Sample records for ri ja eluhoone

  1. 76 FR 50770 - Submission for Review: Financial Resources Questionnaire (RI 34-1, RI 34-17, and RI 34-18) and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-16

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Financial Resources Questionnaire (RI 34- 1, RI 34-17, and RI 34-18) and Notice of Amount Due Because of Annuity Overpayment (RI 34-3, RI 34-19...), and Financial Resources Questionnaire--Federal Employees Health Benefits Premiums Underpaid (RI 34-18...

  2. Electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT (ERIS) at RIKEN RI beam factory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ohnishi, T.; Ichikawa, S.; Koizumi, K.; Kurita, K.; Miyashita, Y.; Ogawara, R.; Tamaki, S.; Togasaki, M.; Wakasugi, M.

    2013-12-01

    We constructed a radioactive isotope (RI) separator named ERIS (electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT) for the SCRIT (Self-Confinement RI Target) electron scattering facility at RIKEN RI Beam Factory (RIBF). In ERIS, production rate of fission products in the photofission of uranium is estimated to be 2.2 ×1011 fissions/s with 30 g of uranium and a 1-kW electron beam. During the commissioning of ERIS, the mass resolution and overall efficiency, including ionization, extraction, and transmission, were found to be 1660 and 21%, respectively, using natural xenon gas. The preparation of uranium carbide (UC2) RI production targets is described from which a 132Sn beam was successfully separated in our first attempt at RI production.

  3. RI/MOM and RI/SMOM renormalization of overlap quark bilinears on domain wall fermion configurations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bi, Yujiang; Cai, Hao; Chen, Ying; Gong, Ming; Liu, Keh-Fei; Liu, Zhaofeng; Yang, Yi-Bo; χ QCD Collaboration

    2018-05-01

    Renormalization constants (RCs) of overlap quark bilinear operators on 2 +1 -flavor domain wall fermion configurations are calculated by using the RI/MOM and RI/SMOM schemes. The scale independent RC for the axial vector current is computed by using a Ward identity. Then the RCs for the quark field and the vector, tensor, scalar, and pseudoscalar operators are calculated in both the RI/MOM and RI/SMOM schemes. The RCs are converted to the MS ¯ scheme and we compare the numerical results from using the two intermediate schemes. The lattice size is 4 83×96 and the inverse spacing 1 /a =1.730 (4 ) GeV .

  4. RiArsB and RiMT-11: Two novel genes induced by arsenate in arbuscular mycorrhiza.

    PubMed

    Maldonado-Mendoza, Ignacio E; Harrison, Maria J

    Plants associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) increase their tolerance to arsenic-polluted soils. This study aims to investigate the genes involved in the AMF molecular response to arsenic pollution. Genes encoding proteins involved in arsenic metabolism were identified and their expression assessed by PCR or RT-qPCR. The As-inducible gene GiArsA (R. irregularis ABC ATPase component of the ArsAB arsenite efflux pump) and two new genes, an arsenate/arsenite permease component of ArsAB (RiArsB) and a methyltransferase type 11 (RiMT-11) were induced when arsenate was added to two-compartment in vitro monoxenic cultures of R. irregularis-transformed carrot roots. RiArsB and RiMT-11 expression in extraradical hyphae in response to arsenate displayed maximum induction 4-6 h after addition of 350 μM arsenate. Their expression was also detected in colonized root tissues grown in pots, or in the root-fungus compartment of two-compartment in vitro systems. We used a Medicago truncatula double mutant (mtpt4/mtpt8) to demonstrate that RiMT-11 and RiArsB transcripts accumulate in response to the addition of arsenate but not in response to phosphate. These results suggest that these genes respond to arsenate addition regardless of non-functional Pi symbiotic transport, and that RiMT-11 may be involved in arsenate detoxification by methylation in AMF-colonized tissues. Copyright © 2017 British Mycological Society. All rights reserved.

  5. Characterization of Three New Glutaredoxin Genes in the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Rhizophagus irregularis: Putative Role of RiGRX4 and RiGRX5 in Iron Homeostasis.

    PubMed

    Tamayo, Elisabeth; Benabdellah, Karim; Ferrol, Nuria

    2016-01-01

    Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small ubiquitous oxidoreductases involved in the regulation of the redox state in living cells. In an attempt to identify the full complement of GRXs in the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, three additional GRX homologs, besides the formerly characterized GintGRX1 (renamed here as RiGRX1), were identified. The three new GRXs (RiGRX4, RiGRX5 and RiGRX6) contain the CXXS domain of monothiol GRXs, but whereas RiGRX4 and RiGRX5 belong to class II GRXs, RiGRX6 belongs to class I together with RiGRX1. By using a yeast expression system, we observed that the newly identified homologs partially reverted sensitivity of the GRX deletion yeast strains to external oxidants. Furthermore, our results indicated that RiGRX4 and RiGRX5 play a role in iron homeostasis in yeast. Gene expression analyses revealed that RiGRX1 and RiGRX6 were more highly expressed in the intraradical (IRM) than in the extraradical mycelium (ERM). Exposure of the ERM to hydrogen peroxide induced up-regulation of RiGRX1, RiGRX4 and RiGRX5 gene expression. RiGRX4 expression was also up-regulated in the ERM when the fungus was grown in media supplemented with a high iron concentration. These data indicate the two monothiol class II GRXs, RiGRX4 and RiGRX5, might be involved in oxidative stress protection and in the regulation of fungal iron homeostasis. Increased expression of RiGRX1 and RiGRX6 in the IRM suggests that these GRXs should play a key role in oxidative stress protection of R. irregularis during its in planta phase.

  6. Medical RI development plan of KOMAC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Kye-Ryung; Jung, Myung-Hwan; Yoon, Sang-Pil; Min, Yi-Sub; Cho, Yong-Sub

    2017-12-01

    Many kinds of radioisotopes (RIs) produced by the high energy (100 200 MeV) proton accelerators are developed by the foreign R&D institutes and the worldwide demands are being increased continuously. The RI production using high energy proton beam higher than 50 MeV was not considerable because of the limit of the proton beam energy from existing proton accelerator facilities in Korea before 2013. The available maximum proton energy was 50 MeV from MC-50 cyclotron of Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS) at that time. After the construction of a 100 MeV high-current and high-energy proton accelerator and a new irradiation facility for the RI production in 2013 and 2016 by the Korea Multi-purpose Accelerator Complex (KOMAC) at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), we can make a plan for the new RI production of Cu-67, Sr-82 and so on. In the medical application fields, the worldwide demand of Sr-82 is being increased rapidly during last several years and the domestic demand of Cu-67 is also expected to be increased in near future. And alpha-emitters, such as Ac-225 and Ra-223, are becoming attractive to the users in the medical science fields in the future. The RI development plan of KOMAC was specified recently reflecting the recent environment changes and requirements from the users. In this paper, the results and present status of RI production and R&D facilities, calculation results related to the RI production yields, and future plans is presented.

  7. 77 FR 33007 - Submission for Review: Rollover Election (RI 38-117), Rollover Information (RI 38-118), and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-04

    ... more detailed information. Analysis Agency: Retirement Operations, Retirement Services, Office of... Information (RI 38-118), and Special Tax Notice Regarding Rollovers (RI 37-22) AGENCY: Office of Personnel... on an extension, without change, of a currently approved collection information request (ICR) 3206...

  8. 77 FR 66187 - Submission for Review: Rollover Election (RI 38-117), Rollover Information (RI 38-118), and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-02

    ... Rollovers, provides more detailed information. Analysis Agency: Retirement Operations, Retirement Services... Information (RI 38-118), and Special Tax Notice Regarding Rollovers (RI 37-22) AGENCY: Office of Personnel... on an extension, without change, of a currently approved information collection request (ICR) 3206...

  9. Policy Activities in Europlanet 2020 RI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Giacomini, L.; Heward, A.; Mason, N.

    2017-09-01

    The Europlanet 2020 Research Infrastructure (RI) has received 9.945 million Euros from the European Commission to integrate planetary science across Europe, provide access to facilities, develop tools and build community cohesion. To help these processes and to increase engagement between our policy makers and the planetary science community, part of Europlanet 2020 RI's efforts are dedicated to building connections and organising activities for and within the European Parliament. Since September 2015, Europlanet 2020 RI has contacted all 134 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) on the ITRE Committee. More than 20 individual briefings have been held to date with MEPS and/or their representatives. In November 2016, Europlanet 2020 RI organized a very successful exhibition in the European Parliament as part of the 8th European Innovation Summit and the STOA Annual Lecture, and a dinner debates was held in the on the 'Impact of the EU on planetary science' in April 2016. These events enable members of the Europlanet community, politicians and interested parties to come together and discuss views on topics of interest or concern to the space and planetary sectors. Efforts in recent years have led to important opportunities for our community to feed into reporting and consultative processes. In this talk we will discuss the results achieved in the last two years of activities and the next steps foreseen by Europlanet 2020 RI.

  10. 33 CFR 80.150 - Block Island, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Block Island, RI. 80.150 Section... NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.150 Block Island, RI. The 72 COLREGS shall apply on the harbors of Block Island. ...

  11. 76 FR 44051 - Submission for Review: Verification of Who Is Getting Payments, RI 38-107 and RI 38-147

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-22

    .... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RI 38-107, Verification of Who is Getting Payments, is designed for use by the... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Verification of Who Is Getting Payments, RI... currently approved information collection request (ICR) 3206-0197, Verification of Who is Getting Payments...

  12. Improving Forecast Skill by Assimilation of AIRS Cloud Cleared Radiances RiCC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Susskind, Joel; Rosenberg, Robert I.; Iredell, Lena

    2015-01-01

    ECMWF, NCEP, and GMAO routinely assimilate radiosonde and other in-situ observations along with satellite IR and MW Sounder radiance observations. NCEP and GMAO use the NCEP GSI Data Assimilation System (DAS).GSI DAS assimilates AIRS, CrIS, IASI channel radiances Ri on a channel-by-channel, case-by-case basis, only for those channels i thought to be unaffected by cloud cover. This test excludes Ri for most tropospheric sounding channels under partial cloud cover conditions. AIRS Version-6 RiCC is a derived quantity representative of what AIRS channel i would have seen if the AIRS FOR were cloud free. All values of RiCC have case-by-case error estimates RiCC associated with them. Our experiments present to the GSI QCd values of AIRS RiCC in place of AIRS Ri observations. GSI DAS assimilates only those values of RiCC it thinks are cloud free. This potentially allows for better coverage of assimilated QCd values of RiCC as compared to Ri.

  13. Ethanol Inhibits High-Affinity Immunoglobulin E Receptor (FcεRI) Signaling in Mast Cells by Suppressing the Function of FcεRI-Cholesterol Signalosome

    PubMed Central

    Draberova, Lubica; Paulenda, Tomas; Halova, Ivana; Potuckova, Lucie; Bugajev, Viktor; Bambouskova, Monika; Tumova, Magda; Draber, Petr

    2015-01-01

    Ethanol has multiple effects on biochemical events in a variety of cell types, including the high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI) signaling in antigen-activated mast cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. To get better understanding of the effect of ethanol on FcεRI-mediated signaling we examined the effect of short-term treatment with non-toxic concentrations of ethanol on FcεRI signaling events in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. We found that 15 min exposure to ethanol inhibited antigen-induced degranulation, calcium mobilization, expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-13), and formation of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner. Removal of cellular cholesterol with methyl-β-cyclodextrin had a similar effect and potentiated some of the inhibitory effects of ethanol. In contrast, exposure of the cells to cholesterol-saturated methyl-β-cyclodextrin abolished in part the inhibitory effect of ethanol on calcium response and production of reactive oxygen species, supporting lipid-centric theories of ethanol action on the earliest stages of mast cell signaling. Further studies showed that exposure to ethanol and/or removal of cholesterol inhibited early FcεRI activation events, including tyrosine phosphorylation of the FcεRI β and γ subunits, SYK kinases, LAT adaptor protein, phospholipase Cγ, STAT5, and AKT and internalization of aggregated FcεRI. Interestingly, ethanol alone, and particularly in combination with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, enhanced phosphorylation of negative regulatory tyrosine 507 of LYN kinase. Finally, we found that ethanol reduced passive cutaneous anaphylactic reaction in mice, suggesting that ethanol also inhibits FcεRI signaling under in vivo conditions. The combined data indicate that ethanol interferes with early antigen-induced signaling events in mast cells by suppressing the function of FcεRI

  14. Structure of RiVax: a recombinant ricin vaccine

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

    Legler, Patricia M.; Brey, Robert N.; Smallshaw, Joan E.

    The X-ray crystal structure (at 2.1 Å resolution) of an immunogen under development as part of a ricin vaccine for humans is presented and structure-based analysis of the results was conducted with respect to related proteins and the known determinants for inducing or suppressing the protective immune response. RiVax is a recombinant protein that is currently under clinical development as part of a human vaccine to protect against ricin poisoning. RiVax includes ricin A-chain (RTA) residues 1–267 with two intentional amino-acid substitutions, V76M and Y80A, aimed at reducing toxicity. Here, the crystal structure of RiVax was solved to 2.1 Åmore » resolution and it was shown that it is superposable with that of the ricin toxin A-chain from Ricinus communis with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.6 Å over 258 C{sup α} atoms. The RiVax structure is also compared with the recently determined structure of another potential ricin-vaccine immunogen, RTA 1–33/44–198 R48C/T77C. Finally, the locations and solvent-exposure of two toxin-neutralizing B-cell epitopes were examined and it was found that these epitopes are within or near regions predicted to be involved in catalysis. The results demonstrate the composition of the RiVax clinical material and will guide ongoing protein-engineering strategies to develop improved immunogens.« less

  15. The RiSE climbing robot: body and leg design

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saunders, A.; Goldman, D. I.; Full, R. J.; Buehler, M.

    2006-05-01

    The RiSE robot is a biologically inspired, six legged climbing robot, designed for general mobility in scansorial (vertical walls, horizontal ledges, ground level) environments. It exhibits ground reaction forces that are similar to animal climbers and does not rely on suction, magnets or other surface-dependent specializations to achieve adhesion and shear force. We describe RiSE's body and leg design as well as its electromechanical, communications and computational infrastructure. We review design iterations that enable RiSE to climb 90° carpeted, cork covered and (a growing range of) stucco surfaces in the quasi-static regime.

  16. FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA inhibits the antigen-induced activation of mast cells.

    PubMed

    Safaralizadeh, Reza; Soheili, Zahra-Soheila; Deezagi, Abdolkhaleg; Pourpak, Zahra; Samiei, Shahram; Moin, Mostafa

    2009-12-01

    FcepsilonRI, The high affinity receptor for IgE plays a critical role in triggering the allergic reactions. It is responsible for inducing mast cell degranulation and deliberation of allergy mediators when it is aggregated by allergen and IgE complexes. FcepsilonRI on the mast cells consists of three subunits; alpha chain directly binds IgE, beta chain and dimmer of gamma chains together mediate intracellular signaling. Cross-linking of IgE-bound FcepsilonRI on the surface of mast cells and basophils by the multivalent antigen induces release of chemical mediators. The present in vitro study was designed to investigate the effect of synthetic FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA on the antigen-induced activation of MC/9 cells. MC/9 cells which are murine mast cells were transfected by FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA and negative control siRNA. After 6 h, anti-DNP (Dinitrophenyl) IgE was used for the cells sensitization. Then the cells were challenged with Dinitrophenyl-Human Serum Albumin (DNP-HSA) for mast cell degranulation induction before collection of supernatants. The amount of mRNA and protein expression was measured by Real Time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Determination of the expression rate of FcepsilonRI-alpha on cell surface was achieved by flow cytometry. ELISA and spectrophotometry methods were used subsequently for measuring the effects of FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA on antigen-induced histamine and beta-hexosaminidase release. FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA treated cells showed significant decrease in FcepsilonRI-alpha mRNA and protein expression in comparison to control cells. FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell release of beta-hexosaminidase and histamine were also inhibited. In this study it was shown that FcepsilonRI-alpha siRNA could suppress FcepsilonRI-alpha expression and inhibited degranulation and histamine release in antigen-stimulated MC/9 cells. In conclusion, knock-down of FcepsilonRI-alpha by siRNA could be a promising method for inhibition of the mast

  17. DNA Nucleotide Sequence Restricted by the RI Endonuclease

    PubMed Central

    Hedgpeth, Joe; Goodman, Howard M.; Boyer, Herbert W.

    1972-01-01

    The sequence of DNA base pairs adjacent to the phosphodiester bonds cleaved by the RI restriction endonuclease in unmodified DNA from coliphage λ has been determined. The 5′-terminal nucleotide labeled with 32P and oligonucleotides up to the heptamer were analyzed from a pancreatic DNase digest. The following sequence of nucleotides adjacent to the RI break made in λ DNA was deduced from these data and from the 3′-dinucleotide sequence and nearest-neighbor analysis obtained from repair synthesis with the DNA polymerase of Rous sarcoma virus [Formula: see text] The RI endonuclease cleavage of the phosphodiester bonds (indicated by arrows) generates 5′-phosphoryls and short cohesive termini of four nucleotides, pApApTpT. The most striking feature of the sequence is its symmetry. PMID:4343974

  18. Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) process, elements and techniques guidance

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

    Not Available

    This manual provides detailed guidance on Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies (RI/FSs) conducted pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at Department of Energy (DOE) facilities. The purpose of the RI/FS, to assess the risk posed by a hazardous waste site and to determine the best way to reduce that risk, and its structure (site characterization, risk assessment, screening and detailed analysis of alternatives, etc.) is defined in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) and further explained in the Environmental Protection Agency`s (EPA`s) Guidance for Conducting Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA (Interimmore » Final) 540/G-89/004, OSWER Directive 9355.3-01, October 1988. Though issued in 1988, the EPA guidance remains an excellent source of information on the conduct and structure of an RI/FS. This document makes use of supplemental RI/FS-related guidance that EPA has developed since its initial document was issued in 1988, incorporates practical lessons learned in more than 12 years of experience in CERCLA hazardous site remediation, and drawing on those lessons, introduces the Streamlined Approach For Environmental Restoration (SAFER), developed by DOE as a way to proceed quickly and efficiently through the RI/FS process at DOE facilities. Thus as its title implies, this guidance is intended to describe in detail the process and component elements of an RI/FS, as well as techniques to manage the RI/FS effectively.« less

  19. Europlanet-RI IDIS - A Data Network in Support of Planetary Research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmidt, Walter; Capria, Maria Teresa; Chanteur, Gérard

    2010-05-01

    The "Europlanet Research Infrastructure - Europlanet RI", supported by the European Commission's Framework Program 7, aims at integrating major parts of the distributed European Planetary Research infrastructure with as diverse components as space exploration, ground-based observations, laboratory experiments and numerical modeling teams. A central part of Europlanet RI is the "Integrated and Distributed Information Service" (IDIS), a network of data and information access facilities in Europe via which information relevant for planetary research can be easily found and retrieved. This covers the wide range from contact addresses of possible research partners, laboratories and test facilities to the access of data collected with space missions or during laboratory or simulation tests and to model software useful for their interpretation. During the following three years the capabilities of the network will be extended to allow the combination of many different data sources for comperative studies including the results of modeling calculations and simulations of instrument observations. Together with the access to complex databases for spectra of atmospheric molecules and planetary surface material IDIS will offer a versatile working environment for making the scientific exploitation of the resources put into planetary research in the past and future more effective. Many of the mentioned capabilities are already available now. List of contact web-sites: Technical node for support and management aspects: http://www.idis.europlanet-ri.eu/ Planetary Surfaces and Interiors node: http://www.idis-interiors.europlanet-ri.eu/ Planetary Plasma node: http://www.idis-plasma.europlanet-ri.eu/ Planetary Atmospheres node: http://www.idis-atmos.europlanet-ri.eu/ Small Bodies and Dust node: http://www.idis-sbdn.europlanet-ri.eu/ Planetary Dynamics and Extraterrestrial Matter node: http://www.idis-dyn.europlanet-ri.eu/

  20. 77 FR 71200 - Submission for Review: 3206-0140, Representative Payee Application (RI 20-7) and Information...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-29

    ... (RI 20-7) and Information Necessary for a Competency Determination (RI 30-3) AGENCY: U.S. Office of... Application (RI 20-7) and Information Necessary for a Competency Determination (RI 30-3). As required by the... for minor children. RI 30-3, Information Necessary for a Competency Determination, collects medical...

  1. Purification and characterization of the restriction endonuclease RsrI, an isoschizomer of EcoRI.

    PubMed

    Greene, P J; Ballard, B T; Stephenson, F; Kohr, W J; Rodriguez, H; Rosenberg, J M; Boyer, H W

    1988-08-15

    Rhodobacter sphaeroides strain 630 produces restriction enzyme RsrI which is an isoschizomer of EcoRI. We have purified this enzyme and initiated a comparison with the EcoRI endonuclease. The properties of RsrI are consistent with a reaction mechanism similar to that of EcoRI: the position of cleavage within the -GAATTC-site is identical, the MgCl2 optimum for the cleavage is identical, and the pH profile is similar. Methylation of the substrate sequence by the EcoRI methylase protects the site from cleavage by the RsrI endonuclease. RsrI cross-reacts strongly with anti-EcoRI serum indicating three-dimensional structural similarities. We have determined the sequence of 34 N terminal amino acids for RsrI and this sequence possesses significant similarity to the EcoRI N terminus.

  2. Effects of MeJA on Arabidopsis metabolome under endogenous JA deficiency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Jingjing; Li, Mengya; Chen, Jian; Liu, Pei; Li, Zhen

    2016-11-01

    Jasmonates (JAs) play important roles in plant growth, development and defense. Comprehensive metabolomics profiling of plants under JA treatment provides insights into the interaction and regulation network of plant hormones. Here we applied high resolution mass spectrometry based metabolomics approach on Arabidopsis wild type and JA synthesis deficiency mutant opr3. The effects of exogenous MeJA treatment on the metabolites of opr3 were investigated. More than 10000 ion signals were detected and more than 2000 signals showed significant variation in different genotypes and treatment groups. Multivariate statistic analyses (PCA and PLS-DA) were performed and a differential compound library containing 174 metabolites with high resolution precursor ion-product ions pairs was obtained. Classification and pathway analysis of 109 identified compounds in this library showed that glucosinolates and tryptophan metabolism, amino acids and small peptides metabolism, lipid metabolism, especially fatty acyls metabolism, were impacted by endogenous JA deficiency and exogenous MeJA treatment. These results were further verified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of 21 related genes involved in the metabolism of glucosinolates, tryptophan and α-linolenic acid pathways. The results would greatly enhance our understanding of the biological functions of JA.

  3. Publications - RI 2014-4 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    Surveys Skip to content State of Alaska myAlaska My Government Resident Business in Alaska content DGGS RI 2014-4 RI 2014-4 thumbnail Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the south-central ., Wartes, M.A., Loveland, A.M., and Hubbard, T.D., 2014, Geologic map of the south-central Sagavanirktok

  4. 33 CFR 100.119 - Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI 100.119 Section 100.119 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT...-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI (a) Regulated area. The regulated area includes all waters...

  5. 33 CFR 100.119 - Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI 100.119 Section 100.119 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT...-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI (a) Regulated area. The regulated area includes all waters...

  6. 33 CFR 100.119 - Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI 100.119 Section 100.119 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT...-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI (a) Regulated area. The regulated area includes all waters...

  7. 33 CFR 100.119 - Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI 100.119 Section 100.119 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT...-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI (a) Regulated area. The regulated area includes all waters...

  8. RiPPAS: A Ring-Based Privacy-Preserving Aggregation Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Kejia; Han, Qilong; Cai, Zhipeng; Yin, Guisheng

    2017-01-01

    Recently, data privacy in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) has been paid increased attention. The characteristics of WSNs determine that users’ queries are mainly aggregation queries. In this paper, the problem of processing aggregation queries in WSNs with data privacy preservation is investigated. A Ring-based Privacy-Preserving Aggregation Scheme (RiPPAS) is proposed. RiPPAS adopts ring structure to perform aggregation. It uses pseudonym mechanism for anonymous communication and uses homomorphic encryption technique to add noise to the data easily to be disclosed. RiPPAS can handle both sum() queries and min()/max() queries, while the existing privacy-preserving aggregation methods can only deal with sum() queries. For processing sum() queries, compared with the existing methods, RiPPAS has advantages in the aspects of privacy preservation and communication efficiency, which can be proved by theoretical analysis and simulation results. For processing min()/max() queries, RiPPAS provides effective privacy preservation and has low communication overhead. PMID:28178197

  9. Analysis of Fc(epsilon)RI-mediated mast cell stimulation by surface-carried antigens.

    PubMed Central

    Schweitzer-Stenner, R; Tamir, I; Pecht, I

    1997-01-01

    Clustering of the type I receptor for IgE (Fc[epsilon]RI) on mast cells initiates a cascade of biochemical processes that result in secretion of inflammatory mediators. To determine the Fc(epsilon)RI proximity, cluster size, and mobility requirements for initiating the Fc(epsilon)RI cascade, a novel experimental protocol has been developed in which mast cells are reacted with glass surfaces carrying different densities of both antigen and bound IgE, and the cell's secretory response to these stimuli is measured. The results have been analyzed in terms of a model based on the following assumptions: 1) the glass surface antigen distribution and consequently that of the bound IgE are random; 2) Fc(epsilon)RI binding to these surface-bound IgEs immobilizes the former and saturates the latter; 3) the cell surface is formally divided into small elements, which function as a secretory stimulus unit when occupied by two or more immobilized IgE-Fc(epsilon)RI complexes; 4) alternatively, similar stimulatory units can be formed by binding of surface-carried IgE dimers to two Fc(epsilon)RI. This model yielded a satisfactory and self-consistent fitting of all of the different experimental data sets. Hence the present results establish the essential role of Fc(epsilon)RI immobilization for initiating its signaling cascade. Moreover, it provides independent support for the notion that as few as two Fc(epsilon)RIs immobilized at van der Waals contact constitute an "elementary stimulatory unit" leading to mast cell (RBL-2H3 line) secretory response. PMID:9168023

  10. Earthquake forecasts for the CSEP Japan experiment based on the RI algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nanjo, K. Z.

    2011-03-01

    An earthquake forecast testing experiment for Japan, the first of its kind, is underway within the framework of the Collaboratory for the Study of Earthquake Predictability (CSEP) under a controlled environment. Here we give an overview of the earthquake forecast models, based on the RI algorithm, which we have submitted to the CSEP Japan experiment. Models have been submitted to a total of 9 categories, corresponding to 3 testing classes (3 years, 1 year, and 3 months) and 3 testing regions. The RI algorithm is originally a binary forecast system based on the working assumption that large earthquakes are more likely to occur in the future at locations of higher seismicity in the past. It is based on simple counts of the number of past earthquakes, which is called the Relative Intensity (RI) of seismicity. To improve its forecast performance, we first expand the RI algorithm by introducing spatial smoothing. We then convert the RI representation from a binary system to a CSEP-testable model that produces forecasts for the number of earthquakes of predefined magnitudes. We use information on past seismicity to tune the parameters. The final submittal consists of 36 executable computer codes: 4 variants corresponding to different smoothing parameters for each of the 9 categories. They will help to elucidate which categories and which smoothing parameters are the most meaningful for the RI hypothesis. The main purpose of our participation in the experiment is to better understand the significance of the relative intensity of seismicity for earthquake forecastability in Japan.

  11. 76 FR 18812 - Submission for Review: RI 30-10, Disabled Dependent Questionnaire

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-05

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: RI 30-10, Disabled Dependent Questionnaire... Dependent Questionnaire. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C... (202) 606-0910. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RI 30-10, Disabled Dependent Questionnaire, is used to...

  12. 76 FR 36582 - Submission for Review: Disabled Dependent Questionnaire, RI 30-10

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-22

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Disabled Dependent Questionnaire, RI 30-10... Dependent Questionnaire. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C.... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RI 30-10, Disabled Dependent Questionnaire, is used to collect sufficient information...

  13. RadNet Air Data From Providence, RI

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for Providence, RI from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

  14. 77 FR 5581 - Submission for Review: Financial Resources Questionnaire (RI 34-1, RI 34-17) and Notice of Amount...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-03

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Financial Resources Questionnaire (RI 34- 1... opportunity to comment on a revised information collection request (ICR) 3206-0167, Financial Resources... whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the...

  15. Narragansett, RI Lab--Office of Research and Development

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The EPA-ORD laboratory in Narragansett, RI is a recognized leader in scientific knowledge and expertise concerning the ecology of oceans, estuaries, and water-sheds, and the effects of human activities on that ecology.

  16. 78 FR 55124 - Submission for Review: Death Benefit Payment Rollover Election, RI 94-7

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-09

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Death Benefit Payment Rollover Election, RI... information collection request (ICR) 3206-0218, Death Benefit Payment Rollover Election, RI 94-7. As required... Operations, Retirement Services, Office of Personnel Management. Title: Death Benefit Payment Rollover...

  17. Genetics Home Reference: Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis

    MedlinePlus

    ... both females (who have two X chromosomes) and males (who have one X and one Y chromosome ) normally have two functional copies of the SHOX gene in each cell. The inheritance pattern of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis is described as dominant because one missing or altered copy of the ...

  18. 77 FR 28253 - Safety Zone; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-05-14

    ...-AA00 Safety Zone; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI AGENCY: Coast Guard... navigable waters of the East Passage, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, during the America's Cup World Series... rulemaking (NPRM) entitled ``Safety Zones; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI...

  19. 77 FR 34414 - Submission for Review: Annuitant's Report of Earned Income, RI 30-2

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-06-11

    .... SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RI 30-2 is used annually to determine if disability retirees under age 60 have earned... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Annuitant's Report of Earned Income, RI 30-2... of functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2...

  20. 77 FR 7025 - Safety Zones; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-02-10

    ...-AA00 Safety Zones; America's Cup World Series, East Passage, Narragansett Bay, RI AGENCY: Coast Guard... the America's Cup World Series sailing vessel racing event. This safety zone is intended to safeguard... participants and spectators involved with the America's Cup World Series in the vicinity of Newport, RI...

  1. Outreach and Education with Europlanet 2020 RI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heward, Anita R.; Barrosa, Mariana; Europlanet 2020 RI

    2016-10-01

    Since 2005, Europlanet has provided a framework to bring together Europe's widespread planetary science community. The project has evolved through a number of phases, and currently comprises a Research Infrastructure (RI) funded through the European Commission's Horizon 2020 program, as well as a self-sustaining membership organization. Launched in September 2015, Europlanet 2020 RI provides support, services, access to facilities, new research tools and a virtual planetary observatory. Europlanet 2020 RI's outreach and education program aims to engage members of the public, schools, teachers, policy makers and industrial partners across Europe with planetary science and the opportunities that it provides for innovation, inspiration and job creation. Europlanet's outreach and education activities are led by Science Office Ltd, a Portuguese-based SME, and a network of partners spread across nine countries including University College London, the University of Leiden, University of Latvia, Vilnius University, the Institute of Accelerating Systems and Applications, the Observatoire de Paris, CAB-INTA and the Austrian Space Forum.Europlanet supports educators and outreach providers within the planetary science community by organizing meetings, best practice workshops and communication training sessions, offering a seed-funding scheme for outreach activities, and awarding an annual prize for public engagement. Europlanet is also developing its own education and outreach resources, including an animation on 'Jupiter and its Icy Moons' (the first in a series of video "shorts") and kits for hands-on comparative planetology activities. The Europlanet Media Centre uses traditional and social media channels to communicate newsworthy results and activities to diverse audiences in Europe and worldwide. Using tools like Google Hangouts, the project connects planetary researchers directly with the public and school groups. In addition, Europlanet engages with policy makers in the

  2. Isomer spectroscopy using RI beam

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Odahara, Atsuko

    2009-10-01

    We have studied systematically high-spin oblate shape isomers in the N=83 isotones, which have revealed the characteristics of nuclear structure, such as the preserving pairing interactions at high-spin states, decrease of Z=64 proton shell gap energy as the decrease of proton number from 64 to 60 and so on. Recently, it became possible to search for isomers by the secondary fusion reaction at high-spin states in nuclei, which could not be populated by the stable beam and stable target, using RCNP RI beam line at Osaka University. RI beams enable us to study high-spin states in nuclei in wide mass region. By using the RI beams delivered by RIBF and the high-efficiency γ-ray detection system GRETINA, it will be possible to investigate nuclei far from the stability line. Single-particle energies and nucleon-nucleon interactions of these nuclei close to drip line are expected to be the test ground of nuclear models, such as shell structures. We have a plan to search for isomers with half lives of ˜μsec to ˜msec and to explore the decay mechanism of isomers in the proton-rich nuclei along N=Z line with 80< A<100. Moreover we try to search for nuclei beyond the proton drip line, which could be defined that isomeric states would be bound by the centrifugal potential although the ground states would be unbound against the proton emission. Isomers are expected to reveal the following characteristics of these nuclei. (1) Existence of isomers could prove the magicity of N=Z=50 and the large neutron-proton interaction, as one of the candidates of isomers is spin-gap isomer which is caused by the lowering of excitation energies resulting from the stretch coupling of spins of high-j (g9/2) holes of the ^100Sn core. (2) Isomers could prove the nuclear deformation which is caused by the evolution of shell structure. One of spin-gap isomers in ^94Ag was reported to have large prolate deformation. (3) This mass region is on the way of the rapid proton (rp) synthesis pass

  3. 76 FR 61131 - Rhode Island Disaster #RI-00008

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-03

    ... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 12850 and 12851] Rhode Island Disaster RI-00008 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the State of Rhode Island dated 09/26/2011. Incident: Hurricane...

  4. RI in central retinal artery as assessed by CDI does not correspond to retinal vascular resistance.

    PubMed

    Polska, E; Kircher, K; Ehrlich, P; Vecsei, P V; Schmetterer, L

    2001-04-01

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between ultrasound Doppler measurements of resistive index (RI) in the central retinal artery and retinal vascular resistance (R) assessed with laser Doppler velocimetry, vessel size measurement, and calculation of ocular perfusion pressure (PP) in healthy subjects. An increase in vascular resistance was induced by inhalation of 100% O(2). During hyperoxia no significant changes in PP were observed. Mean flow velocity in main retinal veins was reduced by -27.5 +/- 2.0%. The average decrease in diameter was -11.5 +/- 1.0%. R, which was calculated as the ratio of PP to flow rate, increased by 97.6 +/- 7.7%. RI increased as well, but the effect was much smaller (6.6 +/- 2.2%). In addition, a negative correlation was found between baseline values of R and RI (r = -0.83). During hyperoxia R and RI were not associated. In conclusion, our data indicate that RI as assessed with color Doppler imaging in the central retinal artery is not an adequate measure of R.

  5. 78 FR 55121 - Submission for Review: Self-Certification of Full-Time School Attendance for the School Year, RI...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-09-09

    ... Attendance for the School Year, RI 25-14 and Information; and Instructions for Completing the Self-Certification of Full-Time School Attendance for the School Year, RI 25-14A AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel...-0032, Self-Certification of Full-Time School Attendance For The School Year, RI 25-14; and Information...

  6. 76 FR 81999 - Submission for Review: Verification of Who Is Getting Payments, RI 38-107 and RI 38-147

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-12-29

    ... 38-107 and RI 38-147 AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request.... As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35) as amended... information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2011 at Volume 76 FR 44051...

  7. 77 FR 39395 - Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-07-03

    ...-AA08 Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI AGENCY... Tall Ships Festival 2012. DATES: This rule is effective from July 6, 2012 until July 10, 2012... ``Special Local Regulations: Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI'' in the Federal...

  8. The Tla protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50: a homolog of the RI protease precursor (PrpRI) is an outer membrane receptor required for growth on low levels of hemin.

    PubMed

    Aduse-Opoku, J; Slaney, J M; Rangarajan, M; Muir, J; Young, K A; Curtis, M A

    1997-08-01

    The prpR1 gene of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 encodes the polyprotein precursor (PrpRI) of an extracellular arginine-specific protease. PrpRI is organized into four distinct domains (pro, alpha, beta, and gamma) and is processed to a heterodimeric protease (RI) which comprises the alpha and beta components in a noncovalent association. The alpha component contains the protease active site, whereas the beta component appears to have a role in adherence and hemagglutination processes. DNA sequences homologous to the coding region for the RI beta component are present at multiple loci on the P. gingivalis chromosome and may represent a family of related genes. In this report, we describe the cloning, sequence analysis, and characterization of one of these homologous loci isolated in plasmid pJM7. The 6,041-bp P. gingivalis DNA fragment in pJM7 contains a major open reading frame of 3,291 bp with coding potential for a protein with an Mr 118,700. An internal region of the deduced sequence (V304 to N768) shows 98% identity to the beta domain of PrpRI, and the recombinant product of pJM7 is immunoreactive with an antibody specific to the RI beta component. The N terminus of the deduced sequence has regional similarity to TonB-linked receptors which are frequently involved in periplasmic translocation of hemin, iron, colicins, or vitamin B12 in other bacteria. We have therefore designated this gene tla (TonB-linked adhesin). In contrast to the parent strain, an isogenic mutant of P. gingivalis W50 in which the tla was insertionally inactivated was unable to grow in medium containing low concentrations of hemin (<2.5 mg liter(-1)), and hemin-depleted cells of this mutant failed to respond to hemin in an agar diffusion plate assay. These data suggest a role for this gene product in hemin acquisition and utilization. Furthermore, the mutant produced significantly less arginine- and lysine-specific protease activities than the parent strain, indicating that there may be a

  9. The Tla protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50: a homolog of the RI protease precursor (PrpRI) is an outer membrane receptor required for growth on low levels of hemin.

    PubMed Central

    Aduse-Opoku, J; Slaney, J M; Rangarajan, M; Muir, J; Young, K A; Curtis, M A

    1997-01-01

    The prpR1 gene of Porphyromonas gingivalis W50 encodes the polyprotein precursor (PrpRI) of an extracellular arginine-specific protease. PrpRI is organized into four distinct domains (pro, alpha, beta, and gamma) and is processed to a heterodimeric protease (RI) which comprises the alpha and beta components in a noncovalent association. The alpha component contains the protease active site, whereas the beta component appears to have a role in adherence and hemagglutination processes. DNA sequences homologous to the coding region for the RI beta component are present at multiple loci on the P. gingivalis chromosome and may represent a family of related genes. In this report, we describe the cloning, sequence analysis, and characterization of one of these homologous loci isolated in plasmid pJM7. The 6,041-bp P. gingivalis DNA fragment in pJM7 contains a major open reading frame of 3,291 bp with coding potential for a protein with an Mr 118,700. An internal region of the deduced sequence (V304 to N768) shows 98% identity to the beta domain of PrpRI, and the recombinant product of pJM7 is immunoreactive with an antibody specific to the RI beta component. The N terminus of the deduced sequence has regional similarity to TonB-linked receptors which are frequently involved in periplasmic translocation of hemin, iron, colicins, or vitamin B12 in other bacteria. We have therefore designated this gene tla (TonB-linked adhesin). In contrast to the parent strain, an isogenic mutant of P. gingivalis W50 in which the tla was insertionally inactivated was unable to grow in medium containing low concentrations of hemin (<2.5 mg liter(-1)), and hemin-depleted cells of this mutant failed to respond to hemin in an agar diffusion plate assay. These data suggest a role for this gene product in hemin acquisition and utilization. Furthermore, the mutant produced significantly less arginine- and lysine-specific protease activities than the parent strain, indicating that there may be a

  10. Genetic transformation of Begonia tuberhybrida by Ri rol genes.

    PubMed

    Kiyokawa, S; Kikuchi, Y; Kamada, H; Harada, H

    1996-04-01

    We have developed an Agrobacterium -mediated transformation system for commercial Begonia species. The leaf explants of Begonia semperflorens, Begonia x hiemalis and B. tuberhybrida were inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 harboring a binary vector pBI121 which contains rolA, B and C genes of an agropine type Ri plasmid (pRiA4b). Kanamycin resistant shoots of B. tuberhybrida were obtained on MS agar medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l NAA, 0.5 mg/l BA, 500 mg/l claforan and 100 mg/l kanamycin. These shoots exhibited GUS activity and Southern analysis showed a single copy insertion into the genome. When the transgenic plants were transferred to soil, they displayed the phenotype specific to the transgenic plants by A. rhizogenes such as dwarfness, delay of flowering, and wrinkled leaves and petals.

  11. Laboratory performance of wicking fabric H2Ri in silty gravel, sand and organic silt.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2016-05-01

    The use of wicking fabric, H2Ri, is growing in its use to remove water from roadway and airport embankments. Past research has shown H2Ri to be effective in sands : and fine grained materials in roadways up to 32 feet in width. However, there is a de...

  12. MaRiMba: a software application for spectral library-based MRM transition list assembly.

    PubMed

    Sherwood, Carly A; Eastham, Ashley; Lee, Lik Wee; Peterson, Amelia; Eng, Jimmy K; Shteynberg, David; Mendoza, Luis; Deutsch, Eric W; Risler, Jenni; Tasman, Natalie; Aebersold, Ruedi; Lam, Henry; Martin, Daniel B

    2009-10-01

    Multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) is a targeted analysis method that has been increasingly viewed as an avenue to explore proteomes with unprecedented sensitivity and throughput. We have developed a software tool, called MaRiMba, to automate the creation of explicitly defined MRM transition lists required to program triple quadrupole mass spectrometers in such analyses. MaRiMba creates MRM transition lists from downloaded or custom-built spectral libraries, restricts output to specified proteins or peptides, and filters based on precursor peptide and product ion properties. MaRiMba can also create MRM lists containing corresponding transitions for isotopically heavy peptides, for which the precursor and product ions are adjusted according to user specifications. This open-source application is operated through a graphical user interface incorporated into the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline, and it outputs the final MRM list to a text file for upload to MS instruments. To illustrate the use of MaRiMba, we used the tool to design and execute an MRM-MS experiment in which we targeted the proteins of a well-defined and previously published standard mixture.

  13. MaRiMba: A Software Application for Spectral Library-Based MRM Transition List Assembly

    PubMed Central

    Sherwood, Carly A.; Eastham, Ashley; Lee, Lik Wee; Peterson, Amelia; Eng, Jimmy K.; Shteynberg, David; Mendoza, Luis; Deutsch, Eric W.; Risler, Jenni; Tasman, Natalie; Aebersold, Ruedi; Lam, Henry; Martin, Daniel B.

    2009-01-01

    Multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS) is a targeted analysis method that has been increasingly viewed as an avenue to explore proteomes with unprecedented sensitivity and throughput. We have developed a software tool, called MaRiMba, to automate the creation of explicitly defined MRM transition lists required to program triple quadrupole mass spectrometers in such analyses. MaRiMba creates MRM transition lists from downloaded or custom-built spectral libraries, restricts output to specified proteins or peptides, and filters based on precursor peptide and product ion properties. MaRiMba can also create MRM lists containing corresponding transitions for isotopically heavy peptides, for which the precursor and product ions are adjusted according to user specifications. This open-source application is operated through a graphical user interface incorporated into the Trans-Proteomic Pipeline, and it outputs the final MRM list to a text file for upload to MS instruments. To illustrate the use of MaRiMba, we used the tool to design and execute an MRM-MS experiment in which we targeted the proteins of a well-defined and previously published standard mixture. PMID:19603829

  14. The Asia-RiCE activity with data cube

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oyoshi, K.; Sobue, S.; LE Toan, T.; Lam, N. D.

    2017-12-01

    The Asia-RiCE initiative (http://www.asia-rice.org) has been organized to enhance rice production estimates through the use of Earth observation satellites data, and seeks to ensure that Asian rice crops are appropriately represented within GEO Global Agriculture Monitoring (GEO-GLAM) to support FAO Agriculture Market Information System (FAO-AMIS). Asia-RiCE is composed of national teams that are actively contributing to the Crop Monitor for AMIS and developing technical demonstrations of rice crop monitoring activities using both Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data (Radarsat-2 from 2013; Sentinel-1 and ALOS-2 from 2015.From 2016 after the successful rice crop area and growing estimation using SAR in a technical demonstration site (provincial level), wall-to-wall (national scale) excurse as phase 2 has been implemented in Vietnam and Indonesia in cooperation with ministry of agriculture and space agencies. This paper reports this year activity of 2017 accomplishment and way forward, especially for analysis ready data (ARD) definition of SAR to ingest to CEOS data cube to provide national scale service in Vietnam and Indonesia.

  15. The erudite humility of the historian: the 'critical epistemology' of Georges Lantéri-Laura.

    PubMed

    Basso Lorini, Elisabetta

    2017-06-01

    This paper analyses the historical and epistemological work of the French psychiatrist Georges Lantéri-Laura (1930-2004) within the context of the French 'tradition' of history and philosophy of sciences, with special reference to Georges Canguilhem and Michel Foucault. After an introduction devoted to a critical survey of the most recent works on the history and historiography of psychiatry in French, the paper outlines Lantéri-Laura's approach by focusing especially on the role played by the methodological concept of 'semiology' as regards the relation between medicine and psychiatry. The last part of the paper draws attention to the relation between the history and philosophy of psychiatry in light of Lantéri-Laura's 'critical epistemology'.

  16. Radical SAM Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified Peptides (RiPPs).

    PubMed

    Benjdia, Alhosna; Balty, Clémence; Berteau, Olivier

    2017-01-01

    Ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a large and diverse family of natural products. They possess interesting biological properties such as antibiotic or anticancer activities, making them attractive for therapeutic applications. In contrast to polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides, RiPPs derive from ribosomal peptides and are post-translationally modified by diverse enzyme families. Among them, the emerging superfamily of radical SAM enzymes has been shown to play a major role. These enzymes catalyze the formation of a wide range of post-translational modifications some of them having no counterparts in living systems or synthetic chemistry. The investigation of radical SAM enzymes has not only illuminated unprecedented strategies used by living systems to tailor peptides into complex natural products but has also allowed to uncover novel RiPP families. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on radical SAM enzymes catalyzing RiPP post-translational modifications and discuss their mechanisms and growing importance notably in the context of the human microbiota.

  17. Accelerated dissociation of IgE:FcεRI complexes by disruptive inhibitors actively desensitizes allergic effector cells

    PubMed Central

    Eggel, Alexander; Baravalle, Günther; Hobi, Gabriel; Kim, Beomkyu; Buschor, Patrick; Forrer, Patrik; Shin, Jeoung-Sook; Vogel, Monique; Stadler, Beda M.; Dahinden, Clemens A.; Jardetzky, Theodore S.

    2014-01-01

    Background The remarkably stable interaction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI on basophils and mast cells is critical for the induction of allergic hypersensitivity reactions. Due to the exceptionally slow dissociation rate of IgE:FcεRI complexes such allergic effector cells permanently display allergen-specific IgE on their surface and immediately respond to allergen challenge by releasing inflammatory mediators. We have recently described a novel macromolecular inhibitor that actively promotes the dissociation of IgE from FcεRI through a molecular mechanism termed facilitated dissociation. Objective Here, we assessed the therapeutic potential of this non-immunoglobulin based IgE inhibitor DARPin E2_79 as well as a novel engineered biparatopic DARPin bi53_79 and directly compared them to the established anti-IgE antibody omalizumab. Methods: IgE:FcεRI complex dissociation was analyzed in vitro using recombinant proteins in ELISA and surface plasmon resonance, ex vivo using human primary basophils with flow cytometry and in vivo using human FcεRI transgenic mice in a functional passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. Results We show that E2_79 mediated removal of IgE from primary human basophils fully abrogates IgE-dependent cell activation and release of pro-inflammatory mediators ex vivo. Furthermore, we report that omalizumab also accelerates the dissociation of IgE from FcεRI albeit much less efficiently than E2_79. Using the biparatopic IgE targeting approach we further improved the disruptive potency of E2_79 by ~100 fold and show that disruptive IgE inhibitors efficiently prevent passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice expressing the human FcεRI alpha chain. Conclusion Our findings highlight the potential of such novel IgE inhibitors as important diagnostic and therapeutic tools to managing allergic diseases. PMID:24642143

  18. Absence of Fc epsilonRI alpha chain results in upregulation of Fc gammaRIII-dependent mast cell degranulation and anaphylaxis. Evidence of competition between Fc epsilonRI and Fc gammaRIII for limiting amounts of FcR beta and gamma chains.

    PubMed Central

    Dombrowicz, D; Flamand, V; Miyajima, I; Ravetch, J V; Galli, S J; Kinet, J P

    1997-01-01

    In mouse mast cells, both Fc epsilonRI and Fc gammaRIII are alpha beta gamma2 tetrameric complexes in which different alpha chains confer IgE or IgG ligand recognition while the signaling FcR beta and gamma chains are identical. We used primarily noninvasive techniques (changes in body temperature, dye extravasation) to assess systemic anaphylactic responses in nonanesthetized wild-type, Fc epsilonRI alpha chain -/- and FcR gamma chain -/- mice. We confirm that systemic anaphylaxis in mice can be mediated largely through IgG1 and Fc gammaRIII and we provide direct evidence that these responses reflect activation of Fc gammaRIII rather than Fc gammaRI. Furthermore, we show that Fc gammaRIII-dependent responses are more intense in normal than in congenic mast cell-deficient KitW/KitW-v mice, indicating that Fc gammaRIII responses have mast cell-dependent and -independent components. Finally, we demonstrate that the upregulation of cell surface expression of Fc gammaRIII seen in Fc epsilonRI alpha chain -/- mice corresponds to an increased association of Fc gammaRIII alpha chains with FcR beta and gamma chains and is associated with enhanced Fc gammaRIII-dependent mast cell degranulation and systemic anaphylactic responses. Therefore, the phenotype of the Fc epsilonRI alpha chain -/- mice suggests that expression of Fc epsilonRI and Fc gammaRIII is limited by availability of the FcR beta and gamma chains and that, in normal mice, changes in the expression of one receptor (Fc epsilonRI) may influence the expression of functional responses dependent on the other (Fc gammaRIII). PMID:9062349

  19. Down-regulation of FcepsilonRI expression by Houttuynia cordata Thunb extract in human basophilic KU812F cells.

    PubMed

    Shim, Sun-Yup; Seo, Young-Kook; Park, Jeong-Ro

    2009-04-01

    Human basophilic KU812F cells express a high-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig) E receptor, FcepsilonRI, which plays an important role in IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Family Saururaceae), which is rich in polyphenols, has been shown to have various physiological properties, including antiviral, antioxidative, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of H. cordata extract on the expression of FcepsilonRI in human KU812F cells was examined. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the FcepsilonRI expression and the IgE binding activity were suppressed when the cells were cultured with H. cordata extract. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that levels of the mRNAs for FcepsilonRI alpha- and gamma-chains were decreased by the treatment of H. cordata extract. Addition of H. cordata extract to culture medium was also observed to result in a reduction in the release of histamine from the cells. These results suggest that H. cordata extract may exert its anti-allergic activity through down-regulation of FcepsilonRI expression and a subsequent decrease in histamine release.

  20. Regulation of the steady state level of Fc gamma RI mRNA by IFN-gamma and dexamethasone in human monocytes, neutrophils, and U-937 cells.

    PubMed

    Pan, L Y; Mendel, D B; Zurlo, J; Guyre, P M

    1990-07-01

    The high affinity IgG FcR Fc gamma RI, CD64, plays important roles in the immune response. Fc gamma RI is predominantly expressed on monocytes and macrophages, and barely detectable on neutrophils. rIFN-gamma markedly increases the expression of Fc gamma RI on neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and myeloid cell lines such as U-937, HL-60, and THP-1. Glucocorticoids inhibit the augmentation of Fc gamma RI expression by rIFN-gamma on neutrophils and myeloid cell lines, but enhance the augmentation of Fc gamma RI expression by rIFN-gamma on monocytes. In this study, we examined the effect of rIFN-gamma and dexamethasone (Dex) on the steady state level of Fc gamma RI mRNA in U-937 cells, neutrophils, and monocytes by hybridizing total RNA with the Fc gamma RI cDNA probe, p135. We found that the amount of Fc gamma RI mRNA increased within 1 h of treatment with rIFN-gamma in all three cell types. This initial induction of Fc gamma RI mRNA by rIFN-gamma was completely blocked by an inhibitor of RNA synthesis, actinomycin D, suggesting that the rIFN-gamma-mediated induction of Fc gamma RI mRNA is dependent on gene transcription. Dex, used in combination with rIFN-gamma, partially blocked the induction of Fc gamma RI mRNA by rIFN-gamma in U-937 cells and neutrophils, but caused a synergistic increase in Fc gamma RI mRNA levels in monocytes. The inhibitory effect of Dex on the steady state level of Fc gamma RI mRNA in U-937 cells was blocked by an inhibitor of protein synthesis, cycloheximide, suggesting that Dex-induced proteins were involved in the regulation of Fc gamma RI expression. This study indicates that the regulation of Fc gamma RI expression on U-937 cells, neutrophils, and monocytes by rIFN-gamma and Dex occurs, at least in part, at the mRNA level. rIFN-gamma increases the steady state level of Fc gamma RI mRNA through a common pathway among U-937 cells, neutrophils, and monocytes, whereas the effect of Dex on rIFN-gamma-induced Fc gamma RI mRNA is cell

  1. Asia Rice Crop Estimation and Monitoring (Asia-RiCE) for GEOGLAM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oyoshi, K.; Tomiyama, N.; Okumura, T.; Sobue, S.

    2013-12-01

    Food security is a critical issue for the international community because of rapid population and economic growth, and climate change. In June 2011, the meeting of G20 agriculture ministers was held to discuss food security and food price volatility, and they agreed on an 'Action Plan on Food Price Volatility and Agriculture'. This plan includes a GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) initiative. The aim of GEOGLAM is to reinforce the international community's ability to produce and disseminate relevant, timely, and accurate forecasts of agricultural production on regional, national, and global scales by utilizing remote sensing technology. GEOGLAM focused on four major grain crops, wheat, maize, soybeans and rice. In particular, Asian countries are responsible for approximately 90% of the world rice production and consumption, rice is the most significant cereal crop in Asian region. Hence, Asian space and agricultural agencies with an interest in the development of rice crop monitoring technology launched an Asia-Rice Crop Estimation & Monitoring (Asia-RiCE) component for the GEOGLAM initiative. In Asian region, rice is mainly cultivated in rainy season, and a large amount of cloud limits rice crop monitoring with optical sensors. But, Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) is all-weather sensor and can observe land surface even if the area is covered by cloud. Therefore, SAR technology would be powerful tool to monitor rice crop in Asian region. Asia-RiCE team required mainly SAR observation data including ALOS-2, RISAT-1, Sentinel-1 and RADARSAT, TerraSAR-X, COSMO-SkyMed for Asia-RiCE GEOGLAM Phase 1 implementation (2013-2015) to the Committee on Earth Observations (CEOS) in the GEOGLAM-CEOS Global Agricultural Monitoring Co-community Meeting held in June 2013. And also, rice crop has complicated cropping systems such as rein-fed or irrigated cultivation, single, double or sometimes triple cropping. In addition, each agricultural field is smaller than that of

  2. 78 FR 28007 - Submission for Review: Representative Payee Application (RI 20-7) and Information Necessary for a...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-05-13

    ...) and Information Necessary for a Competency Determination (RI 30-3) AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel...-7) and Information Necessary for a Competency Determination (RI 30-3). As required by the Paperwork... Necessary for a Competency Determination, collects medical information regarding the annuitant's competency...

  3. The Resilient Schools Consortium (RiSC): Linking Climate Literacy, Resilience Thinking and Service Learning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Branco, B. F.; Fano, E.; Adams, J.; Shon, L.; Zimmermann, A.; Sioux, H.; Gillis, A.

    2017-12-01

    Public schools and youth voices are largely absent from climate resilience planning and projects in New York City. Additionally, research shows that U.S. science teachers' understanding of climate science is lacking, hence there is not only an urgent need to train and support teachers on both the science and pedagogy of climate change, but to link climate literacy, resilience thinking and service learning in K-12 education. However, research on participation of students and teachers in authentic, civic-oriented experiences points to increased engagement and learning outcomes in science. The Resilient Schools Consortium (RiSC) Project will address all these needs through an afterschool program in six coastal Brooklyn schools that engages teachers and urban youth (grades 6-12), in school and community climate resilience assessment and project design. The RiSC climate curriculum, co-designed by New York City school teachers with Brooklyn College, the National Wildlife Federation, New York Sea Grant and the Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay, will begin by helping students to understand the difference between climate and weather. The curriculum makes extensive use of existing resources such as NOAA's Digital Coast and the Coastal Resilience Mapping Portal. Through a series of four modules over two school years, the six RiSC teams will; 1. explore and understand the human-induced drivers of climate change and, particularly, the significant climate and extreme weather related risks to their schools and surrounding communities; 2. complete a climate vulnerability assessment within the school and the community that is aligned to OneNYC - the city's resilience planning document; 3. design and execute a school-based resilience project; and 4. propose resilience guidelines for NYC Department of Education schools. At the end of each school year, the six RiSC teams will convene a RiSC summit with city officials and resilience practitioners to share ideas and

  4. Radical SAM Enzymes in the Biosynthesis of Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-translationally Modified Peptides (RiPPs)

    PubMed Central

    Benjdia, Alhosna; Balty, Clémence; Berteau, Olivier

    2017-01-01

    Ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a large and diverse family of natural products. They possess interesting biological properties such as antibiotic or anticancer activities, making them attractive for therapeutic applications. In contrast to polyketides and non-ribosomal peptides, RiPPs derive from ribosomal peptides and are post-translationally modified by diverse enzyme families. Among them, the emerging superfamily of radical SAM enzymes has been shown to play a major role. These enzymes catalyze the formation of a wide range of post-translational modifications some of them having no counterparts in living systems or synthetic chemistry. The investigation of radical SAM enzymes has not only illuminated unprecedented strategies used by living systems to tailor peptides into complex natural products but has also allowed to uncover novel RiPP families. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on radical SAM enzymes catalyzing RiPP post-translational modifications and discuss their mechanisms and growing importance notably in the context of the human microbiota. PMID:29167789

  5. Publications - RI 2014-2 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2014-2 Publication Details Title: Geologic context, age constraints, and sedimentology of Gillis, R.J., 2014, Geologic context, age constraints, and sedimentology of a Pleistocene volcaniclastic 362.0 K Metadata - Read me Keywords Age Dates; Alluvial; Alluvial Deposits; Bedrock; Bedrock Geology

  6. 33 CFR 167.101 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. 167.101 Section 167.101 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. (a) A precautionary...

  7. 33 CFR 167.101 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. 167.101 Section 167.101 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. (a) A precautionary...

  8. 33 CFR 167.101 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. 167.101 Section 167.101 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. (a) A precautionary...

  9. 33 CFR 167.101 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. 167.101 Section 167.101 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Precautionary areas. (a) A precautionary...

  10. Disruption of SLP-76 interaction with Gads inhibits dynamic clustering of SLP-76 and FcepsilonRI signaling in mast cells.

    PubMed

    Silverman, Michael A; Shoag, Jonathan; Wu, Jennifer; Koretzky, Gary A

    2006-03-01

    We developed a confocal real-time imaging approach that allows direct observation of the subcellular localization pattern of proteins involved in proximal FcepsilonRI signaling in RBL cells and primary bone marrow-derived mast cells. The adaptor protein Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing leukocyte phosphoprotein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) is critical for FcepsilonRI-induced calcium flux, degranulation, and cytokine secretion. In this study, we imaged SLP-76 and found it in the cytosol of unstimulated cells. Upon FcepsilonRI cross-linking, SLP-76 translocates to the cell membrane, forming clusters that colocalize with the FcepsilonRI, the tyrosine kinase Syk, the adaptor LAT, and phosphotyrosine. The disruption of the SLP-76 interaction with its constitutive binding partner, Gads, through the mutation of SLP-76 or the expression of the Gads-binding region of SLP-76, inhibits the translocation and clustering of SLP-76, suggesting that the interaction of SLP-76 with Gads is critical for appropriate subcellular localization of SLP-76. We further demonstrated that the expression of the Gads-binding region of SLP-76 in bone marrow-derived mast cells inhibits FcepsilonRI-induced calcium flux, degranulation, and cytokine secretion. These studies revealed, for the first time, that SLP-76 forms signaling clusters following FcepsilonRI stimulation and demonstrated that the Gads-binding region of SLP-76 regulates clustering of SLP-76 and FcepsilonRI-induced mast cell responses.

  11. THE UBV(RI){sub C} COLORS OF THE SUN

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

    Ramirez, I.; Michel, R.; Schuster, W. J.

    2012-06-10

    Photometric data in the UBV(RI){sub C} system have been acquired for 80 solar analog stars for which we have previously derived highly precise atmospheric parameters T{sub eff}, log g, and [Fe/H] using high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra. UBV and (RI){sub C} data for 46 and 76 of these stars, respectively, are published for the first time. Combining our data with those from the literature, colors in the UBV(RI){sub C} system, with {approx_equal} 0.01 mag precision, are now available for 112 solar analogs. Multiple linear regression is used to derive the solar colors from these photometric data and the spectroscopically derivedmore » T{sub eff}, log g, and [Fe/H] values. To minimize the impact of systematic errors in the model-dependent atmospheric parameters, we use only the data for the 10 stars that most closely resemble our Sun, i.e., the solar twins, and derive the following solar colors: (B - V){sub Sun} = 0.653 {+-} 0.005, (U - B){sub Sun} = 0.166 {+-} 0.022, (V - R){sub Sun} = 0.352 {+-} 0.007, and (V - I){sub Sun} = 0.702 {+-} 0.010. These colors are consistent, within the 1{sigma} errors, with those derived using the entire sample of 112 solar analogs. We also derive the solar colors using the relation between spectral-line-depth ratios and observed stellar colors, i.e., with a completely model-independent approach, and without restricting the analysis to solar twins. We find (B - V){sub Sun} = 0.653 {+-} 0.003, (U - B){sub Sun} = 0.158 {+-} 0.009, (V - R){sub Sun} = 0.356 {+-} 0.003, and (V - I){sub Sun} = 0.701 {+-} 0.003, in excellent agreement with the model-dependent analysis.« less

  12. BV RI CCD photometry of 361,281 objects in the field of M 31

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Magnier, E. A.; Lewin, W. H. G.; Van Paradijs, J.; Hasinger, G.; Jain, A.; Pietsch, W.; Truemper, J.

    1992-01-01

    Deep BV RI CCD photometry was performed on a 1 sq deg region of M 31. A catalog of photometry and astrometry of a total of 361,281 stars is presented, with typical completion limits of BV RI = (22.3, 22.2, 22.2, 20.9). Photometric accuracy is about 2 percent at V = 19. This catalog allows detailed studies of stellar populations and reddening. The data are currently being used to assist in finding the optical counterparts of Einstein and ROSAT X-ray sources.

  13. The high-affinity receptor for IgG, FcγRI, of humans and non-human primates.

    PubMed

    Chenoweth, Alicia M; Trist, Halina M; Tan, Peck-Szee; Wines, Bruce D; Hogarth, P Mark

    2015-11-01

    Non-human primate (NHP) models, especially involving macaques, are considered important models of human immunity and have been essential in preclinical testing for vaccines and therapeutics. Despite this, much less characterization of macaque Fc receptors has occurred compared to humans or mice. Much of the characterization of macaque Fc receptors so far has focused on the low-affinity Fc receptors, particularly FcγRIIIa. From these studies, it is clear that there are distinct differences between the human and macaque low-affinity receptors and their interaction with human IgG. Relatively little work has been performed on the high-affinity IgG receptor, FcγRI, especially in NHPs. This review will focus on what is currently known of how FcγRI interacts with IgG, from mutation studies and recent crystallographic studies of human FcγRI, and how amino acid sequence differences in the macaque FcγRI may affect this interaction. Additionally, this review will look at the functional consequences of differences in the amino acid sequences between humans and macaques. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Publications - RI 2013-2 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2013-2 Publication Details Title: Surficial-geologic map of the Livengood area, central Burns, P.A.C., 2013, Surficial-geologic map of the Livengood area, central Alaska: Alaska Division of Sheet 1 Surficial-geologic map of the Livengood area, central Alaska, scale 1:50,000 (30.0 M) Digital

  15. Activity measurements of the radionuclides 18F and 64Cu for the NIST, USA in the ongoing comparisons BIPM.RI(II)-K4.F-18 and BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Cu-64

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Michotte, C.; Nonis, M.; Bergeron, D.; Cessna, J.; Fitzgerald, R.; Pibida, L.; Zimmerman, B.; Fenwick, A.; Ferreira, K.; Keightley, J.; Da Silva, I.

    2017-01-01

    In 2016, comparisons of activity measurements of 18F and 64Cu using the Transfer Instrument of the International Reference System (SIRTI) took place at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA). This is the first SIRTI comparison for 64Cu. Ampoules containing about 27 kBq of 18F and 100 kBq of 64Cu solutions were measured in the SIRTI for about 5 and 1.5 half-lives, respectively. The NIST standardized the activity in the ampoules by ionization chamber measurements traceable to 4π(LS)β-γ anticoincidence measurements. The comparisons, identifiers BIPM.RI(II)-K4.F-18 and BIPM.RI(II)-K4.Cu-64, are linked to the corresponding BIPM.RI(II)-K1.F-18 and BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64 comparisons and degrees of equivalence with the respective key comparison reference values have been evaluated. The NIST replaces its earlier degree of equivalence for 18F obtained in the frame of the CCRI(II)-K3.F-18 comparison in 2001. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

  16. Basophil FcεRI Expression in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: A Potential Immunological Predictor of Response to Omalizumab Therapy.

    PubMed

    Deza, Gustavo; Bertolín-Colilla, Marta; Pujol, Ramon M; Curto-Barredo, Laia; Soto, Dulce; García, Maribel; Hernández, Pilar; Gimeno, Ramon; Giménez-Arnau, Ana M

    2017-06-09

    Although the efficacy of omalizumab has been clearly demonstrated in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), its mechanism of action, which results in improvement in CSU symptoms, is not entirely understood. This study investigated the effect of omalizumab on expression of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on blood basophils from patients with active CSU, and its association with the clinical response. Patients exhibiting significant clinical improvement showed a sharp reduction in the levels of basophil FcεRI after 4 weeks, which was maintained throughout the total duration of the treatment. Such evolution was not observed in non-responder patients. Furthermore, non-responders showed significantly lower baseline levels of FcεRI than responders. Baseline basophil FcεRI expression was found to be a potential immunological predictor of response to omalizumab (100% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity). The results of this study contribute to our knowledge of the therapeutic benefit and mechanism of action of anti-IgE therapy in CSU.

  17. 33 CFR 100.119 - Newport-Bermuda Regatta, Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... of Narragansett Bay, Newport, RI, within the following points (NAD 83): Latitude Longitude 41°27′51... will begin offshore and the following regulated area applies (NAD 83): Latitude Longitude 41°26′04″ N...

  18. Publications - RI 2001-1A | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2001-1A Publication Details Title: Bedrock geologic map of the Chulitna region the Chulitna region, southcentral Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys ; Other Oversized Sheets Sheet 1 Bedrock geologic map of the Chulitna region, southcentral Alaska, scale 1

  19. 78 FR 13914 - Submission for Review: Survivor Annuity Election for a Spouse, RI 20-63; Cover Letter Giving...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-01

    ... 20-63; Cover Letter Giving Information About the Cost To Elect Less Than the Maximum Survivor Annuity, RI 20-116; Cover Letter Giving Information About the Cost To Elect the Maximum Survivor Annuity, RI... other Federal agencies the opportunity to comment on a revised information collection request (ICR 3206...

  20. 78 FR 42986 - Submission for Review: Survivor Annuity Election for a Spouse, RI 20-63; Cover Letter Giving...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-07-18

    .... This letter may be used to ask for more information. Analysis Agency: Retirement Operations, Retirement... 20-63; Cover Letter Giving Information About The Cost To Elect Less Than the Maximum Survivor Annuity, RI 20-116; Cover Letter Giving Information About The Cost To Elect the Maximum Survivor Annuity, RI...

  1. Publications - RI 2015-7 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    Surveys Skip to content State of Alaska myAlaska My Government Resident Business in Alaska content DGGS RI 2015-7 Publication Details Title: Surficial geology of the Tyonek area, south-central of the Tyonek area, south-central Tyonek Quadrangle, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological &

  2. 33 CFR 167.103 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. 167.103 Section 167.103 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. (a) A separation...

  3. 33 CFR 167.102 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. 167.102 Section 167.102 Navigation and....102 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. (a) A...

  4. 33 CFR 167.103 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. 167.103 Section 167.103 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. (a) A separation...

  5. 33 CFR 167.103 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. 167.103 Section 167.103 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. (a) A separation...

  6. 33 CFR 167.102 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. 167.102 Section 167.102 Navigation and....102 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. (a) A...

  7. 33 CFR 167.102 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. 167.102 Section 167.102 Navigation and....102 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. (a) A...

  8. 33 CFR 167.103 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. 167.103 Section 167.103 Navigation and Navigable... the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Buzzards Bay approach. (a) A separation...

  9. 33 CFR 167.102 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. 167.102 Section 167.102 Navigation and....102 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: Narragansett Bay approach. (a) A...

  10. Neuronal uptake of anti-Hu antibody, but not anti-Ri antibody, leads to cell death in brain slice cultures.

    PubMed

    Greenlee, John E; Clawson, Susan A; Hill, Kenneth E; Wood, Blair; Clardy, Stacey L; Tsunoda, Ikuo; Jaskowski, Troy D; Carlson, Noel G

    2014-09-17

    Anti-Hu and anti-Ri antibodies are paraneoplastic immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies which recognize cytoplasmic and nuclear antigens present in all neurons. Although both antibodies produce similar immunohistological labeling, they recognize different neuronal proteins. Both antibodies are associated with syndromes of central nervous system dysfunction. However, the neurological deficits associated with anti-Hu antibody are associated with neuronal death and are usually irreversible, whereas neurological deficits in patients with anti-Ri antibody may diminish following tumor removal or immunosuppression. To study the effect of anti-Hu and anti-Ri antibodies on neurons, we incubated rat hippocampal and cerebellar slice cultures with anti-Hu or anti-Ri sera from multiple patients. Cultures were evaluated in real time for neuronal antibody uptake and during prolonged incubation for neuronal death. To test the specificity of anti-Hu antibody cytotoxic effect, anti-Hu serum IgG was incubated with rat brain slice cultures prior to and after adsorption with its target Hu antigen, HuD. We demonstrated that: 1) both anti-Hu and anti-Ri antibodies were rapidly taken up by neurons throughout both cerebellum and hippocampus; 2) antibody uptake occurred in living neurons and was not an artifact of antibody diffusion into dead cells; 3) intracellular binding of anti-Hu antibody produced neuronal cell death, whereas uptake of anti-Ri antibody did not affect cell viability during the period of study; and 4) adsorption of anti-Hu antisera against HuD greatly reduced intraneuronal IgG accumulation and abolished cytotoxicity, confirming specificity of antibody-mediated neuronal death. Both anti-Hu and anti-Ri antibodies were readily taken up by viable neurons in slice cultures, but the two antibodies differed markedly in terms of their effects on neuronal viability. The ability of anti-Hu antibodies to cause neuronal death could account for the irreversible nature of paraneoplastic

  11. Affinity of C-Reactive Protein toward FcγRI Is Strongly Enhanced by the γ-Chain

    PubMed Central

    Röcker, Carlheinz; Manolov, Dimitar E.; Kuzmenkina, Elza V.; Tron, Kyrylo; Slatosch, Holger; Torzewski, Jan; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich

    2007-01-01

    C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototype human acute phase protein, is widely regarded as a key player in cardiovascular disease, but the identity of its cellular receptor is still under debate. By using ultrasensitive confocal imaging analysis, we have studied CRP binding to transfected COS-7 cells expressing the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. Here we show that CRP binds to FcγRI on intact cells, with a kd of 10 ± 3 μmol/L. Transfection of COS-7 cells with a plasmid coding for both FcγRI and its functional counterpart, the γ-chain, markedly increases CRP affinity to FcγRI, resulting in a kd of 0.35 ± 0.10 μmol/L. The affinity increase results from an ∼30-fold enhanced association rate coefficient. The pronounced enhancement of affinity by the γ-chain suggests its crucial involvement in the CRP receptor interaction, possibly by mediating interactions between the transmembrane moieties of the receptors. Dissociation of CRP from the cell surfaces cannot be detected throughout the time course of several hours and is thus extremely slow. Considering the pentameric structure of CRP, this result indicates that multivalent binding and receptor clustering are crucially involved in the interaction of CRP with nucleated cells. PMID:17255341

  12. Experimental Studies of Light-Ion Nuclear Reactions Using Low-Energy RI Beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamaguchi, H.; Kahl, D.; Hayakawa, S.; Sakaguchi, Y.; Abe, K.; Shimuzu, H.; Wakabayashi, Y.; Hashimoto, T.; Cherubini, S.; Gulino, M.; Spitaleri, C.; Rapisarda, G. G.; La Cognata, M.; Lamia, L.; Romano, S.; Kubono, S.; Iwasa, N.; Teranishi, T.; Kawabata, T.; Kwon, Y. K.; Binh, D. N.; Khiem, L. H.; Duy, N. N.; Kato, S.; Komatsubara, T.; Coc, A.; de Sereville, N.; Hammache, F.; Kiss, G.; Bishop, S.

    CRIB (CNS Radio-Isotope Beam separator) is a low-energy RI beam separator of Center for Nuclear Study (CNS), the University of Tokyo. Studies on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and other interests have been performed using the RI beams at CRIB, forming international collaborations. A striking method to study astrophyiscal reactions involving radioactive nuclei is the thick-target method in inverse kinematics. Several astrophysical alpha-induced reactions have been be studied with that method at CRIB. A recent example is on the α resonant scattering with a radioactive 7Be beam. This study is related to the astrophysical 7Be(α , γ ) reactions, important at hot p-p chain and ν p-process in supernovae. There have been measurements based on several indirect methods, such as the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) and Trojan horse method (THM). The first THM measurement using an RI beam has been performed at CRIB, to study the 18F(p, α )15O reaction at astrophysical energies via the three body reaction 2H(18F, α 15O)n. The 18F(p, α )15O reaction rate is crucial to understand the 511-keV γ -ray production in nova explosion phenomena, and we successfully evaluated the reaction cross section at novae temperature and below experimentally for the first time.

  13. Publications - RI 2005-1D | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2005-1D Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the Council Area, Solomon D-4 and publication sales page for more information. Quadrangle(s): Bendeleben; Solomon Bibliographic Reference Council Area, Solomon D-4 and Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Alaska Division of

  14. Publications - RI 97-15C | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 97-15C Publication Details Title: Surficial geologic map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle geologic map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, central Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Maps & Other Oversized Sheets Sheet 1 Surficial geologic map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, Central

  15. Radio Meteors Observations Techniques at RI NAO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vovk, Vasyl; Kaliuzhnyi, Mykola

    2016-07-01

    The Solar system is inhabited with large number of celestial bodies. Some of them are well studied, such as planets and vast majority of big asteroids and comets. There is one group of objects which has received little attention. That is meteoroids with related to them meteors. Nowadays enough low-technology high-efficiency radio-technical solutions are appeared which allow to observe meteors daily. At RI NAO three methodologies for meteor observation are developed: single-station method using FM-receiver, correlation method using FM-receiver and Internet resources, and single-station method using low-cost SDR-receiver.

  16. Publications - RI 2005-1F | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2005-1F Publication Details Title: Surficial geologic map of the Council Area, Solomon D-4 ): Bendeleben; Solomon Bibliographic Reference Stevens, D.S.P., 2005, Surficial geologic map of the Council Area , Solomon D-4 and Bendeleben A-4 quadrangles, Seward Peninsula, Alaska: Alaska Division of Geological &

  17. Publications - RI 2005-1E | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2005-1E Publication Details Title: Bedrock geologic map of the Council area, Solomon D-4 for more information. Quadrangle(s): Bendeleben; Solomon Bibliographic Reference Newberry, R.J ., Werdon, M.B., Athey, J.E., and Szumigala, D.J., 2005, Bedrock geologic map of the Council area, Solomon D

  18. Publications - RI 97-15A | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 97-15A Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, central ., and Weber, F.R., 1997, Geologic map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, central Alaska: Alaska Division of ; Other Oversized Sheets Maps & Other Oversized Sheets Sheet 1 Geologic map of the Tanana B-1

  19. Publications - RI 97-15B | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 97-15B Publication Details Title: Interpretive geologic bedrock map of the Tanana B-1 ., 1997, Interpretive geologic bedrock map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, central Alaska: Alaska Division bedrock map of the Tanana B-1 Quadrangle, Central Alaska, scale 1:63,360 (8.3 M) Digital Geospatial Data

  20. Publications - RI 2001-1B | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 2001-1B Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the Chulitna region, southcentral , M.L., Reifenstuhl, R.R., and Clough, J.G., 2001, Geologic map of the Chulitna region, southcentral of the Chulitna region, southcentral Alaska, scale 1:63,360 (12.0 M) Digital Geospatial Data Digital

  1. Two-loop matching factors for light quark masses and three-loop mass anomalous dimensions in the RI/SMOM schemes

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

    Sturm, C.; Almeida, L.

    2010-04-26

    Light quark masses can be determined through lattice simulations in regularization invariant momentum-subtraction (RI/MOM) schemes. Subsequently, matching factors, computed in continuum perturbation theory, are used in order to convert these quark masses from a RI/MOM scheme to the {ovr MS} scheme. We calculate the two-loop corrections in QCD to these matching factors as well as the three-loop mass anomalous dimensions for the RI/SMOM and RI/SMOM{sub {gamma}{mu}} schemes. These two schemes are characterized by a symmetric subtraction point. Providing the conversion factors in the two different schemes allows for a better understanding of the systematic uncertainties. The two-loop expansion coefficients ofmore » the matching factors for both schemes turn out to be small compared to the traditional RI/MOM schemes. For n{sub f} = 3 quark flavors they are about 0.6%-0.7% and 2%, respectively, of the leading order result at scales of about 2 GeV. Therefore, they will allow for a significant reduction of the systematic uncertainty of light quark mass determinations obtained through this approach. The determination of these matching factors requires the computation of amputated Green's functions with the insertions of quark bilinear operators. As a by-product of our calculation we also provide the corresponding results for the tensor operator.« less

  2. 33 CFR 110.47 - Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I. 110.47 Section 110.47 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.47 Little Narragansett Bay, Watch...

  3. 33 CFR 110.47 - Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I. 110.47 Section 110.47 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.47 Little Narragansett Bay, Watch...

  4. 33 CFR 110.47 - Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I. 110.47 Section 110.47 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.47 Little Narragansett Bay, Watch...

  5. 33 CFR 110.47 - Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I. 110.47 Section 110.47 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.47 Little Narragansett Bay, Watch...

  6. 33 CFR 110.47 - Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Little Narragansett Bay, Watch Hill, R.I. 110.47 Section 110.47 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.47 Little Narragansett Bay, Watch...

  7. Coordinate expression of AOS genes and JA accumulation: JA is not required for initiation of closing layer in wound healing tubers

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Wounding induces a series of coordinated physiological responses essential for protection and healing of the damaged tissue. Wound-induced formation of jasmonic acid (JA) is important in defense responses in leaves, but comparatively little is known about the induction of JA biosynthesis and its ro...

  8. Assessment of the overlap metric in the context of RI-MP2 and atomic batched tensor decomposed MP2

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmitz, Gunnar; Christiansen, Ove

    2018-06-01

    The resolution-of-the-identity approximation (RI) is a standard tool to accelerate the evaluation of two electron repulsion integrals. However introducing further approximations on top of for example RI-MP2, makes it important to check again the made choices. Usually the so called Coulomb metric is used. An alternative is the less accurate overlap metric, which has the benefit of a faster decay with distance. We encountered both choices in our atomic batched tensor decomposed MP2 (AB-MP2) and went with the Coulomb metric for the safe choice. In this work we re-investigate the choice of Coulomb and overlap metric for RI-MP2 and AB-MP2.

  9. Indirect studies on astrophysical reactions at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yamaguchi, H.; Kahl, D.; Hayakawa, S.; Yang, L.; Shimizu, H.; Sakaguchi, Y.; Abe, K.; Wakabayashi, Y.; Hashimoto, T.; Nakao, T.; Kubono, S.; Suhara, T.; Iwasa, N.; Kim, A.; Kim, D. H.; Cha, S. M.; Kwag, M. S.; Lee, J. H.; Lee, E. J.; Chae, K. Y.; Imai, N.; Kitamura, N.; Lee, P.; Moon, J. Y.; Lee, K. B.; Akers, C.; Jung, H. S.; Duy, N. N.; Khiem, L. H.; Lee, C. S.; Cherubini, S.; Gulino, M.; Spitaleri, C.; Rapisarda, G. G.; Cognata, M. La; Lamia, L.; Romano, S.; Coc, A.; de Sereville, N.; Hammache, F.; Kiss, G.; Bishop, S.; Teranishi, T.; Kawabata, T.; Kwon, Y. K.; Binh, D. N.

    2018-04-01

    Studies on nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and other interests have been performed using the radioactive-isotope (RI) beams at the low-energy RI beam separator CRIB, operated by Center for Nuclear Study (CNS), the University of Tokyo. A type of measurement to study astophysical reactions at CRIB is by the elastic resonant scattering with the thick-target method in inverse kinematics. An example is the α resonant scattering with 7Be beam, related to the astrophysical 7Be(α,γ) reactions, which is relevant in the hot p-p chain and νp-process in supernovae. Other α resonant scattering measurements with 30S, 10Be, 15O, and 18Ne beams have been performed at CRIB, using the thick-target method. There have also been measurements based on other experimental methods. The first Trojan horse method (THM) measurement using an RI beam has been performed at CRIB, to study the 18F(p, α)15O reaction at astrophysical energies via the three body reaction 2H(18F, α15O)n. The 18F(p, α)15O reaction rate is crucial to understand the 511-keV γ-ray production in nova explosion phenomena, and we successfully evaluated the reaction cross section at novae temperature and below experimentally for the first time.

  10. 33 CFR 100.112 - Swim the Bay, Narragansett Bay, Narragansett, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Swim the Bay, Narragansett Bay, Narragansett, RI. 100.112 Section 100.112 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY REGATTAS AND MARINE PARADES SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS § 100.112 Swim the Bay...

  11. The molecular gradient using the divide-expand-consolidate resolution of the identity second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory: The DEC-RI-MP2 gradient

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

    Bykov, Dmytro; Kristensen, Kasper; Kjærgaard, Thomas

    We report an implementation of the molecular gradient using the divide-expand-consolidate resolution of the identity second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (DEC-RI-MP2). The new DEC-RI-MP2 gradient method combines the precision control as well as the linear-scaling and massively parallel features of the DEC scheme with efficient evaluations of the gradient contributions using the RI approximation. We further demonstrate that the DEC-RI-MP2 gradient method is capable of calculating molecular gradients for very large molecular systems. A test set of supramolecular complexes containing up to 158 atoms and 1960 contracted basis functions has been employed to demonstrate the general applicability of the DEC-RI-MP2 methodmore » and to analyze the errors of the DEC approximation. Moreover, the test set contains molecules of complicated electronic structures and is thus deliberately chosen to stress test the DEC-RI-MP2 gradient implementation. Additionally, as a showcase example the full molecular gradient for insulin (787 atoms and 7604 contracted basis functions) has been evaluated.« less

  12. RiSA: A Science Festival for the Bilingual and Bicultural Rio Grande Valley

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Key, Joey Shapiro; Torres, Cristina; Stone, Robert

    2014-03-01

    The Rio Grande Science and Arts (RiSA) Festival organized by the Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy (CGWA) at the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) will use a wide variety of artforms to bring physics and science topics to the bilingual and bicultural population of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The science and art faculty at UTB will partner with art and education professionals to create an annual community event celebrating science though art. Music, dance, poetry, and visual arts will headline the festival activities. Festival events and products will be produced in both English and Spanish to attract and inform the bilingual local community. The RiSA Festival is supported by the Science Festival Alliance and the Sloan Foundation. Supported by the Science Festival Alliance and the Sloan Foundation.

  13. 33 CFR 80.145 - Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI. 80.145 Section 80.145 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill...

  14. 33 CFR 80.145 - Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI. 80.145 Section 80.145 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill...

  15. 33 CFR 80.145 - Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI. 80.145 Section 80.145 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill...

  16. 33 CFR 80.145 - Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI. 80.145 Section 80.145 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill...

  17. 33 CFR 80.145 - Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill, RI. 80.145 Section 80.145 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATION RULES COLREGS DEMARCATION LINES Atlantic Coast § 80.145 Race Point, MA, to Watch Hill...

  18. Publications - RI 98-12 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    content DGGS RI 98-12 Publication Details Title: Geology of the Sleetmute C-7, C-8, D-7, and D-8 ., Miller, M.L., Layer, P.W., and Laird, G.M., 1999, Geology of the Sleetmute C-7, C-8, D-7, and D-8 ; Other Oversized Sheets Sheet 1 Geologic map of the Sleetmute C-7, C-8, D-7 and D-8 quadrangles, Horn

  19. Publications - RI 2011-3A | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical

    Science.gov Websites

    Surveys Skip to content State of Alaska myAlaska My Government Resident Business in Alaska content DGGS RI 2011-3A Publication Details Title: Geologic map of the Kavik River area, northeastern ., Delaney, P.R., LePain, D.L., and Carson, E.C., 2011, Geologic map of the Kavik River area, northeastern

  20. 76 FR 15350 - Submission for Review: Representative Payee Survey, RI 38-115

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-21

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Representative Payee Survey, RI 38-115 AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: 60-Day Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Retirement Services, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers the general public and other Federal...

  1. Comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the RsrI and EcoRI restriction endonucleases.

    PubMed

    Stephenson, F H; Ballard, B T; Boyer, H W; Rosenberg, J M; Greene, P J

    1989-12-21

    The RsrI endonuclease, a type-II restriction endonuclease (ENase) found in Rhodobacter sphaeroides, is an isoschizomer of the EcoRI ENase. A clone containing an 11-kb BamHI fragment was isolated from an R. sphaeroides genomic DNA library by hybridization with synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes based on the N-terminal amino acid (aa) sequence of RsrI. Extracts of E. coli containing a subclone of the 11-kb fragment display RsrI activity. Nucleotide sequence analysis reveals an 831-bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 277 aa. A 50% identity exists within a 266-aa overlap between the deduced aa sequences of RsrI and EcoRI. Regions of 75-100% aa sequence identity correspond to key structural and functional regions of EcoRI. The type-II ENases have many common properties, and a common origin might have been expected. Nevertheless, this is the first demonstration of aa sequence similarity between ENases produced by different organisms.

  2. The Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (BSS-RI).

    PubMed

    Martin, Colin R; Hollins Martin, Caroline; Redshaw, Maggie

    2017-08-29

    The current study sought to develop a short birth satisfaction indicator utilising items from the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (BSS-R) for use as a brief measure of birth satisfaction and as a possible key performance indicator for perinatal service delivery evaluation. Building on the recently developed BSS-R, the study aimed to develop a simplified version of the instrument to assess birth satisfaction easily that could work as a short evaluative measure of clinical service delivery for labour and birth that is consistent with policy documents, placing women at the centre of the birth experience. The six item Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised Indicator (BSS-RI) was embedded within the 2014 National Maternity Survey for England. A random selection of mothers who had given birth in a two week period in England were surveyed three months after the birth. Using a two-stage design and split-half dataset, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, convergent, divergent and known-groups discriminant validity evaluation were conducted in a secondary analysis of the survey data. Using this large population based survey of recent mothers the short revised measure was found to comprise two distinct domains of birth satisfaction, 'stress and emotional response to labour and birth' and 'quality of care'. The psychometric qualities of the tool were robust as were the indices of validity and reliability evaluated. The BSS-RI represents a short easily administered and scored measure of women's satisfaction with care and the experience of labour and birth. The instrument is potentially useful for researchers, service evaluation and policy makers.

  3. Modeling tools for an Integrated River-Delta-Sea system investigation: the Pan-European Research Infrastructure DANUBIUS-RI philosophy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Umgiesser, Georg; Bellafiore, Debora; De Pascalis, Francesca; Icke, Joost; Stanica, Adrian

    2017-04-01

    The DANUBIUS Research Infrastructure (DANUBIUS-RI) is a new initiative to address the challenges and opportunities of research on large river- sea (RS) systems. DANUBIUS-RI is a distributed pan-European RI that will provide a platform for interdisciplinary research. It will deal with RS investigation through facilities and expertise from a large number of European institutions becoming a 'one-stop shop' for knowledge exchange in managing RS systems, ranging from freshwater to marine research. Globally, RS systems are complex and dynamic, with huge environmental, social and economic value. They are poorly understood but under increasing pressure through pollution, hydraulic engineering, water supply, energy, flood control and erosion. RS systems in Europe are among the most impacted globally, after centuries of industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural intensification. Improved understanding is essential to avoid irreversible degradation and for restoration. DANUBIUS-RI will provide, among a number of other facilities concerning observations, analyses, impacts' evaluation, a modeling node that will provide integrated up-to-date tools, at locations of high scientific importance and opportunity, covering the RS systems - from source (upper parts of rivers - mountain lakes) to the transition with coastal seas. Modeling will be one of the major services provided by DANUBIUS-RI, relying on the inputs from the whole RI. RS systems are challenging from a modelling point of view, because of the complex morphology and the wide temporal and spatial range of processes occurring. Scale interaction plays a central role, considering the different hydro-eco-morphological processes on the large (basin) and small (local, coast, rivers, lagoons) scale. Currently, different model applications are made for the different geographical domains, and also for subsets of the processes. For instance there are separate models for rainfall runoff in the catchment, a sewer model for the

  4. Synthesis, structural characterization and biological activity of two diastereomeric JA-Ile macrolactones.

    PubMed

    Jimenez-Aleman, Guillermo H; Machado, Ricardo A R; Görls, Helmar; Baldwin, Ian T; Boland, Wilhelm

    2015-06-07

    Jasmonates are phytohormones involved in a wide range of plant processes, including growth, development, senescence, and defense. Jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile, 2), an amino acid conjugate of jasmonic acid (JA, 1), has been identified as a bioactive endogenous jasmonate. However, JA-Ile (2) analogues trigger different responses in the plant. ω-Hydroxylation of the pentenyl side chain leads to the inactive 12-OH-JA-Ile (3) acting as a “stop” signal. On the other hand, a lactone derivative of 12-OH-JA (5) (jasmine ketolactone, JKL) occurs in nature, although with no known biological function. Inspired by the chemical structure of JKL (6) and in order to further explore the potential biological activities of 12-modified JA-Ile derivatives, we synthesized two macrolactones (JA-Ile-lactones (4a) and (4b)) derived from 12-OH-JA-Ile (3). The biological activity of (4a) and (4b) was tested for their ability to elicit nicotine production, a well-known jasmonate dependent secondary metabolite. Both macrolactones showed strong biological activity, inducing nicotine accumulation to a similar extent as methyl jasmonate does in Nicotiana attenuata leaves. Surprisingly, the highest nicotine contents were found in plants treated with the JA-Ile-lactone (4b), which has (3S,7S) configuration at the cyclopentanone not known from natural jasmonates. Macrolactone (4a) is a valuable standard to explore for its occurrence in nature.

  5. Endogenous Bioactive Jasmonate Is Composed of a Set of (+)-7-iso-JA-Amino Acid Conjugates1

    PubMed Central

    Li, Suhua; Li, Yuwen; Chen, Juan; Yang, Mai; Tong, Jianhua; Xiao, Langtao; Nan, Fajun; Xie, Daoxin

    2016-01-01

    Jasmonates (JAs) regulate a wide range of plant defense and development processes. The bioactive JA is perceived by its receptor COI1 to trigger the degradation of JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins and subsequently derepress the JAZ-repressed transcription factors for activation of expression of JA-responsive genes. So far, (+)-7-iso-JA-l-Ile has been the only identified endogenous bioactive JA molecule. Here, we designed coronafacic acid (CFA) conjugates with all the amino acids (CFA-AA) to mimic the JA amino acid conjugates, and revealed that (+)-7-iso-JA-Leu, (+)-7-iso-JA-Val, (+)-7-iso-JA-Met, and (+)-7-iso-JA-Ala are new endogenous bioactive JA molecules. Furthermore, our studies uncover the general characteristics for all the bioactive JA molecules, and provide a new strategy to synthetically generate novel active JA molecules. PMID:27756820

  6. A gas circulation and purification system for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production.

    PubMed

    Sonoda, T; Tsubota, T; Wada, M; Katayama, I; Kojima, T M; Reponen, M

    2016-06-01

    A gas circulation and purification system was developed at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory that can be used for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production. A high-flow-rate gas cell filled with one atmosphere of buffer gas (argon or helium) is used for the deceleration and thermalization of high-energy RI-beams. The exhausted buffer gas is efficiently collected using a compact dry pump and returned to the gas cell with a recovery efficiency of >97%. The buffer gas is efficiently purified using two gas purifiers as well as collision cleaning, which eliminates impurities in the gas. An impurity level of one part per billion is achieved with this method.

  7. A gas circulation and purification system for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production

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

    Sonoda, T.; Wada, M.; Katayama, I.

    A gas circulation and purification system was developed at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory that can be used for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production. A high-flow-rate gas cell filled with one atmosphere of buffer gas (argon or helium) is used for the deceleration and thermalization of high-energy RI-beams. The exhausted buffer gas is efficiently collected using a compact dry pump and returned to the gas cell with a recovery efficiency of >97%. The buffer gas is efficiently purified using two gas purifiers as well as collision cleaning, which eliminates impurities in the gas. An impurity level of one part permore » billion is achieved with this method.« less

  8. 76 FR 34108 - Submission for Review: Alternative Annuity Election (RI 20-80)

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-06-10

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Alternative Annuity Election (RI 20-80..., Alternative Annuity Election. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C... who are eligible to elect whether to receive a reduced annuity and a lump-sum payment equal to their...

  9. Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI): explanation and elaboration document

    PubMed Central

    Pinnock, Hilary; Barwick, Melanie; Carpenter, Christopher R; Eldridge, Sandra; Grandes, Gonzalo; Griffiths, Chris J; Rycroft-Malone, Jo; Meissner, Paul; Murray, Elizabeth; Patel, Anita; Sheikh, Aziz; Taylor, Stephanie J C

    2017-01-01

    Objectives Implementation studies are often poorly reported and indexed, reducing their potential to inform the provision of healthcare services. The Standards for Reporting Implementation Studies (StaRI) initiative aims to develop guidelines for transparent and accurate reporting of implementation studies. Methods An international working group developed the StaRI guideline informed by a systematic literature review and e-Delphi prioritisation exercise. Following a face-to-face meeting, the checklist was developed iteratively by email discussion and critical review by international experts. Results The 27 items of the checklist are applicable to the broad range of study designs employed in implementation science. A key concept is the dual strands, represented as 2 columns in the checklist, describing, on the one hand, the implementation strategy and, on the other, the clinical, healthcare or public health intervention being implemented. This explanation and elaboration document details each of the items, explains the rationale and provides examples of good reporting practice. Conclusions Previously published reporting statements have been instrumental in improving reporting standards; adoption by journals and authors may achieve a similar improvement in the reporting of implementation strategies that will facilitate translation of effective interventions into routine practice. PMID:28373250

  10. RI 1170 advanced strapdown gyro

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    The major components of the RI 1170 gyroscope are described. A detailed functional description of the electronics including block diagrams and photographs of output waveshapes within the loop electronics are presented. An electronic data flow diagram is included. Those gyro subassemblies that were originally planned and subsequently changed or modified for one reason or another are discussed in detail. Variations to the original design included the capacitive pickoffs, torquer flexleads, magnetic suspension, gas bearings, electronic design, and packaging. The selection of components and changes from the original design and components selected are discussed. Device failures experienced throughout the program are reported and design corrections to eliminate the failure modes are noted. Major design deficiencies such as those of the MSE electronics are described in detail. Modifications made to the gas bearing parts and design improvements to the wheel are noted. Changes to the gas bearing prints are included as well as a mathematical analysis of the 1170 gas bearing wheel by computer analysis. The mean free-path effects on gas bearing performance is summarized.

  11. Mutant RBL mast cells defective in Fc epsilon RI signaling and lipid raft biosynthesis are reconstituted by activated Rho-family GTPases.

    PubMed

    Field, K A; Apgar, J R; Hong-Geller, E; Siraganian, R P; Baird, B; Holowka, D

    2000-10-01

    Characterization of defects in a variant subline of RBL mast cells has revealed a biochemical event proximal to IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI)-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation that is required for multiple functional responses. This cell line, designated B6A4C1, is deficient in both Fc epsilon RI-mediated degranulation and biosynthesis of several lipid raft components. Agents that bypass receptor-mediated Ca(2+) influx stimulate strong degranulation responses in these variant cells. Cross-linking of IgE-Fc epsilon RI on these cells stimulates robust tyrosine phosphorylation but fails to mobilize a sustained Ca(2+) response. Fc epsilon RI-mediated inositol phosphate production is not detectable in these cells, and failure of adenosine receptors to mobilize Ca(2+) suggests a general deficiency in stimulated phospholipase C activity. Antigen stimulation of phospholipases A(2) and D is also defective. Infection of B6A4C1 cells with vaccinia virus constructs expressing constitutively active Rho family members Cdc42 and Rac restores antigen-stimulated degranulation, and active Cdc42 (but not active Rac) restores ganglioside and GPI expression. The results support the hypothesis that activation of Cdc42 and/or Rac is critical for Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling that leads to Ca(2+) mobilization and degranulation. Furthermore, they suggest that Cdc42 plays an important role in the biosynthesis and expression of certain components of lipid rafts.

  12. IgE enhances Fc epsilon RI expression and IgE-dependent TNF-alpha release from canine skin mast cells.

    PubMed

    Brazís, P; De Mora, F; Ferrer, L; Puigdemont, A

    2002-03-01

    The role of IgE on mast cell (MC) activation is well known. Recent studies have demonstrated that IgE also has the ability to up-regulate the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) on the surface of human and murine MC, leading to an increased production of cytokines and chemokines. In the present study, we have examined the influence of IgE levels on Fc epsilon RI expression, and its consequences on TNF-alpha production from canine skin MC. Mature MC were enzymatically dispersed from the skin biopsies of 6-8 dogs and were cultured for up to 5 days in medium supplemented with recombinant canine stem cell factor (SCF) (6 ng/ml), in the presence of increasing serum IgE concentrations (ranging from 0 to 80 microg/ml). Subsequently, skin MC were activated with anti-IgE, and TNF-alpha concentration was assessed 5h post-activation by a cytotoxic bioassay. Fc epsilon RI receptors were identified in MC surface by flow cytometry. MC cultured for up to 5 days in the presence of high serum IgE concentration (8 microg/ml) produced twice the quantity of TNF-alpha than MC cultured in the absence of serum IgE, in response to stimulation with anti-IgE. Moreover, the percentage of Fc epsilon RI-positive skin cells was found to be approximately double in cells cultured with serum IgE compared to that cultured in the absence of IgE, following saturation of IgE receptors. These results suggest that, as found in human and murine MC, IgE may induce an up-regulation of the Fc epsilon RI density and an enhancement in the secretory activity of canine skin MC. This study could be of great interest in designing new therapeutic strategies for controlling MC activation in inflammatory and allergic processes.

  13. Structural insights into the interaction of human IgG1 with FcγRI: no direct role of glycans in binding

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

    Oganesyan, Vaheh, E-mail: oganesyanv@medimmune.com; Mazor, Yariv; Yang, Chunning

    In an effort to identify the critical structural features responsible for the high-affinity interaction of IgG1 Fc with FcγRI, the structure of the corresponding complex was solved at a resolution of 2.4 Å. The three-dimensional structure of a human IgG1 Fc fragment bound to wild-type human FcγRI is reported. The structure of the corresponding complex was solved at a resolution of 2.4 Å using molecular replacement; this is the highest resolution achieved for an unmutated FcγRI molecule. This study highlights the critical structural and functional role played by the second extracellular subdomain of FcγRI. It also explains the long-known majormore » energetic contribution of the Fc ‘LLGG’ motif at positions 234–237, and particularly of Leu235, via a ‘lock-and-key’ mechanism. Finally, a previously held belief is corrected and a differing view is offered on the recently proposed direct role of Fc carbohydrates in the corresponding interaction. Structural evidence is provided that such glycan-related effects are strictly indirect.« less

  14. Measuring and Monitoring in the South African "Kha Ri Gude" Mass Literacy Campaign

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKay, Veronica

    2015-01-01

    After many previous failed attempts to reach illiterate adults, the award-winning South African "Kha Ri Gude" mass literacy campaign, launched in 2008, undertook to ensure that learners seized the opportunity to learn--for many adults, this was a "last chance". Written from an insider perspective by the campaign's founding…

  15. 75 FR 77664 - Ananke, Inc., Providence, RI; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-13

    ... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-72,493] Ananke, Inc., Providence, RI; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration By application... application, I conclude that the claim is of sufficient weight to justify reconsideration of the U.S...

  16. Dental caries prevalence as a product of agriculture and subsistence pattern at the Yean-ri site, South Korea.

    PubMed

    Fujita, H; Hashimoto, H; Shoda, S; Suzuki, T

    2011-01-01

    Yean-ri human skeletal remains from South Korea have been dated to the fourth to seventh century AD. They have morphological similarities to immigrants of the Yayoi period excavated in northern Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan. The overall dental caries prevalence was 8.1% in the Yean-ri skeletal remains, indicating a much lower prevalence than that of most Yayoi immigrant skeletal remains from Japan, although similar to that of the Kofun people (8.3%) in Japan. There was no significant difference in the dental caries prevalence between the males and females of the same age group, but there were differences in the prevalence by age. The late middle age and elderly males and females had significantly higher dental caries prevalence than the early middle age males and females, indicating increased prevalence with age. Root caries prevalence tended to increase in old age. The percentage of root caries increased, accounting for 80% of all caries in Yean-ri human skeletal remains. Agriculture is believed to have arisen approximately 3,000 years ago in Korea. Therefore, agriculture was practiced during this period, but since the Yean-ri tumuli are from coastal areas, their diet may have retained a significant marine component. Additionally, caries prevalence was not very high in Nukdo human remains (ca. 2100-2000 BC) in Korea. We speculate that they maintained subsistence activities suitable for their environment despite their knowledge of agriculture. This hypothesis is supported by differences in the caries prevalence between excavation sites of the Yayoi and Kofun periods in Japan. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  17. 33 CFR 167.100 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... SEPARATION SCHEMES Description of Traffic Separation Schemes and Precautionary Areas § 167.100 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General. The traffic separation scheme in the...

  18. 33 CFR 167.100 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... SEPARATION SCHEMES Description of Traffic Separation Schemes and Precautionary Areas § 167.100 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General. The traffic separation scheme in the...

  19. 33 CFR 167.100 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... SEPARATION SCHEMES Description of Traffic Separation Schemes and Precautionary Areas § 167.100 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General. The traffic separation scheme in the...

  20. 33 CFR 167.100 - In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... SEPARATION SCHEMES Description of Traffic Separation Schemes and Precautionary Areas § 167.100 In the approaches to Narragansett Bay, RI, and Buzzards Bay, MA: General. The traffic separation scheme in the...

  1. An Interaction Library for the FcεRI Signaling Network

    DOE PAGES

    Chylek, Lily A.; Holowka, David A.; Baird, Barbara A.; ...

    2014-04-15

    Antigen receptors play a central role in adaptive immune responses. Although the molecular networks associated with these receptors have been extensively studied, we currently lack a systems-level understanding of how combinations of non-covalent interactions and post-translational modifications are regulated during signaling to impact cellular decision-making. To fill this knowledge gap, it will be necessary to formalize and piece together information about individual molecular mechanisms to form large-scale computational models of signaling networks. To this end, we have developed an interaction library for signaling by the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI. The library consists of executable rules for protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions.more » This library extends earlier models for FcεRI signaling and introduces new interactions that have not previously been considered in a model. Thus, this interaction library is a toolkit with which existing models can be expanded and from which new models can be built. As an example, we present models of branching pathways from the adaptor protein Lat, which influence production of the phospholipid PIP 3 at the plasma membrane and the soluble second messenger IP 3. We find that inclusion of a positive feedback loop gives rise to a bistable switch, which may ensure robust responses to stimulation above a threshold level. In addition, the library is visualized to facilitate understanding of network circuitry and identification of network motifs.« less

  2. An Interaction Library for the FcεRI Signaling Network

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

    Chylek, Lily A.; Holowka, David A.; Baird, Barbara A.

    Antigen receptors play a central role in adaptive immune responses. Although the molecular networks associated with these receptors have been extensively studied, we currently lack a systems-level understanding of how combinations of non-covalent interactions and post-translational modifications are regulated during signaling to impact cellular decision-making. To fill this knowledge gap, it will be necessary to formalize and piece together information about individual molecular mechanisms to form large-scale computational models of signaling networks. To this end, we have developed an interaction library for signaling by the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI. The library consists of executable rules for protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions.more » This library extends earlier models for FcεRI signaling and introduces new interactions that have not previously been considered in a model. Thus, this interaction library is a toolkit with which existing models can be expanded and from which new models can be built. As an example, we present models of branching pathways from the adaptor protein Lat, which influence production of the phospholipid PIP 3 at the plasma membrane and the soluble second messenger IP 3. We find that inclusion of a positive feedback loop gives rise to a bistable switch, which may ensure robust responses to stimulation above a threshold level. In addition, the library is visualized to facilitate understanding of network circuitry and identification of network motifs.« less

  3. 76 FR 57910 - Regulated Navigation Area; Route 24 Bridge Construction, Tiverton and Portsmouth, RI

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-19

    ...-AA11 Regulated Navigation Area; Route 24 Bridge Construction, Tiverton and Portsmouth, RI AGENCY: Coast... surrounding construction of the new Route 24 bridge that crosses the Sakonnet River between Tiverton and... channel beneath the bridge, speed restrictions, and suspension of all vessel traffic within the RNA during...

  4. Advanced Warheads Concepts: An Advanced Equation of State for Overdriven Detonation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-05-01

    equation of state (Jones-Wilkens Lee-Baker ( JWLB )] for high explosive detonation products. JWLB is suitable for overdriven detonation and material...In order to achieve a suitable equation of state, an appropriate equation of state form ( JWLB ) was derived. A standard explosive (octol 75/25) was...resulting equation of slate form, named Jones-Wilkens-Lcc-Baker ( JWLB ), is as follows: L ’L RiVJ .RiV+AJE + C(1.W(oH-l) -RoV X-JA^VC’V + O) The

  5. Subthreshold Desensitization of Human Basophils Re-capitulates the Loss of syk and FcεRI expression Characterized by Other Methods of Desensitization

    PubMed Central

    MacGlashan, Donald

    2012-01-01

    Background Clinical desensitization of patients to drugs involves progressive exposure to escalating doses of drug over a period of 24 hours. In prior studies, this method was recapitulated in vitro to also demonstrate loss of mast cell or basophil responsiveness. However, most signaling studies of human basophils have identified changes in signaling by using other methods of inducing cellular desensitization. Objective This study examined two well-described endpoints of basophil desensitization, loss of syk or FcεRI expression, under conditions of subthreshold desensitization. Methods The loss of FceRI and syk was examined in human basophils. Results It was shown that both loss of syk and FcεRI/IgE occurred during an escalating series of stimulation (anti-IgE Ab) and that expression loss occurred despite the presence of little histamine release. If basophils were first cultured for 3 days in 10 ng/ml IL-3, the concentration-dependence of histamine release shifted to 100 fold lower concentrations of stimulus. However, loss of syk did not show any change in its EC50 while loss of FcεRI also shifted 100 fold. From the perspective of early signal element activation, the marked shift in the EC50 for histamine release was not accompanied by similar shifts in the EC50s for several signaling elements. The EC50s for phospho-Src, phospho-SHIP1, phospho-Syk, or phospho-Cbl did not change while the EC50s for phospho-Erk and the cytosolic calcium response did shift 100 fold. Conclusions These studies show that under normal conditions, subthreshold desensitization leads to loss of two critical signaling molecules (FcεRI and syk) but under at least one condition, treatment with IL-3, it is possible to markedly blunt the loss of syk, but not FcεRI, while executing a proper subthreshold titration. These data also suggest that IL-3 modifies only the sensitivity of signaling elements that are downstream of syk activation. PMID:22702505

  6. Assessment of statistic analysis in non-radioisotopic local lymph node assay (non-RI-LLNA) with alpha-hexylcinnamic aldehyde as an example.

    PubMed

    Takeyoshi, Masahiro; Sawaki, Masakuni; Yamasaki, Kanji; Kimber, Ian

    2003-09-30

    The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is used for the identification of chemicals that have the potential to cause skin sensitization. However, it requires specific facility and handling procedures to accommodate a radioisotopic (RI) endpoint. We have developed non-radioisotopic (non-RI) endpoint of LLNA based on BrdU incorporation to avoid a use of RI. Although this alternative method appears viable in principle, it is somewhat less sensitive than the standard assay. In this study, we report investigations to determine the use of statistical analysis to improve the sensitivity of a non-RI LLNA procedure with alpha-hexylcinnamic aldehyde (HCA) in two separate experiments. Consequently, the alternative non-RI method required HCA concentrations of greater than 25% to elicit a positive response based on the criterion for classification as a skin sensitizer in the standard LLNA. Nevertheless, dose responses to HCA in the alternative method were consistent in both experiments and we examined whether the use of an endpoint based upon the statistical significance of induced changes in LNC turnover, rather than an SI of 3 or greater, might provide for additional sensitivity. The results reported here demonstrate that with HCA at least significant responses were, in each of two experiments, recorded following exposure of mice to 25% of HCA. These data suggest that this approach may be more satisfactory-at least when BrdU incorporation is measured. However, this modification of the LLNA is rather less sensitive than the standard method if employing statistical endpoint. Taken together the data reported here suggest that a modified LLNA in which BrdU is used in place of radioisotope incorporation shows some promise, but that in its present form, even with the use of a statistical endpoint, lacks some of the sensitivity of the standard method. The challenge is to develop strategies for further refinement of this approach.

  7. Effect of MeJA treatment on polyamine, energy status and anthracnose rot of loquat fruit.

    PubMed

    Cao, Shifeng; Cai, Yuting; Yang, Zhenfeng; Joyce, Daryl C; Zheng, Yonghua

    2014-02-15

    The effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on changes in polyamines content and energy status and their relation to disease resistance was investigated. Freshly harvested loquat fruit were treated with 10 μmol l(-1) MeJA and wound inoculated with Colletotrichum acutatum spore suspension (1.0 × 10(5) spores ml(-1)) after 24h, and then stored at 20 °C for 6 days. MeJA treatment significantly reduced decay incidence. MeJA treated fruit manifested higher contents of polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) compared with the control fruit, during storage. MeJA treatment also maintained higher levels of adenosine triphosphate, and suppressed an increase in adenosine monophosphate content in loquat fruit. These results suggest that MeJA treatment may inhibit anthracnose rot by increasing polyamine content and maintaining the energy status. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  8. 76 FR 65211 - Steiff North America, Lincoln, RI; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-10-20

    ... DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration [TA-W-80,297] Steiff North America, Lincoln, RI; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration By application... conclude that the claim is of sufficient weight to justify reconsideration of the U.S. Department of Labor...

  9. AhR mediates an anti-inflammatory feedback mechanism in human Langerhans cells involving FcεRI and IDO.

    PubMed

    Koch, S; Stroisch, T J; Vorac, J; Herrmann, N; Leib, N; Schnautz, S; Kirins, H; Förster, I; Weighardt, H; Bieber, T

    2017-11-01

    Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), an important regulator of immune responses, is activated by UVB irradiation in the skin. Langerhans cells (LC) in the epidermis of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) carry the high-affinity receptor for IgE, FcεRI, and are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of AD by inducing inflammatory responses and regulating tolerogenic processes. We investigated AhR and AhR repressor (AhRR) expression and functional consequences of AhR activation in human ex vivo skin cells and in in vitro-generated LC. Epidermal cells from healthy skin were analyzed for their expression of AhR and AhRR. LC generated from CD34 + hematopoietic stem cells (CD34LC) were treated with the UV photoproduct and AhR ligand 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ). Cell surface receptors, transcription factors, and the tolerogenic tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) were analyzed using flow cytometry and quantitative PCR. Epidermal LC and CD34LC express AhR and AhRR. AhR was also found in keratinocytes, which lack AhRR. AhR activation of LC by FICZ caused downregulation of FcεRI in CD34LC without affecting their maturation. AhR-mediated regulation of FcεRI did not involve any known transcription factors related to this receptor. Furthermore, we could show upregulation of IDO mediated by AhR engagement. Our study shows that AhR activation by FICZ reduces FcεRI and upregulates IDO expression in LC. This AhR-mediated anti-inflammatory feedback mechanism may dampen the allergen-induced inflammation in AD. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

  10. 77 FR 49028 - Submission for Review: Notice of Change in Student's Status, RI25-15

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-08-15

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Notice of Change in Student's Status, RI25..., Notice of Change in Student's Status. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13... other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting...

  11. Direct evidence that FK506 inhibition of FcepsilonRI-mediated exocytosis from RBL mast cells involves calcineurin.

    PubMed

    Hultsch, T; Brand, P; Lohmann, S; Saloga, J; Kincaid, R L; Knop, J

    1998-05-01

    FcepsilonRI-mediated exocytosis of preformed mediators from mast cells and basophils (e.g. histamine, serotonin, beta-hexosaminidase) is sensitive to the immunosuppressants cyclosporin A and FK506 (IC50 200 and 4 nM, respectively) but not rapamycin. The mechanism of inhibition does not appear to involve tyrosine phosphorylation, hydrolysis of inositol phosphates or calcium flux. Here we report experiments using a molecular approach to assess the role of calcineurin, a serine/threonine phosphatase thought to be the primary pharmacological target of these drugs. Calcineurin's activity requires association of its catalytic (A) subunit with an intrinsic regulatory (B) subunit. We hypothesized that calcineurin-sensitive signalling events should be affected by the depletion of calcineurin B subunits, thereby reducing the number of active A:B complexes. We therefore transfected rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells with an inhibitory (dominant negative) form of the calcineurin A subunit, which binds the calcineurin B subunit with high affinity but does not possess catalytic activity (B subunit knock-out, BKO). In these transfected cells, the dose-response curve for the inhibition of FcepsilonRI-mediated exocytosis by FK506 was shifted to the left, indicating an increased drug sensitivity of BKO-transfected cells. We conclude that FK506 inhibition of FcepsilonRI-mediated exocytosis in mast cells specifically targets calcineurin activity.

  12. Clinical efficacy of omalizumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria is associated with a reduction of FcεRI-positive cells in the skin.

    PubMed

    Metz, Martin; Staubach, Petra; Bauer, Andrea; Brehler, Randolf; Gericke, Janine; Kangas, Michael; Ashton-Chess, Joanna; Jarvis, Philip; Georgiou, Panayiotis; Canvin, Janice; Hillenbrand, Rainer; Erpenbeck, Veit J; Maurer, Marcus

    2017-01-01

    Background. Treatment with omalizumab, a humanized recombinant monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, results in clinical efficacy in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU). The mechanism of action of omalizumab in CSU has not been elucidated in detail. Objectives. To determine the effects of omalizumab on levels of high affinity IgE receptor-positive (FcεRI + ) and IgE-positive (IgE + ) dermal cells and blood basophils. Treatment efficacy and safety were also assessed. Study design. In a double-blind study, CSU patients aged 18‑75 years were randomized to receive 300 mg omalizumab (n=20) or placebo (n=10) subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Changes in disease activity were assessed by use of the weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7). Circulating IgE levels, basophil numbers and levels of expression of FcεRI + and IgE + cells in the skin and in blood basophils were determined. Results. Patients receiving omalizumab showed a significantly greater decrease in UAS7 compared with patients receiving placebo. At Week 12 the mean difference in UAS7 between treatment groups was -14.82 (p=0.0027), consistent with previous studies. Total IgE levels in serum were increased after omalizumab treatment and remained elevated up to Week 12. Free IgE levels decreased after omalizumab treatment. Mean levels of FcεRI + skin cells in patients treated with omalizumab 300 mg were decreased at Week 12 compared with baseline in the dermis of both non-lesional and lesional skin, reaching levels comparable with those seen in healthy volunteers (HVs). There were no statistically significant changes in mean FcɛRI + cell levels in the placebo group. Similar results were seen for changes in IgE + cells, although the changes were not statistically significant. The level of peripheral blood basophils increased immediately after treatment start and returned to Baseline values after the follow-up period. The levels of FcεRI and IgE expression on peripheral blood basophils were

  13. Sirt1 negatively regulates FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation through AMPK- and PTP1B-dependent processes.

    PubMed

    Li, Xian; Lee, Youn Ju; Jin, Fansi; Park, Young Na; Deng, Yifeng; Kang, Youra; Yang, Ju Hye; Chang, Jae-Hoon; Kim, Dong-Young; Kim, Jung-Ae; Chang, Young-Chae; Ko, Hyun-Jeong; Kim, Cheorl-Ho; Murakami, Makoto; Chang, Hyeun Wook

    2017-07-25

    Sirt1, a key regulator of metabolism and longevity, has recently been implicated in the regulation of allergic reactions, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that Sirt1 negatively regulates FcεRI-stimulated mast cell activation and anaphylaxis through two mutually regulated pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Mast cell-specific knockout of Sirt1 dampened AMPK-dependent suppression of FcεRI signaling, thereby augmenting mast cell activation both in vitro and in vivo. Sirt1 inhibition of FcεRI signaling also involved an alternative component, PTP1B, which attenuated the inhibitory AMPK pathway and conversely enhanced the stimulatory Syk pathway, uncovering a novel role of this phosphatase. Moreover, a Sirt1 activator resveratrol stimulated the inhibitory AMPK axis, with reciprocal suppression of the stimulatory PTP1B/Syk axis, thus potently inhibiting anaphylaxis. Overall, our results provide a molecular explanation for the beneficial role of Sirt1 in allergy and underscore a potential application of Sirt1 activators as a new class of anti-allergic agents.

  14. EPA Awards $91,000 Environmental Education Grant to Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence, R.I.

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a $91,000 environmental education grant to the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in Providence, R.I. to work on a two-year effort to educate K-12 students in greater Providence about environmental

  15. Engineered selective plant male sterility through pollen-specific expression of the EcoRI restriction endonuclease.

    PubMed

    Millwood, Reginald J; Moon, Hong S; Poovaiah, Charleson R; Muthukumar, Balasubramaniam; Rice, John Hollis; Abercrombie, Jason M; Abercrombie, Laura L; Green, William Derek; Stewart, Charles Neal

    2016-05-01

    Unintended gene flow from transgenic plants via pollen, seed and vegetative propagation is a regulatory concern because of potential admixture in food and crop systems, as well as hybridization and introgression to wild and weedy relatives. Bioconfinement of transgenic pollen would help address some of these concerns and enable transgenic plant production for several crops where gene flow is an issue. Here, we demonstrate the expression of the restriction endonuclease EcoRI under the control of the tomato pollen-specific LAT52 promoter is an effective method for generating selective male sterility in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). Of nine transgenic events recovered, four events had very high bioconfinement with tightly controlled EcoRI expression in pollen and negligible-to-no expression other plant tissues. Transgenic plants had normal morphology wherein vegetative growth and reproductivity were similar to nontransgenic controls. In glasshouse experiments, transgenic lines were hand-crossed to both male-sterile and emasculated nontransgenic tobacco varieties. Progeny analysis of 16 000-40 000 seeds per transgenic line demonstrated five lines approached (>99.7%) or attained 100% bioconfinement for one or more generations. Bioconfinement was again demonstrated at or near 100% under field conditions where four transgenic lines were grown in close proximity to male-sterile tobacco, and 900-2100 seeds per male-sterile line were analysed for transgenes. Based upon these results, we conclude EcoRI-driven selective male sterility holds practical potential as a safe and reliable transgene bioconfinement strategy. Given the mechanism of male sterility, this method could be applicable to any plant species. © 2015 Society for Experimental Biology, Association of Applied Biologists and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. 77 FR 16974 - Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-23

    ...-AA08 Special Local Regulations; Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012, Narragansett Bay, RI AGENCY... Island, for the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival 2012. This action is necessary to provide for the safety..., during the Ocean State Tall Ships Festival on July 6-9, 2012. These temporary special local regulations...

  17. 78 FR 4172 - Submission for Review: RI 25-15, Notice of Change in Student's Status

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-01-18

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: RI 25-15, Notice of Change in Student's Status AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: 30-day notice and request for comments..., Notice of Change in Student's Status. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13...

  18. 77 FR 71200 - Submission for Review: Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-41

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-29

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: Initial Certification of Full-Time School...) 3206-0099, Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance. As required by the Paperwork Reduction... or faxed to (202) 395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RI 25-41, Initial Certification of Full-Time...

  19. Inhibition of glycosylation on a camelid antibody uniquely affects its FcγRI binding activity.

    PubMed

    Krahn, Natalie; Spearman, Maureen; Meier, Markus; Dorion-Thibaudeau, July; McDougall, Matthew; Patel, Trushar R; De Crescenzo, Gregory; Durocher, Yves; Stetefeld, Jörg; Butler, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Glycoengineering of mAbs has become common practice in attempts to generate the ideal mAb candidate for a wide range of therapeutic applications. The effects of these glycan modifications on the binding affinity of IgG mAbs for FcγRIIIa and their cytotoxicity are well known. However, little is understood about the effect that these modifications have on binding to the high affinity FcγRI receptor. This study analyzed the effect of variable N-glycosylation on a human-llama hybrid mAb (EG2-hFc, 80kDa) binding to FcγRI including a comparison to a full-sized IgG1 (DP-12, 150kDa). This was achieved by the addition of three glycosylation inhibitors (swainsonine, castanospermine, and kifunensine) independently to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell cultures to generate hybrid and high mannose glycan structures. Biophysical analysis by circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and analytical ultra-centrifugation confirmed that the solution-behaviour of the mAbs remained constant over multiple concentrations and glycan treatments. However, changes were observed when studying the interaction of FcγRI with variously glycosylated mAbs. Both mAbs were observed to have a decreased binding affinity upon treatment with swainsonine which produced hybrid glycans. Following de-glycosylation the binding affinity for EG2-hFc was only marginally reduced (6-fold) compared to a drastic (118-fold) decrease for DP-12. In summary, our data suggest that the relatively low molecular weight of chimeric EG2-hFc may contribute to its enhanced stability against glycan changes making it a highly suitable mAb candidate for therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Genomic Locus Modulating IOP in the BXD RI Mouse Strains

    PubMed Central

    King, Rebecca; Li, Ying; Wang, Jiaxing; Struebing, Felix L.; Geisert, Eldon E.

    2018-01-01

    Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary risk factor for developing glaucoma, yet little is known about the contribution of genomic background to IOP regulation. The present study leverages an array of systems genetics tools to study genomic factors modulating normal IOP in the mouse. The BXD recombinant inbred (RI) strain set was used to identify genomic loci modulating IOP. We measured the IOP in a total of 506 eyes from 38 different strains. Strain averages were subjected to conventional quantitative trait analysis by means of composite interval mapping. Candidate genes were defined, and immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used for validation. Of the 38 BXD strains examined the mean IOP ranged from a low of 13.2mmHg to a high of 17.1mmHg. The means for each strain were used to calculate a genome wide interval map. One significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) was found on Chr.8 (96 to 103 Mb). Within this 7 Mb region only 4 annotated genes were found: Gm15679, Cdh8, Cdh11 and Gm8730. Only two genes (Cdh8 and Cdh11) were candidates for modulating IOP based on the presence of non-synonymous SNPs. Further examination using SIFT (Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant) analysis revealed that the SNPs in Cdh8 (Cadherin 8) were predicted to not change protein function; while the SNPs in Cdh11 (Cadherin 11) would not be tolerated, affecting protein function. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CDH11 is expressed in the trabecular meshwork of the mouse. We have examined the genomic regulation of IOP in the BXD RI strain set and found one significant QTL on Chr. 8. Within this QTL, there is one good candidate gene, Cdh11. PMID:29496776

  1. 33 CFR 110.48 - Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I. 110.48 Section 110.48 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.48 Thompson...

  2. 33 CFR 110.48 - Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I. 110.48 Section 110.48 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.48 Thompson...

  3. 33 CFR 110.48 - Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I. 110.48 Section 110.48 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.48 Thompson...

  4. 33 CFR 110.48 - Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I. 110.48 Section 110.48 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.48 Thompson...

  5. 33 CFR 110.48 - Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Thompson Cove on east side of Pawcatuck River below Westerly, R.I. 110.48 Section 110.48 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.48 Thompson...

  6. Calcium response and FcepsilonRI expression in bone marrow-derived mast cells co-cultured with SCG neurites.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Akio; Suzuki, Ryo; Furuno, Tadahide; Teshima, Reiko; Nakanishi, Mamoru

    2005-10-01

    Communication between nerves and mast cells is a prototypic demonstration of neuro-immune interaction. Numerous studies have shown that the stimulation of nerves (or addition of neurotransmitters) can evoke activation of mast cells, and that mast cell-derived mediators can influence neuronal activity. However, it is still unknown whether high affinity IgE receptors (FcepsilonRI) themselves are involved directly in the communication between nerves and mast cells. In the present experiments, we used an in vitro co-culture approach comprising interaction between immune (bone marrow-derived mast cells, BMMCs) and nerve cells (superior cervical ganglia, SCG) to solve the above problem. We found that the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased much more in BMMCs after antigen (DNP7-BSA) stimulation when they were associated with SCG neurites in the co-culture system. But the [Ca2+]i in BMMCs was less increased when they were not associated with the neurites. Further, the in vitro co-culture approach of BMMCs with SCG neurites for 3 d showed the increases of FcepsilonRI expression occurred on the plasma membranes of BMMCs which were attached to the neurites. On the contrary, N-cadherin molecules which localized on the interface between on the plasma membrane of BMMCs and SCG neurites did not increase with the co-culture for 3 d. All of these results indicated that co-culturing BMMCs with SCG neurites for 3 d promoted not only the calcium response but also the FcepsilonRI expression in BMMCs.

  7. Parasitic production of slow RI-beam from a projectile fragment separator by ion guide Laser Ion Source (PALIS)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sonoda, Tetsu

    2009-10-01

    The projectile fragment separator BigRIPS of RIBF at RIKEN provides a wide variety of short-lived radioactive isotope (RI) ions without restrictions on their lifetime or chemical properties. A universal slow RI-beam facility (SLOWRI) to decelerate the beams from BigRIPS using an RF-carpet ion guide has been proposed as a principal facility of RIBF. However, beam time at such a modern accelerator facility is always limited and operational costs are high. We therefore propose an additional scheme as a complementary option to SLOWRI to drastically enhance the usability of such an expensive facility. In BigRIPS, a single primary beam produces thousands of isotopes but only one isotope is used for an experiment while the other >99.99% of isotopes are simply dumped in the slits or elsewhere in the fragment separator. We plan to locate a compact gas cell with 1 bar Ar at the slits. The thermalized ions in the cell will be quickly neutralized and transported to the exit by gas flow and resonantly re-ionized by lasers. Such low energy RI-beams will always be provided without any restriction to the main experiment. It will allow us to run parasitic experiments for precision atomic or decay spectroscopy, mass measurements. Furthermore, the resonance ionization in the cell itself can be used for high-sensitive laser spectroscopy, which will expand our knowledge of the ground state property of unstable nuclei.

  8. Contributions of F-BAR and SH2 domains of Fes protein tyrosine kinase for coupling to the FcepsilonRI pathway in mast cells.

    PubMed

    McPherson, Victor A; Everingham, Stephanie; Karisch, Robert; Smith, Julie A; Udell, Christian M; Zheng, Jimin; Jia, Zongchao; Craig, Andrew W B

    2009-01-01

    This study investigates the roles of Fer-CIP4 homology (FCH)-Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) and SH2 domains of Fes protein tyrosine kinase in regulating its activation and signaling downstream of the high-affinity immunoglobulin G (IgE) receptor (FcepsilonRI) in mast cells. Homology modeling of the Fes F-BAR domain revealed conservation of some basic residues implicated in phosphoinositide binding (R113/K114). The Fes F-BAR can bind phosphoinositides and induce tubulation of liposomes in vitro. Mutation of R113/K114 to uncharged residues (RK/QQ) caused a significant reduction in phosphoinositide binding in vitro and a more diffuse cytoplasmic localization in transfected COS-7 cells. RBL-2H3 mast cells expressing full-length Fes carrying the RK/QQ mutation show defects in FcepsilonRI-induced Fes tyrosine phosphorylation and degranulation compared to cells expressing wild-type Fes. This correlated with reduced localization to Lyn kinase-containing membrane fractions for the RK/QQ mutant compared to wild-type Fes in mast cells. The Fes SH2 domain also contributes to Fes signaling in mast cells, via interactions with the phosphorylated FcepsilonRI beta chain and the actin regulatory protein HS1. We show that Fes phosphorylates C-terminal tyrosine residues in HS1 implicated in actin stabilization. Thus, coordinated actions of the F-BAR and SH2 domains of Fes allow for coupling to FcepsilonRI signaling and potential regulation the actin reorganization in mast cells.

  9. 76 FR 22938 - Submission for Review: RI 25-37, Evidence To Prove Dependency of a Child

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-25

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: RI 25-37, Evidence To Prove Dependency of a..., Evidence to Prove Dependency of a Child. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13... Dependency of a Child, is designed to collect sufficient information for the Office of Personnel Management...

  10. Some Challenges of an “Upside Down” Nitrogen Budget – Science and Management in Greenwich Bay, RI (USA)

    EPA Science Inventory

    When nutrients impact estuarine water quality, scientists and managers instinctively focus on quantifying and controlling land-based sources. However, in Greenwich Bay, RI, the estuary opens onto a larger and more intensively fertilized coastal water body (Narragansett Bay). Prev...

  11. JaSTA-2: Second version of the Java Superposition T-matrix Application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halder, Prithish; Das, Himadri Sekhar

    2017-12-01

    In this article, we announce the development of a new version of the Java Superposition T-matrix App (JaSTA-2), to study the light scattering properties of porous aggregate particles. It has been developed using Netbeans 7.1.2, which is a java integrated development environment (IDE). The JaSTA uses double precision superposition T-matrix codes for multi-sphere clusters in random orientation, developed by Mackowski and Mischenko (1996). The new version consists of two options as part of the input parameters: (i) single wavelength and (ii) multiple wavelengths. The first option (which retains the applicability of older version of JaSTA) calculates the light scattering properties of aggregates of spheres for a single wavelength at a given instant of time whereas the second option can execute the code for a multiple numbers of wavelengths in a single run. JaSTA-2 provides convenient and quicker data analysis which can be used in diverse fields like Planetary Science, Atmospheric Physics, Nanoscience, etc. This version of the software is developed for Linux platform only, and it can be operated over all the cores of a processor using the multi-threading option.

  12. 76 FR 54810 - Submission for Review: 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School Attendance, RI 25-49

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-02

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School...) 3206-0215, Verification of Full-Time School Attendance. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of... or faxed to (202) 395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RI 25-49, Verification of Full-Time School...

  13. High-Rate Mechanical Properties of JA2 Propellant at Temperatures from -50 to 80 deg C

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-01

    panorama of postcompression JA2 grain sample (uniaxially compressed at a rate of ~100 s–1, 80 °C, and strain greater than 40%), 50× magnification...19 Fig. 36 SEM panorama of postcompression JA2 grain sample...19 Fig. 37 SEM panorama of postcompression JA2 grain sample (uniaxially compressed at a rate of ~100 s–1, 60 °C, and strain

  14. Spontaneous food allergy in Was-/- mice occurs independent of FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation.

    PubMed

    Lexmond, W S; Goettel, J A; Sallis, B F; McCann, K; Rings, E H H M; Jensen-Jarolim, E; Nurko, S; Snapper, S B; Fiebiger, E

    2017-12-01

    Food allergies are a growing health problem, and the development of therapies that prevent disease onset is limited by the lack of adjuvant-free experimental animal models. We compared allergic sensitization in patients with food allergy or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and defined whether spontaneous disease in Was -/- mice recapitulates the pathology of a conventional disease model and/or human food allergy. Comparative ImmunoCAP ISAC microarray was performed in patients with food allergy or WAS. Spontaneous food allergy in Was -/- mice was compared to an adjuvant-based model in wild-type mice (WT-OVA/alum). Intestinal and systemic anaphylaxis was assessed, and the role of the high-affinity IgE Fc receptor (FcεRI) in allergic sensitization was evaluated using Was -/- Fcer1a -/- mice. Polysensitization to food was detected in both WAS and food-allergic patients which was recapitulated in the Was -/- model. Oral administration of ovalbumin (OVA) in Was -/- mice induced low titers of OVA-specific IgE compared to the WT-OVA/alum model. Irrespectively, 79% of Was -/- mice developed allergic diarrhea following oral OVA challenge. Systemic anaphylaxis occurred in Was -/- mice (95%) with a mortality rate >50%. Spontaneous sensitization and intestinal allergy occurred independent of FcεRI expression on mast cells (MCs) and basophils. Was -/- mice provide a model of food allergy with the advantage of mimicking polysensitization and low food-antigen IgE titers as observed in humans with clinical food allergy. This model will facilitate studies on aberrant immune responses during spontaneous disease development. Our results imply that therapeutic targeting of the IgE/FcεRI activation cascade will not affect sensitization to food. © 2017 EAACI and John Wiley and Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

  15. Bronchopulmonary C-fibers' IL1RI contributes to the prolonged apneic response to intra-atrial injection of capsaicin by prenatal nicotinic exposure in rat pups

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

    Zhao, Lei; Zhuang, Jianguo; Xu, Fadi, E-mail: fxu@

    Prenatal nicotinic exposure (PNE) as a SIDS model reportedly sensitizes bronchopulmonary C-fibers (PCFs), contributing to the prolonged PCF-mediated apnea in rat pups, but the relevant mechanisms are not fully understood. Pulmonary IL-1β upregulated by cigarette smoke is known to stimulate or sensitize PCFs acting via IL-1 type I receptor (IL1RI) and inhibit inspiration frequency. Because of its upregulation observed in SIDS victims, we hypothesized that PNE increased pulmonary IL-1β release and IL1RI expression in pulmonary C-neurons via action on α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) to induce the prolonged PCF-mediated apnea. IL-1β in BALF and IL1RI in the nodose/jugular (N/J) ganglionmore » and vagal pulmonary C-neurons retrogradely-traced were compared between Ctrl (saline) and PNE pups and among the vehicle-treated Ctrl and PNE and methyllycaconitine (a selective α7nAChR antagonist)-treated PNE pups. The effect of IL-1RI blockade (IL-1Ra) on the PCF-mediated apnea was also compared between Ctrl and PNE pups. PNE significantly elevated IL-1β in BALF and upregulated IL1RI gene and protein expression in N/J ganglia and gene in vagal pulmonary C-neurons. All of these responses were eliminated by pretreatment with blockade of α7nAChR. In addition, the prolonged PCF-mediated apnea in PNE pups was significantly shortened by right atrial bolus injection of IL-1Ra. We conclude that PNE enhances pulmonary IL-1β release and PCF IL1RI expression acting via α7nAChR in contributing to sensitization of PCFs and prolongation of the PCF-mediated apneic response. - Highlights: • PNE increased pulmonary IL-1β release and IL1R1 expression in the N/J ganglia. • PNE elevated IL1R1 mRNA in vagal pulmonary C-neurons. • Blockage of peripheral IL1R1 reduced the PNE-induced PCF sensitization. • PNE induced the changes in IL-1β and IL1R1 dependent on action of α7nAChR.« less

  16. 76 FR 23193 - Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Approaches to Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Narragansett Bay, RI...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-04-26

    ...-AB55 Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Approaches to Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Narragansett Bay, RI..., interim rule codifying traffic separation schemes in the approaches to Portland, ME; in the approaches to... Cape Fear River, NC, and updating the then-current regulations for the traffic separation scheme in the...

  17. 75 FR 77529 - Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Approaches to Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Narragansett Bay, RI...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-13

    ...-AB55 Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Approaches to Portland, ME; Boston, MA; Narragansett Bay, RI... schemes in the approaches to Portland, ME; in the approaches to Boston, MA; in the approaches to... Coast Guard updates the current regulations for the traffic separation scheme in the approaches to...

  18. A comment on the paper by R.I. Khrapko 'On the possibility of an experiment on 'nonlocality' of electrodynamics'

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

    Venediktov, V Yu

    2015-04-30

    This methodological note is dedicated to the analysis of the imaginary experiment proposed in the paper by R.I. Khrapko 'On the possibility of an experiment on 'nonlocality' of electrodynamics' [Quantum Electronics, 42, 1133 (2012)]. (discussion)

  19. The leukocyte receptor CD84 inhibits Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling through homophilic interaction in transfected RBL-2H3 cells.

    PubMed

    Oliver-Vila, Irene; Saborit-Villarroya, Ifigènia; Engel, Pablo; Martin, Margarita

    2008-04-01

    Signaling through the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI) results in the coordinated activation of tyrosine kinases, thus leading to calcium mobilization, degranulation, and leukotriene and cytokine synthesis. Here, we show that CD84, a member of the CD150 family of leukocyte receptors, inhibits Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell degranulation in CD84-transfected rat basophilic leukaemia-2H3 mast cell line cells (RBL-2H3) through homophilic interaction. There was no reduction in overall protein phosphorylation following IgE triggering in CD84 RBL-2H3 cells. Indeed, phosphorylation of Dok-1 and c-Cbl increased in CD84 RBL-2H3, suggesting that inhibition is mediated by these molecules. MAP kinase phosphorylation (ERK1/2, JNK and p38) and cytokine synthesis were impaired in CD84 RBL-2H3. This inhibitory mechanism was independent of SAP and SHP-2 recruitment. Interestingly, CD84 mutants in tyrosines (Y279F and DeltaY324) reversed this inhibitory profile. These data suggest that CD84 may play a role in modulating Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling in mast cells. Thus, CD84 could play a protective role against undesired allergic and inflammatory responses.

  20. Analytical Characterization of the Hydrolysis of Barley Malt Macromolecules During Enzymatic Degradation Over Time Using AF4/MALS/RI.

    PubMed

    Rübsam, Heinrich; Becker, Thomas; Gastl, Martina

    2017-06-01

    The changes on the molecular weight distribution (MWD) and particle size distribution (PSD) during hydrolysis of barley malt in isothermal mashing procedures were determined using asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation coupled to multiangle laser light scattering and refractive index (AF4/MALS/RI). Mash/trials were focused on amylolytic starch degradation. Therefore, temperatures (65, 70, and 75 °C) were selected according to α- and β-amylases range of activity. Samples were produced by triplicate, tracking amylolytic processes over time periods from 10 to 90 min in each mash/trial. AF4/MALS/RI analysis demonstrated significant differences on the values of the MWD and PSD according to the temperature/time profile used. At mashing times over 30 min at a temperature of 65 °C, when α- and β-amylase are both active, the decrease over time of the MWD and PSD was significantly higher (P < 0.005) than at 70 °C when mainly α-amylase is active. At 75 °C, also the activity of α-amylase decreased and the MWD and PSD were significantly lower (P < 0.005) than at 70 or 65 °C at any time of the procedure. The MWD and PSD of beer components influence beer palate fullness, thus AF4/ MALS/RI would be a powerful tool for breweries to adapt their technological processes to obtain beers with particular sensorial attributes. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

  1. 77 FR 14032 - John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System; Lee County, FL, and Newport County, RI...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-03-08

    ..., FXHC11240900000T5, 123] John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System; Lee County, FL, and Newport County, RI... Lee County, Florida. The second map, dated September 30, 2009, is for four CBRS units located in... by Lee County, and 1 restaurant. The Service's assessment of 2011 aerial imagery estimates that the...

  2. Total and partial sleep deprivation: Effects on plasma TNF-αRI, TNF-αRII, and IL-6, and reversal by caffeine operating through adenosine A2 receptor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shearer, William T.; Reuben, James M.; Lee, Bang-Ning; Mullington, Janet; Price, Nicholas; Dinges, David F.

    2000-01-01

    Plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α are elevated in individuals who are deprived of sleep. TNF-α regulates expression of its soluble receptors, sTNF-αRI and sTNF-αRII. Sleep deprivation (SD) also increases extracellular adenosine that induces sedation and sleep. An antagonist of adenosine, caffeine, raises exogenous adenosine levels, stimulates the expression of IL-6 and inhibits the release of TNF-α. Our objective was to determine the effect of total SD (TSD) or partial SD (PSD) on the levels of these sleep regulatory molecules in volunteers who experienced SD with or without the consumption of caffeine. Plasma levels of IL-6, sTNF-αRI and sTNF-αRII were assayed by ELISA in samples collected at 90-min intervals from each subject over an 88-hour period. The results were analyzed by the repeated measures ANOVA. Whereas only TSD significantly increased sTNF-αRI over time, caffeine suppressed both sTNF-α receptors in TSD and PSD subjects. The selective increase in the expression of sTNF-αRI and not sTNF-αRII in subjects experiencing TSD with caffeine compared with others experiencing PSD with caffeine has not been previously reported. Moreover, caffeine significantly increased IL-6 in TSD subjects compared with those who did not receive caffeine. However, subjects who were permitted intermittent naps (PSD) ablated the effects of caffeine and reduced their level of IL-6 to that of the TSD group. These data further lend support to the hypothesis that the sTNF-αRI and not the sTNF-αRII plays a significant role in sleep regulation by TNF-α. .

  3. Motivational Interviewing and Medication Review in Coronary Heart Disease (MIMeRiC): Intervention Development and Protocol for the Process Evaluation.

    PubMed

    Östbring, Malin Johansson; Eriksson, Tommy; Petersson, Göran; Hellström, Lina

    2018-01-30

    Trials of complex interventions are often criticized for being difficult to interpret because the effects of apparently similar interventions vary across studies dependent on context, targeted groups, and the delivery of the intervention. The Motivational Interviewing and Medication Review in Coronary heart disease (MIMeRiC) trial is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an intervention aimed at improving pharmacological secondary prevention. Guidelines for the development and evaluation of complex interventions have recently highlighted the need for better reporting of the development of interventions, including descriptions of how the intervention is assumed to work, how this theory informed the process evaluation, and how the process evaluation relates to the outcome evaluation. This paper aims to describe how the intervention was designed and developed. The aim of the process evaluation is to better understand how and why the intervention in the MIMeRiC trial was effective or not effective. The research questions for evaluating the process are based on the conceptual model of change processes assumed in the intervention and will be analyzed by qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data are used to evaluate the medication review in terms of drug-related problems, to describe how patients' beliefs about medicines are affected by the intervention, and to evaluate the quality of motivational interviewing. Qualitative data will be used to analyze whether patients experienced the intervention as intended, how cardiologists experienced the collaboration and intervention, and how the intervention affected patients' overall experience of care after coronary heart disease. The development and piloting of the intervention are described in relation to the theoretical framework. Data for the process evaluation will be collected until March 2018. Some process evaluation questions will be analyzed before, and others will be analyzed after the outcomes of the

  4. Absence of Tec Family Kinases Interleukin-2 Inducible T cell Kinase (Itk) and Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase (Btk) Severely Impairs FcϵRI-dependent Mast Cell Responses*

    PubMed Central

    Iyer, Archana S.; Morales, J. Luis; Huang, Weishan; Ojo, Folake; Ning, Gang; Wills, Elizabeth; Baines, Joel D.; August, Avery

    2011-01-01

    Mast cells are critical effector cells in the pathophysiology of allergic asthma and other IgE-mediated diseases. The Tec family of tyrosine kinases Itk and Btk serve as critical signal amplifiers downstream of antigen receptors. Although both kinases are expressed and activated in mast cells following FcϵRI stimulation, their individual contributions are not clear. To determine whether these kinases play unique and/or complementary roles in FcϵRI signaling and mast cell function, we generated Itk and Btk double knock-out mice. Analyses of these mice show decreased mast cell granularity and impaired passive systemic anaphylaxis responses. This impaired response is accompanied by a significant elevation in serum IgE in Itk/Btk double knock-out mice. In vitro analyses of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) indicated that Itk/Btk double knock-out BMMCs are defective in degranulation and cytokine secretion responses downstream to FcϵRI activation. These responses were accompanied by a significant reduction in PLCγ2 phosphorylation and severely impaired calcium responses in these cells. This defect also results in altered NFAT1 nuclear localization in double knock-out BMMCs. Network analysis suggests that although they may share substrates, Itk plays both positive and negative roles, while Btk primarily plays a positive role in mast cell FcϵRI-induced cytokine secretion. PMID:21212279

  5. SunRiSE - measuring translation elongation at single-cell resolution by means of flow cytometry.

    PubMed

    Argüello, Rafael J; Reverendo, Marisa; Mendes, Andreia; Camosseto, Voahirana; Torres, Adrian G; Ribas de Pouplana, Lluis; van de Pavert, Serge A; Gatti, Evelina; Pierre, Philippe

    2018-05-31

    The rate at which ribosomes translate mRNAs regulates protein expression by controlling co-translational protein folding and mRNA stability. Many factors regulate translation elongation, including tRNA levels, codon usage and phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). Current methods to measure translation elongation lack single-cell resolution, require expression of multiple transgenes and have never been successfully applied ex vivo Here, we show, by using a combination of puromycilation detection and flow cytometry (a method we call 'SunRiSE'), that translation elongation can be measured accurately in primary cells in pure or heterogenous populations isolated from blood or tissues. This method allows for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters, such as mTOR or S6K1/2 signaling activity, the cell cycle stage and phosphorylation of translation factors in single cells, without elaborated, costly and lengthy purification procedures. We took advantage of SunRiSE to demonstrate that, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, eEF2 phosphorylation by eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) mostly affects translation engagement, but has a surprisingly small effect on elongation, except after proteotoxic stress induction.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  6. Analysis of Endonuclease R·EcoRI Fragments of DNA from Lambdoid Bacteriophages and Other Viruses by Agarose-Gel Electrophoresis

    PubMed Central

    Helling, Robert B.; Goodman, Howard M.; Boyer, Herbert W.

    1974-01-01

    By means of agarose-gel electrophoresis, endonuclease R·EcoRI-generated fragments of DNA from various viruses were separated, their molecular weights were determined, and complete or partial fragment maps for lambda, φ80, and hybrid phages were constructed. Images PMID:4372397

  7. Down-regulation of FcεRI-mediated CD63 basophil response during short-term VIT determined venom-nonspecific desensitization.

    PubMed

    Čelesnik Smodiš, Nina; Šilar, Mira; Eržen, Renato; Rijavec, Matija; Košnik, Mitja; Korošec, Peter

    2014-01-01

    We recently showed a desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response after short-term VIT. Our aim was to evaluate the allergen specificity of this desensitization. In 11 Hymenoptera-venom double positive subjects, basophil threshold sensitivity (CD-sens) to anti-FcεRI, honeybee, and Vespula venom was assessed at the beginning and just before the first maintenance dose (MD) of single ultra-rush VIT. In some patients we also monitored CD-sens to rApi m 1 and/or rVes v 5 or other co-sensitizations (i.e., grass pollen). In additional 7 patients, basophils were stripped and sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) IgEs at the same time points. We demonstrated a marked reduction of CD-sens to anti-FcεRI and VIT-specific venom before the first MD in all 18 subjects included. Furthermore, in 10 out of 11 double positive subjects, a significant and comparable decrease before the first MD was also evident for non-VIT venom; this nonspecific decrease was further supported by the opposite recombinant species-specific major allergen. In one subject with additional grass pollen allergy, a decrease of CD-sens to grass allergen was also demonstrated. Similarly, in 7 cases of patients with passively HDM-sensitized basophils, a significant reduction of CD-sens was also evident to de novo sensitized HDM allergen. Short-term VIT induced basophil desensitization to VIT-specific as well as to VIT-nonspecific venom. As opposed to long-term VIT, which induces venom-specific changes, the effect of short-term VIT seems to be venom-nonspecific.

  8. 76 FR 50771 - Submission for Review: RI 25-37, Evidence To Prove Dependency of a Child, 3206-0206

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-16

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: RI 25-37, Evidence To Prove Dependency of a...) 3206-0206, Evidence to Prove Dependency of a Child. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995... or faxed to (202) 395-6974. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Evidence to Prove Dependency of a Child is...

  9. Lin- CD34hi CD117int/hi FcεRI+ cells in human blood constitute a rare population of mast cell progenitors.

    PubMed

    Dahlin, Joakim S; Malinovschi, Andrei; Öhrvik, Helena; Sandelin, Martin; Janson, Christer; Alving, Kjell; Hallgren, Jenny

    2016-01-28

    Mast cells are rare tissue-resident immune cells that are involved in allergic reactions, and their numbers are increased in the lungs of asthmatics. Murine lung mast cells arise from committed bone marrow-derived progenitors that enter the blood circulation, migrate through the pulmonary endothelium, and mature in the tissue. In humans, mast cells can be cultured from multipotent CD34(+) progenitor cells. However, a population of distinct precursor cells that give rise to mast cells has remained undiscovered. To our knowledge, this is the first report of human lineage-negative (Lin(-)) CD34(hi) CD117(int/hi) FcεRI(+) progenitor cells, which represented only 0.0053% of the isolated blood cells in healthy individuals. These cells expressed integrin β7 and developed a mast cell-like phenotype, although with a slow cell division capacity in vitro. Isolated Lin(-) CD34(hi) CD117(int/hi) FcεRI(+) blood cells had an immature mast cell-like appearance and expressed high levels of many mast cell-related genes as compared with human blood basophils in whole-transcriptome microarray analyses. Furthermore, serglycin, tryptase, and carboxypeptidase A messenger RNA transcripts were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Altogether, we propose that the Lin(-) CD34(hi) CD117(int/hi) FcεRI(+) blood cells are closely related to human tissue mast cells and likely constitute an immediate precursor population, which can give rise to predominantly mast cells. Furthermore, asthmatics with reduced lung function had a higher frequency of Lin(-) CD34(hi) CD117(int/hi) FcεRI(+) blood mast cell progenitors than asthmatics with normal lung function. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology.

  10. Contributions of F-BAR and SH2 Domains of Fes Protein Tyrosine Kinase for Coupling to the FcɛRI Pathway in Mast Cells▿ †

    PubMed Central

    McPherson, Victor A.; Everingham, Stephanie; Karisch, Robert; Smith, Julie A.; Udell, Christian M.; Zheng, Jimin; Jia, Zongchao; Craig, Andrew W. B.

    2009-01-01

    This study investigates the roles of Fer-CIP4 homology (FCH)-Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) and SH2 domains of Fes protein tyrosine kinase in regulating its activation and signaling downstream of the high-affinity immunoglobulin G (IgE) receptor (FcɛRI) in mast cells. Homology modeling of the Fes F-BAR domain revealed conservation of some basic residues implicated in phosphoinositide binding (R113/K114). The Fes F-BAR can bind phosphoinositides and induce tubulation of liposomes in vitro. Mutation of R113/K114 to uncharged residues (RK/QQ) caused a significant reduction in phosphoinositide binding in vitro and a more diffuse cytoplasmic localization in transfected COS-7 cells. RBL-2H3 mast cells expressing full-length Fes carrying the RK/QQ mutation show defects in FcɛRI-induced Fes tyrosine phosphorylation and degranulation compared to cells expressing wild-type Fes. This correlated with reduced localization to Lyn kinase-containing membrane fractions for the RK/QQ mutant compared to wild-type Fes in mast cells. The Fes SH2 domain also contributes to Fes signaling in mast cells, via interactions with the phosphorylated FcɛRI β chain and the actin regulatory protein HS1. We show that Fes phosphorylates C-terminal tyrosine residues in HS1 implicated in actin stabilization. Thus, coordinated actions of the F-BAR and SH2 domains of Fes allow for coupling to FcɛRI signaling and potential regulation the actin reorganization in mast cells. PMID:19001085

  11. Application of STORMTOOLS's simplified flood inundation model with sea level rise to assess impacts to RI coastal areas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Spaulding, M. L.

    2015-12-01

    The vision for STORMTOOLS is to provide access to a suite of coastal planning tools (numerical models et al), available as a web service, that allows wide spread accessibly and applicability at high resolution for user selected coastal areas of interest. The first product developed under this framework were flood inundation maps, with and without sea level rise, for varying return periods for RI coastal waters. The flood mapping methodology is based on using the water level vs return periods at a primary NOAA water level gauging station and then spatially scaling the values, based on the predictions of high resolution, storm and wave simulations performed by Army Corp of Engineers, North Atlantic Comprehensive Coastal Study (NACCS) for tropical and extratropical storms on an unstructured grid, to estimate inundation levels for varying return periods. The scaling for the RI application used Newport, RI water levels as the reference point. Predictions are provided for once in 25, 50, and 100 yr return periods (at the upper 95% confidence level), with sea level rises of 1, 2, 3, and 5 ft. Simulations have also been performed for historical hurricane events including 1938, Carol (1954), Bob (1991), and Sandy (2012) and nuisance flooding events with return periods of 1, 3, 5, and 10 yr. Access to the flooding maps is via a web based, map viewer that seamlessly covers all coastal waters of the state at one meter resolution. The GIS structure of the map viewer allows overlays of additional relevant data sets (roads and highways, wastewater treatment facilities, schools, hospitals, emergency evacuation routes, etc.) as desired by the user. The simplified flooding maps are publically available and are now being implemented for state and community resilience planning and vulnerability assessment activities in response to climate change impacts.

  12. Down-Regulation of FcεRI-Mediated CD63 Basophil Response during Short-Term VIT Determined Venom-Nonspecific Desensitization

    PubMed Central

    Čelesnik Smodiš, Nina; Šilar, Mira; Eržen, Renato; Rijavec, Matija; Košnik, Mitja; Korošec, Peter

    2014-01-01

    Background We recently showed a desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response after short-term VIT. Our aim was to evaluate the allergen specificity of this desensitization. Methods In 11 Hymenoptera-venom double positive subjects, basophil threshold sensitivity (CD-sens) to anti-FcεRI, honeybee, and Vespula venom was assessed at the beginning and just before the first maintenance dose (MD) of single ultra-rush VIT. In some patients we also monitored CD-sens to rApi m 1 and/or rVes v 5 or other co-sensitizations (i.e., grass pollen). In additional 7 patients, basophils were stripped and sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) IgEs at the same time points. Results We demonstrated a marked reduction of CD-sens to anti-FcεRI and VIT-specific venom before the first MD in all 18 subjects included. Furthermore, in 10 out of 11 double positive subjects, a significant and comparable decrease before the first MD was also evident for non-VIT venom; this nonspecific decrease was further supported by the opposite recombinant species-specific major allergen. In one subject with additional grass pollen allergy, a decrease of CD-sens to grass allergen was also demonstrated. Similarly, in 7 cases of patients with passively HDM-sensitized basophils, a significant reduction of CD-sens was also evident to de novo sensitized HDM allergen. Conclusions Short-term VIT induced basophil desensitization to VIT-specific as well as to VIT-nonspecific venom. As opposed to long-term VIT, which induces venom-specific changes, the effect of short-term VIT seems to be venom-nonspecific. PMID:24733549

  13. Arabidopsis GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK) transcription factors activate jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent disease susceptibility to the biotrophic pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis, as well as JA-independent plant immunity against the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

    PubMed

    Murmu, Jhadeswar; Wilton, Michael; Allard, Ghislaine; Pandeya, Radhey; Desveaux, Darrell; Singh, Jas; Subramaniam, Rajagopal

    2014-02-01

    Arabidopsis thaliana GOLDEN2-LIKE (GLK1 and 2) transcription factors regulate chloroplast development in a redundant manner. Overexpression of AtGLK1 (35S:AtGLK1) in Arabidopsis also confers resistance to the cereal pathogen Fusarium graminearum. To further elucidate the role of GLK transcription factors in plant defence, the Arabidopsis glk1 glk2 double-mutant and 35S:AtGLK1 plants were challenged with the virulent oomycete pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa) Noco2. Compared with Col-0, glk1 glk2 plants were highly resistant to Hpa Noco2, whereas 35S:AtGLK1 plants showed enhanced susceptibility to this pathogen. Genetic studies suggested that AtGLK-mediated plant defence to Hpa Noco2 was partially dependent on salicylic acid (SA) accumulation, but independent of the SA signalling protein NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED 1 (NPR1). Pretreatment with jasmonic acid (JA) dramatically reversed Hpa Noco2 resistance in the glk1 glk2 double mutant, but only marginally affected the 35S:AtGLK1 plants. In addition, overexpression of AtGLK1 in the JA signalling mutant coi1-16 did not increase susceptibility to Hpa Noco2. Together, our GLK gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments suggest that GLK acts upstream of JA signalling in disease susceptibility to Hpa Noco2. In contrast, glk1 glk2 plants were more susceptible to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, whereas 35S:AtGLK1 plants exhibited heightened resistance which could be maintained in the absence of JA signalling. Together, the data reveal that AtGLK1 is involved in JA-dependent susceptibility to the biotrophic pathogen Hpa Noco2 and in JA-independent resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen B. cinerea. © 2013 HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN IN RIGHT OF CANADA. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY © 2013 BSPP. REPRODUCED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD CANADA.

  14. Parasitism by Cuscuta pentagona sequentially induces JA and SA defence pathways in tomato.

    PubMed

    Runyon, Justin B; Mescher, Mark C; Felton, Gary W; De Moraes, Consuelo M

    2010-02-01

    While plant responses to herbivores and pathogens are well characterized, responses to attack by other plants remain largely unexplored. We measured phytohormones and C(18) fatty acids in tomato attacked by the parasitic plant Cuscuta pentagona, and used transgenic and mutant plants to explore the roles of the defence-related phytohormones salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). Parasite attachment to 10-day-old tomato plants elicited few biochemical changes, but a second attachment 10 d later elicited a 60-fold increase in JA, a 30-fold increase in SA and a hypersensitive-like response (HLR). Host age also influenced the response: neither Cuscuta seedlings nor established vines elicited a HLR in 10-day-old hosts, but both did in 20-day-old hosts. Parasites grew larger on hosts deficient in SA (NahG) or insensitive to JA [jasmonic acid-insensitive1 (jai1)], suggesting that both phytohormones mediate effective defences. Moreover, amounts of JA peaked 12 h before SA, indicating that defences may be coordinated via sequential induction of these hormones. Parasitism also induced increases in free linolenic and linoleic acids and abscisic acid. These findings provide the first documentation of plant hormonal signalling induced by a parasitic plant and show that tomato responses to C. pentagona display characteristics similar to both herbivore- and pathogen-induced responses.

  15. Variability in response to nicotine in the LSxSS RI strains: potential role of polymorphisms in alpha4 and alpha6 nicotinic receptor genes.

    PubMed

    Tritto, Theresa; Stitzel, Jerry A; Marks, Michael J; Romm, Elena; Collins, Allan C

    2002-04-01

    Several studies have shown that genetic factors influence the effects of nicotine on respiration, acoustic startle, Y-maze crosses and rears, heart rate and body temperature in the mouse. Recently, we identified restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) associated with the alpha4 (Chrna4) and alpha6 (Chrna6) nicotinic cholinergic receptor genes in the recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from the Long-Sleep (LS) and Short-Sleep (SS) mouse lines. The alpha4 polymorphism has been identified as a point-mutation at position 529 (threonine to alanine) and the alpha6 polymorphism has not yet been identified. The studies described here evaluated the potential role of these polymorphisms in regulating sensitivity to nicotine by constructing dose-response curves for the effects of nicotine on six responses in the LSxSS RI strains. The results obtained suggest that both of the polymorphisms may play a role in regulating variability in sensitivity to nicotine. Those RI strains carrying the LS-like alpha4 RFLP were significantly more sensitive to the effects of nicotine on Y-maze crosses and rears, temperature and respiration and were less sensitive to the effects of nicotine on acoustic startle than those strains carrying the SS-like alpha4 RFLP. Those RI strains carrying the LS-like alpha6 RFLP were more sensitive to the effects of nicotine on respiration and acoustic startle, and less sensitive to the effects of nicotine on Y-maze crosses than those strains carrying the SS-like alpha6 RFLP. These results suggest that genetically determined differences in sensitivity to nicotine may be explained, in part, by variability associated with at least two of the neuronal nicotinic receptor genes, alpha4 and alpha6.

  16. Narratives of Agency: The Experiences of Braille Literacy Practitioners in the "Kha Ri Gude" South African Mass Literacy Campaign

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKay, Veronica I.; Romm, Norma R. A.

    2015-01-01

    In this article, we locate the "Kha Ri Gude" South African Mass Literacy Campaign within the context of the problem of illiteracy and exclusion in South Africa, while concentrating on various post-apartheid initiatives designed to give visually challenged adults the opportunity to become literate. We shall provide a detailed account of…

  17. Targeting allergen to FcgammaRI reveals a novel T(H)2 regulatory pathway linked to thymic stromal lymphopoietin receptor.

    PubMed

    Hulse, Kathryn E; Reefer, Amanda J; Engelhard, Victor H; Patrie, James T; Ziegler, Steven F; Chapman, Martin D; Woodfolk, Judith A

    2010-01-01

    The molecule H22-Fel d 1, which targets cat allergen to FcgammaRI on dendritic cells (DCs), has the potential to treat cat allergy because of its T-cell modulatory properties. We sought to investigate whether the T-cell response induced by H22-Fel d 1 is altered in the presence of the T(H)2-promoting cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Studies were performed in subjects with cat allergy with and without atopic dermatitis. Monocyte-derived DCs were primed with H22-Fel d 1 in the presence or absence of TSLP, and the resulting T-cell cytokine repertoire was analyzed by flow cytometry. The capacity for H22-Fel d 1 to modulate TSLP receptor expression on DCs was examined by flow cytometry in the presence or absence of inhibitors of Fc receptor signaling molecules. Surprisingly, TSLP alone was a weak inducer of T(H)2 responses irrespective of atopic status; however, DCs coprimed with TSLP and H22-Fel d 1 selectively and synergistically amplified T(H)2 responses in highly atopic subjects. This effect was OX40 ligand independent, pointing to an unconventional TSLP-mediated pathway. Expression of TSLP receptor was upregulated on atopic DCs primed with H22-Fel d 1 through a pathway regulated by FcgammaRI-associated signaling components, including src-related tyrosine kinases and Syk, as well as the downstream molecule phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Inhibition of TSLP receptor upregulation triggered by H22-Fel d 1 blocked TSLP-mediated T(H)2 responses. Discovery of a novel T(H)2 regulatory pathway linking FcgammaRI signaling to TSLP receptor upregulation and consequent TSLP-mediated effects questions the validity of receptor-targeted allergen vaccines. Copyright 2010 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. VizieR Online Data Catalog: UBV(RI)c photometry of Stock 16 (Vazquez+, 2005)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vazquez, R. A.; Baume, G. L.; Feinstein, C.; Nunez, J. A.; Vergne, M. M.

    2005-02-01

    CCD UBV(RI)c imaging photometry was carried out in the field of Stock 16 along two observational runs at the University of Toronto Southern Observatory, Las Campanas, Chile, using the Hellen Sawyer Hogg 60-cm telescope: on the nights of 1994 April 13, 14 and 16, we obtained UBVRI photometry for four frames with the nitrogen-cooled detector PM METHACROME UV coated (0.45"/pix) covering 4' on a side; three more frames were exposed on the nights of 1996 February 25 and 26 in the UBV(I)c bands (this time, the detector was glycol-refrigerated). (1 data file).

  19. Transcriptome Analysis in Haematococcus pluvialis: Astaxanthin Induction by Salicylic Acid (SA) and Jasmonic Acid (JA).

    PubMed

    Gao, Zhengquan; Li, Yan; Wu, Guanxun; Li, Guoqiang; Sun, Haifeng; Deng, Suzhen; Shen, Yicheng; Chen, Guoqiang; Zhang, Ruihao; Meng, Chunxiao; Zhang, Xiaowen

    2015-01-01

    Haematococcus pluvialis is an astaxanthin-rich microalga that can increase its astaxanthin production by salicylic acid (SA) or jasmonic acid (JA) induction. The genetic transcriptome details of astaxanthin biosynthesis were analyzed by exposing the algal cells to 25 mg/L of SA and JA for 1, 6 and 24 hours, plus to the control (no stress). Based on the RNA-seq analysis, 56,077 unigenes (51.7%) were identified with functions in response to the hormone stress. The top five identified subcategories were cell, cellular process, intracellular, catalytic activity and cytoplasm, which possessed 5600 (~9.99%), 5302 (~9.45%), 5242 (~9.35%), 4407 (~7.86%) and 4195 (~7.48%) unigenes, respectively. Furthermore, 59 unigenes were identified and assigned to 26 putative transcription factors (TFs), including 12 plant-specific TFs. They were likely associated with astaxanthin biosynthesis in Haematococcus upon SA and JA stress. In comparison, the up-regulation of differential expressed genes occurred much earlier, with higher transcript levels in the JA treatment (about 6 h later) than in the SA treatment (beyond 24 h). These results provide valuable information for directing metabolic engineering efforts to improve astaxanthin biosynthesis in H. pluvialis.

  20. Transcriptome sequencing and de novo analysis of cytoplasmic male sterility and maintenance in JA-CMS cotton.

    PubMed

    Yang, Peng; Han, Jinfeng; Huang, Jinling

    2014-01-01

    Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the failure to produce functional pollen, which is inherited maternally. And it is known that anther development is modulated through complicated interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial genes in sporophytic and gametophytic tissues. However, an unbiased transcriptome sequencing analysis of CMS in cotton is currently lacking in the literature. This study compared differentially expressed (DE) genes of floral buds at the sporogenous cells stage (SS) and microsporocyte stage (MS) (the two most important stages for pollen abortion in JA-CMS) between JA-CMS and its fertile maintainer line JB cotton plants, using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. A total of 709 (1.8%) DE genes including 293 up-regulated and 416 down-regulated genes were identified in JA-CMS line comparing with its maintainer line at the SS stage, and 644 (1.6%) DE genes with 263 up-regulated and 381 down-regulated genes were detected at the MS stage. By comparing the two stages in the same material, there were 8 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JA-CMS line and 29 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JB maintainer line at the MS stage. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate 7 randomly selected DE genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes involved in reduction-oxidation reactions and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were down-regulated, while genes pertaining to photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were up-regulated in JA-CMS floral buds compared with their JB counterparts at the SS and/or MS stages. All these four biological processes play important roles in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, which may be an important factor contributing to the sterile trait of JA-CMS. Further experiments are warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms of these genes that lead to CMS.

  1. Transcriptome Sequencing and De Novo Analysis of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility and Maintenance in JA-CMS Cotton

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Peng; Han, Jinfeng; Huang, Jinling

    2014-01-01

    Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the failure to produce functional pollen, which is inherited maternally. And it is known that anther development is modulated through complicated interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial genes in sporophytic and gametophytic tissues. However, an unbiased transcriptome sequencing analysis of CMS in cotton is currently lacking in the literature. This study compared differentially expressed (DE) genes of floral buds at the sporogenous cells stage (SS) and microsporocyte stage (MS) (the two most important stages for pollen abortion in JA-CMS) between JA-CMS and its fertile maintainer line JB cotton plants, using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. A total of 709 (1.8%) DE genes including 293 up-regulated and 416 down-regulated genes were identified in JA-CMS line comparing with its maintainer line at the SS stage, and 644 (1.6%) DE genes with 263 up-regulated and 381 down-regulated genes were detected at the MS stage. By comparing the two stages in the same material, there were 8 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JA-CMS line and 29 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated DE genes in JB maintainer line at the MS stage. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate 7 randomly selected DE genes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes involved in reduction-oxidation reactions and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were down-regulated, while genes pertaining to photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis were up-regulated in JA-CMS floral buds compared with their JB counterparts at the SS and/or MS stages. All these four biological processes play important roles in reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, which may be an important factor contributing to the sterile trait of JA-CMS. Further experiments are warranted to elucidate molecular mechanisms of these genes that lead to CMS. PMID:25372034

  2. Partial Activation of SA- and JA-Defensive Pathways in Strawberry upon Colletotrichum acutatum Interaction.

    PubMed

    Amil-Ruiz, Francisco; Garrido-Gala, José; Gadea, José; Blanco-Portales, Rosario; Muñoz-Mérida, Antonio; Trelles, Oswaldo; de Los Santos, Berta; Arroyo, Francisco T; Aguado-Puig, Ana; Romero, Fernando; Mercado, José-Ángel; Pliego-Alfaro, Fernando; Muñoz-Blanco, Juan; Caballero, José L

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the nature of pathogen host interaction may help improve strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars. Plant resistance to pathogenic agents usually operates through a complex network of defense mechanisms mediated by a diverse array of signaling molecules. In strawberry, resistance to a variety of pathogens has been reported to be mostly polygenic and quantitatively inherited, making it difficult to associate molecular markers with disease resistance genes. Colletotrichum acutatum spp. is a major strawberry pathogen, and completely resistant cultivars have not been reported. Moreover, strawberry defense network components and mechanisms remain largely unknown and poorly understood. Assessment of the strawberry response to C. acutatum included a global transcript analysis, and acidic hormones SA and JA measurements were analyzed after challenge with the pathogen. Induction of transcripts corresponding to the SA and JA signaling pathways and key genes controlling major steps within these defense pathways was detected. Accordingly, SA and JA accumulated in strawberry after infection. Contrastingly, induction of several important SA, JA, and oxidative stress-responsive defense genes, including FaPR1-1, FaLOX2, FaJAR1, FaPDF1, and FaGST1, was not detected, which suggests that specific branches in these defense pathways (those leading to FaPR1-2, FaPR2-1, FaPR2-2, FaAOS, FaPR5, and FaPR10) were activated. Our results reveal that specific aspects in SA and JA dependent signaling pathways are activated in strawberry upon interaction with C. acutatum. Certain described defense-associated transcripts related to these two known signaling pathways do not increase in abundance following infection. This finding suggests new insight into a specific putative molecular strategy for defense against this pathogen.

  3. Partial Activation of SA- and JA-Defensive Pathways in Strawberry upon Colletotrichum acutatum Interaction

    PubMed Central

    Amil-Ruiz, Francisco; Garrido-Gala, José; Gadea, José; Blanco-Portales, Rosario; Muñoz-Mérida, Antonio; Trelles, Oswaldo; de los Santos, Berta; Arroyo, Francisco T.; Aguado-Puig, Ana; Romero, Fernando; Mercado, José-Ángel; Pliego-Alfaro, Fernando; Muñoz-Blanco, Juan; Caballero, José L.

    2016-01-01

    Understanding the nature of pathogen host interaction may help improve strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars. Plant resistance to pathogenic agents usually operates through a complex network of defense mechanisms mediated by a diverse array of signaling molecules. In strawberry, resistance to a variety of pathogens has been reported to be mostly polygenic and quantitatively inherited, making it difficult to associate molecular markers with disease resistance genes. Colletotrichum acutatum spp. is a major strawberry pathogen, and completely resistant cultivars have not been reported. Moreover, strawberry defense network components and mechanisms remain largely unknown and poorly understood. Assessment of the strawberry response to C. acutatum included a global transcript analysis, and acidic hormones SA and JA measurements were analyzed after challenge with the pathogen. Induction of transcripts corresponding to the SA and JA signaling pathways and key genes controlling major steps within these defense pathways was detected. Accordingly, SA and JA accumulated in strawberry after infection. Contrastingly, induction of several important SA, JA, and oxidative stress-responsive defense genes, including FaPR1-1, FaLOX2, FaJAR1, FaPDF1, and FaGST1, was not detected, which suggests that specific branches in these defense pathways (those leading to FaPR1-2, FaPR2-1, FaPR2-2, FaAOS, FaPR5, and FaPR10) were activated. Our results reveal that specific aspects in SA and JA dependent signaling pathways are activated in strawberry upon interaction with C. acutatum. Certain described defense-associated transcripts related to these two known signaling pathways do not increase in abundance following infection. This finding suggests new insight into a specific putative molecular strategy for defense against this pathogen. PMID:27471515

  4. MAPK-dependent JA and SA signalling in Nicotiana attenuata affects plant growth and fitness during competition with conspecifics

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Induced defense responses to herbivores are generally believed to have evolved as cost-saving strategies that defer the fitness costs of defense metabolism until these defenses are needed. The fitness costs of jasmonate (JA)-mediated defenses have been well documented. Those of the early signaling units mediating induced resistance to herbivores have yet to be examined. Early signaling components that mediate herbivore-induced defense responses in Nicotiana attenuata, have been well characterized and here we examine their growth and fitness costs during competition with conspecifics. Two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), salicylic acid (SA)-induced protein kinase (SIPK) and wound-induced protein kinase (WIPK) are rapidly activated after perception of herbivory and both kinases regulate herbivory-induced JA levels and JA-mediated defense metabolite accumulations. Since JA-induced defenses result in resource-based trade-offs that compromise plant productivity, we evaluated if silencing SIPK (irSIPK) and WIPK (irWIPK) benefits the growth and fitness of plants competiting with wild type (WT) plants, as has been shown for plants silenced in JA-signaling by the reduction of Lipoxygenase 3 (LOX3) levels. Results As expected, irWIPK and LOX3-silenced plants out-performed their competing WT plants. Surprisingly, irSIPK plants, which have the largest reductions in JA signaling, did not. Phytohormone profiling of leaves revealed that irSIPK plants accumulated higher levels of SA compared to WT. To test the hypothesis that these high levels of SA, and their presumed associated fitness costs of pathogen associated defenses in irSIPK plants had nullified the JA-deficiency-mediated growth benefits in these plants, we genetically reduced SA levels in irSIPK plants. Reducing SA levels partially recovered the biomass and fitness deficits of irSIPK plants. We also evaluated whether the increased fitness of plants with reduced SA or JA levels resulted from

  5. Two bHLH-type transcription factors, JA-ASSOCIATED MYC2-LIKE2 and JAM3, are transcriptional repressors and affect male fertility

    PubMed Central

    Nakata, Masaru; Ohme-Takagi, Masaru

    2013-01-01

    The jasmonate (JA) plant hormones regulate responses to biotic and abiotic stress and aspects of plant development, including male fertility in Arabidopsis thaliana. The bHLH-type transcription factor JA-ASSOCIATED MYC2-LIKE1 (JAM1) negatively regulates JA signaling and gain-of-function JAM1 transgenic plants have impaired JA-mediated male fertility. Here we report that JAM2 and JAM3, 2 bHLHs closely related to JAM1, also act as transcriptional repressors. Moreover, overexpression of JAM2 and JAM3 also results in reduced male fertility. These results suggest that JAM1, JAM2, and JAM3 act redundantly as negative regulators of JA-mediated male fertility. PMID:24056034

  6. Focal adhesion molecule Kindlin-1 mediates activation of TGF-β signaling by interacting with TGF-βRI, SARA and Smad3 in colorectal cancer cells

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yunling; Yang, Mingzi; Gao, Jianchao; Wei, Xiaofan; Fang, Weigang; Zhan, Jun; Zhang, Hongquan

    2016-01-01

    Kindlin-1, an integrin-interacting protein, has been implicated in TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Kindlin-1 regulation of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling remains elusive. Here, we reported that Kindlin-1 is an important mediator of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling by showing that Kindlin-1 physically interacts with TGF-β receptor I (TβRI), Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and Smad3. Kindlin-1 is required for the interaction of Smad3 with TβRI, Smad3 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and finally the activation of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway. Functionally, Kindlin-1 promoted colorectal cancer (CRC) cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, and was also required for CRC cell migration and invasion via an epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Kindlin-1 was found to be increased with the CRC progression from stages I to IV. Importantly, raised expression level of Kindlin-1 correlates with poor outcome in CRC patients. Taken together, we demonstrated that Kindlin-1 promotes CRC progression by recruiting SARA and Smad3 to TβRI and thereby activates TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Thus, Kindlin-1 is a novel regulator of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling and may also be a potential target for CRC therapeutics. PMID:27776350

  7. 78 FR 19024 - Submission for Review: It's Time to Sign Up for Direct Deposit or Direct Express, RI 38-128

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-03-28

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Submission for Review: It's Time to Sign Up for Direct Deposit or Direct Express, RI 38-128 AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: 30-Day Notice and request... request (ICR) 3206-0226, It's Time to Sign Up for Direct Deposit or Direct Express. As required by the...

  8. Physiological Characteristics and Production of Folic Acid of Lactobacillus plantarum JA71 Isolated from Jeotgal, a Traditional Korean Fermented Seafood

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Sang-Dong

    2014-01-01

    Folic acid, one of the B group of vitamins, is an essential substance for maintaining the functions of the nervous system, and is also known to decrease the level of homocysteine in plasma. Homocysteine influences the lowering of the cognitive function in humans, and especially in elderly people. In order to determine the strains with a strong capacity to produce folic acid, 190 bacteria were isolated from various kinds of jeotgal and chungkuk-jang. In our test experiment, JA71 was found to contain 9.03μg/mL of folic acid after 24 h of incubation in an MRS broth. This showed that JA71 has the highest folic acid production ability compared to the other lactic acid bacteria that were isolated. JA71 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum by the result of API carbohydrate fermentation pattern and 16s rDNA sequence. JA71 was investigated for its physiological characteristics. The optimum growth temperature of JA71 was 37℃, and the cultures took 12 h to reach pH 4.4. JA71 proved more sensitive to bacitracin when compared with fifteen different antibiotics, and showed most resistance to neomycin and vancomycin. Moreover, it was comparatively tolerant of bile juice and acid, and displayed resistance to Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus with restraint rates of 60.4%, 96.7%, and 76.2%, respectively. These results demonstrate that JA71 could be an excellent strain for application to functional products. PMID:26760752

  9. Application of a JA-Ile Biosynthesis Inhibitor to Methyl Jasmonate-Treated Strawberry Fruit Induces Upregulation of Specific MBW Complex-Related Genes and Accumulation of Proanthocyanidins.

    PubMed

    Delgado, Laura D; Zúñiga, Paz E; Figueroa, Nicolás E; Pastene, Edgar; Escobar-Sepúlveda, Hugo F; Figueroa, Pablo M; Garrido-Bigotes, Adrián; Figueroa, Carlos R

    2018-06-13

    Fleshy fruits are an important source of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins (PAs), which protect plants against stress, and their consumption provides beneficial effects for human health. In strawberry fruit, the application of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) upregulates anthocyanin accumulation, although the relationship between the jasmonate pathway and anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis in fruits remains to be understood. Anthocyanin and PA accumulation is mainly regulated at the transcriptional level through R2R3-MYB and bHLH transcription factors in different plant species and organs. Here, the effect of jarin-1, a specific inhibitor of bioactive JA (jasmonoyl-isoleucine, JA-Ile) biosynthesis, on anthocyanin and PA accumulation was evaluated during strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) fruit development using an in vitro ripening system for 48 h. Also, we observed the effects of MeJA and the application of jarin-1 to MeJA-treated fruits (MeJA + jarin-1 treatment). We assessed changes of expression levels for the JA-Ile and MeJA biosynthetic ( FaJAR1.2 and FaJMT ), JA signaling-related ( FaMYC2 and FaJAZ1 ), MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) complex-related ( FabHLH3/33 , FaMYB9/10/11 , and repressor FaMYB1 ), and anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic (FaANS , FaUFGT , FaANR , and FaLAR ) genes. In addition, the promoter region of MBW complex-related MYB genes was isolated and sequenced. We found a higher redness of strawberry fruit skin and anthocyanin content in MeJA-treated fruits with respect to jarin-1-treated ones concomitant with an upregulation of FaANS and FaUFGT genes. Inversely, the PA content was higher in jarin-1- and MeJA + jarin-1-treated than in MeJA-treated fruits. MeJA + jarin-1 treatment resulted in an upregulation of FaANR and associated transcription factors such as FabHLH33 and FaMYB9/11 along with FaJMT and FaJAR1.2 . Finally, we found JA-responsive elements in the promoter regions of FaMYB1/9/10/11 genes. It is proposed that PA biosynthesis-related genes

  10. Clinical and molecular characterization of Chilean patients with Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez, Fernando Adrián; Unanue, Nancy; Hernandez, María Isabel; Basaure, Javiera; Heath, Karen Elise; Cassorla, Fernando

    2013-01-01

    ri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is a mesomelic dysplasia with disproportionate short stature associated with short stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX) haploinsufficiency. The objective of this study was to improve the diagnosis of patients with suspected LWD through molecular analysis. Twelve patients from 11 families with a clinical diagnosis of LWD were analyzed with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification to detect deletions and duplications of SHOX and its enhancer regions. High resolution melting and sequencing was employed to screen for mutations in SHOX coding exons. The molecular-based screening strategy applied in these patients allowed detection of five SHOX deletions and two previously unreported SHOX missense mutations. Molecular studies confirmed the clinical diagnosis of LWD in seven out of 12 patients, which provided support for therapeutic decisions and improved genetic counseling in their families.

  11. Sudan ebolavirus long recovered survivors produce GP-specific Abs that are of the IgG1 subclass and preferentially bind FcγRI.

    PubMed

    Radinsky, Olga; Edri, Avishay; Brusilovsky, Michael; Fedida-Metula, Shlomit; Sobarzo, Ariel; Gershoni-Yahalom, Orly; Lutwama, Julius; Dye, John; Lobel, Leslie; Porgador, Angel

    2017-07-20

    Ebolavirus is a highly lethal pathogen, causing a severe hemorrhagic disease with a high fatality rate. To better understand immune correlates of protection by virus specific IgG, we investigated the evolution of the Fcγ receptors (FcγRs)-activating capabilities of antiviral IgG in serum samples of long recovered survivors. To this end, longitudinal serum samples from survivors of Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV) infection, studied over years, were examined for the presence of Ebola-GP specific IgG subclasses, and for their binding to FcγRs. We developed a cell-based reporter system to quantitate pathogen-specific antibody binding to FcγRIIIA, FcγRIIA, FcγRIIB and FcγRI. With this system, we demonstrate that anti-GP-specific stimulation of the FcγRI reporter by survivors' sera was substantially high one year after acute infection, with a slight reduction in activity over a decade post infection. We further demonstrate that GP-specific IgG1 is by far the seroprevalent subclass that retained and even enhanced its presence in the sera, over ten years post infection; the prevalence of other GP-specific IgG subclasses was considerably reduced over time. In accordance, GP-specific FcγRI reporter response and GP-specific total IgG1 subclass correlated in the studied group of Ebola survivors. These observations are important for further informing Ebola vaccine and therapeutic development.

  12. Overexpression of biologically safe Rorippa indica defensin enhances aphid tolerance in Brassica juncea.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Poulami; Jana, Kuladip; Sikdar, Samir Ranjan

    2017-11-01

    Transgenic mustard plants ( Brassica juncea ) expressing non-allergenic and biologically safe RiD peptide show higher tolerance against Lipaphis erysimi. Rorippa indica defensin (RiD) has previously been reported as a novel insecticidal protein derived from a wild crucifer Rorippa indica. RiD was found to have an effective insecticidal property against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi. In the present study, RiD was highly upregulated in R. indica during aphid infestation initiating a defense system mediated by jasmonic acid (JA), but not by salicylic acid (SA)/abscisic acid (ABA). RiD has also been assessed for biosafety according to the FAO/WHO guideline (allergenicity of genetically modified foods; Food And Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, 2001) and Codex Alimentarius Guideline (Guidelines for the design and implementation of national regulatory food safety assurance programme associated with the use of veterinary drugs in food producing animals. Codex Alimentarius Commission. GL, pp 71-2009, 2009). The purified protein was used to sensitize BALB/c mice and they showed normal histopathology of lung and no elevated IgE level in their sera. As the protein was found to be biologically safe and non-allergenic, it was used to develop transgenic Brassica juncea plants with enhanced aphid tolerance, which is one of the most important oilseed crops and is mostly affected by the devastating pest-L. erysimi. The transgene integration was monitored by Southern hybridization, and the positive B. juncea lines were further analyzed by Western blot, ELISA, immunohistolocalization assays and in planta insect bioassay. Transgenic plants expressing RiD conferred a higher level of tolerance against L. erysimi. All these results demonstrated that RiD is a novel, biologically safe, effective insecticidal agent and B. juncea plants expressing RiD are important components of integrated pest management.

  13. Transgenic fertile Scoparia dulcis L., a folk medicinal plant, conferred with a herbicide-resistant trait using an Ri binary vector.

    PubMed

    Yamazaki, M; Son, L; Hayashi, T; Morita, N; Asamizu, T; Mourakoshi, I; Saito, K

    1996-01-01

    Transgenic herbicide-resistant Scoparia dulcis plants were obtained by using an Ri binary vector system. The chimeric bar gene encoding phosphinothricin acetyltransferase flanked by the promoter for cauliflower mosaic virus 35S RNA and the terminal sequence for nopaline synthase was introduced in the plant genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation by means of scratching young plants. Hairy roots resistant to bialaphos were selected and plantlets (R0) were regenerated. Progenies (S1) were obtained by self-fertilization. The transgenic state was confirmed by DNA-blot hybridization and assaying of neomycin phosphotransferase II. Expression of the bar gene in the transgenic R0 and S1 progenies was indicated by the activity of phosphinothricin acetyltransferase. Transgenic plants accumulated scopadulcic acid B, a specific secondary metabolite of S. dulcis, in amounts of 15-60% compared with that in normal plants. The transgenic plants and progenies showed resistant trait towards bialaphos and phosphinothricin. These results suggest that an Ri binary system is one of the useful tools for the transformation of medicinal plants for which a regeneration protocol has not been established.

  14. Cloning and sequencing of the Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum B6A-RI apu gene and purification and characterization of the amylopullulanase from Escherichia coli.

    PubMed

    Ramesh, M V; Podkovyrov, S M; Lowe, S E; Zeikus, J G

    1994-01-01

    The amylopullulanase gene (apu) of the thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum B6A-RI was cloned into Escherichia coli. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined. It encoded a protein consisting of 1,288 amino acids with a signal peptide of 35 amino acids. The enzyme purified from E. coli was a monomer with an M(r) of 142,000 +/- 2,000 and had same the catalytic and thermal characteristics as the native glycoprotein from T. saccharolyticum B6A. Linear alignment and the hydrophobic cluster analysis were used to compare this amylopullulanase with other amylolytic enzymes. Both methods revealed strictly conserved amino acid residues among these enzymes, and it is proposed that Asp-594, Asp-700, and Glu-623 are a putative catalytic triad of the T. saccharolyticum B6A-RI amylopullulanase.

  15. Cloning and sequencing of the Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum B6A-RI apu gene and purification and characterization of the amylopullulanase from Escherichia coli.

    PubMed Central

    Ramesh, M V; Podkovyrov, S M; Lowe, S E; Zeikus, J G

    1994-01-01

    The amylopullulanase gene (apu) of the thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Thermoanaerobacterium saccharolyticum B6A-RI was cloned into Escherichia coli. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene was determined. It encoded a protein consisting of 1,288 amino acids with a signal peptide of 35 amino acids. The enzyme purified from E. coli was a monomer with an M(r) of 142,000 +/- 2,000 and had same the catalytic and thermal characteristics as the native glycoprotein from T. saccharolyticum B6A. Linear alignment and the hydrophobic cluster analysis were used to compare this amylopullulanase with other amylolytic enzymes. Both methods revealed strictly conserved amino acid residues among these enzymes, and it is proposed that Asp-594, Asp-700, and Glu-623 are a putative catalytic triad of the T. saccharolyticum B6A-RI amylopullulanase. Images PMID:8117096

  16. JA, a new type of polyunsaturated fatty acid isolated from Juglans mandshurica Maxim, limits the survival and induces apoptosis of heptocarcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xiu-Li; Lin, Hua; Zhao, Wei; Hou, Ya-Qin; Bao, Yong-Li; Song, Zhen-Bo; Sun, Lu-Guo; Tian, Shang-Yi; Liu, Biao; Li, Yu-Xin

    2016-03-01

    Juglans mandshurica Maxim (Juglandaceae) is a famous folk medicine for cancer treatment and some natural compounds isolated from it have been studied extensively. Previously we isolated a type of ω-9 polyunsaturated fatty acid (JA) from the bark of J. mandshurica, however little is known about its activity and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we studied anti-tumor activity of JA on several human cancer cell lines. Results showed that JA is cytotoxic to HepG2, MDA-MB-231, SGC-7901, A549 and Huh7 cells at a concentration exerting minimal toxic effects on L02 cells. The selective toxicity of JA was better than other classical anti-cancer drugs. Further investigation indicated that JA could induce cell apoptosis, characterized by chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and activation of the apoptosis-associated proteins such as Caspase-3 and PARP-1. Moreover, we investigated the cellular apoptosis pathway involved in the apoptosis process in HepG2 cells. We found that proteins involved in mitochondrion (cleaved-Caspase-9, Apaf-1, HtrA2/Omi, Bax, and Mitochondrial Bax) and endocytoplasmic reticulum (XBP-1s, GRP78, cleaved-Caspase-7 and cleaved-Caspase-12) apoptotic pathways were up-regulated when cells were treated by JA. In addition, a morphological change in the mitochondrion was detected. Furthermore, we found that JA could inhibit DNA synthesis and induce G2/M cell cycle arrest. The expression of G2-to-M transition related proteins, such as CyclinB1 and phosphorylated-CDK1, were reduced. In contrast, the G2-to-M inhibitor p21 was increased in JA-treated cells. Overall, our results suggest that JA can induce mitochondrion- and endocytoplasmic reticulum-mediated apoptosis, and G2/M phase arrest in HepG2 cells, making it a promising therapeutic agent against hepatoma.

  17. The Cost and Threshold Analysis of Retention in Care (RiC): A Multi-Site National HIV Care Program.

    PubMed

    Maulsby, Catherine; Jain, Kriti M; Weir, Brian W; Enobun, Blessing; Riordan, Maura; Charles, Vignetta E; Holtgrave, David R

    2017-03-01

    Persons diagnosed with HIV but not retained in HIV medical care accounted for the majority of HIV transmissions in 2009 in the United States (US). There is an urgent need to implement and disseminate HIV retention in care programs; however little is known about the costs associated with implementing retention in care programs. We assessed the costs and cost-saving thresholds for seven Retention in Care (RiC) programs implemented in the US using standard methods recommended by the US Panel on Cost-effectiveness in Health and Medicine. Data were gathered from accounting and program implementation records, entered into a standardized RiC economic analysis spreadsheet, and standardized to a 12 month time frame. Total program costs for from the societal perspective ranged from $47,919 to $423,913 per year or $146 to $2,752 per participant. Cost-saving thresholds ranged from 0.13 HIV transmissions averted to 1.18 HIV transmission averted per year. We estimated that these cost-saving thresholds could be achieved through 1 to 16 additional person-years of viral suppression. Across a range of program models, retention in care interventions had highly achievable cost-saving thresholds, suggesting that retention in care programs are a judicious use of resources.

  18. Handbook to Support the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) statements of Work. Volume 1. Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Studies (RI/FS)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-05-01

    FEASIBILITY STUDIES (RI/FS) ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION DIV STAFF MAY 1991 (REPRINT) - Distribution is unlimited; approved for public release ENVIRONMENTAL ...RESTORATION DIVISION (ESR) ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES OFFICE AIR FORCE CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE (AFCEE) BROOKS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS S(4 93-05296...Human Systems Division’s Human Systems Program Office, IRP Divisicn (HSD/YAQ) was transferred to the newly formed Air Force Center for Environmental

  19. mir-126 rs4636297 and TGFβRI rs334348 functional gene variants are associated with susceptibility to endometriosis and its severity.

    PubMed

    Sepahi, Neda; Kohan, Leila; Jahromi, Athar Rasekh; Daneshbod, Yahya; Hoveidi, Elahe Nimi

    2017-06-01

    microRNAs (miRNAs) are negative regulators in a variety of cellular processes that occur in endometriosis. Therefore, functional polymorphisms in miRNA and miRNA binding sites may affect gene expression and contribute to susceptibility of endometriosis. In this study, we evaluated the association of two miRNA related polymorphisms, mir-126 rs4636297 and TGFβRI rs334348, with endometriosis risk and its severity. This case-control study was done on 157 endometriosis patients and 252 healthy women as a control group. Tetra amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (tetra-ARMS PCR) was designed to determine the polymorphisms. Our finding showed significant differences in genotype frequency of mir-126 rs4636297 between the groups (χ 2  = 6.26, p = 0.044). A significant protection against endometriosis was found for mir-126 rs4636297 in allele (G versus A allele: OR = 0.695, 95% CI = 0.519-0.931, p = 0.015) and genotype (GG versus AA genotype: OR = 0.451, 95%CI = 0.233-0.873, p = 0.018). Significant association was also observed between the A allele and severity of endometriosis (OR = 0.478, 95%CI = 0.297-0.768, p = 0.002). Moreover, we found a significant association between AA genotype with the risk of endometriosis (OR = 0.493, 95%CI = 0.250-0.970, p = 0.041) and its severity (OR = 0.240, 95%CI = 0.065-0.883, p = 0.032) regarding TGFβRI rs334348 polymorphism. These finding suggest that, for the first time, mir-126 rs4636297 and TGFβRI rs334348 polymorphisms may influence individual's susceptibility to endometriosis and its severity.

  20. The tomato res mutant which accumulates JA in roots in non-stressed conditions restores cell structure alterations under salinity.

    PubMed

    Garcia-Abellan, José O; Fernandez-Garcia, Nieves; Lopez-Berenguer, Carmen; Egea, Isabel; Flores, Francisco B; Angosto, Trinidad; Capel, Juan; Lozano, Rafael; Pineda, Benito; Moreno, Vicente; Olmos, Enrique; Bolarin, Maria C

    2015-11-01

    Jasmonic acid (JA) regulates a wide spectrum of plant biological processes, from plant development to stress defense responses. The role of JA in plant response to salt stress is scarcely known, and even less known is the specific response in root, the main plant organ responsible for ionic uptake and transport to the shoot. Here we report the characterization of the first tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutant, named res (restored cell structure by salinity), that accumulates JA in roots prior to exposure to stress. The res tomato mutant presented remarkable growth inhibition and displayed important morphological alterations and cellular disorganization in roots and leaves under control conditions, while these alterations disappeared when the res mutant plants were grown under salt stress. Reciprocal grafting between res and wild type (WT) (tomato cv. Moneymaker) indicated that the main organ responsible for the development of alterations was the root. The JA-signaling pathway is activated in res roots prior to stress, with transcripts levels being even higher in control condition than in salinity. Future studies on this mutant will provide significant advances in the knowledge of JA role in root in salt-stress tolerance response, as well as in the energy trade-off between plant growth and response to stress. © 2015 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.

  1. APMP supplementary comparison report of absorbed dose rate in tissue for beta radiation (BIPM KCDB: APMP.RI(I)-S2)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kato, M.; Kurosawa, T.; Saito, N.; Kadni, T. B.; Kim, I. J.; Kim, B. C.; Yi, C.-Y.; Pungkun, V.; Chu, C.-H.

    2017-01-01

    The supplementary comparison of absorbed dose rate in tissue for beta radiation (APMP.RI(I)-S2) was performed with five national metrology institutes in 2013 and 2014. Two commercial thin window ionization chambers were used as transfer instruments and circulated among the participants. Two of the NMIs measured the calibration coefficients of the chambers in reference fields produced from Pm-147, Kr-85 and Sr-90/Y-90, while the other three measured those only in Sr-90/Y-90 beta-particle field. The degree of equivalence for the participants was determined and this comparison verifies the calibration capabilities of the participating laboratories. In addition, most of the results of this comparison are consistent with another international comparison (EUROMET.RI(I)-S2) reported before this work. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

  2. Single-Cell Measurements of IgE-Mediated FcεRI Signaling Using an Integrated Microfluidic Platform

    DOE PAGES

    Liu, Yanli; Barua, Dipak; Liu, Peng; ...

    2013-03-27

    Heterogeneity in responses of cells to a stimulus, such as a pathogen or allergen, can potentially play an important role in deciding the fate of the responding cell population and the overall systemic response. Measuring heterogeneous responses requires tools capable of interrogating individual cells. Cell signaling studies commonly do not have single-cell resolution because of the limitations of techniques used such as Westerns, ELISAs, mass spectrometry, and DNA microarrays. Microfluidics devices are increasingly being used to overcome these limitations. In this paper, we report on a microfluidic platform for cell signaling analysis that combines two orthogonal single-cell measurement technologies: on-chipmore » flow cytometry and optical imaging. The device seamlessly integrates cell culture, stimulation, and preparation with downstream measurements permitting hands-free, automated analysis to minimize experimental variability. The platform was used to interrogate IgE receptor (FcεRI) signaling, which is responsible for triggering allergic reactions, in RBL-2H3 cells. Following on-chip crosslinking of IgE-FcεRI complexes by multivalent antigen, we monitored signaling events including protein phosphorylation, calcium mobilization and the release of inflammatory mediators. The results demonstrate the ability of our platform to produce quantitative measurements on a cell-by-cell basis from just a few hundred cells. Finally, model-based analysis of the Syk phosphorylation data suggests that heterogeneity in Syk phosphorylation can be attributed to protein copy number variations, with the level of Syk phosphorylation being particularly sensitive to the copy number of Lyn.« less

  3. An electrochemiluminescence biosensor for endonuclease EcoRI detection.

    PubMed

    Li, Yingjie; Li, Yuqin; Wu, Yaoyu; Lu, Fushen; Chen, Yaowen; Gao, Wenhua

    2017-03-15

    Endonucleases cleavage of DNA plays an important role in biological and medicinal chemistry. This work was going to develop a reliable and sensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) biosensor for detecting endonucleases by using gold nanoparticles graphene composite (GNPs-graphene) as a signal amplifier. Firstly, the GNPs and graphene were simultaneously deposited on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by cyclic voltammetry. Then a stem DNA was anchored on the surface of GCE. And with a modifying DNA introduced into the electrode by DNA assembly, a strong ECL signal was obtained. After a DNA modified with ferrocene assembly to the stem DNA, the ECL signal had a sharp decrease due to the quench effect of ferrocene to and the biosensor comes into being a "off" state. With the effect of endonuclease, the ECL signal had a recovery because of the ferrocene being released and the biosensor formed a "on" state. Moreover, the recovery of ECL signal was related to the concentration of endonucleases. Combining specific defined DNA and endonuclease, this method has a potential to detect different endonucleases. In this work, we took the EcoRI as an example to identify the feasibility of ECL biosensor in applying in sensitive detection of endonucleases using a GNPs-graphene signal amplifier. Under optimal condition, the proposed biosensor obtained a low limit of detection (LOD) 5.6×10 -5 UmL -1 . And the stability, selectivity and reproducibility of the biosensor also were researched. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. NtWRKY-R1, a Novel Transcription Factor, Integrates IAA and JA Signal Pathway under Topping Damage Stress in Nicotiana tabacum

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Weihuan; Zhou, Qi; Wei, Yuanfang; Yang, Jinmiao; Hao, Fengsheng; Cheng, Zhipeng; Guo, Hongxiang; Liu, Weiqun

    2018-01-01

    Topping damage can induce the nicotine synthesis in tobacco roots, which involves the activation of JA and auxin signal transduction. It remains unclear how these hormone signals are integrated to regulate nicotine synthesis. Here we isolated a transcription factor NtWRKY-R1 from the group IIe of WRKY family and it had strong negative correlation with the expression of putrescine N-methyltransferase, the key enzyme of nicotine synthesis pathway. NtWRKY-R1 was specifically and highly expressed in tobacco roots, and it contains two transcriptional activity domains in the N- and C-terminal. The promoter region of NtWRKY-R1 contains two cis-elements which are responding to JA and auxin signals, respectively. Deletion of NtWRKY-R1 promoter showed that JA and auxin signals were subdued by NtWRKY-R1, and the expression of NtWRKY-R1 was more sensitive to auxin than JA. Furthermore, Yeast two-hybrid experiment demonstrated that NtWRKY-R1 can interact with the actin-binding protein. Our data showed that the intensity of JA and auxin signals can be translated into the expression of NtWRKY-R1, which regulates the balance of actin polymerization and depolymerization through binding actin-binding protein, and then regulates the expression of genes related to nicotine synthesis. The results will help us better understand the function of the WRKY-IIe family in the signaling crosstalk of JA and auxin under damage stress. PMID:29379516

  5. Transcriptome Analysis of ABA/JA-Dual Responsive Genes in Rice Shoot and Root.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jin-Ae; Bhatnagar, Nikita; Kwon, Soon Jae; Min, Myung Ki; Moon, Seok-Jun; Yoon, In Sun; Kwon, Taek-Ryoun; Kim, Sun Tae; Kim, Beom-Gi

    2018-01-01

    The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) enables plants to adapt to adverse environmental conditions through the modulation of metabolic pathways and of growth and developmental programs. We used comparative microarray analysis to identify genes exhibiting ABA-dependent expression and other hormone-dependent expression among them in Oryza sativa shoot and root. We identified 854 genes as significantly up- or down-regulated in root or shoot under ABA treatment condition. Most of these genes had similar expression profiles in root and shoot under ABA treatment condition, whereas 86 genes displayed opposite expression responses in root and shoot. To examine the crosstalk between ABA and other hormones, we compared the expression profiles of the ABA-dependently regulated genes under several different hormone treatment conditions. Interestingly, around half of the ABA-dependently expressed genes were also regulated by jasmonic acid based on microarray data analysis. We searched the promoter regions of these genes for cis-elements that could be responsible for their responsiveness to both hormones, and found that ABRE and MYC2 elements, among others, were common to the promoters of genes that were regulated by both ABA and JA. These results show that ABA and JA might have common gene expression regulation system and might explain why the JA could function for both abiotic and biotic stress tolerance.

  6. A prototype of Virtual Observatory access for planetary data in the framework of Europlanet-RI/IDIS

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gangloff, M.; Cecconi, B.; Bourrel, N.; Jacquey, C.; Le Sidaner, P.; Berthier, J.; André, N.; Pallier, E.; Erard, S.; Aboudarham, J.; Chanteur, G. M.; Capria, M. T.; Khodachenko, M.; Manaud, N.; Schmidt, W.; Schmitt, B.; Topf, F.; Trautan, F.; Sarkissian, A.

    2011-12-01

    Europlanet RI is a four-year project supported by the European Union under the Seventh Framework Programme. Launched in January 2009, it is an Integrated Infrastructure Initiative, ie. A combination of Networking Activities, Transnational Access Activities and Joint Research Activities. The Networking Activities aim at further fostering a culture of cooperation in the field of Planetary Sciences. The objective of the Transnational Access Activities is to provide transnational access to a range of laboratory and field site facilities tailored to the needs of planetary research and on-line access to the available planetary science data, information and software tools, through the IDIS e-service. The overall aim of the Joint Research Activities (JRA) is to improve the services provided by the ensemble of Transnational Access Activities. In EuroPlaNet-RI, JRA4 must prepare essential tools for IDIS (Integrated and Distributed Information Service) allowing the planetary science community to interrogate some selected data centres, access and process data and visualize the results. This is the first step towards a Planetary Virtual Observatory. The first requirement for different data centres to be able to operate together collectively is adequate standardization. In particular a common description of data and services is essential. This is why the major part of JRA4/Task2 activity is focussing on data models, associated dictionnaries, and protocols to exchange queries. A specific data model is being developed for IDIS, associated with the PDAP protocol, a standard defined by the IPDA (International Planetary Data Alliance) The scope of this prototype is to demonstrate the capabilities of the IDIS Data Model, and the PDAP protocol to search and retrieve data in the wide topical planetology context.

  7. Comparing RIEGL RiCOPTER UAV LiDAR Derived Canopy Height and DBH with Terrestrial LiDAR

    PubMed Central

    Bartholomeus, Harm M.; Kooistra, Lammert

    2017-01-01

    In recent years, LIght Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) and especially Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) systems have shown the potential to revolutionise forest structural characterisation by providing unprecedented 3D data. However, manned Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) requires costly campaigns and produces relatively low point density, while TLS is labour intense and time demanding. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-borne laser scanning can be the way in between. In this study, we present first results and experiences with the RIEGL RiCOPTER with VUX®-1UAV ALS system and compare it with the well tested RIEGL VZ-400 TLS system. We scanned the same forest plots with both systems over the course of two days. We derived Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and finally Canopy Height Models (CHMs) from the resulting point clouds. ALS CHMs were on average 11.5 cm higher in five plots with different canopy conditions. This showed that TLS could not always detect the top of canopy. Moreover, we extracted trunk segments of 58 trees for ALS and TLS simultaneously, of which 39 could be used to model Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). ALS DBH showed a high agreement with TLS DBH with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and root mean square error of 4.24 cm. We conclude that RiCOPTER has the potential to perform comparable to TLS for estimating forest canopy height and DBH under the studied forest conditions. Further research should be directed to testing UAV-borne LiDAR for explicit 3D modelling of whole trees to estimate tree volume and subsequently Above-Ground Biomass (AGB). PMID:29039755

  8. Comparing RIEGL RiCOPTER UAV LiDAR Derived Canopy Height and DBH with Terrestrial LiDAR.

    PubMed

    Brede, Benjamin; Lau, Alvaro; Bartholomeus, Harm M; Kooistra, Lammert

    2017-10-17

    In recent years, LIght Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) and especially Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) systems have shown the potential to revolutionise forest structural characterisation by providing unprecedented 3D data. However, manned Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) requires costly campaigns and produces relatively low point density, while TLS is labour intense and time demanding. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-borne laser scanning can be the way in between. In this study, we present first results and experiences with the RIEGL RiCOPTER with VUX ® -1UAV ALS system and compare it with the well tested RIEGL VZ-400 TLS system. We scanned the same forest plots with both systems over the course of two days. We derived Digital Terrain Model (DTMs), Digital Surface Model (DSMs) and finally Canopy Height Model (CHMs) from the resulting point clouds. ALS CHMs were on average 11.5 c m higher in five plots with different canopy conditions. This showed that TLS could not always detect the top of canopy. Moreover, we extracted trunk segments of 58 trees for ALS and TLS simultaneously, of which 39 could be used to model Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). ALS DBH showed a high agreement with TLS DBH with a correlation coefficient of 0.98 and root mean square error of 4.24 c m . We conclude that RiCOPTER has the potential to perform comparable to TLS for estimating forest canopy height and DBH under the studied forest conditions. Further research should be directed to testing UAV-borne LiDAR for explicit 3D modelling of whole trees to estimate tree volume and subsequently Above-Ground Biomass (AGB).

  9. Integrated metabolomic and proteomic analysis reveals systemic responses of Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2 to aniline stress.

    PubMed

    Mujahid, Md; Prasuna, M Lakshmi; Sasikala, Ch; Ramana, Ch Venkata

    2015-02-06

    Aromatic amines are widely distributed in the environment and are major environmental pollutants. Although degradation of aromatic amines is well studied in bacteria, physiological adaptations and stress response to these toxic compounds is not yet fully understood. In the present study, systemic responses of Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2 to aniline stress were deciphered using metabolite and iTRAQ-labeled protein profiling. Strain JA2 tolerated high concentrations of aniline (30 mM) with trace amounts of aniline being transformed to acetanilide. GC-MS metabolite profiling revealed aniline stress phenotype wherein amino acid, carbohydrate, fatty acid, nitrogen metabolisms, and TCA (tricarboxylic acid cycle) were modulated. Strain JA2 responded to aniline by remodeling the proteome, and cellular functions, such as signaling, transcription, translation, stress tolerance, transport and carbohydrate metabolism, were highly modulated. Key adaptive responses, such as transcription/translational changes, molecular chaperones to control protein folding, and efflux pumps implicated in solvent extrusion, were induced in response to aniline stress. Proteo-metabolomics indicated extensive rewiring of metabolism to aniline. TCA cycle and amino acid catabolism were down-regulated while gluconeogenesis and pentose phosphate pathways were up-regulated, leading to the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, increased saturated fatty acid ratios in membranes due to aniline stress suggest membrane adaptation. The present study thus indicates that strain JA2 employs multilayered responses: stress response, toxic compound tolerance, energy conservation, and metabolic rearrangements to aniline.

  10. Inhibitory Effects of Cytosolic Ca(2+) Concentration by Ginsenoside Ro Are Dependent on Phosphorylation of IP3RI and Dephosphorylation of ERK in Human Platelets.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Hyuk-Woo; Shin, Jung-Hae; Lee, Dong-Ha; Park, Hwa-Jin

    2015-01-01

    Intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)] i ) is platelet aggregation-inducing molecule and is involved in activation of aggregation associated molecules. This study was carried out to understand the Ca(2+)-antagonistic effect of ginsenoside Ro (G-Ro), an oleanane-type saponin in Panax ginseng. G-Ro, without affecting leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, dose-dependently inhibited thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration was approximately 155 μM. G-Ro inhibited strongly thrombin-elevated [Ca(2+)] i , which was strongly increased by A-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS compared to G-kinase inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cGMPS. G-Ro increased the level of cAMP and subsequently elevated the phosphorylation of inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor I (IP3RI) (Ser(1756)) to inhibit [Ca(2+)] i mobilization in thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Phosphorylation of IP3RI (Ser(1756)) by G-Ro was decreased by PKA inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMPS. In addition, G-Ro inhibited thrombin-induced phosphorylation of ERK 2 (42 kDa), indicating inhibition of Ca(2+) influx across plasma membrane. We demonstrate that G-Ro upregulates cAMP-dependent IP3RI (Ser(1756)) phosphorylation and downregulates phosphorylation of ERK 2 (42 kDa) to decrease thrombin-elevated [Ca(2+)] i , which contributes to inhibition of ATP and serotonin release, and p-selectin expression. These results indicate that G-Ro in Panax ginseng is a beneficial novel Ca(2+)-antagonistic compound and may prevent platelet aggregation-mediated thrombotic disease.

  11. The aux1 gene of the Ri plasmid is sufficient to confer auxin autotrophy in tobacco BY-2 cells.

    PubMed

    Nemoto, Keiichirou; Hara, Masamitsu; Goto, Shingo; Kasai, Kouji; Seki, Hikaru; Suzuki, Masashi; Oka, Atsuhiro; Muranaka, Toshiya; Mano, Yoshihiro

    2009-05-01

    Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells are rapidly proliferating meristematic cells that require auxin for culture in vitro. We have established several transgenic BY-2 cell lines that carry the T-DNA of Agrobacterium rhizogenes 15834, which harbors an agropine-type root-inducing (Ri) plasmid. Two of these lines, BYHR-3 and BYHR-7, were used to test the role of auxin in the proliferation of plant cells. The lines grew rapidly in Linsmaier-Skoog (LS) medium lacking auxin and other phytohormones. The TR-DNA, containing the aux1 (tryptophan monooxygenase) and aux2 (indoleacetamide hydrolase) genes, was present in the genomes of both transgenic lines, whereas the TL-DNA, containing the rolA, B, C and D genes, was present in the genome of BYHR-7 but not BYHR-3. Since the introduction of the rolABCD genes alone did not affect the auxin requirement of BY-2 cells, the aux1 and aux2 genes, but not the rolABCD genes, appear to be relevant to the auxin autotrophy of these transgenic lines. Furthermore, the overexpression of aux1 allowed BY-2 cells to grow rapidly in the absence of auxin, suggesting the existence in plant cells of an unidentified gene whose product is functionally equivalent or similar to that of aux2 of the Ri plasmid.

  12. JaK/STAT Inhibition to Prevent Post-Traumatic Epileptogenesis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-07-31

    months 22-28) 2i. Assess mossy fiber sprouting, cell loss and glial proliferation 10 weeks post injury using Timm and Nissl staining (40 mice...1e. Assess protein levels and regional/cellular expression of JaK1 and 2, pSTAT1-5 using fluorescent immunohistochemistry with co- staining for cell...treated with CCI, 10 of which were treated with WP1066. Early post-injury experiments are underway; Timm staining has not revealed mossy fiber

  13. OsMPK3 positively regulates the JA signaling pathway and plant resistance to a chewing herbivore in rice.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qi; Li, Jiancai; Hu, Lingfei; Zhang, Tongfang; Zhang, Guren; Lou, Yonggen

    2013-07-01

    KEY MESSAGE : Silencing OsMPK3 decreased elicited JA levels, which subsequently reduced levels of herbivore-induced trypsin protease inhibitors (TrypPIs) and improved the performance of SSB larvae, but did not influence BPH. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MPKs) are known to play an important role in plant defense by transferring biotic and abiotic signals into programmed cellular responses. However, their functions in the herbivore-induced defense response in rice remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a MPK3 gene from rice, OsMPK3, and found that its expression levels were up-regulated in response to infestation by the larvae of the striped stem borer (SSB) (Chilo suppressalis), to mechanical wounding and to treatment with jasmonic acid (JA), but not to infestation by the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens or to treatment with salicylic acid. Moreover, mechanical wounding and SSB infestation induced the expression of OsMPK3 strongly and quickly, whereas JA treatment induced the gene more weakly and slowly. Silencing OsMPK3 (ir-mpk3) reduced the expression of the gene by 50-70 %, decreased elicited levels of JA and diminished the expression of a lipoxygenase gene OsHI-LOX and an allene oxide synthase gene OsAOS1. The reduced JA signaling in ir-mpk3 plants decreased the levels of herbivore-induced trypsin protease inhibitors (TrypPIs) and improved the performance of SSB larvae, but did not influence BPH. Our findings suggest that the gene OsMPK3 responds early in herbivore-induced defense and can be regulated by rice plants to activate a specific and appropriate defense response to different herbivores.

  14. Stable Isotope-Assisted Metabolic Profiling Reveals Growth Mode Dependent Differential Metabolism and Multiple Catabolic Pathways of l-Phenylalanine in Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2.

    PubMed

    Mekala, Lakshmi Prasuna; Mohammed, Mujahid; Chintalapati, Sasikala; Chintalapati, Venkata Ramana

    2018-01-05

    Anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria are metabolically versatile and survive under different growth modes using diverse organic compounds, yet their metabolic diversity is largely unexplored. In the present study, we employed stable-isotope-assisted metabolic profiling to unravel the l-phenylalanine catabolism in Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2 under varying growth modes. Strain JA2 grows under anaerobic and aerobic conditions by utilizing l-phenylalanine as a nitrogen source. Furthermore, ring-labeled 13 C 6 -phenylalanine feeding followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry exometabolite profiling revealed 60 labeled metabolic features (M + 6, M + 12, and M + 18) derived solely from l-phenylalanine, of which 11 were identified, 7 putatively identified, and 42 unidentified under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. However, labeled metabolites were significantly higher in aerobic compared to anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, detected metabolites and enzyme activities indicated multiple l-phenylalanine catabolic routes mainly Ehrlich, homogentisate-dependent melanin, benzenoid, and unidentified pathways operating under anaerobic and aerobic conditions in strain JA2. Interestingly, the study indicated l-phenylalanine-dependent and independent benzenoid biosynthesis in strain JA2 and a differential flux of l-phenylalanine to Ehrlich and benzenoid pathways under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Additionally, unidentified labeled metabolites strongly suggest the presence of unknown phenylalanine catabolic routes in strain JA2. Overall, the study uncovered the l-phenylalanine catabolic diversity in strain JA2 and demonstrated the potential of stable isotope-assisted metabolomics in unraveling the hidden metabolic repertoire.

  15. Aniline Is an Inducer, and Not a Precursor, for Indole Derivatives in Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2

    PubMed Central

    Mohammed, Mujahid; Ch, Sasikala; Ch, Ramana V.

    2014-01-01

    Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2 and other anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria produce indole derivatives when exposed to aniline, a xenobiotic compound. Though this phenomenon has been reported previously, the role of aniline in the production of indoles is still a biochemical riddle. The present study aims at understanding the specific role of aniline (as precursor or stimulator) in the production of indoles and elucidating the biochemical pathway of indoles in aniline-exposed cells by using stable isotope approaches. Metabolic profiling revealed tryptophan accumulation only in aniline exposed cells along with indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole 3-aldehyde (IAld), the two major catabolites of tryptophan. Deuterium labelled aniline feeding studies revealed that aniline is not a precursor of indoles in strain JA2. Further, production of indoles only in aniline-exposed cells suggests that aniline is an indoles stimulator. In addition, production of indoles depended on the presence of a carbon source, and production enhanced when carbon sources were added to the culture. Isotope labelled fumarate feeding identified, fumarate as the precursor of indole, indicating de novo synthesis of indoles. Glyphosate (shikimate pathway inhibitor) inhibited the indoles production, accumulation of tryptophan, IAA and IAld indicating that indoles synthesis in strain JA2 occurs via the de novo shikimate pathway. The up-regulation of anthranilate synthase gene and induction of anthranilate synthase activity correlated well with tryptophan production in strain JA2. Induction of tryptophan aminotransferase and tryptophan 2-monooxygenase activities corroborated well with IAA levels, suggesting that tryptophan catabolism occurs simultaneously in aniline exposed cells. Our study demonstrates that aniline (stress) stimulates tryptophan/indoles synthesis via the shikimate pathway by possibly modulating the metabolic pathway. PMID:24533057

  16. Aniline is an inducer, and not a precursor, for indole derivatives in Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2.

    PubMed

    Mujahid, Mohammed; Sasikala, Ch; Ramana, Ch V

    2014-01-01

    Rubrivivax benzoatilyticus JA2 and other anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria produce indole derivatives when exposed to aniline, a xenobiotic compound. Though this phenomenon has been reported previously, the role of aniline in the production of indoles is still a biochemical riddle. The present study aims at understanding the specific role of aniline (as precursor or stimulator) in the production of indoles and elucidating the biochemical pathway of indoles in aniline-exposed cells by using stable isotope approaches. Metabolic profiling revealed tryptophan accumulation only in aniline exposed cells along with indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole 3-aldehyde (IAld), the two major catabolites of tryptophan. Deuterium labelled aniline feeding studies revealed that aniline is not a precursor of indoles in strain JA2. Further, production of indoles only in aniline-exposed cells suggests that aniline is an indoles stimulator. In addition, production of indoles depended on the presence of a carbon source, and production enhanced when carbon sources were added to the culture. Isotope labelled fumarate feeding identified, fumarate as the precursor of indole, indicating de novo synthesis of indoles. Glyphosate (shikimate pathway inhibitor) inhibited the indoles production, accumulation of tryptophan, IAA and IAld indicating that indoles synthesis in strain JA2 occurs via the de novo shikimate pathway. The up-regulation of anthranilate synthase gene and induction of anthranilate synthase activity correlated well with tryptophan production in strain JA2. Induction of tryptophan aminotransferase and tryptophan 2-monooxygenase activities corroborated well with IAA levels, suggesting that tryptophan catabolism occurs simultaneously in aniline exposed cells. Our study demonstrates that aniline (stress) stimulates tryptophan/indoles synthesis via the shikimate pathway by possibly modulating the metabolic pathway.

  17. Roles for SH2 and SH3 domains in Lyn kinase association with activated FcepsilonRI in RBL mast cells revealed by patterned surface analysis.

    PubMed

    Hammond, Stephanie; Wagenknecht-Wiesner, Alice; Veatch, Sarah L; Holowka, David; Baird, Barbara

    2009-10-01

    In mast cells, antigen-mediated cross-linking of IgE bound to its high-affinity surface receptor, FcepsilonRI, initiates a signaling cascade that culminates in degranulation and release of allergic mediators. Antigen-patterned surfaces, in which the antigen is deposited in micron-sized features on a silicon substrate, were used to examine the spatial relationship between clustered IgE-FcepsilonRI complexes and Lyn, the signal-initiating tyrosine kinase. RBL mast cells expressing wild-type Lyn-EGFP showed co-redistribution of this protein with clustered IgE receptors on antigen-patterned surfaces, whereas Lyn-EGFP containing an inhibitory point mutation in its SH2 domain did not significantly accumulate with the patterned antigen, and Lyn-EGFP with an inhibitory point mutation in its SH3 domain exhibited reduced interactions. Our results using antigen-patterned surfaces and quantitative cross-correlation image analysis reveal that both the SH2 and SH3 domains contribute to interactions between Lyn kinase and cross-linked IgE receptors in stimulated mast cells.

  18. Functional roles of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cell responses to lipopolysaccharide and FcεRI-clustering.

    PubMed

    Chiba, Norika; Kakimoto, Kyoko; Masuda, Akio; Matsuguchi, Tetsuya

    2010-11-05

    Cot/Tpl2, a member of MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), is indispensable for the ERK activation, as well as the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23, and PGE(2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. However, the expression and the functional roles of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cells have not been elucidated. The administration of LPS impairs allergic airway inflammation in a mast cell-dependent manner, and LPS stimulates mast cells to produce not only pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, but also Th2-type cytokines, such as IL-5, IL-10 and IL-13. Here, we examine the role of Cot/Tpl2 by using bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from cot/tpl2 gene-deficient mice. Phosphorylation of ERKs was significantly decreased, whereas that of JNKs and p38 kinase was normal in LPS-stimulated cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs compared with wild-type counterparts. LPS-induced mRNA increase was significantly impaired for IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and TNF-α, but was normal for IL-6, in cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs. On the other hand, degranulation by FcεRI-clustering from cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs was significantly enhanced compared with the WT control. Although the phosphorylation of ERKs and p38 kinase by FcεRI-clustering was similar in WT and cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs, the phosphorylation of Syk was significantly enhanced in cot/tpl2(-/-) BMMCs, which seemed to be due to the increased protein concentration of Syk. These results imply the functional importance of Cot/Tpl2 in mast cells during the course of allergic diseases such as asthma. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Genome Analysis of the Biotechnologically Relevant Acidophilic Iron Oxidising Strain JA12 Indicates Phylogenetic and Metabolic Diversity within the Novel Genus “Ferrovum”

    PubMed Central

    Ullrich, Sophie R.; Poehlein, Anja; Tischler, Judith S.; González, Carolina; Ossandon, Francisco J.; Daniel, Rolf; Holmes, David S.; Schlömann, Michael; Mühling, Martin

    2016-01-01

    Background Members of the genus “Ferrovum” are ubiquitously distributed in acid mine drainage (AMD) waters which are characterised by their high metal and sulfate loads. So far isolation and microbiological characterisation have only been successful for the designated type strain “Ferrovum myxofaciens” P3G. Thus, knowledge about physiological characteristics and the phylogeny of the genus “Ferrovum” is extremely scarce. Objective In order to access the wider genetic pool of the genus “Ferrovum” we sequenced the genome of a “Ferrovum”-containing mixed culture and successfully assembled the almost complete genome sequence of the novel “Ferrovum” strain JA12. Phylogeny and Lifestyle The genome-based phylogenetic analysis indicates that strain JA12 and the type strain represent two distinct “Ferrovum” species. “Ferrovum” strain JA12 is characterised by an unusually small genome in comparison to the type strain and other iron oxidising bacteria. The prediction of nutrient assimilation pathways suggests that “Ferrovum” strain JA12 maintains a chemolithoautotrophic lifestyle utilising carbon dioxide and bicarbonate, ammonium and urea, sulfate, phosphate and ferrous iron as carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous and energy sources, respectively. Unique Metabolic Features The potential utilisation of urea by “Ferrovum” strain JA12 is moreover remarkable since it may furthermore represent a strategy among extreme acidophiles to cope with the acidic environment. Unlike other acidophilic chemolithoautotrophs “Ferrovum” strain JA12 exhibits a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle, a metabolic feature shared with the closer related neutrophilic iron oxidisers among the Betaproteobacteria including Sideroxydans lithotrophicus and Thiobacillus denitrificans. Furthermore, the absence of characteristic redox proteins involved in iron oxidation in the well-studied acidophiles Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (rusticyanin) and Acidithiobacillus

  20. SaFaRI: sacral nerve stimulation versus the FENIX magnetic sphincter augmentation for adult faecal incontinence: a randomised investigation.

    PubMed

    Williams, Annabelle E; Croft, Julie; Napp, Vicky; Corrigan, Neil; Brown, Julia M; Hulme, Claire; Brown, Steven R; Lodge, Jen; Protheroe, David; Jayne, David G

    2016-02-01

    Faecal incontinence is a physically, psychologically and socially disabling condition. NICE guidance (2007) recommends surgical intervention, including sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), after failed conservative therapies. The FENIX magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) device is a novel continence device consisting of a flexible band of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores that is placed around the anal canal to augment anal sphincter tone through passive attraction of the beads. Preliminary studies suggest the FENIX MSA is safe, but efficacy data is limited. Rigorous evaluation is required prior to widespread adoption. The SaFaRI trial is a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA)-funded UK multi-site, parallel group, randomised controlled, unblinded trial that will investigate the use of the FENIX MSA, as compared to SNS, for adult faecal incontinence resistant to conservative management. Twenty sites across the UK, experienced in the treatment of faecal incontinence, will recruit 350 patients randomised equally to receive either SNS or FENIX MSA. Participants will be followed-up at 2 weeks post-surgery and at 6, 12 and 18 months post-randomisation. The primary endpoint is success, as defined by device in use and ≥50 % improvement in the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS) at 18 months post-randomisation. Secondary endpoints include complications, quality of life and cost effectiveness. SaFaRI will rigorously evaluate a new technology for faecal incontinence, the FENIX™ MSA, allowing its safe and controlled introduction into current clinical practice. These results will inform the future surgical management of adult faecal incontinence.

  1. Histone Methylation and Epigenetic Silencing in Breast Cancer

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-02-01

    Chen, S., Bohrer, L.R., Nair-Rai, A., Pan , Y., Gan, L., Zhou, X., Bagchi, A., Simon, J.A. and Huang, H. (2010). Cyclin-dependent kinases regulate...EZH2 suppresses methylation of lysine 27 in histone H3. Science 310(5746): 306-310. Chen, S., Bohrer, L.R., Rai, A.N., Pan , Y., Gan, L., Zhou, X...recent study finds that ri-methyl-H3-K27 levels are decreased in breast, ovarian and pan - reatic cancer samples [65], which could reflect a shift in

  2. Population trends and flight behavior of the American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus (Coleoptera: Silphidae), on Block Island, RI

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Raithel, C.J.; Ginsberg, H.S.; Prospero, M.L.

    2006-01-01

    The endangered American burying beetle, Nicrophorus americanus, was monitored on Block Island, RI, USA, from 1991-2003 using mark-recapture population estimates of adults collected in pitfall traps. Populations increased through time, especially after 1994 when a program was initiated that provided carrion for beetle production. Beetle captures increased with increasing temperature and dew point, and decreased with increasing wind speed. Short distance movement was not related to wind direction, while longer distance flights tended to be downwind. Although many individuals flew considerable distances along transects, most recaptures were in traps near the point of release. These behaviors probably have counterbalancing effects on population estimates.

  3. Early dust formation and a massive progenitor for SN 2011ja?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Andrews, J. E.; Krafton, Kelsie M.; Clayton, Geoffrey C.; Montiel, E.; Wesson, R.; Sugerman, Ben E. K.; Barlow, M. J.; Matsuura, M.; Drass, H.

    2016-04-01

    SN 2011ja was a bright (I = -18.3) Type II supernova occurring in the nearby edge on spiral galaxy NGC 4945. Flat-topped and multipeaked H α and H β spectral emission lines appear between 64 and 84 d post-explosion, indicating interaction with a disc-like circumstellar medium inclined ˜45° from edge-on. After day 84, an increase in the H- and K-band flux along with heavy attenuation of the red wing of the emission lines are strong indications of early dust formation, likely located in the cool dense shell created between the forward shock of the SN ejecta and the reverse shock created as the ejecta plows into the existing circumstellar material. Radiative transfer modelling reveals both ≈1 × 10-5 M⊙ of pre-existing dust located ˜1016.7 cm away and up to ≈6 × 10-4 M⊙ of newly formed dust. Spectral observations after 1.5 yr reveal the possibility that the fading SN is located within a young (3-6 Myr) massive stellar cluster, which when combined with tentative 56Ni mass estimates of 0.2 M⊙ may indicate a massive (≥25 M⊙) progenitor for SN 2011ja.

  4. Structure of D-AKAP2:PKA RI complex: Insights into AKAP specificity and selectivity

    PubMed Central

    Sarma, Ganapathy N.; Kinderman, Francis S.; Kim, Choel; von Daake, Sventja; Chen, Lirong; Wang, Bi-Cheng; Taylor, Susan S.

    2011-01-01

    Summary A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) regulate cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling in space and time. Dual-specific AKAP 2 (D-AKAP2) binds to the dimerization/docking (D/D) domain of both RI and RII regulatory subunits of PKA with high affinity. Here, we have determined the structures of the RIα D/D domain alone and in complex with D-AKAP2. The D/D domain presents an extensive surface for binding through a well-formed N-termina helix and this surface restricts the diversity of AKAPs that can interact. The structures also underscore the importance of a redox-sensitive disulfide in affecting AKAP binding. An unexpected shift in the helical register of D-AKAP2 compared to the RIIα:D-AKAP2 complex structure makes the mode of binding to RIα novel. Finally, the comparison allows us to deduce a molecular explanation for the sequence and spatial determinants of AKAP specificity. PMID:20159461

  5. New Enhanced Artificial Bee Colony (JA-ABC5) Algorithm with Application for Reactive Power Optimization

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    The standard artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm involves exploration and exploitation processes which need to be balanced for enhanced performance. This paper proposes a new modified ABC algorithm named JA-ABC5 to enhance convergence speed and improve the ability to reach the global optimum by balancing exploration and exploitation processes. New stages have been proposed at the earlier stages of the algorithm to increase the exploitation process. Besides that, modified mutation equations have also been introduced in the employed and onlooker-bees phases to balance the two processes. The performance of JA-ABC5 has been analyzed on 27 commonly used benchmark functions and tested to optimize the reactive power optimization problem. The performance results have clearly shown that the newly proposed algorithm has outperformed other compared algorithms in terms of convergence speed and global optimum achievement. PMID:25879054

  6. New enhanced artificial bee colony (JA-ABC5) algorithm with application for reactive power optimization.

    PubMed

    Sulaiman, Noorazliza; Mohamad-Saleh, Junita; Abro, Abdul Ghani

    2015-01-01

    The standard artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm involves exploration and exploitation processes which need to be balanced for enhanced performance. This paper proposes a new modified ABC algorithm named JA-ABC5 to enhance convergence speed and improve the ability to reach the global optimum by balancing exploration and exploitation processes. New stages have been proposed at the earlier stages of the algorithm to increase the exploitation process. Besides that, modified mutation equations have also been introduced in the employed and onlooker-bees phases to balance the two processes. The performance of JA-ABC5 has been analyzed on 27 commonly used benchmark functions and tested to optimize the reactive power optimization problem. The performance results have clearly shown that the newly proposed algorithm has outperformed other compared algorithms in terms of convergence speed and global optimum achievement.

  7. Biosynthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles using Pichia fermentans JA2 and their antimicrobial property

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chauhan, Ritika; Reddy, Arpita; Abraham, Jayanthi

    2015-01-01

    The development of eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great challenge among researchers. The present study aimed to investigate the biological synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial study and synergistic effect of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles against clinical pathogens using Pichia fermentans JA2. The extracellular biosynthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles was investigated using Pichia fermentans JA2 isolated from spoiled fruit pulp bought in Vellore local market. The crystalline and stable metallic nanoparticles were characterized evolving several analytical techniques including UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction pattern analysis and FE-scanning electron microscope with EDX-analysis. The biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles were tested for their antimicrobial property against medically important Gram positive, Gram negative and fungal pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were also evaluated for their increased antimicrobial activities with various commercially available antibiotics against clinical pathogens. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles inhibited most of the Gram negative clinical pathogens, whereas zinc oxide nanoparticles were able to inhibit only Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The combined effect of standard antibiotic disc and biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles enhanced the inhibitory effect against clinical pathogens. The biological synthesis of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles is a novel and cost-effective approach over harmful chemical synthesis techniques. The metallic nanoparticles synthesized using Pichia fermentans JA2 possess potent inhibitory effect that offers valuable contribution to pharmaceutical associations.

  8. The EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations.

    PubMed

    O'Sullivan, Tracey L; Kuziemsky, Craig E; Corneil, Wayne; Lemyre, Louise; Franco, Zeno

    2014-10-02

    Resilience has been described in many ways and is inherently complex. In essence, it refers to the capacity to face and do well when adversity is encountered. There is a need for empirical research on community level initiatives designed to enhance resilience for high-risk groups as part of an upstream approach to disaster management. In this study, we address this issue, presenting the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations. The framework presented in this paper is empirically-based, using qualitative data from focus groups conducted as part of an asset-mapping intervention in five communities in Canada, and builds on extant literature in the fields of disaster and emergency management, health promotion, and community development. Adaptive capacity is placed at the centre of the framework as a focal point, surrounded by four strategic areas for intervention (awareness/communication, asset/resource management, upstream-oriented leadership, and connectedness/engagement). Three drivers of adaptive capacity (empowerment, innovation, and collaboration) cross-cut the strategic areas and represent levers for action which can influence systems, people and institutions through expansion of asset literacy. Each component of the framework is embedded within the complexity and culture of a community. We present recommendations for how this framework can be used to guide the design of future resilience-oriented initiatives with particular emphasis on inclusive engagement across a range of functional capabilities.

  9. SuMoToRI, an Ecophysiological Model to Predict Growth and Sulfur Allocation and Partitioning in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Until the Onset of Pod Formation

    PubMed Central

    Brunel-Muguet, Sophie; Mollier, Alain; Kauffmann, François; Avice, Jean-Christophe; Goudier, Damien; Sénécal, Emmanuelle; Etienne, Philippe

    2015-01-01

    Sulfur (S) nutrition in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major concern for this high S-demanding crop, especially in the context of soil S oligotrophy. Therefore, predicting plant growth, S plant allocation (between the plant’s compartments) and S pool partitioning (repartition of the mobile-S vs. non-mobile-S fractions) until the onset of reproductive phase could help in the diagnosis of S deficiencies during the early stages. For this purpose, a process-based model, SuMoToRI (Sulfur Model Toward Rapeseed Improvement), was developed up to the onset of pod formation. The key features rely on (i) the determination of the S requirements used for growth (structural and metabolic functions) through critical S dilution curves and (ii) the estimation of a mobile pool of S that is regenerated by daily S uptake and remobilization from senescing leaves. This study describes the functioning of the model and presents the model’s calibration and evaluation. SuMoToRI was calibrated and evaluated with independent datasets from greenhouse experiments under contrasting S supply conditions. It is run with a small number of parameters with generic values, except in the case of the radiation use efficiency, which was shown to be modulated by S supply. The model gave satisfying predictions of the dynamics of growth, S allocation between compartments and S partitioning, such as the mobile-S fraction in the leaves, which is an indicator of the remobilization potential toward growing sinks. The mechanistic features of SuMoToRI provide a process-based framework that has enabled the description of the S remobilizing process in a species characterized by senescence during the vegetative phase. We believe that this model structure could be useful for modeling S dynamics in other arable crops that have similar senescence-related characteristics. PMID:26635825

  10. Developing standards for reporting implementation studies of complex interventions (StaRI): a systematic review and e-Delphi.

    PubMed

    Pinnock, Hilary; Epiphaniou, Eleni; Sheikh, Aziz; Griffiths, Chris; Eldridge, Sandra; Craig, Peter; Taylor, Stephanie J C

    2015-03-30

    Dissemination and implementation of health care interventions are currently hampered by the variable quality of reporting of implementation research. Reporting of other study types has been improved by the introduction of reporting standards (e.g. CONSORT). We are therefore developing guidelines for reporting implementation studies (StaRI). Using established methodology for developing health research reporting guidelines, we systematically reviewed the literature to generate items for a checklist of reporting standards. We then recruited an international, multidisciplinary panel for an e-Delphi consensus-building exercise which comprised an initial open round to revise/suggest a list of potential items for scoring in the subsequent two scoring rounds (scale 1 to 9). Consensus was defined a priori as 80% agreement with the priority scores of 7, 8, or 9. We identified eight papers from the literature review from which we derived 36 potential items. We recruited 23 experts to the e-Delphi panel. Open round comments resulted in revisions, and 47 items went forward to the scoring rounds. Thirty-five items achieved consensus: 19 achieved 100% agreement. Prioritised items addressed the need to: provide an evidence-based justification for implementation; describe the setting, professional/service requirements, eligible population and intervention in detail; measure process and clinical outcomes at population level (using routine data); report impact on health care resources; describe local adaptations to the implementation strategy and describe barriers/facilitators. Over-arching themes from the free-text comments included balancing the need for detailed descriptions of interventions with publishing constraints, addressing the dual aims of reporting on the process of implementation and effectiveness of the intervention and monitoring fidelity to an intervention whilst encouraging adaptation to suit diverse local contexts. We have identified priority items for reporting

  11. Pectin characterisation using size exclusion chromatography: A comparison of ELS and RI detection.

    PubMed

    Muñoz-Almagro, Nerea; Rico-Rodriguez, Fabián; Villamiel, Mar; Montilla, Antonia

    2018-06-30

    A high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) method coupled to Evaporative Light Scattering (ELS) and Refractive Index (RI) detectors were evaluated and compared for the molecular mass (Mw) estimation of pectin in a wide range (0.342-805 kDa). Instrumental parameters of the ELSD were optimised by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) being 73 °C the evaporator temperature and 0.9 mL/min the air flow rate. The linear range for the ELSD concentration response was wider (10-2250 mg/L) and better (R 2  = 0.985) than RID (10-1500 mg/L; R 2  = 0.875). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) for all pullulans hardly changed in ELSD (LOD: 1.22-1.99 mg/L; LOQ: 4.07-6.63 mg/L); however, RID showed huge variations (LOD: 0.49-10.41 mg/L; LOQ: 1.64-34.70 mg/L), which increased with the Mw. In general, responses of both detectors were similar for the Mw estimation, although pectin characterisation with HPSEC-ELSD exhibited better results in the lowest Mw compounds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Surface Disturbances at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site: Another Indicator of Nuclear Testing?

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

    Pabian, Frank V.; Coblentz, David

    A review of available very high-resolution commercial satellite imagery (bracketing the time of North Korea’s most recent underground nuclear test on 9 September 2016 at the Punggye-ri Underground Nuclear Test Site) has led to the detection and identification of several minor surface disturbances on the southern flank of Mt. Mantap. These surface disturbances occur in the form of small landslides, either alone or together with small zones of disturbed bare rock that appear to have been vertically lofted (“spalled”) as a result of the most recent underground explosion. Typically, spall can be uniquely attributed to underground nuclear testing and ismore » not a result of natural processes. However, given the time gap of up to three months between images (pre- and post-event), which was coincident with a period of heavy typhoon flooding in the area1, it is not possible to determine whether the small landslides were exclusively explosion induced, the consequence of heavy rainfall erosion, or some combination of the two.« less

  13. Cyclic lipopeptide iturin A structure-dependently induces defense response in Arabidopsis plants by activating SA and JA signaling pathways.

    PubMed

    Kawagoe, Yumi; Shiraishi, Soma; Kondo, Hiroko; Yamamoto, Shoko; Aoki, Yoshinao; Suzuki, Shunji

    2015-05-15

    Iturin A is the most well studied antifungal cyclic lipopeptide produced by Bacillus species that are frequently utilized as biological control agents. Iturin A not only shows strong antifungal activity against phytopathogens but also induces defense response in plants, thereby reducing plant disease severity. Here we report the defense signaling pathways triggered by iturin A in Arabidopsis salicylic acid (SA) or jasmonic acid (JA)-insensitive mutants. Iturin A activated the transcription of defense genes PR1 and PDF1.2 through the SA and JA signaling pathways, respectively. The role of iturin A as an elicitor was dependent on the cyclization of the seven amino acids and/or the β-hydroxy fatty acid chain. The iturin A derivative peptide, NH2-(L-Asn)-(D-Tyr)-(D-Asn)-(L-Gln)-(L-Pro)-(D-Asn)-(L-Ser)-COOH, completely suppressed PR1 and PDF1.2 gene expression in wild Arabidopsis plants. The identification of target molecules binding to iturin A and its derivative peptide is expected to shed new light on defense response in plants through the SA and JA signaling pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. The EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations

    PubMed Central

    O'Sullivan, Tracey L.; Kuziemsky, Craig E.; Corneil, Wayne; Lemyre, Louise; Franco, Zeno

    2014-01-01

    Introduction: Resilience has been described in many ways and is inherently complex. In essence, it refers to the capacity to face and do well when adversity is encountered. There is a need for empirical research on community level initiatives designed to enhance resilience for high-risk groups as part of an upstream approach to disaster management. In this study, we address this issue, presenting the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations. Methods: The framework presented in this paper is empirically-based, using qualitative data from focus groups conducted as part of an asset-mapping intervention in five communities in Canada, and builds on extant literature in the fields of disaster and emergency management, health promotion, and community development. Results: Adaptive capacity is placed at the centre of the framework as a focal point, surrounded by four strategic areas for intervention (awareness/communication, asset/resource management, upstream-oriented leadership, and connectedness/engagement). Three drivers of adaptive capacity (empowerment, innovation, and collaboration) cross-cut the strategic areas and represent levers for action which can influence systems, people and institutions through expansion of asset literacy. Each component of the framework is embedded within the complexity and culture of a community. Discussion: We present recommendations for how this framework can be used to guide the design of future resilience-oriented initiatives with particular emphasis on inclusive engagement across a range of functional capabilities. PMID:25642373

  15. Identification of Major Risk Sources for Surface Water Pollution by Risk Indexes (RI) in the Multi-Provincial Boundary Region of the Taihu Basin, China.

    PubMed

    Yao, Hong; Li, Weixin; Qian, Xin

    2015-08-21

    Environmental safety in multi-district boundary regions has been one of the focuses in China and is mentioned many times in the Environmental Protection Act of 2014. Five types were categorized concerning the risk sources for surface water pollution in the multi-provincial boundary region of the Taihu basin: production enterprises, waste disposal sites, chemical storage sites, agricultural non-point sources and waterway transportations. Considering the hazard of risk sources, the purification property of environmental medium and the vulnerability of risk receptors, 52 specific attributes on the risk levels of each type of risk source were screened out. Continuous piecewise linear function model, expert consultation method and fuzzy integral model were used to calculate the integrated risk indexes (RI) to characterize the risk levels of pollution sources. In the studied area, 2716 pollution sources were characterized by RI values. There were 56 high-risk sources screened out as major risk sources, accounting for about 2% of the total. The numbers of sources with high-moderate, moderate, moderate-low and low pollution risk were 376, 1059, 101 and 1124, respectively, accounting for 14%, 38%, 5% and 41% of the total. The procedure proposed could be included in the integrated risk management systems of the multi-district boundary region of the Taihu basin. It could help decision makers to identify major risk sources in the risk prevention and reduction of surface water pollution.

  16. Hydrometeor Trajectories and Distributions in a Simulation of TC Rapid Intensification (RI)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhu, Z.; Zhu, P.

    2010-12-01

    It has long been recognized that the microphysics scheme used in a numerical simulation of tropical cyclones (TC) can greatly affect the precipitation distribution, intensity and thermodynamic structure of the simulated TC. This suggests that the mixing ratios, concentrations and size distributions of hydrometeor(snow, graupel,rain,cloud ice) are important factors in the evolution of TC . The transport of hydrometeor may have a strong influence on these factors through its interactions with the growth and the latent heat forcing of hydrometeor and the wind filed, hence is a key to understanding TC microphysics. Schematic hydrometeor trajectories were first constructed using 3-D wind field and particle fallspeeds derived from airborne radar observations in a steady-state mature hurricane,Alicia(1983). Since then, little effort has been put in understanding hydrometeor transport in TC, especially the potential link between its evolution and the intensity and structure changes in a non-steady-state TC. This study is focused on investigating such a link by means of numerical simulations of TC Rapid Intensification(RI) using WRF model. We use the tracer utility in WRF to construct hydrometeor trajectories. Most of the popular microphysics schemes are tested, and the most reasonable test( which is determined by comparing the simulated TC intensity and structure with airborne radar observations) and the ensemble mean of all the tests are picked for detailed examinations.

  17. House dust mite-specific immunotherapy alters the basal expression of T regulatory and FcεRI pathway genes.

    PubMed

    Pevec, Branko; Radulovic Pevec, Mira; Stipic Markovic, Asja; Batista, Irena; Rijavec, Matija; Silar, Mira; Kosnik, Mitja; Korosec, Peter

    2012-01-01

    Regulatory T (Treg) cells and IgE-mediated signaling pathways could play important roles in the induction of allergen tolerance during house dust mite-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy (HDM-SCIT). Our aim was to compare the basal expression levels of Treg, T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 transcription factors and components involved in IgE-mediated signaling in healthy subjects with those in HDM-allergic patients both untreated and successfully treated with HDM-SCIT. Thirty-nine HDM-allergic patients who completed a 3- to 5-year course of mite extract SCIT, 20 mite-allergic controls and 25 healthy controls participated in this study. The efficacy of SCIT was monitored using skin-prick tests (SPTs), total immunoglobulin E (tIgE), specific IgE (sIgE), sIgG(4), nasal challenge and visual analog scale (VAS) scores at several time points. The mRNA levels of forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3), T-BET, GATA-3, FcεRI, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and SH2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR using nonstimulated whole blood samples. Decreased wheal sizes and VAS scores, negative challenges and increased sIgG(4) levels indicated that SCIT was effective in the treated patients. Basal expression levels of FOXP3 and GATA-3 decreased and T-BET levels increased in both treated patients and in healthy controls compared to untreated patients. The IgE-mediated pathway kinases Syk and PI3K exhibited reduced expression, whereas SHIP phosphatase levels were elevated in both treated patients and healthy controls relative to untreated patients. The expression levels of FcεRI were not significantly altered. Immunotherapy using HDM extracts results in a modification of the basal expression levels of several IgE-related signaling factors and induces a highly significant upregulation of Th1-response and downregulation of Th2-response transcription factors. Interestingly, this therapy also appears to reduce the basal

  18. Census of U.S. Civil Aircraft, Calendar Year 1986.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1986-12-31

    45 College Center, 9319 Gulf Int’l Communication Agency, 1776 Pennsylvania Freeway, Houston, TX 77017, FTS 527-5453, Corn- Avenue, N.W., Washington... Pennsylvania 7,662 45.333 169.0 iI,88 9 6.4 Virginia 3,857 40,817 94.5 5,787 6.7 % West Virginia 1,248 24,181 51.6 1,919 6.5 Great Lakes--total 46,725...District of Columbia 7.- MarylIand i .2U𔃾 9,89. 3F .e Now Jersey ’.,84b I’, Now York r,,I9 .>’.i[ 1.1 JA %I Pennsylvania ., . .. , .a Virgin&& 4,$, West

  19. BAGEL4: a user-friendly web server to thoroughly mine RiPPs and bacteriocins.

    PubMed

    van Heel, Auke J; de Jong, Anne; Song, Chunxu; Viel, Jakob H; Kok, Jan; Kuipers, Oscar P

    2018-05-21

    Interest in secondary metabolites such as RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides) is increasing worldwide. To facilitate the research in this field we have updated our mining web server. BAGEL4 is faster than its predecessor and is now fully independent from ORF-calling. Gene clusters of interest are discovered using the core-peptide database and/or through HMM motifs that are present in associated context genes. The databases used for mining have been updated and extended with literature references and links to UniProt and NCBI. Additionally, we have included automated promoter and terminator prediction and the option to upload RNA expression data, which can be displayed along with the identified clusters. Further improvements include the annotation of the context genes, which is now based on a fast blast against the prokaryote part of the UniRef90 database, and the improved web-BLAST feature that dynamically loads structural data such as internal cross-linking from UniProt. Overall BAGEL4 provides the user with more information through a user-friendly web-interface which simplifies data evaluation. BAGEL4 is freely accessible at http://bagel4.molgenrug.nl.

  20. LoFEx - A local framework for calculating excitation energies: Illustrations using RI-CC2 linear response theory.

    PubMed

    Baudin, Pablo; Kristensen, Kasper

    2016-06-14

    We present a local framework for the calculation of coupled cluster excitation energies of large molecules (LoFEx). The method utilizes time-dependent Hartree-Fock information about the transitions of interest through the concept of natural transition orbitals (NTOs). The NTOs are used in combination with localized occupied and virtual Hartree-Fock orbitals to generate a reduced excitation orbital space (XOS) specific to each transition where a standard coupled cluster calculation is carried out. Each XOS is optimized to ensure that the excitation energies are determined to a predefined precision. We apply LoFEx in combination with the RI-CC2 model to calculate the lowest excitation energies of a set of medium-sized organic molecules. The results demonstrate the black-box nature of the LoFEx approach and show that significant computational savings can be gained without affecting the accuracy of CC2 excitation energies.

  1. Deep Sequencing Reveals the Effect of MeJA on Scutellarin Biosynthesis in Erigeron breviscapus

    PubMed Central

    Xiao, Ying; Zhang, Feng; Chen, Jun-feng; Ji, Qian; Tan, He-Xin; Huang, Xin; Feng, Hao; Huang, Bao-Kang; Chen, Wan-Sheng; Zhang, Lei

    2015-01-01

    Background Erigeron breviscapus, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is broadly used in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Scutellarin, a kind of flavonoids, is considered as the material base of the pharmaceutical activities in E. breviscapus. The stable and high content of scutellarin is critical for the quality and efficiency of E. breviscapus in the clinical use. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of scutellarin biosynthesis is crucial for metabolic engineering to increase the content of the active compound. However, there is virtually no study available yet concerning the genetic research of scutellarin biosynthesis in E. breviscapus. Results Using Illumina sequencing technology, we obtained over three billion bases of high-quality sequence data and conducted de novo assembly and annotation without prior genome information. A total of 182,527 unigenes (mean length = 738 bp) were found. 63,059 unigenes were functionally annotated with a cut-off E-value of 10−5. Next, a total of 238 (200 up-regulated and 38 down-regulated genes) and 513 (375 up-regulated and 138 down-regulated genes) differentially expressed genes were identified at different time points after methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment, which fell into categories of ‘metabolic process’ and ‘cellular process’ using GO database, suggesting that MeJA-induced activities of signal pathway in plant mainly led to re-programming of metabolism and cell activity. In addition, 13 predicted genes that might participate in the metabolism of flavonoids were found by two co-expression analyses in E. breviscapus. Conclusions Our study is the first to provide a transcriptome sequence resource for E. breviscapus plants after MeJA treatment and it reveals transcriptome re-programming upon elicitation. As the result, several putative unknown genes involved in the metabolism of flavonoids were predicted. These data provide a valuable resource for the genetic and genomic studies of

  2. Identification of Major Risk Sources for Surface Water Pollution by Risk Indexes (RI) in the Multi-Provincial Boundary Region of the Taihu Basin, China

    PubMed Central

    Yao, Hong; Li, Weixin; Qian, Xin

    2015-01-01

    Environmental safety in multi-district boundary regions has been one of the focuses in China and is mentioned many times in the Environmental Protection Act of 2014. Five types were categorized concerning the risk sources for surface water pollution in the multi-provincial boundary region of the Taihu basin: production enterprises, waste disposal sites, chemical storage sites, agricultural non-point sources and waterway transportations. Considering the hazard of risk sources, the purification property of environmental medium and the vulnerability of risk receptors, 52 specific attributes on the risk levels of each type of risk source were screened out. Continuous piecewise linear function model, expert consultation method and fuzzy integral model were used to calculate the integrated risk indexes (RI) to characterize the risk levels of pollution sources. In the studied area, 2716 pollution sources were characterized by RI values. There were 56 high-risk sources screened out as major risk sources, accounting for about 2% of the total. The numbers of sources with high-moderate, moderate, moderate-low and low pollution risk were 376, 1059, 101 and 1124, respectively, accounting for 14%, 38%, 5% and 41% of the total. The procedure proposed could be included in the integrated risk management systems of the multi-district boundary region of the Taihu basin. It could help decision makers to identify major risk sources in the risk prevention and reduction of surface water pollution. PMID:26308032

  3. Houttuynia cordata water extract suppresses anaphylactic reaction and IgE-mediated allergic response by inhibiting multiple steps of FcepsilonRI signaling in mast cells.

    PubMed

    Han, Eun Hee; Park, Jin Hee; Kim, Ji Young; Jeong, Hye Gwang

    2009-07-01

    Houttuynia cordata has been used as a traditional medicine in Korea and is known to have antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-allergic activities. The precise effect of H. cordata, however, remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of H. cordata water extract (HCWE) on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in mice and on IgE-mediated allergic response in rat mast RBL-2H3 cells. Oral administration of HCWE inhibited IgE-mediated systemic PCA in mice. HCWE also reduced antigen (DNP-BSA)-induced release of beta-hexosaminidase, histamine, and reactive oxygen species in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, HCWE inhibited antigen-induced IL-4 and TNF-alpha production and expression in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. HCWE inhibited antigen-induced activation of NF-kappaB and degradation of IkappaB-alpha. To investigate the inhibitory mechanism of HCWE on degranulation and cytokine production, we examined the activation of intracellular FcepsilonRI signaling molecules. HCWE suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Syk, Lyn, LAT, Gab2, and PLC gamma2. Further downstream, antigen-induced phosphorylation of Akt and MAP kinases (ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 but not p38 MAP kinase) were inhibited by HCWE. Taken together, the in vivo/in vitro anti-allergic effect of HCWE suggests possible therapeutic applications of this agent in inflammatory allergic diseases through inhibition of cytokines and multiple events of FcepsilonRI-dependent signaling cascades in mast cells.

  4. Status of Beam Line Detectors for the BigRIPS Fragment Separator at RIKEN RI Beam Factory: Issues on High Rates and Resolution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sato, Yuki; Fukuda, Naoki; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Kameda, Daisuke; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Shimizu, Yohei; Ahn, DeukSoon; Murai, Daichi; Inabe, Naohito; Shimaoka, Takehiro; Tsubota, Masakatsu; Kaneko, Junichi H.; Chayahara, Akiyoshi; Umezawa, Hitoshi; Shikata, Shinichi; Kumagai, Hidekazu; Murakami, Hiroyuki; Sato, Hiromi; Yoshida, Koichi; Kubo, Toshiyuki

    A multiple sampling ionization chamber (MUSIC) and parallel-plate avalanche counters (PPACs) were installed within the superconducting in-flight separator, named BigRIPS, at the RIKEN Nishina Center for particle identification of RI beams. The MUSIC detector showed negligible charge collection inefficiency from recombination of electrons and ions, up to a 99-kcps incidence rate for high-energy heavy ions. For the PPAC detectors, the electrical discharge durability for incident heavy ions was improved by changing the electrode material. Finally, we designed a single crystal diamond detector, which is under development for TOF measurements of high-energy heavy ions, that has a very fast response time (pulse width <1 ns).

  5. Multicenter Phase II Study with Weekly Bendamustine and Paclitaxel as First- or Later-Line Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: RiTa II Trial.

    PubMed

    Loibl, Sibylle; Doering, Gabriele; Müller, Lothar; Grote-Metke, Albert; Müller, Roberto; Tomé, Oliver; Wiest, Wolfgang; Maisch, Andrea; Nekljudova, Valentina; von Minckwitz, Gunter

    2011-12-01

    The combination of bendamustine (B) and paclitaxel (P) as anthracycline-free treatment option in patients with advanced breast cancer has been evaluated in the previous RiTa I trial. The regimen of weekly B 70 mg/m(2) and P 90 mg/m(2) with a pause every 4th week was established as an effective regimen with low toxicity. The aim of the present RiTa II study was to investigate the potential of BP as anthracycline-free combination therapy. The primary objective was to determine the progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints were safety, tolerability, overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). 26 patients were available, 15 received BP as first-line, 11 as beyond first-line treatment. 27% patients had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Median PFS and OS were 7.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.5-10.9) and 14.9 months (95% CI: 9.9-22.9), respectively. The 1-year PFS rate was 20.3% and the 1-year OS rate 71.2%. The ORR was 42.3%, including 4 complete and 7 partial remissions. TNBC patients reached an ORR of 71.4%. Anthracycline-pretreated patients showed an ORR of 43.8%, confirming bendamustine's lack of cross-resistance to anthracycline agents. BP represents a favorable option with moderate toxicity in pretreated metastatic breast cancer and offers a possibility for application in anthracycline-pretreated and TNBC patients.

  6. Characterization of the macrocyclase involved in the biosynthesis of RiPP cyclic peptides in plants.

    PubMed

    Chekan, Jonathan R; Estrada, Paola; Covello, Patrick S; Nair, Satish K

    2017-06-20

    Enzymes that can catalyze the macrocyclization of linear peptide substrates have long been sought for the production of libraries of structurally diverse scaffolds via combinatorial gene assembly as well as to afford rapid in vivo screening methods. Orbitides are plant ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs) of various sizes and topologies, several of which are shown to be biologically active. The diversity in size and sequence of orbitides suggests that the corresponding macrocyclases may be ideal catalysts for production of cyclic peptides. Here we present the biochemical characterization and crystal structures of the plant enzyme PCY1 involved in orbitide macrocyclization. These studies demonstrate how the PCY1 S9A protease fold has been adapted for transamidation, rather than hydrolysis, of acyl-enzyme intermediates to yield cyclic products. Notably, PCY1 uses an unusual strategy in which the cleaved C-terminal follower peptide from the substrate stabilizes the enzyme in a productive conformation to facilitate macrocyclization of the N-terminal fragment. The broad substrate tolerance of PCY1 can be exploited as a biotechnological tool to generate structurally diverse arrays of macrocycles, including those with nonproteinogenic elements.

  7. Tanshinone IIA suppresses FcεRI-mediated mast cell signaling and anaphylaxis by activation of the Sirt1/LKB1/AMPK pathway.

    PubMed

    Li, Xian; Park, Soon Jin; Jin, Fansi; Deng, Yifeng; Yang, Ju Hye; Chang, Jae-Hoon; Kim, Dong-Young; Kim, Jung-Ae; Lee, Youn Ju; Murakami, Makoto; Son, Kun Ho; Chang, Hyeun Wook

    2018-06-01

    AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its upstream mediators liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) are generally known as key regulators of metabolism. We have recently reported that the AMPK pathway negatively regulates mast cell activation and anaphylaxis. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an active component of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract that is currently used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, shows anti-diabetic activity and improves insulin resistance in db/db mice through activation of AMPK. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-allergic activity of Tan IIA in vivo and to investigate the underlying mechanism in vitro in the context of AMPK signaling. The anti-allergic effect of Tan IIA was evaluated using mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from AMPKα2 -/- or Sirt1 -/- mice, or BMMCs transfected with siRNAs specific for AMPKα2, LKB1, or Sirt1. AMPKα2 -/- and Sirt1 -/- mice were used to confirm the anti-allergic effect of Tan IIA in anaphylaxis in vivo. Tan IIA dose-dependently inhibited FcεRI-mediated degranulation and production of eicosanoids and cytokines in BMMCs. These inhibitory effects were diminished by siRNA-mediated knockdown or genetic deletion of AMPKα2 or Sirt1. Moreover, Tan IIA inhibited a mast cell-mediated local passive anaphylactic reaction in wild-type mice, but not in AMPKα2 -/- or Sirt1 -/- mice. In conclusion, Tan IIA suppresses FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation and anaphylaxis through activation of the inhibitory Sirt1-LKB1-AMPK pathway. Thus, Tan IIA may be useful as a new therapeutic agent for mast cell-mediated allergic diseases. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Automation of the Marine Corps Planning Process

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-06-01

    I & IV P ro b le m Fr am in g C h ap te r II  JT C W  C P O F  IO Sv 1 C O A D e ve lo p m e n t C O A W ar -G am e C O A C o m p...S  JA D IC S  P SS -S O F  St ri ke Li n k  C ID N E  IO Sv 2  IO Sv 3  M ar in e Li n k Command & Control C h ap te r II I

  9. Survey of Sea Strait Data around Japan. Cruise Tracks by Japanese Agencies. Appendix 1. Japan Hydrographic Office. Appendix 2. Japan Fisheries Agency. Appendix 3. Japan Meteorological Agency.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-07-01

    3 1982 Distribution/ Availability Codes Avall and/or D Dist Special orb .5., .1.: A -AI@O sT;!u ,_.,’ - . .. - .... .... .... . . .. ... .. f...OP YI Reproduction in whc~1e or in pazt is perntted for any purpose of the United States Govexzemnt. Appoved for pibaic release; distribdtion unimit( d ...0 𔃺 rtW Q) <u Q) 410 ()I rI (n > CU) U jpw ULLI 1 ( D V7 0 ( 4-J~a’~ U) -’aro a’)4UU U)-OQ oa 𔃾, (U 1 r U) 0 Lf)U) U)U) V) Q) 0 > Qz Wu C) m C .HH1

  10. The Combined Effects of Ethylene and MeJA on Metabolic Profiling of Phenolic Compounds in Catharanthus roseus Revealed by Metabolomics Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Jia; Liu, Yang; Wang, Yu; Zhang, Zhong-Hua; Zu, Yuan-Gang; Efferth, Thomas; Tang, Zhong-Hua

    2016-01-01

    Phenolic compounds belong to a class of secondary metabolites and are implicated in a wide range of responsive mechanisms in plants triggered by both biotic and abiotic elicitors. In this study, we approached the combinational effects of ethylene and MeJA (methyl jasmonate) on phenolic compounds profiles and gene expressions in the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus. In virtue of a widely non-targeted metabolomics method, we identified a total of 34 kinds of phenolic compounds in the leaves, composed by 7 C6C1-, 11 C6C3-, and 16 C6C3C6 compounds. In addition, 7 kinds of intermediates critical for the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and alkaloids were identified and discussed with phenolic metabolism. The combinational actions of ethylene and MeJA effectively promoted the total phenolic compounds, especially the C6C1 compounds (such as salicylic acid, benzoic acid) and C6C3 ones (such as cinnamic acid, sinapic acid). In contrast, the C6C3C6 compounds displayed a notably inhibitory trend in this case. Subsequently, the gene-to-metabolite networks were drawn up by searching for correlations between the expression profiles of 5 gene tags and the accumulation profiles of 41 metabolite peaks. Generally, we provide an insight into the controlling mode of ethylene-MeJA combination on phenolic metabolism in C. roseus leaves. PMID:27375495

  11. The Combined Effects of Ethylene and MeJA on Metabolic Profiling of Phenolic Compounds in Catharanthus roseus Revealed by Metabolomics Analysis.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jia; Liu, Yang; Wang, Yu; Zhang, Zhong-Hua; Zu, Yuan-Gang; Efferth, Thomas; Tang, Zhong-Hua

    2016-01-01

    Phenolic compounds belong to a class of secondary metabolites and are implicated in a wide range of responsive mechanisms in plants triggered by both biotic and abiotic elicitors. In this study, we approached the combinational effects of ethylene and MeJA (methyl jasmonate) on phenolic compounds profiles and gene expressions in the medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus. In virtue of a widely non-targeted metabolomics method, we identified a total of 34 kinds of phenolic compounds in the leaves, composed by 7 C6C1-, 11 C6C3-, and 16 C6C3C6 compounds. In addition, 7 kinds of intermediates critical for the biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and alkaloids were identified and discussed with phenolic metabolism. The combinational actions of ethylene and MeJA effectively promoted the total phenolic compounds, especially the C6C1 compounds (such as salicylic acid, benzoic acid) and C6C3 ones (such as cinnamic acid, sinapic acid). In contrast, the C6C3C6 compounds displayed a notably inhibitory trend in this case. Subsequently, the gene-to-metabolite networks were drawn up by searching for correlations between the expression profiles of 5 gene tags and the accumulation profiles of 41 metabolite peaks. Generally, we provide an insight into the controlling mode of ethylene-MeJA combination on phenolic metabolism in C. roseus leaves.

  12. The R.I. Pimenov unified gravitation and electromagnetism field theory as semi-Riemannian geometry

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

    Gromov, N. A., E-mail: gromov@dm.komisc.r

    2009-05-15

    More than forty years ago R.I. Pimenov introduced a new geometry-semi-Riemannian one-as a set of geometrical objects consistent with a fibering pr: M{sub n} {yields} M{sub m}. He suggested the heuristic principle according to which the physically different quantities (meter, second, Coulomb, etc.) are geometrically modelled as space coordinates that are not superposed by automorphisms. As there is only one type of coordinates in Riemannian geometry and only three types of coordinates in pseudo-Riemannian one, a multiple-fibered semi-Riemannian geometry is the most appropriate one for the treatment of more than three different physical quantities as unified geometrical field theory. Semi-Euclideanmore » geometry {sup 3}R{sub 5}{sup 4} with 1-dimensional fiber x{sup 5} and 4-dimensional Minkowski space-time as a base is naturally interpreted as classical electrodynamics. Semi-Riemannian geometry {sup 3}V{sub 5}{sup 4} with the general relativity pseudo-Riemannian space-time {sup 3}V{sub 4}, and 1-dimensional fiber x{sup 5}, responsible for the electromagnetism, provides the unified field theory of gravitation and electromagnetism. Unlike Kaluza-Klein theories, where the fifth coordinate appears in nondegenerate Riemannian or pseudo-Riemannian geometry, the theory based on semi-Riemannian geometry is free from defects of the former. In particular, scalar field does not arise.« less

  13. Massively parallel algorithm and implementation of RI-MP2 energy calculation for peta-scale many-core supercomputers.

    PubMed

    Katouda, Michio; Naruse, Akira; Hirano, Yukihiko; Nakajima, Takahito

    2016-11-15

    A new parallel algorithm and its implementation for the RI-MP2 energy calculation utilizing peta-flop-class many-core supercomputers are presented. Some improvements from the previous algorithm (J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2013, 9, 5373) have been performed: (1) a dual-level hierarchical parallelization scheme that enables the use of more than 10,000 Message Passing Interface (MPI) processes and (2) a new data communication scheme that reduces network communication overhead. A multi-node and multi-GPU implementation of the present algorithm is presented for calculations on a central processing unit (CPU)/graphics processing unit (GPU) hybrid supercomputer. Benchmark results of the new algorithm and its implementation using the K computer (CPU clustering system) and TSUBAME 2.5 (CPU/GPU hybrid system) demonstrate high efficiency. The peak performance of 3.1 PFLOPS is attained using 80,199 nodes of the K computer. The peak performance of the multi-node and multi-GPU implementation is 514 TFLOPS using 1349 nodes and 4047 GPUs of TSUBAME 2.5. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  14. Enhancement of the Investigations of Global Marine Challenges Through the European Multidisciplinary Seafloor and water-column Observatory (EMSO) Research Infrastructure (RI)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lo Bue, N.; Materia, P.; Embriaco, D.; Beranzoli, L.; Favali, P.; Leijala, U.; Pavan, G.; Best, M.; Ó Conchubhair, D.; O'Rourke, E.

    2017-12-01

    The approach of ocean observations has changed significantly over the past decades. Thanks to the development of new technologies improving the monitoring systems and also to the recent marine strategies such as the blue growth that support long term sustainable growth in marine sectors as a whole, it is now possible to better assess environmental issues. Long term multiparametric observations enable concurrent monitoring of a variety of natural and anthropogenic processes responsible for the alteration of marine ecosystems. This innovative process has been adopted by RIs, which have the ability to promote these unique cooperation opportunities via their global networks of observational infrastructures. EMSO (http://www.emso-eu.org) is a marine RI that contributes to further exploration and monitoring of European-scale oceans. This monitoring allows for a better understanding of various parameters from the upper layer of the water column through the deep sea and into the seafloor. The multidisciplinary approach taken by the EMSO RI assists in addressing questions across issues of climate change, marine ecosystems, and geohazards. For example, the growing societal implications due to geohazards require accurate and cross-disciplinary research involving a global community. A global and multidisciplinary approach is the key driver that allows us to better investigate the causes of geohazards in their worldwide distribution, and to produce reliable regional and global models. RIs, also represent a powerful tool in assessing the impacts of anthropogenic noise levels on marine fauna. Several studies have already shown how the significant variety of submarine acoustic pollution on a daily basis can have a substantial effect on the health and communication abilities of marine fauna. The constant noise pollution may produce physiological degradation in marine fauna and may also negatively impact several ecosystems. Finally, RIs play a crucial role in the sharing of

  15. KEY COMPARISON: BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64 of the activity measurements of the radionuclide 64Cu

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Michotte, C.; Courte, S.; Ratel, G.; Kossert, K.; Nähle, O. J.

    2009-01-01

    In 2009, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany, submitted a sample of known activity of 64Cu to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). The value of the activity submitted was about 9.3 MBq. The result of this new comparison has been approved for publication by Section II of the Consultative Committee for Ionizing Radiation (CCRI(II)), comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI Section II, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

  16. Changes in ABA, IAA and JA levels during calyx, fruit and leaves development in cape gooseberry plants (Physalis peruviana L.).

    PubMed

    Álvarez-Flórez, F; López-Cristoffanini, C; Jáuregui, O; Melgarejo, L M; López-Carbonell, M

    2017-06-01

    Changes in abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content in developing calyx, fruits and leaves of Physalis peruviana L. plants were analysed. Plant hormones have been widely studied for their roles in the regulation of various aspects related to plant development and, in particular, into their action during development and ripening of fleshly fruits. The obtained evidences suggest that the functions of these hormones are no restricted to a particular development stage, and more than one hormone is involved in controlling various aspects of plant development. Our results will contribute to understand the role of these hormones during growth and development of calyx, fruits and leaves in cape gooseberry plants. This work offers a good, quickly and efficiently protocol to extract and quantify simultaneously ABA, IAA and JA in different tissues of cape gooseberry plants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  17. Measuring and monitoring in the South African Kha Ri Gude mass literacy campaign

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    McKay, Veronica

    2015-06-01

    After many previous failed attempts to reach illiterate adults, the award-winning South African Kha Ri Gude mass literacy campaign, launched in 2008, undertook to ensure that learners seized the opportunity to learn - for many adults, this was a "last chance". Written from an insider perspective by the campaign's founding Chief Executive Officer, this article outlines the features which contributed to its success despite the many challenges it initially faced. The author outlines the social and legislative backdrop, notably the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) providing the scaffold for the continuum of adult learning and the assessment of learning outcomes, and examines the various components which influenced the design of the campaign. She focuses, in particular, on the learning outcomes measurement model tailored to the campaign's specific context, namely a structured and standardised learner assessment portfolio (LAP). Designed as a tool to be administered universally for both formative and diagnostic purposes, the portfolio enables continuous assessment, forming an integral part of the process of learning and teaching. After many initial challenges encountered in introducing this mode of learner assessment, it was eventually institutionalised and found to be a non-threatening way of assessing learning outcomes while also functioning as a tool for monitoring and ensuring accountability in the campaign. This article gives an account of the development considerations and explains the role of the assessment process within the broader context of the campaign. It also refers to ways in which the mass-based assessments were administered under difficult campaign conditions with a view to assessing for learning.

  18. Combined analysis by GC (RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR of the supercritical fluid extract of Abies alba twigs.

    PubMed

    Duquesnoy, Emilie; Marongiu, Bruno; Castola, Vincent; Piras, Alessandra; Porcedda, Silvia; Casanova, Joseph

    2010-12-01

    Two samples (leaves and twigs) of Abies alba Miller from Corsica were extracted using supercritical CO2 and their chemical compositions were compared with those of the essential oils obtained from the same batch of plant material. In total 45 components were identified using combined analysis by GC (RI), GC-MS and 13C NMR. It was observed that the contents of monoterpenes (mainly represented by limonene, alpha-pinene and camphene) were significantly lower in the supercritical fluid extract (SFE) than in the essential oil (EO). Conversely, the proportions of sesquiterpenes were much higher in CO2 extracts than in essential oils (around 30% vs 4%). Cis-abienol, a diterpene alcohol, was identified only in SFE, and the proportions of this constituent (7.5% and 17.3%) were determined using quantitative 13C NMR since it was under estimated using the standard conditions of GC.

  19. Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI.

    PubMed

    Sabban, Sari; Ye, Hongtu; Helm, Birgit

    2014-11-01

    The interaction of IgE with its high-affinity Fc receptor (FcεRI) followed by an antigenic challenge is the principal pathway in IgE mediated allergic reactions. As a consequence of the high affinity binding between IgE and FcεRI, along with the continuous production of IgE by B cells, allergies usually persist throughout life, with currently no permanent cure available. Horses, especially race horses, which are commonly inbred, are a species of mammals that are very prone to the development of hypersensitivity responses, which can seriously affect their performance. Physiological responses to allergic sensitization in horses mirror that observed in humans and dogs. In this paper we describe the development of an in situ assay system for the quantitative assessment of the release of mediators of the allergic response pertaining to the equine system. To this end, the gene encoding equine FcεRIα was transfected into and expressed onto the surface of parental Rat Basophil Leukemia (RBL-2H3.1) cells. The gene product of the transfected equine α-chain formed a functional receptor complex with the endogenous rat β- and γ-chains. The resultant assay system facilitated an assessment of the quantity of mediator secreted from equine FcεRIα transfected RBL-2H3.1 cells following sensitization with equine IgE and antigenic challenge using β-hexosaminidase release as a readout. Mediator release peaked at 36.68% ± 4.88% at 100 ng ml(-1) of antigen. This assay was modified from previous assays used to study human and canine allergic responses. We have also shown that this type of assay system has multiple applications for the development of diagnostic tools and the safety assessment of potential therapeutic intervention strategies in allergic disease.

  20. Development of an in vitro model system for studying the interaction of Equus caballus IgE with its high-affinity receptor FcεRI

    PubMed Central

    Sabban, Sari; Ye, Hongtu; Helm, Birgit

    2014-01-01

    The interaction of IgE with its high-affinity Fc receptor (FcεRI) followed by an antigenic challenge is the principal pathway in IgE mediated allergic reactions. As a consequence of the high affinity binding between IgE and FcεRI, along with the continuous production of IgE by B cells, allergies usually persist throughout life, with currently no permanent cure available. Horses, especially race horses, which are commonly inbred, are a species of mammals that are very prone to the development of hypersensitivity responses, which can seriously affect their performance. Physiological responses to allergic sensitization in horses mirror that observed in humans and dogs. In this paper we describe the development of an in situ assay system for the quantitative assessment of the release of mediators of the allergic response pertaining to the equine system. To this end, the gene encoding equine FcεRIα was transfected into and expressed onto the surface of parental Rat Basophil Leukemia (RBL-2H3.1) cells. The gene product of the transfected equine α-chain formed a functional receptor complex with the endogenous rat β- and γ-chains 1. The resultant assay system facilitated an assessment of the quantity of mediator secreted from equine FcεRIα transfected RBL-2H3.1 cells following sensitization with equine IgE and antigenic challenge using β-hexosaminidase release as a readout 2, 3. Mediator release peaked at 36.68% ± 4.88% at 100 ng ml-1 of antigen. This assay was modified from previous assays used to study human and canine allergic responses 4, 5. We have also shown that this type of assay system has multiple applications for the development of diagnostic tools and the safety assessment of potential therapeutic intervention strategies in allergic disease 6, 2, 3. PMID:25406512

  1. 77 FR 66190 - Submission for Review: Annuitant's Report of Earned Income, RI 30-2

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2012-11-02

    ...The Retirement Services, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) offers the general public and other Federal agencies the opportunity to comment on a revised information collection request (ICR) 3206-0034, Annuitant's Report of Earned Income, RI 30-2. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. chapter 35) as amended by the Clinger-Cohen Act (Pub. L. 104-106), OPM is soliciting comments for this collection. The information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on June 11, 2012 at Volume 77 FR 34414 allowing for a 60-day public comment period. No comments were received for this information collection. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that: 1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; 2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; 3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 4. Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of response.

  2. An Examination of Recent Transformations to the BV(RI) C Photometric System from the Perspective of Stellar Models for Old Stars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    VandenBerg, Don A.; Casagrande, L.; Stetson, Peter B.

    2010-10-01

    Isochrones for ages gsim4 Gyr and metallicities in the range -2.5lsim [Fe/H] lsim+0.3 that take the diffusion of helium and recent advances in stellar physics into account are compared with observations in the Johnson-Cousins BV(RI) C photometric system for several open and globular star clusters. The adopted color-T eff relations include those which we have derived from the latest MARCS model atmospheres and the empirical transformations for dwarf and subgiant stars given by Casagrande et al. (CRMBA). Those reported by VandenBerg & Clem have also been considered, mainly to resolve some outstanding questions concerning them. Indeed, for the latter, V - IC colors should be corrected by ≈-0.02 mag, for all metal abundances, in order to obtain consistent interpretations of the observed (B - V, V), (V - RC , V), and (V - IC , V) diagrams for M 67 and the Hyades as well as for local subdwarfs. Remarkably, when the subdwarfs in the CRMBA data set that have σπ/π <= 0.15 are superimposed on a set of 12 Gyr isochrones spanning a wide range in [Fe/H], the inferred metallicities and effective temperatures agree, in the mean, with those given by CRMBA to within ±0.05 dex and ±10 K, respectively. Thus, the hot T eff scale derived by CRMBA is nearly identical with that predicted by stellar models; and consequently, there is excellent consistency between theory and observations on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and the different color-magnitude diagrams considered in this investigation. To obtain similar consistency, the colors obtained from the MARCS and VandenBerg & Clem (B - V)-T eff relations for metal-poor dwarf stars should be adjusted to the red by 0.02-0.03 mag. In general, isochrones that employ the CRMBA transformations provide reasonably consistent fits to our BV(RI) C photometry for main-sequence stars in the globular clusters 47 Tuc, M 3, M 5, M 92, and NGC 1851—but not the cluster giants (when adopting the synthetic MARCS colors). We speculate that

  3. EUROPLANET-RI modelling service for the planetary science community: European Modelling and Data Analysis Facility (EMDAF)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khodachenko, Maxim; Miller, Steven; Stoeckler, Robert; Topf, Florian

    2010-05-01

    Computational modeling and observational data analysis are two major aspects of the modern scientific research. Both appear nowadays under extensive development and application. Many of the scientific goals of planetary space missions require robust models of planetary objects and environments as well as efficient data analysis algorithms, to predict conditions for mission planning and to interpret the experimental data. Europe has great strength in these areas, but it is insufficiently coordinated; individual groups, models, techniques and algorithms need to be coupled and integrated. Existing level of scientific cooperation and the technical capabilities for operative communication, allow considerable progress in the development of a distributed international Research Infrastructure (RI) which is based on the existing in Europe computational modelling and data analysis centers, providing the scientific community with dedicated services in the fields of their computational and data analysis expertise. These services will appear as a product of the collaborative communication and joint research efforts of the numerical and data analysis experts together with planetary scientists. The major goal of the EUROPLANET-RI / EMDAF is to make computational models and data analysis algorithms associated with particular national RIs and teams, as well as their outputs, more readily available to their potential user community and more tailored to scientific user requirements, without compromising front-line specialized research on model and data analysis algorithms development and software implementation. This objective will be met through four keys subdivisions/tasks of EMAF: 1) an Interactive Catalogue of Planetary Models; 2) a Distributed Planetary Modelling Laboratory; 3) a Distributed Data Analysis Laboratory, and 4) enabling Models and Routines for High Performance Computing Grids. Using the advantages of the coordinated operation and efficient communication between the

  4. Accumulation of New Polypeptides in Ri T-DNA-Transformed Roots of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) during the Development of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae.

    PubMed

    Simoneau, P; Louisy-Louis, N; Plenchette, C; Strullu, D G

    1994-06-01

    Root-inducing transferred-DNA (Ri T-DNA)-transformed roots of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were in vitro inoculated with surface-sterilized vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal leek root pieces. About 1 week after inoculation, the infection of the transformed root culture by the fungal endophyte was confirmed by photonic microscopy. Total proteins were extracted from the mycorrhizal roots and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Control gels were run with proteins extracted from noninoculated roots mixed with purified intraradical vesicles and extraradical hyphae. Comparison of the resulting patterns revealed the presence of two polypeptides with estimated apparent masses of 24 and 39 kDa that were detected only in infected roots. Polypeptides with similar migration parameters were not detected in roots challenged with spore extracts, suggesting that the accumulation of the polypeptides was directly linked to root colonization by the fungus rather than to induction by fungus-derived elicitors.

  5. Accumulation of New Polypeptides in Ri T-DNA-Transformed Roots of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) during the Development of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizae

    PubMed Central

    Simoneau, Philippe; Louisy-Louis, Nathalie; Plenchette, Christian; Strullu, Désiré Georges

    1994-01-01

    Root-inducing transferred-DNA (Ri T-DNA)-transformed roots of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were in vitro inoculated with surface-sterilized vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal leek root pieces. About 1 week after inoculation, the infection of the transformed root culture by the fungal endophyte was confirmed by photonic microscopy. Total proteins were extracted from the mycorrhizal roots and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Control gels were run with proteins extracted from noninoculated roots mixed with purified intraradical vesicles and extraradical hyphae. Comparison of the resulting patterns revealed the presence of two polypeptides with estimated apparent masses of 24 and 39 kDa that were detected only in infected roots. Polypeptides with similar migration parameters were not detected in roots challenged with spore extracts, suggesting that the accumulation of the polypeptides was directly linked to root colonization by the fungus rather than to induction by fungus-derived elicitors. Images PMID:16349273

  6. Identification and characterization of cryptic SHOX intragenic deletions in three Japanese patients with Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis.

    PubMed

    Fukami, Maki; Dateki, Sumito; Kato, Fumiko; Hasegawa, Yukihiro; Mochizuki, Hiroshi; Horikawa, Reiko; Ogata, Tsutomu

    2008-01-01

    Although short-stature homeobox-containing gene (SHOX ) haploinsufficiency is responsible for Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), the molecular defect has not been identified in approximately 20% of Japanese LWD patients. Furthermore, although high prevalence of microdeletions affecting SHOX is primarily ascribed to the presence of repeat sequences such as Alu elements around SHOX, it remains to be determined whether microdeletions are actually mediated by repeat sequences. We performed multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) assay in six Japanese LWD patients with apparently normal SHOX, followed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and sequencing for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products encompassing the deletion junctions in patients with abnormal MLPA patterns. Consequently, heterozygous intragenic deletions were identified in three cases, i.e., a 5,906-bp deletion involving exons 4-5 in case 1, a 5,594-bp deletion involving exons 4-6a in case 2, and a 50,199-bp deletion involving exons 4-6b in case 3. The deletion breakpoints of cases 1 and 2 were present in nonrepeat sequences, whereas those of case 3 resided within Alu elements. The results suggest that cryptic SHOX intragenic deletions account for a small fraction of LWD and that microdeletions affecting SHOX can be generated by repeat-sequence-mediated aberrant recombinations and by nonhomologous end joining.

  7. Identifying trial recruitment uncertainties using a James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership - the PRioRiTy (Prioritising Recruitment in Randomised Trials) study.

    PubMed

    Healy, Patricia; Galvin, Sandra; Williamson, Paula R; Treweek, Shaun; Whiting, Caroline; Maeso, Beccy; Bray, Christopher; Brocklehurst, Peter; Moloney, Mary Clarke; Douiri, Abdel; Gamble, Carrol; Gardner, Heidi R; Mitchell, Derick; Stewart, Derek; Jordan, Joan; O'Donnell, Martin; Clarke, Mike; Pavitt, Sue H; Guegan, Eleanor Woodford; Blatch-Jones, Amanda; Smith, Valerie; Reay, Hannah; Devane, Declan

    2018-03-01

    Despite the problem of inadequate recruitment to randomised trials, there is little evidence to guide researchers on decisions about how people are effectively recruited to take part in trials. The PRioRiTy study aimed to identify and prioritise important unanswered trial recruitment questions for research. The PRioRiTy study - Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) included members of the public approached to take part in a randomised trial or who have represented participants on randomised trial steering committees, health professionals and research staff with experience of recruiting to randomised trials, people who have designed, conducted, analysed or reported on randomised trials and people with experience of randomised trials methodology. This partnership was aided by the James Lind Alliance and involved eight stages: (i) identifying a unique, relevant prioritisation area within trial methodology; (ii) establishing a steering group (iii) identifying and engaging with partners and stakeholders; (iv) formulating an initial list of uncertainties; (v) collating the uncertainties into research questions; (vi) confirming that the questions for research are a current recruitment challenge; (vii) shortlisting questions and (viii) final prioritisation through a face-to-face workshop. A total of 790 survey respondents yielded 1693 open-text answers to 6 questions, from which 1880 potential questions for research were identified. After merging duplicates, the number of questions was reduced to 496. Questions were combined further, and those that were submitted by fewer than 15 people and/or fewer than 6 of the 7 stakeholder groups were excluded from the next round of prioritisation resulting in 31 unique questions for research. All 31 questions were confirmed as being unanswered after checking relevant, up-to-date research evidence. The 10 highest priority questions were ranked at a face-to-face workshop. The number 1 ranked question was "How can randomised trials become

  8. Heterozygous NPR2 Mutations Cause Disproportionate Short Stature, Similar to Léri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis.

    PubMed

    Hisado-Oliva, Alfonso; Garre-Vázquez, Ana I; Santaolalla-Caballero, Fabiola; Belinchón, Alberta; Barreda-Bonis, Ana C; Vasques, Gabriela A; Ramirez, Joaquin; Luzuriaga, Cristina; Carlone, Gianni; González-Casado, Isabel; Benito-Sanz, Sara; Jorge, Alexander A; Campos-Barros, Angel; Heath, Karen E

    2015-08-01

    SHOX mutations have been detected in approximately 70% of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and approximately 2.5% of idiopathic short stature (ISS) cases, suggesting the implication of other genes or loci. The recent identification of NPR2 mutations in ISS suggested that NPR2 mutations may also be involved in disproportionate short stature. The objective of the study was to investigate whether NPR2 mutations can account for a proportion of the cases referred for LWD and ISS in whom no SHOX mutation was detected. We undertook NPR2 mutation screening in 173 individuals referred for suspected LWD and 95 for ISS, with no known defect in SHOX or its enhancers. Intracellular localization and natriuretic peptide precursor C-dependent guanylate cyclase activity were determined for the identified NPR2 variants. Eight NPR2 variants were identified in nine individuals, seven referred for suspected LWD and two for ISS. Six were demonstrated to affect NPR-B cell trafficking and/or its ability to synthesize cyclic GMP (cGMP) under response to natriuretic peptide precursor C/brain natriuretic peptide stimulation. All pathogenic mutations were detected in the suspected LWD referral group (∼3%). Interestingly, one of these patients is currently being treated with recombinant human GH and in contrast to previous reports is showing a positive response to the treatment. NPR2 mutations account for approximately 3% of patients with disproportionate short stature and/or clinical or radiographic indicators of SHOX deficiency and in whom no SHOX defect has been identified. However, no patient has yet presented with Madelung deformity. Thus, NPR2 should be screened in the SHOX-negative LWD referrals.

  9. Indirect interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Spodoptera exigua alter photosynthesis and plant endogenous hormones.

    PubMed

    He, Lei; Li, Changyou; Liu, Runjin

    2017-08-01

    Peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn. cv: Luhua 11) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv: Zhongshu 4) were inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae BEG167 (Fm), Rhizophagus intraradices BEG141 (Ri), and Glomus versiforme Berch (Gv), and/or Spodoptera exigua (S. exigua) under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that feeding by S. exigua had little influence on colonization of peanut plants by AMF, but improved colonization of tomato by Fm and Gv. Feeding by S. exigua had little influence on leaf net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of nonmycorrhizal peanut plants but significantly improved net photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate of mycorrhizal plants of both hosts. AMF with or without S. exigua inoculation improved host plant photosynthetic characteristics, growth, and hormone status. Fm showed maximum beneficial effects, followed by Gv. The concentrations and ratios of phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR), and jasmonic acid (JA) in the leaves of the host plants were changed due to the interaction between AMF and S. exigua. Generally, AMF with or without S. exigua inoculation increased the concentrations of GA, ZR, and JA and the ratios of IAA/ABA, GA/ABA, ZR/ABA, and IAA + GA + ZR/ABA, while feeding by S. exigua on nonmycorrhizal plants showed the opposite effect. The concentration of JA in the leaves of peanut and tomato inoculated with Fm or Fm + S. exigua was 1.9 and 1.9 times and 2.5 and 2.7 times, respectively, greater than that of the controls inoculated with neither. There was a negative correlation between the JA concentration and the survival percentage of S. exigua larva. We conclude that indirect interactions between AMF and insect herbivores changed the photosynthetic and hormone characteristics, and ratios of phytohormones, thereby revealing mechanisms of belowground-aboveground interactions.

  10. European network for Health Technology Assessment Joint Action (EUnetHTA JA): a process evaluation performed by questionnaires and documentary analysis.

    PubMed

    Woodford Guegan, Eleanor; Cook, Andrew

    2014-06-01

    The European network for Health Technology Assessment Joint Action (EUnetHTA JA) project's overarching objective was to 'establish an effective and sustainable HTA [Health technology assessment] collaboration in Europe that brings added value at the regional, national and European level'. Specific objectives were to develop a strategy and business model for sustainable European collaboration on HTA, develop HTA tools and methods and promote good practice in HTA methods and processes. We describe activities performed on behalf of the National Institute for Health Research HTA programme; evaluating the project processes and developing a data set for a registry of planned clinical studies of relevance to public funders. Annual self-completion online questionnaires were sent to project participants and external stakeholders to identify their views about the project processes. Documentary review was undertaken at the project end on the final technical reports from the work packages to examine whether or not their deliverables had been achieved. The project's impact was assessed by whether or not the deliverables were produced, the objectives met and additional 'added value' generated. The project's effectiveness was evaluated by its processes, communication, administration, workings of individual work packages and involvement of external stakeholders. A two-stage Delphi exercise was undertaken to identify the data elements that should be included in a registry of planned clinical studies of relevance to public funders. The data set was validated by an efficacy testing exercise. High response rates were achieved for the questionnaires sent to project participants and this was attributed to the evidence-based strategy implemented. Response rates to questionnaires sent to external stakeholders were disappointingly lower. Most of the high-level objectives were achieved, although applying the developed tools in practice will be implemented in the European network for Health

  11. European network for Health Technology Assessment Joint Action (EUnetHTA JA): a process evaluation performed by questionnaires and documentary analysis.

    PubMed Central

    Woodford Guegan, Eleanor; Cook, Andrew

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND The European network for Health Technology Assessment Joint Action (EUnetHTA JA) project's overarching objective was to 'establish an effective and sustainable HTA [Health technology assessment] collaboration in Europe that brings added value at the regional, national and European level'. Specific objectives were to develop a strategy and business model for sustainable European collaboration on HTA, develop HTA tools and methods and promote good practice in HTA methods and processes. We describe activities performed on behalf of the National Institute for Health Research HTA programme; evaluating the project processes and developing a data set for a registry of planned clinical studies of relevance to public funders. METHODS Annual self-completion online questionnaires were sent to project participants and external stakeholders to identify their views about the project processes. Documentary review was undertaken at the project end on the final technical reports from the work packages to examine whether or not their deliverables had been achieved. The project's impact was assessed by whether or not the deliverables were produced, the objectives met and additional 'added value' generated. The project's effectiveness was evaluated by its processes, communication, administration, workings of individual work packages and involvement of external stakeholders. A two-stage Delphi exercise was undertaken to identify the data elements that should be included in a registry of planned clinical studies of relevance to public funders. The data set was validated by an efficacy testing exercise. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION High response rates were achieved for the questionnaires sent to project participants and this was attributed to the evidence-based strategy implemented. Response rates to questionnaires sent to external stakeholders were disappointingly lower. Most of the high-level objectives were achieved, although applying the developed tools in practice will be

  12. GA3 and other signal regulators (MeJA and IAA) improve xanthumin biosynthesis in different manners in Xanthium strumarium L.

    PubMed

    Li, Changfu; Chen, Fangfang; Zhang, Yansheng

    2014-08-25

    Xanthanolides from Xanthium strumarium L. exhibit various pharmacological activities and these compounds are mainly produced in the glandular trichomes of aerial plant parts. The regulation of xanthanolide biosynthesis has never been reported in the literature. In this study, the effects of phytohormonal stimulation on xanthumin (a xanthanolide compound) biosynthesis, glandular trichomes and germacrene A synthase (GAS) gene expression in X. strumarium L. young leaves were investigated. The exogenous applications of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and gibberrellin A3 (GA3) at appropriate concentrations were all found to improve xanthumin biosynthesis, but in different ways. It was suggested that a higher gland density stimulated by MeJA (400 µM) or IAA (200 µM) treatment caused at least in part an improvement in xanthumin production, whereas GA3 (10 µM) led to an improvement by up-regulating xanthumin biosynthetic genes within gland cells, not by forming more glandular trichomes. Compared to the plants before the flowering stage, plants that had initiated flowering showed enhanced xanthumin biosynthesis, but no higher gland density, an effect was similar to that caused by exogenous GA3 treatment.

  13. Assessment of iodine nutritional status in the general population in the province of Jaén.

    PubMed

    Olmedo Carrillo, Pablo; García Fuentes, Eduardo; Gutiérrez Alcántara, Carmen; Serrano Quero, Manuel; Moreno Martínez, Macarena; Ureña Fernández, Tomás; Santiago Fernández, Piedad

    2015-10-01

    Iodine deficiency affecting both pregnant women and schoolchildren has been reported in Jaén. Iodine deficiency is one of the leading causes of thyroid dysfunction and goiter, and adequate iodine prophylaxis with iodized salt, milk, and dairy products, or iodine supplementation have been shown to significantly improve iodine status in pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to assess iodine nutritional status in the general population of a iodine-deficient area with no previous institutional campaigns of iodine prophylaxis. A descriptive, cross-sectional study. Urinary iodine levels were measured in subjects from the Jaén healthcare district. The data were stratified by sex and age groups, and a survey was conducted on iodized salt consumption. Median and mean urinary iodine levels were 110.59 mcg/L and 130.11 mcg/L respectively. Urinary iodine levels were significantly higher in schoolchildren as compared to other age groups (161.52μg/L vs 109.33μg/L in subjects older than 65 years). Forty-three percent of the population had urinary iodine levels less than 100μg/L, and 68% of women of childbearing age had levels less than 150μg/L. Iodine nutritional status appears to be adequate, but the proportion of the population with urinary iodine levels less than 100μg/L is still very high, and iodized salt consumption is much less common than recommended by the WHO. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  14. Sugars profiles of different chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and almond (Prunus dulcis) cultivars by HPLC-RI.

    PubMed

    Barreira, João C M; Pereira, José Alberto; Oliveira, M Beatriz P P; Ferreira, Isabel C F R

    2010-03-01

    Sugar profiles of different almond and chestnut cultivars were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), by means of a refractive index (RI) detector. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was used in defatted and dried samples. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a Eurospher 100-5 NH(2) column using an isocratic elution with acetonitrile/water (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. All the compounds were separated in 16 min. The method was optimized and proved to be reproducible and accurate. Generally, more than 95% of sugars were identified for both matrixes. Sugars profiles were quite homogeneous for almond cultivars; sucrose was the main sugar (11.46 +/- 0.14 in Marcona to 22.23 +/- 0.59 in Ferragnes g/100 g of dried weight), followed by raffinose (0.71 +/- 0.05 in Ferraduel to 2.11 +/- 0.29 in Duro Italiano), glucose (0.42 +/- 0.12 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 1.47 +/- 0.19 in Ferragnes) and fructose (0.11 +/- 0.02 in Pegarinhos two seeded to 0.59 +/- 0.05 in Gloriette). Commercial cultivars proved to have higher sucrose contents, except in the case of Marcona. Nevertheless, chestnut cultivars revealed a high heterogeneity. Sucrose was the main sugar in Aveleira (22.05 +/- 1.48), Judia (23.30 +/- 0.83) and Longal (9.56 +/- 0.91), while glucose was slightly prevalent in Boa Ventura (6.63 +/- 0.49). The observed variance could serve for inter-cultivar discrimination.

  15. RNA sequencing on Amomum villosum Lour. induced by MeJA identifies the genes of WRKY and terpene synthases involved in terpene biosynthesis.

    PubMed

    He, Xueying; Wang, Huan; Yang, Jinfen; Deng, Ke; Wang, Teng

    2018-02-01

    Amomum villosum Lour. is an important Chinese medicinal plant that has diverse medicinal functions, and mainly contains volatile terpenes. This study aims to explore the WRKY transcription factors (TFs) and terpene synthase (TPS) unigenes that might be involved in terpene biosynthesis in A. villosum, and thus providing some new information on the regulation of terpenes in plants. RNA sequencing of A. villosum induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA) revealed that the WRKY family was the second largest TF family in the transcriptome. Thirty-six complete WRKY domain sequences were expressed in response to MeJA. Further, six WRKY unigenes were highly correlated with eight deduced TPS unigenes. Ultimately, we combined the terpene abundance with the expression of candidate WRKY TFs and TPS unigenes to presume a possible model wherein AvWRKY61, AvWRKY28, and AvWRKY40 might coordinately trans-activate the AvNeoD promoter. We propose an approach to further investigate TF unigenes that might be involved in terpenoid biosynthesis, and identified four unigenes for further analyses.

  16. AN EXAMINATION OF RECENT TRANSFORMATIONS TO THE BV(RI){sub C} PHOTOMETRIC SYSTEM FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF STELLAR MODELS FOR OLD STARS

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

    VandenBerg, Don A.; Casagrande, L.; Stetson, Peter B., E-mail: vandenbe@uvic.c, E-mail: Luca@MPA-Garching.mpg.d, E-mail: Peter.Stetson@nrc.gc.c

    2010-10-15

    Isochrones for ages {approx}>4 Gyr and metallicities in the range -2.5{approx}< [Fe/H] {approx}<+0.3 that take the diffusion of helium and recent advances in stellar physics into account are compared with observations in the Johnson-Cousins BV(RI){sub C} photometric system for several open and globular star clusters. The adopted color-T{sub eff} relations include those which we have derived from the latest MARCS model atmospheres and the empirical transformations for dwarf and subgiant stars given by Casagrande et al. (CRMBA). Those reported by VandenBerg and Clem have also been considered, mainly to resolve some outstanding questions concerning them. Indeed, for the latter, Vmore » - I{sub C} colors should be corrected by {approx}-0.02 mag, for all metal abundances, in order to obtain consistent interpretations of the observed (B - V, V), (V - R{sub C} , V), and (V - I{sub C} , V) diagrams for M 67 and the Hyades as well as for local subdwarfs. Remarkably, when the subdwarfs in the CRMBA data set that have {sigma}{sub {pi}/{pi}} {<=} 0.15 are superimposed on a set of 12 Gyr isochrones spanning a wide range in [Fe/H], the inferred metallicities and effective temperatures agree, in the mean, with those given by CRMBA to within {+-}0.05 dex and {+-}10 K, respectively. Thus, the hot T{sub eff} scale derived by CRMBA is nearly identical with that predicted by stellar models; and consequently, there is excellent consistency between theory and observations on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and the different color-magnitude diagrams considered in this investigation. To obtain similar consistency, the colors obtained from the MARCS and VandenBerg and Clem (B - V)-T{sub eff} relations for metal-poor dwarf stars should be adjusted to the red by 0.02-0.03 mag. In general, isochrones that employ the CRMBA transformations provide reasonably consistent fits to our BV(RI){sub C} photometry for main-sequence stars in the globular clusters 47 Tuc, M 3, M 5, M 92, and NGC 1851

  17. Pro Memoria. Professor Bolesław Jałowy (1906-1943): Mortui viventes obligant - the livings are obligated to the dead.

    PubMed

    Wincewicz, Andrzej

    2016-01-01

    Professor Bolesław Jałowy (1906-1943) was a chairman of Department of Histology and Embryology at Faculty of Medicine of King John Casimir University (Polish: Universytet Jana Kazimierza: UJK) in Lvov. He succeeded Professor Władysław Szymonowicz (1869-1939) who held this position for decades. As the most skillful followers of his tutor, Bolesław Jałowy was a great investigator of physiology of human tissue, embryogenesis, histological consequences of female sex hormones on blood clotting action as well as regeneration of nerves in addition to description of silver staining technique for reticulin fibers of skin. He was a hard working person with gentle attitude to such a subtle matter as microscopic structure of human body. However, he happened to live in brutal conditions of nationalistic struggles. His example shows how much a dedicated scientist could do in a very short time as his life was tragically ended with murdering him during World War Two. His story is a great lesson for generations of academic workers how to meet high moral standards with efficient and creative scientific work in evil and destructive, nationalistic climate that occurs usually in wartime.

  18. Technical advance: soluble OX40 molecule mimics regulatory T cell modulatory activity on FcεRI-dependent mast cell degranulation.

    PubMed

    Sibilano, Riccardo; Gri, Giorgia; Frossi, Barbara; Tripodo, Claudio; Suzuki, Ryo; Rivera, Juan; MacDonald, Andrew S; Pucillo, Carlo E

    2011-10-01

    Tregs play a central role in modulating FcεRI-dependent MC effector functions in the course of the allergic response. Cellular interaction depends on the constitutive expression of OX40 on Tregs and the OX40L counterpart on MCs. Study of OX40L signaling on MCs is hampered by the need of a highly purified molecule, which triggers OX40L specifically. We now report that sOX40 mimics the physiological activity of Treg interaction by binding to activated MCs. When treated with sOX40, activated MCs showed decreased degranulation and Ca(++) influx, whereas PLC-γ2 phosphorylation remained unaffected. Once injected into experimental animals, sOX40 not only located within the endothelium but also in parenchyma, where it could be found in close proximity and apparently bound to MCs. This soluble molecule triggers MC-OX40L without the requirement of Tregs, thus allowing study of OX40L signaling pathways in MCs and in other OX40L-expressing cell populations. Importantly, as sOX40 inhibits MC degranulation, it may provide an in vivo therapeutic tool in allergic disease.

  19. Technical Advance: Soluble OX40 molecule mimics regulatory T cell modulatory activity on FcεRI-dependent mast cell degranulation

    PubMed Central

    Sibilano, Riccardo; Gri, Giorgia; Frossi, Barbara; Tripodo, Claudio; Suzuki, Ryo; Rivera, Juan; MacDonald, Andrew S.; Pucillo, Carlo E.

    2011-01-01

    Tregs play a central role in modulating FcεRI-dependent MC effector functions in the course of the allergic response. Cellular interaction depends on the constitutive expression of OX40 on Tregs and the OX40L counterpart on MCs. Study of OX40L signaling on MCs is hampered by the need of a highly purified molecule, which triggers OX40L specifically. We now report that sOX40 mimics the physiological activity of Treg interaction by binding to activated MCs. When treated with sOX40, activated MCs showed decreased degranulation and Ca++ influx, whereas PLC-γ2 phosphorylation remained unaffected. Once injected into experimental animals, sOX40 not only located within the endothelium but also in parenchyma, where it could be found in close proximity and apparently bound to MCs. This soluble molecule triggers MC-OX40L without the requirement of Tregs, thus allowing study of OX40L signaling pathways in MCs and in other OX40L-expressing cell populations. Importantly, as sOX40 inhibits MC degranulation, it may provide an in vivo therapeutic tool in allergic disease. PMID:21653238

  20. Integrated Performance of Next Generation High Data Rate Receiver and AR4JA LDPC Codec for Space Communications

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cheng, Michael K.; Lyubarev, Mark; Nakashima, Michael A.; Andrews, Kenneth S.; Lee, Dennis

    2008-01-01

    Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are the state-of-the-art in forward error correction (FEC) technology that exhibits capacity approaching performance. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has designed a family of LDPC codes that are similar in structure and therefore, leads to a single decoder implementation. The Accumulate-Repeat-by-4-Jagged- Accumulate (AR4JA) code design offers a family of codes with rates 1/2, 2/3, 4/5 and lengths 1024, 4096, 16384 information bits. Performance is less than one dB from capacity for all combinations.Integrating a stand-alone LDPC decoder with a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) receiver faces additional challenges than building a single receiver-decoder unit from scratch. In this work, we outline the issues and show that these additional challenges can be over-come by simple solutions. To demonstrate that an LDPC decoder can be made to work seamlessly with a COTS receiver, we interface an AR4JA LDPC decoder developed on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) with a modern high data rate receiver and mea- sure the combined receiver-decoder performance. Through optimizations that include an improved frame synchronizer and different soft-symbol scaling algorithms, we show that a combined implementation loss of less than one dB is possible and therefore, most of the coding gain evidence in theory can also be obtained in practice. Our techniques can benefit any modem that utilizes an advanced FEC code.

  1. Biosorption of Congo Red from aqueous solution by Bacillus weihenstephanensis RI12; effect of SPB1 biosurfactant addition on biodecolorization potency.

    PubMed

    Mnif, Inès; Fendri, Raouia; Ghribi, Dhouha

    2015-01-01

    Bacillus weihenstephanensis RI12, isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated soil, was assessed for Congo Red bio-treatment potency. Results suggested the potential of this bacterium for use in effective treatment of Congo Red contaminated wastewaters under shaking conditions at acidic and neutral pH value. The strain could tolerate higher doses of dyes as it could decolorize up to 1,000 mg/l of Congo Red. When used as microbial surfactant to enhance Congo Red biodecolorization, Bacillus subtilis SPB1-derived lipopeptide accelerated the decolorization rate and maximized the decolorization efficiency at an optimal concentration of biosurfactant of about 0.075%. Studies ensured that Congo Red removal by this strain could be due to an adsorption phenomena. Germination potencies of tomato seeds using the treated dyes under different conditions showed the efficient biotreatment of the azo dye Congo Red especially with the addition of SPB1 biosurfactant. To conclude, the addition of SPB1 bioemulsifier reduced energy costs by reducing the effective decolorization period; the biosurfactant stimulated bacterial decolorization method may provide a highly efficient, inexpensive and time-saving procedure in the treatment of textile effluents.

  2. Investigation of sodium arsenite, thioacetamide, and diethanolamine in the alkaline comet assay: Part of the JaCVAM comet validation exercise.

    PubMed

    Beevers, Carol; Henderson, Debbie; Lillford, Lucinda

    2015-07-01

    As part of the Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM)-initiative international validation study of the in vivo rat alkaline comet assay (comet assay), we examined sodium arsenite, thioacetamide, and diethanolamine. Using the JaCVAM approved study protocol version 14.2, each chemical was tested in male rats up to maximum tolerated dose levels and DNA damage in the liver and stomach was assessed approximately 3h after the final administration by gavage. Histopathology assessments of liver and stomach sections from the same animals were also examined for evidence of cytotoxicity or necrosis. No evidence of DNA damage was observed in the stomach of animals treated with sodium arsenite at 7.5, 15, or 30 mg/kg/day. However, equivocal findings were found in the liver, where increases in DNA migration were observed in two independent experiments, but not in all treated animals and not at the same dose levels. Thioacetamide caused an increase in DNA migration in the stomach of rats treated at 19, 38, and 75 mg/kg/day, but not in the liver, despite evidence of marked hepatotoxicity following histopathology assessments. No evidence of DNA damage was observed in the stomach or liver of animals treated with diethanolamine at 175, 350, or 700 mg/kg/day. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. First flight of SMASH, the SwRI Miniature Assembly for Solar Hard X-rays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caspi, Amir; Laurent, Glenn Thomas; Shoffner, Michael; Higuera Caubilla, David; Meurisse, Jeremie; Smith, Kelly; Shih, Albert Y.; Saint-Hilaire, Pascal; DeForest, Craig; Mansour, Nagi N.; Hathaway, David H.

    2016-05-01

    The SwRI Miniature Assembly for Solar Hard X-rays (SMASH) was successfully flown from Antarctica in January (19-30) 2016, as a piggy-back instrument on the Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar flares (GRIPS) high altitude balloon payload. SMASH is a technological demonstration of a new miniaturized hard X-ray (HXR) detector for use on CubeSats and other small spacecraft, including the proposed CubeSat Imaging X-ray Solar Spectrometer (CubIXSS).HXRs are the observational signatures of energetic processes on the Sun, including plasma heating and particle acceleration. One of the goals of CubIXSS will be to address the question of how plasma is heated during solar flares, including the relationship between thermal plasma and non-thermal particles. SMASH demonstrated the space-borne application of the commercial off-the-shelf Amptek X123-CdTe, a miniature cadmium telluride photon-counting HXR spectrometer. The CdTe detector has a physical area of 25 mm^2 and 1 mm fully-depleted thickness, with a ~100 micron Be window; with on-board thermoelectric cooling and pulse pile-up rejection, it is sensitive to solar photons from ~5 to ~100 keV with ~0.5-1.0 keV FWHM resolution. Photons are accumulated into histogram spectra with customizable energy binning and integration time. With modest resource requirements (~1/8 U, ~200 g, ~2.5 W) and low cost (~$10K), the X123-CdTe is an attractive solution for HXR measurements from budget- and resource-limited platforms such as CubeSats. SMASH flew two identical X123-CdTe detectors for redundancy and increased collecting area; the supporting electronics (power, CPU) were largely build-to-print using the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSat design.We review the SMASH mission, design, and detector performance during the 12-day Antarctic flight. We present current progress on our data analysis of observed solar flares, and discuss future applications of the space-qualified X123-CdTe detector, including the CubIXSS mission

  4. ["The madhouse" by W. Kaulbach and the meaning of the picture interpreted by J.A. Schilling, 1863].

    PubMed

    Rothkopf, A

    1980-01-01

    This article deals with the picture "Das Narrenhaus" (the Madhouse) by W. Kaulbach and its interpretation by the psychiatrist J.A. Schilling, which he gave in his book "Psychiatrische Briefe" (psychiatric letters) in 1863. This picture is often used as a contemporary document for the situation in the treatment of the mentally ill at the beginning of the last century. The article points out doubts in this procedure. The interpretation by Schilling cannot be considered a document for psychiatric records; on the contrary, it is influenced by contemporary romantic medicine and utilises the picture to exemplify the theoretical concept of culpable human offence as the cause for mental illness.

  5. Risk of malnutrition (over and under-nutrition): validation of the JaNuS screening tool.

    PubMed

    Donini, Lorenzo M; Ricciardi, Laura Maria; Neri, Barbara; Lenzi, Andrea; Marchesini, Giulio

    2014-12-01

    Malnutrition (over and under-nutrition) is highly prevalent in patients admitted to hospital and it is a well-known risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality. Nutritional problems are often misdiagnosed, and especially the coexistence of over and undernutrition is not usually recognized. We aimed to develop and validate a screening tool for the easy detection and reporting of both undernutrition and overnutrition, specifically identifying the clinical conditions where the two types of malnutrition coexist. The study consisted of three phases: 1) selection of an appropriate study population (estimation sample) and of the hospital admission parameters to identify overnutrition and undernutrition; 2) combination of selected variables to create a screening tool to assess the nutritional risk in case of undernutrition, overnutrition, or the copresence of both the conditions, to be used by non-specialist health care professionals; 3) validation of the screening tool in a different patient sample (validation sample). Two groups of variables (12 for undernutrition, 7 for overnutrition) were identified in separate logistic models for their correlation with the outcome variables. Both models showed high efficacy, sensitivity and specificity (overnutrition, 97.7%, 99.6%, 66.6%, respectively; undernutrition, 84.4%, 83.6%, 84.8%). The logistic models were used to construct a two-faced test (named JaNuS - Just A Nutritional Screening) fitting into a two-dimension Cartesian coordinate graphic system. In the validation sample the JaNuS test confirmed its predictive value. Internal consistency and test-retest analysis provide evidence for the reliability of the test. The study provides a screening tool for the assessment of the nutritional risk, based on parameters easy-to-use by health care personnel lacking nutritional competence and characterized by excellent predictive validity. The test might be confidently applied in the clinical setting to determine the importance of

  6. The Streambank Erosion Control Evaluation and Demonstration Act of 1974, Section 32, Public Law 93-251. Appendix B. Hydraulic Research.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-12-01

    Veiga da. 1973 (Sep). "Discussion of Erosion of Sand Beds Around Spur Dikes," Journal, Hydraulics Division, ASCE, Vol 98, q No. HY9...OF w w w w 0ɘ 0uJ, fl - ~ \\ja< 00 S - 0 o 0 0 0 0*ri z 8 z ’u 4L zz 0 0O z0 ., I 14-1 0 PLATE B-4 -7 w ww w w w w w w 0w z LLLL. 00 ’Lz-w ’U<U, U 0u...w Wo’L16~ I 0 0 0 0 CS33l!JQ) NOISN~dX3 NOISOU3 -40 31VNV 4B-4-81 PLATE 11 4 Fwwwww w w I w w ww w -30 T70 EXSIG SON OFL rGR -/N W E TO FL . .~ .-

  7. Identification of a Gypsy SHOX mutation (p.A170P) in Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis and Langer mesomelic dysplasia

    PubMed Central

    Barca-Tierno, Verónica; Aza-Carmona, Miriam; Barroso, Eva; Heine-Suner, Damia; Azmanov, Dimitar; Rosell, Jordi; Ezquieta, Begoña; Montané, Lucia Sentchordi; Vendrell, Teresa; Cruz, Jaime; Santos, Fernando; Rodríguez, José Ignacio; Pozo, Jesús; Argente, Jesús; Kalaydjieva, Luba; Gracía, Ricardo; Campos-Barros, Ángel; Benito-Sanz, Sara; Heath, Karen E

    2011-01-01

    We report the clinical and molecular characteristics of 12 Spanish families with multiple members affected with Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) or Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), who present the SHOX (short stature homeobox gene) mutation p.A170P (c.508G>C) in heterozygosity or homozygosity, respectively. In all studied families, the A170P mutation co-segregated with the fully penetrant phenotype of mesomelic limb shortening and Madelung deformity. A shared haplotype around SHOX was observed by microsatellite analysis, confirming the presence of a common ancestor, probably of Gypsy origin, as 11 of the families were of this ethnic group. Mutation screening in 359 Eastern-European Gypsies failed to identify any carriers. For the first time, we have shown SHOX expression in the human growth plate of a 22-week LMD fetus, homozygous for the A170P mutation. Although the mutant SHOX protein was expressed in all zones of the growth plate, the chondrocyte columns in the proliferative zone were disorganized with the chondrocytes occurring in smaller columnal clusters. We have also identified a novel mutation at the same residue, c. 509C>A (p.A170D), in two unrelated Spanish LWD families, which similar to A170P mutation impedes nuclear localization of SHOX. In conclusion, we have identified A170P as the first frequent SHOX mutation in Gypsy LWD and LMD individuals. PMID:21712857

  8. Identification of a Gypsy SHOX mutation (p.A170P) in Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis and Langer mesomelic dysplasia.

    PubMed

    Barca-Tierno, Verónica; Aza-Carmona, Miriam; Barroso, Eva; Heine-Suner, Damia; Azmanov, Dimitar; Rosell, Jordi; Ezquieta, Begoña; Montané, Lucia Sentchordi; Vendrell, Teresa; Cruz, Jaime; Santos, Fernando; Rodríguez, José Ignacio; Pozo, Jesús; Argente, Jesús; Kalaydjieva, Luba; Gracía, Ricardo; Campos-Barros, Angel; Benito-Sanz, Sara; Heath, Karen E

    2011-12-01

    We report the clinical and molecular characteristics of 12 Spanish families with multiple members affected with Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) or Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), who present the SHOX (short stature homeobox gene) mutation p.A170P (c.508G>C) in heterozygosity or homozygosity, respectively. In all studied families, the A170P mutation co-segregated with the fully penetrant phenotype of mesomelic limb shortening and Madelung deformity. A shared haplotype around SHOX was observed by microsatellite analysis, confirming the presence of a common ancestor, probably of Gypsy origin, as 11 of the families were of this ethnic group. Mutation screening in 359 Eastern-European Gypsies failed to identify any carriers. For the first time, we have shown SHOX expression in the human growth plate of a 22-week LMD fetus, homozygous for the A170P mutation. Although the mutant SHOX protein was expressed in all zones of the growth plate, the chondrocyte columns in the proliferative zone were disorganized with the chondrocytes occurring in smaller columnal clusters. We have also identified a novel mutation at the same residue, c. 509C>A (p.A170D), in two unrelated Spanish LWD families, which similar to A170P mutation impedes nuclear localization of SHOX. In conclusion, we have identified A170P as the first frequent SHOX mutation in Gypsy LWD and LMD individuals.

  9. SPiRIT-TPC with GET readout electronics for the study of density dependent symmetry energy of high dense matter with Heavy RI collisions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Isobe, Tadaaki; SPiRIT Collaboration

    2014-09-01

    The nuclear Equation of State (EoS) is a fundamental property of nuclear matter that describes the relationships between the parameters for a nuclear system, such as energy, density and temperature. An international collaboration, named SPiRIT, to study the nuclear EoS has been formed recently. One of the main devices of experimental setup is a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) which will be installed into the SAMURAI dipole magnet at RIKEN-RIBF. The TPC can measure charged pions, protons and light ions simultaneously in heavy RI collisions, and those will be used as probes to study the asymmetric dense nuclear matter. In addition to the status of the SPiRIT project, testing of SPiRIT-TPC with GET electronics will be presented in this talk. GET, general electronics for TPC, is a project for the development of novel electronics for TPC supported by NSF and ANR. This work is supported in part by the Japan Grant-in-Aide award and the US DOE grant DE-SC0004835 and JUSEIPEN.

  10. [Comparative analysis of modification of Misgav-Ladach and Pfannenstiel methods for cesarean section in the material of Fetal-Maternal Clinical Department PMMH-RI between 1994-1999].

    PubMed

    Pawłowicz, P; Wilczyński, J; Stachowiak, G

    2000-04-01

    Comparative analysis of own modification of Misgav-Ladach (mML) and Pfannenstiel methods for caesarean section in the material of Fetal-Maternal Medicine Clinical Department PMMH-RI between 1994-99. Study group consists of 242 patients. In all women from this group we performed caesarean section using Misgav-Ladach method. Among all patients from control group counting 285 women we performed caesarean section applying Pfannenstiel method. To analyse clinical postoperative course in both groups we took account several parameters. Statistical analysis revealed that most of clinical postoperative course parameters was significantly better values in the study group we performed caesarean section using Misgav-Ladach method. The benefits of Misgav-Ladach method, with less pain post-operatively and quicker recovery, are all a by-product of doing the least harm during surgery and removing every unnecessary step. This method is appealing for its simplicity, ease of execution and its time-saving advantage.

  11. Identification of the first de novo PAR1 deletion downstream of SHOX in an individual diagnosed with Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD).

    PubMed

    Barroso, Eva; Benito-Sanz, Sara; Belinchón, Alberta; Yuste-Checa, Patricia; Gracia, Ricardo; Aragones, Angel; Campos-Barros, Angel; Heath, Karen E

    2010-01-01

    ri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD, MIM 127300), is a dominantly inherited skeletal dysplasia with disproportionate short stature, mesomelic limb shortening, and the characteristic Madelung deformity. Two regions of the pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) have been shown to be involved in LWD, SHOX (short-stature homeobox-containing gene) and the downstream enhancer region. We report our genetic findings of a young girl clinically diagnosed with LWD. We analyzed the proband and her family using MLPA and microsatellite analysis. We identified a deletion, 726-866 kb in size, of the downstream SHOX enhancer region in the proband. Neither parent carried the deletion. Microsatellite analysis showed that the deleted allele was of paternal origin. The mutation is more likely to have arisen from a de novo event but paternal gonadal mosaicism cannot be excluded. In conclusion, we report the clinical and molecular details of the first case of a de novo deletion of the downstream PAR1 region in an LWD individual. De novo deletions of SHOX and the downstream enhancer region must be therefore considered in cases of isolated LWD. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  12. Rizatriptan versus rizatriptan plus rofecoxib versus rizatriptan plus tolfenamic acid in the acute treatment of migraine

    PubMed Central

    Krymchantowski, Abouch Valenty; Bigal, Marcelo Eduardo

    2004-01-01

    Background Rizatriptan is an effective and fast acting drug for the acute treatment of migraine. Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have also demonstrated efficacy in treating migraine attacks. There is evidence that the combination of a triptan and a NSAID decreases migraine recurrence in clinical practice. The primary aim of this randomized open label study was to assess the recurrence rates in migraine sufferers acutely treated with rizatriptan (RI) alone vs. rizatriptan plus a COX-2 enzyme inhibitor (rofecoxib, RO) vs. rizatriptan plus a traditional NSAID (tolfenamic acid, TO). We were also interested in comparing the efficacy rates within these three groups. Methods We assessed 45 patients from a headache clinic in Rio de Janeiro (35 women and 10 men, ages 18 to 65 years, mean 37 years). Patients with IHS migraine were randomized to one out of 3 groups, where they had to treat 6 consecutive moderate or severe attacks in counterbalanced order. In group 1, patients treated the first two attacks with 10 mg RI, the third and fourth attacks with RI + 50 mg RO and the last attacks with RI + 200 mg of TA. In group 2, we began with RI + TA, followed by RI, and RI + RO. Group 3 treated in the following order: RI + RO, RI + TA, RI alone. The presence of headache, nausea and photophobia at 1, 2 and 4 hours, as well as recurrence and side effects were compared. Results A total of 33 patients finished the study, treating 184 attacks. The pain-free rates at 1 hour were: RI: 15.5%; RI + RO: 22.6%; RI + TA: 20.3%(NS). Pain-free rates at 2 h were: RI: 37.9%; RI + RO: 62.9%, and RI + TA: 40.6% (p = 0.008 for RI vs. RI + RO; p = 0.007 for RI + RO vs. RI + TA, NS for RI vs RI + TA). At 4 h, pain-free rates were: RI: 69%; RI + RO: 82.3%; RI + TA: 78.1% (NS for all comparisons). The combination of RI + RO was superior to RI and to RI + TA in regard of the absense of nausea and photophobia at 4 hours. Recurrence (after being pain-free at 2 h) was observed in 50% of

  13. Simultaneous determination of glucose, fructose, sucrose and sorbitol in the leaf and fruit peel of different apple cultivars by the HPLC-RI optimized method.

    PubMed

    Filip, Miuţa; Vlassa, Mihaela; Coman, Virginia; Halmagyi, Adela

    2016-05-15

    A high performance liquid chromatography method with refractive index detection (HPLC-RI), for simultaneous determination of glucose, fructose, sucrose and sorbitol in leaf and/or apple peel samples from nine apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars and rootstocks, originating from a germplasm collection, has been developed and validated. Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology was applied for the method optimization. The Carbosep Coregel 87H3 column was used under the optimum conditions predicted: mobile phase of H2SO4 0.005 mol L(-1) solution, flow rate of 0.3 mL min(-1) and column temperature of 35°C. The method was validated for linearity (R(2)>0.99), limits of detection (2.67-4.83 μg mL(-1)) and quantification (8.9-16.1 μg mL(-1)), precision (%RSD<5.05) and recovery (93.94-103.06%) and satisfactory results obtained. The sugars content varied across micropropagated plants in vitro, plants regenerated after cryostorage, growing trees in vivo, and fruit peel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Acidic environment augments FcεRI-mediated production of IL-6 and IL-13 in mast cells

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

    Kamide, Yosuke, E-mail: m08702012@gunma-u.ac.jp; Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara; Ishizuka, Tamotsu

    Although blood pH is maintained in a narrow range of around pH 7.4 in living organisms, inflammatory loci are characterized by acidic conditions. Mast cells tend to reside close to the surface of the body in areas such as the mucosa and skin where they may be exposed to exogenous acids, and they play an important role in immune responses. However, little is known about the effects of extracellular acidification on the functions of mast cell. Here, we found that extracellular acidification increased the dinitrophenyl-conjugated human serum albumin (DNP-HSA)-induced production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-13 in MC/9 cells or bonemore » marrow-derived mouse mast cells sensitized with anti-DNP IgE. Extracellular acidification also inhibited migration of MC/9 cells toward DNP-HSA. In addition, acidic pH stimulated antigen-induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt). These findings suggest that extracellular acidification augmented antigen/IgE-induced and FcεRI-mediated production of IL-6 and IL-13 in mast cells, and that this was associated with the enhancement of p38 MAPK and Akt activation. - Highlights: • Antigen-induced IL-6 and IL-13 production was augmented by acidic pH in mast cells. • Acidic pH-induced actions were associated with activation of p38 MAPK and Akt. • Inhibition of p38 MAPK and Akt attenuated cytokine responses to acidic pH. • Acidic pH effects are not attributable to actions of known proton-sensing GPCRs.« less

  15. Clinical and radiological characteristics of 22 children with SHOX anomalies and familial short stature suggestive of Léri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis.

    PubMed

    Salmon-Musial, Anne-Sophie; Rosilio, Myriam; David, Michel; Huber, Céline; Pichot, Emmanuel; Cormier-Daire, Valérie; Nicolino, Marc

    2011-01-01

    To describe genetic, clinical, anthropometric and radiological characteristics of 22 children with SHOX gene anomalies and familial short stature suggestive of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis. Monocentric retrospective observational study. Six children (27%) presented with deletions located downstream of SHOX (mean height -1.4 ± 0.9 SDS) and 16 (68%) with either deletions encompassing SHOX, intragenic deletions or point mutations of SHOX (mean patient height for the 3 latter types of anomalies: -2.6 ± 0.8 SDS). In our sample, the two most frequently observed dysmorphic signs were clinical and/or radiological Madelung deformity (86%) and high arched palate (77%). Half the girls were born small for gestational age. Sixteen children treated with recombinant growth hormone had an increase in height from -2.7 ± 0.7 to -1.4 ± 0.7 SDS. Four children achieved adult height (-2.0 ± 0.9 SDS) with a gain over baseline height of 1.0 ± 0.5 SDS after a mean treatment duration of 5.8 ± 2.1 years. Patients shared common clinical, anthropometric and radiological signs but their height deficit varied, depending on the type of the SHOX gene anomaly. Due to the small size of our sample, our findings need to be confirmed in a larger population of patients. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  16. A Mechanistic Model of Early FcεRI Signaling: Lipid Rafts and the Question of Protection from Dephosphorylation

    PubMed Central

    Barua, Dipak; Goldstein, Byron

    2012-01-01

    We present a model of the early events in mast cell signaling mediated by FcεRI where the plasma membrane is composed of many small ordered lipid domains (rafts), surrounded by a non-order region of lipids consisting of the remaining plasma membrane. The model treats the rafts as transient structures that constantly form and breakup, but that maintain a fixed average number per cell. The rafts have a high propensity for harboring Lyn kinase, aggregated, but not unaggregated receptors, and the linker for the activation of T cells (LAT). Phosphatase activity in the rafts is substantially reduced compared to the nonraft region. We use the model to analyze published experiments on the rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cell line that seem to contradict the notion that rafts offer protection. In these experiments IgE was cross-linked with a multivalent antigen and then excess monovalent hapten was added to break-up cross-links. The dephosphorylation of the unaggregated receptor (nonraft associated) and of LAT (raft associated) were then monitored in time and found to decay at similar rates, leading to the conclusion that rafts offer no protection from dephosphorylation. In the model, because the rafts are transient, a protein that is protected while in a raft will be subject to dephosphorylation when the raft breaks up and the protein finds itself in the nonraft region of the membrane. We show that the model is consistent with the receptor and LAT dephosphorylation experiments while still allowing rafts to enhance signaling by providing substantial protection from phosphatases. PMID:23284735

  17. PF4/heparin-antibody complex induces monocyte tissue factor expression and release of tissue factor positive microparticles by activation of FcγRI

    PubMed Central

    Glover, Sam L.; Jonas, William; McEachron, Troy; Pawlinski, Rafal; Arepally, Gowthami M.; Key, Nigel S.; Mackman, Nigel

    2012-01-01

    Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially devastating form of drug-induced thrombocytopenia that occurs in patients receiving heparin for prevention or treatment of thrombosis. Patients with HIT develop autoantibodies to the platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complex, which is termed the HIT Ab complex. Despite a decrease in the platelet count, the most feared complication of HIT is thrombosis. The mechanism of thrombosis in HIT remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of the HIT Ab complex on tissue factor (TF) expression and release of TF-positive microparticles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. To model these effects ex vivo, we used a murine mAb specific for the PF4/heparin complex (KKO), as well as plasma from patients with HIT. We found that the HIT Ab complex induced TF expression in monocytes and the release of TF-positive microparticles. Further, we found that induction of TF is mediated via engagement of the FcγRI receptor and activation of the MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our data suggest that monocyte TF may contribute to the development of thrombosis in patients with HIT. PMID:22394597

  18. Citrus leprosis virus C Infection Results in Hypersensitive-Like Response, Suppression of the JA/ET Plant Defense Pathway and Promotion of the Colonization of Its Mite Vector

    PubMed Central

    Arena, Gabriella D.; Ramos-González, Pedro L.; Nunes, Maria A.; Ribeiro-Alves, Marcelo; Camargo, Luis E. A.; Kitajima, Elliot W.; Machado, Marcos A.; Freitas-Astúa, Juliana

    2016-01-01

    Leprosis is a serious disease of citrus caused by Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C, genus Cilevirus) whose transmission is mediated by false spider mites of the genus Brevipalpus. CiLV-C infection does not systemically spread in any of its known host plants, thus remaining restricted to local lesions around the feeding sites of viruliferous mites. To get insight into this unusual pathosystem, we evaluated the expression profiles of genes involved in defense mechanisms of Arabidopsis thaliana and Citrus sinensis upon infestation with non-viruliferous and viruliferous mites by using reverse-transcription qPCR. These results were analyzed together with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the appearance of dead cells as assessed by histochemical assays. After interaction with non-viruliferous mites, plants locally accumulated ROS and triggered the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonate/ethylene (JA/ET) pathways. ERF branch of the JA/ET pathways was highly activated. In contrast, JA pathway genes were markedly suppressed upon the CiLV-C infection mediated by viruliferous mites. Viral infection also intensified the ROS burst and cell death, and enhanced the expression of genes involved in the RNA silencing mechanism and SA pathway. After 13 days of infestation of two sets of Arabidopsis plants with non-viruliferous and viruliferous mites, the number of mites in the CiLV-C infected Arabidopsis plants was significantly higher than in those infested with the non-viruliferous ones. Oviposition of the viruliferous mites occurred preferentially in the CiLV-C infected leaves. Based on these results, we postulated the first model of plant/Brevipalpus mite/cilevirus interaction in which cells surrounding the feeding sites of viruliferous mites typify the outcome of a hypersensitive-like response, whereas viral infection induces changes in the behavior of its vector. PMID:27933078

  19. SHOX gene defects and selected dysmorphic signs in patients of idiopathic short stature and Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis.

    PubMed

    Hirschfeldova, K; Solc, R; Baxova, A; Zapletalova, J; Kebrdlova, V; Gaillyova, R; Prasilova, S; Soukalova, J; Mihalova, R; Lnenicka, P; Florianova, M; Stekrova, J

    2012-01-10

    The aim of the study was to analyze frequency of SHOX gene defects and selected dysmorphic signs in patients of both idiopathic short stature (ISS) and Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), all derived from the Czech population. Overall, 98 subjects were analyzed in the study. Inclusion criteria were the presence of short stature (-2.0 SD), in combination with at least one of the selected dysmorphic signs for the ISS+ group; and the presence of Madelung deformity, without positive karyotyping for the LWD+ group. Each proband was analyzed by use of P018 MLPA kit, which covers SHOX and its regulatory sequences. Additionally, mutational analysis was done of the coding portions of the SHOX. Both extent and breakpoint localizations in the deletions/duplications found were quite variable. Some PAR1 rearrangements were detected, without obvious phenotypic association. In the ISS+ group, MLPA analysis detected four PAR1 deletions associated with a SHOX gene defect, PAR1 duplication with an ambiguous effect, and two SHOX mutations (13.7%). In the LWD+ group, MLPA analysis detected nine deletions in PAR1 region, with a deleterious effect on SHOX, first reported case of isolated SHOX enhancer duplication, and SHOX mutation (68.8%). In both ISS+ and LWD+ groups were positivity associated with a disproportionately short stature; in the ISS+ group, in combination with muscular hypertrophy. It seems that small PAR1 rearrangements might be quite frequent in the population. Our study suggests disproportionateness, especially in combination with muscular hypertrophy, as relevant indicators of ISS to be the effect of SHOX defect. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) Sprout Treated with Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) Improved Anti-Adipogenic Activity Associated with the Oxidative Stress System in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Young-Jun; Kim, Kui-Jin; Park, Kee-Jai; Yoon, Bo-Ra; Lim, Jeong-Ho; Lee, Ok-Hwan

    2013-01-01

    Buckwheat sprouts contain various bioactive compounds including rutin which have a number of biological activities. We have previously shown that buckwheat sprouts (TBWE) treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) significantly increased the amount of phenolics and the antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of TBWE on anti-adipogenesis and pro-oxidant enzyme in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also evaluated the anti-oxidative activity of TBWE in adipocytes by using the nitroblue tetrazolium assay. Our data showed that TBWE markedly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and ROS production in 3T3-L1 cells compared with control groups. Moreover, TBWE has strongly shown the inhibition of adipogenic transcription factor as well as pro-oxidant enzymes. Together, we demonstrate that the MeJA treatment significantly increased the amount of phenolic compound, resulting in the suppression of adipogenesis and ROS production in the 3T3-L1 cells. These findings indicate that TBWE has the potential for anti-adipogenesis activity with anti-oxidative properties. PMID:23344050

  1. Energy Consumption of Battery-Operated Screwdriver at Assembling Fixed Threaded Joints / Akumulatora Skrūvgrieža Elektroenerģijas Patēriņa Aprēķins, Veicot Nekustīga Vītņu Savienojuma Salikšanu Atkarībā No Operatora Reakcijas Laika

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Grinevich, I.; Mozga, N.; Rudzitis, J.

    2013-10-01

    The electrical energy consumption of battery-operated screwdrivers, which are widely used in many industries, e.g. automotive, heavy, chemical, etc., can be considerably reduced. This would allow increasing the service life of a battery and reducing the time of its charging, thus increasing the productivity and decreasing the prime cost of this battery. It is shown that up to 17.9% of electrical energy could be saved at assembling fixed threaded joints by removing power from the screwdriver immediately after reaching the required tightening torque. Dotajā rakstā uzmanība tiek pievērsta akumulatora skrūvgrieža elektroenerģijas patēriņa samazināšanas iespējām sakarā ar problēmas aktualitāti šīs grupas plaši pielietotajiem instrumentiem. Elektroenerģijas patēriņa samazināšana masveida ražošanā, kur tiek izmantoti akumulatora skrūvgrieži, ļautu paildzināt akumulatora baterijas kalpošanas mūžu un samazināt uzlādēšanas laiku, kas, savukārt, novestu pie ražības palielināšanas un produkcijas pašizmaksas samazināšanas.

  2. Update of the BIPM comparison BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64 of activity measurements of the radionuclide 64Cu to include the 2009 results of the CMI-IIR (Czech Rep.) and the NPL (UK), the 2010 result of the LNE-LNHB (France) and the 2011 result of the ENEA-INMRI (Italy)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Michotte, C.; Ratel, G.; Courte, S.; Sochorovà, J.; Auerbach, P.; Keightley, J.; Johansson, L.; Bakhshandeiar, E.; Cassette, P.; Moune, M.; Capogni, M.; De Felice, P.

    2013-01-01

    Since 2009, four national metrology institutes (NMI) have submitted four samples of known activity of 64Cu to the International Reference System (SIR) for activity comparison at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), with comparison identifier BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64. The values of the activity submitted were between about 3 MBq and 260 MBq. There are now five results in the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Cu-64 comparison. A key comparison reference value (KCRV) has been calculated for the first time for this nuclide. The degrees of equivalence between each equivalent activity measured in the SIR and the KCRV have been calculated and the results are given in the form of a table. A graphical presentation is also given. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

  3. Type I interleukin-1 receptor is required for pulmonary responses to subacute ozone exposure in mice.

    PubMed

    Johnston, Richard A; Mizgerd, Joseph P; Flynt, Lesley; Quinton, Lee J; Williams, Erin S; Shore, Stephanie A

    2007-10-01

    Interleukin (IL)-1, a proinflammatory cytokine, is expressed in the lung after ozone (O(3)) exposure. IL-1 mediates its effects through the type I IL-1 receptor (IL-1RI), the only signaling receptor for both IL-1alpha and IL-1beta. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of IL-1RI in pulmonary responses to O(3.) To that end, wild-type, C57BL/6 (IL-1RI(+/+)) mice and IL-1RI-deficient (IL-1RI(-/-)) mice were exposed to O(3) either subacutely (0.3 ppm for 72 h) or acutely (2 ppm for 3 h). Subacute O(3) exposure increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, interferon-gamma-inducible protein (IP)-10, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1), and neutrophils in IL-1RI(+/+) and IL-1RI(-/-) mice. With the exception of IP-10, all outcome indicators were reduced in IL-1RI(-/-) mice. Furthermore, subacute O(3) exposure increased IL-6 mRNA expression in IL-1RI(+/+), but not IL-1RI(-/-) mice. Acute (2 ppm) O(3) exposure increased BALF protein, IL-6, eotaxin, KC, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, IP-10, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, sTNFR1, neutrophils, and epithelial cells in IL-1RI(+/+) and IL-1RI(-/-) mice. For IL-6, eotaxin, MIP-2, and sTNFR1, there were small but significant reductions of these outcome indicators in IL-1RI(-/-) versus IL-1RI(+/+) mice at 6 hours after exposure, but not at other time points, whereas other outcome indicators were unaffected by IL-1RI deficiency. These results suggest that IL-1RI is required for O(3)-induced pulmonary inflammation during subacute O(3) exposure, but plays a more minor role during acute O(3) exposure. In addition, these results suggest that the induction of IL-6 via IL-1RI may be important in mediating the effects of O(3) during subacute exposure.

  4. A Novel Class of Pseudoautosomal Region 1 Deletions Downstream of SHOX Is Associated with Léri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis

    PubMed Central

    Benito-Sanz, Sara; Thomas, N. Simon; Huber, Céline; del Blanco, Darya Gorbenko; Aza-Carmona, Miriam; Crolla, John A.; Maloney, Vivienne; Argente, Jesús; Campos-Barros, Ángel; Cormier-Daire, Valérie; Heath, Karen E.

    2005-01-01

    ri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is a pseudoautosomal dominant disorder characterized by disproportionate short stature and a characteristic curving of the radius, known as the “Madelung deformity.” SHOX mutations resulting in SHOX haploinsufficiency have been found in LWD and in a variable proportion of patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS), whereas homozygous loss of SHOX results in the more severe Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD). Defects in SHOX have been identified in ∼60% of LWD cases, whereas, in the remaining ∼40%, the molecular basis is unknown. This suggests either genetic heterogeneity or the presence of mutations in unanalyzed regions of SHOX, such as the upstream, intragenic, or downstream regulatory sequences. Therefore, the pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) of 80 patients with LWD, in whom SHOX deletions and mutations had been excluded, was screened for deletions by use of a new panel of microsatellite markers. We identified 12 patients with LWD who presented with a novel class of PAR1 deletions that did not include SHOX. The deletions were of variable size and mapped at least ∼30–530 kb downstream of SHOX. In our cohort, this type of deletion accounted for 15% of cases. In all cases, the deletions cosegregated with the phenotype. No apparent phenotypic differences were observed between patients with SHOX deletions and those with this new class of PAR1 deletions. Thus, we present here the identification of a second PAR1 region implicated in the etiopathogenesis of LWD. Our findings suggest the presence of distal regulatory elements of SHOX transcription in PAR1 or, alternatively, the existence of an additional locus apparently involved in the control of skeletal development. Deletion analysis of this newly identified region should be included in the mutation screening of patients with LWD, LMD, and ISS. PMID:16175500

  5. Patient Preferences and Urologist Judgments on Prostate Cancer Therapy in Japan.

    PubMed

    Nakayama, Masahiko; Kobayashi, Hisanori; Okazaki, Masateru; Imanaka, Keiichiro; Yoshizawa, Kazutake; Mahlich, Jörg

    2018-05-01

    The purpose of the present study is to investigate the concordance of treatment preferences between patients and physicians in prostate cancer (PCa) in Japan. An internet-based discrete choice experiment was conducted. Patients and physicians were asked to select their preferred treatment from a pair of hypothetical treatments consisting of four attributes: quality of life (QOL), treatment effectiveness, side effects, and accessibility of treatment. The data were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model to calculate coefficients and the relative importance (RI) of each attribute. A total of 103 PCa patients and 127 physicians responded. The study looked at 37 patients considered as advanced PCa and 66 who were non-advanced PCa. All of the physicians were urologists. Advanced PCa patients ranked the attributes as follows: treatment effectiveness (RI: 32%), accessibility of treatment (RI: 26%), QOL (RI: 23%), and side effects (RI: 19%). For physicians, the RI ranking was the same as for advanced PCa patients; treatment effectiveness (RI: 29%), accessibility of treatment (RI: 27%), QOL (RI: 26%), and side effects (RI: 18%). For non-advanced PCa patients, accessibility of treatment ranked the highest RI (27%) and treatment effectiveness ranked as the lowest RI (14%). Our study suggests that the ranking of the attributes was consistent between advanced PCa patients and physicians. The most influential attribute was treatment effectiveness. Treatment preferences also vary by disease stage.

  6. Comparison of SHOX and associated elements duplications distribution between patients (Lėri-Weill dyschondrosteosis/idiopathic short stature) and population sample.

    PubMed

    Hirschfeldova, Katerina; Solc, Roman

    2017-09-05

    The effect of heterozygous duplications of SHOX and associated elements on Lėri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) development is less distinct when compared to reciprocal deletions. The aim of our study was to compare frequency and distribution of duplications within SHOX and associated elements between population sample and LWD (ISS) patients. A preliminary analysis conducted on Czech population sample of 250 individuals compared to our previously reported sample of 352 ISS/LWD Czech patients indicated that rather than the difference in frequency of duplications it is the difference in their distribution. Particularly, there was an increased frequency of duplications residing to the CNE-9 enhancer in our LWD/ISS sample. To see whether the obtained data are consistent across published studies we made a literature survey to get published cases with SHOX or associated elements duplication and formed the merged LWD, the merged ISS, and the merged population samples. Relative frequency of particular region duplication in each of those merged samples were calculated. There was a significant difference in the relative frequency of CNE-9 enhancer duplications (11 vs. 3) and complete SHOX (exon1-6b) duplications (4 vs. 24) (p-value 0.0139 and p-value 0.000014, respectively) between the merged LWD sample and the merged population sample. We thus propose that partial SHOX duplications and small duplications encompassing CNE-9 enhancer could be highly penetrant alleles associated with ISS and LWD development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Mechanical Properties of Aerojet, Thiokol, and JA2 High-Energy Gun Propellants at 1.5 m/s Deformation Rate

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    a2 6 n -32 4C La /C A> i c 4S Figure 5. Remains of specimens tested at 210, 630, and -32 0C. 5 I AUg 2001 "-1t AERQJET/"THIDKOL LOTS 0111W PM 4-40.00...10.00 +78.00 STRESS (Mra) -THIOKOL LOT LA -10T3--01 +5.C THIOKOL LOT JA-IEZ35--Z-02 JAZ LOT HCL03JO14-001 -28.00 AE J>:T? +0.00 4.00 0.0 .0 *20.0 O30 +40M0...WARREN MI 48397-5000 MATERIAL SCIENCE TEAM AMSSB RSS 14 BENET LABORATORIES J HERBERT AMSTA AR CCB M SENNETT R FISCELLA KANSAS ST M SOJA NATICK MA 01760

  8. Micro-grid for on-site wind-and-hydrogen powered generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Suskis, P.; Andreiciks, A.; Steiks, I.; Krievs, O.; Kleperis, J.

    2014-02-01

    The authors propose a micro-grid for autonomous wind-and-hydrogen power generation thus replacing such traditional fossil-fuelled equipment as domestic diesel generators, gas micro-turbines, etc. In the proposed microgrid the excess of electrical energy from a wind turbine is spent on electrolytic production of hydrogen which is then stored under low-pressure in absorbing composite material. The electrolyser has a non-traditional feeding unit and electrode coatings. The proposed DC/DC conversion topologies for different micro-grid nodes are shown to be well-designed. The prototypes elaborated for the converters and hydrogen storage media were tested and have demonstrated a good performance. Rakstā piedāvātā mikrotīkla izpēte ir veikta ar mērķi izstrādāt autonomu, uz vēja un ūdeņraža enerģiju balstītu elektroapgādes sistēmu, kas varētu aizvietot tradicionālās fosilā kurināmā sistēmas, piemēram, mājsaimniecību dīzeļa ģeneratorus, gāzes mikroturbīnas u.c. Mikrotīkla elektroapgādes sistēmā vēja agregāta saražotā elektroenerģija tiek pārveidota atbilstoši standarta maiņsprieguma elektroapgādes parametriem un piegādāta slodzei. Pārpalikusī enerģija tiek pārveidota un uzkrāta ūdeņraža formā, izmantojot elektrolīzes iekārtu un kompozītmateriālu uzkrājēju. Ja pieejamā vēja enerģija nenosedz slodzes enerģijas patēriņu, elektroenerģijas padeves funkciju ar atbilstoša energoelektronikas pārveidotāja palīdzību pārņem ūdeņraža degvielas elements. Ja, savukārt, slodzei nav nepieciešama enerģija, no vēja saražoto enerģiju izmanto elektrolīzes iekārta un tā tiek uzkrāta ūdeņraža formā, atbilstoši uzkrājēja ietilpībai. Piedāvātajā mikrotīklā ir izmantota elektrolīzes iekārta ar netradicionāliem elektrodu pārklājumiem un barošanas bloku, kā arī zemspiediena kompozītmateriālu ūdeņraža uzkrājējs. Galvenie mikrotīkla elektriskās enerģijas pārveidošanas mezgli ir

  9. Corneal refractive index-hydration relationship by objective refractometry.

    PubMed

    Patel, Sudi; Alió, Jorge L

    2012-11-01

    To compare an objective (VCH-1) with a manual subjective Abbé refractometer (MSAR) and evaluate the refractive index (RI)-hydration (H) relationship for the corneal stroma. Epithelial and endothelial layers were removed from a fresh postmortem ovine corneal buttons. RI was measured at both surfaces using (i) MSAR then (ii) VCH-1. The sample was weighed, slowly dehydrated under controlled conditions (2 h), and RI measures were repeated. Sample was oven dried (90°C) for 3 d to obtain dry weight and hydration at each episode of RI measurement. Average difference between individual pairs of measurements obtained using the two refractometers (ΔRI) was 0.00071 (standard deviation ± 0.0029, 95% confidence interval ± 0.0058). Root mean square difference between measurements obtained by the refractometers was 0.0024. There was no relationship between ΔRI and the mean of each measurement pair (r = 0.201, n = 40, p = 0.214). Linear regression revealed a significant relationship between RI and reciprocal of H at both surfaces as follows: anterior (i) RI = 1.355 + 0.111/H (r = -0.852, n = 20, p = <0.001), (ii) RI = 1.357 + 0.105/H (r = -0.849, n = 20, p = <0.001) and posterior (i) RI = 1.353 + 0.085/H (r = -0.882, n = 20, p = <0.001), (ii) RI = 1.350 + 0.088/H (r = -0.813, n = 20, p = <0.001). VCH-1 measurements are in good agreement with MSAR. RI at the anterior stroma was consistently higher suggesting hydration is lower by 1.10 units (6%) compared with the posterior stroma. Dehydration increased RI at both surfaces by similar rates. Current hypothetical models are useful for predicting RI from H for the posterior, but not the anterior, stroma.

  10. IgA Fc receptors.

    PubMed

    Monteiro, Renato C; Van De Winkel, Jan G J

    2003-01-01

    The IgA receptor family comprises a number of surface receptors including the polymeric Ig receptor involved in epithelial transport of IgA/IgM, the myeloid specific IgA Fc receptor (FcalphaRI or CD89), the Fcalpha/muR, and at least two alternative IgA receptors. These are the asialoglycoprotein receptor and the transferrin receptor, which have been implicated in IgA catabolism, and tissue IgA deposition. In this review we focus on the biology of FcalphaRI (CD89). FcalphaRI is expressed on neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and Kupffer cells. This receptor represents a heterogeneously glycosylated transmembrane protein that binds both IgA subclasses with low affinity. A single gene encoding FcalphaRI has been isolated, which is located within the leukocyte receptor cluster on chromosome 19. The FcalphaRI alpha chain lacks canonical signal transduction domains but can associate with the FcR gamma-chain that bears an activation motif (ITAM) in the cytoplasmic domain, allowing activatory functions. FcalphaRI expressed alone mediates endocytosis and recyling of IgA. No FcalphaRI homologue has been defined in the mouse, and progress in defining the in vivo role of FcalphaRI has been made using human FcalphaRI transgenic (Tg) mice. FcalphaRI-Tg mice demonstrated FcalphaRI expression on Kupffer cells and so defined a key role for the receptor in mucosal defense. The receptor functions as a second line of antibacterial defense involving serum IgA rather than secretory IgA. Studies in FcalphaRI-Tg mice, furthermore, defined an essential role for soluble FcalphaRI in the development of IgA nephropathy by formation of circulating IgA-FcalphaRI complexes. Finally, recent work points out a role for human IgA in treatment of infectious and neoplastic diseases.

  11. Calculating the refractive index for pediatric parenteral nutrient solutions.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Scott; Barrows, Jason; Haftmann, Richard; Helm, Michael; MacKay, Mark

    2013-02-15

    The utility of refractometric analysis for calculating the refractive index (RI) of compounded parenteral nutrient solutions for pediatric patients was examined. An equation for calculating the RI of parenteral nutrient solutions was developed by chemical and linear regression analysis of 154 pediatric parenteral nutrient solutions. This equation was then validated by analyzing 1057 pediatric parenteral nutrition samples. The RI for the parenteral nutrient solutions could be calculated by summing the RI contribution for each ingredient and then adding the RI of water. The RI contribution for each ingredient was determined by multiplying the RI of the manufacturer's concentrate by the volume of the manufacturer's concentrate mixed into the parenteral nutrient solution divided by the total volume of the parenteral nutrient solution. The calculated RI was highly correlated with the measured RI (R(2) = 0.94, p < 0.0001). Using a range of two standard deviations (±0.0045), 99.8% of the samples fell into the comparative range. RIs of electrolytes, vitamins, and trace elements in the concentrations used did not affect the RI, similar to the findings of other studies. There was no statistical difference between the calculated RI and the measured RI in the final product of a pediatric parenteral nutrient solution. This method of quality control can be used by personnel compounding parenteral nutrient solutions to confirm the compounding accuracy of dextrose and amino acid concentrations in the final product, and a sample can be sent to the hospital laboratory for electrolyte verification.

  12. Predicting Reactive Intermediate Quantum Yields from Dissolved Organic Matter Photolysis Using Optical Properties and Antioxidant Capacity.

    PubMed

    Mckay, Garrett; Huang, Wenxi; Romera-Castillo, Cristina; Crouch, Jenna E; Rosario-Ortiz, Fernando L; Jaffé, Rudolf

    2017-05-16

    The antioxidant capacity and formation of photochemically produced reactive intermediates (RI) was studied for water samples collected from the Florida Everglades with different spatial (marsh versus estuarine) and temporal (wet versus dry season) characteristics. Measured RI included triplet excited states of dissolved organic matter ( 3 DOM*), singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), and the hydroxyl radical ( • OH). Single and multiple linear regression modeling were performed using a broad range of extrinsic (to predict RI formation rates, R RI ) and intrinsic (to predict RI quantum yields, Φ RI ) parameters. Multiple linear regression models consistently led to better predictions of R RI and Φ RI for our data set but poor prediction of Φ RI for a previously published data set,1 probably because the predictors are intercorrelated (Pearson's r > 0.5). Single linear regression models were built with data compiled from previously published studies (n ≈ 120) in which E2:E3, S, and Φ RI values were measured, which revealed a high degree of similarity between RI-optical property relationships across DOM samples of diverse sources. This study reveals that • OH formation is, in general, decoupled from 3 DOM* and 1 O 2 formation, providing supporting evidence that 3 DOM* is not a • OH precursor. Finally, Φ RI for 1 O 2 and 3 DOM* correlated negatively with antioxidant activity (a surrogate for electron donating capacity) for the collected samples, which is consistent with intramolecular oxidation of DOM moieties by 3 DOM*.

  13. Transfontanellar duplex brain ultrasonography resistive indices as a prognostic tool in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy before and after treatment with therapeutic hypothermia.

    PubMed

    Gerner, G J; Burton, V J; Poretti, A; Bosemani, T; Cristofalo, E; Tekes, A; Seyfert, D; Parkinson, C; Leppert, M; Allen, M; Huisman, T A G M; Northington, F J; Johnston, M V

    2016-03-01

    Prior to therapeutic hypothermia (that is, cooling), transfontanellar duplex brain sonography resistive indices (RI) were studied as a bedside non-invasive measures of cerebral hemodynamics in neonates who suffered from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We compared pre- and post-cooling RI values and examined the relationships between RI values and specific long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Transfontanellar duplex brain sonography, including RI, were obtained for 28 neonates prior to cooling and for 20 neonates following cooling. All RI values were sampled in the anterior cerebral artery at the beginning of each ultrasound study. Neurodevelopmental assessment was conducted between ages 20-32 months with the Mullen Scale of Early Learning. The relationships between pre- and post-cooling RI and cognitive and motor outcomes were studied. Neonates with RI values <0.60 prior to and following cooling were more likely to die or have severe neurodevelopmental disability by ages 20-32 months than those with RI>0.60. Lower RI values were associated with specific neurodevelopmental deficits in motor skill attainment. Pre- and post-cooling transfontanellar duplex brain sonography RI values may be a useful prognostic tool, in conjunction with other clinical information, for neonates diagnosed with HIE. The results of this study suggest that further study of the prognostic value of RI values for short- and long-term outcomes is warranted.

  14. The Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Gene Family in Raspberry. Structure, Expression, and Evolution1

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Amrita; Ellis, Brian E.

    2001-01-01

    In raspberry (Rubus idaeus), development of fruit color and flavor are critically dependent on products of the phenylpropanoid pathway. To determine how these metabolic functions are integrated with the fruit ripening program, we are examining the properties and expression of key genes in the pathway. Here, we report that l- phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) is encoded in raspberry by a family of two genes (RiPAL1 and RiPAL2). RiPAL1 shares 88% amino acid sequence similarity to RiPAL2, but phylogenetic analysis places RiPAL1 and RiPAL2 in different clusters within the plant PAL gene family. The spatial and temporal expression patterns of the two genes were investigated in various vegetative and floral tissues using the reverse transcriptase competitor polymerase chain reaction assay. Although expression of both genes was detected in all tissues examined, RiPAL1 was associated with early fruit ripening events, whereas expression of RiPAL2 correlated more with later stages of flower and fruit development. Determination of the absolute levels of the two transcripts in various tissues showed that RiPAL1 transcripts were 3- to 10-fold more abundant than those of RiPAL2 in leaves, shoots, roots, young fruits, and ripe fruits. The two RiPAL genes therefore appear to be controlled by different regulatory mechanisms. PMID:11553751

  15. Characterizing depth-dependent refractive index of articular cartilage subjected to mechanical wear or enzymic degeneration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Kuyu; Wu, Jianping; Day, Robert; Kirk, Thomas Brett; Hu, Xiaozhi

    2016-09-01

    Utilizing a laser scanning confocal microscope system, the refractive indices of articular cartilage (AC) with mechanical or biochemical degenerations were characterized to investigate whether potential correlations exist between refractive index (RI) and cartilage degeneration. The cartilage samples collected from the medial femoral condyles of kangaroo knees were mechanically degenerated under different loading patterns or digested in trypsin solution with different concentrations. The sequences of RI were then measured from cartilage surface to deep region and the fluctuations of RI were quantified considering combined effects of fluctuating frequency and amplitude. The compositional and microstructural alterations of cartilage samples were assessed with histological methods. Along with the loss of proteoglycans, the average RI of cartilage increased and the local fluctuation of RI became stronger. Short-term high-speed test induced little influence to both the depth fluctuation and overall level of RI. Long-term low-speed test increased the fluctuation of RI but the average RI was barely changed. The results substantially demonstrate that RI of AC varies with both compositional and structural alterations and is potentially an indicator for the degeneration of AC.

  16. Impact of an Intervention to Use a Measles, Rubella, and Polio Mass Vaccination Campaign to Strengthen Routine Immunization Services in Nepal.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Aaron S; Bohara, Rajendra; Stewart, Steven; Subedi, Giri; Anand, Abhijeet; Burnett, Eleanor; Giri, Jagat; Shrestha, Jagat; Gurau, Suraj; Dixit, Sameer; Rajbhandari, Rajesh; Schluter, W William

    2017-07-01

    The potential to strengthen routine immunization (RI) services through supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) is an important benefit of global measles and rubella elimination and polio eradication strategies. However, little evidence exists on how best to use SIAs to strengthen RI. As part the 2012 Nepal measles-rubella and polio SIA, we developed an intervention package designed to improve RI processes and evaluated its effect on specific RI process measures. The intervention package was incorporated into existing SIA activities and materials to improve healthcare providers' RI knowledge and practices throughout Nepal. In 1 region (Central Region) we surveyed the same 100 randomly selected health facilities before and after the SIA and evaluated the following RI process measures: vaccine safety, RI planning, RI service delivery, vaccine supply chain, and RI data recording practices. Data collection included observations of vaccination sessions, interviews with the primary healthcare provider who administered vaccines at each facility, and administrative record reviews. Pair-matched analytical methods were used to determine whether statistically significant changes in the selected RI process measures occurred over time. After the SIA, significant positive changes were measured in healthcare provider knowledge of adverse events following immunization (11% increase), availability of RI microplans (+17%) and maps (+12%), and awareness of how long a reconstituted measles vial can be used before it must be discarded (+14%). For the SIA, 42% of providers created an SIA high-risk villages list, and >50% incorporated this information into RI outreach session site planning. Significant negative changes occurred in correct knowledge of measles vaccination contraindications (-11%), correct definition for a measles outbreak (-21%), and how to treat a child with a severe adverse event following immunization (-10%). Twenty percent of providers reported cancelling ≥1 RI

  17. Dosimetric comparisons of carbon ion treatment plans for 1D and 2D ripple filters with variable thicknesses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Printz Ringbæk, Toke; Weber, Uli; Santiago, Alina; Simeonov, Yuri; Fritz, Peter; Krämer, Michael; Wittig, Andrea; Bassler, Niels; Engenhart-Cabillic, Rita; Zink, Klemens

    2016-06-01

    A ripple filter (RiFi)—also called mini-ridge filter—is a passive energy modulator used in particle beam treatments that broadens the Bragg peak (BP) as a function of its maximum thickness. The number of different energies requested from the accelerator can thus be reduced, which significantly reduces the treatment time. A new second generation RiFi with 2D groove shapes was developed using rapid prototyping, which optimizes the beam-modulating material and enables RiFi thicknesses of up to 6 mm. Carbon ion treatment plans were calculated using the standard 1D 3 mm thick RiFi and the new 4 and 6 mm 2D RiFis for spherical planning target volumes (PTVs) in water, eight stage I non-small cell lung cancer cases, four skull base chordoma cases and three prostate cancer cases. TRiP98 was used for treatment planning with facility-specific base data calculated with the Monte Carlo code SHIELD-HIT12A. Dose-volume-histograms, spatial dose distributions and dosimetric indexes were used for plan evaluation. Plan homogeneity and conformity of thinner RiFis were slightly superior to thicker RiFis but satisfactory results were obtained for all RiFis investigated. For the 6 mm RiFi, fine structures in the dose distribution caused by the larger energy steps were observed at the PTV edges, in particular for superficial and/or very small PTVs but performances for all RiFis increased with penetration depth due to straggling and scattering effects. Plans with the new RiFi design yielded for the studied cases comparable dosimetric results to the standard RiFi while the 4 and 6 mm RiFis lowered the irradiation time by 25-30% and 45-49%, respectively.

  18. The Influence of Prior Choices on Current Choice

    PubMed Central

    de la Piedad, Xochitl; Field, Douglas; Rachlin, Howard

    2006-01-01

    Three pigeons chose between random-interval (RI) and tandem, continuous-reinforcement, fixed-interval (crf-FI) reinforcement schedules by pecking either of two keys. As long as a pigeon pecked on the RI key, both keys remained available. If a pigeon pecked on the crf-FI key, then the RI key became unavailable and the crf-FI timer began to time out. With this procedure, once the RI key was initially pecked, the prospective value of both alternatives remained constant regardless of time spent pecking on the RI key without reinforcement (RI waiting time). Despite this constancy, the rate at which pigeons switched from the RI to the crf-FI decreased sharply as RI waiting time increased. That is, prior choices influenced current choice—an exercise effect. It is argued that such influence (independent of reinforcement contingencies) may serve as a sunk-cost commitment device in self-control situations. In a second experiment, extinction was programmed if RI waiting time exceeded a certain value. Rate of switching to the crf-FI first decreased and then increased as the extinction point approached, showing sensitivity to both prior choices and reinforcement contingencies. In a third experiment, crf-FI availability was limited to a brief window during the RI waiting time. When constrained in this way, switching occurred at a high rate regardless of when, during the RI waiting time, the crf-FI became available. PMID:16602373

  19. Optofluidic refractive-index sensors employing bent waveguide structures for low-cost, rapid chemical and biomedical sensing.

    PubMed

    Liu, I-Chen; Chen, Pin-Chuan; Chau, Lai-Kwan; Chang, Guo-En

    2018-01-08

    We propose and develop an intensity-detection-based refractive-index (RI) sensor for low-cost, rapid RI sensing. The sensor is composed of a polymer bent ridge waveguide (BRWG) structure on a low-cost glass substrate and is integrated with a microfluidic channel. Different-RI solutions flowing through the BRWG sensing region induce output optical power variations caused by optical bend losses, enabling simple and real-time RI detection. Additionally, the sensors are fabricated using rapid and cost-effective vacuum-less processes, attaining the low cost and high throughput required for mass production. A good RI solution of 5.31 10 -4 × RIU -1 is achieved from the RI experiments. This study demonstrates mass-producible and compact RI sensors for rapid and sensitive chemical analysis and biomedical sensing.

  20. Sensitivity of a global climate model to the critical Richardson number in the boundary layer parameterization

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Ning; Liu, Yangang; Gao, Zhiqiu; ...

    2015-04-27

    The critical bulk Richardson number (Ri cr) is an important parameter in planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes used in many climate models. This paper examines the sensitivity of a Global Climate Model, the Beijing Climate Center Atmospheric General Circulation Model, BCC_AGCM to Ri cr. The results show that the simulated global average of PBL height increases nearly linearly with Ri cr, with a change of about 114 m for a change of 0.5 in Ri cr. The surface sensible (latent) heat flux decreases (increases) as Ri cr increases. The influence of Ri cr on surface air temperature and specificmore » humidity is not significant. The increasing Ri cr may affect the location of the Westerly Belt in the Southern Hemisphere. Further diagnosis reveals that changes in Ri cr affect stratiform and convective precipitations differently. Increasing Ri cr leads to an increase in the stratiform precipitation but a decrease in the convective precipitation. Significant changes of convective precipitation occur over the inter-tropical convergence zone, while changes of stratiform precipitation mostly appear over arid land such as North Africa and Middle East.« less

  1. Condensed-Phase Processes during Solid Propellant Combustion. Part 2: Chemical and Microscopic Examination of Conductively Quenched Samples of RDX, XM39, JA2, M30, and HMX-Binder Compositions

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-05-01

    combustion of most of the propellants, with the possible exception of JA2; scanning electron microcope examination shows the existence of a liquid layer but... compounds are similar (Fifer et Sl. 1985; Hoffsommer, Glover, and Elban 1985), the relative Intensities In Table 2 should provide rough, order-of...top of the liquid layer. In addition, the HPLC chromatograms contained a number of very weak, unknown peaks apparently corresponding to compounds

  2. A novel photonic crystal fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for enhancing refractive index measurement sensitivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Yong; Xia, Feng; Hu, Hai-feng; Chen, Mao-qing

    2017-11-01

    A novel refractive index (RI) sensor based on photonic crystal fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer (PCF-MZI) was proposed. It was realized by cascading a section of PCF with half-taper collapse regions (HTCRs) between two single mode fibers (SMFs). The relationship between RI sensitivity and interference length of the PCF-MZI was firstly investigated. Both simulation and experimental results showed that RI sensitivity increased with the increase of interference length. Afterwards, influence of HTCR parameters on RI sensitivity was experimentally investigated to further improve the sensitivity. With intensification of arc discharge intensity in HTCR fabrication process, HTCR with larger maximum taper diameter and longer collapsed region length was obtained, which enhanced evanescent field of the PCF-MZI and then generated higher RI sensitivity. Consequently, a high RI sensitivity of 181.96 nm/refractive index unit (RIU) was achieved in the RI range of 1.3333-1.3574. Increasing arc discharge intensity in HTCR fabrication process has the capacity to improve RI sensitivity of PCF-MZI and meanwhile provides higher mechanical strength and longer sensor life compared to the traditional method of tapering the fiber, which improves the RI sensitivity at the cost of reducing mechanical strength of the sensor. This PCF-MZI was characterized by high RI sensitivity, ease of fabrication, high mechanical strength, and robustness.

  3. Association of Serum Vaspin and Adiponectin Levels with Renal Function in Patients with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Meiyu; Su, Bin; Peng, Wenhui; Li, Liang; Li, Hailing; Zhuang, Jianhui; Lu, Yuyan; Jian, Weixia; Wei, Yidong; Li, Weiming; Qu, Shen; Xu, Yawei

    2014-01-01

    Vaspin and adiponectin are two adipocytokines with antidiabetic effects. Some studies reported that levels of adiponectin and vaspin were correlated with decreased glomerular filtration rate (FGR) and increased albuminuria. We therefore evaluated the vaspin and adiponectin levels in renal insufficiency (RI) patients with or without T2DM. Serum vaspin, adiponectin levels were measured in 416 subjects with or without T2DM. Analysis was made between groups divided by these subjects presence or absence of RI. We found that serum adiponectin level was significantly higher in nondiabetic patients with RI than in nondiabetic subjects without RI; however, there were no statistical differences between the diabetic patients with RI and without RI. In all the subjects, the serum adiponectin level was also higher in 50 individuals with RI than that in 366 subjects without RI. The serum vaspin levels showed no significant differences between the diabetic patients or nondiabetics subjects with RI and without RI. Contrary to adiponectin, the serum vaspin level was lower in 169 patients with T2DM than in 247 individuals without T2DM. Our data suggested that both of T2DM and renal insufficiency were correlated with the serum level of adiponectin. However, the serum vaspin levels showed no significant difference between the individuals with renal insufficiency and without renal insufficiency. PMID:25133192

  4. Normalization of relative and incomplete temporal expressions in clinical narratives.

    PubMed

    Sun, Weiyi; Rumshisky, Anna; Uzuner, Ozlem

    2015-09-01

    To improve the normalization of relative and incomplete temporal expressions (RI-TIMEXes) in clinical narratives. We analyzed the RI-TIMEXes in temporally annotated corpora and propose two hypotheses regarding the normalization of RI-TIMEXes in the clinical narrative domain: the anchor point hypothesis and the anchor relation hypothesis. We annotated the RI-TIMEXes in three corpora to study the characteristics of RI-TMEXes in different domains. This informed the design of our RI-TIMEX normalization system for the clinical domain, which consists of an anchor point classifier, an anchor relation classifier, and a rule-based RI-TIMEX text span parser. We experimented with different feature sets and performed an error analysis for each system component. The annotation confirmed the hypotheses that we can simplify the RI-TIMEXes normalization task using two multi-label classifiers. Our system achieves anchor point classification, anchor relation classification, and rule-based parsing accuracy of 74.68%, 87.71%, and 57.2% (82.09% under relaxed matching criteria), respectively, on the held-out test set of the 2012 i2b2 temporal relation challenge. Experiments with feature sets reveal some interesting findings, such as: the verbal tense feature does not inform the anchor relation classification in clinical narratives as much as the tokens near the RI-TIMEX. Error analysis showed that underrepresented anchor point and anchor relation classes are difficult to detect. We formulate the RI-TIMEX normalization problem as a pair of multi-label classification problems. Considering only RI-TIMEX extraction and normalization, the system achieves statistically significant improvement over the RI-TIMEX results of the best systems in the 2012 i2b2 challenge. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  5. How subvisible particles become invisible-relevance of the refractive index for protein particle analysis.

    PubMed

    Zölls, Sarah; Gregoritza, Manuel; Tantipolphan, Ruedeeporn; Wiggenhorn, Michael; Winter, Gerhard; Friess, Wolfgang; Hawe, Andrea

    2013-05-01

    The aim of the present study was to quantitatively assess the relevance of transparency and refractive index (RI) on protein particle analysis by the light-based techniques light obscuration (LO) and Micro-Flow Imaging (MFI). A novel method for determining the RI of protein particles was developed and provided an RI of 1.41 for protein particles from two different proteins. An increased RI of the formulation by high protein concentration and/or sugars at pharmaceutically relevant levels was shown to lead to a significant underestimation of the subvisible particle concentration determined by LO and MFI. An RI match even caused particles to become "invisible" for the system, that is, not detectable anymore by LO and MFI. To determine the influence of formulation RI on particle measurements, we suggest the use of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles to test a specific formulation for RI effects. In case of RI influences, we recommend also using a light-independent technique such as resonant mass measurement (RMM) (Archimedes) for subvisible particle analysis in protein formulations. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX are the most frequent defect in a Spanish cohort of Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) probands.

    PubMed

    Benito-Sanz, Sara; del Blanco, Darya Gorbenko; Aza-Carmona, Miriam; Magano, Luis F; Lapunzina, Pablo; Argente, Jesús; Campos-Barros, Angel; Heath, Karen E

    2006-10-01

    ri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is a skeletal dysplasia characterized by disproportionate short stature and Madelung deformity. Mutations or deletions of the SHOX gene have been previously identified as the main cause of LWD. We recently identified the existence of a second class of pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1) deletions which do not include SHOX, implicated in the etiopathogenesis of LWD. The deletions map at least 30-250 kb downstream of SHOX, are variable in size and clearly cosegregate with the LWD phenotype. In order to determine the frequency of this new type of deletions in the Spanish population we analyzed the distribution of PAR1 defects, including the screening of SHOX deletions, mutations, and PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX, in a total of 26 LWD probands by a combination of MLPA, microsatellite analysis, SNP genotyping, dHPLC, and DNA sequencing. A molecular defect was identified in 16/26 LWD patients (61.5%): 10 PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX, four SHOX encompassing deletions, and two SHOX mutations. No apparent phenotypic differences were observed between patients with SHOX defects and those with PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX. In the examined cohort of Spanish LWD probands, PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX represent the highest proportion of identified mutations (38%) compared to SHOX deletions (15%) and mutations (8%). As a consequence of our findings, the screening of this region should be included in the routine genetic testing of LWD. Also, LWD patients who tested negative for SHOX defects should be re-evaluated for PAR1 deletions downstream of SHOX.

  7. Using clinical symptoms to predict adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with preeclampsia: data from the PIERS (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of RiSk) study.

    PubMed

    Yen, Tin-Wing; Payne, Beth; Qu, Ziguang; Hutcheon, Jennifer A; Lee, Tang; Magee, Laura A; Walters, Barry N; von Dadelszen, Peter

    2011-08-01

    Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity. The clinical challenge lies in predicting which women with preeclampsia will suffer adverse outcomes and would benefit from treatment, while minimizing potentially harmful interventions. Our aim was to determine the ability of maternal symptoms (i.e., severe nausea or vomiting, headache, visual disturbance, right upper quadrant pain or epigastric pain, abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, and chest pain or dyspnea) to predict adverse maternal or perinatal outcomes. We used data from the PIERS (Pre-eclampsia Integrated Estimate of RiSk) study, a multicentre, prospective cohort study designed to investigate the maternal risks associated with preeclampsia. Relative risks and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were assessed for each preeclampsia symptom and outcome pair. Of 2023 women who underwent assessment, 52% experienced at least one preeclampsia symptom, with 5.2% and 5.3% respectively experiencing an adverse maternal or perinatal outcome. No symptom and outcome pair, in either of the maternal or perinatal groups, achieved an area under the ROC curve value > 0.7, which would be necessary to demonstrate a discriminatory predictive value. Maternal symptoms of preeclampsia are not independently valid predictors of maternal adverse outcome. Caution should be used when making clinical decisions on the basis of symptoms alone in the preeclamptic patient.

  8. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients with renal insufficiency: A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Mahindra, Anuj; Hari, Parameswaran; Fraser, Raphael; Fei, Mingwei; Huang, Jiaxing; Berdeja, Jesus; Callander, Natalie; Costa, Luciano; Diaz, Miguel Angel; Freytes, Cesar; Gale, Robert Peter; Girnius, Saulius; Holmberg, Leona; Kharfan-Dabaja, Mohamad; Kumar, Shaji; Kyle, Robert; Lazarus, Hillard; Lee, Cindy; Maiolino, Angelo; Moreb, Jan; Nishihori, Taiga; Pawarode, Attaphol; Saad, Ayman; Savani, Bipin N.; Schriber, Jeffrey; William, Basem; Wirk, Baldeep M.; Krishnan, Amrita; Nieto, Yago; D’Souza, Anita

    2017-01-01

    Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients with renal insufficiency (RI) is controversial. Patients who underwent AHCT for MM between 2008-2013 were identified (N =1492) and grouped as normal/mild (≥60 ml/min), N=1240, moderate (30-59), N=185 and severe RI (<30), N=67 based on MDRD. Multivariate analysis of non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed. Of the 67 patients with severe RI, 35 were on dialysis prior to AHCT. Patients received melphalan 200 mg/m2 (Mel200) in 92% (normal/mild), 75% (moderate) and 33% (severe) RI; remainder received 140 mg/m2 (Mel140). Thirty four of 35 patients with severe RI achieved post-AHCT dialysis independence. The 5-year PFS for normal, moderate and severe RI was 35 (95% CI, 31-38)%, 40 (31-49)% and 27 (15-40)% respectively, (p=0·42); 5-year OS for normal, mod and severe RI was 68 (65-71)%, 68 (60-76)% and 60 (46-74)% respectively, (p=0·69). With moderate RI, 5-year PFS for HDM 140 mg/m2 was 18 (6-35)% and for Mel200 was 46 (36-57)% (p=0·009). With severe RI, 5-year PFS Mel140 was 25 (11-41) % and for Mel200 was 32 (11-58)% (p=0·37). We conclude that AHCT is safe and effective in patients with MM with RI. PMID:28920949

  9. Extending MAM5 Meta-Model and JaCalIV E Framework to Integrate Smart Devices from Real Environments

    PubMed Central

    2016-01-01

    This paper presents the extension of a meta-model (MAM5) and a framework based on the model (JaCalIVE) for developing intelligent virtual environments. The goal of this extension is to develop augmented mirror worlds that represent a real and virtual world coupled, so that the virtual world not only reflects the real one, but also complements it. A new component called a smart resource artifact, that enables modelling and developing devices to access the real physical world, and a human in the loop agent to place a human in the system have been included in the meta-model and framework. The proposed extension of MAM5 has been tested by simulating a light control system where agents can access both virtual and real sensor/actuators through the smart resources developed. The results show that the use of real environment interactive elements (smart resource artifacts) in agent-based simulations allows to minimize the error between simulated and real system. PMID:26926691

  10. Extending MAM5 Meta-Model and JaCalIV E Framework to Integrate Smart Devices from Real Environments.

    PubMed

    Rincon, J A; Poza-Lujan, Jose-Luis; Julian, V; Posadas-Yagüe, Juan-Luis; Carrascosa, C

    2016-01-01

    This paper presents the extension of a meta-model (MAM5) and a framework based on the model (JaCalIVE) for developing intelligent virtual environments. The goal of this extension is to develop augmented mirror worlds that represent a real and virtual world coupled, so that the virtual world not only reflects the real one, but also complements it. A new component called a smart resource artifact, that enables modelling and developing devices to access the real physical world, and a human in the loop agent to place a human in the system have been included in the meta-model and framework. The proposed extension of MAM5 has been tested by simulating a light control system where agents can access both virtual and real sensor/actuators through the smart resources developed. The results show that the use of real environment interactive elements (smart resource artifacts) in agent-based simulations allows to minimize the error between simulated and real system.

  11. Transplantation of autologously derived mitochondria protects the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury

    PubMed Central

    Masuzawa, Akihiro; Black, Kendra M.; Pacak, Christina A.; Ericsson, Maria; Barnett, Reanne J.; Drumm, Ciara; Seth, Pankaj; Bloch, Donald B.; Levitsky, Sidney; Cowan, Douglas B.

    2013-01-01

    Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction occur during ischemia and modulate cardiac function and cell survival significantly during reperfusion. We hypothesized that transplantation of autologously derived mitochondria immediately prior to reperfusion would ameliorate these effects. New Zealand White rabbits were used for regional ischemia (RI), which was achieved by temporarily snaring the left anterior descending artery for 30 min. Following 29 min of RI, autologously derived mitochondria (RI-mitochondria; 9.7 ± 1.7 × 106/ml) or vehicle alone (RI-vehicle) were injected directly into the RI zone, and the hearts were allowed to recover for 4 wk. Mitochondrial transplantation decreased (P < 0.05) creatine kinase MB, cardiac troponin-I, and apoptosis significantly in the RI zone. Infarct size following 4 wk of recovery was decreased significantly in RI-mitochondria (7.9 ± 2.9%) compared with RI-vehicle (34.2 ± 3.3%, P < 0.05). Serial echocardiograms showed that RI-mitochondria hearts returned to normal contraction within 10 min after reperfusion was started; however, RI-vehicle hearts showed persistent hypokinesia in the RI zone at 4 wk of recovery. Electrocardiogram and optical mapping studies showed that no arrhythmia was associated with autologously derived mitochondrial transplantation. In vivo and in vitro studies show that the transplanted mitochondria are evident in the interstitial spaces and are internalized by cardiomyocytes 2–8 h after transplantation. The transplanted mitochondria enhanced oxygen consumption, high-energy phosphate synthesis, and the induction of cytokine mediators and proteomic pathways that are important in preserving myocardial energetics, cell viability, and enhanced post-infarct cardiac function. Transplantation of autologously derived mitochondria provides a novel technique to protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. PMID:23355340

  12. The influence of temperature to a refractive index sensor based on a macro-bending tapered plastic optical fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teng, Chuan-xin; Yu, Fang-da; Jing, Ning; Zheng, Jie

    2016-09-01

    The temperature influence to a refractive index (RI) sensor based on a macro-bending tapered plastic optical fiber (POF) was investigated experimentally. The total temperature dependence loss (TDLtotal) and total temperature dependence RI deviation (TDRtotal) were measured at different temperature (10-60 °C) over an RI range of 1.33-1.41. The temperature dependence RI deviation of the sensor itself was obtained by subtracting the temperature dependence RI of measured liquid from TDRtotal. Therefore, the influence of temperature variation to the sensor was characterized and corrected.

  13. Sustainable management of river oases along the Tarim River (SuMaRiO) in Northwest China under conditions of climate change

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rumbaur, C.; Thevs, N.; Disse, M.; Ahlheim, M.; Brieden, A.; Cyffka, B.; Duethmann, D.; Feike, T.; Frör, O.; Gärtner, P.; Halik, Ü.; Hill, J.; Hinnenthal, M.; Keilholz, P.; Kleinschmit, B.; Krysanova, V.; Kuba, M.; Mader, S.; Menz, C.; Othmanli, H.; Pelz, S.; Schroeder, M.; Siew, T. F.; Stender, V.; Stahr, K.; Thomas, F. M.; Welp, M.; Wortmann, M.; Zhao, X.; Chen, X.; Jiang, T.; Luo, J.; Yimit, H.; Yu, R.; Zhang, X.; Zhao, C.

    2015-03-01

    The Tarim River basin, located in Xinjiang, NW China, is the largest endorheic river basin in China and one of the largest in all of Central Asia. Due to the extremely arid climate, with an annual precipitation of less than 100 mm, the water supply along the Aksu and Tarim rivers solely depends on river water. This is linked to anthropogenic activities (e.g., agriculture) and natural and semi-natural ecosystems as both compete for water. The ongoing increase in water consumption by agriculture and other human activities in this region has been enhancing the competition for water between human needs and nature. Against this background, 11 German and 6 Chinese universities and research institutes have formed the consortium SuMaRiO (Sustainable Management of River Oases along the Tarim River; http://www.sumario.de), which aims to create a holistic picture of the availability of water resources in the Tarim River basin and the impacts on anthropogenic activities and natural ecosystems caused by the water distribution within the Tarim River basin. On the basis of the results from field studies and modeling approaches as well as from suggestions by the relevant regional stakeholders, a decision support tool (DST) will be implemented that will then assist stakeholders in balancing the competition for water, acknowledging the major external effects of water allocation to agriculture and to natural ecosystems. This consortium was formed in 2011 and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. As the data collection phase was finished this year, the paper presented here brings together the results from the fields from the disciplines of climate modeling, cryology, hydrology, agricultural sciences, ecology, geoinformatics, and social sciences in order to present a comprehensive picture of the effects of different water availability schemes on anthropogenic activities and natural ecosystems along the

  14. Changes in intrarenal resistive index following electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

    PubMed

    Mohseni, Mohammad Ghasem; H Khazaeli, Mahziar; Aghamir, Seyed Mohammad Kazem; Biniaz, Farzad

    2007-01-01

    Our aim was to study the changes in resistive index (RI) of the ipsilateral and contralateral kidneys following electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) of the kidney calculi. Using color Doppler ultrasonography, the RI was determined in 21 patients with unilateral caliceal and pelvic kidney calculi. The RI of the interlobar renal arteries were measured for the regions near and far from the calculi (distance, less and more than 2 cm), before, 30 minutes after, and 1 week after SWL. The same measurements were carried out for the contralateral kidney. Changes in the RI values and their relation with age were evaluated. The RI near the calculi increased 30 minutes after SWL from 0.594 +/- 0.062 to 0.620 +/- 0.048 (P = .003; 95% confidence interval, 0.020 to 0.073), but returned to the pre-SWL values 1 week later. The RI values of the region remote from the calculus and in the contralateral kidney did not change significantly. There was a weak correlation between age and the RI far from the calculus before and 1 week after SWL. There were no relationships between the RI and age, sex, weight, blood pressure, and smoking. The results suggest that SWL of the kidney calculi changes the RI only near the calculus which is immediate, transient, and not age-related.

  15. Exposure to reactive intermediate-inducing drugs during pregnancy and the incident use of psychotropic medications among children.

    PubMed

    Tran, Yen-Hao; Groen, Henk; Bergman, Jorieke E H; Hak, Eelko; Wilffert, Bob

    2017-03-01

    Our study aimed to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to reactive intermediate (RI)-inducing drugs and the initiation of psychotropic medications among children. We designed a cohort study using a pharmacy prescription database. Pregnant women were considered exposed when they received a prescription of RI-inducing drugs. These drugs could be either used alone (RI+/FAA-) or combined with drugs exhibiting folic acid antagonism (FAA, RI+/FAA+). The reference group included pregnant women who did not receive any RI-inducing drugs or FAA drugs. We analyzed 4116 exposed and 30 422 reference pregnancies. The hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 1.27 (95%CI 1.15-1.41) for pregnancies exposed to RI-inducing drugs as a whole. Considering subgroups of RI-inducing drugs, prenatal exposure to both RI+/FAA+ and RI+/FAA- was associated with the children's initiation of psychotropic medications, HRs being 1.35 (95%CI 1.10-1.66) and 1.26 (1.13-1.41), respectively. The HRs were increased with prolonged exposure to RI-inducing drugs, especially in the first and second trimesters. In a detailed examination of the psychotropics, the incidences of receiving antimigraine preparations and psychostimulants were significantly increased for the exposed children, compared with the reference children. The incidences of receiving antipsychotics and hypnotics were also higher for the exposed children; however, the HRs did not reach significance after adjustment. We found a significantly increased incident use of psychotropic medications among children prenatally exposed to RI-inducing drugs, especially during the first and second trimesters. This suggests a detrimental effect during critical periods of brain development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Scientific Considerations for Evaluating Cancer Bioassays Conducted by the Ramazzini Institute

    PubMed Central

    Caldwell, Jane C.; Jinot, Jennifer; Evans, Marina V.; Cote, Ila; Vandenberg, John J.

    2013-01-01

    Background: The Ramazzini Institute (RI) has completed nearly 400 cancer bioassays on > 200 compounds. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and others have suggested that study design and protocol differences between the RI and other laboratories by may contribute to controversy regarding cancer hazard findings, principally findings on lymphoma/leukemia diagnoses. Objective: We aimed to evaluate RI study design, protocol differences, and accuracy of tumor diagnoses for their impact on carcinogenic hazard characterization. Methods: We analyzed the findings from a recent Pathology Working Group (PWG) review of RI procedures and tumor diagnoses, evaluated consistency of RI and other laboratory findings for chemicals identified by the RI as positive for lymphoma/leukemia, and examined evidence for a number of other issues raised regarding RI bioassays. The RI cancer bioassay design and protocols were evaluated in the context of relevant risk assessment guidance from international authorities. Discussion: Although the PWG identified close agreement with RI diagnoses for most tumor types, it did not find close agreement for lymphoma/leukemia of the respiratory tract or for neoplasms of the inner ear and cranium. Here we discuss a) the implications of the PWG findings, particularly lymphoma diagnostic issues; b) differences between RI studies and those from other laboratories that are relevant to evaluating RI cancer bioassays; and c) future work that may help resolve some concerns. Conclusions: We concluded that a) issues related to respiratory tract infections have complicated diagnoses at that site (i.e., lymphoma/leukemia), as well as for neoplasms of the inner ear and cranium, and b) there is consistency and value in RI studies for identification of other chemical-related neoplasia. Citation: Gift JS, Caldwell JC, Jinot J, Evans MV, Cote I, Vandenberg JJ. 2013. Scientific considerations for evaluating cancer bioassays conducted by the Ramazzini Institute

  17. Variability of tropical cyclone rapid intensification in the North Atlantic and its relationship with climate variations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chunzai; Wang, Xidong; Weisberg, Robert H.; Black, Michael L.

    2017-12-01

    The paper uses observational data from 1950 to 2014 to investigate rapid intensification (RI) variability of tropical cyclones (TCs) in the North Atlantic and its relationships with large-scale climate variations. RI is defined as a TC intensity increase of at least 15.4 m/s (30 knots) in 24 h. The seasonal RI distribution follows the seasonal TC distribution, with the highest number in September. Although an RI event can occur anywhere over the tropical North Atlantic (TNA), there are three regions of maximum RI occurrence: (1) the western TNA of 12°N-18°N and 60°W-45°W, (2) the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean Sea, and (3) the open ocean southeast and east of Florida. RI events also show a minimum value in the eastern Caribbean Sea north of South America—a place called a hurricane graveyard due to atmospheric divergence and subsidence. On longer time scales, RI displays both interannual and multidecadal variability, but RI does not show a long-term trend due to global warming. The top three climate indices showing high correlations with RI are the June-November ENSO and Atlantic warm pool indices, and the January-March North Atlantic oscillation index. It is found that variabilities of vertical wind shear and TC heat potential are important for TC RI in the hurricane main development region, whereas relative humidity at 500 hPa is the main factor responsible for TC RI in the eastern TNA. However, the large-scale oceanic and atmospheric variables analyzed in this study do not show an important role in TC RI in the Gulf of Mexico and the open ocean southeast and east of Florida. This suggests that other factors such as small-scale changes of oceanic and atmospheric variables or TC internal processes may be responsible for TC RI in these two regions. Additionally, the analyses indicate that large-scale atmospheric and oceanic variables are not critical to TC genesis and formation; however, once a tropical depression forms, large-scale climate

  18. Effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of exenatide

    PubMed Central

    Linnebjerg, Helle; Kothare, Prajakti A; Park, Soomin; Mace, Kenneth; Reddy, Shobha; Mitchell, Malcolm; Lins, Robert

    2007-01-01

    What is already known about this subject Nonclinical studies have shown that exenatide is primarily cleared by the renal system. It was not known to what degree the clinical pharmacokinetics and tolerability would be affected by increasing renal impairment (RI). What this study adds Patients with mild to moderate RI adequately tolerate current therapeutic doses of exenatide.However, exenatide is not recommended in patients with severe RI or end-stage renal disease. Aims To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of a single exenatide dose in patients with renal impairment (RI). Methods Exenatide (5 or 10 µg) was injected subcutaneously in 31 subjects (one with Type 2 diabetes) stratified by renal function [Cockcroft–Gault creatinine clearance (CrCL), number of subjects]: normal (>80 ml min−1, n = 8), mild RI (51–80 ml min−1, n = 8), moderate RI (31–50 ml min−1, n = 7) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring haemodialysis (n = 8). PK data were combined with four previous single-dose studies in patients with Type 2 diabetes to explore the relationship of exenatide clearance (CLp/F) and CrCL. Results Mean half-life for healthy, mild RI, moderate RI and ESRD groups were 1.5, 2.1, 3.2 and 6.0 h, respectively. After combining data from multiple studies, least squares geometric means for CLp/F in subjects with normal renal function, mild RI, moderate RI and ESRD were 8.14, 5.19, 7.11 and 1.3 l h−1, respectively. Exenatide was generally well tolerated in the mild and moderate RI groups, but not in subjects with ESRD due to nausea and vomiting. Simulations of exenatide plasma concentrations also suggest patients with ESRD should have a propensity for poor tolerability at the lowest available therapeutic dosage (5 µg q.d.). Conclusions Since tolerability and PK changes were considered clinically acceptable in patients with mild to moderate RI, it would be appropriate to administer exenatide to these patients without dosage adjustment

  19. United States Air Force 611th Air Support Group Civil Engineering Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. Remedial investigation and feasibility study Point Lay Radar Installation, Alaska. Final report

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

    Karmi, S.

    1996-03-04

    The United States Air Force (Air Force) has prepared this Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) report to present the results of RI/FS activities at four sites located at the Point Lay radar installation. The remedial investigation (RI) field activities were conducted at the Point Lay radar installation during the summer of 1993. The four sites at Point Lay were investigated because they were suspected of being contaminated with hazardous substances. RI activities were conducted using methods and procedures specified in the RI/FS Work Plan, Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP), and Health and Safety Plan.

  20. A Three-Stage Colonel Blotto Game with Applications to Cyber-Physical Security

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-03-15

    joint measure over the space Ri. Let µi ∈ ℘(Ri) be the strategy of Player i. Then, we let Prk #µi denote the marginal of µi on the k th battlefield. A...solely on the marginal distributions ( Prk #µ1,Pr k #µ2). The resources available to the players and the number of battlefields are common knowledge...Ri) → 2℘(Ri) denote a set-valued map (correspon- dence), defined as Ψi(µi) := { µ̃i ∈ ℘(Ri) : supp(µ̃i) = supp(µi) and Prk #µ̃i = Pr k #µi for all k

  1. Fluence inhomogeneities due to a ripple filter induced Moiré effect.

    PubMed

    Ringbæk, Toke Printz; Brons, Stephan; Naumann, Jakob; Ackermann, Benjamin; Horn, Julian; Latzel, Harald; Scheloske, Stefan; Galonska, Michael; Bassler, Niels; Zink, Klemens; Weber, Uli

    2015-02-07

    At particle therapy facilities with pencil beam scanning, the implementation of a ripple filter (RiFi) broadens the Bragg peak, so fewer energy steps from the accelerator are required for a homogeneous dose coverage of the planning target volume (PTV). However, sharply focusing the scanned pencil beams at the RiFi plane by ion optical settings can lead to a Moiré effect, causing fluence inhomogeneities at the isocenter. This has been experimentally proven at the Heidelberg Ionenstrahl-Therapiezentrum (HIT), Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Germany. 150 MeV u(-1) carbon-12 ions are used for irradiation with a 3 mm thick RiFi. The beam is focused in front of and as close to the RiFi plane as possible. The pencil beam width is estimated to be 0.78 mm at a 93 mm distance from the RiFi. Radiographic films are used to obtain the fluence profile 30 mm in front of the isocenter, 930 mm from the RiFi. The Monte Carlo (MC) code SHIELD-HIT12A is used to determine the RiFi-induced inhomogeneities in the fluence distribution at the isocenter for a similar setup, pencil beam widths at the RiFi plane ranging from σχ(RiFi to 1.2 mm and for scanning step sizes ranging from 1.5 to 3.7 mm. The beam application and monitoring system (BAMS) used at HIT is modelled and simulated. When the width of the pencil beams at the RiFi plane is much smaller than the scanning step size, the resulting inhomogeneous fluence distribution at the RiFi plane interfers with the inhomogeneous RiFi mass distribution and fluence inhomogeneity can be observed at the isocenter as large as an 8% deviation from the mean fluence. The inverse of the fluence ripple period at the isocenter is found to be the difference between the inverse of the RiFi period and the inverse of the scanning step size. We have been able to use MC simulations to reproduce the spacing of the ripple stripes seen in films irradiated at HIT. Our findings clearly indicate that pencil beams sharply focused near the RiFi plane result in

  2. Antiallergic Activity of Ethanol Extracts of Arctium lappa L. Undried Roots and Its Active Compound, Oleamide, in Regulating FcεRI-Mediated and MAPK Signaling in RBL-2H3 Cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Woong-Suk; Lee, Sung Ryul; Jeong, Yong Joon; Park, Dae Won; Cho, Young Mi; Joo, Hae Mi; Kim, Inhye; Seu, Young-Bae; Sohn, Eun-Hwa; Kang, Se Chan

    2016-05-11

    The antiallergic potential of Arctium lappa L. was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats, ICR mice, and RBL-2H3 cells. Ethanol extract (90%) of A. lappa (ALE, 100 μg/mL) inhibited the degranulation rate by 52.9%, determined by the level of β-hexosaminidase. ALE suppressed passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and attenuated anaphylaxis and histamine release in mice. To identify the active compound of ALE, we subsequently fractionated and determined the level of β-hexosaminidase in all subfractions. Oleamide was identified as an active compound of ALE, which attenuated the secretion of histamine and the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in cells treated with compound 48/80 or A23187/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Oleamide suppressed FcεRI-tyrosine kinase Lyn-mediated pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK/SAPK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38-MAPKs). These results showed that ALE and oleamide attenuated allergic reactions and should serve as a platform to search for compounds with antiallergic activity.

  3. Modulation of FcεRI-dependent mast cell response by OX40L via Fyn, PI3K, and RhoA.

    PubMed

    Sibilano, Riccardo; Frossi, Barbara; Suzuki, Ryo; D'Incà, Federica; Gri, Giorgia; Piconese, Silvia; Colombo, Mario P; Rivera, Juan; Pucillo, Carlo E

    2012-09-01

    The interaction of mast cells (MCs) with regulatory T cells through the OX40 ligand (OX40L):OX40 axis downregulates FcεRI-dependent immediate hypersensitivity responses both in vitro and in vivo. Little is known on OX40L-mediated intracellular signaling or on the mechanism by which OX40L engagement suppresses MC degranulation. We explored the role of OX40L engagement on IgE/antigen-triggered MCs both in vitro and in vivo. The soluble form of OX40 molecule was used to selectively trigger OX40L on MCs in vitro and was used to dissect OX40L contribution in an in vivo model of systemic anaphylaxis. OX40L:OX40 interaction led to the recruitment of C-terminal src kinase into lipid rafts, causing a preferential suppression of Fyn kinase activity and subsequent reduction in the phosphorylation of Gab2, the phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase regulatory subunit p85, and Akt, without affecting the Lyn pathway. Dampening of Fyn kinase activity also inhibited RhoA activation and microtubule nucleation, key regulators of MC degranulation. The in vivo administration of a blocking antibody to OX40L in wild-type mice caused enhanced immediate hypersensitivity, whereas the administration of soluble OX40 to regulatory T-cell-depleted or OX40-deficient mice reduced MC degranulation. The engagement of OX40L selectively suppresses Fyn-initiated signals required for MC degranulation and serves to limit immediate hypersensitivity. Our data suggest that soluble OX40 can restore the aberrant or absent regulatory T-cell activity, revealing a previously unappreciated homeostatic role for OX40L in setting the basal threshold of MC response. Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. A Numerical Study of the Rapid Intensification of Typhoon Bopha (2012)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao, Y.; Wang, Y.

    2014-12-01

    Typhoon Bopha (2012) originated unusually close to the equator and underwent three periods of rapid intensification (RI) during its lifetime. It made landfall on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao as a Category 5 super typhoon and caused widespread destruction and over 600 deaths. In this study, the first 24-h RI process was reproduced reasonably well using the Advanced Research and Weather Forecasting model (ARW-WRF) with large-scale spectral nudging to ensure a good track simulation. Processes responsible for the RI were analyzed. On the large scale, environmental vertical wind shear (VWS) stays below 6ms-1 throughout RI. On the storm scale, the simulated Bopha eyewall starts to contract rapidly 18 h before RI; and the radius of maximum wind (RMW) has shrunk from 40km to 20km by the end of RI. During RI, near the RMW, azimuthal mean tangential wind, radial wind and inertial stability increase rapidly, indicating a positive feedback between primary and secondary circulation. On the convective scale, in the presence of low shear, the rapid growth of the convective bursts (CBs) at the onset and early stages of RI is most likely buoyantly driven. It is suggested that as inflows continue to penetrate into the core, the supergradient winds start to transport high θe air from the eye to the eyewall, increasing the buoyancy and supporting the CBs. The high θ air detrained from the lower stratosphere surrounding the tall CBs can possibly contribute to the upper tropospheric warming and the RI onset. Trajectory analysis is currently being performed to further demonstrate this eye-eyewall exchange that leads to the onset of RI.

  5. Effects of Renal Ischemic Postconditioning on Myocardial Ultrastructural Organization and Myocardial Expression of Bcl-2/Bax in Rabbits

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Wen-zhong; Li, Rong; Liu, Song; Ning, Xian-feng; Cai, Shang-lang

    2016-01-01

    We investigated the cardioprotective effect of renal ischemic postconditioning (RI-PostC) and its mechanisms in a rabbit model. Rabbits underwent 60 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion (LADO) and 6 h of reperfusion. The ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group underwent LADO and reperfusion only. In the RI-PostC group, the left renal artery underwent 3 cycles of occlusion for 30 seconds and release for 30 seconds, before the coronary artery was reperfused. In the RI-PostC + GF109203X group, the rabbits received 0.05 mg/kg GF109203X (protein kinase C inhibitor) intravenously for 10 min followed by RI-PostC. Light microscopy and electron microscopy demonstrated that the RI-PostC group showed less pronounced changes, a smaller infarct region, and less apoptosis than the other two groups. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression did not differ between the IR and RI-PostC + GF109203X groups. However, in the RI-PostC group, Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly higher and Bax protein expression was significantly lower than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure were also smaller in the RI-PostC group than in the other two groups. These results indicate that RI-PostC can ameliorate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and increase the Bcl-2/Bax ratio through a mechanism involving protein kinase C. PMID:28097153

  6. The challenge of developing ethical guidelines for a research infrastructure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kutsch, Werner Leo

    2016-04-01

    The mission of the Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS RI) is to enable research to understand the greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets and perturbations. The ICOS RI provides the long-term observations required to understand the present state and predict future behaviour of the global carbon cycle and GHG emissions. Technological developments and implementations, related to GHGs, will be promoted by the linking of research, education and innovation. In order to provide this data ICOS RI is a distributed research infrastructure. The backbones of ICOS RI are the national measurement stations such as ICOS atmosphere, ecosystem and ocean stations. ICOS Central Facilities are the European level ICOS RI Centres, which have the specific tasks in collecting and processing the data and samples received from the national measurement networks. During the establishment of ICOS RI ethical guidelines were developed. These guidelines describe principles of ethics in the research activities that should be applied within ICOS RI. They should be acknowledged and followed by all researchers affiliated to ICOS RI and should be supported by all participating institutions. The presentation describes (1) the general challenge to develop ethical guidelines in a complex international infrastructure and (2) gives an overview about the content that includes different kinds of conflicts of interests, data ethics and social responsibility.

  7. Isoschizomers and amplified fragment length polymorphism for the detection of specific cytosine methylation changes.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-García, Leonor; Cabezas, Jose Antonio; de María, Nuria; Cervera, María-Teresa

    2010-01-01

    Different molecular techniques have been developed to study either the global level of methylated cytosines or methylation at specific gene sequences. One of them is a modification of the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique that has been used to study methylation of anonymous CCGG sequences in different fungi, plant and animal species. The main variation of this technique is based on the use of isoschizomers with different methylation sensitivity (such as HpaII and MspI) as a frequent cutter restriction enzyme. For each sample, AFLP analysis is performed using both EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI digested samples. Comparative analysis between EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI fragment patterns allows the identification of two types of polymorphisms: (1) "Methylation-insensitive polymorphisms" that show common EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI patterns but are detected as polymorphic amplified fragments among samples; and (2) "Methylation-sensitive polymorphisms" that are associated with amplified fragments differing in their presence or absence or in their intensity between EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI patterns. This chapter describes a detailed protocol of this technique and discusses modifications that can be applied to adjust the technology to different species of interest.

  8. Moral injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and religious involvement among U.S. veterans.

    PubMed

    Youssef, Nagy A; Boswell, Elizabeth; Fiedler, Shashana; Jump, Rebecca; Lee, Elizabeth; Yassa, Mark; Khan, Fazal; Pathiraja, Ananda; Rizk, David; Pearce, Michelle; O'Garo, Keisha; Currier, Joseph M; Koenig, Harold G

    2018-05-01

    Traumatic experiences can cause ethical conflicts. "Moral injury" (MI) has been used to describe this emotional/cognitive state, and could contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or block its recovery. We examine the relationship between MI and PTSD, and the impact of religious involvement (RI) on that relationship. We conducted a study of 120 veterans enrolled at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. Standard measures of PTSD symptoms, MI, and RI were administered. Regression models were used to examine correlates of PTSD symptoms and the moderating or mediating effects of RI. A strong relationship was found between MI and PTSD symptoms (r = 0.54, P ≤ .0001), and between MI and RI (r = -.41, P ≤ .0001), but only a weak relationship was found between RI and PTSD symptoms (r = -.17, P = .058). RI did not mediate or moderate the relationship between MI and PTSD symptoms in the overall sample. However, among non-Middle Eastern war theater veterans, a significant buffering effect of religiosity was found. MI has a strong positive relationship with PTSD symptoms and an inverse relationship with RI. RI did not mediate or moderate the relationship between MI and PTSD in the overall sample, but it moderated this relationship in non-Middle Eastern war theater veterans.

  9. Gas exchange and lactate anaerobic thresholds: inter- and intraevaluator agreement.

    PubMed

    Gladden, L B; Yates, J W; Stremel, R W; Stamford, B A

    1985-06-01

    Twenty-four coded graph sets of gas exchange variables and blood lactate concentration (LA) plotted against time at 15-s intervals were analyzed by nine evaluators who determined the gas exchange (ATGE) and LA (ATLA) anaerobic thresholds. In addition, ATGE and ATLA were determined by a linear regression computer program. Agreement between ATGE and ATLA was poor; the median intraclass correlation coefficient (ri) was 0.53. Among evaluators, ATLA agreement (median ri = 0.81) was better than ATGE agreement (median ri = 0.70). In general, the ability of any evaluator to choose similar values from duplicate plots for either ATGE (median ri = 0.97) or ATLA (median ri = 0.995) was good. There was better agreement between the mean ATLA of the evaluators and the computer ATLA (ComLA) (ri = 0.88) than between the mean ATGE of the evaluators and the computer ATGE (ComVE), (ri = 0.58). Agreement between ComVE and ComLA was poor (ri = 0.29). These results suggest that ATGE does not accurately predict ATLA and that different evaluators choose different thresholds from the same data. Further assessment of the validity and precision of ATGE based on breath-by-breath and minute-by-minute data is needed.

  10. Measurement of 3D refractive index distribution by optical diffraction tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chi, Weining; Wang, Dayong; Wang, Yunxin; Zhao, Jie; Rong, Lu; Yuan, Yuanyuan

    2018-01-01

    Optical Diffraction Tomography (ODT), as a novel 3D imaging technique, can obtain a 3D refractive index (RI) distribution to reveal the important optical properties of transparent samples. According to the theory of ODT, an optical diffraction tomography setup is built based on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The propagation direction of object beam is controlled by a 2D translation stage, and 121 holograms based on different illumination angles are recorded by a Charge-coupled Device (CCD). In order to prove the validity and accuracy of the ODT, the 3D RI profile of microsphere with a known RI is firstly measured. An iterative constraint algorithm is employed to improve the imaging accuracy effectively. The 3D morphology and average RI of the microsphere are consistent with that of the actual situation, and the RI error is less than 0.0033. Then, an optical element fabricated by laser with a non-uniform RI is taken as the sample. Its 3D RI profile is obtained by the optical diffraction tomography system.

  11. Refracted Acoustic Communications in Wireless Underwater Sensor Networks with Mobility

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-07-01

    presented in ( Nicolaou et al., 2007). Depth measurement ca- pability is assumed in depth-based routing schemes (Hasannezhad et al., 2014). Awareness of...Ri cosαk )2 = (di j Ri tanαk)2+(Δzi j+Ri)2 R2i cos2αk = d2i j 2di jRi tanαk+R 2 i tan 2αk+ . . . (Δzi j)2+2Δzi jRi+R2i Grouping all R2i terms on the...1754–1757. Lurton, X. (2010). An Introduction to Underwater Acoustics. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2nd edition. Nicolaou , N., See, A., Cui, J., and

  12. Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K6 of the standards for absorbed dose to water of the VSL, Netherlands and the BIPM in accelerator photon beams

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Picard, S.; Burns, D. T.; Roger, P.; de Prez, L. A.; Jansen, B. J.; Pooter, J. A.

    2017-01-01

    A comparison of the dosimetry for accelerator photon beams was carried out between the Dutch Metrology Institute (VSL) and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) from 23 September to 20 October 2014. The comparison was based on the determination of absorbed dose to water for three radiation qualities of the medical accelerator facilities of the National Physical Laboratory (United Kingdom). After establishing Draft B, the VSL discovered an error in the calculation of the correction factor for excess-heat linked to the VSL glass vessel used in the measurements at the NPL. The comparison results for the revised standard, reported as ratios of the VSL and the BIPM evaluations (and with the combined standard uncertainties given in parentheses), are 0.9959 (54) at 6 MV, 0.9958 (64) at 10 MV and 0.9991 (75) at 25 MV. This result is part of the on-going BIPM.RI(I)-K6 series of comparisons. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

  13. Routine Immunization Consultant Program in Nigeria: A Qualitative Review of a Country-Driven Management Approach for Health Systems Strengthening.

    PubMed

    O'Connell, Meghan; Wonodi, Chizoba

    2016-03-01

    Since 2002, the Nigerian government has deployed consultants to states to provide technical assistance for routine immunization (RI). RI consultants are expected to play a role in supportive supervision of health facility staff, capacity building, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation. We conducted a retrospective review of the RI consultant program's strengths and weaknesses in 7 states and at the national level from June to September 2014 using semi-structured interviews and online surveys. Participants included RI consultants, RI program leaders, and implementers purposively drawn from national, state, and local government levels. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from the interviews, which were triangulated with results from the quantitative surveys. At the time of data collection, 23 of 36 states and the federal capital territory had an RI consultant. Of the 7 states visited during the study, only 3 states had present and visibly working consultants. We conducted 84 interviews with 101 participants across the 7 states and conducted data analysis on 70 interviews (with 82 individuals) that had complete data. Among the full sample of interview respondents (N = 101), most (66%) were men with an average age of 49 years (±5.6), and the majority were technical officers (63%) but a range of other roles were also represented, including consultants (22%), directors (13%), and health workers (2%). Fifteen consultants and 44 program leaders completed the online surveys. Interview data from the 3 states with active RI consultants indicated that the consultants' main contribution was supportive supervision at the local level, particularly for collecting and using RI data for decision making. They also acted as effective advocates for RI funding. In states without an RI consultant, gaps were highlighted in data management capacity and in monitoring of RI funds. Program design strengths: the broad terms of reference and autonomy of the consultants

  14. Routine Immunization Consultant Program in Nigeria: A Qualitative Review of a Country-Driven Management Approach for Health Systems Strengthening

    PubMed Central

    O’Connell, Meghan; Wonodi, Chizoba

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Background: Since 2002, the Nigerian government has deployed consultants to states to provide technical assistance for routine immunization (RI). RI consultants are expected to play a role in supportive supervision of health facility staff, capacity building, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the RI consultant program’s strengths and weaknesses in 7 states and at the national level from June to September 2014 using semi-structured interviews and online surveys. Participants included RI consultants, RI program leaders, and implementers purposively drawn from national, state, and local government levels. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data from the interviews, which were triangulated with results from the quantitative surveys. Findings: At the time of data collection, 23 of 36 states and the federal capital territory had an RI consultant. Of the 7 states visited during the study, only 3 states had present and visibly working consultants. We conducted 84 interviews with 101 participants across the 7 states and conducted data analysis on 70 interviews (with 82 individuals) that had complete data. Among the full sample of interview respondents (N = 101), most (66%) were men with an average age of 49 years (±5.6), and the majority were technical officers (63%) but a range of other roles were also represented, including consultants (22%), directors (13%), and health workers (2%). Fifteen consultants and 44 program leaders completed the online surveys. Interview data from the 3 states with active RI consultants indicated that the consultants’ main contribution was supportive supervision at the local level, particularly for collecting and using RI data for decision making. They also acted as effective advocates for RI funding. In states without an RI consultant, gaps were highlighted in data management capacity and in monitoring of RI funds. Program design strengths: the broad terms

  15. Symmetry of oculomotor burst neuron coordinates about Listing's plane.

    PubMed

    Crawford, J D; Vilis, T

    1992-08-01

    1. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the axes of eye rotation generated by oculomotor burst neuron populations and the coordinate system that they collectively define. In particular, we asked if such coordinates might be related to constraints in the emergent behavior, i.e., Listing's law for saccades. 2. The mesencephalic rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF) was identified in four monkeys with the use of single-unit recording, and then explored with the use of electrical microstimulation and pharmacological inactivation with the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist muscimol. Three-dimensional (3-D) eye positions and velocities were recorded in one or both eyes while alert animals made eye movements in response to visual stimuli and head rotation. 3. Unilateral stimulation of the riMLF (20 microA, 200 Hz, 300-600 ms) produced conjugate, constant velocity eye rotations, which then stopped abruptly and held their final positions. This is expected if the riMLF produces phasic signals upstream from the oculomotor integrator. 4. Units that burst before upward or downward saccades were recorded intermingled in each side of the riMLF. Unilateral stimulation of the same riMLF sites produced eye rotations about primarily torsional axes, clockwise (CW) during right riMLF stimulation and counterclockwise (CCW) during left stimulation. Only small and inconsistent vertical components were observed, supporting the view that the riMLF carries intermingled up and down signals. 5. The torsional axes of eye rotation produced by riMLF stimulation did not correlate to external anatomic landmarks. Instead, stimulation axes from both riMLF sides aligned with the primary gaze direction orthogonal to Listing's plane of eye positions recorded during saccades. 6. Injection of muscimol into one side of the riMLF produced a conjugate deficit in saccades and quick phases, including a 50% reduction in all vertical velocities

  16. Current Status of Human Resource Training Program for Fostering RIBiomics Professionals

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

    Lee, Dong-Eun; Jang, Beom-Su; Choi, Dae Seong

    RI-Biomics is a state-of-the-art radiation fusion technology for evaluating in-vivo dynamics such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of new drug candidates and biomaterials using radioisotope (RI), and quantitative evaluation of their efficacy via molecular imaging techniques and animal models. The RI-Biomics center is the sole comprehensive research and experiment complex in Korea that can simultaneously perform the radio-synthesis of drug candidate with radioisotope, analysis, and molecular imaging evaluation with animal model. Molecular imaging techniques, including nuclear imaging (SPECT and PET), near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are the cutting-edge technologies for evaluating drug candidates. Sincemore » they allow in vivo real-time imaging of the diseased site, monitoring the biodistribution of drug and determining the optimal therapeutic efficacy following treatments, we have integrated RI-ADME and molecular imaging to provide useful information for drug evaluation and to accelerate the development of new drugs and biomaterials. The RI-Biomics center was established with total investment of 18 million $ during four years from 2009 to 2012 in order to develop a comprehensive analyzing system using RI for new drug development as an axis for national growth in the next generation. The RI-Biomics center has labeling synthesis facility for the radiosynthesis of drug candidate with radioisotope such as Tc-99m, I-125, I-131, F-18, H-3 and C-14 using hot cell. It also includes RI-general analysis facilities, such as Radio-HPLC, LC/MS, GC/MS, gamma counter that can analyzing the radio-synthesized materials, and animal image analysis facilities that developed small animal imaging equipment such as SPECT/PET/CT, 7 T MRI, in-vivo optical imaging system and others. In order to achieve the system to verify safety and effectiveness of the new drugs using RI, it is necessary to establish a human

  17. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Endothelial Cells Overexpressing Interleukin‐8 Receptors A/B and/or C‐C Chemokine Receptors 2/5 Inhibit Vascular Injury Response

    PubMed Central

    Giordano, Samantha; Zhao, Xiangmin; Chen, Yiu‐Fai; Litovsky, Silvio H.; Hage, Fadi G.; Townes, Tim M.; Sun, Chiao‐Wang; Wu, Li‐Chen; Oparil, Suzanne

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages to the site of vascular injury is mediated by binding of chemoattractants to interleukin (IL) 8 receptors RA and RB (IL8RA/B) C‐C chemokine receptors (CCR) 2 and 5 expressed on neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage membranes. Endothelial cells (ECs) derived from rat‐induced pluripotent stem cells (RiPS) were transduced with adenovirus containing cDNA of IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5. We hypothesized that RiPS‐ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B (RiPS‐IL8RA/B‐ECs), CCR2/5 (RiPS‐CCR2/5‐ECs), or both receptors (RiPS‐IL8RA/B+CCR2/5‐ECs) will inhibit inflammatory responses and neointima formation in balloon‐injured rat carotid artery. Twelve‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent balloon injury of the right carotid artery and intravenous infusion of (a) saline vehicle, (b) control RiPS‐Null‐ECs (ECs transduced with empty virus), (c) RiPS‐IL8RA/B‐ECs, (d) RiPS‐CCR2/5‐ECs, or (e) RiPS‐IL8RA/B+CCR2/5‐ECs. Inflammatory mediator expression and leukocyte infiltration were measured in injured and uninjured arteries at 24 hours postinjury by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Neointima formation was assessed at 14 days postinjury. RiPS‐ECs expressing the IL8RA/B or CCR2/5 homing device targeted the injured arteries and decreased injury‐induced inflammatory cytokine expression, neutrophil/macrophage infiltration, and neointima formation. Transfused RiPS‐ECs overexpressing IL8RA/B and/or CCR2/5 prevented inflammatory responses and neointima formation after vascular injury. Targeted delivery of iPS‐ECs with a homing device to inflammatory mediators in injured arteries provides a novel strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1168–1177 PMID:28233474

  18. ENVRIplus - European collaborative development of environmental infrastructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Asmi, A.; Brus, M.; Kutsch, W. L.; Laj, P.

    2016-12-01

    European Research Infrastructures (RI) are built using ESFRI process, which dictates the steps towards a common European RIs. Building each RI separately creates unnessary barriers towards service users (e.g. on differing standards) and is not effiicient in e.g. e-science tool or data system development. To answer these inter-RI issues, the European Commission has funded several large scale cluster projectsto bring these RIs together already in planning and development phases to develop common tools, standards and methodologies, as well as learn from the exisiting systems. ENVRIplus is the cluster project for the environmental RIs in Europe, and provides platform for common development and sharing within the RI community. The project is organized around different themes, each having several workpackages with specific tasks. Major themesof the ENVRIplus are: Technical innovation, including tasks such as RI technology transfer, new observation techniques, autonomous operation, etc.; Data for science, with tasks such as RI reference model development, data discovery and citation, data publication, processing, etc.; Access to RIs, with specific tasks on interdicplinary and transnational access to RI services, and common access governance; Societal relevance and understanding, tackling on ethical issues on RI operations and understanding on human-environmental system and citizen science approaches, among others; Knowledge transfer, particularly between the RIs, and with developing RI organizations, organizing training and staff exchange; and Communication and dissemination, working towards a common environmental RI community (ENVRI community platform), and creating an own advisory RI discussion board (BEERi), and disseminating the ENVRIplus products globally. Importantly, all ENVRIplus results are open to any users from any country. Also, collaboration with international RIs and user communities are crucial to the success of the ENVRI initiatives. Overall goal is to do

  19. Changes in interleukin-1 signal modulators induced by 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): regulation by CB2 receptors and implications for neurotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces a neuroinflammatory reaction in rat brain characterized by an increase in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and microglial activation. The CB2 receptor agonist JWH-015 reduces both these changes and partially protects against MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. We have examined MDMA-induced changes in IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) levels and IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) expression and the effects of JWH-015. The cellular location of IL-1β and IL-1RI was also examined. MDMA-treated animals were given the soluble form of IL-1RI (sIL-1RI) and neurotoxic effects examined. Methods Dark Agouti rats received MDMA (12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and levels of IL-1ra and expression of IL-1RI measured 1 h, 3 h or 6 h later. JWH-015 (2.4 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected 48 h, 24 h and 0.5 h before MDMA and IL-1ra and IL-1RI measured. For localization studies, animals were sacrificed 1 h or 3 h following MDMA and stained for IL-1β or IL-1RI in combination with neuronal and microglial markers. sIL-1RI (3 μg/animal; i.c.v.) was administered 5 min before MDMA and 3 h later. 5-HT transporter density was determined 7 days after MDMA injection. Results MDMA produced an increase in IL-ra levels and a decrease in IL-1RI expression in hypothalamus which was prevented by CB2 receptor activation. IL-1RI expression was localized on neuronal cell bodies while IL-1β expression was observed in microglial cells following MDMA. sIL-1RI potentiated MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. MDMA also increased IgG immunostaining indicating that blood brain-barrier permeability was compromised. Conclusions In summary, MDMA produces changes in IL-1 signal modulators which are modified by CB2 receptor activation. These results indicate that IL-1β may play a partial role in MDMA-induced neurotoxicity. PMID:21595923

  20. Predicting Older Driver On-Road Performance by Means of the Useful Field of View and Trail Making Test Part B

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Yanning; Crizzle, Alexander M.; Winter, Sandra M.; Lanford, Desiree N.

    2013-01-01

    The Useful Field of View® (UFOV) and Trail Making Test Part B (Trails B) are measures of divided attention. We determined which measure was more accurate in predicting on-road outcomes among drivers (N = 198, mean age = 73.86, standard deviation = 6.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves for the UFOV (Risk Index [RI] and Subtests 1–3) and Trails B significantly predicted on-road outcomes. Contrasting Trails B with the UFOV RI and subtests, the only difference was found between the UFOV RI and Trails B, indicating the UFOV RI was the best predictor of on-road outcomes. Misclassifications of drivers totaled 28 for the UFOV RI, 62 for Trails B, and 58 for UFOV Subtest 2. The UFOV RI is a superior test in predicting on-road outcomes, but the Trails B has acceptable accuracy and is comparable to the other UFOV subtests. PMID:23968796

  1. Demodulation method for tilted fiber Bragg grating refractometer with high sensitivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pham, Xuantung; Si, Jinhai; Chen, Tao; Wang, Ruize; Yan, Lihe; Cao, Houjun; Hou, Xun

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, we propose a demodulation method for refractive index (RI) sensing with tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs). It operates by monitoring the TFBG cladding mode resonance "cut-off wavelengths." The idea of a "cut-off wavelength" and its determination method are introduced. The RI sensitivities of TFBGs are significantly enhanced in certain RI ranges by using our demodulation method. The temperature-induced cross sensitivity is eliminated. We also demonstrate a parallel-double-angle TFBG (PDTFBG), in which two individual TFBGs are inscribed in the fiber core in parallel using a femtosecond laser and a phase mask. The RI sensing range of the PDTFBG is significantly broader than that of a conventional single-angle TFBG. In addition, its RI sensitivity can reach 1023.1 nm/refractive index unit in the 1.4401-1.4570 RI range when our proposed demodulation method is used.

  2. Recurrent ischemia across the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes: prevalence and prognostic significance of (re-)infarction and ST-segment changes in a large contemporary registry.

    PubMed

    Yan, Andrew T; Steg, Philippe Gabriel; Fitzgerald, Gordon; Feldman, Laurent J; Eagle, Kim A; Gore, Joel M; Anderson, Frederick A; López-Sendón, Jose; Gurfinkel, Enrique P; Brieger, David; Goodman, Shaun G

    2010-11-05

    There are limited recent data on the prevalence and potentially different adverse impact of the various types of recurrent ischemia (RI) in unselected patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS). We examined the clinical features and treatment associated with, and the differential prognostic impact of, the various types of RI in unselected patients across the broad spectrum of ACS in the contemporary era. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) was a prospective, multinational registry of patients hospitalized for ACS. Data were collected on standardized case report forms. Of the 29,400 ACS patients enrolled in May 2000-March 2007, 21% developed RI; 2.4%, 4.9%, and 16% had myocardial (re-)infarction [(re-)MI], RI with ST-segment changes, and RI without ST-segment changes (not mutually exclusive), respectively. Rates of in-hospital mortality and complications, and 6-month mortality were significantly higher among patients with RI compared to those without; the rates were highest for patients who developed (re-)MI, followed by those with RI and ST-segment changes. After adjusting for other validated prognosticators in the GRACE risk score, all three types of RI retained an independent association with both higher in-hospital and post-discharge 6-month mortality. Early revascularization was associated with lower in-hospital mortality only in the group with (re-)MI (P for interaction=0.003). Despite the current use of intensive medical therapies, RI remains a common and serious consequence across the spectrum of ACS. Different types of RI confer a variable adverse prognostic impact. Re-MI is associated with the worst outcome, which appears to be mitigated by early revascularization. Our findings underscore the persistent need to improve the treatment of ACS. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. An International, Multi-Specialty Validation Study of the IgG4-Related Disease Responder Index.

    PubMed

    Wallace, Zachary S; Khosroshahi, Arezou; Carruthers, Mollie D; Perugino, Cory A; Choi, Hyon; Campochiaro, Corrado; Culver, Emma L; Cortazar, Frank; Della-Torre, Emanuel; Ebbo, Mikael; Fernandes, Ana; Frulloni, Luca; Hart, Philip; Karadag, Omer; Kawa, Shigeyuki; Kawano, Mitsuhiro; Kim, Myung-Hwan; Lanzillotta, Marco; Matsui, Shoko; Okazaki, Kazuichi; Ryu, Jay H; Saeki, Takako; Schleinitz, Nicolas; Tanasa, Paula; Umehara, Hisanori; Webster, George; Zhang, Wen; Stone, John H

    2018-02-18

    IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) can cause fibro-inflammatory lesions in nearly any organ, leading to organ dysfunction and failure. The IgG4-RD Responder Index (RI) was developed to help investigators assess the efficacy of treatment in a structured manner. We sought to validate the RI in a multi-national investigation. The RI guides investigators through assessments of disease activity and damage in 25 domains, incorporating higher weights for disease manifestations that require treatment urgently or that worsen despite treatment. After a training exercise, investigators reviewed 12 written IgG4-RD vignettes (mean length: 279 words, range: 76-511 words) based upon real patients. Investigators calculated both an RI score as well as a physician global assessment (PGA) for each vignette. Three investigators used the RI on fifteen patients followed over serial visits after treatment. We assessed inter- and intra-rater reliability, precision, validity, and responsiveness. Twenty-six physician-investigators included representatives from 6 specialties and 9 countries. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of the RI were strong (0.88 and 0.69, respectively) and superior to those of the PGA. Correlations (construct validity) between the RI and PGA were high (Spearman's r=0.9, P<0.0001). The RI was sensitive to change (discriminant validity). Following treatment, there was significant improvement in the RI (mean change 10.5 (95% CI 5.4-12), P<0.001) which correlated with the change in the PGA. Urgent disease and damage were captured effectively. In this international, multi-specialty study, we found that the RI is a valid, and reliable disease activity assessment tool that can be used to measure response to therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  4. The pharmacokinetics of peginterferon lambda-1a following single dose administration to subjects with impaired renal function.

    PubMed

    Hruska, Matthew W; Adamczyk, Robert; Colston, Elizabeth; Hesney, Michael; Stonier, Michele; Myler, Heather; Bertz, Richard

    2015-09-01

    This open label study was conducted to assess the effect of renal impairment (RI) on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of peginterferon lambda-1a (Lambda). Subjects (age 18-75 years, BMI 18-35 kg m(-2) ) were enrolled into one of five renal function groups: normal (n = 12), mild RI (n = 8), moderate RI (n = 8), severe RI (n = 7), end-stage renal disease (ESRD, n = 8) based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Subjects received a single dose of Lambda (180 µg) subcutaneously on day 1 followed by PK serum sample collections through day 29. Safety, tolerability and immunogenicity data were collected through day 43. PK parameters were estimated and summarized by group. Geometric mean ratios (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated between normal and RI groups. With decreasing eGFR, Lambda exposure (Cmax , AUC) increased while apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent volume of distribution (V/F) decreased. Relative to subjects with normal renal function (geometric mean AUC = 99.5 ng ml(-1) h), Lambda exposure estimates (AUC) were slightly increased in the mild RI group (geometric mean [90% CI]: 1.20 [0.82, 1.77]) and greater in the moderate (1.95 [1.35, 2.83]), severe RI (1.95 [1.30, 2.93]) and ESRD (1.88 [1.30, 2.73]) groups. Lambda was generally well tolerated. The results demonstrated that RI reduces the clearance of Lambda and suggests that dose modifications may not be required in patients with mild RI but may be required in patients with moderate to severe RI or ESRD. © 2015 The British Pharmacological Society.

  5. Resistance of uterine radial artery blood flow was correlated with peripheral blood NK cell fraction and improved with low molecular weight heparin therapy in women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss.

    PubMed

    Koo, Hwa Seon; Kwak-Kim, Joanne; Yi, Hyun Jeong; Ahn, Hyun Kyong; Park, Chan Woo; Cha, Sun Hwa; Kang, Inn Soo; Yang, Kwang Moon

    2015-02-01

    To investigate whether peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cell levels are associated with uterine blood flow, and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment is effective to improve uterine blood flow in women with decreased uterine blood flow and unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This was a prospective controlled study. Study population included 33 pregnant women (between 5 and 7 weeks gestation) with ≥ 2 RPL and controls were 47 healthy pregnant women. pbNK cell fractions (CD3(-)/56(+)/16(+)) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured by flow cytometry. Uterine color-pulsed Doppler ultrasound was performed to evaluate uterine radial artery resistance index (URa-RI). In RPL women with elevated URa-RI (≥ 0.5), LMWH (ranges 40-60 mg/day) was administered subcutaneously daily and URa-RI was reassessed 1 week later. Pregnancy outcome was analyzed at 12 weeks gestation. URa-RI was significantly higher in pregnant women with RPL than controls (0.60 ± 0.14 versus 0.54 ± 0.12, P = 0.039). In pregnant women with RPL, pbNK cell fractions displayed a positive correlation with URa-RI (Pearson's r = 0.429, P = 0.013). URa-RI was significantly decreased 1 week after LMWH treatment as compared to that of pretreatment (pretreatment RI: 0.65 ± 0.11 versus post-treatment RI: 0.56 ± 0.13, P = 0.011). Pregnancy outcome of RPL women with LMWH treatment was not different from that of pregnant controls (73.3% versus 85.0%, P = NS). Increased pbNK cells are associated with decreased uterine radial artery blood flow. LMWH treatment effectively decreases URa-RI with improved pregnancy outcome in women with RPLs and elevated URa-RI. A larger scale study is needed to verify these findings. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  6. Resistive index for kidney evaluation in normal and diseased cats.

    PubMed

    Tipisca, Vlad; Murino, Carla; Cortese, Laura; Mennonna, Giuseppina; Auletta, Luigi; Vulpe, Vasile; Meomartino, Leonardo

    2016-06-01

    The objectives were to determine the resistive index (RI) in normal cats and in cats with various renal diseases, and to evaluate the effect of age on RI. The subjects were cats that had ultrasonography (US) of the urinary tract and RI measurement at our centre between January 2003 and April 2014. Based on clinical evaluation, biochemical and haematological tests, urinalysis and US, the cats were classified as healthy or diseased. RI measurements were made from the interlobar or arcuate arteries. Data were analysed for differences between the right and the left kidney, the two sexes, different age groups in healthy cats, and between healthy and diseased cats. A total of 116 cats (68 males, 48 females) were included: 24 healthy and 92 diseased. In the healthy cats, RI (mean ± SD) differed significantly (P = 0.02) between the right kidney (0.54 ± 0.07) and the left kidney (0.59 ± 0.08). For the left kidney, RI was significantly higher in cats with chronic kidney disease (0.73 ± 0.12) and acute kidney injury (0.72 ± 0.08) (P = 0.0008). For the right kidney, RI was significantly higher in cats with chronic kidney disease (0.72 ± 0.11), acute kidney injury (0.74 ± 0.08), polycystic kidney disease (0.77 ± 0.11) and renal tumour (0.74 ± 0.001) (P <0.0001). There was no significant effect on RI value in either kidney in terms of age or sex. RI could be considered a valuable diagnostic tool in cats, useful in the differential diagnosis of diffuse renal diseases. While it does not change with the age of the cat, ultrasonographers should be aware that RI may differ between the two kidneys. © ISFM and AAFP 2015.

  7. Seed germination ecology of feather lovegrass [Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. Ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes].

    PubMed

    Chauhan, Bhagirath S

    2013-01-01

    Feather lovegrass [Eragrostis tenella (L.) Beauv. Ex Roemer & J.A. Schultes] is a C4 grass weed that has the ability to grow in both lowland and upland conditions. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screenhouse to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on germination, emergence, and growth of this weed species. Germination in the light/dark regime was higher at alternating day/night temperatures of 30/20 °C (98%) than at 35/25 °C (83%) or 25/15 °C (62%). Germination was completely inhibited by darkness. The osmotic potential and sodium chloride concentrations required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination were -0.7 MPa and 76 mM, respectively. The highest seedling emergence (69%) was observed from the seeds sown on the soil surface and no seedlings emerged from seeds buried at depths of 0.5 cm or more. The use of residue as mulches significantly reduced the emergence and biomass of feather lovegrass seedlings. A residue amount of 0.5 t ha(-1) was needed to suppress 50% of the maximum seedlings. Because germination was strongly stimulated by light and seedling emergence was the highest for the seeds sown on the soil surface, feather lovegrass is likely to become a problematic weed in zero-till systems. The knowledge gained from this study could help in developing effective and sustainable weed management strategies.

  8. Testing for reproductive interference in the population dynamics of two congeneric species of herbivorous mites.

    PubMed

    Sato, Y; Alba, J M; Sabelis, M W

    2014-12-01

    When phylogenetically close, two competing species may reproductively interfere, and thereby affect their population dynamics. We tested for reproductive interference (RI) between two congeneric haplo-diploid spider mites, Tetranychus evansi and Tetranychus urticae, by investigating their interspecific mating and their population dynamics when they competed on the same plants. They are both pests of tomato, but differ in the host plant defences that they suppress or induce. To reduce the effect of plant-mediated interaction, we used a mutant tomato plant lacking jasmonate-mediated anti-herbivore defences in the competition experiment. In addition, to manipulate the effect of RI, we introduced founder females already mated with conspecific males in mild RI treatments or founder, virgin females in strong RI treatments (in either case together with heterospecific and conspecific males). As females show first-male sperm precedence, RI should occur especially in the founder generation under strong RI treatments. We found that T. urticae outcompeted T. evansi in mild, but not in strong RI treatments. Thus, T. evansi interfered reproductively with T. urticae. This result was supported by crossing experiments showing frequent interspecific copulations, strong postmating reproductive isolation and a preference of T. evansi males to mate with T. urticae (instead of conspecific) females, whereas T. urticae males preferred conspecific females. We conclude that interspecific mating comes at a cost due to asymmetric mate preferences of males. Because RI by T. evansi can improve its competitiveness to T. urticae, we propose that RI partly explains why T. evansi became invasive in Europe where T. urticae is endemic.

  9. Testing for reproductive interference in the population dynamics of two congeneric species of herbivorous mites

    PubMed Central

    Sato, Y; Alba, J M; Sabelis, M W

    2014-01-01

    When phylogenetically close, two competing species may reproductively interfere, and thereby affect their population dynamics. We tested for reproductive interference (RI) between two congeneric haplo-diploid spider mites, Tetranychus evansi and Tetranychus urticae, by investigating their interspecific mating and their population dynamics when they competed on the same plants. They are both pests of tomato, but differ in the host plant defences that they suppress or induce. To reduce the effect of plant-mediated interaction, we used a mutant tomato plant lacking jasmonate-mediated anti-herbivore defences in the competition experiment. In addition, to manipulate the effect of RI, we introduced founder females already mated with conspecific males in mild RI treatments or founder, virgin females in strong RI treatments (in either case together with heterospecific and conspecific males). As females show first-male sperm precedence, RI should occur especially in the founder generation under strong RI treatments. We found that T. urticae outcompeted T. evansi in mild, but not in strong RI treatments. Thus, T. evansi interfered reproductively with T. urticae. This result was supported by crossing experiments showing frequent interspecific copulations, strong postmating reproductive isolation and a preference of T. evansi males to mate with T. urticae (instead of conspecific) females, whereas T. urticae males preferred conspecific females. We conclude that interspecific mating comes at a cost due to asymmetric mate preferences of males. Because RI by T. evansi can improve its competitiveness to T. urticae, we propose that RI partly explains why T. evansi became invasive in Europe where T. urticae is endemic. PMID:24865602

  10. The JaCVAM international validation study on the in vivo comet assay: Selection of test chemicals.

    PubMed

    Morita, Takeshi; Uno, Yoshifumi; Honma, Masamitsu; Kojima, Hajime; Hayashi, Makoto; Tice, Raymond R; Corvi, Raffaella; Schechtman, Leonard

    2015-07-01

    The Japanese Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods (JaCVAM) sponsored an international prevalidation and validation study of the in vivo rat alkaline pH comet assay. The main objective of the study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the assay for correctly identifying genotoxic carcinogens, as compared with the traditional rat liver unscheduled DNA synthesis assay. Based on existing carcinogenicity and genotoxicity data and chemical class information, 90 chemicals were identified as primary candidates for use in the validation study. From these 90 chemicals, 46 secondary candidates and then 40 final chemicals were selected based on a sufficiency of carcinogenic and genotoxic data, differences in chemical class or genotoxic or carcinogenic mode of action (MOA), availability, price, and ease of handling. These 40 chemicals included 19 genotoxic carcinogens, 6 genotoxic non-carcinogens, 7 non-genotoxic carcinogens and 8 non-genotoxic non-carcinogens. "Genotoxicity" was defined as positive in the Ames mutagenicity test or in one of the standard in vivo genotoxicity tests (primarily the erythrocyte micronucleus assay). These chemicals covered various chemicals classes, MOAs, and genotoxicity profiles and were considered to be suitable for the purpose of the validation study. General principles of chemical selection for validation studies are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. The International Scoring System (ISS) for multiple myeloma remains a robust prognostic tool independently of patients' renal function.

    PubMed

    Dimopoulos, M A; Kastritis, E; Michalis, E; Tsatalas, C; Michael, M; Pouli, A; Kartasis, Z; Delimpasi, S; Gika, D; Zomas, A; Roussou, M; Konstantopoulos, K; Parcharidou, A; Zervas, K; Terpos, E

    2012-03-01

    The International Staging System (ISS) is the most widely used staging system for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). However, serum β2-microglobulin increases in renal impairment (RI) and there have been concerns that ISS-3 stage may include 'up-staged' MM patients in whom elevated β2-microglobulin reflects the degree of renal dysfunction rather than tumor load. In order to assess the impact of RI on the prognostic value of ISS, we analyzed 1516 patients with symptomatic MM and the degree of RI was classified according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative-Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) criteria. Forty-eight percent patients had stages 3-5 CKD while 29% of patients had ISS-1, 38% had ISS-2 and 33% ISS-3. The frequency and severity of RI were more common in ISS-3 patients. RI was associated with inferior survival in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. When analyzed separately, ISS-1 and ISS-2 patients with RI had inferior survival in univariate but not in multivariate analysis. In ISS-3 MM patients, RI had no prognostic impact either in univariate or multivariate analysis. Results were similar, when we analyzed only patients with Bence-Jones >200 mg/day. ISS remains unaffected by the degree of RI, even in patients with ISS-3, which includes most patients with renal dysfunction.

  12. Analysis of DNA Cytosine Methylation Patterns Using Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP).

    PubMed

    Guevara, María Ángeles; de María, Nuria; Sáez-Laguna, Enrique; Vélez, María Dolores; Cervera, María Teresa; Cabezas, José Antonio

    2017-01-01

    Different molecular techniques have been developed to study either the global level of methylated cytosines or methylation at specific gene sequences. One of them is the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism technique (MSAP) which is a modification of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). It has been used to study methylation of anonymous CCGG sequences in different fungi, plants, and animal species. The main variation of this technique resides on the use of isoschizomers with different methylation sensitivity (such as HpaII and MspI) as a frequent-cutter restriction enzyme. For each sample, MSAP analysis is performed using both EcoRI/HpaII- and EcoRI/MspI-digested samples. A comparative analysis between EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI fragment patterns allows the identification of two types of polymorphisms: (1) methylation-insensitive polymorphisms that show common EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI patterns but are detected as polymorphic amplified fragments among samples and (2) methylation-sensitive polymorphisms which are associated with the amplified fragments that differ in their presence or absence or in their intensity between EcoRI/HpaII and EcoRI/MspI patterns. This chapter describes a detailed protocol of this technique and discusses the modifications that can be applied to adjust the technology to different species of interest.

  13. [Hypoglycemic treatment in type 2 diabetes patients suffering from moderate to severe renal failure in France. Aim of the study].

    PubMed

    Bouée, Stéphane; Gaudin, Anne-Françoise; Amelineau, Elisabeth; Bonnet, Fabrice

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study is to describe the hypoglycemic agents prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients (T2D) with renal impairment (RI). Data were extracted from the database LPD-CEGEDIM, based on a sample of 1200 general practitioners. The analysis focused on T2D patients with RI, defined by a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m², estimated by the MDRD formula. Of the 36 255 patients identified with T2D, a GFR was calculated for 8 647 patients (23.9%), 1 472 (22%) with a moderate RI (GFR=[30mL/min/1.73 m²-60mL/min/1.73 m²]) and 86 (1.0%) with a severe RI (GFR=[15mL/min/1.73 m-30mL/min/1.73 m²]); 47,6% of T2D patients with a moderate RI and 52,3% of T2D patients with a severe RI were treated with at least one drug contraindicated in patients with moderate or severe RI. These findings suggest better informing doctors of these contraindications and show the value of having new hypoglycemic drugs that can be used in case of RI. © 2013 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique.

  14. Development of a Bayesian Belief Network Runway Incursion and Excursion Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Green, Lawrence L.

    2014-01-01

    In a previous work, a statistical analysis of runway incursion (RI) event data was conducted to ascertain the relevance of this data to the top ten Technical Challenges (TC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aviation Safety Program (AvSP). The study revealed connections to several of the AvSP top ten TC and identified numerous primary causes and contributing factors of RI events. The statistical analysis served as the basis for developing a system-level Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model for RI events, also previously reported. Through literature searches and data analysis, this RI event network has now been extended to also model runway excursion (RE) events. These RI and RE event networks have been further modified and vetted by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel. The combined system-level BBN model will allow NASA to generically model the causes of RI and RE events and to assess the effectiveness of technology products being developed under NASA funding. These products are intended to reduce the frequency of runway safety incidents/accidents, and to improve runway safety in general. The development and structure of the BBN for both RI and RE events are documented in this paper.

  15. Residential Racial Isolation and Spatial Patterning of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Durham, North Carolina.

    PubMed

    Bravo, Mercedes A; Anthopolos, Rebecca; Kimbro, Rachel T; Miranda, Marie Lynn

    2018-05-14

    Neighborhood characteristics such as racial segregation may be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but studies have not examined these relationships using spatial models appropriate for geographically patterned health outcomes. We construct a local, spatial index of racial isolation (RI) for blacks, which measures the extent to which blacks are exposed to only one another, to estimate associations of diabetes with RI and examine how RI relates to spatial patterning in diabetes. We obtained 2007-2011 electronic health records from the Duke Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse. Patient data were linked to RI based on census block of residence. We use aspatial and spatial Bayesian models to assess spatial variation in diabetes and relationships with RI. Compared to spatial models with patient age and sex, residual geographic heterogeneity in diabetes in spatial models that also included RI was 29% and 24% lower for non-Hispanic whites and blacks, respectively. A 0.20 unit increase in RI was associated with 1.24 (95% credible interval: 1.17, 1.31) and 1.07 (1.05, 1.10) increased risk of diabetes for whites and blacks, respectively. Improved understanding of neighborhood characteristics associated with diabetes can inform development of policy interventions.

  16. 75 FR 22870 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request for Review of a Revised Information Collection: (OMB...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-04-30

    ... Information Collection: (OMB Control No. 3206-0179; Form RI 30- 10) AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management... information collection, ``Disabled Dependent Questionnaire'' (OMB Control No. 3206-0179; Form RI 30-10), is... Employees Retirement System. Approximately 2,500 RI 30-10 forms are completed annually. The form takes...

  17. Refractive index sensors based on the fused tapered special multi-mode fiber

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Xing-hu; Xiu, Yan-li; Liu, Qin; Xie, Hai-yang; Yang, Chuan-qing; Zhang, Shun-yang; Fu, Guang-wei; Bi, Wei-hong

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, a novel refractive index (RI) sensor is proposed based on the fused tapered special multi-mode fiber (SMMF). Firstly, a section of SMMF is spliced between two single-mode fibers (SMFs). Then, the SMMF is processed by a fused tapering machine, and a tapered fiber structure is fabricated. Finally, a fused tapered SMMF sensor is obtained for measuring external RI. The RI sensing mechanism of tapered SMMF sensor is analyzed in detail. For different fused tapering lengths, the experimental results show that the RI sensitivity can be up to 444.517 81 nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.334 9—1.347 0. The RI sensitivity is increased with the increase of fused tapering length. Moreover, it has many advantages, including high sensitivity, compact structure, fast response and wide application range. So it can be used to measure the solution concentration in the fields of biochemistry, health care and food processing.

  18. Development of a Bayesian Belief Network Runway Incursion Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Green, Lawrence L.

    2014-01-01

    In a previous paper, a statistical analysis of runway incursion (RI) events was conducted to ascertain their relevance to the top ten Technical Challenges (TC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aviation Safety Program (AvSP). The study revealed connections to perhaps several of the AvSP top ten TC. That data also identified several primary causes and contributing factors for RI events that served as the basis for developing a system-level Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model for RI events. The system-level BBN model will allow NASA to generically model the causes of RI events and to assess the effectiveness of technology products being developed under NASA funding. These products are intended to reduce the frequency of RI events in particular, and to improve runway safety in general. The development, structure and assessment of that BBN for RI events by a Subject Matter Expert panel are documented in this paper.

  19. Utilization of Forward Error Correction (FEC) Techniques With Extensible Markup Language (XML) Schema-Based Binary Compression (XSBC) Technology

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-12-01

    NY 7. Erik Chaum NUWC Newport, RI 8. David Bellino NPRI Newport, RI 9. Dick Nadolink NUWC Newport, RI 10. VADM Roger Bacon (Ret...Science Advisor Pearl Harbor, HI 16. LT Andrew Hurvitz, USN FNMOC Monterey, CA 17. ENS Darin Keeter, USN FNMOC Monterey, CA 18. CAPT David

  20. 75 FR 33366 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Review of a Revised Information Collection: (OMB Control...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-06-11

    ... Information Collection: (OMB Control No. 3206-0218; Form RI 94-7) AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management... information collection, ``Death Benefit Payment Rollover Election'' (OMB Control No. 3206-0218; Form RI 94-7... forms of information technology. Approximately 3,444 RI 94-7 forms will be completed annually. The form...

  1. Refractive index and temperature-sensing characteristics of a cladding-etched thin core fiber interferometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Weiying; Dong, Xinran; Chu, Dongkai; Hu, Youwang; Sun, Xiaoyan; Duan, Ji-An

    2018-05-01

    A high refractive index (RI) sensor based on an in-line Mach-Zehnder mode interferometer (MZI) is proposed. The sensor was realized by splicing a 2-cm length of cladding-etched thin core fiber (TCF) between two single mode fibers (SMFs). The TCF-structured MZI exhibited good fringe visibility as high as 15 dB in air and the high RI sensitivity attained a value of 1143.89 nm/RIU at a RI of 1.447. The experimental data revealed that the MZI has high RI sensitivity after HF etching realizing 2599.66 nm/RIU. Studies were performed on the temperature characteristics of the device. It is anticipated that this high RI sensor will be deployed in new and diverse applications in the chemical and biological fields.

  2. Interplay between intergrin-linked kinase and ribonuclease inhibitor affects growth and metastasis of bladder cancer through signaling ILK pathways.

    PubMed

    Zhuang, Xiang; Lv, Mengxin; Zhong, Zhenyu; Zhang, Luyu; Jiang, Rong; Chen, Junxia

    2016-08-30

    Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multifunctional adaptor protein which is involved with protein signalling within cells to modulate malignant (cancer) cell movement, cell cycle, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our previous experiment demonstrated that ILK siRNA inhibited the growth and induced apoptosis of bladder cancer cells as well as increased the expression of Ribonuclease inhibitor (RI), an important cytoplasmic protein with many functions. We also reported that RI overexpression inhibited ILK and phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β. ILK and RI gene both locate on chromosome 11p15 and the two genes are always at the adjacent position of same chromosome during evolution, which suggest that ILK and RI could have some relationship. However, underlying interacting mechanisms remain unclear between them. Here, we postulate that RI might regulate ILK signaling pathway via interacting with ILK. Co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down and co-localization under laser confocal microscope assay were used to determine the interaction between ILK and RI exogenously and endogenously. Furthermore, we further verified that there is a direct binding between the two proteins by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in cells. Next, The effects of interplay between ILK and RI on the key target protein expressions of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were determined by western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assay in vivo and in vitro. Finally, the interaction was assessed using nude mice xenograft model. We first found that ILK could combine with RI both in vivo and in vitro by GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and FRET. The protein levels of ILK and RI revealed a significant inverse correlation in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, The results showed that up-regulating ILK could increase cell proliferation, change cell morphology and regulate cell cycle. We also demonstrated that the overexpression of ILK remarkably

  3. Ropivacaine alters the mechanical properties of hamstring tendons: In vitro controlled mechanical testing of tendons from living donors.

    PubMed

    Ollivier, M; Sbihi, J; Sbihi, A; Pithioux, M; Parratte, S; Argenson, J-N

    2017-11-01

    Intraarticular or periarticular injection of ropivacaine (RI) is an element of current knee surgery practices. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of RI on the mechanical properties of hamstring tendons. We hypothesized that RI would have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of periarticular soft tissues METHODS: A tensile test to failure was performed on 120 hamstring tendon segments harvested during ACL reconstruction surgery in 120 patients. Two sets of tensile tests were done. The first evaluated the effect of RI itself on the mechanical properties of tendons: 30 samples were soaked for 1hour in a 2% RI solution and compared to 30 samples soaked in a saline solution (control group). The second evaluated the effect of RI concentration on the mechanical properties of hamstring tendons: 30 samples were soaked for 1hour in a 2% RI solution and 30 samples were soaked in a 7.5% RI solution. In the first test, 29 samples from each group were analyzed as two samples (one in each group) failed at the grip interface. The specimens exposed to 2% RI had lower ultimate tensile strength (Δ=4.4MPa, P=0.001), strain energy (Δ=13MPa, P=0.001) and Young's modulus (Δ=1.6MPa, P=0.02) than the specimens in the control group. There was no significant difference in the strain at failure between groups (Δ=5%, P=0.3). In the second test, one specimen from the 7.5% RI group failed during the preloading and was excluded. There was no significant difference in terms of the load at failure and ultimate tensile stress (Δ=0.45MPa, P=0.6) and strain energy (Δ=0.49MPa, P=0.49) between the two groups. There were significant differences in terms of elongation at failure (Δ=28%, P=0.0003) and Young's modulus (Δ=2.6MPa, P=0.005), with the specimens exposed to 7.5% RI undergoing greater deformation and having a lower Young's modulus. While local RI injections are widely performed in clinical practice, the results of this in vitro study point to short

  4. New Bedford, PCB Data Management System: Phase 1 Report: August 1982

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    2012-04-22

    ^ *&• I 1 III I 1 1 III i<ri^^;TiSffii ri ^,, •I'WJJnSlJt „ f:.sVJr l(!S • ;:j r']'!\\ir '\\'t, •''!fiiii"' 1|Vit 1!.! J"!'"" l" \\" «! i'(l ^ |l> Illlr. II,, I,I,,|,| I, 1 1 1 " p: r,i ;,. ' ...

  5. Internalization of targeted quantum dots by brain capillary endothelial cells in vivo.

    PubMed

    Paris-Robidas, Sarah; Brouard, Danny; Emond, Vincent; Parent, Martin; Calon, Frédéric

    2016-04-01

    Receptors located on brain capillary endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier are the target of most brain drug delivery approaches. Yet, direct subcellular evidence of vectorized transport of nanoformulations into the brain is lacking. To resolve this question, quantum dots were conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (Ri7) targeting the murine transferrin receptor. Specific transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis of Ri7-quantum dots was first confirmed in N2A and bEnd5 cells. After intravenous injection in mice, Ri7-quantum dots exhibited a fourfold higher volume of distribution in brain tissues, compared to controls. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Ri7-quantum dots were sequestered throughout the cerebral vasculature 30 min, 1 h, and 4 h post injection, with a decline of signal intensity after 24 h. Transmission electron microscopic studies confirmed that Ri7-quantum dots were massively internalized by brain capillary endothelial cells, averaging 37 ± 4 Ri7-quantum dots/cell 1 h after injection. Most quantum dots within brain capillary endothelial cells were observed in small vesicles (58%), with a smaller proportion detected in tubular structures or in multivesicular bodies. Parenchymal penetration of Ri7-quantum dots was extremely low and comparable to control IgG. Our results show that systemically administered Ri7-quantum dots complexes undergo extensive endocytosis by brain capillary endothelial cells and open the door for novel therapeutic approaches based on brain endothelial cell drug delivery. © The Author(s) 2015.

  6. Cyclic AMP Enhances TGFβ Responses of Breast Cancer Cells by Upregulating TGFβ Receptor I Expression

    PubMed Central

    Oerlecke, Ilka; Bauer, Elke; Dittmer, Angela; Leyh, Benjamin; Dittmer, Jürgen

    2013-01-01

    Cellular functions are regulated by complex networks of many different signaling pathways. The TGFβ and cAMP pathways are of particular importance in tumor progression. We analyzed the cross-talk between these pathways in breast cancer cells in 2D and 3D cultures. We found that cAMP potentiated TGFβ-dependent gene expression by enhancing Smad3 phosphorylation. Higher levels of total Smad3, as observed in 3D-cultured cells, blocked this effect. Two Smad3 regulating proteins, YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TβRI (TGFβ receptor 1), were responsive to cAMP. While YAP had little effect on TGFβ-dependent expression and Smad3 phosphorylation, a constitutively active form of TβRI mimicked the cAMP effect on TGFβ signaling. In 3D-cultured cells, which show much higher levels of TβRI and cAMP, TβRI was unresponsive to cAMP. Upregulation of TβRI expression by cAMP was dependent on transcription. A proximal TβRI promoter fragment was moderately, but significantly activated by cAMP suggesting that cAMP increases TβRI expression at least partially by activating TβRI transcription. Neither the cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) nor the TβRI-regulating transcription factor Six1 was required for the cAMP effect. An inhibitor of histone deacetylases alone or together with cAMP increased TβRI expression by a similar extent as cAMP alone suggesting that cAMP may exert its effect by interfering with histone acetylation. Along with an additive stimulatory effect of cAMP and TGFβ on p21 expression an additive inhibitory effect of these agents on proliferation was observed. Finally, we show that mesenchymal stem cells that interact with breast cancer cells can simultaneously activate the cAMP and TGFβ pathways. In summary, these data suggest that combined effects of cAMP and TGFβ, as e.g. induced by mesenchymal stem cells, involve the upregulation of TβRI expression on the transcriptional level, likely due to changes in histone acetylation. As a consequence

  7. Effectiveness of Prompts on Fourth-Grade Children's Dietary Recall Accuracy Depends on Retention Interval and Varies by Gender.

    PubMed

    Baxter, Suzanne D; Smith, Albert F; Hitchcock, David B; Guinn, Caroline H; Royer, Julie A; Collins, Kathleen L; Smith, Alyssa L; Puryear, Megan P; Vaadi, Kate K; Finney, Christopher J; Miller, Patricia H

    2015-09-01

    Dietary recall accuracy is related to retention interval (RI) (i.e., time between to-be-reported meals and the interview), and possibly to prompts. To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated their combined effect. The combined influence of RI and prompts on children's recall accuracy was investigated in this study. Two RIs [short (prior-24-h recall obtained in afternoon) and long (previous-day recall obtained in morning)] were crossed with 4 prompts [forward (distant-to-recent), meal-name (breakfast, lunch, etc.), open (no instructions), and reverse (recent-to-distant)], creating 8 conditions. Fourth-grade children (n = 480; 50% girls) were randomly selected from consenting children at 10 schools in 4 districts in a southern state during 3 school years (2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014). Each child was observed eating school-provided breakfast and lunch, and interviewed one time under 1 of the 8 conditions. Condition assignment was constrained so that each had 60 children (30 girls). Accuracy measures were food-item omission and intrusion rates, and energy correspondence rate and inflation ratio. For each measure, linear models determined effects of RI, prompt, gender, and interactions (2-way, 3-way); race/ethnicity, school year, and district were control variables. RI (P values < 0.015) and prompt (P values < 0.005) were significant for all 4 accuracy measures. RI × prompt (P values < 0.001) was significant for 3 accuracy measures (not intrusion rate). Prompt × gender (P = 0.005) was significant for omission rate. RI × prompt × gender was significant for intrusion rate and inflation ratio (P values < 0.001). For the short vs. long RI across prompts and genders, accuracy was better by 33-50% for each accuracy measure. To obtain the most accurate recalls possible from children, studies should be designed to use a short rather than long RI. Prompts affect children's recall accuracy, although the effectiveness of different prompts depends on RI and

  8. The effect of short-term treatment with lithium carbonate on the outcome of radioiodine therapy in patients with long-lasting Graves' hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Sekulić, Vladan; Rajić, Milena; Vlajković, Marina; Ilić, Slobodan; Stević, Miloš; Kojić, Marko

    2017-12-01

    The outcome of radioiodine therapy (RIT) in Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) mainly depends on radioiodine ( 131 I) uptake and the effective half-life of 131 I in the gland. Studies have shown that lithium carbonate (LiCO 3 ) enhances the 131 I half-life and increases the applied thyroid radiation dose without affecting the thyroid 131 I uptake. We investigated the effect of short-term treatment with LiCO 3 on the outcome of RIT in patients with long-lasting GH, its influence on the thyroid hormones levels 7 days after RIT, and possible side effects. Study prospectively included 30 patients treated with LiCO 3 and 131 I (RI-Li group) and 30 patients only with 131 I (RI group). Treatment with LiCO 3 (900 mg/day) started 1 day before RIT and continued 6 days after. Anti-thyroid drugs withdrawal was 7 days before RIT. Patients were followed up for 12 months. We defined a success of RIT as euthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and a failure as persistent hyperthyroidism. In RI-Li group, a serum level of Li was 0.571 ± 0.156 mmol/l before RIT. Serum levels of TT 4 and FT 4 increased while TSH decreased only in RI group 7 days after RIT. No toxic effects were noticed during LiCO 3 treatment. After 12 months, a success of RIT was 73.3% in RI and 90.0% in RI-Li group (P < 0.01). Hypothyroidism was achieved faster in RI-Li (1st month) than in RI group (3rd month). Euthyroidism slowly decreased in RI-Li group, and not all patients became hypothyroid for 12 months. In contrast, euthyroidism rapidly declined in RI group, and all cured patients became hypothyroid after 6 months. The short-term treatment with LiCO 3 as an adjunct to 131 I improves efficacy of RIT in patients with long-lasting GH. A success of RIT achieves faster in lithium-treated than in RI group. Treatment with LiCO 3 for 7 days prevents transient worsening of hyperthyroidism after RIT. Short-term use of LiCO 3 shows no toxic side effects.

  9. Pretreatment with low-energy shock waves induces renal vasoconstriction during standard shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): a treatment protocol known to reduce SWL-induced renal injury.

    PubMed

    Handa, Rajash K; Bailey, Michael R; Paun, Marla; Gao, Sujuan; Connors, Bret A; Willis, Lynn R; Evan, Andrew P

    2009-05-01

    To test the hypothesis that the pretreatment of the kidney with low-energy shock waves (SWs) will induce renal vasoconstriction sooner than a standard clinical dose of high-energy SWs, thus providing a potential mechanism by which the pretreatment SW lithotripsy (SWL) protocol reduces tissue injury. Female farm pigs (6-weeks-old) were anaesthetized with isoflurane and the lower pole of the right kidney treated with SWs using a conventional electrohydraulic lithotripter (HM3, Dornier GmbH, Germany). Pulsed Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure renal resistive index (RI) in blood vessels as a measure of resistance/impedance to blood flow. RI was recorded from one intralobar artery located in the targeted pole of the kidney, and measurements taken from pigs given sham SW treatment (Group 1; no SWs, four pigs), a standard clinical dose of high-energy SWs (Group 2; 2000 SWs, 24 kV, 120 SWs/min, seven pigs), low-energy SW pretreatment followed by high-energy SWL (Group 3; 500 SWs, 12 kV, 120 SWs/min + 2000 SWs, 24 kV, 120 SWs/min, eight pigs) and low-energy SW pretreatment alone (Group 4; 500 SWs, 12 kV, 120 SWs/min, six pigs). Baseline RI (approximately 0.61) was similar for all groups. Pigs receiving sham SW treatment (Group 1) had no significant change in RI. A standard clinical dose of high-energy SWs (Group 2) did not significantly alter RI during treatment, but did increase RI at 45 min after SWL. Low-energy SWs did not alter RI in Group 3 pigs, but subsequent treatment with a standard clinical dose of high-energy SWs resulted in a significantly earlier (at 1000 SWs) and greater (two-fold) rise in RI than that in Group 2 pigs. This rise in RI during the low/high-energy SWL protocol was not due to a delayed vasoconstrictor response of pretreatment, as low-energy SW treatment alone (Group 4) did not increase RI until 65 min after SWL. The pretreatment protocol induces renal vasoconstriction during the period of SW application whereas the standard protocol shows

  10. Measurement and analysis of time-domain characteristics of corona-generated radio interference from a single positive corona source

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xuebao; Li, Dayong; Chen, Bo; Cui, Xiang; Lu, Tiebing; Li, Yinfei

    2018-04-01

    The corona-generated electromagnetic interference commonly known as radio interference (RI) has become a limiting factor for the design of high voltage direct current transmission lines. In this paper, a time-domain measurement system is developed to measure the time-domain characteristics of corona-generated RI from a single corona source under a positive corona source. In the experiments, the corona current pulses are synchronously measured through coupling capacitors. The one-to-one relationship between the corona current pulse and measured RI voltage pulse is observed. The statistical characteristics of pulse parameters are analyzed, and the correlations between the corona current pulse and RI voltage pulse in the time-domain and frequency-domain are analyzed. Depending on the measured corona current pulses, the time-domain waveform of corona-generated RI is calculated on the basis of the propagation model of corona current on the conductor, the dipolar model for electric field calculation, and the antenna model for inducing voltage calculation. The well matched results between measured and simulated waveforms of RI voltage can show the validity of the measurement and calculation method presented in this paper, which also further show the close correlation between corona current and corona-generated RI.

  11. A critical overview of definitions and determination techniques of the internal resistance using lithium-ion, lead-acid, nickel metal-hydride batteries and electrochemical double-layer capacitors as examples

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Piłatowicz, Grzegorz; Marongiu, Andrea; Drillkens, Julia; Sinhuber, Philipp; Sauer, Dirk Uwe

    2015-11-01

    The internal resistance (Ri) is one of the key parameters that determine the current state of electrochemical storage systems (ESS). It is crucial for estimating cranking capability in conventional cars, available power in modern hybrid and electric vehicles and for determining commonly used factors such as state-of-health (SoH) and state-of-function (SoF). However, ESS are complex and non-linear systems. Their Ri depends on many parameters such as current rate, temperature, SoH and state-of-charge (SoC). It is also a fact that no standardized methodologies exist and many different definitions and ways of Ri determination are being used. Nevertheless, in many cases authors are not aware of the consequences that occur when different Ri definitions are being used, such as possible misinterpretations, doubtful comparisons and false figures of merit. This paper focuses on an application-oriented separation between various Ri definitions and highlights the differences between them. The investigation was based on the following technologies: lead-acid, lithium-ion and nickel metal-hydride batteries as well as electrochemical double-layer capacitors. It is not the target of this paper to provide a standardized definition of Ri but to give researchers, engineers and manufacturers a possibility to understand what the term Ri means in their own work.

  12. Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce Cd uptake and alleviate Cd toxicity of Lonicera japonica grown in Cd-added soils?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Qiu-Yun; Zhuo, Feng; Long, Shi-Hui; Zhao, Hai-Di; Yang, Dan-Jing; Ye, Zhi-Hong; Li, Shao-Shan; Jing, Yuan-Xiao

    2016-02-01

    A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-Glomus versiforme (Gv) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) on the growth, Cd uptake, antioxidant indices [glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate (ASA), glutathione (GSH) and malonaldehyde (MDA)] and phytochelatins (PCs) production of Lonicera japonica in Cd-amended soils. Gv and Ri significantly increased P acquisition, biomass of shoots and roots at all Cd treatments. Gv significantly decreased Cd concentrations in shoots and roots, and Ri also obviously reduced Cd concentrations in shoots but increased Cd concentrations in roots. Meanwhile, activities of CAT, APX and GR, and contents of ASA and PCs were remarkably higher in Gv/Ri-inoculated plants than those of uninoculated plants, but lower MDA and GSH contents in Gv/Ri-inoculated plants were found. In conclusion, Gv and Ri symbiosis alleviated Cd toxicity of L. japonica through the decline of shoot Cd concentrations and the improvement of P nutrition, PCs content and activities of GR, CAT, APX in inoculated plants, and then improved plant growth. The decrease of shoot Cd concentrations in L. japonica inoculated with Gv/Ri would provide a clue for safe production of this plant from Cd-contaminated soils.

  13. Coated Pit-mediated Endocytosis of the Type I Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Receptor Depends on a Di-leucine Family Signal and Is Not Required for Signaling*

    PubMed Central

    Shapira, Keren E.; Gross, Avner; Ehrlich, Marcelo; Henis, Yoav I.

    2012-01-01

    The roles of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor endocytosis in signaling have been investigated in numerous studies, mainly through the use of endocytosis inhibitory treatments, yielding conflicting results. Two potential sources for these discrepancies were the pleiotropic effects of a general blockade of specific internalization pathways and the scarce information on the regulation of the endocytosis of the signal-transducing type I TGF-β receptor (TβRI). Here, we employed extracellularly tagged myc-TβRI (wild type, truncation mutants, and a series of endocytosis-defective and endocytosis-enhanced mutants) to directly investigate the relationship between TβRI endocytosis and signaling. Our findings indicate that TβRI is targeted for constitutive clathrin-mediated endocytosis via a di-leucine (Leu180-Ile181) signal and an acidic cluster motif. Using Smad-dependent transcriptional activation assays and following Smad2/3 nuclear translocation in response to TGF-β stimulation, we show that TβRI endocytosis is dispensable for TGF-β signaling and may play a role in signal termination. Alanine replacement of Leu180-Ile181 led to partial constitutive activation of TβRI, resulting in part from its retention at the plasma membrane and in part from potential alterations of TβRI regulatory interactions in the vicinity of the mutated residues. PMID:22707720

  14. 75 FR 70710 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Review of a Revised Information Collection

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-11-18

    ... OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT [OMB Control No. 3206-0235; Forms RI 20-64, RI 20-64A and RI 20-64B... Personnel Management. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, May 22, 1995), this notice announces that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM...

  15. Variability of recurrence interval for New Zealand surface-rupturing paleoearthquakes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nicol, A., , Prof; Robinson, R., Jr.; Van Dissen, R. J.; Harvison, A.

    2015-12-01

    Recurrence interval (RI) for successive earthquakes on individual faults is recorded by paleoseismic datasets for surface-rupturing earthquakes which, in New Zealand, have magnitudes of >Mw ~6 to 7.2 depending on the thickness of the brittle crust. New Zealand faults examined have mean RI of ~130 to 8500 yrs, with an upper bound censored by the sample duration (<30 kyr) and an inverse relationship to fault slip rate. Frequency histograms, probability density functions (PDFs) and coefficient of variation (CoV= standard deviation/arithmetic mean) values have been used to quantify RI variability for geological and simulated earthquakes on >100 New Zealand active faults. RI for individual faults can vary by more than an order of magnitude. CoV of RI for paleoearthquake data comprising 4-10 events ranges from ~0.2 to 1 with a mean of 0.6±0.2. These values are generally comparable to simulated earthquakes (>100 events per fault) and suggest that RI ranges from quasi periodic (e.g., ~0.2-0.5) to random (e.g., ~1.0). Comparison of earthquake simulation and paleoearthquake data indicates that the mean and CoV of RI can be strongly influenced by sampling artefacts including; the magnitude of completeness, the dimensionality of spatial sampling and the duration of the sample period. Despite these sampling issues RI for the best of the geological data (i.e. >6 events) and earthquake simulations are described by log-normal or Weibull distributions with long recurrence tails (~3 times the mean) and provide a basis for quantifying real RI variability (rather than sampling artefacts). Our analysis indicates that CoV of RI is negatively related to fault slip rate. These data are consistent with the notion that fault interaction and associated stress perturbations arising from slip on larger faults are more likely to advance or retard future slip on smaller faults than visa versa.

  16. Immunostaining and transcriptional enhancement of interleukin-1 receptor type I in the rat dental follicle.

    PubMed

    Wise, G E; Zhao, L

    1997-05-01

    Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) enhances the gene expression of colony-stimulating factor-one (CSF-1) in dental follicle cells. In turn, CSF-1 appears to be a critical molecule in stimulating the cellular events of eruption that require the presence of the follicle. Chronologically, the maximal transcription and translation of CSF-1 in the follicle occurs early postnatally, followed by a decline later. Thus, in this study, immunostaining for the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) was used to determine if it paralleled the CSF-1 localization and chronology. The results showed that IL-1RI is primarily localized in the dental follicle, with maximal immunostaining early postnatally and a greatly reduced staining by day 10. In conjunction with this, molecules that enhance the gene expression of IL-1alpha epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) were also shown to enhance the expression of IL-1RI, but IL-1alpha did not increase the gene expression of IL-1RI. After injections of EGF at different times postnatally the mRNA of IL-1RI increased over comparable controls. Between days 2 and 5 the IL-1RI mRNA in the follicle decreased. In combination the results suggest that, as the expression of IL-1alpha is enhanced in the stellate reticulum either by EGF or TGF-beta1, these two molecules could also enhance the expression of IL-1RI in the dental follicle such that more receptors would be available to respond to the increased IL-1alpha secreted. The maximal presence of the receptors (IL-1RI) in the dental follicle early postnatally, followed by their subsequent decline, parallels the rise and fall of CSF-1 in the follicle. Thus, regulation of the IL-1RI and IL-1RI gene expression might be a means of regulating changes in CSF-1 in the follicle.

  17. IGF-1R inhibition induces schedule-dependent sensitization of human melanoma to temozolomide

    PubMed Central

    Ramcharan, Roger; Aleksic, Tamara; Kamdoum, Wilfride Petnga; Gao, Shan; Pfister, Sophia X.; Tanner, Jordan; Bridges, Esther; Asher, Ruth; Watson, Amanda J.; Margison, Geoffrey P.; Woodcock, Mick; Repapi, Emmanouela; Li, Ji-Liang; Middleton, Mark R.; Macaulay, Valentine M.

    2015-01-01

    Prior studies implicate type 1 IGF receptor (IGF-1R) in mediating chemo-resistance. Here, we investigated whether IGF-1R influences response to temozolomide (TMZ), which generates DNA adducts that are removed by O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), or persist causing replication-associated double-strand breaks (DSBs). Initial assessment in 10 melanoma cell lines revealed that TMZ resistance correlated with MGMT expression (r = 0.79, p = 0.009), and in MGMT-proficient cell lines, with phospho-IGF-1R (r = 0.81, p = 0.038), suggesting that TMZ resistance associates with IGF-1R activation. Next, effects of IGF-1R inhibitors (IGF-1Ri) AZ3801 and linsitinib (OSI-906) were tested on TMZ-sensitivity, cell cycle progression and DSB induction. IGF-1Ri sensitized BRAF wild-type and mutant melanoma cells to TMZ in vitro, an effect that was independent of MGMT. Cells harboring wild-type p53 were more sensitive to IGF-1Ri, and showed schedule-dependent chemo-sensitization that was most effective when IGF-1Ri followed TMZ. This sequence sensitized to clinically-achievable TMZ concentrations and enhanced TMZ-induced apoptosis. Simultaneous or prior IGF-1Ri caused less effective chemo-sensitization, associated with increased G1 population and reduced accumulation of TMZ-induced DSBs. Clinically relevant sequential (TMZ → IGF-1Ri) treatment was tested in mice bearing A375M (V600E BRAF, wild-type p53) melanoma xenografts, achieving peak plasma/tumor IGF-1Ri levels comparable to clinical Cmax, and inducing extensive intratumoral apoptosis. TMZ or IGF-1Ri caused minor inhibition of tumor growth (gradient reduction 13%, 25% respectively), while combination treatment caused supra-additive growth delay (72%) that was significantly different from control (p < 0.01), TMZ (p < 0.01) and IGF-1Ri (p < 0.05) groups. These data highlight the importance of scheduling when combining IGF-1Ri and other targeted agents with drugs that induce replication-associated DNA damage. PMID

  18. In-line optofluidic refractive index sensing in a side-channel photonic crystal fiber.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Nan; Humbert, Georges; Wu, Zhifang; Li, Kaiwei; Shum, Perry Ping; Zhang, Nancy Meng Ying; Cui, Ying; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Dinh, Xuan Quyen; Wei, Lei

    2016-11-28

    An in-line optofluidic refractive index (RI) sensing platform is constructed by splicing a side-channel photonic crystal fiber (SC-PCF) with side-polished single mode fibers. A long-period grating (LPG) combined with an intermodal interference between LP01 and LP11 core modes is used for sensing the RI of the liquid in the side channel. The resonant dip shows a nonlinear wavelength shift with increasing RI over the measured range from 1.3330 to 1.3961. The RI response of this sensing platform for a low RI range of 1.3330-1.3780 is approximately linear, and exhibits a sensitivity of 1145 nm/RIU. Besides, the detection limit of our sensing scheme is improved by around one order of magnitude by introducing the intermodal interference.

  19. Thrombus Aspiration in ThrOmbus containing culpRiT lesions in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (TATORT-NSTEMI): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Current guidelines recommend thrombus aspiration in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI); however, there are insufficient data to unequivocally support thrombectomy in patients with non-STEMI (NSTEMI). Methods/Design The TATORT-NSTEMI (Thrombus Aspiration in ThrOmbus containing culpRiT lesions in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) trial is a prospective, controlled, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial enrolling 460 patients. The hypothesis is that, against a background of early revascularization, adjunctive thrombectomy leads to less microvascular obstruction (MO) compared with conventional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) alone, as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with NSTEMI. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to one of the two treatment arms. The primary endpoint is the extent of late MO assessed by CMR. Secondary endpoints include early MO, infarct size, and myocardial salvage assessed by CMR as well as enzymatic infarct size and angiographic parameters, such as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow post-PCI and myocardial blush grade. Furthermore, clinical endpoints including death, myocardial re-infarction, target vessel revascularization, and new congestive heart failure will be recorded at 6 and 12 months. Safety will be assessed by the incidence of bleeding and stroke. Summary The TATORT-NSTEMI trial has been designed to test the hypothesis that thrombectomy will improve myocardial perfusion in patients with NSTEMI and relevant thrombus burden in the culprit vessel reperfused by early PCI. Trial registration The trial is registered under http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01612312. PMID:23782681

  20. Impairment of skin blood flow during post-occlusive reactive hyperhemy assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry correlates with renal resistive index.

    PubMed

    Coulon, P; Constans, J; Gosse, P

    2012-01-01

    We lack non-invasive tools for evaluating the coronary and renal microcirculations. Since cutaneous Doppler laser exploration has evidenced impaired cutaneous microvascular responses in coronary artery disease and in impaired renal function, we wanted to find out if there was a link between the impairments in the cutaneous and renal microcirculations. To specify the significance of the rise in the renal resistive index (RI), which is still unclear, we also sought relations between RI and arterial stiffness. We conducted a cross-sectional controlled study in a heterogeneous population including hypertensive patients of various ages with or without a history of cardiovascular disease along with a healthy control group. The cutaneous microcirculation was evaluated by laser Doppler flowmetry of the post-occlusive reactive hyperhemy (PORH) and of the hyperhemy to heat. The renal microcirculation was evaluated by measurement of the RI. Arterial stiffness was evaluated from an ambulatory measurement of the corrected QKD(100-60) interval. We included 22 hypertensives and 11 controls of mean age 60.6 vs 40.8 years. In this population, there was a correlation between RI and basal zero to peak flow variation (BZ-PF) (r=-0.42; P=0.02) and a correlation between RI and rest flow to peak flow variation (RF-PF) (r=-0.44; P=0.01). There was also a significant correlation between RI and the corrected QKD(100-60) (r=-0.47; P=0.01). The significant correlation between PORH parameters and RI indicates that the functional modifications of the renal and cutaneous microcirculations tend to evolve in parallel during ageing or hypertension. The relation between RI and arterial stiffness shows that RI is a compound index of both renal microvascular impairment and the deterioration of macrovascular mechanics.

  1. Speciation genes in plants

    PubMed Central

    Rieseberg, Loren H.; Blackman, Benjamin K.

    2010-01-01

    Background Analyses of speciation genes – genes that contribute to the cessation of gene flow between populations – can offer clues regarding the ecological settings, evolutionary forces and molecular mechanisms that drive the divergence of populations and species. This review discusses the identities and attributes of genes that contribute to reproductive isolation (RI) in plants, compares them with animal speciation genes and investigates what these genes can tell us about speciation. Scope Forty-one candidate speciation genes were identified in the plant literature. Of these, seven contributed to pre-pollination RI, one to post-pollination, prezygotic RI, eight to hybrid inviability, and 25 to hybrid sterility. Genes, gene families and genetic pathways that were frequently found to underlie the evolution of RI in different plant groups include the anthocyanin pathway and its regulators (pollinator isolation), S RNase-SI genes (unilateral incompatibility), disease resistance genes (hybrid necrosis), chimeric mitochondrial genes (cytoplasmic male sterility), and pentatricopeptide repeat family genes (cytoplasmic male sterility). Conclusions The most surprising conclusion from this review is that identities of genes underlying both prezygotic and postzygotic RI are often predictable in a broad sense from the phenotype of the reproductive barrier. Regulatory changes (both cis and trans) dominate the evolution of pre-pollination RI in plants, whereas a mix of regulatory mutations and changes in protein-coding genes underlie intrinsic postzygotic barriers. Also, loss-of-function mutations and copy number variation frequently contribute to RI. Although direct evidence of positive selection on speciation genes is surprisingly scarce in plants, analyses of gene family evolution, along with theoretical considerations, imply an important role for diversifying selection and genetic conflict in the evolution of RI. Unlike in animals, however, most candidate speciation

  2. Measurement of the refractive index of soft contact lenses during wear.

    PubMed

    Varikooty, Jalaiah; Keir, Nancy; Woods, Craig A; Fonn, Desmond

    2010-01-01

    To determine whether the refractive index (RI) of a soft contact lens can be evaluated using refractometry while the lens remains on the eye and to compare this with more traditional ex vivo RI measurements. A slitlamp apparatus was modified to incorporate a customized Atago hand refractometer. With a double-masked study design, nine adapted symptomatic soft contact lens wearers wore a contact lens in each eye (lotrafilcon B and etafilcon A) in a randomized order. In vivo RI was determined from the relative Brix scale measurements immediately after lens insertion and after 1 and 10 hr of lens wear. Ex vivo refractometry was performed after 10 hr of lens wear for comparison. Means +/- standard errors of the means are reported. In vivo RI values at baseline were 1.422 +/- 0.0004 (lotrafilcon B) and 1.405 +/- 0.0021 (etafilcon A); after 1 hr of lens wear, values were 1.423 +/- 0.0006 and 1.408 +/- 0.0007, respectively; and after 10 hr of lens wear, values were 1.424 +/- 0.0004 and 1.411 +/- 0.0010, respectively. Ex vivo RI values at the end of the 10 hr wearing period were 1.424 +/- 0.0003 (lotrafilcon B) and 1.412 +/- 0.0017 (etafilcon A). The change in in vivo RI across the day was statistically significant for the etafilcon A lens (repeated-measures analysis of variance, P<0.01) but not for the lotrafilcon B lens (P>0.05). This novel adaptation of refractometry was able to measure the RI of soft contact lenses during wear (without lens removal). End of day RI measurements using in vivo and ex vivo refractometry were comparable with each other. Future work is required to determine whether this in vivo method can improve our understanding of the relationships between soft contact lens RI, hydration, on-eye lens performance, and symptomology.

  3. Resistive index and chronic allograft nephropathy evaluated in protocol biopsies as predictors of graft outcome.

    PubMed

    Vallejos, Augusto; Alperovich, Gabriela; Moreso, Francesc; Cañas, Concepcion; de Lama, M Eugenia; Gomà, Montserrat; Fulladosa, Xavier; Carrera, Marta; Hueso, Miguel; Grinyó, Josep M; Serón, Daniel

    2005-11-01

    The presence of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) in protocol biopsies is negatively associated with graft survival. Although recent studies have indicated that the resistive index (RI) is a predictor of graft failure, it does not correlate with CAN in stable grafts. We therefore studied the relationship between RI and CAN and examined the predictive value of both parameters on graft outcome. Included were patients transplanted between 1997 and 2002 and who had protocol biopsies and RI determinations. Renal lesions were blindly evaluated according to Banff 97 criteria. Mean glomerular volume, cortical interstitial volume fraction and intimal arterial volume fraction were estimated using a point counting technique. RI was determined before biopsy in at least two different renal locations. The outcome variable was defined as graft failure or a 30% serum creatinine increase between protocol biopsy and last follow-up. Eighty-seven patients were included. RI correlated with recipient age (R = 0.52, P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (R = -0.36, P = 0.0006), pulse pressure index (R = 0.27, P = 0.009) and g-score for histological glomerulitis (rho = 0.30, P = 0.0054), but there were no correlations between RI and chronic Banff scores or any morphometric parameter. The presence of CAN (relative risk, 3.5; 95% confidence interval 1.2-10.2; P = 0.02) but not RI was associated with the outcome variable. RI was associated with surrogate measures of vascular compliance such as recipient age and pulse pressure index but not with chronic allograft damage, even when it was evaluated by histomorphometry. Our results indicate that histology may be superior to RI in predicting graft function deterioration, at least in patients with stable renal function.

  4. G-index: A new metric to describe dynamic refractive index effects in HPLC absorbance detection.

    PubMed

    Kraiczek, Karsten G; Rozing, Gerard P; Zengerle, Roland

    2018-09-01

    High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a solvent gradient and absorbance detection is one of the most widely used methods in analytical chemistry. The observed absorbance baseline is affected by the changes in the refractive index (RI) of the mobile phase. Near the limited of detection, this complicates peak quantitation. The general aspects of these RI-induced apparent absorbance effects are discussed. Two different detectors with fundamentally different optics and flow cell concepts, a variable-wavelength detector equipped with a conventional flow cell and a diode-array detector equipped with a liquid core waveguide flow cell, are compared with respect to their RI behavior. A simple method to separate static - partly unavoidable - RI effects from dynamic RI effects is presented. It is shown that the dynamic RI behavior of an absorbance detector can be well described using a single, relatively easy-to-determine metric called the G-index. The G-index is typically in the order of a few seconds and its sign depends on the optical flow cell concept. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Structural and Physical Basis for Anti-IgE Therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wright, Jon D.; Chu, Hsing-Mao; Huang, Chun-Hsiang; Ma, Che; Wen Chang, Tse; Lim, Carmay

    2015-06-01

    Omalizumab, an anti-IgE antibody, used to treat severe allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria, binds to IgE in blood or membrane-bound on B lymphocytes but not to IgE bound to its high (FcɛRI) or low (CD23) affinity receptor. Mutagenesis studies indicate overlapping FcɛRI and omalizumab-binding sites in the Cɛ3 domain, but crystallographic studies show FcɛRI and CD23-binding sites that are far apart, so how can omalizumab block IgE from binding both receptors? We report a 2.42-Å omalizumab-Fab structure, a docked IgE-Fc/omalizumab-Fab structure consistent with available experimental data, and the free energy contributions of IgE residues to binding omalizumab, CD23, and FcɛRI. These results provide a structural and physical basis as to why omalizumab cannot bind receptor-bound IgE and why omalizumab-bound IgE cannot bind to CD23/FcɛRI. They reveal the key IgE residues and their roles in binding omalizumab, CD23, and FcɛRI.

  6. Combined evaluation of personality, risk and coping in MS patients: A step towards individualized treatment choice - The PeRiCoMS-Study I.

    PubMed

    Bsteh, G; Monz, E; Zamarian, L; Hagspiel, S; Hegen, H; Auer, M; Wurth, S; Di Pauli, F; Deisenhammer, F; Berger, T

    2017-05-15

    Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurological disease requiring disease-modifying treatment (DMT). To provide patients with the optimal individual therapeutic option, treatment recommendations should be based not only on individual disease course and DMT specific benefit-risk estimates, but also on patient's individual characteristics such as personality, risk attitude and coping strategies. However, these characteristics are difficult to objectify in clinical routine practice without the support of appropriate evaluation instruments. To identify and to assemble an objective test battery measuring personality, risk attitude and coping strategies in MS patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed to obtain all questionnaires assessing personality, risk attitude and coping strategies. Availability in German language, validation in a published normative collective and a reliability of >0.70 were required for our purposes. Based on these criteria, we chose the Big-Five-Personality Test, UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale, Domain-Specific Risk-Taking scale (DOSPERT), Brief-COPE and Stress & Coping Inventory (SCI). Results were compared to published normative controls of the respective questionnaires. Out of 22 MS patients (7 males, 15 females) participating in this study, 19 (86.4%) completed all questionnaires. The median completion time was 45min (min-max range: 25-60min). The median scores of the MS group were within the average range of published control samples in all questionnaires. We report that traits of personality, risk attitude and coping strategies can be effectively and feasibly tested in MS patients by the instruments used in our exploratory study. There were no differences between MS patients and healthy controls, thus enabling assessment without being influenced by the diagnosis of MS. After validation in a larger cohort the "PeRiCoMS"-battery will be useful as another step towards a more individualized shared

  7. Integrating Research-Informed Teaching within an Undergraduate Level 4 (Year 1) Diagnostic Radiography Curriculum: A Pilot Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Higgins, Robert; Hogg, Peter; Robinson, Leslie

    2013-01-01

    This article discusses the piloting and evaluation of the Research-informed Teaching experience (RiTe) project. The aim of RiTe was to link teaching and learning with research within an undergraduate diagnostic radiography curriculum. A preliminary pilot study of RiTe was undertaken with a group of level 4 (year 1) volunteer BSc (Hons) diagnostic…

  8. Reconfigurable Image Generator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Archdeacon, John L. (Inventor); Iwai, Nelson H. (Inventor); Kato, Kenji H. (Inventor); Sweet, Barbara T. (Inventor)

    2017-01-01

    A RiG may simulate visual conditions of a real world environment, and generate the necessary amount of pixels in a visual simulation at rates up to 120 frames per second. RiG may also include a database generation system capable of producing visual databases suitable to drive the visual fidelity required by the RiG.

  9. 76 FR 53072 - Certification; Importation of Vehicles and Equipment Subject to Federal Safety, Bumper, and Theft...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-25

    ... used as a basis for the non-automatic suspension of an RI registration, deletes redundant text from... Part 592 as a Basis for the Non-Automatic Suspension or Revocation of an RI Registration B. Deletion of... violations of the regulations in part 592 as a basis for the non-automatic suspension or revocation of an RI...

  10. Serum cystatin C is an independent biomarker associated with the renal resistive index in patients with chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Ogawa-Akiyama, Ayu; Sugiyama, Hitoshi; Kitagawa, Masashi; Tanaka, Keiko; Onishi, Akifumi; Yamanari, Toshio; Morinaga, Hiroshi; Uchida, Haruhito Adam; Nakamura, Kazufumi; Ito, Hiroshi; Wada, Jun

    2018-01-01

    Cystatin C is a cysteine protease inhibitor that is produced by nearly all human cells. The serum level of cystatin C is a stronger predictor of the renal outcome and the risk of cardiovascular events than the creatinine level. The resistive index (RI) on renal Doppler ultrasonography is a good indicator of vascular resistance as well as the renal outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether serum cystatin C is associated with signs of vascular dysfunction, such as the renal RI. We measured the serum cystatin C levels in 101 CKD patients and investigated the relationships between cystatin C and markers of vascular dysfunction, including the renal RI, ankle-brachial pulse wave velocity (baPWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), and cardiac function. The renal RI was significantly correlated with the serum cystatin C level (p < 0.0001, r = 0.6920). The serum cystatin C level was found to be a significant determinant of the renal RI (p < 0.0001), but not the baPWV, in a multivariate regression analysis. The multivariate odds ratio of the serum cystatin C level for a renal RI of more than 0.66 was statistically significant (2.92, p = 0.0106). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve comparing the sensitivity and specificity of cystatin C for predicting an RI of more than 0.66 was 0.882 (cutoff value: 2.04 mg/L). In conclusion, the serum cystatin C level is an independent biomarker associated with the renal RI in patients with CKD.

  11. Variation in the strength of reproductive interference from an alien congener to a native species in Taraxacum.

    PubMed

    Nishida, Sachiko; Hashimoto, Keisuke; Kanaoka, Masahiro M; Takakura, Ko-Ichi; Nishida, Takayoshi

    2017-01-01

    Reproductive interference (RI) may be a contributing factor to the displacement of native species by an alien congener, and RI strength has been shown theoretically to affect distributional relationships between species. Thus, variations in RI strength from alien to native species result in different consequences of invasions and efforts to conserve native species, but the variations have seldom been examined empirically. We therefore investigated RI strength variations from the alien species Taraxacum officinale and its hybrids to eight populations of native dandelions, four T. japonicum populations and two populations each of two subspecies of T. platycarpum. We examined the association between alien relative abundance and native seed set in field surveys, and we also performed hand-pollination experiments to investigate directly the sensitivity of native flowers to alien pollen. We found that the effect of alien relative abundance on native seed set of even the same native species could differ greatly in different regions, and that the sensitivity of native flowers to alien pollen was also dependent on region. Our results, together with those of previous studies, show that RI from the alien to the native species is strong in regions where the alien species outnumbers the native species and marginal where it does not; this result suggests that alien RI can critically affect distributional relationships between native and alien species. Our study highlights the importance of performing additional empirical investigations of RI strength variation and of giving due attention to alien RI in efforts to conserve regional native biodiversity.

  12. Ulcérations buccales et péri-anales: un mode de révélation inhabituel d'une granulomatose avec polyangéite - à propos d'un cas

    PubMed Central

    Jaafoura, Neirouz Ghannouchi; Thaljaoui, Wathek; Atig, Amira; Bouker, Ahmed; Khalifa, Mabrouk; Bahri, Fathi

    2014-01-01

    La granulomatose avec polyangéite, est une vascularite systémique rare qui touche avec prédilection les voies aériennes supérieures, les poumons et les reins. L'atteinte cutanéo-muqueuse ainsi que l'atteinte digestive ne sont pas inhabituelles mais elles sont rarement inaugurales de la maladie. Nous rapportons l'observation d'une femme âgée de 57 ans, ayant une granulomatose avec polyangéite multi-systémique avec comme premières manifestations une atteinte cutanéo-muqueuse à type de nécrose de la langue et d'ulcérations péri-anales ainsi que des rectorragies. La présence de signes radiologiques orientant vers une hémmorragie intra-alvéolaire, l'atteinte rénale, l'atteinte neurologique périphérique ainsi que la positivité des C-ANCA de type anti-PR3 ont permis de rattacher les manifestations dermatologiques à cette vascularite. Des manifestations cutanéo-muqueuses atypiques, au cours d'une granulomateuse avec polyangéite, doivent être connues par le clinicien pour un diagnostic et une prise en charge adéquate. PMID:25404981

  13. The Design and Implementation of a Parallel Persistent Object System

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-02-01

    Semantica JilP L Add descriptor (FP.L) to active pool JMPF r L If Frames, FP+r.O-0 Add descriptor (FP,L) to active pool Else Add descriptor (FP, IP+l...Syntax Semantica STARTO rl r2 Let FP’ = Frames[FP+rl] Let IP’ - Frames[FP+r2] Add (FP.IP+I) to active pool Add (FP I, P’ ) to active pool STARTI rl r2 r3...deadlock. 119 Syntaz Semantica ALLOCFRANE ri rj Let CallerFP - Frames [FP+ri] Let ResultIP - Frames [FP+ri+1] Let SignalIP = Frames [FP+ri+2] Let ResSlot

  14. Simultaneous refractive index and temperature measurements using a tapered bend-resistant fiber interferometer.

    PubMed

    Lu, Ping; Harris, Jeremie; Xu, Yanping; Lu, Yuangang; Chen, Liang; Bao, Xiaoyi

    2012-11-15

    Simultaneous measurements of refractive index (RI) and temperature are proposed and experimentally demonstrated by using a tapered bend-resistant fiber interferometer. Different phase shifts of an inner and outer cladding mode of the fiber interferometer are measured to determine the temperature compensated RI of a glycerol solution. The temperature coefficients of the inner and outer cladding modes are -0.0253 rad/°C and -0.0523 rad/°C, and the RI coefficients are 4.0403 rad/RIU and 44.823 rad/RIU, respectively. The minimum errors of temperature and RI are 0.6°C and 0.001 RIU, respectively.

  15. Renal arterial resistive index is associated with severe histological changes and poor renal outcome during chronic kidney disease

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem and end stage renal disease (ESRD) represents a large human and economic burden. It is important to identify patients at high risk of ESRD. In order to determine whether renal Doppler resistive index (RI) may discriminate those patients, we analyzed whether RI was associated with identified prognosis factors of CKD, in particular histological findings, and with renal outcome. Methods RI was measured in the 48 hours before renal biopsy in 58 CKD patients. Clinical and biological data were collected prospectively at inclusion. Arteriosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis were quantitatively assessed on renal biopsy in a blinded fashion. MDRD eGFR at 18 months was collected for 35 (60%) patients. Renal function decline was defined as a decrease in eGFR from baseline of at least 5 mL/min/ 1.73 m2/year or need for chronic renal replacement therapy. Pearson’s correlation, Mann–Whitney and Chi-square tests were used for analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables respectively. Kaplan Meier analysis was realized to determine renal survival according to RI value using the log-rank test. Multiple logistic regression was performed including variables with p < 0.20 in univariate analysis. Results Most patients had glomerulonephritis (82%). Median age was 46 years [21–87], eGFR 59 mL/min/ 1.73m2 [5–130], percentage of interstitial fibrosis 10% [0–90], glomerulosclerosis 13% [0–96] and RI 0.63 [0.31-1.00]. RI increased with age (r = 0.435, p = 0.0063), pulse pressure (r = 0.303, p = 0.022), renal atrophy (r = −0.275, p = 0.038) and renal dysfunction (r = −0.402, p = 0.0018). Patients with arterial intima/media ratio ≥ 1 (p = 0.032), interstitial fibrosis > 20% (p = 0.014) and renal function decline (p = 0.0023) had higher RI. Patients with baseline RI ≥ 0.65 had a poorer renal outcome than those with baseline RI < 0.65 (p = 0.0005). In multiple logistic

  16. Effects of rest interval length on Smith machine bench press performance and perceived exertion in trained men.

    PubMed

    Tibana, Ramires A; Vieira, Denis C L; Tajra, Vitor; Bottaro, Martim; de Salles, Belmiro F; Willardson, Jeffrey M; Prestes, Jonato

    2013-12-01

    This study compared two different rest intervals (RI) between sets of resistance exercise. Ten resistance-trained men (M age = 24.3, SD = 3.5 yr.; M weigh t= 80.0 kg, SD = 15.3; M height = 1.75 m, SD = 0.04) performed five sets of Smith machine bench presses at 60% of one repetition maximum, either with 1.5 min. or 3 min. RI between sets. Their repetition performance, total training volume, velocity, fatigue, rating of perceived exertion, and muscular power were measured. All of these measures indicated that performance was significantly better and fatigue was significantly lower in the 3 min. RI as compared with the 1.5 min. RI, except the rating of perceived exertion which did not show a significant difference. A longer RI between sets promotes superior performance for the bench press.

  17. A Highly Sensitive Fiber Optic Sensor Based on Two-Core Fiber for Refractive Index Measurement

    PubMed Central

    Guzmán-Sepúlveda, José Rafael; Guzmán-Cabrera, Rafael; Torres-Cisneros, Miguel; Sánchez-Mondragón, José Javier; May-Arrioja, Daniel Alberto

    2013-01-01

    A simple and compact fiber optic sensor based on a two-core fiber is demonstrated for high-performance measurements of refractive indices (RI) of liquids. In order to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed sensor to perform high-sensitivity sensing in a variety of applications, the sensor has been used to measure the RI of binary liquid mixtures. Such measurements can accurately determine the salinity of salt water solutions, and detect the water content of adulterated alcoholic beverages. The largest sensitivity of the RI sensor that has been experimentally demonstrated is 3,119 nm per Refractive Index Units (RIU) for the RI range from 1.3160 to 1.3943. On the other hand, our results suggest that the sensitivity can be enhanced up to 3485.67 nm/RIU approximately for the same RI range. PMID:24152878

  18. Combining first-principles and data modeling for the accurate prediction of the refractive index of organic polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Afzal, Mohammad Atif Faiz; Cheng, Chong; Hachmann, Johannes

    2018-06-01

    Organic materials with a high index of refraction (RI) are attracting considerable interest due to their potential application in optic and optoelectronic devices. However, most of these applications require an RI value of 1.7 or larger, while typical carbon-based polymers only exhibit values in the range of 1.3-1.5. This paper introduces an efficient computational protocol for the accurate prediction of RI values in polymers to facilitate in silico studies that can guide the discovery and design of next-generation high-RI materials. Our protocol is based on the Lorentz-Lorenz equation and is parametrized by the polarizability and number density values of a given candidate compound. In the proposed scheme, we compute the former using first-principles electronic structure theory and the latter using an approximation based on van der Waals volumes. The critical parameter in the number density approximation is the packing fraction of the bulk polymer, for which we have devised a machine learning model. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed RI protocol by testing its predictions against the experimentally known RI values of 112 optical polymers. Our approach to combine first-principles and data modeling emerges as both a successful and a highly economical path to determining the RI values for a wide range of organic polymers.

  19. Three-dimensional orientation and location-dependent varying rules of radiographic angles of the acetabular cup.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jing-Xin; Su, Xiu-Yun; Zhao, Zhe; Xiao, Ruo-Xiu; Zhang, Li-Cheng; Tang, Pei-Fu

    2018-02-17

    The aim of this study is to demonstrate the varying rules of radiographic angles following varying three-dimensional (3D) orientations and locations of cup using an accurate mathematical model. A cone model is established to address the quantitative relationship between the opening circle of cup and its ellipse projection on radiograph. The varying rules of two-dimensional (2D) radiographic anteversion (RA) and inclination (RI) angles can be analyzed. When the centre of cup is located above X-ray source, with proper 3D RI/RA angles, 2D RA angle can be equal to its 3D counterpart, and 2D RI angle is usually greater than its 3D counterpart. Except for the original point on hip-centered anterior-posterior radiograph, there is no area on radiograph where both 2D RA and RI angles are equal to their 3D counterparts simultaneously. This study proposes an innovative model for accurately explaining how 2D RA/RI angles of cup are varying following different 3D RA/RI angles and location of cup. The analysis results provide clinicians an intuitive grasp of knowledge about 2D RA/RI angles greater or smaller than their 3D counterparts post-operatively. The established model may allow determining the effects of pelvic rotations on 2D radiographic angles of cup.

  20. The use of the term 'radiosensitivity' through history of radiation: from clarity to confusion.

    PubMed

    Britel, Manon; Bourguignon, Michel; Foray, Nicolas

    2018-05-01

    The term 'radiosensitivity' appeared for the first time at the beginning of the 20th century, few years after the discovery of X-rays. Initially used by French and German radiologists, it illustrated the risk of radiation-induced (RI) skin reactions. From the 1950s, 'radiosensitivity' was progressively found to describe other features of RI response such as RI cancers or cataracts. To date, such confusion may raise legal issues and complexify the message addressed to general public. Here, through an historical review, we aimed to better understand how this confusion appeared. To support our historical review, a quantitative and qualitative wording analysis of the 'radiosensitivity' occurrences and its derived terms was performed with Google books, Pubmed, Web of Science™ databases, and in all the ICRP publications. While 'radiosensitivity' was historically related to RI adverse tissue events attributable to cell death, the first efforts to quantify the RI risk specific to each organ/tissue revealed some different semantic fields that are not necessarily compatible together (e.g. adverse tissue events for skin, cataracts for eyes, RI cancer for breast or thyroid). To avoid such confusion, we propose to keep the historical definition of 'radiosensitivity' to any clinical and cellular consequences of radiation attributable to cell death and to introduce the term 'radiosusceptibility' to describe the RI cancers or any feature that is attributable to cell transformation.

  1. REMEDIAL INVESTIGATION REPORT FOR THE 200-CW-5 U POND & Z DITCHES & 200-CW-2 S POND & 200-SCW-R T POND & 200-SC-1 STEAM CONDENSATE GROUP OU

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

    BAUER, R.G.

    2004-08-05

    The purpose of this remedial investigation (RI) report is to evaluate the data generated during the RI and other characterization activities at the 200-CW-5 Operable Unit (OU) to (1) determine if sufficient data have been collected to support risk assessment and remedial decision making, (2) estimate risk at the representative sites based on data collected during the RI and on other existing data, (3) determine the need to proceed with a feasibility study (FS), and (4) determine which constituents and site-specific considerations need to be addressed in the FS. This RI report also provides data to support the evaluation ofmore » alternatives in the FS with regard to meeting potential applicable or relevant and appropriate requirements, risk reduction, and potentially significant data gaps (if any). This RI report includes an evaluation of the baseline risk using characterization data generated during the RI and significant data from other investigations (e.g., historical data from the 216-U-10 Pond and the 216-Z-1D, 216-Z-11, 216-U-14, and 216-Z-19 Ditches). Data generated during the RI will support the closeout of waste sites in the 200-CW-5 OU, as well as the waste sites in the 200-CW-2,200-CW-4, and 200-SC-1 consolidated OUs.« less

  2. RI_50m_Wind

    Science.gov Websites

    development projects. This shapefile was generated from a raster dataset with a 200 m resolution, in a UTM Energy ("DOE"). The user is granted the right, without any fee or cost, to use, copy, modify appears in all copies of the data. Further, the user of this data agrees to credit NREL in any

  3. Grave's Eye disease developing following radioiodine treatment for toxic nodular goitre.

    PubMed

    Tahrani, A A; Rangan, S; Moulik, P

    2007-07-01

    The development of Grave's ophthalmopathy (GO) following radioiodine (RI) treatment for Grave's thyrotoxicosis, though controversial, is well described. The development of ophthalmopathy following RI treatment for toxic nodular goitre is much less recognised. We report a 49 year-old female patient who developed thyrotoxicosis and GO after receiving RI treatment for toxic nodular goitre and we also review the relevant literature.

  4. Aberrant Topologies and Reconfiguration Pattern of Functional Brain Network in Children with Second Language Reading Impairment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Liu, Lanfang; Li, Hehui; Zhang, Manli; Wang, Zhengke; Wei, Na; Liu, Li; Meng, Xiangzhi; Ding, Guosheng

    2016-01-01

    Prior work has extensively studied neural deficits in children with reading impairment (RI) in their native language but has rarely examined those of RI children in their second language (L2). A recent study revealed that the function of the local brain regions was disrupted in children with RI in L2, but it is not clear whether the disruption…

  5. Similar Survival for Patients Undergoing Reduced-Intensity Total Body Irradiation (TBI) Versus Myeloablative TBI as Conditioning for Allogeneic Transplant in Acute Leukemia

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

    Mikell, John L., E-mail: jmikell@emory.edu; Waller, Edmund K.; Switchenko, Jeffrey M.

    Purpose: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the mainstay of treatment for adults with acute leukemia. Total body irradiation (TBI) remains an important part of the conditioning regimen for HCST. For those patients unable to tolerate myeloablative TBI (mTBI), reduced intensity TBI (riTBI) is commonly used. In this study we compared outcomes of patients undergoing mTBI with those of patients undergoing riTBI in our institution. Methods and Materials: We performed a retrospective review of all patients with acute leukemia who underwent TBI-based conditioning, using a prospectively acquired database of HSCT patients treated at our institution. Patient data including details ofmore » the transplantation procedure, disease status, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), response rates, toxicity, survival time, and time to progression were extracted. Patient outcomes for various radiation therapy regimens were examined. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: Between June 1985 and July 2012, 226 patients with acute leukemia underwent TBI as conditioning for HSCT. Of those patients, 180 had full radiation therapy data available; 83 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 94 had acute myelogenous leukemia; 45 patients received riTBI, and 135 received mTBI. Median overall survival (OS) was 13.7 months. Median relapse-free survival (RFS) for all patients was 10.2 months. Controlling for age, sex, KPS, disease status, and diagnosis, there were no significant differences in OS or RFS between patients who underwent riTBI and those who underwent mTBI (P=.402, P=.499, respectively). Median length of hospital stay was shorter for patients who received riTBI than for those who received mTBI (16 days vs 23 days, respectively; P<.001), and intensive care unit admissions were less frequent following riTBI than mTBI (2.22% vs 12.69%, respectively, P=.043). Nonrelapse survival rates were also similar (P=.186). Conclusions: No differences in OS or RFS were seen

  6. How do Brazilian consumers perceive a non-traditional and innovative fruit juice? An approach looking at the packaging.

    PubMed

    Romano, Karen R; Rosenthal, Amauri; Deliza, Rosires

    2015-08-01

    Consumer interest in nutritious and innovative foods encourages the development of products based on raw materials with nutraceutical potential. The health benefits provided by pomegranate have been recognized; therefore, the development of pomegranate juice may match consumer expectations regarding this goal. However, the concept has to first be accepted by the consumer. The aim of the study was to utilize a rating based conjoint analysis to investigate how Brazilian consumers perceive pomegranate juice by identifying the role of packaging attributes relevant to the consumer's intention to purchase. Five factors were considered in the study: technology used in the juice production (high hydrostatic pressure - HHP - a technology that preserves nutritional and sensory properties), antioxidants, price, preservatives, and colorant. Eight hypothetical pomegranate juice packages were created following an incomplete block design and evaluated by 150 fruit juice consumers. Three clusters were identified. The average results revealed that antioxidants were the attribute of greatest relative importance to cluster 1 (RI: 36%), followed by HHP (RI: 25%) and colorants (14%). Consumers in cluster 2 considered price as the most important attribute (RI: 41%), followed by antioxidants (RI: 21%) and HHP (RI: 18%). Cluster 3, as well as cluster 2, considered price the most important attribute (RI: 28%), followed by antioxidants (RI: 26%) and HHP (RI: 22%). The results showed that consumers valued information on the health benefits of antioxidants as well as on the technology, suggesting that both types of information may be relevant tools to increase the intention to purchase the product. The application of HHP for pomegranate juice processing was positively perceived by consumers, suggesting a potential commercial application in the Brazilian industry. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Increasing magnitude of Hurricane Rapid Intensification in the central-eastern Atlantic over the past 30 years

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leung, L. R.; Balaguru, K.; Foltz, G. R.

    2017-12-01

    During the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, several hurricanes underwent rapid intensification (RI) in the central-eastern Atlantic. This motivates an analysis of trends in the strength of hurricane RI during the 30-year post-satellite period of 1986-2015. Our results show that in the eastern tropical Atlantic, to the east of 60W, the mean RI magnitude averaged during 2001-2015 was 3.8 kt per 24 hr higher than during 1986-2000. However, in the western tropical Atlantic, to the west of 60W, changes in RI magnitude over the same period were not statistically significant. We examined the large-scale environment to understand the causes behind these changes in RI magnitude and found that various oceanic and atmospheric parameters that play an important role in RI changed favorably in the eastern tropical Atlantic. More specifically, changes in SST, Potential Intensity, upper-ocean heat content, wind shear, relative humidity and upper-level divergence enhanced the ability for hurricanes to undergo RI in the eastern tropical Atlantic. In contrast, changes in the same factors are inconsistent in the western tropical Atlantic. While changes in SST and Potential Intensity were positive, changes in upper-ocean heat content, wind shear and upper-level divergence were either insignificant or unfavorable for RI. Finally, we examined the potential role of various climate phenomena, which are well-known to impact Atlantic hurricane activity, in causing the changes in the large-scale environment. Our analysis reveals that changes in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation over the 30-year period are predominantly responsible. These results provide important aspects of the large-scale context to understand the Atlantic hurricane season of 2017.

  8. Analogous on-axis interference topographic phase microscopy (AOITPM).

    PubMed

    Xiu, P; Liu, Q; Zhou, X; Xu, Y; Kuang, C; Liu, X

    2018-05-01

    The refractive index (RI) of a sample as an endogenous contrast agent plays an important role in transparent live cell imaging. In tomographic phase microscopy (TPM), 3D quantitative RI maps can be reconstructed based on the measured projections of the RI in multiple directions. The resolution of the RI maps not only depends on the numerical aperture of the employed objective lens, but also is determined by the accuracy of the quantitative phase of the sample measured at multiple scanning illumination angles. This paper reports an analogous on-axis interference TPM, where the interference angle between the sample and reference beams is kept constant for projections in multiple directions to improve the accuracy of the phase maps and the resolution of RI tomograms. The system has been validated with both silica beads and red blood cells. Compared with conventional TPM, the proposed system acquires quantitative RI maps with higher resolution (420 nm @λ = 633 nm) and signal-to-noise ratio that can be beneficial for live cell imaging in biomedical applications. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2018 Royal Microscopical Society.

  9. Temperature sensitivity of silicon nitride nanocoated long-period gratings working in various surrounding media

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Smietana, M.; Bock, W. J.; Mikulic, P.

    2011-11-01

    This paper presents the temperature sensing properties of a silicon nitride (SiNx) nanocoated long-period grating (LPG). A high-temperature, radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor-deposited SiNx nanocoating was applied to tune the external refractive index (RI) sensitivity of LPGs written with UV and electric arc techniques in boron co-doped and standard germanium doped fibers, respectively. The technique allows for deposition of good quality, hard and wear-resistant nanofilms as are required for optical sensors. Thanks to the high-RI SiNx nanocoating, which is less than 90 nm thick, it is possible to reduce RI sensitivity over a wide range (from nD = 1.333 to 1.479), simultaneously decreasing its cross-sensitivity to temperature. For the presented nanocoated LPGs, the temperature effect on resonance wavelength is linear and slightly dependent on the thermo-optic coefficient of the surrounding liquid. The other advantage of the nanocoating is that it makes the resonance clearly visible in the whole investigated external RI range. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents for the first time a nanocoating able to simultaneously tune the RI sensitivity and enable temperature measurements in high-RI liquids applied to LPGs.

  10. Data analysis and calibration for a bulk-refractive-index-compensated surface plasmon resonance affinity sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chinowsky, Timothy M.; Yee, Sinclair S.

    2002-02-01

    Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) affinity sensing, the problem of bulk refractive index (RI) interference in SPR sensing, and a sensor developed to overcome this problem are briefly reviewed. The sensor uses a design based on Texas Instruments' Spreeta SPR sensor to simultaneously measure both bulk and surface RI. The bulk RI measurement is then used to compensate the surface measurement and remove the effects of bulk RI interference. To achieve accurate compensation, robust data analysis and calibration techniques are necessary. Simple linear data analysis techniques derived from measurements of the sensor response were found to provide a versatile, low noise method for extracting measurements of bulk and surface refractive index from the raw sensor data. Automatic calibration using RI gradients was used to correct the linear estimates, enabling the sensor to produce accurate data even when the sensor has a complicated nonlinear response which varies with time. The calibration procedure is described, and the factors influencing calibration accuracy are discussed. Data analysis and calibration principles are illustrated with an experiment in which sucrose and detergent solutions are used to produce changes in bulk and surface RI, respectively.

  11. Do Clark's nutcrackers demonstrate what-where-when memory on a cache-recovery task?

    PubMed

    Gould, Kristy L; Ort, Amy J; Kamil, Alan C

    2012-01-01

    What-where-when (WWW) memory during cache recovery was investigated in six Clark's nutcrackers. During caching, both red- and blue-colored pine seeds were cached by the birds in holes filled with sand. Either a short (3 day) retention interval (RI) or a long (9 day) RI was followed by a recovery session during which caches were replaced with either a single seed or wooden bead depending upon the color of the cache and length of the retention interval. Knowledge of what was in the cache (seed or bead), where it was located, and when the cache had been made (3 or 9 days ago) were the three WWW memory components under investigation. Birds recovered items (bead or seed) at above chance levels, demonstrating accurate spatial memory. They also recovered seeds more than beads after the long RI, but not after the short RI, when they recovered seeds and beads equally often. The differential recovery after the long RI demonstrates that nutcrackers may have the capacity for WWW memory during this task, but it is not clear why it was influenced by RI duration.

  12. Hybrid tilted fiber grating based refractive index and liquid level sensing system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Zhijun; Mou, Chengbo; Sun, Zhongyuan; Zhou, Kaimin; Wang, Hushan; Wang, Yishan; Zhao, Wei; Zhang, Lin

    2015-09-01

    We report a refractive index (RI) and liquid level sensing system based on a hybrid grating structure comprising of a 45° and an 81° tilted fiber gratings (TFGs) that have been inscribed into a single mode fiber in series. In this structure, the 45°-TFG is used as a polarizer to filter out the transverse electric (TE) component and enable the 81°-TFG operating at single polarization for RI and level sensing. The experiment results show a lower temperature cross-sensitivity, only about 7.33 pm/°C, and a higher RI sensitivity, being around 180 nm/RIU at RI=1.345 and 926 nm/RIU at RI=1.412 region, which are significantly improved in comparison with long period fiber gratings. The hybrid grating structure has also been applied as a liquid level sensor, showing 3.06 dB/mm linear peak ratio sensitivity.

  13. Racial Identification, Racial Discrimination, and Substance Use Vulnerability Among African American Young Adults

    PubMed Central

    Stock, Michelle L.; Gibbons, Frederick X.; Walsh, Laura A.; Gerrard, Meg

    2016-01-01

    Two studies examined racial identity (RI) as a protective factor against substance use cognitions among African American young adults who either envisioned or experienced racial discrimination. In Study 1, participants envisioned a discrimination or nondiscrimination scenario, and then their willingness to use drugs and an indirect measure of substance use were assessed. Discrimination was associated with higher levels of use cognitions among participants with low levels of RI. In Study 2, participants were excluded or included in an online game (Cyberball) by White peers and then engaged in an RI-affirmation or control writing task. Participants attributed this exclusion to racial discrimination. Excluded participants who did not affirm their RI reported the highest levels of substance use cognitions, especially if they had engaged in higher levels of previous substance use. These findings highlight the importance of RI among Black young adults and the impact of discrimination on health behaviors. PMID:21628598

  14. Coexistence of positive and negative refractive index sensitivity in the liquid-core photonic crystal fiber based plasmonic sensor.

    PubMed

    Shuai, Binbin; Xia, Li; Liu, Deming

    2012-11-05

    We present and numerically characterize a liquid-core photonic crystal fiber based plasmonic sensor. The coupling properties and sensing performance are investigated by the finite element method. It is found that not only the plasmonic mode dispersion relation but also the fundamental mode dispersion relation is rather sensitive to the analyte refractive index (RI). The positive and negative RI sensitivity coexist in the proposed design. It features a positive RI sensitivity when the increment of the SPP mode effective index is larger than that of the fundamental mode, but the sensor shows a negative RI sensitivity once the increment of the fundamental mode gets larger. A maximum negative RI sensitivity of -5500nm/RIU (Refractive Index Unit) is achieved in the sensing range of 1.50-1.53. The effects of the structural parameters on the plasmonic excitations are also studied, with a view of tuning and optimizing the resonant spectrum.

  15. Design and optimization of liquid core optical ring resonator for refractive index sensing.

    PubMed

    Lin, Nai; Jiang, Lan; Wang, Sumei; Xiao, Hai; Lu, Yongfeng; Tsai, Hai-Lung

    2011-07-10

    This study performs a detailed theoretical analysis of refractive index (RI) sensors based on whispering gallery modes (WGMs) in liquid core optical ring resonators (LCORRs). Both TE- and TM-polarized WGMs of various orders are considered. The analysis shows that WGMs of higher orders need thicker walls to achieve a near-zero thermal drift, but WGMs of different orders exhibit a similar RI sensing performance at the thermostable wall thicknesses. The RI detection limit is very low at the thermostable thickness. The theoretical predications should provide a general guidance in the development of LCORR-based thermostable RI sensors. © 2011 Optical Society of America

  16. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal 14-3-3 Proteins Are Involved in Arbuscule Formation and Responses to Abiotic Stresses During AM Symbiosis

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Zhongfeng; Song, Jiabin; Xin, Xi’an; Xie, Xianan; Zhao, Bin

    2018-01-01

    Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are soil-borne fungi belonging to the ancient phylum Glomeromycota and are important symbionts of the arbuscular mycorrhiza, enhancing plant nutrient acquisition and resistance to various abiotic stresses. In contrast to their significant physiological implications, the molecular basis involved is poorly understood, largely due to their obligate biotrophism and complicated genetics. Here, we identify and characterize three genes termed Fm201, Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 that encode 14-3-3-like proteins in the AM fungi Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis, respectively. The transcriptional levels of Fm201, Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 are strongly induced in the pre-symbiotic and symbiotic phases, including germinating spores, intraradical hyphae- and arbuscules-enriched roots. To functionally characterize the Fm201, Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 genes, we took advantage of a yeast heterologous system owing to the lack of AM fungal transformation systems. Our data suggest that all three genes can restore the lethal Saccharomyces cerevisiae bmh1 bmh2 double mutant on galactose-containing media. Importantly, yeast one-hybrid analysis suggests that the transcription factor RiMsn2 is able to recognize the STRE (CCCCT/AGGGG) element present in the promoter region of Fm201 gene. More importantly, Host-Induced Gene Silencing of both Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 in Rhizophagus irregularis impairs the arbuscule formation in AM symbiosis and inhibits the expression of symbiotic PT4 and MST2 genes from plant and fungal partners, respectively. We further subjected the AM fungus-Medicago truncatula association system to drought or salinity stress. Accordingly, the expression profiles in both mycorrhizal roots and extraradical hyphae reveal that these three 14-3-3-like genes are involved in response to drought or salinity stress. Collectively, our results provide new insights into molecular functions of the AM fungal 14-3-3 proteins in abiotic stress responses and

  17. A pilot study of routine immunization data quality in Bunza Local Government area: causes and possible remedies.

    PubMed

    Omoleke, Semeeh Akinwale; Tadesse, Menberu Getachew

    2017-01-01

    As a result of poor quality administrative data for routine immunisation (RI) in Nigeria, the real coverage of RI remains unknown, constituting a setback in curtailing vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). Consequently, the purpose of this pilot study is to identify source(s) and evaluate the magnitude of poor data quality as well as propose recommendations to address the problem. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in which 5 out of the 22 health facilities providing routine immunization services in Bunza Local Government Area (LGA), Kebbi State, Nigeria, were selected for data quality assessment. The reported coverage of RI in August and September, 2016 was the primary element of evaluation in the selected Health Facilities (HFs). Administered questionnaires were adapted from WHO Data Quality Assurance and RI monitoring tools to generate data from the HFs, as well as standardised community survey tool for household surveys. Data inconsistency was detected in 100% of the selected HFs. Maximum difference between HF monthly summary and RI registration book for penta 3 data quality report analysis was 820% and 767% in MCH Bunza and PHC Balu respectively. However, a minimum difference of 3% was observed at Loko Dispensary. Maximum difference between HF summary and RI registration for measles was 614% at MCH Bunza and 43% minimum difference at Loko. In contrast to the administrative coverage, 60-80% of the children sampled from households were either not immunised or partially immunised. Further, the main sources of poor data quality include heavy workload on RI providers, over-reliance on administrative coverage report, and lack of understanding of the significance of high data quality by RI providers. Substantial data discrepancies were observed in RI reports from all the Health Facilities which is indicative of poor data quality at the LGA level. Community surveys also revealed an over-reporting from administrative coverage data. Consequently, efforts

  18. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal 14-3-3 Proteins Are Involved in Arbuscule Formation and Responses to Abiotic Stresses During AM Symbiosis.

    PubMed

    Sun, Zhongfeng; Song, Jiabin; Xin, Xi'an; Xie, Xianan; Zhao, Bin

    2018-01-01

    Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are soil-borne fungi belonging to the ancient phylum Glomeromycota and are important symbionts of the arbuscular mycorrhiza, enhancing plant nutrient acquisition and resistance to various abiotic stresses. In contrast to their significant physiological implications, the molecular basis involved is poorly understood, largely due to their obligate biotrophism and complicated genetics. Here, we identify and characterize three genes termed Fm201 , Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 that encode 14-3-3-like proteins in the AM fungi Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis , respectively. The transcriptional levels of Fm201 , Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 are strongly induced in the pre-symbiotic and symbiotic phases, including germinating spores, intraradical hyphae- and arbuscules-enriched roots. To functionally characterize the Fm201 , Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 genes, we took advantage of a yeast heterologous system owing to the lack of AM fungal transformation systems. Our data suggest that all three genes can restore the lethal Saccharomyces cerevisiae bmh1 bmh2 double mutant on galactose-containing media. Importantly, yeast one-hybrid analysis suggests that the transcription factor RiMsn2 is able to recognize the STRE (CCCCT/AGGGG) element present in the promoter region of Fm201 gene. More importantly, Host-Induced Gene Silencing of both Ri14-3-3 and RiBMH2 in Rhizophagus irregularis impairs the arbuscule formation in AM symbiosis and inhibits the expression of symbiotic PT4 and MST2 genes from plant and fungal partners, respectively. We further subjected the AM fungus- Medicago truncatula association system to drought or salinity stress. Accordingly, the expression profiles in both mycorrhizal roots and extraradical hyphae reveal that these three 14-3-3-like genes are involved in response to drought or salinity stress. Collectively, our results provide new insights into molecular functions of the AM fungal 14-3-3 proteins in abiotic stress responses and

  19. Fibroblast growth factor 2 protects against renal ischaemia/reperfusion injury by attenuating mitochondrial damage and proinflammatory signalling.

    PubMed

    Tan, Xiao-Hua; Zheng, Xiao-Meng; Yu, Li-Xia; He, Jian; Zhu, Hong-Mei; Ge, Xiu-Ping; Ren, Xiao-Li; Ye, Fa-Qing; Bellusci, Saverio; Xiao, Jian; Li, Xiao-Kun; Zhang, Jin-San

    2017-11-01

    Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (I/RI) is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). The molecular basis underlying I/RI-induced renal pathogenesis and measures to prevent or reverse this pathologic process remains to be resolved. Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) is reported to have protective roles of myocardial infarction as well as in several other I/R related disorders. Herein we present evidence that FGF2 exhibits robust protective effect against renal histological and functional damages in a rat I/RI model. FGF2 treatment greatly alleviated I/R-induced acute renal dysfunction and largely blunted I/R-induced elevation in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and also the number of TUNEL-positive tubular cells in the kidney. Mechanistically, FGF2 substantially ameliorated renal I/RI by mitigating several mitochondria damaging parameters including pro-apoptotic alteration of Bcl2/Bax expression, caspase-3 activation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and K ATP channel integrity. Of note, the protective effect of FGF2 was significantly compromised by the K ATP channel blocker 5-HD. Interestingly, I/RI alone resulted in mild activation of FGFR, whereas FGF2 treatment led to more robust receptor activation. More significantly, post-I/RI administration of FGF2 also exhibited robust protection against I/RI by reducing cell apoptosis, inhibiting the release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecule HMBG1 and activation of its downstream inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-6 and TNF α. Taken together, our data suggest that FGF2 offers effective protection against I/RI and improves animal survival by attenuating mitochondrial damage and HMGB1-mediated inflammatory response. Therefore, FGF2 has the potential to be used for the prevention and treatment of I/RI-induced AKI. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

  20. Validation of the French version of the Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index: psychometric properties in French speaking school-aged children.

    PubMed

    Olliac, Bertrand; Birmes, Philippe; Bui, Eric; Allenou, Charlotte; Brunet, Alain; Claudet, Isabelle; Sales de Gauzy, Jérôme; Grandjean, Hélène; Raynaud, Jean-Philippe

    2014-01-01

    Although the reliable and valid Child Post-Traumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI) is a widely used measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in children, it has not been validated in French-speaking populations. The present study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the CPTS-RI in three samples of French-speaking school-children. Data was obtained from three samples. Sample 1 was composed of 106 children (mean (SD) age = 11.7(0.7), 50% females) victims of an industrial disaster. Sample 2 was composed of 50 children (mean (SD) age = 10.8(2.6), 44% females) who had received an orthopaedic surgical procedure after an accident. Sample 3 was composed of 106 children (mean (SD) age = 11.7(2.2), 44% females) admitted to an emergency department after a road traffic accident. We tested internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha. We examined test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient. In order to assess the convergent validity of the French version of the CPTS-RI and the Clinician Administered PTS Scale-Child and Adolescent (CAPS-CA), spearman-correlation coefficient was computed. To verify the validity of the cut-off scores, a ROC curve was constructed which evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of each score compared to the diagnosis with the CAPS-CA. We also used principal components analysis with varimax rotation to study the structure of the French version of the CPTS-RI. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.87 for the French version of the CPTS-RI. Two-week test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (n = 30) was 0.67. The French version of the CPTS-RI was well correlated with the CAPS-CA (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Taking the CAPS-CA as the diagnostic reference, with a diagnostic cut-off of >24 for the CPTS-RI, the sensitivity and specificities were 100% and 62.6%, respectively. The French version of the CPTS-RI demonstrated a three-factor structure. The CPTS-RI is reliable and valid in French-speaking children.

  1. A pilot study of routine immunization data quality in Bunza Local Government area: causes and possible remedies

    PubMed Central

    Omoleke, Semeeh Akinwale; Tadesse, Menberu Getachew

    2017-01-01

    Introduction As a result of poor quality administrative data for routine immunisation (RI) in Nigeria, the real coverage of RI remains unknown, constituting a setback in curtailing vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs). Consequently, the purpose of this pilot study is to identify source(s) and evaluate the magnitude of poor data quality as well as propose recommendations to address the problem. Methods The authors conducted a cross-sectional study in which 5 out of the 22 health facilities providing routine immunization services in Bunza Local Government Area (LGA), Kebbi State, Nigeria, were selected for data quality assessment. The reported coverage of RI in August and September, 2016 was the primary element of evaluation in the selected Health Facilities (HFs). Administered questionnaires were adapted from WHO Data Quality Assurance and RI monitoring tools to generate data from the HFs, as well as standardised community survey tool for household surveys. Results Data inconsistency was detected in 100% of the selected HFs. Maximum difference between HF monthly summary and RI registration book for penta 3 data quality report analysis was 820% and 767% in MCH Bunza and PHC Balu respectively. However, a minimum difference of 3% was observed at Loko Dispensary. Maximum difference between HF summary and RI registration for measles was 614% at MCH Bunza and 43% minimum difference at Loko. In contrast to the administrative coverage, 60-80% of the children sampled from households were either not immunised or partially immunised. Further, the main sources of poor data quality include heavy workload on RI providers, over-reliance on administrative coverage report, and lack of understanding of the significance of high data quality by RI providers. Conclusion Substantial data discrepancies were observed in RI reports from all the Health Facilities which is indicative of poor data quality at the LGA level. Community surveys also revealed an over-reporting from administrative

  2. Gene-to-metabolite network for biosynthesis of lignans in MeJA-elicited Isatis indigotica hairy root cultures

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ruibing; Li, Qing; Tan, Hexin; Chen, Junfeng; Xiao, Ying; Ma, Ruifang; Gao, Shouhong; Zerbe, Philipp; Chen, Wansheng; Zhang, Lei

    2015-01-01

    Root and leaf tissue of Isatis indigotica shows notable anti-viral efficacy, and are widely used as “Banlangen” and “Daqingye” in traditional Chinese medicine. The plants' pharmacological activity is attributed to phenylpropanoids, especially a group of lignan metabolites. However, the biosynthesis of lignans in I. indigotica remains opaque. This study describes the discovery and analysis of biosynthetic genes and AP2/ERF-type transcription factors involved in lignan biosynthesis in I. indigotica. MeJA treatment revealed differential expression of three genes involved in phenylpropanoid backbone biosynthesis (IiPAL, IiC4H, Ii4CL), five genes involved in lignan biosynthesis (IiCAD, IiC3H, IiCCR, IiDIR, and IiPLR), and 112 putative AP2/ERF transcription factors. In addition, four intermediates of lariciresinol biosynthesis were found to be induced. Based on these results, a canonical correlation analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to construct gene-to-metabolite networks and identify putative key genes and rate-limiting reactions in lignan biosynthesis. Over-expression of IiC3H, identified as a key pathway gene, was used for metabolic engineering of I. indigotica hairy roots, and resulted in an increase in lariciresinol production. These findings illustrate the utility of canonical correlation analysis for the discovery and metabolic engineering of key metabolic genes in plants. PMID:26579184

  3. Tracer injection sites and combinations for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with endometrial cancer.

    PubMed

    Niikura, Hitoshi; Kaiho-Sakuma, Michiko; Tokunaga, Hideki; Toyoshima, Masafumi; Utsunomiya, Hiroki; Nagase, Satoru; Takano, Tadao; Watanabe, Mika; Ito, Kiyoshi; Yaegashi, Nobuo

    2013-11-01

    The aim of the present study was to clarify the most effective combination of injected tracer types and injection sites in order to detect sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in early endometrial cancer. The study included 100 consecutive patients with endometrial cancer treated at Tohoku University Hospital between June 2001 and December 2012. The procedure for SLN identification entailed either radioisotope (RI) injection into the endometrium during hysteroscopy (55 cases) or direct RI injection into the uterine cervix (45 cases). A combination of blue dye injected into the uterine cervix or uterine body intraoperatively in addition to preoperative RI injection occurred in 69 of 100 cases. All detected SLNs were recorded according to the individual tracer and the resultant staging from this method was compared to the final pathology of lymph node metastases including para-aortic nodes. SLN detection rate was highest (96%) by cervical RI injection; however, no SLNs were detected in para-aortic area. Para-aortic SLNs were detected only by hysteroscopic RI injection (56%). All cases with pelvic lymph node metastases were detected by pelvic SLN biopsy. Isolated positive para-aortic lymph nodes were detected in 3 patients. Bilateral SLN detection rate was high (96%; 26 of 27 cases) by cervical RI injection combined with dye. RI injection into the uterine cervix is highly sensitive in detection of SLN metastasis in early stage endometrial cancer. It is a useful and safe modality when combined with blue dye injection into the uterine body. © 2013.

  4. Reproductive isolation between populations of Iris atropurpurea is associated with ecological differentiation

    PubMed Central

    Yardeni, Gil; Tessler, Naama; Imbert, Eric; Sapir, Yuval

    2016-01-01

    Background and Aims Speciation is often described as a continuous dynamic process, expressed by different magnitudes of reproductive isolation (RI) among groups in different levels of divergence. Studying intraspecific partial RI can shed light on mechanisms underlying processes of population divergence. Intraspecific divergence can be driven by spatially stochastic accumulation of genetic differences following reduced gene flow, resulting in increased RI with increased geographical distance, or by local adaptation, resulting in increased RI with environmental difference. Methods We tested for RI as a function of both geographical distance and ecological differentiation in Iris atropurpurea, an endemic Israeli coastal plant. We crossed plants in the Netanya Iris Reserve population with plants from 14 populations across the species’ full distribution, and calculated RI and reproductive success based on fruit set, seed set and fraction of seed viability. Key Results We found that total RI was not significantly associated with geographical distance, but significantly increased with ecological distance. Similarly, reproductive success of the crosses, estimated while controlling for the dependency of each component on the previous stage, significantly reduced with increased ecological distance. Conclusions Our results indicate that the rise of post-pollination reproductive barriers in I. atropurpurea is more affected by ecological differentiation between populations than by geographical distance, supporting the hypothesis that ecological differentiation is predominant over isolation by distance and by reduced gene flow in this species. These findings also affect conservation management, such as genetic rescue, in the highly fragmented and endangered I. atropurpurea. PMID:27436798

  5. The EPSRC's Policy of Responsible Innovation from a Trading Zones Perspective.

    PubMed

    Murphy, Joseph; Parry, Sarah; Walls, John

    Responsible innovation (RI) is gathering momentum as an academic and policy debate linking science and society. Advocates of RI in research policy argue that scientific research should be opened up at an early stage so that many actors and issues can steer innovation trajectories. If this is done, they suggest, new technologies will be more responsible in different ways, better aligned with what society wants, and mistakes of the past will be avoided. This paper analyses the dynamics of RI in policy and practice and makes recommendations for future development. More specifically, we draw on the theory of 'trading zones' developed by Peter Galison and use it to analyse two related processes: (i) the development and inclusion of RI in research policy at the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); (ii) the implementation of RI in relation to the Stratospheric Particle Injection for Climate Engineering (SPICE) project. Our analysis reveals an RI trading zone comprised of three quasi-autonomous traditions of the research domain - applied science, social science and research policy. It also shows how language and expertise are linking and coordinating these traditions in ways shaped by local conditions and the wider context of research. Building on such insights, we argue that a sensible goal for RI policy and practice at this stage is better local coordination of those involved and we suggest ways how this might be achieved.

  6. Inhibitory effect of carotenoids on the degranulation of mast cells via suppression of antigen-induced aggregation of high affinity IgE receptors.

    PubMed

    Sakai, Shota; Sugawara, Tatsuya; Matsubara, Kiminori; Hirata, Takashi

    2009-10-09

    Carotenoids have been demonstrated to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no report that the effects of carotenoids on degranulation of mast cell is critical for type I allergy. In this study, we focused on the effect of carotenoids on antigen-induced degranulation of mast cells. Fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene significantly inhibited the antigen-induced release of beta-hexosaminidase in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. Those carotenoids also inhibited antigen-induced aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI), which is the most upstream of the degranulating signals of mast cells. Furthermore, carotenoids inhibited Fc epsilonRI-mediated intracellular signaling, such as phosphorylation of Lyn kinase and Fyn kinase. It suggests that the inhibitory effect of carotenoids on the degranulation of mast cells were mainly due to suppressing the aggregation of Fc epsilonRI followed by intracellular signaling. In addition, those carotenoids inhibited antigen-induced translocation of Fc epsilonRI to lipid rafts, which are known as platforms of the aggregation of Fc epsilonRI. We assume that carotenoids may modulate the function of lipid rafts and inhibit the translocation of Fc epsilonRI to lipid rafts. This is the first report that focused on the aggregation of Fc epsilonRI to investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effects on the degranulation of mast cells and evaluated the functional activity of carotenoids associated with lipid rafts.

  7. Inhibitory Effect of Carotenoids on the Degranulation of Mast Cells via Suppression of Antigen-induced Aggregation of High Affinity IgE Receptors*

    PubMed Central

    Sakai, Shota; Sugawara, Tatsuya; Matsubara, Kiminori; Hirata, Takashi

    2009-01-01

    Carotenoids have been demonstrated to possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is no report that the effects of carotenoids on degranulation of mast cell is critical for type I allergy. In this study, we focused on the effect of carotenoids on antigen-induced degranulation of mast cells. Fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene significantly inhibited the antigen-induced release of β-hexosaminidase in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells. Those carotenoids also inhibited antigen-induced aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcϵRI), which is the most upstream of the degranulating signals of mast cells. Furthermore, carotenoids inhibited FcϵRI-mediated intracellular signaling, such as phosphorylation of Lyn kinase and Fyn kinase. It suggests that the inhibitory effect of carotenoids on the degranulation of mast cells were mainly due to suppressing the aggregation of FcϵRI followed by intracellular signaling. In addition, those carotenoids inhibited antigen-induced translocation of FcϵRI to lipid rafts, which are known as platforms of the aggregation of FcϵRI. We assume that carotenoids may modulate the function of lipid rafts and inhibit the translocation of FcϵRI to lipid rafts. This is the first report that focused on the aggregation of FcϵRI to investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effects on the degranulation of mast cells and evaluated the functional activity of carotenoids associated with lipid rafts. PMID:19700409

  8. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-PEST (PTP-PEST) regulates mast cell-activating signals in PTP activity-dependent and -independent manners.

    PubMed

    Motohashi, Satoru; Koizumi, Karen; Honda, Reika; Maruyama, Atsuko; Palmer, Helen E F; Mashima, Keisuke

    2014-01-01

    Aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) in mast cells leads to degranulation and production of numerous cytokines and lipid mediators that promote allergic inflammation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in response to FcεRI aggregation has been implicated in mast cell activation. Here, we determined the role of PTP-PEST (encoded by PTPN12) in the regulation of mast cell activation using the RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cell line as a model. PTP-PEST expression was significantly induced upon FcεRI-crosslinking, and aggregation of FcεRI induced the phosphorylation of PTP-PEST at Ser39, thus resulting in the suppression of PTP activity. By overexpressing a phosphatase-dead mutant (PTP-PEST CS) and a constitutively active mutant (PTP-PEST SA) in RBL-2H3 cells, we showed that PTP-PEST decreased degranulation and enhanced IL-4 and IL-13 transcription in FcεRI-crosslinked RBL-2H3 cells, but PTP activity of PTP-PEST was not necessary for this regulation. However, FcεRI-induced TNF-α transcription was increased by the overexpression of PTP-PEST SA and suppressed by the overexpression of PTP-PEST CS. Taken together, these results suggest that PTP-PEST is involved in the regulation of FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation through at least two different processes represented by PTP activity-dependent and -independent pathways. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Correlation between ocular pulse amplitude measured by dynamic contour tonometer and colour Doppler flow imaging of the arteric retrobulbar vessels.

    PubMed

    Marjanović, Ivan; Mijajlović, Milija; Covicković-Sternić, Nadezda; Kontić, Djordje; Hentova-Senćanić, Paraskeva; Marković, Vujica; Bozić, Marija

    2011-01-01

    An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed as a pathogenic factor in glaucoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), measured by Dynamic contour tonometer (DCT) and colour Doppler imaging (CDI) of the arteric retrobulbar vessels. Twenty patients older than 50 years were examined, and divided into two equal groups. The first group comprised of patients with normal tension glaucoma treated with topical antiglaucomatous therapy, and the second group included patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma suspicious without any antiglaucomatous therapy. Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) was measured with DCT. CDI was also performed. We measured haemodynamic parameters of the internal carotid artery (ICA), ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). Peak systolic (PSV), end-diastolic (EDV) velocities were measured, and resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. Correlation with OPA showed indirect servitude in the RI of the ICA, RI and PI of the CRA, in the first group; and in the PSV and EDV of the ICA, in the RI and PI of the OA, EDV and RI of the CRA, and RI of the PCA, in the second group Increase of OPA was mostly followed by the increase of the parameters (PSV, EDV, RI, and PI) of the arteric retrobulbar vessels in the first group; in the second group, increase of OPA was in almost 50% of parameters followed by their decrease.

  10. Functional characterization of Rorippa indica defensin and its efficacy against Lipaphis erysimi.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Poulami; Jana, Jagannath; Chatterjee, Subhrangshu; Sikdar, Samir Ranjan

    2016-01-01

    Rorippa indica, a wild crucifer, has been previously reported as the first identified plant in the germplasm of Brassicaceae known to be tolerant towards the mustard aphid Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach. We herein report the full-length cloning, expression, purification and characterization of a novel R. indica defensin (RiD) and its efficacy against L. erysimi. Structural analysis through homology modeling of RiD showed longer α-helix and 3rd β-sheet as compared to Brassica juncea defensin (BjD). Recombinant RiD and BjD was purified for studying its efficacy against L. erysimi. In the artificial diet based insect bioassay, the LC50 value of RiD against L. erysimi was found to be 9.099 ± 0.621 µg/mL which is far lower than that of BjD (43.51 ± 0.526 µg/mL). This indicates the possibility of RiD having different interacting partner and having better efficacy against L. erysimi over BjD. In the transient localization studies, RiD signal peptide directed the RiD: yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fusion protein to the apoplastic regions which indicates that it might play a very important role in inhibiting nutrient uptake by aphids which follow mainly extracellular route to pierce through the cells. Hence, the present study has a significant implication for the future pest management program of B. juncea through the development of aphid tolerant transgenic plants.

  11. Neutral kaon mixing beyond the Standard Model with n f = 2 + 1 chiral fermions. Part 2: non perturbative renormalisation of the ΔF = 2 four-quark operators

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

    Boyle, Peter A.; Garron, Nicolas; Hudspith, Renwick J.

    We compute the renormalisation factors (Z-matrices) of the ΔF = 2 four-quark operators needed for Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) kaon mixing. We work with nf = 2+1 flavours of Domain-Wall fermions whose chiral-flavour properties are essential to maintain a continuum-like mixing pattern. We introduce new RI-SMOM renormalisation schemes, which we argue are better behaved compared to the commonly-used corresponding RI-MOM one. We find that, once converted to MS¯, the Z-factors computed through these RI-SMOM schemes are in good agreement but differ significantly from the ones computed through the RI-MOM scheme. The RI-SMOM Z-factors presented here have been used tomore » compute the BSM neutral kaon mixing matrix elements in the companion paper. In conclusion, we argue that the renormalisation procedure is responsible for the discrepancies observed by different collaborations, we will investigate and elucidate the origin of these differences throughout this work.« less

  12. Adaptive Residual Interpolation for Color and Multispectral Image Demosaicking.

    PubMed

    Monno, Yusuke; Kiku, Daisuke; Tanaka, Masayuki; Okutomi, Masatoshi

    2017-12-01

    Color image demosaicking for the Bayer color filter array is an essential image processing operation for acquiring high-quality color images. Recently, residual interpolation (RI)-based algorithms have demonstrated superior demosaicking performance over conventional color difference interpolation-based algorithms. In this paper, we propose adaptive residual interpolation (ARI) that improves existing RI-based algorithms by adaptively combining two RI-based algorithms and selecting a suitable iteration number at each pixel. These are performed based on a unified criterion that evaluates the validity of an RI-based algorithm. Experimental comparisons using standard color image datasets demonstrate that ARI can improve existing RI-based algorithms by more than 0.6 dB in the color peak signal-to-noise ratio and can outperform state-of-the-art algorithms based on training images. We further extend ARI for a multispectral filter array, in which more than three spectral bands are arrayed, and demonstrate that ARI can achieve state-of-the-art performance also for the task of multispectral image demosaicking.

  13. Increasing Magnitude of Hurricane Rapid Intensification in the Central and Eastern Tropical Atlantic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balaguru, Karthik; Foltz, Gregory R.; Leung, L. Ruby

    2018-05-01

    Rapid intensification (RI) of hurricanes is notoriously difficult to predict and can contribute to severe destruction and loss of life. While past studies examined the frequency of RI occurrence, changes in RI magnitude were not considered. Here we explore changes in RI magnitude over the 30-year satellite period of 1986-2015. In the central and eastern tropical Atlantic, which includes much of the main development region, the 95th percentile of 24-hr intensity changes increased at 3.8 knots per decade. In the western tropical Atlantic, encompassing the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, trends are insignificant. Our analysis reveals that warming of the upper ocean coinciding with the positive phase of Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, and associated changes in the large-scale environment, has predominantly favored RI magnitude increases in the central and eastern tropical Atlantic. These results have substantial implications for the eastern Caribbean Islands, some of which were devastated during the 2017 hurricane season.

  14. Evaluation of the renal resistive index and pulsatility index in patients with pleural effusion by duplex Doppler ultrasonography.

    PubMed

    Değirmenci, Nevbahar Akcar; Metintaş, Muzaffer; Atlanoglu, Sahinde; Yıldırım, Huseyin

    2013-01-01

    The aim of the study was to evaluate the renal resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in patients with pleural effusion (PE). We studied the mean renal RI and PI in 50 patients with PE and 30 healthy volunteers by Doppler sonography. We grouped effusion as unilateral and bilateral. Statistical analysis was done by independent t test and correlation coefficient analysis. The mean RI/PI in healthy volunteers and in PE patients was 0.58/0.93 and 0.72/1.35, respectively. We observed a significantly higher RI and PI in patients when compared with healthy volunteers (all p < 0.001). We found no difference between the renal RI or PI related to unilateral (0.71 or 1.34, respectively) or bilateral effusion (0.74 or 1.55, respectively) (p > 0.05). Pleural effusion might result in increased renal impedance as seen in cirrhosis, which is a rather complicated pathophysiological process, without causing any morphological changes in kidneys.

  15. Neutral kaon mixing beyond the Standard Model with n f = 2 + 1 chiral fermions. Part 2: non perturbative renormalisation of the ΔF = 2 four-quark operators

    DOE PAGES

    Boyle, Peter A.; Garron, Nicolas; Hudspith, Renwick J.; ...

    2017-10-10

    We compute the renormalisation factors (Z-matrices) of the ΔF = 2 four-quark operators needed for Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) kaon mixing. We work with nf = 2+1 flavours of Domain-Wall fermions whose chiral-flavour properties are essential to maintain a continuum-like mixing pattern. We introduce new RI-SMOM renormalisation schemes, which we argue are better behaved compared to the commonly-used corresponding RI-MOM one. We find that, once converted to MS¯, the Z-factors computed through these RI-SMOM schemes are in good agreement but differ significantly from the ones computed through the RI-MOM scheme. The RI-SMOM Z-factors presented here have been used tomore » compute the BSM neutral kaon mixing matrix elements in the companion paper. In conclusion, we argue that the renormalisation procedure is responsible for the discrepancies observed by different collaborations, we will investigate and elucidate the origin of these differences throughout this work.« less

  16. Refractive-Index Tuning of Highly Fluorescent Carbon Dots.

    PubMed

    Kumar, Vijay Bhooshan; Sahu, Amit Kumar; Mohsin, Abu S M; Li, Xiangping; Gedanken, Aharon

    2017-08-30

    In this manuscript, we report the refractive-index (RI) modulation of various concentrations of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N@C-dots) embedded in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer. The dispersion and size distribution of N@C-dots embedded within PVA have been investigated using electron microscopy. The RI of PVA-N@C-dots can be enhanced by increasing the doping concentration of highly fluorescent C-dots (quantum yield 44%). This is demonstrated using ultraviolet-visible (UV-visible), photoluminscence, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements. The Mie scattering of light on N@C-dots was applied for developing the relationship between RI tuning and absorption cross section of N@C-dots. The extinction cross section of N@C-dot thin films can be rapidly enhanced by either tuning the RI or increasing the concentration of N@C-dots. The developed method can be used as effective RI contrast for various applications such as holography creation and bioimaging.

  17. Neutral kaon mixing beyond the Standard Model with n f = 2 + 1 chiral fermions. Part 2: non perturbative renormalisation of the Δ F = 2 four-quark operators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boyle, Peter A.; Garron, Nicolas; Hudspith, Renwick J.; Lehner, Christoph; Lytle, Andrew T.

    2017-10-01

    We compute the renormalisation factors ( Z-matrices) of the Δ F = 2 four-quark operators needed for Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) kaon mixing. We work with n f = 2+1 flavours of Domain-Wall fermions whose chiral-flavour properties are essential to maintain a continuum-like mixing pattern. We introduce new RI-SMOM renormalisation schemes, which we argue are better behaved compared to the commonly-used corresponding RI-MOM one. We find that, once converted to \\overline{MS} , the Z-factors computed through these RI-SMOM schemes are in good agreement but differ significantly from the ones computed through the RI-MOM scheme. The RI-SMOM Z-factors presented here have been used to compute the BSM neutral kaon mixing matrix elements in the companion paper [1]. We argue that the renormalisation procedure is responsible for the discrepancies observed by different collaborations, we will investigate and elucidate the origin of these differences throughout this work.

  18. Strengthening Routine Immunization in Areas of Northern Nigeria at High Risk for Polio Transmission During 2012–2014

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Daniel; Banda, Richard; Mohammed, Abdulaziz; Adagadzu, Julie; Murele, Bolatito; Seruyange, Rachel; Makam, Jeevan; Mkanda, Pascal; Okpessen, Bassey; Tegegne, Sisay G.; Folorunsho, Adeboye S.; Erbeto, Tesfaye B.; Yehualashet, Yared G.; Vaz, Rui G.

    2016-01-01

    Background. Following the 2012 declaration by World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa and the WHO Executive Board to ramp up routine immunization (RI) activities, began to intensify activities to strengthen RI. This study assessed how the intensification of RI helped strengthen service delivery in local government areas (LGAs) of northern Nigeria at high risk for polio transmission. Methods. A retrospective study was performed by analyzing RI administrative data and findings from supportive supervisory visits in 107 high-risk LGAs. Results. Our study revealed that administrative coverage with 3rd dose of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine in the 107 high-risk LGAs improved from a maximum average coverage of 33% during the preintensification period of 2009–2011 to 74% during the postintensification period of 2012–2014. Conclusions. Routine immunization could be strengthened in areas where coverage is low, and RI has been identified to be weak when certain key routine activities are intensified. PMID:26917576

  19. Pawcatuck River and Narragansett Bay Drainage Basins. Water and Related Land Resources Study. Blackstone River Watershed.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-08-01

    stretch: The Berkeley Industrial Park at Martin Street with 80 acres in the flood plain, the Owens - Corning Fiberglas Company at Ashton, and the...River, Ashton, RI 8/2Z/55 Owens Corning Fiberglas Plant lower right. Lonsdale Area, Cumnberland, RI 8/22/55 Al4 * raw Old Slater Mill, Cumberland, RI...area, the Owens - Corning Fiberglas Corporation industrial concern may be subject to damages. The industry has implemented nonstructural floodproofing

  20. Tactical Web Services: Using XML and Java Web Services to Conduct Real-Time Net-Centric Sonar Visualization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-09-01

    Rosetti USN U.S. Navy Chesterton, IN 6. Erik Chaum NUWC Newport, RI 7. David Bellino NPRI Newport, RI 8. Dick Nadolink NUWC Newport, RI...found at (http://www.parallelgraphics.com/products/cortona). G. JFREECHART JFreeChart is an open source Java API created by David Gilbert and...www.xj3d.org/. Accessed 3 September 2004. Hunter, David , Kurt Cagle, and Chris Dix, eds. Beginning XML, Second Edition. Indianapolis, IN

  1. Short rest interval lengths between sets optimally enhance body composition and performance with 8 weeks of strength resistance training in older men.

    PubMed

    Villanueva, Matthew G; Lane, Christianne Joy; Schroeder, E Todd

    2015-02-01

    To determine if 8 weeks of periodized strength resistance training (RT) utilizing relatively short rest interval lengths (RI) in between sets (SS) would induce greater improvements in body composition and muscular performance, compared to the same RT program utilizing extended RI (SL). 22 male volunteers (SS: n = 11, 65.6 ± 3.4 years; SL: n = 11, 70.3 ± 4.9 years) were assigned to one of two strength RT groups, following 4 weeks of periodized hypertrophic RT (PHRT): strength RT with 60-s RI (SS) or strength RT with 4-min RI (SL). Prior to randomization, all 22 study participants trained 3 days/week, for 4 weeks, targeting hypertrophy; from week 4 to week 12, SS and SL followed the same periodized strength RT program for 8 weeks, with RI the only difference in their RT prescription. Following PHRT, all study participants experienced increases in lean body mass (LBM) (p < 0.01), upper and lower body strength (p < 0.001), and dynamic power (p < 0.001), as well as decreases in percentage body fat (p < 0.05). Across the 8-week strength RT phase, SS experienced significantly greater increases in LBM (p = 0.001), flat machine bench press 1-RM (p < 0.001), bilateral leg press 1-RM (p < 0.001), narrow/neutral grip lat pulldown (p < 0.01), and Margaria stair-climbing power (p < 0.001), compared to SL. This study suggests 8 weeks of periodized high-intensity strength RT with shortened RI induces significantly greater enhancements in body composition, muscular performance, and functional performance, compared to the same RT prescription with extended RI, in older men. Applied professionals may optimize certain RT-induced adaptations, by incorporating shortened RI.

  2. Diatoms as an indicator for tile drainage flow in a German lowland catchment.

    PubMed

    Wu, Naicheng; Faber, Claas; Ulrich, Uta; Fohrer, Nicola

    2018-01-01

    The separation of runoff components within a model simulation is of great importance for a successful implementation of management measures. Diatoms could be a promising indicator for tile drainage flow due to their diverse preferences to different aquatic habitats. In this study, we collected diatom samples of 9 sites (4 tile drainage, TD, and 5 river sites, Ri) in a German lowland catchment at a weekly or biweekly time step from March to July 2013 with the aim of testing the suitability of diatoms for tile drainage flow, which is typical for lowland catchment. Planothidium lanceolatum , Ulnaria biceps , and Navicula gregaria dominated in TD sites with relative abundances of 22.2, 21.5, and 10.9%, respectively. For Ri sites, the most abundant species was Navicula lanceolata (20.5%), followed by Ulnaria biceps (12.9%), Cyclotella meneghiniana (9.5%), and Planothidium lanceolatum (9.3%). Compared with Ri sites, TD had a lower diatom density, biomass, species richness, and percentage of Aquatic/Riparian diatoms (AqRi%). However, the proportion of Riparian diatoms (RiZo%) increased at TD. Indicator value method (IndVal) revealed that the two groups (Ri and TD) were characterized by different indicator species. Fifteen taxa, including Cocconeis placentula , Cyclotella meneghiniana , N. lanceolata , and U. biceps , were significant indicators for Ri sites. Planothidium lanceolatum , Achnanthidium minutissimum , and Navicula gregaria were significant indicators for TD sites. A pronounced variation was found in the species lists of diatom community between Ri and TD water body types associated with different indicator species. With respect to hydrograph separation, these findings highlight the suitability of diatoms as an indicator for tile drainage flow. However, spatial and temporal variations of diatoms should be considered in future surveys.

  3. The value of Doppler ultrasound in predicting delayed graft function occurrence after kidney transplantation.

    PubMed

    Mocny, Grzegorz; Bachul, Piotr; Chang, Ea-Sle; Kulig, Piotr

    The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of blood flow velocity and vascular resistance measured by Doppler ultrasound in terms of pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) respectively, in the occurrence of delayed graft function (DGF) after kidney transplantation. This prospective study enrolled kidney transplant recipients operated from January 2005 to April 2009 in the 1st Department of General, Oncological and Gastroenterological Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland. The medical records of 53 kidney transplant recipients from deceased donors were reviewed. PI and RI values of the graft arcuate artery were calculated immediately after blood flow restoration and on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 8th post-operative day. DGF was observed in 20 patients (37.7%), while 33 patients (62.3%) had immediate restoration of the kidney function. The mean intraoperative values of RI and PI from patients with DGF were significantly higher in comparison to patients without DGF (0.9 vs. 0.74, p <0.001; 1.76 vs. 1.54, p = 0.019, respectively). Post-operatively, the RI and PI values remained stable and significantly higher in DGF group. The highest sensitivity of RI to predict DGF occurrence was observed intraoperatively and on the first postoperative day, with values of 77.8% and 72.2%, respectively. The risk of DGF occurrence with intraoperative RI value ≥0.9 increased by 13-fold, and with intraoperative PI value ≥1.9 by 12-fold. This increase was even more prominent during the first post-operative day with RI value ≥0.9 or PI value ≥1.9 with 19-fold increase in the risk of DGF occurrence. According to our study, the utilization of Doppler ultrasound with measurement of hemodynamic parameters (PI, RI), play a crucial role in predicting the outcomes of kidney transplantation.

  4. Partial amino acid sequence of the branched chain amino acid aminotransferase (TmB) of E. coli JA199 pDU11

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

    Feild, M.J.; Armstrong, F.B.

    1987-05-01

    E. coli JA199 pDU11 harbors a multicopy plasmid containing the ilv GEDAY gene cluster of S. typhimurium. TmB, gene product of ilv E, was purified, crystallized, and subjected to Edman degradation using a gas phase sequencer. The intact protein yielded an amino terminal 31 residue sequence. Both carboxymethylated apoenzyme and (/sup 3/H)-NaBH-reduced holoenzyme were then subjected to digestion by trypsin. The digests were fractionated using reversed phase HPLC, and the peptides isolated were sequenced. The borohydride-treated holoenzyme was used to isolate the cofactor-binding peptide. The peptide is 27 residues long and a comparison with known sequences of other aminotransferases revealedmore » limited homology. Peptides accounting for 211 of 288 predicted residues have been sequenced, including 9 residues of the carboxyl terminus. Comparison of peptides with the inferred amino acid sequence of the E. coli K-12 enzyme has helped determine the sequence of the amino terminal 59 residues; only two differences between the sequences are noted in this region.« less

  5. Leveraging LSTM for rapid intensifications prediction of tropical cyclones

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Y.; Yang, R.; Yang, C.; Yu, M.; Hu, F.; Jiang, Y.

    2017-10-01

    Tropical cyclones (TCs) usually cause severe damages and destructions. TC intensity forecasting helps people prepare for the extreme weather and could save lives and properties. Rapid Intensifications (RI) of TCs are the major error sources of TC intensity forecasting. A large number of factors, such as sea surface temperature and wind shear, affect the RI processes of TCs. Quite a lot of work have been done to identify the combination of conditions most favorable to RI. In this study, deep learning method is utilized to combine conditions for RI prediction of TCs. Experiments show that the long short-term memory (LSTM) network provides the ability to leverage past conditions to predict TC rapid intensifications.

  6. Interacting Cache memories: evidence for flexible memory use by Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica).

    PubMed

    Clayton, Nicola S; Yu, Kara Shirley; Dickinson, Anthony

    2003-01-01

    When Western Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma californica) cached and recovered perishable crickets, N. S. Clayton, K. S. Yu, and A. Dickinson (2001) reported that the jays rapidly learned to search for fresh crickets after a 1-day retention interval (RI) between caching and recovery but to avoid searching for perished crickets after a 4-day RI. In the present experiments, the jays generalized their search preference for crickets to intermediate RIs and used novel information about the rate of decay of crickets presented during the RI to reverse these search preferences at recovery. The authors interpret this reversal as evidence that the birds can integrate information about the caching episode with new information presented during the RI.

  7. Developed Design for Humeral Head Replacement Using 3D Surface Mapping

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salah, H. R.

    2014-12-01

    Assessment of dimensional and geometrical data on the humeral head replacement (HHR) objects is essential for solving the relevant designing problems in the physics of reverse engineering (RE). In this work, 2D-assessment for human humerus was performed using the computed tomography (CT) technique within the RE plan, after which the 2D images of humeral objects were converted into 3D images. The conversion was successful and indicated a clear difference in the 2D and 3D estimates of sizes and geometry of the humerus. The authors have analyzed and confirmed experimentally the statistical information on the relevant anatomical objects. The results of finite-element simulation of the compressive stresses affecting the geometry of 3D surface mapping were analyzed using SolidWorks software. For developing the biomechanical design of an HHR object suitable biomaterials were selected, and different metal-based biomaterials are discussed as applied at various loads. New methodology is presented for the size estimation of humeral head - both anatomical and artificial - in 3D-shape. A detailed interpretation is given for the results of CT D-measurements. Izmēru un ģeometrisko datu novērtējums, kas attiecas uz pleca kaula galviņas nomaiņas (PKGN) objektiem, nepieciešams, lai risinātu virkni reversīvās inženierijas (RI) problēmu. Šajā darbā cilvēka pleca kaula galviņas divdimensiju novērtējums tika veikts ar datortomogrāfijas palīdzību (RI) ietvaros, un pēc tam objekta divdimensiju attēlojums tika pārveidots trīsdimensiju. Pārveidojums bija sekmīgs, parādot pleca kaula galviņas izmēru un ģeometrijas atšķirības starp 2D un 3D novērtējumiem. Autori izanalizēja un eksperimentāli apstiprināja statistisko informāciju pēc dotā veida anatomiskiem objektiem. Saspiešanas sasprindzinājumi, kuri ietekmē trīsdimensiju virsmas attēlojuma ģeometriju, tika analizēti ar gala-elementu simulācijas metodi, lietojot programmu Solid

  8. Monitoring of selected priority and emerging contaminants in the Guadalquivir River and other related surface waters in the province of Jaén, South East Spain.

    PubMed

    Robles-Molina, José; Gilbert-López, Bienvenida; García-Reyes, Juan F; Molina-Díaz, Antonio

    2014-05-01

    The province of Jaén counts with four natural parks, numerous rivers, reservoirs and wetlands; moreover, it is probably the region with higher olive oil production in the world, which makes this zone a proper target to be studied based on the European Water Framework Directive 2000/60/CE. The aim of this survey is to monitor a total number of 373 compounds belonging to different families (pesticides, PAHs, nitrosamines, drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals and life-style compounds) in surface waters located at different points of the province of Jaén. Among these compounds some priority organic substances (regulated by the EU Directive 2008/105/EC) and pollutants of emerging concern (not regulated yet) can be found. A liquid chromatography electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOFMS) method covering 340 compounds was developed and applied, together with a gas chromatography triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) method which enabled the analysis of 63 organic contaminants (30 of these compounds are analyzed by LC-TOFMS as well). From April 2009 to November 2010 a total of 83 surface water samples were collected (rivers, reservoirs and wetlands). In this period numerous organic contaminants were detected, most of them at the ng L(-1) level. The most frequently priority substances found were chlorpyrifos ethyl, diuron and hexachlorobenzene. Within the other groups, the most frequently detected compounds were: terbuthylazine, oxyfluorfen, desethyl terbuthylazine, diphenylamine (pesticide family); fluorene, phenanthrene, pyrene (PAHs group), codeine, paracetamol (pharmaceuticals compounds) and caffeine, nicotine (life-style compounds). As is could be expected, the total concentration of emerging contaminants is distinctly larger than that of priority pollutants, highlighting the importance of continuing with the study of their presence, fate and effects in aquatic environments. However, concentration levels (at the ng per liter level) are low in

  9. An endogenous ribonuclease inhibitor regulates the antimicrobial activity of ribonuclease 7 in the human urinary tract

    PubMed Central

    Spencer, John David; Schwaderer, Andrew L.; Eichler, Tad; Wang, Huanyu; Kline, Jennifer; Justice, Sheryl S.; Cohen, Daniel M.; Hains, David S.

    2013-01-01

    Recent studies stress the importance of antimicrobial peptides in protecting the urinary tract from infection. Previously, we have shown that ribonuclease 7 (RNase 7) is a potent antimicrobial peptide that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against uropathogenic bacteria. The urothelium of the lower urinary tract and intercalated cells of the kidney produce RNase 7 but regulation of its antimicrobial activity has not been well defined. Here we characterize the expression of an endogenous inhibitor, ribonuclease inhibitor (RI), in the urinary tract and evaluate its effect on RNase 7’s antimicrobial activity. Using RNA isolated from non-infected human bladder and kidney tissue, quantitative real-time PCR showed that RNH1, the gene encoding RI, is constitutively expressed throughout the urinary tract. With pyelonephritis, RNH1 expression and RI peptide production significantly decrease. Immunostaining localized RI production to the umbrella cells of the bladder and intercalated cells of the renal collecting tubule. In vitro assays showed that RI bound to RNase 7 and suppressed its antimicrobial activity by blocking its ability to bind the cell wall of uropathogenic bacteria. Thus, these results demonstrate a new immunomodulatory role for RI and identified a unique regulatory pathway that may affect how RNase 7 maintains urinary tract sterility. PMID:24107847

  10. Face mask use by patients in primary care.

    PubMed

    Tischendorf, Jessica S; Temte, Jonathan L

    2012-02-01

    Face masks are recommended for patients with respiratory symptoms to reduce influenza transmission. Little knowledge exists regarding actual utilization and acceptance of face masks in primary care. Compare distribution of face masks to clinic and community trends in respiratory infection (RI) and influenza-like illness (ILI); estimate the annual need for face masks in primary care. Retrospective observational study of practice data from a 31-week period starting in October 2009. Family practice clinic in Madison, Wis. Patients with fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms as evaluated by reception staff. Age, sex, and weekly counts of individuals receiving a face mask, as well as counts of RI and ILI patients based on ICD-9 coding from 27 statewide clinics. Face mask counts were 80% of RI counts for the clinic and reflected the demographics of the clinic population. Distribution was correlated to prevalence of RI (R = 0.783, P < 0.001) and ILI (R = 0.632, P < 0.001). Annually, 8% of clinic visits were for RI. The high percentage of face mask use among RI patients reflects the feasibility of this intervention to help control influenza transmission in a primary care setting. Using the present data, clinics can estimate the annual need for face masks.

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

    Not Available

    This Remedial Investigation (RI) Work Plan has been developed as part of the US Department of Energy`s (DOE`s) investigation of the Groundwater Operable Unit (GWOU) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) located near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The first iteration of the GWOU RI Work Plan is intended to serve as a strategy document to guide the ORNL GWOU RI. The Work Plan provides a rationale and organization for groundwater data acquisition, monitoring, and remedial actions to be performed during implementation of environmental restoration activities associated with the ORNL GWOU. It Is important to note that the RI Work Plan formore » the ORNL GWOU is not a prototypical work plan. The RI will be conducted using annual work plans to manage the work activities, and task reports will be used to document the results of the investigations. Sampling and analysis results will be compiled and reported annually with a review of data relative to risk (screening level risk assessment review) for groundwater. This Work Plan outlines the overall strategy for the RI and defines tasks which are to be conducted during the initial phase of investigation. This plan is presented with the understanding that more specific addenda to the plan will follow.« less

  12. C-reactive protein specifically binds to Fcgamma receptor type I on a macrophage-like cell line.

    PubMed

    Tron, Kyrylo; Manolov, Dimitar E; Röcker, Carlheinz; Kächele, Martin; Torzewski, Jan; Nienhaus, G Ulrich

    2008-05-01

    C-reactive protein (CRP) is a prototype acute-phase protein that may be intimately involved in human disease. Its cellular receptors are still under debate; the main candidates are FcR for immunoglobulin G, as CRP was shown to bind specifically to FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIIa. Using ultrasensitive confocal live-cell imaging, we have studied CRP binding to FcgammaR naturally expressed in the plasma membranes of cells from a human leukemia cell line (Mono Mac 6). These macrophage-like cells express high levels of FcgammaRI and FcgammaRII. They were shown to bind fluorescently labeled CRP with micromolar affinity, KD = (6.6 +/- 1.5) microM. CRP binding could be inhibited by pre-incubation with human but not mouse IgG and was thus FcgammaR-specific. Blocking of FcgammaRI by an FcgammaRI-specific antibody abolished CRP binding essentially completely, whereas application of antibodies against FcgammaRII did not have a noticeable effect. In fluorescence images of Mono Mac 6 cells, the intensity patterns of bound CRP were correlated with those of FcgammaRI, but not FcgammaRII. These results provide clear evidence of specific interactions between CRP and FcgammaR (predominantly FcgammaRI) naturally expressed on macrophage-like cells.

  13. Rectal intussusception and unexplained faecal incontinence: findings of a proctographic study.

    PubMed

    Collinson, R; Cunningham, C; D'Costa, H; Lindsey, I

    2009-01-01

    The aetiology of faecal incontinence is multifactorial, yet there remains an approach to assessment and treatment that focusses on the sphincter. Rectal intussusception (RI) is underdiagnosed and manifests primarily as obstructed defecation. Yet greater than 50% of these patients admit to faecal incontinence on closer questioning. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of RI at evacuation proctography selectively undertaken in the evaluation of patients with faecal incontinence. Patients with faecal incontinence seen in a pelvic floor clinic were evaluated with anorectal physiology and ultrasound. Where the faecal incontinence was not fully explained by physiology and ultrasound, evacuation proctography was undertaken. Studies were classified as 'normal', 'low-grade RI' (recto-rectal), 'high-grade RI' (recto-anal) or 'anismus'. Forty patients underwent evacuation proctography (33 women, 83%). Median age was 63 years (range 34-77 years). Seven patients (17%) had a normal proctogram. Three (8%) had recto-rectal RI. Twenty-five (63%) demonstrated recto-anal RI. Five patients (12%) had anismus. Recto-anal intussusception is common in patients undergoing selective evacuation proctography for investigation of faecal incontinence. The role of recto-anal intussusception in the multifactorial aetiology of faecal incontinence has been largely overlooked. Evacuation proctography should be considered as part of routine work-up of patients with faecal incontinence.

  14. Regulation by CD45 of the tyrosine phosphorylation of high affinity IgE receptor beta- and gamma-chains.

    PubMed

    Adamczewski, M; Numerof, R P; Koretzky, G A; Kinet, J P

    1995-04-01

    Previous studies using tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors have implicated tyrosine phosphatases in the signal transduction pathway initiated by aggregation of Fc epsilon RI, the high affinity receptor for IgE. To define more precisely a role for the tyrosine phosphatase CD45 in Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling, we have transfected the three subunits of Fc epsilon RI into wild-type Jurkat and a CD45-deficient Jurkat derivative. Here we demonstrate that CD45 is necessary for the initiation of calcium flux through the transfected Fc epsilon RI. In contrast to the effect of phosphatase inhibitors, the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of beta and gamma after aggregation of Fc epsilon RI are surprisingly reduced, relative to wild-type Jurkat, in the CD45-deficient cells. After reconstitution of the CD45-deficient cells with a chimeric molecule containing the cytoplasmic phosphatase domains of CD45, both the base line and activation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation levels are increased. By examining Lck autophosphorylation, we find that Fc epsilon RI aggregation induces an increase in Lck enzymatic activity only in wild-type Jurkat and the CD45-deficient Jurkat reconstituted with chimeric CD45. This regulation of src-family tyrosine kinase activity may be the means by which CD45 controls aggregation-induced receptor phosphorylation.

  15. BXD recombinant inbred strains participate in social preference, anxiety and depression behaviors along sex-differences in cytokines and tactile allodynia.

    PubMed

    López-Granero, Caridad; Antunes Dos Santos, Alessandra; Ferrer, Beatriz; Culbreth, Megan; Chakraborty, Sudipta; Barrasa, Angel; Gulinello, Maria; Bowman, Aaron B; Aschner, Michael

    2017-06-01

    Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a major public health concern. Dysregulation of oxidative and inflammatory systems may be associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Due to the need to find appropriate animal models to the understanding of such disorders, we queried whether 2 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice strains (BXD21/TyJ RI and BXD84/RwwJ RI mice) and C57BL/6 wild-type mice show differential performance in depression and anxiety related behaviors and biomarkers. Specifically, we assessed social preference, elevated plus maze, forced swim, and Von Frey tests at 3-4 months-of-age, as well as activation of cytokines and antioxidant mRNA levels in the cortex at 7 months-of-age. We report that (1) the BXD84/RwwJ RI strain exhibits anxiety disorder and social avoidance-like behavior (2) BXD21/TyJ RI strain shows a resistance to depression illness, and (3) sex-dependent cytokine profiles and allodynia with elevated inflammatory activity were inherent to male BXD21/TyJ RI mice. In conclusion, we provide novel data in favor of the use of BXD recombinant inbred mice to further understand anxiety and depression disorders. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Survival benefits of revascularization in patients with critical limb ischemia and renal insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Ortmann, Jana; Gahl, Brigitta; Diehm, Nicolas; Dick, Florian; Traupe, Tobias; Baumgartner, Iris

    2012-09-01

    Evidence for the best treatment strategy for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) at different stages of renal insufficiency (RI) is rare. Therefore, we determined the benefit of revascularization vs medical therapy (MT) only in CLI patients with different levels of RI. This intention-to-treat cohort study with follow-up at 2, 6, and 12 months was conducted in a consecutive series of 351 patients with CLI. Revascularization by surgical (78 patients) or endovascular techniques (191 patients) was performed in 269 patients. MT as first-line therapy was administered in 82 patients. Patients were grouped according to glomerular filtration rate (GFR), estimated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation, into absent/mild RI (estimated GFR [eGFR], ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), moderate RI (eGFR, 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), and severe RI (eGFR, <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or dialysis). Primary outcome measures were overall and amputation-free survival. Cox regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics after Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were performed. The mean age differed significantly between groups (P < .001), and patients with absent/mild RI were more often men (P < .001) or smokers (P < .001) and less often hypertensive (P < .001). Risk factor adjustment showed that revascularized CLI patients with absent/mild RI had a longer amputation-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.82; P = .008), higher limb salvage (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.17-0.91; P < .029), and better clinical success than MT patients (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.65; P = .001). The moderate RI group benefited from revascularization in overall survival (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.26-0.99; P = .049), amputation-free survival (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29-0.90; P = .020), and clinical success (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.80; P = .008). A beneficial effect on overall survival was found even in patients with severe RI when revascularized (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.91; P = .032

  17. Does stent strut design impact clinical outcomes: comparative safety and efficacy of Endeavor Resolute versus Resolute Integrity zotarolimus-eluting stents.

    PubMed

    Di Santo, Pietro; Simard, Trevor; Ramirez, F Daniel; Pourdjabbar, Ali; Harnett, David T; Singh, Kuljit; Moreland, Robert; Chong, Aun-Yeong; Dick, Alexander; Labinaz, Marino; Froeschl, Michael; Froeschl, Michael; Le May, Michael R; So, Derek Y; Hibbert, Benjamin

    2015-10-07

    Percutaneous coronary intervention is the most commonly performed method of revascularizing obstructive coronary artery disease. The impact of stent strut design on clinical outcomes remains unclear. The Endeavour Resolute (ER-ZES) and the Resolute Integrity (RI-ZES) zotarolimus-eluting stents utilize identical polymers and anti-proliferative agents, differing only in their respective strut design. This study assessed the comparative safety and efficacy of these two stents in unrestricted contemporary real-world practice. A total of 542 patients were identified, corresponding to 340 ER-ZES and 480 RI-ZES. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined by a composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and stroke. Secondary endpoints included post-procedural length of stay, in-stent restenosis, target lesion revascularization, target vessel revascularization, coronary artery bypass grafting and stent thrombosis. MACE occurred in 3.2% of the ER-ZES cohort and 5.0% of the RI-ZES cohort (p= 0.43). Adjusted analysis utilizing propensity score-adjusted odds ratio for MACE, was 1.37 (95% CI 0.46-4.07, p=0.57). The mortality rate (0.9% ER-ZES vs. 1.9% RI-ZES, p=0.59), non-fatal MI (2.3% ER-ZES vs. 3.1% RI-ZES, p=0.75) and stroke (0.0% ER-ZES vs. 0.3% RI-ZES, p=0.85) were not different. Additionally, there was no difference in any of secondary outcomes. The clinical performance and safety of both ER-ZES and RI-ZES were not statistically different, despite differences in stent strut design.

  18. Effect of a single injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on testicular blood flow measured by color doppler ultrasonography in male Shiba goats

    PubMed Central

    SAMIR, Haney; SASAKI, Kazuaki; AHMED, Eman; KAREN, Aly; NAGAOKA, Kentaro; EL SAYED, Mohamed; TAYA, Kazuyoshi; WATANABE, Gen

    2015-01-01

    Although color Doppler ultrasonography has been used to evaluate testicular blood flow in many species, very little has been done in goat. Eight male Shiba goats were exposed to a single intramuscular injection of either gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH group; 1 µg/kg BW) or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG group; 25 IU/kg BW). Plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and inhibin (INH) were measured just before (0 hr) and at different intervals post injection by radioimmunoassay. Testis volume (TV) and Doppler indices, such as resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of the supratesticular artery, were measured by B-mode and color Doppler ultrasonography, respectively. The results indicated an increase in testicular blood flow in both groups, as RI and PI decreased significantly (P<0.05), but this increase was significant higher and earlier in hCG group (1 hr) than in the GnRH group (2 hr). A high correlation was found for RI and PI with both T (RI, r= −0.862; PI, r= −0.707) and INH in the GnRH group (RI, r=0.661; PI, r=0.701). However, a significant (P<0.05) correlation was found between E2 and both RI (r= −0.610) and PI (r= −0.763) in hCG group. In addition, TV significantly increased and was highly correlated with RI in both groups (GnRH, r= −0.718; hCG, r= −0.779). In conclusion, hCG and GnRH may improve testicular blood flow and TV in Shiba goats. PMID:25715956

  19. Transcriptional "silencer" element in rat repetitive sequences associated with the rat insulin 1 gene locus.

    PubMed Central

    Laimins, L; Holmgren-König, M; Khoury, G

    1986-01-01

    The enhancer elements from either simian virus 40 or murine sarcoma virus activate the expression of a transfected rat insulin 1 (rI1) gene when placed within 2.0 kilobases or less of the rI1 gene cap site. Inclusion of 4.0 kilobases of upstream rI1 sequence, however, results in a substantial reduction in the enhancer-dependent insulin gene expression. These observations suggested that a negative transcriptional regulatory element was present between 2.0 and 4.0 kilobases of the rI1 sequence. To test this notion, we employed a heterologous enhancer-dependent transcription assay in which the simian virus 40 72-base-pair repeat is linked to a human beta-globin gene. Addition of the upstream rI1 element to this system decreased the level of enhancer-dependent beta-globin transcription by a factor of 5 to 15. This rI1 "silencer" element functions in a manner relatively independent of position and orientation and requires a cis-dependent relationship to the transcription unit on which it acts. Thus, the silencer sequence seems to have a number of the characteristics of enhancer elements, and we suggest that it may function by the converse of the enhancer mechanism. The rI1 silencer sequence was identified as a member of a long interspersed rat repetitive family. Thus, a potential role for certain repetitive sequences interspersed throughout the eukaryotic genome may be to regulate gene expression by retaining transcriptional activity within defined domains. Images PMID:3010279

  20. Screening for dilated cardiomyopathy in Great Danes in the United Kingdom.

    PubMed

    Stephenson, H M; Fonfara, S; López-Alvarez, J; Cripps, P; Dukes-McEwan, J

    2012-01-01

    Great Danes (GD) are predisposed to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but little is known about progression, clinical manifestations, or inheritance in dogs in the UK. For echocardiographic screening, breed-specific reference intervals (RI) are required. To document the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and inheritance of DCM in UK GD. To establish RI for Doppler echocardiography (ECHO) in GD. One hundred and seven client-owned GDs. Echocardiographic screening study. Dogs were scored on ECHO and ECG variables and classified as normal (NORM), equivocal (EQUIV), or affected (AFX). Forty NORM dogs were used to determine RI for ECHO. Pedigrees from all dogs were examined for mode of inheritance. The prevalence of DCM in this population, based on score, was 35.6%. Significant differences in M mode left ventricular dimensions (MMLVD) were identified between male and female dogs (P < .011). RI for MMLVD and transformed MMLVD (allometric scaling) were lower than previously suggested. When dogs were reclassified using amended RI for MMLVD, prevalence increased to 47%. End-systolic volume index more reliably identified AFX dogs than other systolic function indices. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) were commonly identified, with the highest prevalence in AFX dogs (54%). Pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The prevalence of DCM in UK GD is higher than previously reported and autosomal dominant inheritance is likely. Sex or body weight-dependent RI should be used for ECHO in GD and current RI might underestimate ESVI in GD. VA might play an important role in GD with DCM. Copyright © 2012 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.