Report of the Secretary of Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Management. Phase 1. The Air Force’s Nuclear Mission

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

under- resourced. • Missile transfer vans /warhead transfer vans require upgrades. • ICBM weapon system test sets under-funded; the coding system...Air Force’s Nuclear Mission D-1 Appendix D. Current B-52 Basing Status Barksdale AFB, LA 64 B-52Hs Minot AFB, ND 27 B-52Hs Edwards AFB, CA 3...Barksdale – 64 B-52s 2 BW (ACC) 15 TF; 24 CC; 7 BAI 53 WG (ACC) 2 Test Coded 917 WG (AFRC) 8 CC; 1 BAI 7 Unfunded AR Edwards - 3 B-52s 412 TW 2 Test

Lunar-based Ultraviolet Telescope study of the well-known Algol-type binary TW Dra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liao, Wen-Ping; Qian, Sheng-Bang; Zejda, Miloslav; Zhu, Li-Ying; Li, Lin-Jia

2016-06-01

By using the Lunar-based Ultraviolet Telescope (LUT) from 2014 December 2 to December 4, the first near-UV light curve of the well-known Algol-type binary TW Dra is reported, which is analyzed with the 2013 version of the W-D code. Our solutions confirmed that TW Dra is a semi-detached binary system where the secondary component fills its Roche lobe. The mass ratio and a high inclination are obtained (q = 0.47, i = 86.68°). Based on 589 available data spanning more than one century, the complex period changes are studied. Secular increase and three cyclical changes are found in the corresponding orbital period analysis. The secular increase changes reveal mass transfer from the secondary component to the primary one at a rate of 6.8 × 10-7 M ⊙ yr-1. One large cyclical change of 116.04 yr may be caused by disturbance of visual component ADS 9706B orbiting TW Dra (ADS 9706A), while the other two cyclical changes with shorter periods of 22.47 and 37.27 yr can be explained as the result of two circumbinary companions that are orbiting around TW Dra, where the two companions are in simple 3 : 5 orbit-rotation resonances. TW Dra itself is a basic binary in a possible sextuple system with the configuration (1 + 1) + (1 + 1) + (1 + 1), which further suggests that multiplicity may be a fairly common phenomenon in close binary systems.

The influence of CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 genotypes on the formation of the potent antioestrogen Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen in human liver.

PubMed

Coller, Janet K; Krebsfaenger, Niels; Klein, Kathrin; Endrizzi, Karin; Wolbold, Renzo; Lang, Thomas; Nüssler, Andreas; Neuhaus, Peter; Zanger, Ulrich M; Eichelbaum, Michel; Mürdter, Thomas E

2002-08-01

To investigate in a large panel of 50 human liver samples the contribution of CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 to the overall formation of the potent antioestrogen Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen, and how various genotypes affect its formation from tamoxifen. The formation of Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen from 10 microm tamoxifen was studied in human liver microsomes (n=50), characterized for CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 expression, and CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 genotype. The effect of chemical and monoclonal antibody inhibitors, and the formation in supersomes expressing recombinant CYP isoforms was also investigated. Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen was quantified using LC-MS analysis. Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen was formed by supersomes expressing CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6, but not CYP3A4. In agreement with these data, the mean formation of Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen was inhibited 49% by sulphaphenazole (P=0.001), 38% by quinidine (P<0.05) and 13% by monoclonal antibody against CYP2B6 (MAB-2B6, P<0.05). Furthermore, Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen formation significantly correlated with both CYP2C9 expression (r(s)=0.256, P<0.05) and CYP2D6 expression (r(s)=0.309, P<0.05). Genotypes of CYP2D6, CYP2B6 and CYP2C9 had an effect on metabolite formation in such a way that samples with two nonfunctional CYP2D6, or two variant CYP2C9 or CYP2B6 alleles, showed lower enzyme activity compared with those with two functional or wild-type alleles, (5.0 vs 9.9 pmol mg(-1) protein min(-1), P=0.046, 5.1 vs 9.9 pmol mg(-1) protein min(-1), P=0.053, and 6.8 vs 9.4 pmol mg(-1) protein min(-1), P=0.054, respectively). CYP2D6 and CYP2C9 contribute on average 45 and 46%, respectively, to the overall formation of Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen. CYP2B6, CYP2C9 and CYP2D6 genotypes all affected Z-4-hydroxy-tamoxifen formation and can predict individual ability to catalyse this reaction.

Image Quality Assessment of 2D versus 3D T2WI and Evaluation of Ultra-high b-Value (b=2,000 mm/s2) DWI for Response Assessment in Rectal Cancer.

PubMed

Hausmann, Daniel; Liu, Jing; Budjan, Johannes; Reichert, Miriam; Ong, Melissa; Meyer, Mathias; Smakic, Arman; Grimm, Robert; Strecker, Ralph; Schoenberg, Stefan O; Wang, Xiaoying; Attenberger, Ulrike I

2018-02-01

The purpose of this IRB-approved, retrospective study was to compare image quality between 2D and high-resolution 3D, T2-weighted (T2WI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and to investigate the additional value of ultra-high b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b=2,000 mm/s 2 ) for both rectal cancer staging and evaluating treatment response. From 12 February to 24 August 2016, 26 consecutive patients (22 males, four females; mean age: 61.9±14.0 years) with histologically-proven rectal cancer. In total 31 examinations [12 prior to and 19 after chemoradiation (CRT)] were included. The patients underwent pelvic MRI on a 3.0-T scanner (Magnetom Skyra, Erlangen, Germany). Three radiologists (3, 4, and 5 years of experience in MRI, respectively) independently assessed all images and rated the image quality of DWI (b=800 mm/s 2 ), apparent diffusion coefficient map, DWI (b=2,000 mm/s 2 ), 3D sagittal T2WI, 3D axial T2WI, 2D sagittal T2WI, and 2D axial T2WI of each patient, respectively. In addition, signal intensity ratios (SIR) were calculated between rectal cancer and obturator internus muscle (background) in all patients after CRT on DWI (b=2,000 mm/s 2 ) and correlated with histopathological regression grade (RG). Tumor delineation was significantly better by 2D T2WI than 3D T2WI both before and after CRT (before CRT: Z=-3.2, p=0.02; after CRT: Z=-4.408, p<0.001; all: Z=-5.192; p<0.001) and was the preferred method, although image quality ratings were not significantly different (3D sagittal: 4.00±0.48; 2D sagittal: 4.03±0.34, p=0.713; 3D axial: 3.85±0.61, 2D axial: 3.78±0.64, p=0.537). Independent t-test showed significantly higher SIR between those with RG 1 or 2 (moderate response: mean score=2.02) and those with RG 3+4 (good response: mean score=0.8) (t=3.044, p=0.011). In those with RG 4 (complete response), SIR of b2000 was 0.946 compared to a 1.41 average of the whole cohort. In two patients, tumor was invisible on b2000 following CRT (RG 3

Polarization Dependent X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of the TiO2 Polymorphs Anatase (001) and Rutile (001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ederer, D. L.; Ruzycki, N.; Schuler, T.; Zhang, G. P.; Callcott, T. A.; Nachimuthu, P.; Perera, R. C. C.

2002-03-01

Polarization Dependent X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of the TiO2 Polymorphs Anatase (001) and Rutile (001) N. Ruzycki^a, T. Schuler^a, D.L. Ederer^a, T. A. Callcott^, G. P. Zhang^b, P. Nachimuthu^c,d, and R.C.C. Perera^c a-Tulane University, Department of Physics, New Orleans, LA, 70118 b- Univesity of Tennessee, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Knoxville, TN, 37996 c- Center for X-ray Optics, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, d- Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas NV, 89154 TiO2 is a useful industrial catalyst and has applications in gas sensing and photoelectric devices. All structures consist of octrahedrally-coordinated Ti atoms and three-fold coordinated O atoms. Anatase and rutile differ mainly in the amount of distortion in the octahedra. Because Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscoy (SXAS) is sensitive to the ligand field, these small differences are reflected the spectra. In the experiment the electronic polarization vector was varied angulary along the equatorial and the longitudnal axes of the sixfold coordinated titanium atoms. This study showed a strong polarization dependence at the oxygen K-edge for rutile (001) and the anatase (001) in the t_2g and eg region for the equatorial bonds. The Titanium L-edge showed a smaller polarization dependence. There was no polarization dependence in the longitudinal direction for anatase (001) or rutile (001) in either the oxygen K-edge or the Ti-L edge. These data are compared with calculations of polarization-dependent matrix elements of the transitions.

NEW EVIDENCE SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP FOR TW NOR IN LYNGA 6 AND THE CENTAURUS SPIRAL ARM

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

Majaess, Daniel; Turner, David; Moni Bidin, Christian

2011-11-10

The putative association between the 10{sub .}{sup d}8 classical Cepheid TW Nor and the open cluster Lynga 6 has generated considerable debate in the literature. New JHK{sub s} photometry in tandem with existing radial velocities for Lynga 6 stars implies cluster membership for TW Nor and establishes the variable as a high-weight calibrator for classical Cepheid relations. Fundamental mean parameters determined for Lynga 6 are: d = 1.91 {+-} 0.10 kpc, E(J - H) = 0.38 {+-} 0.02, and log {tau} = 7.9 {+-} 0.1. The Benedict et al./Turner Galactic VI{sub c} Wesenheit function was revised using TW Nor's newmore » parameters: W{sub VI,0} (- 3.37 {+-} 0.08)log P{sub 0} - 2.48 {+-} 0.08. TW Nor/Lynga 6 lie beyond the Sagittarius-Carina spiral arm and occupy the Centaurus arm, along with innumerable young Cepheids and clusters (e.g., VW Cen and VVV CL070).« less

B2B Models for DoD Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-15

unlimited. Prepared for: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California 93943 B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 15 January 2008 by Magdi N...TYPE AND DATES COVERED 1 Oct 2006 through 30 Sept 2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 5. FUNDING 6. AUTHOR (S...public release; distribution is unlimited 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE 13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words.) A central vision of B2B e-commerce is that

B2B Models for DoD Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-30

Internet, extranets, intranets, or private networks • In 2003 it represented about 11% of total B2B trade estimated at $13.5 trillion • Predicted to... B2B Models for DoD Acquisition 30 July 2007 by Magdi N. Kamel, Associate Professor Graduate School of Operational & Information Sciences...number. 1. REPORT DATE 30 JUL 2007 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2007 to 00-00-2007 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE B2B Models for DoD

Silicate Emission in the TW Hydrae Association

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitko, Michael L.; Lynch, David K.; Russell, Ray W.

2000-11-01

The TW Hydrae association is the nearest young stellar association. Among its members are HD 98800, HR 4796A, and TW Hydrae itself, the nearest known classical T Tauri star. We have observed these three stars spectroscopically between 3 and 13 μm. In TW Hya, the spectrum shows a silicate emission feature that is similar to many other young stars' with protostellar disks. The 11.2 μm feature indicative of significant amounts of crystalline olivine is not as strong as in some young stars and solar system comets. In HR 4796A, the thermal emission in the silicate feature is very weak, suggesting little in the way of (small silicate) grains near the star. The silicate band of HD 98800 (observed by us, but also reported by Sylvester & Skinner) is intermediate in strength between TW Hya and HR 4796A.

D1((2)B2g) to D0((2)Au) Fluorescence from the Matrix-Isolated Perylene Cation Following Laser Excitation into the D5(2)B3g) and D2 ((2)B3g) Electronic States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chillier, Xavier D. F.; Stone, Bradley M.; Joblin, Christine; Salama, Farid; Allamandola, Louis J.; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Fluorescence spectra of the perylene cation, pumped by direct laser excitation via the D(sub 2)((2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) and D(sub 5)(2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) transitions, are presented. Direct excitation into the D5 or D2 states is followed by rapid non-radiative relaxation to D1 that, in turn,relaxes radiatively. Excitation spectroscopy across the D(sub 2)((2)B(sub 3g)) (left arrow) D(sub 0)((2)A(sub u)) transition near 730 nm shows that site splitting plays little or no role in determining the spectral substructure in the ion spectra. Tentative assignments for ground state vibrational frequencies are made by comparison of spectral intervals with calculated normal mode frequencies.

Crystal orientation dependence of band matching in all-B2-trilayer current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance pseudo spin-valves using Co{sub 2}Fe(Ge{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}) Heusler alloy and NiAl spacer

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

Chen, Jiamin; Hono, K., E-mail: kazuhiro.hono@nims.go.jp; Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-2-1, Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047

2015-05-07

We have experimentally investigated the crystal orientation dependence of band matching in current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) pseudo-spin-valves using Co{sub 2}Fe(Ge{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}) (CFGG) Heusler alloy ferromagnetic layer and NiAl spacer. The high quality epitaxial CFGG/NiAl/CFGG all-B2-trilayers structure devices were fabricated on both MgO(001) and sapphire (112{sup ¯}0) single crystal substrates to create (001) and (110) crystal orientations. Same magneto-transport properties were observed from these two differently orientated devices indicating that there is no or little orientation dependence of band matching on MR output. We also found that all-B2-trilayer structure was free of lattice matching influence depending on the crystal orientation,more » which made it a good candidate for CPP-GMR device.« less

Measurement of the ratios of branching fractions B(B0s --> Ds- pi+ pi+ pi-)/B(B0-->D- pi+ pi+ pi-) and B(B0s --> Ds- pi+)/B(B0-->D- pi+).

PubMed

Abulencia, A; Adelman, J; Affolder, T; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Ambrose, D; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Anikeev, K; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Aoki, M; Apollinari, G; Arguin, J-F; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Azfar, F; Azzi-Bacchetta, P; Azzurri, P; Bacchetta, N; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Baroiant, S; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Bedeschi, F; Behari, S; Belforte, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Belloni, A; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Berry, T; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bolshov, A; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Budroni, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carillo, S; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, I; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciljak, M; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Coca, M; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Cooper, B; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Cyr, D; DaRonco, S; D'Auria, S; Davies, T; D'Onofrio, M; Dagenhart, D; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lentdecker, G; Dell'Orso, M; Delli Paoli, F; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; De Pedis, D; Derwent, P F; Di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; Dituro, P; Dörr, C; Donati, S; Donega, M; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, I; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Foland, A; Forrester, S; Foster, G W; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garcia, J E; Garberson, F; Garfinkel, A F; Gay, C; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Giagu, S; Giannetti, P; Gibson, A; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Goldstein, J; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Griffiths, M; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Hamilton, A; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Holloway, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ishizawa, Y; Ivanov, A; Iyutin, B; James, E; Jang, D; Jayatilaka, B; Jeans, D; Jensen, H; Jeon, E J; Jindariani, S; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kemp, Y; Kephart, R; Kerzel, U; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Klute, M; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kovalev, A; Kraan, A C; Kraus, J; Kravchenko, I; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhlmann, S E; Kuhr, T; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lai, S; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, J; Lee, J; Lee, Y J; Lee, S W; Lefèvre, R; Leonardo, N; Leone, S; Levy, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C; Lin, C S; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Loverre, P; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Manca, G; Margaroli, F; Marginean, R; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, M; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Matsunaga, H; Mattson, M E; Mazini, R; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzemer, S; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Messina, A; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miles, J; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyamoto, A; Moed, S; Moggi, N; Mohr, B; Moore, R; Morello, M; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Nachtman, J; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nigmanov, T; Nodulman, L; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Oldeman, R; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Piedra, J; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Portell, X; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ranjan, N; Rappoccio, S; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Sabik, S; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Salamanna, G; Saltó, O; Saltzberg, D; Sánchez, C; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savard, P; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Sjolin, J; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soderberg, M; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spinella, F; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; Staveris-Polykalas, A; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Sun, H; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Takikawa, K; Tanaka, M; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Tourneur, S; Trischuk, W; Tsuchiya, R; Tsuno, S; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Unverhau, T; Uozumi, S; Usynin, D; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Veramendi, G; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vollrath, I; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner, J; Wagner, W; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waschke, S; Waters, D; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yamashita, T; Yang, C; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zhou, J; Zucchelli, S

2007-02-09

Using 355 pb;{-1} of data collected by the CDF II detector in pp[over ] collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, we study the fully reconstructed hadronic decays B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+} and B_{(s)};{0}-->D_{(s)};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-}. We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=1.05+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.22(syst). We also update our measurement of B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})/B(B;{0}-->D;{-}pi;{+}) to 1.13+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.23(syst), improving the statistical uncertainty by more than a factor of 2. We find B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+})=[3.8+/-0.3(stat)+/-1.3(syst)]x10;{-3} and B(B_{s};{0}-->D_{s};{-}pi;{+}pi;{+}pi;{-})=[8.4+/-0.8(stat)+/-3.2(syst)]x10;{-3}.

SU-D-210-05: The Accuracy of Raw and B-Mode Image Data for Ultrasound Speckle Tracking in Radiation Therapy

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

O’Shea, T; Bamber, J; Harris, E

Purpose: For ultrasound speckle tracking there is some evidence that the envelope-detected signal (the main step in B-mode image formation) may be more accurate than raw ultrasound data for tracking larger inter-frame tissue motion. This study investigates the accuracy of raw radio-frequency (RF) versus non-logarithmic compressed envelope-detected (B-mode) data for ultrasound speckle tracking in the context of image-guided radiation therapy. Methods: Transperineal ultrasound RF data was acquired (with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer operating at a 12 Hz frame rate) from a speckle phantom moving with realistic intra-fraction prostate motion derived from a commercial tracking system. A normalised cross-correlation templatemore » matching algorithm was used to track speckle motion at the focus using (i) the RF signal and (ii) the B-mode signal. A range of imaging rates (0.5 to 12 Hz) were simulated by decimating the imaging sequences, therefore simulating larger to smaller inter-frame displacements. Motion estimation accuracy was quantified by comparison with known phantom motion. Results: The differences between RF and B-mode motion estimation accuracy (2D mean and 95% errors relative to ground truth displacements) were less than 0.01 mm for stable and persistent motion types and 0.2 mm for transient motion for imaging rates of 0.5 to 12 Hz. The mean correlation for all motion types and imaging rates was 0.851 and 0.845 for RF and B-mode data, respectively. Data type is expected to have most impact on axial (Superior-Inferior) motion estimation. Axial differences were <0.004 mm for stable and persistent motion and <0.3 mm for transient motion (axial mean errors were lowest for B-mode in all cases). Conclusions: Using the RF or B-mode signal for speckle motion estimation is comparable for translational prostate motion. B-mode image formation may involve other signal-processing steps which also influence motion estimation accuracy. A similar study for respiratory

Growth and structure of In{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}Sb quantum dots on GaP(001)

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

Sala, E. M.; Stracke, G.; Schlichting, S.

2016-09-05

Stranski-Krastanov (SK) growth of In{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}Sb quantum dots (QDs) on GaP(001) by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy is demonstrated. A thin GaAs interlayer prior to QD deposition enables QD nucleation. The impact of a short Sb-flush before supplying InGaSb is investigated. QD growth gets partially suppressed for GaAs interlayer thicknesses below 6 monolayers. QD densities vary from 5 × 10{sup 9} to 2 × 10{sup 11} cm{sup −2} depending on material deposition and Sb-flush time. When In{sub 0.5}Ga{sub 0.5}Sb growth is carried out without Sb-flush, the QD density is generally decreased, and up to 60% larger QDs are obtained.

Tracer Film Growth Study of the Corrosion of Magnesium Alloys AZ31B and ZE10A in 0.01% NaCl Solution

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

Brady, M. P.; Fayek, M.; Leonard, D. N.

We conducted a sequential isotopic tracer study of corrosion film growth for Mg-3Al-1Zn-0.25Mn (AZ31B) and Mg-1.2Zn-0.25Zr-<0.5Nd (ZE10A) by 4 h immersion in H 2 18O or D 2 16O, followed by a 20 h immersion in a 0.01 wt% NaCl H 2 18O or D 2 16O solution. Sputter depth profiles were obtained for 16O, 18O, H, and D using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). When compared to the previous tracer study for these alloys in salt-free water, the addition of 0.01 wt% NaCl resulted in a transition from oxygen inward-dominated film growth to a component of mixed inward/outward filmmore » growth for both alloys. The hydrogen tracer behavior remained inward growing for AZ31B, and short-circuit, inward growing for ZE10A, in both pure water and in 0.01 wt% NaCl solution, with extensive penetration of D beyond the film and into the underlying alloy also observed for ZE10A. Our analysis of the films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cross-section scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) indicated intermixed Mg(OH) 2 and MgO, with the relative fraction of Mg(OH) 2 peaking near the center of the film. These findings suggest a decoupled film growth mechanism, with initial formation of oxide followed by NaCl-accelerated conversion to hydroxide, likely by both solid-state and dissolution-precipitation processes.« less

Tracer Film Growth Study of the Corrosion of Magnesium Alloys AZ31B and ZE10A in 0.01% NaCl Solution

DOE PAGES

Brady, M. P.; Fayek, M.; Leonard, D. N.; ...

2017-05-25

We conducted a sequential isotopic tracer study of corrosion film growth for Mg-3Al-1Zn-0.25Mn (AZ31B) and Mg-1.2Zn-0.25Zr-<0.5Nd (ZE10A) by 4 h immersion in H 2 18O or D 2 16O, followed by a 20 h immersion in a 0.01 wt% NaCl H 2 18O or D 2 16O solution. Sputter depth profiles were obtained for 16O, 18O, H, and D using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). When compared to the previous tracer study for these alloys in salt-free water, the addition of 0.01 wt% NaCl resulted in a transition from oxygen inward-dominated film growth to a component of mixed inward/outward filmmore » growth for both alloys. The hydrogen tracer behavior remained inward growing for AZ31B, and short-circuit, inward growing for ZE10A, in both pure water and in 0.01 wt% NaCl solution, with extensive penetration of D beyond the film and into the underlying alloy also observed for ZE10A. Our analysis of the films by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cross-section scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) indicated intermixed Mg(OH) 2 and MgO, with the relative fraction of Mg(OH) 2 peaking near the center of the film. These findings suggest a decoupled film growth mechanism, with initial formation of oxide followed by NaCl-accelerated conversion to hydroxide, likely by both solid-state and dissolution-precipitation processes.« less

DPSSL pumped 20-TW Ti:sapphire laser system for DD fusion experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekine, T.; Hatano, Y.; Takeuchi, Y.; Kawashima, T.

2016-03-01

A diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) pumped 20-TW output Ti:sapphire laser system has been developed. A diode-pumped Nd:glass laser with output energy of 12.7 J in 527 nm was used as a pump source for a 20-TW Ti:sapphire amplifier. A CeLiB6O10 nonlinear optical crystal was used as a frequency doubler of the Nd:glass DPSSL[1]. Figure 1 shows typical output pulse energy of the 20-TW amplifier as a function of pumping energy and a near field pattern. A 1.65 J pulse energy was obtained by 4.5 J pump energy. The amplified seed pulse is compressed to typically 60 fs as shown in Fig. 1 by a vacuumed pulse compressor with 80% of transmissivity. Encircled energy ratio, into a circled with 8 μm diameter area, of far field pattern focused by off-axis parabolic mirror with F# of 3 is numerically evaluated to 40% at TW class output condition. Then focal intensity would reach to 1018W/cm2. This all- DPSSL system contributes for stable and continual investigation of laser induced plasma experiment. We have succeeded continual and high efficient generation of DD fusion neutron from CD nano-particles by cluster fusion scheme using the 20-TW laser. A yield of ∼105 neutrons per shot was stably observed during continuous 100 shots with repetition rate of 0.1Hz.

76 FR 70046 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-10

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, N... France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1 helicopters; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2... (AD 2003- 22-06), for Eurocopter Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and Model AS355E, F, F1...

Life sciences payload definition and integration study, task C and D. Volume 2: Payload definition, integration, and planning studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The Life Sciences Payload Definition and Integration Study was composed of four major tasks. Tasks A and B, the laboratory definition phase, were the subject of prior NASA study. The laboratory definition phase included the establishment of research functions, equipment definitions, and conceptual baseline laboratory designs. These baseline laboratories were designated as Maxi-Nom, Mini-30, and Mini-7. The outputs of Tasks A and B were used by the NASA Life Sciences Payload Integration Team to establish guidelines for Tasks C and D, the laboratory integration phase of the study. A brief review of Tasks A and B is presented provide background continuity. The tasks C and D effort is the subject of this report. The Task C effort stressed the integration of the NASA selected laboratory designs with the shuttle sortie module. The Task D effort updated and developed costs that could be used by NASA for preliminary program planning.

Earth's Fiercely Cooling Core - 24 TW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgan, Jason P.; Vannucchi, Paola

2014-05-01

Earth's mantle and core are convecting planetary heat engines. The mantle convects to lose heat from slow cooling, internal radioactivity, and core heatflow across its base. Its convection generates plate tectonics, volcanism, and the loss of ~35 TW of mantle heat through Earth's surface. The core convects to lose heat from slow cooling, small amounts of internal radioactivity, and the freezing-induced growth of a compositionally denser inner core. Core convection produces the geodynamo generating Earth's geomagnetic field. The geodynamo was thought to be powered by ~4 TW of heatloss across the core-mantle boundary, a rate sustainable (cf. Gubbins et al., 2003; Nimmo, 2007) by freezing a compositionally denser inner core over the ~3 Ga that Earth is known to have had a strong geomagnetic field (cf. Tarduno, 2007). However, recent determinations of the outer core's thermal conductivity(Pozzo et al., 2012; Gomi et al., 2013) indicate that >15 TW of power should conduct down its adiabat. Conducted power is unavailable to drive thermal convection, implying that the geodynamo needs a long-lived >17 TW power source. Core cooling was thought too weak for this, based on estimates for the Clapeyron Slope for high-pressure freezing of an idealized pure-iron core. Here we show that the ~500-1000 kg/m3 seismically-inferred jump in density between the liquid outer core and solid inner core allows us to directly infer the core-freezing Clapeyron Slope for the outer core's actual composition which contains ~8±2% lighter elements (S,Si,O,Al, H,…) mixed into a Fe-Ni alloy. A PREM-like 600 kg/m3 - based Clapeyron Slope implies there has been ~774K of core cooling during the freezing and growth of the inner core, releasing ~24 TW of power during the past ~3 Ga. If so, core cooling can easily power Earth's long-lived geodynamo. Another major implication of ~24 TW heatflow across the core-mantle boundary is that the present-day mantle is strongly 'bottom-heated', and diapiric mantle

Who's My Doctor? Using an Electronic Tool to Improve Team Member Identification on an Inpatient Pediatrics Team.

PubMed

Singh, Amit; Rhee, Kyung E; Brennan, Jesse J; Kuelbs, Cynthia; El-Kareh, Robert; Fisher, Erin S

2016-03-01

Increase parent/caregiver ability to correctly identify the attending in charge and define terminology of treatment team members (TTMs). We hypothesized that correct TTM identification would increase with use of an electronic communication tool. Secondary aims included assessing subjects' satisfaction with and trust of TTM and interest in computer activities during hospitalization. Two similar groups of parents/legal guardians/primary caregivers of children admitted to the Pediatric Hospital Medicine teaching service with an unplanned first admission were surveyed before (Phase 1) and after (Phase 2) implementation of a novel electronic medical record (EMR)-based tool with names, photos, and definitions of TTMs. Physicians were also surveyed only during Phase 1. Surveys assessed TTM identification, satisfaction, trust, and computer use. More subjects in Phase 2 correctly identified attending physicians by name (71% vs. 28%, P < .001) and correctly defined terms intern, resident, and attending (P ≤ .03) compared with Phase 1. Almost all subjects (>79%) and TTMs (>87%) reported that subjects' ability to identify TTMs moderately or strongly impacted satisfaction and trust. The majority of subjects expressed interest in using computers to understand TTMs in each phase. Subjects' ability to correctly identify attending physicians and define TTMs was significantly greater for those who used our tool. In our study, subjects reported that TTM identification impacted aspects of the TTM relationship, yet few could correctly identify TTMs before tool use. This pilot study showed early success in engaging subjects with the EMR in the hospital and suggests that families would engage in computer-based activities in this setting. Copyright © 2016 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Bicarbonate stabilizes isolated D1/D2/cytochrome b559 complex of photosystem 2 against thermoinactivation.

PubMed

Pobeguts, O V; Smolova, T N; Klimov, V V

2012-02-01

It has been shown that thermoinactivation of the isolated D1/D2/cytochrome b(559) complex (RC) of photosystem 2 (PS-2) from pea under anaerobic conditions at 35°C in 20 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.2) depleted of HCO(3)(-), with 35 mM NaCl and 0.05% n-dodecyl-β-maltoside, results in a decrease in photochemical activity measured by photoreduction of the PS-2 primary electron acceptor, pheophytin (by 50% after 3 min of heating), which is accompanied by aggregation of the D1 and D2 proteins. Bicarbonate, formate, and acetate anions added to the sample under these conditions differently influence the maintenance of photochemical activity: a 50% loss of photochemical activity occurs in 11.5 min of heating in the presence of bicarbonate and in 4 and 4.6 min in the presence of formate and acetate, respectively. The addition of bicarbonate completely prevents aggregation of the D1 and D2 proteins as opposed to formate and acetate (their presence has no effect on the aggregation during thermoinactivation). Since the isolated RCs have neither inorganic Mn/Ca-containing core of the water-oxidizing complex nor nonheme Fe(2+), it is supposed that bicarbonate specifically interacts with the hydrophilic domains of the D1 and D2 proteins, which prevents their structural modification that is a signal for aggregation of these proteins and the loss of photochemical activity.

Spatially Resolved Spectroscopy and Coronagraphic Imaging of the TW Hydrae Circumstellar Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberge, Aki; Weinberger, Alycia J.; Malumuth, Eliot M.

2005-04-01

We present the first spatially resolved spectrum of scattered light from the TW Hydrae protoplanetary disk. This nearly face-on disk is optically thick, surrounding a classical T Tauri star in the nearby 10 Myr old TW Hya association. The spectrum was taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) STIS CCD, providing resolution R~360 over the wavelength range 5250-10300 Å. Spatially resolved spectroscopy of circumstellar disks is difficult because of the high contrast ratio between the bright star and faint disk. Our novel observations provide optical spectra of scattered light from the disk between 40 and 155 AU from the star. The scattered light has the same color as the star (gray scattering) at all radii except the innermost region. This likely indicates that the scattering dust grains are larger than about 1 μm all the way out to large radii. From the spectroscopic data, we also obtained radial profiles of the integrated disk brightness at two position angles, over almost the same region as previously observed in HST WFPC2 and NICMOS coronagraphic images (35 to 173 AU from the star). The profiles have the same shape as the earlier ones, but show a small azimuthal asymmetry in the disk not previously noted. Our STIS broadband coronagraphic images of TW Hya confirm the reality of this asymmetry, and show that the disk surface brightness inside 140 AU has a sinusoidal dependence on azimuthal angle. The maximum brightness occurs at a position angle of 233.6d+/-5.7d east of north. This might be caused by the combination of forward scattering and an increase in inclination in the inner region of the disk, suggesting that the TW Hya disk has a warp like that seen in the β Pictoris debris disk.

The arthritis-associated HLA-B*27:05 allele forms more cell surface B27 dimer and free heavy chain ligands for KIR3DL2 than HLA-B*27:09

PubMed Central

Shaw, Jacqueline; Giles, Joanna; Hatano, Hiroko; Rysnik, Oliwia; Payeli, Sravan; McHugh, Kirsty; Dessole, Grazia; Porru, Giovanni; Desogus, Elisabetta; Fiedler, Sarah; Hölper, Soraya; Carette, Amanda; Blanco-Gelaz, Miguel Angel; Vacca, Alessandra; Piga, Matteo; Ibba, Valentina; Garau, Pietro; La Nasa, Giorgio; López-Larrea, Carlos; Mathieu, Alessandro; Renner, Christoph; Bowness, Paul; Kollnberger, Simon

2013-01-01

Objectives. HLA-B*27:05 is associated with AS whereas HLA-B*27:09 is not associated. We hypothesized that different interactions with KIR immune receptors could contribute to the difference in disease association between HLA-B*27:05 and HLAB*27:09. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the formation of β2m-free heavy chain (FHC) including B27 dimers (B272) by HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 and their binding to KIR immunoreceptors. Methods. We studied the formation of HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 heterotrimers and FHC forms including dimers in vitro and in transfected cells. We investigated HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 binding to KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2 and LILRB2 by FACS staining with class I tetramers and by quantifying interactions with KIR3DL2CD3ε-reporter cells and KIR3DL2-expressing NK cells. We also measured KIR expression on peripheral blood NK and CD4 T cells from 18 HLA-B*27:05 AS patients, 8 HLA-B27 negative and 12 HLA-B*27:05+ and HLA-B*27:09+ healthy controls by FACS staining. Results. HLA-B*27:09 formed less B272 and FHC than HLA-B*27:05. HLA-B*27:05-expressing cells stimulated KIR3DL2CD3ε-reporter T cells more effectively. Cells expressing HLA-B*27:05 promoted KIR3DL2+ NK cell survival more strongly than HLA-B*27:09. HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 dimer tetramers stained KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2 and LILRB2 equivalently. Increased proportions of NK and CD4 T cells expressed KIR3DL2 in HLA-B*27:05+ AS patients compared with HLA-B*27:05+, HLA-B*27:09+ and HLA-B27− healthy controls. Conclusion. Differences in the formation of FHC ligands for KIR3DL2 by HLA-B*27:05 and HLA-B*27:09 could contribute to the differential association of these alleles with AS. PMID:23804219

The Impact of Selective Dopamine D2, D3 and D4 Ligands on the Rat Gambling Task.

PubMed

Di Ciano, Patricia; Pushparaj, Abhiram; Kim, Aaron; Hatch, Jessica; Masood, Talal; Ramzi, Abby; Khaled, Maram A T M; Boileau, Isabelle; Winstanley, Catherine A; Le Foll, Bernard

2015-01-01

Gambling is an addictive disorder with serious societal and personal costs. To-date, there are no approved pharmacological treatments for gambling disorder. Evidence suggests a role for dopamine in gambling disorder and thus may provide a therapeutic target. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the effects of selective antagonists and agonists of D2, D3 and D4 receptors in a rodent analogue of the Iowa gambling task used clinically. In this rat gambling task (rGT), animals are trained to associate different response holes with different magnitudes and probabilities of food pellet rewards and punishing time-out periods. As in the Iowa gambling task, the optimal strategy is to avoid the tempting high-risk high-reward options, and instead favor those linked to smaller per-trial rewards but also lower punishments, thereby maximizing the amount of reward earned over time. Administration of those selective ligands did not affect decision making under the rGT. Only the D4 drug had modest effects on latency measures suggesting that D4 may contribute in some ways to decision making under this task.

Spitzer Spectroscopy of the Transition Object TW Hya

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-24

results bear on our understanding of the evolutionary state of the TW Hya disk . Subject headings: (stars:) circumstellar matter — (stars:) planetary systems... protoplanetary disks — stars: pre-main sequence — (stars: individual) TW Hya 1. Introduction Spectroscopy with the Spitzer Space Telescope has...region of the disk . (2) If a planet has formed with a mass sufficient to open a gap (∼ 1MJ), gas will be cleared in the vicinity of its orbit, but gap

Steady γ-Ray Effects on the Performance of PPP-BOTDA and TW-COTDR Fiber Sensing

PubMed Central

Planes, Isabelle; Girard, Sylvain; Boukenter, Aziz; Marin, Emmanuel; Delepine-Lesoille, Sylvie; Marcandella, Claude; Ouerdane, Youcef

2017-01-01

We investigated the evolution of the performances of Pulse Pre Pump-Brillouin Time Domain Analysis (PPP-BOTDA) and Tunable Wavelength Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (TW-COTDR) fiber-based temperature and strain sensors when the sensing optical fiber is exposed to two γ-ray irradiation conditions: (i) at room temperature and a dose rate of 370 Gy(SiO2)/h up to a total ionizing dose (TID) of 56 kGy; (ii) at room temperature and a dose rate of 25 kGy(SiO2)/h up to a TID of 10 MGy. Two main different classes of single-mode optical fibers have been tested in situ, radiation-tolerant ones: fluorine-doped or nitrogen-doped core fibers, as well as Telecom-grade germanosilicate ones. Brillouin and Rayleigh Sensitivities of N-Doped fibers were not reported yet, and these characterizations pave the way for a novel and alternative sensing scheme. Moreover, in these harsh conditions, our results showed that the main parameter affecting the sensor sensitivity remains the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) at its operation wavelength of 1550 nm. RIA limits the maximal sensing range but does not influence the measurement uncertainty. F-doped fiber is the most tolerant against RIA with induced losses below 8 dB/km after a 56 kGy accumulated dose whereas the excess losses of other fibers exceed 22 dB/km. Both Rayleigh and Brillouin signatures that are exploited by the PPP-BOTDA and the TW-COTDR remain unchanged (within our experimental uncertainties). The strain and temperature coefficients of the various fibers under test are not modified by radiations, at these dose/dose rate levels. Consequently, this enables the design of a robust strain and temperature sensing architecture for the monitoring of radioactive waste disposals. PMID:28218652

Steady γ-Ray Effects on the Performance of PPP-BOTDA and TW-COTDR Fiber Sensing.

PubMed

Planes, Isabelle; Girard, Sylvain; Boukenter, Aziz; Marin, Emmanuel; Delepine-Lesoille, Sylvie; Marcandella, Claude; Ouerdane, Youcef

2017-02-17

We investigated the evolution of the performances of Pulse Pre Pump-Brillouin Time Domain Analysis (PPP-BOTDA) and Tunable Wavelength Coherent Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (TW-COTDR) fiber-based temperature and strain sensors when the sensing optical fiber is exposed to two γ-ray irradiation conditions: (i) at room temperature and a dose rate of 370 Gy(SiO2)/h up to a total ionizing dose (TID) of 56 kGy; (ii) at room temperature and a dose rate of 25 kGy(SiO2)/h up to a TID of 10 MGy. Two main different classes of single-mode optical fibers have been tested in situ, radiation-tolerant ones: fluorine-doped or nitrogen-doped core fibers, as well as Telecom-grade germanosilicate ones. Brillouin and Rayleigh Sensitivities of N-Doped fibers were not reported yet, and these characterizations pave the way for a novel and alternative sensing scheme. Moreover, in these harsh conditions, our results showed that the main parameter affecting the sensor sensitivity remains the Radiation Induced Attenuation (RIA) at its operation wavelength of 1550 nm. RIA limits the maximal sensing range but does not influence the measurement uncertainty. F-doped fiber is the most tolerant against RIA with induced losses below 8 dB/km after a 56 kGy accumulated dose whereas the excess losses of other fibers exceed 22 dB/km. Both Rayleigh and Brillouin signatures that are exploited by the PPP-BOTDA and the TW-COTDR remain unchanged (within our experimental uncertainties). The strain and temperature coefficients of the various fibers under test are not modified by radiations, at these dose/dose rate levels. Consequently, this enables the design of a robust strain and temperature sensing architecture for the monitoring of radioactive waste disposals.

Pellet Injection in ITER with ∇B-induced Drift Effect using TASK/TR and HPI2 Codes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kongkurd, R.; Wisitsorasak, A.

2017-09-01

The impact of pellet injection in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) are investigated using integrated predictive modeling codes TASK/TR and HPI2 . In the core, the plasma profiles are predicted by the TASK/TR code in which the core transport models consist of a combination of the MMM95 anomalous transport model and NCLASS neoclassical transport. The pellet ablation in the plasma is described using neutral gas shielding (NGS) model with inclusion of the ∇B-induced \\overrightarrow{E}× \\overrightarrow{B} drift of the ionized ablated pellet particles. It is found that the high-field-side injection can deposit the pellet mass deeper than the injection from the low-field-side due to the advantage of the ∇B-induced drift. When pellets with deuterium-tritium mixing ratio of unity are launched with speed of 200 m/s, radius of 3 mm and injected at frequency of 2 Hz, the line average density and the plasma stored energy are increased by 80% and 25% respectively. The pellet material is mostly deposited at the normalized minor radius of 0.5 from the edge.

Single- and Dual-Task Balance Training Are Equally Effective in Youth.

PubMed

Lüder, Benjamin; Kiss, Rainer; Granacher, Urs

2018-01-01

Due to maturation of the postural control system and secular declines in motor performance, adolescents experience deficits in postural control during standing and walking while concurrently performing cognitive interference tasks. Thus, adequately designed balance training programs may help to counteract these deficits. While the general effectiveness of youth balance training is well-documented, there is hardly any information available on the specific effects of single-task (ST) versus dual-task (DT) balance training. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to examine static/dynamic balance performance under ST and DT conditions in adolescents and (ii) to study the effects of ST versus DT balance training on static/dynamic balance under ST and DT conditions in adolescents. Twenty-eight healthy girls and boys aged 12-13 years were randomly assigned to either 8 weeks of ST or DT balance training. Before and after training, postural sway and spatio-temporal gait parameters were registered under ST (standing/walking only) and DT conditions (standing/walking while concurrently performing an arithmetic task). At baseline, significantly slower gait speed ( p < 0.001, d = 5.1), shorter stride length ( p < 0.001, d = 4.8), and longer stride time ( p < 0.001, d = 3.8) were found for DT compared to ST walking but not standing. Training resulted in significant pre-post decreases in DT costs for gait velocity ( p < 0.001, d = 3.1), stride length (-45%, p < 0.001, d = 2.4), and stride time (-44%, p < 0.01, d = 1.9). Training did not induce any significant changes ( p > 0.05, d = 0-0.1) in DT costs for all parameters of secondary task performance during standing and walking. Training produced significant pre-post increases ( p = 0.001; d = 1.47) in secondary task performance while sitting. The observed increase was significantly greater for the ST training group ( p = 0.04; d = 0.81). For standing, no significant changes were found over time irrespective of the

The effect on surgical skills of expert surgeons using 3D/HD and 2D/4K resolution monitors in laparoscopic phantom tasks.

PubMed

Harada, Hitoshi; Kanaji, Shingo; Hasegawa, Hiroshi; Yamamoto, Masashi; Matsuda, Yoshiko; Yamashita, Kimihiro; Matsuda, Takeru; Oshikiri, Taro; Sumi, Yasuo; Nakamura, Tetsu; Suzuki, Satoshi; Kakeji, Yoshihiro

2018-03-30

Recently, several new imaging technologies, such as three-dimensional (3D)/high-definition (HD) stereovision and high-resolution two-dimensional (2D)/4K monitors, have been introduced in laparoscopic surgery. However, it is still unclear whether these technologies actually improve surgical performance. Participants were 11 expert laparoscopic surgeons. We designed three laparoscopic suturing tasks (task 1: simple suturing, task 2: knotting thread in a small box, and task 3: suturing in a narrow space) in training boxes. Performances were recorded by an optical position tracker. All participants first performed each task five times consecutively using a conventional 2D/HD monitor. Then they were randomly divided into two groups: six participants performed the tasks using 3D/HD before using 2D/4K; the other five participants performed the tasks using a 2D/4K monitor before the 3D/HD monitor. After the trials, we evaluated the performance scores (operative time, path length of forceps, and technical errors) and compared performance scores across all monitors. Surgical performances of participants were ranked in decreasing order: 3D/HD, 2D/4K, and 2D/HD using the total scores for each task. In task 1 (simple suturing), some surgical performances using 3D/HD were significantly better than those using 2D/4K (P = 0.017, P = 0.033, P = 0.492 for operative time, path length, and technical errors, respectively). On the other hand, with operation in narrow spaces such as in tasks 2 and 3, performances using 2D/4K were not inferior to 3D/HD performances. The high-resolution images from the 2D/4K monitor may enhance depth perception in narrow spaces and may complement stereoscopic vision almost as well as using 3D/HD. Compared to a 2D/HD monitor, a 3D/HD monitor improved the laparoscopic surgical technique of expert surgeons more than a 2D/4K monitor. However, the advantage of 2D/4K high-resolution images may be comparable to a 3D/HD monitor especially in narrow

Task Force Delay Study. Denver Stapleton International Airport, Volume II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

Stephen L. 11. Hockaday Manager Sl H/j c 2nclosure cc: x. Fred Jaeger bcc: Mr. Herb Hubbard, UAL TFD Correspondence H. Fan 0 JI-. *~ ~ E ~ n ti ~’L1 -J (D...34 Attachment E contains a list of additional delay experiments discussed at the previous Task Force meeting. I I P M. M. &6 Co. Mr. Phillip J. LaRochelle March... E -05B Western. C-01, C7.O3, C-05, CO2 , C-04, C-06, Continental,, C-07, C-09, C-11, C-15, C-10, C-12, C-14, C-16 Trans World,, D-01, D-03, D-05, D-07

Plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide following supplementation with vitamin D or D plus B vitamins.

PubMed

Obeid, Rima; Awwad, Hussain M; Kirsch, Susanne H; Waldura, Christiane; Herrmann, Wolfgang; Graeber, Stefan; Geisel, Juergen

2017-02-01

We compared the effect of supplementation with vitamin D + B or vitamin D on plasma trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and choline metabolites. This is a randomized single-blinded nonplacebo-controlled study. Twenty-seven participants received 1200 IU vitamin D3 and 800 mg calcium, and 25 participants received additionally 0.5 mg folic acid, 50 mg B6, and 0.5 mg B12 for 1 year. Plasma homocysteine (Hcy), TMAO, and choline metabolites were measured at baseline and 12 months later. TMAO declined in the vitamin D arm by 0.5 versus 2.8 μmol/L in the D + B arm (p = 0.005). Hcy decreased and betaine increased in the D + B compared to the D arm. Within-subject levels of plasma choline and dimethylglycine and urine betaine increased in both arms and changes did not differ between the arms. TMAO reduction was predicted by higher baseline TMAO and lowering Hcy in stepwise regression analysis. The test-retest variations of TMAO were greater in the D + B arm compared to vitamin D arm. B vitamins plus vitamin D lowered plasma fasting TMAO compared to vitamin D. Vitamin D caused alterations in choline metabolism, which may reflect the metabolic flexibility of C1-metabolism. The molecular mechanisms and health implications of these changes are currently unknown. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

75 FR 22508 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-29

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D, and D1; AS 355E, F, F1, F2, N... (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model AS350B, BA, B1, B2, B3, C, D and D1; and AS 355E..., both dated November 16, 2005, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 14, 2010...

7 CFR Exhibit D to Subpart B of... - Fact Sheet-The Federal Interagency Task Force on Food and Shelter for the Homeless

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 14 2010-01-01 2009-01-01 true Fact Sheet-The Federal Interagency Task Force on Food... (CONTINUED) PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Management of Property Exhibit D to Subpart B of Part 1955—Fact Sheet—The Federal Interagency Task Force on Food and Shelter for the Homeless Editorial Note: Exhibit D is not...

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: a novel possible model of OCD.

PubMed

Eagle, Dawn M; Noschang, Cristie; d'Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A; Day, Jacob O; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E; Mar, Adam C; Urcelay, Gonzalo P; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W

2014-05-01

Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an 'observing' lever for information about the location of an 'active' lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be beneficial

Charm-beauty meson bound states from B (B*)D (D*) and B (B*)D \\xAF(D\\xAF*) interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakai, S.; Roca, L.; Oset, E.

2017-09-01

We evaluate the s -wave interaction of pseudoscalar and vector mesons with both charm and beauty to investigate the possible existence of molecular B D , B*D , B D*, B*D*, B D ¯, B*D ¯, B D¯*, or B*D¯* meson states. The scattering amplitude is obtained implementing unitarity starting from a tree level potential accounting for the dominant vector meson exchange. The diagrams are evaluated using suitable extensions to the heavy flavor sector of the hidden gauge symmetry Lagrangians involving vector and pseudoscalar mesons, respecting heavy quark spin symmetry. We obtain bound states at energies above 7 GeV for B D (JP=0+), B*D (1+), B D* (1+), and B*D* (0+, 1+, 2+), all in isospin 0. For B D ¯ (0+), B*D ¯ (1+), B D¯* (1+), and B*D¯* (0+, 1+, 2+) we also find similar bound states in I =0 , but much less bound, which would correspond to exotic meson states with b ¯ and c ¯ quarks, and for the I =1 we find a repulsive interaction. We also evaluate the scattering lengths in all cases, which can be tested in current investigations of lattice QCD.

First measurement of the B$$0\\atop{2}$$ semileptonic branching ratio to an orbitally excited d$$**\\atop{s}$$ state, Br(B$$0\\atop{2}$$ → D$$-\\atop{s1}$$(2536)μ +vX)

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

Rieger, Jason

2007-12-08

In a data sample of approximately 1.3 fb -1 collected with the D0 detector between 2002 and 2006, the orbitally excited charm state Dmore » $$±\\atop{s1}$$(2536)has been observed with a measured mass of 2535.7 ± 0.6(stat) ± 0.5(syst) MeV/c 2 via the decay mode B$$0\\atop{s}$$ → D$$-\\atop{s1}$$(2536)μ +vX followed by D$$±\\atop{s1}$$(2536) → D *±K$$0\\atop{S}$$. By normalizing to the known branching ratio Br($$\\bar{b}$$ → D* - μ +vX) and to the number of reconstructed D* mesons with an associated identified muon, a first-ever measurement is made of the product branching ratio ($$\\bar{b}$$ →} D$$-\\atop{s1}$$(2536)μ +vX) • Br(D$$-\\atop{s1}$$ → D* -K$$0\\atop{S}$$). Assuming that D$$-\\atop{s1}$$(2536) production in semileptonic decay is entirely from B$$0\\atop{s}$$, an extraction of the semileptonic branching ratio Br(B$$0\\atop{s}$$ → D$$-\\atop{s1}$$(2536)μ +vX) is made. Comparisons are made with theoretical expectations.« less

Comparison of 3D and 2D shear-wave elastography for differentiating benign and malignant breast masses: focus on the diagnostic performance.

PubMed

Choi, H Y; Sohn, Y-M; Seo, M

2017-10-01

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of three-dimensional (3D) image shear-wave elastography (SWE) for differentiating benign from malignant breast masses compared to two-dimensional (2D) SWE and B-mode ultrasound (US). This study consisted of 205 breast lesions from 199 patients who underwent B-mode US and SWE before biopsy from January 2014 to March 2016. Quantitative elasticity values (maximum and mean elasticity, Emax and Emean) obtained from 2D and 3D SWE (axial, sagittal, and coronal images) were reviewed retrospectively, in addition to the histopathological findings including immunohistochemistry profiles (luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-enriched, and triple-negative breast cancer) in cases of malignancy. Histopathological findings were regarded as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of each data set was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis to compare sensitivity and specificity. Among 205 lesions, 105 (51.22%) were malignant and 100 (48.78%) were benign. Compared to benign masses, malignant masses had higher values of Emax and Emean on both 2D and 3D SWE, the differences of which were statistically significant (p<0.001). The AUCs of 2D, 3D axial, and sagittal SWE were significantly higher than that of 3D coronal SWE (p<0.05). In addition, the sensitivities of axial, sagittal, and coronal 3D SWE were all higher than that of 2D SWE for Emean (81.9%, 87.6%, and 89.5% versus 70.5%, respectively, p<0.05). Conversely, the specificity of 2D and 3D axial SWE was higher than that of 3D sagittal and coronal SWE (Emax, 84%, 83% versus 76%, 73%; Emean, 85%, 81% versus 68%, 50%, respectively, p<0.05). We also assessed changes in Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 3 and category 4a lesions by adding each of the parameters for 2D and 3D SWE in B-mode US. The specificity, PPV, and accuracy of combined 2D or combined 3D SWE with B

FibroTest is an independent predictor of virologic response in chronic hepatitis C patients retreated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in the EPIC³ program.

PubMed

Poynard, Thierry; Munteanu, Mona; Colombo, Massimo; Bruix, Jordi; Schiff, Eugene; Terg, Ruben; Flamm, Steven; Moreno-Otero, Ricardo; Carrilho, Flair; Schmidt, Warren; Berg, Thomas; McGarrity, Thomas; Heathcote, E Jenny; Gonçales, Fernando; Diago, Moises; Craxi, Antonio; Silva, Marcelo; Boparai, Navdeep; Griffel, Louis; Burroughs, Margaret; Brass, Clifford; Albrecht, Janice

2011-02-01

EPIC-3 is a prospective, international study that has demonstrated the efficacy of PEG-IFN alfa-2b plus weight-based ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C and significant fibrosis who previously failed any interferon-alfa/ribavirin therapy. The aim of the present study was to assess FibroTest (FT), a validated non-invasive marker of fibrosis in treatment-naive patients, as a possible alternative to biopsy as the baseline predictor of subsequent early virologic (EVR) and sustained virologic response (SVR) in previously treated patients. Of 2312 patients enrolled, 1459 had an available baseline FT, biopsy, and complete data. Uni- (UV) and multi-variable (MV) analyses were performed using FT and biopsy. Baseline characteristics were similar as in the overall population; METAVIR stage: 28% F2, 29% F3, and 43% F4, previous relapsers 29%, previous PEG-IFN regimen 41%, high baseline viral load (BVL) 64%. 506 patients (35%) had undetectable HCV-RNA at TW12 (TW12neg), with 58% achieving SVR. The accuracy of FT was similar to that in naive patients: AUROC curve for the diagnosis of F4 vs F2=0.80 (p<0.00001). Five baseline factors were associated (p<0.001) with SVR in UV and MV analyses (odds ratio: UV/MV): fibrosis stage estimated using FT (4.5/5.9) or biopsy (1.5/1.6), genotype 2/3 (4.5/5.1), BVL (1.5/1.3), prior relapse (1.6/1.6), previous treatment with non-PEG-IFN (2.6/2.0). These same factors were associated (p ≤ 0.001) with EVR. Among patients TW12neg, two independent factors remained highly predictive of SVR by MV analysis (p ≤ 0.001): genotype 2/3 (odds ratio=2.9), fibrosis estimated with FT (4.3) or by biopsy (1.5). FibroTest at baseline is a possible non-invasive alternative to biopsy for the prediction of EVR at 12 weeks and SVR, in patients with previous failures and advanced fibrosis, retreated with PEG-IFN alfa-2b and ribavirin. Copyright © 2010 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Self-Calibration of Cone-Beam CT Geometry Using 3D-2D Image Registration: Development and Application to Task-Based Imaging with a Robotic C-Arm

PubMed Central

Ouadah, S.; Stayman, J. W.; Gang, G.; Uneri, A.; Ehtiati, T.; Siewerdsen, J. H.

2015-01-01

Purpose Robotic C-arm systems are capable of general noncircular orbits whose trajectories can be driven by the particular imaging task. However obtaining accurate calibrations for reconstruction in such geometries can be a challenging problem. This work proposes a method to perform a unique geometric calibration of an arbitrary C-arm orbit by registering 2D projections to a previously acquired 3D image to determine the transformation parameters representing the system geometry. Methods Experiments involved a cone-beam CT (CBCT) bench system, a robotic C-arm, and three phantoms. A robust 3D-2D registration process was used to compute the 9 degree of freedom (DOF) transformation between each projection and an existing 3D image by maximizing normalized gradient information with a digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) of the 3D volume. The quality of the resulting “self-calibration” was evaluated in terms of the agreement with an established calibration method using a BB phantom as well as image quality in the resulting CBCT reconstruction. Results The self-calibration yielded CBCT images without significant difference in spatial resolution from the standard (“true”) calibration methods (p-value >0.05 for all three phantoms), and the differences between CBCT images reconstructed using the “self” and “true” calibration methods were on the order of 10−3 mm−1. Maximum error in magnification was 3.2%, and back-projection ray placement was within 0.5 mm. Conclusion The proposed geometric “self” calibration provides a means for 3D imaging on general non-circular orbits in CBCT systems for which a geometric calibration is either not available or not reproducible. The method forms the basis of advanced “task-based” 3D imaging methods now in development for robotic C-arms. PMID:26388661

76 FR 1149 - T.W. Phillips Pipeline Corp.; Notice of Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-07

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. AC11-19-000] T.W. Phillips Pipeline Corp.; Notice of Filing December 30, 2010. Take notice that on December 17, 2010, T.W. Phillips Pipeline Corp. submitted a request for a waiver of the reporting requirement to file the FERC Form 2-A for...

SULT2B1b Sulfotransferase: Induction by Vitamin D Receptor and Reduced Expression in Prostate Cancer

PubMed Central

Seo, Young-Kyo; Mirkheshti, Nooshin; Song, Chung S.; Kim, Soyoung; Dodds, Sherry; Ahn, Soon C.; Christy, Barbara; Mendez-Meza, Rosario; Ittmann, Michael M.; Abboud-Werner, Sherry

2013-01-01

An elevated tumor tissue androgen level, which reactivates androgen receptor in recurrent prostate cancer, arises from the intratumor synthesis of 5α-dihydrotestosterone through use of the precursor steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and is fueled by the steroidogenic enzymes 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD1), aldoketoreductase (AKR1C3), and steroid 5-alpha reductase, type 1 (SRD5A1) present in cancer tissue. Sulfotransferase 2B1b (SULT2B1b) (in short, SULT2B) is a prostate-expressed hydroxysteroid SULT that converts cholesterol, oxysterols, and DHEA to 3β-sulfates. DHEA metabolism involving sulfonation by SULT2B can potentially interfere with intraprostate androgen synthesis due to reduction of free DHEA pool and, thus, conversion of DHEA to androstenedione. Here we report that in prostatectomy specimens from treatment-naive patients, SULT2B expression is markedly reduced in malignant tissue (P < .001, Mann-Whitney U test) compared with robust expression in adjacent nonmalignant glands. SULT2B was detected in formalin-fixed specimens by immunohistochemistry on individual sections and tissue array. Immunoblotting of protein lysates of frozen cancer and matched benign tissue confirmed immunohistochemistry results. An in-house–developed rabbit polyclonal antibody against full-length human SULT2B was validated for specificity and used in the analyses. Ligand-activated vitamin D receptor induced the SULT2B1 promoter in vivo in mouse prostate and increased SULT2B mRNA and protein levels in vitro in prostate cancer cells. A vitamin D receptor/retinoid X receptor-α–bound DNA element (with a DR7 motif) mediated induction of the transfected SULT2B1 promoter in calcitriol-treated cells. SULT2B knockdown caused an increased proliferation rate of prostate cancer cells upon stimulation by DHEA. These results suggest that the tumor tissue SULT2B level may partly control prostate cancer growth, and its induction in a therapeutic setting may inhibit disease

Task Parallel Incomplete Cholesky Factorization using 2D Partitioned-Block Layout

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

Kim, Kyungjoo; Rajamanickam, Sivasankaran; Stelle, George Widgery

We introduce a task-parallel algorithm for sparse incomplete Cholesky factorization that utilizes a 2D sparse partitioned-block layout of a matrix. Our factorization algorithm follows the idea of algorithms-by-blocks by using the block layout. The algorithm-byblocks approach induces a task graph for the factorization. These tasks are inter-related to each other through their data dependences in the factorization algorithm. To process the tasks on various manycore architectures in a portable manner, we also present a portable tasking API that incorporates different tasking backends and device-specific features using an open-source framework for manycore platforms i.e., Kokkos. A performance evaluation is presented onmore » both Intel Sandybridge and Xeon Phi platforms for matrices from the University of Florida sparse matrix collection to illustrate merits of the proposed task-based factorization. Experimental results demonstrate that our task-parallel implementation delivers about 26.6x speedup (geometric mean) over single-threaded incomplete Choleskyby- blocks and 19.2x speedup over serial Cholesky performance which does not carry tasking overhead using 56 threads on the Intel Xeon Phi processor for sparse matrices arising from various application problems.« less

Hohlraum energetics scaling to 520 TW on the National Ignition Facilitya)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kline, J. L.; Callahan, D. A.; Glenzer, S. H.; Meezan, N. B.; Moody, J. D.; Hinkel, D. E.; Jones, O. S.; MacKinnon, A. J.; Bennedetti, R.; Berger, R. L.; Bradley, D.; Dewald, E. L.; Bass, I.; Bennett, C.; Bowers, M.; Brunton, G.; Bude, J.; Burkhart, S.; Condor, A.; Di Nicola, J. M.; Di Nicola, P.; Dixit, S. N.; Doeppner, T.; Dzenitis, E. G.; Erbert, G.; Folta, J.; Grim, G.; Glenn, S.; Hamza, A.; Haan, S. W.; Heebner, J.; Henesian, M.; Hermann, M.; Hicks, D. G.; Hsing, W. W.; Izumi, N.; Jancaitis, K.; Jones, O. S.; Kalantar, D.; Khan, S. F.; Kirkwood, R.; Kyrala, G. A.; LaFortune, K.; Landen, O. L.; Lagin, L.; Larson, D.; Pape, S. Le; Ma, T.; MacPhee, A. G.; Michel, P. A.; Miller, P.; Montincelli, M.; Moore, A. S.; Nikroo, A.; Nostrand, M.; Olson, R. E.; Pak, A.; Park, H. S.; Patel, J. P.; Pelz, L.; Ralph, J.; Regan, S. P.; Robey, H. F.; Rosen, M. D.; Ross, J. S.; Schneider, M. B.; Shaw, M.; Smalyuk, V. A.; Strozzi, D. J.; Suratwala, T.; Suter, L. J.; Tommasini, R.; Town, R. P. J.; Van Wonterghem, B.; Wegner, P.; Widmann, K.; Widmayer, C.; Wilkens, H.; Williams, E. A.; Edwards, M. J.; Remington, B. A.; MacGowan, B. J.; Kilkenny, J. D.; Lindl, J. D.; Atherton, L. J.; Batha, S. H.; Moses, E.

2013-05-01

Indirect drive experiments have now been carried out with laser powers and energies up to 520 TW and 1.9 MJ. These experiments show that the energy coupling to the target is nearly constant at 84% ± 3% over a wide range of laser parameters from 350 to 520 TW and 1.2 to 1.9 MJ. Experiments at 520 TW with depleted uranium hohlraums achieve radiation temperatures of ˜330 ± 4 eV, enough to drive capsules 20 μm thicker than the ignition point design to velocities near the ignition goal of 370 km/s. A series of three symcap implosion experiments with nearly identical target, laser, and diagnostics configurations show the symmetry and drive are reproducible at the level of ±8.5% absolute and ±2% relative, respectively.

A Gap in TW Hydrae's Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, Susanna

2016-01-01

Located a mere 176 light-years away, TW Hydrae is an 8-million-year-old star surrounded by a nearly face-on disk of gas and dust. Recent observations have confirmed the existence of a gap within that disk a particularly intriguing find, since gaps can sometimes signal the presence of a planet.Gaps and PlanetsNumerical simulations have shown that newly-formed planets orbiting within dusty disks can clear the gas and dust out of their paths. This process results in pressure gradients that can be seen in the density structure of the disk, in the form of visible gaps, rings, or spirals.For this reason, finding a gap in a protoplanetary disk can be an exciting discovery. Previous observations of the disk around TW Hydrae had indicated that there might be a gap present, but they were limited in their resolution; despite TW Hydraes relative nearness, attempting to observe the dim light scattered off dust particles in a disk surrounding a distant, bright star is difficult!But a team led by Valerie Rapson (Rochester Institute of Technology, Dudley Observatory) recently set out to follow up on this discovery using a powerful tool: the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI).New ObservationsComparison of the actual image of TW Hydraes disk from GPI (right) to a simulated scattered-light image from a model of a ~0.2 Jupiter-mass planet orbiting in the disk at ~21 AU (left) in two different bands (top: J, bottom: K1).[Adapted from Rapson et al. 2015]GPI is an instrument on the Gemini South Telescope in Chile. Its near-infrared imagers, equipped with extreme adaptive optics, allowed it to probe the disk from ~80 AU all the way in to ~10 AU from the central star, with an unprecedented resolution of ~1.5 AU.These observations from GPI allowed Rapson and collaborators to unambiguously confirm the presence of a gap in TW Hydraes disk. The gap lies at a distance of ~23 AU from the central star (roughly the same distance as Uranus to the Sun), and its ~5 AU wide.Modeled PossibilitiesThere are a

Single- and Dual-Task Balance Training Are Equally Effective in Youth

PubMed Central

Lüder, Benjamin; Kiss, Rainer; Granacher, Urs

2018-01-01

Due to maturation of the postural control system and secular declines in motor performance, adolescents experience deficits in postural control during standing and walking while concurrently performing cognitive interference tasks. Thus, adequately designed balance training programs may help to counteract these deficits. While the general effectiveness of youth balance training is well-documented, there is hardly any information available on the specific effects of single-task (ST) versus dual-task (DT) balance training. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (i) to examine static/dynamic balance performance under ST and DT conditions in adolescents and (ii) to study the effects of ST versus DT balance training on static/dynamic balance under ST and DT conditions in adolescents. Twenty-eight healthy girls and boys aged 12–13 years were randomly assigned to either 8 weeks of ST or DT balance training. Before and after training, postural sway and spatio-temporal gait parameters were registered under ST (standing/walking only) and DT conditions (standing/walking while concurrently performing an arithmetic task). At baseline, significantly slower gait speed (p < 0.001, d = 5.1), shorter stride length (p < 0.001, d = 4.8), and longer stride time (p < 0.001, d = 3.8) were found for DT compared to ST walking but not standing. Training resulted in significant pre–post decreases in DT costs for gait velocity (p < 0.001, d = 3.1), stride length (-45%, p < 0.001, d = 2.4), and stride time (-44%, p < 0.01, d = 1.9). Training did not induce any significant changes (p > 0.05, d = 0–0.1) in DT costs for all parameters of secondary task performance during standing and walking. Training produced significant pre–post increases (p = 0.001; d = 1.47) in secondary task performance while sitting. The observed increase was significantly greater for the ST training group (p = 0.04; d = 0.81). For standing, no significant changes were found over time irrespective of the

Unbiased millimeter-wave line surveys of TW Hya and V4046 Sgr: The enhanced C{sub 2}H and CN abundances of evolved protoplanetary disks

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

Kastner, Joel H.; Punzi, Kristina; Hily-Blant, Pierre

2014-09-20

We have conducted the first comprehensive millimeter-wave molecular emission line surveys of the evolved circumstellar disks orbiting the nearby, roughly solar-mass, pre-main-sequence (T Tauri) stars, TW Hya (D = 54 pc) and V4046 Sgr AB (D = 73 pc). Both disks are known to retain significant residual gaseous components despite the advanced ages of their host stars (∼8 Myr and ∼21 Myr, respectively). Our unbiased broadband radio spectral surveys of the TW Hya and V4046 Sgr disks were performed with the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment 12 m telescope, and are intended to yield a complete census of the bright molecular emissionmore » lines in the range 275-357 GHz (1.1-0.85 mm). We find that lines of {sup 12}CO, {sup 13}CO, HCN, CN, and C{sub 2}H, all of which lie in the higher frequency (>330 GHz) range, constitute the strongest molecular emission from both disks in the spectral region surveyed. The molecule C{sub 2}H is detected here for the first time in both disks, as is CS in the TW Hya disk. The survey results also include the first measurements of the full suite of the hyperfine transitions of CN N = 3 → 2 and C{sub 2}H N = 4 → 3 in both disks. Modeling of these CN and C{sub 2}H hyperfine complexes in the spectrum of TW Hya indicates that the emission from both species is optically thick and may originate from very cold (≲10 K) disk regions. The latter result, if confirmed, would suggest the efficient production of CN and C{sub 2}H in the outer disk and/or near the disk midplane. It furthermore appears that the fractional abundances of CN and C{sub 2}H are significantly enhanced in these evolved protoplanetary disks, relative to the fractional abundances of the same molecules in the environments of deeply embedded protostars. These results, combined with previous determinations of the enhanced abundances of other species (such as HCO{sup +}) in T Tauri star disks, underscore the importance of properly accounting for high-energy (FUV and X

Impact of 2D and 3D vision on performance of novice subjects using da Vinci robotic system.

PubMed

Blavier, A; Gaudissart, Q; Cadière, G B; Nyssen, A S

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 3D and 2D vision on performance of novice subjects using da Vinci robotic system. 224 nurses without any surgical experience were divided into two groups and executed a motor task with the robotic system in 2D for one group and with the robotic system in 3D for the other group. Time to perform the task was recorded. Our data showed significant better time performance in 3D view (24.67 +/- 11.2) than in 2D view (40.26 +/- 17.49, P < 0.001). Our findings emphasized the advantage of 3D vision over 2D view in performing surgical task, encouraging the development of efficient and less expensive 3D systems in order to improve the accuracy of surgical gesture, the resident training and the operating time.

Electronic structure and fundamental absorption edges of KPb2Br5, K0.5Rb0.5Pb2Br5, and RbPb2Br5 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarasova, A. Yu.; Isaenko, L. I.; Kesler, V. G.; Pashkov, V. M.; Yelisseyev, A. P.; Denysyuk, N. M.; Khyzhun, O. Yu.

2012-05-01

X-ray photoelectron core-level and valence-band spectra for pristine and Ar+-ion irradiated (001) surfaces of KPb2Br5, K0.5Rb0.5Pb2Br5, and RbPb2Br5 single crystals grown by the Bridgman method have been measured and fundamental absorption edges of the ternary bromides have been recorded in the polarized light at 300 K and 80 K. The present X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal high chemical stability of (001) surfaces of KxRb1-xPb2Br5 (x=0, 0.5, and 1.0) single crystals. Substitution of potassium for rubidium in KxRb1-xPb2Br5 does not cause any changes of binding energy values and shapes of the XPS constituent element core-level spectra. Measurements of the fundamental absorption edges indicate that band gap energy, Eg, increases by about 0.14 and 0.19 eV when temperature decreases from 300 K to 80 K in KPb2Br5 and RbPb2Br5, respectively. Furthermore, there is no dependence of the Eg value for KPb2Br5 upon the light polarization, whilst the band gap energy value for RbPb2Br5 is bigger by 0.03-0.05 eV in the case of E‖c compared to those in the cases of E‖a and E‖b.

Comparing an accelerated 3D fast spin-echo sequence (CS-SPACE) for knee 3-T magnetic resonance imaging with traditional 3D fast spin-echo (SPACE) and routine 2D sequences.

PubMed

Altahawi, Faysal F; Blount, Kevin J; Morley, Nicholas P; Raithel, Esther; Omar, Imran M

2017-01-01

To compare a faster, new, high-resolution accelerated 3D-fast-spin-echo (3D-FSE) acquisition sequence (CS-SPACE) to traditional 2D and high-resolution 3D sequences for knee 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty patients received knee MRIs that included routine 2D (T1, PD ± FS, T2-FS; 0.5 × 0.5 × 3 mm 3 ; ∼10 min), traditional 3D FSE (SPACE-PD-FS; 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 mm 3 ; ∼7.5 min), and accelerated 3D-FSE prototype (CS-SPACE-PD-FS; 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.5 mm 3 ; ∼5 min) acquisitions on a 3-T MRI system (Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra). Three musculoskeletal radiologists (MSKRs) prospectively and independently reviewed the studies with graded surveys comparing image and diagnostic quality. Tissue-specific signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were also compared. MSKR-perceived diagnostic quality of cartilage was significantly higher for CS-SPACE than for SPACE and 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Assessment of diagnostic quality of menisci and synovial fluid was higher for CS-SPACE than for SPACE (p < 0.001). CS-SPACE was not significantly different from SPACE but had lower assessments than 2D sequences for evaluation of bones, ligaments, muscles, and fat (p ≤ 0.004). 3D sequences had higher spatial resolution, but lower overall assessed contrast (p < 0.001). Overall image quality from CS-SPACE was assessed as higher than SPACE (p = 0.007), but lower than 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Compared to SPACE, CS-SPACE had higher fluid SNR and CNR against all other tissues (all p < 0.001). The CS-SPACE prototype allows for faster isotropic acquisitions of knee MRIs over currently used protocols. High fluid-to-cartilage CNR and higher spatial resolution over routine 2D sequences may present a valuable role for CS-SPACE in the evaluation of cartilage and menisci.

Effect of opacifiers and UV absorbers on pigmented maxillofacial silicone elastomer, part 2: mechanical properties after artificial aging.

PubMed

Nguyen, Caroline Tram; Chambers, Mark S; Powers, John M; Kiat-Amnuay, Sudarat

2013-06-01

There are reports of dissatisfaction with color instability and reduced lifetime of extraoral maxillofacial prostheses. Previous studies showed that UV mineral-based light-protecting agent (LP) improved color stability of MDX4-4210/Type A silicone elastomer. However, effects of this agent and opacifiers on mechanical properties of the elastomer are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2 commonly used opacifiers and LP, a new opacifier, when combined with pigments on the mechanical properties of MDX4-4210/Type A silicone elastomer before and after artificial aging. Two commonly used opacifiers, titanium white dry pigment (TW) and silicone intrinsic white (SW) and LP were each combined with MDX4-4210/type A. Artists' oil pigment was then combined with the LP and TW groups, and silicone intrinsic pigments were combined with the SW group with 5 colors (no pigment=control, red, yellow, blue, or a combination of the 3 pigments). Ten dumbbell-shaped and 10 trouser-shaped specimens of each opacifier + pigment mixture, plus a control group with no opacifier and no pigment, were made for a total of 320 specimens. Half of the specimens (n=5) were aged in a chamber at 450 kJ/m(2). Specimens were tested for hardness (ASTM D2240), tensile strength (ASTM D412), tear strength (ASTM D624), and percentage elongation in a universal testing machine. A 3-way ANOVA and the Fisher PLSD test were performed (α=.05) for each mechanical property. After accelerated aging, values of Shore A hardness were the lowest for LP with all 5 pigments and the control, followed by SW and TW (P<.001). After accelerated aging, tear strength, tensile strength, and elongation decreased significantly (P<.001) for LP, whereas changes for SW and TW varied depending on the pigment. The mechanical properties of specimens with the light-protecting opacifier were adversely affected after being subjected to artificial aging. SW and TW preserved the mechanical properties of silicone in

AC conductivity, magnetic and shielding effectiveness studies on polyaniline embedded Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles for electromagnetic interference suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurusiddesh, M.; Madhu, B. J.; Shankaramurthy, G. J.

2018-05-01

Electrically conducting Polyaniline (PANI)/Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposites are synthesized by in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Structural studies on the synthesized samples have been carried out using X-ray diffraction technique, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Frequency dependent ac conductivity studies on the prepared samples revealed that conductivity of the composite is high compared to Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. Further, both the samples exhibited hysteresis behavior under the applied magnetic field. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of both the samples decreases with increase in the applied frequency in the studied frequency range. Maximum shielding effectiveness (SE) of 31.49 dB and 62.84 dB were obtained for Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles and PANI/Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposites respectively in the studied frequency range. Observed higher EMI shielding in the composites was attributed to its high electrical conductivity.

Pathways of energy transfer in LHCII revealed by room-temperature 2D electronic spectroscopy.

PubMed

Wells, Kym L; Lambrev, Petar H; Zhang, Zhengyang; Garab, Gyözö; Tan, Howe-Siang

2014-06-21

We present here the first room-temperature 2D electronic spectroscopy study of energy transfer in the plant light-harvesting complex II, LHCII. Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy has been used to study energy transfer dynamics in LHCII trimers from the chlorophyll b Qy band to the chlorophyll a Qy band. Observing cross-peak regions corresponding to couplings between different excitonic states reveals partially resolved fine structure at the exciton level that cannot be isolated by pump-probe or linear spectroscopy measurements alone. Global analysis of the data has been performed to identify the pathways and time constants of energy transfer. The measured waiting time (Tw) dependent 2D spectra are found to be composed of 2D decay-associated spectra with three timescales (0.3 ps, 2.3 ps and >20 ps). Direct and multistep cascading pathways from the high-energy chlorophyll b states to the lowest-energy chlorophyll a states have been resolved occurring on time scales of hundreds of femtoseconds to picoseconds.

How to Say National Security in 1,001 Languages

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

National Security’ in 1,001 Languages 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK...responsibilities are clearly much broader than the ones in these two con- flicts. Every day we spend millions of dol- lars in equipment and training ...success or failure of counterinsurgency opera- tions. Our combat training will be for nothing if our linguist does not tell us the truth or fails

75 FR 34062 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-16

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with certain main... an unsafe condition for certain Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, and D, and...

Measurement of B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l)).

PubMed

Brandenburg, G; Ershov, A; Kim, D Y-J; Wilson, R; Benslama, K; Eisenstein, B I; Ernst, J; Gollin, G D; Hans, R M; Karliner, I; Lowrey, N; Marsh, M A; Plager, C; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Thaler, J J; Williams, J; Edwards, K W; Ammar, R; Besson, D; Zhao, X; Anderson, S; Frolov, V V; Kubota, Y; Lee, S J; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Smith, A; Stepaniak, C J; Urheim, J; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Jian, L; Saleem, M; Wappler, F; Eckhart, E; Gan, K K; Gwon, C; Hart, T; Honscheid, K; Hufnagel, D; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Pedlar, T K; Thayer, J B; Von Toerne, E; Wilksen, T; Zoeller, M M; Richichi, S J; Severini, H; Skubic, P; Dytman, S A; Nam, S; Savinov, V; Chen, S; Hinson, J W; Lee, J; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Shibata, E I; Shipsey, I P J; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Lyon, A L; Park, C S; Park, W; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Maravin, Y; Narsky, I; Stroynowski, R; Ye, J; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Bukin, K; Dambasuren, E; Mountain, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Mahmood, A H; Csorna, S E; Danko, I; Xu, Z; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; McGee, S; Bornheim, A; Lipeles, E; Pappas, S P; Shapiro, A; Sun, W M; Weinstein, A J; Masek, G; Paar, H P; Mahapatra, R; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Bebek, C; Berkelman, K; Blanc, F; Boisvert, V; Cassel, D G; Drell, P S; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hsu, L; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Magerkurth, A; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Mistry, N B; Nordberg, E; Palmer, M; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shepherd, M R; Thayer, J G; Urner, D; Valant-Spaight, B; Viehhauser, G; Warburton, A; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J

2002-11-25

Using 13.53 fb(-1) of CLEO data, we have measured the ratios of the branching fractions R(+)(e),R(+)(mu) and the combined branching fraction ratio R(+)(l), defined by R(+)(l)=[B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l))]/[B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+))]. We find R(+)(e)=0.74+/-0.04+/-0.05, R(+)(mu)=0.72+/-0.10+/-0.05, and R(+)(l)=0.74+/-0.04+/-0.05, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. The known branching fraction B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+)) leads to B(D+-->K(*0)e(+)nu(e))=(6.7+/-0.4+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, B(D+-->K(*0)mu(+)nu(mu))=(6.5+/-0.9+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, and B(D+-->K(*0)l(+)nu(l))=(6.7+/-0.4+/-0.5+/-0.4)%, where the third error is due to the uncertainty in B(D+-->K-pi(+)pi(+)).

Association of vitamin D and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) gene polymorphism with susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Rahman, Md Mostafijur; Hosen, Md Bayejid; Faruk, Md Omar; Hasan, Md Mehedi; Kabir, Yearul; Howlader, M Zakir Hossain

2017-12-15

Polymorphism in vitamin D binding protein gene may have an impact on serum vitamin D transport and thus may have relation with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In our study, we investigated the association of serum vitamin D level and vitamin D-binding protein gene polymorphism with the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Blood samples were collected from 104 type 2 diabetic patients and 107 healthy volunteers. Serum vitamin D was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Genetic analysis of vitamin D-binging protein gene was carried out by polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism method. We found significantly (p<0.001) lower level of vitamin D in type 2 diabetic patients compared to control subjects. A significantly negative correlation (r=-0.25, p<0.05) between vitamin D level and fasting blood glucose level was found among type 2 diabetic subjects. The Glu/Glu at codon 416 (rs7041) (p<0.05) and Lys/Lys at codon 420 (rs4588) (p<0.01) variants of vitamin D binding protein gene was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic subjects than controls. The patients with Glu/Glu and Lys/Lys genotypes respectively at codon 416 (odds ratio=2.87; 95% confidence interval=1.19 to 6.95) and 420 (odds ratio=8.9; 95% confidence interval=1.89 to 41.99) were at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our present study strongly suggests that there might have an association of vitamin D, and vitamin D-binding protein gene (codon 416 & 420) polymorphisms with the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interior building details of Building B, Room B001: fouroverfour wood ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Interior building details of Building B, Room B-001: four-over-four wood painted wood with brick sill and painted plaster west brick wall; westerly view - San Quentin State Prison, Building 22, Point San Quentin, San Quentin, Marin County, CA

Binding of the B D D ¯ and B D D systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dias, J. M.; Debastiani, V. R.; Roca, L.; Sakai, S.; Oset, E.

2017-11-01

We study theoretically the B D D ¯ and B D D systems to see if they allow for possible bound or resonant states. The three-body interaction is evaluated implementing the fixed center approximation to the Faddeev equations which considers the interaction of a D or D ¯ particle with the components of a B D cluster, previously proved to form a bound state. We find an I (JP)=1 /2 (0-) bound state for the B D D ¯ system at an energy around 8925-8985 MeV within uncertainties, which would correspond to a bottom hidden-charm meson. In contrast, for the B D D system, which would be bottom double-charm and hence manifestly exotic, we have found hints of a bound state in the energy region 8935-8985 MeV, but the results are not stable under the uncertainties of the model, and we cannot assure, nor rule out, the possibility of a B D D three-body state.

Unoccupied surface states of LaB6(001) studied by k -resolved inverse photoemission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morimoto, Osamu; Kunii, Satoru; Kakizaki, Akito

2006-06-01

We have measured k -resolved inverse photoemission spectra of LaB6(001) to study unoccupied surface states. The surface states are observed near the Fermi level (EF) and at 6.8eV above EF , which are originated from La5d and La4f states, respectively. The surface state near EF shows energy dispersion along the Γ - M direction of the surface Brillouin zone, which does not agree with that of a recently reported theoretical calculation. It is deduced that at a LaB6(001) surface, electrons are transferred from the subsurface to the topmost La layer. This charge redistribution can reduce surface dipole moments.

Peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin: effective in patients with hepatitis C who failed interferon alfa/ribavirin therapy.

PubMed

Poynard, Thierry; Colombo, Massimo; Bruix, Jordi; Schiff, Eugene; Terg, Ruben; Flamm, Steven; Moreno-Otero, Ricardo; Carrilho, Flair; Schmidt, Warren; Berg, Thomas; McGarrity, Thomas; Heathcote, E Jenny; Gonçales, Fernando; Diago, Moises; Craxi, Antonio; Silva, Marcelo; Bedossa, Pierre; Mukhopadhyay, Pabak; Griffel, Louis; Burroughs, Margaret; Brass, Clifford; Albrecht, Janice

2009-05-01

Treatment with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin produces a sustained virologic response (SVR) in approximately 60% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. Alternate options are needed for patients who relapse or do not respond to therapy. This prospective, international, multicenter, open-label study evaluated efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2b (1.5 microg/kg/wk) plus weight-based ribavirin (800-1400 mg/day) in 2333 chronic HCV-infected patients with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis whose previous interferon alfa/ribavirin therapy failed. Patients with undetectable HCV-RNA at treatment week (TW) 12 received 48 weeks of therapy; patients with detectable HCV-RNA at TW12 could enter maintenance studies at TW18; 188 patients with low/detectable HCV-RNA at TW12 continued therapy at the investigator's request. Overall, 22% of the patients attained SVR (56% with undetectable HCV-RNA and 12% with low/detectable HCV-RNA at TW12). SVR was better in relapsers (38%) than nonresponders (14%), regardless of previous treatment, and in patients previously treated with interferon-alfa/ribavirin (25%) than peginterferon alfa-ribavirin (17%). Predictors of response in patients with undetectable HCV-RNA at TW12 were genotype (2/3 vs 1, respectively; odds ratio [OR] 2.4; P < .0001), fibrosis score (F2 vs F4; OR, 2.2; F3 vs F4; OR, 1.7; P < .0001), and baseline viral load (< or =600,000 vs >600,000 IU/mL; OR, 1.4; P = .0223). These factors plus previous treatment and response were overall predictors of SVR. Safety was similar among fibrosis groups. Peginterferon alfa-2b plus weight-based ribavirin is effective and safe in patients who failed interferon alfa/ribavirin therapy. Genotype, baseline viral load, and fibrosis stage were predictors of response.

Quantum dynamics of the C(1D)+HD and C(1D)+n-D2 reactions on the ã 1A' and b 1A" surfaces.

PubMed

Defazio, Paolo; Gamallo, Pablo; González, Miguel; Akpinar, Sinan; Bussery-Honvault, Béatrice; Honvault, Pascal; Petrongolo, Carlo

2010-03-14

We present the Born-Oppenheimer, quantum dynamics of the reactions C((1)D)+HD and C((1)D)+n-D(2) on the uncoupled potential energy surfaces ã (1)A' and b (1)A", considering the Coriolis interactions and the nuclear-spin statistics. Using the real wavepacket method, we obtain initial-state-resolved probabilities, cross sections, isotopic branching ratios, and rate constants. Similarly to the C+n-H(2) reaction, the probabilities present many ã (1)A' or few b (1)A" sharp resonances, and the cross sections are very large at small collision energies and decrease at higher energies. At any initial condition, the C+HD reaction gives preferentially the CD+H products. Thermal cross sections, isotopic branching ratios, and rate constant k vary slightly with temperature and agree very well with the experimental values. At 300 K, we obtain for the various products k(CH+H)=(2.45+/-0.08) x 10(-10), k(CD+H)=(1.19+/-0.04) x 10(-10), k(CH+D)=(0.71+/-0.02) x 10(-10), k(CD+D)=(1.59+/-0.05) x 10(-10) cm(3) s(-1), and k(CD+H)/k(CH+D)=1.68+/-0.01. The b (1)A" contribution to cross sections and rate constants is always large, up to a maximum value of 62% for a rotationally resolved C+D(2) rate constant. The upper b (1)A" state is thus quite important in the C((1)D) collision with H(2) and its deuterated isotopes, as the agreement between theory and experiment shows.

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D). Task Order 0049: Tribological Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

scratch test for TiN on stainless steel with better substrate mechanical properties. This present study was focused on the study of stress distribution...AFRL-RX-WP-TR-2010-4189 COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CR&D) Task Order 0049: Tribological Modeling Young Sup Kang Universal...SUBTITLE COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CR&D) Task Order 0049: Tribological Modeling 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER F33615-03-D-5801-0049 5b

B-branes and supersymmetric quivers in 2d

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Closset, Cyril; Guo, Jirui; Sharpe, Eric

2018-02-01

We study 2d N = (0, 2) supersymmetric quiver gauge theories that describe the low-energy dynamics of D1-branes at Calabi-Yau fourfold (CY4) singularities. On general grounds, the holomorphic sector of these theories — matter content and (classical) superpotential interactions — should be fully captured by the topological B-model on the CY4. By studying a number of examples, we confirm this expectation and flesh out the dictionary between B-brane category and supersymmetric quiver: the matter content of the supersymmetric quiver is encoded in morphisms between B-branes (that is, Ext groups of coherent sheaves), while the superpotential interactions are encoded in the A ∞ algebra satisfied by the morphisms. This provides us with a derivation of the supersymmetric quiver directly from the CY4 geometry. We also suggest a relation between triality of N = (0 ,2) gauge theories and certain mutations of exceptional collections of sheaves. 0d N = 1 supersymmetric quivers, corresponding to D-instantons probing CY5 singularities, can be discussed similarly.

Thyroid hormone deiodinases D1, D2, and D3 are expressed in human endothelial dermal microvascular line: effects of thyroid hormones.

PubMed

Sabatino, Laura; Lubrano, Valter; Balzan, Silvana; Kusmic, Claudia; Del Turco, Serena; Iervasi, Giorgio

2015-01-01

Endothelial system acts as a large endocrine organ in the human body; however, little is still known about the regulative role of THs on endothelial cells. Aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of the TH deiodinases (D1, D2, and D3) and TH receptors (TRα1, TRα2, and TRβ1) in an endothelial microvascular cultured cell model (HMEC-1), after stimulation with triiodothyronine (T3, 10-100 nM), thyroxine (T4, 10-100 nM), and reverse T3 (rT3, 1-10 nM). DIO1 was significantly inhibited by T4 at 10 and 100 nM (p < 0.001). rT3 significantly inhibited DIO1 at 1 nM concentration (p < 0.01) and stimulated DIO1 at 10 nM dosage (p < 0.001). T4 and rT3 significantly inhibited DIO2 at all concentrations. DIO3 was induced at 100 nM T3 (p < 0.05) and 100 nM rT3 (p < 0.01), and TRα1 and TRα2 mRNAs were significantly increased after 100 nM T3 treatment (p < 0.05) and decreased after 1 and 10 nM rT3 (p < 0.05). TRβ1 was significantly increased by all THs at different concentrations: 10 nM T3 and 100 nM T3 (p < 0.05), 1 nM rT3 (p < 0.001), and 100 nM T4 (p < 0.01). D1 and D2 protein levels were evaluated, but no significant difference was observed for any hormonal treatment. For the first time, we found that the TH deiodinases and receptors are expressed in endothelial HMEC-1 cells. These findings might be of significant clinical relevance, given the important regulatory role of the endothelium as first barrier to the bloodstream.

75 FR 65222 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-22

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D... 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2...

Admiralty Inlet Advanced Turbulence Measurements: June 2014

DOE Data Explorer

Kilcher, Levi

2014-06-30

This data is from measurements at Admiralty Head, in Admiralty Inlet (Puget Sound) in June of 2014. The measurements were made using Inertial Motion Unit (IMU) equipped ADVs mounted on Tidal Turbulence Mooring's (TTMs). The TTM positions the ADV head above the seafloor to make mid-depth turbulence measurements. The inertial measurements from the IMU allows for removal of mooring motion in post processing. The mooring motion has been removed from the stream-wise and vertical velocity signals (u, w). The lateral (v) velocity has some 'persistent motion contamination' due to mooring sway. Each ttm was deployed with two ADVs. The 'top' ADV head was positioned 0.5m above the 'bottom' ADV head. The TTMs were placed in 58m of water. The position of the TTMs were: ttm01 : (48.1525, -122.6867) ttm01b : (48.15256666, -122.68678333) ttm02b : (48.152783333, -122.686316666) Deployments TTM01b and TTM02b occurred simultaneously and were spaced approximately 50m apart in the cross-stream direction. Units ----- - Velocity data (_u, urot, uacc) is in m/s. - Acceleration (Accel) data is in m/s^2. - Angular rate (AngRt) data is in rad/s. - The components of all vectors are in 'ENU' orientation. That is, the first index is True East, the second is True North, and the third is Up (vertical). - All other quantities are in the units defined in the Nortek Manual. Motion correction and rotation into the ENU earth reference frame was performed using the Python-based open source DOLfYN library (http://lkilcher.github.io/dolfyn/). Details on motion correction can be found there. Additional details on TTM measurements at this site can be found in the included Marine Energy Technology Symposium paper.

First observation of B + → D s + K + K - decays and a search for B + → D s + ϕ decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaij, R.; Adeva, B.; Adinolfi, M.; Ajaltouni, Z.; Akar, S.; Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F.; Alexander, M.; Alfonso Albero, A.; Ali, S.; Alkhazov, G.; Alvarez Cartelle, P.; Alves, A. A.; Amato, S.; Amerio, S.; Amhis, Y.; An, L.; Anderlini, L.; Andreassi, G.; Andreotti, M.; Andrews, J. E.; Appleby, R. B.; Archilli, F.; d'Argent, P.; Arnau Romeu, J.; Artamonov, A.; Artuso, M.; Aslanides, E.; Atzeni, M.; Auriemma, G.; Baalouch, M.; Babuschkin, I.; Bachmann, S.; Back, J. J.; Badalov, A.; Baesso, C.; Baker, S.; Balagura, V.; Baldini, W.; Baranov, A.; Barlow, R. J.; Barschel, C.; Barsuk, S.; Barter, W.; Baryshnikov, F.; Batozskaya, V.; Battista, V.; Bay, A.; Beaucourt, L.; Beddow, J.; Bedeschi, F.; Bediaga, I.; Beiter, A.; Bel, L. J.; Beliy, N.; Bellee, V.; Belloli, N.; Belous, K.; Belyaev, I.; Ben-Haim, E.; Bencivenni, G.; Benson, S.; Beranek, S.; Berezhnoy, A.; Bernet, R.; Berninghoff, D.; Bertholet, E.; Bertolin, A.; Betancourt, C.; Betti, F.; Bettler, M.-O.; van Beuzekom, M.; Bezshyiko, Ia.; Bifani, S.; Billoir, P.; Birnkraut, A.; Bizzeti, A.; Bjørn, M.; Blake, T.; Blanc, F.; Blusk, S.; Bocci, V.; Boettcher, T.; Bondar, A.; Bondar, N.; Bordyuzhin, I.; Borghi, S.; Borisyak, M.; Borsato, M.; Bossu, F.; Boubdir, M.; Bowcock, T. J. V.; Bowen, E.; Bozzi, C.; Braun, S.; Britton, T.; Brodzicka, J.; Brundu, D.; Buchanan, E.; Burr, C.; Bursche, A.; Buytaert, J.; Byczynski, W.; Cadeddu, S.; Cai, H.; Calabrese, R.; Calladine, R.; Calvi, M.; Calvo Gomez, M.; Camboni, A.; Campana, P.; Campora Perez, D. H.; Capriotti, L.; Carbone, A.; Carboni, G.; Cardinale, R.; Cardini, A.; Carniti, P.; Carson, L.; Carvalho Akiba, K.; Casse, G.; Cassina, L.; Cattaneo, M.; Cavallero, G.; Cenci, R.; Chamont, D.; Chapman, M. G.; Charles, M.; Charpentier, Ph.; Chatzikonstantinidis, G.; Chefdeville, M.; Chen, S.; Cheung, S. F.; Chitic, S.-G.; Chobanova, V.; Chrzaszcz, M.; Chubykin, A.; Ciambrone, P.; Cid Vidal, X.; Ciezarek, G.; Clarke, P. E. L.; Clemencic, M.; Cliff, H. V.; Closier, J.; Cogan, J.; Cogneras, E.; Cogoni, V.; Cojocariu, L.; Collins, P.; Colombo, T.; Comerma-Montells, A.; Contu, A.; Cook, A.; Coombs, G.; Coquereau, S.; Corti, G.; Corvo, M.; Costa Sobral, C. M.; Couturier, B.; Cowan, G. A.; Craik, D. C.; Crocombe, A.; Cruz Torres, M.; Currie, R.; D'Ambrosio, C.; Da Cunha Marinho, F.; Dall'Occo, E.; Dalseno, J.; Davis, A.; De Aguiar Francisco, O.; De Bruyn, K.; De Capua, S.; De Cian, M.; De Miranda, J. M.; De Paula, L.; De Serio, M.; De Simone, P.; Dean, C. T.; Decamp, D.; Del Buono, L.; Dembinski, H.-P.; Demmer, M.; Dendek, A.; Derkach, D.; Deschamps, O.; Dettori, F.; Dey, B.; Di Canto, A.; Di Nezza, P.; Dijkstra, H.; Dordei, F.; Dorigo, M.; Dosil Suárez, A.; Douglas, L.; Dovbnya, A.; Dreimanis, K.; Dufour, L.; Dujany, G.; Durante, P.; Dzhelyadin, R.; Dziewiecki, M.; Dziurda, A.; Dzyuba, A.; Easo, S.; Ebert, M.; Egede, U.; Egorychev, V.; Eidelman, S.; Eisenhardt, S.; Eitschberger, U.; Ekelhof, R.; Eklund, L.; Ely, S.; Esen, S.; Evans, H. M.; Evans, T.; Falabella, A.; Farley, N.; Farry, S.; Fazzini, D.; Federici, L.; Ferguson, D.; Fernandez, G.; Fernandez Declara, P.; Fernandez Prieto, A.; Ferrari, F.; Ferreira Rodrigues, F.; Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Filippov, S.; Fini, R. A.; Fiorini, M.; Firlej, M.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Fiutowski, T.; Fleuret, F.; Fohl, K.; Fontana, M.; Fontanelli, F.; Forshaw, D. C.; Forty, R.; Franco Lima, V.; Frank, M.; Frei, C.; Fu, J.; Funk, W.; Furfaro, E.; Färber, C.; Gabriel, E.; Gallas Torreira, A.; Galli, D.; Gallorini, S.; Gambetta, S.; Gandelman, M.; Gandini, P.; Gao, Y.; Garcia Martin, L. M.; García Pardiñas, J.; Garra Tico, J.; Garrido, L.; Garsed, P. J.; Gascon, D.; Gaspar, C.; Gavardi, L.; Gazzoni, G.; Gerick, D.; Gersabeck, E.; Gersabeck, M.; Gershon, T.; Ghez, Ph.; Gianí, S.; Gibson, V.; Girard, O. G.; Giubega, L.; Gizdov, K.; Gligorov, V. V.; Golubkov, D.; Golutvin, A.; Gomes, A.; Gorelov, I. V.; Gotti, C.; Govorkova, E.; Grabowski, J. P.; Graciani Diaz, R.; Granado Cardoso, L. A.; Graugés, E.; Graverini, E.; Graziani, G.; Grecu, A.; Greim, R.; Griffith, P.; Grillo, L.; Gruber, L.; Gruberg Cazon, B. R.; Grünberg, O.; Gushchin, E.; Guz, Yu.; Gys, T.; Göbel, C.; Hadavizadeh, T.; Hadjivasiliou, C.; Haefeli, G.; Haen, C.; Haines, S. C.; Hamilton, B.; Han, X.; Hancock, T. H.; Hansmann-Menzemer, S.; Harnew, N.; Harnew, S. T.; Hasse, C.; Hatch, M.; He, J.; Hecker, M.; Heinicke, K.; Heister, A.; Hennessy, K.; Henrard, P.; Henry, L.; van Herwijnen, E.; Heß, M.; Hicheur, A.; Hill, D.; Hombach, C.; Hopchev, P. H.; Hu, W.; Huard, Z. C.; Hulsbergen, W.; Humair, T.; Hushchyn, M.; Hutchcroft, D.; Ibis, P.; Idzik, M.; Ilten, P.; Jacobsson, R.; Jalocha, J.; Jans, E.; Jawahery, A.; Jiang, F.; John, M.; Johnson, D.; Jones, C. R.; Joram, C.; Jost, B.; Jurik, N.; Kandybei, S.; Karacson, M.; Kariuki, J. M.; Karodia, S.; Kazeev, N.; Kecke, M.; Keizer, F.; Kelsey, M.; Kenzie, M.; Ketel, T.; Khairullin, E.; Khanji, B.; Khurewathanakul, C.; Kirn, T.; Klaver, S.; Klimaszewski, K.; Klimkovich, T.; Koliiev, S.; Kolpin, M.; Kopecna, R.; Koppenburg, P.; Kosmyntseva, A.; Kotriakhova, S.; Kozeiha, M.; Kravchuk, L.; Kreps, M.; Kress, F.; Krokovny, P.; Kruse, F.; Krzemien, W.; Kucewicz, W.; Kucharczyk, M.; Kudryavtsev, V.; Kuonen, A. K.; Kvaratskheliya, T.; Lacarrere, D.; Lafferty, G.; Lai, A.; Lanfranchi, G.; Langenbruch, C.; Latham, T.; Lazzeroni, C.; Le Gac, R.; Leflat, A.; Lefrançois, J.; Lefèvre, R.; Lemaitre, F.; Lemos Cid, E.; Leroy, O.; Lesiak, T.; Leverington, B.; Li, P.-R.; Li, T.; Li, Y.; Li, Z.; Likhomanenko, T.; Lindner, R.; Lionetto, F.; Lisovskyi, V.; Liu, X.; Loh, D.; Loi, A.; Longstaff, I.; Lopes, J. H.; Lucchesi, D.; Lucio Martinez, M.; Luo, H.; Lupato, A.; Luppi, E.; Lupton, O.; Lusiani, A.; Lyu, X.; Machefert, F.; Maciuc, F.; Macko, V.; Mackowiak, P.; Maddrell-Mander, S.; Maev, O.; Maguire, K.; Maisuzenko, D.; Majewski, M. W.; Malde, S.; Malecki, B.; Malinin, A.; Maltsev, T.; Manca, G.; Mancinelli, G.; Marangotto, D.; Maratas, J.; Marchand, J. F.; Marconi, U.; Marin Benito, C.; Marinangeli, M.; Marino, P.; Marks, J.; Martellotti, G.; Martin, M.; Martinelli, M.; Martinez Santos, D.; Martinez Vidal, F.; Massacrier, L. M.; Massafferri, A.; Matev, R.; Mathad, A.; Mathe, Z.; Matteuzzi, C.; Mauri, A.; Maurice, E.; Maurin, B.; Mazurov, A.; McCann, M.; McNab, A.; McNulty, R.; Mead, J. V.; Meadows, B.; Meaux, C.; Meier, F.; Meinert, N.; Melnychuk, D.; Merk, M.; Merli, A.; Michielin, E.; Milanes, D. A.; Millard, E.; Minard, M.-N.; Minzoni, L.; Mitzel, D. S.; Mogini, A.; Molina Rodriguez, J.; Mombächer, T.; Monroy, I. A.; Monteil, S.; Morandin, M.; Morello, M. J.; Morgunova, O.; Moron, J.; Morris, A. B.; Mountain, R.; Muheim, F.; Mulder, M.; Müller, D.; Müller, J.; Müller, K.; Müller, V.; Naik, P.; Nakada, T.; Nandakumar, R.; Nandi, A.; Nasteva, I.; Needham, M.; Neri, N.; Neubert, S.; Neufeld, N.; Neuner, M.; Nguyen, T. D.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Nieswand, S.; Niet, R.; Nikitin, N.; Nikodem, T.; Nogay, A.; O'Hanlon, D. P.; Oblakowska-Mucha, A.; Obraztsov, V.; Ogilvy, S.; Oldeman, R.; Onderwater, C. J. G.; Ossowska, A.; Otalora Goicochea, J. M.; Owen, P.; Oyanguren, A.; Pais, P. R.; Palano, A.; Palutan, M.; Papanestis, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Pappalardo, L. L.; Parker, W.; Parkes, C.; Passaleva, G.; Pastore, A.; Patel, M.; Patrignani, C.; Pearce, A.; Pellegrino, A.; Penso, G.; Pepe Altarelli, M.; Perazzini, S.; Perret, P.; Pescatore, L.; Petridis, K.; Petrolini, A.; Petrov, A.; Petruzzo, M.; Picatoste Olloqui, E.; Pietrzyk, B.; Pikies, M.; Pinci, D.; Pisani, F.; Pistone, A.; Piucci, A.; Placinta, V.; Playfer, S.; Plo Casasus, M.; Polci, F.; Poli Lener, M.; Poluektov, A.; Polyakov, I.; Polycarpo, E.; Pomery, G. J.; Ponce, S.; Popov, A.; Popov, D.; Poslavskii, S.; Potterat, C.; Price, E.; Prisciandaro, J.; Prouve, C.; Pugatch, V.; Puig Navarro, A.; Pullen, H.; Punzi, G.; Qian, W.; Quagliani, R.; Quintana, B.; Rachwal, B.; Rademacker, J. H.; Rama, M.; Ramos Pernas, M.; Rangel, M. S.; Raniuk, I.; Ratnikov, F.; Raven, G.; Ravonel Salzgeber, M.; Reboud, M.; Redi, F.; Reichert, S.; dos Reis, A. C.; Remon Alepuz, C.; Renaudin, V.; Ricciardi, S.; Richards, S.; Rihl, M.; Rinnert, K.; Rives Molina, V.; Robbe, P.; Robert, A.; Rodrigues, A. B.; Rodrigues, E.; Rodriguez Lopez, J. A.; Rogozhnikov, A.; Roiser, S.; Rollings, A.; Romanovskiy, V.; Romero Vidal, A.; Ronayne, J. W.; Rotondo, M.; Rudolph, M. S.; Ruf, T.; Ruiz Valls, P.; Ruiz Vidal, J.; Saborido Silva, J. J.; Sadykhov, E.; Sagidova, N.; Saitta, B.; Salustino Guimaraes, V.; Sanchez Mayordomo, C.; Sanmartin Sedes, B.; Santacesaria, R.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santimaria, M.; Santovetti, E.; Sarpis, G.; Sarti, A.; Satriano, C.; Satta, A.; Saunders, D. M.; Savrina, D.; Schael, S.; Schellenberg, M.; Schiller, M.; Schindler, H.; Schmelling, M.; Schmelzer, T.; Schmidt, B.; Schneider, O.; Schopper, A.; Schreiner, H. F.; Schubiger, M.; Schune, M.-H.; Schwemmer, R.; Sciascia, B.; Sciubba, A.; Semennikov, A.; Sepulveda, E. S.; Sergi, A.; Serra, N.; Serrano, J.; Sestini, L.; Seyfert, P.; Shapkin, M.; Shapoval, I.; Shcheglov, Y.; Shears, T.; Shekhtman, L.; Shevchenko, V.; Siddi, B. G.; Silva Coutinho, R.; Silva de Oliveira, L.; Simi, G.; Simone, S.; Sirendi, M.; Skidmore, N.; Skwarnicki, T.; Smith, E.; Smith, I. T.; Smith, J.; Smith, M.; Soares Lavra, l.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Soler, F. J. P.; Souza De Paula, B.; Spaan, B.; Spradlin, P.; Sridharan, S.; Stagni, F.; Stahl, M.; Stahl, S.; Stefko, P.; Stefkova, S.; Steinkamp, O.; Stemmle, S.; Stenyakin, O.; Stepanova, M.; Stevens, H.; Stone, S.; Storaci, B.; Stracka, S.; Stramaglia, M. E.; Straticiuc, M.; Straumann, U.; Sun, J.; Sun, L.; Sutcliffe, W.; Swientek, K.; Syropoulos, V.; Szumlak, T.; Szymanski, M.; T'Jampens, S.; Tayduganov, A.; Tekampe, T.; Tellarini, G.; Teubert, F.; Thomas, E.; van Tilburg, J.; Tilley, M. J.; Tisserand, V.; Tobin, M.; Tolk, S.; Tomassetti, L.; Tonelli, D.; Toriello, F.; Tourinho Jadallah Aoude, R.; Tournefier, E.; Traill, M.; Tran, M. T.; Tresch, M.; Trisovic, A.; Tsaregorodtsev, A.; Tsopelas, P.; Tully, A.; Tuning, N.; Ukleja, A.; Usachov, A.; Ustyuzhanin, A.; Uwer, U.; Vacca, C.; Vagner, A.; Vagnoni, V.; Valassi, A.; Valat, S.; Valenti, G.; Vazquez Gomez, R.; Vazquez Regueiro, P.; Vecchi, S.; van Veghel, M.; Velthuis, J. J.; Veltri, M.; Veneziano, G.; Venkateswaran, A.; Verlage, T. A.; Vernet, M.; Vesterinen, M.; Viana Barbosa, J. V.; Viaud, B.; Vieira, D.; Vieites Diaz, M.; Viemann, H.; Vilasis-Cardona, X.; Vitti, M.; Volkov, V.; Vollhardt, A.; Voneki, B.; Vorobyev, A.; Vorobyev, V.; Voß, C.; de Vries, J. A.; Vázquez Sierra, C.; Waldi, R.; Wallace, C.; Wallace, R.; Walsh, J.; Wang, J.; Ward, D. R.; Wark, H. M.; Watson, N. K.; Websdale, D.; Weiden, A.; Weisser, C.; Whitehead, M.; Wicht, J.; Wilkinson, G.; Wilkinson, M.; Williams, M.; Williams, M. P.; Williams, M.; Williams, T.; Wilson, F. F.; Wimberley, J.; Winn, M.; Wishahi, J.; Wislicki, W.; Witek, M.; Wormser, G.; Wotton, S. A.; Wraight, K.; Wyllie, K.; Xie, Y.; Xu, M.; Xu, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yao, Y.; Yin, H.; Yu, J.; Yuan, X.; Yushchenko, O.; Zarebski, K. A.; Zavertyaev, M.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, Y.; Zhelezov, A.; Zheng, Y.; Zhu, X.; Zhukov, V.; Zonneveld, J. B.; Zucchelli, S.

2018-01-01

A search for B + → D s + K + K - decays is performed using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.8 fb-1, collected at centre-of-mass energies of 7, 8 and 13 TeV with the LHCb experiment. A significant signal is observed for the first time and the branching fraction is determined to be B({B}+\\to {D}_s+{K}+{K}-)=(7.1 ± 0.5 ± 0.6 ± 0.7)× 1{0}^{-6}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic and the third due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the normalisation mode {B}+\\to {D}_s+{\\overline{D}}^0 . A search is also performed for the pure annihilation decay B + → D s + ϕ. No significant signal is observed and a limit of B({B}+\\to {D}_s+φ )<4.9 × 1{0}^{-7}(4.2 × 1{0}^{-7}) is set on the branching fraction at 95% (90%) confidence level. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Orbital period study of the Algol-type eclipsing binary system TW Draconis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, S. B.; Boonrucksar, S.

2002-10-01

The century-long times of light minimum of the Algol-type eclipsing binary star, TW Dra (BD +64°1077, Sp A5V+K2III), are investigated by considering a new pattern of period change. Two sudden period increases and two successive period decreases are discovered to superimpose on a rapid secular increase (d P/d t=+4.43×10 -6 days/year). The secular increase may be caused by a dynamical mass transfer from the secondary to the primary component (d m/d t=6.81×10 -7 M ⊙/year) that is in agreement with the semi-detached configuration of the system and with the existence of a hot spot and a gaseous stream in the binary system. The irregular period jumps superimposed on the secular increase can be explained by the structure variation of the K2-type giant via instabilities of the outer convective layer or via magnetic activity cycles.

Structural Study of GaAs(001):In 4×2 Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, T.-L.; Zegenhagen, J.; Lyman, P. F.; Bedzyk, M. J.

1997-03-01

In a STM and LEED investigation (U. Resch-Esser et al., JVST B 13, 1672 (1995)), the indium-terminated GaAs(001) surface exhibited a (4×2) reconstruction. Based on this study, a dimer model, similar to that proposed by Biegelsen et al. (PRB 41, 5701(1990)) for the (4×2) clean surface, was proposed. However, the detailed local structure of the In ad-atoms was not resolvable from the STM image. In this work, we applied in situ x-ray standing wave (XSW) measurements to determine the surface structure of the GaAs(001) upon the adsorption of In at low coverages. The (4×2)/c(8×2) In-terminated GaAs(001) surface (Θ_In = 0.2 ML) was prepared by MBE. The (004) XSW measurement showed that the In ad-atoms were located 1.61 Åabove the (004) diffraction planes. At higher In coverages (up to 0.6 ML) the In (004) coherent fraction was small. This is consistent with the ladder-type pattern observed by STM at Θ_In > 0.5 ML, which indicated that there were two coexisting surface structures. For Θ_In = 0.2 ML, we found that our off-normal XSW measurements did not agree with the model proposed by Resch-Esser et al.. This work is sponsored by DOE-BES No. W-31-109-ENG-38 and by NSF No. DMR-9632472.

Deep Imaging Search for Planets Forming in the TW Hya Protoplanetary Disk with the Keck/NIRC2 Vortex Coronagraph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruane, G.; Mawet, D.; Kastner, J.; Meshkat, T.; Bottom, M.; Femenía Castellá, B.; Absil, O.; Gomez Gonzalez, C.; Huby, E.; Zhu, Z.; Jenson-Clem, R.; Choquet, É.; Serabyn, E.

2017-08-01

Distinct gap features in the nearest protoplanetary disk, TW Hya (distance of 59.5 ± 0.9 pc), may be signposts of ongoing planet formation. We performed long-exposure thermal infrared coronagraphic imaging observations to search for accreting planets, especially within dust gaps previously detected in scattered light and submillimeter-wave thermal emission. Three nights of observations with the Keck/NIRC2 vortex coronagraph in L‧ (3.4-4.1 μm) did not reveal any statistically significant point sources. We thereby set strict upper limits on the masses of non-accreting planets. In the four most prominent disk gaps at 24, 41, 47, and 88 au, we obtain upper mass limits of 1.6-2.3, 1.1-1.6, 1.1-1.5, and 1.0-1.2 Jupiter masses (M J), assuming an age range of 7-10 Myr for TW Hya. These limits correspond to the contrast at 95% completeness (true positive fraction of 0.95) with a 1% chance of a false positive within 1″ of the star. We also approximate an upper limit on the product of the planet mass and planetary accretion rate of {M}{{p}}\\dot{M}≲ {10}-8 {M}{{J}}2 {{yr}}-1 implying that any putative ˜0.1 M J planet, which could be responsible for opening the 24 au gap, is presently accreting at rates insufficient to build up a Jupiter mass within TW Hya’s pre-main-sequence lifetime.

TW Hydrae Family of Stars

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-19

A sky map taken by NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, shows the location of the TW Hydrae family, or association, of stars, which lies about 175 light-years from Earth and is centered in the Hydra constellation.

CC2D1A and CC2D1B regulate degradation and signaling of EGFR and TLR4.

PubMed

Deshar, Rakesh; Cho, Eun-Bee; Yoon, Sungjoo Kim; Yoon, Jong-Bok

2016-11-11

Signaling through many transmembrane receptors is terminated by their sorting to the intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) of multivescular bodies (MVBs) and subsequent lysosomal degradation. ILV formation requires the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. CC2D1A and CC2D1B interact with the CHMP4 family of proteins, the major subunit of the ESCRT-III complex, however, their roles in receptor degradation and signaling are poorly defined. Here, we report that CC2D1A binds to CHMP4B polymers formed on endosomes to regulate the endosomal sorting pathway. We show that depletion of CC2D1A and B accelerates degradation of EGFR and elicits rapid termination of its downstream signaling through ERK1 and 2. Depletion of CC2D1A and B promotes sorting of EGFR to ILV leading to its rapid lysosomal degradation. In addition, we show that knockdown of CC2D1A and B has similar effects on degradation and downstream signaling of another membrane receptor, TLR4. Thus, these findings suggest that CC2D1A and B may have broad effects on transmembrane receptors by preventing premature ILV sorting and termination of signaling. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced anti-ferromagnetism promoted by Zn 3d 10 substitution at CuO 2 planar sites of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4O 12-δ superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumtaz, M.; Khan, Nawazish A.

2009-11-01

The role of charge carriers in ZnO 2/CuO 2 planes of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4-yZn yO 12-δ material in bringing about superconductivity has been explained. Due to suppression of anti-ferromagnetic order with Zn 3d 10 ( S=0) substitution at Cu 3d 9(S={1}/{2}) sites in the inner CuO 2 planes of Cu 0.5Tl 0.5Ba 2Ca 3Cu 4O 12-δ superconductor, the distribution of charge carriers becomes homogeneous and optimum, which is evident from the enhanced superconductivity parameters. The decreased c-axis length with the increase of Zn doping improves interlayer coupling and hence the three dimensional (3D) conductivity in the unit cell is enhanced. Also the softening of phonon modes with the increased Zn doping indicates that the electron-phonon interaction has an essential role in the mechanism of high- Tc superconductivity in these compounds.

Evaluation of different mathematical models and different b-value ranges of diffusion-weighted imaging in peripheral zone prostate cancer detection using b-value up to 4500 s/mm2

PubMed Central

Feng, Zhaoyan; Min, Xiangde; Margolis, Daniel J. A.; Duan, Caohui; Chen, Yuping; Sah, Vivek Kumar; Chaudhary, Nabin; Li, Basen; Ke, Zan; Zhang, Peipei; Wang, Liang

2017-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic performance of different mathematical models and different b-value ranges of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in peripheral zone prostate cancer (PZ PCa) detection. Methods Fifty-six patients with histologically proven PZ PCa who underwent DWI-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 21 b-values (0–4500 s/mm2) were included. The mean signal intensities of the regions of interest (ROIs) placed in benign PZs and cancerous tissues on DWI images were fitted using mono-exponential, bi-exponential, stretched-exponential, and kurtosis models. The b-values were divided into four ranges: 0–1000, 0–2000, 0–3200, and 0–4500 s/mm2, grouped as A, B, C, and D, respectively. ADC, <D>, D*, f, DDC, α, Dapp, and Kapp were estimated for each group. The adjusted coefficient of determination (R2) was calculated to measure goodness-of-fit. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the parameters. Results All parameters except D* showed significant differences between cancerous tissues and benign PZs in each group. The area under the curve values (AUCs) of ADC were comparable in groups C and D (p = 0.980) and were significantly higher than those in groups A and B (p< 0.05 for all). The AUCs of ADC and Kapp in groups B and C were similar (p = 0.07 and p = 0.954), and were significantly higher than the other parameters (p< 0.001 for all). The AUCs of ADC in group D was slightly higher than Kapp (p = 0.002), and both were significantly higher than the other parameters (p< 0.001 for all). Conclusions ADC derived from conventional mono-exponential high b-value (3200 s/mm2) models is an optimal parameter for PZ PCa detection. PMID:28199367

A Comparative Analysis of 2D and 3D Tasks for Virtual Reality Therapies Based on Robotic-Assisted Neurorehabilitation for Post-stroke Patients

PubMed Central

Lledó, Luis D.; Díez, Jorge A.; Bertomeu-Motos, Arturo; Ezquerro, Santiago; Badesa, Francisco J.; Sabater-Navarro, José M.; García-Aracil, Nicolás

2016-01-01

Post-stroke neurorehabilitation based on virtual therapies are performed completing repetitive exercises shown in visual electronic devices, whose content represents imaginary or daily life tasks. Currently, there are two ways of visualization of these task. 3D virtual environments are used to get a three dimensional space that represents the real world with a high level of detail, whose realism is determinated by the resolucion and fidelity of the objects of the task. Furthermore, 2D virtual environments are used to represent the tasks with a low degree of realism using techniques of bidimensional graphics. However, the type of visualization can influence the quality of perception of the task, affecting the patient's sensorimotor performance. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate if there were differences in patterns of kinematic movements when post-stroke patients performed a reach task viewing a virtual therapeutic game with two different type of visualization of virtual environment: 2D and 3D. Nine post-stroke patients have participated in the study receiving a virtual therapy assisted by PUPArm rehabilitation robot. Horizontal movements of the upper limb were performed to complete the aim of the tasks, which consist in reaching peripheral or perspective targets depending on the virtual environment shown. Various parameter types such as the maximum speed, reaction time, path length, or initial movement are analyzed from the data acquired objectively by the robotic device to evaluate the influence of the task visualization. At the end of the study, a usability survey was provided to each patient to analysis his/her satisfaction level. For all patients, the movement trajectories were enhanced when they completed the therapy. This fact suggests that patient's motor recovery was increased. Despite of the similarity in majority of the kinematic parameters, differences in reaction time and path length were higher using the 3D task. Regarding the success rates

Long-term secular trend of skeletal maturation of Taiwanese children between agricultural (1960s) and contemporary (after 2000s) generations using the Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW3) method.

PubMed

Hsieh, Chi-Wen; Liu, Tzu-Chiang; Jong, Tai-Lang; Tiu, Chui-Mei

2013-01-01

The Tanner-Whitehouse (TW) method is one of the well-known techniques in determining the bone age. According to the objectivity of TW3, the secular trend was investigated to discover whether the skeletal maturation of Taiwanese children between two generations was different. The large-scale database of Taiwan was collected. The first group, called mid-1960s, included 265 boys and 295 girls in the agricultural generation (between 1966 and 1967). The second group, called mid-2000s, includes 114 boys and 616 girls in the contemporary generation (after 2000s). The bone age was determined by three radiologists using the carpals-only system of the TW3 method and by two physicians using the Greulich and Pyle method. A comparison of the means (independent-samples t-test) was applied by examining the difference of the children's skeletal maturation between the two generations in the same chronological age. The significant difference was considered while the p-value was 0.05 or less (95% confidence interval). A significant difference of the mean bone age (by, on average, three radiologists using the TW3 method) between the mid-1960s and mid-2000s in the same gender and chronological age was presented by the independent-samples t-test (p<0.001 with 95% confidence interval), and the bone age, determined by the TW3 method, of the mid-2000s group was higher than that of the mid-1960s group. This scenario corresponded with the children's bone age determined by pediatricians. Besides, it deserved to notice that the bone age of boys in the mid-2000s was larger than that of the girls in the mid-1960s. Furthermore, by comparing the environmental condition, we suspect that the difference of bone age of children between the two generations was attributed to the discrepancy in nutrition and socioeconomic variation during the four decades in Taiwan. The study presents that the secular trend of skeletal maturation of children in the mid-2000s is faster than that in the mid-1960s.

Near ultraviolet photodissociation spectroscopy of Mn+(H2O) and Mn+(D2O)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, Wright L.; Copeland, Christopher; Kocak, Abdulkadir; Sallese, Zachary; Metz, Ricardo B.

2014-11-01

The electronic spectra of Mn+(H2O) and Mn+(D2O) have been measured from 30 000 to 35 000 cm-1 using photodissociation spectroscopy. Transitions are observed from the 7A1 ground state in which the Mn+ is in a 3d54s1 electronic configuration, to the 7B2 (3d54py) and 7B1 (3d54px) excited states with T0 = 30 210 and 32 274 cm-1, respectively. Each electronic transition has partially resolved rotational and extensive vibrational structure with an extended progression in the metal-ligand stretch at a frequency of ˜450 cm-1. There are also progressions in the in-plane bend in the 7B2 state, due to vibronic coupling, and the out-of-plane bend in the 7B1 state, where the calculation illustrates that this state is slightly non-planar. Electronic structure computations at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ and TD-DFT B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,3pd) level are also used to characterize the ground and excited states, respectively. These calculations predict a ground state Mn-O bond length of 2.18 Å. Analysis of the experimentally observed vibrational intensities reveals that this bond length decreases by 0.15 ± 0.015 Å and 0.14 ± 0.01 Å in the excited states. The behavior is accounted for by the less repulsive px and py orbitals causing the Mn+ to interact more strongly with water in the excited states than the ground state. The result is a decrease in the Mn-O bond length, along with an increase in the H-O-H angle. The spectra have well resolved K rotational structure. Fitting this structure gives spin-rotation constants ɛaa″ = -3 ± 1 cm-1 for the ground state and ɛaa' = 0.5 ± 0.5 cm-1 and ɛaa' = -4.2 ± 0.7 cm-1 for the first and second excited states, respectively, and A' = 12.8 ± 0.7 cm-1 for the first excited state. Vibrationally mediated photodissociation studies determine the O-H antisymmetric stretching frequency in the ground electronic state to be 3658 cm-1.

Testing our scenario of a failed wind in TW Hya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canizares, Claude

2017-09-01

We recently discovered variability in X-ray indicators of accretion in the CTTS TW Hya. We seek to use this to understand the physics of accretion in our upcoming HST observations. We have been granted 7 HST orbits to monitor the C IV 155 nm doublet in TW Hya, the closest CTTS, to correlate i) the hot wind ii) the cool wind iii) the photometric period iv) the accretion. In existing HETGS data of TW Hya we see variability in emission lines from the accretion shock on the star. However, the densities in Ne IX and O VII indicate that today's shock models are incomplete. A hot wind is the most promising candidate for this missing component.

[Correlation of Plasma Co-stimulatory Molecules B7-H2 and B7-H3 with Platelet Auto-antibodies in Patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura].

PubMed

Zuo, Bin; Zhao, Yun-Xiao; Yang, Jian-Feng; He, Yang

2015-08-01

To investigate whether the plasma level of platelet auto- antibodies in ITP patients is related to that of co-stimulatory molecules sB7-H2 and sB7-H3. A total of 61 ITP patients and 25 healthy controls from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2012 to August 2013 were enrolled in this study. The expression levels of platelet auto-antibodies against 5 glycoproteins (GPIX, GP Ib, GP IIIa, GPIIb and P-selectin) in plasma were detected by flow cytometric immuno-beads array, and the expression of soluable co-stimulatory molecules sB7-H2 and sB7-H3 was measured by ELISA. The plasma levels of 5 auto-antibodies against platelet membrance glycoproteins significantly increased in ITP patiens (P < 0.01). Compared with healthy controls, sB7-H2 levels increased (P < 0.05), while the sB7-H3 level did not significantly change (r = 0.13, P > 0.05). However, the correlation analysis showed that sB7-H3 negatively correlated with platelet P-selectin auto-antibody (r = -0.46, P < 0.05), and sB7-H2 and sB7-H3 significantly reduced in ITP patients with positive P-selectin auto-antibody (P < 0.01). In ITP patients, platelet counts negatively correlated with sB7-H2 (r = -0.3907, P < 0.01), but did not correlate with sB7-H3. Soluble costimulatory molecule sB7-H2 elevates in ITP patients, and the level of sB7-H3 is associated with auto-antibodies against P-selectin, suggesting that costimulatory molecules B7-H2 and B7-H3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of immune regulation abnormality in ITP.

Synergetic effect of Zn substitution on the electron and phonon transport in Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5-based thermoelectric materials.

PubMed

Gao, Hongli; Zhu, Tiejun; Zhao, Xinbing; Deng, Yuan

2014-10-07

Mg2Si1-xSnx alloys are a prospective material for thermoelectric generators at moderate temperatures. The thermoelectric properties of Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5-based thermoelectric materials with only Zn substitution or Zn/Sb co-doping were investigated. Isoelectronic Zn substitution did not affect the carrier concentration, but improved the carrier mobility. Zn atoms incorporated into a Sb-doped Mg2Si0.5Sn0.5 matrix simultaneously boosted the power factor and suppressed the lattice thermal conductivity, leading to an enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of the resulting bulk materials. The interplay between the electron and phonon transport of Mg2Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01 substituted with Zn at Mg sites results in an enhancement of the ZT by 25% at ∼730 K, from ZT≈ 0.8 in Mg2Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01 to ZT≈ 1.0 in Mg1.98Zn0.02Si0.5Sn0.49Sb0.01. Solid solutions in the Mg2Si-Mg2Sn system appear to be more promising for thermoelectric applications.

Antiproliferative activity of amino substituted benzo[b]thieno[2,3-b]pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles explored by 2D and 3D cell culture system.

PubMed

Perin, Nataša; Bobanović, Kristina; Zlatar, Ivo; Jelić, Dubravko; Kelava, Vanja; Koštrun, Sanja; Marković, Vesna Gabelica; Brajša, Karmen; Hranjec, Marijana

2017-01-05

Benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines and benzo[b]thieno[2,3-b]pyrido[1,2-a]benzimidazoles with amino chains on the different positions have been evaluated by 2D and 3D assays on the human breast cancer cells. Pentacyclic derivatives were synthesized by microwave assisted amination to study the influence of the thiophene substructure on antitumor activity in comparison to tetracyclic analogues. The results obtained from 2D assay reveals that the antitumor activity is strongly dependent on the nature and position of amino chains. Tetracyclic derivatives displayed selective activity on SK-BR-3 with the 2-amino substituted derivatives as the most active ones while pentacyclic derivatives 6-16 and 21-25 showed more pronounced activity on T-47D. The evaluation of antitumor activity in the 3D assay pointed out that some of the tetracyclic and pentacyclic amino substituted derivatives showed selective activity on the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Influence of physico-chemical properties of the compounds on antiproliferative activity have been investigated by multivariate statistical methods. As a measure of lipophilicity, experimental Chrom LogD values have been determined and number of structural parameters have been calculated for investigated compounds. Main factors contributing to the antiproliferative effect for both 2D and 3D cell cultures are found to be basicity, lipophilicity, molecular weight and number of H-bond donors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function: the B-AE-D indices.

PubMed

Boeck, Lucas; Soriano, Joan B; Brusse-Keizer, Marjolein; Blasi, Francesco; Kostikas, Konstantinos; Boersma, Wim; Milenkovic, Branislava; Louis, Renaud; Lacoma, Alicia; Djamin, Remco; Aerts, Joachim; Torres, Antoni; Rohde, Gernot; Welte, Tobias; Martinez-Camblor, Pablo; Rakic, Janko; Scherr, Andreas; Koller, Michael; van der Palen, Job; Marin, Jose M; Alfageme, Inmaculada; Almagro, Pere; Casanova, Ciro; Esteban, Cristobal; Soler-Cataluña, Juan J; de-Torres, Juan P; Miravitlles, Marc; Celli, Bartolome R; Tamm, Michael; Stolz, Daiana

2016-06-01

Several composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function.The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988).Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer-Lemeshow test all p>0.05).The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk. Copyright ©ERS 2016.

Prognostic assessment in COPD without lung function: the B-AE-D indices

PubMed Central

Boeck, Lucas; Blasi, Francesco; Kostikas, Konstantinos; Boersma, Wim; Milenkovic, Branislava; Louis, Renaud; Lacoma, Alicia; Djamin, Remco; Aerts, Joachim; Torres, Antoni; Rohde, Gernot; Welte, Tobias; Martinez-Camblor, Pablo; Rakic, Janko; Scherr, Andreas; Koller, Michael; van der Palen, Job; Marin, Jose M.; Alfageme, Inmaculada; Almagro, Pere; Casanova, Ciro; Esteban, Cristobal; Soler-Cataluña, Juan J.; de-Torres, Juan P.; Miravitlles, Marc; Celli, Bartolome R.; Tamm, Michael

2016-01-01

Several composite markers have been proposed for risk assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, choice of parameters and score complexity restrict clinical applicability. Our aim was to provide and validate a simplified COPD risk index independent of lung function. The PROMISE study (n=530) was used to develop a novel prognostic index. Index performance was assessed regarding 2-year COPD-related mortality and all-cause mortality. External validity was tested in stable and exacerbated COPD patients in the ProCOLD, COCOMICS and COMIC cohorts (total n=2988). Using a mixed clinical and statistical approach, body mass index (B), severe acute exacerbations of COPD frequency (AE), modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea severity (D) and copeptin (C) were identified as the most suitable simplified marker combination. 0, 1 or 2 points were assigned to each parameter and totalled to B-AE-D or B-AE-D-C. It was observed that B-AE-D and B-AE-D-C were at least as good as BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise capacity), ADO (age, dyspnoea, airflow obstruction) and DOSE (dyspnoea, obstruction, smoking, exacerbation) indices for predicting 2-year all-cause mortality (c-statistic: 0.74, 0.77, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.63, respectively; Hosmer–Lemeshow test all p>0.05). Both indices were COPD specific (c-statistic for predicting COPD-related 2-year mortality: 0.87 and 0.89, respectively). External validation of B-AE-D was performed in COCOMICS and COMIC (c-statistic for 1-year all-cause mortality: 0.68 and 0.74; c-statistic for 2-year all-cause mortality: 0.65 and 0.67; Hosmer–Lemeshow test all p>0.05). The B-AE-D index, plus copeptin if available, allows a simple and accurate assessment of COPD-related risk. PMID:27103389

p-BaSi2/n-Si heterojunction solar cells on Si(001) with conversion efficiency approaching 10%: comparison with Si(111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Tianguo; Sato, Takuma; Xu, Zhihao; Takabe, Ryota; Yachi, Suguru; Yamashita, Yudai; Toko, Kaoru; Suemasu, Takashi

2018-06-01

B-doped p-BaSi2 epitaxial layers with a hole concentration of 1.1 × 1018 cm‑3 were grown on n-Si(001) using molecular beam epitaxy to fabricate p-BaSi2/n-Si solar cells. The thickness (d) of the p-BaSi2 layer was varied from 20 to 60 nm to investigate its effect on the solar cell performance. The conversion efficiency under an AM1.5 illumination increased with d reaching a maximum of 9.8% at d = 40 nm, which is nearly equal to the highest efficiency (9.9%) for p-BaSi2/n-Si solar cells on Si(111). This study indicated that Si(001) substrates are promising for use in BaSi2 solar cells.

A Recombinant Fragment of Human Surfactant Protein D Suppresses Basophil Activation and T-Helper Type 2 and B-Cell Responses in Grass Pollen-induced Allergic Inflammation.

PubMed

Qaseem, Asif S; Singh, Iesha; Pathan, Ansar A; Layhadi, Janice A; Parkin, Rebecca; Alexandra, Fedina; Durham, Stephen R; Kishore, Uday; Shamji, Mohamed H

2017-12-15

Recombinant fragment of human surfactant protein D (rfhSP-D) has been shown to suppress house dust mite- and Aspergillus fumigatus-induced allergic inflammation in murine models. We sought to elucidate the effect of rfhSP-D on high-affinity IgE receptor- and CD23-mediated, grass pollen-induced allergic inflammatory responses. rfhSP-D, containing homotrimeric neck and lectin domains, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(λDE3)pLysS cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and sera were obtained from individuals with grass pollen allergy (n = 27). The effect of rfhSP-D on basophil activation and histamine release was measured by flow cytometry. IgE-facilitated allergen binding and presentation were assessed by flow cytometry. T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines were measured in cell culture supernatants. The effect of rfhSP-D on IgE production by B cells when stimulated with CD40L, IL-4, and IL-21 was also determined. rfhSP-D bound to Phleum pratense in a dose- and calcium-dependent manner. Allergen-induced basophil responsiveness and histamine release were inhibited in the presence of rfhSP-D, as measured by CD63, CD203c (P = 0.0086, P = 0.04205), and intracellularly labeled diamine oxidase (P = 0.0003, P = 0.0148). The binding of allergen-IgE complexes to B cells was reduced by 51% (P = 0.002) in the presence of rfhSP-D. This decrease was concomitant with reduction in CD23 expression on B cells (P < 0.001). rfhSP-D suppressed allergen-driven CD27 - CD4 + CRTh2 + T-cell proliferation (P < 0.01), IL-4, and IL-5 levels (all P < 0.01). Moreover, rfhSP-D inhibited CD40L/IL-4- and IL-21-mediated IgE production (77.12%; P = 0.02) by B cells. For the first time, to our knowledge, we show that rfhSP-D inhibited allergen-induced basophil responses at a single-cell level and suppressed CD23-mediated facilitated allergen presentation and Th2 cytokine production. In addition, rfhSP-D inhibited IgE synthesis by B cells, which is also a

Herschel-PACS observation of the 10 Myr old T Tauri disk TW Hya. Constraining the disk gas mass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thi, W.-F.; Mathews, G.; Ménard, F.; Woitke, P.; Meeus, G.; Riviere-Marichalar, P.; Pinte, C.; Howard, C. D.; Roberge, A.; Sandell, G.; Pascucci, I.; Riaz, B.; Grady, C. A.; Dent, W. R. F.; Kamp, I.; Duchêne, G.; Augereau, J.-C.; Pantin, E.; Vandenbussche, B.; Tilling, I.; Williams, J. P.; Eiroa, C.; Barrado, D.; Alacid, J. M.; Andrews, S.; Ardila, D. R.; Aresu, G.; Brittain, S.; Ciardi, D. R.; Danchi, W.; Fedele, D.; de Gregorio-Monsalvo, I.; Heras, A.; Huelamo, N.; Krivov, A.; Lebreton, J.; Liseau, R.; Martin-Zaidi, C.; Mendigutía, I.; Montesinos, B.; Mora, A.; Morales-Calderon, M.; Nomura, H.; Phillips, N.; Podio, L.; Poelman, D. R.; Ramsay, S.; Rice, K.; Solano, E.; Walker, H.; White, G. J.; Wright, G.

2010-07-01

Planets are formed in disks around young stars. With an age of ~10 Myr, TW Hya is one of the nearest T Tauri stars that is still surrounded by a relatively massive disk. In addition a large number of molecules has been found in the TW Hya disk, making TW Hya the perfect test case in a large survey of disks with Herschel-PACS to directly study their gaseous component. We aim to constrain the gas and dust mass of the circumstellar disk around TW Hya. We observed the fine-structure lines of [O i] and [C ii] as part of the open-time large program GASPS. We complement this with continuum data and ground-based 12 CO 3-2 and 13CO 3-2 observations. We simultaneously model the continuum and the line fluxes with the 3D Monte-Carlo code MCFOST and the thermo-chemical code ProDiMo to derive the gas and dust masses. We detect the [O i] line at 63 μm. The other lines that were observed, [O i] at 145 μm and [C ii] at 157 μm, are not detected. No extended emission has been found. Preliminary modeling of the photometric and line data assuming [ 12CO] /[ 13CO] = 69 suggests a dust mass for grains with radius <1 mm of ~1.9 × 10-4 M⊙ (total solid mass of 3 × 10-3 M⊙) and a gas mass of (0.5-5) × 10-3 M⊙. The gas-to-dust mass may be lower than the standard interstellar value of 100. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by Principal Investigator consortia. It is open for proposals for observing time from the worldwide astronomical community.Appendix is only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

The purification step is not crucial in EIA measurements of thromboxane B2 and 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 in human plasma.

PubMed

Sadilkova, Lenka; Paluch, Zoltan; Mottlova, Jirina; Bednar, Frantisek; Alusik, Stefan

2012-01-01

Thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and particularly 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dTxB2) are widely used as prognostic risk markers of platelet activation in cardiovascular diseases. The main errors in TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 determination include either low concentrations of circulating TxB2 (1 - 2 pg/mL) and 11-dTxB2 (0.9 - 4.3 pg/mL) or rather high transiency (mean TxB2 half-life is approximately 5 minutes) as well as an incorrect pre-analytical phase set up. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a widely used purification step on the results of enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA)--based measurement of the two selected thromboxanes. For the purpose of this study, 20 plasma samples (10 healthy donors, 10 patients under treatment with acetylsalicylic acid) were screened for TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 concentrations using commercial competitive EIA kits (Cayman Chemicals, Tallinn, Estonia; Neogen, Lexington, KY, USA) with or without the introduction of the purification procedure. The purification step does not significantly affect the results of EIA measurements of the two of TxA2 metabolites (TxB2, 11-dTxB2) in human plasma. The levels of TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 determined in the plasma samples were not significantly changed (p < 0.05) when the purification step was omitted compared to the purified samples. This study establishes a protocol allowing for reliable and reproducible plasma TxB2 and 11-dTxB2 EIA measurement for routine basic screening of platelet function.

Influence of intertrial interval on basal and drug-induced impulsive action in the 5-choice serial reaction time task: Effects of d-amphetamine and (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI).

PubMed

Fitzpatrick, Ciaràn M; Maric, Vojislav S; Bate, Simon T; Andreasen, Jesper T

2018-01-01

Impulsivity is a characteristic of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) is a rodent paradigm extensively used to assess attention and impulsivity. Notably, 5-CSRTT studies do not typically account for the reduction in premature responding, the measure of impulsive action, occurring upon repeated exposure to test sessions with long or variable intertrial intervals (ITIs). This present 5-CSRTT study investigated the use of variable ITIs (5, 10 or 15s) across 15 test days (4 training days followed by 1 drug test day per week for three weeks) as previous experience had shown that 4 training days would be sufficient to induce consistent premature response levels in male C57BL/6J mice. Once a steady state was achieved, the effects of dextroamphetamine (AMPH) and (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI) were then assessed using a Latin-square design to determine whether pharmacological-induced impulsive actions depended on ITI length. Mice habituated to the variable ITI schedule after only 3days and showed consistently lower premature response levels until the end of the study. AMPH (p<0.05) and DOI (p<0.05) increased the percentage of premature responses at 15s ITI trials, while only DOI (p<0.05) increased impulsive action at 10s ITI trials. Additionally, DOI increased omission rates (p<0.001), mean correct latency (p<0.01), reward collection latency (p<0.001), and reduced the total attempted trials (p<0.001). In summary, we demonstrated that mice habituate to the variable ITI schedule, suggesting that using the variable ITI schedule during training allowed premature response rates to stabilize before commencing pharmacological testing. Moreover, in these habituated mice AMPH and DOI significantly enhanced impulsive action at the long ITI trials only. We propose that experimental design considerations can improve the sensitivity of the 5-CSRTT to detect

Spectroscopic Investigation of TW Dra: Improved Stellar and System Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tkachenko, A.; Lehmann, H.; Mkrtichian, D.

2010-12-01

We investigate the Algol-type system TW Dra by means of the new computer program Shellspec07_inverse which is specially designed for the fine-tuning of stellar and system parameters of eclipsing binaries. We derive precise atmospheric and system parameters of TW Dra with an accuracy comparable to that expected from photometric data, and give a short comparison of our results with previous determinations.

77 FR 3380 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-24

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, and D; and AS355E, F, F1, F2... Register as of February 8, 2012. We must receive comments on this AD by March 26, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may..., 2009, specifying MOD 073330 for the Model SA350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, BB, D, and L1 helicopters. ECF has...

Disk Accretion in the 10 Myr Old T Tauri Stars TW Hydrae and Hen 3-600A.

PubMed

Muzerolle; Calvet; Briceño; Hartmann; Hillenbrand

2000-05-20

We have found that two members of the TW Hydrae association, TW Hydrae and Hen 3-600A, are still actively accreting, based on the ballistic infall signature of their broad Halpha emission profiles. We present the first quantitative analysis of accretion in these objects and conclude that the same accretion mechanisms which operate in the well-studied 1 Myr old T Tauri stars can and do occur in older (10 Myr) stars. We derive the first estimates of the disk mass accretion rate in TW Hya and Hen 3-600A, which are 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than the average rates in 1 Myr old objects. The decrease in accretion rates over 10 Myr, as well as the low fraction of TW Hya association objects still accreting, points to significant disk evolution, possibly linked to planet formation. Given the multiplicity of the Hen 3-600 system and the large UV excess of TW Hya, our results show that accretion disks can be surprisingly long lived in spite of the presence of companions and significant UV ionizing flux.

Branching Fraction Measurements of the Color-Suppressed Decays B0bar to D(*)0 pi0, D(*)0 eta, D(*)0 omega, and D(*)0 eta_prime and Measurement of the Polarization in the Decay B0bar to D*0 omega

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

Lees, J.P.; Poireau, V.; Tisserand, V.

2012-02-14

We report updated branching fraction measurements of the color-suppressed decays {bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, D*{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}, D{sup 0}{eta}, D*{sup 0}{eta}, D{sup 0}{omega}, D*{sup 0}{omega}, D{sup 0}{eta}', and D*{sup 0}{eta}'. We measure the branching fractions (x10{sup -4}): {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) = 2.69 {+-} 0.09 {+-} 0.13, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0}) = 3.05 {+-} 0.14 {+-} 0.28, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{eta}) = 2.53 {+-} 0.09 {+-} 0.11, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup 0}{eta}) = 2.69 {+-} 0.14 {+-} 0.23, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{omega}) = 2.57 {+-} 0.11more » {+-} 0.14, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup 0}{omega}) = 4.55 {+-} 0.24 {+-} 0.39, {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D{sup 0}{eta}') = 1.48 {+-} 0.13 {+-} 0.07, and {Beta}({bar B}{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup 0}{eta}') = 1.49 {+-} 0.22 {+-} 0.15. We also present the first measurement of the longitudinal polarization fraction of the decay channel D*{sup 0}{omega}, f{sub L} = (66.5 {+-} 4.7 {+-} 1.5)%. In the above, the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The results are based on a sample of (454 {+-} 5) x 10{sup 6} B{bar B} pairs collected at the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance, with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage rings at SLAC. The measurements are the most precise determinations of these quantities from a single experiment. They are compared to theoretical predictions obtained by factorization, Soft Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) and perturbative QCD (pQCD). We find that the presence of final state interactions is favored and the measurements are in better agreement with SCET than with pQCD.« less

Virologic response to treatment with Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in children.

PubMed

Pawłowska, Malgorzata; Pilarczyk, Malgorzata; Halota, Waldemar

2010-12-01

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Investigations were performed on 53 children with chronic hepatitis C, aged 8-17 years. Children were divided into 2 groups: naïve (n=29) and retreated (n=24). All children were administered a combined therapy with pegylated interferon (IFN) alpha-2b 1.5 mcg/kg/wk and ribavirin 15 mg/kg/d for 48 weeks. Mean baseline viral load was 0.456×10(6) IU/mL, mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was 45.8±24.3 IU/mL. No child had liver disease assessed greater than grade 2, stage 2 according to modified Scheuer scale. Serum hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in TW 12-EVR, TW 48-ETR, and W 72-sustained virologic response (SVR) with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method (Roche TaqMan) were evaluated. Sustained virologic response was achieved in 47% of children. The prevalence of relapses was 7.5%. The most important predictor of SVR in both groups was undetectable HCV RNA at TW 12. All retreated children who achieved partial EVR - (the HCV RNA level decreased more than 2 logs relative to baseline) were relapsers. In responders from both groups, baseline ALT activity was higher and baseline viral load was lower. In all children who achieved SVR, HCV RNA was undetectable 12 months later. Pegylated IFN and ribavirin are effective in treating chronic hepatitis C in children. Complete EVR is predictive of a sustained viral response. And high rate of relapses in retreated patients may suggest a longer duration of retherapy.

The Accuracy of Conventional 2D Video for Quantifying Upper Limb Kinematics in Repetitive Motion Occupational Tasks

PubMed Central

Chen, Chia-Hsiung; Azari, David; Hu, Yu Hen; Lindstrom, Mary J.; Thelen, Darryl; Yen, Thomas Y.; Radwin, Robert G.

2015-01-01

Objective Marker-less 2D video tracking was studied as a practical means to measure upper limb kinematics for ergonomics evaluations. Background Hand activity level (HAL) can be estimated from speed and duty cycle. Accuracy was measured using a cross correlation template-matching algorithm for tracking a region of interest on the upper extremities. Methods Ten participants performed a paced load transfer task while varying HAL (2, 4, and 5) and load (2.2 N, 8.9 N and 17.8 N). Speed and acceleration measured from 2D video were compared against ground truth measurements using 3D infrared motion capture. Results The median absolute difference between 2D video and 3D motion capture was 86.5 mm/s for speed, and 591 mm/s2 for acceleration, and less than 93 mm/s for speed and 656 mm/s2 for acceleration when camera pan and tilt were within ±30 degrees. Conclusion Single-camera 2D video had sufficient accuracy (< 100 mm/s) for evaluating HAL. Practitioner Summary This study demonstrated that 2D video tracking had sufficient accuracy to measure HAL for ascertaining the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists Threshold Limit Value® for repetitive motion when the camera is located within ±30 degrees off the plane of motion when compared against 3D motion capture for a simulated repetitive motion task. PMID:25978764

NS001MS - Landsat-D thematic mapper band aircraft scanner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richard, R. R.; Merkel, R. F.; Meeks, G. R.

1978-01-01

The thematic mapper is a multispectral scanner which will be launched aboard Landsat-D in the early 1980s. Compared with previous Landsat scanners, this instrument will have an improved spatial resolution (30 m) and new spectral bands. Designated NS001MS, the scanner is designed to duplicate the thematic mapper spectral bands plus two additional bands (1.0 to 1.3 microns and 2.08 to 2.35 microns) in an aircraft scanner for evaluation and investigation prior to design and launch of the final thematic mapper. Applicable specifications used in defining the thematic mapper were retained in the NS001MS design, primarily with respect to spectral bandwidths, noise equivalent reflectance, and noise equivalent difference temperature. The technical design and operational characteristics of the multispectral scanner (with thematic mapper bands) are discussed.

Potential aquaculture probiont Lactococcus lactis TW34 produces nisin Z and inhibits the fish pathogen Lactococcus garvieae.

PubMed

Sequeiros, Cynthia; Garcés, Marisa E; Vallejo, Marisol; Marguet, Emilio R; Olivera, Nelda L

2015-04-01

Bacteriocin-producing Lactococcus lactis TW34 was isolated from marine fish. TW34 bacteriocin inhibited the growth of the fish pathogen Lactococcus garvieae at 5 AU/ml (minimum inhibitory concentration), whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration was 10 AU/ml. Addition of TW34 bacteriocin to L. garvieae cultures resulted in a decrease of six orders of magnitude of viable cells counts demonstrating a bactericidal mode of action. The direct detection of the bacteriocin activity by Tricine-SDS-PAGE showed an active peptide with a molecular mass ca. 4.5 kDa. The analysis by MALDI-TOF-MS detected a strong signal at m/z 2,351.2 that corresponded to the nisin leader peptide mass without the initiating methionine, whose sequence STKDFNLDLVSVSKKDSGASPR was confirmed by MS/MS. Sequence analysis of nisin structural gene confirmed that L. lactis TW34 was a nisin Z producer. This nisin Z-producing strain with probiotic properties might be considered as an alternative in the prevention of lactococcosis, a global disease in aquaculture systems.

Manipulating multiple order parameters via oxygen vacancies: The case of E u0.5B a0.5Ti O3 -δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Weiwei; He, Qian; Wang, Le; Zeng, Huizhong; Bowlan, John; Ling, Langsheng; Yarotski, Dmitry A.; Zhang, Wenrui; Zhao, Run; Dai, Jiahong; Gu, Junxing; Shen, Shipeng; Guo, Haizhong; Pi, Li; Wang, Haiyan; Wang, Yongqiang; Velasco-Davalos, Ivan A.; Wu, Yangjiang; Hu, Zhijun; Chen, Bin; Li, Run-Wei; Sun, Young; Jin, Kuijuan; Zhang, Yuheng; Chen, Hou-Tong; Ju, Sheng; Ruediger, Andreas; Shi, Daning; Borisevich, Albina Y.; Yang, Hao

2017-09-01

Controlling functionalities, such as magnetism or ferroelectricity, by means of oxygen vacancies (VO) is a key issue for the future development of transition-metal oxides. Progress in this field is currently addressed through VO variations and their impact on mainly one order parameter. Here we reveal a mechanism for tuning both magnetism and ferroelectricity simultaneously by using VO. Combining experimental and density-functional theory studies of E u0.5B a0.5Ti O3 -δ , we demonstrate that oxygen vacancies create T i3 +3 d1 defect states, mediating the ferromagnetic coupling between the localized Eu 4 f7 spins, and increase an off-center displacement of Ti ions, enhancing the ferroelectric Curie temperature. The dual function of Ti sites also promises a magnetoelectric coupling in the E u0.5B a0.5Ti O3 -δ .

An investigation on task-technology fit of mobile nursing information systems for nursing performance.

PubMed

Hsiao, Ju-Ling; Chen, Rai-Fu

2012-05-01

This study investigates factors affecting the fit between nursing tasks and mobile nursing information systems and the relationships between the task-technology fit of mobile nursing information systems and nurse performance from the perspective of task-technology fit. Survey research recruited nursing staffs as subjects from selected case hospital. A total of 310 questionnaires were sent out, and 219 copies were obtained, indicating a valid response rate of 70.6%. Collected data were analyzed using the structural equation modeling technique. Our study found that dependence tasks have positive effects on information acquisition (γ=0.234, P<.05) and information identification (γ=0.478, P<.001), and independent tasks have significant effects on information acquisition (γ=0.213, P<.05). Therefore, the introduction of mobile nursing information systems in assisting nursing practices can help facilitate both independent and dependent nursing tasks. Our study discovered that the supporting functions of mobile nursing information systems have positive effects on information integration and interpretation (γ=0.365, P<.001), as well as information acquisition (γ=0.253, P<.05). The service supports of mobile nursing information systems have positive effects on information acquisition (γ=0.318, P<.001) and information integration and interpretation (γ=0.143, P<.01). Furthermore, information identification (β=.055, P<.05), information acquisition (β=.176, P<.001), and information integration and interpretation (β=.706, P<.001) provided using mobile nursing information systems have positive effects on nursing performance, indicating 83.2% of totally explained variance. As shown, the use of mobile nursing information systems could provide nursing staffs with real-time and accurate information to increase efficiency and effectiveness in patient-care duties, further improving nursing performance.

A stable quasi-periodic 4.18-d oscillation and mysterious occultations in the 2011 MOST light-curve of TW Hya

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siwak, Michal; Rucinski, Slavek M.; Matthews, Jaymie M.; Guenther, David B.; Kuschnig, Rainer; Moffat, Anthony F. J.; Rowe, Jason F.; Sasselov, Dimitar; Weiss, Werner W.

2014-10-01

We present an analysis of the 2011 photometric observations of TW Hya by the MOST satellite; this is the fourth continuous series of this type. The large-scale light variations are dominated by a strong, quasi-periodic 4.18-d oscillation with superimposed, apparently chaotic flaring activity. The former is probably produced by stellar rotation with one large hotspot created by a stable accretion funnel, while the latter may be produced by small hotspots, created at moderate latitudes by unstable accretion tongues. A new, previously unnoticed feature is a series of semiperiodic, well-defined brightness dips of unknown nature, of which 19 were observed during 43 d of our nearly continuous observations. Re-analysis of the 2009 MOST light-curve revealed the presence of three similar dips. On the basis of recent theoretical results, we tentatively conclude that the dips may represent occultations of the small hotspots created by unstable accretion tongues by hypothetical optically thick clumps of dust.

Measurement of the branching fractions of exclusive _B-->D(*)(pi)l-_nu l decays in events with a fully reconstructed B meson.

PubMed

Aubert, B; Bona, M; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Poireau, V; Prudent, X; Tisserand, V; Zghiche, A; Garra Tico, J; Grauges, E; Lopez, L; Palano, A; Pappagallo, M; Eigen, G; Stugu, B; Sun, L; Abrams, G S; Battaglia, M; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Jacobsen, R G; Kadyk, J A; Kerth, L T; Kolomensky, Yu G; Kukartsev, G; Lynch, G; Osipenkov, I L; Ronan, M T; Tackmann, K; Tanabe, T; Wenzel, W A; del Amo Sanchez, P; Hawkes, C M; Soni, N; Watson, A T; Koch, H; Schroeder, T; Walker, D; Asgeirsson, D J; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T; Fulsom, B G; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Barrett, M; Khan, A; Saleem, M; Teodorescu, L; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Buzykaev, A R; Druzhinin, V P; Golubev, V B; Onuchin, A P; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Yu I; Solodov, E P; Todyshev, K Yu; Bondioli, M; Curry, S; Eschrich, I; Kirkby, D; Lankford, A J; Lund, P; Mandelkern, M; Martin, E C; Stoker, D P; Abachi, S; Buchanan, C; Gary, J W; Liu, F; Long, O; Shen, B C; Vitug, G M; Yasin, Z; Zhang, L; Paar, H P; Rahatlou, S; Sharma, V; Campagnari, C; Hong, T M; Kovalskyi, D; Richman, J D; Beck, T W; Eisner, A M; Flacco, C J; Heusch, C A; Kroseberg, J; Lockman, W S; Schalk, T; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Wilson, M G; Winstrom, L O; Chen, E; Cheng, C H; Doll, D A; Echenard, B; Fang, F; Hitlin, D G; Narsky, I; Piatenko, T; Porter, F C; Andreassen, R; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Mishra, K; Sokoloff, M D; Blanc, F; Bloom, P C; Ford, W T; Hirschauer, J F; Kreisel, A; Nagel, M; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Smith, J G; Ulmer, K A; Wagner, S R; Ayad, R; Gabareen, A M; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Altenburg, D D; Feltresi, E; Hauke, A; Jasper, H; Karbach, M; Merkel, J; Petzold, A; Spaan, B; Wacker, K; Klose, V; Kobel, M J; Lacker, H M; Mader, W F; Nogowski, R; Schubert, J; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Sundermann, J E; Volk, A; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Latour, E; Thiebaux, Ch; Verderi, M; Clark, P J; Gradl, W; Playfer, S; Robertson, A I; Watson, J E; Andreotti, M; Bettoni, D; Bozzi, C; Calabrese, R; Cecchi, A; Cibinetto, G; Franchini, P; Luppi, E; Negrini, M; Petrella, A; Piemontese, L; Prencipe, E; Santoro, V; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; de Sangro, R; Finocchiaro, G; Pacetti, S; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Rama, M; Zallo, A; Buzzo, A; Contri, R; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M M; Monge, M R; Passaggio, S; Patrignani, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Tosi, S; Chaisanguanthum, K S; Morii, M; Dubitzky, R S; Marks, J; Schenk, S; Uwer, U; Bard, D J; Dauncey, P D; Nash, J A; Panduro Vazquez, W; Tibbetts, M; Behera, P K; Chai, X; Charles, M J; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Dong, L; Eyges, V; Meyer, W T; Prell, S; Rosenberg, E I; Rubin, A E; Gao, Y Y; Gritsan, A V; Guo, Z J; Lae, C K; Denig, A G; Fritsch, M; Schott, G; Arnaud, N; Béquilleux, J; D'Orazio, A; Davier, M; Firmino da Costa, J; Grosdidier, G; Höcker, A; Lepeltier, V; Le Diberder, F; Lutz, A M; Pruvot, S; Roudeau, P; Schune, M H; Serrano, J; Sordini, V; Stocchi, A; Wang, W F; Wormser, G; Lange, D J; Wright, D M; Bingham, I; Burke, J P; Chavez, C A; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; Hutchcroft, D E; Payne, D J; Touramanis, C; Bevan, A J; George, K A; Di Lodovico, F; Sacco, R; Sigamani, M; Cowan, G; Flaecher, H U; Hopkins, D A; Paramesvaran, S; Salvatore, F; Wren, A C; Brown, D N; Davis, C L; Alwyn, K E; Barlow, N R; Barlow, R J; Chia, Y M; Edgar, C L; Lafferty, G D; West, T J; Yi, J I; Anderson, J; Chen, C; Jawahery, A; Roberts, D A; Simi, G; Tuggle, J M; Dallapiccola, C; Hertzbach, S S; Li, X; Salvati, E; Saremi, S; Cowan, R; Dujmic, D; Fisher, P H; Koeneke, K; Sciolla, G; Spitznagel, M; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Zhao, M; McLachlin, S E; Patel, P M; Robertson, S H; Lazzaro, A; Lombardo, V; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Godang, R; Kroeger, R; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Zhao, H W; Brunet, S; Côté, D; Simard, M; Taras, P; Viaud, F B; Nicholson, H; De Nardo, G; Lista, L; Monorchio, D; Sciacca, C; Baak, M A; Raven, G; Snoek, H L; Jessop, C P; Knoepfel, K J; LoSecco, J M; Benelli, G; Corwin, L A; Honscheid, K; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Morris, J P; Rahimi, A M; Regensburger, J J; Sekula, S J; Wong, Q K; Blount, N L; Brau, J; Frey, R; Igonkina, O; Kolb, J A; Lu, M; Rahmat, R; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Strube, J; Torrence, E; Castelli, G; Gagliardi, N; Gaz, A; Margoni, M; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Voci, C; Ben-Haim, E; Briand, H; Calderini, G; Chauveau, J; David, P; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; Leruste, Ph; Malclès, J; Ocariz, J; Perez, A; Prendki, J; Gladney, L; Biasini, M; Covarelli, R; Manoni, E; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Carpinelli, M; Cervelli, A; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Marchiori, G; Morganti, M; Mazur, M A; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rizzo, G; Walsh, J J; Biesiada, J; Lau, Y P; Lopes Pegna, D; Lu, C; Olsen, J; Smith, A J S; Telnov, A V; Baracchini, E; Cavoto, G; del Re, D; Di Marco, E; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Gaspero, M; Jackson, P D; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Piredda, G; Polci, F; Renga, F; Voena, C; Ebert, M; Hartmann, T; Schröder, H; Waldi, R; Adye, T; Franek, B; Olaiya, E O; Roethel, W; Wilson, F F; Emery, S; Escalier, M; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Hamel de Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Vasseur, G; Yèche, Ch; Zito, M; Chen, X R; Liu, H; Park, W; Purohit, M V; White, R M; Wilson, J R; Allen, M T; Aston, D; Bartoldus, R; Bechtle, P; Benitez, J F; Cenci, R; Coleman, J P; Convery, M R; Dingfelder, J C; Dorfan, J; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Gowdy, S J; Graham, M T; Grenier, P; Hast, C; Innes, W R; Kaminski, J; Kelsey, M H; Kim, H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Leith, D W G S; Li, S; Lindquist, B; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; MacFarlane, D B; Marsiske, H; Messner, R; Muller, D R; Neal, H; Nelson, S; O'Grady, C P; Ofte, I; Perazzo, A; Perl, M; Ratcliff, B N; Roodman, A; Salnikov, A A; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Snyder, A; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Suzuki, K; Swain, S K; Thompson, J M; Va'vra, J; Wagner, A P; Weaver, M; Wisniewski, W J; Wittgen, M; Wright, D H; Wulsin, H W; Yarritu, A K; Yi, K; Young, C C; Ziegler, V; Burchat, P R; Edwards, A J; Majewski, S A; Miyashita, T S; Petersen, B A; Wilden, L; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Bula, R; Ernst, J A; Pan, B; Saeed, M A; Zain, S B; Spanier, S M; Wogsland, B J; Eckmann, R; Ritchie, J L; Ruland, A M; Schilling, C J; Schwitters, R F; Izen, J M; Lou, X C; Ye, S; Bianchi, F; Gamba, D; Pelliccioni, M; Bomben, M; Bosisio, L; Cartaro, C; Cossutti, F; Della Ricca, G; Lanceri, L; Vitale, L; Azzolini, V; Lopez-March, N; Martinez-Vidal, F; Milanes, D A; Oyanguren, A; Albert, J; Banerjee, Sw; Bhuyan, B; Hamano, K; Kowalewski, R; Nugent, I M; Roney, J M; Sobie, R J; Gershon, T J; Harrison, P F; Ilic, J; Latham, T E; Mohanty, G B; Band, H R; Chen, X; Dasu, S; Flood, K T; Hollar, J J; Kutter, P E; Pan, Y; Pierini, M; Prepost, R; Vuosalo, C O; Wu, S L

2008-04-18

We report a measurement of the branching fractions for _B-->D(*)(pi)l- _nu(l) decays based on 341.1 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II e+ e- storage rings. Events are tagged by fully reconstructing one of the B mesons in a hadronic decay mode. We obtain B(B- -->D(0)l-_nu(l)=(2.33+/-0.09(stat)+/-0.09(syst)%, B(B- -->D(*0)l-_nu(l)=(5.83+/-0.15(stat) +/-0.30(syst) %, B(_B(0)-->D+l-_nu(l)=(2.21+/-0.11(stat) +/-0.12(syst)%, B(_B(0)-->D(*)l-_nu(l)=(5.49+/-0.16(stat)+/-0.25(syst)%, B(B- -->D+pi-l-_nu(l)=(0.42+/-0.06(stat)+/-0.03(syst)%, B(B- -->D(*)+pi-l-_nu(l)=(0.59+/-0.05(stat)+/-0.04(syst)%, B(_B(0)-->D(0)pi+l-_nu(l)=(0.43+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.03(syst)%, and B(_B(0)-->D(*0)pi+l-_nu(l)=(0.48+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.04(syst)%.

High Dispersion Line Profile Studies of TW HYA and Other Pre-Main Sequence Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linsky, Jeffrey L.

1984-07-01

We propose to extend our study of line profiles in T Tauri stars by obtaining a 16 hour SWP-HI spectrum of TW Hya and 6-8 hour LWP-HI spectra of TW Hya, AK Sco, CoD -35 10525 and CoD -33 10685. High dispersion spectra of pre-main sequence (PMS) stars provide unique information on line widths, shifts, and asymmetries, as well as evidence for mass outflow, circumstellar absorption, and diagnostics for the temperature structure of the outer atmosphere layers of these complex yet incredibly important objects. We have previously obtained and studied line profiles in RU Lupi and the prototype star T Tau. RU Lupi has line profiles that are dominated by the wind expansion, for example the MgII and FeII multiplet UV1 profiles are unique in that they have a classical P Cygni shape, whereas T Tau has more symmetric emission profiles indicative of a chromosphere and hotter layers not dominated by expansion. TW Hya is different from these two previously studied stars in that it may be the brightest known example of a post-T Tauri star, and hence less active and older than the other PMS stars. We intend to compare its line profiles with those of RU Lupi and T Tauri in order to understand the differences in the non-thermal mass motions, wind expansion, and thermal structures of these three very different T Tau stars. The requested LWPHI spectra are to obtain MgII and FeII multiplet UV1. profiles of 4 different T Tauri objects so as to infer the expansion and thermal structure in their chromospheric layers.

2.5 TW, two-cycle IR laser pulses via frequency domain optical parametric amplification.

PubMed

Gruson, V; Ernotte, G; Lassonde, P; Laramée, A; Bionta, M R; Chaker, M; Di Mauro, L; Corkum, P B; Ibrahim, H; Schmidt, B E; Legaré, F

2017-10-30

Broadband optical parametric amplification in the IR region has reached a new milestone through the use of a non-collinear Frequency domain Optical Parametric Amplification system. We report a laser source delivering 11.6 fs pulses with 30 mJ of energy at a central wavelength of 1.8 μm at 10 Hz repetition rate corresponding to a peak power of 2.5 TW. The peak power scaling is accompanied by a pulse shortening of about 20% upon amplification due to the spectral reshaping with higher gain in the spectral wings. This source paves the way for high flux soft X-ray pulses and IR-driven laser wakefield acceleration.

Effects of hepatitis C virus core protein and nonstructural protein 4B on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiao-Hua; Xie, Yu-Tao; Cai, Ya-Ping; Ren, Jing; Ma, Tao

2017-05-25

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and nonstructural protein 4B (NS4B) are potentially oncogenic. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is closely associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated the effects of HCV type 1b core protein and NS4B on Wnt/β-catenin signaling in various liver cells, and explored the molecular mechanism underlying HCV-related hepatocarcinogenesis. Compared with the empty vector control, HCV core protein and NS4B demonstrated the following characteristics in the Huh7 cells: significantly enhanced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity (F = 40.87, P < 0.01); increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin (F = 165.26, P < 0.01); upregulated nuclear β-catenin, cytoplasmic β-catenin, Wnt1, c-myc, and cyclin D1 protein expression (P < 0.01); and promoted proliferation of Huh7 cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Neither protein enhanced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity in the LO2 cells (F = 0.65, P > 0.05), but they did significantly enhance Wnt3a-induced β-catenin/Tcf-dependent transcriptional activity (F = 64.25, P < 0.01), and promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin (F = 66.54, P < 0.01) and the Wnt3a-induced proliferation of LO2 cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Moreover, activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was greater with the core protein than with NS4B (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). HCV core protein and NS4B directly activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in Huh7 cells and LO2 cells induced by Wnt3a. These data suggest that HCV core protein and NS4B contribute to HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

The dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole increases checking-like behaviour in an operant observing response task with uncertain reinforcement: A novel possible model of OCD?

PubMed Central

Eagle, Dawn M.; Noschang, Cristie; d’Angelo, Laure-Sophie Camilla; Noble, Christie A.; Day, Jacob O.; Dongelmans, Marie Louise; Theobald, David E.; Mar, Adam C.; Urcelay, Gonzalo P.; Morein-Zamir, Sharon; Robbins, Trevor W.

2014-01-01

Excessive checking is a common, debilitating symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an established rodent model of OCD checking behaviour, quinpirole (dopamine D2/3-receptor agonist) increased checking in open-field tests, indicating dopaminergic modulation of checking-like behaviours. We designed a novel operant paradigm for rats (observing response task (ORT)) to further examine cognitive processes underpinning checking behaviour and clarify how and why checking develops. We investigated i) how quinpirole increases checking, ii) dependence of these effects on D2/3 receptor function (following treatment with D2/3 receptor antagonist sulpiride) and iii) effects of reward uncertainty. In the ORT, rats pressed an ‘observing’ lever for information about the location of an ‘active’ lever that provided food reinforcement. High- and low-checkers (defined from baseline observing) received quinpirole (0.5 mg/kg, 10 treatments) or vehicle. Parametric task manipulations assessed observing/checking under increasing task demands relating to reinforcement uncertainty (variable response requirement and active-lever location switching). Treatment with sulpiride further probed the pharmacological basis of long-term behavioural changes. Quinpirole selectively increased checking, both functional observing lever presses (OLPs) and non-functional extra OLPs (EOLPs). The increase in OLPs and EOLPs was long-lasting, without further quinpirole administration. Quinpirole did not affect the immediate ability to use information from checking. Vehicle and quinpirole-treated rats (VEH and QNP respectively) were selectively sensitive to different forms of uncertainty. Sulpiride reduced non-functional EOLPs in QNP rats but had no effect on functional OLPs. These data have implications for treatment of compulsive checking in OCD, particularly for serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor treatment-refractory cases, where supplementation with dopamine receptor antagonists may be

Tetrandrine Induces Apoptosis in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma NPC-TW 039 Cells by Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Ca2+/Calpain Pathways.

PubMed

Liu, Kuo-Ching; Lin, Ya-Jing; Hsiao, Yung-Ting; Lin, Meng-Liang; Yang, Jiun-Long; Huang, Yi-Ping; Chu, Yung-Lin; Chung, Jing-Gung

2017-11-01

Tetrandrine is an alkaloid extracted from a traditional China medicine plant, and is considered part of food therapy as well. In addition, it has been widely reported to induce apoptotic cell death in many human cancer cells. However, the mechanism of Tetrandrine on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (NPC) is still questioned. In our study, we examined whether Tetrandrine can induce apoptosis of NPC-TW 039 cells. We found that cell morphology was changed after treatment with different concentrations of Tetrandrine. Further, we indicated that the NPC-TW 039 cells viability decreased in a Tetrandrine dose-dependent manner. We also found that tetrandrine induced cell cycle arrest in G 0 /G 1 phase. Tetrandrine induced DNA condensation by DAPI staining as well. In addition, we found that Tetrandrine induced Ca 2+ release in the cytosol. At the same time, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurred. Then we used western blotting to examine the protein expression which is associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways and caspase-dependent pathways. To further examine whether Ca 2+ was released or not with Tetrandrine induced-apoptosis, we used the chelator of Ca 2+ and showed that cell viability increased. At the same time, caspase-3 expression was decreased. Furthermore, confocal microscopy examination revealed that Tetrandrine induced expression of ER stress-related proteins GADD153 and GRP78. Our results indicate that Tetrandrine induces apoptosis through calcium-mediated ER stress and caspase pathway in NPC-TW 039 cells. In conclusion, Tetrandrine may could be used for treatment of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma in future. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

Association of serum vitamin D levels and diabetic retinopathy in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Ashinne, Beteal; Rajalakshmi, Ramachandran; Anjana, Ranjit M; Venkat Narayan, K M; Jayashri, Ramamoorthy; Mohan, Viswanathan; Hendrick, Andrew M

2018-05-01

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a condition that has been associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in various populations, but has not been studied in Asian Indians. To evaluate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with presence and severity of DR among Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes. We collected information on individuals with type 2 diabetes that received care at a tertiary diabetes centre in India, between 2012 and 2015. Patients were 18 years of age or older, underwent retinal examinations with DR severity grading and had serum 25(OH)D measurements. Serum 25(OH)D levels were lower in patients with retinopathy compared to those without (11.9 ± 2.2 ng/ml vs. 13.7 ± 2.1 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Stratifying patients by DR grade, reduced geometric means of 25(OH)D levels were associated with increased retinopathy severity. After adjusting for six key covariates, VDD was associated with increased rates of proliferative DR (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.35-3.11; p = 0.001). In Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes, lower serum 25(OH)D was associated with increased severity of DR and the presence of VDD was associated with a two-fold increased risk for proliferative DR. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anonymous Partnerships among MSM and Transgender Women (TW) Recently Diagnosed with HIV and other STIs in Lima, Peru: An individual and dyad-level analysis

PubMed Central

Perez-Brumer, Amaya G.; Oldenburg, Catherine E.; Segura, Eddy R.; Sanchez, Jorge; Lama, Javier R.; Clark, Jesse L.

2016-01-01

Objectives Partner notification (PN) following STI diagnosis is a key strategy for controlling HIV/STI transmission. Anonymous partnerships are an important barrier to PN and often associated with high-risk sexual behaviour. Limited research has examined the profile of MSM and TW who engage in anonymous sex. To better understand anonymous partnership practices in Lima, Peru, we assessed participant- and partnership-level characteristics associated with anonymous sex among a sample of MSM and TW recently diagnosed with HIV/STI. Methods MSM and TW diagnosed with HIV/STI within the past month completed a cross-sectional survey regarding anticipated PN practices. Participants reported sexual partnership types and characteristics of up to 3 of their most recent partners. Using a Poisson generalised estimating equation (GEE) model we assessed participant- and partnership-level characteristics associated with anonymous partnerships. Results Among 395 MSM and TW with HIV/STI, 36.0% reported at least one anonymous sexual partner in the past three months (mean of 8.6 anonymous partners per participant; SD 17.0). Of the 971 partnerships reported, 118 (12.2%) were anonymous and the majority (84.8%) were with male partners, followed by 11.0% with female partners, and 4.2% with transgender/travesti partners. Partner-level characteristics associated with increased likelihood of having an anonymous partner included female (aPR 2.28, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.95, P=0.04) or transgender/travesti (aPR 4.03, 95% CI 1.51 to 10.78, P=0.006) partner gender. Conclusions By assessing both individual- and dyadic-level factors, these results represent an important step in understanding the complexity of partnership interactions and developing alternative partner notification strategies for Latin America. PMID:26912910

TW HYA ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP AND NEW WISE-DETECTED CIRCUMSTELLAR DISKS

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

Schneider, Adam; Song, Inseok; Melis, Carl, E-mail: aschneid@physast.uga.edu, E-mail: song@physast.uga.edu, E-mail: cmelis@ucsd.edu

2012-07-20

We assess the current membership of the nearby, young TW Hydrae association and examine newly proposed members with the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) to search for infrared excess indicative of circumstellar disks. Newly proposed members TWA 30A, TWA 30B, TWA 31, and TWA 32 all show excess emission at 12 and 22 {mu}m providing clear evidence for substantial dusty circumstellar disks around these low-mass, {approx}8 Myr old stars that were previously shown to likely be accreting circumstellar material. TWA 30B shows large amounts of self-extinction, likely due to an edge-on disk geometry. We also confirm previously reported circumstellar disksmore » with WISE and determine a 22 {mu}m excess fraction of 42{sup +10}{sub -{sub 9}}% based on our results.« less

Observation of B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} and Evidence for B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*}^{0}K_{S}^{0} Decays.

PubMed

Aaij, R; Abellán Beteta, C; Adeva, B; Adinolfi, M; Affolder, A; Ajaltouni, Z; Akar, S; Albrecht, J; Alessio, F; Alexander, M; Ali, S; Alkhazov, G; Alvarez Cartelle, P; Alves, A A; Amato, S; Amerio, S; Amhis, Y; An, L; Anderlini, L; Andreassi, G; Andreotti, M; Andrews, J E; Appleby, R B; Aquines Gutierrez, O; Archilli, F; d'Argent, P; Artamonov, A; Artuso, M; Aslanides, E; Auriemma, G; Baalouch, M; Bachmann, S; Back, J J; Badalov, A; Baesso, C; Baldini, W; Barlow, R J; Barschel, C; Barsuk, S; Barter, W; Batozskaya, V; Battista, V; Bay, A; Beaucourt, L; Beddow, J; Bedeschi, F; Bediaga, I; Bel, L J; Bellee, V; Belloli, N; Belyaev, I; Ben-Haim, E; Bencivenni, G; Benson, S; Benton, J; Berezhnoy, A; Bernet, R; Bertolin, A; Bettler, M-O; van Beuzekom, M; Bifani, S; Billoir, P; Bird, T; Birnkraut, A; Bizzeti, A; Blake, T; Blanc, F; Blouw, J; Blusk, S; Bocci, V; Bondar, A; Bondar, N; Bonivento, W; Borghi, S; Borisyak, M; Borsato, M; Bowcock, T J V; Bowen, E; Bozzi, C; Braun, S; Britsch, M; Britton, T; Brodzicka, J; Brook, N H; Buchanan, E; Burr, C; Bursche, A; Buytaert, J; Cadeddu, S; Calabrese, R; Calvi, M; Calvo Gomez, M; Campana, P; Campora Perez, D; Capriotti, L; Carbone, A; Carboni, G; Cardinale, R; Cardini, A; Carniti, P; Carson, L; Carvalho Akiba, K; Casse, G; Cassina, L; Castillo Garcia, L; Cattaneo, M; Cauet, Ch; Cavallero, G; Cenci, R; Charles, M; Charpentier, Ph; Chatzikonstantinidis, G; Chefdeville, M; Chen, S; Cheung, S-F; Chiapolini, N; Chrzaszcz, M; Cid Vidal, X; Ciezarek, G; Clarke, P E L; Clemencic, M; Cliff, H V; Closier, J; Coco, V; Cogan, J; Cogneras, E; Cogoni, V; Cojocariu, L; Collazuol, G; Collins, P; Comerma-Montells, A; Contu, A; Cook, A; Coombes, M; Coquereau, S; Corti, G; Corvo, M; Couturier, B; Cowan, G A; Craik, D C; Crocombe, A; Cruz Torres, M; Cunliffe, S; Currie, R; D'Ambrosio, C; Dall'Occo, E; Dalseno, J; David, P N Y; Davis, A; De Aguiar Francisco, O; De Bruyn, K; De Capua, S; De Cian, M; De Miranda, J M; De Paula, L; De Simone, P; Dean, C-T; Decamp, D; Deckenhoff, M; Del Buono, L; Déléage, N; Demmer, M; Derkach, D; Deschamps, O; Dettori, F; Dey, B; Di Canto, A; Di Ruscio, F; Dijkstra, H; Donleavy, S; Dordei, F; Dorigo, M; Dosil Suárez, A; Dovbnya, A; Dreimanis, K; Dufour, L; Dujany, G; Dungs, K; Durante, P; Dzhelyadin, R; Dziurda, A; Dzyuba, A; Easo, S; Egede, U; Egorychev, V; Eidelman, S; Eisenhardt, S; Eitschberger, U; Ekelhof, R; Eklund, L; El Rifai, I; Elsasser, Ch; Ely, S; Esen, S; Evans, H M; Evans, T; Falabella, A; Färber, C; Farley, N; Farry, S; Fay, R; Ferguson, D; Fernandez Albor, V; Ferrari, F; Ferreira Rodrigues, F; Ferro-Luzzi, M; Filippov, S; Fiore, M; Fiorini, M; Firlej, M; Fitzpatrick, C; Fiutowski, T; Fleuret, F; Fohl, K; Fol, P; Fontana, M; Fontanelli, F; Forshaw, D C; Forty, R; Frank, M; Frei, C; Frosini, M; Fu, J; Furfaro, E; Gallas Torreira, A; Galli, D; Gallorini, S; Gambetta, S; Gandelman, M; Gandini, P; Gao, Y; García Pardiñas, J; Garra Tico, J; Garrido, L; Gascon, D; Gaspar, C; Gauld, R; Gavardi, L; Gazzoni, G; Gerick, D; Gersabeck, E; Gersabeck, M; Gershon, T; Ghez, Ph; Gianì, S; Gibson, V; Girard, O G; Giubega, L; Gligorov, V V; Göbel, C; Golubkov, D; Golutvin, A; Gomes, A; Gotti, C; Grabalosa Gándara, M; Graciani Diaz, R; Granado Cardoso, L A; Graugés, E; Graverini, E; Graziani, G; Grecu, A; Greening, E; Griffith, P; Grillo, L; Grünberg, O; Gui, B; Gushchin, E; Guz, Yu; Gys, T; Hadavizadeh, T; Hadjivasiliou, C; Haefeli, G; Haen, C; Haines, S C; Hall, S; Hamilton, B; Han, X; Hansmann-Menzemer, S; Harnew, N; Harnew, S T; Harrison, J; He, J; Head, T; Heijne, V; Heister, A; Hennessy, K; Henrard, P; Henry, L; Hernando Morata, J A; van Herwijnen, E; Heß, M; Hicheur, A; Hill, D; Hoballah, M; Hombach, C; Hulsbergen, W; Humair, T; Hushchyn, M; Hussain, N; Hutchcroft, D; Hynds, D; Idzik, M; Ilten, P; Jacobsson, R; Jaeger, A; Jalocha, J; Jans, E; Jawahery, A; John, M; Johnson, D; Jones, C R; Joram, C; Jost, B; Jurik, N; Kandybei, S; Kanso, W; Karacson, M; Karbach, T M; Karodia, S; Kecke, M; Kelsey, M; Kenyon, I R; Kenzie, M; Ketel, T; Khairullin, E; Khanji, B; Khurewathanakul, C; Kirn, T; Klaver, S; Klimaszewski, K; Kochebina, O; Kolpin, M; Komarov, I; Koopman, R F; Koppenburg, P; Kozeiha, M; Kravchuk, L; Kreplin, K; Kreps, M; Krokovny, P; Kruse, F; Krzemien, W; Kucewicz, W; Kucharczyk, M; Kudryavtsev, V; Kuonen, A K; Kurek, K; Kvaratskheliya, T; Lacarrere, D; Lafferty, G; Lai, A; Lambert, D; Lanfranchi, G; Langenbruch, C; Langhans, B; Latham, T; Lazzeroni, C; Le Gac, R; van Leerdam, J; Lees, J-P; Lefèvre, R; Leflat, A; Lefrançois, J; Lemos Cid, E; Leroy, O; Lesiak, T; Leverington, B; Li, Y; Likhomanenko, T; Liles, M; Lindner, R; Linn, C; Lionetto, F; Liu, B; Liu, X; Loh, D; Longstaff, I; Lopes, J H; Lucchesi, D; Lucio Martinez, M; Luo, H; Lupato, A; Luppi, E; Lupton, O; Lusardi, N; Lusiani, A; Machefert, F; Maciuc, F; Maev, O; Maguire, K; Malde, S; Malinin, A; Manca, G; Mancinelli, G; Manning, P; Mapelli, A; Maratas, J; Marchand, J F; Marconi, U; Marin Benito, C; Marino, P; Marks, J; Martellotti, G; Martin, M; Martinelli, M; Martinez Santos, D; Martinez Vidal, F; Martins Tostes, D; Massacrier, L M; Massafferri, A; Matev, R; Mathad, A; Mathe, Z; Matteuzzi, C; Mauri, A; Maurin, B; Mazurov, A; McCann, M; McCarthy, J; McNab, A; McNulty, R; Meadows, B; Meier, F; Meissner, M; Melnychuk, D; Merk, M; Michielin, E; Milanes, D A; Minard, M-N; Mitzel, D S; Molina Rodriguez, J; Monroy, I A; Monteil, S; Morandin, M; Morawski, P; Mordà, A; Morello, M J; Moron, J; Morris, A B; Mountain, R; Muheim, F; Müller, D; Müller, J; Müller, K; Müller, V; Mussini, M; Muster, B; Naik, P; Nakada, T; Nandakumar, R; Nandi, A; Nasteva, I; Needham, M; Neri, N; Neubert, S; Neufeld, N; Neuner, M; Nguyen, A D; Nguyen, T D; Nguyen-Mau, C; Niess, V; Niet, R; Nikitin, N; Nikodem, T; Novoselov, A; O'Hanlon, D P; Oblakowska-Mucha, A; Obraztsov, V; Ogilvy, S; Okhrimenko, O; Oldeman, R; Onderwater, C J G; Osorio Rodrigues, B; Otalora Goicochea, J M; Otto, A; Owen, P; Oyanguren, A; Palano, A; Palombo, F; Palutan, M; Panman, J; Papanestis, A; Pappagallo, M; Pappalardo, L L; Pappenheimer, C; Parker, W; Parkes, C; Passaleva, G; Patel, G D; Patel, M; Patrignani, C; Pearce, A; Pellegrino, A; Penso, G; Pepe Altarelli, M; Perazzini, S; Perret, P; Pescatore, L; Petridis, K; Petrolini, A; Petruzzo, M; Picatoste Olloqui, E; Pietrzyk, B; Pikies, M; Pinci, D; Pistone, A; Piucci, A; Playfer, S; Plo Casasus, M; Poikela, T; Polci, F; Poluektov, A; Polyakov, I; Polycarpo, E; Popov, A; Popov, D; Popovici, B; Potterat, C; Price, E; Price, J D; Prisciandaro, J; Pritchard, A; Prouve, C; Pugatch, V; Puig Navarro, A; Punzi, G; Qian, W; Quagliani, R; Rachwal, B; Rademacker, J H; Rama, M; Ramos Pernas, M; Rangel, M S; Raniuk, I; Rauschmayr, N; Raven, G; Redi, F; Reichert, S; Dos Reis, A C; Renaudin, V; Ricciardi, S; Richards, S; Rihl, M; Rinnert, K; Rives Molina, V; Robbe, P; Rodrigues, A B; Rodrigues, E; Rodriguez Lopez, J A; Rodriguez Perez, P; Roiser, S; Romanovsky, V; Romero Vidal, A; Ronayne, J W; Rotondo, M; Ruf, T; Ruiz Valls, P; Saborido Silva, J J; Sagidova, N; Saitta, B; Salustino Guimaraes, V; Sanchez Mayordomo, C; Sanmartin Sedes, B; Santacesaria, R; Santamarina Rios, C; Santimaria, M; Santovetti, E; Sarti, A; Satriano, C; Satta, A; Saunders, D M; Savrina, D; Schael, S; Schiller, M; Schindler, H; Schlupp, M; Schmelling, M; Schmelzer, T; Schmidt, B; Schneider, O; Schopper, A; Schubiger, M; Schune, M-H; Schwemmer, R; Sciascia, B; Sciubba, A; Semennikov, A; Serra, N; Serrano, J; Sestini, L; Seyfert, P; Shapkin, M; Shapoval, I; Shcheglov, Y; Shears, T; Shekhtman, L; Shevchenko, V; Shires, A; Siddi, B G; Silva Coutinho, R; Silva de Oliveira, L; Simi, G; Sirendi, M; Skidmore, N; Skwarnicki, T; Smith, E; Smith, E; Smith, I T; Smith, J; Smith, M; Snoek, H; Sokoloff, M D; Soler, F J P; Soomro, F; Souza, D; Souza De Paula, B; Spaan, B; Spradlin, P; Sridharan, S; Stagni, F; Stahl, M; Stahl, S; Stefkova, S; Steinkamp, O; Stenyakin, O; Stevenson, S; Stoica, S; Stone, S; Storaci, B; Stracka, S; Straticiuc, M; Straumann, U; Sun, L; Sutcliffe, W; Swientek, K; Swientek, S; Syropoulos, V; Szczekowski, M; Szumlak, T; T'Jampens, S; Tayduganov, A; Tekampe, T; Tellarini, G; Teubert, F; Thomas, C; Thomas, E; van Tilburg, J; Tisserand, V; Tobin, M; Todd, J; Tolk, S; Tomassetti, L; Tonelli, D; Topp-Joergensen, S; Torr, N; Tournefier, E; Tourneur, S; Trabelsi, K; Traill, M; Tran, M T; Tresch, M; Trisovic, A; Tsaregorodtsev, A; Tsopelas, P; Tuning, N; Ukleja, A; Ustyuzhanin, A; Uwer, U; Vacca, C; Vagnoni, V; Valenti, G; Vallier, A; Vazquez Gomez, R; Vazquez Regueiro, P; Vázquez Sierra, C; Vecchi, S; van Veghel, M; Velthuis, J J; Veltri, M; Veneziano, G; Vesterinen, M; Viaud, B; Vieira, D; Vieites Diaz, M; Vilasis-Cardona, X; Volkov, V; Vollhardt, A; Voong, D; Vorobyev, A; Vorobyev, V; Voß, C; de Vries, J A; Waldi, R; Wallace, C; Wallace, R; Walsh, J; Wang, J; Ward, D R; Watson, N K; Websdale, D; Weiden, A; Whitehead, M; Wicht, J; Wilkinson, G; Wilkinson, M; Williams, M; Williams, M P; Williams, M; Williams, T; Wilson, F F; Wimberley, J; Wishahi, J; Wislicki, W; Witek, M; Wormser, G; Wotton, S A; Wraight, K; Wright, S; Wyllie, K; Xie, Y; Xu, Z; Yang, Z; Yu, J; Yuan, X; Yushchenko, O; Zangoli, M; Zavertyaev, M; Zhang, L; Zhang, Y; Zhelezov, A; Zhokhov, A; Zhong, L; Zhukov, V; Zucchelli, S

2016-04-22

The first observation of the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode and evidence for the B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K_{S}^{0} decay mode are reported. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 3.0  fb^{-1} collected in pp collisions by LHCb at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[4.3±0.5(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.3(frag)±0.6(norm)]×10^{-4},B(B_{s}^{0}→D[over ¯]^{*0}K[over ¯]^{0})=[2.8±1.0(stat)±0.3(syst)±0.2(frag)±0.4(norm)]×10^{-4},where the uncertainties are due to contributions coming from statistical precision, systematic effects, and the precision of two external inputs, the ratio f_{s}/f_{d} and the branching fraction of B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}K_{S}^{0}, which is used as a calibration channel.

Dielectric properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3-La(B0.5Ti0.5)O3 (B=Mg, Zn) ceramics.

PubMed

Xu, Yebin; Liu, Ting; He, Yanyan; Yuan, Xiao

2009-11-01

Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3)-La(B(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3) (B = Mg, Zn) ceramics were prepared by a solid-state reaction method, and their microwave dielectric characteristics and tunability were investigated. The ferroelectric-dielectric solid solutions with cubic perovskite structures were obtained for compositions of 10 to 60 mol% La(Mg(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3) and 10 to 50 mol% La(Zn(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3). With the increase of linear oxide dielectric content, the dielectric constant and tunability were decreased and Qf was increased. Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3)-La(Mg(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3) has better dielectric properties than Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3)-La(Zn(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3). 0.9Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3)-0.1La(Mg(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3) has a dielectric constant epsilon = 338.2, Qf = 979 GHz and a tunability of was 3.7% at 100 kHz under 1.67 kV/mm. The Qf value of 0.5Ba(0.6)Sr(0.4)TiO(3)- 0.5La(Mg(0.5)Ti(0.5))O(3) reached 9367 GHz, but the tunable properties were lost.

EEG-based cognitive load of processing events in 3D virtual worlds is lower than processing events in 2D displays.

PubMed

Dan, Alex; Reiner, Miriam

2017-12-01

Interacting with 2D displays, such as computer screens, smartphones, and TV, is currently a part of our daily routine; however, our visual system is built for processing 3D worlds. We examined the cognitive load associated with a simple and a complex task of learning paper-folding (origami) by observing 2D or stereoscopic 3D displays. While connected to an electroencephalogram (EEG) system, participants watched a 2D video of an instructor demonstrating the paper-folding tasks, followed by a stereoscopic 3D projection of the same instructor (a digital avatar) illustrating identical tasks. We recorded the power of alpha and theta oscillations and calculated the cognitive load index (CLI) as the ratio of the average power of frontal theta (Fz.) and parietal alpha (Pz). The results showed a significantly higher cognitive load index associated with processing the 2D projection as compared to the 3D projection; additionally, changes in the average theta Fz power were larger for the 2D conditions as compared to the 3D conditions, while alpha average Pz power values were similar for 2D and 3D conditions for the less complex task and higher in the 3D state for the more complex task. The cognitive load index was lower for the easier task and higher for the more complex task in 2D and 3D. In addition, participants with lower spatial abilities benefited more from the 3D compared to the 2D display. These findings have implications for understanding cognitive processing associated with 2D and 3D worlds and for employing stereoscopic 3D technology over 2D displays in designing emerging virtual and augmented reality applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of mental tasks on the cardiorespiratory synchronization.

PubMed

Zhang, Jianbao; Yu, Xiaolin; Xie, Dongdong

2010-01-31

The cardiovascular and respiratory systems are functionally related to each other, but it is unclear if the cerebral cortex can affect their interaction. The effect of a mental task on the synchronization between cardiovascular and respiratory systems was investigated in the article. Electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory signal (RES) were collected from 29 healthy male subjects during the mental arithmetic (MA) task and the synchrogram was used to estimate the strength of cardiorespiratory synchronization. Our results showed that MA task significantly increased the breath rate, the heart rate and the EEG power spectral energy in theta band at FC3, FC4 and C4 electrodes (p<0.01), decreased the duration of cardiorespiratory synchronization epochs (p<0.05). Moreover the duration of cardiorespiratory synchronization epochs during MA task was negatively correlated with the EEG power spectral energy in theta band at FC3, FC4 and C4 electrodes and the sympathetic activity (p<0.05). The results demonstrated that ANS and cerebral cortex are implicated in the changes of cardiorespiratory synchronization during MA task. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibitory effect of interferon-α-2b on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in human hepatocellular carcinoma inoculated in nude mice

PubMed Central

Cao, Bin; Chen, Xiao-Ping; Zhu, Peng; Ding, Lei; Guan, Jian; Shi, Zuo-Liang

2008-01-01

AIM: To evaluate the effects of interferon-α-2b (IFN-α-2b) on expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) inoculated in nude mice and to study the underlying mechanism of IFN-α-2b against HCC growth. METHODS: Thirty-two nude mice bearing human HCC were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8). On the 10th day after implantation of HCC cells, the mice in test groups (groups A, B and C) received IFN-α-2b at a serial dose (10 000 IU for group A, 20 000 IU for group B, 40 000 IU for group C sc daily) for 35 d. The mice in control group received normal saline (NS). The growth conditions of transplanted tumors were observed. Both genes and proteins of COX-2 and VEGF were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Apoptosis of tumor cells in nude mice was detected by TUNEL assay after treatment with IFN-α-2b. RESULTS: Tumors were significantly smaller and had a lower weight in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups than those in the control group (P < 0.01), and the tumor growth inhibition rate in groups A, B and C was 27.78%, 65.22% and 49.64%, respectively. The expression levels of both genes and proteins of COX-2 and VEGF were much lower in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). The apoptosis index (AI) of tumor cells in the IFN-α-2b treatment groups was markedly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.01). Group B had a higher inhibition rate of tumor growth, a lower expression level of COX-2 and VEGF and a higher AI than groups A and C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and C. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effects of IFN-α-2b on implanted tumor growth and apoptosis may be associated with the down-regulation of COX-2 and VEGF expression. There is a dose-effect relationship. The medium dose of IFN-α-2b for inhibiting tumor growth is 20 000 IU/d. PMID:19058305

[Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus].

PubMed

Tavares Bello, Carlos; Capitão, Ricardo Miguel; Sequeira Duarte, João; Azinheira, Jorge; Vasconcelos, Carlos

2017-10-31

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common disease, affecting up to 13.1% of the Portuguese population. In addition to the known micro and macrovascular complications, drug side effects constitute a major concern, leading to changes in the treatment guidelines, which favor safety over efficacy. Metformin is the first-line pharmacological treatment for most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, it has been associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in up to 30% of treated patients. The authors describe the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in a diabetic population and explore the possible underlying factors. Retrospective, observational study. Clinical and laboratory data of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients whose vitamin B12 status was evaluated in the last decade (2005 - 2016) were analyzed. Patients with known malabsorptive syndromes or having undergone bariatric surgery were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done and the results were considered statistically significant at p values < 0.05. The study included a total of 1007 patients (58% women) with a mean age of 66.4 ± 12.2 years and 11 ± 10.4 years of type 2 diabetes mellitus duration. These patients had a high prevalence of complications: diabetic renal disease 47.7%, neuropathy 9.2%, retinopathy 14.9%, coronary artery disease 8.4%, cerebrovascular disease 10.9%, and peripheral arterial disease 5.5%. Vitamin B12 deficiency (< 174 ng / dL) was present in 21.4% of the population and this subgroup was older (68.4 vs 65.8 years, p = 0.006), had a longer type 2 diabetes mellitus duration (13.35 vs 10.36 years; p = 0.001), higher prevalence of retinopathy (20.9% vs 13.3%; p = 0.005) and thyroid dysfunction (34% vs 23.7%; p = 0.002). Vitamin B12 deficiency was also more frequent in patients treated with metformin (24.7% vs 15.8%; p = 0.017), antiplatelet agents (25.4% vs 16.2%, p < 0.001), and calcium channel blockers (26.8% vs 18.2%; p = 0.001). After adjustment for possible

Nucleus accumbens dopamine D2-receptor expressing neurons control behavioral flexibility in a place discrimination task in the IntelliCage.

PubMed

Macpherson, Tom; Morita, Makiko; Wang, Yanyan; Sasaoka, Toshikuni; Sawa, Akira; Hikida, Takatoshi

2016-07-01

Considerable evidence has demonstrated a critical role for the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the acquisition and flexibility of behavioral strategies. These processes are guided by the activity of two discrete neuron types, dopamine D1- or D2-receptor expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-/D2-MSNs). Here we used the IntelliCage, an automated group-housing experimental cage apparatus, in combination with a reversible neurotransmission blocking technique to examine the role of NAc D1- and D2-MSNs in the acquisition and reversal learning of a place discrimination task. We demonstrated that NAc D1- and D2-MSNs do not mediate the acquisition of the task, but that suppression of activity in D2-MSNs impairs reversal learning and increased perseverative errors. Additionally, global knockout of the dopamine D2L receptor isoform produced a similar behavioral phenotype to D2-MSN-blocked mice. These results suggest that D2L receptors and NAc D2-MSNs act to suppress the influence of previously correct behavioral strategies allowing transfer of behavioral control to new strategies. © 2016 Macpherson et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

First observation of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measurement of the ratio of branching fractions B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+)/B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-)).

PubMed

Aaltonen, T; Adelman, J; Akimoto, T; Albrow, M G; Alvarez González, B; Amerio, S; Amidei, D; Anastassov, A; Annovi, A; Antos, J; Apollinari, G; Apresyan, A; Arisawa, T; Artikov, A; Ashmanskas, W; Attal, A; Aurisano, A; Azfar, F; Azzurri, P; Badgett, W; Barbaro-Galtieri, A; Barnes, V E; Barnett, B A; Bartsch, V; Bauer, G; Beauchemin, P-H; Bedeschi, F; Bednar, P; Beecher, D; Behari, S; Bellettini, G; Bellinger, J; Benjamin, D; Beretvas, A; Beringer, J; Bhatti, A; Binkley, M; Bisello, D; Bizjak, I; Blair, R E; Blocker, C; Blumenfeld, B; Bocci, A; Bodek, A; Boisvert, V; Bolla, G; Bortoletto, D; Boudreau, J; Boveia, A; Brau, B; Bridgeman, A; Brigliadori, L; Bromberg, C; Brubaker, E; Budagov, J; Budd, H S; Budd, S; Burkett, K; Busetto, G; Bussey, P; Buzatu, A; Byrum, K L; Cabrera, S; Calancha, C; Campanelli, M; Campbell, M; Canelli, F; Canepa, A; Carlsmith, D; Carosi, R; Carrillo, S; Carron, S; Casal, B; Casarsa, M; Castro, A; Catastini, P; Cauz, D; Cavaliere, V; Cavalli-Sforza, M; Cerri, A; Cerrito, L; Chang, S H; Chen, Y C; Chertok, M; Chiarelli, G; Chlachidze, G; Chlebana, F; Cho, K; Chokheli, D; Chou, J P; Choudalakis, G; Chuang, S H; Chung, K; Chung, W H; Chung, Y S; Ciobanu, C I; Ciocci, M A; Clark, A; Clark, D; Compostella, G; Convery, M E; Conway, J; Copic, K; Cordelli, M; Cortiana, G; Cox, D J; Crescioli, F; Cuenca Almenar, C; Cuevas, J; Culbertson, R; Cully, J C; Dagenhart, D; Datta, M; Davies, T; de Barbaro, P; De Cecco, S; Deisher, A; De Lorenzo, G; Dell'Orso, M; Deluca, C; Demortier, L; Deng, J; Deninno, M; Derwent, P F; di Giovanni, G P; Dionisi, C; Di Ruzza, B; Dittmann, J R; D'Onofrio, M; Donati, S; Dong, P; Donini, J; Dorigo, T; Dube, S; Efron, J; Elagin, A; Erbacher, R; Errede, D; Errede, S; Eusebi, R; Fang, H C; Farrington, S; Fedorko, W T; Feild, R G; Feindt, M; Fernandez, J P; Ferrazza, C; Field, R; Flanagan, G; Forrest, R; Franklin, M; Freeman, J C; Furic, I; Gallinaro, M; Galyardt, J; Garberson, F; Garcia, J E; Garfinkel, A F; Genser, K; Gerberich, H; Gerdes, D; Gessler, A; Giagu, S; Giakoumopoulou, V; Giannetti, P; Gibson, K; Gimmell, J L; Ginsburg, C M; Giokaris, N; Giordani, M; Giromini, P; Giunta, M; Giurgiu, G; Glagolev, V; Glenzinski, D; Gold, M; Goldschmidt, N; Golossanov, A; Gomez, G; Gomez-Ceballos, G; Goncharov, M; González, O; Gorelov, I; Goshaw, A T; Goulianos, K; Gresele, A; Grinstein, S; Grosso-Pilcher, C; Group, R C; Grundler, U; Guimaraes da Costa, J; Gunay-Unalan, Z; Haber, C; Hahn, K; Hahn, S R; Halkiadakis, E; Han, B-Y; Han, J Y; Handler, R; Happacher, F; Hara, K; Hare, D; Hare, M; Harper, S; Harr, R F; Harris, R M; Hartz, M; Hatakeyama, K; Hauser, J; Hays, C; Heck, M; Heijboer, A; Heinemann, B; Heinrich, J; Henderson, C; Herndon, M; Heuser, J; Hewamanage, S; Hidas, D; Hill, C S; Hirschbuehl, D; Hocker, A; Hou, S; Houlden, M; Hsu, S-C; Huffman, B T; Hughes, R E; Husemann, U; Huston, J; Incandela, J; Introzzi, G; Iori, M; Ivanov, A; James, E; Jayatilaka, B; Jeon, E J; Jha, M K; Jindariani, S; Johnson, W; Jones, M; Joo, K K; Jun, S Y; Jung, J E; Junk, T R; Kamon, T; Kar, D; Karchin, P E; Kato, Y; Kephart, R; Keung, J; Khotilovich, V; Kilminster, B; Kim, D H; Kim, H S; Kim, J E; Kim, M J; Kim, S B; Kim, S H; Kim, Y K; Kimura, N; Kirsch, L; Klimenko, S; Knuteson, B; Ko, B R; Koay, S A; Kondo, K; Kong, D J; Konigsberg, J; Korytov, A; Kotwal, A V; Kreps, M; Kroll, J; Krop, D; Krumnack, N; Kruse, M; Krutelyov, V; Kubo, T; Kuhr, T; Kulkarni, N P; Kurata, M; Kusakabe, Y; Kwang, S; Laasanen, A T; Lami, S; Lammel, S; Lancaster, M; Lander, R L; Lannon, K; Lath, A; Latino, G; Lazzizzera, I; LeCompte, T; Lee, E; Lee, H S; Lee, S W; Leone, S; Lewis, J D; Lin, C S; Linacre, J; Lindgren, M; Lipeles, E; Lister, A; Litvintsev, D O; Liu, C; Liu, T; Lockyer, N S; Loginov, A; Loreti, M; Lovas, L; Lu, R-S; Lucchesi, D; Lueck, J; Luci, C; Lujan, P; Lukens, P; Lungu, G; Lyons, L; Lys, J; Lysak, R; Lytken, E; Mack, P; MacQueen, D; Madrak, R; Maeshima, K; Makhoul, K; Maki, T; Maksimovic, P; Malde, S; Malik, S; Manca, G; Manousakis-Katsikakis, A; Margaroli, F; Marino, C; Marino, C P; Martin, A; Martin, V; Martínez, M; Martínez-Ballarín, R; Maruyama, T; Mastrandrea, P; Masubuchi, T; Mattson, M E; Mazzanti, P; McFarland, K S; McIntyre, P; McNulty, R; Mehta, A; Mehtala, P; Menzione, A; Merkel, P; Mesropian, C; Miao, T; Miladinovic, N; Miller, R; Mills, C; Milnik, M; Mitra, A; Mitselmakher, G; Miyake, H; Moggi, N; Moon, C S; Moore, R; Morello, M J; Morlok, J; Movilla Fernandez, P; Mülmenstädt, J; Mukherjee, A; Muller, Th; Mumford, R; Murat, P; Mussini, M; Nachtman, J; Nagai, Y; Nagano, A; Naganoma, J; Nakamura, K; Nakano, I; Napier, A; Necula, V; Neu, C; Neubauer, M S; Nielsen, J; Nodulman, L; Norman, M; Norniella, O; Nurse, E; Oakes, L; Oh, S H; Oh, Y D; Oksuzian, I; Okusawa, T; Orava, R; Osterberg, K; Pagan Griso, S; Pagliarone, C; Palencia, E; Papadimitriou, V; Papaikonomou, A; Paramonov, A A; Parks, B; Pashapour, S; Patrick, J; Pauletta, G; Paulini, M; Paus, C; Pellett, D E; Penzo, A; Phillips, T J; Piacentino, G; Pianori, E; Pinera, L; Pitts, K; Plager, C; Pondrom, L; Poukhov, O; Pounder, N; Prakoshyn, F; Pronko, A; Proudfoot, J; Ptohos, F; Pueschel, E; Punzi, G; Pursley, J; Rademacker, J; Rahaman, A; Ramakrishnan, V; Ranjan, N; Redondo, I; Reisert, B; Rekovic, V; Renton, P; Rescigno, M; Richter, S; Rimondi, F; Ristori, L; Robson, A; Rodrigo, T; Rodriguez, T; Rogers, E; Rolli, S; Roser, R; Rossi, M; Rossin, R; Roy, P; Ruiz, A; Russ, J; Rusu, V; Saarikko, H; Safonov, A; Sakumoto, W K; Saltó, O; Santi, L; Sarkar, S; Sartori, L; Sato, K; Savoy-Navarro, A; Scheidle, T; Schlabach, P; Schmidt, A; Schmidt, E E; Schmidt, M A; Schmidt, M P; Schmitt, M; Schwarz, T; Scodellaro, L; Scott, A L; Scribano, A; Scuri, F; Sedov, A; Seidel, S; Seiya, Y; Semenov, A; Sexton-Kennedy, L; Sfyrla, A; Shalhout, S Z; Shapiro, M D; Shears, T; Shepard, P F; Sherman, D; Shimojima, M; Shiraishi, S; Shochet, M; Shon, Y; Shreyber, I; Sidoti, A; Sinervo, P; Sisakyan, A; Slaughter, A J; Slaunwhite, J; Sliwa, K; Smith, J R; Snider, F D; Snihur, R; Soha, A; Somalwar, S; Sorin, V; Spalding, J; Spreitzer, T; Squillacioti, P; Stanitzki, M; St Denis, R; Stelzer, B; Stelzer-Chilton, O; Stentz, D; Strologas, J; Stuart, D; Suh, J S; Sukhanov, A; Suslov, I; Suzuki, T; Taffard, A; Takashima, R; Takeuchi, Y; Tanaka, R; Tecchio, M; Teng, P K; Terashi, K; Thom, J; Thompson, A S; Thompson, G A; Thomson, E; Tipton, P; Tiwari, V; Tkaczyk, S; Toback, D; Tokar, S; Tollefson, K; Tomura, T; Tonelli, D; Torre, S; Torretta, D; Totaro, P; Tourneur, S; Tu, Y; Turini, N; Ukegawa, F; Vallecorsa, S; van Remortel, N; Varganov, A; Vataga, E; Vázquez, F; Velev, G; Vellidis, C; Veszpremi, V; Vidal, M; Vidal, R; Vila, I; Vilar, R; Vine, T; Vogel, M; Volobouev, I; Volpi, G; Würthwein, F; Wagner, P; Wagner, R G; Wagner, R L; Wagner-Kuhr, J; Wagner, W; Wakisaka, T; Wallny, R; Wang, S M; Warburton, A; Waters, D; Weinberger, M; Wester, W C; Whitehouse, B; Whiteson, D; Wicklund, A B; Wicklund, E; Williams, G; Williams, H H; Wilson, P; Winer, B L; Wittich, P; Wolbers, S; Wolfe, C; Wright, T; Wu, X; Wynne, S M; Xie, S; Yagil, A; Yamamoto, K; Yamaoka, J; Yang, U K; Yang, Y C; Yao, W M; Yeh, G P; Yoh, J; Yorita, K; Yoshida, T; Yu, G B; Yu, I; Yu, S S; Yun, J C; Zanello, L; Zanetti, A; Zaw, I; Zhang, X; Zheng, Y; Zucchelli, S

2009-11-06

A combined mass and particle identification fit is used to make the first observation of the decay B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) and measure the branching fraction of B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) relative to B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-). This analysis uses 1.2 fb(-1) integrated luminosity of pp collisions at square root(s) = 1.96 TeV collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We observe a B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) signal with a statistical significance of 8.1 sigma and measure B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+/-)K(-/+) /B(B(s)(0) --> D(s)(+)pi(-) 0.097+/-0.018(stat) +/- 0.009(syst).

X-Ray Spectroscopy of the Nearby, Classical T Tauri Star TW Hydrae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kastner, Joel H.; Huenemoerder, David P.; Schulz, Norbert S.; Weintraub, David A.

1999-11-01

We present ASCA and ROSAT X-ray observations of the classical T Tauri star TW Hya, the namesake of a small association that, at a distance of ~50 pc, represents the nearest known region of recent star formation. Analysis of ASCA and ROSAT spectra indicates characteristic temperatures of ~1.7 and ~9.7 MK for the X-ray-emitting region(s) of TW Hya, with emission lines of highly ionized Fe dominating the spectrum at energies of ~1 keV. The X-ray data show variations in X-ray flux on timescales of <~1 hr as well as indications of changes in the X-ray-absorbing column on timescales of several years, suggesting that flares and variable obscuration are responsible for the large-amplitude optical variability of TW Hya on short and long timescales, respectively. Comparison with model calculations suggests that TW Hya produces sufficient hard X-ray flux to produce significant ionization of molecular gas within its circumstellar disk; such X-ray ionization may regulate both protoplanetary accretion and protoplanetary chemistry.

Design of Restoration Method Based on Compressed Sensing and TwIST Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fei; Piao, Yan

2018-04-01

In order to improve the subjective and objective quality of degraded images at low sampling rates effectively,save storage space and reduce computational complexity at the same time, this paper proposes a joint restoration algorithm of compressed sensing and two step iterative threshold shrinkage (TwIST). The algorithm applies the TwIST algorithm which used in image restoration to the compressed sensing theory. Then, a small amount of sparse high-frequency information is obtained in frequency domain. The TwIST algorithm based on compressed sensing theory is used to accurately reconstruct the high frequency image. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better subjective visual effects and objective quality of degraded images while accurately restoring degraded images.

Preparation of atomically flat TiO2(001) surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Weitering, Hanno H.; Snijders, Paul C.

2015-03-01

Transition metal oxides with the rutile structure (MO2, M = e.g. Ti, V, or Nb) have highly directional partially occupied t2g orbitals. Some of these orbitals form quasi-1D electronic bands along the rutile c-axis, and Peierls-like ordering phenomena have been observed in VO2 and NbO2. Tailoring the electronic properties of these materials via quantum confinement requires epitaxial growth on suitable substrates such as low index TiO2 surfaces. Because of the high surface energy of rutile TiO2(001), the standard approach of sputtering and annealing usually introduces faceting. Here we demonstrate a facile method to create atomically flat, non-faceted TiO2(001) surfaces. Using scanning tunneling microscopy we observe terraces with a width of approximately 150 nm. Step heights of approximately 0.3 nm are observed, consistent with the c lattice parameter of rutile TiO2. Low energy electron diffraction patterns reveal sharp diffraction spots with an in-plane lattice constant of 0.358 nm which is consistent with a (1x1) ordering of the (001) plane. These TiO2(001) single crystal surfaces can serve as an ideal substrate for further growth of rutile heterostructures. Research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division.

Measurement of the branching fractions for B0 -->D*-pi+ and B0 -->D*rho+

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

Barrera, Barbara

Using 5.2 fb{sup -1} annihilation data recorded with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II storage ring while operating on the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance, a sample of fully reconstructed B{sup 0} decays in the hadronic modes B{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup -} {pi}{sup +} and B{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup -} {rho}{sup +} have been reconstructed. In this paper, a study of these events is reported, including preliminary measurements of the absolute branching fractions for these modes, which are found to be B(B{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup -} {pi}{sup +} = 2.9 {+-} 0.3 {+-} 0.3) x 10{sup -3} and B(B{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup -}more » {rho}{sup +}) = (11.2 {+-} 1.1 {+-} 2.5) x 10{sup -3}.« less

Structural, thermal and electrical conductivity characteristics of Ln{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} (Ln: La, Nd and Sm) complex perovskites as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cell

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

Jeong, Jihoon; Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712; Azad, Abul K.

2015-03-15

The Ti and Mn replaced complex perovskites, Ln{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} (Ln: La, Nd and Sm), were reported as potential anode materials for high temperature-operating solid oxide fuel cells (HT-SOFCs). For the present research study, synthesis, crystallographic, thermal and electrical conductivity properties of Ln{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} complex perovskites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Rietveld method, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical conductivity to apply these oxide materials for the HT-SOFC anode materials. XRD results showed that Ln{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} oxide systems synthesized as single phases did not react with 8 mol% yttriamore » stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) and 10 mol% Gd-doped cerium oxide (CGO91) up to 1500 °C and did not decompose under dry 3.9% hydrogen at 850 °C. The crystal structures of La{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} (LSTM), Nd{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} (NSTM) and Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d} (SSTM) showed orthorhombic symmetry with the space group Pbnm and SSTM showed a more distorted structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved weight gains in these three sample occurred under oxidizing conditions and weight loss under reducing conditions. Electrical conductivity values of NSTM were higher than those of LSTM and SSTM under oxidizing and reducing conditions. - Graphical abstract: The B-site cations (Ti/Mn) are surrounded by regular octahedra of oxygen in Nd{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}Ti{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}O{sub 3±d}(NSTM). These octahedra are linked together in a corner sharing three dimensional framework, while Nd/Sr ion occupies 12-coordinated A-site between these octahedra. The Ti/Mn–O{sub 6} octahedra are elongated along the c-axis. The crystal structure distortion was due to the smaller ionic radius of the A-site cations, which force the (Ti

Ephrin-B2 prevents N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody effects on memory and neuroplasticity.

PubMed

Planagumà, Jesús; Haselmann, Holger; Mannara, Francesco; Petit-Pedrol, Mar; Grünewald, Benedikt; Aguilar, Esther; Röpke, Luise; Martín-García, Elena; Titulaer, Maarten J; Jercog, Pablo; Graus, Francesc; Maldonado, Rafael; Geis, Christian; Dalmau, Josep

2016-09-01

To demonstrate that ephrin-B2 (the ligand of EphB2 receptor) antagonizes the pathogenic effects of patients' N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies on memory and synaptic plasticity. One hundred twenty-two C57BL/6J mice infused with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis or controls, with or without ephrin-B2, were investigated. CSF was infused through ventricular catheters connected to subcutaneous osmotic pumps over 14 days. Memory, behavioral tasks, locomotor activity, presence of human antibodies specifically bound to hippocampal NMDAR, and antibody effects on the density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2 were examined at different time points using reported techniques. Short- and long-term synaptic plasticity were determined in acute brain sections; the Schaffer collateral pathway was stimulated and the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Mice infused with patients' CSF, but not control CSF, developed progressive memory deficit and depressive-like behavior along with deposits of NMDAR antibodies in the hippocampus. These findings were associated with a decrease of the density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2, and marked impairment of long-term synaptic plasticity without altering short-term plasticity. Administration of ephrin-B2 prevented the pathogenic effects of the antibodies in all the investigated paradigms assessing memory, depressive-like behavior, density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2, and long-term synaptic plasticity. Administration of ephrin-B2 prevents the pathogenic effects of anti-NMDAR encephalitis antibodies on memory and behavior, levels of cell-surface NMDAR, and synaptic plasticity. These findings reveal a strategy beyond immunotherapy to antagonize patients' antibody effects. Ann Neurol 2016;80:388-400. © 2016 American Neurological Association.

Laser Driven Compression Equations of State and Hugoniot Pressure Measurements in Thick Solid Metallic Targets at ˜0.17-13 TW/cm2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remo, John L.

2010-10-01

An electro-optic laser probe was developed to obtain parameters for high energy density equations of state (EoS), Hugoniot pressures (PH), and strain rates for high energy density laser irradiation intensity, I, experiments at ˜170 GW/cm2 (λ = 1064 nm) to ˜13 TW/cm2 (λ = 527 nm) on Al, Cu, Ti, Fe, Ni metal targets in a vacuum. At I ˜7 TW/cm2 front surface plasma pressures and temperatures reached 100's GPa and over two million K. Rear surface PH ranged from 7-120 GPa at average shock wave transit velocities 4.2-8.5 km/s, depending on target thickness and I. A surface plasma compression ˜100's GPa generated an impulsive radial expanding shock wave causing compression, rarefactions, and surface elastic and plastic deformations depending on I. A laser/fiber optic system measured rear surface shock wave emergence and particle velocity with ˜3 GHz resolution by monitoring light deflection from diamond polished rear surfaces of malleable metallic targets, analogous to an atomic force microscope. Target thickness, ˜0.5-2.9 mm, prevented front surface laser irradiation penetration, due to low radiation skin depth, from altering rear surface reflectivity (refractive index). At ˜10 TW electromagnetic plasma pulse noise generated from the target chamber overwhelmed detector signals. Pulse frequency analysis using Moebius loop antennae probed transient noise characteristics. Average shock (compression) and particle (rear surface displacement) velocity measurements determined rear surface PH and GPa) EoS that are compared with gas guns.

Influence of Near Tasks on Posture in Myopic Chinese Schoolchildren

PubMed Central

Bao, Jinhua; Drobe, Björn; Wang, Yuwen; Chen, Ke; Seow, Eu Jin; Lu, Fan

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate near-vision posture in Chinese myopic schoolchildren and compare near-vision posture during different near-vision tasks (i.e., playing video games, reading, and writing). Methods The study investigated 120 myopic children (grades 1 through 6 and aged 6 to 13 years). An electromagnetic motion-tracking system was used for continuous measurements of the working distance and head declination of the subjects while they were playing video games or reading or writing at a desk. The reading and writing documents were adjusted by grade level (i.e., grades 1 to 2, 3 to 4, and 5 to 6). For analysis, the subjects were grouped in two refractive groups according to their median spherical equivalent refractive error (−1.50D). Results The myopic schoolchildren used close working distances for all tasks: 21.3 ± 5.2 cm (video games), 27.2 ± 6.4 cm (reading), and 24.9 ± 5.8 cm (writing). The mean head declinations were 63.5 ± 12.2 deg (video games), 37.1 ± 12.8 deg (reading), and 44.5 ± 14.1 deg (writing). Working distance decreased significantly across time for the reading and writing tasks (p < 0.001). Head declination increased significantly across time only for the reading task (p < 0.001). Grade level significantly influenced working distance, but the difference was not significant when working distance was adjusted by the subject’s size. No differences were observed within the refractive or the accommodative lag groups in terms of the posture data (p > 0.05). Working distance was negatively correlated with head declination (r = −0.53, p < 0.001). Conclusions Close working distances were observed for Chinese myopic schoolchildren. The attention dedicated to each task, the task difficulty, and the page/screen size may affect near working distance and head declination. Handheld video games were associated with the closest working distance, which may be a risk factor for myopia progression, according to previous studies. PMID:26107025

Oxygen vacancy-induced room-temperature ferromagnetism in D—D neutron irradiated single-crystal TiO2 (001) rutile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Nan-Nan; Li, Gong-Ping; Pan, Xiao-Dong; Wang, Yun-Bo; Chen, Jing-Sheng; Bao, Liang-Man

2014-10-01

Remarkable room temperature ferromagnetism in pure single-crystal rutile TiO2 (001) samples irradiated by D—D neutron has been investigated. By combining X-ray diffraction and positron annihilation lifetime, the contracted lattice has been clearly identified in irradiated TiO2, where Ti4+ ions can be easily reduced to the state of Ti3+. As there were no magnetic impurities that could contaminate the samples during the whole procedure, some Ti3+ ions reside on interstitial or substituted sites accompanied by oxygen vacancies should be responsible for the ferromagnetism.

A Gaia DR2 Confirmation that 2MASS J12074836–3900043 is a Member of the TW HYA Association

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gagné, Jonathan; Gonzales, Eileen C.; Faherty, Jacqueline K.

2018-05-01

We use new data from Gaia DR2 to confirm that the young L1 $\\gamma$ candidate member of the TW Hya association (TWA) is now a bona fide member with a model-dependent mass estimate of ~15 $M_{Jup}$. The ambiguous M9 $\\gamma$ candidate member 2MASS J12474428---3816464 also gets a higher Bayesian membership probability for TWA membership as a result of Gaia DR2 data and a new radial velocity measurement, but it remains unclear whether it is a true member of TWA or if it is an unrelated young interloper, because it is separated by 4.6 km/s from the locus of TWA members in UVW space.

Redshifted X-rays from the material accreting onto TW Hydrae: Evidence of a low-latitude accretion spot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Argiroffi, C.; Drake, J. J.; Bonito, R.; Orlando, S.; Peres, G.; Miceli, M.

2017-10-01

Context. High resolution spectroscopy, providing constraints on plasma motions and temperatures, is a powerful means to investigate the structure of accretion streams in classical T Tauri stars (CTTS). In particular, the accretion shock region, where the accreting material is heated to temperatures of a few million degrees as it continues its inward bulk motion, can be probed by X-ray spectroscopy. Aims: In an attempt to detect for the first time the motion of this X-ray-emitting post-shock material, we searched for a Doppler shift in the deep Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating observation of the CTTS TW Hya. This test should unveil the nature of this X-ray emitting plasma component in CTTS and constrain the accretion stream geometry. Methods: We searched for a Doppler shift in the X-ray emission from TW Hya with two different methods: by measuring the position of a selected sample of emission lines and by fitting the whole TW Hya X-ray spectrum, allowing the line-of-sight velocity to vary. Results: We found that the plasma at T 2 - 4 MK has a line-of-sight velocity of 38.3 ± 5.1 km s-1 with respect to the stellar photosphere. This result definitively confirms that this X-ray-emitting material originates in the post-shock region, at the base of the accretion stream, and not in coronal structures. The comparison of the observed velocity along the line of sight, 38.3 ± 5.1 km s-1, with the inferred intrinsic velocity of the post shock of TW Hya, vpost ≈ 110 - 120 km s-1, indicates that the footpoints of the accretion streams on TW Hya are located at low latitudes on the stellar surface. Conclusions: Our results indicate that complex magnetic field geometries, such as those of TW Hya, permit low-latitude accretion spots. Moreover, since on TW Hya the redshift of the soft X-ray emission is very similar to that of the narrow component of the C iv resonance doublet at 1550 Å, then the plasma at 2 - 4 MK and that at 0.1 MK likely originate in the same post

NAVSEA 05D Ship Design and Certification Network Knowledge Management Project

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-12

Junod , Vinek Kaistha N SW C C D -C IS D -2 00 7/ 00 1 REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for this...NUMBER 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) John Junod , LCdr Mark Read, Vinek Kaistha 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 06-1-2002

75 FR 80293 - Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-22

... Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS 350 B, BA, B1, B2, B3, and D, and Model AS355 E, F, F1, F2... identified in the Applicability section, Table 1, of the AD. As published, two part numbers shown in Table 1... corrected to read as follows: Table 1 Component Part No. (P/N) Serial No. (S/N) Main rotor servo-control...

Three-dimensional vision enhances task performance independently of the surgical method.

PubMed

Wagner, O J; Hagen, M; Kurmann, A; Horgan, S; Candinas, D; Vorburger, S A

2012-10-01

Within the next few years, the medical industry will launch increasingly affordable three-dimensional (3D) vision systems for the operating room (OR). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D visualization on surgical skills and task performance. In this study, 34 individuals with varying laparoscopic experience (18 inexperienced individuals) performed three tasks to test spatial relationships, grasping and positioning, dexterity, precision, and hand-eye and hand-hand coordination. Each task was performed in 3D using binocular vision for open performance, the Viking 3Di Vision System for laparoscopic performance, and the DaVinci robotic system. The same tasks were repeated in 2D using an eye patch for monocular vision, conventional laparoscopy, and the DaVinci robotic system. Loss of 3D vision significantly increased the perceived difficulty of a task and the time required to perform it, independently of the approach (P < 0.0001-0.02). Simple tasks took 25 % to 30 % longer to complete and more complex tasks took 75 % longer with 2D than with 3D vision. Only the difficult task was performed faster with the robot than with laparoscopy (P = 0.005). In every case, 3D robotic performance was superior to conventional laparoscopy (2D) (P < 0.001-0.015). The more complex the task, the more 3D vision accelerates task completion compared with 2D vision. The gain in task performance is independent of the surgical method.

Reliability of the dynavision™ d2 for assessing reaction time performance.

PubMed

Wells, Adam J; Hoffman, Jay R; Beyer, Kyle S; Jajtner, Adam R; Gonzalez, Adam M; Townsend, Jeremy R; Mangine, Gerald T; Robinson, Edward H; McCormack, William P; Fragala, Maren S; Stout, Jeffrey R

2014-01-01

Recently, the Dynavision™ D2 Visuomotor Training Device (D2) has emerged as a tool in the assessment of reaction time (RT); however, information regarding the reliability of the D2 have been limited, and to date, reliability data have been limited to non- generalizable samples. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) for the D2 that are generalizable across a population of recreationally active young adults. Forty-two recreationally active men and women (age: 23.41 ± 4.84 years; height: 1.72 ± 0.11 m; mass: 76.62 ± 18.26 Kg) completed 6 trials for three RT tasks of increasing complexity. Each trial was separated by at least 48-hours. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to detect differences in performance across the six trials. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal differences (MD) were used to determine the reliability of the D2 from the two sessions with the least significant difference score. Moderate to strong reliability was demonstrated for visual RT (ICC2,1: 0.84, SEM: 0.033), and reactive ability in both Mode A and Mode B tasks (Mode A hits: ICC2,1: 0.75, SEM: 5.44; Mode B hits: ICC2,1: 0.73, SEM: 8.57). Motor RT (ICC2,1: 0.63, SEM: 0.035s) showed fair reliability, while average RT per hit for Modes A and B showed moderate reliability (ICC2,1: 0.68, SEM: 0.43 s and ICC2,1: 0.72, SEM: 0.03 s respectively). It appears that one familiarization trial is necessary for the choice reaction time (CRT) task while three familiarization trials are necessary for reactive RT tasks. In conclusion, results indicate that the Dynavision™ D2 is a reliable device to assess neuromuscular reactivity given that an adequate practice is provided. The data presented are generalizable to a population of recreationally active young adults. Key PointsThe Dynavision™ D2 is a light-training reaction device, developed to train sensory motor integration through the

Synthesis, structure and research on quasi-aromaticity of a new organically templated aluminoborate: [NH0.5C4H4NH0.5][AlB12O14(OH)12

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, HengBin; Chen, XiangYi; Deng, Song; Cai, Feng; Sun, YanQiong; Chen, YiPing

2012-02-01

By employing hydrothermal method, we identify a new organically templated aluminoborate [NH0.5C4H4NH0.5][AlB12O14(OH)12] which is structurally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction and characterized by simulated and experimental IR, 2D IR COS (two-dimensional infrared correlation spectroscopy), NICS (nucleus-independent chemical shifts) and Mulliken charges calculations. Although the cluster anions [AlB12O14(OH)12]- is identical to the counterpart of compound reported by Lin et al. at 2008, we firstly bring up its quasi-aromaticity, discuss and confirm it by NICS, Mulliken charges calculations and magnetic-induced 2D IR COS, and conclude that three isolated and non-coplanar four-center six-electron π bonds of cluster could cooperate and interact with each other to form a closed conjugated large π orbital system, endowing the cluster anions with quasi-aromaticity. Thus, a one-dimensional chain is constructed by π-π stacked interaction between quasi-aromatic clusters and aromatic pyrazine along [1 0¯ 1] direction. The title compound crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 18.397(4), b = 12.0670(16), c = 11.075(2) Å, α = 90.00, β = 116.483(11), γ = 90.00°, Z = 4, V = 2200.6(7) Å, R = 0.0442 and wR = 0.1128 for 2689 observed reflections.

Mössbauer spectroscopy of MgxCu0.5-xZn0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.2 and 0.5) ferrites system irradiated by γ-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, M. A.; Hassan, H. E.; Eltabey, M. M.; Latka, K.; Tatarchuk, T. R.

2018-02-01

The effect of the Mg-content on the cation distribution of cubic MgxCu0.5-xZn0.5Fe2O4(x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5) prepared by conventional ceramic method was investigated using Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. We aimed to estimate the enhanced changes in the inversion parameter of MgxCu0.5-xZn0.5Fe2O4 system due to γ-ray irradiation as a function of the Mg-content in the range 0.5 ≥ x ≥ 0.0. The samples were irradiated by 1173 keV + 1332.5 keV γ-rays emitted from 60Co radioactive source. The total absorbed dose was 1.9 MGy with dose rate 5 kGy/h. The observed superposition of more than one sextet that belong to either octahedral [B] or tetrahedral (A) sites in the Mössbauer spectra before and after γ-irradiation was interpreted by the effect of spin canting. Moreover, there is an evidence on the presence of the Fe2+ charge state at A-sites in the irradiated samples. The quadrupole splittings showed that the orientation of the magnetic hyperfine field with respect to the principle axes of the electric field gradient was random. The magnetic hyperfine field values indicated also that the A sites had more A-O-B super exchange interactions than the B sites. New antistructure modeling for the pristine and irradiated MgxCu0.5-xZn0.5Fe2O4 samples at different γ-doses was used for describing of the lattice defects and surface centers.

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for infections in patients affected by HCV-related liver cirrhosis.

PubMed

Buonomo, Antonio Riccardo; Zappulo, Emanuela; Scotto, Riccardo; Pinchera, Biagio; Perruolo, Giuseppe; Formisano, Pietro; Borgia, Guglielmo; Gentile, Ivan

2017-10-01

To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its impact on infections in HCV-related liver cirrhosis. We enrolled 291 patients affected by HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Serum vitamin D levels were dosed at enrolment. The presence of infection was assessed at baseline and during follow-up based on physical examination and laboratory analyses. Vitamin D deficiency (<20ng/mL) was diagnosed in 68.3% of patients, and a total of 102 infections were detected. Urinary tract infections were the most common infections diagnosed (41.2%). Vitamin D deficiency rates were higher in patients with decompensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B vs A p=0.008, and Child-Pugh C vs A p=0.024). Infection was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (p<0.001), MELD score >15 (p=0.003), Child-Pugh class B/C vs A (p<0.001), and active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (p<0.001). At multivariate analysis, vitamin D deficiency (p<0.01), HCC (p<0.05), hospitalization (p<0.001) and exposure to immunosuppressant agents (p<0.05) were independent risk factors for infection at baseline. Vitamin D may play a role in the development of infections in patients affected by liver cirrhosis, and preventive strategies with vitamin D supplementation are to be evaluated in randomized controlled trials. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Modulation of cortical activity in 2D versus 3D virtual reality environments: an EEG study.

PubMed

Slobounov, Semyon M; Ray, William; Johnson, Brian; Slobounov, Elena; Newell, Karl M

2015-03-01

There is a growing empirical evidence that virtual reality (VR) is valuable for education, training, entertaining and medical rehabilitation due to its capacity to represent real-life events and situations. However, the neural mechanisms underlying behavioral confounds in VR environments are still poorly understood. In two experiments, we examined the effect of fully immersive 3D stereoscopic presentations and less immersive 2D VR environments on brain functions and behavioral outcomes. In Experiment 1 we examined behavioral and neural underpinnings of spatial navigation tasks using electroencephalography (EEG). In Experiment 2, we examined EEG correlates of postural stability and balance. Our major findings showed that fully immersive 3D VR induced a higher subjective sense of presence along with enhanced success rate of spatial navigation compared to 2D. In Experiment 1 power of frontal midline EEG (FM-theta) was significantly higher during the encoding phase of route presentation in the 3D VR. In Experiment 2, the 3D VR resulted in greater postural instability and modulation of EEG patterns as a function of 3D versus 2D environments. The findings support the inference that the fully immersive 3D enriched-environment requires allocation of more brain and sensory resources for cognitive/motor control during both tasks than 2D presentations. This is further evidence that 3D VR tasks using EEG may be a promising approach for performance enhancement and potential applications in clinical/rehabilitation settings. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

7 CFR Exhibit D to Subpart B of... - Designated Counties for Housing Application Packaging Grants

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 13 2010-01-01 2009-01-01 true Designated Counties for Housing Application Packaging... Application Packaging Grants Pt. 1944, Subpt. B, Exh. D Exhibit D to Subpart B of Part 1944—Designated Counties for Housing Application Packaging Grants ER25my05.036 ER25my05.037 ER25my05.038 ER25my05.039 [70...

Preparation of Superparamagnetic Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 Particle by Coprecipitation-Sonochemical Method for Radar Absorbing Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taufiq, A.; Bahtiar, S.; Sunaryono; Hidayat, N.; Hidayat, A.; Mufti, N.; Diantoro, M.; Fuad, A.; Munasir; Rahmawati, R.; Adi, W. A.; Pratapa, S.; Darminto

2017-05-01

One of many applications of spinel ferrite nanoparticles is related to their performance as radar absorbing materials. In this work, we report developing synthesis method through combined coprecipitation-sonochemical routes in preparing Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle from iron sand in Indonesia as a vital raw material. The structure, size, morphology, and elements of the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle were investigated via X-Ray diffractometry and Transmission/Scanning Electron Microscopy (TEM/SEM) combining Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The magnetic properties of the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle were characterized by using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). Furthermore, the reflection loss character of the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle was determined via Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). From the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the XRD data, it can be identified that the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 particle formed a spinel cubic structure in a single phase with the lattice parameter of approximately 8.401 Å. It is known from the TEM image that the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 particle had a size of about 9.7 nm and tended to agglomerate. Furthermore, the data analysis of the M(H) curve presented that the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle has a superparamagnetic behavior with the saturation magnetization of approximately 43 emu/g. Finally, the data analysis of the reflection loss as a function of frequency showed that the Zn0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle performs as a radar absorbing material with the absorption performance of approximately -11.0 dB at the frequency of 10.8 GHz

Effects of noise and task loading on a communication task loading on a communication task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orrell, Dean H., II

Previous research had shown the effect of noise on a single communication task. This research has been criticized as not being representative of a real world situation since subjects allocated all of their attention to only one task. In the present study, the effect of adding a loading task to a standard noise-communication paradigm was investigated. Subjects performed both a communication task (Modified Rhyme Test; House et al. 1965) and a short term memory task (Sternberg, 1969) in simulated levels of aircraft noise (95, 105 and 115 dB overall sound pressure level (OASPL)). Task loading was varied with Sternberg's task by requiring subjects to memorize one, four, or six alphanumeric characters. Simulated aircraft noise was varied between levels of 95, 105 and 115 dB OASPL using a pink noise source. Results show that the addition of Sternberg's task and little effect on the intelligibility of the communication task while response time for the communication task increased.

2D to 3D conversion implemented in different hardware

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos-Diaz, Eduardo; Gonzalez-Huitron, Victor; Ponomaryov, Volodymyr I.; Hernandez-Fragoso, Araceli

2015-02-01

Conversion of available 2D data for release in 3D content is a hot topic for providers and for success of the 3D applications, in general. It naturally completely relies on virtual view synthesis of a second view given by original 2D video. Disparity map (DM) estimation is a central task in 3D generation but still follows a very difficult problem for rendering novel images precisely. There exist different approaches in DM reconstruction, among them manually and semiautomatic methods that can produce high quality DMs but they demonstrate hard time consuming and are computationally expensive. In this paper, several hardware implementations of designed frameworks for an automatic 3D color video generation based on 2D real video sequence are proposed. The novel framework includes simultaneous processing of stereo pairs using the following blocks: CIE L*a*b* color space conversions, stereo matching via pyramidal scheme, color segmentation by k-means on an a*b* color plane, and adaptive post-filtering, DM estimation using stereo matching between left and right images (or neighboring frames in a video), adaptive post-filtering, and finally, the anaglyph 3D scene generation. Novel technique has been implemented on DSP TMS320DM648, Matlab's Simulink module over a PC with Windows 7, and using graphic card (NVIDIA Quadro K2000) demonstrating that the proposed approach can be applied in real-time processing mode. The time values needed, mean Similarity Structural Index Measure (SSIM) and Bad Matching Pixels (B) values for different hardware implementations (GPU, Single CPU, and DSP) are exposed in this paper.

Measurement of the CKM angle γ using B 0 → DK *0 with D → K S 0 π + π - decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaij, R.; Abellán Beteta, C.; Adeva, B.; Adinolfi, M.; Ajaltouni, Z.; Akar, S.; Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F.; Alexander, M.; Ali, S.; Alkhazov, G.; Alvarez Cartelle, P.; Alves, A. A.; Amato, S.; Amerio, S.; Amhis, Y.; An, L.; Anderlini, L.; Andreassi, G.; Andreotti, M.; Andrews, J. E.; Appleby, R. B.; Aquines Gutierrez, O.; Archilli, F.; d'Argent, P.; Artamonov, A.; Artuso, M.; Aslanides, E.; Auriemma, G.; Baalouch, M.; Bachmann, S.; Back, J. J.; Badalov, A.; Baesso, C.; Baldini, W.; Barlow, R. J.; Barschel, C.; Barsuk, S.; Barter, W.; Batozskaya, V.; Battista, V.; Bay, A.; Beaucourt, L.; Beddow, J.; Bedeschi, F.; Bediaga, I.; Bel, L. J.; Bellee, V.; Belloli, N.; Belyaev, I.; Ben-Haim, E.; Bencivenni, G.; Benson, S.; Benton, J.; Berezhnoy, A.; Bernet, R.; Bertolin, A.; Bettler, M.-O.; van Beuzekom, M.; Bifani, S.; Billoir, P.; Bird, T.; Birnkraut, A.; Bitadze, A.; Bizzeti, A.; Blake, T.; Blanc, F.; Blouw, J.; Blusk, S.; Bocci, V.; Bondar, A.; Bondar, N.; Bonivento, W.; Borghi, S.; Borsato, M.; Boubdir, M.; Bowcock, T. J. V.; Bowen, E.; Bozzi, C.; Braun, S.; Britsch, M.; Britton, T.; Brodzicka, J.; Buchanan, E.; Burr, C.; Bursche, A.; Buytaert, J.; Cadeddu, S.; Calabrese, R.; Calvi, M.; Calvo Gomez, M.; Campana, P.; Campora Perez, D.; Capriotti, L.; Carbone, A.; Carboni, G.; Cardinale, R.; Cardini, A.; Carniti, P.; Carson, L.; Carvalho Akiba, K.; Casse, G.; Cassina, L.; Castillo Garcia, L.; Cattaneo, M.; Cauet, Ch.; Cavallero, G.; Cenci, R.; Charles, M.; Charpentier, Ph.; Chefdeville, M.; Chen, S.; Cheung, S.-F.; Chobanova, V.; Chrzaszcz, M.; Cid Vidal, X.; Ciezarek, G.; Clarke, P. E. L.; Clemencic, M.; Cliff, H. V.; Closier, J.; Coco, V.; Cogan, J.; Cogneras, E.; Cogoni, V.; Cojocariu, L.; Collazuol, G.; Collins, P.; Comerma-Montells, A.; Contu, A.; Cook, A.; Coquereau, S.; Corti, G.; Corvo, M.; Couturier, B.; Cowan, G. A.; Craik, D. C.; Crocombe, A.; Cruz Torres, M.; Cunliffe, S.; Currie, R.; D'Ambrosio, C.; Dall'Occo, E.; Dalseno, J.; David, P. N. Y.; Davis, A.; De Aguiar Francisco, O.; De Bruyn, K.; De Capua, S.; De Cian, M.; De Miranda, J. M.; De Paula, L.; De Simone, P.; Dean, C.-T.; Decamp, D.; Deckenhoff, M.; Del Buono, L.; Demmer, M.; Derkach, D.; Deschamps, O.; Dettori, F.; Dey, B.; Di Canto, A.; Dijkstra, H.; Dordei, F.; Dorigo, M.; Dosil Suárez, A.; Dovbnya, A.; Dreimanis, K.; Dufour, L.; Dujany, G.; Durante, P.; Dzhelyadin, R.; Dziurda, A.; Dzyuba, A.; Déléage, N.; Easo, S.; Egede, U.; Egorychev, V.; Eidelman, S.; Eisenhardt, S.; Eitschberger, U.; Ekelhof, R.; Eklund, L.; El Rifai, I.; Elsasser, Ch.; Ely, S.; Esen, S.; Evans, H. M.; Evans, T.; Falabella, A.; Farley, N.; Farry, S.; Fay, R.; Ferguson, D.; Fernandez Albor, V.; Ferrari, F.; Ferreira Rodrigues, F.; Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Filippov, S.; Fiore, M.; Fiorini, M.; Firlej, M.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Fiutowski, T.; Fleuret, F.; Fohl, K.; Fontana, M.; Fontanelli, F.; Forshaw, D. C.; Forty, R.; Frank, M.; Frei, C.; Frosini, M.; Fu, J.; Furfaro, E.; Färber, C.; Gallas Torreira, A.; Galli, D.; Gallorini, S.; Gambetta, S.; Gandelman, M.; Gandini, P.; Gao, Y.; García Pardiñas, J.; Garra Tico, J.; Garrido, L.; Garsed, P. J.; Gascon, D.; Gaspar, C.; Gavardi, L.; Gazzoni, G.; Gerick, D.; Gersabeck, E.; Gersabeck, M.; Gershon, T.; Ghez, Ph.; Gianì, S.; Gibson, V.; Girard, O. G.; Giubega, L.; Gligorov, V. V.; Golubkov, D.; Golutvin, A.; Gomes, A.; Gotti, C.; Grabalosa Gándara, M.; Graciani Diaz, R.; Granado Cardoso, L. A.; Graugés, E.; Graverini, E.; Graziani, G.; Grecu, A.; Griffith, P.; Grillo, L.; Grünberg, O.; Gushchin, E.; Guz, Yu.; Gys, T.; Göbel, C.; Hadavizadeh, T.; Hadjivasiliou, C.; Haefeli, G.; Haen, C.; Haines, S. C.; Hall, S.; Hamilton, B.; Han, X.; Hansmann-Menzemer, S.; Harnew, N.; Harnew, S. T.; Harrison, J.; He, J.; Head, T.; Heister, A.; Hennessy, K.; Henrard, P.; Henry, L.; Hernando Morata, J. A.; van Herwijnen, E.; Heß, M.; Hicheur, A.; Hill, D.; Hoballah, M.; Hombach, C.; Hulsbergen, W.; Humair, T.; Hussain, N.; Hutchcroft, D.; Idzik, M.; Ilten, P.; Jacobsson, R.; Jaeger, A.; Jalocha, J.; Jans, E.; Jawahery, A.; John, M.; Johnson, D.; Jones, C. R.; Joram, C.; Jost, B.; Jurik, N.; Kandybei, S.; Kanso, W.; Karacson, M.; Karbach, T. M.; Karodia, S.; Kecke, M.; Kelsey, M.; Kenyon, I. R.; Kenzie, M.; Ketel, T.; Khairullin, E.; Khanji, B.; Khurewathanakul, C.; Kirn, T.; Klaver, S.; Klimaszewski, K.; Kolpin, M.; Komarov, I.; Koopman, R. F.; Koppenburg, P.; Kozeiha, M.; Kravchuk, L.; Kreplin, K.; Kreps, M.; Krokovny, P.; Kruse, F.; Krzemien, W.; Kucewicz, W.; Kucharczyk, M.; Kudryavtsev, V.; Kuonen, A. K.; Kurek, K.; Kvaratskheliya, T.; Lacarrere, D.; Lafferty, G.; Lai, A.; Lambert, D.; Lanfranchi, G.; Langenbruch, C.; Langhans, B.; Latham, T.; Lazzeroni, C.; Le Gac, R.; van Leerdam, J.; Lees, J.-P.; Leflat, A.; Lefrançois, J.; Lefèvre, R.; Lemos Cid, E.; Leroy, O.; Lesiak, T.; Leverington, B.; Li, Y.; Likhomanenko, T.; Lindner, R.; Linn, C.; Lionetto, F.; Liu, B.; Liu, X.; Loh, D.; Longstaff, I.; Lopes, J. H.; Lucchesi, D.; Lucio Martinez, M.; Luo, H.; Lupato, A.; Luppi, E.; Lupton, O.; Lusiani, A.; Lyu, X.; Machefert, F.; Maciuc, F.; Maev, O.; Maguire, K.; Malde, S.; Malinin, A.; Manca, G.; Mancinelli, G.; Manning, P.; Mapelli, A.; Maratas, J.; Marchand, J. F.; Marconi, U.; Marin Benito, C.; Marino, P.; Marks, J.; Martellotti, G.; Martin, M.; Martinelli, M.; Martinez Santos, D.; Martinez Vidal, F.; Martins Tostes, D.; Massacrier, L. M.; Massafferri, A.; Matev, R.; Mathad, A.; Mathe, Z.; Matteuzzi, C.; Mauri, A.; Maurin, B.; Mazurov, A.; McCann, M.; McCarthy, J.; McNab, A.; McNulty, R.; Meadows, B.; Meier, F.; Meissner, M.; Melnychuk, D.; Merk, M.; Michielin, E.; Milanes, D. A.; Minard, M.-N.; Mitzel, D. S.; Molina Rodriguez, J.; Monroy, I. A.; Monteil, S.; Morandin, M.; Morawski, P.; Mordà, A.; Morello, M. J.; Moron, J.; Morris, A. B.; Mountain, R.; Muheim, F.; Mussini, M.; Muster, B.; Müller, D.; Müller, J.; Müller, K.; Müller, V.; Naik, P.; Nakada, T.; Nandakumar, R.; Nandi, A.; Nasteva, I.; Needham, M.; Neri, N.; Neubert, S.; Neufeld, N.; Neuner, M.; Nguyen, A. D.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Niess, V.; Nieswand, S.; Niet, R.; Nikitin, N.; Nikodem, T.; Novoselov, A.; O'Hanlon, D. P.; Oblakowska-Mucha, A.; Obraztsov, V.; Ogilvy, S.; Okhrimenko, O.; Oldeman, R.; Onderwater, C. J. G.; Osorio Rodrigues, B.; Otalora Goicochea, J. M.; Otto, A.; Owen, P.; Oyanguren, A.; Palano, A.; Palombo, F.; Palutan, M.; Panman, J.; Papanestis, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Pappalardo, L. L.; Pappenheimer, C.; Parker, W.; Parkes, C.; Passaleva, G.; Patel, G. D.; Patel, M.; Patrignani, C.; Pearce, A.; Pellegrino, A.; Penso, G.; Pepe Altarelli, M.; Perazzini, S.; Perret, P.; Pescatore, L.; Petridis, K.; Petrolini, A.; Petruzzo, M.; Picatoste Olloqui, E.; Pietrzyk, B.; Pinci, D.; Pistone, A.; Piucci, A.; Playfer, S.; Plo Casasus, M.; Poikela, T.; Polci, F.; Poluektov, A.; Polyakov, I.; Polycarpo, E.; Popov, A.; Popov, D.; Popovici, B.; Potterat, C.; Price, E.; Price, J. D.; Prisciandaro, J.; Pritchard, A.; Prouve, C.; Pugatch, V.; Puig Navarro, A.; Punzi, G.; Qian, W.; Quagliani, R.; Rachwal, B.; Rademacker, J. H.; Rama, M.; Ramos Pernas, M.; Rangel, M. S.; Raniuk, I.; Raven, G.; Redi, F.; Reichert, S.; dos Reis, A. C.; Renaudin, V.; Ricciardi, S.; Richards, S.; Rihl, M.; Rinnert, K.; Rives Molina, V.; Robbe, P.; Rodrigues, A. B.; Rodrigues, E.; Rodriguez Lopez, J. A.; Rodriguez Perez, P.; Rogozhnikov, A.; Roiser, S.; Romanovskiy, V.; Romero Vidal, A.; Ronayne, J. W.; Rotondo, M.; Ruf, T.; Ruiz Valls, P.; Saborido Silva, J. J.; Sagidova, N.; Saitta, B.; Salustino Guimaraes, V.; Sanchez Mayordomo, C.; Sanmartin Sedes, B.; Santacesaria, R.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santimaria, M.; Santovetti, E.; Sarti, A.; Satriano, C.; Satta, A.; Saunders, D. M.; Savrina, D.; Schael, S.; Schiller, M.; Schindler, H.; Schlupp, M.; Schmelling, M.; Schmelzer, T.; Schmidt, B.; Schneider, O.; Schopper, A.; Schubiger, M.; Schune, M.-H.; Schwemmer, R.; Sciascia, B.; Sciubba, A.; Semennikov, A.; Sergi, A.; Serra, N.; Serrano, J.; Sestini, L.; Seyfert, P.; Shapkin, M.; Shapoval, I.; Shcheglov, Y.; Shears, T.; Shekhtman, L.; Shevchenko, V.; Shires, A.; Siddi, B. G.; Silva Coutinho, R.; Silva de Oliveira, L.; Simi, G.; Sirendi, M.; Skidmore, N.; Skwarnicki, T.; Smith, E.; Smith, I. T.; Smith, J.; Smith, M.; Snoek, H.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Soler, F. J. P.; Soomro, F.; Souza, D.; Souza De Paula, B.; Spaan, B.; Spradlin, P.; Sridharan, S.; Stagni, F.; Stahl, M.; Stahl, S.; Stefkova, S.; Steinkamp, O.; Stenyakin, O.; Stevenson, S.; Stoica, S.; Stone, S.; Storaci, B.; Stracka, S.; Straticiuc, M.; Straumann, U.; Sun, L.; Sutcliffe, W.; Swientek, K.; Swientek, S.; Syropoulos, V.; Szczekowski, M.; Szumlak, T.; T'Jampens, S.; Tayduganov, A.; Tekampe, T.; Tellarini, G.; Teubert, F.; Thomas, C.; Thomas, E.; van Tilburg, J.; Tisserand, V.; Tobin, M.; Tolk, S.; Tomassetti, L.; Tonelli, D.; Topp-Joergensen, S.; Tournefier, E.; Tourneur, S.; Trabelsi, K.; Tran, M. T.; Tresch, M.; Trisovic, A.; Tsaregorodtsev, A.; Tsopelas, P.; Tuning, N.; Ukleja, A.; Ustyuzhanin, A.; Uwer, U.; Vacca, C.; Vagnoni, V.; Valat, S.; Valenti, G.; Vallier, A.; Vazquez Gomez, R.; Vazquez Regueiro, P.; Vecchi, S.; van Veghel, M.; Velthuis, J. J.; Veltri, M.; Veneziano, G.; Vesterinen, M.; Viaud, B.; Vieira, D.; Vieites Diaz, M.; Vilasis-Cardona, X.; Volkov, V.; Vollhardt, A.; Voong, D.; Vorobyev, A.; Vorobyev, V.; Voß, C.; de Vries, J. A.; Vázquez Sierra, C.; Waldi, R.; Wallace, C.; Wallace, R.; Walsh, J.; Wang, J.; Ward, D. R.; Watson, N. K.; Websdale, D.; Weiden, A.; Whitehead, M.; Wicht, J.; Wilkinson, G.; Wilkinson, M.; Williams, M.; Williams, M. P.; Williams, M.; Williams, T.; Wilson, F. F.; Wimberley, J.; Wishahi, J.; Wislicki, W.; Witek, M.; Wormser, G.; Wotton, S. A.; Wraight, K.; Wright, S.; Wyllie, K.; Xie, Y.; Xu, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yin, H.; Yu, J.; Yuan, X.; Yushchenko, O.; Zangoli, M.; Zavertyaev, M.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, Y.; Zhelezov, A.; Zheng, Y.; Zhokhov, A.; Zhong, L.; Zhukov, V.; Zucchelli, S.

2016-08-01

A model-dependent amplitude analysis of the decay B 0 → D( K S 0 π + π -) K ∗ 0 is performed using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3.0 fb-1, recorded at √{s}=7 and 8 TeV by the LHCb experiment. The CP violation observables x ± and y ±, sensitive to the CKM angle γ, are measured to be {x}-=-0.15± 0.14± 0.03± 0.01, {y}-=0.25± 0.15± 0.06± 0.01, {x}+=0.05± 0.24± 0.04± 0.01, {y}+=-{0.65}_{-0.23}^{+0.24}± 0.08± 0.01, where the first uncertainties are statistical, the second systematic and the third arise from the uncertainty on the D → K S 0 π + π - amplitude model. These are the most precise measurements of these observables. They correspond to γ = (80 - 22 + 21 ) ° and {r}_{B^0}=0.39± 0.13 , where {r}_{B^0} is the magnitude of the ratio of the suppressed and favoured B 0 → DK + π - decay amplitudes, in a Kπ mass region of ±50 MeV around the K *(892)0 mass and for an absolute value of the cosine of the K *0 decay angle larger than 0.4. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Bradykinin B2 receptors play a neuroprotective role in Hypoxia/reoxygenation injury related to pyroptosis pathway.

PubMed

Tang, Min; Li, Xia; Liu, Ping; Wang, Jianwen; He, Fangping; Zhu, Xiongchao

2018-05-27

Kinins are pro-inflammatory peptides that mediate numerous vascular and pain responses in tissue injury. Kinins exert their biological functions via two G-protein-coupled receptors: bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) and bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R). We previously demonstrated the up-regulation of B2R after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in primary cultured cortical neurons. However, the role of B2R in inflammasome-induced pyroptosis remains unknown. We induced H/R neuronal injury in primary cultured cortical neurons harvested from embryonic day 17 brains. Next, we examined the neuroprotective function of B2R in H/R-induced neuronal apoptosis or necrosis using an annexin V FITC/propidium iodide (PI) double-staining technique. The pyroptosis signaling cascade, including caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 levels and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression was examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting to explore the underlying molecular mechanism. H/R injury significantly increased B2R protein expression (P<0.05) as well as the percentage of early apoptotic and necrotic or late apoptotic neurons as verified by the annexin V FITC/PI flow cytometric analysis. Bradykinin (BK), a specific B2R agonist, caused a significant decrease in apoptotic neuronal death after H/R injury, while HOE140, a specific B2R antagonist, markedly reduced the neuoprotective effect of B2R. Following H/R injury, BK downregulated the caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01). In contrast, pretreatment with HOE140 significantly increased caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels (P<0.01). Further analysis revealed that GSDMD, a key executioner of pyroptosis, is a target for B2R-mediated inhibition of neuronal pyroptosis. Cleaved GSDMD expression was significantly inhibited by BK pretreatment and significantly enhanced by HOE140 pretreatment (P<0.01). These results indicate that activation of B2R plays an important role in pyroptosis mediated

Structure and magnetism of epitaxially strained Pd(001) films on Fe(001): Experiment and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fullerton, Eric E.; Stoeffler, D.; Ounadjela, K.; Heinrich, B.; Celinski, Z.; Bland, J. A. C.

1995-03-01

We present an experimental and theoretical description of the structure and magnetism of epitaxially strained Pd(001) films on Fe(001) and in Fe/Pd/Fe(001) trilayers. The structure is determined by combining reflection high-energy electron diffraction and x-ray diffraction. For Fe/Au(001) bilayers and Fe/Pd/Au(001) trilayers grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on Ag(001), the Fe and Au layers are well represented by their bulk structure, whereas, thin Pd layers have a face-centered tetragonal structure with an in-plane expansion of 4.2% and an out-of-plane contraction of 7.2% (c/a=0.89). Theoretical ab initio studies of the interfacial structure indicate that the structural ground state of the epitaxially strained Pd layer is well described by a fct structure which maintains the bulk Pd atomic volume with small deviations at the interface. For Fe/Pd/Fe trilayers, the interlayer coupling oscillates with a period of 4 monolayers (ML) on a ferromagnetic background that crosses to weak antiferromagnetic coupling for thicknesses >12 ML of Pd. Strong ferromagnetic coupling observed below 5 ML of Pd indicates that 2 ML of Pd at each interface are ferromagnetically ordered. Theoretical studies of Fe3Pdn superlattices (where n is the number of Pd atomic layers) determine the polarization of the Pd layer and the interlayer magnetic coupling to depend strongly on the c/a ratio of the Pd layers. Modeling of a Pd layer with a constant-volume fct structure and one monolayer interfacial roughness find that the first 2 ML of the Pd is polarized in close agreement with the experimental results. Polarized neutron reflectivity results on an Fe(5.6 ML)/Pd(7 ML)/Au(20 ML) sample determine the average moment per Fe atom of 2.66+/-0.05μB. Calculations for the same structure show that this value is consistent with the induced Pd polarization.

Development of the PARVMEC Code for Rapid Analysis of 3D MHD Equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seal, Sudip; Hirshman, Steven; Cianciosa, Mark; Wingen, Andreas; Unterberg, Ezekiel; Wilcox, Robert; ORNL Collaboration

2015-11-01

The VMEC three-dimensional (3D) MHD equilibrium has been used extensively for designing stellarator experiments and analyzing experimental data in such strongly 3D systems. Recent applications of VMEC include 2D systems such as tokamaks (in particular, the D3D experiment), where application of very small (delB/B ~ 10-3) 3D resonant magnetic field perturbations render the underlying assumption of axisymmetry invalid. In order to facilitate the rapid analysis of such equilibria (for example, for reconstruction purposes), we have undertaken the task of parallelizing the VMEC code (PARVMEC) to produce a scalable and temporally rapidly convergent equilibrium code for use on parallel distributed memory platforms. The parallelization task naturally splits into three distinct parts 1) radial surfaces in the fixed-boundary part of the calculation; 2) two 2D angular meshes needed to compute the Green's function integrals over the plasma boundary for the free-boundary part of the code; and 3) block tridiagonal matrix needed to compute the full (3D) pre-conditioner near the final equilibrium state. Preliminary results show that scalability is achieved for tasks 1 and 3, with task 2 still nearing completion. The impact of this work on the rapid reconstruction of D3D plasmas using PARVMEC in the V3FIT code will be discussed. Work supported by U.S. DOE under Contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with UT-Battelle, LLC.

The influence of autostereoscopic 3D displays on subsequent task performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barkowsky, Marcus; Le Callet, Patrick

2010-02-01

Viewing 3D content on an autostereoscopic is an exciting experience. This is partly due to the fact that the 3D effect is seen without glasses. Nevertheless, it is an unnatural condition for the eyes as the depth effect is created by the disparity of the left and the right view on a flat screen instead of having a real object at the corresponding location. Thus, it may be more tiring to watch 3D than 2D. This question is investigated in this contribution by a subjective experiment. A search task experiment is conducted and the behavior of the participants is recorded with an eyetracker. Several indicators both for low level perception as well as for the task performance itself are evaluated. In addition two optometric tests are performed. A verification session with conventional 2D viewing is included. The results are discussed in detail and it can be concluded that the 3D viewing does not have a negative impact on the task performance used in the experiment.

Manipulation by multiple filamentation of subpicosecond TW KrF laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zvorykin, V. D.; Smetanin, I. V.; Ustinovskii, N. N.; Shutov, A. V.

2018-05-01

A self-focusing of TW-level subpicosecond UV KrF laser pulses in ambient air produces a few 100 randomly distributed filaments over 100-m propagation distance. A control of multiple filamentation process by a number of methods was demonstrated in the present work envisaging applications for a HV discharge guiding, remote excitation of an atmospheric air laser, MW radiation transfer by virtual plasma waveguide, as well as filamentation suppression to improve short pulse parameters in direct amplification scheme. Under the laser beam focusing, a multitude of filaments coalesced into a superfilament with highly increased intensity and plasma conductivity. A superradiant forward lasing was obtained in the superfilament around 1.07-µm wavelength of atmospheric nitrogen. A regular 2D array of a 100 superfilaments was configured over 20-m distance by Fresnel diffraction on periodic amplitude masks. Effective Kerr defocusing and a subsequent filaments suppression over 50-m distance was demonstrated in Xe due to 2-photon resonance of laser radiation with 6p state being accompanied by a narrow-angle coherent conical emission at 828-nm wavelength.

Anonymous partnerships among MSM and transgender women (TW) recently diagnosed with HIV and other STIs in Lima, Peru: an individual-level and dyad-level analysis.

PubMed

Perez-Brumer, Amaya G; Oldenburg, Catherine E; Segura, Eddy R; Sanchez, Jorge; Lama, Javier R; Clark, Jesse L

2016-02-24

Partner notification (PN) following sexually transmitted disease (STI) diagnosis is a key strategy for controlling HIV/STI transmission. Anonymous partnerships are an important barrier to PN and often associated with high-risk sexual behaviour. Limited research has examined the profile of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) who engage in anonymous sex. To better understand anonymous partnership practices in Lima, Peru, we assessed participant-level and partnership-level characteristics associated with anonymous sex among a sample of MSM and TW recently diagnosed with HIV/STI. MSM and TW diagnosed with HIV/STI within the past month completed a cross-sectional survey regarding anticipated PN practices. Participants reported sexual partnership types and characteristics of up to three of their most recent partners. Using a Poisson generalised estimating equation model, we assessed participant-level and partnership-level characteristics associated with anonymous partnerships. Among 395 MSM and TW with HIV/STI, 36.0% reported at least one anonymous sexual partner in the past 3 months (mean of 8.6 anonymous partners per participant; SD 17.0). Of the 971 partnerships reported, 118 (12.2%) were anonymous and the majority (84.8%) were with male partners, followed by 11.0% with female partners and 4.2% with transgender/travesti partners. Partner-level characteristics associated with increased likelihood of having an anonymous partner included female (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.28, 95% CI 1.05 to 4.95, p=0.04) or transgender/travesti (aPR 4.03, 95% CI 1.51 to 10.78, p=0.006) partner gender. By assessing both individual-level and dyadic-level factors, these results represent an important step in understanding the complexity of partnership interactions and developing alternative PN strategies for Latin America. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

Measurement of the branching fractions and CP asymmetry of B--->D(0)((CP))K- decays with the BABAR detector.

PubMed

Aubert, B; Barate, R; Boutigny, D; Gaillard, J-M; Hicheur, A; Karyotakis, Y; Lees, J P; Robbe, P; Tisserand, V; Zghiche, A; Palano, A; Pompili, A; Chen, J C; Qi, N D; Rong, G; Wang, P; Zhu, Y S; Eigen, G; Ofte, I; Stugu, B; Abrams, G S; Borgland, A W; Breon, A B; Brown, D N; Button-Shafer, J; Cahn, R N; Charles, E; Day, C T; Gill, M S; Gritsan, A V; Groysman, Y; Jacobsen, R G; Kadel, R W; Kadyk, J; Kerth, L T; Kolomensky, Yu G; Kukartsev, G; LeClerc, C; Levi, M E; Lynch, G; Mir, L M; Oddone, P J; Orimoto, T J; Pripstein, M; Roe, N A; Romosan, A; Ronan, M T; Shelkov, V G; Telnov, A V; Wenzel, W A; Ford, K; Harrison, T J; Hawkes, C M; Knowles, D J; Morgan, S E; Penny, R C; Watson, A T; Watson, N K; Goetzen, K; Koch, H; Lewandowski, B; Pelizaeus, M; Peters, K; Schmuecker, H; Steinke, M; Boyd, J T; Chevalier, N; Cottingham, W N; Kelly, M P; Latham, T E; Mackay, C; Wilson, F F; Abe, K; Cuhadar-Donszelmann, T; Hearty, C; Mattison, T S; McKenna, J A; Thiessen, D; Kyberd, P; McKemey, A K; Teodorescu, L; Blinov, V E; Bukin, A D; Golubev, V B; Ivanchenko, V N; Kravchenko, E A; Onuchin, A P; Serednyakov, S I; Skovpen, Yu I; Solodov, E P; Yushkov, A N; Best, D; Bruinsma, M; Chao, M; Eschrich, I; Kirkby, D; Lankford, A J; Mandelkern, M; Mommsen, R K; Roethel, W; Stoker, D P; Buchanan, C; Hartfiel, B L; Gary, J W; Shen, B C; Wang, K; Del Re, D; Hadavand, H K; Hill, E J; MacFarlane, D B; Paar, H P; Rahatlou, Sh; Sharma, V; Berryhill, J W; Campagnari, C; Dahmes, B; Kuznetsova, N; Levy, S L; Long, O; Lu, A; Mazur, M A; Richman, J D; Verkerke, W; Beck, T W; Beringer, J; Eisner, A M; Heusch, C A; Lockman, W S; Schalk, T; Schmitz, R E; Schumm, B A; Seiden, A; Turri, M; Walkowiak, W; Williams, D C; Wilson, M G; Albert, J; Chen, E; Dubois-Felsmann, G P; Dvoretskii, A; Hitlin, D G; Narsky, I; Piatenko, T; Porter, F C; Ryd, A; Samuel, A; Yang, S; Jayatilleke, S; Mancinelli, G; Meadows, B T; Sokoloff, M D; Abe, T; Blanc, F; Bloom, P; Chen, S; Clark, P J; Ford, W T; Nauenberg, U; Olivas, A; Rankin, P; Roy, J; Smith, J G; Van Hoek, W C; Zhang, L; Harton, J L; Hu, T; Soffer, A; Toki, W H; Wilson, R J; Zhang, J; Aleksan, R; Emery, S; Gaidot, A; Ganzhur, S F; Giraud, P-F; Hamel De Monchenault, G; Kozanecki, W; Langer, M; Legendre, M; London, G W; Mayer, B; Schott, G; Vasseur, G; Yeche, Ch; Zito, M; Altenburg, D; Brandt, T; Brose, J; Colberg, T; Dickopp, M; Hauke, A; Lacker, H M; Maly, E; Müller-Pfefferkorn, R; Nogowski, R; Otto, S; Schubert, J; Schubert, K R; Schwierz, R; Spaan, B; Bernard, D; Bonneaud, G R; Brochard, F; Cohen-Tanugi, J; Grenier, P; Thiebaux, Ch; Vasileiadis, G; Verderi, M; Khan, A; Lavin, D; Muheim, F; Playfer, S; Swain, J E; Andreotti, M; Azzolini, V; Bettoni, D; Bozzi, C; Calabrese, R; Cibinetto, G; Luppi, E; Negrini, M; Piemontese, L; Sarti, A; Treadwell, E; Anulli, F; Baldini-Ferroli, R; Calcaterra, A; De Sangro, R; Falciai, D; Finocchiaro, G; Patteri, P; Peruzzi, I M; Piccolo, M; Zallo, A; Buzzo, A; Capra, R; Contri, R; Crosetti, G; Lo Vetere, M; Macri, M; Monge, M R; Passaggio, S; Patrignani, C; Robutti, E; Santroni, A; Tosi, S; Bailey, S; Morii, M; Won, E; Dubitzky, R S; Langenegger, U; Bhimji, W; Bowerman, D A; Dauncey, P D; Egede, U; Gaillard, J R; Morton, G W; Nash, J A; Sanders, P; Taylor, G P; Grenier, G J; Lee, S-J; Mallik, U; Cochran, J; Crawley, H B; Lamsa, J; Meyer, W T; Prell, S; Rosenberg, E I; Yi, J; Biasini, M; Pioppi, M; Davier, M; Grosdidier, G; Höcker, A; Laplace, S; Le Diberder, F; Lepeltier, V; Lutz, A M; Petersen, T C; Plaszczynski, S; Schune, M H; Tantot, L; Wormser, G; Brigljević, V; Cheng, C H; Lange, D J; Wright, D M; Bevan, A J; Fry, J R; Gabathuler, E; Gamet, R; Kay, M; Payne, D J; Sloane, R J; Touramanis, C; Back, J J; Cormack, C M; Harrison, P F; Shorthouse, H W; Vidal, P B; Brown, C L; Cowan, G; Flack, R L; Flaecher, H U; George, S; Green, M G; Kurup, A; Marker, C E; McMahon, T R; Ricciardi, S; Salvatore, F; Vaitsas, G; Winter, M A; Brown, D; Davis, C L; Allison, J; Barlow, N R; Barlow, R J; Hart, P A; Hodgkinson, M C; Jackson, F; Lafferty, G D; Lyon, A J; Weatherall, J H; Williams, J C; Farbin, A; Jawahery, A; Kovalskyi, D; Lae, C K; Lillard, V; Roberts, D A; Blaylock, G; Dallapiccola, C; Flood, K T; Hertzbach, S S; Kofler, R; Koptchev, V B; Moore, T B; Saremi, S; Staengle, H; Willocq, S; Cowan, R; Sciolla, G; Taylor, F; Yamamoto, R K; Mangeol, D J J; Patel, P M; Robertson, S H; Lazzaro, A; Palombo, F; Bauer, J M; Cremaldi, L; Eschenburg, V; Godang, R; Kroeger, R; Reidy, J; Sanders, D A; Summers, D J; Zhao, H W; Brunet, S; Cote-Ahern, D; Taras, P; Nicholson, H; Raven, G; Wilden, L; Cartaro, C; Cavallo, N; De Nardo, G; Fabozzi, F; Gatto, C; Lista, L; Paolucci, P; Piccolo, D; Sciacca, C; Jessop, C P; LoSecco, J M; Gabriel, T A; Brau, B; Gan, K K; Honscheid, K; Hufnagel, D; Kagan, H; Kass, R; Pulliam, T; Wong, Q K; Brau, J; Frey, R; Potter, C T; Sinev, N B; Strom, D; Torrence, E; Colecchia, F; Dorigo, A; Galeazzi, F; Margoni, M; Morandin, M; Posocco, M; Rotondo, M; Simonetto, F; Stroili, R; Tiozzo, G; Voci, C; Benayoun, M; Briand, H; Chauveau, J; David, P; De la Vaissière, Ch; Del Buono, L; Hamon, O; John, M J J; Leruste, Ph; Ocariz, J; Pivk, M; Roos, L; Stark, J; T'Jampens, S; Therin, G; Manfredi, P F; Re, V; Behera, P K; Gladney, L; Guo, Q H; Panetta, J; Angelini, C; Batignani, G; Bettarini, S; Bondioli, M; Bucci, F; Calderini, G; Carpinelli, M; Del Gamba, V; Forti, F; Giorgi, M A; Lusiani, A; Marchiori, G; Martinez-Vidal, F; Morganti, M; Neri, N; Paoloni, E; Rama, M; Rizzo, G; Sandrelli, F; Walsh, J; Haire, M; Judd, D; Paick, K; Wagoner, D E; Cavoto, G; Danielson, N; Elmer, P; Lu, C; Miftakov, V; Olsen, J; Smith, A J S; Tanaka, H A; Bellini, F; Faccini, R; Ferrarotto, F; Ferroni, F; Gaspero, M; Mazzoni, M A; Morganti, S; Pierini, M; Piredda, G; Safai Tehrani, F; Voena, C; Christ, S; Wagner, G; Waldi, R; Adye, T; De Groot, N; Franek, B; Geddes, N I; Gopal, G P; Olaiya, E O; Xella, S M; Purohit, M V; Weidemann, A W; Yumiceva, F X; Aston, D; Bartoldus, R; Berger, N; Boyarski, A M; Buchmueller, O L; Convery, M R; Coupal, D P; Dong, D; Dorfan, J; Dujmic, D; Dunwoodie, W; Field, R C; Glanzman, T; Gowdy, S J; Grauges-Pous, E; Hadig, T; Halyo, V; Hryn'ova, T; Innes, W R; Kelsey, M H; Kim, P; Kocian, M L; Leith, D W G S; Libby, J; Luitz, S; Luth, V; Lynch, H L; Marsiske, H; Messner, R; Muller, D R; O'Grady, C P; Ozcan, V E; Perazzo, A; Perl, M; Petrak, S; Ratcliff, B N; Roodman, A; Salnikov, A A; Schindler, R H; Schwiening, J; Simi, G; Snyder, A; Soha, A; Stelzer, J; Su, D; Sullivan, M K; Va'vra, J; Wagner, S R; Weaver, M; Weinstein, A J R; Wisniewski, W J; Wright, D H; Young, C C; Burchat, P R; Edwards, A J; Meyer, T I; Petersen, B A; Roat, C; Ahmed, M; Ahmed, S; Alam, M S; Ernst, J A; Saeed, M A; Saleem, M; Wappler, F R; Bugg, W; Krishnamurthy, M; Spanier, S M; Eckmann, R; Kim, H; Ritchie, J L; Schwitters, R F; Izen, J M; Kitayama, I; Lou, X C; Ye, S; Bianchi, F; Bona, M; Gallo, F; Gamba, D; Borean, C; Bosisio, L; Della Ricca, G; Dittongo, S; Grancagnolo, S; Lanceri, L; Poropat, P; Vitale, L; Vuagnin, G; Panvini, R S; Banerjee, Sw; Brown, C M; Fortin, D; Jackson, P D; Kowalewski, R; Roney, J M; Band, H R; Dasu, S; Datta, M; Eichenbaum, A M; Johnson, J R; Kutter, P E; Li, H; Liu, R; Di Lodovico, F; Mihalyi, A; Mohapatra, A K; Pan, Y; Prepost, R; Sekula, S J; von Wimmersperg-Toeller, J H; Wu, J; Wu, S L; Yu, Z; Neal, H

2004-05-21

We present a study of B--->D(0)(CP)K- decays, where D(0)(CP) is reconstructed in CP-even channels, based on a sample of 88.8 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. We measure the ratio of Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored branching fractions B(B--->D(0)(CP)K-)/B(B--->D(0)(CP)pi(-))=[8.8+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst)]x10(-2) and the CP asymmetry A(CP)=0.07+/-0.17(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We also measure B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-))=[8.31+/-0.35(stat)+/-0.20(syst)]x10(-2) using a sample of 61.0 x 10(6) BB pairs.

Structural changes upon excitation of D1-D2-Cyt b559 photosystem II reaction centers depend on the beta-carotene content.

PubMed

Losi, Aba; Yruela, Inmaculada; Reus, Michael; Holzwarth, Alfred R; Braslavsky, Silvia E

2003-07-01

Different preparations of D1-D2-Cyt b559 complexes from spinach with different beta-carotene (Car) content [on average from <0.5 to 2 per reaction center (RC)] were studied by means of laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy. phiP680(+)Pheo(-) does not depend on the preparation (or on the Car content) inasmuch as the magnitude of the prompt heat (produced within 20 ns) does not vary for the different samples upon excitation at 675 and 620 nm. The energy level of the primary charge-separated state, P680(+)Pheo(-), was determined as EP680(+)Pheo(-) = 1.55 eV. Thus, an enthalpy change accompanying charge separation from excited P680 of deltaH*P680Pheo-->P680(+)Pheo(-) = -0.27 eV is obtained. Calculations using the heat evolved during the time-resolved decay of P680(+)Pheo(-) (< or = 100 ns) affords a triplet (3[P680Pheo]) quantum yield phi3[P680Pheo] = 0.5 +/- 0.14. The structural volume change, deltaV1, corresponding to the formation of P680(+)Pheo(-), strongly depends on the Car content; it is ca. -2.5 A3 molecule(-1) for samples with <0.5 Car on average, decreases (in absolute value) to -0.5 +/- 0.2 A3 for samples with an average of 1 Car, and remains the same for samples with two Cars per RC. This suggests that the Car molecules induce changes in the ground-state RC conformation, an idea which was confirmed by preferential excitation of Car with blue light, which produced different carotene triplet lifetimes in samples with 2 Car compared to those containing less carotene. We conclude that the two beta-carotenes are not structurally equivalent. Upon blue-light excitation (480 nm, preferential carotene absorption) the fraction of energy stored is ca. 60% for the 9Chl-2Car sample, whereas it is 40% for the preparations with one or less Cars on average, indicating different paths of energy distribution after Car excitation in these RCs with remaining chlorophyll antennae.

NACA D-558-2 Test Force w/P2B-1S & F-86

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1952-01-01

These people and this equipment supported the flight of the NACA D-558-2 Skyrocket at the High-Speed Flight Station at South Base, Edwards AFB. Note the two Sabre chase planes, the P2B-1S launch aircraft, and the profusion of ground support equipment, including communications, tracking, maintenance, and rescue vehicles. Research pilot A. Scott Crossfield stands in front of the Skyrocket. Three D-558-2 'Skyrockets' were built by Douglas Aircraft, Inc. for NACA and the Navy. The mission of the D-558-2 program was to investigate the flight characteristics of a swept-wing aircraft at high supersonic speeds. Particular attention was given to the problem of 'pitch-up,' a phenomenon often encountered with swept-wing configured aircraft. The D-558-2 was a single-place, 35-degree swept-wing aircraft measuring 42 feet in length. It was 12 feet, 8 inches in height and had a wingspan of 25 feet. Fully fueled it weighed from about 10,572 pounds to 15,787 pounds depending on configuration. The first of the three D-558-IIs had a Westinghouse J34-40 jet engine and took off under its own power. The second was equipped with a turbojet engine replaced in 1950 with a Reaction Motors Inc. LR8-RM-6 rocket engine. This aircraft was modified so it could be air-launched from a P2B-1S (Navy designation for the B-29) carrier aircraft. The third Skyrocket had the jet engine and the rocket engine but was also modified so it could be air-launched. The jet engine was for takeoff and climbing to altitude and the four-chambered rocket engine was for reaching supersonic speeds. The rocket engine was rated at 6,000 pounds of thrust. The D-558-2 was first flown on Feb. 4, 1948, by John Martin, a Douglas test pilot. A NACA pilot, Scott Crossfield, became the first person to fly faster than twice the speed of sound when he piloted the D-558-II to its maximum speed of 1,291 miles per hour on Nov. 20, 1953. Its peak altitude, 83,235 feet, a record in its day, was reached with USMC Lt. Col. Marion Carl

Role of kinin B1 and B2 receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process of mice.

PubMed

Lemos, Mayra Tolentino Resk; Amaral, Fabio Agostini; Dong, Karis Ester; Bittencourt, Maria Fernanda Queiroz Prado; Caetano, Ariadiny Lima; Pesquero, João Bosco; Viel, Tania Araujo; Buck, Hudson Sousa

2010-04-01

Under physiological conditions, elderly people present memory deficit associated with neuronal loss. This pattern is also associated with Alzheimer's disease but, in this case, in a dramatically intensified level. Kinin receptors have been involved in neurodegeneration and increase of amyloid-beta concentration, associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Considering these findings, this work evaluated the role of kinin receptors in memory consolidation during the aging process. Male C57Bl/6 (wt), knock-out B1 (koB1) or B2 (koB2) mice (3, 6, 12 and 18-month-old - mo; n=10 per group) were submitted to an acquisition session, reinforcement to learning (24h later: test 1) and final test (7days later: test 2), in an active avoidance apparatus, to evaluate memory. Conditioned avoidance responses (CAR, % of 50 trials) were registered. In acquisition sessions, similar CAR were obtained among age matched animals from all strains. However, a significant decrease in CAR was observed throughout the aging process (3mo: 8.8+/-2.3%; 6mo: 4.1+/-0.6%; 12mo: 2.2+/-0.6%, 18mo: 3.6+/-0.6%, P<0.01), indicating a reduction in the learning process. In test 1, as expected, memory retention increased significantly (P<0.05) in all 3- and 6-month-old animals as well as in 12-month-old-wt and 12-month-old-koB1 (P<0.01), compared to the training session. However, 12-month-old-koB2 and all 18-month-old animals did not show an increase in memory retention. In test 2, 3- and 6-month-old wt and koB1 mice of all ages showed a significant improvement in memory (P<0.05) compared to test 1. However, 12-month-old wt and koB2 mice of all ages showed no difference in memory retention. We suggest that, during the aging process, the B1 receptor could be involved in neurodegeneration and memory loss. Nevertheless, the B2 receptor is apparently acting as a neuroprotective factor. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

On the formation of TW Crv optical radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimansky, V. V.; Mitrofanova, A. A.; Borisov, N. V.; Fabrika, S. N.; Galeev, A. I.

2016-10-01

We present the analysis of the optical radiation of the young pre-cataclysmic variable TW Crv. Spectroscopic and photometric observations were obtained at the SAO RAS 6-m BTA telescope and at the Russian-Turkish RTT-150 telescope. The light curves of the system posses nearly sinusoidal shapes with the amplitudes of Δ m > 0.m7, what is typical for young pre-cataclysmic variables with sdO-subdwarfs and orbit inclinations of less than 45◦. The optical spectrum contains dominant radiation of the hot subdwarf with the HI and He II absorption lines and strong emission lines, which are formed in the atmosphere of the secondary owing to the reflection effects. Radial velocities of the cool star were measured by analyzing the λλ 4630-4650 Å Bowen blend, which for the first time allowed to determine the component masses. A numerical simulation of the light curves and spectra of TW Crv, obtaining a complete set of systems fundamental parameters was carried out. The hot star parameters prompt its belonging to the sdOsubdwarf class at the stage of transition to the cooling white dwarf sequence. The absence of its observable planetary nebula is caused by a long-lasting evolution of the system after the common envelope state. The secondary component has a luminosity excess, which is typical for other young sdO-subdwarf precataclysmic variables. Its position on the " age-luminosity excess" diagram points at the accuracy of the obtained set of TW Crv fundamental parameters and at the similarity of its evolutionary and physical conditions with that of other BE UMa-type objects.

Hearing impairment related to age in Usher syndrome types 1B and 2A.

PubMed

Wagenaar, M; van Aarem, A; Huygen, P; Pieke-Dahl, S; Kimberling, W; Cremers, C

1999-04-01

To evaluate hearing impairment in 2 common genetic subtypes of Usher syndrome, USH1B and USH2A. Cross-sectional analysis of hearing threshold related to age in patients with genotypes determined by linkage and mutation analysis. Otolaryngology department, university referral center. Nineteen patients with USH1B and 27 with USH2A were examined. All participants were living in the Netherlands and Belgium. Pure tone audiometry of the best ear at last visit. The patients with USH1B had residual hearing without age dependence, with minimum thresholds of 80, 95, and 120 dB at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 to 2 kHz, respectively. Mean thresholds of patients with USH2A were about 45 to 55 dB better than these minimum values. Distinctive audiographic features of patients with USH2A were maximum hearing thresholds of 70, 80, and 100 dB at 0.25, 0.5, and 1 kHz, respectively, only at younger than 40 years. Progression of hearing impairment in USH2A was 0.7 dB/y on average for 0.25 to 4 kHz and could not be explained by presbyacusis alone. The USH1B and USH2A can be easily distinguished by hearing impairment at younger than 40 years at the low frequencies. Hearing impairment in our patients with USH2A could be characterized as progressive.

Strong tW scattering at the LHC

DOE PAGES

Dror, Jeff Asaf; Farina, Marco; Salvioni, Ennio; ...

2016-01-13

Deviations of the top electroweak couplings from their Standard Model values imply that certain amplitudes for the scattering of third generation fermions and longitudinally polarized vector bosons or Higgses diverge quadratically with momenta. This high-energy growth is a genuine signal of models where the top quark is strongly coupled to the sector responsible for electroweak symmetry breaking. We propose to profit from the high energies accessible at the LHC to enhance the sensitivity to non-standard top-Z couplings, which are currently very weakly constrained. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, we perform a detailed analysis of tW → tW scattering, which can be probed at the LHC via pp→more » $$t\\bar{t}$$Wj. By recasting a CMS analysis at 8 TeV, we derive the strongest direct bounds to date on the Ztt couplings. We also design a dedicated search at 13 TeV that exploits the distinctive features of the $$t\\bar{t}$$Wj signal. Lastly, we present other scattering processes in the same class that could provide further tests of the top-Higgs sector.« less

Enhancement of magnetoresistance by inserting thin NiAl layers at the interfaces in Co{sub 2}FeGa{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5}/Ag/Co{sub 2}FeGa{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5} current-perpendicular-to-plane pseudo spin valves

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

Jung, J. W.; Sakuraba, Y., E-mail: Sakuraba.Yuya@nims.go.jp; Sasaki, T. T.

2016-03-07

We have investigated the effects of insertion of a thin NiAl layer (≤0.63 nm) into a Co{sub 2}FeGa{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5} (CFGG)/Ag interface on the magnetoresistive properties in CFGG/Ag/CFGG current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) pseudo spin valves (PSVs). First-principles calculations of ballistic transmittance clarified that the interfacial band matching at the (001)-oriented NiAl/CFGG interface is better than that at the (001)-Ag/CFGG interface. The insertion of 0.21-nm-thick NiAl layers at the Co{sub 2}FeGa{sub 0.5}Ge{sub 0.5}/Ag interfaces effectively improved the magnetoresistance (MR) output; the observed average and the highest MR ratio (ΔRA) are 62% (25 mΩ μm{sup 2}) and 77% (31 mΩ μm{sup 2}) atmore » room temperature, respectively, which are much higher than those without NiAl insertion. Microstructural analysis using scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed the existence of thin NiAl layers at the Ag interfaces with only modest interdiffusion even after annealing at 550 °C. The improvement of the interfacial spin-dependent scattering by very thin NiAl insertion can be a predominant reason for the enhancement of the MR output.« less

Influence of 2mol% Na/Bi excess on multiferroic properties of (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}) {sub 0.99}La{sub 0.01}Ti{sub 0.988} Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} lead free system

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

Parmar, Kusum, E-mail: prmrkusum@gmail.com; Sharma, Hakikat; Negi, N. S.

2016-05-23

Lead free (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}) {sub 0.99}La{sub 0.01}Ti{sub 0.988} Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} (NBLTF) system has been synthesized by sol gel method without and with 2 mol% excess of Na and Bi. X-ray diffraction patterns of NBLTF samples confirm perovskite structure having rhombohedral R3c phase symmetry. Metal oxide band observed at ~ 629 cm{sup −1} wavnumber in FTIR spectra also confirm formation of perovskite phase in samples. Microstructural analysis exhibits dense crystal growth having better grains connectivity for NBLTF sample with 2 mol% excess Na/Bi which is supported by room temperature DC resistivity measurements. Dense crystal growth and low leakage currentmore » with 2 mol% excess Na/Bi is reported to improve multiferroic properties of NBLTF sample and provides new insight to explore single phase lead free multiferroic system.« less

Lattice QCD calculation of the B(s )→D(s) *ℓν form factors at zero recoil and implications for |Vc b|

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, Judd; Davies, Christine T. H.; Wingate, Matthew; Hpqcd Collaboration

2018-03-01

We present results of a lattice QCD calculation of B →D* and Bs→Ds* axial vector matrix elements with both states at rest. These zero recoil matrix elements provide the normalization necessary to infer a value for the CKM matrix element |Vc b| from experimental measurements of B¯ 0→D*+ℓ-ν ¯ and B¯s0→Ds*+ℓ-ν¯ decay. Results are derived from correlation functions computed with highly improved staggered quarks (HISQ) for light, strange, and charm quark propagators, and nonrelativistic QCD for the bottom quark propagator. The calculation of correlation functions employs MILC Collaboration ensembles over a range of three lattice spacings. These gauge field configurations include sea quark effects of charm, strange, and equal-mass up and down quarks. We use ensembles with physically light up and down quarks, as well as heavier values. Our main results are FB→D *(1 )=0.895 ±0.01 0stat±0.024sys and FBs→Ds*(1 )=0.883 ±0.01 2stat±0.02 8sys . We discuss the consequences for |Vc b| in light of recent investigations into the extrapolation of experimental data to zero recoil.

Task2 potassium channels set central respiratory CO2 and O2 sensitivity

PubMed Central

Gestreau, Christian; Heitzmann, Dirk; Thomas, Joerg; Dubreuil, Véronique; Bandulik, Sascha; Reichold, Markus; Bendahhou, Saïd; Pierson, Patricia; Sterner, Christina; Peyronnet-Roux, Julie; Benfriha, Chérif; Tegtmeier, Ines; Ehnes, Hannah; Georgieff, Michael; Lesage, Florian; Brunet, Jean-Francois; Goridis, Christo; Warth, Richard; Barhanin, Jacques

2010-01-01

Task2 K+ channel expression in the central nervous system is surprisingly restricted to a few brainstem nuclei, including the retrotrapezoid (RTN) region. All Task2-positive RTN neurons were lost in mice bearing a Phox2b mutation that causes the human congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. In plethysmography, Task2−/− mice showed disturbed chemosensory function with hypersensitivity to low CO2 concentrations, leading to hyperventilation. Task2 probably is needed to stabilize the membrane potential of chemoreceptive cells. In addition, Task2−/− mice lost the long-term hypoxia-induced respiratory decrease whereas the acute carotid-body-mediated increase was maintained. The lack of anoxia-induced respiratory depression in the isolated brainstem–spinal cord preparation suggested a central origin of the phenotype. Task2 activation by reactive oxygen species generated during hypoxia could silence RTN neurons, thus contributing to respiratory depression. These data identify Task2 as a determinant of central O2 chemoreception and demonstrate that this phenomenon is due to the activity of a small number of neurons located at the ventral medullary surface. PMID:20133877

Word Criticality Analysis. MOS: 05H. Skill Levels 1 & 2.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-09-01

HEADQUARTERS gall CoN.tR N111I UNITED STATES ARMY TRAING AnD DOCTRINE COULIIAND FORT MONROE, 7IRGIfIA 23651 . JCI b FE 8 131 ""-’-- ± 0it 1 Am . 0...5. I CHANE 021 I COOS A -"-- ’s.1 9~ 02 51 9,-~2-1%-101 111105-- I rPLP3Tl0 9S.l .5 I7.M CO0,25 A’Tt 99 - 131 -162 492 :1 ComN9T4T --- 1 I CnThm. 92,s...144.2 25,1 I TRAFFIC t- 13,2 131 . 1 * I T5 A’ISRe ISS I (N 152.1 148,1 147, 1 I us SID 154,7 333 152,4 150.5 148,2 14.,2 144,2 25.2 2 ACTIV~ V 5, * 2

AmeriFlux US-Tw1 Twitchell Wetland West Pond

DOE Data Explorer

Baldocchi, Dennis [University of California, Berkeley

2016-01-01

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site US-Tw1 Twitchell Wetland West Pond. Site Description - The Twitchell Wetland site is a 7.4-acre restored wetland on Twitchell Island, that is managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). In the fall of 1997, the site was permanently flooded to a depth of approximately 25 cm. The wetland was almost completely covered by cattails and tules by the third growing season. A flux tower equipped to analyze energy, H2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes was installed on May 17, 2012.

30 CFR 57.22232 - Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B, IV, V-B, and VI mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B, IV, V-B, and VI mines). 57.22232 Section 57.22232 Mineral Resources MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH....22232 Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B, IV, V-B, and VI mines). If methane reaches 0.5...

Bicarbonate stimulates the electron donation from Mn²⁺ to P₆₈₀⁺ in isolated D1/D2/cytochrome b559 complex.

PubMed

Zharmukhamedov, S K; Allakhverdiev, S I; Smolova, T N; Klimov, V V

2013-12-05

Influence of bicarbonate on the efficiency of the electron donation from Mn(2+) to P₆₈₀(+) in isolated D1/D2/cytochrome b559 complex was investigated. All the experiments were carried out in a medium depleted of HCO₃(-)/CO₂. Kinetics of photoinduced absorbance changes (ΔA) at different wavelengths and decrease of chlorophyll fluorescence yield (-ΔF) related to photoaccumulation of reduced pheophytin, the intermediary electron acceptor of photosystem II (PSII), in the presence of Mn(2+) under anaerobic conditions were measured. Addition of bicarbonate (1 mM) increased the amplitude of these ΔA and -ΔF at least by a factor of 3. Measurements of the photoinduced ΔA, related to photooxidation of the primary electron donor of PSII, chlorophyll P₆₈₀, were done in the presence of silicomolybdate as electron acceptor. These results show that the addition of 0.05 mM Mn(2+) alone or jointly with 1 mM bicarbonate induces a 20% and 70%-decrease of the magnitude of the ΔA at 680 nm. The effect of Mn(2+) (in the presence and absence of bicarbonate) was completely eliminated by the addition of 12 mM EDTA. All these bicarbonate effects were not observed if MgCl₂ or formate were used instead of MnCl₂ and bicarbonate, respectively. In the absence of Mn(2+), bicarbonate induced none of the mentioned above effects (increase of photoaccumulation of reduced pheophytin and decrease of photooxidation of P680). The presented data suggest that bicarbonate stimulates the electron donation from Mn(2+) to D1/D2/cyt b559 reaction center evidently due to formation of easily oxidizable Mn-bicarbonate complexes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

B-HT 920, a dopamine D2 agonist, in the treatment of negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia.

PubMed

Ohmori, T; Koyama, T; Inoue, T; Matsubara, S; Yamashita, I

1993-05-15

A prospective, nonblind 8-week trial of talipexole dihydrochloride (B-HT 920), a dopamine D2 agonist, was conducted in 15 schizophrenic patients with predominantly negative symptoms. B-HT 920 was initiated at 0.15 mg/day and then adjusted at 0.15-2.4 mg/day on the basis of clinical response and side effects. Dosage of concurrent neuroleptics was fixed at least 3 weeks prior to the trial and was unchanged throughout the study period. In addition to clinical assessment, levels of plasma homovanillic acid (pHVA), a potential index of central dopamine turnover, were measured. There was a small but significant (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon test) reduction in total scores of the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms or in a cluster score of three negative items (Emotional Withdrawal, Blunted Affect, and Psychomotor Retardation) of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). No change was observed in cluster scores of positive items of BPRS. There was a weak negative correlation between pHVA levels and the cluster scores of negative items of BPRS both at weeks 0 and 8 of the trial. The clinical results suggest that activation of D2 receptors was related to partial amelioration of the negative symptoms. The clinical and biochemical findings are consistent with a hypothesis that decreased dopaminergic activity may be related to the etiology of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

SEP Time-to-Maximum (TTM) Studies and the Ionic Charge States of Solar Heavy Ions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tylka, Allan J.; Dietrich, William F.

2004-01-01

1. We published a report on the TTM method and presented the results at the 28 International Cosmic Ray Conference. Included in this paper were our results on the energy-dependent charge state of Fe in the 200 1 April 15 ground- level event, the largest of Cycle 23. We showed that our results agreed well with direct measurements from SAMPEX in this event. We also presented results for the 2001 April 14 event, one of the largest impulsive events of Cycle 23. 2. We extracted TTM values for protons and ions of various energies in approx. 50 SEP events in Cycle 23, using time profiles measured by ACE, Wind, GOES, IMPS, SOHO, and SAMPEX. This event sample included many large gradual events, as well as several impulsive events. The TTM analyses typically yielded approx. 300 datapoints per event. 3. We used these data to make preliminary event classifications according to: (a) shapes of the rigidity and/or speed dependence of TTMs in each event; (b) behavior of proton TTMs compared to that of heavier ions; and (c) the behavior of Fe TTMs compared to that of lighter Z greater than I ions. 4. We cross-checked proton fluence and TTM values from 8 instruments on 6 satellites, so as to understand the origin of systematic instrument-to-instrument discrepancies. By also comparing the observed proton spectra, it was possible to extract correction factors to the nominal proton energy bins that removed or greatly reduced the instrument-to-instrument spread among proton TTMs. 5. We began comparisons of proton and He-4 TTM values in some particularly well measured, large SEP events measured by IMP8 in Cycles 21 and 22 when the instruments onboard were functioning better. It is hoped that these data will provide a better understanding of event-to-event variation in the functional dependence of TTMs on velocity and rigidity.

Effects of calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation on metabolic profiles in vitamin D insufficient people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

PubMed

Tabesh, Marjan; Azadbakht, Leila; Faghihimani, Elham; Tabesh, Maryam; Esmaillzadeh, Ahmad

2014-10-01

This study was performed to assess the effects of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on the metabolic profiles of vitamin D insufficient persons with type 2 diabetes. In a parallel designed randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial, a total of 118 non-smoker individuals with type 2 diabetes and insufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D, aged >30 years, were recruited from the Isfahan Endocrine and Metabolism Research Centre. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups receiving: (1) 50,000 U/week vitamin D + calcium placebo; (2) 1,000 mg/day calcium + vitamin D placebo; (3) 50,000 U/week vitamin D + 1,000 mg/day calcium; or (4) vitamin D placebo + calcium placebo for 8 weeks. A study technician carried out the random allocations using a random numbers table. All investigators, participants and laboratory technicians were blinded to the random assignments. All participants provided 3 days of dietary records and 3 days of physical activity records throughout the intervention. Blood samples were taken to quantify glycaemic and lipid profiles at study baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. 30 participants were randomised in each group. During the intervention, one participant from the calcium group and one from the vitamin D group were excluded because of personal problems. Calcium-vitamin D co-supplementation resulted in reduced serum insulin (changes from baseline: -14.8 ± 3.9 pmol/l, p = 0.01), HbA1c [-0.70 ± 0.19% (-8.0 ± 0.4 mmol/mol), p = 0.02], HOMA-IR (-0.46 ± 0.20, p = 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (-10.36 ± 0.10 mmol/l, p = 0.04) and total/HDL-cholesterol levels (-0.91 ± 0.16, p = 0.03) compared with other groups. We found a significant increase in QUICKI (0.025 ± 0.01, p = 0.004), HOMA of beta cell function (HOMA-B; 11.8 ± 12.17, p = 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (0.46 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p = 0.03) in the calcium-vitamin D group compared with others. Joint calcium and vitamin D supplementation might improve the glycaemic status and lipid profiles of

Ferroelectric properties of oxalate and phenanthroline based 1-D single chain molecular magnet [{FeII(Δ)FeII(Λ)}0.5{CrII(Δ)CrII(Λ)}0.5(ox)2(phen)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhatt, Pramod; Mukadam, M. D.; Mandal, B. P.; Yusuf, S. M.

2018-04-01

The one-dimensional (1-D) single chain molecular magnet [{FeII(Δ)FeII(Λ)}0.5{CrII(Δ)CrII(Λ)}0.5(ox)2(phen)2] is hydrothermally synthesized using oxalate (ox) and phenanthroline (phen) ligands with transition metal ions (Fe and Cr). The compound is characterized using x-ray diffraction, dc magnetization measurements and P-E ferroelectric loop measurements. The diffraction analysis using Rietveld refinement confirms a single phase formation of the compound in monoclinic structure with space group of P21. The compound crystallizes in 1-D chain like structure containing two different crystallographic sites of metal ions (Δ- and Λ-), which are bridged by the ox ligand and Phen ligand. These two metals site are different in bond length and bond angles results lattice distortions. The lattice distortion induces ferroelectric behavior in the compound which is discussed in terms of lattice distortion induced dipole moments.

Photoionization models for the wind from TW Vir

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kallman, T.

1985-01-01

Line profiles are examined for the resonance doublets of the ions C IV, Si IV, and N V in the spectrum of the dwarf nova TW Virginis as observed by Cordova and Mason (1982). Line strengths depend on the abundances of the scattering ions and hence on the physical characteristics in the stellar wind. Results of the study show that the observed UV line ratios from TW Vir cannot be produced by photoionization by either an unattenuated single bremsstrahlung or by a single blackbody spectrum. Satisfactory values of the abundance ratios can be produced by bremsstrahlung spectra extending into the X-ray region which have low-energy cutoffs near the N IV threshold energy at 77 eV and have fluxes corresponding to an ionization parameter xi-sub-br of about 10. A finding that the flux in the soft X-ray bremsstrahlung component must exceed the EUV blackbody flux by at least an order of magnitude has implications for theories of the continuum emission from cataclysmic variables.

Residues of 2, 4-D in air samples from Saskatchewan: 1966-1975.

PubMed

Grover, R; Kerr, L A; Wallace, K; Yoshida, K; Maybank, J

1976-01-01

Residues of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) in air samples from several sampling sites in central and southern Saskatchewan during the spraying seasons in the 1966-68 and 1970-75 periods were determined by gas-liquid chromatographic techniques. Initially, individual esters of 2,4-D were characterized by retention times and confirmed further by co-injection and dual column procedures. Since 1973, however, only total 2,4-D acid levels in air samples have been determined after esterification to the methyl ester and confirmed by gc/ms techniques whenever possible. Up to 50% of the daily samples collected during the spraying season at any of the locations and during any given year contained 2,4-D, with butyl esters being found most frequently. The daily 24-hr mean atmospheric concentrations of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 1.22 mug/m3, 0.01 to 13.50 mug/m3, and 0.05 to 0.59 mug/m3 for the iso-propyl, mixed butyl and iso-octyl esters, respectively. Even when the samples were analysed for the total 2,4-D content, i.e. from 1973 onwards, the maximum level of the total acid reached only 23.14 mug/m3. In any given year and at any of the sampling sites, about 30% of the samples contained less than 0.01 mug/m3 of 2,4-D. In another 40% of the samples, the levels of 2,4-D ranged from 0.01 to 0.099 mug/m3. Only about 30% of the samples contained 2,4-D concentrations higher than 0.1 mug/m3, with only 10% or less exceeding 1 mug/m3. None of the samples, obtained with the high volume particulate sampler, showed any detectable levels of 2,4-D, indicating little or no transport of 2,4-D adsorbed on dust particles or as crystals of amine salts.

A continuous high-throughput bioparticle sorter based on 3D traveling-wave dielectrophoresis.

PubMed

Cheng, I-Fang; Froude, Victoria E; Zhu, Yingxi; Chang, Hsueh-Chia; Chang, Hsien-Chang

2009-11-21

We present a high throughput (maximum flow rate approximately 10 microl/min or linear velocity approximately 3 mm/s) continuous bio-particle sorter based on 3D traveling-wave dielectrophoresis (twDEP) at an optimum AC frequency of 500 kHz. The high throughput sorting is achieved with a sustained twDEP particle force normal to the continuous through-flow, which is applied over the entire chip by a single 3D electrode array. The design allows continuous fractionation of micron-sized particles into different downstream sub-channels based on differences in their twDEP mobility on both sides of the cross-over. Conventional DEP is integrated upstream to focus the particles into a single levitated queue to allow twDEP sorting by mobility difference and to minimize sedimentation and field-induced lysis. The 3D electrode array design minimizes the offsetting effect of nDEP (negative DEP with particle force towards regions with weak fields) on twDEP such that both forces increase monotonically with voltage to further increase the throughput. Effective focusing and separation of red blood cells from debris-filled heterogeneous samples are demonstrated, as well as size-based separation of poly-dispersed liposome suspensions into two distinct bands at 2.3 to 4.6 microm and 1.5 to 2.7 microm, at the highest throughput recorded in hand-held chips of 6 microl/min.

Uncertainties in water chemistry in disks: An application to TW Hydrae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamp, I.; Thi, W.-F.; Meeus, G.; Woitke, P.; Pinte, C.; Meijerink, R.; Spaans, M.; Pascucci, I.; Aresu, G.; Dent, W. R. F.

2013-11-01

Context. This paper discusses the sensitivity of water lines to chemical processes and radiative transfer for the protoplanetary disk around TW Hya. The study focuses on the Herschel spectral range in the context of new line detections with the PACS instrument from the Gas in Protoplanetary Systems project (GASPS). Aims: The paper presents an overview of the chemistry in the main water reservoirs in the disk around TW Hya. It discusses the limitations in the interpretation of observed water line fluxes. Methods: We use a previously published thermo-chemical Protoplanetary Disk Model (ProDiMo) of the disk around TW Hya and study a range of chemical modeling uncertainties: metallicity, C/O ratio, and reaction pathways and rates leading to the formation of water. We provide results for the simplified assumption of Tgas = Tdust to quantify uncertainties arising for the complex heating/cooling processes of the gas and elaborate on limitations due to water line radiative transfer. Results: We report new line detections of p-H2O (322-211) at 89.99 μm and CO J = 18-17 at 144.78 μm for the disk around TW Hya. Disk modeling shows that the far-IR fine structure lines ([O i], [C ii]) and molecular submm lines are very robust to uncertainties in the chemistry, while the water line fluxes can change by factors of a few. The water lines are optically thick, sub-thermally excited and can couple to the background continuum radiation field. The low-excitation water lines are also sensitive to uncertainties in the collision rates, e.g. with neutral hydrogen. The gas temperature plays an important role for the [O i] fine structure line fluxes, the water line fluxes originating from the inner disk as well as the high excitation CO, CH+ and OH lines. Conclusions: Due to their sensitivity on chemical input data and radiative transfer, water lines have to be used cautiously for understanding details of the disk structure. Water lines covering a wide range of excitation energies provide

30 CFR 57.22232 - Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B, IV, V-B, and VI mines).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B...-UNDERGROUND METAL AND NONMETAL MINES Safety Standards for Methane in Metal and Nonmetal Mines Ventilation § 57.22232 Actions at 0.5 percent methane (I-B, II-A, II-B, IV, V-B, and VI mines). If methane reaches 0.5...

Ferro and antiferro orbital ordering in Fe{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}V{sub 2}O{sub 4}

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

Dey, Dibyendu, E-mail: dibyendu@phy.iitkgp.ernet.in; Taraphder, A.; Maitra, T.

2016-05-23

Using density functional theory calculations, we have investigated the orbital ordering in Fe{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}V{sub 2}O{sub 4} where Fe and V sites are orbitally active. Our first principles study within GGA+U and GGA+U+SO shows ferro-orbital ordering of d{sub x2−y2} orbital at all Fe sites, whereas A-type antiferro-orbital ordering at V sites where one 3d electron occupies d{sub xy} orbital at every V site and another electron occupies either 1/√2 (d{sub xz} + d{sub yz}) or 1/√2 (d{sub xz} - d{sub yz}) orbital alternatively along c axis. Insulating nature and the orbital ordering of this compound are found to be correlationmore » driven while the effect of spin-orbit interaction on orbital ordering is not significant.« less

A Nonrigid Kernel-Based Framework for 2D-3D Pose Estimation and 2D Image Segmentation

PubMed Central

Sandhu, Romeil; Dambreville, Samuel; Yezzi, Anthony; Tannenbaum, Allen

2013-01-01

In this work, we present a nonrigid approach to jointly solving the tasks of 2D-3D pose estimation and 2D image segmentation. In general, most frameworks that couple both pose estimation and segmentation assume that one has exact knowledge of the 3D object. However, under nonideal conditions, this assumption may be violated if only a general class to which a given shape belongs is given (e.g., cars, boats, or planes). Thus, we propose to solve the 2D-3D pose estimation and 2D image segmentation via nonlinear manifold learning of 3D embedded shapes for a general class of objects or deformations for which one may not be able to associate a skeleton model. Thus, the novelty of our method is threefold: First, we present and derive a gradient flow for the task of nonrigid pose estimation and segmentation. Second, due to the possible nonlinear structures of one’s training set, we evolve the preimage obtained through kernel PCA for the task of shape analysis. Third, we show that the derivation for shape weights is general. This allows us to use various kernels, as well as other statistical learning methodologies, with only minimal changes needing to be made to the overall shape evolution scheme. In contrast with other techniques, we approach the nonrigid problem, which is an infinite-dimensional task, with a finite-dimensional optimization scheme. More importantly, we do not explicitly need to know the interaction between various shapes such as that needed for skeleton models as this is done implicitly through shape learning. We provide experimental results on several challenging pose estimation and segmentation scenarios. PMID:20733218

26 CFR 1.674(d)-2 - Limitations on exceptions in section 674 (b), (c), and (d).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... TREASURY (CONTINUED) INCOME TAX (CONTINUED) INCOME TAXES Grantors and Others Treated As Substantial Owners § 1.674(d)-2 Limitations on exceptions in section 674 (b), (c), and (d). (a) Power to remove trustee. A power in the grantor to remove, substitute, or add trustees (other than a power exercisable only...

Motor function is associated with 1,25(OH)(2)D and indices of insulin-glucose dynamics in non-diabetic older adults.

PubMed

Justice, Jamie N; Pierpoint, Lauren A; Mani, Diba; Schwartz, Robert S; Enoka, Roger M

2014-06-01

Advancing age is accompanied by changes in metabolic characteristics, such as reduced insulin sensitivity and low levels of vitamin D, which may exacerbate age-related declines in physical function. The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between insulin-glucose dynamics, vitamin D metabolites, and performance on a battery of motor tasks in healthy, non-diabetic older adults. Sixty-nine community-dwelling men and women (65-90 years) were recruited. Insulin-glucose dynamics were determined by an intravenous glucose tolerance test, and vitamin D metabolites were measured. Motor function was characterized by the time to walk 500 m, chair-rise time, lower body strength, dorsiflexor steadiness and endurance time, and muscle coactivation. Significant unadjusted correlations were found between insulin-glucose dynamics and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] with walk time, strength, steadiness, endurance time, and muscle activation (p < 0.05). A significant amount of the variance in walking endurance was explained by the sex of the individual, 1,25(OH)2D, and fasting blood insulin (R (2) = 0.36, p < 0.001). Strength could be partially explained by age, body fatness, and fasting glucose (R (2) = 0.55, p < 0.001). Poor motor function in non-diabetic older men and women was associated with indices of insulin-glucose dynamics and the bio-active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D. Walking endurance and strength were explained by 1,25(OH)2D and fasting blood glucose and insulin, even after adjusting for age, sex, and body fat. Motor function in a relatively small sample of non-diabetic older men and women was associated with metabolic factors that increase in prevalence with aging.

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

PubMed

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

2009-04-01

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

Inhibition of propofol on single neuron and neuronal ensemble activity in prefrontal cortex of rats during working memory task.

PubMed

Xu, Xinyu; Tian, Yu; Wang, Guolin; Tian, Xin

2014-08-15

Working memory (WM) refers to the temporary storage and manipulation of information necessary for performance of complex cognitive tasks. There is a growing interest in whether and how propofol anesthesia inhibits WM function. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible inhibition mechanism of propofol anesthesia from the view of single neuron and neuronal ensemble activities. Adult SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: propofol group (0.9 mg kg(-1)min(-1), 2h via a tail vein catheter) and control group. All the rats were tested for working memory performances in a Y-maze-rewarded alternation task (a task of delayed non-matched-to-sample) at 24, 48, 72 h after propofol anesthesia, and the behavior results of WM tasks were recorded at the same time. Spatio-temporal trains of action potentials were obtained from the original signals. Single neuron activity was characterized by peri-event time histograms analysis and neuron ensemble activities were characterized by Granger causality to describe the interactions within the neuron ensemble. The results show that: comparing with the control group, the percentage of neurons excited and related to WM was significantly decreased (p<0.01 in 24h, p<0.05 in 48 h); the interactions within neuron ensemble were significantly weakened (p<0.01 in 24h, p<0.05 in 48 h), whereas no significant difference in 72 h (p>0.05), which were consistent with the behavior results. These findings could lead to improved understanding of the mechanism of anesthesia inhibition on WM functions from the view of single neuron activity and neuron ensemble interactions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Metal insulator transition and magnetotransport anomalies in perovskite SrIr{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} thin films

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

Biswas, Abhijit; Lee, Yong Woo; Kim, Sang Woo

2015-03-21

We investigated the nature of transport and magnetic properties in SrIr{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 3} (SIRO), which has characteristics intermediate between a correlated non-Fermi liquid state and an itinerant Fermi liquid state, by growing perovskite thin films on various substrates (e.g., SrTiO{sub 3} (001), (LaAlO{sub 3}){sub 0.3}(Sr{sub 2}TaAlO{sub 6}){sub 0.7} (001), and LaAlO{sub 3} (001)). We observed systematic variation of underlying substrate dependent metal-to-insulator transition temperatures (T{sub MIT} ∼ 80 K on SrTiO{sub 3}, ∼90 K on (LaAlO{sub 3}){sub 0.3}(Sr{sub 2}TaAlO{sub 6}){sub 0.7}, and ∼100 K on LaAlO{sub 3}) in resistivity. At temperature 300 K ≥ T ≥ T{sub MIT}, SIRO is metallic and its resistivity follows a T{supmore » 3/2} power law, whereas insulating nature at T < T{sub MIT} is due to the localization effect. Magnetoresistance (MR) measurement of SIRO on SrTiO{sub 3} (001) shows negative MR at T < 25 K and positive MR at T > 25 K, with negative MR ∝ B{sup 1/2} and positive MR ∝ B{sup 2}; consistent with the localized-to-normal transport crossover dynamics. Furthermore, observed spin glass like behavior of SIRO on SrTiO{sub 3} (001) at T < 25 K in the localized regime validates the hypothesis that (Anderson) localization favors glassy ordering. These remarkable features provide a promising approach for future applications and of fundamental interest in oxide thin films.« less

Two-dimensional B-C-O alloys: a promising class of 2D materials for electronic devices.

PubMed

Zhou, Si; Zhao, Jijun

2016-04-28

Graphene, a superior 2D material with high carrier mobility, has limited application in electronic devices due to zero band gap. In this regard, boron and nitrogen atoms have been integrated into the graphene lattice to fabricate 2D semiconducting heterostructures. It is an intriguing question whether oxygen can, as a replacement of nitrogen, enter the sp2 honeycomb lattice and form stable B-C-O monolayer structures. Here we explore the atomic structures, energetic and thermodynamic stability, and electronic properties of various 2D B-C-O alloys using first-principles calculations. Our results show that oxygen can be stably incorporated into the graphene lattice by bonding with boron. The B and O species favor forming alternate patterns into the chain- or ring-like structures embedded in the pristine graphene regions. These B-C-O hybrid sheets can be either metals or semiconductors depending on the B : O ratio. The semiconducting (B2O)nCm and (B6O3)nCm phases exist under the B- and O-rich conditions, and possess a tunable band gap of 1.0-3.8 eV and high carrier mobility, retaining ∼1000 cm2 V(-1) s(-1) even for half coverage of B and O atoms. These B-C-O alloys form a new class of 2D materials that are promising candidates for high-speed electronic devices.

Effects of night work, sleep loss and time on task on simulated threat detection performance.

PubMed

Basner, Mathias; Rubinstein, Joshua; Fomberstein, Kenneth M; Coble, Matthew C; Ecker, Adrian; Avinash, Deepa; Dinges, David F

2008-09-01

To investigate the effects of night work and sleep loss on a simulated luggage screening task (SLST) that mimicked the x-ray system used by airport luggage screeners. We developed more than 5,800 unique simulated x-ray images of luggage organized into 31 stimulus sets of 200 bags each. 25% of each set contained either a gun or a knife with low or high target difficulty. The 200-bag stimuli sets were then run on software that simulates an x-ray screening system (SLST). Signal detection analysis was used to obtain measures of hit rate (HR), false alarm rate (FAR), threat detection accuracy (A'), and response bias (B"(D)). Experimental laboratory study 24 healthy nonprofessional volunteers (13 women, mean age +/- SD = 29.9 +/- 6.5 years). Subjects performed the SLST every 2 h during a 5-day period that included a 35 h period of wakefulness that extended to night work and then another day work period after the night without sleep. Threat detection accuracy A' decreased significantly (P < 0.001) while FAR increased significantly (P < 0.001) during night work, while both A' (P = 0.001) and HR decreased (P = 0.008) during day work following sleep loss. There were prominent time-on-task effects on response bias B"(D) (P= 0.002) and response latency (P = 0.004), but accuracy A' was unaffected. Both HR and FAR increased significantly with increasing study duration (both P < 0.001), while response latency decreased significantly (P <0.001). This study provides the first systematic evidence that night work and sleep loss adversely affect the accuracy of detecting complex real world objects among high levels of background clutter. If the results can be replicated in professional screeners and real work environments, fatigue in luggage screening personnel may pose a threat for air traffic safety unless countermeasures for fatigue are deployed.

Exploring the Cosmic Frontier, Task A - Direct Detection of Dark Matter, Task B - Experimental Particle Astrophysics

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

Matthews, John A.J.; Gold, Michael S.

This report summarizes the work of Task A and B for the period 2013-2016. For Task A the work is for direct detection of dark matter with the single-phase liquid argon experiment Mini-CLEAN. For Task B the work is for the search for new physics in the analysis of fluorescence events with the Auger experiment and for the search for the indirect detection of dark matter with the HAWC experiment.

Modeling of the phase evolution in Mg1-xAlxB2 (0

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

Andersson, Anders David; Casillas, Luis; Lezama Pacheco, Juan

Despite the chemical and structural simplicity of MgB{sub 2}, at 39 K this compound has the highest known {Tc} of any binary compound. Electron doping by substituting Al for Mg leads to decreasing Tc and the observed concentration dependent rate of decrease has been proposed to arise from the non-ideal character of MgB{sub 2}-AIB{sub 2} solid solutions, which derives from the existence of an ordered Mg{sub 0.5}Al{sub 0.5}B{sub 2} compound. Heterogeneous nano-scale structure patterns in solid solutions have emerged as an important concept for complex materials, ranging from actinide alloys and oxides to high-temperature cuprate superconductors and mallganite-based materials exhibitingmore » colossal magnetoresistivity. In this work we investigate the formation of structural heterogeneities in Mg{sub 1-x}AI{sub x}B{sub 2}, which take the form of nano-scale AI-AI and AI-Mg domains of different geometry and size, using molecular statics/dynamics simulations and in particular we study the corresponding signatures in diffraction experiments. In order to undertake this task we first derive appropriate Mg-AI-B semi-empirical potentials within the Modified Embedded Atom Method formalism. These potentials are also applied to explore the equilibrium Mg{sub 1-x}AI{sub x}B{sub 2} phase diagram for 0 < x < 0.5. Additionally, density functional theory calculations were utilized to study the influence of heterogeneities on the electronic structure and charge distribution in Mg{sub 1-x}AI{sub x}B{sub 2}.« less

Beneficial effect of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium water on gallstone risk and weight control

PubMed Central

Corradini, Stefano Ginanni; Ferri, Flaminia; Mordenti, Michela; Iuliano, Luigi; Siciliano, Maria; Burza, Maria Antonella; Sordi, Bruno; Caciotti, Barbara; Pacini, Maria; Poli, Edoardo; Santis, Adriano De; Roda, Aldo; Colliva, Carolina; Simoni, Patrizia; Attili, Adolfo Francesco

2012-01-01

AIM: To investigate the effect of drinking sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium thermal water (TW) on risk factors for atherosclerosis and cholesterol gallstone disease. METHODS: Postmenopausal women with functional dyspepsia and/or constipation underwent a 12 d cycle of thermal (n = 20) or tap (n = 20) water controlled drinking. Gallbladder fasting volume at ultrasound, blood vitamin E, oxysterols (7-β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol), bile acid (BA), triglycerides, total/low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Food consumption, stool frequency and body weight were recorded daily. RESULTS: Blood lipids, oxysterols and vitamin E were not affected by either thermal or tap water consumption. Fasting gallbladder volume was significantly (P < 0.005) smaller at the end of the study than at baseline in the TW (15.7 ± 1.1 mL vs 20.1 ± 1.7 mL) but not in the tap water group (19.0 ± 1.4 mL vs 19.4 ± 1.5 mL). Total serum BA concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the end of the study than at baseline in the TW (5.83 ± 1.24 μmol vs 4.25 ± 1.00 μmol) but not in the tap water group (3.41 ± 0.46 μmol vs 2.91 ± 0.56 μmol). The increased BA concentration after TW consumption was mainly accounted for by glycochenodeoxycholic acid. The number of pasta (P < 0.001), meat (P < 0.001) and vegetable (P < 0.005) portions consumed during the study and of bowel movements per day (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the TW than in the tap water group. Body weight did not change at the end of the study as compared to baseline in both groups. CONCLUSION: Sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium water consumption has a positive effect on lithogenic risk and intestinal transit and allows maintenance of a stable body weight despite a high food intake. PMID:22408352

Beneficial effect of sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium water on gallstone risk and weight control.

PubMed

Corradini, Stefano Ginanni; Ferri, Flaminia; Mordenti, Michela; Iuliano, Luigi; Siciliano, Maria; Burza, Maria Antonella; Sordi, Bruno; Caciotti, Barbara; Pacini, Maria; Poli, Edoardo; Santis, Adriano De; Roda, Aldo; Colliva, Carolina; Simoni, Patrizia; Attili, Adolfo Francesco

2012-03-07

To investigate the effect of drinking sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium thermal water (TW) on risk factors for atherosclerosis and cholesterol gallstone disease. Postmenopausal women with functional dyspepsia and/or constipation underwent a 12 d cycle of thermal (n = 20) or tap (n = 20) water controlled drinking. Gallbladder fasting volume at ultrasound, blood vitamin E, oxysterols (7-β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol), bile acid (BA), triglycerides, total/low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Food consumption, stool frequency and body weight were recorded daily. Blood lipids, oxysterols and vitamin E were not affected by either thermal or tap water consumption. Fasting gallbladder volume was significantly (P < 0.005) smaller at the end of the study than at baseline in the TW (15.7 ± 1.1 mL vs 20.1 ± 1.7 mL) but not in the tap water group (19.0 ± 1.4 mL vs 19.4 ± 1.5 mL). Total serum BA concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the end of the study than at baseline in the TW (5.83 ± 1.24 μmol vs 4.25 ± 1.00 μmol) but not in the tap water group (3.41 ± 0.46 μmol vs 2.91 ± 0.56 μmol). The increased BA concentration after TW consumption was mainly accounted for by glycochenodeoxycholic acid. The number of pasta (P < 0.001), meat (P < 0.001) and vegetable (P < 0.005) portions consumed during the study and of bowel movements per day (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the TW than in the tap water group. Body weight did not change at the end of the study as compared to baseline in both groups. Sulphate-bicarbonate-calcium water consumption has a positive effect on lithogenic risk and intestinal transit and allows maintenance of a stable body weight despite a high food intake.

Impact on Vitamin D2, Vitamin D4 and Agaritine in Agaricus bisporus Mushrooms after Artificial and Natural Solar UV Light Exposure.

PubMed

Urbain, Paul; Valverde, Juan; Jakobsen, Jette

2016-09-01

Commercial mushroom production can expose mushrooms post-harvest to UV light for purposes of vitamin D2 enrichment by converting the naturally occurring provitamin D2 (ergosterol). The objectives of the present study were to artificially simulate solar UV-B doses occurring naturally in Central Europe and to investigate vitamin D2 and vitamin D4 production in sliced Agaricus bisporus (button mushrooms) and to analyse and compare the agaritine content of naturally and artificially UV-irradiated mushrooms. Agaritine was measured for safety aspects even though there is no rationale for a link between UV light exposure and agaritine content. The artificial UV-B dose of 0.53 J/cm(2) raised the vitamin D2 content to significantly (P < 0.001) higher levels of 67.1 ± 9.9 μg/g dry weight (DW) than sun exposure (3.9 ± 0.8 μg/g dry DW). We observed a positive correlation between vitamin D4 and vitamin D2 production (r(2) = 0.96, P < 0.001) after artificial UV irradiation, with vitamin D4 levels ranging from 0 to 20.9 μg/g DW. The agaritine content varied widely but remained within normal ranges in all samples. Irrespective of the irradiation source, agaritine dropped dramatically in conjunction with all UV-B doses both artificial and natural solar, probably due to its known instability. The biological action of vitamin D from UV-exposed mushrooms reflects the activity of these two major vitamin D analogues (D2, D4). Vitamin D4 should be analysed and agaritine disregarded in future studies of UV-exposed mushrooms.

Combined use of Bacillus subtilis strain B-001 and bactericide for the control of tomato bacterial wilt.

PubMed

Peng, Di; Luo, Kun; Jiang, Huidan; Deng, Yanan; Bai, Lianyang; Zhou, Xiaomao

2017-06-01

Tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum poses a serious threat to tomato production. However, no effective control measures are available. In this study, the bactericide Saisentong was combined with an effective biological control agent, Bacillus subtilis B-001, to control tomato bacterial wilt under greenhouse and field conditions. Growth of B-001 in vitro was unaffected by Saisentong. In greenhouse experiments, the combined application of B-001 and Saisentong via root irrigation or spray resulted in better disease control compared with either agent alone. In two field trials, at a Saisentong concentration of 400 or 500 mg kg -1 , the combined treatment was more effective than expected and showed a synergistic effect. A lower concentration of Saisentong (200 or 300 mg kg -1 ) in combination with B-001 resulted in an antagonistic effect. However, disease control was significantly greater compared with either treatment alone. The combination of Saisentong and B-001 effectively controls tomato bacterial wilt. The integrated strategy represents a promising new tool to control this disease. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

The structure, stability, and infrared spectrum of B 2N, B 2N +, B 2N -, BO, B 2O and B 2N 2.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, J. M. L.; François, J. P.; Gijbels, R.

1992-05-01

The structure, infrared spectrum, and heat of formation of B 2N, B 2N -, BO, and B 2O have been studied ab initio. B 2N is very stable; B 2O even more so. B 2N, B 2N -, B 2O, and probably B 2N + have symmetric linear ground-state structures; for B 2O, an asymmetric linear structure lies about 12 kcal/mol above the ground state. B 2N +, B 2N - and B 2O have intense asymmetric stretching frequencies, predicted near 870, 1590 and 1400 cm -1, respectively. Our predicted harmonic frequencies and isotopic shifts for B 2O confirm the recent experimental identification by Andrews and Burkholder. Absorptions at 1889.5 and 1998.5 cm -1 in noble-gas trapped boron nitride vapor belong the BNB and BNBN ( 3Π), respectively; a tentative assignment of 882.5 cm -1 to BNB + is proposed. Total atomization energies Σ De (Σ D0) are computed (accuracy ±2 kcal/mol) as: BO 193.1 (190.4), B 2O 292.5 (288.7), B 2N 225.0 (250.3) kcal/mol. The ionization potential and electron affinity of B 2N are predicted to be 8.62±0.1 and 3.34±0.1 eV. The MP4-level additivity approximations involved in G1 theory results in errors on the order of 1 kcal/mol in the Σ De values.

ISS020-S-001B

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-02-27

ISS020-S-001B (December 2008) --- The Expedition 20 patch symbolizes a new era in space exploration with the first six-person crew living and working onboard ISS and represents the significance of the ISS to the exploration goals of NASA and its international partners. The six gold stars signify the men and women of the crew. The astronaut symbol extends from the base of the patch to the star at the top to represent the international team, both on the ground and on orbit, that are working together to further our knowledge of living and working in space. The space station in the foreground represents where we are now and the important role it is playing towards meeting our exploration goals. The knowledge and expertise developed from these advancements will enable us to once again leave low earth orbit for the new challenges of establishing a permanent presence on the moon and then on to Mars. The blue, gray and red arcs represent our exploration goals as symbols of Earth, the moon and Mars. The NASA insignia design for ISS expedition crews is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, it will be publicly announced.

Striatal dopamine d2/d3 receptor availability is reduced in methamphetamine dependence and is linked to impulsivity.

PubMed

Lee, Buyean; London, Edythe D; Poldrack, Russell A; Farahi, Judah; Nacca, Angelo; Monterosso, John R; Mumford, Jeanette A; Bokarius, Andrew V; Dahlbom, Magnus; Mukherjee, Jogeshwar; Bilder, Robert M; Brody, Arthur L; Mandelkern, Mark A

2009-11-25

While methamphetamine addiction has been associated with both impulsivity and striatal dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor deficits, human studies have not directly linked the latter two entities. We therefore compared methamphetamine-dependent and healthy control subjects using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (version 11, BIS-11) and positron emission tomography with [(18)F]fallypride to measure striatal dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptor availability. The methamphetamine-dependent subjects reported recent use of the drug 3.3 g per week, and a history of using methamphetamine, on average, for 12.5 years. They had higher scores than healthy control subjects on all BIS-11 impulsiveness subscales (p < 0.001). Volume-of-interest analysis found lower striatal D(2)/D(3) receptor availability in methamphetamine-dependent than in healthy control subjects (p < 0.01) and a negative relationship between impulsiveness and striatal D(2)/D(3) receptor availability in the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens that reached statistical significance in methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Combining data from both groups, voxelwise analysis indicated that impulsiveness was related to D(2)/D(3) receptor availability in left caudate nucleus and right lateral putamen/claustrum (p < 0.05, determined by threshold-free cluster enhancement). In separate group analyses, correlations involving the head and body of the caudate and the putamen of methamphetamine-dependent subjects and the lateral putamen/claustrum of control subjects were observed at a weaker threshold (p < 0.12 corrected). The findings suggest that low striatal D(2)/D(3) receptor availability may mediate impulsive temperament and thereby influence addiction.

Task- and time-dependent modulation of Ia presynaptic inhibition during fatiguing contractions performed by humans

PubMed Central

Maerz, Adam H.; Gould, Jeffrey R.; Enoka, Roger M.

2011-01-01

Presynaptic modulation of Ia afferents converging onto the motor neuron pool of the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) was compared during contractions (20% of maximal force) sustained to failure as subjects controlled either the angular position of the wrist while supporting an inertial load (position task) or exerted an equivalent force against a rigid restraint (force task). Test Hoffmann (H) reflexes were evoked in the ECR by stimulating the radial nerve above the elbow. Conditioned H reflexes were obtained by stimulating either the median nerve above the elbow or at the wrist (palmar branch) to assess presynaptic inhibition of homonymous (D1 inhibition) and heteronymous Ia afferents (heteronymous Ia facilitation), respectively. The position task was briefer than the force task (P = 0.001), although the maximal voluntary force and electromyograph for ECR declined similarly at failure for both tasks. Changes in the amplitude of the conditioned H reflex were positively correlated between the two conditioning methods (P = 0.02) and differed between the two tasks (P < 0.05). The amplitude of the conditioned H reflex during the position task first increased (129 ± 20.5% of the initial value, P < 0.001) before returning to its initial value (P = 0.22), whereas it increased progressively during the force task to reach 122 ± 17.4% of the initial value at failure (P < 0.001). Moreover, changes in conditioned H reflexes were associated with the time to task failure and force fluctuations. The results suggest a task- and time-dependent modulation of presynaptic inhibition of Ia afferents during fatiguing contractions. PMID:21543747

Effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum B1 on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and short chain fatty acid profiles in broiler chickens.

PubMed

Peng, Q; Zeng, X F; Zhu, J L; Wang, S; Liu, X T; Hou, C L; Thacker, P A; Qiao, S Y

2016-04-01

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum B1 on broiler performance, cecal bacteria, and ileal and cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA). The study also determined whether it was necessary to feed Lactobacillus throughout the entire growth period or if the beneficial effects could be obtained by supplementation during the starter or finisher period only. Experiment 1 was conducted with 72 broilers assigned to 2 treatments (N=6). One treatment was the basal diet (Con), and the other was the basal diet supplemented with 2×10(9) cfu/kg L. plantarum B1 (Wh). In experiment 2, 144 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 4 treatments (N=6) including a basal diet (Con), the basal diet supplemented with 2×10(9) cfu/kgL. plantarum B1 during d one to 21 only (St), the basal diet supplemented with L. plantarum B1 during d 22 to 42 only (Fn), and, finally, the basal diet supplemented with L. plantarum B1 from d one to 42 (Wh). Experiment 1 showed that L. plantarum B1 enhanced broiler average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). In experiment 2, during the starter period, broilers in the Wh and St treatments had higher ADG (P<0.05) than broilers in the Con and Fn, while during the finisher period, broilers in the Wh and Fn had higher ADG (P<0.01) and improved FCR (P<0.01) compared with broilers in the Con and St. On d 42, broilers in the Wh and Fn had decreased E. coli (P<0.05) and increased lactic acid bacteria (P<0.05) in their cecal digesta. L. plantarum B1 also increased (P<0.05) ileal mucosal sIgA as well as ileal and cecal SCFA. However, L. plantarum B1 had no effect on intestinal morphology. In conclusion,L. plantarum B1 plays a positive role in broilers. Supplementation during the finisher period or the entire growth period is superior to supplementation during the starter period only. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Effects of feeding corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B1 and B2 on hepatic functions of broilers.

PubMed

Yang, J; Bai, F; Zhang, K; Bai, S; Peng, X; Ding, X; Li, Y; Zhang, J; Zhao, L

2012-11-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) and aflatoxin B(2) (AFB(2)) on serum biochemical parameters, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, and pathological lesions of broilers. In total, 1,200 Cobb male broilers were randomly allocated into 5 treatments, with 8 replicates per treatment and 30 birds per replicate, in a 42-d experiment. The dietary treatments were as follows: control, 25, 50, 75, and 100% contaminated corn groups. Results showed that serum aspartate aminotransferase activity in the 75 and 100% contaminated groups were higher than that in the control group on d 21 (P < 0.05). Decreased content of hepatic total protein and increased activities of hepatic glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase were observed as the percentage of contaminated corn increased (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of hepatic malondialdehyde increased when the broilers were fed with more than 50% contaminated corn (P < 0.05). A reduction in glutathione peroxidase level was observed in the AFB(1)- and AFB(2)-contaminated groups on d 21 (P < 0.05). The average pathological lesion scores and apoptosis rate of liver cells increased as the concentration of dietary AFB(1) and AFB(2) increased. Ultrastructural changes were found in the livers of broilers fed 100% contaminated corn. In conclusion, diets containing AFB(1) and AFB(2) could induce pathological lesions in the livers, slightly change the serum biochemical parameters, and damage the hepatic antioxidant functions when the inclusion of AFB(1)- and AFB(2)-contaminated corn reached or exceeded 50%.

46 CFR 159.001-2 - Right of appeal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 6 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Right of appeal. 159.001-2 Section 159.001-2 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL APPROVAL OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS General § 159.001-2 Right of appeal. Any person...

Computational Modeling and Simulation of Film-Condensation

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-18

different cases considered in the present work. Table 2: Four different cases corresponding to various thermal boundary conditions ( CWT : constant wall...temperature; UHF: uniform heat flux; and CHT: convection heat transfer) on the channel walls. Cases (a) (b) (c) (d) Top wall BC CWT : Tw2>Tsat UHF: qw...CHT: h & T∞ >Tsat CHT Bottom Wall BC CWT : Tw1<Tsat CWT : Tw1<Tsat CWT : Tw1<Tsat UHF: qw   Page 12 of 18   In the above table, T y

The histone lysine methyltransferase KMT2D sustains a gene expression program that represses B cell lymphoma development.

PubMed

Ortega-Molina, Ana; Boss, Isaac W; Canela, Andres; Pan, Heng; Jiang, Yanwen; Zhao, Chunying; Jiang, Man; Hu, Deqing; Agirre, Xabier; Niesvizky, Itamar; Lee, Ji-Eun; Chen, Hua-Tang; Ennishi, Daisuke; Scott, David W; Mottok, Anja; Hother, Christoffer; Liu, Shichong; Cao, Xing-Jun; Tam, Wayne; Shaknovich, Rita; Garcia, Benjamin A; Gascoyne, Randy D; Ge, Kai; Shilatifard, Ali; Elemento, Olivier; Nussenzweig, Andre; Melnick, Ari M; Wendel, Hans-Guido

2015-10-01

The gene encoding the lysine-specific histone methyltransferase KMT2D has emerged as one of the most frequently mutated genes in follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma; however, the biological consequences of KMT2D mutations on lymphoma development are not known. Here we show that KMT2D functions as a bona fide tumor suppressor and that its genetic ablation in B cells promotes lymphoma development in mice. KMT2D deficiency also delays germinal center involution and impedes B cell differentiation and class switch recombination. Integrative genomic analyses indicate that KMT2D affects methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 (H3K4) and expression of a set of genes, including those in the CD40, JAK-STAT, Toll-like receptor and B cell receptor signaling pathways. Notably, other KMT2D target genes include frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes such as TNFAIP3, SOCS3 and TNFRSF14. Therefore, KMT2D mutations may promote malignant outgrowth by perturbing the expression of tumor suppressor genes that control B cell-activating pathways.

The histone lysine methyltransferase KMT2D sustains a gene expression program that represses B cell lymphoma development

PubMed Central

Ortega-Molina, Ana; Boss, Isaac W.; Canela, Andres; Pan, Heng; Jiang, Yanwen; Zhao, Chunying; Jiang, Man; Hu, Deqing; Agirre, Xabier; Niesvizky, Itamar; Lee, Ji-Eun; Chen, Hua-Tang; Ennishi, Daisuke; Scott, David W.; Mottok, Anja; Hother, Christoffer; Liu, Shichong; Cao, Xing-Jun; Tam, Wayne; Shaknovich, Rita; Garcia, Benjamin A.; Gascoyne, Randy D.; Ge, Kai; Shilatifard, Ali; Elemento, Olivier; Nussenzweig, Andre; Melnick, Ari M.; Wendel, Hans-Guido

2015-01-01

The lysine-specific histone methyltransferase KMT2D has emerged as one of the most frequently mutated genes in follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the biological consequences of KMT2D mutations on lymphoma development are not known. Here we show that KMT2D functions as a bona fide tumor suppressor and that its genetic ablation in B cells promotes lymphoma development in mice. KMT2D deficiency also delays germinal center (GC) involution, impedes B cell differentiation and class switch recombination (CSR). Integrative genomic analyses indicate that KMT2D affects H3K4 methylation and expression of a specific set of genes including those in the CD40, JAK-STAT, Toll-like receptor, and B cell receptor pathways. Notably, other KMT2D target genes include frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes such as TNFAIP3, SOCS3, and TNFRSF14. Therefore, KMT2D mutations may promote malignant outgrowth by perturbing the expression of tumor suppressor genes that control B cell activating pathways. PMID:26366710

Measurement of $${\\mathcal B}(B^0_s\\rightarrow D_s^{(*)}D_s^{(*)})$$ > and the Lifetime Difference in the $$B_s^0$$ System

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

Youn, Sungwoo

2009-06-01

We search for the semi-inclusive processmore » $$B^0_s\\rightarrow D_s^{(*)}D_s^{(*)}$$ using 2.8 fb$$^{-1}$$ of $$p \\bar{p}$$ collisions at $$\\sqrt{s} = 1.96$$ TeV recorded by the D0 detector operating at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. Under certain theoretical assumptions, these double-charm final states saturate CP-even eigenstates in the $$B_s^0$$ decays, allowing the lifetime difference of the $$B_s^0$$ system to be related to the branching ratio. We observe $$26.6\\pm 8.4$$ signal events with a significance above background of 3.2 standard deviations. The branching ratio is measured as $${\\cal B}(B^0_s\\rightarrow D_s^{(*)}D_s^{(*)}) = 0.035\\pm0.010\\text{(stat)}\\pm0.011\\text{(syst)}$$ and, in the Standard Model, the width difference is derived as $$\\Delta \\Gamma_s^{\\rm CP}/\\Gamma_s = 0.072\\pm0.021\\text{(stat)}\\pm0.022\\text{(syst)}$$.« less

Killing Effects of an Isolated Serratia marcescens KH-001 on Diaphorina citri via Lowering the Endosymbiont Numbers

PubMed Central

Hu, Wei; Kuang, Fan; Lu, Zhanjun; Zhang, Ning; Chen, Tingtao

2018-01-01

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide, and suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is regarded as an effective method to inhibit the spread of HLB. In this study, we isolated a strain named as Serratia marcescens KH-001 from D. citri nymphs suffering from disease, and evaluated its killing effect on D. citri via toxicity test and effect on microbial community in D. citri using high-throughput sequencing. Our results indicated that S. marcescens KH-001 could effectively kill 83% of D. citri nymphs, while the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 only killed 40% of the D. citrinymphs. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that the S. marcescens KH-001 increased the OTU numbers from 62.5 (PBS buffer) to 81.5, while significantly lowered the Shannon index compared with Escherichia coli DH5α (group E) (p < 0.05). OTU analysis showed that the S. marcescens KH-001 had significantly reduced the relative abundance of endosymbionts Wolbachia, Profftella, and Carsonella in group S compared with that in other groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, the direct killing effect of the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 and the indirect effect via reducing the numbers of endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Profftella, and Carsonella) of D. citri endow S. marcescens KH-001 a sound killing effect on D. citri. Further work need to do before this strain is used as a sound biological control agents. PMID:29765368

Killing Effects of an Isolated Serratia marcescens KH-001 on Diaphorina citri via Lowering the Endosymbiont Numbers.

PubMed

Hu, Wei; Kuang, Fan; Lu, Zhanjun; Zhang, Ning; Chen, Tingtao

2018-01-01

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most devastating citrus disease worldwide, and suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid ( Diaphorina citri ) is regarded as an effective method to inhibit the spread of HLB. In this study, we isolated a strain named as Serratia marcescens KH-001 from D. citri nymphs suffering from disease, and evaluated its killing effect on D. citri via toxicity test and effect on microbial community in D. citri using high-throughput sequencing. Our results indicated that S. marcescens KH-001 could effectively kill 83% of D. citri nymphs, while the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 only killed 40% of the D. citri nymphs. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that the S. marcescens KH-001 increased the OTU numbers from 62.5 (PBS buffer) to 81.5, while significantly lowered the Shannon index compared with Escherichia coli DH5α (group E) ( p < 0.05). OTU analysis showed that the S. marcescens KH-001 had significantly reduced the relative abundance of endosymbionts Wolbachia , Profftella , and Carsonella in group S compared with that in other groups ( p < 0.05). Therefore, the direct killing effect of the fermentation products of S. marcescens KH-001 and the indirect effect via reducing the numbers of endosymbionts ( Wolbachia , Profftella , and Carsonella ) of D. citri endow S. marcescens KH-001 a sound killing effect on D. citri . Further work need to do before this strain is used as a sound biological control agents.

Erythrocyte concentrations of B1, B2, B6 but not plasma C and E are reliable indicators of nutrition status in the presence of systemic inflammation.

PubMed

Ghashut, Rawia A; McMillan, Donald C; Kinsella, John; Talwar, Dinesh

2017-02-01

There is increasing evidence that the plasma concentration of vitamin D, carotenoids, zinc and selenium are associated with the magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response. In order to examine whether other vitamins may be affected and whether red cell concentrations are less affected by systemic inflammation the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the systemic inflammatory response on red cell measurements of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, and plasma concentration of vitamin C and E in a large cohort of patients referred for a nutritional screen. Patients referred for nutritional assessment of B1 (n = 551), B2 (n = 251), B6 (n = 313), ascorbic acid (n = 494) and α-tocopherol (n = 395) concentrations. These vitamins were measured using routine laboratory methods. The median concentrations of vitamin B1 grouped according to C-reactive protein concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 543, 664 and 766 ng/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 41% higher). The median concentration of vitamin B1 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 547, 664 and 701 ng/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 28% higher). The median concentrations of red cell vitamin B2 grouped according to CRP concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 nmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 9% higher). The median red cell concentrations of vitamin B2 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 2.1, 2.4 and 2.3 nmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 14% higher). The median concentrations of red cell vitamin B6 grouped according to CRP concentrations ≤10, 11-80 and >80 mg/L were 534, 548 and 767 pmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 44% higher). The median red cell concentrations of vitamin B6 grouped according to albumin concentrations ≥35, 25-34 and <25 g/l were 462, 644 and 840 pmol/g Hb respectively (p < 0.001, 82% higher). In contrast, the median plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid

Detection of N-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl) Fumonisins B2 and B3 in Corn by High-Resolution LC-Orbitrap MS

PubMed Central

Matsuo, Yosuke; Takahara, Kentaro; Sago, Yuki; Kushiro, Masayo; Nagashima, Hitoshi; Nakagawa, Hiroyuki

2015-01-01

The existence of glucose conjugates of fumonisin B2 (FB2) and fumonisin B3 (FB3) in corn powder was confirmed for the first time. These “bound-fumonisins” (FB2 and FB3 bound to glucose) were identified as N-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl) fumonisin B2 (NDfrc-FB2) and N-(1-deoxy-d-fructos-1-yl) fumonisin B3 (NDfrc-FB3) respectively, based on the accurate mass measurements of characteristic ions and fragmentation patterns using high-resolution liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LC-Orbitrap MS) analysis. Treatment on NDfrc-FB2 and NDfrc-FB3 with the o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) reagent also supported that d-glucose binding to FB2 and FB3 molecules occurred to their primary amine residues. PMID:26389955

Hydrothermal synthesis of a photovoltaic material based on CuIn0.5Ga0.5Se2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castellanos Báez, Y. T.; Fuquen Peña, D. A.; Gómez-Cuaspud, J. A.; Vera-López, E.; Pineda-Triana, Y.

2017-12-01

The present work report, the synthesis and characterization of the CuIn0.5Ga0.5Se2 system (abbreviated CIGS), by the implementation of a hydrothermal route, in order to obtain a solid with appropriate properties in terms of surface, morphological and texture properties for potential applications in the design of photovoltaic cells. The synthesis was carried out using the corresponding stoichiometric quantities (Cu:In:Ga:Se 1:0.5:0.5:2), which were mixed in a Teflon vessel under stirring conditions. The homogeneous solution was treated in a steel autoclave at 300°C for 72 hours at the end of which the resulting material was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement. The results of the structural characterization allowed to confirm the obtaining of a chalcopyrite type structure, with a I-42 d (122) structure and cell parameters a=0.570, b=0.570, c=1.140nm, α=90, β=90, γ=90° oriented along (1 0 4) facet, detecting the presence of a secondary phases, related with CuInSe and CuIn metallic selenides, derived from synthesis process. The structural refinement allowing to validate the obtaining of a nanometric crystalline material (10-20nm) for potential applications in field of photovoltaic technology.

Structural characterization of the cell wall D-glucans isolated from the mycelium of Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05.

PubMed

de Lourdes Corradi da Silva, Maria; Fukuda, Eliane K; Vasconcelos, Ana Flora D; Dekker, Robert F H; Matias, Andreza C; Monteiro, Nilson K; Cardoso, Marilsa S; Barbosa, Aneli M; Silveira, Joana L M; Sassaki, Guilherme L; Carbonero, Elaine R

2008-03-17

Three D-glucans were isolated from the mycelium of the fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina MAMB-05 by sequential extraction with hot-water and hot aqueous KOH (2% w/v) followed by ethanol precipitation. Following their purification by gel permeation chromatography on Sepharose CL-4B, the structural characteristics of the D-glucans were determined by FT-IR and 13C NMR spectroscopy and, after methylation, by GC-MS. The hot-water extract produced a fraction designated Q1A that was a beta-(1-->6)-D-glucan with the following structure: [Formula: see text] The alkaline extract, when subjected to repeated freeze-thawing, yielded two fractions: K1P (insoluble) that comprised a beta-(1-->3)-D-glucan with beta-D-glucose branches at C-6 with the structure: [Formula: see text] and K1SA (soluble) consisting of a backbone chain of alpha-(1-->4)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues substituted at O-6 with alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues: [Formula: see text

Interfacial B-site atomic configuration in polar (111) and non-polar (001) SrIrO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, T. J.; Zhou, H.; Xie, L.; Podkaminer, J. P.; Patzner, J. J.; Ryu, S.; Pan, X. Q.; Eom, C. B.

2017-09-01

The precise control of interfacial atomic arrangement in ABO3 perovskite heterostructures is paramount, particularly in cases where the subsequent electronic properties of the material exhibit geometrical preferences along polar crystallographic directions that feature inevitably complex surface reconstructions. Here, we present the B-site interfacial structure in polar (111) and non-polar (001) SrIrO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. The heterostructures were examined using scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron-based coherent Bragg rod analysis. Our results reveal the preference of B-site intermixing across the (111) interface due to the polarity-compensated SrTiO3 substrate surface prior to growth. By comparison, the intermixing at the non-polar (001) interface is negligible. This finding suggests that the intermixing may be necessary to mitigate epitaxy along heavily reconstructed and non-stoichiometric (111) perovskite surfaces. Furthermore, this preferential B-site configuration could allow the geometric design of the interfacial perovskite structure and chemistry to selectively engineer the correlated electronic states of the B-site d-orbital.

Revisiting liver disease progression in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients: the influence of vitamin D, insulin resistance, immune status, IL28B and PNPLA3.

PubMed

Mandorfer, Mattias; Payer, Berit A; Schwabl, Philipp; Steiner, Sebastian; Ferlitsch, Arnulf; Aichelburg, Maximilian C; Stättermayer, Albert F; Ferenci, Peter; Obermayer-Pietsch, Barbara; Grabmeier-Pfistershammer, Katharina; Trauner, Michael; Peck-Radosavljevic, Markus; Reiberger, Thomas

2015-03-01

To perform a comprehensive study on independent modulators of liver fibrosis progression and determinants of portal pressure considering immune status, insulin resistance (IR), serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, genetic variants of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) and interleukin 28B (IL28B) in a thoroughly documented cohort of HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected (HIV/HCV) patients. 25(OH)D deficiency (25(OH)DDEF), IR and low CD4(+) T-lymphocyte nadir (lowCD4NAD) were defined as 25(OH)D <20 ng × ml(-1) , HOMA-IR >2 and CD4nadir <200 cells × μl(-1) respectively. Liver fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated as METAVIR F units divided by the number of years since HCV infection. Patients with a FPR > median FPR were assigned to the highFPR group. Among 86 HIV/HCV, the median FPR was 0.167 units × years(-1) . While the prevalence of prior alcohol abuse, lowCD4NAD and 25(OH)DDEF was higher among highFPR patients, the prevalence of IR was comparable. The association between 25(OH)DDEF and FPR was confirmed in a subgroup of patients with METAVIR stage F0/F1/F2 in which 25(OH)D levels are not affected by the severity of liver disease. The distribution of IL28B C/C and PNPLA3 non-C/C was similar, while PNPLA3 G/G was exclusively observed in highFPR patients. LowCD4NAD (OR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.05-8.24; P = 0.039) and 25(OH)DDEF (OR: 5.62; 95% CI: 2.05-15.38; P = 0.001) were independently associated with highFPR and showed an additive effect. Portal pressure correlated with prior alcohol abuse, HCV-genotype 3, CD4(+) nadir and 25(OH)D levels. Two potentially modifiable factors, CD4(+) nadir and 25(OH)D levels, were both independent modulators of liver fibrosis progression and determinants of portal pressure. Further studies are warranted to assess the relevance of PNPLA3 for FPR in HIV/HCV. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

$B$- and $D$-meson leptonic decay constants from four-flavor lattice QCD

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

Bazavov, A.; Bernard, C.; Brown, N.

We calculate the leptonic decay constants of heavy-light pseudoscalar mesons with charm and bottom quarks in lattice quantum chromodynamics on four-flavor QCD gauge-field configurations with dynamicalmore » $u$, $d$, $s$, and $c$ quarks. We analyze over twenty isospin-symmetric ensembles with six lattice spacings down to $$a\\approx 0.03$$~fm and several values of the light-quark mass down to the physical value $$\\frac{1}{2}(m_u+m_d)$$. We employ the highly-improved staggered-quark (HISQ) action for the sea and valence quarks; on the finest lattice spacings, discretization errors are sufficiently small that we can calculate the $B$-meson decay constants with the HISQ action for the first time directly at the physical $b$-quark mass. We obtain the most precise determinations to-date of the $D$- and $B$-meson decay constants and their ratios, $$f_{D^+} = 212.6 (0.5)$$~MeV, $$f_{D_s} = 249.8(0.4)$$~MeV, $$f_{D_s}/f_{D^+} = 1.1749(11)$$, $$f_{B^+} = 189.4(1.4)$$~MeV, $$f_{B_s} = 230.7(1.2)$$~MeV, $$f_{B_s}/f_{B^+} = 1.2180(49)$$, where the errors include statistical and all systematic uncertainties. Our results for the $B$-meson decay constants are three times more precise than the previous best lattice-QCD calculations, and bring the QCD errors in the Standard-Model predictions for the rare leptonic decays $$\\overline{\\mathcal{B}}(B_s \\to \\mu^+\\mu^-) = 3.65(11) \\times 10^{-9}$$, $$\\overline{\\mathcal{B}}(B^0 \\to \\mu^+\\mu^-) = 1.00(3) \\times 10^{-11}$$, and $$\\overline{\\mathcal{B}}(B^0 \\to \\mu^+\\mu^-)/\\overline{\\mathcal{B}}(B_s \\to \\mu^+\\mu^-) = 0.00264(7)$$ to well below other sources of uncertainty. As a byproduct of our analysis, we also update our previously published results for the light-quark-mass ratios and the scale-setting quantities $$f_{p4s}$$, $$M_{p4s}$$, and $$R_{p4s}$$. We obtain the most precise lattice-QCD determination to date of the ratio $$f_{K^+}/f_{\\pi^+} = 1.1950(^{+15}_{-22})$$~MeV.« less

3x2 Classroom Goal Structures, Motivational Regulations, Self-Concept, and Affectivity in Secondary School.

PubMed

Méndez-Giménez, Antonio; Cecchini-Estrada, José-Antonio; Fernández-Río, Javier; Prieto Saborit, José Antonio; Méndez-Alonso, David

2017-09-20

The main objective was to analyze relationships and predictive patterns between 3x2 classroom goal structures (CGS), and motivational regulations, dimensions of self-concept, and affectivity in the context of secondary education. A sample of 1,347 secondary school students (56.6% young men, 43.4% young women) from 10 different provinces of Spain agreed to participate (M age = 13.43, SD = 1.05). Hierarchical regression analyses indicated the self-approach CGS was the most adaptive within the spectrum of self-determination, followed by the task-approach CGS. The other-approach CGS had an ambivalent influence on motivation. Task-approach and self-approach CGS predicted academic self-concept (p < .01; p < .001, respectively; R 2 = .134), and both along with other-approach CGS (negatively) predicted family self-concept (p < .05; p < .001; p < .01, respectively; R 2 = .064). Physical self-concept was predicted by the task-approach and other-approach CGS's (p < .05; p < .001, respectively; R 2 = .078). Finally, positive affect was predicted by all three approach-oriented CGS's (p < .001; R 2 = .137), whereas negative affect was predicted by other-approach (positively) and self-approach (negatively) CGS (p < .001; p < .05, respectively; R 2 = .028). These results expand the 3x2 achievement goal framework to include environmental factors, and reiterate that teachers should focus on raising levels of self- and task-based goals for students in their classes.

Emotional Eating Phenotype is Associated with Central Dopamine D2 Receptor Binding Independent of Body Mass Index

PubMed Central

Eisenstein, Sarah A.; Bischoff, Allison N.; Gredysa, Danuta M.; Antenor-Dorsey, Jo Ann V.; Koller, Jonathan M.; Al-Lozi, Amal; Pepino, Marta Y.; Klein, Samuel; Perlmutter, Joel S.; Moerlein, Stephen M.; Black, Kevin J.; Hershey, Tamara

2015-01-01

PET studies have provided mixed evidence regarding central D2/D3 dopamine receptor binding and its relationship with obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI). Other aspects of obesity may be more tightly coupled to the dopaminergic system. We characterized obesity-associated behaviors and determined if these related to central D2 receptor (D2R) specific binding independent of BMI. Twenty-two obese and 17 normal-weight participants completed eating- and reward-related questionnaires and underwent PET scans using the D2R-selective and nondisplaceable radioligand (N-[11C]methyl)benperidol. Questionnaires were grouped by domain (eating related to emotion, eating related to reward, non-eating behavior motivated by reward or sensitivity to punishment). Normalized, summed scores for each domain were compared between obese and normal-weight groups and correlated with striatal and midbrain D2R binding. Compared to normal-weight individuals, the obese group self-reported higher rates of eating related to both emotion and reward (p < 0.001), greater sensitivity to punishment (p = 0.06), and lower non-food reward behavior (p < 0.01). Across normal-weight and obese participants, self-reported emotional eating and non-food reward behavior positively correlated with striatal (p < 0.05) and midbrain (p < 0.05) D2R binding, respectively. In conclusion, an emotional eating phenotype may reflect altered central D2R function better than other commonly used obesity-related measures such as BMI. PMID:26066863

[Effects of electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) on the relative hormones of HPA axis in rats with type-2 diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Gao, Shana; Li, Rui; Tian, Huan-huan; Pei, En-shi; Cao, Bing-yan; Wu, Yan

2014-11-01

). Four weeks after the intervention, except that the rat's body mass in the normal group continued to increase, body mass in the model group, medication group and each electroacupuncture group were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the FBG in the electroacupuncture at "Pishu" (BL 20) group and electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01); FBG in the electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group was lower than that in the medication group and electroacupuncture at "Shenshu" (BL 23) group (both P<0.05). The contents of TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in the electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), the content of TG was significantly lower than that in the medication group and electroacupuncture at "Shenshu" (BL 23) group (both P<0.05), the content of LDL-C was significantly lower than that in electroacupuncture at "Shenshu" (BL 23) group (P<0.05). Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) in the medication group, electroacupuncture at "Pishu" (BL 20) group and electroacupuncture at "Yishu (EX-B 3)" group were evidently increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); ISI in the medication group was lower than that in the electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group (P<0.05). The content of CRH in the electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group was lower than that in the medication group and electroacupuncture at "Shenshu" (BL 23) group (P<0.05, P<0.01); the content of CORT in the electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) group was lower than that in the medication group and electroacupuncture at "Pishu" (BL 20) group (both P<0.05). Electroacupuncture at "Yishu" (EX-B 3) could reduce the level of CORT to improve the insulin resistance in rats with T2DM, improve insulin sensitivity index, regulate blood lipid metabolism and relieve the hyperactivity of the HPA axis.

Developing a mobile electronic D2B checklist for treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction patients who need a primary coronary intervention.

PubMed

Lin, Hung-Jung; Hsu, Min-Huei; Huang, Chien-Cheng; Liu, Chung-Feng; Tan, Che-Kim; Chou, Shu-Lien; Huang, Shou-Yung; Chen, Chia-Jung

2015-04-01

ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), one main type of acute myocardial infarction with high mortality, requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with balloon inflation. Current guidelines recommend a door-to-balloon (D2B) interval (i.e., starts with the patient's arrival in the emergency department and ends when PCI with a catheter guidewire and balloon inflation crosses the culprit lesion) of no more than 90 min. However, promptly implementing PCI requires coordinating various medical teams. Checklists can be used to ensure consistency and operating sequences when executing complex tasks in a clinical routine. Developing an effective D2B checklist would enhance the care of STEMI patients who need PCI. Mobile information and communication technologies have the potential to greatly improve communication, facilitate access to information, and eliminate duplicated documentation without the limitations of space and time. In a research project by the Chi Mei Medical Center, "Developing a Mobile Electronic D2B Checklist for Managing the Treatment of STEMI Patients Who Need Primary Coronary Intervention," a prototype version of a mobile checklist was developed. This study describes the research project and the four phases of the system development life cycle, comprising system planning and selection, analysis, design, and implementation and operation. Face-to-face interviews with 16 potential users were conducted and revealed highly positive user perception and use intention toward the prototype. Discussion and directions for future research are also presented.

Developing a Mobile Electronic D2B Checklist for Treatment of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Who Need a Primary Coronary Intervention

PubMed Central

Lin, Hung-Jung; Hsu, Min-Huei; Huang, Chien-Cheng; Tan, Che-Kim; Chou, Shu-Lien; Huang, Shou-Yung; Chen, Chia-Jung

2015-01-01

Abstract ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), one main type of acute myocardial infarction with high mortality, requires percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with balloon inflation. Current guidelines recommend a door-to-balloon (D2B) interval (i.e., starts with the patient's arrival in the emergency department and ends when PCI with a catheter guidewire and balloon inflation crosses the culprit lesion) of no more than 90 min. However, promptly implementing PCI requires coordinating various medical teams. Checklists can be used to ensure consistency and operating sequences when executing complex tasks in a clinical routine. Developing an effective D2B checklist would enhance the care of STEMI patients who need PCI. Mobile information and communication technologies have the potential to greatly improve communication, facilitate access to information, and eliminate duplicated documentation without the limitations of space and time. In a research project by the Chi Mei Medical Center, “Developing a Mobile Electronic D2B Checklist for Managing the Treatment of STEMI Patients Who Need Primary Coronary Intervention,” a prototype version of a mobile checklist was developed. This study describes the research project and the four phases of the system development life cycle, comprising system planning and selection, analysis, design, and implementation and operation. Face-to-face interviews with 16 potential users were conducted and revealed highly positive user perception and use intention toward the prototype. Discussion and directions for future research are also presented. PMID:25615278

Long-term follow-up after "one-shot" CO2 laser stapedotomy: is the functional outcome stable during the years?

PubMed

Sergi, Bruno; Lucidi, Daniela; De Corso, Eugenio; Paludetti, Gaetano

2016-11-01

The use of "one-shot" CO 2 laser technique for a primary small-fenestra stapedotomy is well established, but few papers report the long-term functional results. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 198 patients, treated for otosclerosis from January 2008 to December 2011, at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Catholic University of Rome. Statistical comparison between audiological thresholds obtained 24 h preoperatively, at early (4 weeks) and late postoperative examinations (mean time 45 months), was performed. Comparison of preoperative vs both early and late postoperative ACPTA showed a statistically significant difference (respectively 55 vs 33 and 31 dB; p < 0.001). No statistical difference was observed between preoperative, early and late postoperative BCPTA (respectively 23 vs 23 and 22 dB; p > 0.05). Both early and late postoperative ABG improved significantly compared to the preoperative one (respectively 10 and 9 vs 32 dB; p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in comparison of early vs late postoperative ACPTA (respectively 33 vs 31 dB; p > 0.05), early vs late postoperative ABG (respectively 10 vs 9 dB; p > 0.05) and early vs late ABG gain (respectively 22 vs 23 dB; p > 0.05). No subjects developed postoperative complications requiring revision surgery or late deterioration of hearing threshold. The analysis of our data suggests that "one-shot" CO 2 laser stapedotomy is an effective and safe procedure: it allows a rapid stapedotomy without damages for the inner ear and optimal functional results that remain stable during the years.

Differential functions of NR2A and NR2B in short-term and long-term memory in rats.

PubMed

Jung, Ye-Ha; Suh, Yoo-Hun

2010-08-23

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate receptors implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory function. The specific functions of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B have not yet been fully determined in the different types of memory. Nine Wistar rats (8-weeks-old) were subjected to the Morris water maze task to evaluate the memory behaviorally. Quantitative analysis of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B levels in the right and left forebrain of rats was performed and subunit associations with different types of memory were investigated using the Morris water maze task. Right forebrain NR2A expression was significantly increased and correlated with faster escape time onto a hidden platform, indicating involvement of short-term memory, because of the training time interval. Right forebrain NR2B expression was positively associated with long-term memory lasting 24-h (h). In the left forebrain, NR2B expression was positively related to 72-h long-term memory. In conclusion, the functions of NR2A and NR2B receptors were differentially specialized in short-term and long-term memory, depending on the right or left forebrain.

Simulated swimming: a useful tool for evaluation the VO2 max of swimmers in the laboratory.

PubMed Central

Kimura, Y; Yeater, R A; Martin, R B

1990-01-01

This study was designed to develop a simulated swimming exercise (SS) so that peak VO2 would be assessed on swimmers in a laboratory setting. The subjects assumed a prone position on an incline bench and performed arm cranking on a Monark Rehab Trainer while performing a flutter kick against tension supplied by elastic cords. The SS test was compared to four peak VO2 tests: treadmill running (RN), tethered swimming (TW), bicycle ergometry (B), and arm cranking (AC). Eleven male varsity swimmers underwent each of the five VO2 max tests, and maximal cardiorespiratory indicators (HR, VE, VO2, O2 pulse, and RQ) were measured. The percentage of peak VO2 obtained during SS was compared to RN, TW, B, and AC. The SS test achieved 78 percent of RN, 91 percent of TW, 81 percent of B, and 124 percent of AC. There were no significant differences in VO2 in ml/kg.min between SS and TW. As expected, RN and B were significantly higher, while AC was lower. Ten subjects performed the SS test twice on two separate days within one week. The reliability of VO2 max in ml/kg.min was 0.95. the validity of VO2 max in ml/kg.min in the SS test vs. RN was 0.68. The SS test is reliable and can be used as effectively as TW to assess the VO2 max of swimmers in a laboratory setting. PMID:2078808

Surfactant-assisted synthesis of polythiophene/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2-xCexO4 ferrite composites: study of structural, dielectric and magnetic properties for EMI-shielding applications.

PubMed

Dar, M Abdullah; Majid, Kowsar; Hanief Najar, Mohd; Kotnala, R K; Shah, Jyoti; Dhawan, S K; Farukh, M

2017-04-19

This work reports the exploitation of nanocrystalline Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2-x Ce x O 4 ferrite for potential application by designing quasi-spherical shaped polythiophene (PTH) composites via in situ emulsion polymerization. The structural, electronic, dielectric, magnetic, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of PTH/Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2-x Ce x O 4 composites were investigated. Our results suggest that these properties could be optimized by modulating the concentration of x (composition) in the polymer matrix. Higher values of ε' and ε'' were obtained on composite formation, and could be due to the heterogeneity developed in the material. An enhancement in the value of saturation magnetization (123 emu g -1 for x = 0.04) and Curie temperature was obtained with Ce concentration, which is useful for high density recording purposes. A low value of saturation magnetization was obtained for the PTH/Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2-x Ce x O 4 composite (36 emu g -1 for x = 0.04). This could be attributed to the non-magnetic nature of the polymer. A total shielding effectiveness (SE T = SE A + SE R ) up to 34 dB (≈99.9% attenuation) was recorded for PTH/Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2-x Ce x O 4 composites (x = 0.04) in a frequency range of 8.2-12.4 GHz (X-band), which surpasses the shielding criteria of SE T > 30 dB for commercial purposes. Such a material with high SE identifies its potential for making electromagnetic shields. The effect of Ce substitution on the microstructure, dielectric, impedance and magnetic properties of PTH/Ni 0.5 Zn 0.5 Fe 2-x Ce x O 4 ferrite composites was also investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed cubic spinel phase formation, and the broad reflection peaks indicated the formation of smaller sized particles. The smaller energy band gap (2.53 eV) of the composite indicated that this material could be used for photocatalysis in the visible region. Dielectric and impedance measurements were carried out in a frequency range of 8.2

DRD2 genotype predicts prefrontal activity during working memory after stimulation of D2 receptors with bromocriptine.

PubMed

Gelao, Barbara; Fazio, Leonardo; Selvaggi, Pierluigi; Di Giorgio, Annabella; Taurisano, Paolo; Quarto, Tiziana; Romano, Raffaella; Porcelli, Annamaria; Mancini, Marina; Masellis, Rita; Ursini, Gianluca; De Simeis, Giuseppe; Caforio, Grazia; Ferranti, Laura; Lo Bianco, Luciana; Rampino, Antonio; Todarello, Orlando; Popolizio, Teresa; Blasi, Giuseppe; Bertolino, Alessandro

2014-06-01

Pharmacological stimulation of D2 receptors modulates prefrontal neural activity associated with working memory (WM) processing. The T allele of a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within DRD2 (rs1076560 G > T) predicts reduced relative expression of the D2S receptor isoform and less efficient neural cortical responses during WM tasks. We used functional MRI to test the hypothesis that DRD2 rs1076560 genotype interacts with pharmacological stimulation of D2 receptors with bromocriptine on prefrontal responses during different loads of a spatial WM task (N-Back). Fifty-three healthy subjects (38 GG and 15 GT) underwent two 3-T functional MRI scans while performing the 1-, 2- and 3-Back versions of the N-Back WM task. Before the imaging sessions, either bromocriptine or placebo was administered to all subjects in a counterbalanced order. A factorial repeated-measures ANOVA within SPM8 (p < 0.05, family-wise error corrected) was used. On bromocriptine, GG subjects had reduced prefrontal activity at 3-Back together with a significant decrement in performance, compared with placebo. On the other hand, GT subjects had lower activity for the same level of performance at 1-Back but a trend for reduced behavioral performance in the face of unchanged activity at 2-Back. These results indicate that bromocriptine stimulation modulates prefrontal activity in terms of disengagement or of efficiency depending on DRD2 genotype and working memory load.

The impact of road traffic noise on cognitive performance in attention-based tasks depends on noise level even within moderate-level ranges

PubMed Central

Schlittmeier, Sabine J.; Feil, Alexandra; Liebl, Andreas; Hellbrück, Jürgen

2015-01-01

Little empirical evidence is available regarding the effects of road traffic noise on cognitive performance in adults, although traffic noise can be heard at many offices and home office workplaces. Our study tested the impact of road traffic noise at different levels (50 dB(A), 60 dB(A), 70 dB(A)) on performance in three tasks that differed with respect to their dependency on attentional and storage functions, as follows: The Stroop task, in which performance relied predominantly on attentional functions (e.g., inhibition of automated responses; Experiment 1: n = 24); a non-automated multistage mental arithmetic task calling for both attentional and storage functions (Exp. 2: n = 18); and verbal serial recall, which placed a burden predominantly on storage functions (Experiment 3: n = 18). Better performance was observed during moderate road traffic noise at 50 dB(A) compared to loud traffic noise at 70 dB(A) in attention-based tasks (Experiments 1-2). This contrasted with the effects of irrelevant speech (60 dB(A)), which was included in the experiments as a well-explored and common noise source in office settings. A disturbance impact of background speech was only given in the two tasks that called for storage functions (Experiments 2-3). In addition to the performance data, subjective annoyance ratings were collected. Consistent with the level effect of road traffic noise found in the performance data, a moderate road traffic noise at 50 dB(A) was perceived as significantly less annoying than a loud road traffic noise at 70 dB(A), which was found, however, independently of the task at hand. Furthermore, the background sound condition with the highest detrimental performance effect in a task was also rated as most annoying in this task, i.e., traffic noise at 70 dB(A) in the Stroop task, and background speech in the mental arithmetic and serial recall tasks. PMID:25913554

Impaired discrimination learning in interneuronal NMDAR-GluN2B mutant mice.

PubMed

Brigman, Jonathan L; Daut, Rachel A; Saksida, Lisa; Bussey, Timothy J; Nakazawa, Kazu; Holmes, Andrew

2015-06-17

Previous studies have established a role for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) containing the GluN2B subunit in efficient learning behavior on a variety of tasks. Recent findings have suggested that NMDAR on GABAergic interneurons may underlie the modulation of striatal function necessary to balance efficient action with cortical excitatory input. Here we investigated how loss of GluN2B-containing NMDAR on GABAergic interneurons altered corticostriatal-mediated associative learning. Mutant mice (floxed-GluN2B×Ppp1r2-Cre) were generated to produce loss of GluN2B on forebrain interneurons and phenotyped on a touchscreen-based pairwise visual learning paradigm. We found that the mutants showed normal performance during Pavlovian and instrumental pretraining, but were significantly impaired on a discrimination learning task. Detailed analysis of the microstructure of discrimination performance revealed reduced win→stay behavior in the mutants. These results further support the role of NMDAR, and GluN2B in particular, on modulation of striatal function necessary for efficient choice behavior and suggest that NMDAR on interneurons may play a critical role in associative learning.

Vitamin B12 Production by Marine Bacteria in Organic Substrate Limited, Slow Growth Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villegas-Mendoza, J.; Cajal-Medrano, R.; Maske, H.

2016-02-01

The conditions and processes governing the B12 vitamin dissemination through planktonic organisms are little understood. It is generally assumed that bacteria produce B12 vitamin and the whole auxotrophic plankton community consumes it. We used natural marine bacteria communities and marine bacteria Dinoroseobacter shibae cultures, growing in substrate-limited continuous cultures at low specific growth rates [0.1 to 1 d-1] to measure intracellular and dissolved B12 production, bacterial and viral abundance, particulate organic carbon, and nitrogen, bacterial production, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, ETS activity, and taxonomic composition. We find dissolved B12 vitamin at concentrations between 0 to 1.4 pM with no relation to growth or respiration rates. The intracellular B12 vitamin normalized to cell volume ranged between 1x10-2 to 4.6x10-2 pmol μm3 showing a significant relationship with growth rate [y=0.02(m)1.07; r2=0.78; p≤0.05; y=intracellular B12 production, pmol μm3 day-1; m=specific growth rate, day-1], and respiration rates [y=2.4ln(x)-2.66; r2=0.87; p≤0.05; x=CO2 production, μM day-1]. The vitamin B12 producing bacteria D. shibae, showed a dissolved B12 concentration between 0 and 1.8 pM, whereas intracellular B12 normalized to cell volume varied between 1.1x10-2 to 1.8x10-2 pmol μm-3, responding significantly to growth rate [y=0.01(m)0.56; r2=0.85; p≤0.05], and to respiration rates [y=3.01ln(x)-7.56, r2=0.97, p≤0.05; x=CO2 production, μM day-1]. The lack of correlation of dissolved B12 vitamin with the metabolic activity suggests that the dissolved B12 concentration depends on the interactions among vitamin B12 producers and consumers while the bacterial metabolism is regulating the intracellular production of B12 vitamin.

Total red meat intake of ≥0.5 servings/d does not negatively influence cardiovascular disease risk factors: a systemically searched meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials12

PubMed Central

O’Connor, Lauren E; Kim, Jung Eun; Campbell, Wayne W

2017-01-01

Background: Observational associations between red meat intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are inconsistent. There are limited comprehensive analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigate the effects of red meat consumption on CVD risk factors. Objective: The purpose of this systematically searched meta-analysis was to assess the effects of consuming ≥0.5 or <0.5 servings of total red meat/d on CVD risk factors [blood total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ratio of TC to HDL cholesterol (TC:HDL), and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively)]. We hypothesized that the consumption of ≥0.5 servings of total red meat/d would have a negative effect on these CVD risk factors. Design: Two researchers independently screened 945 studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases and extracted data from 24 qualified RCTs. Inclusion criteria were 1) RCT, 2) subjects aged ≥19 y, 3) consumption of ≥0.5 or <0.5 total red meat servings/d [35 g (1.25 ounces)], and 4) reporting ≥1 CVD risk factor. We performed an adjusted 2-factor nested ANOVA mixed-effects model procedure on the postintervention values of TC, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TC:HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, SBP, and DBP; calculated overall effect sizes of change values; and used a repeated-measures ANOVA to assess pre- to postintervention changes. Results: Red meat intake did not affect lipid-lipoprotein profiles or blood pressure values postintervention (P > 0.05) or changes over time [weighted mean difference (95% CI): −0.01 mmol/L (−0.08, 0.06 mmol/L), 0.02 mmol/L (−0.05, 0.08 mmol/L), 0.03 mmol/L (−0.01, 0.07 mmol/L), and 0.04 mmol/L (−0.02, 0.10 mmol/L); −0.08 mm Hg (−0.26, 0.11 mm Hg); and −1.0 mm Hg (−2.4, 0.78 mm Hg) and 0.1 mm Hg (−1.2, 1.5 mm Hg) for TC, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, TC:HDL cholesterol, SBP, and DBP, respectively]. Among all subjects, TC, LDL

Formation of a1 Ions Directly from Oxazolone b2 Ions: an Energy-Resolved and Computational Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bythell, Benjamin J.; Harrison, Alex G.

2015-05-01

It is well-known that oxazolone b2 ions fragment extensively by elimination of CO to form a2 ions, which often fragment further to form a1 ions. Less well-known is that some oxazolone b2 ions may fragment directly to form a1 ions. The present study uses energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation experiments to explore the occurrence of the direct b2→a1 fragmentation reaction. The experimental results show that the direct b2→a1 reaction is generally observed when Gly is the C-terminal residue of the oxazolone. When the C-terminal residue is more complex, it is able to provide increased stability of the a2 product in the b2→a2 fragmentation pathway. Our computational studies of the relative critical reaction energies for the b2→a2 reaction compared with those for the b2→a1 reaction provide support that the critical reaction energies are similar for the two pathways when the C-terminal residue of the oxazolone is Gly. By contrast, when the nitrogen of the oxazolone ring in the b2 ion does not bear a hydrogen, as in the Ala-Sar and Tyr-Sar (Sar = N-methylglycine) oxazolone b2 ions, a1 ions are not formed but rather neutral imine elimination from the N-terminus of the b2 ion becomes a dominant fragmentation reaction. The M06-2X/6-31+G(d,p) density functional theory calculations are in general agreement with the experimental data for both types of reaction. In contrast, the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) model systematically underestimates the barriers of these SN2-like b2→a1 reaction. The difference between the two methods of barrier calculation are highly significant ( P < 0.001) for the b2→a1 reaction, but only marginally significant ( P = 0.05) for the b2→a2 reaction. The computations provide further evidence of the limitations of the B3LYP functional when describing SN2-like reactions.

Magnetic Moments and Hyperfine Parameters of Fe3-xCrxAl0.5Si0.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rećko, Katarzyna; Go, Anna; Satuła, Dariusz; Biernacka, Maria; Dobrzyński, Ludwik; Waliszewski, Janusz; Milczarek, Jacek J.; Szymański, Krzysztof

2012-04-01

Results of X-ray, neutron, magnetization and Mössbauer measurements on polycrystalline samples of Fe3-xCrx Al0.5Si0.5 (x=0, 0.125, 0.250, 0.375, and 0.5) alloys, crystallizing in DO3 type of structure, are presented. X-ray and neutron diffraction confirmed the phase homogeneity of all the samples. The unit cell volume has been proved to be independent of the chromium content. Neutron and Mössbauer measurements disclosed that Cr atoms occupy preferentially B-sites, while D-sites are almost entirely occupied by Al and Si. The total magnetisation as well as the individual magnetic moments μFe(A,C), μFe(B) and μCr(B,D) have been found to vary linearly with chromium concentration. Influence of local environments on the formation of magnetic moments in Fe3Al0.5Si0.5 when chromium is substituted for iron was examined using self-consistent spin-polarized tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital method (TB-LMTO).

Methadone inhibits CYP2D6 and UGT2B7/2B4 in vivo: a study using codeine in methadone- and buprenorphine-maintained subjects

PubMed Central

Gelston, Eloise A; Coller, Janet K; Lopatko, Olga V; James, Heather M; Schmidt, Helmut; White, Jason M; Somogyi, Andrew A

2012-01-01

AIMS To compare the O-demethylation (CYP2D6-mediated), N-demethylation (CYP3A4-mediated) and 6-glucuronidation (UGT2B4/7-mediated) metabolism of codeine between methadone- and buprenorphine-maintained CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer subjects. METHODS Ten methadone- and eight buprenorphine-maintained subjects received a single 60 mg dose of codeine phosphate. Blood was collected at 3 h and urine over 6 h and assayed for codeine, norcodeine, morphine, morphine-3- and -6-glucuronides and codeine-6-glucuronide. RESULTS The urinary metabolic ratio for O-demethylation was significantly higher (P = 0.0044) in the subjects taking methadone (mean ± SD, 2.8 ± 3.1) compared with those taking buprenorphine (0.60 ± 0.43), likewise for 6-glucuronide formation (0.31 ± 0.24 vs. 0.053 ± 0.027; P < 0.0002), but there was no significant difference (P = 0.36) in N-demethylation. Similar changes in plasma metabolic ratios were also found. In plasma, compared with those maintained on buprenorphine, the methadone-maintained subjects had increased codeine and norcodeine concentrations (P < 0.004), similar morphine (P = 0.72) and lower morphine-3- and -6- and codeine-6-glucuronide concentrations (P < 0.008). CONCLUSION Methadone is associated with inhibition of CYP2D6 and UGTs 2B4 and 2B7 reactions in vivo, even though it is not a substrate for these enzymes. Plasma morphine was not altered, owing to the opposing effects of inhibition of both formation and elimination; however, morphine-6-glucuronide (analgesically active) concentrations were substantially reduced. Drug interactions with methadone are likely to include drugs metabolized by various UGTs and CYP2D6. PMID:22092298

Impacts of Blast-Induced Traumatic Brain Injury on Expressions of Hepatic Cytochrome P450 1A2, 2B1, 2D1, and 3A2 in Rats.

PubMed

Ma, Jie; Wang, Junrui; Cheng, Jingmin; Xiao, Wenjing; Fan, Kaihua; Gu, Jianwen; Yu, Botao; Yin, Guangfu; Wu, Juan; Ren, Jiandong; Hou, Jun; Jiang, Yan; Tan, Yonghong; Jin, Weihua

2017-01-01

The hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme superfamily is one of the most important drug-metabolizing enzyme systems, which is responsible for the metabolism of a large number of clinically relevant medications used in traumatic brain injury (TBI) therapy. Modification of CYP450 expression may have important influences on drug metabolism and lead to untoward effects on those with narrow therapeutic windows. However, the impact of blast-induced TBI (bTBI) on the expression of CYP450 has received little attention. The subfamilies of CYP1A, 2B, 2D, and 3A account for about 85 % of all human drug metabolism of clinical significance. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expressions of hepatic CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2D1, and CYP3A2 in rats suffering bTBI. Meanwhile, we also measured some important cytokines in serum after injury, and calculated the correlation between these cytokines and the expressions of CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2D1, and CYP3A2. The results showed that bTBI could significantly reduce mRNA expressions of CYP1A2, CYP2D1, and CYP3A2 at the early stage and induce the expressions from 48 h to 1 week after injury. The protein expressions of these CYP450s had all been downregulated from 24 to 48 h post- injury, and then began to elevate at 48 h after bTBI. The cytokines, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α, increased significantly in the early phase, and began to reduce at the delayed phase of bTBI. The serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α but not IL-2 were significantly negative correlated with the mRNA expressions of CYP2B1 and CYP2D1 and the proteins expressions of CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2D1, and CYP3A2. In conclusion, our work has, for the first time, indicated that bTBI has significant impact on the expressions of CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2D1, and CYP3A2, which may be related to the cytokines induced by the injury.

Effect of nanosized Co{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} on the transport critical current density of Bi{sub 1.6}Pb{sub 0.4}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10} superconductor

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

Hafiz, M.; Abd-Shukor, R.

2014-09-03

The effects of nano-sized Co{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} addition on the superconducting and transport properties of Bi{sub 1.6}Pb{sub 0.4}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 10} (Bi-2223) in bulk form has been investigated. Bi-2223 superconductor was fabricated using co-precipitation method and 0.01 – 0.05 wt% of Co{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles with average size of 20 nm were added into the samples. The critical temperature (T{sub c}) and critical current density (J{sub c}) of the samples were measured by using the four-point probe method, while the phase formation and microstructure of the samples were examined using x-ray diffraction and SEM respectively.more » It was found that J{sub c} of all samples added with Co{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were higher than non-added sample, with x = 0.01 wt. % sample showing the highest J{sub c}. This study showed that small addition of nano-Co{sub 0.5}Ni{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} can effectively enhance the transport critical current density in Bi-2223 superconductor.« less

Postural tasks are associated with center of pressure spatial patterns of three-dimensional statokinesigrams in young and elderly healthy subjects.

PubMed

Baracat, Patrícia Junqueira Ferraz; de Sá Ferreira, Arthur

2013-12-01

The present study investigated the association between postural tasks and center of pressure spatial patterns of three-dimensional statokinesigrams. Young (n=35; 27.0±7.7years) and elderly (n=38; 67.3±8.7years) healthy volunteers maintained an undisturbed standing position during postural tasks characterized by combined sensory (vision/no vision) and biomechanical challenges (feet apart/together). A method for the analysis of three-dimensional statokinesigrams based on nonparametric statistics and image-processing analysis was employed. Four patterns of spatial distribution were derived from ankle and hip strategies according to the quantity (single; double; multi) and location (anteroposterior; mediolateral) of high-density regions on three-dimensional statokinesigrams. Significant associations between postural task and spatial pattern were observed (young: gamma=0.548, p<.001; elderly: gamma=0.582, p<.001). Robustness analysis revealed small changes related to parameter choices for histogram processing. MANOVA revealed multivariate main effects for postural task [Wilks' Lambda=0.245, p<.001] and age [Wilks' Lambda=0.308, p<.001], with interaction [Wilks' Lambda=0.732, p<.001]. The quantity of high-density regions was positively correlated to stabilogram and statokinesigram variables (p<.05 or lower). In conclusion, postural tasks are associated with center of pressure spatial patterns and are similar in young and elderly healthy volunteers. Single-centered patterns reflected more stable postural conditions and were more frequent with complete visual input and a wide base of support. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

11. Detail of Bed Plate Showing Name of Manufacturer (T.W. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. Detail of Bed Plate Showing Name of Manufacturer (T.W. Phillips Manufacturing Co.), Looking Southwest - Heckert Oil Pumping Jack, 0.6 mile North of Connoquenessing Creek, 0.15 mile East of Powder Mill Creek, Renfrew, Butler County, PA

Walking and cognition, but not symptoms, correlate with dual task cost of walking in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Motl, Robert W; Sosnoff, Jacob J; Dlugonski, Deirdre; Pilutti, Lara A; Klaren, Rachel; Sandroff, Brian M

2014-03-01

Performing a cognitive task while walking results in a reduction of walking performance among persons with MS. To date, very little is known about correlates of this dual task cost (DTC) of walking in MS. We examined walking performance, cognitive processing speed, and symptoms of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and pain as correlates of DTC of walking in MS. 82 persons with MS undertook a 6-min walk test (6MWT) and completed the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Short-form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and self-reported Expanded Disability Status Scale (SR-EDSS). The participants completed 4 trials of walking at a self-selected pace on an electronic walkway that recorded spatiotemporal parameters of gait. The first 2 trials were performed without a cognitive task, whereas the second 2 trials were completed while performing a modified Word List Generation task. There were significant and large declines in gait performance with the addition of a cognitive task for velocity (p<.001, η2=.52), cadence (p<.001, η2=.49), and step length (p<.001, η2=.23). 6MWT and SDMT scores correlated with DTC for velocity (r=-.41, p<.001 and r=-.32, p<.001, respectively) and step length (r=-.45, p<.001 and r=-.37, p<.001, respectively); there were no significant associations between FSS, SF-MPQ, and HADS scores with the DTC of walking. Regression analyses indicated that 6MW, but not SDMT, explained variance in DTC for velocity (ΔR2=.11, p<.001) and step length (ΔR2=.13, p<.001), after controlling for SR-EDSS scores. Walking performance might be a target of interventions for reducing the DTC of walking in MS. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of DP3 Signals Evoked by Comfortable 3D Images and 2D Images — an Event-Related Potential Study using an Oddball Task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Peng; Wu, Xiang; Gao, Dingguo; Liang, Haowen; Wang, Jiahui; Deng, Shaozhi; Xu, Ningsheng; She, Juncong; Chen, Jun

2017-02-01

The horizontal binocular disparity is a critical factor for the visual fatigue induced by watching stereoscopic TVs. Stereoscopic images that possess the disparity within the ‘comfort zones’ and remain still in the depth direction are considered comfortable to the viewers as 2D images. However, the difference in brain activities between processing such comfortable stereoscopic images and 2D images is still less studied. The DP3 (differential P3) signal refers to an event-related potential (ERP) component indicating attentional processes, which is typically evoked by odd target stimuli among standard stimuli in an oddball task. The present study found that the DP3 signal elicited by the comfortable 3D images exhibits the delayed peak latency and enhanced peak amplitude over the anterior and central scalp regions compared to the 2D images. The finding suggests that compared to the processing of the 2D images, more attentional resources are involved in the processing of the stereoscopic images even though they are subjectively comfortable.

Coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex (x = 0.5 and 1.0), a non-U material with Tc < TFM

PubMed Central

Thakur, Gohil S.; Fuchs, G.; Nenkov, K.; Haque, Zeba; Gupta, L. C.; Ganguli, A. K.

2016-01-01

We have carried out detailed magnetic and transport studies of the new Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) superconductors derived by doping Se in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2. Se–doping produces several effects: it suppresses semiconducting–like behavior observed in the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2, the ferromagnetic ordering temperature, TFM, decreases considerably from 7.5 K (in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2) to 3.5 K and the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, gets enhanced slightly to 2.9–3.3 K. Thus in these Se–doped materials, TFM is marginally higher than Tc. Magnetization studies provide evidence of bulk superconductivity in Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-xSex at x ≥ 0.5 in contrast to the undoped Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2 (x = 0) where magnetization measurements indicate a small superconducting volume fraction. Quite remarkably, as compared with the effective paramagnetic Ce–moment (~2.2 μB), the ferromagnetically ordered Ce–moment in the superconducting state is rather small (~0.1 μB) suggesting itinerant ferromagnetism. To the best of our knowledge, Sr0.5Ce0.5FBiS2-x Sex (x = 0.5 and 1.0) are distinctive Ce–based bulk superconducting itinerant ferromagnetic materials with Tc < TFM. Furthermore, a novel feature of these materials is that they exhibit a dual and quite unusual hysteresis loop corresponding to both the ferromagnetism and the coexisting bulk superconductivity. PMID:27892482

Inheritance of steroid-independent male sexual behavior in male offspring of B6D2F1 mice.

PubMed

McInnis, Christine M; Bonthuis, Paul J; Rissman, Emilie F; Park, Jin Ho

2016-04-01

The importance of gonadal steroids in modulating male sexual behavior is well established. Individual differences in male sexual behavior, independent of gonadal steroids, are prevalent across a wide range of species, including man. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying steroid-independent male sexual behavior are poorly understood. A high proportion of B6D2F1 hybrid male mice demonstrates steroid-independent male sexual behavior (identified as "maters"), providing a mouse model that opens up avenues of investigation into the mechanisms regulating male sexual behavior in the absence of gonadal hormones. Recent studies have revealed several proteins that play a significant factor in regulating steroid-independent male sexual behavior in B6D2F1 male mice, including amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau, and synaptophysin. The specific goals of our study were to determine whether steroid-independent male sexual behavior was a heritable trait by determining if it was dependent upon the behavioral phenotype of the B6D2F1 sire, and whether the differential expression of APP, tau, and synaptophysin in the medial preoptic area found in the B6D2F1 sires that did and did not mate after gonadectomy was similar to those found in their male offspring. After adult B6D2F1 male mice were bred with C57BL/6J female mice, they and their male offspring (BXB1) were orchidectomized and identified as either maters or "non-maters". A significant proportion of the BXB1 maters was sired only from B6D2F1 maters, indicating that the steroid-independent male sexual behavior behavioral phenotype of the B6D2F1 hybrid males, when crossed with C57BL/6J female mice, is inherited by their male offspring. Additionally, APP, tau, and synaptophysin were elevated in in the medial preoptic area in both the B6D2F1 and BXB1 maters relative to the B6D2F1 and BXB1 non-maters, respectively, suggesting a potential genetic mechanism for the inheritance of steroid-independent male sexual behavior. Copyright

Inheritance of steroid-independent male sexual behavior in male offspring of B6D2F1 mice

PubMed Central

McInnis, Christine M.; Bonthuis, Paul J.; Rissman, Emilie F.; Park, Jin Ho

2016-01-01

The importance of gonadal steroids in modulating male sexual behavior is well established. Individual differences in male sexual behavior, independent of gonadal steroids, are prevalent across a wide range of species, including man. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying steroid-independent male sexual behavior are poorly understood. A high proportion of B6D2F1 hybrid male mice demonstrate steroid-independent male sexual behavior (identified as “maters”), providing a mouse model that opens up avenues of investigation into the mechanisms regulating male sexual behavior in the absence of gonadal hormones. Recent studies have revealed several proteins that play a significant factor in regulating steroid-independent male sexual behavior in B6D2F1 male mice, including amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau, and synaptophysin. The specific goals of our study were to determine whether steroid-independent male sexual behavior was a heritable trait by determining if it was dependent upon the behavioral phenotype of the B6D2F1 sire, and whether the differential expression of APP, tau, and synaptophysin in the medial preoptic area found in the B6D2F1 sires that did and did not mate after gonadectomy was similar to those found in their male offspring. After adult B6D2F1 male mice were bred with C57BL/6J female mice, they and their male offspring (BXB1) were orchidectomized and identified as either maters or “non-maters.” A significant proportion of the BXB1 maters were sired only from B6D2F1 maters, indicating that the steroid-independent male sexual behavior behavioral phenotype of the B6D2F1 hybrid males, when crossed with C57BL/6J female mice, is inherited by their male offspring. Additionally, APP, tau, and synaptophysin were elevated in in the medial preoptic area in both the B6D2F1 and BXB1 maters relative to the B6D2F1 and BXB1 non-maters, respectively, suggesting a potential genetic mechanism for the inheritance of steroid-independent male sexual behavior

High-Resolution Synchrotron Infrared Spectroscopy of Thiophosgene: the νb{1}, νb{5}, 2νb{4}, and νb{2} + 2νb{6} bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKellar, Bob; Billinghurst, Brant E.

2015-06-01

Thiophosgene (Cl_2CS) is a favorite model system for studies of photophysics, vibrational dynamics, and intersystem interactions. But at high resolution its infrared spectrum is very congested due to hot bands and multiple isotopic species. Previously, we reported the first high resolution IR study of this molecule, analyzing the νb{2} (504 wn) and νb{4} (471 wn) fundamental bands. Here we continue, with analysis of the νb{1} (1139 wn) and νb{5} (820 wn) fundamentals for the two most abundant isotopologues, 35Cl2CS and 35Cl37ClCS, based on spectra with a resolution of about 0.001 wn obtained at the Canadian Light Source far-infrared beamline using synchrotron radiation and a Bruker IFS125 Fourier transform spectrometer. The νb{2} + νb{4} (942 wn) and νb{2} + 2νb{6} (1104 wn) bands are also studied here. But so far the νb{2} + νb{6} combination band (795 wn) resists analysis, as do the weak νb{3} (292.9 wn) and νb{6} (≈300? wn) fundamentals. A.R.W. McKellar, B.E.Billinghurst, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 260, 66 (2010).

O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1) Relative Yield in O(1D) + O2 Energy Transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostko, O.; Raj, S.; Campbell, K. M.; Pejakovic, D. A.; Slanger, T. G.; Kalogerakis, K. S.

2012-04-01

Energy transfer from excited O(1D) atoms to ground-state O2(X3Σg-) leads to production of O2 in the first two vibrational levels of the O2(b1Σg+) state: O(1D) + O2 → O(3P ) + O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1). Subsequent radiative decay of O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1) to the ground state results in the Atmospheric Band emission, a prominent feature of the terrestrial airglow. The relative yield for production of O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1) in the above process, k1/k0, is an important parameter in modeling of the observed O2 Atmospheric Band emission intensities. In the laboratory experiments, the output of a pulsed fluorine laser at 157 nm is used to photodissociate molecular oxygen in an O2/N2 mixture flowing through a heated gas cell. Photodissociation of O2 produces a ground-state O(3P ) atom and an excited O(1D) atom. O(1D) rapidly transfers energy to the remaining O2 to produce O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1). The populations of O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1) are monitored by observing emissions in the O2(b-X) 0-0 and 1-0 bands at 762 and 688 nm, respectively. The value of k1/k0 is extracted from the time-dependent O2(b1Σg+, v = 0, 1) fluorescence signals using computer simulations. We find that production of v = 1 is substantially larger than that of v = 0. We will present measurements on k1/k0 and its temperature dependence, and discuss the significance of these and other relevant laboratory measurements on the interpretation of the O2 Atmospheric Band emission. This work was supported by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Aeronomy Program under grant AGS-0937317. The fluorine laser was purchased under grant ATM-0216583 from the NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program. The participation of Sumana Raj and Kendrick M. Campbell was supported by a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site, co-funded by the Division of Physics of the NSF and the Department of Defense in partnership with the NSF REU program (PHY-1002892).

The role of gender in the association between personality and task priority in older adults' dual-tasking while walking.

PubMed

Agmon, Maayan; Armon, Galit; Denesh, Shani; Doumas, Mihalis

2018-01-02

Falls are a major problem for older adults. Many falls occur when a person's attention is divided between two tasks, such as a dual task (DT) involving walking. Most recently, the role of personality in walking performance was addressed; however, its association with DT performance remains to be determined. This cross-sectional study of 73 older, community-dwelling adults explores the association between personality and DT walking and the role of gender in this relationship. Personality was evaluated using the five-factor model. Single-task (ST) and DT assessment of walking-cognitive DT performance comprised a 1-min walking task and an arithmetic task performed separately (ST) and concurrently (DT). Dual-task costs (DTCs), reflecting the proportional difference between ST and DT performance, were also calculated. Gender plays a role in the relationship between personality and DT. Extraversion was negatively associated with DTC-motor for men (ΔR 2  = 0.06, p < 0.05). Conscientiousness was positively associated with DTC-cognition for women (ΔR 2  = 0.08, p < 0.01). These findings may lead to effective personality-based early detection and intervention for fall prevention.

The D/H Ratio in Interstellar Gas towards G191-B2B from STIS Echelle Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, M. S.; Landsman, W. B.; Bruhweiler, F. C.; Gull, T. R.; Bowers, C. A.; Lindler, D.; Feggans, K.; Barstow, M. A.; Hubeny, I.; Holberg, J. B.

1999-05-01

We present STIS echelle observations of interstellar D i and H i Lyα and N i (1199.5, 1200.2 and 1200.7 Angstroms), C ii 1334.5 Angstroms, C(*) ii 1335.7 Angstroms, O i 1302 Angstroms, Si ii (1190, 1193, 1260, 1304 and 1526 Angstroms), Si iii 1206.5 Angstroms, Al ii 1670.8 Angstroms, S ii 1259.5 Angstroms and Fe ii 1608.5 Angstroms in the line of sight to the nearby (69 pc) hot, white dwarf (WD) G191-B2B. Compared to the GHRS study of G191-B2B by Vidal-Madjar et al. 1998 (VM98), the STIS E140H spectra have a higher velocity resolution (3 km s(-1) ), better S/N (between 20 to 50) and broader wavelength coverage (1150 to 1700 Angstroms). We use the Barstow & Hubeny stratified non-LTE model atmosphere calculations which include the effects of line-blanketing from more than 9x10(6) atomic transitions (mainly Ni and Fe), both to determine the NLTE shape of the stellar Lyalpha profile and to estimate the contamination of the interstellar lines by WD photospheric lines. The interstellar N i 1200.7 Angstroms, Si ii 1193 & 1304 Angstroms and Fe ii lines show no contamination by WD photospheric lines and are given more weight in our analysis. VM98 reported three components while we detect only two velocity components in all the interstellar species observed: one at ~ 8.5 km s(-1) and one at ~ 19.3 km s(-1) which we identify as the LIC component. Using the NLTE stellar Lyα profile and a total column density of N(H i) ~ 2 x 10(18) cm(-2) for both components (consistent with EUVE observations), we derive confidence contours. We find the D/H ratio with 2sigma confidence limits to lie within 1.77+/-0.2x10(-5) . This value is consistent with the value of (D/H)LIC = 1.6+/-0.1x10(-5) determined towards Capella (Linsky et al. 1995). The STIS data provide no evidence for local or cloud-to-cloud variation in the D/H ratio as suggested by VM98. Re-analysis of the GHRS data and comparison to the STIS data is in progress.

Interaction of oxygen with ZrC(001) and VC(001): Photoemission and first-principles studies

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

Rodriguez, J.A.; Liu, P.; Gomes, J.

2005-08-15

High-resolution photoemission and first-principles density-functional calculations were used to study the interaction of oxygen with ZrC(001) and VC(001) surfaces. Atomic oxygen is present on the carbide substrates after small doses of O{sub 2} at room temperature. At 500 K, the oxidation of the surfaces is fast and clear features for ZrO{sub x} or VO{sub x} are seen in the O(1s), Zr(3d), and V(2p{sub 3/2}) core levels spectra, with an increase in the metal/carbon ratio of the samples. A big positive shift (1.3-1.6 eV) was detected for the C 1s core level in O/ZrC(001), indicating the existence of strong O{r_reversible}C ormore » C{r_reversible}C interactions. A phenomenon corroborated by the results of first-principles calculations, which show a CZrZr hollow as the most stable site for the adsorption of O. Furthermore, the calculations also show that a C{r_reversible}O exchange is exothermic on ZrC(001), and the displaced C atoms bond to CZrZr sites. In the O/ZrC(001) interface, the surface C atoms play a major role in determining the behavior of the system. In contrast, the adsorption of oxygen induces very minor changes in the C(1s) spectrum of VC(001). The O{r_reversible}V interactions are stronger than the O{r_reversible}Zr interactions, and O{r_reversible}C interactions do not play a dominant role in the O/VC(001) interface. In this system, C{r_reversible}O exchange is endothermic. VC(001) has a larger density of metal d states near the Fermi level than ZrC(001), but the rate of oxidation of VC(001) is slower. Therefore the O/ZrC(001) and O/VC(001) systems illustrate two different types of pathways for the oxidation of carbide surfaces.« less

NMDA and D2-like receptors modulate cognitive flexibility in a color discrimination reversal task in pigeons.

PubMed

Herold, Christina

2010-06-01

Reversal and extinction learning represent forms of cognitive flexibility that refer to the ability of an animal to alter behavior in response to unanticipated changes on environmental demands. A role for dopamine and glutamate in modulating this behavior has been implicated. Here, we determined the effects of intracerebroventricular injections in pigeons' forebrain of the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole, the D2-like receptor antagonist sulpiride and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist AP-5 on initial acquisition and reversal of a color discrimination task. On day one, pigeons had to learn to discriminate two color keys. On day two, pigeons first performed a retention test, which was followed by a reversal of the reward contingencies of the two color keys. None of the drugs altered performance in the initial acquisition of color discrimination or affected the retention of the learned color key. In contrast, all drugs impaired reversal learning by increasing trials and incorrect responses in the reversal session. Our data support the hypothesis that D2-like receptor mechanisms, like N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulations, are involved in cognitive flexibility and relearning processes, but not in initial learning of stimulus-reward association.

Vibrational wave packets in the B 1Πu and D 1Σu+ states of Cs2: Determination of improved Cs2+(X) and Cs2(B) spectroscopic constants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oldenburg, A. L.; John, P. C.; Eden, J. G.

2000-12-01

Vibrational wave packets in the B 1Πu and D 1Σu+ excited states of Cs2 have been studied on the ˜100 fs time scale by pump-probe laser spectroscopy. The temporal behavior of the wave packets was monitored by photoionizing the electronically excited molecule with a time-delayed probe pulse and recording the time and energy-integrated photoelectron signal as a function of time delay between the pump and probe pulses. For the B 1Σu+ experiments, wave packets were produced by exciting the B 1Σu+←X 1Σg+ transition in the ˜740-790 nm region and subsequently detected by photoionizing the molecule at wavelengths between 565 nm and 600 nm. By simulating the experimentally observed transients with the density matrix formalism (and explicitly accounting for laser chirp and |Δv|>1 coherences), improved values for the equilibrium internuclear separation for the Cs2(B1Πu) state and Te for the Cs2+(X) state were determined to be Re(B 1Πu)=4.93±0.03 Å and Te[Cs2+(X)]=29 930±100 cm-1, respectively. Similar experiments were conducted for the D 1Σu+ state. Wave packets composed of vibrational levels (v'≈40-50) perturbed by the bound 2 3Πou state were produced on the D 1Σu+ potential surface by driving the D 1Σu+←X 1Σg+ transition in the 575-610 nm spectral interval.

Co-current Doping Effect of Nanoscale Carbon and Aluminum Nitride on Critical Current Density and Flux Pinning Properties of Bulk MgB2 Superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, D.; Dey, T. K.

2018-05-01

The effect of nanoscale aluminum nitride (n-AlN) and carbon (n-C) co-doping on superconducting properties of polycrystalline bulk MgB2 superconductor has been investigated. Polycrystalline pellets of MgB2, MgB2 + 0.5 wt% AlN (nano), MgB_{1.99}C_{0.01} and MgB_{1.99}C_{0.01} + 0.5 wt% AlN (nano) have been synthesized by a solid reaction process under inert atmosphere. The transition temperature (TC) estimated from resistivity measurement indicates only a small decrease for C (nano) and co-doped MgB2 samples. The magnetic field response of investigated samples has been measured at 4, 10, and 20 K in the field range ± 6 T. MgB2 pellets co-doped with 0.5 wt% n-AlN and 1 wt% n-C display appreciable enhancement in critical current density (J_C) of MgB2 in both low (≥ 3 times), as well as, high-field region (≥ 15 times). J_C versus H behavior of both pristine and doped MgB2 pellets is well explained in the light of the collective pinning model. Further, the normalized pinning force density f_p(= F_p/F_{pmax}) displays a fair correspondence with the scaling procedure proposed by Eisterer et al. Moreover, the scaled data of the pinning force density (i.e., f_p{-}h data) of the investigated pellets at different temperature are well interpreted by a modified Dew-Hughes expression reported by Sandu and Chee.

Measurement of CP violation in B 0 → J/ ψK S 0 and B 0 → ψ(2 S) K S 0 decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaij, R.; Adeva, B.; Adinolfi, M.; Ajaltouni, Z.; Akar, S.; Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F.; Alexander, M.; Alfonso Albero, A.; Ali, S.; Alkhazov, G.; Alvarez Cartelle, P.; Alves, A. A.; Amato, S.; Amerio, S.; Amhis, Y.; An, L.; Anderlini, L.; Andreassi, G.; Andreotti, M.; Andrews, J. E.; Appleby, R. B.; Archilli, F.; d'Argent, P.; Arnau Romeu, J.; Artamonov, A.; Artuso, M.; Aslanides, E.; Auriemma, G.; Baalouch, M.; Babuschkin, I.; Bachmann, S.; Back, J. J.; Badalov, A.; Baesso, C.; Baker, S.; Balagura, V.; Baldini, W.; Baranov, A.; Barlow, R. J.; Barschel, C.; Barsuk, S.; Barter, W.; Baryshnikov, F.; Batozskaya, V.; Battista, V.; Bay, A.; Beaucourt, L.; Beddow, J.; Bedeschi, F.; Bediaga, I.; Beiter, A.; Bel, L. J.; Beliy, N.; Bellee, V.; Belloli, N.; Belous, K.; Belyaev, I.; Ben-Haim, E.; Bencivenni, G.; Benson, S.; Beranek, S.; Berezhnoy, A.; Bernet, R.; Berninghoff, D.; Bertholet, E.; Bertolin, A.; Betancourt, C.; Betti, F.; Bettler, M.-O.; van Beuzekom, M.; Bezshyiko, Ia.; Bifani, S.; Billoir, P.; Birnkraut, A.; Bizzeti, A.; Bjørn, M.; Blake, T.; Blanc, F.; Blusk, S.; Bocci, V.; Boettcher, T.; Bondar, A.; Bondar, N.; Bordyuzhin, I.; Borgheresi, A.; Borghi, S.; Borisyak, M.; Borsato, M.; Bossu, F.; Boubdir, M.; Bowcock, T. J. V.; Bowen, E.; Bozzi, C.; Braun, S.; Britton, T.; Brodzicka, J.; Brundu, D.; Buchanan, E.; Burr, C.; Bursche, A.; Buytaert, J.; Byczynski, W.; Cadeddu, S.; Cai, H.; Calabrese, R.; Calladine, R.; Calvi, M.; Calvo Gomez, M.; Camboni, A.; Campana, P.; Campora Perez, D. H.; Capriotti, L.; Carbone, A.; Carboni, G.; Cardinale, R.; Cardini, A.; Carniti, P.; Carson, L.; Carvalho Akiba, K.; Casse, G.; Cassina, L.; Cattaneo, M.; Cavallero, G.; Cenci, R.; Chamont, D.; Chapman, M. G.; Charles, M.; Charpentier, Ph.; Chatzikonstantinidis, G.; Chefdeville, M.; Chen, S.; Cheung, S. F.; Chitic, S.-G.; Chobanova, V.; Chrzaszcz, M.; Chubykin, A.; Ciambrone, P.; Cid Vidal, X.; Ciezarek, G.; Clarke, P. E. L.; Clemencic, M.; Cliff, H. V.; Closier, J.; Cogan, J.; Cogneras, E.; Cogoni, V.; Cojocariu, L.; Collins, P.; Colombo, T.; Comerma-Montells, A.; Contu, A.; Cook, A.; Coombs, G.; Coquereau, S.; Corti, G.; Corvo, M.; Costa Sobral, C. M.; Couturier, B.; Cowan, G. A.; Craik, D. C.; Crocombe, A.; Cruz Torres, M.; Currie, R.; D'Ambrosio, C.; Da Cunha Marinho, F.; Dall'Occo, E.; Dalseno, J.; Davis, A.; De Aguiar Francisco, O.; De Capua, S.; De Cian, M.; De Miranda, J. M.; De Paula, L.; De Serio, M.; De Simone, P.; Dean, C. T.; Decamp, D.; Del Buono, L.; Dembinski, H.-P.; Demmer, M.; Dendek, A.; Derkach, D.; Deschamps, O.; Dettori, F.; Dey, B.; Di Canto, A.; Di Nezza, P.; Dijkstra, H.; Dordei, F.; Dorigo, M.; Dosil Suárez, A.; Douglas, L.; Dovbnya, A.; Dreimanis, K.; Dufour, L.; Dujany, G.; Durante, P.; Dzhelyadin, R.; Dziewiecki, M.; Dziurda, A.; Dzyuba, A.; Easo, S.; Ebert, M.; Egede, U.; Egorychev, V.; Eidelman, S.; Eisenhardt, S.; Eitschberger, U.; Ekelhof, R.; Eklund, L.; Ely, S.; Esen, S.; Evans, H. M.; Evans, T.; Falabella, A.; Farley, N.; Farry, S.; Fazzini, D.; Federici, L.; Ferguson, D.; Fernandez, G.; Fernandez Declara, P.; Fernandez Prieto, A.; Ferrari, F.; Ferreira Rodrigues, F.; Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Filippov, S.; Fini, R. A.; Fiorini, M.; Firlej, M.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Fiutowski, T.; Fleuret, F.; Fohl, K.; Fontana, M.; Fontanelli, F.; Forshaw, D. C.; Forty, R.; Franco Lima, V.; Frank, M.; Frei, C.; Fu, J.; Funk, W.; Furfaro, E.; Färber, C.; Gabriel, E.; Gallas Torreira, A.; Galli, D.; Gallorini, S.; Gambetta, S.; Gandelman, M.; Gandini, P.; Gao, Y.; Garcia Martin, L. M.; García Pardiñas, J.; Garra Tico, J.; Garrido, L.; Garsed, P. J.; Gascon, D.; Gaspar, C.; Gavardi, L.; Gazzoni, G.; Gerick, D.; Gersabeck, E.; Gersabeck, M.; Gershon, T.; Ghez, Ph.; Gianì, S.; Gibson, V.; Girard, O. G.; Giubega, L.; Gizdov, K.; Gligorov, V. V.; Golubkov, D.; Golutvin, A.; Gomes, A.; Gorelov, I. V.; Gotti, C.; Govorkova, E.; Grabowski, J. P.; Graciani Diaz, R.; Granado Cardoso, L. A.; Graugés, E.; Graverini, E.; Graziani, G.; Grecu, A.; Greim, R.; Griffith, P.; Grillo, L.; Gruber, L.; Gruberg Cazon, B. R.; Grünberg, O.; Gushchin, E.; Guz, Yu.; Gys, T.; Göbel, C.; Hadavizadeh, T.; Hadjivasiliou, C.; Haefeli, G.; Haen, C.; Haines, S. C.; Hamilton, B.; Han, X.; Hancock, T. H.; Hansmann-Menzemer, S.; Harnew, N.; Harnew, S. T.; Hasse, C.; Hatch, M.; He, J.; Hecker, M.; Heinicke, K.; Heister, A.; Hennessy, K.; Henrard, P.; Henry, L.; van Herwijnen, E.; Heß, M.; Hicheur, A.; Hill, D.; Hombach, C.; Hopchev, P. H.; Hu, W.; Huard, Z. C.; Hulsbergen, W.; Humair, T.; Hushchyn, M.; Hutchcroft, D.; Ibis, P.; Idzik, M.; Ilten, P.; Jacobsson, R.; Jalocha, J.; Jans, E.; Jawahery, A.; Jiang, F.; John, M.; Johnson, D.; Jones, C. R.; Joram, C.; Jost, B.; Jurik, N.; Kandybei, S.; Karacson, M.; Kariuki, J. M.; Karodia, S.; Kazeev, N.; Kecke, M.; Kelsey, M.; Kenzie, M.; Ketel, T.; Khairullin, E.; Khanji, B.; Khurewathanakul, C.; Kirn, T.; Klaver, S.; Klimaszewski, K.; Klimkovich, T.; Koliiev, S.; Kolpin, M.; Komarov, I.; Kopecna, R.; Koppenburg, P.; Kosmyntseva, A.; Kotriakhova, S.; Kozeiha, M.; Kravchuk, L.; Kreps, M.; Kress, F.; Krokovny, P.; Kruse, F.; Krzemien, W.; Kucewicz, W.; Kucharczyk, M.; Kudryavtsev, V.; Kuonen, A. K.; Kvaratskheliya, T.; Lacarrere, D.; Lafferty, G.; Lai, A.; Lanfranchi, G.; Langenbruch, C.; Latham, T.; Lazzeroni, C.; Le Gac, R.; Leflat, A.; Lefrançois, J.; Lefèvre, R.; Lemaitre, F.; Lemos Cid, E.; Leroy, O.; Lesiak, T.; Leverington, B.; Li, P.-R.; Li, T.; Li, Y.; Li, Z.; Likhomanenko, T.; Lindner, R.; Lionetto, F.; Lisovskyi, V.; Liu, X.; Loh, D.; Loi, A.; Longstaff, I.; Lopes, J. H.; Lucchesi, D.; Lucio Martinez, M.; Luo, H.; Lupato, A.; Luppi, E.; Lupton, O.; Lusiani, A.; Lyu, X.; Machefert, F.; Maciuc, F.; Macko, V.; Mackowiak, P.; Maddrell-Mander, S.; Maev, O.; Maguire, K.; Maisuzenko, D.; Majewski, M. W.; Malde, S.; Malinin, A.; Maltsev, T.; Manca, G.; Mancinelli, G.; Marangotto, D.; Maratas, J.; Marchand, J. F.; Marconi, U.; Marin Benito, C.; Marinangeli, M.; Marino, P.; Marks, J.; Martellotti, G.; Martin, M.; Martinelli, M.; Martinez Santos, D.; Martinez Vidal, F.; Martins Tostes, D.; Massacrier, L. M.; Massafferri, A.; Matev, R.; Mathad, A.; Mathe, Z.; Matteuzzi, C.; Mauri, A.; Maurice, E.; Maurin, B.; Mazurov, A.; McCann, M.; McNab, A.; McNulty, R.; Mead, J. V.; Meadows, B.; Meaux, C.; Meier, F.; Meinert, N.; Melnychuk, D.; Merk, M.; Merli, A.; Michielin, E.; Milanes, D. A.; Millard, E.; Minard, M.-N.; Minzoni, L.; Mitzel, D. S.; Mogini, A.; Molina Rodriguez, J.; Mombächer, T.; Monroy, I. A.; Monteil, S.; Morandin, M.; Morello, M. J.; Morgunova, O.; Moron, J.; Morris, A. B.; Mountain, R.; Muheim, F.; Mulder, M.; Müller, D.; Müller, J.; Müller, K.; Müller, V.; Naik, P.; Nakada, T.; Nandakumar, R.; Nandi, A.; Nasteva, I.; Needham, M.; Neri, N.; Neubert, S.; Neufeld, N.; Neuner, M.; Nguyen, T. D.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Nieswand, S.; Niet, R.; Nikitin, N.; Nikodem, T.; Nogay, A.; O'Hanlon, D. P.; Oblakowska-Mucha, A.; Obraztsov, V.; Ogilvy, S.; Oldeman, R.; Onderwater, C. J. G.; Ossowska, A.; Otalora Goicochea, J. M.; Owen, P.; Oyanguren, A.; Pais, P. R.; Palano, A.; Palutan, M.; Papanestis, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Pappalardo, L. L.; Parker, W.; Parkes, C.; Passaleva, G.; Pastore, A.; Patel, M.; Patrignani, C.; Pearce, A.; Pellegrino, A.; Penso, G.; Pepe Altarelli, M.; Perazzini, S.; Perret, P.; Pescatore, L.; Petridis, K.; Petrolini, A.; Petrov, A.; Petruzzo, M.; Picatoste Olloqui, E.; Pietrzyk, B.; Pikies, M.; Pinci, D.; Pisani, F.; Pistone, A.; Piucci, A.; Placinta, V.; Playfer, S.; Plo Casasus, M.; Polci, F.; Poli Lener, M.; Poluektov, A.; Polyakov, I.; Polycarpo, E.; Pomery, G. J.; Ponce, S.; Popov, A.; Popov, D.; Poslavskii, S.; Potterat, C.; Price, E.; Prisciandaro, J.; Prouve, C.; Pugatch, V.; Puig Navarro, A.; Pullen, H.; Punzi, G.; Qian, W.; Quagliani, R.; Quintana, B.; Rachwal, B.; Rademacker, J. H.; Rama, M.; Ramos Pernas, M.; Rangel, M. S.; Raniuk, I.; Ratnikov, F.; Raven, G.; Ravonel Salzgeber, M.; Reboud, M.; Redi, F.; Reichert, S.; dos Reis, A. C.; Remon Alepuz, C.; Renaudin, V.; Ricciardi, S.; Richards, S.; Rihl, M.; Rinnert, K.; Rives Molina, V.; Robbe, P.; Robert, A.; Rodrigues, A. B.; Rodrigues, E.; Rodriguez Lopez, J. A.; Rogozhnikov, A.; Roiser, S.; Rollings, A.; Romanovskiy, V.; Romero Vidal, A.; Ronayne, J. W.; Rotondo, M.; Rudolph, M. S.; Ruf, T.; Ruiz Valls, P.; Ruiz Vidal, J.; Saborido Silva, J. J.; Sadykhov, E.; Sagidova, N.; Saitta, B.; Salustino Guimaraes, V.; Sanchez Mayordomo, C.; Sanmartin Sedes, B.; Santacesaria, R.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santimaria, M.; Santovetti, E.; Sarpis, G.; Sarti, A.; Satriano, C.; Satta, A.; Saunders, D. M.; Savrina, D.; Schael, S.; Schellenberg, M.; Schiller, M.; Schindler, H.; Schmelling, M.; Schmelzer, T.; Schmidt, B.; Schneider, O.; Schopper, A.; Schreiner, H. F.; Schubiger, M.; Schune, M.-H.; Schwemmer, R.; Sciascia, B.; Sciubba, A.; Semennikov, A.; Sepulveda, E. S.; Sergi, A.; Serra, N.; Serrano, J.; Sestini, L.; Seuthe, A.; Seyfert, P.; Shapkin, M.; Shapoval, I.; Shcheglov, Y.; Shears, T.; Shekhtman, L.; Shevchenko, V.; Siddi, B. G.; Silva Coutinho, R.; Silva de Oliveira, L.; Simi, G.; Simone, S.; Sirendi, M.; Skidmore, N.; Skwarnicki, T.; Smith, E.; Smith, I. T.; Smith, J.; Smith, M.; Soares Lavra, l.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Soler, F. J. P.; Souza De Paula, B.; Spaan, B.; Spradlin, P.; Sridharan, S.; Stagni, F.; Stahl, M.; Stahl, S.; Stefko, P.; Stefkova, S.; Steinkamp, O.; Stemmle, S.; Stenyakin, O.; Stepanova, M.; Stevens, H.; Stone, S.; Storaci, B.; Stracka, S.; Stramaglia, M. E.; Straticiuc, M.; Straumann, U.; Sun, J.; Sun, L.; Sutcliffe, W.; Swientek, K.; Syropoulos, V.; Szumlak, T.; Szymanski, M.; T'Jampens, S.; Tayduganov, A.; Tekampe, T.; Tellarini, G.; Teubert, F.; Thomas, E.; van Tilburg, J.; Tilley, M. J.; Tisserand, V.; Tobin, M.; Tolk, S.; Tomassetti, L.; Tonelli, D.; Toriello, F.; Tourinho Jadallah Aoude, R.; Tournefier, E.; Traill, M.; Tran, M. T.; Tresch, M.; Trisovic, A.; Tsaregorodtsev, A.; Tsopelas, P.; Tully, A.; Tuning, N.; Ukleja, A.; Usachov, A.; Ustyuzhanin, A.; Uwer, U.; Vacca, C.; Vagner, A.; Vagnoni, V.; Valassi, A.; Valat, S.; Valenti, G.; Vazquez Gomez, R.; Vazquez Regueiro, P.; Vecchi, S.; van Veghel, M.; Velthuis, J. J.; Veltri, M.; Veneziano, G.; Venkateswaran, A.; Verlage, T. A.; Vernet, M.; Vesterinen, M.; Viana Barbosa, J. V.; Viaud, B.; Vieira, D.; Vieites Diaz, M.; Viemann, H.; Vilasis-Cardona, X.; Vitti, M.; Volkov, V.; Vollhardt, A.; Voneki, B.; Vorobyev, A.; Vorobyev, V.; Voß, C.; de Vries, J. A.; Vázquez Sierra, C.; Waldi, R.; Wallace, C.; Wallace, R.; Walsh, J.; Wang, J.; Ward, D. R.; Wark, H. M.; Watson, N. K.; Websdale, D.; Weiden, A.; Weisser, C.; Whitehead, M.; Wicht, J.; Wilkinson, G.; Wilkinson, M.; Williams, M.; Williams, M. P.; Williams, M.; Williams, T.; Wilson, F. F.; Wimberley, J.; Winn, M.; Wishahi, J.; Wislicki, W.; Witek, M.; Wormser, G.; Wotton, S. A.; Wraight, K.; Wyllie, K.; Xie, Y.; Xu, M.; Xu, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yang, Z.; Yao, Y.; Yin, H.; Yu, J.; Yuan, X.; Yushchenko, O.; Zarebski, K. A.; Zavertyaev, M.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, Y.; Zhelezov, A.; Zheng, Y.; Zhu, X.; Zhukov, V.; Zonneveld, J. B.; Zucchelli, S.

2017-11-01

A measurement is presented of decay-time-dependent CP violation in the decays B 0 → J/ ψ K S 0 and B 0 → ψ(2 S) K S 0 , where the J/ ψ is reconstructed from two electrons and the ψ(2 S) from two muons. The analysis uses a sample of pp collision data recorded with the LHCb experiment at centre-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb-1. The CP -violation observables are measured to be C({B}^0\\to J/ψ {K}S^0)=0.12± 0.07± 0.02, {}S({B}^0\\to J/ψ {K}S^0)=0.83± 0.08± 0.01, {}C({B}^0\\to ψ (2S){K}S^0)=-0.05± 0.10± 0.01, {}S({B}^0\\to ψ (2S){K}S^0)=0.84± 0.10± 0.01, where C describes CP violation in the direct decay, and S describes CP violation in the interference between the amplitudes for the direct decay and for the decay after {B}^0-{\\overline{B}}^0 oscillation. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The two sets of results are compatible with the previous LHCb measurement using B 0 → J/ ψ K S 0 decays, where the J/ ψ meson was reconstructed from two muons. The averages of all three sets of LHCb results are C({B}^0\\to [c\\overline{c}]{K}S^0)=-0.017± 0.029, {}S({B}^0\\to [c\\overline{c}]{K}S^0)=0.760± 0.034, under the assumption that higher-order contributions to the decay amplitudes are negligible. The uncertainties include statistical and systematic contributions. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Structure and magnetic properties of Fe-Co-B alloy thin films prepared on cubic (001) single-crystal substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohtake, Mitsuru; Serizawa, Kana; Futamoto, Masaaki; Kirino, Fumiyoshi; Inaba, Nobuyuki

2018-04-01

Fe70Co30 and (Fe70Co30)0.95B5 (at. %) alloy films of 5 nm thickness are prepared by sputtering on cubic (001) oxide substrates at 200 °C. The lattice mismatch between film and substrate is varied from -4.2%, 0%, to +3.5% by employing MgO, MgAl2O4, and SrTiO3 substrates, respectively. Fe70Co30 and (Fe70Co30)0.95B5 single-crystal films with bcc structure grow epitaxially on all the substrates in the orientation relationship of (001)[110]film || (001)[100]substrate. The in-plane and out-of-plane lattice constants, a and c, are in agreement within small differences ranging between +1.1% and -0.9% with the value of bulk bcc-Fe70Co30 crystal, even though there exist the lattice mismatches of -4.2% and +3.5%. The result indicates that misfit dislocations are introduced around the film/substrate interface when films are deposited on MgO and SrTiO3 substrates. The single-crystal films show in-plane magnetic anisotropies with the easy magnetization direction of bcc[100], which are reflecting the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of bulk Fe70Co30 crystal.

Assessment of a National Diabetes Education Program diabetes prevention toolkit: The D2d experience.

PubMed

Devchand, Roshni; Sheehan, Patricia; Gallivan, Joanne M; Tuncer, Diane M; Nicols, Christina

2017-09-01

The National Diabetes Education Program created the Small Steps. Big Rewards. GAME PLAN. toolkit to deliver basic type 2 diabetes prevention information to individuals at risk. The purpose of this study is to test the impact of GAME PLAN on diabetes prevention knowledge and behavioral readiness in the vitamin D and type 2 diabetes (D2d) study and participant satisfaction with toolkit materials. Three hundred sixty adults at risk for diabetes participating in the D2d study were enrolled. Participants took a pretest, were sent home with the GAME PLAN, then took a posttest at their next visit, 3 months later. The Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to examine changes in knowledge and behavioral readiness between scale scores pre- and posttest. There were modest increases in composite diabetes prevention knowledge scores (p < .05) and behavioral readiness scores (p < .001) from pre- to posttest. Participants also reported at posttest that the toolkit materials were appropriate, comprehensive, and relevant. The GAME PLAN health education materials improve knowledge and behavioral readiness among adults at risk for diabetes. Providers can use GAME PLAN as one component of diabetes prevention education. ©2017 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

75 FR 16664 - Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca ARRIEL 1B, 1D, 1D1, 2B, and 2B1 Turboshaft Engines

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-02

... limited to, Eurocopter AS 350 B, AS 350 BA, AS 350 B1, AS 350 B2, AS 350 B3, and EC 130 B4 helicopters... an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: During production of Arriel 1 and... by Turbom[eacute]ca. Potentially non-conforming PT blades have been traced as having been installed...

PEERING INTO THE GIANT-PLANET-FORMING REGION OF THE TW HYDRAE DISK WITH THE GEMINI PLANET IMAGER

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

Rapson, Valerie A.; Kastner, Joel H.; Millar-Blanchaer, Maxwell A.

2015-12-20

We present Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) adaptive optics near-infrared images of the giant-planet-forming regions of the protoplanetary disk orbiting the nearby (D = 54 pc), pre-main-sequence (classical T Tauri) star TW Hydrae. The GPI images, which were obtained in coronagraphic/polarimetric mode, exploit starlight scattered off small dust grains to elucidate the surface density structure of the TW Hya disk from ∼80 AU to within ∼10 AU of the star at ∼1.5 AU resolution. The GPI polarized intensity images unambiguously confirm the presence of a gap in the radial surface brightness distribution of the inner disk. The gap is centered near ∼23 AU,more » with a width of ∼5 AU and a depth of ∼50%. In the context of recent simulations of giant-planet formation in gaseous, dusty disks orbiting pre-main-sequence stars, these results indicate that at least one young planet with a mass ∼0.2 M{sub J} could be present in the TW Hya disk at an orbital semimajor axis similar to that of Uranus. If this (proto)planet is actively accreting gas from the disk, it may be readily detectable by GPI or a similarly sensitive, high-resolution infrared imaging system.« less

FIB-tomographic studies on chemical vapor deposition grown SnO2 nanowire arrays on TiO2 (001)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Haoyun; Liu, Yi; Wu, Hong; Xiong, Xiang; Pan, Jun

2016-12-01

Tin oxide nanowire arrays on titania (001) have been successfully fabricated by chemical vapor deposition of Sn(O t Bu)4 precursor. The morphologies and structures of ordered SnO2 nanowires (NWs) were analyzed by cross-sectional SEM, HR-TEM and AFM. An FIB-tomography technique was applied in order to reconstruct a 3D presentation of ordered SnO2 nanowires. The achieved 3D analysis showed the spatial orientation and angles of ordered SnO2 NWs can be obtained in a one-shot experiment, and the distribution of Au catalysts showed the competition between 1D and 2D growth. The SnO2 nanowire arrays can be potentially used as a diameter- and surface-dependent sensing unit for the detection of gas- and bio-molecules.

Search for the Rare Decays $$B^{\\pm} \\to K^{\\pm} \\mu^+ \\mu^-$$ and $$B^0_d \\to K^* \\mu^+ \\mu^-$$

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

Wenger, Andreas

2009-01-01

The study of processes involving flavour-changing neutral currents provides a particularly promising probe for New Physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. These processes are forbidden at tree level and proceed through loop processes, which are strongly suppressed in the Standard Model. Cross-sections for these processes can be significantly enhanced by contributions from new particles as they are proposed in most extentions of the Standard Model. This thesis presents searches for two flavour-changing neutral current decays, B± ! K±μ+μ- and B0 d ! K¤μ+μ-. The analysis was performed on 4.1 fb-1 of data collected by the DØ detector inmore » Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron. Candidate events for the decay B± ! K±μ+μ- were selected using a multi-variate analysis technique and the number of signal events determined by a fit to the invariant mass spectrum. Normalising to the known branching fraction for B± ! J/ÃK±, a branching fraction of B(B± ! K± μ+μ-) = 6.45 ± 2.24 (stat) ± 1.19 (syst) × 10-7 (1) was measured. The branching fraction for the decay B0 d ! K¤μ+μ- was determined in a similar way. Normalizing to the known branching fraction for B0 d ! J/ÃK¤, a branching fraction of B(B0 d ! K¤ μ+μ-) = 11.15 ± 3.05 (stat) ± 1.94 (syst) × 10-7 (2) was measured. All measurements are in agreement with the Standard Model.« less

Targeting human prostate cancer with 111In-labeled D2B IgG, F(ab')2 and Fab fragments in nude mice with PSMA-expressing xenografts.

PubMed

Lütje, Susanne; van Rij, Catharina M; Franssen, Gerben M; Fracasso, Giulio; Helfrich, Wijnand; Eek, Annemarie; Oyen, Wim J; Colombatti, Marco; Boerman, Otto C

2015-01-01

D2B is a new monoclonal antibody directed against an extracellular domain of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is overexpressed in prostate cancer. The potential of D2B IgG, and F(ab')2 and Fab fragments of this antibody for targeting prostate cancer was determined in mice bearing subcutaneous prostate cancer xenografts. The optimal time point for imaging was determined in biodistribution and microSPECT imaging studies with (111)In-D2B IgG, (111)In-capromab pendetide, (111)In-D2B F(ab')2 and (111)In-D2B Fab fragments in mice with PSMA-expressing LNCaP and PSMA-negative PC3 tumors at several time points after injection. All (111)In-labeled antibody formats specifically accumulated in the LNCaP tumors, with highest uptake of (111)In-D2B IgG and (111)In-capromab pendetide at 168 h p.i. (94.8 ± 19.2% injected dose per gram (ID/g) and 16.7 ± 2.2% ID/g, respectively), whereas uptake of (111)In-D2B F(ab')2 and (111)In-D2B Fab fragments peaked at 24 h p.i. (12.1 ± 3.0% ID/g and 15.1 ± 2.9% ID/g, respectively). Maximum LNCaP tumor-to-blood ratios were 13.0 ± 2.3 (168 h p.i.), 6.2 ± 0.7 (24 h p.i.), 23.0 ± 4.0 (24 h p.i.) and 4.5 ± 0.6 (168 h p.i.) for (111)In-D2B IgG, (111)In-F(ab')2, (111)In-Fab and (111)In-capromab pendetide, respectively. LNCaP tumors were clearly visualized with microSPECT with all antibody formats. This study demonstrates the feasibility of D2B IgG, F(ab')2 and Fab fragments for targeting PSMA-expressing prostate cancer xenografts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Epitaxial growth of (001)-oriented Ba{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3} thin films on a-plane sapphire with an MgO/ZnO bridge layer

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

Xiao Bo; Liu Hongrui; Avrutin, Vitaliy

2009-11-23

High quality (001)-oriented Ba{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}TiO{sub 3} (BST) thin films have been grown on a-plane sapphire (1120) by rf magnetron sputtering using a double bridge layer consisting of (0001)-oriented ZnO (50 nm) and (001)-oriented MgO (10 nm) prepared by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of three sets of in-plane BST domains, offset from one another by 30 deg., which is consistent with the in-plane symmetry of the MgO layer observed by in situ reflective high electron energy diffraction. The in-plane epitaxial relationship of BST, MgO, and ZnO has been determined to be BST [110]//MgO [110]//ZnO [1120]more » and BST [110]/MgO [110]//ZnO [1100]. Capacitance-voltage measurements performed on BST coplanar interdigitated capacitor structures revealed a high dielectric tunability of up to 84% at 1 MHz.« less

GENETIC MAPPING OF VOCALIZATION TO A SERIES OF INCREASING ACUTE FOOTSHOCKS USING B6.A CONSOMIC AND B6.D2 CONGENIC MOUSE STRAINS

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

Matthews, Douglas B; Chesler, Elissa J; Cook, Melloni N.

2008-01-01

Footshock response is used to study biological functions in mammals. However, the genetics underlying variability in footshock sensitivity are not well understood. In the current studies, a panel of B6.A consomic mouse strains, two B6.D2 congenic mouse strains and the progenitor strains were screened for footshock sensitivity as measured by audible vocalization. It was found that A/J (A) mice and C57BL/6J (B6) mice with an A Chromosome 1 (Chr 1) were less sensitive to footshock compared to B6 animals. Furthermore, the offspring of Chr 1 consomic mice crossed with B6 mice had vocalization levels that were intermediate to A/J andmore » B6 animals. A F2 mapping panel revealed two significant QTLs for footshock vocalization centered around D1Mit490 and D1Mit206 on Chr 1. The role of these Chr 1 loci in footshock sensitivity was confirmed in B6.D2 congenic mice. These data identify genetic regions involved in footshock sensitivity and establish additional mouse resources for use in investigating complex behaviors.« less

Accommodation in Astigmatic Children During Visual Task Performance

PubMed Central

Harvey, Erin M.; Miller, Joseph M.; Apple, Howard P.; Parashar, Pavan; Twelker, J. Daniel; Crescioni, Mabel; Davis, Amy L.; Leonard-Green, Tina K.; Campus, Irene; Sherrill, Duane L.

2014-01-01

Purpose. To determine the accuracy and stability of accommodation in uncorrected children during visual task performance. Methods. Subjects were second- to seventh-grade children from a highly astigmatic population. Measurements of noncycloplegic right eye spherical equivalent (Mnc) were obtained while uncorrected subjects performed three visual tasks at near (40 cm) and distance (2 m). Tasks included reading sentences with stimulus letter size near acuity threshold and an age-appropriate letter size (high task demands) and viewing a video (low task demand). Repeated measures ANOVA assessed the influence of astigmatism, task demand, and accommodative demand on accuracy (mean Mnc) and variability (mean SD of Mnc) of accommodation. Results. For near and distance analyses, respectively, sample size was 321 and 247, mean age was 10.37 (SD 1.77) and 10.30 (SD 1.74) years, mean cycloplegic M was 0.48 (SD 1.10) and 0.79 diopters (D) (SD 1.00), and mean astigmatism was 0.99 (SD 1.15) and 0.75 D (SD 0.96). Poor accommodative accuracy was associated with high astigmatism, low task demand (video viewing), and high accommodative demand. The negative effect of accommodative demand on accuracy increased with increasing astigmatism, with the poorest accommodative accuracy observed in high astigmats (≥3.00 D) with high accommodative demand/high hyperopia (1.53 D and 2.05 D of underaccommodation for near and distant stimuli, respectively). Accommodative variability was greatest in high astigmats and was uniformly high across task condition. No/low and moderate astigmats showed higher variability for the video task than the reading tasks. Conclusions. Accuracy of accommodation is reduced in uncorrected children with high astigmatism and high accommodative demand/high hyperopia, but improves with increased visual task demand (reading). High astigmats showed the greatest variability in accommodation. PMID:25103265

Effects of vitamin D2-fortified bread v. supplementation with vitamin D2 or D3 on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D metabolites: an 8-week randomised-controlled trial in young adult Finnish women.

PubMed

Itkonen, Suvi T; Skaffari, Essi; Saaristo, Pilvi; Saarnio, Elisa M; Erkkola, Maijaliisa; Jakobsen, Jette; Cashman, Kevin D; Lamberg-Allardt, Christel

2016-04-14

There is a need for food-based solutions for preventing vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D3 (D3) is mainly used in fortified food products, although the production of vitamin D2 (D2) is more cost-effective, and thus may hold opportunities. We investigated the bioavailability of D2 from UV-irradiated yeast present in bread in an 8-week randomised-controlled trial in healthy 20-37-year-old women (n 33) in Helsinki (60°N) during winter (February-April) 2014. Four study groups were given different study products (placebo pill and regular bread=0 µg D2 or D3/d; D2 supplement and regular bread=25 µg D2/d; D3 supplement and regular bread=25 µg D3/d; and placebo pill and D2-biofortified bread=25 µg D2/d). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (S-25(OH)D2) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (S-25(OH)D3) concentrations were measured at baseline, midpoint and end point. The mean baseline total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH)D=S-25(OH)D2+S-25(OH)D3) concentration was 65·1 nmol/l. In repeated-measures ANCOVA (adjusted for baseline S-25(OH)D as total/D2/D3), D2-bread did not affect total S-25(OH)D (P=0·707) or S-25(OH)D3 (P=0·490), but increased S-25(OH)D2 compared with placebo (P<0·001). However, the D2 supplement was more effective than bread in increasing S-25(OH)D2 (P<0·001). Both D2 and D3 supplementation increased total S-25(OH)D compared with placebo (P=0·030 and P=0·001, respectively), but D2 supplementation resulted in lower S-25(OH)D3 (P<0·001). Thus, D2 from UV-irradiated yeast in bread was not bioavailable in humans. Our results support the evidence that D2 is less potent in increasing total S-25(OH)D concentrations than D3, also indicating a decrease in the percentage contribution of S-25(OH)D3 to the total vitamin D pool.

Magnetic ground states in the three O s6 + (5 d2 ) double perovskites B a2M Os O6 (M =Mg ,Zn,and Cd) from Néel order to its suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marjerrison, C. A.; Thompson, C. M.; Sharma, A. Z.; Hallas, A. M.; Wilson, M. N.; Munsie, T. J. S.; Flacau, R.; Wiebe, C. R.; Gaulin, B. D.; Luke, G. M.; Greedan, J. E.

2016-10-01

Three closely related double perovskites (DP) based on the 5 d2 ion, O s6 +,B a2M Os O6 , with M =Mg , Zn, and Cd have been prepared and characterized using x-ray (XRD) and neutron diffraction (ND), dc magnetization, heat capacity, and muon spin relaxation (μ SR ) techniques. All three are cubic, Fm-3 m , at ambient temperature from XRD with Δ d /d ˜5 ×10-4 resolution. For both M =Mg and Zn, ND data at 3.5 K and lower, Δ d /d =2 ×10-3 , resolution show no signs of a distortion. The results are compared with the known DP material, B a2CaOs O6 , which shows antiferromagnetic (AF) order below TN=49 K and a moderate frustration index, f ˜4 , (f =| θCW|/ TN ), where θCW is the Curie-Weiss temperature. B a2MgOs O6 with a unit cell constant a0=8.0757 (1 ) Å , 3% smaller than for B a2CaOs O6 , also shows Néel order below TN=51 K with f ˜2 . However, B a2ZnOs O6,a0=8.0975 (1 ) Å , 0.27% larger than B a2MgOs O6 , does not show Néel order from either heat capacity or μ SR data. A zero field cooled/field cooled (ZFC/FC) irreversibility occurs near 30 K and a broad heat capacity anomaly is detected at a similar temperature. The μ SR data are consistent with a weak spin ordering with an onset below 28 K but with a coexisting dynamic component. B a2CdOs O6 with a0=8.3190 (1 ) Å , 0.5% smaller than B a2CaOs O6 , shows no evidence for any type of order/spin freezing to 0.47 K from any of the measurement techniques applied. The results for M =Zn and Cd appear to lie outside of the mean field theory of Chen and Balents [Phys. Rev. B 84, 094420 (2011), 10.1103/PhysRevB.84.094420] for cubic d2 DP with strong spin orbit coupling, but B a2MgOs O6 , along with B a2CaOs O6 , is likely one of the three predicted AF phases. The remarkable contrast between the doppelgänger pairs M =Mg /Zn and M =Ca /Cd may be traceable to differences in electronic structure of the diamagnetic M ions. All of the super-super exchange pathways in these DP materials involve Os-O-M -O-Os linkages.

Emission Lines from the Gas Disk Around TW Hydra and the Origin of the Inner Hole

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorti, U.; Hollenbach, D.; Najita, J.; Pascucci, I.

2011-01-01

We compare line emission calculated from theoretical disk models with optical to submillimeter wavelength observational data of the gas disk surrounding TW Hya and infer the spatial distribution of mass in the gas disk. The model disk that best matches observations has a gas mass ranging from approx.10(exp -4) to 10(exp -5) M for 0.06AU < r < 3.5 AU and approx. 0.06M for 3.5AU < r < 200 AU. We find that the inner dust hole (r < 3.5 AU) in the disk must be depleted of gas by approx. 1-2 orders of magnitude compared with the extrapolated surface density distribution of the outer disk. Grain growth alone is therefore not a viable explanation for the dust hole. CO vibrational emission arises within r approx. 0.5 AU from thermal excitation of gas. [O i] 6300Å and 5577Å forbidden lines and OH mid-infrared emission are mainly due to prompt emission following UV photodissociation of OH and water at r < or approx. 0.1 AU and at r approx. 4 AU. [Ne ii] emission is consistent with an origin in X-ray heated neutral gas at r < or approx. 10 AU, and may not require the presence of a significant extreme-ultraviolet (h? > 13.6 eV) flux from TW Hya. H2 pure rotational line emission comes primarily from r approx. 1 to 30 AU. [Oi] 63microns, HCO+, and CO pure rotational lines all arise from the outer disk at r approx. 30-120 AU. We discuss planet formation and photoevaporation as causes for the decrease in surface density of gas and dust inside 4 AU. If a planet is present, our results suggest a planet mass approx. 4-7MJ situated at 3 AU. Using our photoevaporation models and the best surface density profile match to observations, we estimate a current photoevaporative mass loss rate of 4x10(exp -9M)/yr and a remaining disk lifetime of approx.5 million years.

Phylogenetic and Evolutionary History of Influenza B Viruses, which Caused a Large Epidemic in 2011–2012, Taiwan

PubMed Central

Yang, Ji-Rong; Huang, Yuan-Pin; Chang, Feng-Yee; Hsu, Li-Ching; Lin, Yu-Cheng; Huang, Hsiang-Yi; Wu, Fu-Ting; Wu, Ho-Sheng; Liu, Ming-Tsan

2012-01-01

The annual recurrence of the influenza epidemic is considered to be primarily associated with immune escape due to changes to the virus. In 2011–2012, the influenza B epidemic in Taiwan was unusually large, and influenza B was predominant for a long time. To investigate the genetic dynamics of influenza B viruses during the 2011–2012 epidemic, we analyzed the sequences of 4,386 influenza B viruses collected in Taiwan from 2004 to 2012. The data provided detailed insight into the flux patterns of multiple genotypes. We found that a re-emergent TW08-I virus, which was the major genotype and had co-circulated with the two others, TW08-II and TW08-III, from 2007 to 2009 in Taiwan, successively overtook TW08-II in March and then underwent a lineage switch in July 2011. This lineage switch was followed by the large epidemic in Taiwan. The whole-genome compositions and phylogenetic relationships of the representative viruses of various genotypes were compared to determine the viral evolutionary histories. We demonstrated that the large influenza B epidemic of 2011–2012 was caused by Yamagata lineage TW08-I viruses that were derived from TW04-II viruses in 2004–2005 through genetic drifts without detectable reassortments. The TW08-I viruses isolated in both 2011–2012 and 2007–2009 were antigenically similar, indicating that an influenza B virus have persisted for 5 years in antigenic stasis before causing a large epidemic. The results suggest that in addition to the emergence of new variants with mutations or reassortments, other factors, including the interference of multi-types or lineages of influenza viruses and the accumulation of susceptible hosts, can also affect the scale and time of an influenza B epidemic. PMID:23071751

Laser Spectroscopic Study of CaH in the B^2σ^+ and D^2σ^+ States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Kyohei; Uchida, Kanako; Kobayashi, Kaori; Matsushima, Fusakazu; Moriwaki, Yoshiki

2015-06-01

Calcium hydride is one of the abundant molecules in the stellar environment, and is considered as a probe of stellar analysis. Ab initio calculations have shown that the electronic excited states of CaH have complex potential curves. It is suggested that the B^2σ^+ state has an interesting double minimum potential due to the avoided crossing. Such a potential leads to drastic change of the rotational constants when the vibrational energy level goes across the potential barrier. Spectroscopic studies on CaH began in the 1920's, and many studies have been carried out since then. Bell et al. extensively assigned the D^2σ^+-X^2σ^+ bands in the UV region. Bernath's group has observed transitions in the IR and visible regions and identified their upper states as the A^2σ^+, B^2σ^+ and E^2σ^+ states. We have carried out a laser induced fluorescence (LIF) study in the UV region between 360 and 430 nm. We have produced CaH by using laser ablation of a calcium target in a hydrogen gas environment, then molecules have been excited by a second harmonic pulse of dye laser and the fluorescence from molecules have been detected through a monochromator. Detection of the D^2σ^+-X^2σ^+ bands already identified by Bell et al. indicates the production of CaH. In addition, many other bands have been also found and a few bands have been assigned by using the combination differences, the lower state of these bands have been confirmed to the vibrational ground state of X^2σ^+ state. We have tentatively assigned these bands as the B^2σ^+ -X^2σ^+ transition. We will discuss the assignment of these bands, together with the rotational constants comparing with those calculated from the ab initio potential. B. Barbuy, R. P. Schiavon, J. Gregorio-Hetem, P. D. Singh C. Batalha , Astron. Astrophys. Sippl. Ser. 101, 409 (1993). P. F. Weck and P. C .Stabcil, J. Chem. Phys. {118}, 9997 (2003). R. S. Mulliken, Phys. Rev. {25}, 509 (1925). G. D. Bell, M, Herman, J. W. C. Johns, and E. R

[Influence of music on a decision of mathematical logic tasks].

PubMed

Pavlygina, R A; Karamysheva, N N; Sakharov, D S; Davydov, V I

2012-01-01

Accompaniment of a decision of mathematical logical tasks by music (different style and power) influenced on the time of the decision. Classical music 35 and 65 dB and roc-music 65 and 85 dB decreased the time of the decision. More powerful classical music (85 dB) did not effect like that. The decision without the musical accompaniment led to increasing of coherent values especially in beta1, beta2, gamma frequency ranges in EEG of occipital cortex. The intrahemispheric and the interhemispheric coherences of frontal EEG increased and EEG asymmetry (in a number of Coh-connections in left and right hemispheres) arose during the tasks decision accompanied by music. Application of classical music 35 and 65 dB caused left-side asymmetry in EEG. Using of more powerful classical or rock music led to prevalence of quantity of Coh-connections in a right hemisphere.

On the magnetic properties of the multiferroic ceramics Bi0.99Y0.01Fe1-xNixO3 (0.01 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.05)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratkovski, D. R.; Ribeiro, P. R. T.; Machado, F. L. A.; Banerjee, P.; Franco, A.

2018-04-01

Multiferroic ceramics of Bi0.99Y0.01Fe1-xNixO3 with 0.01 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.05 were synthesized by using a modified solid state reaction method. The crystalline structure and the morphology of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of Y and Ni to the bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) was found to decrease the average grain size. Ac magnetic susceptibility and the zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetizations were measured for temperatures in the range 5 ⩽ T ⩽ 300 K. Hysteresis loops and an irreversible behavior in the temperature dependence of the magnetization not present in pure BiFeO3 were observed in the doped samples. However, the ferromagnetism was found more likely to be due to the presence of small amounts of magnetite. Nevertheless, the determination of the amount of Fe3O4 in these composite materials is important because it influences the magnetoelectric coupling which is important for some technological applications.

Examination of Multiphase (Zr,Ti)(V,Cr,Mn,Ni)2 Ni-MH Electrode Alloys: Part II. Solid-State Transformation of the Interdendritic B2 Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bendersky, L. A.; Wang, K.; Boettinger, W. J.; Newbury, D. E.; Young, K.; Chao, B.

2010-08-01

Solidification microstructure of multicomponent (Zr,Ti)-Ni-(V,Cr,Mn,Co) alloys intended for use as negative electrodes in Ni-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries was studied in Part I of this series of articles. Part II of the series examines the complex internal structure of the interdendritic grains formed by solid-state transformation and believed to play an important role in the electrochemical charge/discharge characteristics of the overall alloy composition. By studying one alloy, Zr21Ti12.5V10Cr5.5Mn5.1Co5.0Ni40.2Al0.5Sn0.3, it is shown that the interdendritic grains solidify as a B2 (Ti,Zr)44(Ni,TM)56 phase, and then undergo transformation to Zr7Ni10-type, Zr9Ni11-type, and martensitic phases. The transformations obey orientation relationships between the high-temperature B2 phase and the low-temperature Zr-Ni-type intermetallics, and consequently lead to a multivariant structure. The major orientation relationship for the orthorhombic Zr7Ni10 type is [011]Zr7Ni10//[001]B2; (100)Zr7Ni10//(100)B2. The orientation relationship for the tetragonal Zr9Ni11 type is [001]Zr9Ni11//[001]B2; (130)Zr9Ni11//(100)B2. Binary Ni-Zr and ternary Ti-Ni-Zr phase diagrams were used to rationalize the formation of the observed domain structure.

Comparison of HELIX TWT Simulation Using 2-D PIC (Magic), 2-D Modal (Gator), and 1-D Modal (Christine) Methods

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-05-01