Sample records for studies contribution du

  1. V2010 Security Planning and Operations: A Social Network Study of Key Information Sharing Relationships

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-05-01

    la scurit. Je vous remercie de votre temps et de votre contribution. Susan G. McIntyre Knowledge Management/ Gestion du savoir...National Defence, 2011 © Sa Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2011 DRDC CSS TR 2011...avantages du renforcement de la communication horizontale au sein du gouvernement fédéral, surtout en présence d’organismes de

  2. Locke and Du Bois: Two Major Black Voices Muzzled by Philanthropic Organizations.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fitchue, M. Anthony

    1997-01-01

    In 1935, the Howard University philosopher Alain Locke asked W. E. B. Du Bois to contribute to an adult education project for African Americans. Censorship by white-controlled foundations forced Locke to reject the Du Bois essay to protect contributions for causes of great importance to blacks. (Author/SLD)

  3. Teratogenicity of depleted uranium aerosols: A review from an epidemiological perspective

    PubMed Central

    Hindin, Rita; Brugge, Doug; Panikkar, Bindu

    2005-01-01

    Background Depleted uranium is being used increasingly often as a component of munitions in military conflicts. Military personnel, civilians and the DU munitions producers are being exposed to the DU aerosols that are generated. Methods We reviewed toxicological data on both natural and depleted uranium. We included peer reviewed studies and gray literature on birth malformations due to natural and depleted uranium. Our approach was to assess the "weight of evidence" with respect to teratogenicity of depleted uranium. Results Animal studies firmly support the possibility that DU is a teratogen. While the detailed pathways by which environmental DU can be internalized and reach reproductive cells are not yet fully elucidated, again, the evidence supports plausibility. To date, human epidemiological data include case examples, disease registry records, a case-control study and prospective longitudinal studies. Discussion The two most significant challenges to establishing a causal pathway between (human) parental DU exposure and the birth of offspring with defects are: i) distinguishing the role of DU from that of exposure to other potential teratogens; ii) documentation on the individual level of extent of parental DU exposure. Studies that use biomarkers, none yet reported, can help address the latter challenge. Thoughtful triangulation of the results of multiple studies (epidemiological and other) of DU teratogenicity contributes to disentangling the roles of various potentially teratogenic parental exposures. This paper is just such an endeavor. Conclusion In aggregate the human epidemiological evidence is consistent with increased risk of birth defects in offspring of persons exposed to DU. PMID:16124873

  4. Le role du phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) dans les variations des proprietes optiques des eaux du Saint-Laurent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mas, Sebastien

    Les mesures satellitaires de couleur des oceans sont largement determinees par les proprietes optiques inherentes (IOPs) des eaux de surface. D'autre part, le phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) est le plus souvent dominant dans les oceans, et peut donc etre une source importante de variation des IOPs dans les oceans. Dans ce contexte, le but principal de ce doctorat etait de definir l'impact du phytoplancton (<20 mum) sur les variations des proprietes optiques de l'Estuaire et du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Canada). Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, il etait necessaire de determiner en milieu controle les facteurs de variabilite des proprietes optiques cellulaires et des IOPs du phytoplancton (<20 mum) des eaux du Saint-Laurent, et d'evaluer la contribution du phytoplancton (<20 mum) aux proprietes optiques totales des eaux du Saint-Laurent. Des experiences en laboratoire ont montre que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques soumises a un cycle jour-nuit, ainsi qu'a des changements concomitants d'intensite lumineuse, peuvent contribuer significativement a la variabilite des proprietes optiques observee en milieu naturel. D'autres experiences ont, quant a elles, mis en evidence que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques dues aux phases de croissance peuvent alterer les IOPs des oceans, particulierement pendant les periodes de floraison. De plus, la presence de bacteries et de particules detritiques peut egalement affecter la variabilite des IOPs totales, notamment la diffusion. Au printemps, dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du Saint-Laurent, la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum aux IOPs presentait des differences regionales evidentes pour les proprietes d'absorption et de diffusion. En plus de la variabilite spatiale, les proprietes optiques cellulaires presentaient des variations journalieres, et ce particulierement pour le picophytoplancton. Enfin, la plupart des differences observees dans les proprietes biooptiques, particulierement l'absorption, etaient attribuables a la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum. Ceci confirme l'importance de la structure de taille des communautes phytoplanctoniques dans les modeles bio-optiques appliques au Saint-Laurent. L'ensemble des resultats a permis de mettre en evidence l'importance des mecanismes de photoacclimatation et de synchronisation du cycle cellulaire du phytoplancton sur les variations journalieres des IOPs, ainsi que de l'etat physiologique relie au stade de croissance sur les variations temporelles a long terme des IOPs. De plus, le phytoplancton <20 mum contribue de maniere importante aux IOPs et a leur variabilite dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du St-Laurent, et ce particulierement pour l'absorption. Cette etude de doctorat souligne donc l'importance du phytoplancton <20 mum sur la variabilite des IOPs des oceans.

  5. W. E. B. Du Bois: Reform, Will, and the Veil

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    England, Lynn; Warner, W. Keith

    2013-01-01

    While W. E. B. Du Bois is widely recognized for his contributions to the sociology of race, his contributions to the foundations of sociology are largely ignored. His sociology is based on African American reformism, a version of pragmatism, and a contingent historicism. The basic view of sociology is one that emphasizes the role of chance and…

  6. Differential response of DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation: role of reactive oxygen species, GSH and Nrf2 in radiosensitivity.

    PubMed

    Jayakumar, Sundarraj; Kunwar, Amit; Sandur, Santosh K; Pandey, Badri N; Chaubey, Ramesh C

    2014-01-01

    Radioresistance is the major impediment in radiotherapy of many cancers including prostate cancer, necessitating the need to understand the factors contributing to radioresistance in tumor cells. In the present study, the role of cellular redox and redox sensitive transcription factor, Nrf2 in the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and DU145, has been investigated. Differential radiosensitivity of PC3 and DU145 cells was assessed using clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, and comet assay. Their redox status was measured using DCFDA and DHR probes. Expression of Nrf2 and its dependent genes was measured by EMSA and real time PCR. Knockdown studies were done using shRNA transfection. PC3 and DU145 cells differed significantly in their radiosensitivity as observed by clonogenic survival, apoptosis and neutral comet assays. Both basal and inducible levels of ROS were higher in PC3 cells than that of DU145 cells. DU145 cells showed higher level of basal GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio than that of PC3 cells. Further, significant increase in both basal and induced levels of Nrf2 and its dependent genes was observed in DU145 cells. Knock-down experiments and pharmacological intervention studies revealed the involvement of Nrf2 in differential radio-resistance of these cells. Cellular redox status and Nrf2 levels play a causal role in radio-resistance of prostate cancer cells. The pivotal role Nrf2 has been shown in the radioresistance of tumor cells and this study will further help in exploiting this factor in radiosensitization of other tumor cell types. © 2013.

  7. W.E.B. Du Bois and Filipino/a American Exposure Programs to the Philippines: Race Class Analysis in an Epoch of "Global Apartheid"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Viola, Michael Joseph

    2016-01-01

    The article highlights the ongoing relevance of W.E.B. Du Bois for the global analysis of race and class. Engaging scholarly debates that have ensued within the educational subfields of critical race theory (CRT) and (revolutionary) critical pedagogy, the article explores how a deeper engagement with Du Bois's ideas contributes theoretically and…

  8. FMISO accumulation in tumor is dependent on glutathione conjugation capacity in addition to hypoxic state.

    PubMed

    Masaki, Yukiko; Shimizu, Yoichi; Yoshioka, Takeshi; Nishijima, Ken-Ichi; Zhao, Songji; Higashino, Kenichi; Numata, Yoshito; Tamaki, Nagara; Kuge, Yuji

    2017-10-01

    18 F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO), a well-known PET imaging probe for diagnosis of hypoxia, is believed to accumulate in hypoxic cells via covalent binding with macromolecules after reduction of the nitro group. Previously, we showed the majority of 18 F-FMISO was incorporated into low-molecular-weight metabolites in hypoxic tumors, and the glutathione conjugate of reduced FMISO (amino-FMISO-GS) distributed in the tumor hypoxic regions as revealed by imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). The present study was conducted to clarify whether FMISO is metabolized to amino-FMISO-GS within tumor cells and how amino-FMISO-GS contributes to FMISO accumulation in hypoxic cells. We also evaluated the relationship between FMISO accumulation and the glutathione conjugation-related factors in the cells. Tumor cells (FaDu, LOVO, and T24) were treated with 18 F-FMISO and incubated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 4 h. The FMISO metabolites were analyzed with LC-ESI-MS. Several glutathione conjugation-related factors of tumor cells were evaluated in vitro. FaDu tumor-bearing mice were intravenously injected with 18 F-FMISO and the tumors were excised at 4 h post-injection. Autoradiography, IMS and histologic studies were performed. Amino-FMISO-GS was the main contributor to FMISO incorporated in hypoxic FaDu cells in vitro and in vivo. Total FMISO uptake levels and amino-FMISO-GS levels were highest in FaDu, followed by LOVO, and then T24 (total uptake: 0.851 ± 0.009 (FaDu), 0.617 ± 0.021 (LOVO) and 0.167 ± 0.006 (T24) % dose/mg protein; amino-FMISO-GS: 0.502 ± 0.035 (FaDu), 0.158 ± 0.013 (LOVO), and 0.007 ± 0.001 (T24) % dose/mg protein). The glutathione level of FaDu was significantly higher than those of LOVO and T24. The enzyme activity of glutathione-S-transferase catalyzing the glutathione conjugation reaction in FaDu was similar levels to that in LOVO, and was higher than that in T24. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of efflux transporters of the glutathione conjugate (multidrug resistance-associated protein 1) were lowest in FaDu, followed by LOVO, and then T24. FMISO accumulates in hypoxic cells through reductive metabolism followed by glutathione conjugation. We illustrated the possibility that increased production and decreased excretion of amino-FMISO-GS contribute to FMISO accumulation in tumor cells under hypoxic conditions.

  9. Approches pour la reduction de l'impact de defaut dans le transport d'energie du parc eolien offshore via VSC-HVDC =

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Benadja, Mounir

    Dans ce travail est presente un systeme de generation d'energie d'un parc eolien offshore et un systeme de transport utilisant les stations VSC-HVDC connectees au reseau principal AC onshore. Trois configurations ont ete etudiees, modelisees et validees par simulation. Dans chacune des configurations, des contributions ameliorant les cotes techniques et economiques sont decrites ci-dessous : La premiere contribution concerne un nouvel algorithme MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) utilise pour l'extraction de la puissance maximale disponible dans les eoliennes des parcs offshores. Cette technique d'extraction du MPPT ameliore le rendement energetique de la chaine de conversion des energies renouvelables notamment l'energie eolienne a petite et a grande echelles (parc eolien offshore) qui constitue un probleme pour les constructeurs qui se trouvent confrontes a developper des dispositifs MPPT simples, moins couteux, robustes, fiables et capable d'obtenir un rendement energetique maximal. La deuxieme contribution concerne la reduction de la taille, du cout et de l'impact des defauts electriques (AC et DC) dans le systeme construit pour transporter l'energie d'un parc eolien offshore (OWF) vers le reseau principal AC onshore via deux stations 3L-NPC VSCHVDC. La solution developpee utilise des observateurs non-lineaires bases sur le filtre de Kalman etendu (EKF). Ce filtre permet d'estimer la vitesse de rotation et la position du rotor de chacune des generatrices du parc eolien offshore et de la tension du bus DC de l'onduleur DC-AC offshore et des deux stations 3L-NPC-VSC-HVDC (offshore et onshore). De plus, ce developpement du filtre de Kalman etendu a permis de reduire l'impact des defauts AC et DC. Deux commandes ont ete utilisees, l'une (commande indirect dans le plan abc) avec EKF integre destinee pour controler le convertisseur DC-AC offshore et l'autre (commande d-q) avec EKF integre pour controler les convertisseurs des deux stations AC-DC et DC-AC tout en tenant compte des entrees de chacune des stations. L'integration des observateurs non-lineaires (EKF) dans le controle des convertisseurs permet de resoudre le probleme des incertitudes de mesure, des incertitudes dans la modelisation, en cas du dysfonctionnement ou de panne des capteurs de mesure ainsi que le probleme de l'impact des defauts (AC et DC) sur la qualite d'energie dans les systemes de transmission. Ces estimations contribuent a rendre le cout global du systeme moins cher et sa taille moins encombrante ainsi que la reduction de l'impact des defauts (AC et DC) sur le systeme. La troisieme contribution concerne la reduction de la taille, du cout et de l'impact des defauts electriques (AC et DC) dans le systeme construit pour transporter l'energie d'un parc eolien offshore (OWF) vers le reseau principal AC onshore via deux stations VSC-HVDC. La solution developpee utilise des observateurs non-lineaires bases sur le filtre de Kalman etendu (EKF). Ce filtre permet d'estimer la vitesse de rotation et la position du rotor de chacune des generatrices du parc eolien et de la tension du bus DC de l'onduleur DC-AC offshore. La contribution porte surtout sur le developpement des deux commandes des deux stations. La premiere, la commande non-lineaire modifiee pour controler le premier convertisseur de la station VSC-HVDC offshore assurant le transfert de la puissance generee par le parc eolien vers la station VSC-HVDC onshore. La deuxieme commande non-lineaire modifiee avec integration de la regulation de la tension du bus DC et de la commande a modele de reference adaptative (MRAC) pour la compensation des surintensites et surtensions durant les defauts AC et DC. On peut constater que lors d'un defaut AC au PCC (Point of Common Coupling) du cote reseau onshore, la profondeur de l'impact du defaut AC sur l'amplitude des courants du reseau principal AC onshore qui etait reduit a 60% par les travaux de recherche (Erlich, Feltes et Shewarega, 2014), comparativement a la nouvelle commande proposee MRAC qui reduit la profondeur de l'impact a 35%. Lors de l'apparition des defauts AC et DC, une reduction de l'impact des defauts sur l'amplitude des courants de reseau AC terrestre et du temps de reponse a ete observee et la stabilite du systeme a ete renforcee par l'utilisation de la commande adaptative basee sur le modele de reference MRAC. La quatrieme contribution concerne une nouvelle commande basee sur le mode de glissement (SM) appliquee pour la station VSC-HVDC qui relie le parc eolien offshore (OWF) au reseau principal AC. Ce parc est compose de dix eoliennes basees sur des generatrices synchrones a aimant permanent (VSWT/PMSGs) connectees en parallele et chacune est controlee par son propre convertisseur DC-DC. Une comparaison des performances entre la commande SM et de la commande non-lineaire avec des controleurs PI pour les deux conditions (presence et absence de defaut DC) a ete analysee et montre la superiorite de la commande par SM. Un prototype du systeme etudie a echelle reduite a ete realise et teste au laboratoire GREPCI en utilisant la carte dSPACE-DS1104 pour la validation experimentale. L'analyse et la simulation des systemes etudies sont developpees sous l'environnement Matlab/Simulink/Simpowersystem. Les resultats obtenus a partir des configurations developpees sont valides par simulation et par experimentation. Les performances sont tres satisfaisantes du point de vue reponse dynamique, reponse en regime permanent, stabilite du systeme et qualite de l'energie.

  10. Medical Entomology Studies - VII. The Subgenus Stegomyia of Aedes in Southeast Asia. II - The Edwardsi Group of Species. III - The W-Albus Group of Species. (Diptera: Culicidae). VIII: Notes on the Taxonomic Status of Aedes Vittatus (Deptera: Culicidae) (Contributions of the American Entomological Institute. Volume 14, Number 1)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-01-01

    Netherlands India. Geneesk. Tijdschr. Ned. -1nd. 72 (Bijblad 2): 35-119. BOREL, E. 1928. Les moustiques de la Cochinchine et du Sud-Annam-(II.) Arch. Inst...particular reference to Aedes (Stegomyiu) vittatus (Bigot). Bull. Entomol. Res. 52: 709-25. BOREL, E. 1928. Les moustiques de la Cochin-chine et du Sud

  11. GPNMB/OA protein increases the invasiveness of human metastatic prostate cancer cell lines DU145 and PC3 through MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity

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

    Fiorentini, Chiara; Bodei, Serena; Bedussi, Francesca

    2014-04-15

    Non-metastatic glycoprotein melanoma protein B (GPNMB), also known as osteoactivin (OA) is expressed in a wide array of tumors and represents an emerging target for drug development. In this study, we investigated the role of GPNMB/OA in the progression of human metastatic DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells. GPNMB/OA contribution in PCa malignant phenotype has been analyzed by small interfering RNA-induced GPNMB/OA silencing. We found that following GPNMB/OA silencing the migration capability of both DU145 and PC3 cells, evaluated by using in vitro invasivity assay, as well as the metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity were equally strongly inhibited. By contrastmore » knocking down GPNMB/OA weakly attenuated cell proliferation rate of DU145, an effect that paralleled with an increase number of apoptotic cells. However, PC3 cell growth seems to be not affected by GPNMB/OA. Together, these data reveal that GPNMB/OA acts as a critical molecular mediator promoting the acquisition of the more aggressive, pro-metastatic phenotype distinctive of human DU145 and PC3 cell lines. - Highlights: • GPNMB/OA expression correlates with DU145 and PC3 cells malignant phenotype. • GPNMB/OA silencing affects the migration capability of both DU145 and PC3 cells. • GPNMB/OA increases invasiveness by up-regulating MMPs activity. • GPNMB/OA promotes DU145 and PC3 cells progression into a more aggressive phenotype.« less

  12. Inauguration LEP

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Le DG C.Rubbia remercie son prédécesseur H.Schopper pour sa contribution pour la réalisation du LEP. En présence du président de la Confédération Suisse, Mons. Délamuraz et du président français Mons.Mitterand plusieurs discours sont donnés et les délégations invités pour un déjeuner.

  13. Depleted Uranium and Human Health.

    PubMed

    Faa, Armando; Gerosa, Clara; Fanni, Daniela; Floris, Giuseppe; Eyken, Peter V; Lachowicz, Joanna I; Nurchi, Valeria M

    2018-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is generally considered an emerging pollutant, first extensively introduced into environment in the early nineties in Iraq, during the military operation called "Desert Storm". DU has been hypothesized to represent a hazardous element both for soldiers exposed as well as for the inhabitants of the polluted areas in the war zones. In this review, the possible consequences on human health of DU released in the environment are critically analyzed. In the first part, the chemical properties of DU and the principal civil and military uses are summarized. A concise analysis of the mechanisms underlying absorption, blood transport, tissue distribution and excretion of DU in the human body is the subject of the second part of this article. The following sections deal with pathological condition putatively associated with overexposure to DU. Developmental and birth defects, the Persian Gulf syndrome, and kidney diseases that have been associated to DU are the arguments treated in the third section. Finally, data regarding DU exposure and cancer insurgence will be critically analyzed, including leukemia/lymphoma, lung cancer, uterine cervix cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer and testicular cancer. The aim of the authors is to give a contribution to the debate on DU and its effects on human health and disease. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

  14. W.E.B. DuBois's Challenge to Scientific Racism.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Taylor, Carol M.

    1981-01-01

    Proposes that a direct and authoritative challenge to the scientific racism of the late eighteenth and early twentieth centuries was urgently needed, and was one of the leading rhetorical contributions of W.E.B. DuBois. Specifically examines three issues: social Darwinism, the eugenics movement, and psychologists' measurement of intelligence.…

  15. A new species of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from Zhejiang Province of China.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhi-Teng

    2016-03-24

    The stonefly genus Neoperla Needham (1905) is primarily distributed in eastern North America, Tropical and Temperate Asia and central Africa, with at least 297 species known (Illies 1966, Zwick 1973, Stark & Gaufin 1976, DeWalt et al. 2016). Contributions to Chinese species of Neoperla were made by Chu (1929), Wu & Claassen (1934), Wu (1935, 1938, 1948, 1962, 1973), Yang & Yang (1992, 1995, 1998), Du (1999, 2000a, 2000b), Du et al. (1999, 2001), Du & Sivec (2004, 2005), Du & Wang (2005, 2007), Sivec & Zwick (1987), Li & Wang (2011), Li et al. (2011a, 2011b, 2012a, 2012b, 2013a, 2013b, 2014a, 2014b), Qin et al. (2013), Wang et al. (2013a, 2013b), Li & Zhang (2014), Kong et al. (2014), Wang et al. (2014), Chen & Du (2015). Herein, a new species of this genus is described from Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, of eastern coastal China.

  16. Travaux du laboratoire de traitement du langage et de la parole (Laboratory Work in the Treatment of Language and Linguistics).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grosjean, Francois, Ed.

    1994-01-01

    Research papers on language and linguistics include: "Enchainement des mots et acces au lexique en francais" ("Word Order and Lexical Access in French") (Besson); "L'apport de la coarticulation dans la perception de consonnes occlusives et constrictives" ("The Contribution of Coarticulation to the Perception of…

  17. Learning Cultures in Travel and Tourism: A Critique of Manuela du Bois-Reymond's Trendsetter Learner Thesis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Morrison, Andrew

    2011-01-01

    This article aims to contribute to the discussion surrounding Manuela du Bois-Reymond's important "trendsetter learner" thesis and, in so doing, to join the wider debate about post-compulsory learning cultures. The article outlines the trendsetter learner thesis and then considers recent criticisms that it has attracted. While the author…

  18. Neutron electric dipole moment from electric and chromoelectric dipole moments of quarks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pospelov, Maxim; Ritz, Adam

    2001-04-01

    Using QCD sum rules, we calculate the electric dipole moment of the neutron dn induced by all CP violating operators up to dimension five. We find that the chromoelectric dipole moments of quarks d~i, including that of the strange quark, provide significant contributions comparable in magnitude to those induced by the quark electric dipole moments di. When the theta term is removed via the Peccei-Quinn symmetry, the strange quark contribution is also suppressed and dn=(1+/-0.5)\\{0.55e(d~d+0.5d~u)+0.7(dd-0.25du)\\}.

  19. Curriculum Development and Education for Living Together: Conceptual and Managerial Challenges in Africa. Final Report of the Seminar (Nairobi, Kenya, June 25-29, 2001) (Developpement du Curriculum et Education pour Vivre Ensemble: Problemes de Concepts et de Gestion en Afrique. Rapport Final du Seminaire (Nairobi, Kenya, 25-29 Juin 2001).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aglo, John, Ed.; Lethoko, Mankolo, Ed.

    The Nairobi, Kenya, seminar sought to analyze existing official school curricula from the vantage point of their potential contribution to learning and to address the issue of curriculum management with a view to improving the capacity of basic schooling to contribute to enhanced social cohesion. This final report is divided into four parts. Part…

  20. Feasibility of event-related potential (ERP) biomarker use to study effects of mother's voice exposure on speech sound differentiation of preterm infants.

    PubMed

    D Chorna, Olena; L Hamm, Ellyn; Shrivastava, Hemang; Maitre, Nathalie L

    2018-01-01

    Atypical maturation of auditory neural processing contributes to preterm-born infants' language delays. Event-related potential (ERP) measurement of speech-sound differentiation might fill a gap in treatment-response biomarkers to auditory interventions. We evaluated whether these markers could measure treatment effects in a quasi-randomized prospective study. Hospitalized preterm infants in passive or active, suck-contingent mother's voice exposure groups were not different at baseline. Post-intervention, the active group had greater increases in/du/-/gu/differentiation in left frontal and temporal regions. Infants with brain injury had lower baseline/ba/-/ga/and/du/-/gu/differentiation than those without. ERP provides valid discriminative, responsive, and predictive biomarkers of infant speech-sound differentiation.

  1. Commentary: Race Man and Philosopher of Education--A Reflection on W.E.B. Du Bois

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gordon, Edmund W.; Watkins, L'Tanya M.

    2017-01-01

    The brilliantly developed emphasis in the work of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois on race and the political economy has led many of his readers to misunderstand and underestimate his additional important contributions to and perspectives on education. In addition, some of his work not commonly read by educators as well as his unpublished musings from later…

  2. A Novel Hydroxamate-Based Compound WMJ-J-09 Causes Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Death via LKB1-AMPK-p38MAPK-p63-Survivin Cascade.

    PubMed

    Yen, Chia-Sheng; Choy, Cheuk-Sing; Huang, Wei-Jan; Huang, Shiu-Wen; Lai, Pin-Ye; Yu, Meng-Chieh; Shiue, Ching; Hsu, Ya-Fen; Hsu, Ming-Jen

    2018-01-01

    Growing evidence shows that hydroxamate-based compounds exhibit broad-spectrum pharmacological properties including anti-tumor activity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying hydroxamate derivative-induced cancer cell death remain incomplete understood. In this study, we explored the anti-tumor mechanisms of a novel aliphatic hydroxamate-based compound, WMJ-J-09, in FaDu head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells. WMJ-J-09 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in FaDu cells. These actions were associated with liver kinase B1 (LKB1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation, transcription factor p63 phosphorylation, as well as modulation of p21 and survivin. LKB1-AMPK-p38MAPK signaling blockade reduced WMJ-J-09's enhancing effects in p63 phosphorylation, p21 elevation and survivin reduction. Moreover, WMJ-J-09 caused an increase in α-tubulin acetylation and interfered with microtubule assembly. Furthermore, WMJ-J-09 suppressed the growth of subcutaneous FaDu xenografts in vivo . Taken together, WMJ-J-09-induced FaDu cell death may involve LKB1-AMPK-p38MAPK-p63-survivin signaling cascade. HDACs inhibition and disruption of microtubule assembly may also contribute to WMJ-J-09's actions in FaDu cells. This study suggests that WMJ-J-09 may be a potential lead compound and warrant the clinical development in the treatment of HNSCC.

  3. Environmental acceptability of high-performance alternatives for depleted uranium penetrators

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

    Kerley, C.R.; Easterly, C.E.; Eckerman, K.F.

    1996-08-01

    The Army`s environmental strategy for investigating material substitution and management is to measure system environmental gains/losses in all phases of the material management life cycle from cradle to grave. This study is the first in a series of new investigations, applying material life cycle concepts, to evaluate whether there are environmental benefits from increasing the use of tungsten as an alternative to depleted uranium (DU) in Kinetic Energy Penetrators (KEPs). Current military armor penetrators use DU and tungsten as base materials. Although DU alloys have provided the highest performance of any high-density alloy deployed against enemy heavy armor, its low-levelmore » radioactivity poses a number of environmental risks. These risks include exposures to the military and civilian population from inhalation, ingestion, and injection of particles. Depleted uranium is well known to be chemically toxic (kidney toxicity), and workplace exposure levels are based on its renal toxicity. Waste materials containing DU fragments are classified as low-level radioactive waste and are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. These characteristics of DU do not preclude its use in KEPs. However, long-term management challenges associated with KEP deployment and improved public perceptions about environmental risks from military activities might be well served by a serious effort to identify, develop, and substitute alternative materials that meet performance objectives and involve fewer environmental risks. Tungsten, a leading candidate base material for KEPS, is potentially such a material because it is not radioactive. Tungsten is less well studied, however, with respect to health impacts and other environmental risks. The present study is designed to contribute to the understanding of the environmental behavior of tungsten by synthesizing available information that is relevant to its potential use as a penetrator.« less

  4. Radiological air quality in a depleted uranium storage vault

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

    Robinson, T.; Cucchiara, A.L.

    1999-03-01

    The radiological air quality of two storage vaults, one with depleted uranium (DU) and one without, was evaluated and compared. The intent of the study was to determine if the presence of stored DU would significantly contribute to the gaseous/airborne radiation level compared to natural background. Both vaults are constructed out of concrete and are dimensionally similar. The vaults are located on the first floor of the same building. Neither vault has air supply or air exhaust. The doors to both vaults remained closed during the evaluation period, except for brief and infrequent access by the operational group. One vaultmore » contained 700 KG of depleted uranium, and the other vault contained documents inside of file cabinets. Radon detectors and giraffe air samplers were used to gather data on the quantity of gaseous/airborne radionuclides in both vaults. The results of this study indicated that there was no significant difference in the quantity of gaseous/airborne radionuclides in the two vaults. This paper gives a discussion of the effects of the stored DU on the air quality, and poses several theories supporting the results.« less

  5. On Reconsidering Park, Johnson, DuBois, Frazier and Reid: A Reply to Benjamin Bowser's "The Contribution of Blacks to Sociological Knowledge."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Watts, Jerry G.

    1983-01-01

    Contends that Benjamin Bowser's essay (title cited above) contains conceptual and factual errors on such matters as the relationship of African slavery to European economic expansion; influence of Social Darwinism; and the role of Robert Park, W.E.B. DuBois, E. Franklin Frazier, and other Black historians in sociological research in this country.…

  6. Multiculturalism in Education Projects Supported by the Multiculturalism Directorate, Government of Canada = Projets dans le Domaine de l'Education Multiculturelle Subventionnes par la Direction du Multiculturalisme, Gouvernement du Canada.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Department of the Secretary of State, Ottawa (Ontario). Multiculturalism Directorate.

    This catalog of multiculturalism in education projects is intended to make the materials listed and described more widely accessible to the Canadian public, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canada's multicultural nature. All projects listed received financial assistance from the Canadian Government in the years…

  7. Factors That Influence the Retention of Urban, Hispanic High School Male Graduates: A Phenomenological Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Elliott-Ghalleb, Robin

    2016-01-01

    The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the retention of urban, Hispanic high school male graduates in East Harlem, New York. Originated through the works by W. E. B. Du Bois (1968), Gloria Ladson-Billings (1998) and Derrick Bell (1992) pioneered Critical Race Theory (CRT), which…

  8. Properties, use and health effects of depleted uranium (DU): a general overview.

    PubMed

    Bleise, A; Danesi, P R; Burkart, W

    2003-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU), a waste product of uranium enrichment, has several civilian and military applications. It was used as armor-piercing ammunition in international military conflicts and was claimed to contribute to health problems, known as the Gulf War Syndrome and recently as the Balkan Syndrome. This led to renewed efforts to assess the environmental consequences and the health impact of the use of DU. The radiological and chemical properties of DU can be compared to those of natural uranium, which is ubiquitously present in soil at a typical concentration of 3 mg/kg. Natural uranium has the same chemotoxicity, but its radiotoxicity is 60% higher. Due to the low specific radioactivity and the dominance of alpha-radiation no acute risk is attributed to external exposure to DU. The major risk is DU dust, generated when DU ammunition hits hard targets. Depending on aerosol speciation, inhalation may lead to a protracted exposure of the lung and other organs. After deposition on the ground, resuspension can take place if the DU containing particle size is sufficiently small. However, transfer to drinking water or locally produced food has little potential to lead to significant exposures to DU. Since poor solubility of uranium compounds and lack of information on speciation precludes the use of radioecological models for exposure assessment, biomonitoring has to be used for assessing exposed persons. Urine, feces, hair and nails record recent exposures to DU. With the exception of crews of military vehicles having been hit by DU penetrators, no body burdens above the range of values for natural uranium have been found. Therefore, observable health effects are not expected and residual cancer risk estimates have to be based on theoretical considerations. They appear to be very minor for all post-conflict situations, i.e. a fraction of those expected from natural radiation.

  9. Analysis of Heat-Labile Sites Generated by Reactions of Depleted Uranium and Ascorbate in Plasmid DNA

    PubMed Central

    Wilson, Janice; Young, Ashley; Civitello, Edgar R.

    2013-01-01

    The goal of this study was to characterize how depleted uranium (DU) causes DNA damage. Procedures were developed to assess the ability of organic and inorganic DNA adducts to convert to single strand breaks (SSB) in pBR322 plasmid DNA in the presence of heat or piperidine. DNA adducts formed by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), cis-platin (cis-Pt), and chromic chloride were compared to those formed by reaction of uranyl acetate (UA) and ascorbate (Asc). Uranyl ion in the presence of Asc produced U-DNA adducts that converted to SSB upon heating. Piperidine, which acted on DNA methylated by MMS to convert methyl-DNA adducts to SSB, served in the opposite fashion with U-DNA adducts by decreasing SSB. The observation that piperidine also decreased the gel shift for metal-DNA adducts formed by monofunctional cis-Pt and chromic chloride was interpreted to suggest that piperidine served to remove U-DNA adducts. Radical scavengers did not affect formation of U-induced SSB, suggesting that SSB arose from the presence of U-DNA adducts and not from free radicals. A model is proposed to predict how U-DNA adducts may serve as initial lesions that convert to SSB or AP sites. Results suggest that DU can act as a chemical genotoxin that does not require radiation for its mode of action. Characterizing the DNA lesions formed by DU is necessary to assess the relative importance of different DNA lesions in the formation of DU-induced mutations. Understanding mechanisms of formation of DU-induced mutations may contribute to identification of biomarkers of DU exposures in humans. PMID:24218036

  10. Prompt Neutron Time Decay in Single HEU and DU Metal Annular Storage Castings

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

    Pena, Kirsten E; McConchie, Seth M; Mihalczo, John T

    2010-01-01

    Previous measurements of highly enriched uranium (HEU) storage castings performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) at the Y-12 National Security Complex showed a prompt neutron time decay that is not exponential. These measurements showed that multiple time constants originating from multiplication, time-of-flight, scattering in the assembly and room return could be associated with this prompt neutron decay. In this work, the contribution not associated with neutron multiplication was investigated via measurements with a depleted uranium (DU) casting. The measurements at ORNL used an annular (5.0-in OD, 3.5-in ID, 6.0-in H) DU casting with a time-tagged 252Cf source, centered verticallymore » on the axis, and four closely coupled 1 1 6-in.-long plastic scintillators with -in.- thick lead shielding adjacent to the outer surface of the casting. This setup was identical to the configuration used in the previously performed measurements with HEU castings at Y-12. The time correlation between fission events and detections in the plastic scintillators was measured, as well as the time distribution of coincidences between multiple detectors within a 512-ns time window. The measurement results were then compared to MCNP-PoliMi calculations and the previous HEU measurements. Time constants from decay fits to the HEU and DU data were compared to characterize the contributions resulting from multiplication, time-of-flight, and scattering.« less

  11. An observational cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed digital ulcer disease secondary to systemic sclerosis registered in the EUSTAR database.

    PubMed

    Brand, Monika; Hollaender, Rebecca; Rosenberg, Daniel; Scott, Martin; Hunsche, Elke; Tyndall, Alan; Denaro, Valentina; Carreira, Patricia; Varju, Cecilia; Gabrielli, Barbara; Zingarelli, Stefania; Caramaschi, Paola; Simic-Pasalic, Katarina; Müller-Ladner, Ulf; Vasile, Massimiliano; Mihai, Carina; Rosato, Edoardo; Vacca, Alessandra; Zenone, Thierry; Mohamed, Walid A; Ancuta, Codrina; Zampogna, Giuseppe; Rednic, Simona; Jabaar, Nadia; Belloli, Laura; Pozzi, Maria R; Foti, Rosario; Walker, Ulrich A

    2015-01-01

    This study describes clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed (incident) digital ulcers (DU). Observational cohort study of 189 consecutive SSc patients with incident DU diagnosis identified from the EUSTAR database (22 centres in 10 countries). Data were collected from medical charts and during one prospective visit between 01/2004 and 09/2010. Median age at DU diagnosis was 51 years, majority of patients were female (88%), and limited cutaneous SSc was the most common subtype (61%). At incident DU diagnosis, 41% of patients had one DU and 59% had ≥2 DU; at the prospective visit 52% had DU. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and multiple DU at diagnosis were associated with presence of any DU at the prospective visit (odds ratios: 4.34 and 1.32). During the observation period (median follow-up was 2 years) 127 patients had ≥1 hospitalisation. The event rate of new DU per person-year was 0.66, of DU-associated complications was 0.10, and of surgical or diagnostic procedures was 0.12. At the prospective visit, patients with ≥1 DU reported impairment in daily activities by 57%, those with 0 DU by 37%. The mean difference between patients with or without DU in the SF-36 physical component was 2.2, and in the mental component 1.4. DU patients were not routinely prescribed endothelin receptor antagonists or prostanoids. This real world cohort demonstrates that DU require hospital admission, and impair daily activity. PAH and multiple DU at diagnosis were associated with future occurrence of DU.

  12. The Contributions of Chemistry and Transport to Low Arctic Ozone in March 2011 Derived from Aura MLS Observations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Strahan, S. E.; Douglass, A. R.; Newman, P. A.

    2012-01-01

    Stratospheric and total columns of Arctic O3 (63-90 N) in late March 2011 averaged 320 and 349 DU, respectively. These values are 74 DU lower than averages for the previous 6 years. We use Aura MLS O3 observations to quantify the roles of chemistry and transport and find there are two major reasons for low O3 in March 2011: heterogeneous chemical loss and a late final warming that delayed the resupply of O3 until April. Daily vortex-averaged partial columns in the lowermost stratosphere (p greater than 133 hPa) and middle stratosphere (p less than 29 hPa) are unaffected by local heterogeneous chemistry and show a near total lack of transport into the vortex between late January and late March, contributing to the observed low column. The lower stratospheric (LS) column (133-29 hPa) is affected by both heterogeneous chemistry and transport. Low interannual variability of Aura MLS 0 3 columns and temperature inside the Arctic vortex (2004-2011) shows that the transport contribution to vortex O3 in fall and early winter is nearly the same each year. The descent of MLS N2O vortex profiles in 2011 provides an estimate of O3 transported into the LS column during late winter. By quantifying the role of transport we determine that PSC-driven chemical loss causes 80 (plus or minus 10) DU of vortex-averaged O3 loss by late March 2011. Without heterogeneous chemical loss, March 2011 vortex O3 would have been 40 DU lower than normal due to the late final warming and resupply of O3 which did not occur until April.

  13. Standardisation for C2-Simulation Interoperation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-11-01

    la continuité du MSG-048 a permis, grâce notamment à la contribution de la communauté opérationnelle, de consolider le besoin et d’approfondir un...demandes de documents STO, RTO ou AGARD doivent comporter la dénomination « STO », « RTO » ou « AGARD » selon le cas, suivi du numéro de série. Des ...disponibilité des rapports de la STO au fur et à mesure de leur publication, vous pouvez consulter notre site Web

  14. Human Factors Research Conducted under the COMDAT Technology Demonstrator Project

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    tableau de l’interface opérateur-système au moyen du DT définitif. Les résultats détaillés des travaux en FH ont été publiés dans une série...nécessaires pour constituer le tableau tactique dans la salle des opérations des navires de la classe Halifax. De plus, nous avons élaboré des ...contribution des utilisateurs à la MSDF; • le soutien d’une évaluation du rendement de compilation d’un tableau de

  15. [The risks of out of area missions: depleted uranium].

    PubMed

    Ciprani, F; Moroni, M

    2006-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU), a waste product of uranium enrichment, has several civilian and military applications. It was used as armor-piercing ammunition in international conflicts and was claimed to contribute to health problems, known as the Gulf War Syndrome and recently as the Balkan Syndrome. Leukaemia/Limphoma cases among UN soldiers in the Balkans have been related hypothetically to exposure to DU. The investigations published in the scientific literature give no support for this hypothesis. However future follow-up is necessary for evaluation of long-term risk.

  16. ^1H NMR studies of the diamagnetic gallium (III) and paramagnetic iron (III) complexes of a chiral macrobicyclic ligand of bicapped tris (binaphtol) type

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baret, P.; Beaujolais, V.; Bougault, C.; Gaude, D.; Pierre, J.-L.

    1998-01-01

    ^1H NMR studies of the diamagnetic gallium (III) and paramagnetic iron (III) complexes of a chiral macrobicyclic ligand of bicapped tris (binaphtol) type are described. The study of the gallium complex emphasizes: (i) that the inversion of the octahedral center is not observed and: (ii) the absence of exchange between free ligand and complex, at room temperature. In the case of the iron complex, assignments of the hyperfine shifted resolved resonances are achieved, based on temperature-behavior studies, which evidence the D3 symmetry of the complex. These assignments are in complete agreement with measured T1 values and proton-to-iron distances obtained from molecular modelling. Les complexes du gallium (III) et du fer (III) d'un ligand macrobicyclique chiral impliquant trois sous-unités de type binaphtol sont étudiés en RMN du proton en solution méthanolique. L'étude du complexe (diamagnétique) du gallium permet de montrer que le complexe : (i) ne subit pas d'inversion de la configuration (Δ/Λ) du site octaédrique et : (ii) qu'il n'y a pas d'échange entre ligand libre et complexe à la température ambiante. L'évolution du spectre du complexe paramagnétique du fer avec la température permet une attribution des protons du ligand et met en évidence la symétrie D3 du complexe. Une bonne corrélation est obtenue entre la distance fer-proton (donnée par la modélisation moléculaire) et le T1 du proton considéré.

  17. The Evolution of Depleted Uranium as an Environmental Risk Factor: Lessons from Other Metals

    PubMed Central

    Briner, Wayne E.

    2006-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is used in both civilian and military applications. Civilian uses are primarily limited to ballast and counterweights in ships and aircraft with limited risk of environmental release. The very nature of the military use of DU releases DU into the environment. DU released into the environment from military use takes the form of large fragments that are chemically unchanged and dust in the form of oxides. DU dust is nearly insoluble, respirable and shows little mobility in the soil. Exposure to DU occurs primarily from inhalation of dust and possible hand to mouth activity. Toxicity of DU is believed to be primarily chemical in nature with radiological activity being a lesser problem. DU has been shown to have a variety of behavioral and neurological effects in experimental animals. DU has been used the Balkans, Afghanistan, and both Iraq wars and there is a high probability of its use in future conflicts. Further, other nations are developing DU weaponry; some of these nations may use DU with a greater radiological risk than those currently in use. The toxicity of DU has been studied mostly as an issue of the health of military personnel. However, many tons of DU have been left in the former theater of war and indigenous populations continue to be exposed to DU, primarily in the form of dust. Little epidemiological data exists concerning the impact of DU on these groups. It may be possible to extrapolate what the effects of DU may be on indigenous groups by examining the data on similar metals. DU has many similarities to lead in its route of exposure, chemistry, metabolic fate, target organs, and effect of experimental animals. Studies should be conducted on indigenous groups using lead as a model when ascertaining if DU has an adverse effect. PMID:16823086

  18. Vincent du Vigneaud: following the sulfur trail to the discovery of the hormones of the posterior pituitary gland at Cornell Medical College.

    PubMed

    Ottenhausen, Malte; Bodhinayake, Imithri; Banu, Matei A; Stieg, Philip E; Schwartz, Theodore H

    2016-05-01

    In 1955, Vincent du Vigneaud (1901-1978), the chairman of the Department of Biochemistry at Cornell University Medical College, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for his research on insulin and for the first synthesis of the posterior pituitary hormones-oxytocin and vasopressin. His tremendous contribution to organic chemistry, which began as an interest in sulfur-containing compounds, paved the way for a better understanding of the pituitary gland and for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for diseases of the pituitary. His seminal research continues to impact neurologists, endocrinologists, and neurosurgeons, and enables them to treat patients who had no alternatives prior to du Vigneaud's breakthroughs in peptide structure and synthesis. The ability of neurosurgeons to aggressively operate on parasellar pathology was directly impacted and related to the ability to replace these hormones after surgery. The authors review the life and career of Vincent du Vigneaud, his groundbreaking discoveries, and his legacy of the understanding and treatment of the pituitary gland in health and disease.

  19. A Review of Depleted Uranium Biological Effects: In vivo Studies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-11-01

    organs - Uranium retention is long-term - DU causes some neurotoxicity - DU induces genotoxicity - DU urine is mutagenic - DU causes adverse oncogene...Behavior; Locomotor Brain Accumulation Sperm Effects Immune Effects Offspring Effects Behavior Yes Yes Yes No effects Decreased Inflammatory...in Unexposed Offspring Finding: DU Internalized Exposure Induces Germ Cell DNA Damage Uranium Distribution Behavior Neurobio Histopathology Sperm

  20. Distribution of branches in whole starches from maize mutants deficient in starch synthase III.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Fan; Bertoft, Eric; Seetharaman, Koushik

    2014-05-21

    An earlier study explored the possibility of analyzing the distribution of branches directly in native, whole starch without isolating the amylopectin component. The aim of this study was to explore if this approach can be extended to include starch mutants. Whole starches from du1 maize mutants deficient in starch synthase III (SSIII) with amylose content of ∼30-40% were characterized and compared with the wild type of the common genetic background W64A. Clusters were produced from whole starch by hydrolysis with α-amylase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Their compositions of building blocks and chains were analyzed further by complete α-amylolysis and by debranching, respectively, whereafter the products were subjected to gel permeation and anion exchange chromatography. The size and structure of the clusters were compared with those of their isolated amylopectin component. Whereas the whole starch of the wild type sample had a branched structure similar to that of its amylopectin component, the results showed that the du1 mutation resulted in more singly branched building blocks in the whole starch compared to the isolated amylopectin. This suggested that amylose and/or intermediate materials in whole du1 starches likely contributed to the composition of branches. This study explored an alternative procedure to characterize the composition of branches in the whole starch without fractionating the components.

  1. Enhancement of natural background gamma-radiation dose around uranium microparticles in the human body.

    PubMed

    Pattison, John E; Hugtenburg, Richard P; Green, Stuart

    2010-04-06

    Ongoing controversy surrounds the adverse health effects of the use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions. The biological effects of gamma-radiation arise from the direct or indirect interaction between secondary electrons and the DNA of living cells. The probability of the absorption of X-rays and gamma-rays with energies below about 200 keV by particles of high atomic number is proportional to the third to fourth power of the atomic number. In such a case, the more heavily ionizing low-energy recoil electrons are preferentially produced; these cause dose enhancement in the immediate vicinity of the particles. It has been claimed that upon exposure to naturally occurring background gamma-radiation, particles of DU in the human body would produce dose enhancement by a factor of 500-1000, thereby contributing a significant radiation dose in addition to the dose received from the inherent radioactivity of the DU. In this study, we used the Monte Carlo code EGSnrc to accurately estimate the likely maximum dose enhancement arising from the presence of micrometre-sized uranium particles in the body. We found that although the dose enhancement is significant, of the order of 1-10, it is considerably smaller than that suggested previously.

  2. The impact of homologous recombination repair deficiency on depleted uranium clastogenicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells: XRCC3 protects cells from chromosome aberrations, but increases chromosome fragmentation.

    PubMed

    Holmes, Amie L; Joyce, Kellie; Xie, Hong; Falank, Carolyne; Hinz, John M; Wise, John Pierce

    2014-04-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is extensively used in both industry and military applications. The potential for civilian and military personnel exposure to DU is rising, but there are limited data on the potential health hazards of DU exposure. Previous laboratory research indicates DU is a potential carcinogen, but epidemiological studies remain inconclusive. DU is genotoxic, inducing DNA double strand breaks, chromosome damage and mutations, but the mechanisms of genotoxicity or repair pathways involved in protecting cells against DU-induced damage remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of homologous recombination repair deficiency on DU-induced genotoxicity using RAD51D and XRCC3-deficient Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines. Cells deficient in XRCC3 (irs1SF) exhibited similar cytotoxicity after DU exposure compared to wild-type (AA8) and XRCC3-complemented (1SFwt8) cells, but DU induced more break-type and fusion-type lesions in XRCC3-deficient cells compared to wild-type and XRCC3-complemented cells. Surprisingly, loss of RAD51D did not affect DU-induced cytotoxicity or genotoxicity. DU induced selective X-chromosome fragmentation irrespective of RAD51D status, but loss of XRCC3 nearly eliminated fragmentation observed after DU exposure in wild-type and XRCC3-complemented cells. Thus, XRCC3, but not RAD51D, protects cells from DU-induced breaks and fusions and also plays a role in DU-induced chromosome fragmentation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Anti-inflammatory and carbonic anhydrase restoring actions of yam powder (Dioscorea spp) contribute to the prevention of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer in a rat model.

    PubMed

    Park, Jong-Min; Kim, Yoon-Jae; Kim, Ju-Seung; Han, Young-Min; Kangwan, Napapan; Hahm, Ki Baik; Kim, Tae-Sok; Kwon, Oran; Kim, Eun-Hee

    2013-08-01

    Increased acid output, accompanied with a defective defense system, is considered a fundamental pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer (DU). However, relapse of DU occurs despite proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists, hence imposing the enforcement of the defense system. Dried powder of the yam tuber (Dioscorea spp) has been used in traditional folk medicine as a nutritional fortification. We hypothesized that dried-yam powder would prevent DU through improvement of anti-inflammatory actions and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity. Therefore, we investigated the preventive effects of dried-yam powder against the cysteamine-induced DU and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. Duodenal ulcers were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intragastric administration of 500 mg/kg cysteamine-HCl. The dried-yam powder was used as a pretreatment before the cysteamine-HCl. The number and size of DU were measured. The expressions of inflammation mediators were checked in duodenal tissues, and the expressions of CAs and malondialdehyde levels were also examined. Cysteamine provoked perforated DU, whereas dried-yam powder significantly prevented DU as much as pantoprazole and significantly reduced the incidence of perforation. The messenger RNA expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were remarkably decreased in the yam group compared with the cysteamine group, and the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor were significantly attenuated in the yam group. Cysteamine significantly decreased the expression of CAs, whereas yam treatment significantly preserved the expressions of CA IX, XII, and XIV. In conclusion, dried-yam powder exerts a significant protective effect against cysteamine-induced DU by lowering the activity of inflammatory cytokines and free radicals and restoring the activity of CAs, except in CA IV. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Depleted and enriched uranium exposure quantified in former factory workers and local residents of NL Industries, Colonie, NY USA.

    PubMed

    Arnason, John G; Pellegri, Christine N; Moore, June L; Lewis-Michl, Elizabeth L; Parsons, Patrick J

    2016-10-01

    Between 1958 and 1982, NL Industries manufactured components of enriched (EU) and depleted uranium (DU) at a factory in Colonie NY, USA. More than 5 metric tons of DU was deposited as microscopic DU oxide particles on the plant site and surrounding residential community. A prior study involving a small number of individuals (n=23) indicated some residents were exposed to DU and former workers to both DU and EU, most probably through inhalation of aerosol particles. Our aim was to measure total uranium [U] and the uranium isotope ratios: (234)U/(238)U; (235)U/(238)U; and (236)U/(238)U, in the urine of a cohort of former workers and nearby residents of the NLI factory, to characterize individual exposure to natural uranium (NU), DU, and EU more than 3 decades after production ceased. We conducted a biomonitoring study in a larger cohort of 32 former workers and 99 residents, who may have been exposed during its period of operation, by measuring Total U, NU, DU, and EU in urine using Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Among workers, 84% were exposed to DU, 9% to EU and DU, and 6% to natural uranium (NU) only. For those exposed to DU, urinary isotopic and [U] compositions result from binary mixing of NU and the DU plant feedstock. Among residents, 8% show evidence of DU exposure, whereas none shows evidence of EU exposure. For residents, the [U] geometric mean is significantly below the value reported for NHANES. There is no significant difference in [U] between exposed and unexposed residents, suggesting that [U] alone is not a reliable indicator of exposure to DU in this group. Ninety four percent of workers tested showed evidence of exposure to DU, EU or both, and were still excreting DU and EU decades after leaving the workforce. The study demonstrates the advantage of measuring multiple isotopic ratios (e.g., (236)U/(238)U and (235)U/(238)U) over a single ratio ((235)U/(238)U) in determining sources of uranium exposure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Depleted and enriched uranium exposure quantified in former factory workers and local residents of NL Industries, Colonie, NY USA

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

    Arnason, John G.

    Background: Between 1958 and 1982, NL Industries manufactured components of enriched (EU) and depleted uranium (DU) at a factory in Colonie NY, USA. More than 5 metric tons of DU was deposited as microscopic DU oxide particles on the plant site and surrounding residential community. A prior study involving a small number of individuals (n=23) indicated some residents were exposed to DU and former workers to both DU and EU, most probably through inhalation of aerosol particles. Objectives: Our aim was to measure total uranium [U] and the uranium isotope ratios: {sup 234}U/{sup 238}U; {sup 235}U/{sup 238}U; and {sup 236}U/{supmore » 238}U, in the urine of a cohort of former workers and nearby residents of the NLI factory, to characterize individual exposure to natural uranium (NU), DU, and EU more than 3 decades after production ceased. Methods: We conducted a biomonitoring study in a larger cohort of 32 former workers and 99 residents, who may have been exposed during its period of operation, by measuring Total U, NU, DU, and EU in urine using Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Results: Among workers, 84% were exposed to DU, 9% to EU and DU, and 6% to natural uranium (NU) only. For those exposed to DU, urinary isotopic and [U] compositions result from binary mixing of NU and the DU plant feedstock. Among residents, 8% show evidence of DU exposure, whereas none shows evidence of EU exposure. For residents, the [U] geometric mean is significantly below the value reported for NHANES. There is no significant difference in [U] between exposed and unexposed residents, suggesting that [U] alone is not a reliable indicator of exposure to DU in this group. Conclusions: Ninety four percent of workers tested showed evidence of exposure to DU, EU or both, and were still excreting DU and EU decades after leaving the workforce. The study demonstrates the advantage of measuring multiple isotopic ratios (e.g., {sup 236}U/{sup 238}U and {sup 235}U/{sup 238}U) over a single ratio ({sup 235}U/{sup 238}U) in determining sources of uranium exposure. - Highlights: • Biomonitoring study of residents and former workers exposed to DU in Colonie NY. • Urine (99 residents+32 former workers) analyzed for depleted uranium (DU). • DU detected in 84% of workers and 8% of residents >30 years after plant closed. • Enriched uranium detected in 6% of former workers based on isotope ratios.« less

  6. Chemical toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium: The evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies.

    PubMed

    Asic, Adna; Kurtovic-Kozaric, Amina; Besic, Larisa; Mehinovic, Lejla; Hasic, Azra; Kozaric, Mirza; Hukic, Mirsada; Marjanovic, Damir

    2017-07-01

    The main aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current state of knowledge on chemical toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium (DU) and their effect on living systems and cell lines. This was done by presenting a summary of previous investigations conducted on different mammalian body systems and cell cultures in terms of potential changes caused by either chemical toxicity or radioactivity of DU. In addition, the authors aimed to point out the limitations of those studies and possible future directions. The majority of both in vitro and in vivo studies performed using animal models regarding possible effects caused by acute or chronic DU exposure has been reviewed. Furthermore, exposure time and dose, DU particle solubility, and uranium isotopes as factors affecting the extent of DU effects have been discussed. Special attention has been dedicated to chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage and DNA breaks, as well as micronuclei formation and epigenetic changes, as DU has recently been considered a possible causative factor of all these processes. Therefore, this approach might represent a novel area of study of DU-related irradiation effects on health. Since different studies offer contradictory results, the main aim of this review is to summarize and briefly discuss previously obtained results in order to identify the current opinion on DU toxicity and radioactivity effects in relation to exposure type and duration, as well as DU properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. A Report on the International Symposium on Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy (5th) Held at the Laboratoire de Chimie du Coordination du CNRS, Toulouse, France, 10-14 September 1979,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-09-03

    has a rich cultural and academic heritage, being the site of one of the first universities in France . Today it is also the center of the French ...jPECTROSCOPY~iiLD A S.E COTATCEGANUB .C./Carter S. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS I*. PROGRAM ELEMENT,, PROJECT . TASK ARE A a WORK UNIT NUNUERS...Resonance spectros- copy took place in Toulouse, France , Se?tember 10-14, 1979. Seven invited lectures and a selection from more than 50 contributed

  8. Depleted uranium dust from fired munitions: physical, chemical and biological properties.

    PubMed

    Mitchel, R E J; Sunder, S

    2004-07-01

    This paper reports physical, chemical and biological analyses of samples of dust resulting from munitions containing depleted uranium (DU) that had been live-fired and had impacted an armored target. Mass spectroscopic analysis indicated that the average atom% of U was 0.198 +/- 0.10, consistent with depleted uranium. Other major elements present were iron, aluminum, and silicon. About 47% of the total mass was particles with diameters <300 microm, of which about 14% was <10 microm. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the uranium was present in the sample as uranium oxides-mainly U3O7 (47%), U3O8 (44%) and UO2 (9%). Depleted uranium dust, instilled into the lungs or implanted into the muscle of rats, contained a rapidly soluble uranium component and a more slowly soluble uranium component. The fraction that underwent dissolution in 7 d declined exponentially with increasing initial burden. At the lower lung burdens tested (<15 microg DU dust/lung) about 14% of the uranium appeared in urine within 7 d. At the higher lung burdens tested (~80-200 microg DU dust/lung) about 5% of the DU appeared in urine within 7 d. In both cases about 50% of that total appeared in urine within the first day. DU implanted in muscle similarly showed that about half of the total excreted within 7 d appeared in the first day. At the lower muscle burdens tested (<15 microg DU dust/injection site) about 9% was solubilized within 7 d. At muscle burdens >35 microg DU dust/injection site about 2% appeared in urine within 7 d. Natural uranium (NU) ore dust was instilled into rat lungs for comparison. The fraction dissolving in lung showed a pattern of exponential decline with increasing initial burden similar to DU. However, the decline was less steep, with about 14% appearing in urine for lung burdens up to about 200 microg NU dust/lung and 5% at lung burdens >1,100 microg NU dust/lung. NU also showed both a fast and a more slowly dissolving component. At the higher lung burdens of both DU and NU that showed lowered urine excretion rates, histological evidence of kidney damage was seen. Kidney damage was not seen with the muscle burdens tested. DU dust produced kidney damage at lower lung burdens and lower urine uranium levels than NU dust, suggesting that other toxic metals in DU dust may contribute to the damage.

  9. Different risk factors influence peptic ulcer disease development in a Brazilian population

    PubMed Central

    Suzuki, Rodrigo Buzinaro; Cola, Rodrigo Faria; Cola, Larissa Tranquilino Bardela; Ferrari, Camila Garcia; Ellinger, Fred; Therezo, Altino Luiz; Silva, Luis Carlos; Eterovic, André; Sperança, Márcia Aparecida

    2012-01-01

    AIM: To investigate age, sex, histopathology and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) status, as risk factors for gastroduodenal disease outcome in Brazilian dyspeptic patients. METHODS: From all 1466 consecutive dyspeptic patients submitted to upper gastroscopy at Hospital das Clinicas of Marilia, antral biopsy specimens were obtained and subjected to histopathology and H. pylori diagnosis. All patients presenting chronic gastritis (CG) and peptic ulcer (PU) disease localized in the stomach, gastric ulcer (GU) and/or duodenal ulcer (DU) were included in the study. Gastric biopsies (n = 668) positive for H. pylori by rapid urease test were investigated for vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) medium (m) region mosaicism by polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the association of age, sex, histopathologic alterations, H. pylori diagnosis and vacA m region mosaicism with the incidence of DU, GU and CG in patients. RESULTS: Of 1466 patients submitted to endoscopy, 1060 (72.3%) presented CG [male/female = 506/554; mean age (year) ± SD = 51.2 ± 17.81], 88 (6.0%) presented DU [male/female = 54/34; mean age (year) ± SD = 51.4 ± 17.14], and 75 (5.1%) presented GU [male/female = 54/21; mean age (year) ± SD = 51.3 ± 17.12] and were included in the comparative analysis. Sex and age showed no detectable effect on CG incidence (overall χ2 = 2.1, P = 0.3423). Sex [Odds ratios (OR) = 1.8631, P = 0.0058] but not age (OR = 0.9929, P = 0.2699) was associated with DU and both parameters had a highly significant effect on GU (overall χ2 = 30.5, P < 0.0001). The histopathological results showed a significant contribution of ageing for both atrophy (OR = 1.0297, P < 0.0001) and intestinal metaplasia (OR = 1.0520, P < 0.0001). Presence of H. pylori was significantly associated with decreasing age (OR = 0.9827, P < 0.0001) and with the incidence of DU (OR = 3.6077, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of m1 in DU was statistically significant (OR = 2.3563, P = 0.0018) but not in CG (OR = 2.678, P = 0.0863) and GU (OR = 1.520, P= 0.2863). CONCLUSION: In our population, male gender was a risk factor for PU; ageing for GU, atrophy and metaplasia; and H. pylori of vacA m1 genotype for DU. PMID:23082057

  10. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout of NANOG and NANOGP8 decreases the malignant potential of prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kawamura, Norihiko; Nimura, Keisuke; Nagano, Hiromichi; Yamaguchi, Sohei; Nonomura, Norio; Kaneda, Yasufumi

    2015-09-08

    NANOG expression in prostate cancer is highly correlated with cancer stem cell characteristics and resistance to androgen deprivation. However, it is not clear whether NANOG or its pseudogenes contribute to the malignant potential of cancer. We established NANOG- and NANOGP8-knockout DU145 prostate cancer cell lines using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Knockouts of NANOG and NANOGP8 significantly attenuated malignant potential, including sphere formation, anchorage-independent growth, migration capability, and drug resistance, compared to parental DU145 cells. NANOG and NANOGP8 knockout did not inhibit in vitro cell proliferation, but in vivo tumorigenic potential decreased significantly. These phenotypes were recovered in NANOG- and NANOGP8-rescued cell lines. These results indicate that NANOG and NANOGP8 proteins are expressed in prostate cancer cell lines, and NANOG and NANOGP8 equally contribute to the high malignant potential of prostate cancer.

  11. Depleted uranium induces neoplastic transformation in human lung epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Xie, Hong; LaCerte, Carolyne; Thompson, W Douglas; Wise, John Pierce

    2010-02-15

    Depleted uranium (DU) is commonly used in military armor and munitions, and thus, exposure of soldiers and noncombatants is frequent and widespread. Previous studies have shown that DU has both chemical and radiological toxicity and that the primary route of exposure of DU to humans is through inhalation and ingestion. However, there is limited research information on the potential carcinogenicity of DU in human bronchial cells. Accordingly, we determined the neoplastic transforming ability of particulate DU to human bronchial epithelial cells (BEP2D). We observed the loss of contact inhibition and anchorage independent growth in cells exposed to DU after 24 h. We also characterized these DU-induced transformed cell lines and found that 40% of the cell lines exhibit alterations in plating efficiency and no significant changes in the cytotoxic response to DU. Cytogenetic analyses showed that 53% of the DU-transformed cell lines possess a hypodiploid phenotype. These data indicate that human bronchial cells are transformed by DU and exhibit significant chromosome instability consistent with a neoplastic phenotype.

  12. Evaluation of the effect of implanted depleted uranium on male reproductive success, sperm concentration, and sperm velocity

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

    Arfsten, Darryl P.; Schaeffer, David J.; Johnson, Eric W.

    Depleted uranium (DU) projectiles have been used in battle in Iraq and the Balkans and will continue to be a significant armor-penetrating munition for the US military. As demonstrated in the Persian Gulf War, battle injury from DU projectiles and shrapnel is a possibility, and removal of embedded DU fragments from the body is not always practical because of their location in the body or their small size. Previous studies in rodents have demonstrated that implanted DU mobilizes and translocates to the gonads, and natural uranium may be toxic to spermatazoa and the male reproductive tract. In this study, themore » effects of implanted DU pellets on sperm concentration, motility, and male reproductive success were evaluated in adult (P1) Sprague-Dawley rats implanted with 0, 12, or 20, DU pellets of 1x2 mm or 12 or 20 tantalum (Ta) steel pellets of 1x2 mm. Twenty DU pellets of 1x2 mm (760 mg) implanted in a 500-g rat are equal to approximately 0.2 pound of DU in a 154-lb (70-kg) person. Urinary analysis found that male rats implanted with DU were excreting uranium at postimplantation days 27 and 117 with the amount dependent on dose. No deaths or evidence of toxicity occurred in P1 males over the 150-day postimplantation study period. When assessed at postimplantation day 150, the concentration, motion, and velocity of sperm isolated from DU-implanted animals were not significantly different from those of sham surgery controls. Velocity and motion of sperm isolated from rats treated with the positive control compound {alpha}-chlorohydrin were significantly reduced compared with sham surgery controls. There was no evidence of a detrimental effect of DU implantation on mating success at 30-45 days and 120-145 days postimplantation. The results of this study suggest that implantation of up to 20 DU pellets of 1x2 mm in rats for approximately 21% of their adult lifespan does not have an adverse impact on male reproductive success, sperm concentration, or sperm velocity.« less

  13. The Organization of Working Time: Developing an Understanding and Action Plan to Promote Workers' Health in a Seasonal Work Context: L'organisation temporelle du travail: la comprendre pour développer des actions favorisant la santé des travailleuses en contexte de travail saisonnier.

    PubMed

    Major, Marie-Eve; Vézina, Nicole

    2017-11-01

    Despite the health problems associated with irregular schedules and long working hours, few studies have focused on the temporal dimension of work in seasonal working contexts. Through the monitoring of sixteen seasonal workers in the crab-processing industry over a two-year period, this study aimed to better understand their working reality and to provide a detailed picture of the temporal dimension of seasonal work as experienced by these workers. Observations of the work activity, interviews, and analysis of official documents were carried out. The findings reveal that the organization of working time and working conditions are very restrictive. These constraints are linked not only to the work environment and management but also to various public policies and ministerial directives. Methodological elements essential for the study of the organization of working time have been identified and could contribute to a better understanding of temporal constraints experienced by seasonal workers. Résumé Malgré les problèmes de santé associés aux horaires non standards et aux longues heures de travail, peu d'études se sont attardées à dégager un portrait de la dimension temporelle du travail en contexte de travail saisonnier. Par le suivi de 16 travailleuses saisonnières de l'industrie de la transformation du crabe pendant deux années, cette étude visait à mieux comprendre leur réalité de travail et à dresser un portrait détaillé de la dimension temporelle du travail saisonnier tel que vécu par ces travailleuses. Des observations du travail, des entretiens et l'analyse de documents ont été réalisés. Les résultats révèlent une organisation temporelle et des conditions de travail fort contraignantes pour ces travailleuses liées, entre autres, à l'environnement et à la gestion du travail, mais également à diverses politiques publiques et consignes ministérielles. Des éléments méthodologiques essentiels pour l'étude des temps de travail ont également été identifiés et contribueront à mieux cerner les contraintes temporelles des situations de travail vécues par les travailleuses saisonnières.

  14. Enhancement of natural background gamma-radiation dose around uranium microparticles in the human body

    PubMed Central

    Pattison, John E.; Hugtenburg, Richard P.; Green, Stuart

    2010-01-01

    Ongoing controversy surrounds the adverse health effects of the use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions. The biological effects of gamma-radiation arise from the direct or indirect interaction between secondary electrons and the DNA of living cells. The probability of the absorption of X-rays and gamma-rays with energies below about 200 keV by particles of high atomic number is proportional to the third to fourth power of the atomic number. In such a case, the more heavily ionizing low-energy recoil electrons are preferentially produced; these cause dose enhancement in the immediate vicinity of the particles. It has been claimed that upon exposure to naturally occurring background gamma-radiation, particles of DU in the human body would produce dose enhancement by a factor of 500–1000, thereby contributing a significant radiation dose in addition to the dose received from the inherent radioactivity of the DU. In this study, we used the Monte Carlo code EGSnrc to accurately estimate the likely maximum dose enhancement arising from the presence of micrometre-sized uranium particles in the body. We found that although the dose enhancement is significant, of the order of 1–10, it is considerably smaller than that suggested previously. PMID:19776147

  15. Phenotype selection reveals coevolution of muscle glycogen and protein and PTEN as a gate keeper for the accretion of muscle mass in adult female mice.

    PubMed

    Sawitzky, Mandy; Zeissler, Anja; Langhammer, Martina; Bielohuby, Maximilian; Stock, Peggy; Hammon, Harald M; Görs, Solvig; Metges, Cornelia C; Stoehr, Barbara J M; Bidlingmaier, Martin; Fromm-Dornieden, Carolin; Baumgartner, Bernhard G; Christ, Bruno; Brenig, Bertram; Binder, Gerhard; Metzger, Friedrich; Renne, Ulla; Hoeflich, Andreas

    2012-01-01

    We have investigated molecular mechanisms for muscle mass accretion in a non-inbred mouse model (DU6P mice) characterized by extreme muscle mass. This extreme muscle mass was developed during 138 generations of phenotype selection for high protein content. Due to the repeated trait selection a complex setting of different mechanisms was expected to be enriched during the selection experiment. In muscle from 29-week female DU6P mice we have identified robust increases of protein kinase B activation (AKT, Ser-473, up to 2-fold) if compared to 11- and 54-week DU6P mice or controls. While a number of accepted effectors of AKT activation, including IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin/IGF-receptor, myostatin or integrin-linked kinase (ILK), were not correlated with this increase, phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was down-regulated in 29-week female DU6P mice. In addition, higher levels of PTEN phosphorylation were found identifying a second mechanism of PTEN inhibition. Inhibition of PTEN and activation of AKT correlated with specific activation of p70S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6, reduced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and higher rates of protein synthesis in 29-week female DU6P mice. On the other hand, AKT activation also translated into specific inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) and an increase of muscular glycogen. In muscles from 29-week female DU6P mice a significant increase of protein/DNA was identified, which was not due to a reduction of protein breakdown or to specific increases of translation initiation. Instead our data support the conclusion that a higher rate of protein translation is contributing to the higher muscle mass in mid-aged female DU6P mice. Our results further reveal coevolution of high protein and high glycogen content during the selection experiment and identify PTEN as gate keeper for muscle mass in mid-aged female DU6P mice.

  16. Phenotype Selection Reveals Coevolution of Muscle Glycogen and Protein and PTEN as a Gate Keeper for the Accretion of Muscle Mass in Adult Female Mice

    PubMed Central

    Sawitzky, Mandy; Zeissler, Anja; Langhammer, Martina; Bielohuby, Maximilian; Stock, Peggy; Hammon, Harald M.; Görs, Solvig; Metges, Cornelia C.; Stoehr, Barbara J. M.; Bidlingmaier, Martin; Fromm-Dornieden, Carolin; Baumgartner, Bernhard G.; Christ, Bruno; Brenig, Bertram; Binder, Gerhard; Metzger, Friedrich; Renne, Ulla; Hoeflich, Andreas

    2012-01-01

    We have investigated molecular mechanisms for muscle mass accretion in a non-inbred mouse model (DU6P mice) characterized by extreme muscle mass. This extreme muscle mass was developed during 138 generations of phenotype selection for high protein content. Due to the repeated trait selection a complex setting of different mechanisms was expected to be enriched during the selection experiment. In muscle from 29-week female DU6P mice we have identified robust increases of protein kinase B activation (AKT, Ser-473, up to 2-fold) if compared to 11- and 54-week DU6P mice or controls. While a number of accepted effectors of AKT activation, including IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin/IGF-receptor, myostatin or integrin-linked kinase (ILK), were not correlated with this increase, phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) was down-regulated in 29-week female DU6P mice. In addition, higher levels of PTEN phosphorylation were found identifying a second mechanism of PTEN inhibition. Inhibition of PTEN and activation of AKT correlated with specific activation of p70S6 kinase and ribosomal protein S6, reduced phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and higher rates of protein synthesis in 29-week female DU6P mice. On the other hand, AKT activation also translated into specific inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK3ß) and an increase of muscular glycogen. In muscles from 29-week female DU6P mice a significant increase of protein/DNA was identified, which was not due to a reduction of protein breakdown or to specific increases of translation initiation. Instead our data support the conclusion that a higher rate of protein translation is contributing to the higher muscle mass in mid-aged female DU6P mice. Our results further reveal coevolution of high protein and high glycogen content during the selection experiment and identify PTEN as gate keeper for muscle mass in mid-aged female DU6P mice. PMID:22768110

  17. Ghrelin protects against depleted uranium-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells through oxidative stress-mediated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

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

    Hao, Yuhui; Liu, Cong; Huang, Jiawei

    Depleted uranium (DU) mainly accumulates in the bone over the long term. Osteoblast cells are responsible for the formation of bone, and they are sensitive to DU damage. However, studies investigating methods of reducing DU damage in osteoblasts are rarely reported. Ghrelin is a stomach hormone that stimulates growth hormones released from the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, and it is believed to play an important physiological role in bone metabolism. This study evaluates the impact of ghrelin on DU-induced apoptosis of the osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and investigates its underlying mechanisms. The results show that ghrelin relieved the intracellular oxidative stress induced by DU,more » eliminated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced lipid peroxidation by increasing intracellular GSH levels; in addition, ghrelin effectively suppressed apoptosis, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation after DU exposure. Moreover, ghrelin significantly reduced the expression of DU-induced phosphorylated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). A specific inhibitor (SB203580) or specific siRNA of p38-MAPK could significantly suppress DU-induced apoptosis and related signals, whereas ROS production was not affected. In addition, ghrelin receptor inhibition could reduce the anti-apoptosis effect of ghrelin on DU and reverse the effect of ghrelin on intracellular ROS and p38-MAPK after DU exposure. These results suggest that ghrelin can suppress DU-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, reduce DU-induced oxidative stress by interacting with its receptor, and inhibit downstream p38-MAPK activation, thereby suppressing the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. - Highlights: • Ghrelin suppressed DU-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. • Ghrelin inhibited DU-induced oxidative stress and further p38-MAPK activation. • Ghrelin further suppressed mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. • The anti-oxidation effect of ghrelin was regulated through its receptor. • Ghrelin has the potential for use in drug therapies for DU poisoning.« less

  18. Italian Exposition

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Le DG parle dans son allocution à l'occasion de l'exposition (suivi d'une visite)de la contribution du Cern à la création d'une espace de la technologie européenne. Il parle de la manière comment organiser des formes fructueuses de coopération et coordination internationales dans ce domaine. "Afin de renforcer encore notre relation avec l'industrie et intensifier le transfert de la technologie nous proposerons au ministre de recherche de poursuivre dans le cadre du programme EUREKA ensemble avec les industries des programmes concrètes." Le ministre italien prend ensuite la parole.

  19. Depleted Uranium Toxicity, Accumulation, and Uptake in Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda) and Aristida purpurea (Purple Threeawn).

    PubMed

    Butler, Afrachanna D; Wynter, Michelle; Medina, Victor F; Bednar, Anthony J

    2016-06-01

    Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) in western Arizona is a testing range where Depleted uranium (DU) penetrators have been historically fired. A portion of the fired DU penetrators are being managed under controlled conditions by leaving them in place. The widespread use of DU in armor-penetrating weapons has raised environmental and human health concerns. The present study is focused on the onsite management approach and on the potential interactions with plants local to YPG. A 30 day study was conducted to assess the toxicity of DU corrosion products (e.g., schoepite and meta-schoepite) in two grass species that are native to YPG, Bermuda (Cynodon dactylon) and Purple Threeawn (Aristida purpurea). In addition, the ability for plants to uptake DU was studied. The results of this study show a much lower threshold for biomass toxicity and higher plant concentrations, particularly in the roots than shoots, compared to previous studies.

  20. The brain is a target organ after acute exposure to depleted uranium.

    PubMed

    Lestaevel, P; Houpert, P; Bussy, C; Dhieux, B; Gourmelon, P; Paquet, F

    2005-09-01

    The health effects of depleted uranium (DU) are mainly caused by its chemical toxicity. Although the kidneys are the main target organs for uranium toxicity, uranium can also reach the brain. In this paper, the central effects of acute exposure to DU were studied in relation to health parameters and the sleep-wake cycle of adult rats. Animals were injected intraperitoneally with 144+/-10 microg DU kg-1 as nitrate. Three days after injection, the amounts of uranium in the kidneys represented 2.6 microg of DU g-1 of tissue, considered as a sub-nephrotoxic dosage. The central effect of uranium could be seen through a decrease in food intake as early as the first day after exposure and shorter paradoxical sleep 3 days after acute DU exposure (-18% of controls). With a lower dosage of DU (70+/-8 microg DU kg-1), no significant effect was observed on the sleep-wake cycle. The present study intends to illustrate the fact that the brain is a target organ, as are the kidneys, after acute exposure to a moderate dosage of DU. The mechanisms by which uranium causes these early neurophysiological perturbations shall be discussed.

  1. Neurogenic Causes of Detrusor Underactivity

    PubMed Central

    Kadow, Brian T.; Tyagi, Pradeep; Chermansky, Christopher J.

    2015-01-01

    Detrusor underactivity (DU) is a poorly understood dysfunction of the lower urinary tract which arises from multiple etiologies. Symptoms of DU are non-specific, and a pressure-flow urodynamic study is necessary to differentiate DU from other conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB) or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The prevalence of DU ranges from 10–48%, and DU is most prevalent in elderly males. The pathophysiology underlying DU can be from both neurogenic and non-neurogenic causes. In this article, we review the neurogenic causes of detrusor underactivity, including diabetic bladder dysfunction, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular accident, traumatic brain injury, and Fowler’s syndrome. As knowledge about the underlying causes of DU advances, there have been several potential therapeutic approaches proposed to help those who suffer from this condition. PMID:26715948

  2. Depleted uranium contamination by inhalation exposure and its detection after approximately 20 years: implications for human health assessment.

    PubMed

    Parrish, Randall R; Horstwood, Matthew; Arnason, John G; Chenery, Simon; Brewer, Tim; Lloyd, Nicholas S; Carpenter, David O

    2008-02-01

    Inhaled depleted uranium (DU) aerosols are recognised as a distinct human health hazard and DU has been suggested to be responsible in part for illness in both military and civilian populations that may have been exposed. This study aimed to develop and use a testing procedure capable of detecting an individual's historic milligram-quantity aerosol exposure to DU up to 20 years after the event. This method was applied to individuals associated with or living proximal to a DU munitions plant in Colonie New York that were likely to have had a significant DU aerosol inhalation exposure, in order to improve DU-exposure screening reliability and gain insight into the residence time of DU in humans. We show using sensitive mass spectrometric techniques that when exposure to aerosol has been unambiguous and in sufficient quantity, urinary excretion of DU can be detected more than 20 years after primary DU inhalation contamination ceased, even when DU constitutes only approximately 1% of the total excreted uranium. It seems reasonable to conclude that a chronically DU-exposed population exists within the contamination 'footprint' of the munitions plant in Colonie, New York. The method allows even a modest DU exposure to be identified where other less sensitive methods would have failed entirely. This should allow better assessment of historical exposure incidence than currently exists.

  3. Overview of the Capstone Depleted Uranium Study of Aerosols from Impact with Armored Vehicles: Test Setup and Aerosol Generation, Characterization, and Application in Assessing Dose and Risk

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

    Parkhurst, MaryAnn; Guilmette, Raymond A.

    2009-03-01

    The Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Characterization and Risk Assessment Study was conducted to generate data about DU aerosols generated during the perforation of armored combat vehicles with large-caliber DU penetrators, and to apply the data in assessments of human health risks to personnel exposed to these aerosols, primarily through inhalation, during the 1991 Gulf War or in future military operations. The Capstone study consisted of two components: 1) generating, sampling and characterizing DU aerosols by firing at and perforating combat vehicles and 2) applying the source-term quantities and characteristics of the aerosols to the evaluation of doses and risks.more » This paper reviews the background of the study including the bases for the study, previous reviews of DU particles and health assessments from DU used by the U.S. military, the objectives of the study components, the participants and oversight teams, and the types of exposures it was intended to evaluate. It then discusses exposure scenarios used in the dose and risk assessment and provides an overview of how the field tests and dose and risk assessments were conducted.« less

  4. Prevalence of duodenal ulcer-promoting gene (dupA) of Helicobacter pylori in patients with duodenal ulcer in North Indian population.

    PubMed

    Arachchi, H S Jayasinghe; Kalra, Vijay; Lal, Banwari; Bhatia, Vikram; Baba, C S; Chakravarthy, S; Rohatgi, S; Sarma, Priyangshu M; Mishra, V; Das, Bimal; Ahuja, Vineet

    2007-12-01

    The duodenal ulcer (DU)-promoting gene (dupA) of Helicobacter pylori has been identified as a novel virulent marker associated with an increased risk for DU. The presence or absence of dupA gene of H. pylori present in patients with DU and functional dyspepsia in North Indian population was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization analysis. One hundred and sixty-six patients (96 DU and 70 functional dyspepsia) were included in this study. In addition, sequence diversity of dupA gene of H. pylori found in these patients was analyzed by sequencing the PCR products jhp0917 and jhp0918 on both strands with appropriate primers. PCR and hybridization analyses indicated that dupA gene was present in 37.5% (36/96) of H. pylori strains isolated from DU patients and 22.86% (16/70) of functional dyspepsia patients (p < or = .05). Of these, 35 patients with DU (97.2%) and 14 patients with functional dyspepsia (81.25%) were infected by H. pylori positive for cagA genotype. Furthermore, the presence of dupA was significantly associated with the cagA-positive genotype (p < or = .02). Results of our study have shown that significant association of dupA gene with DU in this population. The dupA gene can be considered as a novel virulent marker for DU in this population.

  5. Toward the Development of a Canadian Less Lethal Weapon Approval Process: A Study of Contemporary Process Models

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-10-01

    la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2011...validés par l’autorité d’approbation. Lorsqu’il n’existe pas de normes officielles, on utilise une approche de gestion du risque qui comprend une plus...gouvernance qui reprend les éléments clés du modèles du Royaume-Uni, l’incorporation d’un processus de gestion du risque, un énoncé des

  6. Digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis: role of flow-mediated dilatation and capillaroscopy as risk assessment tools.

    PubMed

    Silva, Ivone; Loureiro, Tiago; Teixeira, Andreia; Almeida, Isabel; Mansilha, Armando; Vasconcelos, Carlos; Almeida, Rui

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate macrovascular endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage as clinical markers of peripheral microangiopathy in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). Seventy-seven secondary RP with systemic sclerosis, 32 primary RP and 34 healthy controls were included in our study. Secondary RP patients were divided into two subgroups: 39 with digital ulcers (DU) and 38 without digital ulcers (non-DU). Patients with DU had significantly lower flow-mediated dilatation values (5.34 ± 7.49%) compared to non-DU patients (16.21 ± 11.31%), primary RP (17.96 ± 12.78%) and controls (20.17 ± 8.86%), p<0.001, favouring macrovascular endothelium dysfunction. Regarding microvascular damage, the DU group had a predominately capillaroscopic late pattern (71.1%) whereas non-DU patients had an active pattern (56.4%). The microangiopathy evolution score was significantly higher in the DU group compared to the non-DU group (4.79 ± 1.82 vs. 1.79 ± 1.56, p<0.001). Flow-mediated dilation was significantly lower in late pattern (6.13 ± 7.09%) compared to active (12.58 ± 10.66%) and early patterns (17.72 ± 14.90%), p = 0.016 and p = 0.044 respectively. Low flow-mediated dilatation and microvascular damage in capillaroscopy are early clinical markers of DU risk in RP patients.

  7. Gulf war depleted uranium risks.

    PubMed

    Marshall, Albert C

    2008-01-01

    US and British forces used depleted uranium (DU) in armor-piercing rounds to disable enemy tanks during the Gulf and Balkan Wars. Uranium particulate is generated by DU shell impact and particulate entrained in air may be inhaled or ingested by troops and nearby civilian populations. As uranium is slightly radioactive and chemically toxic, a number of critics have asserted that DU exposure has resulted in a variety of adverse health effects for exposed veterans and nearby civilian populations. The study described in this paper used mathematical modeling to estimate health risks from exposure to DU during the 1991 Gulf War for both US troops and nearby Iraqi civilians. The analysis found that the risks of DU-induced leukemia or birth defects are far too small to result in an observable increase in these health effects among exposed veterans or Iraqi civilians. The analysis indicated that only a few ( approximately 5) US veterans in vehicles accidentally targeted by US tanks received significant exposure levels, resulting in about a 1.4% lifetime risk of DU radiation-induced fatal cancer (compared with about a 24% risk of a fatal cancer from all other causes). These veterans may have also experienced temporary kidney damage. Iraqi children playing for 500 h in DU-destroyed vehicles are predicted to incur a cancer risk of about 0.4%. In vitro and animal tests suggest the possibility of chemically induced health effects from DU internalization, such as immune system impairment. Further study is needed to determine the applicability of these findings for Gulf War exposure to DU. Veterans and civilians who did not occupy DU-contaminated vehicles are unlikely to have internalized quantities of DU significantly in excess of normal internalization of natural uranium from the environment.

  8. Community-campus partnership in action: lessons learned from the DuPage County Patient Navigation Collaborative.

    PubMed

    Samaras, Athena T; Murphy, Kara; Nonzee, Narissa J; Endress, Richard; Taylor, Shaneah; Hajjar, Nadia; Bularzik, Rosario; Frankovich, Carmi; Dong, XinQi; Simon, Melissa A

    2014-01-01

    Using community-based participatory research (CBPR), the DuPage County Patient Navigation Collaborative (DPNC) developed an academic campus-community research partnership aimed at increasing access to care for underserved breast and cervical cancer patients within DuPage County, a collar county of Chicago. Given rapidly shifting demographics, targeting CBPR initiatives among underserved suburban communities is essential. To discuss the facilitating factors and lessons learned in forging the DPNC. A patient navigation collaborative was formed to guide medically underserved women through diagnostic resolution and if necessary, treatment, after an abnormal breast or cervical cancer screening. Facilitating factors included (1) fostering and maintaining collaborations within a suburban context, (2) a systems-based participatory research approach, (3) a truly equitable community-academic partnership, (4) funding adaptability, (5) culturally relevant navigation, and (6) emphasis on co-learning and capacity building. By highlighting the strategies that contributed to DPNC success, we envision the DPNC to serve as a feasible model for future health interventions.

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

    Guilmette, Ray A.; Hahn, Fletcher F.; Durbin, P. W.

    A number of U. S. veterans of the Persian Gulf War were wounded with depleted uranium (DU) metal fragments as a result of 'friendly fire' incidents, in which Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles were struck by DU anti-armor munitions. Some of the crew members who survived were left with multiple small fragments of DU in their muscles and soft tissues. The number, size and location of the fragments made them inoperable in general, and therefore subject to long-term retention. Because there was inadequate data to predict the potential carcinogenicity of DU fragments in soft tissues, Hahn et al. (2003)more » conducted a lifespan cancer study in rats. As part of that study, a number of rats were maintained to study the biokinetics and dosimetry of DU implanted intramuscularly in male Wistar rats. Typically, four metal fragments, either as cylindrical pellets or square wafers were implanted into the biceps femoris muscles of the rats. Urine samples were collected periodically during their lifespans, and DU was analyzed in kidneys and eviscerated carcass (minus the implant sites) at death. The daily DU urinary excretion rate increased steeply during the first 30 d after implantation peaking at about 90 d at 3-10 x 10{sup -3}%/d. During the first 150 d, the average excretion rate was 2.4 x 10{sup -3}%/d, decreasing thereafter to about 1 x 10{sup -3}%/d. Serial radiographs were made of the wound sites to monitor gross morphologic changes in the DU implant and the surrounding tissue. As early as 1 w after implantation, radiographs showed the presence of surface corrosion and small, dense bodies near the original implant, presumably DU. This corrosion from the surface of the implant continued with time, but did not result in an increasing amount of DU reaching the blood and urine after the first 3 mo. During this 3-mo period, connective tissue capsules formed around the implants, and are hypothesized to have reduced the access of DU to tissue fluids by limiting the diffusion rate of dissolved chemical forms of DU. Using a model of wound-site retention being developed by a committee of the U.S. National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), it was found that the average retention of DU in the wound site could be described by a two-component exponential function in which 0.5% of the DU was retained with a half time of 80 d and the remainder with a half time of about 300 y.« less

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

    Gough, Mallory, E-mail: m.gough1@lancaster.ac.uk; Blanthorn-Hazell, Sophee, E-mail: s.blanthorn-hazell@lancaster.ac.uk; Delury, Craig, E-mail: c.delury@lancaster.ac.uk

    Highlights: • Copper levels are elevated in the tumour microenvironment. • APP mitigates copper-induced growth inhibition of DU145 prostate cancer (PCa) cells. • The APP intracellular domain is a prerequisite; soluble forms have no effect. • The E1 CuBD of APP is also a prerequisite. • APP copper binding potentially mitigates copper-induced PCa cell growth inhibition. - Abstract: Copper plays an important role in the aetiology and growth of tumours and levels of the metal are increased in the serum and tumour tissue of patients affected by a range of cancers including prostate cancer (PCa). The molecular mechanisms that enablemore » cancer cells to proliferate in the presence of elevated copper levels are, therefore, of key importance in our understanding of tumour growth progression. In the current study, we have examined the role played by the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in mitigating copper-induced growth inhibition of the PCa cell line, DU145. A range of APP molecular constructs were stably over-expressed in DU145 cells and their effects on cell proliferation in the presence of copper were monitored. Our results show that endogenous APP expression was induced by sub-toxic copper concentrations in DU145 cells and over-expression of the wild-type protein was able to mitigate copper-induced growth inhibition via a mechanism involving the cytosolic and E1 copper binding domains of the full-length protein. APP likely represents one of a range of copper binding proteins that PCa cells employ in order to ensure efficient proliferation despite elevated concentrations of the metal within the tumour microenvironment. Targeting the expression of such proteins may contribute to therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancers.« less

  11. Scoping Study on DRDC Toronto Future Research Regarding Naval Mine Countermeasures

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-06-01

    personnel participating in the exercise also contributed additional information about non-observed deficiencies, in the areas of: g ) effects of...télépilotés sous-marins; d) les communications sous-marines; e) C2 communications; et f) un logiciel pour la planification et le calcul du risque. En outre...additionnels au sujet des lacunes non-observées dans les domaines suivants : g ) les répercussions des explosions sous-marines sur les plongeurs; h) les

  12. François Pourfour du Petit (1664-1741): pioneer in ocular biometry.

    PubMed

    Charman, W Neil

    2016-07-01

    To outline the important contributions of the French physician Petit to the development of ocular biometry. After a brief review of Petit's life and his studies in neurology, anatomy, and cataract surgery, the methodology and results of his work in measuring many of the biometric parameters of the human eye are discussed. Among other techniques, he made use of frozen sections of eyes to explore their dimensions and employed an immersion technique to avoid the effect of corneal refraction on the appearance of the iris. His pioneering biometric results have been largely confirmed by modern studies. Those on the changes in the crystalline lens with age are particularly striking and suggest that these ocular aging effects have changed little over the last 300 years. Although largely forgotten today, his biometric work exercised a considerable influence on his more immediate successors, including Porterfield and Thomas Young. François Pourfour du Petit deserves to be remembered as an important contributor to our understanding of the structure and dimensions of the human eye. © 2016 The Authors Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics © 2016 The College of Optometrists.

  13. High frequency EMI sensing for estimating depleted uranium radiation levels in soil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shubitidze, Fridon; Barrowes, Benjamin E.; Ballard, John; Unz, Ron; Randle, Adam; Larson, Steve L.; O'Neill, Kevin A.

    2018-04-01

    This paper studies high (100 kHz up to 15 MHz) frequency electromagnetic responses (HFEMI) for DU metallic pieces and DU contaminated soils and derives a simple empirical expression from the measured HFEMI data for estimating DU contamination levels in soil. Depleted uranium (DU) is the byproduct of uranium enrichment and contains 33% less radioactive isotopes than natural uranium. There are at least thirty facilities at fourteen separate locations in the US, where munitions containing DU have been evaluated or used for training. At these sites, which vary in size, evaluation studies have been conducted with and without catch boxes. In addition, the DoD used DU at open firing ranges as large as thousands of acres (hundreds of hectares), for both artillery and aircraft training. These activities have left a legacy of DU contamination. Currently at military sites where DU munitions have been or are being used, cleanup activities mainly are done by excavating and shipping large volumes of site soil and berm materials to a hazardous material radiation disposal site. This approach is very time consuming, costly, and associated with the potential for exposure of personnel performing excavation and transportation. It also limits range use during the operation. So, there is an urgent need for technologies for rapid surveying of large areas to detect, locate, and removal of DU contaminants at test sites. Additionally, the technologies are needed to detect material at a depth of at least 30 cm as well as discriminate between DU metals and oxides from natural uranium and from other conductive metals such as natural and man-made range clutter. One of the potential technologies for estimating DU radiation levels in soils is HFEMI sensing. In this paper, HFEMI signals are collected for DU metal pieces, sodium diunarate (Na2U2 O3) and tri-uranium octoxide (U3O8). The EMI signal's sensitivity with respect to DU material composition and conditions are illustrated and analyzed. A new scheme for extracting near-surface soil's EM parameters is formulated.

  14. Graphs as a Managerial Tool: A Case Study of Du Pont's Use of Graphs in the Early Twentieth Century.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yates, JoAnne

    1985-01-01

    Sketches the development of business graphs in America. Examines their early use at Du Pont and the origin of the chart room around 1920, an important factor in the executive control systems at Du Pont. Draws lessons from this case study for managers and teachers of business communication. (PD)

  15. Race towards Freedom: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Tradition of Fugitive Black Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Tinson, Christopher M.

    2017-01-01

    This essay centers the defense of black educational possibility in the work of historian, pioneering sociologist, and scholar, W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963) as a conduit igniting what critical social theorists Stefano Harney and Fred Moten (2013) call Fugitive Black Study. The critical appreciation of Du Bois forces us to consider the weight of…

  16. Diagnostic et prévalence du syndrome métabolique chez les diabétiques suivis dans un contexte de ressources limitées: cas du Burkina-Faso

    PubMed Central

    Marceline, Yaméogo Téné; Issiaka, Sombié; Gilberte, Kyélem Carole; Nadège, Rouamba; Macaire, Ouédraogo Sampawindé; Arsène, Yaméogo Aimé; Djingri, Lankoandé; Apollinaire, Sawadogo; Joseph, Drabo Youssouf

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Les conséquences du syndrome métabolique impliquent son diagnostic effectif pour une prise en charge globale des comorbidités dépistées. Objectif: Déterminer la capacité à diagnostiquer le syndrome métabolique en routine, sa prévalence chez les diabétiques, leurs connaissances et pratiques vis-à-vis du risque cardio-métabolique. Méthodes Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale auprès de 388 diabétiques au CHU de Bobo-Dioulasso. Les critères de la fédération internationale du diabète (2009) ont été utilisés. Résultats l’âge moyen était de 53,5±13,5 ans, le sex ratio de 0,7. L'obésité abdominale était présente dans 61,9% des cas; L'HTA l’était dans 56,4% des cas. La prescription du bilan lipidique a été documentée dans 55,4% des cas pour le HDL et 56,2% pour les triglycérides pour un taux de réalisation de 49,3% et 62,9%. Le taux de dépistage des critères lipidiques était de 26,8%. Un taux de HDL bas a été noté dans 46 cas (43,4%) et une hypertriglycéridémie dans 24 cas (17,6%). In fine, la prévalence du syndrome métabolique était de 48,9% (n = 190). Seuls 27,4% savaient que d'autres facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire pouvaient être associés au diabète et seulement 6,7% pratiquaient une activité physique régulière. Conclusion Malgré la faible contribution du laboratoire, le syndrome métabolique est fréquent parmi nos diabétiques. Les patients sont peu sensibilisés sur le risque vasculaire et la pratique d'une activité physique régulière reste faible. Un programme d’éducation adaptée contribuerait à un meilleur dépistage et à une prise en charge optimale des cas. PMID:25932077

  17. Mesure de haute resolution de la fonction de distribution radiale du silicium amorphe pur

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laaziri, Khalid

    1999-11-01

    Cette these porte sur l'etude de la structure du silicium amorphe prepare par irradiation ionique. Elle presente des mesures de diffraction de rayons X sur de la poudre de silicium cristallin, du silicium amorphe relaxe et non relaxe, ainsi que tous les developpements mathematiques et physiques necessaires pour extraire la fonction de distribution radiale correspondant a chaque echantillon. Au Chapitre I, nous presentons une methode de fabrication de membranes minces de silicium amorphe pur. Il y a deux etapes majeures lors du processus de fabrication: l'implantation ionique, afin de creer une couche amorphe de plusieurs microns et l'attaque chimique, pour enlever le reste du materiau cristallin. Nous avons caracterise premierement les membranes de silicium amorphe par spectroscopie Raman pour verifier qu'il ne reste plus de trace de materiau cristallin dans les films amorphes. Une deuxieme caracterisation par detection de recul elastique (ERD-TOF) sur ces memes membranes a montre qu'il y a moins de 0.1% atomique de contaminants tels que l'oxygene, le carbone, et l'hydrogene. Au Chapitre II, nous proposons une nouvelle methode de correction de la contribution inelastique "Compton" des spectres de diffusion totale afin d'extraire les pics de diffusion elastique, responsable de la diffraction de Bragg. L'article presente tout d'abord une description simplifiee d'une theorie sur la diffusion inelastique dite "Impulse Approximation" (IA) qui permet de calculer des profils de Compton en fonction de l'energie et de l'angle de diffusion 2theta. Ces profils sont utilises comme fonction de lissage de la diffusion Compton experimentale. Pour lisser les pics de diffusion elastique, nous avons utilise une fonction pic de nature asymetrique. Aux Chapitre III, nous exposons de maniere detaillee les resultats des experiences de diffraction de rayons X sur les membranes de silicium amorphe et la poudre de silicium cristallin que nous avons preparees. Nous abordons aussi les differentes etapes experimentales, d'analyse ainsi que les methodes de determination et de filtrage des transformees de Fourier des donnees de diffraction. Une comparaison des fonctions de distribution radiale du silicium amorphe relaxe et non relaxe indique que la relaxation structurelle dans le silicium amorphe est probablement due en grande partie a une annihilation des defauts plutot qu'a une reorganisation atomique globale du reseau de silicium amorphe. La deduction de la coordination des pics correspondants au premiers voisins atomiques par lissage de fonctions gaussienne indique que la coordination du silicium amorphe relaxe est de 3.88, celle du non-relaxe est de 3.79, alors que la mesure de reference sur la poudre de silicium cristallin donne une valeur de 4 tel que prevu. La sous-coordination du silicium amorphe expliquerait pourquoi sa densite est inferieure a celle du silicium cristallin. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

  18. In Vivo Detection of Hyperoxia-Induced Pulmonary Endothelial Cell Death Using 99mTc-Duramycin

    PubMed Central

    Audi, Said H.; Jacobs, Elizabeth R.; Zhao, Ming; Roerig, David L.; Haworth, Steven T.; Clough, Anne V.

    2014-01-01

    Introduction: 99mTc-duramycin, DU, is a SPECT biomarker of tissue injury identifying cell death. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of DU imaging to quantify capillary endothelial cell death in rat lung injury resulting from hyperoxia exposure as a model of acute lung injury. Methods: Rats were exposed to room air (normoxic) or >98% O2 for 48 or 60 hours. DU was injected i.v. in anesthetized rats, scintigraphy images were acquired at steady-state, and lung DU uptake was quantified from the images. Post-mortem, the lungs were removed for histological studies. Sequential lung sections were immunostained for caspase activation and endothelial and epithelial cells. Results: Lung DU uptake increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 39% and 146% in 48-hr and 60-hr exposed rats, respectively, compared to normoxic rats. There was strong correlation (r2 = 0.82, p = 0.005) between lung DU uptake and the number of cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) positive cells, and endothelial cells accounted for more than 50% of CC3 positive cells in the hyperoxic lungs. Histology revealed preserved lung morphology through 48 hours. By 60 hours there was evidence of edema, and modest neutrophilic infiltrate. Conclusions: Rat lung DU uptake in vivo increased after just 48 hours of >98% O2 exposure, prior to the onset of any substantial evidence of lung injury. These results suggest that apoptotic endothelial cells are the primary contributors to the enhanced DU lung uptake, and support the utility of DU imaging for detecting early endothelial cell death in vivo. PMID:25218023

  19. Long-term fate of depleted uranium at Aberdeen and Yuma Proving Grounds

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

    Ebinger, M.H.; Essington, E.H.; Gladney, E.S.

    1990-06-01

    The environmental fate of fragments of depleted uranium (DU) penetrators in soils and waters at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) is a concern to the Testing and Evaluation Command (TECOM) of the US Army. This report presents the information from preliminary soil and water samples that were collected from the humid woodlands of APG and the arid Sonoran Desert of YPG. Soil samples collected beneath a penetrator fragment of the firing range at APG showed approximately 12% DU by weight in the surface horizon and DU significantly above background to a depth of about 20 cm.more » Samples of surface water at APG showed U only at background levels, and bottom sediments showed background U levels but with isotopic ratios of DU instead of natural U. Soil samples beneath a penetrator fragment at YPG showed about 0.5% by weight U in the surface horizon, but only background concentrations and isotopic ratios of U between 8 and 20 cm depth. Results from this preliminary study indicate that DU at APG was redistributed primarily be dissolution and transport with water and possibly by migration of DU colloids or DU attached to small particles. Redistribution at YPG, however, was mainly due to erosion of DU fragments from the impact area and redeposition in washes that drain the area. Proposed work for FY90-FY92 includes additional field sampling, laboratory column studies, and the development of a computer model of DU redistribution at both sites. 39 refs., 11 figs., 5 tabs.« less

  20. Potential late health effects of depleted uranium and tungsten used in armor-piercing munitions: comparison of neoplastic transformation and genotoxicity with the known carcinogen nickel.

    PubMed

    Miller, Alexandra C; Xu, Jiaquan; Stewart, Michael; Prasanna, Pataje G S; Page, Natalie

    2002-02-01

    Limited data exist to permit an accurate assessment of risks for carcinogenesis and mutagenesis from embedded fragments or inhaled particulates of depleted uranium (DU). Ongoing studies have been designed to provide information about the carcinogenic potential of DU using in vitro and in vivo assessments of morphological transformation as well as cytogenetic, mutagenic, and oncogenic effects. For comparison, we also examined tungsten alloys used in military projectiles and the known carcinogen nickel. Quantitative and qualitative in vitro transformation studies were done to assess the carcinogenic potential of radiation and chemical hazards. Using a human osteosarcoma cell model, we demonstrated that soluble and insoluble DU compounds can transform cells to the tumorigenic phenotype, as characterized by morphological, biochemical, and oncogenic changes consistent with tumor cell behavior. Tungsten alloys and nickel were also shown to be neoplastic transforming agents, although at a frequency less than that of DU. Sister chromatid exchange, micronuclei, and alkaline filter elution assays showed DU and tungsten alloys were genotoxic. Exposure to a nontoxic, nontransforming dose of DU induced a small but statistically significant increase in the number of dicentrics formed in cells. These results suggest that long-term exposure to DU or tungsten alloys could be critical to the development of neoplastic disease in humans and that additional studies are needed.

  1. Prostate cancer stem-like cells proliferate slowly and resist etoposide-induced cytotoxicity via enhancing DNA damage response

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

    Yan, Judy; Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Institute, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6; The Hamilton Centre for Kidney Research

    Despite the development of chemoresistance as a major concern in prostate cancer therapy, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this report, we demonstrate that DU145-derived prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) progress slowly with more cells accumulating in the G1 phase in comparison to DU145 non-PCSCs. Consistent with the important role of the AKT pathway in promoting G1 progression, DU145 PCSCs were less sensitive to growth factor-induced activation of AKT in comparison to non-PCSCs. In response to etoposide (one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs), DU145 PCSCs survived significantly better than non-PCSCs. In addition to etoposide, PCSCs demonstrated increased resistancemore » to docetaxel, a taxane drug that is commonly used to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. Etoposide produced elevated levels of γH2AX and triggered a robust G2/M arrest along with a coordinated reduction of the G1 population in PCSCs compared to non-PCSCs, suggesting that elevated γH2AX plays a role in the resistance of PCSCs to etoposide-induced cytotoxicity. We have generated xenograft tumors from DU145 PCSCs and non-PCSCs. Consistent with the knowledge that PCSCs produce xenograft tumors with more advanced features, we were able to demonstrate that PCSC-derived xenograft tumors displayed higher levels of γH2AX and p-CHK1 compared to non-PCSC-produced xenograft tumors. Collectively, our research suggests that the elevation of DNA damage response contributes to PCSC-associated resistance to genotoxic reagents. - Highlights: • Increased survival in DU145 PCSCs following etoposide-induced cytotoxicity. • PCSCs exhibit increased sensitivity to etoposide-induced DDR. • Resistance to cytotoxicity may be due to slower proliferation in PCSCs. • Reduced kinetics to growth factor induced activation of AKT in PCSCs.« less

  2. The Impact and Influence of HBCUs on the Social Work Profession

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowles, Dorcas D.; Hopps, June Gary; Clayton, Obie

    2016-01-01

    Faculties at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) have demonstrated stellar contributions to social work, which include early thought and epistemology related to strengths, empowerment, and social justice perspectives; religious orientation; inclusive learning environment, and community-based research. W. E. B. DuBois was the most…

  3. Children's Literature as a Pathway of Possibilities

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilkins, Ebony Joy

    2014-01-01

    Visionaries like W. E. B. Du Bois opened the door to possibility and opportunity for the next generations of African American artists. Among those who benefited from and contributed to this legacy are award-winning African American authors and illustrators who created works that celebrate Black children, equality, and diversity. These artists…

  4. The Cirque du Soleil of Golgi membrane dynamics

    PubMed Central

    2009-01-01

    The role of lipid metabolic enzymes in Golgi membrane remodeling is a subject of intense interest. Now, in this issue, Schmidt and Brown (2009. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200904147) report that lysophosphatidic acid–specific acyltransferase, LPAAT3, contributes to Golgi membrane dynamics by suppressing tubule formation. PMID:19635838

  5. The Cirque du Soleil of Golgi membrane dynamics.

    PubMed

    Bankaitis, Vytas A

    2009-07-27

    The role of lipid metabolic enzymes in Golgi membrane remodeling is a subject of intense interest. Now, in this issue, Schmidt and Brown (2009. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200904147) report that lysophosphatidic acid-specific acyltransferase, LPAAT3, contributes to Golgi membrane dynamics by suppressing tubule formation.

  6. Depleted uranium: properties, military use and health risks.

    PubMed

    Fairlie, Ian

    2009-01-01

    This article describes uranium and depleted uranium (DU), their similar isotopic compositions, how DU arises, its use in munitions and armour-proofing, and its pathways for human exposures. Particular attention is paid to the evidence of DU's health effects from cell and animal experiments and from epidemiology studies. It is concluded that a precautionary approach should be adopted to DU and that there should be a moratorium on its use by military forces. International efforts to this end are described.

  7. How diet and lifestyle affect duodenal ulcers. Review of the evidence.

    PubMed Central

    Ryan-Harshman, Milly; Aldoori, Walid

    2004-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the role of diet in reducing or aggravating risk of duodenal ulcer (DU). QUALITY OF EVIDENCE: MEDLINE was searched from January 1966 to December 2001 for articles on the relationship between diet and lifestyle and DU using the key words duodenal ulcer and diet, fibre, or lifestyle. Evidence that these factors are associated with DU arose mainly from three case-control and three prospective studies (level II evidence) and from expert opinion (level III evidence). MAIN MESSAGE: A high-fibre diet appears to reduce risk of DU; soluble fibre might be associated with reduced risk also. Vitamin A intake is associated with lower risk of DU. Little evidence indicates that fat, type of fat, protein intake, or consumption of alcohol or caffeine affect the etiology of DU. CONCLUSION: A high-fibre diet, particularly if the fibre comes from fruit and vegetables, could reduce risk of DU; vitamin A might also be beneficial. PMID:15171675

  8. Genomic characterization of putative allergen genes in peach/almond and their synteny with apple

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Lin; Zhang, Shuiming; Illa, Eudald; Song, Lijuan; Wu, Shandong; Howad, Werner; Arús, Pere; Weg, Eric van de; Chen, Kunsong; Gao, Zhongshan

    2008-01-01

    Background Fruits from several species of the Rosaceae family are reported to cause allergic reactions in certain populations. The allergens identified belong to mainly four protein families: pathogenesis related 10 proteins, thaumatin-like proteins, lipid transfer proteins and profilins. These families of putative allergen genes in apple (Mal d 1 to 4) have been mapped on linkage maps and subsequent genetic study on allelic diversity and hypoallergenic traits has been carried out recently. In peach (Prunus persica), these allergen gene families are denoted as Pru p 1 to 4 and for almond (Prunus dulcis)Pru du 1 to 4. Genetic analysis using current molecular tools may be helpful to establish the cause of allergenicity differences observed among different peach cultivars. This study was to characterize putative peach allergen genes for their genomic sequences and linkage map positions, and to compare them with previously characterized homologous genes in apple (Malus domestica). Results Eight Pru p/du 1 genes were identified, four of which were new. All the Pru p/du 1 genes were mapped in a single bin on the top of linkage group 1 (G1). Five Pru p/du 2 genes were mapped on four different linkage groups, two very similar Pru p/du 2.01 genes (A and B) were on G3, Pru p/du 2.02 on G7,Pru p/du 2.03 on G8 and Pru p/du 2.04 on G1. There were differences in the intron and exon structure in these Pru p/du 2 genes and in their amino acid composition. Three Pru p/du 3 genes (3.01–3.03) containing an intron and a mini exon of 10 nt were mapped in a cluster on G6. Two Pru p/du 4 genes (Pru p/du 4.01 and 4.02) were located on G1 and G7, respectively. The Pru p/du 1 cluster on G1 aligned to the Mal d 1 clusters on LG16; Pru p/du 2.01A and B on G3 to Mal d 2.01A and B on LG9; the Pru p/du 3 cluster on G6 to Mal d 3.01 on LG12; Pru p/du 4.01 on G1 to Mal d 4.03 on LG2; and Pru p/du 4.02 on G7 to Mal d 4.02 on LG2. Conclusion A total of 18 putative peach/almond allergen genes have been mapped on five linkage groups. Their positions confirm the high macro-synteny between peach/almond and apple. The insight gained will help to identify key genes causing differences in allergenicity among different cultivars of peach and other Prunus species. PMID:19014629

  9. Characterization of FaDu-R, a radioresistant head and neck cancer cell line, and cancer stem cells.

    PubMed

    Cho, Kwang-Jae; Park, Eun-Ji; Kim, Min-Sik; Joo, Young-Hoon

    2018-06-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CSC on insensitivity to radiotherapy in HNSCC. A radioresistant cell line, FaDu-R, was established using fractionated ionizing radiation. Cells with high and low CD44/ALDH activity were isolated. FaDu-R cells demonstrated significantly increased cell viability after radiation exposure compared with parental cells. CD44 high /ALDH high FaDu-R cells demonstrated significantly faster wound closure (p<0.05) and more efficient invasion (p<0.05) compared to the CD44 high /ALDH high FaDu cells or the CD44 low /ALDH low FaDu-R cells. There was a significant difference in tumor volume between the CD44 high /ALDH high FaDu-R cells and the CD44 high /ALDH high FaDu cells (p<0.05) as well as the CD44 low /ALDH low FaDu-R cells (p<0.05). Cancer stem cells (CSC) were associated with invasion and tumorigenesis in a radioresistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line. This concept might help to improve the understanding of these mechanisms and to develop drugs that can overcome radioresistance during radiotherapy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Impact of restricted amoxicillin/clavulanic acid use on Escherichia coli resistance--antibiotic DU90% profiles with bacterial resistance rates: a visual presentation.

    PubMed

    Mimica Matanovic, Suzana; Bergman, Ulf; Vukovic, Dubravka; Wettermark, Björn; Vlahovic-Palcevski, Vera

    2010-10-01

    High use of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) at the University Hospital Osijek (Croatia) contributed to high rates of resistance in Enterobacteriaceae, in particular Escherichia coli (50%). Thus, in order to decrease bacterial resistance, AMC use was restricted. We present results of the restriction on resistance amongst antibiotics accounting for 90% of antibiotic use [drug utilisation 90% (DU90%)]. Data were analysed on antibiotic use and microbiological susceptibility of E. coli during two 9-month periods, before and after the restriction of AMC use. Drug use was presented as numbers of defined daily doses (DDDs) and DDDs/100 bed-days. Resistance of E. coli to antibiotics was presented as percentages of isolated strains in the DU90% segment. Use of AMC was 16 DDDs/100 bed-days or 30% of all antibiotics before the intervention. Use of AMC fell to 2 DDDs/100 bed-days or 4% after the intervention, and resistance of E. coli fell from 37% to 11%. In conclusion, restricted use of AMC resulted in a significant decrease of E. coli resistance. DU90% resistance profiles are simple and useful tools in highlighting problems in antibiotic use and resistance but may also be useful in long-term follow-up of antibiotic policy. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

  11. Pathogenesis of duck circovirus genotype 1 in experimentally infected Pekin ducks.

    PubMed

    Hong, Y-T; Kang, M; Jang, H-K

    2018-05-17

    Ducks infected with duck circovirus (DuCV) exhibit feathering disorder, growth retardation, and low body weight. The virus can induce immunosuppression and increase rates of infection caused by other pathogens. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the pathogenesis of DuCV in experimentally infected Pekin ducks. At postmortem examination, gross lesions were observed in the immune organs including bursa of Fabricius (BF), thymus, and spleen. Hemorrhage, lymphocytic depletion, necrosis, and degeneration were observed in the bursal tissues by histological examination. The TUNEL assay was performed with bursal tissue. There was a significant difference of the apoptosis rate between the negative and DuCV-infected ducks. The earliest time point for detection of DuCV DNA in sera, cloacal swabs, and organs was 1 wk post-infection (WPI). Viral shedding was persistent and detectable at the end of the experiment (10 WPI). The findings provide evidence that horizontal transmission and persistent infection are the characteristics of DuCV. The organ with the highest mean viral load was the spleen, followed by BF, cecal tonsil, lung, thymus, liver, and kidney. We successfully established an experimental DuCV genotype 1 (DuCV-1) infection in Pekin ducks and demonstrated the pathogenicity and persistence of DuCV-1. In conclusion, DuCV-1 caused extensive damage to the immune organs that may have resulted in immunosuppression. Pathobiological characteristics of DuCV-1 include systemic infection, persistent infection, and horizontal transmission. These features allow DuCV-1 to circulate more easily in farms and increase the susceptibility of ducks to other diseases.

  12. Physicochemical characterization of Capstone depleted uranium aerosols III: morphologic and chemical oxide analyses.

    PubMed

    Krupka, Kenneth M; Parkhurst, Mary Ann; Gold, Kenneth; Arey, Bruce W; Jenson, Evan D; Guilmette, Raymond A

    2009-03-01

    The impact of depleted uranium (DU) penetrators against an armored target causes erosion and fragmentation of the penetrators, the extent of which is dependent on the thickness and material composition of the target. Vigorous oxidation of the DU particles and fragments creates an aerosol of DU oxide particles and DU particle agglomerations combined with target materials. Aerosols from the Capstone DU aerosol study, in which vehicles were perforated by DU penetrators, were evaluated for their oxidation states using x-ray diffraction (XRD), and particle morphologies were examined using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The oxidation state of a DU aerosol is important as it offers a clue to its solubility in lung fluids. The XRD analysis showed that the aerosols evaluated were a combination primarily of U3O8 (insoluble) and UO3 (relatively more soluble) phases, though intermediate phases resembling U4O9 and other oxides were prominent in some samples. Analysis of particle residues in the micrometer-size range by SEM/EDS provided microstructural information such as phase composition and distribution, fracture morphology, size distribution, and material homogeneity. Observations from SEM analysis show a wide variability in the shapes of the DU particles. Some of the larger particles were spherical, occasionally with dendritic or lobed surface structures. Others appear to have fractures that perhaps resulted from abrasion and comminution, or shear bands that developed from plastic deformation of the DU material. Amorphous conglomerates containing metals other than uranium were also common, especially with the smallest particle sizes. A few samples seemed to contain small bits of nearly pure uranium metal, which were verified by EDS to have a higher uranium content exceeding that expected for uranium oxides. Results of the XRD and SEM/EDS analyses were used in other studies described in this issue of Health Physics to interpret the results of lung solubility studies and in selecting input parameters for dose assessments.

  13. In vivo detection of hyperoxia-induced pulmonary endothelial cell death using (99m)Tc-duramycin.

    PubMed

    Audi, Said H; Jacobs, Elizabeth R; Zhao, Ming; Roerig, David L; Haworth, Steven T; Clough, Anne V

    2015-01-01

    (99m)Tc-duramycin, DU, is a SPECT biomarker of tissue injury identifying cell death. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of DU imaging to quantify capillary endothelial cell death in rat lung injury resulting from hyperoxia exposure as a model of acute lung injury. Rats were exposed to room air (normoxic) or >98% O2 for 48 or 60 hours. DU was injected i.v. in anesthetized rats, scintigraphy images were acquired at steady-state, and lung DU uptake was quantified from the images. Post-mortem, the lungs were removed for histological studies. Sequential lung sections were immunostained for caspase activation and endothelial and epithelial cells. Lung DU uptake increased significantly (p<0.001) by 39% and 146% in 48-hr and 60-hr exposed rats, respectively, compared to normoxic rats. There was strong correlation (r(2)=0.82, p=0.005) between lung DU uptake and the number of cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) positive cells, and endothelial cells accounted for more than 50% of CC3 positive cells in the hyperoxic lungs. Histology revealed preserved lung morphology through 48 hours. By 60 hours there was evidence of edema, and modest neutrophilic infiltrate. Rat lung DU uptake in vivo increased after just 48 hours of >98% O2 exposure, prior to the onset of any substantial evidence of lung injury. These results suggest that apoptotic endothelial cells are the primary contributors to the enhanced DU lung uptake, and support the utility of DU imaging for detecting early endothelial cell death in vivo. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Excrétion rénale des ions divalents après homotransplantation rénale

    PubMed Central

    Cartier, F.; Popovtzer, M. M.; Robinette, J.; Pinggera, W. F.; Halgrimson, C. G.; Starzl, T. E.

    2010-01-01

    RÉSUMÉ L’élimination rénale des ions divalents, celle du Na et du K, ont été étudiées de façon comparative dans les suites immédiates de l’homotransplantation rénale chez 6 patients. Durant la période initiale polyurique (> 3ml/mn), le taux d’excrétion du Ca filtré (Cca/Ccr), du Mg, du P, du Na et du K, est élevé et il existe une corrélation étroite et quasi constante entre l’élimination du Ca, du Mg et du Na ; la corrélation n’est pas constante entre l’élimination du Na et du K, du Mg et du K. Pendant les deux jours suivants, le taux d’excrétion diminue, sauf pour le P ; il existe encore une corrélation entre l’excrétion du Ca, du Mg et du Na, non entre celle du Na et du K, du Mg et du K. L’excrétion du Ca l’emporte sur celle du Na au cours de la première période, non au cours de la seconde. A la lumière de ces données, on envisage l’intervention possible de divers facteurs, tels l’inflation hydrosique et l’hyperazotémie préalables, l’ischémie rénale contemporaine de la transplantation, les effets de la dénervation rénale, du traitement cortisonique, de l’hyperparathyroïdie et ceux des modifications circulatoires rénales. PMID:4574592

  15. Metallothionein deficiency aggravates depleted uranium-induced nephrotoxicity

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

    Hao, Yuhui; Huang, Jiawei; Gu, Ying

    Depleted uranium (DU) has been widely used in both civilian and military activities, and the kidney is the main target organ of DU during acute high-dose exposures. In this study, the nephrotoxicity caused by DU in metallothionein-1/2-null mice (MT −/−) and corresponding wild-type (MT +/+) mice was investigated to determine any associations with MT. Each MT −/− or MT +/+ mouse was pretreated with a single dose of DU (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) or an equivalent volume of saline. After 4 days of DU administration, kidney changes were assessed. After DU exposure, serum creatinine and serum urea nitrogen in MTmore » −/− mice significantly increased than in MT +/+ mice, with more severe kidney pathological damage. Moreover, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased, and generation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde increased in MT −/− mice. The apoptosis rate in MT −/− mice significantly increased, with a significant increase in both Bax and caspase 3 and a decrease in Bcl-2. Furthermore, sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) and sodium-phosphate cotransporter (NaPi-II) were significantly reduced after DU exposure, and the change of SGLT was more evident in MT −/− mice. Finally, exogenous MT was used to evaluate the correlation between kidney changes induced by DU and MT doses in MT −/− mice. The results showed that, the pathological damage and cell apoptosis decreased, and SOD and SGLT levels increased with increasing dose of MT. In conclusion, MT deficiency aggravated DU-induced nephrotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms appeared to be related to the increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and decreased SGLT expression. - Highlights: • MT −/− and MT +/+ mice were used to evaluate nephrotoxicity of DU. • Renal damage was more evident in the MT −/− mice after exposure to DU. • Exogenous MT also protects against DU-induced nephrotoxicity. • MT deficiency induced more ROS and apoptosis after exposure to DU. • MT deficiency down-regulated SGLT expression after exposure to DU.« less

  16. Association between Fatigue and Autistic Symptoms in Children with Cri du Chat Syndrome

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Claro, Anthony; Cornish, Kim; Gruber, Reut

    2011-01-01

    In the current study, the authors examined whether the fatigue level of children diagnosed with cri du chat syndrome was associated with the expression of autistic symptoms. Sixty-nine children with cri du chat syndrome were compared with 47 children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities who did not differ on intellectual severity.…

  17. Applications of Capstone depleted uranium aerosol risk data to military combat risk management.

    PubMed

    Daxon, Eric G; Parkhurst, Mary Ann; Melanson, Mark A; Roszell, Laurie E

    2009-03-01

    Risks to personnel engaged in military operations include not only the threat of enemy firepower but also risks from exposure to other hazards such as radiation. Combatant commanders of the U.S. Army carefully weigh risks of casualties before implementing battlefield actions using an established paradigm that takes these risks into consideration. As a result of the inclusion of depleted uranium (DU) anti-armor ammunition in the conventional (non-nuclear) weapons arsenal, the potential for exposure to DU aerosols and its associated chemical and radiological effects becomes an element of the commanders' risk assessment. The Capstone DU Aerosol Study measured the range of likely DU oxide aerosol concentrations created inside a combat vehicle perforated with a DU munition, and the Capstone Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) estimated the associated doses and calculated risks. This paper focuses on the development of a scientific approach to adapt the risks from DU's non-uniform dose distribution within the body using the current U.S. Department of Defense radiation risk management approach. The approach developed equates the Radiation Exposure Status categories to the estimated radiological risks of DU and makes use of the Capstone-developed Renal Effects Group as a measure of chemical risk from DU intake. Recommendations are provided for modifying Army guidance and policy in order to better encompass the potential risks from DU aerosol inhalation during military operations.

  18. Averaged null energy condition from causality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hartman, Thomas; Kundu, Sandipan; Tajdini, Amirhossein

    2017-07-01

    Unitary, Lorentz-invariant quantum field theories in flat spacetime obey mi-crocausality: commutators vanish at spacelike separation. For interacting theories in more than two dimensions, we show that this implies that the averaged null energy, ∫ duT uu , must be non-negative. This non-local operator appears in the operator product expansion of local operators in the lightcone limit, and therefore contributes to n-point functions. We derive a sum rule that isolates this contribution and is manifestly positive. The argument also applies to certain higher spin operators other than the stress tensor, generating an infinite family of new constraints of the form ∫ duX uuu··· u ≥ 0. These lead to new inequalities for the coupling constants of spinning operators in conformal field theory, which include as special cases (but are generally stronger than) the existing constraints from the lightcone bootstrap, deep inelastic scattering, conformal collider methods, and relative entropy. We also comment on the relation to the recent derivation of the averaged null energy condition from relative entropy, and suggest a more general connection between causality and information-theoretic inequalities in QFT.

  19. Le site paléo-indien de Piedra Museo (Patagonie). Sa contribution au débat sur le premier peuplement du continent américainThe palaeo-indian site of Piedra Museo (Patagonia). Its contribution to the debate on the peopling of the Americas.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ramirez Rozzi, Fernando V.; d'Errico, Francesco; Zarate, Marcelo

    2000-08-01

    The Piedra Museo site (Santa Cruz, Argentina), excavated over the past nine years has yielded a rich archaeological record, which contributes to the discussion on the first peopling of the Americas. We present here a new study of the site, based on an analysis of the stratigraphy, spatial distribution of archaeological remains, bone taphonomy, and discussion of new AMS- 14C dates. We conclude that remains of extinct species with cut-marks from the lower levels are contemporaneous of stone tools and cores from the same levels. This demonstrates that humans were present in the southern part of Patagonia around 10 300 and 11 100 years BP and suggests that hunting of large mammals was a part of their subsistence strategies.

  20. Noise as an explanatory factor in work-related fatality reports

    PubMed Central

    Deshaies, Pierre; Martin, Richard; Belzile, Danny; Fortier, Pauline; Laroche, Chantal; Leroux, Tony; Nélisse, Hugues; Girard, Serge-André; Arcand, Robert; Poulin, Maurice; Picard, Michel

    2015-01-01

    Noise exposure in the workplace is a common reality in Québec, Canada as it is elsewhere. However, the extent to which noise acts as a causal or contributive factor in industrial work-related accidents has not been studied thoroughly despite its plausibility. This article aims to describe the importance or potential importance, during investigations looking into the specific causes of each work-related fatal accident, of noise as an explanatory factor. The written information contained in the accident reports pertaining to contextual and technical elements were used. The study used multiple case qualitative content analysis. This descriptive study was based on the content analysis of the 788 reports from the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec [Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB)] investigating the fatal work-related accidents between 1990 and 2005. The study was descriptive (number and percentages). Noise was explicitly stated as one of the explanatory factors for the fatal outcome in 2.2% (17/788) of the fatal accidents, particularly when the work involved vehicular movement or the need to communicate between workers. Noise was not typically considered a unique cause in the accident, notably because the investigators considered that the accident would have probably occurred due to other risk factors (for example, disregard of safety rules, shortcomings in work methods, and inadequate training). Noise is an important risk factor when communication is involved in work. Since noise is ubiquitous and may also interfere with vigilance and other risk factors for accidents, it may be a much more important contributing factor to accidents than is currently recognized. PMID:26356371

  1. Noise as an explanatory factor in work-related fatality reports.

    PubMed

    Deshaies, Pierre; Martin, Richard; Belzile, Danny; Fortier, Pauline; Laroche, Chantal; Leroux, Tony; Nélisse, Hugues; Girard, Serge-André; Arcand, Robert; Poulin, Maurice; Picard, Michel

    2015-01-01

    Noise exposure in the workplace is a common reality in Québec, Canada as it is elsewhere. However, the extent to which noise acts as a causal or contributive factor in industrial work-related accidents has not been studied thoroughly despite its plausibility. This article aims to describe the importance or potential importance, during investigations looking into the specific causes of each work-related fatal accident, of noise as an explanatory factor. The written information contained in the accident reports pertaining to contextual and technical elements were used. The study used multiple case qualitative content analysis. This descriptive study was based on the content analysis of the 788 reports from the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec [Workers' Compensation Board (WCB)] investigating the fatal work-related accidents between 1990 and 2005. The study was descriptive (number and percentages). Noise was explicitly stated as one of the explanatory factors for the fatal outcome in 2.2% (17/788) of the fatal accidents, particularly when the work involved vehicular movement or the need to communicate between workers. Noise was not typically considered a unique cause in the accident, notably because the investigators considered that the accident would have probably occurred due to other risk factors (for example, disregard of safety rules, shortcomings in work methods, and inadequate training). Noise is an important risk factor when communication is involved in work. Since noise is ubiquitous and may also interfere with vigilance and other risk factors for accidents, it may be a much more important contributing factor to accidents than is currently recognized.

  2. Contribution a l'etude et au developpement de nouvelles poudres de fonte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boisvert, Mathieu

    L'obtention de graphite libre dans des pieces fabriquees par metallurgie des poudres (M/P) est un defi auquel plusieurs chercheurs se sont attardes. En effet, la presence de graphite apres frittage ameliore l'usinabilite des pieces, permettant donc de reduire les couts de production, et peut aussi engendrer une amelioration des proprietes tribologiques. L'approche utilisee dans cette these pour tenter d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage est par l'utilisation de nouvelles poudres de fontes atomisees a l'eau. L'atomisation a l'eau etant un procede de production de poudres relativement peu couteux qui permet de grandes capacites de production, le transfert des decouvertes de ce doctorat vers des applications industrielles sera donc economiquement plus favorable. En plus de l'objectif d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage, un autre aspect important des travaux est le controle de la morphologie du graphite libre apres frittage. En effet, il est connu dans la litterature des fontes coulees/moulees que la morphologie du graphite influencera les proprietes des fontes, ce qui est aussi vrai pour les pieces de M/P. Les fontes ductiles, pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme de nodules spheroidaux isoles les uns des autres, possedent des proprietes mecaniques superieures aux fontes grises pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme lamellaire et continu dans la matrice. Les resultats presentes dans cette these montrent qu'il est possible, dans des melanges contenant des poudres de fontes, d'avoir un controle sur la morphologie du graphite et donc sur les proprietes des pieces. Le controle de la morphologie du graphite a principalement ete realise par le type de frittage et le phenomene de diffusion " uphill " du carbone cause par des gradients en silicium. En effet, pour les frittages en phase solide, tous les nodules de graphite sont presents a l'interieur des grains de poudre apres frittage. Pour les frittages en phase liquide, l'intensite de la diffusion " uphill " permet de conserver plus ou moins de graphite nodulaire a l'interieur des regions riches en silicium, alors que le reste du graphite precipite sous forme lamellaire/vermiculaire dans les regions interparticulaires. L'etude des poudres de fontes et la recherche des mecanismes regissant la morphologie du graphite dans les fontes coulees/moulees nous ont amenes a produire des poudres de fontes traitees au magnesium avant l'atomisation. Plusieurs resultats fondamentaux ont ete obtenus de la caracterisation des poudres traitees au magnesium et de leur comparaison avec des poudres de chimies similaires non traitees au magnesium. D'abord, il a ete possible d'observer des bifilms d'oxyde de silicium dans la structure du graphite primaire d'une poudre de fonte grise hypereutectique. Il s'agit des premieres images montrant la structure double de ces defauts, venant ainsi appuyer la theorie elaboree par le professeur John Campbell. Ensuite, il a ete montre que le traitement au magnesium forme une atmosphere protectrice gazeuse autogeneree qui empeche l'oxydation de la surface du bain liquide et donc, la formation et l'entrainement des bifilms. Le role du magnesium sur la morphologie du graphite est de diminuer le soufre en solution en formant des precipites de sulfure de magnesium et ainsi d'augmenter l'energie d'interface graphite-liquide. En reponse a cette grande energie d'interface graphite-liquide, le graphite cherche a minimiser son ratio surface/volume, ce qui favorise la formation de graphite spheroidal. De plus, deux types de germination ont ete observes dans la poudre de fonte hypereutectique traitee au magnesium. Le premier type est une germination heterogene sur un nombre limite de particules faites de magnesium, d'aluminium, de silicium et d'oxygene. Le deuxieme type est une germination homogene des nodules dans certaines regions du liquide plus riches en silicium. L'observation du centre reel tridimensionnel, en microscopie electronique en transmission en haute resolution, d'un des nodules ayant subi une germination homogene a permis de confirmer que le mode de croissance du graphite spheroidal se produit selon le modele de la croissance en feuille de chou. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

  3. Entrevue avec le Dr Charley Zeanah

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Le Dr Charles Zeanah est titulaire de la chaire de psychiatrie Mary K. Sellars-Polchow, professeur de pédiatrie clinique et vice-président de la pédopsychiatrie au département de psychiatrie et des sciences du comportement de la faculté de médecine de l’Université Tulane, à la Nouvelle-Orléans. Il est également directeur général de l’institut de la santé mentale des nourrissons et des jeunes enfants de Tulane. Il est récipiendaire de nombreux prix, notamment le prix de prévention Irving Phillips (AACAP), la mention élogieuse présidentielle pour sa recherche et son leadership exceptionnels en santé mentale des nourrissons (American Orthopsychiatric Association), le prix d’excellence clinique Sarah Haley Memorial (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies), le prix de recherche en pédopsychiatrie Blanche F. Ittelson (APA), et le prix Serge Lebovici Award soulignant les contributions internationales à la santé mentale des nourrissons (World Association for Infant Mental Health). Le Dr Zeanah est fellow distingué de l’AACAP, fellow distingué de l’APA et membre du conseil d’administration de Zero to Three. Il est l’éditeur scientifique de Handbook of Infant Mental Health (3e édition) qui est considéré comme étant le manuel de pointe et la référence de base du domaine de la santé mentale des nourrissons.

  4. Identification of alternatively spliced isoforms of interleukin-2/15 receptor β chain in ducks.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Jipseol; Kim, Woo H; Yeo, Jaeseung; Fernandez, Cherry P; Kim, Suk; Lee, Youn-Jeong; Lillehoj, Hyun S; Min, Wongi

    2014-12-15

    Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 receptor β (IL-2/15Rβ, CD122) play important roles in signal transduction for biological functions of IL-2 and IL-15. We found that ducks possess three different IL-2/15Rβ transcripts, a conventional form (duIL-2/15Rβ) and two variants. Comparisons between the cDNA and genomic sequences revealed that the two variants, duIL-2/15Rβ-d7 and duIL-2/15Rβ-d9, were novel spliced transcripts resulting from skipping exons 7 and 9, respectively. Expression profiles of duIL-2/15Rβ and its isoforms were examined in healthy tissues, concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated splenic lymphocytes and in livers and spleens of Riemerella anatipestifer-infected ducks using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Generally, duIL-2/15Rβ-d9 expression was undetectable in healthy tissues, ConA-activated samples, and R. anatipestifer-infected ducks. Expression levels of duIL-2/15Rβ transcript were relatively high to moderate in all healthy tissues tested, while duIL-2/15Rβ-d7 expression was low. Compared to untreated controls, expression levels of duIL-2/15Rβ were elevated in ConA-activated splenic lymphocytes and in livers on day 7 in R. anatipestifer-infected ducks, while duIL-2/15Rβ-d7 expression was unchanged. Additionally, COS-7 cells transfected with duIL-2/15Rβ, duIL-2/15Rβ-d7, or duIL-2/15Rβ-d9 constructs generated 73 kilodalton (kDa), 31kDa, and 40kDa proteins, respectively. This study identified three different IL-2/15Rβ transcripts, including two isoforms generated by alternative splicing and their gene expression patterns in stimulated conditions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosol Biokinetics, Concentrations, and Doses

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

    Guilmette, Raymond A.; Miller, Guthrie; Parkhurst, MaryAnn

    2009-02-26

    One of the principal goals of the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study was to quantify and characterize DU aerosols generated inside armored vehicles by perforation with a DU penetrator. This study consequently produced a database in which the DU aerosol source terms were specified both physically and chemically for a variety of penetrator-impact geometries and conditions. These source terms were used to calculate radiation doses and uranium concentrations for various scenarios as part of the Capstone DU Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA). This paper describes the scenario-related biokinetics of uranium, and summarizes intakes, chemical concentrations to the organs, andmore » E(50) and HT(50) for organs and tissues based on exposure scenarios for personnel in vehicles at the time of perforation as well as for first responders. For a given exposure scenario (duration time and breathing rates), the range of DU intakes among the target vehicles and shots was not large, about a factor of 10, with the lowest being from a ventilated operational Abrams tank and the highest being for an unventilated Abrams with DU penetrator perforating DU armor. The ranges of committed effective doses were more scenario-dependent than were intakes. For example, the largest range, a factor of 20, was shown for scenario A, a 1-min exposure, whereas, the range was only a factor of two for the first-responder scenario (E). In general, the committed effective doses were found to be in the tens of mSv. The risks ascribed to these doses are discussed separately.« less

  6. Therapeutic Effect of Duck Interferon-Alpha Against H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Infection in Peking Ducks.

    PubMed

    Gao, Pei; Xiang, Bin; Li, Yulian; Li, Yaling; Sun, Minhua; Kang, Yinfeng; Xie, Peng; Chen, Libin; Lin, Qiuyan; Liao, Ming; Ren, Tao

    2018-04-01

    The antiviral cytokine interferon-alpha (IFN-α) plays a critical role in the innate immune system. Previous studies have shown that recombinant chicken IFN-α inhibits avian influenza virus (AIV) replication in vivo; however, the antiviral effect of recombinant duck IFN-α (rDuIFN-α) on highly pathogenic AIV remains unknown. In this study, the duck IFN-α gene was cloned, expressed, and purified. The antiviral effects of the resulting rDuIFN-α were further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that rDuIFN-α inhibited the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and AIV in duck embryo fibroblasts in vitro, with antiviral activities against VSV and AIV of 2.1 × 10 5 and 4.1 × 10 5 U/mg, respectively. We next investigated the anti-H5N1 AIV effect of intramuscular injection of rDuIFN-α in vivo. rDuIFN-α reduced viral titers in the brains, lungs, and spleens of 2-day-old (2D) ducks compared with that in the virus-challenged control group, and pretreatment with rDuIFN-α reduced mortality from 60% to 10% in 2D ducks. Moreover, rDuIFN-α increased the expression of IFN-stimulated genes in the brains and spleens of 2D ducks. Our results demonstrate that rDuIFN-α blocks VSV and H5N1 influenza virus infection in vitro and exhibits antiviral effects against H5N1 influenza virus infection in 2D ducks.

  7. Comparative study on DuPont analysis and DEA models for measuring stock performance using financial ratio

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arsad, Roslah; Shaari, Siti Nabilah Mohd; Isa, Zaidi

    2017-11-01

    Determining stock performance using financial ratio is challenging for many investors and researchers. Financial ratio can indicate the strengths and weaknesses of a company's stock performance. There are five categories of financial ratios namely liquidity, efficiency, leverage, profitability and market ratios. It is important to interpret the ratio correctly for proper financial decision making. The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of listed companies in Bursa Malaysia using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and DuPont analysis Models. The study is conducted in 2015 involving 116 consumer products companies listed in Bursa Malaysia. The estimation method of Data Envelopment Analysis computes the efficiency scores and ranks the companies accordingly. The Alirezaee and Afsharian's method of analysis based Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes (CCR) where Constant Return to Scale (CRS) is employed. The DuPont analysis is a traditional tool for measuring the operating performance of companies. In this study, DuPont analysis is used to evaluate three different aspects such as profitability, efficiency of assets utilization and financial leverage. Return on Equity (ROE) is also calculated in DuPont analysis. This study finds that both analysis models provide different rankings of the selected samples. Hypothesis testing based on Pearson's correlation, indicates that there is no correlation between rankings produced by DEA and DuPont analysis. The DEA ranking model proposed by Alirezaee and Asharian is unstable. The method cannot provide complete ranking because the values of Balance Index is equal and zero.

  8. Molecular characterization of allelic variants of (GATA)n microsatellite loci in parthenogenetic lizards Darevskia unisexualis (Lacertidae).

    PubMed

    Korchagin, V I; Badaeva, T N; Tokarskaya, O N; Martirosyan, I A; Darevsky, I S; Ryskov, A P

    2007-05-01

    Populations of parthenogenetic lizards of the genus Darevskia consist of genetically identical animals, and represent a unique model for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the variability and evolution of hypervariable DNA repeats. As unisexual lineages, parthenogenetic lizards are characterized by some level of genetic diversity at microsatellite loci. We cloned and sequenced a number of (GATA)n microsatellite loci of Darevskia unisexualis. PCR products from these loci were also sequenced and the degree of intraspecific polymorphism was assessed. Among the five (GATA)n loci analysed, two (Du215 and Du281) were polymorphic. Cross-species analysis of Du215 and Du281 indicate that the priming sites at the D. unisexualis loci are conserved in the bisexual parental species, D. raddei and D. valentini. Sequencing the PCR products amplified from Du215 and Du281 and from monomorphic Du323 showed that allelic differences at the polymorphic loci are caused by microsatellite mutations and by point mutations in the flanking regions. The haplotypes identified among the allelic variants of Du281 and among its orthologues in the parental species provide new evidence of the cross-species origin of D. unisexualis. To our knowledge, these data are the first to characterize the nucleotide sequences of allelic variants at microsatellite loci within parthenogenetic vertebrate animals.

  9. Molecular cloning and functional characterization of duck nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1).

    PubMed

    Li, Huilin; Jin, Hui; Li, Yaqian; Liu, Dejian; Foda, Mohamed Frahat; Jiang, Yunbo; Luo, Rui

    2017-09-01

    Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) is an imperative cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and considered as a key member of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family which plays a critical role in innate immunity through sensing microbial components derived from bacterial peptidoglycan. In the current study, the full-length of duck NOD1 (duNOD1) cDNA from duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs) was cloned. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that duNOD1 exhibited a strong evolutionary relationship with chicken and rock pigeon NOD1. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that duNOD1 was widely distributed in various organs, with the highest expression observed in the liver. Furthermore, duNOD1 overexpression induced NF-κB activation in DEFs and the CARD domain is crucial for duNOD1-mediated NF-κB activation. In addition, silencing the duNOD1 decreased the activity of NF-κB in DEFs stimulated by iE-DAP. Overexpression of duNOD1 significantly increased the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and RANTES in DEFs. These findings highlight the crucial role of duNOD1 as an intracellular sensor in duck innate immune system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Combined effects of alpha particles and depleted uranium on Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos

    PubMed Central

    Ng, Candy Y.P.; Pereira, Sandrine; Cheng, Shuk Han; Adam-Guillermin, Christelle; Garnier-Laplace, Jacqueline; Yu, Kwan Ngok

    2016-01-01

    The combined effects of low-dose or high-dose alpha particles and depleted uranium (DU) in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were studied. Three schemes were examined—(i) [ILUL]: 0.44 mGy alpha-particle dose + 10 µg/l DU exposure, (ii) [IHUH]: 4.4 mGy alpha-particle dose + 100 µg/l DU exposure and (iii) [IHUL]: 4.4 mGy alpha-particle dose + 10 µg/l DU exposure—in which Zebrafish embryos were irradiated with alpha particles at 5 h post fertilization (hpf) and/or exposed to uranium at 5–6 hpf. The results were also compared with our previous work, which studied the effects of [ILUH]: 0.44 mGy alpha-particle dose + 100 µg/l DU exposure. When the Zebrafish embryos developed to 24 hpf, the apoptotic signals in the entire embryos, used as the biological endpoint for this study, were quantified. Our results showed that [ILUL] and [IHUL] led to antagonistic effects, whereas [IHUH] led to an additive effect. The effect found for the previously studied case of [ILUH] was difficult to define because it was synergistic with reference to the 100 µg/l DU exposure, but it was antagonistic with reference to the 0.44 mGy alpha-particle dose. All the findings regarding the four different schemes showed that the combined effects critically depended on the dose response to each individual stressor. We also qualitatively explained these findings in terms of promotion of early death of cells predisposed to spontaneous transformation by alpha particles, interacting with the delay in cell death resulting from various concentrations of DU exposure. PMID:26937024

  11. Resilience of Critical Infrastructure to Extreme Fires - Gaps and Challenges

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-04-01

    du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2014 3 Abstract …….. This report provides the results of the study...the results of the two fire tests. Résumé …..... Le présent rapport fournit les résultats de l’étude menée par le Conseil national de recherches du...d’entreposage de carburants ou de véhicule-citerne. L’effondrement des tours du World Trade Centre, le 11 septembre 2001, et celui de l’échangeur du pont

  12. Rescue of a duck circovirus from an infectious DNA clone in ducklings.

    PubMed

    Li, Pengfei; Zhang, Zhilong; Jia, Renyong; Mao, Sai; Wang, Mingshu; Jia, Ruiling; Liu, Mafeng; Zhu, Dekang; Chen, Shun; Sun, Kunfeng; Yin, Zhongqiong; Chen, Xiaoyue; Cheng, Anchun

    2015-05-30

    Duck circovirus may predispose the host to immunosuppression and may serve as an immunological trigger for further complicated disease progression. Due to the lack of a cell culture system for propagating DuCV, little is known regarding the molecular biology and pathogenesis of DuCV. The aim of this study was to describe the construction and initial in vivo characterization of full-length DNA clones of DuCV (pIC-Mu2DuCV) and its infectivity under in vivo conditions. The constructed pIC-Mu2DuCV contained two copies of the whole DuCV genome and an introduced Xho I restriction enzyme site. Eighty-one 10-day-old conventional ducklings that were free of DuCV were randomly divided equally into three groups (1, 2 and 3). The ducklings in groups 1, 2 and 3 were inoculated intramuscularly with pIC-Mu2DuCV, wild-type virus GH01 and PBS, respectively. Subsequently, all of the ducklings were examined clinically, which were each given a physical condition score, and their rectal temperatures were taken daily during the experimental period. DuCV genomes in serum samples and in various tissues from all of the ducklings at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 28 DPC were detected by PCR and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. The average daily weight gain (ADWG) of group 3 was significantly higher than those of groups 1 and 2, and the temperature of all ducklings was stable between 41.7 °C and 42.2 °C. The clinical values (physical condition scores) of groups 1, 2 and 3 were 12.5, 15.6 and 0, respectively. In addition, viremia occurred at 15 and 10 days post-challenge (DPC) in groups 1 and 2, and antibodies could be detected in these ducklings at 21 and 15 DPC. Proliferation ability analysis showed that the viral titers of group 1 were lower than those of their parental viruses in group 2. This study shows that the rescued viruses are not significantly different but exhibit lower pathogenicity and proliferation ability compared with the parental virus. The results will facilitate future studies on DuCV pathogenesis and biology.

  13. Assessments of the contribution of land use change to the dust emission in Central Asia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xi, X.; Sokolik, I. N.

    2015-12-01

    While the dust emission from arid and semi-arid regions is known as a natural process induced by wind erosion, human may affect the dust emission directly through land use disturbances and indirectly by climate change. There has been much debate on the relative importance of climate change and land use to the global dust budget, as past estimates on the proportion of dust contributed by land use, in particular agricultural practices, remains very uncertain. This to the large extent stems from the way how human-made dust sources are identified and how they are treated in models. This study attempts to assess the land use contribution to the dust emission in Central Asia during 2000-2014 by conducting multiple experiments on the total emission in the WRF-Chem-DuMo model, and applying two methods to separate the natural and anthropogenic sources. The model experiments include realistic treatments of agriculture (e.g., expansion and abandonment) and water body changes (e.g., Aral Sea desiccation) in the land cover map of WRF-Chem-DuMo, but impose no arbitrary labeling of dust source type or adjustment to the erosion threshold. Intercomparison of the model experiments will be focused on the magnitude, interannual variability, and climate sensitivity of dust fluxes resulting from the selections of surface input data and dust flux parameterizations. Based on annual land use intensity maps, the sensitivity of the anthropogenic dust proportion to selection of the threshold value will be evaluated. In conjunction with the empirical method, satellite-derived annual land classifications will be used to track the land cover dynamics, and separate potential human-made source areas.

  14. An investigation of duck circovirus and co-infection in Cherry Valley ducks in Shandong Province, China.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xingxiao; Jiang, Shijin; Wu, Jiaqiang; Zhao, Qin; Sun, Yani; Kong, Yibo; Li, Xiaoxia; Yao, Meiling; Chai, Tongjie

    2009-01-13

    The co-infection of duck circovirus (DuCV) with Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) or/and Escherichia coli (E. coli) or/and duck hepatitis virus I (DHV-I) in Cherry Valley ducks in China's Shandong Province was investigated by using polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based methods. For this study, 742 ducks sampled at random from 70 duck farms during 2006-2007 were examined using PCR and dot-blot hybridisation (DBH) tests. Overall the DuCV infection rate was 33.29%. Compared with those at 2 weeks of age, the ducks at 3-4 weeks of age were more susceptible to DuCV infection. Compared with the DuCV-negative ones, the DuCV-positive ducks had a higher rate of infection by DHV-I (25.5% vs. 7.475%), RA (23.48% vs. 8.28%) and E. coli (16.19% vs. 4.85%). This investigation shows that DuCV infection is common in Cherry Valley ducks on some farms in Shandong Province.

  15. Toward a Concept of Risk for Effective Military Decision Making

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    gestion intégrée du risque de 2001 par le Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada, (b) de la doctrine interarmées sur la gestion du risque pour les...opérations des FC de 2002 et les documents de politique et les directives de l’intégration de la gestion du risque de 2005 du ministère de la Défense...a) le gouvernement du Canada dans le Cadre de gestion intégrée du risque de

  16. Contributions to the Mosquito Fauna of Southeast Asia. VII. Genus Aedeomyia Theobald in Southeast Asia

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1970-01-01

    Tijdschr. Ned. -1nd. 79(20): 1218-1279. Tyson: Aedeomyia in Southeast Asia 15 BOREL, E. 1930. Les moustiques de la Cochinchine et du Sud-Annam. Mongr...345-368. HAMON, J. 1966. Notes sur les moustiques de la Republique Islamique de Mauritanie. II. (Diptera, Culicidae). Ann. Sot. ent. France (n

  17. Why, Where, and How to Infuse the Atlanta Sociological Laboratory into the Sociology Curriculum

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wright, Earl, II

    2012-01-01

    The Atlanta Sociological Laboratory is the moniker bestowed on scholars engaged in sociological research at Atlanta University between 1895 and 1924. Under the leadership of W. E. B. Du Bois, 1897-1914, this school made substantive yet marginalized contributions to the discipline. Its accomplishments include, but are not limited to, its…

  18. Whiteness and Critical Pedagogy

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Allen, Ricky Lee

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to rethink critical pedagogy by imagining it from a race-radical perspective that owes its lineage to scholars like W. E. B. Du Bois. The author assembles a critical pedagogy that hopes to contribute to both the transformation of white identity and the abolition of white supremacy. He draws from the roots of critical…

  19. Proceedings of the International Round Table on Vocational Training and Employment (Turin, Italy, June 17-20, 1991).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Istituto per lo Sviluppo della Formazione Professionale dei Lavoratori, Rome (Italy).

    Eleven papers are presented from the International Round Table on Vocational Training and Employment. Introductory materials are the program and list of participants. The papers are as follows: "Evolution de la Formation Professionnelle en Afrique et Contribution du Ciadfor au Cours de la Derniere Decennie" (in French); "Educacion,…

  20. Long-term fate of depleted uranium at Aberdeen and Yuma Proving Grounds: Human health and ecological risk assessments

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

    Ebinger, M.H.; Beckman, R.J.; Myers, O.B.

    1996-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term consequences of depleted uranium (DU) in the environment at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) for the Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM) of the US Army. Specifically, we examined the potential for adverse radiological and toxicological effects to humans and ecosystems caused by exposure to DU at both installations. We developed contaminant transport models of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at APG and terrestrial ecosystems at YPG to assess potential adverse effects from DU exposure. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses of the initial models showed the portionsmore » of the models that most influenced predicted DU concentrations, and the results of the sensitivity analyses were fundamental tools in designing field sampling campaigns at both installations. Results of uranium (U) isotope analyses of field samples provided data to evaluate the source of U in the environment and the toxicological and radiological doses to different ecosystem components and to humans. Probabilistic doses were estimated from the field data, and DU was identified in several components of the food chain at APG and YPG. Dose estimates from APG data indicated that U or DU uptake was insufficient to cause adverse toxicological or radiological effects. Dose estimates from YPG data indicated that U or DU uptake is insufficient to cause radiological effects in ecosystem components or in humans, but toxicological effects in small mammals (e.g., kangaroo rats and pocket mice) may occur from U or DU ingestion. The results of this study were used to modify environmental radiation monitoring plans at APG and YPG to ensure collection of adequate data for ongoing ecological and human health risk assessments.« less

  1. Corrosion influencée par les micro-organismes : influence du biofilm sur la corrosion des aciers, techniques et résultats recents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feugeas, F.; Magnin, J. P.; Cornet, A.; Rameau, J. J.

    1997-03-01

    Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (M.I.C.) studied since the beginning of this century, is responsible for the degradation of many metallic equipments. This study is a review of results dealing with M.I.C. on several types of steels as: carbon steels, stainless steels, welded steels and covered steels. M.I.C. occurs only in presence of a biofilm. The first part of this study describes chemical and physical factors involved in its development, technical methods for studying biofilms, and its contribution in the corrosion process. The second part is devoted to the study of M.I.C. cases linked with metal nature and different aqueous environments and the last part reviews the mainly mecanisms of biocorrosion. La Corrosion Influencée par les Micro-organismes (C.I.M.) ou biocorrosion, phénomène étudié depuis le début du siècle, est responsable de la dégradation d'un grand nombre d'ouvrages métalliques. Cette étude a pour but de faire le point des connaissances sur la corrosion influencée microbiologiquement de divers types d'aciers au carbone, d'aciers inoxydables, d'assemblages soudés et d'aciers revêtus. La C.I.M. n'apparaît qu'en présence d'un biofilm. La première partie de cette étude décrit les facteurs physico-chimiques impliqués dans la formation du biofilm, ces moyens d'études ainsi que son action dans le processus de biocorrosion. La seconde partie est consacrée à la description des cas de biocorrosion classés en fonction de la nature des métaux et des milieux avec lesquels ils sont en contact. La dernière partie de ce document passe en revue les principaux mécanismes de biocorrosion décrits.

  2. Physicochemical Characterization of Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosols III: Morphologic and Chemical Oxide Analyses

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

    Krupka, Kenneth M.; Parkhurst, MaryAnn; Gold, Kenneth

    2009-03-01

    The impact of depleted uranium (DU) penetrators against an armored target causes erosion and fragmentation of the penetrators, the extent of which is dependent on the thickness and material composition of the target. Vigorous oxidation of the DU particles and fragments creates an aerosol of DU oxide particles and DU particle agglomerations combined with target materials. Aerosols from the Capstone DU aerosol study, in which vehicles were perforated by DU penetrators, were evaluated for their oxidation states using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle morphologies using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The oxidation state of a DU aerosol is importantmore » as it offers a clue to its solubility in lung fluids. The XRD analysis showed that the aerosols evaluated were a combination primarily of U3O8 (insoluble) and UO3 (relatively more soluble) phases, though intermediate phases resembling U4O9 and other oxides were prominent in some samples. Analysis of particle residues in the micrometer-size range by SEM/EDS provided microstructural information such as phase composition and distribution, fracture morphology, size distribution, and material homogeneity. Observations from SEM analysis show a wide variability in the shapes of the DU particles. Some of the larger particles appear to have been fractured (perhaps as a result of abrasion and comminution); others were spherical, occasionally with dendritic or lobed surface structures. Amorphous conglomerates containing metals other than uranium were also common, especially with the smallest particle sizes. A few samples seemed to contain small chunks of nearly pure uranium metal, which were verified by EDS to have a higher uranium content exceeding that expected for uranium oxides. Results of the XRD and SEM/EDS analyses were used in other studies described in this issue of The Journal of Health Physics to interpret the results of lung solubility studies and in selecting input parameters for dose assessments.« less

  3. Proteomic Prediction of Breast Cancer Risk: A Cohort Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    Total 1728 1189 68.81 (c) Data processing. Data analysis was performed using in-house software (Du P , Angeletti RH. Automatic deconvolution of...isotope-resolved mass spectra using variable selection and quantized peptide mass distribution. Anal Chem., 78:3385-92, 2006; P Du, R Sudha, MB...control. Reportable Outcomes So far our publications have been on the development of algorithms for signal processing: 1. Du P , Angeletti RH

  4. Actes du colloque sur le bilinguisme, Universite de Neuchatel, 14/15 Septembre, 1981 (Proceedings of the Colloquium on Bilingualism, University of Neuchatel, September 14-15, 1981).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    TRANEL, 1982

    1982-01-01

    This issue contains proceedings of a colloquium on linguistics at the University of Neuchatel: (1) "Propositions epistemologiques pour une etude du bilinguisme (Epistemological Propositions for a Study of Bilingualism)," by B. Py; (2) "Comment on di ca? Prolegomenes a une etude de la composante semantique du langage des migrants (How Do You Say…

  5. Influence of depleted uranium on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

    PubMed

    Souidi, M; Racine, R; Grandcolas, L; Grison, S; Stefani, J; Gourmelon, P; Lestaevel, P

    2012-04-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is uranium with a lower content of the fissile isotope U-235 than natural uranium. It is a radioelement and a waste product from the enrichment process of natural uranium. Because of its very high density, it is used in the civil industry and for military purposes. DU exposure can affect many vital systems in the human body, because in addition to being weakly radioactive, uranium is a toxic metal. It should be emphasized that, to be exposed to radiation from DU, you have to eat, drink, or breathe it, or get it on your skin. This particular study is focusing on the health effects of DU for the cholesterol metabolism. Previous studies on the same issue have shown that the cholesterol metabolism was modulated at molecular level in the liver of laboratory rodents contaminated for nine months with DU. However, this modulation was not correlated with some effects at organs or body levels. It was therefore decided to use a "pathological model" such as hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E-deficient laboratory mice in order to try to clarify the situation. The purpose of the present study is to assess the effects of a chronic ingestion (during 3 months) of a low level DU-supplemented water (20 mg L(-1)) on the above mentioned mice in order to determine a possible contamination effect. Afterwards the cholesterol metabolism was studied in the liver especially focused on the gene expressions of cholesterol-catabolising enzymes (CYP7A1, CYP27A1 and CYP7B1), as well as those of associated nuclear receptors (LXRα, FXR, PPARα, and SREBP 2). In addition, mRNA levels of other enzymes of interest were measured (ACAT 2, as well as HMGCoA Reductase and HMGCoA Synthase). The gene expression study was completed with SRB1 and LDLr, apolipoproteins A1 and B and membrane transporters ABC A1, ABC G5. The major effect induced by a low level of DU contamination in apo-E deficient mice was a decrease in hepatic gene expression of the enzyme CYP7B1 (-23%) and nuclear receptors LXRα (-24%), RXR (-32%), HNF4α (-21%) when compared to unexposed ones. These modifications on cholesterol metabolism did not lead to increased disturbances that are specific for apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, suggesting that chronic DU exposure did not worsen the pathology in this experimental model. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that even for a sensitive pathologic model the exposure to a low dose of DU has no relevant impact. The results confirm the results of our first study carried out on healthy laboratory rodents where a sub-chronic contamination with low dose DU did not affect in vivo the metabolism of cholesterol. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Canadian Forces Training and Mental Preparation for Adversity: Empirical Review of Stoltz ’Adversity Quotient (AQ) Training for Optimal Response to Adversity’, A Review of the AQ Literature and Supporting Studies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-07-01

    canadiennes. Enfin, nous faisons des recommandations aux FC sur la mise en ceuvre duS processus de d6veloppement du QA comme mesure proactive. Un examen...critique des ouvrages lies au QA et A d’autres sujets connexes a montr6 que le concept du QA est fond6 sur un certain nombre de thdories sens~es sur la...rdsilience. Cependant, m~me si le cadre th~orique et le programme de d6veloppement du QA pourraicnt 8tre valides dans un contexte industriel

  7. Cancer du sein bilatéral synchrone au Maroc: caractéristiques épidémiologiques et cliniques

    PubMed Central

    Boufettal, Houssine; Samouh, Naïma

    2015-01-01

    Préciser la fréquence, les facteurs de risque et le pronostic du cancer du sein bilatéral, à partir d'une étude rétrospective de 22 cas de cancer du sein bilatéral synchrone dans un pays du Maghreb. De 2002 à 2010, 625 patientes étaient prises en charge pour cancer du sein au service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique «C» du centre hospitalier universitaire de Casablanca. 22 cas de cancer bilatéral synchrone étaient diagnostiqués. Nos résultats sont comparés avec ceux de la littérature. La fréquence de la bilatéralité du cancer du sein synchrone était de 3,52% (22/625). L'intervalle de temps moyen entre les deux cancers est de 4 mois (0 à 6 mois). Les patientes âgées de moins de 40 ans lors du premier cancer avaient six fois plus de risque de développer un cancer au niveau du sein controlatéral que les femmes âgées de plus de 40 ans. Les patientes atteintes d'une tumeur T3 ou T4 avaient un risque neuf fois plus élevé que les autres. 90,9% (2/22) des cas des premiers cancers sont des adénocarcinomes infiltrants. Les types histologiques du premier et du douzième cancer étaient identiques dans 86,4% (19/22) des cas. Quant au pronostic, il dépend à la fois du stade du premier et du deuxième cancer et le traitement de ce dernier doit obéir aux mêmes règles du traitement du premier cancer. L'incidence du cancer bilatéral synchrone du sein est de 3,52% dans notre série. Le cancer du sein unilatéral constitue un facteur de risque de développement d'un cancer du sein controlatéral. Une surveillance à vie est nécessaire au cours d'un cancer du sein pour détecter un cancer controlatéral. PMID:26090066

  8. [Buffon, the director of 'Jardin du Roi' in the 1700s].

    PubMed

    Jeune, Bernard; Petersen, Hans Christian

    2008-01-01

    Buffon and Linné were the two greatest naturalists of the 1700s. As they were both born in 1707, their 300 anniversaries were therefore celebrated in France and Sweden. At the celebration meeting at the University of Bourgogne in Dijon - The Buffon Legacy - September 3-6, 2007, we presented the following paper: "Buffon and the longevity of species". In the present paper the life and work of Buffon is introduced on the basis of recent literature, including Jacques Roger's famous biography. Among non-biologists Buffon has nearly been forgotten, even though in the 1700s he was considered to be at the same level as the most famous French thinkers of the Enlightenment - Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot. His largest contributions were the publication of his comprehensive "Histoire naturelle" and his long and significant leadership of "Jardin du Roi", which he built up to become one of the best scientific institutions of Europe. Buffon's scientific contributions wereas overshadowed by those of Linné, as it was his classification system, which became dominant all overn Europe. Buffon's student Lamarck and later Darwin contributed by pushing Buffon in oblivion of history, even though Darwin valued him highly. However, in recent decades Buffon is experiencing a renaissance in connection with the increasing interest in biological anthropology, biogeography, ethology, and ecology, as well as on account of his modern species concept.

  9. Curcumin sensitizes prostate cancer cells to radiation partly via epigenetic activation of miR-143 and miR-143 mediated autophagy inhibition.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jianbo; Li, Min; Wang, Yuewei; Luo, Jianchao

    2017-08-01

    Curcumin has been reported as a radiosensitizer in prostate cancer. But the underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we firstly assessed how curcumin affects the expression of miR-143/miR-145 cluster. Then, we investigated whether miR-143 is involved in regulation of radiosensitivity and its association with autophagy in prostate cancer cells. Our data showed that PC3, DU145 and LNCaP cells treated with curcumin had significantly restored miR-143 and miR-145 expression. Curcumin showed similar effect as 5-AZA-dC on reducing methylation of CpG dinucleotides in miR-143 promoter. In addition, curcumin treatment reduced the expression of DNMT1 and DNMT3B, which contribute to promoter hypermethylation of the miR-143/miR-145 cluster. Therefore, we infer that curcumin can restore miR-143 and miR-145 expression via hypomethylation. MiR-143 overexpression and curcumin pretreatment enhanced radiation induced cancer cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. MiR-143 and curcumin remarkably reduced radiation-induced autophagy in PC3 and DU145 cells. MiR-143 overexpression alone also reduced the basal level of autophagy in DU145 cells. Mechanistically, miR-143 can suppress autophagy in prostate cancer cells at least via downregulating ATG2B. Based on these findings, we infer that curcumin sensitizes prostate cancer cells to radiation partly via epigenetic activation of miR-143 and miR-143 mediated autophagy inhibition.

  10. Estimates of groundwater age from till and carbonate bedrock hydrogeologic units at Jefferson Proving Ground, Southeastern Indiana, 2007-08

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Buszka, Paul M.; Lampe, David C.; Egler, Amanda L.

    2010-01-01

    During 2007-08, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Army, conducted a study to evaluate the relative age of groundwater in Pre-Wisconsinan till and underlying shallow and deep carbonate bedrock units in and near an area at Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG), southeastern Indiana, which was used during 1984-94 to test fire depleted uranium (DU) penetrators. The shallow carbonate unit includes about the upper 40 feet of bedrock below the bedrock-till surface; the deeper carbonate unit includes wells completed at greater depth. Samples collected during April 2008 from 15 wells were analyzed for field water-quality parameters, dissolved gases, tritium, and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds; samples from 14 additional wells were analyzed for tritium only. Water-level gradients in the Pre-Wisconsinan till and the shallow carbonate unit were from topographically higher areas toward Big Creek and Middle Fork Creek, and their tributaries. Vertical gradients were strongly downward from the shallow carbonate unit toward the deep carbonate unit at 3 of 4 paired wells where water levels recovered after development; indicating the general lack of flow between the two units. The lack of post development recovery of water levels at 4 other wells in the deep carbonate unit indicate that parts of that unit have no appreciable permeability. CFC and tritium-based age dates of Pre-Wisconsinan till groundwater are consistent with infiltration of younger (typically post-1960 age) recharge that 'mixes' with older recharge from less permeable or less interconnected strata. Part of the recharge to three till wells dated from the early to mid-1980s (JPG-DU-03O, JPG-DU-09O, and JPG-DU-10O). Age dates of young recharge in water from two till wells predated 1980 (JPG-DU-04O and JPG-DU-06O). Tritium-based age dates of water from seven other till wells indicated post-1972 age recharge. Most wells in the Pre-Wisconsinan till have the potential to produce groundwater that partially was recharged during or after DU penetrator testing; their water quality can indicate the presence of DU-related contaminants. The shallow carbonate unit near Big Creek is a karst flow system that may be recharged in part from areas with smaller thicknesses of overlying till or through more permeable parts of the till. This is indicated by CFC- and tritium-based piston-flow (non-mixing) model age dates of early-1980s for water from JPG-DU-02I, similar tritium-based ages of water produced from nearby wells MW-5 and MW-11, and cave development along the creek. The CFC and tritium-based age dates indicate that water samples from JPG-DU-01I and JPG-DU-03I were best described as mixtures of post-1984 modern recharge and submodern (1953 or older) recharge. These five wells produced groundwater that was recharged, at least partially, during or after DU-penetrator testing and are within or downgradient from the DU Impact Area with respect to groundwater flow directions inferred from water-level contours. Wells with groundwater age dates that are near to or after the onset (1984) of DU penetrator testing and that have a plausible connection to a contaminant source can be used to indicate the presence or absence of contaminants from DU penetrator or DU-related corrosion products in groundwater. Groundwater-age dates indicate that the ages of recharge sampled from shallow carbonate unit wells JPG-DU-04I, JPG-DU-05I, JPG-DU-06I, JPG-DU-09I, and JPG-DU-10D in easternmost (upgradient) and southernmost wells in the shallow carbonate unit are submodern (1953 or older) and predate the DU testing by at least 30 or more years. Water-quality data from these five wells are not likely to represent effects from DU-projectile testing or corrosion for years. Well JPG-DU-09D in the deep carbonate unit produced groundwater samples with a submodern (1953 or older) age date. The slow recovery of water levels in most wells in the deep carbonate unit is consis

  11. Remediation of soils contaminated with particulate depleted uranium by multi stage chemical extraction.

    PubMed

    Crean, Daniel E; Livens, Francis R; Sajih, Mustafa; Stennett, Martin C; Grolimund, Daniel; Borca, Camelia N; Hyatt, Neil C

    2013-12-15

    Contamination of soils with depleted uranium (DU) from munitions firing occurs in conflict zones and at test firing sites. This study reports the development of a chemical extraction methodology for remediation of soils contaminated with particulate DU. Uranium phases in soils from two sites at a UK firing range, MOD Eskmeals, were characterised by electron microscopy and sequential extraction. Uranium rich particles with characteristic spherical morphologies were observed in soils, consistent with other instances of DU munitions contamination. Batch extraction efficiencies for aqueous ammonium bicarbonate (42-50% total DU extracted), citric acid (30-42% total DU) and sulphuric acid (13-19% total DU) were evaluated. Characterisation of residues from bicarbonate-treated soils by synchrotron microfocus X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed partially leached U(IV)-oxide particles and some secondary uranyl-carbonate phases. Based on these data, a multi-stage extraction scheme was developed utilising leaching in ammonium bicarbonate followed by citric acid to dissolve secondary carbonate species. Site specific U extraction was improved to 68-87% total U by the application of this methodology, potentially providing a route to efficient DU decontamination using low cost, environmentally compatible reagents. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Cirque du Monde as a health intervention

    PubMed Central

    Fournier, Cynthia; Drouin, Mélodie-Anne; Marcoux, Jérémie; Garel, Patricia; Bochud, Emmanuel; Théberge, Julie; Aubertin, Patrice; Favreau, Gil; Fleet, Richard

    2014-01-01

    Abstract Objective To present Cirque du Soleil’s social circus program, Cirque du Monde, to explore its potential as a primary health care tool for family physicians. Data sources A review of the literature in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, LaPresse, Eureka, Google Scholar, and Érudit using the key words circus, social circus, Cirque du Monde, and Cirque du Soleil; a Montreal-based initiative, Espace Transition, modeled on Cirque du Monde; and personal communication with Cirque du Soleil’s Social Circus Training Advisor. Study selection The first 50 articles or websites identified for each key word in each of the databases were examined on the basis of their titles and abstracts in the case of articles, and on the basis of their titles and page content in the case of websites. Articles and websites that explored an aspect of social circuses or that described an intervention that involved circuses were then retained for analysis. Because all literature on social circuses was searched, no criterion for year of publication was used. Synthesis No articles on the social circus as a health intervention were found. One study on the use of the circus as an intervention in schools was identified. It demonstrated an increase in self-esteem in the children who took part. One study on the use of the circus in a First Nations community was found; it contained nonspecific, qualitative findings. The other articles identified were merely descriptions of social circuses. One website was identified on the use of the social circus to help youth who had been treated in a hospital setting for major psychiatric disorders to re-enter the community. The team in the pediatric psychiatry department at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, the children’s hospital in Montreal, Que, was contacted; they were leading this project, called Espace Transition. The unpublished preliminary findings of its pilot project demonstrate substantial improvements in overall patient functioning. According to Cirque du Soleil, there are several projects under way around the world researching the therapeutic value of social circuses. Conclusion Cirque du Monde is able to reach a marginalized population that is otherwise difficult for the health system to reach. This program has therapeutic potential because of its target population, its promotion of healthy habits, and the support that it offers through the group and its workers. Cirque du Soleil is investing heavily in this project. The lack of literature yielding robust data on the social circus is therefore an important issue. PMID:25392449

  13. Contributions to the Mosquito Fauna of Southeast Asia. XI. A Proposed Reclassification of Neoculex Dyar Based Principally on the Male Terminalia

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1971-01-01

    Diptera, CuIicidae) de la region ethiopienne. Description de Culex (neoculex) garioui sp. n. moustique nouveau du Cameroun. Bull. Sot. Path. exot. 59...Description de Neoculex ZupZantei sp. n. Bull. Sot. Path. exot. 48:862-866. HAMON, J., HOLSTEIN, M. & E. RIVOLA 1957. Descri tion d’un nouveau moustique

  14. Products of in Situ Corrosion of Depleted Uranium Ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina Soils.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yuheng; von Gunten, Konstantin; Bartova, Barbora; Meisser, Nicolas; Astner, Markus; Burger, Mario; Bernier-Latmani, Rizlan

    2016-11-15

    Hundreds of tons of depleted uranium (DU) ammunition were used in previous armed conflicts in Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia/Kosovo. The majority (>90%) of DU penetrators miss their target and, if left in the environment, corrode in these postconflict zones. Thus, the best way to understand the fate of bulk DU material in the environment is to characterize the corrosion products of intact DU penetrators under field conditions for extended periods of time. However, such studies are scarce. To fill this knowledge gap, we characterized corrosion products formed from two intact DU penetrators that remained in soils in Bosnia and Herzegovina for over seven years. We used a combination of X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results show that metaschoepite (UO 3 (H 2 O) 2 ) was a main component of the two DU corrosion products. Moreover, studtite ((UO 2 )O 2 (H 2 O) 2 ·2(H 2 O)) and becquerelite (Ca(UO 2 ) 6 O 4 (OH) 6 ·8(H 2 O)) were also identified in the corrosion products. Their formation through transformation of metaschoepite was a result of the geochemical conditions under which the penetrators corroded. Moreover, we propose that the transformation of metaschoepite to becquerelite or studtite in the DU corrosion products would decrease the potential for mobilization of U from corroded DU penetrators exposed to similar environments in postconflict areas.

  15. Applications of Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosol Risk Data to Military Combat Risk Management

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

    Daxon, Eric G.; Parkhurst, MaryAnn; Melanson, Mark A.

    2009-03-01

    Risks to personnel engaged in military operations include not only the threat of enemy firepower but also risks from exposure to other hazards such as radiation. Combatant commanders of the U. S. Army carefully weigh risks of casualties before implementing battlefield actions using an established paradigm that take these risks into consideration. As a result of the inclusion of depleted uranium (DU) anti-armor ammunition in the conventional (non-nuclear) weapons arsenal, the potential for exposure to DU aerosols and its associated chemical and radiological effects becomes an element of the commanders’ risk assessment. The Capstone DU Aerosol Study measured the rangemore » of likely DU oxide aerosol concentrations created inside a combat vehicle perforated with a DU munition, and the Capstone Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) estimated the associated doses and calculated risks. This paper focuses on the development of a scientific approach to adapt the risks from DU’s non uniform dose distribution within the body using the current U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) radiation risk management approach. The approach developed equates the Radiation Exposure Status (RES) categories to the estimated radiological risks of DU and makes use of the Capstone-developed Renal Effects Group (REG) as a measure of chemical risk from DU intake. Recommendations are provided for modifying Army guidance and policy in order to better encompass the potential risks from DU aerosol inhalation during military operations.« less

  16. Can preoperative detrusor underactivity influence surgical outcomes of 120 W HPS vaporization of the prostate (PVP) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP)? A serial 3-year follow-up study.

    PubMed

    Cho, Min Chul; Park, Juhyun; Kim, Jung Kwon; Cho, Sung Yong; Jeong, Hyeon; Oh, Seung-June; Paick, Jae-Seung; Son, Hwancheol

    2018-01-01

    To determine the influence of preoperative detrusor underactivity (DU) on serial long-term outcomes of HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, and to compare the influence between the two surgeries. A total of 382 men, who underwent 120W-HPS/PVP or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH and for whom 36-month follow-up data were available, were classified into four groups: HPS with DU (n = 145), HPS without DU (n = 44), HoLEP with DU (n = 105), and HoLEP without DU (n = 88). DU was defined as bladder contractility index of <100. Surgical outcomes were assessed at postoperative 6, 12, 24, and 36 months using IPSS, uroflowmetry, and serum PSA. All four groups maintained improvements in voiding symptom score (VSS), storage symptom score, total-IPSS, QOL index, maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) compared with baseline up to 3 years postoperatively. There were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative IPSS parameters including QOL index between men with and without DU throughout the follow-up period after HPS or HoLEP. In men with DU, there were no significant differences in improvements of postoperative QOL index, Qmax, PVR, or BVE between HPS and HoLEP groups throughout the follow-up period, except for VSS and total IPSS. Serum PSA reductions after HoLEP were greater than after PVP. Improvements in LUTS, Qmax, and BVE can maintain up to 3 years after HPS or HoLEP for LUTS/BPH, irrespective of the presence or absence of preoperative DU. Although HoLEP may provide more durable improvement of VS in men with DU than HPS, there seems to be no difference in improvement of QOL or Qmax or BVE between HPS and HoLEP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Littoral Infrared Ship Self Defence Technology Studies (Autodefense cotiere infrarouge des navires etudes technologiques)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-05-01

    de simulation du Simulateur de Contre- mesures de la Menace Navale afin de pouvoir inclure des leurres et des autodirecteurs de missiles ; 4) Une...sur le littoral ; 2) La détection des petites cibles de surface sur le littoral ; 3) L’amélioration et la validation de la modélisation et du code...amélioration et une validation supplémentaire de la modélisation et du

  18. Two-generation reproductive toxicity study of implanted depleted uranium (DU) in CD rats.

    PubMed

    Arfsten, D P; Still, K R; Wilfong, E R; Johnson, E W; McInturf, S M; Eggers, J S; Schaeffer, D J; Bekkedal, M Y-V

    2009-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) munitions and armor plating have been used in several conflicts over the last 17 yr, including the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War. Because of its effectiveness and availability, DU will continue to be used in military applications into the foreseeable future. There is much controversy over the use of DU in weapons and equipment because of its potential radiological and toxic hazards, and there is concern over the chronic adverse health effects of embedded DU shrapnel in war veterans and bystanders. This study evaluated the effects of long-term implantation of DU on the reproductive success of F0 generation adults and development and survival of subsequent F1 and F2 generations in a two-generation reproductive toxicity study. F0 generation Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 wk of age, were surgically implanted with 0, 4, 8, 12, or 20 DU pellets (1 x 2 mm). Inert implant control animals were implanted with 12 or 20 tantallum (Ta) pellets. The F0 generation was then mated at 120 d post DU implantation. In the F0 generation, when measured on postimplantation d 27 and 117, uranium was present in the urine of DU-implanted animals in a dose-dependent manner. F0 reproductive success was similar across treatment groups and the maternal retrieval test revealed no changes in maternal behavior. DU implantation exerted no effect on the survival, health, or well-being of the F0 generation. Necropsy results of F0 animals were negative with the exception of a marked inflammatory response surrounding the implanted DU pellets. For the F1 generation, measures of F1 development through postnatal day (PND) 20 were unremarkable and no gross abnormalities were observed in F1 offspring. No uranium was detected in whole-body homogenates of PND 4 or PND 20 pups. Necropsy findings of F1 PND 20 pups were negative and no instances of ribcage malformation were observed in F1 PND 20 pups. Body weight and body weight gain of F1 rats through PND 120 were similar across treatment groups. Eight of 414 F1 animals observed from PND 20 to 120 died of unknown causes; 7 were from litters of DU-implanted F0 mating pairs. F1 mating success at 10 wk of age was an overall 70% compared with 91% for F0 mating pairs. Mating success was similar between F1 animals derived from DU-implanted F0 adults and those derived from F0 implant control adults suggesting that the comparatively low mating success was not due to F1 DU exposure. The gestational index of F1 animals derived from mid-dose F0 mating pairs was found to be lower compared with F1 controls. The average gestation duration of F1 animals derived from high-dose F0 mating pairs was found to be significantly longer than F1 controls. F1 sperm motility analyses did not differ among experimental groups and no gross abnormalities were identified at necropsy among surviving F1 animals at PND 120. Histopathology of kidneys, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, ovaries, and testes of F1 high-dose animals did not differ from F1 controls. F1 high-dose females had significantly higher mean relative liver and heart weights compared with F1 controls; the biological relevance of this finding could not be determined. For the F2 generation, measures of F2 development through PND 20 were unremarkable and no gross abnormalities were observed in F2 offspring. Necropsy findings of F2 PND 20 pups were negative and no instances of ribcage malformation were observed in F2 PND 20 pups. Body weight and body weight gain of F2 rats through PND 90 were similar across treatment groups. Mean relative heart weights of males derived from high-dose F0 parents were significantly lower compared with F2 controls. Sperm motility and concentration analysis of F2 males at PND 90 were similar across F2 groups. Overall, the consistent absence of positive findings in this study seems to suggest that DU is not a significant reproductive or developmental hazard, particularly when one considers that mid- and high-dose rats were implanted with the equivalent of 0.3 and 0.5 lb of DU in a 70-kg human, respectively. However, the findings that seven of eight F1 adults that died postweaning were from DU-implanted F0 mating pairs, and that mean relative heart weights were elevated in high-dose F1 and F2 pups, suggest conservatism is warranted in characterizing the reproductive and teratogenic hazards of embedded DU until further studies are completed.

  19. Cultural Heritage Documentation and Integrated Geomatics Techniques in AN Educational Context: Case Bois-Du (belgium)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stal, C.; Goossens, R.; Carlier, L.; Debie, J.; Haoudy, K.; Nuttens, T.; De Wulf, A.

    2013-07-01

    The Walloon Region in Belgium played a leading role in the world economy and in the industrial sciences and engineering since the 19th century. Several relicts, such as important industrial buildings or sites, are spread over a large area and are still dominating the current landscape. Some of these remnants are preserved as monuments, representing the industrial, cultural and ecological transition of the region during the last two centuries. Since 2012, UNESCO recognized the importance of four of the best preserved 19th and 20th century coal mining sites and classified them as World Heritage ("Major Mining Sites of Wallonia", Le Grand-Hornu, Bois-du- Luc, Le Bois du Cazier and Blegny Mine). The four recognised mining sites together form a strip of about 170 km long, containing important examples of the so-called 'neo classical architecture' from the early periods of the industrial era in continental Europe. Motivated by this recognition and by the huge touristic and educational potential of the sites, a partnership between the Walloon government and Ghent University was organized. In this first stage, the collaboration focuses on the site of Bois-du-Luc in the municipality of La Louvière, containing a large series of dwellings, several equipments built between 1853 and 1923 by the Société des Charbonnages du Bois-du-Luc, workshops and heaps. Consisting of numerous buildings dating back to the period between 1838 and 1923, this site is one of Europe's oldest collieries. The collaboration between the Walloon government and Ghent University - Department of Geography fits in the hands-on training which students in land surveying and geomatics receive during their Bachelor studies. For the students it is very interesting that their practical exercises are not limited to the university campus, but that they are involved in a real measurement campaign. The project consists of a series of intensive land surveying campaigns, resulting in highly detailed and accurate maps of the site, including the inside domain of the buildings. Already available aerial photographs are processed to obtain a 3D model of the site and the wider region. In March 2013, the first campaign took place. During this first campaign, a topographical network was set out and a series of detail points were measured for the detailed topographic mapping. The topographical network was well-planned and covers almost the whole site, forming a set of permanently materialized reference points for later measurements. Besides, a large number of ground control points (GCPs) were taken for the 3D reconstruction of the area, based on high resolution airborne imagery. This enables the students to familiarize themselves with photogrammetric principles in a practical exercise. Both the topographic maps and the 3D model fit within the large scale geographic reference map of the Walloon Region. In this contribution, the results of this intensive trans-regional collaboration on the preservation of the sites are presented. This paper will discuss the first deliverables from the project and the advantages for the responsible government, the cultural heritage organisations (Ecomusée du Bois-du-Luc) and the students. The main focus here is on the educational context of the project. Furthermore, future projects on the same site will be discussed.

  20. Work/Family Balancing and 24/7 Work Schedules: Network Analysis of Strategies in a Transport Company Cleaning Service: Concilier travail-famille et horaires 24/7: analyse réseau des stratégies au sein du service de nettoyage d'une compagnie de transport.

    PubMed

    Lefrançois, Mélanie; Saint-Charles, Johanne; Riel, Jessica

    2017-11-01

    Whether or not official work/family balance measures exist within an organization, scheduling accommodations often go through informal channels involving colleagues and superiors and are negotiated within interpersonal relationships. This study examines the relationship dimensions of the scheduling strategies of cleaners working atypical hours in the transport sector through the lenses of ergonomic activity, network, and gender analyses. Using semi-directed interviews, observation, and network analysis, we revealed the effect of gender on relationship dynamics and the influence of these dynamics on work/family balance strategies deployed by cleaners. One of the main contributions of this study is to demonstrate the decisive effect of relationships by revealing inequalities in access to organizational social networks. Creating spaces to discuss work/family balancing and a more equitable circulation of information could contribute to reducing inequalities associated with gender, social status, and family responsibilities and support the work/family strategies developed by workers dealing with restrictive work schedules. Résumé Les accommodements du temps de travail pour la conciliation travail-famille (CTF) passent souvent par des ententes informelles qui s'inscrivent dans les relations entre collègues ou avec des gestionnaires. Notre étude, intégrant l'ergonomie et la communication dans une perspective de genre, porte sur les dimensions relationnelles des stratégies de choix d'horaire d'agentes et agents de nettoyage devant composer avec des horaires atypiques dans le secteur des transports. À partir d'entretiens semi-dirigés, d'observations et d'analyse de réseaux, nous avons pu observer l'influence des dynamiques relationnelles, notamment de genre, sur les stratégies de CTF. Un apport central de cette étude est de montrer l'effet structurant des relations en révélant notamment des inégalités dans l'accès aux ressources facilitant le choix d'horaire, mais aussi dans l'inclusion au sein du réseau de relations. L'article conclut en proposant des pistes de solutions concrètes pour la réduction de ces inégalités.

  1. Purification, identification and preliminary crystallographic studies of Pru du amandin, an allergenic protein from Prunus dulcis

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

    Gaur, Vineet; Sethi, Dhruv K.; Salunke, Dinakar M., E-mail: dinakar@nii.res.in

    The purification, identification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic studies of an allergy-related protein, Pru du amandin, from P. dulcis nuts are reported. Food allergies appear to be one of the foremost causes of hypersensitivity reactions. Nut allergies account for most food allergies and are often permanent. The 360 kDa hexameric protein Pru du amandin, a known allergen, was purified from almonds (Prunus dulcis) by ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion-exchange chromatography. The protein was identified by a BLAST homology search against the nonredundant sequence database. Pru du amandin belongs to the 11S legumin family of seed storage proteins characterized by the presencemore » of a cupin motif. Crystals were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belong to space group P4{sub 1} (or P4{sub 3}), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 150.7, c = 164.9 Å.« less

  2. Identification of intraluminal thrombus by ultrasonography in emergency department patients with acute deep venous thrombosis.

    PubMed

    Mehta, Ninfa; Schecter, Joshua; Stone, Michael

    2012-05-01

    Traditionally, the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) using duplex ultrasonography (DU) has relied on the absence of venous compressibility. Visualization of an intraluminal thrombus is considered an uncommon finding. The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of intraluminal thrombus in emergency department (ED) patients diagnosed with acute DVT. Retrospective chart review of adult ED patients with DU examinations demonstrating acute DVT. Patients with chronic DVT or patients in whom DU did not demonstrate DVT were excluded from data analysis. Study reports and ultrasound images were reviewed and analyzed for the presence of intraluminal thrombus. There were 189 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 160 (85%) were found to have intraluminal thrombus. Intraluminal thrombi are present in the majority of patients in our ED in whom acute DVT is identified by DU. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Élimination du bore du silicium par plasma inductif sous champ électrique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Combes, R.; Morvan, D.; Picard, G.; Amouroux, J.

    1993-05-01

    We analyzed purification mechanisms of silicon by inductive plasma with a fluoride slag. The aim is to study boron elimination from doped electronic grade silicon in function of the nature of the slag to obtain a photovoltaic grade silicon. The steady began with the calculation and the comparison of the stability diagram of boron compounds in presence of CaF2, BaF2 and MgF2. This study led us to conclude that BaF2 is the better slag for silicon purification. This has been confirmed by experience. In a second time, we made purifications under electric bias to enhance slag efficiency. We noticed that BaF2 is more sensitive to electric bias than other slags. Nous avons analysé le mécanisme de purification du silicium sous plasma inductif en présence d'un laitier fluoré. L'objectif principal est d'étudier l'élimination du bore du silicium électronique dopé en fonction de la nature du fluorure pour obtenir un silicium de qualité photovoltaïque. L'étude a commencé par l'établissement et la comparaison de diagrammes des composés du bore en présence de CaF2, de MgF2 et de BaF2. Nous avons déduit de cette première étude que BaF2 est le meilleur laitier pour la purification du silicium. Ceci a été corroboré par l'expérience. Nous avons ensuite opéré en présence d'un champ électrique dans le but d'améliorer encore l'efficacité des laitiers. Nous avons constaté que BaF2 est plus sensible au champ électrique que les deux autres laitiers utilisés.

  4. Environmental assessment of depleted uranium used in military armor-piercing rounds in terrestrial systems.

    PubMed

    Stanley, Jacob K; Coleman, Jessica G; Brasfield, Sandra M; Bednar, Anthony J; Ang, Choo Y

    2014-06-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) from the military testing and use of armor-piercing kinetic energy penetrators has been shown to accumulate in soils; however, little is known about the toxicity of DU geochemical species created through corrosion or weathering. The purpose of the present study was to assess the toxic effects and bioaccumulation potential of field-collected DU oxides to the model terrestrial invertebrates Eisenia fetida (earthworm) and Porcellio scaber (isopod). Earthworm studies were acute (72 h) dermal exposures or 28-d spiked soil exposures that used noncontaminated field-collected soils from the US Army's Yuma and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Endpoints assessed in earthworm testing included bioaccumulation, growth, reproduction, behavior (soil avoidance), and cellular stress (neutral red uptake in coelomocytes). Isopod testing used spiked food, and endpoints assessed included bioaccumulation, survival, and feeding behavior. Concentration-dependent bioaccumulation of DU in earthworms was observed with a maximum bioaccumulation factor of 0.35; however, no significant reductions in survival or impacts to cellular stress were observed. Reproduction lowest-observed-effect concentrations (LOEC) of 158 mg/kg and 96 mg/kg were observed in Yuma Proving Ground and a Mississippi reference soil (Karnac Ferry), respectively. Earthworm avoidance of contaminated soils was not observed in 48-h soil avoidance studies; however, isopods were shown to avoid food spiked with 12.7% by weight DU oxides through digital tracking studies. © 2014 SETAC.

  5. Un modèle mathématique décrivant le changement du caractère constitutif du sang dû à l'activation des plaquettes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anand, Mohan; Rajagopal, Kumbakonam R.

    Though a minor component by volume, platelets can have a profound influence on the flow characteristics of blood and thereby have serious consequences with regard to cardiovascular functions. Platelets are extremely sensitive to chemical agents as well as mechanical inputs and platelet activation is a necessary precursor to many life threatening medical conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, most strokes, acute arterial occlusion, venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In cardiovascular devices such as ventricular assist devices and prosthetic heart valves, high shear stresses can trigger platelet activation. Moreover, such devices have artificial surfaces that are thrombogenic, the thrombotic deposition contributing to the failure of the device. Thus, there is a need to develop a mathematical model for the flow of blood that takes into account platelet activation, no such model being available at the moment. While there has been considerable amount of work in blood rheology, the role of platelets in the flow characteristics of blood has been largely ignored. This study addresses this lacuna. To cite this article: M. Anand, K.R. Rajagopal, C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 557-562.

  6. Assessment of orofacial characteristics and oral pathology associated with cri-du-chat syndrome.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Caballero, A; Torres-Lagares, D; Yáñez-Vico, R-M; Gutiérrez-Pérez, J-L; Machuca-Portillo, G

    2012-03-01

    To obtain a deeper insight into the difficulties individuals with cri-du-chat syndrome experience by means of the analysis of the most common features and oral pathology observed in the subjects enrolled in the study. Intra-oral and extra-oral features of a total of 33 patients with cri-du-chat syndrome (the larger sample so far analyzed) through their clinical and photographic examination. Models, orthopantomographies, and teleradiographies have been collected to establish a pattern as accurate as possible of the oral pathology associated with these patients. The present descriptive study shows that patients with cri-du-chat syndrome present with a series of orofacial features such as mandibular retrognathism, high palate, and variable malocclusion, more commonly anterior open-bite. Most patients also present with perioral muscle relaxation with labial incompetence and short philtrum. As regards oral pathology, these patients suffer dental erosions provoked by gastroesophageal reflux and attritions because of intense day-and-night bruxism. The odontologists' familiarity with the orofacial pathology associated with cri-du-chat syndrome and with the specific needs such disorder conveys should improve the quality of the buccodental treatment these professionals may offer to these patients. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  7. Up-regulating of RASD1 and apoptosis of DU-145 human prostate cancer cells induced by formononetin in vitro.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiao-Jia; Li, Yun-Qian; Chen, Qiu-Yue; Xiao, Sheng-Jun; Zeng, Si-En

    2014-01-01

    Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant cancers in men. The isoflavone formononetin is a main active component of red clover plants. In the present study, we assessed the effect of formononetin on human prostate cancer DU-145 cells in vitro, and elucidated possible mechanisms. DU-145 cells were treated with different concentrations of formononetin and cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell apoptosis by Hoechst 33258 and flow cytometry, and protein levels of RASD1, Bcl-2 and Bax by Western blotting. The results showed that formononetin inhibited the proliferation of DU-145 cells in a dose-dependent manner. DU-145 cells treated with different concentrations of formononetin displayed obvious morphological changes of apoptosis under fluorescence microscopy. In addition, formononetin increased the proportion of early apoptotic DU-145 cells, down-regulated the protein levels of Bcl-2 and up-regulated those of RASD1 and Bax. The level of RASD1 reached its maximum at 48 h post-treatment, and rapidly decreased thereafter. Together, we present evidence that formononetin triggered cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by up-regulating RASD1.

  8. Noise and Man 󈨡. Noise as a Public Health Problem. Proceedings of the International Congress (6th) Held in Nice on July 5 - 9, 1993

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1993-07-01

    the need to consider complex interactions such that certain exposure or modulating factors may contribute differentially to the different aspects of...14 Vogel A International aspects of noise...Night time noise sources and sleep disturbance, methodological issues and critical load - Sources de bruit et troubles du sommeil, aspects

  9. Past Tense Morphology in Cri Du Chat Syndrome: Experimental Evidence

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wium, Kristin; Kristoffersen, Kristian Emil

    2008-01-01

    It has been observed that persons with Cri du chat syndrome (CDCS) have poor language production. However, very few studies have addressed the question whether all aspects of language production are equally afflicted, or whether there are differences between for instance phonological and morphological abilities. The present study was aimed at…

  10. Conducting Approaches and Recommendations for the Performance of Igor Stravinsky's "L'Histoire du Soldat"

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Denti, Joseph R.

    2013-01-01

    This study examines "L'Histoire du Soldat" from the conductor's perspective. The review of literature examines texts on score study and conducting technique, analyzes writing on the interpretation of Stravinsky's conducting approach and his view on conductors, and provides works on the history and analysis of "L'Histoire du…

  11. [Disease, experiment and psychology in mid-19th century France].

    PubMed

    Babini, Valeria P

    2002-01-01

    This article offers a contribution to the thesis that considers H. Taine and Th. Ribot the theorists of the "pathological method" in psychology, and thus the forefathers of French experimental psychology. At the same time it points out that the idea of equivalence between observation of the pathological and experimentation could already be found in th psychological medicine of the 1840s. The author examines the early years of the Annals médico-psychologiques (1843-1844), the constitution of the Société médico-psychologique (1852), and the work of J. Moreau de Tours (1843) on hashish and mental alienation, with the intention of demonstrating that in the 1850s French psychiatry was actively engaged in the debate on the Science des rapports du physique et du moral, and that consequently the organicistic paradigm, proclaimed in those years in Germany, had not yet spread to France.

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

    Japikse, C.

    In January 1994, EPA signed an agreement with three private companies--Monsanto, DuPont, and General Electric (GE)--to develop a new remediation technology. Dubbed the ``lasagna`` process because of its layers, this technology cleans up liquid-borne organic and inorganic contaminants in dense, clay-like soils. Initial work is focused on removing chlorinated solvents. The lasagna process allows the soil to be remediated in situ by using low-voltage electric current to move contaminated ground water through treatment zones in the soil. Depending on the characteristics of the individual site, the process can be done in either a horizontal or vertical configuration. Lasagna partnership membersmore » are pursuing a range of options for developing the process for commercial use. Monsanto conducts research on the use of electric currents to move contaminants through soil. DuPont contributes expertise on the installation of vertical treatment zones and electrodes. GE performs computer-driven modeling of how contaminants move through soil.« less

  13. Consequences experimentales des effets des fluctuations du vide sur la fluorescence parametrique et la generation du second harmonique en milieu confine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robichaud, Luc

    Les fluctuations du vide, qui consistent en l'apparition momentanee de particules, ce qui est permit par le principe d'incertitude de Heisenberg, joue un role primordial dans les processus photoniques, en particulier les processus non-lineaires. Par la manipulation de ces fluctuations du vide a l'aide de confinement optique, on retrouve deux phenomenes particuliers : l'intensification de la fluorescence parametrique (Walker, 2008) et l'inhibition de la generation du second harmonique (Collette, 2013). Dans ce travail, on presente les resultats dans le cas classique ; c'est-a-dire sans fluctuations du vide et confinement. Par la suite, on presente les effets des fluctuations du vide et du confinement, ce qui mene aux deux effets mentionnes. Dans le cas de la fluorescence parametrique, le bruit quantique sur le champ interne et externe est calcule, le role du desaccord de phase dans le modele est expose et une generalisation tridimensionnelle est etudiee afin de generaliser la conception du modele d'un cas unidimensionnel a un cas tridimensionnel planaire. Dans le cas de la generation du second harmonique, les difficultes d'un modele purement tridimensionnel sont exposees et ensuite le cas limite planaire est etudie.

  14. Assessment of depleted uranium in South-Western Iran.

    PubMed

    Yousefi, Hossein; Najafi, Abdullah

    2013-10-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) has been used in a number of conflicts most notably during the Gulf War in Iraq and existence of it has been reported in Kuwait by IAEA experts. Due to heavy sand storms prevailing into the direction to South West of Iran transporting sand originating from Iraq, the probability that DU could be moved is considered high. Therefore it was decided to take some air and soil samples near border line and some nearest cities. The study was focused on finding DU in air and soil of these south-west provinces. 22 air samples and 20 soil samples were collected and analyzed on their contents of uranium isotopes by alpha, beta and gamma spectrometry. The air and soil samples have been measured by use of an alpha-beta counter and by a gamma spectrometer, respectively. Results showed that there is no radiation impact from DU and so no DU has been transported via sand storms since all results were obtained below the detection limit. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. An alternative for cost-effective remediation of depleted uranium (DU) at certain environmental restoration sites.

    PubMed

    Miller, M; Galloway, B; VanDerpoel, G; Johnson, E; Copland, J; Salazar, M

    2000-02-01

    Numerous sites in the United States and around the world are contaminated with depleted uranium (DU) in various forms. A prevalent form is fragmented DU originating from various scientific tests involving high explosives and DU during weapon development programs, at firing practice ranges, or war theaters where DU was used in armor-piercing projectiles. The contamination at these sites is typically very heterogeneous, with discreet, visually identifiable DU fragments mixed with native soil. That is, the bulk-averaged DU activity is quite low, while specific DU fragments, which are distinct from the soil matrix, have much higher specific activity. DU is best known as a dark, black metal that is nearly twice as dense as lead, but DU in the environment readily weathers (oxidizes) to a distinctive bright yellow color that is readily visible. While the specific activity (amount of radioactivity per mass of soil) of DU is relatively low and presents only a minor radiological hazard, the fact that it is radioactive and visually identifiable makes it desirable to remove the DU "contamination" from the environment. The typical approach to conducting this DU remediation is to use radiation detection instruments to identify the contaminant and separate it from the adjacent soil, packaging it for disposal as radioactive waste. This process can be performed manually or by specialized, automated equipment. Alternatively, in certain situations a more cost-effective approach might be simple mechanical or gravimetric separation of the DU fragments from the host soil matrix. At SNL/NM, both the automated and simple mechanical approaches have recently been employed. This paper discusses the pros/cons of the two approaches.

  16. Cirque du Monde en tant qu’intervention en santé

    PubMed Central

    Fournier, Cynthia; Drouin, Mélodie-Anne; Marcoux, Jérémie; Garel, Patricia; Bochud, Emmanuel; Théberge, Julie; Aubertin, Patrice; Favreau, Gil; Fleet, Richard

    2014-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Présenter le programme Cirque du Monde du Cirque du Soleil et son potentiel en tant qu’intervention en soins de santé de première ligne pour les médecins de famille. Sources des données Une revue de la littérature menée dans les bases de données PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, La Presse, Eureka, Google Scholar et Érudit à l’aide des mots-clés circus, social circus, Cirque du Monde et Cirque du Soleil. Une initiative à Montréal nommée Espace Transition qui s’inspire directement de Cirque du Monde. Communication personnelle avec le conseiller principal en formation en cirque social du Cirque du Soleil. Sélection d’études Les 50 premiers articles ou sites Internet répertoriés pour chaque mot-clé dans chacune des bases de données ciblées ont été révisés sur la base des titres et des résumés, s’il s’agissait d’un article, ou sur la base du titre et du contenu de la page, s’il s’agissait d’une page Internet. Ensuite, les articles et les sites Internet qui étudiaient un aspect du cirque social ou qui présentaient une intervention impliquant le cirque étaient retenus pour une révision. Aucune contrainte d’année de publication n’a été appliquée étant donné qu’on cherchait une littérature générale sur le cirque social. Synthèse Aucun article n’a été trouvé sur le cirque social en tant qu’intervention en santé. Nous avons trouvé une étude sur l’utilisation du cirque en tant qu’intervention en milieu scolaire. Cette étude a démontré une augmentation de l’estime personnelle des enfants grâce à l’intervention. Nous avons trouvé une étude sur l’utilisation du cirque en tant qu’intervention sur une réserve amérindienne. Cette étude présente des résultats qualitatifs non spécifiques au programme du cirque social. Les autres articles répertoriés n’étaient que des descriptions du cirque social. Un site web concernant l’utilisation du cirque social pour faciliter la réintégration sociale de jeunes traités en milieu hospitalier pour un trouble psychiatrique majeur a été répertorié. L’équipe du département de pédopsychiatrie du Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine responsable de ce projet nommé Espace Transition a été contactée. Des résultats préliminaires non publiés du projet pilote montrent des améliorations significatives du fonctionnement général des patients. Selon le Cirque du Soleil, plusieurs projets de recherche portant sur l’impact thérapeutique du cirque social sont en cours à travers le monde. Conclusion Cirque du Monde rejoint une clientèle marginalisée difficilement accessible par le système de santé. Ce programme revêt un potentiel thérapeutique de par sa clientèle cible, sa promotion de saines habitudes de vie et le soutien qu’il offre par l’intermédiaire du groupe et des intervenants. Compte tenu des investissements financiers importants du Cirque du Soleil dans ce projet, le manque de littérature donnant accès à des données probantes constitue un enjeu important.

  17. Approche de prise en charge du trouble du spectre de l’autisme

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Patrick F.; Thomas, Roger E.; Lee, Patricia A.

    2015-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Se pencher sur les critères diagnostiques du trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) comme les définit le Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux, cinquième édition (DSM-V), et concevoir une approche de prise en charge du TSA à l’aide du cadre CanMEDS–Médecine familiale (CanMEDS-MF). Sources d’information Le DSM-V, publié par l’American Psychiatric Association en mai 2013, énonce de nouveaux critères diagnostiques du TSA. Le cadre CanMEDS-MF du Collège des médecins de famille du Canada fournit un plan d’orientation pour la prise en charge complexe du TSA. Nous avons utilisé des données recueillies par le Centers for Disease Control and Prevention afin de déterminer la prévalence du TSA, ainsi que la revue systématique et méta-analyse détaillée effectuée par le National Institute for Health and Care Excellence du R.-U. pour ses lignes directrices sur le TSA dans le but d’évaluer les données probantes issues de plus de 100 interventions. Message principal Selon les données du Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, la prévalence du TSA se chiffrait à 1 sur 88 en 2008 aux États-Unis. La classification du TSA dans la quatrième édition du DSM incluait l’autisme, le syndrome d’Asperger, le trouble envahissant du développement et le trouble désintégratif de l’enfance. La dernière révision du DSM-V réunit tous ces troubles sous la mention TSA, avec différents niveaux de sévérité. La prise en charge du TSA est complexe; elle exige les efforts d’une équipe multidisciplinaire ainsi que des soins continus. Les rôles CanMEDS-MF fournissent un cadre de prise en charge. Conclusion Les médecins de famille sont au cœur de l’équipe de soins multidisciplinaire pour le TSA, et le cadre CanMEDS-MF tient lieu de plan détaillé pour guider la prise en charge d’un enfant atteint de TSA et aider la famille de cet enfant.

  18. Cirque du Monde as a health intervention: perceptions of medical students and social circus experts.

    PubMed

    Fournier, Cynthia; Drouin, Mélodie-Anne; Marcoux, Jérémie; Garel, Patricia; Bochud, Emmanuel; Théberge, Julie; Aubertin, Patrice; Favreau, Gil; Fleet, Richard

    2014-11-01

    To present Cirque du Soleil's social circus program, Cirque du Monde, to explore its potential as a primary health care tool for family physicians. A review of the literature in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, LaPresse, Eureka, Google Scholar, and Érudit using the key words circus, social circus, Cirque du Monde, and Cirque du Soleil; a Montreal-based initiative, Espace Transition, modeled on Cirque du Monde; and personal communication with Cirque du Soleil's Social Circus Training Advisor. The first 50 articles or websites identified for each key word in each of the databases were examined on the basis of their titles and abstracts in the case of articles, and on the basis of their titles and page content in the case of websites. Articles and websites that explored an aspect of social circuses or that described an intervention that involved circuses were then retained for analysis. Because all literature on social circuses was searched, no criterion for year of publication was used. No articles on the social circus as a health intervention were found. One study on the use of the circus as an intervention in schools was identified. It demonstrated an increase in self-esteem in the children who took part. One study on the use of the circus in a First Nations community was found; it contained nonspecific, qualitative findings. The other articles identified were merely descriptions of social circuses. One website was identified on the use of the social circus to help youth who had been treated in a hospital setting for major psychiatric disorders to re-enter the community. The team in the pediatric psychiatry department at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, the children's hospital in Montreal, Que, was contacted; they were leading this project, called Espace Transition. The unpublished preliminary findings of its pilot project demonstrate substantial improvements in overall patient functioning. According to Cirque du Soleil, there are several projects under way around the world researching the therapeutic value of social circuses. Cirque du Monde is able to reach a marginalized population that is otherwise difficult for the health system to reach. This program has therapeutic potential because of its target population, its promotion of healthy habits, and the support that it offers through the group and its workers. Cirque du Soleil is investing heavily in this project. The lack of literature yielding robust data on the social circus is therefore an important issue. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

  19. World heritage site - Bien du Patrimoine Mondial - Kluane/Wrangell-St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Labay, Keith A.; Wilson, Frederic H.

    2004-01-01

    The four parks depicted on this map make up a single World Heritage Site that covers 24.3 million acres. Together, they comprise the largest internationally protected land-based ecosystem on the planet. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established the World Heritage Program in 1972 for the identification and protection of the world?s irreplaceable natural and cultural resources. World Heritage Sites are important as storehouses of memory and evolution, as anchors for sustainable tourism and community, and as laboratories for the study and understanding of the earth and culture. This World Heritage Site protects the prominent mountain ranges of Kluane, Wrangell, Saint Elias, and Chugach. It includes many of the tallest peaks on the continent, the world's largest non-polar icefield, extensive glaciers, vital watersheds, and expanses of dramatic wilderness. [Les quatre parcs figurant sur cette carte ne constituent qu?un seul site du patrimoine mondial recouvrant plus de 99 millions de km2, ce qui en fait le plus grand ecosysteme terrestre protege par loi internationale. En 1972, L?UNESCO (l?organisation des Nations Unies pour les sciences, l'education et la culture) a etabli le programme du patrimoine mondial afin d?identifier et de proteger les ressources naturelles et culturelles irremplacables de notre plan?te. Si les sites du patrimoine mondial sont si importants c'est parce qu'ils representent a la fois des livres ouverts sur l?histoire de la Terre, le point de depart du tourisme durable et du developpement des collectivites, des laboratoires pour etudier et comprendre la nature et la culture. Ce site du patrimoine mondial assure la protection des chaines de montagnes de Kluane, Wrangell, Saint Elias, et Chugach. On y trouve plusieurs des plus hauts sommets du continent, le plus grand champ de glace non-polaire du monde, d?immenses glaciers, des bassins hydrologiques essentiels, et de la nature sauvage a perte de vue.

  20. Spatial, temporal, and vertical variability of polar stratospheric ozone loss in the Arctic winters 2004/05-2009/10

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuttippurath, J.; Godin-Beekmann, S.; Lefèvre, F.; Goutail, F.

    2010-06-01

    The stratospheric ozone loss during the Arctic winters 2004/05-2009/10 is investigated by using high resolution simulations from the chemical transport model Mimosa-Chim and observations from Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on Aura by the passive tracer technique. The winter 2004/05 was the coldest of the series with strongest chlorine activation. The ozone loss diagnosed from both model and measurements inside the polar vortex at 475 K ranges from ~1-0.7 ppmv in the warm winter 2005/06 to 1.7 ppmv in the cold winter 2004/05. Halogenated (chlorine and bromine) catalytic cycles contribute to 75-90% of the accumulated ozone loss at this level. At 675 K the lowest loss of ~0.4 ppmv is computed in 2008/09 from both simulations and observations and, the highest loss is estimated in 2006/07 by the model (1.3 ppmv) and in 2004/05 by MLS (1.5 ppmv). Most of the ozone loss (60-75%) at this level results from cycles catalysed by nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) rather than halogens. At both 475 and 675 K levels the simulated ozone evolution inside the polar vortex is in reasonably good agreement with the observations. The ozone total column loss deduced from the model calculations at the MLS sampling locations inside the vortex ranges between 40 DU in 2005/06 and 94 DU in 2004/05, while that derived from observations ranges between 37 DU and 111 DU in the same winters. These estimates from both Mimosa-Chim and MLS are in general good agreement with those from the ground-based UV-VIS (ultra violet-visible) ozone loss analyses for the respective winters.

  1. Profil étiologique des surdités neurosensorielle sévère et profonde de l'enfant dans la région du centre-nord du Maroc

    PubMed Central

    Ridal, Mohammed; Outtasi, Naouar; Taybi, Zainab; Boulouiz, Redouan; Chaouki, Sanae; Boubou, Meryem; Maaroufi, Mustapha; Benmansour, Najib; Zaki, Zouheir; Ouldim, Karim; Barakat, Hamid; Hida, Mustapha; Tizniti, Siham; El Alami, Mohamed Noreddine

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Le diagnostic d'une surdité profonde est possible dès les premiers jours de vie. Or, le développement du langage et l'intégration scolaire et professionnelle ne sont pas possible que si la surdité est prise en charge précocement. L’établissement d'un diagnostc étiologique a des implications pronostiques et thérapeutiques. Méthodes C'est une étude rétrospective allant de Juin 2009 au mois de Janvier 2012 ayant recensé 250 cas d'enfants porteurs d'une surdité sévère et profonde. Résultats La moyenne d’âge au moment de l'annonce du diagnostic est de 3.7 ans. Les étiologies prédominantes sont les surdités génétiques dans 35.6% suivies des surdités acquises dans 30.8% des cas. Dans 34.4% des cas aucune étiologie n'a pu être retrouvée. Conclusion Cette étude met en évidence la prédominance éventuelle de causes génétiques de la surdité neurosensorielle de l'enfant au Maroc, et souligne la nécessité d'améliorer les politiques de prévention des maladies infectieuses et de dépistage de la surdité néonatale. Cependant, des analyses moléculaires plus ciblées et la réalisation d'un scanner des rochers systématiques sont nécessaires pour évaluer plus précisément la contribution des étiologies génétiques. PMID:25018837

  2. Navigation d'un vehicule autonome autour d'un asteroide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dionne, Karine

    Les missions d'exploration planetaire utilisent des vehicules spatiaux pour acquerir les donnees scientifiques qui font avancer notre connaissance du systeme solaire. Depuis les annees 90, ces missions ciblent non seulement les planetes, mais aussi les corps celestes de plus petite taille comme les asteroides. Ces astres representent un defi particulier du point de vue des systemes de navigation, car leur environnement dynamique est complexe. Une sonde spatiale doit reagir rapidement face aux perturbations gravitationnelles en presence, sans quoi sa securite pourrait etre compromise. Les delais de communication avec la Terre pouvant souvent atteindre plusieurs dizaines de minutes, il est necessaire de developper des logiciels permettant une plus grande autonomie d'operation pour ce type de mission. Ce memoire presente un systeme de navigation autonome qui determine la position et la vitesse d'un satellite en orbite autour d'un asteroide. Il s'agit d'un filtre de Kalman etendu adaptatif a trois degres de liberte. Le systeme propose se base sur l'imagerie optique pour detecter des " points de reperes " qui ont ete prealablement cartographies. Il peut s'agir de crateres, de rochers ou de n'importe quel trait physique discernable a la camera. Les travaux de recherche realises se concentrent sur les techniques d'estimation d'etat propres a la navigation autonome. Ainsi, on suppose l'existence d'un logiciel approprie qui realise les fonctions de traitement d'image. La principale contribution de recherche consiste en l'inclusion, a chaque cycle d'estimation, d'une mesure de distance afin d'ameliorer les performances de navigation. Un estimateur d'etat de type adaptatif est necessaire pour le traitement de ces mesures, car leur precision varie dans le temps en raison de l'erreur de pointage. Les contributions secondaires de recherche sont liees a l'analyse de l'observabilite du systeme ainsi qu'a une analyse de sensibilite pour six parametres principaux de conception. Les resultats de simulation montrent que l'ajout d'une mesure de distance par cycle de mise a jour entraine une amelioration significative des performances de navigation. Ce procede reduit l'erreur d'estimation ainsi que les periodes de non-observabilite en plus de contrer la dilution de precision des mesures. Les analyses de sensibilite confirment quant a elles la contribution des mesures de distance a la diminution globale de l'erreur d'estimation et ce pour une large gamme de parametres de conception. Elles indiquent egalement que l'erreur de cartographie est un parametre critique pour les performances du systeme de navigation developpe. Mots cles : Estimation d'etat, filtre de Kalman adaptatif, navigation optique, lidar, asteroide, simulations numeriques

  3. Methodology for Assessing Disruptions (MAD) Game Part I: Report and Analysis

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    élaborées dans le Guide de planification fonctionnelle du groupe du SMA(S& T ). Le présent mémorandum technique est principalement destiné au Bureau du...le Guide de planification fonctionnelle du groupe du SMA(S& T ). Le présent mémorandum technique est principalement destiné au Bureau du scientifique en...2010 2012-009 Principal Author Original signed by G . Adlakha-Hutcheon, M. Hazen, P. Hubbard, S. McLelland, K. Sprague G . Adlakha

  4. Perceptions of the Impacts of the "Arts du Cirque" Program: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Deslandes, Rollande; Rivard, Marie-Claude; Joyal, France; Trudeau, Francois

    2010-01-01

    This qualitative study used focus groups to identify the knowledge about the "Arts du Cirque" Program implemented in a primary school and to explore perceptions of its impacts. Data are based on the discourse of school staff members, parents and other members of the community of an elementary school. The impacts on students are…

  5. Expression, purification, and characterization of almond (Prunus dulcis) allergen Pru du 4.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yuzhu; Du, Wen-Xian; Fregevu, Cécile; Kothary, Mahendra H; Harden, Leslie; McHugh, Tara H

    2014-12-31

    Biochemical characterizations of food allergens are required for understanding the allergenicity of food allergens. Such studies require a relatively large amount of highly purified allergens. The level of Pru du 4 in almond is low, and its expression in a soluble form in Escherichia coli required an expression tag. An MBP tag was used to enhance its expression and solubility. Sumo was used for the first time as a peptidase recognition site. The expression tag was removed with a sumo protease, and the resulting wild-type Pru du 4 was purified chromatographically. The stability of the allergen was investigated with chemical denaturation. The Gibbs free energy of Pru du 4 folding-unfolding transition was determined to be 5.4 ± 0.7 kcal/mol.

  6. Participation des médecins généralistes de la province de Benimellal (Maroc) dans le dépistage du cancer du col

    PubMed Central

    Nani, Samira; Benallal, Mohamed; Hassoune, Samira; Kissi, Dounia; Maaroufi, Abderrahmane

    2013-01-01

    Introduction Au Maroc, chaque année il y aurait environ 2000 nouveaux cas de cancer du col et les 2/3 des cas sont pris en charge à un stade très avancé. Nous avons mené une étude transversale, exhaustive incluant les 71 médecins généralistes exerçant dans les établissements de soins de santé de base du secteur public et privé de la province de Benimellal. Le but était d’évaluer leurs connaissances et leur participation au dépistage du cancer du col. Méthodes Nous avons mené une étude transversale, exhaustive incluant les 71 médecins généralistes exerçant dans les établissements de soins de santé de base du secteur public et privé de la province de Benimellal. Le but était d’évaluer leurs connaissances et leur participation au dépistage du cancer du col. Résultats Le niveau de connaissance était relativement modeste, 22 médecins généraliste avaient répondu à la question sur l'incidence du cancer du col au Maroc, Parmi eux (81,8%) avaient donné une réponse incorrecte. L'Herpes Papilloma virus comme facteur de risque du cancer du col a été identifié par seulement 21% des médecins généralistes. La participation au dépistage était également défaillante, 92,8% n'avaient jamais pratiqué le FCV chez leurs patientes à cause principalement du manque de formation (95,5%). Conclusion Les résultats montrent la nécessité d'améliorer les connaissances théoriques et pratique des médecins généralistes concernant le dépistage du cancer du col. PMID:23785557

  7. Study on Cyber Security and Threat Evaluation in SCADA Systems

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    la sécurité de l’infrastructure essentielle du Canada. DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 vii • Les cadres de gestion des cybermenaces et des ...Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2012 DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 i Abstract …….. This...ii DRDC CSS CR 2012-06 Résumé …..... Le présent rapport fait la synthèse des résultats du projet PTSP 02-0347eSec

  8. Non-destructive analysis of DU content in the NIF hohlraums

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

    Gharibyan, Narek; Moody, Ken J.; Shaughnessy, Dawn A.

    2015-12-16

    The advantage of using depleted uranium (DU) hohlraums in high-yield deuterium-tritium (DT) shots at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) is addressed by Döppner, et al., in great detail [1]. This DU based hohlraum incorporates a thin layer of DU, ~7 μm thick, on the inner surface along with a thin layer of a gold coating, ~0.7 μm thick, while the outer layer is ~22 μm thick gold. A thickness measurement of the DU layer can be performed using an optical microscope where the total DU weight can be computed provided a uniform DU layer. However, the uniformity of the thicknessmore » is not constant throughout the hohlraum since CAD drawing calculations of the DU weight do not agree with the computed values from optical measurements [2]. Therefore, a non-destructive method for quantifying the DU content in hohlraums has been established by utilizing gamma-ray spectroscopy. The details of this method, along with results from several hohlraums, are presented in this report.« less

  9. Delineation of recharge areas for selected wells in the St. Peter-Prairie du Chien-Jordan Aquifer, Rochester, Minnesota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Delin, G.N.; Almendinger, James Edward

    1991-01-01

    Hydrogeologic mapping and numerical modeling were used to delineate zones of contribution to wells, defined as all parts of a ground-water-flow system that could supply water to a well. The zones of contribution delineated by use of numerical modeling have similar orientation (parallel to regional flow directions) but significantly different areas than the zones of contribution delineated by use of hydrogeologic mapping. Differences in computed areas of recharge are attributed to the capability of the numerical model to more accurately represent (1) the three-dimensional flow system, (2) hydrologic boundaries like streams, (3) variable recharge, and (4) the influence of nearby pumped wells, compared to the analytical models.

  10. Delineation of recharge areas for selected wells in the St. Peter-Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, Rochester, Minnesota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Delin, G.N.; Almendinger, James Edward

    1993-01-01

    Hydrogeologic mapping and numerical modeling were used to delineate zones of contribution to wells, defined as all parts of a ground-water-flow system that could supply water to a well. The zones of contribution delineated by use of numerical modeling have similar orientation (parallel to regional flow directions) but significantly different areas than the zones of contribution delineated by use of hydrogeologic mapping. Differences in computed areas of recharge are attributed to the capability of the numerical model to more accurately represent (1) the three-dimensional flow system, (2) hydrologic boundaries such as streams, (3) variable recharge, and (4) the influence of nearby pumped wells, compared to the analytical models.

  11. Les minéralisations Cu_(Ni_Bi_U_Au_Ag) d'Ifri (district du Haut Seksaoua, Maroc) : apport de l'étude texturale au débat syngenèse versus épigenèseThe Cu_(Ni_Bi_U_Au_Ag) mineralization of Ifri ('Haut Seksaoua' district, Morocco): contribution of a textural study to the discussion syngenetic versus epigenetic

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barbanson, Luc; Chauvet, Alain; Gaouzi, Aziz; Badra, Lakhifi; Mechiche, Mohamed; Touray, Jean Claude; Oukarou, Saı̈d

    2003-11-01

    The Cu ore of Ifri is a chalcopyrite stockwork hosted by Cambrian formations and was until now interpreted as a syngenetic massive sulphide deposit. Textural studies highlight two generations of pyrite early (Py I) and late (Py II) with respect to the regional deformation. The chalcopyrite stockwork overprinted Py II, outlining the epigenetic nature of the Cu mineralization. Regarding the origin of Cu-depositing fluids, the presence in the stockwork paragenesis of an U, W, Sn association and preliminary Pb/Pb dating of a brannerite belonging to this association suggest a contribution of the Tichka granite. To cite this article: L. Barbanson et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).

  12. Genetic analysis of duck circovirus in Pekin ducks from South Korea.

    PubMed

    Cha, S-Y; Kang, M; Cho, J-G; Jang, H-K

    2013-11-01

    The genetic organization of the 24 duck circovirus (DuCV) strains detected in commercial Pekin ducks from South Korea between 2011 and 2012 is described in this study. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses were performed on the 24 viral genome sequences as well as on 45 genome sequences available from the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analyses based on the genomic and open reading frame 2/cap sequences demonstrated that all DuCV strains belonged to genotype 1 and were designated in a subcluster under genotype 1. Analysis of the capsid protein amino acid sequences of the 24 Korean DuCV strains showed 10 substitutions compared with that of other genotype 1 strains. Our analysis showed that genotype 1 is predominant and circulating in South Korea. These present results serve as incentive to add more data to the DuCV database and provide insight to conduct further intensive study on the geographic relationships among these virus strains.

  13. Architecture and Assessment: Privacy Preserving Biometrically Secured Electronic Documents

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    very large public and private fingerprint databases comprehensive risk analysis and system security contribution to developing international ...Safety and Security Program which is led by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science, in partnership with Public Safety...201 © Sa Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 201 Science and Engineering

  14. Metallographic Characterization of Wrought Depleted Uranium

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

    Forsyth, Robert Thomas; Hill, Mary Ann

    Metallographic characterization was performed on wrought depleted uranium (DU) samples taken from the longitudinal and transverse orientations from specific locations on two specimens. Characterization of the samples included general microstructure, inclusion analysis, grain size analysis, and microhardness testing. Comparisons of the characterization results were made to determine any differences based on specimen, sample orientation, or sample location. In addition, the characterization results for the wrought DU samples were also compared with data obtained from the metallographic characterization of cast DU samples previously characterized. No differences were observed in microstructure, inclusion size, morphology, and distribution, or grain size in regard tomore » specimen, location, or orientation for the wrought depleted uranium samples. However, a small difference was observed in average hardness with regard to orientation at the same locations within the same specimen. The longitudinal samples were slightly harder than the transverse samples from the same location of the same specimen. This was true for both wrought DU specimens. Comparing the wrought DU sample data with the previously characterized cast DU sample data, distinct differences in microstructure, inclusion size, morphology and distribution, grain size, and microhardness were observed. As expected, the microstructure of the wrought DU samples consisted of small recrystallized grains which were uniform, randomly oriented, and equiaxed with minimal twinning observed in only a few grains. In contrast, the cast DU microstructure consisted of large irregularly shaped grains with extensive twinning observed in most grains. Inclusions in the wrought DU samples were elongated, broken and cracked and light and dark phases were observed in some inclusions. The mean inclusion area percentage for the wrought DU samples ranged from 0.08% to 0.34% and the average density from all wrought DU samples was 1.62E+04/cm 2. Inclusions in the cast DU samples were equiaxed and intact with light and dark phases observed in some inclusions. The mean inclusion area percentage for the cast DU samples ranged from 0.93% to 1.00% and the average density from all wrought DU samples was 2.83E+04/cm 2. The average mean grain area from all wrought DU samples was 141 μm 2 while the average mean grain area from all cast DU samples was 1.7 mm2. The average Knoop microhardness from all wrought DU samples was 215 HK and the average Knoop microhardness from all cast DU samples was 264 HK.« less

  15. Patch testing with uranyl acetate in veterans exposed to depleted uranium during the 1991 Gulf war and the Iraqi conflict.

    PubMed

    Shvartsbeyn, Marianna; Tuchinda, Papapit; Gaitens, Joanna; Squibb, Katherine S; McDiarmid, Melissa A; Gaspari, Anthony A

    2011-01-01

    The Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program is a clinical surveillance program run by the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center since 1993 for veterans of the Gulf and Iraqi wars who were exposed to depleted uranium (DU) as a result of "friendly-fire" incidents. In 2009, 40 veterans from this cohort were screened for skin reactivity to metals by patch-testing with extended metal series and uranyl acetate (0.25%, 2.5%, and 25%). A control arm comprised 46 patients without any known occupational exposures to DU who were seen at the University of Maryland Dermatology Clinic for evaluation of allergic contact dermatitis. Excluding irritant reactions, no patch-test reactions to uranyl acetate were observed in the participants. Irritant reactions to DU were more common in the clinic cohort, likely reflective of the demographic differences between the two arms of the study. Biologic monitoring of urine uranium concentrations in the DU program participants with 24-hour urine samples showed evidence of percutaneous uranium absorption from the skin patches. We conclude that dermatitis observed in a subset of the veterans was unrelated to their military DU exposure. Our data suggest that future studies of skin testing with uranyl acetate should utilize 0.25%, the least irritating concentration.

  16. The International Science and Politics of Depleted Uranium (Briefing charts)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-11-01

    lied before …” • Cite each other’s websites • Uniqueness: “DU + Anthrax Vaccine + Diet Soda + Flea Collars + Stress = Gulf War Illness • Demand proving...Activist Quotes • “DU was used in Iraq, Soldiers were in Iraq, Soldiers are sick, DU made the soldiers sick” • “DU is more dangerous than natural uranium...1 atom of DU will kill you” • “DU is more dangerous the further you are from the source” • “Depleted uranium is nuclear waste” • “U.S. is using

  17. Connaissances des médecins généralistes de Mohammedia (Maroc) concernant le dépistage du cancer du sein

    PubMed Central

    Zine, Karima; Nani, Samira; Lahmadi, Imad Ait; Maaroufi, Abderrahmane

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Le cancer du sein représente un problème de santé publique majeur au Maroc. C'est le premier cancer chez la femme. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer les connaissances des médecins généralistes (MG) en matière de dépistage du cancer du sein dans la préfecture de Mohammedia Maroc. Méthodes Nous avons mené une étude transversale, descriptive, exhaustive incluant les 97 MG exerçant dans les établissements de soins de santé de base du secteur public et privé de la province de Mohammedia. Résultats Le taux de participation était de 87%. L'âge moyen des MG était de 49,6 ± 8,1. Quatre-vingt pour cent (n=55) des MG ont donné une incidence incorrecte, 77,6% (n=85) ont reconnu l'existence d'un plan national de prévention et de contrôle du cancer (PNPCC) au Maroc, et 67,1 des MG ont rapporté l'existence d'un registre du cancer au Maroc. Le secteur d'activité était associé significativement avec les connaissances des MG sur le PNPCC et sur l'existence d'un guide de détection précoce du cancer du sein avec respectivement (p=0,003 et p=0,001). Une association significative entre l'ancienneté et l'existence d'un guide de détection précoce du cancer du sein et d'un registre du cancer du sein a été retrouvée avec (respectivement p=0,005 et p=0.002). Conclusion À la lumière de ces résultats il faudra renforcer les connaissances et les pratiques des MG par la promotion de la formation initiale et continue sur le dépistage. PMID:27800098

  18. Depleted and natural uranium: chemistry and toxicological effects.

    PubMed

    Craft, Elena; Abu-Qare, Aquel; Flaherty, Meghan; Garofolo, Melissa; Rincavage, Heather; Abou-Donia, Mohamed

    2004-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product from the chemical enrichment of naturally occurring uranium. Natural uranium is comprised of three radioactive isotopes: (238)U, (235)U, and (234)U. This enrichment process reduces the radioactivity of DU to roughly 30% of that of natural uranium. Nonmilitary uses of DU include counterweights in airplanes, shields against radiation in medical radiotherapy units and transport of radioactive isotopes. DU has also been used during wartime in heavy tank armor, armor-piercing bullets, and missiles, due to its desirable chemical properties coupled with its decreased radioactivity. DU weapons are used unreservedly by the armed forces. Chemically and toxicologically, DU behaves similarly to natural uranium metal. Although the effects of DU on human health are not easily discerned, they may be produced by both its chemical and radiological properties. DU can be toxic to many bodily systems, as presented in this review. Most importantly, normal functioning of the kidney, brain, liver, and heart can be affected by DU exposure. Numerous other systems can also be affected by DU exposure, and these are also reviewed. Despite the prevalence of DU usage in many applications, limited data exist regarding the toxicological consequences on human health. This review focuses on the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological effects of depleted and natural uranium on several systems in the mammalian body. A section on risk assessment concludes the review.

  19. Pyrosequencing analysis of bacterial diversity in dental unit waterlines.

    PubMed

    Costa, Damien; Mercier, Anne; Gravouil, Kevin; Lesobre, Jérôme; Delafont, Vincent; Bousseau, Anne; Verdon, Julien; Imbert, Christine

    2015-09-15

    Some infections cases due to exposure to output water from dental unit waterlines (DUWL) have been reported in the literature. However, this type of healthcare-associated risk has remained unclear and up until now the overall bacterial composition of DUWL has been poorly documented. In this study, 454 high-throughput pyrosequencing was used to investigate the bacterial community in seven dental offices (N = 7) and to identify potential bacterial pathogenic sequences. Dental unit waters (DUW) were collected from the tap water supplying units (Incoming Water; IW) to the output exposure point of the turbine handpiece (Output water; OW) following a stagnation period (OWS), and immediately after the last patient of the sampling day (OWA). A high bacterial diversity was revealed in DUW with 394 operational taxonomic units detected at the genus level. In addition to the inter-unit variability observed, results showed increased total bacterial cell concentration and shifts in bacterial community composition and abundance at the genus level, mainly within the Gamma- and Alpha-Proteobacteria class, as water circulated in the dental unit (DU). Results showed that 96.7%, 96.8% and 97.4% of the total sequences from IW, OWS and OWA respectively were common to the 3 defined water groups, thereby highlighting a common core microbiome. Results also suggested that stagnation and DU maintenance practices were critical to composition of the bacterial community. The presence of potentially pathogenic genera was detected, including Pseudomonas and Legionella spp. Emerging and opportunistic pathogenic genera such as Mycobacterium, Propionibacterium and Stenotrophomonas were likewise recovered in DUW. For the first time, an exhaustive evaluation of the bacterial communities present in DUW was performed taking into account the circulation of water within the DU. This study highlights an ignored diversity of the DUWL bacterial community. Our findings also contribute to a better appreciation of the potential infectious risk associated with dental care and suggest the importance of better managing microbial quality in DUW. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Identification and Expression Analysis of the Interferon-Induced Protein with Tetratricopeptide Repeats 5 (IFIT5) Gene in Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)

    PubMed Central

    Mu, Chunyu; Su, Yanhui; Liu, Ran; Huang, Zhengyang; Li, Yang; Yu, Qingming; Chang, Guobin; Xu, Qi; Chen, Guohong

    2015-01-01

    The interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFITs) protein family mediates antiviral effects by inhibiting translation initiation, cell proliferation, and migration in the interferon (IFN) dependent innate immune system. Several members of this family, including IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3 and IFIT5, have been heavily studied in mammals. Avian species contain only one family member, IFIT5, and little is known about the role of this protein in birds. In this study, duck IFIT5 (duIFIT5) full-length mRNA was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of the cDNA ends (RACE). Based on the sequence obtained, we performed a series of bioinformatics analyses, and found that duIFIT5 was most similar to homologs in other avian species. Also, duIFIT5 contained eight conserved TPR motifs and two conserved multi-domains (TPR_11 and TPR_12). Finally, we used duck hepatitis virus type 1 (DHV-1) and polyriboinosinicpolyribocytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) as a pathogen or a pathogen-associated molecular pattern induction to infect three-day-old domestic ducklings. The liver and spleen were collected to detect the change in duIFIT5 transcript level upon infection by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). DuIFIT5 expression rapidly increased after DHV-1 infection and maintained a high level, while the transcripts of duIFIT5 peaked at 8h after poly (I:C) infection and then returned to normal. Taken together, these results provide a greater understanding of avian IFIT5. PMID:25816333

  1. Spatial, temporal, and vertical variability of polar stratospheric ozone loss in the Arctic winters 2004/2005-2009/2010

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuttippurath, J.; Godin-Beekmann, S.; Lefèvre, F.; Goutail, F.

    2010-10-01

    The polar stratospheric ozone loss during the Arctic winters 2004/2005-2009/2010 is investigated by using high resolution simulations from the chemical transport model Mimosa-Chim and observations from Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), by applying the passive tracer technique. The winter 2004/2005 shows the coldest temperatures, highest area of polar stratospheric clouds and strongest chlorine activation in 2004/2005-2009/2010. The ozone loss diagnosed from both simulations and measurements inside the polar vortex at 475 K ranges from 0.7 ppmv in the warm winter 2005/2006 to 1.5-1.7 ppmv in the cold winter 2004/2005. Halogenated (chlorine and bromine) catalytic cycles contribute to 75-90% of the ozone loss at this level. At 675 K the lowest loss of 0.3-0.5 ppmv is computed in 2008/2009, and the highest loss of 1.3 ppmv is estimated in 2006/2007 by the model and in 2004/2005 by MLS. Most of the ozone loss (60-75%) at this level results from nitrogen catalytic cycles rather than halogen cycles. At both 475 and 675 K levels the simulated ozone and ozone loss evolution inside the vortex is in reasonably good agreement with the MLS observations. The ozone partial column loss in 350-850 K deduced from the model calculations at the MLS sampling locations inside the polar vortex ranges between 43 DU in 2005/2006 and 109 DU in 2004/2005, while those derived from the MLS observations range between 26 DU and 115 DU for the same winters. The partial column ozone depletion derived in that vertical range is larger than that estimated in 350-550 K by 19±7 DU on average, mainly due to NOx chemistry. The column ozone loss estimates from both Mimosa-Chim and MLS in 350-850 K are generally in good agreement with those derived from ground-based ultraviolet-visible spectrometer total ozone observations for the respective winters, except in 2010.

  2. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopic Features and Other Clinical Risk Factors for Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study.

    PubMed

    Cutolo, Maurizio; Herrick, Ariane L; Distler, Oliver; Becker, Mike O; Beltran, Emma; Carpentier, Patrick; Ferri, Clodoveo; Inanç, Murat; Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis; Chadha-Boreham, Harbajan; Cottreel, Emmanuelle; Pfister, Thomas; Rosenberg, Daniel; Torres, Juan V; Smith, Vanessa

    2016-10-01

    To identify nailfold videocapillaroscopic features and other clinical risk factors for new digital ulcers (DUs) during a 6-month period in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study, the videoCAPillaroscopy (CAP) study, we evaluated 623 patients with SSc from 59 centers (14 countries). Patients were stratified into 2 groups: a DU history group and a no DU history group. At enrollment, patients underwent detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and assessment of demographic characteristics, DU status, and clinical and SSc characteristics. Risk factors for developing new DUs were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses. Of the 468 patients in the DU history group (mean ± SD age 54.0 ± 13.7 years), 79.5% were female, 59.8% had limited cutaneous SSc, and 22% developed a new DU during follow-up. The strongest risk factors for new DUs identified by MLR in the DU history group included the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs (categorized as 0, 1, 2, or ≥3), and the presence of critical digital ischemia. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the area under the curve (AUC) of the final MLR model was 0.738 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.681-0.795). Internal validation through bootstrap generated a ROC AUC of 0.633 (95% CI 0.510-0.756). This international prospective study, which included detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and extensive clinical characterization of patients with SSc, identified the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs at enrollment, and the presence of critical digital ischemia at enrollment as risk factors for the development of new DUs. © 2016, American College of Rheumatology.

  3. Nailfold Videocapillaroscopic Features and Other Clinical Risk Factors for Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Herrick, Ariane L.; Distler, Oliver; Becker, Mike O.; Beltran, Emma; Carpentier, Patrick; Ferri, Clodoveo; Inanç, Murat; Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis; Chadha‐Boreham, Harbajan; Cottreel, Emmanuelle; Pfister, Thomas; Rosenberg, Daniel; Torres, Juan V.; Cutolo, Maurizio; Herrick, Ariane L.; Distler, Oliver; Becker, Mike; Beltran, Emma; Carpentier, Patrick; Ferri, Clodoveo; Inanç, Murat; Vlachoyiannopoulos, Panayiotis; Smith, Vanessa; Erlacher, L; Hirschl, M; Kiener, HP; Pilger, E; Smith, V; Blockmans, D; Wautrecht, J‐C; Becvár, R; Carpentier, P; Frances, C; Lok, C; Sparsa, A; Hachulla, E; Quere, I; Allanore, Y; Agard, C; Riemekasten, G; Hunzelmann, N; Stücker, M; Ahmadi‐Simab, K; Sunderkötter, C; Wohlrab, J; Müller‐Ladner, U; Schneider, M; Vlachoyianopoulos, P; Vassilopoulos, D; Drosos, A; Antonopoulos, A; Balbir‐Gurman, A; Langevitz, P; Rosner, I; Levy, Y; Cutolo, M; Bombardieri, S; Ferraccioli, G; Mazzuca, S; Grassi, W; Lunardi, C; Airó, P; Riccieri, V; Voskuyl, AE; Schuerwegh, A; Santos, L; Rodrigues, AC; Grilo, A; Amaral, MC; Román Ivorra, JA; Castellvi, I; Distler, O; Spertini, F; Müller, R; Inanç, M; Oksel, F; Turkcapar, N; Herrick, A; Denton, C; McHugh, N; Chattopadhyay, C; Hall, F; Buch, M

    2016-01-01

    Objective To identify nailfold videocapillaroscopic features and other clinical risk factors for new digital ulcers (DUs) during a 6‐month period in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods In this multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study, the videoCAPillaroscopy (CAP) study, we evaluated 623 patients with SSc from 59 centers (14 countries). Patients were stratified into 2 groups: a DU history group and a no DU history group. At enrollment, patients underwent detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and assessment of demographic characteristics, DU status, and clinical and SSc characteristics. Risk factors for developing new DUs were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analyses. Results Of the 468 patients in the DU history group (mean ± SD age 54.0 ± 13.7 years), 79.5% were female, 59.8% had limited cutaneous SSc, and 22% developed a new DU during follow‐up. The strongest risk factors for new DUs identified by MLR in the DU history group included the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs (categorized as 0, 1, 2, or ≥3), and the presence of critical digital ischemia. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the area under the curve (AUC) of the final MLR model was 0.738 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.681–0.795). Internal validation through bootstrap generated a ROC AUC of 0.633 (95% CI 0.510–0.756). Conclusion This international prospective study, which included detailed nailfold videocapillaroscopic evaluation and extensive clinical characterization of patients with SSc, identified the mean number of capillaries per millimeter in the middle finger of the dominant hand, the number of DUs at enrollment, and the presence of critical digital ischemia at enrollment as risk factors for the development of new DUs. PMID:27111549

  4. Groundwater and surface-water interactions near White Bear Lake, Minnesota, through 2011

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Jones, Perry M.; Trost, Jared J.; Rosenberry, Donald O.; Jackson, P. Ryan; Bode, Jenifer A.; O'Grady, Ryan M.

    2013-01-01

    The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the White Bear Lake Conservation District, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and other State, county, municipal, and regional planning agencies, watershed organizations, and private organizations, conducted a study to characterize groundwater and surface-water interactions near White Bear Lake through 2011. During 2010 and 2011, White Bear Lake and other lakes in the northeastern part of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area were at historically low levels. Previous periods of lower water levels in White Bear Lake correlate with periods of lower precipitation; however, recent urban expansion and increased pumping from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer have raised the question of whether a decline in precipitation is the primary cause for the recent water-level decline in White Bear Lake. Understanding and quantifying the amount of groundwater inflow to a lake and water discharge from a lake to aquifers is commonly difficult but is important in the management of lake levels. Three methods were used in the study to assess groundwater and surface-water interactions on White Bear Lake: (1) a historical assessment (1978-2011) of levels in White Bear Lake, local groundwater levels, and their relation to historical precipitation and groundwater withdrawals in the White Bear Lake area; (2) recent (2010-11) hydrologic and water-quality data collected from White Bear Lake, other lakes, and wells; and (3) water-balance assessments for White Bear Lake in March and August 2011. An analysis of covariance between average annual lake-level change and annual precipitation indicated the relation between the two variables was significantly different from 2003 through 2011 compared with 1978 through 2002, requiring an average of 4 more inches of precipitation per year to maintain the lake level. This shift in the linear relation between annual lake-level change and annual precipitation indicated the net effect of the non-precipitation terms on the water balance has changed relative to precipitation. The average amount of precipitation required each year to maintain the lake level has increased from 33 inches per year during 1978-2002 to 37 inches per year during 2003-11. The combination of lower precipitation and an increase in groundwater withdrawals can explain the change in the lake-level response to precipitation. Annual and summer groundwater withdrawals from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer have more than doubled from 1980 through 2010. Results from a regression model constructed with annual lake-level change, annual precipitation minus evaporation, and annual volume of groundwater withdrawn from the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer indicated groundwater withdrawals had a greater effect than precipitation minus evaporation on water levels in the White Bear Lake area for all years since 2003. The recent (2003-11) decline in White Bear Lake reflects the declining water levels in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer; increases in groundwater withdrawals from this aquifer are a likely cause for declines in groundwater levels and lake levels. Synoptic, static groundwater-level and lake-level measurements in March/April and August 2011 indicated groundwater was potentially flowing into White Bear Lake from glacial aquifers to the northeast and south, and lake water was potentially discharging from White Bear Lake to the underlying glacial and Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifers and glacial aquifers to the northwest. Groundwater levels in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer below White Bear Lake are approximately 0 to 19 feet lower than surface-water levels in the lake, indicating groundwater from the aquifer likely does not flow into White Bear Lake, but lake water may discharge into the aquifer. Groundwater levels from March/April to August 2011 declined more than 10 feet in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer south of White Bear Lake and to the north in Hugo, Minnesota. Water-quality analyses of pore water from nearshore lake-sediment and well-water samples, seepage-meter measurements, and hydraulic-head differences measured in White Bear Lake also indicated groundwater was potentially flowing into White Bear Lake from shallow glacial aquifers to the east and south. Negative temperature anomalies determined in shallow waters in the water-quality survey conducted in White Bear Lake indicated several shallow-water areas where groundwater may be flowing into the lake from glacial aquifers below the lake. Cool lake-sediment temperatures (less than 18 degrees Celsius) were measured in eight areas along the northeast, east, south, and southwest shores of White Bear Lake, indicating potential areas where groundwater may flow into the lake. Stable isotope analyses of well-water, precipitation, and lake-water samples indicated wells downgradient from White Bear Lake screened in the glacial buried aquifer or open to the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer receive a mixture of surface water and groundwater; the largest surface-water contributions are in wells closer to White Bear Lake. A wide range in oxygen-18/oxygen-16 and deuterium/protium ratios was measured in well-water samples, indicating different sources of water are supplying water to the wells. Well water with oxygen-18/oxygen-16 and deuterium/protium ratios that plot close to the meteoric water line consisted mostly of groundwater because deuterium/protium ratios for most groundwater usually are similar to ratios for rainwater and snow, plotting close to meteoric water lines. Well water with oxygen-18/oxygen-16 and deuterium/protium ratios that plot between the meteoric water line and ratios for the surface-water samples from White Bear Lake consists of a mixture of surface water and groundwater; the percentage of each source varies relative to its ratios. White Bear Lake is the likely source of the surface water to the wells that have a mixture of surface water and groundwater because (1) it is the only large, deep lake near these wells; (2) these wells are near and downgradient from White Bear Lake; and (3) these wells obtain their water from relatively deep depths, and White Bear Lake is the deepest lake in that area. The percentages of surface-water contribution to the three wells screened in the glacial buried aquifer receiving surface water were 16, 48, and 83 percent. The percentages of surface-water contribution ranged from 5 to 79 percent for the five wells open to the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer receiving surface water; wells closest to White Bear Lake had the largest percentages of surface-water contribution. Water-balance analysis of White Bear Lake in March and August 2011 indicated a potential discharge of 2.8 and 4.5 inches per month, respectively, over the area of the lake from the lake to local aquifers. Most of the sediments from a 12.4-foot lake core collected at the deepest part of White Bear Lake consisted of silts, sands, and gravels likely slumped from shallower waters, with a very low amount of low-permeability, organic material.

  5. The Effects of Empowering Teachers to Become Leaders through Collaboration

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Geraghty, Jennifer

    2016-01-01

    The intent of this qualitative research study had two purposes. One, to describe and explain the perceptions of elementary school teachers through their participation in a Professional Learning Community, as defined by DuFour, DuFour, Eaker & Many (2010). This research was initiated with elementary education teachers, grades kindergarten…

  6. Promoting Positive Social Development among African American Boys

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Brown, Kenneth Damon

    2017-01-01

    Numerous studies have examined mentoring relationships and their consequences for youth development (Rhodes and DuBois, 2008). DuBois and Silverthorn (2005) found that those who reported having had a mentoring relationship during adolescence exhibited significantly better outcomes within the domains of education and work (high-school completion,…

  7. [Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Farmland Soil in Du'an Autonomous County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China].

    PubMed

    Wu, Yang; Yang, Jun; Zhou, Xiao-yong; Lei, Mei; Gao, Ding; Qiao, Peng-wei; Du, Guo-dong

    2015-08-01

    For a comprehensive understanding of the pollution characteristics and ecological risk of heavy metals of farmland soil in Du'an Autonomous County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, this study evaluated the cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb), copper (Cu) and lead ( Pb) pollution situation using the single factor index, the Nemerow pollution index and the Hakanson ecological risk index. The results showed that heavy-metal pollution of farmland soil in Du'an County was serious. 74.6% of the soil samples had heavy metals concentrations higher than the Grade II of National Soil Environmental Quality Standard (GB 15618-1995). The over standard rates of Cd, As, Ni, Zn, Cr, Sb, Cu, Pb were 70.6%, 42.9%, 34.9%, 19.8%, 19.6%, 2.94%, 1.59%, 0.79%, respectively. Cd and As were the main contaminants in Du'an County, the pollution was far more serious than those of the national and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In terms of the ecological risk, heavy metals of farmland soil in Du'an County showed a "middle" ecological risk, with Cd accounting for 88% of the total ecological risk. The north-west of Jiudu Town and the zone between Bao'an Town and Dongmiao Town were two areas with high ecological risk in Du'an County. The contamination of farmland soils in Du'an County was caused by two main sources, whereas the pollution of As and Sb of farmland soils near Diaojiang River was mainly caused by the upstream mining industry.

  8. [Circadian rhythms of acid production and alkalization in the stomach of healthy subjects and duodenal ulcer patients].

    PubMed

    Kolesnikova, I Iu; Beliaeva, G S; Leint'eva, V A; Smirnova, A A

    2008-01-01

    We studied 24-h rhythms of acid production and alkalization in 30 patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) and 30 healthy subjects using upper endoscopic examination and computer intragastric pH-metry. Gastric acid production was higher in DU patients and was more intensive in the daytime than at night. Healthy subjects had low and monotonous acid production. In DU decompensation of alkalization in the antral stomach and suppression of duodenogastric reflux is total. In healthy subjects antrum alkalization is more evident and intensive at night due to, among other causes, duodenogastric reflux.

  9. Rupture simultanée du ligament croisé antérieur et du ligament patellaire: à propos d'un cas

    PubMed Central

    Achkoun, Abdessalam; Houjairi, Khalid; Quahtan, Omar; Hassoun, Jalal; Arssi, Mohamed; Rahmi, Mohamed; Garch, Abdelhak

    2016-01-01

    La rupture simultanée du tendon rotulien et du ligament croisé antérieur est une lésion relativement rare. Son diagnostic peut facilement manquer lors de l'examen initial. Les options de traitement incluent la réparation immédiate du tendon rotulien avec soit la reconstruction simultanée ou différée de ligament croisé antérieur. Nous rapportons le cas d'une rupture combinée du tendon rotulien et du ligament croisé antérieur chez un jeune footballeur de 22 ans. Une approche de traitement en deux temps a été effectuée avec un excellent résultat fonctionnel. PMID:27366288

  10. Dynamic Testing of Signal Transduction Deregulation During Breast Cancer Initiation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-07-01

    Std. Z39.18 Victoria Seewaldt, M.D. Dynamic Testing of Signal Transduction Deregulation During Breast Cancer Initiation Duke University Durham...attomole- zeptomole range. Internal dilution curves insure a high-dynamic calibration range. DU -26 8L DU -26 6L DU -29 5R DU -22 9.2 L DU...3: Nanobiosensor technology is translated to test for pathway deregulation in RPFNA cytology obtained from 10 high-risk women with cytological

  11. The Complexity Construct in Political Psychology: Personological and Cognitive Approaches

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-02-01

    raisonnement et du processus de prise de décision conciliant, ouvert et reposant sur l’information. Les deux approches font appel à une analyse de...positions in order to make room for the next generation. The elderly must resign themselves to “let go” of their family domination and employment in... employment positions. This would only contribute to an adversarial relationship (albeit reversed), where resources are still not distributed with social

  12. Les situations de communication. Actes du Colloque d'orthophonie/logopedie, (1er, Neuchatel, Suisse, 9-10 mars 1990). (Communication Situations. Papers from the Conference on Speech and Reading Therapy (1st, Neuchatel, Switzerland, March 9-10, 1990)).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Py, Bernard, Ed.

    1990-01-01

    The following papers were presented at the conference (titles are translated from the French): "Linguistic Approaches to Verbal Interaction and Its Context" (Jean-Francois de Pietro); "Pragmatic Approaches to the Rehabilitation of Aphasia Patients" (Marie-Pierre de Partz); "Contributions of Communication Development Theories: Limits of Their…

  13. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company is located at 2000 Cannonball Road, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. The DuPont Pompton Lakes Works site (DuPont) occupies approximately 570 acres of land in Pompton Lakes and Wanaque.

  14. Niels Stensen (1638-1686): scientist, neuroanatomist, and saint.

    PubMed

    Perrini, Paolo; Lanzino, Giuseppe; Parenti, Giuliano Francesco

    2010-07-01

    Niels Stensen (1638-1686) was a prominent Danish scientist who laid the foundations of paleontology, geology, and crystallography. He undertook a personal search for the truth, rejecting many assumptions of his time, and he struggled to acquire a firm foundation of knowledge based on close observation and rigorous experimentation. Niels Stensen is known eponymously for the discovery of the duct of the parotid gland (ductus stenonianus) but most clinicians are not familiar with his contributions to anatomy beyond his studies on the glands. In 1665, he delivered a lecture in Paris on the anatomy of the brain, the Discours sur l'anatomie du cerveau ("A Dissertation on the Anatomy of the Brain"), which is a seminal investigation on methods in neuroscience. His scientific letter on a hydrocephalic calf represents an early pathophysiological investigation on hydrocephalus. In 1667 Stensen converted to Catholicism and in 1677 he was consecrated titular bishop of Titiopolis. He spent the last years of his life in poverty and traveled continuously trying to bring back northern Europe to Catholicism. This essay highlights the life and the scientific contributions of Niels Stensen, with emphasis on his contributions to neuroscience.

  15. Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of 5-[18F]Fluoroalkyl Pyrimidine Nucleosides for Molecular Imaging of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Thymidine Kinase Reporter Gene Expression

    PubMed Central

    Chacko, Ann-Marie; Qu, Wenchao; Kung, Hank F.

    2014-01-01

    Two novel series of 5-fluoroalkyl-2′-deoxyuridines (FPrDU, FBuDU, FPeDU) and 2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-5-fluoroalkylarabinouridines (FFPrAU, FFBuAU, FFPeAU), having three, four or five methylene units (propyl, butyl, or pentyl) at C-5, were prepared and tested as reporter probes for imaging HSV1-tk gene expression. The Negishi coupling methodology was employed to efficiently synthesize the radiolabeling precursors. All six 5-[18F]fluoroalkyl pyrimidines were prepared readily from 3-N-benzoyl-3′,5′-di-O-benzoyl-protected 5-O-mesylate precursors in 17–35% radiochemical yield (decay-corrected). In vitro studies highlighted that all six [18F]labeled nucleosides selectively accumulated in cells expressing the HSV1-TK protein, with negligible uptake in control cells. [18F]FPrDU, [18F]FBuDU, [18F]FPeDU, and [18F]FFBuAU had the best uptake profiles. Despite selective accumulation in HSV1-tk expressing cells, all 5-fluoroalkyl pyrimidine nucleosides had low to negligible cytotoxic activity (CC50>1000–209 μM). Ultimately, results demonstrated that 5-[18F]fluoropropyl, [18F]fluorobutyl, and [18F]fluoropentyl pyrimidine nucleosides have potential as in vivo HSV1-TK PET reporter probes over a dynamic range of reporter gene expression levels. PMID:18800764

  16. Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) activity is modified after chronic ingestion of depleted uranium in the rat.

    PubMed

    Racine, R; Grandcolas, L; Grison, S; Stefani, J; Delissen, O; Gourmelon, P; Veyssière, G; Souidi, M

    2010-05-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is a radioactive heavy metal derived from the nuclear energy production. Its wide use in civilian and military items increases the risk of its environmental dissemination, and thus the risk of internal contamination of populations living in such contaminated territories. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D and cerebral cholesterol metabolisms were affected following chronic ingestion of DU. Even more than the brain, the liver is a crucial organ in cholesterol homeostasis since it regulates cholesterol distribution and elimination at body level. The aim of this work was to assess the impact of a low-level chronic ingestion of DU on hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Rats were contaminated with DU in their drinking water at a concentration of 40mg/l for 9 months. The major effect induced by DU was a decrease of CYP7A1 specific activity (-60%) correlated with a matching decrease of its product 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol in the plasma. Hepatic gene expression of transporters ABC A1, ABC G5, ABC G8 and of nuclear receptor RXR was increased, whereas that of catabolism enzyme CYP7B1 was decreased. Thus, after a chronic ingestion of DU, rats experience a modulation of cholesterol catabolism but overcome it, since their cholesterolemia is preserved and no pathology is declared.

  17. Evaluation of depleted uranium in the environment at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland and Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona. Final report

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

    Kennedy, P.L.; Clements, W.H.; Myers, O.B.

    1995-01-01

    This report represents an evaluation of depleted uranium (DU) introduced into the environment at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG), Maryland and Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) Arizona. This was a cooperative project between the Environmental Sciences and Statistical Analyses Groups at LANL and with the Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University. The project represents a unique approach to assessing the environmental impact of DU in two dissimilar ecosystems. Ecological exposure models were created for each ecosystem and sensitivity/uncertainty analyses were conducted to identify exposure pathways which were most influential in the fate and transport of DU inmore » the environment. Research included field sampling, field exposure experiment, and laboratory experiments. The first section addresses DU at the APG site. Chapter topics include bioenergetics-based food web model; field exposure experiments; bioconcentration by phytoplankton and the toxicity of U to zooplankton; physical processes governing the desorption of uranium from sediment to water; transfer of uranium from sediment to benthic invertebrates; spead of adsorpion by benthic invertebrates; uptake of uranium by fish. The final section of the report addresses DU at the YPG site. Chapters include the following information: Du transport processes and pathway model; field studies of performance of exposure model; uptake and elimination rates for kangaroo rates; chemical toxicity in kangaroo rat kidneys.« less

  18. Contribution to the Study of Nuclear Interactions at Several Tens of Bev by Means of Cosmic Radiations (thesis); CONTRIBUTION A L'ETUDE DES INTERACTIONS NUCLEAIRES DE PLUSIEURS DIZAINES DE Gev., AU MOYEN DES RAYONS COSMIQUES (THESES)

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

    Pelletier, C.

    1960-01-01

    The secondaries produced by the interaction of highenergy cosmic radiation with aluminum were studied with Wilson chambers placed in a magnetic field. From 9600 photographs made, 117 interactions of charged particles with energy higher than 10 Bev in aluminum were selected. These photographs were obtained with the apparatus installed at the Observatory of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. This apparatus is described. The quantities of motion and the emission direction of charged secondaries of each interaction were determined. The measurements and the methods of calculation are described. The results obtained on charged secondaries and unstable particles are reported. Themore » selection of the interactions which occurred with only one nucleon of the aluminum nucleus is discussed. These interactions were studied in the center-of-mass system of the interacting particles. The results obtained are compared with the predictions of the principal theoreticat models of nucleon-nucleon interactions. (trauth)« less

  19. Identification des objets et detection de leur alignement en utilisant la technologie RFID

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahma, Zayoud

    De nos jours, les vehicules motorises sont essentiels dans notre vie quotidienne, d'ou la necessite de leur approvisionnement en carburant. L'approvisionnement en carburant peut entrainer certains inconvenients, tels que: les files d'attente, la disponibilite non-continuelle du carburant et les fraudes. Les problemes d'attente et de disponibilite non-continuelle du carburant peuvent etre facilement resolus en allant a une autre station d'essence aux alentours si disponibles. Par contre le probleme de fraudes est plus difficile a resoudre. De ce fait, decoule notre solution qui consiste a developper un systeme intelligent pour la gestion d'approvisionnement en carburant afin de remedier a ce probleme de fraudes. Pour des raisons de surete, il faut eviter les risques d'etincelles dans l'environnement du carburant. En particulier, il convient de ne pas utiliser un systeme utilisant 1'electricite proche de la pompe, du tuyau ou du reservoir du carburant du vehicule. Nous avons choisi la technologie RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) et avons opte pour l'utilisation des etiquettes passives, etant donne que les etiquettes semi-passives ou actives contiennent une batterie electrique et sont nettement plus cheres. Un vehicule motorise sera identifie avec une etiquette RFID passive collee au-dessus du goulot de son reservoir. Deux autres etiquettes RFID seront placees sur le pistolet de sorte que le flux du carburant ne sera autorise que lorsque les trois etiquettes sont alignees. Notre travail etait a la demande d'une entreprise petroliere ayant une chaine internationale de stations de carburant. Le travail consiste en la conception, par la recherche, du systeme requis et s'articule sur l'optimisation de la topologie des antennes et des etiquettes de sorte que le systeme juge qu'il y a alignement lorsque le bec du pistolet est fonce dans le goulot du reservoir, et par consequent autorise le versement du carburant. Dans tous les autres cas, le systeme doit juger qu'il n'y a pas alignement et par consequent le flux du carburant n'est pas autorise. Mots cles: RFID, identification, localisation, alignement, fraudes, station-service.

  20. Selection for fertility in mice - the selection plateau and how to overcome it.

    PubMed

    Schüler, L

    1985-04-01

    A long-term experiment for increasing the traits first day litter size (LS1) and litter weight (LW1) was conducted with two populations for 33 generations. The selection plateau was reached in population DU-C (selection and estrus synchronization (h(2) = 0.02±0.01); in population DU-K (selection) the plateau (h(2) = 0.05±0.2) was nearly reached. Selection progress per generation was in LS1 b = 0.11±0.02; b = 0.12±0.04 (1st to 18th generation DU-K, DU-C) and b = 0.10±0.03; b = 0.07±0.05 (19th to 33rd generation, DU-K, DU-C) in LW1 b = 0.16±0.04 g; 0.19±0.07 g (DU-K, DU-C) b = 0.20±0.09 g; 0.001±0.09 g (DU-K, DU-C). Reverse and relaxe selection as well as systematic inbreeding was applied for 10 generations. Reverse selection yielded h(2) = 0.28±0.11 (R-DU-K) and h(2) = 0.17±0.05 (R-DU-C) and showed that there was still additive genetic variance. Relaxe selection did not cause alterations in the selection parameters, whereas inbreeding lead to inbred depressions (b = LS1 = -0.42±0.15; -0.45±0.12; b = LW1 = -1.13±0.20; -0.82±0.18 I-DU-K, I-DU-C). The plateau was based upon the heterozygote advantage. Several methods for overcoming the plateau were applied. A new selective useful variance could be created by crossing the plateau populations (h(2) = 0.14±0.04). A short-term progress in overcoming the plateau (1st to 3rd generation) could be obtained by litter size standardization (LS = 388). Tandem selection (selection for body weight - BW42) as well as crossing of inbred strains were not suitable for overcoming the selection plateau. Altering the environmental conditions as a possibility for overcoming the plateau has been discussed.

  1. Isotope shift constant and nuclear charge model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fang, Z.; Redi, O.; Stroke, H. H.

    1992-04-01

    We use the method of Zimmermann [Z. Phys. A 321 (1985) 23-30], which he used to calculate the isotope shift constant for a uniform nuclear charge distribution, to obtain it for a diffuse nuclear charge model. The two models give results that differ slightly on the level of precision of current experiments. The same parameters are used to calculate the model sensitivity of the contributions to the isotope shifts of higher moments of the nuclear charge distribution as formulated by Seltzer [Phys. Rev. 188 (1969) 1916-1919]. These are found to be essentially model independent. Tables are given of the numerical calculations. Nous employons la méthode de Zimmermann [Z. Phys. A 321 (1985) 23-30], qu'il avait utilisé dans un calcul de la constante du déplacement isotopique pour une distribution de charge uniforme, pour l'obtenir avec un modèle de charge nucléaire avec forme quasi-trapézoïdale. Les deux modèles donnent des résultats dont la difference excède de peu la précision des mesures actuelles. Les mêmes paramètres sont utilisés pour comparer la dépendance aux deux modèles de la contribution au déplacement isotopique des moments plus élevés de la distribution de la charge nucléaire dans la formulation de Seltzer [Phys. Rev. 188 (1969) 1916-1919]. On trouve que ces contributions sont essentiellement indépendantes du modèle. Des tables de calculs numériques sont présentées.

  2. Geochemical and isotopic characterization of groundwater origins in a Mediterranean karst system (southern France)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seidel, J. L.; Ladouche, B.; Batiot-Guilhe, C.

    2013-12-01

    Geochemical and isotopic ratio (11B/10B and 87Sr/86Sr) results are reported for better determining the groundwater origins in the Lez Karst system (southern France). The Lez spring is the main perennial outlet of the system and supplies with drinking water the metropolitan area of Montpellier. According to the hydrodynamic conditions, five water-types discharge at the Lez spring with important mineralization fluctuations (Caetano Bicalho et al., 2012). This geochemical response suggests that hydrodynamics targets groundwater circulation, resulting from different water end-member solicitation and mixing. Previous studies using conventional natural tracers do not succeed to identify all the water compartments supporting the flow during the hydrologic cycle (Marjolet & Salado, 1977; Joseph et al., 1988) and to explain the mineralization variation of the Lez spring. The present study combines a basic geochemical survey data with boron and strontium isotope ratio data for a better characterization of the Lez spring geochemical functioning. Groundwater samples were collected at the Lez spring and surrounding springs and wells under different hydrologic conditions from 2009 to 2011. Major, trace and rare earth elements were determined at AETE analytical platform (OREME, Univ. Montpellier 2) by ionic chromatography and Q-ICP-MS respectively. d11B and 87Sr/86Sr were determined at BRGM/MMA Orleans by TIMS. The geochemical survey has been extended at a larger scale by sampling the main geochemical end- members already identified to replace the Lez spring waters in the regional geochemical context. From this geochemical study, valuable informations have been provided on the reservoir types and water origins flowing in high and low stage periods. For the highly mineralized waters occurring in the fall first rainy events or severe low stages, a deep contribution is highlighted but B and Sr isotopic data do not ascertain the two Triassic end-members (halite or gypsum) as possible sources of the mineralization increase. However, the Lez spring REE profiles, despite a close Cretaceous end-member signature, exhibit an evolution between the Bajocian and the highly depleted Triassic signature. A better characterization of the regional deep basement end-member and a multi-isotopic approach (d7Li, d11B, d18O, D and 87Sr/86Sr) have been undertaken for a conclusive identification of the Lez spring water type. This study could be generalized to the coastal karstic systems of the Mediterranean region. Caetano Bicalho C., Batiot-Guilhe C., Seidel J. L., Van Exter S. and Jourde H. (2012). Geochemical evidence of water source characterization and hydrodynamic responses in a karst aquifer. J. Hydrol., 450-451, 206-218. Joseph, C., Rodier, C., Soulte, M., Sinegre, F., Baylet, R., Deltour, P., 1988. Approche des transferts de pollution bactérienne dans une crue karstique par l'étude des paramètres physico-chimiques. Rev. Sci. l'eau 1-2, 73-106. Marjolet, G., Salado, J., 1976. Contribution à l'étude de l'aquifère karstique de la source du Lez (Hérault). Etude du chimisme des eaux de la source du Lez et de son bassin Tome IX - FASC II., Université des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc (Montpellier 2), Montpellier 101 pp.

  3. Tectonic-1 contributes to the growth and migration of prostate cancer cells in vitro

    PubMed Central

    WANG, ZHIJUN; GAO, YI; LIU, YUSHAN; CHEN, JIE; WANG, JUNKAI; GAN, SISHUN; XU, DANFENG; CUI, XINGANG

    2015-01-01

    Tectonic-1 (TCTN1) is an upstream gene involved in embryonic development. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the TCTN1 gene on the viability and migration of prostate cancer cells. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was constructed to silence the expression of TCTN1 in PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using MTT and colony formation assays, and the distribution of cells in phases of the cell cycle was determined using flow cytometry. Cell migration was detected using a Transwell assay. The results demonstrated that TCTN1 was widely expressed in several human prostate cancer cell lines. Knockdown of the TCTN1 gene by RNA interference markedly suppressed cell viability and colony formation in the PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. Cell cycle progression was also arrested by TCTN1 silencing. In addition, knockdown of the TCTN1 gene led to the inhibition of cell migration in the two cell lines. These findings confirmed the direct association between the TCTN1 gene and prostate cancer growth in vitro. With further understanding and clinical investigation, this indicates the potential for future development of a novel marker for early detection and gene therapy for prostate cancer. PMID:26310786

  4. Prevalence of duck circovirus infection of subclinical pekin ducks in South Korea.

    PubMed

    Cha, Se-Yeoun; Song, Eu-Tteum; Kang, Min; Wei, Bai; Seo, Hye-Suk; Roh, Jae-Hee; Yoon, Ran-Hee; Moon, Oun-Kyoung; Jang, Hyung-Kwan

    2014-04-01

    An investigation was carried out to determine the prevalence and infection pattern of duck circovirus (DuCV) in subclinical Pekin ducks on South Korean duck farms. A total of 147 samples collected from 92 duck farms in five provinces were examined from 2011 to 2012. The overall prevalence of DuCV PCR-positive pooled bursa of Fabricius and liver samples was 21.8% (32/147). The prevalence of DuCV PCR-positive samples increased significantly in 3-week-old ducks compared with that in 1-week-old ducks (P<0.05). DuCV in association with Riemerella and Salmonella infections (10.9%; 16/147) occurred at the same level as infection with DuCV alone (10.9%; 16/147). In comparison of the relationship between bacterial diseases (salmonellosis, Riemerella infection) and morbidity in farms with and without DuCV, morbidity was higher in circovirus-positive farms (50%; 16/32) than in circovirus-negative farms (26.1%; 30/115). Our findings provide baseline information on the degree of DuCV infection and distribution and pattern of DuCV in ducks, and it is evident that DuCV can be associated with subclinical diseases and that subclinical infection could be economically important.

  5. Acceptabilité du test VIH proposé aux nourrissons dans les services pédiatriques, en Côte d'Ivoire, Significations pour la couverture du diagnostic pédiatrique

    PubMed Central

    Oga, Maxime; Brou, Hermann; Dago-Akribi, Hortense; Coffie, Patrick; Amani-Bossé, Clarisse; Ékouévi, Didier; Yapo, Vincent; Menan, Hervé; Ndondoki, Camille; Timité-Konan, M.; Leroy, Valériane

    2014-01-01

    Résumé Problème: Le dépistage VIH chez les enfants a rarement été au centre des préoccupations des chercheurs. Quand le dépistage pédiatrique a retenu l'attention, cela a été pour éclairer seulement sur les performances diagnostiques en ignorant même que le test pédiatrique comme bien d'autres peut s'accepter ou se refuser. Cet article met au cœur de son analyse les raisons qui peuvent expliquer qu'on accepte ou qu'on refuse de faire dépister son enfant. Objectif: Etudier chez les parents, les mères, les facteurs explicatifs de l'acceptabilité du test VIH des nourrissons de moins de six mois. Méthodes: Entretien semi-directif à passages répétés avec les parents de nourrissons de moins de six mois dans les formations sanitaires pour la pesée/vaccination et les consultations pédiatriques avec proposition systématique d'un test VIH pour leur nourrisson. Résultats: Nous retenons que la réalisation effective du test pédiatrique du VIH chez le nourrisson repose sur trois éléments. Primo, le personnel de santé par son discours (qui dénote de ses connaissances et perceptions même sur l'infection) orienté vers les mères influence leur acceptation ou non du test. Secundo, la mère qui par ses connaissances et perceptions même sur le VIH, dont le statut particulier, l'impression de bien-être chez elle et son enfant influence toute réalisation du test pédiatrique VIH. Tertio, l'environnement conjugal de la mère, particulièrement caractérisé par les rapports au sein du couple, sur la facilité de parler du test VIH et sa réalisation chez les deux parents ou chez la mère seulement sont autant de facteurs qui influencent la réalisation effective du dépistage du VIH chez l'enfant. Le principe préventif du VIH, et le désir de faire tester l'enfant ne suffisent pas à eux seuls pour aboutir à sa réalisation effective, selon certaines mères confrontées au refus du conjoint. A l'opposé, les autres mères refusant la réalisation du test pédiatrique disent s'y opposer ; bien entendu, même dans le cas où le conjoint l'accepterait. Discussion: Les mères sont les principales mises en cause et craignent les réprimandes et la stigmatisation. Le père, le conjoint peut être un obstacle, quand il s'oppose au test VIH du nourrisson, ou devenir le facilitateur de sa réalisation s'il est convaincu. Le positionnement du père demeure donc essentiel dans la question de l'acceptabilité du VIH pédiatrique. Les mères en ont conscience et présagent des difficultés à faire dépister ou non les enfants sans avis préalable du conjoint à la fois père, et chef de famille. Conclusion: La question du dépistage pédiatrique du VIH, au terme de notre analyse, met en face trois éléments qui exigent une gestion globale pour assurer une couverture effective. Ces trois éléments n'existeraient pas sans s'influencer, donc ils sont constamment en interaction et empêchent ou favorisent la réalisation ou non du test pédiatrique. Aussi, dans une intention d'aboutir à une couverture effective du dépistage VIH des nourrissons, faut-il tenir compte d'une gestion harmonieuse de ces trois éléments: La première, la mère seule (avec ses connaissances, ses perceptions), son environnement conjugal (de proposition du test intégrant 1- l’époux et / ou père de l'enfant avec ses perceptions et connaissances sur l'infection 2- la facilité de parler du test et sa réalisation chez les deux ou un des parents, la mère) et les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel de l’établissement sanitaire sur l'infection du VIH. Recommandations: Nos recommandations proposent une redéfinition de l'approche du VIH/sida vers des familles exposées au VIH et une intégration plus accentuée du père facilitant leur propre acceptation du test VIH et celle de leur enfant. PMID:25088574

  6. Niveaux d'étude du cerveau, et sagesse physique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toulouse, Gérard

    1993-02-01

    The brain is a complex spatio-temporal affair. Several brain theories propose the definition of three superposed levels of study. But physics, though the experience of condensed matter physics, suggests that it is unwise to enforce onto brain theories a unified hierarchical scheme, the inspiration for which seems to come from the realm of sub-molecular physics. Le cerveau est une affaire spatio-temporelle complexe. Plusieurs théories du cerveau proposent de définir trois niveaux d'études superposés. Mais la physique, à travers l'expérience de la physique de la matière condensée, suggère qu'il n'est pas sage d'imposer sur les théories du cerveau un schéma hiérarchique unifié, dont l'inspiration semble provenir du domaine de la physique sub-moléculaire.

  7. DuCLOX-2/5 Inhibition Attenuates Inflammatory Response and Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis for Mammary Gland Chemoprevention

    PubMed Central

    Gautam, Swetlana; Rawat, Atul K.; Sammi, Shreesh R.; Roy, Subhadeep; Singh, Manjari; Devi, Uma; Yadav, Rajnish K.; Singh, Lakhveer; Rawat, Jitendra K.; Ansari, Mohd N.; Saeedan, Abdulaziz S.; Kumar, Dinesh; Pandey, Rakesh; Kaithwas, Gaurav

    2018-01-01

    The present study is a pursuit to define implications of dual cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (DuCLOX-2/5) inhibition on various aspects of cancer augmentation and chemoprevention. The monotherapy and combination therapy of zaltoprofen (COX-2 inhibitor) and zileuton (5-LOX inhibitor) were validated for their effect against methyl nitrosourea (MNU) induced mammary gland carcinoma in albino wistar rats. The combination therapy demarcated significant effect upon the cellular proliferation as evidenced through decreased in alveolar bud count and restoration of the histopathological architecture when compared to toxic control. DuCLOX-2/5 inhibition also upregulated levels of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and restored oxidative stress markers (GSH, TBARs, protein carbonyl, SOD and catalase). The immunoblotting and qRT-PCR studies revealed the participation of the mitochondrial mediated death apoptosis pathway along with favorable regulation of COX-2, 5-LOX. Aforementioned combination restored the metabolic changes to normal when scrutinized through 1H NMR studies. Henceforth, the DuCLOX-2/5 inhibition was recorded to import significant anticancer effects in comparison to either of the individual treatments. PMID:29681851

  8. Microanalytical X-ray imaging of depleted uranium speciation in environmentally aged munitions residues.

    PubMed

    Crean, Daniel E; Livens, Francis R; Stennett, Martin C; Grolimund, Daniel; Borca, Camelia N; Hyatt, Neil C

    2014-01-01

    Use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions has resulted in contamination of the near-surface environment with penetrator residues. Uncertainty in the long-term environmental fate of particles produced by impact of DU penetrators with hard targets is a specific concern. In this study DU particles produced in this way and exposed to the surface terrestrial environment for longer than 30 years at a U.K. firing range were characterized using synchrotron X-ray chemical imaging. Two sites were sampled: a surface soil and a disposal area for DU-contaminated wood, and the U speciation was different between the two areas. Surface soil particles showed little extent of alteration, with U speciated as oxides U3O7 and U3O8. Uranium oxidation state and crystalline phase mapping revealed these oxides occur as separate particles, reflecting heterogeneous formation conditions. Particles recovered from the disposal area were substantially weathered, and U(VI) phosphate phases such as meta-ankoleite (K(UO2)(PO4) · 3H2O) were dominant. Chemical imaging revealed domains of contrasting U oxidation state linked to the presence of both U3O7 and meta-ankoleite, indicating growth of a particle alteration layer. This study demonstrates that substantial alteration of DU residues can occur, which directly influences the health and environmental hazards posed by this contamination.

  9. Implanted depleted uranium fragments cause soft tissue sarcomas in the muscles of rats.

    PubMed Central

    Hahn, Fletcher F; Guilmette, Raymond A; Hoover, Mark D

    2002-01-01

    In this study, we determined the carcinogenicity of depleted uranium (DU) metal fragments containing 0.75% titanium in muscle tissues of rats. The results have important implications for the medical management of Gulf War veterans who were wounded with DU fragments and who retain fragments in their soft tissues. We compared the tissue reactions in rats to the carcinogenicity of a tantalum metal (Ta), as a negative foreign-body control, and to a colloidal suspension of radioactive thorium dioxide ((232)Th), Thorotrast, as a positive radioactive control. DU was surgically implanted in the thigh muscles of male Wistar rats as four squares (2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 mm or 5.0 x 5.0 x 1.5 mm) or four pellets (2.0 x 1.0 mm diameter) per rat. Ta was similarly implanted as four squares (5.0 x 5.0 x 1.1 mm) per rat. Thorotrast was injected at two sites in the thigh muscles of each rat. Control rats had only a surgical implantation procedure. Each treatment group included 50 rats. A connective tissue capsule formed around the metal implants, but not around the Thorotrast. Radiographs demonstrated corrosion of the DU implants shortly after implantation. At later times, rarifactions in the radiographic profiles correlated with proliferative tissue responses. After lifetime observation, the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas increased significantly around the 5.0 x 5.0 mm squares of DU and the positive control, Thorotrast. A slightly increased incidence occurred in rats implanted with the 2.5 x 2.5 mm DU squares and with 5.0 x 5.0 mm squares of Ta. No tumors were seen in rats with 2.0 x 1.0 mm diameter DU pellets or in the surgical controls. These results indicate that DU fragments of sufficient size cause localized proliferative reactions and soft tissue sarcomas that can be detected with radiography in the muscles of rats. PMID:11781165

  10. Aerosol sampling system for collection of Capstone depleted uranium particles in a high-energy environment.

    PubMed

    Holmes, Thomas D; Guilmette, Raymond A; Cheng, Yung Sung; Parkhurst, Mary Ann; Hoover, Mark D

    2009-03-01

    The Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study was undertaken to obtain aerosol samples resulting from a large-caliber DU penetrator striking an Abrams or Bradley test vehicle. The sampling strategy was designed to (1) optimize the performance of the samplers and maintain their integrity in the extreme environment created during perforation of an armored vehicle by a DU penetrator, (2) collect aerosols as a function of time post perforation, and (3) obtain size-classified samples for analysis of chemical composition, particle morphology, and solubility in lung fluid. This paper describes the experimental setup and sampling methodologies used to achieve these objectives. Custom-designed arrays of sampling heads were secured to the inside of the target in locations approximating the breathing zones of the crew locations in the test vehicles. Each array was designed to support nine filter cassettes and nine cascade impactors mounted with quick-disconnect fittings. Shielding and sampler placement strategies were used to minimize sampler loss caused by the penetrator impact and the resulting fragments of eroded penetrator and perforated armor. A cyclone train was used to collect larger quantities of DU aerosol for measurement of chemical composition and solubility. A moving filter sample was used to obtain semicontinuous samples for DU concentration determination. Control for the air samplers was provided by five remotely located valve control and pressure monitoring units located inside and around the test vehicle. These units were connected to a computer interface chassis and controlled using a customized LabVIEW engineering computer control program. The aerosol sampling arrays and control systems for the Capstone study provided the needed aerosol samples for physicochemical analysis, and the resultant data were used for risk assessment of exposure to DU aerosol.

  11. Inhalation and Ingestion Intakes with Associated Dose Estimates for Level II and Level III Personnel Using Capstone Study Data

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

    Szrom, Fran; Falo, Gerald A.; Lodde, Gordon M.

    2009-03-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) intake rates and subsequent dose rates were estimated for personnel entering armored combat vehicles perforated with DU penetrators (level II and level III personnel) using data generated during the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study. Inhalation intake rates and associated dose rates were estimated from cascade impactors worn by sample recovery personnel and from cascade impactors that served as area monitors. Ingestion intake rates and associated dose rates were estimated from cotton gloves worn by sample recovery personnel and from wipe test samples from the interior of vehicles perforated with large caliber DU munitions. The mean DUmore » inhalation intake rate for level II personnel ranged from 0.447 mg h-1 based on breathing zone monitor data (in and around a perforated vehicle) to 14.5 mg h-1 based on area monitor data (in a perforated vehicle). The mean DU ingestion intake rate for level II ranged from 4.8 mg h-1 to 38.9 mg h-1 based on the wipe test data including surface to glove transfer factors derived from the Capstone data. Based on glove contamination data, the mean DU ingestion intake rates for level II and level III personnel were 10.6 mg h-1 was and 1.78 mg h-1, respectively. Effective dose rates and peak kidney uranium concentration rates were calculated based on the intake rates. The peak kidney uranium concentration rate cannot be multiplied by the total exposure duration when multiple intakes occur because uranium will clear from the kidney between the exposures.« less

  12. Different pattern of brain pro-/anti-oxidant activity between depleted and enriched uranium in chronically exposed rats.

    PubMed

    Lestaevel, P; Romero, E; Dhieux, B; Ben Soussan, H; Berradi, H; Dublineau, I; Voisin, P; Gourmelon, P

    2009-04-05

    Uranium is not only a heavy metal but also an alpha particle emitter. The main toxicity of uranium is expected to be due to chemiotoxicity rather than to radiotoxicity. Some studies have demonstrated that uranium induced some neurological disturbances, but without clear explanations. A possible mechanism of this neurotoxicity could be the oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species imbalance. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a chronic ingestion of uranium induced anti-oxidative defence mechanisms in the brain of rats. Rats received depleted (DU) or 4% enriched (EU) uranyl nitrate in the drinking water at 2mg(-1)kg(-1)day(-1) for 9 months. Cerebral cortex analyses were made by measuring mRNA and protein levels and enzymatic activities. Lipid peroxidation, an oxidative stress marker, was significantly enhanced after EU exposure, but not after DU. The gene expression or activity of the main antioxidant enzymes, i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), increased significantly after chronic exposure to DU. On the contrary, oral EU administration induced a decrease of these antioxidant enzymes. The NO-ergic pathway was almost not perturbed by DU or EU exposure. Finally, DU exposure increased significantly the transporters (Divalent-Metal-Transporter1; DMT1), the storage molecule (ferritin) and the ferroxidase enzyme (ceruloplasmin), but not EU. These results illustrate that oxidative stress plays a key role in the mechanism of uranium neurotoxicity. They showed that chronic exposure to DU, but not EU, seems to induce an increase of several antioxidant agents in order to counteract the oxidative stress. Finally, these results demonstrate the importance of the double toxicity, chemical and radiological, of uranium.

  13. Endocrine effects of lifelong exposure to low-dose depleted uranium on testicular functions in adult rat.

    PubMed

    Legendre, Audrey; Elie, Christelle; Ramambason, Camille; Manens, Line; Souidi, Maamar; Froment, Pascal; Tack, Karine

    2016-08-10

    Environmental toxicant exposure can induce disorders in sex steroidogenesis during fetal gonad development. Our previous study demonstrated that chronic adult exposure to a supra environmental concentration of depleted uranium (DU) does not impair testicular steroidogenesis in rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of lifelong exposure (embryo - adult) to low-dose DU (40 or 120mgL -1 ) on adult rat testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. A significant content of uranium was detected in testis and epididymis in the DU 120mgL -1 group and the assay in epididymal spermatozoa showed a significant content in both groups. No major defect was observed in testicular histology except a decrease in the number of basal vacuoles in the DU groups. Moreover, plasma Follicle-Stimuling Hormone [FSH] and Luteinizing Hormone [LH] levels were increased only in the DU 120mgL -1 group and intratesticular estradiol was decreased in both groups. Testosterone level was reduced in plasma and testis in the DU 40mgL -1 group. These modulations could be explained by an observed decrease in gene expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and enzymes involved in steroid production and associated signal transduction (StAR, cyp11a1, cyp17a1, 3βhsd, 17βhsd, TGFβ1, AR). Several genes specific to germ cells and cell junctions of the blood-testis barrier were also modulated. In conclusion, these data show that fetal life is a critical window for chronic uranium exposure and that the endocrine activities of low-dose uranium could disrupt steroidogenesis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Further investigation should be so useful in subsequent generations to improve risk assessment of uranium exposure. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  14. Sleep in Individuals with Cri du Chat Syndrome: A Comparative Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maas, A. P. H. M.; Didden, R.; Korzilius, H.; Braam, W.; Smits, M. G.; Curfs, L. M. G.

    2009-01-01

    Background: Sleep problems are common in individuals with intellectual disability. Little is known about sleep in children and adults with Cri du Chat syndrome (CDC). Method: Sleep was investigated in 30 individuals with CDC using a sleep questionnaire. Sleep problems and sleep behaviours in individuals with CDC were compared with individuals with…

  15. Personnel

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

    None

    2006-10-13

    Le président du conseil M.Doran explique la décision que le conseil du Cern vient de prendre sur la 4.étape du régime complémentaire des pensions. Le président du comité des finances le Dr.Andersen ainsi que le Prof.Connor(?) prennent aussi la parole

  16. 27 CFR 12.21 - List of examples of names by country.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ...-Fronsac, Cassis, Cerons, Charlemagne, Chateau Chalon, Chateau-Grillet, Chinon, Chorey-les-Beaunes, Clos de Tart, Clos des Lambrays, Clos Saint-Denis, Collioure, Condrieu, Cornas, Coteaux de l'Aubance, Coteaux du Languedoc, Coteaux du Loir, Coteaux du Lyonnais, Coteaux du Tricastin, Cotes de Duras, Cotes de...

  17. 27 CFR 12.21 - List of examples of names by country.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ...-Fronsac, Cassis, Cerons, Charlemagne, Chateau Chalon, Chateau-Grillet, Chinon, Chorey-les-Beaunes, Clos de Tart, Clos des Lambrays, Clos Saint-Denis, Collioure, Condrieu, Cornas, Coteaux de l'Aubance, Coteaux du Languedoc, Coteaux du Loir, Coteaux du Lyonnais, Coteaux du Tricastin, Cotes de Duras, Cotes de...

  18. In vivo body composition in autochthonous and conventional pig breeding groups by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging under special consideration of Cerdo Ibérico.

    PubMed

    Kremer, P V; Fernández-Fígares, I; Förster, M; Scholz, A M

    2012-12-01

    The improvement of carcass quality is one of the main breeding goals in pig production. To select appropriate breeding animals, it is of major concern to exactly and reliably analyze the body composition in vivo. Therefore, the objective of the study was to examine whether the combination of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the opportunity to reliably analyze quantitative and qualitative body composition characteristics of different pig breeding groups in vivo. In this study, a total of 77 pigs were studied by DXA and MRI at an average age of 154 days. The pigs originated from different autochthonous or conventional breeds or crossbreeds and were grouped into six breed types: Cerdo Ibérico (Ib); Duroc × Ib (Du_Ib); White Sow Lines (WSL, including German Landrace and German Large White); Hampshire/Pietrain (Pi_Ha, including Hampshire, Pietrain × Hampshire (PiHa) and Pietrain × PiHa); Pietrain/Duroc (Pi_Du, including Pietrain × Duroc (PiDu) and Pietrain × PiDu); crossbred WSL (PiDu_WSL, including Pietrain × WSL and PiDu × WSL). A whole-body scan was performed by DXA with a GE Lunar DPX-IQ in order to measure the amount and percentage of fat tissue (FM; %FM), lean tissue (LM; %LM) and bone mineral, whereas a Siemens Magnetom Open with a large body coil was used for MRI in the thorax region between 13th and 14th vertebrae in order to measure the area of the loin (LA) and the above back fat area (FA) of both body sides. A GLM procedure using SAS 9.2 was used to analyze the data. As expected, the native breed Ib followed by Du_Ib crossbreeds showed the highest %FM (27.2%, 25.0%) combined with the smallest LA (46.2 cm2, 73.6 cm2), whereas Ib had the lowest BW at an average age of 154 days. Pigs with Pi_Ha origin presented the least %FM (12.4%) and largest LA (99.5 cm2). The WSL and PiDu_WSL showed an intermediate body composition. Therefore, it could be concluded that DXA and MRI and especially their combination are very suitable methods to reliably identify differences in body composition and carcass traits among different pig lines in vivo.

  19. Fusang: The Enlightenment Story of the Chinese Discovery of America.

    PubMed

    Statman, Alexander

    2016-03-01

    In 1761 the French scholar and Sinologue Joseph de Guignes announced that "Chinese vessels made the voyage to America many centuries before Christopher Columbus." From the Chinese books in the Bibliotheque du Roi and new missionary reports from Beijing, he concluded that the mythical land of Fusang described by a medieval Buddhist monk could be nowhere other than the west coast of North America, only recently charted by European navigators. Philippe Buache, premier géographe du roi, agreed. At the height of the French Enlightenment, the indigenous geographical tradition of China could be used to further the progress of universal science, providing evidence about issues from the mapping of the Pacific Rim to the organization of the continents. Furthermore, the story of Fusang explained the origins of American peoples, showing that the inhabitants of the New World had arrived there from the Old and contributing to a diffusionist account of the development of civilization in space and time.

  20. Annealing of (DU-10Mo)-Zr Co-Rolled Foils

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

    Pacheco, Robin Montoya; Alexander, David John; Mccabe, Rodney James

    2017-01-20

    Producing uranium-10wt% molybdenum (DU-10Mo) foils to clad with Al first requires initial bonding of the DU-10Mo foil to zirconium (Zr) by hot rolling, followed by cold rolling to final thickness. Rolling often produces wavy (DU-10Mo)-Zr foils that should be flattened before further processing, as any distortions could affect the final alignment and bonding of the Al cladding to the Zr co-rolled surface layer; this bonding is achieved by a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process. Distortions in the (DU-10Mo)-Zr foil may cause the fuel foil to press against the Al cladding and thus create thinner or thicker areas in the Almore » cladding layer during the HIP cycle. Post machining is difficult and risky at this stage in the process since there is a chance of hitting the DU-10Mo. Therefore, it is very important to establish a process to flatten and remove any waviness. This study was conducted to determine if a simple annealing treatment could flatten wavy foils. Using the same starting material (i.e. DU-10Mo coupons of the same thickness), five different levels of hot rolling and cold rolling, combined with five different annealing treatments, were performed to determine the effect of these processing variables on flatness, bonding of layers, annealing response, microstructure, and hardness. The same final thickness was reached in all cases. Micrographs, textures, and hardness measurements were obtained for the various processing combinations. Based on these results, it was concluded that annealing at 650°C or higher is an effective treatment to appreciably reduce foil waviness.« less

  1. Depleted Uranium—Experience of the United Nations Environmental Programme Missions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Åkerblom, Gustav

    2008-08-01

    Depleted Uranium (DU) is used in ammunition designed for armour-piercing. DU was used in the Gulf war 1991, wars in Bosnia 1994-1995, Kosovo 1999 and Iraq 2003. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Post-Conflict Branch investigated sites where DU was used and evaluated health and environmental risks during missions to Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia. During a mission to Lebanon in 2006, UNEP also sampled areas where DU was supposed to have been used but did not find any DU. Due to the grave risks to the lives of UN personnel, no UNEP mission was carried out in Iraq. UNEP has provided training for personnel engaged in decontamination of DU in Bosnia and Iraq.

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

    PubMed Central

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

    2015-01-01

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

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

    PubMed

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

    2015-08-28

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

  4. Lignes directrices sur l’aiguillage des cas soupçonnés de cancer du poumon par un médecin de famille ou autre professionnel des soins primaires

    PubMed Central

    Del Giudice, M. Elisabeth; Young, Sheila-Mae; Vella, Emily T.; Ash, Marla; Bansal, Praveen; Robinson, Andrew; Skrastins, Roland; Ung, Yee; Zeldin, Robert; Levitt, Cheryl

    2014-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Les présentes lignes directrices visent à aider les médecins de famille et autres généralistes à reconnaître les manifestations cliniques devant éveiller les soupçons quant à la présence d’un cancer du poumon chez les patients. Composition du comité Les membres du comité ont été choisis parmi les leaders régionaux en soins primaires du Réseau provincial des soins primaires et de la lutte contre le cancer d’Action Cancer Ontario et parmi les membres du Groupe sur le siège de la maladie, Cancer du poumon d’Action Cancer Ontario. Méthodes Les présentes lignes directrices sont le fruit d’une revue systématique des données probantes, d’une synthèse des données et d’un examen externe formel effectué par des intervenants canadiens qui ont validé la pertinence des recommandations. Rapport Ces lignes directrices fondées sur des données probantes ont été formulées pour améliorer la prise en charge en contexte canadien des patients qui présentent des manifestations cliniques du cancer du poumon. Conclusion Le dépistage et l’aiguillage précoces des patients atteints de cancer du poumon pourraient en fin de compte aider à réduire les morbidités et mortalités liées au cancer. Ces lignes directrices pourraient aussi s’avérer utiles dans la mise sur pied de programmes de diagnostic du cancer du poumon et pour aider les décideurs à veiller à ce que les ressources appropriées soient en place.

  5. [Sport coaching for psychological and social recovery after hematological cancer: An innovative perspective].

    PubMed

    Calvin, Sarah; Blaise, Didier; Ben Soussan, Patrick; Cuvelier, Sarah; Cicut, Nicolas; Caymaris, Laurence; Arnault, Yolande; Onesta, Claude; Dantin, Pierre; Viens, Patrice

    2017-10-01

    This study is a first step towards the transfer of knowledge and practices between psychological support and performance in elite sport and a patient's "social recovery" in oncology. This proposal brings together people engaged in a variety of healthcare and relationship support roles, and aims to set up a support system beyond the hospital context. It questions the ability of elite sport management and its main actors, the "Great Coaches", to contribute to the support of patients in cancer remission through an onco-coaching approach. This innovative proposal is initiated by a life coaching pilot study designed for hematologic cancer patients in remission after a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Copyright © 2017 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. Prévalence du portage asymptomatique du plasmodium chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang à Kisangani, République Démocratique du Congo

    PubMed Central

    Bassandja, Jacques Ossinga; Agasa, Salomon Batina; Likwela, Joris Losimba

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Le paludisme transfusionnel est une réalité en Afrique Sub-saharienne, en raison des transfusions sanguines répétées, peu ou non contrôlées et où les donneurs sont en majorité potentiellement porteurs d'hématozoaires. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence du portage asymptomatique du plasmodium chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang à Kisangani. Méthodes Une étude transversale a été menée au Centre Provincial de Transfusion Sanguine à Kisangani du 1er Décembre 2012 au 31 Mars 2013 et a concerné 480 donneurs bénévoles de sang. Résultats La prévalence du portage asymptomatique du plasmodium chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang était de 28,3%. Plasmodium falciparum était l'espèce la plus répandue (96,3%). Près de la moitié des donneurs avait une parasitémie supérieure à 2000 parasites/µl. Les facteurs qui étaient significativement associés à la parasitémie étaient le jeune âge, le 1er don, et la non utilisation de la moustiquaire imprégnée d'insecticide à longue durée (MILD). Conclusion Les résultats de cette étude montrent que la prévalence du portage asymptomatique du plasmodium chez les donneurs bénévoles de sang était élevée, constituant ainsi un risque important de transmission du parasite aux receveurs souvent en mauvais état général. Cependant, l'utilisation de la MILD et la fidélisation des donneurs bénévoles semblent constituer des moyens utiles de réduction du risque de portage asymptomatique du Plasmodium. Une sensibilisation et éventuellement des distributions ciblées de MILD aux donneurs, en particuliers les plus jeunes, pourraient réduire considérablement le portage du Plasmodium parmi les donneurs de sang et ainsi réduire le risque de paludisme transfusionnel. PMID:25328616

  7. Contribution à l'analyse des inter-relations entre activités humaines et variabilité climatique : cas du Sud forestier ivoirien

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Télésphore Brou; Servat, Eric; Paturel, Jean-Emmanuel

    1998-12-01

    The South Ivorian Forest has suffered a large rainfall deficit for 25 years. At the same time, it has been noticed that the movement of the coffee and cocoa production seems concomitant with that of the isohyets during recent decades. The variations in albedo and rainfall gradient seem to be linked to the significant changes to the forest cover. These could affect precipitation locally.

  8. Exchanges...Assessing Their Value: A Summary of the Annual Conference of the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada = La valeur des echanges...Une appreciation concrete: un recueil du Congres annuel 1983 de la Societe educative de visites et d'echanges au Canada.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada, Ottawa (Ontario).

    The proceedings of the 1983 annual meeting on student and teacher exchanges programs include these papers: "Exchanges...How They Contribute to National Unity and National Identity" (Huguette Labelle); "Exchanges...Bridging the Gap" (Gildas Molgat); "Exchanges...And Canada's Bicultural Aspect" (Dennis Dawson);…

  9. Torleif Ericson 60th Birthday

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Plusieurs discours à l'occasion du 60me anniversaire de Torleif Ericson, physicien né à Lund (Suède), et remerciements pour son travail et son effort de relier la physique des particules à la physique nucléaire. A la fin de la cérémonie un document scientifique de 400 pages "die Festschrift" lui est remis comme cadeau d'anniversaire avec un grand nombre de contributions d'amis etc...

  10. Petroleum exploration contribution to the structural history of Golfe du Lin

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

    Curnelle, R.

    1988-08-01

    Petroleum exploration has strongly contributed to the knowledge of the post-Hercynian structural history of the Golfe du Lion. It shows three stages: (1) Pyrenean orogenesis which started in the Late Cretaceous and culminated during the Eocene (40-75 Ma), (2) Oligocene rifting associated with the oceanic accretion of the Provencal basin, and (3) post-Messinian deformations due to salt tectonics. Pyrenean deformation of the area seems to have been controlled by its Hercynian inheritance: the major transcurrent faults of the Cevenole belt, Nimes, and the Durance. They favored displacement of the deformation in a northeasterly direction along the fault corridors, inside whichmore » the overthrust units were put into place. These east-west-oriented structures show northward vergence. The Pyrenean axial zone in this downthrown part of the belt consist of progressively more northerly units offset by transverse faults. The Oligocene rifting is represented by a series of horsts and deeply subsiding grabens linked to preexisting major faults. The horst are deeply eroded and the Mesozoic carbonates are karstified. The extension of the Messinian evaporitic deposits known throughout the Mediterranean basin is located north of the shallower deep-water well. The gravitational deformation of the salt is expressed by a large number of listric faults which originate in the salt bodies. The sedimentary sequence ends with a thick discordant, erosional, undeformed Pliocene-Quaternary series.« less

  11. A Comparative Study of the Literature on the Dissemination and Utilization of Scientific Knowledge.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Havelock, Ronald G.; And Others

    This report provides a framework for understanding the processes of innovation, dissemination, and knowledge utilization (D&U) and it reviews the relevant literature in education and other fields of practice within this framework. D&U is viewed as a transfer of messages by various media between resource systems and users. Major sections analyze…

  12. Personnel

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Le président du conseil M.Doran explique la décision que le conseil du Cern vient de prendre sur la 4.étape du régime complémentaire des pensions. Le président du comité des finances le Dr.Andersen ainsi que le Prof.Connor(?) prennent aussi la parole

  13. W.E.B. DuBois and the Concepts of Race and Class.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Green, Dan S.; Smith, Earl

    1983-01-01

    Summarizes and analyzes W.E.B. DuBois's publications on race and class, particularly as he observed the relationships between White and Black Americans from about 1890 to the 1960s. Contends that DuBois's work has been seriously underrated and cites William J. Wilson's work as corroborating and extending DuBois's theories. (CJM)

  14. [Contribution and challenges of Big Data in oncology].

    PubMed

    Saintigny, Pierre; Foy, Jean-Philippe; Ferrari, Anthony; Cassier, Philippe; Viari, Alain; Puisieux, Alain

    2017-03-01

    Since the first draft of the human genome sequence published in 2001, the cost of sequencing has dramatically decreased. The development of new technologies such as next generation sequencing led to a comprehensive characterization of a large number of tumors of various types as well as to significant advances in precision medicine. Despite the valuable information this technological revolution has allowed to produce, the vast amount of data generated resulted in the emergence of new challenges for the biomedical community, such as data storage, processing and mining. Here, we describe the contribution and challenges of Big Data in oncology. Copyright © 2016 Société Française du Cancer. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. Effects of tumour necrosis factor α upon the metabolism of the endocannabinoid anandamide in prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Karlsson, Jessica; Gouveia-Figueira, Sandra; Alhouayek, Mireille; Fowler, Christopher J

    2017-01-01

    Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) is involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, a disease where disturbances in the endocannabinoid system are seen. In the present study we have investigated whether treatment of DU145 human prostate cancer cells affects anandamide (AEA) catabolic pathways. Additionally, we have investigated whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) can regulate the uptake of AEA into cells. Levels of AEA synthetic and catabolic enzymes were determined by qPCR. AEA uptake and hydrolysis in DU145 and RAW264.7 macrophage cells were assayed using AEA labeled in the arachidonic and ethanolamine portions of the molecule, respectively. Levels of AEA, related N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), prostaglandins (PG) and PG-ethanolamines (PG-EA) in DU145 cells and medium were quantitated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. TNFα treatment of DU145 cells increased mRNA levels of PTSG2 (gene of COX-2) and decreased the mRNA of the AEA synthetic enzyme N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine selective phospholipase D. mRNA levels of the AEA hydrolytic enzymes fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase were not changed. AEA uptake in both DU145 and RAW264.7 cells was inhibited by FAAH inhibition, but not by COX-2 inhibition, even in RAW264.7 cells where the expression of this enzyme had greatly been induced by lipopolysaccharide + interferon γ treatment. AEA and related NAEs were detected in DU145 cells, but PGs and PGE2-EA were only detected when the cells had been preincubated with 100 nM AEA. The data demonstrate that in DU145 cells, TNFα treatment changes the relative expression of the enzymes involved in the hydrolytic and oxygenation catabolic pathways for AEA. In RAW264.7 cells, COX-2, in contrast to FAAH, does not regulate the cellular accumulation of AEA. Further studies are necessary to determine the extent to which inflammatory mediators are involved in the abnormal endocannabinoid signalling system in prostate cancer.

  16. Practical suggestions on intravenous iloprost in Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcer secondary to systemic sclerosis: Systematic literature review and expert consensus.

    PubMed

    Ingegnoli, Francesca; Schioppo, Tommaso; Allanore, Yannick; Caporali, Roberto; Colaci, Michele; Distler, Oliver; Furst, Daniel E; Hunzelmann, Nicolas; Iannone, Florenzo; Khanna, Dinesh; Matucci-Cerinic, Marco

    2018-04-04

    Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune chronic disease characterized by vascular impairment, immune dysfunction and collagen deposition. Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) are prominent features of SSc. Intravenous (IV) iloprost (ILO), according to the recently updated EULAR recommendations, is indicated for RP after failure of oral therapy. Moreover, IV ILO could be useful in DU healing. IV ILO is currently available mainly on the European market approved for RP secondary to SSc with 3-5 days infusion cycle. Unfortunately, data published varies regarding regimen (dosage, duration and frequency). Up to now, ILO has been studied in small cohorts of patients and in few randomized controlled trials. A systematic review of studies on IV ILO in patients with SSc complicated by DU and RP was performed. Insufficient data were available to perform a meta-analysis according to the GRADE system. We performed a three-stage internet-based Delphi consensus exercise. Three major indications were identified for IV ILO usage in SSc: RP non-responsive to oral therapy, DU healing, and DU prevention. IV ILO should be administered between 0.5 and 2.0ng/kg/min according to patient tolerability with a frequency depending on the indication. Although these suggestions are supported by this expert group to be used in clinical setting, it will be necessary to formally validate the present suggestions in future clinical trials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Flavanols from evening primrose (Oenothera paradoxa) defatted seeds inhibit prostate cells invasiveness and cause changes in Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio.

    PubMed

    Lewandowska, Urszula; Szewczyk, Karolina; Owczarek, Katarzyna; Hrabec, Zbigniew; Podsędek, Anna; Koziołkiewicz, Maria; Hrabec, Elżbieta

    2013-03-27

    In this study, we assessed the influence of an evening primrose flavanol preparation (EPFP) on proliferation and invasiveness of human prostate cancer cells (DU 145) and immortalized prostate epithelial cells (PNT1A). We report for the first time that EPFP reduces DU 145 cell proliferation (IC50 = 97 μM GAE for 72 h incubation) and invasiveness (by 24% versus control at 75 μM GAE). EPFP strongly inhibited PNT1A invasiveness in a concentration-dependent manner (by 67% versus control at 75 μM GAE) and did not cause a reduction in their proliferation. Furthermore, EPFP inhibited the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 secreted to culture medium by PNT1A cells by 84% and 34% versus control at 100 μM GAE, respectively. In the case of DU 145, MMP-9 activity at 100 μM GAE was reduced by 37% versus control. Moreover, the evening primrose seed flavanols suppressed the expression of selected genes (MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-14, c-Fos, c-Jun, and VEGF) and also caused favorable changes in Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio which render DU 145 cells more sensitive to apoptosis-triggering agents. An additional confirmation of the proapoptotic activity of EPFP toward DU 145 was visualization of characteristic apoptotic bodies by DAPI staining. In conclusion, this study suggests that EPFP may increase apoptosis and reduce angiogenesis of prostate cancer cells.

  18. Identification of health risks in workers staying and working on the terrains contaminated with depleted uranium.

    PubMed

    Milacic, Snezana; Simic, Jadranko

    2009-05-01

    This study investigated health risks in workers residing and working in terrains contaminated by low ionizing radiation doses which originated from ammunition containing depleted uranium (DU). The studied population was composed of two test groups (T-I, T-II) who were occasionally exposed to DU, and two referent (R-I, R-II) groups not exposed at any time to DU. All of them were evaluated for the following: complete clinical examination and blood count, presence of immature forms and blasts, leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity and cytogenetic tests. The probability of onset of the characteristic complete biomarkers--chromosomal aberrations, was analyzed using logarithmic function of the Poisson regression. The estimated function of the density of probabilities of Poisson distribution of the chromosomal aberrations in the test group T-II was drastically different from the corresponding distribution of the referent group R-I and to a somewhat lesser extent from the group R-II; Wilcoxon test exactly confirms the presence of a significant difference between the reference group R-II and test group T-II, p < 0.05. The damages to chromosomes and cells were highest in the test group T-II of workers additionally occupationally exposed to DU. The group of workers T-I, who had been exposed to DU working on contaminated terrain, have had certain risks of cell and chromosome damages, and that risk was not greater than the risk to the referent group R-II of workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation.

  19. Lambeaux autofermants pour le traitement des brulures electriques du scalp par haut voltage

    PubMed Central

    Hafidi, J.; El Mazouz, S.; El Mejatti, H.; Fejjal, N.; Gharib, N.E.; Abbassi, A.; Belmahi, A.M.

    2011-01-01

    Summary Les brûlures électriques par haut voltage sont responsables de gros dégâts tissulaires en immédiat et dans les jours suivant l’accident du fait de la chaleur importante dégagée par effet joule et de la thrombose microvasculaire évolutive. Les pertes de substances du scalp secondaires à ces brûlures nécessitent une couverture par lambeaux vu la destruction du périoste et du calvarium en regard. De juin 1997 à juin 2008, 15 patients ont été traités pour des pertes de substance du scalp secondaires à des brûlures électriques par haut voltage de diamètre allant de 8 à 11 cm et siégeant dans la région tonsurale. Ces patients ont été opérés dans la première semaine suivant l’accident. Les pertes de substance du scalp de taille moyenne secondaires à ces brûlures peuvent être couvertes per primam de façon fiable par des lambeaux locaux axialisés et multiples. Nous relatons l’expérience du Service de Chirurgie Plastique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ibn-Sina, Rabat, Maroc, dans la gestion et la prise en charge de ces brûlures. PMID:22262963

  20. Contribution à l'étude d'une partie du bassin d'Essaouira (Maroc) par sismique réflexionContribution to part of the Essaouira Basin (Morocco) by seismic reflection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jaffal, Mohammed; Kchikach, Azzouz; Lefort, Jean-Pierre; Hanich, Lahoucine

    A large number of seismic reflection lines and boreholes have been carried out in the Essaouira Basin by the oil industry. The present study concentrates on the reinterpretation of these data in the restricted area of Khemis Meskala, in order to better characterise the structure of the Cretaceous aquiferous system. The reflector corresponding to the bottom of the Vraconian formation has been identified on the different seismic sections. This horizon, which marks the base of the aquiferous system, was first digitised on time migration sections and then converted to depth sections using a suitable linear velocity law. The isobath map of the bottom of the Vraconian resulting from this study images the 3D geometrical structure of this horizon and shows that it is slightly folded in domes and basins. This document will be useful for rationalising the future hydrogeological researches that will be undertaken in the Khemis Meskala area. To cite this article: M. Jaffal et al., C. R. Geoscience 334 (2002) 229-234.

  1. A review of the environmental corrosion, fate and bioavailability of munitions grade depleted uranium.

    PubMed

    Handley-Sidhu, Stephanie; Keith-Roach, Miranda J; Lloyd, Jonathan R; Vaughan, David J

    2010-11-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) is a by-product of nuclear fuel enrichment and is used in antitank penetrators due to its high density, self-sharpening, and pyrophoric properties. Military activities have left a legacy of DU waste in terrestrial and marine environments, and there have been only limited attempts to clean up affected environments. Ten years ago, very little information was available on the dispersion of DU as penetrators hit their targets or the fate of DU penetrators left behind in environmental systems. However, the marked increase in research since then has improved our knowledge of the environmental impact of firing DU and the factors that control the corrosion of DU and its subsequent migration through the environment. In this paper, the literature is reviewed and consolidated to provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the environmental behaviour of DU and to highlight areas that need further consideration. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Hématome spontané du méso de l'angle colique droit et du colon transverse compliquant un traitement par anti vitamine K: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature

    PubMed Central

    Traoré, Ibrahim Alain; Zaré, Cyprien; Barro, Sié Drissa; Guibla, Ismaël

    2016-01-01

    L'hématome spontané du méso de l'angle colique droit et du transverse est une complication rare du traitement anticoagulant par antivitamine K. Nous rapportons un cas d'hématome spontané du méso de l'angle colique droit et du transverse associé à un hémopéritoine de grande abondance chez un patient traité par antivitamine K pour embolie pulmonaire consécutive à une fracture des plateaux tibiaux droits. Le diagnostic doit être fait en urgence. L’échographie abdominale et la tomodensitométrie confirment le diagnostic. Le traitement non opératoire est la règle. Le traitement chirurgical est indiqué en cas de complications telles que la rupture de l'hématome. PMID:27217878

  3. A quantitative analysis of naiad mollusks from the Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin dredge material site on the Mississippi River

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Havlik, M.E.; Marking, L.L.

    1980-01-01

    The Prairie du Chien dredge material site contains about 100,000 cubic meters of material dredged from the East Channel of the Mississippi Riverin1976. Previous studies in that area suggested a rich molluscan fauna, but most studies were only qualitative or simply observations. Our study of this material was designed to determine the density and diversity of molluscan fauna, to assess changes in the fauna, to identify endemic species previously unreported, and to evaluate the status of the endangered Lampsilis higginsi. Ten cubic meters of dredge material were sieved to recover shells. Molluscan fauna at the site contained38 species of naiades and up to 1,737 identifiable valves per cubic meter. The endangered L. higginsi ranked18th In occurrence, accounted for only 0.52% of the identifiable shells, and averaged about three valves per cubic meter. From a total of 813 kg of naiades and gastropods, 6,339 naiad valves were identified. Five naiad species were collected at the site for the first time, and Eploblasma triquetra had not been reported previously in the Prairie du Chien area. Although the molluscan fauna has changed, the East Channel at Prairie du Chien is obviously suitable for L. higginsi.

  4. On depleted uranium: gulf war and Balkan syndrome.

    PubMed

    Duraković, A

    2001-04-01

    The complex clinical symptomatology of chronic illnesses, commonly described as Gulf War Syndrome, remains a poorly understood disease entity with diversified theories of its etiology and pathogenesis. Several causative factors have been postulated, with a particular emphasis on low level chemical warfare agents, oil fires, multiple vaccines, desert sand (Al-Eskan disease), botulism, Aspergillus flavus, Mycoplasma, aflatoxins, and others, contributing to the broad scope of clinical manifestations. Among several hundred thousand veterans deployed in the Operation Desert Storm, 15-20% have reported sick and about 25,000 died. Depleted uranium (DU), a low-level radioactive waste product of the enrichment of natural uranium with U-235 for the reactor fuel or nuclear weapons, has been considered a possible causative agent in the genesis of Gulf War Syndrome. It was used in the Gulf and Balkan wars as an armor-penetrating ammunition. In the operation Desert Storm, over 350 metric tons of DU was used, with an estimate of 3-6 million grams released in the atmosphere. Internal contamination with inhaled DU has been demonstrated by the elevated excretion of uranium isotopes in the urine of the exposed veterans 10 years after the Gulf war and causes concern because of its chemical and radiological toxicity and mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. Polarized views of different interest groups maintain an area of sustained controversy more in the environment of the public media than in the scientific community, partly for the reason of being less than sufficiently addressed by a meaningful objective interdisciplinary research.

  5. Evidence of a long-term increase in tropospheric ozone from Pic du Midi data series: Consequences: Positive radiative forcing

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

    Marenco, A.; Gouget, H.; Nedelec, P.

    1994-08-01

    The rate at which ozone is increasing in the troposphere is uncertain due to the lack of accurate long-term measurements. Old ozone measurements obtained at the Pic du Midi Observatory (3000 m high, southwestern France) were recently rediscovered. Four sets of data available at this station are presented. The results show an increase in ozone by a factor of 5 since the beginning of the twentieth century, corresponding to an exponential increase of 1.6% per year, although this trend is probably higher (2.4% per year) for the last few decades. A stable 10 ppb ozone mixing ratio is observed duringmore » the first 20 years of the series, which is representative to the preindustrial era ozone level. The increase is seen to start around 1895. Other data, obtained at various European high-altitude stations between 1920 and 1980, tie in closely with the Pic du Midi observations. A tentative evaluation of the impact of tropospheric ozone on radiative forcing confirms that ozone is currently the second most significant greenhouse gas, responsible for 22% and 13% of radiative forcing changes since 1800 in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively. If these rates were to be maintained in the future, ozone would continue to evolve differently in the two hemispheres (maximum level in the northern hemisphere) and could make an even more significant contribution to the radiative forcing of the northern hemisphere.« less

  6. Actinide Foil Production for MPACT Research

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

    Beller, Denis

    Sensitive fast-neutron detectors are required for use in lead slowing down spectrometry (LSDS), an active interrogation technique for used nuclear fuel assay for Materials Protection, Accounting, and Controls Technologies (MPACT). During the past several years UNLV sponsored a research project at RPI to investigate LSDS; began development of fission chamber detectors for use in LSDS experiments in collaboration with INL, LANL, and Oregon State U.; and participated in a LSDS experiment at LANL. In the LSDS technique, research has demonstrated that these fission chamber detectors must be sensitive to fission energy neutrons but insensitive to thermal-energy neutrons. Because most systemsmore » are highly sensitive to large thermal neutron populations due to the well-known large thermal cross section of 235U, even a miniscule amount of this isotope in a fission chamber will overwhelm the small population of higher-energy neutrons. Thus, fast-fission chamber detectors must be fabricated with highly depleted uranium (DU) or ultra-pure thorium (Th), which is about half as efficient as DU. Previous research conducted at RPI demonstrated that the required purity of DU for assay of used nuclear fuel using LSDS is less than 4 ppm 235U, material that until recently was not available in the U.S. In 2009 the PI purchased 3 grams of ultra-depleted uranium (uDU, 99.99998% 238U with just 0.2 ± 0.1 ppm 235U) from VNIIEF in Sarov, Russia. We received the material in the form of U3O8 powder in August of 2009, and verified its purity and depletion in a FY10 MPACT collaboration project. In addition, chemical processing for use in FC R&D was initiated, fission chamber detectors and a scanning alpha-particle spectrometer were developed, and foils were used in a preliminary LSDS experiment at a LANL/LANSCE in Sept. of 2010. The as-received U3O8 powder must be chemically processed to convert it to another chemical form while maintaining its purity, which then must be used to electro-deposit U or UO2 in extremely thin layers (1 to 2 mg/cm2) on various media such as films, foils, or discs. After many months of investigation and trials in FY10 and 11, UNLV researchers developed a new method to produce pure UO2 deposits on foils using a unique approach, which has never been demonstrated, that involves dissolution of U3O8 directly into room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) followed by electrodeposition from the RTIL-uDU solution (Th deposition from RTIL had been previously demonstrated). The high-purity dissolution of the U3O8 permits the use of RTIL solutions for deposition of U on metal foils in layers without introducing contamination. In FY10 and early FY11 a natural U surrogate for the uDU was used to investigate this and other techniques. In this research project UNLV will deposit directly from RTIL to produce uDU and Th foils devoid of possible contaminants. After these layers have been deposited, they will be examined for purity and uniformity. UNLV will complete the development and demonstration of the RTIL technology/ methodology to prepare uDU and Th samples for use in constructing fast-neutron detectors. Although this material was purchased for use in research using fast-fission chamber detectors for active inspection techniques for MPACT, it could also contribute to R&D for other applications, such as cross section measurements or neutron spectroscopy for national security« less

  7. Command and Control (C2) Agility (Agilite du commandement et du controle (C2))

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-10-01

    de la rigueur et de l’emploi des méthodes de mesure et d’amélioration de l’agilité du C2. Le spectre des missions... Control and Intelligence (C2I) Section DRDC Valcartier 2459 de la Bravoure Road Québec (Québec) G3J 1X5 CANADA Email: Micheline.Belanger@drdc...Agilité du commandement et du contrôle (C2) (STO-TR-SAS-085) Synthèse L’agilité est la capacité à effectuer avec succès, s’occuper de

  8. Dynamique d'un oscillateur photoréfractif : instabilités et analogie avec la loi de Curie-Weiss

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mathey, P.; Odoulov, S. G.; Rytz, D.

    2002-06-01

    La dynamique et l'état stationnaire du faisceau issu d'une cavité oscillante comprenant un cristal non-linéaire de titanate de baryum utilisé en tant que miroir à conjugaison de phase sont étudiés. Le paramètre du système étant le gain du milieu non-linéaire, les dépendances de l'intensité de l'oscillation et de l'inverse du temps de réponse sont similaires aux lois de Curie en physique du solide.

  9. Les traces matérielles de la Carte du Ciel. Le cas des observatoires d'Alger et de Bordeaux.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Le Guet Tully, F.; Davoigneau, J.; Lamy, J.; de La Noë, J.; Rousseau, J.-M.; Sadsaoud, H.

    2008-06-01

    Le chapitre évoque les traces matérielles de la Carte du ciel subsistant dans les observatoires d'Alger et de Bordeaux. Les auteurs examinent d'abord l'opération d'inventaire du patrimoine astronomique entreprise à partir du milieu des années 1990. Ils examinent ensuite les éléments concrets constituant aujourd'hui le patrimoine de la Carte du Ciel : lunettes, abris, accessoires, laboratoires, réseaux, plaques de verre, registres, machines à mesurer les clichés, et cartes.

  10. Teacher Collaboration in Music Education: The Impact of the DuFour Model on Music Teachers' Attitudes and Their Students' Achievement

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Armstrong, Cathryn M.

    2010-01-01

    The DuFour PLC model is one of several reforms today based on the theory that organizing teachers into learning communities will promote professional collaboration and collegial relationships which will improve teacher skills, motivation, and increase student achievement. A small number of studies have explored the impact of PLC's on teaching…

  11. Academic Calendar Task Force Report to the President.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL.

    This report presents the findings of a study done by a college-wide task force at the College of DuPage (Illinois) on academic calendar formats in an effort to determine whether to retain the quarter system or convert to another calendar. A brief introduction gives the background to the issue at DuPage. A section on procedures explains that the…

  12. Psychological Well-Being in Parents of Children with Angelman, Cornelia de Lange and Cri du Chat Syndromes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Griffith, G. M.; Hastings, R. P.; Oliver, C.; Howlin, P.; Moss, J.; Petty, J.; Tunnicliffe, P.

    2011-01-01

    Background: The current study focuses on mothers and fathers of children with three rare genetic syndromes that are relatively unexplored in terms of family experience: Angelman syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome and Cri du Chat syndrome. Method: Parents of children with Angelman syndrome (n = 15), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (n = 16) and Cri du…

  13. The effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters on the risk of therapeutic antibiotic treatment in Danish farrow-to-finish pig farms

    PubMed Central

    VIGRE, H.; LARSEN, P. B.; ANDREASEN, M.; CHRISTENSEN, J.; JORSAL, S. E.

    2008-01-01

    SUMMARY This study estimated the effect of discontinued use of antimicrobial growth promoters (duAGPs) on the risk of antibiotic treatment for diarrhoea, arthritis, pneumonia, unthriving and miscellaneous disorders in Danish pig farms. The estimation was done in a case-crossover study comparing: (1) the proportion of days per farm where treatment was performed (PDT) and (2) the proportion of pigs treated per day per farm at days where treatment was performed (PPT) before and after duAGPs at 68 farrow-to-finish farms. The farms were selected using a two-stage (veterinarian/farm) convenience sampling. On average, during the first year after duAGPs there was a significant increase in the risk of antibiotic treatment for diarrhoea (PDT: OR 2·5, 95% CI 1·7–3·8; PPT: OR 1·6, 95% CI 1·1–2·2). However, the effect varied among farms – some farms experienced substantial problems, while others experienced few problems after duAGPs. No effect was identified for the risk of treatment for other diseases. PMID:17335634

  14. A refractory duodenal ulcer with a biliary-duodenal fistula following the administration of bevacizumab.

    PubMed

    Horibe, Yohei; Adachi, Seiji; Okuno, Mitsuru; Ohno, Tomohiko; Goto, Naoe; Iwama, Midori; Yamauchi, Osamu; Saito, Koshiro; Yasuda, Ichiro; Shimizu, Masahito

    2016-07-01

    A 65-year-old woman with recurrent breast cancer was repeatedly treated with bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody. In addition, she was also frequently prescribed a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for abdominal pain. Melena was revealed 2 months after the final treatment with bevacizumab, and an endoscopic study revealed a duodenal ulcer (DU) that was resistant to anti-ulcer therapy. A cholangiography identified a biliary-duodenal fistula with bile juice leaking from the ulcer base. Therefore, a biliary stent was placed into the common bile duct for 3 months until the DU healed. This is the first case of a refractory DU with a biliary-duodenal fistula in a patient treated with bevacizumab.

  15. Coalition Battle Management Language (C-BML) (Language de gestion du champ de bataille (C-BML)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-01

    de gestion du champ de bataille (C-BML)) NMSG-048 Final Report. This document...BML) (Langage de gestion du champ de bataille (C-BML)) NMSG-048 Final Report. This document contains information authorized by NATO RTA for...Technical Readiness Level (TRL) that is consistent with an operational deployment. ES - 2 RTO-TR-MSG-048 Langage de gestion du champ de

  16. Ethyl acetate fraction from methanol extraction of Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana induced G0 /G1 phase arrest via inhibition of cyclins D and E and induction of apoptosis through caspase-dependent and -independent pathways in human prostate carcinoma DU145 cells.

    PubMed

    Lin, Chia-Hsin; Chan, Hsiao-Sung; Tsay, Hsin-Sheng; Funayama, Shinji; Kuo, Chao-Lin; Chung, Jing-Gung

    2018-01-01

    Vitis thunbergii var. taiwaniana (VTT) is a wild grape native to Taiwan, belonging to the Vitaceae family and Vitis genus, and widely used as folk herbal medicine. It is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, hypertension, neuroprotection, jaundice, and arthritis. We used the wild-collected VTT and sterilized them to establish the plant tissue culture, and then took the leaves for DNA sequencing to determine its original base. We use methanol to extract VTT in four different solvents: 1-butanol, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. These four preliminary extracts were used to treat human prostate cancer DU145 cells in vitro. We use the flow cytometry to check the cell survival situation. Finally, we found the ethyl acetate layer roughing product (referred VTEA) in human prostate cancer apoptotic effects of cell line DU-145. In the present studies, we use the crude extract of VTT to examine whether or not it can induce apoptosis of DU145 cells in vitro. Viability assays for extracts of VTT treatment showed that it had dose-dependent effect on human prostate cancer DU145 cells. We also found that the extract of VTT induces time-dependent mitochondrial and intrinsic-dependent apoptosis pathways. The in vitro cytotoxic effects were investigated by cell cycle analysis and the determination of apoptotic DNA fragmentation in DU145 cells. The cell cycle analysis showed that extracts of VTT induced a significant increase in the number of cells in G 0 /G 1 phase. The extract of VTT induced chromatin changes and apoptosis of DU145 cells also were confirmed by DAPI and PI staining that were measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, the expression of relevant proteins was analyzed by Western blot analysis. These results promoted us to further evaluate apoptosis associated proteins and elucidate the possible signal pathway in DU-145 cells after treated with the extract of VTT. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Characterization of Depleted-Uranium Strength and Damage Behavior

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

    Gray, III, George T.; Chen, Shuh-Rong; Bronkhorst, Curt A.

    2012-12-17

    The intent of this report is to document the status of our knowledge of the mechanical and damage behavior of Depleted Uranium(DU hereafter). This report briefly summaries the motivation of the experimental and modeling research conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory(LANL) on DU since the early 1980’s and thereafter the current experimental data quantifying the strength and damage behavior of DU as a function of a number of experimental variables including processing, strain rate, temperature, stress state, and shock prestraining. The effect of shock prestraining on the structure-property response of DU is described and the effect on post-shock mechanical behaviormore » of DU is discussed. The constitutive experimental data utilized to support the derivation of two constitutive strength (plasticity) models, the Preston-Tonks-Wallace (PTW) and Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) models, for both annealed and shock prestrained DU are detailed and the Taylor cylinder validation tests and finite-element modeling (FEM) utilized to validate these strength models is discussed. The similarities and differences in the PTW and MTS model descriptions for DU are discussed for both the annealed and shock prestrained conditions. Quasi-static tensile data as a function of triaxial constraint and spallation test data are described. An appendix additionally briefly describes low-pressure equation-of-state data for DU utilized to support the spallation experiments. The constitutive behavior of DU screw/bolt material is presented. The response of DU subjected to dynamic tensile extrusion testing as a function of temperature is also described. This integrated experimental technique is planned to provide an additional validation test in the future. The damage data as a function of triaxiality, tensile and spallation data, is thereafter utilized to support derivation of the Tensile Plasticity (TEPLA) damage model and simulations for comparison to the DU spallation data are presented. Finally, a discussion of future needs in the area of needed DU strength and damage research at LANL is presented to support the development of physically-based predictive strength and damage modeling capability.« less

  18. Exploratory Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Topical Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in Psoriasis Vulgaris

    PubMed Central

    Yan, Yuhe; Liu, Wali; Andres, Philippe; Pernin, Colette; Chantalat, Laurent; Briantais, Philippe; Lin, Albert; Feng, Lilian

    2015-01-01

    Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal ointment, Shi Du Ruan Gao, in patients with plaque-type psoriasis. Design. Single-center, randomized, investigator-blinded, parallel group, placebo-controlled study. Participants. One hundred outpatients with mild to moderate chronic plaque-type psoriasis were enrolled. Intervention. The patients applied either Shi Du Ruan Gao ointment or vehicle ointment topically to for 8 weeks. Main Outcome Measures. The outcomes were assessed using the following criteria: Total Severity Score (TSS, sum of erythema, scaling, and plaque elevation/induration, on a 0 to 4 scale), Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) evaluated on a 0 (Clear) to 4 (s to very severe) scale, and Global Subjects' Assessment of treatment response on a 7-point scale from −1 (worse) to 5 (Cleared). Results. Significant reductions in the Total Severity Score (P < 0.001) (mean score: 2.7 after Shi Du Ruan Gao treatment versus 5.1 in control subjects). Both Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and Global Subjects' Assessment of treatment are better in the Shi Du Ruan Gao group than the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion. Shi Du Ruan Gao ointment was a safe, and effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis. PMID:25834623

  19. Using a probabilistic approach in an ecological risk assessment simulation tool: test case for depleted uranium (DU).

    PubMed

    Fan, Ming; Thongsri, Tepwitoon; Axe, Lisa; Tyson, Trevor A

    2005-06-01

    A probabilistic approach was applied in an ecological risk assessment (ERA) to characterize risk and address uncertainty employing Monte Carlo simulations for assessing parameter and risk probabilistic distributions. This simulation tool (ERA) includes a Window's based interface, an interactive and modifiable database management system (DBMS) that addresses a food web at trophic levels, and a comprehensive evaluation of exposure pathways. To illustrate this model, ecological risks from depleted uranium (DU) exposure at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) and Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) were assessed and characterized. Probabilistic distributions showed that at YPG, a reduction in plant root weight is considered likely to occur (98% likelihood) from exposure to DU; for most terrestrial animals, likelihood for adverse reproduction effects ranges from 0.1% to 44%. However, for the lesser long-nosed bat, the effects are expected to occur (>99% likelihood) through the reduction in size and weight of offspring. Based on available DU data for the firing range at APG, DU uptake will not likely affect survival of aquatic plants and animals (<0.1% likelihood). Based on field and laboratory studies conducted at APG and YPG on pocket mice, kangaroo rat, white-throated woodrat, deer, and milfoil, body burden concentrations observed fall into the distributions simulated at both sites.

  20. Depleted uranium analysis in blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Todorov, T.I.; Xu, H.; Ejnik, J.W.; Mullick, F.G.; Squibb, K.; McDiarmid, M.A.; Centeno, J.A.

    2009-01-01

    In this study we report depleted uranium (DU) analysis in whole blood samples. Internal exposure to DU causes increased uranium levels as well as change in the uranium isotopic composition in blood specimen. For identification of DU exposure we used the 235U/238U ratio in blood samples, which ranges from 0.00725 for natural uranium to 0.002 for depleted uranium. Uranium quantification and isotopic composition analysis were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. For method validation we used eight spiked blood samples with known uranium concentrations and isotopic composition. The detection limit for quantification was determined to be 4 ng L-1 uranium in whole blood. The data reproduced within 1-5% RSD and an accuracy of 1-4%. In order to achieve a 235U/238U ratio range of 0.00698-0.00752% with 99.7% confidence limit a minimum whole blood uranium concentration of 60 ng L??1 was required. An additional 10 samples from a cohort of veterans exposed to DU in Gulf War I were analyzed with no knowledge of their medical history. The measured 235U/ 238U ratios in the blood samples were used to identify the presence or absence of DU exposure within this patient group. ?? 2009 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

  1. Cancer du sein au Maroc: profil phénotypique des tumeurs

    PubMed Central

    Khalil, Ahmadaye Ibrahim; Bendahhou, Karima; Mestaghanmi, Houriya; Saile, Rachid; Benider, Abdellatif

    2016-01-01

    Le cancer du sein est le plus fréquent chez la femme et figure parmi les principales causes de mortalité liées au cancer. La curabilité de ce type tumoral est en augmentation, grâce aux programmes de dépistage et aux progrès thérapeutiques, qui ont certes augmenté la survie des patients. Mais des défis restent à relever en rapport avec l’instabilité phénotypique des cellules cancéreuses. L’objectif de ce travail est d’étudier le profil phénotypique du cancer du sein chez les patients pris en charge au Centre Mohammed VI pour le traitement des Cancers, durant les années 2013-2014. Il s’agit d’une étude transversale sur deux années, incluant les cas du cancer du sein pris en charge au Centre. Le recueil des données était fait à partir des dossiers des patients et analysés par le logiciel Epi Info. 1277 patients ont été pris en charge au sein de notre centre. 99,5% des cas de sexe féminin, l’âge moyen était 50,20 ± 11,34 ans. Le type histologique le plus fréquent était le carcinome canalaire infiltrant (80,7% des cas). Le stade diagnostic était précoce (56,9%). Le phénotype moléculaire le plus fréquent était le luminal A (41,4% des cas). Le luminal B, le HER2 et les triples négatifs étaient dans respectivement 10,4%, 6,3%, 11,2% des cas. L’étude du phénotype tumoral des patients atteints du cancer du sein permet l’orientation du clinicien dans le choix du traitement, et des décideurs dans la planification de programmes de lutte contre cette pathologie. PMID:28292037

  2. Polymorphisme de l'apolipoprotéine E dans la population du nord du Maroc: fréquence et influence sur les paramètres lipidiques

    PubMed Central

    Benyahya, Fatiha; Barakat, Amina; Ghailani, Naima; Bennani, Mohcine

    2013-01-01

    Introduction L'objectif de ce travail est de déterminer les fréquences alléliques et génotypiques des sites polymorphes situés dans le gène de l'apolipoprotéine E (apo E) ainsi que leur impact sur les paramètres cliniques et lipidiques dans un échantillon de la population du nord du Maroc cliniquement diagnostiqué ADH. Méthodes Le génotype de l'apo E a été analysé par séquençage direct chez 46 patients cliniquement diagnostiqués ADH selon les critères standards. Résultats Les fréquences des allèles epsilon 3, epsilon 2 et epsilon 4 ont été respectivement 78.3%, 2.2% et 19.6%. La fréquence de l'allèle epsilon 4 est très élevée chez la population du nord du Maroc en comparaison avec les populations des autres régions marocaines. Elle est similaire à celle rapportée dans les pays de l'Europe du nord. Les taux du cholestérol total, du cholestérol LDL ainsi que la présence des xanthomes et les maladies cardiovasculaires ne différent pas entre les génotypes de l'apoE. En revanche, les résultats ont montré une influence de l'allèle epsilon4 sur le taux des triglycérides chez les sujets obèses. Conclusion Le génotype de l'apoE ne peut expliquer le phénotype clinique et biochimique présenté par des patients du Nord du Maroc cliniquement diagnostiqués ADH. PMID:24396563

  3. Lifelong obesity in a polygenic mouse model prevents age- and diet-induced glucose intolerance- obesity is no road to late-onset diabetes in mice.

    PubMed

    Renne, Ulla; Langhammer, Martina; Brenmoehl, Julia; Walz, Christina; Zeissler, Anja; Tuchscherer, Armin; Piechotta, Marion; Wiesner, Rudolf J; Bielohuby, Maximilian; Hoeflich, Andreas

    2013-01-01

    Visceral obesity holds a central position in the concept of the metabolic syndrome characterized by glucose intolerance in humans. However, until now it is unclear if obesity by itself is responsible for the development of glucose intolerance. We have used a novel polygenic mouse model characterized by genetically fixed obesity (DU6) and addressed age- and high fat diet-dependent glucose tolerance. Phenotype selection over 146 generations increased body weight by about 2.7-fold in male 12-week DU6 mice (P<0.0001) if compared to unselected controls (Fzt:DU). Absolute epididymal fat mass was particularly responsive to weight selection and increased by more than 5-fold (P<0.0001) in male DU6 mice. At an age of 6 weeks DU6 mice consumed about twice as much food if compared to unselected controls (P<0.001). Absolute food consumption was higher at all time points measured in DU6 mice than in Fzt:DU mice. Between 6 and 12 weeks of age, absolute food intake was reduced by 15% in DU6 mice (P<0.001) but not in Fzt:DU mice. In both mouse lines feeding of the high fat diet elevated body mass if compared to the control diet (P<0.05). In contrast to controls, DU6 mice did not display high fat diet-induced increases of epididymal and renal fat. Control mice progressively developed glucose intolerance with advancing age and even more in response to the high fat diet. In contrast, obese DU6 mice did neither develop a glucose intolerant phenotype with progressive age nor when challenged with a high fat diet. Our results from a polygenic mouse model demonstrate that genetically pre-determined and life-long obesity is no precondition of glucose intolerance later in life.

  4. Investigation de l'anisotropie du gap supraconducteur dans les composes Ba(Fe(1-x)Co(x))2As2, Ba(1-x)K(x)Fe2As2, LiFeAs et Fe1-deltaTe(1-x)Se(x)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reid, Jean-Philippe

    ommaire La structure du gap supraconducteur et sa modulation sont intimement liees au potentiel d'interaction responsable de l'appariement des electrons d'un supraconducteur. Ainsi, l'etude de la structure du gap-SC et de sa modulation permettent de faire la lumiere sur la nature du mecanisme d'appariement des electrons. A cet egard, les resultats experimentaux des supraconducteurs a base de fer ne cadrent pas dans un seul ensemble, ce qui est en opposition au gap-SC universel des cuprates. Dans ce qui suit, nous presenterons une etude systematique du gap-SC pour plusieurs pnictides. En effet, en utilisant la conductivite thermique, une sonde directionnelle du gap-SC, nous avons ete en mesure de reveler la structure du gap-SC pour les composes suivants : Ba1-xKxFe 2As2, Ba(Fe1-xCo x)2As2, LiFeAs et Fe1-deltaTe 1-xSex. L'etude de ces quatre composes, de trois differentes familles structurales, a pu etablir un tableau partiel mais tres exhaustif de la structure du gap-SC de pnictides. En effet, tel qu'illustre dans cette these, ces quatre composes ne possedent aucun noeud dans leur structure du gap-SC a dopage optimal. Toutefois, a une concentration differente de celle optimale pour les composes K-Ba122 et Co-Ba122, des noeuds apparaissent sur la surface de Fermi, aux extremites 'du dome supraconducteur. Ceci suggere fortement que, pour ces composes, la presence de noeuds sur la surface de Fermi est nuisible a la phase supraconductrice. Mots-cles: Supraconducteurs a base de fer, Pnictides, Structure du gap supraconducteur, Conductivite thermique

  5. Role of Al2O3 in Sintering of Submicron Yttria-Stabilized ZrO2 Powders.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-12-02

    and dispersed by milling in a 60 : 40 alcohol : water solution, followed by pressing at 205 MPa. Significantly increased densification was obtained...the range 1100-1350-C, was investigated. The Al󈧘 was added as hydrated A1(OH)l and dispersed by milling in a 60 : 40 alcohol : water solution...124-130 (1975). 24. M. Heughebaert-Therasse, "Contribution a L’etude de L’evolution et du Frittage de la Zircone Stabilisee par Differents Oxydes , a

  6. PEOPLE IN PHYSICS: 'Lady Newton' - an eighteenth century Marquise

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Badilescu, Simona

    1996-07-01

    The contribution of Voltaire and Mme du Châtelet to the diffusion of Newtonian physics in eighteenth century France is outlined. Their most important writings in the realm of physics (Philosophical Letters, Elements de la philosophie de Newton, Institutions de Physique) are analysed and the impact of the new ideas on the traditional Cartesian physics is emphasized. The genesis of the first French translation of Newton's Principia is described. The usefulness of the historically connected stories in the teaching of physics is envisaged.

  7. The Effects of Internal Waves on Acoustic Normal Modes.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-12-01

    amplitudes derived by suppressing azimuthal acoustic fluctuations are still valid as long as each range function is interpreted as a sum over all the...thatp HTp HTv + CvS(!!)(..)(25 The hydrodynamic equations appropriate to an ocean are Du p b + p(fxuL) + Vp - = V-A + F (2.6a) Do + pv.u 0(2.6b) pT Ln+ V... interpreted their scattering coefficients as representing contributions from the internal wave field with hori- zontal wave numbers equal to the

  8. La contribution de la diversité des expériences littéraires préscolaires aux habiletés émergentes en littéracie

    PubMed Central

    PARENT, Sophie; MONTÉSINOS-GELET, Isabelle; SÉGUIN, Jean R.; ZELAZO, Philip David; TREMBLAY, Richard E.

    2017-01-01

    RÉSUMÉ Les études antérieures montrent que les facteurs langagiers et cognitifs chez le jeune enfant ne suffisent pas pour expliquer les différences individuelles dans l’acquisition des compétences relatives à la langue écrite (Sénéchal et LeFevre, 2002). S’inspirant de l’éthologie et de la sociologie, Pellegrini (2001) propose que l’exposition à une plus grande variété d’interlocuteurs et de contextes sociaux pour l’exercice des compétences liées à l’écrit favorise l’acquisition du langage littéraire et des compétences en lecture/écriture. La présente étude a pour but de vérifier cette contribution de la variété des opportunités sociales reliées à l’écrit à l’acquisition des compétences émergentes en littéracie à 5 ans. Cette contribution est examinée de concert avec les ressources financières familiales, l’éducation parentale, la fréquence des activités mère-enfant de lecture/écriture et les compétences verbales et mnémoniques de l’enfant. Les résultats confirment partiellement l’hypothèse de Pellegrini et appuient la pertinence de considérer plusieurs dimensions des expériences sociales préscolaires. La contribution unique de la diversité des activités littéraires de l’enfant à 48 mois s’avère de taille similaire à celle du vocabulaire réceptif évalué à 42 mois et de la mémoire à court terme à 42 mois. La diversité des interlocuteurs n’ajoute toutefois pas au modèle. PMID:28566801

  9. Practical utility of thermodilution versus doppler ultrasound to measure hemodialysis blood access flow.

    PubMed

    Fontseré, Néstor; Mestres, Gaspar; Barrufet, Marta; Burrel, Marta; Vera, Manel; Arias, Marta; Masso, Elisabeth; Cases, Aleix; Maduell, Francisco; Campistol, Josep M

    2013-01-01

    The current clinical guidelines recommend indirect access blood flow (Qa) measurement as one of the most important components in vascular access maintenance programs. The best-know methods are doppler ultrasound (DU) and saline dilution method. This study evaluates the efficiency of Qa measurement with thermodilution method (TD) in comparison with the DU. Transversal study in 64 patients in hemodialysis (41 men); mean age 59.9 years with 54 AVFs and 10 PTFE. Qa reference value was obtained with DU in brachial artery (AVFs) or at the zone of arterial puncture (AVGs). Bland-Altman and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to study accuracy. Mean values obtained with DU-Qa were 1426 ± 753 mL/min AVFs and 1186 ± 789 mL/min AVGs. The mean Qa with TD was 1372 ± 770 AVFs (bias 54.6; ICC 0.923) and 1176 ± 758 AVGs (bias 10.2; ICC 0.992). In the subgroup of 28 patients with radiocephalic latero-terminal AVFs the DU-Qa was 1232 ± 767 mL/min. The Qa was in radial artery 942 (ICC 0.805); radial-ulnar artery 1103 (ICC 0.973); cephalic vein 788 (ICC 0.772) and TD 1026 (ICC 0.971). We detected 5 cases of significant stenosis. After endovascular treatment the Kt was 79 liters (61; p=0.043) and TD-Qa 895 mL/min (663; p=0.043). TD represents a good indirect method of Qa measurement. In the subgroup of patients with radiocephalic AVFs, Qa measurements in the radial and ulnar artery are more accurate. Therefore, in this situation the TD method obtained an excellent correlation in comparison to brachial artery.

  10. Structure of the USP15 N-terminal domains: a β-hairpin mediates close association between the DUSP and UBL domains.

    PubMed

    Harper, Stephen; Besong, Tabot M D; Emsley, Jonas; Scott, David J; Dreveny, Ingrid

    2011-09-20

    Ubiquitin specific protease 15 (USP15) functions in COP9 signalosome mediated regulation of protein degradation and cellular signaling through catalyzing the ubiquitin deconjugation reaction of a discrete number of substrates. It influences the stability of adenomatous polyposis coli, IκBα, caspase-3, and the human papillomavirus type 16 E6. USP15 forms a subfamily with USP4 and USP11 related through a shared presence of N-terminal "domain present in ubiquitin specific proteases" (DUSP) and "ubiquitin-like" (UBL) domains (DU subfamily). Here we report the 1.5 Å resolution crystal structure of the human USP15 N-terminal domains revealing a 80 Å elongated arrangement with the DU domains aligned in tandem. This architecture is generated through formation of a defined interface that is dominated by an intervening β-hairpin structure (DU finger) that engages in an intricate hydrogen-bonding network between the domains. The UBL domain is closely related to ubiquitin among β-grasp folds but is characterized by the presence of longer loop regions and different surface characteristics, indicating that this domain is unlikely to act as ubiquitin mimic. Comparison with the related murine USP4 DUSP-UBL crystal structure reveals that the main DU interdomain contacts are conserved. Analytical ultracentrifugation, small-angle X-ray scattering, and gel filtration experiments revealed that USP15 DU is monomeric in solution. Our data provide a framework to advance study of the structure and function of the DU subfamily. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  11. Effects of depleted uranium on the health and survival of Ceriodaphnia dubia and Hyalella azteca

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Kuhne, W.W.; Caldwell, C.A.; Gould, W.R.; Fresquez, P.R.; Finger, S.

    2002-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) has been used as a substitute for the fissionable enriched uranium component of atomic weapons tested at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) (Los Alamos, NM, USA) since the early 1950s, resulting in considerable concentrations of DU in the soils within the test sites. Although the movement of DU into major aquatic systems has been shown to be minimal, there are many small-order ephemeral streams and areas of standing water in canyons throughout LANL that may be affected by inputs of DU via runoff, erosion, and leaching. Ninety-six-hour acute and 7-d chronic toxicity assays were conducted to measure the toxicity of DU on survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia. A 14-d water-only assay was conducted to measure survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. The estimated median lethal concentration (LC50) to produce 50% mortality of the test population for the 96-h Ceriodaphnia dubia assay was 10.50 mg/L. Reproductive effects occurred at a lowest-observable-effect concentration ???3.91 mg/L with a no-observable-effect concentration of 1.97 mg/L. The estimated 14-d LC50 for the Hyalella azteca assay was 1.52 mg/L No significant relationship was detected between growth and DU concentrations. Concentrations at which toxicity effects were observed in this study for both invertebrates exceeded concentrations of total uranium observed in runoff from LANL lands. Thus, it is likely that current runoff levels of uranium do not pose a threat to these types of aquatic invertebrates.

  12. Croissance de couches de Si{1-x}Ge{x} par réaction chimique a partir d'une phase gazeuse : étude thermodynamique et analyse du transfert de matière

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rouch, H.; Pons, M.; Bernard, C.; Madar, R.

    1995-06-01

    The growth of Si{1-x}Gex layers at a high temperature (1300 K) and low pressure (315 Pa) (by chemical vapour deposition) was studied by a thermodynamic approach and a mass transport analysis using simplifying assumptions. The results showed that the thermodynamic analysis does not permit alone to explain the experimental measurements concerning the composition of the layer. The mass transport analysis showed that thermodiffusion would be of importance on layer composition and uniformity for large substrates. La croissance de couches de Si{1-x}Gex à haute température (1300 K) et basse pression (315 Pa) par réaction chimique à partir d'une phase gazeuse a été étudiée à l'aide d'une approche thermodynamique et de l'analyse du transfert de matière pour laquelle des hypothèses très simplificatrices ont été émises. Les résultats ont montré que l'analyse thermodynamique, seule, ne permet pas d'interpréter les mesures concernant la composition du matériau déposé. Quant à l'étude du transfert de matière, elle a montré que la thermodiffusion jouait un rôle important sur la composition du matériau déposé ainsi que sur l'uniformité du dépôt sur des substrats de grandes dimensions.

  13. l en configuration dite de "Bridgman verticale" avec un tirage vers le haut. Pour des valeurs élevées du nombre de Rayleigh solutal, nous suivons les diverses branches de solutions stationnaires jusqu'aux seuils d'apparition des phénomènes instationnaires. Ces transitions à l'instationnarité sont étudiées en fonction du confinement et, le long de ces nouvelles branches de solution, nous estimons l'ordre de grandeur de la fluctuation temporelle de la composition à l'interface. Cette dernière étant responsable d'une striation qui est incorporée par le solide lors de sa croissance, nous caractérisons ce phénomène en termes d'amplitude de striation (i.e. intensité de la fluctuation de composition) et de période spatiale de striation.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Haldenwang, P.; Guérin, R.; Le Marec, C.

    1999-06-01

    2-D unsteady flow patterns in upward Bridgman solidification are numerically investigated. The alloy under study is Pb-30%Tl. The purpose of the contribution is to characterise the striations induced by unsteadiness in the growing crystal. Unsteady solution branches are studied from onset threshold of unsteadiness to chaos. We report two examples for which time behaviour of a given solution branch is studied versus Rayleigh number. We then estimate the magnitude of the time fluctuations in solute composition that the crystal incorporates. The period of the striations is also discussed. Nous étudions numériquement les structures hydrodynamiques de la convection solutale dans le bain fondu, lors de la solidification dirigée d'alliages binaires. Plus précisément, cette étude porte

  14. NATO Human Resources (Manpower) Management (Gestion des ressources humaines (effectifs) de l’OTAN)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-01

    performances , la gestion des récompenses et du salaire, et la motivation du personnel. En conséquence, il faut que la gestion des ressources humaines...importance au fil du temps. Les ressources humaines, chargées à l’origine de l’embauche, du licenciement, de la paie et de la gestion des ...les effets des systèmes d’évaluation des performances ;

  15. The Seamless Maritime Concept

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-03-01

    example demonstrating both the power and profitability of this strategy is the Cirque du Soleil . The Cirque du Soleil is a result of the effort to...ballet, and recognizing the value of the strengths of each and leveraging those strengths into a new market. The Cirque du Soleil is a dramatic...reduce the production costs and over head associated with running a circus, improve the entertainment value, and create a new market. Cirque du

  16. W.E.B. Du Bois and Caste Education: Racial Capitalist Schooling from Reconstruction to Jim Crow

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pierce, Clayton

    2017-01-01

    This essay provides the first account and examination of caste education in the work of W.E.B. Du Bois. In so doing, I argue that caste education plays a central role in realizing the political and social goals of racial capitalist society for Du Bois. Using Du Bois's caste analytic, I take up and articulate three biopolitical governing strategies…

  17. Ecological risk assessment of depleted uranium in the environment at Aberdeen Proving Ground

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

    Clements, W.H.; Kennedy, P.L.; Myers, O.B.

    1993-01-01

    A preliminary ecological risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the effects of depleted uranium (DU) in the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) ecosystem and its potential for human health effects. An ecological risk assessment of DU should include the processes of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Ecological risk assessments also should explicitly examine risks incurred by nonhuman as well as human populations, because risk assessments based only on human health do not always protect other species. To begin to assess the potential ecological risk of DU release to the environment we modeled DU transport through the principalmore » components of the aquatic ecosystem at APG. We focused on the APG aquatic system because of the close proximity of the Chesapeake Bay and concerns about potential impacts on this ecosystem. Our objective in using a model to estimate environmental fate of DU is to ultimately reduce the uncertainty about predicted ecological risks due to DU from APG. The model functions to summarize information on the structure and functional properties of the APG aquatic system, to provide an exposure assessment by estimating the fate of DU in the environment, and to evaluate the sources of uncertainty about DU transport.« less

  18. Ecological risk assessment of depleted uranium in the environment at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Annual report, 1991

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

    Clements, W.H.; Kennedy, P.L.; Myers, O.B.

    1993-03-01

    A preliminary ecological risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the effects of depleted uranium (DU) in the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) ecosystem and its potential for human health effects. An ecological risk assessment of DU should include the processes of hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. Ecological risk assessments also should explicitly examine risks incurred by nonhuman as well as human populations, because risk assessments based only on human health do not always protect other species. To begin to assess the potential ecological risk of DU release to the environment we modeled DU transport through the principalmore » components of the aquatic ecosystem at APG. We focused on the APG aquatic system because of the close proximity of the Chesapeake Bay and concerns about potential impacts on this ecosystem. Our objective in using a model to estimate environmental fate of DU is to ultimately reduce the uncertainty about predicted ecological risks due to DU from APG. The model functions to summarize information on the structure and functional properties of the APG aquatic system, to provide an exposure assessment by estimating the fate of DU in the environment, and to evaluate the sources of uncertainty about DU transport.« less

  19. Portage vaginal du streptocoque du groupe B chez la femme enceinte au niveau de la région de Marrakech

    PubMed Central

    Bassir, Ahlam; Dhibou, Hanane; Farah, Majdi; Mohamed, Lharmis; Amal, Addebous; Nabila, Souraa; Abderahim, Aboulfalah; Asmouki, Hamid; Soummani, Abderraouf

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Le streptocoque du groupe B est le principal agent impliqué dans les infections materno-fœtales, les septicémies et les méningites du nouveau-né à terme. L'objectif est de déterminer le taux de portage maternel du streptocoque du groupe B (SGB) à terme. Méthodes Un prélèvement vaginal a été réalisé de manière prospective chez 275 parturientes lors de l'entrée en salle d'accouchement sur une période de 06 mois. Résultats Le taux de portage était de 20,2%. Le portage était variable en fonction de l’âge gestationnel, il constitue 57.5% entre 37 et 38 semaines d'aménorrhée. Aucun des facteurs de risque n'a était statistiquement prédictif du portage maternel du SGB. Conclusion Le dépistage doit être réalisé à partir de 37 semaines d'aménorrhée, et comme le portage est intermittent, un prélèvement négatif ne garantirait pas que le portage soit négatif à l'accouchement. PMID:27222693

  20. [The prognostic value of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal mucosa in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive duodenal bulb ulcer].

    PubMed

    Marshalko, O V; Konorev, M R

    2008-01-01

    The predictive value of gastric metaplasia in the duodenal mucosa in patients Helicobacter pylori-positive patients with duodenal bulb ulcer (DBU) was investigated. One hundred and twenty four randomly selected patients with DBU were included in this prospective study. The detection of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the stomach and duodenum was carried out with Giemsa (using standard visual analogue scale), rapid urease test (standard Jatrox-HP test, Rohm Pharma, Germany), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the specific fragment of ureC HP gene (Helicopol II, Lytech, Russia). Regions of gastric metaplasia of the duodenum were confirmed by periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue (Serva) staining (pH 1.0; 2.5) Duodenal ulcer (DU) complications were registered within 8 to 10 years. Estimation of the predictive factor (gastric metaplasia in the duodenum) was carried out in patients with non-complicated DU (Group 1; n = 73), and with such complications as bleeding, perforation, penetration, pyloroduodenal stenosis (Group 2; n = 51) which were revealed within the 8 to 10 years of observation. Gastric metaplasia in the duodenum was found in 64 or 87.7% of the 73 patients with non-complicated DU and in 5 or 9.8% of the 51 patients with complicated DU within 8 to 10 years of observation. The following facts about the predictive factor for the prognosis of DU complication were found: the sensitivity of 83.6%, the specificity of 92.8%, the predictive accuracy of 88.7%, the relative risk of the predicted outcome of 7.5, the relative risk of a different outcome of 0.11, the odds ration of 65.4. The study revealed a high and significant (p < 0.001) predictive value of gastric metaplasia in the duodenum as a marker of non-complicated clinical course of DU in HP-positive patients within an 8 to 10-year period.

  1. An electrochemical study of the action of a poly(vinylpyridine) derivative as inhibitor for corrosion of iron in 1M H2SO4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abed, Y.; Arrar, Z.; Hammouti, B.; Aouniti, A.; Kertit, S.; Mansri, A.

    1999-09-01

    The influence of the addition of poly(4-vinylpyridine poly-3-oxide ethylene) (P4VPP3OE) on the corrosion of Armco iron in molar sulphuric acid has been investigated by potentiodynamic and polarisation resistance measurements. The polymer studied reduces the corrosion current densities. The inhibition efficiency (E%) of P4VPP3OE increases wiht its concentration and attains 99% at 3.33 10-5 M. E% obtained from cathodic Tafel plots and polarisation resistance methods were in good agreement. The inhibitor was adsorbed on the iron surface according to the Frumkin adsorption isotherm model. Polarisation measurements show also that the compound acts as a cathodic inhibitor. L'influence de l'addition du Poly(4-vinylpyridine poly-3-oxyde éthylène) nouvellement synthétisé au laboratoire sur la corrosion du fer Armco dans l'acide sulfurique molaire a été étudié par les méthodes potentiodynamique et la résistance de polarisation. La présence du polymère réduit la densité du courant cathodique et augmente la résistance de polarisation. Ce phénomène s'accentue avec la concentration du produit. Les pentes de Tafel obtenues à partir des courbes cathodiques sont parallèles indiquant qu'en absence et en présence de l'inhibiteur, la réduction du proton se fait selon le même mécanisme d'activation pure. L'efficacité d'inhibition augmente avec la concentration et atteint 99 % à 3.3 10-5 M. Les efficacités obtenues par les deux méthodes sont en bon accord. L'inhibiteur s'adsorbe sur la surface métallique selon l'isotherme de Frumkin. Les mesures de polarisation montrent ainsi que le composé agit essentiellement comme inhibiteur cathodique.

  2. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori restores the inhibitory effect of cholecystokinin on postprandial gastrin release in duodenal ulcer patients.

    PubMed Central

    Konturek, J W; Gillessen, A; Konturek, S J; Domschke, W

    1995-01-01

    Helicobacter pylori infection may be associated with duodenal ulcer (DU) and accompanied by enhanced gastrin release but the mechanism of this H pylori related hypergastrinaemia in DU patients is unclear. Cholecystokinin (CCK) has been implicated in the feedback control of gastrin release and gastric acid secretion in healthy subjects. This study therefore investigated if CCK participates in the impairment of postprandial gastrin release and gastric secretion in six DU patients. Tests were undertaken with and without elimination of endogenous CCK by loxiglumide, a selective CCK-A receptors antagonist, before and after eradication of H pylori with triple therapy (omeprazole, amoxicyllin, bismuth). In H pylori positive DU patients, the post-prandial decline in pH (with median pH 3.5) was accompanied by a pronounced increment in plasma gastrin but the administration of loxiglumide did not affect significantly this postprandial rise in plasma gastrin and gastric pH profile. After eradication of H pylori, the plasma gastrin concentration was reduced while the median postprandial pH was significantly increased (median pH 4.3). The administration of loxiglumide resulted in significantly greater increase in postprandial plasma gastrin and greater decrease in pH (median pH 3.1) in these patients. This study shows that (a) infection with H pylori is accompanied by an enhanced gastrin release and gastric acidity in DU patients, (b) the failure of loxiglumide to affect plasma gastrin or gastric acid secretion in H pylori infected DU patients could be attributed, at least in part, to the failure of endogenous CCK to control gastrin release and gastric secretion by releasing somatostatin, and (c) the test with loxiglumide may be useful in the identification of patients with impaired feedback control of gastrin release and gastric secretion resulting from infection with H pylori. PMID:7489932

  3. Guideline on Scenario Development for (Distributed) Simulation Environments (Guide en vue du developpement de scenario dans le cadre de simulation distribuee)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-01-01

    des lacunes de M&S du MORS du NMSG a déterminé que le manque d’interopérabilité de la simulation constituait la lacune prioritaire à combler en...matière de capacité, une équipe exploratoire (ET-027) a été constituée au sein du NMSG pour étudier l’interopérabilité de la simulation. L’ET-027 a...élevés (autrement dit, aux niveaux pratique, dynamique et conceptuel) de même que l’automatisation relative du développement, de

  4. Western Dilemma

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    L'association du personnel présente Anthony Sampson, écrivain connu dans le monde entier par ses nombreux ouvrages et publications (International Harold Tribune, Observer, News Week). Il nous parle du commerce des armes et du Moyen Orient.

  5. Kyste hydatique mammaire primitive

    PubMed Central

    Boufettal, Houssine; Samouh, Naïma

    2015-01-01

    La localisation mammaire du kyste hydatique est exceptionnelle. De ce fait, le diagnostic est difficile avant l'examen anatomopathologique. Nous rapportons une observation d'un cas de kyste hydatique du sein chez une femme de 32 ans, qui consultait pour un nodule du sein, dont l'imagerie montrait une lésion en rétro-aréolaire du sein gauche, homogène, ovalaire et de contours réguliers. L'examen anatomopathologique objectivait un kyste hydatique à localisation mammaire. Les suites opératoires étaient simples. L'hydatidose est une maladie ubiquitaire, pouvant atteindre tous les organes. Le diagnostic peut être évoqué devant une masse kystique du sein avec des aspects très évocateurs à l'imagerie. La confirmation du diagnostic n'est confirmée qu'après une cytoponction ou une chirurgie d'exérèse qui réalise le traitement de cette pathologique. La négativité du bilan d'extension hydatique permet de retenir une localisation primitive de l’échinococcose. PMID:26185575

  6. Etude de l'affaiblissement du comportement mecanique du pergelisol du au rechauffement climatique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Buteau, Sylvie

    Le rechauffement climatique predit pour les prochaines decennies, aura des impacts majeurs sur le pergelisol qui sont tres peu documentes pour l'instant. La presente etude a pour but d'evaluer ces impacts sur les proprietes mecaniques du pergelisol et sa stabilite a long terme. Une nouvelle technique d'essai de penetration au cone a taux de deformation controle, a ete developpee pour caracteriser en place le pergelisol. Ces essais geotechniques et la mesure de differentes proprietes physiques ont ete effectues sur une butte de pergelisol au cours du printemps 2000. Le developpement et l'utilisation d'un modele geothermique 1D tenant compte de la thermodependance du comportement mecanique ont permis d'evaluer que les etendues de pergelisol chaud deviendraient instables a la suite d'un rechauffement de l'ordre de 5°C sur cent ans. En effet, la resistance mecanique du pergelisol diminuera alors rapidement jusqu'a 11,6 MPa, ce qui correspond a une perte relative de 98% de la resistance par rapport a un scenario sans rechauffement.

  7. Combined effects of depleted uranium and ionising radiation on zebrafish embryos.

    PubMed

    Ng, C Y P; Pereira, S; Cheng, S H; Adam-Guillermin, C; Garnier-Laplace, J; Yu, K N

    2015-11-01

    In the environment, living organisms are exposed to a mixture of stressors, and the combined effects are deemed as multiple stressor effects. In the present work, the authors studied the multiple stressor effect in embryos of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) from simultaneous exposure to alpha particles and depleted uranium (DU) through quantification of apoptotic signals at 24 h post-fertilisation (hpf) revealed by vital dye acridine orange staining. In each set of experiments, dechorionated zebrafish embryos were divided into 4 groups, each having 10 embryos: Group (C) in which the embryos did not receive any further treatment; Group (IU) in which the embryos received an alpha-particle dose of 0.44 mGy at 5 hpf and were then exposed to 100 µg l(-1) of DU from 5 to 6 hpf; Group (I) in which the embryos received an alpha-particle dose of 0.44 mGy at 5 hpf and Group (U) in which the dechorionated embryos were exposed to 100 µg l(-1) of DU from 5 to 6 hpf. The authors confirmed that an alpha-particle dose of 0.44 mGy and a DU exposure for 1 h separately led to hormetic and toxic effects assessed by counting apoptotic signals, respectively, in the zebrafish. Interestingly, the combined exposure led to an effect more toxic than that caused by the DU exposure alone, so effectively DU changed the beneficial effect (hormesis) brought about by alpha-particle irradiation into an apparently toxic effect. This could be explained in terms of the promotion of early death of cells predisposed to spontaneous transformation by the small alpha-particle dose (i.e. hormetic effect) and the postponement of cell death upon DU exposure. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  8. [Effects of overexpression of miR-17-92 gene cluster on the biological characteristics of prostate cancer cells and its mechanism].

    PubMed

    Zhou, P; Ma, L; Zhou, J; Xu, J J; Liu, F; Guo, F

    2017-05-23

    Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of over-expression of miR-17-92 gene cluster on the biological characteristics of prostate cancer cells. Methods: DU145 cells were transfected with miR-17-92 gene expression plasmid and clones with stable ectopic miR-17-92 overexpression were established. The cell viabilities of DU145-17-92 and DU145-control cells were monitored by xCELLigence system. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were analyzed by Ki-67 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Expression levels of proteins involved in apoptosis and Akt pathway were determined by western blotting. Results: xCELLigence RTCA array data showed that the growth rate of DU145-17-92 cells was significantly higher than that of DU145-control cells after 24 h of seeding ( P <0.01). The Ki-67-positive rates of the DU145-control group at 24, 48 and 72 hours were (56.57±1.68)%, (85.48±0.26)% and (90.85±2.08)%, respectively. While the Ki-67 positive rates of the DU145-17-92 group at the desired time points were (73.64±0.68)%, (93.43±1.23)% and (97.36±0.86)%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference at 24 hours ( P <0.01). The percentages of apoptotic cells of the DU145-control group at 24, 48 and 72 hours were (6.76±0.09)%, (14.51±0.86)% and (20.73±1.64)%, respectively, while the apoptotic percentages of the DU145-17-92 group were (1.86±0.15)%, (7.90±0.40)% and (4.92±0.48)%, respectively. The percentages of apoptotic cells of the DU145-control group at different time were significantly higher than those of DU145-17-92 group ( P <0.01 for all). The result of western blotting showed that the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in DU145-control cells were 0.83±0.00 and 0.91±0.00, respectively, significantly higher than 0.16±0.00 and 0.13±0.00 of DU145-17-92 cells (both P <0.01). Overexpression of miR17-92 induced the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) at Ser473 while no appreciable effect on the phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308. The phosphorylated level of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) in DU145-control cells was 0.21±0.01, significantly lower than 0.72±0.01 of DU145-17-92 cells ( P <0.01). Conclusions: Overexpression of miR-17-92 gene plays a pivotal role in growth, proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of DU145 cells through down-regulation of apoptotic protein BIM and tumor suppressor PTEN and activation of Akt and ERK signaling pathway.

  9. Planning and Implementing Health Promotion in the Workplace: A Case Study of the Du Pont Company Experience.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bertera, Robert L.

    1990-01-01

    The PRECEDE framework was used to focus planning and evaluation of key areas of health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior in designing a workplace health promotion program for Du Pont. One pilot location experienced a 47.5 percent decline in absenteeism over six years as a result of the comprehensive needs assessment and health intervention. (SK)

  10. Séroprévalence et facteurs associés à l’acceptation du Conseil et Dépistage Volontaire du VIH chez l’enfant à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

    PubMed Central

    Ngwej, Dieudonné Tshikwej; Mukuku, Olivier; Malonga, Françoise Kaj; Luboya, Oscar Numbi; Kakoma, Jean-Baptiste Sakatolo; Wembonyama, Stanis Okitotsho

    2017-01-01

    Résumé Introduction Malgré le dépistage du VIH proposé lors de la naissance ou au cours des consultations préscolaires, la proportion des enfants qui croissent ou décèdent sous statut sérologique au VIH inconnu est importante en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). L’objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la séroprévalence au cours d’un dépistage volontaire et d’identifier les facteurs associés à l’acceptation du conseil et dépistage du VIH (CDV) en dehors de la maladie ou de toute exposition au VIH dans une population pédiatrique à Lubumbashi, RDC. Méthodes Il s’agissait d’une étude prospective transversale à visée analytique menée du 1er août 2006 au 31 septembre 2007. Elle avait été réalisée dans 4 centres communautaires de CDV répartis dans 4 zones de santé de la ville de Lubumbashi en RDC (Lubumbashi, Ruashi, Kampemba et de Kenya). L’étude avait consisté à faire le dépistage volontaire du VIH chez les enfants de moins de 15 ans. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et les paramètres relatifs au conseil et dépistage volontaire ont été étudiés. Les analyses statistiques descriptives usuelles et une régression logistique ont été réalisées. Résultats Sur 463 enfants dépistés du VIH, 41 (8,9%; IC 95%: 6,5%-11,9%) ont été testés positifs. L’acceptation du conseil et dépistage volontaire du VIH en dehors de la maladie ou de l’exposition au VIH était significativement plus élevée lorsque l’enfant était âgé de plus de 2 ans (Odds ratio ajusté (ORa) = 3,6 [IC 95%: 1,1-12,2]), lorsque le statut sérologique du VIH des parents était négatif ou inconnu (ORa = 27,4 [IC 95%: 9,4-80,0]), lorsque l’un ou l’autre ou les deux parents biologiques étaient en vie (ORa = 24,9 [IC 95%: 2,4-250,8]) et lorsque la connaissance du lieu de dépistage était fait par des moyens autres que le professionnel de santé (ORa = 2,9 [IC 95%: 1,0-7,9]). Conclusion Notre étude montre une forte prévalence du VIH chez les enfants justifiant la nécessité de réaliser le CDV qui est significativement accepté par leurs parents et tuteurs dans la ville de Lubumbashi. PMID:29255552

  11. Molecular, cellular, and tissue impact of depleted uranium on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

    PubMed

    Gueguen, Yann; Rouas, Caroline; Monin, Audrey; Manens, Line; Stefani, Johanna; Delissen, Olivia; Grison, Stéphane; Dublineau, Isabelle

    2014-02-01

    Enzymes that metabolize xenobiotics (XME) are well recognized in experimental models as representative indicators of organ detoxification functions and of exposure to toxicants. As several in vivo studies have shown, uranium can alter XME in the rat liver or kidneys after either acute or chronic exposure. To determine how length or level of exposure affects these changes in XME, we continued our investigation of chronic rat exposure to depleted uranium (DU, uranyl nitrate). The first study examined the effect of duration (1-18 months) of chronic exposure to DU, the second evaluated dose dependence, from a level close to that found in the environment near mining sites (0.2 mg/L) to a supra-environmental dose (120 mg/L, 10 times the highest level naturally found in the environment), and the third was an in vitro assessment of whether DU exposure directly affects XME and, in particular, CYP3A. The experimental in vivo models used here demonstrated that CYP3A is the enzyme modified to the greatest extent: high gene expression changed after 6 and 9 months. The most substantial effects were observed in the liver of rats after 9 months of exposure to 120 mg/L of DU: CYP3A gene and protein expression and enzyme activity all decreased by more than 40 %. Nonetheless, no direct effect of DU by itself was observed after in vitro exposure of rat microsomal preparations, HepG2 cells, or human primary hepatocytes. Overall, these results probably indicate the occurrence of regulatory or adaptive mechanisms that could explain the indirect effect observed in vivo after chronic exposure.

  12. Radiological risk assessment of Capstone depleted uranium aerosols.

    PubMed

    Hahn, Fletcher F; Roszell, Laurie E; Daxon, Eric G; Guilmette, Raymond A; Parkhurst, Mary Ann

    2009-03-01

    Assessment of the health risk from exposure to aerosols of depleted uranium (DU) is an important outcome of the Capstone aerosol studies that established exposure ranges to personnel in armored combat vehicles perforated by DU munitions. Although the radiation exposure from DU is low, there is concern that DU deposited in the body may increase cancer rates. Radiation doses to various organs of the body resulting from the inhalation of DU aerosols measured in the Capstone studies were calculated using International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) models. Organs and tissues with the highest calculated committed equivalent 50-y doses were lung and extrathoracic tissues (nose and nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, mouth, and thoracic lymph nodes). Doses to the bone surface and kidney were about 5 to 10% of the doses to the extrathoracic tissues. Organ-specific risks were estimated using ICRP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodologies. Risks for crewmembers and first responders were determined for selected scenarios based on the time interval of exposure and for vehicle and armor type. The lung was the organ with the highest cancer mortality risk, accounting for about 97% of the risks summed from all organs. The highest mean lifetime risk for lung cancer for the scenario with the longest exposure time interval (2 h) was 0.42%. This risk is low compared with the natural or background risk of 7.35%. These risks can be significantly reduced by using an existing ventilation system (if operable) and by reducing personnel time in the vehicle immediately after perforation.

  13. Leonardo da Vinci's drapery studies: characterization of lead white pigments by µ-XRD and 2D scanning XRF

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gonzalez, Victor; Calligaro, Thomas; Pichon, Laurent; Wallez, Gilles; Mottin, Bruno

    2015-11-01

    This work focuses on the composition and microstructure of the lead white pigment employed in a set of paintworks, using a combination of µ-XRD and 2D scanning XRF, directly applied on five drapery studies attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) and conserved in the Département des Arts Graphiques, Musée du Louvre and in the Musée des Beaux- Arts de Rennes. Trace elements present in the composition as well as in the lead white highlights were imaged by 2D scanning XRF. Mineral phases were determined in a fully noninvasive way using a special µ-XRD diffractometer. Phase proportions were estimated by Rietveld refinement. The analytical results obtained will contribute to differentiate lead white qualities and to highlight the artist's technique.

  14. Chemours Pompton Lakes Works Site, Pompton Lakes, NJ

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company is located at 2000 Cannonball Road, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. The DuPont Pompton Lakes Works site (DuPont) occupies approximately 570 acres of land in Pompton Lakes and Wanaque.

  15. La reconstruction du sourcil par greffon composite du cuir chevelu: une astuce pour faciliter la technique

    PubMed Central

    El Omari, Mounia; El Mazouz, Samir; Gharib, Noureddine; EL Abbassi, Abdallah

    2015-01-01

    Les sourcils jouent un rôle important dans l’équilibre esthétique du visage. Leur reconstruction ou ophriopoïése, après séquelle de brûlure fait partie intégrante du programme de réhabilitation de la face brûlée. Plusieurs techniques ont été décrites. Nous insistons ici sur l'intérêt d'une technique simple, à la portée de tous les chirurgiens, et dont la méthode et les résultats peuvent être améliorés par un dessin bien planifié des zones donneuse et receveuse: la greffe composite prélevée au niveau du cuir chevelu dessinée à l'aide d'un calque du sourcil controlatéral. PMID:26401195

  16. Duck "beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome" disease complex: Interplay of novel goose parvovirus-related virus and duck circovirus?

    PubMed

    Li, P; Li, J; Zhang, R; Chen, J; Wang, W; Lan, J; Xie, Z; Jiang, S

    2018-04-01

    As a newly emerged infectious disease, duck "beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome (BADS)" disease has caused huge economic losses to waterfowl industry in China since 2015. Novel goose parvovirus-related virus (NGPV) is believed the main pathogen of BADS disease; however, BADS is rarely reproduced by infecting ducks with NGPV alone. As avian circovirus infection causes clinical symptoms similar to BADS, duck circovirus (DuCV) is suspected the minor pathogen of BADS disease. In this study, an investigation was carried out to determine the coinfection of NGPV and DuCV in duck embryos and in ducks with BADS disease. According to our study, the coinfection of emerging NGPV and DuCV was prevalent in East China (Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui province) and could be vertical transmitted, indicating their cooperative roles in duck BADS disease. © 2018 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  17. Selection and life history traits of tebufenozide-resistant sugarcane borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

    PubMed

    Akbar, W; Ottea, J A; Beuzelin, J M; Reagan, T E; Huang, F

    2008-12-01

    Varying susceptibility to tebufenozide was recorded in the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), collected from Louisiana sugarcane locations with different selection pressures. Results from diet incorporation bioassays with tebufenozide indicated significant increases in LC50 (3.78-fold) and LC90 (7-fold) values for a colony from Duson (DU), an area with higher selection pressure, compared with a colony from Alexandria (ALEX), an area with no selection pressure. Differences were not detected in LC50 values among colonies from areas where use of tebufenozide was discontinued or rotated with other chemistries. Selections with tebufenozide of DU larvae over 12 generations resulted in a highly resistant colony (DU-R) with 27.1- and 83.3-fold increases in LC50 and LC90 values, respectively. Comparison of pupal weight, days to pupation, and emergence after exposure to an equitoxic (LC20) concentration of tebufenozide revealed a decrease in pupal weight (34 and 33% for males and females, respectively), and an increase in days to pupation (47 and 40% for males and females, respectively), and emergence (43 and 33% for males and females, respectively) for the DU-R colony compared with the parent DU colony. Fecundity of DU-R females decreased to 72 eggs per female compared with 180 (DU) and 261 (ALEX). Egg viability of the ALEX and DU colonies was 61 and 56%, respectively, whereas only 27% of eggs laid by females from the DU-R colony hatched. These results are discussed in terms of their practical implications for control of D. saccharalis in Louisiana sugarcane.

  18. Mycophenolate mofetil modulates adhesion receptors of the beta1 integrin family on tumor cells: impact on tumor recurrence and malignancy

    PubMed Central

    Engl, Tobias; Makarević, Jasmina; Relja, Borna; Natsheh, Iyad; Müller, Iris; Beecken, Wolf-Dietrich; Jonas, Dietger; Blaheta, Roman A

    2005-01-01

    Background Tumor development remains one of the major obstacles following organ transplantation. Immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus directly contribute to enhanced malignancy, whereas the influence of the novel compound mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on tumor cell dissemination has not been explored. We therefore investigated the adhesion capacity of colon, pancreas, prostate and kidney carcinoma cell lines to endothelium, as well as their beta1 integrin expression profile before and after MMF treatment. Methods Tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cell monolayers was evaluated in the presence of 0.1 and 1 μM MMF and compared to unstimulated controls. beta1 integrin analysis included alpha1beta1 (CD49a), alpha2beta1 (CD49b), alpha3beta1 (CD49c), alpha4beta1 (CD49d), alpha5beta1 (CD49e), and alpha6beta1 (CD49f) receptors, and was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results Adhesion of the colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 was strongly reduced in the presence of 0.1 μM MMF. This effect was accompanied by down-regulation of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression and of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 coding mRNA. Adhesion of the prostate tumor cell line DU-145 was blocked dose-dependently by MMF. In contrast to MMF's effects on HT-29 cells, MMF dose-dependently up-regulated alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha3beta1, and alpha5beta1 on DU-145 tumor cell membranes. Conclusion We conclude that MMF possesses distinct anti-tumoral properties, particularly in colon and prostate carcinoma cells. Adhesion blockage of HT-29 cells was due to the loss of alpha3beta1 and alpha6beta1 surface expression, which might contribute to a reduced invasive behaviour of this tumor entity. The enhancement of integrin beta1 subtypes observed in DU-145 cells possibly causes re-differentiation towards a low-invasive phenotype. PMID:15644133

  19. Mise à jour sur le nouveau vaccin 9-valent pour la prévention du virus du papillome humain

    PubMed Central

    Yang, David Yi; Bracken, Keyna

    2016-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Informer les médecins de famille quant à l’efficacité, à l’innocuité, aux effets sur la santé publique et à la rentabilité du vaccin 9-valent contre le virus du papillome humain (VPH). Qualité des données Des articles pertinents publiés dans PubMed jusqu’en mai 2015 ont été examinés et analysés. La plupart des données citées sont de niveau I (essais randomisés et contrôlés et méta-analyses) ou de niveau II (études transversales, cas-témoins et épidémiologiques). Des rapports et recommandations du gouvernement sont aussi cités en référence. Message principal Le vaccin 9-valent contre le VPH, qui offre une protection contre les types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 et 58 du VPH, est sûr et efficace et réduira encore plus l’incidence des infections à VPH, de même que les cas de cancer lié au VPH. Il peut également protéger indirectement les personnes non immunisées par l’entremise du phénomène d’immunité collective. Un programme d’immunisation efficace peut prévenir la plupart des cancers du col de l’utérus. Les analyses montrent que la rentabilité du vaccin 9-valent chez les femmes est comparable à celle du vaccin quadrivalent original contre le VPH (qui protège contre les types 6, 11, 16 et 18 du VPH) en usage à l’heure actuelle. Toutefois, il faut investiguer plus en profondeur l’utilité d’immuniser les garçons avec le vaccin 9-valent contre le VPH. Conclusion en plus d’être sûr, le vaccin 9-valent protège mieux contre le VPH que le vaccin quadrivalent. Une analyse coûtefficacité en favorise l’emploi, du moins chez les adolescentes. Ainsi, les médecins devraient recommander le vaccin 9-valent à leurs patients plutôt que le vaccin quadrivalent contre le VPH.

  20. Pseudarthrose de l'extrémité inférieure du fémur traitée par mégaprothèse: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature

    PubMed Central

    Elidrissi, Mohammed; Hammou, Nassereddine; Shimi, Mohammed; Elibrahimi, Abdelhalim; Elmrini, Abdelmajid

    2013-01-01

    Les pseudarthroses de l'extrémité distale du fémur sont relativement rares du fait de la qualité de la vascularisation de cette région. La prise en charge d'une telle complication pose un certain nombre de difficultés. Le traitement chirurgical fait appel à plusieurs techniques conservatrices, le traitement par prothèse peut s'avérer utile quand la perte de substance est importante chez le sujet âgé. L'objectif de ce travail est de discuter l'intérêt de la mégaprothèse du genou dans le traitement de la pseudarthrose de l'extrémité distale du fémur, à travers l’étude de l'observation d'une patiente et revue de la littérature. Il s'agit d'une patiente âgée de 62 ans qui présente une pseudarthrose de l'extrémité distale du fémur gauche. Sur le plan clinique la patiente présente des douleurs du genou gauche, avec gène fonctionnelle importante. Le score de l'IKS préopératoire était de 60. Elle a bénéficié d'un remplacement prothétique par une mégaprothèse du genou. En postopératoire la flexion du genou était à 90°, le score de l'IKS était de 130. A travers l’étude de cette observation, et la revue de la littérature, nous pensons que l'utilisation de mégaprothèse du genou, constitue une solution efficace et durable pour le traitement des pseudarthroses du fémur distal et particulièrement chez le sujet âgé. Cette technique permet de répondre aux impératifs d'un tel aléa de la consolidation: lutter contre la douleur et garantir une mobilité satisfaisante permettant de répondre aux besoins de la vie quotidienne du patient et ainsi améliorer sa qualité de vie. PMID:24396555

  1. Analyse de L'ancrage des Vortex Intergrains pour le Yttrium BARYUM(2) CUIVRE(3) OXYGENE(7) Polycristallin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fournier, Patrick

    Le Modele de l'Etat Critique Generalise (MECG) est utilise pour decrire les proprietes magnetiques et de transport du YBa_2Cu_3O _7 polycristallin. Ce modele empirique permet de relier la densite de courant critique a la densite de lignes de flux penetrant dans la region intergrain. Deux techniques de mesures sont utilisees pour caracteriser nos materiaux. La premiere consiste a mesurer le champ au centre d'un cylindre creux en fonction du champ magnetique applique pour des temperatures comprises entre 20 et 85K. En variant l'epaisseur de la paroi du cylindre creux, il est possible de suivre l'evolution des cycles d'hysteresis et de determiner des champs caracteristiques qui varient en fonction de cette dimension. En utilisant un lissage des resultats experimentaux, nous determinons J _{co}, H_ {o} et n, les parametres du MECG. La forme des cylindres, avec une longueur comparable au diametre externe, entrai ne la presence d'un champ demagnetisant qui peut etre inclus dans le modele theorique. Ceci nous permet d'evaluer la fraction du volume ecrante, f _{g}, ainsi que le facteur demagnetisant N. Nous trouvons que J_{ co}, H_{o} et f_{g} dependent de la temperature, tandis que n et N (pour une epaisseur de paroi fixe) n'en dependent pas. La deuxieme technique consiste a mesurer le courant critique de lames minces en fonction du champ applique pour differentes temperatures. Nous utilisons un montage que nous avons developpe permettant d'effectuer ces mesures en contact direct avec le liquide refrigerant, i.e. dans l'azote liquide. Nous varions la temperature du liquide en variant la pression du gaz au-dessus du bain d'azote. Cette methode nous permet de balayer des temperatures entre 65K et la temperature critique du materiau ({~ }92K). Nous effectuons le lissage des courbes de courant critique en fonction du champ applique encore a l'aide du MECG, pour a nouveau obtenir ses parametres. Pour trois echantillons avec des traitements thermiques differents, les parametres sont differents confirmant que la variation des proprietes macroscopiques de ces supraconducteurs est intimement reliee a la nature des jonctions entre les grains et de la surface des grains. L'oxygenation prolongee retablit les proprietes initiales des echantillons qui se sont degrades durant le recuit des contacts.

  2. Proteomic exploration of the impacts of pomegranate fruit juice on the global gene expression of prostate cancer cell.

    PubMed

    Lee, Song-Tay; Wu, Yi-Ling; Chien, Lan-Hsiang; Chen, Szu-Ting; Tzeng, Yu-Kai; Wu, Ting-Feng

    2012-11-01

    Prostate cancer has been known to be the second highest cause of death in cancer among men. Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols with the potent antioxidant activity and inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and promotes apoptosis in various cancer cells. This study demonstrated that pomegranate fruit juice could effectively hinder the proliferation of human prostate cancer DU145 cell. The results of apoptotic analyses implicated that fruit juice might trigger the apoptosis in DU145 cells via death receptor signaling and mitochondrial damage pathway. In this study, we exploited 2DE-based proteomics to compare nine pairs of the proteome maps collected from untreated and treated DU145 cells to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Comparative proteomics indicated that 11 proteins were deregulated in affected DU145 cells with three upregulated and eight downregulated proteins. These dys-regulated proteins participated in cytoskeletal functions, antiapoptosis, proteasome activity, NF-κB signaling, cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Western immunoblotting were implemented to confirm the deregulated proteins and the downstream signaling proteins. The analytical results of this study help to provide insight into the molecular mechanism of inducing prostate cancer cell apoptosis by pomegranate fruit juice and to develop a novel mechanism-based chemopreventive strategy for prostate cancer. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Artificial recharge through a well in fissured carbonate rock, west St. Paul, Minnesota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Reeder, Harold O.; Wood, Warren W.; Ehrlich, G.G.; Sun, Ren Jen

    1976-01-01

    The injection test demonstrated that it is hydrologically feasible to recharge the Prairie du Chien Group and the Jordan Sandstone artificially through wells completed in the Prairie du Chien Group. The fissures in the Prairie du Chien Group act as conduits through which water spreads. The water passes into the Jordan Sandstone from the Prairie du Chien over a larger area than it would if it were injected directly into the Jordan.

  4. Evolution of a tissue-specific splicing network

    PubMed Central

    Taliaferro, J. Matthew; Alvarez, Nehemiah; Green, Richard E.; Blanchette, Marco; Rio, Donald C.

    2011-01-01

    Alternative splicing of precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) is a strategy employed by most eukaryotes to increase transcript and proteomic diversity. Many metazoan splicing factors are members of multigene families, with each member having different functions. How these highly related proteins evolve unique properties has been unclear. Here we characterize the evolution and function of a new Drosophila splicing factor, termed LS2 (Large Subunit 2), that arose from a gene duplication event of dU2AF50, the large subunit of the highly conserved heterodimeric general splicing factor U2AF (U2-associated factor). The quickly evolving LS2 gene has diverged from the splicing-promoting, ubiquitously expressed dU2AF50 such that it binds a markedly different RNA sequence, acts as a splicing repressor, and is preferentially expressed in testes. Target transcripts of LS2 are also enriched for performing testes-related functions. We therefore propose a path for the evolution of a new splicing factor in Drosophila that regulates specific pre-mRNAs and contributes to transcript diversity in a tissue-specific manner. PMID:21406555

  5. Allier théorie et pratique dans la lutte contre la pandémie du Sida

    PubMed Central

    Zerbo, Roger

    2014-01-01

    Le premier cas d'infection par le VIH a été notifié en 1986 au Burkina Faso. L'ignorance qui entourait cette infection et l'absence de traitement curatif a amplifié ses conséquences sociales et économiques. La mise en œuvre des interventions communautaire est un enjeu majeur actuel qui recommande la compréhension des logiques sociales endogènes qui influencent les comportements individuels et collectifs. C'est en cela que l'implication des sciences sociales dans la lutte contre les maladies, en particulier le Sida constitue un enjeu, en termes de définition et d'identification de leur contribution. Dans notre propos, nous pouvons mettre en évidence trois niveaux de contribution des sciences sociales, notamment la sociologie, l'anthropologie, la psychologie et dans une certaine mesure le droit et l’économie, à la prévention du Sida et la prise en charge des personnes infectées par le VIH. Il faut noter que ces disciplines contribuent à la lutte contre le VIH d'une part, par des réflexions et des éléments d'analyses constructives, et d'autre part, l'aptitude des porteurs de ces disciplines est parfois sollicitée pour l'efficacité de la mise en œuvre des actions et l'organisation des systèmes de soins. PMID:25722761

  6. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: DuPont Imaging Department in Parlin, New Jersey

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    DuPont has owned and operated a chemical manufacturing plant on Cheesequake Road in Parlin, New Jersey, since 1904. DuPont manufactured a variety of products at the plant including, photographic films, automotive paints, pigments, adhesives, thinners,

  7. Zebrafish exposure to environmentally relevant concentration of depleted uranium impairs progeny development at the molecular and histological levels

    PubMed Central

    Gombeau, Kewin; Murat El Houdigui, Sophia; Floriani, Magali; Camilleri, Virginie; Cavalie, Isabelle; Adam-Guillermin, Christelle

    2017-01-01

    Uranium is an actinide naturally found in the environment. Anthropogenic activities lead to the release of increasing amounts of uranium and depleted uranium (DU) in the environment, posing potential risks to aquatic organisms due to radiological and chemical toxicity of this radionucleide. Although environmental contaminations with high levels of uranium have already been observed, chronic exposures of non-human species to levels close to the environmental quality standards remain scarcely characterized. The present study focused on the identification of the molecular pathways impacted by a chronic exposure of zebrafish to 20 μg/L of DU during 10 days. The transcriptomic effects were evaluated by the use of the mRNAseq analysis in three organs of adult zebrafish, the brain the testis and the ovaries, and two developmental stages of the adult fish progeny, two-cells embryo and four-days larvae. The results highlight generic effects on the cell adhesion process, but also specific transcriptomic responses depending on the organ or the developmental stage investigated. The analysis of the transgenerational effects of DU-exposure on the four-day zebrafish larvae demonstrate an induction of genes involved in oxidative response (cat, mpx, sod1 and sod2), a decrease of expression of the two hatching enzymes (he1a and he1b), the deregulation of the expression of gene coding for the ATPase complex and the induction of cellular stress. Electron microscopy analysis of skeletal muscles on the four-days larvae highlights significant histological impacts on the ultrastructure of both the mitochondria and the myofibres. In addition, the comparison with the transcriptomic data obtained for the acetylcholine esterase mutant reveals the induction of protein-chaperons in the skeletal muscles of the progeny of fish chronically exposed to DU, pointing towards long lasting effects of this chemical in the muscles. The results presented in this study support the hypothesis that a chronic parental exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of DU could impair the progeny development with significant effects observed both at the molecular level and on the histological ultrastructure of organs. This study provides a comprehensive transcriptomic dataset useful for ecotoxicological studies on other fish species at the molecular level. It also provides a key DU responsive gene, egr1, which may be a candidate biomarker for monitoring aquatic pollution by heavy metals. PMID:28531178

  8. Measures of Residential Energy Consumption and their Relationships to DOE Policy,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-11-01

    on consumer behavior is inconclusive. Du Pont and Lord report that "a large percentage of consumers either ignore or misinterpret the labels (du...residential per capita energy consumption. 2. Implications Consumer behavior with respect to energy efficiency remains poorly understood and the proper...question by studies of consumer behavior . The results are also subject to numerical instability. Descriptive statistics can be helpful in interpreting the

  9. Success in the Works: A Profile of Canada's Emerging Workforce = Le nouveau mode d'emploi: Profil de la croissance du marche du travail.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Canada Employment and Immigration Commission, Ottawa (Ontario).

    This study, in English and French, analyzes the trends emerging in labor demand and supply in Canada, and examines the challenges to preparing an adequately trained and prepared workforce. The economy and the labor force seem to be developing along divergent paths, creating a potential gap between the flexibility and skills of workers and the…

  10. Surveillance Duplex Ultrasonography of Stent Grafts for Popliteal Aneurysms.

    PubMed

    Pineda, Danielle M; Troutman, Douglas A; Dougherty, Matthew J; Calligaro, Keith D

    2016-05-01

    Stent grafts, also known as covered stents, have become an increasingly acceptable treatment for popliteal artery aneurysms. However, endovascular exclusion confers lower primary patency compared to traditional open bypass and exclusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether duplex ultrasonography (DU) can reliably diagnose failing stent grafts placed for popliteal artery aneurysms prior to occlusion. Between June 5, 2007, and March 11, 2014, 21 stent grafts (Viabahn; Gore, Flagstaff, Arizona) were placed in 19 patients for popliteal artery aneurysms. All patients had at least 1 follow-up duplex scan postoperatively. Mean follow-up was 28.9 months (9-93 months). Postoperative DU surveillance was performed in our Intersocietal Accreditation Commission noninvasive vascular laboratory at 1 week postprocedure and every 6 months thereafter. Duplex ultrasonography measured peak systolic velocities (PSVs) and ratio of adjacent PSVs (Vr) every 5 cm within the stent graft and adjacent arteries. We retrospectively classified the following factors as "abnormal DU findings": focal PSV > 300 cm/s, uniform PSVs < 50 cm/s throughout the graft, and Vr > 3.0. These DU criteria were derived from laboratory-specific data that we previously published on failing stent grafts placed for lower extremity occlusive disease. Four of the 21 stent grafts presented with symptomatic graft thrombosis within 6 months of a normal DU. Three of these 4 patients presented with rest pain and underwent thrombectomy (2) or vein bypass (1), and 1 elected for nonintervention for claudication. Our results suggest that surveillance DU using criteria established for grafts placed for occlusive disease may not be useful for predicting stent graft failure in popliteal artery aneurysms. © The Author(s) 2016.

  11. Meta-analysis of depleted uranium levels in the Middle East region.

    PubMed

    Bešić, Larisa; Muhović, Imer; Mrkulić, Fatima; Spahić, Lemana; Omanović, Ammar; Kurtovic-Kozaric, Amina

    2018-06-08

    Since the first widespread use of depleted uranium in military in the 1991 Gulf War, the so-called "Gulf War Syndrome" has been a topic of ongoing debate. However, a low number of reliable scientific papers demonstrating the extent of possible contamination as well as its connection to the health status of residents and deployed veterans has been published. The authors of this study have therefore aimed to make a selection of data based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. With the goal of clarifying the extent of DU contamination after the Gulf Wars, previously published data regarding the levels of DU in the Middle East region were analyzed and presented in the form of a meta-analysis. In addition, the authors attempted to make a correlation between the DU levels and their possible effects on afflicted populations. According to results observed by comparing 234 U/ 238 U and 235 U/ 238 U isotopic activity ratios, as well as 235 U/ 238 U mass ratios in air, water, soil and food samples among the countries in the Middle East region, areas indicating contamination with DU were Al Doha, Manageesh and Um Al Kwaty in Kuwait, Al-Salman, Al-Nukhaib and Karbala in Iraq, Beirut in Lebanon and Sinai in Egypt. According to these data, no DU contamination was observed in Algeria, Israel, Afghanistan, Oman, Qatar, Iran, and Yemen. Due to the limited number of reliable data on the health status of afflicted populations, it was not possible to make a correlation between DU levels and health effects in the Middle East region. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  12. Efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Pyun, Jong Hyun; Kang, Sung Gu; Kang, Seok Ho; Cheon, Jun; Kim, Je Jong; Lee, Jeong Gu

    2017-09-01

    We aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of men who had urodynamic evidence of detrusor underactivity (DU) or detrusor overactivity (DO) of a non-neurogenic etiology as well as bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and who underwent Holmium Laser Enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). A database of 322 patients who underwent HoLEP between 2010 and 2014 was analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to the results of a preoperative urodynamic study. Preoperative parameters such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) index, IPSS grade, uroflowmetry were compared with postoperative parameters measured at 6 months. There were 138 patients with BOO-only and 89 patients with BOO and detrusor dysfunction including 56 with DO and 33 with DU. The degree of improvement in IPSS-total (BOO: 10.7, DO: 8.3, DU: 7.0; p = 0.023) was greater in the BOO-only group than in the DU group. There were more patients whose IPSS grade improved in the BOO-only group (71%) than in the detrusor dysfunction group (DO: 53.6% and DU: 45.5%). Postoperative IPSS-voiding (4.5 vs 7.0), and Qmax (18 vs 13.7) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than those in the DU group. Additionally, postoperative IPSS-storage (4.7 vs 6.7), and IPSS-total (9.1 vs 12.3) in the BOO-only group were significantly better than in the DO group (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, early surgical management for men with severe LUTS and associated BPH before secondary degeneration occurs may be beneficial for preserving detrusor function and yield better treatment outcomes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

  13. Systolic arterial blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation velocity, high definition oscillometry, and Doppler ultrasonography in dogs with naturally occurring degenerative mitral valve disease.

    PubMed

    Hanzlicek, A S; Baumwart, R D; Payton, M E

    2016-09-01

    To determine if systolic blood pressure estimated by mitral regurgitation (MR) velocity can be used interchangeably with that estimated by high definition oscillometry (HDO) and Doppler ultrasonography (DU) in dogs with naturally occurring mitral valve disease (MVD). Forty-nine client-owned dogs with naturally occurring MVD. This is a retrospective study. Medical records were reviewed and dogs with MR caused by degenerative MVD were included if systolic blood pressure was estimated from MR velocity determined by continuous wave Doppler (CW), DU and HDO at the same visit. A Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was determined for each combination of measures and tested for significance with a paired t-test. Limits of agreement between 2 measures were determined by the 95% confidence interval of the average difference of the means and illustrated by Bland-Altman plots. Systolic pressure estimated from CW was significantly but only moderately correlated to DU (r = 0.42, p=0.0015) and HDO (r = 0.40, p=0.0021). Pressure estimated from DU was significantly but only moderately correlated to HDO (r = 0.57, p≤0.0001). Limits of agreement were wide for all measures including DU and CW (-61.9to 44.6 mmHg), HDO and CW (-65.2to 26.9 mmHg), and HDO and DU (-63.1 to 42.06 mmHg). Systolic blood pressure estimated by CW cannot be used interchangeably with HDO or DU in dogs with naturally occurring MVD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Depleted uranium exposure and health effects in Gulf War veterans

    PubMed Central

    Squibb, Katherine S; McDiarmid, Melissa A

    2006-01-01

    Health effects stemming from depleted uranium (DU) exposure in a cohort of Gulf War veterans who were in or on US Army vehicles hit by friendly fire involving DU munitions are being carefully monitored through the Baltimore Veterans Affairs (VA) DU Follow-Up Program initiated in 1993. DU exposure in this cohort has been directly measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) isotopic analysis for DU in urine specimens. Soldiers with embedded DU fragments continue to excrete elevated concentrations of U in their urine, documenting ongoing systemic exposure to U released from their fragments. Biennial surveillance visits provide a detailed health assessment that includes basic clinical measures and surveillance for early changes in kidney function, an expected target organ for U. Tests also include measurements of genotoxicity and neuroendocrine, neurocognitive and reproductive function. With the exception of the elevated urine U excretion, no clinically significant expected U-related health effects have been identified to date. Subtle changes in renal function and genotoxicity markers in veterans with urine U concentrations greater than 0.1 μg−1 creatinine, however, indicate the need for continued surveillance of these DU-exposed veterans. PMID:16687268

  15. Molecular cloning, expression and characterization of Pekin duck interferon-λ.

    PubMed

    Yao, Qingxia; Fischer, Karl P; Arnesen, Karina; Tyrrell, D Lorne; Gutfreund, Klaus S

    2014-09-10

    Interferons (IFNs) are the first line of defense against viral infections in vertebrates. Type III interferon (IFN-λ) is recognized for its key role in innate immunity of tissues of epithelial origin. Here we describe the identification of the Pekin duck IFN-λ ortholog (duIFN-λ). The predicted duIFN-λ protein has an amino acid identity of 63%, 38%, 37% and 33% with chicken IFN-λ and human IFN-λ3, IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ1, respectively. The duck genome contains a single IFN-λ gene that is comprised of five exons and four introns. Recombinant duIFN-λ up-regulated OASL and Mx-1 mRNA in primary duck hepatocytes. Our observations suggest evolutionary conservation of genomic organization and structural features implicated in receptor binding and antiviral activity. The identification and expression of duIFN-λ will facilitate further study of the role of type III IFN in antiviral defense and inflammatory responses of the Pekin duck, a non-mammalian vertebrate and pathogen host with relevance for human and animal health. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Physicochemical characterization of Capstone depleted uranium aerosols IV: in vitro solubility analysis.

    PubMed

    Guilmette, Raymond A; Cheng, Yung Sung

    2009-03-01

    As part of the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study, the solubility of selected aerosol samples was measured using an accepted in vitro dissolution test system. This static system was employed along with a SUF (synthetic ultrafiltrate) solvent, which is designed to mimic the physiological chemistry of extracellular fluid. Using sequentially obtained solvent samples, the dissolution behavior over a 46-d test period was evaluated by fitting the measurement data to two- or three-component negative exponential functions. These functions were then compared with Type M and S absorption taken from the International Commission on Radiological Protection Publication 66 Human Respiratory Tract Model. The results indicated that there was a substantial variability in solubility of the aerosols, which in part depended on the type of armor being impacted by the DU penetrator and the particle size fraction being tested. Although some trends were suggested, the variability noted leads to uncertainties in predicting the solubility of other DU-based aerosols. Nevertheless, these data provide a useful experimental basis for modeling the intake-dose relationships for inhaled DU aerosols arising from penetrator impact on armored vehicles.

  17. CFD Simulations of a Ferry in Head Seas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-03-01

    la durée de vie en fatigue globale du navire. Il est important, pour la conception, l’exploitation et la gestion du cycle de ...vibration de frottement qui exerce une contrainte sur la structure de coque primaire et qui a un effet défavorable sur la durée de vie en fatigue globale du ...laquelle ne peut simuler directement la physique du tossage. Le présent rapport contient les résultats d’une étude faisant

  18. Development of Measures of Effectiveness and Performance from Cognitive Work Analysis Products

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-02-01

    la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2012 DRDC Atlantic CR 2011...le nouveau concept du système. Ce rapport vise à déterminer si les résultats du travail de conception peuvent aider à élaborer des mesures de ...l’information (IIDS). Le contrat actuel comportait deux objectifs : élaborer des mesures de l’efficacité (MOE) et du rendement (MOP) pour

  19. Induction of apoptosis by N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide and its association with reactive oxygen species, nuclear retinoic acid receptors, and apoptosis-related genes in human prostate carcinoma cells.

    PubMed

    Sun, S Y; Yue, P; Lotan, R

    1999-03-01

    The synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) has been shown to induce apoptosis in various malignant cells including human prostate carcinoma cells (HPC). We examined several possible mechanisms by which 4HPR could induce apoptosis in HPC cells. 4HPR exhibited concentration- and time-dependent decrease in cell number both in androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and -independent (DU145 and PC-3) cells. The 4HPR concentrations causing 50% decrease in cell number in LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 cultures were 0.9 +/- 0.16, 4.4 +/- 0.45, and 3.0 +/- 1.0 microM, respectively, indicating that LNCaP cells were more sensitive to 4HPR than the other cells. 4HPR-induced apoptosis in all three cell lines was evidenced by increased enzymatic labeling of DNA breaks and formation of a DNA ladder. 4HPR increased the level of reactive oxygen species, especially in LNCaP cells. 4HPR-induced apoptosis could be suppressed in LNCaP cells by antioxidant and in DU145 cells by a nuclear retinoic acid receptor-specific antagonist, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species or retinoic acid receptors in mediating apoptosis induced by 4HPR in the different HPC cells. Furthermore, 4HPR modulated the expression levels of some apoptosis-related gene (p21, c-myc, and c-jun), which may also contribute to the induction of apoptosis by 4HPR in HPC cells.

  20. Contribution a la comprehension de la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons contenant de la cendre volante et du laitier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Houehanou, Ernesto C.

    L'incorporation des ajouts cimentaires dans le beton est connue pour ses avantages technologiques et environnementaux. Pour assurer une plus grande utilisation des ajouts cimentaires, il faut accroitre la connaissance dans ce domaine surtout les facteurs relatifs a la durabilite des ouvrages construits avec les betons contenant des ajouts mineraux. Jusqu'a present, la plupart des etudes sur les betons contenant de la cendre volante et du laitier semble s'accorder sur leur moins bonne durabilite a l'ecaillage surtout lorsqu'on les compare au beton ordinaire. Les raisons de cette moins bonne performance ne sont pas toutes connues et cela limite bien des fois l'incorporation de la cendre volante et de laitier dans le beton pour des ouvrages fortement exposes aux cycles de gel-degel en presence de sels fondants. Cette these vise la comprehension des problematiques de la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons contenant des ajouts cimentaires tels la cendre volante et le laitier. Les objectifs sont de mieux comprendre la representativite et la severite relative des essais normalises ASTM C672 et NQ 2621-900 pour l'evaluation de la durabilite a l'ecaillage de ces betons, d'etudier l'influence de la methode de murissement sur la durabilite a l'ecaillage et d'etudier la relation entre la durabilite a l'ecaillage et la sorptivite des surfaces de beton ainsi que la particularite de la microstructure des betons contenant de la cendre volante. Cinq types de betons a air entraine contenant 25% et 35% de cendre volante et laitier ainsi que 1% et 2% de fumee de silice ont ete produits, muris selon differentes methodes et soumis a des essais acceleres selon les deux procedures normalisees ainsi qu'un essai de sorptivite. Les differentes methodes de murissement sont choisies de facon a mettre en evidence aussi bien l'influence des parametres des essais que celle de la methode de murissement elle-meme. La durabilite en laboratoire des betons testes a ete comparee avec celle de betons similaires apres 4 et 6 annees de service. La microstructure des betons en service a ete analysee au moyen du microscope a balayage electronique (MEB). Les resultats montrent que la qualite du murissement influence grandement la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons contenant de la cendre volante et de laitier surtout lorsqu'ils sont soumis ' aux essais acceleres en laboratoire. La duree du pretraitement humide est un parametre cle de la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons testes en laboratoire. Le pretraitement humide correspond a la duree totale du murissement humide (100% HR) et de la periode de presaturation. Pour les deux methodes d'essai, l'allongement du pretraitement humide a 28 jours ameliore la resistance a l'ecaillage de tous les types de betons et en particulier celle des betons avec cendres volantes. Pour les deux methodes d'essai, l'allongement du pretraitement humide a 28 jours ameliore la resistance a l'ecaillage de tous les types de betons et en particulier celle des betons avec cendres volantes. La periode de presaturation de 7 jours de la procedure NQ 2621-900 a un effet similaire a celui d'un murissement humide de meme longueur. Un murissement humide de 28 jours apparait optimal et conduit a une estimation plus realiste de la resistance a l'ecaillage reelle des betons. Pour une meme duree de pretraitement humide, les procedures NQ 2621-900 et ASTM C672 donnent des resultats equivalents. L'utilisation d'un moule a fond drainant n'a pas d'effet sur la resistance a l'ecaillage des betons de cette etude. Bien que le murissement dans l'eau saturee de chaux offre toute l'eau requise pour favoriser le developpement des proprietes du beton et l'amelioration de sa durabilite a l'ecaillage, elle lessive cependant les ions alcalins ce qui diminue defavorablement l'alcalinite et le pH de la solution interstitielle de la pate de ciment pres de la surface exposee. L'utilisation d'un agent de murissement protege mieux les betons contenant de la cendre volante et ameliore significativement leurs resistances a l'ecaillage mais elle a tendance a reduire la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons contenant de laitier. Pour developper une bonne resistance a l'ecaillage, il est essentiel de produire une surface de beton impermeable qui resiste a la penetration de l'eau externe. La permeabilite et la porosite de la peau du beton sont etroitement liees a la sorptivite. L' allongement de la duree de murissement humide des betons avec ajouts cimentaires diminue systematiquement la sorptivite et ameliore leur durabilite a l'ecaillage, particulierement dans le cas des betons avec cendres volantes. Les resultats montrent qu'il existe une bonne correlation entre les resultats des essais d'ecaillage et les mesures de sorptivite. La correlation etablie entre la sorptivite et la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons, l'effet • determinant de la carbonatation sur la durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons avec cendres volantes ainsi que l'explication de l'origine de la difference de severite entre les essais ASTM C-672 et NQ 2621-900 sont les contributions scientifiques de cette these. Au plan technique et industriel, elle met en evidence le mode de murissement qui favorise une meilleure durabilite a l'ecaillage des betons et suggere une methode de caracterisation en laboratoire qui ferait une meilleure prediction du comportement en service. Mots cles : Beton, cendre volante, laitier, durabilite, ecaillage, murissement, sorptivite

  1. Developmental Stage, Muscle and Genetic Type Modify Muscle Transcriptome in Pigs: Effects on Gene Expression and Regulatory Factors Involved in Growth and Metabolism.

    PubMed

    Ayuso, Miriam; Fernández, Almudena; Núñez, Yolanda; Benítez, Rita; Isabel, Beatriz; Fernández, Ana I; Rey, Ana I; González-Bulnes, Antonio; Medrano, Juan F; Cánovas, Ángela; López-Bote, Clemente J; Óvilo, Cristina

    2016-01-01

    Iberian pig production includes purebred (IB) and Duroc-crossbred (IBxDU) pigs, which show important differences in growth, fattening and tissue composition. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of genetic type and muscle (Longissimus dorsi (LD) vs Biceps femoris (BF)) on gene expression and transcriptional regulation at two developmental stages. Nine IB and 10 IBxDU piglets were slaughtered at birth, and seven IB and 10 IBxDU at four months of age (growing period). Carcass traits and LD intramuscular fat (IMF) content were measured. Muscle transcriptome was analyzed on LD samples with RNA-Seq technology. Carcasses were smaller in IB than in IBxDU neonates (p < 0.001), while growing IB pigs showed greater IMF content (p < 0.05). Gene expression was affected (p < 0.01 and Fold change > 1.5) by the developmental stage (5,812 genes), muscle type (135 genes), and genetic type (261 genes at birth and 113 at growth). Newborns transcriptome reflected a highly proliferative developmental stage, while older pigs showed upregulation of catabolic and muscle functioning processes. Regarding the genetic type effect, IBxDU newborns showed enrichment of gene pathways involved in muscle growth, in agreement with the higher prenatal growth observed in these pigs. However, IB growing pigs showed enrichment of pathways involved in protein deposition and cellular growth, supporting the compensatory gain experienced by IB pigs during this period. Moreover, newborn and growing IB pigs showed more active glucose and lipid metabolism than IBxDU pigs. Moreover, LD muscle seems to have more active muscular and cell growth, while BF points towards lipid metabolism and fat deposition. Several regulators controlling transcriptome changes in both genotypes were identified across muscles and ages (SIM1, PVALB, MEFs, TCF7L2 or FOXO1), being strong candidate genes to drive expression and thus, phenotypic differences between IB and IBxDU pigs. Many of the identified regulators were known to be involved in muscle and adipose tissues development, but others not previously associated with pig muscle growth were also identified, as PVALB, KLF1 or IRF2. The present study discloses potential molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic differences observed between IB and IBxDU pigs and highlights candidate genes implicated in these molecular mechanisms.

  2. W. E. B. Du Bois at the center: from science, civil rights movement, to Black Lives Matter.

    PubMed

    Morris, Aldon

    2017-03-01

    I am honoured to present the 2016 British Journal of Sociology Annual Lecture at the London School of Economics. My lecture is based on ideas derived from my new book, The Scholar Denied: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Birth of Modern Sociology. In this essay I make three arguments. First, W.E.B. Du Bois and his Atlanta School of Sociology pioneered scientific sociology in the United States. Second, Du Bois pioneered a public sociology that creatively combined sociology and activism. Finally, Du Bois pioneered a politically engaged social science relevant for contemporary political struggles including the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement. © London School of Economics and Political Science 2017.

  3. The du Bois sign.

    PubMed

    Voelpel, James H; Muehlberger, Thomas

    2011-03-01

    According to the current literature, the term "du Bois sign" characterizes the condition of a shortened fifth finger as a symptom of congenital syphilis, Down syndrome, dyscrania, and encephalic malformation. Modern medical dictionaries and text books attribute the eponym to the French gynecologist Paul Dubois (1795-1871). Yet, a literature analysis revealed incorrect references to the person and unclear definitions of the term. Our findings showed that the origin of the term is based on observations made by the Swiss dermatologist Charles du Bois (1874-1947) in connection with congenital syphilis. In addition, a further eponymical fifth finger sign is closely associated with the du Bois sign. In conclusion, the du Bois sign has only limited diagnostic value and is frequently occurring in the normal healthy population.

  4. Révision de la sous-famille des Metaracoelophryinae de Puytorac 1972 (Oligohymenophora : Hoplytophryida : Hoplytophryidae), ciliés astomes du tube digestif d’oligochètes terricoles d’Afrique : description de cinq espèces nouvelles

    PubMed Central

    Fokam, Z.; Ngassam, P.; Nana, P.A.; Bricheux, G.; Bouchard, P.; Sime Ngando, T.

    2012-01-01

    Cinq nouvelles espèces de ciliés astomes, présentes dans le tube digestif de vers oligochètes du genre Alma du Cameroun, ont été décrites. Les techniques utilisées sont : l’observation vitale, la coloration au DAPI, la microscopie électronique à balayage et les imprégnations argentiques selon Fernandez Galiano, 1966. Ce travail confirme la présence des genres Paracoelophrya et Dicoelophrya dans le tube digestif des oligochètes du genre Alma du Gabon et du Cameroun ; il permet de faire une synthèse récapitulative de la sous-famille des Metaracoelophryinae. De plus, est confirmée l’homogénéité de ce groupe, et est reposée la question de la parenté phylogénétique des Hoplitophryida. PMID:22314239

  5. Etude thermo-hydraulique de l'ecoulement du moderateur dans le reacteur CANDU-6

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mehdi Zadeh, Foad

    Etant donne la taille (6,0 m x 7,6 m) ainsi que le domaine multiplement connexe qui caracterisent la cuve des reacteurs CANDU-6 (380 canaux dans la cuve), la physique qui gouverne le comportement du fluide moderateur est encore mal connue de nos jours. L'echantillonnage de donnees dans un reacteur en fonction necessite d'apporter des changements a la configuration de la cuve du reacteur afin d'y inserer des sondes. De plus, la presence d'une zone intense de radiations empeche l'utilisation des capteurs courants d'echantillonnage. En consequence, l'ecoulement du moderateur doit necessairement etre etudie a l'aide d'un modele experimental ou d'un modele numerique. Pour ce qui est du modele experimental, la fabrication et la mise en fonction de telles installations coutent tres cher. De plus, les parametres de la mise a l'echelle du systeme pour fabriquer un modele experimental a l'echelle reduite sont en contradiction. En consequence, la modelisation numerique reste une alternative importante. Actuellement, l'industrie nucleaire utilise une approche numerique, dite de milieu poreux, qui approxime le domaine par un milieu continu ou le reseau des tubes est remplace par des resistances hydrauliques distribuees. Ce modele est capable de decrire les phenomenes macroscopiques de l'ecoulement, mais ne tient pas compte des effets locaux ayant un impact sur l'ecoulement global, tel que les distributions de temperatures et de vitesses a proximite des tubes ainsi que des instabilites hydrodynamiques. Dans le contexte de la surete nucleaire, on s'interesse aux effets locaux autour des tubes de calandre. En effet, des simulations faites par cette approche predisent que l'ecoulement peut prendre plusieurs configurations hydrodynamiques dont, pour certaines, l'ecoulement montre un comportement asymetrique au sein de la cuve. Ceci peut provoquer une ebullition du moderateur sur la paroi des canaux. Dans de telles conditions, le coefficient de reactivite peut varier de maniere importante, se traduisant par l'accroissement de la puissance du reacteur. Ceci peut avoir des consequences majeures pour la surete nucleaire. Une modelisation CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) detaillee tenant compte des effets locaux s'avere donc necessaire. Le but de ce travail de recherche est de modeliser le comportement complexe de l'ecoulement du moderateur au sein de la cuve d'un reacteur nucleaire CANDU-6, notamment a proximite des tubes de calandre. Ces simulations servent a identifier les configurations possibles de l'ecoulement dans la calandre. Cette etude consiste ainsi a formuler des bases theoriques a l'origine des instabilites macroscopiques du moderateur, c.-a-d. des mouvements asymetriques qui peuvent provoquer l'ebullition du moderateur. Le defi du projet est de determiner l'impact de ces configurations de l'ecoulement sur la reactivite du reacteur CANDU-6.

  6. Radiological Risk Assessment of Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosols

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

    Hahn, Fletcher; Roszell, Laurie E.; Daxon, Eric G.

    2009-02-26

    Assessment of the health risk from exposure to aerosols of depleted uranium (DU) is an important outcome of the Capstone aerosol studies that established exposure ranges to personnel in armored combat vehicles perforated by DU munitions. Although the radiation exposure from DU is low, there is concern that DU deposited in the body may increase cancer rates. Radiation doses to various organs of the body resulting from the inhalation of DU aerosols measured in the Capstone studies were calculated using International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) models. Organs and tissues with the highest calculated committed equivalent 50-yr doses were lungmore » and extrathoracic tissues (nose and nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, mouth and thoracic lymph nodes). Doses to the bone surface and kidney were about 5 to 10% of the doses to the extrathoracic tissues. The methodologies of the ICRP International Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS) were used for determining the whole body cancer risk. Organ-specific risks were estimated using ICRP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodologies. Risks for crewmembers and first responders were determined for selected scenarios based on the time interval of exposure and for vehicle and armor type. The lung was the organ with the highest cancer mortality risk, accounting for about 97% of the risks summed from all organs. The highest mean lifetime risk for lung cancer for the scenario with the longest exposure time interval (2 h) was 0.42%. This risk is low compared with the natural or background risk of 7.35%. These risks can be significantly reduced by using an existing ventilation system (if operable) and by reducing personnel time in the vehicle immediately after perforation.« less

  7. KML001 Induces Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death in Prostate Cancer Cells via Oxidative Stress Pathway

    PubMed Central

    You, Dalsan; Kim, Yunlim; Jang, Myoung Jin; Lee, Chunwoo; Jeong, In Gab; Cho, Yong Mee; Hwang, Jung Jin; Hong, Jun Hyuk; Ahn, Hanjong; Kim, Choung-Soo

    2015-01-01

    We investigated the effects of KML001 (NaAsO2, sodium metaarsenite, Kominox), an orally bioavailable arsenic compound, on the growth and death of human prostate cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Growth inhibition was assessed by cytotoxicity assays in the presence or absence of inhibitor of apoptosis, inhibitor of autophagy or antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-cysteine to study mechanism of cell death induced by KML001 in PC3, DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Electron microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to study apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms. The DU145 xenograft model was used to determine the efficacy of KML001 in vivo. KML001 decreased the viability of cells and increased the percentage of annexin V-positive cells dose-dependently in prostate cancer cells, and LNCaP cells were more sensitive to KML001 than PC3 or DU145 cells. Electron microscopy revealed typical apoptotic characters and autophagic vacuoles in cells treated with KML001. Exposure to KML001 in prostate cancer cells induced apoptosis and autophagy in a time- and dose-dependent manner. KML001 induced dose-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and scavenging the reactive oxygen species with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine reduced LC3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. KML001 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the DU145 xenograft model. In addition, significant decrease of proliferation and significant increases of apoptosis and autophagy were observed in KML001-treated tumors than in vehicle-treated tumors. Exposure of human prostate cancer cells to KML001 induced both apoptosis and autophagic cell death via oxidative stress pathway. And KML001 had an antiproliferative effect on DU145 cells in xenograft mice. PMID:26352139

  8. KML001 Induces Apoptosis and Autophagic Cell Death in Prostate Cancer Cells via Oxidative Stress Pathway.

    PubMed

    You, Dalsan; Kim, Yunlim; Jang, Myoung Jin; Lee, Chunwoo; Jeong, In Gab; Cho, Yong Mee; Hwang, Jung Jin; Hong, Jun Hyuk; Ahn, Hanjong; Kim, Choung-Soo

    2015-01-01

    We investigated the effects of KML001 (NaAsO2, sodium metaarsenite, Kominox), an orally bioavailable arsenic compound, on the growth and death of human prostate cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Growth inhibition was assessed by cytotoxicity assays in the presence or absence of inhibitor of apoptosis, inhibitor of autophagy or antioxidant N-Acetyl-L-cysteine to study mechanism of cell death induced by KML001 in PC3, DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines. Electron microscopy, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to study apoptotic and autophagic mechanisms. The DU145 xenograft model was used to determine the efficacy of KML001 in vivo. KML001 decreased the viability of cells and increased the percentage of annexin V-positive cells dose-dependently in prostate cancer cells, and LNCaP cells were more sensitive to KML001 than PC3 or DU145 cells. Electron microscopy revealed typical apoptotic characters and autophagic vacuoles in cells treated with KML001. Exposure to KML001 in prostate cancer cells induced apoptosis and autophagy in a time- and dose-dependent manner. KML001 induced dose-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and scavenging the reactive oxygen species with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine reduced LC3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. KML001 significantly inhibited tumor growth in the DU145 xenograft model. In addition, significant decrease of proliferation and significant increases of apoptosis and autophagy were observed in KML001-treated tumors than in vehicle-treated tumors. Exposure of human prostate cancer cells to KML001 induced both apoptosis and autophagic cell death via oxidative stress pathway. And KML001 had an antiproliferative effect on DU145 cells in xenograft mice.

  9. The interaction of natural background gamma radiation with depleted uranium micro-particles in the human body.

    PubMed

    Pattison, John E

    2013-03-01

    In this study, some characteristics of the photo-electrons produced when natural background gamma radiation interacts with micron-sized depleted uranium (DU) particles in the human body have been estimated using Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, an estimate has been made of the likelihood of radiological health effects occurring due to such an exposure. Upon exposure to naturally occurring background gamma radiation, DU particles in the body will produce an enhancement of the dose to the tissue in the immediate vicinity of the particles due to the photo-electric absorption of the radiation in the particle. In this study, the photo-electrons produced by a 10 μm-size particle embedded in tissue at the centre of the human torso have been investigated. The mean energies of the photo-electrons in the DU particle and in the two consecutive immediately surrounding 2 μm-wide tissue shells around the particle were found to be 38, 49 and 50 keV, respectively, with corresponding ranges of 1.3, 38 and 39 μm, respectively. The total photo-electron fluence-rates in the two consecutive 2 μm-wide tissue layers were found to be 14% and 7% of the fluence-rate in the DU particle, respectively. The estimated dose enhancement due to one 10 μm-sized DU particle in 1 cm(3) of tissue was less than 2 in 10 million of the dose received by the tissue without a particle being present. The increase in risk of death from cancer due to this effect is consequently insignificant.

  10. Controlling the digital ulcerative disease in systemic sclerosis is associated with improved hand function.

    PubMed

    Mouthon, Luc; Carpentier, Patrick H; Lok, Catherine; Clerson, Pierre; Gressin, Virginie; Hachulla, Eric; Bérezné, Alice; Diot, Elisabeth; Van Kien, Aurélie Khau; Jego, Patrick; Agard, Christian; Duval-Modeste, Anne-Bénédicte; Sparsa, Agnès; Puzenat, Eve; Richard, Marie-Aleth

    2017-06-01

    Ischemic digital ulcers (DU) represent a major complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We investigated the impact of controlling the ulcerative disease on disability, pain, and quality of life in SSc patients receiving bosentan. ECLIPSE (Study AC-052-517) is a 2-year prospective, multicenter, and observational study. Patients with SSc who experienced at least 1 DU in the previous year and received bosentan were included between October 2009 and March 2011. Disability scores [Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS) and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)], pain scores (visual analog scale), and quality-of-life scores (SF-36) were collected at inclusion and 1 year later (primary endpoint). A controlled ulcerative disease was defined by the absence of ongoing/new DU episode between inclusion and 1-year follow-up. Data were available at 1 year for 120 patients out of 190 included. During follow-up, 46 (38.3%) patients experienced a new DU episode. The number of DU per patient decreased from 1.4 ± 1.8 at inclusion to 0.6 ± 1.6 (p < 0.0001) at 1 year. Disability scores decreased from 1.0 ± 0.7 to 0.9 ± 0.7 (p = 0.04) for the HAQ-DI and from 29 ± 20 to 25 ± 20 (p = 0.005) for the CHFS; the pain score decreased from 4.3 ± 3.1 to 2.9 ± 2.8 (p < 0.0001). This improvement was attributed to patients with a controlled ulcerative disease (48.3%), who significantly improved HAQ-DI (p = 0.04), CHFS (p = 0.04), and pain score (p = 0.046). In patients with SSc, control of the ulcerative disease for 1 year was associated with significant attenuation of hand disability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Evidence for hydraulic heterogeneity and anisotropy in the mostly carbonate Prairie du Chien Group, southeastern Minnesota, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Tipping, R.G.; Runkel, Anthony C.; Alexander, E.C.; Alexander, S.C.; Green, J.A.

    2006-01-01

    In southeastern Minnesota, Paleozoic bedrock aquifers have typically been represented in groundwater flow simulations as isotropic, porous media. To obtain a more accurate hydrogeologic characterization of the Ordovician Prairie du Chien Group, a new approach was tested, combining detailed geologic observations, particularly of secondary porosity, with hydraulic data. Lithologic observations of the depositional and erosional history of the carbonate-dominated bedrock unit constrained characterization of both primary (matrix) and secondary porosity from outcrops and core. Hydrostratigraphic data include outcrop and core observations along with core plug permeability tests. Hydrogeologic data include discrete interval aquifer tests, borehole geophysics, water chemistry and isotope data, and dye trace studies. Results indicate that the Prairie du Chien Group can be subdivided into the Shakopee aquifer at the top, consisting of interbedded dolostone, sandstone and shale, and the underlying Oneota confining unit consisting of thickly bedded dolostone. The boundary between these two hydrogeologic units does not correspond to lithostratigraphic boundaries, as commonly presumed. Groundwater flow in the Shakopee aquifer is primarily through secondary porosity features, most commonly solution-enlarged bedding planes and sub-horizontal and vertical fractures. Regional scale preferential development of cavernous porosity and permeability along specific stratigraphic intervals that correspond to paleokarst were also identified, along with a general depiction of the distribution of vertical and horizontal fractures. The combination of outcrop and core investigations, along with borehole geophysics, discrete interval aquifer tests, water chemistry and isotope data and dye trace studies show that the Prairie du Chien Group is best represented hydrogeologically as heterogeneous and anisotropic. Furthermore, heterogeneity and anisotropy within the Prairie du Chien Group is mappable at a regional scale (>15,000 km2). ?? 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Purification, identification and preliminary crystallographic studies of Pru du amandin, an allergenic protein from Prunus dulcis.

    PubMed

    Gaur, Vineet; Sethi, Dhruv K; Salunke, Dinakar M

    2008-01-01

    Food allergies appear to be one of the foremost causes of hypersensitivity reactions. Nut allergies account for most food allergies and are often permanent. The 360 kDa hexameric protein Pru du amandin, a known allergen, was purified from almonds (Prunus dulcis) by ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion-exchange chromatography. The protein was identified by a BLAST homology search against the nonredundant sequence database. Pru du amandin belongs to the 11S legumin family of seed storage proteins characterized by the presence of a cupin motif. Crystals were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belong to space group P4(1) (or P4(3)), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 150.7, c = 164.9 A.

  13. Purification, identification and preliminary crystallographic studies of Pru du amandin, an allergenic protein from Prunus dulcis

    PubMed Central

    Gaur, Vineet; Sethi, Dhruv K.; Salunke, Dinakar M.

    2008-01-01

    Food allergies appear to be one of the foremost causes of hypersensitivity reactions. Nut allergies account for most food allergies and are often permanent. The 360 kDa hexameric protein Pru du amandin, a known allergen, was purified from almonds (Prunus dulcis) by ammonium sulfate fractionation and ion-exchange chromatography. The protein was identified by a BLAST homology search against the nonredundant sequence database. Pru du amandin belongs to the 11S legumin family of seed storage proteins characterized by the presence of a cupin motif. Crystals were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belong to space group P41 (or P43), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 150.7, c = 164.9 Å. PMID:18097098

  14. Variations au cours de la journée de l'incorporation in vivo de la leucine tritiée dans les protéines du cervelet et du cerveau du jeune rat normal et hypothyroïdien. Daily variations of the in vivo [3H] leucine incorporation into the cerebellar and cerebral proteins of the normal and hypothyroid young rat [(author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Dainat, J; Rebière, A

    1978-02-15

    In the normal and hypothyroid 6-day-old rat, the specific radioactivity (RSA) and the relative RSA (ratio of the RSA to the [3H] lecine concentration of the acido soluble phase) of the cerebral and cerebellar proteins, changes during the day synchronally. They show a maximum at 15.00 h and a minimum at 0.300 h. At all stages studied, these values are significantly lower in the hyothyroid animals than in normal ones.

  15. Are dentists enough aware of infectious risk associated with dental unit waterlines ?

    PubMed

    Robert, Amélie; Bousseau, Anne; Costa, Damien; Barbot, Vanessa; Imbert, Christine

    2013-07-10

    Environmental conditions in DU encourage biofilm development. This biofilm may represent a risk for patients and dental staff exposed to water and aerosols generated during dental cares, particularly for immunocompromised persons. A survey was conducted on the 175 dental surgeons of the department of Vienne (France) to investigate the motivations of dental practitioners to renew their DU, their awareness levels with respect to infectious risks related to water circulating within DU, and methods used for the maintenance of DU waterlines. These dentists were only partially aware of the need for maintaining DU waterlines. For this maintaining, chemical treatments and purges of pipes were carried out by 88% and 91.5% of dentists respectively ; chemical treatments were usually on a continous mode and dentists seemed to have complete confidence in their DU supplier regarding the choice and the use of chemical treatments. Flushes were performed only once per day in most cases (63%). This survey also highlighted that dentists were not enough aware of water related infectous risk, even though 68% estimated that the development of a biofilm within DU waterlines was an actual risk. Finally, very positively, dentists strongly indicated their wish to be more informed regarding all these risks. Although these results are based on a relatively small sample, corresponding to dentists of a French department, they clearly suggest that awareness of dental surgeons is still insufficient and must be performed to permit an effective prevention of infectious risk related to DU waterlines.

  16. Telescope Bernard Lyot: operation, instrumentation, perspectives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cabanac, R.

    2016-12-01

    This talk is the TBL director report at the 3rd French national telescopes Users Meeting of 2016. Telescope Bernard Lyot, the 2-m at Pic du midi (2870m), is dedicated to spectro-polarimetric studies since 2007 with the instrument Narval. This paper presents TBL operation, science highlights and statistics of the past 10 years of operation. It also opens perspectives for the coming 10 years with the funding of Neo-Narval (Narval stabilized to v_r < 3m/s) and SPIrou at Pic du midi (aka SPIP) for the study of the young exoplanetary systems.

  17. The Subgenus Stegomyia of Aedes in the Afrotropical Region. 1. The Africanus Group of Species (Diptera: Culicidae) (Contributions of the American Entomological Institute. Volume 26, Number 1, 1990)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1990-01-01

    BANGOURA and A. LORAND. 1979. Isolements d’arbovirus au Senegal oriental a partir de moustiques (1972-1977) et notes sur l’epidemiologie des virus...Dengue 2 au Senegal oriental: Une poussee epizootioque en milieu selvatique; isolements du virus a partir de moustiques et d’un singe et...neoafticanus une nouvelle espece de moustique capturee au Senegal Oriental (Diptera: Culicidae). Cah. O.R.S.T.O.M. Ser. Entomol. Med. Parasitol. 16

  18. "Cirque du Freak."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rivett, Miriam

    2002-01-01

    Considers the marketing strategies that underpin the success of the "Cirque du Freak" series. Describes how "Cirque du Freak" is an account of events in the life of schoolboy Darren Shan. Notes that it is another reworking of the vampire narrative, a sub-genre of horror writing that has proved highly popular with both adult and…

  19. 27 CFR 12.31 - List of approved names by country.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ..., Chateau Yquem, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chenas, Chevalier-Montrachet, Chiroubles, Clos de la Roche, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Beaune-Villages, Cote de Brouilly, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Nuits-Villages, Cote Rotie, Coteaux du Layon, Cotes du Rhone, Echezeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers...

  20. 27 CFR 12.31 - List of approved names by country.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ..., Chateau Yquem, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chenas, Chevalier-Montrachet, Chiroubles, Clos de la Roche, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Corton-Charlemagne, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Beaune-Villages, Cote de Brouilly, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Nuits-Villages, Cote Rotie, Coteaux du Layon, Cotes du Rhone, Echezeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers...

  1. Meeting DG's

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Le DG J.Adams commente les 3 thèmes de la réunion: 1.) le prochain DG du Cern (qui sera H.Schopper) 2.) le LEP 3.) les conclusions du comité des finances concernant salaires, allocations etc. Discussion entre le DG J.Adams, Mons.Ullmann, chef du personel et l'auditoire

  2. Brain stem hypoplasia associated with Cri-du-Chat syndrome.

    PubMed

    Hong, Jin Ho; Lee, Ha Young; Lim, Myung Kwan; Kim, Mi Young; Kang, Young Hye; Lee, Kyung Hee; Cho, Soon Gu

    2013-01-01

    Cri-du-Chat syndrome, also called the 5p-syndrome, is a rare genetic abnormality, and only few cases have been reported on its brain MRI findings. We describe the magnetic resonance imaging findings of a 1-year-old girl with Cri-du-Chat syndrome who showed brain stem hypoplasia, particularly in the pons, with normal cerebellum and diffuse hypoplasia of the cerebral hemispheres. We suggest that Cri-du-Chat syndrome chould be suspected in children with brain stem hypoplasia, particularly for those with high-pitched cries.

  3. Managed Readiness Simulator (MARS) V2: Implementation of the Managed Readiness Model

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-01

    mesure de répondre aux besoins propres à un ensemble de tâches opérationnelles. La première version du programme MARS (V1) a...mise en œuvre du modèle de gestion de la disponibilité opérationnelle du MARS V2 dans la nouvelle architecture logicielle. La public cible de ce...l’établissement. Le but de la présente étude est de documenter la mise en œuvre du modèle de

  4. Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection in Canada

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-01

    la participation volontaire du secteur privé dans le système intégré proposé et sur des mesures visant à encourager...que le gouvernement attache beaucoup d’importance à la protection des infrastructures énergétiques essentielles. Neuf ans après les attaques du 11...producteurs d’énergie et des services énergétiques qui sont si essentiels à la prospérité et au bien-être du Canada ainsi qu’à la sécurité de l’Amérique du

  5. Ceremony 25th birthday Cern

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

    None

    2006-05-08

    Célébration du 25ème anniversaire du Cern (jour par jour) avec discours de L.Van Hove et J.B.Adams, des interludes musicals offerts par Mme Mey et ses collègues (au debut 1.mouvement du quatuor avec piano no 3 de L.van Beethoven) Les directeurs généraux procéderont à la remise du souvenir aux membres de personnel ayant 25 années de service dans l'organisation. Un témoignage de reconnaissance est auss fait à l'interprète Mme Zwerner

  6. Capability Challenges in the Human Domain for Intelligence Analysis: Report on Community-Wide Discussions with Canadian Intelligence Professionals

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-01

    renseignement au cours de l’AF 2012-2013. Cette enquête examinera plus en profondeur les problèmes humains dans la production du renseignement afin...the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of National Defence, 2011 © Sa Majesté la Reine ( en droit du Canada), telle que...ensemble. L’étude a également analysé de quelle façon la recherche en science du comportement peut aider la collectivité du renseignement à aborder

  7. 2010 Coalition Battle Management Language Workshop (Atelier 2010 sur le langage de gestion du champ de bataille pour les operations en coalition)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-02-01

    Feb 2010 2010 Coalition Battle Management Language Workshop (Atelier 2010 sur le langage de gestion du champ de bataille pour les opérations en...RTO MEETING PROCEEDINGS MP-MSG-079 2010 Coalition Battle Management Language Workshop (Atelier 2010 sur le langage de gestion du champ de ...RTO-MP-MSG-079 ES - 3 Atelier 2010 sur le langage de gestion du champ de bataille pour les opérations en coalition (RTO-MP-MSG-079

  8. The health effects of depleted uranium munitions: a summary.

    PubMed

    2002-06-01

    There has been a substantial amount of public discussion on the health effects of the use of depleted uranium (DU) munitions. In response to this concern the Royal Society set up an independent, expert working group to investigate the health effects of DU munitions. The Royal Society has now produced two reports, and this summary covering the key conclusions and recommendations from both reports. The part I report considered the increased risks of radiation-induced cancer from exposures to DU on the battlefield. Part II dealt with the risks from the chemical toxicity of uranium, non-malignant radiation effects from DU intakes, the long-term environmental consequences of the deployment of DU munitions and responses to part I including issues arising at a public meeting to discuss the part I report.

  9. SU-G-IeP4-14: Prostate Brachytherapy Activity Measurement and Source Localization by Using a Dual Photon Emission Computed Tomography System: A Feasibility Study

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

    Lin, C; Lin, H; Chuang, K

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: To monitor the activity distribution and needle position during and after implantation in operating rooms. Methods: Simulation studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of measurement activity distribution and seed localization using the DuPECT system. The system consists of a LaBr3-based probe and planar detection heads, a collimation system, and a coincidence circuit. The two heads can be manipulated independently. Simplified Yb-169 brachytherapy seeds were used. A water-filled cylindrical phantom with a 40-mm diameter and 40-mm length was used to model a simplified prostate of the Asian man. Two simplified seeds were placed at a radial distance of 10more » mm and tangential distance of 10 mm from the center of the phantom. The probe head was arranged perpendicular to the planar head. Results of various imaging durations were analyzed and the accuracy of the seed localization was assessed by calculating the centroid of the seed. Results: The reconstructed images indicate that the DuPECT can measure the activity distribution and locate the seeds dwelt in different positions intraoperatively. The calculated centroid on average turned out to be accurate within the pixel size of 0.5 mm. The two sources were identified when the duration is longer than 15 s. The sensitivity measured in water was merely 0.07 cps/MBq. Conclusion: Preliminary results show that the measurement of the activity distribution and seed localization are feasible using the DuPECT system intraoperatively. It indicates the DuPECT system has potential to be an approach for dose-distribution-validation. The efficacy of acvtivity distribution measurement and source localization using the DuPECT system will evaluated in more realistic phantom studies (e.g., various attenuation materials and greater number of seeds) in the future investigation.« less

  10. Le changement comme tradition dans la recherche et la formation a la recherche en biotechnologie et en peripherie Etude de cas en sciences de la sante, sciences naturelles et genie

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bourque, Claude Julie

    Le champ de la recherche scientifique et de la formation a la recherche est traverse depuis quelques dizaines d'annees par plusieurs courants et discours associes au changement, mais peu de travaux empiriques permettent de comprendre ce qui change concretement. C'est la contribution originale de cette these au champ de l'education, plus specifiquement a l'etude sociologique de l'enseignement superieur ou sont concentrees les activites liees a la triade thematique du programme doctoral dans lequel elle a ete produite : recherche, formation et pratique. L'enquete-terrain a ete realisee en 2009 et 2010 aupres de 808 repondants affilies a 60 etablissements au Quebec et a produit un vaste materiau de nature mixte (donnees quantitatives et qualitatives). Un portrait de la nebuleuse biotechnologique qui touche les secteurs des sciences de la sante, des sciences naturelles et du genie a ete realise. Ce domaine concerne des dizaines de disciplines et se revele de nature transdisciplinaire, mais les pratiques n'y sont pas davantage marquees par le changement que celles d'autres domaines connexes. Les dynamiques sociales ont fait l'objet d'analyses comparatives dans quatre contextes: le choix des programmes, des objets et des methodes, le financement, la diffusion et la planification de la carriere. Les resultats indiquent que les echanges entre les agents traditionnellement situes au coeur des activites de recherche dominent ces dynamiques dans tous les contextes etudies. L'etude des representations au fondement des pratiques a revele l'existence de trois ecoles de pensee qui coexistent dans le champ scientifique: academique, pragmatique et economiste. Ces ecoles permettent de categoriser les agents en fonction des zones de fractures qui marquent leurs oppositions tout en identifiant ce qu'ils ont en commun. Les representations et les pratiques liees a la formation temoignent d'un habitus plutot homogene, alors que les contradictions semblent plus souvent ancrees dans des luttes universitaires que scientifiques, concentrees sur la negociation du capital scientifique, symbolique et economique en jeu dans la formation doctorale, dans les carrieres auxquelles elle mene, et dans les qualites du titre de Ph.D. Au final, la confusion entre des logiques opposees peut etre reduite en reinterpretant le changement comme tradition du champ scientifique. Mots-cles Sociologie, education, enseignement superieur, science et technologie, biotechnologie, formation doctorale, champ scientifique, reseaux sociaux

  11. Investigation experimentale de l'ecoulement et des performances thermiques du nanofluide eau-oxyde de cuivre dans un Micro-Canal Chauffe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rimbault, Benjamin

    Cette these de maitrise presentee par articles visait a etudier le comportement hydraulique et thermique d'un ecoulement de nanofluides en micro-canal chauffe. Nous avons etudie premierement de l'eau distillee, ensuite des melanges de particules d'oxyde de cuivre (taille 29nm) avec de l'eau distillee en concentrations particulaires volumiques 4.5%, 1.03%, et 0.24% (CuO-H2O). L'ecoulement force des differents fluides a ete realise au moyen de pompes a engrenages au sein d'un circuit ferme, comprenant un micro-canal a section rectangulaire (e=1.116mm,1=25.229mm) chauffe sur deux faces paralleles via des cartouches electriques, deux echangeurs de chaleurs en serie, ainsi qu'un debitmetre magnetique. A notre connaissance peu d'etudes sur l'ecoulement de nanofluides d'oxyde de cuivre-eau en micro-canal rectangulaire chauffe sont disponibles dans la litterature, cette recherche sert de contribution. Premierement, une validation avec la litterature a ete effectuee pour le cas d'un ecoulement d'eau entre plaques planes paralleles chauffees. Des essais hydrauliques ont ete realises pour une gamme du nombre de Reynolds allant jusqu'a Re=5000 a temperature constante. Par la suite des essais thermiques jusqu'a Re=2500 ont consiste en une elevation de temperature fixe (20.5°C a 30.5°C) a travers la longueur du micro-canal sous un regime stationnaire. Les resultats ont demontre une augmentation de la perte de pression et du coefficient de frottement des nanofluides sur l'eau pour un meme debit. Une telle augmentation de perte de pression etait de +70%, +25%, et +0 a 30% respectivement pour les concentrations 4.50%, 1.03%, et 0.24%. Concernant la transition laminaire a turbulent les comportements semblaient indiquer une valeur critique semblable entre l'eau et les differentes concentrations avec et sans chauffage a un nombre de Reynolds critique Rem 1000. Nous avons observe une legere augmentation du coefficient de convection thermique avec le debit massique pour les faibles concentrations (1.03% et 0.24%), alors que la concentration 4.5% demontre une nette diminution. En general la performance energetique globale definie par la chaleur transferee sur la puissance de pompage, reste inferieure compare a l'eau pour un meme Reynolds et un meme debit massique egalement. L'eau semble etre la meilleure solution en termes de performance energetique globale.

  12. Human body surface area database and estimation formula.

    PubMed

    Yu, Chi-Yuang; Lin, Ching-Hua; Yang, Yi-Hsueh

    2010-08-01

    This study established human body surface area (BSA) database and estimation formula based on three-dimensional (3D) scanned data. For each gender, 135 subjects were drawn. The sampling was stratified in five stature heights and three body weights according to a previous survey. The 3D body surface shape was measured using an innovated 3D body scanner and a high resolution hand/foot scanner, the total body surface area (BSA) and segmental body surface area (SBSA) were computed based on the summation of every tiny triangular area of triangular meshes of the scanned surface; and the accuracy of BSA measurement is below 1%. The results of BSA and sixteen SBSAs were tabulated in fifteen strata for the Male, the Female and the Total (two genders combined). The %SBSA data was also used to revise new Lund and Browder Charts. The comparison of BSA shows that the BSA of this study is comparable with the Du Bois and Du Bois' but smaller than that of Tikuisis et al. The difference might be attributed to body size difference between the samples. The comparison of SBSA shows that the differences of SBSA between this study and the Lund and Browder Chart range between 0.00% and 2.30%. A new BSA estimation formula, BSA=71.3989 x H(.7437) x W(.4040), was obtained. An accuracy test showed that this formula has smaller estimation error than that of the Du Bois and Du Bois'; and significantly better than other BSA estimation formulae.

  13. Effect of acupuncture on insomnia following stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Cao, Yan; Yin, Xuan; Soto-Aguilar, Francisca; Liu, Yiping; Yin, Ping; Wu, Junyi; Zhu, Bochang; Li, Wentao; Lao, Lixing; Xu, Shifen

    2016-11-16

    The incidence, mortality, and prevalence of stroke are high in China. Stroke is commonly associated with insomnia; both insomnia and stroke have been effectively treated with acupuncture for a long time. The aim of this proposed trial is to assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on insomnia following stroke. This proposed study is a single-center, single-blinded (patient-assessor-blinded), parallel-group randomized controlled trial. We will randomly assign 60 participants with insomnia following stroke into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group will undergo traditional acupuncture that achieves the De-qi sensation, and the control group will receive sham acupuncture without needle insertion. The same acupoints (DU20, DU24, EX-HN3, EX-HN22, HT7, and SP6) will be used in both groups. Treatments will be given to all participants three times a week for the subsequent 4 weeks. The primary outcome will be the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The secondary outcomes will be: the Insomnia Severity Index; sleep efficacy, sleep awakenings, and total sleep time recorded via actigraphy; the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale; the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life score; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The use of estazolam will be permitted and regulated under certain conditions. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 2 weeks after treatment commencement, 4 weeks after treatment commencement, and at the 8-week follow-up. This proposed study will contribute to expanding knowledge about acupuncture treatment for insomnia following stroke. This will be a high-quality randomized controlled trial with strict methodology and few design deficits. It will investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture as an alternative treatment for insomnia following stroke. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR-IIC-16008382 . Registered on 28 April 2016.

  14. Contribution de la gravimétrie à l'étude de la structure du bassin de Tadla (Maroc) : Implications hydrogéologiques

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Najine, Abdessamad; Jaffal, Mohammed; Khammari, Kamal El; Aïfa, Tahar; Khattach, Driss; Himi, Mahjoub; Casas, Albert; Badrane, Said; Aqil, Hicham

    2006-08-01

    This study is based on the analysis and the interpretation of the gravity data of the Tadla basin. Its purpose is to increase the knowledge of this basin structure. A residual anomaly map was first calculated from the Bouguer anomaly data witch are strongly affected by a regional gradient. The computed map provides information on the ground density variation but it does not bring enough of new elements. Data filtering allows us to emphasize the structures affecting the basin. We chose the horizontal gradient coupled to the upward continuation techniques that permit to highlight news structures and to give information on their dip. The elaborated structural map of the study area constitutes a useful document for rationalizing the future groundwater exploration in the Tadla basin. To cite this article: A. Najine et al., C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).

  15. Physangulidine A, a withanolide from Physalis angulata, perturbs the cell cycle and induces cell death by apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Reyes-Reyes, E Merit; Jin, Zhuang; Vaisberg, Abraham J; Hammond, Gerald B; Bates, Paula J

    2013-01-25

    Recently, our group reported the discovery of three new withanolides, physangulidines A-C, from Physalis angulata. In this study, the biological effects of physangulidine A (1), which was the most active and abundant of the three new constituents, are described. It was found that 1 significantly reduces survival in clonogenic assays for two hormone-independent prostate cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies in DU145 human prostate cancer cells indicated that 1 induces cell cycle arrest in the G(2)/M phase and causes defective mitosis. It was determined also that 1 produces programed cell death by apoptosis, as evidenced by biochemical markers and distinct changes in cell morphology. These results imply that the antimitotic and proapoptotic effects of 1 may contribute significantly to the biological activities and potential medicinal properties of its plant of origin.

  16. Information non précise sur la taille du pénis en République Démocratique du Congo: à propos de 21 sources

    PubMed Central

    Mulenga, Philippe Cilundika; Kazadi, Alex Bukasa

    2016-01-01

    Introduction La taille du pénis constitue une préoccupation de beaucoup des gens actuellement et certains ne sont pas satisfaits de la dimension de leur pénis comme le montre l’étude de Tiggemann en 2008. Il existe relativement peu d'études sur le pénis en érection. Cela peut refléter les tabous culturels des chercheurs ou des médecins en interaction avec les hommes qui sont dans un état d’excitation sexuelle. Toutes fois, il est important pour les personnes qui annoncent des détails sur la taille du pénis d’annoncer d’abord les repères de la mesure du pénis puis ensuite donner les chiffres que proposent les chercheurs. Méthodes Notre enquête de type descriptif transversale s’est effectuée dans les deux grandes villes de la République Démocratique du Congo à savoir la ville de Kinshasa et la ville de Lubumbashi, pendant une période de deux ans soit de Mai 2014 à Mai 2016. Au total, 21 sources d’information ont constitué notre échantillon dont 8 à Kinshasa et 13 à Lubumbashi et nous avons trouvé cela suffisant car les sujets à caractère sexuel sont souvent rares chez nous. Les paramètres étudiés étaient: la nature de la source, la précision de la technique de la mesure, la présence de référence bibliographique, la longueur annoncée du pénis. Résultats La majorité des sources d’information sont faites des émissions de radio et de télévision (23,8%), ceci pourra s’expliquer par le fait que dans notre milieu il y a de plus en plus des chaines de radio et télévision et surtout dans les grandes villes. Concernant la précision de la technique de la mesure du pénis lors du partage du message sur la taille du pénis, l’étude nous montre que la majorité des sources d’information ne signale pas cela lorsqu’elles annoncent la taille du pénis au public soit 85,7%. Plusieurs sources ne déclarent pas les références bibliographiques (57,1%). Lorsqu’on regarde même les chiffres de la taille du pénis annoncée, l’on voit les proportions majoritaires suivantes: 14 cm comme taille normale soit 28,6%, suivi de ceux là qui disent 15 cm soit 23,8% et de 15 à 20 cm soit 19%. Conclusion Ces résultats sont une interpellation des tous les acteurs responsables de la diffusion de l’information sur la santé sexuelle (taille du pénis): la rigueur scientifique consiste à chercher l’information dans des sources fiables. PMID:28154646

  17. Number and measure: Hermann von Helmholtz at the crossroads of mathematics, physics, and psychology.

    PubMed

    Darrigol, Olivier

    2003-09-01

    In 1887 Helmholtz discussed the foundations of measurement in science as a last contribution to his philosophy of knowledge. This essay borrowed from earlier debates on the foundations of mathematics (Grassmann/Du Bois), on the possibility of quantitative psychology (Fechner/Kries, Wundt/Zeller), and on the meaning of temperature measurement (Maxwell,Mach.). Late nineteenth-century scrutinisers of the foundations of mathematics (Dedekind, Cantor, Frege, Russell) made little of Helmholtz's essay. Yet it inspired two mathematicians with an eye on physics (Poincaré and Hölder), and a few philosopher-physicists (Mach, Duhem,Campbell). The aim of the present paper is to situate Helmholtz's contribution in this complex array of nineteenth-century philosophies of number, quantity, and measurement. 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  18. Ultra-fast grain boundary diffusion and its contribution to surface segregation on a martensitic steel. Experiments and modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Christien, F.; Le Gall, R.

    2011-09-01

    Phosphorus surface segregation was measured by Auger Electron Spectroscopy on a 17-4 PH martensitic stainless steel at 450, 550 and 600 °C. Surface segregation was shown to be much faster than expected which was attributed to a high contribution of phosphorus diffusion along the former austenitic grain boundaries. A model of surface segregation was developed following the Darken-du Plessis approach and taking account of both bulk and grain boundary solute diffusion. The phosphorus grain boundary diffusion coefficient in 17-4 PH was estimated: DGB< = 6.2 10 4 exp(- 157 kJ mol - 1 /RT)cm 2 s - 1 . It is found to be more than three orders of magnitude higher in 17-4 PH steel than in α-iron.

  19. Identification des parametres du moteur de l'avion Cessna Citation X pour la phase de croisiere a partir des tests en vol et a base des reseaux de neurones =

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zaag, Mahdi

    La disponibilite des modeles precis des avions est parmi les elements cles permettant d'assurer leurs ameliorations. Ces modeles servent a ameliorer les commandes de vol et de concevoir de nouveaux systemes aerodynamiques pour la conception des ailes deformables des avions. Ce projet consiste a concevoir un systeme d'identification de certains parametres du modele du moteur de l'avion d'affaires americain Cessna Citation X pour la phase de croisiere a partir des essais en vol. Ces essais ont ete effectues sur le simulateur de vol concu et fabrique par CAE Inc. qui possede le niveau D de la dynamique de vol. En effet, le niveau D est le plus haut niveau de precision donne par l'autorite federale de reglementation FAA de l'aviation civile aux Etats-Unis. Une methodologie basee sur les reseaux de neurones optimises a l'aide d'un algorithme intitule le "grand deluge etendu" est utilisee dans la conception de ce systeme d'identification. Plusieurs tests de vol pour differentes altitudes et differents nombres de Mach ont ete realises afin de s'en servir comme bases de donnees pour l'apprentissage des reseaux de neurones. La validation de ce modele a ete realisee a l'aide des donnees du simulateur. Malgre la nonlinearite et la complexite du systeme, les parametres du moteur ont ete tres bien predits pour une enveloppe de vol determinee. Ce modele estime pourrait etre utilise pour des analyses de fonctionnement du moteur et pourrait assurer le controle de l'avion pendant cette phase de croisiere. L'identification des parametres du moteur pourrait etre realisee aussi pour les autres phases de montee et de descente afin d'obtenir son modele complet pour toute l'enveloppe du vol de l'avion Cessna Citation X (montee, croisiere, descente). Cette methode employee dans ce travail pourrait aussi etre efficace pour realiser un modele pour l'identification des coefficients aerodynamiques du meme avion a partir toujours des essais en vol. None None None

  20. Prévention de la transmission mère-enfant du VIH/sida au Bénin: le consentement des femmes au dépistage est-il libre et éclairé ?

    PubMed Central

    Kêdoté, N.M.; Brousselle, A.; Champagne, F.; Laudy, D.

    2016-01-01

    Résumé Introduction Dans les politiques internationales et nationales sur le VIH/sida, le consentement libre et éclairé est reconnu comme une composante essentielle des programmes de dépistage. Le consentement libre et éclairé implique pour les femmes enceintes d’obtenir des informations sur le programme de prévention de la transmission du VIH de la mère à l’enfant (PTME), de les comprendre et de faire un choix autonome après avoir évalué les risques et avantages. Cependant, aucune évaluation du programme de PTME ne s’est intéressée au consentement. L’objectif de cet article est d’explorer le caractère libre et éclairé du consentement des femmes enceintes quant au dépistage et à leurs motivations à faire le test. Méthode Nous avons utilisé des données récoltées dans le cadre d’une analyse d’implantation du programme de PTME au Bénin. Cette analyse s’appuie sur un devis d’étude de cas multiples incluant six maternités choisies parmi les 56 sites fonctionnels. Spécifiquement pour l’analyse du consentement, nous avons associé les données provenant d’une enquête à celles d’une recherche qualitative. Résultats Hormis trois cas de dépistage à l’insu, le caractère volontaire du consentement au test est respecté sur les sites de PTME. Vingt-neuf cas de refus ont été identifiés. Les raisons les plus souvent évoquées par les femmes enceintes sont la peur du résultat positif et de ses conséquences sur la vie familiale dans 55,2 % des cas et l’attente de l’accord ou du désaccord du mari dans 27,6 % des cas. Si globalement le consentement a été volontaire sur tous les sites, son caractère éclairé est moins probant. PMID:27840660

  1. Geological conditions of safe long-term storage and disposal of depleted uranium hexafluoride

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laverov, N. P.; Velichkin, V. I.; Omel'Yanenko, B. I.; Yudintsev, S. V.; Tagirov, B. R.

    2010-08-01

    The production of enriched uranium used in nuclear weapons and fuel for atomic power plants is accompanied by the formation of depleted uranium (DU), the amount of which annually increases by 35-40 kt. To date, more than 1.6 Mt DU has accumulated in the world. The main DU mass is stored as environ-mentally hazardous uranium hexafluoride (UF6), which is highly volatile and soluble in water with the formation of hydrofluoric acid. To ensure safe UF6 storage, it is necessary to convert this compound in chemically stable phases. The industrial reprocessing of UF6 into U3O8 and HF implemented in France is highly expensive. We substantiate the expediency of long-term storage of depleted uranium hexafluoride in underground repositories localized in limestone. On the basis of geochemical data and thermodynamic calculations, we show that interaction in the steel container-UF6-limestone-groundwater system gives rise to the development of a slightly alkaline reductive medium favorable for chemical reaction with formation of uraninite (UO2) and fluorite (CaF2). The proposed engineering solution not only ensures safe DU storage but also makes it possible to produce uraninite, which can be utilized, if necessary, in fast-neutron reactors. In the course of further investigations aimed at safe maintenance of DU, it is necessary to study the kinetics of conversion of UF6 into stable phases, involving laboratory and field experiments.

  2. Critical current simulation in granular superconductors above the percolation threshold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riedinger, Roland

    1992-02-01

    In the phase-coherent regime without applied external magnetic field, the critical superconducting current is limited by intragranular junctions which behave like Josephson junctions. We study the percolation aspects specific to lattices of such junctions and/or the mixing of superconductor with normal grains by averaging over configurations. We illustrate on 2 and 3 dimensional examples. The power laws valid near the percolation threshold are valid well above it, in two and three dimensions. We discuss the other models limiting the superconducting current, the vortex creep and superconducting order parameter fluctuations. Dans la limite de champ magnétique nul et de cohérence de phase du paramètre d'ordre supraconducteur, le courant supraconducteur maximal dans un réseau est limité par les jonctions intergranulaires qui se comportent comme des jonctions Josephson. Nous analysons les problèmes de percolation spécifiques aux réseaux de jonctions et du mélange de grains normaux et supraconducteurs. Nous donnons des exemples bidimensionnels et tridimensionnels ; après moyenne sur les configurations et analyse en taille finie, nous montrons que les lois de puissance valables au voisinage du seuil de percolation s'étendent sur un grand domaine au-delà du seuil de percolation, à deux et trois dimensions. Nous discutons les autres modèles limitant le courant supraconducteur, ancrage de vortex et fluctuations du paramètre d'ordre.

  3. Preliminary evaluation of ground-water contamination by coal-tar derivatives, St. Louis Park area, Minnesota

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Hult, Marc F.; Schoenberg, Michael

    1981-01-01

    Operation of a coal-tar distillation and wood preserving plant for 1918-72 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, resulted in ground-water contamination. This report presents the results of the first year (1979) of an ongoing study. By 1932, water in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, the region 's major source of ground water, was contaminated 3,500 feet from the plant. The hydraulic characteristics of the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer , its long contamination history, and fluctuating pumpage combine to creat a complex distribution of coal-tar derivatives observed in the aquifer. The Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer underlies the area at depths of 250 to 500 feet and is overlain by two bedrock aquifers (Platteville and St. Peter), two confining beds (Glenwood and basal part of St. Peter), and 70 to 100 feet of glacial drift. Multiaquifer wells in the area have permitted contaminated water from near-surface aquifers to flow downward into the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer. Flow rates of 20 to 150 gallons per minute from the shallower aquifers into the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer were observed in five wells. In the drift, a hydrocarbon fluid phase is moving vertically downward relative to the aqueous phase. Dissolved constituents in the drift and Platteville aquifer, the uppermost bedrock unit over most of the area, have moved at least 4,000 feet. Low-molecular-weight compounds are moving preferentially through the drift and Platteville aquifer system. (USGS)

  4. Light of DNA-alkylating agents in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells: a novel mixed EGFR/DNA targeting combi-molecule.

    PubMed

    Liang, Guan-Can; Zheng, Hao-Feng; Chen, Yan-Xiong; Li, Teng-Cheng; Liu, Wei; Fang, You-Qiang

    2017-01-01

    The mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of combi-molecule JDF12 on prostate cancer (PCa) DU145 cells remains still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the proteomic profile after JDF12 treatment in DU145 cells by comparing with that in Iressa treated cells and untreated cells. MTT was used to evaluate drug cytotoxicity, DAPI staining was done to assess apoptosis of cells, and flow cytometry was used to analyze cell cycle. iTRAQ and qPCR were employed to obtain the proteomic profiles of JDF12 treated, Iressa treated, and untreated DU145 cells, and validate the expression of selected differentially expressed proteins, respectively. JDF12 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and increase the apoptosis of DU145 cells when compared with Iressa or blank group. In total, 5071 proteins were obtained, out of which, 42, including 21 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated proteins, were differentially expressed in JDF12 group when compared with Iressa and blank groups. The up-regulated proteins were mainly involved in DNA damage/repair and energy metabolism; while the down-regulated proteins were mainly associated with cell apoptosis. qPCR confirmed the expression of several biologically important proteins in DU145 cells after JDF12 treatment. The molecular mechanisms of DNA alkylating agents on PCa therapy that with the assistant of EGFR-blocker were revealed on proteomic level, which may increase the possible applications of DNA alkylating agents and JDF12 on PCa therapy.

  5. [Herbal textual research of common Mongolian medicine "Du Ge Mo Nong"].

    PubMed

    Xi, Jie; Zhong, Hua-Rong; Wucharila-Tu; Buhe Bater; Li, Hui-Hu; Zhong, Guo-Yue

    2016-11-01

    This study is aimed to provide the source for clinical medication by clarifing the common base of Mongolia medicinal materials "Du Ge Mo Nong". In this paper literature research and plant taxonomy method were adopted combined with investigation of the markets and clinical use status to clarify the origin of common traditional Mongolian medicine "Du Ge Mo Nong". The results showed that the Mongolian medicine "Du Ge Mo Nong" and Tibetan medicine "Du Mu Niu" were the same crude drug and originated from the seeds of Holarrhena antidysenteriaca of family Apocynaceae in earliest time. In Mongolian medicine clinic, the seed of Cynanchum thesioides of family Asclepiadaceae and the fruit of Forsythia suspense of family Oleaceae was used respectively about 18 century and recent time, as the substitutes of H. antidysenteriaca. In present standards on Mongolian material medicine, C. thesioides is including only, and H. antidysenterica is not used almost. In Tibetan medicine clinic, H. antidysenterica is being used so far. But there are various substitutes including the seeds, fruits or grass of many species classified to family Apocynaceae, Asclepiadaceae and Onagraceae from ancient time to the present, and C. forrestii and C. komarovii may be used at present. It's necessary to strengthen the arrangement on Mongolian medicine's varieties by the multidisciplinary methods including literature research, investigation of resources and the use state, and comparison of active substances and biological activities between the different substitutes,and so on. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

  6. Study of the Tributyl Phosphate--30 Percent Dodecane Solvent; ETUDE DU SOLVANT PHOSPHATE TRIBUTYLIQUE 30 PERCENT--DODECANE (in French)

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

    Leroy, P.

    1967-07-01

    This study, originating mainly from a literature survey, gives the principal chemical and physical features of the tributyl-phosphate (TBP) agent diluted at 30 volumes per cent in dodecane. The mixture is a very commonly used extractant in nuclear fuel processing. In this paper, the main following points are reported: -) the components (TBP and diluents) -) the TBP-diluents systems (non-loaded), -) the TBP-diluents-water systems, -) TBP-diluents-water-nitric acid systems, and -) industrial solvents. (author) [French] Cette etude, d'origine bibliographique, regroupe les caracteristiques physico-chimiques essentielles du phosphate tributylique (TBP) dilue a 30% en volume dans du dodecane. Ce melange constitue un agentmore » d'extraction tres utilise dans le traitement des combustibles nucleaires. Les principaux points traites sont les suivants: -) les constituants (TBP et diluants), -) les systemes TBP-diluants non charges, -) les systemes TBP-diluants-eau, -) les systemes TBP-diluants-eau-acide nitrique, et -) les solvants industriels. (auteur)« less

  7. Calculating Capstone Depleted Uranium Aerosol Concentrations from Beta Activity Measurements

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

    Szrom, Fran; Falo, Gerald A.; Parkhurst, MaryAnn

    2009-03-01

    Beta activity measurements were used as surrogate measurements of uranium mass in aerosol samples collected during the field testing phase of the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study. These aerosol samples generated by the perforation of armored combat vehicles were used to characterize the depleted uranium (DU) source term for the subsequent human health risk assessment (HHRA) of Capstone aerosols. Establishing a calibration curve between beta activity measurements and uranium mass measurements is straightforward if the uranium isotopes are in equilibrium with their immediate short-lived, beta-emitting progeny. For DU samples collected during the Capstone study, it was determined that themore » equilibrium between the uranium isotopes and their immediate short lived, beta-emitting progeny had been disrupted when penetrators had perforated target vehicles. Adjustments were made to account for the disrupted equilibrium and for wall losses in the aerosol samplers. Correction factors for the disrupted equilibrium ranged from 0.16 to 1, and the wall loss correction factors ranged from 1 to 1.92.« less

  8. Les premières phases d'édification du stratovolcan du Cantal (Massif central, France) entre 9,5 et 8,0Ma : géologie et géochimie du secteur de l'ÉlancèzeFirst stage of the Cantal stratovolcano (Massif Central, France) construction between 9.5 and 8.0Ma: geology and geochemistry of the Élancèze area

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Legendre, Christelle; Caroff, Martial; Leyrit, Hervé; Nehlig, Pierre; Thièblemont, Denis

    2001-05-01

    Recent cartography of the Élancèze area resulted in the identification of a residual ancient topographic relief comprised of basaltic and intermediate silica-saturated lavas partly covered by brecciated formations, emplaced during the first stage of edification of the Cantal stratovolcano (9.5-8.0 Ma). The ancient relief has been the subject of a specified petrological study. Although the corresponding mineralogical and geochemical data are rather consistent with the assumption of a differentiation mainly governed by fractional crystallization, the study of some incompatible trace element diagrams suggests that this process cannot have occurred in closed-system. A model of crustal assimilation coupled with fractional crystallization involving an amphibole-bearing cumulate is proposed.

  9. The Dutch Linguistic Intraoperative Protocol: a valid linguistic approach to awake brain surgery.

    PubMed

    De Witte, E; Satoer, D; Robert, E; Colle, H; Verheyen, S; Visch-Brink, E; Mariën, P

    2015-01-01

    Intraoperative direct electrical stimulation (DES) is increasingly used in patients operated on for tumours in eloquent areas. Although a positive impact of DES on postoperative linguistic outcome is generally advocated, information about the neurolinguistic methods applied in awake surgery is scarce. We developed for the first time a standardised Dutch linguistic test battery (measuring phonology, semantics, syntax) to reliably identify the critical language zones in detail. A normative study was carried out in a control group of 250 native Dutch-speaking healthy adults. In addition, the clinical application of the Dutch Linguistic Intraoperative Protocol (DuLIP) was demonstrated by means of anatomo-functional models and five case studies. A set of DuLIP tests was selected for each patient depending on the tumour location and degree of linguistic impairment. DuLIP is a valid test battery for pre-, intraoperative and postoperative language testing and facilitates intraoperative mapping of eloquent language regions that are variably located. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Licochalcone-A Induces Intrinsic and Extrinsic Apoptosis via ERK1/2 and p38 Phosphorylation-mediated TRAIL Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma FaDu Cells

    PubMed Central

    Park, Mi-Ra; Kim, Su-Gwan; Cho, In-A; Oh, Dahye; Kang, Kyeong-Rok; Lee, Sook-Young; Moon, Sung-Min; Cho, Seung Sik; Yoon, Goo; Kim, Chun Sung; Oh, Ji-Su; You, Jae-Seek; Kim, Do Kyung; Seo, Yo-Seob; Im, Hee-Jeong; Kim, Jae-Sung

    2015-01-01

    We investigated Licochalcone-A (Lico-A)-induced apoptosis and the pathway underlying its activity in a pharyngeal squamous carcinoma FaDu cell line. Lico-A purified from root of Glycyrrhiza inflata had cytotoxic effects, significantly increasing cell death in FaDu cells. Using a cell viability assay, we determined that the IC50 value of Lico-A in FaDu cells was approximately 100 µM. Chromatin condensation was observed in FaDu cells treated with Lico-A for 24 h. Consistent with this finding, the number of apoptotic cells increased in a time-dependent manner when FaDu cells were treated with Lico-A. TRAIL was significantly up-regulated in Lico-A-treated FaDu cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptotic factors such as caspases and PARP polymerase were subsequently activated in a caspase-dependent manner. In addition, levels of pro-apoptotic factors increased significantly in response to Lico-A treatment, while levels of anti-apoptotic factors decreased. Lico-A-induced TRAIL expression was mediated in part by a MAPK signaling pathway involving ERK1/2 and p38. Lastly, in an in vivo xenograft mouse model, Lico-A treatment effectively suppressed the growth of FaDu cell xenografts by activating caspase-3, without affecting the body weight of mice. Taken together, these data suggest that Lico-A has potential chemopreventive effects and should therefore be developed as a chemotherapeutic agent for pharyngeal squamous carcinoma. PMID:25572524

  11. Model-dependence of neutrino emissivities and neutrino luminosities of neutron stars from the direct Urca processes and the modified Urca processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yin, Peng; Fan, Xiaohua; Dong, Jianmin; Guo, Wenmei; Zuo, Wei

    2017-05-01

    The neutrino emissivities in β-stable neutron star matter from the direct Urca (DU) processes and the modified Urca (MU) processes have been investigated by adopting 26 Skyrme interactions. Several physical quantities related to the MU processes and the DU processes have been calculated and discussed. The model-dependence of the neutrino emissivities from the DU processes is found to stem mainly from the model-dependence of the effective mass, while the neutrino emissivities from the MU processes are determined by the competition between the effects of the symmetry energy and the effective mass. Besides, we have investigated the total neutrino luminosities of neutron stars, with the masses of 1.2 , 1.4 , 1.6 and 1.8M⊙, from the DU processes and the MU processes. The neutrino luminosity of a neutron star is found to be primarily determined by whether the electron DU process is allowed or not. As long as the electron DU process can occur, the total luminosity turns out to be 5 to 8 orders of magnitude larger as compared with the case that the DU process is forbidden, which indicates that the strongest model-dependence of the neutrino luminosity comes from that of the symmetry energy and the equation of state (EOS) of neutron star matter. In the case that the DU processes are allowed, the discrepancy of the calculated neutrino luminosity using various Skyrme interactions remains noticeable, which is essentially attributed to the model-dependence of the symmetry energy, the EOS of NS matter and the effective masses.

  12. A Proposal to the President to Establish a Year-Round Operation and an Annual Assignment System for Omega College, Beginning Summer 1974.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Reda, Mario R.

    The purpose of this paper is the presentation of a proposal for a year-round operation and an annual assignment system (YRO/AAS) to the administrative officers of the College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. The proposal is comprised of four chapters. The first chapter deals with the significance of the study in terms of the College of DuPage's…

  13. Intervention of Prostate Cancer by a Flavonoid Antioxidant Silymarin

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1999-10-01

    receptor and cytoplasmic levels. Treatment of LNCaP and DU145 human prostate carcinoma cells with silibinin (the pure form of silymarin) resulted in... silibinin does not result in the inhibition of intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of erbB 1 in both LNCaP and DU 145 cells. The observed inhibitory...suggest that more detailed mechanistic and tumor studies are needed to assess both preventive and interventive effects of silymarin (or silibinin ) against human rostate cancer.

  14. Coping with the Usual Family Diet: Eating Behaviour and Food Choices of Children with Down's Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Cri du Chat Syndrome and Comparison Groups of Siblings.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Collins, Margaret S. R.; Kyle, Rosalind; Smith, Suzanne; Laverty, Anne; Roberts, Sylvia; Eaton-Evans, Jill

    2003-01-01

    A study of 405 Irish children (ages 2-18) with Down syndrome, autism, and cri du chat syndrome, and 280 siblings found most had some level of self-feeding skills. Chewing problems were reported for some children, including siblings of children with Down syndrome and autism. Behavioral problems at meals were common. (Contains references.)…

  15. Efficacy of electrical acupuncture on vascular cognitive impairment with no dementia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Li, Tian; Wu, Huangan; Soto-Aguliar, Franscisca; Huang, Li; Li, Wentao; Lao, Lixing; Xu, Shifen

    2018-01-19

    Vascular cognitive impairment with no dementia (VCIND), manifested mainly as mild impairment of concentration and executive function, is the early phase of vascular dementia (VD). Currently, there is no specific treatment for VCIND. We hypothesize that electrical acupuncture can improve the mental and motor functions of patients with VCIND. Thus, we designed this randomized controlled trial to test this hypothesis by comparing the therapeutic effect of electrical acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in patients with VCIND. In this single-center 3-year study, 120 eligible patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive electrical acupuncture treatment (n = 60) or sham acupuncture (n = 60) for 8 consecutive weeks (24 sessions in total), with the same acupoint prescription (DU20, EX-HN3, DU24, DU17, DU26, EX-HN1, HT7, PC6, GB20, SP6). The primary assessment is the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The secondary assessments are the Modified Barthel Index and Event-Related Potential. All outcomes will be assessed at baseline, endpoint, and follow-up at 8 and 24 weeks after the end of treatment. If the outcome confirms the effectiveness and safety of electrical acupuncture in treating VCIND, this treatment is expected to be promoted in clinical practice to treat such patients. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR-IIR-17011513 ; Registered on 27 May 2017.

  16. Antithrombotic effects of factor Xa inhibition with DU-176b: Phase-I study of an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor using an ex-vivo flow chamber.

    PubMed

    Zafar, Mohammad Urooj; Vorchheimer, David A; Gaztanaga, Juan; Velez, Mauricio; Yadegar, Daniel; Moreno, Pedro R; Kunitada, Satoshi; Pagan, Juan; Fuster, Valentin; Badimon, Juan J

    2007-10-01

    Direct and specific inhibition of factor Xa is an emerging therapeutic strategy for atherothrombotic disease. Parenteral factor Xa inhibitors promise efficacy comparable to standard therapies, which could be extended to ambulatory patients with oral agents. We evaluated the antithrombotic effect of the oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor DU-176b in a phase-I study. Healthy subjects (n = 12) received a single, 60 mg dose of DU-176b. Antithrombotic effects were assessed by comparing ex-vivo thrombus formation at 1.5, 5, and 12 hours post-dose versus baseline, along with factor Xa activity, thrombin generation and clotting parameters. Under venous flow after 1.5 and 5 hours, the thrombus was 28% and 21% smaller versus baseline, respectively (p < 0.05). Under arterial condition, the reduction was 26% and 17% (p < 0.05). Thrombin generation decreased by 28% at 1.5 hours and 10% at 5 hours. Changes in PT and INR correlated well with plasma drug concentrations (R2 = 0.79 and 0.78). Direct and specific inhibition of factor Xa by DU-176b significantly reduced ex-vivo thrombus formation at both venous and arterial rheologies, up to 5 hours post-dose. The effects mirrored changes in clotting parameters, suggesting their potential usefulness for monitoring in a clinical setting.

  17. History of Cern

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

    None

    2007-12-20

    Cérémonie à l'occasion de l'apparition du premier volume du livre sur l'histoire du Cern, avec plusieurs personnes présentes qui jouaient un rôle important dans cette organisation européenne couronnée de succès grâce à l'esprit des membres fondateurs qui est et restera essentiel

  18. Le kyste hydatique du cordon spermatique: une localisation exceptionnelle

    PubMed Central

    Hamdane, Mohamed Moncef; Bougrine, Fethi; Msakni, Issam; Dhaoui-Ghozzi, Amen; Bouziani, Ammar

    2011-01-01

    L’ hydatidose est une anthropo-zoonose due au développement chez l'homme de la forme larvaire du taenia Echinococcus granulosis. La plupart des kystes hydatiques se localisent dans le foie et les poumons. Le kyste hydatique du cordon spermatique est extrêmement rare avec seulement 4 cas rapportés dans la littérature. Les auteurs rapportent dans cet article un nouveau cas d'hydatidose du cordon spermatique. Il s'agissait d'un homme de 40 ans qui consultait pour des douleurs scrotales évoluant depuis huit mois. L'examen clinique a mis en évidence une tuméfaction mobile, inguino-scrotale, droite. L’échographie testiculaire a objectivé une hernie inguinale droite associée à deux kystes épididymaires bilatéraux. Le patient a été opéré pour cure de son hernie avec découverte en per-opératoire d'un kyste du cordon spermatique qui a été réséqué. L'examen anatomopathologique a conclu à une hydatidose du cordon spermatique. PMID:22384304

  19. Processing of next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data for the DuPage County streamflow simulation system

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Bera, Maitreyee; Ortel, Terry W.

    2018-01-12

    The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with DuPage County Stormwater Management Department, is testing a near real-time streamflow simulation system that assists in the management and operation of reservoirs and other flood-control structures in the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins in DuPage County, Illinois. As part of this effort, the U.S. Geological Survey maintains a database of hourly meteorological and hydrologic data for use in this near real-time streamflow simulation system. Among these data are next generation weather radar-multisensor precipitation estimates and quantitative precipitation forecast data, which are retrieved from the North Central River Forecasting Center of the National Weather Service. The DuPage County streamflow simulation system uses these quantitative precipitation forecast data to create streamflow predictions for the two simulated drainage basins. This report discusses in detail how these data are processed for inclusion in the Watershed Data Management files used in the streamflow simulation system for the Salt Creek and West Branch DuPage River drainage basins.

  20. Dedicated Caravan Sites for French Gens du Voyage: Public Health Policy or Construction of Health and Environmental Inequalities?

    PubMed

    Foisneau, Lise

    2017-12-01

    In France, gens du voyage ("people who travel" or "travellers") is a term used by the government to categorize various itinerant populations, the majority of which are diverse Romani groups. People categorized as gens du voyage are legally required to reside in particular locations called "dedicated caravan sites." Parliamentary debates about these dedicated caravan sites have clarified that one of the objectives of such sites is to help fulfill the gens du voyage 's right to health. However, there is a significant gap between the officially stated goals of such sites and the reality of life within them. This paper draws on research finding that the conditions in most dedicated caravan sites do not conform with the rights of gens du voyage to acceptable sanitary conditions and other underlying determinants of health.

  1. Dedicated Caravan Sites for French Gens du Voyage

    PubMed Central

    2017-01-01

    Abstract In France, gens du voyage (“people who travel” or “travellers”) is a term used by the government to categorize various itinerant populations, the majority of which are diverse Romani groups. People categorized as gens du voyage are legally required to reside in particular locations called “dedicated caravan sites.” Parliamentary debates about these dedicated caravan sites have clarified that one of the objectives of such sites is to help fulfill the gens du voyage’s right to health. However, there is a significant gap between the officially stated goals of such sites and the reality of life within them. This paper draws on research finding that the conditions in most dedicated caravan sites do not conform with the rights of gens du voyage to acceptable sanitary conditions and other underlying determinants of health. PMID:29302165

  2. [Dépistage précoce des retards du développement moteur: Outil de dépistage axé sur la famille].

    PubMed

    Harris, Susan R

    2016-08-01

    Décrire le test HINT (Harris Infant Neuromotor Test), un test d'évaluation du développement neuromoteur chez les nourrissons publié en 2010, qui s'appuie sur les normes canadiennes et peut être utilisé pour dépister les retards du développement moteur durant la première année de la vie. QUALITÉ DES DONNÉES: D'abondantes recherches ont été publiées sur la fiabilité intra-évaluateur, inter-évaluateur et test-retest ainsi que sur la validité convergente, prédictive, du contenu et des groupes connus du test HINT, de même que sur la sensibilité, la spécificité et les valeurs prédictives négatives et positives des inquiétudes des parents, telles qu'évaluées par le test HINT. La plupart des données probantes sont de niveau II. Il est important de diagnostiquer les retards du développement moteur durant la première année de vie, car ils sont souvent le signe de retards du développement généralisés ou de déficiences précises, telles que la paralysie cérébrale. Les inquiétudes des parents quant au développement moteur de leur enfant sont une valeur prédictive robuste de diagnostics subséquents de retard du développement moteur. Seul le dépistage précoce des retards du développement moteur, initialement par l'entremise d'outils de dépistage comme le test HINT, permet de recommander le patient à une intervention précoce qui profiterait tant à l'enfant qu'à sa famille. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

  3. Differential Efficacy of Combined Therapy With Radiation and AEE788 in High and Low EGFR-Expressing Androgen-Independent Prostate Tumor Models

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

    Huamani, Jessica; Willey, Christopher; Thotala, Dinesh

    2008-05-01

    Purpose: To determine the efficacy of combining radiation (XRT) with a dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor, AEE788, in prostate cancer models with different levels of EGFR expression. Methods and Materials: Immunoblotting was performed for EGFR, phosphorylated-EGFR, and phosphorylated-AKT in prostate cancer cells. Clonogenic assays were performed on DU145, PC-3, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with XRT {+-} AEE788. Tumor xenografts were established for DU145 and PC-3 on hind limbs of athymic nude mice assigned to four treatment groups: (1) control, (2) AEE788, (3) XRT, and (4) AEE788 + XRT. Tumor blood flowmore » and growth measurements were performed using immunohistochemistry and imaging. Results: AEE788 effectively decreased phosphorylated-EGFR and phosphorylated-AKT levels in DU145 and PC-3 cells. Clonogenic assays showed no radiosensitization for DU145 and PC-3 colonies treated with AEE788 + XRT. However, AEE788 caused decreased proliferation in DU145 cells. AEE788 showed a radiosensitization effect in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and increased apoptosis susceptibility. Concurrent AEE788 + XRT compared with either alone led to significant tumor growth delay in DU145 tumors. Conversely, PC-3 tumors derived no added benefit from combined-modality therapy. In DU145 tumors, a significant decrease in tumor blood flow with combination therapy was shown by using power Doppler sonography and tumor blood vessel destruction on immunohistochemistry. Maldi-spectrometry (MS) imaging showed that AEE788 is bioavailable and heterogeneously distributed in DU145 tumors undergoing therapy. Conclusions: AEE788 + XRT showed efficacy in vitro/in vivo with DU145-based cell models, whereas PC-3-based models were adequately treated with XRT alone without added benefit from combination therapy. These findings correlated with differences in EGFR expression and showed effects on both tumor cell proliferation and vascular destruction.« less

  4. Dépistage précoce des retards du développement moteur

    PubMed Central

    Harris, Susan R.

    2016-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Décrire le test HINT (Harris Infant Neuromotor Test), un test d’évaluation du développement neuromoteur chez les nourrissons publié en 2010, qui s’appuie sur les normes canadiennes et peut être utilisé pour dépister les retards du développement moteur durant la première année de la vie. Qualité des données D’abondantes recherches ont été publiées sur la fiabilité intra-évaluateur, inter-évaluateur et test-retest ainsi que sur la validité convergente, prédictive, du contenu et des groupes connus du test HINT, de même que sur la sensibilité, la spécificité et les valeurs prédictives négatives et positives des inquiétudes des parents, telles qu’évaluées par le test HINT. La plupart des données probantes sont de niveau II. Message principal Il est important de diagnostiquer les retards du développement moteur durant la première année de vie, car ils sont souvent le signe de retards du développement généralisés ou de déficiences précises, telles que la paralysie cérébrale. Les inquiétudes des parents quant au développement moteur de leur enfant sont une valeur prédictive robuste de diagnostics subséquents de retard du développement moteur. Conclusion Seul le dépistage précoce des retards du développement moteur, initialement par l’entremise d’outils de dépistage comme le test HINT, permet de recommander le patient à une intervention précoce qui profiterait tant à l’enfant qu’à sa famille. PMID:27521405

  5. Les masques trompeurs de la bipolarité: étude de 100 cas

    PubMed Central

    Nabih, Fadoua Oueriagli; Benali, Abdesslam; Adali, Imane; Manoudi, Fatiha; Asri, Fatima

    2015-01-01

    Le trouble bipolaire (TB) est une pathologie dont la prévalence est estimée à 1-2%. Le diagnostic précoce du trouble constitue un enjeu thérapeutique majeur. L'objectif de ce travail est de déterminer les différents diagnostiques attribués aux patients bipolaires avant de recevoir le diagnostic adéquat et de préciser le délai moyen du retard diagnostique. C'est une étude descriptive transversale portant sur 100 patients atteints de TB, inclus selon les critères du DSM V, qui ont été vus en consultation ou bien hospitalisés dans le service de psychiatrie de l'hôpital Militaire Avicenne de Marrakech, durant une période de deux ans. L’âge moyen des patients était de 29,5 ans avec une prédominance masculine (80%). 40% de nos patients ont reçu au début un autre diagnostic que celui du TB et le premier diagnostic retenu était celui de l’épisode dépressif majeur dans 36% des cas, suivi de l'accès psychotique aigu dans 28% des cas, la schizophrénie dans 16,8% et le trouble de personnalité dans 10,2%. Le délai moyen du retard diagnostic était de 64 mois. 50% des patients ayant reçu un autre diagnostic avaient consulté au moins un psychiatre et 60% des patients avaient été hospitalisés au moins une fois avant le diagnostic du TB. Les errances diagnostiques du TB sont bien établies, conduisant forcément à un retard de prise en charge adéquate. Ces données devraient alerter les psychiatres pour favoriser un meilleur dépistage de la manie et de l'hypomanie qui restent les éléments clé du diagnostic du TB. PMID:26587161

  6. DRDC Toronto Technical Stream Integrated Capabilities and Vision

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-09-01

    du RT, et les présenter à la séance d’information 2010 destinée à tout le personnel, puis à la réunion du Comité de gestion . Reposant sur une...profession technique, c) adoption d’une culture de collaboration et de réseautage, d ) élargissement de l’influence de la profession technique. Grâce à...d’information 2010 destinée à tout le personnel, puis à la réunion du Comité de gestion . Résultats : Une équipe de projet, composée de huit membres du

  7. Localisation inhabituelle de la tuberculose: ostéoarthrite tuberculose du pouce

    PubMed Central

    Mortaji, Aziz; Koulali, Khalid; Galuia, Farid

    2014-01-01

    L'ostéoarthrite tuberculose est rare au niveau des doigts. Nous rapportons une observation d'atteinte du pouce chez un patient de 55 ans. Il avait présenté une tuméfaction douloureuse du pouce droit suite à un traumatisme du pouce. L’étude bactériologique et une biopsie avaient permis de confirmer le diagnostic. Un traitement antibacillaire de 12 mois avait donné des résultats satisfaisants. Les particularités de la prise en charge sont discutées par rapport aux données de la littérature. PMID:25932075

  8. Hyperproduction of alpha-toxin by Staphylococcus aureus results in paradoxically reduced virulence in experimental endocarditis: a host defense role for platelet microbicidal proteins.

    PubMed Central

    Bayer, A S; Ramos, M D; Menzies, B E; Yeaman, M R; Shen, A J; Cheung, A L

    1997-01-01

    Staphylococcal alpha-toxin targets several cell types which are important components of cardiac vegetations in endocarditis, including platelets, erythrocytes, and endothelial cells. We evaluated the in vivo role of Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin in experimental endocarditis by using isogenic strains differing in the capacity to produce functional alpha-toxin, including 8325-4 (wild-type strain), DU-1090 (a mutant strain with allelic replacement of the alpha-toxin gene [hla]), DU1090(pH35L) (a mutant strain producing a target cell-binding but nonlytic toxin), DU1090(pDU1212) (a variant of DU1090 carrying the cloned hla gene on a multicopy plasmid), and DU1090(pCL84::hla) (a variant of DU1090 with a single copy of the hla gene cloned into the chromosomal lipase locus). In vitro, wild-type alpha-toxin (from parental strain 8325-4) extensively lysed both erythrocytes and platelets. In contrast, mutant alpha-toxin [from strain DU1090(pH35L)] lysed neither cell type. Following exposure to the wild-type alpha-toxin, platelet lysates were found to contain microbicidal activity against Bacillus subtilis (but not against Micrococcus luteus), as well as against the parental and alpha-toxin variant S. aureus strains noted above. Furthermore, lysate microbicidal activity was heat stable, neutralized by polyanionic filters or compounds, and recoverable from anionic filter membranes by hypertonic saline elution. These characteristics are consistent with those of cationic platelet microbicidal proteins (PMPs). Reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of three distinct PMPs (1, 2, and 3) in platelet lysates. In experimental endocarditis, the two variant staphylococcal strains producing either minimal alpha-toxin or nonlytic alpha-toxin in vitro [strains DU1090 and DU1090(pH35L), respectively] exhibited significantly lower virulence in vivo than the parental strain (decreased intravegetation staphylococcal densities). Paradoxically, the two variant staphylococcal strains producing alpha-toxin at supraparental levels in vitro [strains DU1090(p1212) and DU1090(pCL84::hla)] also exhibited significantly decreased induction rates and intravegetation staphylococcal densities in experimental endocarditis versus the parental strain. The reduced in vivo virulence of the latter variant staphylococcal strains could not be explained by differences in bacteremic clearance or initial adherence to sterile vegetations (compared to the parental strain). These findings suggest that the reduced virulence exhibited by the variant staphylococcal strains in this model was related to pathogenetic events subsequent to bacterial adherence to the damaged endocardium. Excess intravegetation secretion of alpha-toxin, leading to increased PMP release (secondary to either increased platelet secretion or lysis), may well explain the reduced virulence observed in experimental endocarditis. PMID:9353046

  9. Effects of depleted uranium on survival, growth, and metamorphosis in the african clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Mitchell, S.E.; Caldwell, C.A.; Gonzales, G.; Gould, W.R.; Arimoto, R.

    2005-01-01

    Embryos (stage 8-47, Nieuwkoop and Faber) of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) were subjected to water-borne depleted uranium (DU) concentrations that ranged from 4.8 to 77.7 mg/Lusing an acute 96-h frog embryo teratogenesis assay-Xenopus (FETAX). In a chronic 64-d assay, X. laevis (from embryo through metamorphosis; stages 8-66) were subjected to concentrations of DU that ranged from 6.2 to 54.3 mg/L Our results indicate DU is a non teratogenic metal. No effects on mortality, malformations, or growth were observed in the 96-h FETAX with concentrations of DU that ranged from 4.8 to 77.7 mg/L From stage 8 to stage 47, X. laevis tadpoles do not actively feed and the gills are not well developed. Thus, uptake of DU was reduced despite exposure to elevated concentrations. The 64-d assay resulted in no concentration response for either mortality or malformations; however, a delay in metamorphosis was observed in tadpoles subjected to elevated DU concentrations (from 13.1 to 54.3 mg/L) compared to tadpoles in both the well-water control and reference. The delay in metamorphosis was likely due to increasing body burden of DU that ranged from 0.98 to 2.82 mg/kg. Copyright?? Taylor & Francis Inc.

  10. Identification d'une loi thermo-élasto-viscoplastique en vue de la modélisation du laminage à chaud du cuivre

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moureaux, P.; Moto Mpong, S.; Remy, M.; Bouffioux, C.; Lecomte-Beckers, J.; Habraken, A. M.

    2002-12-01

    la mise au point d'un modèle de simulation de la dernière passe du laminage à chaud du cuivre ne présente à priori pas de problème du point de vue numérique pour un code d'éléments finis non linéaire. La collecte d'informations précises tant sur le procédé industriel que sur le comportement du matériau est par contre une opération non triviale. Cet article présente les diverses méthodes expérimentales mises en œuvre pour caractériser le matériau : essais de compression à chaud, mesures d'analyse thermique différentielle, essais de dilatométrie et de diffusivité. Les méthodes permettant d'identifier les paramètres de la loi élasto-visco-plastique de type Norton-Hoff à partir des essais sont présentées et une analyse bibliographique investigue le problème de la détermination du module de Young à haute température. Tant les hypothèses supplémentaires relatives au procédé et nécessaires au modèle que les résultats finaux sont résumés.

  11. Le cannabis et les enfants et adolescents canadiens

    PubMed Central

    Grant, Christina N; Bélanger, Richard E

    2017-01-01

    Résumé L’usage du cannabis, la drogue illicite la plus consommée dans le monde, est fréquent chez les adolescents canadiens. La consommation de cannabis à l’adolescence peut provoquer des modifications fonctionnelles et structurelles du cerveau en développement et induire une atteinte cérébrale. Dans ce groupe d’âge, la consommation de marijuana s’associe fortement à la dépendance au cannabis et à d’autres troubles de l’usage d’une substance, à l’adoption et au maintien du tabagisme, à l’augmentation des troubles de santé mentale, y compris la dépression, l’anxiété et la psychose, à une perturbation du développement neurologique et à un déclin cognitif ainsi qu’à une diminution de la performance scolaire et des réalisations au cours de la vie. Le taux de soins médicaux aigus et d’hospitalisations chez les jeunes enfants qui ont consommé involontairement du cannabis est en hausse. Compte tenu du débat en cours sur la réglementation du cannabis au Canada, l’examen attentif des preuves de ses effets sur la santé et la mise en place de mécanismes de protection deviennent des priorités absolues en santé publique.

  12. [Beginnings of nursing education and nurses' contribution to nursing professional development in Serbia].

    PubMed

    Vlaisavljević, Željko; Čolović, Nataša; Perišić, Mirjana

    2014-01-01

    The oldest records of developmental beginnings of patients' healthcare relate to the first hospital founded by St. Sava at the monastery Studenica in 1199. The profile of the Kosovian girl became the hallmark of nursing profession in Serbia. The first school for midwives was founded in 1899 at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the General State Hospital in Belgrade. However, there were no other schools for nurses in Serbia until the foundation of the School for Midwives of the Red Cross Society in 1021. Until then the healthcare of patients and the injured was carried out by self-taught volunteer nurses with completed short courses of patients' healthcare. The first course for male and female nurses was organized by the Serbian Red Cross at the beginning of the First Serbian-Turkish War in 1876. During wars with Serbian participation in 19th and 20th centuries with Serbian participation, nurses gave a remarkable contribution being exposed to extreme efforts and often sacrificing their own lives. In war times great merit belongs to the members of the humanitarian society the Circle of Serbian Sisters founded in Belgrade in 1903, which was the resource of a great number of nurses who became the pride of nursing profession. Generations of nurses were educated on their example. In 2004 the annual award "Dušica Spasić" was established which is awarded to the best medical nurse is Serbia. Dušica Spasić was a medical nurse that died at her workplace, when aged 23 years, nursing the sick from variola.

  13. Actes des Journees de linguistique (Proceedings of the Linguistics Conference) (13th, Quebec, Canada, March 25-26, 1999).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kavanagh, Eric, Ed.

    Papers on language research in this volume include the following: Pour une comparaison des voyelles nasals du Quebec et du Haut-Jura: observations, methodologie et outils infomatiques (A Comparison of Quebec and Haut-Jura's Nasal Vowels: Observations, Methodologies, and Instrumentation) (Vincent Arnaud and Claude Paradis); Le negociation du sens…

  14. Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Phenomenology in Cornelia de Lange and Cri du Chat Syndromes

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Moss, Joanna F.; Oliver, Chris; Berg, Katy; Kaur, Gurmeash; Jephcott, Lesley; Cornish, Kim

    2008-01-01

    Autism spectrum disorder characteristics have not been evaluated in Cornelia de Lange and Cri du Chat syndromes using robust assessments. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Social Communication Questionnaire were administered to 34 participants with Cornelia de Lange syndrome and a comparison group of 23 participants with Cri du Chat…

  15. Identification of genomic regions contributing to etoposide-induced cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Bleibel, Wasim K; Duan, Shiwei; Huang, R Stephanie; Kistner, Emily O; Shukla, Sunita J; Wu, Xiaolin; Badner, Judith A; Dolan, M Eileen

    2009-03-01

    Etoposide is routinely used in combination-based chemotherapy for testicular cancer and small-cell lung cancer; however, myelosuppression, therapy-related leukemia and neurotoxicity limit its utility. To determine the genetic contribution to cellular sensitivity to etoposide, we evaluated cell growth inhibition in Centre d' Etude du Polymorphisme Humain lymphoblastoid cell lines from 24 multi-generational pedigrees (321 samples) following treatment with 0.02-2.5 microM etoposide for 72 h. Heritability analysis showed that genetic variation contributes significantly to the cytotoxic phenotypes (h (2) = 0.17-0.25, P = 4.9 x 10(-5)-7.3 x 10(-3)). Whole genome linkage scans uncovered 8 regions with peak LOD scores ranging from 1.57 to 2.55, with the most significant signals being found on chromosome 5 (LOD = 2.55) and chromosome 6 (LOD = 2.52). Linkage-directed association was performed on a subset of HapMap samples within the pedigrees to find 22 SNPs significantly associated with etoposide cytotoxicity at one or more treatment concentrations. UVRAG, a DNA repair gene, SEMA5A, SLC7A6 and PRMT7 are implicated from these unbiased studies. Our findings suggest that susceptibility to etoposide-induced cytotoxicity is heritable and using an integrated genomics approach we identified both genomic regions and SNPs associated with the cytotoxic phenotypes.

  16. Detection de la fin de la compaction des anodes par le son

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanogo, Bazoumana

    L'objectif de ce projet etait de developper un outil de controle en temps reel du temps de compaction en se servant du son genere par le vibrocompacteur pendant le formage des anodes crues. Ainsi, une application a ete developpee pour l'analyse des sons enregistres. Des essais ont ete realises avec differents microphones pour une meilleure qualite des mesures et un a ete choisi pour la suite du projet. De meme, differents tests ont ete realises sur des anodes de laboratoire ainsi que des anodes a l'echelle industrielle afin de mettre en place une methode pour la detection du temps optimal necessaire au formage des anodes. Les travaux au laboratoire de carbone a l'Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi (UQAC) ont consiste a l'enregistrement de son des anodes fabriquees sur place avec differentes configurations; et a la caracterisation de certaines anodes de l'usine. Les anodes fabriquees au laboratoire sont reparties en deux groupes. Le premier regroupe les anodes pour la validation de notre methode. Ce sont des anodes produites avec des temps de compaction differents. Le laboratoire de carbone a l'UQAC est unique et il est possible de produire des anodes avec les memes proprietes que celles des anodes industrielles. Par consequent, la validation initialement prevue a l'usine a ete effectuee avec les anodes de laboratoire. Le deuxieme groupe a servi a etudier les effets des matieres premieres sur le temps de compaction. Le type de coke et le type de brai ont constitue les differentes variations dans ce deuxieme groupe. Quant aux tests et mesures a l'usine, ils ont ete realises en trois campagnes de mesure. La premiere campagne en juin 2014 a servi a standardiser et a trouver le meilleur positionnement des appareils pour les mesures, a regler le logiciel et a faire les premieres mesures. Une deuxieme campagne en mai 2015 a fait l'objet d'enregistrement de son en classant les anodes selon differents temps de compaction. La troisieme et derniere campagne en decembre 2015 a ete le lieu de tests finaux a l'usine en fabriquant des anodes avec differents criteres (variation du temps de compaction, taux de brai, arret manuel du compacteur, variation de la pression des ballons du haut du compacteur). Ces anodes ont ete ensuite analysees au laboratoire a l'UQAC. En parallele a ces travaux precites, l'amelioration de l'application d'analyse du son a ete faite avec le choix des parametres d'analyse et leur standardisation. Les resultats des premiers tests au laboratoire et ceux de la campagne de juin 2014 ont montre que la formation des anodes se fait suivant trois etapes : rearrangement des particules et du brai, compaction et consolidation et enfin la finition. Ces travaux ont montre en outre que le temps de compaction joue un role tres important dans la definition des proprietes finales des anodes. Ainsi, en plus du type de brai, du taux de brai et du type de coke, il faut tenir compte du temps de sur-compaction et de sous-compaction. En effet, ceci a ete demontre a travers les deux validations qui ont ete realisees. Les resultats de la caracterisation des echantillons (venant des anodes de la campagne de decembre 2015) ont montre qu'une anode compactee a un temps optimal acquiert une bonne resistance a la compression et sa resistivite electrique baisse. En outre, on note que le temps de compaction dans notre cas a baisse legerement avec l'augmentation de la pression des ballons de haut du vibrocompacteur. Ce qui a eu pour effet d'augmenter la densite crue de l'anode. Toutefois, il faut s'abstenir de generaliser ce constat car le nombre d'anodes testees est faible dans notre cas. Par ailleurs, cette etude montre que le temps necessaire pour le formage d'une anode croit avec l'augmentation du taux de brai et baisse legerement avec l'augmentation de la pression des ballons. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

  17. Mesure et retroaction sur un qubit multi-niveaux en electrodynamique quantique en circuit non lineair

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boissonneault, Maxime

    L'electrodynamique quantique en circuit est une architecture prometteuse pour le calcul quantique ainsi que pour etudier l'optique quantique. Dans cette architecture, on couple un ou plusieurs qubits supraconducteurs jouant le role d'atomes a un ou plusieurs resonateurs jouant le role de cavites optiques. Dans cette these, j'etudie l'interaction entre un seul qubit supraconducteur et un seul resonateur, en permettant cependant au qubit d'avoir plus de deux niveaux et au resonateur d'avoir une non-linearite Kerr. Je m'interesse particulierement a la lecture de l'etat du qubit et a son amelioration, a la retroaction du processus de mesure sur le qubit de meme qu'a l'etude des proprietes quantiques du resonateur a l'aide du qubit. J'utilise pour ce faire un modele analytique reduit que je developpe a partir de la description complete du systeme en utilisant principalement des transfprmations unitaires et une elimination adiabatique. J'utilise aussi une librairie de calcul numerique maison permettant de simuler efficacement l'evolution du systeme complet. Je compare les predictions du modele analytique reduit et les resultats de simulations numeriques a des resultats experimentaux obtenus par l'equipe de quantronique du CEASaclay. Ces resultats sont ceux d'une spectroscopie d'un qubit supraconducteur couple a un resonateur non lineaire excite. Dans un regime de faible puissance de spectroscopie le modele reduit predit correctement la position et la largeur de la raie. La position de la raie subit les decalages de Lamb et de Stark, et sa largeur est dominee par un dephasage induit par le processus de mesure. Je montre que, pour les parametres typiques de l'electrodynamique quantique en circuit, un accord quantitatif requiert un modele en reponse non lineaire du champ intra-resonateur, tel que celui developpe. Dans un regime de forte puissance de spectroscopie, des bandes laterales apparaissent et sont causees par les fluctuations quantiques du champ electromagnetique intra-resonateur autour de sa valeur d'equilibre. Ces fluctuations sont causees par la compression du champ electromagnetique due a la non-linearite du resonateur, et l'observation de leur effet via la spectroscopie d'un qubit constitue une premiere. Suite aux succes quantitatifs du modele reduit, je montre que deux regimes de parametres ameliorent marginalement la mesure dispersive d'un qubit avec un resonateur lineaire, et significativement une mesure par bifurcation avec un resonateur non lineaire. J'explique le fonctionnement d'une mesure de qubit dans un resonateur lineaire developpee par une equipe experimentale de l'Universite de Yale. Cette mesure, qui utilise les non-linearites induites par le qubit, a une haute fidelite, mais utilise une tres haute puissance et est destructrice. Dans tous ces cas, la structure multi-niveaux du qubit s'avere cruciale pour la mesure. En suggerant des facons d'ameliorer la mesure de qubits supraconducteurs, et en decrivant quantitativement la physique d'un systeme a plusieurs niveaux couple a un resonateur non lineaire excite, les resultats presentes dans cette these sont pertinents autant pour l'utilisation de l'architecture d'electrodynamique quantique en circuit pour l'informatique quantique que pour l'optique quantique. Mots-cles: electrodynamique quantique en circuit, informatique quantique, mesure, qubit supraconducteur, transmon, non-linearite Kerr

  18. Digital ulcers and cutaneous subsets of systemic sclerosis: Clinical, immunological, nailfold capillaroscopy, and survival differences in the Spanish RESCLE Registry.

    PubMed

    Tolosa-Vilella, Carles; Morera-Morales, Maria Lluisa; Simeón-Aznar, Carmen Pilar; Marí-Alfonso, Begoña; Colunga-Arguelles, Dolores; Callejas Rubio, José Luis; Rubio-Rivas, Manuel; Freire-Dapena, Maika; Guillén-Del Castillo, Alfredo; Iniesta-Arandia, Nerea; Castillo-Palma, Maria Jesús; Egurbide-Arberas, Marivi; Trapiellla-Martínez, Luis; Vargas-Hitos, José A; Todolí-Parra, José Antonio; Rodriguez-Carballeira, Mónica; Marin-Ballvé, Adela; Pla-Salas, Xavier; Rios-Blanco, Juan José; Fonollosa-Pla, Vicent

    2016-10-01

    Digital ulcers (DU) are the most common vascular complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We compared the characteristics between patients with prior or current DU with those never affected and evaluated whether a history of DU may be a predictor of vascular, organ involvement, and/or death in patients with SSc. Data from SSc patients with or without prior or current DU were collected by 19 referral centers in an ongoing registry of Spanish SSc patients, named Registro de ESCLErodermia (RESCLE). Demographics, organ involvement, autoimmunity features, nailfold capillary pattern, survival time, and causes of death were analyzed to identify DU related characteristics and survival of the entire series and according to the following cutaneous subsets-diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), and SSc sine scleroderma (ssSSc). Out of 1326, 552 patients enrolled in the RESCLE registry had prior or current DU, 88% were women, the mean age was 50 ± 16 years, and the mean disease duration from first SSc symptom was 7.6 ± 9.6 years. Many significant differences were observed in the univariate analysis between patients with and without prior/current DU. Multivariate analysis identified that history of prior/current DU in patients with SSc was independently associated to younger age at SSc diagnosis, diffuse cutaneous SSc, peripheral vascular manifestations such Raynaud's phenomenon, telangiectasia, and acro-osteolysis but no other vascular features such as pulmonary arterial hypertension or scleroderma renal crisis. DU was also associated to calcinosis cutis, interstitial lung disease, as well as worse survival. Multivariate analysis performed in the cutaneous subsets showed that prior/current DU were independently associated: (1) in dcSSc, to younger age at SSc diagnosis, presence of telangiectasia and calcinosis and rarely a non-SSc pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy; (2) in lcSSc, to younger age at SSc diagnosis, presence of Raynaud's phenomenon as well as calcinosis cutis, interstitial lung disease, and higher incidence of death from all causes; and (3) in ssSSc, to younger age at first SSc symptom and greater incidence of death from all causes. Digital ulcers develop in patients with SSc younger at diagnosis, mainly in patients with dcSSc and lcSSc, and they are associated to other peripheral vascular manifestations such as Raynaud's phenomenon, telangiectasia, and acro-osteolysis but also to calcinosis, and interstitial lung disease. History of DU in SSc leads to worse survival, also noticeable for lcSSc and ssSSc subsets but not for dcSSc patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Sortilin regulates progranulin action in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Tanimoto, Ryuta; Morcavallo, Alaide; Terracciano, Mario; Xu, Shi-Qiong; Stefanello, Manuela; Buraschi, Simone; Lu, Kuojung G; Bagley, Demetrius H; Gomella, Leonard G; Scotlandi, Katia; Belfiore, Antonino; Iozzo, Renato V; Morrione, Andrea

    2015-01-01

    The growth factor progranulin is as an important regulator of transformation in several cellular systems. We have previously demonstrated that progranulin acts as an autocrine growth factor and stimulates motility, proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, supporting the hypothesis that progranulin may play a critical role in prostate cancer progression. However, the mechanisms regulating progranulin action in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells have not been characterized. Sortilin, a single-pass type I transmembrane protein of the vacuolar protein sorting 10 family, binds progranulin in neurons and negatively regulates progranulin signaling by mediating progranulin targeting for lysosomal degradation. However, whether sortilin is expressed in prostate cancer cells and plays any role in regulating progranulin action has not been established. Here, we show that sortilin is expressed at very low levels in castration-resistant PC3 and DU145 cells. Significantly, enhancing sortilin expression in PC3 and DU145 cells severely diminishes progranulin levels and inhibits motility, invasion, proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth. In addition, sortilin overexpression negatively modulates Akt (protein kinase B, PKB) stability. These results are recapitulated by depleting endogenous progranulin in PC3 and DU145 cells. On the contrary, targeting sortilin by short hairpin RNA approaches enhances progranulin levels and promotes motility, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. We dissected the mechanisms of sortilin action and demonstrated that sortilin promotes progranulin endocytosis through a clathrin-dependent pathway, sorting into early endosomes and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Collectively, these results point out a critical role for sortilin in regulating progranulin action in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, suggesting that sortilin loss may contribute to prostate cancer progression.

  20. Sortilin Regulates Progranulin Action in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells

    PubMed Central

    Tanimoto, Ryuta; Morcavallo, Alaide; Terracciano, Mario; Xu, Shi-Qiong; Stefanello, Manuela; Buraschi, Simone; Lu, Kuojung G.; Bagley, Demetrius H.; Gomella, Leonard G.; Scotlandi, Katia; Belfiore, Antonino; Iozzo, Renato V.

    2015-01-01

    The growth factor progranulin is as an important regulator of transformation in several cellular systems. We have previously demonstrated that progranulin acts as an autocrine growth factor and stimulates motility, proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, supporting the hypothesis that progranulin may play a critical role in prostate cancer progression. However, the mechanisms regulating progranulin action in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells have not been characterized. Sortilin, a single-pass type I transmembrane protein of the vacuolar protein sorting 10 family, binds progranulin in neurons and negatively regulates progranulin signaling by mediating progranulin targeting for lysosomal degradation. However, whether sortilin is expressed in prostate cancer cells and plays any role in regulating progranulin action has not been established. Here, we show that sortilin is expressed at very low levels in castration-resistant PC3 and DU145 cells. Significantly, enhancing sortilin expression in PC3 and DU145 cells severely diminishes progranulin levels and inhibits motility, invasion, proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth. In addition, sortilin overexpression negatively modulates Akt (protein kinase B, PKB) stability. These results are recapitulated by depleting endogenous progranulin in PC3 and DU145 cells. On the contrary, targeting sortilin by short hairpin RNA approaches enhances progranulin levels and promotes motility, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. We dissected the mechanisms of sortilin action and demonstrated that sortilin promotes progranulin endocytosis through a clathrin-dependent pathway, sorting into early endosomes and subsequent lysosomal degradation. Collectively, these results point out a critical role for sortilin in regulating progranulin action in castration-resistant prostate cancer cells, suggesting that sortilin loss may contribute to prostate cancer progression. PMID:25365768

  1. A study of the quality of duplicated radiographs.

    PubMed

    Erales, F A; Manson-Hing, L R

    1979-01-01

    The resolution, contrast, and clinical appearance of radiographs and duplicate radiographs made with two types of duplicating film were compared. Duplicating conditions evaluated were type and shape of light, light-film distance, type of exposure surface, and developer temperature. Major observations were as follows: both Kodak and DuPont films produced clinically acceptable duplicates; Kodak film was faster; DuPont film responded better in incandescent photoflood light than Kodak film; clear glass with appropriate light-film distance was the best exposure surface.

  2. Metaphores et representations du cerveau plurilingue: conceptions naives ou construction du savior? Exemples dans le contexte d'enseignement andorran (Metaphors and Representations of the Multilingual Brain: Naive Conceptions or Knowledge Construction? Examples in the Context of Andorran Education).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Larruy, Martine Marquillo

    2000-01-01

    This article concentrates on the use of metaphors characterizing a multilingual brain in a corpus of oral interactions drawn from the Andorran part of an international research study. First, the situation and the status of metaphors in fields connected to the elaboration of knowledge is questioned. Next, the most important metaphors associated to…

  3. VENUS Ranging Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-12-01

    Majesté la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que réprésentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2014 Abstract The underwater acoustic propagation...50 km des capteurs sous-marins situés aux nœuds du réseau VENUS dont les données acoustiques et sismiques sont accessibles au public sur Internet...Southwest British Columbia, Geophysical Journal International , 170(2), 800–812. [15] Hamilton, E. L. (1979), Vp/Vs and Poisson’s ratios in marine

  4. Nailfold Capillaroscopy and Clinical Applications in Systemic Sclerosis.

    PubMed

    Smith, Vanessa; Thevissen, Kristof; Trombetta, Amelia C; Pizzorni, Carmen; Ruaro, Barbara; Piette, Yves; Paolino, Sabrina; De Keyser, Filip; Sulli, Alberto; Melsens, Karin; Cutolo, Maurizio

    2016-07-01

    Capillary microscopy is a safe and non-invasive tool to evaluate the morphology of the microcirculation typically affected in SSc. Next to being paramount for the "(very) early" diagnosis of SSc eyes are also geared toward capillaroscopy with the aim to be able to use it as a biomarker, especially in the prediction of future occurrence of DU. The following review will explain what capillary microscopy is and will focus additionally on studies evaluating the association between capillaroscopy and DU. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. A receptor tyrosine kinase, UFO/Axl, and other genes isolated by a modified differential display PCR are overexpressed in metastatic prostatic carcinoma cell line DU145.

    PubMed

    Jacob, A N; Kalapurakal, J; Davidson, W R; Kandpal, G; Dunson, N; Prashar, Y; Kandpal, R P

    1999-01-01

    We have used a modified differential display PCR protocol for isolating 3' restriction fragments of cDNAs specifically expressed or overexpressed in metastatic prostate carcinoma cell line DU145. Several cDNA fragments were identified that matched to milk fat globule protein, UFO/Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, human homologue of a Xenopus maternal transcript, laminin and laminin receptor, human carcinoma-associated antigen, and some expressed sequence tags. The transcript for milk fat globule protein, a marker protein shown to be overexpressed in breast tumors, was elevated in DU145 cells. The expression of UFO/Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, was considerably higher in DU145 cells as compared to normal prostate cells and prostatic carcinoma cell line PC-3. The overexpression of UFO oncogene in DU145 cells is discussed in the context of prostate cancer metastasis.

  6. The Challenges of Mobilizing Workers on Gender Issues: Lessons from Two Studies on the Occupational Health of Teachers in Québec: Les défis de mobiliser les travailleur.ses sur la question du genre: Constats issus de deux recherches portant sur la santé au travail d'enseignant.es du Québec.

    PubMed

    Riel, Jessica; Major, Marie-Eve

    2017-11-01

    In partnership with the largest teachers' union confederation in Québec ( Centrale des syndicats du Québec), two qualitative research studies that integrate gender were conducted in the teaching community. These ergonomic studies advocated a participatory approach involving interviews and observations with high school teachers (thirty-five) and female teachers responsible for vocational training in trades with predominantly male clientele (twelve). The results revealed that gender influences work success by reducing the operational leeway available for female teachers to carry out their work and protect their health. In both studies, it was difficult to discuss these results with the teachers, especially with female teachers. Resistance, even denial, was present among high school teachers, while, in vocational training, resignation and a feeling of helplessness were observed. These reactions demonstrate that taking gender into account in prevention poses particular challenges that need to be addressed in order to promote equality between women and men in workplaces.

  7. Physicochemical characterization of Capstone depleted uranium aerosols I: uranium concentration in aerosols as a function of time and particle size.

    PubMed

    Parkhurst, Mary Ann; Cheng, Yung Sung; Kenoyer, Judson L; Traub, Richard J

    2009-03-01

    During the Capstone Depleted Uranium (DU) Aerosol Study, aerosols containing DU were produced inside unventilated armored vehicles (i.e., Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles) by perforation with large-caliber DU penetrators. These aerosols were collected and characterized, and the data were subsequently used to assess human health risks to personnel exposed to DU aerosols. The DU content of each aerosol sample was first quantified by radioanalytical methods, and selected samples, primarily those from the cyclone separator grit chambers, were analyzed radiochemically. Deposition occurred inside the vehicles as particles settled on interior surfaces. Settling rates of uranium from the aerosols were evaluated using filter cassette samples that collected aerosol as total mass over eight sequential time intervals. A moving filter was used to collect aerosol samples over time, particularly within the first minute after a shot. The results demonstrate that the peak uranium concentration in the aerosol occurred in the first 10 s after perforation, and the concentration decreased in the Abrams tank shots to about 50% within 1 min and to less than 2% after 30 min. The initial and maximum uranium concentrations were lower in the Bradley vehicle than those observed in the Abrams tank, and the concentration levels decreased more slowly. Uranium mass concentrations in the aerosols as a function of particle size were evaluated using samples collected in a cyclone sampler, which collected aerosol continuously for 2 h after perforation. The percentages of uranium mass in the cyclone separator stages ranged from 38 to 72% for the Abrams tank with conventional armor. In most cases, it varied with particle size, typically with less uranium associated with the smaller particle sizes. Neither the Abrams tank with DU armor nor the Bradley vehicle results were specifically correlated with particle size and can best be represented by their average uranium mass concentrations of 65 and 24%, respectively.

  8. Genetic variability of six French meat sheep breeds in relation to their genetic management.

    PubMed

    Huby, Marie; Griffon, Laurent; Moureaux, Sophie; De Rochambeau, Hubert; Danchin-Burge, Coralie; Verrier, Etienne

    2003-01-01

    Some demographic parameters, the genetic structure and the evolution of the genetic variability of six French meat sheep breeds were analysed in relation with their management. Four of these breeds are submitted to more or less intense selection: the Berrichon du Cher (BCH), Blanc du Massif Central (BMC), Charollais (CHA) and Limousin (LIM); the other two breeds are under conservation: the Roussin de La Hague (RLH) and Solognot (SOL). Genealogical data of the recorded animals born from 1970 to 2000 and of their known ancestors were used. The most balanced contributions of the different flocks to the sire-daughter path was found in the SOL. In the BCH, a single flock provided 43% of the sire-AI sire path, whereas the contributions of the flocks were more balanced in the BMC and LIM (the only other breeds where AI is used to a substantial amount). The distribution of the expected genetic contribution of the founder animals was found to be unbalanced, especially in the BCH and LIM. The effective numbers of ancestors (founders or not) for the ewes born from 1996 to 2000 were equal to 35 (BCH), 144 (BMC), 112 (CHA), 69 (LIM), 40 (RLH) and 49 (SOL). Inbreeding was not analysed in the BMC, due to incomplete pedigree information. From 1980 on, the rates of inbreeding, in percentage points per year, were +0.112 (BCH), +0.045 (CHA), +0.036 (LIM), +0.098 (RLH) and +0.062 (SOL). The implications of the observed trends on genetic variability are discussed in relation to the genetic management of each breed. The need for a larger selection basis in the BCH, the efficiency of the rules applied in the SOL to preserve the genetic variability and the need for a more collective organisation in the CHA and RLH are outlined.

  9. Cancer métaplasique du sein: à propos d'un cas

    PubMed Central

    Babahabib, Moulay Abdellah; Chennana, Adil; Hachi, Aymen; Kouach, Jaoud; Moussaoui, Driss; Dhayni, Mohammed

    2014-01-01

    Les carcinomes métaplasiques du sein sont des tumeurs rares. Ils constituent un groupe hétérogène de tumeurs définis selon l'organisation mondiale de la santé comme étant un carcinome canalaire infiltrant mais comportant des zones de remaniements métaplasiques (de type épidermoïde, à cellules fusiformes, chondroïde et osseux ou mixte), qui varient de quelques foyers microscopiques à un remplacement glandulaire complet. Les aspects cliniques et radiologiques ne sont pas spécifiques. Le traitement associe la chirurgie, la radiothérapie et la chimiothérapie. L'hormonothérapie n'a pas de place. Le pronostic est sombre. L'histopathologie combinée à l'immunohistochimie permet de poser un diagnostic sure. Etant donné que la prise en charge thérapeutique est limitée, une nouvelle approche moléculaire pourrait modifier cette contribution faible et mal cernée des traitements systémiques classiques. Les patientes atteintes de carcinome métaplasique mammaire pourraient bénéficier de traitements ciblés, ce qui reste à confirmer par des essais cliniques. PMID:25870723

  10. Relationships between ten-year trends of tropospheric ozone and temperature over Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Hsu, Kuang-Jung

    2007-03-01

    The analyses of ten-year ozonesonde observations from 1993 till 2002, over Taipei, Taiwan show influences of climate change. Despite huge increases in its precursor emissions in this region, there were little variations in tropospheric ozone. Results indicate a warmer troposphere, a statistically insignificant rising tropopause, 79+/-206 m per decade, and decreasing tropopause temperature at -1.0+/-0.89 K per decade. The derived mean tropospheric ozone is 40.58+/-10.99 DU, and has a statistically insignificant small trend of -0.78+/-1.7 DU per decade. The derived ten-year vertical trends of temperature and ozone are inversely correlated with each other from the middle troposphere up to the lower stratosphere. The averaged monthly vertical temperature trends show a generally warmer middle troposphere. The tropospheric ozone monthly trend has small increases only in the lower troposphere during winter and spring. Strong decreases occur in summer, from the surface up into the stratosphere. For ozone variation, results suggest that influences of climate forcing are stronger than those from precursor increases. More frequent and/or intense convection in summer and other climate-induced effects may contribute to the less than expected ozone observed in the troposphere.

  11. Repenser ensemble le concept d'autonomie alimentaire.

    PubMed

    Bélisle, Micheline; Labarthe, Jenni; Moreau, Cynthia; Landry, Elise; Adam, Gracia; Bourque Bouliane, Mijanou; Dupéré, Sophie

    2017-03-01

    C'est au cœur du projet de recherche-action participative « Vers une autonomie alimentaire pour tou-te-s : agir et vivre ensemble le changement » (VAATAVEC) que s'est élaborée une définition nouvelle et évolutive de l'autonomie alimentaire. De ce projet regroupant des personnes en situation de pauvreté, chercheurs et intervenants, a émergé une conceptualisation résultant à la fois d'une méthode de réflexion collective et d'un processus d'analyse collective, inspiré de la théorisation ancrée et de l'analyse conceptualisante de Paillé et Mucchielli (2003). Le recours à l'expertise des personnes en situation de pauvreté, expertes du vécu de l'insécurité alimentaire, a contribué à ancrer cette définition dans les causes structurelles de l'insécurité alimentaire dans une perspective de développement d'un pouvoir d'agir collectif, de toutes les personnes concernées. Il en résulte une définition de l'autonomie alimentaire d'où ressort une contribution surtout méthodologique et théorique.

  12. Changes in minimum and maximum temperatures at the Pic du Midi in relation with humidity and cloudiness, 1882-1984

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dessens, J.; Bücher, A.

    In an attempt to contribute to the investigation on a global climate change, a historical series of minimum and maximum temperature data at the Pic du Midi, a mountain observatory at 2862 m a.s.l. in the French Pyrenees, is updated after correction of a systematic deviation due to a relocation of the station in 1971. These data, which now cover the 1882-1984 period, are examined in parallel with humidity and cloud cover data for the same period. From the beginning to the end of this period, observations show that the mean night-time temperature has increased by 2.39° C/100 yr while the mean daytime temperature has decreased by 0.50° C/100 yr. In consequence, the mean annual diurnal temperature range has dropped by 36%/100 yr. The maximum seasonal decrease is 46%/100 yr in spring. Season-to-season and year-to-year inter-relationships between minimum temperature, maximum temperature, relative humidity and cloud cover suggest that the decrease in maximum temperature is related to a concomitant increase of 15%/100 yr in both relative humidity and cloud cover.

  13. Maintenance of water uptake and reduced water loss contribute to water stress tolerance of Spiraea alba Du Roi and Spiraea tomentosa L.

    PubMed

    Stanton, Kelly M; Mickelbart, Michael V

    2014-01-01

    Two primarily eastern US native shrubs, Spiraea alba Du Roi and Spiraea tomentosa L., are typically found growing in wet areas, often with standing water. Both species have potential for use in the landscape, but little is known of their environmental requirements, including their adaptation to water stress. Two geographic accessions of each species were evaluated for their response to water stress under greenhouse conditions. Above-ground biomass, water relations and gas exchange were measured in well-watered and water stress treatments. In both species, water stress resulted in reduced growth, transpiration and pre-dawn water potential. However, both species also exhibited the ability to osmotically adjust to lower soil water content, resulting in maintained midday leaf turgor potential in all accessions. Net CO2 assimilation was reduced only in one accession of S. alba, primarily due to large reductions in stomatal conductance. S. tomentosa lost a larger proportion of leaves than S. alba in response to water stress. The primary water stress tolerance strategies of S. alba and S. tomentosa appear to be the maintenance of water uptake and reduced water loss.

  14. Etudes optiques de nouveaux materiaux laser: Des orthosilicates dopes a l'ytterbium: Le yttrium (lutetium,scandium) pentoxide de silicium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Denoyer, Aurelie

    La decouverte et l'elaboration de nouveaux materiaux laser solides suscitent beaucoup d'interet parmi la communaute scientifique. En particulier les lasers dans la gamme de frequence du micron debouchent sur beaucoup d'applications, en telecommunication, en medecine, dans le domaine militaire, pour la, decoupe des metaux (lasers de puissance), en optique non lineaire (doublage de frequence, bistabilite optique). Le plus couramment utilise actuellement est le Nd:YAG dans cette famille de laser, mais des remplacants plus performants sont toujours recherches. Les lasers a base d'Yb3+ possedent beaucoup d'avantages compares aux lasers Nd3+ du fait de leur structure electronique simple et de leur deterioration moins rapide. Parmi les matrices cristallines pouvant accueillir l'ytterbium, les orthosilicates Yb:Y 2SiO5, Yb:Lu2SiO5 et Yb:Sc2SiO 5 se positionnent tres bien, du fait de leur bonne conductivite thermique et du fort eclatement de leur champ cristallin necessaire a l'elaboration de lasers quasi-3 niveaux. De plus l'etude fine et systematique des proprietes microscopiques de nouveaux materiaux s'avere toujours tres interessante du point de vue de la recherche fondamentale, c'est ainsi que de nouveaux modeles sont concus (par exemple pour le champ cristallin) ou que de nouvelles proprietes inhabituelles sont decouvertes, menant a de nouvelles applications. Ainsi d'autres materiaux dopes a l'ytterbium sont connus pour leurs proprietes de couplage electron-phonon, de couplage magnetique, d'emission cooperative ou encore de bistabilite optique, mais ces proprietes n'ont encore jamais ete mises en evidence dans Yb:Y 2SiO5, Yb:Lu2SiO5 et Yb:Sc2SiO 5. Ainsi, cette these a pour but l'etude des proprietes optiques et des interactions microscopiques dans Yb:Y2SiO 5, Yb:Lu2SiO5 et Yb:Sc2SiO5. Nous utilisons principalement les techniques d'absorption IR et de spectroscopie Raman pour determiner les excitations du champ cristallin et les modes de vibration dans le materiau. Des mesures optiques sous champ magnetique ont egalement ete effectuees dans le but de caracteriser le comportement de ces excitations lorsqu'elles sont soumises a l'effet Zeeman. La resonance paramagnetique electronique a permis de completer cette etude de l'eclatement Zeeman suivant toutes les orientations du cristal. Enfin la fluorescence par excitation selective et la fluorescence induite par Raman FT, completent la description des niveaux d'energie et revelent l'existence d'emission cooperative de deux ions Yb3+ et de transferts d'energie. Les resultats de cette these apportent une contribution originale dans le domaine des nouveaux materiaux lasers par l'etude et la comprehension des interactions fines et des proprietes microscopiques d'un materiau en particulier. Ils debouchent a la fois sur des applications possibles dans le domaine de l'optique et des lasers, et sur la comprehension d'aspects fondamentaux. Cette these a prouve l'interet de ces matrices pour leur utilisation comme lasers solides: un fort eclatement du champ cristallin favorable a l'elaboration de laser quasi-3 niveaux, et de larges bandes d'absorption (dues a un fort couplage electron-phonon et a des raies satellites causees par une interaction d'echange entre deux ions Yb3+) qui permettent la generation d'impulsions laser ultra-courtes, l'accordabilite du laser, etc. De plus la miniaturisation des lasers est possible pour l'optique integree grace a des couches minces synthetisees par epitaxie en phase liquide dont nous avons demontre la tres bonne qualite structurale et l'ajustement possible de certains parametres. Nous avons reconstruit le tenseur g du niveau fondamental (qui donne des informations precieuses sur les fonctions d'onde), ceci dans le but d'aider les theoriciens a concevoir un modele de champ cristallin valide. Plusieurs mecanismes de transferts d'energie ont ete mis en evidence: un mecanisme de relaxation d'un site vers l'autre, un mecanisme d'emission cooperative, et un mecanisme d'excitation de l'Yb3+ par le Tm3+ (impurete presente dans le materiau). Ces transferts sont plutot nefastes pour la fabrication d'un laser mais sont interessants pour l'optique non lineaire (doublage de frequence, memoires optiques). Enfin, plusieurs elements (le couplage magnetique de paire, le couplage electron-phonon et l'emission cooperative) nous ont permis de conclure sur le caractere covalent de la matrice. Nous avons d'ailleurs demontre ici le role de la covalence dans l'emission cooperative, transition habituellement attribuee aux interactions multipolaires electriques.

  15. Middle and late quaternary oceanography and climatology of the Zaire-Congo fan and the adjacent Eastern Angola basin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jansen, J. H. F.; Van Weering, T. C. E.; Gieles, R.; Van Iperen, J.

    La stratigraphie quaternaire du delta profond du Zaïre est établie sur la base des variations verticales des teneurs en carbonate, de l'analyse micropalaéontologique et des datations 14C et 230Th de 33 carottes. La vitesse des accumulations carbonatées et non carbonatées considérée en même temps que la conservation des carbonates nous conduit à distinguer les trois principaux facteurs à l'origine des concentrations en carbonate: production, dissolution et dilution par les particules non carbonatées. Les plus fortes productions carbonatées interviennent pendant les optima climatiques des interglaciaires tandis que les plus petites teneurs en carbonates sont probablement aussi liées à une augmentation de l'accumulation calcaire. Les fluctuations sont amplifiées par les effects de la dissolution qui est intense pendant les glaciaires et par les changements du rythme de la sédimentation terrigène. Dans la partie centrale du delta profond, un lobe de forte production carbonatée est localisé en permanence, il n'est pas associé à une zone de forte production de phytoplancton. Ce lobe est la conséquence d'un fort développement du zooplancton qui, pendant l'Holocène et les périodes interglaciaires, se multiplie à partir de cette floraison côtière de phytoplancton. Pendant les glaciaires, l'intensification de la circulation océanique déplace la zone des courants ascendants vers la latitude du delta du Zaïre. Dans deux carottes voisines de la bordure externe du plateau, une forte production en carbonates est observée entre 27 000 et 15 400 ans BP, elle est liée aux courants ascendants provoqués par l'intensification du courant de Benguela, et à une diminution de la sédimentation non carbonatée de de l'enfouissement du carbone organique à ˜ 14 500 ans BP. Une forte accumulation carbonatée se prolonge jusqu'à ˜12 500 ans BP, ce qui résulte un pic de conservation carbonatée à 14 000 ans BP qui n'est pas lié à un phénomène océanique. Une bréve intensification du compensation des carbonates et de la lysocline interviennent à des profondeurs moins grandes (4400 m et 3800 m) pendant les périodes glaciaires que de nos jours (5600 m et 4800 m). Les deux profondeurs des phases interglaciaires sont plus proches des profondeurs des phases glaciaires que de l'Holocène en fonction des dissolutions post-sédimentaires qui sont intervenues pendant les épisodes glaciaires consécutifs. L'hydrographie du Bassin de l'Angola n'apporte pas de preuves quant à des fluctuations des eaux profondes antarctiques qui auraient provoqué des cycles de dissolution des carbonates du Quaternaire de ce Bassin.

  16. Recent Changes in Tropospheric Ozone in the Tropics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chandra, S.; Ziemke, J. R.; Einaudi, Franco (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    This paper presents a detailed characterization of tropical tropospheric column ozone variability on time scales varying from a few days to a solar cycle. The study is based on more than 20 years (1979 to the present) of tropospheric column ozone time series derived from the convective cloud differential (CCD) method using total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) data. Results indicate three distinct regions in the tropics with distinctly three different zonal characteristics related to seasonal, interannual and solar variabilities. These three regions are the eastern Pacific, Atlantic, and western Pacific. Tropospheric column ozone in the Atlantic region peaks at about the same time (September-October) from 20 N to 20 S. The amplitude of the annual cycle, however, varies from about 3 to 6 Dobson unit (DU) from north to south of the equator. In comparison, the annual cycle in both the eastern and western Pacific is generally week and the phase varies from peak values in March and April in the northern hemisphere to September and October in the southern hemisphere. The interannual pattern in the three regions are also very different. The Atlantic region indicates a quasi biennial oscillation in the tropospheric column ozone which is out of phase with the stratospheric ozone. This is consistent with the photochemical control of this region caused by high pollution and high concentration of ozone producing precursors. The observed pattern, however, does not seem to be related to the interannual variability in ozone precursors related to biomass burning. Instead, it appears to be a manifestation of the UV modulation of upper tropospheric chemistry on a QBO time scale caused by stratospheric ozone. During El Nino events, there is anomalously low ozone in the eastern Pacific and high values in the western Pacific indicating the effects of convectively driven transport. The observed increase of 10-20 DU in tropospheric column ozone in the Indonesian region in the western Pacific during the recent 1997-1998 El Nino was associated with large-scale forest fires which may have contributed 5-10 DU of the total increase.

  17. Development of Preliminary Remediation Goals for Indoor Dust at the Colonie FUSRAP Site - 12273

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

    Watters, David J.; Opdyke, Clifford P.; Moore, James T.

    2012-07-01

    The Colonie FUSRAP Site is located in the Town of Colonie, Albany County, New York. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently addressing environmental contamination associated with the Site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) process as part of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP). Soil remediation activities have been substantially completed at the Colonie FUSRAP Site and its vicinity properties under the FUSRAP. A study unrelated to FUSRAP was recently performed by an independent party to establish the distribution of DU contamination in various media in the environs of the Site. Asmore » part of this study, dust samples were collected in residencies and businesses in the immediate vicinity of the Site. These samples were collected in non-living areas such as basement window sills and garages. Many of these samples tested positive for DU. An assessment was performed to establish preliminary remediation goals (PRGs) for indoor dust in non-living areas of residential homes and businesses in the vicinity of the Site. The results of this assessment provide estimates of dose-based, carcinogenic risk-based, and noncarcinogenic-based PRGs derived from a hypothetical exposure scenario with reasonable levels of conservatism. Ultimately, the PRGs will be compared to results of dust sampling and analyses in residences and businesses in proximity of the Site to determine whether a response action is appropriate. This assessment estimates PRGs for DU contaminated dust in non-living areas of residences in the vicinity of the Colonie FUSRAP site based on a reasonably conservative exposure scenario. Estimated PRGs based on residential receptors are considered to be conservatively representative of workers in nearby businesses based on the considerably longer exposure duration of residents relative to workers. This assessment provides reasonably conservative estimates of PRGs for DU contaminated dust in non-living areas within residences in the vicinity of the Site. It should be noted that the PRGs include hypothetical exposures resulting from activities in both the living areas and non-living areas of a residence. The PRGs are derived and presented in terms of DU dust concentration in non-living areas to facilitate comparison to results of a planned Site Investigation that will characterize concentrations of DU in dust in non-living areas. It is important to recognize that the exposure assumptions used to derive these PRGs are based on average dust DU concentrations in non-living areas. It is inappropriate to compare these PRGs to the dust DU concentration in an isolated small area. The ongoing Site Investigation addresses this consideration and is designed to provide reasonable estimates of average dust DU concentrations in non-living areas of vicinity properties. In order to accomplish this, sampling is conducted in accordance with EPA Guidance for the Sampling and Analysis of Lead in Indoor Residential Dust for Use in the Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) Model, (EPA 2008), which specifically addresses estimating average contaminant concentrations in dust. Four (4) large-area samples are collected from each VP in accordance with this guidance. It is anticipated that the results of the Site Investigation will be used in conjunction with the results of this assessment, and/or subsequent assessments, to establish whether or not a response action is appropriate. (authors)« less

  18. 40 CFR 52.1570 - Identification of plan.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... County 2.0 E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co Deepwater, Salem County 1.5 Heinz-USA Salem City, Salem County 2... County 2.0 Atlantic City Electric Deepwater Station Penns Grove, Salem County 1.5 E. I. du Pont de... County 2.0 E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co Deepwater, Salem County 1.5 Heinz-U.S.A Salem City, Salem County...

  19. Speaking Truth to Power: Du Bois as Educator and Community Activist

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grant, Carl A.; Grant, Paul D.

    2017-01-01

    This article uses W. E. B. Du Bois's work as an education and community activist to discuss race, oppression, and speaking-back to power in this time of racialized policies enacted by the Trump administration. This article centers a comparative discussion of the racialization of democracy by presidents Wilson and Trump to show the ways Du Bois was…

  20. College of DuPage Planning Process: College of DuPage Planning, the Foundation for Decision Making.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL. Office of Research and Planning.

    At College of DuPage (CD), in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, institutional planning is a multi-level, on-going process involving continuous college-wide input. The nine schematic levels in the CD planning process are interconnected and progress from global and broad-based issues, answering such questions as why the college exists, to concrete levels…

  1. The Characterization of Deqi during Moxibustion in Stroke Rats

    PubMed Central

    Lv, Zhimai; Liu, Zhongyong; Huang, Dandan; Chen, Rixin; Xie, Dingyi

    2013-01-01

    The efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion is closely related to Deqi phenomenons, which are some subjective feelings. However, no one has reported the objective characterization of Deqi. Our preliminary research has found a phenomenon of tail temperature increasing (TTI) obviously in some stroke rats by suspended moxibustion at the acupoint dà zhuī (DU 14), which is similar to one characterization of Deqi during moxibustion that moxibustion heat is transferred from the original moxibustion acupoint to the other areas of the body. We wonder whether TTI is the objective indicator of Deqi characterization in animals. The present study showed that the stroke rat's recovery was also associated with TTI phenomenon. This suggests that TTI phenomenon is one objective characterization of the Deqi in stroke rats. Application of the TTI phenomenon contributes to explore the physiological mechanism of Deqi. PMID:24194777

  2. The Characterization of Deqi during Moxibustion in Stroke Rats.

    PubMed

    Lv, Zhimai; Liu, Zhongyong; Huang, Dandan; Chen, Rixin; Xie, Dingyi

    2013-01-01

    The efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion is closely related to Deqi phenomenons, which are some subjective feelings. However, no one has reported the objective characterization of Deqi. Our preliminary research has found a phenomenon of tail temperature increasing (TTI) obviously in some stroke rats by suspended moxibustion at the acupoint dà zhuī (DU 14), which is similar to one characterization of Deqi during moxibustion that moxibustion heat is transferred from the original moxibustion acupoint to the other areas of the body. We wonder whether TTI is the objective indicator of Deqi characterization in animals. The present study showed that the stroke rat's recovery was also associated with TTI phenomenon. This suggests that TTI phenomenon is one objective characterization of the Deqi in stroke rats. Application of the TTI phenomenon contributes to explore the physiological mechanism of Deqi.

  3. Science Town 2.0: An integrating Concept for S&T Support for Multi-Agency Crisis and Disaster Management

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-12-01

    la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2012 DRDC CSS TM 2012-029 i...importantes forces d’application de la loi et de sécurité nationale de l’histoire du Canada. L’empreinte de la sécurité du théâtre d’opérations des Jeux...sécurité et de défense par la mise en place d’une « ville scientifique » mobile. La réussite du déploiement des

  4. Structures spatiales localisées dans un oscillateur paramétrique optique (OPO)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coulibaly, S.; Durniak, C.; Taki, M.

    2004-11-01

    La prise en compte du caractère non uniforme du pompage optique dans l'étude linéaire et faiblement non linéaire d'un OPO dégénéré (DOPO) a permis de mettre en évidence la discrétisation du seuil et l'existence de structures spatiales localisées de type Hermite-Gauss. L'évolution spatio-temporelle du signal en sortie est quant à elle gouvernée par l'équation de Ginzburg-Landau réelle dont les coefficients dépendent des variables d'espace.

  5. Radiation and Electromagnetic Induction Data Fusion for Detection of Buried Radioactive Metal Waste - 12282

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

    Long, Zhiling; Wei, Wei; Turlapaty, Anish

    2012-07-01

    At the United States Army's test sites, fired penetrators made of Depleted Uranium (DU) have been buried under ground and become hazardous waste. Previously, we developed techniques for detecting buried radioactive targets. We also developed approaches for locating buried paramagnetic metal objects by utilizing the electromagnetic induction (EMI) sensor data. In this paper, we apply data fusion techniques to combine results from both the radiation detection and the EMI detection, so that we can further distinguish among DU penetrators, DU oxide, and non- DU metal debris. We develop a two-step fusion approach for the task, and test it with surveymore » data collected on simulation targets. In this work, we explored radiation and EMI data fusion for detecting DU, oxides, and non-DU metals. We developed a two-step fusion approach based on majority voting and a set of decision rules. With this approach, we fuse results from radiation detection based on the RX algorithm and EMI detection based on a 3-step analysis. Our fusion approach has been tested successfully with data collected on simulation targets. In the future, we will need to further verify the effectiveness of this fusion approach with field data. (authors)« less

  6. Role of SMAD4 in the mechanism of valproic acid's inhibitory effect on prostate cancer cell invasiveness.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Wei; Zheng, Yi; Huang, Zhongxian; Wang, Muwen; Zhang, Yinan; Wang, Zheng; Jin, Xunbo; Xia, Qinghua

    2014-05-01

    To investigate the influence of the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) on SMAD4 expression and invasive ability of prostate cancer cell lines. DU145 and PC3 cell lines were treated with 0, 2, and 5 mMol/l of VPA; invasion of DU145 and PC3 cells were then examined by transwell assay. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to examine SMAD4 protein expression in DU145 and PC3 cells. Compared with controls, VPA significantly suppressed invasiveness in both PC3 and DU145 cells in a dose-dependent way (P < 0.05). VPA also inhibited AKT protein (which was regarded as an effective indicator here), and meanwhile, SMAD4 expression was down-regulated after VPA treatment in a dose-dependent manner in both DU145 (P < 0.05) and PC3 (P < 0.01) cells. Valproic acid could suppress invasiveness of prostate cancer cell lines PC3 and Du145, possibly through multiple pathways other than the SAMD4 pathway. This implies that VPA treatment combined with other SMAD4 enhancers could form a basis for a novel prostate cancer treatment.

  7. Ensemble des troubles causés par l'alcoolisation fœtale : lignes directrices canadiennes concernant le diagnostic

    PubMed Central

    Chudley, Albert E.; Conry, Julianne; Cook, Jocelynn L.; Loock, Christine; Rosales, Ted; LeBlanc, Nicole

    2005-01-01

    Résumé LE DIAGNOSTIC DE L'ENSEMBLE DES TROUBLES CAUSÉS PAR L'ALCOOLISATION FÉTALE (ETCAF) est complexe et l'élaboration de lignes directrices concernant le diagnostic est justifiée. Un sous-comité du Comité consultatif national de l'Agence de santé publique du Canada sur l'Ensemble des troubles causés par l'alcoolisation fœtale a examiné, analysé et intégré les méthodes de diagnostic actuelles afin de parvenir à une méthode de diagnostic normalisée faisant le consensus au Canada. L'objet du présent document est d'examiner et de clarifier l'utilisation des systèmes de diagnostic actuels et de formuler des recommandations quant à leur application pour le diagnostic des déficiences liées à l'ETCAF chez des individus de tous les âges. Les lignes directrices sont fondées sur un vaste consensus de praticiens et d'autres intervenants spécialisés dans le domaine. Ces lignes directrices ont été organisées en sept catégories, soit le dépistage et l'orientation vers les spécialistes, l'examen physique et le diagnostic différentiel, l'évaluation du comportement neurologique, le traitement et le suivi, les antécédents de consommation d'alcool de la mère pendant la grossesse, les critères du diagnostic pour le syndrome d'alcoolisation fœtale (SAF), SAF partiel et troubles neurologiques du développement liés à l'alcool, l'harmonisation de l'Institute of Medicine (IOM) et des approches du Code diagnostique à 4 chiffres. Le diagnostic exige une évaluation complète des antécédents, ainsi qu'un examen physique et du comportement neurologique, tout en recourant à une approche multidisciplinaire. Les présentes lignes directrices pour le diagnostic du syndrome d'alcoolisation fœtale et des déficiences qui y sont associées sont les premières à avoir été élaborées au Canada et elles sont fondées sur la consultation d'un grand éventail de spécialistes du diagnostic.

  8. Étude des déterminants individuels de l’adoption du dossier de santé électronique du Québec

    PubMed Central

    Mezni, H; M-P, Gagnon; Duplantie, J

    2016-01-01

    Résumé Objectif Selon des études précédentes, les dossiers de santé électroniques peuvent améliorer l’efficacité, la sécurité et la qualité de la prise en charge médicale. Cependant, les prestataires de soins restent réticents quant à son utilisation, ce qui limite son impact sur le système de santé. La présente étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer les perceptions des médecins face au dossier de santé du Québec. Méthodes À partir d’une revue de la littérature sur les facteurs influençant l’adoption des nouvelles technologies de l’information et des communications (NTIC) en général et de la cybersanté en particulier, nous avons élaboré un questionnaire semi-structuré. Au total, 12 médecins utilisateurs potentiels du dossier de santé du Québec (DSQ) ont complété et retourné le questionnaire. Par la suite, nous avons opéré une analyse thématique de contenu, suivie par une théorisation des concepts obtenus. Résultats L’intention d’adopter le DSQ est influencée positivement par l’utilité perçue, la facilité d’utilisation perçue, la démonstrabilité des résultats, la compatibilité du système avec la pratique et l’autoefficacité informatique perçue par les médecins. Inversement, la résistance au changement influence négativement l’adoption du DSQ par les médecins. Conclusion L’identification des déterminants de l’adoption du dossier de santé du Québec est cruciale pour les responsables du secteur de la santé au Québec. Il sera ainsi possible de saisir les attentes des utilisateurs potentiels et d’ajuster les stratégies d’implantation en vue de favoriser une meilleure intégration de cette technologie dans les pratiques médicales. PMID:27867453

  9. Modelisation frequentielle de la permittivite du beton pour le controle non destructif par georadar

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bourdi, Taoufik

    Le georadar (Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)) constitue une technique de controle non destructif (CND) interessante pour la mesure des epaisseurs des dalles de beton et la caracterisation des fractures, en raison de ses caracteristiques de resolution et de profondeur de penetration. Les equipements georadar sont de plus en plus faciles a utiliser et les logiciels d'interpretation sont en train de devenir plus aisement accessibles. Cependant, il est ressorti dans plusieurs conferences et ateliers sur l'application du georadar en genie civil qu'il fallait poursuivre les recherches, en particulier sur la modelisation et les techniques de mesure des proprietes electriques du beton. En obtenant de meilleures informations sur les proprietes electriques du beton aux frequences du georadar, l'instrumentation et les techniques d'interpretation pourraient etre perfectionnees plus efficacement. Le modele de Jonscher est un modele qui a montre son efficacite dans le domaine geophysique. Pour la premiere fois, son utilisation dans le domaine genie civil est presentee. Dans un premier temps, nous avons valide l'application du modele de Jonscher pour la caracterisation de la permittivite dielectrique du beton. Les resultats ont montre clairement que ce modele est capable de reproduire fidelement la variation de la permittivite de differents types de beton sur la bande de frequence georadar (100 MHz-2 GHz). Dans un deuxieme temps, nous avons montre l'interet du modele de Jonscher en le comparant a d'autres modeles (Debye et Debye-etendu) deja utilises dans le domaine genie civil. Nous avons montre aussi comment le modele de Jonscher peut presenter une aide a la prediction de l'efficacite de blindage et a l'interpretation des ondes de la technique GPR. Il a ete determine que le modele de Jonscher permet de donner une bonne presentation de la variation de la permittivite du beton dans la gamme de frequence georadar consideree. De plus, cette modelisation est valable pour differents types de beton et a differentes teneurs en eau. Dans une derniere partie, nous avons presente l'utilisation du modele de Jonscher pour l'estimation de l'epaisseur d'une dalle de beton par la technique GPR dans le domaine frequentiel. Mots-cles : CND, beton, georadar , permittivite, Jonscher

  10. Prediction du profil de durete de l'acier AISI 4340 traite thermiquement au laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maamri, Ilyes

    Les traitements thermiques de surfaces sont des procedes qui visent a conferer au coeur et a la surface des pieces mecaniques des proprietes differentes. Ils permettent d'ameliorer la resistance a l'usure et a la fatigue en durcissant les zones critiques superficielles par des apports thermiques courts et localises. Parmi les procedes qui se distinguent par leur capacite en terme de puissance surfacique, le traitement thermique de surface au laser offre des cycles thermiques rapides, localises et precis tout en limitant les risques de deformations indesirables. Les proprietes mecaniques de la zone durcie obtenue par ce procede dependent des proprietes physicochimiques du materiau a traiter et de plusieurs parametres du procede. Pour etre en mesure d'exploiter adequatement les ressources qu'offre ce procede, il est necessaire de developper des strategies permettant de controler et regler les parametres de maniere a produire avec precision les caracteristiques desirees pour la surface durcie sans recourir au classique long et couteux processus essai-erreur. L'objectif du projet consiste donc a developper des modeles pour predire le profil de durete dans le cas de traitement thermique de pieces en acier AISI 4340. Pour comprendre le comportement du procede et evaluer les effets des differents parametres sur la qualite du traitement, une etude de sensibilite a ete menee en se basant sur une planification experimentale structuree combinee a des techniques d'analyse statistiques eprouvees. Les resultats de cette etude ont permis l'identification des variables les plus pertinentes a exploiter pour la modelisation. Suite a cette analyse et dans le but d'elaborer un premier modele, deux techniques de modelisation ont ete considerees, soient la regression multiple et les reseaux de neurones. Les deux techniques ont conduit a des modeles de qualite acceptable avec une precision d'environ 90%. Pour ameliorer les performances des modeles a base de reseaux de neurones, deux nouvelles approches basees sur la caracterisation geometrique du profil de durete ont ete considerees. Contrairement aux premiers modeles predisant le profil de durete en fonction des parametres du procede, les nouveaux modeles combinent les memes parametres avec les attributs geometriques du profil de durete pour refleter la qualite du traitement. Les modeles obtenus montrent que cette strategie conduit a des resultats tres prometteurs.

  11. The Vaginal Acquisition and Dissemination of HIV-1 Infection in a Novel Transgenic Mouse Model Is Facilitated by Coinfection with Herpes Simplex Virus 2 and Is Inhibited by Microbicide Treatment.

    PubMed

    Seay, Kieran; Khajoueinejad, Nazanin; Zheng, Jian Hua; Kiser, Patrick; Ochsenbauer, Christina; Kappes, John C; Herold, Betsy; Goldstein, Harris

    2015-09-01

    Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection significantly increases the risk of HIV-1 acquisition, thereby contributing to the expanding HIV-1 epidemic. To investigate whether HSV-2 infection directly facilitates mucosal HIV-1 acquisition, we used our transgenic hCD4/R5/cT1 mouse model which circumvents major entry and transcription blocks preventing murine HIV-1 infection by targeting transgenic expression of human CD4, CCR5, and cyclin T1 genes to CD4(+) T cells and myeloid-committed cells. Productive infection of mucosal leukocytes, predominantly CD4(+) T cells, was detected in all hCD4/R5/cT1 mice intravaginally challenged with an HIV-1 infectious molecular clone, HIV-Du151.2env-NLuc, which expresses an env gene (C.Du151.2) cloned from an acute heterosexually infected woman and a NanoLuc luciferase reporter gene. Lower genital tract HIV-1 infection after HIV-Du151.2env-NLuc intravaginal challenge was increased ~4-fold in hCD4/R5/cT1 mice coinfected with HSV-2. Furthermore, HIV-1 dissemination to draining lymph nodes was detected only in HSV-2-coinfected mice. HSV-2 infection stimulated local infiltration and activation of CD4(+) T cells and dendritic cells, likely contributing to the enhanced HIV-1 infection and dissemination in HSV-2-coinfected mice. We then used this model to demonstrate that a novel gel containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), the more potent prodrug of tenofovir (TFV), but not the TFV microbicide gel utilized in the recent CAPRISA 004, VOICE (Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic), and FACTS 001 clinical trials, was effective as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to completely prevent vaginal HIV-1 infection in almost half of HSV-2-coinfected mice. These results also support utilization of hCD4/R5/cT1 mice as a highly reproducible immunocompetent preclinical model to evaluate HIV-1 acquisition across the female genital tract. Multiple epidemiological studies have reported that genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) infection increases the risk of HIV-1 sexual acquisition by severalfold. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which HSV-2 facilitates HIV-1 infection and optimizing the efficacy of therapies to inhibit HIV-1 infection during HSV-2 coinfection should contribute to reducing HIV-1 transmission. Using our novel transgenic hCD4/R5/cT1 mouse model infectible with HIV-1, we demonstrated that HSV-2 infection enhances vaginal transmission and dissemination of HIV-1 infection while stimulating recruitment and activation of CD4(+) T cells and dendritic cells in the lower genital tract. HIV acquisition by hCD4/R5/cT1 mice vaginally coinfected with HSV-2 could be completely prevented in almost half the mice by preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with a novel gel containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), the tenofovir prodrug, but not with the tenofovir microbicide gel utilized in CAPRISA-004, VOICE, and FACTS-001 clinical trials. The hCD4/R5/cT1 mice represent a new preclinical mouse model to evaluate vaginal HIV-1 acquisition. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

  12. Prevalence of Malaria Infection and Risk Factors Associated with Anaemia among Pregnant Women in Semiurban Community of Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India

    PubMed Central

    Sohail, Mohammad; Shakeel, Shayan; Kumari, Shweta; Bharti, Aakanksha; Zahid, Faisal; Anwar, Shadab; Singh, Krishn Pratap; Islam, Mazahirul; Sharma, Ajay Kumar; Lata, Sneh; Ali, Vahab; Adak, Tridibes; Das, Pradeep; Raziuddin, Mohammad

    2015-01-01

    The escalating burden, pathogenesis, and clinical sequel of malaria during pregnancy have combinatorial adverse impact on both mother and foetus that further perplexed the situation of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This prompted us to evaluate the status of population at risk of MIP in Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. Cross-sectional study was conducted over a year at Sadar Hospital, Hazaribag. Malaria was screened using blood smear and/or RDT. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration. Pretested questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetrical data. The prevalence of MIP was 5.4% and 4.3% at ANC and DU, and 13.2% malaria was in women without pregnancy. Interestingly, majority were asymptomatically infected with P. vivax (over 85%) at ANC and DU. Peripheral parasitemia was significantly associated with fever within past week, rural origin of subjects, and first/second pregnancies in multivariate analysis, with the highest risk factor associated with fever followed by rural residence. Strikingly in cohort, anaemia was prevalent in 86% at ANC as compared to 72% at DU, whereas severe anaemia was 13.6% and 7.8% at ANC and DU. Even more anaemia prevalence was observed in MIP group (88% and 89% at ANC and DU), whereas severe anaemia was 23% and 21%, respectively. In view of observed impact of anaemia, parasitemia and asymptomatic infection of P. vivax during pregnancy and delivery suggest prompt diagnosis regardless of symptoms and comprehensive drug regime should be offered to pregnant women in association with existing measures in clinical spectrum of MIP, delivery, and its outcome. PMID:26783526

  13. Uptake and mobility of uranium in black oaks: implications for biomonitoring depleted uranium-contaminated groundwater.

    PubMed

    Edmands, J D; Brabander, D J; Coleman, D S

    2001-08-01

    In a preliminary study, the uptake and the mobility of uranium (U) by black oak trees (Quercus velutina) were assessed by measuring the isotopic composition of tree rings in two mature oak trees in a heavy metal contaminated bog in Concord, MA. The bog is adjacent to a nuclear industrial facility that has been processing depleted uranium (DU) since 1959. Over the past 40 years, DU has been leaking from an onsite holding basin and cooling pond down gradient to the bog where the oaks are located. Because DU has no source outside the nuclear industry, contamination from the industrial facility is readily discernable from uptake of natural U by measuring isotopic compositions. Isotope ratio analysis confirms the occurrence of DU in bark, sapwood and heartwood tree rings dating back to 1937, pre-dating the introduction of DU at the site by at least 20 years. Isotope dilution analysis indicates high concentrations of U (>3 ppb) in sapwood that drop rapidly to relatively constant concentrations (0.3-0.4 ppb) in heartwood. These data indicate that once incorporated into tree cells, U is mobile, possibly by diffusion through the tree wood. Concentrations of U in sapwood are approximately equal to average U concentrations in groundwater onsite over the past 10 years, suggesting that oak trees can be used as present-day bioindicators of U-contaminated groundwater. We suggest that regional sampling of oak bark and sapwood is a reasonable, inexpensive alternative to drilling wells to monitor shallow groundwater U contamination.

  14. Prevalence of Malaria Infection and Risk Factors Associated with Anaemia among Pregnant Women in Semiurban Community of Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India.

    PubMed

    Sohail, Mohammad; Shakeel, Shayan; Kumari, Shweta; Bharti, Aakanksha; Zahid, Faisal; Anwar, Shadab; Singh, Krishn Pratap; Islam, Mazahirul; Sharma, Ajay Kumar; Lata, Sneh; Ali, Vahab; Adak, Tridibes; Das, Pradeep; Raziuddin, Mohammad

    2015-01-01

    The escalating burden, pathogenesis, and clinical sequel of malaria during pregnancy have combinatorial adverse impact on both mother and foetus that further perplexed the situation of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This prompted us to evaluate the status of population at risk of MIP in Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. Cross-sectional study was conducted over a year at Sadar Hospital, Hazaribag. Malaria was screened using blood smear and/or RDT. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin concentration. Pretested questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetrical data. The prevalence of MIP was 5.4% and 4.3% at ANC and DU, and 13.2% malaria was in women without pregnancy. Interestingly, majority were asymptomatically infected with P. vivax (over 85%) at ANC and DU. Peripheral parasitemia was significantly associated with fever within past week, rural origin of subjects, and first/second pregnancies in multivariate analysis, with the highest risk factor associated with fever followed by rural residence. Strikingly in cohort, anaemia was prevalent in 86% at ANC as compared to 72% at DU, whereas severe anaemia was 13.6% and 7.8% at ANC and DU. Even more anaemia prevalence was observed in MIP group (88% and 89% at ANC and DU), whereas severe anaemia was 23% and 21%, respectively. In view of observed impact of anaemia, parasitemia and asymptomatic infection of P. vivax during pregnancy and delivery suggest prompt diagnosis regardless of symptoms and comprehensive drug regime should be offered to pregnant women in association with existing measures in clinical spectrum of MIP, delivery, and its outcome.

  15. Perceived quality in a dementia unit: patients' caregivers as information providers.

    PubMed

    López-Picazo, J J; de Dios Cánovas-García, J; Antúnez, C; Marín, J; Antequera, M M; Vivancos, L; Martínez, B; Legaz, A; Navarro, D; Leal, M

    2016-10-22

    Dementia units (DU) provide comprehensive and specialised care to patients with dementia. However, assessment in these units normally focuses on patient management. The aim of this study was to determine satisfaction of the caregivers of patients managed in a DU and how they rated DU care. We created a self-administered questionnaire which was completed by 236 caregivers visiting the DU in 2015. The questionnaire included 6 dimensions (accessibility, organisation, professionalism, relationship with staff, information, and facilities); data were analysed using problem rates. A total of 53.4% caregivers completed the questionnaire; most were women, patients' spouses, or first-degree relatives. The overall problem rates was 15.0% (95% CI, 13.9-16.1), with sizeable differences between dimensions: from 0.1% (95% CI, 0.0-0.4) for 'relationship with staff' and 'professionalism' to 49.3% (95% CI, 45.4-53.2) for 'information'. Waiting times over 30minutes were perceived as excessive. Information problems were not directly related to patient management. Satisfaction was scored 8.29/10 (median 8; SD 1.45); 77.3% (95% CI, 69.8-74.8) of respondents were highly satisfied. Ninety-nine percent of the caregivers stated that they would recommend the DU. This questionnaire provides interesting data on care quality as perceived by patients' caregivers. Our results have allowed us to identify problems and implement corrective actions. Our questionnaire has proved to be a useful tool for evaluating and improving care quality in DUs. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  16. SOX2 plays a critical role in EGFR-mediated self-renewal of human prostate cancer stem-like cells.

    PubMed

    Rybak, Adrian P; Tang, Damu

    2013-12-01

    SOX2 is an essential transcription factor for stem cells and plays a role in tumorigenesis, however its role in prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) remains unclear. We report here a significant upregulation of SOX2 at both mRNA and protein levels in DU145 PCSCs propagated as suspension spheres in vitro. The expression of SOX2 in DU145 PCSCs is positively regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. Activation of EGFR signaling, following the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) or ectopic expression of a constitutively-active EGFR mutant (EGFRvIII), increased SOX2 expression and the self-renewal of DU145 PCSCs. Conversely, a small molecule EGFR inhibitor (AG1478) blocked EGFR activation, reduced SOX2 expression and inhibited PCSC self-renewal activity, implicating SOX2 in mediating EGFR-dependent self-renewal of PCSCs. In line with this notion, ectopic SOX2 expression enhanced EGF-induced self-renewal of DU145 PCSCs, while SOX2 knockdown reduced PCSC self-renewal with EGF treatment no longer capable of enhancing their propagation. Furthermore, SOX2 knockdown reduced the capacity of DU145 PCSCs to grow under anchorage-independent conditions. Finally, DU145 PCSCs generated xenograft tumors more aggressively with elevated levels of SOX2 expression compared to xenograft tumors derived from non-PCSCs. Collectively, we provide evidence that SOX2 plays a critical role in EGFR-mediated self-renewal of DU145 PCSCs. © 2013.

  17. The use of depleted uranium ammunition under contemporary international law: is there a need for a treaty-based ban on DU weapons?

    PubMed

    Borrmann, Robin

    2010-01-01

    This article examines whether the use of Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions can be considered illegal under current public international law. The analysis covers the law of arms control and focuses in particular on international humanitarian law. The article argues that DU ammunition cannot be addressed adequately under existing treaty based weapon bans, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention, due to the fact that DU does not meet the criteria required to trigger the applicability of those treaties. Furthermore, it is argued that continuing uncertainties regarding the effects of DU munitions impedes a reliable review of the legality of their use under various principles of international law, including the prohibition on employing indiscriminate weapons; the prohibition on weapons that are intended, or may be expected, to cause widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment; and the prohibition on causing unnecessary suffering or superfluous injury. All of these principles require complete knowledge of the effects of the weapon in question. Nevertheless, the author argues that the same uncertainty places restrictions on the use of DU under the precautionary principle. The paper concludes with an examination of whether or not there is a need for--and if so whether there is a possibility of achieving--a Convention that comprehensively outlaws the use, transfer and stockpiling of DU weapons, as proposed by some non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

  18. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) silencing inhibits tumor growth and promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Sun, Yuanhao; Cui, Xiaobo; Wang, Jun; Wu, Shuai; Bai, Yunfei; Wang, Yaping; Wang, Boqian; Fang, Jugao

    2015-05-01

    As an important pathway maintaining the balance of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)), store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) is critical for cellular functions. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), a key component of SOCE, plays a dual role as an endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) receptor and an SOCE exciter. Aberrant expression of STIM1 could be discovered in several human cancer cells. However, the role of STIM1 in regulating human hypopharyngeal carcinoma still remains unclear. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect expression of STIM1 in human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line FaDu. STIM1 on FaDu cells was knocked down by lentiviral transduction method. The biological impacts after knocking down of STIM1 on FaDu cells were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The result of real-time PCR showed that STIM1 was expressed in FaDu cells. Lentiviral transduction efficiently downregulated the expression of STIM1 in FaDu cells at both mRNA and protein levels. Significant downregulation of STIM1 on FaDu cells inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, promoted cell apoptosis, and restrained cell growth rate. The antigrowth effect of STIM1 silencing was also discovered in FaDu hypopharyngeal tumor model. Our findings indicate that STIM1 is likely to become a new therapeutic target for hypopharyngeal carcinoma treatment.

  19. The origin of increased salinity in the Cambrian-Vendian aquifer system on the Kopli Peninsula, northern Estonia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karro, Enn; Marandi, Andres; Vaikmäe, Rein

    Monitoring of the confined Cambrian-Vendian aquifer system utilised for industrial water supply at Kopli Peninsula in Tallinn over 24 years reveals remarkable changes in chemical composition of groundwater. A relatively fast 1.5 to 3.0-fold increase in TDS and in concentrations of major ions in ed groundwater is the consequence of heavy pumping. The main sources of dissolved load in Cambrian-Vendian groundwater are the leaching of host rock and the other geochemical processes that occur in the saturated zone. Underlying crystalline basement, which comprises saline groundwater in its upper weathered and fissured portion, and which is hydraulically connected with the overlying Cambrian-Vendian aquifer system, is the second important source of ions. The fractured basement and its clayey weathering crust host the Ca-Cl type groundwater, which is characterised by high TDS values (2-20 g/L). Intensive water ion accelerates the exchange of groundwaters and increases the area of influence of pumping. Chemical and isotopic studies of groundwater indicate an increasing contribution of old brackish water from the crystalline basement and rule out the potential implication of an intrusion of seawater into aquifer. L'origine de la salinité croissante dans le système aquifère du Cambrien-Vendien dans la péninsule de Kopli, nord de l'Estonie Le suivi à long terme du système aquifère captif du Cambrien-Vendien utilisé pour l'approvisionnement d'eaux industrielles dans la Péninsule de Kopli, nord de l'Estonie, révèle de remarquables changements dans la composition chimique des eaux souterraines. Une augmentation de facteur 1.5 à 3 de la TDS et des concentrations en ions majeurs dans l'eau souterraine est la conséquence de pompages intensifs. Les sources principales des charges dissoutes dans les eaux de l'aquifère du Cambrien-Vendien sont le lessivage des roches et d'autres phénomènes géochimiques ayant lieu dans la zone saturée. Le soubassement rocheux cristallin, qui renferme des eaux souterraines salines dans sa partie supérieure altérée et fissurée, et est hydrauliquement connecté avec l'aquifère supérieur du Cambrien-Vendien, est la deuxième importante source d'ions. Le soubassement fracturé et le matériel argileux de l'altération, renferme l'eau souterraine de type Ca-Cl, caractérisée par un haut TDS (2-20 g/l). A cause de la mobilisation intensive de l'eau les échanges d'eau souterraine est sont accélérés et la zone d'influence des pompages augmentent. Les études chimiques et isotopiques indiquent une contribution croissante du drainage des eaux du soubassement cristallin. L'intrusion d'eaux salées de la mer dans le système aquifère n'est pas un phénomène évident. El origen del incremento en salinidad en un sistema de acuíferos Cámbrico-Vendiano en la Península Kopli, norte de Estonie Monitoreo a largo plazo de un sistema de acuíferos confinados, de edad Cámbrico-Vendiano, que se utiliza como fuente de abastecimiento industrial en la Península Kopli, al norte de Estonie, revela cambios notables en la composición química del agua subterránea. Un incremento de 1.5 a 3 veces en TDS y en concentraciones de iones mayores en agua subterránea explotada ha sido ocasionado por bombeo fuerte. Las fuentes principales de carga disuelta en el agua subterránea Cámbrico-Vendiano son la lixiviación de la roca encajonante y los procesos geoquímicos que ocurren en la zona saturada. Basamento cristalino subyacente, que aloja agua subterránea salada en la parte superior intemperizada y fisurada, y está conectado hidráulicamente con el sistema acuífero Cámbrico-Vendiano sobreyacente, es la segunda fuente importante de iones. El basamento fracturado y su corteza de intemperismo arcillosa alojan agua subterránea de tipo Ca-Cl la cual se caracteriza por valores altos de TDS (2-20 g/l). Debido a extracción intensiva se ha acelerado el intercambio de agua subterránea y se ha incrementado el área de influencia del bombeo. Los estudios químicos e isotópicos de agua subterránea indican una contribución creciente por filtración derivada del basamento cristalino. Es evidente una intrusión de agua salada hacia el sistema de acuíferos con implicaciones subsecuentes para la calidad del agua.

  20. Dysfonctionnements radio-induits du transport colique chez le rat

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    François, A.; Lebrun, F.; Ksas, B.; Aigueperse, J.; Gourmelon, P.; MacNaughton, W. K.; Griffiths, N. M.

    1998-04-01

    The symptom commonly associated with whole body irradiation is diarrhoea, a still quite obscure phenomenon, which leads to decreased chance of cure of irradiated people. The aim of this study was to provide evidence for dysfunction of intestinal water and electrolyte transport regulation by the enteric nervous system after exposure to ionising radiation. This study shows decreased capacity of enteric nervous system to influence colonic transport 3days after irradiation, correlated to a diminished response to a neurotransmitter: serotonin. Radio-induced diarrhea may result from epithelial structural injury but also from impaired regulatory processes of intestinal transport. L'un des symptômes majeurs d'une irradiation corporelle totale ou abdominale est l'apparition de diarrhées, dont les causes sont encore mal connues, et qui mettent en jeu le pronostique vital de l'individu irradié. Cette étude vise à mettre en évidence l'atteinte de la régulation du transport intestinal d'eau et d'électrolytes par les rayonnements ionisants. On observe une diminution de la capacité du système nerveux entérique à influencer le transport colique 3jours après irradiation, corrélée à une diminution de la réponse épithéliale à un neurotransmetteur : la sérotonine. Les diarrhées radio-induites résulteraient d'une atteinte structurelle de l'épithélium mais également des processus de régulation du transport intestinal.

  1. Cri du Chat syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Cerruti Mainardi, Paola

    2006-01-01

    The Cri du Chat syndrome (CdCS) is a genetic disease resulting from a deletion of variable size occurring on the short arm of chromosome 5 (5p-). The incidence ranges from 1:15,000 to 1:50,000 live-born infants. The main clinical features are a high-pitched monochromatic cry, microcephaly, broad nasal bridge, epicanthal folds, micrognathia, abnormal dermatoglyphics, and severe psychomotor and mental retardation. Malformations, although not very frequent, may be present: cardiac, neurological and renal abnormalities, preauricular tags, syndactyly, hypospadias, and cryptorchidism. Molecular cytogenetic analysis has allowed a cytogenetic and phenotypic map of 5p to be defined, even if results from the studies reported up to now are not completely in agreement. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies showed a clinical and cytogenetic variability. The identification of phenotypic subsets associated with a specific size and type of deletion is of diagnostic and prognostic relevance. Specific growth and psychomotor development charts have been established. Two genes, Semaphorin F (SEMAF) and δ-catenin (CTNND2), which have been mapped to the "critical regions", are potentially involved in cerebral development and their deletion may be associated with mental retardation in CdCS patients. Deletion of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene, localised to 5p15.33, could contribute to the phenotypic changes in CdCS. The critical regions were recently refined by using array comparative genomic hybridisation. The cat-like cry critical region was further narrowed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and three candidate genes were characterised in this region. The diagnosis is based on typical clinical manifestations. Karyotype analysis and, in doubtful cases, FISH analysis will confirm the diagnosis. There is no specific therapy for CdCS but early rehabilitative and educational interventions improve the prognosis and considerable progress has been made in the social adjustment of CdCS patients. PMID:16953888

  2. 78 FR 65715 - Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-01

    ... of West Virginia v. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Civil Action No. 6:13-cv-27030. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (``DuPont'') owns and operates a chemical manufacturing facility located in... amount of the civil penalty is based on the EPA Clean Air Act Stationary Source Civil Penalty Policy. The...

  3. Test Area C-64 Range Environmental Assessment, Revision 1

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-10-01

    DOI U.S. Department of the Interior DNL Day–Night Average Sound Level DU Depleted Uranium EBD Environmental Baseline Document EIAP Environmental...vulnerability, burning sensitivity, drop tests, bullet impact tests, sympathetic detonation tests, advanced warhead design tests, and depleted uranium (DU...land back to range use. Source: U.S. Air Force, 2009 DU = depleted uranium ; ERP = Environmental Restoration Program; LUC = land use control; RW

  4. History of Cern

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Cérémonie à l'occasion de l'apparition du premier volume du livre sur l'histoire du Cern, avec plusieurs personnes présentes qui jouaient un rôle important dans cette organisation européenne couronnée de succès grâce à l'esprit des membres fondateurs qui est et restera essentiel

  5. 25th Birthday Cern- Amphi

    ScienceCinema

    None

    2017-12-09

    Cérémonie du 25ème anniversaire du Cern avec 2 orateurs: le Prof.Weisskopf parle de la signification et le rôle du Cern et le Prof.Casimir(?) fait un exposé sur les rélations entre la science pure et la science appliquée et la "big science" (science légère)

  6. Survie au cancer du sein à Rabat (Maroc) 2005-2008

    PubMed Central

    Mechita, Nada Bennani; Tazi, Mohammed Adnane; Er-Raki, Abdelouahed; Mrabet, Mustapha; Saadi, Asma; Benjaafar, Noureddine; Razine, Rachid

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Le cancer du sein représente un problème de santé publique au Maroc. L’objectif de ce travail était d’estimer le taux de survie au cancer du sein chez les patientes habitant la ville de Rabat. Méthodes Etude pronostique réalisée chez les patientes diagnostiquées pour cancer du sein de 2005 à 2008, habitant la ville de Rabat et enregistrées au registre des cancers de Rabat. La date d’inclusion dans l’étude correspondait à la date de confirmation histologique du cancer. L’estimation de la survie a été réalisée par la méthode de Kaplan Meier, et la comparaison entre les différentes classes d’une variable a été réalisée par le test de log rank. L’étude des facteurs associés à la survie a été effectuée par le modèle de Cox. Résultats Durant la période d’étude 628 cas de cancer du sein ont été collectés. Le pourcentage de décès était de 19,9%. La survie globale à un an était de 97,1%, elle était de 89,2% à 3 ans et de 80,6 % à 5 ans. En analyse multivariée la survie au cancer du sein était statistiquement moins bonne chez les patientes âgées de plus de 70 ans (p<0,001), ayantune grande taille de tumeur (p<0,001), un stade avancé d’adénopathies (p=0,007), présentant des métastases (p<0,001) et non traitées par hormonothérapie (p=0,002). Conclusion Une grande taille de la tumeur et la présence de métastases sont des facteurs de mauvais pronostic du cancer du sein d’où la nécessité de renforcer les programmes de dépistage. PMID:28292106

  7. Comparative Analysis of Muscle Transcriptome between Pig Genotypes Identifies Genes and Regulatory Mechanisms Associated to Growth, Fatness and Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Ayuso, Miriam; Fernández, Almudena; Núñez, Yolanda; Benítez, Rita; Isabel, Beatriz; Barragán, Carmen; Fernández, Ana Isabel; Rey, Ana Isabel; Medrano, Juan F.; Cánovas, Ángela; González-Bulnes, Antonio; López-Bote, Clemente; Ovilo, Cristina

    2015-01-01

    Iberian ham production includes both purebred (IB) and Duroc-crossbred (IBxDU) Iberian pigs, which show important differences in meat quality and production traits, such as muscle growth and fatness. This experiment was conducted to investigate gene expression differences, transcriptional regulation and genetic polymorphisms that could be associated with the observed phenotypic differences between IB and IBxDU pigs. Nine IB and 10 IBxDU pigs were slaughtered at birth. Morphometric measures and blood samples were obtained and samples from Biceps femoris muscle were employed for compositional and transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq technology. Phenotypic differences were evident at this early age, including greater body size and weight in IBxDU and greater Biceps femoris intramuscular fat and plasma cholesterol content in IB newborns. We detected 149 differentially expressed genes between IB and IBxDU neonates (p < 0.01 and Fold-Change > 1. 5). Several were related to adipose and muscle tissues development (DLK1, FGF21 or UBC). The functional interpretation of the transcriptomic differences revealed enrichment of functions and pathways related to lipid metabolism in IB and to cellular and muscle growth in IBxDU pigs. Protein catabolism, cholesterol biosynthesis and immune system were functions enriched in both genotypes. We identified transcription factors potentially affecting the observed gene expression differences. Some of them have known functions on adipogenesis (CEBPA, EGRs), lipid metabolism (PPARGC1B) and myogenesis (FOXOs, MEF2D, MYOD1), which suggest a key role in the meat quality differences existing between IB and IBxDU hams. We also identified several polymorphisms showing differential segregation between IB and IBxDU pigs. Among them, non-synonymous variants were detected in several transcription factors as PPARGC1B and TRIM63 genes, which could be associated to altered gene function. Taken together, these results provide information about candidate genes, metabolic pathways and genetic polymorphisms potentially involved in phenotypic differences between IB and IBxDU pigs associated to meat quality and production traits. PMID:26695515

  8. Les accidents du travail dans le transport urbain en commun de la ville province de Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo: une étude transversale descriptive

    PubMed Central

    Wangata, Jemima; Elenge, Myriam; De Brouwer, Christophe

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Le transport en commun urbain constitue un secteur où les travailleurs sont très exposés aux accidents du travail. Cette étude visait une description épidémiologique des accidents du travail dans le secteur informel du transport en commun à Kinshasa en vue d'apporter les pistes d'amélioration de la sécurité des travailleurs dans cette activité. Méthodes Un questionnaire sur les accidents du travail, administré en Décembre 2012 a permis d'explorer les tendances significatives entre les accidents et leurs circonstances, leurs facteurs associés, leurs conséquences au sein d'une population des travailleurs (n = 472) du transport en commun à Kinshasa. Résultats Durant les 12 derniers précédant l’étude 76.5% des travailleurs ont connu au moins un accident du travail, 54,8% ont connu un arrêt d'au moins 1jour. Les accidents liés à la circulation routière étaient plus important suivis des chutes. Les facteurs ayant montré des différences significatives étaient le travail sous l'influence de l'alcool et le port des équipements de protection individuelle. Les plaies (46,3%) et les contusions (39,4%) étaient les lésions les plus courantes. Les membres supérieurs (51,3%) et inférieurs (30,7%) étaient les plus atteints. 76,6% des travailleurs ont assumé seuls leur prise en charge médicale. Conclusion L'incidence des accidents du travail dans ce secteur est très élevée. La mise en place d'une politique de prévention et gestion de différents facteurs associés ainsi qu'un système de déclaration d'accidents est nécessaire dans ce secteur. Les patrons ainsi que les politiques devraient veiller à une prise en charge médicale correcte pour des travailleurs accidentés. PMID:25667703

  9. Cancer du sein au Cameroun, profil histo-épidémiologique: à propos de 3044 cas

    PubMed Central

    Engbang, Jean Paul Ndamba; Essome, Henri; Koh, Valère Mve; Simo, Godefroy; Essam, Jean Daniel Sime; Mouelle, Albert Sone; Essame, Jean Louis Oyono

    2015-01-01

    Décrire les caractéristiques épidémiologiques et histo-pathologiques des tumeurs malignes du sein au Cameroun. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive portant sur les tumeurs malignes du sein, colligées, dans les registres des différents laboratoires d'Anatomie Pathologique publiques et privés repartis dans cinq régions (centre, littoral, Ouest, Nord-ouest, Sud-ouest), pendant une période de 10 ans (2004-2013). Les paramètres étudiés étaient la fréquence, l’âge, le sexe, la localisation, le type et le grade histologique, et les récepteurs hormonaux. Un total de 3044 cas de cancers du sein a été recensé, soit une fréquence annuelle de 304,4 cas en moyenne. Le sexe féminin était le plus représenté avec 2971 cas (97,60%) et les hommes avec 73 cas (2,40%), soit un sexe ratio (H/F) de 0,02. L’âge moyen des patients était de 46±15,87 ans, avec des extrêmes de 13 et 95 ans. Selon la localisation, le sein gauche était atteint dans 1244 cas (52%) et le sein droit dans 1115 cas (47%). Au plan histologique, on retrouvait essentiellement des carcinomes avec 96,50% des cas, des sarcomes 1,39%, des lymphomes 1,07% et la maladie de Paget du mamelon, 1,03%. Les tumeurs épithéliales étaient infiltrantes dans 2049 cas (84,46%), avec une prédominance du carcinome canalaire infiltrant (1870 cas) et non infiltrantes dans 377 cas (15,54%). Le grade histo-pronostic de SBR avait révélé une prédominance du grade II dans 66% des cas. Les cancers du sein restent une pathologie fréquente au Cameroun et atteignent principalement la population féminine en âge de procréer. Ils sont caractérisés par la prédominance du carcinome canalaire infiltrant. PMID:26523182

  10. Measuring Aerosols Generated Inside Armoured Vehicles Perforated by Depleted Uranium Ammunition

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

    Parkhurst, MaryAnn

    2003-01-01

    In response to questions raised after the Gulf War about the health significance of exposure to depleted uranium (DU), the U.S. Department of Defense initiated a study designed to provide an improved scientific basis for assessment of possible health effects of soldiers in vehicles struck by these munitions. As part of this study, a series of DU penetrators were fired at an Abrams tank and a Bradley fighting vehicle, and the aerosols generated by vehicle perforation were collected and characterized. A robust sampling system was designed to collect aerosols in this difficult environment and to monitor continuously the sampler flowmore » rates. Interior aerosols collected were analyzed for uranium concentration and particle size distribution as a function of time. They were also analyzed for uranium oxide phases, particle morphology, and dissolution in vitro. These data will provide input for future prospective and retrospective dose and health risk assessments of inhaled or ingested DU aerosols. This paper briefly discusses the target vehicles, firing trajectories, aerosol samplers and instrumentation control systems, and the types of analyses conducted on the samples.« less

  11. Acetaminophen induces xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in rat: Impact of a uranium chronic exposure.

    PubMed

    Rouas, Caroline; Souidi, Maâmar; Grandcolas, Line; Grison, Stephane; Baudelin, Cedric; Gourmelon, Patrick; Pallardy, Marc; Gueguen, Yann

    2009-11-01

    The extensive use of uranium in civilian and military applications increases the risk of human chronic exposure. Uranium is a slightly radioactive heavy metal with a predominantly chemical toxicity, especially in kidney but also in liver. Few studies have previously shown some effects of uranium on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XME) that might disturb drug pharmacokinetic. The aim of this study was to determine whether a chronic (9 months) non-nephrotoxic low dose exposure to depleted uranium (DU, 1mg/rat/day) could modify the liver XME, using a single non-hepatotoxic acetaminophen (APAP) treatment (50mg/kg). Most of XME analysed were induced by APAP treatment at the gene expression level but at the protein level only CYP3A2 was significantly increased 3h after APAP treatment in DU-exposed rats whereas it remained at a basal level in unexposed rats. In conclusion, these results showed that a chronic non-nephrotoxic DU exposure specially modify CYP3A2 after a single therapeutic APAP treatment. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. The Flight of Flexible Aircraft in Turbulence. State-of-the-Art in the Description and Modelling of Atmospheric Turbulence. Addendum

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-06-01

    diboucher sur des direc~ives qui seront d’une grande utilit6 bora de~ t’aaboration du Manuel AGARD de Ia turbulence, dont la partition eat privue fin...1988 debut 1989. Nous tenons ii f~liciter les auteurs de P’int&&~ et de Ia valeur des exposes qui ont 6t pr~sentis lors de Ia r~union, et de Ia part du...effectu~es sous l’gide de Ia FAA et du Panel AGARD de Ia M&canique du vol. in ____4 CONUMNS Pare A(FNDF~VI~L A1~JD ~F~WAIS A~A&NLS$URE~toD AND ~iGHT

  13. Study of NGEP expression in androgen sensitive prostate cancer cells: A potential target for immunotherapy

    PubMed Central

    Mohsenzadegan, Monireh; Tajik, Nader; Madjd, Zahra; Shekarabi, Mehdi; Farajollahi, Mohammad M

    2015-01-01

    Background: Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among men. New gene expressed in prostate (NGEP), is a prostate-specific gene expressed only in normal prostate and prostate cancer tissue. Because of its selective expression in prostate cancer cell surface, NGEP is a potential immunotherapeutic target. To target the NGEP in prostate cancer, it is essential to investigate its expression in prostate cancer cells. Methods: In the present study, we investigated NGEP expression in LNCaP and DU145 cells by real time and RT-PCR, flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analyses. Results: Real time and RT-PCR analyses of NGEP expression showed that NGEP was expressed in the LNCaP cells but not in DU145 cells. The detection of NGEP protein by flow cytometric and immunocytochemistry analyses indicated that NGEP protein was weakly expressed only in LNCaP cell membrane. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that LNCaP cell line is more suitable than DU145 for NGEP expression studies; however, its low-level expression is a limiting issue. NGEP expression may be increased by androgen supplementation of LNCaP cell culture medium. PMID:26000254

  14. Systemes Fermioniques a Basse Dimension D'espace: Supraconductivite, Effet Hall Quantique et Statistique Fractionnaire

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sakhi, Said

    Cette these est constituee de trois sujets de recherche distincts. Les deux premiers articles traitent du phenomene de supraconductivite dans un modele bidimensionnel, dans le troisieme article on etudie l'action effective d'un systeme electronique soumis a l'effet d'un champ magnetique (systeme de Hall) et le dernier article examine la quantification d'un systeme de particules identiques en deux dimensions d'espace et la possibilite des anyons. Le modele qu'on analyse dans les deux premiers articles est un systeme fermionique dont les particules chargees et de masse nulle interagissent entre elles avcc un couplage attractif et fort. L'analyse de l'action effective decrivant la physique a basse energie nous permet d'examiner la structure de l'espace de phase. A temperature nulle, le parametre d'ordre du systeme prend une valeur moyenne non nulle. Consequemment, la symetrie continue U(1) du modele est spontanement brisee et il en resulte l'apparition d'un mode de Goldstone. En presence d'un champ electromagnetique externe, ce mode disparait et le champ de jauge acquiert une masse donc l'effet Meissner caracteristique d'un supraconducteur. Bien que le modele ne soit pas renormalisable dans le sens perturbatif, on montre qu'il l'est dans le cadre du developpement en 1/N ou N est le nombre d'especes fermioniques. En outre, on montre que l'inclusion des effets thermiques change radicalement le mecanisme de supraconductivite. En effet, on montre que la brisure spontanee de la symetrie U(1) n'est plus possible a temperature finie a cause de tres severes divergences infrarouges. Par contre, la dynamique des tourbillons (vortex) existant dans le plan devient essentielle. On montre que le phenomene de supraconductivite resulte du confinement de ces objets topologiques et que la temperature critique s'identifie a celle de Kosterlitz -Thouless. Ce mecanisme de supraconductivite presente l'avantage d'aboutir a un rapport gap a la temperature critique plus eleve que celui du modele de BCS et la non violation de la symetrie par renversement du temps et de l'espace contrairement au modele anyonique. Dans le troisieme article, on a developpe une methode systematique pour calculer les determinants fermioniques en presence d'un champ magnetique perpendiculaire au plan de confinement des particules. Aussi bien les effets thermiques que ceux dus aux impuretes sont pris en consideration dans cette methode. La technique est illustree dans le cas du systeme de Hall quantique. Finalement, dans le dernier article, on discute la quantification d'un systeme de particules identiques dans le plan. Apres avoir correctement defini l'espace de phase classique du systeme, l'analyse fait ressortir deux parametres fondamentaux denotes par theta et alpha. Le premier parametre theta est associe a l'intensite du flux magnetique localise au vertex du cone et definit la statistique des particules. Pour des valeurs arbitraires de theta on parle d'anyons. L'autre parametre alpha est associe a l'extension auto-adjointe de l'hamiltonien et ressort de l'unitarite de la theorie. On montre par un exemple explicite que alpha peut etre vu comme le vestige d'une interaction a tres courte distance (haute energie) entre les particules du systeme. Finalement, on montre que le groupe de symetrie du systeme avec extension auto -adjointe n'est plus SO(2,1) car le generateur de dilatation de ce groupe n'est plus compatible avec un parametre alpha arbitraire. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

  15. Dimensionnement des actionneurs électriques alimentés à fréquence variable sous faible tension

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Biedinger, J.-M.; Vilain, J.-P.

    1999-09-01

    In Part I we present a multidisciplinary analysis model for the prediction of functional connections between the design variables and the electromagnetical, electrical and thermal performances of a brushless permanent magnet motor. In this paper we have elaborated a design methodology for electrical motors supplied from a variable-frequency low-voltage source. The objective is to take into account the influence of the inverter's dynamics from the beginning of the design, for the same reasons as we do for electromechanical and thermal constraints. The procedure is based on a Sequential Quadratic Programming optimization method. Two techniques are used to take into account the influence of the inverter: the first one develops the performance analysis with the multidisciplinary model; the second one considers the inverter's current reference as a supplementary optimization variable for the control of the design. Optimization difficulties linked to the chopping of the converter are discuted in connection with a sensitivity analysis of the torque, with respect to the inverter's current reference; a method is proposed to enhance the performances of the algorithm. The method has been applied to the design of a permanent magnet brushless DC motor used in the propulsion system of an electrical scooter; evolution of the design with the complexity level of analysis model is evidenced. Dans une première partie nous avons développé un modèle d'analyse pluridisciplinaire qui établissait les dépendances fonctionnelles entre les variables de conception et les performances magnéto-électro-thermiques d'un moteur brushless à aimants permanents. Dans cet article nous décrivons une procédure de dimensionnement adaptée à la conception de la machine alimentée à fréquence variable sous faible tension. L'objectif est d'intégrer la dynamique du convertisseur électronique dès la phase initiale du dimensionnement, au même titre que les spécifications électromécaniques et thermiques. La procédure est gérée par une méthode d'optimisation déterministe de type Programmation Quadratique Séquentielle. Elle intègre l'influence du convertisseur au moyen de deux spécificités : la première consiste à évaluer les fonctions du problème d'optimisation sur la base du module d'analyse pluridisciplinaire ; la deuxième permet de contrôler l'évolution du dimensionnement au travers de variables d'optimisation dont la liste inclut les consignes de la commande en courant du convertisseur. Les difficultés d'optimisation liées au mode de fonctionnement discret du convertisseur sont discutées au regard du calcul de la sensibilité du couple électromagnétique envers la consigne de courant du convertisseur ; une méthode est proposée pour assurer la robustesse de la procédure en présence du convertisseur. L'application porte sur le dimensionnement d'un moteur à aimants permanents de type “brushless trapézoïdal" destiné à la traction d'un scooter électrique ; l'évolution de la structure optimale avec le degré de complexité du module d'analyse est mise en évidence.

  16. Syndrome de larva migrans cutanée sur pied malformé (à propos d'un cas)

    PubMed Central

    Benbella, Imane; Khalki, Hanane; Lahmadi, Khalid; Kouara, Sara; Abbadi, Abderrahim; Er-rami, Mohammed

    2016-01-01

    Le syndrome de larva migrans cutanée est une dermite sous cutanée causée par des larves d'ankylostomes d'animaux en impasse parasitaire chez l'homme. L'infestation transcutanée est favorisée par le contact avec le sol contaminé par les larves du parasite. Nous rapportons le cas d'un nourrisson de 15 mois, originaire de Guinée-Bissau, atteint d'un syndrome de larva migrans cutanée sur un pied malformé. Cette malformation sous forme d'une syndactylie associée à une tuméfaction du pied, était à l'origine d'un retard d'acquisition de la station debout. De même, on a rapporté une notion de pieds nus, vue la difficulté de chausser le pied malformé du patient. Tous ces facteurs auraient contribués à favoriser l'infestation du malade par les larves du nématode. PMID:27217876

  17. Kyste épidermoïde du testicule : Étude de cas

    PubMed Central

    Diarra, Alkadri; Elammari, Jalal Eddine; Kassogue, Amadou; El Fassi, Mohammed Jamal; Farih, My Hassan

    2013-01-01

    Résumé Le kyste épidermoïde (KE) du testicule est une tumeur bénigne rare. Le diagnostic peut être évoqué par l’échographie et l’IRM. En cas de lésion unique de petite taille, il est possible d’effectuer une chirurgie conservatrice. Ce traitement nécessite une confirmation anatomopathologique. Le présent article fait état de l’observation d’un patient de 34 ans ayant été admis en consultation d’urologie pour désir d’enfant. Le diagnostic de KE associé à une varicocèle gauche a été retenu. L’énucléation du kyste avec cure de varicocèle a été réalisée sans complications postopératoires. Une revue de la littérature nous a permis de mettre en évidence les différents aspects du KE du testicule et les méthodes thérapeutiques envisageables. PMID:24282476

  18. Trans World Tidal Gravity Profile.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-12-31

    UTSJOVI - SURF,.BUILD, OLD CONCRETE PILLAR ON tEDPOCKMIGHATITE 2.71 GEODEETTIt.EN LAITOS HELSINKI JKAKKUPI GNEISSOSE GPANITE CATEDPA DE ASTRONOMIA Y ...EOCENE DE BRUXELLES SUR LE CAMBRIEN DU MASSIF DU BRABANT. SABLES LUTETIENS. ObSERVATOIRE ROYAL DE BELGIQUE DEPT.1 P.’MELCHIOR , INSTITUTO DI ASTRONOMIA Y ...SUP LE CAMBRIEN DU MASSIF CU BRABANT* SABLES LUTETIENS, -. OBSERVATOIRE ROYAL CE EELGIQUE DEPTe1 P.MELCHIOP INSTITUTO DI ASTRONOMIA Y GEODESIA DEL

  19. Le syndrome du canal d’Alcock ou névralgie pudendale : un diagnostic à ne pas méconnaître

    PubMed Central

    Ziouziou, Imad; Bennani, Hassan; Zizi, Mohamed; Karmouni, Tarik; Khader, Khalid El; Koutani, Abdellatif; Andaloussi, Ahmed Iben Attya

    2013-01-01

    Résumé Le syndrome du canal d’Alcock – ou névralgie pudendale – est lié à la compression chronique du nerf pudendal dans la fossette ischiorectale ou au niveau du ligament sacroépineux. Le diagnostic du syndrome d’Alcock est surtout clinique. Les examens complémentaires sont dominés par les explorations électrophysiologiques et le test de bloc anesthésique. Le diagnostic repose sur des critères bien précis, soit les critères de Nantes. La prise en charge doit être globale, comprenant un traitement médicamenteux, des infiltrations, des techniques de neuromodulation, et dans les cas graves ou résistants, un traitement chirurgical qui consiste à libérer le nerf pudendal. Les névralgies pudendales peuvent être rencontrées après traitement d’une incontinence urinaire d’effort par bande-lettes sous-urétrales (TVT). Ce syndrome motive des consultations en urologie, car la douleur intéresse le territoire du périnée et des organes génitaux. Des signes urinaires peuvent aussi accompagner cette douleur. Il est donc judicieux de connaître cette pathologie. PMID:23914265

  20. Aspects épidémiologiques des traumatismes du rachis: à propos de 139 cas

    PubMed Central

    Bemora, Joseph Synèse; Rakotondraibe, Willy Francis; Ramarokoto, Mijoro; Ratovondrainy, Willy; Andriamamonjy, Clément

    2017-01-01

    Les traumatismes du rachis représentent une des lésions les plus fréquemment observées, chez les victimes d’accidents de circulation, d’accident de sportifs, domestique et du travail. Il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective de 3 ans portant sur 139 cas de traumatismes du rachis hospitalisés et pris en charge dans le service de neurochirurgie du CHUJRA Madagascar. A travers cette étude, 25,17% des traumatisés étaient entre 21 et 30 ans avec une nette prédominance masculine de 69,78% (sexe ratio 2,3). L’étiologie était dominéepar la chute dans 33,09% des cas avec des facteurs de risque dont prise d’alcool (8,63%). Le traumatisme entrait dans le cadre d’un polytraumatisme dont un traumatisme crânien dans 34,63%. Les patients étaient admis dans le service 1 à 5h après le traumatisme dans 31,65% en utilisant comme moyen de transport une voiture personnelle dans 36,69%. Pendant l’hospitalisation 20 patients ont signé une décharge et 6,34% des patients sont décédés. Les traumatismes du rachis posent un problème de santé publique avec une prise en charge lourde surtout pour les patients déficitaires à vie. Devant tout traumatisme du rachis, il faut rechercher systématiquement une lésion crânienne. PMID:28450995

  1. [Effect of electroacupuncture of "Xiaohai" (SI 8) and "Xiajuxu" (ST 39) on serum TNF-α and duodenal high mobility group protein B 1 levels in duodenal ulcer rats].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hong; Wang, Zhen-zhen; Zhang, Yu-chen; Yang, Lu-jia; Deng, Shi-feng; Ai, Kun; Zhang, Zhi-ping

    2015-02-01

    To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Xiaohai" (SI 8) and "Xiajuxu" (ST 39) on serum TNF-α and duodenal high mobility group protein B 1 (HMGB 1) levels in rats with duodenal ulcer (DU), so as to analyze its underlying mechanism in improving DU. Forty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, Xiaohai (SI 8) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) groups (n=10 in each group). The DU model was established by intramuscular injection of 10% Cysteamine hydrochloride (300 mg/kg), followed by taking water containing 1% Cysteamine hydrochloride for 48 h. EA (10 Hz/50 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to bilateral SI 8 and ST 39 for 30 min, once a day for 10 days. The DU score (0-5 score) was evaluated according to Moraes' method. Serum TNF-α content was determined by ELISA and duodenal HMGB 1 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. Compared to the normal control group, the DU score, serum TNF-α content, and duodenal HMGB 1 expression level of the model group were significantly higher (P<0.01). Following EA intervention, the increased DU score, serum TNF-α content, and duodenal HMGB 1 expression level were considerably down-regulated in the two EA groups in comparison with the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05) except HMGB 1 in the SI 8 group (P>0.05), and the effect of EA of "Xiajuxu" (ST 39), the lower-He point, was remarkably superior to that of "Xiaohai" (SI 8) in reducing DU score and TNF-α content (P<0.01). EA stimulation of SI 8 and ST 39 can improve duodenal ulceration in DU rats, which may be related to its effect in down-regulating serum TNF-α and duodenal HMGB 1 expression. The therapeutic effect of ST 39 is markedly better than SI 8 in relieving duodenal ulceration.

  2. Cholestéatome du méat acoustique externe

    PubMed Central

    Azeddine, Lachkar; Aabach, Ahmed; Chouai, Mohamed; Elayoubi, Fahd; Ghailan, Mohamed Rachid

    2016-01-01

    Le cholestéatome du méat acoustique externe se définit comme une accumulation de kératine en regard d’une érosion osseuse de nature ostéitique. C’est une entité otologique rare ou peut diagnostiquée. Le but de notre travail est d’illustrer sur la base d’un cas un cholestéatome du méat acoustique externe. Il s’agit d’un patient âgé de 65 ans diabétique et hypertendu sous traitement, présentant depuis 3 mois une otalgie droite intense, insomniante, avec hypoacousie, otorrhée purulente minime et paralysie faciale droite grade V. Le diagnostic évoqué était dans un premier temps celui d’otite externe maligne. Il a été mis sous traitement antibiotique sans amélioration. L’examen otologique a trouvé une lésion ulcéro-bourgeonnante de la paroi postérieure du méat acoustique externe droit, une biopsie systématique de la lésion a été pratiquée et a conclu à un cholestéatome. Le patient a bénéficié d’une tympanoplastie en technique ouverte. Le cholestéatome du méat acoustique externe est rare, la symptomatologie clinique n’est pas spécifique, le scanner des rocher est d’un grand apport pour le diagnostic positif montrant un cratère osseux du méat acoustique externe. Le traitement dépend de l’extension des lésions allant des simples soins locaux à une tympanoplastie en technique ouverte. Le cholestéatome du méat acoustique externe peut revêtir plusieurs aspects, et prêter confusion avec d’autres pathologies du méat acoustique externe. PMID:28154624

  3. Partial purification and characterization of bacteriocin produced by Enterococcus faecalis DU10 and its probiotic attributes.

    PubMed

    Perumal, Venkatesh; Repally, Ayyanna; Dasari, Ankaiah; Venkatesan, Arul

    2016-10-02

    A novel bacteriocin produced by avian duck isolated lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus faecalis DU10 was isolated. This bacteriocin showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against important food-borne pathogens and was purified by size exclusion chromatography followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography in a C-18 column. Tricine-SDS PAGE revealed the presence of a band with an estimated molecular mass of 6.3 kDa. The zymogram clearly linked the antimicrobial activity with this band. This result was further confirmed by mass-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, since a sharp peak corresponding to 6.313 kDa was detected and the functional groups were revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Bacteriocin DU10 activity was found sensitive to proteinase-K and pepsin and partially affected by trypsin and α-chymotrypsin. The activity of bacteriocin DU10 was partially resistant to heat treatments ranging from 30 to 90°C for 30 min. It also withstood a treatment at 121°C for 10 min. Cytotoxicity of bacteriocin DU10 by methyl-thiazolyl-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay showed that the viability of HT-29 and HeLa cells decreased 60 ± 0.7% and 43 ± 4.8%, respectively, in the presence of 3,200 AU/mL of bacteriocin. The strain withstood 0.3% w/v of bile oxgall and pH 2 affected the bacterial growth between 2 and 4 hr of incubation. Adhesion properties examined with HT-29 cell line showed 69.85% initial population of strain E. faecalis DU10, which was found to be strongly adhered to this cell line. These results conclude bacteriocin DU10 may be used as a potential biopreservative and E. faecalis DU10 may be used as a potential probiont to control Salmonella infections.

  4. Analyse de la dégradation thermique du Poly(éther éther cétone)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Courvoisier, Emilie; Bicaba, Yoann; Colin, Xavier

    2018-03-01

    La dégradation thermique du PEEK a été étudiée à l'état caoutchoutique dans de larges intervalles de température (entre 180 et 320 °C) et de pression partielle d'oxygène (entre 0,21 et 50 bars). Tout d'abord, les mécanismes de vieillissement thermique ont été analysés et élucidés par spectroscopie IRTF et par calorimétrie différentielle (DSC) sur des films de PEEK suffisamment minces (entre 10 et 60 μm d'épaisseur) pour s'affranchir totalement des effets de la diffusion d'oxygène. L'oxydation se produit sur les cycles aromatiques provoquant la croissance de cinq nouvelles bandes d'absorption IR centrées à 3650, 3525, 1780, 1740 et 1718 cm-1 et attribuées aux vibrations d'élongation des liaisons O-H du phénol et de l'acide benzoïque, et des liaisons C-O de l'anhydride benzoïque, du benzoate de phényle et de la fluorénone respectivement. De plus, l'oxydation conduit à une large prédominance de la réticulation sur les coupures de chaîne (augmentation de Tg) empêchant le recuit du PEEK, en particulier lorsque la température d'exposition est supérieure au pied du pic de fusion. Enfin, les conséquences de l'oxydation sur les propriétés élastiques ont été analysées et élucidées par micro-indentation sur des sections droites préalablement polies de plaquettes de PEEK de 3 mm d'épaisseur. Les variations du module d'Young et du taux de cristallinité se corrèlent parfaitement, vérifiant ainsi la relation de Tobolsky.

  5. Distribution épidémiologique de l'infection à VIH chez les femmes enceintes dans les dix régions du Cameroun et implications stratégiques pour les programmes de prévention

    PubMed Central

    Billong, Serge-Clotaire; Fokam, Joseph; Billong, Edson-Joan; Nguefack-Tsague, Georges; Essi, Marie-Josée; Fodjo, Raoul; Sosso, Samuel-Martin; Gomba, Armelle; Mosoko-Jembia, Joseph; Loni-Ekali, Gabriel; Colizzi, Vittorio; Bissek, Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kani; Monebenimp, Francisca; Nfetam, Jean-Bosco Elat

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Le Cameroun se situe dans un contexte d’épidémie généralisée du VIH. La sous-population des femmes enceintes, facilement accessible au sein de la population générale, représente une cible probante pour mener la surveillance du VIH et estimer l’évolution épidémiologique. L'objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer la distribution épidémiologique du VIH chez les femmes enceintes. Méthodes Étude transversale menée en 2012 chez 6521 femmes enceintes (49,3% âgées de 15-24 ans) en première consultation prénatale (CPN1) dans 60 sites des 10 régions Camerounaises. L'algorithme en série a été utilisé pour le sérodiagnostic du VIH. Résultats La prévalence du VIH était de 7,8% (508/6521), avec une différence non significative (p = 0,297) entre milieu rural (7,4%) et milieu urbain (8,1%). En zone rurale, cette prévalence variait de 0,7% à l'Extrême-Nord à 11,8% au Sud. Cependant, en zone urbaine elle variait de 4% à l'Ouest à 11,1% au Sud-Ouest. Suivant l’âge, la prévalence était plus élevée (11,3%) chez les femmes de 35-39 ans. Suivant le niveau de scolarisation, la prévalence du VIH était plus faible (4,4%) chez celles non-scolarisées, et plus élevée (9,3%) chez celles ayant un niveau primaire. Selon la profession, l'infection était plus élevée chez les coiffeuses (15,5%), secrétaires (14,8%), commerçantes (12,9%) et institutrices/enseignantes (10,8%). Conclusion La prévalence du VIH reste élevée chez les femmes enceintes au Cameroun, sans distinction entre milieux rural et urbain. Les stratégies de prévention devraient s'orienter préférentiellement chez les femmes enceintes âgées, celles du niveau d'instruction primaire, et celles du secteur des petites et moyennes entreprises. PMID:26090037

  6. Knowledge, attitude, and experience of cervical cancer and screening among Sub-saharan African female students in a UK University.

    PubMed

    Ogbonna, Faith Sopuruchukwu

    2017-01-01

    Cervical cancer is one of the major diseases that affect women of child bearing age. Its main cause is the human papilloma virus; although, other associated factors have been evidenced to increase its risk. Pap-smear screening and vaccination which has been shown to be successful in reducing the incidence and prevalence of the disease in developed countries, has been neglected in developing countries due to lack of knowledge, misconceptions, and cultural beliefs. A cross-sectional study involving only female Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) students in a UK university setting. One hundred and eighty-six (42%) African female students were recruited from the 442 SSA students attending one of the major Universities in the UK. Seventy-one (38.2%) of the students were aware of cervical screening, but only 20 (10.8%) reported having knowledge of cervical cancer. A small percentage of about 26.9% (50 Students) were already part of this screening program; although, 81 (43.5%) showed willingness to participate in future screening programs. More so, it was evident that student's perception was dependent on their experience of the disease (P = 000) just as their participation in screening program was dependent on their awareness level (P ≤ 0.01). Female African students from the SSA region have poor knowledge of the disease which influenced their attitude toward screening. More needs to be carried out to increase awareness and uptake of screening within the school environment as university setting provides a viable platform to promote healthy behavior. Résumé Contexte: Le cancer du col de l'utérus est l'une des principales maladies qui touchent les femmes en âge de procréer. Sa principale cause est le virus du papillome humain; Bien que, d'autres facteurs associés ont été mis en évidence pour augmenter son risque. Le dépistage du Pap et la vaccination, qui s'est avéré efficace pour réduire l'incidence et la prévalence de la maladie dans les pays développés, a été négligé dans les pays en développement en raison du manque de connaissances, d'idées fausses et de croyances culturelles. Matériel et Méthodes: Une étude transversale impliquant seulement des étudiantes d'Afrique subsaharienne (SSA) dans un université britannique. Résultats: Cent quatre-vingt-six (42%) étudiantes africaines ont été recrutées parmi les 442 étudiants SSA fréquentant l'une des plus grandes universités du Royaume-Uni. Soixante et onze (38,2%) des étudiants étaient au courant du dépistage du cancer du col, mais seulement 20 (10,8%) ont déclaré avoir une connaissance du cancer du col de l'utérus. Un faible pourcentage d'environ 26,9% (50 étudiants)Font déjà partie de ce programme de dépistage; 81 (43,5%) se sont montrés disposés à participer à de futurs programmes de dépistage. De plus, il était évident que la perception des étudiants dépendait de leur expérience de la maladie (P = 000), tout comme leur participation au programme de dépistage dépendait de leur niveau de sensibilisation (P ≤ 0,01). Les étudiantes africaines de la région de l'Afrique subsaharienne connaissent mal la maladie et ont influencé leur attitude envers le dépistage. Davantage de mesures doivent être prises pour accroître la sensibilisation et l'adoption du dépistage dans l'environnement scolaire, car le cadre universitaire constitue une plate-forme viable pour promouvoir un comportement sain.

  7. Differential role of PTEN in transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) effects on proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Kimbrough-Allah, Mawiyah N; Millena, Ana C; Khan, Shafiq A

    2018-04-01

    Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) acts as a tumor suppressor in normal epithelial cells but as a tumor promoter in advanced prostate cancer cells. PI3-kinase pathway mediates TGF-β effects on prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. PTEN inhibits PI3-kinase pathway and is frequently mutated in prostate cancers. We investigated possible role(s) of PTEN in TGF-β effects on proliferation and migration in prostate cancer cells. Expression of PTEN mRNA and proteins were determined using RT-PCR and Western blotting in RWPE1 and DU145 cells. We also studied the role of PTEN in TGF-β effects on cell proliferation and migration in DU145 cells after transient silencing of endogenous PTEN. Conversely, we determined the role of PTEN in cell proliferation and migration after over-expression of PTEN in PC3 cells which lack endogenous PTEN. TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 had no effect on PTEN mRNA levels but both isoforms increased PTEN protein levels in DU145 and RWPE1 cells indicating that PTEN may mediate TGF-β effects on cell proliferation. Knockdown of PTEN in DU145 cells resulted in significant increase in cell proliferation which was not affected by TGF-β isoforms. PTEN overexpression in PC3 cells inhibited cell proliferation. Knockdown of endogenous PTEN enhanced cell migration in DU145 cells, whereas PTEN overexpression reduced migration in PC3 cells and reduced phosphorylation of AKT in response to TGF-β. We conclude that PTEN plays a role in inhibitory effects of TGF-β on cell proliferation whereas its absence may enhance TGF-β effects on activation of PI3-kinase pathway and cell migration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Sorafenib-induced defective autophagy promotes cell death by necroptosis.

    PubMed

    Kharaziha, Pedram; Chioureas, Dimitris; Baltatzis, George; Fonseca, Pedro; Rodriguez, Patricia; Gogvadze, Vladimir; Lennartsson, Lena; Björklund, Ann-Charlotte; Zhivotovsky, Boris; Grandér, Dan; Egevad, Lars; Nilsson, Sten; Panaretakis, Theocharis

    2015-11-10

    Autophagy is one of the main cytoprotective mechanisms that cancer cells deploy to withstand the cytotoxic stress and survive the lethal damage induced by anti-cancer drugs. However, under specific conditions, autophagy may, directly or indirectly, induce cell death. In our study, treatment of the Atg5-deficient DU145 prostate cancer cells, with the multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, induces mitochondrial damage, autophagy and cell death. Molecular inhibition of autophagy by silencing ULK1 and Beclin1 rescues DU145 cells from cell death indicating that, in this setting, autophagy promotes cell death. Re-expression of Atg5 restores the lipidation of LC3 and rescues DU145 and MEF atg5-/- cells from sorafenib-induced cell death. Despite the lack of Atg5 expression and LC3 lipidation, DU145 cells form autophagosomes as demonstrated by transmission and immuno-electron microscopy, and the formation of LC3 positive foci. However, the lack of cellular content in the autophagosomes, the accumulation of long-lived proteins, the presence of GFP-RFP-LC3 positive foci and the accumulated p62 protein levels indicate that these autophagosomes may not be fully functional. DU145 cells treated with sorafenib undergo a caspase-independent cell death that is inhibited by the RIPK1 inhibitor, necrostatin-1. Furthermore, treatment with sorafenib induces the interaction of RIPK1 with p62, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and a proximity ligation assay. Silencing of p62 decreases the RIPK1 protein levels and renders necrostatin-1 ineffective in blocking sorafenib-induced cell death. In summary, the formation of Atg5-deficient autophagosomes in response to sorafenib promotes the interaction of p62 with RIPK leading to cell death by necroptosis.

  9. Potentiometric Surfaces and Changes in Groundwater Levels in Selected Bedrock Aquifers in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, March-August 2008 and 1988-2008

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Sanocki, Christopher A.; Langer, Susan K.; Menard, Jason C.

    2008-01-01

    This report depicts potentiometric surfaces and groundwater- level changes in three aquifers that underlie the seven-county Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Approximately 350 groundwater levels were measured in wells from the three aquifers-the Prairie du Chien-Jordan, the Franconia-Ironton-Galesville, and the Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifers-in March and August of 2008. The report presents maps, associated data tables, and 22 geographic information system datasets. The maps presented in this report show the potentiometric surfaces in March and August of 2008 for all three aquifers, groundwater-level changes from March to August 2008 for each aquifer, and revised potentiometric-surface contours for the winter of 1988-89 for the Prairie du Chien-Jordan and the Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifers, and the estimated long-term (winter of 1988-89 to March 2008) groundwater-level changes for the Prairie du Chien-Jordan and Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifers. This report documents the methods used to construct the maps and provides a context for the period of the measurements. Although withdrawal demand is increasing in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area, particularly in the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer, year-to-year changes in withdrawals can be substantial, and the relation between potentiometric surfaces in the major aquifers and year-to-year withdrawals is not well established. The estimated long-term (19-year) groundwater-level changes for the Prairie du Chien-Jordan and Mount Simon-Hinckley aquifers have not been large based on data and maps produced during this study, despite the large seasonal fluctuations shown by the March and August 2008 synoptic measurements.

  10. Validation of SO2 Retrievals from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument over NE China

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Krotkov, Nickolay A.; McClure, Brittany; Dickerson, Russell R.; Carn, Simon A.; Li, Can; Bhartia, Pawan K.; Yang, Kai; Krueger, Arlin J.; Li, Zhanqing; Levelt, Pieternel F.; hide

    2008-01-01

    The Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) launched on the NASA Aura satellite in July 2004 offers unprecedented spatial resolution, coupled with contiguous daily global coverage, for space-based UV measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2). We present a first validation of the OMI SO2 data with in situ aircraft measurements in NE China in April 2005. The study demonstrates that OMI can distinguish between background SO2 conditions and heavy pollution on a daily basis. The noise (expressed as the standard deviation,sigma) is approximately 1.5 DU (Dobson units; 1 DU = 2.69 10 (exp 16) molecules/cm (exp 2)) for instantaneous field of view boundary layer (PBL) SO2 data. Temporal and spatial averaging can reduce the noise to sigma approximetly 0.3 DU over a remote region of the South Pacific; the long-term average over this remote location was within 0.1 DU of zero. Under polluted conditions collection 2 OMI data are higher than aircraft measurements by a factor of two. Improved calibrations of the radiance and irradiance data (collection 3) result in better agreement with aircraft measurements on polluted days. The air mass corrected collection 3 data still show positive bias and sensitivity to UV absorbing aerosols. The difference between the in situ data and the OMI SO2 measurements within 30 km of the aircraft profiles was about 1 DU, equivalent to approximately 5 ppb from 0 to 3000 m altitude. Quantifying the SO2 and aerosol profiles and spectral dependence of aerosol absorption between 310 and 330 nm are critical for an accurate estimate of SO2 from satellite UV measurements.

  11. A Contribution Toward Understanding the Biospherical Significance of Antarctic Ozone Depletion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lubin, Dan; Mitchell, B. Greg; Frederick, John E.; Alberts, Amy D.; Booth, C. R.; Lucas, Timothy; Neuschuler, David

    1992-05-01

    Measurements of biologically active UV radiation made by the National Science Foundation (NSF) scanning spectroradiometer (UV-monitor) at Palmer Station, Antarctica, during the Austral springs of 1988, 1989, and 1990 are presented and compared. Column ozone abundance above Palmer Station is computed from these measurements using a multiple wavelength algorithm. Two contrasting action spectra (biological weighting functions) are used to estimate the biologically relevant dose from the spectral measurements: a standard weighting function for damage to DNA, and a new action spectrum representing the potential for photosynthesis inhibition in Antarctic phytoplankton. The former weights only UV-B wavelengths (280-320 nm) and gives the most weight to wavelengths shorter than 300 nm, while the latter includes large contributions out to 355 nm. The latter is the result of recent Antarctic field work and is relevant in that phytoplankton constitute the base of the Antarctic food web. The modest ozone hole of 1988, in which the ozone abundance above Palmer Station never fell below 200 Dobson units (DU), brought about summerlike doses of DNA-effective UV radiation 2 months early, but UV doses which could inhibit photosynthesis in phytoplankton did not exceed a clear-sky "maximum normal" dose for that time of year. The severe ozone holes of 1989 and 1990, in which the ozone abundance regularly fell below 200 DU, brought about increases in UV surface irradiance weighted by either action spectrum. Ozone abundances and dose-weighted irradiances provided by the NSF UV-monitor are used to derive the radiation amplification factors (RAFs) for both DNA-effective irradiance and phytoplankton-effective irradiance. The RAF for DNA-effective irradiance is nonlinear in ozone abundance and is in excess of the popular "two for one" rule, while the RAF for phytoplankton-effective irradiance approximately follows a "one for one" rule.

  12. Effects of the 2006 El Nino on Tropospheric Ozone and Carbon Monoxide: Implications for Dynamics and Biomass Burning

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chandra, S.; Ziemke, J. R.; Duncan, B. N.; Diehl, t. L.

    2008-01-01

    We have studied the effects of the 2006 El Nino on tropospheric O3 and CO at tropical and sub-tropical latitudes measured from the OMI and MLS instruments on the Aura satellite. The 2006 El Nino-induced drought allowed forest fires set to clear land to burn out of control during October and November in the Indonesian region. The effects of these fires are clearly seen in the enhancement of GO concentration measured from the MLS instrument. We have used a global model of atmospheric chemistry and transport (GMI CTM) to quantify the relative irrrportance of biomass burning and large scale transport: in producing observed changes in tropospheric O3 and CO . The model results show that during October and November both biomass burning and meteorological changes contributed almost equally to the observed increase in tropospheric O3 in the Indonesian region. The biomass component was 4-6 DU but it was limited to the Indonesian region where the fires were most intense, The dynamical component was 4-8 DU but it covered a much larger area in the Indian Ocean extending from South East Asia in the north to western Australia in the south. By December 2006, the effect of biomass taming was reduced to zero and the obsemed changes in tropospheric O3 were mostly due to dynamical effects. The model results show an increase of 2-3% in the global burden of tropospheric ozone. In comparison, the global burdean of CO increased by 8-12%.

  13. Issues in Intelligence Production: Summary of Interviews with Canadian Managers of Intelligence Analysts

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-12-01

    la Reine (en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de ...organisationnelles, ainsi qu’aux préjugés des analystes et des organismes du renseignement. Un tel constat exige la tenue d’un examen en profondeur de la ...processus de production du renseignement que l’on pourrait expliquer par la mise en application des connaissances et des méthodes acquises dans

  14. The Management of Ethnic-Cultural Diversity in Western Armed Forces

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-03-20

    192-201. 12 Bruce A. Brant, ―Vanguard of Social Change?‖ Military Review, no. 73 (February 1993): 12-19. 13 Histoire du monde Home Page, http...11, 2008. http://inde.aujourdhuilemonde.com/les-separatistes-gorkhas-entament-un-blocus- general?page=7 (accessed January 25, 2012). 15 ― Histoire ...du monde Home Page, http://www.histoiredumonde.net/Gurkhas.html (accessed January 25, 2012). 16 Histoire du monde Home Page, http

  15. The W. E. B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington Debate: Effects upon African American Roles in Engineering and Engineering Technology

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Johnson, Keith V.; Watson, Elwood

    2004-01-01

    The messages of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. DuBois could not have been more diverse. The philosophical rivalry between Washington and DuBois has deep historical roots. To be on the same side fighting for the same purpose, progress, and uplifting of the Black race, these two Black intellectuals harbored radically divergent views on how to…

  16. Distributed utility technology cost, performance, and environmental characteristics

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

    Wan, Y; Adelman, S

    1995-06-01

    Distributed Utility (DU) is an emerging concept in which modular generation and storage technologies sited near customer loads in distribution systems and specifically targeted demand-side management programs are used to supplement conventional central station generation plants to meet customer energy service needs. Research has shown that implementation of the DU concept could provide substantial benefits to utilities. This report summarizes the cost, performance, and environmental and siting characteristics of existing and emerging modular generation and storage technologies that are applicable under the DU concept. It is intended to be a practical reference guide for utility planners and engineers seeking informationmore » on DU technology options. This work was funded by the Office of Utility Technologies of the US Department of Energy.« less

  17. Mesure optimale de tilt et déplacement d'un faisceau gaussien

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delaubert, V.; Treps, N.; Fabre, C.; Harb, C.; Lam, P. K.; Bachor, H.

    2006-10-01

    Nous réalisons une expérience de mesure optimale de petits déplacements d'un faisceau gaussien TEM{00}, basée sur une détection homodyne employant un oscillateur local TEM{10}. Nous montrons une amélioration de 56% du signal détecté par rapport à une détection à deux zones. Ce nouveau dispositif permet également de mesurer de façon optimale de petites valeurs de tilt, la quantité conjuguée du déplacement. Enfin, nous montrons que la compression du mode TEM{10} du faisceau incident permet une mesure de déplacement au delà de la limite quantique standard.

  18. Cost Structure and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) for Military Systems (structures de couts globaux de possession (LCC) pour systemes militaires)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2003-06-01

    variables. Dans le plan (p = 2), la méthode de régression linéaire ajuste au nuage de points une droite qui minimise la somme des écarts au carré entre...cohérence de la définition du produit. Par exemple, pour un blindé, il faut valider l ’ « harmonie » du trio masse, puissance du moteur et vitesse maximale. Il...en condition opérationnelle. De façon plus générale, la DGA devrait s’orienter vers l ‘élaboration et l’acquisition de modèle d’estimation de coûts du

  19. Quels sont les problemes ethiques souleves par l’augmentation des capacites cognitives dans le cadre de la defense : cadre legal francais, position ethique du service de sante des armees francais

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-10-01

    pourtant été systématisée. L’observation que, même si chaque homme est unique, il n’en partage pas moins un certain nombre de caractéristiques avec ses...occidental du comportement normal d’un homme , c’est-à-dire ce en deçà de quoi il ne peut déroger au risque de sortir du statut d’homme. Ainsi, le... de garantir les conditions de vie harmonieuse dans la société des hommes . Ainsi, l’éthique individuelle du citoyen français se niche dans un ensemble

  20. Land subsidence caused by groundwater exploitation in Suzhou City, China

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Chongxi; Pei, Shunping; Jiao, Jiu Jimmy

    2002-09-01

    Suzhou City, located at the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in southeastern Jiangsu Province, is one of the few cities in China which suffer from severe ground settlement. A research project was carried out to investigate this problem. Geological and hydrogeological studies show that there is a multi-layered aquifer system with three distinct, soft mud layers of marine and lagoonal origins. An examination of historical records of groundwater extraction, water levels, and ground settlement shows that the ground subsidence is associated with the continuously increasing groundwater extraction in the deep, confined aquifer. It is believed that the consolidation of the soft mud layers, especially the third layer which is thick and close to the main pumped aquifer, contributes to the ground settlement. A three-dimensional finite difference numerical model representing the multi-layered aquifer system was developed to study the ground settlement in response to groundwater extraction. By calibrating the model with both the measured groundwater level and ground settlement, the aquifer parameters were estimated. The model outputs fit reasonably well with the observed results, which indicates that the numerical model can reproduce the dynamic processes of both groundwater flow and soil consolidation. The hydraulic conductivity of the third mud layer near the center of the ground settlement has been reduced by over 30% in the last 14 years. The gradual deterioration in the hydraulic conductivity of the mud may have significant adverse effect on the sustainable groundwater resource of the deep confined aquifer, since the recharge from the shallow aquifers through the mud layer is the only source of water to the deep aquifer. An analysis of the spatial distributions of groundwater drawdown and ground settlement shows that the area with maximum drawdown is not necessarily the area with maximum ground settlement due to the occurrence of the soft mud layer. A simple reallocation in pumping rates on the basis of the spatial distribution of the thick mud layer could significantly reduce the ground settlement. Résumé. La ville de Suzhou, située dans la basse vallée du fleuve Yangtsé dans le sud-est de la province de Jiangsu, est l'une des rares villes de Chine qui souffrent cruellement de tassements du sol. Un projet de recherche a été mené pour étudier ce problème. Des études géologiques et hydrogéologiques montrent qu'il existe un système aquifère multicouche constitué de trois niveaux distincts de limons non consolidés d'origine marine et lagunaire. Un examen des historiques des prélèvements d'eau souterraine, des niveaux de nappe et des tassements de sol montrent que la subsidence du sol est associée à des prélèvements continuellement croissants d'eau souterraine dans l'aquifère captif profond. On pense que le compactage des couches limoneuses non consolidées, en particulier de la troisième couche qui est épaisse et proche du principal aquifère pompé, contribue aux tassements du sol. Un modèle numérique aux différences finies en trois dimensions, représentant l'aquifère multicouche, a été réalisé pour étudier les tassements du sol en réponse aux prélèvements d'eau souterraine. Les paramètres de l'aquifère ont été estimés par calibration du modèle au moyen à la fois des niveaux piézométriques et des tassements du sol. Les résultats de la simulation s'ajustent convenablement aux résultats observés, ce qui indique que le modèle numérique peut reproduire les processus dynamiques aussi bien des écoulements souterrains que de compactage du sol. La conductivité hydraulique de la troisième couche de limon non consolidé au voisinage du centre du tassement de sol a été réduit de plus de 30% au cours des 14 dernières années. La dégradation progressive de la conductivité hydraulique du limon peut avoir un effet significatif néfaste sur la pérennité de la ressource en eau souterraine dans l'aquifère captif profond, puisque la recharge à partir des aquifères superficiels au travers de la couche de limon est la seule alimentation de l'aquifère profond. Une analyse des distributions spatiales de l'abaissement du niveau piézométrique et des tassements du sol montre que la région soumise à l'abaissement maximal de piézométrie n'est pas nécessairement celle des tassements maximaux du sol liés à la présence de la couche de limon non consolidé. Une simple révision des débits de pompage basée sur la distribution spatiale de la couche de limon épaisse peut réduire significativement les tassements du sol. Resumen. La ciudad de Suzhou, situada en el tramo inferior del Río Yangtze, al sudeste de la provincia de Jiangsu, es una de las pocas ciudades chinas que padece problemas serios de subsidencia. Esto ha motivado la realización de un proyecto de investigación en la zona. Estudios geológicos e hidrogeológicos apuntan a un modelo de acuífero multicapa, con tres niveles distintos de lodos blandos de orígenes marino y lacustre. Examinando los registros históricos de extracciones de agua subterránea, así como de nivel piezométrico y de subsidencia, se observa que ésta se halla asociada al bombeo cada vez mayor del acuífero confinado profundo. La hipótesis es que las capas de lodos blandos se van consolidando, si bien la que más contribuye a ello es la tercera, potente y próxima al acuífero más explotado. Se ha realizado un modelo numérico tridimensional en diferencias finitas que representa el sistema acuífero multicapa, con lo que se puede estudiar el efecto de la extracción de agua subterránea en la subsidencia. Calibrando el modelo con niveles piezométricos medidos y con datos de subsidencia, se ha podido estimar los parámetros del acuífero. Los resultados del modelo ajustan de forma razonable con los datos medidos, por lo que el modelo numérico es capaz de reproducir los procesos dinámicos de flujo de aguas subterráneas y consolidación del terreno. La conductividad hidráulica de la tercera capa de lodo cerca del centro de asentamiento se ha reducido en más del 30% durante los últimos 14 años. El deterioro gradual de la conductividad hidráulica del lodo puede tener efectos adversos notables en la sustentabilidad de los recursos de agua subterránea del acuífero confinado profundo, ya que se recarga exclusivamente de acuíferos más someros a través de la capa de lodo. El análisis de la distribución espacial de descenso del nivel piezométrico y de subsidencia muestra que el área de extracción máxima no coincide necesariamente con la de máxima subsidencia, debido a la existencia de la capa de lodos blandos. Una mera redistribución de los caudales de bombeo en función de las propiedades espaciales de la gruesa capa de lodos podría reducir drásticamente los problemas de subsidencia.

  1. The C8 health project: design, methods, and participants.

    PubMed

    Frisbee, Stephanie J; Brooks, A Paul; Maher, Arthur; Flensborg, Patsy; Arnold, Susan; Fletcher, Tony; Steenland, Kyle; Shankar, Anoop; Knox, Sarah S; Pollard, Cecil; Halverson, Joel A; Vieira, Verónica M; Jin, Chuanfang; Leyden, Kevin M; Ducatman, Alan M

    2009-12-01

    The C8 Health Project was created, authorized, and funded as part of the settlement agreement reached in the case of Jack W. Leach, et al. v. E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (no. 01-C-608 W.Va., Wood County Circuit Court, filed 10 April 2002). The settlement stemmed from the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8) contamination of drinking water in six water districts in two states near the DuPont Washington Works facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia. This study reports on the methods and results from the C8 Health Project, a population study created to gather data that would allow class members to know their own PFOA levels and permit subsequent epidemiologic investigations. Final study participation was 69,030, enrolled over a 13-month period in 2005-2006. Extensive data were collected, including demographic data, medical diagnoses (both self-report and medical records review), clinical laboratory testing, and determination of serum concentrations of 10 perfluorocarbons (PFCs). Here we describe the processes used to collect, validate, and store these health data. We also describe survey participants and their serum PFC levels. The population geometric mean for serum PFOA was 32.91 ng/mL, 500% higher than previously reported for a representative American population. Serum concentrations for perfluorohexane sulfonate and perfluorononanoic acid were elevated 39% and 73% respectively, whereas perfluorooctanesulfonate was present at levels similar to those in the U.S. population. This largest known population study of community PFC exposure permits new evaluations of associations between PFOA, in particular, and a range of health parameters. These will contribute to understanding of the biology of PFC exposure. The C8 Health Project also represents an unprecedented effort to gather basic data on an exposed population; its achievements and limitations can inform future legal settlements for populations exposed to environmental contaminants.

  2. Determining Multiple Sclerosis Phenotype from Electronic Medical Records.

    PubMed

    Nelson, Richard E; Butler, Jorie; LaFleur, Joanne; Knippenberg, Kristin; C Kamauu, Aaron W; DuVall, Scott L

    2016-12-01

    Multiple sclerosis (MS), a central nervous system disease in which nerve signals are disrupted by scarring and demyelination, is classified into phenotypes depending on the patterns of cognitive or physical impairment progression: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), or progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS). The phenotype is important in managing the disease and determining appropriate treatment. The ICD-9-CM code 340.0 is uninformative about MS phenotype, which increases the difficulty of studying the effects of phenotype on disease. To identify MS phenotype using natural language processing (NLP) techniques on progress notes and other clinical text in the electronic medical record (EMR). Patients with at least 2 ICD-9-CM codes for MS (340.0) from 1999 through 2010 were identified from nationwide EMR data in the Department of Veterans Affairs. Clinical experts were interviewed for possible keywords and phrases denoting MS phenotype in order to develop a data dictionary for NLP. For each patient, NLP was used to search EMR clinical notes, since the first MS diagnosis date for these keywords and phrases. Presence of phenotype-related keywords and phrases were analyzed in context to remove mentions that were negated (e.g., "not relapsing-remitting") or unrelated to MS (e.g., "RR" meaning "respiratory rate"). One thousand mentions of MS phenotype were validated, and all records of 150 patients were reviewed for missed mentions. There were 7,756 MS patients identified by ICD-9-CM code 340.0. MS phenotype was identified for 2,854 (36.8%) patients, with 1,836 (64.3%) of those having just 1 phenotype mentioned in their EMR clinical notes: 1,118 (39.2%) RRMS, 325 (11.4%) PPMS, 374 (13.1%) SPMS, and 19 (0.7%) PRMS. A total of 747 patients (26.2%) had 2 phenotypes, the most common being 459 patients (16.1%) with RRMS and SPMS. A total of 213 patients (7.5%) had 3 phenotypes, and 58 patients (2.0%) had 4 phenotypes mentioned in their EMR clinical notes. Positive predictive value of phenotype identification was 93.8% with sensitivity of 94.0%. Phenotype was documented for slightly more than one third of MS patients, an important but disappointing finding that sets a limit on studying the effects of phenotype on MS in general. However, for cases where the phenotype was documented, NLP accurately identified the phenotypes. Having multiple phenotypes documented is consistent with disease progression. The most common misidentification was because of ambiguity while clinicians were trying to determine phenotype. This study brings attention to the need for care providers to document MS phenotype more consistently and provides a solution for capturing phenotype from clinical text. This study was funded by Anolinx and F. Hoffman-La Roche. Nelson serves as a consultant for Anolinx. Kamauu is owner of Anolinx, which has received multiple research grants from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. LaFleur has received a Novartis grant for ongoing work. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. government. Study concept and design were contributed by Butler, LaFleur, Kamauu, DuVall, and Nelson. DuVall collected the data, and interpretation was performed by Nelson, DuVall, and Kamauu, along with Butler, LaFleur, and Knippenberg. The manuscript was written primarily by Nelson, along with Knippenberg and assisted by the other authors, and revised by Knippenberg, Nelson, and DuVall, along with the other authors.

  3. Effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage dans un composite carbone/epoxy sollicite en mode mixte I/II

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    LeBlanc, Luc R.

    Les materiaux composites sont de plus en plus utilises dans des domaines tels que l'aerospatiale, les voitures a hautes performances et les equipements sportifs, pour en nommer quelques-uns. Des etudes ont demontre qu'une exposition a l'humidite nuit a la resistance des composites en favorisant l'initiation et la propagation du delaminage. De ces etudes, tres peu traitent de l'effet de l'humidite sur l'initiation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II et aucune ne traite des effets de l'humidite sur le taux de propagation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II dans un composite. La premiere partie de cette these consiste a determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage lors d'une sollicitation en mode mixte I/II. Des eprouvettes d'un composite unidirectionnel de carbone/epoxy (G40-800/5276-1) ont ete immergees dans un bain d'eau distillee a 70°C jusqu'a leur saturation. Des essais experimentaux quasi-statiques avec des chargements d'une gamme de mixites des modes I/II (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% et 100%) ont ete executes pour determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la resistance au delaminage du composite. Des essais de fatigue ont ete realises, avec la meme gamme de mixite des modes I/II, pour determiner 1'effet de 1'humidite sur l'initiation et sur le taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats des essais en chargement quasi-statique ont demontre que l'humidite reduit la resistance au delaminage d'un composite carbone/epoxy pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II, sauf pour le mode I ou la resistance au delaminage augmente apres une exposition a l'humidite. Pour les chargements en fatigue, l'humidite a pour effet d'accelerer l'initiation du delaminage et d'augmenter le taux de propagation pour toutes les mixites des modes I/II. Les donnees experimentales recueillies ont ete utilisees pour determiner lesquels des criteres de delaminage en statique et des modeles de taux de propagation du delaminage en fatigue en mode mixte I/II proposes dans la litterature representent le mieux le delaminage du composite etudie. Une courbe de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les criteres de delaminage en statique etudies. Une surface de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les modeles de taux de propagation en fatigue etudies. D'apres les ajustements, le meilleur critere de delaminage en statique est le critere B-K et le meilleur modele de propagation en fatigue est le modele de Kenane-Benzeggagh. Afin de predire le delaminage lors de la conception de pieces complexes, des modeles numeriques peuvent etre utilises. La prediction de la longueur de delaminage lors des chargements en fatigue d'une piece est tres importante pour assurer qu'une fissure interlaminaire ne va pas croitre excessivement et causer la rupture de cette piece avant la fin de sa duree de vie de conception. Selon la tendance recente, ces modeles sont souvent bases sur l'approche de zone cohesive avec une formulation par elements finis. Au cours des travaux presentes dans cette these, le modele de progression du delaminage en fatigue de Landry & LaPlante (2012) a ete ameliore en y ajoutant le traitement des chargements en mode mixte I/II et en y modifiant l'algorithme du calcul de la force d'entrainement maximale du delaminage. Une calibration des parametres de zone cohesive a ete faite a partir des essais quasi-statiques experimentaux en mode I et II. Des resultats de simulations numeriques des essais quasi-statiques en mode mixte I/II, avec des eprouvettes seches et humides, ont ete compares avec les essais experimentaux. Des simulations numeriques en fatigue ont aussi ete faites et comparees avec les resultats experimentaux du taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats numeriques des essais quasi-statiques et de fatigue ont montre une bonne correlation avec les resultats experimentaux pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II etudiee.

  4. Impacts de l`élévation du niveau de la mer sur l'évolution future d'une côte basse à lagune de la péninsule du Cap Bon (Nord-Est de la Tunisie): approche cartographique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brahmi, Noura; Dhieb, Mohsen; Chedly Rabia, Mohamed

    2018-05-01

    La submersion marine est l'une des principales menaces qui pèsent sur les zones humides littorales de la péninsule du Cap Bon. Or, cette menace est amenée à se renforcer en raison du réchauffement climatique qui entraînera une élévation du niveau marin et vraisemblablement un renforcement de l'intensité des tempêtes et des cyclones tropicaux d'ici à l'horizon 2100. L'objectif a donc été d'évaluer la vulnérabilité de la lagune face à la submersion. Dans cette optique, après avoir identifié les enjeux liés à l'élévation du niveau de la mer pour la lagune, nous avons dressé une cartographie prévisionnelle des risques de submersion par l'intermédiaire d'une application cartographique basée sur une modélisation numérique de terrain et analysé les impacts potentiels de ce phénomène. La cartographie est donc amenée à devenir centrale pour l'étude de l'impact du risque de la submersion marine sur les lagunes côtières et la gestion de ces espaces dans les décennies à venir. La cartographie de l'aléa submersion marine a montré que l'ouverture épisodique de brèches lors des tempêtes pourrait entraîner la submersion de l'ensemble du domaine lagunaire et aurait un impact morphogénique essentiel. En effet, le phénomène d'une accélération de l'élévation du niveau marin et d'un renforcement des tempêtes génère le morcellement du cordon littoral qui sépare la lagune de la mer. Par ailleurs, les pertes de matériel sédimentaire pour la plage augmenteront, dans la mesure où, lors d'une tempête, une grande partie des matériaux déplacés par les vagues dans les étangs par submersion ou par ouverture d'une brèche, ne peut être récupérée par la suite. Tout ceci constitue un facteur d'accélération du recul ou de disparition de la plage déjà très érodée. Les impacts de cette submersion pourraient être importants en absence de mesures préventives. Elle aurait ainsi des répercussions profondes sur les systèmes naturels et environnementaux et sur la qualité de vie de la population locale.

  5. The evolution of synoptic ozone anomalies during the European Arctic Stratospheric Ozone Experiment in winter 1991/1992

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zerefos, Christos S.; Balis, Dimitrios S.; Bais, Alkiviadis F.; Ziomas, Ioannis C.; Tourpali, Kleareti; Meleti, Chariklea; Tzoumaka, Paraskevi; Mantis, Homer T.; Repapis, Christos C.; Fioletov, Vitali E.

    1994-01-01

    The evolution of ozone anomalies over the middle and high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere during the winter 1991-1992 is studied in this work. The largest monthly mean negative deviations in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere were about 10 percent in November and December, and up to 20 percent in January, February, and March over Eurasian territories, and much smaller over the Canadian sector. At the end of January, on individual days, total ozone values of 190-210 D.U. were observed over Eastern Europe and European part of Russia, that is 40-45 percent below normal. On the whole, the 1991-1992 winter was one of the most anomalous over all the period of ozone observations. Finally, an attempt is made to quantify the contribution of transport in the ozone layer changes over Europe during this period.

  6. Concentration and characteristics of depleted uranium in water, air and biological samples collected in Serbia and Montenegro.

    PubMed

    Jia, Guogang; Belli, Maria; Sansone, Umberto; Rosamilia, Silvia; Gaudino, Stefania

    2005-09-01

    During the Balkan conflicts, in 1995 and 1999, depleted uranium (DU) rounds were employed and were left in the battlefield. Health concern is related to the risk arising from contamination of the environment with DU penetrators and dust. In order to evaluate the impact of DU on the environment and population in Serbia and Montenegro, radiological surveys of DU in water, air and biological samples were carried out over the period 27 October-5 November 2001. The uranium isotopic concentrations in biological samples collected in Serbia and Montenegro, mainly lichens and barks, were found to be in the range of 0.67-704 Bqkg(-1) for (238)U, 0.48-93.9 Bqkg(-1) for (234)U and 0.02-12.2 Bqkg(-1) for (235)U, showing uranium levels to be higher than in the samples collected at the control sites. Moreover, (236)U was detectable in some of the samples. The isotopic ratios of (234)U/(238)U showed DU to be detectable in many biological samples at all examined sites, especially in Montenegro, indicating widespread ground-surface DU contamination, albeit at very low level. The uranium isotopic concentrations in air obtained from the air filter samples collected in Serbia and Montenegro were found to be in the range of 1.99-42.1 microBqm(-3) for (238)U, 0.96-38.0 microBqm(-3) for (234)U, and 0.05-1.83 microBqm(-3) for (235)U, being in the typical range of natural uranium values. Thus said, most of the air samples are DU positive, this fact agreeing well with the widespread DU contamination detected in the biological samples. The uranium concentrations in water samples collected in Serbia and Montenegro were found to be in the range of 0.40-21.9 mBql(-1) for (238)U, 0.27-28.1 mBql(-1) for (234)U, and 0.01-0.88 mBql(-1) for (235)U, these values being much lower than those in mineral water found in central Italy and below the WHO guideline for drinking water. From a radiotoxicological point of view, at this moment there is no significant radiological risk related to these investigated sites in terms of possible DU contamination of water, air and/or plants.

  7. Epidémiologie et prise en charge des infections du per-partum à la maternité du centre hospitalier départemental de l'Ouémé-Plateau au Bénin

    PubMed Central

    Saizonou, Jacques; Ouédraogo, Laurent; Paraiso, Moussiliou Noël; Ayélo, Paul; Kpozèhouen, Alphonse; Daraté, René; Traoré, Esther

    2014-01-01

    Introduction La présente étude avait pour objectif de mesurer l'ampleur des infections du per-partum à la maternité du Centre Hospitalier Départemental de l'Ouémé-Plateau d'analyser les conditions de survenue et de prise en charge dans la perspective de l'amélioration des soins et services maternels et néonataux. Méthodes Une étude descriptive et analytique a été conduite de Août 2009 à Février 2010 et a impliqué 110 mères victimes d'infections du per-partum; elles ont été soumises à un questionnaire durant tout leur séjour hospitalier; des observations des pratiques de prise en charge des prestataires de soins ont été menées et des registres et autres supports de données sanitaires ont été exploités. L'analyse des données a été effectuée à l'aide du logiciel Epi Info 6.4 dans sa version française. Résultats L'incidence des infections du per-partum était de 5,9 pour 100 accouchements (110/ 1875); les types d'infections les plus incriminés étaient les endométrites (27,3%), les chorioamniotites (18,2%), les infections du site opératoire (12,7%) et les infections urinaires (2,7%). Les examens cliniques ont été relativement acceptables. En revanche, les examens biologiques ont été très insuffisants expliquant l'imprécision importante au niveau des diagnostics. L'antibiothérapie a été instaurée systématiquement. Le taux de mortinaissance était de 25,6% et les enfants de petit poids représentaient 23,2%. Conclusion L'incidence des infections du per-partum dans la présente étude était assez élevée. Des efforts de préventions et de dépistage de ces infections sont nécessaire afin d'améliorer la qualité des soins PMID:25120854

  8. Particularités de la cardiomyopathie du péripartum en Afrique: le cas du Togo sur une étude prospective de 41 cas au Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire Sylvanus Olympio de Lomé

    PubMed Central

    Pio, Machihude; Afassinou, Yaovi; Baragou, Soodougoua; Akue, Edem Goeh; Péssinaba, Souleymane; Atta, Borgatia; Ehlan, Koffi; Alate, Amouzou; Damorou, Findibe

    2014-01-01

    Introduction La cardiomyopathie du péripartum (CMPP) est une défaillance cardiaque dont l’étiologie demeure encore méconnue. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude prospective descriptive réalisée dans le service de cardiologie du CHU Sylvanus olympio de Lomé du 1er janvier 2010 au 30 avril 2012. Elle a concerné 41 patientes ayant présenté une insuffisance cardiaque entre le 8eme mois de la grossesse et les 5 premiers mois du post-partum. Résultats L’âge moyen des patientes était de 31,47 ans (extrêmes 21 et 44ans). L'incidence de la CMPP était de 1/362 grossesses. La parité moyenne était de 3,07 (extrêmes 1 et 6). Les symptômes étaient apparus dans le post-partum dans 90,24% des cas. Un retard important de diagnostic était observé. L'insuffisance cardiaque globale était le mode de décompensation dans 65,85%. Les signes électrocardiographiques étaient essentiellement la tachycardie sinusale (97,56%) et l'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche (97,56%). L’échographie cardiaque a montré dans tous les cas une cardiomyopathie dilatée. Quatre cas de thrombus intraventriculaire gauche étaient notés. La FEVG était sévèrement altérée. L'HTAP était importante dans 56,09%. Conclusion La cardiomyopathie du péripartum est une complication cardiaque grave de la grossesse de cause inconnue, fréquente dans la population africaine. PMID:25309645

  9. Incorporation of a cationic aminopropyl chain in DNA hairpins: thermodynamics and hydration

    PubMed Central

    Soto, Ana Maria; Kankia, Besik I.; Dande, Prasad; Gold, Barry; Marky, Luis A.

    2001-01-01

    We report on the physicochemical effects resulting from incorporating a 5-(3-aminopropyl) side chain onto a 2′-deoxyuridine (dU) residue in a short DNA hairpin. A combination of spectroscopy, calorimetry, density and ultrasound techniques were used to investigate both the helix–coil transition of a set of  hairpins with the following sequence: d(GCGACTTTTTGNCGC) [N = dU, deoxythymidine (dT) or 5-(3-aminopropyl)-2′-deoxyuridine (dU*)], and the interaction of each hairpin with Mg2+. All three molecules undergo two-state transitions with melting temperatures (TM) independent of strand concentration that indicates their intramolecular hairpin formation. The unfolding of each hairpin takes place with similar TM values of 64–66°C and similar thermodynamic profiles. The unfavorable unfolding free energies of 6.4–6.9 kcal/mol result from the typical compensation of unfavorable enthalpies, 36–39 kcal/mol, and favorable entropies of ∼110 cal/mol. Furthermore, the stability of each hairpin increases as the salt concentration increases, the TM-dependence on salt yielded slopes of 2.3–2.9°C, which correspond to counterion releases of 0.53 (dU and dT) and 0.44 (dU*) moles of Na+ per mole of hairpin. Absolute volumetric and compressibility measurements reveal that all three hairpins have similar hydration levels. The electrostatic interaction of Mg2+ with each hairpin yielded binding affinities in the order: dU > dT > dU*, and a similar release of 2–4 electrostricted water molecules. The main result is that the incorporation of the cationic 3-aminopropyl side chain in the major groove of the hairpin stem neutralizes some local negative charges yielding a hairpin molecule with lower charge density. PMID:11522834

  10. Effet paradoxal du type d’excision sur la prise et le délai de cicatrisation des greffes expansées pour le traitement des brûlures aiguës: a propos de 1129 cas

    PubMed Central

    Guibert, M.; Chaouat, M.; Boccara, D.; Marco, O.; Lavocat, R.; Alameri, O.; Deslandes, E.; Montlahuc, C.; Mimoun, M.

    2016-01-01

    Summary La greffe de peau mince expansée est très employée dans le traitement des brûlures aiguës. Nous avons étudié l’influence de la préparation du sous-sol sur le taux de prise et le délai de cicatrisation des greffes expansées. Nous avons analysé rétrospectivement les 1 129 greffes expansées réalisées dans notre service entre 1995 et 2005 pour le traitement des brûlures aiguës. Leur taux de prise a été significativement meilleur après une préparation du sous-sol par avulsion (82%) par rapport à une préparation du sous-sol par excision tangentielle (75%). Ce taux était meilleur lorsque l’avulsion était pratiquée dans les 7 jours suivant la brûlure (83% vs 73%). Pour une prise en charge entre 7 et 21 jours, ce taux a semblé être meilleur après excision tangentielle, mais de façon non significative. La durée d’évolution jusqu’à cicatrisation était significativement raccourcie pour une préparation du sous-sol par excision tangentielle par rapport à une préparation du sous-sol par avulsion. Ces résultats montrent, paradoxalement, qu’une préparation du sous-sol par avulsion favorise la prise des greffes expansées mais rallonge leur délai de cicatrisation au contraire de l’excision tangentielle. PMID:28149235

  11. The Pekin duck programmed death-ligand 1: cDNA cloning, genomic structure, molecular characterization and mRNA expression analysis.

    PubMed

    Yao, Q; Fischer, K P; Tyrrell, D L; Gutfreund, K S

    2015-04-01

    Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) plays an important role in the attenuation of adaptive immune responses in higher vertebrates. Here, we describe the identification of the Pekin duck PD-L1 orthologue (duPD-L1) and its gene structure. The duPD-L1 cDNA encodes a 311-amino acid protein that has an amino acid identity of 78% and 42% with chicken and human PD-L1, respectively. Mapping of the duPD-L1 cDNA with duck genomic sequences revealed an exonic structure of its coding sequence similar to those of other vertebrates but lacked a noncoding exon 1. Homology modelling of the duPD-L1 extracellular domain was compatible with the tandem IgV-like and IgC-like IgSF domain structure of human PD-L1 (PDB ID: 3BIS). Residues known to be important for receptor binding of human PD-L1 were mostly conserved in duPD-L1 within the N-terminus and the G sheet, and partially conserved within the F sheet but not within sheets C and C'. DuPD-L1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined with highest expression levels in lung and spleen and very low levels of expression in muscle, kidney and brain. Mitogen stimulation of duck peripheral blood mononuclear cells transiently increased duPD-L1 mRNA expression. Our observations demonstrate evolutionary conservation of the exonic structure of its coding sequence, the extracellular domain structure and residues implicated in receptor binding, but the role of the longer cytoplasmic tail in avian PD-L1 proteins remains to be determined. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  12. Use of Scientific and Technical Information in the NATO Countries

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-03-01

    pouvoirs publics resultant de la coordination de 1’information dans les secteurs Defense et ASrospatlal sont pr^sent^s a travers 1’organisation du...et le secteur Aerospatial s’lmpose pour des raisons d’efficacit^ et d’Sconomie de moyens. Cette coordination devra cependant tenir compte de la sp...cificit§ des problemes de Defense et de 1’importance militaire et industrlelle du secteur aerospatial qui provient essentiellement : . du caractere

  13. 40 CFR 82.5 - Apportionment of baseline production allowances for class I controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 23,082,358 E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co 33,830,000 Elf Atochem, N.A 21,821,500 CFC-12 Laroche Chemicals 12,856,364 Allied-Signal, Inc 35,699,776 E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co 64,849,000 Elf Atochem, N.A 31,089,807 CFC-113 Laroche Chemicals 15,330,909 Allied-Signal, Inc 21,788,896 CFC-114 E.I. DuPont de...

  14. 40 CFR 82.5 - Apportionment of baseline production allowances for class I controlled substances.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 23,082,358 E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co 33,830,000 Elf Atochem, N.A 21,821,500 CFC-12 Laroche Chemicals 12,856,364 Allied-Signal, Inc 35,699,776 E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co 64,849,000 Elf Atochem, N.A 31,089,807 CFC-113 Laroche Chemicals 15,330,909 Allied-Signal, Inc 21,788,896 CFC-114 E.I. DuPont de...

  15. Africa Civic Action Planning and Implementation Guide

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1988-03-17

    transfert du titre de propriet4 ou. que les d~fectuosit~s provenant de la conception sont... transfert du * .~.titre prendra effet normalement. au point de chargement chez le * fabricant; et pour ].es articles de de’fense fournis sur les stocks...dition avant l~e transfert . du Ititre de proprie’t4. Si l~e "lieu de livraison" d~sign4 est autre que le point initial d’expe’d’tion, l~e

  16. Le syndrome de Pepper: à propos de deux cas observés au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

    PubMed Central

    Kam, Madibèlè; Douamba, Sonia; Nagalo, Kisito; Dao, Lassina; Kouéta, Fla; Lougué, Claudine; Yé, Diarra

    2017-01-01

    Le syndrome de Pepper est une forme métastatique hépatique du neuroblastome. C’est une entité spécifique du nourrisson de moins de six mois qui a la particularité de pouvoir régresser de façon spontanée avec un pronostic favorable dans 80% des cas. A cause de sa rareté, nous rapportons deux cas du syndrome de Pepper observés au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Il s’agissait de deux nourrissons de sexe féminin chez qui la symptomatologie de la maladie se traduisait par une augmentation du volume abdominal, une hépatomégalie et des signes de lutte respiratoire. L'échographie a permis de poser le diagnostic par l’aspect nodulaire du foie dans les deux cas et la détermination de la tumeur primitive dans un cas. Le dosage des catécholamines urinaires a confirmé un cas. L’évolution était fatale chez les deux patientes du fait des complications de compression par le foie, des complications de la chimiothérapie dans l’un des cas et l’absence de traitement dans l’autre cas. PMID:29599887

  17. Quand le malheur frappe les bénéficiaires de la sécurité du revenu. Sur qui peuvent-ils s’appuyer ?

    PubMed Central

    Tousignant, Michel; Caron, Jean

    2013-01-01

    Cette étude analyse les conditions de réalisation du soutien social dans les quartiers de Saint-Henri et de la Pointe Saint-Charles, en comparant un groupe de 61 prestataires de la sécurité du revenu avec un échantillon de 21 personnes de la population vivant au-dessus du seuil de la pauvreté, et en fonction du degré de détresse dans chaque groupe. Elle vise également à décrire comment une adversité vécue par les prestataires avec ou sans détresse vient briser ou modifier le réseau de soutien. Les résultats indiquent que le réseau social est moins fiable en présence de détresse qu’en son absence, que les personnes en détresse se sont vues plus fréquemment refuser du soutien ou être abandonnées et qu’elles ont davantage de personnes nuisibles dans leur entourage. De plus, les événements vécus comportent souvent une atteinte à leur réputation, des menaces, des trahisons et des refus à un droit légitime. Les personnes en détresse sont aussi davantage isolées. PMID:16505926

  18. Clumping factor A-mediated virulence during Staphylococcus aureus infection is retained despite fibrinogen depletion.

    PubMed

    Palmqvist, Niklas; Josefsson, Elisabet; Tarkowski, Andrzej

    2004-02-01

    Clumping factor A (ClfA), a fibrinogen-binding protein expressed on the Staphylococcus aureus cell surface, has previously been shown to act as a virulence factor in experimental septic arthritis. Although the interaction between ClfA and fibrinogen is assumed to be of importance for the virulence of S. aureus, this has not been demonstrated in any in vivo model of infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of this interaction to ClfA-mediated virulence in murine S. aureus-induced arthritis. Ancrod, a serine protease with thrombin-like activity, was used to induce in vivo depletion of fibrinogen in mice. Ancrod treatment significantly aggravated septic arthritis following inoculation with a ClfA-expressing strain (Newman) compared to control treatment. Also, ancrod treatment tended to enhance the arthritis induced by a clfA mutant strain (DU5876), indicating that fibrinogen depletion exacerbates septic arthritis in a ClfA-independent manner. Most importantly, the ClfA-expressing strain was much more arthritogenic than the isogenic clfA mutant, following inoculation of fibrinogen-depleted mice. This finding indicates that the interaction between ClfA and free fibrinogen is not required for ClfA-mediated functions contributing to S. aureus virulence. It is conceivable that ClfA contributes to the virulence of S. aureus through interactions with other host ligands than fibrinogen.

  19. Identification of genomic regions contributing to etoposide-induced cytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Bleibel, Wasim K.; Duan, Shiwei; Huang, R. Stephanie; Kistner, Emily O.; Shukla, Sunita J.; Wu, Xiaolin; Badner, Judith A.

    2009-01-01

    Etoposide is routinely used in combination based chemotherapy for testicular cancer and small-cell lung cancer; however, myelosuppression, therapy-related leukemia and neurotoxicity limit its utility. To determine the genetic contribution to cellular sensitivity to etoposide, we evaluated cell growth inhibition in Centre d’ Etude du Polymorphisme Humain lymphoblastoid cell lines from 24 multi-generational pedigrees (321 samples) following treatment with 0.02–2.5 µM etoposide for 72 h. Heritability analysis showed that genetic variation contributes significantly to the cytotoxic phenotypes (h2 = 0.17–0.25, P = 4.9 × 10−5−7.3 × 10−3). Whole genome linkage scans uncovered 8 regions with peak LOD scores ranging from 1.57 to 2.55, with the most significant signals being found on chromosome 5 (LOD = 2.55) and chromosome 6 (LOD = 2.52). Linkage-directed association was performed on a subset of HapMap samples within the pedigrees to find 22 SNPs significantly associated with etoposide cytotoxicity at one or more treatment concentrations. UVRAG, a DNA repair gene, SEMA5A, SLC7A6 and PRMT7 are implicated from these unbiased studies. Our findings suggest that susceptibility to etoposide-induced cytotoxicity is heritable and using an integrated genomics approach we identified both genomic regions and SNPs associated with the cytotoxic phenotypes. PMID:19089452

  20. Rediscovering Ducos du Hauron's Color Photography through a Review of His Three-Color Printing Processes and Synchrotron Microanalysis of His Prints.

    PubMed

    Cotte, Marine; Fabris, Tiphaine; Langlois, Juliette; Bellot-Gurlet, Ludovic; Ploye, Françoise; Coural, Natalie; Boust, Clotilde; Gandolfo, Jean-Paul; Galifot, Thomas; Susini, Jean

    2018-06-18

    Louis Ducos du Huron (1837-1920) dedicated his entire life to the elaboration of physical-chemical processes for color photography. This study aimed at highlighting his unique contribution to three-color printing through 1) an in-depth review of the many protocols he published and 2) the synchrotron-based IR and X-ray microanalysis of fragments sampled in three artworks. Ducos du Hauron's method relied on the preparation and assembly of three monochromes (red, blue, yellow). This study brings to light complex multistep recipes based on photochemistry (carbon print), organic, and inorganic chemistry. The various ingredients involved (e.g., pigments, dichromate gelatin, collodion, resin) were identified and localized through their spectroscopic signature, confirming the relevance of synchrotron spectromicroscopy for the characterization of historical photographs. The impressive correlation between texts and chemical analyses calls for a wider application to the history of photography. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

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