Bertolette Selected as EHS Champion of Safety | Poster

Cancer.gov

Dan Bertolette has been selected as the most recent NCI at Frederick Champion of Safety, as part of the Champions of Safety Program sponsored by the Environment, Health, and Safety Program (EHS). The goal of the program, which began last year, is to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety by showing NCI at Frederick staff at work in their respective workplaces, according to Terri Bray, director, EHS. “Since we have so many varied work environments here, safety often takes on a different look, according to workplace. We want to take the opportunity to show real people in real situations, to encourage safety everywhere,” Bray said.

Report of the oversight assessment of the operational readiness review of the Savannah River Site Defense Waste Processing Facility Cold Chemical Runs

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

Lee, B.

1993-03-01

This report presents the results of an oversight assessment (OA) conducted by the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Environment, Safety and Health (EH) of the operational readiness review (ORR) activities for the Cold Chemical Runs (CCRs) at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) located at Savannah River Site (SRS). The EH OA of this facility took place concurrently with an ORR performed by the DOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM). The EM ORR was conducted from September 28, 1992, through October 9, 1992, although portions of the EM ORR were extended beyond this period. Themore » EH OA evaluated the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the EM ORR. The EH OA was designed to ascertain whether the EM ORR was thorough and demonstrated sufficient inquisitiveness to verify that the implementation of programs and procedures is adequate to assure the protection of worker safety and health. The EH OA was carried out in accordance with the protocol and procedures of the EH Program for Oversight Assessment of Operational Readiness Evaluations for Startups and Restarts,'' dated September 15, 1992. Based on its OA and verification of the resolution of EH OA findings, the EH OA Team believes that the startup of the CCRs may be safely begun, pending satisfactory completion and verification of the prestart findings identified by the EM ORR. The EH OA was based primarily on an evaluation of the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the EM ORR and addressed the following areas: industrial safety, industrial hygiene, and respiratory protection; fire protection; and chemical safety. The EH OA conducted independent vertical-slice'' reviews to confirm EM ORR results in the areas of confined-space entry, respiratory protection, fire protection, and chemical safety.« less

Bertolette Selected as EHS Champion of Safety | Poster

Cancer.gov

Dan Bertolette has been selected as the most recent NCI at Frederick Champion of Safety, as part of the Champions of Safety Program sponsored by the Environment, Health, and Safety Program (EHS). The goal of the program, which began last year, is to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety by showing NCI at Frederick staff at work in their respective workplaces,

EHS Open House: Learning Lab and Life Safety | Poster

Cancer.gov

Attendees of the Environment, Health, and Safety Program’s (EHS’) Open House had a chance to learn self-defense techniques, as well as visit with vendors demonstrating the latest trends in laboratory safety. “Working with sharps in labs is inherently dangerous, so EHS proactively focused on featuring equipment that would promote safer techniques,” said Siobhan Tierney, program manager, EHS.

Cynthia Szydlek | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Cynthia Szydlek Photo of Cynthia Szydlek Cynthia Szydlek NWTC Training Coordinator/Project Support increased safety expectations and comply with comprehensive training requirements. She maintains the NWTC's Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) training and safety management systems and ensures all critical on-site

Expanding Access to Early Head Start: State Initiatives for Infants & Toddlers at Risk

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colvard, Jamie; Schmit, Stephanie

2012-01-01

The federal Early Head Start (EHS) program was created in 1994 to address the comprehensive needs of children under age 3 in low-income families and vulnerable low-income pregnant women. In addition to early learning opportunities, EHS's comprehensive early childhood development programs provide children and families with access to a range of…

Report of the oversight assessment of the operational readiness review of the Savannah River Site Defense Waste Processing Facility Cold Chemical Runs

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

Lee, B.

1993-03-01

This report presents the results of an oversight assessment (OA) conducted by the US Department of Energy`s (DOE) Office of Environment, Safety and Health (EH) of the operational readiness review (ORR) activities for the Cold Chemical Runs (CCRs) at the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) located at Savannah River Site (SRS). The EH OA of this facility took place concurrently with an ORR performed by the DOE Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (EM). The EM ORR was conducted from September 28, 1992, through October 9, 1992, although portions of the EM ORR were extended beyond this period. Themore » EH OA evaluated the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the EM ORR. The EH OA was designed to ascertain whether the EM ORR was thorough and demonstrated sufficient inquisitiveness to verify that the implementation of programs and procedures is adequate to assure the protection of worker safety and health. The EH OA was carried out in accordance with the protocol and procedures of the ``EH Program for Oversight Assessment of Operational Readiness Evaluations for Startups and Restarts,`` dated September 15, 1992. Based on its OA and verification of the resolution of EH OA findings, the EH OA Team believes that the startup of the CCRs may be safely begun, pending satisfactory completion and verification of the prestart findings identified by the EM ORR. The EH OA was based primarily on an evaluation of the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the EM ORR and addressed the following areas: industrial safety, industrial hygiene, and respiratory protection; fire protection; and chemical safety. The EH OA conducted independent ``vertical-slice`` reviews to confirm EM ORR results in the areas of confined-space entry, respiratory protection, fire protection, and chemical safety.« less

Understanding and managing health and environmental risks of CIS, CGS, and CdTe photovoltaic module production and use: A workshop

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

Moskowitz, P.D.; Zweibel, K.; DePhillips, M.P.

1994-04-28

Environmental, health and safety (EH&S) risks presented by CIS, CGS and CdTe photovoltaic module production, use and decommissioning have been reviewed and discussed by several authors. Several EH&S concerns exit. The estimated EH&S risks are based on extrapolations of toxicity, environmental mobility, and bioavailability data for other related inorganic compounds. Sparse data, however, are available for CIS, CGS or CdTe. In response to the increased interest in these materials, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been engaged in a cooperative research program with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Fraunhofer Institute for Solid State Technology (IFT), the Institute of Ecotoxicitymore » of the GSF Forschungszentrum fair Umwelt und Gesundheit, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to develop fundamental toxicological and environmental data for these three compounds. This workshop report describes the results of these studies and describes their potential implications with respect to the EH&S risks presented by CIS, CGS, and CdTe module production, use and decommissioning.« less

What next for environmental health?

PubMed

Dhesi, Surindar; Lynch, Zena

2016-07-01

The aim of the wider research was to explore Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) during their early development stages, with a focus on health inequalities and the role of environmental health (EH). This article presents empirical findings relating to challenges facing the EH profession in the new English public health (PH) system and offers new practical suggestions as to how they might be overcome in relation to educating and training the new generation of EH practitioners (EHPs). Four case study HWBs in the Midlands and North of England were followed for 18 months from early 2012. In addition, EHPs and managers from each English region were interviewed. In total, 50 semi-structured interviews were carried out, around 55 h of HWB meetings were observed, and documents associated with HWBs such as strategies and minutes of meetings were collected. Data were analysed thematically, both inductively and deductively, using Atlas.ti. EH is largely invisible in the new PH system due to a variety of internal and external factors, including existing skill sets and practices. There is a new imperative to move away from reliance on statutory functions for funding and to engage with wider PH issues and colleagues, requiring new skills of evaluation and a change in perception from being 'doers' to include a greater role as 'thinkers'. This is being recognised by EHPs and managers, who are seeking ways to adapt to these new expectations. Recent changes to the English PH system have led to a period of reflection and the beginnings of adaptation in EH to overcome new challenges. Linked to this is a need for graduate training to prepare new practitioners to think critically, to thrive and become high-level managers of the future, while being technically competent. We suggest a new, enhanced role for Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)-accredited universities in securing the future of the profession by supporting new graduates. Specifically, a mentoring scheme could be introduced for the practical training element for new practitioners. This would help to embed criticality and evaluation in practice, provide consistency in training, and overcome the disconnect between academia and practice. © Royal Society for Public Health 2015.

Beacon of Hope: The Promise of Early Head Start for America's Youngest Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lombardi, Joan, Ed.; Bogle, Mary M., Ed.

2005-01-01

Between 1995 and 2004, Early Head Start (EHS) grew from 68 to more than 700 programs nationwide, serving more than 62,000 children and securing the program's reputation as a beacon of hope for the nation's low-income families with infants and toddlers. According to a comprehensive 5-year national evaluation of EHS, children who participated in…

Early Head Start Participants, Program, Families and Staff in 2013

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Christina

2014-01-01

In 1994, the federal Early Head Start (EHS) program was created to address the comprehensive needs of low-income pregnant women and children under age 3. EHS was launched almost 30 years after Head Start was established in 1965 to serve low-income 3- and 4-year-old children and their families with comprehensive early education and support…

Early Head Start Participants, Programs, Families, and Staff in 2014

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mohan, Anitha; Walker, Christina

2016-01-01

In 1994, the federal Early Head Start (EHS) program was created to address the comprehensive needs of low-income pregnant women and children under age 3. EHS was launched almost 30 years after Head Start was established in 1965 to serve low-income 3- and 4-year-old children and their families with comprehensive early education and support…

Early Head Start Participants, Programs, Families and Staff in 2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmit, Stephanie

2013-01-01

In 1994, the federal Early Head Start (EHS) program was created to address the comprehensive needs of low-income pregnant women and children under age 3. EHS was created almost 30 years after Head Start was established in 1965 to serve low-income 3- and 4-year-old children and their families with comprehensive early education and support services.…

What Makes a Difference: Early Head Start Evaluation Findings in a Developmental Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Love, John M.; Chazan-Cohen, Rachel; Raikes, Helen; Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne

2013-01-01

The federal Early Head Start (EHS) program began in 1995, and a randomized trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 17 EHS programs. In all, 3,001 low-income families (35% African American, 24% Hispanic, and 37% White) with a pregnant women or an infant under the age of 12 months were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group (with…

Oral health of early head start children: a qualitative study of staff, parents, and pregnant women.

PubMed

Mofidi, Mahyar; Zeldin, Leslie P; Rozier, R Gary

2009-02-01

We explored the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and activities of Early Head Start (EHS) staff members, parents, and pregnant women, along with their suggestions related to future oral health educational interventions targeting EHS children. Nine focus groups were conducted with EHS staff, parents, and pregnant women. Audiotapes of sessions were transcribed and entered into ATLAS.ti 5.0 for coding and analysis. Attitudes about the importance of children's oral health among parents and pregnant women were mixed. Staff members voiced responsibility for children's oral health but frustration in their inability to communicate effectively with parents. Parents in turn perceived staff criticism regarding how they cared for their children's oral health. Gaps were noted in the oral health activities of EHS programs. Participants expressed confusion regarding the application of Head Start oral health performance standards to EHS. The need for culturally sensitive, hands-on oral health education was highlighted. Tailored, theory-based interventions are needed to improve communication between EHS staff and families. Clear policies on the application of Head Start oral health performance standards to EHS are warranted. Educational activities should address the needs and suggestions of EHS participants.

EXAMINING LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF AN INFANT MENTAL HEALTH HOME-BASED EARLY HEAD START PROGRAM ON FAMILY STRENGTHS AND RESILIENCE.

PubMed

Mckelvey, Lorraine; Schiffman, Rachel F; Brophy-Herb, Holly E; Bocknek, Erika London; Fitzgerald, Hiram E; Reischl, Thomas M; Hawver, Shelley; Cunningham Deluca, Mary

2015-01-01

Infant Mental Health based interventions aim to promote the healthy development of infants and toddlers through promoting healthy family functioning to foster supportive relationships between the young child and his or her important caregivers. This study examined impacts of an Infant Mental Health home-based Early Head Start (IMH-HB EHS) program on family functioning. The sample includes 152 low-income families in the Midwestern United States, expectant or parenting a child younger than 1 year of age, who were randomly assigned to receive IMH-HB EHS services (n = 75) or to a comparison condition (n = 77). Mothers who received IMH-HB EHS services reported healthier psychological and family functioning, outcomes that are consistent with the IMH focus, when their children were between the ages of 3 and 7 years of age. Specifically, mothers in the IMH-HB EHS group reported healthier family functioning and relationships, better coping skills needed to advocate for their families, and less stress in the parenting role versus those in the comparison condition. The study also examined support seeking coping, some of which changed differently over time based on program group assignment. Overall, findings suggest that the gains families achieve from participating in IMH-HB EHS services are maintained after services cease. © 2015 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

Related Service Personnel's Resource Guide for Supporting Programs for Emotionally Handicapped Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana State Dept. of Education, Indianapolis. Div. of Special Education.

The guide provides an information resource for related and supportive services personnel (e.g., school nurse, physical therapist, speech language pathologist) in their interactions with emotionally handicapped (EH) students. Following a definition of EH students, the first of six brief chapters discusses student characteristics, presents three…

Program Environmental Assurance: Shuttle Environmental Assurance and the Future

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glover, Steve E.

2008-01-01

Material availability continues to be impacted by domestic and international environmental health and safety (EH&S) regulations, industrial pollution prevention goals and related vendor economics. SEA is an integrated team that works to identify, communicate and address safety and environmentally driven materials obsolescence issues and pollution prevention opportunities.

Nebraska: Early Head Start Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Law and Social Policy, Inc. (CLASP), 2012

2012-01-01

Since 1999, Nebraska's Early Head Start Infant/Toddler Quality Initiative has supported Early Head Start (EHS) and community child care partnerships to improve the quality and professionalism of infant and toddler care. EHS programs apply to receive funding to establish partnerships with center-based or home-based child care.The initiative has…

75 FR 67376 - Proposed Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-02

... sites were randomly assigned either to the program group (allowed to enroll in EHS), or to the control group (precluded from enrolling in EHS, although they could receive other services in the community... information on the parents' perception of the children's status. Respondents: Treatment and control group...

76 FR 1436 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-10

... children and families in 17 sites were randomly assigned either to the program group (allowed to enroll in EHS), or to the control group (precluded from enrolling in EHS, although they could receive other... or guardians in the spring of 2011. Respondents: Treatment and control group members in the Early...

Efficacy of an Emotion Self-regulation Program for Promoting Development in Preschool Children

PubMed Central

Bradley, Raymond Trevor; Galvin, Patrick; Tomasino, Dana

2012-01-01

ABSTRACT This work reports the results of an evaluation study to assess the efficacy of the Early HeartSmarts (EHS) program in schools of the Salt Lake City, Utah, School District. The EHS program is designed to guide teachers with methods that support young children (3–6 y old) in learning emotion self-regulation and key age-appropriate socioemotional competencies with the goal of facilitating their emotional, social, and cognitive development. The study was conducted over one school year using a quasiexperimental longitudinal field research design with 3 measurement points (baseline, preintervention, and postintervention) using The Creative Curriculum Assessment (TCCA), a teacher-scored, 50-item instrument measuring students growth in 4 areas of development: social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. Children in 19 preschool classrooms in the Salt Lake City School District were divided into intervention and control group samples (n = 66 and n = 309, respectively; mean age = 3.6 y). The intervention classes were specifically selected to target children of lower socioeconomic and ethnic minority backgrounds. Overall, there is compelling evidence of the efficacy of the EHS program in increasing total psychosocial development and each of the 4 development areas measured by the TCCA: the results of a series of analyses of covariance found a strong, consistent pattern of large, significant differences on the development measures favoring preschool children who received the EHS program over those in the control group. PMID:24278801

Formative evaluation on cultural tailoring breathing awareness meditation smartphone apps to reduce stress and blood pressure

PubMed Central

Adams, Zachary W.; Nemeth, Lynne; Brunner-Jackson, Brenda; Mueller, Martina; Anderson, Ashley; Patel, Sachin; Sox, Luke; Treiber, Frank A.

2017-01-01

Background Chronic stress is an independent risk factor for essential hypertension (EH), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and is sometimes confronted by mal-adaptive coping behaviors (e.g., stress eating, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.). Pre-essential hypertension (preEH) is the leading predictor of future EH status. Breathing awareness meditation (BAM) can result in clinically beneficial blood pressure (BP) reductions, though face-to-face sessions presents barriers to reach those in need. The purpose of this study was to identify if a culturally tailored approach is needed in the design and preferences between groups of preEH African American and White adults toward using a smartphone BAM app, the Tension Tamer (TT) app. Methods TT includes audio delivered BAM instructions, real-time heart rate, feedback graphs and motivational reinforcement text messaging. Questionnaires and two focus groups each of African American and White adults, [n=34, mean age =43.1 years, (SD 13.8 years), 44.1% African American] were conducted to understand stress, EH knowledge, app usage along with feedback from a hands-on demonstration of TT. Grounded theory using NVivo 10 was used to develop themes and combined with the questionnaires in the analysis. Results No racial differences were found in the analysis including app use scenarios, preferences, knowledge, technology use or the attitudes and acceptance toward mobile health (mHealth) programs. Reported stress was high for African Americans [PSS-4: mean 6.87 (SD 3.3) versus mean 4.56 (SD 2.6); P=0.03]. Four main themes were found: (I) stress was pervasive; (II) coping strategies were both positive and negative; (III) BAM training was easy to incorporated; and (IV) tracking stress responses was useful. Responses suggest that additional personalization of app interfaces may drive ownership and adherence to protocols. Measures and reports of heart rate monitoring while in session were favorably viewed with low issues with confidentiality or trust issues on collected session data. Conclusions Results suggest that a culturally tailored approach may be unnecessary in the design of BAM apps. Further investigation is warranted for other racial groups, age ranges, and disease conditions. PMID:29184896

What State Leaders Should Know about Early Head Start

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Matthews, Hannah; Schmit, Stephanie

2014-01-01

Early Head Start (EHS) is a federally-funded, community-based program that provides comprehensive child and family development services to low-income pregnant women and families with children under the age of 3. The mission of EHS is to support healthy prenatal outcomes and enhance the intellectual, social, and emotional development of infants and…

The National Nanotechnology Initiative: Overview, Reauthorization, and Appropriations Issues

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-25

commercialization, including environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns and their implications for workplace, environmental, food , and drug...development of technologies that will enable commercial scale manufacturing of nanotechnology materials and products; environmental, health, and safety (EHS...concerns; and maintenance of public confidence in its safety . Congress established programs, assigned responsibilities, and initiated research and

Counselor's Resource Guide for Supporting Programs for Emotionally Handicapped Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana State Dept. of Education, Indianapolis. Div. of Special Education.

The guide is intended as an information resource for school counselors in their interactions with emotionally handicapped (EH) students and their teachers. Following a definition of EH students, the first of seven brief chapters uses a question-and-answer format to discuss the counselor's role in student assessment and the individualized education…

Emergency Health Services Informational and Educational Programs

PubMed Central

Pace, F. C.

1967-01-01

The development and present status of the Emergency Health Services (EHS) national and educational programs are discussed. Instituted in 1951 for medical and dental practitioners at a military school at Camp Borden, professional civilian indoctrination was later assumed by EHS at Canadian Emergency Measures College (CEMC). The federally sponsored courses there are now specialized; provincial EHS authorities undertake general indoctrination. Courses for graduates in pharmacy and nursing are also offered at CEMC. Hospital Disaster Institutes have been held across the country since 1954; Public Health Disaster Institutes, since 1966. Schools of Hygiene include the subject in graduate programs. Some years ago, three medical faculties introduced undergraduate teaching in mass casualty care; now, encouraged by the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges, a larger number are doing so. Several faculties of Dentistry, all faculties of Pharmacy, and 132 of 177 nursing schools teach apposite aspects. Professional journals have published many articles on this subject; this, for example, is the fourth Emergency Health Services Symposium presented by The Canadian Medical Association Journal. PMID:6015744

Emergency health services informational and educational programs: development and present status.

PubMed

Pace, F C

1967-01-28

The development and present status of the Emergency Health Services (EHS) national and educational programs are discussed. Instituted in 1951 for medical and dental practitioners at a military school at Camp Borden, professional civilian indoctrination was later assumed by EHS at Canadian Emergency Measures College (CEMC). The federally sponsored courses there are now specialized; provincial EHS authorities undertake general indoctrination. Courses for graduates in pharmacy and nursing are also offered at CEMC. Hospital Disaster Institutes have been held across the country since 1954; Public Health Disaster Institutes, since 1966. Schools of Hygiene include the subject in graduate programs. Some years ago, three medical faculties introduced undergraduate teaching in mass casualty care; now, encouraged by the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges, a larger number are doing so. Several faculties of Dentistry, all faculties of Pharmacy, and 132 of 177 nursing schools teach apposite aspects. Professional journals have published many articles on this subject; this, for example, is the fourth Emergency Health Services Symposium presented by The Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Improving working memory abilities in individuals with Down syndrome: a treatment case study

PubMed Central

Costa, Hiwet Mariam; Purser, Harry R. M.; Passolunghi, Maria Chiara

2015-01-01

Working memory (WM) skills of individuals with Down’s syndrome (DS) tend to be very poor compared to typically developing children of similar mental age. In particular, research has found that in individuals with DS visuo-spatial WM is better preserved than verbal WM. This study investigated whether it is possible to train short-term memory (STM) and WM abilities in individuals with DS. The cases of two teenage children are reported: EH, 17 years and 3 months, and AS, 15 years and 11 months. A school-based treatment targeting visuo-spatial WM was given to EH and AS for six weeks. Both prior to and after the treatment, they completed a set of assessments to measure WM abilities and their performance was compared with younger typically developing non-verbal mental age controls. The results showed that the trained participants improved their performance in some of the trained and non-trained WM tasks proposed, especially with regard to the tasks assessing visuo-spatial WM abilities. These findings are discussed on the basis of their theoretical, educational, and clinical implications. PMID:26441713

Cognitive Performance of Emotionally Handicapped Students: Predictor of School Placement?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lutkemeier, David M.; Wade, James P.

The study examined the intellectual performance of 248 school age students 157 of whom were taken from public school settings. Of these, 93 were emotionally handicapped (EH) students and 64 were regular education students. The remaining subjects came from a residential school for EH children and youth (n=15) and from a summer program for…

Bench Scale Process for Low Cost CO2 Capture Using a Phase-Changing Absorbent: Topical Report EH&S Risk Assessment

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

Westendorf, Tiffany; Farnum, Rachel; Perry, Robert

2016-05-11

GE Global Research was contracted by the Department of Energy to design and build a bench-scale process for a novel phase-changing aminosilicone-based CO2 capture solvent (award number DEFE0013687). As part of this program, a technology EH&S assessment (Subtask 5.1) has been completed for a CO2 capture system for a 550 MW coal-fired power plant. The assessment focuses on two chemicals used in the process, the aminosilicone solvent, GAP-0, and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DDBSA), the GAP-0 carbamate formed upon reaction of the GAP-0 with CO2, and two potential byproducts formed in the process, GAP-0/SOx salts and amine-terminated, urea-containing silicone (also referred tomore » as “ureas” in this report). The EH&S assessment identifies and estimates the magnitude of the potential air and water emissions and solid waste generated by the process and reviews the toxicological profiles of the chemicals associated with the process. Details regarding regulatory requirements, engineering controls, and storage and handling procedures are also provided in the following sections.« less

A Novel Heat Shock Element (HSE) in Entamoeba histolytica that Regulates the Transcriptional Activation of the EhPgp5 Gene in the Presence of Emetine Drug.

PubMed

Nieto, Alma; Pérez Ishiwara, David G; Orozco, Esther; Sánchez Monroy, Virginia; Gómez García, Consuelo

2017-01-01

Transcriptional regulation of the multidrug resistance EhPgp5 gene in Entamoeba histolytica is induced by emetine stress. EhPgp5 overexpression alters the chloride-dependent currents that cause trophozoite swelling, diminishing induced programmed cell death (PCD) susceptibility. In contrast, antisense inhibition of P-glycoprotein (PGP) expression produces synchronous death of trophozoites and the enhancement of the biochemical and morphological characteristics of PCD induced by G418. Transcriptional gene regulation analysis identified a 59 bp region at position -170 to -111 bp promoter as putative emetine response elements (EREs). However, insights into transcription factors controlling EhPgp5 gene transcription are missing; to fill this knowledge gap, we used deletion studies and transient CAT activity assays. Our findings suggested an activating motif (-151 to -136 bp) that corresponds to a heat shock element (HSE). Gel-shift assays, UV-crosslinking, binding protein purification, and western blotting assays revealed proteins of 94, 66, 62, and 51 kDa binding to the EhPgp5 HSE that could be heat shock-like transcription factors that regulate the transcriptional activation of the EhPgp5 gene in the presence of emetine drug.

Social Worker's Resource Guide for Supporting Programs for Emotionally Handicapped Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana State Dept. of Education, Indianapolis. Div. of Special Education.

The guide is intended to serve as an information resource for school social workers in their interactions with emotionally handicapped (EH) students and their teachers. Following a definition of the EH student, the first of six brief chapters uses a question-and-answer format to discuss the role of the social worker in student assessment and the…

EHS Open House: Learning Lab and Life Safety | Poster

Cancer.gov

Attendees of the Environment, Health, and Safety Program’s (EHS’) Open House had a chance to learn self-defense techniques, as well as visit with vendors demonstrating the latest trends in laboratory safety. “Working with sharps in labs is inherently dangerous, so EHS proactively focused on featuring equipment that would promote safer techniques,” said Siobhan Tierney, program

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer August 1936 ...

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

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer August 1936 THIS BUILDING ERECTED 1830 IS THE FIRST PASSENGER AND FREIGHT STATION IN AMERICA AND THE OLDEST IN THE WORLD AT THE TIME OF ITS USE. TRAINS WERE HAULED BY HORSES BETWEEN BALTIMORE AND ELLICOTT MILLS, BALTIMORE & OHIO THE PIONEER RAILROAD OF AMERICA. THE CORNER STONE OF WHICH WAS LAID BY CHARLES CARROLL OF CARROLLTON JULY 4, 1828. THE FIRST TELEGRAPH MESSAGE SENT FROM THIS BUILDING TO WASHINGTON. MAY 24, 1844. 'WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT:' - Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Mount Clare Station, 500 block West Pratt Street, Baltimore, Independent City, MD

A Novel Heat Shock Element (HSE) in Entamoeba histolytica that Regulates the Transcriptional Activation of the EhPgp5 Gene in the Presence of Emetine Drug

PubMed Central

Nieto, Alma; Pérez Ishiwara, David G.; Orozco, Esther; Sánchez Monroy, Virginia; Gómez García, Consuelo

2017-01-01

Transcriptional regulation of the multidrug resistance EhPgp5 gene in Entamoeba histolytica is induced by emetine stress. EhPgp5 overexpression alters the chloride-dependent currents that cause trophozoite swelling, diminishing induced programmed cell death (PCD) susceptibility. In contrast, antisense inhibition of P-glycoprotein (PGP) expression produces synchronous death of trophozoites and the enhancement of the biochemical and morphological characteristics of PCD induced by G418. Transcriptional gene regulation analysis identified a 59 bp region at position −170 to −111 bp promoter as putative emetine response elements (EREs). However, insights into transcription factors controlling EhPgp5 gene transcription are missing; to fill this knowledge gap, we used deletion studies and transient CAT activity assays. Our findings suggested an activating motif (−151 to −136 bp) that corresponds to a heat shock element (HSE). Gel-shift assays, UV-crosslinking, binding protein purification, and western blotting assays revealed proteins of 94, 66, 62, and 51 kDa binding to the EhPgp5 HSE that could be heat shock-like transcription factors that regulate the transcriptional activation of the EhPgp5 gene in the presence of emetine drug. PMID:29238701

Evaluation of an oral health education session for Early Head Start home visitors.

PubMed

Glatt, Kevin; Okunseri, Christopher; Flanagan, Diane; Simpson, Pippa; Cao, Yumei; Willis, Earnestine

2016-06-01

Home visiting programs promote the education and health of Early Head Start (EHS) children and pregnant women. However, EHS's oral health component is unevenly implemented. We conducted an educational intervention to improve oral health knowledge and motivational interviewing techniques among Wisconsin EHS home visitors. A questionnaire assessing oral health-related knowledge and confidence was administered to home visitors before and after an educational session. Changes between pre/post-responses were analyzed with McNemar's test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. After the intervention there were increases in both knowledge and confidence related to oral health communication. Knowledge increases were observed in such topics as fluoridation, dental caries, and caregivers' role in assisting and supervising children's tooth brushing. A brief educational intervention was associated with increased home visitor knowledge and confidence in communicating oral health messages to EHS caregivers and pregnant women. © 2016 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Early Head Start, Pediatric Dental Use, and Oral Health–Related Quality of Life

PubMed Central

Burgette, J.M.; Preisser, J.S.; Weinberger, M.; King, R.S.; Rozier, R.G.

2017-01-01

The objective of the study was to examine the mediating effect of child dental use on the effectiveness of North Carolina Early Head Start (EHS) in improving oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL). In total, 479 parents of children enrolled in EHS and 699 parents of Medicaid-matched children were interviewed at baseline when children were approximately 10 mo old and 24 mo later. In this quasi-experimental study, mediation analysis was performed using the counterfactual framework analysis, which employed 2 logit models with random effects: 1) for the mediator as a function of the treatment and covariates and 2) for the outcome as a function of the treatment, mediator, and covariates. The covariates were baseline dental OHRQoL, dental need, survey language, and a propensity score. We used in-person computer-assisted, structured interviews to collect information on demographic characteristics and dental use and to administer the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale, a measure of OHRQoL. Dental use had a mediation effect in the undesired direction with a 2–percentage point increase in the probability of any negative impact to OHRQoL (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3%–3.9%). Even with higher dental use by EHS participants, the probability of any negative impact to OHRQoL was approximately 8 percentage points lower if an individual were moved from the non-EHS group to the EHS group (95% CI, −13.9% to −1.2%). EHS increases child dental use, which worsens family OHRQoL. However, EHS is associated with improved OHRQoL overall. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Study results can inform policy makers that comprehensive early childhood education programs improve oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) for disadvantaged families with young children in pathways outside of clinical dental care. This awareness and its promotion can lead to greater resource investments in early childhood education programs. Information about the negative impacts of dental use on OHRQoL should lead to the development and testing of strategies in dentistry and Early Head Start to improve dental care experiences. PMID:28944292

Parents, Practitioners, and Researchers: Community-Based Participatory Research With Early Head Start

PubMed Central

McAllister, Carol L.; Green, Beth L.; Terry, Martha Ann; Herman, Vivian; Mulvey, Laurie

2003-01-01

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an approach to research and evaluation that is receiving increased attention in the field of public health. Our report discusses the application of this approach to research and evaluation with an Early Head Start (EHS) program in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our primary purpose is to illustrate the key elements that contributed to effective collaboration among researchers, EHS practitioners, and parents of EHS children in the conduct of the study. The focus is not on research findings but on research process. Our goal is to make the practices of CBPR visible and explicit so they can be analyzed, further developed, and effectively applied to a range of public health issues in a diversity of community contexts. PMID:14534219

Frequency of inadequate chicken cross-contamination prevention and cooking practices in restaurants.

PubMed

Green Brown, Laura; Khargonekar, Shivangi; Bushnell, Lisa

2013-12-01

This study was conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The purpose was to examine restaurant chicken preparation and cooking practices and kitchen managers' food safety knowledge concerning chicken. EHS-Net members interviewed managers about chicken preparation practices in 448 restaurants. The study revealed that many restaurants were not following U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code guidance concerning cross-contamination prevention and proper cooking and that managers lacked basic food safety knowledge about chicken. Forty percent of managers said that they never, rarely, or only sometimes designated certain cutting boards for raw meat (including chicken). One-third of managers said that they did not wash and rinse surfaces before sanitizing them. Over half of managers said that thermometers were not used to determine the final cook temperature of chicken. Only 43% of managers knew the temperature to which raw chicken needed to be cooked for it to be safe to eat. These findings indicate that restaurant chicken preparation and cooking practices and manager food safety knowledge need improvement. Findings from this study could be used by food safety programs and the restaurant industry to target training and intervention efforts to improve chicken preparation and cooking practices and knowledge concerning safe chicken preparation.

Frequency of Inadequate Chicken Cross-Contamination Prevention and Cooking Practices in Restaurants

PubMed Central

Brown, Laura Green; Khargonekar, Shivangi; Bushnell, Lisa

2017-01-01

This study was conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The purpose was to examine restaurant chicken preparation and cooking practices and kitchen managers’ food safety knowledge concerning chicken. EHS-Net members interviewed managers about chicken preparation practices in 448 restaurants. The study revealed that many restaurants were not following U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code guidance concerning cross-contamination prevention and proper cooking and that managers lacked basic food safety knowledge about chicken. Forty percent of managers said that they never, rarely, or only sometimes designated certain cutting boards for raw meat (including chicken). One-third of managers said that they did not wash and rinse surfaces before sanitizing them. Over half of managers said that thermometers were not used to determine the final cook temperature of chicken. Only 43% of managers knew the temperature to which raw chicken needed to be cooked for it to be safe to eat. These findings indicate that restaurant chicken preparation and cooking practices and manager food safety knowledge need improvement. Findings from this study could be used by food safety programs and the restaurant industry to target training and intervention efforts to improve chicken preparation and cooking practices and knowledge concerning safe chicken preparation. PMID:24290693

76 FR 41261 - Notice of Intent To Award Affordable Care Act (ACA) Funding, EH10-1003

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-13

... activities including prevention research and health screenings, such as the Community Transformation Grant Program, the Education and Outreach Campaign for Preventative Benefits, and Immunization Programs. The ACA...

IMPLEMENTING AN ATTACHMENT-BASED PARENTING INTERVENTION WITHIN HOME-BASED EARLY HEAD START: HOME-VISITORS' PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES.

PubMed

West, Allison L; Aparicio, Elizabeth M; Berlin, Lisa J; Jones Harden, Brenda

2017-07-01

Implementation of evidence-based interventions in "real-world" settings is enhanced when front-line staff view the intervention as acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. This qualitative study addresses Early Head Start (EHS) home visitors' perceptions and experiences of an evidence-based parenting intervention, the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up program (M. Dozier, O. Lindhiem, & J. Ackerman, 2005), when added to EHS services as usual within the context of a research-practice partnership. Thematic analysis of in-depth, qualitative interviews indicates that home visitors experienced the intervention as positive and helpful for EHS families. Some challenges included scheduling and uncertainty regarding the goals of the intervention. Concerns over participation in the research centered on information exchange, confidentiality, and time limitations. © 2017 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 552 - Non-Permit Access Routes

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... (East Gate Road to Roy City Limits) Lincoln Avenue (Madigan to EH 391179) 3. The Solo Point Road is open... check-in: I-5 Steilacoom-DuPont Road (EH 286156 to EH 302227). Pacific Highway Southeast (EH 232119 to... (paved) Roads (EH 386088 to EH 450074). 8th Avenue South (EH 424045 to EH 424126). 8th Avenue East (EH...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 552 - Non-Permit Access Routes

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (East Gate Road to Roy City Limits) Lincoln Avenue (Madigan to EH 391179) 3. The Solo Point Road is open... check-in: I-5 Steilacoom-DuPont Road (EH 286156 to EH 302227). Pacific Highway Southeast (EH 232119 to... (paved) Roads (EH 386088 to EH 450074). 8th Avenue South (EH 424045 to EH 424126). 8th Avenue East (EH...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 552 - Non-Permit Access Routes

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... Limits) Lincoln Avenue (Madigan to EH 391179) 3. The Solo Point Road is open to Weyerhauser Corporation... Steilacoom-DuPont Road (EH 286156 to EH 302227). Pacific Highway Southeast (EH 232119 to EH 250141). Washington State Route 507 (EH 363061 to EH 429144). Goodacre (unpaved) and Rice Kandle (paved) Roads (EH...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 552 - Non-Permit Access Routes

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Limits) Lincoln Avenue (Madigan to EH 391179) 3. The Solo Point Road is open to Weyerhauser Corporation... Steilacoom-DuPont Road (EH 286156 to EH 302227). Pacific Highway Southeast (EH 232119 to EH 250141). Washington State Route 507 (EH 363061 to EH 429144). Goodacre (unpaved) and Rice Kandle (paved) Roads (EH...

32 CFR Appendix B to Part 552 - Non-Permit Access Routes

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Limits) Lincoln Avenue (Madigan to EH 391179) 3. The Solo Point Road is open to Weyerhauser Corporation... Steilacoom-DuPont Road (EH 286156 to EH 302227). Pacific Highway Southeast (EH 232119 to EH 250141). Washington State Route 507 (EH 363061 to EH 429144). Goodacre (unpaved) and Rice Kandle (paved) Roads (EH...

Buffering boys and boosting girls: The protective and promotive effects of Early Head Start for children’s expressive language in the context of parenting stress

PubMed Central

Vallotton, C. D.; Harewood, T.; Ayoub, C. A.; Pan, B.; Mastergeorge, A. M.; Brophy-Herb, H.

2011-01-01

Children’s characteristics, including gender, influence their development by eliciting differential responses from their environments, and by influencing differential responses to their environments. Parenting-related stress, associated with poverty environments, negatively influences children’s language, likely through its impact on parent-child interactions, but may impact boys’ and girls’ development differently. Early intervention represents one tool for supporting development in at-risk toddlers, but gender-differences in effects of intervention are rarely described. The current studies assessed the effects of Early Head Start (EHS) on children’s productive vocabulary in the context of parenting stress and examined gender differences in program effects on vocbulary. Data were from the national EHS Research and Evaluation (EHSRE) study (Study 1, N = 3,001), and from a dataset associated with one EHSRE site (Study 2, N = 146) where additional data on productive vocabulary were collected. Study 1 found that at 24 months of age, the EHS program protected girls’ productive vocabulary from the negative effects of parenting stress, but had little impact on boys’ vocabulary. In Study 2, the local EHS site promoted girls’ vocabulary development over time from 14 to 36 months despite the negative effects of parenting stress, and protected boys’ vocabulary from the negative parenting stress effects. These results suggest differential ways in which at-risk toddlers are affected by early intervention. PMID:23166405

Illinois: Child Care Collaboration Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Law and Social Policy, Inc. (CLASP), 2012

2012-01-01

The Illinois Child Care Collaboration Program promotes collaboration between child care and other early care and education providers, including Early Head Start (EHS), by creating policies to ease blending of funds to extend the day or year of existing services. While no funding is provided through the initiative, participating programs may take…

The secondary school football coach's relationship with the athletic trainer and perspectives on exertional heat stroke.

PubMed

Adams, William M; Mazerolle, Stephanie M; Casa, Douglas J; Huggins, Robert A; Burton, Laura

2014-01-01

Prior researchers have examined the first-aid knowledge and decision making among high school coaches, but little is known about their perceived knowledge of exertional heat stroke (EHS) or their relationships with an athletic trainer (AT). To examine secondary school football coaches' perceived knowledge of EHS and their professional relationship with an AT. Qualitative study. Web-based management system. Thirty-eight secondary school head football coaches (37 men, 1 woman) participated in this study. Their average age was 47 ± 10 years old, and they had 12 ± 9 years' experience as a head football coach. Participants responded to a series of online questions that were focused on their perceived knowledge of EHS and professional relationships with ATs. Data credibility was established through multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review. We analyzed the data by borrowing from the principles of a general inductive approach. Two dominant themes emerged from the data: perceived self-confidence of the secondary school coach and the influence of the AT. The first theme highlighted the perceived confidence, due to basic emergency care training, of the coach regarding management of an emergency situation, despite a lack of knowledge. The second theme illustrated the secondary school coach's positive professional relationships with ATs regarding patient care and emergency procedures. Of the coaches who participated, 89% (34 out of 38) indicated positive interactions with their ATs. These secondary school coaches were unaware of the potential causes of EHS or the symptoms associated with EHS, and they had higher perceived levels of self-confidence in management abilities than indicated by their perceived knowledge level. The secondary school football coaches valued and understood the role of the AT regarding patient and emergency care.

Investigation of Radiometric Combustion Monitoring Techniques for Coal- Fired Stoker Boilers

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

Office ATTN: CECPW-FU-P 22060 Ft Devens 01433 US Army Envr Hygiene Agency ATTN: AFZD-DE ATTN: HSHB-ME 21010 US Army Engr District Fort Drum 13602 ATTN...Library (40) ATTN: AFZS-EH-E US Gov’t Printing Office 20401 Fort Irwin 92310 ATFN: Rac SecDeposit Sac (2) US Army Engr Division ATTN: AFZJ-EH ATTN...66 USACERL DISTRIBUTION Chief of Engiaes Fort McCoy 54656 Tyndall AFB 32403 ATTN: CEHEC-IM-LH (2) ATTN: AFZR-DE ATTN: AFESC Program O(c ATTN: CEHEC-IM

Measuring Data Use Beliefs and Practices in Early Education Settings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stein, Amanda; Connors, Maia C.

2016-01-01

Educare is a network of enhanced Early Head Start (EHS)/Head Start (HS) (birth to age 5) programs that implement innovative Research-Program Partnerships (RPPs) to engage researchers, program leaders, staff, and at times, other stakeholders in a collaborative approach to supporting data use practices for decision-making and continuous quality…

Professional Preparation regarding the Recognition and Treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke: The Student Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mazerolle, Stephanie M.; Pagnotta, Kelly D.; Casa, Douglas J.; Armstrong, Lawrence; Maresh, Carl

2011-01-01

Context: Current evidence suggests rectal temperature(T[subscript re] and cold-water immersion (CWI) are the most effective means to diagnose and treat exertional heat stroke (EHS), respectively. Educators, clinicians, and students should be apprised of this evidence to guide their practice. Objective: Investigate what athletic training students…

The macrophage cytoskeleton acts as a contact sensor upon interaction with Entamoeba histolytica to trigger IL-1β secretion

PubMed Central

Moreau, France; Gorman, Hayley

2017-01-01

Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) is the causative agent of amebiasis, one of the major causes of dysentery-related morbidity worldwide. Recent studies have underlined the importance of the intercellular junction between Eh and host cells as a determinant in the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Despite the fact that direct contact and ligation between Eh surface Gal-lectin and EhCP-A5 with macrophage α5β1 integrin are absolute requirements for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β release, many other undefined molecular events and downstream signaling occur at the interface of Eh and macrophage. In this study, we investigated the molecular events at the intercellular junction that lead to recognition of Eh through modulation of the macrophage cytoskeleton. Upon Eh contact with macrophages key cytoskeletal-associated proteins were rapidly post-translationally modified only with live Eh but not with soluble Eh proteins or fragments. Eh ligation with macrophages rapidly activated caspase-6 dependent cleavage of the cytoskeletal proteins talin, Pyk2 and paxillin and caused robust release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-1β. Macrophage cytoskeletal cleavages were dependent on Eh cysteine proteinases EhCP-A1 and EhCP-A4 but not EhCP-A5 based on pharmacological blockade of Eh enzyme inhibitors and EhCP-A5 deficient parasites. These results unravel a model where the intercellular junction between macrophages and Eh form an area of highly interacting proteins that implicate the macrophage cytoskeleton as a sensor for Eh contact that leads downstream to subsequent inflammatory immune responses. PMID:28837696

Draft genome sequence of four coccolithoviruses: Emiliania huxleyi virus EhV-88, EhV-201, EhV-207, and EhV-208.

PubMed

Nissimov, Jozef I; Worthy, Charlotte A; Rooks, Paul; Napier, Johnathan A; Kimmance, Susan A; Henn, Matthew R; Ogata, Hiroyuki; Allen, Michael J

2012-03-01

The Coccolithoviridae are a group of viruses which infect the marine coccolithophorid microalga Emiliania huxleyi. The Emiliania huxleyi viruses (known as EhVs) described herein have 160- to 180-nm diameter icosahedral structures, have genomes of approximately 400 kbp, and consist of more than 450 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). Here, we describe the genomic features of four newly sequenced coccolithoviruses (EhV-88, EhV-201, EhV-207, and EhV-208) together with their draft genome sequences and their annotations, highlighting the homology and heterogeneity of these genomes to the EhV-86 model reference genome.

Management of Occupational Exposure to Engineered Nanoparticles Through a Chance-Constrained Nonlinear Programming Approach

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhi; Yuan, Yuan; Zhang, Shu-Shen; Chen, Yu; Yang, Feng-Lin

2013-01-01

Critical environmental and human health concerns are associated with the rapidly growing fields of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs). The main risk arises from occupational exposure via chronic inhalation of nanoparticles. This research presents a chance-constrained nonlinear programming (CCNLP) optimization approach, which is developed to maximize the nanaomaterial production and minimize the risks of workplace exposure to MNMs. The CCNLP method integrates nonlinear programming (NLP) and chance-constrained programming (CCP), and handles uncertainties associated with both the nanomaterial production and workplace exposure control. The CCNLP method was examined through a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) manufacturing process. The study results provide optimal production strategies and alternatives. It reveal that a high control measure guarantees that environmental health and safety (EHS) standards regulations are met, while a lower control level leads to increased risk of violating EHS regulations. The CCNLP optimization approach is a decision support tool for the optimization of the increasing MNMS manufacturing with workplace safety constraints under uncertainties. PMID:23531490

Management of occupational exposure to engineered nanoparticles through a chance-constrained nonlinear programming approach.

PubMed

Chen, Zhi; Yuan, Yuan; Zhang, Shu-Shen; Chen, Yu; Yang, Feng-Lin

2013-03-26

Critical environmental and human health concerns are associated with the rapidly growing fields of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs). The main risk arises from occupational exposure via chronic inhalation of nanoparticles. This research presents a chance-constrained nonlinear programming (CCNLP) optimization approach, which is developed to maximize the nanaomaterial production and minimize the risks of workplace exposure to MNMs. The CCNLP method integrates nonlinear programming (NLP) and chance-constrained programming (CCP), and handles uncertainties associated with both the nanomaterial production and workplace exposure control. The CCNLP method was examined through a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) manufacturing process. The study results provide optimal production strategies and alternatives. It reveal that a high control measure guarantees that environmental health and safety (EHS) standards regulations are met, while a lower control level leads to increased risk of violating EHS regulations. The CCNLP optimization approach is a decision support tool for the optimization of the increasing MNMS manufacturing with workplace safety constraints under uncertainties.

Food Allergy Knowledge and Attitudes of Restaurant Managers and Staff: An EHS-Net Study

PubMed Central

Radke, Taylor J.; Brown, Laura G.; Hoover, E. Rickamer; Faw, Brenda V.; Reimann, David; Wong, Melissa R.; Nicholas, David; Barkley, Jonathan; Ripley, Danny

2016-01-01

Dining outside of the home can be difficult for persons with food allergies who must rely on restaurant staff to properly prepare allergen-free meals. The purpose of this study was to understand and identify factors associated with food allergy knowledge and attitudes among restaurant managers, food workers, and servers. This study was conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net), a collaborative forum of federal, state, and local environmental health specialists working to understand the environmental factors associated with food safety issues. EHS-Net personnel collected data from 278 randomly selected restaurants through interviews with restaurant managers, food workers, and servers. Results indicated that managers, food workers, and servers were generally knowledgeable and had positive attitudes about accommodating customers’ food allergies. However, we identified important gaps, such as more than 10% of managers and staff believed that a person with a food allergy can safely consume a small amount of that allergen. Managers and staff also had lower confidence in their restaurant’s ability to properly respond to a food allergy emergency. The knowledge and attitudes of all groups were higher at restaurants that had a specific person to answer food allergy questions and requests or a plan for answering questions from food allergic customers. However, food allergy training was not associated with knowledge in any of the groups but was associated with manager and server attitudes. Based on these findings, we encourage restaurants to be proactive by training staff about food allergies and creating plans and procedures to reduce the risk of a customer having a food allergic reaction. PMID:28221943

Food Allergy Knowledge and Attitudes of Restaurant Managers and Staff: An EHS-Net Study.

PubMed

Radke, Taylor J; Brown, Laura G; Hoover, E Rickamer; Faw, Brenda V; Reimann, David; Wong, Melissa R; Nicholas, David; Barkley, Jonathan; Ripley, Danny

2016-09-01

Dining outside of the home can be difficult for persons with food allergies who must rely on restaurant staff to properly prepare allergen-free meals. The purpose of this study was to understand and identify factors associated with food allergy knowledge and attitudes among restaurant managers, food workers, and servers. This study was conducted by the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net), a collaborative forum of federal, state, and local environmental health specialists working to understand the environmental factors associated with food safety issues. EHS-Net personnel collected data from 278 randomly selected restaurants through interviews with restaurant managers, food workers, and servers. Results indicated that managers, food workers, and servers were generally knowledgeable and had positive attitudes about accommodating customers' food allergies. However, we identified important gaps, such as more than 10% of managers and staff believed that a person with a food allergy can safely consume a small amount of that allergen. Managers and staff also had lower confidence in their restaurant's ability to properly respond to a food allergy emergency. The knowledge and attitudes of all groups were higher at restaurants that had a specific person to answer food allergy questions and requests or a plan for answering questions from food allergic customers. However, food allergy training was not associated with knowledge in any of the groups but was associated with manager and server attitudes. Based on these findings, we encourage restaurants to be proactive by training staff about food allergies and creating plans and procedures to reduce the risk of a customer having a food allergic reaction.

Heterodimerization of the Entamoeba histolytica EhCPADH virulence complex through molecular dynamics and protein-protein docking.

PubMed

Montaño, Sarita; Orozco, Esther; Correa-Basurto, José; Bello, Martiniano; Chávez-Munguía, Bibiana; Betanzos, Abigail

2017-02-01

EhCPADH is a protein complex involved in the virulence of Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan responsible for human amebiasis. It is formed by the EhCP112 cysteine protease and the EhADH adhesin. To explore the molecular basis of the complex formation, three-dimensional models were built for both proteins and molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and docking calculations were performed. Results predicted that the pEhCP112 proenzyme and the mEhCP112 mature enzyme were globular and peripheral membrane proteins. Interestingly, in pEhCP112, the propeptide appeared hiding the catalytic site (C167, H329, N348); while in mEhCP112, this site was exposed and its residues were found structurally closer than in pEhCP112. EhADH emerged as an extended peripheral membrane protein with high fluctuation in Bro1 and V shape domains. 500 ns-long MDS and protein-protein docking predictions evidenced different heterodimeric complexes with the lowest free energy. pEhCP112 interacted with EhADH by the propeptide and C-terminal regions and mEhCP112 by the C-terminal through hydrogen bonds. In contrast, EhADH bound to mEhCP112 by 442-479 residues, adjacent to the target cell-adherence region (480-600 residues), and by the Bro1 domain (9-349 residues). Calculations of the effective binding free energy and per residue free energy decomposition showed that EhADH binds to mEhCP112 with a higher binding energy than to pEhCP112, mainly through van der Waals interactions and the nonpolar part of solvation energy. The EhADH and EhCP112 structural relationship was validated in trophozoites by immunofluorescence, TEM, and immunoprecipitation assays. Experimental findings fair agreed with in silico results.

Modular turbine airfoil and platform assembly with independent root teeth

DOEpatents

Campbell, Christian X; Davies, Daniel O; Eng, Darryl

2013-07-30

A turbine airfoil (22E-H) extends from a shank (23E-H). A platform (30E-H) brackets or surrounds a first portion of the shank (23E-H). Opposed teeth (33, 35) extend laterally from the platform (30E-H) to engage respective slots (50) in a disk. Opposed teeth (25, 27) extend laterally from a second portion of the shank (29) that extends below the platform (30E-H) to engage other slots (52) in the disk. Thus the platform (30E-H) and the shank (23E-H) independently support their own centrifugal loads via their respective teeth. The platform may be formed in two portions (32E-H, 34E-H), that are bonded to each other at matching end-walls (37) and/or via pins (36G) passing through the shank (23E-H). Coolant channels (41, 43) may pass through the shank beside the pins (36G).

Environmental Regulatory Update Table, May/June 1992

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

Houlberg, L.M.; Hawkins, G.T.; Lewis, E.B.

1992-07-01

This report contains a bi-monthly update of environmental regulatory activity that is of interest to the Department of Energy. It is provided to DOE operations and contractor staff to assist and support environmental management programs by tracking regulatory developments. Any proposed regulation that raises significant issues for any DOE operation should be reported to the Office of Environmental Guidance (EH-23) as soon as possible so that the Department can make its concerns known to the appropriate regulatory agency. Items of particular interest to EH-23 are indicated by a shading of the RU{number_sign}.

Environmental Regulatory Update Table, May/June 1992

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

Houlberg, L.M.; Hawkins, G.T.; Lewis, E.B.

1992-07-01

This report contains a bi-monthly update of environmental regulatory activity that is of interest to the Department of Energy. It is provided to DOE operations and contractor staff to assist and support environmental management programs by tracking regulatory developments. Any proposed regulation that raises significant issues for any DOE operation should be reported to the Office of Environmental Guidance (EH-23) as soon as possible so that the Department can make its concerns known to the appropriate regulatory agency. Items of particular interest to EH-23 are indicated by a shading of the RU{number sign}.

Prevalence of Murine Helicobacter spp. Infection Is Reduced by Restocking Research Colonies with Helicobacter-Free Mice

PubMed Central

Lofgren, Jennifer LS; Esmail, Michael; Mobley, Melissa; McCabe, Amanda; Taylor, Nancy S; Shen, Zeli; Erdman, Susan; Hewes, Christine; Whary, Mark T; Fox, James G

2012-01-01

Most academic research colonies of mice are endemically infected with enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. (EHS). We evaluated EHS prevalence in surveillance mice before and after a 10-y period of requiring that imported mice be free of EHS by embryo transfer rederivation or purchase from approved vendors. In 2009, composite fecal samples from CD1 surveillance mice representing colony health in 57 rooms located in 6 facilities were evaluated for EHS infection by using PCR assays. Fecal samples were screened with primers designed to detect all known EHS, and positive samples were further assayed by using primers specific for H. hepaticus, H. bilis, H. rodentium, and H. typhlonicus. Most EHS were detected in surveillance mice within the first month of dirty bedding exposure, with prevalence ranging from 0% to 64% as monoinfections or, more commonly, infections with multiple EHS. Compared with 1999 prevalence data, EHS remained endemic in colonies importing the lowest number of EHS-free mice. EHS were absent or the prevalence was greatly reduced in colonies receiving the highest percentage of EHS-free mice. This study demonstrates that the management decision to require exclusive importation of EHS-free mice reduced EHS prevalence on an institutional scale without intensive labor and expense associated with other techniques or interference with research objectives. PMID:23043808

The Secondary School Football Coach's Relationship With the Athletic Trainer and Perspectives on Exertional Heat Stroke

PubMed Central

Adams, William M.; Mazerolle, Stephanie M.; Casa, Douglas J.; Huggins, Robert A.; Burton, Laura

2014-01-01

Context: Prior researchers have examined the first-aid knowledge and decision making among high school coaches, but little is known about their perceived knowledge of exertional heat stroke (EHS) or their relationships with an athletic trainer (AT). Objective: To examine secondary school football coaches' perceived knowledge of EHS and their professional relationship with an AT. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Web-based management system. Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-eight secondary school head football coaches (37 men, 1 woman) participated in this study. Their average age was 47 ± 10 years old, and they had 12 ± 9 years' experience as a head football coach. Data Collection and Analysis: Participants responded to a series of online questions that were focused on their perceived knowledge of EHS and professional relationships with ATs. Data credibility was established through multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review. We analyzed the data by borrowing from the principles of a general inductive approach. Results: Two dominant themes emerged from the data: perceived self-confidence of the secondary school coach and the influence of the AT. The first theme highlighted the perceived confidence, due to basic emergency care training, of the coach regarding management of an emergency situation, despite a lack of knowledge. The second theme illustrated the secondary school coach's positive professional relationships with ATs regarding patient care and emergency procedures. Of the coaches who participated, 89% (34 out of 38) indicated positive interactions with their ATs. Conclusions: These secondary school coaches were unaware of the potential causes of EHS or the symptoms associated with EHS, and they had higher perceived levels of self-confidence in management abilities than indicated by their perceived knowledge level. The secondary school football coaches valued and understood the role of the AT regarding patient and emergency care. PMID:24933433

Host–virus dynamics and subcellular controls of cell fate in a natural coccolithophore population

PubMed Central

Vardi, Assaf; Haramaty, Liti; Van Mooy, Benjamin A. S.; Fredricks, Helen F.; Kimmance, Susan A.; Larsen, Aud; Bidle, Kay D.

2012-01-01

Marine viruses are major evolutionary and biogeochemical drivers in marine microbial foodwebs. However, an in-depth understanding of the cellular mechanisms and the signal transduction pathways mediating host–virus interactions during natural bloom dynamics has remained elusive. We used field-based mesocosms to examine the “arms race” between natural populations of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi and its double-stranded DNA-containing coccolithoviruses (EhVs). Specifically, we examined the dynamics of EhV infection and its regulation of cell fate over the course of bloom development and demise using a diverse suite of molecular tools and in situ fluorescent staining to target different levels of subcellular resolution. We demonstrate the concomitant induction of reactive oxygen species, caspase-specific activity, metacaspase expression, and programmed cell death in response to the accumulation of virus-derived glycosphingolipids upon infection of natural E. huxleyi populations. These subcellular responses to viral infection simultaneously resulted in the enhanced production of transparent exopolymer particles, which can facilitate aggregation and stimulate carbon flux. Our results not only corroborate the critical role for glycosphingolipids and programmed cell death in regulating E. huxleyi–EhV interactions, but also elucidate promising molecular biomarkers and lipid-based proxies for phytoplankton host–virus interactions in natural systems. PMID:23134731

Torque Generation of Enterococcus hirae V-ATPase*

PubMed Central

Ueno, Hiroshi; Minagawa, Yoshihiro; Hara, Mayu; Rahman, Suhaila; Yamato, Ichiro; Muneyuki, Eiro; Noji, Hiroyuki; Murata, Takeshi; Iino, Ryota

2014-01-01

V-ATPase (VoV1) converts the chemical free energy of ATP into an ion-motive force across the cell membrane via mechanical rotation. This energy conversion requires proper interactions between the rotor and stator in VoV1 for tight coupling among chemical reaction, torque generation, and ion transport. We developed an Escherichia coli expression system for Enterococcus hirae VoV1 (EhVoV1) and established a single-molecule rotation assay to measure the torque generated. Recombinant and native EhVoV1 exhibited almost identical dependence of ATP hydrolysis activity on sodium ion and ATP concentrations, indicating their functional equivalence. In a single-molecule rotation assay with a low load probe at high ATP concentration, EhVoV1 only showed the “clear” state without apparent backward steps, whereas EhV1 showed two states, “clear” and “unclear.” Furthermore, EhVoV1 showed slower rotation than EhV1 without the three distinct pauses separated by 120° that were observed in EhV1. When using a large probe, EhVoV1 showed faster rotation than EhV1, and the torque of EhVoV1 estimated from the continuous rotation was nearly double that of EhV1. On the other hand, stepping torque of EhV1 in the clear state was comparable with that of EhVoV1. These results indicate that rotor-stator interactions of the Vo moiety and/or sodium ion transport limit the rotation driven by the V1 moiety, and the rotor-stator interactions in EhVoV1 are stabilized by two peripheral stalks to generate a larger torque than that of isolated EhV1. However, the torque value was substantially lower than that of other rotary ATPases, implying the low energy conversion efficiency of EhVoV1. PMID:25258315

Eye height scaling of absolute size in immersive and nonimmersive displays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dixon, M. W.; Wraga, M.; Proffitt, D. R.; Williams, G. C.; Kaiser, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

Eye-height (EH) scaling of absolute height was investigated in three experiments. In Experiment 1, standing observers viewed cubes in an immersive virtual environment. Observers' center of projection was placed at actual EH and at 0.7 times actual EH. Observers' size judgments revealed that the EH manipulation was 76.8% effective. In Experiment 2, seated observers viewed the same cubes on an interactive desktop display; however, no effect of EH was found in response to the simulated EH manipulation. Experiment 3 tested standing observers in the immersive environment with the field of view reduced to match that of the desktop. Comparable to Experiment 1, the effect of EH was 77%. These results suggest that EH scaling is not generally used when people view an interactive desktop display because the altitude of the center of projection is indeterminate. EH scaling is spontaneously evoked, however, in immersive environments.

Military helicopter cockpit modernization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Andrew S.

2001-09-01

This paper describes some of the initiatives being progressed by Smiths Aerospace to enhance the operational effectiveness of military helicopters, with particular emphasis on the GWHL Lynx and EH Industries EH101 programs. The areas discussed include engine instrumentation, flight instrumentation and the mission system displays. Various Crew Stations are described which provide a suite of AMLCD displays which: -Integrate information from the aircraft engine, electrical power and hydraulic systems onto 5ATI displays -Integrate primary flight, navigation and mission system sensor information onto large area (61/4' square or 6' by 8') displays -Provide standby attitude and air data information in the event of major system failure on 3ATI displays.

Learned Helplessness: Perceived Effects of Ability and Effort on Academic Performance Among EH and LD/EH Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luchow, Jed P.; And Others

The Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire, which measures perceived locus of control of academic outcomes, was administered to 28 emotionally handicapped (EH) and 25 learning disabled (LD)/EH children. Between group comparison revealed that EH children took significantly more personal responsibility for academic failure than did…

Single Residue Mutation in Active Site of Serine Acetyltransferase Isoform 3 from Entamoeba histolytica Assists in Partial Regaining of Feedback Inhibition by Cysteine

PubMed Central

Kumar, Sudhir; Mazumder, Mohit; Dharavath, Sudhaker; Gourinath, S.

2013-01-01

The cysteine biosynthetic pathway is essential for survival of the protist pathogen Entamoeba histolytica, and functions by producing cysteine for countering oxidative attack during infection in human hosts. Serine acetyltransferase (SAT) and O-acetylserine sulfhydrylase (OASS) are involved in cysteine biosynthesis and are present in three isoforms each. While EhSAT1 and EhSAT2 are feedback inhibited by end product cysteine, EhSAT3 is nearly insensitive to such inhibition. The active site residues of EhSAT1 and of EhSAT3 are identical except for position 208, which is a histidine residue in EhSAT1 and a serine residue in EhSAT3. A combination of comparative modeling, multiple molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculation studies showed a difference in binding energies of native EhSAT3 and of a S208H-EhSAT3 mutant for cysteine. Mutants have also been generated in vitro, replacing serine with histidine at position 208 in EhSAT3 and replacing histidine 208 with serine in EhSAT1. These mutants showed decreased affinity for substrate serine, as indicated by Km, compared to the native enzymes. Inhibition kinetics in the presence of physiological concentrations of serine show that IC50 of EhSAT1 increases by about 18 folds from 9.59 µM for native to 169.88 µM for H208S-EhSAT1 mutant. Similar measurements with EhSAT3 confirm it to be insensitive to cysteine inhibition while its mutant (S208H-EhSAT3) shows a gain of cysteine inhibition by 36% and the IC50 of 3.5 mM. Histidine 208 appears to be one of the important residues that distinguish the serine substrate from the cysteine inhibitor. PMID:23437075

Distal esophageal hypercontractility is related to abnormal acid exposure.

PubMed

Soto-Pérez, Julio César; Sobrino-Cossío, Sergio; Higgins, Paul B; Comuzzie, Anthony G; Vargas Romero, Jose Antonio; Reding-Bernal, Arturo; López-Alvarenga, Juan Carlos

2011-02-01

Nutcracker esophagus (NE) is a frequent primary motility disorder of the distal esophagus, and the relationship with acid exposure remains controversial. We studied simultaneous distal esophageal hypercontractility (EH) using two sensors at 8 and 3 cm above the lower sphincter (LES) and abnormal exposure to acid (pH DeMeester score). From 400 screened patients with chest pain and heartburn, 54 (age 44.5 ± 8.8 years and 74% females) had abnormal manometry and underwent acid exposure measurement. Frequencies of the EH disorder were classic NE (EH(3 cm)) found in 29 (40.8%) patients, diffuse (EH(3,8 cm)) in 30 patients (42.3%), and upper segmental (EH(8 cm)) in 12 patients (16.9%). We found a positive correlation among age with high amplitude in EH(3 cm) and EH(3,8 cm). DeMeester's score (DMS) had the lowest value for EH(3,8 cm) (2.58 ± 0.23) compared with EH(8 cm) (3.78 ± 0.3, p <0.003) and EH(3 cm) (3.12 ± 0.2, p <0.06). Surface response for joint effect of age and DMS on amplitude at EH(3 cm) confirmed the highest amplitude was for older age and lower DMS. EH(3 cm) and EH(3,8 cm) were common for esophageal motility and were inversely associated with DMS. Meanwhile, acid exposure was higher in younger patients and hypercontractility was more frequent in older subjects. The former group may benefit more from proton pump inhibitors and the latter from visceral analgesics or possibly both. Copyright © 2011 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Core II Materials for Rural Agriculture Programs. Units E-H.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Biondo, Ron; And Others

This curriculum guide includes teaching packets for 21 problem areas to be included in a core curriculum for 10th grade students enrolled in a rural agricultural program. Covered in the four units included in this volume are crop science (harvesting farm crops and growing small grains); soil science and conservation of natural resources…

Characterization of a Rab11-like GTPase, EhRab11, of Entamoeba histolytica.

PubMed

McGugan, Glen C; Temesvari, Lesly A

2003-07-01

The Entamoeba histolytica Rab11 family of small molecular weight GTPases consists of three members, EhRab11, EhRab11B, and EhRab11C. The functions of these Rabs in Entamoeba have not been determined. Therefore, as an approach to elucidate the role of the Rab11 family of GTPases in Entamoeba, immunofluorescence microscopy was undertaken to define the subcellular localization of one member of this family, EhRab11. Under conditions of growth, EhRab11 displayed a punctate pattern in the cytoplasm of trophozoites. EhRab11 did not colocalize with markers for the Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, pinosomes, phagosomes, or compartments formed by receptor-mediated endocytosis, suggesting that this Rab may not play a role in vesicle trafficking between these organelles. Under conditions of iron and serum starvation, EhRab11 was translocated to the periphery of the cell. The altered cellular localization was accompanied by multinucleation of the cells as well as the acquisition of detergent resistance by the cells, features that are characteristic of Entamoeba cysts. The translocation of EhRab11 to the periphery of the cell during iron and serum starvation was specific as the subcellular localizations of two other Rab GTPases, EhRab7 and EhRabA, were not altered under the same conditions. In addition, the formation of multinucleated cells by inhibition of cytokinesis was not sufficient to induce the translocation of EhRab11 to the cell periphery. Taken together, the data suggest that iron and serum starvation may induce encystation in E. histolytica and that EhRab11 may play a role in this process. Moreover, these studies are the first to describe a putative role for a Rab GTPase in encystation in Entamoeba sp.

EhVps32 Is a Vacuole-Associated Protein Involved in Pinocytosis and Phagocytosis of Entamoeaba histolytica

PubMed Central

Avalos-Padilla, Yunuen; Betanzos, Abigail; Javier-Reyna, Rosario; García-Rivera, Guillermina; Chávez-Munguía, Bibiana; Lagunes-Guillén, Anel; Ortega, Jaime; Orozco, Esther

2015-01-01

Here, we investigated the role of EhVps32 protein (a member of the endosomal-sorting complex required for transport) in endocytosis of Entamoeba histolytica, a professional phagocyte. Confocal microscopy, TEM and cell fractionation revealed EhVps32 in cytoplasmic vesicles and also located adjacent to the plasma membrane. Between 5 to 30 min of phagocytosis, EhVps32 was detected on some erythrocytes-containing phagosomes of acidic nature, and at 60 min it returned to cytoplasmic vesicles and also appeared adjacent to the plasma membrane. TEM images revealed it in membranous structures in the vicinity of ingested erythrocytes. EhVps32, EhADH (an ALIX family member), Gal/GalNac lectin and actin co-localized in the phagocytic cup and in some erythrocytes-containing phagosomes, but EhVps32 was scarcely detected in late phagosomes. During dextran uptake, EhVps32, EhADH and Gal/GalNac lectin, but not actin, co-localized in pinosomes. EhVps32 recombinant protein formed oligomers composed by rings and filaments. Antibodies against EhVps32 monomers stained cytoplasmic vesicles but not erythrocytes-containing phagosomes, suggesting that in vivo oligomers are formed on phagosome membranes. The involvement of EhVps32 in phagocytosis was further study in pNeoEhvps32-HA-transfected trophozoites, which augmented almost twice their rate of erythrophagocytosis as well as the membranous concentric arrays built by filaments, spirals and tunnel-like structures. Some of these structures apparently connected phagosomes with the phagocytic cup. In concordance, the EhVps32-silenced G3 trophozoites ingested 80% less erythrocytes than the G3 strain. Our results suggest that EhVps32 participates in E. histolytica phagocytosis and pinocytosis. It forms oligomers on erythrocytes-containing phagosomes, probably as a part of the scission machinery involved in membrane invagination and intraluminal vesicles formation. PMID:26230715

Cholangiocarcinoma in Italy: A national survey on clinical characteristics, diagnostic modalities and treatment. Results from the "Cholangiocarcinoma" committee of the Italian Association for the Study of Liver disease.

PubMed

Alvaro, Domenico; Bragazzi, Maria Consiglia; Benedetti, Antonio; Fabris, Luca; Fava, Giammarco; Invernizzi, Pietro; Marzioni, Marco; Nuzzo, Gennaro; Strazzabosco, Mario; Stroffolini, Tommaso

2011-01-01

Very few studies assessed cholangiocarcinoma clinical characteristics. To evaluate the clinical characteristics of intra-hepatic (IH) and extra-hepatic (EH)-CCA. We performed a national survey based on a questionnaire. 218 cholangiocarcinomas were observed (47% EH-CCA, 53% IH-CCA) with an age at the diagnosis higher for EH-CCA. Coexistence of cirrhosis or viral cirrhosis was more frequent in IH-CCA than EH-CCA. An incidental asymptomatic presentation occurred in 28% of IH-CCA vs 4% EH-CCA whilst, 74% EH-CCA vs 28% IH-CCA presented with jaundice. 91% of IH-CCA presented as a single intra-hepatic mass, whilst 50% of EH-CCA was peri-hilar. In the diagnostic work-up, 70% of all cholangiocarcinoma cases received at least 3 different imaging procedures. Tissue-proven diagnosis was obtained in 80% cholangiocarcinoma. Open surgery with curative intent was performed in 45% of IH-CCA and 29% EH-CCA. 18% IH-CCA vs 4% EH-CCA did not received treatment. In Italy IH-CCA is managed as frequently as EH-CCA. In comparison to EH-CCA, IH-CCA occurs at younger age and is more frequently associated with cirrhosis and with an incidental asymptomatic presentation. In contrast, most EH-CCAs are jaundiced at the diagnosis. Cholangiocarcinoma diagnostic management is cost- and time-consuming with curative surgical treatment applicable more frequently in IH-CCA. Copyright © 2010 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Environment, Safety, and Health Self-Assessment Report, Fiscal Year 2008

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

Chernowski, John

2009-02-27

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Self-Assessment Program ensures that Integrated Safety Management (ISM) is implemented institutionally and by all divisions. The Self-Assessment Program, managed by the Office of Contract Assurance (OCA), provides for an internal evaluation of all ES&H programs and systems at LBNL. The functions of the program are to ensure that work is conducted safely, and with minimal negative impact to workers, the public, and the environment. The Self-Assessment Program is also the mechanism used to institute continuous improvements to the Laboratory's ES&H programs. The program is described in LBNL/PUB 5344, Environment, Safety, andmore » Health Self-Assessment Program and is composed of four distinct assessments: the Division Self-Assessment, the Management of Environment, Safety, and Health (MESH) review, ES&H Technical Assurance, and the Appendix B Self-Assessment. The Division Self-Assessment uses the five core functions and seven guiding principles of ISM as the basis of evaluation. Metrics are created to measure performance in fulfilling ISM core functions and guiding principles, as well as promoting compliance with applicable regulations. The five core functions of ISM are as follows: (1) Define the Scope of Work; (2) Identify and Analyze Hazards; (3) Control the Hazards; (4) Perform the Work; and (5) Feedback and Improvement. The seven guiding principles of ISM are as follows: (1) Line Management Responsibility for ES&H; (2) Clear Roles and Responsibilities; (3) Competence Commensurate with Responsibilities; (4) Balanced Priorities; (5) Identification of ES&H Standards and Requirements; (6) Hazard Controls Tailored to the Work Performed; and (7) Operations Authorization. Performance indicators are developed by consensus with OCA, representatives from each division, and Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Division program managers. Line management of each division performs the Division Self-Assessment annually. The primary focus of the review is workplace safety. The MESH review is an evaluation of division management of ES&H in its research and operations, focusing on implementation and effectiveness of the division's ISM plan. It is a peer review performed by members of the LBNL Safety Review Committee (SRC), with staff support from OCA. Each division receives a MESH review every two to four years, depending on the results of the previous review. The ES&H Technical Assurance Program (TAP) provides the framework for systematic reviews of ES&H programs and processes. The intent of ES&H Technical Assurance assessments is to provide assurance that ES&H programs and processes comply with their guiding regulations, are effective, and are properly implemented by LBNL divisions. The Appendix B Performance Evaluation and Measurement Plan (PEMP) requires that LBNL sustain and enhance the effectiveness of integrated safety, health, and environmental protection through a strong and well-deployed system. Information required for Appendix B is provided by EH&S Division functional managers. The annual Appendix B report is submitted at the close of the fiscal year. This assessment is the Department of Energy's (DOE) primary mechanism for evaluating LBNL's contract performance in ISM.« less

Supporting Our Youngest Children: Early Head Start Programs in 2010. Brief No. 11

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmit, Stephanie; Ewen, Danielle

2012-01-01

Since 1965, Head Start has provided high quality early education and comprehensive support services to the nation's poorest children from ages 3 through school age. In 1994, the federal Early Head Start (EHS) program was created to address the comprehensive needs of poor children under age 3 and pregnant women. Head Start and Early Head Start's…

A Language-Based Approach to Content Instruction (LACI) for English Language Learners: Examples from Two Elementary Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

de Oliveira, Luciana C.

2016-01-01

The number of English language learners (ELLs) in the United States has increased dramatically. Given this increase it is vital for teacher education programs at the pre-service level and professional learning programs at eh in-service level to address the needs of ELLs. This article presents a teacher preparation model--"a language-based…

Stereochemical features of the hydrolysis of 9,10-epoxystearic acid catalysed by plant and mammalian epoxide hydrolases.

PubMed Central

Summerer, Stephan; Hanano, Abdulsamie; Utsumi, Shigeru; Arand, Michael; Schuber, Francis; Blée, Elizabeth

2002-01-01

cis-9,10-epoxystearic acid was used as a tool to probe the active sites of epoxide hydrolases (EHs) of mammalian and plant origin. We have compared the stereochemical features of the hydrolysis of this substrate catalysed by soluble and membrane-bound rat liver EHs, by soluble EH (purified to apparent homogeneity) obtained from maize seedlings or celeriac roots, and by recombinant soybean EH expressed in yeast. Plant EHs were found to differ in their enantioselectivity, i.e. their ability to discriminate between the two enantiomers of 9,10-epoxystearic acid. For example, while the maize enzyme hydrated both enantiomers at the same rate, the EH from soybean exhibited very high enantioselectivity in favour of 9R,10S-epoxystearic acid. This latter enzyme also exhibited a strict stereoselectivity, i.e. it hydrolysed the racemic substrate with a very high enantioconvergence, yielding a single chiral diol product, threo-9R,10R-dihydroxystearic acid. Soybean EH shared these distinctive stereochemical features with the membrane-bound rat liver EH. The stereochemical outcome of these enzymes probably results from a stereoselective attack by the nucleophilic residue on the oxirane ring carbon having the (S)-configuration, leading to the presumed (in plant EH) covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate. In sharp contrast, the reactions catalysed by cytosolic rat liver EH exhibited a complete absence of enantioselectivity and enantioconvergence; this latter effect might be ascribed to a regioselective formation of the acyl-enzyme intermediate involving C-10 of 9,10-epoxystearic acid, independent of its configuration. Thus, compared with soybean EH, the active site of rat liver soluble EH displays a very distinct means of anchoring the oxirane ring of the fatty acid epoxides, and therefore appears to be a poor model for mapping the catalytic domain of plant EHs. PMID:12020347

An Exertional Heat Stroke Survivor's Return to Running: An Integrated Approach on the Treatment, Recovery, and Return to Activity.

PubMed

Adams, William M; Hosokawa, Yuri; Huggins, Robert A; Mazerolle, Stephanie M; Casa, Douglas J

2016-08-01

Evidence-based best practices for the recognition and treatment of exertional heat stroke (EHS) indicate that rectal thermometry and immediate, aggressive cooling via cold-water immersion ensure survival from this medical condition. However, little is known about the recovery, medical follow-up, and return to activity after an athlete has suffered EHS. To highlight the transfer of evidenced-based research into clinical practice by chronicling the treatment, recovery, and return to activity of a runner who suffered an EHS during a warm-weather road race. Case study. Warm-weather road race. 53-y-old recreationally active man. A runner's treatment, recovery, and return to activity from EHS and 2014 Falmouth Road Race performance. Runner's perceptions and experiences with EHS, body temperature, heart rate, hydration status, exercise intensity. The runner successfully completed the 2014 Falmouth Road Race without incident of EHS. Four dominant themes emerged from the data: predisposing factors, ideal treatment, lack of medical follow-up, and patient education. The first theme identified 3 predisposing factors that contributed to the runner's EHS: hydration, sleep loss, and lack of heat acclimatization. The runner received ideal treatment using evidence-based best practices. A lack of long-term medical care following the EHS with no guidance on the runner's return to full activity was observed. The runner knew very little about EHS before the 2013 race, which drove him to seek knowledge as to why he suffered EHS. Using this newly learned information, he successfully completed the 2014 Falmouth Road Race without incident. This case supports prior literature examining the factors that predispose individuals to EHS. Although evidence-based best practices regarding prompt recognition and treatment of EHS ensure survival, this case highlights the lack of medical follow-up and physician-guided return to activity after EHS.

Metamaterials-based enhanced energy harvesting: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhongsheng; Guo, Bin; Yang, Yongmin; Cheng, Congcong

2014-04-01

Advances in low power design open the possibility to harvest ambient energies to power directly the electronics or recharge a secondary battery. The key parameter of an energy harvesting (EH) device is its efficiency, which strongly depends on the conversion medium. To address this issue, metamaterials, artificial materials and structures with exotic properties, have been introduced for EH in recent years. They possess unique properties not easily achieved using naturally occurring materials, such as negative stiffness, mass, Poisson's ratio, and refractive index. The goal of this paper is to review the fundamentals, recent progresses and future directions in the field of metamaterials-based enhanced energy harvesting. An introduction on EH followed by the classification of potential metamaterials for EH is presented. A number of theoretical and experimental studies on metamaterials-based EH are outlined, including phononic crystals, acoustic metamaterials, and electromagnetic metamaterials. Finally, we give an outlook on future directions of metamaterials-based energy harvesting research including but not limited to active metamaterials-based EH, metamaterials-based thermal EH, and metamaterials-based multifunctional EH capabilities.

Optical and electron paramagnetic resonance studies of the excited triplet states of UV-B absorbers: 2-ethylhexyl salicylate and homomenthyl salicylate.

PubMed

Sugiyama, Kazuto; Tsuchiya, Takumi; Kikuchi, Azusa; Yagi, Mikio

2015-09-26

The energy levels and lifetimes of the lowest excited triplet (T1) states of UV-B absorbers, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) and homomenthyl salicylate (HMS), and their deprotonated anions (EHS(-) and HMS(-)) were determined through measurements of phosphorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra in rigid solutions at 77 K. The observed T1 energies of EHS and HMS are higher than those of butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, the most widely used UV-A absorber, and octyl methoxycinnamate, the most widely used UV-B absorber. The T1 states of EHS, HMS, EHS(-) and HMS(-) were assigned to almost pure (3)ππ* state from the observed T1 lifetimes and zero-field splitting parameters. EHS and HMS with an intramolecular hydrogen bond show a photoinduced phosphorescence enhancement in ethanol at 77 K. The EPR signals of the T1 states of EHS and HMS also increase in intensity with UV-irradiation time (photoinduced EPR enhancement). The T1 lifetimes of EHS and HMS at room temperature were determined through triplet-triplet absorption measurements in ethanol. The quantum yields of singlet oxygen production by EHS and HMS were determined by using time-resolved near-IR phosphorescence.

Induction of rat liver microsomal epoxide hydrolase by thiazole and pyrazine: hydrolysis of 2-cyanoethylene oxide.

PubMed

Kim, S G; Kedderis, G L; Batra, R; Novak, R F

1993-08-01

Liver microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is active in the detoxification of epoxide-containing carcinogens. The effects of thiazole and pyrazine, constituents of tobacco and tobacco smoke as well as of a variety of foods, on the expression and regulation of mEH were examined in rats (200 mg/kg body wt/day, i.p., 1-3 days). Immunoblot analyses using rabbit anti-rat mEH antibody revealed a significant increase in mEH levels in hepatic microsomes isolated from either thiazole- or pyrazine-treated animals. Another protein (approximately 43 kd) cross-reacting with polyclonal mEH antibody was found to be increased concomitantly following pyrazine treatment. Northern and slot blot analyses showed substantial increases in mEH mRNA following either thiazole or pyrazine treatment. The level of mEH mRNA increased 17-fold at 24 h following thiazole treatment, relative to control. Approximately 20- and 16-fold increases in mEH mRNA were also observed at 48 and 72 h respectively following treatment with pyrazine. The level of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified mEH DNA derived from poly(A)+ RNA was clearly elevated following either thiazole or pyrazine treatment relative to that from untreated animals. Both sense and antisense strands of PCR-amplified mEH DNA were cloned into an M13mp19 phage vector in order to examine the nucleotide sequences of PCR-amplified mEH DNA derived from the poly(A)+ RNA isolated from thiazole- or pyrazine-treated animals. Sequence analyses revealed that the sequence of PCR-amplified DNA from the induced mRNA was identical to that published for mEH cDNA. Epoxide hydrolase activity toward the hydrolysis of 2-cyanoethylene oxide (CEO), the epoxide metabolite of the rat carcinogen acrylonitrile, was not significant in hepatic microsomes from untreated rats, but was substantially induced by treatment with thiazole or pyrazine. Microsomal hydrolysis activity was heat-sensitive and potently inhibited by 1,1,1-trichloropropene-2,3-oxide, indicating that mEH was the catalyst. The Vmax for the hydrolysis of CEO by hepatic microsomes from thiazole-treated rats (13.4 nmol/min/mg protein) was 1.5-fold greater than that with microsomes from pyrazine-treated rats, whereas similar Km values (approximately 1 mM) were observed for both microsomal preparations. These kinetic data correlate well with the increases in mEH mRNA observed after administration of thiazole or pyrazine to rats. These results provide evidence that administration of thiazole or pyrazine induces mEH with a large increase in mEH mRNA, and that the induced mEH catalyzes the hydrolysis of CEO.

Exertional heat illness incidence and on-site medical team preparedness in warm weather

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosokawa, Yuri; Adams, William M.; Belval, Luke N.; Davis, Robert J.; Huggins, Robert A.; Jardine, John F.; Katch, Rachel K.; Stearns, Rebecca L.; Casa, Douglas J.

2018-03-01

To investigate the influence of estimated wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the International Institute of Race Medicine (IIRM) activity modification guidelines on the incidence of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and heat exhaustion (HEx) and the ability of an on-site medical team to treat those afflicted. Medical records of EHS and HEx patients over a 17-year period from the New Balance Falmouth Road Race were examined. Climatologic data from nearby weather stations were obtained to calculate WBGT with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (WBGTA) and Liljegren (WBGTL) models. Incidence rate (IR) of EHS, HEx, and combined total of EHS and HEx (COM) were calculated, and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between IR and WBGTA or WBGTL. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare differences in EHS, HEx, and COM incidence to four alert levels in the IIRM guidelines. Incidence of EHS, HEx, and COM was 2.12, 0.98, and 3.10 cases per 1000 finishers. WBGTA explained 48, 4, and 46% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR; WBGTL explained 63, 13, and 69% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR. Main effect of WBGTA and WBGTL on the alert levels were observed in EHS and COM IR (p < 0.05). The cumulative number of EHS patients treated did not exceed the number of cold water immersion tubs available to treat them. EHS IR increased as WBGT and IIRM alert level increased, indicating the need for appropriate risk mitigation strategies and on-site medical treatment.

Exertional heat illness incidence and on-site medical team preparedness in warm weather.

PubMed

Hosokawa, Yuri; Adams, William M; Belval, Luke N; Davis, Robert J; Huggins, Robert A; Jardine, John F; Katch, Rachel K; Stearns, Rebecca L; Casa, Douglas J

2018-03-29

To investigate the influence of estimated wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the International Institute of Race Medicine (IIRM) activity modification guidelines on the incidence of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and heat exhaustion (HEx) and the ability of an on-site medical team to treat those afflicted. Medical records of EHS and HEx patients over a 17-year period from the New Balance Falmouth Road Race were examined. Climatologic data from nearby weather stations were obtained to calculate WBGT with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (WBGT A ) and Liljegren (WBGT L ) models. Incidence rate (IR) of EHS, HEx, and combined total of EHS and HEx (COM) were calculated, and linear regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between IR and WBGT A or WBGT L . One-way ANOVA was performed to compare differences in EHS, HEx, and COM incidence to four alert levels in the IIRM guidelines. Incidence of EHS, HEx, and COM was 2.12, 0.98, and 3.10 cases per 1000 finishers. WBGT A explained 48, 4, and 46% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR; WBGT L explained 63, 13, and 69% of the variance in EHS, HEx, and COM IR. Main effect of WBGT A and WBGT L on the alert levels were observed in EHS and COM IR (p < 0.05). The cumulative number of EHS patients treated did not exceed the number of cold water immersion tubs available to treat them. EHS IR increased as WBGT and IIRM alert level increased, indicating the need for appropriate risk mitigation strategies and on-site medical treatment.

Ephedrine hydrochloride protects mice from staphylococcus aureus-induced peritonitis

PubMed Central

He, Weigang; Ma, Jinzhu; Chen, Yijian; Jiang, Xinru; Wang, Yuli; Shi, Ting; Zhang, Qingwen; Yang, Yang; Jiang, Xin; Yin, Shulei; Zheng, Aoxiang; Lu, Jie; Zheng, Yuejuan

2018-01-01

Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive (G+) bacterium that causes a wide range of diseases in humans and livestock. Therefore, the development of innovative and effective therapies is essential for the treatment of S. aureus-induced severe infections. Ephedrine hydrochloride (EH) is a compound derived from ephedrine and is widely used for the management of cardiovascular diseases and hypotension. The results of our previous studies demonstrated that EH has anti-inflammatory activity in macrophages and protects against endotoxic shock. However, whether EH regulates the function of dendritic cells (DCs) and the immune response in S. aureus-induced infection is unknown. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and regulatory activity of EH on DCs was evaluated. EH increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-12 in DCs stimulated with peptidoglycan (PGN), the main cell wall component in G+ bacteria. The PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK signaling pathways controlled EH-induced IL-10 expression and EH-inhibited TNF-α expression, respectively. The PGN-induced expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II molecule Iab was down-regulated in DCs by EH. Furthermore, EH protected the liver and kidney and increased the survival rate of mice with S. aureus-induced peritonitis. In conclusion, EH helps to keep immune homeostasis and alleviate organ damage during S. aureus-induced peritonitis. Therefore, EH may be a promising drug candidate in the treatment of S. aureus-induced severe infections and other invasive G+ bacterial infections. PMID:29636858

75 FR 55541 - NOAA Regional Ocean Partnership Funding Program-FY2011 Funding Competition

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-13

... Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm . Consequently, as...

Chemical Shift Assignments of the C-terminal Eps15 Homology Domain-3 EH Domain*

PubMed Central

Caplan, Steve; Sorgen, Paul L.

2013-01-01

The C-terminal Eps15 homology (EH) domain 3 (EHD3) belongs to a eukaryotic family of endocytic regulatory proteins and is involved in the recycling of various receptors from the early endosome to the endocytic recycling compartment or in retrograde transport from the endosomes to the Golgi. EH domains are highly conserved in the EHD family and function as protein-protein interaction units that bind to Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF) motif-containing proteins. The EH domain of EHD1 was the first C-terminal EH domain from the EHD family to be solved by NMR. The differences observed between this domain and proteins with N-terminal EH domains helped describe a mechanism for the differential binding of NPF-containing proteins. Here, structural studies were expanded to include the EHD3 EH domain. While the EHD1 and EHD3 EH domains are highly homologous, they have different protein partners. A comparison of these structures will help determine the selectivity in protein binding between the EHD family members and lead to a better understanding of their unique roles in endocytic regulation. PMID:23754701

Hot carrier-enhanced interlayer electron-hole pair multiplication in 2D semiconductor heterostructure photocells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barati, Fatemeh; Grossnickle, Max; Su, Shanshan; Lake, Roger K.; Aji, Vivek; Gabor, Nathaniel M.

2017-12-01

Strong electronic interactions can result in novel particle-antiparticle (electron-hole, e-h) pair generation effects, which may be exploited to enhance the photoresponse of nanoscale optoelectronic devices. Highly efficient e-h pair multiplication has been demonstrated in several important nanoscale systems, including nanocrystal quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and graphene. The small Fermi velocity and nonlocal nature of the effective dielectric screening in ultrathin layers of transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) indicates that e-h interactions are very strong, so high-efficiency generation of e-h pairs from hot electrons is expected. However, such e-h pair multiplication has not been observed in 2D TMD devices. Here, we report the highly efficient multiplication of interlayer e-h pairs in 2D semiconductor heterostructure photocells. Electronic transport measurements of the interlayer I-VSD characteristics indicate that layer-indirect e-h pairs are generated by hot-electron impact excitation at temperatures near T = 300 K. By exploiting this highly efficient interlayer e-h pair multiplication process, we demonstrate near-infrared optoelectronic devices that exhibit 350% enhancement of the optoelectronic responsivity at microwatt power levels. Our findings, which demonstrate efficient carrier multiplication in TMD-based optoelectronic devices, make 2D semiconductor heterostructures viable for a new class of ultra-efficient photodetectors based on layer-indirect e-h excitations.

The EhCPADH112 Complex of Entamoeba histolytica Interacts with Tight Junction Proteins Occludin and Claudin-1 to Produce Epithelial Damage

PubMed Central

Betanzos, Abigail; Javier-Reyna, Rosario; García-Rivera, Guillermina; Bañuelos, Cecilia; González-Mariscal, Lorenza; Schnoor, Michael; Orozco, Esther

2013-01-01

Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan responsible for human amoebiasis, causes between 30,000 and 100,000 deaths per year worldwide. Amoebiasis is characterized by intestinal epithelial damage provoking severe diarrhea. However, the molecular mechanisms by which this protozoan causes epithelial damage are poorly understood. Here, we studied the initial molecular interactions between the E. histolytica EhCPADH112 virulence complex and epithelial MDCK and Caco-2 cells. By confocal microscopy, we discovered that after contact with trophozoites or trophozoite extracts (TE), EhCPADH112 and proteins forming this complex (EhCP112 and EhADH112) co-localize with occludin and claudin-1 at tight junctions (TJ). Immunoprecipitation assays revealed interaction between EhCPADH112 and occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1 and ZO-2. Overlay assays confirmed an interaction of EhCP112 and EhADH112 with occludin and claudin-1, whereas only EhADH112 interacted also with ZO-2. We observed degradation of all mentioned TJ proteins after incubation with TE. Importantly, inhibiting proteolytic activity or blocking the complex with a specific antibody not only prevented TJ protein degradation but also epithelial barrier disruption. Furthermore, we discovered that TE treatment induces autophagy and apoptosis in MDCK cells that could contribute to the observed barrier disruption. Our results suggest a model in which epithelial damage caused by E. histolytica is initiated by the interaction of EhCP112 and EhADH112 with TJ proteins followed by their degradation. Disruption of TJs then induces increased paracellular permeability, thus facilitating the entry of more proteases and other parasite molecules leading eventually to tissue destruction. PMID:23762290

Enantioconvergent hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide at high concentration by a pair of novel epoxide hydrolases into (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol.

PubMed

Wang, Rui; Hu, Die; Zong, Xuncheng; Li, Jinping; Ding, Lei; Wu, Minchen; Li, Jianfang

2017-12-01

To prepare (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol ((R)-PED) with high enantiomeric excess (ee p ) and yield from racemic styrene oxide (rac-SO) at high concentration by bi-enzymatic catalysis. The bi-enzymatic catalysis was designed for enantioconvergent hydrolysis of rac-SO by a pair of novel epoxide hydrolases (EHs), a Vigna radiata EH3 (VrEH3) and a variant (AuEH2 A250I ) of Aspergillus usamii EH2. The simultaneous addition mode of VrEH3 and AuEH2 A250I , exhibiting the highest average turnover frequency (aTOF) of 0.12 g h -1 g -1 , was selected, by which rac-SO (10 mM) was converted into (R)-PED with 92.6% ee p and 96.3% yield. Under the optimized reaction conditions: dry weight ratio 14:1 of VrEH3-expressing E. coli/vreh3 to AuEH2 A250I -expressing E. coli/Aueh2 A250I and reaction at 20 °C, rac-SO (10 mM) was completely hydrolyzed in 2.3 h, affording (R)-PED with 98% ee p . At the weight ratio 0.8:1 of rac-SO to two mixed dry cells, (R)-PED with 97.4% ee p and 98.7% yield was produced from 200 mM (24 mg/ml) rac-SO in 10.5 h. Enantioconvergent hydrolysis of rac-SO at high concentration catalyzed by both VrEH3 and AuEH2 A250I is an effective method for preparing (R)-PED with high ee p and yield.

Unique Structural and Nucleotide Exchange Features of the Rho1 GTPase of Entamoeba histolytica

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

Bosch, Dustin E.; Wittchen, Erika S.; Qiu, Connie

The single-celled human parasite Entamoeba histolytica possesses a dynamic actin cytoskeleton vital for its intestinal and systemic pathogenicity. The E. histolytica genome encodes several Rho family GTPases known to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics. EhRho1, the first family member identified, was reported to be insensitive to the Rho GTPase-specific Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme, raising the possibility that it may be a misclassified Ras family member. Here, we report the crystal structures of EhRho1 in both active and inactive states. EhRho1 is activated by a conserved switch mechanism, but diverges from mammalian Rho GTPases in lacking a signature Rho insert helix. EhRho1 engagesmore » a homolog of mDia, EhFormin1, suggesting a role in mediating serum-stimulated actin reorganization and microtubule formation during mitosis. EhRho1, but not a constitutively active mutant, interacts with a newly identified EhRhoGDI in a prenylation-dependent manner. Furthermore, constitutively active EhRho1 induces actin stress fiber formation in mammalian fibroblasts, thereby identifying it as a functional Rho family GTPase. EhRho1 exhibits a fast rate of nucleotide exchange relative to mammalian Rho GTPases due to a distinctive switch one isoleucine residue reminiscent of the constitutively active F28L mutation in human Cdc42, which for the latter protein, is sufficient for cellular transformation. Nonconserved, nucleotide-interacting residues within EhRho1, revealed by the crystal structure models, were observed to contribute a moderating influence on fast spontaneous nucleotide exchange. Collectively, these observations indicate that EhRho1 is a bona fide member of the Rho GTPase family, albeit with unique structural and functional aspects compared with mammalian Rho GTPases.« less

Influence of silencing soluble epoxide hydrolase with RNA interference on cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by doxorubicin.

PubMed

Du, Guangsheng; Lv, Jiagao; He, Li; Ma, Yexin

2011-06-01

In order to investigate the influence of silencing soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) with double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) on cardiomyocytes apoptosis induced by doxorubicin (DOX), two plasmids containing siRNA sequences specific to sEH were constructed and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes by using FuGENE HD transfection agents. The mRNA and protein expression levels of sEH were detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively, and the plasmids that silenced sEH most significantly were selected, and renamed EH-R. The plasmids carrying a nonspecific siRNA coding sequence (PCN) served as the negative control. Cardiomyocytes were divided into four groups: control group, DOX group, PCN+DOX group, and EH-R+DOX group. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was induced by DOX at a concentration of 1 μmol/L. Apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes was determined by flow cytometery. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the expression of sEH was down-regulated by EH-R plasmid. The expression levels of sEH mRNA and protein in the EH-R+DOX group were significantly decreased as compared with other groups (P<0.01). As compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes in three DOX-treated groups was obviously increased, the expression levels of Bax increased, and those of Bcl-2 decreased (P<0.01). However, the expression levels of Bax were decreased, those of Bcl-2 increased and the apoptosis rate of cardiomyocytes obviously decreased in EH-R+DOX group when compared with those in the DOX group and the PCN+DOX group (P<0.01 for each). It was concluded that the recombinant plasmids could be successfully constructed, and transfected into the primary cultured cardiomyocytes. They could ameliorate the DOX-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis by selectively inhibiting the expression of sEH with RNAi and increasing the expression of Bcl-2.

Two Atypical l-Cysteine-regulated NADPH-dependent Oxidoreductases Involved in Redox Maintenance, l-Cystine and Iron Reduction, and Metronidazole Activation in the Enteric Protozoan Entamoeba histolytica*

PubMed Central

Jeelani, Ghulam; Husain, Afzal; Sato, Dan; Ali, Vahab; Suematsu, Makoto; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Nozaki, Tomoyoshi

2010-01-01

We discovered novel catalytic activities of two atypical NADPH-dependent oxidoreductases (EhNO1/2) from the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. EhNO1/2 were previously annotated as the small subunit of glutamate synthase (glutamine:2-oxoglutarate amidotransferase) based on similarity to authentic bacterial homologs. As E. histolytica lacks the large subunit of glutamate synthase, EhNO1/2 were presumed to play an unknown role other than glutamine/glutamate conversion. Transcriptomic and quantitative reverse PCR analyses revealed that supplementation or deprivation of extracellular l-cysteine caused dramatic up- or down-regulation, respectively, of EhNO2, but not EhNO1 expression. Biochemical analysis showed that these FAD- and 2[4Fe-4S]-containing enzymes do not act as glutamate synthases, a conclusion which was supported by phylogenetic analyses. Rather, they catalyze the NADPH-dependent reduction of oxygen to hydrogen peroxide and l-cystine to l-cysteine and also function as ferric and ferredoxin-NADP+ reductases. EhNO1/2 showed notable differences in substrate specificity and catalytic efficiency; EhNO1 had lower Km and higher kcat/Km values for ferric ion and ferredoxin than EhNO2, whereas EhNO2 preferred l-cystine as a substrate. In accordance with these properties, only EhNO1 was observed to physically interact with intrinsic ferredoxin. Interestingly, EhNO1/2 also reduced metronidazole, and E. histolytica transformants overexpressing either of these proteins were more sensitive to metronidazole, suggesting that EhNO1/2 are targets of this anti-amebic drug. To date, this is the first report to demonstrate that small subunit-like proteins of glutamate synthase could play an important role in redox maintenance, l-cysteine/l-cystine homeostasis, iron reduction, and the activation of metronidazole. PMID:20592025

Green Power

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schaffhauser, Dian

2009-01-01

In the world of higher education, even the most ambitious sustainability plans often begin with tiny steps taken by individual departments. Michael Crowley, a program manager for Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E) and former assistant director of the Harvard (Massachusetts) Green Campus Initiative, explains that going for small wins through…

On Electron Hole Evolution in Inhomogeneous Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzichev, I.; Vasko, I.; Agapitov, O. V.; Mozer, F.; Artemyev, A.

2017-12-01

Electron holes (EHs) are the stationary localized non-linear structures in phase space existing due to an electron population trapped within EH electrostatic potential. EHs were found to be a common phenomenon in the Earth's magnetosphere. Such structures were observed in reconnecting current sheets, injection fronts in the outer radiation belt, and in many other situations. EHs usually propagate along magnetic field lines with velocities about electron thermal velocity, are localized on the scale of about 4-10 Debye lengths, and have the field amplitude up to hundreds of mV/m. Generation of these structures, evolution, and their role in relaxation of instabilities and energy dissipation, particle energization, supporting large-scale potential drops is under active investigation. In this report, we present the results of 1.5D gyrokinetic Vlasov-Maxwell simulations of the EH evolution in plasmas with inhomogeneous magnetic field and inhomogeneous density. Our calculations show that the inhomogeneity has a critical effect on the EH dynamics. EHs propagating into stronger (weaker) magnetic field are decelerated (accelerated) with deceleration (acceleration) rate dependent on the magnetic field gradient. During the deceleration of EH, the potential drop (weak double layer) along EH is generated. Such a potential drop might be experimentally observable even for single EH in the reconnecting current sheets. The same holds for the propagation in the plasma with inhomogeneous density. For some parameters of the system, the deceleration results in the turning of the hole. The interesting feature of this process is that the turning point depends only on the EH parameters, being independent of the average inhomogeneity scale. Our calculations also demonstrate the significant difference between "quasi-particle" concept and real evolution of the hole. Indeed, the EH is accelerated (decelerated) faster than it follows from a quasi-particle energy conservation law. It indicates that the efficient energy exchange between the EH and resonant untrapped electrons takes place. We expect that the revealed features will be helpful for interpreting spacecraft observations and results of advanced particle simulations. I.K. was supported by RFBR 16-32-00721. I.V., O.A., and F. M. by JHU/APL contract 922613 (RBSPEFW).

Ovarian expressed microsomal epoxide hydrolase: Role in detoxification of 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide and regulation by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signaling

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

Bhattacharya, Poulomi, E-mail: poulomib@iastate.edu; Sen, Nivedita, E-mail: nsen@email.arizona.edu; Hoyer, Patricia B., E-mail: Hoyer@u.arizona.edu

2012-01-01

4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) is a metabolite of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH) which has the potential to be formed in the ovary through CYP2E1 activity. VCD specifically destroys primordial and small primary follicles in the rodent ovary. Mouse ovaries exposed to VCD demonstrate increased mRNA and protein expression of microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and an inactive tetrol metabolite (4-(1,2-dihydroxy)ethyl-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane) can be formed in mouse ovarian follicles, potentially through detoxification action of mEH. In contrast, mEH can bioactivate another ovotoxic chemical, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to a more toxic compound, DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide. Thus, the present study evaluated a functional role for mEH during detoxification of VCD. Additionally,more » because inhibition of the phosphatidyinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in a previous study protected primordial follicles from VCD-induced destruction, but accelerated DMBA-induced ovotoxicity, a role for PI3K in ovarian mEH regulation was evaluated. Using a post-natal day (PND) 4 Fischer 344 rat whole ovary culture system inhibition of mEH using cyclohexene oxide during VCD exposure resulted in a greater (P < 0.05) loss of primordial and small primary follicles relative to VCD-treated ovaries. Also, relative to controls, meh mRNA was increased (P < 0.05) on day 4 of VCD (30 μM) exposure, followed by increased (P < 0.05) mEH protein after 6 days. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K signaling increased mEH mRNA and protein expression. Thus, these results support a functional role for mEH in the rat ovary, and demonstrate the involvement of PI3K signaling in regulation of ovarian xenobiotic metabolism by mEH. -- Highlights: ► Ovarian mEH functions to metabolize VCD to a less toxic compound. ► mEH expression is increased in a temporal pattern in response to VCD exposure. ► PI3K signaling is involved in regulation of ovarian mEH expression.« less

Development of monoclonal antibodies to human microsomal epoxide hydrolase and analysis of “preneoplastic antigen”-like molecules

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

Duan, Hongying; Yoshimura, Kazunori; Kobayashi, Nobuharu

2012-04-01

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is a drug metabolizing enzyme which resides on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and catalyzes the hydration of reactive epoxide intermediates that are formed by cytochrome P450s. mEH is also thought to have a role in bile acid transport on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes. It is speculated that efficient execution of such multiple functions is secured by its orientation and association with cytochrome P450 enzymes on the ER membrane and formation of a multiple transport system on the plasma membrane. In certain disease status, mEH loses its association with the membrane and can be detectedmore » as distinct antigens in the cytosol of preneoplastic foci of liver (preneoplastic antigen), in the serum in association with hepatitis C virus infection (AN antigen), or in some brain tumors. To analyze the antigenic structures of mEH in physiological and pathological conditions, we developed monoclonal antibodies against different portions of mEH. Five different kinds of antibodies were obtained: three, anti-N-terminal portions; one anti-C-terminal; and one, anti-conformational epitope. By combining these antibodies, we developed antigen detection methods which are specific to either the membrane-bound form or the linearized form of mEH. These methods detected mEH in the culture medium released from a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line and a glioblastoma cell line, which was found to be a multimolecular complex with a unique antigenic structure different from that of the membrane-bound form of mEH. These antibodies and antigen detection methods may be useful to study pathological changes of mEH in various human diseases. -- Highlights: ► Monoclonal antibodies against different portions of mEH were developed. ► They discriminate between the membrane-bound and the linearized forms of mEH. ► We analyze the antigenic structure of the altered form of mEH in tumor cells. ► Preneoplastic antigen is a multimolecular complex of mEH with a unique structure.« less

Interaction of glutathione reductase with heavy metal: the binding of Hg(II) or Cd(II) to the reduced enzyme affects both the redox dithiol pair and the flavin.

PubMed

Picaud, Thierry; Desbois, Alain

2006-12-26

To determine the inhibition mechanism of yeast glutathione reductase (GR) by heavy metal, we have compared the electronic absorption and resonance Raman (RR) spectra of the enzyme in its oxidized (Eox) and two-electron reduced (EH2) forms, in the absence and the presence of Hg(II) or Cd(II). The spectral data clearly show a redox dependence of the metal binding. The metal ions do not affect the absorption and RR spectra of Eox. On the contrary, the EH2 spectra, generated by addition of NADPH, are strongly modified by the presence of heavy metal. The absorption changes of EH2 are metal-dependent. On the one hand, the main flavin band observed at 450 nm for EH2 is red-shifted at 455 nm for the EH2-Hg(II) complex and at 451 nm for the EH2-Cd(II) complex. On the other hand, the characteristic charge-transfer (CT) band at 540 nm is quenched upon metal binding to EH2. In NADPH excess, a new CT band is observed at 610 nm for the EH2-Hg(II)-NADPH complex and at 590 nm for EH2-Cd(II)-NADPH. The RR spectra of the EH2-metal complexes are not sensitive to the NADPH concentration. With reference to the RR spectra of EH2 in which the frequencies of bands II and III were observed at 1582 and 1547 cm-1, respectively, those of the EH2-metal complexes are detected at 1577 and 1542 cm-1, indicating an increased flavin bending upon metal coordination to EH2. From the frequency shifts of band III, a concomitant weakening of the H-bonding state of the N5 atom is also deduced. Taking into account the different chemical properties of Hg(II) and Cd(II), the coordination number of the bound metal ion was deduced to be different in GR. A mechanism of the GR inhibition is proposed. It proceeds primarily by a specific binding of the metal to the redox thiol/thiolate pair and the catalytic histidine of EH2. The bound metal ion then acts on the bending of the isoalloxazine ring of FAD as well as on the hydrophobicity of its microenvironment.

Heat acclimation responses of an ultra-endurance running group preparing for hot desert-based competition.

PubMed

Costa, Ricardo J S; Crockford, Michael J; Moore, Jonathan P; Walsh, Neil P

2014-01-01

Heat acclimation induces adaptations that improve exercise tolerance in hot conditions. Here we report novel findings into the effects of ultra-marathon specific exercise load in increasing hot ambient conditions on indices of heat acclimation. Six male ultra-endurance runners completed a standard pre-acclimation protocol at 20°C ambient temperature (T amb), followed by a heat acclimation protocol consisting of six 2 h running exercise-heat exposures (EH) at 60% VO2max on a motorised treadmill in an environmental chamber. Three EH were performed at 30°C T amb, followed by another three EH at 35°C T amb. EH were separated by 48 h within T amb and 72 h between T amb. Nude body mass (NBM), blood and urine samples were collected pre-exercise; while NBM and urine were collected post-exercise. Rectal temperature (T re), heart rate (HR), thermal comfort rating (TCR) and rating of perceived exertion were measured pre-exercise and monitored every 5 min during exercise. Water was provided ad libitum during exercise. Data were analysed using a repeated measures and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with post hoc Tukey's HSD. Significance was accepted as P< 0.05. Overall mean T re was significantly lower during 30°C EH3 and 35°C EH3 compared with their respective EH1 (-0.20 and-0.23°C, respectively; P<0.05). Similarly, overall mean HR was significantly lower during 30°C EH3 and 35°C EH3 compared with their respective EH1 (8 and 7 bpm respectively; P<0.05). A significant decrease in overall mean TCR was observed during 35°C EH3, compared with 35°C EH1 (P< 0.05). Significant increases in resting pre-exercise plasma volume (estimated from Hb and Hct) were observed by 30°C EH3 (7.9%; P< 0.05). Thereafter, plasma volume remained above baseline throughout the experimental protocol. Two EH of 2 h at 60% VO2max at 30°C T amb was sufficient to initiate heat acclimation in all ultra-endurance runners. Further, heat acclimation responses occurred with increasing EH to 35°C T amb. Preventing exertional heat illnesses and optimising performance outcomes in ultra-endurance runners may occur with exposure to at least 2 h of exercise-heat stress on at least two occasions in the days leading up to multi-stage ultra-marathon competition in the heat.

User’s Guide to the SOLAR Bibliography File

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-12-30

Corporation "lO Colorado Avenue Santa Monica, California 90406 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT. PROJECT, TASK AREA i WORK UNIT NUMQCRS ARPA Order 2254... Program Code 5D30 It CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS 12. REPORT OATF. 30 December 1974 13 NUML’EH OF PAGES 28 n MONITORING...yet been produced, its StlUCture has be» n specified and codmc ot the programs neede«! to build it nas begun. is»lhis

National Program of Inspection of Non-Federal Dams.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

actions to improve the .;,.fety of Federal dams . 3 B. PROGRAM REVITALIZATION Subsequent to the failure of the Teton Dam , near Newdale, Idaho, in June...development of hydrostatic heads sufficient to create in the area downstream of the dam sand boils that erode materials by the phenomenon known as " piping " and...Eh irmmhhhommlm mhhhhmmmmhhlo US Arm op National Program of Inspection of Non-Federal Dams Final Report to Congress The National Dam Inspection Act of

Vlasov simulations of electron hole dynamics in inhomogeneous magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzichev, Ilya; Vasko, Ivan; Agapitov, Oleksiy; Mozer, Forrest; Artemyev, Anton

2017-04-01

Electron holes (EHs) or phase space vortices are solitary electrostatic waves existing due to electrons trapped within EH electrostatic potential. Since the first direct observation [1], EHs have been widely observed in the Earth's magnetosphere: in reconnecting current sheets [2], injection fronts [3], auroral region [4], and many other space plasma systems. EHs have typical spatial scales up to tens of Debye lengths, electric field amplitudes up to hundreds of mV/m and propagate along magnetic field lines with velocities of about electron thermal velocity [5]. The role of EHs in energy dissipation and supporting of large-scale potential drops is under active investigation. The accurate interpretation of spacecraft observations requires understanding of EH evolution in inhomogeneous plasma. The critical role of plasma density gradients in EH evolution was demonstrated in [6] using PIC simulations. Interestingly, up to date no studies have addressed a role of magnetic field gradients in EH evolution. In this report, we use 1.5D gyrokinetic Vlasov code to demonstrate the critical role of magnetic field gradients in EH dynamics. We show that EHs propagating into stronger (weaker) magnetic field are decelerated (accelerated) with deceleration (acceleration) rate dependent on the magnetic field gradient. Remarkably, the reflection points of decelerating EHs are independent of the average magnetic field gradient in the system and depend only on the EH parameters. EHs are decelerated (accelerated) faster than would follow from the "quasi-particle" concept assuming that EH is decelerated (accelerated) entirely due to the mirror force acting on electrons trapped within EH. We demonstrate that EH propagation in inhomogeneous magnetic fields results in development of a net potential drop along an EH, which depends on the magnetic field gradient. The revealed features will be helpful for interpreting spacecraft observations and results of advanced particle simulations. In particular, our simulations suggest that slow EHs (which generation is usually attributed to the Buneman instability) can arise due to slowing down of fast EH generated by electron-beam instability. The estimate of the potential drop along EHs allow to estimate the parallel potential drop provided by EHs in a particular plasma system. 1. Matsumoto, H., H. Kojima, T. Miyatake, Y. Omura, M. Okada, I. Nagano, and M. Tsutsui, Electrotastic Solitary Waves (ESW) in the magnetotail: BEN wave forms observed by GEOTAIL, Geophys. Res. Lett., 21, 2915-2918, doi:10.1029/94GL01284, 1994. 2. Norgren, C., M. Andŕe, A. Vaivads, and Y. V. Khotyaintsev, Slow electron phase space holes: Magnetotail observations, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 1654-1661, doi:10.1002/2015GL063218, 2015. 3. Malaspina, D. M., J. R. Wygant, R. E. Ergun, G. D. Reeves, R. M. Skoug, and B. A. Larsen, Electric field structures and waves at plasma boundaries in the inner magnetosphere, Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics), 120, 4246-4263, doi:10.1002/2015JA021137, 2015. 4. Franz, J. R., P. M. Kintner, J. S. Pickett, and L.-J. Chen, Properties of small-amplitude electron phase-space holes observed by Polar, Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics), 110, A09212, doi:10.1029/2005JA011095, 2005. 5. Cattell, C., C. Neiman, J. Dombeck, J. Crumley, J. Wygant, C. A. Kletzing, W. K. Peterson, F. S. Mozer, and M. André (2003), Large amplitude solitary waves in and near the Earth's magnetosphere, magnetopause and bow shock: Polar and Cluster observations, Nonlinear Processes Geophys., 10, 13-26. 6. Mandrake, L., P. L. Pritchett, and F. V. Coroniti, Electron beam generated solitary structures in a nonuniform plasma system, Geophys. Res. Lett., 27, 2869-2872, doi:10.1029/2000GL003785, 2000. The work of I.K. was supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research 16-32-00721 mol_a. The work of I.V., O.A. and F.M. was supported by JHU/APL contract 922613 (RBSPEFW).

Finite Element-Galerkin Approximation of the Eigenvalues of Eigenvectors of Selfadjoint Problems

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-01

l’ "k, + 1. Combining (3.20), (3.22), and the fact that I-Eh(Ak ) and Ph are orthogonal projections we have I(I-Eh(Xk,)) PhUB 5 Si (I-Eh(xk)) PhT(Ph-I...Its adjoint are equal. (3.23) implies Hf(I-Eh(1kI )Ph)u{1B - P(IPh)UIBI 5 I(I-Eh(Ak )) PhuB -< d i ii ( Ph- I )T II H B_--H,3 1(P h- I ) u liB , and

Seasonal variation of the underground cosmic muon flux observed at Daya Bay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, F. P.; Balantekin, A. B.; Band, H. R.; Bishai, M.; Blyth, S.; Cao, D.; Cao, G. F.; Cao, J.; Chan, Y. L.; Chang, J. F.; Chang, Y.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, Q. Y.; Chen, S. M.; Chen, Y. X.; Chen, Y.; Cheng, J.; Cheng, Z. K.; Cherwinka, J. J.; Chu, M. C.; Chukanov, A.; Cummings, J. P.; Ding, Y. Y.; Diwan, M. V.; Dolgareva, M.; Dove, J.; Dwyer, D. A.; Edwards, W. R.; Gill, R.; Gonchar, M.; Gong, G. H.; Gong, H.; Grassi, M.; Gu, W. Q.; Guo, L.; Guo, X. H.; Guo, Y. H.; Guo, Z.; Hackenburg, R. W.; Hans, S.; He, M.; Heeger, K. M.; Heng, Y. K.; Higuera, A.; Hsiung, Y. B.; Hu, B. Z.; Hu, T.; Huang, E. C.; Huang, H. X.; Huang, X. T.; Huber, P.; Huo, W.; Hussain, G.; Jaffe, D. E.; Jen, K. L.; Jetter, S.; Ji, X. P.; Ji, X. L.; Jiao, J. B.; Johnson, R. A.; Jones, D.; Kang, L.; Kettell, S. H.; Khan, A.; Kohn, S.; Kramer, M.; Kwan, K. K.; Kwok, M. W.; Kwok, T.; Langford, T. J.; Lau, K.; Lebanowski, L.; Lee, J.; Lee, J. H. C.; Lei, R. T.; Leitner, R.; Li, C.; Li, D. J.; Li, F.; Li, G. S.; Li, Q. J.; Li, S.; Li, S. C.; Li, W. D.; Li, X. N.; Li, X. Q.; Li, Y. F.; Li, Z. B.; Liang, H.; Lin, C. J.; Lin, G. L.; Lin, S.; Lin, S. K.; Lin, Y.-C.; Ling, J. J.; Link, J. M.; Littenberg, L.; Littlejohn, B. R.; Liu, J. L.; Liu, J. C.; Loh, C. W.; Lu, C.; Lu, H. Q.; Lu, J. S.; Luk, K. B.; Ma, X. Y.; Ma, X. B.; Ma, Y. Q.; Malyshkin, Y.; Martinez Caicedo, D. A.; McDonald, K. T.; McKeown, R. D.; Mitchell, I.; Nakajima, Y.; Napolitano, J.; Naumov, D.; Naumova, E.; Ngai, H. Y.; Ochoa-Ricoux, J. P.; Olshevskiy, A.; Pan, H.-R.; Park, J.; Patton, S.; Pec, V.; Peng, J. C.; Pinsky, L.; Pun, C. S. J.; Qi, F. Z.; Qi, M.; Qian, X.; Qiu, R. M.; Raper, N.; Ren, J.; Rosero, R.; Roskovec, B.; Ruan, X. C.; Sebastiani, C.; Steiner, H.; Sun, J. L.; Tang, W.; Taychenachev, D.; Treskov, K.; Tsang, K. V.; Tull, C. E.; Viaux, N.; Viren, B.; Vorobel, V.; Wang, C. H.; Wang, M.; Wang, N. Y.; Wang, R. G.; Wang, W.; Wang, X.; Wang, Y. F.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Z. M.; Wei, H. Y.; Wen, L. J.; Whisnant, K.; White, C. G.; Whitehead, L.; Wise, T.; Wong, H. L. H.; Wong, S. C. F.; Worcester, E.; Wu, C.-H.; Wu, Q.; Wu, W. J.; Xia, D. M.; Xia, J. K.; Xing, Z. Z.; Xu, J. L.; Xu, Y.; Xue, T.; Yang, C. G.; Yang, H.; Yang, L.; Yang, M. S.; Yang, M. T.; Yang, Y. Z.; Ye, M.; Ye, Z.; Yeh, M.; Young, B. L.; Yu, Z. Y.; Zeng, S.; Zhan, L.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, C. C.; Zhang, H. H.; Zhang, J. W.; Zhang, Q. M.; Zhang, X. T.; Zhang, Y. M.; Zhang, Y. X.; Zhang, Y. M.; Zhang, Z. J.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zhang, Z. P.; Zhao, J.; Zhou, L.; Zhuang, H. L.; Zou, J. H.

2018-01-01

The Daya Bay Experiment consists of eight identically designed detectors located in three underground experimental halls named as EH1, EH2, EH3, with 250, 265 and 860 meters of water equivalent vertical overburden, respectively. Cosmic muon events have been recorded over a two-year period. The underground muon rate is observed to be positively correlated with the effective atmospheric temperature and to follow a seasonal modulation pattern. The correlation coefficient α, describing how a variation in the muon rate relates to a variation in the effective atmospheric temperature, is found to be αEH1 = 0.362±0.031, αEH2 = 0.433±0.038 and αEH3 = 0.641±0.057 for each experimental hall.

Vulnerability to extreme-heat-associated hospitalization in three counties in Michigan, USA, 2000-2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogbomo, Adesuwa S.; Gronlund, Carina J.; O'Neill, Marie S.; Konen, Tess; Cameron, Lorraine; Wahl, Robert

2017-05-01

With climate change, extreme heat (EH) events are increasing, so it is important to understand who is vulnerable to heat-associated morbidity. We determined the association between EH and hospitalizations for all natural causes; cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases; diabetes mellitus; and acute myocardial infarction in Michigan, USA, at different intensities and durations. We assessed confounding by ozone and how individual characteristics and health insurance payer (a proxy for income) modified these associations. We obtained Michigan Inpatient Database, National Climatic Data Center, and US Environmental Protection Agency ozone data for May-September, 2000-2009 for three Michigan counties. We employed a case-crossover design and modeled EH as an indicator for temperature above the 95th, 97th, or 99th percentile thresholds for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. We examined effect modification by patient age, race, sex, and health insurance payer and pooled the county results. Among non-whites, the pooled odds ratio for hospitalization on EH (97th percentile threshold) vs. non-EH days for renal diseases was 1.37 (95 % CI = 1.13-1.66), which increased with increasing EH intensity, but was null among whites (OR = 1.00, 95 % CI = 0.81, 1.25). We observed a null association between EH and cardiovascular hospitalization. EH (99th percentile threshold) was associated with myocardial infarction hospitalizations. Confounding by ozone was minimal. EH was associated with hospitalizations for renal disease among non-whites. This information on vulnerability to heat-associated morbidity helps characterize the public health burden of EH and target interventions including patient education.

Absence of a moderating effect of parent health literacy on Early Head Start enrollment and dental use.

PubMed

Burgette, Jacqueline M; Preisser, John S; Weinberger, Morris; King, Rebecca S; Lee, Jessica Y; Rozier, R Gary

2018-04-16

To examine the moderating effect of parents' health literacy (HL) on the effectiveness of North Carolina Early Head Start (EHS) in improving children's dental use. Parents of 479 children enrolled in EHS and 699 Medicaid-matched parent-child dyads were interviewed at baseline when children were approximately 10 months old and 24 months later. We used in-person computer-assisted, structured interviews to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, dental use, and administer the Short Assessment of Health Literacy - Spanish and English (SAHL-S&E). This quasi-experimental study tested whether the interaction effect between EHS and parents' HL was associated with dental use. Logit (any use) and marginalized zero-inflated negative binomial count models (number of dental visits) included random effects to account for clustering and controlled for baseline dental use, dental need, survey language, and a propensity score covariate. Nineteen percent of parents in EHS had low literacy compared to 12 percent of parents in the non-EHS group (P < 0.01). The interaction term between EHS and parent's HL was not significant in the adjusted logit model (ratio of aORs 0.98, 95 percent CI: 0.43-2.20) or the adjusted count model (ratio of aRRs 0.88, 95 percent CI: 0.72-1.09). Parents in EHS had a higher prevalence of low HL compared to non-EHS parents. Parents' HL did not moderate the relationship between EHS and child dental use, suggesting that EHS results in similar improvements in dental use regardless of parent's HL levels. © 2018 American Association of Public Health Dentistry.

Crystal structure of the cysteine protease inhibitor 2 from Entamoeba histolytica: Functional convergence of a common protein fold

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

Casados-Vázquez, Luz E.; Lara-González, Samuel; Brieb, Luis G.

Cysteine proteases (CP) are key pathogenesis and virulence determinants of protozoan parasites. Entamoeba histolytica contains at least 50 cysteine proteases; however, only three (EhCP1, EhCP2 and EhCP5) are responsible for approximately 90% of the cysteine protease activity in this parasite. CPs are expressed as inactive zymogens. Because the processed proteases are potentially cytotoxic, protozoan parasites have developed mechanisms to regulate their activity. Inhibitors of cysteine proteases (ICP) of the chagasin-like inhibitor family (MEROPS family I42) were recently identified in bacteria and protozoan parasites. E. histolytica contains two ICP-encoding genes of the chagasin-like inhibitor family. EhICP1 localizes to the cytosol, whereasmore » EhICP2 is targeted to phagosomes. Herein, we report two crystal structures of EhICP2. The overall structure of EhICP2 consists of eight {beta}-strands and closely resembles the immunoglobulin fold. A comparison between the two crystal forms of EhICP2 indicates that the conserved BC, DE and FG loops form a flexible wedge that may block the active site of CPs. The positively charged surface of the wedge-forming loops in EhICP2 contrasts with the neutral surface of the wedge-forming loops in chagasin. We postulate that the flexibility and positive charge observed in the DE and FG loops of EhICP2 may be important to facilitate the initial binding of this inhibitor to the battery of CPs present in E. histolytica.« less

EVALUATION OF ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN 17 NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDIES REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

From 1988 through 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (EPA-RREL) and the New Jersey Department of Health's Environmental Health Service (NJDOH-EHS) conducted studies in 17 schools in New Jersey to evaluate their asbestos manageme...

EVALUATION OF ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN 17 NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS - A CASE STUDIES REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

From 1988 through 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (EPA-RREL) and the New Jersey Department of Health's Environmental Health Service (NJDOH-EHS) conducted studies in 17 schools in New Jersey to evaluate their asbestos manageme...

76 FR 30723 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-26

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Submission for....: New Collection. Description: The Administration for Children and Families is requesting comments on a... initiative by (1) Describing the implementation of the ELMC grants in HS and EHS programs; (2) examining the...

Assessment of Federal and State Administration of UMTA's Section 16(b)(2) Funding Program

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1981-02-01

Section 16 (b) (2) of the Urban Mass Transportation Act of 1964, as amended, authorizes grants to private non-profit (PNP) organizations to assist them in purchasing vehicles to transport elderly and handicapped (E&H) persons. UMTA is considering ref...

India, '95. Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminar Abroad Project 1997.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Cheryl

This paper describes benefits gained from a Fulbright-Hays summer study program to India. Included are examples of classroom materials used to teach classes about Indian folk art: puppets, silhouettes, surface embellishment (body ornamentation) including pierced design, visual communication pins, and T-shirt logos. (EH)

A new piezoelectric energy harvesting design concept: multimodal energy harvesting skin.

PubMed

Lee, Soobum; Youn, Byeng D

2011-03-01

This paper presents an advanced design concept for a piezoelectric energy harvesting (EH), referred to as multimodal EH skin. This EH design facilitates the use of multimodal vibration and enhances power harvesting efficiency. The multimodal EH skin is an extension of our previous work, EH skin, which was an innovative design paradigm for a piezoelectric energy harvester: a vibrating skin structure and an additional thin piezoelectric layer in one device. A computational (finite element) model of the multilayered assembly - the vibrating skin structure and piezoelectric layer - is constructed and the optimal topology and/or shape of the piezoelectric layer is found for maximum power generation from multiple vibration modes. A design rationale for the multimodal EH skin was proposed: designing a piezoelectric material distribution and external resistors. In the material design step, the piezoelectric material is segmented by inflection lines from multiple vibration modes of interests to minimize voltage cancellation. The inflection lines are detected using the voltage phase. In the external resistor design step, the resistor values are found for each segment to maximize power output. The presented design concept, which can be applied to any engineering system with multimodal harmonic-vibrating skins, was applied to two case studies: an aircraft skin and a power transformer panel. The excellent performance of multimodal EH skin was demonstrated, showing larger power generation than EH skin without segmentation or unimodal EH skin.

Structural insights into binding of inhibitors to soluble epoxide hydrolase gained by fragment screening and X-ray crystallography.

PubMed

Amano, Yasushi; Yamaguchi, Tomohiko; Tanabe, Eiki

2014-04-15

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a component of the arachidonic acid cascade and is a candidate target for therapies for hypertension or inflammation. Although many sEH inhibitors are available, their scaffolds are not structurally diverse, and knowledge of their specific interactions with sEH is limited. To obtain detailed structural information about protein-ligand interactions, we conducted fragment screening of sEH, analyzed the fragments using high-throughput X-ray crystallography, and determined 126 fragment-bound structures at high resolution. Aminothiazole and benzimidazole derivatives were identified as novel scaffolds that bind to the catalytic triad of sEH with good ligand efficiency. We further identified fragment hits that bound to subpockets of sEH called the short and long branches. The water molecule conserved in the structure plays an important role in binding to the long branch, whereas Asp496 and the main chain of Phe497 form hydrogen bonds with fragment hits in the short branch. Fragment hits and their crystal structures provide structural insights into ligand binding to sEH that will facilitate the discovery of novel and potent inhibitors of sEH. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) comprises a spectrum of changes in the endometrium ranging from a slightly disordered pattern that exaggerates the alterations seen in the late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle to irregular, hyperchromatic lesions that are similar to endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Generally, EH is caused by continuous exposure of estrogen unopposed by progesterone, polycystic ovary syndrome, tamoxifen, or hormone replacement therapy. Since it can progress, or often occur coincidentally with endometrial carcinoma, EH is of clinical importance, and the reversion of hyperplasia to normal endometrium represents the key conservative treatment for prevention of the development of adenocarcinoma. Presently, cyclic progestin or hysterectomy constitutes the major treatment option for EH without or with atypia, respectively. However, clinical trials of hormonal therapies and definitive standard treatments remain to be established for the management of EH. Moreover, therapeutic options for EH patients who wish to preserve fertility are challenging and require nonsurgical management. Therefore, future studies should focus on evaluation of new treatment strategies and novel compounds that could simultaneously target pathways involved in the pathogenesis of estradiol-induced EH. Novel therapeutic agents precisely targeting the inhibition of estrogen receptor, growth factor receptors, and signal transduction pathways are likely to constitute an optimal approach for treatment of EH. PMID:26463434

Therapeutic options for management of endometrial hyperplasia.

PubMed

Chandra, Vishal; Kim, Jong Joo; Benbrook, Doris Mangiaracina; Dwivedi, Anila; Rai, Rajani

2016-01-01

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) comprises a spectrum of changes in the endometrium ranging from a slightly disordered pattern that exaggerates the alterations seen in the late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle to irregular, hyperchromatic lesions that are similar to endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Generally, EH is caused by continuous exposure of estrogen unopposed by progesterone, polycystic ovary syndrome, tamoxifen, or hormone replacement therapy. Since it can progress, or often occur coincidentally with endometrial carcinoma, EH is of clinical importance, and the reversion of hyperplasia to normal endometrium represents the key conservative treatment for prevention of the development of adenocarcinoma. Presently, cyclic progestin or hysterectomy constitutes the major treatment option for EH without or with atypia, respectively. However, clinical trials of hormonal therapies and definitive standard treatments remain to be established for the management of EH. Moreover, therapeutic options for EH patients who wish to preserve fertility are challenging and require nonsurgical management. Therefore, future studies should focus on evaluation of new treatment strategies and novel compounds that could simultaneously target pathways involved in the pathogenesis of estradiol-induced EH. Novel therapeutic agents precisely targeting the inhibition of estrogen receptor, growth factor receptors, and signal transduction pathways are likely to constitute an optimal approach for treatment of EH.

Novel electrochemical-enzymatic model which quantifies the effect of the solution Eh on the kinetics of ferrous iron oxidation with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.

PubMed

Meruane, G; Salhe, C; Wiertz, J; Vargas, T

2002-11-05

The influence of solution Eh on the rate of ferrous iron oxidation by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is characterized. The experimental approach was based on the use of a two-chamber bioelectrochemical cell, which can determine the ferrous iron oxidation rate at controlled potential. Results enabled the formulation of a novel kinetic model, which incorporates the effect of solution Eh in an explicit form but still integrates the effect of ferrous iron concentration and ferric inhibition. The results showed that at Eh values below 650 mV (standard hydrogen electrode, SHE) the bacterial oxidative activity is mainly dependent on ferrous iron concentration. At Eh values between 650 and 820 mV (SHE) the oxidation rate is mainly controlled by ferric inhibition. Over 820 mV (SHE) the bacterial oxidative activity is strongly inhibited by the Eh increase, being completely inhibited at Eh = 840 mV (SHE). Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 280-288, 2002.

Homeostatic and pathogenic extramedullary hematopoiesis

PubMed Central

Kim, Chang H

2010-01-01

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) is defined as hematopoiesis occurring in organs outside of the bone marrow; it occurs in diverse conditions, including fetal development, normal immune responses, and pathological circumstances. During fetal development, before formation of mature marrow, EH occurs in the yolk sac, fetal liver, and spleen. EH also occurs during active immune responses to pathogens. Most frequently, this response occurs in the spleen and liver for the production of antigen-presenting cells and phagocytes. EH also occurs when the marrow becomes inhabitable for stem and progenitor cells in certain pathological conditions, including myelofibrosis, where marrow cells are replaced with collagenous connective tissue fibers. Thus, EH occurs either actively or passively in response to diverse changes in the hematopoietic environment. This article reviews the key features and regulators of the major types of EH. PMID:22282679

Near-miss incident management in the chemical process industry.

PubMed

Phimister, James R; Oktem, Ulku; Kleindorfer, Paul R; Kunreuther, Howard

2003-06-01

This article provides a systematic framework for the analysis and improvement of near-miss programs in the chemical process industries. Near-miss programs improve corporate environmental, health, and safety (EHS) performance through the identification and management of near misses. Based on more than 100 interviews at 20 chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, a seven-stage framework has been developed and is presented herein. The framework enables sites to analyze their own near-miss programs, identify weak management links, and implement systemwide improvements.

Pathogenic properties of enterohepatic Helicobacter spp. isolated from rhesus macaques with intestinal adenocarcinoma

PubMed Central

Lertpiriyapong, Kvin; Handt, Laurence; Feng, Yan; Mitchell, Thomas W.; Lodge, Kenneth E.; Shen, Zeli; Dewhirst, Floyd E.; Muthupalani, Sureshkumar

2014-01-01

Considerable progress has been made in understanding the roles of Helicobacter pylori in inflammation and gastric cancer; however, far less is known about the roles of enterohepatic Helicobacter species (EHS) in carcinogenesis and their zoonotic or pathogenic potential. We determined the prevalence of EHS infection in a cohort of geriatric rhesus monkeys in which intestinal adenocarcinoma (IAC) is common and investigated the association between EHS infection and IAC. The cohort consisted of 36 animals, 14 of which (age 26–35 years) had IAC. Of the 36 rhesus, 35 (97 %) were positive for EHS using PCR or bacterial isolation from faeces, colonic or tumour tissues. Only a single rhesus, which had IAC, was negative for EHS by all detection methods. The EHS identified by 16S rRNA sequencing in this study were from three Helicobacter taxa: Helicobacter macacae (previously rhesus monkey taxon 1), Helicobacter sp. rhesus monkey taxon 2, previously described from strain MIT 99-5507, and Helicobacter sp. rhesus monkey taxon 4, related to Helicobacter fennelliae. Thirteen of 14 monkeys with IAC were positive for either H. macacae (7/13, 54 %), EHS rhesus monkey taxon 4 (4/13, 31 %) or a mixture of the two EHS (2/13, 15 %). These results indicate that EHS are prevalent among aged rhesus macaques with IAC. Using Helicobacter genus-specific florescent in situ hybridization, EHS were detected on the surface of colonic epithelia of infected monkeys. All Helicobacter isolates, including H. macacae, effectively adhered to, invaded, and significantly induced proinflammatory genes, including IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS, while downregulating genes involved in the function of inflammasomes, particularly IL-1β, CASPASE-1, NRLP3, NLRP6 and NLRC4 in the human colonic T84 cell line (P<0.0001). These results suggest that EHS may represent an aetiological agent mediating diarrhoea, chronic inflammation, and possibly intestinal cancer in non-human primates, and may play a role in similar disease syndromes in humans. Downregulation of inflammasome function may represent an EHS strategy for long-term persistence in the host and play a role in inducing pathological changes in the host’s lower bowel. PMID:24696515

Genetic enhancement of microsomal epoxide hydrolase improves metabolic detoxification but impairs cerebral blood flow regulation.

PubMed

Marowsky, Anne; Haenel, Karen; Bockamp, Ernesto; Heck, Rosario; Rutishauser, Sibylle; Mule, Nandkishor; Kindler, Diana; Rudin, Markus; Arand, Michael

2016-12-01

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) is a detoxifying enzyme for xenobiotic compounds. Enzymatic activity of mEH can be greatly increased by a point mutation, leading to an E404D amino acid exchange in its catalytic triad. Surprisingly, this variant is not found in any vertebrate species, despite the obvious advantage of accelerated detoxification. We hypothesized that this evolutionary avoidance is due to the fact that the mEH plays a dualistic role in detoxification and control of endogenous vascular signaling molecules. To test this, we generated mEH E404D mice and assessed them for detoxification capacity and vascular dynamics. In liver microsomes from these mice, turnover of the xenobiotic compound phenanthrene-9,10-oxide was four times faster compared to WT liver microsomes, confirming accelerated detoxification. mEH E404D animals also showed faster metabolization of a specific class of endogenous eicosanoids, arachidonic acid-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs). Significantly higher DHETs/EETs ratios were found in mEH E404D liver, urine, plasma, brain and cerebral endothelial cells compared to WT controls, suggesting a broad impact of the mEH mutant on endogenous EETs metabolism. Because EETs are strong vasodilators in cerebral vasculature, hemodynamics were assessed in mEH E404D and WT cerebral cortex and hippocampus using cerebral blood volume (CBV)-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Basal CBV 0 levels were similar between mEH E404D and control mice in both brain areas. But vascular reactivity and vasodilation in response to the vasodilatory drug acetazolamide were reduced in mEH E404D forebrain compared to WT controls by factor 3 and 2.6, respectively. These results demonstrate a critical role for mEH E404D in vasodynamics and suggest that deregulation of endogenous signaling pathways is the undesirable gain of function associated with the E404D variant.

New Automated System Available for Reporting Safety Concerns | Poster

Cancer.gov

A new system has been developed for reporting safety issues in the workplace. The Environment, Health, and Safety’s (EHS’) Safety Inspection and Issue Management System (SIIMS) is an online resource where any employee can report a problem or issue, said Siobhan Tierney, program manager at EHS.

Early Head Start and African American Families: Impacts and Mechanisms of Child Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harden, Brenda Jones; Sandstrom, Heather; Chazan-Cohen, Rachel

2012-01-01

Persistent disparities exist between African American children and their European American counterparts across developmental domains. Early childhood intervention may serve to promote more positive outcomes among African American children. The current study examined whether and how the Early Head Start (EHS) program benefited African American…

7 CFR 2.42 - Administrator, Farm Service Agency.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... release of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant into the environment; (ii) Sections 104(e)-(h... Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); (iii) Safe Drinking... coordinate land retirement and agricultural working land conservation programs under section 2005 (16 U.S.C...

Vulnerability to extreme-heat-associated hospitalization in three counties in Michigan, USA, 2000–2009

PubMed Central

Ogbomo, Adesuwa S.; Gronlund, Carina J.; O’Neill, Marie S.; Konen, Tess; Cameron, Lorraine; Wahl, Robert

2016-01-01

Background With climate change, extreme heat (EH) events are increasing, so it is important to understand who is vulnerable to heat-associated morbidity. We determined the association between EH and hospitalizations for all natural causes, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal diseases, diabetes mellitus, and acute myocardial infarction in Michigan, USA at different intensities and durations. We assessed confounding by ozone and how individual characteristics and health insurance payer (a proxy for income) modified these associations. Methods We obtained Michigan Inpatient Database, National Climatic Data Center, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ozone data for May–September, 2000–2009 for three Michigan counties. We employed a case-crossover design and modeled EH as an indicator for temperature above the 95th, 97th or 99th percentile thresholds for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days. We examined effect modification by patient age, race, sex, and health insurance payer and pooled the county results. Results Among non-whites, the pooled odds ratio for hospitalization on EH (97th-percentile threshold) vs. non-EH days for renal diseases was 1.37 (95% CI = 1.13–1.66), which increased with increasing EH intensity, but was null among whites (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.81, 1.25). We observed a null association between EH and cardiovascular hospitalization. EH (99th-percentile threshold) was associated with myocardial infarction hospitalizations. Confounding by ozone was minimal. Conclusions EH was associated with hospitalizations for renal disease among non-whites. This information on vulnerability to heat-associated morbidity helps characterize the public health burden of EH and target interventions including patient education. PMID:27796569

Epoxide metabolism in the liver of mice treated with clofibrate (ethyl-alpha-(p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate)), a peroxisome proliferator.

PubMed

Moody, D E; Loury, D N; Hammock, B D

1985-05-01

An increase in cytosolic epoxide hydrolase (cEH) activity occurs in the livers of mice treated with peroxisome proliferating-hypolipidemic-nongenotoxic carcinogens. As increases in activity of epoxide metabolizing enzymes may reflect the carcinogenic mechanism, a detailed comparison of the response of cEH, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (cGST) activities using the geometrical isomers trans- and cis-stilbene oxide as substrates has been performed in livers from mice treated with clofibrate (ethyl-alpha-(p-chlorophenoxyisobutyrate]. The maximal increase of cEH activity occurred at lower dietary doses of clofibrate (0.5%) and within a shorter time (5 days) than mEH and cGST (2%, 14 days) activity. After 14 days at 0.5% clofibrate, cEH, mEH, and cGST activities were 250, 175, and 165% and 290, 220, and 75% of control values in male and female mice, respectively. Withdrawal of clofibrate from the diet resulted in a reversion of activities to control values within 7 days. Clofibrate treatment shifted the apparent subcellular compartmentation of all three enzymatic activities with an increase in the ratio of soluble to particulate activity. In particular, the relative specific activity of all three enzymes decreased in the light mitochondrial (peroxisomal) cell fraction, and an increase of a mEH-like activity (benzo[a]pyrene-4,5-oxide and cis-stilbene oxide hydrolysis) in the cytosol occurred. Both the increase of cEH activity and the appearance of mEH-like activity in the cytosol are novel responses of epoxide metabolizing enzymes, which may be related to the novel cellular responses that follow clofibrate treatment, peroxisome proliferation, hypolipidemia, and nongenotoxic carcinogenesis.

A System Approach to Navy Medical Education and Training. Appendix 41. Competency Curriculum for Environmental Health Assistant.

DTIC Science & Technology

1974-08-31

in nosocomial infection Recognition of problems in the field 72 t~ UI Competency: ENVIHO~TMENAL EALTH A[ IU2AX2 C (EiA) Unit: ITospital Infection ... nosocomial infection control (Behavior) The EH1A will evaluate clinical bacteriologic laboratory results, review patients’ admission records and...discuss patient charts with ward nursing supervisors; sujmnarize the rate and incidence of nosocomial infection and report the data to the infection

Bayesian modeling approach for characterizing groundwater arsenic contamination in the Mekong River basin.

PubMed

Cha, YoonKyung; Kim, Young Mo; Choi, Jae-Woo; Sthiannopkao, Suthipong; Cho, Kyung Hwa

2016-01-01

In the Mekong River basin, groundwater from tube-wells is a major drinking water source. However, arsenic (As) contamination in groundwater resources has become a critical issue in the watershed. In this study, As species such as total As (AsTOT), As(III), and As(V), were monitored across the watershed to investigate their characteristics and inter-relationships with water quality parameters, including pH and redox potential (Eh). The data illustrated a dramatic change in the relationship between AsTOT and Eh over a specific Eh range, suggesting the importance of Eh in predicting AsTOT. Thus, a Bayesian change-point model was developed to predict AsTOT concentrations based on Eh and pH, to determine changes in the AsTOT-Eh relationship. The model captured the Eh change-point (∼-100±15mV), which was compatible with the data. Importantly, the inclusion of this change-point in the model resulted in improved model fit and prediction accuracy; AsTOT concentrations were strongly negatively related to Eh values higher than the change-point. The process underlying this relationship was subsequently posited to be the reductive dissolution of mineral oxides and As release. Overall, AsTOT showed a weak positive relationship with Eh at a lower range, similar to those commonly observed in the Mekong River basin delta. It is expected that these results would serve as a guide for establishing public health strategies in the Mekong River Basin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonoperative Management of a Large Extrapleural Hematoma after Blunt Chest Trauma.

PubMed

Gorospe, Luis; Fernández-Méndez, María Ángeles; Ayala-Carbonero, Ana; Cabañero-Sánchez, Alberto; Muñoz-Molina, Gemma María

2016-08-01

An extrapleural hematoma (EH) is an uncommon and potentially life-threatening condition defined as the accumulation of blood in the extrapleural space between the parietal pleura and the endothoracic fascia. EH usually occurs after blunt thoracic trauma causing fractures of the sternum and ribs, which can tear the intercostal or internal mammary vessels. Typical radiological findings of EH are a biconvex opacity on the involved hemithorax and the so-called displaced "extrapleural fat sign." We present a case of a 36-year-old man with an isolated scapular fracture after a high-energy blunt chest trauma complicated with a large contralateral EH that was successfully managed nonoperatively with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and image-guided drainage with a pig-tail catheter. To the best of our knowledge there is only one previous report describing a large EH after blunt thoracic trauma without rib fractures. Only two previous cases of large EHs have been treated initially with TAE, but both patients ultimately required open surgery. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Patients with EH can present with respiratory distress and hypotension, so early identification is important to facilitate proper treatment. EH has characteristic radiological findings, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography is not only the best imaging tool for confirming an EH, but also the best technique for detecting the source of the bleeding and other serious thoracic complications that may not be evident on chest x-ray studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Arabidopsis thaliana EPOXIDE HYDROLASE1 (AtEH1) is a cytosolic epoxide hydrolase involved in the synthesis of poly-hydroxylated cutin monomers.

PubMed

Pineau, Emmanuelle; Xu, Lin; Renault, Hugues; Trolet, Adrien; Navrot, Nicolas; Ullmann, Pascaline; Légeret, Bertrand; Verdier, Gaëtan; Beisson, Fred; Pinot, Franck

2017-07-01

Epoxide hydrolases (EHs) are present in all living organisms. They have been extensively characterized in mammals; however, their biological functions in plants have not been demonstrated. Based on in silico analysis, we identified AtEH1 (At3g05600), a putative Arabidopsis thaliana epoxide hydrolase possibly involved in cutin monomer synthesis. We expressed AtEH1 in yeast and studied its localization in vivo. We also analyzed the composition of cutin from A. thaliana lines in which this gene was knocked out. Incubation of recombinant AtEH1 with epoxy fatty acids confirmed its capacity to hydrolyze epoxides of C18 fatty acids into vicinal diols. Transfection of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with constructs expressing AtEH1 fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) indicated that AtEH1 is localized in the cytosol. Analysis of cutin monomers in loss-of-function Ateh1-1 and Ateh1-2 mutants showed an accumulation of 18-hydroxy-9,10-epoxyoctadecenoic acid and a concomitant decrease in corresponding vicinal diols in leaf and seed cutin. Compared with wild-type seeds, Ateh1 seeds showed delayed germination under osmotic stress conditions and increased seed coat permeability to tetrazolium red. This work reports a physiological role for a plant EH and identifies AtEH1 as a new member of the complex machinery involved in cutin synthesis. © 2017 CNRS New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition does not prevent cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after aortic constriction in rats and mice.

PubMed

Morgan, Lisa A; Olzinski, Alan R; Upson, John J; Zhao, Shufang; Wang, Tao; Eisennagel, Stephen H; Hoang, Bao; Tunstead, James R; Marino, Joseph P; Willette, Robert N; Jucker, Beat M; Behm, David J

2013-04-01

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, substrates for soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), exhibit vasodilatory and antihypertrophic activities. Inhibitors of sEH might therefore hold promise as heart failure therapeutics. We examined the ability of sEH inhibitors GSK2188931 and GSK2256294 to modulate cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and function after transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in rats and mice. GSK2188931 administration was initiated in rats 1 day before TAC, whereas GSK2256294 treatment was initiated in mice 2 weeks after TAC. Four weeks later, cardiovascular function was assessed, plasma was collected for drug and sEH biomarker concentrations, and left ventricle was isolated for messenger RNA and histological analyses. In rats, although GSK2188931 prevented TAC-mediated increases in certain genes associated with hypertrophy and fibrosis (α-skeletal actin and connective tissue growth factor), the compound failed to attenuate TAC-induced increases in left ventricle mass, posterior wall thickness, end-diastolic volume and pressure, and perivascular fibrosis. Similarly, in mice, GSK2256294 did not reverse cardiac remodeling or systolic dysfunction induced by TAC. Both compounds increased the sEH substrate/product (leukotoxin/leukotoxin diol) ratio, indicating sEH inhibition. In summary, sEH inhibition does not prevent cardiac remodeling or dysfunction after TAC. Thus, targeting sEH seems to be insufficient for reducing pressure overload hypertrophy.

Protection against murine intestinal amoebiasis induced by oral immunization with the 29 kDa antigen of Entamoeba histolytica and cholera toxin.

PubMed

Carrero, J C; Contreras-Rojas, A; Sánchez-Hernández, B; Petrosyan, P; Bobes, R J; Ortiz-Ortiz, L; Laclette, J P

2010-11-01

Entamoeba histolytica antigens recognized by salivary IgA from infected patients include the 29 kDa antigen (Eh29), an alkyl hydroperoxide reductase. Here, we investigate the potential of recombinant Eh29 and an Eh29-cholera toxin subunit B (CTxB) fusion protein to confer protection against intestinal amoebiasis after oral immunization. The purified Eh29-CTxB fusion retained the critical ability to bind ganglioside GM(1), as determined by ELISA. Oral immunization of C3H/HeJ mice with Eh29 administered in combination with a subclinical dose of whole cholera toxin, but not as an Eh29-CTxB fusion, induced elevated levels of intestinal IgA and serum IgG anti-Eh29 antibodies that inhibited trophozoites adherence to MDCK cell monolayers. The 80% of immunized mice seen to develop IgA and IgG immune responses showed no evidence of infection in tissue sections harvested following intracecal challenge with virulent E. histolytica trophozoites. These results suggest that Eh29 is capable of inducing protective anti-amoebic immune responses in mice following oral immunization and could be used in the development of oral vaccines against amoebiasis. (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development and evaluation of an electromagnetic hypersensitivity questionnaire for Japanese people

PubMed Central

Tokiya, Mikiko; Mizuki, Masami; Miyata, Mikio; Kanatani, Kumiko T.; Takagi, Airi; Tsurikisawa, Naomi; Kame, Setsuko; Katoh, Takahiko; Tsujiuchi, Takuya; Kumano, Hiroaki

2016-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Japanese version of an electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) questionnaire, originally developed by Eltiti et al. in the United Kingdom. Using this Japanese EHS questionnaire, surveys were conducted on 1306 controls and 127 self‐selected EHS subjects in Japan. Principal component analysis of controls revealed eight principal symptom groups, namely, nervous, skin‐related, head‐related, auditory and vestibular, musculoskeletal, allergy‐related, sensory, and heart/chest‐related. The reliability of the Japanese EHS questionnaire was confirmed by high to moderate intraclass correlation coefficients in a test–retest analysis, and high Cronbach's α coefficients (0.853–0.953) from each subscale. A comparison of scores of each subscale between self‐selected EHS subjects and age‐ and sex‐matched controls using bivariate logistic regression analysis, Mann–Whitney U‐ and χ 2 tests, verified the validity of the questionnaire. This study demonstrated that the Japanese EHS questionnaire is reliable and valid, and can be used for surveillance of EHS individuals in Japan. Furthermore, based on multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses, we propose specific preliminary criteria for screening EHS individuals in Japan. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:353–372, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:27324106

First known EL5 chondrite - Evidence for dual genetic sequence for enstatite chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sears, D. W. G.; Weeks, K. S.; Rubin, A. E.

1984-01-01

The compositionally distinct EH and EL groups together with four (3-6) petrologic types which constitute the enstatite chondrites represent increasing degrees of metamorphic alteration. Although bulk composition variations preclude a simple conversion of EH4 into EL6 material, complex models which involve simultaneous bulk composition and petrologic type variations may be implied by other classification schemes in common use. Attention is presently given to the discovery of the first EL5 chondrite, which breaks the EH3,4-EH5-EL6 sequence and indicates that the enstatite chondrites constitute the two discrete, isochemical metamorphic sequences EH3-5 and EL5-6.

Chapter A6. Section 6.5. Reduction-Oxidation Potential (Electrode Method)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Wilde, Franceska D.

2005-01-01

Reduction-oxidation (redox) potential--also referred to as Eh--is a measure of the equilibrium potential, relative to the standard hydrogen electrode, developed at the interface between a noble metal electrode and an aqueous solution containing electroactive chemical species. Measurements of Eh are used to evaluate geochemical speciation models, and Eh data can provide insights on the evolution and status of water chemistry in an aqueous system. Nevertheless, the measurement is fraught with inherent interferences and limitations that must be understood and considered to determine applicability to the aqueous system being studied. For this reason, Eh determination is not one of the field parameters routinely measured by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This section of the National Field Manual (NFM) describes the equipment and procedures needed to measure Eh in water using a platinum electrode. Guidance as to the limitations and interpretation of Eh measurement also is included.

18F-FNDP for PET Imaging of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase.

PubMed

Horti, Andrew G; Wang, Yuchuan; Minn, Il; Lan, Xi; Wang, Jian; Koehler, Raymond C; Alkayed, Nabil J; Dannals, Robert F; Pomper, Martin G

2016-11-01

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a bifunctional enzyme located within cytosol and peroxisomes that converts epoxides to the corresponding diols and hydrolyzes phosphate monoesters. It serves to inactivate epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are generated in the brain to couple neuronal activity and cerebral blood flow in normal and pathologic states. Altered regulation of sEH was observed previously in various neuropathologic disorders including vascular dementia and stroke. Inhibitors of sEH are pursued as agents to mitigate neuronal damage after stroke. We developed N-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-6- 18 F-fluoronicotinamide ( 18 F-FNDP), which proved highly specific for imaging of sEH in the mouse and nonhuman primate brain with PET. 18 F-FNDP was synthesized from the corresponding bromo precursor. sEH inhibitory activity of 18 F-FNDP was measured using an sEH inhibitor screening assay kit. Biodistribution was undertaken in CD-1 mice. Binding specificity was assayed in CD-1 and sEH knock-out mice and Papio anubis (baboon) through pretreatment with an sEH inhibitor to block sEH binding. Dynamic PET imaging with arterial blood sampling was performed in 3 baboons, with regional tracer binding quantified using distribution volume. The metabolism of 18 F-FNDP in baboons was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. 18 F-FNDP (inhibition binding affinity constant, 1.73 nM) was prepared in 1 step in a radiochemical yield of 14% ± 7%, specific radioactivity in the range of 888-3,774 GBq/μmol, and a radiochemical purity greater than 99% using an automatic radiosynthesis module. The time of preparation was about 75 min. In CD-1 mice, regional uptake followed the pattern of striatum > cortex > hippocampus > cerebellum, consistent with the known brain distribution of sEH, with 5.2% injected dose per gram of tissue at peak uptake. Blockade of 80%-90% was demonstrated in all brain regions. Minimal radiotracer uptake was present in sEH knock-out mice. PET baboon brain distribution paralleled that seen in mouse, with a marked blockade (95%) noted in all regions indicating sEH-mediated uptake of 18 F-FNDP. Two hydrophilic metabolites were identified, with 20% parent compound present at 90 min after injection in baboon plasma. 18 F-FNDP can be synthesized in suitable radiochemical yield and high specific radioactivity and purity. In vivo imaging experiments demonstrated that 18 F-FNDP targeted sEH in murine and nonhuman primate brain specifically. 18 F-FNDP is a promising PET radiotracer likely to be useful for understanding the role of sEH in a variety of conditions affecting the central nervous system. © 2016 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Inc.

Relationship between ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Madeira Island.

PubMed

Sousa, Ana Célia; Palma Dos Reis, Roberto; Pereira, Andreia; Borges, Sofia; Freitas, Ana Isabel; Guerra, Graça; Góis, Teresa; Rodrigues, Mariana; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Ornelas, Ilídio; Pereira, Décio; Brehm, António; Mendonça, Maria Isabel

2017-10-01

Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disease in which physiological, environmental, and genetic factors are involved in its genesis. The genetic variant of the alpha-adducin gene (ADD1) has been described as a risk factor for EH, but with controversial results.The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ADD1 (Gly460Trp) gene polymorphism with the EH risk in a population from Madeira Island.A case-control study with 1614 individuals of Caucasian origin was performed, including 817 individuals with EH and 797 controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex and age, by frequency-matching method. All participants collected blood for biochemical and genotypic analysis for the Gly460Trp polymorphism. We further investigated which variables were independently associated to EH, and, consequently, analyzed their interactions.In our study, we found a significant association between the ADD1 gene polymorphism and EH (odds ratio 2.484, P = .01). This association remained statistically significant after the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.548, P = .02).The ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism is significantly and independently associated with EH risk in our population. The knowledge of genetic polymorphisms associated with EH is of paramount importance because it leads to a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of this pathology.

Relationship between ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in Madeira Island

PubMed Central

Sousa, Ana Célia; Palma dos Reis, Roberto; Pereira, Andreia; Borges, Sofia; Freitas, Ana Isabel; Guerra, Graça; Góis, Teresa; Rodrigues, Mariana; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Ornelas, Ilídio; Pereira, Décio; Brehm, António; Mendonça, Maria Isabel

2017-01-01

Abstract Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disease in which physiological, environmental, and genetic factors are involved in its genesis. The genetic variant of the alpha-adducin gene (ADD1) has been described as a risk factor for EH, but with controversial results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of ADD1 (Gly460Trp) gene polymorphism with the EH risk in a population from Madeira Island. A case-control study with 1614 individuals of Caucasian origin was performed, including 817 individuals with EH and 797 controls. Cases and controls were matched for sex and age, by frequency-matching method. All participants collected blood for biochemical and genotypic analysis for the Gly460Trp polymorphism. We further investigated which variables were independently associated to EH, and, consequently, analyzed their interactions. In our study, we found a significant association between the ADD1 gene polymorphism and EH (odds ratio 2.484, P = .01). This association remained statistically significant after the multivariate analysis (odds ratio 2.548, P = .02). The ADD1 Gly460Trp gene polymorphism is significantly and independently associated with EH risk in our population. The knowledge of genetic polymorphisms associated with EH is of paramount importance because it leads to a better understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of this pathology. PMID:29049185

Should epidural drain be recommended after supratentorial craniotomy for epileptic patients?

PubMed

Guangming, Zhang; Huancong, Zuo; Wenjing, Zhou; Guoqiang, Chen; Xiaosong, Wang

2009-08-01

ED was once and is still commonly applied to prevent mainly EH and subgaleal CSF collection. We designed this study to observe if ED could decrease the incidence and volume of EH and subgaleal CSF collection after supratentorial craniotomy in epileptic patients. Three hundred forty-two epileptic patients were divided into 2 groups according to their first craniotomy date (group 1 in odd date and group 2 in even date). Patients in group 1 had ED and those in group 2 had no ED. The patient numbers and volumes of EH and subgaleal CSF collections in both groups were recorded and statistically analyzed. There were 22 EHs in group 1 and 20 EHs in group 2. There were 11 and 10 subgaleal CSF collections in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The average volume of EH was 13.5 +/- 8.12 and 14.65 +/- 7.72 mL in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The average volume of subgaleal CSF collection was 42.76 +/- 12.09 and 43.75 +/- 11.44 mL in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no statistical differences in the incidence and average volume of EH and subgaleal CSF collection between the 2 groups. ED cannot decrease the incidence and volume of EH and subgaleal CSF collection. ED should not be recommended after supratentorial epileptic craniotomy.

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase limits niacin-induced vasodilation in mice

PubMed Central

Inceoglu, A. B.; Clifton, H.L.; Yang, J.; Hegedus, C.; Hammock, B. D.; Schaefer, S.

2012-01-01

Background The use of niacin in the treatment of dyslipidemias is limited by the common side effect of cutaneous vasodilation, commonly termed flushing. Flushing is thought to be due to release of the vasodilatory prostanoids PGD2 and PGE2 from arachidonic acid metabolism through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Arachidonic acid is also metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system which is regulated, in part, by the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Methods: These experiments used an established murine model in which ear tissue perfusion was measured by laser Doppler to test the hypothesis that inhibition of sEH would limit niacin-induced flushing. Results: Niacin-induced flushing was reduced from 506 ± 126 to 213 ± 39 % in sEH knockout animals. Pharmacologic treatment with 3 structurally distinct sEH inhibitors similarly reduced flushing in a dose dependent manner, with maximal reduction to 143±15% of baseline flow using a concentration of 1 mg/kg TPAU (1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-acetylpiperidin-4-yl) urea). Systemically administered PGD2 caused ear vasodilation which was not changed by either pharmacologic sEH inhibition or by sEH gene deletion. Conclusions: Inhibition of sEH markedly reduces niacin-induced flushing in this model without an apparent effect on the response to PGD2. sEH inhibition may be a new therapeutic approach to limit flushing in humans. PMID:22526297

Skin prick testing with extensively heated milk or egg products helps predict the outcome of an oral food challenge: a retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Faraj, Zein; Kim, Harold L

2012-07-11

Cow's milk and hen's egg are the most frequently encountered food allergens in the pediatric population. Skin prick testing (SPT) with commercial extracts followed by an oral food challenge (OFC) are routinely performed in the diagnostic investigation of these children. Recent evidence suggests that milk-allergic and/or egg-allergic individuals can often tolerate extensively heated (EH) forms of these foods. This study evaluated the predictive value of a negative SPT with EH milk or egg in determining whether a child would tolerate an OFC to the EH food product. Charts from a single allergy clinic were reviewed for any patient with a negative SPT to EH milk or egg, prepared in the form of a muffin. Data collected included age, sex, symptoms of food allergy, co-morbidities and the success of the OFC to the muffin. Fifty-eight patients had negative SPTs to the EH milk or egg in a muffin and underwent OFC to the appropriate EH food in the outpatient clinic. Fifty-five of these patients tolerated the OFC. The negative predictive value for the SPT with the EH food product was 94.8%. SPT with EH milk or egg products was predictive of a successful OFC to the same food. Larger prospective studies are required to substantiate these findings.

Agri-environmental grass hay: nutritive value and intake in comparison with hay from intensively managed grassland.

PubMed

Fiems, L O; De Boever, J L; De Vliegher, A; Vanacker, J M; De Brabander, D L; Carlier, L

2004-06-01

Chemical composition, digestibility, nutritive value and intake of hay from an agri-environmental management (EH) were compared with those from hay (Lolium perenne) from an intensive management (IH). IH was of low to moderate quality because of unfavourable weather conditions. EH was harvested mid-June of 2000 (EH1) and 2001 (EH2) on the same sward that had not received mineral fertilizer for 10 years. The EH was characterized by a species-rich botanical composition. On average, it had lower contents of protein (32%), NDF (9%) and ash (35%), and a higher concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (117%) than IH. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, determined with sheep, was not different between IH and EH and averaged 59 and 63%, respectively. Crude fibre and NDF digestibility were lower in EH (58 and 57%, respectively) than in IH (70 and 69%, respectively). Net energy value for lactation did not differ between IH and EH and amounted to 4.78 MJ per kg DM. True protein digested in the small intestine and rumen degraded protein balance were lower in EH (63 and -60 g per kg DM) than in IH (71 and -33 g per kg DM). Intake of hay was investigated in Holstein-Friesian heifers and Belgian Blue double-muscled heifers (mean BW 280 +/- 22 kg and 269 +/- 21 kg, respectively), and in Belgian Blue non-lactating and non-pregnant double-muscled cows (initial BW 642 +/- 82 kg), using a cross-over design. Hay was freely available. It was supplemented with 1 kg concentrate daily. Dry matter intake from hay was higher for EH than for IH in heifers (4% and 13%, respectively in Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue heifers) and in cows (22%). Hay from an agri-environmental management may be used for low-performing animals, as energy intake only exceeded maintenance requirements by 20 to 35%. Several characteristics of EH were different between years, such as dry matter digestibility, net energy value for lactation and fermentable organic matter content.

A web-based survey of erection hardness score and its relationship to aging, sexual behavior, confidence, and risk factors in Japan.

PubMed

Kimura, Masaki; Shimura, Satoru; Tai, Toshihiro; Kobayashi, Hideyuki; Baba, Shiro; Kano, Munehide; Nagao, Koichi

2013-12-01

Erection hardness is an elemental component of men's sexual quality of life that can be easily measured by the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). However, there are few published data regarding EHS, and there is little understanding of its relationships to aging, men's sexual behavior, sexual confidence, and risk factors in Japan. To assess EHS and how it correlates to aging, sexual behaviors, sexual self-confidence, and risk factors in a Japanese population database. A web-based cross-sectional nationwide survey conducted between March and May 2009 in Japan. EHS, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, general health, sexual confidence, frequency of sexual behaviors, and attitudes toward treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). A total of 7,710 men with a mean age of 39.3 ± 13.0 years participated in this survey. In 6,528 participants who were not using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, 3,540 (54.2%) had EHS ≤ 3 and 1,196 (18.3%) had EHS ≤ 2. We found a significant age-dependent decrease in EHS, sexual confidence, and frequency of sexual activities. Sexual confidence was strongly associated with higher EHS but was also associated with older age groups, presence of offspring, awareness of better general health, and greater frequency of sexual activity. In age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, risk factors for a lower EHS (defined as EHS ≤ 2) were heavy smoking, which was defined as more than two packs per day (odds ratio [OR], 1.7) or a history of metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.4), hypertension (OR, 1.2), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.4). EHS correlates to various elements, such as aging, sexual behaviors, sexual confidence, and ED-related risk factors, and can be a valuable tool in clinical practice for monitoring and treating ED and thereby improving the quality of life for men and their sexual partners. Kimura M, Shimura S, Tai T, Kobayashi H, Baba S, Kano M, and Nagao K. A web-based survey of Erection Hardness Score and its relationship to aging, sexual behavior, confidence, and risk factors in Japan. Sex Med 2013;1:76-86.

Patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma need a personalized management: A lesson from clinical practice.

PubMed

Giannini, Edoardo Giovanni; Bucci, Laura; Garuti, Francesca; Brunacci, Matteo; Lenzi, Barbara; Valente, Matteo; Caturelli, Eugenio; Cabibbo, Giuseppe; Piscaglia, Fabio; Virdone, Roberto; Felder, Martina; Ciccarese, Francesca; Foschi, Francesco Giuseppe; Sacco, Rodolfo; Svegliati Baroni, Gianluca; Farinati, Fabio; Rapaccini, Gian Lodovico; Olivani, Andrea; Gasbarrini, Antonio; Di Marco, Maria; Morisco, Filomena; Zoli, Marco; Masotto, Alberto; Borzio, Franco; Benvegnù, Luisa; Marra, Fabio; Colecchia, Antonio; Nardone, Gerardo; Bernardi, Mauro; Trevisani, Franco

2018-05-01

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) advanced stage (BCLC C) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) includes a heterogeneous population, where sorafenib alone is the recommended treatment. In this study, our aim was to assess treatment and overall survival (OS) of BCLC C patients subclassified according to clinical features (performance status [PS], macrovascular invasion [MVI], extrahepatic spread [EHS] or MVI + EHS) determining their allocation to this stage. From the Italian Liver Cancer database, we analyzed 835 consecutive BCLC C patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2014. Patients were subclassified as: PS1 alone (n = 385; 46.1%), PS2 alone (n = 146; 17.5%), MVI (n = 224; 26.8%), EHS (n = 51; 6.1%), and MVI + EHS (n = 29; 3.5%). MVI, EHS, and MVI + EHS patients had larger and multifocal/massive HCCs and higher alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels than PS1 and PS2 patients. Median OS significantly declined from PS1 (38.6 months) to PS2 (22.3 months), EHS (11.2 months), MVI (8.2 months), and MVI + EHS (3.1 months; P < 0.001). Among MVI patients, OS was longer in those with peripheral than with central (portal trunk) MVI (11.2 vs. 7.1 months; P = 0.005). The most frequent treatments were: curative approaches in PS1 (39.7%), supportive therapy in PS2 (41.8%), sorafenib in MVI (39.3%) and EHS (37.3%), and best supportive care in MVI + EHS patients (51.7%). Independent prognostic factors were: Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, Child-Pugh class, ascites, platelet count, albumin, tumor size, MVI, EHS, AFP levels, and treatment type. BCLC C stage does not identify patients homogeneous enough to be allocated to a single stage. PS1 alone is not sufficient to include a patient into this stage. The remaining patients should be subclassified according to PS and tumor features, and new patient-tailored therapeutic indications are needed. (Hepatology 2018;67:1784-1796). © 2017 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Stabilizing Developmental Language Trajectories in Infants/Toddlers: A Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marvin, Christine; Kuhn, Miriam; Knoche, Lisa

2013-01-01

Parents' interactions with their children can have influential effects on children's language outcomes. Special supports may be needed however, when young children live in poverty and show developmental delays early in life. This study analyzed data for a subset of children enrolled in Early Head Start (EHS) programs and participating in a…

EURYDICE Seminar on the Role of School Heads in Education Systems. Main Speeches. (Paris, France, June 29, 1995).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

EURYDICE European Unit, Brussels (Belgium).

Three speeches from a seminar include: (1) "Introductory Statement" (Antoine Bousquet); (2) "Objectives and Reforms of the French Education System" (Claude Thelot); and (3) "School Heads in the French Education System" (Louis Baladier). The seminar program and a list of participants also are included. (EH)

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

Harris, Todd R.; Bettaieb, Ahmed; Kodani, Sean

Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition in which chronic inflammation and changes to the extracellular matrix lead to alterations in hepatic tissue architecture and functional degradation of the liver. Inhibitors of the enzyme soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) reduce fibrosis in the heart, pancreas and kidney in several disease models. In this study, we assess the effect of sEH inhibition on the development of fibrosis in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl{sub 4})-induced mouse model by monitoring changes in the inflammatory response, matrix remolding and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The sEH inhibitor 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3-(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU) was administered in drinking water. Collagen deposition in themore » liver was increased five-fold in the CCl{sub 4}-treated group, and this was returned to control levels by TPPU treatment. Hepatic expression of Col1a2 and 3a1 mRNA was increased over fifteen-fold in the CCl{sub 4}-treated group relative to the Control group, and this increase was reduced by 50% by TPPU treatment. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress observed in the livers of CCl{sub 4}-treated animals was attenuated by TPPU treatment. In order to support the hypothesis that TPPU is acting to reduce the hepatic fibrosis and ER stress through its action as a sEH inhibitor we used a second sEH inhibitor, trans-4-(4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-ureido]-cyclohexyloxy)-benzoic acid (t-TUCB), and sEH null mice. Taken together, these data indicate that the sEH may play an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl{sub 4}, presumably by reducing endogenous fatty acid epoxide chemical mediators acting to reduce ER stress. - Highlights: • We administer an inhibitor of sEH in a CCl4 murine model. • sEH inhibition reduces liver collagen deposition and pro-fibrotic gene expression. • sEH inhibition induces MMP-1a activity.« less

Enhancing the Antioxidant Ability of Trametes versicolor Polysaccharopeptides by an Enzymatic Hydrolysis Process.

PubMed

Jhan, Mei-Hsin; Yeh, Ching-Hua; Tsai, Chia-Chun; Kao, Ching-Tian; Chang, Chao-Kai; Hsieh, Chang-Wei

2016-09-10

Polysaccharopeptides (PSPs) are among the main bioactive constituents of Trametes versicolor (T. versicolor). The purpose of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activities of enzymatic hydrolysates obtained from T. versicolor polysaccharopeptides by 80 U/mL β-1,3-glucanase (PSPs-EH80). The half-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of PSPs-EH80 in metal chelating assay, ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging test results were 0.83 mg/mL, 0.14 mg/mL and 0.52 mg/mL, respectively, which were lower than that of PSPs-EH 20 U/mL. The molecular weights of the PSPs-EH80 hydrolysates were 300, 190, 140 and 50 kDa, respectively, and the hydrolysis of polysaccharides by β-1,3-glucanase did not change the original functional group. PSPs-EH80 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content at least twice that of treatment without PSPs-EH80. In addition, an oxidative damage test showed that PSPs-EH80 can improve HaCaT cell survival. According to our results, PSP demonstrates the potential of anti-oxidative damage; besides, enzyme hydrolysis can improve the ability of the PSP.

Draft genome sequence of the coccolithovirus Emiliania huxleyi virus 202.

PubMed

Nissimov, Jozef I; Worthy, Charlotte A; Rooks, Paul; Napier, Johnathan A; Kimmance, Susan A; Henn, Matthew R; Ogata, Hiroyuki; Allen, Michael J

2012-02-01

Emiliania huxleyi virus 202 (EhV-202) is a member of the Coccolithoviridae, a group of viruses that infect the marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi. EhV-202 has a 160- to 180-nm-diameter icosahedral structure and a genome of approximately 407 kbp, consisting of 485 coding sequences (CDSs). Here we describe the genomic features of EhV-202, together with a draft genome sequence and its annotation, highlighting the homology and heterogeneity of this genome in comparison with the EhV-86 reference genome.

Elements including metals in the atomizer and aerosol of disposable electronic cigarettes and electronic hookahs.

PubMed

Williams, Monique; Bozhilov, Krassimir; Ghai, Sanjay; Talbot, Prue

2017-01-01

Our purpose was to quantify 36 inorganic chemical elements in aerosols from disposable electronic cigarettes (ECs) and electronic hookahs (EHs), examine the effect of puffing topography on elements in aerosols, and identify the source of the elements. Thirty-six inorganic chemical elements and their concentrations in EC/EH aerosols were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and their source was identified by analyzing disassembled atomizers using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Of 36 elements screened, 35 were detected in EC/EH aerosols, while only 15 were detected in conventional tobacco smoke. Some elements/metals were present in significantly higher concentrations in EC/EH aerosol than in cigarette smoke. Concentrations of particular elements/metals within EC/EH brands were sometimes variable. Aerosols generated at low and high air-flow rates produced the same pattern of elements, although the total element concentration decreased at the higher air flow rate. The relative amount of elements in the first and last 60 puffs was generally different. Silicon was the dominant element in aerosols from all EC/EH brands and in cigarette smoke. The elements appeared to come from the filament (nickel, chromium), thick wire (copper coated with silver), brass clamp (copper, zinc), solder joints (tin, lead), and wick and sheath (silicon, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, aluminum). Lead was identified in the solder and aerosol of two brands of EHs (up to 0.165 μg/10 puffs). These data show that EC/EH aerosols contain a mixture of elements, including heavy metals, with concentrations often significantly higher than in conventional cigarette smoke. While the health effects of inhaling mixtures of heated metals is currently not known, these data will be valuable in future risk assessments involving EC/EH elements/metals.

Dip in the gene pool: metagenomic survey of natural coccolithovirus communities.

PubMed

Pagarete, António; Kusonmano, Kanthida; Petersen, Kjell; Kimmance, Susan A; Martínez Martínez, Joaquín; Wilson, William H; Hehemann, Jan-Hendrik; Allen, Michael J; Sandaa, Ruth-Anne

2014-10-01

Despite the global oceanic distribution and recognised biogeochemical impact of coccolithoviruses (EhV), their diversity remains poorly understood. Here we employed a metagenomic approach to study the occurrence and progression of natural EhV community genomic variability. Analysis of EhV metagenomes from the early and late stages of an induced bloom led to three main discoveries. First, we observed resilient and specific genomic signatures in the EhV community associated with the Norwegian coast, which reinforce the existence of limitations to the capacity of dispersal and genomic exchange among EhV populations. Second, we identified a hyper-variable region (approximately 21kbp long) in the coccolithovirus genome. Third, we observed a clear trend for EhV relative amino-acid diversity to reduce from early to late stages of the bloom. This study validated two new methodological combinations, and proved very useful in the discovery of new genomic features associated with coccolithovirus natural communities. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characteristic symptoms and associated features of exploding head syndrome in undergraduates.

PubMed

Sharpless, Brian A

2018-03-01

Background Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is characterized by loud noises or a sense of explosion in the head during sleep transitions. Though relatively common, little is known about its characteristic symptoms or associated features. Methods A cross-sectional study of 49 undergraduates with EHS was performed. A clinical interview established diagnosis. Results The most common accompanying symptoms were tachycardia, fear, and muscle jerks/twitches with the most severe associated with respiration difficulties. Visual phenomena were more common than expected (27%). EHS episodes were perceived as having a random course, but were most likely to occur during wake-sleep transitions and when sleeping in a supine position. Only 11% reported EHS to a professional, and 8% of those with recurrent EHS attempted to prevent episodes. Conclusions EHS episodes are complex (Mean (M) = 4.5 additional symptoms), often multisensorial, and usually associated with clinically-significant fear. They are rarely reported to professionals and treatment approaches are limited.

Childhood-Onset Essential Hypertension and the Family Structure.

PubMed

Gupta-Malhotra, Monesha; Hashmi, Syed Shahrukh; Barratt, Michelle S; Milewicz, Dianna M; Shete, Sanjay

2016-05-01

The prevalence and effect of single-parent families in childhood-onset essential hypertension (EH) is unknown. Children with EH and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched controls were enrolled. Family structure data were obtained by in-person interview. A total of 148 families (76 hypertension probands, 72 control probands; median 14 years) were prospective-ly enrolled in the study. Single-parent status was seen in 42% of the families--with and without EH (38% vs 46%, P=.41; odds ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.4). After multivariable analysis, a statistically significant sociofamilial contributor to the development of childhood-onset EH was not identified. A significant number of single-parent families (42%), the majority with single mothers, were found in our pedigree study. Sociofamilial factors are known to contribute to the expression of adult-onset EH, but findings in our study suggest that they appear to contribute less in the expression of childhood-onset EH. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Report of the Task Group on the Department of Energy Aviation Program

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

Not Available

1992-02-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) owns or leases approximately 43 aircraft of which 17 are airplanes and 26 are helicopters. About two-thirds of these aircraft are used for activities related to defense programs; these are all government owned and contractor operated. The other third of DOE's aircraft is used by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). These aircraft are primarily government owned and operated. In addition to transporting passengers, DOE aircraft are used for security operations, powerline and pipeline patrols, research and development activities, and aerial measurement and for the transport of hazardous materials. These operationsmore » are conducted at nine Field Offices under the organizational authority of eight DOE Program Secretarial Officers (PSOs). On July 24, 1991, a DOE-owned helicopter crashed at the Nevada Test Site resulting in the deaths of the five contractor employees on board. A DOE accident investigation board was convened, and an investigation into the causes of the crash was conducted. On November 19, 1991, a briefing of the preliminary results of the investigation was provided to the Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health (EH), the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (DP), and the Director, Office of Security Affairs (SA). On November 27, 1991, the Secretary of Energy directed the Assistant Secretary, EH, to convene and chair a Task Group with the PSOs to define the roles and responsibilities of DOE's aviation program. Task group recommendations are presented.« less

Report of the Task Group on the Department of Energy Aviation Program

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

Not Available

1992-02-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) owns or leases approximately 43 aircraft of which 17 are airplanes and 26 are helicopters. About two-thirds of these aircraft are used for activities related to defense programs; these are all government owned and contractor operated. The other third of DOE`s aircraft is used by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). These aircraft are primarily government owned and operated. In addition to transporting passengers, DOE aircraft are used for security operations, powerline and pipeline patrols, research and development activities, and aerial measurement and for the transport of hazardous materials. These operationsmore » are conducted at nine Field Offices under the organizational authority of eight DOE Program Secretarial Officers (PSOs). On July 24, 1991, a DOE-owned helicopter crashed at the Nevada Test Site resulting in the deaths of the five contractor employees on board. A DOE accident investigation board was convened, and an investigation into the causes of the crash was conducted. On November 19, 1991, a briefing of the preliminary results of the investigation was provided to the Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety and Health (EH), the Assistant Secretary for Defense Programs (DP), and the Director, Office of Security Affairs (SA). On November 27, 1991, the Secretary of Energy directed the Assistant Secretary, EH, to convene and chair a Task Group with the PSOs to define the roles and responsibilities of DOE`s aviation program. Task group recommendations are presented.« less

The Josephson Effect and e/h

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clarke, John

1970-01-01

Discusses the theory of the Josephson Effect, the derivation of the Josephson voltage-frequency relation, and methods of measuring the fundamental constatn ratio e/h. Various types of Josephson junctions are described. The impact of the measurement of e/h upin the fundamental constants and quantum electro-dynamics is briefly discussed.…

Missouri: Early Head Start Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Law and Social Policy, Inc. (CLASP), 2012

2012-01-01

Missouri's Early Head Start/Child Care Partnership Project expands access to Early Head Start (EHS) services for children birth to age 3 by developing partnerships between federal Head Start, EHS contractors, and child care providers. Head Start and EHS contractors that participate in the initiative provide services through community child care…

Structural insight into the interaction of proteins containing NPF, DPF, and GPF motifs with the C-terminal EH-domain of EHD1

PubMed Central

Kieken, Fabien; Jović, Marko; Tonelli, Marco; Naslavsky, Naava; Caplan, Steve; Sorgen, Paul L

2009-01-01

Eps15 homology (EH)-domain containing proteins are regulators of endocytic membrane trafficking. EH-domain binding to proteins containing the tripeptide NPF has been well characterized, but recent studies have shown that EH-domains are also able to interact with ligands containing DPF or GPF motifs. We demonstrate that the three motifs interact in a similar way with the EH-domain of EHD1, with the NPF motif having the highest affinity due to the presence of an intermolecular hydrogen bond. The weaker affinity for the DPF and GPF motifs suggests that if complex formation occurs in vivo, they may require high ligand concentrations, the presence of successive motifs and/or specific flanking residues. PMID:19798736

Development of an HTS assay for EPHX2 phosphatase activity and screening of nontargeted libraries.

PubMed

Morisseau, Christophe; Sahdeo, Sunil; Cortopassi, Gino; Hammock, Bruce D

2013-03-01

The EPXH2 gene encodes soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), which has two distinct enzyme activities: epoxide hydrolase (Cterm-EH) and phosphatase (Nterm-phos). The Cterm-EH is involved in the metabolism of arachidonic acid epoxides that play important roles in blood pressure, cell growth, inflammation, and pain. While recent findings suggested complementary biological roles for Nterm-phos, research is limited by the lack of potent bioavailable inhibitors of this phosphatase activity. Also, a potent bioavailable inhibitor of this activity could be important in the development of therapy for cardiovascular diseases. We report herein the development of an HTS enzyme-based assay for Nterm-phos (Z'>0.9) using AttoPhos as the substrate. This assay was used to screen a wide variety of chemical entities, including a library of known drugs that have reached through clinical evaluation (Pharmakon 1600), as well as a library of pesticides and environmental toxins. We discovered that ebselen inhibits sEH phosphatase activity. Ebselen binds to the N-terminal domain of sEH (K(I)=550 nM) and chemically reacts with the enzyme to quickly and irreversibly inhibit Nterm-phos, and subsequently Cterm-EH, and thus represents a new class of sEH inhibitor. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mapping the zone of eye-height utility for seated and standing observers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wraga, M.; Proffitt, D. R.; Kaiser, M. K. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

In a series of experiments, we delimited a region within the vertical axis of space in which eye height (EH) information is used maximally to scale object heights, referred to as the "zone of eye height utility" (Wraga, 1999b Journal of Experimental Psychology, Human Perception and Performance 25 518-530). To test the lower limit of the zone, linear perspective (on the floor) was varied via introduction of a false perspective (FP) gradient while all sources of EH information except linear perspective were held constant. For seated (experiment 1a) observers, the FP gradient produced overestimations of height for rectangular objects up to 0.15 EH tall. This value was taken to be just outside the lower limit of the zone. This finding was replicated in a virtual environment, for both seated (experiment 1b) and standing (experiment 2) observers. For the upper limit of the zone, EH information itself was manipulated by lowering observers' center of projection in a virtual scene. Lowering the effective EH of standing (experiment 3) and seated (experiment 4) observers produced corresponding overestimations of height for objects up to about 2.5 EH. This zone of approximately 0.20-2.5 EH suggests that the human visual system weights size information differentially, depending on its efficacy.

Do microbial exudates control EH electrode measurements?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markelova, E.; Parsons, C. T.; Smeaton, C. M.; Van Cappellen, P.

2017-12-01

Redox electrodes are widely used as simple, inexpensive monitoring devices to rapidly measure redox potentials (EH) of waterlogged soils, sediments, and aquifers. While a variety of physicochemical and biogeochemical factors have been involved to explain measured EH values, the role of microorganisms remains comparatively understudied and uncertain. Besides catalyzing many inorganic redox reactions (e.g., nitrate reduction), microorganisms produce a variety of redox-active organic compounds (e.g., NAD+/NADH, GSSG/2GSH, FAD/FADH2), which can be released into the surrounding environment via active secretion, passive diffusion, or cell lysis. To isolate different microbial effects on EH measurements, we performed batch experiments using S. oneidensis MR-I as a model heterotrophic microorganism and flavins as example microbial exudates [1]. We monitored EH and pH along with flavin production (fluorescence measurements) during dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Dissolved flavins increased to 0.2 mM (riboflavin equivalent) under anoxic conditions during complete consumption of 1 mM nitrate by DNRA at pH 7.4 and 30 °C over 80 hours. The observed redox cascade from +255 to -250 mV did not follow the EH predicted for the reduction of NO3- to NO2- and NO2- to NH4+ by the Nernst equation. However, a set of separate abiotic experiments on the photoreduction of synthetic flavins (LMC, RF, FMN, and FAD, Sigma Aldrich) under the same conditions indicated that measured EH values are buffered at +270 ± 20 mV and -230 ± 50 mV when oxidized and reduced flavin species dominate, respectively. Moreover, based on the temporal changes in EH, we speculate that NO3- reduction by S. oneidensis consumes reduced flavins (i.e., NO3- accepts electrons from reduced flavins) and generates oxidized flavins, thus buffering EH at +255 mV. By contrast, NO2- reduction to NH4+ is independent of flavin speciation, which leads to the accumulation of reduced flavins in the solution and lowering of EH to -250 mV. Overall, the experiments demonstrate that microbial exudates do affect EH measurements, however, their importance in natural water-saturated systems has to be further evaluated. [1] Von Canstein, H., et al., 2008. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 74, 615-623.

A Web-Based Survey of Erection Hardness Score and Its Relationship to Aging, Sexual Behavior, Confidence, and Risk Factors in Japan

PubMed Central

Kimura, Masaki; Shimura, Satoru; Tai, Toshihiro; Kobayashi, Hideyuki; Baba, Shiro; Kano, Munehide; Nagao, Koichi

2013-01-01

Introduction Erection hardness is an elemental component of men's sexual quality of life that can be easily measured by the Erection Hardness Score (EHS). However, there are few published data regarding EHS, and there is little understanding of its relationships to aging, men's sexual behavior, sexual confidence, and risk factors in Japan. Aim To assess EHS and how it correlates to aging, sexual behaviors, sexual self-confidence, and risk factors in a Japanese population database. Methods A web-based cross-sectional nationwide survey conducted between March and May 2009 in Japan. Main Outcome Measures EHS, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, general health, sexual confidence, frequency of sexual behaviors, and attitudes toward treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Results A total of 7,710 men with a mean age of 39.3 ± 13.0 years participated in this survey. In 6,528 participants who were not using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, 3,540 (54.2%) had EHS ≤ 3 and 1,196 (18.3%) had EHS ≤ 2. We found a significant age-dependent decrease in EHS, sexual confidence, and frequency of sexual activities. Sexual confidence was strongly associated with higher EHS but was also associated with older age groups, presence of offspring, awareness of better general health, and greater frequency of sexual activity. In age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression, risk factors for a lower EHS (defined as EHS ≤ 2) were heavy smoking, which was defined as more than two packs per day (odds ratio [OR], 1.7) or a history of metabolic syndrome (OR, 1.4), hypertension (OR, 1.2), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.4). Conclusions EHS correlates to various elements, such as aging, sexual behaviors, sexual confidence, and ED-related risk factors, and can be a valuable tool in clinical practice for monitoring and treating ED and thereby improving the quality of life for men and their sexual partners. Kimura M, Shimura S, Tai T, Kobayashi H, Baba S, Kano M, and Nagao K. A web-based survey of Erection Hardness Score and its relationship to aging, sexual behavior, confidence, and risk factors in Japan. Sex Med 2013;1:76–86. PMID:25356291

Using Magnetic Helicity Diagnostics to Determine the Nature of Solar Active-Region Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgoulis, Manolis K.

Employing a novel nonlinear force-free (NLFF) method that self-consistently infers instantaneous free magnetic-energy and relative magnetic-helicity budgets from single photospheric vector magnetograms, we recently constructed the magnetic energy-helicity (EH) diagram of solar active regions. The EH diagram implies dominant relative helicities of left-handed or right-handed chiralities for the great majority of active regions. The amplitude (budget) of these helicities scales monotonically with the free magnetic energy. This constructive, strongly preferential accumulation of a certain sense of magnetic helicity seems to disqualify recently proposed mechanisms relying on a largely random near-surface convection for the formation of the great majority of active regions. The existing qualitative formation mechanism for these regions remains the conventional Omega-loop emergence following a buoyant ascension from the bottom of the convection zone. However, exceptions to this rule include even eruptive active regions: NOAA AR 11283 is an obvious outlier to the EH diagram, involving significant free magnetic energy with a small relative magnetic helicity. Relying on a timeseries of vector magnetograms of this region, our methodology shows nearly canceling amounts of both senses of helicity and an overall course from a weakly left-handed to a weakly right-handed structure, in the course of which a major eruption occurs. For this and similarly behaving active regions the latest near-surface formation scenario might conceivably be employed successfully. Research partially supported by the EU Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement No. PIRG07-GA-2010-268245 and by the European Union Social Fund (ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) - Research Funding Program: Thales. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.

Five Steps to Community Assessment for American Indian/Alaskan Native Head Start Programs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Academy for Educational Development, 2006

2006-01-01

The Community Assessment (CA) is the collection and analysis of information on the characteristics and needs of American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) eligible children and families in the grantee service area and the resources available to meet those needs. The primary purpose of conducting a Community…

Measuring Father Involvement in the Early Head Start Evaluation: A Multidimensional Conceptualization.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cabrera, Natasha J.; Tamis-LeMonda, Catherine S.; Lamb, Michael E.; Boller, Kimberly

Early Head Start (EHS) is a comprehensive, two-generation program that includes intensive services that begin before the child is born and concentrate on enhancing the child's development and supporting the family during the critical first 3 years of a child's life. This paper discusses approaches to measuring father involvement in their…

Topical nutraceutical Optixcare EH ameliorates experimental ocular oxidative stress in rats.

PubMed

Kador, Peter F; Guo, Changmei; Kawada, Hiroyoshi; Randazzo, James; Blessing, Karen

2014-09-01

Based on the hypothesis that oral nutraceuticals do not adequately reach all ocular tissues in the anterior segment, we evaluated the ability of a 3% concentration of the ingredients in a topical nutraceutical antioxidant formulation called Optixcare Eye Health (Optixcare EH) to ameliorate oxidative stress in rat models of age-related ocular diseases. Diabetes was induced by tail-vein injection of streptozotocin, and the development of cataracts was monitored by slit lamp. Young rats were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, and the reduction in lens glutathione (GSH) levels and increase in 4-hydroxynonenol (4-HNE) were measured. Oxidative stress in the neural retina was generated by exposure of dark-adapted rats to 1,000 lx of light, and oxidative stress markers were measured. Dry eye was induced in rats by twice daily (b.i.d.) subcutaneous scopolamine injections. Topical Optixcare EH was administered b.i.d. and compared in select experiments to the multifunctional antioxidant JHX-4, the topical aldose reductase inhibitor (ARI) Kinostat™, oral Ocu-GLO™, and the topical ocular comfort agents Optixcare Eye Lube, Optixcare Eye Lube + Hyaluron, and Idrop Vet Plus hyaluronic acid. In diabetic rats, topical ARI treatment prevented cataract formation while the nutraceuticals delayed their development with Optixcare EH>Ocu-GLO. In UV-exposed rats, the reduction of GSH and increase in 4-HNE in the lens were normalized in order JHX-4>Optixcare EH>Ocu-GLO. In the retina, oxidative stress markers were reduced better by oral JHX-4 compared with topical Optixcare EH. In the scopolamine-induced dry-eye rats, tear flow was maintained by Optixcare EH treatment, while none of the comfort agents examined altered tear flow. Topical administration of a 3% concentration of the ingredients in Optixcare EH reduces experimentally induced reactive oxygen species in rats exposed to several sources of ocular oxidative stress. In addition, Optixcare EH maintains tear volume in scopolamine-induced dry eye. This suggests that in the anterior segment, the ingredients in Optixcare EH may have clinical potential against ocular oxidative stress.

Evaluation of In Vitro and In Vivo Flow Rate Dependency of Budesonide/Formoterol Easyhaler®

PubMed Central

Malmberg, L. Pekka; Everard, Mark L.; Haikarainen, Jussi

2014-01-01

Abstract Background: The Easyhaler® (EH) device-metered dry powder inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol is being developed for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a part of product optimization, a series of in vitro and in vivo studies on flow rate dependency were carried out. Methods: Inspiratory flow parameters via EH and Symbicort® Turbuhaler® (TH) inhalers were evaluated in 187 patients with asthma and COPD. The 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile flow rates achieved by patients were utilized to study in vitro flow rate dependency of budesonide/formoterol EH and Symbicort TH. In addition, an exploratory pharmacokinetic study on pulmonary deposition of active substances for budesonide/formoterol EH in healthy volunteers was performed. Results: Mean inspiratory flow rates through EH were 64 and 56 L/min in asthmatics and COPD patients, and through TH 79 and 72 L/min, respectively. Children with asthma had marginally lower PIF values than the adults. The inspiratory volumes were similar in all groups between the inhalers. Using weighted 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile flows the in vitro delivered doses (DDs) and fine particle doses (FPDs) for EH were rather independent of flow as 98% of the median flow DDs and 89%–93% of FPDs were delivered already at 10th percentile air flow. Using±15% limits, EH and TH had similar flow rate dependency profiles between 10th and 90th percentile flows. The pharmacokinetic study with budesonide/formoterol EH in healthy subjects (n=16) revealed a trend for a flow-dependent increase in lung deposition for both budesonide and formoterol. Conclusions: Comparable in vitro flow rate dependency between budesonide/formoterol EH and Symbicort TH was found using the range of clinically relevant flow rates. The results of the pharmacokinetic study were in accordance with the in vitro results showing only a trend of flow rate-dependant increase in lung deposition of active substances with EH. PMID:24978441

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, FY 1994. Program Solicitation 94.1, Closing Date: 14 January 1994

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

is to design and develop a diode laser and ssociated driver circuitry with i•eh peak power, high pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and good beam...Computer modeling tools shall be used to design and optimize breadboard model of a multi-terminal high speed ring bus for flight critical applications... design , fabricate, and test a fiber optic interface device which will improve coupling of high energy, pulsed lasers into commercial fiber optics at a

Regional air-sea coupled model simulation for two types of extreme heat in North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Donghuan; Zou, Liwei; Zhou, Tianjun

2018-03-01

Extreme heat (EH) over North China (NC) is affected by both large scale circulations and local topography, and could be categorized into foehn favorable and no-foehn types. In this study, the performance of a regional coupled model in simulating EH over NC was examined. The effects of regional air-sea coupling were also investigated by comparing the results with the corresponding atmosphere-alone regional model. On foehn favorable (no-foehn) EH days, a barotropic cyclonic (anticyclonic) anomaly is located to the northeast (northwest) of NC, while anomalous northwesterlies (southeasterlies) prevail over NC in the lower troposphere. In the uncoupled simulation, barotropic anticyclonic bias occurs over China on both foehn favorable and no-foehn EH days, and the northwesterlies in the lower troposphere on foehn favorable EH days are not obvious. These biases are significantly reduced in the regional coupled simulation, especially on foehn favorable EH days with wind anomalies skill scores improving from 0.38 to 0.47, 0.47 to 0.61 and 0.38 to 0.56 for horizontal winds at 250, 500 and 850 hPa, respectively. Compared with the uncoupled simulation, the reproduction of the longitudinal position of Northwest Pacific subtropical high (NPSH) and the spatial pattern of the low-level monsoon flow over East Asia are improved in the coupled simulation. Therefore, the anticyclonic bias over China is obviously reduced, and the proportion of EH days characterized by anticyclonic anomaly is more appropriate. The improvements in the regional coupled model indicate that it is a promising choice for the future projection of EH over NC.

A potential risk factor of essential hypertension in case-control study: Circular RNA hsa_circ_0037911.

PubMed

Bao, Xingjie; Zheng, Shuying; Mao, Shuqi; Gu, Tianlun; Liu, Shike; Sun, Jihan; Zhang, Lina

2018-04-15

Essential hypertension (EH) is a high prevalence with multifactorial diseases. Human studies on the impact of genes on this disease are just in the initial stage, the mechanism of gene regulation is still remains unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as a continuous cycle of covalent closure, RNA molecules added to the 3'-5' end covalently bound by the formation of incidental event. CircRNAs may be an important biomolecule in revealing the molecule regulate mechanisms of EH. The circRNAs were selected and validated with qRT-PCR followed. Our experiment was conducted with case-control studies among 200 EH participants. The t-test was used to evaluate the different expression of circRNAs and miRNAs, the significance of which was set as p < 0.05. The hsa_circ_0037911 expression level in EH cases were significantly higher than healthy controls (p = 0.005). There was still important significance when adjusted by logistic regression (adjusted p = 0.026). We also found that hsa_circ_0037911 was an effective marker of EH (area under curve = 0.627; p = 0.002). The levels of hsa_circ_0037911 were significantly differences in gender, BMI, smoking and drinking among EH cases. There was a positive correlation between Serum creatinine (Scr) and hsa_circ_0037911. Our findings suggested that higher expression hsa_circ_0037911 may be key circRNAs for EH development by changing the concentration of Scr and could be a stable biomarker for early diagnosis of EH. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Redox properties of structural Fe in clay minerals: 3. Relationships between smectite redox and structural properties.

PubMed

Gorski, Christopher A; Klüpfel, Laura E; Voegelin, Andreas; Sander, Michael; Hofstetter, Thomas B

2013-01-01

Structural Fe in clay minerals is an important redox-active species in many pristine and contaminated environments as well as in engineered systems. Understanding the extent and kinetics of redox reactions involving Fe-bearing clay minerals has been challenging due to the inability to relate structural Fe(2+)/Fe(total) fractions to fundamental redox properties, such as reduction potentials (EH). Here, we overcame this challenge by using mediated electrochemical reduction (MER) and oxidation (MEO) to characterize the fraction of redox-active structural Fe (Fe(2+)/Fe(total)) in smectites over a wide range of applied EH-values (-0.6 V to +0.6 V). We examined Fe(2+)/Fe(total )- EH relationships of four natural Fe-bearing smectites (SWy-2, SWa-1, NAu-1, NAu-2) in their native, reduced, and reoxidized states and compared our measurements with spectroscopic observations and a suite of mineralogical properties. All smectites exhibited unique Fe(2+)/Fe(total) - EH relationships, were redox active over wide EH ranges, and underwent irreversible electron transfer induced structural changes that were observable with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Variations among the smectite Fe(2+)/Fe(total) - EH relationships correlated well with both bulk and molecular-scale properties, including Fe(total) content, layer charge, and quadrupole splitting values, suggesting that multiple structural parameters determined the redox properties of smectites. The Fe(2+)/Fe(total) - EH relationships developed for these four commonly studied clay minerals may be applied to future studies interested in relating the extent of structural Fe reduction or oxidation to EH-values.

Berkeley Lab - Materials Sciences Division

Science.gov Websites

Investigators Division Staff Facilities and Centers Staff Jobs Safety Personnel Resources Committees In Case of complete EHS0470, General Employee Radiation Safety (on-line course). Escort is required for visitors who Safety (on-line course) ii. EHS0348 Chemical Hygiene and Safety (on-line course) iii. EHS0470 General

NEUROLOGICAL AND MEDICAL FACTORS DISCRIMINATING BETWEEN NORMAL CHILDREN AND THOSE WITH LEARNING DISABILITY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

FORREST, THOMAS

COMPREHENSIVE NEUROLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS WERE ADMINISTERED TO THE 264 CHILDREN DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS--EDUCATIONALLY HANDICAPPED (EH), SUCCESSFUL ACADEMIC (SA) CONTROLS, AND THE SIBLINGS OF EACH GROUP (EHS AND SAS). ON SEVERAL MEASURES AND TASKS THE EH CHILDREN WERE DIFFERENTIATED FROM THE SA CHILDREN, AND STRONG SIMILARITIES WERE ALSO FOUND…

Linear and Non-linear Polarizabilities for P2(X1Σg+)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maroulis, George

1997-07-01

Electric polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities were calculated from accurate self-consistent field wavefunctions for P2. The following values are reported, using the experimental bond length of 1.8934 Å: dipole polarizability αzz = 69.83 and αxx = 41.20 e2 a02 Eh-1 , second dipole hyperpolarizability γzzzz = 17 040, γxxxx= 11 581 and γxxzz = 4724 e4a04Eh-3, quadrupole polarizability, Czz "zz = 276.14, Cxz,xz = 232.64 and Cxx,xx = 151.25 e2 a04Eh-1 , dipole-octopole polarizability, Ez,zzz, = 331.00 and Ex,xxx = -154.66 e2 a04Eh-1 and for the dipole-dipole-quadrupole hyperpolarizability, Bzz,zz = - 2441, Bxz,xz = - 1442, Bxx,zz = 866 and Bxx,xx = - 1411 e3a04Eh-2.

Inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase minimize ischemia-reperfusion-induced cardiac damage in normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats.

PubMed

Islam, Oliul; Patil, Prashanth; Goswami, Sumanta K; Razdan, Rema; Inamdar, Mohammed N; Rizwan, Mohammed; Mathew, Jubin; Inceoglu, Bora; Stephen Lee, Kin S; Hwang, Sung H; Hammock, Bruce D

2017-06-01

We designed a study to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of two soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors, 1-(1-propanoylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)urea (TPPU) and trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-ureido]cyclohexyloxy}benzoic acid (t-TUCB), in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model. Cardioprotective effects of the sEH inhibitors were evaluated against IR-induced myocardial damage in hearts from normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats using Langendorff's apparatus. In addition, the effect of sEH inhibitors on endothelial function was evaluated in vitro and ex vivo using isolated rat thoracic aorta. Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) increased the myocardial damage in hearts from normal rats. IR-induced myocardial damage was augmented in hearts isolated from hypertensive and diabetic rats. Myocardial damage as evident from increase in the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in heart perfusate was associated with significant decrease in the heart rate and developed tension, and increase in the resting tension in isolated heart. Both sEH inhibitors protected the heart in normal, hypertensive, and diabetic rats subjected to IR injury. The sEH inhibitor t-TUCB relaxed phenylephrine precontracted aorta from normal rats. Relaxant effect of acetylcholine (ACh) was reduced in aortas from diabetic and hypertensive rats compared to normal rats. Pretreatment of sEH inhibitors to diabetic and hypertensive rats increased relaxant effect of ACh on aortas isolated from these rats. Prophylactic treatment with sEH inhibitors decreased myocardial damage due to IR, hypertension and diabetes, and decreased endothelial dysfunction created by diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, inhibitors of sEH are useful probes to study cardiovascular pathology, and inhibition of the sEH is a potential approach in the management of IR-induced cardiac damage and endothelial dysfunction-related cardiovascular disorders. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The dilemma of "to be or not to be": developing electronically e-health & cloud computing documents for overseas transplant patients from Taiwan organ transplant health professionals' perspective.

PubMed

Shih, F-J; Fan, Y-W; Chiu, C-M; Shih, F-Ji; Wang, S-S

2012-05-01

The development of mutually accessible e-health documents (ehD) and cloud computing (CC) for overseas organ transplant health professionals (OTHP) in two medical parties (domestic and overseas) would ensure better quality of care. This project attempted to compare pro and con arguments from the perspective of Taiwan's OTHP. A sample was obtained from three leading medical centers in Taiwan. Eighty subjects including transplant surgeons (n = 20), registered nurses (RN; n = 30), coordinating nurses (OTCN; n = 15), and e-health information and communication technologies experts (ehICTs; n = 15) participated in this research. The pros of developing ehD were: (1) better and continuous care through communication and cooperation in two parties (78%); (2) better collaborative efforts between health professionals, information technology experts in two medical parties is (74%); (3) easier retrieval and communication of personal health documents with the trustworthy OTHP in the different countries (71%); and (4) CC may help develop transplant patients medical cloud based on the collaboration between medical systems in political parties of Taiwan and mainland China (69%). The cons of developing ehD and CC included: (1) inadequate knowledge of benefits and manuals of developing ehD and CC (75%); (2) no reliable communication avenues in developing ehD and CC (73%); (3) increased workload in direct care and documentation in developing new ehD and CC (70%); (4) lack of coaching and accreditation systems in medical, electronic, and law aspects to settle discrepancies in medical diagnosis and treatment protocols between two parties (68%); and (5) lacking systematic ehD and CC plans developed by interdisciplinary teams in two parties (60%). In this initial phase, the establishment of an interdisciplinary team including transplant leaders, transplant surgeon, RN, OTCN, ehICTs, and law experts from two parties might be helpful in working out developing plans with careful monitoring mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elements including metals in the atomizer and aerosol of disposable electronic cigarettes and electronic hookahs

PubMed Central

Williams, Monique; Bozhilov, Krassimir; Ghai, Sanjay; Talbot, Prue

2017-01-01

Objective Our purpose was to quantify 36 inorganic chemical elements in aerosols from disposable electronic cigarettes (ECs) and electronic hookahs (EHs), examine the effect of puffing topography on elements in aerosols, and identify the source of the elements. Methods Thirty-six inorganic chemical elements and their concentrations in EC/EH aerosols were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and their source was identified by analyzing disassembled atomizers using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results Of 36 elements screened, 35 were detected in EC/EH aerosols, while only 15 were detected in conventional tobacco smoke. Some elements/metals were present in significantly higher concentrations in EC/EH aerosol than in cigarette smoke. Concentrations of particular elements/metals within EC/EH brands were sometimes variable. Aerosols generated at low and high air-flow rates produced the same pattern of elements, although the total element concentration decreased at the higher air flow rate. The relative amount of elements in the first and last 60 puffs was generally different. Silicon was the dominant element in aerosols from all EC/EH brands and in cigarette smoke. The elements appeared to come from the filament (nickel, chromium), thick wire (copper coated with silver), brass clamp (copper, zinc), solder joints (tin, lead), and wick and sheath (silicon, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, aluminum). Lead was identified in the solder and aerosol of two brands of EHs (up to 0.165 μg/10 puffs). Conclusion These data show that EC/EH aerosols contain a mixture of elements, including heavy metals, with concentrations often significantly higher than in conventional cigarette smoke. While the health effects of inhaling mixtures of heated metals is currently not known, these data will be valuable in future risk assessments involving EC/EH elements/metals. PMID:28414730

Biosafety Manual

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

King, Bruce W.

2010-05-18

Work with or potential exposure to biological materials in the course of performing research or other work activities at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) must be conducted in a safe, ethical, environmentally sound, and compliant manner. Work must be conducted in accordance with established biosafety standards, the principles and functions of Integrated Safety Management (ISM), this Biosafety Manual, Chapter 26 (Biosafety) of the Health and Safety Manual (PUB-3000), and applicable standards and LBNL policies. The purpose of the Biosafety Program is to protect workers, the public, agriculture, and the environment from exposure to biological agents or materials that may causemore » disease or other detrimental effects in humans, animals, or plants. This manual provides workers; line management; Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) Division staff; Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) members; and others with a comprehensive overview of biosafety principles, requirements from biosafety standards, and measures needed to control biological risks in work activities and facilities at LBNL.« less

Concrete decontamination by Electro-Hydraulic Scabbling (EHS)

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

NONE

1994-11-01

EHS is being developed for decontaminating concrete structures from radionuclides, organic substances, and hazardous metals. EHS involves the generation of powerful shock waves and intense cavitation by a strong pulsed electric discharge in a water layer at the concrete surface; high impulse pressure results in stresses which crack and peel off a concrete layer of controllable thickness. Scabbling produces contaminated debris of relatively small volume which can be easily removed, leaving clean bulk concrete. Objective of Phase I was to prove the technical feasibility of EH for controlled scabbling and decontamination of concrete. Phase I is complete.

Quantitative trait locus analysis of heterosis for plant height and ear height in an elite maize hybrid zhengdan 958 by design III.

PubMed

Li, Hongjian; Yang, Qingsong; Fan, Nannan; Zhang, Ming; Zhai, Huijie; Ni, Zhongfu; Zhang, Yirong

2017-04-17

Plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) are two important agronomic traits in maize selection breeding. F 1 hybrid exhibit significant heterosis for PH and EH as compared to their parental inbred lines. To understand the genetic basis of heterosis controlling PH and EH, we conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using a recombinant inbreed line (RIL) based design III population derived from the elite maize hybrid Zhengdan 958 in five environments. A total of 14 environmentally stable QTLs were identified, and the number of QTLs for Z 1 and Z 2 populations was six and eight, respectively. Notably, all the eight environmentally stable QTLs for Z 2 were characterized by overdominance effect (OD), suggesting that overdominant QTLs were the most important contributors to heterosis for PH and EH. Furthermore, 14 environmentally stable QTLs were anchored on six genomic regions, among which four are trait-specific QTLs, suggesting that the genetic basis for PH and EH is partially different. Additionally, qPH.A-1.3, modifying about 10 centimeters of PH, was further validated in backcross populations. The genetic basis for PH and EH is partially different, and overdominant QTLs are important factors for heterosis of PH and EH. A major QTL qPH.A-1.3 may be a desired target for genetic improvement of maize plant height.

Förster resonance energy transfer competitive displacement assay for human soluble epoxide hydrolase

PubMed Central

Lee, Kin Sing Stephen; Morisseau, Christophe; Yang, Jun; Wang, Peng; Hwang, Sung Hee; Hammock, Bruce D.

2013-01-01

The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), responsible for the hydrolysis of various fatty acid epoxides to their corresponding 1,2-diols, is becoming an attractive pharmaceutical target. These fatty acid epoxides, particularly epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), play an important role in human homeostatic and inflammation processes. Therefore, inhibition of human sEH, which stabilizes EETs in vivo, brings several beneficial effects to human health. Although there are several catalytic assays available to determine the potency of sEH inhibitors, measuring the in vitro inhibition constant (Ki) for these inhibitors using catalytic assay is laborious. In addition, koff, which has been recently suggested to correlate better with the in vivo potency of inhibitors, has never been measured for sEH inhibitors. To better measure the potency of sEH inhibitors, a reporting ligand, 1-(adamantan-1-yl)-3-(1-(2-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)acetyl) piperidin-4-yl)urea (ACPU), was designed and synthesized. With ACPU, we have developed a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based competitive displacement assay using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence from sEH. In addition, the resulting assay allows us to measure the Ki values of very potent compounds to the picomolar level and to obtain relative koff values of the inhibitors. This assay provides additional data to evaluate the potency of sEH inhibitors. PMID:23219719

The privatization of environmental health services: a national survey of practices and perspectives in local health departments.

PubMed

Keane, Christopher; Marx, John; Ricci, Edmund

2002-01-01

This article presents nationally representative data on environmental health (EH) services privatized by local public health departments, enforcement and assurance mechanisms for privatized services, and administrators' views about EH services that should not be privatized. A national sample of 380 local public health departments, stratified by jurisdiction size, was drawn from a universe of 2,488 departments. Telephone interviews were conducted with 347 administrators of departments. Results were weighted to be nationally representative. Approximately one-quarter of departments had privatized at least one EH service, almost always to for-profit organizations. The two most common reasons given for privatizing EH services were cost savings or increased efficiency and lack of capacity or expertise to carry out the service. The most rigorous, although infrequent, technique of enforcement and assurance of EH standards when services were privatized was double-testing of samples. Departments more commonly relied on state licensing and certification of contractors. When asked what services should not be privatized, 27% of respondents cited EH services. Many respondents argued against privatizing environmental services that have inherent regulatory functions. They expressed concern that privatization would fragment the public health infrastructure by impairing communication, diminishing control over performance, or weakening health departments' capacity to respond to environmental and other health crises. These findings raise serious concerns about the privatization of EH.

The weakening effect of soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor AUDA on febrile response to lipopolysaccharide and turpentine in rat.

PubMed

Piotrowski, Jakub; Jędrzejewski, Tomasz; Pawlikowska, Małgorzata; Pacuła, Agata Joanna; Ścianowski, Jacek; Kozak, Wiesław

2017-11-01

A still growing body of evidence suggests the importance of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in the regulation of inflammatory response; therefore, drugs that stabilize their levels by targeting the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), an enzyme responsible for their metabolism, are currently under investigation. The effect of sEH inhibitors on molecular components of fever mechanism, i.e., on synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines or prostaglandins, has been repeatedly proven; however, the hypothesis that sEH inhibitors affect febrile response has never been tested. The aim of this study was to examine if sEH inhibition affects core body temperature (Tb) as well as Tb changes during febrile response to infectious (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or non-infectious (turpentine; TRP) stimuli. Male Wistar rats were implanted intra-abdominally with miniature biotelemeters to monitor Tb. A potent sEH inhibitor 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) was suspended in olive oil and administrated into animals in the intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 15 mg/kg, which, as we showed, has no significant influence on normal Tb. We have found that AUDA injected 3 h after LPS (50 μg/kg i.p.) significantly weakened febrile rise of Tb. Moreover, injection of sEH inhibitor 7 h after turpentine (administrated subcutaneously in a dose of 100 μL/rat) markedly reduced the peak period of aseptic fever. Obtained results provide first experimental evidence that sEH inhibitors possess anti-pyretic properties. Therefore, medicines targeting sEH enzymatic activity should be considered as a complement to the arsenal of topical medications used to treat fever especially in clinical situations when non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective.

Pyroxene structures, cathodoluminescence and the thermal history of the enstatite chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Yanhong; Huang, Shaoxiong; Schneider, Diann; Benoit, Paul H.; Sears, Derek W. G.; DeHart, John M.; Lofgren, Gary E.

1996-01-01

In order to explore the thermal history of enstatite chondrites, we examined the cathodoluminescence (CL) and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of 15 EH chondrites and 21 EL chondrites, including all available petrographic types, both textural types 3-6 and mineralogical types alpha-delta. The CL properties of EL3(alpha) and EH3(alpha) chondrites are similar. Enstatite grains high in Mn and other transition metals display red CL, while enstatite with low concentrations of these elements show blue CL. A few enstatite grains with greater than 5 wt% FeO display no CL. In contrast, the luminescent properties of the metamorphosed EH chondrites are very different from those of metamorphosed EL chondrites. While the enstatites in metamorphosed EH chondrites display predominantly blue CL, the enstatites in metamorphosed EL chondrites display a distinctive magenta CL with blue and red peaks of approximately equal intensity in their spectra. The TL sensitivities of the enstatite chondrites correlate with the intensity of the blue CL and, unlike other meteorite classes, are not simply related to metamorphism. The different luminescent properties of metamorphosed EH and EL chondrites cannot readily be attributed to compositional differences. But x-ray diffraction data suggests that the enstatite in EH5(gamma),(delta) chondrites is predominantly disordered orthopyroxene, while enstatite in EL6(beta) chondrites is predominantly ordered orthopyroxene. The difference in thermal history of metamorphosed EL and EH chondrites is so marked that the use of single 'petrographic' types is misleading, and separate textural and mineralogical types are preferable. Our data confirm earlier suggestions that metamorphosed EH chondrites underwent relatively rapid cooling, and the metamorphosed EL chondrites cooled more slowly and experienced prolonged heating in the orthopyroxene field.

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

Sonoda, Akinaga, E-mail: akinagasonoda@yahoo.co.jp; Nitta, Norihisa; Yamamoto, Takefumi

PurposeWe investigated the possibility of shortening the time required for loading epirubicin into calibrated polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel beads (DC Beads{sup ®}) to be used for transarterial chemoembolization.MethodAfter separating the beads suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution by the use of a sieve (clearance 75 µm), epirubicin hydrochloride (EH) was loaded for 20, 30, or 60 s under vibration into DC beads. The EH loading rate into conventionally prepared (control) beads, i.e., beads loaded for 30 min without vibration, and vibration-loaded beads were calculated from the residual EH concentration in the bead-depleted EH solution. The amount of EH eluted from conventionally and vibration-loadedmore » samples into a PBS solution (pH 7.0) was measured at 15 and 30 min and 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. We also recorded the inhibitory effect of the PBS solution on the loading time. Using frozen sections, the EH load in the beads was evaluated visually under a fluorescence microscope.ResultsSpectrophotometry (495 nm) showed that the loading rate was 98.98 ± 0.34, 99.02 ± 0.32, and 99.50 ± 0.11 % with 20-, 30-, and 60-s vibration, respectively. The eluted rate was statistically similar between vibration- and statically loaded (control) beads. The PBS solution hampered EH loading into the beads. Visually, the distribution of EH in conventionally and vibration-loaded DC beads was similar.DiscussionThe use of vibration and the removal of PBS solution when epirubicin hydrochloride was loaded into DC beads dramatically shortened the loading time of epirubicin hydrochloride into DC beads.« less

An Attempt to Shorten Loading Time of Epirubicin into DC Beads® Using Vibration and a Sieve.

PubMed

Sonoda, Akinaga; Nitta, Norihisa; Yamamoto, Takefumi; Tomozawa, Yuki; Ohta, Shinichi; Watanabe, Shobu; Murata, Kiyoshi

2017-04-01

We investigated the possibility of shortening the time required for loading epirubicin into calibrated polyvinyl alcohol-based hydrogel beads (DC Beads ® ) to be used for transarterial chemoembolization. After separating the beads suspended in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution by the use of a sieve (clearance 75 µm), epirubicin hydrochloride (EH) was loaded for 20, 30, or 60 s under vibration into DC beads. The EH loading rate into conventionally prepared (control) beads, i.e., beads loaded for 30 min without vibration, and vibration-loaded beads were calculated from the residual EH concentration in the bead-depleted EH solution. The amount of EH eluted from conventionally and vibration-loaded samples into a PBS solution (pH 7.0) was measured at 15 and 30 min and 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. We also recorded the inhibitory effect of the PBS solution on the loading time. Using frozen sections, the EH load in the beads was evaluated visually under a fluorescence microscope. Spectrophotometry (495 nm) showed that the loading rate was 98.98 ± 0.34, 99.02 ± 0.32, and 99.50 ± 0.11 % with 20-, 30-, and 60-s vibration, respectively. The eluted rate was statistically similar between vibration- and statically loaded (control) beads. The PBS solution hampered EH loading into the beads. Visually, the distribution of EH in conventionally and vibration-loaded DC beads was similar. The use of vibration and the removal of PBS solution when epirubicin hydrochloride was loaded into DC beads dramatically shortened the loading time of epirubicin hydrochloride into DC beads.

Activating mitochondrial function and haemoglobin expression with EH-201, an inducer of erythropoietin in neuronal cells, reverses memory impairment.

PubMed

Horng, Lin-Yea; Hsu, Pei-Lun; Chen, Li-Wen; Tseng, Wang-Zou; Hsu, Kai-Tin; Wu, Chia-Ling; Wu, Rong-Tsun

2015-10-01

Memory impairment can be progressive in neurodegenerative diseases, and physiological ageing or brain injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are critical components of these issues. An early clinical study has demonstrated cognitive improvement during erythropoietin treatment in patients with chronic renal failure. As erythropoietin cannot freely cross the blood-brain barrier, we tested EH-201 (2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside, also known as TSG), a low MW inducer of erythropoietin, for its therapeutic effects on memory impairment in models of neurodegenerative diseases, physiological ageing or brain injury. The effects of EH-201 were investigated in astrocytes and PC12 neuronal-like cells. In vivo, we used sleep-deprived (SD) mice as a stress model, amyloid-β (Aβ)-injected mice as a physiological ageing model and kainic acid (KA)-injected mice as a brain damage model to assess the therapeutic effects of EH-201. EH-201 induced expression of erythropoietin, PPAR-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and haemoglobin in astrocytes and PC12 neuronal-like cells. In vivo, EH-201 treatment restored memory impairment, as assessed by the passive avoidance test, in SD, Aβ and KA mouse models. In the hippocampus of mice given EH-201 in their diet, levels of erythropoietin, PGC-1α and haemoglobin were increased The induction of endogenous erythropoietin in neuronal cells by inducers such as EH-201 might be a therapeutic strategy for memory impairment in neurodegenerative disease, physiological ageing or traumatic brain injury. © 2015 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The British Pharmacological Society.

Epigenetic Modifications in Essential Hypertension

PubMed Central

Wise, Ingrid A.; Charchar, Fadi J.

2016-01-01

Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex, polygenic condition with no single causative agent. Despite advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of EH, hypertension remains one of the world’s leading public health problems. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic modifications are as important as genetic predisposition in the development of EH. Indeed, a complex and interactive genetic and environmental system exists to determine an individual’s risk of EH. Epigenetics refers to all heritable changes to the regulation of gene expression as well as chromatin remodelling, without involvement of nucleotide sequence changes. Epigenetic modification is recognized as an essential process in biology, but is now being investigated for its role in the development of specific pathologic conditions, including EH. Epigenetic research will provide insights into the pathogenesis of blood pressure regulation that cannot be explained by classic Mendelian inheritance. This review concentrates on epigenetic modifications to DNA structure, including the influence of non-coding RNAs on hypertension development. PMID:27023534

Development of the Space Station Freedom Environmental Health System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richard, Elizabeth E.; Russo, Dane

1990-01-01

The Environmental Health System (EHS), a subsystem of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Crew Health Care System, was established to ensure that crewmembers will have a safe and healthy environment in which to live and work. EHS is comprised of six subsystems: Microbiology, Toxicology, Water Quality, Radiological Health, Vibroacoustics, and Barothermal Physiology. Each subsystem contributes to the overall functions of the EHS including environmental planning, environmental monitoring, environmental monitoring, environmental health assessments, and operations support. The EHS will provide hardware for monitoring the air, water, and internal surfaces of Freedom, including capabilities for inflight sample collection, processing, and analysis. The closed environment of SSF, and its dependence on recycled air and water, will necessitate a reliable monitoring system to alert crewmembers if contamination levels exceed the maximum allowable limits established to ensure crew health and safety. This paper describes the functions and hardware design status of the EHS.

Discovery of potent inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase by combinatorial library design and structure-based virtual screening.

PubMed

Xing, Li; McDonald, Joseph J; Kolodziej, Steve A; Kurumbail, Ravi G; Williams, Jennifer M; Warren, Chad J; O'Neal, Janet M; Skepner, Jill E; Roberds, Steven L

2011-03-10

Structure-based virtual screening was applied to design combinatorial libraries to discover novel and potent soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors. X-ray crystal structures revealed unique interactions for a benzoxazole template in addition to the conserved hydrogen bonds with the catalytic machinery of sEH. By exploitation of the favorable binding elements, two iterations of library design based on amide coupling were employed, guided principally by the docking results of the enumerated virtual products. Biological screening of the libraries demonstrated as high as 90% hit rate, of which over two dozen compounds were single digit nanomolar sEH inhibitors by IC(50) determination. In total the library design and synthesis produced more than 300 submicromolar sEH inhibitors. In cellular systems consistent activities were demonstrated with biochemical measurements. The SAR understanding of the benzoxazole template provides valuable insights into discovery of novel sEH inhibitors as therapeutic agents.

A Multifaceted Program To Improve Self-Esteem and Social Skills while Reducing Anxiety in Emotionally Handicapped Middle School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poirier, Lynn

A practicum was developed to increase self-esteem, to lower anxiety, and to improve social skills in 13 emotionally handicapped (EH) middle school boys. An additional objective was to provide parenting classes which focused on increasing parents' knowledge and skills in improving their children's self esteem. The 8-month multifaceted program…

Estimation of human percutaneous bioavailability for two novel brominated flame retardants, 2-ethylhexyl tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP), using the parallelogram approach

EPA Science Inventory

2-ethylhexyltetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) are novel brominated flame retardants (FRs). BEH-TEBP is used alone as a plasticizer or with EH-TBB in polyurethane foams; both are contaminants in the indoor and outdoor environments. In ...

Oxygen, pH, and Eh microprofiles around submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans response to growing stages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, B.; Wang, G. X.; Yu, H. G.

2017-08-01

The periphyton, attached to the surfaces of submerged plants, has important effects on plant growth and development in eutrophic waters. Periphyton complicates the microenvironment of diffusive boundary layer around submerged plants. We researched periphyton characteristics, oxygen (O2), pH, and Eh microprofiles at various growing stages of Vallisneria natans. The results suggested that during the growing period of V. natans, O2 concentration and pH decreased from 0 to 2 mm above the leaf surface, whereas the Eh increased. As V. natans grew, O2 and pH gradually increased until they peaked during stable growing stages, while the Eh decreased. However, during the decline stage, O2 and pH gradually decreased, and Eh increased. To summarise, O2 and pH showed a unimodal pattern in response to the life cycle of V. natans, with the maximum levels during the stable growth stage and the minimum levels during the rapid growth and decline stages. Our study demonstrated that V. natans growth induced steep gradients in O2 concentrations, pH, and Eh at the DBL by increasing the layer’s thickness, macrophyte photosynthetic capacity, and periphyton biomass in eutrophic waters.

[Case of exploding head syndrome].

PubMed

Okura, Mutsumi; Taniguchi, Mitsutaka; Muraki, Hisae; Sugita, Hideko; Ohi, Motoharu

2010-01-01

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) attacks are characterized by the sensation of sudden loud banging noises, and are occasionally accompanied by the sensation of a flash light. Although these attacks in themselves are usually not painful, it is reported that EHS attacks may precede migraines and may be perceived as auras. A 53-year-old woman, with a 40-year history of fulgurating migraines, experienced 2 different types of EHS attacks. During most of the attacks, which were not painful, she heard sounds like someone yelling or cars passing by. Only 1 episode was accompanied with the sensation of a flash light and of sounds similar to those of an electrical short circuit. On the video-polysomnography, video-polysomnography showed 11 EHS attacks occurred during stage N1 and stage N2; these attacks were preceded by soft snoring. She also had moderate obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (Apnea Hypopnea Index: 16.7) for which an oral appliance was prescribed; the EHS attacks did not recur after this treatment. The pathophysiology of EHS is still unclear. A detailed analysis of PSG data may help in understanding the pathophysiology of this syndrome and also in the selection of therapeutic strategies.

Lysophosphatidic acids are new substrates for the phosphatase domain of soluble epoxide hydrolase[S

PubMed Central

Oguro, Ami; Imaoka, Susumu

2012-01-01

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a bifunctional enzyme that has a C-terminus epoxide hydrolase domain and an N-terminus phosphatase domain. The endogenous substrates of epoxide hydrolase are known to be epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, but the endogenous substrates of the phosphatase activity are not well understood. In this study, to explore the substrates of sEH, we investigated the inhibition of the phosphatase activity of sEH toward 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate by using lecithin and its hydrolyzed products. Although lecithin itself did not inhibit the phosphatase activity, the hydrolyzed lecithin significantly inhibited it, suggesting that lysophospholipid or fatty acid can inhibit it. Next, we investigated the inhibition of phosphatase activity by lysophosphatidyl choline, palmitoyl lysophosphatidic acid, monopalmitoyl glycerol, and palmitic acid. Palmitoyl lysophosphatidic acid and fatty acid efficiently inhibited phosphatase activity, suggesting that lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are substrates for the phosphatase activity of sEH. As expected, palmitoyl, stearoyl, oleoyl, and arachidonoyl LPAs were efficiently dephosphorylated by sEH (Km, 3–7 μM; Vmax, 150–193 nmol/min/mg). These results suggest that LPAs are substrates of sEH, which may regulate physiological functions of cells via their metabolism. PMID:22217705

Lysophosphatidic acids are new substrates for the phosphatase domain of soluble epoxide hydrolase.

PubMed

Oguro, Ami; Imaoka, Susumu

2012-03-01

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a bifunctional enzyme that has a C-terminus epoxide hydrolase domain and an N-terminus phosphatase domain. The endogenous substrates of epoxide hydrolase are known to be epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, but the endogenous substrates of the phosphatase activity are not well understood. In this study, to explore the substrates of sEH, we investigated the inhibition of the phosphatase activity of sEH toward 4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate by using lecithin and its hydrolyzed products. Although lecithin itself did not inhibit the phosphatase activity, the hydrolyzed lecithin significantly inhibited it, suggesting that lysophospholipid or fatty acid can inhibit it. Next, we investigated the inhibition of phosphatase activity by lysophosphatidyl choline, palmitoyl lysophosphatidic acid, monopalmitoyl glycerol, and palmitic acid. Palmitoyl lysophosphatidic acid and fatty acid efficiently inhibited phosphatase activity, suggesting that lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are substrates for the phosphatase activity of sEH. As expected, palmitoyl, stearoyl, oleoyl, and arachidonoyl LPAs were efficiently dephosphorylated by sEH (Km, 3-7 μM; Vmax, 150-193 nmol/min/mg). These results suggest that LPAs are substrates of sEH, which may regulate physiological functions of cells via their metabolism.

Dynamics and genotypic composition of Emiliania huxleyi and their co-occurring viruses during a coccolithophore bloom in the North Sea.

PubMed

Martínez, Joaquín Martínez; Schroeder, Declan C; Wilson, William H

2012-08-01

We studied the temporal succession of vertical profiles of Emiliania huxleyi and their specific viruses (EhVs) during the progression of a natural phytoplankton bloom in the North Sea in June 1999. Genotypic richness was assessed by exploiting the variations in a gene encoding a protein with calcium-binding motifs (GPA) for E. huxleyi and in the viral major capsid protein gene for EhVs. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and sequencing analysis, we showed at least three different E. huxleyi and EhV genotypic profiles during the period of study, revealing a complex, and changing assemblage at the molecular level. Our results also indicate that the dynamics of EhV genotypes reflect fluctuations in abundance of potential E. huxleyi host cells. The presence and concentration of specific EhVs in the area prior to the bloom, or EhVs transported into the area by different water masses, are significant factors affecting the structure and intraspecific succession of E. huxleyi during the phytoplankton bloom. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bilateral Endolymphatic Hydrops in a Patient With Migraine Variant Without Vertigo: A Case Report.

PubMed

Liu, Isabelle Y; Ishiyama, Akira; Sepahdari, Ali R; Johnson, Kevin; Ishiyama, Gail

2017-03-01

To use modern high-resolution inner ear imaging modalities to evaluate for endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in a patient with migraine-associated fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo spells or dizziness. EH has been well described in patients with Meniere's disease on both human temporal bone studies and modern high-resolution imaging; however, there is no study to date, to our knowledge, that examines the presence of EH in a patient with migraine and bilateral hearing loss. We present the MRI findings using a sequence for detecting EH in a unique case of a patient experiencing migraine headaches accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo. Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included "cisternographic" three-dimensional T2, and delayed intravenous-enhanced three-dimensional fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (DIVE-3D-FLAIR) sequences, performed with 2350 ms (bright perilymph) and 2050 ms (bright endolymph) inversion times. The bright endolymph images were subtracted from bright perilymph images to create a composite image with bright perilymph, dark endolymph, and intermediate bone signals. A 40-year-old female presented with a left-sided sensorineural hearing loss and severe migraine headaches that began at age 12. For the past year, she experienced severe migraines with right-sided fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Audiometry confirmed a drop of right-sided hearing at times of migraines and increased symptom severity. Vestibular testing was within normal limits. MRI demonstrated the presence of severe bilateral vestibular and cochlear EH. EH of both the cochlea and vestibule can be present in patients without Meniere's disease or vertigo. The relationship between migraine and Meniere's disease may be complex, as demonstrated in this patient with migraine-associated bilateral hearing loss with MRI documentation of severe bilateral EH. The fact that migraine can be associated with EH is important and demonstrates a potential relationship between the pathophysiology of migraine and that of EH. Given this patient's previous association of migraine and hearing loss at age 12, it appears that migrainous attacks occur simultaneously with the hearing loss, and may be potentially causative of the fluctuating hearing loss, mediated possibly through the development of EH. New imaging modalities allow for studies into the field of inner ear pathology, with significant implications for future research. © 2016 American Headache Society.

[Effect of early intervention with heparin on function of coagulopathy, liver and kidney in rats with exertional heatstroke under the ambient air of high temperature and low humidity].

PubMed

Yu, Yang; Wei, Yuying; Zhang, Xiangrong; Li, Xinyu

2018-03-01

To explore the effects of early intervention with heparin on function of coagulopathy, liver and kidney as well as the prognosis in rats with exertional heatstroke (EHS) under the ambient air of high temperature and low humidity. 108 healthy SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal temperature control group, EHS + normal saline (NS) group and EHS + heparin group. Of which 54 rats were collected for survival analysis (18 rats in each group), the weight change and 8-hour survival rate were observed, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were drawn. Other 54 rats were collected for intervention experiment, the rats in each group were subdivided into 0, 1, 2 hours subgroups according to the time points of intervention with heparin after model reproduction, with 6 rats in each subgroup. The rats were placed in an artificial experiment cabin with northwest special environment, and the temperature and the relative humidity were (25.0±1.0) centigrade and (35±5)%, respectively, in normal temperature control group, and the rats were not treated in the cabin. The rats in EHS + NS group and EHS + heparin group kept running in the cabin which temperature and relative humidity were set at (43.0±0.5) centigrade and (35±5)% until the anus temperature of rats reached 43.0 centigrade, and then the rats were placed in room temperature. The rats were injected with 1 mL/kg NS or 250 U/kg heparin sodium injection through their caudal veins at 0, 1, and 2 hours, respectively, and then the blood was collected after 1.5 hours to determine the biochemical parameters including coagulation, liver and kidney as well as platelet count (PLT). (1) The weight loss of EHS + NS group and EHS + heparin group was more significant than that of normal temperature control group (g: 8.28±1.41, 8.39±1.38 vs. 2.06±1.06, both P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between EHS + NS group and EHS + heparin group. (2) As the time went on after modeling, serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and D-dimer of EHS rats showed a tendency of increasing, but fibrinogen (FBG), antithrombin III (AT III) and PLT were decreased gradually, which were obviously abnormal as compared with those at corresponding time point of the normal temperature control group. Heparin intervention 0 hour after modeling could improve the function of liver and kidney, FBG, D-dimer, AT III and PLT, but APTT was prolonged further. The SCr, BUN, ALT, AST and CK in EHS 2 hours + heparin group were still better than EHS + NS group [SCr (μmol/L): 93.33±7.69 vs. 110.50±13.56, BUN (mmol/L): 20.55±1.35 vs. 24.88±2.41, ALT (U/L): 322.17±36.36 vs. 492.33±64.19, AST (U/L): 1 252.33±240.86 vs. 2 725.67±461.17, CK (U/L): 1 4628.67±2 784.68 vs. 2 6843.00±2 637.16, all P < 0.01], APTT was significantly prolonged (s: 51.83±6.11 vs. 33.83±4.31, P < 0.01), and AT III and PLT were significantly increased [AT III: (78.03±9.15)% vs. (64.28±12.55)%, PLT (×10 9 /L): 457.67±32.33 vs. 415.83±26.45, both P < 0.05], however, there was no obvious influence on FBG or D-dimer. (3) The rats in normal temperature control group were all survived within 8 hours, and all dead in EHS + NS group. The survival rate of rats given heparin intervention at 0, 1, 2 hours after successfully modeling was 50.0%, 33.3% and 0%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that 8-hour cumulative survival rate in EHS 0 hour, 1 hour + heparin groups was higher than that in EHS 0 hour, 1 hour + NS groups (χ 1 2 = 7.930, P 1 = 0.005; χ 2 2 = 4.408, P 2 = 0.036), however, there was no significant difference between EHS 2 hours + heparin group and EHS 2 hours + NS group (χ 2 = 2.660, P = 0.103). Early heparin intervention can improve the coagulation function and organ function of EHS rats, while improving the survival rate of rats, indicating the earlier intervention of heparin, the better prognosis of rats is.

Novel molecular determinants of viral susceptibility and resistance in the lipidome of Emiliania huxleyi.

PubMed

Fulton, James M; Fredricks, Helen F; Bidle, Kay D; Vardi, Assaf; Kendrick, B Jacob; DiTullio, Giacomo R; Van Mooy, Benjamin A S

2014-04-01

Viruses play a key role in controlling the population dynamics of algae, including Emiliania huxleyi, a globally distributed haptophyte with calcite coccoliths that comprise ca. 50% of the sinking carbonate flux from the surface ocean. Emiliania huxleyi viruses (EhVs) routinely infect and terminate E. huxleyi blooms. EhVs are surrounded by a lipid envelope, which we found to be comprised largely of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) with lesser amounts of polar glycerolipids. Infection appears to involve membrane fusion between the virus and host, and we hypothesized that specific polar lipids may facilitate virus attachment. We identified three novel intact polar lipids in E. huxleyi strain CCMP 374 and EhV86, including a GSL with a monosaccharide sialic acid headgroup (sGSL); for all 11 E. huxleyi strains we tested, there was a direct relationship between sGSL content and sensitivity to infection by EhV1, EhV86 and EhV163. In mesocosms, the E. huxleyi population with greatest initial sGSL content had the highest rate of virus-induced mortality. We propose potential physiological roles for sGSL that would be beneficial for growth but leave cells susceptible to infection, thus furthering the discussion of Red Queen-based co-evolution and the cost(s) of sensitivity and resistance in the dynamic E. huxleyi-EhV system. © 2013 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Interpreting sex differences in enamel hypoplasia in human and non-human primates: Developmental, environmental, and cultural considerations.

PubMed

Guatelli-Steinberg, D; Lukacs, J R

1999-01-01

The purpose of this review is to provide a synoptic, critical evaluation of the evidence of, and potential etiological factors contributing to, sex differences in the expression of enamel hypoplasia (EH). Specifically, this review considers theoretical expectations and empirical evidence bearing on two central issues. The first of these is the impact of a theorized inherent male vulnerability to physiological stress on sex differences in EH. The second issue is the potential contribution to sex differences in EH of intrinsic differences in male and female enamel composition and development. To address this first issue, EH frequencies by sex are examined in samples subject to a high degree of physiological stress. Based on the concept of inherent male vulnerability (or female buffering), males in stressful environments would be expected to exhibit higher EH frequencies than females. This expectation is evaluated in light of cultural practices of sex-biased investment that mediate the relationship between environmental stress and EH expression. Defects forming prenatally afford an opportunity to study this relationship without the confounding effects of sex-biased postnatal investment. Data bearing on this issue derive from previously conducted studies of EH in permanent and deciduous teeth in both modern and archaeological samples as well as from new data on Indian schoolchildren. To address the second issue, fundamental male-female enamel differences are evaluated for their potential impact on EH expression. A large sex difference in the duration of canine crown formation in non-human primates suggests that male canines may have greater opportunity to record stress events than those of females. This expectation is examined in great apes, whose canines often record multiple episodes of stress and are sexually dimorphic in crown formation times. With respect to the first issue, in most studies, sex differences in EH prevalence are statistically nonsignificant. However, when sex differences are significant, there is a slight trend for them to be greater in males than in females, suggesting a weak influence of greater male vulnerability. Cultural practices of sex-biased investment in children appear to have greater impact on EH expression than does male vulnerability/female buffering. With respect to the second issue, sex differences in the composition and development of enamel were reviewed and determined to have limited or unknown impact on EH expression. Of these factors, only the duration of crown formation was expected to affect EH expression by sex within the great apes. The data support an association between higher defect counts in the canines of great ape males relative to those of females that may be the result of longer crown formation times in the canines of great ape males. This review concludes with an assessment of the nature of the evidence currently available to examine these issues and suggests future avenues for research focused on elucidating them.

Association between essential hypertension and bone mineral density: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Ye, Ziliang; Lu, Haili; Liu, Peng

2017-01-01

Background We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between essential hypertension (EH) and bone mineral density (BMD). Results 17 articles were included in our meta-analysis, with a total of 39,491 patients. Of these, 13,375 were patients with EH and 26,116 were patients without EH. Meta-analysis results showed that EH can reduce the BMD of the lumbar spine (95% CI: −0.08∼0.01, P=0.006), femoral neck (95% CI: −0.09∼-0.02, p = 0.001), ward's triangle (95% CI: −0.45∼-0.25, p=0.000), femoral intertrochanteric (95% CI: −0.90∼-0.64, p = 0.000), calcaneus (95% CI: −0.31∼-0.18, p = 0.000) and distal forearm (95% CI: −0.09∼-0.03, p = 0.000), but EH cannot reduce the BMD of the femur rotor (95% CI: −0.07∼0.24, p = 0.273). Subgroup analysis showed that EH can reduce the BMD of the lumbar spine (95% CI: −0.11∼-0.03, p = 0.000) and femoral neck (95% CI: −0.11∼-0.07, p = 0.000) in Asian populations. In non-Asian populations, EH can reduce the BMD of the femoral neck (95% CI: 0.04∼0.19, p = 0.002), but cannot reduce the BMD of the lumbar spine (95% CI: −0.04∼0.11, p = 0.346). Materials and Methods We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on the association of EH and BMD by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI and VIP databases inception to October 2016. Stata 11.0 software was used for data analysis. Conclusions Our meta-analysis suggests that EH can reduce the BMD of the human body, and for different parts of the bone, the degree of reduction is different. In addition, for different regions and populations, the reduction level of BMD is inconsistent. PMID:28978167

Dilemma of applying telehealth for overseas organ transplantation: comparison on perspectives of health professionals and e-health information and communication technologists in Taiwan.

PubMed

Shih, F Jin; Shih, F Jong; Pan, Y J; Chen, H M; Wang, S-S

2014-05-01

Telehealth is one of the avenues of e-health; it is a voice, image, or document delivery system via the internet and aims to assist patients to prevent disease and to promote health, diagnosis, self-care, and treatment. The purpose of using telehealth for overseas organ transplantation (OOT) was debated. This study aimed to explore the dilemma in applying telehealth for OOT patients from the perspectives of health professionals and e-health information and communication technologists (eh-ICTs) in Taiwan. An exploratory qualitative method was used, with a purposive sample of OT health professionals (OTHP) and eh-ICTs in Taiwan. Qualitative data were collected by face-to-face semistructured interviews, and were analyzed by content analysis. Fifty subjects including 10 OT surgeons (OTS), 30 registered nurses (RNs), and 10 eh-ICTs participated in this study. Five dilemmas were identified: (1) medical law violation (80%, n = 40 of 50; 100% OTS [n = 10 of 10], 67% RNs [n = 20 of 30], 100% eh-ICTs [n = 10 of 10]); (2) integrating telecommunication and medical systems for OOT (74%, n = 37 of 50; 90% OTS [n = 9 of 10], 73% RNs [n = 22 of 30], 60% eh-ICTs [n = 6 of 10]); (3) the inconsistent caring protocols among medical parties (68%, n = 34 of 50; 80% OTS [n = 8 of 10], 70% RNs [n = 21 of 30], 50% eh-ICTs [n = 5 of 10]); (4) the uncertainty in quality of care in overseas medical institutes (62%, n = 31 of 50; 80% OTS [n = 8 of 10], 60% RNs [n = 18 of 30], 50% eh-ICTs [n = 5 of 10]); and (5) the uncertainty in cost-effectiveness (36%, n = 18 of 50; 60% OTS [n = 6 of 10], 17% RNs [n = 5 of 30], 70% eh-ICTs [n = 7 of 10]). The use of telehealth for OOT is in its infancy. A systematic curriculum with advanced pilots targeted to develop telehealth for OOT will be needed for mutual communication between OTHPs and eh-ICTs in the near future. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peripheral markers of central fatigue in trained and untrained during uncompensable heat stress.

PubMed

Wright, Heather E; Selkirk, Glen A; Rhind, Shawn G; McLellan, Tom M

2012-03-01

The development of fatigue is more pronounced in the heat than thermoneutral environments; however, it is unclear whether biomarkers of central fatigue are consistent with the higher core temperature (T (c)) tolerated by endurance trained (TR) versus untrained (UT) during exertional heat stress (EHS). The purpose of this study was to examine the indicators of central fatigue during EHS in TR versus UT. Twelve TR and 11 UT males (mean ± SE [Formula: see text] = 70 ± 2 and 50 ± 1 mL kg LBM(-1) min(-1), respectively) walked on a treadmill to exhaustion (EXH) in 40°C (dry) wearing protective clothing. Venous blood was obtained at PRE and 0.5°C T (c) increments from 38 to 40°C/EXH. Free tryptophan (f-TRP) decreased dramatically at 39.5°C for the TR. Branch chain amino acids decreased with T (c) and were greater for UT than TR at EXH. Tyrosine and phenylalanine remained unchanged. Serum S100β was undetectable (<5 pg mL(-1)). Albumin was greater for the UT from PRE to 39.0°C and at EXH. Prolactin (PRL) responded to relative thermal strain with similar EXH values despite higher T (c) tolerated for TR (39.7 ± 0.09°C) than UT (39.0 ± 0.09°C). The high EXH PRL values for both groups support its use as a biomarker of the serotonin and dopamine interplay within the brain during the development of central fatigue.

Estimation of human percutaneous bioavailability for two novel brominated flame retardants, 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP)

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

Knudsen, Gabriel A., E-mail: gabriel.knudsen@nih.g

2-Ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) are novel brominated flame retardants used in consumer products. A parallelogram approach was used to predict human dermal absorption and flux for EH-TBB and BEH-TEBP. [{sup 14}C]-EH-TBB or [{sup 14}C]-BEH-TEBP was applied to human or rat skin at 100 nmol/cm{sup 2} using a flow-through system. Intact rats received analogous dermal doses. Treated skin was washed and tape-stripped to remove “unabsorbed” [{sup 14}C]-radioactivity after continuous exposure (24 h). “Absorbed” was quantified using dermally retained [{sup 14}C]-radioactivity; “penetrated” was calculated based on [{sup 14}C]-radioactivity in media (in vitro) or excreta + tissues (in vivo). Human skin absorbedmore » EH-TBB (24 ± 1%) while 0.2 ± 0.1% penetrated skin. Rat skin absorbed more (51 ± 10%) and was more permeable (2 ± 0.5%) to EH-TBB in vitro; maximal EH-TBB flux was 11 ± 7 and 102 ± 24 pmol-eq/cm{sup 2}/h for human and rat skin, respectively. In vivo, 27 ± 5% was absorbed and 13% reached systemic circulation after 24 h (maximum flux was 464 ± 65 pmol-eq/cm{sup 2}/h). BEH-TEBP in vitro penetrance was minimal (< 0.01%) for rat or human skin. BEH-TEBP absorption was 12 ± 11% for human skin and 41 ± 3% for rat skin. In vivo, total absorption was 27 ± 9%; 1.2% reached systemic circulation. In vitro maximal BEH-TEBP flux was 0.3 ± 0.2 and 1 ± 0.3 pmol-eq/cm{sup 2}/h for human and rat skin; in vivo maximum flux for rat skin was 16 ± 7 pmol-eq/cm{sup 2}/h. EH-TBB was metabolized in rat and human skin to tetrabromobenzoic acid. BEH-TEBP-derived [{sup 14}C]-radioactivity in the perfusion media could not be characterized. < 1% of the dose of EH-TBB and BEH-TEHP is estimated to reach the systemic circulation following human dermal exposure under the conditions tested. Chemical compounds studied in this article: 2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (PubChem CID: 71316600; CAS No. 183658-27-7 FW: 549.92 g/mol logP{sub est}: 7.73–8.75 (12)) Abdallah et al., 2015a. Other published abbreviations for 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate are TBB EHTeBB or EHTBB Abdallah and Harrad, 2011. bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (PubChem CID: 117291; CAS No. 26040-51-7 FW: 706.14 g/mol logP{sub est}: 9.48-11.95 (12)). Other published abbreviations for bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate are TeBrDEPH TBPH or BEHTBP. - Highlights: • Human skin maximal flux was 11 ± 7 (EH-TBB) & 0.3 ± 0.2 (BEH-TEBP) pmol-eq/cm{sup 2}/h. • Predicted systemic bioavailability was < 1% for either chemical after 24 h. • Skin retained EH-TBB & BEH-TEBP after 24 h dermal exposure. • EH-TBB was hydrolyzed to tetrabromobenzoic acid; BEH-TEBP was not metabolized. • Skin contact is an important route of human exposure to EH-TBB & BEH-TEBP.« less

Early Head Start Program Strategies: Responding to the Mental Health Needs of Infants, Toddlers and Families.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, Washington, DC.

Each year, Early Head Start (EHS) and migrant and seasonal Head Start grantees are invited to share their experiences in providing high-quality services for expectant parents and families with infants and toddlers. This report highlights how 10 Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start grantees respond to mental health needs of infants,…

Redox potential of shallow groundwater by 1-month continuous in situ potentiometric measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioka, Seiichiro; Muraoka, Hirofumi; Suzuki, Yota

2017-10-01

One-month continuous in situ potentiometric measurements of redox potential (Eh) were used to investigate the dominant redox processes in the shallow groundwater (i.e., <10 m) of a Holocene aquifer, Aomori City, northern Japan. The Eh values, which were determined using a platinum electrode, were -163, -169 and -173 mV, respectively, for three monitoring campaigns. The temperatures and pH values of shallow groundwater during all three periods were approximately 12 °C and 6.6, respectively. Dissolved oxygen and sulfide ion concentrations were not detected. Chemical analyses showed that the shallow groundwater is Na-Fe-HCO3 type, and contains over 40 mg/L of Fe (the dominant cation) and over 200 mg/L of HCO3 - (the dominant anion). A good fit was found between measured Eh values and Eh values calculated using thermodynamic data of fine-grained goethite. This suggests that Fe redox system is related to the Eh values of shallow groundwater in the Aomori City aquifer.

Economic Hardship and Educational Differentials in Disability in 26 European Countries.

PubMed

Cambois, Emmanuelle; Solé-Auró, Aïda; Robine, Jean-Marie

2016-10-01

The objective of this article is to study to what extent European variations in differentials in disability by education level are associated to variation in poverty. Using the European Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) for 26 countries, we measure the prevalence of activity limitation (AL) and the rate of economic hardship (EH) by level of education. We measure the increased AL prevalence (disadvantage) of the low-educated relative to the middle-educated and the reduced AL prevalence (advantage) of the high-educated groups, controlling or not for EH. The rate of EH and the extent of the AL-advantage/disadvantage vary substantially across Europe. EH contributes to the AL-advantage/disadvantage but to different extent depending on its level across educational groups. Associations between poverty, education, and disability are complex. In general, large EH goes along with increased disability differentials. Actions to reduce poverty are needed in Europe to reduce the levels and differentials in disability. © The Author(s) 2016.

FOSB immunoreactivity in endothelia of epithelioid hemangioma (angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia).

PubMed

Ortins-Pina, Ana; Llamas-Velasco, Mar; Turpin, Sara; Soares-de-Almeida, Luís; Filipe, Paulo; Kutzner, Heinz

2018-06-01

Accurate distinction of epithelioid hemangioma (EH) from its malignant mimics is paramount but remains challenging due to its wide morphological spectrum and lack of objective molecular markers. FOSB oncogenic activation was recently identified as a key event in endothelial proliferation. We sought to investigate the FOSB staining pattern in EH with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (EH-AHLE) morphology and to evaluate its value in differential diagnosis of epithelioid vascular tumors. From the authors' files, 15 representative cases of EH-ALHE were selected and evaluated for their FOSB immunostaining pattern. Other vascular proliferations which can be morphological mimics were also tested: epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) (5 cases) and epithelioid angiosarcoma (EAS) (5 cases). All 15 cases of EH-ALHE showed strong and homogeneous FOSB nuclear expression in endothelial cells with ample cytoplasm and intracytoplasmic vacuoles. All cases of EHE and EAS lacked FOSB immunoreactivity or showed only incidental weak FOSB immunoreactivity in less than 5 nuclei per lesion. FOSB immunohistochemistry is sensitive in the diagnosis of EH-ALHE, and allows differentiation from its histological mimics. An immunohistochemical panel including not only pan-cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and endothelial markers, but also FOSB, helps in the diagnosis of epithelioid vascular tumors. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Effect of aldosterone on cochlear Af9 expression and hearing in guinea pig.

PubMed

Qin, Li; Zhang, Biyun; Wang, Qianying; Li, Duanchao; Luo, Xiaoli; Zhong, Shixun

2017-09-01

Af9 protein in cochlea may be closely related to endolymph regulation by aldosterone and thus may be involved in pathogenesis of endolymphatic hydrops (EH). EH is the pathological characteristic of Ménière's disease (MD). Aldosterone could induce EH, but its relationship with MD is still controversial. The aim of the present study is to investigate the Af9 protein expression in guinea pig cochlea and regulation of Af9 expression and cochlear function by aldosterone. The role of Af9 in pathogenesis of EH is discussed. Thirty guinea pigs were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group was intraperitoneally injected with aldosterone 0.1 mg/kg/d for 5 days, while the control group was done with saline. Hearing and histomorphology of cochlea were examined. In addition, expression of Af9 protein was studied. The hearing threshold of the treatment group was increased. EH was induced in 73% of guinea pigs in the treatment group, and no EH was found in the control group. Af9 protein was found in spiral limbus, stria vascularis, Reissner's membrane, organ of Corti and spiral ganglion in both groups. Af9 expression in cochlea decreased significantly at protein level after treatment by aldosterone.

Cloning and expression of chitinases of Entamoebae.

PubMed

de la Vega, H; Specht, C A; Semino, C E; Robbins, P W; Eichinger, D; Caplivski, D; Ghosh, S; Samuelson, J

1997-04-01

Entamoeba histolytica (Eh) and Entamoeba dispar (Ed) are protozoan parasites that infect hundreds of millions of persons. In the colonic lumen, amebae form chitin-walled cysts, the infectious stage of the parasite. Entamoeba invadens (Ei), which infects reptiles and is a model for amebic encystation, produces chitin synthase and chitinase during encystation. Ei cysts formation is blocked by the chitinase-inhibitor allosamidin. Here molecular cloning techniques were used to identify homologous genes of Eh, Ed, and Ei that encode chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14). The Eh gene (Eh cht1) predicts a 507-amino acid (aa) enzyme, which has 93 and 74% positional identities with Ed and Ei chitinases, respectively. The Entamoeba chitinases have signal sequences, followed by acidic and hydrophilic sequences composed of multiple tandemly arranged 7-aa repeats (Eh and Ed) or repeats varying in length (Ei). The aa compositions of the chitinase repeats are similar to those of the repeats of the Eh and Ed Ser-rich proteins. The COOH-terminus of each chitinase has a catalytic domain, which resembles those of Brugia malayi (33% positional identity) and Manduca sexta (29%). Recombinant entamoeba chitinases are precipitated by chitin and show chitinase activity with chitooligosacharide substrates. Consistent with previous biochemical data, chitinase mRNAs are absent in Ei trophozoites and accumulate to maximal levels in Ei encysting for 48 h.

Synergistic Association of Genetic Variants with Environmental Risk Factors in Susceptibility to Essential Hypertension.

PubMed

Sousa, Ana Célia; Mendonça, Maria I; Pereira, Andreia; Gouveia, Sara; Freitas, Ana I; Guerra, Graça; Rodrigues, Mariana; Henriques, Eva; Freitas, Sónia; Borges, Sofia; Pereira, Décio; Brehm, António; Palma Dos Reis, Roberto

2017-10-01

Essential hypertension (EH) is a disease in which both environment and genes have an important role. This study was designed to identify the interaction model between genetic variants and environmental risk factors that most highly potentiates EH development. We performed a case-control study with 1641 participants (mean age 50.6 ± 8.1 years), specifically 848 patients with EH and 793 controls, adjusted for gender and age. Traditional risk factors, biochemical and genetic parameters, including the genotypic discrimination of 14 genetic variants previously associated with EH, were investigated. Multifactorial dimensionality reduction (MDR) software was used to analyze gene-environment interactions. Validation was performed using logistic regression analysis with environmental risk factors, significant genetic variants, and the best MDR model. The best model indicates that the interactions among the ADD1 rs4961 640T allele, diabetes, and obesity (body mass index ≥30) increase approximately four-fold the risk of EH (odds ratio = 3.725; 95% confidence interval: 2.945-4.711; p < 0.0001). This work showed that the interaction between the ADD1 rs4961 variant, obesity, and the presence of diabetes increased the susceptibility to EH four-fold. In these circumstances, lifestyle adjustment and diabetes control should be intensified in patients who carry the ADD1 variant.

Effect of Spaceflight on Vestibulo-Ocular Reflexes (VORS) During Angular Head Motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tomko, David L.; Clifford, James O.; Hargens, Alan R. (Technical Monitor)

1996-01-01

Vestibulo-ocular reflexes (VORs) stabilize the eyes during head motion. During Earth-horizontal (E-H) pitch or roll rotations, canal and otolith stimuli occur together. In Earth-vertical (E-V) pitch or roll rotations, only canal signals occur. In cats and squirrel monkeys, pitch/roll VOR gains during E-H motion have been shown to be larger than during E-V motion, implying that otolith modulation plays a role in producing angular VORs (aVORs). The present experiments replicated this experiment in rhesus monkeys, and examined how spaceflight affected AVOR gain. During yaw, pitch and roll (0.5 - 1.0 Hz, 40-50 deg/s pk) motion, 3-d eye movements were recorded in four Rhesus monkeys using scleral search coils. Mean E-H and E-V pitch VOR gains were 0.85 and 0.71. Torsional VOR gains during E-H and E-V were 0.47 and 0.39. Gains are more compensatory during E-H pitch or roll. Two of the four monkeys flew for 11 days on the COSMOS 2229 Biosatellite. E-H pitch VOR gains were attenuated immediately (72 hrs) post-flight, with similar values to pre-flight E-V pitch gains. Horizontal yaw VOR gains were similar pre- and post-flight.

Metabolic and Genetic Screening of Electromagnetic Hypersensitive Subjects as a Feasible Tool for Diagnostics and Intervention

PubMed Central

De Luca, Chiara; Chung Sheun Thai, Jeffrey; Raskovic, Desanka; Cesareo, Eleonora; Caccamo, Daniela; Trukhanov, Arseny

2014-01-01

Growing numbers of “electromagnetic hypersensitive” (EHS) people worldwide self-report severely disabling, multiorgan, non-specific symptoms when exposed to low-dose electromagnetic radiations, often associated with symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and/or other environmental “sensitivity-related illnesses” (SRI). This cluster of chronic inflammatory disorders still lacks validated pathogenetic mechanism, diagnostic biomarkers, and management guidelines. We hypothesized that SRI, not being merely psychogenic, may share organic determinants of impaired detoxification of common physic-chemical stressors. Based on our previous MCS studies, we tested a panel of 12 metabolic blood redox-related parameters and of selected drug-metabolizing-enzyme gene polymorphisms, on 153 EHS, 147 MCS, and 132 control Italians, confirming MCS altered (P < 0.05–0.0001) glutathione-(GSH), GSH-peroxidase/S-transferase, and catalase erythrocyte activities. We first described comparable—though milder—metabolic pro-oxidant/proinflammatory alterations in EHS with distinctively increased plasma coenzyme-Q10 oxidation ratio. Severe depletion of erythrocyte membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids with increased ω6/ω3 ratio was confirmed in MCS, but not in EHS. We also identified significantly (P = 0.003) altered distribution-versus-control of the CYP2C19∗1/∗2 SNP variants in EHS, and a 9.7-fold increased risk (OR: 95% C.I. = 1.3–74.5) of developing EHS for the haplotype (null)GSTT1 + (null)GSTM1 variants. Altogether, results on MCS and EHS strengthen our proposal to adopt this blood metabolic/genetic biomarkers' panel as suitable diagnostic tool for SRI. PMID:24812443

Immunohistochemical Study of ER, PR, Ki67 and p53 in Endometrial Hyperplasias and Endometrial Carcinomas

PubMed Central

Masjeed, Nayar Musfera Abdul; Joshi, Avinash R; Kulkarni, Maithili Mandar; Pandya, Nidhi

2017-01-01

Introduction Endometrial carcinoma is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in the developing countries. Endometrial Hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor to Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma (EMAC). A 23% of Atypical Hyperplasias (AEH) progress to EMAC. Aim This study was undertaken to analyse ER, PR, p53 and Ki67 in EH and endometrial carcinomas and attempt correlation with clinical and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods The present study was conducted over a period of seven years. A manual tissue array technique was employed for cases subjected to IHC. Analysis of the expression of IHC markers (ER, PR, p53, Ki67) in EH and endometrial carcinoma was attempted. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. The results were considered to be significant when the p-value <0.05. Results A total of 85 cases of EH and 28 cases of endometrial carcinoma were included in the study. EH (75.22%) was more common than endometrial carcinoma (24.78%). Among 28 cases of endometrial carcinomas, EMAC was most common (78.57%) followed by Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC) (14.28%), and Uterine Serous Carcinoma (USC) (7.14%). ER and PR expression decreased as lesion progressed from EH to EMAC. ER and PR expression was negative in USC and CCC. The p53 expression and mean Ki67 labelling index increased as the severity of lesion increased from EH to endometrial carcinoma. Conclusion The ER, PR, p53, Ki67 IHC markers may be included in every case of endometrial carcinoma to understand the tumour biological behavior which in turn could help individual treatment strategies. PMID:28969139

Immunohistochemical Study of ER, PR, Ki67 and p53 in Endometrial Hyperplasias and Endometrial Carcinomas.

PubMed

Masjeed, Nayar Musfera Abdul; Khandeparkar, Siddhi Gaurish Sinai; Joshi, Avinash R; Kulkarni, Maithili Mandar; Pandya, Nidhi

2017-08-01

Endometrial carcinoma is the second most common gynecologic malignancy in the developing countries. Endometrial Hyperplasia (EH) is a precursor to Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma (EMAC). A 23% of Atypical Hyperplasias (AEH) progress to EMAC. This study was undertaken to analyse ER, PR, p53 and Ki67 in EH and endometrial carcinomas and attempt correlation with clinical and histopathological findings. The present study was conducted over a period of seven years. A manual tissue array technique was employed for cases subjected to IHC. Analysis of the expression of IHC markers (ER, PR, p53, Ki67) in EH and endometrial carcinoma was attempted. Results were subjected to statistical analysis. The results were considered to be significant when the p-value <0.05. A total of 85 cases of EH and 28 cases of endometrial carcinoma were included in the study. EH (75.22%) was more common than endometrial carcinoma (24.78%). Among 28 cases of endometrial carcinomas, EMAC was most common (78.57%) followed by Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC) (14.28%), and Uterine Serous Carcinoma (USC) (7.14%). ER and PR expression decreased as lesion progressed from EH to EMAC. ER and PR expression was negative in USC and CCC. The p53 expression and mean Ki67 labelling index increased as the severity of lesion increased from EH to endometrial carcinoma. The ER, PR, p53, Ki67 IHC markers may be included in every case of endometrial carcinoma to understand the tumour biological behavior which in turn could help individual treatment strategies.

Dynamics of transparent exopolymer particle (TEP) production and aggregation during viral infection of the coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi.

PubMed

Nissimov, Jozef I; Vandzura, Rebecca; Johns, Christopher T; Natale, Frank; Haramaty, Liti; Bidle, Kay D

2018-06-19

Emiliania huxleyi produces calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) coccoliths and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), sticky, acidic carbohydrates that facilitate aggregation. E. huxleyi's extensive oceanic blooms are often terminated by coccolithoviruses (EhVs) with the transport of cellular debris and associated particulate organic carbon (POC) to depth being facilitated by TEP-bound "marine snow" aggregates. The dynamics of TEP production and particle aggregation in response to EhV infection are poorly understood. Using flow cytometry, spectrophotometry, and FlowCam visualization of alcian blue (AB)-stained aggregates, we assessed TEP production and the size spectrum of aggregates for E. huxleyi possessing different degrees of calcification and cellular CaCO 3 :POC mass ratios, when challenged with two EhVs (EhV207 and EhV99B1). FlowCam imaging also qualitatively assessed the relative amount of AB-stainable TEP (i.e. blue:red ratio of each particle). We show significant increases in TEP during early phase EhV207-infection (∼24 hours) of calcifying strains and a shift towards large aggregates following EhV99B1-infection. We also observed the formation of large aggregates with low blue:red ratios, suggesting that other exopolymer substances contribute towards aggregation. Our findings show the potential for virus infection and the associated response of their hosts to impact carbon flux dynamics and provide incentive to explore these dynamics in natural populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Multiple Eruptive Epithelioid Hemangiomas: A Subset of Cutaneous Cellular Epithelioid Hemangioma With Expression of FOS-B.

PubMed

Llamas-Velasco, Mar; Kempf, Werner; Cota, Carlo; Fernández-Figueras, Maria Teresa; Lee, Joyce; Ferrara, Gerardo; Sander, Christian; Shapiro, Philip E; Requena, Luis; Kutzner, Heinz

2017-12-20

There is a wide clinicopathologic spectrum of vascular proliferations characterized by the presence of epithelioid endothelial cells, comprising epithelioid hemangioma (EH)-pseudomyogenic (epithelioid sarcoma-like) hemangioendothelioma (PM-HAE), epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, and epithelioid angiosarcoma. Immunohistochemical FOS-B expression as well as FOS-B rearrangement (fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH]) have recently been described as diagnostically relevant underpinnings of EH (restricted to osseous lesions) and PM-HAE. The aim of this study was to clinicopathologically characterize and to elucidate FOS-B expression in patients with eruptive lesions of the cellular variant of cutaneous EH. All cases of cutaneous cellular EH (n=16) showed strong diffuse immunohistochemical expression of FOS-B, in conjunction with positivity for ERG and nestin. Expression of MYC, CAMTA-1, AE1/3, and MNF116 was negative in all cases. FISH investigations did not show any sign of rearrangements for CAMTA-1 or MYC amplification. Negative-control cases included 15 lobular hemangiomas, 5 epithelioid angiosarcomas, and 5 nodular Kaposi sarcomas, all of which were negative for FOS-B. Positive-control cases included 15 angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia cases, all of them being positive. In contrast with what has been published so far, cutaneous variants of cellular EH exhibit positive immunostaining for FOS-B. Remarkably, FOS-B expression is not restricted to the intraosseous subset of EH. For differential diagnosis of epithelioid vascular tumors, we therefore suggest a helpful panel of antibodies including CAMTA-1, TFE-3, FOS-B, and AE1/AE3. We point out the telltale immunophenotypes: angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia and EH (FOS-B/others negative), PM-HAE (FOS-B/AE1/AE3/others negative), epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (CAMTA-1 or TFE-3/others negative). Remarkably, MYC is not expressed in these tumors, neither is there an MYC amplification by FISH. We suggest the term multiple eruptive EHs for this subset of cutaneous vascular tumors.

Evaluation of ovotoxicity induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and its 3,4-diol metabolite utilizing a rat in vitro ovarian culture system

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

Igawa, Yoshiyuki; BioPharma Center, Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd., Gunma; Keating, Aileen F.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene, (DMBA), targets and destroys all follicle types in rat and mouse ovaries. DMBA requires bioactivation to DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide for ovotoxicity via formation of the intermediate, DMBA-3,4-diol (catalyzed by microsomal epoxide hydrolase; mEH). mEH was shown to be involved in DMBA bioactivation for ovotoxicity induction in B6C3F{sub 1} mouse ovaries. The current study compared DMBA and DMBA-3,4-diol mediated ovotoxicity, and investigated mEH involvement in DMBA-3,4-diol bioactivation in Fischer 344 (F344) rat ovary. F344 postnatal day (PND) 4 rat ovaries were cultured in vehicle control or media containing 1) DMBA or DMBA-3,4-diol (12.5 nM - 1 {mu}M;more » 15 days); 2) DMBA (1 {mu}M; 6 h - 15 days); and 3) DMBA (1 {mu}M) or DMBA-3,4-diol (75 nM) {+-} the mEH activity inhibitor cyclohexene oxide (CHO; 2 mM; 4 days). Ovaries were histologically evaluated and mEH mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcriptase PCR or Western blotting, respectively. Ovotoxicity following 15 days of culture occurred (P < 0.05) at lower concentrations of DMBA-3,4-diol (12.5 nM - primordial; 75 nM - primary) than DMBA (75 nM - primordial; 375 nM - primary). The temporal pattern of mEH expression following DMBA exposure showed mRNA up-regulation (P < 0.05) on day 2, with increased protein (P < 0.05) on day 4, the earliest time of observed follicle loss (P < 0.05). mEH inhibition prevented DMBA-induced, but not DMBA-3,4-diol-induced ovotoxicity. These results demonstrate a conserved response in mice and rats for ovarian mEH involvement in DMBA bioactivation to its ovotoxic, 3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide form.« less

Testing Maternal Depression and Attachment Style as Moderators of Early Head Start's Effects on Parenting

PubMed Central

Berlin, Lisa J.; Whiteside-Mansell, Leanne; Roggman, Lori A.; Green, Beth L.; Robinson, JoAnn; Spieker, Susan

2010-01-01

This study examined maternal depression, attachment avoidance, and attachment anxiety as moderators of Early Head Start's effects on four parenting outcomes assessed at age 3. Participants (N = 947) were drawn from six sites of the Early Head Start National Research and Evaluation Project, a multi-site randomized trial. Findings suggest more positive program effects for mothers with less initial attachment avoidance or attachment anxiety. First, baseline attachment avoidance moderated EHS program effects on observed maternal supportiveness, such that program mothers with lower baseline attachment avoidance were rated as more supportive of their 3-year-olds than program mothers with higher baseline attachment avoidance. Second, program effects on spanking varied depending on mothers’ baseline attachment anxiety. PMID:21240694

Comments to 'Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids'.

PubMed

Brown, S R; Watson, A

2016-09-01

To review the efficacy and safety of the two most popular conventional methods of haemorrhoidal treatment, rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH). The original study has now been updated using the same search strategy. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL up to October 2010. Randomised controlled trials comparing rubber band ligation with EH for symptomatic haemorrhoids in adult human patients were included. We extracted data on to a previously designed data extraction sheet. Dichotomous data were presented as relative risk and 95 % confidence intervals, and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals. Three trials (of poor methodological quality) met the inclusion criteria. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptom was better with EH (three studies, 202 patients, RR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.00-2.83). There was a significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90.5 %; P = 0.0001). Similar analysis based on the grading of haemorrhoids revealed the superiority of EH over RBL for grade III haemorrhoids (prolapse that needs manual reduction) (two trials, 116 patients, RR 1.23, CI 1.04-1.45; P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was noticed in grade II haemorrhoids (prolapse that reduces spontaneously on cessation of straining) (one trial, 32 patients, RR 1.07, CI 0.94-1.21; P = 0.32). Fewer patients required re-treatment after EH (three trials, RR 0.20, CI 0.09-0.40; P < 0.00001). Patients undergoing EH were at significantly higher risk of post-operative pain (three trials, fixed effect; 212 patients, RR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.62-2.33, P < 0.00001) and of delayed complications (three trials, 204 patients, RR 6.32, CI 1.15-34.89; P = 0.03). The present systematic review confirms the long-term efficacy of EH, at least for grade III haemorrhoids, compared to the less invasive technique of RBL but at the expense of increased pain, higher complications and more time off work. However, despite these disadvantages of EH, patient satisfaction and patient's acceptance of the treatment modalities seem to be similar following both the techniques implying patient's preference for complete long-term cure of symptoms and possibly less concern for minor complications. So, RBL can be adopted as the choice of treatment for grade II haemorrhoids with similar results but without the side effects of EH while reserving EH for grade III haemorrhoids or recurrence after RBL. More robust study is required to make definitive conclusions.

Growth, intake, and health of Holstein heifer calves fed an enhanced preweaning diet with or without postweaning exogenous estrogen.

PubMed

Geiger, A J; Parsons, C L M; James, R E; Akers, R M

2016-05-01

Research has shown that changes in nutrition both before and after weaning can affect mammary development. Additionally, estrogen is known to be a potent mammogenic stimulant. Our objectives were to determine effects of altered preweaning feeding and exogenous estradiol postweaning on growth, intake, and health. Thirty-six Holstein heifer calves were reared on (1) a restricted milk replacer (MR) diet fed at 0.44kg powder dry matter (DM)/day [R; 20.9% crude protein (CP), 19.8% fat, DM basis], or (2) an enhanced MR fed at 1.08kg powder DM/d (EH; 28.9% CP, 26.2% fat, DM basis). The MR feeding was reduced 50% during wk 8 to prepare for weaning. Starter was offered after wk 4 but balanced between treatments. Body weight and frame were measured weekly with intakes and health monitored daily. At weaning, a subset of calves were slaughtered (n=6/diet). Enhanced-fed calves had greater carcass, thymus, liver, spleen, and mammary gland (parenchyma and mammary fat pad) weights. The EH calves also had greater average daily gain (ADG) starting during wk 1 (0.36 vs. -0.06kg/d) and lasting through wk 7 (1.00 vs. 0.41kg/d). Remaining calves received estrogen implants or placebo and were slaughtered at the end of wk 10, creating 4 treatments: (1) R, (2) R + estrogen (R-E2), (3) EH, and (4) EH + estrogen (EH-E2). Postweaning ADG was similar between R, EH, and EH-E2 calves, but greater in R-E2 calves than E calves. The EH-E2 calves had the heaviest mammary glands, and R-E2 calves had heavier mammary glands than R calves. The EH calves consumed more MR DM, CP, and fat preweaning. The R-fed calves consumed more starter DM preweaning. Fecal score was greater for EH calves (1.74 vs. 1.50) preweaning, but days medicated did not differ. Fecal scores were lower for R-E2 calves postweaning. Improved preweaning feeding of calves increased body weights and frame measures. Differences in body weights remained postweaning. Enhanced-fed calves showed greater ADG during the preweaning period but not postweaning. Exogenous estrogen may elicit diet-dependent growth responses. Analysis of collected samples will allow determination of cellular and molecular processes responsible for the marked differences in mammary development observed. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Donor and double-donor transitions of the carbon vacancy related EH{sub 6∕7} deep level in 4H-SiC

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

Booker, I. D., E-mail: ianbo@ifm.liu.se; Janzén, E., E-mail: erija@ifm.liu.se; Son, N. T.

Using medium- and high-resolution multi-spectra fitting of deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS), minority carrier transient spectroscopy (MCTS), optical O-DLTS and optical-electrical (OE)-MCTS measurements, we show that the EH{sub 6∕7} deep level in 4H-SiC is composed of two strongly overlapping, two electron emission processes with thermal activation energies of 1.49 eV and 1.58 eV for EH{sub 6} and 1.48 eV and 1.66 eV for EH{sub 7}. The electron emission peaks of EH{sub 7} completely overlap while the emission peaks of EH{sub 6} occur offset at slightly different temperatures in the spectra. OE-MCTS measurements of the hole capture cross section σ{sub p0}(T) in p-type samples revealmore » a trap-Auger process, whereby hole capture into the defect occupied by two electrons leads to a recombination event and the ejection of the second electron into the conduction band. Values of the hole and electron capture cross sections σ{sub n}(T) and σ{sub p}(T) differ strongly due to the donor like nature of the deep levels and while all σ{sub n}(T) have a negative temperature dependence, the σ{sub p}(T) appear to be temperature independent. Average values at the DLTS measurement temperature (∼600 K) are σ{sub n2+}(T) ≈ 1 × 10{sup −14} cm{sup 2}, σ{sub n+}(T) ≈ 1 × 10{sup −14} cm{sup 2}, and σ{sub p0}(T) ≈ 9 × 10{sup −18} cm{sup 2} for EH{sub 6} and σ{sub n2+}(T) ≈ 2 × 10{sup −14} cm{sup 2}, σ{sub n+}(T) ≈ 2 × 10{sup −14} cm{sup 2}, σ{sub p0}(T) ≈ 1 × 10{sup −20} cm{sup 2} for EH{sub 7}. Since EH{sub 7} has already been identified as a donor transition of the carbon vacancy, we propose that the EH{sub 6∕7} center in total represents the overlapping first and second donor transitions of the carbon vacancy defects on both inequivalent lattice sites.« less

Evaluation of polygenic risks for narcolepsy and essential hypersomnia.

PubMed

Yamasaki, Maria; Miyagawa, Taku; Toyoda, Hiromi; Khor, Seik-Soon; Liu, Xiaoxi; Kuwabara, Hitoshi; Kano, Yukiko; Shimada, Takafumi; Sugiyama, Toshiro; Nishida, Hisami; Sugaya, Nagisa; Tochigi, Mamoru; Otowa, Takeshi; Okazaki, Yuji; Kaiya, Hisanobu; Kawamura, Yoshiya; Miyashita, Akinori; Kuwano, Ryozo; Kasai, Kiyoto; Tanii, Hisashi; Sasaki, Tsukasa; Honda, Yutaka; Honda, Makoto; Tokunaga, Katsushi

2016-10-01

In humans, narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is characterized by sleepiness, cataplexy and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep abnormalities. Essential hypersomnia (EHS) is another type of sleep disorder that is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness without cataplexy. A human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II allele, HLA-DQB1*06:02, is a major genetic factor for narcolepsy. Almost all narcoleptic patients are carriers of this HLA allele, while 30-50% of EHS patients and 12% of all healthy individuals in Japan carry this allele. The pathogenesis of narcolepsy and EHS is thought to be partially shared. To evaluate the contribution of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to narcolepsy onset and to assess the common genetic background of narcolepsy and EHS, we conducted a polygenic analysis that included 393 narcoleptic patients, 38 EHS patients with HLA-DQB1*06:02, 119 EHS patients without HLA-DQB1*06:02 and 1582 healthy individuals. We also included 376 individuals with panic disorder and 213 individuals with autism to confirm whether the results were biased. Polygenic risks in narcolepsy were estimated to explain 58.1% (P HLA-DQB1*06:02 =2.30 × 10 -48 , P whole genome without HLA-DQB1*06:02 =6.73 × 10 -2 ) including HLA-DQB1*06:02 effects and 1.3% (P whole genome without HLA-DQB1*06:02 =2.43 × 10 -2 ) excluding HLA-DQB1*06:02 effects. The results also indicated that small-effect SNPs contributed to the development of narcolepsy. Reported susceptibility SNPs for narcolepsy in the Japanese population, CPT1B (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1B), TRA@ (T-cell receptor alpha) and P2RY11 (purinergic receptor P2Y, G-protein coupled, 11), were found to explain 0.8% of narcolepsy onset (P whole genome without HLA-DQB1*06:02 =9.74 × 10 -2 ). EHS patients with HLA-DQB1*06:02 were estimated to have higher shared genetic background to narcoleptic patients than EHS patients without HLA-DQB1*06:02 even when the effects of HLA-DQB1*06:02 were excluded (EHS with HLA-DQB1*06:02: 40.4%, P HLA-DQB1*06:02 =7.02 × 10 - 14 , P whole genome without HLA-DQB1*06:02 =1.34 × 10 - 1 , EHS without HLA-DQB1*06:02: 0.4%, P whole genome without HLA-DQB1*06:02 =3.06 × 10 - 1 ). Meanwhile, the polygenic risks for narcolepsy could not explain the onset of panic disorder and autism, suggesting that our results were reasonable.

Endocardial cushion defect

MedlinePlus

... Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 426. Kouchoukos NT, Blackstone EH, Hanley FL, Kirklin JK. Atrioventricular septal defect. In: Kouchoukos NT, Blackstone EH, Hanley FL, Kirklin JK, eds. Kirklin/Barratt- ...

Heterologous Expression of an Entamoeba histolytica Chitin Synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Van Dellen, Katrina L.; Bulik, Dorota A.; Specht, Charles A.; Robbins, Phillips W.; Samuelson, John C.

2006-01-01

Chitin in the cyst wall of Entamoeba histolytica is made by two chitin synthases (Chs), one of which is unique (EhCHS-1) and one of which resembles those of insects and nematodes (EhCHS-2). EhCHS-1 is deposited chitin in the lateral wall of transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae Chs mutants, independent of accessory proteins (Chs4p to Chs7p) required by yeast Chs3p. PMID:16400183

Heterologous expression of an Entamoeba histolytica chitin synthase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Van Dellen, Katrina L; Bulik, Dorota A; Specht, Charles A; Robbins, Phillips W; Samuelson, John C

2006-01-01

Chitin in the cyst wall of Entamoeba histolytica is made by two chitin synthases (Chs), one of which is unique (EhCHS-1) and one of which resembles those of insects and nematodes (EhCHS-2). EhCHS-1 is deposited chitin in the lateral wall of transformed Saccharomyces cerevisiae Chs mutants, independent of accessory proteins (Chs4p to Chs7p) required by yeast Chs3p.

LEW 88180, LEW 87119, and ALH 85119: New EH6, EL7, and EL4 Enstatite Chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y.; Benoit, P. H.; Sears, D. W. G.

1993-07-01

The EH and EL chondrites formed in a uniquely reducing environment, containing low-Fe pyroxene, abundant metal, and a number of unusual sulphides and other minerals [1]. An important aspect of their history is that while the EL chondrites consist predominantly of metamorphosed meteorites, the EH consist primarily of little-metamorphosed meteorites (e.g., [2]), and yet EL chondrites have lower equilibrium temperatures than EH chondrite [3,4]. To help understand this observation and its implication for the history of the classes, we have been searching for new enstatite chondrites, looking especially for meteorites of previously unknown chemical-petrologic class. Using our normal INAA methods [5] and sample splits of 100-200 mg, the bulk composition of nine Antarctic enstatite chondrites and one fall were determined. The data were used to assign the meteorites to chemical classes, the Ni/Ir vs. Al/V plot (Fig. 1) being especially useful since it uses the refractory element difference between EH and EL chondrites and is insensitive to metal-silicate heterogeneity. The well-analyzed Qingzhen was included to check our method. ALH84170, ALH84206, and EET87746, which Mason described as E3, E4, and E4 were all found to be EH chondrites [6]. Our data for the three paired EL3 chondrites were discussed earlier (MAC88136, 88180, and 88184) [7,8]. LEW88180, LEW87119, and ALH85119, which Mason described as type E6, E6, and E4 respectively [6], are EH, EL, and EL; thus LEW88180 and ALH85119 appear to be the first EH6 and EL4 chondrites. The compositions of kamacite, phosphide, and niningerite-alabandite (Fig. 2) for ALH84170, ALH84206, EET87746, LEW88180, and ALH85119 are consistent with Mason's petrologic type assignments [6]. The mineral composition of LEW88180 (2.7% Si and 9.4% Ni in the kamacite, 7.8% Ni in the phosphide, and 60% FeS in the niningerite) confirms our classification of this meteorite as EH6. ALH85119 contains kamacite with 0.5% Si and 7% Ni, phosphide with 46% Ni and alabandite with 22% FeS, confirming its classification as the first EL4 chondrite. The LEW87119 meteorite has kamacite with 1.5% Si and 9.1% Ni, troilite with 2.9% Cr and 0.64% Ti, and alabandite with the highest FeS (49%) recorded for EL chondrites. Since the meteorite does not appear to be shocked or impact melted (it has medium-grained texture with the slightest indication of chondrules and normal metal and sulfide distribution) and the phase chemistry clearly indicates a higher equilibration temperature than the EL6 chondrites, for the time being we propose to call LEW87119 an EL7 chondrite. With the discovery in the last decade or so of a number of low-petrologic-type EH chondrites and the present discovery of EH6 and EL7 chondrites, the EH class and the EL class now appear to be comparable in their range of mineral compositions and thereby equilibration temperatures. The highest equilibration temperature for the EL chondrites is now ~700 degrees C, which is close to that of EH6 chondrite (Fig. 2). Equilibration temperatures for the EL6 chondrites are similar to those of EH4 chondrites. It may be that EH and EL classes have more similar thermal histories than previously supposed and that it is purely the textures of the two classes that are widely different and in need of further research. References: [1] Keil K. (1968) JGR, 73, 6945-6976. [2] Sears D. W. G. and Weeks K. S. (1984) Nature, 308, 257-259. [3] Skinner B. J. and Luce F. D. (1971) Amer. Min., 56, 1269-1296. [4] Zhang Y. et al. (1992) Meteoritics, 27, 310-311. [5] Weeks K. S.and Sears D. W. G. (1985) GCA, 49, 1525-1536. [6] Mason in Antarctic Meteorite Newsletter (1986, 1987, 1989, and 1990) 9(3), 10(2), 12(1,3), and 13(2,3). [7] Lin Y. T. et al. (1991) LPSC XXII, 811-812. [8] Chang Y. et al. (1992) LPSC XXIII, 217-218.

Estimation of human percutaneous bioavailability for two novel brominated flame retardants, 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP)

PubMed Central

Knudsen, Gabriel A.; Hughes, Michael F.; Sanders, J. Michael; Hall, Samantha M.; Birnbaum, Linda S.

2016-01-01

2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) are novel brominated flame retardants used in consumer products. A parallelogram approach was used to predict human dermal absorption and flux for EH-TBB and BEH-TEBP. [14C]-EH-TBB or [14C]-BEH-TEBP was applied to human or rat skin at 100 nmol/cm2 using a flow-through system. Intact rats received analogous dermal doses. Treated skin was washed and tape-stripped to remove “unabsorbed” [14C]-radioactivity after continuous exposure (24h). “Absorbed” was quantified using dermally retained [14C]-radioactivity; “penetrated” was calculated based on [14C]-radioactivity in media (in vitro) or excreta+tissues (in vivo). Human skin absorbed EH-TBB (24±1%) while 0.2±0.1% penetrated skin. Rat skin absorbed more (51±10%) and was more permeable (2±0.5%) to EH-TBB in vitro; maximal EH-TBB flux was 11±7 and 102±24 pmol-eq/cm2/h for human and rat skin, respectively. In vivo, 27±5% was absorbed and 13% reached systemic circulation after 24 h (maximum flux was 464±65 pmol-eq/cm2/h). BEH-TEBP in vitro penetrance was minimal (<0.01%) for rat or human skin. BEH-TEBP absorption was 12±11% for human skin and 41±3% for rat skin. In vivo, total absorption was 27±9%; 1.2% reached systemic circulation. In vitro maximal BEH-TEBP flux was 0.3±0.2 and 1±0.3 pmol-eq/cm2/h for human and rat skin; in vivo maximum flux for rat skin was 16±7 pmol-eq/cm2/h. EH-TBB was metabolized in rat and human skin to tetrabromobenzoic acid. BEH-TEBP-derived [14C]-radioactivity in the perfusion media could not be characterized. Less than 1% of the dose of EH-TBB and BEH-TEHP is estimated to reach the systemic circulation following human dermal exposure under the conditions tested. PMID:27732871

Pathological role of regulatory T cells in the initiation and maintenance of eczema herpeticum lesions.

PubMed

Takahashi, Ryo; Sato, Yohei; Kurata, Maiko; Yamazaki, Yoshimi; Kimishima, Momoko; Shiohara, Tetsuo

2014-02-01

It remains unknown why the occurrence of eczema herpeticum (EH) caused by an extensive disseminated cutaneous infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2 is associated with the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis lesions after withdrawal of treatment. Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) limit the magnitude of HSV-specific T cell responses in mice, their role in the induction and resolution of EH has not been defined. We initially investigated the frequencies, phenotype, and function of Tregs in the peripheral blood of atopic dermatitis with EH (ADEH) patients at onset and after clinical resolution, atopic dermatitis patients without EH, and healthy controls. Tregs with the skin-homing phenotype and the activated/induced phenotype were expanded at onset and contracted upon resolution. Treg-suppressive capacity was retained in ADEH patients and, the expanded Tregs suppressed IFN-γ production from HSV-1-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells. The increased frequency of CD14(dim)CD16(+) proinflammatory monocytes (pMOs) was also observed in the blood and EH skin lesions. Thus, pMOs detected in ADEH patients at onset were characterized by an increased ability to produce IL-10 and a decreased ability to produce proinflammatory cytokines, unlike their normal counterparts. Our coculture study using Tregs and pMOs showed that the pMOs can promote the expansion of inducible Tregs. Tregs were detected frequently in the vicinity of HSV-expressing and varicella zoster virus-expressing CD16(+) monocytes in the EH lesions. Expansions of functional Tregs, together with pMOs, initially required for ameliorating excessive inflammation occurring after withdrawal of topical corticosteroids could, in turn, contribute to the initiation and progression of HSV reactivation, resulting in the onset of EH.

Isolation and characterization of lipid rafts in Emiliania huxleyi: a role for membrane microdomains in host-virus interactions.

PubMed

Rose, Suzanne L; Fulton, James M; Brown, Christopher M; Natale, Frank; Van Mooy, Benjamin A S; Bidle, Kay D

2014-04-01

Coccolithoviruses employ a suite of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) to successfully infect the globally important coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Lipid rafts, chemically distinct membrane lipid microdomains that are enriched in GSLs and are involved in sensing extracellular stimuli and activating signalling cascades through protein-protein interactions, likely play a fundamental role in host-virus interactions. Using combined lipidomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, we isolated and characterized the lipid and protein content of lipid rafts from control E. huxleyi cells and those infected with EhV86, the type strain for Coccolithovirus. Lipid raft-enriched fractions were isolated and purified as buoyant, detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) in OptiPrep density gradients. Transmission electron microscopy of vesicle morphology, polymerase chain reaction amplification of the EhV major capsid protein gene and immunoreactivity to flotillin antisera served as respective physical, molecular and biochemical markers. Subsequent lipid characterization of DRMs via high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrapole mass spectrometry revealed four distinct GSL classes. Parallel proteomic analysis confirmed flotillin as a major lipid raft protein, along with a variety of proteins affiliated with host defence, programmed cell death and innate immunity pathways. The detection of an EhV86-encoded C-type lectin-containing protein confirmed that infection occurs at the interface between lipid rafts and cellular stress/death pathways via specific GSLs and raft-associated proteins. © 2013 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Hemodynamic changes after static and dynamic exercises and treadmill stress test; different patterns in patients with primary benign exertional headache?

PubMed

Kordi, Ramin; Mazaheri, Reza; Rostami, Mohsen; Mansournia, Mohammad Ali

2012-01-01

The pathophysiology of primary benign exertional headache (EH) is not still clearly defined. Some researchers have suggested an impaired vascular response as the etiology of this disorder. In this study we investigated whether there are any differences in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) of the subjects in course of the static and dynamic exercises and the treadmill stress test between those with and without EH. From university students, 22 patients with EH (mean age: 19.8 ± 2.10, Female to Male: 7:15) and 20 normal subjects (mean age: 19.3 ± 1.97, Female: Male: 8:12) were recruited. All the subjects performed the static and dynamic exercises at 30 and 20 percent of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and Bruce treadmill stress test according to the standard protocols. HR and BP of all the cases at the baseline and during and immediately after each test were measured. No significant difference was found between the mean rise of HR, systolic and diastolic BP of the subjects with and without EH in static and dynamic exercises and also treadmill stress test. It seems that between those with and without EH, there is no significant difference in rise of HR and BP response to static and dynamic exercises and treadmill stress test. Further studies are required to find the pathophysiology and risk factors of EH.

Exploring the origins of selectivity in soluble epoxide hydrolase from Bacillus megaterium† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7ob01847a

PubMed Central

Serrano-Hervás, Eila

2017-01-01

Epoxide hydrolase (EH) enzymes catalyze the hydration of racemic epoxides to yield their corresponding vicinal diols. These enzymes present different enantio- and regioselectivity depending upon either the substrate structure or the substitution pattern of the epoxide ring. In this study, we computationally investigate the Bacillus megaterium epoxide hydrolase (BmEH)-mediated hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide (rac-SO) and its para-nitro styrene oxide (rac-p-NSO) derivative using density functional theory (DFT) and an active site cluster model consisting of 195 and 197 atoms, respectively. Full reaction mechanisms for epoxide ring opening were evaluated considering the attack at both oxirane carbons and considering two possible orientations of the substrate at the BmEH active site. Our results indicate that for both SO and p-NSO substrates the BmEH enantio- and regioselectivity is opposite to the inherent (R)-BmEH selectivity, the attack at the benzylic position (C1) of the (S)-enantiomer being the most favoured chemical outcome. PMID:29026902

Evening hyperphagia and food motivation: a preliminary study of neural mechanisms.

PubMed

Lundgren, Jennifer D; Patrician, Trisha M; Breslin, Florence J; Martin, Laura E; Donnelly, Joseph E; Savage, Cary R

2013-12-01

Evening hyperphagia (EH; consumption of ≥25% of total daily calories after the evening meal) is a circadian delay in the pattern of daily food intake and is a core criterion of night eating syndrome (Allison et al., 2010). This preliminary study examined the brain response to food cues using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in seven obese adults with EH compared to seven obese adults without EH. When contrasting food to non-food and blurry baseline images pre-meal, groups differed in brain activation in the inferior frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus and cerebellum. At post meal, groups differed in brain activation in the fusiform gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule and the cerebellum. Significant interactions between time (pre-meal, post-meal) and group (EH, control) when contrasting food to non-food images were also noted in the inferior frontal gyrus and the superior temporal gyrus. Further research is necessary to replicate these findings and determine if they have a mechanistic role in the development of circadian delayed eating behavior in obese adults with EH. © 2013.

Double inlet left ventricle

MedlinePlus

... Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 431. Kouchoukos NT, Blackstone EH, Hanley FL, Kirklin JK. Tricuspid atresia and single-ventricle physiology. In: Kouchoukos NT, Blackstone EH, Hanley FL, Kirklin JK, eds. Kirklin/Barratt- ...

Feeding a higher plane of nutrition and providing exogenous estrogen increases mammary gland development in Holstein heifer calves.

PubMed

Geiger, A J; Parsons, C L M; Akers, R M

2016-09-01

Feeding heifers a higher plane of nutrition postweaning but before puberty can negatively affect mammary gland development and future milk yield. However, enhanced nutrition preweaning may promote development and future production. Our objectives were to determine the effects of enhanced feeding preweaning and exogenous estrogen immediately postweaning on mammary gland development and the composition of the mammary parenchyma (PAR) and mammary fat pad (MFP). Thirty-six Holstein heifer calves (<1 wk old) were reared on 1 of 2 dietary treatments for 8 wk: (1) a restricted milk replacer fed at 0.45 kg/d (R; 20% crude protein, 20% fat), or (2) an enhanced milk replacer fed at 1.13 kg/d (EH; 28% crude protein, 25% fat). Upon weaning, calves from each diet (n=6) were given either a placebo or estrogen implant for 2 wk, creating 4 treatments: R, R + estrogen (R-E2), EH, and EH + estrogen (EH-E2). Calves were housed individually with ad libitum access to water. Starter feeding began at wk 5 and was balanced between treatments. Udders were evaluated by palpation and physical measurements weekly. Subsets of calves were killed at weaning (n=6 per diet) and at the conclusion of the trial (n=6 per treatment). Udders were removed, dissected, and weighed. At wk 8, EH calves had longer front and rear teats. Providing estrogen to EH calves increased the length of rear teats during wk 9 and 10. Enhanced-fed calves had 5.2-fold more trimmed mammary gland mass than R calves. Providing estrogen to EH calves further increased mammary gland weight. Masses of PAR and MFP were markedly greater for EH calves than for R calves (e.g., 7.3-fold greater PAR tissue). Estrogen increased the mass of both PAR and MFP in EH calves. Feeding a higher plane of nutrition increased total protein, DNA, and fat in the MFP and total protein and DNA in the PAR. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry estimates of mammary fat mass were highly correlated with biochemical analyses of fat content. From histological study, we observed that the degree of expansion of epithelium into the adjacent stromal tissue and the complexity of ductal development were minimal in R, increased in EH, and increased by estrogen in both dietary treatments. Results provide compelling evidence that preweaning nutrition and estrogen administration immediately postweaning markedly increase mammary gland development in dairy calves. Cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for these differences are currently under study. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Draft genome sequence of the Coccolithovirus Emiliania huxleyi virus 203.

PubMed

Nissimov, Jozef I; Worthy, Charlotte A; Rooks, Paul; Napier, Johnathan A; Kimmance, Susan A; Henn, Matthew R; Ogata, Hiroyuki; Allen, Michael J

2011-12-01

The Coccolithoviridae are a recently discovered group of viruses that infect the marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi. Emiliania huxleyi virus 203 (EhV-203) has a 160- to 180-nm-diameter icosahedral structure and a genome of approximately 400 kbp, consisting of 464 coding sequences (CDSs). Here we describe the genomic features of EhV-203 together with a draft genome sequence and its annotation, highlighting the homology and heterogeneity of this genome in comparison with the EhV-86 reference genome.

9B.08: CARDIAC AND VASCULAR DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM AND ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION.

PubMed

Bertacchini, F; Paini, A; Salvetti, M; Casella, E; Rosei, C Agabiti; Colonetti, E; Donini, C; Maruelli, G; Rizzoni, D; Rosei, E Agabiti; Muiesan, M L

2015-06-01

Primary aldosteronism is a relatively common condition in hypertensive patients. Only few studies, in small groups of patients, have evaluated large arteries alterations. In some, but not in all studies, positive relationship with vascular damage was observed. To compare the prevalence of cardiac and large arteries vascular organ damage in patients with essential hypertension (EH) or primary aldosteronism (PA). In 243 consecutive patients with no interfering therapy (147 M, mean age 48 ± 11 years) a routine blood sample, including measurement of aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) and saline load if ARR>30, was obtained. Echocardiography, carotid ultrasound and measurement of pulse wave velocity (PWV) were performed. We considered 3 groups: 48 patients with EH (ARR < 30); 122 patients with positive ARR screening but negative saline load (indeterminate aldosteronism, IA); 73 patients with PA (positive ARR and post saline aldosterone >100ng/ml)(51 % with adrenal adenoma). No differences between groups were observed in age, gender, BMI, BP values (clinic and 24 hours), glucose, lipids and renal function. LVMI was greater in PA vs both IA and EH (PA 45 ± 18, IA 39 ± 12, EH 39 ± 10 gr/m2.7, p < 0,05). Left atrial volume/BSA was significantly greater in PA vs EH (PA 27 ± 10, IA 24 ± 8, EH 23 ± 6 ml/m2, p < 0,05 for PA vs EH). A positive correlation was observed between ARR and LVMI (r = 0,20 p = 0,002), left atrium volume (r = 0,201,p < 0,001) and relative wall thickness (r = 0,394, p < 0,005). Indices of vascular damage did not differ between groups (see table). Aldosterone levels and ARR were not significantly correlated with indices of vascular damage.(Figure is included in full-text article.) : A greater prevalence of cardiac, but not of large arteries damage is observed in PA as compared to EH when a simultaneous assessment of cardiac and vascular OD is performed.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase activity and pharmacologic inhibition in horses with chronic severe laminitis.

PubMed

Guedes, A; Galuppo, L; Hood, D; Hwang, S H; Morisseau, C; Hammock, B D

2017-05-01

The roles of soluble epoxide hydrolase and lipid mediators in inflammatory and neuropathic pain could be relevant in laminitis pain management. To determine soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) activity in the digital laminae, sEH inhibitor potency in vitro, and efficacy of a sEH inhibitor as an adjunct analgesic therapy in chronic laminitic horses. In vitro experiments and clinical case series. sEH activity was measured in digital laminae from euthanised healthy and laminitic horses (n = 5-6/group). Potency of 7 synthetic sEH inhibitors was determined in vitro using equine liver cytosol. One of them (t-TUCB; 0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v. every 24 h) was selected based on potency and stability, and used as adjunct therapy in 10 horses with severe chronic laminitis (Obel grades 2, one horse; 3-4, nine horses). Daily assessments of forelimb lifts, pain scores, physiologic and laboratory examinations were performed before (baseline) and during t-TUCB treatment. Data are presented as mean ± s.d. and 95% confidence intervals (CI). sEH activity in the digital laminae from laminitic horses (0.9±0.6 nmol/min/mg; 95% CI 0.16-1.55 nmol/min/mg) was significantly greater (P = 0.01) than in healthy horses (0.17±0.09 nmol/min/mg; CI 0.07-0.26 nmol/min/mg). t-TUCB as an adjunct analgesic up to 10 days (4.3±3 days) in laminitic horses was associated with significant reduction in forelimb lifts (36±22%; 95% CI 9-64%) and in pain scores (18±23%; 95% CI 2-35%) compared with baseline (P = 0.04). One horse developed gas colic and another corneal vascularisation in a blind eye during treatment. No other significant changes were observed. Absence of control group and evaluator blinding in case series. sEH activity is significantly higher in the digital laminae of actively laminitic compared with healthy horses, and use of a potent inhibitor of equine sEH as adjunct analgesic therapy appears to decrease signs of pathologic pain in laminitic horses. © 2016 EVJ Ltd.

Disposition of the Emerging Brominated Flame Retardant, 2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-Tetrabromobenzoate, in Female SD Rats and Male B6C3F1 Mice: Effects of Dose, Route, and Repeated Administration

PubMed Central

Knudsen, Gabriel A.; Sanders, J. Michael; Birnbaum, Linda S.

2016-01-01

2-Ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB; MW 549.92 g/mol; CAS 183658-27-7) is a brominated component of flame retardant mixtures used as substitutes for some PBDEs. EH-TBB is added to various consumer products, including polyurethane foams, and has been detected in humans. The present study characterized the fate of EH-TBB in rodents. [14C]-labeled EH-TBB was absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated via the urine and feces following single administrations of 0.1–100 µmol/kg (∼0.05–55 mg/kg) or repeated administration (0.1 µmol/kg/day × 5–10 days) by gavage to female Hsd:Sprague DawleySD (SD) rats. Cumulative excretion via feces increased (39–60%) with dose (0.1–10 µmol/kg) with corresponding decreases in urinary excretion (54 to 37%) after 72 h. Delayed excretion of [14C]-radioactivity in urine and feces of a 100 µmol/kg oral dose was noted. Recovery was complete for all doses by 72 h. IV-injected rats excreted more of the 0.1 µmol/kg dose in urine and less in feces than did gavaged rats, indicating partial biliary elimination of systemically available compound. No tissue bioaccumulation was found for rats given 5 oral daily doses of EH-TBB. Parent molecule was not detected in urine whereas 2 metabolites, tetrabromobenzoic acid (TBBA), a TBBA-sulfate conjugate, and a TBBA-glycine conjugate were identified. EH-TBB and TBBA were identified in extracts from feces. Data from gavaged male B6C3F1/Tac mice indicated minimal sex- or species differences are likely for the disposition of EH-TBB. Approximately 85% of a 0.1 µmol/kg dose was absorbed from the gut. Overall absorption of EH-TBB is expected to be even greater at lower levels. PMID:27613714

Synergistic effects of gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system on essential hypertension in Kazakhs in Xinjiang.

PubMed

Niu, Shudong; Zhang, Bin; Zhang, Keyong; Zhu, Pengcheng; Li, Jingping; Sun, Yujing; He, Ning; Zhang, Mingtao; Gao, Zhiying; Li, Xueyan; Simayi, Amuti; Ge, Jie; Cong, Mingyu; Zhou, Wenna; Qiu, Changchun

2016-01-01

To assess the synergistic effects of gene polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on essential hypertension (EH) in Kazakhs in Xinjiang. A cross-sectional case-control association study was conducted in 52 1 hypertensive and 623 normotensive subjects of Kazakh ethnicity on eight common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) interspersed over five genes of the RAAS. SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Interactions among the SNPs were analyzed by the multifactor dimensionality reduction method (MDR). In single-locus analysis, subjects with AGT -6G, ACE D, and CYP11B2 -344C had increased susceptibility to EH (OR: 1.249; 1.425; 1.201). When subgrouped by sex, males with the t allele of REN Taq I had decreased risk for EH (OR: 0.529), and those with AGT -6G and CYP11B2 -344 C had increased risk for EH (OR: 1.498; 1.449). In females, carrying ACE D increased the risk for EH. (OR: 1.327). In six AGT haplotypes, H1 was protective, while H3 increased susceptibility to EH (OR: 0.683; 2.025). Interaction analysis by MDR showed that there was a strong synergistic effect between ACE I/D and CY11B2 (T-344C) and a moderate interaction between both ACE I/D and CY11B2 T-344C and AGT A-6G. There was a strong synergistic effect between ACE I/D and CY11B2 T-344C and a moderate effect between both ACE I/D and CY11B2 T-344C and AGT A-6G. AGT -6G, ACE D, and CY11B2 -344C increased susceptibility to EH. REN Taq I, AGT -6G, CY11B2 -344 C and ACE D were associated with male and female EH, respectively. H1 and H3 of AGT were protective and risk haplotypes, respectively.

Inhibition of glutathione biosynthesis alters compartmental redox status and the thiol proteome in organogenesis-stage rat conceptuses.

PubMed

Harris, Craig; Shuster, Daniel Z; Roman Gomez, Rosaicela; Sant, Karilyn E; Reed, Matthew S; Pohl, Jan; Hansen, Jason M

2013-10-01

Developmental signals that control growth and differentiation are regulated by environmental factors that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alter steady-state redox environments in tissues and fluids. Protein thiols are selectively oxidized and reduced in distinct spatial and temporal patterns in conjunction with changes in glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) and cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) redox potentials (E(h)) to regulate developmental signaling. The purpose of this study was to measure compartment-specific thiol redox status in cultured organogenesis-stage rat conceptuses and to evaluate the impact of thiol oxidation on the redox proteome. The visceral yolk sac (VYS) has the highest initial (0 h) total intracellular GSH (GSH+2GSSG) concentration (5.5 mM) and the lowest Eh (-223 mV) as determined by HPLC analysis. Total embryo (EMB) GSH concentrations ranged lower (3.2 mM) and were only slightly more oxidized than the VYS. Total GSH concentrations in yolk sac fluid (YSF) and amniotic fluid (AF) are >500-fold lower than in tissues and are highly oxidized (YSF E(h)=-121 mV and AF E(h)=-49 mV). Steady-state total Cys concentrations (Cys+2CySS) were significantly lower than GSH in tissues but were otherwise equal in VYS and EMB near 0.5 mM. On gestational day 11, total GSH and Cys concentrations in EMB and VYS increase significantly over the 6h time course while E(h) remains relatively constant. The Eh (GSH/GSSG) in YSF and AF become more reduced over time while E(h) (Cys/CySS) become more oxidized. Addition of L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BS0) to selectively inhibit GSH synthesis and mimic the effects of some GSH-depleting environmental chemicals significantly decreased VYS and EMB GSH and Cys concentrations and increased Eh over the 6h exposure period, showing a greater overall oxidation. In the YSF, BSO caused a significant increase in total Cys concentrations to 1.7 mM but did not significantly change the E(h) for Cys/CySS. A significant net oxidation was seen in the BSO-treated AF compartment after 6 h. Biotinylated iodoacetamide (BIAM) labeling of proteins revealed the significant thiol oxidation of many EMB proteins following BSO treatment. Quantitative changes in the thiol proteome, associated with developmentally relevant pathways, were detected using isotope coded affinity tag (ICAT) labeling and mass spectroscopy. Adaptive pathways were selectively enriched with increased concentrations of proteins involved in mRNA processing (splicesome) and mRNA stabilization (glycolysis, GAPDH), as well as protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA) and protein folding (antigen processing, Hsp70, protein disulfide isomerase). These results show the ability of chemical and environmental modulators to selectively alter compartmental intracellular and extracellular GSH and Cys concentrations and change their corresponding E(h) within the intact viable conceptus. The altered E(h) were also of sufficient magnitude to alter the redox proteome and change relative protein concentrations, suggesting that the mechanistic links through which environmental factors inform and regulate developmental signaling pathways may be discovered using systems developmental biology techniques. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

External hyphae of Rhizophagus irregularis DAOM 197198 are less sensitive to low pH than roots in arbuscular mycorrhizae: evidence from axenic culture system.

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Feng, Zengwei; Zhou, Yang; Zhu, Honghui; Yao, Qing

2017-10-01

The growth of plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can be inhibited by low pH; however, it is largely unknown which is more sensitive to low pH. This study aimed to compare the physiological and molecular responses of external hyphae (EH) and roots to low pH in terms of growth, development and functioning. We established AM symbiosis in a two-compartmented system (root compartment, RC; hyphal compartment, HC) using AMF and transformed hairy roots and exposed them to pH 6.5 and/or pH 4.5. The results showed that pH 4.5 significantly decreased root cell viability, while EH at pH 6.5 attenuated the effect. In either RC or HC, pH 4.5 reduced biomass, P content, colonization, ALP activity in roots, and ALP activity and polyphosphate accumulation in EH. GintPT expression in EH was inhibited by pH 4.5 in HC but not in RC. The expression of mycorrhiza-responsive LePTs was significantly reduced by the lower colonization due to decreased pH in either RC or HC, while the expression of non-mycorrhiza-responsive LePTs was not affected. Variation partitioning analysis indicated that EH was less sensitive to low pH than roots. The interactions between roots and EH under low pH stress merit further investigation. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Cellular Analysis of Boltzmann Most Probable Ideal Gas Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cahill, Michael E.

2018-04-01

Exact treatment of Boltzmann's Most Probable Statistics for an Ideal Gas of Identical Mass Particles having Translational Kinetic Energy gives a Distribution Law for Velocity Phase Space Cell j which relates the Particle Energy and the Particle Population according toB e(j) = A - Ψ(n(j) + 1)where A & B are the Lagrange Multipliers and Ψ is the Digamma Function defined byΨ(x + 1) = d/dx ln(x!)A useful sufficiently accurate approximation for Ψ is given byΨ(x +1) ≈ ln(e-γ + x)where γ is the Euler constant (≈.5772156649) & so the above distribution equation is approximatelyB e(j) = A - ln(e-γ + n(j))which can be inverted to solve for n(j) givingn(j) = (eB (eH - e(j)) - 1) e-γwhere B eH = A + γ& where B eH is a unitless particle energy which replaces the parameter A. The 2 approximate distribution equations imply that eH is the highest particle energy and the highest particle population isnH = (eB eH - 1) e-γwhich is due to the facts that population becomes negative if e(j) > eH and kinetic energy becomes negative if n(j) > nH.An explicit construction of Cells in Velocity Space which are equal in volume and homogeneous for almost all cells is shown to be useful in the analysis.Plots for sample distribution properties using e(j) as the independent variable are presented.

Metabolic products of soluble epoxide hydrolase are essential for monocyte chemotaxis to MCP-1 in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Kundu, Suman; Roome, Talat; Bhattacharjee, Ashish; Carnevale, Kevin A; Yakubenko, Valentin P; Zhang, Renliang; Hwang, Sung Hee; Hammock, Bruce D; Cathcart, Martha K

2013-02-01

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)-induced monocyte chemotaxis is a major event in inflammatory disease. Our prior studies have demonstrated that MCP-1-dependent chemotaxis requires release of arachidonic acid (AA) by activated cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Here we investigated the involvement of AA metabolites in chemotaxis. Neither cyclooxygenase nor lipoxygenase pathways were required, whereas pharmacologic inhibitors of both the cytochrome-P450 (CYP) and the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) pathways blocked monocyte chemotaxis to MCP-1. To verify specificity, we demonstrated that the CYP and sEH products epoxyeiscosatrienoic acids (EETs) and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), respectively, restored chemotaxis in the presence of the inhibitors, indicating that sEH-derived products are essential for MCP-1-driven chemotaxis. Importantly, DHETs also rescued chemotaxis in cPLA(2)-deficient monocytes and monocytes with blocked Erk1/2 activity, because Erk controls cPLA(2) activation. The in vitro findings regarding the involvement of CYP/sEH pathways were further validated in vivo using two complementary approaches measuring MCP-1-dependent chemotaxis in mice. These observations reveal the importance of sEH in MCP-1-regulated monocyte chemotaxis and may explain the observed therapeutic value of sEH inhibitors in treatment of inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, pain, and even carcinogenesis. Their effectiveness, often attributed to increasing EET levels, is probably influenced by the impairment of DHET formation and inhibition of chemotaxis.

Oxidation of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

PubMed Central

Iyer, Smita S.; Ramirez, Allan M.; Ritzenthaler, Jeffrey D.; Torres-Gonzalez, Edilson; Roser-Page, Susanne; Mora, Ana L.; Brigham, Kenneth L.; Jones, Dean P.; Roman, Jesse; Rojas, Mauricio

2009-01-01

Several lines of evidence indicate that depletion of glutathione (GSH), a critical thiol antioxidant, is associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, GSH synthesis depends on the amino acid cysteine (Cys), and relatively little is known about the regulation of Cys in fibrosis. Cys and its disulfide, cystine (CySS), constitute the most abundant low-molecular weight thiol/disulfide redox couple in the plasma, and the Cys/CySS redox state (Eh Cys/CySS) is oxidized in association with age and smoking, known risk factors for IPF. Furthermore, oxidized Eh Cys/CySS in the culture media of lung fibroblasts stimulates proliferation and expression of transitional matrix components. The present study was undertaken to determine whether bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis is associated with a decrease in Cys and/or an oxidation of the Cys/CySS redox state and to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in Eh GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG). We observed distinct effects on plasma GSH and Cys redox systems during the progression of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Plasma Eh GSH/GSSG was selectively oxidized during the proinflammatory phase, whereas oxidation of Eh Cys/CySS occurred at the fibrotic phase. In the epithelial lining fluid, oxidation of Eh Cys/CySS was due to decreased food intake. Thus the data show that decreased precursor availability and enhanced oxidation of Cys each contribute to the oxidation of extracellular Cys/CySS redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. PMID:18931052

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase lowers portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats by ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and liver fibrosis.

PubMed

Deng, Wensheng; Zhu, Yiming; Lin, Jiayun; Zheng, Lei; Zhang, Chihao; Luo, Meng

2017-07-01

Epoxyeicostrienoic acids (EETs) are arachidonic acid derived meditators which are catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to less active dihydroeicostrienoics acids (DHETS). The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of sEH inhibition on hepatic and systemic hemodynamics, hepatic endothelial dysfunction, and hepatic fibrosis in CCl4 cirrhotic rats. The sEH inhibitor,trans-4-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-ureido]cyclohexyloxy}benzoic acid (t-TUCB) was administered to stabilize hepatic EETs by gavage at a dose of 1mg/kg/d. Our results showed that hepatic sEH expression was markedly increased in portal hypertension, and led to a lower ratio of EETs/DHETs which was effectively reversed by t-TUCB administration. t-TUCB significantly decreased portal pressure without significant changes in systemic hemodynamics, which was associated with the attenuation of intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) and liver fibrosis. t-TUCB ameliorated endothelial dysfunction, increased hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, t-TUCB significantly reduced alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) expression and liver fibrosis, which was associated with a decrease in NF-κB signaling. Taken together, inhibition of sEH reduces portal pressure, liver fibrosis and attenuates hepatic endothelial dysfunction in cirrhotic rats. Our results indicate that sEH inhbitors may be useful in the treatment of portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Is there a relation between priapism occurring after penile doppler ultrasonography and international erectile function index score and erection hardness score levels?

PubMed

Sönmez, Mehmet Giray; Öztürk, Ahmet

2017-12-01

The relation between Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) Questionnaire- Erectile Function Domain Score (IIEF-EF score) used in erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation and the prevalence of priapism after penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was examined in this study. A total of 62 patients who had PDU were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; there were 33 patients in IIEF-EF score ≤10, EHS <2 group (Group 1) and 29 patients in IIEF-EF score >10, EHS ≥2 group (Group 2). The two groups separated according to their scores were compared for age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of priapism, vascular comorbidities and duration of erection. When compared to Group 2, median age, rate of vascular comorbidities rate and BMI were detected to be higher in Group 1 with IIEF-EF score ≤10 and EHS <2. But contrary to age and rate of vascular comorbidities (p=0.035, p=0.049 respectively), higher BMI was detected to be statistically insignificant (p=0.093). Duration of erection, IIEF-EF score and number of cases with priapism were significantly higher in Group 2 with IIEF-EF score >10 and EHS ≥2 (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.049 respectively). High IIEF-EF and EHS scores, younger ages and lower rates of vascular comorbidities in patients from whom PDU was demanded increase the prevalence of priapism.

Discovery of the first dual inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and soluble epoxide hydrolase using pharmacophore-based virtual screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Temml, Veronika; Garscha, Ulrike; Romp, Erik; Schubert, Gregor; Gerstmeier, Jana; Kutil, Zsofia; Matuszczak, Barbara; Waltenberger, Birgit; Stuppner, Hermann; Werz, Oliver; Schuster, Daniela

2017-02-01

Leukotrienes (LTs) are pro-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) with roles in inflammatory and allergic diseases. The biosynthesis of LTs is initiated by transfer of AA via the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) to 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). FLAP inhibition abolishes LT formation exerting anti-inflammatory effects. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts AA-derived anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) to dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (di-HETEs). Its inhibition consequently also counteracts inflammation. Targeting both LT biosynthesis and the conversion of EETs with a dual inhibitor of FLAP and sEH may represent a novel, powerful anti-inflammatory strategy. We present a pharmacophore-based virtual screening campaign that led to 20 hit compounds of which 4 targeted FLAP and 4 were sEH inhibitors. Among them, the first dual inhibitor for sEH and FLAP was identified, N-[4-(benzothiazol-2-ylmethoxy)-2-methylphenyl]-N’-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea with IC50 values of 200 nM in a cell-based FLAP test system and 20 nM for sEH activity in a cell-free assay.

Evidence for a bacterial lipopolysaccharide-recognizing G-protein-coupled receptor in the bacterial engulfment by Entamoeba histolytica.

PubMed

Brewer, Matthew T; Agbedanu, Prince N; Zamanian, Mostafa; Day, Tim A; Carlson, Steve A

2013-11-01

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebic dysentery, a worldwide protozoal disease that results in approximately 100,000 deaths annually. The virulence of E. histolytica may be due to interactions with the host bacterial flora, whereby trophozoites engulf colonic bacteria as a nutrient source. The engulfment process depends on trophozoite recognition of bacterial epitopes that activate phagocytosis pathways. E. histolytica GPCR-1 (EhGPCR-1) was previously recognized as a putative G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) used by Entamoeba histolytica during phagocytosis. In the present study, we attempted to characterize EhGPCR-1 by using heterologous GPCR expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We discovered that bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an activator of EhGPCR-1 and that LPS stimulates EhGPCR-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, we demonstrated that Entamoeba histolytica prefers to engulf bacteria with intact LPS and that this engulfment process is sensitive to suramin, which prevents the interactions of GPCRs and G-proteins. Thus, EhGPCR-1 is an LPS-recognizing GPCR that is a potential drug target for treatment of amoebiasis, especially considering the well-established drug targeting to GPCRs.

Retrieving atmospheric turbulence information from regular commercial aircraft using Mode-S and ADS-B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopeć, Jacek M.; Kwiatkowski, Kamil; de Haan, Siebren; Malinowski, Szymon P.

2016-05-01

Navigational information broadcast by commercial aircraft in the form of Mode-S EHS (Mode-S Enhanced Surveillance) and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) messages can be considered a new source of upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric turbulence estimates. A set of three processing methods is proposed and analysed using a quality record of turbulence encounters made by a research aircraft.The proposed methods are based on processing the vertical acceleration or the background wind into the eddy dissipation rate. Turbulence intensity can be estimated using the standard content of the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B.The results are based on a Mode-S EHS/ADS-B data set generated synthetically based on the transmissions from the research aircraft. This data set was validated using the overlapping record of the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B received from the same research aircraft. The turbulence intensity, meaning the eddy dissipation rate, obtained from the proposed methods based on the Mode-S EHS/ADS-B is compared with the value obtained using on-board accelerometer. The results of the comparison indicate the potential of the methods. The advantages and limitation of the presented approaches are discussed.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship of piperidine-derived non-urea soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors

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

Pecic, Stevan; Pakhomova, Svetlana; Newcomer, Marcia E.

2013-09-27

A series of potent amide non-urea inhibitors of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is disclosed. The inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase leads to elevated levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), and thus inhibitors of sEH represent one of a novel approach to the development of vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory drugs. Structure–activities studies guided optimization of a lead compound, identified through high-throughput screening, gave rise to sub-nanomolar inhibitors of human sEH with stability in human liver microsomal assay suitable for preclinical development.

Secular Variation and Physical Characteristics Determination of the HADS Star EH Lib

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pena, J. H.; Villarreal, C.; Pina, D. S.; Renteria, A.; Soni, A., Guillen, J. Calderon, J.

2017-12-01

Physical parameters of EH Lib have been determined based on observations carried out in 2015 with photometry. They have also served, along with samples from the years 1969 and 1986, to analyse the frequency content of EH Lib with Fourier Transforms. Recent CCD observations increased the times of maximum with twelve new times which helped us study the secular variation of the period with a method based on the minimization of the standard deviation of the O-C residuals. It is concluded that there may be a long-term period change.

Environmental, health, and safety issues of fuel cells in transportation. Volume 1: Phosphoric acid fuel-cell buses

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

Ring, S

1994-12-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chartered the Phosphoric Acid Fuel-Cell (PAFC) Bus Program to demonstrate the feasibility of fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation systems. As part of this program, PAFC- powered buses are being built to meet transit industry design and performance standards. Test-bed bus-1 (TBB-1) was designed in 1993 and integrated in March 1994. TBB-2 and TBB-3 are under construction and should be integrated in early 1995. In 1987 Phase I of the program began with the development and testing of two conceptual system designs- liquid- and air-cooled systems. The liquid-cooled PAFC system was chosen to continue, throughmore » a competitive award, into Phase H, beginning in 1991. Three hybrid buses, which combine fuel-cell and battery technologies, were designed during Phase III. After completing Phase II, DOE plans a comprehensive performance testing program (Phase HI) to verify that the buses meet stringent transit industry requirements. The Phase III study will evaluate the PAFC bus and compare it to a conventional diesel bus. This NREL study assesses the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues that may affect the commercialization of the PAFC bus. Because safety is a critical factor for consumer acceptance of new transportation-based technologies the study focuses on these issues. The study examines health and safety together because they are integrally related. In addition, this report briefly discusses two environmental issues that are of concern to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first issue involves a surge battery used by the PAFC bus that contains hazardous constituents. The second issue concerns the regulated air emissions produced during operation of the PAFC bus.« less

TITLE: Environmental, health, and safety issues offuel cells in transportation. Volume 1: Phosphoricacid fuel-cell buses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ring, Shan

1994-12-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) chartered the Phosphoric Acid Fuel-Cell (PAFC) Bus Program to demonstrate the feasibility of fuel cells in heavy-duty transportation systems. As part of this program, PAFC- powered buses are being built to meet transit industry design and performance standards. Test-bed bus-1 (TBB-1) was designed in 1993 and integrated in March 1994. TBB-2 and TBB-3 are under construction and should be integrated in early 1995. In 1987 Phase 1 of the program began with the development and testing of two conceptual system designs- liquid- and air-cooled systems. The liquid-cooled PAFC system was chosen to continue, through a competitive award, into Phase H, beginning in 1991. Three hybrid buses, which combine fuel-cell and battery technologies, were designed during Phase 3. After completing Phase 2, DOE plans a comprehensive performance testing program (Phase H1) to verify that the buses meet stringent transit industry requirements. The Phase 3 study will evaluate the PAFC bus and compare it to a conventional diesel bus. This NREL study assesses the environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) issues that may affect the commercialization of the PAFC bus. Because safety is a critical factor for consumer acceptance of new transportation-based technologies the study focuses on these issues. The study examines health and safety together because they are integrally related. In addition, this report briefly discusses two environmental issues that are of concern to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first issue involves a surge battery used by the PAFC bus that contains hazardous constituents. The second issue concerns the regulated air emissions produced during operation of the PAFC bus.

Assessing quality of life in a clinical study on heart rehabilitation patients: how well do value sets based on given or experienced health states reflect patients' valuations?

PubMed

Leidl, Reiner; Schweikert, Bernd; Hahmann, Harry; Steinacker, Juergen M; Reitmeir, Peter

2016-03-22

Quality of life as an endpoint in a clinical study may be sensitive to the value set used to derive a single score. Focusing on patients' actual valuations in a clinical study, we compare different value sets for the EQ-5D-3L and assess how well they reproduce patients' reported results. A clinical study comparing inpatient (n = 98) and outpatient (n = 47) rehabilitation of patients after an acute coronary event is re-analyzed. Value sets include: 1. Given health states and time-trade-off valuation (GHS-TTO) rendering economic utilities; 2. Experienced health states and valuation by visual analog scale (EHS-VAS). Valuations are compared with patient-reported VAS rating. Accuracy is assessed by mean absolute error (MAE) and by Pearson's correlation ρ. External validity is tested by correlation with established MacNew global scores. Drivers of differences between value sets and VAS are analyzed using repeated measures regression. EHS-VAS had smaller MAEs and higher ρ in all patients and in the inpatient group, and correlated best with MacNew global score. Quality-adjusted survival was more accurately reflected by EHS-VAS. Younger, better educated patients reported lower VAS at admission than the EHS-based value set. EHS-based estimates were mostly able to reproduce patient-reported valuation. Economic utility measurement is conceptually different, produced results less strongly related to patients' reports, and resulted in about 20 % longer quality-adjusted survival. Decision makers should take into account the impact of choosing value sets on effectiveness results. For transferring the results of heart rehabilitation patients from another country or from another valuation method, the EHS-based value set offers a promising estimation option for those decision makers who prioritize patient-reported valuation. Yet, EHS-based estimates may not fully reflect patient-reported VAS in all situations.

Myomesin is a molecular spring with adaptable elasticity.

PubMed

Schoenauer, Roman; Bertoncini, Patricia; Machaidze, Gia; Aebi, Ueli; Perriard, Jean-Claude; Hegner, Martin; Agarkova, Irina

2005-06-03

The M-band is a transverse structure in the center of the sarcomere, which is thought to stabilize the thick filament lattice. It was shown recently that the constitutive vertebrate M-band component myomesin can form antiparallel dimers, which might cross-link the neighboring thick filaments. Myomesin consists mainly of immunoglobulin-like (Ig) and fibronectin type III (Fn) domains, while several muscle types express the EH-myomesin splice isoform, generated by the inclusion of the unique EH-segment of about 100 amino acid residues (aa) in the center of the molecule. Here we use atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy for the biophysical characterization of myomesin. The AFM identifies the "mechanical fingerprints" of the modules constituting the myomesin molecule. Stretching of homomeric polyproteins, constructed of Ig and Fn domains of human myomesin, produces a typical saw-tooth pattern in the force-extension curve. The domains readily refold after relaxation. In contrast, stretching of a heterogeneous polyprotein, containing several repeats of the My6-EH fragment reveals a long initial plateau corresponding to the sum of EH-segment contour lengths, followed by several My6 unfolding peaks. According to this, the EH-segment is characterized as an entropic chain with a persistence length of about 0.3nm. In TEM pictures, the EH-domain appears as a gap in the molecule, indicating a random coil conformation similar to the PEVK region of titin. CD spectroscopy measurements support this result, demonstrating a mostly non-folded conformation for the EH-segment. We suggest that similarly to titin, myomesin is a molecular spring, whose elasticity is modulated by alternative splicing. The Ig and Fn domains might function as reversible "shock absorbers" by sequential unfolding in the case of extremely high or long sustained stretching forces. These complex visco-elastic properties of myomesin might be crucial for the stability of the sarcomere.

Omeprazole increases the efficacy of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor in a PGE{sub 2} induced pain model

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

Goswami, Sumanta Kumar; Inceoglu, Bora; Yang, Jun

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are potent endogenous analgesic metabolites produced from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450s (P450s). Metabolism of EETs by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) reduces their activity, while their stabilization by sEH inhibition decreases both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we tested the complementary hypothesis that increasing the level of EETs through induction of P450s by omeprazole (OME), can influence pain related signaling by itself, and potentiate the anti-hyperalgesic effect of sEH inhibitor. Rats were treated with OME (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., 7 days), sEH inhibitor TPPU (3 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and OME (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., 7 days) + TPPU (3 mg/kg/day,more » p.o., last 3 days of OME dose) dissolved in vehicle PEG400, and their effect on hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain) induced by PGE{sub 2} was monitored. While OME treatment by itself exhibited variable effects on PGE{sub 2} induced hyperalgesia, it strongly potentiated the effect of TPPU in the same assay. The significant decrease in pain with OME + TPPU treatment correlated with the increased levels of EETs in plasma and increased activities of P450 1A1 and P450 1A2 in liver microsomes. The results show that reducing catabolism of EETs with a sEH inhibitor yielded a stronger analgesic effect than increasing generation of EETs by OME, and combination of both yielded the strongest pain reducing effect under the condition of this study. - Highlights: • The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor TPPU is anti-hyperalgesic. • Omeprazole potentiates the anti-hyperalgesic actions of TPPU. • This potentiation is associated with increased P450 activity. • The potentiation is associated with an increase in fatty acid epoxide/diol ratio. • Joint use of sEH inhibitors and P450 inducers could result in drug–drug interactions.« less

Final Rule: Community Right-To-Know Reporting Requirements Federal Register Notice

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Final reporting thresholds and threshold planning quantity (TPQ) for extremely hazardous substances (EHS) and non-EHS hazardous chemicals, required under Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.

E-H mode transition of a high-power inductively coupled plasma torch at atmospheric pressure with a metallic confinement tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altenberend, Jochen; Chichignoud, Guy; Delannoy, Yves

2012-08-01

Inductively coupled plasma torches need high ignition voltages for the E-H mode transition and are therefore difficult to operate. In order to reduce the ignition voltage of an RF plasma torch with a metallic confinement tube the E-H mode transition was studied. A Tesla coil was used to create a spark discharge and the E-H mode transition of the plasma was then filmed using a high-speed camera. The electrical potential of the metallic confinement tube was measured using a high-voltage probe. It was found that an arc between the grounded injector and the metallic confinement tube is maintained by the electric field (E-mode). The transition to H-mode occurred at high magnetic fields when the arc formed a loop. The ignition voltage could be reduced by connecting the metallic confinement tube with a capacitor to the RF generator.

EVALUATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE FROM EXISTING COAL FIRED PLANTS BY HYBRID SORPTION USING SOLID SORBENTS

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

Benson, Steven; Palo, Daniel; Srinivasachar, Srivats

2014-12-01

Under contract DE-FE0007603, the University of North Dakota conducted the project Evaluation of Carbon Dioxide Capture from Existing Coal Fired Plants by Hybrid Sorption Using Solid Sorbents. As an important element of this effort, an Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) Assessment was conducted by Barr Engineering Co. (Barr) in association with the University of North Dakota. The assessment addressed air and particulate emissions as well as solid and liquid waste streams. The magnitude of the emissions and waste streams was estimated for evaluation purposes. EH&S characteristics of materials used in the system are also described. This document contains data basedmore » on the mass balances from both the 40 kJ/mol CO2 and 80 kJ/mol CO2 desorption energy cases evaluated in the Final Technical and Economic Feasibility study also conducted by Barr Engineering.« less

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the spine. Report of two cases.

PubMed

Aquilina, Kristian; Lim, Christopher; Kamel, Mahmoud Hamdy; Marks, Charles J; O'Sullivan, Michael G; Keohane, Catherine

2005-11-01

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EH) is a rare tumor of vascular origin. The authors describe two cases of spinal EH, one involving the T-10 vertebra and the second involving the upper cervical spine. In the first case the patient underwent resection of the tumor; this case represents the longest reported follow-up period for spinal EH. In the second case, extensive involvement of C-2, C-3, and C-4 as well as encasement of both vertebral arteries precluded safe tumor resection, and posterior occipitocervical stabilization was performed. The patient subsequently died of metastatic disease. The findings in these two cases underscore the difficulty in predicting the clinical behavior of spinal EH based solely on histological and clinical features as well as the uncertainty of the roles of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy in the oncological management of a spinal tumor for which clinical data are very limited.

Accurate electric multipole moment, static polarizability and hyperpolarizability derivatives for N2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maroulis, George

2003-02-01

We report accurate values of the electric moments, static polarizabilities, hyperpolarizabilities and their respective derivatives for N2. Our values have been extracted from finite-field Møller-Pleset perturbation theory and coupled cluster calculations performed with carefully designed basis sets. A large [15s12p9d7f] basis set consisting of 290 CGTF is expected to provide reference self-consistent-field values of near-Hartree-Fock quality for all properties. The Hartree-Fock limit for the mean hyperpolarizability is estimated at γ¯=715±4e4a04Eh-3 at the experimental bond length Re=2.074 32a0. Accurate estimates of the electron correlation effects were obtained with a [10s7p6d4f] basis set. Our best values are Θ=-1.1258ea02 for the quadrupole and Φ=-6.75ea04 for the hexadecapole moment, ᾱ=11.7709 and Δα=4.6074e2a02Eh-1 for the mean and the anisotropy of the dipole polarizability, C¯=41.63e2a04Eh-1 for the mean quadrupole polarizability and γ¯=927e4a04Eh-3 for the dipole hyperpolarizability. The latter value is quite close to Shelton's experimental estimate of 917±5e4a04Eh-3 [D. P. Shelton, Phys. Rev. A 42, 2578 (1990)]. The R dependence of all properties has been calculated with a [7s5p4d2f] basis set. At the CCSD(T) level of theory the dipole polarizability varies around Re as ᾱ(R)/e2a02Eh-1=11.8483+6.1758(R-Re)+0.9191(R-Re)2-0.8212(R-Re)3-0.0006(R-Re)4, Δα(R)/e2a02Eh-1=4.6032+7.0301(R-Re)+1.9340(R-Re)2-0.5708(R-Re)3+0.1949(R-Re)4. For the Cartesian components and the mean of γαβγδ, (dγzzzz/dR)e=1398, (dγxxxx/dR)e=867, (dγxxzz/dR)e=317, and (dγ¯/dR)e=994e4a03Eh-3. For the quadrupole polarizability Cαβ,γδ, we report (dCzz,zz/dR)e=19.20, (dCxz,xz/dR)e=16.55, (dCxx,xx/dR)e=10.20, and (dC¯/dR)e=23.31e2a03Eh-1. At the MP2 level of theory the components of the dipole-octopole polarizability (Eα,βγδ) and the mean dipole-dipole-octopole hyperpolarizability B¯ we have obtained (dEz,zzz/dR)e=36.71, (dEx,xxx/dR)e=-12.94e2a03Eh-1, and (dB¯/dR)e=-108e3a03Eh-2. In comparison with some other 14-electron systems, N2 appears to be less (hyper)polarizable than most, as near the Hartree-Fock limit we observe ᾱ(N2)<ᾱ(CO)<ᾱ(HCN)<ᾱ(BF)<ᾱ(HCCH) and γ¯(N2)<γ¯(CO)<γ¯(HCN)<γ¯(HCCH)<γ¯(BF).

Is there a relation between priapism occurring after penile doppler ultrasonography and international erectile function index score and erection hardness score levels?

PubMed Central

Sönmez, Mehmet Giray; Öztürk, Ahmet

2017-01-01

Objective The relation between Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and The International Erectile Function Index (IIEF) Questionnaire- Erectile Function Domain Score (IIEF-EF score) used in erectile dysfunction (ED) evaluation and the prevalence of priapism after penile Doppler ultrasonography (PDU) was examined in this study. Material and methods A total of 62 patients who had PDU were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups; there were 33 patients in IIEF-EF score ≤10, EHS <2 group (Group 1) and 29 patients in IIEF-EF score >10, EHS ≥2 group (Group 2). The two groups separated according to their scores were compared for age, body mass index (BMI), prevalence of priapism, vascular comorbidities and duration of erection. Results When compared to Group 2, median age, rate of vascular comorbidities rate and BMI were detected to be higher in Group 1 with IIEF-EF score ≤10 and EHS <2. But contrary to age and rate of vascular comorbidities (p=0.035, p=0.049 respectively), higher BMI was detected to be statistically insignificant (p=0.093). Duration of erection, IIEF-EF score and number of cases with priapism were significantly higher in Group 2 with IIEF-EF score >10 and EHS ≥2 (p<0.001, p=0.027, p=0.049 respectively). Conclusion High IIEF-EF and EHS scores, younger ages and lower rates of vascular comorbidities in patients from whom PDU was demanded increase the prevalence of priapism. PMID:29201505

PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT ON THE INTEGRATION OF A PROCESS UTILIZING LOW-ENERGY SOLVENTS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE ENABLED BY A COMBINATION OF ENZYMES AND VACUUM REGENERATION WITH A SUBCRITICAL PC POWER PLANT

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

Fitzgerald, David; Vidal, Rafael; Russell, Tania

2014-12-31

The results of the preliminary environmental, health and safety (EH&S) risk assessment for an enzyme-activated potassium carbonate (K2CO3) solution post-combustion CO2 capture (PCC) plant, integrated with a subcritical pulverized coal (PC) power plant, are presented. The expected emissions during normal steady-state operation have been estimated utilizing models of the PCC plant developed in AspenTech’s AspenPlus® software, bench scale test results from the University of Kentucky, and industrial experience of emission results from a slipstream PCC plant utilizing amine based solvents. A review of all potential emission species and their sources was undertaken that identified two credible emission sources, the absorbermore » off-gas that is vented to atmosphere via a stack and the waste removed from the PCC plant in the centrifuge used to reclaim enzyme and solvent. The conditions and compositions of the emissions were calculated and the potential EH&S effects were considered as well as legislative compliance requirements. Potential mitigation methods for emissions during normal operation have been proposed and solutions to mitigate uncontrolled releases of species have been considered. The potential emissions were found to pose no significant EH&S concerns and were compliant with the Federal legislation reviewed. The limitations in predicting full scale plant performance from bench scale tests have been noted and further work on a larger scale test unit is recommended to reduce the level of uncertainty.« less

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase in mice promotes reverse cholesterol transport and regression of atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Shen, Li; Peng, Hongchun; Peng, Ran; Fan, Qingsong; Zhao, Shuiping; Xu, Danyan; Morisseau, Christophe; Chiamvimonvat, Nipavan; Hammock, Bruce D

2015-04-01

Adipose tissue is the body largest free cholesterol reservoir and abundantly expresses ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), which maintains plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. HDLs have a protective role in atherosclerosis by mediating reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is a cytosolic enzyme whose inhibition has various beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. The sEH is highly expressed in adipocytes, and it converts epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) into less bioactive dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. We previously showed that increasing EETs levels with a sEH inhibitor (sEHI) (t-AUCB) resulted in elevated ABCA1 expression and promoted ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The present study investigates the impacts of t-AUCB in mice deficient for the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (Ldlr(-/-) mice) with established atherosclerotic plaques. The sEH inhibitor delivered in vivo for 4 weeks decreased the activity of sEH in adipose tissue, enhanced ABCA1 expression and cholesterol efflux from adipose depots, and consequently increased HDL levels. Furthermore, t-AUCB enhanced RCT to the plasma, liver, bile and feces. It also showed the reduction of plasma LDL-C levels. Consistently, t-AUCB-treated mice showed reductions in the size of atherosclerotic plaques. These studies establish that raising adipose ABCA1 expression, cholesterol efflux, and plasma HDL levels with t-AUCB treatment promotes RCT, decreasing LDL-C and atherosclerosis regression, suggesting that sEH inhibition may be a promising strategy to treat atherosclerotic vascular disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of transhepatic and extrahepatic routes for EUS-guided rendezvous procedure for distal CBD obstruction.

PubMed

Dhir, Vinay; Bhandari, Suryaprakash; Bapat, Mukta; Joshi, Nitin; Vivekanandarajah, Suhirdan; Maydeo, Amit

2013-04-01

EUS-guided rendezvous procedure (EUS-RV) can be done by the transhepatic (TH) or the extrahepatic (EH) route. There is no data on the preferred access route when both routes are available. To compare the success, complications, and duration of hospitalization for patients undergoing EUS-RV by the TH or the EH route. Patients with distal common bile duct (CBD) obstruction, who failed selective cannulation, underwent EUS-RV by the TH route through the stomach or the EH route through the duodenum. A total of 35 patients were analysed (17 TH, 18 EH). The mean procedure time was significantly longer for the TH group (34.4 vs. 25.7 min; p = 0.0004). There was no difference in the technical success (94.1 vs. 100%). However, the TH group had a higher incidence of post-procedure pain (44.1 vs. 5.5%; p = 0.017), bile leak (11.7 vs. 0; p = 0.228), and air under diaphragm (11.7 vs. 0; p = 0.228). All bile leaks were small and managed conservatively. Duration of hospitalization was significantly higher for the TH group (2.52 vs. 0.17 days; p = 0.015). EUS-RV has similar success rate by the TH or the EH route. However, the TH route has higher post-procedure pain, longer procedure time, and longer duration of hospitalization. The EH route should be preferred for EUS-RV in patients with distal CBD obstruction when both access routes are technically feasible.

Energy homeostasis genes and survival after breast cancer diagnosis: the Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study.

PubMed

Pellatt, Andrew J; Lundgreen, Abbie; Wolff, Roger K; Hines, Lisa; John, Esther M; Slattery, Martha L

2016-01-01

The leptin-signaling pathway and other genes involved in energy homeostasis (EH) have been examined in relation to breast cancer risk as well as to obesity. We test the hypothesis that genetic variation in EH genes influences survival after diagnosis with breast cancer and that body mass index (BMI) will modify that risk. We evaluated associations between 10 EH genes and survival among 1,186 non-Hispanic white and 1,155 Hispanic/Native American women diagnosed with breast cancer. Percent Native American (NA) ancestry was determined from 104 ancestry-informative markers. Adaptive rank truncation product (ARTP) was used to determine gene and pathway significance. The overall EH pathway was marginally significant for all-cause mortality among women with low NA ancestry (P(ARTP) = 0.057). Within the pathway, ghrelin(GHRL) and leptin receptor (LEPR) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (P(ARTP) = 0.035 and 0.007, respectively). The EH pathway was significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with low NA ancestry (P(ARTP) = 0.038). Three genes cholecystokinin (CCK), GHRL, and LEPR were significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with low NA ancestry (P(ARTP) = 0.046,0.015, and 0.046, respectively), while neuropeptide Y (NPY) was significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with higher NA ancestry(P(ARTP) = 0.038). BMI did not modify these associations. Our data support our hypothesis that certain EH genes influence survival after diagnosis with breast cancer; associations appear to be most important among women with low NA ancestry.

Oxidation of extracellular cysteine/cystine redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.

PubMed

Iyer, Smita S; Ramirez, Allan M; Ritzenthaler, Jeffrey D; Torres-Gonzalez, Edilson; Roser-Page, Susanne; Mora, Ana L; Brigham, Kenneth L; Jones, Dean P; Roman, Jesse; Rojas, Mauricio

2009-01-01

Several lines of evidence indicate that depletion of glutathione (GSH), a critical thiol antioxidant, is associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, GSH synthesis depends on the amino acid cysteine (Cys), and relatively little is known about the regulation of Cys in fibrosis. Cys and its disulfide, cystine (CySS), constitute the most abundant low-molecular weight thiol/disulfide redox couple in the plasma, and the Cys/CySS redox state (E(h) Cys/CySS) is oxidized in association with age and smoking, known risk factors for IPF. Furthermore, oxidized E(h) Cys/CySS in the culture media of lung fibroblasts stimulates proliferation and expression of transitional matrix components. The present study was undertaken to determine whether bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis is associated with a decrease in Cys and/or an oxidation of the Cys/CySS redox state and to determine whether these changes were associated with changes in E(h) GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG). We observed distinct effects on plasma GSH and Cys redox systems during the progression of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Plasma E(h) GSH/GSSG was selectively oxidized during the proinflammatory phase, whereas oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS occurred at the fibrotic phase. In the epithelial lining fluid, oxidation of E(h) Cys/CySS was due to decreased food intake. Thus the data show that decreased precursor availability and enhanced oxidation of Cys each contribute to the oxidation of extracellular Cys/CySS redox state in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.

Correlation between renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension in the Chinese Yi ethnic group.

PubMed

Yang, Yu-Ling; Mo, Yan-Ping; He, Yong-Shu; Yang, Fang; Xu, Yan; Li, Cheng-Cheng; Wang, Jiao; Reng, Hao-Ming; Long, Li

2015-12-01

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been considered to play an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between RAS gene polymorphisms and essential hypertension (EH) in the Chinese Yi ethnic group. A total of 244 EH subjects and 185 normotensive individuals from the Chinese Yi ethnic group were genotyped for AGT M235T (rs699), AT1R A1166C (rs5186), ACE I/D (rs4340) and ACE G2350A (rs4343) polymorphisms by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. Significant differences in the allele and genotype frequency of ACE G2350A were observed between the EH cases and controls (p=0.001, 0.002). After being grouped by gender, significant differences in the allele and genotype frequency of ACE G2350A and AT1R A1166C were observed between females of the EH cases and controls (ACE G2350A: p=0.000, 0.002; AT1R A1166C: p=0.008, 0.011). After excluding the influence of multifactorial interactions, the ACE G2350A polymorphism is significantly associated with the pathogenesis of EH in the Chinese Yi ethnic group (odds ratio (OR)=1.656, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.807-2.524, p=0.019). The RAS-related ACE G2350A polymorphism is associated with the pathogenesis of EH in the Chinese Yi ethnic group. © The Author(s) 2015.

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer November 1936 ...

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

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer November 1936 CLAIMS TO BE OLDEST SOCIAL CLUB IN EXISTENCE - South River Club, Solomons Island Road (State Route 2) vicinity, South River, Anne Arundel County, MD

Optimized Solvent for Energy-Efficient, Environmentally-Friendly Capture of CO{sub 2} at Coal-Fired Power Plants

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

Farthing, G. A.; Rimpf, L. M.

The overall goal of this project, as originally proposed, was to optimize the formulation of a novel solvent as a critical enabler for the cost-effective, energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly capture of CO{sub 2} at coal-fired utility plants. Aqueous blends of concentrated piperazine (PZ) with other compounds had been shown to exhibit high rates of CO{sub 2} absorption, low regeneration energy, and other desirable performance characteristics during an earlier 5-year development program conducted by B&W. The specific objective of this project was to identify PZ-based solvent formulations that globally optimize the performance of coal-fired power plants equipped with CO{sub 2} scrubbing systems. Whilemore » previous solvent development studies have tended to focus on energy consumption and absorber size, important issues to be sure, the current work seeks to explore, understand, and optimize solvent formulation across the full gamut of issues related to commercial application of the technology: capital and operating costs, operability, reliability, environmental, health and safety (EH&S), etc. Work on the project was intended to be performed under four budget periods. The objective of the work in the first budget period has been to identify several candidate formulations of a concentrated PZ-based solvent for detailed characterization and evaluation. Work in the second budget period would generate reliable and comprehensive property and performance data for the identified formulations. Work in the third budget period would quantify the expected performance of the selected formulations in a commercial CO{sub 2} scrubbing process. Finally, work in the fourth budget period would provide a final technology feasibility study and a preliminary technology EH&S assessment. Due to other business priorities, however, B&W has requested that this project be terminated at the end of the first budget period. This document therefore serves as the final report for this project. It is the first volume of the two-volume final report and summarizes Budget Period 1 accomplishments under Tasks 1-5 of the project, including the selection of four solvent formulations for further study.« less

Collaboration Between Environmental Water Chemistry Students and Hazardous Waste Treatment Specialists on the University of Colorado-Boulder Campus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dittrich, T. M.

2012-12-01

The University of Colorado-Boulder is one of a few universities in the country that has a licensed Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) for hazardous waste on campus. This facility, located on the bottom floor of the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) building, allows CU to more economically treat hazardous waste by enabling treatment specialists on staff to safely collect and organize the hazardous waste generated on campus. Hazardous waste is anything that contains a regulated chemical or compound and most chemicals used in engineering labs (e.g., acids, solvents, metal solutions) fall into this category. The EH&S staff is able to treat close almost 33% of the waste from campus and the rest is packed for off-site treatment at various places all over the country for disposal (e.g., Sauget, IL, Port Aurthor, TX). The CU-Boulder campus produced over 50 tons of hazardous waste in 2010 costing over $300,000 in off-campus expenses. The EH&S staff assigns one of over 50 codes to the waste which will determine if the waste can be treated on campus of must be shipped off campus to be disposed of. If the waste can be treated on campus, it will undergo one of three processes: 1) neutralization, 2) UV-ozone oxidation, or 3) ion exchange. If the waste is acidic but contains no heavy metals, the acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide (a base) and can be disposed "down the drain" to the Boulder Wastewater Treatment Plant. If the waste contains organic compounds and no metals, a UV-ozone oxidation system is used to break down the organic compounds. Silver from photography wastewater can be removed using ion exchange columns. Undergraduate and graduate students worked with the hazardous waste treatment facility at the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) building on the CU-Boulder campus during the fall of 2011 and fall of 2012. Early in the semester, students receive a tour of the three batch treatment processes the facility is equipped with. Later in the semester, the students conduct a bench-scale laboratory exercise where they study part of the treatment process. Several small start-up companies are testing components in the lab, which adds to the colaboration of the project.; Figure 1. Students in Environmental Water Chemistry lab conducting a titration.

Restaurant Food Allergy Practices - Six Selected Sites, United States, 2014.

PubMed

Radke, Taylor J; Brown, Laura G; Faw, Brenda; Hedeen, Nicole; Matis, Bailey; Perez, Priscela; Viveiros, Brendalee; Ripley, Danny

2017-04-21

Food allergies affect an estimated 15 million persons in the United States (1), and are responsible for approximately 30,000 emergency department visits and 150-200 deaths each year (2). Nearly half of reported fatal food allergy reactions over a 13-year period were caused by food from a restaurant or other food service establishment (3). To ascertain the prevalence of food allergy training, training topics, and practices related to food allergies, CDC's Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net), a collaborative forum of federal agencies and state and local health departments with six sites, interviewed personnel at 278 restaurants. Fewer than half of the 277 restaurant managers (44.4%), 211 food workers (40.8%), and 156 servers (33.3%) interviewed reported receiving food allergy training. Among those who reported receiving training, topics commonly included the major food allergens and what to do if a customer has a food allergy. Although most restaurants had ingredient lists for at least some menu items, few had separate equipment or areas designated for the preparation of allergen-free food. Restaurants can reduce the risk for allergic reactions among patrons by providing food allergy training for personnel and ingredient lists for all menu items and by dedicating equipment and areas specifically for preparing allergen-free food.

Health, safety, and ecological implications of using biobased floor-stripping products.

PubMed

Massawe, Ephraim; Geiser, Kenneth; Ellenbecker, Michael; Marshall, Jason

2007-05-01

The main objective of the study reported here was to investigate the ecological, health, and safety (EHS) implications of using biobased floor strippers as alternatives to solvent-based products such as Johnson Wax Professional (Pro Strip). The authors applied a quick EHS-scoring technique developed by the Surface Solution Laboratory (SSL) of the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) to some alternative, biobased products that had previously performed as well as or close to as well as the currently used product. The quick technique is considered an important step in EHS assessment, particularly for toxics use reduction planners and advocates who may not have the resources to subject many alternative products or processes at once to detailed EHS analysis. Taking this step narrows available options to a manageable number. (Technical-performance experiments were also conducted, but the results are not discussed or reported in this paper). The cost of switching to biobased floor strippers was assessed and compared with the cost of using the traditional product, both at full strength and at the dilution ratios recommended by the respective manufacturers. The EHS analysis was based on a framework consisting of five parameters: volatile organic compounds (VOCs); pH; global-warming potential (GWP); ozone depletion potential (ODP); and safety scores in areas such as flammability, stability, and special hazards, based on ratings from the Hazardous Material Classification System (HMIS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Total EHS scores were calculated with data derived from the material safety data sheets. For most cleaning products previously investigated by the TURI SSL, the investigators have demonstrated that the five key parameters used in the study reported here can successfully be used for quick screening of the EHS impacts of cleaning alternatives. All eight biobased, or green, products evaluated in the study had better EHS-screening scores than did Pro Strip. One product, Botanic Gold, had a screening score of 49 out of a possible 50. This score was much higher than the score of 26 achieved by Pro Strip. The other biobased floor strippers had EHS-screening scores of > or =37, which is the average value of solvent-based cleaning solutions. These results indicate that biobased cleaning products capable of floor stripping are potentially better than traditional products with respect to the five EHS parameters used. The cost of switching to biobased floor strippers at their full strength ranged from a minimum of U.S. $15.50 per gallon ($4.10 per liter) for Eco Natural Floor Stripper (WPR) to about $59.00 per gallon ($15.61 per liter) for Botanic Gold. At 25 percent volume by volume (v/v), the recommended dilution ratio for the traditional product, the cost of the Botanic Gold was $14.75 per gallon ($3.90 per liter), or about five times more than that of Pro Strip, which was $2.48 per gallon ($0.65 per liter). Since these figures do not reflect all of the EHS costs, such as disposal and recycling fees, it is likely that use of Botanic Gold could be cost-effective in the long run. The authors therefore recommend that detailed EHS analysis be conducted on this alternative biobased floor stripper. It is also recommended that large field trials be conducted and that janitors' or consumers' perceptions be determined. For detailed assessment of eco-toxicological properties of the biobased floor strippers, investigations of the common additives in the Botanic Gold formulation should be conducted through use of databases on the World Wide Web such as Toxnet. Finally, the current policies, regulations, and standards that promote biobased products should be investigated to determine their strengths and weaknesses. This would encourage a broader public debate about the future of the biobased industry in the context of sustainability.

78 FR 1853 - EH California Hydro, LLC; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-09

... tailrace. Applicant Contact: Mr. John R. Collins, EH California Hydro, LLC, 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 600, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815; phone: (301) 718-4433. FERC Contact: Jim Fargo at [email protected

SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL GRADIENTS IN AQUIFER OXIDATION- REDUCTION CONDITIONS

EPA Science Inventory

The study was undertaken to identify principal oxidizing and reducing chemical species in groundwater with the goal of determining the utility of platinum electrode (Eh) measurements to characterize subsurface redox conditions. Serial measurements of Eh and groundwater analyses w...

Structure of hydrothermal plumes at the Logatchev vent field, 14°45‧N, Mid-Atlantic Ridge: evidence from geochemical and geophysical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudarikov, S. M.; Roumiantsev, A. B.

2000-09-01

In the Seventh cruise of R/V ;Professor Logatchev; anomalies of natural electric field (EF), Eh and pS were discovered using a towed instrument package (RIFT) at 14°45‧N on the MAR (Logatchev hydrothermal field). The anomalous zone (AZ) is situated close (10-35 m) to two low-temperature venting areas of degrading sulphides and a black smoker (Irina-Microsmoke) forming a distinct buoyant plume. Over or close to the main area of high-temperature venting situated to the south-east from the AZ, no EF or Eh anomalies were observed. According to the results of Mir dives the highly mineralised solutions from smoking craters at the main mound mostly form non-buoyant plumes (reverse-plumes). The buoyant plume structure shows the differentiation of the electrical and Eh fields within the plume. Maxima of the EF, Eh and EH2S anomalies were revealed in the lower part (∼15 m) of the plume. The negative redox potential plume coupled with a sulphide anomaly is more localized in comparison with the EF. This observation indicates a distinct change in the composition of buoyant plume water, which may be due to the formation and fallout of early formed Fe sulphide particles soon after venting.

Experimental investigation of fan-folded piezoelectric energy harvesters for powering pacemakers

PubMed Central

Ansari, M H; Karami, M Amin

2018-01-01

This paper studies the fabrication and testing of a magnet free piezoelectric energy harvester (EH) for powering biomedical devices and sensors inside the body. The design for the EH is a fan-folded structure consisting of bimorph piezoelectric beams folding on top of each other. An actual size experimental prototype is fabricated to verify the developed analytical models. The model is verified by matching the analytical results of the tip acceleration frequency response functions (FRF) and voltage FRF with the experimental results. The generated electricity is measured when the EH is excited by the heartbeat. A closed loop shaker system is utilized to reproduce the heartbeat vibrations. Achieving low fundamental natural frequency is a key factor to generate sufficient energy for pacemakers using heartbeat vibrations. It is shown that the natural frequency of the small-scale device is less than 20 Hz due to its unique fan-folded design. The experimental results show that the small-scale EH generates sufficient power for state of the art pacemakers. The 1 cm3 EH with18.4 gr tip mass generates more than16 μW of power from a normal heartbeat waveform. The robustness of the device to the heart rate is also studied by measuring the relation between the power output and the heart rate. PMID:29674807

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Prevent Cisplatin-Induced Renal Apoptosis through a p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–Regulated Mitochondrial Pathway

PubMed Central

Liu, Yingmei; Lu, Xiaodan; Nguyen, Sinh; Olson, Jean L.; Webb, Heather K.

2013-01-01

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) catalyzes the conversion of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids into less active eicosanoids, and inhibitors of sEH have anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. Based on previous observations that sEH inhibition attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating nuclear factor-κB signaling, we hypothesized that this strategy would also attenuate cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis. Inhibition of sEH with AR9273 [1-adamantan-1-yl-3-(1-methylsulfonyl-piperidin-4-yl-urea)] reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis through mechanisms involving mitochondrial apoptotic pathways and by reducing reactive oxygen species. Renal mitochondrial Bax induction following cisplatin treatment was significantly decreased by treatment of mice with AR9273 and these antiapoptotic effects involved p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Similar mechanisms contributed to reduced apoptosis in Ephx2−/− mice treated with cisplatin. Moreover, in pig kidney proximal tubule cells, cisplatin-induced mitochondrial trafficking of Bax and cytochrome c, caspase-3 activation, and oxidative stress are significantly attenuated in the presence of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Collectively, these in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate a role for EETs in limiting cisplatin-induced renal apoptosis. Inhibition of sEH represents a novel therapeutic strategy for protection against cisplatin-induced renal damage. PMID:24092818

Is muscle energy production disturbed in exertional heat stroke?

PubMed

Sagui, Emmanuel; Abriat, Amandine; Kozak-Ribbens, Geneviève; Foutrier-Morello, Catherine; Bernard, Monique; Canini, Frédéric; Brosset, Christian; Bendahan, David

2014-03-01

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a life-threatening disease that shares some clinical similarities with malignant hyperthermia (MH). By use of (31)Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), EHS patients with MH susceptibility and MH patients shared common metabolic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine whether subjects who suffered from an EHS episode had disturbed muscle energetics. This retrospective study was performed within the French database of military subjects that were explored from 2004 to 2010 after they suffered an EHS. All subjects had both in vitro contracture test to determine their MH susceptibility and (31)Phosphorus MRS at 4.7 Tesla to assess muscle energetics by means of MRS score, a composite score corresponding to the sum of metabolic abnormalities recorded during a standardized rest-exercise-recovery protocol. 437 subjects were investigated and 32.5% of them exhibited abnormal MRS score. MRS score did not segregate subjects on demographic, clinical, or biological grounds. No clear correlation could be done between MH status and MRS score. These results did not confirm the potential relationship between calcium homeostasis and muscle energetics previously reported. However, muscle energy production was disturbed in a significant number of EHS subjects. Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Positive and negative early life experiences differentially modulate long term survival and amyloid protein levels in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Lesuis, Sylvie L; Maurin, Herve; Borghgraef, Peter; Lucassen, Paul J; Van Leuven, Fred; Krugers, Harm J

2016-06-28

Stress has been implicated as a risk factor for the severity and progression of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early life experiences determine stress responsivity in later life, and modulate age-dependent cognitive decline. Therefore, we examined whether early life experiences influence AD outcome in a bigenic mouse model which progressively develops combined tau and amyloid pathology (biAT mice).Mice were subjected to either early life stress (ELS) or to 'positive' early handling (EH) postnatally (from day 2 to 9). In biAT mice, ELS significantly compromised long term survival, in contrast to EH which increased life expectancy. In 4 month old mice, ELS-reared biAT mice displayed increased hippocampal Aβ levels, while these levels were reduced in EH-reared biAT mice. No effects of ELS or EH were observed on the brain levels of APP, protein tau, or PSD-95. Dendritic morphology was moderately affected after ELS and EH in the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, while object recognition memory and open field performance were not affected. We conclude that despite the strong transgenic background, early life experiences significantly modulate the life expectancy of biAT mice. Parallel changes in hippocampal Aβ levels were evident, without affecting cognition of young adult biAT mice.

Variation in plant defense against invasive herbivores: evidence for a hypersensitive response in eastern hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis).

PubMed

Radville, Laura; Chaves, Arielle; Preisser, Evan L

2011-06-01

Herbivores can trigger a wide array of morphological and chemical changes in their host plants. Feeding by some insects induces a defensive hypersensitive response, a defense mechanism consisting of elevated H(2)O(2) levels and tissue death at the site of herbivore feeding. The invasive hemlock woolly adelgid Adelges tsugae ('HWA') and elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa ('EHS') feed on eastern hemlocks; although both are sessile sap feeders, HWA causes more damage than EHS. The rapid rate of tree death following HWA infestation has led to the suggestion that feeding induces a hypersensitive response in hemlock trees. We assessed the potential for an herbivore-induced hypersensitive response in eastern hemlocks by measuring H(2)O(2) levels in foliage from HWA-infested, EHS-infested, and uninfested trees. Needles with settled HWA or EHS had higher H(2)O(2) levels than control needles, suggesting a localized hypersensitive plant response. Needles with no direct contact to settled HWA also had high H(2)O(2) levels, suggesting that HWA infestation may induce a systemic defense response in eastern hemlocks. There was no similar systemic defensive response in the EHS treatment. Our results showed that two herbivores in the same feeding guild had dramatically different outcomes on the health of their shared host.

Occurrence of urea-based soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from the plants in the order Brassicales

PubMed Central

Kitamura, Seiya; Morisseau, Christophe; Harris, Todd R.; Inceoglu, Bora

2017-01-01

Recently, dibenzylurea-based potent soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors were identified in Pentadiplandra brazzeana, a plant in the order Brassicales. In an effort to generalize the concept, we hypothesized that plants that produce benzyl glucosinolates and corresponding isothiocyanates also produce these dibenzylurea derivatives. Our overall aim here was to examine the occurrence of urea derivatives in Brassicales, hoping to find biologically active urea derivatives from plants. First, plants in the order Brassicales were analyzed for the presence of 1, 3-dibenzylurea (compound 1), showing that three additional plants in the order Brassicales produce the urea derivatives. Based on the hypothesis, three dibenzylurea derivatives with sEH inhibitory activity were isolated from maca (Lepidium meyenii) roots. Topical application of one of the identified compounds (compound 3, human sEH IC50 = 222 nM) effectively reduced pain in rat inflammatory pain model, and this compound was bioavailable after oral administration in mice. The biosynthetic pathway of these urea derivatives was investigated using papaya (Carica papaya) seed as a model system. Finally, a small collection of plants from the Brassicales order was grown, collected, extracted and screened for sEH inhibitory activity. Results show that several plants of the Brassicales order could be potential sources of urea-based sEH inhibitors. PMID:28472063

Evaluation of Brown Midrib Sorghum Mutants as a Potential Biomass Feedstock for 2,3-Butanediol Biosynthesis.

PubMed

Guragain, Yadhu N; Srinivasa Rao, P; Vara Prasad, P V; Vadlani, Praveen V

2017-11-01

Three sorghum backgrounds [Atlas, Early Hegari (EH), and Kansas Collier (KC)] and two bmr mutants (bmr6 and bmr12) of each line were evaluated and compared for grain and biomass yield, biomass composition, and 2,3-butanediol production from biomass. The data showed that the bmr6 mutation in EH background led to a significant decrease in stover yield and increase in grain yield, whereas the stover yield was increased by 64% without affecting grain yield in KC background. The bmr mutants had 10 to 25% and 2 to 9% less lignin and structural carbohydrate contents, respectively, and 24 to 93% more non-structural sugars than their parents in all sorghum lines, except EH bmr12. The total fermentable sugars released were 22 to 36% more in bmr mutants than in parents for Atlas and KC, but not for EH. The bmr6 mutation in KC background produced the most promising feedstock, among the evaluated bmr mutants, for 2,3-butanediol production without affecting grain yield, followed by KC bmr12 and Atlas bmr6, but the bmr mutation had an adverse effect in EH background. This indicated that the genetic background of the parent line and type of bmr mutation significantly affect the biomass quality as a feedstock for biochemical production.

Experimental investigation of fan-folded piezoelectric energy harvesters for powering pacemakers.

PubMed

Ansari, M H; Karami, M Amin

2017-06-01

This paper studies the fabrication and testing of a magnet free piezoelectric energy harvester (EH) for powering biomedical devices and sensors inside the body. The design for the EH is a fan-folded structure consisting of bimorph piezoelectric beams folding on top of each other. An actual size experimental prototype is fabricated to verify the developed analytical models. The model is verified by matching the analytical results of the tip acceleration frequency response functions (FRF) and voltage FRF with the experimental results. The generated electricity is measured when the EH is excited by the heartbeat. A closed loop shaker system is utilized to reproduce the heartbeat vibrations. Achieving low fundamental natural frequency is a key factor to generate sufficient energy for pacemakers using heartbeat vibrations. It is shown that the natural frequency of the small-scale device is less than 20 Hz due to its unique fan-folded design. The experimental results show that the small-scale EH generates sufficient power for state of the art pacemakers. The 1 cm 3 EH with18.4 gr tip mass generates more than16 μ W of power from a normal heartbeat waveform. The robustness of the device to the heart rate is also studied by measuring the relation between the power output and the heart rate.

Infection of phytoplankton by aerosolized marine viruses

PubMed Central

Sharoni, Shlomit; Trainic, Miri; Schatz, Daniella; Lehahn, Yoav; Flores, Michel J.; Bidle, Kay D.; Ben-Dor, Shifra; Rudich, Yinon; Vardi, Assaf

2015-01-01

Marine viruses constitute a major ecological and evolutionary driving force in the marine ecosystems. However, their dispersal mechanisms remain underexplored. Here we follow the dynamics of Emiliania huxleyi viruses (EhV) that infect the ubiquitous, bloom-forming phytoplankton E. huxleyi and show that EhV are emitted to the atmosphere as primary marine aerosols. Using a laboratory-based setup, we showed that the dynamic of EhV aerial emission is strongly coupled to the host–virus dynamic in the culture media. In addition, we recovered EhV DNA from atmospheric samples collected over an E. huxleyi bloom in the North Atlantic, providing evidence for aerosolization of marine viruses in their natural environment. Decay rate analysis in the laboratory revealed that aerosolized viruses can remain infective under meteorological conditions prevailing during E. huxleyi blooms in the ocean, allowing potential dispersal and infectivity over hundreds of kilometers. Based on the combined laboratory and in situ findings, we propose that atmospheric transport of EhV is an effective transmission mechanism for spreading viral infection over large areas in the ocean. This transmission mechanism may also have an important ecological impact on the large-scale host–virus “arms race” during bloom succession and consequently the turnover of carbon in the ocean. PMID:25964340

Estimation of human percutaneous bioavailability for two novel brominated flame retardants, 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP).

PubMed

Knudsen, Gabriel A; Hughes, Michael F; Sanders, J Michael; Hall, Samantha M; Birnbaum, Linda S

2016-11-15

2-Ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) are novel brominated flame retardants used in consumer products. A parallelogram approach was used to predict human dermal absorption and flux for EH-TBB and BEH-TEBP. [ 14 C]-EH-TBB or [ 14 C]-BEH-TEBP was applied to human or rat skin at 100nmol/cm 2 using a flow-through system. Intact rats received analogous dermal doses. Treated skin was washed and tape-stripped to remove "unabsorbed" [ 14 C]-radioactivity after continuous exposure (24h). "Absorbed" was quantified using dermally retained [ 14 C]-radioactivity; "penetrated" was calculated based on [ 14 C]-radioactivity in media (in vitro) or excreta+tissues (in vivo). Human skin absorbed EH-TBB (24±1%) while 0.2±0.1% penetrated skin. Rat skin absorbed more (51±10%) and was more permeable (2±0.5%) to EH-TBB in vitro; maximal EH-TBB flux was 11±7 and 102±24pmol-eq/cm 2 /h for human and rat skin, respectively. In vivo, 27±5% was absorbed and 13% reached systemic circulation after 24h (maximum flux was 464±65pmol-eq/cm 2 /h). BEH-TEBP in vitro penetrance was minimal (<0.01%) for rat or human skin. BEH-TEBP absorption was 12±11% for human skin and 41±3% for rat skin. In vivo, total absorption was 27±9%; 1.2% reached systemic circulation. In vitro maximal BEH-TEBP flux was 0.3±0.2 and 1±0.3pmol-eq/cm 2 /h for human and rat skin; in vivo maximum flux for rat skin was 16±7pmol-eq/cm 2 /h. EH-TBB was metabolized in rat and human skin to tetrabromobenzoic acid. BEH-TEBP-derived [ 14 C]-radioactivity in the perfusion media could not be characterized. <1% of the dose of EH-TBB and BEH-TEHP is estimated to reach the systemic circulation following human dermal exposure under the conditions tested. 2-Ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (PubChem CID: 71316600; CAS No. 183658-27-7 FW: 549.92g/mol logP est : 7.73-8.75 (12)) Abdallah et al., 2015a. Other published abbreviations for 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate are TBB EHTeBB or EHTBB Abdallah and Harrad, 2011. bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (PubChem CID: 117291; CAS No. 26040-51-7 FW: 706.14g/mol logP est : 9.48-11.95 (12)). Other published abbreviations for bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate are TeBrDEPH TBPH or BEHTBP. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Inhibition of Glutathione Biosynthesis Alters Compartmental Redox Status and the Thiol Proteome in Organogenesis-Stage Rat Conceptuses

PubMed Central

Harris, Craig; Shuster, Daniel Z.; Gomez, Rosaicela Roman; Sant, Karilyn E.; Reed, Matthew S.; Pohl, Jan; Hansen, Jason M.

2013-01-01

Developmental signals that control growth and differentiation are regulated by environmental factors that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alter steady state redox environments in tissues and fluids. Protein thiols are selectively oxidized and reduced in distinct spatial and temporal patterns in conjunction with changes in glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) and cysteine/cystine (Cys/CySS) redox potentials (E0) to regulate developmental signaling. The purpose of this study was to measure compartment specific thiol redox status in cultured organogenesis-stage rat conceptuses and to evaluate the impact of thiol oxidation on the redox proteome. The visceral yolk sac (VYS) has the highest initial (0 hr) total intracellular GSH (GSH + 2GSSG) concentrations (5.5 mM) and the lowest Eh (−223 mV) as determined by HPLC analysis. Total embryo (EMB) GSH concentrations ranged lower (3.2 mM) and were only slightly more oxidized than the VYS. Total GSH concentrations in yolk sac fluid (YSF) and amniotic fluid (AF) are >500-fold lower than in tissues and are highly oxidized (YSF Eh = −121 mV and AF Eh = −49 mV). Steady state total Cys concentrations (Cys + 2CySS) were significantly lower than GSH in tissues but were otherwise equal in VYS and EMB near 0.5 mM. On gestational day 11, total GSH and Cys concentrations in EMB and VYS increase significantly over the 6 hr time course while Eh remains relatively constant. The Eh (GSH/GSSG) in YSF and AF become more reduced over time while Eh (Cys/CySS) become more oxidized. Addition of L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BS0) to selectively inhibit GSH synthesis and mimic the effects of some GSH-depleting environmental chemicals, significantly decreased VYS and EMB GSH and cys concentrations and increased Eh over the 6 hr exposure period, showing a greater overall oxidation. In the YSF, BSO caused a significant increase in total Cys concentrations to 1.7 mM but did not significantly change the Eh for Cys/CySS. A significant net oxidation was seen in the BSO-treated AF compartment after 6 hr. Biotinylated iodoacetamide (BIAM) labeling of proteins revealed the significant thiol-oxidation of many EMB proteins following BSO treatment. Quantitative changes in the thiol proteome, associated with developmentally-relevant pathways, were detected using isotope coded affinity tag (ICAT) labeling and mass spectroscopy. Adaptive pathways were selectively enriched with increased concentrations of proteins involved in mRNA processing (splicesome) and mRNA stabilization (glycolysis, GAPDH), as well as, protein synthesis (aminoacyl-tRNA) and protein folding (antigen processing, Hsp70, protein disulfide isomerase). These results show the ability of chemical and environmental modulators to selectively alter compartmental intracellular and extracellular GSH and Cys concentrations and change their corresponding Eh within the intact viable conceptus. The altered Eh were also of sufficient magnitude to alter the redox proteome and change relative protein concentrations suggesting that the mechanistic links through which environmental factors inform and regulate developmental signaling pathways may be discovered using systems developmental biology techniques. PMID:23736079

Environment, Health, and Safety - Construction Subcontractors Documents |

Science.gov Websites

NREL Environment, Health, and Safety - Construction Subcontractors Documents Environment , Health, and Safety - Construction Subcontractors Documents The purpose of this page is to ensure NREL Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements are understood by construction subcontractors and

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer November 1936 ...

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

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer November 1936 GRANDMOTHER OF FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (ROSS) BORN HERE IN 1730 died and buried here in 1800 - Belvoir, Generals Highway (State Route 178), Round Bay, Anne Arundel County, MD

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer December 1936 ...

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

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer December 1936 OLDEST FRAME HOUSE OF WORSHIP IN MARYLAND. LORD AND LADY BALTIMORE ATTENDED SERVICE HERE IN 1700 WHEN WM. PENN PREACHED. - Quaker Meetinghouse, Washington Street, Easton, Talbot County, MD

Adequate and anticipatory research on the potential hazards of emerging technologies: a case of myopia and inertia?

PubMed

Hansen, Steffen Foss; Gee, David

2014-09-01

History confirms that while technological innovations can bring many benefits, they can also cause much human suffering, environmental degradation and economic costs. But are we repeating history with new and emerging chemical and technological products? In preparation for volume 2 of 'Late Lessons from Early Warnings' (European Environment Agency, 2013), two analyses were carried out to help answer this question. A bibliometric analysis of research articles in 78 environmental, health and safety (EHS) journals revealed that most focused on well-known rather than on newly emerging chemicals. We suggest that this 'scientific inertia' is due to the scientific requirement for high levels of proof via well replicated studies; the need to publish quickly; the use of existing intellectual and technological resources; and the conservative approach of many reviewers and research funders. The second analysis found that since 1996 the funding of EHS research represented just 0.6% of the overall funding of research and technological development (RTD). Compared with RTD funding, EHS research funding for information and communication technologies, nanotechnology and biotechnology was 0.09%, 2.3% and 4% of total research, respectively. The low EHS research ratio seems to be an unintended consequence of disparate funding decisions; technological optimism; a priori assertions of safety; collective hubris; and myopia. In light of the history of past technological risks, where EHS research was too little and too late, we suggest that it would be prudent to devote some 5-15% of RTD on EHS research to anticipate and minimise potential hazards while maximising the commercial longevity of emerging technologies. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Pityriasis Rosea, Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome, Asymmetric Periflexural Exanthem, Papular-Purpuric Gloves and Socks Syndrome, Eruptive Pseudoangiomatosis, and Eruptive Hypomelanosis: Do Their Epidemiological Data Substantiate Infectious Etiologies?

PubMed Central

Zawar, Vijay; Sciallis, Gabriel F.; Kempf, Werner; Lee, Albert

2016-01-01

Many clinical and laboratory-based studies have been reported for skin rashes which may be due to viral infections, namely pityriasis rosea (PR), Gianotti-Crosti syndrome (GCS), asymmetric periflexural exanthem/unilateral laterothoracic exanthem (APE/ULE), papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS), and eruptive pseudo-angiomatosis (EP). Eruptive hypomelanosis (EH) is a newly discovered paraviral rash. Novel tools are now available to investigate the epidemiology of these rashes. To retrieve epidemiological data of these exanthema and analyze whether such substantiates or refutes infectious etiologies. We searched for articles published over the last 60 years and indexed by PubMed database. We then analyzed them for universality, demography, concurrent patients, temporal and spatial-temporal clustering, mini-epidemics, epidemics, and other clinical and geographical associations. Based on our criteria, we selected 55, 60, 29, 36, 20, and 4 articles for PR, GCS, APE/ULE, PPGSS, EP, and EH respectively. Universality or multiple-continental reports are found for all exanthema except EH. The ages of patients are compatible with infectious causes for PR, GCS, APE/ULE, and EH. Concurrent patients are reported for all. Significant patient clustering is demonstrated for PR and GCS. Mini-epidemics and epidemics have been reported for GCS, EP, and EH. The current epidemiological data supports, to a moderate extent, that PR, GCS, and APE could be caused by infectious agents. Support for PPGSS is marginal. Epidemiological evidences for infectious origins for EP and EH are inadequate. There might be growing epidemiological evidence to substantiate or to refute our findings in the future. PMID:27103975

Transesterification reaction for synthesis of palm-based ethylhexyl ester and formulation as base oil for synthetic drilling fluid.

PubMed

Abdul Habib, Nor Saiful Hafiz; Yunus, Robiah; Rashid, Umer; Taufiq-Yap, Yun H; Abidin, Zurina Zainal; Syam, Azhari Muhammad; Irawan, Sonny

2014-01-01

The use of vegetable oil-based ester as a base fluid in synthetic drilling fluid has become a trend in drilling operations due to its environmental advantages. The transesterification reaction of palm oil methyl ester (POME) with 2-ethylhexanol (2EH) produced 98% of palm oil-based ethylhexyl ester in less than 30 minutes. Since the transesterification reaction of POME with 2EH is a reversible reaction, its kinetics was studied in the presence of excess EH and under vacuum. The POME-to-EH molar ratio and vacuum pressure were held constant at 1:2 and 1.5 mbar respectively and the effects of temperature (70 to 110°C) were investigated. Using excess of EH and continual withdrawal of methanol via vacuum promoted the reaction to complete in less than 10 minutes. The rate constant of the reaction (k) obtained from the kinetics study was in the range of 0.44 to 0.66 s⁻¹ and the activation energy was 15.6 kJ.mol⁻¹. The preliminary investigations on the lubrication properties of drilling mud formulated with palm oil-based 2EH ester indicated that the base oil has a great potential to substitute the synthetic ester-based oil for drilling fluid. Its high kinematic viscosity provides better lubrication to the drilling fluid compared to other ester-based oils. The pour point (-15°C) and flash point (204°C) values are superior for the drilling fluid formulation. The plastic viscosity, HPHT filtrate loss and emulsion stability of the drilling fluid had given acceptable values, while gel strength and yield point could be improved by blending it with proper additives.

Charge effects in the selection of NPF motifs by the EH domain of EHD1.

PubMed

Henry, Gillian D; Corrigan, Daniel J; Dineen, Joseph V; Baleja, James D

2010-04-27

The Eps15 homology (EH) domain is found in proteins associated with endocytosis and vesicle trafficking. EH domains bind to their target proteins through an asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) motif. We have measured the interaction energetics of the EH domain from EHD1 with peptides derived from two of its binding partners: Rabenosyn-5 (Ac-GPSLNPFDEED-NH(2)) and Rab11-Fip2 (Ac-YESTNPFTAK-NH(2)). Heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) spectroscopy shows that both peptides bind in the canonical binding pocket of EHD1 EH and induce identical structural changes, yet the affinity of the negatively charged Ac-GPSLNPFDEED-NH(2) (K(a) = 8 x 10(5) M(-1)) is tighter by 2 orders of magnitude. The thermodynamic profiles (DeltaG, DeltaH, DeltaS) were measured for both peptides as a function of temperature. The enthalpies of binding are essentially identical, and the difference in affinity is a consequence of the difference in entropic cost. Ac-GPSLNPFDEED-NH(2) binding is salt-dependent, demonstrating an electrostatic component to the interaction, whereas Ac-YESTNPFTAK-NH(2) binding is independent of salt. Successive replacement of acidic residues in Ac-GPSLNPFDEED-NH(2) with neutral residues showed that all are important. Lysine side chains in EHD1 EH create a region of strong positive surface potential near the NPF binding pocket. Contributions by lysine epsilon-amino groups to complex formation with Ac-GPSLNPFDEED-NH(2) was shown using direct-observe (15)N NMR spectroscopy. These experiments have enabled us to define a new extended interaction motif for EHD proteins, N-P-F-[DE]-[DE]-[DE], which we have used to predict new interaction partners and hence broaden the range of cellular activities involving the EHD proteins.

Association of mitofusin 2 methylation and essential hypertension: a case-control study in a Chinese population.

PubMed

Jin, Fei; Li, Xiao; Wang, Zuoguang; Liu, Ya; Liu, Jielin; Sun, Dongdong; Jin, Yongxin; Wang, Shiqi; Wen, Shaojun; Wei, Yongxiang

2018-06-07

Mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), a gene that negatively regulates the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is expressed at low levels in the VSMCs of hypertensive patients. DNA methylation can inhibit gene expression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Mfn2 methylation and essential hypertension (EH). After bioinformatics analysis, five EH patients and five normal control (NC) subjects were selected for methylation chip screening. Then, bisulfite DNA sequencing was used to analyze the methylation status of differentially methylated fragments of Mfn2 in 40 EH patients and 36 NC subjects. Mfn2 mRNA expression in the blood was detected by RT-qPCR. There were three CpG islands in the full length Mfn2 DNA sequence and some transcription factor binding sites in these regions, including Sp1, Ap2, GATA box, NF-κB, etc. The chip screening showed that only the third CpG island had a significantly high degree of methylation. Subsequent verification experiments found that the EH group had a significantly lower C base rate of methylation than the NC group (2.5% vs. 44.44%, P < 0.0001), but a similar CpG methylation rate (P > 0.05). RT-qPCR detection showed that the level of Mfn2 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the EH group than in the NC group (P = 0.013). Further association analysis showed that the level of Mfn2 methylation was associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.902, r = -0.713, respectively) but not the other indexes. The DNA methylation level of Mfn2 was significantly lower in hypertensive patients than in control subjects, which may be an independent risk factor for EH.

Tropical North Atlantic Coral-Based Sea Surface Temperature and Salinity Reconstructions From the Little Ice Age and Early Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saenger, C.; Cohen, A.; Oppo, D.; Hubbard, D.

2006-12-01

Understanding the magnitude and spatial extent of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) cooling during the Little Ice Age (~1400-1850 A.D.; LIA) is important for elucidating low-latitude paleoclimate, but present estimates are poorly constrained. We used Sr/Ca and δ18O variability within the aragonitic skeleton of the coral genus Montastrea to reconstruct SST and sea surface salinity (SSS) during the LIA and early Holocene (EH) in the tropical Atlantic. Four seasonally-resolved coral Sr/Ca records from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Bermuda indicate SST is highly correlated (r2 = 0.94) with modern Montastrea Sr/Ca and mean annual coral extension. A Sr/Ca -SST calibration that combines temperature and growth rate effects on coral Sr/Ca was applied to fossil St. Croix corals to reconstruct Caribbean climate during 5-10 year intervals of the LIA (440 ± 30 yBP) and EH (7200 ± 30; EH). Contrary to previous coral-based LIA proxy reconstructions, we find mean SST during the LIA was similar to today, but approximately 1.2°C cooler during the EH. Both periods exhibited higher amplitude seasonal variability indicating other SST estimates may be seasonally biased. Based on residual coral δ18O, we find the LIA and EH were saltier, which suggests previous cooling estimates of 1-3°C relative to today may be exaggerated by changes in seawater δ18O. Our results are consistent with a southerly migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) during the LIA, but their corroboration requires longer, high-resolution proxy reconstructions that place our two brief multi-annual coral records from the LIA and EH, respectively, within the context of multi-decadal variability.

Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of calcium-binding protein-2 from Entamoeba histolytica and its complexes with strontium and the IQ1 motif of myosin V

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

Gourinath, S., E-mail: sgourinath@mail.jnu.ac.in; Padhan, Narendra; Alam, Neelima

2005-04-01

Calcium-binding protein-2 (EhCaBP2) crystals were grown using MPD as a precipitant. EhCaBP2 also crystallized in complex with strontium (replacing calcium) at similar conditions. Preliminary data for EhCaBP2 crystals in complex with an IQ motif are also reported. Calcium plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of amoebiasis, a major disease caused by Entamoeba histolytica. Two domains with four canonical EF-hand-containing calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) have been identified from E. histolytica. Even though they have very high sequence similarity, these bind to different target proteins in a Ca{sup 2+}-dependent manner, leading to different functional pathways. Calcium-binding protein-2 (EhCaBP2) crystals were grown usingmore » MPD as a precipitant. The crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 111.74, b = 68.83, c = 113.25 Å, β = 116.7°. EhCaBP2 also crystallized in complex with strontium (replacing calcium) at similar conditions. The crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 69.18, b = 112.03, c = 93.42 Å, β = 92.8°. Preliminary data for EhCaBP2 crystals in complex with an IQ motif are also reported. This complex was crystallized with MPD and ethanol as precipitating agents. These crystals belong to space group P2{sub 1}, with unit-cell parameters a = 60.5, b = 69.86, c = 86.5 Å, β = 97.9°.« less

Cardiac Organ Damage and Arterial Stiffness in Autonomic Failure: Comparison With Essential Hypertension.

PubMed

Milazzo, Valeria; Maule, Simona; Di Stefano, Cristina; Tosello, Francesco; Totaro, Silvia; Veglio, Franco; Milan, Alberto

2015-12-01

Autonomic failure (AF) is characterized by orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, and increased blood pressure (BP) variability. AF patients develop cardiac organ damage, similarly to essential hypertension (EH), and have higher arterial stiffness than healthy controls. Determinants of cardiovascular organ damage in AF are not well known: both BP variability and mean BP values may be involved. The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiac organ damage, arterial stiffness, and central hemodynamics in AF, compared with EH subjects with similar 24-hour BP and a group of healthy controls, and to evaluate determinants of target organ damage in patients with AF. Twenty-seven patients with primary AF were studied (mean age, 65.7±11.2 years) using transthoracic echocardiography, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, central hemodynamics, and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. They were compared with 27 EH subjects matched for age, sex, and 24-hour mean BP and with 27 healthy controls. AF and EH had similar left ventricular mass (101.6±33.3 versus 97.7±28.1 g/m(2), P=0.59) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (9.3±1.8 versus 9.2±3.0 m/s, P=0.93); both parameters were significantly lower in healthy controls (P<0.01). Compared with EH, AF patients had higher augmentation index (31.0±7.6% versus 26.1±9.2%, P=0.04) and central BP values. Nighttime systolic BP and 24-hour systolic BP predicted organ damage, independent of BP variability. AF patients develop hypertensive heart disease and increased arterial stiffness, similar to EH with comparable mean BP values. Twenty-four-hour and nighttime systolic BP were determinants of cardiovascular damage, independent of BP variability. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Adequate and anticipatory research on the potential hazards of emerging technologies: a case of myopia and inertia?

PubMed Central

Hansen, Steffen Foss; Gee, David

2014-01-01

History confirms that while technological innovations can bring many benefits, they can also cause much human suffering, environmental degradation and economic costs. But are we repeating history with new and emerging chemical and technological products? In preparation for volume 2 of ‘Late Lessons from Early Warnings’ (European Environment Agency, 2013), two analyses were carried out to help answer this question. A bibliometric analysis of research articles in 78 environmental, health and safety (EHS) journals revealed that most focused on well-known rather than on newly emerging chemicals. We suggest that this ‘scientific inertia’ is due to the scientific requirement for high levels of proof via well replicated studies; the need to publish quickly; the use of existing intellectual and technological resources; and the conservative approach of many reviewers and research funders. The second analysis found that since 1996 the funding of EHS research represented just 0.6% of the overall funding of research and technological development (RTD). Compared with RTD funding, EHS research funding for information and communication technologies, nanotechnology and biotechnology was 0.09%, 2.3% and 4% of total research, respectively. The low EHS research ratio seems to be an unintended consequence of disparate funding decisions; technological optimism; a priori assertions of safety; collective hubris; and myopia. In light of the history of past technological risks, where EHS research was too little and too late, we suggest that it would be prudent to devote some 5–15% of RTD on EHS research to anticipate and minimise potential hazards while maximising the commercial longevity of emerging technologies. PMID:24913017

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer July 1936 ...

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

2. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer July 1936 SPRING HOUSE-NOW IN THE POSSESSION AND ON THE GROUNDS OF THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART. - Robert Goodloe Harper Dairy & Springhouse, (moved to Baltimore Museum of Art ..., Baltimore, Independent City, MD

Classroom Behavior Patterns of EMH, LD, and EH Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKinney, James D.; Forman, Susan G.

1982-01-01

Investigated whether classroom teachers could differentiate among educable mentally handicapped (EMH), learning disabled (LD), and emotionally handicapped (EH) students based on perceptions of classroom behavior patterns. Ratings from classroom behavior inventory scales revealed that EMH students were distinguished by low intelligence, creativity,…

The LINEs and SINEs of Entamoeba histolytica: comparative analysis and genomic distribution.

PubMed

Bakre, Abhijeet A; Rawal, Kamal; Ramaswamy, Ram; Bhattacharya, Alok; Bhattacharya, Sudha

2005-07-01

Autonomous non-long terminal repeat retrotransposons are commonly referred to as long interspersed elements (LINEs). Short non-autonomous elements that borrow the LINE machinery are called SINES. The Entamoeba histolytica genome contains three classes of LINEs and SINEs. Together the EhLINEs/SINEs account for about 6% of the genome. The recognizable functional domains in all three EhLINEs included reverse transcriptase and endonuclease. A novel feature was the presence of two types of members-some with a single long ORF (less frequent) and some with two ORFs (more frequent) in both EhLINE1 and 2. The two ORFs were generated by conserved changes leading to stop codon. Computational analysis of the immediate flanking sequences for each element showed that they inserted in AT-rich sequences, with a preponderance of Ts in the upstream site. The elements were very frequently located close to protein-coding genes and other EhLINEs/SINEs. The possible influence of these elements on expression of neighboring genes needs to be determined.

Characteristics of systemic hypertension in preterm children.

PubMed

Shah, Ankur B; Hashmi, S Sharukh; Sahulee, Raj; Pannu, Hariyadarshi; Gupta-Malhotra, Monesha

2015-05-01

The prevalence of essential hypertension (EH) among preterm children is unknown. The authors evaluated consecutive children with a diagnosis of hypertension and prematurity (gestational age <37 weeks) in a tertiary pediatric hypertension clinic and identified 36 preterm hypertensive children. Among these preterm children, 23 were diagnosed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU; infantile) and 13 were diagnosed at an older age (childhood). When compared with patients with a childhood diagnosis, patients with an infantile diagnosis had a significantly lower gestational age, longer duration of hospitalization in the NICU, and a higher incidence of perinatal risk factors for hypertension. None with infantile diagnosis had EH, whereas 46% with childhood diagnosis had EH. Among premature children, systemic hypertension was either diagnosed in infancy or in childhood, with each age at diagnosis having unique risk factors and clinical course. Although 83% of preterm children had secondary hypertension, EH was diagnosed in 17% and was only seen in those diagnosed beyond infancy. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Pharmacological inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase ameliorates diet-induced metabolic syndrome in rats.

PubMed

Iyer, Abishek; Kauter, Kathleen; Alam, Md Ashraful; Hwang, Sung Hee; Morisseau, Christophe; Hammock, Bruce D; Brown, Lindsay

2012-01-01

The signs of metabolic syndrome following chronic excessive macronutrient intake include body weight gain, excess visceral adipose deposition, hyperglycaemia, glucose and insulin intolerances, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, endothelial damage, cardiovascular hypertrophy, inflammation, ventricular contractile dysfunction, fibrosis, and fatty liver disease. Recent studies show increased activity of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) during obesity and metabolic dysfunction. We have tested whether sEH inhibition has therapeutic potential in a rat model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome. In these high-carbohydrate, high-fat-fed rats, chronic oral treatment with trans-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-ylureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (t-AUCB), a potent sEH inhibitor, alleviated the signs of metabolic syndrome in vivo including glucose, insulin, and lipid abnormalities, changes in pancreatic structure, increased systolic blood pressure, cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities, and structural and functional changes in the liver. The present study describes the pharmacological responses to this selective sEH inhibitor in rats with the signs of diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

An Integrated Study on the Evolution of Inclusions in EH36 Shipbuilding Steel with Mg Addition: From Casting to Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Xiaodong; Zhao, Dapeng; Sun, Jincheng; Wang, Cong; Matsuura, Hiroyuki

2018-04-01

Inclusion evolution behaviors, in terms of composition, size, and number density, and associated influence on the microstructures of the as-cast slabs, rolled plates, and simulated welded samples of plain EH36 and EH36-Mg shipbuilding steels have been systematically investigated. The results indicate that the inclusions in the as-cast plain EH36 are almost Al-Ca-S-O-(Mn) complex oxides with sizes ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 μm. After Mg addition, a large amount of individually fine MnS precipitates and Mg-containing Ti-Al-Mg-O-(Mn-S) complex inclusions are generated, which significantly refine the microstructure and are conducive to the nucleation of acicular ferrite in the rolled and welded sample. Moreover, after rolling and welding thermal simulation, the number of individual MnS decreases gradually due to its precipitation on the surface of Ti-Al-Mg-O oxides.

Characterization of an epoxide hydrolase from the Florida red tide dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis.

PubMed

Sun, Pengfei; Leeson, Cristian; Zhi, Xiaoduo; Leng, Fenfei; Pierce, Richard H; Henry, Michael S; Rein, Kathleen S

2016-02-01

Epoxide hydrolases (EH, EC 3.3.2.3) have been proposed to be key enzymes in the biosynthesis of polyether (PE) ladder compounds such as the brevetoxins which are produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. These enzymes have the potential to catalyze kinetically disfavored endo-tet cyclization reactions. Data mining of K. brevis transcriptome libraries revealed two classes of epoxide hydrolases: microsomal and leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolases. A microsomal EH was cloned and expressed for characterization. The enzyme is a monomeric protein with molecular weight 44kDa. Kinetic parameters were evaluated using a variety of epoxide substrates to assess substrate selectivity and enantioselectivity, as well as its potential to catalyze the critical endo-tet cyclization of epoxy alcohols. Monitoring of EH activity in high and low toxin producing cultures of K. brevis over a three week period showed consistently higher activity in the high toxin producing culture implicating the involvement of one or more EH in brevetoxin biosynthesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparison Between Actual Parts Usage and Parts Usage Projected in Allowance Parts Lists for Forklift Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

CM ^ 7 w 3m Eh E-" S Q CM ^O S >AW CM Q O O GQ O Eh UN OS on< Ph Eh go a: H HH...UNCO CM O O CM O O rH O-CO CM {>-NO <H ONCO-3" CM COcM O- UN rH H rH rH CM ** •• •* r 7 ) Eh O -faX W c/2s-sx<-Sr~^>MEHCO<C £xl <Z fa O S fa s fa s •• rH...4i J>VU v> \\f <u -Q X Pi rxcvi CM fM»M (Moi IMIM OJ !M(V P4 PM m 10 Z IP — up up •• CP • UP< 7 » •* WU« •• U»V> •• w» •• y»y% •• u» •• l/« ••

Effect of oxidoreduction potential on aroma biosynthesis by lactic acid bacteria in nonfat yogurt.

PubMed

Martin, F; Cachon, R; Pernin, K; De Coninck, J; Gervais, P; Guichard, E; Cayot, N

2011-02-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oxidoreduction potential (Eh) on the biosynthesis of aroma compounds by lactic acid bacteria in non-fat yogurt. The study was done with yogurts fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. The Eh was modified by the application of different gaseous conditions (air, nitrogen, and nitrogen/hydrogen). Acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulfide, diacetyl, and pentane-2,3-dione, as the major endogenous odorant compounds of yogurt, were chosen as tracers for the biosynthesis of aroma compounds by lactic acid bacteria. Oxidative conditions favored the production of acetaldehyde, dimethyl sulfide, and diketones (diacetyl and pentane-2,3-dione). The Eh of the medium influences aroma production in yogurt by modifying the metabolic pathways of Lb. bulgaricus and Strep. thermophilus. The use of Eh as a control parameter during yogurt production could permit the control of aroma formation. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Silicon nanowires: electron holography studies of doped p-n junctions and biased Schottky barriers.

PubMed

He, Kai; Cho, Jeong-Hyun; Jung, Yeonwoong; Picraux, S Tom; Cumings, John

2013-03-22

We report an in situ examination of individual Si p-n junction nanowires (NWs) using off-axis electron holography (EH) during transmission electron microscopy. The SiNWs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition with an axial dopant profile from n- to p-type, and then placed inside the transmission electron microscope as a cantilever geometry in contact with a movable Pt probe for in situ biasing measurements during simultaneous EH observations. The phase shift from EH indicates the potential shift between the p- and n-segments to be 1.03 ± 0.17 V due to the built-in voltage. The I-V characteristics of a single SiNW indicate the formation of a Schottky barrier between the NW tip and the movable Pt contact. EH observations show a strong concentration of electric field at this contact, preventing a change in the Si energy bands in the p-n junction region due to the applied bias.

Clean Water Act (excluding Section 404). Environmental guidance program reference book: Revision 6

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

Not Available

1993-01-15

This Reference Book contains a current copy of the Clean Water Act (excluding Section 404) and those regulations that implement the statutes and appear to be most relevant to US Department of Energy (DOE) activities. The document is provided to DOE and contractor staff for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal guidance. Updates that include important new requirements will be provided periodically. Questions concerning this Reference Book may be directed to Mark Petts, EH-231 (202/586-2609).

The Cost-Effectiveness of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy for HIV-Infected Individuals in Southern India: A Trial-Based Analysis

PubMed Central

Pho, Mai T.; Swaminathan, Soumya; Kumarasamy, Nagalingeswaran; Losina, Elena; Ponnuraja, C.; Uhler, Lauren M.; Scott, Callie A.; Mayer, Kenneth H.; Freedberg, Kenneth A.; Walensky, Rochelle P.

2012-01-01

Background Regimens for isoniazid-based preventive therapy (IPT) for tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-infected individuals have not been widely adopted given concerns regarding efficacy, adherence and drug resistance. Further, the cost-effectiveness of IPT has not been studied in India. Methods We used an HIV/TB model to project TB incidence, life expectancy, cost and incremental cost-effectiveness of six months of isoniazid plus ethambutol (6EH), thirty-six months of isoniazid (36H) and no IPT for HIV-infected patients in India. Model input parameters included a median CD4 count of 324 cells/mm3, and a rate ratio of developing TB of 0.35 for 6EH and 0.22 for 36H at three years as compared to no IPT. Results of 6EH and 36H were also compared to six months of isoniazid (6H), three months of isoniazid plus rifampin (3RH) and three months of isoniazid plus rifapentine (3RPTH). Results Projected TB incidence decreased in the 6EH and 36H regimens by 51% and 62% respectively at three-year follow-up compared to no IPT. Without IPT, projected life expectancy was 136.1 months at a lifetime per person cost of $5,630. 6EH increased life expectancy by 0.8 months at an additional per person cost of $100 (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $1,490/year of life saved (YLS)). 36H further increased life expectancy by 0.2 months with an additional per person cost of $55 (ICER of $3,120/YLS). The projected clinical impact of 6EH was comparable to 6H and 3RH; however when compared to these other options, 6EH was no longer cost-effective given the high cost of ethambutol. Results were sensitive to baseline CD4 count and adherence. Conclusions Three, six and thirty-six-month regimens of isoniazid-based therapy are effective in preventing TB. Three months of isoniazid plus rifampin and six-months of isoniazid are similarly cost-effective in India, and should be considered part of HIV care. PMID:22558301

C-Terminal Helical Domains of Dengue Virus Type 4 E Protein Affect the Expression/Stability of prM Protein and Conformation of prM and E Proteins

PubMed Central

Tsai, Wen-Yang; Hsieh, Szu-Chia; Lai, Chih-Yun; Lin, Hong-En; Nerurkar, Vivek R.; Wang, Wei-Kung

2012-01-01

Background The envelope (E) protein of dengue virus (DENV) is the major immunogen for dengue vaccine development. At the C-terminus are two α-helices (EH1 and EH2) and two transmembrane domains (ET1 and ET2). After synthesis, E protein forms a heterodimer with the precursor membrane (prM) protein, which has been shown as a chaperone for E protein and could prevent premature fusion of E protein during maturation. Recent reports of enhancement of DENV infectivity by anti-prM monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suggest the presence of prM protein in dengue vaccine is potentially harmful. A better understanding of prM-E interaction and its effect on recognition of E and prM proteins by different antibodies would provide important information for future design of safe and effective subunit dengue vaccines. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study, we examined a series of C-terminal truncation constructs of DENV4 prME, E and prM. In the absence of E protein, prM protein expressed poorly. In the presence of E protein, the expression of prM protein increased in a dose-dependent manner. Radioimmunoprecipitation, sucrose gradient sedimentation and pulse-chase experiments revealed ET1 and EH2 were involved in prM-E interaction and EH2 in maintaining the stability of prM protein. Dot blot assay revealed E protein affected the recognition of prM protein by an anti-prM mAb; truncation of EH2 or EH1 affected the recognition of E protein by several anti-E mAbs, which was further verified by capture ELISA. The E protein ectodomain alone can be recognized well by all anti-E mAbs tested. Conclusions/Significance A C-terminal domain (EH2) of DENV E protein can affect the expression and stability of its chaperone prM protein. These findings not only add to our understanding of the interaction between prM and E proteins, but also suggest the ectodomain of E protein alone could be a potential subunit immunogen without inducing anti-prM response. PMID:23300717

Fractionation of highly siderophile and chalcogen elements in components of EH3 chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadlag, Yogita; Becker, Harry

2015-07-01

Abundances of highly siderophile elements (HSE: Re, platinum group elements and Au), chalcogens (Te, Se and S), 187Os/188Os and the major and minor elements Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni and Co were determined in the components of Sahara 97072 (EH3, find) and Kota Kota (EH3, find) in order to understand the element fractionation processes. In a 187Re-187Os isochron diagram, most magnetic components lie close to the 4.56 Ga IIIA iron meteorite isochron, whereas most other components show deviations from the isochron caused by late redistribution of Re, presumably during terrestrial weathering. Metal- and sulfide rich magnetic fractions and metal-sulfide nodules are responsible for the higher 187Os/188Os in bulk rocks of EH chondrites compared to CI chondrites. The HSE and chalcogens are enriched in magnetic fractions relative to slightly magnetic and nonmagnetic fractions and bulk compositions, indicating that Fe-Ni metal is the main host phase of the HSE in enstatite chondrites. HSE abundance patterns indicate mixing of two components, a CI chondrite like end member and an Au-enriched end member. Because of the decoupled variations of Au from those of Pd or the chalcogens, the enrichment of Au in EH metal cannot be due to metal-sulfide-silicate partitioning processes. Metal and sulfide rich nodules may have formed by melting and reaction of pre-existing refractory element rich material with volatile rich gas. A complex condensation and evaporation history is required to account for the depletion of elements having very different volatility than Au in EH chondrites. The depletions of Te relative to HSE, Se and S in bulk EH chondrites are mainly caused by the depletion of Te in metal. S/Se and S/Mn are lower than in CI chondrites in almost all components and predominantly reflect volatility-controlled loss of sulfur. The latter most likely occurred during thermal processing of dust in the solar nebula (e.g., during chondrule formation), followed by the non-systematic loss of S during terrestrial weathering.

Micro-X-ray diffraction assessment of shock stage in enstatite chondrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izawa, Matthew R. M.; Flemming, Roberta L.; Banerjee, Neil R.; McCausland, Philip J. A.

2011-05-01

A new method for assessing the shock stage of enstatite chondrites has been developed, using in situ micro-X-ray diffraction (μXRD) to measure the full width at half maximum (FWHMχ) of peak intensity distributed along the direction of the Debye rings, or chi angle (χ), corresponding to individual lattice reflections in two-dimensional XRD patterns. This μXRD technique differs from previous XRD shock characterization methods: it does not require single crystals or powders. In situ μXRD has been applied to polished thin sections and whole-rock meteorite samples. Three frequently observed orthoenstatite reflections were measured: (020), (610), and (131); these were selected as they did not overlap with diffraction lines from other phases. Enstatite chondrites are commonly fine grained, stained or darkened by weathering, shock-induced oxidation, and metal/sulfide inclusions; furthermore, most E chondrites have little olivine or plagioclase. These characteristics inhibit transmitted-light petrography, nevertheless, shock stages have been assigned MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 02837 (EL3) S3, Pecora Escarpment (PCA) 91020 (EL3) S5, MAC 02747 (EL4) S4, Thiel Mountains (TIL) 91714 (EL5) S2, Allan Hills (ALHA) 81021 (EL6) S2, Elephant Moraine (EET) 87746 (EH3) S3, Meteorite Hills (MET) 00783 (EH4) S4, EET 96135 (EH4-5) S2, Lewis Cliff (LEW) 88180 (EH5) S2, Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94204 (EH7) S2, LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02225 (EH impact melt) S1; for the six with published shock stages, there is agreement with the published classification. FWHMχ plotted against petrographic shock stage demonstrates positive linear correlation. FWHMχ ranges corresponding to shock stages were assigned as follows: S1 < 0.7°, S2 = 0.7-1.2°, S3 = 1.2-2.3°, S4 = 2.3-3.5°, S5 > 3.5°, S6—not measured. Slabs of Abee (EH impact-melt breccia), and Northwest Africa (NWA) 2212 (EL6) were examined using μXRD alone; FWHMχ values place both in the S2 range, consistent with literature values. Micro-XRD analysis may be applicable to other shocked orthopyroxene-bearing rocks.

Association of ACE gene A2350G and I/D polymorphisms with essential hypertension in the northernmost province of China.

PubMed

Sun, Feifei; He, Ning; Zhang, Keyong; Wu, Nan; Zhao, Jingbo; Qiu, Changchun

2018-01-01

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene, as a strong candidate gene for essential hypertension(EH), has been extensively studied. In this study, we carried out a population-based case-control study to explore whether ACE gene I/D and A2350G polymorphisms could consider to be risk factors for EH. A total of 2040 subjeces were recruited from Chinese Han in this study, out of which 1010 were cases and 1030 were normotensive individuals. ACE gene A2350G and I/D polymorphisms were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and A2350G polymorphism was detected after restriction enzyme digestion with BstuI. Besides, we choosed 10% samples randomly sequencing to verify the accuracy of results. Genotype and allele frequencies distribution of I/D and A2350G in EH and control groups were significantly different. After grouped by sex or age, there were still statistical significances for two polymorphisms. In dominant and recessive model of A2350G, we found significant differences between two groups, respectively. For ACE I/D polymorphism, we observed that the existence of dramatical difference in dominant model between two groups, while in recessive model, marginally significant difference was found. Among the four haplotypes composed by ACE gene A2350G and I/D, haplotype G-D reached the statistical significance in two groups, and exhibited to be a risk factor for the development of EH, whose P < 0.001 and OR 95%CI = 1.639(1.435-1.872), while the other haplotypes were the protective factors and decreased the susceptibility to EH(P < 0.05). ACE gene A2350G and I/D polymorphisms were associated with increasing the risk of suffering from EH in the northernmost province of China individuals, with D allele and G allele individuals had a higher risk of EH(OR = 1.443, 95%CI = 1.273-1.636 and OR = 1.481, 95%CI = 1.303-1.684).

An assessment of the autonomic nervous system in the electrohypersensitive population: a heart rate variability and skin conductance study.

PubMed

Andrianome, Soafara; Gobert, Jonathan; Hugueville, Laurent; Stéphan-Blanchard, Erwan; Telliez, Frederic; Selmaoui, Brahim

2017-11-01

The aim of the study was twofold: first, to compare the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) between the population self-declared as electrohypersensitive (EHS) and their matched control individuals without intended exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). The second objective was to determine whether acute exposure to different radiofrequency signals modifies ANS activity in EHS. For that purpose, two different experiments were undertaken, in which ANS activity was assessed through heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance (SC). In the first experiment, a comparison between the EHS group ( n = 30) and the control group ( n = 25) showed that the EHS has an increased number of responses to auditory stimuli as measured by skin conductance activity, and that none of the short-term heart rate variability parameters differ between the two matched study groups. The second experiment, performed in a shielded chamber, involved 10 EHS from the first experiment. The volunteers participated in two different sessions (sham and exposure). The participants were consecutively exposed to four EMF signals (GSM 900, GSM 1800, DECT, and Wi-Fi) at environmental level (1 V/m). The experiment was double blinded and counterbalanced. The HRV variables studied did not differ between the two sessions. Concerning electrodermal activity, the data issued from skin conductance and tonic activity did not differ between the sessions, but showed a time variability. In conclusion, the HRV and SC profiles did not significantly differ between the EHS and control populations under no exposure. Exposure did not have an effect on the ANS parameters we have explored. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provided analysis on the skin conductance parameters using a newly developed method (peak/min, extraction of skin conductance responses) that had not been performed previously. Additionally, the skin conductance signal was decomposed, considering tonic and phasic activities to be a distinct compound. Moreover, this is the first time a study has been designed into two steps to understand whether the autonomic nervous system is disturbed in the EHS population. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Analysis of the genetic basis of plant height-related traits in response to ethylene by QTL mapping in maize (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

Zhang, Weiqiang; Li, Zhi; Fang, Hui; Zhang, Mingcai; Duan, Liusheng

2018-01-01

Ethylene (ET) is critical importance in the growth, development, and stress responses of plants. Plant hormonal stress responses have been extensively studied, however, the role of ET in plant growth, especially plant height (PH) remains unclear. Understanding the genetic control for PH in response to ET will provide insights into the regulation of maize development. To clarify the genetic basis of PH-related traits of maize in response to ET, we mapped QTLs for PH, ear height (EH), and internode length above the uppermost ear (ILAU) in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of Zea mays after ET treatment and in an untreated control (CK) group. Sixty QTLs for the three traits were identified. Twenty-two QTLs were simultaneously detected under both ET treatment and untreated control, and five QTLs were detected at two geographic locations under ET treatment only. Individual QTL can be explained 3.87-17.71% of the phenotypic variance. One QTL (q2PH9-1, q1PH9, q1EH9/q1ILAU9-1, q2ILAU9, and q2EH9) for the measured traits (PH, EH, ILAU) was consistent across both populations. Two QTLs (q2PH2-5, q2ILAU2-2, q1PH2-2, and q1ILAU2-2; q1PH8-1, q1EH8-1, q2PH8-1) were identified for up to two traits in both locations and populations under both ET treatment and untreated control. These consistent and stable regions are important QTLs of potential hot spots for PH, ear height (EH), and internode length above the uppermost ear (ILAU) response to ET in maize; therefore, QTL fine-mapping and putative candidate genes validation should enable the cloning of PH, EH, and ILAU related genes to ET response. These results will be valuable for further fine-mapping and quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) determination, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ET responses in maize.

Effect of redox conditions on bacterial and fungal biomass and carbon dioxide production in Louisiana coastal swamp forest sediment.

PubMed

Seo, Dong Cheol; DeLaune, Ronald D

2010-08-01

Fungal and bacterial carbon dioxide (CO2) production/emission was determined under a range of redox conditions in sediment from a Louisiana swamp forest used for wastewater treatment. Sediment was incubated in microcosms at 6 Eh levels (-200, -100, 0, +100, +250 and +400 mV) covering the anaerobic range found in wetland soil and sediment. Carbon dioxide production was determined by the substrate-induced respiration (SIR) inhibition method. Cycloheximide (C15H23NO4) was used as the fungal inhibitor and streptomycin (C21H39N7O12) as the bacterial inhibitor. Under moderately reducing conditions (Eh > +250 mV), fungi contributed more than bacteria to the CO2 production. Under highly reducing conditions (Eh < or = 0 mV), bacteria contributed more than fungi to the total CO2 production. The fungi/bacteria (F/B) ratios varied between 0.71-1.16 for microbial biomass C, and 0.54-0.94 for microbial biomass N. Under moderately reducing conditions (Eh > or = +100 mV), the F/B ratios for microbial biomass C and N were higher than that for highly reducing conditions (Eh < or = 0 mV). In moderately reducing conditions (Eh > or = +100 mV), the C/N microbial biomass ratio for fungi (C/N: 13.54-14.26) was slightly higher than for bacteria (C/N: 9.61-12.07). Under highly reducing redox conditions (Eh < or = 0 mV), the C/N microbial biomass ratio for fungi (C/N: 10.79-12.41) was higher than for bacteria (C/N: 8.21-9.14). For bacteria and fungi, the C/N microbial biomass ratios under moderately reducing conditions were higher than that in highly reducing conditions. Fungal CO2 production from swamp forest could be of greater ecological significance under moderately reducing sediment conditions contributing to the greenhouse effect (GHE) and the global warming potential (GWP). However, increases in coastal submergence associated with global sea level rise and resultant decrease in sediment redox potential from increased flooding would likely shift CO2 production to bacteria rather than fungi. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the genetic basis of plant height-related traits in response to ethylene by QTL mapping in maize (Zea mays L.)

PubMed Central

Li, Zhi; Fang, Hui; Zhang, Mingcai; Duan, Liusheng

2018-01-01

Ethylene (ET) is critical importance in the growth, development, and stress responses of plants. Plant hormonal stress responses have been extensively studied, however, the role of ET in plant growth, especially plant height (PH) remains unclear. Understanding the genetic control for PH in response to ET will provide insights into the regulation of maize development. To clarify the genetic basis of PH-related traits of maize in response to ET, we mapped QTLs for PH, ear height (EH), and internode length above the uppermost ear (ILAU) in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations of Zea mays after ET treatment and in an untreated control (CK) group. Sixty QTLs for the three traits were identified. Twenty-two QTLs were simultaneously detected under both ET treatment and untreated control, and five QTLs were detected at two geographic locations under ET treatment only. Individual QTL can be explained 3.87–17.71% of the phenotypic variance. One QTL (q2PH9-1, q1PH9, q1EH9/q1ILAU9-1, q2ILAU9, and q2EH9) for the measured traits (PH, EH, ILAU) was consistent across both populations. Two QTLs (q2PH2-5, q2ILAU2-2, q1PH2-2, and q1ILAU2-2; q1PH8-1, q1EH8-1, q2PH8-1) were identified for up to two traits in both locations and populations under both ET treatment and untreated control. These consistent and stable regions are important QTLs of potential hot spots for PH, ear height (EH), and internode length above the uppermost ear (ILAU) response to ET in maize; therefore, QTL fine-mapping and putative candidate genes validation should enable the cloning of PH, EH, and ILAU related genes to ET response. These results will be valuable for further fine-mapping and quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) determination, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ET responses in maize. PMID:29466465

Two anomalous cardiovascular responses to active standing in essential hypertension.

PubMed

Bettencourt, M Joaquina; Pinto, Basílio Gomes; de Oliveira, E Infante; Silva-Carvalho, L

2008-05-01

In a previous work we studied, non-invasively, autonomic nervous system control of circulation in healthy subjects, observing the hemodynamic reaction to active standing. We now propose to extend this analysis to essential hypertension (EH), investigating possible autonomic dysfunction. The cardiovascular response to postural change from the supine position to active standing of 48 EH patients, of both sexes, with and without medication, was compared with that obtained for healthy subjects. We evaluated arterial systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, stroke volume (SV), inotropic index (INOI), total vascular resistance (TVR), cardiac work (W), stroke work (SW), arterial compliance (AC) and heart rate (HR), using the entirely non-invasive BoMed NCCOM3 thoracic electrical bioimpedance monitor and sphygmomanometry. We found two patient groups characterized by different linear relationships between values of cardiovascular variables in active standing and in supine positions. Except for HR, in both groups these regression lines differed from normal. Compared to the supine position, in active standing, one group (EH-I) presented increased TVR, diminished SV, INOI, W, SW, and AC, and normal HR; the other group (EH-II) presented diminished TVR and HR and increased SV, INOI, W, SW and AC. The two patient groups could be separated on the basis of their age, but not on the basis of their systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures, gender or medication. The younger patient group (EH-I) included 28 subjects aged 24 to 69 years (50+/-10), of whom 11 were unmedicated, and the older patient group (EH-II) included 20 subjects aged 35 to 75 years (62+/-11), of whom 7 were unmedicated. Our results show a depressed response in postural change for older patients, which in the autonomic control of circulation expresses carotid baroreflex impairment, and conversely an enhanced response for younger patients, which can be caused by a maladjustment of the influence of cardiopulmonary mechanoreflexes in the alance with arterial baroreflexes. This work suggests the existence of two different levels of dysautonomia in EH, according to age. The deterministic changes in cardiovascular variables after postural change show that, regarding autonomic nervous system control to maintain homeostasis, certain circulatory statuses are favored.

Annual Data Summary and Climatological Evaluation CERC (Coastal Engineering Research Center) Field Research Facility, 1985. Volume 1. Main Text and Appendixes A and B.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

AD-AI6 442 ANNUAL DATA SUMMARY AND CLINATOLOGICAL EVALUATION CEC I/ (COASTAL ENGINEERI.. (U) COASTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER VICKSBURG NS H C ...MILLER ET RL. SEP 87 UNL ASSIF IED C RC-TR-87-i-L-1 F/0G/3 Mmsomommosmsss EmhhhmmmmmhEhEshhhhEhBhhE .EhI-EllhhlhhI mll/I/I l/I/u -1 I.I I ’ 22 I 1.8...SUMMARY AND ofEgier CLIMATOLOGICAL EVALUATION CERC FIELD RESEARCH FACILITY, 1985 NVolume I MAIN TEXT AND APPENDIXES A AND B, by ,, U Herman C . Miller

Summary of Available Hail Literature and the Effect of Hail on Aircraft in Flight

DTIC Science & Technology

1952-09-01

Delaware - District of Columbia area. D-58. Anon.: Estudios Superiores, Seccion de Investigaciones Meteorologicas. Observacion de la frecuencia...41 +> H d Üf"e 3 O •■» m cu -■gg p m 3 4) d CH H flü son ft o 3 cd ft Xl ■ V 41 > aj = 4) rH X! d B...d PH W lA i^o . CO CM CO * LT P * CO w CO rH w w en w O W CD *d m d EH * * CO P * &H CO E-i EH -=f LT\\ EH NO NO ON s N£> CO O

Hypothesis on how to measure electromagnetic hypersensitivity.

PubMed

Tuengler, Andreas; von Klitzing, Lebrecht

2013-09-01

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is an ill-defined term to describe the fact that people who experience health symptoms in the vicinity of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) regard them as causal for their complaints. Up to now most scientists assume a psychological cause for the suffering of electromagnetic hypersensitive individuals. This paper addresses reasons why most provocation studies could not find any association between EMF exposure and EHS and presents a hypothesis on diagnosis and differentiation of this condition. Simultaneous recordings of heart rate variability, microcirculation and electric skin potentials are used for classification of EHS. Thus, it could be possible to distinguish "genuine" electromagnetic hypersensitive individuals from those who suffer from other conditions.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: The opinion of an observer neurologist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marc-Vergnes, Jean-Pierre

2010-11-01

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is a recent, uncertain and somehow confusing concept. It is now widely agreed that people claiming to be EHS really experience symptoms. However, no evidence for a causal link between the symptoms and electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been reported. Thus, we have to wonder whether EHS constitutes truly a relevant entity. Most of the previous studies suffer from methodological flaws. Owing to the quantification of symptoms, the interdisciplinary assessment of patients, and the use of personal exposimeters, the recent studies are of better quality. A set of convergent associated signs suggests that individual neuropsychic factors take a prominent, but maybe not unique, part in this condition.

76 FR 8788 - National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Bridging NanoEHS Research Efforts: A Joint US-EU...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-15

... OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY National Nanotechnology Coordination Office; Bridging NanoEHS Research Efforts: A Joint US-EU Workshop: Public Meeting AGENCY: National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, STPO. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. SUMMARY: The National Nanotechnology Coordination...

Investigation of accident reduction by grooved concrete pavement : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-06-01

This report is a category 2 experimental project evaluation written in conjunction with EHS-I-10-3(93)158 and EHS-I-12-1(44)0 contracted to groove hardened PCC pavement. In it the wear characteristics, pavement texture, skid resistance, and the accid...

New concepts for an old problem: the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia

PubMed Central

Sanderson, Peter A.; Critchley, Hilary O.D.; Williams, Alistair R.W.; Arends, Mark J.; Saunders, Philippa T.K.

2017-01-01

Abstract BACKGROUND Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a uterine pathology representing a spectrum of morphological endometrial alterations. It is predominantly characterized by an increase in the endometrial gland-to-stroma ratio when compared to normal proliferative endometrium. The clinical significance of EH lies in the associated risk of progression to endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC) and ‘atypical’ forms of EH are regarded as premalignant lesions. Traditional histopathological classification systems for EH exhibit wide and varying degrees of diagnostic reproducibility and, as a consequence, standardized patient management can be challenging. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE EC is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. The incidence of EC is rising, with alarming increases described in the 40–44-year-old age group. This review appraises the current EH classification systems used to stratify women at risk of malignant progression to EC. In addition, we summarize the evidence base regarding the use of immunohistochemical biomarkers for EH and discuss an emerging role for genomic analysis. SEARCH METHODS PubMed, Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched for original peer-reviewed primary and review articles, from January 2000 to January 2016. The following search terms were used: ‘endometrial hyperplasia’, ‘endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia’, ‘atypical hyperplasia’, ‘complex atypical hyperplasia’, ‘biomarker’, ‘immunohistochemistry’, ‘progression’, ‘genomic’, ‘classification’ and ‘stratification’. OUTCOMES Recent changes to EH classification reflect our current understanding of the genesis of endometrioid ECs. The concept of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) as a mutationally activated, monoclonal pre-malignancy represents a fundamental shift from the previously held notion that unopposed oestrogenic stimulation causes ever-increasing hyperplastic proliferation, with accumulating cytological atypia that imperceptibly leads to the development of endometrioid EC. Our review highlights several key biomarker candidates that have been described as both diagnostic tools for EH and markers of progression to EC. We propose that, moving forwards, a ‘panel’ approach of combinations of the immunohistochemical biomarkers described in this review may be more informative since no single candidate can currently fill the entire role. WIDER IMPLICATIONS EC has historically been considered a predominantly postmenopausal disease. Owing in part to the current unprecedented rates of obesity, we are starting to see signs of a shift towards a rising incidence of EC amongst pre- and peri-menopausal woman. This creates unique challenges both diagnostically and therapeutically. Furthering our understanding of the premalignant stages of EC development will allow us to pursue earlier diagnosis and facilitate appropriate stratification of women at risk of developing EC, permitting timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions. PMID:27920066

New concepts for an old problem: the diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia.

PubMed

Sanderson, Peter A; Critchley, Hilary O D; Williams, Alistair R W; Arends, Mark J; Saunders, Philippa T K

2017-03-01

Endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is a uterine pathology representing a spectrum of morphological endometrial alterations. It is predominantly characterized by an increase in the endometrial gland-to-stroma ratio when compared to normal proliferative endometrium. The clinical significance of EH lies in the associated risk of progression to endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC) and 'atypical' forms of EH are regarded as premalignant lesions. Traditional histopathological classification systems for EH exhibit wide and varying degrees of diagnostic reproducibility and, as a consequence, standardized patient management can be challenging. EC is the most common gynaecological malignancy in developed countries. The incidence of EC is rising, with alarming increases described in the 40-44-year-old age group. This review appraises the current EH classification systems used to stratify women at risk of malignant progression to EC. In addition, we summarize the evidence base regarding the use of immunohistochemical biomarkers for EH and discuss an emerging role for genomic analysis. PubMed, Medline and the Cochrane Database were searched for original peer-reviewed primary and review articles, from January 2000 to January 2016. The following search terms were used: 'endometrial hyperplasia', 'endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia', 'atypical hyperplasia', 'complex atypical hyperplasia', 'biomarker', 'immunohistochemistry', 'progression', 'genomic', 'classification' and 'stratification'. Recent changes to EH classification reflect our current understanding of the genesis of endometrioid ECs. The concept of endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) as a mutationally activated, monoclonal pre-malignancy represents a fundamental shift from the previously held notion that unopposed oestrogenic stimulation causes ever-increasing hyperplastic proliferation, with accumulating cytological atypia that imperceptibly leads to the development of endometrioid EC. Our review highlights several key biomarker candidates that have been described as both diagnostic tools for EH and markers of progression to EC. We propose that, moving forwards, a 'panel' approach of combinations of the immunohistochemical biomarkers described in this review may be more informative since no single candidate can currently fill the entire role. EC has historically been considered a predominantly postmenopausal disease. Owing in part to the current unprecedented rates of obesity, we are starting to see signs of a shift towards a rising incidence of EC amongst pre- and peri-menopausal woman. This creates unique challenges both diagnostically and therapeutically. Furthering our understanding of the premalignant stages of EC development will allow us to pursue earlier diagnosis and facilitate appropriate stratification of women at risk of developing EC, permitting timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Randomized controlled trial on postoperative pulmonary humidification after total laryngectomy: external humidifier versus heat and moisture exchanger.

PubMed

Mérol, Jean-Claude; Charpiot, Anne; Langagne, Thibault; Hémar, Patrick; Ackerstaff, Annemieke H; Hilgers, Frans J M

2012-02-01

Assessment of immediate postoperative airway humidification after total laryngectomy (TLE), comparing the use of an external humidifier (EH) with humidification through a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). Randomized controlled trial (RCT). Fifty-three patients were randomized into the standard (control) EH (N = 26) or the experimental HME arm (N = 27). Compliance, pulmonary and sleeping problems, patients' and nursing staff satisfaction, nursing time, and cost-effectiveness were assessed with trial-specific structured questionnaires and tally sheets. In the EH arm data were available for all patients, whereas in the HME arm data were incomplete for four patients. The 24/7 compliance rate in the EH arm was 12% and in the HME arm 87% (77% if the four nonevaluable patients are considered noncompliant). Compliance and patients' satisfaction were significantly better, and the number of coughing episodes, mucus expectoration for clearing the trachea, and sleeping disturbances were significantly less in the HME arm (P < .001). This was also the case for nursing time and nursing staff satisfaction and preference. This RCT clearly shows the benefits of immediate postoperative airway humidification by means of an HME over the use of an EH after TLE. This study therefore underlines that HMEs presently can be considered the better option for early postoperative airway humidification after TLE. Copyright © 2011 The American Laryngological, Rhinological, and Otological Society, Inc.

Ecological and physical barriers shape genetic structure of the Alpine porcini (Boletus reticuloceps).

PubMed

Feng, Bang; Liu, Jian Wei; Xu, Jianping; Zhao, Kuan; Ge, Zai Wei; Yang, Zhu L

2017-04-01

The Alpine porcini, Boletus reticuloceps, is an ectomycorrhizal mushroom distributed in subalpine areas of Southwest China, central China, and Taiwan Island. This distribution pattern makes it an ideal organism to infer how ectomycorrhizal fungi have reacted to historical tectonic and climatic changes, and to illustrate the mechanism for the disjunction of organisms between Southwest China and Taiwan. In this study, we explored the phylogeographic pattern of B. reticuloceps by microsatellite genotyping, DNA sequencing, ecological factor analysis, and species distribution modeling. Three genetic groups from the East Himalayas (EH), northern Hengduan Mountains (NHM), and southern Hengduan Mountains (SHM), were identified. The earlier divergent SHM group is found under Abies in moister environments, whereas the EH and NHM groups, which are physically separated by the Mekong-Salween Divide, are found mainly under Picea in drier environments. Samples from Taiwan showed a close relationship with the SHM group. High mountains did not form dispersal barriers among populations in each of the EH, NHM, and SHM groups, probably due to the relatively weak host specificity of B. reticuloceps. Our study indicated that ecological heterogeneity could have contributed to the divergence between the SHM and the NHM-EH groups, while physical barriers could have led to the divergence of the NHM and the EH groups. Dispersal into Taiwan via Central China during the Quaternary glaciations is likely to have shaped its disjunct distribution.

Computational analysis of aspartic protease plasmepsin II complexed with EH58 inhibitor: a QM/MM MD study.

PubMed

de Farias Silva, Natália; Lameira, Jerônimo; Alves, Cláudio Nahum

2011-10-01

Plasmepsin (PM) II is one of four enzymes in the food vacuole of Plasmodium falciparum. It has become an attractive target for combating malaria through research regarding its importance in the P. falciparum metabolism and life cycle, making it the target of choice for structure-based drug design. This paper reports the results of hybrid quantum mechanics / molecular mechanics (QM/MM) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations employed to study the details of the interactions established between PM II and N-(3-{(2-benzo[1, 3]dioxol-5-yl-ethyl)[3-(1-methyl-3-oxo-1,3-dihydro-isoindol-2-yl) propionyl]-amino}-1-benzyl-2-(hydroxyl-propyl)-4-benzyloxy-3,5dimethoxy-benzamide (EH58), a well-known potent inhibitor for this enzyme. Electrostatic binding free energy and energy terms decomposition have been computed for PM II complexed with the EH58 inhibitor. The results reveal that there is a strong interaction between Asp34, Val78, Ser79, Tyr192 and Asp214 residues and the EH58 inhibitor. In addition, we have computed the potential of the mean force (PMF) profile in order to assign the protonation state of the two catalytic aspartates in PM II-EH58 complex. The results indicate that the protonation of Asp214 favors a stable active site structure, which is consistent with our electrostatic binding free energy calculation and with previous published works.

Portable Multigas Monitors for International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mudgett, Paul D.; Pilgrim, Jeffrey S.; Ruff, Gary A.

2011-01-01

The Environmental Health System (EHS) on International Space Station (ISS) includes portable instruments to measure various cabin gases that acutely impact crew health. These hand-held devices measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide. The oxygen and carbon dioxide units also serve to back up key functions of the Major Constituent Analyzers. Wherever possible, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices are employed by EHS to save development and sustaining costs. COTS hardware designed for general terrestrial applications however has limitations such as no pressure compensation, limited life of the active sensor, calibration drift, battery issues, unpredictable vendor support and obsolescence. The EHS fleet (inflight and ground inventory) of instruments is both aging and dwindling in number. With the retirement of the US Space Shuttle, maintenance of on-orbit equipment becomes all the more difficult. A project is underway to search for gas monitoring technology that is highly reliable and stable for years. Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy (TDLS) seems to be the front-runner technology, but generally is not yet commercially available in portable form. NASA has fostered the development of TDLS through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. A number of gases of interest to the aerospace and submarine communities can be addressed by TDLS including the list mentioned above plus hydrogen fluoride, ammonia and water (humidity). There are several different forms of TDLS including photoacoustic and direct absorption spectroscopy using various multipass cell geometries. This paper describes the history of portable gas monitoring on NASA spacecraft and provides a status of the development of TDLS based instruments. Planned TDLS flight experiments on ISS could lead both to operational use on ISS and important roles in future Exploration spacecraft and habitats.

Letters to the Editor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1991-12-01

Radon variations D J Noble Plockton High School, Ross shire IV52 8TU, UK Environmental physics A T Jackson Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education On mnemonic schemes A T Bardócz Teacher Training College, Szombathely, Hungary Regarding mnemonic devices for Maxwell's relations A H Kalantar Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada TG6 2G2 On an analogy for Ohm's law H S Fricker Bradford Grammar School Further reflections D Hinson `Brenig', Town Hill, Llanrwst, Gwynedd LL26 0NF, UK Moving charges W Jarvis 6 Peggy''s Mill Road, Edinburgh EH4 6JY, UK More on the distance travelled A Tan Department of Physics, Alabama A&M University, USA

76 FR 41501 - Notice of Intent To Award Affordable Care Act (ACA) Funding, EH09-907

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-14

... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Notice of... Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice... in their FY 2011 applications submitted under funding opportunity EH09-907, ``National Environmental...

Prehospital Use of Plasma for Traumatic Hemorrhage

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

1996;40:496 27. Banbury MK Brizzio ME, Rajeswaran J, Lytle BW, Blackstone EH. Transfusion increases the risk of postoperative infection after cardiac...long-term survival after cardiac operation. Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74:1180-6 29. Koch CG , Khandwala F, Li L, Estafanous FG, Loop FD, Blackstone EH

76 FR 50223 - Notice To Change Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-12

...-mentioned grantees in their FY 2011 applications submitted under funding opportunity CDC-RFA-EH11-001... Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 93.070. Approximately $900,000 in funding will be awarded to the... information to the previously published funding opportunity announcement of EH11-001: Authority: Authorized...

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

Urman, M.; O'Sullivan, R.A.; Nugent, R.A.

This case concerns a patient with intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) suspected on a CT scan and subsequently confirmed with In-111 chloride and Tc-99m SC bone marrow scans. The bone marrow scans also provided additional information by demonstrating other sites of EH in the paravertebral tissues and bone marrow expansion into the distal extremities.

Home Visiting Processes: Relations with Family Characteristics and Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peterson, Carla A.; Roggman, Lori A.; Green, Beth; Chazan-Cohen, Rachel; Korfmacher, Jon; McKelvey, Lorraine; Zhang, Dong; Atwater, Jane B.

2013-01-01

Variations in dosage, content, and family engagement with Early Head Start (EHS) home visiting services were examined for families participating in the EHS Research and Evaluation Project. Families were grouped by characteristics of maternal age, maternal ethnicity, and level of family risk. All home visiting variables were related differentially…

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer Sept. 1936 ...

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

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer Sept. 1936 NOW FEDERAL PROPERTY BUILT AT VARIOUS TIMES AS LATE AS 1870? Note: Research tends to show buildings are of Post-Revolution date. - Catoctin Furnace, Stack No. 2, U. S. Route 15, Catoctin Furnace, Frederick County, MD

AN EVALUATION OF ELECTRODE INSERTION TECHNIQUES FOR MEASUREMENT OF REDOX POTENTIAL IN ESTUARINE SEDIMENTS

EPA Science Inventory

Eh measurements by electrodes are commonly used to characterize redox status of sediments in freshwater, marine and estuarine studies, due to the relative ease and rapidity of data collection. In our studies of fine-grained estuarine seabeds, we observed that Eh values measured i...

Degradation of hexane and other recalcitrant hydrocarbons by a novel isolate, Rhodococcus sp. EH831.

PubMed

Lee, Eun-Hee; Kim, Jaisoo; Cho, Kyung-Suk; Ahn, Yun Gyong; Hwang, Geum-Sook

2010-01-01

Hexane, a representative VOC, is used as a solvent for extraction and as an ingredient in gasoline. The degradation of hexane by bacteria is relatively slow due to its low solubility. Moreover, the biodegradation pathway of hexane under aerobic conditions remains to be investigated; therefore, a study relating to aerobic biodegradation mechanisms is required. Consequently, in this study, an effective hexane degrader was isolated and the biodegradation pathway examined for the first time. In addition, the degradation characteristics of a variety of recalcitrant hydrocarbons were qualitatively and quantitatively investigated using the isolate. A hexane-degrading bacterium was isolated from an enrichment culture using petroleum-contaminated soil as an inoculum with hexane as the sole carbon and energy source. The bacterium was also identified using the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence. To test the hexane-degrading capacity of the isolate, 10 ml of an EH831 cell suspension was inoculated into a 600-ml serum bottle with hexane (7.6-75.8 micromol) injected as the sole carbon source. The rates of hexane degradation were determined by analyzing the concentrations of hexane using headspace gas chromatography. In addition, the hexane biodegradation pathway under aerobic conditions was investigated by identifying the metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with solid-phase microextraction. 14C-hexane was used to check if EH831 could mineralize hexane in the same experimental system. The degradabilities of other hydrocarbons were examined using EH831 with methanol, ethanol, acetone, cyclohexane, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), dichloromethane (DCM), trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene (BTEX), pyrene, diesel, lubricant oil, and crude oil as sole carbon sources. A bacterium, EH831, was isolated from the enriched hexane-degrading consortium, which was able to degrade hexane and various hydrocarbons, including alcohols, chlorinated hydrocarbons, cyclic alkanes, ethers, ketones, monoaromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and petroleum hydrocarbons. The maximum hexane degradation rate (V max) of EH831 was 290 micromol g dry cell weight(-1) h(-1), and the saturation constant (K s) was 15 mM. Using 14C-hexane, EH831 was confirmed to mineralize approximately 49% of the hexane into CO2 and, converted approximately, 46% into biomass; the rest (1.7%) remained as extracellular metabolites in the liquid phase. The degradation pathway was assessed through the qualitative analysis of the hexane intermediates due to EH831, which were 2-hexanol, 2-hexanone, 5-hexen-2-one and 2,5-hexanedione, in that order, followed by 4-methyl-2-pentanone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanone and butanal, and finally, CO2. EH831 could degrade methanol, ethanol, acetone, cyclohexane, MTBE, DCM, BTEX, pyrene, diesel, and lubricant oil. EH831 was able to degrade many recalcitrant hydrocarbons at higher degradation rates compared with previous well-known degraders. Furthermore, this study primarily suggested the aerobic biodegradation pathway, which may provide valuable information for researchers and engineers working in the field of environmental engineering. Rhodococcus sp. EH831 is a promising bioresource for removing hexane and other recalcitrant hydrocarbons from a variety of environments. Moreover, the aerobic biodegradation pathway is reported for the first time in this study, which offers valuable information for understanding the microbial degradation of hexane. The utility of the strain isolated in this study needs to be proved by its application to biological process systems, such as biofilters and bioreactors, etc., for the degradation of hexane and many other recalcitrant hydrocarbons. Detailed investigations will also be needed to clarify the enzymatic characteristics relating the degradation of both recalcitrant hydrocarbons and hexane.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Early Childhood Abuse Prevention Within Evidence-Based Home Visiting Programs.

PubMed

Matone, M; Kellom, K; Griffis, H; Quarshie, W; Faerber, J; Gierlach, P; Whittaker, J; Rubin, D M; Cronholm, P F

2018-05-31

Objectives In this large scale, mixed methods evaluation, we determined the impact and context of early childhood home visiting on rates of child abuse-related injury. Methods Entropy-balanced and propensity score matched retrospective cohort analysis comparing children of Pennsylvania Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP), Parents As Teachers (PAT), and Early Head Start (EHS) enrollees and children of Pennsylvania Medicaid eligible women from 2008 to 2014. Abuse-related injury episodes were identified in medical assistance claims with ICD-9 codes. Weighted frequencies and logistic regression odds of injury within 24 months are presented. In-depth interviews with staff and clients (n = 150) from 11 programs were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results The odds of a healthcare encounter for early childhood abuse among clients were significantly greater than comparison children (NFP: 1.32, 95% CI [1.08, 1.62]; PAT: 4.11, 95% CI [1.60, 10.55]; EHS: 3.15, 95% CI [1.41, 7.06]). Qualitative data illustrated the circumstances of and program response to client issues related to child maltreatment, highlighting the role of non-client caregivers. All stakeholders described curricular content aimed at prevention (e.g. positive parenting) with little time dedicated to addressing current or past abuse. Clients who reported a lack of abuse-related content supposed their home visitor's assumption of an absence of risk in their home, but were supportive of the introduction of abuse-related content. Approach, acceptance, and available resources were mediators of successfully addressing abuse. Conclusions for Practice Home visiting aims to prevent child abuse among high-risk families. Adequate home visitor capacity to proactively assess abuse risk, deliver effective preventive curriculum with fidelity to caregivers, and access appropriate resources is necessary.

[EVALUATION OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS AND POSSIBILITY TO PREDICT CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION BASED ON AN OUTPATIENT FACILITY].

PubMed

Polipanov, A G; Mamasaidov, Zh A; Geleskhanova, Yu N; Cheskidova, N B; Romanova, T A; Dzhumagulova, A S

2016-01-01

To estimate the possibility of predicting the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis from arterial stiffness characteristics and augmentation index (AIx) in patients with essential hypertension (EH) obtained under outpatient conditions. The general clinical examination of 15 patients aged 30-70 yr with EH was supplemented by measuring blood glucose and creatinine levels, the lipid status (LWLP, HDLP, TG), duplex scanning of carotid arteries, and evaluation of arterial stiffness by pulsed wave contour analysis. AIx and age were independent risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with EH and severity of its manifestations. AIx values over 25% were with high specificity (over 85%) associated with atherosclerotic lesions.

Biosynthesis of (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol from racemic styrene oxide by using bacterial and marine fish epoxide hydrolases.

PubMed

Kim, Hee Sook; Lee, Ok Kyung; Hwang, Seungha; Kim, Beum Jun; Lee, Eun Yeol

2008-01-01

Enantio-convergent hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxides was achieved to prepare enantiopure (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol by using two recombinant epoxide hydrolases (EHs) of a bacterium, Caulobacter crescentus, and a marine fish, Mugil cephalus. The recombinant C. crescentus EH primarily attacked the benzylic carbon of (S)-styrene oxide, while the M. cephalus EH preferentially attacked the terminal carbon of (R)-styrene oxide, thus leading to the formation of (R)-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol as the main product. (R)-Phenyl-1,2-ethanediol was obtained with 90% enantiomeric excess and yield as high as 94% from 50 mM racemic styrene oxides in a one-pot process.

The Global Youth Service Team: students applying science and technology in remote, developing region of the world

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hollinger, Doug

2012-03-01

Eh Kalu, director of the Karen Department of Health and Welfare along the border region between Thailand and Burma said, ``It is very difficult to attend to a medical emergency at night when all you have are candles for light.'' The Global Youth Service Team (GYST) provides high school and college students with the opportunity to apply science that they have learned in the performance of international humanitarian service. Volunteers with the GYST build solar powered electrical systems, ultraviolet water purifiers, provide training and education to people who are most in need due to energy poverty, lack access to resources, natural disasters or human rights violations. GYST volunteers train with photovoltaic materials and equipment to become solar energy technicians. They then travel to remote communities in developing countries where we are able to catalyze improvements in education and health care, promote sustainable energy initiatives and help communities develop the capacity to use their own resources by which to create opportunity.

INFLUENCE OF PH AND REDOX CONDITIONS ON COPPER LEACHING

EPA Science Inventory

Leaching behavior of metals from a mineral processing waste at varying pH and redox conditions was studies. Effect of combinations of pH and Eh on leaching of copper is described. Leaching of copper was found to be dependent on both pH and Eh. Higher concentrations of Cu were ...

Empirical Histograms in Item Response Theory with Ordinal Data

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Carol M.

2007-01-01

The purpose of this research is to describe, test, and illustrate a new implementation of the empirical histogram (EH) method for ordinal items. The EH method involves the estimation of item response model parameters simultaneously with the approximation of the distribution of the random latent variable (theta) as a histogram. Software for the EH…

Coaching Teachers to Support Child Communication across Daily Routines in Early Head Start Classrooms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Friedman, Mollie; Woods, Juliann

2015-01-01

This study investigates the use of a situated coaching protocol in Early Head Start (EHS) classrooms to increase teachers' use of communication facilitation strategies with children identified with delays during typical play and caregiving routines. A single-case, multiple baseline design across 3 EHS teachers and children with communication…

Berkeley Lab - Materials Sciences Division

Science.gov Websites

Investigators Division Staff Facilities and Centers Staff Jobs Safety Personnel Resources Committees In Case of ? Click Here! Personnel Safety Personnel MSD EH&S Manager Martin Neitzel 66-242 ext. 6169 MLNeitzel Schwartz 66-250E ext. 4957 nischwartz@lbl.gov Lab Safety Advisory Committee Rep Robert Kaindl 2-354 ext

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: fact or fiction?

PubMed

Genuis, Stephen J; Lipp, Christopher T

2012-01-01

As the prevalence of wireless telecommunication escalates throughout the world, health professionals are faced with the challenge of patients who report symptoms they claim are connected with exposure to some frequencies of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Some scientists and clinicians acknowledge the phenomenon of hypersensitivity to EMR resulting from common exposures such as wireless systems and electrical devices in the home or workplace; others suggest that electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is psychosomatic or fictitious. Various organizations including the World Health Organization as well as some nation states are carefully exploring this clinical phenomenon in order to better explain the rising prevalence of non-specific, multi-system, often debilitating symptoms associated with non-ionizing EMR exposure. As well as an assortment of physiological complaints, patients diagnosed with EHS also report profound social and personal challenges, impairing their ability to function normally in society. This paper offers a review of the sparse literature on this perplexing condition and a discussion of the controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the EHS diagnosis. Recommendations are provided to assist health professionals in caring for individuals complaining of EHS. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Once, twice, or three times as harmful? Ethnic harassment, gender harassment, and generalized workplace harassment.

PubMed

Raver, Jana L; Nishii, Lisa H

2010-03-01

Despite scholars' and practitioners' recognition that different forms of workplace harassment often co-occur in organizations, there is a paucity of theory and research on how these different forms of harassment combine to influence employees' outcomes. We investigated the ways in which ethnic harassment (EH), gender harassment (GH), and generalized workplace harassment (GWH) combined to predict target individuals' job-related, psychological, and health outcomes. Competing theories regarding additive, exacerbating, and inuring (i.e., habituating to hardships) combinations were tested. We also examined race and gender differences in employees' reports of EH, GH, and GWH. The results of two studies revealed that EH, GH, and GWH were each independently associated with targets' strain outcomes and, collectively, the preponderance of evidence supported the inurement effect, although slight additive effects were observed for psychological and physical health outcomes. Racial group differences in EH emerged, but gender and race differences in GH and GWH did not. Implications are provided for how multiple aversive experiences at work may harm employees' well-being. 2010 APA, all rights reserved

[Various immunological aspects of essential and symptomatic hypertension].

PubMed

Shkhvatsabaia, I K; Rudnev, V I; Suvorov, Iu I; Domba, G Iu; Osipov, S G

1988-01-01

131 patients with essential hypertension (EH) and 30 patients with secondary hypertension (SH) of renal genesis were examined, all of them Russian inhabitants of Moscow, aged 20-56. In patients with EH increased rate of HLA-B13 and B22 antigens was determined. The highest rate of HLA-B13 antigen in this group was registered in patients without IHD, while patients with IHD had the highest rate of HLA-B22 antigen compared to controls. Patients with SH demonstrated no significant difference in HLA antigens distribution from that in controls. Besides, patients with EH had significantly increased serum concentration of circulating immune complexes (CIC), of IgA and beta 2-microglobulins as well as of three complement components (C3c, C4 and B factor). Similar changes were observed in patients with SH, excluding CIC and C3c, concentration of which did not differ from that in the control group. No strict dependence between the level of immunity humoral factors and presence of HLA-B13 and -B22 antigens was observed. The data gained suggest possible association of HLA system with EH development.

Impact of cognitive stimulation on ripples within human epileptic and non-epileptic hippocampus.

PubMed

Brázdil, Milan; Cimbálník, Jan; Roman, Robert; Shaw, Daniel J; Stead, Matt M; Daniel, Pavel; Jurák, Pavel; Halámek, Josef

2015-07-25

Until now there has been no way of distinguishing between physiological and epileptic hippocampal ripples in intracranial recordings. In the present study we addressed this by investigating the effect of cognitive stimulation on interictal high frequency oscillations in the ripple range (80-250 Hz) within epileptic (EH) and non-epileptic hippocampus (NH). We analyzed depth EEG recordings in 10 patients with intractable epilepsy, in whom hippocampal activity was recorded initially during quiet wakefulness and subsequently during a simple cognitive task. Using automated detection of ripples based on amplitude of the power envelope, we analyzed ripple rate (RR) in the cognitive and resting period, within EH and NH. Compared to quiet wakefulness we observed a significant reduction of RR during cognitive stimulation in EH, while it remained statistically marginal in NH. Further, we investigated the direct impact of cognitive stimuli on ripples (i.e. immediately post-stimulus), which showed a transient statistically significant suppression of ripples in the first second after stimuli onset in NH only. Our results point to a differential reactivity of ripples within EH and NH to cognitive stimulation.

Experimental and theoretical determination of the dipole-quadrupole and dipole-octopole polarizabilities of the group IV tetrachlorides TiCl4, ZrCl4, and HfCl4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hohm, Uwe; Maroulis, G.

2006-03-01

The dipole-quadrupole and dipole-octopole polarizabilities A and E of TiCl4, ZrCl4, and HfCl4 have been determined from collision-induced light-scattering experiments. Our respective experimental results for ∣A ∣ are (165±10), (110±30), and (140±20) e2a03Eh-1, whereas ∣E∣ is determined to be (675±125), (750±200), and (670±400) e2a04Eh-1. Theory predicts values convincingly close to experiment, as A =(181.4±9.1), (167.6±8.4), and (139.8±7.0) e2a03Eh-1, and E =(-671±67), (-688±69), and (-574±57) e2a04Eh-1. In addition our quantum chemical ab initio calculations give reliable values for the dipole polarizability α, as well as for the octopole and hexadecapole moments Ω and Φ for all three substances.

La-CTP: Loop-Aware Routing for Energy-Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks.

PubMed

Sun, Guodong; Shang, Xinna; Zuo, Yan

2018-02-02

In emerging energy-harvesting wireless sensor networks (EH-WSN), the sensor nodes can harvest environmental energy to drive their operation, releasing the user's burden in terms of frequent battery replacement, and even enabling perpetual sensing systems. In EH-WSN applications, usually, the node in energy-harvesting or recharging state has to stop working until it completes the energy replenishment. However, such temporary departures of recharging nodes severely impact the packet routing, and one immediate result is the routing loop problem. Controlling loops in connectivity-intermittent EH-WSN in an efficient way is a big challenge in practice, and so far, users still lack of effective and practicable routing protocols with loop handling. Based on the Collection Tree Protocol (CTP) widely used in traditional wireless sensor networks, this paper proposes a loop-aware routing protocol for real-world EH-WSNs, called La-CTP, which involves a new parent updating metric and a proactive, adaptive beaconing scheme to effectively suppress the occurrence of loops and unlock unavoidable loops, respectively. We constructed a 100-node testbed to evaluate La-CTP, and the experimental results showed its efficacy and efficiency.

Field induced disintegration of glycerol solutions under vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions studied by optical microscopy and mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lüttgens, U.; Dülcks, Th.; Röllgen, F. W.

1992-04-01

The ion formation in both electrohydrodynamic (EH) and electrospray (ES) mass spectrometry (MS) is based on the electrohydrodynamic disintegration of sample solutions which are passed through a capillary biased at high potential. Vacuum is applied in EH and atmospheric pressure in ES MS. For glycerol applied as solvent in EH MS optical studies of its disintegration behavior revealed a change from axial spray modes to a rim emission mode in vacuum and a change from axial spray modes to a droplet ejection mode at atmospheric pressure conditions with increasing potential. EH MS investigations of the ion emission from only one or a few emission sites at the rim of the capillary showed a pulsed ion emission whose frequency increased with applied potential. The pulsed ion emission is attributed to an imbalance between the supply and loss of liquid at an emission site. By lowering the surface tension of glycerol with dodecyl sulfate sodium salt an increase of mass spectral ion intensity by more than one order of magnitude could be observed.

Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal theory of electron holes in superthermal space plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aravindakshan, Harikrishnan; Kakad, Amar; Kakad, Bharati

2018-05-01

Several spacecraft missions have observed electron holes (EHs) in Earth's and other planetary magnetospheres. These EHs are modeled with the stationary solutions of Vlasov-Poisson equations, obtained by adopting the Bernstein-Greene-Kruskal (BGK) approach. Through the literature survey, we find that the BGK EHs are modelled by using either thermal distribution function or any statistical distribution derived from particular spacecraft observations. However, Maxwell distributions are quite rare in space plasmas; instead, most of these plasmas are superthermal in nature and generally described by kappa distribution. We have developed a one-dimensional BGK model of EHs for space plasma that follows superthermal kappa distribution. The analytical solution of trapped electron distribution function for such plasmas is derived. The trapped particle distribution function in plasma following kappa distribution is found to be steeper and denser as compared to that for Maxwellian distribution. The width-amplitude relation of perturbation for superthermal plasma is derived and allowed regions of stable BGK solutions are obtained. We find that the stable BGK solutions are better supported by superthermal plasmas compared to that of thermal plasmas for small amplitude perturbations.

Polymorphism Located between CPT1B and CHKB, and HLA-DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 Haplotype Confer Susceptibility to CNS Hypersomnias (Essential Hypersomnia)

PubMed Central

Miyagawa, Taku; Honda, Makoto; Kawashima, Minae; Shimada, Mihoko; Tanaka, Susumu; Honda, Yutaka; Tokunaga, Katsushi

2009-01-01

Background SNP rs5770917 located between CPT1B and CHKB, and HLA-DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 haplotype were previously identified as susceptibility loci for narcolepsy with cataplexy. This study was conducted in order to investigate whether these genetic markers are associated with Japanese CNS hypersomnias (essential hypersomnia: EHS) other than narcolepsy with cataplexy. Principal Findings EHS was significantly associated with SNP rs5770917 (Pallele = 3.6×10−3; OR = 1.56; 95% c.i.: 1.12–2.15) and HLA-DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 haplotype (P positivity = 9.2×10−11; OR = 3.97; 95% c.i.: 2.55–6.19). No interaction between the two markers (SNP rs5770917 and HLA-DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 haplotype) was observed in EHS. Conclusion CPT1B, CHKB and HLA are candidates for susceptibility to CNS hypersomnias (EHS), as well as narcolepsy with cataplexy. PMID:19404393

Dietary safety assessment of genetically modified rice EH rich in β-carotene.

PubMed

Wu, Yangyang; Xu, Yan; Du, Yanan; Zhao, Xiao; Hu, Ruili; Fan, Xiaorui; Ren, Fangfang; Yao, Quanhong; Peng, Rihe; Tang, Xueming; Zhao, Kai

2017-08-01

This 90-day study aimed to assess the dietary safety of transgenic rice EH which is rich in β-carotene. Two experimental groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing 45% rice flour of Zhonghua 11 rice and transgenic rice EH rich in β-carotene, respectively. The reference group was fed a diet containing standard feed nutrition. During the trial period, each rat was weighed and the food intake was recorded twice a week. Their behaviors were observed daily. In the end, blood samples were obtained from all anesthetized rats to measure the hematologic and serum chemistry indicators. Growth performance, anatomy and pathology of all organs in each group were analyzed. Although a few parameters were found to be statistically significantly different across groups, they were within the normal reference range for this breed and age of rats. Therefore, the changes were not considered to be diet related. The results revealed that the transgenic rice EH rich in β-carotene was as nutritious as Zhonghua 11 rice and showed a lack of biologically meaningful unintended effects. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cancer mortality disparities among New York City's Upper Manhattan neighborhoods.

PubMed

Hashim, Dana; Manczuk, Marta; Holcombe, Randall; Lucchini, Roberto; Boffetta, Paolo

2017-11-01

The East Harlem (EH), Central Harlem (CH), and Upper East Side (UES) neighborhoods of New York City are geographically contiguous to tertiary medical care, but are characterized by cancer mortality rate disparities. This ecological study aims to disentangle the effects of race and neighborhood on cancer deaths. Mortality-to-incidence ratios were determined using neighborhood-specific data from the New York State Cancer Registry and Vital Records Office (2007-2011). Ecological data on modifiable cancer risk factors from the New York City Community Health Survey (2002-2006) were stratified by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood and modeled against stratified mortality rates to disentangle race/ethnicity and neighborhood using logistic regression. Significant gaps in mortality rates were observed between the UES and both CH and EH across all cancers, favoring UES. Mortality-to-incidence ratios of both CH and EH were similarly elevated in the range of 0.41-0.44 compared with UES (0.26-0.30). After covariate and multivariable adjustment, black race (odds ratio=1.68; 95% confidence interval: 1.46-1.93) and EH residence (odds ratio=1.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.35) remained significant risk factors in all cancers' combined mortality. Mortality disparities remain among EH, CH, and UES neighborhoods. Both neighborhood and race are significantly associated with cancer mortality, independent of each other. Multivariable adjusted models that include Community Health Survey risk factors show that this mortality gap may be avoidable through community-based public health interventions.

Identification of EhTIF-IA: The putative E. histolytica orthologue of the human ribosomal RNA transcription initiation factor-IA.

PubMed

Srivastava, Ankita; Bhattacharya, Alok; Bhattacharya, Sudha; Jhingan, Gagan Deep

2016-03-01

Initiation of rDNA transcription requires the assembly of a specific multi-protein complex at the rDNA promoter containing the RNA Pol I with auxiliary factors. One of these factors is known as Rrn3P in yeast and Transcription Initiation Factor IA (TIF-IA) in mammals. Rrn3p/TIF-IA serves as a bridge between RNA Pol I and the pre-initiation complex at the promoter. It is phosphorylated at multiple sites and is involved in regulation of rDNA transcription in a growth-dependent manner. In the early branching parasitic protist Entamoeba histolytica, the rRNA genes are present exclusively on circular extra chromosomal plasmids. The protein factors involved in regulation of rDNA transcription in E. histolytica are not known. We have identified the E. histolytica equivalent of TIF-1A (EhTIF-IA) by homology search within the database and was further cloned and expressed. Immuno-localization studies showed that EhTIF-IA co-localized partially with fibrillarin in the peripherally localized nucleolus. EhTIF-IA was shown to interact with the RNA Pol I-specific subunit RPA12 both in vivo and in vitro. Mass spectroscopy data identified RNA Pol I-specific subunits and other nucleolar proteins to be the interacting partners of EhTIF-IA. Our study demonstrates for the first time a conserved putative RNA Pol I transcription factor TIF-IA in E. histolytica.

Edaravone reduces astrogliosis and apoptosis in young rats with kaolin-induced hydrocephalus.

PubMed

Garcia, Camila Araújo Bernardino; Catalão, Carlos Henrique Rocha; Machado, Hélio Rubens; Júnior, Ivair Matias; Romeiro, Thais Helena; Peixoto-Santos, José Eduardo; Santos, Marcelo Volpon; da Silva Lopes, Luiza

2017-03-01

We investigated the possible neuroprotective effects of the free radical scavenger edaravone in experimental hydrocephalus. Seven-day-old Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (C), untreated hydrocephalic (H), and hydrocephalic treated with edaravone (EH). The H and EH groups were subjected to hydrocephalus induction by 20% kaolin intracisternal injection. The edaravone (20 mg/kg) was administered daily for 14 days from the induction of hydrocephalus. All animals were daily weighed and submitted to behavioral test and assessment by magnetic resonance imaging. After 14 days, the animals were sacrificed and the brain was removed for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The gain weight was similar between groups from the ninth post-induction day. The open field test performance of EH group was better (p < 0.05) as compared to untreated hydrocephalic animals. Hydrocephalic animals (H and EH) showed ventricular ratio values were higher (p < 0.05), whereas magnetization transfer values were lower (p < 0.05), as compared to control animals. Astrocyte activity (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and apoptotic cells (caspase-3) of EH group were decreased on the corpus callosum (p > 0.01), germinal matrix (p > 0.05), and cerebral cortex (p > 0.05), as compared to H group. We have demonstrated that administration of edaravone for 14 consecutive days after induction of hydrocephalus reduced astrocyte activity and that it has some beneficial effects over apoptotic cell death.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Casein Hydrolysate Produced Using High Hydrostatic Pressure Combined with Proteolytic Enzymes.

PubMed

Bamdad, Fatemeh; Shin, Seulki Hazel; Suh, Joo-Won; Nimalaratne, Chamila; Sunwoo, Hoon

2017-04-10

Casein-derived peptides are shown to possess radical scavenging and metal chelating properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate novel anti-inflammatory properties of casein hydrolysates (CH) produced by an eco-friendly process that combines high hydrostatic pressure with enzymatic hydrolysis (HHP-EH). Casein was hydrolysed by different proteases, including flavourzyme (Fla), savinase (Sav), thermolysin (Ther), trypsin (Try), and elastase (Ela) at 0.1, 50, 100, and 200 MPa pressure levels under various enzyme-to-substrate ratios and incubation times. Casein hydrolysates were evaluated for the degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight distribution patterns, and anti-inflammatory properties in chemical and cellular models. Hydrolysates produced using HHP-EH exhibited higher DH values and proportions of smaller peptides compared to atmospheric pressure-enzymatic hydrolysis (AP-EH). Among five enzymes, Fla-digested HHP-EH-CH (HHP-Fla-CH) showed significantly higher antioxidant properties than AP-Fla-CH. The anti-inflammatory properties of HHP-Fla-CH were also observed by significantly reduced nitric oxide and by the suppression of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed that 59% of the amino acids of the peptides in HHP-Fla-CH were composed of proline, valine, and leucine, indicating the potential anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the HHP-EH method provides a promising technology to produce bioactive peptides from casein in an eco-friendly process.

Single center, single operator comparative study of the effectiveness of electrohydraulic and electromagnetic lithotripters in the management of 10- to 20-mm single upper urinary tract calculi.

PubMed

Jamshaid, Anila; Ather, M Hammad; Hussain, Ghazi; Khawaja, Karim B

2008-11-01

This study compared the efficacy and safety profile of electrohydraulic (EH) and electromagnetic (EM) lithotriptors in the treatment of 10- to 20-mm renal and proximal ureteric stones at a single center and by a single operator. Between January 2001 and December 2006, we sequentially treated patients meeting study inclusion criteria with MPL 9000 Dornier EH for the first 3 years, followed by the EM Siemens Modularis shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) unit. A single operator performed all SWL treatments under the supervision of an admitting urologist. We analyzed the demographic features and stone- and treatment-related parameters including complications for both groups. In each group, the stone-free rate and efficiency quotient was determined at 1-3 months. Of 274 patients, we sequentially treated 112 using the EH lithotriptor, and 162 the EM lithotriptor. The pre-SWL patients and stone-related parameters were similar in the two groups, except for diagnostic imaging modalities. The mean number of SWL sessions, need for ancillary procedure, retreatment rate, stone location, stone-free rate, and efficiency quotient were not significantly different between groups. The mean number of shockwaves required for complete fragmentation was 2977 and 6044 (P < .000) for the EH and EM groups, respectively. Single center, single operator experience with two types of lithotriptor indicated that both are equally efficacious, with similar safety profiles. The only significant difference was that the EH lithotriptor required fewer shockwaves for fragmentation.

External Validation of the European Hernia Society Classification for Postoperative Complications after Incisional Hernia Repair: A Cohort Study of 2,191 Patients.

PubMed

Kroese, Leonard F; Kleinrensink, Gert-Jan; Lange, Johan F; Gillion, Jean-Francois

2018-03-01

Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after midline laparotomy. Surgical hernia repair is associated with complications, but no clear predictive risk factors have been identified. The European Hernia Society (EHS) classification offers a structured framework to describe hernias and to analyze postoperative complications. Because of its structured nature, it might prove to be useful for preoperative patient or treatment classification. The objective of this study was to investigate the EHS classification as a predictor for postoperative complications after incisional hernia surgery. An analysis was performed using a registry-based, large-scale, prospective cohort study, including all patients undergoing incisional hernia surgery between September 1, 2011 and February 29, 2016. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. A total of 2,191 patients were included, of whom 323 (15%) had 1 or more complications. Factors associated with complications in univariate analyses (p < 0.20) and clinically relevant factors were included in the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, EHS width class, incarceration, open surgery, duration of surgery, Altemeier wound class, and therapeutic antibiotic treatment were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Third recurrence and emergency surgery were associated with fewer complications. Incisional hernia repair is associated with a 15% complication rate. The EHS width classification is associated with postoperative complications. To identify patients at risk for complications, the EHS classification is useful. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Interactive effects of redox intensity and phosphate availability on growth and nutrient relations of Cladium jamaicense (Cyperaceae)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lissner, J.; Mendelssohn, I.A.; Lorenzen, B.; Brix, H.; McKee, K.L.; Miao, S.L.

2003-01-01

Expansion of Typha domingensis into areas previously dominated by Cladium jamaicense in the Florida Everglades has been linked to anthropogenic phosphorus (P) enrichment and increased hydroperiod. The principal stress factor for plants in flooded soils is biochemical reduction, the intensity of which is measured as redox potential (Eh). The objective of this study was to assess the growth response of C. jamaicense to Eh (-150, +150, and +600 mV) and P availability (10, 80, and 500 ??g P/L). Plants were grown hydroponically in a factorial experiment using titanium (Ti3+) citrate as an Eh buffer. Treatment effects on growth, biomass partitioning, and tissue nutrients were recorded. Growth approximately doubled in response to a 50-fold increase in P availability. Low redox significantly reduced growth and tissue P concentration. While plant P concentrations increased 20-fold between the 10 and 500 ??g P/L treatments, P concentrations were 50-100% higher at +600 mV than at -150 mV within each phosphate level. At high Eh, C. jamaicense appears well adapted to low nutrient environments because of its low P requirement and high retention of acquired E However, at low Eh the ability to acquire or conserve acquired P decreases and as a consequence, higher phosphate levels are required to sustain growth. Findings of this study indicate that young C. jamaicense exhibits low tolerance to strongly reducing conditions when phosphate is scarce.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes on cytokinesis-block micronucleus in peripheral blood lymphocyte among coke-oven workers

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

Shuguang Leng; Yufei Dai; Yong Niu

Exploring the associations between genetic polymorphisms of metabolic enzymes and susceptibility to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced chromosomal damage is of great significance for understanding PAH carcinogenesis. Cytochrome P450, glutathione S-transferase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, and N-acetyltransferase are PAH-metabolizing enzymes. In this study, we genotyped for the polymorphisms of these genes and assessed their effects on cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) frequencies in peripheral blood lymphocytes among 141 coke-oven workers and 66 non-coke-oven worker controls. The geometric means of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene levels in coke-oven workers and the controls were 12.0 and 0.7 {mu}mol/mol creatinine, respectively. The CBMN frequency (number of micronuclei permore » 1,000 binucleated lymphocytes) was significantly higher in coke-oven workers (9.5 {+-} 6.6) than in the controls. Among the coke-oven workers, age was positively associated with CBMN frequency; the mEH His{sup 113} variant genotype exhibited significantly lower CBMN frequency than did the Tyr{sup 113}/Tyr{sup 113} genotype; the low mEH activity phenotype exhibited a lower CBMN frequency than did the high mEH activity phenotype; the GSTP1 Val{sup 105}/Val{sup 105} genotype exhibited a higher CBMN frequency than did the GSTP1 Ile{sup 105}/Ile{sup 105} or Ile{sup 105}/Val{sup 105} genotypes; the joint effect of high mEH activity phenotype and GSTM1 null genotype on CBMN frequencies was also found. Gene-environment interactions between occupational PAH exposure and polymorphisms of mEH and/or GSTM1 were also evident. These results indicate that the mEH, GSTP1, and GSTM1 polymorphisms may play a role in sensitivity or genetic susceptibility to the genotoxic effects of PAH exposure in the coke-oven workers.« less

Current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of certified athletic trainers regarding recognition and treatment of exertional heat stroke.

PubMed

Mazerolle, Stephanie M; Scruggs, Ian C; Casa, Douglas J; Burton, Laura J; McDermott, Brendon P; Armstrong, Lawrence E; Maresh, Carl M

2010-01-01

Previous research has indicated that despite awareness of the current literature on the recommended prevention and care of exertional heat stroke (EHS), certified athletic trainers (ATs) acknowledge failure to follow those recommendations. To investigate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ATs regarding the recognition and treatment of EHS. Cross-sectional study. Online survey. We obtained a random sample of e-mail addresses for 1000 high school and collegiate ATs and contacted these individuals with invitations to participate. A total of 498 usable responses were received, for a 25% response rate. The survey instrument evaluated ATs' knowledge and actual practice regarding EHS and included 29 closed-ended Likert scale questions (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), 2 closed-ended questions rated on a Likert scale (1 = lowest value, 9 = greatest value), 8 open-ended questions, and 7 demographic questions. We focused on the open-ended and demographic questions. Although most ATs (77.1%) have read the current National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on heat illness, only 18.6% used rectal thermometers to assess core body temperature to recognize EHS, and 49.7% used cold-water immersion to treat EHS. Athletic trainers perceived rectal thermometers as the most valid temperature assessment device when compared with other assessment devices (P

Comparison of blood pressure and thermal responses in rats exposed to millimeter wave energy or environmental heat.

PubMed

Millenbaugh, Nancy J; Kiel, Johnathan L; Ryan, Kathy L; Blystone, Robert V; Kalns, John E; Brott, Becky J; Cerna, Cesario Z; Lawrence, William S; Soza, Laura L; Mason, Patrick A

2006-06-01

Electromagnetic fields at millimeter wave lengths are being developed for commercial and military use at power levels that can cause temperature increases in the skin. Previous work suggests that sustained exposure to millimeter waves causes greater heating of skin, leading to faster induction of circulatory failure than exposure to environmental heat (EH). We tested this hypothesis in three separate experiments by comparing temperature changes in skin, subcutis, and colon, and the time to reach circulatory collapse (mean arterial blood pressure, 20 mmHg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to the following conditions that produced similar rates of body core heating within each experiment: (1) EH at 42 degrees C, 35 GHz at 75 mW/cm, or 94 GHz at 75 mW/cm under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia; (2) EH at 43 degrees C, 35 GHz at 90 mW/cm, or 94 GHz at 90 mW/cm under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia; and (3) EH at 42 degrees C, 35 GHz at 90 mW/cm, or 94 GHz at 75 mW/cm under isoflurane anesthesia. In all three experiments, the rate and amount of temperature increase at the subcutis and skin surface differed significantly in the rank order of 94 GHz more than 35 GHz more than EH. The time to reach circulatory collapse was significantly less only for rats exposed to 94 GHz at 90 mW/cm, the group with the greatest rate of skin and subcutis heating of all groups in this study, compared with both the 35 GHz at 90 mW/cm and the EH at 43 degrees C groups. These data indicate that body core heating is the major determinant of induction of hemodynamic collapse, and the influence of heating of the skin and subcutis becomes significant only when a certain threshold rate of heating of these tissues is exceeded.

Efficacy of the Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System on IVF-ET Outcomes in PCOS With Simple Endometrial Hyperplasia.

PubMed

Bian, Jiang; Shao, Hongfang; Liu, Hua; Li, Hui; Fang, Lu; Xing, Changying; Wang, Lihong; Tao, Minfang

2015-06-01

This study investigated the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) pretreatment for simple endometrial hyperplasia (EH) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF embryo transfer (IVF-ET). One hundred ninety patients with PCOS and simple EH without cytologic atypia were allocated randomly to 2 independent arms, that is, the LNG-IUS group (90 patients) and the non-LNG-IUS group (100 patients). Four hundred fourteen patients with PCOS without endometrial disease comprised the control group. Each patient was reevaluated by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) and endometrial biopsy after 6 months. For each patient, IVF outcome measures, such as number of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone, endometrial thickness on human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) day, hormone levels (progesterone, luetinizing hormone, and serum estradiol) on HCG day, number of oocytes, fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate were compared among the 3 groups. In general, the 3 groups did not differ with respect to the main clinical and biochemical data. After 6 months, patients in LNG-IUS group had an EH resolution rate of 87.77%. In the non-LNG-IUS group, the resolution rate was 15.00%, and 3% of these patients showed progression of EH. The clinical pregnancy rates in the non-LNG-IUS group were significantly lower (28.04%) than that in the LNG-IUS group (46.06%) and the control group (44.65%). The miscarriage rate was highest in the non-LNG-IUS group, but no significant difference in miscarriage rate existed among the 3 groups. The study illustrates that the LNG-IUS can be safely used for 6 months as a treatment for patients with PCOS and simple EH. Additionally, use of the LNG-IUS can increase the clinical pregnancy rates and implantation rates of patients with PCOS and simple EH who undergo gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist IVF-ET protocols. © The Author(s) 2014.

Seasonal variation in tissue estrogen-2/4-hydroxylases (EH) and in vitro effects of steroids on ovarian EH activity in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis.

PubMed

Chourasia, T K; Joy, K P

2010-12-12

A radiometric assay was used to measure microsomal EH activity from tritiated H(2)O formed during the conversion of [2,4 (3)H] estradiol-17β into catecholestrogens in the microsomal fractions of liver, brain and ovary of the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. The validation data show that enzyme activity increased with incubation time, and substrate and cofactor (NADPH) concentrations, elicited temperature optima of 30-37°C and pH optima of 6.8-7.8. EH activity was strongly NADPH-dependent and in its absence only 13.48% activity was recorded. Liver recorded the highest enzyme activity, followed by brain and ovary. EH activity showed a significant seasonal variation with the peak activity in spawning phase and the lowest activity in resting phase. In the ovary, the follicular layer (theca and granulosa) elicited the highest activity over that of the denuded oocytes. Modulatory effects of steroids on ovarian enzyme activity were further demonstrated. The incubation of postvitellogenic follicles with 1, 10 or 100 nM concentrations of various steroids for 24 h produced varied effects on EH activity. Progesterone and 2-hydroxyestradiol-17β elicited strong suppressive effects on enzyme activity. Estrogens (E(1), E(2) and E(3)) suppressed the activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Among the progestins tested, 17,20α-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, the isomer of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (a teleost maturation-inducing steroid) showed the lowest depressing effect. Among androgens, the testosterone metabolite 11-ketotestosterone (functional teleost androgen) showed a high suppressing effect. Corticosteroids elicited low activity with cortisol suppressed the activity at higher concentrations. The study will form a basis to understand the physiological role of catecholestrogens in ovarian functions. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hyperpolarizability of H 2O revisited: accurate estimate of the basis set limit and the size of electron correlation effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maroulis, George

1998-06-01

A large (18s 13p 8d 5f / 12s 7p 3d 2f) basis set consisting of 256 uncontracted gaussian-type functions is expected to yield values near the Hartree-Fock limit for the static hyperpolarizability of H 2O: βzxx=-9.40, βzyy=-1.35, βzzz=-7.71 and β¯=-11.07 for βαβγ ( e3a03Eh-2) and γxxxx=569, γyyyy=1422, γzzzz=907, γxxyy=338, γyyzz=389, γzzxx=287 and γ¯=985 for γαβγδ ( e4a04Eh-3) at the experimental equilibrium geometry (with z as the C 2 axis, molecule on the xz plane). The respective electron correlation corrections obtained with the single, double and perturbatively linked triple excitations coupled-cluster method and a [9s 6p 6d 3f / 6s 4p 2d 1f] basis set are βzxx=-0.45, βzyy=-4.19, βzzz=-6.09, β¯=-6.44 and γxxxx=267, γyyyy=1228, γzzzz=574, γxxyy=295, γyyzz=322, γzzxx=152, γ¯=721 . For the static limit we propose β¯=-17.5±0.3 e3a03Eh-2 and γ¯=(171±6)×10 1e4a04Eh-3, in near agreement with the experimental findings of β¯=-19.2±0.9 e3a03Eh-2 and γ¯=1800±150 e4a04Eh-3 deduced from EFISH measurements at 1064 nm by Kaatz et al. [P. Kaatz, E.A. Donley, D.P. Shelton, J. Chem. Phys. 108 (1998) 849].

6D.03: FLOW-MEDIATED DILATATION (FMD) AND ENDOTHELIUM-INDEPENDENT DILATATION (EID) IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIFOCAL FIBROMUSCULAR DYSPLASIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

PubMed

Khettab, H; Lorthior, A; Niarra, R; Chambon, Y; Jeunemaitre, X; Plouin, P F; Laurent, S; Boutouyrie, P; Azizi, M

2015-06-01

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FD) is a rare idiopathic, segmental, non-atherosclerotic non-inflammatory vascular disease. We previously showed that FD is a general arterial disease with focal exacerbation of the trait. However, whether endothelial dysfunction may be involved in the pathophysiology of FD is unclear. In a cross sectional study, we compared the endothelial function between 50 patients with multifocal FD of renal/carotid arteries confirmed by CT-angiography, 50 essential hypertensive (EH) patients matched for age, sex, ethnicity and BP and 50 healthy subjects (HS) matched for age, sex and ethnicity. Exclusion criteria were: tobacco consumption, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, aspirin or statin treatment. Brachial artery (BA) FMD after release of hand ischemia and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced EID was measured using a high-resolution radiofrequency-based echotracking system blind to the diagnosis. FD, EH and HS were well matched (52yrs, 85% women, 80% caucasian). SBP was higher in FD (125 ± 15mmHg) and EH (121 ± 12mmHg) than EH (113 ± 10mmHg) despite antihypertensive treatments. BA external diameter was significantly lower in FD than in both HS and EH before, during and after hand ischemia and after GTN. BA intima media thickness (IMT), internal diameter did not differ between the 3 groups. FMD (%) or EID (%) did not significantly differ between the 3 groups. BA flow velocity did not significantly differ in any experimental condition.(Figure is included in full-text article.) : In conclusion, despite showing similar acute vasodilatory responses to flow and GTN, FD patients differed from EH and HS in terms of arterial morphology with smaller BA diameter associated with similar IMT. This paradoxical remodeling may suggest a chronic defect in the endothelium-dependent pathways involved in arterial remodeling in FD patients.

Experimental verification of a novel MEMS multi-modal vibration energy harvester for ultra-low power remote sensing nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iannacci, J.; Sordo, G.; Serra, E.; Kucera, M.; Schmid, U.

2015-05-01

In this work, we discuss the verification and preliminary experimental characterization of a MEMS-based vibration Energy Harvester (EH) design. The device, named Four-Leaf Clover (FLC), is based on a circular-shaped mechanical resonator with four petal-like mass-spring cascaded systems. This solution introduces several mechanical Degrees of Freedom (DOFs), and therefore enables multiple resonant modes and deformation shapes in the vibrations frequency range of interest. The target is to realize a wideband multi-modal EH-MEMS device, that overcomes the typical narrowband working characteristics of standard cantilevered EHs, by ensuring flexible and adaptable power source to ultra-low power electronics for integrated remote sensing nodes (e.g. Wireless Sensor Networks - WSNs) in the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, aiming to self-powered and energy autonomous smart systems. Finite Element Method simulations of the FLC EH-MEMS show the presence of several resonant modes for vibrations up to 4-5 kHz, and level of converted power up to a few μW at resonance and in closed-loop conditions (i.e. with resistive load). On the other hand, the first experimental tests of FLC fabricated samples, conducted with a Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV), proved the presence of several resonant modes, and allowed to validate the accuracy of the FEM modeling method. Such a good accordance holds validity for what concerns the coupled field behavior of the FLC EH-MEMS, as well. Both measurements and simulations performed at 190 Hz (i.e. out of resonance) showed the generation of power in the range of nW (Root Mean Square - RMS values). Further steps of this work will include the experimental characterization in a full range of vibrations, aiming to prove the whole functionality of the FLC EH-MEMS proposed design concept.

Low plasma renin activity and high aldosterone/renin ratio are associated with untreated isolated systolic hypertension.

PubMed

Durukan, Mine; Guray, Umit; Aksu, Tolga; Guray, Yesim; Demirkan, Burcu; Korkmaz, Sule

2012-10-01

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is generally encountered in elderly patients and there are scarce data regarding the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity in patients with ISH. We aimed to determine the plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone levels (PAL) and aldosterone/PRA ratio (PAL/PRA) in patients (age >50 years) with ISH and to compare these values with patients with essential hypertension (EH) as well as subjects with normal blood pressure values (control) who have similar age and cardiovascular risk profile. Consecutively, 42 untreated ISH patients, 30 patients with EH and 29 normal subjects were included in the study. Parameters were presented as median (interquartile range). There were no significant differences regarding age, gender and other cardiovascular risk factors among groups. As expected, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure values were significantly different among groups. Besides, PRA values were found to be significantly lower in patients with ISH (0.4 [0.2-1.1] ng/ml/h) compared with the EH (0.95 [0.5-2.6] ng/ml/h, p =0.024) and control (1.3 [0.7-2.1] ng/ml/h, p =0.001) groups. Although, PAL were similar among groups, PAL/PRA ratio was significantly higher in ISH group (134.1 [73-224]) compared with those with EH (42.2 [35-84], p <0.001) and the control group (53.3 [30-106], p =0.001). No significant difference was present with respect to PAL/PRA ratio between EH and control groups. Our findings suggested that in patients with ISH, despite lower PRA levels, PAL/PRA ratio is significantly higher compared with the patients with EH and subjects with normal blood pressure. Since higher PAL/PRA levels is an indicator of relative aldosterone excess, medications blocking RAAS activity including aldosterone antagonists may have useful cardiovascular consequences in addition to their antihypertensive effects in ISH.

Development of a Work Climate Scale in Emergency Health Services

PubMed Central

Sanduvete-Chaves, Susana; Lozano-Lozano, José A.; Chacón-Moscoso, Salvador; Holgado-Tello, Francisco P.

2018-01-01

An adequate work climate fosters productivity in organizations and increases employee satisfaction. Workers in emergency health services (EHS) have an extremely high degree of responsibility and consequent stress. Therefore, it is essential to foster a good work climate in this context. Despite this, scales with a full study of their psychometric properties (i.e., validity evidence based on test content, internal structure and relations to other variables, and reliability) are not available to measure work climate in EHS specifically. For this reason, our objective was to develop a scale to measure the quality of work climates in EHS. We carried out three studies. In Study 1, we used a mixed-method approach to identify the latent conceptual structure of the construct work climate. Thus, we integrated the results found in (a) a previous study, where a content analysis of seven in-depth interviews obtained from EHS professionals in two hospitals in Gibraltar Countryside County was carried out; and (b) the factor analysis of the responses given by 113 EHS professionals from these same centers to 18 items that measured the work climate in health organizations. As a result, we obtained 56 items grouped into four factors (work satisfaction, productivity/achievement of aims, interpersonal relationships, and performance at work). In Study 2, we presented validity evidence based on test content through experts' judgment. Fourteen experts from the methodology and health fields evaluated the representativeness, utility, and feasibility of each of the 56 items with respect to their factor (theoretical dimension). Forty items met the inclusion criterion, which was to obtain an Osterlind index value greater than or equal to 0.5 in the three aspects assessed. In Study 3, 201 EHS professionals from the same centers completed the resulting 40-item scale. This new instrument produced validity evidence based on the internal structure in a second-order factor model with four components (RMSEA = 0.079, GFI = 0.97, AGFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.97; NFI = 0.95, and NNFI = 0.97); absence of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in 80% of the items; reliability (α = 0.96); and validity evidence based on relations to other variables, specifically the test-criterion relationship (ρ = 0.680). Finally, we discuss further developments of the instrument and its possible implications for EHS workers. PMID:29403417

Development of a Work Climate Scale in Emergency Health Services.

PubMed

Sanduvete-Chaves, Susana; Lozano-Lozano, José A; Chacón-Moscoso, Salvador; Holgado-Tello, Francisco P

2018-01-01

An adequate work climate fosters productivity in organizations and increases employee satisfaction. Workers in emergency health services (EHS) have an extremely high degree of responsibility and consequent stress. Therefore, it is essential to foster a good work climate in this context. Despite this, scales with a full study of their psychometric properties (i.e., validity evidence based on test content, internal structure and relations to other variables, and reliability) are not available to measure work climate in EHS specifically. For this reason, our objective was to develop a scale to measure the quality of work climates in EHS. We carried out three studies. In Study 1, we used a mixed-method approach to identify the latent conceptual structure of the construct work climate . Thus, we integrated the results found in (a) a previous study, where a content analysis of seven in-depth interviews obtained from EHS professionals in two hospitals in Gibraltar Countryside County was carried out; and (b) the factor analysis of the responses given by 113 EHS professionals from these same centers to 18 items that measured the work climate in health organizations. As a result, we obtained 56 items grouped into four factors (work satisfaction, productivity/achievement of aims, interpersonal relationships, and performance at work). In Study 2, we presented validity evidence based on test content through experts' judgment. Fourteen experts from the methodology and health fields evaluated the representativeness, utility, and feasibility of each of the 56 items with respect to their factor (theoretical dimension). Forty items met the inclusion criterion, which was to obtain an Osterlind index value greater than or equal to 0.5 in the three aspects assessed. In Study 3, 201 EHS professionals from the same centers completed the resulting 40-item scale. This new instrument produced validity evidence based on the internal structure in a second-order factor model with four components ( RMSEA = 0.079, GFI = 0.97, AGFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.97; NFI = 0.95, and NNFI = 0.97); absence of Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in 80% of the items; reliability (α = 0.96); and validity evidence based on relations to other variables, specifically the test-criterion relationship (ρ = 0.680). Finally, we discuss further developments of the instrument and its possible implications for EHS workers.

Development of an E-H2O2/TiO2 photoelectrocatalytic oxidation system for water and wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Li, X Z; Liu, H S

2005-06-15

In this study, an innovative E-H2O2/TiO2 (E-H2O2 = electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide) photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxidation system was successfully developed for water and wastewater treatment. A TiO2/Ti mesh electrode was applied in this photoreactor as the anode to conduct PEC oxidation, and a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) electrode was used as the cathode to electrogenerate hydrogen peroxide simultaneously. The TiO2/Ti mesh electrode was prepared with a modified anodic oxidation process in a quadrielectrolyte (H2SO4-H3PO4-H2O2-HF) solution. The crystal structure, surface morphology, and film thickness of the TiO2/Ti mesh electrode were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The analytical results showed that a honeycomb-type anatase film with a thickness of 5 microm was formed. Photocatalytic oxidation (PC) and PEC oxidation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) in an aqueous solution were performed under various experimental conditions. Experimental results showed that the TiO2/Ti electrode, anodized in the H2SO4-H3PO4-H2O2-HF solution, had higher photocatalytic activity than the TiO2/Ti electrode anodized in the H2SO4 solution. It was found that the maximum applied potential would be around 2.5 V, corresponding to an optimum applied current density of 50 microA cm(-2) under UV-A illumination. The experiments confirmed that the E-H2O2 on the RVC electrode can significantly enhance the PEC oxidation of TCP in aqueous solution. The rate of TCP degradation in such an E-H2O2-assisted TiO2 PEC reaction was 5.0 times that of the TiO2 PC reaction and 2.3 times that of the TiO2 PEC reaction. The variation of pH during the E-H2O2-assisted TiO2 PEC reaction, affected by individual reactions, was also investigated. It was found that pH was well maintained during the TCP degradation in such an E-H2O2/TiO2 reaction system. This is beneficial to TCP degradation in an aqueous solution.

Data Services Upgrade: Perfecting the ISIS-I Topside Digital Ionogram Database

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Yongli; Benson, Robert F.; Bilitza, Dieter; Fung, Shing. F.; Chu, Philip; Huang, Xueqin; Truhlik, Vladimir

2015-01-01

The ionospheric topside sounders of the International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) program were designed as analog systems. More than 16,000 of the original telemetry tapes from three satellites were used to produce topside digital ionograms, via an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion process, suitable for modern analysis techniques. Unfortunately, many of the resulting digital topside ionogram files could not be auto-processed to produce topside Ne(h) profiles because of problems encountered during the A/D process. Software has been written to resolve these problems and here we report on (1) the first application of this software to a significant portion of the ISIS-1 digital topside-ionogram database, (2) software improvements motivated by this activity, (3) N(sub e)(h) profiles automatically produced from these corrected ISIS-1 digital ionogram files, and (4) the availability via the Virtual Wave Observatory (VWO) of the corrected ISIS-1 digital topside ionogram files for research. We will also demonstrate the use of these N(sub e)(h) profiles for making refinements in the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) and in the determination of transition heights from Oxygen ion to Hydrogen ion.

Association between Hcy levels and the CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms with essential hypertension.

PubMed

Cai, Weijuan; Yin, Liang; Yang, Fang; Zhang, Lei; Cheng, Jiang

2014-11-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the homocysteine (Hcy) levels and polymorphisms of the CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T genes in essential hypertension (EH). The effects of the MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 haploid genotypes and the combined genotypes on EH and levels of Hcy were further explored. The polymorphisms of CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T genes in 200 EH and 200 normal tensive (NT) patients were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and analysis of the distribution of genotypes. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the plasma Hcy levels and the clinical biochemistry data. The plasma Hcy levels in EH were significantly higher than those of the NT group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between males and females. Two genotypes, deletion/deletion (DD) and deletion/insertion (DI), of the CBS844ins68 polymorphism were found in two groups with no clear differences in two genotypes and allele frequency distribution (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the three genotype frequencies (χ 2 =6.658, χ 2 =4.410, P<0.05) for MTHFR C677T locus genotypes CC, CT and TT. The Hcy levels in genotypes DD and DI had no significant differences (P>0.05) and the CT and TT types were significantly higher compared to the CC genotype (P<0.05). The CC/DD combined genotype in the two groups was significantly different (P<0.05), and the odds ratio (OR), 0.569 showed that the CC/DD genotype may be a protective factor of hypertension. In the two groups, the Hcy levels for combined genotypes CC/DD, CT/DD, TT/DD and TT/DI were significantly different (P<0.05). The SHEsis software analysis linkage disequilibrium coefficient=0.216, indicates that there is probably a weak linkage for MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 . Haplotype analysis suggested that the C-D haplotype was negatively correlated with EH (OR, 0.727) and that there was a positive correlation between T-D haplotype and EH (OR, 1.376). MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 polymorphisms were present in the populations studied and the CBS844ins68 homozygous mutation was not present. Therefore, there is a correlation between the polymorphisms of the MTHFR C677T gene and EH, and allele T may be one of the predisposing factors. MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 may exist with a certain linkage and the T-D haplotype may be a risk factor for EH.

Association between Hcy levels and the CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms with essential hypertension

PubMed Central

CAI, WEIJUAN; YIN, LIANG; YANG, FANG; ZHANG, LEI; CHENG, JIANG

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the homocysteine (Hcy) levels and polymorphisms of the CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T genes in essential hypertension (EH). The effects of the MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 haploid genotypes and the combined genotypes on EH and levels of Hcy were further explored. The polymorphisms of CBS844ins68 and MTHFR C677T genes in 200 EH and 200 normal tensive (NT) patients were detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and analysis of the distribution of genotypes. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the plasma Hcy levels and the clinical biochemistry data. The plasma Hcy levels in EH were significantly higher than those of the NT group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) between males and females. Two genotypes, deletion/deletion (DD) and deletion/insertion (DI), of the CBS844ins68 polymorphism were found in two groups with no clear differences in two genotypes and allele frequency distribution (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the three genotype frequencies (χ2=6.658, χ2=4.410, P<0.05) for MTHFR C677T locus genotypes CC, CT and TT. The Hcy levels in genotypes DD and DI had no significant differences (P>0.05) and the CT and TT types were significantly higher compared to the CC genotype (P<0.05). The CC/DD combined genotype in the two groups was significantly different (P<0.05), and the odds ratio (OR), 0.569 showed that the CC/DD genotype may be a protective factor of hypertension. In the two groups, the Hcy levels for combined genotypes CC/DD, CT/DD, TT/DD and TT/DI were significantly different (P<0.05). The SHEsis software analysis linkage disequilibrium coefficient=0.216, indicates that there is probably a weak linkage for MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68. Haplotype analysis suggested that the C-D haplotype was negatively correlated with EH (OR, 0.727) and that there was a positive correlation between T-D haplotype and EH (OR, 1.376). MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 polymorphisms were present in the populations studied and the CBS844ins68 homozygous mutation was not present. Therefore, there is a correlation between the polymorphisms of the MTHFR C677T gene and EH, and allele T may be one of the predisposing factors. MTHFR C677T and CBS844ins68 may exist with a certain linkage and the T-D haplotype may be a risk factor for EH. PMID:25279160

Control of lasing from a highly photoexcited semiconductor microcavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Feng-Kuo

Technological advances in the fabrication of optical cavities and crystal growth have enabled the studies on macroscopic quantum states and emergent nonequilibrium phenomena of light-matter hybrids in condensed matter. Optical excitations in a semiconductor microcavity can result in a coupled electron-hole-photon (e-h-gamma) system, in which various many-body physics can be studied by varying particle densities and particle-particle interactions. Recently there have been reports of phenomena analogous to Bose-Einstein condensates or superfluids for exciton-polaritons in a microcavity. An exciton-polariton is a quasiparticle resulting from strong coupling between the cavity light field and the exciton (e-h pair) transition, and typically is only stable at a low density ( 10 11 to 1012 cm-2 or less). At a higher density, it has been theoretically predicted that pairing of electrons and holes can result in a BCS-like state at cryogenic temperatures, which can produce cooperative radiation known as superradiance. In this work, we explore cooperative phenomena caused by e-h correlation and many-body effect in a highly photoexcited microcavity at room temperature. High-density e-h plasmas in a photoexcited microcavity are studied under the following conditions: (1) the sample is photoexcited GaAs-based microcavity with large detuning between the band gap Eg of quantum well and cavity resonance to prevent carriers from radiative loss, (2) the density of e-h pairs is high enough to build long-range correlation with the assistance of cavity light field. The Fermi level of electron-hole pairs is about 80 meV above Eg, and (3) the e-h correlation is stabilized through thermal management, which includes modulating the excitation pulse laser temporally and spatially to reduce the heating and carrier diffusion effect. We have observed ultrafast (sub-10 picoseconds) spin-polarized lasing with sizable energy shifts and linewidth broadenings as pump flux is increased. With optically induced confinement, multiple-lasing modes were produced, with sequential lasing time depending on energies. These phenomena are attributed to the spin-dependent stimulated emission from correlated e-h pairs. We further performed a non-degenerate pump-probe spectroscopy to investigate dynamic carrier relaxation. We find transient resonances with significant changes in differential reflectivity that can last more than 1 ns. The resonance exhibits a polarization-dependent splitting in about 1 meV under circularly polarized pumping. All the aforementioned phenomena can be explained by the combination effect of carrier-induced refractive index change and the light-induced e-h correlation. Our research enriches the studies of coupled e-h-gamma systems at room temperature and a high-density regime; however, further experiments and theoretical works are required to claim and clarify the formation of such correlated e-h pairs in a highly photoexcited microcavity. Nonetheless, we have demonstrated that many-body effects can be harnessed to control lasing dynamics and energies in highly photoexcited semiconductor microcavities. We expect an improved understanding of the many-body effect resulted from e-h pairing to help the development of polarization-controlled and wavelength-tunable lasers.

Variability of Performance: A "Signature" Characteristic of Learning Disabled Children?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuchs, Douglas; And Others

Two studies were conducted to compare the performance instability of children (grades 3-9) labeled learning disabled/brain injured (LD/BI) to the performance instability of emotionally handicapped (EH) children. In the first study, 50 LD/BI and 37 EH students were measured on three third grade reading passages twice, once within one sitting and…

Athletic Trainers' Attitudes and Perceptions Regarding Exertional Heat Stroke before and after an Educational Intervention

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schellhase, Kristen Couper; Plant, Jennifer; Mazerolle, Stephanie M.

2017-01-01

Context: Death from exertional heat stroke (EHS) is preventable when evidence-based guidelines are followed. The assessment of core body temperature using rectal thermometry and the treatment of cold-water immersion for EHS has been established as the standard of care; however, rectal thermometry is still controversial. Athletic trainers (ATs) may…

Nutritional environment influences transcription of a pantocin A biosynthesis gene in Pantoea vagans strain C9-1

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The histidine-reversible antibiotic pantocin A is produced by Pantoea vagans strain C9-1 and Pantoea agglomerans strains Eh252, EH318 and P10c and contributes significantly to efficacy of biological control of fire blight of pear and apple flowers caused by Erwinia amylovora. Antibiosis by pantocin ...

Comparing Service Use of Early Head Start Families of Children with and without Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zajicek-Farber, Michaela L.; Wall, Shavaun M.; Kisker, Ellen E.; Luze, Gayle J.; Summers, Jean Ann

2011-01-01

The current study compared patterns of service utilization reported by Early Head Start (EHS) families of children with and without disabilities by secondary analysis of data from the longitudinal investigation of the effectiveness of EHS. Findings reveal comparable positive trends for both groups of families for receipt of services corresponding…

Early Head Start: Factors Associated with Caregiver Knowledge of Child Development, Parenting Behavior, and Parenting Stress

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belcher, Harolyn M. E.; Watkins, Katara; Johnson, Elizabeth; Ialongo, Nicholas

2007-01-01

This study investigates the role of socioeconomic status, parental mental health, and knowledge of child development on parenting styles and perceived parenting stress in caregivers of children, ages 3 months to 3 years, enrolled in Early Head Start (EHS). Caregivers of EHS students were interviewed using the Knowledge of Infant Development…

Development of a Mathematical Model that Simulates the Longitudinal, and Lateral-Directional Response of the F/A-18 for the Study of Flight Control Reconfiguration

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-01

rococo CO CO COooo...iHrHrH OOO<<< [l|[i4[x4 OOO OrHCM rococoOOO rHr-Hf— I OOO [i4[ii[i4 OOO co<*lo cocoooOOO (Hi—IrH OOO<<< [14 [14 [14 OOO loc^co rococo OOO iHr-irH OOO...kO— O COH I Eh + CNi—11—11—iQ •2WSO ’^J-* 1— 1 0-i 1—1 . II Q II JHH || CN II II Eh<EhCQO rococo coco cf> cr> cji cr> <y> fafafafafa fa O o + Q O

Elevated blood pressure and personality: a meta-analytic review.

PubMed

Jorgensen, R S; Johnson, B T; Kolodziej, M E; Schreer, G E

1996-09-01

A meta-analysis of 295 relevant effect sizes obtained from 25,469 participants confirmed expectations that elevated blood pressure (BP) and essential hypertension (EH) would be associated with lower affect expression but with more negative affectivity and defensiveness. The strongest associations occurred for defensiveness and measures of anger and affect expression linked to an interpersonal context(s). However, a number of other factors also were found to moderate associations of BP with personality measures, including awareness of BP status, gender, occupation, and diastolic versus systolic BP assessment. Given these moderators, the authors conclude that a traditional view of personality causing EH is untenable and that, not incorporating multifactorial, synergistic approaches is likely to obscure associations of personality-behavior with EH.

Emerging Interaction Patterns in the Emiliania huxleyi-EhV System

PubMed Central

Ruiz, Eliana; Oosterhof, Monique; Sandaa, Ruth-Anne; Larsen, Aud; Pagarete, António

2017-01-01

Viruses are thought to be fundamental in driving microbial diversity in the oceanic planktonic realm. That role and associated emerging infection patterns remain particularly elusive for eukaryotic phytoplankton and their viruses. Here we used a vast number of strains from the model system Emiliania huxleyi/Emiliania huxleyi Virus to quantify parameters such as growth rate (µ), resistance (R), and viral production (Vp) capacities. Algal and viral abundances were monitored by flow cytometry during 72-h incubation experiments. The results pointed out higher viral production capacity in generalist EhV strains, and the virus-host infection network showed a strong co-evolution pattern between E. huxleyi and EhV populations. The existence of a trade-off between resistance and growth capacities was not confirmed. PMID:28327527

Emerging Interaction Patterns in the Emiliania huxleyi-EhV System.

PubMed

Ruiz, Eliana; Oosterhof, Monique; Sandaa, Ruth-Anne; Larsen, Aud; Pagarete, António

2017-03-22

Viruses are thought to be fundamental in driving microbial diversity in the oceanic planktonic realm. That role and associated emerging infection patterns remain particularly elusive for eukaryotic phytoplankton and their viruses. Here we used a vast number of strains from the model system Emiliania huxleyi /Emiliania huxleyi Virus to quantify parameters such as growth rate (µ), resistance (R), and viral production (Vp) capacities. Algal and viral abundances were monitored by flow cytometry during 72-h incubation experiments. The results pointed out higher viral production capacity in generalist EhV strains, and the virus-host infection network showed a strong co-evolution pattern between E. huxleyi and EhV populations. The existence of a trade-off between resistance and growth capacities was not confirmed.

Environmental Guidance Program Reference Book: Comprehensive Environmentally Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

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

Not Available

This Reference Book contains a current copy of the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability Act and those regulations that implement the statute and appear to be most relevant to Department of Energy (DOE) activities. The document is provided to DOE and contractor staff for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal guidance. Updates that include important new requirements will be provided periodically. Questions concerning this Reference Book may be directed to Mark Petts, EH-231 (FTS 896-2609 or Commercial 202/586-2609).

United States Air Force Graduate Student Summer Support Program (1985). Management Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

metabolites confirmed the presence of 1 - indanol , 1 -indanone, 2- indanol , 2-indanone, 5- indanol , cis-l,2-indandiol, and trans-l,2-indandiol. Two other major...extracts yielded 1 -indanone and 1 - indanol in the male but not the female rat. r-. - 116 2- .t . . NUMERICAL CALCULATIONS for GEOMETRIC ATTENUATION PROBLEM...DEC 85 AFOSR-TR-86-o6135 UNCLASSIFIED F49620-83-C-6S13 F/O 519 NU. EhhhhhEh Emhhhhmmmhhu mhEmhEEohhEEEE mEmhohEEmhohEI ILI 1111.25 1 14 MICROCOPY

Altered soluble epoxide hydrolase-derived oxylipins in patients with seasonal major depression: An exploratory study.

PubMed

Hennebelle, Marie; Otoki, Yurika; Yang, Jun; Hammock, Bruce D; Levitt, Anthony J; Taha, Ameer Y; Swardfager, Walter

2017-06-01

Many cytochrome p450-derived lipids promote resolution of inflammation, in contrast to their soluble epoxide hydrolase(sEH)-derived oxylipin breakdown products. Here we compare plasma oxylipins and precursor fatty acids between seasons in participants with major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (MDD-s). Euthymic participants with a history of MDD-s recruited in summer-fall were followed-up in winter. At both visits, a structured clinical interview (DSM-5 criteria) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) were administered. Unesterified and total oxylipin pools were assayed by liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Precursor fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. In nine unmedicated participants euthymic at baseline who met depression criteria in winter, BDI-II scores increased from 4.9±4.4 to 19.9±7.7. Four sEH-derived oxylipins increased in winter compared to summer-fall with moderate to large effect sizes. An auto-oxidation product (unesterified epoxyketooctadecadienoic acid) and lipoxygenase-derived 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid also increased in winter. The cytochrome p450-derived 20-COOH-leukotriene B4 (unesterified) and total 14(15)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, and the sEH-derived 14,15-dihydroxyeicostrienoic acid (unesterified), decreased in winter. We conclude that winter depression was associated with changes in cytochrome p450- and sEH-derived oxylipins, suggesting that seasonal shifts in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid metabolism mediated by sEH may underlie inflammatory states in symptomatic MDD-s. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE) activity as an indicator of total body granuloma load and prognosis in sarcoidosis.

PubMed

Muthuswamy, P P; Lopez-Majano, V; Ranginwala, M; Trainor, W D

1987-09-01

The relationship between the level of serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) and the total body granuloma load in patients with sarcoidosis was studied in two groups using SACE levels and total body gallium67 scans. The study group consisted of 22 patients with SACE levels greater than or equal to 100 U/ml (EH-SACE group) and the control group consisted of 24 patients consecutively diagnosed to have sarcoidosis in a one year period with SACE level of less than 80 U/ml. The average number of organs involved in the EH-SACE group was 3.9 +/- 1 compared to 2.3 +/- 1 in the control group (p less than 0.0001). The incidence of extra pulmonary organ involvement in the EH-SACE group was 2.2 +/- 1 organs compared to 1.0 + 0.8 in the control group (p less than 0.0002). The SACE level was correlated with the number of organs involved for all patients with sarcoidosis (r = .55; p less than .0001). Following corticosteroid therapy for 39 +/- 41 weeks the SACE dropped to 64 +/- 45 units in the EH-SACE group. But it took only 13 +/- 10 weeks to normalize the SACE level to 27 +/- 9 units in the control group. The EH-SACE group patients were followed for 114 +/- 64 weeks and 73% of them still have active sarcoidosis requiring repeated cycles of corticosteroid therapy, while after 42 +/- 23 weeks of follow up only 10% of patients from the control group were still on therapy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Stress, abdominal obesity and intrarenal resistive index in essential hypertension.

PubMed

Trovato, G M; Pace, P; Martines, G F; Trovato, F M; Pirri, C; Catalano, D

2012-07-01

Although it is commonly believed that a strong causal link exists between psychological stress and hypertension, as well with other factors, such as obesity, just what kind of empirical evidence supports this assumption is still controversial. The aim of the study is to investigate if perceived stress have any interference with intrarenal resistance and hence with mechanisms related to Essential Hypertension (EH) and if Anxiety, Depression, Self efficacy and Illness Perception can account for perceived stress. Obesity, insulin resistance (HOMA), Doppler Renal Resistive Index (RRI) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are studied along with Psychological Stress Measure (PSM), Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), Generalized Self-Efficacy scale (GSE) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in 119 hypertensive patients referred for stable lasting EH, and 150 normal controls. Lower salt/lower calories Mediterranean diet, physical activity increase and smoking withdrawal counseling were provided. By Odds Ratios, higher risk of EH is associated with greater perceived stress, older age, lower GFR, obesity, greater RRI and insulin resistance. By Multiple Linear Regression the most significant variable that accounts for higher RRI are abdominal obesity and arterial pulse pressure; the only significant independent psychological variable that accounts for abdominal obesity are PSM and identity IPQ subscale. Self-Efficacy anxiety and Illness perception subscales (IPQr), accounts significantly for 62.0% of the variance to PSM, with possible effects on RRI and on the pathophysiological hypertension cascade. Worst identity and treatment control perceptions of EH, and a lower self-efficacy are the main psychological factors accounting for a greater stress. Interventions aimed to reduce perceived stress can be warranted in EH.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Peptides Released from β-Lactoglobulin by High Hydrostatic Pressure-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis.

PubMed

Bamdad, Fatemeh; Bark, Seonghee; Kwon, Chul Hee; Suh, Joo-Won; Sunwoo, Hoon

2017-06-07

β-lactoglobulin hydrolysates (BLGH) have shown antioxidant, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and opioid activity. In the current study, an innovative combination of high hydrostatic pressure and enzymatic hydrolysis (HHP-EH) was used to increase the yield of short bioactive peptides, and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the BLGH produced by the HHP-EH process. BLG was enzymatically hydrolyzed by different proteases at an enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 1:100 under HHP (100 MPa) and compared with hydrolysates obtained under atmospheric pressure (AP-EH at 0.1 MPa). The degree of hydrolysis (DH), molecular weight distribution, and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of hydrolysates in chemical and cellular models were evaluated. BLGH obtained under HHP-EH showed higher DH than the hydrolysates obtained under AP-EH. Free radical scavenging and the reducing capacity were also significantly stronger in HHP-BLGH compared to AP-BLGH. The BLGH produced by alcalase (Alc) (BLG-Alc) showed significantly higher antioxidant properties among the six enzymes examined in this study. The anti-inflammatory properties of BLG-HHP-Alc were observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells by a lower level of nitric oxide production and the suppression of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Peptide sequencing revealed that 38% of the amino acids in BLG-HHP-Alc are hydrophobic and aromatic residues, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Enzymatic hydrolysis of BLG under HHP produces a higher yield of short bioactive peptides with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Hypertrophic remodeling of subcutaneous small resistance arteries in patients with Cushing's syndrome.

PubMed

Rizzoni, Damiano; Porteri, Enzo; De Ciuceis, Carolina; Rodella, Luigi F; Paiardi, Silvia; Rizzardi, Nicola; Platto, Caterina; Boari, Gianluca E M; Pilu, Annamaria; Tiberio, Guido A M; Giulini, Stefano M; Favero, Gaia; Rezzani, Rita; Rosei, Claudia Agabiti; Bulgari, Giuseppe; Avanzi, Daniele; Rosei, Enrico Agabiti

2009-12-01

Structural alterations of small resistance arteries in essential hypertensive patients (EH) are mostly characterized by inward eutrophic remodeling. However, we observed hypertrophic remodeling in patients with renovascular hypertension, in those with acromegaly, as well as in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, suggesting a relevant effect of humoral growth factors on vascular structure, even independent from the hemodynamic load. Cortisol may stimulate the renin-angiotensin system and may induce cardiac hypertrophy. However, presently no data are available about small artery structure in patients with Cushing's syndrome. We have investigated the structure of sc small resistance arteries in 12 normotensive subjects (NT), in 12 EH subjects, and in eight patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS). Small arteries from sc fat were dissected and mounted on a micromyograph. The normalized internal diameter, media thickness, media to lumen ratio, and the media cross-sectional area were measured, as well as indices of oxidative stress. Demographic variables were similar in the three groups, except for clinic blood pressure. The media to lumen ratio was significantly greater in EH and CS, compared with NT; no difference was observed between EH and CS. The media cross-sectional area was significantly greater in CS compared with EH and with NT. An increased vascular oxidative stress was present in CS, as demonstrated by increased levels of superoxide anions, cyclooxygenase-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the microvessels. Our results suggest the presence of hypertrophic remodeling in sc small resistance arteries of CS, probably as a consequence of growth-promoting properties of circulating cortisol and/or increased vascular oxidative stress.

Pharmacological profile and efficiency in vivo of diflapolin, the first dual inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and soluble epoxide hydrolase.

PubMed

Garscha, Ulrike; Romp, Erik; Pace, Simona; Rossi, Antonietta; Temml, Veronika; Schuster, Daniela; König, Stefanie; Gerstmeier, Jana; Liening, Stefanie; Werner, Markus; Atze, Heiner; Wittmann, Sandra; Weinigel, Christina; Rummler, Silke; Scriba, Gerhard K; Sautebin, Lidia; Werz, Oliver

2017-08-24

Arachidonic acid (AA) is metabolized to diverse bioactive lipid mediators. Whereas the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) facilitates AA conversion by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) to pro-inflammatory leukotrienes (LTs), the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) degrades anti-inflammatory epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Accordingly, dual FLAP/sEH inhibition might be advantageous drugs for intervention of inflammation. We present the in vivo pharmacological profile and efficiency of N-[4-(benzothiazol-2-ylmethoxy)-2-methylphenyl]-N'-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)urea (diflapolin) that dually targets FLAP and sEH. Diflapolin inhibited 5-LOX product formation in intact human monocytes and neutrophils with IC 50  = 30 and 170 nM, respectively, and suppressed the activity of isolated sEH (IC 50  = 20 nM). Characteristic for FLAP inhibitors, diflapolin (I) failed to inhibit isolated 5-LOX, (II) blocked 5-LOX product formation in HEK cells only when 5-LOX/FLAP was co-expressed, (III) lost potency in intact cells when exogenous AA was supplied, and (IV) prevented 5-LOX/FLAP complex assembly in leukocytes. Diflapolin showed target specificity, as other enzymes related to AA metabolism (i.e., COX1/2, 12/15-LOX, LTA 4 H, LTC 4 S, mPGES 1 , and cPLA 2 ) were not inhibited. In the zymosan-induced mouse peritonitis model, diflapolin impaired vascular permeability, inhibited cysteinyl-LTs and LTB 4 formation, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration. Diflapolin is a highly active dual FLAP/sEH inhibitor in vitro and in vivo with target specificity to treat inflammation-related diseases.

[Symptomatic extramedullary haematopoiesis in β-thalassemia: A retrospective single centre study].

PubMed

Maazoun, F; Gellen Dautremer, J; Boutekadjirt, A; Pissard, S; Habibi, A; Bachir, D; Rahmouni, A; Bartolucci, P; Debbache, K; Lagrange, J-L; Michel, M; Galacteros, F

2016-01-01

Symptomatic extramedullary hematopoiesis (EH) is a rare but potentially severe phenomenon which occurs in β-thalassemia. There are no treatment guidelines. Retrospective single centre study including the cases of symptomatic EH encountered between 1997 and 2014 in a unit specialised in red blood cell genetic disorders. Description of clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of the patients, treatments received, and outcomes. Among 182 β-thalassemia patients followed during the study period, 7 cases of symptomatic EH were diagnosed. They were 5 men and 2 women, and their mean age was 37 years. Four patients were splenectomised, two patients were regularly transfused, and four patients had already received erythropoietin. EH was localised in intravertebral areas and responsible for dorsal spinal cord compression in 5 patients, in paravertebral dorsal area in 1 patient, and in presacral area in 1 patient. The mean hemoglobin level at diagnosis was 7.9 g/dL. Treatment administered included: red cell transfusion in 6 cases, associated with hydroxyurea in 5 cases and/or radiotherapy in 3 patients. One patient was treated with surgery and HU. After a median follow-up of 41 months, clinical recovery was complete in 2 patients and partial in 5 patients. EH must be suspected in β-thalassemia in patients presenting clinical signs of organ compression, and a typical radiological aspect. The functional prognosis depends on the rapidity of treatment, which includes red blood cell transfusion, hydroxyurea, radiotherapy, and rarely surgery. Long-term outcome is uncertain. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Omeprazole increases the efficacy of a soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor in a PGE2 induced pain model

PubMed Central

Goswami, Sumanta Kumar; Inceoglu, Bora; Yang, Jun; Wan, Debin; Kodani, Sean D.; da Silva, Carlos Antonio Trindade; Morisseau, Christophe; Hammock, Bruce D.

2015-01-01

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are potent endogenous analgesic metabolites produced from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450s (P450s). Metabolism of EETs by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) reduces their activity, while their stabilization by sEH inhibition decreases both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we tested the complementary hypothesis that increasing the level of EETs through induction of P450s by omeprazole (OME), can influence pain related signaling by itself, and potentiate the anti-hyperalgesic effect of sEH inhibitor. Rats were treated with OME (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., 7 days), sEH inhibitor TPPU (3 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and OME (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., 7 days) + TPPU (3 mg/kg/day, p.o., last 3 days of OME dose) dissolved in vehicle PEG400, and their effect on hyperalgesia (increased sensitivity to pain) induced by PGE2 was monitored. While OME treatment by itself exhibited variable effects on PGE2 induced hyperalgesia, it strongly potentiated the effect of TPPU in the same assay. The significant decrease in pain with OME + TPPU treatment correlated with the increased levels of EETs in plasma and increased activities of P450 1A1 and P450 1A2 in liver microsomes. The results show that reducing catabolism of EETs with a sEH inhibitor yielded a stronger analgesic effect than increasing generation of EETs by OME, and combination of both yielded the strongest pain reducing effect under the condition of this study. PMID:26522832

Epoxy fatty acids mediate analgesia in murine diabetic neuropathy.

PubMed

Wagner, K; Lee, K S S; Yang, J; Hammock, B D

2017-03-01

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition with no adequate therapy. The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are established, however, the role of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in limiting pain has only recently been described and the mechanisms of this action remain unknown. DHA is metabolized into epoxydocosapentanoic acids (EDPs) via cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes which are substrates for the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme. Here, we tested several hypotheses; first, that the antinociceptive action of DHA is mediated by the EDPs. Second, based on evidence that DHA and CYP450 metabolites elicit analgesia through opioid signalling, we investigated this as a possible mechanism of action. Third, we tested whether the analgesia mediated by epoxy fatty acids had similar rewarding effects as opioid analgesics. We tested diabetic neuropathic wild-type and sEH null mice in a conditioned place preference assay for their response to EDPs, sEHI and antagonism of these treatments with naloxone, a mu-opioid receptor antagonist. The EDPs and sEH inhibitors were efficacious against chronic pain, and naloxone antagonized the action of both EDPs and sEH inhibitors. Despite this antagonism, the sEH inhibitors lacked reward side effects differing from opioids. The EpFA are analgesic against chronic pain differing from opioids which have limited efficacy in chronic conditions. EDPs and sEHI mediate analgesia in modelled chronic pain and this analgesia is blocked by naloxone. However, unlike opioids, sEHI are highly effective in neuropathic pain models and importantly lack rewarding side effects. © 2016 European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

Attenuation of Cisplatin-Induced Renal Injury by Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Involves Nuclear Factor κB Signaling

PubMed Central

Liu, Yingmei; Webb, Heather K.; Fukushima, Hisayo; Micheli, Janine; Markova, Svetlana; Olson, Jean L.

2012-01-01

Acute kidney injury is associated with a significant inflammatory response that has been the target of renoprotection strategies. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are anti-inflammatory cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids that are abundantly produced in the kidney and metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH; Ephx2) to less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Genetic disruption of Ephx2 and chemical inhibition of sEH were used to test whether the anti-inflammatory effects of EETs, and other lipid epoxide substrates of sEH, afford protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. EET hydrolysis was significantly reduced in Ephx2(−/−) mice and was associated with an attenuation of cisplatin-induced increases in serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Histological evidence of renal tubular damage and neutrophil infiltration was also reduced in the Ephx2(−/−) mice. Likewise, cisplatin had no effect on renal function, neutrophil infiltration, or tubular structure and integrity in mice treated with the potent sEH inhibitor 1-adamantan-1-yl-3-(1-methylsulfonyl-piperidin-4-yl-urea) (AR9273). Consistent with the ability of EETs to interfere with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, the observed renoprotection was associated with attenuation of renal NF-κB activity and corresponding decreases in the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, TNF receptor (TNFR) 1, TNFR2, and intercellular adhesive molecule-1 before the detection of tubular injury. These data suggest that EETs or other fatty acid epoxides can attenuate cisplatin-induced kidney injury and sEH inhibition is a novel renoprotective strategy. PMID:22414856

Does Pre-Cooling With Whole-Body Immersion Affect Thermal Sensation or Perceived Exertion?: A Critically-Appraised Topic.

PubMed

Wohlfert, Timothy M; Miller, Kevin C

2018-02-21

Clinical Scenario: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a potentially deadly heat illness and poses a significant health risk to athletes; EHS survival rates are near 100% if properly recognized and treated. 1 Whole body cold water immersion (CWI) is the most effective method of lowering body core temperature. 2 Precooling (PC) with CWI before exercise may prevent severe hyperthermia and/or EHS by increasing the body's overall heat-storage capacity. 3 However, PC may also alter athletes' perception of how hot they feel or how hard they are exercising. Consequently, they may be unable to accurately perceive their body core temperature or how hard they are working which may predispose them to severe hyperthermia or EHS. Does PC with whole-body CWI affect thermal sensation (TS) or rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during exercise in the heat? In four studies, 4-7 RPE during exercise ranged from 12 ± 2 to 20 ± 3 with no clinically meaningful differences between PC and control trials. Thermal sensation scores ranged from 2 ± 1 to 8 ± 0.5 in control trials and from 2 ± 1 to 7.5 ± 0.5 during PC trials. Clinical Bottom Line: Precooling did not cause clinically-meaningful differences in RPE or TS during exercise. It is unlikely PC would predispose athletes to EHS by altering perceptions of exercise intensity or body core temperature. Strength of Recommendation: None of the reviewed studies 4-7 (all level 2 studies with PEDro scores ≥5) suggest PC with CWI influences RPE or TS in exercising males.

Energy homeostasis genes and survival after breast cancer diagnosis: The Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study

PubMed Central

Pellatt, Andrew J.; Lundgreen, Abbie; Wolff, Roger K.; Hines, Lisa; John, Esther M.; Slattery, Martha L.

2015-01-01

Purpose The leptin-signaling pathway and other genes involved with energy homeostasis (EH), have been examined in relation to breast cancer risk as well as to obesity. We test the hypothesis that genetic variation in EH genes influences survival after diagnosis with breast cancer and that body mass index (BMI) will modify that risk. Methods We evaluated associations between 10 energy homeostasis genes and survival among 1186 non-Hispanic white (NHW) and 1155 Hispanic/Native American women diagnosed with breast cancer. Percent Native American (NA) ancestry was determined from 104 Ancestry Informative Markers. Adaptive rank truncation product (ARTP) was used to determine gene and pathway significance. Results The overall EH pathway was marginally significant for all-cause mortality among women with low NA ancestry (PARTP = 0.057). Within the pathway, ghrelin (GHRL) and leptin receptor (LEPR) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (PARTP = 0.035 and 0.007, respectively). The EH pathway was significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with low NA ancestry (PARTP = 0.038). Three genes, cholecystokinin (CCK), GHRL, and LEPR were significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with low NA ancestry (PARTP = 0.046, 0.015, and 0.046, respectively) while neuropeptide Y (NPY) was significantly associated with breast cancer-specific mortality among women with higher NA ancestry (PARTP = 0.038). BMI did not modify these associations. Conclusions Our data support our hypothesis that certain EH genes influence survival after diagnosis with breast cancer; associations appear to be most important among women with low NA ancestry. PMID:26472474

Age-related alterations of plasma glutathione and oxidation of redox potentials in chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta).

PubMed

Paredes, Jamespaul; Jones, Dean P; Wilson, Mark E; Herndon, James G

2014-04-01

Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and humans (Homo sapiens) share physiological and genetic characteristics, but have remarkably different life spans, with chimpanzees living 50-60 % and the rhesus living 35-40 % of maximum human survival. Since oxidative processes are associated with aging and longevity, we might expect to see species differences in age-related oxidative processes. Blood and extracellular fluid contain two major thiol redox nodes, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione-disulfide (GSSG) and cysteine (Cys)/cystine (CySS), which are subject to reversible oxidation-reduction reactions and are maintained in a dynamic non-equilibrium state. Disruption of these thiol redox nodes leads to oxidation of their redox potentials (EhGSSG and EhCySS) which affects cellular physiology and is associated with aging and the development of chronic diseases in humans. The purpose of this study was to measure age-related changes in these redox thiols and their corresponding redox potentials (Eh) in chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys. Our results show similar age-related decreases in the concentration of plasma GSH and Total GSH as well as oxidation of the EhGSSG in male and female chimpanzees. Female chimpanzees and female rhesus monkeys also were similar in several outcome measures. For example, similar age-related decreases in the concentration of plasma GSH and Total GSH, as well as age-related oxidation of the EhGSSG were observed. The data collected from chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys corroborates previous reports on oxidative changes in humans and confirms their value as a comparative reference for primate aging.

The Association of Mitofusion-2 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility of Essential Hypertension in Northern Han Chinese Population.

PubMed

Li, Mei; Zhang, Bei; Li, Chuang; Liu, Jielin; Liu, Ya; Sun, Dongdong; Ma, Hanying; Wen, Shaojun

2016-01-01

Mitofusion-2 (Mfn2) played an important role in regulating vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation, insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which were found to be involved in the development of hypertension. So we inferred that the Mfn2 gene may participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Mfn2 gene were associated with essential hypertension (EH) in northern Han Chinese. We genotyped 6 tagging SNPs of Mfn2 gene (rs2336384, rs2295281, rs17037564, rs2236057, rs2236058 and rs3766741) with the TaqMan assay in 626 hypertensive patients and 618 controls. Logistic regression analysis indicated that CC+CA genotype of rs2336384 and AA+AG genotype of rs2236057 were significantly associated with increased risk of EH (OR=1.617, P=0.005; OR=1.418, P=0.031, respectively). GG genotype of rs2236058 and GG+CG genotype of rs3766741 were found to be significantly associated with decreased risk of EH (OR=0.662, P=0.023; OR=0.639, P=0.024).When stratified by gender, for rs2336384, rs2236057 and rs2236058, significant association was observed in males, but not in females. Haplotype analysis indicated that the CCAACC haplotype was positively correlated with EH and there was a negative correlation between ACAGGG haplotype and EH. This study demonstrated that Mfn2 gene polymorphisms were associated with essential hypertension in northern Han Chinese population, especially in male subjects.

The Association of Mitofusion-2 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility of Essential Hypertension in Northern Han Chinese Population

PubMed Central

Li, Mei; Zhang, Bei; Li, Chuang; Liu, Jielin; Liu, Ya; Sun, Dongdong; Ma, Hanying; Wen, Shaojun

2016-01-01

Background: Mitofusion-2 (Mfn2) played an important role in regulating vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation, insulin resistance and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which were found to be involved in the development of hypertension. So we inferred that the Mfn2 gene may participate in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Mfn2 gene were associated with essential hypertension (EH) in northern Han Chinese. Methods: We genotyped 6 tagging SNPs of Mfn2 gene (rs2336384, rs2295281, rs17037564, rs2236057, rs2236058 and rs3766741) with the TaqMan assay in 626 hypertensive patients and 618 controls. Results: Logistic regression analysis indicated that CC+CA genotype of rs2336384 and AA+AG genotype of rs2236057 were significantly associated with increased risk of EH (OR=1.617, P=0.005; OR=1.418, P=0.031, respectively). GG genotype of rs2236058 and GG+CG genotype of rs3766741 were found to be significantly associated with decreased risk of EH (OR=0.662, P=0.023; OR=0.639, P=0.024).When stratified by gender, for rs2336384, rs2236057 and rs2236058, significant association was observed in males, but not in females. Haplotype analysis indicated that the CCAACC haplotype was positively correlated with EH and there was a negative correlation between ACAGGG haplotype and EH. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that Mfn2 gene polymorphisms were associated with essential hypertension in northern Han Chinese population, especially in male subjects. PMID:26816493

Hypokalemia correlated with arterial stiffness but not microvascular endothelial function in patients with primary aldosteronism.

PubMed

Chang, Yi-Yao; Chen, Aaron; Chen, Ying-Hsien; Hung, Chi-Sheng; Wu, Vin-Cent; Wu, Xue-Ming; Lin, Yen-Hung; Ho, Yi-Lwun; Wu, Kwan-Dun

2015-06-01

Hypokalemia in primary aldosteronism (PA) patients correlates with higher levels of cardiovascular events and altered left ventricular geometry. However, the influence of aldosterone on microvascular endothelial function and the effect of hypokalemia on the vascular structure still remain unclear. We investigated the peripheral arterial functions, including the endothelial function of microvasculature and arterial stiffness in PA and essential hypertension (EH) patients, and the correlation between hypokalemia and peripheral arterial function among PA patients. Twenty patients diagnosed as EH and 37 patients with PA were enrolled in this study. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) and the augmentation index (AI) were obtained by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry. Twenty EH patients and a total of 37 PA patients, including 21 patients with normokalemia and 16 patients with hypokalemia, were enrolled and divided into groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. PA patients had significantly higher AI (p=0.024) but not RHI than EH patients. RHI showed no difference between groups 1, 2 and 3. Group 3 had higher AI than either group 1 or group 2. In the whole study population, serum potassium level, after multivariate regression analysis testing, was the only factor associated with AI (ß= -0.102; p=0.002). In PA patients, serum potassium level was the only significant factor correlated with AI. (r= -0.458; p=0.004) CONCLUSIONS: PA patients had higher arterial stiffness but comparable microvascular endothelial function to EH patients. Hypokalemia correlated with arterial stiffness but not microvascular endothelial function in PA patients. © The Author(s) 2014.

Enzymological evidence for the function of a plastid-located pyruvate carboxylase in the Haptophyte alga Emiliania huxleyi: a novel pathway for the production of C4 compounds.

PubMed

Tsuji, Yoshinori; Suzuki, Iwane; Shiraiwa, Yoshihiro

2012-06-01

Pyruvate carboxylase (PYC) catalyzes the β-carboxylation of pyruvate to yield oxaloacetate (OAA). We previously isolated a cDNA encoding a putative PYC (EhPYC1) from the haptophyte alga Emiliania huxleyi and then proposed that EhPYC1 contributes to active anaplerotic β-carboxylation during photosynthesis although PYC activity was not detected in the cell extracts. Involvement of PYC in photosynthetic carbon metabolism is unique, since PYC generally functions in non-photosynthetic organisms. In the present study, we demonstrate that EhPYC1 is highly sensitive to endogenous proteases and therefore is easily degraded in cell extracts. By avoiding proteolytic degradation, PYC activity can be detected in the cell extracts of E. huxleyi. The activity of a recombinant His-tagged EhPYC1 expressed in Streptomyces lividans was inhibited by l-malate in a mixed non-competitive manner. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that EhPYC1 is located in the plastid. This result agrees with the prediction that a bipartite plastid-targeting signal is present that functions to deliver proteins into the four-membrane plastid of haptophyte algae. This is the first finding of a plastid-located PYC. These results indicate that E. huxleyi possesses a unique pathway to produce OAA catalyzed by PYC, and the pathway may provide carbon skeletons for amino acid biosynthesis in the plastid. A database search indicates that PYC genes are widespread in green algae, diatoms and brown algae, suggesting the crucial role of PYC in various aquatic phototrophs.

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer Sept. 1936 ...

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

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer Sept. 1936 SAID TO HAVE BEEN USED AS A FORT AT ONE TIME PART OF COTOCTIN IRON FURNACES - SAID TO HAVE BELONGED TO FATHER OF GOVERNOR JOHNSON. PORCH BUILT BY PRESENT OWNER ORIGINALLY TWO STORIES - SAME WIDTH. - Springfield, West of U.S. Route 15, Frederick, Frederick County, MD

Adaptation during northern range expansion in the elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa

Treesearch

Evan Preisser; Alexandra Lodge; David Orwig; Joseph Elkinton

2007-01-01

The elongate hemlock scale Fiorinia externa, (EHS) an invasive pest from Japan, was first found in the eastern United States in 1908. It feeds on a variety of plants, most notably the eastern hemlock Tsuga canadensis, and has been spreading slowly into southern New England. In order to examine the northern spread of EHS and the...

Search for singly charged Higgs bosons in vector-boson scattering at ep colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azuelos, Georges; Sun, Hao; Wang, Kechen

2018-06-01

We search for the fiveplet singly charged Higgs H5± in the Georgi-Machacek model at the ep colliders. The charged Higgs bosons are produced via the Z W± fusion process p e-→j e-H5± and decay as H5±→Z W±→(l+l-)(j j ). With a detector-level simulation at the FCC-eh and LHeC, a multivariate analysis is performed to yield limits on the production cross section times branching ratio σ (p e-→j e-H5±)×BR (H5±→Z W±) and on the model parameter sin θH for charged Higgs masses between 200 and 1000 GeV. Considering 10% systematic uncertainty on the background, at the FCC-eh (LHeC) with 1 ab-1 integrated luminosity, for a H5± mass of 600 (200) GeV, the cross section corresponding to the 2 -σ significance is 0.59 (3.69) fb, corresponding to a 2 -σ limit on the sin θH is 0.15 (0.41). The effects of -80 % and +80 % electron beam polarizations are also investigated and found to be small for this study.

Demographics and clinical characteristics of episodic hypothermia in multiple sclerosis.

PubMed

Toledano, Michel; Weinshenker, Brian G; Kaufmann, Timothy J; Parisi, Joseph E; Paz Soldán, M Mateo

2018-03-01

Episodic hypothermia (EH) can occur in multiple sclerosis (MS). The putative mechanism is impairment of thermoregulation due to a presumed demyelinating hypothalamic lesion. To describe a cohort of patients with MS, who developed EH. Patients were identified through review of the Mayo Clinic electronic medical record (1996 to July 2015). Search terms were [multiple sclerosis] or [MS] within the diagnoses field and [hypothermia] within any field. We reviewed records for accuracy of diagnoses and abstracted relevant data. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was reviewed for presence of hypothalamic lesions. Of 156 patients, 34 had concurrent MS and hypothermia. Thirty-two (94%) had progressive disease at EH onset. Median MS duration was 19.9 years, and median expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was 8.0. Most patients presented with alterations in consciousness. Infection was suspected as the precipitating factor in 19 (56%), but clinically/laboratory supported in only 9 (28%). MRI lesions were evident within the hypothalamus in only 4 (14%). EH occurs predominantly in patients with advanced secondary progressive MS. The major manifestation is altered consciousness. Infection is often suspected as causal, but infrequently confirmed. Although commonly implicated, hypothalamic lesions were rarely evident on MRI and were absent in two post-mortem evaluations.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the interactions between EHD1 EH domain and multiple peptides.

PubMed

Yu, Hua; Wang, Mao-jun; Xuan, Nan-xia; Shang, Zhi-cai; Wu, Jun

2015-10-01

To provide essential information for peptide inhibitor design, the interactions of Eps15 homology domain of Eps15 homology domain-containing protein 1 (EHD1 EH domain) with three peptides containing NPF (asparagine-proline-phenylalanine), DPF (aspartic acid-proline-phenylalanine), and GPF (glycine-proline-phenylalanine) motifs were deciphered at the atomic level. The binding affinities and the underlying structure basis were investigated. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on EHD1 EH domain/peptide complexes for 60 ns using the GROMACS package. The binding free energies were calculated and decomposed by molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) method using the AMBER package. The alanine scanning was performed to evaluate the binding hot spot residues using FoldX software. The different binding affinities for the three peptides were affected dominantly by van der Waals interactions. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds provide the structural basis of contributions of van der Waals interactions of the flanking residues to the binding. van der Waals interactions should be the main consideration when we design peptide inhibitors of EHD1 EH domain with high affinities. The ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with protein residues can be used as the factor for choosing the flanking residues.

A key role for mitochondria in endothelial signaling by plasma cysteine/cystine redox potential

PubMed Central

Go, Young-Mi; Park, Heonyong; Koval, Michael; Orr, Michael; Reed, Matthew; Liang, Yongliang; Smith, Debra; Pohl, Jan; Jones, Dean P.

2011-01-01

The redox potential of the plasma cysteine/cystine couple (EhCySS) is oxidized in association with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including age, smoking, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and alcohol abuse. Previous in vitro findings support a cause–effect relationship for extracellular EhCySS in cell signaling pathways associated with CVD, including those controlling monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In this study, we provide evidence that mitochondria are a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the signaling response to a more oxidized extracellular EhCySS. This increase in ROS was blocked by overexpression of mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 (Trx2) in endothelial cells from Trx2-transgenic mice, suggesting that mitochondrial thiol antioxidant status plays a key role in this redox signaling mechanism. Mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics showed that several classes of plasma membrane and cytoskeletal proteins involved in inflammation responded to this redox switch, including vascular cell adhesion molecule, integrins, actin, and several Ras family GTPases. Together, the data show that the proinflammatory effects of oxidized plasma EhCySS are due to a mitochondrial signaling pathway that is mediated through redox control of downstream effector proteins. PMID:19879942

Asymmetric biotic interactions and abiotic niche differences revealed by a dynamic joint species distribution model.

PubMed

Lany, Nina K; Zarnetske, Phoebe L; Schliep, Erin M; Schaeffer, Robert N; Orians, Colin M; Orwig, David A; Preisser, Evan L

2018-05-01

A species' distribution and abundance are determined by abiotic conditions and biotic interactions with other species in the community. Most species distribution models correlate the occurrence of a single species with environmental variables only, and leave out biotic interactions. To test the importance of biotic interactions on occurrence and abundance, we compared a multivariate spatiotemporal model of the joint abundance of two invasive insects that share a host plant, hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA; Adelges tsugae) and elongate hemlock scale (EHS; Fiorina externa), to independent models that do not account for dependence among co-occurring species. The joint model revealed that HWA responded more strongly to abiotic conditions than EHS. Additionally, HWA appeared to predispose stands to subsequent increase of EHS, but HWA abundance was not strongly dependent on EHS abundance. This study demonstrates how incorporating spatial and temporal dependence into a species distribution model can reveal the dependence of a species' abundance on other species in the community. Accounting for dependence among co-occurring species with a joint distribution model can also improve estimation of the abiotic niche for species affected by interspecific interactions. © 2018 by the Ecological Society of America.

La-CTP: Loop-Aware Routing for Energy-Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Sun, Guodong; Shang, Xinna; Zuo, Yan

2018-01-01

In emerging energy-harvesting wireless sensor networks (EH-WSN), the sensor nodes can harvest environmental energy to drive their operation, releasing the user’s burden in terms of frequent battery replacement, and even enabling perpetual sensing systems. In EH-WSN applications, usually, the node in energy-harvesting or recharging state has to stop working until it completes the energy replenishment. However, such temporary departures of recharging nodes severely impact the packet routing, and one immediate result is the routing loop problem. Controlling loops in connectivity-intermittent EH-WSN in an efficient way is a big challenge in practice, and so far, users still lack of effective and practicable routing protocols with loop handling. Based on the Collection Tree Protocol (CTP) widely used in traditional wireless sensor networks, this paper proposes a loop-aware routing protocol for real-world EH-WSNs, called La-CTP, which involves a new parent updating metric and a proactive, adaptive beaconing scheme to effectively suppress the occurrence of loops and unlock unavoidable loops, respectively. We constructed a 100-node testbed to evaluate La-CTP, and the experimental results showed its efficacy and efficiency. PMID:29393876

Polymorphisms of inflammatory markers and risk of essential hypertension in Tatars from Russia.

PubMed

Timasheva, Yanina R; Nasibullin, Timur R; Imaeva, Elvira B; Erdman, Vera V; Kruzliak, Peter; Tuktarova, Ilsiyar A; Nikolaeva, Irina E; Mustafina, Olga E

2015-01-01

Essential hypertension (EH) is a common disease with a clear genetic component. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction play a prominent role in the development of persistent blood pressure elevation. The aim of the current study was to detect an association between EH and polymorphic markers in genes encoding for molecules involved in the control of intercellular interactions during the inflammation process. We analysed SNPs in SELE, SELP, SELL, ICAM1, VEGFA, IL1B, IL6, IL10 and IL12B genes in a group of 534 men of Tatar ethnicity (217 patients with EH and 317 controls). Using a Markov chain Monte-Carlo-based approach (APSampler), we found genotype and allelic combinations associated with EH. The most significant associations were observed for SELE rs2076059*C-SELP rs6131*A-VEGFA -2549*I-IL1B rs16944*C (p = 3.42 × 10(-5), FDR q = 0.035) and SELE rs2076059*C-SELP rs6131*A-IL12B rs3212227*C-IL1B rs16944*C (p = 323 × 10(-4), FDR q = 0.035).

Risk factors for left ventricular hypertrophy: role of Na(+)-Li+ countertransport.

PubMed

Neves, P L; Faisca, M; Gomes, V; Cacodcar, S; Bernardo, I; Anunciada, A I; Viegas, E; Martins, H; da Silva, A M

1996-06-01

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular death in essential hypertension (EH). The factors involved in LVH are multiple and complex. We looked for risk factors of LVH in a group of 28 nonobese patients with EH (mean age = 45.3 years). We analyzed the activity of several erythrocyte ion transports (Vmax of NaLi countertransport, NaKCl cotransport and NaK-pump, and the Na-leak Kp Na), the intracellular Na and the insulin sensitivity index. All these parameters were used as independent variables whereas the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was used as the dependent variable. Variables showing a significant univariate correlation (age, time of EH, mean blood pressure and Vmax of NaLi countertransport) were introduced in a stepwise multiple regression model. Only age (P = 0.014), time of EH (P = 0.038) and Vmax of NaLi countertransport (P = 0.032) were independently associated with LVMI (R2 = 0.581, P = 0.0001). The NaLi CT, an operating mode of the NaH exchanger that facilitates cellular growth, may be a marker of LVH, and consequently a marker of increased cardiovascular risk.

Exploding head syndrome: six new cases and review of the literature.

PubMed

Frese, Achim; Summ, Oliver; Evers, Stefan

2014-09-01

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is characterized by attacks of a sudden noise or explosive feeling experienced in the head occurring during the transition from wake to sleep or from sleep to wake. We present six new cases extending the clinical experience with the syndrome. We also reviewed all available cases from the scientific literature and evaluated the typical features of EHS. The female to male ratio is 1.5 to 1. The median age at onset is 54. In average, one attack per day to one attack per week occurs. Some patients suffer from several attacks per night. In about half of all patients, a chronic time course can be observed but episodic or sporadic occurrence is also common. The most frequent accompanying symptoms beside the noise are fear and flashes of light. Polysomnographic studies do not reveal any specific sleep pattern associated with EHS. Tricyclic antidepressants are helpful in some patients. However, most patients do not need treatment because of the benign nature of the syndrome. EHS is a well-defined disease entity with a benign nature. © International Headache Society 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Profile of cytokines in the lungs of BALB/c mice after intra-nasal infection with Histoplasma capsulatum mycelial propagules.

PubMed

Sahaza, Jorge Humberto; Suárez-Alvarez, Roberto; Estrada-Bárcenas, Daniel Alfonso; Pérez-Torres, Armando; Taylor, Maria Lucia

2015-08-01

The host pulmonary response to the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum was evaluated, through the profile of cytokines detected by the MagPix magnetic beads platform in lung homogenates and by lung-granulomas formation, from mice intra-nasally infected with mycelial propagules (M-phase) of two virulent H. capsulatum strains, EH-46 and G-217B. Results highlight that mice lung inflammatory response depends on the H. capsulatum strain used, during the first step of the fungal infection. IL-1β and TNF-α increased their concentrations in mice infected with both strains. The highest levels of IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 were found in EH-46-infected mice, whereas levels of IL-22 were variable at all post-infection times for both strains. Significant increases of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 were associated to EH-46-infected mice. Histological lung findings from EH-46-infected mice revealed incipient and numerous well-developed granulomas, distributed in lung-lobes at the 14th and the 21st days after infection, according to cytokine profiles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structure-Based Optimization of Arylamides as Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase

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

Eldrup, Anne B.; Soleymanzadeh, Fariba; Taylor, Steven J.

2009-11-04

Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is hypothesized to lead to an increase in circulating levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, resulting in the potentiation of their in vivo pharmacological properties. As part of an effort to identify inhibitors of sEH with high and sustained plasma exposure, we recently performed a high throughput screen of our compound collection. The screen identified N-(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-nicotinamide as a potent inhibitor of sEH. Further profiling of this lead revealed short metabolic half-lives in microsomes and rapid clearance in the rat. Consistent with these observations, the determination of the in vitro metabolic profile of N-(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-nicotinamide in rat livermore » microsomes revealed extensive oxidative metabolism and a propensity for metabolite switching. Lead optimization, guided by the analysis of the solid-state costructure of N-(3,3-diphenyl-propyl)-nicotinamide bound to human sEH, led to the identification of a class of potent and selective inhibitors. An inhibitor from this class displayed an attractive in vitro metabolic profile and high and sustained plasma exposure in the rat after oral administration.« less

Ultraviolet A within Sunlight Induces Mutations in the Epidermal Basal Layer of Engineered Human Skin

PubMed Central

Huang, Xiao Xuan; Bernerd, Françoise; Halliday, Gary Mark

2009-01-01

The ultraviolet B (UVB) waveband within sunlight is an important carcinogen; however, UVA is also likely to be involved. By ascribing mutations to being either UVB or UVA induced, we have previously shown that human skin cancers contain similar numbers of UVB- and UVA-induced mutations, and, importantly, the UVA mutations were at the base of the epidermis of the tumors. To determine whether these mutations occurred in response to UV, we exposed engineered human skin (EHS) to UVA, UVB, or a mixture that resembled sunlight, and then detected mutations by both denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and DNA sequencing. EHS resembles human skin, modeling differential waveband penetration to the basal, dividing keratinocytes. We administered only four low doses of UV exposure. Both UVA and UVB induced p53 mutations in irradiated EHS, suggesting that sunlight doses that are achievable during normal daily activities are mutagenic. UVA- but not UVB-induced mutations predominated in the basal epidermis that contains dividing keratinocytes and are thought to give rise to skin tumors. These studies indicate that both UVA and UVB at physiological doses are mutagenic to keratinocytes in EHS. PMID:19264911

Handling Practices of Fresh Leafy Greens in Restaurants: Receiving and Training†

PubMed Central

COLEMAN, ERIK; DELEA, KRISTIN; EVERSTINE, KAREN; REIMANN, DAVID; RIPLEY, DANNY

2015-01-01

Multiple foodborne illness outbreaks have been associated with the consumption of fresh produce. Investigations have indicated that microbial contamination throughout the farm-to-fork continuum often contributed to these outbreaks. Researchers have hypothesized that handling practices for leafy greens in restaurants may support contamination by and proliferation and amplification of pathogens that cause foodborne illness outbreaks. However, limited data are available on how workers handle leafy greens in restaurants. The purpose of this study was to collect descriptive data on handling practices of leafy greens in restaurants, including restaurant characteristics, types of leafy greens used, produce receipt, and food safety training and certification. As a federal collaborative partner with the Environmental Health Specialists Network (EHS-Net) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that EHS-Net participants survey handling practices for leafy greens in restaurants. The recommendations in the FDA’s Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Leafy Greens are significant to this study for comparison of the results. The survey revealed that appropriate handling procedures assist in the mitigation of other unsafe handling practices for leafy greens. These results are significant because the FDA guidance for the safe handling of leafy greens was not available until 2009, after the survey had been completed. The information provided from this study can be used to promote additional efforts that will assist in developing interventions to prevent future foodborne illness outbreaks associated with leafy greens. PMID:24290691

A systematic study of basis set, electron correlation, and geometry effects on the electric multipole moments, polarizability, and hyperpolarizability of HCl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maroulis, George

1998-04-01

The electric multipole moments, dipole and quadrupole polarizability and hyperpolarizability of hydrogen chloride have been determined from an extensive and systematic study based on finite-field fourth-order many-body perturbation theory and coupled-cluster calculations. Our best values for the dipole, quadrupole, octopole and hexadecapole moment at the experimental internuclear separation of Re=2.408645a0 are μ=0.4238ea0, Θ=2.67ea02, Ω=3.94ea03, and Φ=13.37ea04, respectively. For the mean and the anisotropy of the dipole polarizability ααβ we recommend ᾱ=17.41±0.02 and Δα=1.60±0.03e2a02Eh-1. For the mean value of the first dipole hyperpolarizability βαβγ we advance β¯=-6.8±0.3e3a03Eh-2. Extensive calculations with a [8s6p6d3f/5s4p2d1f] basis set at the CCSD(T) level of theory yield the R-dependence of the Cartesian components and the mean of the second dipole hyperpolarizability γαβγδ(R)/e4a04Eh-3 around Re as γzzzz(R)=1907+1326(R-Re)+570(R-Re)2+10(R-Re)3-40(R-Re)4, γxxxx(R)=3900+747(R-Re)-65(R-Re)2-38(R-Re)3-7(R-Re)4, γxxzz(R)=962+222(R-Re)+88(R-Re)2+49(R-Re)3+5(R-Re)4, γ¯(R)=3230+841(R-Re)+151(R-Re)2+21(R-Re)3-9(R-Re)4, with z as the molecular axis. The present investigation suggests an estimate of (26.7±0.3)×102e4a04Eh-3 for the Hartree-Fock limit of the mean value γ¯ at Re. CCSD(T) calculations with basis sets of [8s6p6d3f/5s4p2d1f] and [9s7p5d4f/6s5p4d1f] size and MP4 calculations with the even larger [15s12p7d3f/12s7p2d1f] give (7.0±0.3)×102e4a04Eh-3 for the electron correlation effects for this property, thus leading to a recommended value of γ¯=(33.7±0.6)×102e4a04Eh-3. For the quadrupole polarizability Cαβ,γδ/e2a04Eh-1 at Re our best values are Czz,zz=41.68, Cxz,xz=26.11, and Cxx,xx=35.38, calculated with the [9s7p5d4f/6s5p4d1f] basis set at the CCSD(T) level of theory. The following CCSD(T) values were obtained with [8s6p6d3f/5s4p2d1f] at Re: dipole-quadrupole polarizability Aα,βγ/e2a03Eh-1, Az,zz=14.0, and Ax,zx=3.75, dipole-octopole polarizability Eα,βγδ/e2a04Eh-1, Ez,zzz=20.0, and Ex,xxx=3.0, and dipole-dipole-quadrupole hyperpolarizability Bαβ,γδ/e3a04Eh-2, Bzz,zz=-277, Bxz,xz=-261, Bxx,zz=246, and Bxx,xx=-416. A comparison of the mean polarizability and hyperpolarizability of some 18-electron systems shows that ᾱ(H2S)>ᾱ(HCl)>ᾱ(HOOH)>ᾱ(HOF)>ᾱ(Ar)>ᾱ(F2), and γ¯(H2S)>γ¯(HCl)>γ¯(HOOH)>γ¯(HOF)≈γ¯(Ar)>γ¯(F2).

Exploding head syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Ganguly, Gautam; Mridha, Banshari; Khan, Asif; Rison, Richard Alan

2013-01-01

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare parasomnia in which affected individuals awaken from sleep with the sensation of a loud bang. The etiology is unknown, but other conditions including primary and secondary headache disorders and nocturnal seizures need to be excluded. A 57-year-old Indian male presented with four separate episodes of awakening from sleep at night after hearing a flashing sound on the right side of his head over the last 2 years. These events were described 'as if there are explosions in my head'. A neurologic examination, imaging studies, and a polysomnogram ensued, and the results led to the diagnosis of EHS. EHS is a benign, uncommon, predominately nocturnal disorder that is self-limited. No treatment is generally required. Reassurance to the patient is often all that is needed.

In-situ Eh sensor measurement and calibration: application to seafloor observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, K.; Seyfried, W. E.; Tan, C.

2013-12-01

Eh measurement is often used with manned submersible and AUV assets as an effective way to detect and locate seafloor hydrothermal activity. Eh can be fundamentally and sensitively linked to dissolved H 2 , which, in turn, serves as a key constraint on subseafloor redox reactions. Moreover, Eh is now being increasingly relied on for event detection and process monitoring efforts intrinsic to cabled seafloor observatories. Due to seawater interaction with electrochemical components fundamental to the operation of the Eh sensor, however, the quality and reliability of the measurements are often compromised by signal drift, especially when the sensor is used for long term deployment. To solve this problem, a calibration protocol was developed and added to our previously constructed pH 'calibrator'. Thus, the integrated electrochemical system now permits the combined in-situ measurement and calibration of pH and Eh of seafloor hydrothermal fluids. Key aspects of the design for this calibration system are: (1) the sensing electrodes can be kept preserved in fluid of known pH, Eh and NaCl concentration prior to use, thereby preventing deterioration of electrode response characteristics by chemical and biological activity; (2) the system consists of valves and pumps for flow control, and therefore can be operated remotely with power from the seafloor cabled observatory, or as a stand-alone device, using battery power for shorter-term deployments. In both cases, standardization with on-board fluids of known redox, pH, and NaCl activity can be activated at any time, providing enhanced reliability (3) the current development is aimed at deep sea environments, cold seeps, and hydrothermal diffuse flow fluids at the temperatures up to 100°C and depths up to 4500 m. The in-situ operation is especially well-suited for use with cabled observatory for real time intervention and event response owing to enabled power supply and two way communications. Field tests have been conducted extensively during one Alvin cruise at EPR 9°N, and one Jason-II cruise at MAR (Lost city, 30°N). In addition to these submersible deployments, profile measurements using ship wench system were made from the sea-surface to depths to more than 3000 m. The remote operation tests were carried out with a direct connection though MARS seafloor cabled observatory at the depth of 880 m for a period of more than two months. During these deployments, the standard solutions with O2 concentration of room saturation matched with seawater salinity and know pH values were used. The results indicate the effectiveness of these concepts and design for conducting in-situ calibration enhanced Eh measurement and monitoring covering the operational conditions from normal seawater with relatively oxidizing environment to reducing condition in low temperature hydrothermal diffuse systems. The results and detailed discussion will be presented in this presentation.

Feeding an enhanced diet to Holstein heifers during the preweaning period alters steroid receptor expression and increases cellular proliferation.

PubMed

Geiger, A J; Parsons, C L M; Akers, R M

2017-10-01

Preweaning diet and estradiol treatment alters mammary development. Our objectives were to study the effects of diet and estradiol on proliferation of mammary epithelial cells and expression of estrogen receptor α (ESR1) and progesterone receptors (PGR) in these cells. Thirty-six Holstein heifer calves were raised on (1) a control milk replacer fed at 0.44 kg of powder/head per day, dry matter (DM) basis (restricted, R; 20.9% crude protein, 19.8% fat, DM basis), or (2) an enhanced milk replacer fed at 1.08 kg of powder/head per day, DM basis (Enhanced, EH; 28.9% crude protein, 26.2% fat, DM basis). Milk replacer was fed for 8 wk. At weaning, a subset (n = 6/diet) of calves were euthanized and had tissue harvested. Remaining calves received estradiol implants (E 2 ) or placebo and were euthanized at wk 10 to harvest tissue. Treatments were (1) R, (2) R + E 2 (R-E2), (3) EH, and (4) EH + E 2 (EH-E2). One day before euthanasia calves were given bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU; 5 mg/kg of body weight). At euthanization, mammary parenchyma was removed and fixed. Tissue sections from zone 1 (cisternal), 2 (medial), and 3 (distal) within the mammary gland were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and antibodies to measure expression of ESR1, PGR, and incorporation of BrdU. At wk 8, R-fed calves had more PGR-expressing cells in distal parenchyma; however, PGR expression intensity was greater in EH-fed calves. The proportion of cells expressing ESR1 was not affected by diet, but expression intensity (receptors per positive cell) was greater in EH-fed calves across all zones (62-81%). Overall, the percent BrdU-positive epithelial cells was 2 and 0.5 fold greater for EH-fed calves in zone 2 and 3. The proportion of labeled cells was greater in terminal ductal units than in subtending ducts, and treatment effects were more evident in terminal ductal units. At wk 10, calves treated with estradiol had 3.9-fold greater PGR expression intensity. The intensity and percent of cells expressing ESR1 was lowest in estradiol-treated calves. Overall, estradiol-treated calves had the greatest number of proliferating epithelial cells. Moreover, in zone 3, EH-E2 calves had a higher percentage of proliferating cells than in all other treatments. Results indicate both diet and estradiol administration alter proliferation rates of the mammary epithelium and that changes in expression of ESR1 and PGR are involved in enhanced mammary development. The data support our hypothesis that enhanced preweaning feeding increases the mammary tissue responsiveness to mammogenic stimulation. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intimal smooth muscle cells are a source but not a sensor of anti-inflammatory CYP450 derived oxylipins

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

Thomson, Scott; Edin, Matthew L.; Lih, Fred B.

Vascular pathologies are associated with changes in the presence and expression of morphologically distinct vascular smooth muscle cells. In particular, in complex human vascular lesions and models of disease in pigs and rodents, an intimal smooth muscle cell (iSMC) which exhibits a stable epithelioid or rhomboid phenotype in culture is often found to be present in high numbers, and may represent the reemergence of a distinct developmental vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype. The CYP450-oxylipin - soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) pathway is currently of great interest in targeting for cardiovascular disease. sEH inhibitors limit the development of hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis andmore » aneurysm formation in animal models. We have investigated the expression of CYP450-oxylipin-sEH pathway enzymes and their metabolites in paired intimal (iSMC) and medial (mSMC) cells isolated from rat aorta. iSMC basally released significantly larger amounts of epoxy-oxylipin CYP450 products from eicosapentaenoic acid > docosahexaenoic acid > arachidonic acid > linoleic acid, and expressed higher levels of CYP2C12, CYP2B1, but not CYP2J mRNA compared to mSMC. When stimulated with the pro-inflammatory TLR4 ligand LPS, epoxy-oxylipin production did not change greatly in iSMC. In contrast, LPS induced epoxy-oxylipin products in mSMC and induced CYP2J4. iSMC and mSMC express sEH which metabolizes primary epoxy-oxylipins to their dihydroxy-counterparts. The sEH inhibitors TPPU or AUDA inhibited LPS-induced NFκB activation and iNOS induction in mSMC, but had no effect on NFκB nuclear localization or inducible nitric oxide synthase in iSMC; effects which were recapitulated in part by addition of authentic epoxy-oxylipins. iSMCs are a rich source but not a sensor of anti-inflammatory epoxy-oxylipins. Complex lesions that contain high levels of iSMCs may be more resistant to the protective effects of sEH inhibitors. - Highlights: • We examined oxylipin production in different SMC phenotypes. • Intimal SMC produced more oxylipins than medial SMC. • CYPs were differentially expressed and regulated by LPS in intimal and medial SMC. • sEH inhibitors reduce inflammation in medial but not intimal SMC. • Intimal SMC are a source but not sensor of epoxy-oxylipins.« less

DIF Testing with an Empirical-Histogram Approximation of the Latent Density for Each Group

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woods, Carol M.

2011-01-01

This research introduces, illustrates, and tests a variation of IRT-LR-DIF, called EH-DIF-2, in which the latent density for each group is estimated simultaneously with the item parameters as an empirical histogram (EH). IRT-LR-DIF is used to evaluate the degree to which items have different measurement properties for one group of people versus…

Kuipers sets up the EHS/TEPC Spectrometer and Detector Assembly in the SM

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-03-12

ISS030-E-177101 (12 March 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, sets up the Environmental Health System / Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (EHS/TEPC) spectrometer and detector assembly on panel 327 in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station. The TEPC detector assembly is the primary radiation measurement tool on the space station.

The Conflicting Forces Driving Future Avionics Acquisition (Les Arguments Contradictoires pour les Futurs Achats d’Equipements d’Avionique)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

Homogbnes, commo indiqu6 sur Ia figure 3 E~I- ODVE et moteurs (non 6tudi~e ici) EH-2: Interface Syst~mes Avion ISA EH3 ONI (Communications, Navigation...common, modular avionics in both RF and EO sensors, along with The Integrated Core Processing " meta - the sharing of aperture and receiver electronics

Mitigation of heat stress-related complications by a yeast fermentate product.

PubMed

Giblot Ducray, Henri Alexandre; Globa, Ludmila; Pustovyy, Oleg; Reeves, Stuart; Robinson, Larry; Vodyanoy, Vitaly; Sorokulova, Iryna

2016-08-01

Heat stress results in a multitude of biological and physiological responses which can become lethal if not properly managed. It has been shown that heat stress causes significant adverse effects in both human and animals. Different approaches have been proposed to mitigate the adverse effects caused by heat stress, among which are special diet and probiotics. We characterized the effect of the yeast fermentate EpiCor (EH) on the prevention of heat stress-related complications in rats. We found that increasing the body temperature of animals from 37.1±0.2 to 40.6±0.2°C by exposure to heat (45°C for 25min) resulted in significant morphological changes in the intestine. Villi height and total mucosal thickness decreased in heat-stressed rats pre-treated with PBS in comparison with control animals not exposed to the heat. Oral treatment of rats with EH before heat stress prevented the traumatic effects of heat on the intestine. Changes in intestinal morphology of heat-stressed rats, pre-treated with PBS resulted in significant elevation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) level in the serum of these animals. Pre-treatment with EH was effective in the prevention of LPS release into the bloodstream of heat-stressed rats. Our study revealed that elevation of body temperature also resulted in a significant increase of the concentration of vesicles released by erythrocytes in rats, pre-treated with PBS. This is an indication of a pathological impact of heat on the erythrocyte structure. Treatment of rats with EH completely protected their erythrocytes from this heat-induced pathology. Finally, exposure to heat stress conditions resulted in a significant increase of white blood cells in rats. In the group of animals pre-treated with EH before heat stress, the white blood cell count remained the same as in non-heated controls. These results showed the protective effect of the EH product in the prevention of complications, caused by heat stress. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase contamination of specific catalase preparations inhibits epoxyeicosatrienoic acid vasodilation of rat renal arterioles

PubMed Central

Olson, Lauren; Harder, Adam; Isbell, Marilyn; Imig, John D.; Gutterman, David D.; Falck, J. R.; Campbell, William B.

2011-01-01

Cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are important signaling molecules in the kidney. In renal arteries, EETs cause vasodilation whereas H2O2 causes vasoconstriction. To determine the physiological contribution of H2O2, catalase is used to inactivate H2O2. However, the consequence of catalase action on EET vascular activity has not been determined. In rat renal afferent arterioles, 14,15-EET caused concentration-related dilations that were inhibited by Sigma bovine liver (SBL) catalase (1,000 U/ml) but not Calbiochem bovine liver (CBL) catalase (1,000 U/ml). SBL catalase inhibition was reversed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor tAUCB (1 μM). In 14,15-EET incubations, SBL catalase caused a concentration-related increase in a polar metabolite. Using mass spectrometry, the metabolite was identified as 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET), the inactive sEH metabolite. 14,15-EET hydrolysis was not altered by the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-ATZ; 10–50 mM), but was abolished by the sEH inhibitor BIRD-0826 (1–10 μM). SBL catalase EET hydrolysis showed a regioisomer preference with greatest hydrolysis of 14,15-EET followed by 11,12-, 8,9- and 5,6-EET (Vmax = 0.54 ± 0.07, 0.23 ± 0.06, 0.18 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.02 ng DHET·U catalase−1·min−1, respectively). Of five different catalase preparations assayed, EET hydrolysis was observed with two Sigma liver catalases. These preparations had low specific catalase activity and positive sEH expression. Mass spectrometric analysis of the SBL catalase identified peptide fragments matching bovine sEH. Collectively, these data indicate that catalase does not affect EET-mediated dilation of renal arterioles. However, some commercial catalase preparations are contaminated with sEH, and these contaminated preparations diminish the biological activity of H2O2 and EETs. PMID:21753077

Coexistence effect of UVA absorbers to increase their solubility and stability of supersaturation.

PubMed

Endo, M; Mukawa, T; Sato, N; Maezawa, D; Ohtsu, Y; Kuroda, A; Wakabayashi, M; Asakura, K

2014-12-01

Sunscreens containing UVA absorbers in high concentrations are expected to be developed, since recent studies have suggested the possibility of involvement of UVA ray in skin cancer and early skin aging. Solubility and stability of supersaturation of UVA absorbers in UVB absorber were determined in the absence and the presence of cosmetic oil. Coexistence effect of UVA absorbers was analyzed to dissolve them in high concentrations. Two UVA absorbers, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) and butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDM), a UVB absorber, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and a cosmetic oil, 2-ethylhexyl ester of oligomer of hydroxystearic acid (EH-O-HSA), were used. Their solutions were prepared at 80°C and cooled to 5°C. The solid DHHB and/or BMDM were added to it, and the time evolution of concentrations of the UVA absorbers in the solution phase was monitored. At the saturation in the absence of EH-O-HSA at 5°C, weight ratio of DHHB and BMDM to EHMC was 0.39/1.00 and 0.22/1.00, respectively. Addition of EH-O-HSA slightly changed the solubility of DHHB and BMDM. When the weight ratio of EH-O-HSA to EHMC was 0.20/1.00, weight ratio of DHHB and BMDM to EHMC was 0.35/1.00 and 0.25/1.00, respectively at the saturation at 5°C. In the presence of EH-O-HSA, a strong coexistence effect of DHHB and BMDM was found on their solubility. A thermodynamically stable saturated solution at 5°C having the composition that DHHB: BMDM: EHMC: EH-O-HSA = 0.47: 0.46: 1.00: 0.20 was obtained by the simultaneous addition of solid DHHB and BMDM into the initial solution. The solution type composite having the highest concentrations of DHHB and BMDM prepared in this study exhibited critical wavelength at 368 nm that was just below the border for sunscreens being qualified as 'Broad Spectrum' protection under the new rule launched by US FDA. © 2014 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

Fate of redox-sensitive elements in two different East-African wetland systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glasner, Björn; Fiedler, Sabine

2017-04-01

We expect that an intensified cropping alters soil pH and Eh, and negatively affects the production potential of wetlands. Therefore, we investigated the redox-conditions in combination with the fate of different redox-sensitive elements in two prototypical wetland systems that show a high potential for food production in East-Africa. While the floodplains (observed near Ifakara, Kilombero District/Tanzania) serve as major crop producing areas in the region, the Inland Valleys (observed in Namulonge, Central District/Uganda) show a high potential for future production. Both systems have been divided into three positions; the fringe near to the slope, the center near to the river and the middle in between these two positions. In order to get a better understanding of the two systems we installed continuously measuring redox-electrodes in three different positions within both systems. Additionally, the fate of mineral elements was measured using ion-exchange resins with an installation period of 3-4 months. At the Tanzanian field sites the Eh-potential shows one major dry period with moderately reducing to well drained conditions in all sampling depths (10, 30, and 50 cm below ground) in all three positions during the measuring period from March 2015 to Dec 2016. Starting with the rains the Eh-potential drops from 700 mV (in 10 and 30 cm depth) to reducing conditions at all three sites - with intermediate brakes in the middle and fringe positions, showing that there has been no rain during these periods. At the Ugandan field sites the Eh-potential shows more fluctuations during the measuring period, especially in the center position in 2015 ( 750 to -200 mV in 30 and 50 cm depth). Having just the Eh-potential from the first 30 cm below ground it is not really possible to differentiate between dry- and rainy-seasons at the sites. The fate of redox-sensitive elements (Fe, Mn, and P) does not always correlate with the overall Eh-conditions (median) of the installation period. Short time events may play a crucial role in the fate of these elements.

Epithelioid hemangioma of the spine: a case series of six patients and review of the literature.

PubMed

Boyaci, Bilal; Hornicek, Francis J; Nielsen, G Petur; DeLaney, Thomas F; Pedlow, Frank X; Mansfield, Frederick L; Carrier, Charles S; Harms, Jurgen; Schwab, Joseph H

2013-12-01

Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) of bone is a benign vascular tumor that can be locally aggressive. It rarely arises in the spine, and the optimum management of EH of the vertebrae is not well delineated. The report describes our experience treating six patients with EH of the spine in an effort to document the treatment of the rare spinal presentation. This study is designed as a retrospective cohort study. A continuous series of patients with the diagnosis of EH of the spine who presented at our institution. The clinical and radiographic follow-up of the patient population is documented. The Bone Sarcoma Registry at our institution was used to obtain a list of all patients diagnosed with EH of the spine. Medical records, radiographs, and pathology reports were retrospectively reviewed in all cases. Only biopsy-proven cases were included. The six patients included five men and one woman who ranged in age from 20 to 58 years (with an average age of 40 years). The follow-up available for all six patients ranged from 6 to 115 (average 46.8) months. All patients presented with lytic vertebral body lesions. Five patients presented with pain secondary to their tumor, and the tumor in the sixth patient was found incidentally during the workup for a herniated disc. Three patients required surgical management for instability secondary to the destructive nature of their tumors, and two other patients required emergent decompression secondary to spinal cord compression by the tumor. The sixth patient was treated expectantly after biopsy confirmation. Three patients received postoperative radiation therapy as gross tumor remained after surgery. Three patients had gross total resections and did not receive postoperative radiation. Preoperative embolization was used in four patients. One patient continued to have back pain after surgery and radiation and another continued to have ataxia after surgery and radiation. No tumor locally recurred or progressed. Our data suggest that EH of the spine can be locally aggressive and lead to instability and cord compression. Surgery is required in such instances; however, observation should be considered in patients without instability or cord compression. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Family history of hypertension and left ventricular mass in youth: possible mediating parameters.

PubMed

Cook, B B; Treiber, F A; Mensah, G; Jindal, M; Davis, H C; Kapuku, G K

2001-04-01

Whether positive family history (FH) of essential hypertension (EH) in normotensive youth is associated with increased left ventricular mass (LVM) and hemodynamic, anthropometric, and demographic parameters previously associated with increased LVM in adults is unknown. To examine these issues, 323 healthy youth (mean age, 13.6 +/- 1.3 years), 194 with positive FH of EH (61% African Americans, 39% whites) and 129 with negative FH of EH (33% African Americans, 67% whites) were evaluated. Hemodynamics were measured at rest and during four stressors (ie, postural change, car driving simulation, video game, forehead cold). Echocardiographic-derived measures of LVM were indexed separately to body surface area and height(2.7). Controlling for age and race differences (ie, 74% of African Americans v 47% of whites had positive FH), the positive FH group exhibited greater LVM/height(2.7), LVM/body surface area, higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), and total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) and lower cardiac index at rest (P < .05 for all). The positive FH group also displayed higher peak SBP or DBP and higher TPRI increases to each stressor and came from lower socioeconomic status backgrounds (P < .05 for all). Regression analyses indicated that FH of EH was not a significant determinant of LVM/height(2.7) after accounting for contributions of gender (greater in men), general adiposity, resting cardiac index and blood pressure (BP), and TPRI responsivity to video game and cold stimulation (P < .05 for all). Thus, greater LVM index in positive FH of EH youth appears in part related to their greater BP and TPRI at rest and during stress.

Role of B-type natriuretic peptide in epoxyeicosatrienoic acid-mediated improved post-ischaemic recovery of heart contractile function

PubMed Central

Chaudhary, Ketul R.; Batchu, Sri Nagarjun; Das, Dipankar; Suresh, Mavanur R.; Falck, John R.; Graves, Joan P.; Zeldin, Darryl C.; Seubert, John M.

2009-01-01

Aims This study examined the functional role of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET)-mediated cardioprotection in mice with targeted disruption of the sEH or Ephx2 gene (sEH null). Methods and results Isolated mouse hearts were perfused in the Langendorff mode and subjected to global no-flow ischaemia followed by reperfusion. Hearts were analysed for recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), mRNA levels, and protein expression. Naïve hearts from sEH null mice had similar expression of preproBNP (Nppb) mRNA compared with wild-type (WT) hearts. However, significant increases in Nppb mRNA and BNP protein expression occurred during post-ischaemic reperfusion and correlated with improved post-ischaemic recovery of LVDP. Perfusion with the putative EET receptor antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid prior to ischaemia reduced the preproBNP mRNA in sEH null hearts. Inhibitor studies demonstrated that perfusion with the natriuretic peptide receptor type-A (NPR-A) antagonist, A71915, limited the improved recovery in recombinant full-length mouse BNP (rBNP)- and 11,12-EET-perfused hearts as well as in sEH null mice. Increased expression of phosphorylated protein kinase C ε and Akt were found in WT hearts perfused with either 11,12-EET or rBNP, while mitochondrial glycogen synthase kinase-3β was significantly lower in the same samples. Furthermore, treatment with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin abolished improved LVDP recovery in 11,12-EET-treated hearts but not did significantly inhibit recovery of rBNP-treated hearts. Conclusion Taken together, these data indicate that EET-mediated cardioprotection involves BNP and PI3K signalling events. PMID:19401302

Extremely Efficient Multiple Electron-hole Pair Generation in Carbon Nanotube Photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabor, Nathaniel

2010-03-01

The efficient generation of multiple electron-hole (e-h) pairs from a single photon could improve the efficiency of photovoltaic solar cells beyond standard thermodynamic limits [1] and has been the focus of much recent work in semiconductor nanomaterials [2,3]. In single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), the small Fermi velocity and low dielectric constant suggests that electron-electron interactions are very strong and that high-energy carriers should efficiently generate e-h pairs. Here, I will discuss observations of highly efficient generation of e-h pairs due to impact excitation in SWNT p-n junction photodiodes [4]. To investigate optoelectronic transport properties of individual SWNT photodiodes, we focus a laser beam over the device while monitoring the electronic characteristics. Optical excitation into the second electronic subband E22 ˜ 2 EGAP leads to striking photocurrent steps in the device I-VSD characteristics that occur at voltage intervals of the band gap energy EGAP/ e. Spatially and spectrally resolved photocurrent combined with temperature-dependent studies suggest that these steps result from efficient generation of multiple e-h pairs from a single hot E22 carrier. We conclude that in the SWNT photodiode, a single photon with energy greater than 2EGAP is converted into multiple e-h pairs, leading to enhanced photocurrent and increased photo-conversion efficiency. [1] W. Shockley, and H. J. Queisser, Journal of Applied Physics 32, 510 (1961). [2] R. D. Schaller, and V. I. Klimov, Physical Review Letters 92 (18), 186601 (2004). [3] R. J. Ellingson, et al, Nano Letters, 5 (5), 865-871 (2005). [4] Nathaniel M. Gabor, Zhaohui Zhong, Ken Bosnick, Jiwoong Park, and Paul McEuen, Science, 325, 1367 (2009).

The Evolution of Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis of Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, S.; Wu, T.; Li, M.; Zhang, Y.; Hua, Y.; Zhang, B.

2017-12-01

Indian plate has been colliding with Eurasian plate since 50Ma years ago, resulting in the Tethys extinction, crust shortening and Tibetan plateau uplift. But it is still a debate how the Tibetan Plateau material escaped. This study tries to invert the distributions of dispersion phase velocity and anisotropy in Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) based on the seismic data. We focused on the seven sub-blocks around EHS region. Sub-block "EHS" represents EHS corner with high velocity anomalies, significantly compressed in the axle and strike directions. Sub-blocks "LSD", "QTB" and "SP-GZB" are located at its northern areas with compressions also, and connected with low-velocity anomalies in both crustal and upper mantle rocks. Sub-block "ICB" is located at its southern area with low velocity anomaly, and connected with Tengchong volcano. Sub-blocks "SYDB" and "YZB" are located at its eastern areas with high velocity anomalies in both crustal and upper mantle rocks. Our results demonstrated that significant azimuthal anisotropy of crust (t£30s) and upper mantle (30s£t£60s). Crustal anisotropy indicates the orogenic belt matched well with the direction of fast propagation, and upper mantle anisotropy represents the lattic-preferred orientation (LPO) of mantle minerals (e.g. olivine and basalt), indicating the features of subducting Indian plate. Besides, Red River fault is a dextral strike fault, controlling the crustal and mantle migration. There is a narrow zone to be the channel flow of Tibetan crustal materials escaping toward Yunnan area. The evolution of EHS seems constrained by gravity isostatic mechanism. Keywords: Tibetan Plateau; Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis; Red River fault; crustal flow; surface wave; anisotropy

Comparison of left ventricular structure and function in primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension by echocardiography.

PubMed

Yang, Yan; Zhu, Li-Min; Xu, Jian-Zhong; Tang, Xiao-Feng; Gao, Ping-Jin

2017-03-01

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common secondary cause of hypertension. The present study investigated differences in left ventricular structure and function between hypertensive patients with PA and sucjects with essential hypertension (EH). One hundred patients with PA and 100 controls with EH were matched for age, gender, and 24-h ambulatory monitoring blood pressure (BP). Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left atrial volume index (LAVI) and ejection fraction were calculated. LV diastolic function was estimated as the ratio of the early diastolic velocities (E) from transmitral inflow to the early diastolic velocities (e') of tissue Doppler at mitral annulus. PA and EH patients had similar LV dimensions, LV wall thicknesses, LVMI and LV systolic function. PA was associated with greater impairment in diastolic function, as reflected by the lower e' (P=0.004), higher E/e' ratio (P=0.005) and higher LAVI (P=0.02). The LV geometric dimensions and patterns of LV hypertrophy were similar between male patients from the PA and EH groups. However, in female patients, PA was correlated with higher LV internal dimensions (P=0.001), higher LVMI (P=0.04) and lower relative wall thickness (RWT, P=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that LV diastolic function was independently correlated with age (β=0.416, P<0.001), 24-h systolic BP (β=0.238, P=0.016) and serum potassium (β=-0.201, P=0.036) in PA patients. In conclusion, PA appears to contribute to the impairment of LV diastolic function in both sexes as well as the higher prevalence of eccentric hypertrophy in women than in men compared with EH. Age, 24-h systolic BP and serum potassium levels are independent risk factors for LV diastolic function in PA patients.

An Efficient, "Burn in" Free Organic Solar Cell Employing a Nonfullerene Electron Acceptor.

PubMed

Cha, Hyojung; Wu, Jiaying; Wadsworth, Andrew; Nagitta, Jade; Limbu, Saurav; Pont, Sebastian; Li, Zhe; Searle, Justin; Wyatt, Mark F; Baran, Derya; Kim, Ji-Seon; McCulloch, Iain; Durrant, James R

2017-09-01

A comparison of the efficiency, stability, and photophysics of organic solar cells employing poly[(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4,7-diyl)-alt-(3,3'″-di(2-octyldodecyl)-2,2';5',2″;5″,2'″-quaterthiophen-5,5'″-diyl)] (PffBT4T-2OD) as a donor polymer blended with either the nonfullerene acceptor EH-IDTBR or the fullerene derivative, [6,6]-phenyl C 71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC 71 BM) as electron acceptors is reported. Inverted PffBT4T-2OD:EH-IDTBR blend solar cell fabricated without any processing additive achieves power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 9.5 ± 0.2%. The devices exhibit a high open circuit voltage of 1.08 ± 0.01 V, attributed to the high lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of EH-IDTBR. Photoluminescence quenching and transient absorption data are employed to elucidate the ultrafast kinetics and efficiencies of charge separation in both blends, with PffBT4T-2OD exciton diffusion kinetics within polymer domains, and geminate recombination losses following exciton separation being identified as key factors determining the efficiency of photocurrent generation. Remarkably, while encapsulated PffBT4T-2OD:PC 71 BM solar cells show significant efficiency loss under simulated solar irradiation ("burn in" degradation) due to the trap-assisted recombination through increased photoinduced trap states, PffBT4T-2OD:EH-IDTBR solar cell shows negligible burn in efficiency loss. Furthermore, PffBT4T-2OD:EH-IDTBR solar cells are found to be substantially more stable under 85 °C thermal stress than PffBT4T-2OD:PC 71 BM devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and non-specific symptoms of ill health: a systematic review.

PubMed

Röösli, Martin

2008-06-01

This article is a systematic review of whether everyday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) causes symptoms, and whether some individuals are able to detect low-level RF-EMF (below the ICNIRP [International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection] guidelines). Peer-reviewed articles published before August 2007 were identified by means of a systematic literature search. Meta-analytic techniques were used to pool the results from studies investigating the ability to discriminate active from sham RF-EMF exposure. RF-EMF discrimination was investigated in seven studies including a total of 182 self-declared electromagnetic hypersensitive (EHS) individuals and 332 non-EHS individuals. The pooled correct field detection rate was 4.2% better than expected by chance (95% CI: -2.1 to 10.5). There was no evidence that EHS individuals could detect presence or absence of RF-EMF better than other persons. There was little evidence that short-term exposure to a mobile phone or base station causes symptoms based on the results of eight randomized trials investigating 194 EHS and 346 non-EHS individuals in a laboratory. Some of the trials provided evidence for the occurrence of nocebo effects. In population based studies an association between symptoms and exposure to RF-EMF in the everyday environment was repeatedly observed. This review showed that the large majority of individuals who claims to be able to detect low level RF-EMF are not able to do so under double-blind conditions. If such individuals exist, they represent a small minority and have not been identified yet. The available observational studies do not allow differentiating between biophysical from EMF and nocebo effects.

Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and adverse event profile of GSK2256294, a novel soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor

PubMed Central

Yang, Lucy; Boardley, Rebecca L.; Goyal, Navin S.; Robertson, Jonathan; Baldwin, Sandra J.; Newby, David E.; Wilkinson, Ian B.; Tal‐Singer, Ruth; Mayer, Ruth J.; Cheriyan, Joseph

2016-01-01

Aims Endothelial‐derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids may regulate vascular tone and are metabolized by soluble epoxide hydrolase enzymes (sEH). GSK2256294 is a potent and selective sEH inhibitor that was tested in two phase I studies. Methods Single escalating doses of GSK2256294 2–20 mg or placebo were administered in a randomized crossover design to healthy male subjects or obese smokers. Once daily doses of 6 or 18 mg or placebo were administered for 14 days to obese smokers. Data were collected on safety, pharmacokinetics, sEH enzyme inhibition and blood biomarkers. Single doses of GSK2256294 10 mg were also administered to healthy younger males or healthy elderly males and females with and without food. Data on safety, pharmacokinetics and biliary metabolites were collected. Results GSK2256294 was well‐tolerated with no serious adverse events (AEs) attributable to the drug. The most frequent AEs were headache and contact dermatitis. Plasma concentrations of GSK2256294 increased with single doses, with a half‐life averaging 25–43 h. There was no significant effect of age, food or gender on pharmacokinetic parameters. Inhibition of sEH enzyme activity was dose‐dependent, from an average of 41.9% on 2 mg (95% confidence interval [CI] –51.8, 77.7) to 99.8% on 20 mg (95% CI 99.3, 100.0) and sustained for up to 24 h. There were no significant changes in serum VEGF or plasma fibrinogen. Conclusions GSK2256294 was well‐tolerated and demonstrated sustained inhibition of sEH enzyme activity. These data support further investigation in patients with endothelial dysfunction or abnormal tissue repair, such as diabetes, wound healing or COPD. PMID:26620151

Radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure and non-specific symptoms of ill health: A systematic review

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

Roeoesli, Martin

2008-06-15

This article is a systematic review of whether everyday exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) causes symptoms, and whether some individuals are able to detect low-level RF-EMF (below the ICNIRP [International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection] guidelines). Peer-reviewed articles published before August 2007 were identified by means of a systematic literature search. Meta-analytic techniques were used to pool the results from studies investigating the ability to discriminate active from sham RF-EMF exposure. RF-EMF discrimination was investigated in seven studies including a total of 182 self-declared electromagnetic hypersensitive (EHS) individuals and 332 non-EHS individuals. The pooled correct field detection rate wasmore » 4.2% better than expected by chance (95% CI: -2.1 to 10.5). There was no evidence that EHS individuals could detect presence or absence of RF-EMF better than other persons. There was little evidence that short-term exposure to a mobile phone or base station causes symptoms based on the results of eight randomized trials investigating 194 EHS and 346 non-EHS individuals in a laboratory. Some of the trials provided evidence for the occurrence of nocebo effects. In population based studies an association between symptoms and exposure to RF-EMF in the everyday environment was repeatedly observed. This review showed that the large majority of individuals who claims to be able to detect low level RF-EMF are not able to do so under double-blind conditions. If such individuals exist, they represent a small minority and have not been identified yet. The available observational studies do not allow differentiating between biophysical from EMF and nocebo effects.« less

The effect of amphipilic lignin derivatives addition on enzymatic hydrolysis performance of kraft pulp from sorghum bagasse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fatriasari, Widya; Nugroho Adi, D. T.; Laksana, R. P. B.; Fajriutami, T.; Raniya, R.; Ghozali, M.; Hermiati, E.

2018-03-01

Previously, the chemical characteristics of isolated lignin from Acacia mangium black liquor of kraft pulping was characterized. This lignin was blended with natural rubber latex (NR-L) as adhesive in laminated wood. In addition, lignin has potency for biosurfactant materials by modification of the hydrophobic into hydrophilic properties. Therefore, this study was intended to develop lignin as material for amphipilic lignin derivatives (A-LD) biosurfactant by reacting lignin with epoxilated polyethylene glicol (PEG). A-LD addition in slurries was used to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) of kraft pulp sweet bagasse sorghum (SSB). The main observation in EH performance was to investigate the effect of lignin isolation method (one and two step) in A-LD and A-LD loading addition on reducing sugar yield (RSY) of SSB kraft pulp. The pulp was hydrolyzed at 50°C and 150 rpm for 72 h with 10 FPU cellulase loading in the shaking incubator. A-LD from one (L1S) and two step (L2S) lignin was added with A-LD loading of 0, 1, 2, 5, and 10% (b/v). The RSY of hydrolyzate has been observed after EH. A-LDs addition in EH of SSB kraft pulp enhanced RSY. L1S worked better in reaction performance with PEDGE compared to L2S and LS. A better performance was showed by PEDGE 500 than that of PEDGE 6000. Generally, the higher A-LDs loading resulted higher RSY. The highest RSY (81.33%) was resulted in addition of 10% A-LD L1S using PEDGE 500. A 5% A-LD loading was more considered to be added in EH because the RSY was comparable with 10% A-LD loading.

Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Can Improve Erectile Function in Patients Who Failed to Respond to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Tsai, Chia-Chun; Wang, Chii-Jye; Lee, Yung-Chin; Kuo, Yen-Ting; Lin, Hsiao-Hua; Li, Ching-Chia; Wu, Wen-Jeng; Liu, Chia-Chu

2017-01-01

Managing patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who failed to respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) is a challenging task. Recently, low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) was reported to improve ED by enhancing perfusion of the penis. The current study was performed to evaluate whether combined treatment with LI-ESWT and PDE5is can restore erectile function in patients who failed to respond to PDE5is alone. This was an open-label single-arm prospective study. ED patients with an erection hardness score (EHS) ≦2 under a maximal dosage of PDE5is were enrolled. Sociodemographic information and detailed medical history were recorded. LI-ESWT treatment consisted of 3,000 shockwaves once weekly for 12 weeks. All patients continued their regular PDE5is use. The EHS and the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were used to evaluate the change in erectile function 1 and 3 months after LI-ESWT. A total of 52 patients were enrolled. After LI-ESWT treatment, 35 of the 52 patients (67.3%) could achieve an erection hard enough for intercourse (EHS ≧ 3) under PDE5is use at the 1-month follow-up. Initial severity of ED was the only significant predictor of a successful response (EHS1: 35.7% vs. EHS2: 78.9%, p = .005). Thirty-three of the 35 (94.3%) subjects who responded to LI-ESWT could still maintain their erectile function at the 3-month follow-up. LI-ESWT can serve as a salvage therapy for ED patients who failed to respond to PDE5is. Initial severity of ED was an important predictor of a successful response. PMID:28884638

Effect of abutment screw length and cyclic loading on removal torque in external and internal hex implants.

PubMed

Mohammed, Hnd Hadi; Lee, Jin-Han; Bae, Ji-Myung; Cho, Hye-Won

2016-02-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of abutment screw length and cyclic loading on the removal torque (RTV) in external hex (EH) and internal hex (IH) implants. Forty screw-retained single crowns were connected to external and internal hex implants. The prepared titanium abutment screws were classified into 8 groups based on the number of threads (n = 5 per group): EH 12.5, 6.5, 3.5, 2.5 and IH 6.5, 5, 3.5, 2.5 threads. The abutment screws were tightened with 20 Ncm torque twice with 10-minute intervals. After 5 minutes, the initial RTVs of the abutment screws were measured with a digital torque gauge (MGT12). A customized jig was constructed to apply a load along the implant long axis at the central fossa of the maxillary first molar. The post-loading RTVs were measured after 16,000 cycles of mechanical loading with 50 N at a 1-Hz frequency. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests. The post-loading RTVs were significantly lower than the initial RTVs in the EH 2.5 thread and IH 2.5 thread groups (P<.05). The initial RTVs exhibited no significant differences among the 8 groups, whereas the post-loading RTVs of the EH 6.5 and EH 3.5 thread groups were higher than those of the IH 3.5 thread group (P<.05). Within the limitations of this study, the external hex implants with short screw lengths were more advantageous than internal hex implants with short screw lengths in torque maintenance after cyclic loading.

Effect of abutment screw length and cyclic loading on removal torque in external and internal hex implants

PubMed Central

Mohammed, Hnd Hadi; Lee, Jin-Han; Bae, Ji-Myung

2016-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of abutment screw length and cyclic loading on the removal torque (RTV) in external hex (EH) and internal hex (IH) implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty screw-retained single crowns were connected to external and internal hex implants. The prepared titanium abutment screws were classified into 8 groups based on the number of threads (n = 5 per group): EH 12.5, 6.5, 3.5, 2.5 and IH 6.5, 5, 3.5, 2.5 threads. The abutment screws were tightened with 20 Ncm torque twice with 10-minute intervals. After 5 minutes, the initial RTVs of the abutment screws were measured with a digital torque gauge (MGT12). A customized jig was constructed to apply a load along the implant long axis at the central fossa of the maxillary first molar. The post-loading RTVs were measured after 16,000 cycles of mechanical loading with 50 N at a 1-Hz frequency. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and paired t-tests. RESULTS The post-loading RTVs were significantly lower than the initial RTVs in the EH 2.5 thread and IH 2.5 thread groups (P<.05). The initial RTVs exhibited no significant differences among the 8 groups, whereas the post-loading RTVs of the EH 6.5 and EH 3.5 thread groups were higher than those of the IH 3.5 thread group (P<.05). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the external hex implants with short screw lengths were more advantageous than internal hex implants with short screw lengths in torque maintenance after cyclic loading. PMID:26949489

Dehydration effects of a V2 antagonist on endolymphatic hydrops in guinea pigs.

PubMed

Egami, Naoya; Kakigi, Akinobu; Takeda, Taizo; Yamasoba, Tatsuya

2016-02-01

We investigated the influence of vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist (OPC-41061; Tolvaptan) on experimentally induced endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in guinea pigs. In the first series, the endolymphatic sac (ES) of the left ear of all animals was electrocauterized. Four weeks after surgery, the animals were allocated to four groups: three systemic applications groups (saline, OPC 10 and 100 mg/kg) and a local round window (RW) OPC 1 mg/body application group. We examined the histopathology of the temporal bones and assessed volumetric changes of the endolymphatic space in the cochlea and saccule. In the second series, we investigated the effects of systemic and topical applications of OPC on plasma vasopressin (p-VP) concentrations and plasma osmolality (p-OSM). In the first series, we found that EH was reduced in the OPC 10 mg/kg systemic and OPC RW application groups. In contrast, EH increased in the OPC 100 mg/kg systemic application group. In the second series, neither p-VP levels nor p-OSM were significantly different among the non-OPC, OPC 10 mg/kg systemic, and OPC RW application groups. However, in the OPC 100 mg/kg systemic application group, the p-VP level was significantly higher than that in other groups, and p-OSM was higher than that in the non-OPC group. The systemic application of a low dose of OPC and topical application of OPC resulted in reduced EH in the face of minimal systemic effects (p-VP and p-OSM). These findings suggest that OPC-41061 may be one useful treatment option for EH. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dependence of morphological changes of the carotid arteries on essential hypertension and accompanying risk factors.

PubMed

Zizek, B; Poredos, P

2002-03-01

to evaluate morphological changes (intima-media thickness, IMT) of the carotid arteries in patients being treated for essential hypertension (EH), and to discover whether this abnormality can be detected in normotensive offspring of subjects with EH (familial trait, FT); and to investigate the interrelationship between IMT and accompanying risk factors. cross-sectional study. angiology department, university teaching hospital. the study encompassed 172 subjects, of whom 46 were treated hypertonics aged 40-55 (49) years, and 44 age matched, normotensive volunteers as controls. We also investigated 41 normotensives with FT for essential hypertension aged 20-30 (25) years and 41 age- and sex-matched controls without FT. the hypertensive subjects were being treated either with long-acting calcium-channel antagonists or ACE-inhibitors. using high resolution ultrasound, IMT of the carotid bifurcation and of the common carotid artery was measured. In the hypertensives, the mean IMT was greater than that in the controls (0.92 (0.10) mm vs 0.72 (0.07) mm; p<0.00005). The IMT was independently related to accompanying risk factors: a positive family history of hypertension, age of the patient, duration of EH and the level of systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP), body mass index and total/LDL-cholesterol. In subjects with FT, IMT was also greater compared to the control group (0.60 (0.05) mm vs 0.55 (0.04) mm; p<0.00005). IMT was not related to BP values. In treated essential patients with the EH, the IMT was increased. Individuals with FT also had greater IMT in the absence of elevated BP. The IMT in hypertensives was related to accompanying risk factors, which could be pathogenetic determinants of EH and/or its complications.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Television Campaign to Promote Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Among the Elderly.

PubMed

Kim, Minchul; Yoo, Byung-Kwang

2015-07-01

The U.S. policy goals regarding influenza vaccination coverage rate among the elderly include the increase in the coverage rate and the elimination of disparities across racial/ethnic groups. To examine the potential effectiveness of a television (TV) campaign to increase seasonal influenza vaccination among the elderly. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER, defined as incremental cost per additionally vaccinated Medicare individual) of a hypothetical nationwide TV campaign for influenza vaccination compared with no campaign. We measured the effectiveness of the nationwide TV campaign (advertised once a week at prime time for 30 seconds) during a 17-week influenza vaccination season among four racial/ethnic elderly groups (N=39 million): non-Hispanic white (W), non-Hispanic African American (AA), English-speaking Hispanic (EH), and Spanish-speaking Hispanic (SH). The hypothetical campaign cost was $5,960,000 (in 2012 US dollars). The estimated campaign effectiveness ranged from -1.1% (the SH group) to 1.42% (the W group), leading to an increased disparity in influenza vaccination among non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic African American (W-AA) groups (0.6 percentage points), W-EH groups (0.1 percentage points), and W-SH groups (1.5 percentage points). The estimated ICER was $23.54 (95% confidence interval $14.21-$39.37) per additionally vaccinated Medicare elderly in a probabilistic analysis. Race/ethnicity-specific ICERs were lowest among the EH group ($22.27), followed by the W group ($22.47) and the AA group ($30.55). The nationwide TV campaign was concluded to be reasonably cost-effective compared with a benchmark intervention (with ICER $44.39 per vaccinated individual) of a school-located vaccination program. Break-even analyses estimated the maximum acceptable campaign cost to be $14,870,000, which was comparable to the benchmark ICER. The results could justify public expenditures on the implementation of a future nationwide TV campaign, which should include multilingual campaigns, for promoting seasonal influenza vaccination. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

[Role of rifaximin in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy].

PubMed

Sanchez-Delgado, Jordi; Miquel, Mireia

2016-04-01

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent and serious complication of liver cirrhosis. In addition to correction of the precipitating factors, the most commonly used treatments are non-absorbable disaccharides and rifaximin. Many of the recommendations are based on current clinical practice and there are few randomized controlled trials. Currently, rifaximin should be initiated during an episode of EH if, after 24-48 hours of non-absorbable disaccharide therapy, there is no clinical improvement. In recurrent EH, it is advisable to add rifaximin in patients under non-absorbable disaccharide therapy who develop a new episode. Currently, standard treatment with rifaximin for minimal EH is not recommended. Rifaximin is effective in the acute treatment of overt encephalopathy and in preventing recurrence. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and AEEH y AEG. All rights reserved.

Exploding Head Syndrome: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Ganguly, Gautam; Mridha, Banshari; Khan, Asif; Rison, Richard Alan

2013-01-01

Introduction Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare parasomnia in which affected individuals awaken from sleep with the sensation of a loud bang. The etiology is unknown, but other conditions including primary and secondary headache disorders and nocturnal seizures need to be excluded. Case Presentation A 57-year-old Indian male presented with four separate episodes of awakening from sleep at night after hearing a flashing sound on the right side of his head over the last 2 years. These events were described ‘as if there are explosions in my head’. A neurologic examination, imaging studies, and a polysomnogram ensued, and the results led to the diagnosis of EHS. Conclusion EHS is a benign, uncommon, predominately nocturnal disorder that is self-limited. No treatment is generally required. Reassurance to the patient is often all that is needed. PMID:23467433

The equation of state of n-pentane in the atomistic model TraPPE-EH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valeev, B. U.; Pisarev, V. V.

2018-01-01

In this work, we study the vapor-liquid equilibrium in n-pentane. We use the TraPPE-EH (transferable potentials for phase equilibria-explicit hydrogen) forcefield, where each hydrogen and carbon atom is considered as independent center of force. The fluid behavior was investigated with different values of density and temperature by molecular dynamics method. The n-pentane evaporation curve was calculated in the temperature range of 290 to 390 K. The densities of the coexisting phases are also calculated. The compression curve at 370 K was calculated and isothermal bulk modulus was found. The simulated properties of n-pentane are in good agreement with data from a database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, so the TraPPE-EH model can be recommended for simulations of hydrocarbons.

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer December 1936 ...

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

1. Historic American Buildings Survey E.H. Pickering, Photographer December 1936 HISTORIC ROAD MARKER: BLUE BALL TAVERN ESTABLISHED ABOUT 1710 ON LOT NO. 35 of 'THE NOTTINGHAM LOTS' BY ANDREW JOB WHO SECURED IT FROM WILLIAM PENN. JOB'S SON THOMAS MARRIED ELIZABETH MAXWELL, NIECE OF DANIEL DEFOE WHO WROTE 'ROBINSON CRUSOE'. - Blue Ball Tavern, State Route 273 & Blue Ball Road (State Route 545), Blueball, Cecil County, MD

Impacts of Modeled Provisions of H.R. 6 EH: The Energy Policy Act of 2005

EIA Publications

2005-01-01

This report responds to a May 2, 2005, request by Chairman Pete Domenici and Ranking Member Jeff Bingaman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for an assessment of the energy supply, consumption, import, price, and macroeconomic impacts of H.R. 6 EH, the Energy Policy Act of 2005, as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2005.

How can nanobiotechnology oversight advance science and industry: examples from environmental, health, and safety studies of nanoparticles (nano-EHS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jing; Asbach, Christof; Fissan, Heinz; Hülser, Tim; Kuhlbusch, Thomas A. J.; Thompson, Drew; Pui, David Y. H.

2011-04-01

Nanotechnology has great potential to transform science and industry in the fields of energy, material, environment, and medicine. At the same time, more concerns are being raised about the occupational health and safety of nanomaterials in the workplace and the implications of nanotechnology on the environment and living systems. Studies on environmental, health, and safety (EHS) issues of nanomaterials have a strong influence on public acceptance of nanotechnology and, eventually, affect its sustainability. Oversight and regulation by government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play significant roles in ensuring responsible and environmentally friendly development of nanotechnology. The EHS studies of nanomaterials can provide data and information to help the development of regulations and guidelines. We present research results on three aspects of EHS studies: physico-chemical characterization and measurement of nanomaterials; emission, exposure, and toxicity of nanomaterials; and control and abatement of nanomaterial releases using filtration technology. Measurement of nanoparticle agglomerates using a newly developed instrument, the Universal NanoParticle Analyzer (UNPA), is discussed. Exposure measurement results for silicon nanoparticles in a pilot scale production plant are presented, as well as exposure measurement and toxicity study of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Filtration studies of nanoparticle agglomerates are also presented as an example of emission control methods.

Evidence for a late thermal event of unequilibrated enstatite chondrites: a Rb-Sr study of Qingzhen and Yamato 6901 (EH3) and Khairpur (EL6)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Torigoye, N.; Shima, M.

1993-01-01

The Rb-Sr whole rock and internal systematics of two EH3 chondrites, Qingzhen and Yamato 6901, and of one EL6 chondrite, Khairpur, were determined. The internal Rb-Sr systematics of the EH3 chondrites are highly disturbed. Fractions corresponding to sulfide phases show excess 87Sr, while other fractions corresponding to silicate phases produce a linear trend on a Rb-Sr evolution diagram. If these linear relations are interpreted as isochrons, the ages of the silicate phases are 2.12?? 0.23 Ga and 2.05 ??0.33 Ga with the initial Sr isotopic ratios of 0.7112 ?? 0.0018 and 0.7089 ?? 0.0032, for Qingzhen and Yamato 6901, respectively. The Rb-Sr results are interpeted as indicative of a late thermal event about 2Ga ago on the parent bodies of these EH3 chondrites. These ages agree well with previously published K-Ar ages. An older isochron age of 4.481 ?? 0.036 Ga with a low initial Sr isotopic ratio of 0.69866 ?? 0.00038 was obtained for the data from silicate fractions of Khairpur, indicating early petrological equilibrium on the parent body of EL6 chondrites. -from Authors

Optimal Soil Eh, pH, and Water Management for Simultaneously Minimizing Arsenic and Cadmium Concentrations in Rice Grains.

PubMed

Honma, Toshimitsu; Ohba, Hirotomo; Kaneko-Kadokura, Ayako; Makino, Tomoyuki; Nakamura, Ken; Katou, Hidetaka

2016-04-19

Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in rice grains are a human health concern. We conducted field experiments to investigate optimal conditions of Eh and pH in soil for simultaneously decreasing As and Cd accumulation in rice. Water managements in the experiments, which included continuous flooding and intermittent irrigation with different intervals after midseason drainage, exerted striking effects on the dissolved As and Cd concentrations in soil through changes in Eh, pH, and dissolved Fe(II) concentrations in the soil. Intermittent irrigation with three-day flooding and five-day drainage was found to be effective for simultaneously decreasing the accumulation of As and Cd in grain. The grain As and Cd concentrations were, respectively, linearly related to the average dissolved As and Cd concentrations during the 3 weeks after heading. We propose a new indicator for expressing the degree to which a decrease in the dissolved As or Cd concentration is compromised by the increase in the other. For minimizing the trade-off relationship between As and Cd in rice grains in the field investigated, water management strategies should target the realization of optimal soil Eh of -73 mV and pH of 6.2 during the 3 weeks after heading.

Molecular dynamics simulation of the interactions between EHD1 EH domain and multiple peptides* #

PubMed Central

Yu, Hua; Wang, Mao-Jun; Xuan, Nan-Xia; Shang, Zhi-Cai; Wu, Jun

2015-01-01

Objective: To provide essential information for peptide inhibitor design, the interactions of Eps15 homology domain of Eps15 homology domain-containing protein 1 (EHD1 EH domain) with three peptides containing NPF (asparagine-proline-phenylalanine), DPF (aspartic acid-proline-phenylalanine), and GPF (glycine-proline-phenylalanine) motifs were deciphered at the atomic level. The binding affinities and the underlying structure basis were investigated. Methods: Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on EHD1 EH domain/peptide complexes for 60 ns using the GROMACS package. The binding free energies were calculated and decomposed by molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) method using the AMBER package. The alanine scanning was performed to evaluate the binding hot spot residues using FoldX software. Results: The different binding affinities for the three peptides were affected dominantly by van der Waals interactions. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds provide the structural basis of contributions of van der Waals interactions of the flanking residues to the binding. Conclusions: van der Waals interactions should be the main consideration when we design peptide inhibitors of EHD1 EH domain with high affinities. The ability to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with protein residues can be used as the factor for choosing the flanking residues. PMID:26465136

The design of an energy harvesting device for prolonging the working time of DC equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Yayuan; Deng, Huaxia; Zhang, Jin; Yu, Liandong

2016-01-01

Energy harvesting (EH) derives from the idea of converting the ambient energy into electric energy, which can solve the problem of DC supply for some electronic equipment. PZT is a typical piezoelectric material of inorganic, which has been developed as EH devices to transfer ambient vibration energy into electric energy. However, these PZT devices require relatively violent excitation, and easy to be fatigue fracture under the resonance condition. In this paper, PVDF, which is a kind of soft piezoelectric polymer, is adopted for developing transducer. The PVDF devices are flexible and have longer life time than PZT devices under the harmonic environment. The EH researches are mainly focused on the development of energy transfer efficiency either by the mechanical structure of transducer or the improvement of circuit. However, the practicality and stability of the EH devices are important in the practical engineering applications. In this paper, a charge amplifier is introduced in the circuit in order to guarantee the stability of the battery charging under small ambient vibration conditions. The model of the mechanical structure of PVDF and the electric performance of circuit are developed. The experimental results and simulation show that the stability of battery charging is improved and the working time of DC equipment is prolonged.

Choice of range-energy relationship for the analysis of electron-beam-induced-current line scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luke, Keung, L.

1994-07-01

The electron range in a material is an important parameter in the analysis of electron-beam-induced-current (EBIC) line scans. Both the Kanaya-Okayama (KO) and Everhart-Hoff (EH) range-energy relationships have been widely used by investigators for this purpose. Although the KO range is significantly larer than the EH range, no study has been done to examine the effect of choosing one range over the other on the values of the surface recombination velocity S(sub T) and minority-carrier diffusion length L evaluated from EBICF line scans. Such a study has been carried out, focusing on two major questions: (1) When the KO range is used in different reported methods to evaluate either or both S(sub T) and L from EBIC line scans, how different are their values thus determined in comparison to those using the EH range?; (2) from EBIC line scans of a given material, is there a way to discriminate between the KO and the EH ranges which should be used to analyze these scans? Answers to these questions are presented to assist investigators in extracting more reliable values of either or both S(sub T) and L and in finding the right range to use in the analysis of these line scans.

Production of epoxide hydrolases in batch fermentations of Botryosphaeria rhodina.

PubMed

Melzer, Guido; Junne, Stefan; Wohlgemuth, Roland; Hempel, Dietmar C; Götz, Peter

2008-06-01

The filamentous fungus Botryosphaeria rhodina (ATCC 9055) was investigated related to its ability for epoxide hydrolase (EH) production. Epoxide hydrolase activity is located at two different sites of the cells. The larger part is present in the cytosol (70%), while the smaller part is associated to membranes (30%). In media optimization experiments, an activity of 3.5 U/gDW for aromatic epoxide hydrolysis of para-nitro-styrene oxide (pNSO) could be obtained. Activity increased by 30% when pNSO was added to the culture during exponential growth. An increase of enzyme activity up to 6 U/gDW was achieved during batch-fermentations in a bioreactor with 2.7 l working volume. Evaluation of fermentations with 30 l working volume revealed a relation of oxygen uptake rate to EH expression. Oxygen limitation resulted in a decreased EH activity. Parameter estimation by the linearization method of Hanes yielded Km values of 2.54 and 1.00 mM for the substrates S-pNSO and R-pNSO, respectively. vmax was 3.4 times higher when using R-pNSO. A protein purification strategy leading to a 47-fold increase in specific activity (940 U/mgProtein) was developed as a first step to investigate molecular and structural characteristics of the EH.

Giant electron-hole transport asymmetry in ultra-short quantum transistors.

PubMed

McRae, A C; Tayari, V; Porter, J M; Champagne, A R

2017-05-31

Making use of bipolar transport in single-wall carbon nanotube quantum transistors would permit a single device to operate as both a quantum dot and a ballistic conductor or as two quantum dots with different charging energies. Here we report ultra-clean 10 to 100 nm scale suspended nanotube transistors with a large electron-hole transport asymmetry. The devices consist of naked nanotube channels contacted with sections of tube under annealed gold. The annealed gold acts as an n-doping top gate, allowing coherent quantum transport, and can create nanometre-sharp barriers. These tunnel barriers define a single quantum dot whose charging energies to add an electron or a hole are vastly different (e-h charging energy asymmetry). We parameterize the e-h transport asymmetry by the ratio of the hole and electron charging energies η e-h . This asymmetry is maximized for short channels and small band gap tubes. In a small band gap device, we demonstrate the fabrication of a dual functionality quantum device acting as a quantum dot for holes and a much longer quantum bus for electrons. In a 14 nm-long channel, η e-h reaches up to 2.6 for a device with a band gap of 270 meV. The charging energies in this device exceed 100 meV.

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

Bahl, C.; Morisseau, C; Bomberger, J

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitory factor (Cif) is a virulence factor secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that reduces the quantity of CFTR in the apical membrane of human airway epithelial cells. Initial sequence analysis suggested that Cif is an epoxide hydrolase (EH), but its sequence violates two strictly conserved EH motifs and also is compatible with other {alpha}/{beta} hydrolase family members with diverse substrate specificities. To investigate the mechanistic basis of Cif activity, we have determined its structure at 1.8-{angstrom} resolution by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic triad consists of residues Asp129, His297, and Glu153, which are conserved across themore » family of EHs. At other positions, sequence deviations from canonical EH active-site motifs are stereochemically conservative. Furthermore, detailed enzymatic analysis confirms that Cif catalyzes the hydrolysis of epoxide compounds, with specific activity against both epibromohydrin and cis-stilbene oxide, but with a relatively narrow range of substrate selectivity. Although closely related to two other classes of {alpha}/{beta} hydrolase in both sequence and structure, Cif does not exhibit activity as either a haloacetate dehalogenase or a haloalkane dehalogenase. A reassessment of the structural and functional consequences of the H269A mutation suggests that Cif's effect on host-cell CFTR expression requires the hydrolysis of an extended endogenous epoxide substrate.« less

An Analysis of Success in Systems Program Management.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-27

D’Neill Lt en. Edmund F. O’Connor Lt :en. john B. Hudson I t. Cen. Robert T. Marsh ’t. ’-en. Rotert C . Mathis It. Cen. Z.eorge H. 2yivester...Snaveiy Lt. Gen. Harry E. Goldsworthy Lt. Gen. Robert C . Ruegg Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Gerrity OSD/DDR&E Dr. m.J. Perry Dr. M. Currie Dr. John Foster OSD/PA&E...UNCLASSIFIED NI*2 fflfflfllfllflfflfEEhEhEEE El/llEEEEEl/E- EEEEEE/I/I- mE....-.I/1 Report F33615-8 - C -5184.11 rmi AN ANALYSIS OF SUCCESS IN SYSTEMS

The Need to Reevaluate Nonresponding Ergonomic Patients

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scarpa, Philip J.; Field, Steven A.

1999-01-01

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Environmental Health (EH) contractor performs ergonomic evaluations under its Ergonomic Program. Any KSC employee may request one or the reviewing physician may request one for a patient during a visit to an onsite medical facility. As part of the ergonomic evaluation, recommendations are given to the patient to help reduce any ergonomic problems they experience. The recommendations, if implemented, are successful in the majority of KSC patients; however, a group of patients do not seem to improve. Those who don't improve may be identified by reevaluations, which are performed to implement maximum resolution of ergonomic problems.

Metalworking fluids: oil mist and beyond.

PubMed

Gauthier, Stephen L

2003-11-01

This article is based upon my own experiences with metalworking fluids and the adverse health effects and medical conditions associated with exposure to metalworking fluids. I have researched and witnessed the benefits that can be achieved when metalworking fluids are properly maintained and managed. My experiences have provided insight into how a shop operates, including comprehension of the equipment used, processes, mist generating points, engineering controls currently being adopted, and procedures that are used to maintain metalworking fluids. I have been able to share my personal experiences with the country's leading experts in the field of metalworking fluids. I have presented my insights on the topic in Washington, D.C., to the Standard Advisory Committee of OSHA, as well as at many other conferences nationwide. I have provided awareness training for a number of union and nonunion workers. Being a part of developing successful metal removal fluid programs, I realize the importance of transferring and sharing information. Many times an organization is not fully aware of certain conditions and how to combat them. My mission and intent is to properly educate those who are exposed to the harm that metalworking fluids can invoke and to inform those involved of the possible methods of reducing long- and short-term risk. One thing that must be kept in mind is the way we view these fluids. Many shops categorize the fluids as a type of "operating expense" when they should actually be seen as a sort of investment. Just as performing a scheduled maintenance on a machine promises the best possible longevity of that machine, the upkeep of metalworking fluid also provides longer "tool life." Monitoring and maintaining the fluids also provides for more effective and efficient productivity. If we fail to consider that proper management of the fluids can cut cost dramatically, then we will miss out on the financial impact they can have on a company. Try looking at the fluids as a liquid tool. Doing so I believe will bring a better understanding of the value of a successful metalworking fluids program. With this new understanding, it can be seen just who must play a role in the management of metalworking fluids. The employees who deal with the daily tasks involving the coolant play a major part. They are on the floor where these metalworking fluids are being used. In many shops, it is assumed that the environmental health & safety departments are responsible for standard operating procedures and management of fluids. The EH&S department should only be responsible for the protection from exposure and the transfer of information regarding policy and procedure to their employees. Not all shops have the resources required to develop and implement the proper standard operating procedure. Therefore, we must understand that what is feasible for one may not be for another. Companies that lack the sufficient resources should not be neglected. It is crucial that awareness of proper standard operating procedure is shared with everyone involved with the fluids in order to provide proper metalworking fluids management. Fluids are as dynamic as the formulations themselves (complex & dynamic). These fluids can quickly become contaminated with foreign materials and chemicals, thereby become aerosolized into mist. With proper education and training, one will be able to control what gets aerosolized.

American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable on Exertional Heat Stroke - Return to Duty/Return to Play: Conference Proceedings

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

individuals with EHS experience long-term complica- tions that may include multisystem organ (liver, kidney, muscle ) and neurologic damage, as well as... reduced exercise capacity and heat intolerance (12,52,57,69). Animal and human research suggest late or untreated EHS may result in organ damage that...collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and

Introduction to Nanotechnology for Defense Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) and Research Professionals in Support of the Acquisition Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-28

www.denix.osd.mil/MERIT Ultra fine particles ~50 1713- Ramazzini described black 197 4- First GMO lung disease mouse created by Jaenisch Diesel...exhaust Engineered NP _____ _,.? • GMO Technology 1985- Oberdorster described inhalation toxicity of Ti02 2003-lssue recognized by EPA, NIOSH...other agencies 2004- California pass broad ban on GMO products Growing Body of EHS Research Far-reaching implications or singular exceptions

The effect of electron collisions on rotational excitation of cometary water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xie, Xingfa; Mumma, Michael J.

1991-01-01

The e-H2O collisional rate for exciting rotational transitions in cometary water is evaluated for conditions found in Comet Halley. The e-H2O collisional rate exceeds that for excitation by neutral-neutral collisions at distances exceeding 3000 km from the cometary nucleus, in the case of the O sub 00 yields 1 sub 11 transition. The estimates are based on theoretical and experimental studies of e-H2O collisions, on ion and electron parameters acquired in-situ by instruments on the Giotto and Vega spacecraft, and on results obtained from models of the cometary ionosphere. The contribution of electron collisions may explain the need for large water-water cross-sections in models which neglect the effect of electrons. The importance of electron collisions is enhanced for populations of water molecules in regions where their rotational lines are optically thick.

The effect of electron collisions on rotational populations of cometary water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xie, Xingfa; Mumma, Michael J.

1992-01-01

The e-H2O collisional rate for exciting rotational transitions in cometary water is evaluated for conditions found in Comet Halley during the Giotto spacecraft encounter. In the case of the 0(00)-1(11) rotational transition, the e-H2O collisional rate exceeds that for excitation by neutral-neutral collisions at distances exceeding 3000 km from the cometary nucleus. The estimates are based on theoretical and experimental studies of e-H2O collisions, on ion and electron parameters acquired in situ by instruments on the Giotto and Vega spacecraft, and on results obtained from models of the cometary ionosphere. Thus, the rotational temperature of the water molecule in the intermediate coma may be controlled by collisions with electrons rather than with neutral molecules, and the rotational temperature retrieved from high-resolution IR spectra of water in Comet Halley may reflect electron temperatures rather than neutral gas temperatures in the intermediate coma.