A computer-based feedback only intervention with and without a moderation skills component

PubMed Central

Weaver, Cameron C.; Leffingwell, Thad R.; Lombardi, Nathaniel J.; Claborn, Kasey R.; Miller, Mary E.; Martens, Matthew P.

2014-01-01

Research on the efficacy of computer-delivered feedback-only interventions (FOIs) for college alcohol misuse has been mixed. Limitations to these FOIs include participant engagement and variation in the use of a moderation skills component. The current investigation sought to address these limitations using a novel computer-delivered FOI, the Drinkers Assessment and Feedback Tool for College Students (DrAFT-CS). Heavy drinking college students (N = 176) were randomly assigned to DrAFT-CS, DrAFT-CS plus moderation skills (DrAFT-CS+), moderation skills only (MSO), or assessment only (AO) group, and were assessed at 1-month follow-up (N = 157). Participants in the DrAFT-CS and DrAFT-CS + groups reported significantly lower estimated blood alcohol concentrations (eBACs) on typical heaviest drinking day than participants in the AO group. The data also supported the incorporation of a moderation skills component within FOIs, such that participants in DrAFT-CS + group reported significantly fewer drinks per week and drinks per heaviest drinking occasion than participants in the AO group. PMID:24041748

Effects of a modified through-mask drinking system (MDS) on fluid intake during exercise in chemical protective gear. Report for January-May 1989

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

Szlyk, P.C.; Sils, I.V.; Tharion, W.J.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of a modified through-mask drinking system (MDS) on voluntary fluid consumption. Eighteen male volunteers walked on a treadmill (4.02 km/hr, 0 deg. grade, 50 min/hr for 6 hr) in a climatic chamber (dry bulb=32.6 deg C, wet bulb=17.5 deg C, 20.4% relative humidity, and windspeed=8.05 km/hr, producing a WBGT of 22.1 deg C). Subjects wore chemical protective gear (trousers, jacket, boots, gloves, and M17A1 protective mask) and were randomly assigned one of two through-mask and were randomly assigned one of two through-mask drinking systems: CS (n=9), the current gravity fed system ormore » MDS (n=9), a prototype hand-pump drinking system. Because decontamination of the mask and drinking connections was performed prior to drinking, the overall use of the CS was rated significantly more difficult during both work and rest than the MDS. Failure to decontaminate connections prior to drinking was noted early in the trial in 2 soldiers using the CS suggesting an increase risk of accidental contamination associated with this system. Drinking with the MDS had no measurable adverse effect on hydration status of the test subjects: water intake rate, 0.36 L/hr (CS) and 0.42 L/hr (MDS); sweat rate, 0.63 L/hr (CS) and 0.67 L/hr (MDS); body weight loss, 0.32 %/hr (CS) and 0.31 %/hr (MDS).« less

Effects of acamprosate on ethanol-seeking and self-administration in the rat.

PubMed

Czachowski, C L; Legg, B H; Samson, H H

2001-03-01

Acamprosate (calcium acetyl homotaurinate) has been used clinically to treat relapse in alcoholics. In rats, it has been shown to decrease ethanol, but not water, self-administration after ethanol deprivation. To further investigate the effect of acamprosate on reinforced behaviors in rats, the present experiment used: (1) both ethanol and sucrose reinforcer solutions to better assess the distinct effects of acamprosate on ethanol-directed behaviors, and (2) an operant model that procedurally separates the "cost" to begin drinking from consuming the reinforcer solutions to dissociate the effects of acamprosate on appetitive versus consummatory processes. In daily sessions (5 days/week), rats (n = 6/group) were trained to make 30 lever-press responses to gain access for 20 min to a sipper tube containing either ethanol (10%) or sucrose (3%). After stable responding, acamprosate treatment was given. Three doses were tested (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/injection, intraperitoneally), one dose per week. Each week, a total of four injections were given (21 and 2 hr before the operant sessions over 2 consecutive days). At these doses, acamprosate had no effect on the measures of appetitive responding for either solution. However, all doses reliably decreased ethanol consumption on the 2nd day of treatment (from an average of 0.83 to 0.63 g/kg). Analysis of the pattern of ethanol consumption showed that the effects of acamprosate occurred after the onset of a normal pattern of intake, as measured by lick rate and size of the initial bout of drinking, which suggested that acamprosate is most effective when combined with the pharmacological effects of ethanol. Sucrose intake was unaffected by all acamprosate treatments, which indicated that the treatment effects were specific to ethanol and not due to a general decrease in consummatory behavior. Overall, these results suggest that acamprosate is effective at reducing total ethanol intake, but may not reliably alter subjects propensity to begin a drinking bout as measured by this model. However, whether this applies to the clinical use of acamprosate, where other types of reinforcement may also precipitate relapse drinking, is not certain.

Assessment of radionuclide contents in food in Hong Kong

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

Yu, K.N.; Mao, S.Y.

1999-12-01

Baseline values of concentrations of the natural radionuclides ({sup 238}U, {sup 226}Ra, {sup 228}Ra/{sup 232}Th, {sup 210}Pb) and artificial radionuclides ({sup 137}Cs, {sup 60}Co) in food and drinks (tap water, milk, and water-based drinks) were determined by gamma spectroscopy. All food and drinks were found to contain detectable {sup 40}K contents: 0.1 to 160 Bq Kg{sup {minus}1} for food and 0.006 to 61 Bq L{sup {minus}1} for drinks. Most of the other natural radionuclides in solid food were found to have contents below the minimum detectable activities (MDA). More samples in the leafy vegetable, tomato, carrot and potato categories containedmore » detectable amounts of {sup 228}Ra than the meat, cereal, and fish categories, with concentrations up to 1.2 Bq kg{sup {minus}1} for the former categories and 0.35 Bq kg{sup {minus}1} for the latter categories. The {sup 238}U and {sup 226}Ra radionuclides were detectable in most of the water-based drink samples, and the {sup 228}Ra and {sup 210}Pb radionuclides were detectable in fewer water-based drink samples. The {sup 137}Cs contents in solid food were detectable in most of the solid food samples (reaching 0.59 Bq kg{sup {minus}1}), but in drinks the {sup 137}Cs contents were very low and normally lower than the MDA values. Nearly all the {sup 60}Co contents in food and drinks were below the MDA values and their contents were below those of {sup 137}Cs.« less

Alcohol operant self-administration: Investigating how alcohol-seeking behaviors predict drinking in mice using two operant approaches

PubMed Central

Blegen, Mariah B.; Silva, Daniel da Silva E; Bock, Roland; Morisot, Nadege; Ron, Dorit; Alvarez, Veronica A.

2018-01-01

Alcohol operant self-administration paradigms are critical tools for studying the neural circuits implicated in both alcohol-seeking and consummatory behaviors and for understanding the neural basis underlying alcohol-use disorders. In this study, we investigate the predictive value of two operant models of oral alcohol self-administration in mice, one in which alcohol is delivered into a cup following nose-poke responses with no accurate measurement of consumed alcohol solution, and another paradigm that provides access to alcohol via a sipper tube following lever presses and where lick rate and consumed alcohol volume can be measured. The goal was to identify a paradigm where operant behaviors such as lever presses and nose pokes, as well as other tracked behavior such as licks and head entries, can be used to reliably predict blood alcohol concentration (BAC). All mice were first exposed to alcohol in the home cage using the “drinking in the dark” (DID) procedure for 3 weeks and then were trained in alcohol self-administration using either of the operant paradigms for several weeks. Even without sucrose fading or food pre-training, mice acquired alcohol self-administration with both paradigms. However, neither lever press nor nose-poke rates were good predictors of alcohol intake or BAC. Only the lick rate and consumed alcohol were consistently and significantly correlated with BAC. Using this paradigm that accurately measures alcohol intake, unsupervised cluster analysis revealed three groups of mice: high-drinking (43%), low-drinking (37%), and non-drinking mice (20%). High-drinking mice showed faster acquisition of operant responding and achieved higher BACs than low-drinking mice. Lick rate and volume consumed varied with the alcohol concentration made available only for high- and low-drinking mice, but not for non-drinking mice. In addition, high- and low-drinking mice showed similar patterns during extinction and significant cue-induced reinstatement of seeking. Only high-drinking mice showed insensitivity to quinine adulteration, indicating a willingness to drink alcohol despite pairing with aversive stimuli. Thus, this study shows that relying on active presses is not an accurate determination of drinking behavior in mice. Only paradigms that allow for accurate measurements of consumed alcohol and/or lick rate are valid models of operant alcohol self-administration, where compulsive-like drinking could be accurately determined based on changes in alcohol intake when paired with bitter-tasting stimuli. PMID:29310048

Treatment Technology to Meet the Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Inorganics: Part 3.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sorg, Thomas J.; And Others

1978-01-01

This article is the third in a series summarizing existing treatment technology to meet the inorganic National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This report deals specifically with treatment methods for removing cadmium, lead, and silver from drinking water. (CS)

Taste avoidance induced by wheel running: effects of backward pairings and robustness of conditioned taste aversion.

PubMed

Salvy, Sarah-Jeanne; Pierce, W David; Heth, Donald C; Russell, James C

2004-09-15

Rats repeatedly exposed to a distinctive novel solution (conditioned stimulus, CS) followed by the opportunity to run in a wheel subsequently drink less of this solution. Investigations on this phenomenon indicate that wheel running is an effective unconditioned stimulus (US) for establishing conditioned taste aversion (CTA) when using a forward conditioning procedure (i.e., the US-wheel running follows the CS-taste). However, other studies show that wheel running produces reliable preference for a distinctive place when pairings are backward (i.e., the CS-location follows the US-wheel running). One possibility to account for these results is that rewarding aftereffects of wheel running conditioned preference to the CS. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effects of backward conditioning using wheel running as the US and a distinctive taste as the CS. In a between-groups design, two experimental groups [i.e., forward (FC) and backward conditioning (BC)] and two control groups [CS-taste alone (TA) and CS-US unpaired (UNP)] were compared. Results from this experiment indicated that there is less suppression of drinking when a CS-taste followed a bout of wheel running. In fact, rats in the BC group drank more of the paired solution than all the other groups.

Oral Conditioned Cues Can Enhance or Inhibit Ethanol (EtOH)-Seeking and EtOH-Relapse Drinking by Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats.

PubMed

Knight, Christopher P; Hauser, Sheketha R; Deehan, Gerald A; Toalston, Jamie E; McBride, William J; Rodd, Zachary A

2016-04-01

Conditioned cues can elicit drug-seeking in both humans and rodents. The majority of preclinical research has employed excitatory conditioned cues (stimuli present throughout the availability of a reinforcer), but oral consumption of alcohol is similar to a conditional stimuli (presence of stimuli is paired with the delivery of the reinforcer) approach. The current experiments attempted to determine the effects of conditional stimuli (both excitatory and inhibitory) on the expression of context-induced ethanol (EtOH)-seeking. Alcohol-preferring (P) rats self-administered EtOH and water in standard 2-lever operant chambers. A flavor was added to the EtOH solution (CS+) during the EtOH self-administration sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent extinction training (7 sessions), followed by a 2-week home cage period. Another flavor was present during extinction (CS-). Rats were exposed to a third flavor in a non-drug-paired environment (CS(0)). EtOH-seeking was assessed in the presence of no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0) in the dipper previously associated with EtOH self-administration (no EtOH available). Rats were maintained a week in their home cage before being returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH (flavored with no cue, CS+, CS-, or CS(0)). The results indicated that the presence of the CS+ enhanced EtOH-seeking, while the presence of the CS- suppressed EtOH-seeking. Similarly, adding the CS- flavor to 15% EtOH reduced responding for EtOH while the CS+ enhanced responding for EtOH during relapse testing. Overall, the data indicate that conditional stimuli are effective at altering both EtOH-seeking behavior and EtOH-relapse drinking. Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Oral Conditioned Cues Can Enhance or Inhibit EtOH-Seeking and EtOH Relapse Drinking by Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats

PubMed Central

Knight, Christopher P.; Hauser, Sheketha R.; Deehan, Gerald A.; Toalston, Jamie E.; McBride, William J.; Rodd, Zachary A.

2016-01-01

Background Conditioned cues can elicit drug-seeking in both humans and rodents. The majority of preclinical research has employed excitatory conditioned cues (stimuli present throughout the availability of a reinforcer), but oral consumption of alcohol is similar to a conditional stimuli (presence of stimuli is paired with the delivery of the reinforcer) approach. The current experiments attempted to determine the effects of conditional stimuli (both excitatory and inhibitory) on the expression of context-induced ethanol (EtOH)-seeking. Methods Alcohol-preferring (P) rats self-administered EtOH and water in standard 2-lever operant chambers. A flavor was added to the EtOH solution (CS+) during the EtOH self-administration sessions. After 10 weeks, rats underwent extinction training (7 sessions), followed by a 2-week home cage period. Another flavor was present during extinction (CS-). Rats were exposed to a third flavor in a non-drug paired environment (CS0). EtOH-seeking was assessed in the presence of no cue, CS+, CS- or CS0 in the dipper previously associated with EtOH self-administration (no EtOH available). Rats were maintained a week in their home cage before being returned to the operant chambers with access to EtOH (flavored with no Cue, CS+, CS- or CS0). Results The results indicated that the presence of the CS+ enhanced EtOH-seeking, while the presence of the CS- suppressed EtOH-seeking. Similarly, adding the CS- flavor to 15% EtOH reduced responding for EtOH while the CS+ enhanced responding for EtOH during relapse testing. Conclusions Overall, the data indicate that conditional stimuli are effective at altering both EtOH-seeking behavior and EtOH relapse drinking. PMID:27038599

Putting the past behind us: Social stress-induced urinary retention can be overcome.

PubMed

Weiss, Dana A; Butler, Stephan J; Fesi, Joanna; Long, Christopher J; Valentino, Rita J; Canning, Douglas A; Zderic, Stephen A

2015-08-01

To study the pathophysiology of dysfunctional voiding, we have previously developed a model of stress-induced voiding dysfunction. We have shown that cyclosporine A (CsA), an inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-calmodulin complex, can prevent social stress-induced urinary retention. However, treatment with cyclosporine has not had an effect on the increase in the stress peptide corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) in Barrington's nucleus, which is involved in the micturition pathway. We now investigate whether cyclosporine administered after stress can reverse the abnormal voiding phenotype, and whether it has effects on the bladder wall itself, or on the stress response within Barrington's nucleus. Six-week old Swiss-Webster mice were exposed to aggressor males for 1 h a day, followed by 23 h of barrier separation. In a long-term trial, 1 month of stress was followed by single-cage housing for 6 months. In a separate CsA reversal trial, mice either received CsA in drinking water or had plain drinking water during 1 month of single-cage housing during recovery. Bladder contractile function was examined on a Guth myograph. Nuclear translocation of myocyte enhancing factor (MEF)-2 and NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) in the bladder was assessed using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). The expression of CRF was determined in Barrington's nucleus using in situ hybridization. Voiding dysfunction persisted for up to 6 months after stress exposure while mice recovered in single-cage housing. In the CsA reversal trial, voiding patterns improved when they received CsA in water during single-cage housing following stress, whereas those that underwent single-cage housing alone had persistent abnormal voiding (Fig. A). There was no difference between CRF levels in Barrington's nucleus between reversal groups (p = 0.42) (Fig. B), possibly indicating a direct effect on the bladder rather than a persistent stress effect. There were no differences in the contractility of bladder wall muscle. CsA decreased the nuclear translocation of MEF-2 and NFAT induced by stress (Fig. C,D). CsA reverses stress-induced urinary retention, but does not change the stress-induced CRF increase in Barrington's nucleus. Furthermore, bladder smooth muscle contractility is unchanged by CsA; however, there are changes in the levels of the downstream transcription factors MEF-2 and NFAT. We suspect that additional CsA responsive neural changes play a pivotal role in the abnormal voiding phenotype following social stress. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ingestion dose from 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and 137Cs in cereals, pulses and drinking water to adult population in a high background radiation area, Odisha, India.

PubMed

Lenka, Pradyumna; Sahoo, S K; Mohapatra, S; Patra, A C; Dubey, J S; Vidyasagar, D; Tripathi, R M; Puranik, V D

2013-03-01

A natural high background radiation area is located in Chhatrapur, Odisha in the eastern part of India. The inhabitants of this area are exposed to external radiation levels higher than the global average background values, due to the presence of uranium, thorium and its decay products in the monazite sands bearing placer deposits in its beaches. The concentrations of (232)Th, (238)U, (226)Ra, (40)K and (137)Cs were determined in cereals (rice and wheat), pulses and drinking water consumed by the population residing around this region and the corresponding annual ingestion dose was calculated. The annual ingestion doses from cereals, pulses and drinking water varied in the range of 109.4-936.8, 10.2-307.5 and 0.5-2.8 µSv y(-1), respectively. The estimated total annual average effective dose due to the ingestion of these radionuclides in cereals, pulses and drinking water was 530 µSv y(-1). The ingestion dose from cereals was the highest mainly due to a high consumption rate. The highest contribution of dose was found to be from (226)Ra for cereals and drinking water and (40)K was the major dose contributor from the intake of pulses. The contribution of man-made radionuclide (137)Cs to the total dose was found to be minimum. (226)Ra was found to be the largest contributor to ingestion dose from all sources.

Development and Field Application of Laser Particle Imagers

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-30

was collected for the seasonal survey of zooplankton grazing in the HYCODE/ECOHAB test site. This completes our seasonal survey and a manuscript is... seasonal survey of zooplankton in the HYCODE/ECOHAB study area. It will be combined with four other cruises to provide data on seasonal grazing to...SIPPER imaged organisms (A. Salp, B. pseudothecosome pteropod ) grayscale (bottom images) and after binary threshold had been implemented (top

Beer self-administration provokes lateralized nucleus accumbens dopamine release in male heavy drinkers.

PubMed

Oberlin, Brandon G; Dzemidzic, Mario; Tran, Stella M; Soeurt, Christina M; O'Connor, Sean J; Yoder, Karmen K; Kareken, David A

2015-03-01

Although striatal dopamine (DA) is important in alcohol abuse, the nature of DA release during actual alcohol drinking is unclear, since drinking includes self-administration of both conditioned flavor stimuli (CS) of the alcoholic beverage and subsequent intoxication, the unconditioned stimulus (US). Here, we used a novel self-administration analog to distinguish nucleus accumbens (NAcc) DA responses specific to the CS and US. Right-handed male heavy drinkers (n = 26) received three positron emission tomography (PET) scans with the D2/D3 radioligand [(11)C]raclopride (RAC) and performed a pseudo self-administration task that separately administered a flavor CS of either a habitually consumed beer or the appetitive control Gatorade®, concomitant with the US of ethanol intoxication (0.06 g/dL intravenous (IV) administration) or IV saline. Scan conditions were Gatorade flavor + saline (Gat&Sal), Gatorade flavor + ethanol (Gat&Eth), and beer flavor + ethanol (Beer&Eth). Ethanol (US) reduced RAC binding (inferring DA release) in the left (L) NAcc [Gat&Sal > Gat&Eth]. Beer flavor (CS) increased DA in the right (R) NAcc [Gat&Eth > Beer&Eth]. The combination of beer flavor and ethanol (CS + US), [Gat&Sal > Beer&Eth], induced DA release in bilateral NAcc. Self-reported intoxication during scanning correlated with L NAcc DA release. Relative to saline, infusion of ethanol increased alcoholic drink wanting. Our findings suggest lateralized DA function in the NAcc, with L NAcc DA release most reflecting intoxication, R NAcc DA release most reflecting the flavor CS, and the conjoint CS + US producing a bilateral NAcc response.

Exercise Ameliorates Endocrine Pancreas Damage Induced by Chronic Cola Drinking in Rats.

PubMed

Otero-Losada, Matilde; González, Julián; Müller, Angélica; Ottaviano, Graciela; Cao, Gabriel; Azzato, Francisco; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; Milei, José

2016-01-01

This study evaluates whether the daily practice of an exercise routine might protect from endocrine pancreas damage in cola drinking rats. Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups depending on a) beverage consumption ad libitum, water (W) or cola beverage (C), and b) physical activity, sedentary (S) or treadmill running (R). Accordingly, 4 groups were studied: WS (water sedentary), WR (water runner), CS (cola sedentary) and CR (cola runner). Body weight, nutritional data, plasma levels of glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions, and triglycerides (enzymocolorimetry), and systolic blood pressure (plethysmography) were measured. After 6 months, euthanasia was performed (overdose sodium thiopental). Pancreatic tissue was immediately excised and conventionally processed for morphometrical and immunohistochemical determinations. The effects of running and chronic cola drinking on pancreas morphology showed interaction (p<0.001) rather than simple summation. Cola drinking (CS vs WS) reduced median pancreatic islet area (-30%, 1.8 104 μm2 vs 2.58 104 μm2, p<0.0001) and median β-cell mass (-43%, 3.81 mg vs 6.73 mg, p<0.0001), and increased median α/β ratio (+49%, 0.64 vs 0.43, p< 0.001). In water drinking rats (WR vs WS), running reduced median α-cell mass (-48%, 1.48 mg vs 2.82 mg, p<0.001) and α/β ratio (-56%, 0.19 vs 0.43, p<0.0001). Differently, in cola drinking rats (CR vs CS), running partially restored median islet area (+15%, 2.06 104 μm2 vs 1.79 104 μm2, p<0.05), increased median β-cell mass (+47%, 5.59 mg vs 3.81 mg, p <0.0001) and reduced median α/β ratio (-6%, 0.60 vs 0.64, p<0.05). This study is likely the first reporting experimental evidence of the beneficial effect of exercise on pancreatic morphology in cola-drinking rats. Presently, the increase of nearly 50% in β cells mass by running in cola drinking rats is by far the most relevant finding. Moderate running, advisably indicated in cola consumers and patients at risk of diabetes, finds here experimental support.

Exercise Ameliorates Endocrine Pancreas Damage Induced by Chronic Cola Drinking in Rats

PubMed Central

Otero-Losada, Matilde; González, Julián; Müller, Angélica; Ottaviano, Graciela; Cao, Gabriel; Azzato, Francisco; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; Milei, José

2016-01-01

Purpose This study evaluates whether the daily practice of an exercise routine might protect from endocrine pancreas damage in cola drinking rats. Methods Forty-eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups depending on a) beverage consumption ad libitum, water (W) or cola beverage (C), and b) physical activity, sedentary (S) or treadmill running (R). Accordingly, 4 groups were studied: WS (water sedentary), WR (water runner), CS (cola sedentary) and CR (cola runner). Body weight, nutritional data, plasma levels of glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol and cholesterol fractions, and triglycerides (enzymocolorimetry), and systolic blood pressure (plethysmography) were measured. After 6 months, euthanasia was performed (overdose sodium thiopental). Pancreatic tissue was immediately excised and conventionally processed for morphometrical and immunohistochemical determinations. Results The effects of running and chronic cola drinking on pancreas morphology showed interaction (p<0.001) rather than simple summation. Cola drinking (CS vs WS) reduced median pancreatic islet area (-30%, 1.8 104 μm2 vs 2.58 104 μm2, p<0.0001) and median β-cell mass (-43%, 3.81 mg vs 6.73 mg, p<0.0001), and increased median α/β ratio (+49%, 0.64 vs 0.43, p< 0.001). In water drinking rats (WR vs WS), running reduced median α-cell mass (-48%, 1.48 mg vs 2.82 mg, p<0.001) and α/β ratio (-56%, 0.19 vs 0.43, p<0.0001). Differently, in cola drinking rats (CR vs CS), running partially restored median islet area (+15%, 2.06 104 μm2 vs 1.79 104 μm2, p<0.05), increased median β-cell mass (+47%, 5.59 mg vs 3.81 mg, p <0.0001) and reduced median α/β ratio (-6%, 0.60 vs 0.64, p<0.05). Conclusion This study is likely the first reporting experimental evidence of the beneficial effect of exercise on pancreatic morphology in cola-drinking rats. Presently, the increase of nearly 50% in β cells mass by running in cola drinking rats is by far the most relevant finding. Moderate running, advisably indicated in cola consumers and patients at risk of diabetes, finds here experimental support. PMID:27192084

Decontamination Efficiencies of Pot-Type Water Purifiers for 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs in Rainwater Contaminated during Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

PubMed Central

Higaki, Shogo; Hirota, Masahiro

2012-01-01

Rainwater was contaminated by a large release of radionuclides into the environment during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It became a matter of concern for Japan when several water purification plants detected 131I contamination in the drinking water. In the present study, the decontamination efficiency of two easily obtainable commercial water purifiers were examined for rainwater contaminated with 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs. The water purifiers removed 94.2–97.8% of the 131I and 84.2–91.5% of the 134Cs and 137Cs after one filtration. Seven filtrations removed 98.2–99.6% of the 131I and over 98.0% of the 134Cs and 137Cs. From a practical perspective, over the fourth filtrations were not needed because of no significant improvements after the third filtration. PMID:22615935

Fast arsenic speciation in water by on-site solid phase extraction and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihucz, Victor G.; Bencs, László; Koncz, Kornél; Tatár, Enikő; Weiszburg, Tamás; Záray, Gyula

2017-02-01

A method of high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFAAS), combined with on-site separation/solid phase extraction (SPE) has been developed for the speciation of inorganic As (iAs) in geothermal and drinking water samples. The HR-CS-GFAAS calibration curves were linear up to 200 μg/L As, but using second order polynomial fitting, accurate calibration could be performed up to 500 μg/L. It has been demonstrated that sample pH should not be higher than 8 for an accurate speciation of As(V) with a recovery of ≈ 95%. Geothermal water had fairly high salt content (≈ 2200 mg/L) due to the presence of chlorides and sulfates at mg/L levels. Therefore, a two-fold dilution of these types of samples before SPE is recommended, especially, for total As determinations, when the As concentration is as high as 400 μg/L. For drinking water, sampled from public wells with records of As concentrations higher than the 10 μg/L in the past, the reduction of As contamination below the WHO's health limit value could be observed. However, the electrical conductivity was close to 2500 μS/cm, i.e., the guideline limit for drinking water, which was due to their higher chloride content. The proposed fit-for-purpose SPE-HR-CS-GFAAS method could be a candidate for screening drinking water quality.

Validation study of the Japanese version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale.

PubMed

Tatsuzawa, Yasutaka; Yoshimasu, Haruo; Moriyama, Yasushi; Furusawa, Teruyuki; Yoshino, Aihide

2002-02-01

The Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) is a self-rating questionnaire that measures cognitive and behavioral aspects of craving for alcohol. The OCDS consists of two subscales: the obsessive thoughts of drinking subscale (OS) and the compulsive drinking subscale (CS). This study aims to validate the Japanese version of the OCDS. First, internal consistency and discriminant validity were evaluated. Second, a prospective longitudinal 3-month outcome study of 67 patients with alcohol dependence who participated in a relapse prevention program was designed to assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the OCDS. The OCDS demonstrated high internal consistency. The OS had high discriminant validity, while the CS did not. Twenty-three patients (34.3%) dropped out of treatment. These patients had significantly higher OS scores than those who completed the program. At 3 months, the relapse group had significantly higher OCDS scores than the no relapse group. Also, the OCDS score was higher in subjects who had early-onset alcohol dependence than late-onset dependence. The OCDS is useful for evaluating cognitive aspect of craving and predicts dropout and relapse.

VULNERABILITY OF HEADWATER CATCHMENT RESOURCES TO INCIDENCES OF 210PB EXCESS AND 137CS RADIONUCLIDE FALLOUT

EPA Science Inventory

Recent identification of elevated excess ²¹⁰Pb (≤302.6 mBq L^-1) and ¹³⁷Cs (≤ 111.3 mBq L^-1) activity in drinking water wells up to 20 m depth indicates some transport of airborne radionuclide fallout beyond soils in the Shaker Village c...

Food safety regulations: what we learned from the Fukushima nuclear accident.

PubMed

Hamada, Nobuyuki; Ogino, Haruyuki

2012-09-01

On 11 March 2011, the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and a substantial tsunami struck off the northeast coast of Japan. The Fukushima nuclear power plants were inundated and stricken, followed by radionuclide releases outside the crippled reactors. Provisional regulation values for radioactivity in food and drink were set on 17 March and were adopted from the preset index values, except that for radioiodines in water and milk ingested by infants. For radiocesiums, uranium, plutonium and transuranic α emitters, index values were defined in all food and drink not to exceed a committed effective dose of 5 mSv/year. Index values for radioiodines were defined not to exceed a committed equivalent dose to the thyroid of 50 mSv/year, and set in water, milk and some vegetables, but not in other foodstuffs. Index values were calculated as radioactive concentrations of indicator radionuclides ((131)I for radioiodines, (134)Cs and (137)Cs for radiocesiums) by postulating the relative radioactive concentration of coexisting radionuclides (e.g., (132)I, (133)I, (134)I, (135)I and (132)Te for (131)I). Surveys were thence conducted to monitor levels of (131)I, (134)Cs and (137)Cs. Provisional regulation values were exceeded in tap water, raw milk and some vegetables, and restrictions on distribution and consumption began on 21 March. Fish contaminated with radioiodines at levels of concern were then detected, so that the provisional regulation value for radioiodines in seafood adopted from that in vegetables were additionally set on 5 April. Overall, restrictions started within 25 days after the first excess in each food or drink item, and maximum levels were detected in leafy vegetables (54,100 Bq/kg for (131)I, and a total of 82,000 Bq/kg for (134)Cs and (137)Cs). This paper focuses on the logic behind such food safety regulations, and discusses its underlying issues. The outlines of the food monitoring results for 24,685 samples and the enforced restrictions will also be described. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pepper mild mottle virus as a process indicator at drinking water treatment plants employing coagulation-sedimentation, rapid sand filtration, ozonation, and biological activated carbon treatments in Japan.

PubMed

Kato, Ryuichi; Asami, Tatsuya; Utagawa, Etsuko; Furumai, Hiroaki; Katayama, Hiroyuki

2018-04-01

To assess the potential of pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) as a viral process indicator, its reduction through coagulation-sedimentation (CS) and rapid sand filtration (RSF) were compared with those of Escherichia coli, previously used viral indicators, and norovirus genotype II (NoV GII; enteric virus reference pathogen) in a bench-scale experiment. PMMoV log 10 reductions in CS (1.96 ± 0.30) and RSF (0.26 ± 0.38) were similar to those of NoV GII (1.86 ± 0.61 and 0.28 ± 0.46). PMMoV, the most abundant viruses in the raw water, was also determined during CS, RSF, and advanced treatment processes at two full-scale drinking water treatment plants under strict turbidity management over a 13-month period. PMMoV was concentrated from large-volume water samples (10-614 L) and quantified by Taqman-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The PMMoV log 10 reduction in CS (2.38 ± 0.74, n = 13 and 2.63 ± 0.76, n = 10 each for Plant A and B) and in ozonation (1.91 ± 1.18, n = 5, Plant A) greatly contributed to the overall log 10 reduction. Our results suggest that PMMoV can act as a useful treatment process indicator of enteric viruses and can be used to monitor the log 10 reduction of individual treatment processes at drinking water treatment plants due to its high and consistent copy numbers in source water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of biotransformation, sorption, and desorption of multiple chemical contaminants in pilot-scale drinking water biofilters.

PubMed

Greenstein, Katherine E; Lew, Julia; Dickenson, Eric R V; Wert, Eric C

2018-06-01

The evolving demands of drinking water treatment necessitate processes capable of removing a diverse suite of contaminants. Biofiltration can employ biotransformation and sorption to remove various classes of chemicals from water. Here, pilot-scale virgin anthracite-sand and previously used biological activated carbon (BAC)-sand dual media filters were operated for ∼250 days to assess removals of 0.4 mg/L ammonia as nitrogen, 50-140 μg/L manganese, and ∼100 ng/L each of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) spiked into pre-ozonated Colorado River water. Anthracite achieved complete nitrification within 200 days and started removing ibuprofen at 85 days. Limited manganese (10%) removal occurred. In contrast, BAC completely nitrified ammonia within 113 days, removed all manganese at 43 days, and exhibited steady state removal of most TOrCs by 140 days. However, during the first 140 days, removal of caffeine, DEET, gemfibrozil, naproxen, and trimethoprim decreased, suggesting a shift from sorption to biotransformation. Acetaminophen and sulfamethoxazole were removed at consistent levels, with complete removal of acetaminophen achieved throughout the study; ibuprofen removal increased with time. When subjected to elevated (1 μg/L) concentrations of TOrCs, BAC removed larger masses of chemicals; with a subsequent decrease and ultimate cease in the TOrCs spike, caffeine, DEET, gemfibrozil, and trimethoprim notably desorbed. By the end of operation, anthracite and BAC exhibited equivalent quantities of biomass measured as adenosine triphosphate, but BAC harbored greater microbial diversity (examined with 16S rRNA sequencing). Improved insight was gained regarding concurrent biotransformation, sorption, and desorption of multiple organic and inorganic contaminants in pilot-scale drinking water biofilters. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Decontamination efficiencies of pot-type water purifiers for ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in rainwater contaminated during Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

PubMed

Higaki, Shogo; Hirota, Masahiro

2012-01-01

Rainwater was contaminated by a large release of radionuclides into the environment during the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It became a matter of concern for Japan when several water purification plants detected ¹³¹I contamination in the drinking water. In the present study, the decontamination efficiency of two easily obtainable commercial water purifiers were examined for rainwater contaminated with ¹³¹I, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs. The water purifiers removed 94.2-97.8% of the ¹³¹I and 84.2-91.5% of the ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs after one filtration. Seven filtrations removed 98.2-99.6% of the ¹³¹I and over 98.0% of the ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs. From a practical perspective, over the fourth filtrations were not needed because of no significant improvements after the third filtration.

Effects of ozone and ozone/peroxide on trace organic contaminants and NDMA in drinking water and water reuse applications.

PubMed

Pisarenko, Aleksey N; Stanford, Benjamin D; Yan, Dongxu; Gerrity, Daniel; Snyder, Shane A

2012-02-01

An ozone and ozone/peroxide oxidation process was evaluated at pilot scale for trace organic contaminant (TOrC) mitigation and NDMA formation in both drinking water and water reuse applications. A reverse osmosis (RO) pilot was also evaluated as part of the water reuse treatment train. Ozone/peroxide showed lower electrical energy per order of removal (EEO) values for TOrCs in surface water treatment, but the addition of hydrogen peroxide increased EEO values during wastewater treatment. TOrC oxidation was correlated to changes in UV(254) absorbance and fluorescence offering a surrogate model for predicting contaminant removal. A decrease in N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential (after chloramination) was observed after treatment with ozone and ozone/peroxide. However, during spiking experiments with surface water, ozone/peroxide achieved limited destruction of NDMA, while in wastewaters net direct formation of NDMA of 6-33 ng/L was observed after either ozone or ozone/peroxide treatment. Once formed during ozonation, NDMA passed through the subsequent RO membranes, which highlights the significance of the potential for direct NDMA formation during oxidation in reuse applications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Controlled and implicit processes in evaluative conditioning on implicit and explicit attitudes toward alcohol and intentions to drink.

PubMed

Zerhouni, Oulmann; Bègue, Laurent; Comiran, Francisco; Wiers, Reinout W

2018-01-01

Since implicit attitudes (i.e. evaluations occurring outside of complete awareness) are highly predictive of alcohol consumption, we tested an evaluative learning procedure based on repeated pairing to a critical stimulus (i.e. alcohol, the CS) with a valenced stimulus (the US) in order to modify implicit attitudes (i.e. evaluative conditioning; EC). We hypothesized that manipulating the learning context to bolster implicit affect misattribution should strengthen EC effects on implicit attitudes toward alcohol, while encouraging deliberate processing of CS-US pairs, should strengthen EC effects on explicit attitudes. In our study (n=114 students) we manipulated whether CS-US pairs were presented simultaneously or sequentially. Recollective memory was estimated with a Process Dissociation Procedure. Both implicit and explicit attitudes were assessed immediately after the procedure. Behavioral intentions were measured directly after and one week after the EC-procedure. We found that EC with sequential presentation had a stronger impact on implicit and explicit measures and on purchase intentions immediately after the procedure and one week after. The present findings provide new evidence that (i) EC is an effective way to change implicit attitudes toward alcohol and (ii) evidence that EC may be better described by propositional rather than dual process accounts. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Arsenate adsorption on three types of granular schwertmannite.

PubMed

Dou, Xiaomin; Mohan, Dinesh; Pittman, Charles U

2013-06-01

Schwertmannite was synthesized on a 2 m(3)-scale and fabricated to irregular, cylindrical and spherical shape granules using drum granulation, extrusion and spray coating, respectively. The granules were systematically evaluated for As(V) removal from drinking water in terms of both performance and safety. The irregular and cylindrical shape granules (IS and CS) had larger schwertmannite loadings, higher porosity, more abundant pore structure and larger micropore volumes than those with a spherical shape (SS). As(V) adsorption kinetics on IS, CS and SS schwertmannite granules followed a pseudo-second order rate equation and two-stages of intraparticle diffusion. The rate parameters were in an order of IS > CS > SS granules. The faster uptake kinetics of the IS granules was due to their largest pore volume and interparticle porosity. Furthermore, adsorption capacities of 34, 21 and 5 mg/g, for IS, CS and SS granular schwertmannite samples were achieved at an initial As(V) concentration of 20 mg/L and adsorbent dose of 0.5 g/L. IS and CS samples performed much better over a wide pH range versus SS samples. Except for humic acid, PO4(3-) and SiO4(4-) did not inhibit As(V) adsorption on IS and CS granular specimens. SS samples worked poorly even in the absence or presence of co-existing anions. Regeneration was achieved using 0.1 M NaOH. The recycled IS and CS granular specimens can be used for 4 different cycles with no or nominal loss of adsorption capacity. Column experiments were also conducted. The IS, CS and SS granular specimens treated 8100, 4200 and 120 bed volumes (BVs) of contaminated water. No heavy metals leached from the packed granular adsorbent and appeared in the column effluent. Furthermore, the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) showed that the spent IS and CS granules were inert and could safely be disposed of in landfills. In short, irregular-shaped granules (IS) fabricated by drum granulation is a good candidate for arsenic removal from drinking water with a high future application potential. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High School Forum.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herron, J. Dudley, Ed.

1980-01-01

Presents questions and answers about the fluoridation of water regarding the compounds added to drinking water in the fluoridation process, how raw water is tested for fluoride content, and how fluoride reacts with tooth enamel. (CS)

Complete Genome Sequence of a Cylindrospermopsin-Producing Cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii CS505, Containing a Circular Chromosome and a Single Extrachromosomal Element.

PubMed

Fuentes-Valdés, Juan J; Plominsky, Alvaro M; Allen, Eric E; Tamames, Javier; Vásquez, Mónica

2016-08-25

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a freshwater cyanobacterium producing bloom events and toxicity in drinking water source reservoirs. We present the first genome sequence for C. raciborskii CS505 (Australia), containing one 4.1-Mbp chromosome and one 110-Kbp plasmid having G+C contents of 40.3% (3933 genes) and 39.3% (111 genes), respectively. Copyright © 2016 Fuentes-Valdés et al.

Development of a water purifier for radioactive cesium removal from contaminated natural water by radiation-induced graft polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seko, Noriaki; Hoshina, Hiroyuki; Kasai, Noboru; Shibata, Takuya; Saiki, Seiichi; Ueki, Yuji

2018-02-01

Six years after the Fukushima-nuclear accident, the dissolved radioactive cesium (Cs) is now hardly detected in environmental natural waters. These natural waters are directly used as source of drinking and domestic waters in disaster-stricken areas in Fukushima. However, the possibility that some radioactive Cs adsorbed on soil or leaves will contaminate these natural waters during heavy rains or typhoon is always present. In order for the returning residents to live with peace of mind, it is important to demonstrate the safety of the domestic waters that they will use for their daily life. For this purpose, we have synthesized a material for selective removal of radioactive Cs by introducing ammonium 12-molybdophosphate (AMP) onto polyethylene nonwoven fabric through radiation-induced emulsion graft polymerization technique. Water purifiers filled with the grafted Cs adsorbent were installed in selected houses in Fukushima. The capability of the grafted adsorbent to remove Cs from domestic waters was evaluated for a whole year. The results showed that the tap water filtered through the developed water purifier contained no radioactive Cs, signifying the very effective adsorption performance of the developed grafted adsorbent. From several demonstrations, we have commercialized the water purifier named "KranCsair®". Furthermore, we have also developed a method for the mass production of the grafted nonwoven fabric. Using a 30 L grafting reactor, it was possible to produce the grafted nonwoven fabric with a suitable range of degree of grafting. When an irradiated roll of nonwoven trunk fabric with a length of 10 m and a width of 30 cm was set in the reactor filled with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), AMP, Tween 80 monomer emulsion solution at 40 °C for 1 h, the difference of Dgs in the length and the width on roll of fabrics was negligible.

Adaptive capability as indicated by behavioral and physiological responses, plasma HSP70 level, and PBMC HSP70 mRNA expression in Osmanabadi goats subjected to combined (heat and nutritional) stressors.

PubMed

Shilja, Shaji; Sejian, V; Bagath, M; Mech, A; David, C G; Kurien, E K; Varma, Girish; Bhatta, Raghavendra

2016-09-01

A study was conducted to assess the impact of heat and nutritional stress simultaneously on the adaptive capability as indicated by behavioral and physiological responses, plasma heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) level, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) HSP70 gene expression in goats. Twenty-four adult Osmanabadi bucks (average body weight (BW) 16.0 kg) were used in the present study. The bucks were divided into four groups viz., C (n = 6; control), HS (n = 6; heat stress), NS (n = 6; nutritional stress), and CS (n = 6; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. C and HS bucks had ad libitum access to their feed while NS and CS bucks were under restricted feed (30 % intake of C bucks) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and CS bucks were exposed to solar radiation for 6 h a day between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to induce heat stress. The data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The standing time differed significantly (P < 0.01) between ad libitum fed groups (C and HS) and restricted feeding groups (NS and CS). The highest (P < 0.01) lying time was recorded in the CS group while the lowest in the C and HS groups. The highest (P < 0.01) drinking frequency was also recorded in the CS group. Water intake recorded was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in both the HS and CS groups. The highest respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and rectal temperature (RT) during the afternoon were also recorded in the CS group. Further, skin temperature of the head, flank, and scrotum during the afternoon was also higher (P < 0.01) in the CS group. In addition, both plasma HSP70 concentration and PBMC HSP70 messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript expression were also significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the CS group. It can be concluded from this study that when two stressors occur simultaneously, they may have severe impact on adaptive capabilities of Osmanabadi bucks as compared to that would occur individually. Further, the study indicated that lying time, drinking frequency, RR, RT, plasma HSP70, and PBMC HSP70 gene expression may act as ideal biological markers for assessing the impact of CS on adaptive capabilities in bucks.

Adaptive capability as indicated by behavioral and physiological responses, plasma HSP70 level, and PBMC HSP70 mRNA expression in Osmanabadi goats subjected to combined (heat and nutritional) stressors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shilja, Shaji; Sejian, V.; Bagath, M.; Mech, A.; David, C. G.; Kurien, E. K.; Varma, Girish; Bhatta, Raghavendra

2016-09-01

A study was conducted to assess the impact of heat and nutritional stress simultaneously on the adaptive capability as indicated by behavioral and physiological responses, plasma heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) level, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) HSP70 gene expression in goats. Twenty-four adult Osmanabadi bucks (average body weight (BW) 16.0 kg) were used in the present study. The bucks were divided into four groups viz., C ( n = 6; control), HS ( n = 6; heat stress), NS ( n = 6; nutritional stress), and CS ( n = 6; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. C and HS bucks had ad libitum access to their feed while NS and CS bucks were under restricted feed (30 % intake of C bucks) to induce nutritional stress. The HS and CS bucks were exposed to solar radiation for 6 h a day between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to induce heat stress. The data was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. The standing time differed significantly ( P < 0.01) between ad libitum fed groups (C and HS) and restricted feeding groups (NS and CS). The highest ( P < 0.01) lying time was recorded in the CS group while the lowest in the C and HS groups. The highest ( P < 0.01) drinking frequency was also recorded in the CS group. Water intake recorded was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher in both the HS and CS groups. The highest respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and rectal temperature (RT) during the afternoon were also recorded in the CS group. Further, skin temperature of the head, flank, and scrotum during the afternoon was also higher ( P < 0.01) in the CS group. In addition, both plasma HSP70 concentration and PBMC HSP70 messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript expression were also significantly ( P < 0.01) higher in the CS group. It can be concluded from this study that when two stressors occur simultaneously, they may have severe impact on adaptive capabilities of Osmanabadi bucks as compared to that would occur individually. Further, the study indicated that lying time, drinking frequency, RR, RT, plasma HSP70, and PBMC HSP70 gene expression may act as ideal biological markers for assessing the impact of CS on adaptive capabilities in bucks.

Evaluation of implementation of a healthy food and drink supply strategy throughout the whole school environment in Queensland state schools, Australia.

PubMed

Dick, M; Lee, A; Bright, M; Turner, K; Edwards, R; Dawson, J; Miller, J

2012-10-01

This paper reports on the evaluation of the Smart Choices healthy food and drink supply strategy for Queensland schools (Smart Choices) implementation across the whole school environment in state government primary and secondary schools in Queensland, Australia. Three concurrent surveys using different methods for each group of stakeholders that targeted all 1275 school Principals, all 1258 Parent and Citizens' Associations (P&Cs) and a random sample of 526 tuckshop convenors throughout Queensland. Nine hundred and seventy-three Principals, 598 P&Cs and 513 tuckshop convenors participated with response rates of 78%, 48% and 98%, respectively. Nearly all Principals (97%), P&Cs (99%) and tuckshop convenors (97%) reported that their school tuckshop had implemented Smart Choices. The majority of Principals and P&Cs reported implementation, respectively, in: school breakfast programs (98 and 92%); vending machine stock (94 and 83%); vending machine advertising (85 and 84%); school events (87 and 88%); school sporting events (81 and 80%); sponsorship and advertising (93 and 84%); fundraising events (80 and 84%); and sporting clubs (73 and 75%). Implementation in curriculum activities, classroom rewards and class parties was reported, respectively, by 97%, 86% and 75% of Principals. Respondents also reported very high levels of understanding of Smart Choices and engagement of the school community. The results demonstrated that food supply interventions to promote nutrition across all domains of the school environment can be implemented successfully.

Reconstruction of 137Cs activity in the ocean following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Tateda, Yutaka; Misumi, Kazuhiro; Hayami, Hiroshi; Toyoda, Yasuhiro; Maeda, Yoshiaki; Yoshida, Yoshikatsu; Uematsu, Mitsuo

2014-05-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition. We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the ocean by the comparison model simulations and observed data. We employed a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model to investigate the oceanic contamination. Direct releases of 137Cs were estimated for more than 2 years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly released 137Cs was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be 3.0 x 1010 Bq day-1 by the end of September 2013. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable, while simulated 137Cs activities attributable to atmospheric deposition were low compared to measured activities. The rate of atmospheric deposition onto the ocean was underestimated because of a lack of measurements of dose rate and air activity of 137Cs over the ocean when atmospheric deposition rates were being estimated. Observed 137Cs activities attributable to atmospheric deposition in the ocean helped to improve the accuracy of simulated atmospheric deposition rates. Although there is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011, observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. In addition, river runoff model simulations suggest that the river flux of 137Cs to the ocean was effective to the 137Cs activity in the ocean in this early period. The sediment transport model simulations suggests that the inventory of 137Cs in sediment was less than 10

An Overview of the Analysis of Trace Organics in Water.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Trussell, Albert R.; Umphres, Mark D.

1978-01-01

Summarized are current analytical techniques used to classify, isolate, resolve, identify, and quantify organic compounds present in drinking water. A variety of methods are described, then drawbacks and advantages are listed, and research needs and future trends are noted. (CS)

Behaviour of oceanic 137Cs following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident for four years simulated numerically by a regional ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, D.; Tsubono, T.; Aoyama, M.; Misumi, K.; Tateda, Y.

2015-12-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition.We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the regional ocean for four years by numerical model, such as a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model. Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for four years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly release was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. Decrease rate were quite small after 2013. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1010 Bq/day by the end of March 2015. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. There is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011. Observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. We reconstructed the history of 137Cs activity in this early period by considering atmospheric deposition, river input, rain water runoff from the 1F NPP site. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. The simulated river flux of 137Cs to the ocean did not effect on 137Cs activity in the ocean even if the parameters in this simulation have uncertainties because of the lack of observed data in rivers in the earlier period.

Behaviour of oceanic 137Cs following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident for four years simulated numerically by a regional ocean model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torn, M. S.; Koven, C. D.; Riley, W. J.; Zhu, B.; Hicks Pries, C.; Phillips, C. L.

2014-12-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition.We reconstructed spatiotemporal variability of 137Cs activity in the regional ocean for four years by numerical model, such as a regional scale and the North Pacific scale oceanic dispersion models, an atmospheric transport model, a sediment transport model, a dynamic biological compartment model for marine biota and river runoff model. Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for four years after the accident by comparing simulated results and observed activities very close to the site. The estimated total amounts of directly release was 3.6±0.7 PBq. Directly release rate of 137Cs decreased exponentially with time by the end of December 2012 and then, was almost constant. Decrease rate were quite small after 2013. The daily release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1010 Bq/day by the end of March 2015. The activity of directly released 137Cs was detectable only in the coastal zone after December 2012. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. There is no observed data of 137Cs activity in the ocean from 11 to 21 March 2011. Observed data of marine biota should reflect the history of 137Cs activity in this early period. We reconstructed the history of 137Cs activity in this early period by considering atmospheric deposition, river input, rain water runoff from the 1F NPP site. The comparisons between simulated 137Cs activity of marine biota by a dynamic biological compartment and observed data also suggest that simulated 137Cs activity attributable to atmospheric deposition was underestimated in this early period. The simulated river flux of 137Cs to the ocean did not effect on 137Cs activity in the ocean even if the parameters in this simulation have uncertainties because of the lack of observed data in rivers in the earlier period.

Drinking water quality in the Ethiopian section of the East African Rift Valley I--data and health aspects.

PubMed

Reimann, Clemens; Bjorvatn, Kjell; Frengstad, Bjørn; Melaku, Zenebe; Tekle-Haimanot, Redda; Siewers, Ulrich

2003-07-20

Drinking water samples were collected throughout the Ethiopian part of the Rift Valley, separated into water drawn from deep wells (deeper than 60 m), shallow wells (<60 m deep), hot springs (T>36 degrees C), springs (T<32 degrees C) and rivers. A total of 138 samples were analysed for 70 parameters (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, NO(2), NO(3), Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, SO(4), Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr, temperature, pH, conductivity and alkalinity) with ion chromatography (anions), spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS, cations) and parameter-specific (e.g. titration) techniques. In terms of European water directives and WHO guidelines, 86% of all wells yield water that fails to pass the quality standards set for drinking water. The most problematic element is fluoride (F), for which 33% of all samples returned values above 1.5 mg/l and up to 11.6 mg/l. The incidence of dental and skeletal fluorosis is well documented in the Rift Valley. Another problematic element may be uranium (U)-47% of all wells yield water with concentrations above the newly suggested WHO maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 2 microg/l. Fortunately, only 7% of the collected samples are above the 10 microg/l EU-MAC for As in drinking water.

Effects of dopamine D1 modulation of the anterior cingulate cortex in a fear conditioning procedure

PubMed Central

Pezze, M.A.; Marshall, H.J.; Domonkos, A.; Cassaday, H.J.

2016-01-01

The anterior cingulate cortex (AC) component of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been implicated in attention and working memory as measured by trace conditioning. Since dopamine (DA) is a key modulator of mPFC function, the present study evaluated the role of DA receptor agents in rat AC, using trace fear conditioning. A conditioned stimulus (CS, noise) was followed by an unconditioned stimulus (US, shock) with or without a 10 s trace interval interposed between these events in a between-subjects design. Conditioned suppression of drinking was assessed in response to presentation of the CS or an experimental background stimulus (flashing lights, previously presented for the duration of the conditioning session). The selective D1 agonist SKF81297 (0.05 μg/side) or D1 antagonist SCH23390 (0.5 μg/side) was administered by intra-cerebral microinfusion directly into AC. It was predicted that either of these manipulations should be sufficient to impair trace (but not delay) conditioning. Counter to expectation, there was no effect of DA D1 modulation on trace conditioning as measured by suppression to the noise CS. However, rats infused with SKF81297 acquired stronger conditioned suppression to the experimental background stimulus than those infused with SCH23390 or saline. Thus, the DA D1 agonist SKF81297 increased conditioned suppression to the contextual background light stimulus but was otherwise without effect on fear conditioning. PMID:26343307

Body weight, meat quality and blood metabolite responses to carbohydrate administration in the drinking water during pre-slaughter feed withdrawal in broilers.

PubMed

Kop-Bozbay, C; Ocak, N

2015-04-01

This study was conducted to determine weights of body (BW), carcass (CW), gastrointestinal tract (GTW), meat quality and some blood metabolite responses to corn starch, saccharose or glucose administration in the drinking water during pre-slaughter feed withdrawal (FW) in broilers. On day 42 of age, 200 broilers (Ross 308) were allocated randomly to five treatments with four replicates. During a 10-h FW, control broilers (C) were provided with non-treated water and the standard finisher diet ad libitum, whereas fasted broilers provided with non-treated (NFW) or treated water, 3 g glucose (G), saccharose (S) or corn starch (CS)/L. Eight birds (four males and four females) per treatment were slaughtered. Birds receiving non-treated or treated water had lower BW and higher carcass yield than the full-fed broilers. The full-fed broilers had higher absolute and relative GTW than the fasted birds. Broilers consumed more readily treated water compared with non-treated water. While the a* value of breast meat from CS birds was higher than that from NFW, the b* value of that was higher than S and C birds. The c* values of breast meat from S birds were lower compared with that from the CS treatment. The thigh meat from NFW broilers had higher h* value than that from C and G broilers. The thigh meats of C and CS broilers had higher c* value than that of G birds. The full-fed broilers had higher plasma triglyceride concentration than NFW, S and G birds. The full-fed broilers had higher plasma uric acid and uric acid nitrogen concentrations than S birds. These results show that carbohydrate administration in the drinking water cannot be a good alternative for the FW period before slaughter due to the fact that the carbohydrates do not reduce BW losses and do not lead to increases in meat quality. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Direct accumulation pathway of radioactive cesium to fruit-bodies of edible mushroom from contaminated wood logs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnuki, Toshihiko; Aiba, Yukitoshi; Sakamoto, Fuminori; Kozai, Naofumi; Niizato, Tadafumi; Sasaki, Yoshito

2016-07-01

This paper presents the accumulation process of radioactive Cs in edible mushrooms. We here first report the direct accumulation pathway of radioactive Cs from contaminated wood logs to the fruit-bodies of shiitake mushrooms through the basal portion of the stipe. In this pathway, radioactive Cs is not transported through the hyphae. This pathway results in a high accumulation of radioactive Cs in the fruit-body, more by the excess accumulation of radioactive Cs from the wood logs than that through the hyphae. We grew the fruit-bodies of Shiitake mushroom from radioactive-Cs-contaminated wood logs. The spatial distributions of radioactive Cs and Prussian blue as a tracer of interstitial water in the cross section of the wood log measured after the harvest of the fruit-body from the inoculated sawdust spawn area indicated that some fraction of the radioactive Cs and Prussian blue were transported directly to the basal portion of the stipe during the growth of the fruit-bodies.

A possible mechanism of the enhancement and maintenance of the shear magnetic field component in the current sheet of the Earth’s magnetotail

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

Grigorenko, E. E., E-mail: elenagrigorenko2003@yahoo.com; Malova, H. V., E-mail: hmalova@yandex.ru; Malykhin, A. Yu., E-mail: anmaurdreg@gmail.com

2015-01-15

The influence of the shear magnetic field component, which is directed along the electric current in the current sheet (CS) of the Earth’s magnetotail and enhanced near the neutral plane of the CS, on the nonadiabatic dynamics of ions interacting with the CS is studied. The results of simulation of the nonadiabatic ion motion in the prescribed magnetic configuration similar to that observed in the magnetotail CS by the CLUSTER spacecraft demonstrated that, in the presence of some initial shear magnetic field, the north-south asymmetry in the ion reflection/refraction in the CS is observed. This asymmetry leads to the formationmore » of an additional current system formed by the oppositely directed electric currents flowing in the northern and southern parts of the plasma sheet in the planes tangential to the CS plane and in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the electric current in the CS. The formation of this current system perhaps is responsible for the enhancement and further maintenance of the shear magnetic field near the neutral plane of the CS. The CS structure and ion dynamics observed in 17 intervals of the CS crossings by the CLUSTER spacecraft is analyzed. In these intervals, the shear magnetic field was increased near the neutral plane of the CS, so that the bell-shaped spatial distribution of this field across the CS plane was observed. The results of the present analysis confirm the suggested scenario of the enhancement of the shear magnetic field near the neutral plane of the CS due to the peculiarities of the nonadiabatic ion dynamics.« less

Estimations of direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr to the ocean from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant for five-and-a-half years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Misumi, Kazuhiro; Tateda, Yutaka

2017-04-01

A series of accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) following the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 resulted in the release of radioactive materials to the ocean by two major pathways, direct release from the accident site and atmospheric deposition. Additional release pathways by river input and runoff from 1F NPP site with precipitation and were also effective for coastal zone in the specific periods before starting direct release on March 26 2011. Direct release from 1F NPP site is dominant one year after the accident. We estimated the direct release rate of 137Cs and 90Sr for more than five-and-a-half years after the accident by the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS). Direct release rate of 137Cs were estimated for five-and-a-half years after the accident by comparing simulated results and measured activities adjacent to the 1F NPP site(at 5,6 discharge and south discharge). Directly release rate of 137Cs was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1014 Bq/day and decreased exponentially with time to be the order of magnitude of 109 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. Estimated direct release rate have exponentially reduced with constant rate since November 2011. Apparent half-life of direct release rate was estimated to be 346 days. The estimated total amounts of directly released 137Cs was 3.7±0.7 PBq for five and a half years. Simulated 137Cs activities attributable to direct release were in good agreement with observed activities, a result that implies the estimated direct release rate was reasonable. Simulated 137Cs activity affected off coast in the Fukushima prefecture. We used the measured 137Cs activities by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) for the estimation of direct release. The sea water samples were corrected from the coast. The averaged 137Cs activities from November 2013 to June 2016 were 391 and 383 Bq/m3 at 5,6 discharge and south discharge, respectively. The averaged 137Cs activities measured by the Nuclear Regulation Agency (NRA) is about five times smaller than the one by the TEPCO because the NRA corrected seawater samples at 300-500m offshore by ship. Horizontal resolution of the model was 1km x 1km, therefore it is important to consider the difference of activities in the sub-grid scale for the detailed estimations of direct release. 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio measured adjacent to the 1F NPP is variable with time. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio was 0.62 due to the global fallout before the accident. The 90Sr/137Cs activity ratio decreased to 0.01 after the accident before April 2011. And the ratio increased to 1 by September 2013. And then the ratio decreased to 0.1-1. After October 2015, the ratio decreased to 0.1-0.2. Directly release rate of 90Sr was estimated to be the order of magnitude of 1012 Bq/day and decreased to the order of magnitude of 108 Bq/day by the end of September 2016. The estimated total amounts of directly released 90Sr was 35 ± 7 TBq.

Use of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners in US consumer packaged foods, 2005–9

PubMed Central

Ng, Shu Wen; Slining, Meghan M.; Popkin, Barry M.

2012-01-01

Our understanding of the use of caloric (CS) and non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) in the US food supply is limited. This study utilizes full ingredient list and nutrition facts panel (NFP) data from Gladson Nutrition Database, and nationally representative purchases of consumer packaged foods from Nielsen Homescan in 2005 through 2009 to understand the use of CS (including FJC) and NCS in CPG foods. Of the 85,451 uniquely formulated foods purchased during 2005–2009, 75% contain sweeteners (68% with CS only, 1% with NCS only, 6% with both CS and NCS). CS are in >95% of cakes/cookies/pies, granola/protein/energy bars, ready-to-eat cereals, sweet snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages. NCS are in >33% of yogurts and sports/energy drinks, 42% of waters (plain or flavored), and most diet sweetened beverages. Across unique products, corn syrup is the most commonly listed sweetener, followed by sorghum, cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup and FJC. Also, 77% of all calories purchased in the US in 2005–2009 contained CS and 3% contained NCS, while 73% of the volume of foods purchased contained CS and 15% contained NCS. Trends during this period suggest a shift towards the purchase of NCS-containing products.Our study poses a challenge toward monitoring sweetener consumption in the US by discussing the need and options available to improve measures of CS and NCS, and additional requirements on NFPs on CPG foods. PMID:23102182

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

Robison, W; Stone, E; Hamilton, T

Bikini Island was contaminated March 1, 1954 by the Bravo detonation (U.S nuclear test series, Castle) at Bikini Atoll. About 90% of the estimated dose from nuclear fallout to potential island residents is from cesium-137 ({sup 137}Cs) transferred from soil to plants that are consumed by residents. Thus, radioecology research efforts have been focused on removing {sup 137}Cs from soil and/or reducing its uptake into vegetation. Most effective was addition of potassium (K) to soil that reduces {sup 137}Cs concentration in fruits to 3-5% of pretreatment concentrations. Initial observations indicated this low concentration continued for some time after K wasmore » last applied. Long-term studies were designed to evaluate this persistence in more detail because it is very important to provide assurance to returning populations that {sup 137}Cs concentrations in food (and, therefore, radiation dose) will remain low for extended periods, even if K is not applied annually or biennially. Potassium applied at 300, 660, 1260, and 1970 kg ha{sup -1} lead to a {sup 137}Cs concentration in drinking coconut meat that is 34, 22, 10, and about 4 % of original concentration, respectively. Concentration of {sup 137}Cs remains low 8 to 10 y after K is last applied. An explanation for this unexpected result is discussed.« less

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

Robison, W L; Stone, E L; Hamilton, T F

Bikini Island was contaminated March 1, 1954 by the Bravo detonation (U.S nuclear test series, Castle) at Bikini Atoll. About 90% of the estimated dose from nuclear fallout to potential island residents is from cesium-137 ({sup 137}Cs) transferred from soil to plants that are consumed by residents. Thus, radioecology research efforts have been focused on removing {sup 137}Cs from soil and/or reducing its uptake into vegetation. Most effective was addition of potassium (K) to soil that reduces {sup 137}Cs concentration in fruits to 3-5% of pretreatment concentrations. Initial observations indicated this low concentration continued for some time after K wasmore » last applied. Long-term studies were designed to evaluate this persistence in more detail because it is very important to provide assurance to returning populations that {sup 137}Cs concentrations in food (and, therefore, radiation dose) will remain low for extended periods, even if K is not applied annually or biennially. Potassium applied at 300, 660, 1260, and 2070 kg ha{sup -1} lead to a {sup 137}Cs concentration in drinking coconut meat that is 34, 22, 10, and about 4% of original concentration, respectively. Concentration of {sup 137}Cs remains low 8 to 10 y after K is last applied. An explanation for this unexpected result is discussed.« less

Evaluation of DNA damage induced by Auger electrons from 137Cs.

PubMed

Watanabe, Ritsuko; Hattori, Yuya; Kai, Takeshi

2016-11-01

To understand the biological effect of external and internal exposure from 137 Cs, DNA damage spectrum induced by directly emitted electrons (γ-rays, internal conversion electrons, Auger electrons) from 137 Cs was compared with that induced by 137 Cs γ-rays. Monte Carlo track simulation method was used to calculate the microscopic energy deposition pattern in liquid water. Simulation was performed for the two simple target systems in microscale. Radiation sources were placed inside for one system and outside for another system. To simulate the energy deposition by directly emitted electrons from 137 Cs placed inside the system, the multiple ejections of electrons after internal conversion were considered. In the target systems, induction process of DNA damage was modeled and simulated for both direct energy deposition and the water radical reaction on the DNA. The yield and spatial distribution of simple and complex DNA damage including strand breaks and base lesions were calculated for irradiation by electrons and γ-rays from 137 Cs. The simulation showed that the significant difference in DNA damage spectrum was not caused by directly ejected electrons and γ-rays from 137 Cs. The result supports the existing perception that the biological effects by internal and external exposure by 137 Cs are equivalent.

Reconstruction of long-lived radionuclide intakes for Techa riverside residents: 137Cs.

PubMed

Tolstykh, E I; Degteva, M O; Peremyslova, L M; Shagina, N B; Vorobiova, M I; Anspaugh, L R; Napier, B A

2013-05-01

Radioactive contamination of the Techa River (Southern Urals, Russia) occurred from 1949-1956 due to routine and accidental releases of liquid radioactive wastes from the Mayak Production Association. The long-lived radionuclides in the releases were Sr and Cs. Contamination of the components of the Techa River system resulted in chronic external and internal exposure of about 30,000 residents of riverside villages. Data on radionuclide intake with diet are used to estimate internal dose in the Techa River Dosimetry System (TRDS), which was elaborated for the assessment of radiogenic risk for Techa Riverside residents. The Sr intake function was recently improved, taking into account the recently available archival data on radionuclide releases and in-depth analysis of the extensive data on Sr measurements in Techa Riverside residents. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dietary intake of Cs by Techa Riverside residents. The Cs intake with river water used for drinking was reconstructed on the basis of the Sr intake-function and the concentration ratio Cs-to-Sr in river water. Intake via Cs transfer from floodplain soil to grass and cows' milk was evaluated for the first time. As a result, the maximal Cs intake level was indicated near the site of releases in upper-Techa River settlements (8,000-9,000 kBq). For villages located on the lower Techa River, the Cs intake was significantly less (down to 300 kBq). Cows' milk was the main source of Cs in diet in the upper-Techa River region.

Management strategies for trace organic chemicals in water - A review of international approaches.

PubMed

Bieber, Stefan; Snyder, Shane A; Dagnino, Sonia; Rauch-Williams, Tanja; Drewes, Jörg E

2018-03-01

To ensure an appropriate management of potential health risks and uncertainties from the release of trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) into the aqueous environment, many countries have evaluated and implemented strategies to manage TOrCs. The aim of this study was to evaluate existing management strategies for TOrCs in different countries to derive and compare underlying core principles and paradigms and to develop suggestions for more holistic management strategies to protect the environment and drinking water supplies from the discharge of undesired TOrCs. The strategies in different industrial countries were summarized and subsequently compared with regards to three particular questions: 1) Do the approaches different countries have implemented manage all or only specific portions of the universe of chemicals; 2) What implementation and compliance strategies are used to manage aquatic and human health risk and what are their pros and cons; and 3) How are site-specific watershed differences being addressed? While management strategies of the different countries target similar TOrCs, the programs differ in several important aspects, including underlying principles, the balance between aquatic or human health protection, implementation methods, and financing mechanisms used to fund regulatory programs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

AQUATIC ASSESSMENT OF THE CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR ACCIDENT AND ITS REMEDIATION

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

Onishi, Yasuo; Kivva, Sergey L.; Zheleznyak, Mark J.

2007-11-01

This modeling study evaluated aquatic environment affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident and the effectiveness of remediation efforts. Study results indicate that radionuclide concentrations in the Pripyat and Dnieper rivers were well above the drinking water limits immediately after the Chernobyl accident, but have decreased significantly in subsequent years due to flashing, burying, and decay. Because high concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs, the major radionuclides affecting human health through aquatic pathways, are associated with flooding, an earthen dike was constructed along the Pripyat River in its most contaminated floodplain. The dike was successful in reducing the 90Sr influx to themore » river by half. A 100-m-high movable dome called the New Safe Confinement is planned to cover the Chernobyl Shelter (formally called the sarcophagus) that was erected shortly after the accident. The NSC will reduce radionuclide contamination further in these rivers and nearby groundwater; however, even if the Chernobyl Shelter collapses before the NSC is built, the resulting peak concentrations of 90Sr and 137Cs in the Dnieper River would still be below the drinking water limits.« less

Predicting interatrial septum rotation: is the position of the heart or the direction of the coronary sinus reliable?: Implications for interventional electrophysiologists from CT studies.

PubMed

Sun, Huan; Wang, Yanjing; Zhang, Zhenming; Liu, Lin; Yang, Ping

2015-04-01

Determining the location of the interatrial septum (IAS) is crucial for cardiac electrophysiology procedures. Empirical methods of predicting IAS orientation depend on anatomical landmarks, including determining it from the direction of the coronary sinus (CS) and the position of the heart (e.g., vertical or transverse). However, the reliability of these methods for predicting IAS rotation warrants further study. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical utility of the relationship between IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position. Data from 115 patients undergoing coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography with no evidence of cardiac structural disease were collected and analyzed. Angulations describing IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position were measured. The relationships between IAS orientation and each of the other two parameters were subsequently analyzed. The mean angulations for IAS orientation, CS direction, and heart position were 36.8 ± 7.3° (range 19.1-53.6), 37.7 ± 6.6° (range 21.3-50.1), and 37.1 ± 8.3° (range 19.2-61.0), respectively. We found a significant correlation between IAS orientation and CS direction (r = 0.928; P < 0.01), and the linear regression equation was drawn: IAS orientation = 2.01 + 1.03 × CS direction (r(2) = 0.86). No correlation was observed between IAS orientation and heart position (P = 0.86). In patients without structural heart disease, CS direction may be a reliable predictor of IAS orientation, and may serve as a helpful reference for clinicians during invasive electrophysiological procedures. Further study is warranted to clarify the relationship between IAS orientation and heart position. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Alcohol-Seeking Triggered by Discrete Pavlovian Cues is Invigorated by Alcohol Contexts and Mediated by Glutamate Signaling in the Basolateral Amygdala

PubMed Central

Sciascia, Joanna M; Reese, Rebecca M; Janak, Patricia H; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

The environmental context in which a discrete Pavlovian conditioned stimulus (CS) is experienced can profoundly impact conditioned responding elicited by the CS. We hypothesized that alcohol-seeking behavior elicited by a discrete CS that predicted alcohol would be influenced by context and require glutamate signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Male, Long-Evans rats were allowed to drink 15% ethanol (v/v) until consumption stabilized. Next, rats received Pavlovian conditioning sessions in which a 10 s CS (15 trials/session) was paired with ethanol (0.2 ml/CS). Entries into a port where ethanol was delivered were measured. Pavlovian conditioning occurred in a specific context (alcohol context) and was alternated with sessions in a different context (non-alcohol context) where neither the CS nor ethanol was presented. At test, the CS was presented without ethanol in the alcohol context or the non-alcohol context, following a bilateral microinfusion (0.3 μl/hemisphere) of saline or the AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist NBQX (2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide disodium salt) in the BLA (0, 0.3, or 1.0 μg/0.3 μl). The effect of NBQX (0, 0.3 μg/0.3 μl) in the caudate putamen (CPu) on CS responding in the non-alcohol context was also tested. The discrete alcohol CS triggered more alcohol-seeking behavior in the alcohol context than the non-alcohol context. NBQX in the BLA reduced CS responding in both contexts but had no effect in the CPu. These data indicate that AMPA glutamate receptors in the BLA are critical for alcohol-seeking elicited by a discrete CS and that behavior triggered by the CS is strongly invigorated by an alcohol context. PMID:25953360

Environmental radioactivity levels, Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant: Annual report, 1986

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

Not Available

1986-04-01

The report presents data gathered during radiological monitoring program conducted in the environs of the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Dose estimates were made from concentrations of radioactivity found in samples of media including air, milk, food products, drinking water, and fish. Inhalation and ingestion doses estimated for persons at the indicator locations were essentially identical to those determined for persons at control locations. Greater than 95% of those doses were contributed by the naturally occurring K-40 and by Sr-90 and Cs-137 which are long-lived radioisotopes found in fallout from nuclear weapons testing. Increased levels of I-131 were reported in air,more » milk, and rainwater following the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. In addition, Ru-103, Cs-137, and Cs-134 were identified in air particulates, and traces of Ru-103 were found in rainwater. (ACR)« less

Modulation of Complex-Spike Duration and Probability during Cerebellar Motor Learning in Visually Guided Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movements of Monkeys

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract Activation of an inferior olivary neuron powerfully excites Purkinje cells via its climbing fiber input and triggers a characteristic high-frequency burst, known as the complex spike (CS). The theory of cerebellar learning postulates that the CS induces long-lasting depression of the strength of synapses from active parallel fibers onto Purkinje cells, and that synaptic depression leads to changes in behavior. Prior reports showed that a CS on one learning trial is linked to a properly timed depression of simple spikes on the subsequent trial, as well as a learned change in pursuit eye movement. Further, the duration of a CS is a graded instruction for single-trial plasticity and behavioral learning. We now show across multiple learning paradigms that both the probability and duration of CS responses are correlated with the magnitudes of neural and behavioral learning in awake behaving monkeys. When the direction of the instruction for learning repeatedly was in the same direction or alternated directions, the duration and probability of CS responses decreased over a learning block along with the magnitude of trial-over-trial neural learning. When the direction of the instruction was randomized, CS duration, CS probability, and neural and behavioral learning remained stable across time. In contrast to depression, potentiation of simple-spike firing rate for ON-direction learning instructions follows a longer time course and plays a larger role as depression wanes. Computational analysis provides a model that accounts fully for the detailed statistics of a complex set of data. PMID:28698888

Physicochemical properties and the concentration of anions, major and trace elements in groundwater, treated drinking water and bottled drinking water in Najran area, KSA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brima, Eid I.

2017-03-01

Basic information about major elements in bottled drinking water is provided on product labels. However, more information is needed about trace elements in bottled drinking water and other sources of drinking water to assess its quality and suitability for drinking. This is the first such study to be carried out in Najran city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 48 water samples were collected from different sources comprising wells, stations for drinking water treatment and bottled drinking water (purchased from local supermarkets). The concentrations of 24 elements [aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cesium (Cs), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molydenum (Mo), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), uranium (U) and zinc (Zn)] were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anions (chlorine (Cl-), fluoride (F-), sulfate (SO4 2-) and nitrate (NO3 -) were determined by ion chromatography (IC). Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved salts (TDS) and total hardness (TH) were also measured. All parameters of treated drinking water and bottled drinking water samples did not exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008, US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA 2009), Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO) 2008 and Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) 1984 recommended guidelines. It is noteworthy that groundwater samples were not used for drinking purpose. This study is important to raise public knowledge about drinking water, and to promote public health.

Early stages of Cs adsorption mechanism for GaAs nanowire surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Yu; Liu, Lei; Xia, Sihao; Feng, Shu

2018-03-01

In this study, the adsorption mechanism of Cs adatoms on the (100) surface of GaAs nanowire with [0001] growth direction is investigated utilizing first principles method based on density function theory. The adsorption energy, work function, atomic structure and electronic property of clean surface and Cs-covered surfaces with different coverage are discussed. Results show that when only one Cs is adsorbed on the surface, the most favorable adsorption site is BGa-As. With increasing Cs coverage, work function gradually decreases and gets its minimum at 0.75 ML, then rises slightly when Cs coverage comes to 1 ML, indicating the existence of 'Cs-kill' phenomenon. According to further analysis, Cs activation process can effectively reduce the work function due to the formation of a downward band bending region and surface dipole moment directing from Cs adatom to the surface. As Cs coverage increases, the conduction band minimum and valence band maximum both shift towards lower energy side, contributed by the orbital hybridization between Cs-5s, Cs-5p states and Ga-4p, As-4s, As-4p states near Fermi level. The theoretical calculations and analysis in this study can improve the Cs activation technology for negative electron affinity optoelectronic devices based on GaAs nanowires, and also provide a reference for the further Cs/O or Cs/NF3 activation process.

PASS-Predicted Hepatoprotective Activity of Caesalpinia sappan in Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

PubMed Central

Kadir, Farkaad A.; Kassim, Normadiah M.; Abdulla, Mahmood Ameen; Ahmadipour, Fatemeh; Yehye, Wageeh A.

2014-01-01

The antifibrotic effects of traditional medicinal herb Caesalpinia sappan (CS) extract on liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) and the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in rats were studied. A computer-aided prediction of antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities was primarily performed with the Prediction Activity Spectra of the Substance (PASS) Program. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by TAA administration (0.03% w/v) in drinking water for a period of 12 weeks. Rats were divided into seven groups: control, TAA, Silymarin (SY), and CS 300 mg/kg body weight and 100 mg/kg groups. The effect of CS on liver fibrogenesis was determined by Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blotting. In vivo determination of hepatic antioxidant activities, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), and matrix metalloproteinases (MPPS) was employed. CS treatment had significantly increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes activity in the TAA-treated rats. Liver fibrosis was greatly alleviated in rats when treated with CS extract. CS treatment was noted to normalize the expression of TGF-β1, αSMA, PCNA, MMPs, and TIMP1 proteins. PASS-predicted plant activity could efficiently guide in selecting a promising pharmaceutical lead with high accuracy and required antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. PMID:24701154

The influence of parental and peer drinking behaviors on underage drinking and driving by young men.

PubMed

Zhang, Lening; Wieczorek, William F; Welte, John W

2012-01-01

Studies have consistently found that parental and peer drinking behaviors significantly influence adolescent drinking behavior and that adolescent drinking has a significant effect on their drinking-and-driving behavior. Building upon these studies, the present article assesses whether parental and peer drinking behaviors have direct and indirect effects on adolescent drinking and driving as well as whether they moderate the effect of adolescent drinking on their drinking-and-driving behavior. The assessment is conducted using data collected from the Buffalo Longitudinal Survey of Young Men (BLSYM) with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analyses. The data reveal that peer drinking has direct and indirect effects on adolescent drinking-and-driving behavior when adolescent drinking behavior is controlled. It also moderates the effect of adolescent drinking behavior on their drinking and driving. However, parental drinking does not have these direct and interactive effects, although it may have an indirect effect on adolescent drinking and driving via adolescent drinking behavior. These findings imply that peer drinking behavior should be considered seriously in prevention and intervention for reducing the risk of adolescent drinking-and-driving behavior.

Ligand-mediated synthesis of compositionally related cesium lead halide CsPb2X5 nanowires with improved stability.

PubMed

Ruan, Longfei; Lin, Jin; Shen, Wei; Deng, Zhengtao

2018-04-26

Compositionally related cesium lead halide materials, such as CsPb2X5, have attracted great interest due to their considerable optoelectronic/optical properties as well as improved stability. Currently, CsPb2Br5 nanocrystals can be well-designed by tuning the ligands or precursor ratio, whereas, CsPb2X5 (with Cl- or I-) nanocrystals can only be obtained by the anion exchange method. Herein, we report a method to directly synthesize CsPb2X5 facilitated by thiol ligands. The morphology of CsPb2X5 can be designed as a nanowire. Importantly, the stability of directly synthesized CsPb2X5 nanowires is much improved when compared with the stabilities of the materials obtained by the anion-exchange method. We believe that this method will promote the application of 1D tetragonal CsPb2X5 in optoelectronics, optics and other fields.

In vivo effects of chronic contamination with 137 cesium on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis.

PubMed

Grignard, Elise; Guéguen, Yann; Grison, Stéphane; Lobaccaro, Jean-Marc A; Gourmelon, Patrick; Souidi, Maâmar

2008-09-01

More than 20 years after Chernobyl nuclear power plant explosion, radionuclides are still mainly bound to the organic soil layers. The radiation exposure is dominated by the external exposure to gamma-radiation following the decay of (137)Cs and by soil-to-plant-to-human transfer of (137)Cs into the food chain. Because of this persistence of contamination with (137)Cs, questions regarding public health for people living in contaminated areas were raised. We investigated the biological effects of chronic exposure to (137)Cs on testicular and adrenal steroidogenesis metabolisms in rat. Animals were exposed to radionuclide in their drinking water for 9 months at a dose of 6,500 Bq/l (610 Bq/kg/day). Cesium contamination decreases the level of circulating 17beta-estradiol, and increases corticosterone level. In testis, several nuclear receptors messenger expression is disrupted; levels of mRNA encoding Liver X receptor alpha (LXRalpha) and LXRbeta are increased, whereas farnesoid X receptor mRNA presents a lower level. Adrenal metabolism presents a paradoxical decrease in cyp11a1 gene expression. In conclusion, our results show for the first time molecular and hormonal modifications in testicular and adrenal steroidogenic metabolism, induced by chronic contamination with low doses of (137)Cs.

Transformation of Cs-IONSIV® into a ceramic wasteform by hot isostatic pressing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Tzu-Yu; Maddrell, Ewan R.; Hyatt, Neil C.; Gandy, Amy S.; Stennett, Martin C.; Hriljac, Joseph A.

2018-01-01

A simple method to directly convert Cs-exchanged IONSIV® IE-911 into a ceramic wasteform by hot isostatic pressing (1100 °C/190 MPa/2 hr) is presented. Two major Cs-containing phases, Cs2TiNb6O18 and Cs2ZrSi6O15, and a series of mixed oxides form. The microstructure and phase assemblage of the samples as a function of Cs content were examined using XRD, XRF, SEM and TEM/EDX. The chemical aqueous durability of the materials was investigated using the MCC-1 and PCT-B standard test methods. For HIPed Cs-IONSIV® samples, the MCC-1 normalised release rates of Cs were <1.57 × 10-1 g m-2 d-1 at 0-28 days, and <3.78 × 10-2 g m-2 d-1 for PCT-B at 7 days. The low rates are indicative of a safe long-term immobilisation matrix for Cs formed directly from spent IONSIV®. It was also demonstrated that the phase formation can be altered by adding Ti metal due to a controlled redox environment.

Reconstruction of Long-Lived Radionuclide Intakes for Techa Riverside Residents: Cesium-137

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

Tolstykh, E. I.; Degteva, M. O.; Peremyslova, L. M.

2013-05-01

Radioactive contamination of the Techa River (Southern Urals, Russia) occurred from 1949–1956 due to routine and accidental releases of liquid radioactive wastes from the Mayak Production Association. The long-lived radionuclides in the releases were 90Sr and 137Cs. Contamination of the components of the Techa River system resulted in chronic external and internal exposure of about 30,000 residents of riverside villages. Data on radionuclide intake with diet are used to estimate internal dose in the Techa River Dosimetry System (TRDS), which was elaborated for the assessment of radiogenic risk for Techa Riverside residents. The 90Sri ntake function was recently improved takingmore » into account the recently available archival data on radionuclide releases and in-depth analysis of the extensive data on 90Sr measurements in Techa Riverside residents. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dietary intake of 137Cs by Techa Riverside residents. The 137Cs intake with river water used for drinking was reconstructed on the basis of the 90Sr intake-function and the concentration ratio 137Cs/90Sr in river water. Intake via 137Cs transfer from floodplain soil to grass and cows’ milk was evaluated for the first time. As a result, the maximal 137Cs intake level was indicated near the site of releases in upper-Techa River settlements (8,000–9,000 kBq). For villages located on the lower Techa River the 137Cs intake was significantly less (down to 300 kBq). Cows’ milk was the main source of 137Cs in diet in the upper-Techa.« less

The Influence of Parental and Peer Drinking Behaviors on Underage Drinking and Driving by Young Men*

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lening; Wieczorek, William F.; Welte, John W.

2013-01-01

Background Studies have consistently found that parental and peer drinking behaviors significantly influence adolescent drinking behavior and that adolescent drinking has a significant effect on their drinking-and-driving behavior. Building upon these studies, the present article assesses whether parental and peer drinking behaviors have direct and indirect effects on adolescent drinking and driving as well as whether they moderate the effect of adolescent drinking on their drinking-and-driving behavior. Methods The assessment is conducted using data collected from the Buffalo Longitudinal Survey of Young Men (BLSYM) with Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analyses. Results The data reveal that peer drinking has direct and indirect effects on adolescent drinking-and-driving behavior when adolescent drinking behavior is controlled. It also moderates the effect of adolescent drinking behavior on their drinking and driving. However, parental drinking does not have these direct and interactive effects, although it may have an indirect effect on adolescent drinking and driving via adolescent drinking behavior. Conclusions These findings imply that peer drinking behavior should be considered seriously in prevention and intervention for reducing the risk of adolescent drinking-and-driving behavior. PMID:23705513

The attribution of incentive salience to Pavlovian alcohol cues: a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking.

PubMed

Srey, Chandra S; Maddux, Jean-Marie N; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

Environmental stimuli that are reliably paired with alcohol may acquire incentive salience, a property that can operate in the use and abuse of alcohol. Here we investigated the incentive salience of Pavlovian alcohol cues using a preclinical animal model. Male, Long-Evans rats (Harlan) with unrestricted access to food and water were acclimated to drinking 15% ethanol (v/v) in their home-cages. Rats then received Pavlovian autoshaping training in which the 10 s presentation of a retractable lever served as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and 15% ethanol served as the unconditioned stimulus (US) (0.2 ml/CS; 12 CS presentations/session; 27 sessions). Next, in an operant test of conditioned reinforcement, nose pokes into an active aperture delivered presentations of the lever-CS, whereas nose pokes into an inactive aperture had no consequences. Across initial autoshaping sessions, goal-tracking behavior, as measured by entries into the fluid port where ethanol was delivered, developed rapidly. However, with extended training goal-tracking diminished, and sign-tracking responses, as measured by lever-CS activations, emerged. Control rats that received explicitly unpaired CS and US presentations did not show goal-tracking or sign-tracking responses. In the test for conditioned reinforcement, rats with CS-US pairings during autoshaping training made more active relative to inactive nose pokes, whereas rats in the unpaired control group did not. Moreover, active nose pokes were positively correlated with sign-tracking behavior during autoshaping. Extended training may produce a shift in the learned properties of Pavlovian alcohol cues, such that after initially predicting alcohol availability they acquire robust incentive salience.

Distribution of oceanic 137Cs from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant simulated numerically by a regional ocean model.

PubMed

Tsumune, Daisuke; Tsubono, Takaki; Aoyama, Michio; Hirose, Katsumi

2012-09-01

Radioactive materials were released to the environment from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant as a result of the reactor accident after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011. The measured (137)Cs concentration in a seawater sample near the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant site reached 68 kBq L(-1) (6.8 × 10(4)Bq L(-1)) on 6 April. The two major likely pathways from the accident site to the ocean existed: direct release of high radioactive liquid wastes to the ocean and the deposition of airborne radioactivity to the ocean surface. By analysis of the (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratio, we determined that direct release from the site contributed more to the measured (137)Cs concentration than atmospheric deposition did. We then used a regional ocean model to simulate the (137)Cs concentrations resulting from the direct release to the ocean off Fukushima and found that from March 26 to the end of May the total amount of (137)Cs directly released was 3.5 ± 0.7 PBq ((3.5 ± 0.7) × 10(15)Bq). The simulated temporal change in (137)Cs concentrations near the Fukushima Daini Nuclear Power Plant site agreed well with observations. Our simulation results showed that (1) the released (137)Cs advected southward along the coast during the simulation period; (2) the eastward-flowing Kuroshio and its extension transported (137)C during May 2011; and (3) (137)Cs concentrations decreased to less than 10 BqL(-1) by the end of May 2011 in the whole simulation domain as a result of oceanic advection and diffusion. We compared the total amount and concentration of (137)Cs released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors to the ocean with the (137)Cs released to the ocean by global fallout. Even though the measured (137)Cs concentration from the Fukushima accident was the highest recorded, the total released amount of (137)Cs was not very large. Therefore, the effect of (137)Cs released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors on concentration in the whole North Pacific was smaller than that of past release events such as global fallout, and the amount of (137)Cs expected to reach other oceanic basins is negligible comparing with the past radioactive input. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A household LOC device for online monitoring bacterial pathogens in drinking water with green design concept.

PubMed

Zhao, Xinyan; Dong, Tao

2013-01-01

Bacterial waterborne pathogens often threaten the water safety of the drinking water system. In order to protect the health of home users, a household lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device was developed for online monitoring bacterial pathogens in drinking water, which are in accord with green design concept. The chip integrated counter-flow micromixers, a T-junction droplet generator and time-delay channels (TD-Cs), which can mix water sample and reactants into droplets in air flow and incubate the droplets in the LOC for about 18 hours before observation. The detection module was simplified into a transparent observation chamber, from which the home users can evaluate the qualitative result by naked eyes. The liquid waste generated by the LOC system was sterilized and absorbed by quicklime powders. No secondary pollution was found. The preliminary test of the prototype system met its design requirements.

Direct Observation of Photoinduced Charge Separation in Ruthenium Complex/Ni(OH) 2 Nanoparticle Hybrid

DOE PAGES

Tang, Yu; Pattengale, Brian A.; Ludwig, John M.; ...

2015-12-17

We report that Ni(OH) 2 have emerged as important functional materials for solar fuel conversion because of their potential as cost-effective bifunctional catalysts for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. However, their roles as photocatalysts in the photoinduced charge separation (CS) reactions remain unexplored. In this paper, we investigate the CS dynamics of a newly designed hybrid catalyst by integrating a Ru complex with Ni(OH) 2 nanoparticles (NPs). Using time resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XTA), we directly observed the formation of the reduced Ni metal site (~60 ps), unambiguously demonstrating CS process in the hybrid through ultrafast electron transfer frommore » Ru complex to Ni(OH) 2 NPs. Compared to the ultrafast CS process, the charge recombination in the hybrid is ultraslow (>>50 ns). These results not only suggest the possibility of developing Ni(OH) 2 as solar fuel catalysts, but also represent the first time direct observation of efficient CS in a hybrid catalyst using XTA.« less

Bisacodyl plus split 2-L polyethylene glycol-citrate-simethicone improves quality of bowel preparation before screening colonoscopy.

PubMed

Valiante, Flavio; Bellumat, Angelo; De Bona, Manuela; De Boni, Michele

2013-09-07

To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of split 2-L polyethylene glycol (PEG)-citrate-simethicone (PEG-CS) plus bisacodyl (BIS) vs 4-L PEG for fecal occult blood test-positive screening colonoscopy. This was a randomised, observer-blind comparative study. Two hundred and sixty-four subjects underwent screening colonoscopy (mean age 62.5 ± 7.4 years, male 61.7%). The primary objective of the study was to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of the two preparations. BIS plus PEG-CS: 3 tablets of 5-mg BIS at 16:00, PEG-CS 1-L at 19:00 and 1-L at 7:00, 4-L PEG: 3-L at 17:00, and 1-L at 7:00. Colonoscopy was carried out after 11:00, at least 3 h after the completion of bowel preparation. Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale. Bowel preparation was successful for 92.8% of subjects in the PEG-CS group and for 92.1% of subjects in the 4-L PEG (RR = 1.01; 95%CI: 0.94-1.08). BIS + PEG-CS was better tolerated than 4-L PEG. A greater rate of patients in the BIS + PEG-CS group had no difficulty and/or were willing to repeat the same preparation compared to split-dose 4-L PEG group. Subjects in the BIS + PEG-CS group rated the prep as good or satisfactory in 90.6% as compared to 77% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). Subjects receiving BIS + PEG-CS stated they fully adhered to instructions drinking all the 2-L solution in 97.1% compared with 87.3% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). BIS plus split 2-L PEG-CS was as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than split 4-L PEG for screening colonoscopy. This new procedure may increase the positive attitude and participation to colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy.

An optical microscopy study of the swelling of wet-spun films of CsDNA as a function of hydration and CsCl concentration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwenker, Megan; Marlowe, Robert; Lee, Scott; Rupprecht, Allan

2005-03-01

Highly oriented, wet-spun films of DNA expand in the direction perpendicular to the helical axis as the hydration of the film is increased. CsDNA films with a high CsCl content show an unexpected shrinkage at a relative humidity of 92%. Our most recent experiments have been to measure the perpendicular dimension of CsDNA as a function of both hydration and concentration of CsCl. Our preliminary results show that no shrinkage is observed at low contents of CsCl, showing that the CsCl plays an integral role in the shrinkage phenomenon.

Radiation doses for Marshall Islands Atolls affected by U.S. nuclear testing: all exposure pathways, remedial measures, and environmental loss of (137)Cs.

PubMed

Robison, William L; Hamilton, Terry F

2010-01-01

Radiation doses calculated for people resettling Bikini Island at Bikini Atoll, Enjebi Island at Enewetak Atoll, Rongelap Island at Rongelap Atoll, and Utrōk Island at Utrōk Atoll are presented. Residence is assumed to begin in 2010. In previous dose assessments it was shown that (137)Cs accounts for about 98% of the total dose for returning residents. About 85 to 90% (depending on the atoll) is via consumption of locally grown foods containing (137)Cs, and about 10 to 15% is due to external exposure from (137)Cs in the soil. These assessments were made using only the radiological half-life of (137)Cs (30.1 y). We have shown since that there is an environmental loss of (137)Cs from soil to groundwater that results in a more rapid loss of (137)Cs from the atoll ecosystem. The mean effective half-life of (137)Cs at the atolls is 8.5 y. Moreover, treatment of coconut trees with potassium (K) reduces (137)Cs concentration in drinking coconut meat at Bikini Atoll to about 5% of pretreatment concentrations. The magnitude of reduction is dependent on the concentration of (137)Cs in soil, and thereby in food crops, and is less for Enjebi and Rongelap Islands than for Bikini Island. Treatment of food crops and fruit trees with K and removal of the top 15 cm of soil around houses and community buildings prior to construction to reduce external exposure where people spend most of their time has been presented to the communities as a "Combined Option" remediation strategy. Doses presented here are calculated using the Combined Option, effective half-life of (137)Cs at the atolls, and a diet of both imported and local foods. The average natural background dose in the Marshall Islands, plus the anthropogenic nuclear test-related dose at Bikini, Enjebi, and Rongelap Islands, is less for each of the islands than the average background dose in the U.S. and Europe.

Effect of sodium overload on renal function of offspring from diabetic mothers.

PubMed

Rocco, Luigi; Gil, Frida Zaladek; da Fonseca Pletiskaitz, Thaís Maria; de Fátima Cavanal, Maria; Gomes, Guiomar Nascimento

2008-11-01

The aim if this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium overload on blood pressure and renal function in the offspring of diabetic rat mothers. Diabetes was induced with a single dose of streptozotocin before mating. Experimental groups were control (C), offspring from diabetic mother (D), control with sodium chloride (NaCl) overload (CS), and offspring from diabetic mother submitted to NaCl overload (DS). After weaning, all groups received food ad libitum; groups C and D had water ad libitum, and CS and DS received NaCl 0.15 M as drinking water. Renal morphology and function were evaluated in 3-month-old rats. Glomerular area, macrophage infiltration, interlobular artery wall thickness, and renal vascular resistance were significantly increased in CS, D, and DS compared with C. Renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were decreased in CS and D compared with C. In DS, GFR and fractional filtration were increased, suggesting a state of hyperfiltration. Hypertension was observed in groups D, CS, and DS from 2 months on and was more severe in DS. Our data suggest that diabetes during intrauterine development and salt overload beginning at an early age can cause hypertension and renal injury. When these conditions were associated, morphological and functional changes were much more intense, suggesting acceleration in the process of kidney injury.

The attribution of incentive salience to Pavlovian alcohol cues: a shift from goal-tracking to sign-tracking

PubMed Central

Srey, Chandra S.; Maddux, Jean-Marie N.; Chaudhri, Nadia

2015-01-01

Environmental stimuli that are reliably paired with alcohol may acquire incentive salience, a property that can operate in the use and abuse of alcohol. Here we investigated the incentive salience of Pavlovian alcohol cues using a preclinical animal model. Male, Long-Evans rats (Harlan) with unrestricted access to food and water were acclimated to drinking 15% ethanol (v/v) in their home-cages. Rats then received Pavlovian autoshaping training in which the 10 s presentation of a retractable lever served as the conditioned stimulus (CS) and 15% ethanol served as the unconditioned stimulus (US) (0.2 ml/CS; 12 CS presentations/session; 27 sessions). Next, in an operant test of conditioned reinforcement, nose pokes into an active aperture delivered presentations of the lever-CS, whereas nose pokes into an inactive aperture had no consequences. Across initial autoshaping sessions, goal-tracking behavior, as measured by entries into the fluid port where ethanol was delivered, developed rapidly. However, with extended training goal-tracking diminished, and sign-tracking responses, as measured by lever-CS activations, emerged. Control rats that received explicitly unpaired CS and US presentations did not show goal-tracking or sign-tracking responses. In the test for conditioned reinforcement, rats with CS-US pairings during autoshaping training made more active relative to inactive nose pokes, whereas rats in the unpaired control group did not. Moreover, active nose pokes were positively correlated with sign-tracking behavior during autoshaping. Extended training may produce a shift in the learned properties of Pavlovian alcohol cues, such that after initially predicting alcohol availability they acquire robust incentive salience. PMID:25784867

Beneficial Effect of Moderate Exercise in Kidney of Rat after Chronic Consumption of Cola Drinks.

PubMed

Cao, Gabriel; González, Julián; Müller, Angélica; Ottaviano, Graciela; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; Toblli, Jorge E; Milei, José

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity exercise on kidney in an animal model of high consumption of cola soft drinks. Forty-eight Wistar Kyoto rats (age: 16 weeks; weight: 350-400 g) were assigned to the following groups: WR (water runners) drank water and submitted to aerobic exercise; CR (cola runners) drank cola and submitted to aerobic exercise; WS (water sedentary) and CS (cola sedentary), not exercised groups. The aerobic exercise was performed for 5 days per week throughout the study (24 weeks) and the exercise intensity was gradually increased during the first 8 weeks until it reached 20 meters / minute for 30 minutes. Body weight, lipid profile, glycemia, plasma creatinine levels, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were determined. After 6 months all rats were sacrificed. A kidney histopathological score was obtained using a semiquantitative scale. Glomerular size and glomerulosclerosis were estimated by point-counting. The oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status were explored by immunohistochemistry. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc test was used for statistics. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. At 6 months, an increased consumption of cola soft drink was shown in CS and CR compared with water consumers (p<0.0001). Chronic cola consumption was associated with increased plasma triglycerides, AIP, heart rate, histopathological score, glomerulosclerosis, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status. On the other hand, moderate exercise prevented these findings. No difference was observed in the body weight, SBP, glycemia, cholesterol and plasma creatinine levels across experimental groups. This study warns about the consequences of chronic consumption of cola drinks on lipid metabolism, especially regarding renal health. Additionally, these findings emphasize the protective role of exercise training on renal damage.

Beneficial Effect of Moderate Exercise in Kidney of Rat after Chronic Consumption of Cola Drinks

PubMed Central

Cao, Gabriel; González, Julián; Müller, Angélica; Ottaviano, Graciela; Ambrosio, Giuseppe; Toblli, Jorge E.; Milei, José

2016-01-01

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of moderate intensity exercise on kidney in an animal model of high consumption of cola soft drinks. Methods Forty-eight Wistar Kyoto rats (age: 16 weeks; weight: 350–400 g) were assigned to the following groups: WR (water runners) drank water and submitted to aerobic exercise; CR (cola runners) drank cola and submitted to aerobic exercise; WS (water sedentary) and CS (cola sedentary), not exercised groups. The aerobic exercise was performed for 5 days per week throughout the study (24 weeks) and the exercise intensity was gradually increased during the first 8 weeks until it reached 20 meters / minute for 30 minutes. Body weight, lipid profile, glycemia, plasma creatinine levels, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were determined. After 6 months all rats were sacrificed. A kidney histopathological score was obtained using a semiquantitative scale. Glomerular size and glomerulosclerosis were estimated by point-counting. The oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status were explored by immunohistochemistry. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s post-hoc test was used for statistics. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results At 6 months, an increased consumption of cola soft drink was shown in CS and CR compared with water consumers (p<0.0001). Chronic cola consumption was associated with increased plasma triglycerides, AIP, heart rate, histopathological score, glomerulosclerosis, oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory status. On the other hand, moderate exercise prevented these findings. No difference was observed in the body weight, SBP, glycemia, cholesterol and plasma creatinine levels across experimental groups. Conclusions This study warns about the consequences of chronic consumption of cola drinks on lipid metabolism, especially regarding renal health. Additionally, these findings emphasize the protective role of exercise training on renal damage. PMID:27031710

Unplanned Drinking and Alcohol-Related Problems: A Preliminary Test of the Model of Unplanned Drinking Behavior

PubMed Central

Pearson, Matthew R.; Henson, James M.

2013-01-01

Much research links impulsivity with alcohol use and problems. In two studies, unplanned (or impulsive) drinking is assessed directly to determine whether it has direct effects on alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. In study 1, we examined whether unplanned drinking serves as a proximal mediator of the effects of impulsivity-like traits on alcohol-related outcomes. With a sample of 211 college student drinkers, we found that the Unplanned Drinking Scale was significantly related to alcohol use, and perhaps more importantly, had a direct effect on alcohol-related problems even after controlling for frequency and quantity of alcohol use. Further, unplanned drinking partially mediated the effects of negative urgency on alcohol-related problems. In study 2, we examined whether unplanned drinking accounts for unique variance in alcohol-related outcomes when controlling for use of protective behavioral strategies. With a sample of 170 college students, we replicated the findings of Study 1 in that the Unplanned Drinking Scale had a significant direct effect on alcohol-related problems even after controlling for alcohol use; further, this effect was maintained when controlling for use of protective behavioral strategies. Limitations include the modest sample sizes and the cross-sectional design. Future directions for testing the Model of Unplanned Drinking Behavior are proposed. PMID:23276312

Utilization of a by-product produced from oxidative desulfurization process over Cs-mesoporous silica catalysts.

PubMed

Kim, Hyeonjoo; Jeong, Kwang-Eun; Jeong, Soon-Yong; Park, Young-Kwon; Kim, Do Heui; Jeon, Jong-Ki

2011-02-01

We investigated the use of Cs-mesoporous silica catalysts to upgrade a by-product of oxidative desulfurization (ODS). Cs-mesoporous silica catalysts were characterized through N2 adsorption, XRD, CO2-temperature-programmed desorption, and XRF. Cs-mesoporous silica prepared by the direct incorporation method showed higher catalytic performance than a Cs/MCM-41 catalyst by impregnation method for the catalytic decomposition of sulfone compounds produced from ODS process.

Assessment of a Self-Reported Drinks Diary for the Estimation of Drinks Intake by Care Home Residents: Fluid Intake Study in the Elderly (FISE).

PubMed

Jimoh, F O; Bunn, D; Hooper, L

2015-05-01

We evaluated the accuracy of a newly developed self-completed Drinks Diary in care home residents and compared it with direct observation and fluid intake charts. Observational study. Residential care homes in Norfolk, UK. 22 elderly people (18 women, mean age 86.6 years SD 8.6, 12 with MMSE scores <27). Participants recorded their own drinks intake over 24 hours using the Drinks Diary while care staff used the homes' usual fluid intake chart to record drinks intake. These records were compared with drinks intake assessed by researcher direct observation (reference method), during waking hours (6am to 10pm), while drinks taken from 10pm to 6am were self-reported and checked with staff. Drinks intake assessed by the Drinks Diary was highly correlated with researcher direct observation (Pearson correlation coefficient r=0.93, p<0.001, mean difference -163ml/day) while few staff-completed fluid charts were returned and correlation was low (r=0.122, p=0.818, mean difference 702ml/day). The Drinks Diary classified 19 of 22 participants correctly as drinking enough or not using both the European Food Safety Authority and US recommendations. The Drinks Diary estimate of drinks intake was comparable with direct observation and more accurate (and reliably completed) than staff records. The Drinks Diary can provide a reliable estimate of drinks intake in elderly care home residents physically and cognitively able to complete it. It may be useful for researchers, care staff and practitioners needing to monitor drinks intake of elderly people, to help them avoid dehydration.

137Cs dynamics in the forest of Fukushima after the nuclear power plant accident in March 2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Endo, I.; Ohte, N.; Iseda, K.; Kobayashi, N.; Hirose, A.; Tanoi, K.

2013-12-01

The accident of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant after the earthquake and Tsunami in March 11th 2011, caused large amount of radioactive Cesium (137Cs) emission into the environment. In the region of Fukushima Prefecture, forest dominates more than 70 % of the land area. River water from the forest area is used for food production and also for drinking water. Thus, it is important to understand the dynamics of 137Cs deposited in the forest to predict how the radioactive Cs diffuse and discharge from the forest catchments. We measured 137Cs concentration of the tree body, litter fall, throughfall, and stemflow, in order to clarify how 137Cs deposited on the above ground biomass of the forest are transported to the forest floor. We set forest site at the upstream part of Kami-Oguni River catchment, northern part of Fukushima Prefecture. Three plots (2 deciduous stands and 1 Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation stand) were set in the forest site. Quercus serrata and C. japonica, which are representative tree species, were chosen at each plot and concentration of 137Cs on the bark, sapwood and heartwood were measured every 2 m from the ground to tree top. From each plot, 137Cs concentration of leaf litter was measured among species. Water samples of throughfall and stemflow were filtered and 137Cs concentration in suspended matter was measured. 137Cs was deposited on the bark of Q. serrata at high concentration (9-18 kBq/kg) but there were no clear relationship between tree height and concentration. 137Cs concentration of the sapwood (41 Bq/kg) was relatively higher than that of the heartwood (5 Bq/kg). It was suggested that 137Cs may be absorbed from bark and/or root. The concentration of 137Cs deposited in leaf litter varied from non-detected level to above 30 kBq/kg. The concentration was higher at evergreen tree than deciduous tree. It is considered that the litter of evergreen tree was derived from leaves on the tree canopy at the time of the accident. Also, though the leaves of deciduous trees had not been emerged at the time of the accident, significant levels of 137Cs on those leaves suggest that 137Cs may have translocated from some part of tree body. The concentration of 137Cs in rain water was below detection level. However, both throughfall and stemflow contained 137Cs at every plot. From these results, it is suggested that 137Cs deposited on the above ground biomass of the forest continues to move to the forest floor by litter fall and rain event.

Superficial middle cerebral vein connection to the cavernous sinus is not infrequent in brain arteriovenous malformations: an argument against their congenital origin?

PubMed

Shotar, Eimad; Guédon, Alexis; Sourour, Nader; Di Maria, Federico; Gabrieli, Joseph; Nouet, Aurélien; Chiras, Jacques; Clarençon, Frédéric

2016-07-01

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) is frequently absent or fails to connect with the cavernous sinus (CS) in the presence of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), a frequently reported argument for the congenital origin of brain AVMs. The SMCV was retrospectively compared between patients with a brain AVM and a control group. The presence or absence of the SMCV, its direct or indirect connection to the CS and its termination in a laterocavernous sinus (LCS), paracavernous sinus (PCS), or directly in the CS was studied on digital subtraction angiography. One hundred twenty-five left or right side carotid angiograms from 70 patients with a brain AVM were compared to 125 angiograms from 74 controls. The SMCV was present in 88 (70.4 %) cases in the brain AVM group and 96 (76.8 %) cases in controls (p = 0.25). The SMCV was connected directly or indirectly to the CS in 65 (52 %) cases in the brain AVM group and 65 (52 %) cases in controls (p = 1). When comparing the subgroup of carotid angiograms ipsilateral to a supratentorial AVM, no statistically significant difference was found with controls. In three of six cases in which a SMCV drained an AVM, the vein terminated directly or indirectly in the CS. No difference of SMCV presence and direct or indirect connection to the CS was found between patients with AVM and a control group. SMCV anatomy does not support the congenital origin of brain AVMs.

Evaluation of virus removal efficiency of coagulation-sedimentation and rapid sand filtration processes in a drinking water treatment plant in Bangkok, Thailand.

PubMed

Asami, Tatsuya; Katayama, Hiroyuki; Torrey, Jason Robert; Visvanathan, Chettiyappan; Furumai, Hiroaki

2016-09-15

In order to properly assess and manage the risk of infection by enteric viruses in tap water, virus removal efficiency should be evaluated quantitatively for individual processes in actual drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs); however, there have been only a few studies due to technical difficulties in quantifying low virus concentration in water samples. In this study, the removal efficiency of indigenous viruses was evaluated for coagulation-sedimentation (CS) and rapid sand filtration (RSF) processes in a DWTP in Bangkok, Thailand by measuring the concentration of viruses before and after treatment processes using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Water samples were collected and concentrated from raw source water, after CS, and after RSF, and inhibitory substances in water samples were reduced by use of a hydrophobic resin (DAX-8). Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) and JC polyomavirus (JC PyV) were found to be highly prevalent in raw waters, with concentrations of 10(2.88 ± 0.35) and 10(3.06 ± 0.42) copies/L (geometric mean ± S.D.), respectively. Step-wise removal efficiencies were calculated for individual processes, with some variation observed between wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, PMMoV was removed less by CS and more by RSF on average (0.40 log10 vs 1.26 log10, respectively), while the reverse was true for JC PyV (1.91 log10 vs 0.49 log10, respectively). Both viruses were removed similarly during the dry season, with CS removing the most virus (PMMoV, 1.61 log10 and 0.78 log10; JC PyV, 1.70 log10, and 0.59 log10; CS and RSF, respectively). These differences between seasons were potentially due to variations in raw water quality and the characteristics of the viruses themselves. These results suggest that PMMoV and JC PyV, which are more prevalent in environmental waters than the other enteric viruses evaluated in this study, could be useful in determining viral fate for the risk management of viruses in water treatment processes in actual full-scale DWTPs. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Preparation and Efficacy of a Live Newcastle Disease Virus Vaccine Encapsulated in Chitosan Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Gao, Ting-ting; Li, Wei; Zhao, Yan; Zhang, Feng-qiang; Wu, Jin; Cui, Xianlan; Wang, Yun-Feng

2012-01-01

Background Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry caused by pathogenic strains of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Live NDV vaccines are administered by drinking water, eyedrops or coarse aerosol spray. To further enhance mucosal immune responses, chitosan nanoparticles were developed for the mucosal delivery of a live NDV vaccine. Methodology/Principal Findings A lentogenic live-virus vaccine (strain LaSota) against NDV encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles were developed using an ionic crosslinking method. Chitosan nanoparticles containing the lentogenic live-virus vaccine against NDV (NDV-CS-NPs) were produced with good morphology, high stability, a mean diameter of 371.1 nm, an encapsulation rate of 77% and a zeta potential of +2.84 mV. The Western blotting analysis showed that NDV structural proteins were detected in NDV-CS-NPs. The virus release assay results of NDV-CS-NPs indicated that NDV was released from NDV-CS-NPs. Chickens immunized orally or intranasally with NDV-CS-NPs were fully protected whereas one out of five chickens immunized with the LaSota live NDV vaccine and three out of five chickens immunized with the inactivated NDV vaccine were dead after challenge with the highly virulent NDV strain F48E9. Conclusions/Significance NDV-CS-NPs induced better protection of immunized specific pathogen free chickens compared to the live NDV vaccine strain LaSota and the inactivated NDV vaccine. This study lays a foundation for the further development of mucosal vaccines and drugs encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. PMID:23285276

'It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party': Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign.

PubMed

Jones, Sandra C; Francis, Kate L; Gordon, Chloe S

2018-01-01

The aim of the present study was to explore young women's understandings of, and interactions with, an advertising campaign for a pre-mixed alcohol product that appeared to be promoting pre-drinking. This campaign was the subject of complaints to the Alcohol Advertising Review Board, revealing an inconsistency between the way the company responded to such complaints (arguing that the campaign does not encourage pre-drinking) and the way it described the campaign in trade press (the pre-drink enjoyed by the 'girls' while getting ready …). Twelve focus groups were conducted with 72 young women, aged 15-25 years in Melbourne, Australia. These young women's interpretations of the messages communicated in this advertising campaign were analysed thematically. The young women identified, without prompting, the main message of the campaign as being a reference to pre-drinking. Most notably, the women saw the target audience as young (including underage) women. Given that young women who drink are increasingly doing so at harmful levels, a marketing campaign, which is interpreted by the target audience to encourage pre-drinking among young (including underage) women, appears to be inconsistent with the industry's own code for alcohol advertising. We renew the call for effective regulation of alcohol advertising to better protect young Australians. [Jones SC, Francis KL, Gordon CS. 'It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party': Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:36-41]. © 2017 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Facile preparation of silver nanoparticle decorated chitosan cryogels for point-of-use water disinfection.

PubMed

Fan, Meikun; Gong, Lin; Huang, Yuting; Wang, Dongmei; Gong, Zhengjun

2018-02-01

In this study, silver nanoparticle decorated chitosan (CS/Ag NP) cryogels were fabricated through a simple freeze-drying process for point-of-use (POU) water disinfection. The CS/Ag NP cryogels showed high porosity, good mechanical properties, an excellent water absorption capability, and most importantly, an efficient bactericidal feature. The absorption capacity for water was found to be 47g/g, approximately 90% of which was recovered by simple squeezing. Three different sizes of Ag NPs were compared regarding their bactericidal capability against both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). Under optimum conditions, a 3 log reduction of bacteria was observed by holding the bacteria suspension (10 8 colony forming units (cfu)/mL) in the cryogels for 5min. Reduction was further increased to a 4 log when the contact time was doubled. The silver content in the cryogels was found to only be 7.5mg/g. Furthermore, the total Ag in processed water was found to only be 22μg/L, half of the safety limit set by China (<50μg/L). The bactericidal effectiveness of the material for real surface water samples was also demonstrated by treating water samples with different water quality matrices, including lake water and sewage water samples. In all three treated lake water samples, both the total bacteria and E. coli met the regulations for drinking water in China (<100cfu/mL for total bacteria and negative for E. coli). CS/Ag NP cryogels can be used for drinking water disinfection during disaster relief and in contingency water supply applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Assessing behavior in Aseel pullets under free-range, part-time free-range, and cage system during growing phase.

PubMed

Rehman, M S; Mahmud, A; Mehmood, S; Pasha, T N; Khan, M T; Hussain, J

2018-03-01

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of free-range (FR), part-time free-range (PTFR), and cage system (CS) on behavioral repertoire in Lakha (LK), Mushki (MS), Peshawari (PW), and Sindhi (SN) varieties of Aseel chicken during the growing phase (9 to 18 wk of age). In total, 144 Aseel pullets were allotted to 12 treatment groups in a 3 × 4 (rearing system × Aseel variety) factorial arrangement, according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Each treatment group was replicated 3 times with 4 birds in each replicate (12 birds per treatment group). The pullets were randomly marked weekly for identification, and their behavior was observed through the focal animal sampling method. Time spent on different behavioral activities was recorded and converted to a percentage. The data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA under a factorial arrangement using SAS 9.1, and the behavioral parameters were evaluated. The results indicated greater (P < 0.05) sitting, standing, drinking, preening, and aggressiveness in CS; walking, running, and jumping in PTFR; and foraging and dustbathing in both FR and PTFR, whereas feather pecking was found to be reduced in FR compared with PTFR and CS. Among varieties, PW showed the least feeding/foraging and feather pecking behavior, and greater standing, running, and jumping behavior (P < 0.05). However, SN spent less time in walking and preening, and more time in sitting, drinking, and aggressiveness. Dustbathing was found to be similar in all Aseel varieties (P = 0.135). In conclusion, the PTFR system could be suggested as a substitute for conventional housing systems because it better accommodates normal behavior in Aseel pullets.

Preparation and characterization of γ-AlOOH @CS magnetic nanoparticle as a novel adsorbent for removing fluoride from drinking water.

PubMed

Wan, Zhen; Chen, Wei; Liu, Cheng; Liu, Yu; Dong, Changlong

2015-04-01

For this study, a novel adsorbent of γ-AlOOH @CS (pseudoboehmite and chitosan shell) magnetic nanoparticles (ACMN) with magnetic separation capabilities was developed to remove fluoride from drinking water. The adsorbent was first characterized, and then its performance in removing fluoride was evaluated. Kinetic data demonstrated rapid fluoride adsorption with more than 80% fluoride adsorption within the initial 20 min and equilibrium reached in 60 min. Based on the results of kinetic and isotherm models, the fluoride adsorption process on the ACMN's surface was a monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous surface. Thermodynamic parameters presented that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The mechanism for the adsorption involved electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, the calculated adsorption capacity of the ACMN for fluoride using the Langmuir model was 67.5 mg/g (20°C, pH=7.0±0.1), higher than other fluoride removal adsorbents. This nanoadsorbent performed well over a pH range of 4-10. The study found that PO4(3-) was the co-existing anion most able to hinder the nanoparticle's fluoride adsorption, followed by NO3(-) then Cl(-). Experimental results suggest that ACMN is a promising adsorbent for treating fluoride-contaminated water. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Many Faces of Affect: A Multilevel Model of Drinking Frequency/Quantity and Alcohol Dependence Symptoms Among Young Adults

PubMed Central

Simons, Jeffrey S.; Wills, Thomas A.; Neal, Dan J.

2016-01-01

This research tested a multilevel structural equation model of associations between 3 aspects of affective functioning (state affect, trait affect, and affective lability) and 3 alcohol outcomes (likelihood of drinking, quantity on drinking days, and dependence symptoms) in a sample of 263 college students. Participants provided 49 days of experience sampling data over 1.3 years in a longitudinal burst design. Within-person results: At the daily level, positive affect was directly associated with greater likelihood and quantity of alcohol consumption. Daily negative affect was directly associated with higher consumption on drinking days and with higher dependence symptoms. Between-person direct effects: Affect lability was associated with higher trait negative, but not positive, affect. Trait positive affect was inversely associated with the proportion of drinking days, whereas negative affectivity predicted a greater proportion of drinking days. Affect lability exhibited a direct association with dependence symptoms. Between-person indirect effects: Trait positive affect was associated with fewer dependence symptoms via proportion of drinking days. Trait negative affect was associated with greater dependence symptoms via proportion of drinking days. The results distinguish relations of positive and negative affect to likelihood versus amount of drinking and state versus trait drinking outcomes, and highlight the importance of affect variability for predicting alcohol dependence symptoms. PMID:24933278

Critical role of NMDA but not opioid receptors in the acquisition of fat-conditioned flavor preferences in rats.

PubMed

Dela Cruz, J A D; Bae, V S; Icaza-Cukali, D; Sampson, C; Bamshad, D; Samra, A; Singh, S; Khalifa, N; Touzani, K; Sclafani, A; Bodnar, R J

2012-11-01

Animals learn to prefer flavors associated with the intake of dietary fats such as corn oil (CO) solutions. We previously reported that fat-conditioned flavor preferences in rats were relatively unaffected by systemic treatment with dopamine D1 and D2 antagonsits. The present study examined whether systemic opioid (naltrexone, NTX) or NMDA (MK-801) receptor antagonists altered the acquisition and/or expression of CO-CFP. The CFP was produced by training rats to drink one novel flavor (CS+, e.g., cherry) mixed in a 3.5% CO solution and another flavor (CS-, e.g., grape) in a 0.9% CO solution. In expression studies, food-restricted rats drank these solutions in one-bottle sessions (2 h) over 10 d. Subsequent two-bottle tests with the CS+ and CS- flavors mixed in 0.9% CO solutions occurred 0.5h after systemic administration of vehicle (VEH), NTX (0.1-5 mg/kg) or MK-801 (50-200 μg/kg). Rats displayed a robust CS+ preference following VEH treatment (85-88%) which was significantly though moderately attenuated by NTX (69-70%). The lower doses of MK-801 slightly reduced the CS+ preference; the high dose blocked the CS+ preference (49%) but also markedly reduced overall CS intake. In separate acquisition studies, rats received VEH or NTX (0.1, 0.5, 1mg/kg) or MK-801 (100 μg/kg) 0.5h prior to 1-bottle training trials with CS+/3.5% CO and CS-/0.9% CO training solutions. Additional Limited VEH groups were trained with intakes limited to that of the NTX and MK-801 groups. Subsequent two-bottle CS+ vs. CS- tests were conducted without injections. Significant and persistent CS+ preferences were observed in VEH (77-84%) and Limited VEH (88%) groups. NTX treatment during training failed to block the acquisition of CO-CFP although the magnitude of the CS+ preference was reduced by 0.5 (70%) and 1.0 (72%) mg/kg doses relative to the Limited VEH treatment (88%). In contrast, MK-801 (100 μg/kg) treatment during training blocked the acquisition of the CO-CFP. These data suggest a critical role for NMDA, but not opioid receptor signaling in the acquisition of a fat conditioned flavor preferences, and at best limited involvement of NMDA and opioid receptors in the expression of a previously learned preference. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Examining Motivational Orientation and Learning Strategies in Computer-Supported Self-Directed Learning (CS-SDL) for Mathematics: The Perspective of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Goals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lao, Andrew Chan-Chio; Cheng, Hercy N. H.; Huang, Mark C. L.; Ku, Oskar; Chan, Tak-Wai

2017-01-01

One-to-one technology, which allows every student to receive equal access to learning tasks through a personal computing device, has shown increasing potential for self-directed learning in elementary schools. With computer-supported self-directed learning (CS-SDL), students may set their own learning goals through the suggestions of the system…

Central Localization of Plasticity Involved in Appetitive Conditioning in "Lymnaea"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Straub, Volko A.; Styles, Benjamin J.; Ireland, Julie S.; O'Shea, Michael; Benjamin, Paul R.

2004-01-01

Learning to associate a conditioned (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) results in changes in the processing of CS information. Here, we address directly the question whether chemical appetitive conditioning of "Lymnaea" feeding behavior involves changes in the peripheral and/or central processing of the CS by using extracellular recording…

[Measures against Radiation Exposure Due to Large-Scale Nuclear Accident in Distant Place--Radioactive Materials in Nagasaki from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant].

PubMed

Yuan, Jun; Sera, Koichiro; Takatsuji, Toshihiro

2015-01-01

To investigate human health effects of radiation exposure due to possible future nuclear accidents in distant places and other various findings of analysis of the radioactive materials contaminating the atmosphere of Nagasaki due to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The concentrations of radioactive materials in aerosols in the atmosphere of Nagasaki were measured using a germanium semiconductor detector from March 2011 to March 2013. Internal exposure dose was calculated in accordance with ICRP Publ. 72. Air trajectories were analyzed using NOAA and METEX web-based systems. (134)Cs and (137)Cs were repeatedly detected. The air trajectory analysis showed that (134)Cs and (137)Cs flew directly from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant from March to April 2011. However, the direct air trajectories were rarely detected after this period even when (134)Cs and (137)Cs were detected after this period. The activity ratios ((134)Cs/(137)Cs) of almost all the samples converted to those in March 2011 were about unity. This strongly suggests that the (134)Cs and (137)Cs detected mainly originated from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011. Although the (134)Cs and (137)Cs concentrations per air volume were very low and the human health effects of internal exposure via inhalation is expected to be negligible, the specific activities (concentrations per aerosol mass) were relatively high. It was found that possible future nuclear accidents may cause severe radioactive contaminations, which may require radiation exposure control of farm goods to more than 1000 km from places of nuclear accidents.

Feasibility and Performance Test of a Real-Time Sensor-Informed Context-Sensitive Ecological Momentary Assessment to Capture Physical Activity.

PubMed

Dunton, Genevieve Fridlund; Dzubur, Eldin; Intille, Stephen

2016-06-01

Objective physical activity monitors (eg, accelerometers) have high rates of nonwear and do not provide contextual information about behavior. This study tested performance and value of a mobile phone app that combined objective and real-time self-report methods to measure physical activity using sensor-informed context-sensitive ecological momentary assessment (CS-EMA). The app was programmed to prompt CS-EMA surveys immediately after 3 types of events detected by the mobile phone's built-in motion sensor: (1) Activity (ie, mobile phone movement), (2) No-Activity (ie, mobile phone nonmovement), and (3) No-Data (ie, mobile phone or app powered off). In addition, the app triggered random (ie, signal-contingent) ecological momentary assessment (R-EMA) prompts (up to 7 per day). A sample of 39 ethnically diverse high school students in the United States (aged 14-18, 54% female) tested the app over 14 continuous days during nonschool time. Both CS-EMA and R-EMA prompts assessed activity type (eg, reading or doing homework, eating or drinking, sports or exercising) and contextual characteristics of the activity (eg, location, social company, purpose). Activity was also measured with a waist-worn Actigraph accelerometer. The average CS-EMA + R-EMA prompt compliance and survey completion rates were 80.5% and 98.5%, respectively. More moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was recorded by the waist-worn accelerometer in the 30 minutes before CS-EMA activity prompts (M=5.84 minutes) than CS-EMA No-Activity (M=1.11 minutes) and CS-EMA No-Data (M=0.76 minute) prompts (P's<.001). Participants were almost 5 times as likely to report going somewhere (ie, active or motorized transit) in the 30 minutes before CS-EMA Activity than R-EMA prompts (odds ratio=4.91, 95% confidence interval=2.16-11.12). Mobile phone apps using motion sensor-informed CS-EMA are acceptable among high school students and may be used to augment objective physical activity data collected from traditional waist-worn accelerometers.

Feasibility and Performance Test of a Real-Time Sensor-Informed Context-Sensitive Ecological Momentary Assessment to Capture Physical Activity

PubMed Central

Dzubur, Eldin; Intille, Stephen

2016-01-01

Background Objective physical activity monitors (eg, accelerometers) have high rates of nonwear and do not provide contextual information about behavior. Objective This study tested performance and value of a mobile phone app that combined objective and real-time self-report methods to measure physical activity using sensor-informed context-sensitive ecological momentary assessment (CS-EMA). Methods The app was programmed to prompt CS-EMA surveys immediately after 3 types of events detected by the mobile phone’s built-in motion sensor: (1) Activity (ie, mobile phone movement), (2) No-Activity (ie, mobile phone nonmovement), and (3) No-Data (ie, mobile phone or app powered off). In addition, the app triggered random (ie, signal-contingent) ecological momentary assessment (R-EMA) prompts (up to 7 per day). A sample of 39 ethnically diverse high school students in the United States (aged 14-18, 54% female) tested the app over 14 continuous days during nonschool time. Both CS-EMA and R-EMA prompts assessed activity type (eg, reading or doing homework, eating or drinking, sports or exercising) and contextual characteristics of the activity (eg, location, social company, purpose). Activity was also measured with a waist-worn Actigraph accelerometer. Results The average CS-EMA + R-EMA prompt compliance and survey completion rates were 80.5% and 98.5%, respectively. More moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity was recorded by the waist-worn accelerometer in the 30 minutes before CS-EMA activity prompts (M=5.84 minutes) than CS-EMA No-Activity (M=1.11 minutes) and CS-EMA No-Data (M=0.76 minute) prompts (P’s<.001). Participants were almost 5 times as likely to report going somewhere (ie, active or motorized transit) in the 30 minutes before CS-EMA Activity than R-EMA prompts (odds ratio=4.91, 95% confidence interval=2.16-11.12). Conclusions Mobile phone apps using motion sensor–informed CS-EMA are acceptable among high school students and may be used to augment objective physical activity data collected from traditional waist-worn accelerometers. PMID:27251313

Bisacodyl plus split 2-L polyethylene glycol-citrate-simethicone improves quality of bowel preparation before screening colonoscopy

PubMed Central

Valiante, Flavio; Bellumat, Angelo; De Bona, Manuela; De Boni, Michele

2013-01-01

AIM: To compare the bowel cleansing efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of split 2-L polyethylene glycol (PEG)-citrate-simethicone (PEG-CS) plus bisacodyl (BIS) vs 4-L PEG for fecal occult blood test-positive screening colonoscopy. METHODS: This was a randomised, observer-blind comparative study. Two hundred and sixty-four subjects underwent screening colonoscopy (mean age 62.5 ± 7.4 years, male 61.7%). The primary objective of the study was to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy of the two preparations. Interventions: BIS plus PEG-CS: 3 tablets of 5-mg BIS at 16:00, PEG-CS 1-L at 19:00 and 1-L at 7:00, 4-L PEG: 3-L at 17:00, and 1-L at 7:00. Colonoscopy was carried out after 11:00, at least 3 h after the completion of bowel preparation. Bowel cleansing was evaluated using the Harefield Cleansing Scale. RESULTS: Bowel preparation was successful for 92.8% of subjects in the PEG-CS group and for 92.1% of subjects in the 4-L PEG (RR = 1.01; 95%CI: 0.94-1.08). BIS + PEG-CS was better tolerated than 4-L PEG. A greater rate of patients in the BIS + PEG-CS group had no difficulty and/or were willing to repeat the same preparation compared to split-dose 4-L PEG group. Subjects in the BIS + PEG-CS group rated the prep as good or satisfactory in 90.6% as compared to 77% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). Subjects receiving BIS + PEG-CS stated they fully adhered to instructions drinking all the 2-L solution in 97.1% compared with 87.3% in the 4-L PEG (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: BIS plus split 2-L PEG-CS was as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than split 4-L PEG for screening colonoscopy. This new procedure may increase the positive attitude and participation to colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy. PMID:24023492

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

Robison, W L; Hamilton, T F; Bogen, K

Inter-plant concentration ratios (IPCR), [Bq g{sup -1} {sup 137}Cs in coral atoll tree food-crops/Bq g{sup -1} {sup 137}Cs in leaves of native plant species whose roots share a common soil volume], can replace transfer factors (TF) to predict {sup 137}Cs concentration in tree food-crops in a contaminated area with an aged source term. The IPCR strategy has significant benefits relative to TF strategy for such purposes in the atoll ecosystem. IPCR strategy applied to specific assessments takes advantage of the fact tree roots naturally integrate 137Cs over large volumes of soil. Root absorption of {sup 137}Cs replaces large-scale, expensive soilmore » sampling schemes to reduce variability in {sup 137}Cs concentration due to inhomogeneous radionuclide distribution. IPCR [drinking-coconut meat (DCM)/Scaevola (SCA) and Tournefortia (TOU) leaves (native trees growing on all atoll islands)] are log normally distributed (LND) with geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 1.85. TF for DCM from Enewetak, Eneu, Rongelap and Bikini Atolls are LND with GSD's of 3.5, 3.0, 2.7, and 2.1, respectively. TF GSD for Rongelap copra coconut meat is 2.5. IPCR of Pandanus fruit to SCA and TOU leaves are LND with GSD = 1.7 while TF GSD is 2.1. Because IPCR variability is much lower than TF variability, relative sampling error of an IPCR field sample mean is up 6- to 10-fold lower than that of a TF sample mean if sample sizes are small (10 to 20). Other IPCR advantages are that plant leaf samples are collected and processed in far less time with much less effort and cost than soil samples.« less

Removal of trace organic chemicals in onsite wastewater soil treatment units: a laboratory experiment.

PubMed

Teerlink, Jennifer; Martínez-Hernández, Virtudes; Higgins, Christopher P; Drewes, Jörg E

2012-10-15

Onsite wastewater treatment is used by 20% of residences in the United States. The ability of these systems, specifically soil treatment units (STUs), to attenuate trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) is not well understood. TOrCs released by STUs pose a potential risk to downstream groundwater and hydraulically-connected surface water that may be used as a drinking water source. A series of bench-scale experiments were conducted using sand columns to represent STUs and to evaluate the efficacy of TOrC attenuation as a function of hydraulic loading rate (1, 4, 8, 12, and 30 cm/day). Each hydraulic loading rate was examined using triplicate experimental columns. Columns were initially seeded with raw wastewater to establish a microbial community, after which they were fed with synthetic wastewater and spiked with 17 TOrCs, in four equal doses per day, to provide a consistent influent water quality. After an initial start-up phase, effluent from all columns consistently demonstrated >90% reductions in dissolved organic carbon and nearly complete (>85%) oxidation of ammonia to nitrate, comparable to the performance of field STUs. The results of this study suggest STUs are capable of attenuating many TOrCs present in domestic wastewater, but attenuation is compound-specific. A subset of TOrCs exhibited an inverse relationship with hydraulic loading rate and attenuation efficiency. Atenolol, cimetidine, and TCPP were more effectively attenuated over time in each experiment, suggesting that the microbial community evolved to a stage where these TOrCs were more effectively biotransformed. Aerobic conditions as compared to anaerobic conditions resulted in more efficient attenuation of acetaminophen and cimetidine. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A definition for chronic sequelae applied to campylobacter and guillian-barre syndrome (Gbs).

PubMed

Parkin; Davies-Cole; Balbus

2000-10-01

PURPOSE: Chronic sequelae (CS) are increasingly important to drinking water risk assessment and management processes, but there has been relatively little scientific rigor in defining CS or reviewing the literature on water-related CS. Our purposes were to develop a scientific definition for CS and to evaluate the definition's practical merit.METHODS: We examined scientific publications for definitions of "chronic sequela." We developed a definition that is based on scientific concepts and that can be systematically applied to literature to assess whether pathogen-related health outcomes qualify as CS. As a case study, we conducted an extensive Medline search and tested our definition on the epidemiological and clinical literature linking Campylobacter and GBS.RESULTS: We defined "chronic sequela" as the secondary adverse health outcome that 1) occurs as a result of a previous infection by a microbial pathogen, and 2) is clearly distinguishable from the health events that initially result from the causative infection, and 3) lasts 3 months or more after recognition. The 12 Campylobacter and GBS studies (five epidemiological and seven clinical) revealed that current data reporting practices limit the evaluation of all three elements in our definition. Laboratory methods and criteria to characterize infection were not always adequately reported. Primary and secondary health events were always reported, but eight of the studies required obtaining additional articles to determine the GBS criteria used. Ten of the 12 articles contained duration data for the GBS symptoms.CONCLUSIONS: Much of the evidence needed to apply our definition was found in the studies reviewed, but changes in reporting practices would facilitate the scientific evaluation of pathogen-CS relationships and estimation of their public health magnitude.

The "where is it?" reflex: autoshaping the orienting response.

PubMed

Buzsáki, G

1982-05-01

The goal of this review is to compare two divergent lines of research on signal-centered behavior: the orienting reflex (OR) and autoshaping. A review of conditioning experiments in animals and humans suggests that the novelty hypothesis of the OR is no longer tenable. Only stimuli that represent biological "relevance" elicit ORs. A stimulus may be relevant a priori (i.e., unconditioned) or as a result of conditioning. Exposure to a conditioned stimulus (CS) that predicts a positive reinforcer causes the animal to orient to it throughout conditioning. Within the CS-US interval, the initial CS-directed orienting response is followed by US-directed tendencies. Experimental evidence is shown that the development and maintenance of the conditioned OR occur in a similar fashion both in response-independent (classical) and response-dependent (instrumental) paradigms. It is proposed that the conditioned OR and the signal-directed autoshaped response are identical. Signals predicting aversive events repel the subject from the source of the CS. It is suggested that the function of the CS is not only to signal the probability of US occurrence, but also to serve as a spatial cue to guide the animal in the environment.

The "where is it?" reflex: autoshaping the orienting response.

PubMed Central

Buzsáki, G

1982-01-01

The goal of this review is to compare two divergent lines of research on signal-centered behavior: the orienting reflex (OR) and autoshaping. A review of conditioning experiments in animals and humans suggests that the novelty hypothesis of the OR is no longer tenable. Only stimuli that represent biological "relevance" elicit ORs. A stimulus may be relevant a priori (i.e., unconditioned) or as a result of conditioning. Exposure to a conditioned stimulus (CS) that predicts a positive reinforcer causes the animal to orient to it throughout conditioning. Within the CS-US interval, the initial CS-directed orienting response is followed by US-directed tendencies. Experimental evidence is shown that the development and maintenance of the conditioned OR occur in a similar fashion both in response-independent (classical) and response-dependent (instrumental) paradigms. It is proposed that the conditioned OR and the signal-directed autoshaped response are identical. Signals predicting aversive events repel the subject from the source of the CS. It is suggested that the function of the CS is not only to signal the probability of US occurrence, but also to serve as a spatial cue to guide the animal in the environment. PMID:7097153

Minor and potentially toxic trace elements in milk and blood serum of dairy donkeys.

PubMed

Fantuz, F; Ferraro, S; Todini, L; Piloni, R; Mariani, P; Malissiova, E; Salimei, E

2015-08-01

The aim of this trial was to study the concentration of Ti, V, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Cs, and Pb in donkey milk and blood serum. One hundred twelve individual milk and blood serum samples were collected from 16 lactating donkeys (Martina-Franca-derived population; 6 to 12 yr old; 3 to 7 parities; average live weight 205.4kg; 32 to 58 d after foaling at the beginning of the trial) during a 3-mo-long experiment. The samples were analyzed for the aforementioned elements by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Feedstuff and drinking water were also analyzed for the investigated elements. Data were processed by ANOVA for repeated measures. Average milk concentrations (±SD) of Ti, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cs, and Pb were 77.3 (±7.7), 339.1 (±82.1), 881.7 (±270.4), 4.5 (±1.6), 0.49 (±0.09), and 3.2 (±2.7) μg/L, respectively. More than 80% of samples were below the limit of detection for V, As, and Cd in milk and for Cd, and Pb in blood serum. The lower bound calculated for milk V, As, and Cd was 0.03μg/L for the 3 elements, the upper bound was calculated at 0.23, 0.10, and 0.31μg/L and the maximum value was observed at 0.54, 0.15, and 0.51μg/L, respectively. The average milk concentrations of Ti, Rb, Sr, Mo, and Cs were 600, 458, 346, 16, and 294%, respectively, than those of blood serum. Yet, Cs concentrations were in the same order of magnitude in milk and serum. Moderate to strong positive and significant correlation coefficients were observed between milk and blood serum concentrations for Ti, Rb, Sr, and Cs. The effect of the stage of lactation was significant for all the investigated elements in milk and blood serum, but most of the elements showed only small changes or inconsistent trends, and only the concentrations of Rb and Sr showed decreasing trends both in milk and blood serum. The relationship between milk and blood serum element concentrations indicates that the mammary gland plays a role in determining the milk concentrations of Mo, Ti, Rb, Sr, Mo, and Cs. In the current experimental conditions, in agreement with the low levels in drinking water and feedstuff, donkey milk concentration of potentially toxic elements was very low and did not raise health concerns for human consumption. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cavity Solitons in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers and their Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giudici, Massimo; Pedaci, Francesco; Caboche, Emilie; Genevet, Patrice; Barland, Stephane; Tredicce, Jorge; Tissoni, Giovanna; Lugiato, Luigi

Cavity solitons (CS) are single peak localized structures which form over a homogeneous background in the section of broad-area non linear resonator driven by a coherent holding beam. They can be switched on and off by shining a writing/ erasing local laser pulse into the optical cavity. Moreover, when a phase or amplitude gradient is introduced in the holding beam, CS are set in motion along the gradient with a speed that depends on gradient strength. The ability to address CS and to control their location as well as their motion makes them interesting for alloptical processing units. In this chapter we report on several functionalities of CS that have been experimentally implemented in a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) biased below threshold. We show that CS positions in the transverse section of the resonator can be reconfigured according to a phase landscape introduced in the holding beam. CS drifting propelled by a phase gradient in the holding beam can be used for realizing an all-optical delay line. Information bits are written in form of CS at a point of the device and a time delayed version of the written information can be read elsewhere along the gradient direction. CS existence and functionalities are deeply affected by presence of device defects generated during the fabrication process and randomly distributed through the device section. The sensitivity of CS to parameters gradients can be used to probe these defects, otherwise not detectable, and mapping their positions. Finally, a periodic flow of moving CS can be obtained by the interplay between a device defect and an external parameter gradient. This suggests the possibility of engineering a CS source directly onto the device.

Lateral organ boundaries 1 is a disease susceptibility gene for citrus bacterial canker disease

PubMed Central

Hu, Yang; Zhang, Junli; Jia, Hongge; Sosso, Davide; Li, Ting; Frommer, Wolf B.; Yang, Bing; White, Frank F.; Wang, Nian; Jones, Jeffrey B.

2014-01-01

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC) disease occurs worldwide and incurs considerable costs both from control measures and yield losses. Bacteria that cause CBC require one of six known type III transcription activator-like (TAL) effector genes for the characteristic pustule formation at the site of infection. Here, we show that Xanthomonas citri subspecies citri strain Xcc306, with the type III TAL effector gene pthA4 or with the distinct yet biologically equivalent gene pthAw from strain XccAw, induces two host genes, CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1, in a TAL effector-dependent manner. CsLOB1 is a member of the Lateral Organ Boundaries (LOB) gene family of transcription factors, and CsSWEET1 is a homolog of the SWEET sugar transporter and rice disease susceptibility gene. Both TAL effectors drive expression of CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1 promoter reporter gene fusions when coexpressed in citrus or Nicotiana benthamiana. Artificially designed TAL effectors directed to sequences in the CsLOB1 promoter region, but not the CsSWEET1 promoter, promoted pustule formation and higher bacterial leaf populations. Three additional distinct TAL effector genes, pthA*, pthB, and pthC, also direct pustule formation and expression of CsLOB1. Unlike pthA4 and pthAw, pthB and pthC do not promote the expression of CsSWEET1. CsLOB1 expression was associated with the expression of genes associated with cell expansion. The results indicate that CBC-inciting species of Xanthomonas exploit a single host disease susceptibility gene by altering the expression of an otherwise developmentally regulated gene using any one of a diverse set of TAL effector genes in the pathogen populations. PMID:24474801

Lateral organ boundaries 1 is a disease susceptibility gene for citrus bacterial canker disease.

PubMed

Hu, Yang; Zhang, Junli; Jia, Hongge; Sosso, Davide; Li, Ting; Frommer, Wolf B; Yang, Bing; White, Frank F; Wang, Nian; Jones, Jeffrey B

2014-01-28

Citrus bacterial canker (CBC) disease occurs worldwide and incurs considerable costs both from control measures and yield losses. Bacteria that cause CBC require one of six known type III transcription activator-like (TAL) effector genes for the characteristic pustule formation at the site of infection. Here, we show that Xanthomonas citri subspecies citri strain Xcc306, with the type III TAL effector gene pthA4 or with the distinct yet biologically equivalent gene pthAw from strain XccA(w), induces two host genes, CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1, in a TAL effector-dependent manner. CsLOB1 is a member of the Lateral Organ Boundaries (LOB) gene family of transcription factors, and CsSWEET1 is a homolog of the SWEET sugar transporter and rice disease susceptibility gene. Both TAL effectors drive expression of CsLOB1 and CsSWEET1 promoter reporter gene fusions when coexpressed in citrus or Nicotiana benthamiana. Artificially designed TAL effectors directed to sequences in the CsLOB1 promoter region, but not the CsSWEET1 promoter, promoted pustule formation and higher bacterial leaf populations. Three additional distinct TAL effector genes, pthA*, pthB, and pthC, also direct pustule formation and expression of CsLOB1. Unlike pthA4 and pthAw, pthB and pthC do not promote the expression of CsSWEET1. CsLOB1 expression was associated with the expression of genes associated with cell expansion. The results indicate that CBC-inciting species of Xanthomonas exploit a single host disease susceptibility gene by altering the expression of an otherwise developmentally regulated gene using any one of a diverse set of TAL effector genes in the pathogen populations.

A novel 3D Cartesian random sampling strategy for Compressive Sensing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Valvano, Giuseppe; Martini, Nicola; Santarelli, Maria Filomena; Chiappino, Dante; Landini, Luigi

2015-01-01

In this work we propose a novel acquisition strategy for accelerated 3D Compressive Sensing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CS-MRI). This strategy is based on a 3D cartesian sampling with random switching of the frequency encoding direction with other K-space directions. Two 3D sampling strategies are presented. In the first strategy, the frequency encoding direction is randomly switched with one of the two phase encoding directions. In the second strategy, the frequency encoding direction is randomly chosen between all the directions of the K-Space. These strategies can lower the coherence of the acquisition, in order to produce reduced aliasing artifacts and to achieve a better image quality after Compressive Sensing (CS) reconstruction. Furthermore, the proposed strategies can reduce the typical smoothing of CS due to the limited sampling of high frequency locations. We demonstrated by means of simulations that the proposed acquisition strategies outperformed the standard Compressive Sensing acquisition. This results in a better quality of the reconstructed images and in a greater achievable acceleration.

Prenatal alcohol and other early childhood adverse exposures: Direct and indirect pathways to adolescent drinking

PubMed Central

Cornelius, Marie D.; De Genna, Natacha M.; Goldschmidt, Lidush; Larkby, Cynthia; Day, Nancy L.

2016-01-01

We examined direct and indirect pathways between adverse environmental exposures during gestation and childhood and drinking in mid-adolescence. Mothers and their offspring (n = 917 mother/child dyads) were followed prospectively from second trimester to a 16-year follow-up assessment. Interim assessments occurred at delivery, 6, 10, and 14 years. Adverse environmental factors included gestational exposures to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana, exposures to childhood maltreatment and violence, maternal psychological symptoms, parenting practices, economic and home environments, and demographic characteristics of the mother and child. Indirect effects of early child behavioral characteristics including externalizing, internalizing activity, attention, and impulsivity were also examined. Polytomous logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate direct effects of adverse environmental exposures with level of adolescent drinking. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to simultaneously estimate the relation between early adversity variables, childhood characteristics, and drinking level at age 16 while controlling for significant covariates. Level of drinking among the adolescent offspring was directly predicted by prenatal exposure to alcohol, less parental strictness, and exposures to maltreatment and violence during childhood. Whites and offspring with older mothers were more likely to drink at higher levels. There was a significant indirect effect between childhood exposure to violence and adolescent drinking via childhood externalizing behavior problems. All other hypothesized indirect pathways were not significant. Thus most of the early adversity measures directly predicted adolescent drinking and did not operate via childhood behavioral dysregulation characteristics. These results highlight the importance of adverse environmental exposures on pathways to adolescent drinking. PMID:26994529

Is improved contrast sensitivity a natural consequence of visual training?

PubMed Central

Levi, Aaron; Shaked, Danielle; Tadin, Duje; Huxlin, Krystel R.

2015-01-01

Many studies have shown that training and testing conditions modulate specificity of visual learning to trained stimuli and tasks. In visually impaired populations, generalizability of visual learning to untrained stimuli/tasks is almost always reported, with contrast sensitivity (CS) featuring prominently among these collaterally-improved functions. To understand factors underlying this difference, we measured CS for direction and orientation discrimination in the visual periphery of three groups of visually-intact subjects. Group 1 trained on an orientation discrimination task with static Gabors whose luminance contrast was decreased as performance improved. Group 2 trained on a global direction discrimination task using high-contrast random dot stimuli previously used to recover motion perception in cortically blind patients. Group 3 underwent no training. Both forms of training improved CS with some degree of specificity for basic attributes of the trained stimulus/task. Group 1's largest enhancement was in CS around the trained spatial/temporal frequencies; similarly, Group 2's largest improvements occurred in CS for discriminating moving and flickering stimuli. Group 3 saw no significant CS changes. These results indicate that CS improvements may be a natural consequence of multiple forms of visual training in visually intact humans, albeit with some specificity to the trained visual domain(s). PMID:26305736

Fallout radioactivity in soil and food samples in the Ukraine: Measurements of iodine, plutonium, cesium, and strontium isotopes

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

Hoshi, Masaharu; Yamamoto, Masayoshi; Kawamura, Hisao

1994-08-01

To estimate the level and distribution of fallout attributable to the Chernobyl accident in the Ukraine, the authors sampled several kinds of substances at Korosten, Zhitomir and at Katyuzhanka, Vishgorod, Kiev in the Ukraine, and measured {sup 137}Cs, {sup 134}Cs, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 129}I, {sup 238}Pu, {sup 239,240}Pu, and the density of {sup 127}I (stable). The substances investigated were soil, dry milk, wheat, rye, drinking water, and mushrooms. Except for the mushrooms collected, which were sampled at Katyuzhanka, Vishgorod, and at Kiev, all substances were at Korosten, Zhitomir. The activity of {sup 137}Cs, {sup 134}Cs, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 238}Pu, andmore » {sup 239,240}Pu were all higher in soil and mushrooms than in the other four substances. The activity of {sup 137}Cs was 960 and 1,210 Bq kg{sup {minus}1} in the two soil samples and 6,110 of Bq kg{sup {minus}1} in the mushrooms. The activity of {sup 134}Cs was {approximately} 15% of {sup 137}Cs in the two soil samples while <3% of {sup 137}Cs in the mushrooms. The activity concentration level of {sup 90}Sr as compared to {sup 137}Cs concentration was 15-31% in food samples other than mushrooms but only 1.9% in mushrooms and 1.4 and 1.2% in the two soil samples. The radioactivity ratios, {sup 238}Pu:{sup 239,240}Pu and {sup 239,240}Pu:{sup 137}Cs, suggested that the proportion of cesium radioisotopes and {sup 239,240}Pu in the soil attributable to the Chernobyl accident was {approximately}100% and 10-20%, respectively, while {approximately} 100% of {sup 239,240}Pu in the mushrooms was attributable to the accident. The activity of {sup 129}I was small but the ratio of {sup 129}I:{sup 127}I in the two soil samples was 4.3x10{sup {minus}8} and 1.0x10{sup {minus}7}, which is {approximately} 10 times larger than that in the global fallout. These results suggest that the areas where the soil was sampled are iodine-deficient and were contaminated slightly by the Chernobyl accident. 12 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.« less

Cell surface chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan in melanoma: role in the activation of pro-MMP-2 (pro-gelatinase A)

PubMed Central

Iida, Joji; Wilhelmson, Krista L.; Ng, Janet; Lee, Peter; Morrison, Charlotte; Tam, Eric; Overall, Christopher M.; McCarthy, James B.

2007-01-01

We previously reported that CS (chondroitin sulfate) GAG (glycosaminoglycan), expressed on MCSP (melanoma-specific CS proteoglycan), is important for regulating MT3-MMP [membrane-type 3 MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)]-mediated human melanoma invasion and gelatinolytic activity in vitro. In the present study, we sought to determine if CS can directly enhance MT3-MMP-mediated activation of pro-MMP-2. Co-immunoprecipitation studies suggest that MCSP forms a complex with MT3-MMP and MMP-2 on melanoma cell surface. When melanoma cells were treated with βDX (p-nitro-β-D-xylopyranoside) to inhibit coupling of CS on the core protein, both active form and proform of MMP-2 were no longer co-immunoprecipitated with either MCSP or MT3-MMP, suggesting a model in which CS directly binds to MMP-2 and presents the gelatinase to MT3-MMP to be activated. By using recombinant proteins, we determined that MT3-MMP directly activates pro-MMP-2 and that this activation requires the interaction of the C-terminal domain of pro-MMP-2 with MT3-MMP. Activation of pro-MMP-2 by suboptimal concentrations of MT3-MMP is also significantly enhanced in the presence of excess C4S (chondroitin 4-sulfate), whereas C6S (chondroitin 6-sulfate) or low-molecular-mass hyaluronan was ineffective. Affinity chromatography studies using CS isolated from aggrecan indicate that the catalytic domain of MT3-MMP and the C-terminal domain of MMP-2 directly bind to the GAG. Thus the direct binding of pro-MMP-2 with CS through the C-domain would present the catalytic domain of pro-MMP-2 to MT3-MMP, which facilitates the generation of the active form of MMP-2. These results suggest that C4S, which is expressed on tumour cell surface, can function to bind to pro-MMP-2 and facilitate its activation by MT3-MMP-expressing tumour cells to enhance invasion and metastasis. PMID:17217338

Radionuclides in drinking water: the recent legislative requirements of the European Union.

PubMed

Grande, Sveva; Risica, Serena

2015-03-01

In November 2013, a new EURATOM Directive was issued on the protection of public health from the radionuclide content in drinking water. After introducing the contents of the Directive, the paper analyses the hypotheses about drinking water ingestion adopted in documents of international and national organizations and the data obtained from national/regional surveys. Starting from the Directive's parametric value for the Indicative Dose, some examples of derived activity concentrations of radionuclides in drinking water are reported for some age classes and three exposure situations, namely, (i) artificial radionuclides due to routine water release from nuclear power facilities, (ii) artificial radionuclides from nuclear medicine procedures, and (iii) naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water or resulting from existing or past NORM industrial activities.

Systems Biology Reveals Cigarette Smoke-Induced Concentration-Dependent Direct and Indirect Mechanisms That Promote Monocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion.

PubMed

Poussin, Carine; Laurent, Alexandra; Peitsch, Manuel C; Hoeng, Julia; De Leon, Hector

2015-10-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) affects the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, a critical step in atherogenesis. Using an in vitro adhesion assay together with innovative computational systems biology approaches to analyze omics data, our study aimed at investigating CS-induced mechanisms by which monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion is promoted. Primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were treated for 4 h with (1) conditioned media of human monocytic Mono Mac-6 (MM6) cells preincubated with low or high concentrations of aqueous CS extract (sbPBS) from reference cigarette 3R4F for 2 h (indirect treatment, I), (2) unconditioned media similarly prepared without MM6 cells (direct treatment, D), or (3) freshly generated sbPBS (fresh direct treatment, FD). sbPBS promoted MM6 cells-HCAECs adhesion following I and FD, but not D. In I, the effect was mediated at a low concentration through activation of vascular inflammation processes promoted in HCAECs by a paracrine effect of the soluble mediators secreted by sbPBS-treated MM6 cells. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), a major inducer, was actually shed by unstable CS compound-activated TNFα-converting enzyme. In FD, the effect was triggered at a high concentration that also induced some toxicity. This effect was mediated through an yet unknown mechanism associated with a stress damage response promoted in HCAECs by unstable CS compounds present in freshly generated sbPBS, which had decayed in D unconditioned media. Aqueous CS extract directly and indirectly promotes monocytic cell-endothelial cell adhesion in vitro via distinct concentration-dependent mechanisms. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Neuro-inflammatory response in rats chronically exposed to (137)Cesium.

PubMed

Lestaevel, Philippe; Grandcolas, Line; Paquet, François; Voisin, Philippe; Aigueperse, Jocelyne; Gourmelon, Patrick

2008-03-01

After the Chernobyl nuclear accident, behavioural disorders and central nervous system diseases were frequently observed in populations living in the areas contaminated by (137)Cs. Until now, these neurological disturbances were not elucidated, but the presence of a neuro-inflammatory response could be one explanation. Rats were exposed for 3 months to drinking water contaminated with (137)Cs at a dose of 400Bqkg(-1), which is similar to that ingested by the population living in contaminated areas in the former USSR countries. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes were assessed by real-time PCR in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. At this level of exposure, gene expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 increased in the hippocampus and gene expression of IL-10 increased in the frontal cortex. Concentration of TNF-alpha, measured by ELISA assays, was also increased in the hippocampus. The central NO-ergic pathway was also studied: iNOS gene expression and cNOS activity were significantly increased in the hippocampus. In conclusion, this study showed for the first time that sub-chronic exposure with post-accidental doses of (137)Cs leads to molecular modifications of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and NO-ergic pathway in the brain. This neuro-inflammatory response could contribute to the electrophysiological and biochemical alterations observed after chronic exposure to (137)Cs.

Oceanic dispersion of Fukushima-derived Cs-137 in the coastal, offshore, and open oceans simulated by multiple oceanic general circulation models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, H.; Furuno, A.; Kobayashi, T.; In, T.; Nakayama, T.; Ishikawa, Y.; Miyazawa, Y.; Usui, N.

2017-12-01

To understand the concentration and amount of Fukushima-derived Cs-137 in the ocean, this study simulates the oceanic dispersion of Cs-137 by an oceanic dispersion model SEA-GEARN-FDM developed at Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and multiple oceanic general circulation models. The Cs-137 deposition amounts at the sea surface were used as the source term in oceanic dispersion simulations, which were estimated by atmospheric dispersion simulations with a Worldwide version of System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information version II (WSPEEDI-II) developed at JAEA. The direct release from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean based on in situ Cs-137 measurements was used as the other source term in oceanic dispersion simulations. The simulated air Cs-137 concentrations qualitatively replicated those measured around the North Pacific. The accumulated Cs-137 ground deposition amount in the eastern Japanese Islands was consistent with that estimated by aircraft measurements. The oceanic dispersion simulations relatively well reproduced the measured Cs-137 concentrations in the coastal and offshore oceans during the first few months after the Fukushima disaster, and in the open ocean during the first year post-disaster. It was suggested that Cs-137 dispersed along the coast in the north-south direction during the first few months post-disaster, and were subsequently dispersed offshore by the Kuroshio Current and Kuroshio Extension. Mesoscale eddies accompanied by the Kuroshio Current and Kuroshio Extension played an important role in dilution of Cs-137. The Cs-137 amounts were quantified in the coastal, offshore, and open oceans during the first year post-disaster. It was demonstrated that Cs-137 actively dispersed from the coastal and offshore oceans to the open ocean, and from the surface layer to the deeper layer in the North Pacific.

Quantification of the Effect of Cross-shear on the Wear of Conventional and Highly Cross-linked UHMWPE

PubMed Central

Kang, Lu; Galvin, Alison L.; Brown, Thomas D.; Jin, Zhongmin; Fisher, John

2008-01-01

A computational model has been developed to quantify the degree of cross-shear of a polyethylene pin articulating against a metallic plate, based on the direct simulation of a multidirectional pin-on-plate wear machine. The principal molecular orientation (PMO) was determined for each polymer site. The frictional work in the direction perpendicular to the PMO was assumed to produce the greatest orientation softening (Wang et al., 1997). The cross-shear ratio (CS) was defined as the frictional work perpendicular to the PMO direction, divided by the total frictional work. Cross-shear on the pin contact surface was location-specific, and of continuously changing magnitude because the direction of frictional force continuously changed due to pin rotation. The polymer pin motion was varied from a purely linear track (CS=0) up to a maximum rotation of ±55° (CS=0.254). The relationship between wear factors (K) measured experimentally and theoretically predicted CS was defined using logarithmic functions for both conventional and highly cross-linked UHMWPE. Cross-shear increased the apparent wear factor for both polyethylenes by more than 5-fold compared to unidirectional wear. PMID:17936763

Drunk decisions: Alcohol shifts choice from habitual towards goal-directed control in adolescent intermediate-risk drinkers.

PubMed

Obst, Elisabeth; Schad, Daniel J; Huys, Quentin Jm; Sebold, Miriam; Nebe, Stephan; Sommer, Christian; Smolka, Michael N; Zimmermann, Ulrich S

2018-05-01

Studies in humans and animals suggest a shift from goal-directed to habitual decision-making in addiction. We therefore tested whether acute alcohol administration reduces goal-directed and promotes habitual decision-making, and whether these effects are moderated by self-reported drinking problems. Fifty-three socially drinking males completed the two-step task in a randomised crossover design while receiving an intravenous infusion of ethanol (blood alcohol level=80 mg%), or placebo. To minimise potential bias by long-standing heavy drinking and subsequent neuropsychological impairment, we tested 18- to 19-year-old adolescents. Alcohol administration consistently reduced habitual, model-free decisions, while its effects on goal-directed, model-based behaviour varied as a function of drinking problems measured with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. While adolescents with low risk for drinking problems (scoring <8) exhibited an alcohol-induced numerical reduction in goal-directed choices, intermediate-risk drinkers showed a shift away from habitual towards goal-directed decision-making, such that alcohol possibly even improved their performance. We assume that alcohol disrupted basic cognitive functions underlying habitual and goal-directed decisions in low-risk drinkers, thereby enhancing hasty choices. Further, we speculate that intermediate-risk drinkers benefited from alcohol as a negative reinforcer that reduced unpleasant emotional states, possibly displaying a novel risk factor for drinking in adolescence.

Your Drinking Water Source | Drinking Water in New England ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

2017-07-06

Local communities are responsible for protecting their community's drinking water, and as a citizen, you can directly affect the success or failure of your community's drinking water protection efforts.

Crystal structure and thermal expansion of CsCaI3:Eu and CsSrBr3:Eu scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loyd, Matthew; Lindsey, Adam; Patel, Maulik; Koschan, Merry; Melcher, Charles L.; Zhuravleva, Mariya

2018-01-01

The distorted-perovskite scintillator materials CsCaI3:Eu and CsSrBr3:Eu prepared as single crystals have shown promising potential for use in radiation detection applications requiring a high light yield and excellent energy resolution. We present a study using high temperature powder X-ray diffraction experiments to examine a deleterious high temperature phase transition. High temperature phases were identified through sequential diffraction pattern Rietveld refinement in GSAS II. We report the linear coefficients of thermal expansion for both high and low temperature phases of each compound. Thermal expansion for both compositions is greatest in the [0 0 1] direction. As a result, Bridgman growth utilizing a seed oriented with the [0 0 1] along the growth direction should be used to mitigate thermal stress.

Elevated Medium-Chain Acylcarnitines Are Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Early Progression to Type 2 Diabetes and Induce Pancreatic β-Cell Dysfunction.

PubMed

Batchuluun, Battsetseg; Al Rijjal, Dana; Prentice, Kacey J; Eversley, Judith A; Burdett, Elena; Mohan, Haneesha; Bhattacharjee, Alpana; Gunderson, Erica P; Liu, Ying; Wheeler, Michael B

2018-05-01

Specific circulating metabolites have emerged as important risk factors for the development of diabetes. The acylcarnitines (acylCs) are a family of metabolites known to be elevated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and linked to peripheral insulin resistance. However, the effect of acylCs on pancreatic β-cell function is not well understood. Here, we profiled circulating acylCs in two diabetes cohorts: 1 ) women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 2 ) women with recent GDM who later developed impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), new-onset T2D, or returned to normoglycemia within a 2-year follow-up period. We observed a specific elevation in serum medium-chain (M)-acylCs, particularly hexanoyl- and octanoylcarnitine, among women with GDM and individuals with T2D without alteration in long-chain acylCs. Mice treated with M-acylCs exhibited glucose intolerance, attributed to impaired insulin secretion. Murine and human islets exposed to elevated levels of M-acylCs developed defects in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and this was directly linked to reduced mitochondrial respiratory capacity and subsequent ability to couple glucose metabolism to insulin secretion. In conclusion, our study reveals that an elevation in circulating M-acylCs is associated with GDM and early stages of T2D onset and that this elevation directly impairs β-cell function. © 2018 by the American Diabetes Association.

Full-Potential Calculation of Structural, Electronic, and Thermodynamic Properties of Fluoroperovskite { CsMF}3 (M = Be and Mg)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harmel, M.; Khachai, H.; Ameri, A.; Baki, N.; Haddou, A.; Khalfa, M.; Abbar, B.; Omran, S. Bin; Uğur, G.; Uğur, Ş.; Khenata, R.

2012-12-01

The structural and electronic properties of the cubic fluoroperoveskite { CsBeF}3 and { CsMgF}3 have been investigated using the full-potential-linearized augmented plane wave method within the density functional theory. The exchange-correlation potential was treated with the local density approximation and the generalized gradient approximation. The calculations of the electronic band structures show that { CsBeF}_{3 } has an indirect bandgap, whereas { CsMgF}3 has a direct bandgap. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the phononic effects are considered, the effect of pressure P and temperature T on the lattice parameter, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, Debye temperature, and the heat capacity for { CsBeF}3 and { CsMgF}3 compounds are investigated for the first time.

Study of Cs/NF3 adsorption on GaN (0 0 1) surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Yu; Liu, Lei; Xia, Sihao; Kong, Yike

2017-03-01

To investigate the optoelectronics properties of Cs/NF3 adsorption on GaN (0 0 1) photocathode surface, different adsorption models of Cs-only, Cs/O, Cs/NF3 adsorption on GaN clean surface were established, respectively. Atomic structures, work function, adsorption energy, E-Mulliken charge distribution, density of states and optical properties of all these adsorption systems were calculated using first principles. Compared with Cs/O co-adsorption, Cs/NF3 co-adsorption show better stability and more decline of work function, which is more beneficial for photoemission efficiency. Besides, surface band structures of Cs/NF3 co-adsorption system exhibit metal properties, implying good conductivity. Meanwhile, near valence band minimum of Cs/NF3 co-adsorption system, more acceptor levels emerges to form a p-type emission surface, which is conductive to the escape of photoelectrons. In addition, imaginary part of dielectric function curve and absorption curve of Cs/NF3 co-adsorption system both move towards lower energy side. This work can direct the optimization of activation process of NEA GaN photocathode.

CsMAP34, a teleost MAP with dual role: A promoter of MASP-assisted complement activation and a regulator of immune cell activity.

PubMed

Li, Mo-Fei; Li, Jun; Sun, Li

2016-12-23

In teleost fish, the immune functions of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) associated protein (MAP) and MBL associated serine protease (MASP) are scarcely investigated. In the present study, we examined the biological properties both MAP (CsMAP34) and MASP (CsMASP1) molecules from tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). We found that CsMAP34 and CsMASP1 expressions occurred in nine different tissues and were upregulated by bacterial challenge. CsMAP34 protein was detected in blood, especially during bacterial infection. Recombinant CsMAP34 (rCsMAP34) bound C. semilaevis MBL (rCsBML) when the latter was activated by bacteria, while recombinant CsMASP1 (rCsMASP1) bound activated rCsBML only in the presence of rCsMAP34. rCsMAP34 stimulated the hemolytic and bactericidal activities of serum complement, whereas anti-CsMAP34 antibody blocked complement activities. Knockdown of CsMASP1 in C. semilaevis resulted in significant inhibition of complement activities. Furthermore, rCsMAP34 interacted directly with peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and enhanced the respiratory burst, acid phosphatase activity, chemotactic activity, and gene expression of PBL. These results indicate for the first time that a teleost MAP acts one hand as a regulator that promotes the lectin pathway of complement activation via its ability to recruit MBL to MASP, and other hand as a modulator of immune cell activity.

75 FR 23194 - Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-03

... & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III Gliders AGENCY: Federal Aviation.... Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR..., Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures...

Disparities in drinking patterns and risks among ethnic majority and minority groups in China: The roles of acculturation, religion, family and friends.

PubMed

He, Jianhui; Assanangkornchai, Sawitri; Cai, Le; McNeil, Edward

2016-02-01

Studies investigating alcohol consumption related factors have rarely focused on the relationship between acculturation, religion and drinking patterns. The objective of this study is to explore the predictors of drinking patterns and their mutual relationships, especially acculturation, ethnicity and religion. A cross-sectional household survey using a multistage systematic sampling technique was conducted in Yunnan Province of China. A revised Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA) and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) Chinese version were used to measure acculturation and drinking patterns. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the structures of how predictors affect drinking patterns. A total of 977 subjects aged 12-35 years were surveyed. A higher percentage of binge drinking was found among Lisu people. However, the proportion of drinking until intoxication was highest among Han. Gender and enculturation had both direct (standardized β=-0.193, -0.079) and indirect effects (standardized β=-0.126, 0.033) on risky drinking pattern; perceived risk of alcohol consumption (-0.065), family drinking environment (0.061), and friend drinking environment (0.352) affected risky drinking pattern directly, while education level (0.066), ethnicity (-0.038), acculturation (0.012), religious belief (-0.038), and age group (0.088) had indirect effects. Risky drinking pattern was associated with gender and aboriginal culture enculturation both directly and indirectly, and related to mainstream culture acculturation and religious belief indirectly. Other demographic (such as education level) and social family factors (friend drinking environment for example) also had effects on risky drinking pattern. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Poor adjustment to college life mediates the relationship between drinking motives and alcohol consequences: a look at college adjustment, drinking motives, and drinking outcomes.

PubMed

LaBrie, Joseph W; Ehret, Phillip J; Hummer, Justin F; Prenovost, Katherine

2012-04-01

The current study examined whether the relationship between drinking motives and alcohol-related outcomes was mediated by college adjustment. Participants (N=253) completed an online survey that assessed drinking motives, degree of both positive and negative college adjustment, typical weekly drinking, and past month negative alcohol-related consequences. Structural equation modeling examined negative alcohol consequences as a function of college adjustment, drinking motives, and weekly drinking behavior in college students. Negative college adjustment mediated the relationship between coping drinking motives and drinking consequences. Positive college adjustment was not related to alcohol consumption or consequences. Positive reinforcement drinking motives (i.e. social and enhancement) not only directly predicted consequences, but were partially mediated by weekly drinking and degree of negative college adjustment. Gender specific models revealed that males exhibited more variability in drinking and their positive reinforcement drinking motives were more strongly associated with weekly drinking. Uniquely for females, coping motives were directly and indirectly (via negative adjustment) related to consequences. These findings suggest that interventions which seek to decrease alcohol-related risk may wish to incorporate discussions about strategies for decreasing stress and increasing other factors associated with better college adjustment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Leptin regulates the reward value of nutrient

PubMed Central

Domingos, Ana I; Vaynshteyn, Jake; Voss, Henning U; Ren, Xueying; Gradinaru, Viviana; Zang, Feng; Deisseroth, Karl; de Araujo, Ivan E; Friedman, Jeffrey

2014-01-01

We developed an assay for quantifying the reward value of nutrient and used it to analyze the effects of metabolic state and leptin. In this assay, mice chose between two sippers, one of which dispensed water and was coupled to optogenetic activation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and the other of which dispensed natural or artificial sweeteners. This assay measured the reward value of sweeteners relative to lick-induced optogenetic activation of DA neurons. Mice preferred optogenetic stimulation of DA neurons to sucralose, but not to sucrose. However, the mice preferred sucralose plus optogenetic stimulation versus sucrose. We found that food restriction increased the value of sucrose relative to sucralose plus optogenetic stimulation, and that leptin decreased it. Our data suggest that leptin suppresses the ability of sucrose to drive taste-independent DA neuronal activation and provide new insights into the mechanism of leptin's effects on food intake. PMID:22081158

The electronic and optical properties of Cs adsorbed GaAs nanowires via first-principles study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Yu; Liu, Lei; Xia, Sihao; Feng, Shu; Lu, Feifei

2018-07-01

In this study, we investigate the Cs adsorption mechanism on (110) surface of zinc-blende GaAs nanowire. The adsorption energy, work function, dipole moment, geometric structure, Mulliken charge distribution, charge transfer index, band structures, density of state and optical properties of Cs adsorption structures are calculated utilizing first-principles method based on density function theory. Total-energy calculations show that all the adsorption energies are negative, indicating that Cs adsorption process is exothermic and Cs covered GaAs nanowires are stable. The work function of nanowire surface has an obvious decrease after Cs adsorption. Besides, the ionization of nanowire surface is enhanced as well. More importantly, Cs adsorption contributes to a lower side shift of bands near Fermi level, and the corresponding band gap disappears. Additionally, the absorption peak and energy loss function after Cs adsorption are far higher than those before adsorption, implying better light absorption characteristic of nanowire surface after Cs adsorption. These theoretical calculations can directly guide the Cs activation experiment for negative electron affinity GaAs nanowire, and also lay a foundation for the further study of Cs/O co-adsorption on the nanowire surface.

Two-stage crossed beam cooling with ⁶Li and ¹³³Cs atoms in microgravity.

PubMed

Luan, Tian; Yao, Hepeng; Wang, Lu; Li, Chen; Yang, Shifeng; Chen, Xuzong; Ma, Zhaoyuan

2015-05-04

Applying the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method developed for ultracold Bose-Fermi mixture gases research, we study the sympathetic cooling process of 6Li and 133Cs atoms in a crossed optical dipole trap. The obstacles to producing 6Li Fermi degenerate gas via direct sympathetic cooling with 133Cs are also analyzed, by which we find that the side-effect of the gravity is one of the main obstacles. Based on the dynamic nature of 6Li and 133Cs atoms, we suggest a two-stage cooling process with two pairs of crossed beams in microgravity environment. According to our simulations, the temperature of 6Li atoms can be cooled to T = 29.5 pK and T/TF = 0.59 with several thousand atoms, which propose a novel way to get ultracold fermion atoms with quantum degeneracy near pico-Kelvin.

Investigations of negative and positive cesium ion species

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chanin, L. M.

1978-01-01

A direct test is provided of the hypothesis of negative ion creation at the anode or collector of a diode operating under conditions simulating a cesium thermionic converter. The experimental technique involves using direct ion sampling through the collector electrode with mass analysis using a quadrupole mass analyzer. Similar measurements are undertaken on positive ions extracted through the emitter electrode. Measurements were made on a variety of gases including pure cesium, helium-cesium mixtures and cesium-hydrogen as well as cesium-xenon mixtures. The gas additive was used primarily to aid in understanding the negative ion formation processes. Measurements were conducted using emitter (cathode) temperatures up to about 1000 F. The major negative ion identified through the collector was Cs(-) with minor negative ion peaks tentatively identified as H(-), H2(-), H3(-), He(-) and a mass 66. Positive ions detected were believed to be Cs(+), Cs2(+) and Cs3(+).

Pavlovian-conditioned alcohol-seeking behavior in rats is invigorated by the interaction between discrete and contextual alcohol cues: implications for relapse

PubMed Central

Remedios, Jessica; Woods, Catherine; Tardif, Catherine; Janak, Patricia H; Chaudhri, Nadia

2014-01-01

Introduction Drug craving can be independently stimulated by cues that are directly associated with drug intake (discrete drug cues), as well as by environmental contexts in which drug use occurs (contextual drug cues). We tested the hypothesis that the context in which a discrete alcohol-predictive cue is experienced can influence how robustly that cue stimulates alcohol-seeking behavior. Methods Male, Long-Evans rats received Pavlovian discrimination training (PDT) sessions in which one conditioned stimulus (CS+; 16 trials/session) was paired with ethanol (0.2 mL/CS+) and a second stimulus (CS−; 16 trials/session) was not. PDT occurred in a specific context, and entries into a fluid port where ethanol was delivered were measured during each CS. Next, rats were acclimated to an alternate (nonalcohol) context where cues and ethanol were withheld. Responses to the nonextinguished CS+ and CS− were then tested without ethanol in the alcohol-associated PDT context, the nonalcohol context or a third, novel context. Results Across PDT the CS+ elicited more port entries than the CS−, indicative of Pavlovian discrimination learning. At test, the CS+ elicited more port entries than the CS− in all three contexts: however, alcohol seeking driven by the CS+ was more robust in the alcohol-associated context. In a separate experiment, extinguishing the context-alcohol association did not influence subsequent CS+ responding but reduced alcohol seeking during non-CS+ intervals during a spontaneous recovery test. Conclusion These results indicate that alcohol-seeking behavior driven by a discrete Pavlovian alcohol cue is strongly invigorated by an alcohol context, and suggest that contexts may function as excitatory Pavlovian conditioned stimuli that directly trigger alcohol-seeking behavior. PMID:24683519

Compressive spherical beamforming for localization of incipient tip vortex cavitation.

PubMed

Choo, Youngmin; Seong, Woojae

2016-12-01

Noises by incipient propeller tip vortex cavitation (TVC) are generally generated at regions near the propeller tip. Localization of these sparse noises is performed using compressive sensing (CS) with measurement data from cavitation tunnel experiments. Since initial TVC sound radiates in all directions as a monopole source, a sensing matrix for CS is formulated by adopting spherical beamforming. CS localization is examined with known source acoustic measurements, where the CS estimated source position coincides with the known source position. Afterwards, CS is applied to initial cavitation noise cases. The result of cavitation localization was detected near the upper downstream area of the propeller and showed less ambiguity compared to Bartlett spherical beamforming. Standard constraint in CS was modified by exploiting the physical features of cavitation to suppress remaining ambiguity. CS localization of TVC using the modified constraint is shown according to cavitation numbers and compared to high-speed camera images.

Dimensionless embedding for nonlinear time series analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, Yoshito; Aihara, Kazuyuki

2017-09-01

Recently, infinite-dimensional delay coordinates (InDDeCs) have been proposed for predicting high-dimensional dynamics instead of conventional delay coordinates. Although InDDeCs can realize faster computation and more accurate short-term prediction, it is still not well-known whether InDDeCs can be used in other applications of nonlinear time series analysis in which reconstruction is needed for the underlying dynamics from a scalar time series generated from a dynamical system. Here, we give theoretical support for justifying the use of InDDeCs and provide numerical examples to show that InDDeCs can be used for various applications for obtaining the recurrence plots, correlation dimensions, and maximal Lyapunov exponents, as well as testing directional couplings and extracting slow-driving forces. We demonstrate performance of the InDDeCs using the weather data. Thus, InDDeCs can eventually realize "dimensionless embedding" while we enjoy faster and more reliable computations.

Fluorometric determination of the DNA concentration in municipal drinking water.

PubMed Central

McCoy, W F; Olson, B H

1985-01-01

DNA concentrations in municipal drinking water samples were measured by fluorometry, using Hoechst 33258 fluorochrome. The concentration, extraction, and detection methods used were adapted from existing techniques. The method is reproducible, fast, accurate, and simple. The amounts of DNA per cell for five different bacterial isolates obtained from drinking water samples were determined by measuring DNA concentration and total cell concentration (acridine orange epifluorescence direct cell counting) in stationary pure cultures. The relationship between DNA concentration and epifluorescence total direct cell concentration in 11 different drinking water samples was linear and positive; the amounts of DNA per cell in these samples did not differ significantly from the amounts in pure culture isolates. We found significant linear correlations between DNA concentration and colony-forming unit concentration, as well as between epifluorescence direct cell counts and colony-forming unit concentration. DNA concentration measurements of municipal drinking water samples appear to monitor changes in bacteriological quality at least as well as total heterotrophic plate counting and epifluorescence direct cell counting. PMID:3890737

Cesium Speciation in Dust from Municipal Solid Waste and Sewage Sludge Incineration by Synchrotron Radiation Micro-X-ray Analysis.

PubMed

Shiota, Kenji; Takaoka, Masaki; Fujimori, Takashi; Oshita, Kazuyuki; Terada, Yasuko

2015-11-17

The chemical behavior of Cs in waste incineration processes is important to consider when disposing of radionuclide-contaminated waste from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in Japan. To determine the speciation of Cs, we attempted the direct speciation of trace amounts of stable Cs in the dust from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and sewage sludge incineration (SSI) by micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption fine structure (μ-XAFS) at the SPring-8 facility. The μ-XRF results revealed that locally produced Cs was present in MSWI and SSI dust within the cluster size range of 2-10 μm. The μ-XAFS analysis confirmed that the speciation of Cs in MSWI dust was similar to that of CsCl, while in SSI dusts it was similar to pollucite. The solubility of Cs was considered to be influenced by the exact Cs species present in incineration residue.

Changing US Attributes After CS-US Pairings Changes CS-Attribute-Assessments: Evidence for CS-US Associations in Attribute Conditioning.

PubMed

Förderer, Sabine; Unkelbach, Christian

2016-03-01

Attribute Conditioning (AC) refers to people's changed assessments of stimuli's (CSs) attributes due to repeated pairing with stimuli (USs) possessing these attributes; for example, when an athletic person (US) is paired with a neutral person (CS), the neutral person is judged to be more athletic after the pairing. We hypothesize that this AC effect is due to CSs' associations with USs rather than direct associations with attributes. Three experiments test this hypothesis by changing US attributes after CS-US pairings. Experiments 1 and 2 conditioned athleticism by pairing neutral men (CSs) with athletic and non-athletic USs. Post-conditioning, USs' athleticism was reversed, which systematically influenced participants' assessment of CS athleticism. Experiment 3 conditioned athleticism and changed USs' musicality after CS-US pairings. This post-conditioning change affected musicality assessments of CSs but did not influence athleticism-assessments. The results indicate that AC effects are based on an associative CS-US-attribute structure. © 2016 by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc.

Synthesis and single crystal growth of perovskite semiconductor CsPbBr3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Mingzhi; Zheng, Zhiping; Fu, Qiuyun; Chen, Zheng; He, Jianle; Zhang, Sen; Chen, Cheng; Luo, Wei

2018-02-01

As a typical representative of all-inorganic lead halide perovskites, cesium lead bromine (CsPbBr3) has attracted significant attention in recent years. The direct band gap semiconductor CsPbBr3 has a wide band gap of 2.25 eV and high average atomic number (Cs: 55, Pb: 82 and Br: 35), which meet most of the requirements for detection of X- and γ-ray radiation, such as high attenuation, high resistivity, and significant photoconductivity response. However, the growth of large volume CsPbBr3 single crystals remains a challenge. In this paper, the synthesis of CsPbBr3 polycrystalline powders by a chemical co-precipitation method was investigated and the optimum synthesis conditions were obtained. A large CsPbBr3 single crystal of 8 mm diameter and 60 mm length was obtained by a creative electronic dynamic gradient (EDG) method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and X-ray rocking curve showed that the CsPbBr3 crystal preferentially oriented in the (1 1 0) direction and had a low dislocation density and small residual stress in the crystal. The IR and UV-Vis transmittance and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed the crystal had a good basic optical performance. The almost linear current-voltage (I-V) curves implied good ohmic contact between the electrodes and crystal surfaces. The resistivity of the crystal was calculated 109-1010 Ω cm. The above results showed that the quality of the obtained crystal had met the demand of optoelectronic applications.

Statistical survey on the magnetic structure in magnetotail current sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rong, Z. J.; Wan, W. X.; Shen, C.; Li, X.; Dunlop, M. W.; Petrukovich, A. A.; Zhang, T. L.; Lucek, E.

2011-09-01

On the basis of the multipoint magnetic observations of Cluster in the region 15-19 RE downtail, the magnetic field structure in magnetotail current sheet (CS) center is statistically surveyed. It is found that the By component (in GSM coordinates) is distributed mainly within ∣By∣ < 5nT, while the Bz component is mostly positive and distributes mainly within 1˜10 nT. The plane of the magnetic field lines (MFLs) is mostly vertical to the equatorial plane, with the radius of curvature (Rc) of the MFLs being directed earthward and the binormal (perpendicular to the curvature and magnetic field direction) being directed azimuthally westward. The curvature radius of MFLs reaches a minimum, Rc,min, at the CS center and is larger than the corresponding local half thickness of the neutral sheet, h. Statistically, it is found that the overall surface of the CS, with the normal pointing basically along the south-north direction, can be approximated to be a plane parallel to equatorial plane, although the local CS may be flapping and is frequently tilted to the equatorial plane. The tilted CS (normal inclined to the equatorial plane) is apt to be observed near both flanks and is mainly associated with the slippage of magnetic flux tubes. It is statistically verified that the minimum curvature radius, Rc,min, half thickness of neutral sheet, h, and the slipping angle of MFLs, δ, in the CS satisfies h = Rc,min cosδ. The current density, with a mean strength of 4-8 nA/m2, basically flows azimuthally and tangentially to the surface of the CS, from dawn side to the dusk side. There is an obvious dawn-dusk asymmetry of CS, however. For magnetic local times (MLT) ˜21:00-˜01:00, the CS is relatively thinner; the minimum curvature radius of MFLs, Rc,min (0.6-1 RE) and the half-thickness of neutral sheet, h (0.2-0.4 RE), are relatively smaller, and Bz (3-5 nT) and the minimum magnetic field, Bmin (5-7 nT), are weaker. It is also found that negative Bz has a higher probability of occurrence and the cross-tail current density jY is dominant (2-4 nA/m2) in comparison to those values near both flanks. This implies that magnetic activity, e.g., magnetic reconnection and current disruption, could be triggered more frequently in CS with ˜21:00-˜01:00 MLT. Accordingly, if mapped to the region in the auroral ionosphere, it is expected that substorm onset would be optically observed with higher probability for ˜21:00-˜01:00 MLT, which is well in agreement with statistical observations of auroral substorm onset.

Achieving equity in Crunch&Sip®: a pilot intervention of supplementary free fruit and vegetables in NSW classrooms.

PubMed

Hector, Debra; Edwards, Shelley; Gale, Joanne; Ryan, Helen

2017-12-01

Issue addressed Anecdotal evidence from teachers in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) indicated that many primary school children are regularly unable to participate in the Crunch&Sip ® (C&S) program (breaks during class time to eat fruit and/or vegetables and drink water) as they do not bring produce from home. Actual reach of the program may therefore be currently overestimated, and inequitable. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of providing school children supplementary, fresh free produce in supporting equitable participation in C&S. Methods Free fruit and vegetables were provided for 10 weeks to four schools in a socioeconomically-disadvantaged area in Western Sydney. WSLHD sourced the produce at a discounted rate and storage and distribution was arranged in partnership with industry. Schools determined methods of allocation to children who did not have fruit or vegetables for the C&S break. Pre- and late-intervention (Week 9) classroom surveys provided quantitative data of intervention efficacy. Qualitative methods were used with key school persons to explore barriers and enablers to implementation. Results Participation of children in C&S increased significantly from 46.7% pre-intervention to 92.0% in Week 9. The proportion of children bringing fruit or vegetables from home also increased significantly, from 46.7% to 54.0%. Schools perceived the supplementary strategy to be highly feasible and acceptable. Conclusion Expansion of this equity strategy warrants consideration, although issues of sustainability would need to be addressed. The criteria for 'full implementation' should include high proportional participation by students in participating classes. So what? Establishing a system by which schools in disadvantaged areas can supplement their C&S program would effectively increase access to fruit and vegetables among those children most at need.

Evaluation of the impact of chitosan/DNA nanoparticles on the differentiation of human naive CD4+ T cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lanxia; Bai, Yuanyuan; Zhu, Dunwan; Song, Liping; Wang, Hai; Dong, Xia; Zhang, Hailing; Leng, Xigang

2011-06-01

Chitosan (CS) is one of the most widely studied polymers in non-viral gene delivery since it is a cationic polysaccharide that forms nanoparticles with DNA and hence protects the DNA against digestion by DNase. However, the impact of CS/DNA nanoparticle on the immune system still remains poorly understood. Previous investigations did not found CS/DNA nanoparticles had any significant impact on the function of human and murine macrophages. To date, little is known about the interaction between CS/DNA nanoparticles and naive CD4+ T cells. This study was designed to investigate whether CS/DNA nanoparticles affect the initial differentiation direction of human naive CD4+ T cells. The indirect impact of CS/DNA nanoparticles on naive CD4+ T cell differentiation was investigated by incubating the nanoparticles with human macrophage THP-1 cells in one chamber of a transwell co-incubation system, with the enriched human naive CD4+ T cells being placed in the other chamber of the transwell. The nanoparticles were also co-incubated with the naive CD4+ T cells to explore their direct impact on naive CD4+ T cell differentiation by measuring the release of IL-4 and IFN-γ from the cells. It was demonstrated that CS/DNA nanoparticles induced slightly elevated production of IL-12 by THP-1 cells, possibly owing to the presence of CpG motifs in the plasmid. However, this macrophage stimulating activity was much less significant as compared with lipopolysaccharide and did not impact on the differentiation of the naive CD4+ T cells. It was also demonstrated that, when directly exposed to the naive CD4+ T cells, the nanoparticles induced neither the activation of the naive CD4+ T cells in the absence of recombinant cytokines (recombinant human IL-4 or IFN-γ) that induce naive CD4+ T cell polarization, nor any changes in the differentiation direction of naive CD4+ T cells in the presence of the corresponding cytokines.

Distinguishing between Positive and Negative Social Bonding in Problem Drinking among College Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zullig, Keith J.; Young, Michael; Hussain, Mohammad

2010-01-01

Background: To reduce problem drinking, interventions must be directed toward those factors associated with problem drinking. Purpose: This study examined how perceptions of the role of alcohol related to problem drinking among a convenience sample of 301 college students. Methods: Fifteen items concerned with drinking behavior or perceptions…

Paclitaxel loaded magnetic nanocomposites with folate modified chitosan/carboxymethyl surface; a vehicle for imaging and targeted drug delivery.

PubMed

Bano, Shazia; Afzal, Muhammad; Waraich, Mustansar Mahmood; Alamgir, Khalid; Nazir, Samina

2016-11-20

In this study, Paclitaxel (PTX) containing, bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles were fabricated via a simple approach. Folic acid (FA) was conjugated to chitosan (CS)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) through an esterification reaction to produce BSA-CS-FA or BSA-CMC-FA conjugates. NiFe 2 O 4 noncore (NFs) and PTX were loaded through a heat treatment and by a diffusion process. NFs-BSA-CS and NFs-BSA-CMC-FA with size of about 80nm, showed superior transversal R 2 relaxation rate of 349 (mM) -1 s -1 along with folate receptor-targeted and magnetically directed functions. NFs-BSA-CS-FA or NFs-BSA-CS-FA were found stable and biocompatible. Application of an external magnetic field effectively enhanced the PTX release from PTX-NFs-BSA-CS-FA or PTX-NFs-BSA-CS-FA and hence tumor inhibition rate. This study validate that NFs-BSA-CS-FA or NFs-BSA-CMC-FA and PTX-NFs-BSA-CS-FA or PTX-NFs-BSA-CS-FA are suitable systems for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

137Cs and 134Cs activity in the North Pacific Ocean water from 1945 to 2020 by eddy-resolving ROMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubono, Takaki; Misumi, Kazuo; Tsumune, Daisuke; Aoyama, Michio; Hirose, Katsumi

2017-04-01

We conducted the simulation of 137Cs activity in the North Pacific Ocean (NPO) water from 1945 to 2020, before and after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (1F NPP) accident. Using the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) with high resolution (1/12°-1/4° in horizontal, 45 levels in vertical), of which domain was the NPO, we preliminarily estimated a factor multiplying the total 134Cs fluxes, which have been estimated for the atmospheric deposition and the direct discharge from the accident. The direct comparison of the observed and calculated 134Cs showed that the total 134Cs flux was 1.6 times greater than the previous estimates. We re-calculated the 134Cs activityies in the NPO water using the flux multiplied by 1.6 and confirmed the improvement of the simulation by the multiplied flux, which suggested that 134Cs and 137Cs inventories in the NPO increase by about 16PBq, respectively, due to the accident. For the hindcast and forecast of the 137Cs activityies in the NPO water, we calculated the 137Cs activityy in the NPO water from 1945 to 2020 by using the global fallout flux due to atmospheric nuclear weapons' tests and the Chernobyl accident and the estimated fluxes of the 1F NPP accident. For the calculation, five ensemble calculations of 137Cs activity were conducted by moving the start period of the input flux for one year. The 137Cs activity in the surface water showed that the plume due to the 1F NPP accident with relatively higher activity than 5 Bq m-3, which was lower than that in 1985, was transported to the western area of 135°W in 2015. The peak year of the 137Cs activity can be estimated from the hindcast and forecast. The 137Cs activity in the surface water north of 30°N shows that the 137Cs peak in 2011 occurs up to 180°, but the peak from 2012 to 2017 is distributed from near 180° to 90°W. The total inventory of 137Cs in the NPO increased up to 77 PBq in 2011 and gradually decreased to 61PBq in 2018 by transport outside of the domain, which is almost the same as that in Dec. 2010. The whole amount of 137Cs in the subsurface layer ( 200-600m depth ) is larger than that in the surface layer ( 0-200m depth) since the 1F NPP accident except 2011.

Effect of the cross-linking agent on performances of NaCS-CS/WSC microcapsules.

PubMed

Wu, Qing-Xi; Xu, Xin; Wang, Zu-Li; Yao, Shan-Jing; Tong, Wang-Yu; Chen, Yan

2016-11-01

Based on the properties of oppositely charged natural polysaccharides, the polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) prepared with chitosan-related polycationic polyelectrolytes and cellulose-related polyanionic polyelectrolytes have been widely concerned for their potential applications as micro-drug-carriers for colon. However, the poor mechanical property of the PECs becomes the obstacle encountered in practical applications. This study investigated the effect of the cross-linking agent (sodium polyphosphate, PPS) on the performances of sodium cellulose sulfate -chitosan/water soluble chitosan (NaCS-CS/WSC) microcapsules. The results revealed that PPS could penetrate through the PEC film and form tighter interior structures compared with the microcapsules without the addition of cross-linking agent. The NaCS-CS microcapsules and NaCS-WSC microcapsules with or without PPS had distinct microstructures, which could be ascribed to the different physicochemical properties of CS and WSC. During the formation process, CS can be dissolved in water under acidic conditions, while WSC can be directly dissolved and protonated in acid-free aqueous providing NH3(+) groups quickly, which resulted in the microstructure's difference. Further analysis showed the NaCS-CS-PPS microcapsules and NaCS-WSC-PPS microcapsules had lower swelling ratios due to their tighter interior microstructures that formed. The cross-linking agent had important effect on the total mass of PECs that produced; moreover, the decline of zeta potential of NaCS-CS-PPS microcapsules was lower than that of NaCS-CS microcapsules, similar trend was found in the NaCS-WSC-PPS microcapsules compared with NaCS-WSC microcapsules, indicating the PPS participated in the interactions and played a role in the microcapsules' formation process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Drinking reasons, drinking locations, and automobile accident involvement among collegians.

PubMed

Pang, M G; Wells-Parker, E; McMillen, D L

1989-03-01

Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship of five drinking reason factors to drinking locations and consumption variables within a random sample of drinking college students surveyed by telephone. Hypotheses relating self-reported accident involvement after drinking and two specific reason factors - Opposite Sex/Drunkenness and Pleasure - were tested. Both Pleasure and Opposite Sex/Drunkenness were directly related to quantity consumed and to drinking in several away-from-home locations. Opposite Sex/Drunkenness reasons and frequency of drinking in cars significantly contributed to identifying males who reported accident involvement following drinking.

Ferrocene-modified chitosan as an efficient and green heterogeneous catalyst for sulfate-radical-based advanced oxidation process.

PubMed

Lin, Kun-Yi Andrew; Lin, Jyun-Ting; Yang, Hongta

2017-10-01

While ferrocene (Fc) is a promising heterogeneous catalyst for activating persulfate (PS) to degrade organic contaminants, chemical reagent-grade Fc is nanoscale and direct usage of Fc leads to operational and recovery issues. In this study, chitosan (CS) is selected as a support to immobilize Fc as CS is abundant, and environmental benign fishery waste. The amine group of CS also allows the formation of covalent bond between Fc-based reagent (i.e., Fc-CHO) and CS to form Fc-modified CS (Fc-CS). This Fc-CS can be more advantageous than Fc because of its easier recovery by precipitation and filtration. To evaluate Fc-CS for PS activation, degradation of Amaranth (AMR) dye by PS is selected as a model test. The resulting Fc-CS exhibits a higher catalytic activity than pristine Fc possibly because Fc can be evenly dispersed on CS and CS can also exhibit affinity toward AMR. AMR can be also fully decomposed by Fc-CS activated PS. Through the Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic analysis, the AMR degradation can be attributed to both sulfate and hydroxyl radicals. Fc-CS had been also proven to activate PS for AMR degradation over multiple times without loss of catalytic activity. These features indicate that Fc-CS can be a promising catalyst and CS appears to be a naturally available and environmentally friendly waste-derived support for immobilizing Fc. The results and findings in this study are essential for CS-supported metal catalysts in environmental applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The carcinogenic action of crystalline silica: a review of the evidence supporting secondary inflammation-driven genotoxicity as a principal mechanism.

PubMed

Borm, Paul J A; Tran, Lang; Donaldson, Ken

2011-10-01

In 1987 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified crystalline silica (CS) as a probable carcinogen and in 1997 reclassified it as a Group 1 carcinogen, i.e., that there was sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in experimental animals and sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity in humans. The Working Group noted that "carcinogenicity in humans was not detected in all industrial circumstances studied, carcinogenicity may be dependent on inherent characteristics of the crystalline silica or on external factors affecting its biological activity or distribution of its polymorphs." This unusual statement that the physicochemical form of the CS influences its carcinogenicity is well understood at the toxicological level and arises as a consequence of the fact that CS activity depends on the reactivity of the CS surface, which can be blocked by a number of agents. We reviewed the literature on CS genotoxicity that has been published since the 1997 monograph, with special reference to the mechanism of CS genotoxicity. The mechanism of CS genotoxicity can be primary, a result of direct interaction of CS with target cells, or indirect, as a consequence of inflammation elicited by quartz, where the inflammatory cell-derived oxidants cause the genotoxicity. The review revealed a number of papers supporting the hypothesis that the CS genotoxic and inflammatory hazard is a variable one. In an attempt to attain a quantitative basis for the potential mechanism, we carried out analysis of published data and noted a 5-fold greater dose required to reach a threshold for genotoxic effects than for proinflammatory effects in the same cell line in vitro. When we related the calculated threshold dose at the proximal alveolar region for inflammation in a published study with the threshold dose for genotoxicity in vitro, we noted that a 60-120-fold greater dose was required for direct genotoxic effects in vitro. These data strongly suggests that inflammation is the driving force for genotoxicity and that primary genotoxicity of deposited CS would play a role only at very high, possibly implausible, exposures and deposited doses. Although based on rat studies and in vitro studies, and therefore with caveats, the analysis supports the hypothesis that the mechanism of CS genotoxicity is via inflammation-driven secondary genotoxicity. This may have implications for setting of the CS standard in workplaces. During the writing of this review (in May 2009), IARC undertook a review of carcinogenic substances, including CS. The Working Group met to reassess 10 separate agents including CS. This was not a normal monograph working group published as a large single monograph, but was published as a two-page report. This review group reaffirmed the carcinogenicity of "silica dust, crystalline in the form of quartz or cristobalite" as a Group 1 agent, with the lung as the sole tumor site. Of special relevance to the present review is that the cited "established mechanism events" for CS are restricted to the words "impaired particle clearance leading to macrophage activation and persistent inflammation." The lack of mention of direct genotoxicity is in line with the conclusions reached in the present review.

Protective effects of aspirin and vitamin C against corn syrup consumption-induced cardiac damage through sirtuin-1 and HIF-1α pathway.

PubMed

Aşcı, Halil; Saygın, Mustafa; Yeşilot, Şükriye; Topsakal, Şenay; Cankara, Fatma Nihan; Özmen, Özlem; Savran, Mehtap

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of aspirin (AS) and vitamin C (VC) against cardiac damage induced by chronic corn syrup (CS) consumption via a mechanism involving sirtuin-1 (ST-1), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and the caspase-3 pathway in rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (14-16 weeks) that weighed 250-300 g were randomly distributed into 5 groups, each containing 8 rats: control group, CS+AS group, CS+VC group, CS+AS+VC group, and CS group. AS (10 mg/kg/day) and VC (200 mg/kg/day) were orally given to the rats. F30 (30% fructose syrup solution) was given to the rats in drinking water for 6 weeks. The rats were sacrificed by exsanguination 24 h after the last administration. Blood samples and tissue were collected for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical examinations. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test used for the parameters without normal distribution and ANOVA and post-hoc LSD tests were used for parameters with a normal distribution to compare groups. Uric acid, creatine kinase (CKMB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were increased in the CS group compared with the control group (1.45±0.39 and p=0.011; 3225.64±598.25 and p=0.004; 3906.83±1064.22 and p=0.002, respectively) and decreased in all the treatment groups. In addition, increased levels of MDA and decreased activity of CAT in the CS group (0.172±0.03 and p=0.000; 0.070±0.005 and p=0.007, respectively) were reversed with AS and VC therapy. A decrease in ST-1 activity and increases in caspase-3 and HIF-1 activities corrected by VC and AS therapy were observed. AS and VC, which display antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities, ameliorated cardiac damage induced by chronic fructose consumption by increasing the levels of ST-1 and decreasing the levels of HIF-1α and caspase-3.

Study on photoemission surface of varied doping GaN photocathode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiao, Jianliang; Du, Ruijuan; Ding, Huan; Gao, Youtang; Chang, Benkang

2014-09-01

For varied doping GaN photocathode, from bulk to surface the doping concentrations are distributed from high to low. The varied doping GaN photocathode may produce directional inside electric field within the material, so the higher quantum efficiency can be obtained. The photoemission surface of varied doping GaN photocathode is very important to the high quantum efficiency, but the forming process of the surface state after Cs activation or Cs/O activation has been not known completely. Encircling the photoemission mechanism of varied GaN photocathode, considering the experiment phenomena during the activation and the successful activation results, the varied GaN photocathode surface model [GaN(Mg):Cs]:O-Cs after activation with cesium and oxygen was given. According to GaN photocathode activation process and the change of electronic affinity, the comparatively ideal NEA property can be achieved by Cs or Cs/O activation, and higher quantum efficiency can be obtained. The results show: The effective NEA characteristic of GaN can be gotten only by Cs. [GaN(Mg):Cs] dipoles form the first dipole layer, the positive end is toward the vacuum side. In the activation processing with Cs/O, the second dipole layer is formed by O-Cs dipoles, A O-Cs dipole includes one oxygen atom and two Cs atoms, and the positive end is also toward the vacuum side thus the escape of electrons can be promoted.

Inferring the chemical form of 137Cs deposited by the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident by measuring (137)Cs incorporated into needle leaves and male cones of Japanese cedar trees.

PubMed

Kanasashi, Tsutomu; Takenaka, Chisato; Sugiura, Yuki

2016-05-15

We hypothesized that the water-soluble (ionic) and water-insoluble (stable) radiocesium from the initial fallout of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident was distributed in various proportions in the surrounding areas and that this distribution was reflected in the trees that suffered deposition from the initial fallout. This study attempted to evaluate local variations in the chemical form of (137)Cs derived from the initial fallout of the FDNPP accident and whether its chemical form affected the radiocesium concentration in the tissues currently growing in trees, even after the initial fallout ceased. For these estimations, the ratio between the (137)Cs concentration in Cryptomeria japonica needle leaves in the tree crown, which existed before the FDNPP accident and subsequently directly exposed to the initial fallout ((137)Cs pre-accident N), and the amount of (137)Cs in the initial fallout itself ((137)Cs fallout) was determined ((137)Cs pre-accident N/(137)Cs fallout) at 66 sites. In addition, the (137)Cs ratios between the male cones produced in 2012 ((137)Cs male cone) and needle leaves that had elongated in the spring of 2011 ((137)Cs 2011N) was determined at 82 sites ((137)Cs male cone/(137) Cs 2011N). Most of the sites with lower (137)Cs pre-accident N /(137)Cs fallout ratios were distributed in eastern Fukushima, relatively close to the Pacific Ocean coastline. Lower (137)Cs pre-accident N/(137)Cs fallout and higher (137)Cs malecone/(137)Cs 2011N were found to be associated with higher proportions of (137)Cs in ionic forms. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis, and likely reflect regional variations in the chemical form of the deposited radiocesium. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Exposure of differentiated airway epithelial cells to volatile smoke in vitro.

PubMed

Beisswenger, Christoph; Platz, Juliane; Seifart, Carola; Vogelmeier, Claus; Bals, Robert

2004-01-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the predominant pathogenetic factor in the development of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the smoke-induced inflammation in epithelial cells is limited. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model to monitor the effects of volatile CS on differentiated airway epithelial cells. The airway epithelial cell line MM-39 and primary human bronchial epithelial cells were cultivated as air-liquid interface cultures and exposed directly to volatile CS. We used two types of exposure models, one using ambient air, the other using humidified and warm air. Cytokine levels were measured by quantitative PCR and ELISA. Phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase was assessed by Western blot analysis. To reduce the smoke-induced inflammation, antisense oligonucleotides directed against the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB were applied. Exposure of epithelia to cold and dry air resulted in a significant inflammatory response. In contrast, exposure to humidified warm air did not elicit a cellular response. Stimulation with CS resulted in upregulation of mRNA for IL-6 and IL-8 and protein release. Exposure to CS combined with heat-inactivated bacteria synergistically increased levels of the cytokines. Reactions of differentiated epithelial cells to smoke are mediated by the MAP kinase p38 and the transcription factor NF-kappaB. We developed an exposure model to examine the consequences of direct exposure of differentiated airway epithelial cells to volatile CS. The model enables to measure the cellular reactions to smoke exposure and to determine the outcome of therapeutic interventions. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

Multiscale structure of Cs-137 soil contamination on the Bryansk Region (Russia) due to the accident at the Chernobyl NPP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linnik, Vitaly; Sokolov, Alexander

2013-04-01

The Cs-137 contamination of the Bryansk Region occurred in the period from April 27 to May 10 into several stages. The complicated character of the soil radionuclide contamination on the Bryansk Region is caused by different nature of the radioactive fallout: dry and wet. Thus, in a number of cases Cs-137 soil pollution is directly connected with the rain intensity, which is well known, have multifractal nature. In some parts of contaminated territory the overlay of different types of fallout was observed. The radioactive contamination of the landscape is a result from nonlinear interplay of geophysical factors which intervene over a large range of scale. As a result of the fallout Cs-137 pattern can be described as a multifractal. Consequently, fields of contamination observed have an extreme spatial variability, frequently cited "hot spots" or "leopard's skin. As an estimate of background radiation levels, we relied on a dataset of air-gamma-survey of the Bryansk Region, carried out by SSC AEROGEOFIZIKA in the summer of 1993. This dataset includes geo-positioned data of Cs-137 deposition in a grid of 100x100 m with values range from 3 to 11*104 kBq/m2. Airborne gamma survey gave the smoothed values of the Cs-137 density of contamination in comparison with the data, obtained directly as a result of soil sampling. However, even in this case in the east part of the Bryansk test site we can observed the"hot spots" (by size several hundred meters) as natural phenomenon. The article presents the results of the geostatistical and multifractal analysis of the Cs-137 contamination. Scaling analysis was conducted to investigate the linkages between the spatial variability of soil Cs-137 contamination and some landscape characteristics.

Obstructive Thebesian valve: anatomical study and implications for invasive cardiologic procedures.

PubMed

Ghosh, Sanjib Kumar; Raheja, Shashi; Tuli, Anita

2014-03-01

Thebesian valve is the embryological remnant of the right sinoatrial valve, guarding the coronary sinus (CS) ostium. Advanced invasive and interventional cardiac diagnostic and management tools involve cannulation of the CS ostium. The presence of obstructive Thebesian valves has been reported to lead to unsuccessful cannulation of the CS. We studied the morphology of the Thebesian valve and CS ostium to assess the possible impact of these structures on invasive cardiological procedures. One hundred fifty randomly selected human cadaveric heart specimens fixed in 10% formalin were dissected in the customary routine manner. The Thebesian valves were classified according to their shape as semilunar/fenestrated/biconcave band like and according to their composition as membranous/fibromuscular/fibrous/muscular, and the extent to which the valve covered the CS ostium was also noted. An obstructive Thebesian valve that could interfere with the cannulation of the CS was defined as non-fenestrated (semilunar/biconcave band like) and non-membranous (fibromuscular/fibrous/muscular) valves covering >75% of the CS ostium. Thebesian valves were present in 118 (79%) heart specimens, of which 27 (18%) met the criteria of being obstructive. Semilunar was the most common type of Thebesian valve in terms of shape and was observed in 65 (65/118; 55%) hearts. This type was associated with the least mean craniocaudal (7.9±0.6 mm) and mean transverse (6.25±0.6 mm) diameters of the CS ostium. The mean craniocaudal diameter of the CS ostium (9.4±2.1 mm) was significantly larger (p=0.004) than the mean transverse diameter (7.15±1.5 mm) in specimens with Thebesian valves, and the cranial margin of the CS ostium was free from any attachment of the Thebesian valve in all the types observed (in terms of shape). Hence, attempts to direct the tip of the catheter toward the cranial margin of the CS ostium under direct vision may lead to successful cannulation of the same when conventional techniques have been unsuccessful because of the presence of an obstructive Thebesian valve.

Thermostability enhancement of cellobiose 2-epimerase from Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus by site-directed mutagenesis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cellobiose 2-epimerase from the thermophile Caldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus (CsCE) catalyzes the isomerization of lactose into lactulose, a non-digestible disaccharide widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Semi-rational approaches were applied to enhance the thermostability of CsCE...

Characterization of on-site digital mammography systems: Direct versus indirect conversion detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youn, Hanbean; Han, Jong Chul; Yun, Seungman; Kam, Soohwa; Cho, Seungryong; Kim, Ho Kyung

2015-06-01

We investigated the performances of two digital mammography systems. The systems use a cesium-iodide (CsI) scintillator and an amorphous selenium ( a-Se) photoconductor for X-ray detection and are installed in the same hospital. As physical metrics, we measured the modulationtransfer function (MTF), the noise-power spectrum (NPS), and the detective quantum efficiency (DQE). In addition, we analyzed the contrast-detail performances of the two systems by using a commercial contrast-detail phantom. The CsI-based indirect conversion detector provided better MTF and DQE performances than the a-Se-based direct conversion detector whereas the former provided a poorer NPS performance than the latter. These results are explained by the fact that the CsI-based detector used an MTF restoration preprocessing algorithm. The a-Se-based detector showed better contrast-detail performance than the CsI-based detector. We believe that the highfrequency noise characteristic of a detector is more responsible for the visibility of small details than its spatial-resolution performance.

Reliance on God, prayer, and religion reduces influence of perceived norms on drinking.

PubMed

Neighbors, Clayton; Brown, Garrett A; Dibello, Angelo M; Rodriguez, Lindsey M; Foster, Dawn W

2013-05-01

Previous research has shown that perceived social norms are among the strongest predictors of drinking among young adults. Research has also consistently found religiousness to be protective against risk and negative health behaviors. The present research evaluates the extent to which reliance on God, prayer, and religion moderates the association between perceived social norms and drinking. Participants (n = 1,124 undergraduate students) completed a cross-sectional survey online, which included measures of perceived norms, religious values, and drinking. Perceived norms were assessed by asking participants their perceptions of typical student drinking. Drinking outcomes included drinks per week, drinking frequency, and typical quantity consumed. Regression analyses indicated that religiousness and perceived norms had significant unique associations in opposite directions for all three drinking outcomes. Significant interactions were evident between religiousness and perceived norms in predicting drinks per week, frequency, and typical quantity. In each case, the interactions indicated weaker associations between norms and drinking among those who assigned greater importance to religiousness. The extent of the relationship between perceived social norms and drinking was buffered by the degree to which students identified with religiousness. A growing body of literature has shown interventions including personalized feedback regarding social norms to be an effective strategy in reducing drinking among college students. The present research suggests that incorporating religious or spiritual values into student interventions may be a promising direction to pursue.

Reliance on God, Prayer, and Religion Reduces Influence of Perceived Norms on Drinking

PubMed Central

Neighbors, Clayton; Brown, Garrett A.; Dibello, Angelo M.; Rodriguez, Lindsey M.; Foster, Dawn W.

2013-01-01

Objective: Previous research has shown that perceived social norms are among the strongest predictors of drinking among young adults. Research has also consistently found religiousness to be protective against risk and negative health behaviors. The present research evaluates the extent to which reliance on God, prayer, and religion moderates the association between perceived social norms and drinking. Method: Participants (n = 1,124 undergraduate students) completed a cross-sectional survey online, which included measures of perceived norms, religious values, and drinking. Perceived norms were assessed by asking participants their perceptions of typical student drinking. Drinking outcomes included drinks per week, drinking frequency, and typical quantity consumed. Results: Regression analyses indicated that religiousness and perceived norms had significant unique associations in opposite directions for all three drinking outcomes. Significant interactions were evident between religiousness and perceived norms in predicting drinks per week, frequency, and typical quantity. In each case, the interactions indicated weaker associations between norms and drinking among those who assigned greater importance to religiousness. Conclusions: The extent of the relationship between perceived social norms and drinking was buffered by the degree to which students identified with religiousness. A growing body of literature has shown interventions including personalized feedback regarding social norms to be an effective strategy in reducing drinking among college students. The present research suggests that incorporating religious or spiritual values into student interventions may be a promising direction to pursue. PMID:23490564

Fear expression and return of fear following threat instruction with or without direct contingency experience.

PubMed

Mertens, Gaëtan; Kuhn, Manuel; Raes, An K; Kalisch, Raffael; De Houwer, Jan; Lonsdorf, Tina B

2016-08-01

Prior research showed that mere instructions about the contingency between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an unconditioned stimulus (US) can generate fear reactions to the CS. Little is known, however, about the extent to which actual CS-US contingency experience adds anything beyond the effect of contingency instructions. Our results extend previous studies on this topic in that it included fear potentiated startle as an additional dependent variable and examined return of fear (ROF) following reinstatement. We observed that CS-US pairings can enhance fear reactions beyond the effect of contingency instructions. Moreover, for all measures of fear, instructions elicited immediate fear reactions that could not be completely overridden by subsequent situational safety information. Finally, ROF following reinstatement for instructed CS+s was unaffected by actual experience. In summary, our results demonstrate the power of contingency instructions and reveal the additional impact of actual experience of CS-US pairings.

Parental Influence on Drinking Behaviors at the Transition to College: The Mediating Role of Perceived Friends' Approval of High-Risk Drinking.

PubMed

Rulison, Kelly L; Wahesh, Edward; Wyrick, David L; DeJong, William

2016-07-01

This study tested whether perceived parental approval of high-risk drinking is directly linked to alcohol-related outcomes or whether the link between perceived parental approval and these outcomes is mediated by perceived friends' approval of high-risk drinking. In fall 2009, 1,797 incoming first-year college students (49.7% female) from 142 U.S. colleges and universities completed a web-based survey before participating in an online substance use prevention program. The analytic sample included only 18- to 20-year-old freshmen students who had consumed alcohol in the past year. Students answered questions about perceived parental approval and perceived friends' approval of high-risk drinking. They also answered questions about their alcohol use (heavy episodic drinking, risky drinking behaviors), use of self-protective strategies (to prevent drinking and driving and to moderate alcohol use), and negative alcohol-related consequences (health, academic and work, social consequences, and drinking and driving). Mediation analyses controlling for the clustering of students within schools indicated that perceived parental approval was directly associated with more easily observable outcomes (e.g., academic- and work-related consequences, drinking and driving). Perceived friends' approval significantly mediated the link between perceived parental approval and outcomes that are less easily observed (e.g., alcohol use, health consequences). During the transition to college, parents may influence students' behaviors both directly (through communication) as well as indirectly (by shaping their values and whom students select as friends). Alcohol use prevention programs for students about to start college should address both parental and friend influences on alcohol use.

Design of Chitosan-Grafted Carbon Nanotubes: Evaluation of How the –OH Functional Group Affects Cs+ Adsorption

PubMed Central

Yang, Shubin; Shao, Dadong; Wang, Xiangke; Hou, Guangshun; Nagatsu, Masaaki; Tan, Xiaoli; Ren, Xuemei; Yu, Jitao

2015-01-01

In order to explore the effect of –OH functional groups in Cs+ adsorption, we herein used the low temperature plasma-induced grafting method to graft chitosan onto carbon nanotubes (denoted as CTS-g-CNTs), as raw-CNTs have few functional groups and chitosan has a large number of –OH functional groups. The synthesized CTS-g-CNT composites were characterized using different techniques. The effect of –OH functional groups in the Cs+ adsorption process was evaluated by comparison of the adsorption properties of raw-CNTs with and without grafting chitosan. The variation of environmental conditions such as pH and contact time was investigated. A comparison of contaminated seawater and simulated groundwater was also evaluated. The results indicated that: (1) the adsorption of Cs+ ions was strongly dependent on pH and the competitive cations; (2) for CNT-based material, the –OH functional groups have a positive effect on Cs+ removal; (3) simulated contaminated groundwater can be used to model contaminated seawater to evaluate the adsorption property of CNTs-based material. These results showed direct observational evidence on the effect of –OH functional groups for Cs+ adsorption. Our findings are important in providing future directions to design and to choose effective material to remedy the removal of radioactive cesium from contaminated groundwater and seawater, crucial for public health and the human social environment. PMID:26006711

Thermal decomposition of alkane hydrocarbons inside a porous Ni anode for fuel supply of direct carbon fuel cell: Effects of morphology and crystallinity of carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Chengguo; Yi, Hakgyu; Jalalabadi, Tahereh; Lee, Donggeun

2015-10-01

This study improved the physical contact between anode and fuel in a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) by directly generating carbon in a porous Ni anode through thermal decomposition of three kinds of hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H6, C3H8). From electron microscope observations of the carbon particles generated from each hydrocarbon, carbon spheres (CS), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanofibers (CNF) were identified with increasing carbon number. Raman scattering analysis was performed to determine the crystallinity of the carbon samples. As a result, the carbon samples (CS, CNT, and CNF) produced from CH4, C2H6 and C3H8 were found to be less crystalline and more flexible with increasing the carbon number. DCFC performance was measured at 700 °C for the anode fueled with the same mass of the carbon sample. It was found that the 1-dimensional CNT and CNF were more active to produce 148% and 210% times higher power density than the CS. The difference was partly attributed to the finding that the less-crystalline CNT and CNF had much lower charge transfer resistances than the CS. A lifetime test found that the CNT and CNF, which are capable of transporting electrons for much longer periods, maintained the power density much longer, as compared to the CS which can lose their point contacts between the particles shortly at high current density.

Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Directed Interface Coassembly to Construct Multifunctional Microspheres with Magnetic Core and Monolayer Mesoporous Aluminosilicate Shell.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu; Yue, Qin; Yu, Lei; Yang, Xuanyu; Hou, Xiu-Feng; Zhao, Dongyuan; Cheng, Xiaowei; Deng, Yonghui

2018-05-11

Core-shell magnetic porous microspheres have wide applications in drug delivery, catalysis and bioseparation, and so on. However, it is great challenge to controllably synthesize magnetic porous microspheres with uniform well-aligned accessible large mesopores (>10 nm) which are highly desired for applications involving immobilization or adsorption of large guest molecules or nanoobjects. In this study, a facile and general amphiphilic block copolymer directed interfacial coassembly strategy is developed to synthesize core-shell magnetic mesoporous microspheres with a monolayer of mesoporous shell of different composition, such as core-shell magnetic mesoporous aluminosilicate (CS-MMAS), silica (CS-MMS), and zirconia-silica (CS-MMZS), open and large pores by employing polystyrene-block-poly (4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) as an interface structure directing agent and aluminum acetylacetonate (Al(acac) 3 ), zirconium acetylacetonate, and tetraethyl orthosilicate as shell precursors. The obtained CS-MMAS microspheres possess magnetic core, perpendicular mesopores (20-32 nm) in the shell, high surface area (244.7 m 2 g -1 ), and abundant acid sites (0.44 mmol g -1 ), and as a result, they exhibit superior performance in removal of organophosphorus pesticides (fenthion) with a fast adsorption dynamics and high adsorption capacity. CS-MMAS microspheres loaded with Au nanoparticles (≈3.5 nm) behavior as a highly active heterogeneous nanocatalyst for N-alkylation reaction for producing N-phenylbenzylamine with a selectivity and yields of over 90% and good magnetic recyclability. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Goal-Directed Drinking Behaviors Can Be Modified through Behavioral Mimicry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shune, Samantha E.; Foster, Kayla A.

2017-01-01

Purpose: This study tested whether behavioral mimicry can alter drinking behavior. It was hypothesized that participants would increase drinking behaviors given increased confederate drinking but not cup touching. Methods: Nineteen healthy adults (M[subscript age] = 20.32 years) completed 2 picture description tasks; during 1 task, a confederate…

Architecture of optical sensor for recognition of multiple toxic metal ions from water.

PubMed

Shenashen, M A; El-Safty, S A; Elshehy, E A

2013-09-15

Here, we designed novel optical sensor based on the wormhole hexagonal mesoporous core/multi-shell silica nanoparticles that enabled the selective recognition and removal of these extremely toxic metals from drinking water. The surface-coating process of a mesoporous core/double-shell silica platforms by several consequence decorations using a cationic surfactant with double alkyl tails (CS-DAT) and then a synthesized dicarboxylate 1,5-diphenyl-3-thiocarbazone (III) signaling probe enabled us to create a unique hierarchical multi-shell sensor. In this design, the high loading capacity and wrapping of the CS-DAT and III organic moieties could be achieved, leading to the formation of silica core with multi-shells that formed from double-silica, CS-DAT, and III dressing layers. In this sensing system, notable changes in color and reflectance intensity of the multi-shelled sensor for Cu(2+), Co(2+), Cd(2+), and Hg(2+) ions, were observed at pH 2, 8, 9.5 and 11.5, respectively. The multi-shelled sensor is added to enable accessibility for continuous monitoring of several different toxic metal ions and efficient multi-ion sensing and removal capabilities with respect to reversibility, selectivity, and signal stability. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Vitamin D metabolism impairment in the rat's offspring following maternal exposure to 137cesium.

PubMed

Tissandie, E; Guéguen, Y; Lobaccaro, J M A; Grandcolas, L; Grison, S; Aigueperse, J; Souidi, M

2009-04-01

Previous works clearly showed that chronic contamination by 137cesium alters vitamin D metabolism. Since children are known to be a high-risk group for vitamin D metabolism disorders, effects of 137Cs on vitamin D biosynthetic pathway were investigated in newborn rats. The experiments were performed in 21-day-old male offspring of dams exposed to 137Cs in their drinking water at a dose of 6,500 Bq/l (150 Bq/rat/day) during the lactation period. Significant modifications of blood calcium (-7%, P < 0.05), phosphate (+80%, P < 0.01) and osteocalcin (-25%, P < 0.05) levels were observed in contaminated offspring, associated with an increase of blood vitamin D3 (+25%, P < 0.01). Besides, decreased expression levels of cyp2r1 and cyp27b1 (-26 and -39%, respectively, P < 0.01) were measured in liver and kidney suggesting a physiological adaptation in response to the rise in vitamin D level. Expressions of vdr, ecac1, cabp-d28k, ecac2 and cabp-9k involved in renal and intestinal calcium transport were unaffected. Altogether, these data show that early exposure to post-accidental doses of 137Cs induces the alteration of vitamin D metabolism, associated with a dysregulation of mineral homeostasis.

Stabilization of cesium in alkali-activated municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and a pyrophyllite-based system.

PubMed

Shiota, Kenji; Nakamura, Takafumi; Takaoka, Masaki; Aminuddin, Siti Fatimah; Oshita, Kazuyuki; Fujimori, Takashi

2017-11-01

Environmentally sound treatments are required to dispose of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) contaminated with radioactive cesium (Cs) from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in Japan. This study focuses on the stabilization of Cs using an alkali-activated MSWIFA and pyophyllite-based system. Three composite solid products were synthesized after mixtures of raw materials (dehydrated pyrophyllite, MSWIFA, 14 mol/L aqueous sodium hydroxide, and sodium silicate solution) were cured at 105 °C for 24 h. Three types of MSWIFAs were prepared as raw fly ash, raw fly ash with 0.1% CsCl, and raw fly ash with 40% CsCl to understand the stabilization mechanism of Cs. Cs stabilization in two solid products was successful, with less than 6.9% leaching observed from two types tests, and was partly successful for the solid product with the highest concentration of Cs. X-ray diffraction showed that all of the solid products produced several crystalline phases, and that pollucite was formed in the highest Cs concentration product. The X-ray absorption fine structure and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray analysis suggested that most Cs species formed pollucite in the two solid products from MSWIFA with added CsCl. This system provides a technique for the direct stabilization of Cs in MSWIFA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Ameliorate Cyclosporine A-Induced Hypertension in Mice.

PubMed

Chiasson, Valorie L; Bounds, Kelsey R; Chatterjee, Piyali; Manandhar, Lochana; Pakanati, Abhinandan R; Hernandez, Marcos; Aziz, Bilal; Mitchell, Brett M

2018-01-01

The calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) suppresses the immune system but promotes hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and renal damage. CsA decreases regulatory T cells and this contributes to the development of hypertension. However, CsA's effects on another important regulatory immune cell subset, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is unknown. We hypothesized that augmenting MDSCs would ameliorate the CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal injury and dysfunction and that CsA reduces MDSCs in mice. Daily interleukin-33 treatment, which increased MDSC levels, completely prevented CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal toxicity. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs from control mice into CsA-treated mice after hypertension was established dose-dependently reduced blood pressure and vascular and glomerular injury. CsA treatment of aortas and kidneys isolated from control mice for 24 hours decreased relaxation responses and increased inflammation, respectively, and these effects were prevented by the presence of MDSCs. MDSCs also prevented the CsA-induced increase in fibronectin in microvascular and glomerular endothelial cells. Last, CsA dose-dependently reduced the number of MDSCs by inhibiting calcineurin and preventing cell proliferation, as other direct calcineurin signaling pathway inhibitors had the same dose-dependent effect. These data suggest that augmenting MDSCs can reduce the cardiovascular and renal toxicity and hypertension caused by CsA. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Binge Drinking Episodes in Young Adults: How Should We Measure Them in a Research Setting?

PubMed

Piano, Mariann R; Mazzuco, Adriana; Kang, Minkyung; Phillips, Shane A

2017-07-01

Worldwide, consequences of binge drinking are a major health and policy concern. This article reviews contemporary binge drinking definitions as well as different questionnaires and biomarkers that have been used in research settings to examine binge drinking behavior among young adults. A review of electronic databases was conducted for binge drinking definitions, questionnaires, and biomarkers for the measurement of binge drinking in young adults (18-30 years). Binge drinking is often defined as four or more drinks for females and five or more drinks for males on an occasion or in one sitting within a designated time frame (2 weeks vs. past 30 days). Several tools and questionnaires are available to identify young adult repeated binge drinkers. Biomarkers have been used to corroborate self-reported alcohol consumption, of which direct biomarkers such as phosphatidylethanol may be useful in confirming recent heavy drinking. It is important to measure binge drinking along a continuum and to use questions that allow for assessment of intensity, frequency, duration, and daily versus weekend consumption patterns. Open-ended questions that allow for intensity (number of drinks) and frequency can be used to determine dose-response relationships with respect to specific outcome measures. Direct alcohol biomarkers reflecting alcohol consumption over a period of several days are useful in conjunction with questionnaire data for identifying young adult binge drinkers.

''Neither fish nor fowl'' EEC draft on bottle recycling

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

Not Available

1980-05-20

It is reported that an EEC directive on drinks bottle recycling is expected to be announced shortly. The directive is expected to call for member countries to make arrangements for the compulsory return of beer and soft drinks bottles.

Health risk assessment of haloacetonitriles in drinking water based on internal dose.

PubMed

Zhang, Ying; Han, Xuemei; Niu, Zhiguang

2018-05-01

To estimate the health risk of haloacetonitriles in different kinds of drinking water, the concentrations of haloacetonitriles in tap water, boiled water and direct drinking water were detected. The physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to calculate internal dose in the human body for haloacetonitriles through ingestion, and the probability distributions of the non-carcinogenic risk of haloacetonitriles for human via drinking water were assessed. This study found that the mean concentrations of dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) in tap water, boiled water and direct drinking water were 0.955 μg/L, 0.207 μg/L and 0.127 μg/L, and those of dibromoacetonitrile (DBAN) were 0.221 μg/L, 0.104 μg/L, 0.089 μg/L, respectively. In China, direct drinking water is used most frequently, so the concentrations of haloacetonitriles in direct drinking water were used to obtain data on the internal dose of haloacetonitriles. In addition, the simulation results for the PBPK model showed that the highest and lowest concentrations of DCAN occurred in the liver and venous blood, respectively. The peak concentrations of DBAN in each tissue were in the decreasing order liver > rapidly perfused tissue > kidney > slowly perfused tissues > fat > arterial blood (venous blood). In addition, the highest 95th percentile hazard quotients (HQ) value of haloacetonitriles via drinking water for humans was 8.89 × 10 -3 , much lower than 1. The 95th percentile hazard index (HI) was 0.046, which was also lower than 1, suggesting that there was no obvious non-carcinogenic risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parenting style, religiosity, peer alcohol use, and adolescent heavy drinking.

PubMed

Hoffmann, John P; Bahr, Stephen J

2014-03-01

The purpose of this research was to examine the associations of parenting style, religiosity, and peer alcohol use with alcohol use and heavy drinking. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate direct and indirect associations among 5,419 adolescents ages 12-14 years from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1997. Adolescents whose parents were authoritative were less likely to drink heavily than adolescents who experienced neglectful or indulgent parenting styles. Religiosity was negatively associated with heavy drinking after other relevant variables were controlled for. Authoritative parenting appears to have both direct and indirect negative associations with the risk of heavy drinking among adolescents. Authoritative parenting, where monitoring and support are above average, and religiosity might help deter adolescents from heavy drinking, even when adolescents experience peer environments where alcohol use is common. Authoritarian parenting, although it was not associated with heavy drinking, was positively associated with alcohol use and peer alcohol use, thus placing adolescents at some risk.

Parenting style, religiosity, peers, and adolescent heavy drinking.

PubMed

Bahr, Stephen J; Hoffmann, John P

2010-07-01

The purpose of this research was to examine whether authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful parenting styles were associated with adolescent alcohol use and heavy drinking, after controlling for peer use, religiosity, and other relevant variables. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate direct and indirect associations of parenting style with alcohol use and heavy drinking among 4,983 adolescents in Grades 7-12. Adolescents whose parents were authoritative were less likely to drink heavily than adolescents from the other three parenting styles, and they were less likely to have close friends who used alcohol. In addition, religiosity was negatively associated with heavy drinking after controlling for other relevant variables. Authoritative parenting appears to have both direct and indirect associations with the risk of heavy drinking among adolescents. Authoritative parenting, where monitoring and support are above average, might help deter adolescents from heavy alcohol use, even when adolescents have friends who drink. In addition, the data suggest that the adolescent's choice of friends may be an intervening variable that helps explain the negative association between authoritative parenting and adolescent heavy drinking.

CsMgPO4

PubMed Central

Strutynska, Nataliya Yu.; Zatovsky, Igor V.; Baumer, Vyacheslav N.; Slobodyanik, Nikolay S.

2009-01-01

Caesium magnesium orthophosphate is built up from MgO4 and PO4 tetra­hedra (both with . m. symmetry) linked together by corners, forming a three-dimensional framework. The Cs atoms have .m. site symmetry and are located in hexa­gonal channels running along the a- and b-axis directions. PMID:21583294

Identification and temporal decrease of 137Cs and 134Cs in groundwater in Minami-Soma City following the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.

PubMed

Shizuma, Kiyoshi; Fujikawa, Yoko; Kurihara, Momo; Sakurai, Yushi

2018-03-01

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident on March 11, 2011, caused severe radioactive contamination in Fukushima Prefecture. In order to clarify the safety of drinking water, we have conducted radiocesium monitoring of public tap water and groundwater in Minami-Soma City, which is 10-40 km north of the nuclear power plant. The source of tap water for Minami-Soma City is groundwater, which is treated by rapid filtration before distribution in two of the three treatment plants. The tap water was collected from six stations during 2012-2016 and groundwater was collected from 11 stations with wells between 5 and 100 m deep during 2014-2016. Radiocesium contamination of groundwater has been considered unlikely in Japan because of the small vertical migration velocity of radiocesium in Japanese soil. However, radiocesium was detected in public tap water after 2012, and the maximum 137 Cs concentration of 292 mBq L -1 was observed in 2013. In all the well water, radiocesium was detected between 2014 and 2015, at concentrations similar to those observed in tap water in the same period. In tap water and groundwater, radiocesium was decreased to below the detection limit in 2016 except for four stations. Radiocesium concentration in shallow water reached a maximum between 2013 and 2015, 2-4 years after the FDNPP accident, and then decreased. The results are interpreted that dissolved 137 Cs migrated in the soil and reached aquifers of various depth. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of cesium phosphotungstate salt and chitosan composite membrane for direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Xiao, Yanxin; Xiang, Yan; Xiu, Ruijie; Lu, Shanfu

2013-10-15

A novel composite membrane has been developed by doping cesium phosphotungstate salt (CsxH3-xPW12O40 (0≤x≤3), Csx-PTA) into chitosan (CTS/Csx-PTA) for application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Uniform distribution of Csx-PTA nanoparticles has been achieved in the chitosan matrix. The proton conductivity of the composite membrane is significantly affected by the Csx-PTA content in the composite membrane as well as the Cs substitution in PTA. The highest proton conductivity for the CTS/Csx-PTA membranes was obtained with x=2 and Cs2-PTA content of 5 wt%. The value is 6×10(-3) S cm(-1) and 1.75×10(-2) S cm(-1) at 298 K and 353 K, respectively. The methanol permeability of CTS/Cs2-PTA membrane is about 5.6×10(-7), 90% lower than that of Nafion-212 membrane. The highest selectivity factor (φ) was obtained on CTS/Cs2-PTA-5 wt% composite membrane, 1.1×10(4)/Scm(-3)s. The present study indicates the promising potential of CTS/Csx-PTA composite membrane as alternative proton exchange membranes in direct methanol fuel cells. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and downstream human placental growth hormone genes are targets for dysregulation in pregnancies complicated by maternal obesity.

PubMed

Vakili, Hana; Jin, Yan; Menticoglou, Savas; Cattini, Peter A

2013-08-02

Human chorionic somatomammotropin (CS) and placental growth hormone variant (GH-V) act as metabolic adaptors in response to maternal insulin resistance, which occurs in "normal" pregnancy. Maternal obesity can exacerbate this "resistance," suggesting that CS, GH-V, or transcription factors that regulate their production might be targets. The human CS genes, hCS-A and hCS-B, flank the GH-V gene. A significant decrease in pre-term placental CS/GH-V RNA levels was observed in transgenic mice containing the CS/GH-V genes in a model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced maternal obesity. Similarly, a decrease in CS/GH-V RNA levels was detected in term placentas from obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m(2)) versus lean (BMI 20-25 kg/m(2)) women. A specific decrease in transcription factor CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) RNA levels was also seen with obesity; C/EBPβ is required for mouse placenta development and is expressed, like CS and GH-V, in syncytiotrophoblasts. Binding of C/EBPβ to the CS gene downstream enhancer regions, which by virtue of their position distally flank the GH-V gene, was reduced in placenta chromatin from mice on a HFD and in obese women; a corresponding decrease in RNA polymerase II associated with CS/GH-V promoters was also observed. Detection of decreased endogenous CS/GH-V RNA levels in human placental tumor cells treated with C/EBPβ siRNA is consistent with a direct effect. These data provide evidence for CS/GH-V dysregulation in acute HFD-induced obesity in mouse pregnancy and chronic obesity in human pregnancy and implicate C/EBPβ, a factor associated with CS regulation and placental development.

Chitosan composite three dimensional macrospheric scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Vyas, Veena; Kaur, Tejinder; Thirugnanam, Arunachalam

2017-11-01

The present work deals with the fabrication of chitosan composite scaffolds with controllable and predictable internal architecture for bone tissue engineering. Chitosan (CS) based composites were developed by varying montmorillonite (MMT) and hydroxyapatite (HA) combinations to fabricate macrospheric three dimensional (3D) scaffolds by direct agglomeration of the sintered macrospheres. The fabricated CS, CS/MMT, CS/HA and CS/MMT/HA 3D scaffolds were characterized for their physicochemical, biological and mechanical properties. The XRD and ATR-FTIR studies confirmed the presence of the individual constituents and the molecular interaction between them, respectively. The reinforcement with HA and MMT showed reduced swelling and degradation rate. It was found that in comparison to pure CS, the CS/HA/MMT composites exhibited improved hemocompatibility and protein adsorption. The sintering of the macrospheres controlled the swelling ability of the scaffolds which played an important role in maintaining the mechanical strength of the 3D scaffolds. The CS/HA/MMT composite scaffold showed 14 folds increase in the compressive strength when compared to pure CS scaffolds. The fabricated scaffolds were also found to encourage the MG 63 cell proliferation. Hence, from the above studies it can be concluded that the CS/HA/MMT composite 3D macrospheric scaffolds have wider and more practical application in bone tissue regeneration applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Community Norms, Enforcement Of Minimum Legal Drinking Age Laws, Personal Beliefs And Underage Drinking: An Explanatory Model

PubMed Central

Grube, Joel W.; Paschall, Mallie J.

2009-01-01

Strategies to enforce underage drinking laws are aimed at reducing youth access to alcohol from commercial and social sources and deterring its possession and use. However, little is known about the processes through which enforcement strategies may affect underage drinking. The purpose of the current study is to present and test a conceptual model that specifies possible direct and indirect relationships among adolescents’ perception of community alcohol norms, enforcement of underage drinking laws, personal beliefs (perceived parental disapproval of alcohol use, perceived alcohol availability, perceived drinking by peers, perceived harm and personal disapproval of alcohol use), and their past-30-day alcohol use. This study used data from 17,830 middle and high school students who participated in the 2007 Oregon Health Teens Survey. Structural equations modeling indicated that perceived community disapproval of adolescents’ alcohol use was directly and positively related to perceived local police enforcement of underage drinking laws. In addition, adolescents’ personal beliefs appeared to mediate the relationship between perceived enforcement of underage drinking laws and past-30-day alcohol use. Enforcement of underage drinking laws appeared to partially mediate the relationship between perceived community disapproval and personal beliefs related to alcohol use. Results of this study suggests that environmental prevention efforts to reduce underage drinking should target adults’ attitudes and community norms about underage drinking as well as the beliefs of youth themselves. PMID:20135210

Automated in-line mixing system for large scale production of chitosan-based polyplexes.

PubMed

Tavakoli Naeini, Ashkan; Soliman, Ousamah Younoss; Alameh, Mohamad Gabriel; Lavertu, Marc; Buschmann, Michael D

2017-08-15

Chitosan (CS)-based polyplexes are efficient non-viral gene delivery systems that are most commonly prepared by manual mixing. However, manual mixing is not only poorly controlled but also restricted to relatively small preparation volumes, limiting clinical applications. In order to overcome these drawbacks and to produce clinical quantities of CS-based polyplexes, a fully automated in-line mixing platform was developed for production of large batches of small-size and homogeneous CS-based polyplexes. Operational conditions to produce small-sized homogeneous polyplexes were identified. Increasing mixing concentrations of CS and nucleic acid was directly associated with an increase in size and polydispersity of both CS/pDNA and CS/siRNA polyplexes. We also found that although the speed of mixing has a negligible impact on the properties of CS/pDNA polyplexes, the size and polydispersity of CS/siRNA polyplexes are strongly influenced by the mixing speed: the higher the speed, the smaller the size and polydispersity. While in-line and manual CS/pDNA polyplexes had similar size and PDI, CS/siRNA polyplexes were smaller and more homogenous when prepared in-line in the non-laminar flow regime compared to manual method. Finally, we found that in-line mixed CS/siRNA polyplexes have equivalent or higher silencing efficiency of ApoB in HepG2 cells, compared to manually prepared polyplexes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hindcast and Forecast of 137Cs Activities in the North Pacific Ocean Waters from 1945 to 2020 by Eddy-resolving ROMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsubono, T.; Misumi, K.; Tsumune, D.; Aoyama, M.; Hirose, K.

2015-12-01

We conducted a hindcast and forecast of 137Cs activities in the North Pacific waters from 1945 to 2020, before and after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (F1NPP) accident. We used the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) with high resolution (1/12º-1/4º in horizontal, 45 levels in vertical), of which domain was the North Pacific Ocean. The model was driven by the exactly repeating "Normal Year" forcing Coordinated Ocean Reference Experiment (CORE) forcing dataset (Large and Yeager, 2008) using bulk formulae and the model-predicted sea surface temperature and the 50 years averaged SODA data as boundary conditions. The reconstructed global fallout due to atmospheric nuclear weapons' tests and Chernobyl accident was employed for atmospheric flux of 137Cs from 1945 to 2011. After the accident, the atmospheric deposition and direct release of 137Cs from F1NPP were also employed for input condition. Five ensemble calculations of 137Cs activities in seawater were conducted under different initial conditions, but had identical forcing. The net input of 16 PBq of 137Cs from F1NPP, which was employed in this study, corresponded to 26% of the total amount (61 PBq) of 137Cs that was estimated in the North Pacific before the F1NPP accident in 2011. Before the accident in 2011, the 137Cs on surface ranged from 0.75 to 1.7 Bq m-3. The direct comparison between simulated and observed 134Cs activities in the surface layer represented that the root-mean-square error and correlation coefficient were 5.6 Bq m-3 and 0.86, respectively, suggesting the model result were consistent with the observations. The main body of high 137Cs activity water from F1NPP was transported to south of the Subarctic Front around 42°N via the Oyashio Coastal Current, the Oyashio intrusion, and the Kuroshio bifurcation and then to the western North Pacific. This model simulation suggested that the 137Cs activities in surface waters at P26 (P04) would increase to 4.1 Bq m-3 (4.3 Bq m-3 ) in 2015 (2016) and then decrease to 1.3 Bq m-3 (1.8 Bq m-3 ) in last 2020.

Direction of attention bias to threat relates to differences in fear acquisition and extinction in anxious children.

PubMed

Waters, Allison M; Kershaw, Rachel

2015-01-01

Anxious children show attention biases towards and away from threat stimuli. Moreover, threat avoidance compared to vigilance predicts a poorer outcome from exposure-based treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), yet the mechanisms underlying this differential response are unclear. Pavlovian fear conditioning is a widely accepted theory to explain the acquisition and extinction of fear, including exposure-based treatments, such as CBT. In typical fear conditioning experiments, anxious children have shown larger physiological responses to an aversive unconditional stimulus (i.e., US on CS+ trials) and to non-reinforced stimuli (CS-) during fear acquisition and to both CSs during fear extinction compared to non-anxious peers. This study examined whether threat avoidance compared to threat vigilance was related to differences in fear acquisition and extinction in anxious children. Thirty-four clinically-anxious children completed a visual probe task including angry-neutral face pairs to determine the direction of threat attention bias as well as a discriminant conditioning and extinction task in which a geometric shape CS+ was paired with an aversive tone US, while the CS- geometric shape was always presented alone during acquisition trials. Both CSs were presented alone during extinction trials. Fear acquisition and extinction were indexed by skin conductance responses (SCR) and subjective measures. Children were classified as threat vigilant (N = 18) and threat avoidant (n = 16) based on the direction of threat attention bias on the visual probe task. During acquisition, threat avoidant relative to threat vigilant anxious children displayed larger orienting SCRs to both CSs during the first block of trials and larger third interval SCRs to the US on CS+ trials as well as on CS- trials. During extinction, threat avoidant anxious children showed delayed extinction of SCRs to both the CS+ and CS- and reported higher subjective anxiety ratings after extinction compared to threat vigilant anxious children. Threat avoidant anxious children may be more reactive physiologically to novel cues and to stimuli that become associated with threat and this may interfere with extinction learning. These findings could help explain previous evidence that threat avoidant anxious children do not respond as well as threat vigilant anxious children to exposure-based CBT. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Monitoring of Microbes in Drinking Water

EPA Science Inventory

Internationally there is a move towards managing the provision of safe drinking water by direct assessment of the performance of key pathogen barriers (critical control points), rather than end point testing (i.e. in drinking water). For fecal pathogens that breakthrough the vari...

Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: misconceptions, myths, and facts.

PubMed

Verster, Joris C; Aufricht, Christoph; Alford, Chris

2012-01-01

Whilst energy drinks improve performance and feelings of alertness, recent articles suggest that energy drink consumption combined with alcohol may reduce perception of alcohol intoxication, or lead to increased alcohol or drug use. This review discusses the available scientific evidence on the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. A literature search was performed using the keywords "energy drink and Red Bull(®)" and consulting Medline/Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Embase. There is little evidence that energy drinks antagonize the behavioral effects of alcohol, and there is no consistent evidence that energy drinks alter the perceived level of intoxication of people who mix energy drinks with alcohol. No clinically relevant cardiovascular or other adverse effects have been reported for healthy subjects combining energy drinks with alcohol, although there are no long-term investigations currently available. Finally, whilst several surveys have shown associations, there is no direct evidence that coadministration of energy drinks increases alcohol consumption, or initiates drug and alcohol dependence or abuse. Although some reports suggest that energy drinks lead to reduced awareness of intoxication and increased alcohol consumption, a review of the available literature shows that these views are not supported by direct or reliable scientific evidence. A personality with higher levels of risk-taking behavior may be the primary reason for increased alcohol and drug abuse per se. The coconsumption of energy drinks being one of the many expressions of that type of lifestyle and personality.

Energy drinks mixed with alcohol: misconceptions, myths, and facts

PubMed Central

Verster, Joris C; Aufricht, Christoph; Alford, Chris

2012-01-01

Background Whilst energy drinks improve performance and feelings of alertness, recent articles suggest that energy drink consumption combined with alcohol may reduce perception of alcohol intoxication, or lead to increased alcohol or drug use. This review discusses the available scientific evidence on the effects of mixing energy drinks with alcohol. Methods A literature search was performed using the keywords “energy drink and Red Bull®” and consulting Medline/Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Embase. Results There is little evidence that energy drinks antagonize the behavioral effects of alcohol, and there is no consistent evidence that energy drinks alter the perceived level of intoxication of people who mix energy drinks with alcohol. No clinically relevant cardiovascular or other adverse effects have been reported for healthy subjects combining energy drinks with alcohol, although there are no long-term investigations currently available. Finally, whilst several surveys have shown associations, there is no direct evidence that coadministration of energy drinks increases alcohol consumption, or initiates drug and alcohol dependence or abuse. Conclusion Although some reports suggest that energy drinks lead to reduced awareness of intoxication and increased alcohol consumption, a review of the available literature shows that these views are not supported by direct or reliable scientific evidence. A personality with higher levels of risk-taking behavior may be the primary reason for increased alcohol and drug abuse per se. The coconsumption of energy drinks being one of the many expressions of that type of lifestyle and personality. PMID:22399863

Spectral study of interaction between chondroitin sulfate and nanoparticles and its application in quantitative analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yi; Wei, Maojie; Zhang, Xiao; Zhao, Ting; Liu, Xiumei; Zhou, Guanglian

2016-01-01

In this work, the interaction between chondroitin sulfate (CS) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) was characterized for the first time. Plasma resonance scattering (PRS) and plasma resonance absorption (PRA) were used to investigate the characteristics of their spectrum. The results suggested that the CS with negative charge could interact with metal nanoparticles with negative charge and the adsorption of CS on the surface of SNPs was more regular than that of GNPs. The resonance scattering spectra also further confirmed the interaction between CS and SNPs. A new method for detection of CS based on the interaction was developed. CS concentrations in the range of 0.02-3.5 μg/mL were proportional to the decreases of absorbance of SNPs. Compared with other reported methods, the proposed method is simple and workable without complex process, high consumption and expensive equipments. The developed method was applied to the determination of the CS contents from different biological origins and the results were compared with those obtained by the method of Chinese Pharmacopeia. The effects of matrix in plasma and other glycosaminoglycans on the determination of CS were also investigated. The results showed that a small quantity of blood plasma had no effect on the determination of CS and when the concentration ratio of CS to heparin was more than 10:1, the influence of heparin on the detection of CS could be ignored. This work gave a specific research direction for the detection of CS in the presence of metal nanoparticles.

Effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens and pyoverdine on the phytoextraction of cesium by red clover in soil pots and hydroponics.

PubMed

Hazotte, Alice; Péron, Olivier; Gaudin, Pierre; Abdelouas, Abdesselam; Lebeau, Thierry

2018-05-12

With the aim of improving the phytoextraction rate of cesium (Cs), the effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 and its siderophore pyoverdine (PVD) on the uptake of Cs by red clover was studied in soil pots. This work also provides a mechanistic understanding of the Cs-bacteria (or PVD)-illite-plant interactions by using a simplified experimental design, i.e., hydroponics with either Cs in solution or Cs-spiked illite in suspension. For soil spiked with 11.2 mmol kg -1 (1480 mg kg -1 ) of Cs, 0.43% of total Cs was taken up by red clover in 12 days (119 μmol g -1 (16 mg g -1 ) of Cs dry matter in roots and 40 μmol g -1 (5 mg g -1 ) in shoots). In hydroponics with Cs in solution (0.1 mmol L -1 or 13 mg L -1 ), 75% of Cs was taken up vs. only 0.86% with Cs-spiked illite suspension. P. fluorescens and PVD did not increase Cs concentrations in aboveground parts and roots of red clover and even decreased them. The damaging effect of PVD on red clover growth was demonstrated with the biomass yielding 66% of the control in soil pots (and 100% mortality after 12 days of exposition) and only 56% in hydroponics (78% with illite in suspension). Nonetheless, PVD and, to a lesser extent, P. fluorescens increased the translocation factor up to a factor of 2.8. This study clearly showed a direct damaging effect of PVD and to a lower extent the retention of Cs by biofilm covering both the roots and illite, both resulting in the lower phytoextraction efficiency.

Sensory neuropeptides modulate cigarette smoke-induced decrease in neutral endopeptidase activity in guinea pig airways.

PubMed

Kuo, H P; Lu, L C

1995-01-01

Cigarette smoke (CS) inhalation stimulates C-fibers to release sensory neuropeptides which mediate airway reflex responses to prevent irritants from entering the lower airways. When CS is inhaled via the upper airways, these airway defense responses may modulate the effect of CS on airway NEP activity and related airway hyperresponsiveness. To examine this possibility, we exposed guinea pigs to 1:10 diluted mid-tar cigarette smoke 100 puffs per day for 7 days and recorded pulmonary resistance of cumulative doses of neurokinin A (NKA, 10(-12)-10(-8) mol/kg, i.v.) or methacholine (Mch, 1-50 micrograms/kg, i.v.). NEP activity in the tracheobronchi was measured using fluorometric assay. Exposure of CS alone failed to alter the dose-response to NKA or Mch compared with air control. NEP activity in the airways after CS exposure was slightly but significantly lower than that of air control. Capsaicin pretreatment 1 week before CS exposure significantly shifted the dose-response curves of NKA, but not Mch, to the left and decreased NEP activity in the airways to a greater extent compared with CS exposure alone group. Capsaicin pretreatment alone failed to alter the responsiveness to NKA or NEP activity. CS also induced a significant increase in neutrophil counts in airways. Capsaicin pretreatment enhanced the effect of CS on neutrophil recruitment. We conclude that sensory neuropeptides may have a protective role in modulation of airways NEP activity downregulation induced by CS, probably by preventing CS from entering the lower airways or the chronic release of sensory neuropeptides induced by CS providing increased amount of substrata for NEP upregulation, and therefore modify the direct effect of CS on NEP activity and related airway hyperresponsiveness.

Estimated Dietary Intake of Radionuclides and Health Risks for the Citizens of Fukushima City, Tokyo, and Osaka after the 2011 Nuclear Accident

PubMed Central

Murakami, Michio; Oki, Taikan

2014-01-01

The radionuclides released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011 pose a health risk. In this study, we estimated the 1st-year average doses resulting from the intake of iodine 131 (131I) and cesium 134 and 137 (134Cs and 137Cs) in drinking water and food ingested by citizens of Fukushima City (∼50 km from the nuclear power plant; outside the evacuation zone), Tokyo (∼230 km), and Osaka (∼580 km) after the accident. For citizens in Fukushima City, we considered two scenarios: Case 1, citizens consumed vegetables bought from markets; Case 2, citizens consumed vegetables grown locally (conservative scenario). The estimated effective doses of 134Cs and 137Cs agreed well with those estimated through market basket and food-duplicate surveys. The average thyroid equivalent doses due to ingestion of 131I for adults were 840 µSv (Case 1) and 2700 µSv (Case 2) in Fukushima City, 370 µSv in Tokyo, and 16 µSv in Osaka. The average effective doses due to 134Cs and 137Cs were 19, 120, 6.1, and 1.9 µSv, respectively. The doses estimated in this study were much lower than values reported by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, whose assessments lacked validation and full consideration of regional trade in foods, highlighting the importance of including regional trade. The 95th percentile effective doses were 2–3 times the average values. Lifetime attributable risks (LARs) of thyroid cancers due to ingestion were 2.3–39×10−6 (Case 1) and 10–98×10−6 (Case 2) in Fukushima City, 0.95–14×10−6 in Tokyo, and 0.11–1.3×10−6 in Osaka. The contributions of LARs of thyroid cancers due to ingestion were 7.5%–12% of all exposure (Case 1) and 12%–30% (Case 2) in Fukushima City. PMID:25390339

AFM Structural Characterization of Drinking Water Biofilm under Physiological Conditions

EPA Science Inventory

Due to the complexity of mixed culture drinking water biofilm, direct visual observation under in situ conditions has been challenging. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the three dimensional morphology and arrangement of drinking water relevant biofilm in air...

Ameliorated effect of L-arginine supplementation on gingival morphology in cyclosporin-treated rats.

PubMed

Fu, E; Tz-Chong, C; Liu, D; Chiu, S C

2000-11-01

The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of cyclosporin (CsA)-induced gingival overgrowth is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of NO substrate (L-arginine) and blockade (N-nitro-L-arginine methylester-hydrochloride, L-NAME) on the gingival morphology in CsA-fed rats. Sixty CsA-fed (10 mg/kg/day) male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 3 groups. Animals in 2 experimental groups received L-arginine (1% weight/weight) in rat chowder or L-NAME (50 mg/l) in drinking water, respectively, for 4 weeks. Rats in the control group were fed a normal diet and water. At week 0, 2, and 4, dental stone models were made from the mandibular anterior region and the gingival dimensions (width, depth, and height) were measured. The tail cuff blood pressure and the plasma nitrate level were also measured at week 4 to monitor the effects of L-arginine and L-NAME treatment. No significant difference in the gingival dimensions was noticed at week 0; however, significant differences were observed at weeks 2 and 4, except the buccolingual depth at week 2. While the magnitude of gingival dimensions was large, moderate, and small in control, L-NAME, and L-arginine groups, respectively, we found significantly reduced gingival dimensions in both L-arginine supplement and L-NAME groups. Nevertheless, the reduced gingival overgrowth in the L-NAME treatment group was far less than that in the exogenous NO treatment group. Plasma NO2-/NO3- concentrations were also significantly different; i.e., from the highest to the lowest levels were the L-arginine, CsA control, and L-NAME group, respectively. A significantly increased mean and diastolic blood pressure was found in the L-NAME group compared to the L-arginine group. Gingival morphology in CsA-fed rats was evaluated after NO substrate (L-arginine) and blockade (L-NAME) treatment for 4 weeks. Significantly decreased dimensions were noted in the L-arginine group compared to the CsA group at weeks 2 and 4. Although an inhibitory effect on the gingival morphology was also observed in the L-NAME group, another unknown mechanism might be involved. Within the limitations of the study, we suggest that NO may have an important role in the mechanism of CsA-induced gingival overgrowth.

Fate of 137Cs, 90Sr and 239+240Pu in soil profiles at a water recharge site in Basel, Switzerland.

PubMed

Abraham, Johannes; Meusburger, Katrin; Waldis, Judith Kobler; Ketterer, Michael E; Zehringer, Markus

2018-02-01

An important process in the production of drinking water is the recharge of the withdrawn ground water with river water at protected recharge fields. While it is well known that undisturbed soils are efficiently filtering and adsorbing radionuclides, the goal of this study was to investigate their behaviour in an artificial recharge site that may receive rapid and additional input of radionuclides by river water (particularly when draining a catchment including nuclear power plants (NPP)). Soil profiles of recharge sites were drilled and analysed for radionuclides, specifically radiocesium ( 137 Cs), radiostrontium ( 90 Sr) and plutonium ( 239+240 Pu). The distribution of the analysed radionuclides were compared with an uncultivated reference soil outside the recharge site. The main activity of 137 Cs was located in the top soil (4.5-7.5 cm) and reached down to a depth of 84 cm and 48 cm for the recharge and the reference site, respectively. The found activities of 239+240 Pu originate from the global fallout after 1950. 239+240 Pu appeared to be strongly adsorbed onto soil particles. The shape of the depth profile was similar to 137 Cs, but also similar between the recharge and the reference site. In contrast, 90 Sr showed a uniform distribution over the entire depth of the recharge and reference profiles indicating that 90 Sr already entered the gravel zone and the ground water. Elevated inventories of the radionuclides were observed for the recharge site. The soil of the recharge field exhibited a threefold higher activity of 137 Cs compared to the reference soil. Also for 239+240 Pu higher inventories where observed for the recharge sites (40%). 90 Sr behaved differently, showing similar inventories between reference and recharge site. We estimate that 75-89% of the total inventory of 137 Cs in the soil at the recharge site (7.000 Bq/m 2 ) originated from the fallout of the Chernobyl accident and from emissions of Swiss NPPs. This estimate is based on the actual activity ratio of 137 Cs/ 239+240 Pu of 22 for global fallout. The investigations identified radiostrontium as potential threat to the ground water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parents' drinking motives and problem drinking predict their children's drinking motives, alcohol use and substance misuse.

PubMed

Marino, Claudia; Moss, Antony C; Vieno, Alessio; Albery, Ian P; Frings, Daniel; Spada, Marcantonio M

2018-09-01

The aim of the current study was to test the direct and indirect influence of parents' drinking motives and problem drinking on their children's drinking motives, alcohol use and substance misuse. Cross-sectional analysis of parent and child drinking patterns and motives, derived from the nationally representative Drinkaware Monitor panel survey. The sample comprised a total of 148 couples of parents and child. Path analysis revealed that children's alcohol use and substance misuse were influenced by their own drinking motives and parents' problem drinking. Parents' conformity motives were linked to their children's conformity motives. Finally, parental drinking problems mediated the effect of their coping motives on their childrens' alcohol use and substance misuse. In conclusion, parental drinking styles relate to their children's alcohol use and substance misuse through problem drinking and drinking motives. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three Days of Intermittent Fasting: Repeated-Sprint Performance Decreased by Vertical-Stiffness Impairment.

PubMed

Cherif, Anissa; Meeusen, Romain; Farooq, Abdulaziz; Ryu, Joong; Fenneni, Mohamed Amine; Nikolovski, Zoran; Elshafie, Sittana; Chamari, Karim; Roelands, Bart

2017-03-01

To examine the effects of 3 d of intermittent fasting (3d-IF: abstaining from eating/drinking from dawn to sunset) on physical performance and metabolic responses to repeated sprints (RSs). Twenty-one active males performed an RS test (2 sets: 5 × 5-s maximal sprints with 25 s of recovery between and 3 min of recovery between sets on an instrumented treadmill) in 2 conditions: counterbalanced fed/control session (CS) and fasting session (FS). Biomechanical and biochemical markers were assessed preexercise and postexercise. Significant main effects of IF were observed for sprints: maximal speed (P = .016), mean speed (P = .015), maximal power (P = .035), mean power (P = .049), vertical stiffness (P = .032), and vertical center-of-mass displacement (P = .047). Sprint speed and vertical stiffness decreased during the 1st (P = .003 and P = .005) and 2nd sprints (P = .046 and P = .048) of set 2, respectively. Postexercise insulin decreased in CS (P = .023) but not in FS (P = .230). Free-fatty-acid levels were higher in FS than in CS at preexercise (P < .001) and at postexercise (P = .009). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was higher at postexercise in FS (1.32 ± 0.22 mmol/L) than in CS (1.26 ± 0.21 mmol/L, P = .039). The triglyceride (TG) concentration was decreased in FS (P < .05) compared with CS. 3d-IF impaired speed and power through a decrease in vertical stiffness during the initial runs of the 2nd set of RS. The findings of the current study confirmed the benefits of 3d-IF: improved HDL-C and TG profiles while maintaining total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, improving muscle power might be a key factor to retain a higher vertical stiffness and to partly counteract the negative effects of intermittent fasting.

Motivational Pathways to Unique Types of Alcohol Consequences

PubMed Central

Merrill, Jennifer E.; Read, Jennifer P.

2010-01-01

Individuals consume alcohol for a variety of reasons (motives), and these reasons may be differentially associated with the types of drinking outcomes that result. The present study examined whether specific affect-relevant motivations for alcohol use (i.e., coping, enhancement) are associated with distinct types of consequences, and whether such associations occur directly, or only as a function of increased alcohol use. It was hypothesized that enhancement motives would be associated with distinct problem types only through alcohol use, whereas coping motives would be linked directly to hypothesized problem types. Regularly drinking undergraduates (N= 192, 93 female) completed self-report measures of drinking motives and alcohol involvement. Using structural equation modeling, we tested direct associations between Coping motives and indirect associations between Enhancement motives and eight unique alcohol problem domains: Risky Behaviors, Blackout Drinking, Physiological Dependence, Academic/Occupational problems, Poor Self-care, Diminished Self-perception, Social/Interpersonal problems, and Impaired Control. We observed direct effects of Coping motives on three unique problem domains (Academic/Occupational problems, Risky Behaviors, and Poor Self-care). Both Coping and Enhancement motives were indirectly associated (through Use) with several problem types. Unhypothesized associations between Conformity motives and unique consequence types also were observed. Findings suggest specificity in the consequences experienced by individuals who drink to cope with negative affect versus to enhance positive affect, and may have intervention implications. Findings depict the coping motivated student as one who is struggling across multiple domains, regardless of levels of drinking. Such students may need to be prioritized for interventions. PMID:20822194

Colloidal silver fabrication using the spark discharge system and its antimicrobial effect on Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Tien, Der-Chi; Tseng, Kuo-Hsiung; Liao, Chih-Yu; Tsung, Tsing-Tshih

2008-10-01

Nanoscale techniques for silver production may assist the resurgence of the medical use of silver, especially given that pathogens are showing increasing resistance to antibiotics. Traditional chemical synthesis methods for colloidal silver (CS) may lead to the presence of toxic chemical species or chemical residues, which may inhibit the effectiveness of CS as an antibacterial agent. To counter these problems a spark discharge system (SDS) was used to fabricate a suspension of colloidal silver in deionized water with no added chemical surfactants. SDS-CS contains both metallic silver nanoparticles (Ag(0)) and ionic silver forms (Ag(+)). The antimicrobial affect of SDS-CS on Staphylococcus aureus was studied. The results show that CS solutions with an ionic silver concentration of 30 ppm or higher are strong enough to destroy S. aureus. In addition, it was found that a solution's antimicrobial potency is directly related to its level of silver ion concentration.

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

Russell, Renee L.; Fiskum, Sandra K.; Smoot, Margaret R.

Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) is developing a Low-Activity Waste Pretreatment System (LAWPS) to provide low-activity waste (LAW) directly to the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) Low-Activity Waste Facility for immobilization. The pretreatment that will be conducted on tank waste supernate at the LAWPS facility entails filtration to remove entrained solids and cesium (Cs) ion exchange to remove Cs from the product sent to the WTP. Currently, spherical resorcinol-formaldehyde (sRF) resin (Microbeads AS, Skedsmokorset, Norway) is the Cs ion exchange resin of choice. Most work on Cs ion exchange efficacy in Hanford tank waste has been conductedmore » at nominally 5 M sodium (Na). WRPS is examining the possibility of processing supernatant at high Na concentrations—up to 8 M Na—to maximize processing efficiency through the LAWPS. Minimal Cs ion exchange work has been conducted at 6 M and 8 M Na concentrations..« less

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF MTBE SITES ON LONG ISLAND

EPA Science Inventory

The aquifers of Long Island serve as the sole-source drinking water supply for approximately 3 million people. About 20 percent of this population obtains drinking water directly from the water table aquifer (Upper Glacial) whereas the remainder obtain their drinking water from d...

Decomposing associations between acculturation and drinking in Mexican Americans

PubMed Central

Mills, Britain A.; Caetano, Raul

2011-01-01

Background Acculturation to life in the United States is a known predictor of Hispanic drinking behavior. We compare the ability of 2 theoretical models of this effect – sociocultural theory and general stress theory – to account for associations between acculturation and drinking in a sample of Mexican Americans. Limitations of previous evaluations of these theoretical models are addressed by using a broader range of hypothesized cognitive mediators and a more direct measure of acculturative stress. In addition, we explore nonlinearities as possible underpinnings of attenuated acculturation effects among males. Methods Respondents (N = 2,595, current drinker N = 1,351) were interviewed as part of 2 recent multistage probability samples in a study of drinking behavior among Mexican Americans in the United States. The ability of norms, drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, and acculturation stress to account for relations between acculturation and drinking outcomes (volume and heavy drinking days) were assessed with a hierarchical linear regression strategy. Nonlinear trends were assessed by modeling quadratic effects of acculturation and acculturation stress on cognitive mediators and drinking outcomes. Results Consistent with previous findings, acculturation effects on drinking outcomes were stronger for females than males. Among females, only drinking motives explained acculturation associations with volume or heavy drinking days. Among males, acculturation was linked to increases in norms, and norms were positive predictors of drinking outcomes. However, adjusted effects of acculturation were non-existent or trending in a negative direction, which counter-acted this indirect normative influence. Acculturation stress did not explain positive associations between acculturation and drinking. Conclusions Stress and alcohol outcome expectancies play little role in the positive linear association between acculturation and drinking outcomes, but drinking motives appears to at least partially account for this effect. Consistent with recent reports, these results challenge stress models of linear acculturation effects on drinking outcomes and provide (partial) support for sociocultural models. Inconsistent mediation patterns – rather than nonlinearities – represented a more plausible statistical description of why acculturation-drinking associations are weakened among males. PMID:22316139

Decomposing associations between acculturation and drinking in Mexican Americans.

PubMed

Mills, Britain A; Caetano, Raul

2012-07-01

Acculturation to life in the United States is a known predictor of Hispanic drinking behavior. We compare the ability of 2 theoretical models of this effect-sociocultural theory and general stress theory-to account for associations between acculturation and drinking in a sample of Mexican Americans. Limitations of previous evaluations of these theoretical models are addressed using a broader range of hypothesized cognitive mediators and a more direct measure of acculturative stress. In addition, we explore nonlinearities as possible underpinnings of attenuated acculturation effects among men. Respondents (N = 2,595, current drinker N = 1,351) were interviewed as part of 2 recent multistage probability samples in a study of drinking behavior among Mexican Americans in the United States. The ability of norms, drinking motives, alcohol expectancies, and acculturation stress to account for relations between acculturation and drinking outcomes (volume and heavy drinking days) were assessed with a hierarchical linear regression strategy. Nonlinear trends were assessed by modeling quadratic effects of acculturation and acculturation stress on cognitive mediators and drinking outcomes. Consistent with previous findings, acculturation effects on drinking outcomes were stronger for women than men. Among women, only drinking motives explained acculturation associations with volume or heavy drinking days. Among men, acculturation was linked to increases in norms, and norms were positive predictors of drinking outcomes. However, adjusted effects of acculturation were nonexistent or trending in a negative direction, which counteracted this indirect normative influence. Acculturation stress did not explain the positive associations between acculturation and drinking. Stress and alcohol outcome expectancies play little role in the positive linear association between acculturation and drinking outcomes, but drinking motives appear to at least partially account for this effect. Consistent with recent reports, these results challenge stress models of linear acculturation effects on drinking outcomes and provide (partial) support for sociocultural models. Inconsistent mediation patterns-rather than nonlinearities-represented a more plausible statistical description of why acculturation-drinking associations are weakened among men. Copyright © 2012 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Adult attachment and drinking context as predictors of alcohol problems and relationship satisfaction in college students.

PubMed

Hocking, Elise C; Simons, Raluca M; Simons, Jeffrey S; Freeman, Harry

2018-01-01

Evidence suggests that for young adults, intimate partners influence each other's drinking patterns. Therefore, exploration of variables related to intimate partner relationships (such as attachment style) could broaden the current understanding of risk factors for alcohol problems in this demographic. The current study examined the role of drinking context in the relationships among insecure attachment, alcohol problems, and relationship satisfaction. A path model was hypothesized where the relationship between insecure attachment and alcohol problems would be explained via two distinct drinking contexts (i.e., drinking with one's partner and drinking away from one's partner). It was also hypothesized that the relationship between insecure attachment and relationship satisfaction would be explained via these same two drinking contexts. Participants were 194 undergraduate students ages 18-25 who reported being in a monogamous intimate partner relationship for at least 90 days and had also consumed alcohol in the past 90 days. The sample was comprised of 76% women and 24% men. The hypothesized direct relationship from anxious attachment to alcohol problems was significant; there were also significant direct paths from both anxious and avoidant attachment to relationship satisfaction. The hypotheses regarding indirect relationships were not supported. The results of this study contribute to the existing literature, in that they suggest that drinking in the context of an intimate relationship may not directly affect relationship satisfaction in this population. However, relationship functioning still appears to be an important variable to consider in the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related problems affecting college students.

Drinking and Stress: An Examination of Sex and Stressor Differences Using IVR-Based Daily Data

PubMed Central

Ayer, Lynsay A.; Harder, Valerie S.; Rose, Gail L.; Helzer, John E.

2010-01-01

Background Research on the relation of stress to alcohol consumption is inconsistent regarding the direction of effects, and this association has been shown to vary by sex and type of stress. We sought to build upon the stress-drinking literature by examining the direction of the stress-drinking association over time as well as sex and stressor differences using daily data. Method 246 heavy drinking adults (67% men) ages 21 to 82 reported daily stress levels and alcohol consumption over 180 days using Interactive Voice Response (IVR). Baseline daily hassles were examined as an alternative measure of stress. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were conducted to test the stress-drinking association accounting for alcohol dependency at baseline and sex and stressor type as moderators. Results IVR daily stress predicted increased alcohol consumption the following day, whereas baseline level of daily hassles did not. Examining the opposite direction of effects, IVR ratings of daily alcohol consumption predicted decreased next-day stress. Stress predicted higher alcohol consumption the next day for men but there was no significant association for women. For both sexes, drinking predicted decreased stress the next day, but this effect was stronger for women. Conclusions This study generally supported the drinking to cope and self-medication hypotheses, with findings that increased stress led to increased drinking. The time-varying relation between stress and alcohol appears to be sex- and measure- specific, however. Therefore, interventions targeted at stress management found to be effective for one sex should not be presumed to be applicable to the other. PMID:21146940

Cs-Ba separation using N 2O as a reactant gas in a Multiple Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer collision-reaction cell: Application to the measurements of Cs isotopes in spent nuclear fuel samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granet, M.; Nonell, A.; Favre, G.; Chartier, F.; Isnard, H.; Moureau, J.; Caussignac, C.; Tran, B.

2008-11-01

In the general frameworks of the nuclear fuel cycle and environmental research field, the Cs isotopic composition must be known with high precision and accuracy. The direct determination of Cs isotopes by mass spectrometry techniques is generally hampered by the presence of Ba isobaric interferences however. Here we present a new method which takes advantage of the collision-reaction cell based Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) and allows to analyse Cs isotopes in the presence of Ba without prior separation step. The addition of N 2O gas in the cell leads to an antagonistic behavior of Cs + and Ba + as the latter reacts with the gas to form BaO + and BaOH + products whereas Cs + remains unreactive. The efficiency of the method was demonstrated for an UOx sample by comparing the results obtained (1) from the measurements of pure Cs fractions and (2) from Fission Products fractions containing more than 30 ionisable elements in addition to Cs, Ba, and where U and Pu were previously removed by using ion exchange resin. An excellent agreement is achieved between each set of experiments with an external reproducibility always better than 0.5% (RSD, k = 2). This study confirms the strong potential of collision-reaction cell to measure Cs isotopes in presence of interfering Ba, precluding therefore former systematic chemical separations.

Holographic entanglement for Chern-Simons terms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azeyanagi, Tatsuo; Loganayagam, R.; Ng, Gim Seng

2017-02-01

We derive the holographic entanglement entropy contribution from pure and mixed gravitational Chern-Simons(CS) terms in AdS2 k+1. This is done through two different methods: first, by a direct evaluation of CS action in a holographic replica geometry and second by a descent of Dong's derivation applied to the corresponding anomaly polynomial. In lower dimensions ( k = 1 , 2), the formula coincides with the Tachikawa formula for black hole entropy from gravitational CS terms. New extrinsic curvature corrections appear for k ≥ 3: we give explicit and concise expressions for the two pure gravitational CS terms in AdS7 and present various consistency checks, including agreements with the black hole entropy formula when evaluated at the bifurcation surface.

All-Solid-State Mechanochemical Synthesis and Post-Synthetic Transformation of Inorganic Perovskite-type Halides.

PubMed

Pal, Provas; Saha, Sujoy; Banik, Ananya; Sarkar, Arka; Biswas, Kanishka

2018-02-06

All-inorganic and hybrid perovskite type halides are generally synthesized by solution-based methods, with the help of long chain organic capping ligands, complex organometallic precursors, and high boiling organic solvents. Herein, a room temperature, solvent-free, general, and scalable all-solid-state mechanochemical synthesis is demonstrated for different inorganic perovskite type halides, with versatile structural connectivity in three (3D), two (2D), and zero (0D) dimensions. 3D CsPbBr 3 , 2D CsPb 2 Br 5 , 0D Cs 4 PbBr 6 , 3D CsPbCl 3 , 2D CsPb 2 Cl 5 , 0D Cs 4 PbCl 6 , 3D CsPbI 3 , and 3D RbPbI 3 have all been synthesized by this method. The all-solid-state synthesis is materialized through an inorganic retrosynthetic approach, which directs the decision on the solid-state precursors (e.g., CsX and PbX 2 (X=Cl/Br/I) with desired stoichiometric ratios. Moreover, post-synthetic structural transformations from 3D to 2D and 0D perovskite halides were performed by the same mechanochemical synthetic approach at room temperature. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Experimental approaches to assessing the impact of a cesium chloride radiological dispersal device

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, S.; Gibb, Snyder E.; Barzyk, J.; McGee, J.; Koenig, A.

2008-01-01

The US EPA, as a part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) project team, is currently working to assess the impacts of an urban radiological dispersion device (RDD) and to develop containment and decontamination strategies. Three efforts in this area are currently underway: development of a laboratory-scale cesium chloride deposition method to mimic a RDD; assessment of cesium (Cs) penetration depth and pathways in urban materials using two dimensional (2-D) mapping laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS); and experimental determination of distribution coefficients (kd) for Cs in water-building material systems. It is critical that, when performing laboratory-scale experiments to assess the fate of Cs from an RDD, the Cs particle deposition method mimics the RDD deposition. Once Cs particles are deposited onto urban surfaces, 2-D mapping of Cs concentrations using LA-ICP-MS is a critical tool for determining Cs transport pathways through these materials. Lastly, distribution coefficients are critical for understanding the transport of Cs in urban settings when direct measurements of its penetration depth are unavailable. An assessment of the newly developed deposition method along with preliminary results from the penetration experiments are presented in this paper.

[Chronobiological studies on effect of cyclosporin A (CsA) against adult male worms of Schistosoma mansoni in vitro].

PubMed

Liu, J; Chappell, L H

1998-01-01

To study the action mode of cyclosporin A (CsA) against Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. MF1 mice were infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae for 6 weeks when the adult worms were recovered by portal perfusion. The male worms of S. mansoni recovered were exposed to varying concentrations of CsA at 8, 16, and 24 h in vitro. Drug induced damage to the male worm surface was chrono-biologically observed throughout these experiments by SEM. After the male worms of S. mansoni were incubated with 1 microgram/ml CsA for 8-24 h, the tegument showed swelling of ridges with appearance of holes on their surface and detachment of a part of spines. The above damage of the tegument became more evident in male worms after incubation with 10, 15, 20 micrograms/ml CsA for 8-24 h. Moreover, incubation of male worms with 25 micrograms/ml CsA for 8-24 h resulted in significant deformation and disruption of tegument, rupture of ridges and detachment of spines. The tegumental damage of male worms of S. mansoni was dose- and time-dependent. The antischistosomal action of CsA is direct, the schistosome tegument appears to be the main site for CsA attack.

Cs/NF3 adsorption on [001]-oriented GaN nanowire surface: A first principle calculation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diao, Yu; Liu, Lei; Xia, Sihao; Kong, Yike

2017-11-01

In this study, the adsorption mechanism of Cs/NF3 on the [001]-oriented GaN nanowire surface is investigated by using the density function theory based on first-principles. In the Cs/NF3 co-activation process, the system is inclined to form NF3-in structure. Through the calculation results of adsorption energy, NF3 molecule adsorption tends to take an orientation with F atoms on top and the most favorable adsorption site is BGa-N. The NF3 activation process can further cut down the work function of the Cs-covered nanowire surface only when Cs coverage is 0.75 ML and 1 ML, which can be explained by the double dipole moment theory. With increasing Cs coverage, the valence band and conduction band both shift to lower energy side, contributing to the appearance of a downward band bending region and promoting the escape of surface photoelectrons. After NF3 molecule adsorption, the peak of total density of states near Fermi level increase due to the orbital hybridization between NF3-2s, Cs-5s states and N-2p states, which strengthen the conductivity of the nanowire surface and leads to the metallic properties. All these calculations may direct the Cs/NF3 activation process of GaN nanowire optoelectronic devices.

Facilitative Effects of Learner-Directed Codeswitching: Evidence from Chinese Learners of English

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zhu, Xiye; Vanek, Norbert

2017-01-01

This study examines the interaction between learner-oriented codeswitching (CS) practices and the degree to which intermediate Chinese L2 learners of English engage in classroom interaction. The guiding questions are whether the teacher's CS use facilitates classroom interaction at moderate L2 proficiency, and if so, at which specific stages of…

Development and Measurement of Guidelines-Based Quality Indicators of Caesarean Section Care in the Netherlands: A RAND-Modified Delphi Procedure and Retrospective Medical Chart Review

PubMed Central

de Boer, Karin; Burggraaf, Henriëtte; Derks, Jan B.; van Dijk, Det; van Dillen, Jeroen; Dirksen, Carmen D.; Duvekot, Johannes J.; Franx, Arie; Hasaart, Tom H. M.; Huisjes, Anjoke J. M.; Kolkman, Diny; Kwee, Anneke; Mol, Ben W.; van Pampus, Mariëlle G.; de Roon-Immerzeel, Alieke; van Roosmalen, Jos J. M.; Roumen, Frans J. M. E.; Smid-Koopman, Ellen; Spaans, Wilbert A.; Visser, Harry; van Wijngaarden, Wim J.; Willekes, Christine; Wouters, Maurice G. A. J.

2016-01-01

Background There is an ongoing discussion on the rising CS rate worldwide. Suboptimal guideline adherence may be an important contributor to this rise. Before improvement of care can be established, optimal CS care in different settings has to be defined. This study aimed to develop and measure quality indicators to determine guideline adherence and identify target groups for improvement of care with direct effect on caesarean section (CS) rates. Method Eighteen obstetricians and midwives participated in an expert panel for systematic CS quality indicator development according to the RAND-modified Delphi method. A multi-center study was performed and medical charts of 1024 women with a CS and a stratified and weighted randomly selected group of 1036 women with a vaginal delivery were analysed. Quality indicator frequency and adherence were scored in 2060 women with a CS or vaginal delivery. Results The expert panel developed 16 indicators on planned CS and 11 indicators on unplanned CS. Indicator adherence was calculated, defined as the number of women in a specific obstetrical situation in which care was performed as recommended in both planned and unplanned CS settings. The most frequently occurring obstetrical situations with low indicator adherence were: 1) suspected fetal distress (frequency 17%, adherence 46%), 2) non-progressive labour (frequency 12%, CS performed too early in over 75%), 3) continuous support during labour (frequency 88%, adherence 37%) and 4) previous CS (frequency 12%), with adequate counselling in 15%. Conclusions We identified four concrete target groups for improvement of obstetrical care, which can be used as a starting point to reduce CS rates worldwide. PMID:26783742

Pure zero-dimensional Cs4PbBr6 single crystal rhombohedral microdisks with high luminescence and stability.

PubMed

Zhang, Haihua; Liao, Qing; Wu, Yishi; Chen, Jianwei; Gao, Qinggang; Fu, Hongbing

2017-11-08

Zero-dimensional (0D) perovskite Cs 4 PbBr 6 has been speculated to be an efficient solid-state emitter, exhibiting strong luminescense on achieving quantum confinement. Although several groups have reported strong green luminescence from Cs 4 PbBr 6 powders and nanocrystals, doubts that the origin of luminescence comes from Cs 4 PbBr 6 itself or CsPbBr 3 impurities have been a point of controversy in recent investigations. Herein, we developed a facile one-step solution self-assembly method to synthesize pure zero-dimensional rhombohedral Cs 4 PbBr 6 micro-disks (MDs) with a high PLQY of 52% ± 5% and photoluminescence full-width at half maximum (FWHM) of 16.8 nm. The obtained rhombohedral MDs were high quality single-crystalline as demonstrated by XRD and SAED patterns. We demonstrated that Cs 4 PbBr 6 MDs and CsPbBr 3 MDs were phase-separated from each other and the strong green emission comes from Cs 4 PbBr 6 . Power and temperature dependence spectra evidenced that the observed strong green luminescence of pure Cs 4 PbBr 6 MDs originated from direct exciton recombination in the isolated octahedra with a large binding energy of 303.9 meV. Significantly, isolated PbBr 6 4- octahedra separated by a Cs + ion insert in the crystal lattice is beneficial to maintaining the structural stability, depicting superior thermal and anion exchange stability. Our study provides an efficient approach to obtain high quality single-crystalline Cs 4 PbBr 6 MDs with highly efficient luminescence and stability for further optoelectronic applications.

Radiocesium distribution in sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) in eastern Japan: translocation from needles to pollen.

PubMed

Kanasashi, Tsutomu; Sugiura, Yuki; Takenaka, Chisato; Hijii, Naoki; Umemura, Mitsutoshi

2015-01-01

We assessed the radiocesium contamination of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) forests in eastern Japan from November 2012 to February 2013, including 80 sites in Fukushima and 35 sites in other regions (Tohoku and Kanto-Koshinetsu), by measuring the (137)Cs concentrations in needles of different ages, male flowers, and pollen. Over a wide geographic area, needles that were present at the time of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident contained much higher (137)Cs concentrations than needles that emerged after the accident. This result, together with visual analysis of (137)Cs distribution using autoradiography, indicated that some of the (137)Cs derived from direct fallout remained on the surface of the older needles. Since we also detected (137)Cs in younger needles and male flowers, we concluded that (137)Cs was translocated toward the tips of sugi needles. The (137)Cs concentration in male flowers was higher than and positively correlated with that in the currently growing (2012) needles. Also, a positive relationship was observed between the (137)Cs concentration of male flowers and pollen, and they were found to be nearly identical (137)Cs concentration. These results indicate the occurrence of acropetal translocation of (137)Cs from old needles to young needles, male flowers and pollen. However, the results as related to (137)Cs concentration in the needles of three different ages differed from the results of similar studies conducted more than 4 y after the Chernobyl accident. This suggests that, 2 y after the Fukushima Dai-ichi NPP accident, the distribution of (137)Cs in the sugi forests has not yet reached a steady state. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of Robson classification to assess cesarean section rate in Brazil: the role of source of payment for childbirth.

PubMed

Nakamura-Pereira, Marcos; do Carmo Leal, Maria; Esteves-Pereira, Ana Paula; Domingues, Rosa Maria Soares Madeira; Torres, Jacqueline Alves; Dias, Marcos Augusto Bastos; Moreira, Maria Elisabeth

2016-10-17

Cesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide but there is some concern with this trend because of potential maternal and perinatal risks. The Robson classification is the standard method to monitor and compare CS rates. Our objective was to analyze CS rates in Brazil according to source of payment for childbirth (public or private) using the Robson classification. Data are from the 2011-2012 "Birth in Brazil" study, which used a national hospital-based sample of 23,940 women. We categorized all women into Robson groups and reported the relative size of each Robson group, the CS rate in each group and the absolute and relative contributions made by each to the overall CS rate. Differences were analyzed through chi-square and Z-test with a significance level of < 0.05. The overall CS rate in Brazil was 51.9 % (42.9 % in the public and 87.9 % in the private health sector). The Robson groups with the highest impact on Brazil's CS rate in both public and private sectors were group 2 (nulliparous, term, cephalic with induced or cesarean delivery before labor), group 5 (multiparous, term, cephalic presentation and previous cesarean section) and group 10 (cephalic preterm pregnancies), which accounted for more than 70 % of CS carried out in the country. High-risk women had significantly greater CS rates compared with low-risk women in almost all Robson groups in the public sector only. Public policies should be directed at reducing CS in nulliparous women, particularly by reducing the number of elective CS in these women, and encouraging vaginal birth after cesarean to reduce repeat CS in multiparous women.

[Assessment of risk of contamination of drinking water for the health of children in the Tula region].

PubMed

Grigorev, Yu I; Lyapina, N V

2014-01-01

The hygienic analysis of centralized drinking water supply in Tula region was performed. Priority contaminants of drinking water were established. On the base of the application of risk assessment methodology there was calculated carcinogenic risk for children's health. A direct relationship between certain classes of diseases and pollution of drinking water with chemical contaminants has been determined.

A Typology of Violence against Self and Others and Its Associations with Drinking and Other Drug Use among High School Students in a U.S. General Population Survey

PubMed Central

Harford, Thomas C.; Yi, Hsiao-ye; Freeman, Robert C.

2015-01-01

This study examined associations between binge drinking and other substance use and perpetration of violence against self and others. Data were pooled from the 2003, 2005, and was constructed to reflect four categories of behaviors: other-directed violence only, self-directed violence only, combined other- and self-directed violence, and no violence. Results from multinomial logistic regressions show that the frequency of binge drinking and other substance use were significant risk factors for each of the violence categories relative to no-violence. However, the strengths of these associations varied across the violence categories. PMID:26478688

Accuracy of five intraoral scanners compared to indirect digitalization.

PubMed

Güth, Jan-Frederik; Runkel, Cornelius; Beuer, Florian; Stimmelmayr, Michael; Edelhoff, Daniel; Keul, Christine

2017-06-01

Direct and indirect digitalization offer two options for computer-aided design (CAD)/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)-generated restorations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of different intraoral scanners and compare them to the process of indirect digitalization. A titanium testing model was directly digitized 12 times with each intraoral scanner: (1) CS 3500 (CS), (2) Zfx Intrascan (ZFX), (3) CEREC AC Bluecam (BLU), (4) CEREC AC Omnicam (OC) and (5) True Definition (TD). As control, 12 polyether impressions were taken and the referring plaster casts were digitized indirectly with the D-810 laboratory scanner (CON). The accuracy (trueness/precision) of the datasets was evaluated by an analysing software (Geomagic Qualify 12.1) using a "best fit alignment" of the datasets with a highly accurate reference dataset of the testing model, received from industrial computed tomography. Direct digitalization using the TD showed the significant highest overall "trueness", followed by CS. Both performed better than CON. BLU, ZFX and OC showed higher differences from the reference dataset than CON. Regarding the overall "precision", the CS 3500 intraoral scanner and the True Definition showed the best performance. CON, BLU and OC resulted in significantly higher precision than ZFX did. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the accuracy of the ascertained datasets was dependent on the scanning system. The direct digitalization was not superior to indirect digitalization for all tested systems. Regarding the accuracy, all tested intraoral scanning technologies seem to be able to reproduce a single quadrant within clinical acceptable accuracy. However, differences were detected between the tested systems.

An essential role of a FoxD gene in notochord induction in Ciona embryos.

PubMed

Imai, Kaoru S; Satoh, Nori; Satou, Yutaka

2002-07-01

A key issue for understanding the early development of the chordate body plan is how the endoderm induces notochord formation. In the ascidian Ciona, nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin is the first step in the process of endoderm specification. We show that nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin directly activates the gene (Cs-FoxD) for a winged helix/forkhead transcription factor and that this gene is expressed transiently at the 16- and 32-cell stages in endodermal cells. The function of Cs-FoxD, however, is not associated with differentiation of the endoderm itself but is essential for notochord differentiation or induction. In addition, it is likely that the inductive signal that appears to act downstream of Cs-FoxD does not act over a long range. It has been suggested that FGF or Notch signal transduction pathway mediates ascidian notochord induction. Our previous study suggests that Cs-FGF4/6/9 is partially involved in the notochord induction. The present experimental results suggest that the expression and function of Cs-FGF4/6/9 and Cs-FoxD are not interdependent, and that the Notch pathway is involved in B-line notochord induction downstream of Cs-FoxD.

The Mediating Role of Anxiety Sensitivity in Uncontrolled Drinking: A Look at Gender-Specific Parental Influences.

PubMed

Ebbert, Ashley M; Patock-Peckham, Julie A; Luk, Jeremy W; Voorhies, Kirsten; Warner, Olivia; Leeman, Robert F

2018-05-01

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) reflects an individual's belief that experiencing anxiety will cause illness or embarrassment, and may be a reason individuals self-medicate with alcohol. Harsh or indulgent parenting could contribute to the development of AS. We examined the direct and indirect associations between parenting styles and alcohol-related variables through AS and impaired control over drinking (IC; i.e., perceived failure to adhere to limits on alcohol consumption in the future). A multiple-group structural equation model with 614 university students (344 men; 270 women) was examined. Structural invariance tests were conducted to evaluate moderation by gender. We used a bias corrected bootstrap technique to obtain the mediated effects. Father authoritarianism and mother permissiveness were directly linked to AS among women, whereas father permissiveness was directly linked to AS among men. This suggests unique parental influences based on gender regarding AS. While AS was directly linked to alcohol-related problems for both men and women, several gender-specific associations were found. AS was directly linked to IC for men but not for women. For men, father permissiveness was directly related to AS, and AS mediated the indirect link between father permissiveness and IC along both the heavy episodic drinking and alcohol-related problems pathways. Similar to other internalizing constructs (e.g., neuroticism and depression), higher AS was directly associated with less heavy episodic drinking but more alcohol-related problems. Our findings highlight the dangers of AS for men as an important correlate of under-controlled drinking behaviors. Additionally, permissive parenting of the same-gender parent was associated with AS, which is consistent with the gender-matching hypothesis. Together, these results underscore the importance of measuring the independent influence of both parents. Copyright © 2018 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Studies of rotationally inelastic collisions of NaK and NaCs with Ar and He perturbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, J.; Faust, C.; Richter, K.; Wolfe, C. M.; Ashman, S.; Malenda, R. F.; Weiser, P.; Carlus, S.; Fragale, A.; Hickman, A. P.; Huennekens, J.

2013-05-01

We report studies of rotationally inelastic collisions of Ar and He atoms with the molecules NaK and NaCs prepared in various ro-vibrational levels of the A1Σ+ electronic state. We use laser induced fluorescence (LIF) and polarization labeling (PL) spectroscopy in a pump-probe, two step excitation process. The pump excites the molecule to a ro-vibrational level (v , J) in the A state. The probe laser is scanned over transitions to the 31 Π state in NaK or the 53 Π state in NaCs. In addition to strong direct lines, we observe weak satellite lines that arise from collision-induced transitions of the A state level (v , J) to (v , J + ΔJ) . The ratio of intensities of the satellite line to the direct line in LIF and PL yields information about population and orientation transfer. Preliminary results show a strong propensity for collisions with ΔJ =even for NaK; the propensity is larger for He than for Ar. Collisions of NaCs with He show a similar propensity, but collisions of NaCs with Ar do not. Theoretical calculations are also underway. For He-NaK, we have completed potential surface calculations using GAMESS and coupled channel scattering calculations of rotational energy transfer and transfer of orientation. Work supported by NSF and XSEDE.

Psychiatric Symptoms in Patients with Cushing's Syndrome: Prevalence, Diagnosis and Management.

PubMed

Santos, Alicia; Resmini, Eugenia; Pascual, Juan Carlos; Crespo, Iris; Webb, Susan M

2017-05-01

Cushing's syndrome (CS) results from chronic exposure to cortisol excess, produced by the adrenal cortex. Hypercortisolism predisposes to psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, mainly to depression and anxiety disorders. Screening tools to identify psychiatric symptoms are available for clinicians in their daily practice, although a specific diagnosis should be performed by specialists. Even if psychiatric symptoms improve after remission of hypercortisolism, complete recovery may not be achieved. Given the burden of these symptoms, psychiatric or psychological monitoring and treatment should be offered through all phases of CS, with a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this article is to review data on the prevalence, diagnosis and management of psychiatric symptoms seen in patients with CS and to propose therapeutic approaches that may be followed in clinical practice. The prevalence of different psychiatric disorders has been described in both the active phase and after CS remission. Patients may not talk spontaneously about psychiatric symptoms they present, thus clinicians should ask directly about them. We recommend the use of screening tools in clinical practice to detect and treat these symptoms promptly. Even if reference endocrinologists cannot perform a definite psychiatric diagnosis, it will be important to ask patients directly about the presence of symptoms and refer if necessary to a psychiatrist. Additionally, patient information and educational programmes could be useful to manage psychiatric symptoms and to improve quality of life in patients with CS.

Nonlinear magnetoelectric effect and magnetostriction in piezoelectric CsCuCl{sub 3} in paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic states

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

Kharkovskiy, A. I., E-mail: akharkovskiy@inbox.ru; L.F. Vereshchagin Institute for High Pressure Physics RAS, 142190 Troitsk, Moscow; Shaldin, Yu. V.

2016-01-07

The direct nonlinear magnetoelectric (ME) effect and the magnetostriction of piezoelectric CsCuCl{sub 3} single crystals were comprehensively studied over a wide temperature range in stationary magnetic fields of up to 14 T. The direct nonlinear ME effect measurements were also performed in pulsed magnetic fields up to 31 T, at liquid helium temperature in the antiferromagnetic (AF) state for the crystallographic direction in which effect has the maximum value. The nonlinear ME effect was quadratic in the paramagnetic state for the whole range of magnetic fields. In the AF state the phase transition between different configurations of spins manifested itself as plateau-likemore » peculiarity on the nonlinear ME effect. The nonlinear ME effect was saturated by the phase transition to the spin-saturated paramagnetic state. Two contributions to the nonlinear ME effects in CsCuCl{sub 3} were extracted from the experimental data: the intrinsic ME effect originated from the magnetoelectric interactions, and the extrinsic one, which resulted from a magnetostriction-induced piezoelectric effect.« less

Drink-driving and the alcohol beverage industry: will reducing per capita consumption solve the problem in the United Kingdom?

PubMed

Riley, D

1987-12-01

The impact of drinking and driving is one focus of the mounting concern in the West over the widespread incidence of alcohol-related problems. Conventional wisdom, in the United Kingdom as well as in other countries, suggests that reducing average consumption levels will diminish the impact of the negative effects of alcohol including drinking and driving. But whether policies designed to achieve changes in per capita consumption by increasing alcohol taxes across the board constitute the most effective strategy to reduce drinking and driving is called into question. A number of competing interventions directed at the alcohol beverage industry are analysed and new directions for producers and policymakers are proposed.

The effects of temporal perspective on college students' energy drink consumption.

PubMed

Kim, Jarim; Anagondahalli, Deepa

2017-09-01

Consideration of future consequences (CFC) describes the extent to which individuals consider potential future outcomes of their present behaviors. This personality trait has been found to predict repetitive health behaviors. Research is yet to explore the role of health beliefs, which may mediate the relationship between CFC and self-directed health behaviors. Thus, this study examined how CFC affects energy drink-related health beliefs and consumption behavior. A cross-sectional correlational online survey with 1,050 college students was conducted. Key measures include the CFC Scale, health belief measures, and current energy drink consumption pattern. CFC was associated with energy drink consumption as well as several health beliefs. CFC had indirect effects on energy drink consumption through health beliefs, including perceived severity of consuming energy drinks (indirect effect estimate = -.191, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-.271, -.122]), perceived benefits of avoiding energy drinks (indirect effect estimate = -.108, 95% CI [-.174, -.050]), and perceived barriers in abstaining from energy drinks (energy level-related barriers, indirect effect estimate = -.274, 95% CI [-.387, -.181]; and socialization-related barriers, indirect effect estimate = .152, 95% CI [.078, .249]). As the first study to examine CFC's indirect effects on a self-directed health behavior through health beliefs, this study extended CFC's applicability by examining its role in the context of college students' energy drink consumption. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Using simulation modelling to examine the impact of venue lockout and last-drink policies on drinking-related harms and costs to licensees.

PubMed

Scott, Nick; Livingston, Michael; Reporter, Iyanoosh; Dietze, Paul

2017-06-01

Many variations of venue lockout and last-drink policies have been introduced in attempts to reduce drinking-related harms. We estimate the public health gains and licensee costs of these policies using a computer simulated population of young adults engaging in heavy drinking. Using an agent-based model we implemented 1 am/2 am/3 am venue lockouts in conjunction with last drinks zero/one/two hours later, or at current closing times. Outcomes included: the number of incidents of verbal aggression in public drinking venues, private venues or on the street; and changed revenue to public venues. The most effective policy in reducing verbal aggression among agents was 1 am lockouts with current closing times. All policies produced substantial reductions in street-based incidents of verbal aggression among agents (33-81%) due to the smoothing of transport demand. Direct revenue losses were 1-9% for simulated licensees, with later lockout times and longer periods between lockout and last drinks producing smaller revenue losses. Simulation models are useful for exploring consequences of policy change. Our simulation suggests that additional hours between lockout and last drinks could reduce aggression by easing transport demand, while minimising revenue loss to venue owners. Implications for public health: Direct policies to reduce late-night transport-related disputes should be considered. © 2017 The Authors.

Beyond drinking: differential effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors on alcohol-related adverse consequences across European countries.

PubMed

Kuendig, Hervé; Plant, Moira L; Plant, Martin A; Kuntsche, Sandra; Miller, Patrick; Gmel, Gerhard; Ahlström, Salme; Bergmark, Karin Helmersson; Olafsdóttir, Hildigunnur; Elekes, Zsuzsanna; Csemy, Ladislav; Knibbe, Ronald

2008-01-01

Evidence underlines the importance of drinking patterns and individual characteristics in experiencing adverse alcohol-related consequences; however, little research has been conducted to explore who does and who does not experience consequences with similar drinking patterns. Using data from seven European countries, this study assesses the association between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and six adverse consequences. Conditional logistic regression models were estimated, cases (experiencing a consequence) being matched to controls (not experiencing the consequence) by drinking patterns. In general, protective effects with increasing age and being in a partnership were consistent. Gender effects were mixed, but mainly protective for women. Educational achievement and economic status showed consistent effects across countries, but different directions of effect across consequences. Consequences mostly associated with individual drinking pattern (injury, blackout, and loss of control over drinking) exhibited similar patterns of associations, but varying ones arose for consequences additionally influenced by societal reaction to drinking (guilt, role failure, and pressure to cut down drinking). Differences in strengths and directions of effects across consequences pointed to the possibility that the reporting of adverse consequences is not only influenced by alcohol consumption, but also by attributional processes related to demographic and socioeconomic statuses. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Gender differences in the causal direction between workplace harassment and drinking.

PubMed

Freels, Sally A; Richman, Judith A; Rospenda, Kathleen M

2005-08-01

Data from a longitudinal study of university employees across four waves is used to determine the extent to which workplace harassment predicts drinking or conversely the extent to which drinking predicts workplace harassment, and to address gender differences in these relationships. Mixed effects regression models are used to test the effects of 1) harassment at the previous wave on drinking at the current wave, adjusting for drinking at the previous wave, and 2) drinking at the previous wave on harassment at the current wave, adjusting for harassment at the previous wave. For males, drinking at the previous wave predicts sexual harassment at the current wave, whereas for females, sexual harassment at the previous wave predicts drinking at the current wave.

Do competence skills moderate the impact of social influences to drink and perceived social benefits of drinking on alcohol use among inner-city adolescents?

PubMed

Epstein, Jennifer A; Zhou, Xi Kathy; Bang, Heejung; Botvin, Gilbert J

2007-03-01

Only a few studies have found competence skills to be a protective factor against adolescent alcohol use; others did not find a direct effect on alcohol. A possible reason for this is that competence skills may moderate the effects of risk factors for alcohol use and that aspect has not been examined often or in a longitudinal design. This study tested whether several competence skills served either as direct protective factors against alcohol use or moderators of the impact of social risk factors on alcohol use. Participants (N = 1318) completed questionnaires that included measures of decision-making skills, refusal skill techniques, resisting media influences, friends' drinking and perceived social benefits of drinking, as well as current drinking amount and future drinking at baseline, one-year follow-up and two-year follow-up. Data analyses were conducted using multi-level mixed effects generalized linear models with random intercept. All the competence skills and the risk factors predicted current and future drinking. Several significant interactions were found between (1) perceived social benefits of drinking and decision-making skills, (2) perceived social benefits of drinking and refusal skill techniques and (3) friends' drinking and refusal skill techniques. Competence skills served as protective factors, as well as moderators. One possible reason that competence enhancement approaches to alcohol prevention are effective may be due to the inclusion of the competence skills component.

Temporal change in fallout {sup 137}Cs in terrestrial and aquatic systems: A whole ecosystem approach

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

Smith, J.T.; Elder, D.G.; Fesenko, S.V.

1999-01-01

During the years after a nuclear accident, the bioavailability and environmental mobility of radiocesium declines markedly, resulting in large changes in contamination of foodstuffs, vegetation, and surface waters. Predicting such changes is crucial to the determination of potential doses to affected populations and therefore to the implementation of radiological countermeasures. The authors have analyzed 77 data sets of radiocesium ({sup 137}Cs) activity concentrations in milk, vegetation, and surface waters after the Chernobyl accident. Their results show that the rate of decline in {sup 137}Cs during the years after Chernobyl is remarkably consistent in all three ecosystem components, having a meanmore » effective half-life, T{sub eff} {approx} 2 years. By comparing changes in {sup 137}Cs availability with rates of diffusion of {sup 40}K (a close analogue) into the lattice of an illitic clay the authors have, for the first time, directly linked changes in the environmental availability of {sup 137}Cs to fixation processes at a mechanistic level. These changes are consistent with declines in the exchangeable fraction of {sup 137}Cs in soils.« less

Direct and indirect links between parenting styles, self-concealment (secrets), impaired control over drinking and alcohol-related outcomes.

PubMed

Hartman, Jessica D; Patock-Peckham, Julie A; Corbin, William R; Gates, Jonathan R; Leeman, Robert F; Luk, Jeremy W; King, Kevin M

2015-01-01

Self-concealment reflects uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, and information people have about themselves that they avoid telling others (Larson & Chastain, 1990). According to Larson and Chastain (1990) these secrets range from the slightly embarrassing to the very distressing with an individual's most traumatic experiences often concealed. Parental attitudes including those involving self-disclosure are thought to be expressed in their choice of parenting style (Brand, Hatzinger, Beck, & Holsboer-Trachsler, 2009). The specific aim of this investigation was to examine the direct and indirect influences of parenting styles on self-concealment, impaired control over drinking (i.e. the inability to stop drinking when intended), alcohol use (quantity/frequency), and alcohol-related problems. A structural equation model with 419 (223 men, 196 women) university students was examined. Two and three path mediated effects were examined with the bias corrected bootstrap technique in Mplus. Having an authoritarian mother was directly linked to more self-concealment, while having an authoritative father was directly linked to less self-concealment. Higher levels of mother authoritarianism were indirectly linked to both increased alcohol use and alcohol-related problems through more self-concealment and more impaired control over drinking. Moreover, higher levels of father authoritativeness were indirectly linked to less alcohol use and alcohol-related problems through less self-concealment and less impaired control over drinking. These findings suggest that parenting styles influence vulnerabilities such as self-concealment in the impaired control over the drinking pathway to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ synthesis of nanocomposite membranes: comprehensive improvement strategy for direct methanol fuel cells.

PubMed

Rao, Siyuan; Xiu, Ruijie; Si, Jiangju; Lu, Shanfu; Yang, Meng; Xiang, Yan

2014-03-01

In situ synthesis is a powerful approach to control nanoparticle formation and consequently confers extraordinary properties upon composite membranes relative to conventional doping methods. Herein, uniform nanoparticles of cesium hydrogen salts of phosphotungstic acid (CsPW) are controllably synthesized in situ in Nafion to form CsPW–Nafion nanocomposite membranes with both improved proton conductivity and methanol-crossover suppression. A 101.3% increase of maximum power density has been achieved relative to pristine Nafion in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), indicating a potential pathway for large-scale fabrication of DMFC alternative membranes.

Effectiveness of a Training Program in Supervisors' Ability to Provide Feedback on Residents' Communication Skills

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Junod Perron, Noelle; Nendaz, Mathieu; Louis-Simonet, Martine; Sommer, Johanna; Gut, Anne; Baroffio, Anne; Dolmans, Diana; van der Vleuten, Cees

2013-01-01

Teaching communication skills (CS) to residents during clinical practice remains problematic. Direct observation followed by feedback is a powerful way to teach CS in clinical practice. However, little is known about the effect of training on feedback skills in this field. Controlled studies are scarce as well as studies that go beyond…

Roles of NMDA and dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the acquisition and expression of flavor preferences conditioned by oral glucose in rats.

PubMed

Dela Cruz, J A D; Coke, T; Icaza-Cukali, D; Khalifa, N; Bodnar, R J

2014-10-01

Animals learn to prefer flavors associated with the intake of sugar (sucrose, fructose, glucose) and fat (corn oil: CO) solutions. Conditioned flavor preferences (CFP) have been elicited for sugars based on orosensory (flavor-flavor: e.g., fructose-CFP) and post-ingestive (flavor-nutrient: e.g., intragastric (IG) glucose-CFP) processes. Dopamine (DA) D1, DA D2 and NMDA receptor antagonism differentially eliminate the acquisition and expression of fructose-CFP and IG glucose-CFP. However, pharmacological analysis of fat (CO)-CFP, mediated by both flavor-flavor and flavor-nutrient processes, indicated that acquisition and expression of fat-CFP were minimally affected by systemic DA D1 and D2 antagonists, and were reduced by NMDA antagonism. Therefore, the present study examined whether systemic DA D1 (SCH23390), DA D2 (raclopride) or NMDA (MK-801) receptor antagonists altered acquisition and/or expression of CFP induced by oral glucose that should be mediated by both flavor-flavor and flavor-nutrient processes. Oral glucose-CFP was elicited following by training rats to drink one novel flavor (CS+, e.g., cherry) mixed in 8% glucose and another flavor (CS-, e.g., grape) mixed in 2% glucose. In expression studies, food-restricted rats drank these solutions in one-bottle sessions (2 h) over 10 days. Subsequent two-bottle tests with the CS+ and CS- flavors mixed in 2% glucose occurred 0.5 h after systemic administration of vehicle (VEH), SCH23390 (50-800 nmol/kg), raclopride (50-800 nmol/kg) or MK-801 (50-200 μg/kg). Rats displayed a robust CS+ preference following VEH treatment (94-95%) which was significantly though marginally attenuated by SCH23390 (67-70%), raclopride (77%) or MK-801 (70%) at doses that also markedly reduced overall CS intake. In separate acquisition studies, rats received VEH, SCH23390 (50-400 nmol/kg), raclopride (50-400 nmol/kg) or MK-801 (100 μg/kg) 0.5 h prior to ten 1-bottle training trials with CS+/8%G and CS-/2%G training solutions that was followed by six 2-bottle CS+ vs. CS- tests in 2% glucose conducted without injections. The significant and persistent CS+ preferences observed in the VEH (94-98%) group was significantly reduced by rats receiving SCH23390 at 400 nmol/kg (65-73%), raclopride at 200 or 400 nmol/kg (76-82%) or MK-801 at 100 μg/kg (68-69%). Thus, systemic DA D1 and DA D2 receptor antagonism produced smaller reductions in the expression of oral glucose-CFP relative to fructose-CFP or IG-glucose-CFP. Correspondingly, systemic DA D1, DA D2 and NMDA receptor antagonism also produced smaller reductions in the acquisition of oral glucose-CFP relative to fructose-CFP or IG-glucose-CFP. These data suggest, but do not prove, that the magnitude and persistence of these receptor antagonist effects upon sugar-CFP might depend upon the individual or combined engagement of flavor-flavor and flavor-nutrient processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Solution-Phase Synthesis of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanowires.

PubMed

Zhang, Dandan; Eaton, Samuel W; Yu, Yi; Dou, Letian; Yang, Peidong

2015-07-29

Halide perovskites have attracted much attention over the past 5 years as a promising class of materials for optoelectronic applications. However, compared to hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, the study of their pure inorganic counterparts, like cesium lead halides (CsPbX3), lags far behind. Here, a catalyst-free, solution-phase synthesis of CsPbX3 nanowires (NWs) is reported. These NWs are single-crystalline, with uniform growth direction, and crystallize in the orthorhombic phase. Both CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 are photoluminescence active, with composition-dependent temperature and self-trapping behavior. These NWs with a well-defined morphology could serve as an ideal platform for the investigation of fundamental properties and the development of future applications in nanoscale optoelectronic devices based on all-inorganic perovskites.

Distribution of soap molecules in flowing soap films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ildoo; Sane, Aakash; Mandre, Shreyas

Flowing soap films are useful tools to simulate two-dimensional flows. The Marangoni elasticity due to the presence of soap molecules not only stabilizes the soap film but also imparts it compressibility to the two-dimensional flow in the soap film. Therefore, it is desirable to measure the surface concentration cs of soap molecules to understand the physics flowing soap films. In this study, we present an indirect measurement of cs, by making a direct measurement of the surface tension and the Marangoni elasticity. Using a two-stage model for soap distribution in the flows, the range of cs is calculated for different thickness and the soap solution concentration. Our model shows that the soap film will have the same cs for the range of parameters in popular use and in agreements with experimental data.

Facebook Displays as Predictors of Binge Drinking: From the Virtual to the Visceral

PubMed Central

D'Angelo, Jonathan; Kerr, Bradley; Moreno, Megan A

2015-01-01

Given the prevalence of social media, a nascent but important area of research is the effect of social media posting on one's own self. It is possible that an individual's social media posts may have predictive capacity, especially in relation to health behavior. Researchers have long utilized concepts from the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to predict health behaviors. The theory does not account for social media, which may influence or predict health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to test a model including Facebook alcohol displays and constructs from the TRA to predict binge drinking. Incoming college freshmen from two schools (312 participants between the ages of 18 and 19) were interviewed prior to (T1) and one year into college (T2), and their Facebook profiles were evaluated for displayed alcohol content. Path modeling was used to evaluate direct and indirect paths predicting binge drinking. Path analysis suggested that Facebook alcohol displays at T1 directly predict binge drinking at T2, while alcohol attitude both directly and indirectly predicts binge drinking. Based on these results, a preliminary model of social media presentation and action is discussed. PMID:26412923

Facebook Displays as Predictors of Binge Drinking: From the Virtual to the Visceral.

PubMed

D'Angelo, Jonathan; Kerr, Bradley; Moreno, Megan A

2014-01-01

Given the prevalence of social media, a nascent but important area of research is the effect of social media posting on one's own self. It is possible that an individual's social media posts may have predictive capacity, especially in relation to health behavior. Researchers have long utilized concepts from the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) to predict health behaviors. The theory does not account for social media, which may influence or predict health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to test a model including Facebook alcohol displays and constructs from the TRA to predict binge drinking. Incoming college freshmen from two schools (312 participants between the ages of 18 and 19) were interviewed prior to (T1) and one year into college (T2), and their Facebook profiles were evaluated for displayed alcohol content. Path modeling was used to evaluate direct and indirect paths predicting binge drinking. Path analysis suggested that Facebook alcohol displays at T1 directly predict binge drinking at T2, while alcohol attitude both directly and indirectly predicts binge drinking. Based on these results, a preliminary model of social media presentation and action is discussed.

Information Technology Support in the 8000 Directorate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

My summer internship was spent supporting various projects within the Environmental Management Office and Glenn Safety Office. Mentored by Eli Abumeri, I was trained in areas of Information Technology such as: Servers, printers, scanners, CAD systems, Web, Programming, and Database Management, ODIN (networking, computers, and phones). I worked closely with the Chemical Sampling and Analysis Team (CSAT) to redesign a database to more efficiently manage and maintain data collected for the Drinking Water Program. This Program has been established for over fifteen years here at the Glenn Research Center. It involves the continued testing and retesting of all drinking water dispensers. The quality of the drinking water is of great importance and is determined by comparing the concentration of contaminants in the water with specifications set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and its 1986 and 1991 amendments. The Drinking Water Program consists of periodic testing of all drinking water fountains and sinks. Each is tested at least once every 2 years for contaminants and naturally occurring species. The EPA's protocol is to collect an initial and a 5 minute draw from each dispenser. The 5 minute draw is what is used for the maximum contaminant level. However, the CS&AT has added a 30 second draw since most individuals do not run the water 5 minutes prior to drinking. This data is then entered into a relational Microsoft Access database. The database allows for the quick retrieval of any test@) done on any dispenser. The data can be queried by building number, date or test type, and test results are documented in an analytical report for employees to read. To aid with the tracking of recycled materials within the lab, my help was enlisted to create a database that could make this process less cumbersome and more efficient. The date of pickup, type of material, weight received, and unit cost per recyclable. This information could then calculate the dollar amount generated by the recycling of certain materials. This database will ultimately prove useful in determining the amounts of materials consumed by the lab and will help serve as an indicator potential overuse.

Transformation of sintered CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals to cubic CsPbI 3 and gradient CsPbBr xI 3–x through halide exchange

DOE PAGES

Hoffman, Jacob B.; Schleper, A. Lennart; Kamat, Prashant V.

2016-06-20

All-inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX 3, X = Br –, I –) perovskites could potentially provide comparable photovoltaic performance with enhanced stability compared to organic–inorganic lead halide species. However, small-bandgap cubic CsPbI3 has been difficult to study due to challenges forming CsPbI 3 in the cubic phase. Here, a low-temperature procedure to form cubic CsPbI 3 has been developed through a halide exchange reaction using films of sintered CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals. The reaction was found to be strongly dependent upon temperature, featuring an Arrhenius relationship. Additionally, film thickness played a significant role in determining internal film structure at intermediate reactionmore » times. Thin films (50 nm) showed only a small distribution of CsPbBr xI 3–x species, while thicker films (350 nm) exhibited much broader distributions. Furthermore, internal film structure was ordered, featuring a compositional gradient within film. Transient absorption spectroscopy showed the influence of halide exchange on the excited state of the material. In thicker films, charge carriers were rapidly transferred to iodide-rich regions near the film surface within the first several picoseconds after excitation. Furthermore, this ultrafast vectorial charge-transfer process illustrates the potential of utilizing compositional gradients to direct charge flow in perovskite-based photovoltaics.« less

The WD-Repeat Protein CsTTG1 Regulates Fruit Wart Formation through Interaction with the Homeodomain-Leucine Zipper I Protein Mict1

PubMed Central

Yin, Shuai; Liu, Xingwang; Liu, Bin; Yang, Sen; Xue, Shudan; Cai, Yanling; Liu, Huiling; Dong, Mingming; Zhang, Yaqi; Zhao, Binyu

2016-01-01

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) fruit is covered with bloom trichomes and warts (composed of spines and tubercules), which have an important impact on the commercial value of the crop. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanism underlying their formation. Here, we reported that the cucumber WD-repeat homolog CsTTG1, which is localized in the nucleus and cytomembrane, plays an important role in the formation of cucumber fruit bloom trichomes and warts. Functional characterization of CsTTG1 revealed that it is mainly expressed in the epidermis of cucumber ovary and that its overexpression in cucumber alters the density of fruit bloom trichomes and spines, thereby promoting the warty fruit trait. Conversely, silencing CsTTG1 expression inhibits the initiation of fruit spines. Molecular and genetic analyses showed that CsTTG1 acts in parallel to Mict/CsGL1, a key trichome formation factor, to regulate the initiation of fruit trichomes, including fruit bloom trichomes and spines, and that the further differentiation of fruit spines and formation of tubercules regulated by CsTTG1 is dependent on Mict. Using yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay, we determined that CsTTG1 directly interacts with Mict. Collectively, our results indicate that CsTTG1 is an important component of the molecular network that regulates fruit bloom trichome and wart formation in cucumber. PMID:27208299

Investigation of the structural, mechanical, dynamical and thermal properties of CsCaF3 and CsCdF3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmankurt, Bahadır; Duman, Sıtkı

2016-04-01

The structural, mechanical, dynamical and thermal properties of CsCaF3 and CsCdF3 are presented by using an ab initio pseudopotential method and a linear response scheme, within the generalized gradient approximation. The obtained structural and mechanical properties are in good agreement with other available theoretical and experimental studies. The calculated elastic constants of these materials obey the cubic stability conditions. It has been found that CsCaF3 is brittle whereas CsCdF3 has ductile manner. The full phonon dispersion curves of these materials are reported for the first time in the literature. We have found that calculated phonon modes are positive along the all symmetry directions, indicating that these materials are dynamically stable at the cubic structure. The obtained zone-center phonon modes for CsCaF3 (IR data) are found to be 83 (98) cm-1, 104 (115) cm-1, 120 cm-1, 180 (192) cm-1, 231 (250.5) cm-1, 361 (374) cm-1, 446 (449) cm-1. Also, we have calculated internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, constant-volume specific heat, entropy and Debye temperature as function of temperature. At the 300 K, specific heats are calculated to be 113.36 J mol-1 K-1 and 115.58 J mol-1 K-1 for CsCaF3 and CsCdF3 ,respectively, which are lower than Doulong-Petit limit (12 472 J mol-1 K-1).

Teaching children about good health? Halo effects in child-directed advertisements for unhealthy food.

PubMed

Harris, J L; Haraghey, K S; Lodolce, M; Semenza, N L

2018-04-01

Food companies often use healthy lifestyle messages in child-directed advertising, raising public health concerns about health halo effects for nutrient-poor food/drinks. Examine effects of health messages promoting nutrient-poor foods in child-directed advertising. Randomized controlled experiment (N = 138). Children (7-11 years) viewed three child-friendly commercials in one of three conditions: (1) health halo (unfamiliar nutrient-poor food/drink ads with healthy messages); (2) nutrient-poor food/drink ads with other messages and (3) healthy food/drink ads. They rated the commercials and advertised products, provided attitudes about exercise and nutrition and consumed and rated healthy and unhealthy snack foods. Children in the health halo condition rated the advertised nutrient-poor products as significantly healthier compared with children in other conditions (p = .003), but the other commercials did not affect children's attitudes about other advertised products (p's > .50). Child age, gender or TV viewing habits did not significantly predict their ratings (p's > .18). There was no evidence that healthy lifestyle messages and/or healthy food commercials improved children's attitudes about nutrition, exercise or healthy snack consumption. Promoting healthy lifestyle messages in child-directed commercials for nutrient-poor food/drinks likely benefits brands by increasing products' perceived healthfulness, but these ads are unlikely to positively affect children's attitudes about health and nutrition. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Radioactive contamination of cistern waters along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic sea by 90Sr.

PubMed

Franić, Z; Lokobauer, N; Marović, G

1999-07-01

Measurements of radioactive contamination of water samples from cisterns collecting rainwater containing fission products from roofs and other surfaces have been carried out along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic sea since 1968. An exponential decline of radioactivity followed the nuclear moratorium. After the nuclear accident at Chernobyl, higher levels of 137Cs and 90Sr were detected again, with cistern waters being the only environmental samples in Croatia in which elevated 90Sr activities persisted for several years. For the pre-Chernobyl period, the observed mean residence time of 90Sr in cistern waters, estimated to be 6.2 +/- 1.9 y, was similar to that calculated for fallout. Contrary, for the post-Chernobyl time, observed 90Sr mean residence time was calculated to be considerably shorter, reflecting the tropospheric mean residence time. The annual dose for the critical adult population received from 90Sr and 137Cs by drinking cistern water was estimated to be very small, in the 1990's less than few microSv y(-1).

Drinking and Smoking Habits of Students at Northern Territory University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Kathryn L.; Jackson, Adrian S.

Persons in the Northern Territory who drink have the highest per capita daily consumption of alcohol and the highest rate of tobacco smoking in Australia. This study identifies the drinking patterns and demographic and personal variables that might predict risk levels for Northern Territory University (NTU) students and therefore give direction to…

Soft Drink Vending Machines in Schools: A Clear and Present Danger

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Price, James; Murnan, Judy; Moore, Bradene

2006-01-01

This paper examines the availability of soft drinks in schools ("pouring rights contracts") and its effects on the growing nutritional problems of American youth. Of special concern is the prevalence of overweight youth, which has been increasing at alarming rates. There has been a direct relationship found between soft drink consumption and…

Alcohol Expectancies as Potential Mediators of Parent Alcoholism Effects on the Development of Adolescent Heavy Drinking.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colder, Craig R.; Chassin, Laurie; Stice, Eric M.; Curran, Patrick J.

1997-01-01

Used latent growth curve modeling to examine adolescent alcohol expectancies as mediators of effects of parent alcoholism on escalation in adolescent heavy drinking. Found that parent alcoholism directly affected adolescent heavy drinking. Alcohol expectancies did not mediate parent alcoholism effects. Cross-sectional evidence suggested that…

Characterization and in vitro evaluation of electrospun chitosan/polycaprolactone blend fibrous mat for skin tissue engineering.

PubMed

Prasad, Tilak; Shabeena, E A; Vinod, D; Kumary, T V; Anil Kumar, P R

2015-01-01

The electrospinning technique allows engineering biomimetic scaffolds within micro to nanoscale range mimicking natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Chitosan (CS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) were dissolved in a modified solvent mixture consisting of formic acid and acetone (3:7) and mixed in different weight ratios to get chitosan-polycaprolactone [CS-PCL] blend solutions. The CS-PCL blend polymer was electrospun in the same solvent system and compared with PCL. The physicochemical characterization of the electrospun fibrous mats was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile test, swelling properties, water contact angle (WCA) analysis, surface profilometry and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The CS-PCL fibrous mat showed decreased hydrophobicity. The CS-PCL mats also showed improved swelling property, tensile strength, thermal stability and surface roughness. The cytocompatibility of the CS-PCL and PCL fibrous mats were examined using mouse fibroblast (L-929) cell line by direct contact and cellular activity with extract of materials confirmed non-cytotoxic nature. The potential of CS-PCL and PCL fibrous mats as skin tissue engineering scaffolds were assessed by cell adhesion, viability, proliferation and actin distribution using human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and L-929 cell lines. Results indicate that CS-PCL is a better scaffold for attachment and proliferation of keratinocytes and is a potential material for skin tissue engineering.

A pharmacologically-based array to identify targets of cyclosporine A-induced toxicity in cultured renal proximal tubule cells

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

Sarró, Eduard, E-mail: eduard.sarro@vhir.org; Renal Physiopathology, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute; Jacobs-Cachá, Conxita, E-mail: conxita.jacobs@vhir.org

2012-01-15

Mechanisms of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity were generally thought to be hemodynamic in origin; however, there is now accumulating evidence of a direct tubular effect. Although genomic and proteomic experiments by our group and others provided overall information on genes and proteins up- or down-regulated by CsA in proximal tubule cells (PTC), a comprehensive view of events occurring after CsA exposure remains to be described. For this purpose, we applied a pharmacologic approach based on the use of known activities of a large panel of potentially protective compounds and evaluated their efficacy in preventing CsA toxicity in cultured mouse PTC.more » Our results show that compounds that blocked protein synthesis and apoptosis, together with the CK2 inhibitor DMAT and the PI3K inhibitor apigenin, were the most efficient in preventing CsA toxicity. We also identified GSK3, MMPs and PKC pathways as potential targets to prevent CsA damage. Additionally, heparinase-I and MAPK inhibitors afforded partial but significant protection. Interestingly, antioxidants and calcium metabolism-related compounds were unable to ameliorate CsA-induced cytotoxicity. Subsequent experiments allowed us to clarify the hierarchical relationship of targeted pathways after CsA treatment, with ER stress identified as an early effector of CsA toxicity, which leads to ROS generation, phenotypical changes and cell death. In summary, this work presents a novel experimental approach to characterizing cellular responses to cytotoxics while pointing to new targets to prevent CsA-induced toxicity in proximal tubule cells. Highlights: ► We used a novel pharmacological approach to elucidate cyclosporine (CsA) toxicity. ► The ability of a broad range of compounds to prevent CsA toxicity was evaluated. ► CsA toxicity was monitored using LDH release assay and PARP cleavage. ► Protein synthesis, PI3K, GSK3, MMP, PKC and caspase inhibitors prevented CsA toxicity. ► We also identified ER stress as an early effector of CsA toxicity.« less

Impact assessment of repeated exposure of organotypic 3D bronchial and nasal tissue culture models to whole cigarette smoke.

PubMed

Kuehn, Diana; Majeed, Shoaib; Guedj, Emmanuel; Dulize, Remi; Baumer, Karine; Iskandar, Anita; Boue, Stephanie; Martin, Florian; Kostadinova, Radina; Mathis, Carole; Ivanov, Nikolai V; Frentzel, Stefan; Hoeng, Julia; Peitsch, Manuel C

2015-02-12

Cigarette smoke (CS) has a major impact on lung biology and may result in the development of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or lung cancer. To understand the underlying mechanisms of disease development, it would be important to examine the impact of CS exposure directly on lung tissues. However, this approach is difficult to implement in epidemiological studies because lung tissue sampling is complex and invasive. Alternatively, tissue culture models can facilitate the assessment of exposure impacts on the lung tissue. Submerged 2D cell cultures, such as normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cell cultures, have traditionally been used for this purpose. However, they cannot be exposed directly to smoke in a similar manner to the in vivo exposure situation. Recently developed 3D tissue culture models better reflect the in vivo situation because they can be cultured at the air-liquid interface (ALI). Their basal sides are immersed in the culture medium; whereas, their apical sides are exposed to air. Moreover, organotypic tissue cultures that contain different type of cells, better represent the physiology of the tissue in vivo. In this work, the utilization of an in vitro exposure system to expose human organotypic bronchial and nasal tissue models to mainstream CS is demonstrated. Ciliary beating frequency and the activity of cytochrome P450s (CYP) 1A1/1B1 were measured to assess functional impacts of CS on the tissues. Furthermore, to examine CS-induced alterations at the molecular level, gene expression profiles were generated from the tissues following exposure. A slight increase in CYP1A1/1B1 activity was observed in CS-exposed tissues compared with air-exposed tissues. A network-and transcriptomics-based systems biology approach was sufficiently robust to demonstrate CS-induced alterations of xenobiotic metabolism that were similar to those observed in the bronchial and nasal epithelial cells obtained from smokers.

Mechanisms of lung endothelial barrier disruption induced by cigarette smoke: role of oxidative stress and ceramides.

PubMed

Schweitzer, Kelly S; Hatoum, Hadi; Brown, Mary Beth; Gupta, Mehak; Justice, Matthew J; Beteck, Besem; Van Demark, Mary; Gu, Yuan; Presson, Robert G; Hubbard, Walter C; Petrache, Irina

2011-12-01

The epithelial and endothelial cells lining the alveolus form a barrier essential for the preservation of the lung respiratory function, which is, however, vulnerable to excessive oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic insults. Whereas profound breaches in this barrier function cause pulmonary edema, more subtle changes may contribute to inflammation. The mechanisms by which cigarette smoke (CS) exposure induce lung inflammation are not fully understood, but an early alteration in the epithelial barrier function has been documented. We sought to investigate the occurrence and mechanisms by which soluble components of mainstream CS disrupt the lung endothelial cell barrier function. Using cultured primary rat microvascular cell monolayers, we report that CS induces endothelial cell barrier disruption in a dose- and time-dependent manner of similar magnitude to that of the epithelial cell barrier. CS exposure triggered a mechanism of neutral sphingomyelinase-mediated ceramide upregulation and p38 MAPK and JNK activation that were oxidative stress dependent and that, along with Rho kinase activation, mediated the endothelial barrier dysfunction. The morphological changes in endothelial cell monolayers induced by CS included actin cytoskeletal rearrangement, junctional protein zonula occludens-1 loss, and intercellular gap formation, which were abolished by the glutathione modulator N-acetylcysteine and ameliorated by neutral sphingomyelinase inhibition. The direct application of ceramide recapitulated the effects of CS, by disrupting both endothelial and epithelial cells barrier, by a mechanism that was redox and apoptosis independent and required Rho kinase activation. Furthermore, ceramide induced dose-dependent alterations of alveolar microcirculatory barrier in vivo, measured by two-photon excitation microscopy in the intact rat. In conclusion, soluble components of CS have direct endothelial barrier-disruptive effects that could be ameliorated by glutathione modulators or by inhibitors of neutral sphingomyelinase, p38 MAPK, JNK, and Rho kinase. Amelioration of endothelial permeability may alleviate lung and systemic vascular dysfunction associated with smoking-related chronic obstructive lung diseases.

Cs 2 Hg 3 S 4 : A Low-Dimensional Direct Bandgap Semiconductor

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

Islam, Saiful M.; Vanishri, S.; Li, Hao

2015-01-13

Cs2Hg3S4 was synthesized by slowly cooling a melted stoichiometric mixture of Hg and Cs2S4. Cs2Hg3S4 crystallizes in the Ibam spacegroup with a = 6.278(1) angstrom, b = 11.601(2) angstrom, and c = 14.431(3)angstrom; d(calc) = 6.29 g/cm(3). Its crystal structure consists of straight chains of [Hg3S4](n)(2n-) that engage in side-by-side weak bonding interactions forming layers and are charge balanced by Cs+ cations. The thermal stability of this compound was investigated with differential thermal analysis and temperature dependent in situ synchrotron powder diffraction. The thermal expansion coefficients of the a, b, and c axes were assessed at 1.56 x 10(-5), 2.79more » x10(-5), and 3.04 x 10(-5) K-1, respectively. Large single-crystals up to similar to 5 cm in length and similar to 1 cm in diameter were grown using a vertical Bridgman method. Electrical conductivity and photoconductivity measurements on naturally cleaved crystals of Cs2Hg3S4 gave resistivity rho of >= 10(8) Omega.cm and carrier mobility-lifetime (mu tau) products of 4.2 x 10(-4) and 5.82 x 10(-5) cm(2) V-1 for electrons and holes, respectively. Cs2Hg3S4 is a semiconductor with a bandgap E-g similar to 2.8 eV and exhibits photoluminescence (PL) at low temperature. Electronic band structure calculations within the density functional theory (DFT) framework employing the nonlocal hybrid functional within Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE) formalism indicate a direct bandgap of 2.81 eV at Gamma. The theoretical calculations show that the conduction band minimum has a highly dispersive and relatively isotropic mercury-based s-orbital-like character while the valence band maximum features a much less dispersive and more anisotropic sulfur orbital-based band.« less

Limited school drinking water access for youth

PubMed Central

Kenney, Erica L.; Gortmaker, Steven L.; Cohen, Juliana F.W.; Rimm, Eric B.; Cradock, Angie L.

2016-01-01

PURPOSE Providing children and youth with safe, adequate drinking water access during school is essential for health. This study utilized objectively measured data to investigate the extent to which schools provide drinking water access that meets state and federal policies. METHODS We visited 59 middle and high schools in Massachusetts during spring 2012. Trained research assistants documented the type, location, and working condition of all water access points throughout each school building using a standard protocol. School food service directors (FSDs) completed surveys reporting water access in cafeterias. We evaluated school compliance with state plumbing codes and federal regulations and compared FSD self-reports of water access with direct observation; data were analyzed in 2014. RESULTS On average, each school had 1.5 (SD: 0.6) water sources per 75 students; 82% (SD: 20) were functioning, and fewer (70%) were both clean and functioning. Less than half of the schools met the federal Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act requirement for free water access during lunch; 18 schools (31%) provided bottled water for purchase but no free water. Slightly over half (59%) met the Massachusetts state plumbing code. FSDs overestimated free drinking water access compared to direct observation (96% FSD-reported versus 48% observed, kappa=0.07, p=0.17). CONCLUSIONS School drinking water access may be limited. In this study, many schools did not meet state or federal policies for minimum student drinking water access. School administrative staff may not accurately report water access. Public health action is needed to increase school drinking water access. IMPLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Adolescents’ water consumption is lower than recommended. In a sample of Massachusetts middle and high schools, about half did not meet federal and state minimum drinking water access policies. Direct observation may improve assessments of drinking water access and could be integrated into routine school food service monitoring protocols. PMID:27235376

A comparison of laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry for the direct determination of bromine in polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Gois, Jefferson S.; Van Malderen, Stijn J. M.; Cadorim, Heloisa R.; Welz, Bernhard; Vanhaecke, Frank

2017-06-01

This work describes the development and comparison of two methods for the direct determination of Br in polymer samples via solid sampling, one using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and the other using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry with direct solid sample analysis (HR-CS SS-GF MAS). The methods were optimized and their accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained for 6 polymeric certified reference materials (CRMs) with the corresponding certified values. For Br determination with LA-ICP-MS, the 79Br+ signal could be monitored interference-free. For Br determination via HR-CS SS-GF MAS, the CaBr molecule was monitored at 625.315 nm with integration of the central pixel ± 1. Bromine quantification by LA-ICP-MS was performed via external calibration against a single CRM while using the 12C+ signal as an internal standard. With HR-CS SS-GF MAS, Br quantification could be accomplished using external calibration against aqueous standard solutions. Except for one LA-ICP-MS result, the concentrations obtained with both techniques were in agreement with the certified values within the experimental uncertainty as evidenced using a t-test (95% confidence level). The limit of quantification was determined to be 100 μg g- 1 Br for LA-ICP-MS and 10 μg g- 1 Br for HR-CS SS-GF MAS.

Biomimetic microbeads containing a chondroitin sulfate/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex for cell-based cartilage therapy.

PubMed

Daley, Ethan Lh; Coleman, Rhima M; Stegemann, Jan P

2015-10-28

Articular cartilage has a limited healing capacity that complicates the treatment of joint injuries and osteoarthritis. Newer repair strategies have focused on the use of cells and biomaterials to promote cartilage regeneration. In the present study, we developed and characterized bioinspired materials designed to mimic the composition of the cartilage extracellular matrix. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and chitosan (CH) were used to form physically cross-linked macromolecular polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) without the use of additional crosslinkers. A single-step water-in-oil emulsification process was used to either directly embed mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in PEC particles created with a various concentrations of CS and CH, or to co-embed MSC with PEC in agarose-based microbeads. Direct embedding of MSC in PEC resulted in high cell viability but irregular and large particles. Co-embedding of PEC particles with MSC in agarose (Ag) resulted in uniform microbeads 80-90 μm in diameter that maintained high cell viability over three weeks in culture. Increased serum content resulted in more uniform PEC distribution within the microbead matrix, and both high and low CS:CH ratios resulted in more homogeneous microbeads than 1:1 formulations. Under chondrogenic conditions, expression of sulfated GAG and collagen type II was increased in 10:1 CS:CH PEC-Ag microbeads compared to pure Ag beads, indicating a chondrogenic influence of the PEC component. Such PEC-Ag microbeads may have utility in the directed differentiation and delivery of progenitor cell populations for cartilage repair.

X-ray spectroscopy with silicon pin and avalanche photo diodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desai, U. D.

1992-01-01

Results of an evaluation of silicon P-Intrinsic-N (PIN) photodiodes and Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) for the direct detection of soft x rays from 1 to 20 keV and for the detection of scintillation light output from CsI(TI) for higher x ray energies (30 to 1000 keV) are presented. About one keV resolution was achieved at room temperature for both the PIN and APD detectors for soft x rays (1 to 20 keV). Commercially available, low power (18 mV), low noise, hybrid preamplifiers, were used. These photodiodes were also coupled to CsI(TI) scintillator and obtained about 6 resolution at 662 keV. The photodiode frequency response matches well with the emission spectrum of the CsI(TI) scintillator providing good spectral resolution and a higher signal than NaI(TI) when viewed by conventional photomultipliers. A PIN-CsI(TI) combination provides a low energy threshold of around 60 keV while for the APD-CsI(TI) it is 15 keV.

Preparation of mesoporous Cs-POM@MOF-199@MCM-41 under two different synthetic methods for a highly oxidesulfurization of dibenzothiophene.

PubMed

Li, Si-Wen; Li, Jia-Rong; Jin, Qi-Ping; Yang, Zhi; Zhang, Rong-Lan; Gao, Rui-Min; Zhao, Jian-She

2017-09-05

Two different synthetic methods, the direct method and the substitution method, were used to synthesize the Cs-POM@MOF-199@MCM-41 (Cs-PMM), in which the modified heteropolyacid with cesium salt has been encapsulated into the pores with the mixture of MOF and MCM-41. The structural properties of the as-prepared catalysts were characterized using various analytical techniques: powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XPS and BET, confirming that the Cs-POM active species retained its Keggin structure after immobilization. The substitution method of Cs-PMM exhibited more excellent catalytic performance for oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene in the presence of oxygen. Under optimal conditions, the DBT conversion rate reached up to 99.6% and could be recycled 10 times without significant loss of catalytic activity, which is mainly attributed to the slow leaching of the active heteropolyacid species from the strong fixed effect of the mixture porous materials. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Central localization of plasticity involved in appetitive conditioning in Lymnaea

PubMed Central

Straub, Volko A.; Styles, Benjamin J.; Ireland, Julie S.; O'Shea, Michael; Benjamin, Paul R.

2004-01-01

Learning to associate a conditioned (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) results in changes in the processing of CS information. Here, we address directly the question whether chemical appetitive conditioning of Lymnaea feeding behavior involves changes in the peripheral and/or central processing of the CS by using extracellular recording techniques to monitor neuronal activity at two stages of the sensory processing pathway. Our data show that appetitive conditioning does not affect significantly the overall CS response of afferent nerves connecting chemosensory structures in the lips and tentacles to the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast, neuronal output from the cerebral ganglia, which represent the first central processing stage for chemosensory information, is enhanced significantly in response to the CS after appetitive conditioning. This demonstrates that chemical appetitive conditioning in Lymnaea affects the central, but not the peripheral processing of chemosensory information. It also identifies the cerebral ganglia of Lymnaea as an important site for neuronal plasticity and forms the basis for detailed cellular studies of neuronal plasticity. PMID:15537733

Single-photon cesium Rydberg excitation spectroscopy using 318.6-nm UV laser and room-temperature vapor cell.

PubMed

Wang, Jieying; Bai, Jiandong; He, Jun; Wang, Junmin

2017-09-18

We demonstrate a single-photon Rydberg excitation spectroscopy of cesium (Cs) atoms in a room-temperature vapor cell. Cs atoms are excited directly from 6S 1/2 ground state to nP 3/2 (n = 70 - 100) Rydberg states with a 318.6 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser, and Rydberg excitation spectra are obtained by transmission enhancement of a probe beam resonant to Cs 6S 1/2 , F = 4 - 6P 3/2 , F' = 5 transition as partial population on F = 4 ground state are transferred to Rydberg state. Analysis reveals that the observed spectra are velocity-selective spectroscopy of Rydberg state, from which the amplitude and linewidth influenced by lasers' Rabi frequency have been investigated. Fitting to energies of Cs nP 3/2 (n = 70 -100) states, the determined quantum defect is 3.56671(42). The demodulated spectra can also be employed as frequency references to stabilize the UV laser frequency to specific Cs Rydberg transition.

Sensorimotor Integration by Corticospinal System

PubMed Central

Moreno-López, Yunuen; Olivares-Moreno, Rafael; Cordero-Erausquin, Matilde; Rojas-Piloni, Gerardo

2016-01-01

The corticospinal (CS) tract is a complex system which targets several areas of the spinal cord. In particular, the CS descending projection plays a major role in motor command, which results from direct and indirect control of spinal cord pre-motor interneurons as well as motoneurons. But in addition, this system is also involved in a selective and complex modulation of sensory feedback. Despite recent evidence confirms that CS projections drive distinct segmental neural circuits that are part of the sensory and pre-motor pathways, little is known about the spinal networks engaged by the corticospinal tract (CST), the organization of CS projections, the intracortical microcircuitry, and the synaptic interactions in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) that may encode different cortical outputs to the spinal cord. Here is stressed the importance of integrated approaches for the study of sensorimotor function of CS system, in order to understand the functional compartmentalization and hierarchical organization of layer 5 output neurons, who are key elements for motor control and hence, of behavior. PMID:27013985

Sensorimotor Integration by Corticospinal System.

PubMed

Moreno-López, Yunuen; Olivares-Moreno, Rafael; Cordero-Erausquin, Matilde; Rojas-Piloni, Gerardo

2016-01-01

The corticospinal (CS) tract is a complex system which targets several areas of the spinal cord. In particular, the CS descending projection plays a major role in motor command, which results from direct and indirect control of spinal cord pre-motor interneurons as well as motoneurons. But in addition, this system is also involved in a selective and complex modulation of sensory feedback. Despite recent evidence confirms that CS projections drive distinct segmental neural circuits that are part of the sensory and pre-motor pathways, little is known about the spinal networks engaged by the corticospinal tract (CST), the organization of CS projections, the intracortical microcircuitry, and the synaptic interactions in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) that may encode different cortical outputs to the spinal cord. Here is stressed the importance of integrated approaches for the study of sensorimotor function of CS system, in order to understand the functional compartmentalization and hierarchical organization of layer 5 output neurons, who are key elements for motor control and hence, of behavior.

Three Types of Cortical L5 Neurons that Differ in Brain-Wide Connectivity and Function

PubMed Central

Kim, Euiseok J.; Juavinett, Ashley L.; Kyubwa, Espoir M.; Jacobs, Matthew W.; Callaway, Edward M.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Cortical layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurons integrate inputs from many sources and distribute outputs to cortical and subcortical structures. Previous studies demonstrate two L5 pyramid types: cortico-cortical (CC) and cortico-subcortical (CS). We characterize connectivity and function of these cell types in mouse primary visual cortex and reveal a new subtype. Unlike previously described L5 CC and CS neurons, this new subtype does not project to striatum [cortico-cortical, non-striatal (CC-NS)] and has distinct morphology, physiology and visual responses. Monosynaptic rabies tracing reveals that CC neurons preferentially receive input from higher visual areas, while CS neurons receive more input from structures implicated in top-down modulation of brain states. CS neurons are also more direction-selective and prefer faster stimuli than CC neurons. These differences suggest distinct roles as specialized output channels, with CS neurons integrating information and generating responses more relevant to movement control and CC neurons being more important in visual perception. PMID:26671462

Three Types of Cortical Layer 5 Neurons That Differ in Brain-wide Connectivity and Function.

PubMed

Kim, Euiseok J; Juavinett, Ashley L; Kyubwa, Espoir M; Jacobs, Matthew W; Callaway, Edward M

2015-12-16

Cortical layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurons integrate inputs from many sources and distribute outputs to cortical and subcortical structures. Previous studies demonstrate two L5 pyramid types: cortico-cortical (CC) and cortico-subcortical (CS). We characterize connectivity and function of these cell types in mouse primary visual cortex and reveal a new subtype. Unlike previously described L5 CC and CS neurons, this new subtype does not project to striatum [cortico-cortical, non-striatal (CC-NS)] and has distinct morphology, physiology, and visual responses. Monosynaptic rabies tracing reveals that CC neurons preferentially receive input from higher visual areas, while CS neurons receive more input from structures implicated in top-down modulation of brain states. CS neurons are also more direction-selective and prefer faster stimuli than CC neurons. These differences suggest distinct roles as specialized output channels, with CS neurons integrating information and generating responses more relevant to movement control and CC neurons being more important in visual perception. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improvement in Cerebral and Ocular Hemodynamics Early after Carotid Endarterectomy in Patients of Severe Carotid Artery Stenosis with or without Contralateral Carotid Occlusion.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Wang, Weici; Jin, Bi; Zhang, Yanrong; Xu, Ping; Xiang, Feixiang; Zheng, Yi; Chen, Juan; Sheng, Shi; Ouyang, Chenxi; Li, Yiqing

2016-01-01

Purpose. To investigate the alternation in cerebral and ocular blood flow velocity (BFV) in patients of carotid stenosis (CS) with or without contralateral carotid occlusion (CO) early after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Patients and Methods. Nineteen patients underwent CEA for ≥50% CS. Fourteen patients had the unilateral CS, and five patients had the ipsilateral CS and the contralateral CO. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Color Doppler Imaging (CDI) were performed before and early after CEA. Results. In patients with unilateral CS, significant improvements in BFV were observed in anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) on the ipsilateral side after CEA. In patients of ipsilateral CS and contralateral CO, significant improvements in BFV were observed in the ACA and MCA not only on the ipsilateral side but also on the contralateral side postoperatively. The ipsilateral ophthalmic artery (OA) retrograde flows in two patients were recovered to anterograde direction following CEA. The BFV in short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA) of the ipsilateral side significantly increased postoperatively irrespective of the presence of contralateral CO. Conclusions. CEA improved cerebral anterior circulation hemodynamics especially in patients of unilateral CS and contralateral CO, normalized the OA reverse flow, and increased the blood perfusion of SPCA.

Separation of CsCl and SrCl2 from a ternary CsCl-SrCl2-LiCl via a zone refining process for waste salt minimization of pyroprocessing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shim, Moonsoo; Choi, Ho Gil; Yi, Kyung Woo; Hwang, Il Soon; Lee, Jong Hyeon

2016-11-01

The purification of LiCl salt mixture has traditionally been carried out by a melt crystallization process. To improve the throughput of zone refining, three heaters were installed in the zone refiner. The zone refining method was used to grow pure LiCl salt ingots from LiCl-CsCl-SrCl2 salt mixture. The main investigated parameters were the heater speed and the number of passes. A change in the LiCl crystal grain size was observed according to the horizontal direction. From each zone refined salt ingot, samples were collected horizontally. To analyze the concentrations of Sr and Cs, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer were used, respectively. The experimental results show that Sr and Cs concentrations at the initial region of the ingot were low and reached their peak at the final freezing region of the salt ingot. Concentration results of zone refined salt were compared with theoretical results yielded by the proposed model to validate its predictions. The keff of Sr and Cs were 0.13 and 0.11, respectively. The decontamination factors of Sr and Cs were 450 and 1650, respectively.

Microbial mobilization of cesium from illite: Role of organic acids and siderophores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazotte, Alice; Peron, Olivier; Abdelouas, Abdesselam; Lebeau, Thierry

2015-04-01

Understanding the behavior of cesium (Cs) in soils and geological formations is interesting in the context of nuclear accidents and nuclear waste disposals. Indeed, this radionuclide with a 30-years half-life can contaminate crops and more generally the food chain. Cs with properties similar to potassium is known to be strongly accumulated in the clays of upper soil horizons. While excavation of contaminated soil cannot be feasible for the whole contaminated surfaces (huge volumes to be cleaned-up), in situ methods could provide a sustainable and low cost solution. Phytoextraction is one of a few solutions for in situ remediation of soils contaminated by trace elements and it preserves the quality of agricultural soils. However, many improvements are still needed to enhance phytoextraction effectiveness. The combination of bioaugmentation (soil inoculation with exogenous microorganisms) with phytoextraction is likely to increase the bioaccessibility of radionuclides and their accumulation in plants. The role of bacteria on soil-pollutants can be direct (direct metal complexation) and/or indirect (weathering of clays adsorbing Cs). This study aims to provide more specifically a mechanistic understanding of the bacterial mobilization of Cs from soil with the prospect of soil bioremediation. Bacterial metabolites of Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC 17400) were supplied to illite spiked with 0.1 and 1 mM of Cs. Purified siderophores including pyoverdine from P. fluorescens, or the whole metabolites from the bacterial culture supernatant were compared to low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) (citric and oxalic acids) at 0.04 mM, or synthetic chelants, i.e., acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) and desferrioxamine mesylate (DFOM) ranging from 50 µM up to 250 µM. The release of Cs and the structural alteration of illite (release of Al, Fe and Si) were monitored. When compared to the control, no release of Cs from illite was observed with LMWOA. On the contrary, a slight release of Cs was shown with AHA and DFOM (9 % and 22 %, respectively). The highest release was shown with the bacterial supernatant and the purified pyoverdine (39 % and 43 %, respectively). The purified pyoverdine and the bacterial metabolites were also able to complex Fe from illite and to a lesser extent Al. These results demonstrated that Cs is likely to be indirectly released from illite by P. fluorescens producing chelating agents involved in its alteration.

Characterization of a clinical unit for digital radiography based on irradiation side sampling technology

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

Rivetti, Stefano; Lanconelli, Nico; Bertolini, Marco

2013-10-15

Purpose: A characterization of a clinical unit for digital radiography (FUJIFILM FDR D-EVO) is presented. This system is based on the irradiation side sampling (ISS) technology and can be equipped with two different scintillators: one traditional gadolinium-oxysulphide phosphor (GOS) and a needle structured cesium iodide (CsI) phosphor panel.Methods: The characterization was achieved in terms of response curve, modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectra (NPS), detective quantum efficiency (DQE), and psychophysical parameters (contrast-detail analysis with an automatic reading of CDRAD images). For both scintillation screens the authors accomplished the measurements with four standard beam conditions: RAQ3, RQA5, RQA7, and RQA9.Results:more » At the Nyquist frequency (3.33 lp/mm) the MTF is about 35% and 25% for CsI and GOS detectors, respectively. The CsI scintillator has better noise properties than the GOS screen in almost all the conditions. This is particularly true for low-energy beams, where the noise for the GOS system can go up to a factor 2 greater than that found for CsI. The DQE of the CsI detector reaches a peak of 60%, 60%, 58%, and 50% for the RQA3, RQA5, RQA7, and RQA9 beams, respectively, whereas for the GOS screen the maximum DQE is 40%, 44%, 44%, and 35%. The contrast-detail analysis confirms that in the majority of cases the CsI scintillator is able to provide improved outcomes to those obtained with the GOS screen.Conclusions: The limited diffusion of light produced by the ISS reading makes possible the achievement of very good spatial resolution. In fact, the MTF of the unit with the CsI panel is only slightly lower to that achieved with direct conversion detectors. The combination of very good spatial resolution, together with the good noise properties reached with the CsI screen, allows achieving DQE on average about 1.5 times greater than that obtained with GOS. In fact, the DQE of unit equipped with CsI is comparable to the best alternative methods available which are based on the same technology, and similar to others based on an a-Se direct conversion detectors.« less

Nanobiocomposite of poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/chitosan electrospun scaffold can promote proliferation and transdifferentiation of Schwann-like cells from human adipose-derived stem cells.

PubMed

Razavi, Shahnaz; Zarkesh-Esfahani, Hamid; Morshed, Mohammad; Vaezifar, Sedigheh; Karbasi, Saeed; Golozar, Mohammad Ali

2015-08-01

The transdifferentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into Schwann-like cells on biocomposite scaffolds may be a critical issue in nerve regeneration medicine. In this study, tissue-engineered scaffold with chitosan (CS) nanopowders and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was investigated for its potential Schwann cells (SCs) transdifferentiation. The differentiation of human ADSCs into S-like cells was induced with different CS content and direction of nanofibers on PLGA/CS scaffolds. Cell morphology and proliferation of differentiated cells were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay respectively. For assessment efficiency of transdifferentiation, the expression of SC markers (glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100), and myelinogenic marker (myelin basic protein) was investigated in different nanochitosan content and direction of nanofibers scaffolds, using immunocytochemistry technique. The nanochitosan can significantly promote cell proliferation of differentiated cells (p < 0.05). The mean percentage of S-like cells on greater CS content nanofibers scaffold was significantly higher than others (p < 0.05). In addition, the align orientation of nanofibers in scaffolds guided the differentiation of ADSCs toward myelinating S-like cells on the constructs. Overall, we found that high CS content and aligned-orientation of nanofibers in biocomposite scaffold (70/30A) can promote differentiation and myelinogenic capacity of S-like cells induced from human ADSCs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Feasibility of using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to enhance treatment outcomes in persons with aphasia.

PubMed

Richardson, Jessica; Datta, Abhishek; Dmochowski, Jacek; Parra, Lucas C; Fridriksson, Julius

2015-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances treatment outcomes post-stroke. Feasibility and tolerability of high-definition (HD) tDCS (a technique that increases current focality and intensity) for consecutive weekdays as an adjuvant to behavioral treatment in a clinical population has not been demonstrated. To determine HD-tDCS feasibility outcomes: 1) ability to implement study as designed, 2) acceptability of repeated HD-tDCS administration to patients, and 3) preliminary efficacy. Eight patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia participated in a randomized crossover trial with two arms: conventional sponge-based (CS) tDCS and HD-tDCS. Computerized anomia treatment was administered for five consecutive days during each treatment arm. Individualized modeling/targeting procedures and an 8-channel HD-tDCS device were developed. CS-tDCS and HD-tDCS were comparable in terms of implementation, acceptability, and outcomes. Naming accuracy and response time improved for both stimulation conditions. Change in accuracy of trained items was numerically higher (but not statistically significant) for HD-tDCS compared to CS-tDCS for most patients. Regarding feasibility, HD-tDCS treatment studies can be implemented when designed similarly to documented CS-tDCS studies. HD-tDCS is likely to be acceptable to patients and clinicians. Preliminary efficacy data suggest that HD-tDCS effects, using only 4 electrodes, are at least comparable to CS-tDCS.

Feasibility of using high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to enhance treatment outcomes in persons with aphasia

PubMed Central

Richardson, Jessica; Datta, Abhishek; Dmochowski, Jacek; Parra, Lucas C.; Fridriksson, Julius

2018-01-01

BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) enhances treatment outcomes post-stroke. Feasibility and tolerability of high-definition (HD) tDCS (a technique that increases current focality and intensity) for consecutive weekdays as an adjuvant to behavioral treatment in a clinical population has not been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE To determine HD-tDCS feasibility outcomes: 1) ability to implement study as designed, 2) acceptability of repeated HD-tDCS administration to patients, and 3) preliminary efficacy. METHODS Eight patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia participated in a randomized crossover trial with two arms: conventional sponge-based (CS) tDCS and HD-tDCS. Computerized anomia treatment was administered for five consecutive days during each treatment arm. RESULTS Individualized modeling/targeting procedures and an 8-channel HD-tDCS device were developed. CS-tDCS and HD-tDCS were comparable in terms of implementation, acceptability, and outcomes. Naming accuracy and response time improved for both stimulation conditions. Change in accuracy of trained items was numerically higher (but not statistically significant) for HD-tDCS compared to CS-tDCS for most patients. CONCLUSIONS Regarding feasibility, HD-tDCS treatment studies can be implemented when designed similarly to documented CS-tDCS studies. HD-tDCS is likely to be acceptable to patients and clinicians. Preliminary efficacy data suggest that HD-tDCS effects, using only 4 electrodes, are at least comparable to CS-tDCS. PMID:25547776

Understanding Associations Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Negative Consequences of Drinking: a Moderated Mediation Analysis.

PubMed

Karriker-Jaffe, Katherine J; Liu, HuiGuo; Kaplan, Lauren M

2016-05-01

We explored how neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) is related to negative consequences of drinking to explain why racial/ethnic minority group members are more at risk than Whites for adverse alcohol outcomes. We tested direct and indirect effects of neighborhood SES on alcohol problems and examined differences by gender and race. We used data from the 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys (N = 7912 drinkers aged 18 and older; 49 % female) linked with data from the 2000 Decennial Census in multivariate path models adjusting for individual demographics. In the full sample, neighborhood disadvantage had a significant direct path to increased negative consequences, with no indirect paths through depression, positive affect or pro-drinking attitudes. Neighborhood affluence had significant indirect paths to increased negative consequences through greater pro-drinking attitudes and increased heavy drinking. Subgroup analyses showed the indirect path from affluence to consequences held for White men, with no effects of neighborhood disadvantage. For racial/ethnic minority men, significant indirect paths emerged from both neighborhood disadvantage and affluence to increased consequences through greater pro-drinking attitudes and more heavy drinking. For minority women, there was an indirect effect of neighborhood affluence through reduced depression to fewer drinking consequences. There were limited neighborhood effects on alcohol outcomes for White women. Interventions targeting pro-drinking attitudes in both affluent and disadvantaged areas may help reduce alcohol-related problems among men. Initiatives to improve neighborhood conditions could enhance mental health of minority women and reduce alcohol-related health disparities.

Phase-Pure and Multiphase Ceramic Waste Forms: Microstructure Evolution and Cesium Immobilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumurugoti, Priyatham

Efforts of this thesis are directed towards developing ceramic waste forms as a potential replacement for the conventional glass waste forms for the safe immobilization and disposal of nuclear wastes from the legacy weapons programs as well as commercial power production. The body of this work consists of two equal parts with first focused on multiphase waste form containing hollandite as major phase and the later, on single-phase hollandites for Cs incorporation. Part I: Multiphase waste forms:. Hollandite-rich multiphase waste form compositions processed by melt-solidification and spark plasma sintering (SPS) were characterized, compared, and validated for nuclear waste incorporation. Phase identification by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) confirm hollandite as the major phase present in these samples along with perovskite, pyrochlore and zirconolite. Distribution of select elements observed by wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) maps indicate that Cs forms a secondary phase during SPS processing, which is considered undesirable. On the other hand Cs partitioned into hollandite phase in melt-processed samples. Further analysis of hollandite structure in melt-processed composition, by selected area electron diffraction (SAED), reveals ordered arrangement of tunnel ions (Ba/Cs) and vacancies, suggesting efficient Cs incorporation into the lattice. Following the microstructural analysis, the crystallization behavior of the multiphase composition during melt-processing was studied. The phase assemblage and evolution of hollandite, zirconolite, pyrochlore, and perovskite type structures during melt processing were studied using thermal analysis, in-situ XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples prepared by melting followed by annealing and quenching were analyzed to determine and measure the progression of the phase assemblage. Samples were melted at 1500°C and heat-treated at crystallization temperatures of 1285°C and 1325°C corresponding to exothermic events identified from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Results indicate that the selected multiphase composition partially melts at 1500°C with hollandite coexisting as crystalline phase. Perovskite and zirconolite phases crystallized from the residual melt at temperatures below 1350°C. Depending on their respective thermal histories, different quenched samples were found to have different phase assemblages including phases such as perovskite, zirconolite and TiO2. Part II: Single phase waste forms. Hollandites with compositions Ba1.15-xCs2xCr 2.3Ti5.7O16 have been identified as promising lattices to host Cs. Series of compositions with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.15 were prepared by sol-gel synthesis, characterized, and analyzed for Cs retention properties. Phase-pure hollandites adopting monoclinic symmetry (I2/m) were observed to form in the compositional range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. Structural models for the compositions: x = 0, 0.15, and 0.25, were developed from Rietveld analysis of powder XRD and neutron diffraction data. Refined anisotropic displacement parameters (beta ij) for Ba and Cs ions in the hollandite tunnels indicate local disorder of Ba/Cs along the tunnel direction. In addition, weak super lattice reflections have also been observed in XRD patterns. Our data suggests the presence of supercell structures with ordered tunnel cations for the phase-pure hollandites studied. Finally, the performance of phase-pure hollandites have been evaluated qualitatively by chemical durability testing and ion-irradiation experiments. Elemental analysis of the leachants after 7-day leach tests show that Cs and Cr were extracted from the lattice together. No direct correlation between structural parameters or Cs content was observed. The simulated light-ion (He2+) and heavy-ion (Kr3+) irradiation experiments reveal that all the hollandite compositions studied undergo amorphization during alpha-decay events, and the extent of it increases with the Cs content. In summary, the present work validates melt-processing as an effective method to prepare multiphase waste forms with the desired phase assemblage. Ba1.15-xCs2xCr2.3Ti5.7O16 hollandite has been identified as an effective ceramic host for Cs immobilization and appropriate structural models for hollandites with different Cs levels have been developed. The structural information may be used to study or simulate the lattice-environment interaction.

Understanding the antecedents of Korean high school students' drinking refusal self-efficacy: parental influence, peer influence, and behavior.

PubMed

Jang, Su Ahn; Cho, Namauk; Yoo, Jina

2011-12-29

The current study examined the factors that influence Korean adolescents' drinking refusal self-efficacy, which is known to be associated with alcohol use and drinking intentions. Specifically, this study considered parental monitoring, parent-child communication satisfaction, peer influence, and prior alcohol use as possible antecedents of Korean high school students' drinking refusal self-efficacy. High school students (n = 538) in South Korea responded to the current study. The data revealed that parent-child communication satisfaction facilitated parental monitoring, and these factors indirectly predicted adolescents' drinking behavior through peer influence. We also found that prior drinking, parental monitoring, and peer influence were directly associated with drinking refusal self-efficacy, and the self-efficacy, in turn, was associated with drinking intentions. These results not only suggest that drinking refusal self-efficacy are related to drinking behavior and intentions, but they also provide a theoretical explanation for how parental and peer influences are associated with adolescents' drinking refusal self-efficacy.

Understanding the Antecedents of Korean High School Students’ Drinking Refusal Self-Efficacy: Parental Influence, Peer Influence, and Behavior

PubMed Central

Jang, Su Ahn; Cho, NamAuk; Yoo, Jina

2012-01-01

The current study examined the factors that influence Korean adolescents’ drinking refusal self-efficacy, which is known to be associated with alcohol use and drinking intentions. Specifically, this study considered parental monitoring, parent-child communication satisfaction, peer influence, and prior alcohol use as possible antecedents of Korean high school students’ drinking refusal self-efficacy. High school students (n = 538) in South Korea responded to the current study. The data revealed that parent-child communication satisfaction facilitated parental monitoring, and these factors indirectly predicted adolescents’ drinking behavior through peer influence. We also found that prior drinking, parental monitoring, and peer influence were directly associated with drinking refusal self-efficacy, and the self-efficacy, in turn, was associated with drinking intentions. These results not only suggest that drinking refusal self-efficacy are related to drinking behavior and intentions, but they also provide a theoretical explanation for how parental and peer influences are associated with adolescents’ drinking refusal self-efficacy. PMID:22980099

Self-reported impulsivity, but not behavioral choice or response impulsivity, partially mediates the effect of stress on drinking behavior

PubMed Central

HAMILTON, KRISTEN R.; ANSELL, EMILY B.; REYNOLDS, BRADY; POTENZA, MARC N.; SINHA, RAJITA

2013-01-01

Stress and impulsivity contribute to alcohol use, and stress may also act via impulsivity to increase drinking behavior. Impulsivity represents a multi-faceted construct and self-report and behavioral assessments may effectively capture distinct clinically relevant factors. The present research investigated whether aspects of impulsivity mediate the effect of stress on alcohol use. A community-based sample of 192 men and women was assessed on measures of cumulative stress, alcohol use, self-reported impulsivity, and behavioral choice and response impulsivity. Data were analyzed using regression and bootstrapping techniques to estimate indirect effects of stress on drinking via impulsivity. Cumulative adversity exhibited both direct effects and indirect effects (via self-reported impulsivity) on drinking behavior. Additional models examining specific types of stress indicated direct and indirect effects of trauma and recent life events, and indirect effects of major life events and chronic stressors on drinking behavior. Overall, cumulative stress was associated with increased drinking behavior, and this effect was partially mediated by self-reported impulsivity. Self-reported impulsivity also mediated the effects of different types of stress on drinking behavior. These findings highlight the value of mediation models to examine the pathways through which different types of stress increase drinking behavior. Treatment and prevention strategies should focus on enhancing stress management and self-control. PMID:22376044

Self-reported impulsivity, but not behavioral choice or response impulsivity, partially mediates the effect of stress on drinking behavior.

PubMed

Hamilton, Kristen R; Ansell, Emily B; Reynolds, Brady; Potenza, Marc N; Sinha, Rajita

2013-01-01

Stress and impulsivity contribute to alcohol use, and stress may also act via impulsivity to increase drinking behavior. Impulsivity represents a multi-faceted construct and self-report and behavioral assessments may effectively capture distinct clinically relevant factors. The present research investigated whether aspects of impulsivity mediate the effect of stress on alcohol use. A community-based sample of 192 men and women was assessed on measures of cumulative stress, alcohol use, self-reported impulsivity, and behavioral choice and response impulsivity. Data were analyzed using regression and bootstrapping techniques to estimate indirect effects of stress on drinking via impulsivity. Cumulative adversity exhibited both direct effects and indirect effects (via self-reported impulsivity) on drinking behavior. Additional models examining specific types of stress indicated direct and indirect effects of trauma and recent life events, and indirect effects of major life events and chronic stressors on drinking behavior. Overall, cumulative stress was associated with increased drinking behavior, and this effect was partially mediated by self-reported impulsivity. Self-reported impulsivity also mediated the effects of different types of stress on drinking behavior. These findings highlight the value of mediation models to examine the pathways through which different types of stress increase drinking behavior. Treatment and prevention strategies should focus on enhancing stress management and self-control.

Parental Problem Drinking and Adolescent Psychosocial Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Adolescent-Parent Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohannessian, Christine McCauley

2012-01-01

This study explored the relations between parental problem drinking, adolescent-parent communication, and adolescent psychosocial adjustment. Surveys were administered to a diverse sample of 683 15-17-years-old adolescents in the spring of 2007 and again in the spring of 2008. Results indicated that paternal problem drinking directly predicted…

Flavor preference conditioning by different sugars in sweet ageusic Trpm5 knockout mice.

PubMed

Sclafani, Anthony; Ackroff, Karen

2015-03-01

Knockout (KO) mice missing the taste signaling protein Trpm5 have greatly attenuated sweetener preferences but develop strong preferences for glucose in 24-h tests, which is attributed to post-oral sugar conditioning. Trpm5 KO mice express mild preferences for galactose but no preferences for fructose in 24-h tests, which suggests that these sugars differ in their post-oral reinforcing effects. Here we investigated sugar-conditioned flavor preferences in Trpm5 KO and C57BL/6J wildtype (B6) mice. The mice were trained to consume a flavored (CS+, e.g. grape) 8% sugar solution and flavored (CS-, e.g., cherry) water on alternating days followed by two-bottle choice tests with CS+ vs. CS- flavors in water and with unflavored sugar vs. water. The KO mice displayed strong preferences (>80%) for the CS+ glucose and CS+ galactose but not for the CS+ fructose flavor. They also preferred glucose and galactose, but not fructose to water. In contrast, the B6 mice preferred all three CS+ flavors to the CS- flavor, and all three sugars to water. In tests with the non-metabolizable sugar α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside (MDG), the KO and B6 mice preferred 8% MDG to water but did not prefer the CS+ 8% MDG to CS-. However, they preferred a CS+ flavor mixed with 4% MDG over the CS- flavor. Trpm5 KO mice also preferred galactose and MDG to fructose in direct choice tests. The Trpm5 KO data indicate that glucose and, to a lesser extent, galactose and MDG have post-oral reinforcing actions that stimulate intake and preference while fructose has a much weaker effect. The CS+ flavor and sugar preferences of B6 mice may be mediated by the sweet taste and/or post-oral actions of the various sugars. Glucose, galactose, and MDG, but not fructose, are ligands for the sodium-glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1) which is implicated in post-oral sugar conditioning in B6 mice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and electrical characterization of planar lighting devices with Cs3Sb photocathode emitters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Hyo-Soo; Keller, Kris; Culkin, Brad

2017-03-01

Non-vacuum process technology was used to produce Cs3Sb photocathodes on substrates, and in-situ panel devices were fabricated. The performance of the devices was characterized by measuring the anode current as functions of the devices' operation times. An excitation light source with a 475-nm wavelength was used for the photocathodes. The device has a simple diode structure, providing unique characteristics such as a large gap, vertical electron beam directionality, and resistance to surface contamination from ion bombardment and poisoning by outgassing species. Accordingly, Cs3Sb photocathodes function as flat emitters, and the emission properties of the photocathode emitters depend on the vacuum level of the devices. An improved current stability has been observed after conducting an electrical conditioning process to remove possible adsorbates on the Cs3Sb flat emitters.

Chondroitin-4-sulfation negatively regulates axonal guidance and growth

PubMed Central

Wang, Hang; Katagiri, Yasuhiro; McCann, Thomas E.; Unsworth, Edward; Goldsmith, Paul; Yu, Zu-Xi; Tan, Fei; Santiago, Lizzie; Mills, Edward M.; Wang, Yu; Symes, Aviva J.; Geller, Herbert M.

2008-01-01

Summary Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains endow extracellular matrix proteoglycans with diversity and complexity based upon the length, composition, and charge distribution of the polysaccharide chain. Using cultured primary neurons, we show that specific sulfation in the GAG chains of chondroitin sulfate (CS) mediates neuronal guidance cues and axonal growth inhibition. Chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS-A), but not chondroitin-6-sulfate (CS-C), exhibits a strong negative guidance cue to mouse cerebellar granule neurons. Enzymatic and gene-based manipulations of 4-sulfation in the GAG side chains alter their ability to direct growing axons. Furthermore, 4-sulfated CS GAG chains are rapidly and significantly increased in regions that do not support axonal regeneration proximal to spinal cord lesions in mice. Thus, our findings provide the evidence showing that specific sulfation along the carbohydrate backbone carries instructions to regulate neuronal function. PMID:18768934

Coordinates Analyses of Hydrated Interplanetary Dust Particles: Samples of Primitive Solar System Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keller, L. P.; Snead, C.; McKeegan, K. D.

2016-01-01

Interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) collected in the stratosphere fall into two major groups: an anhydrous group termed the "chondritic-porous (CP) IDPs and a hydrated group, the "chondritic-smooth (CS) IDPs, although rare IDPs with mineralogies intermediate between these two groups are known [1]. The CP-IDPs are widely believed to be derived from cometary sources [e.g. 2]. The hydrated CS-IDPs show mineralogical similarities to heavily aqueously altered carbonaceous chondrites (e.g. CI chondrites), but only a few have been directly linked to carbonaceous meteorite parent bodies [e.g. 3, 4]. Most CS-IDPs show distinct chemical [5] and oxygen isotopic composition differences [6-8] from primitive carbonaceous chondrites. Here, we report on our coordinated analyses of a suite of carbon-rich CS-IDPs focusing on their bulk compositions, mineralogy, mineral chemistry, and isotopic compositions.

Impact of Fukushima-derived radiocesium in the western North Pacific Ocean about ten months after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident.

PubMed

Kumamoto, Yuichiro; Aoyama, Michio; Hamajima, Yasunori; Murata, Akihiko; Kawano, Takeshi

2015-02-01

We measured vertical distributions of radiocesium ((134)Cs and (137)Cs) at stations along the 149°E meridian in the western North Pacific during winter 2012, about ten months after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP1) accident. The Fukushima-derived (134)Cs activity concentration and water-column inventory were largest in the transition region between 35 and 40°N approximately due to the directed discharge of the contaminated water from the FNPP1. The bomb-derived (137)Cs activity concentration just before the FNPP1 accident was derived from the excess (137)Cs activity concentration relative to the (134)Cs activity concentration. The water-column inventory of the bomb-derived (137)Cs was largest in the subtropical region south of 35°N, which implies that the Fukushima-derived (134)Cs will also be transported from the transition region to the subtropical region in the coming decades. Mean values of the water-column inventories decay-corrected for the Fukushima-derived (134)Cs and the bomb-derived (137)Cs were estimated to be 1020 ± 80 and 820 ± 120 Bq m(-2), respectively, suggesting that in winter 2012 the impact of the FNPP1 accident in the western North Pacific Ocean was nearly the same as that of nuclear weapons testing. Relationship between the water-column inventory and the activity concentration in surface water for the radiocesium is essential information for future evaluation of the total amount of Fukushima-derived radiocesium released into the North Pacific Ocean. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

The t-PA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles shelled with CS or CS-GRGD alter both permeation through and dissolving patterns of blood clots compared with t-PA solution: an in vitro thrombolysis study.

PubMed

Wang, Shoei-Shen; Chou, Nai-Kuan; Chung, Tze-Wen

2009-12-01

Accelerated thrombolysis by pressure-driven permeation has been demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo animal models by using plasminogen activators (PAs) encapsulated liposomes or PEG microparticles. Recent reports have also described acceleration of thrombolysis using tissue type PA (t-PA) encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) coated with chitosan (CS) or CS-GRGD by interactions between the NPs and blood clots. However, the permeation through and dissolving patterns in thrombolysis with the aforementioned microparticles or NPs, which may be clinically relevant to the recovery status of the posttreatments, have not been reported. Therefore, this work studied such phenomena in thrombolysis with t-PA encapsulated in NPs. The t-PA solution and the NPs exhibited distinctly different permeation patterns of dissolved clots. Plasma permeates through clots showed a stream flow or burst flow phenomena when lyzed with NPs shelled with CS or CS-GRGD, respectively, whereas a diffusion pattern was observed in those lyzed with t-PA solution. At the outlet position of clots, the clots dissolved with PLGA/CS and PLGA/CS-GRGD NPs revealed extremely rough surfaces to a depth of 100 mum, indicating that a cross-permeation direction of clot lysis occurred, while those dissolved with t-PA solution showed slightly rough surfaces to a depth of 12 mum. Permeation through and clot dissolution patterns of thrombolysis with t-PA encapsulated in NPs shelled with CS or CS-GRGD distinctly differed from those dissolved with t-PA solutions in this in vitro thrombolysis model, These findings may be relevant to posttreatment of patients with conventional PA thrombolysis. Copyright 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spatial and temporal distributions of (134)Cs and (137)Cs derived from the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in the North Pacific Ocean by using optimal interpolation analysis.

PubMed

Inomata, Y; Aoyama, M; Tsubono, T; Tsumune, D; Hirose, K

2016-01-01

Optimal interpolation (OI) analysis was used to investigate the oceanic distributions of (134)Cs and (137)Cs released from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP1) accident. From the end of March to early April 2011, extremely high activities were observed in the coastal surface seawater near the FNPP1. The high activities spread to a region near 165°E in the western North Pacific Ocean, with a latitudinal center of 40°N. Atmospheric deposition also caused high activities in the region between 180° and 130°W in the North Pacific Ocean. The inventory of FNPP1-released (134)Cs in the North Pacific Ocean was estimated to be 15.3 ± 2.6 PBq. About half of this activity (8.4 ± 2.6 PBq) was found in the coastal region near the FNPP1. After 6 April 2011, when major direct releases ceased, the FNPP1-released (134)Cs in the coastal region decreased exponentially with an apparent half-time of about 4.2 ± 0.5 days and declined to about 2 ± 0.4 PBq by the middle of May 2011. Taking into account that the (134)Cs/(137)Cs activity ratio was about 1 just after release and was extremely uniform during the first month after the accident, the amount of (137)Cs released by the FNPP1 accident increased the North Pacific inventory of (137)Cs due to bomb testing during the 1950s and early 1960s by 20%.

Morphogenesis and three-dimensional movement of the stomach during the human embryonic period.

PubMed

Kaigai, N; Nako, A; Yamada, S; Uwabe, C; Kose, K; Takakuwa, T

2014-05-01

The stomach develops as the local widening of the foregut after Carnegie stage (CS) 13 that moves in a dramatic and dynamic manner during the embryonic period. Using the magnetic resonance images of 377 human embryos, we present the morphology, morphometry, and three-dimensional movement of the stomach during CS16 and CS23. The stomach morphology revealed stage-specific features. The angular incisura and the cardia were formed at CS18. The change in the angular incisura angle was approximately 90° during CS19 and CS20, and was <90° after CS 21. The prominent formations of the fundus and the pylorus differentiate at around CS20. Morphometry of the stomach revealed that the stomach gradually becomes "deflected" during development. The stomach may appear to move to the left laterally and caudally due to its deflection and differential growth. The track of the reference points in the stomach may reflect the visual three-dimensional movement. The movement of point M, representing the movement of the greater curvature, was different from that of points C (cardia) and P (pyloric antrum). The P and C were located just around the midsagittal plane in all the stages observed. Point M moved in the caudal-left lateral direction until CS22. Moreover, the vector CP does not rotate around the dorsoventral axis, as widely believed, but around the transverse axis. The plane CPM rotated mainly around the longitudinal axis. The data obtained will be useful for prenatal diagnosis in the near future. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nuclear-cytoplasmic localization of acetyl coenzyme A synthetase-1 in the rat brain

PubMed Central

Ariyannur, Prasanth S.; Moffett, John R.; Madhavarao, Chikkathur N; Arun, Peethambaran; Vishnu, Nisha; Jacobowitz, David M.; Hallows, William C.; Denu, John M.; Namboodiri, Aryan M.A.

2011-01-01

Acetyl coenzyme A synthetase 1 (AceCS1) catalyzes the synthesis of acetyl coenzyme A from acetate and coenzyme A, and is thought to play diverse roles ranging from fatty acid synthesis to gene regulation. Using an affinity purified antibody generated against an 18-mer peptide sequence of AceCS1, and a polyclonal antibody directed against recombinant AceCS1 protein, we examined the expression of AceCS1 in the rat brain. AceCS1 immunoreactivity in the adult rat brain was present predominantly in cell nuclei, with only light to moderate cytoplasmic staining in some neurons, axons and oligodendrocytes. Some non-neuronal cell nuclei were very strongly immunoreactive, including those of some oligodendrocytes, whereas neuronal nuclei ranged from unstained to moderately stained. Both antibodies stained some neuronal cell bodies and axons, especially in the hindbrain. AceCS1 immunoreactivity was stronger and more widespread in the brains of 18 day old rats than in adults, with increased expression in oligodendrocytes and neurons, including cortical pyramidal cells. Expression of AceCS1 was substantially upregulated in neurons throughout the brain after controlled cortical impact injury. The strong AceCS1 expression observed in the nuclei of CNS cells during brain development and after injury is consistent with a role in nuclear histone acetylation and therefore the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. The cytoplasmic staining observed in some oligodendrocytes, especially during postnatal brain development, suggests an additional role in CNS lipid synthesis and myelination. Neuronal and axonal localization implicates AceCS1 in cytoplasmic acetylation reactions in some neurons. PMID:20533355

Cost-utility analysis of meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors.

PubMed

van der Spek, Nadia; Jansen, Femke; Holtmaat, Karen; Vos, Joël; Breitbart, William; van Uden-Kraan, Cornelia F; Tollenaar, Rob A E M; Cuijpers, Pim; Coupé, Veerle M H; Verdonck-de Leeuw, Irma M

2018-04-06

Meaning-centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP-CS) improves meaning, psychological well-being, and mental adjustment to cancer and reduces psychological distress. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the cost-utility of MCGP-CS compared with supportive group psychotherapy (SGP) and care-as-usual (CAU). In total, 170 patients were randomized to MCGP-CS, SGP, or CAU. Intervention costs, direct medical and nonmedical costs, productivity losses, and health-related quality of life were measured until 6 months follow-up, using the TIC-P, PRODISQ, data from the hospital information system, and the EQ-5D. The cost-utility was calculated by comparing mean cumulative costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Mean total costs ranged from €4492 (MCGP-CS) to €5304 (CAU). Mean QALYs ranged .507 (CAU) to .540 (MCGP-CS). MCGP-CS had a probability of 74% to be both less costly and more effective than CAU, and 49% compared with SGP. Sensitivity analyses showed these findings are robust. If society is willing to pay €0 for one gained QALY, MCGP-CS has a 78% probability of being cost-effective compared with CAU. This increases to 85% and 92% at willingness-to-pay thresholds of €10 000 and €30 000, which are commonly accepted thresholds. MCGP-CS is highly likely a cost-effective intervention, meaning that there is a positive balance between the costs and gains of MCGP-CS, in comparison with SGP and CAU. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Optimising Extinction of Conditioned Disgust.

PubMed

Bosman, Renske C; Borg, Charmaine; de Jong, Peter J

2016-01-01

Maladaptive disgust responses are tenacious and resistant to exposure-based interventions. In a similar vein, laboratory studies have shown that conditioned disgust is relatively insensitive to Conditioned Stimulus (CS)-only extinction procedures. The relatively strong resistance to extinction might be explained by disgust's adaptive function to motivate avoidance from contamination threats (pathogens) that cannot be readily detected and are invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, the mere visual presentation of unreinforced disgust eliciting stimuli might not be sufficient to correct a previously acquired threat value of the CS+. Following this, the current study tested whether the efficacy of CS-only exposure can be improved by providing additional safety information about the CS+. For the CSs we included two neutral items a pea soup and a sausage roll, whereas for the Unconditioned Stimulus (US) we used one video clip of a woman vomiting and a neutral one about glass blowing. The additional safety information was conveyed by allowing actual contact with the CS+ or by observing an actress eating the food items representing the CS+. When additional safety information was provided via allowing direct contact with the CS+, there was a relatively strong post-extinction increase in participants' willingness-to-eat the CS+. This beneficial effect was still evident at one-week follow up. Also self-reported disgust was lower at one-week follow up when additional safety information was provided. The current findings help explain why disgust is relatively insensitive to CS-only extinction procedures, and provide helpful starting points to improve interventions that are aimed to reduce distress in disgust-related psychopathology.

[Variability and opportunity costs among the surgical alternatives for breast cancer].

PubMed

Angulo-Pueyo, Ester; Ridao-López, Manuel; Martínez-Lizaga, Natalia; García-Armesto, Sandra; Bernal-Delgado, Enrique

2014-01-01

To analyze medical practice variation in breast cancer surgery (either inpatient-based or day-case surgery), by comparing conservative surgery (CS) plus radiotherapy vs. non-conservative surgery (NCS). We also analyzed the opportunity costs associated with CS and NCS. We performed an observational study of age- and sex-standardized rates of CS and NCS, performed in 199 Spanish healthcare areas in 2008-2009. Costs were calculated by using two techniques: indirectly, by using All-Patients Diagnosis Related Groups (AP-DRG) based on hospital admissions, and directly by using full costing from the Spanish Network of Hospital Costs (SNHC) data. Standardized surgery rates for CS and NCS were 6.84 and 4.35 per 10,000 women, with variation across areas ranging from 2.95 to 3.11 per 10,000 inhabitants. In 2009, 9% of CS was performed as day-case surgery, although a third of the health care areas did not perform this type of surgery. Taking the SNHC as a reference, the cost of CS was estimated at 7,078 € and that of NCS was 6,161 €. Using AP-DRG, costs amounted to 9,036 € and 8,526 €, respectively. However, CS had lower opportunity costs than NCS when day-case surgery was performed frequently-more than 46% of cases (following SNHC estimates) or 23% of cases (following AP-DRG estimates). Day-case CS for breast cancer was found to be the best option in terms of opportunity-costs beyond a specific threshold, when both CS and NCS are elective. Copyright © 2013 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Nucleus accumbens neurons encode Pavlovian approach behaviors: evidence from an autoshaping paradigm.

PubMed

Day, Jeremy J; Wheeler, Robert A; Roitman, Mitchell F; Carelli, Regina M

2006-03-01

Environmental stimuli predictive of appetitive events can elicit Pavlovian approach responses that enhance an organism's ability to track and secure natural rewards, but may also contribute to the compulsive nature of drug addiction. Here, we examined the activity of individual nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons during an autoshaping paradigm. One conditioned stimulus (CS+, a retractable lever presented for 10 s) was immediately followed by the delivery of a 45-mg sucrose pellet to a food receptacle, while another stimulus (CS-, a separate retractable lever presented for 10 s) was never followed by sucrose. Approach responses directed at the CS+ and CS- were recorded as lever presses and had no experimental consequence. Rats (n = 9) selectively approached the CS+ on more than 80% of trials and were surgically prepared for electrophysiological recording. Of 76 NAc neurons, 57 cells (75%) exhibited increases and/or decreases in firing rate (i.e. termed 'phasically active') during the CS+ presentation and corresponding approach response. Forty-seven percent of phasically active cells (27 out of 57) were characterized by time-locked but transient increases in cell firing, while 53% (30 out of 57) showed a significant reduction in firing for the duration of the CS+. In contrast, the same excitatory subpopulation exhibited smaller increases in activity relative to CS- onset, while the inhibitory subpopulation showed no change in firing during the CS- period. The magnitude and prevalence of cue-related neural responses reported here indicates that the NAc encodes biologically significant, repetitive approach responses that may model the compulsive nature of drug addiction in humans.

The rat corticospinal system is functionally and anatomically segregated.

PubMed

Olivares-Moreno, Rafael; Moreno-Lopez, Yunuen; Concha, Luis; Martínez-Lorenzana, Guadalupe; Condés-Lara, Miguel; Cordero-Erausquin, Matilde; Rojas-Piloni, Gerardo

2017-12-01

The descending corticospinal (CS) projection has been considered a key element for motor control, which results from direct and indirect modulation of spinal cord pre-motor interneurons in the intermediate gray matter of the spinal cord, which, in turn, influences motoneurons in the ventral horn. The CS tract (CST) is also involved in a selective and complex modulation of sensory information in the dorsal horn. However, little is known about the spinal network engaged by the CST and the organization of CS projections that may encode different cortical outputs to the spinal cord. This study addresses the issue of whether the CS system exerts parallel control on different spinal networks, which together participate in sensorimotor integration. Here, we show that in the adult rat, two different and partially intermingled CS neurons in the sensorimotor cortex activate, with different time latencies, distinct spinal cord neurons located in the dorsal horn and intermediate zone of the same segment. The fact that different populations of CS neurons project in a segregated manner suggests that CST is composed of subsystems controlling different spinal cord circuits that modulate motor outputs and sensory inputs in a coordinated manner.

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

Simpson, H.J.; Williams, S.C.

We have obtained a large set of cores from the Hudson Estuary covering nearly all of the ambient salinity range. A number of core sections have been analyzed for /sup 137/Cs, /sup 134/Cs, /sup 60/Co and /sup 40/K by direct gamma counting and for /sup 239/,/sup 240/Pu and /sup 238/Pu by alpha-spectrometry. Rapid accumulation, up to 20 cm/year, of sediments containing /sup 239/,/sup 240/Pu, /sup 137/Cs, /sup 134/Cs and /sup 60/Co occurs in New York Harbor. Marginal coves upstream from the harbor also serve as depositional environments. The ratio of sediment /sup 239,240/Pu to /sup 137/Cs is higher than themore » fallout ratio in the seaward end of New York Harbor, despite the presence of a significant component of reactor /sup 137/Cs in the sediments, but lower than the range of ratios observed by others for nearshore environments with low sediment deposition rates. A substantial portion of gamma emitting fission product and activation nuclides released from the Indian Point nuclear facility have accumulated in New York Harbor, more than 60 km downstream from the release area. We have not yet established whether local transuranic releases to the Hudson have occurred.« less

Decomposing the components of friendship and friends' influence on adolescent drinking and smoking.

PubMed

Fujimoto, Kayo; Valente, Thomas W

2012-08-01

Friendship networks are an important source of peer influence. However, existing network studies vary in terms of how they operationalize friendship and friend's influence on adolescent substance use. This study uses social network analysis to characterize three types of friendship relations: (1) mutual or reciprocated, (2) directional, and (3) intimate friends. We then examine the relative effects of each friendship type on adolescent drinking and smoking behavior. Using a saturated sample from the Add Health data, a nationally representative sample of high school adolescents (N = 2,533 nested in 12 schools), we computed the level of exposure to drinking and smoking of friends using a network exposure model, and their association with individual drinking and smoking using fixed effect models. Results indicated that the influence from mutual or reciprocated type of friendship relations is stronger on adolescent substance use than directional, especially for smoking. Regarding the directionality of directional type of friendship relations, adolescents are equally influenced by both nominating and nominated friends on their drinking and smoking behavior. Results for intimate friends friendship relations indicated that the influence from "best friends" was weaker than the one from non-"best friends," which indicates that the order of friend nomination may not matter as much as nomination reciprocation. This study demonstrates that considering different features of friendship relationships is important in evaluating friends' influence on adolescent substance use. Related policy implications are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effects of minimum legal drinking age 21 laws on alcohol-related driving in the United States.

PubMed

McCartt, Anne T; Hellinga, Laurie A; Kirley, Bevan B

2010-04-01

To examine trends in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crashes among people younger than 21 in the United States and to review evidence on the effects of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws. Trends in alcohol-related crashes and alcohol consumption among young people were examined, and studies on the effects of lowering and raising the drinking age were reviewed. MLDA laws underwent many changes during the 20th century in the United States. Since July 1988, the MLDA has been 21 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Surveys tracking alcohol consumption among high school students and young adults found that drinking declined since the late 1970 s, and most of the decline occurred by the early 1990 s. These were the years when states were establishing, or reinstating, a MLDA-21. Among fatally injured drivers ages 16-20, the percentage with positive BACs declined from 61% in 1982 to 31% in 1995, a bigger decline than for older age groups; declines occurred among the ages directly affected by raising MLDAs (ages 18-20) and among young teenagers not directly affected (ages 16-17). Almost all studies designed specifically to gauge the effects of drinking age changes show MLDAs of 21 reduce drinking, problematic drinking, drinking and driving, and alcohol-related crashes among young people. Yet many underage people still drink, many drink and drive, and alcohol remains an important risk factor in serious crashes of young drivers, especially as they progress through the teenage years. Stepped-up enforcement of MLDA and drinking and driving laws can reduce underage drinking. Recent efforts to lower MLDAs to 18 and issue licenses to drink upon completion of alcohol education have gained local and national media attention. There is no evidence that alcohol education can even partially replace the effect of MLDA-21. The cause and effect relationship between MLDAs of 21 and reductions in highway crashes is clear. Initiatives to lower the drinking age to 18 ignore the demonstrated public health benefits of MLDAs of 21. Lowering the drinking age to 18 will increase highway crash deaths among young people. Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Delineation of the calcineurin-interacting region of cyclophilin B.

PubMed

Carpentier, M; Allain, F; Haendler, B; Slomianny, M C; Spik, G

2000-12-01

The immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A (CsA) inhibits T-cell function by blocking the phosphatase activity of calcineurin. This effect is mediated by formation of a complex between the drug and cyclophilin (CyP), which creates a composite surface able to make high-affinity contacts with calcineurin. In vitro, the CyPB/CsA complex is more effective in inhibiting calcineurin than the CyPA/CsA and CyPC/CsA complexes, pointing to fine structural differences in the calcineurin-binding region. To delineate the calcineurin-binding region of CyPB, we mutated several amino acids, located in two loops corresponding to CyPA regions known to be involved, as follows: R76A, G77H, D155R, and D158R. Compared to wild-type CyPB, the G77H, D155R, and D158R mutants had intact isomerase and CsA-binding activities, indicating that no major conformational changes had taken place. When complexed to CsA, they all displayed only reduced affinity for calcineurin and much decreased inhibition of calcineurin phosphatase activity. These results strongly suggest that the three amino acids G77, D155, and D158 are directly involved in the interaction of CyPB/CsA with calcineurin, in agreement with their exposed position. The G77, D155, and D158 residues are not maintained in CyPA and might therefore account for the higher affinity of the CyPB/CsA complex for calcineurin.

Solvent-Assisted Surface Engineering for High-Performance All-Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystal Light-Emitting Diodes.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; Liu, Baiquan; Zhao, Xin; Demir, Hilmi Volkan; Gu, Haoshuang; Sun, Handong

2018-06-13

All-inorganic cesium halide perovskite nanocrystals have attracted much interest in optoelectronic applications for the sake of the readily adjustable band gaps, high photoluminescence quantum yield, pure color emission, and affordable cost. However, because of the ineluctable utilization of organic surfactants during the synthesis, the structural and optical properties of CsPbBr 3 nanocrystals degrade upon transforming from colloidal solutions to solid thin films, which plagues the device operation. Here, we develop a novel solvent-assisted surface engineering strategy, producing high-quality CsPbBr 3 thin films for device applications. A good solvent is first introduced as an assembly trigger to conduct assembly in a one-dimensional direction, which is then interrupted by adding a nonsolvent. The nonsolvent drives the adjacent nanoparticles connecting in a two-dimensional direction. Assembled CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal thin films are densely packed and very smooth with a surface roughness of ∼4.8 nm, which is highly desirable for carrier transport in a light-emitting diode (LED) device. Meanwhile, the film stability is apparently improved. Benefiting from this facile and reliable strategy, we have achieved remarkably improved performance of CsPbBr 3 nanocrystal-based LEDs. Our results not only enrich the methods of nanocrystal surface engineering but also shed light on developing high-performance LEDs.

Nicotine disrupts safety learning by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue via the dorsal hippocampus.

PubMed

Connor, David A; Kutlu, Munir G; Gould, Thomas J

2017-07-01

Learned safety, a learning process in which a cue becomes associated with the absence of threat, is disrupted in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A bi-directional relationship exists between smoking and PTSD and one potential explanation is that nicotine-associated changes in cognition facilitate PTSD emotional dysregulation by disrupting safety associations. Therefore, we investigated whether nicotine would disrupt learned safety by enhancing fear associated with a safety cue. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were administered acute or chronic nicotine and trained over three days in a differential backward trace conditioning paradigm consisting of five trials of a forward conditioned stimulus (CS)+ (Light) co-terminating with a footshock unconditioned stimulus followed by a backward CS- (Tone) presented 20 s after cessation of the unconditioned stimulus. Summation testing found that acute nicotine disrupted learned safety, but chronic nicotine had no effect. Another group of animals administered acute nicotine showed fear when presented with the backward CS (Light) alone, indicating the formation of a maladaptive fear association with the backward CS. Finally, we investigated the brain regions involved by administering nicotine directly into the dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, and prelimbic cortex. Infusion of nicotine into the dorsal hippocampus disrupted safety learning.

Microstructural Analysis of Rat Ethanol and Water Drinking Patterns Using a Modified Operant Self-administration Model

PubMed Central

Robinson, Stacey L.; McCool, Brian A.

2015-01-01

Background Ethanol drinking pattern has emerged as an important factor in the development, maintenance, and health consequences of alcohol use disorders in humans. The goal of these studies was to further our understanding of this important factor through refinement of an operant rodent model of ethanol consumption capable of drinking pattern microstructural analysis. We evaluated measures of total consumption, appetitive behavior, and drinking microstructure for ethanol and water at baseline and assessed alterations induced by two treatments previously shown to significantly alter gross ethanol appetitive and consummatory behaviors in opposing directions. Methods Male Long Evans rats were trained on an FR1 operant paradigm which allowed for continuous liquid access until an 8 second pause in consumption resulted in termination of liquid access. Total appetitive and consummatory behaviors were assessed in addition to microstructural drinking pattern for both ethanol and water during a five day baseline drinking period, after chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure, and following administration of a cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716a. Results As in previous operant studies, ethanol vapor exposure resulted in increases in ethanol-directed responding, total consumption, and rate of intake. Further, striking differential alterations to ethanol and water bout size, duration, and lick pattern occurred consistent with alterations in hedonic evaluation. Vapor additionally specifically reduced the number of ethanol-directed lever presses which did not result in subsequent consumption. SR141716a administration reversed many of these effects. Conclusions The addition of microstructural analysis to operant self-administration by rodents provides a powerful and translational tool for the detection of specific alterations in ethanol drinking pattern which may enable insights into neural mechanisms underlying specific components of drug consumption. PMID:26037631

Microstructural analysis of rat ethanol and water drinking patterns using a modified operant self-administration model.

PubMed

Robinson, Stacey L; McCool, Brian A

2015-10-01

Ethanol drinking pattern has emerged as an important factor in the development, maintenance, and health consequences of alcohol use disorders in humans. The goal of these studies was to further our understanding of this important factor through refinement of an operant rodent model of ethanol consumption capable of drinking pattern microstructural analysis. We evaluated measures of total consumption, appetitive behavior, and drinking microstructure for ethanol and water at baseline and assessed alterations induced by two treatments previously shown to significantly alter gross ethanol appetitive and consummatory behaviors in opposing directions. Male Long-Evans rats were trained on an FR1 operant paradigm which allowed for continuous liquid access until an 8 second pause in consumption resulted in termination of liquid access. Total appetitive and consummatory behaviors were assessed in addition to microstructural drinking pattern for both ethanol and water during a five day baseline drinking period, after chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure, and following administration of a cannabinoid receptor antagonist SR141716a. As in previous operant studies, ethanol vapor exposure resulted in increases in ethanol-directed responding, total consumption, and rate of intake. Further, striking differential alterations to ethanol and water bout size, duration, and lick pattern occurred consistent with alterations in hedonic evaluation. Vapor additionally specifically reduced the number of ethanol-directed lever presses which did not result in subsequent consumption. SR141716a administration reversed many of these effects. The addition of microstructural analysis to operant self-administration by rodents provides a powerful and translational tool for the detection of specific alterations in ethanol drinking pattern which may enable insights into neural mechanisms underlying specific components of drug consumption. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Do parents and best friends influence the normative increase in adolescents' alcohol use at home and outside the home?

PubMed

van der Vorst, Haske; Engels, Rutger C M E; Burk, William J

2010-01-01

The present study explored the possible impact of parental supervision of adolescents' alcohol use and drinking with parents on concurrent and prospective associations between adolescents' drinking at home and drinking outside the home. The impact of drinking with their best friend, parental drinking behaviors, and sibling influence on adolescent alcohol use were also examined, as well as whether drinking at home and outside the home predicted problem drinking. We used three waves of longitudinal full-family data (fathers, mothers, and two adolescent siblings; N = 428). Bi-directional effects between drinking at home and drinking outside the home were found for both adolescents, with drinking in one setting predicting drinking in another setting over time. Both drinking at home and drinking outside the home predicted subsequent problem drinking. These associations did not differ as a function of adolescents drinking with parents or their best friend or of parental supervision of adolescents' alcohol use. Only adolescents' gender seemed to moderate these effects but solely in midadolescence. For 15-year-old boys (but not for girls), at-home drinking predicted outside-the-home drinking 1 year later. Taken together, adolescents' alcohol use increases over time, regardless of setting or with whom they drink. According to these results, prevention workers should focus on making parents more aware of their role in delaying the age at drinking onset.

"Smashed": A Quantitative Study on Adolescents' Attitude about Drinking and Driving after Viewing a Documentary Film

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jaffe, Jana M.

2012-01-01

The use of alcohol by adolescents is a growing problem. Adolescents drinking and driving continues to be of great concern to society, as adolescent death from drinking and driving is not only untimely and unwarranted, but also preventable. Consequently, the need to find an intervention that speaks directly to adolescents about the negative effects…

Why Do Athletes Drink Sports Drinks? A Learning Cycle to Explore the Concept of Osmosis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carlsen, Brook; Marek, Edmund A.

2010-01-01

Why does an athlete reach for a sports drink after a tough game or practice? The learning cycle presented in this article helps students answer this question. Learning cycles (Marek 2009) are designed to guide students through direct experiences with a particular concept. In this article, students learn about "osmosis," or the moving of water into…

Influence of Early Onset of Alcohol Use on the Development of Adolescent Alcohol Problems: A Longitudinal Binational Study

PubMed Central

Kim, Min Jung; Mason, W. Alex; Herrenkohl, Todd I.; Catalano, Richard F.; Toumbourou, John W.; Hemphill, Sheryl A.

2016-01-01

This study examined cross-national similarities in a developmental model linking early age of alcohol use onset to frequent drinking and heavy drinking and alcohol problems 1 and 2 years later in a binational sample of 13-year-old students from 2 states: Washington State, United States, and Victoria, Australia (N = 1,833). A range of individual, family, school, and peer influences were included in analyses to investigate their unique and shared contribution to development of early and more serious forms of alcohol use and harms from misuse. Data were collected annually over a 3-year period from ages 13 to 15. Analyses were conducted using multiple-group structural equation modeling. For both states, early use of alcohol predicted frequent drinking, which predicted alcohol problems. Family protective influences had no direct effects on heavy drinking, nor effects on alcohol harm in either state, whereas school protection directly reduced the risk of heavy drinking in both states. Exposure to antisocial peers and siblings predicted a higher likelihood of heavy drinking and alcohol harm for students in both Washington and Victoria. Implications for the prevention of adolescent alcohol problems are discussed. PMID:27699620

Cigarette smoke directly impairs skeletal muscle function through capillary regression and altered myofibre calcium kinetics in mice.

PubMed

Nogueira, Leonardo; Trisko, Breanna M; Lima-Rosa, Frederico L; Jackson, Jason; Lund-Palau, Helena; Yamaguchi, Masahiro; Breen, Ellen C

2018-05-23

Cigarette smoke components directly alter muscle fatigue resistance and intracellular muscle fibre Ca 2+ handling independent of a change in lung structure. Changes in muscle vascular structure are associated with a depletion of satellite cells. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ uptake is substantially impaired in myofibres during fatiguing contractions in mice treated with cigarette smoke extract. Cigarette smokers exhibit exercise intolerance before a decline in respiratory function. In the present study, the direct effects of cigarette smoke on limb muscle function were tested by comparing cigarette smoke delivered to mice by weekly injections of cigarette smoke extract (CSE), or nose-only exposure (CS) 5 days each week, for 8 weeks. Cigarette smoke delivered by either route did not alter pulmonary airspace size. Muscle fatigue measured in situ was 50% lower in the CSE and CS groups than in control. This was accompanied by 34% and 22% decreases in soleus capillary-to-fibre ratio of the CSE and CS groups, respectively, and a trend for fewer skeletal muscle actin-positive arterioles (P = 0.07). In addition, fewer quiescent satellite cells (Nes+Pax7+) were associated with soleus fibres in mice with skeletal myofibre VEGF gene deletion (decreased 47%) and CS exposed (decreased 73%) than with control fibres. Contractile properties of isolated extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles were impaired. In flexor digitorum brevis myofibres isolated from CSE mice, fatigue resistance was diminished by 43% compared to control and CS myofibres, and this was accompanied by a pronounced slowing in relaxation, an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ accumulation, and a slowing in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ uptake. These data suggest that cigarette smoke components may impair hindlimb muscle vascular structure, fatigue resistance and myofibre calcium handling, and these changes ultimately affect contractile efficiency of locomotor muscles independent of a change in lung function. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2018 The Physiological Society.

Theoretical evaluation of errors in aerosol optical depth retrievals from ground-based direct-sun measurements due to circumsolar and related effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocifaj, Miroslav; Gueymard, Christian A.

2011-02-01

Aerosol optical depth (AOD) has a crucial importance for estimating the optical properties of the atmosphere, and is constantly present in optical models of aerosol systems. Any error in aerosol optical depth (∂AOD) has direct and indirect consequences. On the one hand, such errors affect the accuracy of radiative transfer models (thus implying, e.g., potential errors in the evaluation of radiative forcing by aerosols). Additionally, any error in determining AOD is reflected in the retrieved microphysical properties of aerosol particles, which might therefore be inaccurate. Three distinct effects (circumsolar radiation, optical mass, and solar disk's brightness distribution) affecting ∂AOD are qualified and quantified in the present study. The contribution of circumsolar (CS) radiation to the measured flux density of direct solar radiation has received more attention than the two other effects in the literature. It varies rapidly with meteorological conditions and size distribution of the aerosol particles, but also with instrument field of view. Numerical simulations of the three effects just mentioned were conducted, assuming otherwise "perfect" experimental conditions. The results show that CS is responsible for the largest error in AOD, while the effect of brightness distribution (BD) has only a negligible impact. The optical mass (OM) effect yields negligible errors in AOD generally, but noticeable errors for low sun (within 10° of the horizon). In general, the OM and BD effects result in negative errors in AOD (i.e. the true AOD is smaller than that of the experimental determination), conversely to CS. Although the rapid increase in optical mass at large zenith angles can change the sign of ∂AOD, the CS contribution frequently plays the leading role in ∂AOD. To maximize the accuracy in AOD retrievals, the CS effect should not be ignored. In practice, however, this effect can be difficult to evaluate correctly unless the instantaneous aerosols size distribution is known from, e.g., inversion techniques.

Investigations into Monochloramine Biofilm Penetration

EPA Science Inventory

Biofilm in drinking water systems is undesirable. Free chlorine and monochloramine are commonly used as secondary drinking water disinfectants, but monochloramine is perceived to penetrate biofilm better than free chlorine. However, this hypothesis remains unconfirmed by direct b...

Understanding Associations between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Negative Consequences of Drinking: A Moderated Mediation Analysis

PubMed Central

Karriker-Jaffe, Katherine J.; Liu, HuiGuo; Kaplan, Lauren M.

2016-01-01

Aims We explored how neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) is related to negative consequences of drinking to explain why racial/ethnic minority group members are more at risk than Whites for adverse alcohol outcomes. We tested direct and indirect effects of neighborhood SES on alcohol problems and examined differences by gender and race. Methods We used data from the 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys (N=7,912 drinkers aged 18 and older; 49% female) linked with data from the 2000 Decennial Census in multivariate path models adjusting for individual demographics. Results In the full sample, neighborhood disadvantage had a significant direct path to increased negative consequences, with no indirect paths through depression, positive affect or pro-drinking attitudes. Neighborhood affluence had significant indirect paths to increased negative consequences through greater pro-drinking attitudes and increased heavy drinking. Sub-group analyses showed the indirect path from affluence to consequences held for White men, with no effects of neighborhood disadvantage. For racial/ethnic minority men, significant indirect paths emerged from both neighborhood disadvantage and affluence to increased consequences through greater pro-drinking attitudes and more heavy drinking. For minority women, there was an indirect effect of neighborhood affluence through reduced depression to fewer drinking consequences. There were limited neighborhood effects on alcohol outcomes for White women. Conclusions Interventions targeting pro-drinking attitudes in both affluent and disadvantaged areas may help reduce alcohol-related problems among men. Initiatives to improve neighborhood conditions could enhance mental health of minority women and reduce alcohol-related health disparities. PMID:26898509

Quantitative study of controlled substance bedside wasting, disposal and evaluation of potential ecologic effects.

PubMed

Mankes, Russell F; Silver, Charles D

2013-02-01

Drugs in wastewater arise from many sources. For health care, these include excretion and direct disposal (bedside wasting). The present study reports on the dispensing and wasting of 15 controlled substances (CS) at two health care facilities in Albany, NY over a nearly two year period. The study considered measures of ecotoxicity, drug metabolism, excretion and disposal of these CS. Potential alternatives to flushing of CS into wastewaters from healthcare facilities are discussed. Drug medication and waste collection records (12,345) included: numbers of drugs dispensed, returned and wasted. Overall, 8528 g of 15 CS were wasted. Three (midazolam, acetaminophen-codeine and fentanyl) accounted for 87.5% of the total wasted. Wasting varied by hospital, 14 CS at the academic medical center hospital and 8 at the surgical care center were wasted. Liquids were more frequently wasted than tablets or pills. Some combination drugs (acetaminophen (APAP)-codeine) were frequently (50% of drug dispensed) wasted while others were less wasted (APAP-hydrocodone-6.3%; APAP-oxycodone-1.3%). The 8 CS judged more hazardous to aquatic life were: APAP-codeine, APAP-hydrocodone, APAP-oxycodone, alprazolam, diazepam, fentanyl, midazolam, and testosterone. Ketamine, morphine, oxycodone and zolpidem were of lesser acute toxicity based on available LC50 values. These CS might provide a therapeutically equivalent alternative to the more environmentally harmful drugs. In health care facilities, professionals dispose of CS by bedside wasting into water or other receptacles. This can be avoided by returning CS to the hospital's pharmacy department, thence to a licensed distributor. Study of this process of drug wasting can identify opportunities for process improvements. We found 3 CS (APAP-codeine, midazolam and testosterone) where ½ to 1/3 of the drug was wasted and 5 others with 30 to 13% wasted. Knowledge of the adverse impacts from the release of highly toxic drugs into the environment might influence CS selection and disposal alternatives. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Different drinking motives, different adverse consequences? Evidence among adolescents from 10 European countries.

PubMed

Wicki, Matthias; Kuntsche, Emmanuel; Eichenberger, Yvonne; Aasvee, Katrin; Bendtsen, Pernille; Dankulincová Veselská, Zuzana; Demetrovics, Zsolt; Dzielska, Anna; Farkas, Judit; de Matos, Margarida Gaspar; Roberts, Chris; Tynjälä, Jorma; Välimaa, Raili; Vieno, Alessio

2017-11-01

This study, which builds on previous research demonstrating that drinking motives are associated with adverse consequences, investigates the associations between drinking motives and non-alcohol-attributed adverse consequences and disentangles alcohol-related and direct effects. On the basis of a sample of 22 841 alcohol-using 13- to 16-year-olds (50.6% female) from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Switzerland and Wales, structural equation models were used to estimate direct and indirect effects. Additionally, differences across countries were tested in a multigroup analysis. The indirect effect (via alcohol use) was greater for injuries and academic problems than for more general outcomes such as life dissatisfaction and negative body image. For social, enhancement and coping motives, we found positive indirect effects (via alcohol use) on injuries and academic problems; the association was negative for conformity motives. The direct effect, that is, the effect above and beyond alcohol use, indicated more negative consequences among those who tended to drink more frequently for coping motives. More negative consequences, such as injuries and negative body image, were also found among those who drink for conformity motives. The pattern of association was largely comparable across countries. While the actual mean level of drinking motives, alcohol use and adverse consequence varied across countries, the consistency of association patterns implies that drinking motive-inspired health promotion efforts are likely to be beneficial across Europe. This is particularly important for coping drinkers because they are especially prone to adverse consequences over and above their alcohol use. [Wicki M, Kuntsche E, Eichenberger Y, Aasvee K, Bendtsen P, Dankulincová Veselská Z, Demetrovics Z, Dzielska A, Farkas J, de Matos MG, Roberts C, Tynjälä J, Välimaa R, Vieno A. Different drinking motives, different adverse consequences? Evidence among adolescents from 10 European countries. © 2017 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs.

Selective cesium removal from radioactive liquid waste by crown ether immobilized new class conjugate adsorbent.

PubMed

Awual, Md Rabiul; Yaita, Tsuyoshi; Taguchi, Tomitsugu; Shiwaku, Hideaki; Suzuki, Shinichi; Okamoto, Yoshihiro

2014-08-15

Conjugate materials can provide chemical functionality, enabling an assembly of the ligand complexation ability to metal ions that are important for applications, such as separation and removal devices. In this study, we developed ligand immobilized conjugate adsorbent for selective cesium (Cs) removal from wastewater. The adsorbent was synthesized by direct immobilization of dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether onto inorganic mesoporous silica. The effective parameters such as solution pH, contact time, initial Cs concentration and ionic strength of Na and K ion concentrations were evaluated and optimized systematically. This adsorbent was exhibited the high surface area-to-volume ratios and uniformly shaped pores in case cavities, and its active sites kept open functionality to taking up Cs. The obtained results revealed that adsorbent had higher selectivity toward Cs even in the presence of a high concentration of Na and K and this is probably due to the Cs-π interaction of the benzene ring. The proposed adsorbent was successfully applied for radioactive Cs removal to be used as the potential candidate in Fukushima nuclear wastewater treatment. The adsorbed Cs was eluted with suitable eluent and simultaneously regenerated into the initial form for the next removal operation after rinsing with water. The adsorbent retained functionality despite several cycles during sorption-elution-regeneration operations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A critical analysis of the internal logic in the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) composite score and suggested solutions.

PubMed

Siordia, Carlos

2016-06-01

An individual's ability to live independently is commonly measured in health research interested in identifying risk factors associated with disablement processes. In order to inform clinical practice, population research has attempted to identify the contraction of "lived-space" by using various survey instruments. Studies assessing habitual movements over the environment with the Life-Space Assessment (LSA) survey instrument should carefully consider how the LSA Composite Score (LSA-CS) is computed. Until now, no publication has carefully delineated the assumptions guiding the internal logic used in the computation of the LSA-CS. Because the internal logic of the LSA may need further justification, a non-data-editing scoring algorithm should be considered. Compute LSA-CS by only using non-edited data. Paper first delineates the logic guiding the algorithm used in the formation of the LSA-CS and explains how the scoring creates and changes participant responses when they conflict with its internal logic. An easy-to-use SAS® 9.3 program for estimating a Non-Data-Edited LSA-CS (NDE-LSA-CS) is also presented. Researchers interested in assessing lived-space should carefully consider if the internal logic of the LSA-CS is warranted. Clinicians should know it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of outcome measures used when deciding on whether to apply the results of research to direct clinical practice. © The Author(s) 2015.

Preparation of chondroitin sulfate libraries containing disulfated disaccharide units and inhibition of thrombin by these chondroitin sulfates.

PubMed

Numakura, Mario; Kusakabe, Noriko; Ishige, Kazuya; Ohtake-Niimi, Shiori; Habuchi, Hiroko; Habuchi, Osami

2010-07-01

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) containing GlcA-GalNAc(4,6-SO(4)) (E unit) and CS containing GlcA(2SO(4))-GalNAc(6SO(4)) (D unit) have been implicated in various physiological functions. However, it has been poorly understood how the structure and contents of disulfated disaccharide units in CS contribute to these functions. We prepared CS libraries containing E unit or D unit in various proportions by in vitro enzymatic reactions using recombinant GalNAc 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase and uronosyl 2-O-sulfotransferase, and examined their inhibitory activity toward thrombin. The in vitro sulfated CSs containing disulfated disaccharide units showed concentration-dependent direct inhibition of thrombin when the proportion of E unit or D unit in the CSs was above 15-17%. The CSs containing both E unit and D unit exhibited higher inhibitory activity toward thrombin than the CSs containing either E unit or D unit alone, if the proportion of the total disulfated disaccharide units of these CSs was comparable. The thrombin-catalyzed degradation of fibrinogen, a physiological substrate for thrombin, was also inhibited by the CS containing both E unit and D unit. These observations indicate that the enzymatically prepared CS libraries containing various amounts of disulfated disaccharide units appear to be useful for elucidating the physiological function of disulfated disaccharide units in CS.

The gravity-induced re-localization of auxin efflux carrier CsPIN1 in cucumber seedlings: spaceflight experiments for immunohistochemical microscopy.

PubMed

Yamazaki, Chiaki; Fujii, Nobuharu; Miyazawa, Yutaka; Kamada, Motoshi; Kasahara, Haruo; Osada, Ikuko; Shimazu, Toru; Fusejima, Yasuo; Higashibata, Akira; Yamazaki, Takashi; Ishioka, Noriaki; Takahashi, Hideyuki

2016-01-01

Reorientation of cucumber seedlings induces re-localization of CsPIN1 auxin efflux carriers in endodermal cells of the transition zone between hypocotyl and roots. This study examined whether the re-localization of CsPIN1 was due to the graviresponse. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that, when cucumber seedlings were grown entirely under microgravity conditions in space, CsPIN1 in endodermal cells was mainly localized to the cell side parallel to the minor axis of the elliptic cross-section of the transition zone. However, when cucumber seeds were germinated in microgravity for 24 h and then exposed to 1 g centrifugation in a direction crosswise to the seedling axis for 2 h in space, CsPIN1 was re-localized to the bottom of endodermal cells of the transition zone. These results reveal that the localization of CsPIN1 in endodermal cells changes in response to gravity. Furthermore, our results suggest that the endodermal cell layer becomes a canal by which auxin is laterally transported from the upper to the lower flank in response to gravity. The graviresponse-regulated re-localization of CsPIN1 could be responsible for the decrease in auxin level, and thus for the suppression of peg formation, on the upper side of the transition zone in horizontally placed seedlings of cucumber.

The gravity-induced re-localization of auxin efflux carrier CsPIN1 in cucumber seedlings: spaceflight experiments for immunohistochemical microscopy

PubMed Central

Yamazaki, Chiaki; Fujii, Nobuharu; Miyazawa, Yutaka; Kamada, Motoshi; Kasahara, Haruo; Osada, Ikuko; Shimazu, Toru; Fusejima, Yasuo; Higashibata, Akira; Yamazaki, Takashi; Ishioka, Noriaki; Takahashi, Hideyuki

2016-01-01

Reorientation of cucumber seedlings induces re-localization of CsPIN1 auxin efflux carriers in endodermal cells of the transition zone between hypocotyl and roots. This study examined whether the re-localization of CsPIN1 was due to the graviresponse. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that, when cucumber seedlings were grown entirely under microgravity conditions in space, CsPIN1 in endodermal cells was mainly localized to the cell side parallel to the minor axis of the elliptic cross-section of the transition zone. However, when cucumber seeds were germinated in microgravity for 24 h and then exposed to 1g centrifugation in a direction crosswise to the seedling axis for 2 h in space, CsPIN1 was re-localized to the bottom of endodermal cells of the transition zone. These results reveal that the localization of CsPIN1 in endodermal cells changes in response to gravity. Furthermore, our results suggest that the endodermal cell layer becomes a canal by which auxin is laterally transported from the upper to the lower flank in response to gravity. The graviresponse-regulated re-localization of CsPIN1 could be responsible for the decrease in auxin level, and thus for the suppression of peg formation, on the upper side of the transition zone in horizontally placed seedlings of cucumber. PMID:28725738

Clinical judgment to estimate pretest probability in the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome under a Bayesian perspective.

PubMed

Cipoli, Daniel E; Martinez, Edson Z; Castro, Margaret de; Moreira, Ayrton C

2012-12-01

To estimate the pretest probability of Cushing's syndrome (CS) diagnosis by a Bayesian approach using intuitive clinical judgment. Physicians were requested, in seven endocrinology meetings, to answer three questions: "Based on your personal expertise, after obtaining clinical history and physical examination, without using laboratorial tests, what is your probability of diagnosing Cushing's Syndrome?"; "For how long have you been practicing Endocrinology?"; and "Where do you work?". A Bayesian beta regression, using the WinBugs software was employed. We obtained 294 questionnaires. The mean pretest probability of CS diagnosis was 51.6% (95%CI: 48.7-54.3). The probability was directly related to experience in endocrinology, but not with the place of work. Pretest probability of CS diagnosis was estimated using a Bayesian methodology. Although pretest likelihood can be context-dependent, experience based on years of practice may help the practitioner to diagnosis CS.

A glucose biosensor based on Prussian blue/chitosan hybrid film.

PubMed

Wang, Xueying; Gu, Haifang; Yin, Fan; Tu, Yifeng

2009-01-01

Based on electrodeposition of Prussian blue (PB) and chitosan (CS) directly on gold electrode, a hybrid film of PB/CS has been prepared. PB in this film shows a good stability compared with pure PB film when it worked in neutral and weak alkalescent solution and can act as redox mediator. It provides the potential application of such film in biosensor fabrication. A glucose biosensor was fabricated by electrodepositing glucose oxidase (GOD)/CS film on this PB/CS modified electrode. The optimum experimental conditions of biosensor for the detection of glucose have been studied in detail. Under the optimal conditions, a linear dependence of the catalytic current upon glucose concentration was obtained in the range of 2x10(-6) to 4x10(-4)M with a detection limit of 3.97x10(-7)M. The resulting biosensor could be applied to detect the blood sugar in real samples without any pretreatment.

Compressive sensing sectional imaging for single-shot in-line self-interference incoherent holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weng, Jiawen; Clark, David C.; Kim, Myung K.

2016-05-01

A numerical reconstruction method based on compressive sensing (CS) for self-interference incoherent digital holography (SIDH) is proposed to achieve sectional imaging by single-shot in-line self-interference incoherent hologram. The sensing operator is built up based on the physical mechanism of SIDH according to CS theory, and a recovery algorithm is employed for image restoration. Numerical simulation and experimental studies employing LEDs as discrete point-sources and resolution targets as extended sources are performed to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the method. The intensity distribution and the axial resolution along the propagation direction of SIDH by angular spectrum method (ASM) and by CS are discussed. The analysis result shows that compared to ASM the reconstruction by CS can improve the axial resolution of SIDH, and achieve sectional imaging. The proposed method may be useful to 3D analysis of dynamic systems.

From Animal House to Old School: a multiple mediation analysis of the association between college drinking movie exposure and freshman drinking and its consequences.

PubMed

Osberg, Timothy M; Billingsley, Katherine; Eggert, Meredith; Insana, Maribeth

2012-08-01

Does exposure to college drinking movies impact upon subsequent college student drinking? If so, what mechanisms mediate such an effect? In the first study to address these questions, we assessed college drinking movie exposure in a sample of 479 college freshmen early in their first semester and examined its relation to subsequent drinking and drinking consequences one month later. Hypothesized mediators of this effect included college alcohol beliefs (beliefs that drinking is central to college life), positive and negative alcohol expectancies, and descriptive and injunctive norms. Using bootstrapping procedures, results indicated that movie exposure exerted direct effects on both drinking and drinking consequences. Movie exposure also had significant indirect effects on drinking through all of the hypothesized mediators, with the exception of negative alcohol expectancies. All mediated movie exposure's effects on drinking consequences, with the exception of injunctive norms. Contrast analyses revealed that college alcohol beliefs had the strongest mediational effects in the relationship between movie exposure and both drinking and consequences. The implications of these findings for precollege alcohol education programs are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Linking masculinity to negative drinking consequences: the mediating roles of heavy episodic drinking and alcohol expectancies.

PubMed

Wells, Samantha; Flynn, Andrea; Tremblay, Paul F; Dumas, Tara; Miller, Peter; Graham, Kathryn

2014-05-01

This study extends previous research on masculinity and negative drinking consequences among young men by considering mediating effects of heavy episodic drinking (HED) and alcohol expectancies. We hypothesized that masculinity would have a direct relationship with negative consequences from drinking as well as indirect relationships mediated by HED and alcohol expectancies of courage, risk, and aggression. A random sample of 1,436 college and university men ages 19-25 years completed an online survey, including conformity to masculine norms, alcohol-related expectancies, HED, and negative drinking consequences. Regression analyses and structural equation modeling were used. Six of seven dimensions of masculinity and the alcohol expectancy scales were significantly associated with both HED and negative consequences. In multivariate regression models predicting HED and negative consequences, the playboy and violence dimensions of masculinity and the risk/aggression alcohol expectancy remained significant. HED and the risk-taking dimension of masculinity were also significant in the model predicting negative consequences. The structural equation model indicated that masculinity was directly associated with HED and negative consequences but also influenced negative consequences indirectly through HED and alcohol expectancies. The findings suggest that, among young adult male college and university students, masculinity is an important factor related to both HED and drinking consequences, with the latter effect partly mediated by HED and alcohol expectancies. Addressing male norms about masculinity may help to reduce HED and negative consequences from drinking.

Age-Related Changes in Associations Between Reasons for Alcohol Use and High-Intensity Drinking Across Young Adulthood.

PubMed

Patrick, Megan E; Evans-Polce, Rebecca; Kloska, Deborah D; Maggs, Jennifer L; Lanza, Stephanie T

2017-07-01

Analyses focus on whether self-reported reasons for drinking alcohol change in their associations with high-intensity drinking across the transition to adulthood. Self-report data on high-intensity drinking (10+ drinks) collected from the national Monitoring the Future study in 2005 to 2014 from those ages 18-26 were used (N = 2,664 [60% women] for all drinkers and 1,377 for heavy episodic [5+] drinkers; up to 6,541 person-waves). Time-varying effect modeling examined changes in the direction and magnitude of associations between eight reasons for drinking and high-intensity alcohol use across continuous age. Four reasons to drink showed quite stable associations with high-intensity drinking across age: drinking to get away from problems, to get high, to relax, and to sleep. Associations between two reasons and high-intensity drinking decreased with age: anger/frustration and to have a good time. The association between drinking because of boredom and high-intensity drinking increased with age. Drinking because it tastes good had a weak association with high-intensity drinking. Among heavy episodic drinkers, reasons for use also differentiated high-intensity drinking, with two exceptions: drinking to have a good time and to relax did not distinguish drinking 10+ drinks from drinking 5-9 drinks. Reasons for drinking are differentially associated with high-intensity drinking, compared with any other drinking and compared with lower intensity heavy drinking, across age during the transition to adulthood. Intervention programs seeking to mitigate alcohol-related harms should focus on reasons for use when they are the most developmentally salient.

Quality of drinking water from ponds in villages of Kolleru Lake region.

PubMed

Rao, A S; Rao, P R; Rao, N S

2001-01-01

Kolleru Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the districts of East and West Godavari of Andhra Pradesh. The major population centres in the Kolleru Lake region are the 148 villages of which 50 bed villages and 98 belt villages. All bed and belt villages in lake region have at least one drinking water pond. Drinking water ponds are filled with lake water during monsoon season and directly supplied to the public throughout the year. The water samples were collected from village drinking water ponds in a year by covering three seasons and analysed for different physico-chemical parameters to assess the quality of drinking water.

Single-trial evaluative conditioning can be moderated by instructed forgetting.

PubMed

Gast, Anne; Kattner, Florian

2016-09-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is a change in the valence of a conditioned stimulus (CS) due to previous pairing with an affective unconditioned stimulus (US). Several previous studies indicate that EC is related to memory of the CS-US pairs. Previous studies, however, typically cannot distinguish between the influence of CS-US knowledge during measurement and during encoding. In addition, by measuring rather than manipulating memory, they do not test the causal effect of memory on EC. The present study employed a "directed forgetting" procedure to the EC paradigm instructing participants to either forget or remember certain CS-US pairs. We found that EC effects after single learning trials were stronger for to-be-remembered than for to-be-forgotten pairs. Manipulation checks showed that the forgetting manipulation also successfully modulated memory for the target pairs and reduced both retroactive and proactive interference on memory for other pairs. Item-based analyses further demonstrated that the size of EC depended on CS-US memory. The results suggest that EC relies on available memory during measurement of the EC effect.

Effective adsorption and collection of cesium from aqueous solution using graphene oxide grown on porous alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Entani, Shiro; Honda, Mitsunori; Shimoyama, Iwao; Li, Songtian; Naramoto, Hiroshi; Yaita, Tsuyoshi; Sakai, Seiji

2018-04-01

Graphene oxide (GO) with a large surface area was synthesized by the direct growth of GO on porous alumina using chemical vapor deposition to study the Cs adsorption mechanism in aqueous solutions. Electronic structure analysis employing in situ near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements clarifies the Cs atoms bond via oxygen functional groups on GO in the aqueous solution. The Cs adsorption capacity was found to be as high as 650-850 mg g-1, which indicates that the GO/porous alumina acts as an effective adsorbent with high adsorption efficiency for radioactive nuclides in aqueous solutions.

USING AERATION FOR CORROSION CONTROL

EPA Science Inventory

Aeration is a useful drinking water treatment process. Aeration has been used to remove hydrogen sulfide, methane, radon, iron, manganese, and volatile organic contaminants (VOCs) from drinking water. Aeration is also effective in removing carbon dioxide which directly impacts ...

Chloramination of Organophosphorus Pesticides Found in Drinking Water Sources

EPA Science Inventory

The degradation of commonly detected organophosphorus (OP) pesticides, in drinking water sources, was investigated under simulated chloramination conditions. Due to monochloramine autodecomposition, it is difficult to observe the direct reaction of monochloramine with each OP pe...

Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists protect the kidney against the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine-A in normotensive and hypertensive rats

PubMed Central

Caires, A.; Fernandes, G.S.; Leme, A.M.; Castino, B.; Pessoa, E.A.; Fernandes, S.M.; Fonseca, C.D.; Vattimo, M.F.; Schor, N.; Borges, F.T.

2017-01-01

Cyclosporin-A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant associated with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Nephrotoxicity associated with CsA involves the increase in afferent and efferent arteriole resistance, decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor blockade with bosentan (BOS) and macitentan (MAC) antagonists on altered renal function induced by CsA in normotensive and hypertensive animals. Wistar and genetically hypertensive rats (SHR) were separated into control group, CsA group that received intraperitoneal injections of CsA (40 mg/kg) for 15 days, CsA+BOS and CsA+MAC that received CsA and BOS (5 mg/kg) or MAC (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 15 days. Plasma creatinine and urea, mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF and renal vascular resistance (RVR), and immunohistochemistry for ET-1 in the kidney cortex were measured. CsA decreased renal function, as shown by increased creatinine and urea. There was a decrease in RBF and an increase in MAP and RVR in normotensive and hypertensive animals. These effects were partially reversed by ET-1 antagonists, especially in SHR where increased ET-1 production was observed in the kidney. Most MAC effects were similar to BOS, but BOS seemed to be better at reversing cyclosporine-induced changes in renal function in hypertensive animals. The results of this work suggested the direct participation of ET-1 in renal hemodynamics changes induced by cyclosporin in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The antagonists of ET-1 MAC and BOS reversed part of these effects. PMID:29267497

Endothelin-1 receptor antagonists protect the kidney against the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine-A in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

PubMed

Caires, A; Fernandes, G S; Leme, A M; Castino, B; Pessoa, E A; Fernandes, S M; Fonseca, C D; Vattimo, M F; Schor, N; Borges, F T

2017-12-11

Cyclosporin-A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant associated with acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Nephrotoxicity associated with CsA involves the increase in afferent and efferent arteriole resistance, decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and glomerular filtration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptor blockade with bosentan (BOS) and macitentan (MAC) antagonists on altered renal function induced by CsA in normotensive and hypertensive animals. Wistar and genetically hypertensive rats (SHR) were separated into control group, CsA group that received intraperitoneal injections of CsA (40 mg/kg) for 15 days, CsA+BOS and CsA+MAC that received CsA and BOS (5 mg/kg) or MAC (25 mg/kg) by gavage for 15 days. Plasma creatinine and urea, mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF and renal vascular resistance (RVR), and immunohistochemistry for ET-1 in the kidney cortex were measured. CsA decreased renal function, as shown by increased creatinine and urea. There was a decrease in RBF and an increase in MAP and RVR in normotensive and hypertensive animals. These effects were partially reversed by ET-1 antagonists, especially in SHR where increased ET-1 production was observed in the kidney. Most MAC effects were similar to BOS, but BOS seemed to be better at reversing cyclosporine-induced changes in renal function in hypertensive animals. The results of this work suggested the direct participation of ET-1 in renal hemodynamics changes induced by cyclosporin in normotensive and hypertensive rats. The antagonists of ET-1 MAC and BOS reversed part of these effects.

Pavlovian autoshaping procedures increase plasma corticosterone levels in rats.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Silberman, Yuval; Williams, Kayon; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2002-06-01

Pavlovian autoshaping conditioned responses (CRs) are complex sequences of conditioned stimulus (CS)-directed skeletal-motor responses that are elicited by CS objects predictive of food unconditioned stimulus (US). Autoshaping CRs are observed under conditions known to be conducive to elevations in plasma corticosterone levels, as, for example, in response to the eating of food as well as in response to signals predictive of food. Two experiments investigated the relationships between Pavlovian autoshaping procedures, the performance of Pavlovian autoshaping CRs, and plasma corticosterone levels in male Long-Evans rats. In Experiment 1, rats in the CS-US paired group (n=30) were given 20 daily sessions of Pavlovian autoshaping training wherein the insertion of a retractable lever CS was followed by the response-independent presentation of the food US. Tail blood samples obtained after the 20th autoshaping session revealed higher plasma corticosterone levels in the CS-US paired group than in the CS-US random control group (n=10). In Experiment 2, rats (n=35) were assessed for basal plasma corticosterone levels 2 weeks prior to autoshaping training. Plasma samples obtained immediately following the first autoshaping session, and prior to the acquisition of lever-press autoshaping CR performance, revealed higher plasma corticosterone levels in the CS-US paired group (n=24) relative to basal levels. This effect was not observed in the CS-US random control group (n=11). Data suggest that corticosterone release is a physiological endocrine Pavlovian CR induced by lever CS-food US pairings during Pavlovian autoshaping procedures, rather than a by-product of autoshaping CR performance. Implications of the link between autoshaping procedures and corticosterone release are discussed.

Fear Conditioning Effects on Sensitivity to Drug Reward

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

lasting potentiation of cocaine seeking after withdrawal. J Neurosci. 24(7): 1604-11. Martinowich K, Hattori D, Wu H, Fouse S, He F, Hu Y, Fan G...the CS has activated the memory trace. At this time point, the treatment can potentially modify the memory trace directly and alter the CS-CR bond...organism to anticipate and prepare for potentially dangerous conditions (Maren, 2005). Fear conditioning is one of the central features of

Towards the development of laboratory methods for studying drinking games: Initial findings, methodological considerations, and future directions

PubMed Central

Silvestri, Mark M.; Lewis, Jennifer M.; Borsari, Brian; Correia, Christopher J.

2014-01-01

Background Drinking games are prevalent among college students and are associated with increased alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. There has been substantial growth in research on drinking games. However, the majority of published studies rely on retrospective self-reports of behavior and very few studies have made use of laboratory procedures to systematically observe drinking game behavior. Objectives The current paper draws on the authors’ experiences designing and implementing methods for the study of drinking games in the laboratory. Results The paper addressed the following key design features: (a) drinking game selection; (b) beverage selection; (c) standardizing game play; (d) selection of dependent and independent variables; and (e) creating a realistic drinking game environment. Conclusions The goal of this methodological review paper is to encourage other researchers to pursue laboratory research on drinking game behavior. Use of laboratory-based methodologies will facilitate a better understanding of the dynamics of risky drinking and inform prevention and intervention efforts. PMID:25192209

Drinking control attempts and encouragement of alcohol use in couple relationship--a qualitative approach.

PubMed

Suonpaa, Juhani

2005-01-01

The present study addresses previously neglected research areas among couples with normal drinking habits, namely control attempts and encouragement of drinking. In this study, semistructured interviews were conducted in 2001 with 27 individuals living in steady couple relationships in Helsinki. Forms of active social control of drinking were classified into four categories and were investigated on the dimensions of indirect-direct and mild-strong. Further analysis suggests that the form of control reflects the degree of individualization in relationships, at least when drinking is concerned. Later, the exploration of encouragement of drinking shows that the culturally crucial feature of the qualified drinker is the preservation of one's own will. Then, it is concluded that in a couple relationship, social control and encouragement of drinking are, above all, complementary. Finally, the significance of drinking's social control is not restricted to alcohol use only, and it is surprisingly great in couple relationships, especially in preventing deviant drinking behavior. Several factors are presented that contribute to the increase of social control's importance.

Upregulation of P-glycoprotein by probiotics in intestinal epithelial cells and in the dextran sulfate sodium model of colitis in mice

PubMed Central

Goyal, Sonia; Raheja, Geetu; Singh, Varsha; Akhtar, Maria; Nazir, Talat M.; Alrefai, Waddah A.; Gill, Ravinder K.; Dudeja, Pradeep K.

2011-01-01

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediates efflux of xenobiotics and bacterial toxins from the intestinal mucosa into the lumen. Dysregulation of P-gp has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease. Certain probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating inflammatory bowel disease. However, direct effects of probiotics on P-gp are not known. Current studies examined the effects of Lactobacilli on P-gp function and expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Caco-2 monolayers and a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis were utilized. P-gp activity was measured as verapamil-sensitive [3H]digoxin transepithelial flux. Multidrug resistant 1 (MDR1)/P-gp expression was measured by real-time quantitative PCR and immunoblotting. Culture supernatant (CS; 1:10 or 1:50, 24 h) of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Lactobacillus rhamnosus treatment of differentiated Caco-2 monolayers (21 days postplating) increased (∼3-fold) MDR1/P-gp mRNA and protein levels. L. acidophilus or L. rhamnosus CS stimulated P-gp activity (∼2-fold, P < 0.05) via phosphoinositide 3-kinase and ERK1/2 MAPK pathways. In mice, L. acidophilus or L. rhamnosus treatment (3 × 109 colony-forming units) increased mdr1a/P-gp mRNA and protein expression in the ileum and colon (2- to 3-fold). In the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model (3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days), the degree of colitis as judged by histological damage and myeloperoxidase activity was reduced by L. acidophilus. L. acidophilus treatment to DSS-treated mice blocked the reduced expression of mdr1a/P-gp mRNA and protein in the distal colon. These findings suggest that Lactobacilli or their soluble factors stimulate P-gp expression and function under normal and inflammatory conditions. These data provide insights into a novel mechanism involving P-gp upregulation in beneficial effects of probiotics in intestinal inflammatory disorders. PMID:21350189

Social cost of heavy drinking and alcohol dependence in high-income countries.

PubMed

Mohapatra, Satya; Patra, Jayadeep; Popova, Svetlana; Duhig, Amy; Rehm, Jürgen

2010-06-01

A comprehensive review of cost drivers associated with alcohol abuse, heavy drinking, and alcohol dependence for high-income countries was conducted. The data from 14 identified cost studies were tabulated according to the potential direct and indirect cost drivers. The costs associated with alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and heavy drinking were calculated. The weighted average of the total societal cost due to alcohol abuse as percent gross domestic product (GDP)--purchasing power parity (PPP)--was 1.58%. The cost due to heavy drinking and/or alcohol dependence as percent GDP (PPP) was estimated to be 0.96%. On average, the alcohol-attributable indirect cost due to loss of productivity is more than the alcohol-attributable direct cost. Most of the countries seem to incur 1% or more of their GDP (PPP) as alcohol-attributable costs, which is a high toll for a single factor and an enormous burden on public health. The majority of alcohol-attributable costs incurred as a consequence of heavy drinking and/or alcohol dependence. Effective prevention and treatment measures should be implemented to reduce these costs.

Synthesis of and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel TGF-β1-SF-CS three-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Tong, Shuang; Xu, Da-Peng; Liu, Zi-Mei; Du, Yang; Wang, Xu-Kai

2016-08-01

The role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in normal human fracture healing has been previously demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to examine the biocompatibility of TGF-β1-silk fibroin-chitosan (TGF-β1-SF-CS) three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds in order to construct an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering. We added TGF-β1 directly to the SF-CS scaffold to construct a 3D scaffold for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, and performed evaluations to determine whether it may have potential applications as a growth factor delivery device. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded on the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds and the silk fibroin-chitosan (SF-CS) scaffolds. On the TGF-β1‑SF-CS and the SF-CS scaffolds, the cell adhesion rate increased in a time‑dependent manner. Using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and analyzing the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression proved that TGF-β1 significantly enhanced the growth and proliferation of BMSCs on the SF-CS scaffolds in a time-dependent manner. To examine the in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis of the TGF-β1‑SF-CS scaffolds, the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds and the SF-CS scaffolds were implanted in rabbit mandibles and studied histologically and microradiographically. The 3D computed tomography (CT) scan and histological examinations of the samples showed that the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and extensive osteoconductivity with the host bone after 8 weeks. Moreover, the introduction of TGF-β1 to the SF-CS scaffolds markedly enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation, and this was confirmed using bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical evaluation, particularly at 8 weeks after implantation. We demonstrated that the TGF-β1‑SF-CS scaffolds possessed as good biocompatibility and osteogenesis as the hybrid ones. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TGF-β1-SF-CS scaffolds fulfilled the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering, and have the potential to be applied in orthopedic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery. Thus, TGF-β1-SF-CS composite scaffolds represent a promising, novel type of scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering.

Drinking Motives in the Prospective Prediction of Unique Alcohol-Related Consequences in College Students

PubMed Central

Merrill, Jennifer E.; Wardell, Jeffrey D.; Read, Jennifer P.

2014-01-01

Objective: Although college students experience a diverse range of alcohol consequences, most studies focus on global, rather than distinct, consequence types. One predictor of unique consequences—drinking motives—has been studied only cross-sectionally. We aimed to examine the prediction of unique alcohol consequence domains (social/interpersonal, academic/occupational, risky behavior, impaired control, poor self-care, diminished self-perception, blackout drinking, and physiological dependence) by coping and enhancement motives over the course of one year. We hypothesized that coping motives would directly predict and that enhancement motives would indirectly (through alcohol use) predict unique consequences. Method: Web surveys were administered to a sample of college students (n = 552, 62% female) at the beginning of the fall semester for 2 consecutive academic years. Structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect paths from motives to consequences. Results: The data supported hypothesized direct, prospective paths from coping motives to several alcohol consequences (impaired control, diminished self-perception, poor self-care, risky behaviors, academic/occupational, and physiological dependence). These associations were not mediated by alcohol consumption. Enhancement motives were indirectly associated with all eight consequence domains by way of increased alcohol use at follow-up. Models were invariant across gender, year in school, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Conclusions: Findings suggest that whether motives act as a final common pathway to problem drinking may depend on which motives and which drinking outcomes are examined. As coping motives demonstrate a direct link to unique alcohol problem types over time, individuals endorsing these motives may need to be prioritized for intervention. PMID:24411801

Targeted cutaneous delivery of ciclosporin A using micellar nanocarriers and the possible role of inter-cluster regions as molecular transport pathways.

PubMed

Lapteva, Maria; Santer, Verena; Mondon, Karine; Patmanidis, Ilias; Chiriano, Gianpaolo; Scapozza, Leonardo; Gurny, Robert; Möller, Michael; Kalia, Yogeshvar N

2014-12-28

Oral administration of ciclosporin A (CsA) is indicated in the treatment of severe recalcitrant plaque psoriasis. However, CsA is both nephro- and hepatotoxic and its systemic administration also exposes the patient to other severe side effects. Although topical delivery of CsA, targeted directly to psoriatic skin, would offer significant advantages, there are no topical formulations approved for dermatological use. The aim of this work was to formulate CsA loaded polymeric micelles using the biodegradable and biocompatible MPEG-dihexPLA diblock copolymer and to evaluate their potential for delivering the drug selectively into the skin without concomitant transdermal permeation. Micelle formulations were characterised with respect to drug content, size and morphology. Micelle and drug penetration pathways were subsequently visualised with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) using fluorescein labelled CsA (Fluo-CsA) and Nile-Red (NR) labelled copolymer. Visualisation studies typically use fluorescent dyes as "model drugs"; however, these may have different physicochemical properties to the drug molecule under investigation. Therefore, in this study it was decided to chemically modify CsA and to use this structurally similar fluorescent analogue to visualise molecular distribution and transport pathways. Molecular modelling techniques and experimental determination of log D served as molecular scale and macroscopic methods to compare the lipophilicity of CsA and Fluo-CsA. The spherical, homogeneous and nanometre-scale micelles (with Zav from 25 to 52 nm) increased the aqueous solubility of CsA by 518-fold. Supra-therapeutic amounts of CsA were delivered to human skin (1.4±0.6 μg/cm2, cf. a statistically equivalent 1.1±0.5 μg/cm2 for porcine skin) after application of the formulation with the lowest CsA and copolymer content (1.67±0.03 mg/ml of CsA and 5mg/ml of copolymer) for only 1h without concomitant transdermal permeation. Fluo-CsA was successfully synthesised, characterised and incorporated into fluorescent NR-MPEG-dihexPLA micelles; its conformation was not modified by the addition of fluorescein and its log D, measured from pH4 to 8, was equivalent to that of CsA. Fluo-CsA and NR-MPEG-dihexPLA copolymer were subsequently visualised in skin by CLSM. The images indicated that micelles were preferentially deposited between corneocytes and in the inter-cluster regions (i.e. between the clusters of corneocytes). Fluo-CsA skin penetration was deeper in these structures, suggesting that inter-cluster penetration is probably the preferred transport pathway responsible for the increased cutaneous delivery of CsA. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Insight into the structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties of the alkali hydride compounds, XH (X = Rb and Cs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaradat, Raed; Abu-Jafar, Mohammed; Abdelraziq, Issam; Mousa, Ahmad; Ouahrani, Tarik; Khenata, Rabah

2018-04-01

The equilibrium structural parameters, electronic and optical properties of the alkali hydrides RbH and CsH compounds in rock-salt (RS) and cesium chloride (CsCl) structures have been studied using the full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method. Wu and Cohen generalized gradient approximation (WC-GGA) was used for the exchange-correlation potential to compute the equilibrium structural parameters, such as the lattice constant (a0), the bulk modulus (B) and bulk modulus first order pressure derivative (B'). In addition to the WC-GGA, the modified Becke Johnson (mBJ) scheme has been also used to overcome the underestimation of the band gap energies. RbH and CsH compounds are found to be semiconductors (wide energy-band gap) using the WC-GGA method, while they are insulators using the mBJ-GGA method. Elastic constants, mechanical and thermodynamic properties were obtained by using the IRelast package. RbH and CsH compounds at ambient pressure are mechanically stable in RS and CsCl structures; they satisfy the Born mechanical stability criteria. Elastic constants (Cij), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (S) and Debye temperatures (θD) of RbH and CsH compounds decrease as the alkali radius increases. The RS structure of these compounds at ambient conditions is mechanically stronger than CsCl structure. RbH and CsH in RS and CsCl structures are suitable as dielectric compounds. The wide direct energy band gap for these compounds make them promising compounds for optoelectronic UV device applications. Both RbH and CsH have a wide absorption region, on the other hand RbH absorption is very huge compared to the CsH absorption, RbH is an excellent absorbent material, maximum absorption regions are located in the middle ultraviolet (MUV) region and far ultraviolet (FUV) region. The absorption coefficient α (w), imaginary part of the dielectric constant ɛ2(w) and the extinction coefficient k(w) vary in the same way. The present calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data, indicating the high accuracy of the performed calculations and reliability of the obtained results.

Characterization of scintillator-based detectors for few-ten-keV high-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging

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

Larsson, Jakob C., E-mail: jakob.larsson@biox.kth.se; Lundström, Ulf; Hertz, Hans M.

2016-06-15

Purpose: High-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging in the few-ten-keV range is becoming increasingly important in several applications, such as small-animal imaging and phase-contrast imaging. The detector properties critically influence the quality of such imaging. Here the authors present a quantitative comparison of scintillator-based detectors for this energy range and at high spatial frequencies. Methods: The authors determine the modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency for Gadox, needle CsI, and structured CsI scintillators of different thicknesses and at different photon energies. An extended analysis of the NPS allows for direct measurements of the scintillator effective absorption efficiency andmore » effective light yield as well as providing an alternative method to assess the underlying factors behind the detector properties. Results: There is a substantial difference in performance between the scintillators depending on the imaging task but in general, the CsI based scintillators perform better than the Gadox scintillators. At low energies (16 keV), a thin needle CsI scintillator has the best performance at all frequencies. At higher energies (28–38 keV), the thicker needle CsI scintillators and the structured CsI scintillator all have very good performance. The needle CsI scintillators have higher absorption efficiencies but the structured CsI scintillator has higher resolution. Conclusions: The choice of scintillator is greatly dependent on the imaging task. The presented comparison and methodology will assist the imaging scientist in optimizing their high-resolution few-ten-keV imaging system for best performance.« less

Characterization of scintillator-based detectors for few-ten-keV high-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging.

PubMed

Larsson, Jakob C; Lundström, Ulf; Hertz, Hans M

2016-06-01

High-spatial-resolution x-ray imaging in the few-ten-keV range is becoming increasingly important in several applications, such as small-animal imaging and phase-contrast imaging. The detector properties critically influence the quality of such imaging. Here the authors present a quantitative comparison of scintillator-based detectors for this energy range and at high spatial frequencies. The authors determine the modulation transfer function, noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency for Gadox, needle CsI, and structured CsI scintillators of different thicknesses and at different photon energies. An extended analysis of the NPS allows for direct measurements of the scintillator effective absorption efficiency and effective light yield as well as providing an alternative method to assess the underlying factors behind the detector properties. There is a substantial difference in performance between the scintillators depending on the imaging task but in general, the CsI based scintillators perform better than the Gadox scintillators. At low energies (16 keV), a thin needle CsI scintillator has the best performance at all frequencies. At higher energies (28-38 keV), the thicker needle CsI scintillators and the structured CsI scintillator all have very good performance. The needle CsI scintillators have higher absorption efficiencies but the structured CsI scintillator has higher resolution. The choice of scintillator is greatly dependent on the imaging task. The presented comparison and methodology will assist the imaging scientist in optimizing their high-resolution few-ten-keV imaging system for best performance.

Outcome of enamel matrix derivative treatment in the presence of chronic stress: histometric study in rats.

PubMed

Corrêa, Mônica G; Gomes Campos, Mirella L; Marques, Marcelo Rocha; Bovi Ambrosano, Glaucia Maria; Casati, Marcio Z; Nociti, Francisco H; Sallum, Enilson A

2014-07-01

Psychologic stress and clinical hypercortisolism have been related to direct effects on bone metabolism. However, there is a lack of information regarding the outcomes of regenerative approaches under the influence of chronic stress (CS). Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in periodontal regenerative procedures, resulting in improvement of clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this histomorphometric study is to evaluate the healing of periodontal defects after treatment with EMD under the influence of CS in the rat model. Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups; G1: CS (restraint stress for 12 hours/day) (n = 10), and G2: not exposed to CS (n = 10). Fifteen days after initiation of CS, fenestration defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar of all animals from both groups. After the surgeries, the defects of each animal were randomly assigned to two subgroups: non-treated control and treated with EMD. The animals were euthanized 21 days later. G1 showed less bone density (BD) compared to G2. EMD provided an increased defect fill (DF) in G1 and higher BD and new cementum formation (NCF) in both groups. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts was significantly higher in G1 when compared to G2 and in EMD-treated sites of both groups. CS may produce a significant detrimental effect on BD. EMD may provide greater DF compared to non-treated control in the presence of CS and increased BD and NCF in the presence or absence of CS.

Id1, Id2 and Id3 are induced in rat melanotrophs of the pituitary gland by dopamine suppression under continuous stress.

PubMed

Konishi, H; Ogawa, T; Nakagomi, S; Inoue, K; Tohyama, M; Kiyama, H

2010-09-15

In rats under continuous stress (CS) there is decreased hypothalamic dopaminergic innervation to the intermediate lobe (IL) of the pituitary gland, which causes hyperactivation and subsequent degeneration of melanotrophs in the IL. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the changes that occur in melanotrophs during CS. Using microarray analysis, we identified several genes differentially expressed in the IL under CS conditions. Among the genes up-regulated under CS conditions, we focused on the inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation (Id) family of dominant negative basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. RT-PCR, Western blotting and in situ hybridization confirmed the significant inductions of Id1, Id2 and Id3 in the IL of CS rats. Administration of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine prevented the inductions of Id1-3 in the IL of CS rats, whereas application of the dopamine D2 antagonist sulpiride induced significant expressions of Id1-3 in the IL of normal rats. Moreover, an in vitro study using primary cultured melanotrophs demonstrated a direct effect on Id1-3 inductions by dopamine suppression. These results suggest that the decreased dopamine levels in the IL during CS induce Id1-3 expressions in melanotrophs. Because Id family members inhibit various bHLH transcription factors, it is conceivable that the induced Id1-3 would cooperatively modulate gene expressions in melanotrophs under CS conditions to induce hormone secretion. (c) 2010 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Facile method for the synthesis of a magnetic CNTs-C@Fe-chitosan composite and its application in tetracycline removal from aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Ma, Jie; Zhuang, Yuan; Yu, Fei

2015-06-28

A magnetic CNTs-C@Fe-chitosan composite (CNTs-C@Fe-CS) was prepared based on as-prepared carbon nanotubes (APCNTs). The metal nanoparticles in APCNTs could be utilized directly without any purification treatment, and the carbon shells provide an effective barrier against oxidation, acid dissolution, and movement of the MNPs, thus ensuring the long-term stability of CNTs-C@Fe-CS. The results showed that CNTs-C@Fe-CS contained more abundant oxygen and nitrogen containing functional groups after chitosan modification and the composite had good magnetization characteristics, even in acidic solutions. Then CNTs-C@Fe-CS was used as an adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions. Adsorption experiments indicated that CNTs-C@Fe-CS have a good adsorption capacity (qe) of tetracycline (104 mg g(-1)). The Freundlich isotherm model fitted the experimental data better than the Langmuir isotherm model. Kinetic regression results showed that the adsorption kinetics was more accurately represented by a pseudo second-order model. Intra-particle diffusion was involved in the adsorption, but it was not the only rate-controlling step. Cu(2+) and humic acid could promote the adsorption of tetracycline on CNTs-C@Fe-CS. The CNTs-C@Fe-CS adsorbents could be effectively and quickly separated by applying an external magnetic field and the adsorption capacity was still maintained at 99.3 mg g(-1) after being used 10 times. Therefore, CNTs-C@Fe-CS is a promising magnetic nanomaterial for preconcentration and separation of organic pollutants for environmental remediation.

The synergistic effects of CO2 laser treatment with calcium silicate cement of antibacterial, osteogenesis and cementogenesis efficacy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, T.-T.; Kao, C.-T.; Chen, Y.-W.; Huang, T.-H.; Yang, J.-J.; Shie, M.-Y.

2015-05-01

Calcium silicate-based material (CS) has been successfully used in dental clinical applications. Some researches show that the antibacterial effects of CO2 laser irradiation are highly efficient when bacteria are embedded in biofilm, due to a photo-thermal mechanism. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on CS, with regard to both material characterization and human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLs) viability. CS was irradiated with a dental CO2 laser using directly mounted fiber optics in wound healing mode with a spot area of 0.25 cm2, and then stored in an incubator at 100% relative humidity and 37 °C for 1 d to set. The hPDLs cultured on CS were analyzed, along with their proliferation and odontogenic differentiation behaviors. The results indicate that the CO2 laser irradiation increased the amount of Ca and Si ions released from the CS, and regulated cell behavior. CO2 laser-irradiated CS promoted cementogenic differentiation of hPDLs, with the increased formation of mineralized nodules on the substrate’s surface. It also up-regulated the protein expression of multiple markers of cementogenic and the expression of cementum attachment protein. The current study provides new and important data about the effects of CO2 laser irradiation on CS. Taking cell functions into account, the Si concentration released from CS with laser irradiated may be lower than a critical value, and this information could lead to the development of new regenerative therapies for dentin and periodontal tissue.

RESPONDING TO WATER CONTAMINATION THREATS

EPA Science Inventory

Drinking water safety has traditionally been linked to water quality. The possibility of terrorism directed against the drinking water supply has emphasized the link between water safety and water security. The traditional paradigm in solving water quality problems is to develop ...

EPA Study of Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Resources

EPA Science Inventory

In its FY2010 Appropriations Committee Conference Report, Congress directed EPA to study the relationship between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water, using: • Best available science • Independent sources of information • Transparent, peer-reviewed process • Consultatio...

Dichoptic training improves contrast sensitivity in adults with amblyopia.

PubMed

Li, Jinrong; Spiegel, Daniel P; Hess, Robert F; Chen, Zidong; Chan, Lily Y L; Deng, Daming; Yu, Minbin; Thompson, Benjamin

2015-09-01

Dichoptic training is designed to promote binocular vision in patients with amblyopia. Initial studies have found that the training effects transfer to both binocular (stereopsis) and monocular (recognition acuity) visual functions. The aim of this study was to assess whether dichoptic training effects also transfer to contrast sensitivity (CS) in adults with amblyopia. We analyzed CS data from 30 adults who had taken part in one of two previous dichoptic training studies and assessed whether the changes in CS exceeded the 95% confidence intervals for change based on test-retest data from a separate group of observers with amblyopia. CS was measured using Gabor patches (0.5, 3 and 10cpd) before and after 10days of dichoptic training. Training was delivered using a dichoptic video game viewed through video goggles (n=15) or on an iPod touch equipped with a lenticular overlay screen (n=15). In the iPod touch study, training was combined with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the visual cortex. We found that dichoptic training significantly improved CS across all spatial frequencies tested for both groups. These results suggest that dichoptic training modifies the sensitivity of the neural systems that underpin monocular CS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mixed Valence Perovskite Cs2 Au2 I6 : A Potential Material for Thin-Film Pb-Free Photovoltaic Cells with Ultrahigh Efficiency.

PubMed

Debbichi, Lamjed; Lee, Songju; Cho, Hyunyoung; Rappe, Andrew M; Hong, Ki-Ha; Jang, Min Seok; Kim, Hyungjun

2018-03-01

New light is shed on the previously known perovskite material, Cs 2 Au 2 I 6 , as a potential active material for high-efficiency thin-film Pb-free photovoltaic cells. First-principles calculations demonstrate that Cs 2 Au 2 I 6 has an optimal band gap that is close to the Shockley-Queisser value. The band gap size is governed by intermediate band formation. Charge disproportionation on Au makes Cs 2 Au 2 I 6 a double-perovskite material, although it is stoichiometrically a single perovskite. In contrast to most previously discussed double perovskites, Cs 2 Au 2 I 6 has a direct-band-gap feature, and optical simulation predicts that a very thin layer of active material is sufficient to achieve a high photoconversion efficiency using a polycrystalline film layer. The already confirmed synthesizability of this material, coupled with the state-of-the-art multiscale simulations connecting from the material to the device, strongly suggests that Cs 2 Au 2 I 6 will serve as the active material in highly efficient, nontoxic, and thin-film perovskite solar cells in the very near future. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Coherent states field theory in supramolecular polymer physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fredrickson, Glenn H.; Delaney, Kris T.

2018-05-01

In 1970, Edwards and Freed presented an elegant representation of interacting branched polymers that resembles the coherent states (CS) formulation of second-quantized field theory. This CS polymer field theory has been largely overlooked during the intervening period in favor of more conventional "auxiliary field" (AF) interacting polymer representations that form the basis of modern self-consistent field theory (SCFT) and field-theoretic simulation approaches. Here we argue that the CS representation provides a simpler and computationally more efficient framework than the AF approach for broad classes of reversibly bonding polymers encountered in supramolecular polymer science. The CS formalism is reviewed, initially for a simple homopolymer solution, and then extended to supramolecular polymers capable of forming reversible linkages and networks. In the context of the Edwards model of a non-reacting homopolymer solution and one and two-component models of telechelic reacting polymers, we discuss the structure of CS mean-field theory, including the equivalence to SCFT, and show how weak-amplitude expansions (random phase approximations) can be readily developed without explicit enumeration of all reaction products in a mixture. We further illustrate how to analyze CS field theories beyond SCFT at the level of Gaussian field fluctuations and provide a perspective on direct numerical simulations using a recently developed complex Langevin technique.

Topical Colloidal Silver for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis

PubMed Central

Ooi, Mian L.; Richter, Katharina; Bennett, Catherine; Macias-Valle, Luis; Vreugde, Sarah; Psaltis, Alkis J.; Wormald, Peter-John

2018-01-01

Background: The management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is challenged by difficult-to-treat polymicrobial biofilms and multidrug resistant bacteria. This has led to the search for broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobial therapies. Colloidal silver (CS) has significant antibiofilm activity in vitro and in vivo against S. aureus, MRSA, and P. aeruginosa. However, due to the lack of scientific efficacy, it is only currently used as an alternative medicine. This is the first study looking at the safety and efficacy of CS in recalcitrant CRS. Methods: Patients were included when they had previously undergone endoscopic sinus surgery and presented with signs and symptoms of sinus infection with positive bacterial cultures. Twenty-two patients completed the study. Patients were allocated to 10–14 days of culture directed oral antibiotics with twice daily saline rinses (n = 11) or 10 days of twice daily 0.015 mg/mL CS rinses (n = 11). Safety observations included pre- and post-treatment serum silver levels, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and adverse event (AE) reporting. Efficacy was assessed comparing microbiology results, Lund Kennedy Scores (LKS) and symptom scores using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Results: CS demonstrated good safety profile with no major adverse events, no changes in UPSIT and transient serum silver level changes in 4 patients. CS patients had 1/11 (9.09%) negative cultures, compared to 2/11 (18.18%) in the control group upon completion of the study. Whilst not statistically significant, both groups showed similar improvement in symptoms and endoscopic scores. Conclusion: This study concludes that twice daily CS (0.015 mg/mL) sinonasal rinses for 10 days is safe but not superior to culture-directed oral antibiotics. Further studies including more patients and looking at longer treatment or improving the tonicity of the solution for better tolerability should be explored. PMID:29696011

An Improved Method of Heterogeneity Compensation for the Convolution / Superposition Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacques, Robert; McNutt, Todd

2014-03-01

Purpose: To improve the accuracy of convolution/superposition (C/S) in heterogeneous material by developing a new algorithm: heterogeneity compensated superposition (HCS). Methods: C/S has proven to be a good estimator of the dose deposited in a homogeneous volume. However, near heterogeneities electron disequilibrium occurs, leading to the faster fall-off and re-buildup of dose. We propose to filter the actual patient density in a position and direction sensitive manner, allowing the dose deposited near interfaces to be increased or decreased relative to C/S. We implemented the effective density function as a multivariate first-order recursive filter and incorporated it into GPU-accelerated, multi-energetic C/S implementation. We compared HCS against C/S using the ICCR 2000 Monte-Carlo accuracy benchmark, 23 similar accuracy benchmarks and 5 patient cases. Results: Multi-energetic HCS increased the dosimetric accuracy for the vast majority of voxels; in many cases near Monte-Carlo results were achieved. We defined the per-voxel error, %|mm, as the minimum of the distance to agreement in mm and the dosimetric percentage error relative to the maximum MC dose. HCS improved the average mean error by 0.79 %|mm for the patient volumes; reducing the average mean error from 1.93 %|mm to 1.14 %|mm. Very low densities (i.e. < 0.1 g / cm3) remained problematic, but may be solvable with a better filter function. Conclusions: HCS improved upon C/S's density scaled heterogeneity correction with a position and direction sensitive density filter. This method significantly improved the accuracy of the GPU based algorithm reaching the accuracy levels of Monte Carlo based methods with performance in a few tenths of seconds per beam. Acknowledgement: Funding for this research was provided by the NSF Cooperative Agreement EEC9731748, Elekta / IMPAC Medical Systems, Inc. and the Johns Hopkins University. James Satterthwaite provided the Monte Carlo benchmark simulations.

Topical Colloidal Silver for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

PubMed

Ooi, Mian L; Richter, Katharina; Bennett, Catherine; Macias-Valle, Luis; Vreugde, Sarah; Psaltis, Alkis J; Wormald, Peter-John

2018-01-01

Background: The management of recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is challenged by difficult-to-treat polymicrobial biofilms and multidrug resistant bacteria. This has led to the search for broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobial therapies. Colloidal silver (CS) has significant antibiofilm activity in vitro and in vivo against S. aureus, MRSA , and P. aeruginosa . However, due to the lack of scientific efficacy, it is only currently used as an alternative medicine. This is the first study looking at the safety and efficacy of CS in recalcitrant CRS. Methods: Patients were included when they had previously undergone endoscopic sinus surgery and presented with signs and symptoms of sinus infection with positive bacterial cultures. Twenty-two patients completed the study. Patients were allocated to 10-14 days of culture directed oral antibiotics with twice daily saline rinses ( n = 11) or 10 days of twice daily 0.015 mg/mL CS rinses ( n = 11). Safety observations included pre- and post-treatment serum silver levels, University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and adverse event (AE) reporting. Efficacy was assessed comparing microbiology results, Lund Kennedy Scores (LKS) and symptom scores using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Results: CS demonstrated good safety profile with no major adverse events, no changes in UPSIT and transient serum silver level changes in 4 patients. CS patients had 1/11 (9.09%) negative cultures, compared to 2/11 (18.18%) in the control group upon completion of the study. Whilst not statistically significant, both groups showed similar improvement in symptoms and endoscopic scores. Conclusion: This study concludes that twice daily CS (0.015 mg/mL) sinonasal rinses for 10 days is safe but not superior to culture-directed oral antibiotics. Further studies including more patients and looking at longer treatment or improving the tonicity of the solution for better tolerability should be explored.

Acculturation stress, drinking, and intimate partner violence among Hispanic couples in the U.S.

PubMed

Caetano, Raul; Ramisetty-Mikler, Suhasini; Caetano Vaeth, Patrice A; Harris, T Robert

2007-11-01

This article examines the cross-sectional association between acculturation, acculturation stress, drinking, and intimate partner violence (IPV) among Hispanic couples in the U.S. The data being analyzed come from a multicluster random household sample of couples interviewed as part of the second wave of a 5-year national longitudinal study. The overall survey response rate for the second wave is 72%. Participants are Hispanic couples 18 years of age or older (N = 387). Results show that, among men, lower acculturation is positively associated with higher acculturation stress, which is directly related to a greater likelihood of involvement in IPV. These associations are also present among women. However, data for women show an additional path linking higher levels of acculturation directly to IPV. Drinking is not associated with IPV, independent of gender. Acculturation, directly or through acculturation stress, increases the likelihood of IPV.

Radiation damage and recovery properties of common plastics PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) using a 137Cs gamma ray source up to 1.4 Mrad and 14 Mrad

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wetzel, J.; Tiras, E.; Bilki, B.; Onel, Y.; Winn, D.

2016-08-01

Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and polyethylene teraphthalate (PET) are cheap and common polyester plastics used throughout the world in the manufacturing of bottled drinks, containers for foodstuffs, and fibers used in clothing. These plastics are also known organic scintillators with very good scintillation properties. As particle physics experiments increase in energy and particle flux density, so does radiation exposure to detector materials. It is therefore important that scintillators be tested for radiation tolerance at these generally unheard of doses. We tested samples of PEN and PET using laser stimulated emission on separate tiles exposed to 1 Mrad and 10 Mrad gamma rays with a 137Cs source. PEN exposed to 1.4 Mrad and 14 Mrad emit 71.4% and 46.7% of the light of an undamaged tile, respectively, and maximally recover to 85.9% and 79.5% after 5 and 9 days, respectively. PET exposed to 1.4 Mrad and 14 Mrad emit 35.0% and 12.2% light, respectively, and maximally recover to 93.5% and 80.0% after 22 and 60 days, respectively.

Monitoring and assessment of radionuclide discharges from Temelín Nuclear Power Plant into the Vltava River (Czech Republic).

PubMed

Hanslík, Eduard; Ivanovová, Diana; Juranová, Eva; Simonek, Pavel; Jedináková-Krízová, Vĕra

2009-02-01

The paper summarizes impacts of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) on the Vltava and Labe River basins. The study is based on the results of long-term monitoring carried out before the plant operation (1989-2000), and subsequently during the plant operation (2001-2005). In the first period, the main objective was to determine background radionuclide levels remaining in the environment after global fallout and due to the Chernobyl accident. A decrease in the concentrations of (90)Sr, (134)Cs and (137)Cs, which was observed before the plant operation, continued also during the subsequent period. Apart from tritium, the results of the observation did not indicate any impacts of the plant on the concentrations of activation and fission products in the hydrosphere. The annual average tritium concentrations in the Vltava River were in agreement with predicted values. The maximum annual average tritium concentration (13.5 Bq L(-1)) was observed in 2004 downstream from the wastewater discharge in the Vltava River at Solenice. Estimated radiation doses for adults due to intakes of river water as drinking water contaminated by tritium are below 0.1 microSv y(-1).

A randomized, open-label, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of intravesical hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate versus dimethyl sulfoxide in women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.

PubMed

Cervigni, Mauro; Sommariva, Monica; Tenaglia, Raffaele; Porru, Daniele; Ostardo, Edoardo; Giammò, Alessandro; Trevisan, Silvia; Frangione, Valeria; Ciani, Oriana; Tarricone, Rosanna; Pappagallo, Giovanni L

2017-04-01

Intravesical instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) plus chondroitin sulfate (CS) in women with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) has shown promising results. This study compared the efficacy, safety, and costs of intravesical HA/CS (Ialuril ® , IBSA) to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Randomized, open-label, multicenter study involving 110 women with BPS/IC. The allocation ratio (HA/CS:DMSO) was 2:1. Thirteen weekly instillations of HA (1.6%)/CS (2.0%) or 50% DMSO were given. Patients were evaluated at 3 (end-of-treatment) and 6 months. Primary endpoint was reduction in pain intensity at 6 months by visual analogue scale (VAS) versus baseline. Secondary efficacy measurements were quality of life and economic analyses. A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed at 6 months in both treatment groups versus baseline (P < 0.0001) in the intention-to-treat population. Treatment with HA/CS resulted in a greater reduction in pain intensity at 6 months compared with DMSO for the per-protocol population (mean VAS reduction 44.77 ± 25.07 vs. 28.89 ± 31.14, respectively; P = 0.0186). There were no significant differences between treatment groups in secondary outcomes. At least one adverse event was reported in 14.86% and 30.56% of patients in the HA/CS and DMSO groups, respectively. There were significantly fewer treatment-related adverse events for HA/CS versus DMSO (1.35% vs. 22.22%; P = 0.001). Considering direct healthcare costs, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of HA/CS versus DMSO fell between 3735€/quality-adjusted life years (QALY) and 8003€/QALY. Treatment with HA/CS appears to be as effective as DMSO with a potentially more favorable safety profile. Both treatments increased health-related quality of life, while HA/CS showed a more acceptable cost-effectiveness profile. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modelling of caesium dynamics in the negative ion sources at BATMAN and ELISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mimo, A.; Wimmer, C.; Wünderlich, D.; Fantz, U.

2017-08-01

The knowledge of Cs dynamics in negative hydrogen ion sources is a primary issue to achieve the ITER requirements for the Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) systems, i.e. one hour operation with an accelerated ion current of 40 A of D- and a ratio between negative ions and co-extracted electrons below one. Production of negative ions is mostly achieved by conversion of hydrogen/deuterium atoms on a converter surface, which is caesiated in order to reduce the work function and increase the conversion efficiency. The understanding of the Cs transport and redistribution mechanism inside the source is necessary for the achievement of high performances. Cs dynamics was therefore investigated by means of numerical simulations performed with the Monte Carlo transport code CsFlow3D. Simulations of the prototype source (1/8 of the ITER NBI source size) have shown that the plasma distribution inside the source has the major effect on Cs dynamics during the pulse: asymmetry of the plasma parameters leads to asymmetry in Cs distribution in front of the plasma grid. The simulated time traces and the general simulation results are in agreement with the experimental measurements. Simulations performed for the ELISE testbed (half of the ITER NBI source size) have shown an effect of the vacuum phase time on the amount and stability of Cs during the pulse. The sputtering of Cs due to back-streaming ions was reproduced by the simulations and it is in agreement with the experimental observation: this can become a critical issue during long pulses, especially in case of continuous extraction as foreseen for ITER. These results and the acquired knowledge of Cs dynamics will be useful to have a better management of Cs and thus to reduce its consumption, in the direction of the demonstration fusion power plant DEMO.

AFM Structural Characterization of Drinking Water Biofilm ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Due to the complexity of mixed culture drinking water biofilm, direct visual observation under in situ conditions has been challenging. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the three dimensional morphology and arrangement of drinking water relevant biofilm in air and aqueous solution. Operating parameters were optimized to improve imaging of structural details for a mature biofilm in liquid. By using a soft cantilever (0.03 N/m) and slow scan rate (0.5 Hz), biofilm and individual bacterial cell’s structural topography were resolved and continuously imaged in liquid without loss of spatial resolution or sample damage. The developed methodology will allow future in situ investigations to temporally monitor mixed culture drinking water biofilm structural changes during disinfection treatments. Due to the complexity of mixed culture drinking water biofilm, direct visual observation under in situ conditions has been challenging. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the three dimensional morphology and arrangement of drinking water relevant biofilm in air and aqueous solution. Operating parameters were optimized to improve imaging of structural details for a mature biofilm in liquid. By using a soft cantilever (0.03 N/m) and slow scan rate (0.5 Hz), biofilm and individual bacterial cell’s structural topography were resolved and continuously imaged in liquid without loss of spatial resolution or sample damage. The developed methodo

40 CFR 141.65 - Maximum residual disinfectant levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... 141.65 Section 141.65 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS National Primary Drinking Water... only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with this subpart...

40 CFR 141.65 - Maximum residual disinfectant levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

.... 141.65 Section 141.65 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS National Primary Drinking Water... only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with this subpart...

40 CFR 141.65 - Maximum residual disinfectant levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

.... 141.65 Section 141.65 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS National Primary Drinking Water... only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with this subpart...

40 CFR 141.65 - Maximum residual disinfectant levels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

.... 141.65 Section 141.65 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) WATER PROGRAMS (CONTINUED) NATIONAL PRIMARY DRINKING WATER REGULATIONS National Primary Drinking Water... only ground water not under the direct influence of surface water must comply with this subpart...

Combat-acquired traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, and their relative associations with postdeployment binge drinking

PubMed Central

Adams, Rachel Sayko; Larson, Mary Jo; Corrigan, John D.; Ritter, Grant A.; Horgan, Constance M.; Bray, Robert M.; Williams, Thomas V.

2014-01-01

Objective To examine whether experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on a recent combat deployment was associated with postdeployment binge drinking, independent of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Using the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors among Active Duty Military Personnel, an anonymous survey completed by 28,546 personnel, the study sample included 6,824 personnel who had a combat deployment in the past year. Path analysis was used to examine whether PTSD accounted for the total association between TBI and binge drinking. Main Measures The dependent variable, binge drinking days, was an ordinal measure capturing the number of times personnel drank 5+ drinks on one occasion (4+ for women) in the past month. TBI-level captured the severity of TBI after a combat injury event exposure: TBI-AC (altered consciousness only), TBI-LOC≤20 (loss of consciousness up to 20 minutes), and TBI-LOC>20 (loss of consciousness greater than 20 minutes). APTSD positive screen relied on the standard diagnostic cutoff of 50+ on the PCL-C. Results The final path model found that while the direct effect of TBI (0.097) on binge drinking was smaller than that of PTSD (0.156), both were significant. Almost 70% of the total effect of TBI on binge drinking was from the direct effect; only 30% represented the indirect effect through PTSD. Conclusion Further research is needed to replicate these findings and to understand the underlying mechanisms that explain the relationship between TBI and increased postdeployment drinking. PMID:25310293

Motivation to change as a mediator for the longitudinal relationships of gender and alcohol severity with one-year drinking outcome.

PubMed

Small, Jeon; Ounpraseuth, Songthip; Curran, Geoffrey M; Booth, Brenda M

2012-05-01

We examined whether motivation to change mediated the relationships between gender and baseline alcohol severity with drinking outcome at 12-month follow-up in a longitudinal community sample. Data were from baseline and 12-month interviews from the Rural Alcohol Study, a probability sample of rural and urban at-risk drinkers (N = 733) from six southern states. At-risk drinkers were identified through a telephone-screening interview. Measures of motivation (problem recognition and taking action) were the resultant two factors derived from the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. Items on social consequences of drinking measured alcohol severity. Structural equation models examined relationships between baseline alcohol severity and motivation with drinks per drinking day at 12 months. We identified significant, direct paths between drinking at 12 months and alcohol severity and taking action with an unstandardized estimate of 0.116 (p < .05), alcohol severity and problem recognition (0.423, p < .01), and each of the two "motivation" latent constructs-problem recognition (1.846, p < .01) and taking action (-0.660, p < .01). Finally, the combined direct and negative effect of gender on alcohol consumption at 12-month follow-up was statistically significant, with an unstandardized estimate of -0.970 (p < .01). The current study offers evidence for motivation to change as a viable mechanism through which alcohol severity is associated with subsequent drinking outcomes. More research is needed to further explore the persistence of motivation to change on drinking outcomes over time.

Synthesis and luminescence of Mn-doped Cs2AgInCl6 double perovskites.

PubMed

K, Nila Nandha; Nag, Angshuman

2018-05-17

Metal halide double perovskites (DPs) are being explored as stable and non-toxic alternatives of Pb-halide perovskites. Typically DPs exhibit a wide (>2.5 eV) and/or indirect bandgap, limiting their applications in the visible region. Here we impart the visible-light emission property in direct bandgap Cs2AgInCl6 DPs by doping Mn2+ ions. Synthesis, characterization and luminescence of metal halide double perovskites are reported.

Direct coupled-channels deperturbation analysis of the A{sup 1}Σ{sup +} ∼ b{sup 3}Π complex in LiCs with experimental accuracy

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

Kowalczyk, P., E-mail: Pawel.Kowalczyk@fuw.edu.pl; Jastrzebski, W.; Szczepkowski, J.

2015-06-21

We have carried out the direct deperturbation analysis of about 780 rovibronic term values of the strongly spin-orbit (SO) coupled A{sup 1}Σ{sup +} and b{sup 3}Π states of the {sup 7}Li{sup 133}Cs molecule recorded by polarization labelling spectroscopy technique. The explicit A{sup 1}Σ{sup +} ∼ b{sup 3}Π{sub Ω=0,1,2} coupled-channels treatment allowed us to reproduce 95% experimental term values with a standard deviation of 0.05 cm{sup −1} which is close to the accuracy of the present experiment. The initial potential energy curves (PECs) of the mutually perturbed states and SO matrix elements were ab initio evaluated in the basis of themore » spin-averaged wave functions. The empirically refined PECs and SO functions, along with the theoretical transition dipole moments, were used to predict energy and radiative properties of the A ∼ b complex for low J levels of both {sup 7}Li{sup 133}Cs and {sup 6}Li{sup 133}Cs isotopologues. The reasonable candidates for the stimulated Raman transitions between initial Feshbach resonance states, the mixed levels of the A ∼ b complex, and absolute ground X{sup 1}Σ{sup +} (v = 0 and J = 0) state were identified.« less

The production and sputtering of S2 by keV ion bombardment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boring, J. W.; Chrisey, D. B.; Oshaughnessy, D. J.; Phipps, J. A.; Zhao, N.

1986-01-01

The ion bombardment of S-containing molecules in comets is simulated experimentally. Mass-analyzed 30-keV beams of Ar(+) and He(+) are directed at solid S, H2S, and CS2 targets at temperatures 15 K, and the neutral molecular species produced are ionized and analyzed using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The dominant species detected are S1 and S2 for the S target, H2S and S2 for the H2S target, and S, CS, S2, and CS2 for the CS2 target. In the latter case, it is found that after about 10 to the 14th He(+) ions/sq cm have struck the target, further sputtering is prevented by formation of a dark brown deposit which is stable at room temperature; the residue forms more slowly when Ar(+) ions are used. These results, indicating relatively efficient S2 production by ion bombardment, are applied to theoretical models of S2 production and/or ejection by solar-wind, solar-flare, or cosmic-ray ions striking comets. It is found that direct solar-wind production of S2 by sputtering is unlikely at realistic bombardment rates, but that H2S-S2 conversion by energetic ions could be significant, with less stringent ice-temperature and irradiation-flux constraints than in the case of S2 production by photons.

Cue exposure in moderation drinking: a comparison with cognitive-behavior therapy.

PubMed

Sitharthan, T; Sitharthan, G; Hough, M J; Kavanagh, D J

1997-10-01

To date, the published controlled trials on exposure to alcohol cues have had an abstinence treatment goal. A modification of cue exposure (CE) for moderation drinking, which incorporated priming doses of alcohol, could train participants to stop drinking after 2 to 3 drinks. This study examined the effects of modified CE within sessions, combined with directed homework practice. Nondependent problem drinkers who requested a moderation drinking goal were randomly allocated to modified CE or standard cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for alcohol abuse. Both interventions were delivered in 6 90-min group sessions. Eighty-one percent of eligible participants completed treatment and follow-up assessment. Over 6 months, CE produced significantly greater reductions than CBT in participants' reports of drinking frequency and consumption on each occasion. No pretreatment variables significantly predicted outcome. The modified CE procedure appears viable for nondependent drinkers who want to adopt a moderate drinking goal.

Lung morphometry using hyperpolarized 129 Xe multi-b diffusion MRI with compressed sensing in healthy subjects and patients with COPD.

PubMed

Zhang, Huiting; Xie, Junshuai; Xiao, Sa; Zhao, Xiuchao; Zhang, Ming; Shi, Lei; Wang, Ke; Wu, Guangyao; Sun, Xianping; Ye, Chaohui; Zhou, Xin

2018-05-04

To demonstrate the feasibility of compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate the acquisition of hyperpolarized (HP) 129 Xe multi-b diffusion MRI for quantitative assessments of lung microstructural morphometry. Six healthy subjects and six chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects underwent HP 129 Xe multi-b diffusion MRI (b = 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 s/cm 2 ). First, a fully sampled (FS) acquisition of HP 129 Xe multi-b diffusion MRI was conducted in one healthy subject. The acquired FS dataset was retrospectively undersampled in the phase encoding direction, and an optimal twofold undersampled pattern was then obtained by minimizing mean absolute error (MAE) between retrospective CS (rCS) and FS MR images. Next, the FS and CS acquisitions during separate breath holds were performed on five healthy subjects (including the above one). Additionally, the FS and CS synchronous acquisitions during a single breath hold were performed on the sixth healthy subject and one COPD subject. However, only CS acquisitions were conducted in the rest of the five COPD subjects. Finally, all the acquired FS, rCS and CS MR images were used to obtain morphometric parameters, including acinar duct radius (R), acinar lumen radius (r), alveolar sleeve depth (h), mean linear intercept (L m ), and surface-to-volume ratio (SVR). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Bland-Altman plot were employed to assess the fidelity of the CS reconstruction. Moreover, the t-test was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the multi-b diffusion MRI with CS in clinical applications. The retrospective results demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between rCS and FS measurements using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P > 0.05). Good agreement between measurements obtained with the CS and FS acquisitions during separate breath holds was demonstrated in Bland-Altman plots of slice differences. Specifically, the mean biases of the R, r, h, L m , and SVR between the CS and FS acquisitions were 1.0%, 2.6%, -0.03%, 1.5%, and -5.5%, respectively. Good agreement between measurements with the CS and FS acquisitions was also observed during the single breath-hold experiments. Furthermore, there were significant differences between the morphometric parameters for the healthy and COPD subjects (P < 0.05). Our study has shown that HP 129 Xe multi-b diffusion MRI with CS could be beneficial in lung microstructural assessments by acquiring less data while maintaining the consistent results with the FS acquisitions. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Enhanced water-solubility and antibacterial activity of novel chitosan derivatives modified with quaternary phosphonium salt.

PubMed

Zhu, Dan; Cheng, Honghao; Li, Jianna; Zhang, Wenwen; Shen, Yuanyuan; Chen, Shaojun; Ge, Zaochuan; Chen, Shiguo

2016-04-01

Chitosan (CS) has been widely recognized as an important biomaterial due to its good antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, CS is insoluble in water in neutral and alkaline aqueous solution due to the linear aggregation of chain molecules and the formation of crystallinity. This is one of the key factors that limit its practical applications. Therefore, improving the solubility of CS in neutral and alkaline aqueous solution is a primary research direction for biomedical applications. In this paper, a reactive antibacterial compound (4-(2,5-Dioxo-pyrrolidin-1-yloxycarbonyl)-benzyl)-triphenyl-phosphonium bromide (NHS-QPS) was synthesized for chemical modification of CS, and a series of novel polymeric antimicrobial agents, N-quaternary phosphonium chitosan derivatives (N-QPCSxy, x=1-2,y=1-4) were obtained. The water solubilities and antibacterial activities of N-QPCSxy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated compare to CS. The water solubility of N-QPCSxy was all better than that of CS at neutral pH aqueous solution, particularly, N-QPCS14 can be soluble in water over the pH range of 3 to 12. The antibacterial activities of CS derivatives were improved by introducing quaternary phosphonium salt, and antibacterial activity of N-QPCSxy increases with degree of substitution. Overall, N-QPCS14 represents a novel antibacterial polymer material with good antibacterial activity, waters solubility and low cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

UAS Modeling of the Communication Links Study Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Birr, Richard; Murray, Jennifer; Girgis, nancy

2011-01-01

There were many links calculated for this and the other scenarios. The rain was analyzed for 99.9% availability with rain rated of none, 20 mm/hr and 90 mm/hr at a height of 5 km out to 25 NM. This was done for each scenario for LOS and for BLOS links for Scenario 5 and 6. Scenario 1 was a LOS-only scenario. Use of two 3 dB Antennas on both ends. The CS2 was unable to maintain a control RF Link during the flight. The largest access gap periods between object top and bottom UA antennae were caused by terrain (ridges and hills). The CS Antenna was changed to High Gain Directional Antenna, all three CS maintained lock on vehicle. There were RF dropouts between the top and bottom UA antennae caused by aircraft obstructions (fuselage, wings, wheel assembles, etc.). Note that for this study antenna locations were placed on top and bottom center of the UA body. Future study should include actual UA antenna locations on the aircraft providing manufactures are willing to provide information. The importance of CS location(s) was demonstrated for primary or backup CS. With a second backup CS placed in a suitable location the UA was able to maintain an overall RF link. The actual location of both backup CSs required the antenna location to be place 150 ft above ground in order to establish a RF link between the UA and CS.

The metabolomic approach identifies a biological signature of low-dose chronic exposure to cesium 137.

PubMed

Grison, Stéphane; Martin, Jean-Charles; Grandcolas, Line; Banzet, Nathalie; Blanchardon, Eric; Tourlonias, Elie; Defoort, Catherine; Favé, Gaëlle; Bott, Romain; Dublineau, Isabelle; Gourmelon, Patrick; Souidi, Maâmar

2012-01-01

Reports have described apparent biological effects of (137)Cs (the most persistent dispersed radionuclide) irradiation in people living in Chernobyl-contaminated territory. The sensitive analytical technology described here should now help assess the relation of this contamination to the observed effects. A rat model chronically exposed to (137)Cs through drinking water was developed to identify biomarkers of radiation-induced metabolic disorders, and the biological impact was evaluated by a metabolomic approach that allowed us to detect several hundred metabolites in biofluids and assess their association with disease states. After collection of plasma and urine from contaminated and non-contaminated rats at the end of the 9-months contamination period, analysis with a LC-MS system detected 742 features in urine and 1309 in plasma. Biostatistical discriminant analysis extracted a subset of 26 metabolite signals (2 urinary, 4 plasma non-polar, and 19 plasma polar metabolites) that in combination were able to predict from 68 up to 94% of the contaminated rats, depending on the prediction method used, with a misclassification rate as low as 5.3%. The difference in this metabolic score between the contaminated and non-contaminated rats was highly significant (P = 0.019 after ANOVA cross-validation). In conclusion, our proof-of-principle study demonstrated for the first time the usefulness of a metabolomic approach for addressing biological effects of chronic low-dose contamination. We can conclude that a metabolomic signature discriminated (137)Cs-contaminated from control animals in our model. Further validation is nevertheless required together with full annotation of the metabolic indicators.

Vowels in infant-directed speech: More breathy and more variable, but not clearer.

PubMed

Miyazawa, Kouki; Shinya, Takahito; Martin, Andrew; Kikuchi, Hideaki; Mazuka, Reiko

2017-09-01

Infant-directed speech (IDS) is known to differ from adult-directed speech (ADS) in a number of ways, and it has often been argued that some of these IDS properties facilitate infants' acquisition of language. An influential study in support of this view is Kuhl et al. (1997), which found that vowels in IDS are produced with expanded first and second formants (F1/F2) on average, indicating that the vowels are acoustically further apart in IDS than in ADS. These results have been interpreted to mean that the way vowels are produced in IDS makes infants' task of learning vowel categories easier. The present paper revisits this interpretation by means of a thorough analysis of IDS vowels using a large-scale corpus of Japanese natural utterances. We will show that the expansion of F1/F2 values does occur in spontaneous IDS even when the vowels' prosodic position, lexical pitch accent, and lexical bias are accounted for. When IDS vowels are compared to carefully read speech (CS) by the same mothers, however, larger variability among IDS vowel tokens means that the acoustic distances among vowels are farther apart only in CS, but not in IDS when compared to ADS. Finally, we will show that IDS vowels are significantly more breathy than ADS or CS vowels. Taken together, our results demonstrate that even though expansion of formant values occurs in spontaneous IDS, this expansion cannot be interpreted as an indication that the acoustic distances among vowels are farther apart, as is the case in CS. Instead, we found that IDS vowels are characterized by breathy voice, which has been associated with the communication of emotional affect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Role of Cesium Cation in Controlling Interphasial Chemistry on Graphite Anode in Propylene Carbonate-Rich Electrolytes

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

Xiang, Hongfa; Mei, Donghai; Yan, Pengfei

2015-09-10

Propylene carbonate (PC) is seldom used in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its sustained co-intercalation into graphene structure and the eventual graphite exfoliation, despite potential advantages it brings, such as wider liquid range and lower cost. Here we discover that cesium cation (Cs+), originally used to suppress dendrite growth of Li metal anode, directs the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphitic anode in PC-rich electrolytes through preferential solvation. Effective suppression of PC-decomposition and graphite-exfoliation was achieved when the ratio of ethylene carbonate (EC)/PC in electrolytes was so adjusted that the reductive decomposition of Cs+-(EC)m (1≤m≤2) complex precedes thatmore » of Li+-(PC)n (3≤n≤5). The interphase directed by Cs+ is stable, ultrathin and compact, leading to significant improvements in LIB performances. In a broader context, the accurate tailoring of SEI chemical composition by introducing a new solvation center represents a fundamental breakthrough in manipulating interfacial reactions processes that once were elusive.« less

A comparison of pecking generated by serial, delay, and trace autoshaping procedures1

PubMed Central

Newlin, Robert J.; LoLordo, Vincent M.

1976-01-01

Pigeons were exposed to serial, delay, and trace autoshaping procedures. In Experiment I, all conditioned stimuli (CSs) were changes in illumination of the response key. The number of trials to acquisition of the keypeck increased from serial, to 4-sec delay, 8-sec delay, and 8-sec trace procedures, in that order. In Experiment II, which used a longer intertrial interval, trials to criterion increased from 8-sec delay, to 28-sec delay, 8-sec trace, and 28-sec trace procedures, in that order. In Experiment III, two groups received serial procedures in which the first CS was either a tone or a houselight, and the second was a keylight. The tone group acquired the key peck more rapidly than the houselight group. Early in conditioning in these experiments, and when the conditioned stimulus was a change in the keylight, there was a short latency to the onset of pecking and pecking was directed at the CS. After extensive conditioning, or when the CS was relatively diffuse, pecking still occurred, but had a longer latency and was not reliably directed toward the conditioned stimulus. PMID:16811907

[Health hazards of energy drinks--the situation in Israel and the world].

PubMed

Raviv, Bennidor; Zaidani, Haitam; Israelit, Shlomo Hanan

2014-01-01

Since 1987, with the introduction of the first commercial energy drink in Europe, the level of sale of these drinks increased rapidly throughout the western world. These drinks are based on caffeine that is found in them ndependently, and in other ingredients. Other ingredients in these drinks potentiate the effects of caffeine. Caffeine acts in the organism through inhibition and activation of various receptors, and thus affects almost all the body systems. There is an increasing body of evidence about the medical hazards of uncontrolled use of these drinks, with neurologic, psychiatric, cardiovascular and metabolic complications. There is a direct link between use of energy drinks and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Due to the above, health authorities in Israel and around the world have started addressing the regulatory, medical and informative aspects of the issue. In spite all of the above, there is lack of awareness of the public and medical teams about the hazards of cousuming these drinks.

Cross sections for direct and dissociative ionization of NH3 and CS2 by electron impact

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rao, M. V. V. S.; Srivastava, S. K.

1991-01-01

A crossed electron beam-molecular beam collision geometry is used to measure cross sections for the production of positive ions by electron impact on NH3 and CS2. Ionization cross-section data for NH3 and the values of various cross sections are presented, as well as ionization efficiency curves for CS2. Considerable differences are found between the various results on NH3. The present values are close to the data of Djuric et al. (1981). The semiempirical calculations of Hare and Meath (1987) differ considerably in the absolute values of cross sections. Discrepancies were observed in comparisons of cross sections of other fragment ions resulting from the ionization and dissociate ionization of NH3.

Removal of trace organic chemicals and performance of a novel hybrid ultrafiltration-osmotic membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Holloway, Ryan W; Regnery, Julia; Nghiem, Long D; Cath, Tzahi Y

2014-09-16

A hybrid ultrafiltration-osmotic membrane bioreactor (UFO-MBR) was investigated for over 35 days for nutrient and trace organic chemical (TOrC) removal from municipal wastewater. The UFO-MBR system uses both ultrafiltration (UF) and forward osmosis (FO) membranes in parallel to simultaneously extract clean water from an activated sludge reactor for nonpotable (or environmental discharge) and potable reuse, respectively. In the FO stream, water is drawn by osmosis from activated sludge through an FO membrane into a draw solution (DS), which becomes diluted during the process. A reverse osmosis (RO) system is then used to reconcentrate the diluted DS and produce clean water suitable for direct potable reuse. The UF membrane extracts water, dissolved salts, and some nutrients from the system to prevent their accumulation in the activated sludge of the osmotic MBR. The UF permeate can be used for nonpotable reuse purposes (e.g., irrigation and toilet flushing). Results from UFO-MBR investigation illustrated that the chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus removals were greater than 99%, 82%, and 99%, respectively. Twenty TOrCs were detected in the municipal wastewater that was used as feed to the UFO-MBR system. Among these 20 TOrCs, 15 were removed by the hybrid UFO-MBR system to below the detection limit. High FO membrane rejection was observed for all ionic and nonionic hydrophilic TOrCs and lower rejection was observed for nonionic hydrophobic TOrCs. With the exceptions of bisphenol A and DEET, all TOrCs that were detected in the DS were well rejected by the RO membrane. Overall, the UFO-MBR can operate sustainably and has the potential to be utilized for direct potable reuse applications.

Effects of Propylene Carbonate Content in CsPF6-Containing Electrolytes on the Enhanced Performances of Graphite Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

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

Zheng, Jianming; Yan, Pengfei; Cao, Ruiguo

2016-02-10

Cesium salt has been demonstrated as an efficient electrolyte additive in suppressing the lithium (Li) dendrite formation and directing the formation of an ultrathin and stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) even in propylene carbonate (PC)-ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes. Here, we further investigate the effect of PC content in the presence of CsPF6 additive (0.05 M) on the performances of graphite electrode in Li||graphite half cells and in graphite||LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA) full cells. It is found that the performance of graphite electrode is also affected by PC content even though CsPF6 additive is present in the electrolytes. An optimal PC content ofmore » 20% by weight in the solvent mixtures is identified. The enhanced electrochemical performance of graphite electrode is attributed to the synergistic effects of the Cs+ additive and the PC solvent. The formation of a robust, ultrathin and compact SEI layer containing lithium-enriched species on the graphite electrode, directed by Cs+, effectively suppresses the PC co-intercalation and thus prevents the graphite exfoliation. This SEI layer is only permeable for de-solvated Li+ ions and allows fast Li+ ion transport through it, which therefore largely alleviates the Li dendrite formation on graphite electrode during lithiation even at high current densities. The presence of low-melting-point PC solvent also enables the sustainable operation of the graphite||NCA full cells under a wide spectrum of temperatures. The fundamental findings of this work shed light on the importance of manipulating/maintaining the electrode/electrolyte interphasial stability in a variety of energy storage devices.« less

Studies of Inelastic Collisions of NaK and NaCs Molecules with Atomic Perturbers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Joshua A.

We have investigated collisions of NaK molecules in the first excited state [2(A)1Sigma+], with Ar and He collision partners using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIF) and polarization-labeling (PL) spectroscopy in a two-step excitation scheme. Additionally, we have investigated collisions of NaCs molecules in the first excited state [2(A)1Sigma +] with Ar and He perturbers using the LIF technique. We use a pump-probe, two-step excitation process. The pump laser prepares the molecule in a particular ro-vibrational (v, J) level in the A state. The probe laser frequency is scanned over transitions to the 31Π in NaK or to the 53Π in NaCs. In addition to observing strong direct lines, we also see weak collisional satellite lines that arise from collisions in the intermediate state that take the molecule from the prepared level (v, J) to level (v, J + Delta J). The ratio of the intensity of the collisional line to the intensity of the direct line in LIF and PL yield information about population and orientation transfer. Our results show a propensity for DeltaJ=even collisions of NaK with Ar and an even stronger propensity for collisions with He. Collisions of NaCs with Ar do not show any such J=even propensity. Preliminary investigations of collisions of NaCs with He seem to indicate a slight J=even propensity. In addition, we observe that rotationally inelastic collisions of excited NaK molecules with potassium atoms destroy almost all of the orientation, while collisions with argon destroy about one third to two thirds and collisions with helium destroy only about zero to one third of the initial orientation.

[Drinking water quality and safety].

PubMed

Gómez-Gutiérrez, Anna; Miralles, Maria Josepa; Corbella, Irene; García, Soledad; Navarro, Sonia; Llebaria, Xavier

2016-11-01

The purpose of drinking water legislation is to guarantee the quality and safety of water intended for human consumption. In the European Union, Directive 98/83/EC updated the essential and binding quality criteria and standards, incorporated into Spanish national legislation by Royal Decree 140/2003. This article reviews the main characteristics of the aforementioned drinking water legislation and its impact on the improvement of water quality against empirical data from Catalonia. Analytical data reported in the Spanish national information system (SINAC) indicate that water quality in Catalonia has improved in recent years (from 88% of analytical reports in 2004 finding drinking water to be suitable for human consumption, compared to 95% in 2014). The improvement is fundamentally attributed to parameters concerning the organoleptic characteristics of water and parameters related to the monitoring of the drinking water treatment process. Two management experiences concerning compliance with quality standards for trihalomethanes and lead in Barcelona's water supply are also discussed. Finally, this paper presents some challenges that, in the opinion of the authors, still need to be incorporated into drinking water legislation. It is necessary to update Annex I of Directive 98/83/EC to integrate current scientific knowledge, as well as to improve consumer access to water quality data. Furthermore, a need to define common criteria for some non-resolved topics, such as products and materials in contact with drinking water and domestic conditioning equipment, has also been identified. Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Emotion dysregulation and peer drinking norms uniquely predict alcohol-related problems via motives.

PubMed

Simons, Raluca M; Hahn, Austin M; Simons, Jeffrey S; Murase, Hanako

2017-08-01

This study examined the relationships between emotion dysregulation, peer drinking norms, drinking motives, and alcohol-related outcomes among 435 college students. We examined the mediating roles of drinking motives when predicting alcohol consumption and related problems from the subscales of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz and Roemer, 2004) via negative and positive reinforcement models. First, we hypothesized that individuals who lack in emotion regulation strategies or have difficulties in accepting negative emotions are more likely to drink to cope. Additionally, we hypothesized that individuals who act impulsively or become distracted when upset as well as those with higher peer drinking norms are more likely to drink for social and enhancement motives. The results of the path model indicated that limited access to emotion regulation strategies significantly predicted alcohol-related problems via both depression and anxiety coping motives, but did not predict alcohol consumption. Nonacceptance of emotional responses was not significantly associated with coping motives. Impulsivity had a significant direct relationship with alcohol problems. Difficulty in engaging in goal-directed behaviors predicted both enhancement and social motives, but only enhancement motives in turn predicted consumption. Norms indirectly predicted problems via enhancement motives and consumption. The results indicated that using alcohol to reduce negative or to increase positive emotions increases alcohol consumption and alcohol-related problems. Overall, results advance our understanding of the mechanisms of increased alcohol use and problems among college students. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gender differences and gender convergence in alcohol use over the past three decades (1984-2008), The HUNT Study, Norway.

PubMed

Bratberg, Grete Helen; C Wilsnack, Sharon; Wilsnack, Richard; Håvås Haugland, Siri; Krokstad, Steinar; Sund, Erik Reidar; Bjørngaard, Johan Haakon

2016-08-05

To examine changes in men's and women's drinking in Norway over a 20-year period, in order to learn whether such changes have led to gender convergence in alcohol drinking. Repeated cross-sectional studies (in 1984-86, 1995-97, and 2006-08) of a large general population living in a geographically defined area (county) in Norway. Information about alcohol drinking is based on self-report questionnaires. Not all measures were assessed in all three surveys. Adult alcohol drinking patterns have changed markedly over a 20-year period. Abstaining has become rarer while consumption and rates of recent drinking and problematic drinking have increased. Most changes were in the same direction for men and women, but women have moved towards men's drinking patterns in abstaining, recent drinking, problematic drinking and consumption. Intoxication (among recent drinkers) has decreased in both genders, but more in men than in women. The declines in gender differences, however, were age-specific and varied depending on which drinking behavior and which beverage was taken into account. There has been a gender convergence in most drinking behaviours, including lifetime history of problem drinking, over the past 2-3 decades in this Norwegian general population, but the reasons for this convergence appear to be complex.

Racial discrimination, binge drinking, and negative drinking consequences among black college students: serial mediation by depressive symptoms and coping motives.

PubMed

Desalu, Jessica M; Kim, Jueun; Zaso, Michelle J; Corriders, Sydnee R; Loury, Jacoby A; Minter, Monique L; Park, Aesoon

2017-09-21

Experiences of racial discrimination have been associated with diverse negative health outcomes among racial minorities. However, extant findings of the association between racial discrimination and alcohol behaviors among Black college students are mixed. The current study examined mediating roles of depressive symptoms and coping drinking motives in the association of perceived racial discrimination with binge drinking and negative drinking consequences. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of Black college students attending a predominantly White institution in the northeastern US (N = 251, 66% female, mean age = 20 years). Results from path analysis showed that, when potential mediators were not considered, perceived racial discrimination was positively associated with negative drinking consequences but not frequency of binge drinking. Serial multiple mediation analysis showed that depressive symptoms and in turn coping drinking motives partially mediated the associations of perceived racial discrimination with both binge drinking frequency and negative drinking consequences (after controlling for sex, age, and negative life events). Perceived racial discrimination is directly associated with experiences of alcohol-related problems, but not binge drinking behaviors among Black college students. Affective responses to perceived racial discrimination experiences and drinking to cope may serve as risk mechanisms for alcohol-related problems in this population. Implications for prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.

SIMPLE: implementation of recommendations from international evidence-based guidelines on caesarean sections in the Netherlands. Protocol for a controlled before and after study.

PubMed

Melman, Sonja; Schoorel, Ellen N C; Dirksen, Carmen; Kwee, Anneke; Smits, Luc; de Boer, Froukje; Jonkers, Madelaine; Woiski, Mallory D; Mol, Ben Willem J; Doornbos, Johannes P R; Visser, Harry; Huisjes, Anjoke J M; Porath, Martina M; Delemarre, Friso M C; Kuppens, Simone M I; Aardenburg, Robert; Van Dooren, Ivo M A; Vrouenraets, Francis P J M; Lim, Frans T H; Kleiverda, Gunilla; van der Salm, Paulien C M; de Boer, Karin; Sikkema, Marko J; Nijhuis, Jan G; Hermens, Rosella P M G; Scheepers, Hubertina C J

2013-01-03

Caesarean section (CS) rates are rising worldwide. In the Netherlands, the most significant rise is observed in healthy women with a singleton in vertex position between 37 and 42 weeks gestation, whereas it is doubtful whether an improved outcome for the mother or her child was obtained. It can be hypothesized that evidence-based guidelines on CS are not implemented sufficiently. Therefore, the present study has the following objectives: to develop quality indicators on the decision to perform a CS based on key recommendations from national and international guidelines; to use the quality indicators in order to gain insight into actual adherence of Dutch gynaecologists to guideline recommendations on the performance of a CS; to explore barriers and facilitators that have a direct effect on guideline application regarding CS; and to develop, execute, and evaluate a strategy in order to reduce the CS incidence for a similar neonatal outcome (based on the information gathered in the second and third objectives). An independent expert panel of Dutch gynaecologists and midwives will develop a set of quality indicators on the decision to perform a CS. These indicators will be used to measure current care in 20 hospitals with a population of 1,000 women who delivered by CS, and a random selection of 1,000 women who delivered vaginally in the same period. Furthermore, by interviewing healthcare professionals and patients, the barriers and facilitators that may influence the decision to perform a CS will be measured. Based on the results, a tailor-made implementation strategy will be developed and tested in a controlled before-and-after study in 12 hospitals (six intervention, six control hospitals) with regard to effectiveness, experiences, and costs. This study will offer insight into the current CS care and into the hindering and facilitating factors influencing obstetrical policy on CS. Furthermore, it will allow definition of patient categories or situations in which a tailor-made implementation strategy will most likely be meaningful and cost effective, without negatively affecting the outcome for mother and child. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01261676.

Binge Drinking and Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics Among Mexican Americans Residing on the U.S.-Mexico Border.

PubMed

Vaeth, Patrice A C; Caetano, Raul; Mills, Britain A

2015-09-01

This study examines the association between perceived neighborhood violence, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy, and binge drinking among Mexican Americans residing on the U.S.-Mexico border. Data were collected from a multistage cluster sample of adult Mexican Americans residing in the U.S.-Mexico border areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (N = 1,307). The survey weighted response rate was 67%. Face-to-face interviews lasting approximately 1 hour were conducted in respondents' homes in English or Spanish. Path analysis was used to test whether collective efficacy mediated the impact of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking. Among 30+-year-old women, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking in a theoretically predicted way: Lower perceptions of violence predicted an increased perception of collective efficacy, which in turn, predicted less binge drinking. Direct effects of violence perceptions on binge were nonsignificant. Younger 18- to 29-year-old women showed a similar (but nonsignificant) pattern of effects. Perceived collective efficacy also mediated the effects of perceived violence on binge drinking among men, but in opposite ways for older and younger men. Older men showed the same mediating effect as older women, but the effect reversed among younger men due to a strong, positive relation between collective efficacy and binge drinking. There were also age differences in the direct effect of violence perceptions on binge drinking: Perceptions of violence predicted more binge drinking among young men, but less among older men. These results highlight the complexity of people's responses to neighborhood characteristics in regard to their drinking. Young men in particular seem to react very differently to perceptions of collective efficacy than other groups. However, among both men and women, collective efficacy may come to play an increasingly important protective role in health outcomes with age. Copyright © 2015 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Association between ALDH2 and ADH1B polymorphisms, alcohol drinking and gastric cancer: a replication and mediation analysis.

PubMed

Ishioka, Kuka; Masaoka, Hiroyuki; Ito, Hidemi; Oze, Isao; Ito, Seiji; Tajika, Masahiro; Shimizu, Yasuhiro; Niwa, Yasumasa; Nakamura, Shigeo; Matsuo, Keitaro

2018-04-03

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2; rs671, Glu504Lys) and alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B; rs1229984, His47Arg) polymorphisms have a strong impact on carcinogenic acetaldehyde accumulation after alcohol drinking. To date, however, evidence for a significant ALDH2-alcohol drinking interaction and a mediation effect of ALDH2/ADH1B through alcohol drinking on gastric cancer have remained unclear. We conducted two case-control studies to validate the interaction and to estimate the mediation effect on gastric cancer. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for ALDH2/ADH1B genotypes and alcohol drinking using conditional logistic regression models after adjustment for potential confounding in the HERPACC-2 (697 cases and 1372 controls) and HERPACC-3 studies (678 cases and 678 controls). We also conducted a mediation analysis of the combination of the two studies to assess whether the effects of these polymorphisms operated through alcohol drinking or through other pathways. ALDH2 Lys alleles had a higher risk with increased alcohol consumption compared with ALDH2 Glu/Glu (OR for heavy drinking, 3.57; 95% CI 2.04-6.27; P for trend = 0.007), indicating a significant ALDH2-alcohol drinking interaction (P interaction  = 0.024). The mediation analysis indicated a significant positive direct effect (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.38-2.03) and a protective indirect effect (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76-0.92) of the ALDH2 Lys alleles with the ALDH2-alcohol drinking interaction. No significant association of ADH1B with gastric cancer was observed. The observed ALDH2-alcohol drinking interaction and the direct effect of ALDH2 Lys alleles may suggest the involvement of acetaldehyde in the development of gastric cancer.

[The effect of mineral water on serotonin and insulin production (an experimental study)].

PubMed

Polushina, N D

1998-01-01

Radioimmunoassay (DRG kits) and orthotoluidine test were conducted to measure blood serotonin, insulin and glucose in 70 intact Wistar rat males before and after a course of drinking mineral water Essentuki 17 (MW). After the MW drinking course, a single dose of mineral water increases basal levels of serotonin and insulin, sensitivity of endocrine cells to MW. Serotonin and insulin rose maximally on minute 5 after the drink while in contrast to minute 15 and 30 before initiation of the MW drinking course. A direct correlation was found between blood concentrations of serotonin and insulin.

Parental Problem Drinking, Marital Aggression, and Child Emotional Insecurity: A Longitudinal Investigation*

PubMed Central

Keller, Peggy S.; Gilbert, Lauren R.; Koss, Kalsea J.; Cummings, E. Mark; Davies, Patrick T.

2011-01-01

Objective: Marital aggression plays an important role in relations between parental problem drinking and child maladjustment. The purpose of the current study was to apply emotional security theory as a framework for understanding the role of marital aggression. Method: A community sample of 235 children in kindergarten participated once a year for 3 years. Parents completed measures of parental problem drinking and marital aggression, and children were interviewed about their emotional security reactions to marital conflict vignettes. Results: Greater parental problem drinking was directly associated with children's more negative emotional reactions to conflict. Maternal problem drinking predicted increased sad reactions and negative expectations for the future. Paternal problem drinking predicted increases in child anger reactions and negative expectations for the future. Parental problem drinking was also indirectly associated with child reactions via marital aggression. Conclusions: Results confirmed hypotheses that parental problem drinking would be related to child emotional insecurity and that associations would be indirect via greater marital conflict. Findings are interpreted in terms of emotional security theory as a framework for understanding the effects of parental problem drinking on marital aggression and child development. PMID:21906498

Parental problem drinking, marital aggression, and child emotional insecurity: a longitudinal investigation.

PubMed

Keller, Peggy S; Gilbert, Lauren R; Koss, Kalsea J; Cummings, E Mark; Davies, Patrick T

2011-09-01

Marital aggression plays an important role in relations between parental problem drinking and child maladjustment. The purpose of the current study was to apply emotional security theory as a framework for understanding the role of marital aggression. A community sample of 235 children in kindergarten participated once a year for 3 years. Parents completed measures of parental problem drinking and marital aggression, and children were interviewed about their emotional security reactions to marital conflict vignettes. Greater parental problem drinking was directly associated with children's more negative emotional reactions to conflict. Maternal problem drinking predicted increased sad reactions and negative expectations for the future. Paternal problem drinking predicted increases in child anger reactions and negative expectations for the future. Parental problem drinking was also indirectly associated with child reactions via marital aggression. Results confirmed hypotheses that parental problem drinking would be related to child emotional insecurity and that associations would be indirect via greater marital conflict. Findings are interpreted in terms of emotional security theory as a framework for understanding the effects of parental problem drinking on marital aggression and child development.

The impact of more visible standard drink labelling on youth alcohol consumption: helping young people drink (ir)responsibly?

PubMed

Jones, Sandra C; Gregory, Parri

2009-05-01

In response to increasing concerns about excessive drinking among young people the Australian alcohol industry announced that it will introduce more visible standard drink labels. This study sought to examine whether young people use this information in a way that decreases, or increases, alcohol-related harms. Six focus groups with students enrolled in an undergraduate university course in a large regional city in New South Wales, recruited by direct approach on the university grounds and via an online message posted on the university bulletin board. The majority of the participants reported that they are aware of the existence of standard drink labelling; notice standard drink labels; and take these into account when choosing what to purchase. However, this was predominantly to help them choose the strongest drinks for the lowest cost. This study provides initial evidence to support the view that standard drink labelling, in isolation of other modifications to product packaging and marketing, is likely to serve to further increase heavy drinking among young people.

A direct comparison of quality of life in obese and Cushing’s syndrome patients

PubMed Central

Abraham, Smita Baid; Abel, Brent S; Rubino, Domenica; Nansel, Tonja; Ramsey, Sheila; Nieman, Lynnette K

2014-01-01

Objective Obese (OB) individuals and patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) often have similar clinical presentations. While each group has reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL), it is not known whether the degree of impairment is different and might distinguish between them. The objective of this study was to compare HRQL in these two populations. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Three hundred and twenty-seven OB patients (48.1±11.7 years; 72.5% women) with weight gain and at least two features of CS were recruited from an outpatient weight management clinic. Sixty-six untreated patients with CS (41.6±13.2 years; 78.8% women) presented to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation. Subjects completed the SF-36 survey and a locally created symptom questionnaire. Results After adjusting for symptom count, OB patients had a significantly higher (better HRQL) mean physical component summary (PCS) score than CS patients (44.9±0.6 vs 35.4±1.5, P<0.0001). However, the mean mental component summary (MCS) score was lower (worse HRQL) in the OB group (41.6±0.6 vs 50.7±1.6, P<0.0001). Symptom count showed significant correlations with PCS and MCS scores. BMI correlated with PCS (r=−0.29) in OB but not in CS patients. BMI was not associated with MCS in either group. Conclusion HRQL is significantly different between OB and CS patients. Surprisingly, after adjusting for symptom count, OB patients showed worse mental health scores than the CS population. Significant differences in HRQL and symptom count may suggest which OB patients should be screened for CS. PMID:23444412

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

Simpson, H.J.; Trier, R.M.

We have obtained a large set of sediment cores from the Hudson estuary through much of the ambient salinity range. A number of core sections and samples of suspended particles have been analyzed for /sup 137/Cs, /sup 134/Cs and /sup 60/Co by direct gamma counting, and /sup 239/Pu, /sup 240/Pu, and /sup 238/Pu by alpha spectrometry. The distribution of both /sup 137/Cs and /sup 239/Pu, /sup 240/Pu indicates rapid accumulation in marginal cover areas, and especially in the harbor region adjacent to New York City. The distributions of both /sup 137/Cs and /sup 239/Pu, /sup 240/Pu are similar in surfacemore » sediments and with depth in cores, but there are deviations from the fallout ratio due to addition of reactor /sup 137/Cs and loss of /sup 137/Cs from the particle phases at higher salinities. Measureable amounts of reactor-derived /sup 134/Cs and /sup 60/Co are found in nearly all sediment samples containing appreciable /sup 137/Cs, between 15 km upstream of Indian Point and the downstream extent of our sampling, 70 km south of the reactor. Accumulations of /sup 239/Pu, /sup 240/Pu in New York harbor sediments are more than an order of magnitude greater than the fallout delivery rate. The most likely explanation is accumulation of fine particles in the harbor which have been transported from upstream areas of the Hudson. Our evidence so far indicates that Indian Point is probably not a significant source of /sup 239/Pu, /sup 240/Pu or /sup 238/Pu compared with the fallout burden of these nuclides already in the sediments.« less

Attenuation of cyclosporine A toxicity by sublethal heat shock. Role of catalase.

PubMed

Andrés, David; Bautista, Mirandeli; Cascales, María

2005-02-01

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the immunosuppressor most frequently used in transplant surgery and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases because of its specific inhibiting effect on signal transduction pathways of cell T receptor. It has been shown that CsA is able to generate reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which are directly involved in the CsA hepatotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effect of a sublethal heat pre-treatment (43 degrees C for 30 min) on the hepatoma cell line HepG2 exposed to cytotoxic concentrations of CsA (10 and 25 microM) for 3 and 24 h. Parameters of cytotoxicity were assayed by measuring LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) leakage into the medium. Peroxide concentration was tested by flow cytometry by measuring the fluorescence intensity of DCF (dichlorofluorescein). Gene expression of catalase was detected by measuring the respective mRNA and proteins, as well as protein level of HSP70. The enzymatic activity of catalase was also determined. Heat pre-treatment significantly reduced CsA cytotoxicity as well as the level of peroxide generation. The protective effect of the previous heat treatment (corroborated by the irreversible catalase inhibitor 3-aminotriazole) against the CsA cytotoxicity was due to an increased expression and activity of catalase that was significantly reduced by the effect of CsA. We conclude that heat pre-treatment strongly protects against CsA injury, and the mechanism of this protection is by means of inducing not only the expression of HSP70 but also the expression and activity of catalase, the main enzyme system involved in H(2)O(2) elimination.

Tungstate-based glass-ceramics for the immobilization of radio cesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drabarek, Elizabeth; McLeod, Terry I.; Hanna, John V.; Griffith, Christopher S.; Luca, Vittorio

2009-02-01

The preparation of tungstate-containing glass-ceramic composites (GCC) for the potential immobilization of radio cesium has been considered. The GCC materials were prepared by blending two oxide precursor compositions in various proportions. These included a preformed Cs-containing hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) phase (Cs 0.3Ti 0.2W 0.8O 3, P6 3/ mcm) and a blend of silica and other oxides. The use of the HTB phase was motivated on the assumption that a HTB-based adsorbent could be used to remove cesium directly from aqueous high level liquid waste feeds. In the absence of the HTB, glass-ceramics were relatively easily prepared from the Cs-containing glass-forming oxide blend. On melting the mixture a relative complex GCC phase assemblage formed. The principal components of this phase assemblage were determined using X-ray powder diffraction, 133Cs MAS-NMR, and cross-sectional SEM and included glass, various zeolites, scheelite (CaWO 4) and a range of other oxide phases and Cs-containing aluminosilicate. Importantly, under no circumstance was cesium partitioned into the glass phase irrespective of whether or not the composition included the preformed Cs-containing HTB compound. For compositions containing the HTB, cesium was partitioned into one of four major phases including zeolite; Cs-silica-tungstate bronze, pollucite (CsAlSi 2O 6), and an aluminosilicate with an Al/Si ratio close to one. The leach resistance of all materials was evaluated and related to the cesium distribution within the GCC phase assemblages. In general, the GCCs prepared from the HTB had superior durability compared with materials not containing tungsten. Indeed the compositions in many cases had leach resistances comparable to the best ceramics or glass materials.

Pattern Analyses Reveal Separate Experience-Based Fear Memories in the Human Right Amygdala.

PubMed

Braem, Senne; De Houwer, Jan; Demanet, Jelle; Yuen, Kenneth S L; Kalisch, Raffael; Brass, Marcel

2017-08-23

Learning fear via the experience of contingencies between a conditioned stimulus (CS) and an aversive unconditioned stimulus (US) is often assumed to be fundamentally different from learning fear via instructions. An open question is whether fear-related brain areas respond differently to experienced CS-US contingencies than to merely instructed CS-US contingencies. Here, we contrasted two experimental conditions where subjects were instructed to expect the same CS-US contingencies while only one condition was characterized by prior experience with the CS-US contingency. Using multivoxel pattern analysis of fMRI data, we found CS-related neural activation patterns in the right amygdala (but not in other fear-related regions) that dissociated between whether a CS-US contingency had been instructed and experienced versus merely instructed. A second experiment further corroborated this finding by showing a category-independent neural response to instructed and experienced, but not merely instructed, CS presentations in the human right amygdala. Together, these findings are in line with previous studies showing that verbal fear instructions have a strong impact on both brain and behavior. However, even in the face of fear instructions, the human right amygdala still shows a separable neural pattern response to experience-based fear contingencies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In our study, we addressed a fundamental problem of the science of human fear learning and memory, namely whether fear learning via experience in humans relies on a neural pathway that can be separated from fear learning via verbal information. Using two new procedures and recent advances in the analysis of brain imaging data, we localized purely experience-based fear processing and memory in the right amygdala, thereby making a direct link between human and animal research. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/378116-15$15.00/0.

Isotopic ratio and vertical distribution of radionuclides in soil affected by the accident of Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Takeshi; Saito, Takumi; Muroya, Yusa; Sawahata, Hiroyuki; Yamashita, Yuji; Nagasaki, Shinya; Okamoto, Koji; Takahashi, Hiroyuki; Uesaka, Mitsuru; Katsumura, Yosuke; Tanaka, Satoru

2012-11-01

The results of γ analyses of soil samples obtained from 50 locations in Fukushima prefecture on April 20, 2011, revealed the presence of a spectrum of radionuclides resulted from the accident of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP). The sum γ radioactivity concentration ranged in more than 3 orders of magnitude, depending on the sampling locations. The contamination of soils in the northwest of the FDNPP was considerable. The (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratios of the soil samples plotted as a function of the distance from the F1 NPPs exhibited three distinctive patterns. Such patterns would reflect not only the different deposition behaviors of these radionuclides, but also on the conditions of associated release events such as temperature and compositions and physicochemical forms of released radionuclides. The (136)Cs/(137)Cs activity ratio, on the other hand, was considered to only reflect the difference in isotopic compositions of source materials. Two locations close to the NPP in the northwest direction were found to be depleted in short-lived (136)Cs. This likely suggested the presence of distinct sources with different (136)Cs/(137)Cs isotopic ratios, although their details were unknown at present. Vertical γ activity profiles of (131)I and (137)Cs were also investigated, using 20-30 cm soil cores in several locations. About 70% or more of the radionuclides were present in the uppermost 2-cm regions. It was found that the profiles of (131)I/(137)Cs activity ratios showed maxima in the 2-4 cm regions, suggesting slightly larger migration of the former nuclide. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radiocesium patterns in wood duck eggs and nesting females in a contaminated reservoir

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

Colwell, S.V.; Kennamer, R.A.; Brisbin, I.L. Jr.

Radionuclide releases from nuclear industry are an important ecological issue, particularly because these contaminants may directly affect animals and may be transferred to the hunting public through consumption. During 1991-92, we collected 13 clutches of wood duck eggs from nest boxes established in an abandoned reactor cooling reservoir. We examined whole-egg radiocesium ({sup 137}Cs) levels and apportionment within egg components (albumen, yolk, and shell). Whole-egg concentrations averaged 0.113 Becquerel (Bq)/g wet mass (SE=0.01, n = 137) over 2 years. Albumen had the highest concentration of {sup 137}Cs (x = 1.096 Bq/g dry mass), followed by shell (x = 0.132 Bq/gmore » dry mass) and yolk (x = 0.098 Bq/g dry mass). Levels of potassium (K), a chemical analog of Cs, suggested that contamination levels in yolk were disproportionally lower than those in albumen. Levels of {sup 137}Cs that appeared in these components may reflect temporal differences in the sythesis of yolk and albumen. Laying order did not relate to whole-egg {sup 137}Cs concentrations within clutches, but {sup 137}Cs concentrations in post-laying females were positively related to mean egg {sup 137}Cs levels in their respective clutches (r{sup 2} = 0.97). While female ducks and their eggs examined in this study would not have posed a health hazard to persons consuming them as food, we suggested that {sup 137}Cs levels in breeding female wood ducks and their clutches may be indicators of foraging habitat selection (both contaminated and uncontaminated) during the laying cycle. 23 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Chitosan-rectorite nanospheres immobilized on polystyrene fibrous mats via alternate electrospinning/electrospraying techniques for copper ions adsorption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tu, Hu; Huang, Mengtian; Yi, Yang; Li, Zhenshun; Zhan, Yingfei; Chen, Jiajia; Wu, Yang; Shi, Xiaowen; Deng, Hongbing; Du, Yumin

2017-12-01

Chitosan (CS), as a kind of well characterized biopolymer, has been used for heavy metal adsorption due to its low cost and high efficacy. However, when used directly, chitosan particles had small surface area and weak mechanical strength which is unfavorable to metal adsorption and reused. Besides, it cannot be easily recycled that may cause a secondary pollution. In this paper, CS and layered silicate rectorite (REC) were fully mixed and the mixtures were subsequently electrosprayed nano-sized spheres, which were immobilized on the surface of electrospun polystyrene (PS) mats for metal adsorption. The morphology analysis taken from SEM confirmed that CS-REC nanospheres were loaded on the surface of PS fibrous mats. Small Angle X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the interlayer distance of REC in composite mats was enlarged by the intercalation of CS chains; such structure meant bigger surface area which was helpful for metal adsorption. The data of contact angle implied that PS mats coated with CS-REC nanospheres exhibited better hydrophilicity than PS mats, which was conductive to adsorption rate. Besides, the copper ions adsorption of composite mats was tested at different conditions including the adsorption time, the initial pH and the initial concentration of copper ion. The results demonstrated that PS mats coated with CS-REC nanospheres had the adsorption capacity up to 134 mg/g. In addition, the addition of REC containing Ca2+ could also improve the metal adsorption because of cation exchange. The desorption assay indicated that PS mats immobilized with CS and CS-REC still kept high adsorption ability which retained 74% and 78% after three adsorption-desorption cycles.

Learned movements elicited by direct stimulation of cerebellar mossy fiber afferents.

PubMed

Hesslow, G; Svensson, P; Ivarsson, M

1999-09-01

Definitive evidence is presented that the conditioned stimulus (CS) in classical conditioning reaches the cerebellum via the mossy fiber system. Decerebrate ferrets received paired forelimb and periocular stimulation until they responded with blinks to the forelimb stimulus. When direct mossy fiber stimulation was then given, the animals responded with conditioned blinks immediately, that is, without ever having been trained to the mossy fiber stimulation. Antidromic activation was prevented by blocking mossy fibers with lignocaine ventral to the stimulation site. It could be excluded that cerebellar output functioned as the CS. Analysis of latencies suggests that conditioned responses (CRs) are not generated by mossy fiber collaterals to the deep nuclei. Hence, the memory trace is probably located in the cerebellar cortex.

The history of Cesium-137 liquid emissions by Mühleberg Nuclear Power Plant (Switzerland) is recorded in Lake Biel sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girardclos, Stéphanie; Faessler, Jérôme; Loizeau, Jean-Luc; Zehringer, Markus

2014-05-01

Lake sediments record changes happening in their upstream river catchment and regional environment which includes traces of artificial radionuclides emissions deriving from human activities. 137Cs emissions started worldwide in the early 1950's and peaked in 1963-64 due to nuclear bomb tests in the high atmosphere. A second 137Cs activity peak, due to the 1986 Chernobyl catastrophe is recorded in sediment archives from central Europe. These two events (1963/64 and 1986) serve routinely as time markers for recent lake records. Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) are often constructed along river course for cooling purposes. Since 1972, Mühleberg NPP (central Switzerland) lies 18 km upstream Lake Biel and releases radioactive liquid emissions into the Aare river which adds to the diffuse - above mentioned - radioactive pollution, as revealed by Albrecht et al. (1995; 1998) and recently confirmed by Thevenon et al. (2013) from Lake Biel sediments. The water of Lake Biel is used as drinking water for ca. 60'000 inhabitants and its outflowing water is further used by downstream cities lying on the Aare-Rhine course such as Basel (200'000 inhab.) In this study, the 137Cs activity curve of a 90-cm-long sediment core (BIE10-8), retrieved in April 2010 from the central Lake Biel basin at ca. 50 m depth, and measured by gamma ray spectrometry using high resolution germanium detectors, confirms previous work and reveals a new peak for the year 1998-2000, as observed by Thevenon et al. (2013). This peak is most certainly due to Mühleberg NPP as shown by the good correlation with declared 137Cs liquid emissions indicating a significant increase in 1998-99. Decay corrected activity data, converted into 137Cs fluxes, point to water pollution by Mühleberg NPP in 1975-1985 as being similar to those linked to the catastrophic events in 1963-64 and 1986 (about 75%). As former study showed that Lake Biel sediments scavenge only a portion of the total radionuclide in water, i.e. 30-55% for 60Co (Albrecht et al. 1999), our results indicate that the estimated quantities of 137Cs input infered from the sediment record correspond well to historic declared liquid emissions. Overall, this study shows how lake or reservoir sediments can be used to trace back and verify the history of past liquid emissions from nuclear power plants. In the context of the Aare and Rhine course, were radionuclide liquid emissions from four NPP add-up in the same river system until the city of Basel and also further add-up downstream in Germany, it is necessary to bring new knowledge on this subject to quantify the 35-years-long exposure through river water for drinking water and irrigation to low but repeated radioactivity. This work was financed by SNF projects on Lake Biel nr. 121666 and 146889 and gamma ray analysis by the State Laboratory of Basel-City. REFERENCES Albrecht, A., Groudsmit, G. & Zeh M. 1999: Importance of lacustrine physical factors for the distribution of anthropogenic 60Co in Lake Biel. Limnol. Oceanogr., 44, 196-206. Albrecht ,A., Reichert, P., Beer, J. & Lück A. 1995: Evaluation of the importance of reservoir sediments as sinks for reactor-derived radionuclides in riverine systems. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 28, 239-269. Albrecht, A., Reiser, R., Lück, A., Stoll, J.-M.A. & Giger W. 1998. Radiocesium dating of sediments from lakes and reservoirs of different hydrological regimes. Environmental Science & Technology, 1882-1887. Thevenon, F., Wirth, S.B., Fujak, M., Poté, J. & Girardclos S. 2013. Human impact on the transport of terrigenous and anthropogenic elements to peri-alpine lakes (Switzerland) over the last decades. Aquatic Sciences, 75, 413-424.

Estimate of radiocaesium derived FNPP1 accident in the North Pacific Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inomata, Yayoi; Aoyama, Michio; Tsubono, Takaki; Tsumune, Daisuke; Yamada, Masatoshi

2017-04-01

134Cs and 137Cs (radiocaesium) were released to the North Pacific Ocean by direct discharge and atmospheric deposition released from the TEPCO Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP1) accident in 2011. After the FNPP1 accident, measurements of 134Cs and 137Cs were conducted by many researches. However, those results are only snapshots in order to interpret the distribution and transport of the released radiocaesium on a basin scale. It is recognized that estimation of the total amount of released 134Cs and 137Cs is necessary to assess the radioecological impacts of their release on the environment. It was reported that the inventory of 134Cs or 137Cs on the North Pacific Ocean after the FNPP1 accident was 15.2-18.3 PBq based on the observations (Aoyama et al., 2016a), 15.3±1.6 PBq by OI analysis (Inomata et al., 2016), 16.1±1.64 PBq by global ocean model (Tsubono et al., 2016). These suggest that more than 75 % of the atmospheric-released radiocaesium (15.2-20.4 PBq; Aoyama et al., 2016a) were deposited on the North Pacific Ocean. The radiocaesium from the atmospheric fallout and direct discharge were expected to mixing as well as diluting near the coastal region and transported eastward across the North Pacific Ocean in the surface layer. Furthermore, radicaesium were rapidly mixed and penetrated into the subsurface water in the North Pacific Ocean in winter. It was revealed that these radiocaesium existed in the Subtropical Mode Water (STMW, Aoyama et al., 2016b; Kaeriyama et al., 2016) and Central Mode Water (CMW, Aoyama et al., 2016b), suggesting that mode water formation and subduction are efficient pathway for the transport of FNPP1 derived radiocaesium into the ocean interior within 1-year timescale. Kaeriyama et al. (2016) estimated the total amount of FNPP1 derived radiocaesium in the STMW was 4.2 ± 1.1 PBq in October-November 2012. However, there is no estimation of the amount of radiocaesium in the CMW. Therefore, it is impossible to discuss about the mass balance of radiocaesium injected into the North Pacific Ocean. In this study, we conducted the optimum interpolation (OI) analysis to estimate the inventory of radiocaesium in the ocean interior as well as surface sweater by using the measured activities. Furthermore, transport speed of radiocaesium in the surface layer in the North Pacific Ocean were also estimated. The data used in this study were derived from all of the available data reported by such as the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and voluntary cargo ships. The data analysis period was until December 2015 after the FNPP1 accident. It was found that the radiocaesium across the North Pacific Ocean were reached to 180˚ E around 40˚ N latitude at July, 2012 by OI analysis. The transport speed was estimated to 8.5 cm s-1. These were reached to the coastal site of America continent and the activities were increased after the year of 2014. The transport speed across 70˚ W (40˚ N latitude) was decreased to 5.2 cm s-1. We estimated the inventory of radiocaesium in the surface seawater (depth; 0-100m) during the periods from August to December, 2012, based on the OI analysis. Amount of 134Cs inventory was estimated to 4.7 PBq with decay-corrected to 1 October 2012 (7.9 PBq at the time on 11 March 2011). (In the case of 137Cs, the inventory was estimated to 12.5 PBq with decay-corrected to 1 October 2012 and 13 PBq at the time on 11 March 2011 which includes pre-Fukushima 137Cs derived from atmospheric weapons test conducted in late 1950s and eraly 1960s). These correspond to 43-53% of the injected 134Cs in the North Pacific Ocean. It was reported that the 4.2±1.1 PBq of 134Cs were distributed in the STMW (Kaeriyama et al., 2016), which corresponds to 22-28% of the injected 134Cs in the North Pacific Ocean. Taking into account these estimation, FNPP1 derived radiocaesium existed in the CMW in the North Pacific Ocean would be about 3-6 PBq. (References) Aoyama, M., Hamajima, Y., Hult, M., Uematsu, M., Oka, E., . 2016. 134Cs and 137Cs in the North Pacific Ocean derived from the March 2011 TEPCO Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Japan. Part one: surface pathway and vertical distributions. J. Oceanogr. 72:53-65. Aoyama, M., Kajino, M., Tanaka, T. Y., Sekiyama, T.T., Tsumune, D., Tsubono, T., Hamajima, Y., Inomata, Y., Gamo, T., .2016. 134Cs and 137Cs in the North Pacific Ocean derived from the March 2011 TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Japan. Part two: estimation of 134Cs and 137Cs inventories in the North Pacific Ocean. J. Oceanogr. 72:53-65. Inomata, Y., Aoyama, M., Tsubono, T., Tsumune, D., Hirose, K. 2016. Spatial and temporal distributions of 134Cs and 137Cs derived from the TEPCOFukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in the North Pacific Ocean by using optimal interpolation analysis. Environ. Sci. Process. Impacts 18:126-36. Tsubono, T., Misumi. K., Tsumune, D., Bryan, F.O., Hirose, K., Aoyama, M. 2016. Evaluation of radioactive cesium impact from atmospheric deposition and direct release fluxes into the North Pacific from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Deep-Sea Res. I. 115:10-21. Kaeriyama, H., Shimizu, Y., Setou, T., Kumamoto, Y., Okazaki, M., Ambe, D., Ono, T. 2016. Intrusion of Fukushima-derived radiocaesium into subsurface water due to formation of mode waters in the North Pacific. Sci. Report., 6:22010 | DOI: 10.1038/srep22010.

Structural basis and functions of abscisic acid receptors PYLs

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xing L.; Jiang, Lun; Xin, Qi; Liu, Yang; Tan, Jian X.; Chen, Zhong Z.

2015-01-01

Abscisic acid (ABA) plays a key role in many developmental processes and responses to adaptive stresses in plants. Recently, a new family of nucleocytoplasmic PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYLs) has been identified as bona fide ABA receptors. PYLs together with protein phosphatases type-2C (PP2Cs), Snf1 (Sucrose-non-fermentation 1)-related kinases subfamily 2 (SnRK2s) and downstream substrates constitute the core ABA signaling network. Generally, PP2Cs inactivate SnRK2s kinases by physical interaction and direct dephosphorylation. Upon ABA binding, PYLs change their conformations and then contact and inhibit PP2Cs, thus activating SnRK2s. Here, we reviewed the recent progress in research regarding the structures of the core signaling pathways of ABA, including the (+)-ABA, (−)-ABA and ABA analogs pyrabactin as well as 6AS perception by PYLs, SnRK2s mimicking PYLs in binding PP2Cs. PYLs inhibited PP2Cs in both the presence and absence of ABA and activated SnRK2s. The present review elucidates multiple ABA signal perception and transduction by PYLs, which might shed light on how to design small chemical compounds for improving plant performance in the future. PMID:25745428

[Reduction of 137caesium contamination in wild boars by supplementing offered food with ammonium-iron-hexa-cyanoferrate].

PubMed

Morfeld, P; Reddemann, J; Schungel, P; Kienzle, E

2014-01-01

This replication study investigated whether the 137caesium (137Cs) contamination of wild boars could be relevantly reduced under field conditions by adding ammonium-iron-hexa-cyanoferrate (AFCF; Prussian blue) to the food. In 285 wild boars that had been shot in six Bavarian hunting territories during the season (November until May) between 01 November 2010 and 10 December 2011 137Cs contamination was analysed. Thirty-five animals originated from two hunting territories in which offered food had been supplemented with 1250 mg AFCF per kilogram food. The control animals showed a mean 137Cs contamination of 522 Bq/kg lean skeletal muscle meat. Direct (univariable) comparisons of the two experimental territories with the four control territories yielded a mean reduction in 137Cs contamination due to Prussian bluefeeding by -211 Bq/kg (p < 0.001). Multivariable models that took potential confounders into account (age, weight, sex, hunting date, territory) estimated the effect to be -344 Bq/kg (p < 0.05). This replication study confirmed the finding of Kienzle et al. (12) who described a statistically significant reduction in 137Cs contamination by -380 Bq/kg due to the feeding of Prussian blue in other territories.

A-site compositional effects in Ga-doped hollandite materials of the form BaxCsyGa2x+yTi8−2x−yO16: implications for Cs immobilization in crystalline ceramic waste forms

PubMed Central

Xu, Yun; Wen, Yi; Grote, Rob; Amoroso, Jake; Shuller Nickles, Lindsay; Brinkman, Kyle S.

2016-01-01

The hollandite structure is a promising crystalline host for Cs immobilization. A series of Ga-doped hollandite BaxCsyGa2x+yTi8−2x−yO16 (x = 0, 0.667, 1.04, 1.33; y = 1.33, 0.667, 0.24, 0) was synthesized through a solid oxide reaction method resulting in a tetragonal hollandite structure (space group I4/m). The lattice parameter associated with the tunnel dimension was found to increases as Cs substitution in the tunnel increased. A direct investigation of cation mobility in tunnels using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was conducted to evaluate the ability of the hollandite structure to immobilize cations over a wide compositional range. Hollandite with the largest tunnel size and highest aspect ratio grain morphology resulting in rod-like microstructural features exhibited the highest ionic conductivity. The results indicate that grain size and optimized Cs stoichiometry control cation motion and by extension, the propensity for Cs release from hollandite. PMID:27273791

Fish pollution with anthropogenic 137Cs in the southern Baltic Sea.

PubMed

Zalewska, Tamara; Suplińska, Maria

2013-02-01

This paper presents the results of a study on changes in (137)Cs activity concentrations in three fish species from the southern Baltic Sea: cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupea harengus) and flounder (Platichtys flesus), in the period 2000-2010. During the study period a marked decline in cesium activity concentration in fish muscle tissue was observed, which reflected changes in radionuclide activity concentration in seawater. No statistically significant temporal trends were determined in changes of concentration factors (CF(fish/seawater)) calculated for the examined fish species. The analysis of (137)Cs activity as a function of ichthyological parameters revealed the lack of a relationship between radionuclide activity concentrations in herring muscle tissue and the fish age in an narrow age range (2-4 years). However, a reverse proportionality of total fish mass, as well as body length, against (137)Cs activity concentrations in muscles was well documented. The latter observation can be the direct result of the dilution effect related to the increase of fish body weight. (137)Cs activity concentration in muscle tissue of the five fish species forms a declining sequence: Gadus morhua, Platichthys flesus, Clupea harengus, Perca fluviatilis and Neogobius melanostomus. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Photon-enhanced thermionic emission from p-GaAs with nonequilibrium Cs overlayers

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

Zhuravlev, A. G.; Romanov, A. S.; Alperovich, V. L., E-mail: alper@isp.nsc.ru

2014-12-22

Photon-enhanced thermionic emission (PETE), which is promising for increasing the efficiency of solar energy conversion, is studied during cesium deposition on the As- and Ga-rich p-GaAs(001) surfaces and subsequent relaxation in the nonequilibrium Cs overlayer by means of photoemission quantum yield spectroscopy adapted for systems with time-variable parameters. Along with direct photoemission of “hot” electrons excited by light above the vacuum level, the spectra contain PETE contribution of “thermalized” electrons, which are excited below the vacuum level and emit in vacuum due to thermalization up in energy by phonon absorption. Comparing the measured and calculated spectra, the effective electron affinitymore » and escape probabilities of hot and thermalized electrons are obtained as functions of submonolayer Cs coverage. The minima in the affinity and pronounced peaks in the escape probabilities are observed for Cs deposition on both the As- and Ga-rich surfaces. Possible reasons for the low mean values of the electron escape probabilities and for the observed enhancement of the probabilities at certain Cs coverages are discussed, along with the implications for the PETE device realization.« less

Chronic dietary magnesium-L-threonate speeds extinction and reduces spontaneous recovery of a conditioned taste aversion

PubMed Central

Mickley, G. Andrew; Hoxha, Nita; Luchsinger, Joseph L.; Rogers, Morgan M.; Wiles, Nathanael R.

2013-01-01

Elevation of brain magnesium enhances synaptic plasticity and extinction of conditioned fear memories. This experiment examined the generalizability of this phenomenon by studying the effects of a novel magnesium compound, magnesium-L-threonate (MgT), on conditioned taste aversion (CTA) extinction and spontaneous recovery (SR). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on a 23-hour water deprivation cycle and acquired a CTA following the taste of a CS [0.3% saccharin + 16mg/ml MgT (SAC+MgT)] paired with a US [81 mg/kg (i.p.) Lithium Chloride (LiCl)]. Following CTA acquisition, rats drank a water + MgT solution for up to 1 hour/day over the next 31 days. For 14 additional days, some animals continued water + MgT treatment, but others drank water only to allow MgT to be eliminated from the body. We then employed 2 different extinction paradigms: (1) CS-Only (CSO), in which SAC was presented, every-other day, or (2) Explicitly Unpaired (EU), in which both SAC and LiCl were presented, but on alternate days. EU extinction procedures have been shown to speed CTA extinction and reduce spontaneous recovery of the aversion. Throughout extinction, half of the rats in each group continued to drink MgT (now in SAC or supplemental water+MgT solution), whereas the other half drank SAC only/water only until SAC drinking reached ≥ 90% of baseline (asymptotic extinction). Rats receiving MgT just before/during extinction drank less SAC on the first day of extinction suggesting that they had retained a stronger CTA. MgT enhanced the rate of extinction. Furthermore, the MgT-treated rats showed a relatively modest SR of the CTA 30 days later – indicating that the extinction procedure was more effective for these animals. Our data suggest that long-term dietary MgT may enhance the consolidation/retention of a CTA, speed extinction, and inhibit SR of this learned aversion. PMID:23474371

Cartilaginous extracellular matrix-modified chitosan hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering.

PubMed

Choi, Bogyu; Kim, Soyon; Lin, Brian; Wu, Benjamin M; Lee, Min

2014-11-26

Cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as type-II collagen (Col II) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) play a crucial role in chondrogenesis. However, direct clinical use of natural Col II or CS as scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering is limited by their instability and rapid enzymatic degradation. Here, we investigate the incorporation of Col II and CS into injectable chitosan hydrogels designed to gel upon initiation by exposure to visible blue light (VBL) in the presence of riboflavin. Unmodified chitosan hydrogel supported proliferation and deposition of cartilaginous ECM by encapsulated chondrocytes and mesenchymal stem cells. The incorporation of native Col II or CS into chitosan hydrogels further increased chondrogenesis. The incorporation of Col II, in particular, was found to be responsible for the enhanced cellular condensation and chondrogenesis observed in modified hydrogels. This was mediated by integrin α10 binding to Col II, increasing cell-matrix adhesion. These findings demonstrate the potential of cartilage ECM-modified chitosan hydrogels as biomaterials to promote cartilage regeneration.

Compact vacuum tubes with GaAs(Cs,O) photocathodes for studying spin-dependent phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alperovich, V. L.; Orlov, D. A.; Grishaev, V. G.; Kosolobov, S. N.; Jaroshevich, A. S.; Scheibler, H. E.; Terekhov, A. S.

2009-08-01

Compact proximity focused vacuum tubes with GaAs(Cs,O) photocathodes are used for experimental studying spindependent phenomena. Firstly, spin-dependent emission of optically oriented electrons from p-GaAs(Cs,O) into vacuum in a magnetic field normal to the surface was observed in a nonmagnetic vacuum diode. This phenomenon is explained by the jump in the electron g-factor at the semiconductor-vacuum interface. Due to this jump, the effective electron affinity on the semiconductor surface depends on the mutual direction of optically oriented electron spins and the magnetic field, resulting in the spin-dependent photoemission. It is demonstrated that the observed effect can be used for the determination of spin diffusion length in semiconductors. Secondly, we developed a prototype of a new spin filter, which consists of a vacuum tube with GaAs(Cs,O) photocathode and a nickel-covered venetian blind dynode. Preliminary results on spin-dependent reflection of electrons from the oxidized polycrystal nickel layer are presented.

O-Chlorobenzylidene Malononitrile (CS Riot Control Agent) Exposures and Associated Acute Respiratory Illnesses in a United States Army Basic Combat Training Cohort

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-14

Biometrika 52:591-611 66. Shmunes E, Taylor J. 1973. Industrial Contact Dermatitis . Arch Dermatol 107:212-6 67. Sivathasn N. 2010. Educating on CS...including those associated with ARI) have been shown to spread via direct and indirect contact and to commonly 1 occur following chemical irritation...advises that when a chemical bears a skin notation, 39 measures should be taken to prevent dermal contact because air sampling does not account for

Interpretation of ES, CS, and IOS approximations within a translational--internal coupling scheme. I. Atom--diatom collisions

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

Coombe, D.A.; Snider, R.F.

1979-12-01

Rotational invariance is applied to the description of atom--diatom collisions in a translational--internal coupling scheme, to obtain energy sudden (ES), centrifugal sudden (CS), and infinite order sudden (IOS) approximations to the reduced scattering S matrix S (j-barlambda-bar;L;jlambda). The method of presentation emphasizes that the translational--internal coupling scheme is actually the more natural description of collision processes in which one or more directions are assumed to be conserved.

Possible daily and seasonal variations in quantum interference induced by Chern-Simons gravity.

PubMed

Okawara, Hiroki; Yamada, Kei; Asada, Hideki

2012-12-07

Possible effects of Chern-Simons (CS) gravity on a quantum interferometer turn out to be dependent on the latitude and direction of the interferometer on Earth in orbital motion around the Sun. Daily and seasonal variations in phase shifts are predicted with an estimate of the size of the effects, wherefore neutron interferometry with ~5 m arm length and ~10(-4) phase measurement accuracy would place a bound on a CS parameter comparable to the Gravity Probe B satellite.

Regio-selectivity of the Oxidative C-S Bond Formation in Ergothioneine and Ovothiol Biosyntheses

PubMed Central

Song, Heng; Leninger, Maureen; Lee, Norman

2014-01-01

Ergothioneine (5) and ovothiol (8) are two novel thiol-containing natural products. Their C-S bonds are formed by oxidative coupling reactions catalyzed by EgtB and OvoA enzymes, respectively. In this work, it was discovered that besides catalyzing the oxidative coupling between histidine and cysteine (1 → 6 conversion), OvoA can also catalyze a direct oxidative coupling between hercynine (2) and cysteine (2 → 4 conversion), which can shorten the ergothioneine biosynthetic pathway by two steps. PMID:24016264

Determinants of youth attitudes and skills towards which drinking/driving prevention programs should be directed

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1987-04-01

The results are presented of a multi-component study which developed recommendations to improve strategies to prevent youth drinking and driving and riding with impaired drivers. Phase 1 of the study explored the underlying assumptions, premises, obj...

DETERMINING BERYLLIUM IN DRINKING WATER BY GRAPHITE FURNACE ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

EPA Science Inventory

A direct graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy method for the analysis of beryllium in drinking water has been derived from a method for determining beryllium in urine. Ammonium phosphomolybdate and ascorbic acid were employed as matrix modifiers. The matrix modifiers s...

The effect on drink sales of removal of unhealthy drinks from display in a self-service café.

PubMed

Huse, Oliver; Blake, Miranda R; Brooks, Ruby; Corben, Kirstan; Peeters, Anna

2016-12-01

The present study assessed the impact of the retailer-led removal of unhealthy beverages from display at a self-service café within a major health service. While unhealthy beverages remained available from behind the counter upon request, this was not communicated directly to customers. Drinks were categorised based on the state government nutrient profiling system, classifying drinks as 'green' (best choices), 'amber' (choose carefully) and 'red' (limit). Total drink sales (as number of items sold per week) in the café were measured for five weeks. All unhealthy 'red' beverages were removed from display (but were still available for purchase) and the sales of all beverages were measured for another six weeks. We found that, in response to this strategy, the proportion of 'red' drinks sold decreased from 33 % to 10 % of total drink sales. As 'amber' and 'green' drink sales increased in response to this strategy, total retailer sales remained steady. Most consumers appeared to switch to purchasing 'amber' drinks rather than the healthiest option, 'green' drinks. The removal of unhealthy beverages from display can result in consumers making healthier purchases, while not significantly affecting retailers' sales.

Resolving an identity crisis: Implicit drinking identity and implicit alcohol identity are related but not the same.

PubMed

Ramirez, Jason J; Olin, Cecilia C; Lindgren, Kristen P

2017-09-01

Two variations of the Implicit Association Test (IAT), the Drinking Identity IAT and the Alcohol Identity IAT, assess implicit associations held in memory between one's identity and alcohol-related constructs. Both have been shown to predict numerous drinking outcomes, but these IATs have never been directly compared to one another. The purpose of this study was to compare these IATs and evaluate their incremental predictive validity. US undergraduate students (N=64, 50% female, mean age=21.98years) completed the Drinking Identity IAT, the Alcohol Identity IAT, an explicit measure of drinking identity, as well as measures of typical alcohol consumption and hazardous drinking. When evaluated in separate regression models that controlled for explicit drinking identity, results indicated that the Drinking Identity IAT and the Alcohol Identity IAT were significant, positive predictors of typical alcohol consumption, and that the Drinking Identity IAT, but not the Alcohol Identity IAT, was a significant predictor of hazardous drinking. When evaluated in the same regression models, the Drinking Identity IAT, but not the Alcohol Identity IAT, was significantly associated with typical and hazardous drinking. These results suggest that the Drinking Identity IAT and Alcohol Identity IAT are related but not redundant. Moreover, given that the Drinking Identity IAT, but not the Alcohol Identity IAT, incrementally predicted variance in drinking outcomes, identification with drinking behavior and social groups, as opposed to identification with alcohol itself, may be an especially strong predictor of drinking outcomes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Relationship Between Psychological Distress, Negative Cognitions, and Expectancies on Problem Drinking: Exploring a Growing Problem Among University Students.

PubMed

Obasi, Ezemenari M; Brooks, Jessica J; Cavanagh, Lucia

2016-01-01

Few studies have sought to understand the concurrent relationship between cognitive and affective processes on alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences, despite both being identified as predictive risk factors in the college population. More research is needed to understand the relationships between identified factors of problem drinking among this at-risk population. The purpose of this study was to test if the relationship between psychological distress and problem drinking among university students (N = 284; M-age = 19.77) was mediated by negative affect regulation strategies and positive alcohol-related expectancies. Two latent mediation models of problem drinking were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The parsimonious three-path mediated latent model was supported by the data, as evidenced by several model fit indices. Furthermore, the alternate saturated model provided similar fit to the data, but contained several direct relationships that were not statistically significant. The relationship between psychological distress and problem drinking was mediated by an extended contributory chain, including negative affect regulation and positive alcohol-related expectancies. Implications for prevention and treatment, as well as future directions, are discussed. © The Author(s) 2015.

Direct and indirect effects of impulsivity traits on drinking and driving in young adults.

PubMed

Treloar, Hayley R; Morris, David H; Pedersen, Sarah L; McCarthy, Denis M

2012-09-01

Impulsivity is strongly associated with alcohol-related risk-taking behavior, and this association has been found to be mediated by alcohol cognitions. The current study expanded this literature by comparing the relative association of distinct impulsivity traits with a specific risky behavior--drinking and driving. We then tested whether drinking-and-driving expectancies uniquely mediated this relation over and above other cognitions about alcohol and drinking and driving. College student drivers (n = 816; 53.6% women) completed a paper-and-pencil survey in small groups. Self-report measures assessed alcohol use, impulsivity traits, alcohol expectancies, drinking-and-driving cognitions (i.e., expectancies, attitudes, beliefs), and drinking and driving. Although all impulsivity traits were correlated with drinking and driving, only urgency uniquely contributed to drinking and driving. Indirect effect tests indicated that drinking-and-driving convenience expectancies partially mediated this association as well as that between (lack of) perseverance and drinking and driving. These results remained significant after controlling for alcohol expectancies and other drinking-and-driving cognitions. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing among impulsivity traits to improve theoretical models of the processes by which personality leads to specific alcohol-related consequences. In addition, results extend previous research by providing evidence for the unique importance of expectancies regarding the convenience of drinking and driving over and above more global alcohol expectancies and other drinking-and-driving cognitions.

Ultra-trace level determination of diquat and paraquat residues in surface and drinking water using ion-pair liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: a comparison of direct injection and solid-phase extraction methods.

PubMed

Oh, Jin-Aa; Lee, Jun-Bae; Lee, Soo-Hyung; Shin, Ho-Sang

2014-10-01

Direct injection and solid-phase extraction methods for the determination of diquat and paraquat in surface and drinking water were developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The signal intensities of analytes based on six ion-pairing reagents were compared with each other, and 12.5 mM nonafluoropentanoic acid was selected as the best suited amongst them. A clean-up method was developed using Oasis hydrophilic-lipophilic balance; this was compared to the direct injection method, with respect to limits of detection, interference, precision, and accuracy. Limits of quantification of diquat and paraquat were 0.03 and 0.01 μg/L using the direct injection method, and 0.002 and 0.001 μg/L using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method. When the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method was used to analyze target compounds in 114 surface water and 30 drinking water samples, paraquat and diquat were detected within a concentration range of 0.001-0.12 and 0.002-0.038 μg/L in surface water, respectively. When the direct injection method was used to analyze target compounds in the same samples, the detected concentrations of paraquat and diquat were within 25% in samples being >0.015 μg/L using the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance method. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method using direct injection can thus be used for routine monitoring of paraquat and diquat in surface and drinking water. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

I like it because I said that I like it: evaluative conditioning effects can be based on stimulus-response learning.

PubMed

Gast, Anne; Rothermund, Klaus

2011-10-01

Evaluative conditioning (EC) effects are often assumed to be based on a learned mental link between the CS (conditioned stimulus) and the US (unconditioned stimulus). We demonstrate that this link is not the only one that can underlie EC effects, but that if evaluative responses are actually given during the learning phase also a direct link between the CS and an evaluative response-a CS-ER link-can be learned and lead to EC effects. In Experiment 1, CSs were paired with USs and participants were asked to evaluate the pairs during the conditioning phase. Resulting EC effects were unaffected by a later revaluation of the USs, suggesting that these EC effects can be attributed to CS-ER learning rather than to CS-US learning. Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1 with the difference that no evaluative responses were given during the learning phase. EC effects in this study were influenced by US revaluation, suggesting that these EC effects are mainly based on CS-US learning. In Experiment 3, it was shown that EC effects can be found even if the USs are entirely removed from the procedure and the CSs are only paired with enforced evaluative responses. Together the experiments show that the valence of a stimulus can change because of a contingency with an evaluative response. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved).

Structural Channels and Atomic-Cluster Insertion in CsxBi4Te6 (1 ≤ x ≤ 1.25) As Observed by Aberration-Corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Zhang, Ruixin; Yang, Huaixin; Guo, Cong; Tian, Huanfang; Shi, Honglong; Chen, Genfu; Li, Jianqi

2016-12-19

Microstructural analyses based on aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) observations demonstrate that low-dimensional Cs x Bi 4 Te 6 materials, known to be a novel thermoelectric and superconducting system, contain notable structural channels that go directly along the b axis, which can be partially filled by atom clusters depending on the thermal treatment process. We successfully prepared two series of Cs x Bi 4 Te 6 single-crystalline samples using two different sintering processes. The Cs x Bi 4 Te 6 samples prepared using an air-quenching method show superconductivity at approximately 4 K, while the Cs x Bi 4 Te 6 with the same nominal compositions prepared by slowly cooling are nonsuperconductors. Moreover, atomic structural investigations of typical samples reveal that the structural channels are often empty in superconducting materials; thus, we can represent the superconducting phase as Cs 1-y Bi 4 Te 6 with considering the point defects in the Cs layers. In addition, the channels in the nonsuperconducting crystals are commonly partially occupied by triplet Bi clusters. Moreover, the average structures for these two phases are also different in their monoclinic angles (β), which are estimated to be 102.3° for superconductors and 100.5° for nonsuperconductors.

The iRoCS Toolbox--3D analysis of the plant root apical meristem at cellular resolution.

PubMed

Schmidt, Thorsten; Pasternak, Taras; Liu, Kun; Blein, Thomas; Aubry-Hivet, Dorothée; Dovzhenko, Alexander; Duerr, Jasmin; Teale, William; Ditengou, Franck A; Burkhardt, Hans; Ronneberger, Olaf; Palme, Klaus

2014-03-01

To achieve a detailed understanding of processes in biological systems, cellular features must be quantified in the three-dimensional (3D) context of cells and organs. We described use of the intrinsic root coordinate system (iRoCS) as a reference model for the root apical meristem of plants. iRoCS enables direct and quantitative comparison between the root tips of plant populations at single-cell resolution. The iRoCS Toolbox automatically fits standardized coordinates to raw 3D image data. It detects nuclei or segments cells, automatically fits the coordinate system, and groups the nuclei/cells into the root's tissue layers. The division status of each nucleus may also be determined. The only manual step required is to mark the quiescent centre. All intermediate outputs may be refined if necessary. The ability to learn the visual appearance of nuclei by example allows the iRoCS Toolbox to be easily adapted to various phenotypes. The iRoCS Toolbox is provided as an open-source software package, licensed under the GNU General Public License, to make it accessible to a broad community. To demonstrate the power of the technique, we measured subtle changes in cell division patterns caused by modified auxin flux within the Arabidopsis thaliana root apical meristem. © 2014 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Assessing Cognitive Learning of Analytical Problem Solving

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billionniere, Elodie V.

Introductory programming courses, also known as CS1, have a specific set of expected outcomes related to the learning of the most basic and essential computational concepts in computer science (CS). However, two of the most often heard complaints in such courses are that (1) they are divorced from the reality of application and (2) they make the learning of the basic concepts tedious. The concepts introduced in CS1 courses are highly abstract and not easily comprehensible. In general, the difficulty is intrinsic to the field of computing, often described as "too mathematical or too abstract." This dissertation presents a small-scale mixed method study conducted during the fall 2009 semester of CS1 courses at Arizona State University. This study explored and assessed students' comprehension of three core computational concepts---abstraction, arrays of objects, and inheritance---in both algorithm design and problem solving. Through this investigation students' profiles were categorized based on their scores and based on their mistakes categorized into instances of five computational thinking concepts: abstraction, algorithm, scalability, linguistics, and reasoning. It was shown that even though the notion of computational thinking is not explicit in the curriculum, participants possessed and/or developed this skill through the learning and application of the CS1 core concepts. Furthermore, problem-solving experiences had a direct impact on participants' knowledge skills, explanation skills, and confidence. Implications for teaching CS1 and for future research are also considered.

Differences by gender at twelve months in a brief intervention trial among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department.

PubMed

Bernstein, Judith; Bernstein, Edward; Hudson, Dantia; Belanoff, Candice; Cabral, Howard J; Cherpitel, Cheryl J; Bond, Jason; Ye, Yu; Woolard, Robert; Villalobos, Susana; Ramos, Rebeca

2017-01-01

In this study, we investigate the role of gender in prevalence and consequences of binge drinking and brief intervention outcomes among Mexican-origin young adults aged 18-30 years at the U.S.-Mexico border. We conducted a secondary analysis, stratified by gender, from a randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational intervention in a hospital emergency department. Intervention effects for males included reductions in drinking frequency, binge drinking, and alcohol-related consequences. For females the intervention was associated with reduction in drinking frequency and binge drinking but did not have a significant effect on alcohol-related consequences. Results suggest a new direction for tailoring interventions to gender.

Gender differences in public and private drinking contexts: a multi-level GENACIS analysis.

PubMed

Bond, Jason C; Roberts, Sarah C M; Greenfield, Thomas K; Korcha, Rachael; Ye, Yu; Nayak, Madhabika B

2010-05-01

This multi-national study hypothesized that higher levels of country-level gender equality would predict smaller differences in the frequency of women's compared to men's drinking in public (like bars and restaurants) settings and possibly private (home or party) settings. GENACIS project survey data with drinking contexts included 22 countries in Europe (8); the Americas (7); Asia (3); Australasia (2), and Africa (2), analyzed using hierarchical linear models (individuals nested within country). Age, gender and marital status were individual predictors; country-level gender equality as well as equality in economic participation, education, and political participation, and reproductive autonomy and context of violence against women measures were country-level variables. In separate models, more reproductive autonomy, economic participation, and educational attainment and less violence against women predicted smaller differences in drinking in public settings. Once controlling for country-level economic status, only equality in economic participation predicted the size of the gender difference. Most country-level variables did not explain the gender difference in frequency of drinking in private settings. Where gender equality predicted this difference, the direction of the findings was opposite from the direction in public settings, with more equality predicting a larger gender difference, although this relationship was no longer significant after controlling for country-level economic status. Findings suggest that country-level gender equality may influence gender differences in drinking. However, the effects of gender equality on drinking may depend on the specific alcohol measure, in this case drinking context, as well as on the aspect of gender equality considered. Similar studies that use only global measures of gender equality may miss key relationships. We consider potential implications for alcohol related consequences, policy and public health.

“I’ll Never Drink Like That Again”: Characteristics of Alcohol-Related Incidents and Predictors of Motivation to Change in College Students*

PubMed Central

BARNETT, NANCY P.; GOLDSTEIN, ABBY L.; MURPHY, JAMES G.; COLBY, SUZANNE M.; MONTI, PETER M.

2011-01-01

Objective Alcohol use and its associated behaviors are among the most common reasons for medical treatment and disciplinary infractions among college students. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of students who had recent serious alcohol-related incidents and to identify predictors of motivation to change alcohol use and heavy drinking in particular, with specific attention to gender. Method Students (N = 227; 52% female) who had been mandated to attend a session of alcohol education following alcohol-related medical treatment and/or a disciplinary infraction were assessed on their alcohol use, alcohol problems, characteristics of their alcohol-related incident, reactions to the incident, attributions about the incident, and motivation to change drinking and heavy drinking. Path and regression analyses were used to identify the individual and incident-related characteristics that were related to motivation to change. Results Perceived aversiveness of the incident was directly and positively related to motivation to change drinking and heavy drinking. Alcohol consumption in the month before the incident and past-year alcohol problems were negatively related to motivation to change heavy drinking, and women were more motivated to change heavy drinking than men. The more students consumed in the incident, the more likely they were to feel responsible for it, and the more responsible they felt about the incident, the greater its aversiveness. Conclusions Individual and incident-related characteristics are both directly and indirectly associated with motivation to change following an alcohol-related incident, and therefore have implications for interventions with college drinkers who have experienced an alcohol-related incident. PMID:16847545

The Role of Alcohol Perceptions as Mediators Between Personality and Alcohol-Related Outcomes Among Incoming College-Student Drinkers

PubMed Central

Hustad, John T. P.; Pearson, Matthew R.; Neighbors, Clayton; Borsari, Brian

2014-01-01

After high school, college students escalate their drinking at a faster rate than their noncollege-attending peers, and alcohol use in high school is one of the strongest predictors of alcohol use in college. Therefore, an improved understanding of the role of predictors of alcohol use during the critical developmental period when individuals transition to college has direct clinical implications to reduce alcohol-related harms. We used path analysis in the present study to examine the predictive effects of personality (e.g., impulsivity, sensation seeking, hopelessness, and anxiety sensitivity) and three measures of alcohol perception: descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and perceptions regarding the perceived role of drinking in college on alcohol-related outcomes. Participants were 490 incoming freshmen college students. Results indicated that descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and the role of drinking largely mediated the effects of personality on alcohol outcomes. In contrast, both impulsivity and hopelessness exhibited direct effects on alcohol-related problems. The perceived role of drinking was a particularly robust predictor of outcomes and mediator of the effects of personality traits, including sensation seeking and impulsivity on alcohol outcomes. The intertwined relationships observed in this study between personality factors, descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and the role of drinking highlight the importance of investigating these predictors simultaneously. Findings support the implementation of interventions that target these specific perceptions about the role of drinking in college. PMID:24467197

Towards a concept of sensible drinking and an illustration of measure.

PubMed

Harburg, E; Gleiberman, L; Difranceisco, W; Peele, S

1994-07-01

The major focus of research on alcohol is not on the majority who drink without problems, but on the small minority who have extreme problems. Difficulty in conceiving, measuring, and analyzing non-problem drinking lies in the exclusively problem-drinking orientation of most drinking measures. Drawing on conventionally used scales (e.g. Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test) and other established concepts in the alcohol literature (e.g. craving, hangover), a set of 24 items was selected to classify all persons in a sample from Tecumseh, Michigan, as to their alcohol-related behaviors (N = 1266). A Sensible-Problem Drinking Classification (SPDC) was developed with five categories: very sensible, sensible, borderline, problem, and impaired. A variety of known alcohol and psychosocial variables were related monotonically across these categories in expected directions. Ethanol ounces per week was only modestly related to SPDC groups: R2 = 0.09 for women, R2 = 0.21 for men. The positive relationship of problem and non-problem SPDC groups to high and low blood pressure was P = 0.07, while ethanol (oz/week) was uncorrelated to blood pressure (mm Hg) in this subsample (N = 453). The development of SPDC requires additional items measuring self and group regulatory alcohol behavior. However, this initial analysis of no-problem subgroups has direct import for public health regulation of alcohol use by providing a model of a sensible view of alcohol use.

Underreporting of Congenital Syphilis as a Cause of Fetal and Infant Deaths in Northeastern Brazil.

PubMed

Cardoso, Ana Rita Paulo; Araújo, Maria Alix Leite; Andrade, Roumayne Fernandes Vieira; Saraceni, Valéria; Miranda, Angelica E; Dourado, Maria Inês Costa

2016-01-01

Of all syphilis-related pregnancy outcomes, fetal death is certainly the most common one, being directly related to the availability, accessibility and quality of prenatal care. The present study aimed to analyze the underreporting of fetal and infant deaths and other maternal factors associated with congenital syphilis (CS) death. This cross-sectional study integrated data of infants that were diagnosed and/or died of CS from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação-Sinan (Notifiable Diseases Information System) and the Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade-SIM (Mortality Information System) in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brasil to identify unreported cases of congenital syphilis. We assessed data during the period from 2007 to 2013. The underreporting of CS as a cause of fetal or infant death increased from 41 to 415 cases (90.1%) during 2007-2013. Exactly 3,209 cases of CS were identified in Sinan and 6,578 deaths in SIM. After database linkage, we identified 382 cases that were reported in the SIM and SINAN databases consisting of 309 fetal deaths and 73 infant deaths related to CS. From the children notified at Sinan that born alive, 3.0% (78/2,542) died; Out of these, 39 (50.0%) were early and 25 (32.1%) were late neonatal deaths. The proportion of death by CS increased from 0.62 to 5.8 from 2007 to 2013. At logistic regression, the variable that maintained statistical significance with fetal and infant death outcomes was the presence of CS signs and/or symptoms at birth (OR = 3.20; IC 95% 1.54-6.62; p = 0.002). Neonatal and Infant deaths following CS-associated live births are underreported in Northeastern Brazil. Data base linkage identified unreported fetal and neonatal deaths due to CS leading to an increased awareness of fetal/infant mortality due to this infection.

Underreporting of Congenital Syphilis as a Cause of Fetal and Infant Deaths in Northeastern Brazil

PubMed Central

Cardoso, Ana Rita Paulo; Araújo, Maria Alix Leite; Andrade, Roumayne Fernandes Vieira; Saraceni, Valéria; Miranda, Angelica E.; Dourado, Maria Inês Costa

2016-01-01

Introduction Of all syphilis-related pregnancy outcomes, fetal death is certainly the most common one, being directly related to the availability, accessibility and quality of prenatal care. The present study aimed to analyze the underreporting of fetal and infant deaths and other maternal factors associated with congenital syphilis (CS) death. Methods This cross-sectional study integrated data of infants that were diagnosed and/or died of CS from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação–Sinan (Notifiable Diseases Information System) and the Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade–SIM (Mortality Information System) in Fortaleza, Northeastern Brasil to identify unreported cases of congenital syphilis. We assessed data during the period from 2007 to 2013. Results The underreporting of CS as a cause of fetal or infant death increased from 41 to 415 cases (90.1%) during 2007–2013. Exactly 3,209 cases of CS were identified in Sinan and 6,578 deaths in SIM. After database linkage, we identified 382 cases that were reported in the SIM and SINAN databases consisting of 309 fetal deaths and 73 infant deaths related to CS. From the children notified at Sinan that born alive, 3.0% (78/2,542) died; Out of these, 39 (50.0%) were early and 25 (32.1%) were late neonatal deaths. The proportion of death by CS increased from 0.62 to 5.8 from 2007 to 2013. At logistic regression, the variable that maintained statistical significance with fetal and infant death outcomes was the presence of CS signs and/or symptoms at birth (OR = 3.20; IC 95% 1.54–6.62; p = 0.002). Conclusions Neonatal and Infant deaths following CS-associated live births are underreported in Northeastern Brazil. Data base linkage identified unreported fetal and neonatal deaths due to CS leading to an increased awareness of fetal/infant mortality due to this infection. PMID:27941983

Pavlovian conditioning in the rabbit during inactivation of the interpositus nucleus.

PubMed Central

Welsh, J P; Harvey, J A

1991-01-01

1. We have examined the role of the anterior interpositus nucleus (AIP) of the cerebellum in Pavlovian conditioning of the nictitating membrane response (NMR) of the rabbit with the use of reversible brain lesions produced by the local anaesthetic lidocaine. Previous experiments have demonstrated that destructive lesions of the AIP prevent the performance of conditioned NMRs (CRs). Microinjections of lidocaine into the AIP were used in the present experiment to determine whether the deficit in the performance of CRs resulted from a deficit in learning or memory. 2. A 3-phase procedure was employed to determine whether associative learning required the function of the AIP. In phase 1, rabbits were trained to make CRs to a flashing-light conditioned stimulus (CS) that was paired with an air-puff unconditioned stimulus (UCS) directed at the cornea. In phase 2, the AIP was anaesthetized during a session of conditioning in which a tone CS was paired with the UCS. Presentations of the light CS were interpolated throughout the tone conditioning in order to monitor the degree to which CRs were impaired by lidocaine. Phase 3 occurred after the effects of the lidocaine had dissipated and consisted of a test of retention to determine whether learning occurred during phase 2 but could not be expressed because of a performance deficit resulting from the inactivation of the AIP. 3. Infusion of lidocaine into the AIP abolished CRs to the light CS and prevented the performance of CRs to the tone CS in phase 2. The effect of the infusion was specifically due to a conduction block of neurons and/or fibres in the lateral aspect of the AIP. The infusion of lidocaine into regions surrounding the AIP did not affect CRs elicited by the light CS or prevent acquisition of CRs to the tone. Infusions of saline directly into the AIP did not impair the performance of CRs to either the tone or light CS. Quantitative analysis of diffusion revealed that the abolition of CRs was accompanied by anaesthetization of the AIP. 4. The retention test in phase 3 indicated that learning occurred normally during phase 2 when the AIP was inactivated and performance was abolished. When the function of the AIP was restored and performance had recovered, the subjects demonstrated a frequency of CRs to the tone CS that was indistinguishable from control subjects whose performance had never been impaired. 5. The CRs observed during the retention test provided an unequivocal measure of associative learning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Images Fig. 8 Fig. 9 PMID:1822558

78 FR 48068 - Topramezone; Pesticide Tolerances

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-07

... from proteins in the diet). Inhibition of HPPD can result in elevated tyrosine levels in the blood, a... protein diet. This indicates that HPPD inhibitor in it of itself cannot easily overwhelm the tyrosine... from drinking water. The highest drinking water concentrations are expected to result from the direct...

Chondroitin Sulfate-E Binds to Both Osteoactivin and Integrin αVβ3 and Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Tatsuya; Miyauchi, Satoshi; Anada, Takahisa; Tawada, Akira; Suzuki, Osamu

2015-10-01

Integrins and their ligands have been suggested to be associated with osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The present study was designed to investigate whether chondroitin sulfate E (CS-E), which is one of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), is involved in osteoactivin (OA) activity, and osteoclast differentiation. The binding affinity of sulfated GAGs to integrin and its ligand was measured using biotin-labeled CS-E, and the osteoclast differentiation was evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and a pit formation assay. CS-E as well as CS-B, synthetic chondroitin polysulfate, and heparin inhibited osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages. Pre-coating of OA to synthetic calcium phosphate-coated plates enhanced the osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264 cells, and addition of a neutralizing antibody to OA inhibited its differentiation. CS-E bound not only to OA, fibronectin, and vitronectin, but also to its receptor integrin αVβ3, and inhibited the direct binding of OA to integrin αVβ3. Furthermore, CS-E blocked the binding of OA to cells and inhibited OA-induced osteoclastic differentiation. On the other hand, heparinase treatment of RAW264 cells inhibited osteoclastic differentiation. Since binding of OA to the cells was inhibited by the presence of heparan sulfate or heparinase treatment of cells, heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) was also considered to be an OA receptor. Taken together, the present results suggest that CS-E is capable of inhibiting OA-induced osteoclast differentiation by blocking the interaction of OA to integrin αVβ3 and HSPG. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Outcomes of Aggressive Surgical Resection in Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas with Cavernous Sinus Invasion.

PubMed

Park, Hun Ho; Kim, Eui Hyun; Ku, Cheol Ryong; Lee, Eun Jig; Kim, Sun Ho

2018-06-12

Cavernous sinus (CS) invasion is an unfavorable factor hindering remission of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. However, few data exist on aggressive surgical resection. The authors investigate the role of CS exploration for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas with CS invasion. We classified 132 patients with GH-secreting pituitary adenomas invading CS into 4 groups. The patients underwent surgery using a microsurgical transsphenoidal approach (TSA) with assistance of an endoscope. For adenomas with CS invasion confined to the medial compartment of ICA (internal carotid artery), they were divided into type A (without radiological evidence) and B (with radiological evidence). For adenomas with ICA encasement, tumors were divided according to the surgical approach: type C (standard TSA) and D (far-lateral TSA). Surgical and endocrinologic outcomes were compared between each group. Gross total resection rates were 100%, 73.6%, 14.7%, 0% and endocrinologic remission rates by surgery alone were 100% , 62.3%, 26.5%, 0% for type A, B, C, and D tumors, respectively. There was no endocrinologic remission by surgery alone for type D tumors. Nevertheless, it showed marked reduction of postoperative nadir GH at 1 week, 6 months, 1 year, and IGF-I at 1 year compared to type C tumors. For tumors with CS invasion confined to the medial compartment of ICA, total resection should be attempted by direct visualization of the entire medial wall of CS. Even for tumors with ICA encasement, aggressive tumor resection by far-lateral TSA can increase the chance of remission with the help of adjuvant treatment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The nonproton ligand of acid-sensing ion channel 3 activates mollusk-specific FaNaC channels via a mechanism independent of the native FMRFamide peptide.

PubMed

Yang, Xiao-Na; Niu, You-Ya; Liu, Yan; Yang, Yang; Wang, Jin; Cheng, Xiao-Yang; Liang, Hong; Wang, Heng-Shan; Hu, You-Min; Lu, Xiang-Yang; Zhu, Michael X; Xu, Tian-Le; Tian, Yun; Yu, Ye

2017-12-29

The degenerin/epithelial sodium channel (DEG/ENaC) superfamily of ion channels contains subfamilies with diverse functions that are fundamental to many physiological and pathological processes, ranging from synaptic transmission to epileptogenesis. The absence in mammals of some DEG/ENaCs subfamily orthologues such as FMRFamide peptide-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs), which have been identified only in mollusks, indicates that the various subfamilies diverged early in evolution. We recently reported that the nonproton agonist 2-guanidine-4-methylquinazoline (GMQ) activates acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), a DEG/ENaC subfamily mainly in mammals, in the absence of acidosis. Here, we show that GMQ also could directly activate the mollusk-specific FaNaCs. Differences in ion selectivity and unitary conductance and effects of substitutions at key residues revealed that GMQ and FMRFamide activate FaNaCs via distinct mechanisms. The presence of two activation mechanisms in the FaNaC subfamily diverging early in the evolution of DEG/ENaCs suggested that dual gating is an ancient feature in this superfamily. Notably, the GMQ-gating mode is still preserved in the mammalian ASIC subfamily, whereas FMRFamide-mediated channel gating was lost during evolution. This implied that GMQ activation may be essential for the functions of mammalian DEG/ENaCs. Our findings provide new insights into the evolution of DEG/ENaCs and may facilitate the discovery and characterization of their endogenous agonists. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Drinking-to-cope motivation and negative mood-drinking contingencies in a daily diary study of college students.

PubMed

O'Hara, Ross E; Armeli, Stephen; Tennen, Howard

2014-07-01

This study examined whether global drinking-to-cope (DTC) motivation moderates negative mood-drinking contingencies and negative mood-motivation contingencies at the daily level of analysis. Data came from a daily diary study of college student drinking (N = 1,636; 53% female; Mage = 19.2 years). Fixed-interval models tested whether global DTC motivation moderated relations between daily negative mood and that evening's drinking and episodic DTC. Time-to-drink models examined whether global DTC motivation moderated the effects of weekly negative mood on the immediacy of drinking and DTC in the weekly cycle. More evening drinking occurred on days characterized by relatively higher anxiety or anger, and students were more likely to report DTC on days when they experienced greater sadness. However, only the daily Anxiety × Global DTC Motivation interaction for number of drinks consumed was consistent with hypotheses. Moreover, students reported drinking, heavy drinking, and DTC earlier in weeks characterized by relatively higher anxiety or anger, but no hypothesized interactions with global DTC motivation were found. RESULTS indicate that negative mood is associated with increased levels of drinking and drinking for coping reasons among college students but that the strength of these relations does not differ by global levels of DTC motivation. These findings raise the possibility that global DTC measures are insufficient for examining within-person DTC processes. Further implications of these results are discussed, including future directions that may determine the circumstances under which, and for whom, DTC occurs.

Direct measurement of air kerma rate in air from CDCS J-type caesium-137 therapy sources using a Farmer ionization chamber.

PubMed

Poynter, A J

2000-04-01

A simple method for directly measuring the reference air kerma rate from J-type 137Cs sources using a Farmer 2571 chamber has been evaluated. The method is useful as an independent means of verifying manufacturers' test data.

Bent Bonds and Multiple Bonds.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robinson, Edward A.; Gillespie, Ronald J.

1980-01-01

Considers carbon-carbon multiple bonds in terms of Pauling's bent bond model, which allows direct calculation of double and triple bonds from the length of a CC single bond. Lengths of these multiple bonds are estimated from direct measurements on "bent-bond" models constructed of plastic tubing and standard kits. (CS)

The Trend toward More Directive Moral Education in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Torney-Purta, Judith; Schwille, John

1983-01-01

Describes the history of moral and values education in the United States, highlighting concerns about indoctrination and relativism. The current strength of several approaches is assessed: directive moral education supportive of common core civic values; values clarification; and the approach based on Kohlberg's theory. (Author/CS)

78 FR 67020 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Helicopters

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-08

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Helicopters AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration... the AD Docket at http://www.regulations.gov . (h) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code..., of Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Flight Manual BO 105 C/CS, Revision 5, dated March 12, 2010. (ii...

Comparison of the Health Implications on the Use of As and Cd Contaminated Water Supply between Urban and Rural Communities

PubMed Central

Zailina, H.; Najibah, H.; Nadia Aiezzati, A.; Praveena, S. M.; Patimah, I.

2014-01-01

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in blood, urine, and drinking water as well as the health implications on 100 residents in an urban and a rural community. Results showed the blood As, urinary Cd, DNA damage, and water As and Cs were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the rural community. Findings showed significant (P < 0.005) correlations between blood As and DNA damage with household income, years of residence, and total glasses of daily water consumption among the rural residents. The urinary NAG concentrations, years of residence, milk powder intake (glass/week), and seafood intake (per week) were significantly correlated (P < 0.005) with urinary Cd concentrations among respondents. In addition, urinary Cd level significantly influenced the urinary NAG concentrations (P < 0.001). The rural respondents experienced significantly higher lymphocyte DNA damage and blood As influenced by their years of residence and water consumption. The Cd in drinking water also resulted in the rural respondents having significantly higher urinary NAG which had a significant relationship with urinary Cd. PMID:25530970

Photon-counting image sensors for the ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, E. B.

1985-01-01

An investigation on specific performance details of photon counting, ultraviolet image sensors having 2-dimensional formats is reviewed. In one study, controlled experiments were performed which compare the quantum efficiencies, in pulse counting mode, of CsI photocathodes deposited on: (1) the front surface of a microchannel plate (MCP), (2) a solid surface in front of an MCP, and (3) an intensified CCD image sensor (ICCD) where a CCD is directly bombarded by accelerated photoelectrons. Tests indicated that the detection efficiency of the CsI-coated MCP at 1026 A is lower by a factor of 2.5 than that of the MCP with a separate, opaque CsI photocathode, and the detection efficiency ratio increases substantially at longer wavelengths (ratio is 5 at 1216 A and 20 at 1608 A).

Cs[Tf 2N]: a second polymorph with a layered structure

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

Stritzinger, Jared Tyler; Droessler, Janelle E.; Scott, Brian Lindley

Here, the structural determination of the ionic liquid, caesium bis­[(tri­fluoro­meth­yl)sulfon­yl]imide or poly[[ μ4-bis­[(tri­fluoro­meth­yl)sulfon­yl]imido]caesium(I)], Cs[N(SO 2CF 3) 2] or Cs[Tf 2N], reveals a second polymorph that also crystallizes in a layer structure possessing monoclinic P2 1/c symmetry at 120 K instead of C2/c for the known polymorph. The caesium ions in the cationic layers are coordinated by the sulfonyl groups of the bis­triflimide mol­ecules from anion layers while the tri­fluoro­methyl groups are oriented in the opposite direction, forming a non-polar surface separating the layers.

Novel photonic crystals: incorporation of nano-CdS into the natural photonic crystals within peacock feathers.

PubMed

Han, Jie; Su, Huilan; Song, Fang; Gu, Jiajun; Di, Zhang; Jiang, Limin

2009-03-03

In this investigation, the natural 2D photonic crystals (PhCs) within peacock feathers are applied to incorporate CdS nanocrystallites. Peacock feathers are activated by ethylenediaminetetraacetic/dimethylformamide suspension to increase the reactive sites on the keratin component, on which CdS nanoparticles (nano-CdS) are in situ formed in succession and serve as the "seeds" to direct further incorporation during the following solvothermal procedure. Thus, homogeneous nano-CdS are loaded both on the feathers' surface layer and inside the 2D PhCs. The obtained nano-CdS/peacock feathers hybrids are novel photonic crystals whose photonic stop bands are markedly different from that of the natural PhCs within original peacock feathers, as observed by the reflection spectra.

Cs[Tf 2N]: a second polymorph with a layered structure

DOE PAGES

Stritzinger, Jared Tyler; Droessler, Janelle E.; Scott, Brian Lindley; ...

2018-03-23

Here, the structural determination of the ionic liquid, caesium bis­[(tri­fluoro­meth­yl)sulfon­yl]imide or poly[[ μ4-bis­[(tri­fluoro­meth­yl)sulfon­yl]imido]caesium(I)], Cs[N(SO 2CF 3) 2] or Cs[Tf 2N], reveals a second polymorph that also crystallizes in a layer structure possessing monoclinic P2 1/c symmetry at 120 K instead of C2/c for the known polymorph. The caesium ions in the cationic layers are coordinated by the sulfonyl groups of the bis­triflimide mol­ecules from anion layers while the tri­fluoro­methyl groups are oriented in the opposite direction, forming a non-polar surface separating the layers.

Analytics of Radioactive Materials Released in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident

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

Egarievwe, Stephen U.; Nuclear Engineering Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; Coble, Jamie B.

The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Japan resulted in the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere, the nearby sea, and the surrounding land. Following the accident, several meteorological models were used to predict the transport of the radioactive materials to other continents such as North America and Europe. Also of high importance is the dispersion of radioactive materials locally and within Japan. Based on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Convention on Early Notification of a nuclear accident, several radiological data sets were collected on the accident by the Japanese authorities. Among the radioactive materials monitored, are I-131more » and Cs-137 which form the major contributions to the contamination of drinking water. The radiation dose in the atmosphere was also measured. It is impractical to measure contamination and radiation dose in every place of interest. Therefore, modeling helps to predict contamination and radiation dose. Some modeling studies that have been reported in the literature include the simulation of transport and deposition of I-131 and Cs-137 from the accident, Cs-137 deposition and contamination of Japanese soils, and preliminary estimates of I-131 and Cs-137 discharged from the plant into the atmosphere. In this paper, we present statistical analytics of I-131 and Cs-137 with the goal of predicting gamma dose from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. The data sets used in our study were collected from the IAEA Fukushima Monitoring Database. As part of this study, we investigated several regression models to find the best algorithm for modeling the gamma dose. The modeling techniques used in our study include linear regression, principal component regression (PCR), partial least square (PLS) regression, and ridge regression. Our preliminary results on the first set of data showed that the linear regression model with one variable was the best with a root mean square error of 0.0133 μSv/h, compared to 0.0210 μSv/h for PCR, 0.231 μSv/h for ridge regression L-curve, 0.0856 μSv/h for PLS, and 0.0860 μSv/h for ridge regression cross validation. Complete results using the full datasets for these models will also be presented. (authors)« less

Carbon Papers and Aerogels Based on Graphene Layers and Chitosan: Direct Preparation from High Surface Area Graphite.

PubMed

Barbera, Vincenzina; Guerra, Silvia; Brambilla, Luigi; Maggio, Mario; Serafini, Andrea; Conzatti, Lucia; Vitale, Alessandra; Galimberti, Maurizio

2017-12-11

In this work, carbon papers and aerogels based on graphene layers and chitosan were prepared. They were obtained by mixing chitosan (CS) and a high surface area nanosized graphite (HSAG) in water in the presence of acetic acid. HSAG/CS water dispersions were stable for months. High resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of few graphene layers in water suspensions. Casting or lyophilization of such suspensions led to the preparation of carbon paper and aerogel, respectively. In X-ray spectra of both aerogels and carbon paper, peaks due to regular stacks of graphene layers were not detected: graphene with unaltered sp 2 structure was obtained directly from graphite without the use of any chemical reaction. The composites were demonstrated to be electrically conductive thanks to the graphene. Chitosan thus makes it possible to obtain monolithic carbon aerogels and flexible and free-standing graphene papers directly from a nanosized graphite by avoiding oxidation to graphite oxide and successive reduction. Strong interaction between polycationic chitosan and the aromatic substrate appears to be at the origin of the stability of HSAG/CS adducts. Cation-π interaction is hypothesized, also on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy findings. This work paves the way for the easy large-scale preparation of carbon papers through a method that has a low environmental impact and is based on a biosourced polymer, graphene, and water.

Polarization-selective three-photon absorption and subsequent photoluminescence in CsPbBr3 single crystal at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, D. J.; Stoumpos, C. C.; Saouma, F. O.; Kanatzidis, M. G.; Jang, J. I.

2016-05-01

We report on highly polarization-selective three-photon absorption (3PA) in a Bridgman-grown single crystal of CsPbBr3 oriented along the (112) direction, which is an inorganic counterpart to emerging organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites for solar-cell and optoelectronic applications. The crystal exhibits strong photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature as a direct consequence of 3PA of fundamental radiation. Interestingly, 3PA disappears when the input polarization is parallel to the (-110 ) direction. This 3PA effect is strongest when orthogonal to (-110 ) and the corresponding 3PA coefficient was measured to be γ =0.14 ±0.03 cm3/GW2 under picosecond-pulse excitation at the fundamental wavelength of λ =1200 nm. The laser-induced damage threshold was also determined to be about 20 GW/cm2 at the same wavelength. Based on relative PL intensities upon λ tuning over the entire 3PA range (1100 -1700 nm), we determined the nonlinear optical dispersion of the 3PA coefficient for CsPbBr3, which is consistent with a theoretical prediction. Experimentally observed significant polarization dependence of γ was explained by relevant selection rules. The perovskite is potentially important for nonlinear optical applications owing to its highly efficient 3PA-induced PL response with a sharp on/off ratio by active polarization control.

Online and Offline Conversations About Alcohol: Comparing the Effects of Familiar and Unfamiliar Discussion Partners.

PubMed

Hendriks, Hanneke; de Bruijn, Gert-Jan; Meehan, Orla; van den Putte, Bas

2016-07-01

Although research has demonstrated that interpersonal communication about alcohol influences drinking behaviors, this notion has mainly been examined in offline contexts with familiar conversation partners. The present study investigated how communication mode and familiarity influence conversational valence (i.e., how negatively or positively people talk) and binge drinking norms. During a 2 (offline vs. online communication) × 2 (unfamiliar vs. familiar conversation partner) lab experiment, participants (N = 76) were exposed to an anti-binge drinking campaign, after which they discussed binge drinking and the campaign. Binge drinking norms were measured 1 week before and directly after the discussion. Results revealed that conversations between unfamiliar conversation partners were positive about the campaign, especially in offline settings, subsequently leading to healthier binge drinking norms. We recommend that researchers further investigate the influence of communication mode and familiarity on discussion effects, and we suggest that health promotion attempts might benefit from eliciting conversations about anti-binge drinking campaigns between unfamiliar persons.

Underage drinking: does the minimum age drinking law offer enough protection?

PubMed

Green, Rivka; Jason, Hannah; Ganz, Debora

2015-05-01

Underage drinking is a significant problem in the US. It is responsible for several thousand mortalities and fatalities each year, both among minors and other members of society. Additionally, underage alcohol consumption produces a severe economic burden in the US. Introduction to alcohol in youth poses serious long-term risks for adolescents, including occupational, educational, and psychosocial impairments, and increases the risk for developing alcohol abuse disorders in adulthood. In order to address and mitigate this problem, the US has set a minimum age drinking law of 21 in all 50 states, and has implemented several supplementary laws limiting the possession and consumption of alcohol. Though these laws have successfully reduced underage drinking, several additional strategies are noteworthy, including preventative and intervention efforts incorporating environmental, individual, communal, and parental factors. The following literature review describes these concepts as they relate to underage drinking laws in the US. Directions for future research, interventions, and ongoing challenges related to the minimum drinking age in the US are also discussed.

Energy drink use and its relationship to masculinity, jock identity, and fraternity membership among men.

PubMed

Wimer, David J; Levant, Ronald F

2013-07-01

The present study examined whether previous findings linking masculinity constructs and health behaviors applied to a relatively recent health risk behavior for men, the consumption of energy drinks. In addition, it also examined whether self-identifying as a jock and being a member of a fraternity would moderate the relationships between masculinity constructs and energy drink consumption. A total of 589 men completed measures of three masculinity constructs (endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology, conformity to masculine norms, and gender role conflict), energy drink consumption, jock identity, and fraternity membership, in addition to a demographic questionnaire. Age, endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology, and conforming to the masculine norms of risk taking and primacy of work were identified to be significant predictors of energy drink consumption. Furthermore, jock identity moderated the relationship between the endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology and energy drink consumption whereas fraternity membership moderated the relationship between conforming to the masculine norm of violence and energy drink consumption. Limitations, implications, and potential future directions are discussed.

Faulty perceptions? The impact of binge drinking history on college women's perceived rape resistance efficacy.

PubMed

McCauley, Jenna L; Calhoun, Karen S

2008-12-01

College women who binge drink are at greater risk than their peers for experiencing an alcohol-involved rape. Evidence suggests that these women commonly underestimate their risk for assault. This study examines college women's perceptions of their rape resistance efficacy in two acquaintance rape scenarios (one involving the woman's alcohol consumption and one not) as a function of their binge drinking and alcohol-involved rape history. Alcohol-involved rape was inversely associated only with efficacy in situations involving alcohol. Binge drinking was differentially predictive of efficacy in the two scenarios, with regular binge drinkers being significantly more likely to have high perceived efficacy in rape scenarios in which they were drinking and significantly less likely than their peers to have high perceived efficacy in rape scenarios in which they weren't drinking. Findings have direct implications for both college drinking and rape risk reduction interventions, highlighting the need to address women's minimization of alcohol's impact on their rape resistance ability.

Rapid and Sensitive Enumeration of Viable Diluted Cells of Members of the Family Enterobacteriaceae in Freshwater and Drinking Water

PubMed Central

Baudart, Julia; Coallier, Josée; Laurent, Patrick; Prévost, Michèle

2002-01-01

Water quality assessment involves the specific, sensitive, and rapid detection of bacterial indicators and pathogens in water samples, including viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. This work evaluates the specificity and sensitivity of a new method which combines a fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) approach with a physiological assay (direct viable count [DVC]) for the direct enumeration, at the single-cell level, of highly diluted viable cells of members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in freshwater and drinking water after membrane filtration. The approach (DVC-FISH) uses a new direct detection device, the laser scanning cytometer (Scan RDI). Combining the DVC-FISH method on a membrane with Scan RDI detection makes it possible to detect as few as one targeted cell in approximately 108 nontargeted cells spread over the membrane. The ability of this new approach to detect and enumerate VBNC enterobacterial cells in freshwater and drinking water distribution systems was investigated and is discussed. PMID:12324357

Removal of Direct Red 23 from aqueous solution using corn stalks: Isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathi, M. R.; Asfaram, A.; Farhangi, A.

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to assess the suitability and efficiency of corn stalk (CS) for the removal of diazo dye Direct Red 23 (DR23) from aqueous solutions. The effect of different variables in the batch method as a function of solution pH, contact time, initial dye concentration, CS amount, temperature, and so forth by the optimization method has been investigated. The color reduction was monitored by spectrophotometry at 503 nm before and after DR23 adsorption on the CS, and the removal percentage was calculated using the difference in absorbance. The sorption processes followed the pseudo second order in addition to intraparticle diffusion kinetics models with a good correlation coefficient with the overall entire adsorption of DR23 on adsorbent. The experimental equilibrium data were tested by four widely used isotherm models namely, Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R). It was found that adsorption of DR23 on CS well with the Freindlich isotherm model, implying monolayer coverage of dye molecules onto the surface of the adsorbent. More than 99% removal efficiency was obtained within 10 min at adsorbent dose of 0.2 g for initial dye concentration of 10-90 mg L-1 at pH 3. Various thermodynamic parameters, such as Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy, of the ongoing adsorption process have been calculated. Judgment based on the obtained results of thermodynamic values shows the spontaneous and endothermic nature adsorption processes on adsorbent.

Determination of acrylamide in drinking water by large-volume direct injection and ion-exclusion chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cavalli, S; Polesello, S; Saccani, G

2004-06-11

Acrylamide, a known neurotoxin and putative human carcinogen, has been included among the substances to be monitored in drinking water according to the European Union Directive 98/83 on potable water. This paper reports a new method based on the combination of ion-exclusion chromatographic separation and MS detection. Samples of drinking water have been directly injected in the microbore ICE-AS1 column and detected in the selected-ion monitoring mode by a single quadrupole system with electrospray ionization. Chromatographic conditions, such as eluent composition and flow rate, have been optimized by a central composite design experiment. Statistical analysis of data showed that the amount of acetonitrile fraction in the eluent mixture, composed by acetonitrile and formic acid solution, is the variable that most influences retention of the acrylamide peak. After optimization of MS detection parameters, this method has been validated for spiked drinking water samples. The effect of large-volume injection (up to 500 microl) has been also explored. Linearity was evaluated from 0.5 to 5 microg l(-1). Repeatability, expressed as R.S.D., was 16 and 12% at 0.5 and 1 microg l(-1) respectively. The limit of detection was 0.20 ppb with 500 microl injection volume.

The relationship between parent and student religious coping and college alcohol use.

PubMed

Harrell, Zaje A T; Powell, Kandace

2014-06-01

The present study examined social support and alcohol norms as mediators of the relationship between religious coping and college drinking (e.g., frequency and heavy drinking). The sample consisted of college students (n = 129) and their parents (n = 113). Religious coping (parent and student) was associated with less frequent alcohol use and less heavy drinking. Using a path model to test direct and indirect effects, the mediators were entered simultaneously and allowed to correlate with each other. Alcohol norms mediated the relationship between religious coping and drinking outcomes. Social support was not a significant mediator. Broader protective implications of religious coping are discussed.

Limited School Drinking Water Access for Youth.

PubMed

Kenney, Erica L; Gortmaker, Steven L; Cohen, Juliana F W; Rimm, Eric B; Cradock, Angie L

2016-07-01

Providing children and youth with safe, adequate drinking water access during school is essential for health. This study used objectively measured data to investigate the extent to which schools provide drinking water access that meets state and federal policies. We visited 59 middle and high schools in Massachusetts during spring 2012. Trained research assistants documented the type, location, and working condition of all water access points throughout each school building using a standard protocol. School food service directors (FSDs) completed surveys reporting water access in cafeterias. We evaluated school compliance with state plumbing codes and federal regulations and compared FSD self-reports of water access with direct observation; data were analyzed in 2014. On average, each school had 1.5 (standard deviation: .6) water sources per 75 students; 82% (standard deviation: 20) were functioning and fewer (70%) were both clean and functioning. Less than half of the schools met the federal Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act requirement for free water access during lunch; 18 schools (31%) provided bottled water for purchase but no free water. Slightly over half (59%) met the Massachusetts state plumbing code. FSDs overestimated free drinking water access compared to direct observation (96% FSD reported vs. 48% observed, kappa = .07, p = .17). School drinking water access may be limited. In this study, many schools did not meet state or federal policies for minimum student drinking water access. School administrative staff may not accurately report water access. Public health action is needed to increase school drinking water access. Copyright © 2016 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EPA Method 538: Determination of Selected Organic Contaminants in Drinking Water by Direct Aqueous Injection-Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (DAI-LC/MS/MS)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

EPA’s Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) lists this method for preparation and analysis of drinking water samples to detect and measure acephate, diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), methamidophos and thiofanox.

Modeling and testing of reactive contaminant transport in drinking water pipes: Chlorine response and implications for online contaminant detection

EPA Science Inventory

Reactive contaminants introduced to chlorinated drinking water can cause water quality change directly related to their reactivity and other physiochemical properties. This general principle is further developed and utilized in a proposed real-time event adaptive detection, iden...

A Model of Depression in Adult Children of Alcoholics and Nonalcoholics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lease, Suzanne H.

2002-01-01

Investigates the relationships between levels of depression in a sample of adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs) and non-ACOAs and patterns of parental drinking behaviors, intergenerational family interactions, attachment behaviors, and self-esteem. Drinking behaviors directly influenced family processes and indirectly influenced self-esteem but…

The effect of Cs-137 short-range spatial variability on soil after the Chernobyl disaster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martynenko, Vladimir; Vakulovsky, Sergey; Linnik, Vitaly

2014-05-01

After the Chernobyl accident of 1986, large areas of Russia were contaminated by 137Cs. Post-depositional redistribution of 137Cs fallout across the land surface resulting from mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in the soil system and the grain size selectivity associated with soil erosion and sediment transport processes. Therefore of uppermost importance are data on evaluating 137Cs variability at short distances, obtained at the early period after the accident. Measurements of 137Cs deposit at the territory of Russia exposed to radioactive contamination were mainly conducted with the help of air-gamma survey, and were verified by soil sampling on test plots with size 10x10 m with control soil sampling using "envelope" method of fivefold soil sampling (1 sampling at the centre and 4 along the edges of the plot under study). Presented here are evaluation data of 137Cs contamination, obtained in the Bryansk, Yaroslav and Rostov regions in 1991. Test plots were selected at the distance of 50-100 m away from a road on matted areas with undisturbed soil structure. Test routes of sampling were made perpendicularly to directions crossing basic traces of radioactive contamination. Sampling measurements were carried out at Canberra and Ortec gamma spectrometers. Each of the 5 samples of the "envelope" was measured separately, soil mixing was not applied. 137Cs value for the Bryansk Region varied from 2,6 kBq/m2 to 2294 kBq/m2, at the territories of the Yaroslav and Rostov regions 137Cs value varied from 0,44 kBq/m2 to 5,1 kBq/m2 and 0,56 kBq/m2 to 22,2 kBq/m2, respectively. Statistical analysis of 137Cs deposit at different plots is a solid argumentation in favour of nonuniform distribution in various landscapes and at a different distance from the Chernobyl NPP. Such nonuniformity of 137Cs soil contamination in the limits of 10 m of the plot is most likely to be related to initial aerosol contamination nonuniformity at the moment of deposition.

The involuntary nature of binge drinking: goal directedness and awareness of intention

PubMed Central

Doñamayor, Nuria; Strelchuk, Daniela; Baek, Kwangyeol; Banca, Paula

2017-01-01

Abstract Binge drinking represents a public health issue and is a known risk factor in the development of alcohol use disorders. Previous studies have shown behavioural as well as neuroanatomical alterations associated with binge drinking. Here, we address the question of the automaticity or involuntary nature of the behaviour by assessing goal‐directed behaviour and intentionality. In this study, we used a computational two‐step task, designed to discern between model‐based/goal‐directed and model‐free/habitual behaviours, and the classic Libet clock task, to study intention awareness, in a sample of 31 severe binge drinkers (BD) and 35 matched healthy volunteers. We observed that BD had impaired goal‐directed behaviour in the two‐step task compared with healthy volunteers. In the Libet clock task, BD showed delayed intention awareness. Further, we demonstrated that alcohol use severity, as reflected by the alcohol use disorders identification test, correlated with decreased conscious awareness of volitional intention in BD, although it was unrelated to performance on the two‐step task. However, the time elapsed since the last drinking binge influenced the model‐free scores, with BD showing less habitual behaviour after longer abstinence. Our findings suggest that the implementation of goal‐directed strategies and the awareness of volitional intention are affected in current heavy alcohol users. However, the modulation of these impairments by alcohol use severity and abstinence suggests a state effect of alcohol use in these measures and that top‐down volitional control might be ameliorated with alcohol use cessation. PMID:28419776

Mapping fields of 137Cs contamination in soils in the context of their stability and hierarchical spatial structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korobova, E.; Romanov, S.

2009-04-01

Technogenic radioisotopes now dispersed in the environment are involved in natural and technogenic processes forming specific geochemical fields and serving as tracers of modern mass migration and geofield transformation. Cs-137 radioisotopes having a comparatively long life time are known for a fast fixation by the top soil layer; radiocesium activity can be measured in the surface layer in field conditions. This makes 137Cs rather convenient for the study and modeling a behavior of toxic elements in soils [1-3, 5] and for the investigation of relative stability and hierarchical fractal structures of the soil contamination of the atmospheric origin [2]. The objective of the experimental study performed on the test site in Bryansk region was to find and prove polycentric regularities in the structure of 137Cs contamination field formed after the Chernobyl accident in natural conditions. Such a character of spatial variability can be seen on the maps showing different soil parameters and chemical element distribution measured in grids [3-5]. The research was undertaken to support our idea of the regular patterns in the contamination field structure that enables to apply a mathematical theory of the field to the geochemical fields modeling on the basis of a limited number of direct measurements sufficient to reproduce the configuration and main parameters of the geochemical field structure on the level of the elementary landscape geochemical system (top-slope-bottom). Cs-137 field measurements were verified by a direct soil sampling. Soil cores dissected into subsamples with increments of 2, 5 and 10 cm, were taken to the depth of 40 cm at points with various surface activity located at different elements of relief. According to laboratory measurements 137Cs inventory in soils varied from 344 to 3448 kBq/m2 (983 kBq/m2 on the average). From 95,1% to 98,0% to of the total inventory was retained in the top 20-cm soil layer. This confirmed that field gamma spectrometry could be used to investigate patterns of 137Cs spatial redistribution in the top soil layers. The portion of 137Cs conserved in top layers corresponded to the meso- and micro relief elements. The character and stability of 137Cs spatial structure was studied by measuring its activity within nested plots with different steps of 5, 2, 1 and 0,2 m (the latter was a minimum resolution step for the field NaI detector). Performed measurements showed that the contamination field of 137Cs had a regular structure of polycentric character and exhibited a decrease in spatial variability of contamination with the decrease of the measured area. Repeated measurements of soil contamination in successive years of 2005-2008 along and cross the slopes provided with topographic survey proved the stability of contamination field (r=0, 915, n=121, r=0,912, n=30) and its relation to the meso- and microrelief features. Variation 137Cs activity in lateral direction (along the slopes and thalweg of the hollow)showed a regular character also. In our opinion the regularity in 137Cs spatial structure in the soil cover may result from radionuclide redistribution with the surface and subsurface water flow highly sensitive to the changes in elevation of different scale, and to the slope length and inclination. Cs-137 lateral distribution pattern was likely to reflect alternation of lateral and vertical water mass migration along the slopes. The performed study showing regularity in 137Cs redistribution seems to open new possibilities to develop the deterministic strategy in the study of contamination fields and modeling toxic elements spatial distribution in the soil cover on different scales. The authors are much obliged to Dr. V. Samsonov and Dr. F. Moiseenko for participation in the field work and to S. Kirov for the performance of the laboratory measurement of the soil and plant samples. References 1. Khomutinin, Yu.V., Kashparov, V.A., Zhebrovskaya, E.I., 2001. Optimization of sampling and measurement of the specimen for radioecological monitoring. UkrNIISKHR, Kiev. 2. Korobova, E.M., Romanov, S.L., Samsonov, V.L., Kirov, S.S., 2006. Experimental study of spatial 137Cs redistribution in paragenetic elementary landscapes, in: Kasimov, N.S. et al (Eds.), Geochemistry of biosphere (devoted to 90-th anniversary of A.I. Perelman), MSU, IGEM, RFFI, Moscow-Smolensk, pp.157-159. 3. Linnik, V.G., Saveliev, A.A., Govorun, A.P., Ivanitsky, O.M., Sokolov, A.V., 2006. Analysis of the Cs-137 contamination field on micro-landscape scale within the virgin meadows in the western part of the Bryansk region, in: Kasimov, N.S. et al (Eds.), Geochemistry of biosphere (devoted to 90-th anniversary of A.I. Perelman), MSU, IGEM, RFFI, Moscow-Smolensk, pp. 201-204. 4. Samsonova V.P. Spatial variability of the soil parameters. On example of soddy-podozolic soils. Moscow, LKI, 2008, 156 p. 5.Shcheglov, A.I., Tsvetnova, O.B., Klyashtorin, A.I., 2001. Biogeochemical migration of technogenic radionuclides in forest ecosystems. Nauka, Moscow.

Application of reverse osmosis in purifying drinking water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lei; Tu, Yue; Li, Xiangmin; Li, Haixiang

2018-06-01

In view of the shortage of water resources and the pollution of water environment, the development of efficient water purification technology is one of the effective ways to ensure the safety of drinking water. The technology of reverse osmosis has attracted much attention in the application of drinking water security for its advantages of no phase change and simple equipment. This paper briefly introduces the research progress at home and abroad, basic principles, process flow diagram, advantages and disadvantages and development direction of the technology.

Cesium, iodine and tritium in NW Pacific waters - a comparison of the Fukushima impact with global fallout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Povinec, P. P.; Aoyama, M.; Biddulph, D.; Breier, R.; Buesseler, K.; Chang, C. C.; Golser, R.; Hou, X. L.; Ješkovský, M.; Jull, A. J. T.; Kaizer, J.; Nakano, M.; Nies, H.; Palcsu, L.; Papp, L.; Pham, M. K.; Steier, P.; Zhang, L. Y.

2013-08-01

Radionuclide impact of the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident on the distribution of radionuclides in seawater of the NW Pacific Ocean is compared with global fallout from atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons. Surface and water column samples collected during the Ka'imikai-o-Kanaloa (KOK) international expedition carried out in June 2011 were analyzed for 134Cs, 137Cs, 129I and 3H. The 137Cs, 129I and 3H levels in surface seawater offshore Fukushima varied between 0.002-3.5 Bq L-1, 0.01-0.8 μBq L-1, and 0.05-0.15 Bq L-1, respectively. At the sampling site about 40 km from the coast, where all three radionuclides were analyzed, the Fukushima impact on the levels of these three radionuclides represents an increase above the global fallout background by factors of about 1000, 50 and 3, respectively. The water column data indicate that the transport of Fukushima-derived radionuclides downward to the depth of 300 m has already occurred. The observed 137Cs levels in surface waters and in the water column are compared with predictions obtained from the ocean general circulation model, which indicates that the Kuroshio Current acts as a southern boundary for the transport of the radionuclides, which have been transported from the Fukushima coast eastward in the NW Pacific Ocean. The 137Cs inventory in the water column is estimated to be about 2.2 PBq, what can be regarded as a lower limit of the direct liquid discharges into the sea as the seawater sampling was carried out only in the area from 34 to 37° N, and from 142 to 147° E. About 4.6 GBq of 129I was deposited in the NW Pacific Ocean, and 2.4-7 GBq of 129I was directly discharged as liquid wastes into the sea offshore Fukushima. The total amount of 3H released and deposited over the NW Pacific Ocean was estimated to be 0.1-0.5 PBq. These estimations depend, however, on the evaluation of the total 137Cs activities released as liquid wastes directly into the sea, which should improve when more data are available. Due to a suitable residence time in the ocean, Fukushima-derived radionuclides will provide useful tracers for isotope oceanography studies on the transport of water masses during the next decades in the NW Pacific Ocean.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Impulsivity Traits on Drinking and Driving in Young Adults

PubMed Central

Treloar, Hayley R.; Morris, David H.; Pedersen, Sarah L.; McCarthy, Denis M.

2012-01-01

Objective: Impulsivity is strongly associated with alcohol-related risk-taking behavior, and this association has been found to be mediated by alcohol cognitions. The current study expanded this literature by comparing the relative association of distinct impulsivity traits with a specific risky behavior—drinking and driving. We then tested whether drinking-and-driving expectancies uniquely mediated this relation over and above other cognitions about alcohol and drinking and driving. Method: College student drivers (n = 816; 53.6% women) completed a paper-and-pencil survey in small groups. Self-report measures assessed alcohol use, impulsivity traits, alcohol expectancies, drinking-and-driving cognitions (i.e., expectancies, attitudes, beliefs), and drinking and driving. Results: Although all impulsivity traits were correlated with drinking and driving, only urgency uniquely contributed to drinking and driving. Indirect effect tests indicated that drinking-and-driving convenience expectancies partially mediated this association as well as that between (lack of) perseverance and drinking and driving. These results remained significant after controlling for alcohol expectancies and other drinking-and-driving cognitions. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing among impulsivity traits to improve theoretical models of the processes by which personality leads to specific alcohol-related consequences. In addition, results extend previous research by providing evidence for the unique importance of expectancies regarding the convenience of drinking and driving over and above more global alcohol expectancies and other drinking-and-driving cognitions. PMID:22846243

A theoretical study of perovskite CsXCl3 (X=Pb, Cd) within first principles calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilyas, Bahaa M.; Elias, Badal H.

2017-04-01

The structural, elastic, electronic, optical acoustic and thermodynamic properties of the cubic perovskite CsPbCl3 and CsCdCl3 unit cell, were studied using an ultra-soft pseudopotential plane wave, the Trouiller-Martins-Functional was utilized to perform these calculations. The study was implemented within both the Local Density Approximation (LDA) and the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA). the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) scheme proposed by van Leeuwen-Baerends which is the same as the Perdew-Wang 92 functional have been carried out to preform our calculations. As for the Local Density Approximation (LDA) the Teter-Pade parametrization (4/93) was implemented which is the same as Perdew-Wang that in its turn reproduces the Ceperley-Alder-Functional. The computed GGA/LDA-lattice parameter for both CsCdCl3 and CsPbCl3 is in an exquisite agreement with the experimental and theoretical results. The energy band structure shows that CsCdCl3 is Γ-R indirect band gap insulator, while CsPbCl3 is an insulator with a direct band gap Γ-Γ separating the valence bands from the conduction bands, which shows metallic nature after pressure 30 GPa. A hybridization exists between Pb-p states and Cl-p states for CsPbCl3, and Cd-p states and Cs-p states for the CsCdCl3 in the valence bonding region. Optimization of both cell shape (geometry) volume were investigated as pressure of 0-20 GPa and 0-40 GPa for the CsCdCl3 and CsPbCl3 respectively. The Pressure dependence of cubic perovskite elastic constants, Young modulus, bulk and shear moduli, Lame's constants, elastic anisotropy factor, elastic wave velocities, phonon dispersion, Debye temperature and the density of states of CsXCl3 (X=Pb, Cd) were theoretically calculated and compared with the other available theoretical results. The above elastic constants reveal the fact that both compounds are stable and show nature of ductility. For the optical properties, both the static refractive index and dielectric constant are found to be related proportionally to the indirect band gap of CsCdCl3. The refractive index, extinction coefficient, complex dielectric function, energy loss function, optical conductivity, reflectivity and absorption coefficient for 0-25 eV incident photon energies have been predicted. The phonon properties were investigated using response functions to predict the phonon lattice dispersion and the density of states. The thermal effect on the heat capacities, entropy, enthalpy and Free energy were predicted and compared using both the quasi-harmonic Debye model and response functions, the latter provided far better results. To the best of the authors' knowledge, most of the studied properties have not been experimentally reported so far. Generally, the computed results for both CsCdCl3 and CsPbCl3 are very satisfactory and show good agreement with other calculations.

Accurately determining direction of arrival by seismic array based on compressive sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, J.; Zhang, H.; Yu, H.

2016-12-01

Seismic array analysis method plays an important role in detecting weak signals and determining their locations and rupturing process. In these applications, reliably estimating direction of arrival (DOA) for the seismic wave is very important. DOA is generally determined by the conventional beamforming method (CBM) [Rost et al, 2000]. However, for a fixed seismic array generally the resolution of CBM is poor in the case of low-frequency seismic signals, and in the case of high frequency seismic signals the CBM may produce many local peaks, making it difficult to pick the one corresponding to true DOA. In this study, we develop a new seismic array method based on compressive sensing (CS) to determine the DOA with high resolution for both low- and high-frequency seismic signals. The new method takes advantage of the space sparsity of the incoming wavefronts. The CS method has been successfully used to determine spatial and temporal earthquake rupturing distributions with seismic array [Yao et al, 2011;Yao et al, 2013;Yin 2016]. In this method, we first form the problem of solving the DOA as a L1-norm minimization problem. The measurement matrix for CS is constructed by dividing the slowness-angle domain into many grid nodes, which needs to satisfy restricted isometry property (RIP) for optimized reconstruction of the image. The L1-norm minimization is solved by the interior point method. We first test the CS-based DOA array determination method on synthetic data constructed based on Shanghai seismic array. Compared to the CBM, synthetic test for data without noise shows that the new method can determine the true DOA with a super-high resolution. In the case of multiple sources, the new method can easily separate multiple DOAs. When data are contaminated by noise at various levels, the CS method is stable when the noise amplitude is lower than the signal amplitude. We also test the CS method for the Wenchuan earthquake. For different arrays with different apertures, we are able to obtain reliable DOAs with uncertainties lower than 10 degrees.

Spectroscopic study of carbaryl sorption on smectite from aqueous suspension.

PubMed

de Oliveira, Maurilio Fernandes; Johnston, Cliff T; Premachandra, G S; Teppen, Brian J; Li, Hui; Laird, David A; Zhu, Dongqiang; Boyd, Stephen A

2005-12-01

Sorption of carbaryl (1-naphthyl-N-methyl-carbamate) from aqueous suspension to smectite was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (for batch sorption), and quantum chemical methods. The amount of carbaryl sorbed was strongly dependent on the surface-charge density of the smectite with more sorption occurring on the two "low" surface-charge density smectites (SHCa-1 and SWy-2) compared to that of the high surface-charge SAz-1 smectite. In addition, the amount of carbaryl sorbed was strongly dependent on the nature of the exchangeable cation and followed the order of Ba approximately Cs approximately Ca > Mg approximately K > Na approximately Li for SWy-2. A similartrend was found for hectorite (SHCa-1) of Cs > Ba > Ca > K approximately Mg > Na approximately Li. Using the shift of the carbonyl stretching band as an indicator of the strength of interaction between carbaryl and the exchangeable cation, the observed order was Mg > Ca > Ba approximately K > Na > Cs. The position of the carbonyl stretching band shifted to lower wavenumbers with increasing ionic potential of the exchangeable cation. Density functional theory predicted a cation-induced lengthening of the C=O bond, resulting from the carbonyl group interacting directly with the exchangeable cation in support of the spectroscopic observations. Further evidence was provided by a concomitant shift in the opposite direction by several vibrational bands in the 1355-1375 cm(-1) region assigned to stretching bands of the carbamate N-Ccarbonyl and Oether-Ccarbonyl bonds. These data indicate that carbaryl sorption is due, in part, to site-specific interactions between the carbamate functional group and exchangeable cations, as evidenced by the FTIR data. However, these data suggest that hydrophobic interactions also contribute to the overall amount of carbaryl sorbed. For example, the FTIR data indicated thatthe weakest interaction occurred when Cs+ was the exchangeable cation. In contrast, the highest amount of carbaryl sorption was observed on Cs-exchanged smectite. Of all the cations studied, Cs has the lowest enthalpy of hydration. It is suggested that this low hydration energy provides the carbaryl with greater access to the hydrophobic regions of the siloxane surface.

Distribution of natural and artificial radioactivity in soils, water and tuber crops.

PubMed

Darko, Godfred; Faanu, Augustine; Akoto, Osei; Acheampong, Akwasi; Goode, Eric Jude; Gyamfi, Opoku

2015-06-01

Activity concentrations of radionuclides in water, soil and tuber crops of a major food-producing area in Ghana were investigated. The average gross alpha and beta activities were 0.021 and 0.094 Bq/L, respectively, and are below the guidelines for drinking water and therefore not expected to pose any significant health risk. The average annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclide in water ranged from 20.08 to 53.45 μSv/year. The average activity concentration of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in the soil from different farmlands in the study area was 23.19, 31.10, 143.78 and 2.88 Bq/kg, respectively, which is lower than world averages. The determined absorbed dose rate for the farmlands ranged from 23.63 to 50.51 nGy/year, which is within worldwide range of 18 to 93 nGy/year. The activity concentration of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in cassava ranges from 0.38 to 6.73, 1.82 to 10.32, 17.65 to 41.01 and 0.38 to 1.02 Bq/kg, respectively. Additionally, the activity concentration of (238)U, (232)Th, (40)K and (137)Cs in yam also ranges from 0.47 to 4.89, 0.93 to 5.03, 14.19 to 35.07 and 0.34 to 0.89 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration ratio for (238)U, (232)Th and (40)K in yam was 0.12, 0.11 and 0.17, respectively, and in cassava was 0.11, 0.12 and 0.2, respectively. None of the radioactivity is expected to cause significant health problems to human beings.

Targeting Chondroitin Sulfate Glycosaminoglycans to Treat Cardiac Fibrosis in Pathological Remodeling.

PubMed

Zhao, Rong-Rong; Ackers-Johnson, Matthew; Stenzig, Justus; Chen, Chen; Ding, Tao; Zhou, Yue; Wang, Peipei; Ng, Shi Ling; Li, Peter Y; Teo, Gavin; Rudd, Pauline M; Fawcett, James W; Foo, Roger S Y

2018-06-05

Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, and the search for novel therapeutic approaches continues. In the monogenic disease mucopolysaccharidosis VI, loss-of-function mutations in arylsulfatase B lead to myocardial accumulation of chondroitin sulfate (CS) glycosaminoglycans, manifesting as myriad cardiac symptoms. Here, we studied changes in myocardial CS in nonmucopolysaccharidosis failing hearts and assessed its generic role in pathological cardiac remodeling. Healthy and diseased human and rat left ventricles were subjected to histological and immunostaining methods to analyze glycosaminoglycan distribution. Glycosaminoglycans were extracted and analyzed for quantitative and compositional changes with Alcian blue assay and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Expression changes in 20 CS-related genes were studied in 3 primary human cardiac cell types and THP-1-derived macrophages under each of 9 in vitro stimulatory conditions. In 2 rat models of pathological remodeling induced by transverse aortic constriction or isoprenaline infusion, recombinant human arylsulfatase B (rhASB), clinically used as enzyme replacement therapy in mucopolysaccharidosis VI, was administered intravenously for 7 or 5 weeks, respectively. Cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and inflammation were assessed by echocardiography and histology. CS-interacting molecules were assessed with surface plasmon resonance, and a mechanism of action was verified in vitro. Failing human hearts displayed significant perivascular and interstitial CS accumulation, particularly in regions of intense fibrosis. Relative composition of CS disaccharides remained unchanged. Transforming growth factor-β induced CS upregulation in cardiac fibroblasts. CS accumulation was also observed in both the pressure-overload and the isoprenaline models of pathological remodeling in rats. Early treatment with rhASB in the transverse aortic constriction model and delayed treatment in the isoprenaline model proved rhASB to be effective at preventing cardiac deterioration and augmenting functional recovery. Functional improvement was accompanied by reduced myocardial inflammation and overall fibrosis. Tumor necrosis factor-α was identified as a direct binding partner of CS glycosaminoglycan chains, and rhASB reduced tumor necrosis factor-α-induced inflammatory gene activation in vitro in endothelial cells and macrophages. CS glycosaminoglycans accumulate during cardiac pathological remodeling and mediate myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. rhASB targets CS effectively as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of heart failure. © 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.

Effects of workplace generalized and sexual harassment on abusive drinking among first year male and female college students: Does prior drinking experience matter?

PubMed Central

Rospenda, Kathleen M.; Fujishiro, Kaori; McGinley, Meredith; Wolff, Jennifer M.; Richman, Judith A.

2017-01-01

Background Workplace harassment, a known risk factor for adult drinking, is understudied in college samples, but may help explain observed gender differences in drinking patterns. Objective We examine effects of sexual and generalized workplace harassment on changes in drinking behavior over the first semesters of college, and the extent to which these effects differ based on prematriculation drinking for men and women students. Method Data derive from two waves of a longitudinal study of eight Midwestern colleges and universities. Data were collected from 2080 employed students via a Web-based survey assessing sexual and generalized workplace harassment, stressful life events, drinking to intoxication, and binge drinking prior to freshman year (fall 2011) and approximately one year later (summer to fall 2012). At baseline, lifetime drinking status, frequency of alcohol consumption, and demographics were also assessed. Results Linear mixed modeling indicated that employed women students who were frequent drinkers prematriculation were at risk for high levels of drinking associated with workplace harassment, while men who were non-drinkers were most at risk of increasing problem drinking over time when exposed to workplace harassment. Conclusions Alcohol use prevention efforts directed towards employed students are needed both prior to and during college, to instruct students how to identify workplace harassment and cope in healthier ways with stressful workplace experiences. These efforts might be particularly useful in stemming problematic drinking among women who drink frequently prior to college, and preventing men who are non-drinkers upon college entry from initiating problematic drinking during subsequent enrollment years. PMID:28426358

Effects of Workplace Generalized and Sexual Harassment on Abusive Drinking Among First Year Male and Female College Students: Does Prior Drinking Experience Matter?

PubMed

Rospenda, Kathleen M; Fujishiro, Kaori; McGinley, Meredith; Wolff, Jennifer M; Richman, Judith A

2017-06-07

Workplace harassment, a known risk factor for adult drinking, is understudied in college samples, but may help explain observed gender differences in drinking patterns. We examine effects of sexual and generalized workplace harassment on changes in drinking behavior over the first semesters of college, and the extent to which these effects differ based on prematriculation drinking for men and women students. Data derive from two waves of a longitudinal study of eight Midwestern colleges and universities. Data were collected from 2080 employed students via a Web-based survey assessing sexual and generalized workplace harassment, stressful life events, drinking to intoxication, and binge drinking prior to freshman year (fall 2011) and approximately one year later (summer to fall 2012). At baseline, lifetime drinking status, frequency of alcohol consumption, and demographics were also assessed. Linear-mixed modeling indicated that employed women students who were frequent drinkers prematriculation were at risk for high levels of drinking associated with workplace harassment, while men who were nondrinkers were most at risk of increasing problem drinking over time when exposed to workplace harassment. Alcohol use prevention efforts directed towards employed students are needed both prior to and during college, to instruct students how to identify workplace harassment and cope in healthier ways with stressful workplace experiences. These efforts might be particularly useful in stemming problematic drinking among women who drink frequently prior to college, and preventing men who are nondrinkers upon college entry from initiating problematic drinking during subsequent enrollment years.

Drinking motives mediate emotion regulation difficulties and problem drinking in college students.

PubMed

Aurora, Pallavi; Klanecky, Alicia K

2016-05-01

Problem drinking in college places students at an increased risk for a wealth of negative consequences including alcohol use disorders. Most research has shown that greater emotion regulation difficulties are related to increased problem drinking, and studies generally assume that drinking is motivated by efforts to cope with or enhance affective experiences. However, there is a lack of research specifically testing this assumption. The current study sought to examine the mediating potential of drinking motives, specifically coping and enhancement, on the relationship between emotion regulation and problem drinking. College participants (N = 200) completed an online survey, consisting of a battery of measures assessing alcohol use behaviors and related variables. Coping drinking motives fully mediated the emotion regulation/problem drinking relationship, and enhancement motives partially mediated this relationship. Exploratory analyses indicated that all four drinking motives (i.e. coping, enhancement, social, and conformity) simultaneously mediated the relationship between emotion regulation and quantity/frequency of alcohol use. However, only coping and enhancement significantly mediated the relationship between emotion regulation and alcohol-related consequences (e.g. alcohol dependence symptoms, alcohol-related injuries). The current results offer direction for potentially modifying brief alcohol interventions in efforts to reduce students' engagement in problem drinking behaviors. For example, interventions might incorporate information on the risks of using alcohol as a means of emotion regulation and offer alternative emotion regulation strategies.

Two-photon absorption and upconversion luminescence of colloidal CsPbX3 quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Qiuju; Wu, Wenzhi; Liu, Weilong; Yang, Qingxin; Yang, Yanqiang

2018-01-01

The nonlinear optical and the upconversion luminescence (UCL) properties of CsPbX3 (X = Br or its binary mixtures with Cl, I) quantum dots (QDs) are investigated by femtosecond open-aperture (OA) Z-scan and time-resolved luminescence techniques in nonresonant spectral region. The OA Z-scan results show that CsPbX3 QDs have strong reverse saturable absorption (RSA), which is ascribed to two-photon absorption. Partially changing halide composition from Cl to Br, to I, two-photon absorption cross sections become larger at the same laser excitation intensity. The composition-tunable nonlinear absorption should be attributed to the gradual decrease of the lowest direct band gaps with the halide substitute. Moreover, the strong UCL can be observed under near infrared femtosecond laser excitation. Halide composition-tunable UCL dynamics of CsPbX3 QDs is analyzed by use of two-exponential fitting with deconvolution. When CsPbX3 QDs have similar sizes (10-13 nm), with partially changing halide composition from Cl to Br, to I, the average UCL lifetime becomes longer due to the variation of Kane energy. Our findings suggest all-inorganic perovskite QDs can be used as excellent gain medium for high-performance frequency-upconversion lasers and provide reference to engineer such QDs toward practical optoelectronic applications.

Evidence for instantaneous e-vector detection in the honeybee using an associative learning paradigm

PubMed Central

Sakura, Midori; Okada, Ryuichi; Aonuma, Hitoshi

2012-01-01

Many insects use the polarization pattern of the sky for obtaining compass information during orientation or navigation. E-vector information is collected by a specialized area in the dorsal-most part of the compound eye, the dorsal rim area (DRA). We tested honeybees' capability of learning certain e-vector orientations by using a classical conditioning paradigm with the proboscis extension reflex. When one e-vector orientation (CS+) was associated with sugar water, while another orientation (CS−) was not rewarded, the honeybees could discriminate CS+ from CS−. Bees whose DRA was inactivated by painting did not learn CS+. When ultraviolet (UV) polarized light (350 nm) was used for CS, the bees discriminated CS+ from CS−, but no discrimination was observed in blue (442 nm) or green light (546 nm). Our data indicate that honeybees can learn and discriminate between different e-vector orientations, sensed by the UV receptors of the DRA, suggesting that bees can determine their flight direction from polarized UV skylight during foraging. Fixing the bees' heads during the experiments did not prevent learning, indicating that they use an ‘instantaneous’ algorithm of e-vector detection; that is, the bees do not need to actively scan the sky with their DRAs (‘sequential’ method) to determine e-vector orientation. PMID:21733901

Cordyceps sinensis health supplement enhances recovery from taxol-induced leukopenia.

PubMed

Liu, Wei-Chung; Chuang, Wei-Ling; Tsai, Min-Lung; Hong, Ji-Hong; McBride, William H; Chiang, Chi-Shiun

2008-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the health food supplement Cordyceps sinensis (CS) to ameliorate suppressive effects of chemotherapy on bone marrow function as a model for cancer treatment. Mice were treated with Taxol (17 mg/kg body wt) one day before oral administration of a hot-water extract of CS (50 mg/kg daily) that was given daily for 3 weeks. White blood cell counts in peripheral blood of mice receiving Taxol were at 50% of normal levels on day 28 but had recovered completely in mice treated with CS. In vitro assays showed that CS enhanced the colony-forming ability of both granulocyte macrophage colony forming unit (GM-CFU) and osteogenic cells from bone marrow preparations and promoted the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells into adipocytes, alkaline phosphatase-positive osteoblasts, and bone tissue. This result could be attributed to enhanced expression of Cbfa1 (core binding factor a) and BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein) with concurrent suppression of ODF (osteoclast differentiation factor/RANK [receptor activator of NF-kappaB]) ligand. In summary, CS enhances recovery of mice from leukopenia caused by Taxol treatment. It appears to do so by protecting both hematopoietic progenitor cells directly and the bone marrow stem cell niche through its effects on osteoblast differentiation.

Preparation of the chitosan/poly(glutamic acid)/alginate polyelectrolyte complexing hydrogel and study on its drug releasing property.

PubMed

Chen, Yu; Yan, Xiaoting; Zhao, Jian; Feng, Huaiyu; Li, Puwang; Tong, Zongrui; Yang, Ziming; Li, Sidong; Yang, Jueying; Jin, Shaohua

2018-07-01

In the current study, a novel semi-dissolution/acidification/sol-gel transition (SD-A-SGT) method was explored for the preparation of polyelectrolyte complexing (PEC) composite hydrogels with natural polymers only. A chitosan (CS) powder was uniformly dispersed in a solution of poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) and alginate (SA) to form a semi-dissolved slurry mixture that was then exposed to an gaseous acidic atmosphere. CS was gradually dissolved and interacted with PGA and SA to form a CS/PGA/SA PEC composite hydrogel with a homogeneous structure. The SD-A-SGT procedure was able to overcome the shortcomings of direct mixing method via the PEC interaction. The effects of the hydrogel composition on its structure and properties were investigated by FTIR, XRD, rheology study, XPS, SEM, and swelling kinetics. The drug delivery performance of the CS/PGA/SA hydrogel was explored using piroxicam (PXC) as a model drug. PXC was in situ embedded in the hydrogel by the SD-A-SGT method. The hydrogel exhibited pH responsive drug release behaviors that were affected by the hydrogel composition. In all, the SD-A-SGT method for preparing PEC composite hydrogels has a great application potential in constructing the CS based hydrogels as medical materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An evaluation of the inflammatory response of lipopolysaccharide-treated primary dental pulp cells with regard to calcium silicate-based cements

PubMed Central

Lai, Wei-Yun; Kao, Chia-Tze; Hung, Chi-Jr; Huang, Tsui-Hsien; Shie, Ming-You

2014-01-01

This study compared the biological changes of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated dental pulp (DP) cells directly cultured on mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium silicate (CS) cements. DP cells were treated with LPS for 24 h. Then, the LPS-treated DP cells were cultured on MTA or CS cements. Cell viability, cell death mechanism and interleukin (IL)-1β expressions were analysed. A one-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the significance of the differences between the means. A significantly higher IL-1β expression (2.9-fold) was found for LPS-treated cells (P<0.05) compared with DP cells without LPS treatment at 24 h. Absorbance values of LPS-treated cells cultured on CS cement were higher than a tissue culture plate. A significant difference (P<0.05) in cell viability was observed between cells on CS and MTA cements 24 h after seeding. At 48 h, a high concentration of Si (5 mM) was released from MTA, which induced LPS-treated DP cell apoptosis. The present study demonstrates that CS cement is biocompatible with cultured LPS-treated DP cells. MTA stimulates inflammation in LPS-treated DP cells, which leads to greater IL-1β expression and apoptosis. PMID:24556955

General Electromagnetic Model for the Analysis of Complex Systems (GEMACS) Computer Code Documentation (Version 3). Volume 3, Part 4.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-09-01

6ENFRAL. ELECTROMAGNETIC MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS **%(GEMA CS) Computer Code Documentation ii( Version 3 ). A the BDM Corporation Dr...ANALYSIS FnlTcnclRpr F COMPLEX SYSTEM (GmCS) February 81 - July 83- I TR CODE DOCUMENTATION (Version 3 ) 6.PROMN N.REPORT NUMBER 5. CONTRACT ORGAT97...the ti and t2 directions on the source patch. 3 . METHOD: The electric field at a segment observation point due to the source patch j is given by 1-- lnA

The Selection of a Marine Artillery Battery Fire Direction Computer System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

yhsical Characteristics: Tbe VI provi-ds s h gen er al physical characteri-sti-cs of the BCS. The total weight of the BCS is based on ti,: eg’±ipment...twenty special fanc -tion keys. Six of the special function keys arc- currently spares and will be programmed -o support the P31 software aiditions...close to the weapon or mounted on the weapon. Phs- ga C aacteri sti cs: Table XIV provides the gen e ral physical charactaristics of the FCC. The act

AMP-acetyl CoA synthetase from Leishmania donovani: identification and functional analysis of 'PX4GK' motif.

PubMed

Soumya, Neelagiri; Kumar, I Sravan; Shivaprasad, S; Gorakh, Landage Nitin; Dinesh, Neeradi; Swamy, Kayala Kambagiri; Singh, Sushma

2015-04-01

An adenosine monophosphate forming acetyl CoA synthetase (AceCS) which is the key enzyme involved in the conversion of acetate to acetyl CoA has been identified from Leishmania donovani for the first time. Sequence analysis of L. donovani AceCS (LdAceCS) revealed the presence of a 'PX4GK' motif which is highly conserved throughout organisms with higher sequence identity (96%) to lower sequence identity (38%). A ∼ 77 kDa heterologous protein with C-terminal 6X His-tag was expressed in Escherichia coli. Expression of LdAceCS in promastigotes was confirmed by western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Immunolocalization studies revealed that it is a cytosolic protein. We also report the kinetic characterization of recombinant LdAceCS with acetate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, coenzyme A and propionate as substrates. Site directed mutagenesis of residues in conserved PX4GK motif of LdAceCS was performed to gain insight into its potential role in substrate binding, catalysis and its role in maintaining structural integrity of the protein. P646A, G651A and K652R exhibited more than 90% loss in activity signifying its indispensible role in the enzyme activity. Substitution of other residues in this motif resulted in altered substrate specificity and catalysis. However, none of them had any role in modulation of the secondary structure of the protein except G651A mutant. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction in neonatologists in the US.

PubMed

Weintraub, A S; Geithner, E M; Stroustrup, A; Waldman, E D

2016-11-01

Compassion fatigue (CF) is distress experienced by caregivers from ongoing contact with patients who are suffering. Burnout (BO) is occupational stress directly related to dissonance between job demands and available resources. Compassion satisfaction (CS) is professional fulfillment experienced through helping others. CF in physicians is not well studied. Neonatologists may be at particular risk for CF by virtue of recurrent exposure to distress in patients and their families. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of CF, BO and CS, and to identify potential predictors for these phenomena in neonatologists. A modified Compassion Fatigue and Satisfaction Self-Test and a questionnaire of professional details and personal characteristics were distributed electronically to neonatologists nationally. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models for CF, BO and CS as a function of potential predictors were constructed. The survey response rate was 47%. The prevalence of CF, BO and CS was 15.7, 20.8 and 21.9%, respectively. Female gender, emotional depletion, distress from 'a clinical situation', 'co-workers', 'personal health issues' and 'not talking about distressing issues' were each significant determinants of CF. Emotional depletion, distress from the 'physical work environment' and 'co-workers', and 'not talking about distressing issues' were significant determinants of BO. Self-identification as Hispanic; 'not currently feeling distressed'; talking about distressing issues; and utilization of pediatric palliative care services were significant determinants of higher CS. CF and BO may impact emotional well-being and professional performance of neonatologists. Enhancement of CS is a potential target for intervention.

Pulverization of coffee silverskin extract as a source of antioxidant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, S.; Kusumocahyo, S. P.; Widiputri, D. I.

2016-11-01

Coffee silverskin (CS) is waste from coffee roasting process that has a value as source of antioxidant. In this research, two types of variant coffee Robusta and Arabica CS were extracted for their phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The extraction was done at 40°C for 60 minutes using hydroalcoholic solvent. The phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Robusta CS extract were 816.75 ± 63.24 mg GAE/L and 32.82 ± 2.47 mg QE/L, and 54.80% inhibition respectively, while for Arabica CS extract were 473.51 ± 56.70 mg GAE/L, 18.58 ± 2.47 mg QE/L, and 26.30% inhibition respectively. Thus, the Robusta coffee silverskin extract has higher value of total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity than Arabica coffee silverskin extract. To produce high antioxidant powder of CS extract, the effect of drying method (freeze drying and spray drying) affecting the phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity was evaluated. The effect of evaporation prior to both drying processes was also evaluated. Evaporation caused up to 23% of total phenolic content degradation. Spray drying resulted in dried CS extract with degradation of total phenolic content up to 17%. On the other hand, freeze drying resulted no major degradation of total phenolic content. However, the coffee silverskin extract can be directly spray dried without evaporation resulting in higher amount of phenolic content in the powder than the one which was evaporated first.

Airway epithelial cell PPARγ modulates cigarette smoke-induced chemokine expression and emphysema susceptibility in mice.

PubMed

Solleti, Siva Kumar; Simon, Dawn M; Srisuma, Sorachai; Arikan, Meltem C; Bhattacharya, Soumyaroop; Rangasamy, Tirumalai; Bijli, Kaiser M; Rahman, Arshad; Crossno, Joseph T; Shapiro, Steven D; Mariani, Thomas J

2015-08-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent, chronic inflammatory lung disease with limited existing therapeutic options. While modulation of peroxisome proliferator-activating receptor (PPAR)-γ activity can modify inflammatory responses in several models of lung injury, the relevance of the PPARG pathway in COPD pathogenesis has not been previously explored. Mice lacking Pparg specifically in airway epithelial cells displayed increased susceptibility to chronic cigarette smoke (CS)-induced emphysema, with excessive macrophage accumulation associated with increased expression of chemokines, Ccl5, Cxcl10, and Cxcl15. Conversely, treatment of mice with a pharmacological PPARγ activator attenuated Cxcl10 and Cxcl15 expression and macrophage accumulation in response to CS. In vitro, CS increased lung epithelial cell chemokine expression in a PPARγ activation-dependent fashion. The ability of PPARγ to regulate CS-induced chemokine expression in vitro was not specifically associated with peroxisome proliferator response element (PPRE)-mediated transactivation activity but was correlated with PPARγ-mediated transrepression of NF-κB activity. Pharmacological or genetic activation of PPARγ activity abrogated CS-dependent induction of NF-κB activity. Regulation of NF-κB activity involved direct PPARγ-NF-κB interaction and PPARγ-mediated effects on IKK activation, IκBα degradation, and nuclear translocation of p65. Our data indicate that PPARG represents a disease-relevant pathophysiological and pharmacological target in COPD. Its activation state likely contributes to NF-κB-dependent, CS-induced chemokine-mediated regulation of inflammatory cell accumulation.

Pavlovian autoshaping procedures increase plasma corticosterone and levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in prefrontal cortex in rats.

PubMed

Tomie, Arthur; Tirado, Aidaluz D; Yu, Lung; Pohorecky, Larissa A

2004-08-12

Pavlovian autoshaping procedures provide for pairings of a small object conditioned stimulus (CS) with a rewarding substance unconditioned stimulus (US), resulting in the acquisition of complex sequences of CS-directed skeletal-motor responses or autoshaping conditioned responses (CRs). Autoshaping procedures induce higher post-session levels of corticosterone than in controls receiving CS and US randomly, and the enhanced post-session corticosterone levels have been attributed to the appetitive or arousal-inducing effects of autoshaping procedures. Enhanced corticosterone release can be induced by aversive stimulation or stressful situations, where it is often accompanied by higher levels of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) in prefrontal cortex (PFC) but not in striatum (ST). Effects of autoshaping procedures on post-session corticosterone levels, NE contents in PFC, and 5-HT contents in PFC and ST were investigated in male Long-Evans rats. Post-session blood samples revealed higher corticosterone levels in the CS-US Paired group (n = 46) than in the CS-US Random control group (n = 21), and brain samples revealed higher levels of PFC NE and 5-HT in CS-US Paired group. Striatal 5-HT levels were unaltered by the autoshaping procedures. Autoshaping procedures provide for appetitive stimulation and induce an arousal-like state, as well as simultaneous stress-like changes in plasma corticosterone and monoamine levels in PFC. Autoshaping, therefore, may be useful for the study of endocrine and central processes associated with appetitive conditions.

Alcohol-specific parenting, adolescents' self-control, and alcohol use: a moderated mediation model.

PubMed

Koning, Ina M; van den Eijnden, Regina J J M; Vollebergh, Wilma A M

2014-01-01

There is convincing evidence that parental rules about alcohol are important in curbing adolescents' alcohol use. However, little is known about the mechanisms through which the direct link between alcohol-specific parenting and alcohol use is obtained. In this study, we investigated the mediating effect of adolescent self-control on the relationship between alcohol-specific rules and adolescents' drinking behavior and whether this mediation effect depends on the level of quality of communication. A total of 883 adolescents participated in this longitudinal study at ages 13, 14, and 15 years. Strict rules predicted lower rates of drinking, but no direct effect of the quality of communication on adolescents' alcohol use was found. A higher level of self-control was related to lower rates of drinking in adolescents. The indirect effect of rules about alcohol through adolescents' self-control was statistically significant, yet only in adolescents with high qualitative parent-child communication about alcohol. In adolescents with low quality of parent-child communication, self-control was not related to drinking. These findings imply that strict rule setting in combination with qualitative parent-child communication is an important target for prevention. In addition, findings point at the importance of high qualitative parent-child communication for adolescents' motivation to engage in self-control to avoid drinking.