res, α-Toc or Res+α-Toc treatments reduced NaCl-derived membrane permeability (EL), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and pigments degradation, whereas companied Res and α-Toc application also reduced H2O2 accumulation in leaves and restored the reduction of photosynthesis induced by NaCl. Application of Res under salinity retained Cl- in roots while Res+α-Toc reduced the translocation of Na+ and Cl- to leaves. Carbohydrates and proline, phenols, total ascorbic acid and glutathione were remarkably affected by NaCl as well as by chemical treatments in leaves and roots of citrus. NaCl treatment increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in leaves while SOD and POD activities were decreased in roots by this treatment. Also, Res, α-Toc or Res+α-Toc treatments displayed tissue specific activation or deactivation of the antioxidant enzymes. Overall, this work revealed a new functional role of Res in plants and provided evidence that the interplay of between Res and α-Toc is involved in salinity adaptation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Stimulus-Response Compatibility in Spatial Precuing and Symbolic Identification: Effects of Coding Practice, Retention and Transfer

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-31

for the effects. Most of the pqychophysiological research has examined event-related potentials (ERPs). Bashore (Chapter 7 ), Ragot (Chapter 8), and...flanking noise letters I signaled a response that was incongruent with the resTcnse i:.dicated b., a target letter. Bashore (Chapter 7 ) describes a...forms. First, compatibility effects have been used as estimates of interhemispheric transmission time (Bashore, I Chapter 7 ). The logic, articulated

Trace element concentration and speciation in selected urban soils in New York City.

PubMed

Burt, R; Hernandez, L; Shaw, R; Tunstead, R; Ferguson, R; Peaslee, S

2014-01-01

A long history of urbanization and industrialization has affected trace elements in New York City (NYC) soils. Selected NYC pedons were analyzed by aqua regia microwave digestion and sequential chemical extraction as follows: water soluble (WS); exchangeable (EX); specifically sorbed/carbonate bound (SS/CAR); oxide-bound (OX); organic/sulfide bound (OM/S). Soils showed a range in properties (e.g., pH 3.9 to 7.4). Sum of total extractable (SUMTE) trace elements was higher in NYC parks compared to Bronx River watershed sites. NYC surface horizons showed higher total extractable (TE) levels compared to US non-anthropogenic soils. TE levels increased over 10 year in some of the relatively undisturbed and mostly wooded park sites. Surface horizons of park sites with long-term anthropogenic inputs showed elevated TE levels vs. subsurface horizons. Conversely, some Bronx River watershed soils showed increased concentrations with depth, reflective of their formation in a thick mantle of construction debris increasing with depth and intermingled with anthrotransported soil materials. Short-range variability was evident in primary pedons and satellite samples (e.g., Pb 253 ± 143 mg/kg). Long-range variability was indicated by PbTE (348 versus 156 mg/kg) and HgTE (1 versus 0.3 mg/kg) concentrations varying several-fold in the same soil but in different geographic locations. Relative predominance of fractions: RES (37 %) > SS/CAR (22 %) > OX (20 %) > OM/S (10 %) > EX (7 %) > WS (4 %). WS and EX fractions were greatest for Hg (7 %) and Cd (14 %), respectively. RES was predominant fraction for Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn (41 to 51 %); SS/CAR for Cd and Pb (40 and 63 %); OM/S for Cu and Hg (36 and 37 %); and OX for As (59 %).

Overview of long-term field experiments in Germany - metadata visualization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muqit Zoarder, Md Abdul; Heinrich, Uwe; Svoboda, Nikolai; Grosse, Meike; Hierold, Wilfried

2017-04-01

BonaRes ("soil as a sustainable resource for the bioeconomy") is conducting to collect data and metadata of agricultural long-term field experiments (LTFE) of Germany. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the umbrella of the National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030. BonaRes consists of ten interdisciplinary research project consortia and the 'BonaRes - Centre for Soil Research'. BonaRes Data Centre is responsible for collecting all LTFE data and regarding metadata into an enterprise database upon higher level of security and visualization of the data and metadata through data portal. In the frame of the BonaRes project, we are compiling an overview of long-term field experiments in Germany that is based on a literature review, the results of the online survey and direct contacts with LTFE operators. Information about research topic, contact person, website, experiment setup and analyzed parameters are collected. Based on the collected LTFE data, an enterprise geodatabase is developed and a GIS-based web-information system about LTFE in Germany is also settled. Various aspects of the LTFE, like experiment type, land-use type, agricultural category and duration of experiment, are presented in thematic maps. This information system is dynamically linked to the database, which means changes in the data directly affect the presentation. An easy data searching option using LTFE name, -location or -operators and the dynamic layer selection ensure a user-friendly web application. Dispersion and visualization of the overlapping LTFE points on the overview map are also challenging and we make it automatized at very zoom level which is also a consistent part of this application. The application provides both, spatial location and meta-information of LTFEs, which is backed-up by an enterprise geodatabase, GIS server for hosting map services and Java script API for web application development.

The "normal" elongation of river basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelltort, Sebastien

2013-04-01

The spacing between major transverse rivers at the front of Earth's linear mountain belts consistently scales with about half of the mountain half-width [1], despite strong differences in climate and rock uplift rates. Like other empirical measures describing drainage network geometry this result seems to indicate that the form of river basins, among other properties of landscapes, is invariant. Paradoxically, in many current landscape evolution models, the patterns of drainage network organization, as seen for example in drainage density and channel spacing, seem to depend on both climate [2-4] and tectonics [5]. Hovius' observation [1] is one of several unexplained "laws" in geomorphology that still sheds mystery on how water, and rivers in particular, shape the Earth's landscapes. This narrow range of drainage network shapes found in the Earth's orogens is classicaly regarded as an optimal catchment geometry that embodies a "most probable state" in the uplift-erosion system of a linear mountain belt. River basins currently having an aspect away from this geometry are usually considered unstable and expected to re-equilibrate over geological time-scales. Here I show that the Length/Width~2 aspect ratio of drainage basins in linear mountain belts is the natural expectation of sampling a uniform or normal distribution of basin shapes, and bears no information on the geomorphic processes responsible for landscape development. This finding also applies to Hack's [6] law of river basins areas and lengths, a close parent of Hovius' law. [1]Hovius, N. Basin Res. 8, 29-44 (1996) [2]Simpson, G. & Schlunegger, F. J. Geophys. Res. 108, 2300 (2003) [3]Tucker, G. & Bras, R. Water Resour. Res. 34, 2751-2764 (1998) [4]Tucker, G. & Slingerland, R. Water Resour. Res. 33, 2031-2047 (1997) [5]Tucker, G. E. & Whipple, K. X. J. Geophys. Res. 107, 1-1 (2002) [6]Hack, J. US Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap. 294-B (1957)

Bov-tA short interspersed nucleotide element sequences in circulating nucleic acids from sera of cattle with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and sera of cattle exposed to BSE.

PubMed

Schütz, Ekkehard; Urnovitz, Howard B; Iakoubov, Leonid; Schulz-Schaeffer, Walter; Wemheuer, Wilhelm; Brenig, Bertram

2005-07-01

Circulating nucleic acids (CNA) are known to be enriched in repetitive DNA sequences in humans. Here, bovine sera CNA were analyzed to determine if cell stress-related short interspersed nucleotide elements (SINEs) could be detected in sera from cattle associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Nucleic acids were extracted, amplified, cloned, and sequenced from the sera of protease-resistant prion protein (PrP(res))-positive cattle (n = 2) and sera from BSE-cohort cows (n = 6); 150 out of 163 clones revealed the presence of, on average, an 80-bp sequence from the 3' region of Bov-tA SINE. A PCR protocol was developed that differentially identified SINE-associated CNA in BSE-exposed versus normal cattle. CNA were extracted from a serum vesicular fraction after controlled blood collection and processing procedures. Sera from four confirmed cases of BSE, 137 BSE-exposed cohort animals associated with eight confirmed BSE cases, and 845 healthy, PrP(res)-negative control cows were tested. All four sera from confirmed BSE cases were repeatedly reactive in the assay. BSE-exposed cohorts had a 100-fold higher occurrence of repeatedly reactive individuals per cohort (average = 63%; range = 33% to 91%), compared to healthy controls (average = 0.6%; P < 0.001). This study shows that BSE-confirmed and cohort animals possess a unique profile of SINE-associated serum CNA that can be utilized as a marker that highly correlates to BSE exposure.

Finite Element modelling of deformation induced by interacting volcanic sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pascal, Karen; Neuberg, Jürgen; Rivalta, Eleonora

2010-05-01

The displacement field due to magma movements in the subsurface is commonly modelled using the solutions for a point source (Mogi, 1958), a finite spherical source (McTigue, 1987), or a dislocation source (Okada, 1992) embedded in a homogeneous elastic half-space. When the magmatic system comprises more than one source, the assumption of homogeneity in the half-space is violated and several sources are combined, their respective deformation field being summed. We have investigated the effects of neglecting the interaction between sources on the surface deformation field. To do so, we calculated the vertical and horizontal displacements for models with adjacent sources and we tested them against the solutions of corresponding numerical 3D finite element models. We implemented several models combining spherical pressure sources and dislocation sources, varying their relative position. Furthermore we considered the impact of topography, loading, and magma compressibility. To quantify the discrepancies and compare the various models, we calculated the difference between analytical and numerical maximum horizontal or vertical surface displacements.We will demonstrate that for certain conditions combining analytical sources can cause an error of up to 20%. References: McTigue, D. F. (1987), Elastic Stress and Deformation Near a Finite Spherical Magma Body: Resolution of the Point Source Paradox, J. Geophys. Res. 92, 12931-12940. Mogi, K. (1958), Relations between the eruptions of various volcanoes and the deformations of the ground surfaces around them, Bull Earthquake Res Inst, Univ Tokyo 36, 99-134. Okada, Y. (1992), Internal Deformation Due to Shear and Tensile Faults in a Half-Space, Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 82(2), 1018-1040.

Cardiovascular Small Heat Shock Protein HSPB7 Is a Kinetically Privileged Reactive Electrophilic Species (RES) Sensor.

PubMed

Surya, Sanjna L; Long, Marcus J C; Urul, Daniel A; Zhao, Yi; Mercer, Emily J; EIsaid, Islam M; Evans, Todd; Aye, Yimon

2018-02-08

Small heat shock protein (sHSP)-B7 (HSPB7) is a muscle-specific member of the non-ATP-dependent sHSPs. The precise role of HSPB7 is enigmatic. Here, we disclose that zebrafish Hspb7 is a kinetically privileged sensor that is able to react rapidly with native reactive electrophilic species (RES), when only substoichiometric amounts of RES are available in proximity to Hspb7 expressed in living cells. Among the two Hspb7-cysteines, this RES sensing is fulfilled by a single cysteine (C117). Purification and characterizations in vitro reveal that the rate for RES adduction is among the most efficient reported for protein-cysteines with native carbonyl-based RES. Covalent-ligand binding is accompanied by structural changes (increase in β-sheet-content), based on circular dichroism analysis. Among the two cysteines, only C117 is conserved across vertebrates; we show that the human ortholog is also capable of RES sensing in cells. Furthermore, a cancer-relevant missense mutation reduces this RES-sensing property. This evolutionarily conserved cysteine-biosensor may play a redox-regulatory role in cardioprotection.

INNULs: A novel design amplification strategy for retrotransposable elements for studying population variation.

PubMed

LaRue, Bobby L; Sinha, Sudhir K; Montgomery, Anne H; Thompson, Robyn; Klaskala, Lauren; Ge, Jianye; King, Jonathan; Turnbough, Meredith; Budowle, Bruce

2012-01-01

Retrotransposable elements (REs), consisting of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) and short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), are a group of markers that can be useful for human identity testing. Until now, however, due to the inherent size difference (up to 6 kb in some instances) associated with insertion and null alleles (or INNULs), the use of REs for facilitated population studies has not been sought or practical. The size of the insertion elements (from a few hundred to several thousand bp) has proven to limit their utility as a marker because of the inefficient amplicon yield with PCR. A novel primer design now facilitates INNUL marker testing. A preliminary panel of single-locus markers was developed to evaluate the potential of typing these insertion elements. Nine INNULs (5 Alu and 4 LINEs) were typed in three major North American populations and analyzed for population genetic features. In addition, the variation of each marker among the sample populations provides insight of its potential use as individual identification or ancestral marker. INNUL markers were developed into fluorescently labeled single-loci PCR. Nine markers were developed with amplicons that were less than 180 bp in length, and, depending on the locus amplicons of the INNULs, alleles varied in size from 50 to 1 bp. This allele size is noteworthy because the insertion alleles of the 9 loci range in size from 297 to 6,195 bp. The allele distribution of the INNULs was assessed and analyzed in three major North American populations. Upon observation of the distribution of the alleles in three major North American populations, the markers generally met Hardy-Weinberg expectations, and there was little evidence of detectable levels of linkage disequilibrium. Due to varying distributions of the alleles in the major population groups tested, some of the markers might be better suited for use as an individual identification marker, while others are better suited for bio-ancestral studies. Using the primer design strategy described in our work, SINEs and (for the first time, to our knowledge) LINEs can be utilized as markers for studying population genetic variation that is more amenable to the limitations of the PCR technique. This study lays the foundation for future work of developing a multiplex panel of INNUL markers that can be used as a single-tube assay for human identity testing utilizing small amplicons (<180 bp), which could be useful for ancient or degraded forensic DNA samples. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

New Fks hot spot for acquired echinocandin resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its contribution to intrinsic resistance of Scedosporium species.

PubMed

Johnson, Michael E; Katiyar, Santosh K; Edlind, Thomas D

2011-08-01

Echinocandins represent a new antifungal group with potent activity against Candida species. These lipopeptides inhibit the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan, the major cell wall polysaccharide. Acquired resistance or reduced echinocandin susceptibility (RES) is rare and associated with mutations in two "hot spot" regions of Fks1 or Fks2, the probable β-1,3-glucan synthases. In contrast, many fungi demonstrate intrinsic RES for reasons that remain unclear. We are using Saccharomyces cerevisiae to understand the basis for RES by modeling echinocandin-Fks interaction. Previously characterized mutations confer cross-RES; we screened for mutations conferring differential RES, implying direct interaction of that Fks residue with a variable echinocandin side chain. One mutant (in an fks1Δ background) exhibited ≥16-fold micafungin and anidulafungin versus caspofungin RES. Sequencing identified a novel Fks2 mutation, W714L/Y715N. Equivalent W695L/Y696N and related W695L/F/C mutations in Fks1 generated by site-directed mutagenesis and the isolation of a W695L-equivalent mutation in Candida glabrata confirmed the role of the new "hot spot 3" in RES. Further mutagenesis expanded hot spot 3 to Fks1 residues 690 to 700, yielding phenotypes ranging from cross-RES to differential hypersusceptibility. Fks1 sequences from intrinsically RES Scedosporium species revealed W695F-equivalent substitutions; Fks1 hybrids expressing Scedosporium prolificans hot spot 3 confirmed that this substitution imparts RES.

Impact of water table level on annual carbon and greenhouse gas balances of a restored peat extraction area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Järveoja, J.; Peichl, M.; Maddison, M.; Soosaar, K.; Vellak, K.; Karofeld, E.; Teemusk, A.; Mander, Ü.

2015-10-01

Peatland restoration may provide a potential after-use option to mitigate the negative climate impact of abandoned peat extraction areas; currently, however, knowledge about restoration effects on the annual balances of carbon (C) and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of contrasting water table levels (WTL) on the annual C and GHG balances of restoration treatments with high (Res-H) and low (Res-L) WTL relative to an unrestored bare peat (BP) site. Measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes were conducted over a full year using the closed chamber method and complemented by measurements of abiotic controls and vegetation cover. Three years following restoration, the difference in the mean WTL resulted in higher bryophyte and lower vascular plant cover in Res-H relative to Res-L. Consequently, greater gross primary production and autotrophic respiration associated with greater vascular plant cover were observed in Res-L compared to Res-H. However, the means of the measured net ecosystem CO2 exchanges (NEE) were not significantly different between Res-H and Res-L. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the respective means of CH4 and N2O exchanges in Res-H and Res-L, respectively. In comparison to the two restored sites, greater net CO2, similar CH4 and greater N2O emissions occurred in BP. On the annual scale, Res-H, Res-L and BP were C sources of 111, 103 and 268 g C m-2 yr-1 and had positive GHG balances of 4.1, 3.8 and 10.2 t CO2 eq ha-1 yr-1, respectively. Thus, the different WTLs had a limited impact on the C and GHG balances in the two restored treatments three years following restoration. However, the C and GHG balances in Res-H and Res-L were considerably lower than in BP owing to the large reduction in CO2 emissions. This study therefore suggests that restoration may serve as an effective method to mitigate the negative climate impacts of abandoned peat extraction areas.

Hi-Res scan mode in clinical MDCT systems: Experimental assessment of spatial resolution performance

PubMed Central

Cruz-Bastida, Juan P.; Gomez-Cardona, Daniel; Li, Ke; Sun, Heyi; Hsieh, Jiang; Szczykutowicz, Timothy P.; Chen, Guang-Hong

2016-01-01

Purpose: The introduction of a High-Resolution (Hi-Res) scan mode and another associated option that combines Hi-Res mode with the so-called High Definition (HD) reconstruction kernels (referred to as a Hi-Res/HD mode in this paper) in some multi-detector CT (MDCT) systems offers new opportunities to increase spatial resolution for some clinical applications that demand high spatial resolution. The purpose of this work was to quantify the in-plane spatial resolution along both the radial direction and tangential direction for the Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD scan modes at different off-center positions. Methods: A technique was introduced and validated to address the signal saturation problem encountered in the attempt to quantify spatial resolution for the Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD scan modes. Using the proposed method, the modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of a 64-slice MDCT system (Discovery CT750 HD, GE Healthcare) equipped with both Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD modes were measured using a metal bead at nine different off-centered positions (0–16 cm with a step size of 2 cm); at each position, both conventional scans and Hi-Res scans were performed. For each type of scan and position, 80 repeated acquisitions were performed to reduce noise induced uncertainties in the MTF measurements. A total of 15 reconstruction kernels, including eight conventional kernels and seven HD kernels, were used to reconstruct CT images of the bead. An ex vivo animal study consisting of a bone fracture model was performed to corroborate the MTF results, as the detection of this high-contrast and high frequency task is predominantly determined by spatial resolution. Images of this animal model generated by different scan modes and reconstruction kernels were qualitatively compared with the MTF results. Results: At the centered position, the use of Hi-Res mode resulted in a slight improvement in the MTF; each HD kernel generated higher spatial resolution than its counterpart conventional kernel. However, the MTF along the tangential direction of the scan field of view (SFOV) was significantly degraded at off-centered positions, yet the combined Hi-Res/HD mode reduced this azimuthal MTF degradation. Images of the animal bone fracture model confirmed the improved spatial resolution at the off-centered positions through the use of the Hi-Res mode and HD kernels. Conclusions: The Hi-Res/HD scan improve spatial resolution of MDCT systems at both centered and off-centered positions. PMID:27147351

Hi-Res scan mode in clinical MDCT systems: Experimental assessment of spatial resolution performance.

PubMed

Cruz-Bastida, Juan P; Gomez-Cardona, Daniel; Li, Ke; Sun, Heyi; Hsieh, Jiang; Szczykutowicz, Timothy P; Chen, Guang-Hong

2016-05-01

The introduction of a High-Resolution (Hi-Res) scan mode and another associated option that combines Hi-Res mode with the so-called High Definition (HD) reconstruction kernels (referred to as a Hi-Res/HD mode in this paper) in some multi-detector CT (MDCT) systems offers new opportunities to increase spatial resolution for some clinical applications that demand high spatial resolution. The purpose of this work was to quantify the in-plane spatial resolution along both the radial direction and tangential direction for the Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD scan modes at different off-center positions. A technique was introduced and validated to address the signal saturation problem encountered in the attempt to quantify spatial resolution for the Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD scan modes. Using the proposed method, the modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of a 64-slice MDCT system (Discovery CT750 HD, GE Healthcare) equipped with both Hi-Res and Hi-Res/HD modes were measured using a metal bead at nine different off-centered positions (0-16 cm with a step size of 2 cm); at each position, both conventional scans and Hi-Res scans were performed. For each type of scan and position, 80 repeated acquisitions were performed to reduce noise induced uncertainties in the MTF measurements. A total of 15 reconstruction kernels, including eight conventional kernels and seven HD kernels, were used to reconstruct CT images of the bead. An ex vivo animal study consisting of a bone fracture model was performed to corroborate the MTF results, as the detection of this high-contrast and high frequency task is predominantly determined by spatial resolution. Images of this animal model generated by different scan modes and reconstruction kernels were qualitatively compared with the MTF results. At the centered position, the use of Hi-Res mode resulted in a slight improvement in the MTF; each HD kernel generated higher spatial resolution than its counterpart conventional kernel. However, the MTF along the tangential direction of the scan field of view (SFOV) was significantly degraded at off-centered positions, yet the combined Hi-Res/HD mode reduced this azimuthal MTF degradation. Images of the animal bone fracture model confirmed the improved spatial resolution at the off-centered positions through the use of the Hi-Res mode and HD kernels. The Hi-Res/HD scan improve spatial resolution of MDCT systems at both centered and off-centered positions.

ABNORMAL ALDOSTERONE PHYSIOLOGY AND CARDIO-METABOLIC RISK FACTORS

PubMed Central

Vaidya, Anand; Underwood, Patricia C.; Hopkins, Paul N.; Jeunemaitre, Xavier; Ferri, Claudio; Williams, Gordon H.; Adler, Gail K.

2013-01-01

Abnormal aldosterone physiology has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardio-metabolic diseases. Single aldosterone measurements capture only a limited range of aldosterone physiology. New methods of characterizing aldosterone physiology may provide a more comprehensive understanding of its relationship with cardio-metabolic disease. We evaluated whether novel indices of aldosterone responses to dietary sodium modulation, the Sodium-modulated Aldosterone Suppression-Stimulation Index (SASSI for serum and SAUSSI for urine), could predict cardio-metabolic risk factors. We performed cross-sectional analyses on 539 subjects studied on liberal (LIB) and restricted (RES) sodium diets with serum and urinary aldosterone measurements. SASSI and SAUSSI were calculated as the ratio of aldosterone on LIB (maximally suppressed aldosterone) to aldosterone on RES (stimulated aldosterone) diets, and associated with risk factors using adjusted regression models. Cardio-metabolic risk factors associated with either impaired suppression of aldosterone on LIB diet, or impaired stimulation on RES diet, or both; in all of these individual cases, these risk factors associated with higher SASSI or SAUSSI. In the context of abnormalities that comprise the metabolic syndrome (MetS), there was a strong positive association between the number of MetS components (0–4) and both SASSI and SAUSSI (P<0.0001) that was independent of known aldosterone secretagogues (angiotensin II, corticotropin, potassium). SASSI and SAUSSI exhibited a high sensitivity in detecting normal individuals with zero MetS components (86% for SASSI and 83% for SAUSSI). Assessing the physiologic range of aldosterone responses may provide greater insights into adrenal pathophysiology. Dysregulated aldosterone physiology may contribute to, and/or result from, early cardio-metabolic abnormalities. PMID:23399714

Effects of dietary energy source and level and injection of tilmicosin phosphate on immune function in lipopolysaccharide-challenged beef steers.

PubMed

Reuter, R R; Carroll, J A; Dailey, J W; Cook, B J; Galyean, M L

2008-08-01

Twenty-four Angus x Hereford crossbred steers (247 kg BW; SE = 2.4 kg) were used in a completely random design to evaluate the effect of energy source and level with or without antibiotic administration on measures of immune function. Steers were fed 1 of 3 dietary treatments: a 70% concentrate diet ad libitum (70AL), a 30% concentrate diet ad libitum (30AL), and a 70% concentrate diet offered in an amount calculated to provide NE(g) intake equal to the 30AL treatment (70RES). Half the steers in each dietary treatment received a s.c. injection of tilmicosin phosphate (ANTI; 1 mL/30 kg of BW); the other half received an equal volume of saline s.c. (SAL). Steers were offered the treatment diets for 28 d before and were administered the ANTI or SAL injections 2 d before indwelling catheters were placed in the jugular vein and 2.0 microg/kg of BW of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered i.v. Blood serum was collected at 30-min intervals from -2 to 6 h and at 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h relative to the LPS challenge. Increased energy intake (70AL) increased (P < or = 0.04) DMI, ADG, and rectal temperature (RT) after the challenge compared with the 70RES treatment. The 30AL treatment increased the maximum concentrations and area under the response curve of the proinflammatory cytokines (PIC) interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-6 (P < or = 0.05) compared with the average of the 70AL and 70RES treatments. Decreased energy intake (70RES vs. 70AL) increased IL-6 (P < or = 0.003) but did not significantly increase interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P > or = 0.14) after LPS administration. Tilmicosin administration decreased the time to attain maximal RT (P = 0.01) by 1 h without altering the peak RT (P = 0.85), and tilmicosin interacted with energy intake to increase prechallenge PIC in 70RES vs. 70AL (P < or = 0.05). Results indicate that increased PIC response, presumably resulting from a combination of decreased energy intake and from direct effects of roughage, may be a mode of action for the slight decrease in morbidity that often occurs when newly received, stressed calves are fed roughage-based receiving diets. Tilmicosin phosphate might have immunomodulatory capacity beyond its direct effects on pathogenic bacteria, and these effects could interact with dietary energy intake in cattle.

Modulation of anaerobic energy metabolism of Bacillus subtilis by arfM (ywiD).

PubMed

Marino, M; Ramos, H C; Hoffmann, T; Glaser, P; Jahn, D

2001-12-01

Bacillus subtilis grows under anaerobic conditions utilizing nitrate ammonification and various fermentative processes. The two-component regulatory system ResDE and the redox regulator Fnr are the currently known parts of the regulatory system for anaerobic adaptation. Mutation of the open reading frame ywiD located upstream of the respiratory nitrate reductase operon narGHJI resulted in elimination of the contribution of nitrite dissimilation to anaerobic nitrate respiratory growth. Significantly reduced nitrite reductase (NasDE) activity was detected, while respiratory nitrate reductase activity was unchanged. Anaerobic induction of nasDE expression was found to be significantly dependent on intact ywiD, while anaerobic narGHJI expression was ywiD independent. Anaerobic transcription of hmp, encoding a flavohemoglobin-like protein, and of the fermentative operons lctEP and alsSD, responsible for lactate and acetoin formation, was partially dependent on ywiD. Expression of pta, encoding phosphotransacetylase involved in fermentative acetate formation, was not influenced by ywiD. Transcription of the ywiD gene was anaerobically induced by the redox regulator Fnr via the conserved Fnr-box (TGTGA-6N-TCACT) centered 40.5 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site. Anaerobic induction of ywiD by resDE was found to be indirect via resDE-dependent activation of fnr. The ywiD gene is subject to autorepression and nitrite repression. These results suggest a ResDE --> Fnr --> YwiD regulatory cascade for the modulation of genes involved in the anaerobic metabolism of B. subtilis. Therefore, ywiD was renamed arfM for anaerobic respiration and fermentation modulator.

Replication and spread of CJD, kuru and scrapie agents in vivo and in cell culture

PubMed Central

Miyazawa, Kohtaro; Emmerling, Kaitlin

2011-01-01

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) agents are defined by their virulence for particular species, their spread in the population, their incubation time to cause disease, and their neuropathological sequelae. Murine adapted human agents, including sporadic CJD (sCJD), New Guinea kuru, and Japanese CJD agents, display particularly distinct incubation times and maximal infectious brain titers. They also induce agent-specific patterns of neurodegeneration. When these TSE agents are transmitted to cultured hypothalamic GT1 cells they maintain their unique identities. Nevertheless, the human kuru (kCJD) and Japanese FU-CJD agents, as well as the sheep 22L and 263K scrapie agents display doubling times that are 8× to 33× faster in cells than in brain, indicating release from complex innate immune responses. These data are most consistent with a foreign viral structure, rather than an infectious form of host prion protein (PrP-res). Profound agent-specific inhibitory effects are also apparent in GT1 cells, and maximal titer plateau in kCJD and FU-CJD differed by 1,000-fold in a cell-based assay. Remarkably, the lower titer kCJD agent rapidly induced de novo PrP-res in GT1 cells, whereas the high titer FU-CJD agent replicated silently for multiple passages. Although PrP-res is often considered to be toxic, PrP-res instead may be part of a primal defense and/or clearance mechanism against TSE environmental agents. Limited spread of particular TSE agents through nanotubes and cell-to-cell contacts probably underlies the long peripheral phase of human CJD. PMID:21527829

Optimizing Observations of Sea Ice Thickness and Snow Depth in the Arctic

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

changes in the thickness of sea ice, glaciers , and ice sheets. These observations are critical for predicting the response of Earth’s polar ice to...Arctic Sea Ice Conditions in Spring 2009 - 2013 Prior to Melt , Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, 5888-5893, doi: 10.1002/2013GL058011. [published, refereed

In Search of the ‘New Informal Legitimacy’ of Médecins Sans Frontières

PubMed Central

Calain, Philippe

2012-01-01

For medical humanitarian organizations, making their sources of legitimacy explicit is a useful exercise, in response to: misperceptions, concerns over the ‘humanitarian space’, controversies about specific humanitarian actions, challenges about resources allocation and moral suffering among humanitarian workers. This is also a difficult exercise, where normative criteria such as international law or humanitarian principles are often misrepresented as primary sources of legitimacy. This essay first argues for a morally principled definition of humanitarian medicine, based on the selfless intention of individual humanitarian actors. Taking Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as a case in point, a common source of moral legitimacy for medical humanitarian organizations is their cosmopolitan appeal to distributive justice and collective responsibility. More informally, their legitimacy is grounded in the rightfulness of specific actions and choices. This implies a constant commitment to publicity and accountability. Legitimacy is also generated by tangible support from the public to individual organizations, by commitments to professional integrity, and by academic alliances to support evidence-based practice and operational research. PMID:22442647

Cyclin D1-AR Crosstalk: Potential Implications for Therapeutic Response in Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

expression of degradation- resistant and –proficient alleles of cyclin D1 in xenograft model (months 18 -21) B. Randomize mice in 6 groups: intact...inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 arrests the growth of glioblastoma multiforme intracranial xenografts . Cancer Res 2010; 70: 3228–3238. 33...cancer, cyclin D1 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON USAMRMC a

New Fks Hot Spot for Acquired Echinocandin Resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Its Contribution to Intrinsic Resistance of Scedosporium Species▿

PubMed Central

Johnson, Michael E.; Katiyar, Santosh K.; Edlind, Thomas D.

2011-01-01

Echinocandins represent a new antifungal group with potent activity against Candida species. These lipopeptides inhibit the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan, the major cell wall polysaccharide. Acquired resistance or reduced echinocandin susceptibility (RES) is rare and associated with mutations in two “hot spot” regions of Fks1 or Fks2, the probable β-1,3-glucan synthases. In contrast, many fungi demonstrate intrinsic RES for reasons that remain unclear. We are using Saccharomyces cerevisiae to understand the basis for RES by modeling echinocandin-Fks interaction. Previously characterized mutations confer cross-RES; we screened for mutations conferring differential RES, implying direct interaction of that Fks residue with a variable echinocandin side chain. One mutant (in an fks1Δ background) exhibited ≥16-fold micafungin and anidulafungin versus caspofungin RES. Sequencing identified a novel Fks2 mutation, W714L/Y715N. Equivalent W695L/Y696N and related W695L/F/C mutations in Fks1 generated by site-directed mutagenesis and the isolation of a W695L-equivalent mutation in Candida glabrata confirmed the role of the new “hot spot 3” in RES. Further mutagenesis expanded hot spot 3 to Fks1 residues 690 to 700, yielding phenotypes ranging from cross-RES to differential hypersusceptibility. Fks1 sequences from intrinsically RES Scedosporium species revealed W695F-equivalent substitutions; Fks1 hybrids expressing Scedosporium prolificans hot spot 3 confirmed that this substitution imparts RES. PMID:21576441

The protective effects of resveratrol on Schwann cells with toxicity induced by ethanol in vitro.

PubMed

Yuan, Hongtu; Zhang, Jingfen; Liu, Huaxiang; Li, Zhenzhong

2013-09-01

Schwann cells (SCs) are the myelin forming cells in the peripheral nervous system, they play a key role in the pathology of various polyneuropathies and provide trophic support to axons via expression of various neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Ethanol (EtOH) adversely affected both SCs proliferation and myelin formation in culture. Resveratrol (Res) has been shown to regulate many cellular processes and to display multiple protective and therapeutic effects. Whether Res has protective effects on SCs with EtOH-induced toxicity is still unclear. The protective efficacy of Res on EtOH-treated SCs in vitro was investigated in the present study. Res improved cell viability of the EtOH-treated SCs. Hoechst 33342 staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling analysis showed that the EtOH-induced apoptosis was inhibited by Res. The effects of Res were blocked by the 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor Compound C and the silencing information regulator T1 inhibitor nicotinamide. Res could increase the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and GDNF in the EtOH-treated SCs. However, the EtOH-induced increase of NGF in the SCs is inhibited by Res. The data from the present study indicate that Res protects SCs from EtOH-induced cell death and regulates the expression of neurotrophicfactors. Res and its derivative may be effective for the treatment of neuropathic diseases induced by EtOH. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disrupting Androgen Receptor Signaling Induces Snail-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Miao, Lu; Yang, Lin; Li, Rui; Rodrigues, Daniel N; Crespo, Mateus; Hsieh, Jer-Tsong; Tilley, Wayne D; de Bono, Johann; Selth, Luke A; Raj, Ganesh V

2017-06-01

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) has been linked to metastasis, stemness, and drug resistance. In prostate cancer, EMP has been associated with both suppression and activation of the androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Here we investigated the effect of the potent AR antagonist enzalutamide on EMP in multiple preclinical models of prostate cancer and patient tissues. Enzalutamide treatment significantly enhanced the expression of EMP drivers (ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Twist, and FOXC2) and mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin) in prostate cancer cells, enhanced prostate cancer cell migration, and induced prostate cancer transformation to a spindle, fibroblast-like morphology. Enzalutamide-induced EMP required concomitant suppression of AR signaling and activation of the EMP-promoting transcription factor Snail, as evidenced by both knockdown and overexpression studies. Supporting these findings, AR signaling and Snail expression were inversely correlated in C4-2 xenografts, patient-derived castration-resistant metastases, and clinical samples. For the first time, we elucidate a mechanism explaining the inverse relationship between AR and Snail. Specifically, we found that AR directly repressed SNAI1 gene expression by binding to specific AR-responsive elements within the SNAI1 promoter. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that de-repression of Snail and induction of EMP is an adaptive response to enzalutamide with implications for therapy resistance. Cancer Res; 77(11); 3101-12. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Molecular basis of 'hypoxic' breast cancer cell radio-sensitization: phytochemicals converge on radiation induced Rel signaling.

PubMed

Aravindan, Sheeja; Natarajan, Mohan; Herman, Terence S; Awasthi, Vibhudutta; Aravindan, Natarajan

2013-03-04

Heterogeneously distributed hypoxic areas are a characteristic property of locally advanced breast cancers (BCa) and generally associated with therapeutic resistance, metastases, and poor patient survival. About 50% of locally advanced BCa, where radiotherapy is less effective are suggested to be due to hypoxic regions. In this study, we investigated the potential of bioactive phytochemicals in radio-sensitizing hypoxic BCa cells. Hypoxic (O2-2.5%; N2-92.5%; CO2-5%) MCF-7 cells were exposed to 4 Gy radiation (IR) alone or after pretreatment with Curcumin (CUR), curcumin analog EF24, neem leaf extract (NLE), Genistein (GEN), Resveratrol (RES) or raspberry extract (RSE). The cells were examined for inhibition of NFκB activity, transcriptional modulation of 88 NFκB signaling pathway genes, activation and cellular localization of radio-responsive NFκB related mediators, eNos, Erk1/2, SOD2, Akt1/2/3, p50, p65, pIκBα, TNFα, Birc-1, -2, -5 and associated induction of cell death. EMSA revealed that cells exposed to phytochemicals showed complete suppression of IR-induced NFκB. Relatively, cells exposed EF24 revealed a robust inhibition of IR-induced NFκB. QPCR profiling showed induced expression of 53 NFκB signaling pathway genes after IR. Conversely, 53, 50, 53, 53, 53 and 53 of IR-induced genes were inhibited with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES and RSE respectively. In addition, 25, 29, 24, 16, 11 and 21 of 35 IR-suppressed genes were further inhibited with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES and RSE respectively. Immunoblotting revealed a significant attenuating effect of IR-modulated radio-responsive eNos, Erk1/2, SOD2, Akt1/2/3, p50, p65, pIκBα, TNFα, Birc-1, -2 and -5 with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES or RSE. Annexin V-FITC staining showed a consistent and significant induction of IR-induced cell death with these phytochemicals. Notably, EF24 robustly conferred IR-induced cell death. Together, these data identifies the potential hypoxic cell radio-sensitizers and further implies that the induced radio-sensitization may be exerted by selectively targeting IR-induced NFκB signaling.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Induced by Hemorrhagic Shock/Resuscitation in Rats.

PubMed

Tsung, Yu-Chi; Chung, Chih-Yang; Wan, Hung-Chieh; Chang, Ya-Ying; Shih, Ping-Cheng; Hsu, Han-Shui; Kao, Ming-Chang; Huang, Chun-Jen

2017-04-01

Inflammation following hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (HS/RES) induces acute lung injury (ALI). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative capacities. We sought to clarify whether DMSO could attenuate ALI induced by HS/RES. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to receive either a sham operation, sham plus DMSO, HS/RES, or HS/RES plus DMSO, and these were denoted as the Sham, Sham + DMSO, HS/RES, or HS/RES + DMSO group, respectively (n = 12 in each group). HS/RES was achieved by drawing blood to lower mean arterial pressure (40-45 mmHg for 60 min) followed by reinfusion with shed blood/saline mixtures. All rats received an intravenous injection of normal saline or DMSO immediately before resuscitation or at matching points relative to the sham groups. Arterial blood gas and histological assays (including histopathology, neutrophil infiltration, and lung water content) confirmed that HS/RES induced ALI. Significant increases in pulmonary expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) confirmed that HS/RES induced pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. DMSO significantly attenuated the pulmonary inflammation and ALI induced by HS/RES. The mechanisms for this may involve reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through inhibition of pulmonary NF-κB, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2 expression.

Resveratrol stimulates mitochondrial fusion by a mechanism requiring mitofusin-2.

PubMed

Robb, Ellen L; Moradi, Fereshteh; Maddalena, Lucas A; Valente, Andrew J F; Fonseca, Joao; Stuart, Jeffrey A

2017-04-01

Resveratrol (RES) is a plant-derived stilbene associated with a wide range of health benefits. Mitochondria are a key downstream target of RES, and in some cell types RES promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, altered cellular redox status, and a shift toward oxidative metabolism. Mitochondria exist as a dynamic network that continually remodels via fusion and fission processes, and the extent of fusion is related to cellular redox status and metabolism. We investigated RES's effects on mitochondrial network morphology in several cell lines using a quantitative approach to measure the extent of network fusion. 48 h continuous treatment with 10-20 μM RES stimulated mitochondrial fusion in C2C12 myoblasts, PC3 cancer cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts stimulated significant increases in fusion in all instances, resulting in larger and more highly branched mitochondrial networks. Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) is a key protein facilitating mitochondrial fusion, and its expression was also stimulated by RES. Using Mfn2-null cells we demonstrated that RES's effects on mitochondrial fusion, cellular respiration rates, and cell growth are all dependent upon the presence of Mfn2. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Mfn2 and mitochondrial fusion are affected by RES in ways that appear to relate to RES's known effects on cellular metabolism and growth. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zoledronate and ion-releasing resins impair dentin collagen degradation.

PubMed

Tezvergil-Mutluay, A; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R; Feitosa, V P; Tay, F R; Watson, T F; Pashley, D H; Sauro, S

2014-10-01

This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. © International & American Associations for Dental Research.

Zoledronate and Ion-releasing Resins Impair Dentin Collagen Degradation

PubMed Central

Tezvergil-Mutluay, A.; Seseogullari-Dirihan, R.; Feitosa, V.P.; Tay, F.R.; Watson, T.F.; Pashley, D.H.; Sauro, S.

2014-01-01

This study analyzed the amounts of solubilized telopeptides cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) derived from matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins (CTPs) subsequent to application of a filler-free (Res.A) or an ion-releasing resin (Res.B) to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-demineralized dentin with or without zoledronate-containing primer (Zol-primer) pre-treatment. The chemical modification induced following treatments and artificial saliva (AS) storage was also analyzed through attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Totally EDTA-demineralized specimens were infiltrated with Res.A or Res.B with or without Zol-primer pre-treatment, light-cured, and immersed in AS for up to 4 wk. ICTP release was reduced following infiltration with Res.B and further reduced when Res.B was used with Zol-primer; remarkable phosphate mineral uptake was attained after AS storage. CTX release was increased in Res.A- and Res.B-treated dentin. However, when Zol-primer was used with Res.A, the CTX release fell significantly compared to the other tested resin-infiltration methods. In conclusion, zoledronate offers an additional inhibitory effect to the ion-releasing resins in MMP-mediated collagen degradation. However, Zol-primer induces a modest reduction in CTX release only when used with resin-based systems containing no ion-releasing fillers. PMID:25074494

Protective effects of resveratrol and its analogs on age-related macular degeneration in vitro.

PubMed

Kang, Jung-Hwan; Choung, Se-Young

2016-12-01

Damage of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells by A2E may be critical for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) management. Accumulation and photooxidation of A2E are known to be one of the critical causes in AMD. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of resveratrol (RES), piceatannol (PIC) and RES glycones on blue-light-induced RPE cell death caused by A2E photooxidation. A2E treatment followed by blue light exposure caused significant damages on human RPE cells (ARPE-19). But the damages were attenuated by post- and pre-treatment of RES and PIC in our in vitro models. The results of cell free system and FAB-MS analysis clearly showed that the reduction of A2E by blue light exposure was significantly rescued, and that oxidized forms of A2E were significantly reduced by RES or PIC treatment. Besides, RES or PIC inhibited the intracellular accumulation of A2E. Not only RES and PIC but RES glycones showed protection of ARPE-19 cells against A2E and blue-light-induced photo-damage. These findings demonstrate that RES and its analogs may have protective effects against A2E and blue-light-induced ARPE-19 cell death through regulation of A2E accumulation as well as photooxidation of A2E. Thus RES and its analogs may be beneficial for AMD treatment.

Hydrogen-induced structural transition in single layer ReS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagmurcukardes, M.; Bacaksiz, C.; Senger, R. T.; Sahin, H.

2017-09-01

By performing density functional theory-based calculations, we investigate how structural, electronic and mechanical properties of single layer ReS2 can be tuned upon hydrogenation of its surfaces. It is found that a stable, fully hydrogenated structure can be obtained by formation of strong S-H bonds. The optimized atomic structure of ReS2H2 is considerably different than that of the monolayer ReS2 which has a distorted-1T phase. By performing phonon dispersion calculations, we also predict that the Re2-dimerized 1T structure (called 1T {{}\\text{R{{\\text{e}}2}}} ) of the ReS2H2 is dynamically stable. Unlike the bare ReS2 the 1T {{}\\text{R{{\\text{e}}2}}} -ReS2H2 structure which is formed by breaking the Re4 clusters into separated Re2 dimers, is an indirect-gap semiconductor. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the 1T {{}\\text{R{{\\text{e}}2}}} phase in terms of elastic constants, in-plane stiffness (C) and Poisson ratio (ν) are investigated. It is found that full hydrogenation not only enhances the flexibility of the single layer ReS2 crystal but also increases anisotropy of the elastic constants.

Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of Degenerate p-Type Mo-Doped ReS2 Films and Their Homojunction.

PubMed

Qin, Jing-Kai; Shao, Wen-Zhu; Xu, Cheng-Yan; Li, Yang; Ren, Dan-Dan; Song, Xiao-Guo; Zhen, Liang

2017-05-10

Substitutional doping of transition metal dichalcogenide two-dimensional materials has proven to be effective in tuning their intrinsic properties, such as band gap, transport characteristics, and magnetism. In this study, we realized substitutional doping of monolayer rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) with Mo via chemical vapor deposition. Scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that Mo atoms are successfully doped into ReS 2 by substitutionally replacing Re atoms in the lattice. Electrical measurements revealed the degenerate p-type semiconductor behavior of Mo-doped ReS 2 field effect transistors, in agreement with density functional theory calculations. The p-n diode device based on a doped ReS 2 and ReS 2 homojunction exhibited gate-tunable current rectification behaviors, and the maximum rectification ratio could reach up to 150 at V d = -2/+2 V. The successful synthesis of p-type ReS 2 in this study could largely promote its application in novel electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Mastery of Content Representation (CoRes) Related TPACK High School Biology Teacher

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasution, W. R.; Sriyati, S.; Riandi, R.; Safitri, M.

2017-09-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the mastery of Content Representation (CoRes) teachers related to the integration of technology and pedagogy in teaching Biology (TPACK). This research uses a descriptive method. The data were taken using instruments CoRes as the primary data and semi-structured interviews as supporting data. The subjects were biology teacher in class X MIA from four schools in Bandung. Teachers raised CoRes was analyzed using a scoring rubric CoRes with coding 1-3 then categorized into a group of upper, middle, or lower. The results showed that the two teachers in the lower category. This results means that the control of teachers in defining the essential concept in the CoRes has not been detailed and specific. Meanwhile, two other teachers were in the middle category. This means that the ability of teachers to determine the essential concepts in the CoRes are still inadequate so that still needs to be improved.

Large Scale Solution Assembly of Quantum Dot - Gold Nanorod Architectures with Plasmon Enhanced Fluorescence (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

around the AuNR. This is illustrated in Figure 3, which compi!res brightfield,scanningTEM ( STEM ), and 3D tomographic reconstruction of QD,/AuNR. The...distribution unlimited ... Cll u 1𔃺 Q. II) QDn/AuNR 1-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 >20 ~ 60 c ~ "’ 40 ..Q ·~ u; c 20 k 2 3 >4 QDn/AuNR Figure 2...showing three-dimensional arrangement of the QOs around the AuNR. (e-i) Elemental mapping from STEM image of silica coated QD·AuNR architecture (e)(scale

Pre-Training Muscle Characteristics of Subjects Who Are Obese Determine How Well Exercise Training Will Improve Their Insulin Responsiveness.

PubMed

Stuart, Charles A; Lee, Michelle L; South, Mark A; Howell, Mary E A; Cartwright, Brian M; Ramsey, Michael W; Stone, Michael H

2017-03-01

Stuart, CA, Lee, ML, South, MA, Howell, MEA, Cartwright, BM, Ramsey, MW, and Stone, MH. Pre-training muscle characteristics of subjects who are obese determine how well exercise training will improve their insulin responsiveness. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 798-808, 2017-Only half of prediabetic subjects who are obese who underwent exercise training without weight loss increased their insulin responsiveness. We hypothesized that those who improved their insulin responsiveness might have pretraining characteristics favoring a positive response to exercise training. Thirty nondiabetic subjects who were obese volunteered for 8 weeks of either strength training or endurance training. During training, subjects increased their caloric intake to prevent weight loss. Insulin responsiveness by euglycemic clamps and muscle fiber composition, and expression of muscle key biochemical pathways were quantified. Positive responders initially had 52% higher intermediate muscle fibers (fiber type IIa) with 27% lower slow-twitch fibers (type I) and 23% lower expression of muscle insulin receptors. Whether after weight training or stationary bike training, positive responders' fiber type shifted away from type I and type IIa fibers to an increased proportion of type IIx fibers (fast twitch). Muscle insulin receptor expression and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) expression increased in all trained subjects, but these moderate changes did not consistently translate to improvement in whole-body insulin responsiveness. Exercise training of previously sedentary subjects who are obese can result in muscle remodeling and increased expression of key elements of the insulin pathway, but in the absence of weight loss, insulin sensitivity improvement was modest and limited to about half of the participants. Our data suggest rather than responders being more fit, they may have been less fit, only catching up to the other half of subjects who are obese whose insulin responsiveness did not increase beyond their pretraining baseline.

Light scattering and absorption by space weathered planetary bodies: Novel numerical solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markkanen, Johannes; Väisänen, Timo; Penttilä, Antti; Muinonen, Karri

2017-10-01

Airless planetary bodies are exposed to space weathering, i.e., energetic electromagnetic and particle radiation, implantation and sputtering from solar wind particles, and micrometeorite bombardment.Space weathering is known to alter the physical and chemical composition of the surface of an airless body (C. Pieters et al., J. Geophys. Res. Planets, 121, 2016). From the light scattering perspective, one of the key effects is the production of nanophase iron (npFe0) near the exposed surfaces (B. Hapke, J. Geophys. Res., 106, E5, 2001). At visible and ultraviolet wavelengths these particles have a strong electromagnetic response which has a major impact on scattering and absorption features. Thus, to interpret the spectroscopic observations of space-weathered asteroids, the model should treat the contributions of the npFe0 particles rigorously.Our numerical approach is based on the hierarchical geometric optics (GO) and radiative transfer (RT). The modelled asteroid is assumed to consist of densely packed silicate grains with npFe0 inclusions. We employ our recently developed RT method for dense random media (K. Muinonen, et al., Radio Science, submitted, 2017) to compute the contributions of the npFe0 particles embedded in silicate grains. The dense media RT method requires computing interactions of the npFe0 particles in the volume element for which we use the exact fast superposition T-matrix method (J. Markkanen, and A.J. Yuffa, JQSRT 189, 2017). Reflections and refractions on the grain surface and propagation in the grain are addressed by the GO. Finally, the standard RT is applied to compute scattering by the entire asteroid.Our numerical method allows for a quantitative interpretation of the spectroscopic observations of space-weathered asteroids. In addition, it may be an important step towards more rigorous a thermophysical model of asteroids when coupled with the radiative and conductive heat transfer techniques.Acknowledgments. Research supported by European Research Council with Advanced Grant No. 320773 SAEMPL. Computational resources provided by CSC- IT Centre for Science Ltd, Finland.

Impact of water table level on annual carbon and greenhouse gas balances of a restored peat extraction area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Järveoja, Järvi; Peichl, Matthias; Maddison, Martin; Soosaar, Kaido; Vellak, Kai; Karofeld, Edgar; Teemusk, Alar; Mander, Ülo

2016-05-01

Peatland restoration may provide a potential after-use option to mitigate the negative climate impact of abandoned peat extraction areas; currently, however, knowledge about restoration effects on the annual balances of carbon (C) and greenhouse gas (GHG) exchanges is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of contrasting mean water table levels (WTLs) on the annual C and GHG balances of restoration treatments with high (ResH) and low (ResL) WTL relative to an unrestored bare peat (BP) site. Measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes were conducted over a full year using the closed chamber method and complemented by measurements of abiotic controls and vegetation cover. Three years following restoration, the difference in the mean WTL resulted in higher bryophyte and lower vascular plant cover in ResH relative to ResL. Consequently, greater gross primary production and autotrophic respiration associated with greater vascular plant cover were observed in ResL compared to ResH. However, the means of the measured net ecosystem CO2 exchanges (NEE) were not significantly different between ResH and ResL. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the respective means of CH4 and N2O exchanges. In comparison to the two restored sites, greater net CO2, similar CH4 and greater N2O emissions occurred in BP. On the annual scale, ResH, ResL and BP were C sources of 111, 103 and 268 g C m-2 yr-1 and had positive GHG balances of 4.1, 3.8 and 10.2 t CO2 eq ha-1 yr-1, respectively. Thus, the different WTLs had a limited impact on the C and GHG balances in the two restored treatments 3 years following restoration. However, the C and GHG balances in ResH and ResL were considerably lower than in BP due to the large reduction in CO2 emissions. This study therefore suggests that restoration may serve as an effective method to mitigate the negative climate impacts of abandoned peat extraction areas.

Protective effects of resveratrol on postmenopausal osteoporosis: regulation of SIRT1-NF-κB signaling pathway.

PubMed

Feng, Jing; Liu, Shuai; Ma, Sai; Zhao, Jian; Zhang, Wei; Qi, Wei; Cao, Pengchong; Wang, Zheng; Lei, Wei

2014-12-01

Postmenopausal osteoporosis severely jeopardizes human health. Seeking for therapeutic drugs without side effects is of great necessity. Our study was designed to investigate whether resveratrol, an agonist of SIRT1, could have favorable effect on osteoporosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Rat osteoporosis model (ovariectomy group, OVX) was established by bilateral ovariectomy. Three different doses of resveratrol were used: 5 mg/kg/d (low-dosed, RES(LD)), 25 mg/kg/d (medium-dosed, RES(MD)), and 45 mg/kg/d (high-dosed, RES(HD)). Results showed that RES(LD) did not show any significant effect on OVX alterations, while RES(MD) and RES(HD) significantly elevated the decreased bone mineral density induced by osteoporosis (RES(MD) 0.205 ± 0.023, RES(HD) 0.214 ± 0.053 vs. OVX 0.165 ± 0.050 g/cm(2) respectively; P < 0.05). Serum markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin were moderately restored by resveratrol. Moreover, resveratrol improved bone structure in OVX rats, demonstrated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and micro-computed tomographic results. In vitro results revealed that resveratrol promoted osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells, evidenced by the increase of ALP generation and mRNA expression of collagen 1 (P < 0.05; RES(MD), RES(HD) vs. control group). SIRT1 gene silencing by siRNA transfection blocked these beneficial effects of resveratrol (P < 0.05; RES + SIRT1(KD) vs. RES(HD)). Western blot results showed that resveratrol activated SIRT1 and subsequently suppressed the activity of NF-κB with decreased expression level of p-IκBα and NF-κB p65 (P < 0.05). Our findings verified the effects of specific dosed resveratrol on postmenopausal osteoporosis through osteoblast differentiation via SIRT1-NF-κB signaling pathway. This study suggested the therapeutic potential of resveratrol against osteoporosis and stressed the importance of effective doses. © The Author 2014. Published by ABBS Editorial Office in association with Oxford University Press on behalf of the Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Regional Emphysema Score Predicting Overall Survival, Quality of Life, and Pulmonary Function Recovery in Early-Stage Lung Cancer Patients.

PubMed

Dai, Jie; Liu, Ming; Swensen, Stephen J; Stoddard, Shawn M; Wampfler, Jason A; Limper, Andrew H; Jiang, Gening; Yang, Ping

2017-05-01

Pulmonary emphysema is a frequent comorbidity in lung cancer, but its role in tumor prognosis remains obscure. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the regional emphysema score (RES) on a patient's overall survival, quality of life (QOL), and recovery of pulmonary function in stage I to II lung cancer. Between 1997 and 2009, a total of 1073 patients were identified and divided into two surgical groups-cancer in the emphysematous (group 1 [n = 565]) and nonemphysematous (group 2 [n = 435]) regions-and one nonsurgical group (group 3 [n = 73]). RES was derived from the emphysematous region and categorized as mild (≤5%), moderate (6%-24%), or severe (25%-60%). In group 1, patients with a moderate or severe RES experienced slight decreases in postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second, but increases in the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity compared with those with a mild RES (p < 0.01); however, this correlation was not observed in group 2. Posttreatment QOL was lower in patients with higher RESs in all groups, mainly owing to dyspnea (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed that patients with a higher RES had significantly poorer survival in both surgical groups, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.41 and 1.43 for a moderate RES and 1.63 and 2.04 for a severe RES, respectively; however, this association was insignificant in the nonsurgical group (adjusted hazard ratio of 0.99 for a moderate or severe RES). In surgically treated patients with cancer in the emphysematous region, RES is associated with postoperative changes in lung function. RES is also predictive of posttreatment QOL related to dyspnea in early-stage lung cancer. In both surgical groups, RES is an independent predictor of survival. Copyright © 2017 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cardiovascular responses and neurotransmitter changes during static muscle contraction following blockade of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) within the ventrolateral medulla.

PubMed

Ally, Ahmmed; Phattanarudee, Siripan; Kabadi, Shruti; Patel, Maitreyee; Maher, Timothy J

2006-05-23

The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) which is necessary for the production of nitric oxide from L-arginine exists in three isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Our previous studies have demonstrated the roles of nNOS and eNOS within the rostral (RVLM) and caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) in modulating cardiovascular responses during static skeletal muscle contraction via altering localized glutamate and GABA levels (Brain Res. 977 (2003) 80-89; Neuroscience Res. 52 (2005) 21-30). In this study, we investigated the role of iNOS within the RVLM and CVLM on cardiovascular responses and glutamatergic/GABAergic neurotransmission during the exercise pressor reflex. Bilateral microdialysis of a selective iNOS antagonist, aminoguanidine (AGN; 1.0 microM), for 60 min into the RVLM attenuated increases in mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and extracellular glutamate levels during a static muscle contraction. Levels of GABA within the RVLM were increased. After 120 min of discontinuation of the drug, MAP and HR responses and glutamate/GABA concentrations recovered to baseline values during a subsequent muscle contraction. In contrast, bilateral application of AGN (1.0 microM) into CVLM potentiated cardiovascular responses and glutamate concentration while attenuating levels of GABA during a static muscle contraction. All values recovered after 120 min of discontinuation of the drug. These results demonstrate that iNOS within the ventrolateral medulla plays an important role in modulating cardiovascular responses and glutamatergic/GABAergic neurotransmission that regulates the exercise pressor reflex.

The assessment of global thermo-energy performances of existing district heating systems optimized by harnessing renewable energy sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şoimoşan, Teodora M.; Danku, Gelu; Felseghi, Raluca A.

2017-12-01

Within the thermo-energy optimization process of an existing heating system, the increase of the system's energy efficiency and speeding-up the transition to green energy use are pursued. The concept of multi-energy district heating system, with high harnessing levels of the renewable energy sources (RES) in order to produce heat, is expected to be the key-element in the future urban energy infrastructure, due to the important role it can have in the strategies of optimizing and decarbonizing the existing district heating systems. The issues that arise are related to the efficient integration of different technologies of harnessing renewable energy sources in the energy mix and to the increase of the participation levels of RES, respectively. For the holistic modeling of the district heating system, the concept of the energy hub was used, where the synergy of different primary forms of entered energy provides the system a high degree energy security and flexibility in operation. The optimization of energy flows within the energy hub allows the optimization of the thermo-energy district system in order to approach the dual concept of smart city & smart energy.

Novel Chemical Process for Producing Chrome Coated Metal

PubMed Central

Pelar, Christopher; Greenaway, Karima; Zea, Hugo; Wu, Chun-Hsien

2018-01-01

This work demonstrates that a version of the Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) process, Cr-RES, can create a micron scale Cr coating on an iron wire. The process involves three steps. I. A paste consisting of a physical mix of urea, chrome nitrate or chrome oxide, and water is prepared. II. An iron wire is coated by dipping. III. The coated, and dried, wire is heated to ~800 °C for 10 min in a tube furnace under a slow flow of nitrogen gas. The processed wires were then polished and characterized, primarily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM indicates the chrome layer is uneven, but only on the scale of a fraction of a micron. The evidence of porosity is ambiguous. Elemental mapping using SEM electron microprobe that confirmed the process led to the formation of a chrome metal layer, with no evidence of alloy formation. Additionally, it was found that thickness of the final Cr layer correlated with the thickness of the precursor layer that was applied prior to the heating step. Potentially, this technique could replace electrolytic processing, a process that generates carcinogenic hexavalent chrome, but further study and development is needed. PMID:29303977

Novel Chemical Process for Producing Chrome Coated Metal.

PubMed

Pelar, Christopher; Greenaway, Karima; Zea, Hugo; Wu, Chun-Hsien; Luhrs, Claudia C; Phillips, Jonathan

2018-01-05

This work demonstrates that a version of the Reduction Expansion Synthesis (RES) process, Cr-RES, can create a micron scale Cr coating on an iron wire. The process involves three steps. I. A paste consisting of a physical mix of urea, chrome nitrate or chrome oxide, and water is prepared. II. An iron wire is coated by dipping. III. The coated, and dried, wire is heated to ~800 °C for 10 min in a tube furnace under a slow flow of nitrogen gas. The processed wires were then polished and characterized, primarily with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM indicates the chrome layer is uneven, but only on the scale of a fraction of a micron. The evidence of porosity is ambiguous. Elemental mapping using SEM electron microprobe that confirmed the process led to the formation of a chrome metal layer, with no evidence of alloy formation. Additionally, it was found that thickness of the final Cr layer correlated with the thickness of the precursor layer that was applied prior to the heating step. Potentially, this technique could replace electrolytic processing, a process that generates carcinogenic hexavalent chrome, but further study and development is needed.

P-gp, MRP2 and OAT1/OAT3 mediate the drug-drug interaction between resveratrol and methotrexate

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

Jia, Yongming

The purpose of present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol (Res) on altering methotrexate (MTX) pharmacokinetics and clarify the related molecular mechanism. Res significantly increased rat intestinal absorption of MTX in vivo and in vitro. Simultaneously, Res inhibited MTX efflux transport in MDR1-MDCK and MRP2-MDCK cell monolayers, suggesting that the target of drug interaction was MDR1 and MRP2 in the intestine during the absorption process. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in renal clearance of MTX after simultaneous intravenous administration. Similarly, MTX uptake was markedly inhibited by Res in rat kidney slices and hOAT1/3-HEK293 cell, indicating that OAT1more » and OAT3 were involved in the drug interaction in the kidney. Additionally, concomitant administration of Res decreased cytotoxic effects of MTX in hOAT1/3-HEK293 cells, and ameliorated nephrotoxicity caused by MTX in rats. Conversely, intestinal damage caused by MTX was not exacerbated after Res treatment. In conclusion, Res enhanced MTX absorption in intestine and decreased MTX renal elimination by inhibiting P-gp, MRP2, OAT1 and OAT3 in vivo and in vitro. Res improved MTX-induced renal damage without increasing intestinal toxicity. - Highlights: • DDI between MTX and Res will occur when they are co-administered. • The first targets of the DDI are P-gp and MRP2 located in intestine. • The second targets of the DDI are OAT1 and OAT3 in kidney. • Res improved MTX-induced renal damage without increasing intestinal toxicity.« less

Changes in ingestive capacity of macrophages from different organs in response to hydrocortisone

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

Mayanskii, D.N.; Voronin, A.Yu.; Voronina, N.P.

This paper studies changes in the ingestive capacity of resident macrophages (M) from different organs of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) after a single pharmacologic dose of hydrocortisone (HC) was injected into female rats. In a second series of experiments, mice were given an intravenous injection of 10/sup 8/ sheep's red blood cells (SRBC), labeled with Cr 51 (Cr 51-SRBC) 2, 24, and 72 h after injection of 125 mg/kg of HC. Results indicate that the sensitivity of resident M from different organs to HC differs. It may be possible to modify singificantly hormone-dependent metabolic changes in different versions of acutemore » stress and in the course of long-term adaptation, through modulation of reacitivity of Kupffer cells and of the RES as a whole.« less

Resveratrol Induces Cancer Cell Apoptosis through MiR-326/PKM2-Mediated ER Stress and Mitochondrial Fission.

PubMed

Wu, Haili; Wang, Yingying; Wu, Changxin; Yang, Peng; Li, Hanqing; Li, Zhuoyu

2016-12-14

Resveratrol (Res), a natural phytoalexin found in a variety of plants, has significant antitumor activity. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has abnormally high expression in various tumor cells, and it has been implicated in the survival of tumors. However, whether and how Res inhibits PKM2 expression is poorly understood. In the present study, we found that treatment with Res inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis. The IC 50 values of Res against DLD1, HeLa, and MCF-7 cells were 75 ± 4.54, 50 ± 3.65, and 50 ± 3.32 μM, respectively. To elucidate mechanisms underlying its antitumor activities, serial experiments were performed. Results showed that reduction of PKM2 expression in tumor cells by Res treatment increased the expression of ER stress and mitochondrial fission proteins but reduced cell viability and the levels of fusion proteins. These phenomena were reversed by artificial overexpression of PKM2. Quantitative analyses showed that the expression of microRNA-326 (miR-326) was increased upon Res treatment. Treatment with the miR-326 mimic reduced PKM2 expression, promoting recovery from ER stress and mitochondrial fission. Overall, these results demonstrate that miR-326/PKM2-mediated ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction participate in apoptosis induced by Res. These results provide novel insight into the molecular mechanisms by which Res suppresses tumors and further support for the use of Res as an antitumor drug.

Vertically oriented arrays of ReS 2 nanosheets for electrochemical energy storage and electrocatalysis

DOE PAGES

Gao, Jian; Li, Lu; Tan, Jiawei; ...

2016-05-17

Here, transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanolayers show potential as high-performance catalysts in energy conversion and storage devices. Synthetic TMDs produced by chemical-vapor deposition (CVD) methods tend to grow parallel to the growth substrate. Here, we show that with the right precursors and appropriate tuning of the CVD growth conditions, ReS 2 nanosheets can be made to orient perpendicular to the growth substrate. This accomplishes two important objectives; first, it drastically increases the wetted or exposed surface area of the ReS 2 sheets, and second, it exposes the sharp edges and corners of the ReS 2 sheets. We show that these structuralmore » features of the vertically grown ReS 2 sheets can be exploited to significantly improve their performance as polysulfide immobilizers and electrochemical catalysts in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries and in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). After 300 cycles, the specific capacity of the Li–S battery with vertical ReS 2 catalyst is retained above 750 mA h g –1, with only ~0.063% capacity decay per cycle, much better than the baseline battery (without ReS 2), which shows ~0.184% capacity decay per cycle under the same test conditions. As a HER catalyst, the vertical ReS 2 provides very small onset overpotential (<100 mV) and an exceptional exchange-current density (~67.6 μA/cm 2), which is vastly superior to the baseline electrode without ReS 2.« less

Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Diseases

PubMed Central

Bonnefont-Rousselot, Dominique

2016-01-01

The increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has stimulated research for substances that could improve cardiovascular health. Among them, resveratrol (RES), a polyphenolic compound notably present in grapes and red wine, has been involved in the “French paradox”. RES is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and for its ability to upregulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). RES was able to scavenge •OH/O2•− and peroxyl radicals, which can limit the lipid peroxidation processes. Moreover, in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) under glucose-induced oxidative stress, RES restored the activity of dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), an enzyme that degrades an endogenous inhibitor of eNOS named asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Thus, RES could improve •NO availability and decrease the endothelial dysfunction observed in diabetes. Preclinical studies have made it possible to identify molecular targets (SIRT-1, AMPK, Nrf2, NFκB…); however, there are limited human clinical trials, and difficulties in the interpretation of results arise from the use of high-dose RES supplements in research studies, whereas low RES concentrations are present in red wine. The discussions on potential beneficial effects of RES in CVDs (atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure) should compare the results of preclinical studies with those of clinical trials. PMID:27144581

Low-Frequency Noise in Layered ReS2 Field Effect Transistors on HfO2 and Its Application for pH Sensing.

PubMed

Liao, Wugang; Wei, Wei; Tong, Yu; Chim, Wai Kin; Zhu, Chunxiang

2018-02-28

Layered rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) field effect transistors (FETs), with thickness ranging from few to dozens of layers, are demonstrated on 20 nm thick HfO 2 /Si substrates. A small threshold voltage of -0.25 V, high on/off current ratio of up to ∼10 7 , small subthreshold swing of 116 mV/dec, and electron carrier mobility of 6.02 cm 2 /V·s are obtained for the two-layer ReS 2 FETs. Low-frequency noise characteristics in ReS 2 FETs are analyzed for the first time, and it is found that the carrier number fluctuation mechanism well describes the flicker (1/f) noise of ReS 2 FETs with different thicknesses. pH sensing using a two-layer ReS 2 FET with HfO 2 as a sensing oxide is then demonstrated with a voltage sensitivity of 54.8 mV/pH and a current sensitivity of 126. The noise characteristics of the ReS 2 FET-based pH sensors are also examined, and a corresponding detection limit of 0.0132 pH is obtained. Our studies suggest the high potential of ReS 2 for future low-power nanoelectronics and biosensor applications.

RES-loaded pegylated CS NPs: for efficient ocular delivery.

PubMed

Pandian, Saravanakumar; Jeevanesan, Vinoth; Ponnusamy, Chandrasekar; Natesan, Subramanian

2017-02-01

The objective of this study is to develop resveratrol (RES) loaded polyethylene glycols (PEGs) modified chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) by ionic gelation method for the treatment of glaucoma. While increasing the concentration of PEG, the particle size and polydispersity index of the formulations increased. Entrapment efficiency and RES loading (RL) of NPs decreased while increasing PEG concentration. The in vitro release of NPs showed an initial burst release of RES (45%) followed by controlled release. Osmolality of formulations revealed that the prepared NPs were iso-osmolar with the tear. Ocular tolerance of the NPs was evaluated using hen's egg test on the chorioallantoic membrane and it showed that the NPs were non-irritant. RES-loaded PEG-modified CS NPs shows an improved corneal permeation compared with RES dispersion. Fluorescein isothiocyanate loaded CS NPs accumulated on the surface of the cornea but the PEG-modified CS NPs crossed the cornea and reached retinal choroid. RES-loaded PEG-modified CS NPs reduced the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) by 4.3 ± 0.5 mmHg up to 8 h in normotensive rabbits. These results indicate that the developed NPs have efficient delivery of RES to the ocular tissues and reduce the IOP for the treatment of glaucoma.

Hierarchical architecture of ReS2/rGO composites with enhanced electrochemical properties for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Fei; Chen, Yuanfu; Zheng, Binjie; He, Jiarui; Li, Qian; Wang, Xinqiang; Lin, Jie; Zhou, Jinhao; Yu, Bo; Li, Pingjian; Zhang, Wanli

2017-08-01

Rhenium disulfide (ReS2), a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor, has attracted more and more attention due to its unique anisotropic electronic, optical, mechanical properties. However, the facile synthesis and electrochemical property of ReS2 and its composite are still necessary to be researched. In this study, for the first time, the ReS2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composites have been synthesized through a facile and one-pot hydrothermal method. The ReS2/rGO composites exhibit a hierarchical, interconnected, and porous architecture constructed by nanosheets. As anode for lithium-ion batteries, the as-synthesized ReS2/rGO composites deliver a large initial capacity of 918 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C. In addition, the ReS2/rGO composites exhibit much better electrochemical cycling stability and rate capability than that of bare ReS2. The significant enhancement in electrochemical property can be attributed to its unique architecture constructed by nanosheets and porous structure, which can allow for easy electrolyte infiltration, efficient electron transfer, and ionic diffusion. Furthermore, the graphene with high electronic conductivity can provide good conductive passageways. The facile synthesis approach can be extended to prepare other 2D transition metal dichalcogenides semiconductors for energy storage and catalytic application.

Compaction and binding properties of the intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of Henipavirus nucleoprotein as unveiled by deletion studies.

PubMed

Blocquel, David; Habchi, Johnny; Gruet, Antoine; Blangy, Stéphanie; Longhi, Sonia

2012-01-01

Henipaviruses are recently emerged severe human pathogens within the Paramyxoviridae family. Their genome is encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (N) within a helical nucleocapsid that recruits the polymerase complex via the phosphoprotein (P). We have previously shown that in Henipaviruses the N protein possesses an intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain, N(TAIL), which undergoes α-helical induced folding in the presence of the C-terminal domain (P(XD)) of the P protein. Using computational approaches, we previously identified within N(TAIL) four putative molecular recognition elements (MoREs) with different structural propensities, and proposed a structural model for the N(TAIL)-P(XD) complex where the MoRE encompassing residues 473-493 adopt an α-helical conformation at the P(XD) surface. In this work, for each N(TAIL) protein, we designed four deletion constructs bearing different combinations of the predicted MoREs. Following purification of the N(TAIL) truncated proteins from the soluble fraction of E. coli, we characterized them in terms of their conformational, spectroscopic and binding properties. These studies provided direct experimental evidence for the structural state of the four predicted MoREs, and showed that two of them have clear α-helical propensities, with the one spanning residues 473-493 being strictly required for binding to P(XD). We also showed that Henipavirus N(TAIL) and P(XD) form heterologous complexes, indicating that the P(XD) binding regions are functionally interchangeable between the two viruses. By combining spectroscopic and conformational analyses, we showed that the content in regular secondary structure is not a major determinant of protein compaction.

Exploration of nucleoprotein α-MoRE and XD interactions of Nipah and Hendra viruses.

PubMed

Shang, Xu; Chu, Wenting; Chu, Xiakun; Xu, Liufang; Longhi, Sonia; Wang, Jin

2018-04-24

Henipavirus, including Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV), is a newly discovered human pathogen genus. The nucleoprotein of Henipavirus contains an α-helical molecular recognition element (α-MoRE) that folds upon binding to the X domain (XD) of the phosphoprotein (P). In order to explore the conformational dynamics of free α-MoREs and the underlying binding-folding mechanism with XD, atomic force field-based and hybrid structure-based MD simulations were carried out. In our empirical force field-based simulations, characteristic structures and helicities of α-MoREs reveal the co-existence of partially structured and disordered conformations, as in the case of the well characterized cognate measles virus (MeV) α-MoRE. In spite of their overall similarity, the two α-MoREs display subtle helicity differences in their C-terminal region, but much different from that of MeV. For the α-MoRE/XD complexes, the results of our hybrid structure-based simulations provide the coupled binding-folding landscapes, and unveil a wide conformational selection mechanism at early binding stages, followed by a final induce-fit mechanism selection process. However, the HeV and NiV complexes have a lower binding barrier compared to that of MeV. Moreover, the HeV α-MoRE/XD complex shows much less coupling effects between binding and folding compared to that from both NiV and MeV. Our analysis revealed that contrary to NiV and MeV, the N- and C-terminal regions of the HeV α-MoRE maintains a low helicity also in the bound form.

Reply to ``Comment on `Minimal size of a barchan dune' ''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parteli, E. J. R.; Durán, O.; Herrmann, H. J.

2007-12-01

We reply to the preceding comment by Andreotti and Claudin [Phys. Rev. E 76, 063301 (2007)] on our paper [Phys. Rev. E 75, 011301 (2007)]. We show that the equations of the dune model used in our calculations are self-consistent and effectively lead to a dependence of the minimal dune size on the wind speed through the saturation length. Furthermore, we show that Meridiani Planum ripples are probably not a good reference to estimate the grain size of Martian dune sands: the soil in the ripple troughs at the landing site is covered with nonerodible elements (“blueberries”), which increase the minimal threshold for saltation by a factor of 2.0. We conclude that, in the absence of large fragments as the ones found at the landing site, basaltic grains of diameter d=500±100μm that compose the large, typical dark Martian dunes [K. S. Edgett and P. R. Christensen, J. Geophys. Res. 96, 22765 (1991)] probably saltate during the strongest storms on Mars. We also show that the wind friction speed u∗≈3.0m/s that we found from the calculations of Martian dunes is within the values of maximum wind speeds that occur during Martian storms a few times a decade [R. E. Arvidson , Science 222, 463 (1983); H. J. Moore, J. Geophys. Res. 90, 163 (1985); R. Sullivan , Nature (London) 436, 58 (2005); D. J. Jerolmack , J. Geophys. Res. 111, E12S02 (2006)]. In this manner, the dune model predicts that Martian dunes can be formed under present Martian conditions, with no need to assume other conditions of wind and atmosphere that could have prevailed in the past.

Thermodynamic and Thermoelastic properties of the NAL Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marcondes, M. L.; Yao, C.; Wu, Z.; Wentzcovitch, R.

2017-12-01

Subduction of Mid Ocean Ridge Basalt (MORB) transports crust elements to the deep Earth. Therefore, it is important to study MORB in order to understand geophysical processes in the mantle. The high Al2O3 content of the MORB gives rise to a new aluminous phase (NAL) that constitutes up to 25% of its composition [1]. Phase equilibrium study of MgAl2O4-CaAl2O4 generated the mineral CaMg2Al6O12 with hexagonal symmetry, which was proposed for the NAL phase [2,3]. The NAL chemical composition, however, shows significantly less calcium [1,4] and several compositions have been considered in previous studies of this phase [5,6]. Here we present an ab initio study of NAL phases at high temperatures with several possible compositions. We used the quasiharmonic approximation to address thermodynamic and thermoelastic properties and seismic velocities of this phase as function of composition. References[1] T. Irifune and A. E. Ringwood, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 117, 101 (1993). [2] H. Miura, Y. Hamada, T. Suzuki, M. Akaogi, N. Miyajima, and K. Fujino, Am. Mineral. 85, 1799 (2000). [3] M. Akaogi, Y. Hamada, T. Suzuki, M. Kobayashi, and M. Okada, Phys. Earth Planet. Inter. 115, 67 (1999). [4] A. Ricolleau, J. P. Perrillat, G. Fiquet, I. Daniel, J. Matas, A. Addad, N. Menguy, H. Cardon, M. Mezouar, and N. Guignot, J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth 115, B08202 (2010). [5] M. Mookherjee, B. B. Karki, L. Stixrude, and C. Lithgow-Bertelloni, Geophys. Res. Lett. 39, L19306 (2012). [6] K. Kawai and T. Tsuchiya, Geophys. Res. Lett. 37, L17302 (2010).

Sodium aluminum-iron phosphate glass-ceramics for immobilization of lanthanide oxide wastes from pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanovsky, S. V.; Stefanovsky, O. I.; Kadyko, M. I.; Nikonov, B. S.

2018-03-01

Sodium aluminum (iron) phosphate glass ceramics containing of up to 20 wt.% rare earth (RE) oxides simulating pyroprocessing waste were produced by melting at 1250 °C followed by either quenching or slow cooling to room temperature. The iron-free glass-ceramics were composed of major glass and minor phosphotridymite and monazite. The iron-bearing glass-ceramics were composed of major glass and minor monazite and Na-Al-Fe orthophosphate at low waste loadings (5-10 wt.%) and major orthophosphate and minor monazite as well as interstitial glass at high waste loadings (15-20 wt.%). Slowly cooled samples contained higher amount of crystalline phases than quenched ones. Monazite is major phase for REs. Leach rates from the materials of major elements (Na, Al, Fe, P) are 10-5-10-7 g cm-2 d-1, RE elements - lower than 10-5 g cm-2 d-1.

Noise temperature improvement for magnetic fusion plasma millimeter wave imaging systems.

PubMed

Lai, J; Domier, C W; Luhmann, N C

2014-03-01

Significant progress has been made in the imaging and visualization of magnetohydrodynamic and microturbulence phenomena in magnetic fusion plasmas [B. Tobias et al., Plasma Fusion Res. 6, 2106042 (2011)]. Of particular importance have been microwave electron cyclotron emission imaging and microwave imaging reflectometry systems for imaging T(e) and n(e) fluctuations. These instruments have employed heterodyne receiver arrays with Schottky diode mixer elements directly connected to individual antennas. Consequently, the noise temperature has been strongly determined by the conversion loss with typical noise temperatures of ~60,000 K. However, this can be significantly improved by making use of recent advances in Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit chip low noise amplifiers to insert a pre-amplifier in front of the Schottky diode mixer element. In a proof-of-principle design at V-Band (50-75 GHz), significant improvement of noise temperature from the current 60,000 K to measured 4000 K has been obtained.

XBP1, Unfolded Protein Response, and Endocrine Responsiveness

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

through regu- lation of large-scale chromatin unfolding. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004, 323(1): 269-74. 59. Vaupel, P., Kelleher, D.K. and Hockel...stage 2 (M2)” or “ crisis ” [64]. 2.6. Endocrine-induced cell death in breast cancer Precisely how breast cancer cells die following estrogen with- drawal...2005) 2747–2757. [17] R.C. Coombes , E. Hall, L.J. Gibson, R. Paridaens, J. Jassem, T. Delozier, S.E. Jones, I. Alvarez, G. Bertelli, O. Ortmann, A.S

National Transportation Safety Board Pipeline Special Investigation Report: Evaluation of Pipeline Failures During Flooding and of Spill Response Actions, San Jacinto River Near Houston Texas, October 1994

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-09-06

In mid-October 1994, major flooding occurred in the San Jacinto River flood plain near Houston, Texas. Due to the flooding, 8 pipelines ruptured and many others were undermined. Ignition of petroleum and petroleum products released into the river res...

The Use of Lego Technologies in Elementary Teacher Preparation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hadjiachilleos, Stella; Avraamidou, Lucy; Papastavrou, Stavros

2013-01-01

The need to reform science teacher preparation programs has been pointed out in research (Bryan and Abell in "J Res Sci Teach" 36:121-140, 1999; Bryan and Atwater in "Sci Educ" 8(6):821-839, 2002; Harrington and Hathaway in "J Teach Educ" 46(4):275-284, 1995). Science teachers are charged with the responsibility of…

Expression of pathogenesis-related protein PR-10 in sorghum floral tissues in response to inoculation with Fusarium thapsinum and Curvularia lunata

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Differences in grain mold levels among different sorghum varieties grown in the same environment imply that genes play a role in controlling mold severity. The fungi most often recovered from naturally infected sorghum grain, Fusarium thapsinum and Curvularia lunata, were inoculated on a set of res...

Wave Forecasting in Muddy Coastal Environments: Model Development Based on Real-Time Observations

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-09-30

oversees the operation of WAVCIS and tasks pertaining to it. Sheremet is responsible for data analysis . WORK COMPLETED The main effort has been...8, 1121-1131, 1978. Foda , M.A., J.R. Hunt and H.-T. Chou, A nonlinear model for the fluidization of marine mud by waves, J. Geophys. Res. 98

Case Studies of the Mesospheric Response to Recent Minor, Major, and Extended Stratospheric Warmings

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-06

Pawson, J. N. Lee , W. H. Daffer, R. A. Fuller, and N. J. Livesey (2009b), Aura Micro- wave Limb Sounder observations of dynamics and transport during...Schoeberl, M., D. Strobel , and J. Apruzese (1983), A numerical model of gravity wave breaking and stress in the mesosphere, J. Geophys. Res., 88(C9

Epitaxial growth of ReS2(001) thin film via deposited-Re sulfurization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urakami, Noriyuki; Okuda, Tetsuya; Hashimoto, Yoshio

2018-02-01

In this paper, we present the formation of large-size rhenium disulfide (ReS2) films via the sulfurization of Re films deposited on sapphire substrates. The effects of sulfurization temperature and pressure on the crystal quality were investigated. A [001]-oriented single crystal of ReS2 films with 6 × 10 mm2 area was realized. By sulfurizing Re films at 1100 °C, ReS2 films with well-defined sharp interfaces to c-plane sapphire substrates could be formed. Below and above the sulfurization temperature of 1100 °C, incomplete sulfurization and film degradation were observed. The twofold symmetry of the monocrystalline in-plane structure composed of Re-Re bonds along with Re-S bonds pointed to a distorted 1T structure, indicating that this structure is the most stable atomic arrangement for ReS2. For a S/Re compositional ratio equal to or slightly lower than 2.0, characteristic Raman vibrational modes with the narrowest line widths were observed. The typical absorption peak of ReS2 can be detected at 1.5 eV.

Regulación del flujo sanguíneo uterino. II. Funciones de estrógeno y receptores estrogénicos α/β en acciones genómicas y no-genómicas del endotelio uterino *

PubMed Central

Mayra, Pastore R.; Rosalina, Villalón L.; López, Gladys; Iruretagoyena, Jesús; Magness, Ronald

2015-01-01

Resumen El embarazo está marcado por cambios y adaptaciones cardiovasculares que son importantes para el crecimiento y mantenimiento de la placenta y el feto. Durante este periodo, las adaptaciones vasculares uterinas manifiestan cambios clasificados como de corto o largo plazo los cuales están relacionados con adaptaciones vasodilatadoras, angiogénicas o de remodelación. El estrógeno y los receptores estrogénicos clásicos (REs), RE-α y RE-β, han demostrado ser parcialmente responsables por facilitar el incremento dramático en el fluido sanguíneo uterino necesario durante el embarazo. En ésta revisión bibliográfica se discuten la base estructural para la diversidad y selectividad funcional de los REs por el estrógeno, el papel de los REs sobre los efectos genómicos y no-genómicos en células endoteliales de arterias uterinas (CEAU). Estos temas integran el conocimiento científico sobre la regulación molecular de CEAU para mantener el incremento fisiológico en la perfusión útero-placentaria observada durante un embarazo normal. PMID:26113751

When the brain does not adequately feel the body: Links between low resilience and interoception.

PubMed

Haase, Lori; Stewart, Jennifer L; Youssef, Brittany; May, April C; Isakovic, Sara; Simmons, Alan N; Johnson, Douglas C; Potterat, Eric G; Paulus, Martin P

2016-01-01

This study examined neural processes of resilience during aversive interoceptive processing. Forty-six individuals were divided into three groups of resilience Low (LowRes), high (HighRes), and normal (NormRes), based on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (2003). Participants then completed a task involving anticipation and experience of loaded breathing during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recording. Compared to HighRes and NormRes groups, LowRes self-reported lower levels of interoceptive awareness and demonstrated higher insular and thalamic activation across anticipation and breathing load conditions. Thus, individuals with lower resilience show reduced attention to bodily signals but greater neural processing to aversive bodily perturbations. In low resilient individuals, this mismatch between attention to and processing of interoceptive afferents may result in poor adaptation in stressful situations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Distinct Perceptual Grouping Pathways Revealed By Temporal Carriers and Envelopes

PubMed Central

Rainville, Stéphane; Clarke, Aaron

2014-01-01

Guttman et al. [2005, Vis. Res., 45(8), 1021-1030] investigated whether observers could perform temporal grouping in multi-element displays where each local element was stochastically modulated over time along one of several potential dimensions – or “messenger types” – such as contrast, position, orientation, or spatial scale. Guttman et al.’s data revealed that grouping discards messenger type and therefore support a single-pathway model that groups elements with similar temporal waveforms. In the current study, we carried out three experiments in which temporal-grouping information resided either in the carrier, the envelope, or the combined carrier and envelope of each messenger’s timecourse. Results revealed that grouping is highly specific for messenger type if carrier envelopes lack grouping information but largely messenger nonspecific if carrier envelopes contain grouping information. The imply that temporal grouping is mediated by several messenger-specific carrier pathways as well as by a messenger-nonspecific envelope pathways. Findings also challenge simple temporal-filtering accounts of perceptual grouping [Adelson & Farid, 1999, Science, 286, 2231a]. PMID:19146293

Multiscaled exploration of coupled folding and binding of an intrinsically disordered molecular recognition element in measles virus nucleoprotein

PubMed Central

Wang, Yong; Chu, Xiakun; Longhi, Sonia; Roche, Philippe; Han, Wei; Wang, Erkang; Wang, Jin

2013-01-01

Numerous relatively short regions within intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) serve as molecular recognition elements (MoREs). They fold into ordered structures upon binding to their partner molecules. Currently, there is still a lack of in-depth understanding of how coupled binding and folding occurs in MoREs. Here, we quantified the unbound ensembles of the α-MoRE within the intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain of the measles virus nucleoprotein. We developed a multiscaled approach by combining a physics-based and an atomic hybrid model to decipher the mechanism by which the α-MoRE interacts with the X domain of the measles virus phosphoprotein. Our multiscaled approach led to remarkable qualitative and quantitative agreements between the theoretical predictions and experimental results (e.g., chemical shifts). We found that the free α-MoRE rapidly interconverts between multiple discrete partially helical conformations and the unfolded state, in accordance with the experimental observations. We quantified the underlying global folding–binding landscape. This leads to a synergistic mechanism in which the recognition event proceeds via (minor) conformational selection, followed by (major) induced folding. We also provided evidence that the α-MoRE is a compact molten globule-like IDP and behaves as a downhill folder in the induced folding process. We further provided a theoretical explanation for the inherent connections between “downhill folding,” “molten globule,” and “intrinsic disorder” in IDP-related systems. Particularly, we proposed that binding and unbinding of IDPs proceed in a stepwise way through a “kinetic divide-and-conquer” strategy that confers them high specificity without high affinity. PMID:24043820

The BonaRes Centre - A virtual institute for soil research in the context of a sustainable bio-economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wollschläger, Ute; Helming, Katharina; Heinrich, Uwe; Bartke, Stephan; Kögel-Knabner, Ingrid; Russell, David; Eberhardt, Einar; Vogel, Hans-Jörg

2016-04-01

Fertile soils are central resources for the production of biomass and provision of food and energy. A growing world population and latest climate targets lead to an increasing demand for both, food and bio-energy, which require preserving and improving the long-term productivity of soils as a bio-economic resource. At the same time, other soil functions and ecosystem services need to be maintained. To render soil management sustainable, we need to establish a scientific knowledge base about complex soil system processes that allows for the development of model tools to quantitatively predict the impact of a multitude of management measures on soil functions. This, finally, will allow for the provision of site-specific options for sustainable soil management. To face this challenge, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research recently launched the funding program "Soil as a Natural Resource for the Bio-Economy - BonaRes". In a joint effort, ten collaborative projects and the coordinating BonaRes Centre are engaged to close existing knowledge gaps for a profound and systemic understanding of soil functions and their sensitivity to soil management. This presentation provides an overview of the concept of the BonaRes Centre which is responsible for i) setting up a comprehensive data base for soil-related information, ii) the development of model tools aiming to estimate the impact of different management measures on soil functions, and iii) establishing a web-based portal providing decision support tools for a sustainable soil management. A specific focus of the presentation will be laid on the so-called "knowledge-portal" providing the infrastructure for a community effort towards a comprehensive meta-analysis on soil functions as a basis for future model developments.

Surplus from and storage of electricity generated by intermittent sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagner, Friedrich

2016-12-01

Data from the German electricity system for the years 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015 are used and scaled up to a 100% supply by intermittent renewable energy sources (iRES). In the average, 330GW wind and PV power are required to meet this 100% target. A back-up system is necessary with the power of 89% of peak load. Surplus electricity accrues at high power levels. Curtailing surplus power to a large extent is found to be uneconomic. Demand-side management will suffer from the strong day-to-day variation of available surplus energy. A day storage is ineffective because of the day-night correlation of surplus power during winter. A seasonal storage loses its character when transformation losses are considered because it can contribute only after periods with excessive surplus production. The option of an oversized iRES system to feed the storage is also not effective because, in this case, energy can be taken directly from the large iRES supply, making storage superfluous. The capacities to be installed stress the difficulty to base heat supply and mobility also on iRES generated electricity in the future. As the German energy transition replaces one CO2-free electricity supply system by another one, no major reduction in CO2 emission can be expected till 2022, when the last nuclear reactor will be switched off. By 2022, an extremely oversized power supply system has to be created, which can be expected to continue running down spot-market electricity prices. The continuation of the economic response -to replace expensive gas fuel by cheap lignite- causes an overall increase in CO2 emission. The German GHG emission targets for 2020 and beyond are therefore in jeopardy.

Multiantigen Print Immunoassay for Comparison of Diagnostic Antigens for Taenia solium Cysticercosis and Taeniasis▿

PubMed Central

Handali, Sukwan; Klarman, Molly; Gaspard, Amanda N.; Noh, John; Lee, Yeuk-Mui; Rodriguez, Silvia; Gonzalez, Armando E.; Garcia, Hector H.; Gilman, Robert H.; Tsang, Victor C. W.; Wilkins, Patricia P.

2010-01-01

One of the best-characterized tests for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay, developed at the CDC, which uses lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (LLGPs) extracted from Taenia solium cysticerci. The purification of the LLGP antigens has been difficult to standardize, and the polyacrylamide gel system used for the immunoblot assay is not easily transferable to other laboratories. In this study, we developed a multiantigen printing immunoassay (MAPIA) to compare the performance of multiple recombinant Taenia solium proteins with the potential for the detection of cysticercosis and taeniasis. We prepared MAPIA strips using six cysticercosis and two taeniasis diagnostic proteins and compared the performance of the proteins with sera collected from defined cysticercosis and taeniasis cases. Of the six cysticercosis antigens, rT24H performed well in detecting cases with two or more viable cysts in the brain (sensitivity and specificity, 97% and 99.4%, respectively); the use of a combination of cysticercosis antigens did not improve the sensitivity of the test and decreased the specificity. None of the antigens could differentiate the different clinical presentations of cysticercosis. Both of the taeniasis antigens (rES33 and rES38) had the same sensitivity of 99.4% and specificities of 93.9% and 94.5%, respectively. Some cross-reactivity against rES33 and rES38 was found, especially with sera from cases infected with Schistosoma mansoni. We conclude that MAPIA is a simple and effective tool that may be used to compare antibody responses to different cysticercosis and taeniasis antigens and, in this case, may be useful for the rapid detection of T. solium cases. PMID:19906893

Multiantigen print immunoassay for comparison of diagnostic antigens for Taenia solium cysticercosis and taeniasis.

PubMed

Handali, Sukwan; Klarman, Molly; Gaspard, Amanda N; Noh, John; Lee, Yeuk-Mui; Rodriguez, Silvia; Gonzalez, Armando E; Garcia, Hector H; Gilman, Robert H; Tsang, Victor C W; Wilkins, Patricia P

2010-01-01

One of the best-characterized tests for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay, developed at the CDC, which uses lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (LLGPs) extracted from Taenia solium cysticerci. The purification of the LLGP antigens has been difficult to standardize, and the polyacrylamide gel system used for the immunoblot assay is not easily transferable to other laboratories. In this study, we developed a multiantigen printing immunoassay (MAPIA) to compare the performance of multiple recombinant Taenia solium proteins with the potential for the detection of cysticercosis and taeniasis. We prepared MAPIA strips using six cysticercosis and two taeniasis diagnostic proteins and compared the performance of the proteins with sera collected from defined cysticercosis and taeniasis cases. Of the six cysticercosis antigens, rT24H performed well in detecting cases with two or more viable cysts in the brain (sensitivity and specificity, 97% and 99.4%, respectively); the use of a combination of cysticercosis antigens did not improve the sensitivity of the test and decreased the specificity. None of the antigens could differentiate the different clinical presentations of cysticercosis. Both of the taeniasis antigens (rES33 and rES38) had the same sensitivity of 99.4% and specificities of 93.9% and 94.5%, respectively. Some cross-reactivity against rES33 and rES38 was found, especially with sera from cases infected with Schistosoma mansoni. We conclude that MAPIA is a simple and effective tool that may be used to compare antibody responses to different cysticercosis and taeniasis antigens and, in this case, may be useful for the rapid detection of T. solium cases.

Career Outcomes of Graduates of R25E Short-Term Cancer Research Training Programs.

PubMed

Desmond, Renee A; Padilla, Luz A; Daniel, Casey L; Prickett, Charles T; Venkatesh, Raam; Brooks, C Michael; Waterbor, John W

2016-03-01

The efficacy of short-term cancer research educational programs in meeting its immediate goals and long-term cancer research career objectives has not been well studied. The purpose of this report is to describe the immediate impact on, and the long-term career outcomes of, 499 medical students and graduate students who completed the Cancer Research Experiences for Students (CaRES) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) from 1999 to 2013. In summer 2014, all 499 program alumni were located and 96.4 % (481 of 499) agreed to complete a longitudinal tracking survey. About 23 % of CaRES alumni (110 of 499) have published at least one cancer-related paper. Overall 238 cancer-related papers have been published by CaRES alumni, one third of this number being first-authored publications. Nearly 15 % (71 of 481 respondents) reported that their current professional activities include cancer research, primarily clinical research and outcomes research. Of these 71 individuals, 27 (38 %) have completed their training and 44 (62 %) remain in training. Of all respondents, 58 % reported that they administered care to cancer patients and 30 % reported other cancer-related professional responsibilities such as working with a health department or community group on cancer control activities. Of the 410 respondents not currently engaged in cancer research, 118 (29 %) stated intentions to conduct cancer research in the next few years. Nearly all respondents (99.6 %) recommended CaRES to today's students. Challenging short-term educational cancer research programs for medical students and graduate health professional students can help them refine and solidify their career plans, with many program alumni choosing cancer research careers.

Gestion de la douleur chronique par les infirmières des Groupes de médecine de famille

PubMed Central

Bergeron, Dave A; Bourgault, Patricia; Gallagher, Frances

2015-01-01

INTRODUCTION : Des milliers de personnes souffrent actuellement de douleur chronique (DC) pour laquelle la prise en charge s’avère souvent inadéquate. Au Québec, les infirmières qui oeuvrent dans les Groupes de médecine de famille (GMF) jouent un rôle clé dans le suivi des personnes aux prises avec des problèmes de santé chroniques dont la DC. OBJECTIFS : Cette étude a pour objectifs de décrire les activités réalisées par les infirmières œuvrant en GMF en lien avec la gestion de la douleur chez la clientèle souffrant de DC, ainsi que les barrières à ces activités. MÉTHODE : Un dispositif descriptif corrélationnel transversal de type enquête postale a été utilisé. La population accessible à l’étude comprend les infirmières qui figurent sur la liste des membres de l’Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec travaillant en GMF. L’ensemble des infirmières figurant sur cette liste ayant consenti à être contactées à leur domicile pour des fins de recherche ont été contactées. Un questionnaire postal auto-administré (Pain Management Activities Questionnaire) a été complété par 53 infirmières travaillant en GMF. RÉSULTATS : Les trois activités le plus souvent réalisées par les infirmières sont d’établir une relation thérapeutique avec le client; de discuter avec le médecin de l’efficacité des mesures thérapeutiques et de faire un enseignement personnalisé au client. Les infirmières ont la perception qu’elles rencontrent en moyenne 2,68 personnes par semaine qui souffrent de DC. La méconnaissance des interventions possibles en douleur (71,7%) et la non-disponibilité de l’information sur la gestion de la douleur (52,8%) constituent les principales barrières selon les infirmières sondées. CONCLUSION : Les infirmières au sein des GMF font actuellement peu d’activités en gestion de la DC probablement en raison du manque de reconnaissance de la DC. PMID:25848847

When falsified medicines enter the supply chain: description of an incident in Kenya and lessons learned for rapid response.

PubMed

Cohn, Jennifer; von Schoen-Angerer, Tido; Jambert, Elodie; Arreghini, Guido; Childs, Michelle

2013-01-01

Falsified and substandard medicines present serious concerns for public health. We describe an event that occurred in late 2011 involving falsified antiretroviral medicines found in the supplies of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) projects in Kenya. We discuss factors contributing to these falsified medicines entering the supply chain as well as the response by MSF and others. We make recommendations to help defend against future episodes of entry of falsified medicines into the supply chain as well as comments on appropriate responses in cases of falsified medicines.

Evaluate the ability of PVP to inhibit crystallization of amorphous solid dispersions by density functional theory and experimental verify.

PubMed

Wang, Bing; Wang, Dandan; Zhao, Shan; Huang, Xiaobin; Zhang, Jianbin; Lv, Yan; Liu, Xiaocen; Lv, Guojun; Ma, Xiaojun

2017-01-01

In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) to predict polymer-drug interactions, and then evaluated the ability of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) to inhibit crystallization of amorphous solid dispersions by experimental-verification. Solid dispersions of PVP/resveratrol (Res) and PVP/griseofulvin (Gri) were adopted for evaluating the ability of PVP to inhibit crystallization. The density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP was used to calculate polymer-drug and drug-drug interactions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm hydrogen bonding interactions. Polymer-drug miscibility and drug crystallinity were characterized by the modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The release profiles were studied to investigate the dissolution advantage. DFT results indicated that E PVP-Res >E Res-Res (E: represents hydrogen bonding energy). A strong interaction was formed between PVP and Res. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed hydrogen bonding formed between PVP and Res, but not between PVP and Gri. MDSC and XRD results suggested that 70-90wt% PVP/Res and PVP/Gri solid dispersions formed amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). Under the accelerated testing condition, PVP/Res dispersions with higher miscibility quantified as 90/10wt% were more stable than PVP/Gri dispersions. The cumulative dissolution rate of 90wt% PVP/Res dispersions still kept high after 90days storage due to the strong interaction. However, the cumulative dissolution rate of PVP/Gri solid dispersions significantly dropped because of the recrystallization of Gri. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Southeast Regional Experiment Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1994-08-01

This is the final report of the Southeast Regional Experiment Station project. The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a research institute of the University of Central Florida (UCF), has operated the Southeast Regional Experiment Station (SE RES) for the US Department of Energy (DOE) since September 1982. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque (SNLA) provides technical program direction for both the SE RES and the Southwest Regional Experiment Station (SW RES) located at the Southwest Technology Development Institute at Las Cruces, New Mexico. This cooperative effort serves a critical role in the national photovoltaic program by conducting system evaluations, design assistance and technology transfer to enhance the cost-effective utilization and development of photovoltaic technology. Initially, the research focus of the SE RES program centered on utility-connected PV systems and associated issues. In 1987, the SE RES began evaluating amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film PV modules for application in utility-interactive systems. Stand-alone PV systems began receiving increased emphasis at the SE RES in 1986. Research projects were initiated that involved evaluation of vaccine refrigeration, water pumping and other stand-alone power systems. The results of this work have led to design optimization techniques and procedures for the sizing and modeling of PV water pumping systems. Later recent research at the SE RES included test and evaluation of batteries and charge controllers for stand-alone PV system applications. The SE RES project provided the foundation on which FSEC achieved national recognition for its expertise in PV systems research and related technology transfer programs. These synergistic products of the SE RES illustrate the high visibility and contributions the FSEC PV program offers to the DOE.

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

Mohapatra, Purusottam; Satapathy, Shakti Ranjan; Das, Dipon

Cigarette smoking is a key factor for the development and progression of different cancers including mammary tumor in women. Resveratrol (Res) is a promising natural chemotherapeutic agent that regulates many cellular targets including p21, a cip/kip family of cyclin kinase inhibitors involved in DNA damage-induced cell cycle arrest and blocking of DNA replication and repair. We have recently shown that cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) prepared from commercially available Indian cigarette can cause neoplastic transformation of normal breast epithelial MCF-10A cell. Here we studied the mechanism of Res mediated apoptosis in CSC transformed (MCF-10A-Tr) cells in vitro and in vivo. Resmore » mediated apoptosis in MCF-10A-Tr cells was a p21 dependent event. It increased the p21 protein expression in MCF-10A-Tr cells and MCF-10A-Tr cells-mediated tumors in xenograft mice. Res treatment reduced the tumor size(s) and expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g. PI3K, AKT, NFκB) in solid tumor. The expressions of cell cycle regulatory (Cyclins, CDC-2, CDC-6, etc.), BER associated (Pol-β, Pol-δ, Pol-ε, Pol-η, RPA, Fen-1, DNA-Ligase-I, etc.) proteins and LP-BER activity decreased in MCF-10A-Tr cells but remain significantly unaltered in isogenic p21 null MCF-10A-Tr cells after Res treatment. Interestingly, no significant changes were noted in SP-BER activity in both the cell lines after Res exposure. Finally, it was observed that increased p21 blocks the LP-BER in MCF-10A-Tr cells by increasing its interaction with PCNA via competing with Fen-1 after Res treatment. Thus, Res caused apoptosis in CSC-induced cancer cells by reduction of LP-BER activity and this phenomenon largely depends on p21. - Highlights: • Resveratrol (Res) caused reduction of MCF-10A-Tr cell growth by inducing apoptosis. • Res caused cell cycle arrest and DNA damage in p21 dependent manner. • Res mediated LP-BER reduction in MCF-10A-Tr cells was a p21 dependent phenomenon. • Res inhibits BER and PI3K, AKT, and NFκB protein expressions in tumor and xenografts. • Res-induced-p21 inhibited DNA repair by modulating Fen-1 binding to PCNA complex.« less

Dietary resveratrol supplementation prevents transport-stress-impaired meat quality of broilers through maintaining muscle energy metabolism and antioxidant status

PubMed Central

Zhang, C.; Wang, L.; Zhao, X. H.; Chen, X. Y.; Yang, L.; Geng, Z. Y.

2017-01-01

Abstract This experiment was to evaluate the effect of dietary resveratrol (Res) supplementation (0, 400 mg/kg) on growth performance, meat quality, and muscle anaerobic glycolysis and antioxidant capacity of transported broilers. A total of 360 21-day-old male Cobb broilers was randomly allotted to 2 dietary treatments (Res-free group and Res group) with 12 replicates of 15 birds each. On the morning of d 42, after a 9-hour fast, 24 birds (2 birds of each replicate) were selected from the Res-free group and then equally placed into 2 crates, and the other 12 birds (one bird of each replicate) were selected from the Res group and then placed into the other crate. All birds in the 3 crates were transported according to the following protocols: 0-hour transport of birds in the Res-free group (control group), 3-hour transport of birds in the Res-free group (T group), and 3-hour transport of birds in the Res group (T + Res group). The results showed that Res not only improved feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) but also tended to improve birds’ final body weight (P < 0.10). In the Res-free group, a 3-hour transport increased serum corticosterone concentration, muscle malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate contents, and muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, while it decreased muscle glycogen content, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities (P < 0.05), which induced decreased breast meat quality (lower pH24h and higher drip loss and L*24 h, P < 0.05). Nevertheless, compared with the T group, Res increased muscle glycogen content and T-SOD and GSH-PX activities (P < 0.05 or P < 0.10), while it decreased muscle MDA content and LDH activity (P < 0.05), which is beneficial to the meat quality maintenance of transported broilers (lower drip loss, L*24 h, and higher pH24h, P < 0.05 or P < 0.10). This study provides the first evidence that dietary resveratrol supplementation prevents transport-stress-impaired meat quality of broilers, possibly through decreasing the muscle anaerobic glycolysis metabolism and improving the muscle antioxidant capacity. PMID:28339929

Hypoglycemic depression of RES function.

PubMed

Buchanan, B J; Filkins, J P

1976-07-01

The intravascular removal rates of colloidal carbon and of biologically active endotoxin by the reticuloendothelial system (RES) were evaluated as a function of blood-glucose levels. There was a significant negative correlation of carbon clearance half time on blood glucose in both saline-treated and insulin-treated rats. Insulin hypoglycemia depressed RES carbon clearance with the maximal effect occurring at blood glucose values below 30 mg/dl. Insulin hypoglycemia also severely impaired the intravascular removal of endotoxin as evaluated by lethality bioassay in lead-sensitized rats. It is concluded that blood glucose may modulate RES phagocytic function and that the hypoglycemia of endotoxin shock may augment the shock state due to impairment of RES host defense clearance functions.

Inventory of File sref_nmb.t03z.pgrb221.ctl.grib2

Science.gov Websites

006 10 m above ground UGRD analysis U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 007 10 m above ground VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 008 surface WEASD analysis Water Equivalent of -Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 021 250 mb VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl

Inventory of File sref_nmb.t03z.pgrb132.ctl.grib2

Science.gov Websites

006 10 m above ground UGRD analysis U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 007 10 m above ground VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 008 surface WEASD analysis Water Equivalent of -Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 021 250 mb VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl

Inventory of File sref_nmb.t03z.pgrb243.ctl.grib2

Science.gov Websites

006 10 m above ground UGRD analysis U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 007 10 m above ground VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 008 surface WEASD analysis Water Equivalent of -Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 021 250 mb VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl

Inventory of File sref_nmb.t03z.pgrb216.ctl.grib2

Science.gov Websites

006 10 m above ground UGRD analysis U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 007 10 m above ground VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 008 surface WEASD analysis Water Equivalent of -Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 021 250 mb VGRD analysis V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl

Resveratrol ameliorates chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression-like behavior: involvement of the HPA axis, inflammatory markers, BDNF, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in rats.

PubMed

Yang, Xin-Hua; Song, Su-Qi; Xu, Yun

2017-01-01

Classic antidepressant drugs are modestly effective across the population and most are associated with intolerable side effects. Recently, numerous lines of evidence suggest that resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenol, possesses beneficial therapeutic activity for depression. The aim of the present study was to explore whether RES exhibits an antidepressant-like effect in a depression model and to explore the possible mechanism. A depression model was established via chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), after which the model rats in the RES and fluoxetine groups received a daily injection of RES or fluoxetine, respectively. The sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to explore the antidepressant-like effects of RES. The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was evaluated by detecting the plasma corticosterone concentration and hypothalamic mRNA expression of corticotrophin-releasing hormone. The plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hippocampal protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were analyzed by western blot. The results showed that RES relieved depression-like behavior of CUMS rats, as indicated by the increased sucrose preference and the decreased immobile time. Rats that received RES treatment exhibited reduced plasma corticosterone levels and corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting that the hyperactivity of the HPA axis in CUMS rats was reversed by RES. Moreover, after RES treatment, the rats exhibited increased plasma IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α concentrations. Furthermore, RES treatment upregulated the hippocampal protein levels of BDNF and the relative ratio of p-β-catenin/β-catenin while downregulating the relative ratio of p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β. Our findings suggest that RES improved depressive behavior in CUMS rats by downregulating HPA axis hyperactivity, increasing BDNF expression and plasma IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α concentrations, and regulating the hippocampal Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[Preoperative fasting period of fluids in bariatric surgery].

PubMed

Simon, P; Pietsch, U-C; Oesemann, R; Dietrich, A; Wrigge, H

2017-07-01

Aspiration of stomach content is a severe complication during general anaesthesia. The DGAI (German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine) guidelines recommend a fasting period for liquids of 2 h, with a maximum of 400 ml. Preoperative fasting can affect the patients' recovery after surgery due to insulin resistance and higher protein catabolism as a response to surgical stress. The aim of the study was to compare a liberal fasting regimen consisting of up to 1000 ml of liquids until 2 h before surgery with the DGAI recommendation. The prospective observational clinical study was approved by the ethics committee of the University of Leipzig. In the liberal fasting group (G lib ) patients undergoing bariatric surgery were asked to drink 1000 ml of tea up to 2 h before surgery. Patients assigned to the restrictive fasting group (G res ) who were undergoing nonbariatric abdominal surgery were asked to drink no more than 400 ml of water up to 2 h preoperatively. Right after anaesthesia induction and intubation a gastric tube was placed, gastric residual volume was measured and the pH level of gastric fluid was determined. Moreover, the occurrence of aspiration was monitored. In all, 98 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of G lib 51.1 kg/m 2 and G res 26.5 kg/m 2 were identified. The preoperative fasting period of liquids was significantly different (G lib 170 min vs. G res 700 min, p < 0.001). There was no difference regarding the residual gastric volume (G lib 11 ml, G res 5 ml, p = 0.355). The pH of gastric fluid was nearly similar (G lib  4.0; G res  3.0; p = 0.864). Aspiration did not occur in any patient. There is evidence suggesting that a liberal fluid fasting regimen (1000 ml of fluid) in the preoperative period is safe in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Mixomics analysis of Bacillus subtilis: effect of oxygen availability on riboflavin production.

PubMed

Hu, Junlang; Lei, Pan; Mohsin, Ali; Liu, Xiaoyun; Huang, Mingzhi; Li, Liang; Hu, Jianhua; Hang, Haifeng; Zhuang, Yingping; Guo, Meijin

2017-09-12

Riboflavin, an intermediate of primary metabolism, is one kind of important food additive with high economic value. The microbial cell factory Bacillus subtilis has already been proven to possess significant importance for the food industry and have become one of the most widely used riboflavin-producing strains. In the practical fermentation processes, a sharp decrease in riboflavin production is encountered along with a decrease in the dissolved oxygen (DO) tension. Influence of this oxygen availability on riboflavin biosynthesis through carbon central metabolic pathways in B. subtilis is unknown so far. Therefore the unveiled effective metabolic pathways were still an unaccomplished task till present research work. In this paper, the microscopic regulation mechanisms of B. subtilis grown under different dissolved oxygen tensions were studied by integrating 13 C metabolic flux analysis, metabolomics and transcriptomics. It was revealed that the glucose metabolic flux through pentose phosphate (PP) pathway was lower as being confirmed by smaller pool sizes of metabolites in PP pathway and lower expression amount of ykgB at transcriptional level. The latter encodes 6-phosphogluconolactonase (6-PGL) under low DO tension. In response to low DO tension in broth, the glucose metabolic flux through Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway was higher and the gene, alsS, encoding for acetolactate synthase was significantly activated that may result due to lower ATP concentration and higher NADH/NAD + ratio. Moreover, ResE, a membrane-anchored protein that is capable of oxygen regulated phosphorylase activity, and ResD, a regulatory protein that can be phosphorylated and dephosphorylated by ResE, were considered as DO tension sensor and transcriptional regulator respectively. This study shows that integration of transcriptomics, 13 C metabolic flux analysis and metabolomics analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of biosynthesized riboflavin's regulatory mechanisms in B. subtilis grown under different dissolved oxygen tension conditions. The two-component system, ResD-ResE, was considered as the signal receiver of DO tension and gene regulator that led to differences between biomass and riboflavin production after triggering the shifts in gene expression, metabolic flux distributions and metabolite pool sizes.

Detection of colorectal masses in CT colonography: application of deep residual networks for differentiating masses from normal colon anatomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Näppi, Janne J.; Hironaka, Toru; Yoshida, Hiroyuki

2018-02-01

Even though the clinical consequences of a missed colorectal cancer far outweigh those of a missed polyp, there has been little work on computer-aided detection (CADe) for colorectal masses in CT colonography (CTC). One of the problems is that it is not clear how to manually design mathematical image-based features that could be used to differentiate effectively between masses and certain types of normal colon anatomy such as ileocecal valves (ICVs). Deep learning has demonstrated ability to automatically determine effective discriminating features in many image-based problems. Recently, residual networks (ResNets) were developed to address the practical problems of constructing deep network architectures for optimizing the performance of deep learning. In this pilot study, we compared the classification performance of a conventional 2D-convolutional ResNet (2D-ResNet) with that of a volumetric 3D-convolutional ResNet (3D-ResNet) in differentiating masses from normal colon anatomy in CTC. For the development and evaluation of the ResNets, 695 volumetric images of biopsy-proven colorectal masses, ICVs, haustral folds, and rectal tubes were sampled from 196 clinical CTC cases and divided randomly into independent training, validation, and test datasets. The training set was expanded by use of volumetric data augmentation. Our preliminary results on the 140 test samples indicate that it is feasible to train a deep volumetric 3D-ResNet for performing effective image-based discriminations in CTC. The 3D-ResNet slightly outperformed the 2D-ResNet in the discrimination of masses and normal colon anatomy, but the statistical difference between their very high classification accuracies was not significant. The highest classification accuracy was obtained by combining the mass-likelihood estimates of the 2D- and 3D-ResNets, which enabled correct classification of all of the masses.

Investigating the mechanical response of paediatric bone under bending and torsion using finite element analysis.

PubMed

Altai, Zainab; Viceconti, Marco; Offiah, Amaka C; Li, Xinshan

2018-03-10

Fractures of bone account 25% of all paediatric injuries (Cooper et al. in J Bone Miner Res 19:1976-1981, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1359/JBMR.040902 ). These can be broadly categorised into accidental or inflicted injuries. The current clinical approach to distinguish between these two is based on the clinician's judgment, which can be subjective. Furthermore, there is a lack of studies on paediatric bone to provide evidence-based information on bone strength, mainly due to the difficulties of obtaining paediatric bone samples. There is a need to investigate the behaviour of children's bones under external loading. Such data will critically enhance our understanding of injury tolerance of paediatric bones under various loading conditions, related to injuries, such as bending and torsional loads. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the response of paediatric femora under two types of loading conditions, bending and torsion, using a CT-based finite element approach, and to determine a relationship between bone strength and age/body mass of the child. Thirty post-mortem CT scans of children aged between 0 and 3 years old were used in this study. Two different boundary conditions were defined to represent four-point bending and pure torsional loads. The principal strain criterion was used to estimate the failure moment for both loading conditions. The results showed that failure moment of the bone increases with the age and mass of the child. The predicted failure moment for bending, external and internal torsions were 0.8-27.9, 1.0-31.4 and 1.0-30.7 Nm, respectively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on infant bone strength in relation to age/mass using models developed from modern medical images. This technology may in future help advance the design of child, car restrain system, and more accurate computer models of children.

Black Carbon in Sedimentary Organic Carbon in the Northeast Pacific using the Benzene Polycarboxylic Acid Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppola, A. I.; Ziolkowski, L. A.; Druffel, E. R.

2010-12-01

Black carbon (BC) in the Northeast Pacific ultrafiltered dissolved organic matter (UDOM) was found to be surprisingly old with a 14C age of 18,000 +/-3,000 14C years (Ziolkowski and Druffel, 2010) using the Benzene Polycarboxylic Acid (BPCA) method, while BC in sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) was found to be 2,400-12,900 14C years older than non-BC SOC (Masiello and Druffel, 1998) with a different method. Using the dichromate-sulfuric acid oxidation method (Wolbach and Anders, 1989), Masiello and Druffel (1998) estimated that 12-31% of SOC in the Northeast Pacific and the Southern Ocean surface sediments was black carbon (BC). However, the dichromate-sulfuric acid oxidation may over-estimate the concentration of BC, because this method is more biased toward modern (char) material (Currie et al., 2002). Alternatively, the BPCA method isolates aromatic components of BC as benzene rings substituted with carboxylic acid groups, and provides structural information about the BC. Recent modifications to the BPCA method by Ziolkowski and Druffel (2009) involve few biases in quantifying BC in the continuum between char and soot in UDOM. Here we use the BPCA method to determine the concentrations and 14C values of BC in sediments from three sites in the Northeast Pacific Ocean. Constraining the difference between non-BC SOC and BC-SOC using the BPCA method allows for a more precise estimate of how much BC is present in the sediments and its 14C age. Presumably, the intermediate reservoir of BC is oceanic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and is, in part, responsible for DOC’s great 14C age. These results can be utilized to better constrain the oceanic carbon budget as a possible sink of BC. References: Currie, L. A., Benner Jr., B. A., Kessler, J.D., et al (2002), A critical evaluation of interlaboratory data on total, elemental, and isotopic carbon in the carbonaceous particle reference material, nist srm 1649a, J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol., 107, 279-298. Masiello, C., and E. R. Druffel (1988), Black carbon in deep-sea sediments, Science, 280, 1911-1913. Wolbach, W., and E. Anders (1989), Elemental carbon in sediments: Determination and isotopic analysis in presence of kerogen, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 53, 1637-1647. Ziolkowski, L. A., and E. R. Druffel (2010), Aged black carbon identified in marine dissolved organic carbon, J. Geophys. Res., 37, L16601, doi: 10.1029/2010GL043963.

The Theos/ComRes survey into public perception of Darwinism in the UK: a recipe for confusion.

PubMed

Baker, Sylvia

2012-04-01

A survey of the general public in the UK, conducted in 2008, suggested that more than half of the British population are unconvinced by Darwinism. That survey, conducted by the polling company ComRes on behalf of the theological think-tank Theos, reported its full findings in March 2009 and found them to be "complex and confused." This paper argues that the confusion identified may have been partly engendered by the way in which the survey questionnaire was constructed and that the survey itself, not simply its respondents, was confused. A source of the confusion, it is argued, could be found, first, in the definitions used for the four positions of young earth creationism, theistic evolution, atheistic evolution and intelligent design. Second, a failure to define the key terms "evolution" and "science," used in some of the survey questions, resulted in responses that were difficult to interpret.

The performances of standard and ResMed masks during bag-valve-mask ventilation.

PubMed

Lee, Hyoung Youn; Jeung, Kyung Woon; Lee, Byung Kook; Lee, Seung Joon; Jung, Yong Hun; Lee, Geo Sung; Min, Yong Il; Heo, Tag

2013-01-01

A tight mask seal is frequently difficult to obtain and maintain during single-rescuer bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation. The ResMed mask (Bella Vista, NSW, Australia) is a continuous-positive-airway-pressure mask (CM) designed for noninvasive ventilation. In this study, we compared the ventilation performances of a standard mask (SM) and a ResMed CM using a simulation manikin in an out-of-hospital single-rescuer BVM ventilation scenario. Thirty emergency medical technicians (EMTs) performed two 2-minute attempts to ventilate a simulation manikin using BVM ventilation, alternatively, with the SM or the ResMed CM in a randomized order. Ventilation parameters including tidal volume and peak airway pressure were measured using computer analysis software connected to the simulation manikin. Successful volume delivery was defined as delivery of 440-540 mL of tidal volume in accord with present cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines. BVM ventilation using the ResMed CM produced higher mean (± standard deviation) tidal volumes (452 ± 50 mL vs. 394 ± 113 mL, p = 0.014) and had a higher proportion of successful volume deliveries (65.3% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.001) than that using the SM. Peak airway pressure was higher in BVM ventilation using the ResMed CM (p = 0.035). Stomach insufflation did not occur during either method. Twenty-nine of the participants (96.7%) preferred BVM ventilation using the ResMed CM. BVM ventilations using ResMed CM resulted in a significantly higher proportion of successful volume deliveries meeting the currently recommended range of tidal volume. Clinical studies are needed to determine the value of the ResMed CM for BVM ventilation.

Development of renewable energy in China: Studying the experience and making recommendations for Russia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanshina, T. A.; Kulakov, A. V.

2017-07-01

The article reviews a state policy of China, due to which the country has managed to develop the world's largest sector of renewable energy sources (RES). Basic aspects of the formation and development of a comprehensive system of state support for the sector, i.e., the creation of scientific and technological advancement, stimulation of renewable energy equipment manufacturing, and support for RES electricity generation, are studied. Key programs implemented in specific stages are analyzed. Considerable attention is paid to the role and characteristics of foreign technology transfers. The dynamics of China's RES sector and the results of its rapid growth with the active participation of the state are researched. On the basis of the analysis, it is concluded that, in general, China's experience in development of RES is successful. Using the example of China, it is safe to say that, in the presence of a balanced state policy, a country is able to create in a decade a strong renewable energy equipment industry and to become a leader in the area of RES electricity generation. Specific features and main problems of the Russian RES sector are considered. On the basis of China's experience, recommendations for improving the state policy in RES are made for Russia. According to the authors, first of all, a sharp increase in state support for scientific research and development (R&D), pilot and demonstration projects, recognition of RES as a part of the fuel and energy sector at all tiers of authority, guarantees of state support for RES in the long run, ensuring access to long-term funds, and the creation of state programs supporting households participation in the distributed power generation are needed.

Immunochemistry of Rat Lung Tumorigenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

immunosuppressive and that both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses are affected (Stjernsward, 1969, 1972 and Prehn , 1963). The relationship of...M.A. and R.T. Prehn , (1972), Immune Status of Autochtonous and Adoptively Protected Mice Toward Spontaneous and Chemically Induced Tumors, Cancer Res...in Human Chromosomes, Hum. Genet. 38:271-278. Prehn , R.T., (1963), Function of Depressed Immunologic Reactivity during Carcinogenesis, J. Natl. Cancer

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 Title 10, U.S. Code

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Veterans Affairs, 2005

2005-01-01

The Reserve Education Assistance Program, or REAP (Chapter 1607 of title 10, U.S. Code), is a new benefit providing educational assistance to members of the reserve components--Selected Reserve (Sel Res) and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR)--who are called or ordered to active service in response to a war or national emergency, as declared by the…

Increased Protein Kinase A Activity in the Prkar1a-defective Mouse is Associated with Hyperarousal and Increased Anxiety

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-09

develops neoplasia in cyclic AMP-responsive tissues. Cancer Res, 65, 4506-14. 28. Kirschner, L. S., Yin, Z., Jones, G. N. & Mahoney , E. 2009. Mouse models...Neurosci, 29, 14299-308. 60. Roseboom, P. H., Nanda, S. A., Bakshi, V. P., Trentani, A., Newman , S. M. & Kalin, N. H. 2007. Predator threat induces

Vatuximab(Trademark): Optimizing Therapeutic Strategies for Prostate Cancer Based on Dynamic MR Tumor Oximetry

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

159: 621-631, 2003. 37. Bourke, V. A., Zhao, D., Gilio , J., Chang, C.-H., Jiang, L., Hahn, E. W., and Mason, R. P. Correlation of Radiation...Res. 1998; 150: 549–556. 10. Bourke VA, Zhao D, Gilio J, Chang C-H, Jiang L, Hahn EW, Mason RP. Correlation of radiation response with tumor oxygen

BRCA1-Associated Protein BRCC36: A Novel Target for Breast Cancer Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

Arciero CA, Wang C, Broccoli D, Godwin AK. 2006. BRCC36 is essential for ionizing radiation-induced BRCA1 phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation...1999). BRCA1, BRCA2, and Rad51 operate in a common DNA damage response pathway. Cancer Res 59: 1752s- 1756s. Chen X, Arciero CA, Wang C, Broccoli D

BRCA1-Associated Protein BRCC36: A Novel Target for Breast Cancer Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

Arciero CA, Wang C, Broccoli D, Godwin AK. 2006b. BRCC36 is essential for ionizing radiation-induced BRCA1 phosphorylation and nuclea r foci form ation...operate in a common DNA damage response pathway. Cancer Res 59: 1752s- 1756s. Chen X, Arciero CA, Wang C, Broccoli D, Godwin AK (2006). BRCC36 is

Correlation of RP-1 Fuel Properties with Chemical Composition using Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry followed by Partial Least Squares Regression Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

Striebich, S . P. Bagley , M. J. Wornant, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 50 (2011) 10434. [5] M. C. Billingsley, J. T. Edwards, L. M. Shafer, T. J. Bruno, AIAA 2010...CONTRACT NUMBER In-House 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR( S ) Kehimkar, B., J. Hoggard, L. Marney, M. Billingsley, C...Fraga, T. Bruno, and R. Synovec 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER Q0A4 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME( S ) AND ADDRESS(ES

Polar wander caused by the Quaternary glacial cycles and fluid Love number

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakada, Masao

2002-06-01

Perturbations of the Earth's rotation caused by the Quaternary glacial cycles provide an important constraint on the viscosity of the deep mantle because they represent a long-wavelength response of the Earth to surface load redistribution. The predicted present-day polar wander speed (PWS) is, however, sensitive to both the lower mantle viscosity ( ηlm), the density jump at 670 km depth, and the lithospheric thickness and viscosity (e.g., Sabadini and Peltier, Geophys. J. R. Astron. Soc. 66 (1981) 553-578; Yuen et al., J. Geophys. Res. 87 (1982) 10745-10762; Peltier and Wu, Geophys. Res. Lett. 10 (1983) 181-184; Wu and Peltier, Geophys, J. R. Astron. Soc. 76 (1984) 753-791; Peltier, J. Geophys. Res. 89 (1984) 11303-11316; Vermeersen et al., J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 27689-27702; Mitrovica and Milne, J. Geophys. Res. 103 (1998) 985-1005; Johnston and Lambeck, Geophys. J. Int. 136 (1999) 537-558; Nakada, Geophys. J. Int. 143 (2000) 230-238). For earth models with ηlm<5×10 21 Pa s and an elastic lithosphere, the present-day PWS is very sensitive to the M1 mode (buoyancy mode) related to the density jump at 670 km depth [Mitrovica and Milne, J. Geophys. Res. 103 (1998) 985-1005]. The contribution of the M1 mode, however, is less significant for earth models with a viscoelastic lithosphere [Nakada, Geophys. J. Int. 143 (2000) 230-238]. This is due to the fact that this contribution depends on the relative strength of the M1 mode, Δ k2T(M1)/ kfT, where Δ k2T(M1) is the magnitude of tidal Love number ( k2T) of the M1 mode and kfT is the value of k2T in the fluid limit (fluid Love number). The magnitude of kfT for earth models with a viscoelastic lithosphere is larger than that for an elastic lithosphere, and it is smaller for a thicker elastic lithosphere than for a thinner one. Thus, for earth models with a viscoelastic lithosphere, the PWS is mainly sensitive to the lower mantle viscosity regardless of the behavior of the 670 km density discontinuity. This relation also explains why the predicted PWS increases with increasing thickness of an elastic lithosphere. That is, since the value of Δ k2T(M1)/ kfT with a thicker elastic lithosphere is larger than that with a thinner elastic lithosphere, the M1 mode will have a higher contribution in the case of a thicker elastic lithosphere.

The impacts of renewable energy policies on renewable energy sources for electricity generating capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koo, Bryan Bonsuk

Electricity generation from non-hydro renewable sources has increased rapidly in the last decade. For example, Renewable Energy Sources for Electricity (RES-E) generating capacity in the U.S. almost doubled for the last three year from 2009 to 2012. Multiple papers point out that RES-E policies implemented by state governments play a crucial role in increasing RES-E generation or capacity. This study examines the effects of state RES-E policies on state RES-E generating capacity, using a fixed effects model. The research employs panel data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia, for the period 1990 to 2011, and uses a two-stage approach to control endogeneity embedded in the policies adopted by state governments, and a Prais-Winsten estimator to fix any autocorrelation in the panel data. The analysis finds that Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Net-metering are significantly and positively associated with RES-E generating capacity, but neither Public Benefit Funds nor the Mandatory Green Power Option has a statistically significant relation to RES-E generating capacity. Results of the two-stage model are quite different from models which do not employ predicted policy variables. Analysis using non-predicted variables finds that RPS and Net-metering policy are statistically insignificant and negatively associated with RES-E generating capacity. On the other hand, Green Energy Purchasing policy is insignificant in the two-stage model, but significant in the model without predicted values.

Fault healing and earthquake spectra from stick slip sequences in the laboratory and on active faults

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLaskey, G. C.; Glaser, S. D.; Thomas, A.; Burgmann, R.

2011-12-01

Repeating earthquake sequences (RES) are thought to occur on isolated patches of a fault that fail in repeated stick-slip fashion. RES enable researchers to study the effect of variations in earthquake recurrence time and the relationship between fault healing and earthquake generation. Fault healing is thought to be the physical process responsible for the 'state' variable in widely used rate- and state-dependent friction equations. We analyze RES created in laboratory stick slip experiments on a direct shear apparatus instrumented with an array of very high frequency (1KHz - 1MHz) displacement sensors. Tests are conducted on the model material polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). While frictional properties of this glassy polymer can be characterized with the rate- and state- dependent friction laws, the rate of healing in PMMA is higher than room temperature rock. Our experiments show that in addition to a modest increase in fault strength and stress drop with increasing healing time, there are distinct spectral changes in the recorded laboratory earthquakes. Using the impact of a tiny sphere on the surface of the test specimen as a known source calibration function, we are able to remove the instrument and apparatus response from recorded signals so that the source spectrum of the laboratory earthquakes can be accurately estimated. The rupture of a fault that was allowed to heal produces a laboratory earthquake with increased high frequency content compared to one produced by a fault which has had less time to heal. These laboratory results are supported by observations of RES on the Calaveras and San Andreas faults, which show similar spectral changes when recurrence time is perturbed by a nearby large earthquake. Healing is typically attributed to a creep-like relaxation of the material which causes the true area of contact of interacting asperity populations to increase with time in a quasi-logarithmic way. The increase in high frequency seismicity shown here suggests that fault healing produces an increase in fault strength heterogeneity on a small spatial scale. A fault which has healed may possess an asperity population which will allow less slip to be accumulated aseismically, will rupture faster and more violently, and produce more high frequency seismic waves than one which has not healed.

Molecular basis of ‘hypoxic’ breast cancer cell radio-sensitization: phytochemicals converge on radiation induced Rel signaling

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Heterogeneously distributed hypoxic areas are a characteristic property of locally advanced breast cancers (BCa) and generally associated with therapeutic resistance, metastases, and poor patient survival. About 50% of locally advanced BCa, where radiotherapy is less effective are suggested to be due to hypoxic regions. In this study, we investigated the potential of bioactive phytochemicals in radio-sensitizing hypoxic BCa cells. Methods Hypoxic (O2-2.5%; N2-92.5%; CO2-5%) MCF-7 cells were exposed to 4 Gy radiation (IR) alone or after pretreatment with Curcumin (CUR), curcumin analog EF24, neem leaf extract (NLE), Genistein (GEN), Resveratrol (RES) or raspberry extract (RSE). The cells were examined for inhibition of NFκB activity, transcriptional modulation of 88 NFκB signaling pathway genes, activation and cellular localization of radio-responsive NFκB related mediators, eNos, Erk1/2, SOD2, Akt1/2/3, p50, p65, pIκBα, TNFα, Birc-1, -2, -5 and associated induction of cell death. Results EMSA revealed that cells exposed to phytochemicals showed complete suppression of IR-induced NFκB. Relatively, cells exposed EF24 revealed a robust inhibition of IR-induced NFκB. QPCR profiling showed induced expression of 53 NFκB signaling pathway genes after IR. Conversely, 53, 50, 53, 53, 53 and 53 of IR-induced genes were inhibited with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES and RSE respectively. In addition, 25, 29, 24, 16, 11 and 21 of 35 IR-suppressed genes were further inhibited with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES and RSE respectively. Immunoblotting revealed a significant attenuating effect of IR-modulated radio-responsive eNos, Erk1/2, SOD2, Akt1/2/3, p50, p65, pIκBα, TNFα, Birc-1, -2 and −5 with EF24, NLE, CUR, GEN, RES or RSE. Annexin V-FITC staining showed a consistent and significant induction of IR-induced cell death with these phytochemicals. Notably, EF24 robustly conferred IR-induced cell death. Conclusions Together, these data identifies the potential hypoxic cell radio-sensitizers and further implies that the induced radio-sensitization may be exerted by selectively targeting IR-induced NFκB signaling. PMID:23452621

RES-E Support Policies In The Baltic States: Development Aspect (Part I)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bobinaite, V.; Priedite, I.

2015-02-01

Despite quite similar conditions (natural resources) for electricity production from renewable energy sources (RES-E) in three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), significant differences exist in these countries as to the RES-E production volume. In Latvia this volume is the highest, while in Estonia and Lithuania it is half as high. One of the factors that determine the RES-E production volumes is support policies, which in the Baltic States are different. The main objective of this work was to analyze and compare these support policies. The results have shown that for rapid RES-E development the most effective policy is to be market-oriented (as in Estonia), whereas for more stable development such policy should be producer-oriented (as in Lithuania).

Resveratrol cocrystals with enhanced solubility and tabletability.

PubMed

Zhou, Zhengzheng; Li, Wanying; Sun, Wei-Jhe; Lu, Tongbu; Tong, Henry H Y; Sun, Changquan Calvin; Zheng, Ying

2016-07-25

Two new 1:1 cocrystals of resveratrol (RES) with 4-aminobenzamide (RES-4ABZ) and isoniazid (RES-ISN) were synthesized by liquid assisted grinding (LAG) and rapid solvent removal (RSR) methods using ethanol as solvent. Their physiochemical properties were characterized using PXRD, DSC, solid state and solution NMR, FT-IR, and HPLC. Pharmaceutically relevant properties, including tabletability, solubility, intrinsic dissolution rate, and hygroscopicity, were evaluated. Temperature-composition phase diagram for RES-ISN cocrystal system was constructed from DSC data. Both cocrystals show higher solubility than resveratrol over a broad range of pH. They are phase stable and non-hygroscopic even under high humidity conditions. Importantly, both cocrystals exhibit improved solubility and tabletability compared with RES, which make them more suitable candidates for tablet formulation development. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The wheat Lr34 multipathogen resistance gene confers resistance to anthracnose and rust in sorghum.

PubMed

Schnippenkoetter, Wendelin; Lo, Clive; Liu, Guoquan; Dibley, Katherine; Chan, Wai Lung; White, Jodie; Milne, Ricky; Zwart, Alexander; Kwong, Eunjung; Keller, Beat; Godwin, Ian; Krattinger, Simon G; Lagudah, Evans

2017-11-01

The ability of the wheat Lr34 multipathogen resistance gene (Lr34res) to function across a wide taxonomic boundary was investigated in transgenic Sorghum bicolor. Increased resistance to sorghum rust and anthracnose disease symptoms following infection with the biotrophic pathogen Puccinia purpurea and the hemibiotroph Colletotrichum sublineolum, respectively, occurred in transgenic plants expressing the Lr34res ABC transporter. Transgenic sorghum lines that highly expressed the wheat Lr34res gene exhibited immunity to sorghum rust compared to the low-expressing single copy Lr34res genotype that conferred partial resistance. Pathogen-induced pigmentation mediated by flavonoid phytoalexins was evident on transgenic sorghum leaves following P. purpurea infection within 24-72 h, which paralleled Lr34res gene expression. Elevated expression of flavone synthase II, flavanone 4-reductase and dihydroflavonol reductase genes which control the biosynthesis of flavonoid phytoalexins characterized the highly expressing Lr34res transgenic lines 24-h post-inoculation with P. purpurea. Metabolite analysis of mesocotyls infected with C. sublineolum showed increased levels of 3-deoxyanthocyanidin metabolites were associated with Lr34res expression, concomitant with reduced symptoms of anthracnose. © 2017 The Authors. Plant Biotechnology Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and The Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Inhibition of protease-resistant prion protein formation by porphyrins and phthalocyanines

PubMed Central

Caughey, Winslow S.; Raymond, Lynne D.; Horiuchi, Motohiro; Caughey, Byron

1998-01-01

A central aspect of pathogenesis in the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or prion diseases is the conversion of normal protease-sensitive prion protein (PrP-sen) to the abnormal protease-resistant form, PrP-res. Here we identify porphyrins and phthalocyanines as inhibitors of PrP-res accumulation. The most potent of these tetrapyrroles had IC50 values of 0.5–1 μM in scrapie-infected mouse neuroblastoma (ScNB) cell cultures. Inhibition was observed without effects on protein biosynthesis in general or PrP-sen biosynthesis in particular. Tetrapyrroles also inhibited PrP-res formation in a cell-free reaction composed predominantly of hamster PrP-res and PrP-sen. Inhibitors were found among phthalocyanines, deuteroporphyrins IX, and meso-substituted porphines; examples included compounds containing anionic, neutral protic, and cationic peripheral substituents and various metals. We conclude that certain tetrapyrroles specifically inhibit the conversion of PrP-sen to PrP-res without apparent cytotoxic effects. The inhibition observed in the cell-free conversion reaction suggests that the mechanism involved direct interactions of the tetrapyrrole with PrP-res and/or PrP-sen. These findings introduce a new class of inhibitors of PrP-res formation that represents a potential source of therapeutic agents for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. PMID:9770449

Postactivation Potentiation Following Acute Bouts of Plyometric versus Heavy-Resistance Exercise in Collegiate Soccer Players.

PubMed

Sharma, Sourabh Kumar; Raza, Shahid; Moiz, Jamal Ali; Verma, Shalini; Naqvi, Irshad Husain; Anwer, Shahnawaz; Alghadir, Ahmad H

2018-01-01

Postactivation potentiation is referred to as an acute and temporary enhancement of muscle performance resulting from previous muscle contraction. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of plyometric exercise (PLY) and heavy-resistance exercise (RES) on the blood lactate level (BLa) and physical performance. Fourteen male collegiate soccer players were randomized to perform either RES or PLY first and then crossed over to perform the opposite intervention. PLY consisted of 40 jumps, whereas RES comprised ten single repetitions at 90% of one repetition maximum. BLa and physical performance (countermovement jump height and 20-m sprint) were measured before and at 1 and 10 min following the exercise. No significant difference was observed in the BLa for both exercises (PLY and RES). Relative to baseline, countermovement jump (CMJ) height was significantly better for the PLY group after 1 min ( P = 0.004) and after 10 min ( P = 0.001) compared to that of the RES group. The 20-m sprint time was significantly better for PLY at 10 min ( P = 0.003) compared to that of RES. The present study concluded that, compared to RES, PLY causes greater potentiation, which leads to improved physical performance. This trial is registered with NCT03150277.

Collaborative decision-making on wind power projects based on AHP method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badea, A.; Proştean, G.; Tămăşilă, M.; Vârtosu, A.

2017-01-01

The complexity of projects implementation in Renewable Energy Sources (RES) requires finding collaborative alliances between suppliers and project developers in RES. Links activities in supply chain in RES, respectively, transportation of heavy components, processing orders to purchase quality raw materials, storage and materials handling, packaging, and other complex activities requiring a logistics system collaboratively to be permanently dimensioned properly selected and monitored. Requirements imposed by stringency of wind power energy projects implementation inevitably involves constraints in infrastructure, implementation and logistics. Thus, following an extensive research in RES project, to eliminate these constraints were identified alternative collaboration to provide feasible solutions on different levels of performance. The paper presents a critical analysis of different collaboration alternatives in supply chain for RES projects, selecting the ones most suitable for particular situations by using decision-making method Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The role of AHP method was to formulate a decision model by which can be establish the collaboration alternative choice through mathematical calculation to reduce the impact created by constraints encountered. The solution provided through AHP provides a framework for detecting optimal alternative collaboration between suppliers and project developers in RES and avoids some breaks in the chain by resizing safety buffers for leveling orders in RES projects.

The histological and elemental characterisation of corrosion particles from taper junctions.

PubMed

Munir, S; Oliver, R A; Zicat, B; Walter, W L; Walter, W K; Walsh, W R

2016-09-01

This study aimed to characterise and qualitatively grade the severity of the corrosion particles released into the hip joint following taper corrosion. The 26 cases examined were CoC/ABG Modular (n = 13) and ASR/SROM (n = 13). Blood serum metal ion levels were collected before and after revision surgery. The haematoxylin and eosin tissue sections were graded on the presence of fibrin exudates, necrosis, inflammatory cells and corrosion products. The corrosion products were identified based on visible observation and graded on abundance. Two independent observers blinded to the clinical patient findings scored all cases. Elemental analysis was performed on corrosion products within tissue sections. X-Ray diffraction was used to identify crystalline structures present in taper debris. The CoC/ABG Modular patients had a mean age of 64.6 years (49.4 to 76.5) and ASR/SROM patients had a mean age of 58.2 years (33.3 to 85.6). The mean time in situ for CoC/ABG was 4.9 years (2 to 6.4) and ASR/SROM was 6.1 years (2.5 to 8.1). The blood serum metal ion concentrations reduced following revision surgery with the exception of Cr levels within CoC/ABG. The grading of tissue sections showed that the macrophage response and metal debris were significantly higher for the ASR/SROM patients (p < 0.001). The brown/red particles were significantly higher for ASR/SROM (p < 0.001). The taper debris contained traces of titanium oxide, chromium oxide and aluminium nitride. This study characterised and qualitatively graded the severity of the corrosion particles released into the hip joint from tapers that had corrosion damage.Cite this article: S. Munir, R. A. Oliver, B. Zicat, W. L. Walter, W. K. Walter, W. R. Walsh. The histological and elemental characterisation of corrosion particles from taper junctions. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:370-378. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.59.2000507. © 2016 Munir et al.

Modulation of photochemical damage in normal and malignant cells by naturally occurring compounds.

PubMed

Lee, Yuan-Hao; Kumar, Neeru C; Glickman, Randolph D

2012-01-01

Certain phytochemicals, such as the stilbene, resveratrol (RES, found in red grapes and berries), and the triterpenoid, ursolic acid (UA, found in waxy berries and herbs such as rosemary and oregano), have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. Two human-derived cell lines, hTERT-RPE with a nonmalignant phenotype derived from retinal pigment epithelium, and ATCC CRL-11147 derived from a malignant skin melanoma, were used as in vitro models of photooxidative stress produced by exposure to the broadband output of a 150 W Hg vapor arc lamp at an irradiance of 19-26 mW cm(-2). In untreated cells, UV-VIS broadband light exposure produced a loss of proliferative ability, an activation of NF-κB and an increase in protein carbonyl adducts at 24 h postexposure. Pretreatment of the cells with RES or UA at 1-2 μmsignificantly reduced the amount of phosphorylated NF-κB at 24 h postexposure. RES pretreatment reduced the burden of light-induced protein carbonyl adducts by up to 25% in exposed cells. UA treatment markedly increased the sensitivity of melanoma cells to UV radiation, while conferring some photoprotection to RPE cells. These observations indicate that phytochemicals modulate the cellular response to photochemical stress by interacting with specific cell-signaling pathways. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2012 The American Society of Photobiology.

Methodological Choices in Muscle Synergy Analysis Impact Differentiation of Physiological Characteristics Following Stroke

PubMed Central

Banks, Caitlin L.; Pai, Mihir M.; McGuirk, Theresa E.; Fregly, Benjamin J.; Patten, Carolynn

2017-01-01

Muscle synergy analysis (MSA) is a mathematical technique that reduces the dimensionality of electromyographic (EMG) data. Used increasingly in biomechanics research, MSA requires methodological choices at each stage of the analysis. Differences in methodological steps affect the overall outcome, making it difficult to compare results across studies. We applied MSA to EMG data collected from individuals post-stroke identified as either responders (RES) or non-responders (nRES) on the basis of a critical post-treatment increase in walking speed. Importantly, no clinical or functional indicators identified differences between the cohort of RES and nRES at baseline. For this exploratory study, we selected the five highest RES and five lowest nRES available from a larger sample. Our goal was to assess how the methodological choices made before, during, and after MSA affect the ability to differentiate two groups with intrinsic physiologic differences based on MSA results. We investigated 30 variations in MSA methodology to determine which choices allowed differentiation of RES from nRES at baseline. Trial-to-trial variability in time-independent synergy vectors (SVs) and time-varying neural commands (NCs) were measured as a function of: (1) number of synergies computed; (2) EMG normalization method before MSA; (3) whether SVs were held constant across trials or allowed to vary during MSA; and (4) synergy analysis output normalization method after MSA. MSA methodology had a strong effect on our ability to differentiate RES from nRES at baseline. Across all 10 individuals and MSA variations, two synergies were needed to reach an average of 90% variance accounted for (VAF). Based on effect sizes, differences in SV and NC variability between groups were greatest using two synergies with SVs that varied from trial-to-trial. Differences in SV variability were clearest using unit magnitude per trial EMG normalization, while NC variability was less sensitive to EMG normalization method. No outcomes were greatly impacted by output normalization method. MSA variability for some, but not all, methods successfully differentiated intrinsic physiological differences inaccessible to traditional clinical or biomechanical assessments. Our results were sensitive to methodological choices, highlighting the need for disclosure of all aspects of MSA methodology in future studies. PMID:28912707

Methodological Choices in Muscle Synergy Analysis Impact Differentiation of Physiological Characteristics Following Stroke.

PubMed

Banks, Caitlin L; Pai, Mihir M; McGuirk, Theresa E; Fregly, Benjamin J; Patten, Carolynn

2017-01-01

Muscle synergy analysis (MSA) is a mathematical technique that reduces the dimensionality of electromyographic (EMG) data. Used increasingly in biomechanics research, MSA requires methodological choices at each stage of the analysis. Differences in methodological steps affect the overall outcome, making it difficult to compare results across studies. We applied MSA to EMG data collected from individuals post-stroke identified as either responders (RES) or non-responders (nRES) on the basis of a critical post-treatment increase in walking speed. Importantly, no clinical or functional indicators identified differences between the cohort of RES and nRES at baseline. For this exploratory study, we selected the five highest RES and five lowest nRES available from a larger sample. Our goal was to assess how the methodological choices made before, during, and after MSA affect the ability to differentiate two groups with intrinsic physiologic differences based on MSA results. We investigated 30 variations in MSA methodology to determine which choices allowed differentiation of RES from nRES at baseline. Trial-to-trial variability in time-independent synergy vectors (SVs) and time-varying neural commands (NCs) were measured as a function of: (1) number of synergies computed; (2) EMG normalization method before MSA; (3) whether SVs were held constant across trials or allowed to vary during MSA; and (4) synergy analysis output normalization method after MSA. MSA methodology had a strong effect on our ability to differentiate RES from nRES at baseline. Across all 10 individuals and MSA variations, two synergies were needed to reach an average of 90% variance accounted for (VAF). Based on effect sizes, differences in SV and NC variability between groups were greatest using two synergies with SVs that varied from trial-to-trial. Differences in SV variability were clearest using unit magnitude per trial EMG normalization, while NC variability was less sensitive to EMG normalization method. No outcomes were greatly impacted by output normalization method. MSA variability for some, but not all, methods successfully differentiated intrinsic physiological differences inaccessible to traditional clinical or biomechanical assessments. Our results were sensitive to methodological choices, highlighting the need for disclosure of all aspects of MSA methodology in future studies.

Late Ordovician (post-Sardic) rifting branches in the North Gondwanan Montagne Noire and Mouthoumet massifs of southern France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Javier Álvaro, J.; Colmenar, Jorge; Monceret, Eric; Pouclet, André; Vizcaïno, Daniel

2016-06-01

Upper Ordovician-Lower Devonian rocks of the Cabrières klippes (southern Montagne Noire) and the Mouthoumet massif in southern France rest paraconformably or with angular discordance on Cambrian-Lower Ordovician strata. Neither Middle-Ordovician volcanism nor associated metamorphism is recorded, and the subsequent Middle-Ordovician stratigraphic gap is related to the Sardic phase. Upper Ordovician sedimentation started in the rifting branches of Cabrières and Mouthoumet with deposition of basaltic lava flows and lahar deposits (Roque de Bandies and Villerouge formations) of continental tholeiite signature (CT), indicative of continental fracturing. The infill of both rifting branches followed with the onset of (1) Katian (Ka1-Ka2) conglomerates and sandstones (Glauzy and Gascagne formations), which have yielded a new brachiopod assemblage representative of the Svobodaina havliceki Community; (2) Katian (Ka2-Ka4) limestones, marlstones, and shales with carbonate nodules, reflecting development of bryozoan-echinoderm meadows with elements of the Nicolella Community (Gabian and Montjoi formations); and (3) the Hirnantian Marmairane Formation in the Mouthoumet massif that has yielded a rich and diverse fossil association representative of the pandemic Hirnantia Fauna. The sealing of the subaerial palaeorelief generated during the Sardic phase is related to Silurian and Early Devonian transgressions leading to onlapping patterns and the record of high-angle discordances.

Activation of mutated TRPA1 ion channel by resveratrol in human prostate cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF).

PubMed

Vancauwenberghe, Eric; Noyer, Lucile; Derouiche, Sandra; Lemonnier, Loïc; Gosset, Pierre; Sadofsky, Laura R; Mariot, Pascal; Warnier, Marine; Bokhobza, Alexandre; Slomianny, Christian; Mauroy, Brigitte; Bonnal, Jean-Louis; Dewailly, Etienne; Delcourt, Philippe; Allart, Laurent; Desruelles, Emilie; Prevarskaya, Natalia; Roudbaraki, Morad

2017-08-01

Previous studies showed the effects of resveratrol (RES) on several cancer cells, including prostate cancer (PCa) cell apoptosis without taking into consideration the impact of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is composed of cancer cells, endothelial cells, blood cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), the main source of growth factors. The latter cells might modify in the TME the impact of RES on tumor cells via secreted factors. Recent data clearly show the impact of CAF on cancer cells apoptosis resistance via secreted factors. However, the effects of RES on PCa CAF have not been studied so far. We have investigated here for the first time the effects of RES on the physiology of PCa CAF in the context of TME. Using a prostate cancer CAF cell line and primary cultures of CAF from prostate cancers, we show that RES activates the N-terminal mutated Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel leading to an increase in intracellular calcium concentration and the expression and secretion of growth factors (HGF and VEGF) without inducing apoptosis in these cells. Interestingly, in the present work, we also show that when the prostate cancer cells were co-cultured with CAF, the RES-induced cancer cell apoptosis was reduced by 40%, an apoptosis reduction canceled in the presence of the TRPA1 channel inhibitors. The present work highlights CAF TRPA1 ion channels as a target for RES and the importance of the channel in the epithelial-stromal crosstalk in the TME leading to resistance to the RES-induced apoptosis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Role of resilience and social support in alleviating depression in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

PubMed

Liu, Yueh-Min; Chang, Hong-Jer; Wang, Ru-Hwa; Yang, Li-King; Lu, Kuo-Cheng; Hou, Yi-Chou

2018-01-01

Patients who undergo hemodialysis encounter challenges including role changes, physical degeneration, and difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care. These challenges deteriorate their physiological and psychosocial conditions, resulting in depression. High resilience (RES) and social support can alleviate stress and depression. This study evaluated the importance of RES and social support in managing depression in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). In this descriptive, correlational study, 194 older patients undergoing HD were enrolled from the HD centers of three hospitals in northern Taiwan. The Barthel ADL Index, RES scale, Inventory of Socially Supportive Behavior, and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to evaluate the interaction of RES and social support with illness severity, demographics, and ADLs. Of the total participants, 45.9% experienced depressive symptoms. Demographic analysis showed that men and those with high educational level and income and financial independence had less depression ( p <0.01). Patients with a higher Barthel Index (n=103), RES scale (n=33), and social support (n=113) showed less depressive symptoms ( p <0.01). We found a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and social support ( r =-0.506, p <0.01) and RES ( r =-0.743, p <0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that RES could buffer the effects of symptom severity on depression ( b =-0.436, p <0.01), but social support did not exert a buffering effect. The severity of illness symptoms and ADLs were the major determinants of depressive symptoms. High RES could alleviate depressive symptoms in the older patients undergoing HD.

Solidago Virgaurea for Prostate Cancer Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON USAMRMC a. REPORT U b. ABSTRACT U c...Kounosuke Watabe (2008). RhoC promotes metastasis via activation of Pyk2 pathway in prostate cancer. Cancer Res. 68( 18 ):7613-20. 3. Megumi Iiizumi, Wen...effectively blocked tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis in various mouse xenograft models including pancreatic and gastric cancers [46,49]. Another

NREL: International Activities - Pakistan Resource Maps

Science.gov Websites

. The high-resolution (1-km) annual wind power maps were developed using a numerical modeling approach along with NREL's empirical validation methodology. The high-resolution (10-km) annual and seasonal KB) | High-Res (ZIP 281 KB) 40-km Resolution Annual Maps (Direct) Low-Res (JPG 156 KB) | High-Res

ResStock - Targeting Energy and Cost Savings for U.S. Homes | NREL

Science.gov Websites

ResStock - Targeting Energy and Cost Savings for U.S. Homes Science and Technology Highlights Highlights in Research & Development ResStock - Targeting Energy and Cost Savings for U.S. Homes Key discovered $49 billion in potential annual utility bill savings through cost-effective energy efficiency

University of Utrecht 1636-1676: "Res Ecclesia, Res Publica and … Res Pecunia"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Rinsum, Henk; Koops, Willem

2016-01-01

The early history of Utrecht University (founded 1636) reflects an emerging public sphere (Habermas's "bürgerliche öffentlichkeit") of a major town in the Netherlands. This public sphere was a contested field among the different groups establishing and administering the university: university professors, town magistrates and…

Neuroprotective effect of resveratrol against brain ischemia reperfusion injury in rats entails reduction of DJ-1 protein expression and activation of PI3K/Akt/GSK3b survival pathway.

PubMed

Abdel-Aleem, Ghada A; Khaleel, Eman F; Mostafa, Dalia G; Elberier, Lydia K

2016-10-01

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the mechanistic role of DJ-1/PI3K/Akt survival pathway in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced cerebral damage and to investigate if the resveratrol (RES) mediates its ischemic neuroptotection through this pathway. RES administration to Sham rats boosted glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity and downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase expression without affecting redox levels of DJ-1 forms or components of PI3K/Akt pathway including PTEN, p-Akt or p/p-GSK3b. However, RES pre-administration to I/R rats reduced infarction area, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Concomitantly, RES ameliorated the decreased levels of oxidized forms of DJ-1 and enhancing its reduction, increased the nuclear protein expression of Nfr-2 and led to activation of PI3K/Akt survival pathway. In conclusion, overoxidation of DJ-1 is a major factor that contributes to post-I/R cerebral damage and its reduction by RES could explain the neuroprotection offered by RES.

Nanoparticle-macrophage interactions: A balance between clearance and cell-specific targeting

PubMed Central

Rattan, Rahul; Bhattacharjee, Somnath; Zong, Hong; Swain, Corban; Siddiqui, Muneeb A.; Visovatti, Scott H.; Kanthi, Yogendra; Desai, Sajani; Pinsky, David J.; Goonewardena, Sascha N.

2017-01-01

The surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) are a major factor that influences how these nanomaterials interact with biological systems. Interactions between NPs and macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) can reduce the efficacy of NP diagnostics and therapeutics. Traditionally, to limit NP clearance by the RES system, the NP surface is neutralized with molecules like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) which are known to resist protein adsorption and RES clearance. Unfortunately, PEG modification is not without drawbacks including difficulties with the synthesis and associations with immune reactions. To overcome some of these obstacles, we neutralized the NP surface by acetylation and compared this modification to PEGylation for RES clearance and tumor-specific targeting. We found that acetylation was comparable to PEGylation in reducing RES clearance. Additionally, we found that dendrimer acetylation did not impact folic acid (FA)-mediated targeting of tumor cells whereas PEG surface modification reduced the targeting ability of the NP. These results clarify the impact of different NP surface modifications on RES clearance and cell-specific targeting and provide insights into the design of more effective NPs. PMID:28705434

Dielectric constant adjustments in computations of the scattering properties of solid ice crystals using the Generalized Multi-particle Mie method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yinghui; Aydin, Kültegin; Clothiaux, Eugene E.; Verlinde, Johannes

2014-03-01

Ice crystal scattering properties at microwave radar wavelengths can be modeled with the Generalized Multi-particle Mie (GMM) method by decomposing an ice crystal into a cluster of tiny spheres composed of solid ice. In this decomposition the mass distribution of the tiny spheres in the cluster is no longer equivalent to that in the original ice crystal because of gaps between the tiny spheres. To compensate for the gaps in the cluster representation of an ice crystal in the GMM computation of crystal scattering properties, the Maxwell Garnett approximation is used to estimate what the dielectric function of the tiny spheres (i.e., the inclusions) in the cluster must be to make the cluster of tiny spheres with associated air gaps (i.e., the background matrix) dielectrically equivalent to the original solid ice crystal. Overall, compared with the T-matrix method for spheroids outside resonance regions this approach agrees to within mostly 0.3 dB (and often better) in the horizontal backscattering cross section σhh and the ratio of horizontal and vertical backscattering cross sections σhh/σvv, and 6% for the amplitude scattering matrix elements Re{S22-S11} and Im{S22} in the forward direction. For crystal sizes and wavelengths near resonances, where the scattering parameters are highly sensitive to the crystal shape, the differences are generally within 1.2 dB for σhh and σhh/σvv, 20% for Re{S22-S11} and 6% for Im{S22}. The Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA) results for the same spheroids are generally closer than those of GMM to the T-matrix results. For hexagonal plates the differences between GMM and the DDA at a W-band wavelength (3.19 mm) are mostly within 0.6 dB for σhh, 1 dB for σhh/σvv, 11% for Re{S22-S11} and 12% for Im{S22}. For columns the differences are within 0.3 dB for σhh and σhh/σvv, 8% for Re{S22-S11} and 4% for Im{S22}. This method shows higher accuracy than an alternative method that artificially increases the thickness of ice plates to provide the same mass as the original ice crystal.

Alleviation of Acute Lung Injury in Rats with Sepsis by Resveratrol via the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2 Related Factor 2/Heme Oxygenase-1 (PI3K/Nrf2/HO-1) Pathway.

PubMed

Wang, Yu; Wang, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Lichun; Zhang, Rong

2018-05-30

BACKGROUND Resveratrol (Res) is a type of polyphenol found in many plants, which can protect important organs from the damage induced by sepsis. However, the exact mechanism of its protective effect has not been established. This study investigated the effect of Res on the PI3K/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in rats with sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were treated with 30 mg/kg Res by intraperitoneal administration for 1 hour immediately after cecal ligation and puncture. Levels of MIP-2, IL-18, and IL-10 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Lung tissues were collected to measure the wet-to-dry (W/D) ratios, oxidative stress index, and lung injury scores. Expression levels of Akt, p-Akt, HO-1, Nrf-2, and active caspase-3 proteins were determined by western blotting; expression of HO-1 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS Treatment with Res significantly decreased the levels of MIP-2 and IL-18 and increased IL-10 in the BALF of rats with sepsis-induced ALI. In addition, Res also effectively reduced the W/D lung weight ratio, lung injury score, and the levels of MDA (malondialdehyde) and 8-OHdG. Conversely, Res increased SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity in the lung tissue. Moreover, Res significantly induced higher HO-1 mRNA expression, upregulated HO-1 and Nrf-2 protein expression, and the phosphorylation of Akt in the lung tissue. In contrast, the levels of activated caspase-3 protein were decreased in Res-treated rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Res could inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis to alleviate ALI in septic rats through the inhibition of the PI3K/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Reactive Gaseous Mercury Formation Over The North Pacific Ocean: Influence Of Environmental Parameters On Elemental Mercury Oxidation In The Marine Boundary Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laurier, F. J.

2002-12-01

Global mercury models have identified wet and dry particle deposition and evasion of dissolved gaseous mercury from the ocean and from land as key controls over global mercury cycling (1,2). Recent ocean studies (3,4) however, have indicated that estimated mercury evasion rates from the ocean substantially exceed estimated deposition. Oxidized reactive gaseous mercury species (RGHg) are now known to play a major role in the global mercury cycle (2,5). RGHg species are water-soluble, exhibit a much shorter atmospheric lifetime than elemental mercury, and contribute to a large extent to atmospheric mercury deposition (2,3,6). Although recent global mercury models have accounted for the dry deposition of RGHg derived from point source emissions (6,7), the formation and deposition of RGHg in remote areas have not been incorporated. We suggest that the oxidation of elemental mercury over the ocean, by gas phase or heterogeneous reactions, is an important part the global mercury cycle. In agreement with previous studies (3,8,9) our recent data from atmospheric collections over the North Pacific Ocean support the notion of enhanced oxidation in the marine boundary layer. Our results show an inverse correlation between RGHg production and ozone, and a diurnal cycle with highest concentrations during periods of highest UV irradiation. In addition, the relationship between RGHg and other parameters measured during the cruise will be discussed. Our results clearly show that RGHg deposition to the ocean must be an important Hg source, and a crucial part of the global Hg cycle. (1) Mason R.P., Fitzgerald W.F., and Morel F.M.M. (1994), The biogeochemical cycling of elemental mercury: Anthropogenic influences, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 58: 3191-3198 (2) Shia R.L., Seigneur C., Pai P., Ko M., and Sze N.-D. (1999), Global simulation of atmospheric mercury concentrations and deposition fluxes, J. Geophy. Res., 104(D19), 23, 747-23, 760 (3) Mason, R.P., Lawson N.M., and Sheu G.-R. (2001), Mercury in the Atlantic Ocean: factors controlling air-sea exchange of mercury and its distribution in the upper water, Deep-Sea Res. II, 2829-2853 (4) Lamborg, C.H., Rolfus K.R., and Fitzgerald W.F. (1999), The atmospheric cycling and air-sea exchange of mercury species in the south and equatorial Atlantic Ocean, Deep-Sea Res. II, 957-977 (5) Lindberg S.E., Brooks S., Lin C.-J., Scott K. J., Landis M. S., Stevens R.K., Goodsite M., and Richter A. (2002), Dynamic oxidation of gaseous mercury in the arctic troposphere at polar sunrise, Environ. Sci. Technol., 1245-1256 (6) Bullock O.R. (2000), Modeling assessment of transport and deposition patterns of anthropogenic mercury air emissions in the United States and Canada, Sci Total Environ., 259(1-3), 145-157 (7) Xu X., Yang X., Miller d.R., Helble J.J., and Carley R.J. (2000), a regional scale modelling study of atmospheric transport and formation of mercury. II. Simulation results for the northeast United states, Atmos. Environ., 34: 4945-4955 (8) Sheu G.-R. (2001), Speciation and distribution of atmospheric mercury: Significance of reactive gaseous mercury in the global mercury cycle. PhD. thesis, University of Maryland, College park, pp. 170 (9) Guentzel J.L., Landing W.M., Gill G.A., and Pollman C.D. (2001), Processes influencing rainfall deposition of mercury in Florida, Environ. Sci. Technol., 35: 863-873

Dynamical Networks Characterization of Geomagnetic Substorms and Transient Response to the Solar Wind State.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, S. C.; Dods, J.; Gjerloev, J. W.

2017-12-01

Observations of how the solar wind interacts with earth's magnetosphere, and its dynamical response, are increasingly becoming a data analytics challenge. Constellations of satellites observe the solar corona, the upstream solar wind and throughout earth's magnetosphere. These data are multipoint in space and extended in time, so in principle are ideal for study using dynamical networks to characterize the full time evolving spatial pattern. We focus here on analysis of data from the full set of 100+ auroral ground based magnetometer stations that have been collated by SuperMAG. Spatio-temporal patterns of correlation between the magnetometer time series can be used to form a dynamical network [1]. The properties of the network can then be captured by (time dependent) network parameters. This offers the possibility of characterizing detailed spatio-temporal pattern by a few parameters, so that many events can then be compared [2] with each other. Whilst networks are in widespread use in the data analytics of societal and commercial data, there are additional challenges in their application to physical timeseries. Determining whether two nodes (here, ground based magnetometer stations) are connected in a network (seeing the same dynamics) requires normalization w.r.t. the detailed sensitivities and dynamical responses of specific observing stations and seasonal conductivity variations and we have developed methods to achieve this dynamical normalization. The detailed properties of the network capture time dependent spatial correlation in the magnetometer responses and we will show how this can be used to infer a transient current system response to magnetospheric activity. [l] Dods et al, J. Geophys. Res 120, doi:10.1002/2015JA02 (2015). [2] Dods et al, J. Geophys. Res. 122, doi:10.1002/2016JA02 (2017).

Loading Intensity Prediction by Velocity and the OMNI-RES 0-10 Scale in Bench Press.

PubMed

Naclerio, Fernando; Larumbe-Zabala, Eneko

2017-02-01

Naclerio, F and Larumbe-Zabala, E. Loading intensity prediction by velocity and the OMNI-RES 0-10 scale in bench press. J Strength Cond Res 32(1): 323-329, 2017-This study examined the possibility of using movement velocity and the perceived exertion as indicators of relative load in the bench press (BP) exercise. A total of 308 young, healthy, resistance trained athletes (242 men and 66 women) performed a progressive strength test up to the one repetition maximum for the individual determination of the full load-velocity and load-exertion relationships. Longitudinal regression models were used to predict the relative load from the average velocity (AV) and the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scales (OMNI-RES 0-10 scale), considering sets as the time-related variable. Load associated with the AV and the OMNI-RES 0-10 scale value expressed after performing a set of 1-3 repetitions were used to construct 2 adjusted predictive equations: Relative load = 107.75 - 62.97 × average velocity; and Relative load = 29.03 + 7.26 × OMNI-RES 0-10 scale value. The 2 models were capable of estimating the relative load with an accuracy of 84 and 93%, respectively. These findings confirm the ability of the 2 calculated regression models, using load-velocity and load-exertion from the OMNI-RES 0-10 scale, to accurately predict strength performance in BP.

EEC- and ADULT-associated TP63 mutations exhibit functional heterogeneity toward P63 responsive sequences.

PubMed

Monti, Paola; Russo, Debora; Bocciardi, Renata; Foggetti, Giorgia; Menichini, Paola; Divizia, Maria T; Lerone, Margherita; Graziano, Claudio; Wischmeijer, Anita; Viadiu, Hector; Ravazzolo, Roberto; Inga, Alberto; Fronza, Gilberto

2013-06-01

TP63 germ-line mutations are responsible for a group of human ectodermal dysplasia syndromes, underlining the key role of P63 in the development of ectoderm-derived tissues. Here, we report the identification of two TP63 alleles, G134V (p.Gly173Val) and insR155 (p.Thr193_Tyr194insArg), associated to ADULT and EEC syndromes, respectively. These alleles, along with previously identified G134D (p.Gly173Asp) and R204W (p.Arg243Trp), were functionally characterized in yeast, studied in a mammalian cell line and modeled based on the crystal structure of the P63 DNA-binding domain. Although the p.Arg243Trp mutant showed both complete loss of transactivation function and ability to interfere over wild-type P63, the impact of p.Gly173Asp, p.Gly173Val, and p.Thr193_Tyr194insArg varied depending on the response element (RE) tested. Interestingly, p.Gly173Asp and p.Gly173Val mutants were characterized by a severe defect in transactivation along with interfering ability on two DN-P63α-specific REs derived from genes closely related to the clinical manifestations of the TP63-associated syndromes, namely PERP and COL18A1. The modeling of the mutations supported the distinct functional effect of each mutant. The present results highlight the importance of integrating different functional endpoints that take in account the features of P63 proteins' target sequences to examine the impact of TP63 mutations and the associated clinical variability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The PIN gene family in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): genome-wide identification and gene expression analyses during root development and abiotic stress responses.

PubMed

He, Peng; Zhao, Peng; Wang, Limin; Zhang, Yuzhou; Wang, Xiaosi; Xiao, Hui; Yu, Jianing; Xiao, Guanghui

2017-07-03

Cell elongation and expansion are significant contributors to plant growth and morphogenesis, and are often regulated by environmental cues and endogenous hormones. Auxin is one of the most important phytohormones involved in the regulation of plant growth and development and plays key roles in plant cell expansion and elongation. Cotton fiber cells are a model system for studying cell elongation due to their large size. Cotton is also the world's most utilized crop for the production of natural fibers for textile and garment industries, and targeted expression of the IAA biosynthetic gene iaaM increased cotton fiber initiation. Polar auxin transport, mediated by PIN and AUX/LAX proteins, plays a central role in the control of auxin distribution. However, very limited information about PIN-FORMED (PIN) efflux carriers in cotton is known. In this study, 17 PIN-FORMED (PIN) efflux carrier family members were identified in the Gossypium hirsutum (G. hirsutum) genome. We found that PIN1-3 and PIN2 genes originated from the At subgenome were highly expressed in roots. Additionally, evaluation of gene expression patterns indicated that PIN genes are differentially induced by various abiotic stresses. Furthermore, we found that the majority of cotton PIN genes contained auxin (AuxREs) and salicylic acid (SA) responsive elements in their promoter regions were significantly up-regulated by exogenous hormone treatment. Our results provide a comprehensive analysis of the PIN gene family in G. hirsutum, including phylogenetic relationships, chromosomal locations, and gene expression and gene duplication analyses. This study sheds light on the precise roles of PIN genes in cotton root development and in adaption to stress responses.

Postlingual adult performance in noise with HiRes 120 and ClearVoice Low, Medium, and High.

PubMed

Holden, Laura K; Brenner, Christine; Reeder, Ruth M; Firszt, Jill B

2013-11-01

The study's objectives were to evaluate speech recognition in multiple listening conditions using several noise types with HiRes 120 and ClearVoice (Low, Medium, High) and to determine which ClearVoice program was most beneficial for everyday use. Fifteen postlingual adults attended four sessions; speech recognition was assessed at sessions 1 and 3 with HiRes 120 and at sessions 2 and 4 with all ClearVoice programs. Test measures included sentences presented in restaurant noise (R-SPACE), in speech-spectrum noise, in four- and eight-talker babble, and connected discourse presented in 12-talker babble. Participants completed a questionnaire comparing ClearVoice programs. Significant group differences in performance between HiRes 120 and ClearVoice were present only in the R-SPACE; performance was better with ClearVoice High than HiRes 120. Among ClearVoice programs, no significant group differences were present for any measure. Individual results revealed most participants performed better in the R-SPACE with ClearVoice than HiRes 120. For other measures, significant individual differences between HiRes 120 and ClearVoice were not prevalent. Individual results among ClearVoice programs differed and overall preferences varied. Questionnaire data indicated increased understanding with High and Medium in certain environments. R-SPACE and questionnaire results indicated an advantage for ClearVoice High and Medium. Individual test and preference data showed mixed results between ClearVoice programs making global recommendations difficult; however, results suggest providing ClearVoice High and Medium and HiRes 120 as processor options for adults willing to change settings. For adults unwilling or unable to change settings, ClearVoice Medium is a practical choice for daily listening.

Role of resilience and social support in alleviating depression in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

PubMed Central

Liu, Yueh-Min; Chang, Hong-Jer; Wang, Ru-Hwa; Yang, Li-King; Lu, Kuo-Cheng; Hou, Yi-Chou

2018-01-01

Background Patients who undergo hemodialysis encounter challenges including role changes, physical degeneration, and difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs) and self-care. These challenges deteriorate their physiological and psychosocial conditions, resulting in depression. High resilience (RES) and social support can alleviate stress and depression. This study evaluated the importance of RES and social support in managing depression in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Patients and methods In this descriptive, correlational study, 194 older patients undergoing HD were enrolled from the HD centers of three hospitals in northern Taiwan. The Barthel ADL Index, RES scale, Inventory of Socially Supportive Behavior, and Beck Depression Inventory-II were used. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to evaluate the interaction of RES and social support with illness severity, demographics, and ADLs. Results Of the total participants, 45.9% experienced depressive symptoms. Demographic analysis showed that men and those with high educational level and income and financial independence had less depression (p<0.01). Patients with a higher Barthel Index (n=103), RES scale (n=33), and social support (n=113) showed less depressive symptoms (p<0.01). We found a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and social support (r=−0.506, p<0.01) and RES (r=−0.743, p<0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that RES could buffer the effects of symptom severity on depression (b=−0.436, p<0.01), but social support did not exert a buffering effect. Conclusion The severity of illness symptoms and ADLs were the major determinants of depressive symptoms. High RES could alleviate depressive symptoms in the older patients undergoing HD. PMID:29535526

Noise temperature improvement for magnetic fusion plasma millimeter wave imaging systems

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

Lai, J.; Domier, C. W.; Luhmann, N. C.

2014-03-15

Significant progress has been made in the imaging and visualization of magnetohydrodynamic and microturbulence phenomena in magnetic fusion plasmas [B. Tobias et al., Plasma Fusion Res. 6, 2106042 (2011)]. Of particular importance have been microwave electron cyclotron emission imaging and microwave imaging reflectometry systems for imaging T{sub e} and n{sub e} fluctuations. These instruments have employed heterodyne receiver arrays with Schottky diode mixer elements directly connected to individual antennas. Consequently, the noise temperature has been strongly determined by the conversion loss with typical noise temperatures of ∼60 000 K. However, this can be significantly improved by making use of recent advancesmore » in Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit chip low noise amplifiers to insert a pre-amplifier in front of the Schottky diode mixer element. In a proof-of-principle design at V-Band (50–75 GHz), significant improvement of noise temperature from the current 60 000 K to measured 4000 K has been obtained.« less

Acceptability and Reliability of a Novel Palliative Care Screening Tool Among Emergency Department Providers.

PubMed

Bowman, Jason; George, Naomi; Barrett, Nina; Anderson, Kelsey; Dove-Maguire, Kalie; Baird, Janette

2016-06-01

The Palliative Care and Rapid Emergency Screening (P-CaRES) Project is an initiative intended to improve access to palliative care (PC) among emergency department (ED) patients with life-limiting illness by facilitating early referral for inpatient PC consultations. In the previous two phases of this project, we derived and validated a novel PC screening tool. This paper reports on the third and final preimplementation phase. Examine the acceptability of the P-CaRES tool among PC and ED providers as well as test its reliability on case vignettes. Compare variations in reliability and acceptability of the tool based on ED providers' roles (attendings, residents, and nurses) and lengths of experience. A two-part electronic survey was distributed to ED providers at multiple sites across the United States. We tested the reliability of the tool in the first part of the survey, through a series of case vignettes. A criterion standard of correct responses was first defined by consensus input from expert PC physicians' interpretations of the vignettes. The experts' input was validated using the Gwet's AC1 coefficient for inter-rater reliability. ED providers were then presented with the case vignettes and asked to use the P-CaRES tool to correctly identify which patients had unmet PC needs. ED provider responses were compared both against the criterion standard and against different subsets of respondents (divided both by role and by level of experience). The second part of the survey assessed acceptability of the P-CaRES tool among ED providers using responses to questions from a modified Ottawa Acceptability of Decision Rules Instrument, based on a 1-5 Likert rating scale. Descriptive statistics were used to report all outcomes. In total, 213 ED providers employed in three different regions across the country responded to the survey (39.4%) and 185 (86.9%) of those completed it. The majority of providers felt that the tool would be useful in their practice (80.5%), agreed that the tool was clear and unambiguous (87.1%), thought that use of the tool would likely benefit patients (87.5%), and thought that it would result in improved use of resources to help severely ill patients (83.6%). Over three-quarters of ED providers (78.5%) also self-reported that they refer patients with unmet PC needs less than 10% of the time, and only 10.8% of respondents believed that they are already utilizing an effective strategy to screen or refer patients to PC. Applying our P-CaRES tool to case vignettes, ED providers generated PC referrals in concordance with PC experts over 88.7% of the time (95% confidence interval = 86.4% to 90.6%), with an overall sensitivity of more than 90%. These results varied minimally regardless of the respondent's role in the ED or their level of experience. Screening by emergency medicine providers for unmet PC needs using a brief, novel, content-validated screening tool is acceptable and is also reliable when applied to case vignettes-regardless of provider role or experience. Clinical trial and further study are warranted and are currently under way. © 2016 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

Recycling Endosomes of Polarized Epithelial Cells Actively Sort Apical and Basolateral Cargos into Separate Subdomains

PubMed Central

Thompson, Anthony; Nessler, Randy; Wisco, Dolora; Anderson, Eric; Winckler, Bettina

2007-01-01

The plasma membranes of epithelial cells plasma membranes contain distinct apical and basolateral domains that are critical for their polarized functions. However, both domains are continuously internalized, with proteins and lipids from each intermixing in supranuclear recycling endosomes (REs). To maintain polarity, REs must faithfully recycle membrane proteins back to the correct plasma membrane domains. We examined sorting within REs and found that apical and basolateral proteins were laterally segregated into subdomains of individual REs. Subdomains were absent in unpolarized cells and developed along with polarization. Subdomains were formed by an active sorting process within REs, which precedes the formation of AP-1B–dependent basolateral transport vesicles. Both the formation of subdomains and the fidelity of basolateral trafficking were dependent on PI3 kinase activity. This suggests that subdomain and transport vesicle formation occur as separate sorting steps and that both processes may contribute to sorting fidelity. PMID:17494872

Renewable energy sources in Bulgaria: Current state and trends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolev, K.

The over-dependency of Bulgaria on imported fuel stressed the importance of developing a new energy strategy based on energy saving which includes also using renewable energy sources (RES). The target is the substitution of at least 2 percent of the real primary energy consumption with RES by 2010. The author gives a generalized analysis of the available RES in Bulgaria -solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and mini-hydraulic. The potentialities of each source for its usage as a suitable energy supply are pointed out, as well as the current status of research and implementation work, problems connected with legislation, financing and production of particular facilities. The governmental policy concerning RES is considered briefly. A description is given to the project 'Technical and Economical Assessment of Possibilities for Expansion of the RES-part in the Energy Balance of the Country' developed and started in 1994 in the framework of the PHARE program.

[Comparison of the accuracy of rectal endoscopic sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis].

PubMed

Kanté, F; Belghiti, J; Roseau, G; Thomassin-Naggara, I; Bazot, M; Daraï, E; Ballester, M

2017-03-01

To compare the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and rectal endoscopic sonography (RES) for the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis. In retrospective study, 407 patients operated on service of gynecology of Tenon hospital for deep endometriosis with suspected colorectal involvement. All patients underwent MRI and then RES. In the study, 239 patients (59%) had colorectal endometriosis which were diagnosed with the histology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of RES and MRI for the diagnosis of colorectal endometriosis were respectively 92%, 87%, 91%, 88% and 85%, 88%, 91%, 80%. The accuracy of RES was not significantly different than MRI (90% versus 86%, P=0.09). RES is a good exam to diagnose colorectal endometriosis. It is able to improve diagnosis performances. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Binding of resveratrol with sodium caseinate in aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Acharya, Durga P; Sanguansri, Luz; Augustin, Mary Ann

2013-11-15

The interaction between resveratrol (Res) and sodium caseinate (Na-Cas) has been studied by measuring fluorescence quenching of the protein by resveratrol. Quenching constants were determined using Stern-Volmer equation, which suggests that both dynamic and static quenching occur between Na-Cas and Res. Binding constants for the complexation between Na-Cas and Res were determined at different temperatures. The large binding constants (3.7-5.1×10(5)M(-1)) suggest that Res has strong affinity for Na-Cas. This affinity decreases as the temperature is raised from 25 to 37°C. The binding involves both hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction, as suggested by negative enthalpy change and positive entropy change for the binding reaction. The present study indicates that Na-Cas, a common food protein, may be used as a carrier of Res, a bioactive polyphenol which is insoluble in both water and oils. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of military component and deployment-related experiences on mental disorders among Canadian military personnel who deployed to Afghanistan: a cross-sectional survey

PubMed Central

Boulos, David; Fikretoglu, Deniz

2018-01-01

Objective The primary objective was to explore differences in mental health problems (MHP) between serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) components (Regular Force (RegF); Reserve Force (ResF)) with an Afghanistan deployment and to assess the contribution of both component and deployment experiences to MHP using covariate-adjusted prevalence difference estimates. Additionally, mental health services use (MHSU) was descriptively assessed among those with a mental disorder. Design Data came from the 2013 CAF Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of serving personnel (n=72 629). Analyses were limited to those with an Afghanistan deployment (population n=35 311; sampled n=4854). Logistic regression compared MHP between RegF and ResF members. Covariate-adjusted prevalence differences were computed. Primary outcome measure The primary outcomes were MHP, past-year mental disorders, identified using the WHO’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and past-year suicide ideation. Results ResF personnel were less likely to be identified with a past-year anxiety disorder (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.72 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.90)), specifically both generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, but more likely to be identified with a past-year alcohol abuse disorder (AOR=1.63 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.58)). The magnitude of the covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence differences for component was highest for the any anxiety disorder outcome, 2.8% (95% CI 1.0 to 4.6); lower for ResF. All but one deployment-related experience variable had some association with MHP. The ‘ever felt responsible for the death of a Canadian or ally personnel’ experience had the strongest association with MHP; its estimated covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence difference was highest for the any (of the six measured) mental disorder outcome (11.2% (95% CI 6.6 to 15.9)). Additionally, ResF reported less past-year MHSU and more past-year civilian MHSU. Conclusions Past-year MHP differences were identified between components. Our findings suggest that although deployment-related experiences were highly associated with MHP, these only partially accounted for MHP differences between components. Additional research is needed to further investigate MHSU differences between components. PMID:29530906

High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP v1.0) for CMIP6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haarsma, Reindert J.; Roberts, Malcolm J.; Vidale, Pier Luigi; Senior, Catherine A.; Bellucci, Alessio; Bao, Qing; Chang, Ping; Corti, Susanna; Fučkar, Neven S.; Guemas, Virginie; von Hardenberg, Jost; Hazeleger, Wilco; Kodama, Chihiro; Koenigk, Torben; Leung, L. Ruby; Lu, Jian; Luo, Jing-Jia; Mao, Jiafu; Mizielinski, Matthew S.; Mizuta, Ryo; Nobre, Paulo; Satoh, Masaki; Scoccimarro, Enrico; Semmler, Tido; Small, Justin; von Storch, Jin-Song

2016-11-01

Robust projections and predictions of climate variability and change, particularly at regional scales, rely on the driving processes being represented with fidelity in model simulations. The role of enhanced horizontal resolution in improved process representation in all components of the climate system is of growing interest, particularly as some recent simulations suggest both the possibility of significant changes in large-scale aspects of circulation as well as improvements in small-scale processes and extremes. However, such high-resolution global simulations at climate timescales, with resolutions of at least 50 km in the atmosphere and 0.25° in the ocean, have been performed at relatively few research centres and generally without overall coordination, primarily due to their computational cost. Assessing the robustness of the response of simulated climate to model resolution requires a large multi-model ensemble using a coordinated set of experiments. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) is the ideal framework within which to conduct such a study, due to the strong link to models being developed for the CMIP DECK experiments and other model intercomparison projects (MIPs). Increases in high-performance computing (HPC) resources, as well as the revised experimental design for CMIP6, now enable a detailed investigation of the impact of increased resolution up to synoptic weather scales on the simulated mean climate and its variability. The High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) presented in this paper applies, for the first time, a multi-model approach to the systematic investigation of the impact of horizontal resolution. A coordinated set of experiments has been designed to assess both a standard and an enhanced horizontal-resolution simulation in the atmosphere and ocean. The set of HighResMIP experiments is divided into three tiers consisting of atmosphere-only and coupled runs and spanning the period 1950-2050, with the possibility of extending to 2100, together with some additional targeted experiments. This paper describes the experimental set-up of HighResMIP, the analysis plan, the connection with the other CMIP6 endorsed MIPs, as well as the DECK and CMIP6 historical simulations. HighResMIP thereby focuses on one of the CMIP6 broad questions, "what are the origins and consequences of systematic model biases?", but we also discuss how it addresses the World Climate Research Program (WCRP) grand challenges.

Influence of military component and deployment-related experiences on mental disorders among Canadian military personnel who deployed to Afghanistan: a cross-sectional survey.

PubMed

Boulos, David; Fikretoglu, Deniz

2018-03-12

The primary objective was to explore differences in mental health problems (MHP) between serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) components (Regular Force (RegF); Reserve Force (ResF)) with an Afghanistan deployment and to assess the contribution of both component and deployment experiences to MHP using covariate-adjusted prevalence difference estimates. Additionally, mental health services use (MHSU) was descriptively assessed among those with a mental disorder. Data came from the 2013 CAF Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey of serving personnel (n=72 629). Analyses were limited to those with an Afghanistan deployment (population n=35 311; sampled n=4854). Logistic regression compared MHP between RegF and ResF members. Covariate-adjusted prevalence differences were computed. The primary outcomes were MHP, past-year mental disorders, identified using the WHO's Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and past-year suicide ideation. ResF personnel were less likely to be identified with a past-year anxiety disorder (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.72 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.90)), specifically both generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder, but more likely to be identified with a past-year alcohol abuse disorder (AOR=1.63 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.58)). The magnitude of the covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence differences for component was highest for the any anxiety disorder outcome, 2.8% (95% CI 1.0 to 4.6); lower for ResF. All but one deployment-related experience variable had some association with MHP. The 'ever felt responsible for the death of a Canadian or ally personnel' experience had the strongest association with MHP; its estimated covariate-adjusted disorder prevalence difference was highest for the any (of the six measured) mental disorder outcome (11.2% (95% CI 6.6 to 15.9)). Additionally, ResF reported less past-year MHSU and more past-year civilian MHSU. Past-year MHP differences were identified between components. Our findings suggest that although deployment-related experiences were highly associated with MHP, these only partially accounted for MHP differences between components. Additional research is needed to further investigate MHSU differences between components. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

78 FR 54669 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed RES Americas Moapa Solar Energy Center...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-05

... Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed RES Americas Moapa Solar Energy Center, Clark County, Nevada... environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed RES Americas Moapa Solar Energy Center on the Moapa River... Progress and on the following Web site: www.MoapaSolarEnergyCenterEIS.com . In order to be fully considered...

A "Research" into International Student-Related Research: (Re)visualising Our Stand?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdullah, Doria; Abd Aziz, Mohd Ismail; Mohd Ibrahim, Abdul Latiff

2014-01-01

This paper uses Tight ("High Educ Res Dev" 23(4):395-411, 2004; "High Educ Res Dev" 31(5):723-740, 2012; "High Educ Res Dev" 32(1):136-151, 2013)'s journal analysis and review framework to review a sample of 497 journal articles on researches concerning international students over the past 30 years. It was found…

Unraveling the Raman Enhancement Mechanism on 1T'-Phase ReS2 Nanosheets.

PubMed

Miao, Peng; Qin, Jing-Kai; Shen, Yunfeng; Su, Huimin; Dai, Junfeng; Song, Bo; Du, Yunchen; Sun, Mengtao; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Hsing-Lin; Xu, Cheng-Yan; Xu, Ping

2018-04-01

2D transition metal dichalcogenides materials are explored as potential surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates. Herein, a systematic study of the Raman enhancement mechanism on distorted 1T (1T') rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) nanosheets is demonstrated. Combined Raman and photoluminescence studies with the introduction of an Al 2 O 3 dielectric layer unambiguously reveal that Raman enhancement on ReS 2 materials is from a charge transfer process rather than from an energy transfer process, and Raman enhancement is inversely proportional while the photoluminescence quenching effect is proportional to the layer number (thickness) of ReS 2 nanosheets. On monolayer ReS 2 film, a strong resonance-enhanced Raman scattering effect dependent on the laser excitation energy is detected, and a detection limit as low as 10 -9 m can be reached from the studied dye molecules such as rhodamine 6G and methylene blue. Such a high enhancement factor achieved through enhanced charge interaction between target molecule and substrate suggests that with careful consideration of the layer-number-dependent feature and excitation-energy-related resonance effect, ReS 2 is a promising Raman enhancement platform for sensing applications. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Analyses of electron runaway in front of the negative streamer channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babich, L. P.; Bochkov, E. I.; Kutsyk, I. M.; Neubert, T.; Chanrion, O.

2017-08-01

X-ray and γ-ray emissions, observed in correlation with negative leaders of lightning and long sparks of high-voltage laboratory experiments, are conventionally connected with the bremsstrahlung of high-energy runaway electrons (REs). Here we extend a focusing mechanism, analyzed in our previous paper, which allows the electric field to reach magnitudes, required for a generation of significant RE fluxes and associated bremsstrahlung, when the ionization wave propagates in a narrow, ionized channel created by a previous streamer. Under such conditions we compute the production rate of REs per unit streamer length as a function of the streamer velocity and predict that, once a streamer is formed with the electric field capable of producing REs ahead of the streamer front, the ionization induced by the REs is capable of creating an ionized channel that allows for self-sustained propagation of the RE-emitting ionization wave independent of the initial electron concentration. Thus, the streamer coronas of the leaders are probable sources of REs producing the observed high-energy radiation. To prove these predictions, new simulations are planned, which would show explicitly that the preionization in front of the channel via REs will lead to the ionization wave propagation self-consistent with RE generation.

Large-Area CVD-Grown Sub-2 V ReS2 Transistors and Logic Gates.

PubMed

Dathbun, Ajjiporn; Kim, Youngchan; Kim, Seongchan; Yoo, Youngjae; Kang, Moon Sung; Lee, Changgu; Cho, Jeong Ho

2017-05-10

We demonstrated the fabrication of large-area ReS 2 transistors and logic gates composed of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown multilayer ReS 2 semiconductor channel and graphene electrodes. Single-layer graphene was used as the source/drain and coplanar gate electrodes. An ion gel with an ultrahigh capacitance effectively gated the ReS 2 channel at a low voltage, below 2 V, through a coplanar gate. The contact resistance of the ion gel-gated ReS 2 transistors with graphene electrodes decreased dramatically compared with the SiO 2 -devices prepared with Cr electrodes. The resulting transistors exhibited good device performances, including a maximum electron mobility of 0.9 cm 2 /(V s) and an on/off current ratio exceeding 10 4 . NMOS logic devices, such as NOT, NAND, and NOR gates, were assembled using the resulting transistors as a proof of concept demonstration of the applicability of the devices to complex logic circuits. The large-area synthesis of ReS 2 semiconductors and graphene electrodes and their applications in logic devices open up new opportunities for realizing future flexible electronics based on 2D nanomaterials.

Transcriptional regulation of fksA, a β-1,3-glucan synthase gene, by the APSES protein StuA during Aspergillus nidulans development.

PubMed

Park, Bum-Chan; Park, Yun-Hee; Yi, Soohyun; Choi, Yu Kyung; Kang, Eun-Hye; Park, Hee-Moon

2014-11-01

The temporal and spatial regulation of β-1,3-glucan synthesis plays an important role in morphogenesis during fungal growth and development. Northern blot analysis showed that the transcription of fksA, the gene encoding β-1,3-glucan synthase in Aspergillus nidulans, was cell-cycle-dependent and increased steadily over the duration of the vegetative period, but its overall expression during the asexual and sexual stages was fairly constant up until the time of transcription cessation. In an A. nidulans strain mutated in the eukaryotic bHLH-like APSES transcription factor stuA1, the transcriptional level of fksA, and consequently the content of alkali-insoluble cell wall β-glucan, significantly increased at the conidial chain formation and maturation stage. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that StuA was bound to StREs (StuA Response Elements) on the fksA promoter region. Promoter analysis with sGFP-fusion constructs also indicated the negative regulation of fksA expression by StuA, especially during asexual development. Taken together, these data suggest that StuA plays an important role in cell wall biogenesis during the development of A. nidulans, by controlling the transcription level of fksA.

Microgravity can activate signals urging cells to S-phase entry during tissue and organ regeneration in Urodele amphibians exposed to real and simulated microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigoryan, E.; Anton, H.-J.; Mitashov, V.

Regenerative response following local injury or tissue removal in urodele amphibians is dependent on cell cycle entry of cells sources for regeneration in the remaining tissue. In a number of our experiments performed aboard biosatellites in orbital flights and fast rotated clinostat we found enhanced proliferative activity and, as a result, regeneration quicker than that in controls. In each investigated case an activity of cell proliferation evaluated by 3H-thymidine radioautography and BrdU assay at the early stages of lens, retina, forelimb and tail regeneration in newts was about 1,2-1,7 fold higher both under conditions of real and physiological weightlessness as compared with controls. Faster S-phase entry under conditions of micro- g was demonstrated by cycling multipotent cells as well as by differentiated postmitotic cells both participated in regeneration. Important, that cycling cells outside areas of regeneration were also found as displayed faster cellular growth. In our papers (1,2,3,4) we offered some hypothesis that could explain mechanisms of low g stimulating effect upon cell growth in regeneration in Urodela. In particular, changes in expression of some growth factors and their receptors, as well as the synthesis of specific range of generalized stress proteins (AGSPs) were proposed. However, in fact, molecular mechanisms of micro- g effect upon cell proliferation are mediated by changes on organismic level induced by micro- g environment. Some of them which are able to trigger off signaling changes on the cellular level that, in turn, evoke cells to grow faster would be represented in our report. 1. Mitashov V. et al. Adv. Space Res. 1996. 17 (6/7): 241-255 2. Anton H.-J. et al. Adv. Space Res. 1996. 17 (6/7): 55-65 3. Grigoryan E. et al. Adv. Space Res. 1998. 22 (2): 293-301 4. Grigoryan E. et al. Adv. Space Res. 2002. 30 (4): 757-764

Mitochondrial Structure and Reactive Oxygen Species in Mammary Oncogenesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

for the subunits of this Complex responsible for the hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma (2- 4,12,13,30,31,32) suggest that Complex II...familial pheochromocytoma and to familial paraganglioma. Am J Hum Genet. 2001, 69:49-54. 3. Baysal BE, Ferrell RE, Willett-Brozick JE, Lawrence EC...Eng C. Somatic and occult germ-line mutations in SDHD, a mitochondrial complex II gene, in nonfamilial pheochromocytoma . Cancer Res. 2000, 60

Involvement of 53BP1, a p53 Binding Protein, in Chk2 Phosphyorylation of p53 and DNA Damage Cell Cycle Checkpoints

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-05-01

between 53BP1 and the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) was recently identified in a patient with a myeloproliferative disorder.32 The 53BP1-PDGF...receptor beta in a patient with a t(5;15)(q33;q22) and an imatinib-responsive eosinophilic myeloproliferative disorder. Cancer Res 2004; 64:7216-9

Electron temperature response to ECRH on FTU tokamak in transient conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacchia, A.; Bruschi, A.; Cirant, S.; Granucci, G.; Sozzi, C.; de Luca, F.; Amadeo, P.; Bracco, G.; Tudisco, O.

2001-10-01

Steady-state electron heat transport analysis of FTU high density plasmas under Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECRH) shows "stiff" electron temperature profiles [1,2,3]. Plasma response to off-axis EC heating, in fact, exibits a lower limit to electron temperature gradient length, Lc , below which electron thermal conductivity switches to higher values. Stiffness, however, is attenuated in the plasma core of saw-tooth free discharges with flat-hollow temperature profile and during current ramp-up [3,4,5], in which cases the temperature gradient length can be brought to very low values by means of on-axis ECH. Steady and current ramp-up discharges probed by steady and modulated ECH are analyzed in terms of stiffnes. Critical gradient length dependence on local features of computed current density profile is discussed. [1] Sozzi, C. et al., Paper EXP5/13, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fus. Res., Proc.18th IAEA Conf., Sorrento, 2000. [2] Jacchia, A. et al. Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas, Oxnard, USA, (2001). [3] Cirant, S. et al. Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas, Oxnard, USA, (2001). [4] Sozzi, C. et al., EPS, Madeira 2001. [5] Bracco, G. et al.,Plasma Phys. Contr. Fus. Res., Proc.18th IAEA Conf., Sorrento, 2000.

Induction of Shock After Intravenous Injection of Adenovirus Vectors: A Critical Role for Platelet-activating Factor

PubMed Central

Xu, Zhili; Smith, Jeffrey S.; Tian, Jie; Byrnes, Andrew P.

2009-01-01

Innate immune responses are a major barrier to safe systemic gene therapy with adenovirus (Ad) vectors. We show that intravenous (IV) injection of rats with Ad5 vectors causes a novel rapid shock reaction that involves hypotension, hemoconcentration, tissue edema, and vasocongestion, with notable pathology in the pancreas and the gastrointestinal system. We show for the first time that this reaction is dependent on platelet-activating factor (PAF), a lipid signaling molecule that is a known shock inducer. Ad upregulated PAF within 5 minutes in vivo, and antagonists of the PAF receptor were able to prevent Ad-induced shock. Ad upregulated PAF via the reticuloendothelial system (RES), because splenectomy or depletion of phagocytes blocked the ability of Ad to induce both PAF and shock. Rats were considerably more sensitive to Ad-induced shock than were mice, but PAF mediated shock in both species. Other Ad-induced innate immune responses such as cytokine induction and thrombocytopenia were not mediated by PAF. In summary, systemic IV injection of Ad stimulates the RES to upregulate PAF within a matter of minutes, which results in shock. The identification of this novel pathway suggests strategies to improve the safety of systemic gene therapy with Ad vectors. PMID:19953082

Automatic white blood cell classification using pre-trained deep learning models: ResNet and Inception

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habibzadeh, Mehdi; Jannesari, Mahboobeh; Rezaei, Zahra; Baharvand, Hossein; Totonchi, Mehdi

2018-04-01

This works gives an account of evaluation of white blood cell differential counts via computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system and hematology rules. Leukocytes, also called white blood cells (WBCs) play main role of the immune system. Leukocyte is responsible for phagocytosis and immunity and therefore in defense against infection involving the fatal diseases incidence and mortality related issues. Admittedly, microscopic examination of blood samples is a time consuming, expensive and error-prone task. A manual diagnosis would search for specific Leukocytes and number abnormalities in the blood slides while complete blood count (CBC) examination is performed. Complications may arise from the large number of varying samples including different types of Leukocytes, related sub-types and concentration in blood, which makes the analysis prone to human error. This process can be automated by computerized techniques which are more reliable and economical. In essence, we seek to determine a fast, accurate mechanism for classification and gather information about distribution of white blood evidences which may help to diagnose the degree of any abnormalities during CBC test. In this work, we consider the problem of pre-processing and supervised classification of white blood cells into their four primary types including Neutrophils, Eosinophils, Lymphocytes, and Monocytes using a consecutive proposed deep learning framework. For first step, this research proposes three consecutive pre-processing calculations namely are color distortion; bounding box distortion (crop) and image flipping mirroring. In second phase, white blood cell recognition performed with hierarchy topological feature extraction using Inception and ResNet architectures. Finally, the results obtained from the preliminary analysis of cell classification with (11200) training samples and 1244 white blood cells evaluation data set are presented in confusion matrices and interpreted using accuracy rate, and false positive with the classification framework being validated with experiments conducted on poor quality blood images sized 320 × 240 pixels. The deferential outcomes in the challenging cell detection task, as shown in result section, indicate that there is a significant achievement in using Inception and ResNet architecture with proposed settings. Our framework detects on average 100% of the four main white blood cell types using ResNet V1 50 while also alternative promising result with 99.84% and 99.46% accuracy rate obtained with ResNet V1 152 and ResNet 101, respectively with 3000 epochs and fine-tuning all layers. Further statistical confusion matrix tests revealed that this work achieved 1, 0.9979, 0.9989 sensitivity values when area under the curve (AUC) scores above 1, 0.9992, 0.9833 on three proposed techniques. In addition, current work shows negligible and small false negative 0, 2, 1 and substantial false positive with 0, 0, 5 values in Leukocytes detection.

Pramipexole enhances disadvantageous decision-making: Lack of relation to changes in phasic dopamine release.

PubMed

Pes, Romina; Godar, Sean C; Fox, Andrew T; Burgeno, Lauren M; Strathman, Hunter J; Jarmolowicz, David P; Devoto, Paola; Levant, Beth; Phillips, Paul E; Fowler, Stephen C; Bortolato, Marco

2017-03-01

Pramipexole (PPX) is a high-affinity D 2 -like dopamine receptor agonist, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome. Recent evidence indicates that PPX increases the risk of problem gambling and impulse-control disorders in vulnerable patients. Although the molecular bases of these complications remain unclear, several authors have theorized that PPX may increase risk propensity by activating presynaptic dopamine receptors in the mesolimbic system, resulting in the reduction of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). To test this possibility, we subjected rats to a probability-discounting task specifically designed to capture the response to disadvantageous options. PPX enhanced disadvantageous decision-making at a dose (0.3 mg/kg/day, SC) that reduced phasic dopamine release in the NAcc. To test whether these modifications in dopamine efflux were responsible for the observed neuroeconomic deficits, PPX was administered in combination with the monoamine-depleting agent reserpine (RES), at a low dose (1 mg/kg/day, SC) that did not affect baseline locomotor and operant responses. Contrary to our predictions, RES surprisingly exacerbated the effects of PPX on disadvantageous decision-making, even though it failed to augment PPX-induced decreases in phasic dopamine release. These results collectively suggest that PPX impairs the discounting of probabilistic losses and that the enhancement in risk-taking behaviors secondary to this drug may be dissociated from dynamic changes in mesolimbic dopamine release. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of micrometre-sized fossil by laser mass spectrometer (LMS) designed for in situ space research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tulej, Marek; Neubeck, Anna; Ivarsson, Magnus; Brigitte Neuland, Maike; Riedo, Andreas; Wurz, Peter

2015-04-01

Search for signatures of life on other planets is one of the most important goals of current planetary missions. Among various possible biomarkers, which can be investigated in situ on planetary surfaces, the detection of bio-relevant elements in planetary materials is of considerable interest and the abundance of isotopes can be important signatures of past and present bioactivities [1, 2]. We investigate the chemical composition of fossilised biological inclusions embedded in a carbonate host phase by a miniature laser ablation mass spectrometer (LMS) [3]. The LMS instrument combines a laser ablation ion source for ablation, atomisation and ionisation of surface material with a reflectron time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. LMS delivers mass spectra of almost all elements and their isotopes. In the current setup a fs-laser ablation ion source is applied with high lateral (15 um) and vertical (sub-um) resolution [4, 7] and the mass analyser supports mass resolution of 400-500 (at 56Fe mass peak) and dynamic range of eight orders of magnitude [5, 6]. From the 200 mass spectra recorded at 200 different locations on the carbonate sample surface, five mass spectra were identified which recorded the chemical composition of inclusions; from the other mass spectra the composition of the carbonate host matrix could be determined. The microscopic inspection of the sample surface and correlation with the coordinates of the laser ablation measurements made the confirmation to the location of the inclusion [8]. For the carbonate host matrix, the mass spectrometric analysis yielded the major elements H, C, O, Na, Mg, K and Ca and the trace elements Li, B and Cl. The measurements at the inclusion locations yielded in addition, the detection of F, Si, P, S, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co and Se. For most of the major elements the isotope ratios were found to be conform to the terrestrial values within a few per mills, while for minor and trace elements the determination of isotope ratios were less accurate due to low signal to noise ratios (SNR). The isotope abundances for the lightest isotope of B, S were observed to be larger than terrestrial, which is consistent with isotope fractionation by bio-relevant processes and a salty ocean. The studies demonstrates the current performance of the miniature LMS for in situ investigation of highly heterogeneous samples and its capabilities for the identification of fossilised biological matter. References: [1] Summons et al., Astrobiology, 11, 157, 2011. [2] Wurz et al., Sol. Sys. Res. 46 408, 2012. [3] Rohner et al.,Meas. Sci. Technol., 14, 2159, 2003. [4] Riedo et al., J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom. 28, 1256, 2013. [5] Riedo et al., J. Mass Spectrom.48, 1, 2013. [6] Neuland et al., Planet. Space. Sci. 101, 196, 2014. [7] Grimaudo et al., Anal. Chem. 2014, submitted. [8] Tulej et al. Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 2014; DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-908X.2014.00302.x

How to improve the collection and analysis of hospital antibiotic consumption: preliminary results of the ConsoRes software experimental implementation.

PubMed

Boussat, S; Demoré, B; Lozniewski, A; Aissa, N; Rabaud, C

2012-04-01

The online software ConsoRes is used to collect and analyze data on antibiotic consumption and evolution of bacterial resistance in healthcare institutions in every hospital ward (HW). We report the first results of ConsoRes implementation in the northeast hospitals of France. ConsoRes was implemented in January 2011, in nine volunteer hospitals after performing an onsite assessment. Five of these hospitals were already monitoring antibiotic consumption with a network such as Raisin ATB or Antibiolor, providing feedback on the various evaluation tools. The ConsoRes data collection import function meets expectations of pharmacists, bacteriologists, or clinicians since it is user friendly, prevents redundant data input, and allows data transfer to the national databases. Importing the hospital organizational structure prevents mistakes on consumption allocation, which was noted in the previous databases, and makes comparison and benchmark analysis reliable. ConsoRes also provides a rapid consumption data feedback to all registered users within the hospital, whether in charge of a ward (clinician) or having a transversal function (pharmacist, bacteriologist). The availability of an automatic standard report or of an online customized report is another major feature of ConsoRes. Besides providing surveillance, the concomitant analysis of local antibiotic consumption and bacterial resistance should have an educational impact by allowing each user to implement actions within the framework of antibiotic stewardship. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) suppresses EL4 tumor growth by induction of apoptosis involving reciprocal regulation of SIRT1 and NF-κB

PubMed Central

Singh, Narendra P.; Singh, Udai P.; Hegde, Venkatesh L.; Guan, Hongbing; Hofseth, Lorne; Nagarkatti, Mitzi; Nagarkatti, Prakash S.

2012-01-01

Scope Understanding the molecular mechanisms through which natural products and dietary supplements exhibit anticancer properties is crucial and can lead to drug discovery and chemoprevention. The current study sheds new light on the mode of action of Resveratarol (RES), a plant-derived polyphenolic compound, against EL-4 lymphoma growth. Methods and results Immuno-compromised NOD/SCID mice injected with EL-4 tumor cells and treated with RES (100 mg/kg body weight) showed delayed development and progression of tumor growth and increased mean survival time. RES caused apoptosis in EL4 cells through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and upregulation of Fas and FasL expression in vitro. Blocking of RES-induced apoptosis in EL4 cells by FasL mAb, cleavage of caspases and PARP, and release of cytochorme c, demonstrated the participation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. RES also induced upregulation of SIRT1 and downregulation of NF-kB in EL4 cells. SiRNA-mediated down regulation of SIRT1 in EL4 cells increased the activation of NF-kB but decreased RES-mediated apoptosis, indicating the critical role of SIRT1 in apoptosis via blocking activation of NF-kB. Conclusion These data suggest that RES-induced SIRT1 upregulation promotes tumor cell apoptosis through negative regulation of NF-kB, leading to suppression of tumor growth. PMID:21520490

Evaluation of free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidative damage effect of resveratrol-nanostructured lipid carriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Ju; Shi, Fan; Li, Qiu-wen; Li, Pei-shan; Chen, Tong-sheng; Wang, Yi-fei; Wang, Zhi-ping

2016-03-01

Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like reactive oxygen species has been implicated in several diseases. 2, 2-azobis(2-amidino-propane) dihydrochloride(AAPH) generates two potent ROS capable of inducing lipid peroxidation: alkoxy radical(RO-) and peroxy radical(ROO-). These radicals are similar to those that are physiologically active and thus might initiate a cascade of intracellular toxic events leading to oxidation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and subsequent cell death. Hence naturally anti-oxidant play a vital role in combating these conditions. In this study, resveratrol loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Res-NLC) was prepared by hot melting and then high pressure homogenization technique. The effects of Res-NLC on free radical scavenging capacity and antioxidative damage is investigated. The particle size and zeta potential of Res-NLC were 139.3 ± 1.7 nm and -11.21 ± 0.41 mV, respectively. By free radical scavenging assays, the IC50 value of Res-NLC were 19.25, 5.29 μg/mL with DPPH, ABTS assay respectively, and 0.161 mg ferrous sulfate/1 mg Res-NLC with FRAP assay; and by AAPH-induced oxidative injury cell model assay, Res-NLC showed the strong protective effect against the human liver tumor HepG2 cell oxidative stress damage. These results indicated that the antioxidant properties of Res-NLC hold great potential used as an alternative to more toxic synthetic antioxidants as an additive in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations for the oxidative diseases treatment.

Electronic properties of atomic layer deposition films, anatase and rutile TiO2 studied by resonant photoemission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, C.; Richter, M.; Tallarida, M.; Schmeisser, D.

2016-07-01

The TiO2 films are prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) method using titanium isopropoxide precursors at 250 °C and analyzed using resonant photoemission spectroscopy (resPES). We report on the Ti2p and O1s core levels, on the valence band (VB) spectra and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data, and on the resonant photoelectron spectroscopy (resPES) profiles at the O1s and the Ti3p absorption edges. We determine the elemental abundance, the position of the VB maxima, the partial density of states (PDOS) in the VB and in the conduction band (CB) and collect these data in a band scheme. In addition, we analyze the band-gap states as well as the intrinsic states due to polarons and charge-transfer excitations. These states are found to cause multiple Auger decay processes upon resonant excitation. We identify several of these processes and determine their relative contribution to the Auger signal quantitatively. As our resPES data allow a quantitative analysis of these defect states, we determine the relative abundance of the PDOS in the VB and in CB and also the charge neutrality level. The anatase and rutile polymorphs of TiO2 are analyzed in the same way as the TiO2 ALD layer. The electronic properties of the TiO2 ALD layer are compared with the anatase and rutile polymorphs of TiO2. In our comparative study, we find that ALD has its own characteristic electronic structure that is distinct from that of anatase and rutile. However, many details of the electronic structure are comparable and we benefit from our spectroscopic data and our careful analysis to find these differences. These can be attributed to a stronger hybridization of the O2p and Ti3d4s states for the ALD films when compared to the anatase and rutile polymorphs.

Energetic Neutral Atom Imaging of the Lunar Poles and Night-Side

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorburger, Audrey; Wurz, Peter; Barabash, Stas; Wieser, Martin; Futaana, Yoshifumi; Bhardwaj, Anil; Dhanya, Mb; Asamura, Kazushi

2016-04-01

So far all reported scientific results derived from measurements of the Chandrayaan-1 Energetic Neutral Analyzer (CENA) on board the Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 focused on the sun-lit part of the Moon. Here, for the first time, we present the analysis of the Moon - solar wind interaction in Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs) from measurements over the poles and the night-side of the Moon. The Moon, not being protected by a global magnetic field or an atmosphere, is constantly bombarded by solar wind ions. Until recently, it was tacitly assumed that the solar wind ions that impinge onto the lunar surface are almost completely absorbed ( < 1% reflection) by the lunar surface (e.g. Crider and Vondrak [Adv. Space Res., 2002]; Feldman et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2000]). However, recent observations conducted by the two ENA sensors of NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer and by Chandrayaan-1/CENA showed an average global energetic neutral atom (ENA) albedo of 10% - 20% (e.g. McComas et al. [Geophys. Res. Lett., 2009], Wieser et al. [Planet. Space Sci., 2009], Vorburger et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2013]). In the past 6 years, several studies have closely investigated this solar wind - lunar surface interaction from various viewpoints. The main findings of these studies include (1) the dependency of the hydrogen reflection ratio on the local crustal magnetic fields (e.g., Wieser et al. [Geophys. Res. Lett. ,2010] and Vorburger et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2012]), (2) the determination of the energy spectra of backscattered neutralized solar wind protons (Futaana et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2012]) (3) the use of the spectra shape to remotely define an electric potential above a lunar magnetic anomaly (Futaana et al. [Geophys. Res. Lett., 2012]), (4) the favouring of backscattering over forward-scattering of impinging solar wind hydrogen particles (Vorburger et al. [Geophys. Res. Lett., 2011]), (5) the first-ever measurements of sputtered lunar oxygen (Vorburger et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2012]), (6) the first-ever observation of backscattered solar wind helium (Vorburger et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2012]), and (7) the determination of the scattering properties of backscattered solar wind hydrogen measured when the Moon transversed Earth's magneto-sheath (Lue et al. [J. Geophys. Res., 2016]). All findings above are based on measurements from the sun-lit side of the Moon's surface, where solar wind particles can impinge freely onto the lunar surface. On the night-side, in contrast, a large scale wake structure is formed as a result of the high absorption of solar wind plasma on the lunar day-side. Very recent ion measurements of Chandrayaan-1's Solar Wind Monitor (SWIM) have revealed the presence of protons in the near-lunar wake, though (Dhanya et al., [Icarus 2016 (submitted)]). The presence of protons in the near lunar wake implies that there is also some sort of solar wind - lunar surface interaction on the lunar night-side. A complete analysis of this interaction will be presented herein.

Scintillation of rare earth doped fluoride nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobsohn, L. G.; McPherson, C. L.; Sprinkle, K. B.; Yukihara, E. G.; DeVol, T. A.; Ballato, J.

2011-09-01

The scintillation response of rare earth (RE) doped core/undoped (multi-)shell fluoride nanoparticles was investigated under x-ray and alpha particle irradiation. A significant enhancement of the scintillation response was observed with increasing shells due: (i) to the passivation of surface quenching defects together with the activation of the REs on the surface of the core nanoparticle after the growth of a shell, and (ii) to the increase of the volume of the nanoparticles. These results are expected to reflect a general aspect of the scintillation process in nanoparticles, and to impact radiation sensing technologies that make use of nanoparticles.

Regulatory T Cells: Differentiation and Function.

PubMed

Plitas, George; Rudensky, Alexander Y

2016-09-02

The immune system of vertebrate animals has evolved to mount an effective defense against a diverse set of pathogens while minimizing transient or lasting impairment in tissue function that could result from the inflammation caused by immune responses to infectious agents. In addition, misguided immune responses to "self" and dietary antigens, as well as to commensal microorganisms, can lead to a variety of inflammatory disorders, including autoimmunity, metabolic syndrome, allergies, and cancer. Regulatory T cells expressing the X chromosome-linked transcription factor Foxp3 suppress inflammatory responses in diverse biological settings and serve as a vital mechanism of negative regulation of immune-mediated inflammation. Cancer Immunol Res; 4(9); 721-5. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

An intelligent re-shieldable targeting system for enhanced tumor accumulation.

PubMed

Hu, Zhenpeng; Ma, Jinlong; Fu, Fei; Cui, Chen; Li, Xiaomin; Wang, Xinyu; Wang, Wei; Wan, Yeda; Yuan, Zhi

2017-12-28

Programmed ligand targeting strategy promotes the blood circulation stability of nanoparticles by shielding the ligand. However, the irreversible shielding causes the deshielded nanoparticles to be easily recognized and cleared by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), impeding their further retention in the tumor. Here, we for the first time prove the superiority of the intelligent re-shieldable targeting system that is based on the pH-responsive self-assembly/disassembly of gold nanoparticles. The system can enhance the stability of gold nanoparticles in the blood circulation (2.6-fold at 24h), reduce uptake by the RES (35% lower) and improve tumor accumulation (41% higher by analysis of gold content in tumor) effectively compared with the conventional irreversible system. Furthermore, preliminary study indicates that the system could be applied as computed tomography contrast agent in tumor imaging. The in vivo validity of the intelligent re-shieldable targeting system provides inspiration for the design of nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Synthetic nanoparticles camouflaged with biomimetic erythrocyte membranes for reduced reticuloendothelial system uptake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Lang; Xu, Jun-Hua; Cai, Bo; Liu, Huiqin; Li, Ming; Jia, Yan; Xiao, Liang; Guo, Shi-Shang; Liu, Wei; Zhao, Xing-Zhong

2016-02-01

Suppression of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) uptake is one of the most challenging tasks in nanomedicine. Coating stratagems using polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), have led to great success in this respect. Nevertheless, recent observations of immunological response toward these synthetic polymers have triggered a search for better alternatives. In this work, natural red blood cell (RBC) membranes are camouflaged on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles for reducing the RES uptake. In vitro macrophage uptake, in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that the RBC membrane is a superior alternative to the current gold standard PEG for nanoparticle ‘stealth’. Furthermore, we systematically investigate the in vivo potential toxicity of RBC membrane-coated nanoparticles by blood biochemistry, whole blood panel examination and histology analysis based on animal models. The combination of synthetic nanoparticles and natural cell membranes embodies a novel and biomimetic nanomaterial design strategy and presents a compelling property of functional materials for a broad range of biomedical applications.

Nuclear Planetology: Constraining the Driving Force in Wegener's Continental Drift Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roller, G.

2015-12-01

Nuclear planetology [1] is a new research field, which aims at deciphering the nuclear physics processes responsible for the evolution of ultra-substellar objects and the driving force in Wegener's continental drift theory by means of Re-Os nuclear geochronometry [2]. Terrestrial Re/Os ratios observed within diamond sulphide inclusions [3], compatible with lunar r-process production ratios of Th/U≈1≈Au/Ir [4], drop from ≈0.8 to 0.2-0.05 for nucleogeochronometric ages between 2.3 Ga and 1.4 Ga [5]. It has therefore been argued [5,6] that the Re/Os fractionation is related to a change in oxygen fugacity due to the physics/chemistry of Earth's core after a possibly Fermi-pressure controlled core collapse [4]. Here, Pd/Ru, Pd/Pt, Pd/Ir, Pd/Os, Ru/Ir, Ru/Os, Pt/Ir or Pt/Os ratios from 24 published H chondrite components [7] are connected to their respective nucleogeochronometric ages to constrain an extended fossil fractionation record over 800 Ma. The following ranges are obtained: 0.06-1.04 (Pd/Ru), 0.06-0.79 (Pd/Pt), 0.06-1.76 (Pd/Os), 0.07-1.94 (Pd/Ir), 1.08-1.99 (Ru/Ir), 0.83-2.41 (Pt/Os), 0.82-2.64 (Pt/Ir). Comparing the Re/Os fractionation pattern of the diamond sulphide inclusions with these results and considering that Re is readily oxidized even at ultra-low oxygen fugacity, it may be concluded that (i) extremely reducing conditions within Earth's core basically preserve any unfractionated r-process element ratio until today; and (ii) nuclear/quantum physics processes leading to the observed ratios and fractionation pattern are ultimately the driving force in Wegener's continental drift theory. [1] Roller (2015), Abstract T34B-0407, AGU Spring Meeting. [2] Roller (2015), Geophys. Res. Abstr. 17, EGU2015-17. [3] Smit et al. (2010), GCA 74, 3292. [4] Roller (2015), Abstract #5041, 78th Ann. Met. Soc. Meeting. [5] Roller (2015), Geophys. Res. Abstr. 17, EGU2015-2399. [6] Roller (2015), Abstract PG34A-0283, AGU Spring Meeting. [7] Horan et al. (2009), GCA 73, 6984.

Online Periodic Table: A Cautionary Note

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izci, Kemal; Barrow, Lloyd H.; Thornhill, Erica

2013-08-01

The purpose of this study was (a) to evaluate ten online periodic table sources for their accuracy and (b) to compare the types of information and links provided to users. Limited studies have been reported on online periodic table (Diener and Moore 2011; Slocum and Moore in J Chem Educ 86(10):1167, 2009). Chemistry students' understanding of periodic table is vital for their success in chemistry, and the online periodic table has the potential to advance learners' understanding of chemical elements and fundamental chemistry concepts (Brito et al. in J Res Sci Teach 42(1):84-111, 2005). The ten sites were compared for accuracy of data with the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (HCP, Haynes in CRC handbook of chemistry and physics: a ready-reference book of chemical and physical data. CRC Press, Boca Raton 2012). The 10 sites are the most visited periodic table Web sites available. Four different elements, carbon, gold, argon, and plutonium, were selected for comparison, and 11 different attributes for each element were identified for evaluating accuracy. A wide variation of accuracy was found among the 10 periodic table sources. Chemicool was the most accurate information provider with 66.67 % accuracy when compared to the HCP. The 22 types of information including meaning of name and use in industry and society provided by these sites were, also, compared. WebElements, "Chemicool", "Periodic Table Live", and "the Photographic Periodic Table of the Elements" were the most information providers, providing 86.36 % of information among the 10 Web sites. "WebElements" provides the most links among the 10 Web sites. It was concluded that if an individual teacher or student desires only raw physical data from element, the Internet might not be the best choice.

78 FR 59008 - Grant of Interim Extension of the Term of U.S. Patent No. 5,454,779; ResQPump®/ResQPOD® ITD

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-25

... of the application indicates that, except for permission to market or use the product commercially... University of California timely filed an application under 35 U.S.C. 156(d)(5) for a second interim extension... connection with the ResQPOD[supreg] ITD. The application indicates that a Premarket Approval Application, PMA...

Aerobic and Strength Training in Concomitant Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Earnest, Conrad P.; Johannsen, Neil M.; Swift, Damon L.; Gillison, Fiona B.; Mikus, Catherine R.; Lucia, Alejandro; Kramer, Kimberly; Lavie, Carl J.; Church, Timothy S.

2014-01-01

Purpose Concomitant type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome exacerbates mortality risk; yet, few studies have examined the effect of combining (AER+RES) aerobic (AER) and resistance (RES) training for individuals with T2D and metabolic syndrome. Methods We examined AER, RES, and AER+RES training (9-months) commensurate with physical activity guidelines in individuals with T2D (N=262, 63% female, 44% black). Primary outcomes were change in, and prevalence of, metabolic syndrome score at follow-up (mean, 95%CI). Secondary outcomes included maximal cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak and estimated METs from time-to-exhaustion (TTE), and exercise efficiency calculated as the slope of the line between ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation, and maximal fitness. General linear models and bootstrapped Spearman correlations were used to examine changes in metabolic syndrome associated with training primary and secondary outcome variables. Results We observed a significant decrease in metabolic syndrome scores (P-for-trend, 0.003) for AER (−0.59, 95%CI, −1.00, −0.21) and AER+RES (−0.79, 95%CI, −1.40, −0.35), both being significant (P < 0.02) vs. Control (0.26, 95%CI, −0.58, 0.40) and RES (−0.13, 95%CI, −1.00, 0.24). This lead to a reduction in metabolic syndrome prevalence for the AER (56% vs. 43%) and AER+RES (55% vs. 46%) groups between baseline and follow-up. The observed decrease in metabolic syndrome was mediated by significant improvements in exercise efficiency for the AER and AER+RES training groups (P<0.05), which was more strongly related to TTE (25–30%; r= −0.38; 95% CI: −0.55, −0.19) than VO2peak (5–6%; r= −0.24; 95% CI: −0.45, −0.01). Conclusion Aerobic and AER+RES training significantly improves metabolic syndrome scores and prevalence in patients with T2D. These improvements appear to be associated with improved exercise efficiency and are more strongly related to improved TTE versus VO2peak. PMID:24389523

Industrial solutions trends for the control of HiRes spectrograph@E-ELT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Marcantonio, P.; Baldini, V.; Calderone, G.; Cirami, R.; Coretti, I.; Cristiani, S.

Starting a few years ago, ESO initiated a number of projects aiming to explore the possible adoption of industrial standards and commercial off-the-shelf components (COTS) for the control of future VLT and E-ELT instrumentations. In this context, ESPRESSO, the next generation high-stability spectrograph for the VLT and to a certain extent, a precursor of HiRes, has adopted since the preliminary design phase those solutions. Based on the ESPRESSO experience and taking into account the requirements inferred from the preliminary Hi-Res studies in terms of both high-level operations as well as low-level control, I will present in this paper the current proposal for the HiRes hardware architecture.

Interagency Training for Comprehensive Operations: Government Partners Perceptions of Exercise Maple Guardian (La Formation Interorganismes aux fins d’Operations Globales: Perceptions des Partenaires Gouvernementaux de l’Exercise Maple Guardian)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

autres ministères de même que sur la culture afghane, et faire intervenir les autres ministères plus tôt durant la planification de l’exercice...mécanismes de planification des FC. Ils jugent que la formation les a aidés à établir des relations utiles avec des membres des FC (et d’autres effectifs...ministères et sur la culture afghane, et de faire intervenir d’autres ministères plus tôt durant la planification de l’exercice. Les résultats de

Paradoxical effects of testing: retrieval enhances both accurate recall and suggestibility in eyewitnesses.

PubMed

Chan, Jason C K; Langley, Moses M

2011-01-01

Although retrieval practice typically enhances memory retention, it can also impair subsequent eyewitness memory accuracy (Chan, Thomas, & Bulevich, 2009). Specifically, participants who had taken an initial test about a witnessed event were more likely than nontested participants to recall subsequently encountered misinformation—an effect we called retrieval-enhanced suggestibility (RES). Here, we sought to test the generality of RES and to further elucidate its underlying mechanisms. To that end, we tested a dual mechanism account, which suggests that RES occurs because initial testing (a) enhances learning of the later misinformation by reducing proactive interference and (b) causes the reactivated memory trace to be more susceptible to later interference (i.e., a reconsolidation account). Three major findings emerged. First, RES was found after a 1-week delay, where a robust testing benefit occurred for event details that were not contradicted by later misinformation. Second, blockage of reconsolidation was unnecessary for RES to occur. Third, initial testing enhanced learning of the misinformation even when proactive interference played a minimal role.

Will Renewable Energy Save Our Planet?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojić, Milorad

2010-06-01

This paper discusses some important fundamental issues behind application of renewable energy (RE) to evaluate its impact as a climate change mitigation technology. The discussed issues are the following: definition of renewable energy, concentration of RE by weight and volume, generation of electrical energy and its power at unit area, electrical energy demand per unit area, life time approach vs. layman approach, energy return time, energy return ratio, CO2 return time, energy mix for RES production and use, geographical distribution of RES use, huge scale of energy shift from RES to non-RES, increase in energy consumption, Thermodynamic equilibrium of earth, and probable solutions for energy future of our energy and environmental crisis of today. The future solution (that would enable to human civilization further welfare, and good living, but with lower release of CO2 in atmosphere) may not be only RES. This will rather be an energy mix that may contain nuclear energy, non-nuclear renewable energy, or fossil energy with CO2 sequestration, efficient energy technologies, energy saving, and energy consumption decrease.

Identification and recovery of rare-earth permanent magnets from waste electrical and electronic equipment.

PubMed

Lixandru, A; Venkatesan, P; Jönsson, C; Poenaru, I; Hall, B; Yang, Y; Walton, A; Güth, K; Gauß, R; Gutfleisch, O

2017-10-01

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets are a strategic material for a number of emerging technologies. They are a key component in the most energy efficient electric motors and generators, thus, they are vital for energy technologies, industrial applications and automation, and future forms of mobility. Rare earth elements (REEs) such as neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium are also found in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in volumes that grow with the technological evolution, and are marked as critical elements by the European Commission due to their high economic importance combined with significant supply risks. Recycling could be a good approach to compensate for the lack of rare earths (REs) on the market. However, less than 1% of REs are currently being recycled, mainly because of non-existing collection logistics, lack of information about the quantity of RE materials available for recycling and recycling-unfriendly product designs. To improve these lack of information, different waste streams of electrical and electronic equipment from an industrial recycling plant were analyzed in order to localize, identify and collect RE permanent magnets of the Nd-Fe-B type. This particular type of magnets were mainly found in hard disk drives (HDDs) from laptops and desktop computers, as well as in loudspeakers from compact products such as flat screen TVs, PC screens, and laptops. Since HDDs have been investigated thoroughly by many authors, this study focusses on other potential Nd-Fe-B resources in electronic waste. The study includes a systematic survey of the chemical composition of the Nd-Fe-B magnets found in the selected waste streams, which illustrates the evolution of the Nd-Fe-B alloys over the years. The study also provides an overview over the types of magnets integrated in different waste electric and electronic equipment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inventory of File dvrtma.t12z.ndgd_alaska.grib2

Science.gov Websites

Number of Records: 6 Number Level/Layer Parameter Forecast Valid Description 001 anl PRES ENS=low-res c Pressure [Pa]:surface analysis/forecast error 002 anl UGRD ENS=low-res c U-Component of Wind [m/s]:10 m above ground analysis/forecast error 003 anl VGRD ENS=low-res c V-Component of Wind [m/s]:10 m above

Inventory of File dvrtma.t12z.ndgd_conus.grib2

Science.gov Websites

Number of Records: 6 Number Level/Layer Parameter Forecast Valid Description 001 anl PRES ENS=low-res c Pressure [Pa]:surface analysis/forecast error 002 anl UGRD ENS=low-res c U-Component of Wind [m/s]:10 m above ground analysis/forecast error 003 anl VGRD ENS=low-res c V-Component of Wind [m/s]:10 m above

A study on the electronic and interfacial structures of monolayer ReS2-metal contacts.

PubMed

Wang, Jin; Yang, Guofeng; Sun, Rui; Yan, Pengfei; Lu, Yanan; Xue, Junjun; Chen, Guoqing

2017-10-11

In this paper, we perform a systematic and rigorous study to evaluate the Ohmic nature of the top-contact formed by the monolayer ReS 2 (mReS 2 ) and metals (gold, silver, platinum, nickel, titanium, and scandium) by means of first-principles density functional theory calculations. We investigate the potential barrier, charge transfer and atomic orbital overlap at the mReS 2 -metal interface in consideration of van der Waals forces to understand how efficiently carriers could be injected from the metal contact to the mReS 2 channel. ReS 2 is physisorbed on Au and Ag, which leads to little perturbation of its electronic structures and forms a larger Schottky contact and a higher tunnel barrier at the interface. ReS 2 is chemisorbed on Ti and Sc, where the bonding strongly perturbs the electronic structures and is found to be purely Ohmic. The bonding of ReS 2 on Pt and Ni lies between these two extreme cases, demonstrating an intermediate behavior. These findings not only provide an insight into the mReS 2 -metal interfaces but may also prove to be instrumental in the future design of ReS 2 -based devices with good performance.

Hamiltonian adaptive resolution molecular dynamics simulation of infrared dielectric functions of liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, C. C.; Tan, J. Y.; Liu, L. H.

2018-05-01

Hamiltonian adaptive resolution scheme (H-AdResS), which allows to simulate materials by treating different domains of the system at different levels of resolution, is a recently proposed atomistic/coarse-grained multiscale model. In this work, a scheme to calculate the dielectric functions of liquids on account of H-AdResS is presented. In the proposed H-AdResS dielectric-function calculation scheme (DielectFunctCalS), the corrected molecular dipole moments are calculated by multiplying molecular dipole moment by the weighting fraction of the molecular mapping point. As the widths of all-atom and hybrid regions show different degrees of influence on the dielectric functions, a prefactor is multiplied to eliminate the effects of all-atom and hybrid region widths. Since one goal of using the H-AdResS method is to reduce computational costs, widths of the all-atom region and the hybrid region can be reduced considering that the coarse-grained simulation is much more timesaving compared to atomistic simulation. Liquid water and ethanol are taken as test cases to validate the DielectFunctCalS. The H-AdResS DielectFunctCalS results are in good agreement with all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The accuracy of the H-AdResS results, together with all-atom molecular dynamics results, depends heavily on the choice of the force field and force field parameters. The H-AdResS DielectFunctCalS allows us to calculate the dielectric functions of macromolecule systems with high efficiency and makes the dielectric function calculations of large biomolecular systems possible.

Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) suppresses EL4 tumor growth by induction of apoptosis involving reciprocal regulation of SIRT1 and NF-κB.

PubMed

Singh, Narendra P; Singh, Udai P; Hegde, Venkatesh L; Guan, Hongbing; Hofseth, Lorne; Nagarkatti, Mitzi; Nagarkatti, Prakash S

2011-08-01

Understanding the molecular mechanisms through which natural products and dietary supplements exhibit anticancer properties is crucial and can lead to drug discovery and chemoprevention. The current study sheds new light on the mode of action of resveratrol (RES), a plant-derived polyphenolic compound, against EL-4 lymphoma growth. Immuno-compromised NOD/SCID mice injected with EL-4 tumor cells and treated with RES (100 mg/kg body weight) showed delayed development and progression of tumor growth and increased mean survival time. RES caused apoptosis in EL4 cells through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and upregulation of Fas and FasL expression in vitro. Blocking of RES-induced apoptosis in EL4 cells by FasL mAb, cleavage of caspases and PARP, and release of cytochorme c, demonstrated the participation of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. RES also induced upregulation of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog, 1 (SIRT1) and downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in EL4 cells. siRNA-mediated downregulation of SIRT1 in EL4 cells increased the activation of NF-κB but decreased RES-mediated apoptosis, indicating the critical role of SIRT1 in apoptosis via blocking activation of NF-κB. These data suggest that RES-induced SIRT1 upregulation promotes tumor cell apoptosis through negative regulation of NF-κB, leading to suppression of tumor growth. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of p-nonylphenol and resveratrol on body and organ weight and in vivo fertility of outbred CD-1 mice

PubMed Central

Kyselova, Vendula; Peknicova, Jana; Buckiova, Daniela; Boubelik, Michael

2003-01-01

The aim of this study was to analyse the multigenerational effects of para-nonylphenol (NP) and resveratrol (RES) on the body weight, organ weight and reproductive fitness of outbred CD-1 mice. The data indicate that in male mice, NP had an effect on the weight of selected reproductive organs and the kidneys in the parental (P) generation males. Effects on selected reproductive organs, the liver and kidneys in the F1-generation males were also seen. In females, effects of NP on body weight and kidney weight were seen in the P generation, but no effects on any measured parameter were seen in the F1 generation. RES had no effect on body weight but did have some effect on selected male and female reproductive organs in the P generation. RES altered the spleen and liver weights of P-generation males and the kidney weight of F1-generation males. Acrosomal integrity (using a monoclonal antibody against intra-acrosomal sperm proteins) was assessed for both generations of NP- and RES-treated mice. A significant reduction in acrosomal integrity was seen in both generations of NP-treated, but not in RES-treated, mice. Fewer offspring were observed in the second litter of the F2 generation of mice treated with NP; no similar effect was seen in RES-treated mice. The litter sex ratio was not different from controls. Unlike RES, NP had a negative effect on spermatogenesis and sperm quality with a resultant impact on in vivo fertility. PMID:12749770

Residual tumour volumes and grey zones after external beam radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) in cervical cancer patients. A low-field MRI study.

PubMed

Schmid, M P; Mansmann, B; Federico, M; Dimopoulous, J C A; Georg, P; Fidarova, E; Dörr, W; Pötter, R

2013-03-01

Grey zones, which are defined as tissue with intermediate signal intensity in the area of primary hyperintense tumour extension, can be seen during radiation with or without chemotherapy on the T2-weighted MRI in patients with cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to systematically measure the tumour volume at the time of diagnosis and the residual tumour volume at the time of brachytherapy without and with consideration of the grey zones and to estimate tumour regression during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). T2-weighted MRI datasets of 175 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (FIGO stage IB-IVA), who underwent combined external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy were available for this study. The gross tumour volume at the time of diagnosis (GTV(init)) and at the time of first brachytherapy without (GTV(res)) and with (GTV(res)+ GZ) consideration of grey zones were measured for each patient. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and tumour regression rates without (R) and with consideration of grey zones (R(GZ)) were calculated. Further, the role of prognostic factors on GTV(init), GTV(res), GTV(res)+ GZ and tumour regression rates was investigated. The median GTV(init), GTV(res), GTV(res)+ GZ in all patients were 44.4 cm(3), 8.2 cm(3), 20.3 cm(3), respectively. The median R was 78.5% and the median R(GZ) was 50.1%. The histology and FIGO staging showed a significant impact on GTV(init), GTV(res) and GTV(res)+ GZ. Grey zones represent a substantial proportion of the residual tumour volume at the time of brachytherapy. Differentiation of high signal intensity mass and surrounding intermediate signal intensity grey zones may be reasonable.

Les nouveaux critères de la Maladie d’Alzheimer – Perspective gériatrique*

PubMed Central

Molin, Pierre; Rockwood, Kenneth

2016-01-01

RÉSUMÉ Deux nouvelles séries de critères pour le diagnostic de la maladie d’Alzheimer sont maintenant en vigueur, incluant une série publiée en 2014. Un « nouveau lexique » conceptualisant la maladie a également été proposé. En 2012, la Conférence consensuelle canadienne affirmait que, pour l’instant, ni les nouveaux critères ni la nouvelle terminologie ne modifiaient la pratique en première ligne. Néanmoins, pour les consultants spécialisés en démence, l’avènement de ces critères ouvre la porte à de nombreux défis et occasions. En général, les nouveaux critères accordent une place grandissante aux biomarqueurs. Toutefois, les évidences qui sous-tendent leur utilisation demeurent incomplètes. L’étude de sujets provenant de la communauté ayant raffiné notre compréhension des critères neuropathologiques des démences, il est probable que notre expérience avec les biomarqueurs en bénéficierait également. Pour l’instant, ces critères sont réservés à la recherche. Cependant, leur adoption à plus large échelle est pressentie, particulièrement aux États-Unis. Les gériatres canadiens doivent être conscients de la terminologie maintenant utilisée et du changement fondamental qui en découle : un diagnostic de maladie d’Alzheimer ne requiert plus un diagnostic de démence. Dans l’attente de nouvelles données – auxquelles les gériatres peuvent contribuer – il y a lieu de faire preuve de prudence dans l’adoption des nouveaux critères, car ils sont susceptibles de moins bien s’appliquer aux personnes âgées. PMID:27403215

Resveratrol influences platinum pharmacokinetics: A novel mechanism in protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

PubMed

Darwish, Mostafa A; Abo-Youssef, Amira M; Khalaf, Marwa M; Abo-Saif, Ali A; Saleh, Ibrahim G; Abdelghany, Tamer M

2018-06-15

Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used drug in treatment of solid tumors. However, the use of CP was hampered by its serious side effects especially nephrotoxicity. This study aims to investigate the effect of resveratrol (RES) on CP-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly, the effect of RES on CP pharmacokinetics (PKs). Male white albino rats were divided to four group's six rats each. The first group received (1%) tween 80 in normal saline and served as control. The second group received RES (30 mg kg -1 ) per day for 14 consecutive day's i.p. The third and fourth groups were given a single i.p. injection of CP (6 mg kg -1 ) with or without pre-treatment of RES (30 mg kg -1 per day for 14 consecutive days), respectively. Following administration of CP, plasma, urine and kidney platinum concentration were monitored to study PKs of CP. Five days after the CP injection, rats were killed; blood samples were collected; kidneys were dissected; and biochemical, immunohistochemical, and histological examinations were performed. Our results revealed that CP treatment significantly deteriorated kidney functions with subsequent alteration in redox balance of the kidney. On the other hand, RES successfully ameliorated CP-induced kidney injury and recovered normal kidney tissue redox status. Importantly, while RES pre-treatment did not significantly alter the plasma CP level, it dramatically decreased the urine concentration of CP and lowered its accumulation into the kidneys. Moreover, it increased CP plasma half-life (t 1/2 ) with subsequent decrease in its elimination rate constant, indicating an important role of PKs modulation in RES protection against CP-induced renal damage. Taken together, RES may protect the kidney tissue from the deleterious effects of CP through constringe of CP renal accumulation and enhancement of CP-induced oxidative stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reprogramming Intestinal Immunity by Novel L. Acidophilus Strains Results in Protective Immunity against Colon Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-11-01

particular, gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation and the predisposition to cancer. Probiotic lactobacilli have received much attention as examples of...responses, and would potentially lead to the development of novel probiotic platforms for cancer therapeutic application. We thus believe that such...Antigens Expressed by Probiotic Bacteria to Mucosal Dendritic Cells. Curr HIV Res, doi:ABS-73 [pii] (2010). 20 Tager, A. M. et al. Leukotriene B4

Missouri River Recovery Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-11

Proficient in hydrologic and hydraulic engineering computer models, particularly ResSim and HEC - RAS ; working experience with large river systems including...to help study teams determine ecosystem responses to changes in the flow regime of a river or connected wetland. HEC -EFM analyses involve: 1...Description of the Model and How It Will Be Applied in the Study Approval Status HEC - RAS The function of this model is to conduct one-dimensional hydraulic

Periodontal Wound Healing Responses to Varying Oxygen Concentrations and Atmospheric Pressures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-05-01

Presumably, epithelial and gingival connective tissue exclusion allowed periodontal ligament cells to repopulate the wound and to regenerate a new...However, it seems clear that the periodontal ligament cells provide a major source of connective tissue attachment and regeneration (Nyman et al., 1982a...Connective Tissue Regeneration to Periodontally Diseased Teeth. J. Perio. Res. 15:1. Davis, J. C., Dunn, J. M., Gates, G. A. and Heimbach, R. D. 1979

Role of the Neddylation Enzyme Uba3, a New Estrogen Receptor Corepressor, in Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

downstream targets Cancer Res 64:8184-8192 (cover article ). *This DOD award is acknowledged in these publications. Presentations 1. Fan M, Park A...www.endoiournals.org/. The final copy edited article can be found at 15 http://www.endojoumals.org/. The Endocrine Society disclaims any responsibility or...8217Hutnan Cancer Genetics Program, Departtent of Molecular Virology, Inmunology , and Medical Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State Universit

Subharmonic Imaging and Pressure Estimation for Monitoring Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

10]. However, the level of IFP has been shown to predict disease free survival for cervix cancer (34% disease free survival (DFS) if IFP > 19 mmHg...in patients with cervix cancer independent of clinical prognostic factors and tumor oxygen measurements. Cancer Res, 2001. 61(17): p. 6400-5. 12... cancer (LABC). Monitoring tumor response is advantageous for patients. This project aims to using the subharmonic signals from ultrasound contrast agents

Mesenchymal Tissue Response to Heterotopically Placed Demineralized Bone Powder Particles in the Rat

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-01-01

Press, Cambridge, England, pp. 329-356. Hurt, W. 1968. Freeze-dried bone homografts in periodontal lesions in dogs. J. Periodontology , JI89. Hynes, R...1974. Biodegradable ceramic in periodontal defects. Oral Surg., 11t344. Lindhe, J. 1983. Textbook of Clinical Periodontology . Philadelphia, Munskgaard... Periodontology , 58:129. Turner, D.W. and Mellonig, J. 1981. Antigenicity of freeze- dried bone allografts in periodontal osseous defects. J. Periodont. Res

Wave-Sediment Interaction in Muddy Environments: Subbottom Field Experiment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-30

instrumentation deployed on nearby oil and gas platforms. WORK COMPLETED Field experiment and data analysis : The “Sub-bottom Field Experiment” project...Berkeley, Doctoral thesis, 149p. Chou, H.-T., M.A. Foda , and J.R. Hunt (1993). Rheological response of cohesive sediments to oscillatory forcing”, In...dissipation by muddy seafloors, Geophys. Res. Lett. 35/7, L07611. Foda , A.M., J.R. Hunt, and H.-T. Chou (1993). A nonlinear model for the

Dietary selenium and nutritional plane alter specific aspects of maternal endocrine status during pregnancy and lactation.

PubMed

Lemley, C O; Meyer, A M; Neville, T L; Hallford, D M; Camacho, L E; Maddock-Carlin, K R; Wilmoth, T A; Wilson, M E; Perry, G A; Redmer, D A; Reynolds, L P; Caton, J S; Vonnahme, K A

2014-01-01

Objectives were to examine effects of selenium (Se) supply and maternal nutritional plane during gestation on placental size at term and maternal endocrine profiles throughout gestation and early lactation. Ewe lambs (n = 84) were allocated to treatments that included Se supply of adequate Se (ASe; 11.5 μg/kg BW) or high Se (HSe; 77 μg/kg BW) initiated at breeding and nutritional plane of 60% (RES), 100% (CON), or 140% (EXC) of requirements beginning on day 40 of gestation. At parturition, lambs were removed from their dams, and ewes were transitioned to a common diet that met requirements of lactation. Blood samples were taken from a subset of ewes (n = 42) throughout gestation, during parturition, and throughout lactation to determine hormone concentrations. Cotyledon number was reduced (P = 0.03) in RES and EXC ewes compared with CON ewes. Placental delivery time tended (P = 0.08) to be shorter in HSe ewes than in ASe ewes, whereas placental delivery time was longer (P = 0.02) in RES ewes than in CON and EXC ewes. During gestation, maternal progesterone, estradiol-17β, and GH were increased (P < 0.05) in RES ewes and decreased (P < 0.05) in EXC ewes compared with CON ewes. In contrast, maternal cortisol, IGF-I, prolactin, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were decreased in RES ewes and increased in EXC ewes compared with CON ewes during gestation. Selenium supply did not alter maternal hormone profiles during gestation. During parturition and lactation, maternal hormone concentrations were influenced by both Se and maternal nutritional plane. During the parturient process, HSe ewes tended to have greater (P = 0.06) concentrations of estradiol-17β than ASe ewes. Three hours after parturition a surge of GH was observed in ASe-RES ewes that was muted in HSe-RES ewes and not apparent in other ewes. Growth hormone area under the curve during the parturient process was increased (P < 0.05) in ASe-RES vs HSe-RES ewes. Ewes that were overfed during gestation had reduced (P < 0.05) estradiol-17β but greater IGF-I, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine (P < 0.05) compared with RES ewes. Even though ewes were transitioned to a common diet after parturition, endocrine status continued to be affected into lactation. Moreover, it appears that gestational diet may partially affect lactational performance through altered endocrine status. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A dimension reduction method for flood compensation operation of multi-reservoir system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, B.; Wu, S.; Fan, Z.

2017-12-01

Multiple reservoirs cooperation compensation operations coping with uncontrolled flood play vital role in real-time flood mitigation. This paper come up with a reservoir flood compensation operation index (ResFCOI), which formed by elements of flood control storage, flood inflow volume, flood transmission time and cooperation operations period, then establish a flood cooperation compensation operations model of multi-reservoir system, according to the ResFCOI to determine a computational order of each reservoir, and lastly the differential evolution algorithm is implemented for computing single reservoir flood compensation optimization in turn, so that a dimension reduction method is formed to reduce computational complexity. Shiguan River Basin with two large reservoirs and an extensive uncontrolled flood area, is used as a case study, results show that (a) reservoirs' flood discharges and the uncontrolled flood are superimposed at Jiangjiaji Station, while the formed flood peak flow is as small as possible; (b) cooperation compensation operations slightly increase in usage of flood storage capacity in reservoirs, when comparing to rule-based operations; (c) it takes 50 seconds in average when computing a cooperation compensation operations scheme. The dimension reduction method to guide flood compensation operations of multi-reservoir system, can make each reservoir adjust its flood discharge strategy dynamically according to the uncontrolled flood magnitude and pattern, so as to mitigate the downstream flood disaster.

Aerosol reduction/expansion synthesis (A-RES) for zero valent metal particles

DOEpatents

Leseman, Zayd; Luhrs, Claudia; Phillips, Jonathan; Soliman, Haytham

2016-04-12

Various embodiments provide methods of forming zero valent metal particles using an aerosol-reductive/expansion synthesis (A-RES) process. In one embodiment, an aerosol stream including metal precursor compound(s) and chemical agent(s) that produces reducing gases upon thermal decomposition can be introduced into a heated inert atmosphere of a RES reactor to form zero valent metal particles corresponding to metals used for the metal precursor compound(s).

Decision Support Systems: Theory.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-01

Ko tt r, 1.. "Toward an Explicit Model for Media Selection," ,J. Advertising Res. 4, 14-41 , Mar. 1964. Kriebel, C. tt., "MIS Technology - A View of...Research Study of Sales Re- sponse to Advertising ," Opns. Res. 5, 370-381 ,1957. Von Bertalanffy, Ludwig , General Systems Theory. New York: George...Zangwill, W. I., " Media Slection by Decision Programming," J. Advertising Res. 5.30-36 , Sept. 1964. Zeleny, M., Linear Multiobjective Programming

Resveratrol products resulting by free radical attack

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bader, Yvonne; Quint, R. M.; Getoff, Nikola

2008-06-01

Trans-resveratrol ( trans-3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene; RES), which is contained in red wine and many plants, is one of the most relevant and extensively investigated stilbenes with a broad spectrum of biological activities. Among other duties, RES has been reported to have anti-carcinogenetic activities, which could be attributed to its antioxidant properties. The degradation of RES was studied under various conditions. The products (aldehydes, carboxylic acids, etc.) generated from RES by the attack of free radicals were registered as a function of the radical concentration (absorbed radiation dose). Based on the obtained data it appears that the OH radicals are initiating the rather complicated process, which involves of the numerous consecutive reactions. A possible starting reaction mechanism is presented.

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

Agarwal, Animesh; Wang, Han, E-mail: han.wang@fu-berlin.de; Site, Luigi Delle, E-mail: dellesite@fu-berlin.de

We employ the adaptive resolution approach AdResS, in its recently developed Grand Canonical-like version (GC-AdResS) [H. Wang, C. Hartmann, C. Schütte, and L. Delle Site, Phys. Rev. X 3, 011018 (2013)], to calculate the excess chemical potential, μ{sup ex}, of various liquids and mixtures. We compare our results with those obtained from full atomistic simulations using the technique of thermodynamic integration and show a satisfactory agreement. In GC-AdResS, the procedure to calculate μ{sup ex} corresponds to the process of standard initial equilibration of the system; this implies that, independently of the specific aim of the study, μ{sup ex}, for eachmore » molecular species, is automatically calculated every time a GC-AdResS simulation is performed.« less

Measurement of the flux of ultra high energy cosmic rays by the stereo technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

High Resolution Fly'S Eye Collaboration; Abbasi, R. U.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Al-Seady, M.; Allen, M.; Amann, J. F.; Archbold, G.; Belov, K.; Belz, J. W.; Bergman, D. R.; Blake, S. A.; Brusova, O. A.; Burt, G. W.; Cannon, C.; Cao, Z.; Deng, W.; Fedorova, Y.; Findlay, J.; Finley, C. B.; Gray, R. C.; Hanlon, W. F.; Hoffman, C. M.; Holzscheiter, M. H.; Hughes, G.; Hüntemeyer, P.; Ivanov, D.; Jones, B. F.; Jui, C. C. H.; Kim, K.; Kirn, M. A.; Loh, E. C.; Maestas, M. M.; Manago, N.; Marek, L. J.; Martens, K.; Matthews, J. A. J.; Matthews, J. N.; Moore, S. A.; O'Neill, A.; Painter, C. A.; Perera, L.; Reil, K.; Riehle, R.; Roberts, M. D.; Rodriguez, D.; Sasaki, M.; Schnetzer, S. R.; Scott, L. M.; Sinnis, G.; Smith, J. D.; Snow, R.; Sokolsky, P.; Springer, R. W.; Stokes, B. T.; Stratton, S. R.; Thomas, J. R.; Thomas, S. B.; Thomson, G. B.; Tupa, D.; Wiencke, L. R.; Zech, A.; Zhang, B. K.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, Y.; High Resolution Fly's Eye Collaboration

2009-08-01

The High Resolution Fly’s Eye (HiRes) experiment has measured the flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays using the stereoscopic air fluorescence technique. The HiRes experiment consists of two detectors that observe cosmic ray showers via the fluorescence light they emit. HiRes data can be analyzed in monocular mode, where each detector is treated separately, or in stereoscopic mode where they are considered together. Using the monocular mode the HiRes collaboration measured the cosmic ray spectrum and made the first observation of the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff. In this paper we present the cosmic ray spectrum measured by the stereoscopic technique. Good agreement is found with the monocular spectrum in all details.

Organization of cis-acting regulatory elements in osmotic- and cold-stress-responsive promoters.

PubMed

Yamaguchi-Shinozaki, Kazuko; Shinozaki, Kazuo

2005-02-01

cis-Acting regulatory elements are important molecular switches involved in the transcriptional regulation of a dynamic network of gene activities controlling various biological processes, including abiotic stress responses, hormone responses and developmental processes. In particular, understanding regulatory gene networks in stress response cascades depends on successful functional analyses of cis-acting elements. The ever-improving accuracy of transcriptome expression profiling has led to the identification of various combinations of cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of stress-inducible genes involved in stress and hormone responses. Here we discuss major cis-acting elements, such as the ABA-responsive element (ABRE) and the dehydration-responsive element/C-repeat (DRE/CRT), that are a vital part of ABA-dependent and ABA-independent gene expression in osmotic and cold stress responses.

Long-term Field Experiments as Important Source of Knowledge - Aims of the BonaRes Data Centre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grosse, Meike; Hierold, Wilfried

2017-04-01

BonaRes is short for "soil as a sustainable resource for the bioeconomy". It is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under the umbrella of the National Research Strategy BioEconomy 2030. BonaRes consists of ten interdisciplinary research project consortia and the 'BonaRes - Centre for Soil Research' (see also Wollschläger et al 2016). It is one task of the BonaRes Data Centre as part of the 'BonaRes - Centre for Soil Research', to collect data and meta-data of agricultural long-term field experiments (LTFE) in Germany. The definition of LTFE in the context of BonaRes is a minimum duration of twenty years and a static design. LTFE are essential research infrastructures for agricultural sciences and soil sciences amongst other disciplines. Some LTFE run since a very long time; the start of the oldest one in Germany was 1878. Therefore, in many cases valuable time series exist. Data sets of LTFE shall be compiled and made publicly available by the BonaRes Data Centre. The public availability together with an easy access will lead to an enhanced usability of the data. This probably makes the LTFE itself more valuable through an improved visibility and may also help to maintain the LTFE. Beyond the data compilation there is the possibility for every data owner to make a data publication, which offers an additional value for the data owner after his first right of use. A first step towards a joint database is a compilation of all existing LTFE in Germany with meta information to each trial. This information is shown in an interactive web map, what is completely new in that context. Besides the exact position of the LTFE the following metadata are shown: name of the LTFE, website (if available), institution, land use category, participation in existing networks, research theme, start (and maybe end) of the trial, and research parameters. Details on the meta information will be presented in the speech. Literature Wollschläger, U; Helming, K.; Heinrich, U.; Bartke, S.; Kögel-Knabner, I.; Russell, D.; Eberhardt, E. & Vogel, H.-J. (2016): The BonaRes Centre - A virtual institute for soil research in the context of a sustainable bio-economy. Geophysical Research Abstracts Vol. 18, EGU2016-9087, http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2016/EGU2016-9087.pdf.

Survival and behavioural responses of the predatory ladybird beetle, Eriopis connexa populations susceptible and resistant to a pyrethroid insecticide.

PubMed

Spíndola, A F; Silva-Torres, C S A; Rodrigues, A R S; Torres, J B

2013-08-01

The ladybird beetle, Eriopis connexa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is one of the commonest predators of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the cotton agroecosystem and in many other row and fruit crops in Brazil, and has been introduced into other countries such as the USA for purposes of aphid control. In addition, the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is the most serious cotton pest where it occurs, including Brazil. Controlling boll weevils and other pests such as cotton defoliators still tends to involve the intense application of insecticides to secure cotton production. The pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is commonly used, but this compound is not effective against aphids; hence, a desirable strategy would be to maintain E. connexa populations in cotton fields where LCT is applied. Using populations of E. connexa resistant (Res) and susceptible (Sus) to LCT, we compared behavioural responses on treated cotton plants and under confinement on partially and fully treated surfaces, and assessed the insects' survival on treated plants compared with that of the boll weevil. The E. connexa resistant population caged on treated plants with 15 and 75 g a.i. ha-1 exhibited ≫82% survival for both insecticide concentrations compared with ≪3% and ≪17% survival for susceptible E. connexa populations and boll weevils, respectively. The response of E. connexa Res and Sus populations when released, either on the soil or on the plant canopy, indicated avoidance towards treated plants, as measured by elapsed time to assess the plant. When compared with susceptible individuals, resistant ones took longer time to suffer insecticide knockdown, had a higher recovery rate after suffering knockdown, and spent more time in the plant canopy. Based on behavioural parameters evaluated in treated arenas, no ladybird beetles exhibited repellency. However, irritability was evident, with the susceptible population exhibiting greater irritability compared with the resistant population and a subgroup comprising resistant individuals that had recovered from knockdown. The outcomes for the E. connexa Res population indicate a promising strategy for its maintenance when using the insecticide LCT in integrated pest management schemes to control boll weevil or other non-target pest of ladybird beetles in cotton fields.

Quantifying variability in removal efficiencies of chemicals in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants - a meta-analytical approach.

PubMed

Douziech, Mélanie; Conesa, Irene Rosique; Benítez-López, Ana; Franco, Antonio; Huijbregts, Mark; van Zelm, Rosalie

2018-01-24

Large variations in removal efficiencies (REs) of chemicals have been reported for monitoring studies of activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this work, we conducted a meta-analysis on REs (1539 data points) for a set of 209 chemicals consisting of fragrances, surfactants, and pharmaceuticals in order to assess the drivers of the variability relating to inherent properties of the chemicals and operational parameters of activated sludge WWTPs. For a reduced dataset (n = 542), we developed a mixed-effect model (meta-regression) to explore the observed variability in REs for the chemicals using three chemical specific factors and four WWTP-related parameters. The overall removal efficiency of the set of chemicals was 82.1% (95% CI 75.2-87.1%, N = 1539). Our model accounted for 17% of the total variability in REs, while the process-based model SimpleTreat did not perform better than the average of the measured REs. We identified that, after accounting for other factors potentially influencing RE, readily biodegradable compounds were better removed than non-readily biodegradable ones. Further, we showed that REs increased with increasing sludge retention times (SRTs), especially for non-readily biodegradable compounds. Finally, our model highlighted a decrease in RE with increasing K OC . The counterintuitive relationship to K OC stresses the need for a better understanding of electrochemical interactions influencing the RE of ionisable chemicals. In addition, we highlighted the need to improve the modelling of chemicals that undergo deconjugation when predicting RE. Our meta-analysis represents a first step in better explaining the observed variability in measured REs of chemicals. It can be of particular help to prioritize the improvements required in existing process-based models to predict removal efficiencies of chemicals in WWTPs.

Synthesis of Large-Size 1T' ReS2x Se2(1-x) Alloy Monolayer with Tunable Bandgap and Carrier Type.

PubMed

Cui, Fangfang; Feng, Qingliang; Hong, Jinhua; Wang, Renyan; Bai, Yu; Li, Xiaobo; Liu, Dongyan; Zhou, Yu; Liang, Xing; He, Xuexia; Zhang, Zhongyue; Liu, Shengzhong; Lei, Zhibin; Liu, Zonghuai; Zhai, Tianyou; Xu, Hua

2017-12-01

Chemical vapor deposition growth of 1T' ReS 2 x Se 2(1- x ) alloy monolayers is reported for the first time. The composition and the corresponding bandgap of the alloy can be continuously tuned from ReSe 2 (1.32 eV) to ReS 2 (1.62 eV) by precisely controlling the growth conditions. Atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals an interesting local atomic distribution in ReS 2 x Se 2(1- x ) alloy, where S and Se atoms are selectively occupied at different X sites in each Re-X 6 octahedral unit cell with perfect matching between their atomic radius and space size of each X site. This structure is much attractive as it can induce the generation of highly desired localized electronic states in the 2D surface. The carrier type, threshold voltage, and carrier mobility of the alloy-based field effect transistors can be systematically modulated by tuning the alloy composition. Especially, for the first time the fully tunable conductivity of ReS 2 x Se 2(1- x ) alloys from n-type to bipolar and p-type is realized. Owing to the 1T' structure of ReS 2 x Se 2(1- x ) alloys, they exhibit strong anisotropic optical, electrical, and photoelectric properties. The controllable growth of monolayer ReS 2 x Se 2(1- x ) alloy with tunable bandgaps and electrical properties as well as superior anisotropic feature provides the feasibility for designing multifunctional 2D optoelectronic devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A visual dual-aptamer logic gate for sensitive discrimination of prion diseases-associated isoform with reusable magnetic microparticles and fluorescence quantum dots.

PubMed

Xiao, Sai Jin; Hu, Ping Ping; Chen, Li Qiang; Zhen, Shu Jun; Peng, Li; Li, Yuan Fang; Huang, Cheng Zhi

2013-01-01

Molecular logic gates, which have attracted increasing research interest and are crucial for the development of molecular-scale computers, simplify the results of measurements and detections, leaving the diagnosis of disease either "yes" or "no". Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that happen in human and animals. The main problem with a diagnosis of prion diseases is how to sensitively and selectively discriminate and detection of the minute amount of PrP(Res) in biological samples. Our previous work had demonstrated that dual-aptamer strategy could achieve highly sensitive and selective discrimination and detection of prion protein (cellular prion protein, PrP(C), and the diseases associated isoform, PrP(Res)) in serum and brain. Inspired by the advantages of molecular logic gate, we further conceived a new concept for dual-aptamer logic gate that responds to two chemical input signals (PrP(C) or PrP(Res) and Gdn-HCl) and generates a change in fluorescence intensity as the output signal. It was found that PrP(Res) performs the "OR" logic operation while PrP(C) performs "XOR" logic operation when they get through the gate consisted of aptamer modified reusable magnetic microparticles (MMPs-Apt1) and quantum dots (QDs-Apt2). The dual-aptamer logic gate simplifies the discrimination results of PrP(Res), leaving the detection of PrP(Res) either "yes" or "no". The development of OR logic gate based on dual-aptamer strategy and two chemical input signals (PrP(Res) and Gdn-HCl) is an important step toward the design of prion diseases diagnosis and therapy systems.

Immortalization-susceptible elements and their binding factors mediate rejuvenation of regulation of the type I collagenase gene in simian virus 40 large T antigen-transformed immortal human fibroblasts.

PubMed Central

Imai, S; Fujino, T; Nishibayashi, S; Manabe, T; Takano, T

1994-01-01

Dramatic changes occur in expression of the type I collagenase gene during the process of immortalization in simian virus 40 large T antigen-transformed human fibroblasts (S. Imai and T. Takano, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 189:148-153, 1992). From transient transfection assays, it was determined that these changes involved the functions of two immortalization-susceptible cis-acting elements, ISE1 and ISE2, located in a 100-bp region about 1.7 kb upstream. The profiles of binding of an activator, Proserpine, to the enhancer ISE1 were similar in the extracts of young, senescent preimmortalized and immortalized cells. ISE2 contained both negative and positive regulatory elements located adjacent to each other. The positive regulatory element consisted of a tandem array of putative Ets family- and AP-1-binding sites. An activator, Pluto, interacted with this positive regulatory element and had an AP-1-related component as a complex. The binding activity of Pluto was predominantly detected only in the extract from senescent preimmortalized cells. In contrast, a repressor, Orpheus, which bound to the ATG-rich negative regulatory element of ISE2, was prominently detected in extracts from both young preimmortalized and immortalized cells and appeared to suppress transcription in an orientation-dependent manner. Thus, the interplay of Pluto and Orpheus was suggested to be crucial for regulation of the collagenase gene accompanying in vitro aging and immortalization. Proserpine seemed to interact with Pluto to mediate strong expression of the collagenase gene in cellular senescence. On the basis of these results, we propose a model for regulation of the collagenase gene during in vitro aging and immortalization. Images PMID:7935433

Wind and Wind Stress Measurements in HiRes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-30

to design the experimental system to be conducted on R /P FLIP. Data from a past experiment are also being analyzed with respect to processes...For the HiRes experiment on R /P FLIP, the air temperature profile will be measured along with wind stress, surface heat flux, sea surface...the best as it registered the lower ambient temperature. In preparation for the HiRes experiment onboard R /P FLIP a mast prototype was built in

Obesity alters immune and metabolic profiles: new insight from obese-resistant mice on high fat diet

PubMed Central

Boi, Shannon K.; Buchta, Claire M.; Pearson, Nicole A.; Francis, Meghan B.; Meyerholz, David K.; Grobe, Justin L.; Norian, Lyse A.

2016-01-01

Objective Diet-induced obesity has been shown to alter immune function in mice, but distinguishing the effects of obesity from changes in diet composition is complicated. We hypothesized that immunological differences would exist between diet-induced obese (DIO) and obese-resistant (OB-Res) mice fed the same high-fat diet (HFD). Methods BALB/c mice were fed either standard chow or HFD to generate lean or DIO and OB-Res mice, respectively. Resulting mice were analyzed for serum immunologic and metabolic profiles, and cellular immune parameters. Results BALB/c mice on HFD can be categorized as DIO or OB-Res, based on body weight versus lean controls. DIO mice are physiologically distinct from OB-Res mice, whose serum Insulin, Leptin, GIP, and Eotaxin concentrations remain similar to lean controls. DIO mice have increased macrophage+ crown-like structures in white adipose tissue, although macrophage percentages were unchanged from OB-Res and lean mice. DIO mice also have decreased splenic CD4+ T cells, elevated serum GM-CSF, and increased splenic CD11c+ dendritic cells, but impaired dendritic cell stimulatory capacity (p < 0.05 versus lean controls). These parameters were unaltered in OB-Res mice versus lean controls. Conclusions Diet-induced obesity results in alterations in immune and metabolic profiles that are distinct from effects caused by HFD alone. PMID:27515998

Multiple Comparisons of Glucokinase Activation Mechanisms of Five Mulberry Bioactive Ingredients in Hepatocyte.

PubMed

He, Hao; Yu, Wan-Guo; Yang, Jun-Peng; Ge, Sheng; Lu, Yan-Hua

2016-03-30

Glucokinase (GK) activity, which is rapidly regulated by glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP) in the liver, is crucial for blood glucose homeostasis. In this paper, the GK activation mechanisms of 1-deoxynojrimycin (DNJ), resveratrol (RES), oxyresveratrol (OXY), cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), and cyanidin-3-rutinoside (C3R) were compared. The results revealed that DNJ, RES, C3G, and C3R could differently improve glucose consumption and enhance intracellular GK activities. DNJ and RES significantly promoted GK translocation at 12.5 μM, whereas other ingredients showed moderate effects. DNJ, C3G, and C3R could rupture intramolecular hydrogen bonds of GK to accelerate its allosteric activation at early stage. RES and OXY could bind to a "hydrophobic pocket" on GK to stabilize the active GK at the final stage. Otherwise, RES, OXY, C3G, and C3R could interact with GKRP at the F1P binding site to promote GK dissociation and translocation. Enzymatic assay showed that RES (15-50 μM) and OXY (25-50 μM) could significantly enhance GK activities, which was caused by their binding properties with GK. Moreover, the most dramatic up-regulation effects on GK expression were observed in C3G and C3R groups. This work expounded the differences between GK activation mechanisms, and the new findings would help to develop new GK activators.

Effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on hepatic and serum pro-/anti-inflammatory activity in juvenile GIFT tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

PubMed

Zheng, Yao; Zhao, Zhixiang; Wu, Wei; Song, Chao; Meng, Shunlong; Fan, Limin; Bing, Xuwen; Chen, Jiazhang

2017-08-01

Dietary resveratrol (RES) supplementation may have some pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation. Previous studies have shown that Kupffer cell activation and apoptosis induction increases the transcription of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of 0.1 or 0.3 g/kg RES as a dietary supplement in juvenile freshwater tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results showed that hepatic and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) significantly decreased and increased while anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in the RES-treated groups. The expression of serum and hepatic IgM and anti-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10] and its inverse inhibitor interferon (IFN)-γ significantly increased while pro-inflammatory cytokine transcription significantly decreased. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed intestinal deformation, irregular goblet cells, and apoptotic cells in the 0.3 g/kg RES groups. RES (0.3 g/kg) also induced necrosis, apoptosis, reduction in Kupffer cell number, compressed sinusoids, and deformation of epidermal cells in the liver of the treated groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that high doses of RES were absorbed in the gut and then damaged the liver and intestinal tissue. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

RES: Regularized Stochastic BFGS Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, Aryan; Ribeiro, Alejandro

2014-12-01

RES, a regularized stochastic version of the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) quasi-Newton method is proposed to solve convex optimization problems with stochastic objectives. The use of stochastic gradient descent algorithms is widespread, but the number of iterations required to approximate optimal arguments can be prohibitive in high dimensional problems. Application of second order methods, on the other hand, is impracticable because computation of objective function Hessian inverses incurs excessive computational cost. BFGS modifies gradient descent by introducing a Hessian approximation matrix computed from finite gradient differences. RES utilizes stochastic gradients in lieu of deterministic gradients for both, the determination of descent directions and the approximation of the objective function's curvature. Since stochastic gradients can be computed at manageable computational cost RES is realizable and retains the convergence rate advantages of its deterministic counterparts. Convergence results show that lower and upper bounds on the Hessian egeinvalues of the sample functions are sufficient to guarantee convergence to optimal arguments. Numerical experiments showcase reductions in convergence time relative to stochastic gradient descent algorithms and non-regularized stochastic versions of BFGS. An application of RES to the implementation of support vector machines is developed.

Modelling of auctioning mechanism for solar photovoltaic capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poullikkas, Andreas

2016-10-01

In this work, a modified optimisation model for the integration of renewable energy sources for power-generation (RES-E) technologies in power-generation systems on a unit commitment basis is developed. The purpose of the modified optimisation procedure is to account for RES-E capacity auctions for different solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity electricity prices. The optimisation model developed uses a genetic algorithm (GA) technique for the calculation of the required RES-E levy (or green tax) in the electricity bills. Also, the procedure enables the estimation of the level of the adequate (or eligible) feed-in-tariff to be offered to future RES-E systems, which do not participate in the capacity auctioning procedure. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the optimisation procedure developed the case of PV capacity auctioning for commercial systems is examined. The results indicated that the required green tax, in order to promote the use of RES-E technologies, which is charged to the electricity customers through their electricity bills, is reduced with the reduction in the final auctioning price. This has a significant effect related to the reduction of electricity bills.

MicroRNA Regulation of CD44+ Prostate Tumor Stem/Progenitor Cells and Prostate Cancer Development/Metastasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

prostate cancer stem cells. Cancer Res. 65, 10946–10951 (2005). 18 . Patrawala, L. et al. Highly purified CD44+ prostate cancer cells from xenograft ... xenograft tumors were of the human origin and morphologically epithelial with detectable cytokeratin 8 and 18 . RT-PCR analysis detected AR whereas...miR-301 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18 . NUMBER OF PAGES 19a. NAME OF RESPONSIBLE PERSON USAMRMC a. REPORT

Neuroprotective Mechanisms Activated in Non-seizing Rats Exposed to Sarin

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-04

after kainic acid-induced seizures. Brain Res. 1424, 1–8. Johnson, E.A., Kan, R.K., 2010. The acute phase response and soman-induced status epilepticus ...2011. Comparison of status epilepticus models induced by pilocarpine and nerve agents – a systematic review of the underlying aetiology and adopted...2007) Nqo2 Loss of Nqo1 and Nqo2 leads to altered intracellular redox status , decreased expression and activation of NF-κB, and altered

S-Nitrosylation and the Development of Pulmonary Hypertension

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-14

GSNO-R associates with eNOS; overexpression of GSNO-R alters eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177, a residue implicated in eNOS activation; castration ...prevents the development of PAH in response to unregulated delivery of SNOs; and GSNO-R activity in castrated mice is equal to that of female mice...hypertension in normal cattle . Circ Res 10: 172-177, 1962. 10. Vogel JHK, weaver WF, Rose RL, Blount SG Jr. Grover RG. Pulmonary hypertension on

Noninvasive Subharmonic Pressure Estimation for Monitoring Breast Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

F Forsberg. In vivo subharmonic pressure estimation of portal hypertension in canines. Proc IEEE US Symp, pp. 778-781, 2010. S. Paul, K. Sarkar...Symposium, San Diego, CA, USA. • In vivo subharmonic pressure estimation of portal hypertension in canines. November 21–23, 2010 63rd Annual Meeting...9. Less JR, et al., Interstitial hypertension in human breast and colorectal tumors. Cancer Res, 1992. 52(22): p. 6371-4. 28 10. Taghian AG, et

Wave-Sediment Interaction in Muddy Environments: Subbottom Field Experiment

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

instrumentation deployed on nearby oil and gas platforms. WORK COMPLETED Field experiment and data analysis : The “Sub-bottom Field Experiment” project...Berkeley, Doctoral thesis, 149p. Chou, H.-T., M.A. Foda , and J.R. Hunt (1993). Rheological response of cohesive sediments to oscillatory forcing”, In...Wave dissipation by muddy seafloors, Geophys. Res. Lett. 35/7, L07611. Foda , A.M., J.R. Hunt, and H.-T. Chou (1993). A nonlinear model for the

Room temperature synthesis of ReS2 through aqueous perrhenate sulfidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borowiec, Joanna; Gillin, William P.; Willis, Maureen A. C.; Boi, Filippo S.; He, Y.; Wen, J. Q.; Wang, S. L.; Schulz, Leander

2018-02-01

In this study, a direct sulfidation reaction of ammonium perrhenate (NH4ReO4) leading to a synthesis of rhenium disulfide (ReS2) is demonstrated. These findings reveal the first example of a simplistic bottom-up approach to the chemical synthesis of crystalline ReS2. The reaction presented here takes place at room temperature, in an ambient and solvent-free environment and without the necessity of a catalyst. The atomic composition and structure of the as-synthesized product were characterized using several analysis techniques including energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated the formation of a lower symmetry (1Tʹ) ReS2 with a low degree of layer stacking.

Room temperature synthesis of ReS2 through aqueous perrhenate sulfidation.

PubMed

Borowiec, Joanna; Gillin, William P; Willis, Maureen A C; Boi, Filippo S; He, Y; Wen, J Q; Wang, S L; Schulz, Leander

2018-01-11

In this study, a direct sulfidation reaction of ammonium perrhenate (NH 4 ReO 4 ) leading to a synthesis of rhenium disulfide (ReS 2 ) is demonstrated. These findings reveal the first example of a simplistic bottom-up approach to the chemical synthesis of crystalline ReS 2 . The reaction presented here takes place at room temperature, in an ambient and solvent-free environment and without the necessity of a catalyst. The atomic composition and structure of the as-synthesized product were characterized using several analysis techniques including energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated the formation of a lower symmetry (1T') ReS 2 with a low degree of layer stacking.

Clementine High Resolution Camera Mosaicking Project. Volume 21; CL 6021; 80 deg S to 90 deg S Latitude, North Periapsis; 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malin, Michael; Revine, Michael; Boyce, Joseph M. (Technical Monitor)

1998-01-01

This compact disk (CD) is part of the Clementine I high resolution (HiRes) camera lunar image mosaics developed by Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS). These mosaics were developed through calibration and semi-automated registration against the recently released geometrically and photometrically controlled Ultraviolet/Visible (UV/Vis) Basemap Mosaic, which is available through the PDS, as CD-ROM volumes CL_3001-3015. The HiRes mosaics are compiled from non-uniformity corrected, 750 nanometer ("D") filter high resolution observations from the HiRes imaging system onboard the Clementine Spacecraft. The geometric control is provided by the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Clementine Basemap Mosaic compiled from the 750 nm Ultraviolet/Visible Clementine imaging system. Calibration was achieved by removing the image nonuniformity largely caused by the HiRes system's light intensifier. Also provided are offset and scale factors, achieved by a fit of the HiRes data to the corresponding photometrically calibrated UV/Vis basemap that approximately transform the 8-bit HiRes data to photometric units. The mosaics on this CD are compiled from polar data (latitudes greater than 80 degrees), and are presented in the stereographic projection at a scale of 30 m/pixel at the pole, a resolution 5 times greater than that (150 m/pixel) of the corresponding UV/Vis polar basemap. This 5:1 scale ratio is in keeping with the sub-polar mosaic, in which the HiRes and UV/Vis mosaics had scales of 20 m/pixel and 100 m/pixel, respectively. The equal-area property of the stereographic projection made this preferable for the HiRes polar mosaic rather than the basemap's orthographic projection. Thus, a necessary first step in constructing the mosaic was the reprojection of the UV/Vis basemap to the stereographic projection. The HiRes polar data can be naturally grouped according to the orbital periapsis, which was in the south during the first half of the mapping mission and in the north during the second half. Images in each group have generally uniform intrinsic resolution, illumination, exposure and gain. Rather than mingle data from the two periapsis epochs, separate mosaics are provided for each, a total of 4 polar mosaics. The mosaics are divided into 100 square tiles of 2250 pixels (approximately 2.2 deg near the pole) on a side. Not all squares of this grid contain HiRes mosaic data, some inevitably since a square is not a perfect representation of a (latitude) circle, others due to the lack of HiRes data. This CD also contains ancillary data files that support the HiRes mosaic. These files include browse images with UV/Vis context stored in a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format, index files ('imgindx.tab' and 'srcindx.tab') that tabulate the contents of the CD, and documentation files. For more information on the contents and organization of the CD volume set refer to the "FILES, DIRECTORIES AND DISK CONTENTS" section of this document. The image files are organized according to NASA's Planetary Data System (PDS) standards. An image file (tile) is organized as a PDS labeled file containing an "image object".

Halogen content in Lesser Antilles arc volcanic rocks : exploring subduction recycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thierry, Pauline; Villemant, Benoit; Caron, Benoit

2016-04-01

Halogens (F, Cl, Br and I) are strongly reactive volatile elements which can be used as tracers of igneous processes, through mantle melting, magma differentiation and degassing or crustal material recycling into mantle at subduction zones. Cl, Br and I are higly incompatible during partial melting or fractional cristallization and strongly depleted in melts by H2O degassing, which means that no Cl-Br-I fractionation is expected through magmatic differenciation [current thesis]. Thus, Cl/Br/I ratios in lavas reflect the halogen content of their mantle sources. Whereas these ratios seemed quite constant (e.g. Cl/Br =300 as seawater), recent works suggest significant variations in arc volcanism [1,2]. In this work we provide high-precision halogen measurements in volcanic rocks from the recent activity of the Lesser Antilles arc (Montserrat, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominique). Halogen contents of powdered samples were determined through extraction in solution by pyrohydrolysis and analysed by Ion Chromatography for F and Cl and high performance ICP-MS (Agilent 8800 Tripe Quad) for Cl, Br and I [3,4]. We show that lavas - and mantle sources - display significant vraiations in Cl/Br/I ratios along the Lesser Antilles arc. These variations are compared with Pb, Nd and Sr isotopes and fluid-mobile elements (Ba, U, Sr, Pb etc.) compositions which vary along the arc from a nothern ordinary arc compositions to a southern 'crustal-like' composition [5,6]. These characteristics are attributed to subducted sediments recycling into the mantle wedge, whose contribution vary along the arc from north to south [7,8]. The proportion of added sediments is also related to the distance to the trench as sediment melting and slab dehydration may occur depending on the slab depth [9]. Further Cl-Br-I in situ measurements by LA-ICP-MS in Lesser Antilles arc lavas melt inclusions will be performed, in order to provide better constraints on the deep halogen recycling cycle from crust to mantle. 1. Villemant, B., Mouatt, J. & Michel, A., 2008. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 269(1), 212-229. 2. Kutterolf, S. et al., 2015. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 429, 234-246. 3. Michel, A. & Villemant, B., 2003. Geostand. Geoanalytical Res. 27(2), 163-171. 4. Balcone-Boissard, H., Michel, A. & Villemant, B., 2009. Geostand. Geoanalytical Res. 33(4), 477-485. 5. White, W. M. & Dupré, B., 1986. J. Geophys. Res. 91(B6), 5927. 6. Labanieh, S. et al., 2010. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 298(1-2), 35-46. 7. Turner, S. et al., 1996. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 142(1-2), 191-207. 8. Carpentier, M., Chauvel, C. & Mattielli, N., 2008. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 272(1-2), 199-211. 9. Labanieh, S. et al., 2012. J. Petrol. 53(12), 2441-2464.

High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP v1.0) for CMIP6

DOE PAGES

Haarsma, Reindert J.; Roberts, Malcolm J.; Vidale, Pier Luigi; ...

2016-11-22

Robust projections and predictions of climate variability and change, particularly at regional scales, rely on the driving processes being represented with fidelity in model simulations. The role of enhanced horizontal resolution in improved process representation in all components of the climate system is of growing interest, particularly as some recent simulations suggest both the possibility of significant changes in large-scale aspects of circulation as well as improvements in small-scale processes and extremes. However, such high-resolution global simulations at climate timescales, with resolutions of at least 50 km in the atmosphere and 0.25° in the ocean, have been performed at relativelymore » few research centres and generally without overall coordination, primarily due to their computational cost. Assessing the robustness of the response of simulated climate to model resolution requires a large multi-model ensemble using a coordinated set of experiments. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) is the ideal framework within which to conduct such a study, due to the strong link to models being developed for the CMIP DECK experiments and other model intercomparison projects (MIPs). Increases in high-performance computing (HPC) resources, as well as the revised experimental design for CMIP6, now enable a detailed investigation of the impact of increased resolution up to synoptic weather scales on the simulated mean climate and its variability. The High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) presented in this paper applies, for the first time, a multi-model approach to the systematic investigation of the impact of horizontal resolution. A coordinated set of experiments has been designed to assess both a standard and an enhanced horizontal-resolution simulation in the atmosphere and ocean. The set of HighResMIP experiments is divided into three tiers consisting of atmosphere-only and coupled runs and spanning the period 1950–2050, with the possibility of extending to 2100, together with some additional targeted experiments. This paper describes the experimental set-up of HighResMIP, the analysis plan, the connection with the other CMIP6 endorsed MIPs, as well as the DECK and CMIP6 historical simulations. Lastly, HighResMIP thereby focuses on one of the CMIP6 broad questions, “what are the origins and consequences of systematic model biases?”, but we also discuss how it addresses the World Climate Research Program (WCRP) grand challenges.« less

Allen Brain Atlas-Driven Visualizations: A Web-Based Gene Expression Energy Visualization Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-21

purposes notwithstanding any copyright anno - tation thereon. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be...Brain Res. Brain Res. Rev. 28, 309–369. doi: 10.1016/S0165-0173(98)00019-8 Bostock, M., Ogievetsky, V., and Heer, J . (2011). D³ data-driven documents...omnibus: NCBI gene expression and hybridization array data repository. Nucleic Acids Res. 30, 207–210. doi: 10.1093/nar/30.1.207 Eppig, J . T., Blake

Research in Laser Processes

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-01-15

Jpn. 20, 357 (1966); C. H. Jackman , R. H. Garvey, and A. E. S. Green, J. Geophys. Res. 82, 5081 (1977). ’D. C. Cartwright, S. Trajmar, A. Chutjian...Appl Phys. 47. 3088 (1976) A .1 Palmer. I D Hess, Semiannual Rpt. # I, 2 (1975) #3 (1976) Hughes Res. lab., Malibu, Calif. ViPalmer. I D Hess...Semiannual Rpl Hughes Res. Lab,, Malibu. Call! #1, 2(1975) #3 (1976) 5.11 I. A.Schhe .1 Appl Phys. 47, I W7 (1976) 5.12 RShuker. L,Morgan, Ä

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

Sullivan, Patrick; Logan, Jeffrey; Bird, Lori

This paper analyzes potential impacts of proposed national renewable electricity standard (RES) legislation. An RES is a mandate requiring certain electricity retailers to provide a minimum share of their electricity sales from qualifying renewable power generation. The analysis focuses on draft bills introduced individually by Senator Jeff Bingaman and Representative Edward Markey, and jointly by Representative Henry Waxman and Markey. The analysis uses NREL's Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) model to evaluate the impacts of the proposed RES requirements on the U.S. energy sector in four scenarios.

Inventory of File sref_nmb.t03z.pgrb212.ctl.grib2

Science.gov Websites

10 m above ground UGRD 3 hour fcst U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 004 10 m above ground VGRD 3 hour fcst V-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 005 mean sea level PRMSL 3 hour fcst 250 mb UGRD 3 hour fcst U-Component of Wind [m/s] ENS=low-res ctl 014 500 mb UGRD 3 hour fcst U

Optimally Stationing Army Forces

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

the force draw down. Military Oper. Res. 2(4) 39–51. Owen, S., M. Daskin . 1998. Strategic facility location: A review. Eur. J. Oper. Res. 111 423–447...ReVelle, C., H. Eiselt. 2005. Location analysis: A synthesis and sur- vey. Eur. J. Oper. Res. 165 1–19. ReVelle, C., H. Eiselt, M. Daskin . 2008. A ...National Guard, and Army Reserve soldiers. The Army assigns each soldier to a unit at one of over 4,000 worldwide locations; these facilities consist of

Aquatic Plant Control Research Program. A Survey of the Continental United States for Pathogens of Eurasian Watermilfoil

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-04-01

Res. Old boat basin Chelan 13 Sep 1984 Rock Island Res. Mouth of Wenatchee River Chelan 13 Sep 1984 Rock Island Res. Hannah Mining Co. Douglas 13 Sep...States, including ponds, lakes, reser- voirs, rivers , and canals. At the conclusion of the survey, 792 isolates had been collected from tissue samples...acre (9-ha) pond located in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, and an area near the Northeast River in Cecil County, Maryland--and suggested the declines

Regulación del flujo sanguíneo uterino. I. Funciones de estrógeno y receptores estrogénicos α/β en el endotelio vascular uterino durante el embarazo

PubMed Central

Mayra, Pastore R.; Rosalina, Villalón L.; López, Gladys; Iruretagoyena, Jesús; Magness, Ronald

2015-01-01

Resumen El estrógeno y los receptores estrogénicos clásicos (REs), RE-α y RE-β, han demostrado ser parcialmente responsable por las adaptaciones endoteliales uterinas durante el embarazo al corto y largo plazo. Las diferencias moleculares y estructurales, junto con los diferentes efectos causados por estos receptores en las células y los tejidos, sugieren que su función varía dependiendo de la manera en la cual el estrógeno se comunica con sus receptores. En ésta revisión bibliográfica se discuten la función del estrógeno y sus receptores clásicos en las adaptaciones cardiovasculares durante el embarazo y la expresión de los Res in vivo e in vitro en el endotelio de la arteria uterina durante el ciclo ovárico y el embarazo, a la vez comparado con la expresión en endotelio arterial de tejidos reproductivos y no reproductivos. Estos temas integran el conocimiento actual de este amplio campo científico con interpretaciones e hipótesis diversas relacionadas con los efectos estrogénicos mediados bien sea por uno o los dos REs. Esta revisión también incluye la relación con las adaptaciones vasodilatadoras y angiogénicas requeridas para modular el dramático incremento fisiológico en la perfusión útero-placentaria observada durante un embarazo normal. PMID:26113750

Recovery experience and burnout in cancer workers in Queensland.

PubMed

Poulsen, Michael G; Poulsen, Anne A; Khan, Asaduzzaman; Poulsen, Emma E; Khan, Shanchita R

2015-02-01

Two key recovery experiences mediating the relationship between work demands and well-being are psychological detachment and relaxation over leisure time. The process of recovery from work-related stress plays an important role in maintaining well-being, but is poorly understood in cancer workers. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the relationships of burnout, psychological well-being and work engagement with the recovery experiences of psychological detachment and relaxation in oncology staff. A cross sectional survey of 573 cancer workers in Queensland was conducted (response rate 56%). Oncology nurses (n = 211) represented the largest professional group. Staff completed surveys containing demographics and psychosocial questionnaires measuring burnout, psychological distress, work engagement and recovery experience. Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify explanatory variables which were independently associated with Recovery Experience Score (RES). There was a negative association between the RES and burnout (p = 0.002) as well as psychological distress (p < 0.0001), but not work engagement. Age >25 years was negatively correlated with RES as was having a post graduate qualification, being married or divorced, having carer commitments. Participating in strenuous exercise was associated with high recovery (p = 0.015). The two recovery experiences of psychological detachment and relaxation had a strong negative association to burnout and psychological well-being, but not work engagement. Further research needs to be undertaken to better understand if improving recovery experience reduces burnout and improves the well-being of cancer workers. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid Electrical Stimulation Increased Cardiac Apoptosis Through Disturbance of Calcium Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Geng, Le; Wang, Zidun; Cui, Chang; Zhu, Yue; Shi, Jiaojiao; Wang, Jiaxian; Chen, Minglong

2018-06-15

Heart failure induced by tachycardia, the most common arrhythmia, is frequently observed in clinical practice. This study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Rapid electrical stimulation (RES) at a frequency of 3 Hz was applied on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) for 7 days, with 8 h/day and 24 h/day set to represent short-term and long-term tachycardia, respectively. Age-matched hiPSC-CMs without electrical stimulation or with slow electrical stimulation (1 Hz) were set as no electrical stimulation (NES) control or low-frequency electrical stimulation (LES) control. Following stimulation, JC-1 staining flow cytometry analysis was performed to examine mitochondrial conditions. Apoptosis in hiPSC-CMs was evaluated using Hoechst staining and Annexin V/propidium iodide (AV/PI) staining flow cytometry analysis. Calcium transients and L-type calcium currents were recorded to evaluate calcium homeostasis. Western blotting and qPCR were performed to evaluate the protein and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes and calcium homeostasis-regulated genes. Compared to the controls, hiPSC-CMs following RES presented mitochondrial dysfunction and an increased apoptotic percentage. Amplitudes of calcium transients and L-type calcium currents were significantly decreased in hiPSC-CMs with RES. Molecular analysis demonstrated upregulated expression of Caspase3 and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Genes related to calcium re-sequence were downregulated, while phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was significantly upregulated following RES. There was no significant difference between the NES control and LES control groups in these aspects. Inhibition of CaMKII with 1 µM KN93 partly reversed these adverse effects of RES. RES on hiPSC-CMs disturbed calcium homeostasis, which led to mitochondrial stress, promoted cell apoptosis and caused electrophysiological remodeling in a time-dependent manner. CaMKII played a central role in the damages induced by RES, pharmacological inhibition of CaMKII activity partly reversed the adverse effects of RES on both structural and electrophysiological properties of cells. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of sheep horn.

PubMed

Zhu, Bing; Zhang, Ming; Zhao, Jian

2016-07-01

The sheep horn presents outstanding mechanical properties of impact resistance and energy absorption, which suits the need of the vehicle bumper design, but the mechanism behind this phenomenon is less investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the sheep horn of Small Tailed Han Sheep (Ovis aries) living in northeast China were investigated in this article. The effect of sampling position and orientation of the sheep horn sheath on mechanical properties were researched by tensile and compression tests. Meanwhile, the surface morphology and microstructure of the sheep horn were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The formation mechanism of the mechanical properties of the sheep horn was investigated by biological coupling analysis. The analytical results indicated that the outstanding mechanical properties of the sheep horn are determined by configuration, structure, surface morphology and material coupling elements. These biological coupling elements make the sheep horn possess super characteristics of crashworthiness and energy absorption through the internal coupling mechanism. We suppose that these findings would make a difference in vehicle bumper design. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:664-674, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemiluminescence and phagocytic responses of rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils to leptospires.

PubMed

Isogai, E; Isogai, H; Wakizaka, H; Miura, H; Kurebayashi, Y

1989-11-01

The interaction of leptospires with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was examined by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) test. Whole blood CL changed in relation to the stage of leptospiral infection both in susceptible (SUS) and resistant (RES) rats. The intensity of CL grew with an increasing number of leptospires in the blood. CL responses were observed in isolated PMN upon exposure to living leptospires. In contrast, the same bacteria, having been inactivated by formalin, did not stimulate PMN. A variation was found in the CL response by different living strains of Leptospira. The CL intensity was arranged as follows: L. illini greater than L. biflexa greater than L. interrogans avirulent strains greater than L. interrogans virulent strains. The CL response was markedly enhanced by an opsonization of leptospires. Specific opsonization was shown to increase the rate of phagocytosis of leptospires with relation to the CL response.

Chemical analyses of micrometre-sized solids by a miniature laser ablation/ionisation mass spectrometer (LMS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tulej, Marek; Wiesendanger, Reto; Neuland, Maike; Meyer, Stefan; Wurz, Peter; Neubeck, Anna; Ivarsson, Magnus; Riedo, Valentine; Moreno-Garcia, Pavel; Riedo, Andreas; Knopp, Gregor

2017-04-01

Investigation of elemental and isotope compositions of planetary solids with high spatial resolution are of considerable interest to current space research. Planetary materials are typically highly heterogenous and such studies can deliver detailed chemical information of individual sample components with the sizes down to a few micrometres. The results of such investigations can yield mineralogical surface context including mineralogy of individual grains or the elemental composition of of other objects embedded in the sample surface such as micro-sized fossils. The identification of bio-relevant material can follow by the detection of bio-relevant elements and their isotope fractionation effects [1, 2]. For chemical analysis of heterogenous solid surfaces we have combined a miniature laser ablation mass spectrometer (LMS) (mass resolution (m/Dm) 400-600; dynamic range 105-108) with in situ microscope-camera system (spatial resolution ˜2um, depth 10 um). The microscope helps to find the micrometre-sized solids across the surface sample for the direct mass spectrometric analysis by the LMS instrument. The LMS instrument combines an fs-laser ion source and a miniature reflectron-type time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometric analysis of the selected on the sample surface objects followed after ablation, atomisation and ionisation of the sample by a focussed laser radiation (775 nm, 180 fs, 1 kHz; the spot size of ˜20 um) [4, 5, 6]. Mass spectra of almost all elements (isotopes) present in the investigated location are measured instantaneously. A number of heterogenous rock samples containing micrometre-sized fossils and mineralogical grains were investigated with high selectivity and sensitivity. Chemical analyses of filamentous structures observed in carbonate veins (in harzburgite) and amygdales in pillow basalt lava can be well characterised chemically yielding elemental and isotope composition of these objects [7, 8]. The investigation can be prepared with high selectivity since the host composition is typically readily different comparing to that of the analysed objects. In depth chemical analysis (chemical profiling) is found in particularly helpful allowing relatively easy isolation of the chemical composition of the host from the investigated objects [6]. Hence, both he chemical analysis of the environment and microstructures can be derived. Analysis of the isotope compositions can be measured with high level of confidence, nevertheless, presence of cluster of similar masses can make sometimes this analysis difficult. Based on this work, we are confident that similar studies can be conducted in situ planetary surfaces delivering important chemical context and evidences on bio-relevant processes. [1] Summons et al., Astrobiology, 11, 157, 2011. [2] Wurz et al., Sol. Sys. Res. 46, 408, 2012. [3] Riedo et al., J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom. 28, 1256, 2013. [4] Riedo et al., J. Mass Spectrom.48, 1, 2013. [5] Tulej et al., Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 38, 423, 2014. [6] Grimaudo et al., Anal. Chem. 87, 2041, 2015 [7] Tulej et al., Astrobiology, 15, 1, 2015. [8] Neubeck et al., Int. J. Astrobiology, 15, 133, 2016.

Response of radiation belt simulations to different radial diffusion coefficients for relativistic and ultra-relativistic electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drozdov, Alexander; Mann, Ian; Baker, Daniel N.; Subbotin, Dmitriy; Ozeke, Louis; Shprits, Yuri; Kellerman, Adam

Two parameterizations of the resonant wave-particle interactions of electrons with ULF waves in the magnetosphere by Brautigam and Albert [2000] and Ozeke et al. [2012] are evaluated using the Versatile Electron Radiation Belt (VERB) diffusion code to estimate the effect of changing a diffusion coefficient on the radiation belt simulation. The period of investigation includes geomagnetically quiet and active time. The simulations take into account wave-particle interactions represented by radial diffusion transport, local acceleration, losses due to pitch-angle diffusion, and mixed diffusion. 1. Brautigam, D. H., and J. M. Albert (2000), Radial diffusion analysis of outer radiation belt electrons during the October 9, 1990, magnetic storm, J. Geophys. Res., 105(A1), 291-309, doi:10.1029/1999JA900344 2. Ozeke, L. G., I. R. Mann, K. R. Murphy, I. J. Rae, D. K. Milling, S. R. Elkington, A. A. Chan, and H. J. Singer (2012), ULF wave derived radiation belt radial diffusion coefficients, J. Geophys. Res., 117, A04222, doi:10.1029/2011JA017463.

Isolation and culture of rabbit embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Honda, Arata

2013-01-01

Mammalian stem cells are invaluable research resources for the study of cell and embryonic development as well as practical tools for use in the production of genetically engineered animals and further therapeutics. It is important that we further our knowledge and understanding of a variety of stem cells from several different animal species before trials in humans commence. Here we describe methods for establishing rabbit embryonic stem (rES) cell lines with indefinite proliferation potential. rES cells attain maximum proliferation potential when cultured at a feeder cell density of one-sixth of that of full confluency. Higher and lower densities of feeder cells induced ES cell differentiation or division arrest. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 can maintain the undifferentiated status of rES cells; however leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is dispensable. Under optimized conditions, rES cells could be passaged by trypsinization 50 times. This culture system enabled efficient gene transduction and clonal expansion from single cells. rES cells grew as flat monolayer cell colonies, as reported for monkey and human ES cells, and expressed pluripotency markers. Embryoid bodies and teratomas formed readily in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Characterization of ES cells from different species is important for establishing common features of pluripotency. We have demonstrated the similarity of ES cells between rabbit and humans. These cell lines could be applied directly using gene-targeting techniques, or in combination with induced pluripotent stem cells. Thus, rES cells are a suitable model for studying human transplantation therapy and disease treatments.

A meta-analysis of long-term survival outcomes between surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in patients with single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 2 cm (BCLC very early stage).

PubMed

Yin, Zi; Jin, Haosheng; Ma, Tingting; Zhou, Yu; Yu, Min; Jian, Zhixiang

2018-04-30

The optimal management choice in consideration of long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) for patients with BLCL very early stage is a matter of debate. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of liver resection (RES) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for single HCC 2 cm or less. The primary sources of the reviewed studies through December 2017, without restriction on the languages or regions, were Pubmed and Embase. The hazard ratio (HR) was used as a summary statistic for long-term outcomes. A total of 5 studies qualified for inclusion in this quantified meta-analysis with a total of 729 HCC patients of BCLC very early stage. Only postoperative 1-year OS was comparable in both RES and RFA groups. As for long-term outcomes of 3-year and 5-year OSs, RES was significantly better than RFA, the HRs were 0.64 (95%CI: 0.41, 1.00; P = 0.05) and 0.63 (95%CI: 0.42, 0.95; P = 0.03) respectively. In terms of postoperative DFS, reduced tumor recurrence was observed in RES, and all the short- and long-terms outcomes were favored RES. RES offers better long-term oncologic outcomes compared with RFA in current clinical evidences. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Methodology for Image-Based Reconstruction of Ventricular Geometry for Patient-Specific Modeling of Cardiac Electrophysiology

PubMed Central

Prakosa, A.; Malamas, P.; Zhang, S.; Pashakhanloo, F.; Arevalo, H.; Herzka, D. A.; Lardo, A.; Halperin, H.; McVeigh, E.; Trayanova, N.; Vadakkumpadan, F.

2014-01-01

Patient-specific modeling of ventricular electrophysiology requires an interpolated reconstruction of the 3-dimensional (3D) geometry of the patient ventricles from the low-resolution (Lo-res) clinical images. The goal of this study was to implement a processing pipeline for obtaining the interpolated reconstruction, and thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of this pipeline in comparison with alternative methods. The pipeline implemented here involves contouring the epi- and endocardial boundaries in Lo-res images, interpolating the contours using the variational implicit functions method, and merging the interpolation results to obtain the ventricular reconstruction. Five alternative interpolation methods, namely linear, cubic spline, spherical harmonics, cylindrical harmonics, and shape-based interpolation were implemented for comparison. In the thorough evaluation of the processing pipeline, Hi-res magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), and diffusion tensor (DT) MR images from numerous hearts were used. Reconstructions obtained from the Hi-res images were compared with the reconstructions computed by each of the interpolation methods from a sparse sample of the Hi-res contours, which mimicked Lo-res clinical images. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of these ventricular geometry reconstructions showed that the variational implicit functions approach performed better than others. Additionally, the outcomes of electrophysiological simulations (sinus rhythm activation maps and pseudo-ECGs) conducted using models based on the various reconstructions were compared. These electrophysiological simulations demonstrated that our implementation of the variational implicit functions-based method had the best accuracy. PMID:25148771

Wear particles and ions from cemented and uncemented titanium-based hip prostheses—A histological and chemical analysis of retrieval material

PubMed Central

Grosse, Susann; Haugland, Hans Kristian; Lilleng, Peer; Ellison, Peter; Hallan, Geir; Høl, Paul Johan

2015-01-01

Wear debris-induced inflammation is considered to be the main cause for periprosthetic osteolysis in total hip replacements (THR). The objective of this retrieval study was to examine the tissue reactions and exposure to metal ions and wear particles in periprosthetic tissues and blood samples from patients with titanium (Ti)-based hip prostheses that were revised due to wear, osteolysis, and/or aseptic loosening. Semiquantitative, histological tissue evaluations in 30 THR-patients revealed numerous wear debris-loaded macrophages, inflammatory cells, and necrosis in both groups. Particle load was highest in tissues adjacent to loosened cemented Ti stems that contained mainly submicron zirconium (Zr) dioxide particles. Particles containing pure Ti and Ti alloy elements were most abundant in tissues near retrieved uncemented cups. Polyethylene particles were also detected, but accounted only for a small portion of the total particle number. The blood concentrations of Ti and Zr were highly elevated in cases with high abrasive wear and osteolysis. Our findings indicate that wear particles of different chemical composition induced similar inflammatory responses, which suggests that particle size and load might be more important than the wear particle composition in periprosthetic inflammation and osteolysis. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B:709–717, 2015. PMID:25051953

Multicentre evaluation of music perception in adult users of Advanced Bionics cochlear implants.

PubMed

Adams, Doris; Ajimsha, Khalid Mohamed; Barberá, Manuel Tomás; Gazibegovic, Dzemal; Gisbert, Javier; Gómez, Justo; Raveh, Eyal; Rocca, Christine; Romanet, Philipe; Seebens, Yvonne; Zarowski, Andrzej

2014-01-01

To document musical listening and enjoyment in recipients of Advanced Bionics cochlear implants (CIs) and to compare musical perception in those using early coding strategies with subjects using the newer HiRes and HiRes 120 strategies. A questionnaire was completed by 136 adult subjects, including questions on the ability to identify specific musical features. The subjects were in three groups: those using early coding strategies (n = 29), HiRes (n = 59), and HiRes 120 (n = 48), and results were compared with a group of 84 normally hearing (NH) subjects. Of the CI users, 79% reported listening to music. The NH group rated listening frequency and enjoyment higher than the CI users. Thirty-five users reported that they sang and this group had significantly higher overall performance. There were no significant differences in overall perception of specific musical features among the strategy groups, though some individual questions showed significantly higher performance in the HiRes 120 users. Users of current CI technology show a high level of musical appreciation, though still significantly less than NH subjects. Frequency of listening and enjoyment were significantly correlated and active participation in musical activities, specifically singing, resulted in significantly higher overall performance scores.

Proving and Improving Wave Models in the Arctic Ocean and its MIZ

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

on a giant ice island in Baffin Bay, in which the response to a breakup event was measured and the size of the broken-out iceberg fragment tested...2014), In situ measurements and analysis of ocean waves in the Antarctic marginal ice zone, Geophys. Res. Lett., 41, 5046–5051, doi:10.1002...Symposium on Ice, Singapore, August 11 to 15, 2014. Doble, M. J., and J.-R. Bidlot, 2013. Wave buoy measurements at the Antarctic sea ice edge

Neuropathogenesis of Zika Virus in a Highly Susceptible Immunocompetent Mouse Model After Antibody Blockade of Type I Interferon

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-12

of type I interferons on cells of the immune system. Clin Cancer Res 17: 755 2619-2627. 52. Le Bon A, Tough DF (2002) Links between innate and...debris, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. This model of ZIKV 45 pathogenesis will be valuable for evaluating medical countermeasures and the...The major limitation of these models is they utilize immunodeficient knockout mice that lack key components of the innate antiviral response. We

An Animal Model for Collective Behavior in Humans: The Impact of Manipulated Trust and Aggression

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-30

grouped with males compared with females grouped with females. This raises the issue of the reciprocal impact of gender on the response to owl attack...337–342 Ecksteina MP, Dasa K, Phama BT, Petersona MF, Abbeya CK, Sya JL, Giesbrechta B (2012) Neural decoding of collective wisdom with multi- brain ...spiny mice flee in alternating patterns. Behav Brain Res 155:207–216 Eilam D (2003) Open-field behavior withstands drastic changes in arena size. Behav

Nitric Oxide Generating Polymeric Coatings for Subcutaneous Glucose Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-10-01

primary polymer which was then aminated (2) for attachment of (Boc)3-cyclen-N-acetic acid (1). After the conjugation via EDC coupling chemistry, the Boc...SePEI and alginic acid layers). The sensor exhibits good response to NO, with sensitivity of 30-60 nA/µM and a detection limit of 5 nM. To create the...Oxide Release,” J. Biomed. Mater. Res., 75A (4), 755- 766 (2005). 10 2. S. Hwang, W. Cha, M. E. Meyerhoff, " Polymethacrylates with Covalently

The Analysis of Visual Motion: From Computational Theory to Neuronal Mechanisms.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-12-01

neuronb. Brain Res. 151:599-603. Frost, B . J., Nakayama, K . 1983. Single visual neurons code opposing motion independent JW of direction. Science 220:744...Biol. Cybern. 42:195-204. llolden, A. 1. 1977. Responses of directional ganglion cells in the pigeon retina. J. Physiol., 270:2,53 269. Horn. B . K . P...R. Soc. Iond. B . 223:165-175. 51 % Computations Underlying Motion ttildret ik Koch %V. Longuet-Iliggins, H. C., Prazdny. K . 1981. The interpretation

Earth Remote Sensing for Weather Forecasting and Disaster Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molthan, Andrew; Bell, Jordan; Case, Jonathan; Cole, Tony; Elmer, Nicholas; McGrath, Kevin; Schultz, Lori; Zavodsky, Brad

2016-01-01

NASA's constellation of current missions provide several opportunities to apply satellite remote sensing observations to weather forecasting and disaster response applications. Examples include: Using NASA's Terra and Aqua MODIS, and the NASA/NOAA Suomi-NPP VIIRS missions to prepare weather forecasters for capabilities of GOES-R; Incorporating other NASA remote sensing assets for improving aspects of numerical weather prediction; Using NASA, NOAA, and international partner resources (e.g. ESA/Sentinel Series); and commercial platforms (high-res, or UAV) to support disaster mapping.

Department of Clinical Investigation, Annual Research Progress Report Fiscal Year 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-09-30

Enanthate with Testolactone. Clin Res 36( 1 ): 122A, 1938 Friedl KE, Hannan CJ, Effect of Eye Color on Heart Rate Mader TH, Patience TH, Response to...J Clin Oncol 6( 1 ): 154-57, 1988 11 PUBLICATIONS - MAMC - FY 88 Schoenfeld SL, McCulloch DK Insulin Autoantibody Detection in Nuovo JA, Klaff LJ...Acid:CoASH Ligase (AMP). Effects of Insulin , Glucagon, Glucocorticoids, and Thyroid Hormones 27 PI and No. Status Page JONES, RE 0 Investigations into the

Resolution Urging Continuation of Federal Involvement in Child Nutrition Programs. Hearings on H. Con. Res. 384 Before the Subcommittee on Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational Education of the Committee on Education and Labor. House of Representatives, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Second Session (September 21, 22, 1982).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Congress of the U.S., Washington, DC. House Committee on Education and Labor.

This report presents the transcript of Congressional committee hearings on a resolution urging continuation of Federal support for child nutrition programs, in view of proposals by the Reagan administration to turn responsibility for such programs over to the States. The report includes texts of statements, letters, and supplemental materials…

Response to the Fernández-Niño Comments on Hernández-Alvarado et al. Increase in Suicide Rates by Hanging in the Population of Tabasco, México between 2003 and 2012. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2016, 13, 552.

PubMed

Hernández-Alvarado, Mervyn Manuel; González-Castro, Thelma Beatriz; Tovilla-Zárate, Carlos Alfonso; Fresán, Ana; Juárez-Rojop, Isela E; López-Narváez, María Lilia; Villar-Soto, Mario; Genis-Mendoza, Alma

2016-07-01

We thank the comments of Fernández-Niño [1] addressing our article [2] "Increase in Suicide Rates by Hanging in the Population of Tabasco, Mexico between 2003 and 2012", which pointed out that the use of the epidemiological concept "prevalence" is not correctly applied in the present manuscript.

Synthetic Lethal Metabolic Targeting of Senescent Cells after Androgen Deprivation Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-07-01

ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 21 N PARK ST STE 6401 MADISON WI 53715...Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA 123 Breast Cancer Res Treat (2017) 163:435–447 DOI 10.1007/s10549-017-4201-0 In an effort to enhance the activity of TRAIL...cells. (Figure 1). A dose–response experiment in MDA-MB-468 cells identi- fied 0.5 mM metformin as the minimal concentration needed to sensitize these

Laser-based mass spectrometry for in situ chemical composition analysis of planetary surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frey, Samira; Neuland, Maike B.; Grimaudo, Valentine; Moreno-García, Pavel; Riedo, Andreas; Tulej, Marek; Broekmann, Peter; Wurz, Peter

2016-04-01

Mass spectrometry is an important analytical technique in space research. The chemical composition of planetary surface material is a key scientific question on every space mission to a planet, moon or asteroid. Chemical composition measurements of rocky material on the surface are of great importance to understand the origin and evolution of the planetary body.[1] A miniature laser ablation/ionisation reflectron- type time-of-flight mass spectrometer (instrument name LMS) was designed and built at the University of Bern for planetary research.[2] Despite its small size and light weight, the LMS instrument still maintains the same capabilities as large laboratory systems, which makes it suitable for its application on planetary space missions.[3-5] The high dynamic range of about eight orders of magnitude, high lateral (μm-level) and vertical (sub-nm level) resolution and high detection sensitivity for almost all elements (10 ppb, atomic fraction) make LMS a versatile instrument for various applications. LMS is a suitable instrument for in situ measurements of elemental and isotope composition with high precision and accuracy. Measurements of Pb- isotope abundances can be used for dating of planetary material. Measurements of bio-relevant elements allow searching for past or present life on a planetary surface. The high spatial resolution, both in lateral and vertical direction, is of considerable interest, e.g. for analysis of inhomogeneous, extraterrestrial samples as well as weathering processes of planetary material. References [1] P. Wurz, D. Abplanalp, M. Tulej, M. Iakovleva, V.A. Fernandes, A. Chumikov, and G. Managadze, "Mass Spectrometric Analysis in Planetary Science: Investigation of the Surface and the Atmosphere", Sol. Sys. Res., 2012, 46, 408. [2] U. Rohner, J.A. Whitby, P. Wurz, "A miniature laser ablation time of flight mass spectrometer for in situ planetary exploration" Meas. Sci. Tch., 2003, 14, 2159. [3] M. Tulej, A. Riedo, M.B. Neuland, S. Meyer, P. Wurz, N. Thomas, V. Grimaudo, P. Moreno-García, P. Broekmann, A. Neubeck and M. Ivarsson, "CAMAM: A miniature laser ablation ionisation mass spectrometer and microscope-camera system for in situ investigation of the composition and morphology of extraterrestrial materials", Geostand. Geoanal. Res., 2014, 38, 441. [4] A. Riedo, M. Neuland, S. Meyer, M. Tulej and P. Wurz, "Coupling of LMS with a fs-laser ablation ion source: elemental and isotope composition measurements", J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2013, 28, 1256. [5] A. Riedo, S. Meyer, B. Heredia, M. Neuland, A. Bieler, M. Tulej, I. Leya, M. Iakovleva, K. Mezger and P. Wurz, "Highly accurate isotope composition measurements by a miniature laser ablation mass spectrometer designed for in situ investigations on planetary surfaces", Planet. Space Sci., 2013, 87, 1.

Mobility and generation of mosaic non-autonomous transposons by Tn3-derived inverted-repeat miniature elements (TIMEs).

PubMed

Szuplewska, Magdalena; Ludwiczak, Marta; Lyzwa, Katarzyna; Czarnecki, Jakub; Bartosik, Dariusz

2014-01-01

Functional transposable elements (TEs) of several Pseudomonas spp. strains isolated from black shale ore of Lubin mine and from post-flotation tailings of Zelazny Most in Poland, were identified using a positive selection trap plasmid strategy. This approach led to the capture and characterization of (i) 13 insertion sequences from 5 IS families (IS3, IS5, ISL3, IS30 and IS1380), (ii) isoforms of two Tn3-family transposons--Tn5563a and Tn4662a (the latter contains a toxin-antitoxin system), as well as (iii) non-autonomous TEs of diverse structure, ranging in size from 262 to 3892 bp. The non-autonomous elements transposed into AT-rich DNA regions and generated 5- or 6-bp sequence duplications at the target site of transposition. Although these TEs lack a transposase gene, they contain homologous 38-bp-long terminal inverted repeat sequences (IRs), highly conserved in Tn5563a and many other Tn3-family transposons. The simplest elements of this type, designated TIMEs (Tn3 family-derived Inverted-repeat Miniature Elements) (262 bp), were identified within two natural plasmids (pZM1P1 and pLM8P2) of Pseudomonas spp. It was demonstrated that TIMEs are able to mobilize segments of plasmid DNA for transposition, which results in the generation of more complex non-autonomous elements, resembling IS-driven composite transposons in structure. Such transposon-like elements may contain different functional genetic modules in their core regions, including plasmid replication systems. Another non-autonomous element "captured" with a trap plasmid was a TIME derivative containing a predicted resolvase gene and a res site typical for many Tn3-family transposons. The identification of a portable site-specific recombination system is another intriguing example confirming the important role of non-autonomous TEs of the TIME family in shuffling genetic information in bacterial genomes. Transposition of such mosaic elements may have a significant impact on diversity and evolution, not only of transposons and plasmids, but also of other types of mobile genetic elements.

Near real time inverse source modeling and stress filed assessment: the requirement of a volcano fast response system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirzaei, Manoochehr; Walter, Thomas

2010-05-01

Volcanic unrest and eruptions are one of the major natural hazards next to earthquakes, floods, and storms. It has been shown that many of volcanic and tectonic unrests are triggered by changes in the stress field induced by nearby seismic and magmatic activities. In this study, as part of a mobile volcano fast response system so-called "Exupery" (www.exupery-vfrs.de) we present an arrangement for semi real time assessing the stress field excited by volcanic activity. This system includes; (1) an approach called "WabInSAR" dedicated for advanced processing of the satellite data and providing an accurate time series of the surface deformation [1, 2], (2) a time dependent inverse source modeling method to investigate the source of volcanic unrest using observed surface deformation data [3, 4], (3) the assessment of the changes in stress field induced by magmatic activity at the nearby volcanic and tectonic systems. This system is implemented in a recursive manner that allows handling large 3D data sets in an efficient and robust way which is requirement of an early warning system. We have applied and validated this arrangement on Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii Island, to assess the influence of the time dependent activities of Mauna Loa on earthquake occurrence at the Kaoiki seismic zone. References [1] M. Shirzaei and T. R. Walter, "Wavelet based InSAR (WabInSAR): a new advanced time series approach for accurate spatiotemporal surface deformation monitoring," IEEE, pp. submitted, 2010. [2] M. Shirzaei and R. T. Walter, "Deformation interplay at Hawaii Island through InSAR time series and modeling," J. Geophys Res., vol. submited, 2009. [3] M. Shirzaei and T. R. Walter, "Randomly Iterated Search and Statistical Competency (RISC) as powerful inversion tools for deformation source modeling: application to volcano InSAR data," J. Geophys. Res., vol. 114, B10401, doi:10.1029/2008JB006071, 2009. [4] M. Shirzaei and T. R. Walter, "Genetic algorithm combined with Kalman filter as powerful tool for nonlinear time dependent inverse modelling: Application to volcanic deformation time series," J. Geophys. Res., pp. submitted, 2010.

Facteurs de risque dans le trouble déficitaire de l’attention et de l’hyperactivité: étude familiale

PubMed Central

Poissant, Hélène; Rapin, Lucile

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif: Notre étude a pour but d’évaluer les facteurs de risque associés au trouble déficitaire de l’attention et de l’hyperactivité (TDAH) en termes de comorbidités et de facteurs d’adversité à l’intérieur des familles avec un TDAH. Méthodologie: 137 parents de 104 enfants avec un TDAH et 40 parents de 34 enfants contrôles ont répondu aux items d’un questionnaire. Des tests Chi-carrés et des tests de Student ont mesuré l’association de chaque item avec les groupes et les différences entre les groupes. Résultats: Les enfants avec un TDAH avaient des performances scolaires plus faibles et une plus forte prévalence des troubles d’apprentissage, oppositionnel, des conduites et anxieux que celle des enfants contrôles. Des difficultés d’apprentissage étaient plus souvent rapportées chez les pères d’enfants avec un TDAH. Par ailleurs, l’isolement social et les accidents de la route étaient davantage présents chez les mères d’enfants avec un TDAH. Ces dernières souffraient plus de dépression et de trouble anxieux et prenaient davantage de médicaments que les mères contrôles. Conclusion: L’étude de facteurs de risque révèle un lien entre les parents et les enfants, spécifiquement la présence de dépression parmi les mères d’enfants avec un TDAH et de difficultés d’apprentissage chez les pères, suggérant une composante familiale dans le trouble. La sous-représentation du TDAH chez les pères d’enfants avec un TDAH est discutée. PMID:23133459

First direct observation of runaway electron-driven whistler waves in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spong, Donald A.

2017-10-01

Whistlers are electromagnetic waves that can be driven unstable by energetic electrons and are observed in natural plasmas, such as the ionosphere and Van Allen belts. Recent DIII-D experiments at low density demonstrate the first direct observation of whistlers in tokamaks, with 100-200 MHz waves excited by runaway electrons (REs) in the multi-MeV range. Whistler activity is correlated with RE intensity and the frequencies scale with magnetic field strength and electron density consistent with a whistler dispersion relation. Fluctuations occur in discrete frequency bands, and not a continuum as would be expected from plane wave analysis, suggesting the important role of toroidicity. An MHD model including the bounded/periodic nature of the plasma identifies multiple eigenmode branches. For a toroidal mode number n = 10, the predicted frequencies and spacing are similar to observations. The instabilities are stabilized with increasing magnetic field, as expected from the anomalous Doppler resonance. The whistler amplitudes show intermittent time variations. Predator-prey cycles with electron cyclotron emission (ECE) signals are observed, which can be interpreted as wave-induced pitch angle scattering of moderate energy REs. Such nonlinear dynamics are supported by quasi-linear simulations indicating that REs are scattered both by whistlers and high frequency magnetized plasma waves. The whistler wave predominantly scatters the high energy REs, while the magnetized plasma wave scatters the low energy REs, abruptly enhancing the ECE signal. Amplitude variations are also associated with sawtooth activity, indicating that the REs sample the q = 1 surface. These features of the RE-driven whistler have connections to ionospheric plasmas and open up new directions for the modeling and active control of tokamak REs. Work supported by the US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-FG02-07ER54917, DE-SC00-16268, and DE-AC05-00OR22725.

CoRes utilization for building PCK in pre-service teacher education on the digestive system topic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugraha, Ikmanda

2017-05-01

Knowledge of teachers in learning activities in the classroom has a close relationship with how well and how much students learn. Recently, a promising development in teacher education has appeared that centers on the academic construct of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). This study was an exploratory study into a science teacher education program that seeks to build the foundations on which pre-service teachers can begin to build their pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The program involved the use of Content Representations (CoRes), which was initially applied as component of a strategy for exploring and gaining insights into the PCK of in-service science teachers. This study involved the researcher and 20 students (third year) in a pre-service teacher education course (School Science I) in science education when the students worked to make content analysis on the digestive system topic. During the course, the students make their own CoRes through a workshop for digestive system topic individually, in pairs and whole class discussion. Data were recorded from students' CoRes, student reflective journals, interviews, and field notes recorded in the researcher's reflective journal. Pre-service teachers' comments from interviews and reflective journals were coded in relation to references about: (1) the effectiveness of variety strategies in building the knowledge bases required to design a CoRes and (2) their awareness and/or development of tentative components of future PCK for a digestive system topic as a result of CoRes construction. Observational data were examined for indications of increasing independence and competency on the part of student teachers when locating appropriate information for designing their CoRes. From this study, it is hoped that the pre-service science teachers are able to build knowledge and then transform it into a form of PCK for digestive system topic for their first classroom planning and teaching to teach digestive system contents effectively.

Myb14, a direct activator of STS, is associated with resveratrol content variation in berry skin in two grape cultivars.

PubMed

Fang, Linchuan; Hou, Yanlin; Wang, Lijun; Xin, Haiping; Wang, Nian; Li, Shaohua

2014-10-01

High and low resveratrol (Res) contents in two cultivars are correlated with the expression abundance of Myb14 , which could directly activate transcriptional expression of stilbene synthase gene ( STS ). Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is one of the natural polyphenols produced by secondary metabolism in some plants. Stilbene synthase (STS) is the key enzyme for the final step of precursor formation of resveratrol (Res) in grapevines. In this study, we found that Res contents in ripe berry skin were completely different in two grape cultivars, namely, 'Z168' (Vitis monticola × Vitis riparia) with high-Res and 'Jingzaojing' (Vitis vinifera) with low-Res. Moreover, the level of expression of STS gene was higher in the ripe berry skin of 'Z168' than in that of 'Jingzaojing'. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, we conducted a co-expression analysis through transcriptomic data. We confirmed that Myb14, an R2R3 Myb transcription factor, is the direct regulator of STS by binding to Box-L5 motif. Moreover, the expression pattern of Myb14 is associated with the variation of Res content. To test this prediction, we conducted a number of experiments in vivo and in vitro. The expression patterns of Myb14 and STS in grapevine leaves were identical under a series of stimulus. Myb14 showed higher expression in the ripe berry skin of 'Z168' than in that of 'Jingzaojing'. Yeast one-hybrid assay indicated that grapevine Myb14 could interact with the promoter of STS in vitro, and the transient overexpression of Myb14 promoted the expression of STS. Furthermore, co-expressing 35S::Myb14 in transgenic Arabidopsis could activate GUS expression promoted by STS promoter. Thus, Myb14 is the direct activator of STS, and its expression pattern is associated with Res content variation in grapes.

Phenotypic and Molecular Spectrum of Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome: A Study of 24 Patients.

PubMed

Al Mutairi, Fuad; Alfadhel, Majid; Nashabat, Marwan; El-Hattab, Ayman W; Ben-Omran, Tawfeg; Hertecant, Jozef; Eyaid, Wafaa; Ali, Rehab; Alasmari, Ali; Kara, Majdi; Al-Twaijri, Waleed; Filimban, Rana; Alshenqiti, Abduljabbar; Al-Owain, Mohammed; Faqeih, Eissa; Alkuraya, Fowzan S

2018-01-01

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder with variable clinical manifestations. Molecular detection of specific mutations is required to confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to review the clinical and molecular diagnostic findings in 24 individuals with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome who presented during childhood in an Arab population. We reviewed the records of 24 patients from six tertiary hospitals in different Arab countries. All included patients had a molecular diagnosis of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Six individuals with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (25%) had a neonatal presentation, whereas the remaining patients presented during the first year of life. Patients presented with developmental delay (24 cases, 100%); spasticity (24 cases, 100%); speech delay (23 cases, 95.8%); profound intellectual disability (21 cases, 87.5%); truncal hypotonia (21 cases, 87.5%); seizures (eighteen cases, 75%); and epileptic encephalopathy (15 cases, 62.5%). Neuroimaging showed white matter abnormalities (22 cases, 91.7%), cerebral atrophy (75%), and small, multifocal calcifications in the lentiform nuclei and deep cerebral white matter (54.2%). Homozygous mutations were identified in RNASEH2B (54.2%), RNASEH2A (20.8%), RNASEH2C (8.3%), SAMHD1 (8.3%), TREX1 (4.2%), and heterozygous mutations in IFIH1 (4.2%), with c.356A>G (p.Asp119Gly) in RNASEH2B being the most frequent mutation. Three novel mutations c.987delT and c.625 + 1G>A in SAMHD1 gene and c.961G>T in the IFIHI1 gene were identified. This is the largest molecularly confirmed Aicardi-Goutières syndrome cohort from Arabia. By presenting these clinical and molecular findings, we hope to raise awareness of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome and to demonstrate the importance of specialist referral and molecular diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

X-ray edge singularity in resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markiewicz, Robert; Rehr, John; Bansil, Arun

2013-03-01

We develop a lattice model based on the theory of Mahan, Noziéres, and de Dominicis for x-ray absorption to explore the effect of the core hole on the RIXS cross section. The dominant part of the spectrum can be described in terms of the dynamic structure function S (q , ω) dressed by matrix element effects, but there is also a weak background associated with multi-electron-hole pair excitations. The model reproduces the decomposition of the RIXS spectrum into well- and poorly-screened components. An edge singularity arises at the threshold of both components. Fairly large lattice sizes are required to describe the continuum limit. Supported by DOE Grant DE-FG02-07ER46352 and facilitated by the DOE CMCSN, under grant number DE-SC0007091.

Decoupling capabilities of split-loop resonator structure for 7 Tesla MRI surface array coils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurshkainen, A.; Kurdjumov, S.; Simovski, C.; Glybovski, S.; Melchakova, I.; van den Berg, C. A. T.; Raaijmakers, A.; Belov, P.

2017-09-01

In this work we studied electromagnetic properties of one-dimentional periodic structures composed of split-loop res-onators (SLRs) and investigated their capabilities in decoupling of two dipole antennas for full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Two different finite structures comprising a single-SLR and a double-SLR constitutive elements were studied. Numerical simulations of the structures were performed to evaluate their decoupling capabilities. As it was demonstrated two dipole antennas equipped with either a single or a double-SLR structure exhibit high isolation even for an electrically short distance between the dipoles. Double-SLR structure while dramatically improving isolation of the dipoles keeps the field created by each of the decoupled dipoles comparable with one of a single dipole inside the target area.

Meeting Report: The Role of the Mobilome in Cancer.

PubMed

Ardeljan, Daniel; Taylor, Martin S; Burns, Kathleen H; Boeke, Jef D; Espey, Michael Graham; Woodhouse, Elisa C; Howcroft, Thomas Kevin

2016-08-01

Approximately half of the human genome consists of repetitive sequence attributed to the activities of mobile DNAs, including DNA transposons, RNA transposons, and endogenous retroviruses. Of these, only long interspersed elements (LINE-1 or L1) and sequences copied by LINE-1 remain mobile in our species today. Although cells restrict L1 activity by both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, L1 derepression occurs in developmental and pathologic contexts, including many types of cancers. However, we have limited knowledge of the extent and consequences of L1 expression in premalignancies and cancer. Participants in this NIH strategic workshop considered key questions to enhance our understanding of mechanisms and roles the mobilome may play in cancer biology. Cancer Res; 76(15); 4316-9. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

The seismic signatures of the solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stähler, Simon C.; Kedar, Sharon; van Driel, Martin; Vance, Steven D.; Panning, Mark P.

2017-04-01

Seismology is a powerful tool to image the interior of planetary bodies. At the same time, its results are often difficult to visualize. The spectral-element solver AxiSEM (Nissen-Meyer et al. 2014) enables calculations of the broadband seismic response of terrestrial bodies with solid crusts and mantles, as well as icy moons with solid ice crusts overlying liquid oceans. In its database mode, Instaseis (van Driel et al. 2015), AxiSEM can efficiently calculate the seismic response for earthquakes at arbitrary distances and depths. We use this method to present a set of global stacks of seismograms, similar to the iconic global stack that Astiz and Shearer (1996) created for IRIS from thousands of seismograms on Earth. We present these stacks for models of Europa, Enceladus, Ganymede, Mercury, Venus, Moon and - for comparison - Earth. The results are based on thermodynamical modeling for the icy moons and orbital observations for the terrestrial planets. The results visualize how each planet and moon has its own unique seismic wavefield and which observables exist to infer its detailed structure by future lander missions. Astiz, L., P. Earle and P. Shearer, Global stacking of broadband seismograms, Seis. Res. Lett., 67, 8-18, 1996. M. van Driel, L. Krischer, S.C. Stähler, K. Hosseini, and T. Nissen-Meyer (2015), "Instaseis: instant global seismograms based on a broadband waveform database," Solid Earth, 6, 701-717, doi:10.5194/se-6-701-2015. Nissen-Meyer, T., van Driel, M., Stähler, S. C., Hosseini, K., Hempel, S., Auer, L., … Fournier, A. (2014). AxiSEM: broadband 3-D seismic wavefields in axisymmetric media. Solid Earth, 5(1), 425-445. https://doi.org/10.5194/se-5-425-2014

A role for the gene regulatory module microRNA172/TARGET OF EARLY ACTIVATION TAGGED 1/FLOWERING LOCUS T (miRNA172/TOE1/FT) in the feeding sites induced by Meloidogyne javanica in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Díaz-Manzano, Fernando E; Cabrera, Javier; Ripoll, Juan-José; Del Olmo, Iván; Andrés, Mari Fe; Silva, Ana Cláudia; Barcala, Marta; Sánchez, María; Ruíz-Ferrer, Virginia; de Almeida-Engler, Janice; Yanofsky, Martin F; Piñeiro, Manuel; Jarillo, Jose Antonio; Fenoll, Carmen; Escobar, Carolina

2018-01-01

Root knot nematodes (RKNs) penetrate into the root vascular cylinder, triggering morphogenetic changes to induce galls, de novo formed 'pseudo-organs' containing several giant cells (GCs). Distinctive gene repression events observed in early gall/GCs development are thought to be mediated by post-transcriptional silencing via microRNAs (miRNAs), a process that is far from being fully characterized. Arabidopsis thaliana backgrounds with altered activities based on target 35S::MIMICRY172 (MIM172), 35S::TARGET OF EARLY ACTIVATION TAGGED 1 (TOE1)-miR172-resistant (35S::TOE1 R ) and mutant (flowering locus T-10 (ft-10)) lines were used for functional analysis of nematode infective and reproductive parameters. The GUS-reporter lines, MIR172A-E::GUS, treated with auxin (IAA) and an auxin-inhibitor (a-(phenyl ethyl-2-one)-indole-3-acetic acid (PEO-IAA)), together with the MIR172C AuxRE::GUS line with two mutated auxin responsive elements (AuxREs), were assayed for nematode-dependent gene expression. Arabidopsis thaliana backgrounds with altered expression of miRNA172, TOE1 or FT showed lower susceptibility to the RKNs and smaller galls and GCs. MIR172C-D::GUS showed restricted promoter activity in galls/GCs that was regulated by auxins through auxin-responsive factors. IAA induced their activity in galls while PEO-IAA treatment and mutations in AuxRe motifs abolished it. The results showed that the regulatory module miRNA172/TOE1/FT plays an important role in correct GCs and gall development, where miRNA172 is modulated by auxins. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Lipidomic Profiling Links the Fanconi Anemia Pathway to Glycosphingolipid Metabolism in Head and Neck Cancer Cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Xueheng; Brusadelli, Marion G; Sauter, Sharon; Butsch Kovacic, Melinda; Zhang, Wujuan; Romick-Rosendale, Lindsey E; Lambert, Paul F; Setchell, Kenneth D R; Wells, Susanne I

2018-06-01

Purpose: Mutations in Fanconi anemia (FA) genes are common in sporadic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), and we have previously demonstrated that FA pathway depletion in HNSCC cell lines stimulates invasion. The goal of our studies was to use a systems approach in order to define FA pathway-dependent lipid metabolism and to extract lipid-based signatures and effectors of invasion in FA-deficient cells. Experimental Design: We subjected FA-isogenic HNSCC keratinocyte cell lines to untargeted and targeted lipidomics analyses to discover novel biomarkers and candidate therapeutic targets in FA-deficient cells. Cellular invasion assays were carried out in the presence and absence of N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ), a biosynthetic inhibitor of the newly identified class of gangliosides, to investigate the requirement of ganglioside upregulation in FA-deficient HNSCC cells. Results: The most notable element of the lipid profiling results was a consistent elevation of glycosphingolipids, and particularly the accumulation of gangliosides. Conversely, repression of this same class of lipids was observed upon genetic correction of FA patient-derived HNSCC cells. Functional studies demonstrate that ganglioside upregulation is required for HNSCC cell invasion driven by FA pathway loss. The motility of nontransformed keratinocytes in response to FA loss displayed a similar dependence, thus supporting early and late roles for the FA pathway in controlling keratinocyte invasion through lipid regulation. Conclusions: Elevation of glycosphingolipids including the ganglioside GM3 in response to FA loss stimulates invasive characteristics of immortalized and transformed keratinocytes. An inhibitor of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis NB-DNJ attenuates invasive characteristics of FA-deficient HNSCC cells. Clin Cancer Res; 24(11); 2700-9. ©2018 AACR . ©2018 American Association for Cancer Research.

Temporal integration: intentional sound discrimination does not modulate stimulus-driven processes in auditory event synthesis.

PubMed

Sussman, Elyse; Winkler, István; Kreuzer, Judith; Saher, Marieke; Näätänen, Risto; Ritter, Walter

2002-12-01

Our previous study showed that the auditory context could influence whether two successive acoustic changes occurring within the temporal integration window (approximately 200ms) were pre-attentively encoded as a single auditory event or as two discrete events (Cogn Brain Res 12 (2001) 431). The aim of the current study was to assess whether top-down processes could influence the stimulus-driven processes in determining what constitutes an auditory event. Electroencepholagram (EEG) was recorded from 11 scalp electrodes to frequently occurring standard and infrequently occurring deviant sounds. Within the stimulus blocks, deviants either occurred only in pairs (successive feature changes) or both singly and in pairs. Event-related potential indices of change and target detection, the mismatch negativity (MMN) and the N2b component, respectively, were compared with the simultaneously measured performance in discriminating the deviants. Even though subjects could voluntarily distinguish the two successive auditory feature changes from each other, which was also indicated by the elicitation of the N2b target-detection response, top-down processes did not modify the event organization reflected by the MMN response. Top-down processes can extract elemental auditory information from a single integrated acoustic event, but the extraction occurs at a later processing stage than the one whose outcome is indexed by MMN. Initial processes of auditory event-formation are fully governed by the context within which the sounds occur. Perception of the deviants as two separate sound events (the top-down effects) did not change the initial neural representation of the same deviants as one event (indexed by the MMN), without a corresponding change in the stimulus-driven sound organization.

Future crop production threatened by extreme heat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siebert, Stefan; Ewert, Frank

2014-04-01

Heat is considered to be a major stress limiting crop growth and yields. While important findings on the impact of heat on crop yield have been made based on experiments in controlled environments, little is known about the effects under field conditions at larger scales. The study of Deryng et al (2014 Global crop yield response to extreme heat stress under multiple climate change futures Environ. Res. Lett. 9 034011), analysing the impact of heat stress on maize, spring wheat and soya bean under climate change, represents an important contribution to this emerging research field. Uncertainties in the occurrence of heat stress under field conditions, plant responses to heat and appropriate adaptation measures still need further investigation.

Gut microbiota analysis of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by dietary supplementation of different resveratrol concentrations.

PubMed

Zheng, Yao; Wu, Wei; Hu, Gengdong; Qiu, Liping; Meng, Shunlong; Song, Chao; Fan, Limin; Zhao, Zhixiang; Bing, Xuwen; Chen, Jiazhang

2018-06-01

The genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) is cultured widely for production of freshwater fish in China, while streptococcosis, likely related to pathogenic infections, occurs frequently in juvenile, mother, and operated GIFT. The gut microbiota plays an important role in nutrient digestibility in animals, and resveratrol (RES) has been used in feed for different freshwater fish species. Therefore, understanding changes in the tilapia gut microbiota across different concentrations of dietary RES supplementation is extremely important. The gut microbiota population in tilapia at 45 d after supplementation with different concentrations (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 g/kg) of dietary RES was assessed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. A total of 5445 operational taxonomic units were identified from all samples, and 14 phyla and 81 families were identified from all fecal samples. The bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes were significantly enriched in the 0.025 g/kg RES group when compared with the controls. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria were the most dominant three phyla in all samples. With the increasing concentrations, the proportion of beneficial microbial taxa (Acetobacteraceae and Methylobacteriaceae) increased, whereas the proportion of harmful microbial taxa decreased, eg. Streptococcaceae except for 0.1 g/kg RES groups. RES did not affect the richness and diversity in tilapia gut microbiota. These findings provide information on the diversity and differences in GIFT gut microbiota database, and may contribute to developing strategies for management of diseases and long-term sustainability of O. niloticus culture. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The dark side of testing memory: repeated retrieval can enhance eyewitness suggestibility.

PubMed

Chan, Jason C K; Lapaglia, Jessica A

2011-12-01

Eyewitnesses typically recount their experiences many times before trial. Such repeated retrieval can enhance memory retention of the witnessed event. However, recent studies (e.g., Chan, Thomas, & Bulevich, 2009) have found that initial retrieval can exacerbate eyewitness suggestibility to later misleading information--a finding termed retrieval-enhanced suggestibility (RES). Here we examined the influence of multiple retrieval attempts on eyewitness suggestibility to subsequent misinformation. In four experiments, we systematically varied the number of initial tests taken (between zero and six), the delay between initial testing and misinformation exposure (~30 min or 1 week), and whether initial testing was manipulated between- or within-subjects. University undergraduate students were used as participants. Overall, we found that eyewitness suggestibility increased as the number of initial tests increased, but this RES effect was qualified by the delay and by whether initial testing occurred in a within- or between-subjects manner. Specifically, the within-subjects RES effect was smaller than the between-subjects RES effect, possibly because of the influence of retrieval-induced forgetting/facilitation (Chan, 2009) when initial testing was manipulated within subjects. Moreover, consistent with the testing effect literature (Roediger & Karpicke, 2006), the benefits of repeated testing on later memory were stronger after a 1-week delay than after a 30-min delay, thus reducing the negative impact of RES in long-term situations. These findings suggest that conditions that are likely to occur in criminal investigations can either increase (repeated testing) or reduce (delay) the influence of RES, thus further demonstrating the complex relationship between eyewitness memory and repeated retrieval.

VNIR spectral modeling of Mars analogue rocks: first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pompilio, L.; Roush, T.; Pedrazzi, G.; Sgavetti, M.

Knowledge regarding the surface composition of Mars and other bodies of the inner solar system is fundamental to understanding of their origin, evolution, and internal structures. Technological improvements of remote sensors and associated implications for planetary studies have encouraged increased laboratory and field spectroscopy research to model the spectral behavior of terrestrial analogues for planetary surfaces. This approach has proven useful during Martian surface and orbital missions, and petrologic studies of Martian SNC meteorites. Thermal emission data were used to suggest two lithologies occurring on Mars surface: basalt with abundant plagioclase and clinopyroxene and andesite, dominated by plagioclase and volcanic glass [1,2]. Weathered basalt has been suggested as an alternative to the andesite interpretation [3,4]. Orbital VNIR spectral imaging data also suggest the crust is dominantly basaltic, chiefly feldspar and pyroxene [5,6]. A few outcrops of ancient crust have higher concentrations of olivine and low-Ca pyroxene, and have been interpreted as cumulates [6]. Based upon these orbital observations future lander/rover missions can be expected to encounter particulate soils, rocks, and rock outcrops. Approaches to qualitative and quantitative analysis of remotely-acquired spectra have been successfully used to infer the presence and abundance of minerals and to discover compositionally associated spectral trends [7-9]. Both empirical [10] and mathematical [e.g. 11-13] methods have been applied, typically with full compositional knowledge, to chiefly particulate samples and as a result cannot be considered as objective techniques for predicting the compositional information, especially for understanding the spectral behavior of rocks. Extending the compositional modeling efforts to include more rocks and developing objective criteria in the modeling are the next required steps. This is the focus of the present investigation. We present results of a study applying the Modified Gaussian Model [MGM, 13] to solid mafic rock spectral modeling. Reflectance measurements were acquired on rock slabs, rock powder, and mineral separates. The results of spectral modeling were evaluated using compositional data determined from techniques other than reflectance spectroscopy. The rocks studied, melanorite (cumulate analog) and basalt (effusive analog), have different textural characteristics. The modal composition of melanorite includes relatively high opaque content. Opaque minerals strongly affect reflectance 1 spectra of transparent minerals and the criteria for their identification from remotely acquired data are not clearly established. Detailed studies of the melanorite slab spectrum, which includes accounting for the opaque content, can be extended to the basalt spectrum, which must also account for the spectral influence of glass. The spectral analyses reveal the MGM decompositions of solid rock samples can be used to obtain qualitative estimates of the main mineral compositions, for the melanorite, but become more problematic for the basalt. Statistically objective evaluation of the spectral models is complicated by the increased observational error due to the heterogeneity of the rock surfaces relative to mixtures of powders. This suggests additional efforts are required to provide a better understanding regarding the spectral modeling of both laboratory and in-situ measurements of bulk rocks. REFERENCES - [1] Bandfield, J., P. Christensen, and V. Hamilton (2000) Science, 287, 1626-1630. [2] Christensen, P., J. Bandfield, V. Hamilton, and 23 others (2001) J. Geophys. Res.-Planets., 106 (E10), 23823-23871. [3] Wyatt, M. and H. McSween (2002) Nature, 417, 263-266. [4] Hamilton, V. and M. Minitti (2003) Geophys. Res. Lett., 30, PLA 1-1. [5] Bibring, J., Y. Langevin, A. Gendrin, and 9 others (2005) Science, 307, 1576-1581. [6] Mustard, J., F. Poulet, A. Gendrin, and 6 others (2005) Science, 307, 1594-1597. [7] Hapke, B., Danielson, G., Klaasen, K., Wilson L. (1975) J. Geophys. Res., 80, 2431-2443. [8] Rava, B., and Hapke, B. (1987) Icarus, 71, 397- 429. [9] Lucey, P., Blewett, D., and Joliff, B. (2000) J. Geophys. Res., 105, 20297- 20305. [10] Gaffey, M.., L. Lebofsky, M. Nelson, and T. Jones (1993) in Remote Geochemical Analysis: Elemental and Mineralogical Composition, Cambridge University Press, New York, 437-453. [11] Hapke, B. (1981) J. Geophys. Res., 86, 3039-3054. [12] Hapke, B. and E. Wells, (1981) J. Geophys. Res., 86, 3055-3060. [13] Sunshine, J., Pieters, C., Pratt, S. (1990) J. Geophys. Res., 95, 6955-6966. 2

Providing for budget enforcement for fiscal year 2011.

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. Spratt, John M., Jr. [D-SC-5

2010-06-30

House - 07/01/2010 Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1500, H. Res. 1493 is considered passed House. (All Actions) Tracker: This bill has the status Agreed to in HouseHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Activity of Small Repeating Earthquakes along Izu-Bonin and Ryukyu Trenches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hibino, K.; Matsuzawa, T.; Uchida, N.; Nakamura, W.; Matsushima, T.

2014-12-01

There are several subduction systems near the Japanese islands. The 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku-oki megathrust earthquake occurred at the NE Japan (Tohoku) subduction zone. We have revealed a complementary relation between the slip areas for huge earthquakes and small repeating earthquakes (REs) in Tohoku. Investigations of REs in these subduction zones and the comparison with Tohoku area are important for revealing generation mechanism of megathrust earthquakes. Our target areas are Izu-Bonin and Ryukyu subduction zones, which appear to generate no large interplate earthquake. To investigate coupling of plate boundary in these regions, we estimated spatial distribution of slip rate by using REs. We use seismograms from the High Sensitivity Seismograph Network (Hi-net), Full Range Seismograph Network of Japan (F-net), and permanent seismic stations of Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tohoku University, University of Tokyo, and Kagoshima University from 8 May 2003 (Izu-Bonin) and 14 July 2005 (Ryukyu) to 31 December 2012 to detect REs along the two trenches, by using similarity of seismograms. We mainly follow the procedure adopted in Uchida and Matsuzawa (2013) that studied REs in Tohoku area to compare our results with the REs in Tohoku. We find that the RE distribution along the Ryukyu trench shows two bands parallel to the trench axis. This feature is similar to the pattern in Tohoku where relatively large earthquakes occur between the bands. Along the Izu-Bonin trench, on the other hand, we find much fewer REs than in Tohoku or Ryukyu subduction zones and only one along-trench RE band, which corresponds to the area where the subducting Pacific plate contacts with the crust of the Philippine Sea plate. We also estimate average slip rate and coupling coefficient by using an empirical relationship between seismic moment and slip for REs (Nadeau and Johnson, 1998) and relative plate motion model. As a result, we find interplate slip rate in the deeper band is higher than shallower one along the Ryukyu trench suggesting larger locking along the shallower band. This feature is also similar to the pattern in the NE Japan. Our results indicate that the Ryukyu subduction zone is very similar to the NE Japan subduction zone, while the Izu-Bonin subduction zone appears to be different from the other two zones according to the RE analyses.

Ions, vapors and/or nanoparticles penetrating volcanic edifices?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obenholzner, Johannes; Edwards, Marc; Parks, J. L.; Fulingati, Paolo

2010-05-01

A top-sealed plastic tube with a diameter of ca. 15 cm had been buried ca. 70 cm deep vertically at the base of La Fossa volcano, Vulcano island, Italy, next to the front of the obsidian flow. The tube had been filled with layered rock and quartz wool to condense vapors emanating from the soil. At ca. 75 cm below the surface the sample had been exposed to vapors from Sept. 2005 to April 2006. The leached sample had not been in touch with the ground. 2 other glass wool cushions (ca. 10 cm thick, uncompacted) had been underneath to minimize capillary effects. A rock wool layer not touching ground revealed nucleated sylvite (KCl ~10 µm in size) and barite (BaSO4 ~5-10 µm in size) crystals by SEM/EDS in its basal portion. Other very small (< 2 µm) particles were observed on the rock wool fibers but we could not identify them because they were suddenly volatilized by the electron beam during the analysis. The bright appearance of these particles in backscattered images suggests that these particles may be metal compounds. The nucleation of sylvite and barite documents the presence of ions. Leaching of the quartz wool at room temperature with deionized H2O and ICP-MS analysis documented positive values for: Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb and partially W. Leaching with nitric acid documented also V and Fe. Acid leaching produced higher values for all elements, except K and Sn. Negative values had been obtained for As, Se, Mo. Influence from soil breathing can be excluded as the active fumaroles contain As and Se. This experiment documents for the first time an unknown element transport by vapors/gases through a volcanic edifice interacting with hydrothermal and magmatic gases. In comparison with blank data, 4 groups of elements can be distinguished: . positive signal: Mg, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Ni, (Ba); low to moderate volatility at magmatic conditions. 2. unclear signal: Al, Si, P, Fe; low volatility at magmatic conditions. 3. no signal: V, As, Se, Mo, Co. As, Se, Mo, V are considered to be highly volatile, Co got a low volatiliy. 4. positive signal: Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Pb, W; high volatility at magmatic conditions. Charging, and to a lesser degree ions, in volcanic environments had been documented after fracture-charging in eruptive plumes and in phreatomagmatic and steam plumes (James et al., 2000). The sampling site is not within well defined CO2 anomalies around La Fossa v.. The heating events 2005/2006 (Granieri et al., 2006) might have shifted anomalous CO2 degassing in the vicinity. Ba ions exist at very low pH values (0-1). No acidic alteration at the site is detectable at macro-scale. The bottom of the site had been dry even after heavy rainfalls (Sept. 2006). Bottom temperatures at Sept. 2005, April 06 and Sept. 2006 had been 19-21°C (3 measurements). Are ions documented as nucleated particles penetrating the volcanic edifice or are other sources of these ions possible? However, all ions, vapors or nanoparticles have to go through porous systems to nucleate or getting deposited at the experimental site. Why are they not nucleating somewhere at depth? Sea water encountering hot lava is known to produce charged particles. Is seawater reaching magma storage at depth of the edifice? Sylvite and K data of leaching seem to be in correspondence. The leaching technique would not permit dissolution of barite. P data might indicate condensed products of PH3. PH3 had been already detected by Obenholzner et al. (2006). All other elements detected by ICP-MS could be related to sulfates, sulfides and halogenides or to unspecified nanoparticles. Halocarbons and chlorinated benzenes are reported from the base of La Fossa v. (Schwandner et al., 2004). A GeoRef search (geogas) documents element and nanoparticles transport by an even non-volcanic geogas. The origin of ions, the question if ions or nanoparticles are responsible for ICP-MS detected elements, are crucial if there will be future approaches to develop a new generation of chemical or physical sensors to monitor active volcanoes. At the moment glass wool-filled tubes are installed at Vesuvius, Solfatara, La Fossa v. and Vulcanello. A blank experiment is installed at Monte Lattari, Sorrento Peninsula, Italy. However, the geogas makes it difficult to locate a blank volcano or any kind of a blank site on Earth. It remains unknown if elements detected are entering the atmosphere or are getting adsorbed onto the volcanic ash/soil particles derived from reworked surge beds and alteration at La Fossa v.. Theoretical and empirical studies exist if particles from the lithosphere can reach the ionosphere and cause disturbances (Liperovsky et al., 2005; Dautermann et al. 2007). Refined experiments at the base of several volcanoes at different stages of activity are needed. Better EM studies of exposed glass wool are necessary. Geochemical data on recent Vulcano rock coatings suggest that metals and trace elements are at least partially fixed on the surface of the ground (Fulignati et al., 2002). It remains unknown if old, buried rock coatings exist at depth. Soil air sampling through filter-bubbler equipment and subsequent ICP-MS analyses of liquids at the experimental site at the base of La Fossa v. and on Stromboli revealed various trace elements in bubbler liquids. Ref: Dautermann et al., 2007. J. Geophys. Res., Vol. 112, B02106, doi: 10.1029/2006JB004447. Fulignati et al., 2002. JVGR, 115, 397-410. James et al., 2000. J. Geophys. Res., 105, B7, 16641-16649. Granieri et al.,2006. GRL, 33, L13316, doi:10.1029/2006GL026460. Liperovsky et al., 2005. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 5, 783-789. Obenholzner J.H. et al. (2006). Geophysical Research Abstract, vol. 8, 05721. Schwandner et al., 2004. J. Geophys. Res., 109, D04301, doi:10.1029/2003JD003890.

Cellular response of osteoblasts to low modulus Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn alloy mesh structure.

PubMed

Nune, K C; Misra, R D K; Li, S J; Hao, Y L; Yang, R

2017-03-01

Titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V and Ti-6Al-7Nb) are widely used for implants, which are characterized by high elastic modulus (∼110 GPa) with (α + β) structure and that may induce undesirable stress shielding effect and immune responses associated with the presence of toxic elements. In this regard, we have combined the attributes of a new alloy design and the concept of additive manufacturing to fabricate 3D scaffolds with an interconnected porous structure. The new alloy is a β-type Ti-24Nb-4Zr-8Sn (Ti2448) alloy with significantly reduced modulus. In the present study, we explore the biological response of electron beam melted low modulus Ti2448 alloy porous mesh structure through the elucidation of bioactivity and osteoblast functions. The cellular activity was explored in terms of cell-to-cell communication involving proliferation, spreading, synthesis of extracellular and intracellular proteins, differentiation, and mineralization. The formation of fine apatite-like crystals on the surface during immersion test in simulated body fluid confirmed the bioactivity of the scaffold surface, which provided the favorable osteogenic microenvironment for cell-material interaction. The combination of unique surface chemistry and interconnected porous architecture provided the desired pathway for supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells and a favorable osteogenic micro-environment for incorporation (on-growth and in-growth) of osteoblasts. The proliferation and differentiation of pre-osteoblasts and their ability to form a well mineralized bone-like extracellular matrix (ECM) by secreting bone markers (ALP, calcium, etc.) over the struts of the scaffold point toward the determining role of unique surface chemistry and 3D architecture of the Ti2448 alloy mesh structure in modulating osteoblasts functions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 859-870, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Inhibition of Gastric Lipase as a Mechanism for Body Weight and Plasma Lipids Reduction in Zucker Rats Fed a Rosemary Extract Rich in Carnosic Acid

PubMed Central

Romo Vaquero, María; Yáñez-Gascón, María-Josefa; García Villalba, Rocío; Larrosa, Mar; Fromentin, Emilie; Ibarra, Alvin; Roller, Marc; Tomás-Barberán, Francisco; Espín de Gea, Juan Carlos; García-Conesa, María-Teresa

2012-01-01

Background Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) extracts (REs) exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties and are widely used in the food industry. REs are rich in carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol which may be responsible for some of the biological activities of REs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inhibition of lipase activity in the gut may be a mechanism by which a RE enriched in CA (40%) modulates body weight and lipids levels in a rat model of metabolic disorders and obesity. Methods and Principal Findings RE was administered for 64 days to lean (fa/+) and obese (fa/fa) female Zucker rats and body weight, food intake, feces weight and blood biochemical parameters were monitored throughout the study. Lipase activity (hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylbutyrate) was measured in the gastrointestinal tract at the end of the study and the contents of CA, carnosol and methyl carnosate were also determined. Sub-chronic administration of RE moderately reduced body weight gain in both lean and obese animals but did not affect food intake. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol and insulin levels were also markedly decreased in the lean animals supplemented with RE. Importantly, lipase activity was significantly inhibited in the stomach of the RE-supplemented animals where the highest content of intact CA and carnosol was detected. Conclusions Our results confirm that long-term administration of RE enriched in CA moderates weight gain and improves the plasma lipids profile, primarily in the lean animals. Our data also suggest that these effects may be caused, at least in part, by a significant inhibition of gastric lipase and subsequent reduction in fat absorption. PMID:22745826

Induced lung inflammation and dietary protein supply affect nitrogen retention and amino acid metabolism in growing pigs.

PubMed

Kampman-van de Hoek, Esther; Sakkas, Panagiotis; Gerrits, Walter J J; van den Borne, Joost J G C; van der Peet-Schwering, Carola M C; Jansman, Alfons J M

2015-02-14

It is hypothesised that during immune system activation, there is a competition for amino acids (AA) between body protein deposition and immune system functioning. The aim of the present study was to quantify the effect of immune system activation on N retention and AA metabolism in growing pigs, depending on dietary protein supply. A total of sixteen barrows received an adequate (Ad) or restricted (Res) amount of dietary protein, and were challenged at day 0 with intravenous complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). At days - 5, 3 and 8, an irreversible loss rate (ILR) of eight AA was determined. CFA successfully activated the immune system, as indicated by a 2- to 4-fold increase in serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins (APP). Pre-challenge C-reactive protein concentrations were lower (P< 0·05) and pre- and post-challenge albumin tended to be lower in Res-pigs. These findings indicate that a restricted protein supply can limit the acute-phase response. CFA increased urinary N losses (P= 0·04) and tended to reduce N retention in Ad-pigs, but not in Res-pigs (P= 0·07). The ILR for Val was lower (P= 0·05) at day 8 than at day 3 in the post-challenge period. The ILR of most AA, except for Trp, were strongly affected by dietary protein supply and positively correlated with N retention. The correlations between the ILR and APP indices were absent or negative, indicating that changes in AA utilisation for APP synthesis were either not substantial or more likely outweighed by a decrease in muscle protein synthesis during immune system activation in growing pigs.

Responding to Students' Learning Preferences in Chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewthwaite, Brian; Wiebe, Rick

2014-04-01

This paper reports on a teacher's and his students' responsiveness to a new tetrahedral-oriented (Mahaffy in J Chem Educ 83(1):49-55, 2006) curriculum requiring more discursive classroom practices in the teaching of chemistry. In this instrumental case study, we identify the intentions of this learner-centered curriculum and a teacher's development in response to this curriculum. We also explore the tensions this teacher experiences as students subsequently respond to his adjusted teaching. We use a Chemistry Teacher Inventory (Lewthwaite and Wiebe in Res Sci Educ 40(11):667-689, 2011; Lewthwaite and Wiebe in Can J Math Sci Technol Educ 12(1):36-61, 2012; Lewthwaite in Chem Educ Res Pract. doi:10.1039/C3RP00122A, 2014) to assist the teacher in monitoring how he teaches and how he would like to improve his teaching. We also use a student form of the instrument, the Chemistry Classroom Inventory and Classroom Observation Protocol (Lewthwaite and Wiebe 2011) to verify the teacher's teaching and perception of student preferences for his teaching especially in terms of the discursive processes the curriculum encourages. By so doing, the teacher is able to use both sets of data as a foundation for critical reflection and work towards resolution of the incongruence in data arising from students' preferred learning orientations and his teaching aspirations. Implications of this study in regards to the authority of students' voice in triggering teachers' pedagogical change and the adjustments in `teachering' and `studenting' required by such curricula are considered.

Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 36) establishing a select committee to investigate and report on the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

THOMAS, 113th Congress

Rep. Stockman, Steve [R-TX-36

2013-07-18

House - 07/30/2013 Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. Stockman. Petition No: 113-4. (All Actions) Notes: On 7/30/2013, a motion was filed to discharge the Committee on Rules from the consideration of H.Res.306 a resolution providing for consideration of H.Res.36. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures for further action. (Discharge Petition No. 113-4: text with signatures.) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

Design and Performance of the Astro-E/XRS Signal Processing System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyce, Kevin R.; Audley, M. D.; Baker, R. G.; Dumonthier, J. J.; Fujimoto, R.; Gendreau, K. C.; Ishisaki, Y.; Kelley, R. L.; Stahle, C. K.; Szymkowiak, A. E.

1999-01-01

We describe the signal processing system of the Astro-E XRS instrument. The Calorimeter Analog Processor (CAP) provides bias and power for the detectors and amplifies the detector signals by a factor of 20,000. The Calorimeter Digital Processor (CDP) performs the digital processing of the calorimeter signals, detecting X-ray pulses and analyzing them by optimal filtering. We describe the operation of pulse detection, Pulse height analysis. and risetime determination. We also discuss performance, including the three event grades (hi-res mid-res, and low-res). anticoincidence detection, counting rate dependence, and noise rejection.

Monocular measurement of the spectrum of UHE cosmic rays by the FADC detector of the HiRes experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbasi, R. U.; Abu-Zayyad, T.; Amman, J. F.; Archbold, G. C.; Bellido, J. A.; Belov, K.; Belz, J. W.; Bergman, D. R.; Cao, Z.; Clay, R. W.; Cooper, M. D.; Dai, H.; Dawson, B. R.; Everett, A. A.; Girard, J. H. V.; Gray, R. C.; Hanlon, W. F.; Hoffman, C. M.; Holzscheiter, M. H.; Hüntemeyer, P.; Jones, B. F.; Jui, C. C. H.; Kieda, D. B.; Kim, K.; Kirn, M. A.; Loh, E. C.; Manago, N.; Marek, L. J.; Martens, K.; Martin, G.; Manago, N.; Matthews, J. A. J.; Matthews, J. N.; Meyer, J. R.; Moore, S. A.; Morrison, P.; Moosman, A. N.; Mumford, J. R.; Munro, M. W.; Painter, C. A.; Perera, L.; Reil, K.; Riehle, R.; Roberts, M.; Sarracino, J. S.; Schnetzer, S.; Shen, P.; Simpson, K. M.; Sinnis, G.; Smith, J. D.; Sokolsky, P.; Song, C.; Springer, R. W.; Stokes, B. T.; Thomas, S. B.; Thompson, T. N.; Thomson, G. B.; Tupa, D.; Westerhoff, S.; Wiencke, L. R.; VanderVeen, T. D.; Zech, A.; Zhang, X.

2005-03-01

We have measured the spectrum of UHE cosmic rays using the Flash ADC (FADC) detector (called HiRes-II) of the High Resolution Fly's Eye experiment running in monocular mode. We describe in detail the data analysis, development of the Monte Carlo simulation program, and results. We also describe the results of the HiRes-I detector. We present our measured spectra and compare them with a model incorporating galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays. Our combined spectra provide strong evidence for the existence of the spectral feature known as the "ankle."

Comparative study of myocardial high energy phosphate substrate content in slow and fast growing chicken and in chickens with heart failure and ascites.

PubMed

Olkowski, A A; Nain, S; Wojnarowicz, C; Laarveld, B; Alcorn, J; Ling, B B

2007-09-01

In order to explain the biochemical mechanisms associated with deteriorating heart function in broiler chickens, this study compared myocardial high energy phosphate substrates in leghorns, feed restricted (Broilers-Res) broilers, ad libitum fed broilers (Broilers-AL), and in broilers that developed heart failure and ascites. The profile of adenine nucleotide content in the heart tissue did not differ between leghorns and Broilers-Res, but there were significant differences among Broilers-Res, Broilers-AL, and broilers with ascites. During intensive growth periods, leghorns and Broilers-Res showed increasing trends in heart ATP levels, whereas in fast growing broilers the heart ATP declined (p<0.021). ATP:ADP and ATP:CrP ratios increased with age in both leghorn and Broilers-Res, declined in fast growing broilers, and were the lowest in broilers that developed heart failure. The changes in heart high energy phosphate profile in broilers suggest that the energy demand of the heart during a rapid growth phase may exceed the bird's metabolic capacity to supply adequate levels of high energy phosphate substrate. The insufficiency of energy substrate likely contributes to the declining heart rate. In some individuals this may lead to impaired heart pump function, and in more severe cases may progress to heart pump failure.

Radio-echo sounding at Dome C, East Antarctica: A comparison of measured and modeled data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Winter, Anna; Eisen, Olaf; Steinhage, Daniel; Zirizzotti, Achille; Urbini, Stefano; Cavitte, Marie; Blankenship, Donald D.; Wolff, Eric

2016-04-01

The internal layering architecture of ice sheets, detected with radio-echo sounding (RES), contains clues to past ice-flow dynamics and mass balance. A common way of relating the recorded travel time of RES reflections to depth is by integrating a wave-speed distribution. This results in an increasing absolute error with depth. We present a synchronization of RES-internal layers of different radar systems (Alfred Wegener Institute, Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, British Antarctic Survey and University of Texas Institute for Geophysics) with ice-core records from the Antarctic deep drill site Dome C. Synthetic radar traces are obtained from measurements of ice-core density and conductivity with a 1D model of Maxwell's equations. The reflection peaks of the different radar systems' measurements are shifted by a wiggle-matching algorithm, so they match the synthetic trace. In this way, we matched pronounced internal reflections in the RES data to conductivity peaks with considerably smaller depth uncertainties, and assigned them with the ice-core age. We examine the differences in shifts and resolution of the different RES data to address the question of their comparability and combined analysis for an extensive age-depth distribution.

The role of 11-cis-retinyl esters in vertebrate cone vision.

PubMed

Babino, Darwin; Perkins, Brian D; Kindermann, Aljoscha; Oberhauser, Vitus; von Lintig, Johannes

2015-01-01

A cycle of cis-to-trans isomerization of the chromophore is intrinsic to vertebrate vision where rod and cone photoreceptors mediate dim- and bright-light vision, respectively. Daylight illumination can greatly exceed the rate at which the photoproduct can be recycled back to the chromophore by the canonical visual cycle. Thus, an additional supply pathway(s) must exist to sustain cone-dependent vision. Two-photon microscopy revealed that the eyes of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) contain high levels of 11-cis-retinyl esters (11-REs) within the retinal pigment epithelium. HPLC analyses demonstrate that 11-REs are bleached by bright light and regenerated in the dark. Pharmacologic treatment with all-trans-retinylamine (Ret-NH2), a potent and specific inhibitor of the trans-to-cis reisomerization reaction of the canonical visual cycle, impeded the regeneration of 11-REs. Intervention with 11-cis-retinol restored the regeneration of 11-REs in the presence of all-trans-Ret-NH2. We used the XOPS:mCFP transgenic zebrafish line with a functional cone-only retina to directly demonstrate that this 11-RE cycle is critical to maintain vision under bright-light conditions. Thus, our analyses reveal that a dark-generated pool of 11-REs helps to supply photoreceptors with the chromophore under the varying light conditions present in natural environments. © FASEB.

Improving oral bioavailability of resveratrol by a UDP-glucuronosyltransferase inhibitory excipient-based self-microemulsion.

PubMed

Yang, Fei-Fei; Zhou, Jing; Hu, Xiao; Cong, Zhao-Qing; Liu, Chun-Yu; Pan, Rui-Le; Chang, Qi; Liu, Xin-Min; Liao, Yong-Hong

2018-03-01

Self-microemulsifying (SME) drug delivery system has been developed to increase oral bioavailabilities, and inhibitory excipients are capable of improving oral bioavailability by inhibiting enzyme mediated intestinal metabolism. However, the potential of enzyme inhibitory excipients containing SME in boosting resveratrol bioavailability remains largely uninvestigated. In this study, we set out to prepare SME-1 with UGT inhibitory excipients (excipients without inhibitory activities named SME-2 as control) to increase the bioavailability of RES by inhibiting intestinal metabolism. Results demonstrated that similar physicochemical properties such as size, polydistribution index and in vitro release, cellular uptake and permeability in Caco-2 cells as well as in vivo lymphatic distribution between inhibitory SME-1 and non-inhibitory SME-2 were observed. In vivo study demonstrated that the molar ratios of RES-G/RES were 7.25±0.48 and 5.06±2.42 for free drug and SME-2, respectively, and the molar ratio decreased to 0.36±0.10 in SME-1 group. Pharmacokinetic study confirmed that the inhibitory excipients containing SME demonstrated potential in increasing bioavailability of RES from 6.5% for the free RES and 12.9% for SME-2 to 76.1% in SME-1 through modulating the glucuronidation by UGT inhibitory excipients. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Aerosol chemical composition in cloud events by high resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Hao, Liqing; Romakkaniemi, Sami; Kortelainen, Aki; Jaatinen, Antti; Portin, Harri; Miettinen, Pasi; Komppula, Mika; Leskinen, Ari; Virtanen, Annele; Smith, James N; Sueper, Donna; Worsnop, Douglas R; Lehtinen, Kari E J; Laaksonen, Ari

2013-03-19

This study presents results of direct observations of aerosol chemical composition in clouds. A high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer was used to make measurements of cloud interstitial particles (INT) and mixed cloud interstitial and droplet residual particles (TOT). The differences between these two are the cloud droplet residuals (RES). Positive matrix factorization analysis of high-resolution mass spectral data sets and theoretical calculations were performed to yield distributions of chemical composition of the INT and RES particles. We observed that less oxidized hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) were mainly distributed into the INT particles, whereas more oxidized low-volatile oxygenated OA (LVOOA) mainly in the RES particles. Nitrates existed as organic nitrate and in chemical form of NH(4)NO(3). Organic nitrates accounted for 45% of total nitrates in the INT particles, in clear contrast to 26% in the RES particles. Meanwhile, sulfates coexist in forms of acidic NH(4)HSO(4) and neutralized (NH(4))(2)SO(4). Acidic sulfate made up 64.8% of total sulfates in the INT particles, much higher than 10.7% in the RES particles. The results indicate a possible joint effect of activation ability of aerosol particles, cloud processing, and particle size effects on cloud formation.

Studies of runaway electrons via Cherenkov effect in tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zebrowski, J.; Jakubowski, L.; Rabinski, M.; Sadowski, M. J.; Jakubowski, M. J.; Kwiatkowski, R.; Malinowski, K.; Mirowski, R.; Mlynar, J.; Ficker, O.; Weinzettl, V.; Causa, F.; COMPASS; FTU Teams

2018-01-01

The paper concerns measurements of runaway electrons (REs) which are generated during discharges in tokamaks. The control of REs is an important task in experimental studies within the ITER-physics program. The NCBJ team proposed to study REs by means of Cherenkov-type detectors several years ago. The Cherenkov radiation, induced by REs in appropriate radiators, makes it possible to identify fast electron beams and to determine their spatial- and temporal-characteristics. The results of recent experimental studies of REs, performed in two tokamaks - COMPASS in Prague and FTU in Frascati, are summarized and discussed in this paper. Examples of the electron-induced signals, as recorded at different experimental conditions and scenarios, are presented. Measurements performed with a three-channel Cherenkov-probe in COMPASS showed that the first fast electron peaks can be observed already during the current ramp-up phase. A strong dependence of RE-signals on the radial position of the Cherenkov probe was observed. The most distinct electron peaks were recorded during the plasma disruption. The Cherenkov signals confirmed the appearance of post-disruptive RE beams in circular-plasma discharges with massive Ar-puffing. During experiments at FTU a clear correlation between the Cherenkov detector signals and the rotation of magnetic islands was identified.

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

Fogarty, Aoife C., E-mail: fogarty@mpip-mainz.mpg.de; Potestio, Raffaello, E-mail: potestio@mpip-mainz.mpg.de; Kremer, Kurt, E-mail: kremer@mpip-mainz.mpg.de

A fully atomistic modelling of many biophysical and biochemical processes at biologically relevant length- and time scales is beyond our reach with current computational resources, and one approach to overcome this difficulty is the use of multiscale simulation techniques. In such simulations, when system properties necessitate a boundary between resolutions that falls within the solvent region, one can use an approach such as the Adaptive Resolution Scheme (AdResS), in which solvent particles change their resolution on the fly during the simulation. Here, we apply the existing AdResS methodology to biomolecular systems, simulating a fully atomistic protein with an atomistic hydrationmore » shell, solvated in a coarse-grained particle reservoir and heat bath. Using as a test case an aqueous solution of the regulatory protein ubiquitin, we first confirm the validity of the AdResS approach for such systems, via an examination of protein and solvent structural and dynamical properties. We then demonstrate how, in addition to providing a computational speedup, such a multiscale AdResS approach can yield otherwise inaccessible physical insights into biomolecular function. We use our methodology to show that protein structure and dynamics can still be correctly modelled using only a few shells of atomistic water molecules. We also discuss aspects of the AdResS methodology peculiar to biomolecular simulations.« less

Resveratrol Reduces the Incidence of Portal Vein System Thrombosis after Splenectomy in a Rat Fibrosis Model

PubMed Central

Xu, Meng; Xue, Wanli; Ma, Zhenhua; Bai, Jigang

2016-01-01

Purpose. To investigate the preventive effect of resveratrol (RES) on the formation of portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) in a rat fibrosis model. Methods. A total of 64 male SD rats, weighing 200–300 g, were divided into five groups: Sham operation, Splenectomy I, Splenectomy II, RES, and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), with the former two groups as nonfibrosis controls. Blood samples were subjected to biochemical assays. Platelet apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. All rats were euthanized for PVST detection one week after operation. Results. No PVST occurred in nonfibrosis controls. Compared to Splenectomy II, the incidences of PVST in RES and LMWH groups were significantly decreased (both p < 0.05). Two rats in LMWH group died before euthanasia due to intra-abdominal hemorrhage. In RES group, significant decreases in platelet aggregation, platelet radical oxygen species (ROS) production, and increase in platelet nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and platelet apoptosis were observed when compared with Splenectomy II (all p < 0.001), while in LMWH group only significant decrease in platelet aggregation was observed. Conclusion. Prophylactic application of RES could safely reduce the incidence of PVST after splenectomy in cirrhotic rat. Regulation of platelet function and induction of platelet apoptosis might be the underlying mechanisms. PMID:27433290

Resveratrol and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate addition to thawed boar sperm improves in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Gadani, B; Bucci, D; Spinaci, M; Tamanini, C; Galeati, G

2017-03-01

Thawing is one of the most delicate process after semen cryopreservation as spermatozoa pass from a dormant metabolic stage to a sudden awakening in cellular metabolism. The rapid oxygen utilization leads to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species that can damage sperm cells, thus causing a significant decrease of fertilizing potential of frozen-thawed spermatozoa. Resveratrol (Res) is a natural grape-derived phytoalexin and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the major polyphenol in green tea (Camellia sinensis); both molecules are known to possess high levels of antioxidant activity. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of different concentrations of Res (0.5, 1 or 2 mM; Experiment 1) or EGCG (25, 50 or 100 μM; Experiment 2) supplementation to thawing boar semen extender on sperm quality parameters (viability and acrosome integrity) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Semen after thawing and dilution with three volumes of Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS), was immediately divided in control group without antioxidants addition (CTR) and either Res or EGCG groups. Sperm viability and acrosome integrity were evaluated in CTR, Res or EGCG groups after 1 h of incubation at 37 °C. The addition of different doses of Res or EGCG to thawing extender for 1 h did not induce any effect on boar sperm viability and acrosome integrity. However, both Res and EGCG treated samples exhibited a significantly higher penetration rate compared with CTR when used for IVF. In particular the treatment with all the EGCG concentrations increased the penetration rate (P < 0.01) while only Res 2 mM induced a significant increase of this parameter (P < 0.01). In addition, EGCG 25 and 50 μM supplementation significantly increased total fertilization efficiency as compared to control (EGCG 25 μM: 40.3 ± 8.2 vs 26.8 ± 9.5, P < 0.05; EGCG 50 μM: 40.4 ± 7.8 vs 26.8 ± 9.5, P < 0.01). The same effect was observed with Res 2 mM (51.0 ± 7.6 vs 29.6 ± 11.3, P < 0.01). In conclusion, our results indicate that the addition of different doses of the two antioxidants to thawed spermatozoa for one hour, even if does not exert any effect on sperm viability and acrosome integrity, efficiently improves in vitro penetration rate. Moreover, both molecules (EGCG 25 and 50 μM and Res 2 mM) significantly increases the total efficiency of fertilization. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recoil polarization measurements for neutral pion electroproduction at Q2=1(GeV/c)2 near the Δ resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, J. J.; Gayou, O.; Roché, R. E.; Chai, Z.; Jones, M. K.; Sarty, A. J.; Frullani, S.; Aniol, K.; Beise, E. J.; Benmokhtar, F.; Bertozzi, W.; Boeglin, W. U.; Botto, T.; Brash, E. J.; Breuer, H.; Brown, E.; Burtin, E.; Calarco, J. R.; Cavata, C.; Chang, C. C.; Chant, N. S.; Chen, J.-P.; Coman, M.; Crovelli, D.; Leo, R. De; Dieterich, S.; Escoffier, S.; Fissum, K. G.; Garde, V.; Garibaldi, F.; Georgakopoulos, S.; Gilad, S.; Gilman, R.; Glashausser, C.; Hansen, J.-O.; Higinbotham, D. W.; Hotta, A.; Huber, G. M.; Ibrahim, H.; Iodice, M.; Jager, C. W. De; Jiang, X.; Klimenko, A.; Kozlov, A.; Kumbartzki, G.; Kuss, M.; Lagamba, L.; Laveissière, G.; Lerose, J. J.; Lindgren, R. A.; Liyange, N.; Lolos, G. J.; Lourie, R. W.; Margaziotis, D. J.; Marie, F.; Markowitz, P.; McAleer, S.; Meekins, D.; Michaels, R.; Milbrath, B. D.; Mitchell, J.; Nappa, J.; Neyret, D.; Perdrisat, C. F.; Potokar, M.; Punjabi, V. A.; Pussieux, T.; Ransome, R. D.; Roos, P. G.; Rvachev, M.; Saha, A.; Širca, S.; Suleiman, R.; Strauch, S.; Templon, J. A.; Todor, L.; Ulmer, P. E.; Urciuoli, G. M.; Weinstein, L. B.; Wijsooriya, K.; Wojtsekhowski, B.; Zheng, X.; Zhu, L.

2007-02-01

We measured angular distributions of differential cross section, beam analyzing power, and recoil polarization for neutral pion electroproduction at Q2=1.0(GeV/c)2 in 10 bins of 1.17⩽W⩽1.35 GeV across the Δ resonance. A total of 16 independent response functions were extracted, of which 12 were observed for the first time. Comparisons with recent model calculations show that response functions governed by real parts of interference products are determined relatively well near the physical mass, W=MΔ≈1.232 GeV, but the variation among models is large for response functions governed by imaginary parts, and for both types of response functions, the variation increases rapidly with W>MΔ. We performed a multipole analysis that adjusts suitable subsets of ℓπ⩽2 amplitudes with higher partial waves constrained by baseline models. This analysis provides both real and imaginary parts. The fitted multipole amplitudes are nearly model independent—there is very little sensitivity to the choice of baseline model or truncation scheme. By contrast, truncation errors in the traditional Legendre analysis of N→Δ quadrupole ratios are not negligible. Parabolic fits to the W dependence around MΔ for the multiple analysis gives values for Re(S1+/M1+)=(-6.61±0.18)% and Re(E1+/M1+)=(-2.87±0.19)% for the pπ0 channel at W=1.232 GeV and Q2=1.0(GeV/c)2 that are distinctly larger than those from the Legendre analysis of the same data. Similarly, the multipole analysis gives Re(S0+/M1+)=(+7.1±0.8)% at W=1.232 GeV, consistent with recent models, while the traditional Legendre analysis gives the opposite sign because its truncation errors are quite severe.

Within-subjects comparison of the HiRes and Fidelity120 speech processing strategies: speech perception and its relation to place-pitch sensitivity.

PubMed

Donaldson, Gail S; Dawson, Patricia K; Borden, Lamar Z

2011-01-01

Previous studies have confirmed that current steering can increase the number of discriminable pitches available to many cochlear implant (CI) users; however, the ability to perceive additional pitches has not been linked to improved speech perception. The primary goals of this study were to determine (1) whether adult CI users can achieve higher levels of spectral cue transmission with a speech processing strategy that implements current steering (Fidelity120) than with a predecessor strategy (HiRes) and, if so, (2) whether the magnitude of improvement can be predicted from individual differences in place-pitch sensitivity. A secondary goal was to determine whether Fidelity120 supports higher levels of speech recognition in noise than HiRes. A within-subjects repeated measures design evaluated speech perception performance with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes in 10 adult CI users. Subjects used the novel strategy (either HiRes or Fidelity120) for 8 wks during the main study; a subset of five subjects used Fidelity120 for three additional months after the main study. Speech perception was assessed for the spectral cues related to vowel F1 frequency, vowel F2 frequency, and consonant place of articulation; overall transmitted information for vowels and consonants; and sentence recognition in noise. Place-pitch sensitivity was measured for electrode pairs in the apical, middle, and basal regions of the implanted array using a psychophysical pitch-ranking task. With one exception, there was no effect of strategy (HiRes versus Fidelity120) on the speech measures tested, either during the main study (N = 10) or after extended use of Fidelity120 (N = 5). The exception was a small but significant advantage for HiRes over Fidelity120 for consonant perception during the main study. Examination of individual subjects' data revealed that 3 of 10 subjects demonstrated improved perception of one or more spectral cues with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes after 8 wks or longer experience with Fidelity120. Another three subjects exhibited initial decrements in spectral cue perception with Fidelity120 at the 8-wk time point; however, evidence from one subject suggested that such decrements may resolve with additional experience. Place-pitch thresholds were inversely related to improvements in vowel F2 frequency perception with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes. However, no relationship was observed between place-pitch thresholds and the other spectral measures (vowel F1 frequency or consonant place of articulation). Findings suggest that Fidelity120 supports small improvements in the perception of spectral speech cues in some Advanced Bionics CI users; however, many users show no clear benefit. Benefits are more likely to occur for vowel spectral cues (related to F1 and F2 frequency) than for consonant spectral cues (related to place of articulation). There was an inconsistent relationship between place-pitch sensitivity and improvements in spectral cue perception with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes. This may partly reflect the small number of sites at which place-pitch thresholds were measured. Contrary to some previous reports, there was no clear evidence that Fidelity120 supports improved sentence recognition in noise.

3-D, Impulsive Magnetic Reconnection in a Laboratory Plasma (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorfman, S. E.; Ji, H.; Yamada, M.; Yoo, J.; Myers, C. E.; Roytershteyn, V.; Daughton, W. S.; Jara-Almonte, J.

2013-12-01

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental plasma process involving the efficient conversion of magnetic field energy to plasma kinetic energy through changing field line topology. In many space and astrophysical systems, including the solar surface and the Earth's magnetotail, reconnection is not only fast, but also impulsive; in other words, a slow buildup phase is followed by a comparatively quick release of magnetic energy. An important question in the literature is if these examples of impulsive reconnection can be described by a two-dimensional model with no variation in the out-of-plane direction or if impulsive reconnection is fundamentally three-dimensional. Events observed on the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) are characterized by large local gradients in the third direction and cannot be explained by 2-D models [1]. Detailed measurements show that the ejection of flux rope structures from the current sheet plays a key role in these events. By contrast, even though electromagnetic fluctuations in the lower hybrid frequency range are also observed concurrently with the impulsive behavior, they are not the key physics responsible. Furthermore, an important discrepancy in the layer width and force balance between the collisionless regime of MRX and kinetic simulations [2-4] persists when the fluctuations are small or absent, implying that they are not the cause of the wider electron layers observed in the experiment [5]. These wider layers may instead be due to the formation of flux ropes with a wide range of sizes; consistent with this hypothesis, flux rope signatures are observed down to the smallest scales resolved by the diagnostics. Finally, a qualitative, 3-D, two-fluid model is proposed to explain the observed disruptions. Many of the features observed in MRX including current disruptions [6], flux ropes [7], and electromagnetic fluctuations [8] have analogues in space observations. Thus, further detailed comparisons may enhance our understanding of space and astrophysical plasmas where impulsive reconnection occurs. In particular, this work has relevance to the upcoming Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission which aims to understand how electron scale structure may affect the global reconnection process. [1] S. Dorfman, et. al., Geophys. Res. Lett. 40, 233-238 (2013). [2] S. Dorfman, et. al., Phys. Plasmas 15, 102107 (2008). [3] H. Ji, et. al., Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L13106 (2008). [4] V. Roytershteyn, et. al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 055706 (2010). [5] V. Roytershteyn, et. al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 061212 (2013). [6] S. Ohtani, et. al., J. Geophys. Res., 97(A12), 19311-19324 (1992). [7] J. P. Eastwood, et. al., J. Geophys. Res., 112, A06235 (2007). [8] J. S. Pickett, et. al., J. Geophys. Res., 106(A9), 19081-19099 (2001).

An update on the Enzyme Portal: an integrative approach for exploring enzyme knowledge

PubMed Central

Onwubiko, J.; Zaru, R.; Rosanoff, S.; Antunes, R.; Bingley, M.; Watkins, X.; O'Donovan, C.; Martin, M. J.

2017-01-01

Abstract Enzymes are a key part of life processes and are increasingly important for various areas of research such as medicine, biotechnology, bioprocessing and drug research. The goal of the Enzyme Portal is to provide an interface to all European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) data about enzymes (de Matos, P., et al., (2013), BMC Bioinformatics, 14 (1), 103). These data include enzyme function, sequence features and family classification, protein structure, reactions, pathways, small molecules, diseases and the associated literature. The sources of enzyme data are: the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) (UniProt Consortium, 2015), the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe), (Valenkar, S., et al., Nucleic Acids Res.2016; 44, D385–D395) Rhea—a database of enzyme-catalysed reactions (Morgat, A., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2015; 43, D459-D464), Reactome—a database of biochemical pathways (Fabregat, A., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016; 44, D481–D487), IntEnz—a resource with enzyme nomenclature information (Fleischmann, A., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2004 32, D434–D437) and ChEBI (Hastings, J., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2013) and ChEMBL (Bento, A. P., et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 201442, 1083–1090)—resources which contain information about small-molecule chemistry and bioactivity. This article describes the redesign of Enzyme Portal and the increased functionality added to maximise integration and interpretation of these data. Use case examples of the Enzyme Portal and the versatile workflows its supports are illustrated. We welcome the suggestion of new resources for integration. PMID:28158609

Priming Hand Motor Training with Repetitive Stimulation of the Fingertips; Performance Gain and Functional Imaging of Training Effects.

PubMed

Lotze, Martin; Ladda, Aija Marie; Roschka, Sybille; Platz, Thomas; Dinse, Hubert R

Application of repetitive electrical stimulation (rES) of the fingers has been shown to improve tactile perception and sensorimotor performance in healthy individuals. To increase motor performance by priming the effects of active motor training (arm ability training; AAT) using rES. We compared the performance gain for the training increase of the averaged AAT tasks of both hands in two groups of strongly right-handed healthy volunteers. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) before and after AAT was assessed using three tasks for each hand separately: finger sequence tapping, visually guided grip force modulation, and writing. Performance during fMRI was controlled for preciseness and frequency. A total of 30 participants underwent a two-week unilateral left hand AAT, 15 participants with 20 minutes of rES priming of all fingertips of the trained hand, and 15 participants without rES priming. rES-primed AAT improved the trained left-hand performance across all training tasks on average by 32.9%, non-primed AAT improved by 29.5%. This gain in AAT performance with rES priming was predominantly driven by an increased finger tapping velocity. Functional imaging showed comparable changes for both training groups over time. Across all participants, improved AAT performance was associated with a higher contralateral primary somatosensory cortex (S1) fMRI activation magnitude during the grip force modulation task. This study highlights the importance of S1 for hand motor training gain. In addition, it suggests the usage of rES of the fingertips for priming active hand motor training. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of radiotherapy, adhesive systems and doxycycline on the bond strength of the dentin-composite interface.

PubMed

Freitas Soares, Eveline; Zago Naves, Lucas; Bertolazzo Correr, Américo; Costa, Ana Rosa; Consani, Simonides; Soares, Carlos José; Garcia-Godoy, Franklin; Correr-Sobrinho, Lourenço

2016-12-01

To investigate the effect of radiotherapy, doxycycline and adhesive systems on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of the dentin-composite interface. 60 human third molars were sectioned to expose middle dentin surface and distributed according to: (1) adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond MP and Clearfil SE Bond) applied, (2) application or not of doxycycline, and (3) submission to 60 Gy total radiation (2 Gy daily doses, 5 days/week for 6 weeks) before restoration procedure (RtRes); after restoration procedure (ResRt) or not submitted to radiotherapy (Control group). Specimens were tested for μTBS and mode of failure were evaluated under optical microscopy. The bonding interface was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data was submitted to three-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α= 0.05). There was no significant difference between the μTBS (MPa) of Adper Scotchbond MP (25.5±11.1) and Clearfil SE (27.6±9.1). Control (30.5±10.9) and ResRt (29.2±10.4) presented μTBS significantly higher than RtRes (23.1±7.2). Doxycycline (21.7±7.6) significantly reduced μTBS compared to groups without doxycycline application (33.6±8.6). Dentin cohesive failure mode was predominant for RtRes and mixed failure mode for ResRt. Mixed and adhesive failures were frequently observed in control groups. SEM showed adhesive penetration in dentin tubules in all groups, regardless of the radiotherapy and the application of doxycycline. The radiotherapy before composite restoration procedure decreased the μTBS. No statistical difference was observed between the adhesive systems. The doxycycline reduced μTBS regardless of the other conditions. Composite restoration procedure should be done before radiotherapy, regardless of the adhesive system used.

An update on the Enzyme Portal: an integrative approach for exploring enzyme knowledge.

PubMed

Pundir, S; Onwubiko, J; Zaru, R; Rosanoff, S; Antunes, R; Bingley, M; Watkins, X; O'Donovan, C; Martin, M J

2017-03-01

Enzymes are a key part of life processes and are increasingly important for various areas of research such as medicine, biotechnology, bioprocessing and drug research. The goal of the Enzyme Portal is to provide an interface to all European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) data about enzymes (de Matos, P., et al. , (2013), BMC Bioinformatics , (1), 103). These data include enzyme function, sequence features and family classification, protein structure, reactions, pathways, small molecules, diseases and the associated literature. The sources of enzyme data are: the UniProt Knowledgebase (UniProtKB) (UniProt Consortium, 2015), the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe), (Valenkar, S., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016; , D385-D395) Rhea-a database of enzyme-catalysed reactions (Morgat, A., et al .,  Nucleic Acids Res.  2015; , D459-D464), Reactome-a database of biochemical pathways (Fabregat, A., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res. 2016;  , D481-D487), IntEnz-a resource with enzyme nomenclature information (Fleischmann, A., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res.  2004 , D434-D437) and ChEBI (Hastings, J., et al .,  Nucleic Acids Res. 2013) and ChEMBL (Bento, A. P., et al ., Nucleic Acids Res.  2014 , 1083-1090)-resources which contain information about small-molecule chemistry and bioactivity. This article describes the redesign of Enzyme Portal and the increased functionality added to maximise integration and interpretation of these data. Use case examples of the Enzyme Portal and the versatile workflows its supports are illustrated. We welcome the suggestion of new resources for integration. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Resveratrol-decreased hyperalgesia mediated by the P2X7 receptor in gp120-treated rats.

PubMed

Wu, Bing; Ma, Yucheng; Yi, Zhihua; Liu, Shuangmei; Rao, Shenqiang; Zou, Lifang; Wang, Shouyu; Xue, Yun; Jia, Tianyu; Zhao, Shanhong; Shi, Liran; Li, Lin; Yuan, Huilong; Liang, Shangdong

2017-01-01

Background Chronic pain is a common symptom in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. The literature shows that the HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) can directly cause hyperalgesia by stimulating primary sensory afferent nerves. The P2X 7 receptor in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is closely related to neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of resveratrol (RES) on gp120-induced neuropathic pain that is mediated by the P2X 7 receptor in the rat DRG. Results Mechanical hyperalgesia in rats treated with gp120 was increased compared with that in the sham group. The P2X 7 expression levels in rats treated with gp120 were higher than those in the sham group. Co-localization of the P2X 7 receptor and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker of satellite glial cells [SGCs]) in the DRG SGCs of the gp120 group exhibited more intense staining than that of the sham group. RES decreased the mechanical hyperalgesia and P2X 7 expression levels in gp120 treatment rats. Co-localization of the P2X 7 receptor and GFAP in the gp120+ RES group was significantly decreased compared to the gp120 group. RES decreased the IL-1β and TNF-α receptor (R) expression levels and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels as well as increased IL-10 expression in the DRG of gp120-treated rats. Whole cell clamping demonstrated that RES significantly inhibited adenosine triphosphate-activated currents in HEK293 cells that were transfected with the P2X 7 plasmid. Conclusions RES relieved mechanical hyperalgesia in gp120-treated rats by inhibiting the P2X 7 receptor.

Stabilization and cytoskeletal-association of LDL receptor mRNA are mediated by distinct domains in its 3' untranslated region.

PubMed

Wilson, G M; Vasa, M Z; Deeley, R G

1998-05-01

The mRNA encoding the human low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor is transiently stabilized after phorbol ester treatment of HepG2 cells and has been shown to associate with components of the cytoskeleton in this cell line (G. M. Wilson, E. A. Roberts, and R. G. Deeley, J. Lipid Res. 1997. 38: 437-446). Using an episomal expression system, fragments of the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of LDL receptor mRNA were transcribed in fusion with the coding region of beta-globin mRNA in HepG2 cells. Analyses of the decay kinetics of these beta-globin-LDL receptor fusion mRNA deletion mutants showed that sequences in the proximal 3'UTR of LDL receptor mRNA including several AU-rich elements (AREs) were sufficient to confer short constitutive mRNA half-life in the heterologous system. Stabilization of LDL receptor mRNA in the presence of PMA required sequences in the distal 3'UTR, at or near three Alu-like repetitive elements. Furthermore, the 3'UTR of LDL receptor mRNA conferred cytoskeletal association on the otherwise unassociated beta-globin mRNA, by a mechanism involving at least two distinct RNA elements. Comparisons of decay kinetics and subcellular localization of endogenous LDL receptor mRNA and beta-globin-LDL receptor mRNA fusions in HepG2 cells have demonstrated that several cis-acting elements in the receptor 3'UTR contribute to post-transcriptional regulation of receptor expression, and provide further support for involvement of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of LDL receptor mRNA turnover.

Discrepancy detection in the retrieval-enhanced suggestibility paradigm.

PubMed

Butler, Brendon Jerome; Loftus, Elizabeth F

2018-04-01

Retrieval-enhanced suggestibility (RES) refers to the finding that immediately recalling the details of a witnessed event can increase susceptibility to later misinformation. In three experiments, we sought to gain a deeper understanding of the role that retrieval plays in the RES paradigm. Consistent with past research, initial testing did increase susceptibility to misinformation - but only for those who failed to detect discrepancies between the original event and the post-event misinformation. In all three experiments, subjects who retrospectively detected discrepancies in the post-event narratives were more resistant to misinformation than those who did not. In Experiments 2 and 3, having subjects concurrently assess the consistency of the misinformation narratives negated the RES effect. Interestingly, in Experiments 2 and 3, subjects who had retrieval practice and detected discrepancies were more likely to endorse misinformation than control subjects who detected discrepancies. These results call attention to limiting conditions of the RES effect and highlight the complex relationship between retrieval practice, discrepancy detection, and misinformation endorsement.

Getting the Message? Native Reactive Electrophiles Pass Two Out of Three Thresholds to be Bona Fide Signaling Mediators.

PubMed

Poganik, Jesse R; Long, Marcus J C; Aye, Yimon

2018-05-01

Precision cell signaling activities of reactive electrophilic species (RES) are arguably among the most poorly-understood means to transmit biological messages. Latest research implicates native RES to be a chemically-distinct subset of endogenous redox signals that influence cell decision making through non-enzyme-assisted modifications of specific proteins. Yet, fundamental questions remain regarding the role of RES as bona fide second messengers. Here, we lay out three sets of criteria we feel need to be met for RES to be considered as true cellular signals that directly mediate information transfer by modifying "first-responding" sensor proteins. We critically assess the available evidence and define the extent to which each criterion has been fulfilled. Finally, we offer some ideas on the future trajectories of the electrophile signaling field taking inspiration from work that has been done to understand canonical signaling mediators. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/rG7o0clVP0c. © 2018 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

Probing the Hydrogen Sublattice of FeHx with High-Pressure Neutron Diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, C. A.; Guthrie, M.; Boehler, R.; Somayazulu, M.; Fei, Y.; Molaison, J.; dos Santos, A. M.

2013-12-01

The combination of seismic, cosmochemical, and mineral physics observations have revealed that Earth's iron-rich core must contain some light elements, such as hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and/or sulfur. Therefore, understanding the influence of these light elements on the structural, thermoelastic, and electronic properties of iron is important for constraining the composition of this remote layer of the Earth and, in turn, providing constraints on planetary differentiation and core formation models. The high-pressure structural and magnetic properties of iron hydride (FeHx) have previously been studied using synchrotron x-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Such experiments revealed that the double hexagonal close-packed (dhcp) structure of FeHx is stable above a pressure of ~5 GPa and up to at least 80 GPa at 300 K [1]. In addition, dhcp-FeHx is ferromagnetic at low-pressures, but undergoes a magnetic collapse around 22 GPa [2]. X-ray experiments provide valuable insight into the properties of FeHx, but such techniques are largely sensitive to the iron component because it is difficult to detect the hydrogen sublattice with x-rays. Therefore, neutron diffraction has been used to investigate metastable FeHx, which is formed by quenching the high-pressure phase to liquid nitrogen temperatures and probing the sample at ambient pressure [3]. However, such neutron experiments have been limited to formation pressures below 10 GPa, and cannot be performed at ambient temperature. Here we present the first in-situ investigation of FeHx at 300 K using high-pressure neutron diffraction experiments performed at the Spallation Neutrons and Pressure Diffractometer (SNAP) instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In order to achieve pressures of ~50 GPa, we loaded iron samples with a hydrogen gas pressure medium into newly designed large-volume panoramic diamond-anvil cells (DACs) for neutron diffraction experiments [4; 5]. We will present the details of our DAC preparations and results of our in-situ structural refinements of dhcp-FeHx up to ~50 GPa. Together with previous investigations of the thermoelastic and electronic properties of FeHx [2; 6], we will discuss implications for the composition of Earth's iron-rich core. References: 1. N. Hirao et al. (2004), Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L06616, doi:10.1029/2003GL019380. 2. W.L. Mao et al. (2004), Geophys. Res. Lett., 31, L15618, doi:10.1029/2004GL020541. 3. V.E. Antonov et al. (2002), J. Phys.: Condens. Matter, 14, 6427-6445, doi:10.1088/0953-8984/14/25/311. 4. M. Guthrie et al. (2013), ACA Transactions, 44, in press. 5. R. Boehler et al. (2013), High Press. Res., in press, doi:10.1080/08957959.2013.823197. 6. Y. Shibazaki et al. (2012), Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 313-314, 79-85, doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2011.11.002.

Ascent Rates of Rhyolitic Magma During the Opening Stages of Explosive Caldera-Forming Eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myers, M.; Wallace, P. J.; Wilson, C. J. N.; Watkins, J. M.; Liu, Y.; Morgan, D. J.

2016-12-01

We investigate the timescales of rhyolitic magma ascent for three supereruptions that show contrasting eruptive behavior at eruption onset: (1) the Bishop Tuff, CA where early fallout graded directly into climactic eruption, (2) the Oruanui eruption, Taupo NZ, which experienced a significant time break between the initial fallout and subsequent activity and (3) the Huckleberry Ridge, Yellowstone where initial activity was episodic, with eruptive pauses totaling days to weeks. During ascent, decompression causes volatile exsolution from the host melt, creating H2O and CO2 gradients in reentrants (REs; unsealed inclusions) that can be modeled to estimate ascent timescales1,2,3. Using a code1 refined to include an error minimization function, we present modeled ascent rates for REs from Huckleberry Ridge (n=10), Bishop (n=14), and Oruanui (n=4), measured using FTIR (20 μm resolution, 4-15 points per RE). Best-fit profiles for the Bishop REs give ascent rates of 0.6-30 m/s, which overlap with those of the Huckleberry (0.3-5.5 m/s), but extend to higher values. Although ascent rate and initial eruptive behavior are somewhat decoupled, there is an increase in the number of faster ascent rates and greater starting depths with higher stratigraphic height in the Huckleberry Ridge and Bishop fall deposits. Preliminary work on Oruanui REs indicates rates of 0.15-2.0 m/s, which overlie the lower end of the Bishop and Huckleberry REs, in agreement with previous data1. Overall, there is significant overlap between the three datasets (average 4±7 m/s). Our calculated ascent rates fall towards the lower end of ascent rates that have been estimated (5-40 m/s4) using theoretical and numerical modeling of conduit flow for Plinian rhyolitic eruptions below the fragmentation depth. 1 Liu Y et al. 2007: J Geophys Res 112, B06204; 2 Humphreys MCS et al. 2008: Earth Planet Sci Lett 270, 25; 3 Lloyd et al., 2014: J Volcanol Geotherm Res 283, 1; 4Rutherford MJ 2008: Rev Mineral Geochem 69, 241.

Providing for the consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 251) directing the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit to the House of Representatives all information in his possession relating to specific communications with American International Group, Inc. (AIG).

THOMAS, 111th Congress

Rep. LaTourette, Steven C. [R-OH-14

2009-04-23

House - 05/07/2009 Motion to Discharge Committee filed by Mr. LaTourette. Petition No: 111-3. (All Actions) Notes: On 5/7/2009, a motion was filed to discharge the Committee on Rules from consideration of H.Res.359 a resolution providing for consideration of H.Res.251. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures for further action. (Discharge Petition No. 111-3: text with signatures.) Tracker: This bill has the status IntroducedHere are the steps for Status of Legislation:

SUNA and red ear syndrome: a new association and pathophysiological considerations.

PubMed

Lambru, Giorgio; Bakar, Norazah Abu; Matharu, Manjit

2013-04-08

Red ear syndrome (RES) is characterised by attacks of unilateral or bilateral burning ear pain associated with erythema. Primary and secondary forms have been described. Primary RES appears to have a frequent association with primary headaches especially migraine. Here, we describe the case of a woman with short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) and recurrent episodes of ipsilateral red ear triggerable by cutaneous stimulation. Lamotrigine was beneficial for her SUNA but not for the RES. Both these disorders are extremely rare therefore their coexistence in the same individual may suggest similar pathophysiological mechanisms rather than a chance association.

The Dynamics of the Mississippi River Plume: Impact of Topography, Wind and Offshore Forcing on the Fate of Plume Waters

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-30

aspects of the oceanography of the Gulf of Mexico using satellite and in situ data , J. Geophys. Res., 84, 7749–7768, doi:10.1029/ JC084iC12p07749. Walker, N...nested in a data ‐assimilative regional Gulf of Mexico HYCOM model) reveals that the offshore removal is a frequent plume pathway. Eastward wind‐driven...estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data

A Study of the Immunologic Response to Second Heterotypic Bluetongue Virus Infection in Mice

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

Bluetongue disease. Adv Vet Sci Comp Med 15: 1, 1971 24. Breckon RD, Luedke AJ, Walton TE: Bluetongue virus in bovine semen: Viral isolation. AM J Vet Res...Intervirology 3: 47, 1974 40. DuToit RM: Bluetongue --Recent advances in research. The role played by bovines in the transmission of bluetongue in sheep...AJ, Walton TE, Jones RE: Detection of bluetongue virus in bovine semen. Proc 20th World Vet Cong 3: 2039, 1975 154 99. Luedke AJ, Jochim MM, Jones RH

Rational Combination Immunotherapy: Understand the Biology.

PubMed

Kaufman, Howard L

2017-05-01

Selecting rational treatment combinations remains a major challenge for improving immunotherapy outcomes. In this issue of Cancer Immunology Research , Zhang and colleagues reduced tumors by inhibiting CD47 in a lung carcinoma model, a treatment that inadvertently induced autophagy through inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathway. By also targeting autophagy, the therapeutic response improved, highlighting the importance of understanding the biology beneath antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(5); 355-6. ©2017 AACR See article by Zhang et al., p. 363. ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Evaluation of a deep learning architecture for MR imaging prediction of ATRX in glioma patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korfiatis, Panagiotis; Kline, Timothy L.; Erickson, Bradley J.

2018-02-01

Predicting mutation/loss of alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene utilizing MR imaging is of high importance since it is a predictor of response and prognosis in brain tumors. In this study, we compare a deep neural network approach based on a residual deep neural network (ResNet) architecture and one based on a classical machine learning approach and evaluate their ability in predicting ATRX mutation status without the need for a distinct tumor segmentation step. We found that the ResNet50 (50 layers) architecture, pre trained on ImageNet data was the best performing model, achieving an accuracy of 0.91 for the test set (classification of a slice as no tumor, ATRX mutated, or mutated) in terms of f1 score in a test set of 35 cases. The SVM classifier achieved 0.63 for differentiating the Flair signal abnormality regions from the test patients based on their mutation status. We report a method that alleviates the need for extensive preprocessing and acts as a proof of concept that deep neural network architectures can be used to predict molecular biomarkers from routine medical images.

Nanoparticle Plasma Jet as Fast Probe for Runaway Electrons in Tokamak Disruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogatu, I. N.; Galkin, S. A.

2017-10-01

Successful probing of runaway electrons (REs) requires fast (1 - 2 ms) high-speed injection of enough mass able to penetrate through tokamak toroidal B-field (2 - 5 T) over 1 - 2 m distance with large assimilation fraction in core plasma. A nanoparticle plasma jet (NPPJ) from a plasma gun is a unique combination of millisecond trigger-to-delivery response and mass-velocity of 100 mg at several km/s for deep direct injection into current channel of rapidly ( 1 ms) cooling post-TQ core plasma. After C60 NPPJ test bed demonstration we started to work on ITER-compatible boron nitride (BN) NPPJ. Once injected into plasma, BN NP undergoes ablative sublimation, thermally decomposes into B and N, and releases abundant B and N high-charge ions along plasma-traversing path and into the core. We present basic characteristics of our BN NPPJ concept and first results from B and N ions on Zeff > 1 effect on REs dynamics by using a self-consistent model for RE current density. Simulation results of BNQ+ NPPJ penetration through tokamak B-field to RE beam location performed with Hybrid Electro-Magnetic code (HEM-2D) are also presented. Work supported by U.S. DOE SBIR Grant.

RNase H2 catalytic core Aicardi-Goutières syndrome–related mutant invokes cGAS–STING innate immune-sensing pathway in mice

PubMed Central

Pokatayev, Vladislav; Hasin, Naushaba; Chon, Hyongi; Cerritelli, Susana M.; Sakhuja, Kiran; Ward, Jerrold M.; Morris, H. Douglas; Yan, Nan

2016-01-01

The neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) develops from mutations in genes encoding several nucleotide-processing proteins, including RNase H2. Defective RNase H2 may induce accumulation of self-nucleic acid species that trigger chronic type I interferon and inflammatory responses, leading to AGS pathology. We created a knock-in mouse model with an RNase H2 AGS mutation in a highly conserved residue of the catalytic subunit, Rnaseh2aG37S/G37S (G37S), to understand disease pathology. G37S homozygotes are perinatal lethal, in contrast to the early embryonic lethality previously reported for Rnaseh2b- or Rnaseh2c-null mice. Importantly, we found that the G37S mutation led to increased expression of interferon-stimulated genes dependent on the cGAS–STING signaling pathway. Ablation of STING in the G37S mice results in partial rescue of the perinatal lethality, with viable mice exhibiting white spotting on their ventral surface. We believe that the G37S knock-in mouse provides an excellent animal model for studying RNASEH2-associated autoimmune diseases. PMID:26880576

Developmental treatment with difluoromethylornithine has few effects on behavior or body weight in Sprague-Dawley rats.

PubMed

Ferguson, Sherry A; Cada, Amy M

2004-01-01

Developmental difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) treatment reduces cerebellar weight [Neuroscience 17 (1986) 399, Neurotoxicol. Teratol. 22 (2000) 415, Behav. Brain Res. 126 (2001) 135], but the functional alterations resulting from this have been little investigated. Here, Sprague-Dawley rats were subcutaneously injected with 500 mg/kg DFMO on postnatal days (PNDs) 5-12 and a comprehensive set of behavioral assessments measured early developmental behaviors (righting reflex, negative geotaxis), motor coordination, acoustic startle, short- and long-term activity, social behaviors, anxiety, and spatial learning and memory. DFMO treatment appeared to cause a decreased latency to perform the negative geotaxis behavior on PNDs 8-10 and increased latency to hang by the forelimbs on PNDs 12-14. Our previous study did not indicate similar effects, but age at testing differed between the two studies. DFMO treatment caused a decreased latency to maximum acoustic startle response in both the acoustic startle paradigm and in the pulse-alone trials of the prepulse inhibition test. This DFMO treatment paradigm induced a 10% decrease in adult cerebellar weight [Behav. Brain Res. 126 (2001) 135], but the results here imply that such developmental stunting has few functional alterations.

Recycling of Rare Earth Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lorenz, Tom; Bertau, Martin

2017-01-01

Any development of an effective process for rare earth (RE) recycling has become more and more challenging, especially in recent years. Since 2011, when commodity prices of REs had met their all-time maximum, prices have dropped rapidly by more than 90 %. An economic process able to offset these fluctuations has to take unconventional methods into account beside well-known strategies like acid/basic leaching or solvent extraction. The solid-state chlorination provides such an unconventional method for mobilizing RE elements from waste streams. Instead of hydrochloric acid this kind of chlorination decomposes NH4Cl thermally to release up to 400 °C hot HCl gas. After cooling the resulting solid metal chlorides may be easily dissolved in pH-adjusted water. Without producing strongly acidic wastes and with NH4Cl as cheap source for hydrogen chloride, solid-state chlorination provides various advantages in terms of costs and disposal. In the course of the SepSELSA project this method was examined, adjusted and optimized for RE recycling from fluorescent lamp scraps as well as Fe14Nd2B magnets. Thereby many surprising influences and trends required various analytic methods to examine the reasons and special mechanisms behind them.

The structure of the regulatory region of the rat L1 (L1Rn, long interspersed repeated) DNA family of transposable elements.

PubMed Central

Furano, A V; Robb, S M; Robb, F T

1988-01-01

Here we report the DNA structure of the left 1.5 kb of two newly isolated full length members of the rat L1 DNA family (L1Rn, long interspersed repeated DNA). In contrast to earlier isolated rat L1 members, both of these contain promoter-like regions that are most likely full length. In addition, the promoter-like region of both members has undergone a partial tandem duplication. A second internal region of the left end of one of the reported members is also tandemly duplicated. The propensity of the left end of rat L1 elements to undergo this form of genetic rearrangement, as well as other structural features revealed by the present work, is discussed in light of the fact that during evolution the otherwise conserved mammalian L1 DNA families have each acquired completely different promoter-like regions. In an accompanying paper [Nur, I., Pascale, E., and Furano, A. V. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 16, submitted], we report that one of the rat promoter-like regions can function as a promoter in rat cells when fused to the Escherichia coli chloramphenicol acyltransferase gene. PMID:2845369

CHECKLIST OF DIATOMS FROM THE LAURENTIAN GREAT LAKES

EPA Science Inventory

An updated diatom (Bacillariophyta) checklist for the Great Lakes has been completed (J. Great Lakes Res. 1999) and supplants the preliminary checklist (J. Great Lakes Res. 1978). The present list is effectively a 20-year update. The updated list is based upon: 1) the 1978 checkl...

Modeling and performance data for heaving bouy wave energy converter with a compressible degree of freedom

DOE Data Explorer

Bacelli, Giorgio

2016-09-28

Modeling and performance data in Matlab data file (.mat) containing 3 structures (WEC model, simRes_sr and simRes_fix), and a pdf document describing the model, the simulations, and the analysis that has been carried out.

Ab Initio Predictions of K, He and Ar Partitioning Between Silicate Melt and Liquid Iron Under High Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Z.; Tsuchiya, T.

2017-12-01

Element partitioning is an important property in recording geochemical processes during the core-mantle differentiation. However, experimental measurements of element partitioning coefficients under extreme temperature and pressure condition are still challenging. Theoretical modeling is also not easy, because it requires estimation of high temperature Gibbs free energy, which is not directly accessible by the standard molecular dynamics method. We recently developed an original technique to simulate Gibbs free energy based on the thermodynamics integration method[1]. We apply it to element partitioning of geochemical intriguing trace elements between molten silicate and liquid iron such as potassium, helium and argon as starting examples. Radiogenic potassium in the core can provide energy for Earth's magnetic field, convection in the mantle and outer core[2]. However, its partitioning behavior between silicate and iron remains unclear under high pressure[3,4]. Our calculations suggest that a clear positive temperature dependence of the partitioning coefficient but an insignificant pressure effect. Unlike sulfur and silicon, oxygen dissolved in the metals considerably enhances potassium solubility. Calculated electronic structures reveal alkali-metallic feature of potassium in liquid iron, favoring oxygen with strong electron affinity. Our results suggest that 40K could serve as a potential radiogenic heat source in the outer core if oxygen is the major light element therein.­­ We now further extend our technique to partitioning behaviors of other elements, helium and argon, to get insides into the `helium paradox' and `missing argon' problems. References [1] T. Taniuchi, and T. Tsuchiya, Phys.Rev.B. In press [2] B.A. Buffett, H.E. Huppert, J.R. Lister, and A.W. Woods, Geophys.Res.Lett. 29 (1996) 7989-8006. [3] V.R. Murthy, W. Westrenen, and Y. Fei, Nature. 426 (2003) 163-165. [4] A. Corgne, S.Keshav, Y. Fei, and W.F. McDonough, Earth.Planet.Sci.Lett. 256 (2007) 567-576

Synthesis and Characterization of CuO Nanodisks for High-Sensitive and Selective Ethanol Gas Sensor Applications.

PubMed

Umar, Ahmad; Lee, Jong-Heun; Kumar, Rajesh; Al-Dossary, O

2017-02-01

Herein, the fabrication and characterization of highly sensitive and selective ethanol gas sensor based on CuO nanodisks is reported. The CuO nanodisks were synthesized by facile hydrothermal process and detailed characterization revealed the well-crystallinity, high-purity and high density growth of the prepared material. To fabricate the ethanol gas sensor, the prepared nanodisks were coated on alumina substrate. The fabricated sensor exhibited high-sensitivity and the recorded gas response (resistance-ratio), response time (τ res) and recovery time (τ recov) were 6.2, 119 and 35 s, respectively for 100 ppm of C₂H₅OH at 300 °C. Further, the fabricated sensor shows high selectivity towards ethanol gas compared to H₂ and CO gases.

Cr(VI) and lindane removal by Streptomyces M7 is improved by maize root exudates.

PubMed

Simon Sola, María Z; Pérez Visñuk, Daiana; Benimeli, Claudia S; Polti, Marta Alejandra; Alvarez, Analia

2017-12-01

Environmental mixed pollution by both organic and inorganic compounds are detected worldwide. Phytoremediation techniques have been proposed as ecofriendly methods for cleaning up polluted sites. Several studies have demonstrated enhanced dissipation of contaminants at the root-soil interface through an increase in microbial activity caused by the release of plant root exudates (REs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness for Cr(VI) and lindane removal by Streptomyces M7 cultured in a co-contaminated system in presence of maize REs. Our results showed when REs were added to the contaminated minimal medium (MM) as the only carbon source, microbial removal of Cr(VI) and lindane increased significantly in comparison to contaminant removal obtained in MM with glucose 1 g L -1 . The maximum removal of 91% of lindane and 49.5% of Cr(VI) were obtained in the co-contaminated system. Moreover, Streptomyces M7 showed plant growth promoting traits which could improve plant performance in contaminated soils. The results presented in this study provide evidence that maize REs improved growth of Streptomyces M7 when REs were used as a carbon source in comparison to glucose. Consequently, lindane and Cr(VI) removal was considerably enhanced making evident the phytoremediation potential of the actinobacteria-plant partnership. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Natural antioxidants exhibit chemopreventive characteristics through the regulation of CNC b-Zip transcription factors in estrogen-induced breast carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Anwesha; Ronghe, Amruta; Singh, Bhupendra; Bhat, Nimee K; Chen, Jie; Bhat, Hari K

2014-12-01

The objective of the present study was to characterize the role of resveratrol (Res) and vitamin C (VC) in prevention of estrogen-induced breast cancer through regulation of cap "n"collar (CNC) b-zip transcription factors. Human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A was treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and VC or Res with or without E2. mRNA and protein expression levels of CNC b-zip transcription factors nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 3 (Nrf3), and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were quantified. The treatment with E2 suppressed, whereas VC and Res prevented E2-mediated decrease in the expression levels of SOD3, NQO1, Nrf2 mRNA, and protein in MCF-10A cells. The treatment with E2, Res, or VC significantly increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf1. 17β-Estradiol treatment significantly increased but VC or Res decreased Nrf3 mRNA and protein expression levels. Our studies demonstrate that estrogen-induced breast cancer might be prevented through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes via Nrf-dependent pathways. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Barriers on the propagation of renewable energy sources and sustainable solid waste management practices in Greece.

PubMed

Boemi, Sn; Papadopoulos, Am; Karagiannidis, A; Kontogianni, S

2010-11-01

Renewable energy sources (RES), excluding large hydroelectric plants, currently produce 4.21% of total electricity production in Greece. Even when considering the additional production from large hydroelectric plants, which accounts for some 7.8%, the distance to be covered towards the objective of 20% electricity produced from RES by 2010 and respectively towards 20% of total energy production by 2020 is discouraging. The potential, however, does exist; unfortunately so do serious barriers. On the other hand, solid waste management (SWM) is an issue that generates continuously increasing interest due to the extra amounts of solid waste generated; the lack of existing disposal facilities with adequate infrastructure and integrated management plans, also often accompanied by legislative and institutional gaps. However, socio-economic and public awareness problems are still met in the planning and implementation of RES and SWM projects, together with the lack of a complete national cadastre and a spatial development master plan, specifying areas eligible for RES and SWM development. Specific barriers occur for individual RES and the on-going inclusion of waste-derived renewable energy in the examined palette further increases the complexity of the entire issue. The consolidated study of this broad set of barriers was a main task of the present study which was carried out within the frame of a Hellenic-Canadian research project; the main results will be discussed herein.

Adaptive resolution simulation of a biomolecule and its hydration shell: Structural and dynamical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fogarty, Aoife C.; Potestio, Raffaello; Kremer, Kurt

2015-05-01

A fully atomistic modelling of many biophysical and biochemical processes at biologically relevant length- and time scales is beyond our reach with current computational resources, and one approach to overcome this difficulty is the use of multiscale simulation techniques. In such simulations, when system properties necessitate a boundary between resolutions that falls within the solvent region, one can use an approach such as the Adaptive Resolution Scheme (AdResS), in which solvent particles change their resolution on the fly during the simulation. Here, we apply the existing AdResS methodology to biomolecular systems, simulating a fully atomistic protein with an atomistic hydration shell, solvated in a coarse-grained particle reservoir and heat bath. Using as a test case an aqueous solution of the regulatory protein ubiquitin, we first confirm the validity of the AdResS approach for such systems, via an examination of protein and solvent structural and dynamical properties. We then demonstrate how, in addition to providing a computational speedup, such a multiscale AdResS approach can yield otherwise inaccessible physical insights into biomolecular function. We use our methodology to show that protein structure and dynamics can still be correctly modelled using only a few shells of atomistic water molecules. We also discuss aspects of the AdResS methodology peculiar to biomolecular simulations.

Inhibition of RAD51 by siRNA and Resveratrol Sensitizes Cancer Stem Cells Derived from HeLa Cell Cultures to Apoptosis

PubMed Central

Ruíz, Graciela; Valencia-González, Heriberto A.; León-Galicia, Ismael; García-Villa, Enrique

2018-01-01

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent tumor type in women worldwide with cases developing clinical recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. The cancer stem cells (CSC) may be implicated in tumor resistance to therapy. RESveratrol (RES), a natural compound, is an antioxidant with multiple beneficial activities. We previously determined that the expression of RAD51 is decreased by RES. The aim of our study was to examine molecular mechanism by which CSC from HeLa cultures exhibit chemoresistance. We hypothesized CSC repair more efficiently DNA breaks and that RAD51 plays an important role in this mechanism. We found that CSC, derived from cervical cancer cell lines, overexpress RAD51 and are less sensitive to Etoposide (VP16). We inhibited RAD51 in CSC-enriched cultures using RES or siRNA against RAD51 messenger RNA and observed a decrease in cell viability and induction of apoptosis when treated simultaneously with VP16. In addition, we found that inhibition of RAD51 expression using RES also sensitizes CSC to VP16 treatment. Our results suggest that resveratrol is effective to sensitize cervical CSC because of RAD51 inhibition, targeting high RAD51 expressing CD49f-positive cells, which supports the possible therapeutic application of RES as a novel agent to treat cancer. PMID:29681946

Injectable dual redox responsive diselenide-containing poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel.

PubMed

Gong, Chu; Shan, Meng; Li, Bingqiang; Wu, Guolin

2017-09-01

An injectable dual redox responsive diselenide-containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel was successfully developed by combining the conceptions of injectable hydrogels and dual redox responsive diselenides. In the first step, four-armed PEG was modified with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-activated esters and thereafter, crosslinked by selenocystamine crosslinkers to form injectable hydrogels via the rapid reaction between NHS-activated esters and amino groups. The cross-sectional morphology, mechanical properties, and crosslinking modes of hydrogels were well characterized via scanning electron microscope (SEM), rheological measurements, and Fourier transform infrared spectra, respectively. In addition, the oxidation- and reduction-responsive degradation behaviors of hydrogels were observed and analyzed. The model drug, rhodamine B, was encapsulated in the hydrogel. The drug-loaded hydrogel exhibited a dual redox responsive release profile, which was consistent with the degradation experiments. The results of all experiments indicated that the formulated injectable dual redox responsive diselenide-containing PEG hydrogel can have potential applications in various biomedical fields such as drug delivery and stimuli-responsive drug release. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2451-2460, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DU Fragment Carcinogenicity: Extrapolation of Findings in Rodents to Man

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-03-01

changes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma induced by thorotrast. Radiat. Res. 152: S 118-S 124. Khan, J., R. Simon, M. Bittner, Y. Chen, S. B. Leighton, T... cholangiocarcinomas demonstrated with a sensitive polymerase chain reaction technique. Cancer Res. 51: 3497-3502. MacDonald, J. S. and H. H. Scribner (1999

Source Mechanisms and Radio Effects of Ionospheric Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-11-01

naturally-occurring ELF hiss simi- lar to that observed on other low-altitude satellites (Gurnett and Burns, 1968; Mosier, 1971; Muzzio and Angerami ...satellite, J. Geophys. Res., 76, 1713, 1971. Muzzio, J.L.R., and J.J. Angerami , OGO 4 observations of ex- tremely low-frequency hiss, J. Geophys. Res

75 FR 5633 - Notice of Extension of Comment Period for NUREG-1921, EPRI/NRC-RES Fire Human Reliability...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-03

..., EPRI/NRC- RES Fire Human Reliability Analysis Guidelines, Draft Report for Comment AGENCY: Nuclear... Human Reliability Analysis Guidelines, Draft Report for Comment'' (December 11, 2009; 74 FR 65810). This... Human Reliability Analysis Guidelines'' is available electronically under ADAMS Accession Number...

7 CFR 4280.115 - RES and EEI grant funding.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... contributions are acceptable for renewable energy system projects, including those that are eligible for Federal... General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants § 4280.115 RES and EEI grant... this section, as long as the items are an integral and necessary part of the renewable energy system or...

7 CFR 4280.115 - RES and EEI grant funding.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... contributions are acceptable for renewable energy system projects, including those that are eligible for Federal... General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants § 4280.115 RES and EEI grant... this section, as long as the items are an integral and necessary part of the renewable energy system or...

7 CFR 4280.115 - RES and EEI grant funding.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... contributions are acceptable for renewable energy system projects, including those that are eligible for Federal... General Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants § 4280.115 RES and EEI grant... this section, as long as the items are an integral and necessary part of the renewable energy system or...

Honduran-U.S. Relations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

government resources to finance poverty-reduction programs. Nonetheless, Honduras continues to face a poverty rate of nearly 70%, in addition to widespread...d’état” in Honduras (H.Res. 630, Delahunt) and calling upon the Micheletti government to end its “illegal seizure of power”(H.Res. 620, Serrano...2 Micheletti Government

Toxoplasmosis in a bar-shouldered dove (Geopelia humeralis) from the zoo of Clères, France

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Toxoplasmosis causes mortality in several avian species, especially passerine birds. Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in a bar-shouldered dove (Geopelia humeralis) found dead at the zoo of Clères (France). The bird had necrotizing pneumonia and nephritis with intralesional tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondi...

Acute Radiation Effects Resulting from Exposure to Solar Particle Event-Like Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kennedy, Ann; Cengel, Keith

2012-07-01

A major solar particle event (SPE) may place astronauts at significant risk for the acute radiation syndrome (ARS), which may be exacerbated when combined with other space flight stressors, such that the mission or crew health may be compromised. The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) Center of Acute Radiation Research (CARR) is focused on the assessment of risks of adverse biological effects related to the ARS in animal models exposed to space flight stressors combined with the types of radiation expected during an SPE. As part of this program, FDA-approved drugs that may prevent and/or mitigate ARS symptoms are being evaluated. The CARR studies are focused on the adverse biological effects resulting from exposure to the types of radiation, at the appropriate energies, doses and dose-rates, present during an SPE (and standard reference radiations, gamma rays or electrons). The ARS is a phased syndrome which often includes vomiting and fatigue. Other acute adverse biologic effects of concern are the loss of hematopoietic cells, which can result in compromised bone marrow and immune cell functions. There is also concern for skin damage from high SPE radiation doses, including burns, and resulting immune system dysfunction. Using 3 separate animal model systems (ferrets, mice and pigs), the major ARS biologic endpoints being evaluated are: 1) vomiting/retching and fatigue, 2) hematologic changes (with focus on white blood cells) and immune system changes resulting from exposure to SPE radiation with and without reduced weightbearing conditions, and 3) skin injury and related immune system functions. In all of these areas of research, statistically significant adverse health effects have been observed in animals exposed to SPE-like radiation. Countermeasures for the management of ARS symptoms are being evaluated. New research findings from the past grant year will be discussed. Acknowledgements: This research is supported by the NSBRI Center of Acute Radiation Research (CARR) grant; NSBRI is funded through NASA NCC 9-58. Recent Publications: [1]Cengel K. A. et al. (2010) Radiat Environ Biophys 49(4): 715-21. [2] Ware J. H. et al. (2010) Radiation Res 174: 325-330. [3] Davis J. G. et al. (2010) Radiation Res 173(3):353-61. [4] Sanzari J.K. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 175(5):650-6. [5] Ni H. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 175(4): 485-92. [6] Mao X. W. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 176: 187-197. [7] Maks C. J. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 176: 170-6. [8] Kennedy A. R. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 176: 62-70. [9] Sanzari J. K. et al. (2011) Int J Radiat Biol 87: 1033-8. [10] Wilson J. M. et al. (2011) Radiation Res 176(5):649-59. [11] Kennedy A. R. and Wan X. S. (2011) Advances in Space Res 48: 1460-1479. [12] Gridley D. S. et al. (2011) Int J Radiat Biol 2011 87(12): 1173-81, [13] York J. M., et al. (2012) Brain Behav Immun 26(2): 218-27,[14] Wilson J. M. et al. (2012) Advances in Space Res 49: 237-248. [15] Krigsfeld, G.S. et al. Int J Radiat Biol 2012 Feb 6 [Epub ahead of print

Within-subjects comparison of the HiRes and Fidelity120 speech processing strategies: Speech perception and its relation to place-pitch sensitivity

PubMed Central

Donaldson, Gail S.; Dawson, Patricia K.; Borden, Lamar Z.

2010-01-01

Objectives Previous studies have confirmed that current steering can increase the number of discriminable pitches available to many CI users; however, the ability to perceive additional pitches has not been linked to improved speech perception. The primary goals of this study were to determine (1) whether adult CI users can achieve higher levels of spectral-cue transmission with a speech processing strategy that implements current steering (Fidelity120) than with a predecessor strategy (HiRes) and, if so, (2) whether the magnitude of improvement can be predicted from individual differences in place-pitch sensitivity. A secondary goal was to determine whether Fidelity120 supports higher levels of speech recognition in noise than HiRes. Design A within-subjects repeated measures design evaluated speech perception performance with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes in 10 adult CI users. Subjects used the novel strategy (either HiRes or Fidelity120) for 8 weeks during the main study; a subset of five subjects used Fidelity120 for 3 additional months following the main study. Speech perception was assessed for the spectral cues related to vowel F1 frequency (Vow F1), vowel F2 frequency (Vow F2) and consonant place of articulation (Con PLC); overall transmitted information for vowels (Vow STIM) and consonants (Con STIM); and sentence recognition in noise. Place-pitch sensitivity was measured for electrode pairs in the apical, middle and basal regions of the implanted array using a psychophysical pitch-ranking task. Results With one exception, there was no effect of strategy (HiRes vs. Fidelity120) on the speech measures tested, either during the main study (n=10) or after extended use of Fidelity120 (n=5). The exception was a small but significant advantage for HiRes over Fidelity120 for the Con STIM measure during the main study. Examination of individual subjects' data revealed that 3 of 10 subjects demonstrated improved perception of one or more spectral cues with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes after 8 weeks or longer experience with Fidelity120. Another 3 subjects exhibited initial decrements in spectral cue perception with Fidelity120 at the 8 week time point; however, evidence from one subject suggested that such decrements may resolve with additional experience. Place-pitch thresholds were inversely related to improvements in Vow F2 perception with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes. However, no relationship was observed between place-pitch thresholds and the other spectral measures (Vow F1 or Con PLC). Conclusions Findings suggest that Fidelity120 supports small improvements in the perception of spectral speech cues in some Advanced Bionics CI users; however, many users show no clear benefit. Benefits are more likely to occur for vowel spectral cues (related to F1 and F2 frequency) than for consonant spectral cues (related to place of articulation). There was an inconsistent relationship between place-pitch sensitivity and improvements in spectral cue perception with Fidelity120 relative to HiRes. This may partly reflect the small number of sites at which place-pitch thresholds were measured. Contrary to some previous reports, there was no clear evidence that Fidelity120 supports improved sentence recognition in noise. PMID:21084987

Different milk feeding intensities during the first 4 weeks of rearing in dairy calves: Part 1: Effects on performance and production from birth over the first lactation.

PubMed

Korst, M; Koch, C; Kesser, J; Müller, U; Romberg, F-J; Rehage, J; Eder, K; Sauerwein, H

2017-04-01

We aimed to test the effects of ad libitum feeding of whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR) versus restrictive feeding of MR during the first 4 wk of life on growth performance and on milk yield in the first lactation. We studied 57 German Holstein calves (29 females, 28 males) from birth until d 110 of life (trial 1). The 28 females from trial 1 were further studied during their first lactation (trial 2). In trial 1, all calves were randomly allocated at birth to 1 of 3 groups: MR-res [n = 20, 6.78 kg MR (11.5% solids)/calf per day], MR-ad lib (n = 17, 13.8% solids) or WM-ad lib (n = 20). All calves received colostrum ad libitum from their dam until d 3 of age. From d 4 to 27, calves were fed according to their group regimen. From d 28 to 55, all calves received MR-res feeding and were then gradually weaned until d 69. We recorded body weight (until d 110) and feed intake (amount, metabolizable energy, and frequency of liquid feed intake until weaning). We estimated the profitability of the different feeding regimens, taking into account income from milk yield (trial 2) and feed costs during rearing. In trial 1, the calves from WM-ad lib and MR-ad lib had total metabolizable energy intakes 2.02- and 1.65-fold greater than the MR-res group during the first 4 wk of life. During this period, concentrate intake did not differ among groups, but tended to be greater in WM-ad lib than in MR-ad lib calves from d 28 to 69. The MR-res calves visited the automatic feeders more often than the ad libitum-fed groups during differential feeding, but 70% of the visits were unrewarded (<10% in the ad libitum-fed calves). When all calves were fed at the MR-res level, the average proportion of unrewarded visits was 65% in all groups. Average daily gain and body weight were greater among MR-ad lib and WM-ad lib calves than among MR-res animals during the first 4 wk of life, but not from d 1 to 110. In trial 2, age at first calving, dry matter intake, and body weight over the first 10 mo of lactation were not different among groups, nor was milk composition. Milk yields (305 d) were numerically but not statistically greater in the ad libitum-fed groups during the first lactation (+765 kg for WM-ad lib vs. MR-res; +612 kg for MR-ad lib vs. MR-res). Feeding WM-ad lib and MR-ad lib was 1.37- and 1.21-fold more costly than MR-res, respectively, but amounted to 18, 15, and 13% of the total estimated feed costs until first calving in WM-ad lib, MR-ad lib, and MR-res, respectively. Our study confirms that ad libitum feeding is an attractive measure for rearing dairy calves, both for animal welfare and-with the caveat of a small sample size in trial 2 that led to insufficient power-economic profit from milk. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Priorities for research in child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and resilience to violence exposures: results of an international Delphi consensus development process.

PubMed

Wathen, C Nadine; MacGregor, Jennifer C D; Hammerton, Joanne; Coben, Jeffrey H; Herrman, Helen; Stewart, Donna E; MacMillan, Harriet L

2012-08-21

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (CM) are major global public health problems. The Preventing Violence Across the Lifespan (PreVAiL) Research Network, an international group of over 60 researchers and national and international knowledge-user partners in CM and IPV, sought to identify evidence-based research priorities in IPV and CM, with a focus on resilience, using a modified Delphi consensus development process. Review of existing empirical evidence, PreVAiL documents and team discussion identified a starting list of 20 priorities in the following categories: resilience to violence exposure (RES), CM, and IPV, as well as priorities that cross-cut the content areas (CC), and others specific to research methodologies (RM) in violence research. PreVAiL members (N = 47) completed two online survey rounds, and one round of discussions via three teleconference calls to rate, rank and refine research priorities. Research priorities were: to examine key elements of promising or successful programmes in RES/CM/IPV to build intervention pilot work; CC: to integrate violence questions into national and international surveys, and RM: to investigate methods for collecting and collating datasets to link data and to conduct pooled, meta and sub-group analyses to identify promising interventions for particular groups. These evidence-based research priorities, developed by an international team of violence, gender and mental health researchers and knowledge-user partners, are of relevance for prevention and resilience-oriented research in the areas of IPV and CM.

Phenolic Polymer Solvation in Water and Ethylene Glycol, I: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bucholz, Eric W.; Haskins, Justin B.; Monk, Joshua D.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.; Lawson, John W.

2017-01-01

Interactions between pre-cured phenolic polymer chains and a solvent have a significant impact on the structure and properties of the final post-cured phenolic resin. Developing an understanding of the nature of these interactions is important and will aid in the selection of the proper solvent that will lead to the desired final product. Here, we investigate the role of phenolic chain structure and solvent type on the overall solvation performance of the system through molecular dynamics simulations. Two types of solvents are considered, ethylene glycol (EGL) and H2O. In addition, three phenolic chain structures were considered including two novolac-type chains with either an ortho-ortho (OON) or ortho-para (OPN) backbone network and a resole-type (RES) chain with an ortho-ortho network. Each system is characterized through structural analysis of the solvation shell and hydrogen bonding environment as well as through quantification of the solvation free energy along with partitioned interaction energies between specific molecular species. The combination of the simulations and analyses indicate that EGL provides a larger solvation free energy than H2O due to more energetically favorable hydrophilic interactions as well as favorable hydrophobic interactions between CH element groups. In addition, phenolic chain structure significantly impacts solvation performance with OON having limited intermolecular hydrogen bond formations while OPN and RES interact more favorably with the solvent molecules. The results suggest that a resole-type phenolic chain with an ortho-para network should have the best solvation performance in EGL, H2O, and other similar solvents.

New ghost-node method for linking different models with varied grid refinement

USGS Publications Warehouse

James, S.C.; Dickinson, J.E.; Mehl, S.W.; Hill, M.C.; Leake, S.A.; Zyvoloski, G.A.; Eddebbarh, A.-A.

2006-01-01

A flexible, robust method for linking grids of locally refined ground-water flow models constructed with different numerical methods is needed to address a variety of hydrologic problems. This work outlines and tests a new ghost-node model-linking method for a refined "child" model that is contained within a larger and coarser "parent" model that is based on the iterative method of Steffen W. Mehl and Mary C. Hill (2002, Advances in Water Res., 25, p. 497-511; 2004, Advances in Water Res., 27, p. 899-912). The method is applicable to steady-state solutions for ground-water flow. Tests are presented for a homogeneous two-dimensional system that has matching grids (parent cells border an integer number of child cells) or nonmatching grids. The coupled grids are simulated by using the finite-difference and finite-element models MODFLOW and FEHM, respectively. The simulations require no alteration of the MODFLOW or FEHM models and are executed using a batch file on Windows operating systems. Results indicate that when the grids are matched spatially so that nodes and child-cell boundaries are aligned, the new coupling technique has error nearly equal to that when coupling two MODFLOW models. When the grids are nonmatching, model accuracy is slightly increased compared to that for matching-grid cases. Overall, results indicate that the ghost-node technique is a viable means to couple distinct models because the overall head and flow errors relative to the analytical solution are less than if only the regional coarse-grid model was used to simulate flow in the child model's domain.

Phenolic Polymer Solvation in Water and Ethylene Glycol, I: Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Bucholz, Eric W; Haskins, Justin B; Monk, Joshua D; Bauschlicher, Charles W; Lawson, John W

2017-04-06

Interactions between pre-cured phenolic polymer chains and a solvent have a significant impact on the structure and properties of the final postcured phenolic resin. Developing an understanding of the nature of these interactions is important and will aid in the selection of the proper solvent that will lead to the desired final product. Here, we investigate the role of the phenolic chain structure and the solvent type on the overall solvation performance of the system through molecular dynamics simulations. Two types of solvents are considered: ethylene glycol (EGL) and H 2 O. In addition, three phenolic chain structures are considered, including two novolac-type chains with either an ortho-ortho (OON) or an ortho-para (OPN) backbone network and a resole-type (RES) chain with an ortho-ortho network. Each system is characterized through a structural analysis of the solvation shell and the hydrogen-bonding environment as well as through a quantification of the solvation free energy along with partitioned interaction energies between specific molecular species. The combination of simulations and the analyses indicate that EGL provides a higher solvation free energy than H 2 O due to more energetically favorable hydrophilic interactions as well as favorable hydrophobic interactions between CH element groups. In addition, the phenolic chain structure significantly affects the solvation performance, with OON having limited intermolecular hydrogen-bond formations, while OPN and RES interact more favorably with the solvent molecules. The results suggest that a resole-type phenolic chain with an ortho-para network should have the best solvation performance in EGL, H 2 O, and other similar solvents.

Priorities for research in child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and resilience to violence exposures: results of an international Delphi consensus development process

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment (CM) are major global public health problems. The Preventing Violence Across the Lifespan (PreVAiL) Research Network, an international group of over 60 researchers and national and international knowledge-user partners in CM and IPV, sought to identify evidence-based research priorities in IPV and CM, with a focus on resilience, using a modified Delphi consensus development process. Methods Review of existing empirical evidence, PreVAiL documents and team discussion identified a starting list of 20 priorities in the following categories: resilience to violence exposure (RES), CM, and IPV, as well as priorities that cross-cut the content areas (CC), and others specific to research methodologies (RM) in violence research. PreVAiL members (N = 47) completed two online survey rounds, and one round of discussions via three teleconference calls to rate, rank and refine research priorities. Results Research priorities were: to examine key elements of promising or successful programmes in RES/CM/IPV to build intervention pilot work; CC: to integrate violence questions into national and international surveys, and RM: to investigate methods for collecting and collating datasets to link data and to conduct pooled, meta and sub-group analyses to identify promising interventions for particular groups. Conclusions These evidence-based research priorities, developed by an international team of violence, gender and mental health researchers and knowledge-user partners, are of relevance for prevention and resilience-oriented research in the areas of IPV and CM. PMID:22908894