Identification of trans-acting factors regulating SamDC expression in Oryza sativa

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

Basu, Supratim, E-mail: supratim_genetics@yahoo.co.in; Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute, Kolkata; Roychoudhury, Aryadeep

2014-03-07

Highlights: • Identification of cis elements responsible for SamDC expression by in silico analysis. • qPCR analysis of SamDC expression to abiotic and biotic stress treatments. • Detection of SamDC regulators using identified cis-elements as probe by EMSA. • Southwestern Blot analysis to predict the size of the trans-acting factors. - Abstract: Abiotic stress affects the growth and productivity of crop plants; to cope with the adverse environmental conditions, plants have developed efficient defense machinery comprising of antioxidants like phenolics and flavonoids, and osmolytes like polyamines. SamDC is a key enzyme in the polyamine biosynthesis pathway in plants. In ourmore » present communication we have done in silico analysis of the promoter region of SamDC to look for the presence of different cis-regulatory elements contributing to its expression. Based on the presence of different cis-regulatory elements we completed comparative analysis of SamDC gene expression in rice lamina of IR-29 and Nonabokra by qPCR in response to the abiotic stress treatments of salinity, drought, cold and the biotic stress treatments of ABA and light. Additionally, to explore the role of the cis-regulatory elements in regulating the expression of SamDC gene in plants we comparatively analyzed the binding of rice nuclear proteins prepared from IR-29 and Nonabokra undergoing various stress treatments. The intensity of the complex formed was low and inducible in IR-29 in contrast to Nonabokra. Southwestern blot analysis helped in predicting the size of the trans-acting factors binding to these cis-elements. To our knowledge this is the first report on the comprehensive analysis of SamDC gene expression in rice and identification of the trans-acting factors regulating its expression.« less

[Analysis of surface composition of three-way catalysts of in-use vehicles].

PubMed

Xie, Shu-xia; Hu, Jing-nan; Bao, Xiao-feng; Zhang, Ke-song; Li, Zhen-hua; Wang, Hai-tao

2010-07-01

The kinds and contents of surface elements in three-way catalysts of six light-duty in-use taxi cabs, which were mainly operated in Beijing and whose driving mileages were in the range of 34 x 10(4)-59 x 10(4) km, were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and the effect of driving mileage on element content was investigated. Results showed that nearly 30 kinds of elements were present on the catalyst surface. The main elements of different samples were similar. The common elements of the pollutant on the front and rear catalysts were P, Ca, Zn and Mn etc., most of which are from engine oil and gasoline. S was only observed on the rear catalysts, indicating that S tends to deposit on the rear catalysts. After 34 x 10(4) km run, the P content increased very slowly and 40 x 10(4) km run S content reached a saturated value. While the contents of Ca, Zn and Mn still exhibit an increase tendency after 56 x 10(4) km. That means after 40 x 10(4) km driving mileage, the effects of P and S on the catalyst activity are minor, and the continuous deposit of Ca, Zn and Mn will lead to further decrease of the activity.

Mosquito Studies in Belize, Central America: Records, Taxonomic Notes, and a Checklist of Species

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Carib- bean Sea. With a land area of approximately 22,969 km 2 (8,866 mi2 ...17(2): 1-104. Bertram DS. 1971. Mosquitoes of British Honduras, with some comment on malaria, and arbovirus antibodies in man and equines. Trans

The Drosophila gypsy Insulator Supports Transvection in the Presence of the vestigial Enhancer

PubMed Central

Rickels, Ryan; Labrador, Mariano

2013-01-01

Though operationally defined as cis-regulatory elements, enhancers can also communicate with promoters on a separate homolog in trans, a mechanism that has been suggested to account for the ability of certain alleles of the same gene to complement one another in a process otherwise known as transvection. This homolog-pairing dependent process is facilitated in Drosophila by chromatin-associated pairing proteins, many of which remain unknown and their mechanism of action uncharacterized. Here we have tested the role of the gypsy chromatin insulator in facilitating pairing and communication between enhancers and promoters in trans using a transgenic eGFP reporter system engineered to allow for targeted deletions in the vestigial Boundary Enhancer (vgBE) and the hsp70 minimal promoter, along with one or two flanking gypsy elements. We found a modest 2.5-3x increase in eGFP reporter levels from homozygotes carrying an intact copy of the reporter on each homolog compared to unpaired hemizygotes, although this behavior was independent of gypsy. However, detectable levels of GFP protein along the DV wing boundary in trans-heterozygotes lacking a single enhancer and promoter was only observed in the presence of two flanking gypsy elements. Our results demonstrate that gypsy can stimulate enhancer-promoter communication in trans throughout the genome in a context-dependent manner, likely through modulation of local chromatin dynamics once pairing has been established by other elements and highlights chromatin structure as the master regulator of this phenomenon. PMID:24236213

Search for trans-iron elements in hot, helium-rich white dwarfs with the HST Cosmic Origins Spectrograph

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoyer, D.; Rauch, T.; Werner, K.; Kruk, J. W.

2018-04-01

The metal abundances in the atmospheres of hot white dwarfs (WDs) entering the cooling sequence are determined by the preceding Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) evolutionary phase and, subsequently, by the onset of gravitational settling and radiative levitation. In this paper, we investigate three hot He-rich WDs, which are believed to result from a late He-shell flash. During such a flash, the He-rich intershell matter is dredged up and dominates the surface chemistry. Hence, in contrast to the usual H-rich WDs, their spectra allow direct access to s-process element abundances in the intershell that were synthesized during the AGB stage. In order to look for trans-iron group elements (atomic number Z > 29), we performed a non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model atmosphere analysis of new ultraviolet spectra taken with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. One of our program stars is of PG 1159 spectral type; this star, PG 1707+427, has effective temperature Teff = 85 000 K, and surface gravity logg = 7.5. The two other stars are DO white dwarfs: WD 0111+002 has Teff = 58 000 K and log g = 7.7, and PG 0109+111 has Teff = 70 000 K and log g = 8.0. These stars trace the onset of element diffusion during early WD evolution. While zinc is the only trans-iron element we could detect in the PG 1159 star, both DOs exhibit lines from Zn, Ga, Ge, Se; one additionally exhibits lines from Sr, Sn, Te, and I and the other from As. Generally, the trans-iron elements are very abundant in the DOs, meaning that radiative levitation must be acting. Most extreme is the almost six orders of magnitude oversolar abundance of tellurium in PG 0109+111. In terms of mass fraction, it is the most abundant metal in the atmosphere. The two DOs join the hitherto unique hot DO RE 0503-289, in which 14 trans-iron elements had even been identified. Based on observations with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under NASA contract NAS5-26666.Based on observations made with the NASA-CNES-CSA Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer.

TransFit: Finite element analysis data fitting software

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, Mark

1993-01-01

The Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) mission support team has made extensive use of geometric ray tracing to analyze the performance of AXAF developmental and flight optics. One important aspect of this performance modeling is the incorporation of finite element analysis (FEA) data into the surface deformations of the optical elements. TransFit is software designed for the fitting of FEA data of Wolter I optical surface distortions with a continuous surface description which can then be used by SAO's analytic ray tracing software, currently OSAC (Optical Surface Analysis Code). The improved capabilities of Transfit over previous methods include bicubic spline fitting of FEA data to accommodate higher spatial frequency distortions, fitted data visualization for assessing the quality of fit, the ability to accommodate input data from three FEA codes plus other standard formats, and options for alignment of the model coordinate system with the ray trace coordinate system. TransFit uses the AnswerGarden graphical user interface (GUI) to edit input parameters and then access routines written in PV-WAVE, C, and FORTRAN to allow the user to interactively create, evaluate, and modify the fit. The topics covered include an introduction to TransFit: requirements, designs philosophy, and implementation; design specifics: modules, parameters, fitting algorithms, and data displays; a procedural example; verification of performance; future work; and appendices on online help and ray trace results of the verification section.

Macromolecular differentiation of Golgi stacks in root tips of Arabidopsis and Nicotiana seedlings as visualized in high pressure frozen and freeze-substituted samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Staehelin, L. A.; Giddings, T. H. Jr; Kiss, J. Z.; Sack, F. D.

1990-01-01

The plant root tip represents a fascinating model system for studying changes in Golgi stack architecture associated with the developmental progression of meristematic cells to gravity sensing columella cells, and finally to "young" and "old", polysaccharide-slime secreting peripheral cells. To this end we have used high pressure freezing in conjunction with freeze-substitution techniques to follow developmental changes in the macromolecular organization of Golgi stacks in root tips of Arabidopsis and Nicotiana. Due to the much improved structural preservation of all cells under investigation, our electron micrographs reveal both several novel structural features common to all Golgi stacks, as well as characteristic differences in morphology between Golgi stacks of different cell types. Common to all Golgi stacks are clear and discrete differences in staining patterns and width of cis, medial and trans cisternae. Cis cisternae have the widest lumina (approximately 30 nm) and are the least stained. Medial cisternae are narrower (approximately 20 nm) and filled with more darkly staining products. Most trans cisternae possess a completely collapsed lumen in their central domain, giving rise to a 4-6 nm wide dark line in cross-sectional views. Numerous vesicles associated with the cisternal margins carry a non-clathrin type of coat. A trans Golgi network with clathrin coated vesicles is associated with all Golgi stacks except those of old peripheral cells. It is easily distinguished from trans cisternae by its blebbing morphology and staining pattern. The zone of ribosome exclusion includes both the Golgi stack and the trans Golgi network. Intercisternal elements are located exclusively between trans cisternae of columella and peripheral cells, but not meristematic cells. In older peripheral cells only trans cisternae exhibit slime-related staining. Golgi stacks possessing intercisternal elements also contain parallel rows of freeze-fracture particles in their trans cisternal membranes. We propose that intercisternal elements serve as anchors of enzyme complexes involved in the synthesis of polysaccharide slime molecules to prevent the complexes from being dragged into the forming secretory vesicles by the very large slime molecules. In addition, we draw attention to the similarities in composition and apparent site of synthesis of xyloglucans and slime molecules.

Regulatory RNAs in Bacillus subtilis: a Gram-Positive Perspective on Bacterial RNA-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression.

PubMed

Mars, Ruben A T; Nicolas, Pierre; Denham, Emma L; van Dijl, Jan Maarten

2016-12-01

Bacteria can employ widely diverse RNA molecules to regulate their gene expression. Such molecules include trans-acting small regulatory RNAs, antisense RNAs, and a variety of transcriptional attenuation mechanisms in the 5' untranslated region. Thus far, most regulatory RNA research has focused on Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Hence, there is uncertainty about whether the resulting insights can be extrapolated directly to other bacteria, such as the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis. A recent study identified 1,583 putative regulatory RNAs in B. subtilis, whose expression was assessed across 104 conditions. Here, we review the current understanding of RNA-based regulation in B. subtilis, and we categorize the newly identified putative regulatory RNAs on the basis of their conservation in other bacilli and the stability of their predicted secondary structures. Our present evaluation of the publicly available data indicates that RNA-mediated gene regulation in B. subtilis mostly involves elements at the 5' ends of mRNA molecules. These can include 5' secondary structure elements and metabolite-, tRNA-, or protein-binding sites. Importantly, sense-independent segments are identified as the most conserved and structured potential regulatory RNAs in B. subtilis. Altogether, the present survey provides many leads for the identification of new regulatory RNA functions in B. subtilis. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Regulatory RNAs in Bacillus subtilis: a Gram-Positive Perspective on Bacterial RNA-Mediated Regulation of Gene Expression

PubMed Central

Mars, Ruben A. T.; Nicolas, Pierre; Denham, Emma L.

2016-01-01

SUMMARY Bacteria can employ widely diverse RNA molecules to regulate their gene expression. Such molecules include trans-acting small regulatory RNAs, antisense RNAs, and a variety of transcriptional attenuation mechanisms in the 5′ untranslated region. Thus far, most regulatory RNA research has focused on Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Hence, there is uncertainty about whether the resulting insights can be extrapolated directly to other bacteria, such as the Gram-positive soil bacterium Bacillus subtilis. A recent study identified 1,583 putative regulatory RNAs in B. subtilis, whose expression was assessed across 104 conditions. Here, we review the current understanding of RNA-based regulation in B. subtilis, and we categorize the newly identified putative regulatory RNAs on the basis of their conservation in other bacilli and the stability of their predicted secondary structures. Our present evaluation of the publicly available data indicates that RNA-mediated gene regulation in B. subtilis mostly involves elements at the 5′ ends of mRNA molecules. These can include 5′ secondary structure elements and metabolite-, tRNA-, or protein-binding sites. Importantly, sense-independent segments are identified as the most conserved and structured potential regulatory RNAs in B. subtilis. Altogether, the present survey provides many leads for the identification of new regulatory RNA functions in B. subtilis. PMID:27784798

Dissecting the genetics of the human transcriptome identifies novel trait-related trans-eQTLs and corroborates the regulatory relevance of non-protein coding loci†

PubMed Central

Kirsten, Holger; Al-Hasani, Hoor; Holdt, Lesca; Gross, Arnd; Beutner, Frank; Krohn, Knut; Horn, Katrin; Ahnert, Peter; Burkhardt, Ralph; Reiche, Kristin; Hackermüller, Jörg; Löffler, Markus; Teupser, Daniel; Thiery, Joachim; Scholz, Markus

2015-01-01

Genetics of gene expression (eQTLs or expression QTLs) has proved an indispensable tool for understanding biological pathways and pathomechanisms of trait-associated SNPs. However, power of most genome-wide eQTL studies is still limited. We performed a large eQTL study in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 2112 individuals increasing the power to detect trans-effects genome-wide. Going beyond univariate SNP-transcript associations, we analyse relations of eQTLs to biological pathways, polygenetic effects of expression regulation, trans-clusters and enrichment of co-localized functional elements. We found eQTLs for about 85% of analysed genes, and 18% of genes were trans-regulated. Local eSNPs were enriched up to a distance of 5 Mb to the transcript challenging typically implemented ranges of cis-regulations. Pathway enrichment within regulated genes of GWAS-related eSNPs supported functional relevance of identified eQTLs. We demonstrate that nearest genes of GWAS-SNPs might frequently be misleading functional candidates. We identified novel trans-clusters of potential functional relevance for GWAS-SNPs of several phenotypes including obesity-related traits, HDL-cholesterol levels and haematological phenotypes. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation data for demonstrating biological effects. Yet, we show for strongly heritable transcripts that still little trans-chromosomal heritability is explained by all identified trans-eSNPs; however, our data suggest that most cis-heritability of these transcripts seems explained. Dissection of co-localized functional elements indicated a prominent role of SNPs in loci of pseudogenes and non-coding RNAs for the regulation of coding genes. In summary, our study substantially increases the catalogue of human eQTLs and improves our understanding of the complex genetic regulation of gene expression, pathways and disease-related processes. PMID:26019233

TranAir: A full-potential, solution-adaptive, rectangular grid code for predicting subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flows about arbitrary configurations. Theory document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, F. T.; Samant, S. S.; Bieterman, M. B.; Melvin, R. G.; Young, D. P.; Bussoletti, J. E.; Hilmes, C. L.

1992-01-01

A new computer program, called TranAir, for analyzing complex configurations in transonic flow (with subsonic or supersonic freestream) was developed. This program provides accurate and efficient simulations of nonlinear aerodynamic flows about arbitrary geometries with the ease and flexibility of a typical panel method program. The numerical method implemented in TranAir is described. The method solves the full potential equation subject to a set of general boundary conditions and can handle regions with differing total pressure and temperature. The boundary value problem is discretized using the finite element method on a locally refined rectangular grid. The grid is automatically constructed by the code and is superimposed on the boundary described by networks of panels; thus no surface fitted grid generation is required. The nonlinear discrete system arising from the finite element method is solved using a preconditioned Krylov subspace method embedded in an inexact Newton method. The solution is obtained on a sequence of successively refined grids which are either constructed adaptively based on estimated solution errors or are predetermined based on user inputs. Many results obtained by using TranAir to analyze aerodynamic configurations are presented.

Examining Queer Elements and Ideologies in LGBT-Themed Literature: What Queer Literature Can Offer Young Adult Readers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blackburn, Mollie V.; Clark, Caroline T.; Nemeth, Emily A.

2015-01-01

This paper retrospectively examines a collection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT)-themed books discussed by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) and ally students and teachers across 3 years of an out-of-school reading group. Through a textual content analysis of a sub-set of these books, we examine what queer…

Differences in Sexual Orientation Diversity and Sexual Fluidity in Attractions Among Gender Minority Adults in Massachusetts.

PubMed

Katz-Wise, Sabra L; Reisner, Sari L; Hughto, Jaclyn White; Keo-Meier, Colton L

2016-01-01

This study characterized sexual orientation identities and sexual fluidity in attractions in a community-based sample of self-identified transgender and gender-nonconforming adults in Massachusetts. Participants were recruited in 2013 using bimodel methods (online and in person) to complete a one-time, Web-based quantitative survey that included questions about sexual orientation identity and sexual fluidity. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to examine the correlates of self-reported changes in attractions ever in lifetime among the whole sample (n = 452) and after transition among those who reported social gender transition (n = 205). The sample endorsed diverse sexual orientation identities: 42.7% queer, 19.0% other nonbinary, 15.7% bisexual, 12.2% straight, and 10.4% gay/lesbian. Overall, 58.2% reported having experienced changes in sexual attractions in their lifetime. In adjusted models, trans masculine individuals were more likely than trans feminine individuals to report sexual fluidity in their lifetime (aRR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.34, 2.12). Among those who transitioned, 64.6% reported a change in attractions posttransition, and trans masculine individuals were less likely than trans feminine individuals to report sexual fluidity (aRR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.28, 0.69). Heterogeneity of sexual orientation identities and sexual fluidity in attractions are the norm rather than the exception among gender minority people.

[Quality of shortenings available on the home market].

PubMed

Zbikowska, Anna; Rutkowska, Jarosława; Krygier, Krzysztof

2006-01-01

The aim of this work was to examine the quality of shortenings available on Polish market, produced home or imported. The quality of twelve 100% vegetable fats and lard was estimated. Both chemical (fatty acids composition, especially trans isomers content, acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value, Totox, iodine value and oxidative stability--Rancimat test) and physical (melting point, solid fat content--at temperatures from 5 to 50 degrees C) properties were measured. The fats were subject to sensoric examination. The parameters defining the freshness of examined fats and their shelf life for all examined samples were good and proved the good quality. Induction time (150 degrees C) for examined fats varied from 1,79 to 4,29h. Examined fats differed significantly in saturated fatty acids content (from 14,0 do 60,2%) and trans isomers (from 0,1 to 56,6%). Fats produced from palm oil are also present and there are fats with smaller trans fat acids content. Examined shortenings contained very small content of essential fatty acids (from 0,5 to 10,4), and they showed very different melting points (from 19,6 to 42,1 degrees C) and solid phase contents. In general the examined fats were of good sensoric value. Summing up the received results, it should be underlined that large disparity in the content of trans isomers in analysed samples was observed and definitely TFA content should be lowered.

Fluorescent bioassays for toxic metals in milk and yoghurt

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background From a human health viewpoint, contaminated milk and its products could be a source of long-term exposure to toxic metals. Simple, inexpensive, and on-site assays would enable constant monitoring of their contents. Bioassays that can measure toxic metals in milk or yoghurt might reduce the risk. For this purpose, the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged trans factors, ArsR-GFP and CadC-GFP, together with their cis elements were used to develop such bioassays. Results ArsR-GFP or CadC-GFP, which binds either toxic metal or DNA fragment including cis element, was directly mixed with cow’s milk or yoghurt within a neutral pH range. The fluorescence of GFP, which is reflected by the association/dissociation ratio between cis element and trans factor, significantly changed with increasing externally added As (III) or Cd (II) whereas smaller responses to externally added Pb (II) and Zn (II) were found. Preparation and dilution of whey fraction at low pH were essential to intrinsic zinc quantification using CadC-GFP. Using the extraction procedure and bioassay, intrinsic Zn (II) concentrations ranging from 1.4 to 4.8 mg/l for milk brands and from 1.2 to 2.9 mg/kg for yoghurt brands were determined, which correlated to those determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Conclusions GFP-tagged bacterial trans factors and cis elements can work in the neutralized whole composition and diluted whey fraction of milk and yoghurt. The feature of regulatory elements is advantageous for establishment of simple and rapid assays of toxic metals in dairy products. PMID:23098077

Fluorescent bioassays for toxic metals in milk and yoghurt.

PubMed

Siddiki, Mohammad Shohel Rana; Ueda, Shunsaku; Maeda, Isamu

2012-10-25

From a human health viewpoint, contaminated milk and its products could be a source of long-term exposure to toxic metals. Simple, inexpensive, and on-site assays would enable constant monitoring of their contents. Bioassays that can measure toxic metals in milk or yoghurt might reduce the risk. For this purpose, the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged trans factors, ArsR-GFP and CadC-GFP, together with their cis elements were used to develop such bioassays. ArsR-GFP or CadC-GFP, which binds either toxic metal or DNA fragment including cis element, was directly mixed with cow's milk or yoghurt within a neutral pH range. The fluorescence of GFP, which is reflected by the association/dissociation ratio between cis element and trans factor, significantly changed with increasing externally added As (III) or Cd (II) whereas smaller responses to externally added Pb (II) and Zn (II) were found. Preparation and dilution of whey fraction at low pH were essential to intrinsic zinc quantification using CadC-GFP. Using the extraction procedure and bioassay, intrinsic Zn (II) concentrations ranging from 1.4 to 4.8 mg/l for milk brands and from 1.2 to 2.9 mg/kg for yoghurt brands were determined, which correlated to those determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. GFP-tagged bacterial trans factors and cis elements can work in the neutralized whole composition and diluted whey fraction of milk and yoghurt. The feature of regulatory elements is advantageous for establishment of simple and rapid assays of toxic metals in dairy products.

Dissecting the genetics of the human transcriptome identifies novel trait-related trans-eQTLs and corroborates the regulatory relevance of non-protein coding loci†.

PubMed

Kirsten, Holger; Al-Hasani, Hoor; Holdt, Lesca; Gross, Arnd; Beutner, Frank; Krohn, Knut; Horn, Katrin; Ahnert, Peter; Burkhardt, Ralph; Reiche, Kristin; Hackermüller, Jörg; Löffler, Markus; Teupser, Daniel; Thiery, Joachim; Scholz, Markus

2015-08-15

Genetics of gene expression (eQTLs or expression QTLs) has proved an indispensable tool for understanding biological pathways and pathomechanisms of trait-associated SNPs. However, power of most genome-wide eQTL studies is still limited. We performed a large eQTL study in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 2112 individuals increasing the power to detect trans-effects genome-wide. Going beyond univariate SNP-transcript associations, we analyse relations of eQTLs to biological pathways, polygenetic effects of expression regulation, trans-clusters and enrichment of co-localized functional elements. We found eQTLs for about 85% of analysed genes, and 18% of genes were trans-regulated. Local eSNPs were enriched up to a distance of 5 Mb to the transcript challenging typically implemented ranges of cis-regulations. Pathway enrichment within regulated genes of GWAS-related eSNPs supported functional relevance of identified eQTLs. We demonstrate that nearest genes of GWAS-SNPs might frequently be misleading functional candidates. We identified novel trans-clusters of potential functional relevance for GWAS-SNPs of several phenotypes including obesity-related traits, HDL-cholesterol levels and haematological phenotypes. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation data for demonstrating biological effects. Yet, we show for strongly heritable transcripts that still little trans-chromosomal heritability is explained by all identified trans-eSNPs; however, our data suggest that most cis-heritability of these transcripts seems explained. Dissection of co-localized functional elements indicated a prominent role of SNPs in loci of pseudogenes and non-coding RNAs for the regulation of coding genes. In summary, our study substantially increases the catalogue of human eQTLs and improves our understanding of the complex genetic regulation of gene expression, pathways and disease-related processes. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.

Exploring Ultra-Heavy Cosmic Rays with the Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Link, Jason; Supertiger Collaboration

2017-01-01

Elements heavier than iron are primarily synthesized by neutron capture. These elements can be accelerated as cosmic-rays and measuring their abundances at Earth can yield information about galactic cosmic-rays' sources, the acceleration processes and the composition of the universe beyond the boundaries of our solar system. The Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER) and its larger successor SuperTIGER was designed to measure the abundance of these ultra-heavy cosmic rays between Z=10 and Z=60. These detectors utilize scintillators with a wavelength shifter bar and PMT readout system as well as aerogel and acrylic Cherenkov detectors to identify the charge and energy of a particle and utilize a scintillating fiber hodoscope to provide trajectory information. In this talk I will review the results from this highly successful program, give the status for the next SuperTIGER flight planned for a December 2017 launch from Antarctica, and discuss the future direction of the program.

An in vivo genetic screen for genes involved in spliced leader trans-splicing indicates a crucial role for continuous de novo spliced leader RNP assembly.

PubMed

Philippe, Lucas; Pandarakalam, George C; Fasimoye, Rotimi; Harrison, Neale; Connolly, Bernadette; Pettitt, Jonathan; Müller, Berndt

2017-08-21

Spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing is a critical element of gene expression in a number of eukaryotic groups. This process is arguably best understood in nematodes, where biochemical and molecular studies in Caenorhabditis elegans and Ascaris suum have identified key steps and factors involved. Despite this, the precise details of SL trans-splicing have yet to be elucidated. In part, this is because the systematic identification of the molecules involved has not previously been possible due to the lack of a specific phenotype associated with defects in this process. We present here a novel GFP-based reporter assay that can monitor SL1 trans-splicing in living C. elegans. Using this assay, we have identified mutants in sna-1 that are defective in SL trans-splicing, and demonstrate that reducing function of SNA-1, SNA-2 and SUT-1, proteins that associate with SL1 RNA and related SmY RNAs, impairs SL trans-splicing. We further demonstrate that the Sm proteins and pICln, SMN and Gemin5, which are involved in small nuclear ribonucleoprotein assembly, have an important role in SL trans-splicing. Taken together these results provide the first in vivo evidence for proteins involved in SL trans-splicing, and indicate that continuous replacement of SL ribonucleoproteins consumed during trans-splicing reactions is essential for effective trans-splicing. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Spliced-leader RNA trans splicing in a chordate, Oikopleura dioica, with a compact genome.

PubMed

Ganot, Philippe; Kallesøe, Torben; Reinhardt, Richard; Chourrout, Daniel; Thompson, Eric M

2004-09-01

trans splicing of a spliced-leader RNA (SL RNA) to the 5' ends of mRNAs has been shown to have a limited and sporadic distribution among eukaryotes. Within metazoans, only nematodes are known to process polycistronic pre-mRNAs, produced from operon units of transcription, into mature monocistronic mRNAs via an SL RNA trans-splicing mechanism. Here we demonstrate that a chordate with a highly compact genome, Oikopleura dioica, now joins Caenorhabditis elegans in coupling trans splicing with processing of polycistronic transcipts. We identified a single SL RNA which associates with Sm proteins and has a trimethyl guanosine cap structure reminiscent of spliceosomal snRNPs. The same SL RNA, estimated to be trans-spliced to at least 25% of O. dioica mRNAs, is used for the processing of both isolated or first cistrons and downstream cistrons in a polycistronic precursor. Remarkably, intercistronic regions in O. dioica are far more reduced than those in either nematodes or kinetoplastids, implying minimal cis-regulatory elements for coupling of 3'-end formation and trans splicing. Copyright 2004 American Society for Microbiology

Inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system by a series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine.

PubMed

Sharabi, F M; Long, J P; Cannon, J G; Hatheway, G J

1976-12-01

A series of heterocyclic congeners of dopamine (GJH-series) with different positions of phenolic oxygens and with the possibility of cis and trans isomerism at the 4a-10b ring juncture was evaluated in vitro and in vivo for dopaminergic activity. Two compounds, GJH-166 and GJH-171, were found to suppress the positive chronotropic response induced by stimulation of the right cardioaccelerator nerves. These effects were antagonized by haloperidol. GJH-166, in doses as low as 9.5 x 10(-4) mugmol/kg reduced the resting heart rate in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. GJH-166 and GJH-171 antagonized pressor responses induced by bilateral carotid occlusion and stimulation of the central stump of the sciatic nerve. The results outlined in this manuscript support the hypothesis that the extended conformation of the dihydroxyhenylethylamine moiety of dopamine with a trans isomeric form is favorable for dopaminergic agonist activity.

Selection of differently temporally regulated African swine fever virus promoters with variable expression activities and their application for transient and recombinant virus mediated gene expression.

PubMed

Portugal, Raquel S; Bauer, Anja; Keil, Guenther M

2017-08-01

African swine fever virus threatens pig production worldwide due to the lack of vaccines, for which generation of both deletion and insertion mutants is considered. For development of the latter, operational ASFV promoters of different temporal regulation and strengths are desirable. We therefore compared the capacities of putative promoter sequences from p72, CD2v, p30, viral DNA polymerase and U104L genes to mediate expression of luciferase from transfected plasmids after activation in trans, or p30-, DNA polymerase- and U104L promoters in cis, using respective ASFV recombinants. We identified sequences with promoter activities upstream the viral ORFs, and showed that they differ in both their expression intensity regulating properties and in their temporal regulation. In summary, p30 and DNA polymerase promoters are recommended for high level early regulated transgene expression. For late expression, the p72, CD2v and U104L promoter are suitable. The latter however, only if low level transgene expression is aimed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peak Stir Zone Temperature During Friction Stir Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-01

jii reprecipitation. The nonequilibrium trans- formation products of b may include fine Widmanstät- ten a as well as bainite and martensite, depending... bainite , reflecting cooling at 2 to 3 9 101 C/s (Table II), i.e., rates ~104 times that of the as-cast condition. In region 2, the microstructure...Shepard, and O.D. Sherby: J. Iron Steel Inst., 1964, vol. 202, pp. 804–07. 26. O.D. Sherby, B. Walser, C.M. Young, and E.M. Cady: Scripta Metall

Observation of New Spontaneous Fission Activities from Elements 100 TO 105.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Somerville, Lawrence Patrick

Several new Spontaneous Fission (SF) activities have been found. Their half-lives and production cross sections in several reactions have been measured by collecting and transporting recoils at known speed past mica track detectors. No definite identification could be made for any of the new SF activities; however, half-lives and possible assignments to element-104 isotopes consistent with several cross bombardments include ('257)Rf(3.8 s, 14% SF), ('258)Rf(13 ms), ('259)Rf((TURN)3 s, 8% SF), ('260)Rf((TURN)20 ms), and ('262)Rf((TURN)50ms). The 80-ms SF activity claimed by the Dubna group for the discovery of element 104 (('260)104) was not observed. A difficulty exists in the interpretation that ('260)Rf is a (TURN)20-ms SF activity: in order to be correct, for example, the SF activities with half-lives between 14 and 24 ms produced in the reactions 109- to 119-MeV ('18)O + ('248)Cm, 88- to 100-MeV ('15)N + ('249)Bk, and 96-MeV ('18)O + ('249)Cf must be other nuclides due to their large production cross sections, or the cross sections for production of ('260)Rf must be enhanced by unknown mechanisms. Based on calculated total production cross sections a possible (TURN)1% electron-capture branch in ('258)Lr(4.5 s) to the SF emitter ('258)No(1.2 ms) and an upper limit of 0.05% for SF branching in ('254)No(55 s) were determined. Other measured half-lives from unknown nuclides produced in respective reactions include (TURN)1.6 s (('18)O + ('248)Cm), indications of a (TURN)47-s SF activity (75-MeV ('12)C + ('249)Cf), and two or more SF activities with 3 s (LESSTHEQ) T(, 1/2) (LESSTHEQ) 60 s (('18)O + ('249)Bk). The most exciting conclusion of this work is that if the tentative assignments to even-even element -104 isotopes are correct, there would be a sudden change in the SF half-life systematics at element 104 which has been predicted theoretically by Randrup et al. and Baran et al. and attributed to the disappearance of the second hump of the double-humped fission barrier. This disappearance of the second barrier also explains the tentative low hindrance factors compared to lighter elements for SF of the odd -mass isotopes ('257)Rf((TURN)4 x 10('3)) and ('259)Rf((TURN)2 x 10('3)). On the basis of recent odd-mass alpha-decay energy data, the 152-neutron sub-shell effect is probably weaker for element 104 than for element 102, confirming predictions of Randrup et al., and not strong enough to significantly alter the SF half-life predictions. This weakening sub-shell effect is in contrast to the continuing strong effect assumed in the Ghiorso half-life systematics. The possibilities of enhanced stability against SF with 157 neutrons for ('261)RF(65 s) and theoretical arguments concerning the SF-mass distributions for element-104 nuclei are discussed.

48 CFR 9.104-1 - General standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Section 9.104-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION PLANNING... them (including, as appropriate, such elements as production control procedures, property control... necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them...

48 CFR 9.104-1 - General standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Section 9.104-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION PLANNING... them (including, as appropriate, such elements as production control procedures, property control... necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them...

48 CFR 9.104-1 - General standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Section 9.104-1 Federal Acquisition Regulations System FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION ACQUISITION PLANNING... them (including, as appropriate, such elements as production control procedures, property control... necessary production, construction, and technical equipment and facilities, or the ability to obtain them...

Functional characteristics of the porcine colonic epithelium following transportation stress and Salmonella infection.

PubMed

Aschenbach, Jörg R; Ahrens, Frank; Schwelberger, Hubert G; Fürll, Brigitta; Roesler, Uwe; Hensel, Andreas; Gäbel, Gotthold

2007-06-01

Stressful life events and infections contribute to gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We used a pig model to analyse whether this could be linked to altered mediator sensitivity of the epithelial lining. Uninfected control pigs or pigs with subclinical Salmonella (S.) typhimurium DT 104 infection were killed either without (ConRest, InfRest) or with prior 8-h transportation (ConTrans, InfTrans). Short-circuit current (I(sc)), tissue conductance (G(t)) and release of mast cell mediators were monitored in isolated colonic epithelia mounted in Ussing chambers. Epithelia were exposed to histamine (100 microM, mucosally), substance P (SP; 1 microM, serosally), calcimycin A23187 (1 microM, serosally) and theophylline (10 mM, bilaterally). Transepithelial flux of histamine and colonic activities of histamine N-methyltransferase (HMT) and diamine oxidase (DAO) were determined. S. infection decreased baseline I(sc), G(t) and histamine fluxes, while transportation had no effect on these values. Mucosal histamine increased I(sc) only in ConTrans pigs. This was not associated with increased mucosal-to-serosal flux of histamine but with a 2-fold increased DAO activity. Serosal SP increased I(sc) only in transported animals, but the increase was six times higher in ConTrans versus InfTrans pigs. Effectiveness of SP was not dependent on the release of histamine or prostaglandin D2. A23187 and theophylline elicited increases in I(sc) that were not different between treatments. Transportation stress facilitates secretory responses of the colonic epithelium to SP and luminal histamine. This is suppressed by subclinical S. infection. Effects of S. infection on porcine colon resemble, in part, the known effects of an oral S. endotoxin application.

Effects of margarines and butter consumption on lipid profiles, inflammation markers and lipid transfer to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Gagliardi, A C M; Maranhão, R C; de Sousa, H P; Schaefer, E J; Santos, R D

2010-10-01

Our purpose was to examine the effects of daily servings of butter, no-trans-fat margarine and plant sterol margarine, within recommended amounts, on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (Apos), biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, and on the transfer of lipids to HDL particles in free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome. This was a randomized, single-blind study where 53 metabolic syndrome subjects (62% women, mean age 54 years) received isocaloric servings of butter, no-trans-fat margarine or plant sterol margarine in addition to their usual diets for 5 weeks. The main outcome measures were plasma lipids, Apo, inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers (CRP, IL-6, CD40L or E-selectin), small dense LDL cholesterol concentrations and in vitro radioactive lipid transfer from cholesterol-rich emulsions to HDL. Difference among groups was evaluated by analysis of variance. There was a significant reduction in Apo-B (-10.4 %, P=0.043) and in the Apo-B/Apo-A-1 ratio (-11.1%, P=0.034) with plant sterol margarine. No changes in plasma lipids were noticed with butter and no-trans-fat margarine. Transfer rates of lipids to HDL were reduced in the no-trans-fat margarine group: triglycerides -42.0%, (P<0.001 vs butter and sterol margarine) and free cholesterol -16.2% (P=0.006 vs sterol margarine). No significant effects were noted on the concentrations of inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers among the groups. In free-living subjects with the metabolic syndrome consumption of plant sterol and no-trans-fat margarines within recommended amounts reduced, respectively, Apo-B concentrations and the ability of HDL to accept lipids.

Measuring the Cosmic Particle Radiation from electrons to actinides - HNX/TIGERISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, John

2017-01-01

The Heavy Nuclei eXplorer (HNX) mission will measure the abundances of nuclei from Carbon (Z =6) to Curium (Z =96) in the cosmic radiation with the resolution to identify the atomic number of each detected nucleus. HNX will measure a significant number of actinides. HNX utilizes two high-precision instruments, the Extremely-heavy Cosmic-ray Composition Observer (ECCO) and the Cosmic-Ray Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (CosmicTIGER), located in a SpaceX DragonLab capsule orbiting the Earth. This talk will discuss the motivating science, the HNX mission, the design and performance of the HNX instruments, and another new instrument, TIGERISS (Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder on the ISS), that will be proposed as an intermediate between SuperTIGER and HNX.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mutagenic aldehydes and particulate matter during pan frying of beefsteak.

PubMed

Sjaastad, Ann Kristin; Jørgensen, Rikke Bramming; Svendsen, Kristin

2010-04-01

Cooking with gas or electric stoves produces fumes, especially during frying, that contain a range of harmful and potentially mutagenic compounds as well as high levels of fine and ultrafine particles. The aim of this study was to see if polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and higher mutagenic aldehydes which were collected in the breathing zone of the cook, could be detected in fumes from the frying of beefsteak. The frying was performed in a model kitchen in conditions similar to those in a Western European restaurant kitchen. The levels of PAHs (16 EPA standard) and higher aldehydes (trans,trans-2,4-decadienal, 2,4-decadienal, trans-trans-2,4-nonadienal, trans-2-decenal, cis-2-decenal, trans-2-undecenal, 2-undecenal) were measured during frying on an electric or gas stove with margarine or soya bean oil as the frying fat. The number concentration of particles <100 nm in size (ultrafine) was also measured, as well as the mass concentration of total particulate matter. Levels of naphthalene were in the range of 0.15-0.27 microg/m(3) air. Measured levels of mutagenic aldehydes were between non-detectable and 61.80 microg/m(3) air. The exposure level of total aerosol was between 1.6 and 7.2 mg/m(3) air. Peak number concentrations of ultrafine particles were in the range of 6.0x10(4)-89.6x10(4) particles/cm(3) air. Naphthalene and mutagenic aldehydes were detected in most of the samples. The levels were variable, and seemed to be dependent on many factors involved in the frying process. However, according to the present results, frying on a gas stove instead of an electric stove causes increased occupational exposure to some of the components in cooking fumes which may cause adverse health effects.

Differences in Sexual Orientation Diversity and Sexual Fluidity in Attractions among Gender Minority Adults in Massachusetts

PubMed Central

Katz-Wise, Sabra L.; Reisner, Sari L.; White, Jaclyn M.; Keo-Meier, Colton L.

2015-01-01

This study characterized sexual orientation identities and sexual fluidity in attractions in a community-based sample of self-identified transgender and gender nonconforming adults in Massachusetts. Participants were recruited in 2013 using bi-model methods (online and in-person) to complete a one-time web-based quantitative survey that included questions about sexual orientation identity and sexual fluidity. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated Adjusted Risk Ratios (aRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI) to examine the correlates of self-reported changes in attractions ever in lifetime among the whole sample (n=452) and after transition among those who reported social gender transition (n=205). The sample endorsed diverse sexual orientation identities: 42.7% queer, 19.0% other non-binary, 15.7% bisexual, 12.2% straight, 10.4% gay/lesbian. Overall, 58.2% reported having experienced changes in sexual attractions in their lifetime. In adjusted models, trans masculine individuals were more likely than trans feminine individuals to report sexual fluidity in their lifetime (aRR=1.69; 95% CI=1.34, 2.12). Among those who transitioned, 64.6% reported a change in attractions post-transition and trans masculine individuals were less likely than trans feminine individuals to report sexual fluidity (aRR=0.44; 95% CI=0.28, 0.69). Heterogeneity of sexual orientation identities and sexual fluidity in attractions are the norm rather than the exception among gender minority people. PMID:26156113

The Nature of the Idealized Triple Bonds Between Principal Elements and the σ Origins of Trans-Bent Geometries-A Valence Bond Study.

PubMed

Ploshnik, Elina; Danovich, David; Hiberty, Philippe C; Shaik, Sason

2011-04-12

We describe herein a valence bond (VB) study of 27 triply bonded molecules of the general type X≡Y, where X and Y are main element atoms/fragments from groups 13-15 in the periodic table. The following conclusions were derived from the computational data: (a) Single π-bond and double π-bond energies for the entire set correlate with the "molecular electronegativity", which is the sum of the X and Y electronegativites for X≡Y. The correlation with the molecular electronegativity establishes a simple rule of periodicity: π-bonding strength generally increases from left to right in a period and decreases down a column in the periodic table. (b) The σ frame invariably prefers trans bending, while π-bonding gets destabilized and opposes the trans distortion. In HC≡CH, the π-bonding destabilization overrides the propensity of the σ frame to distort, while in the higher row molecules, the σ frame wins out and establishes trans-bent molecules with 2(1)/2 bonds, in accord with recent experimental evidence based on solid state (29)Si NMR of the Sekiguchi compound. Thus, in the trans-bent molecules "less bonds pay more". (c) All of the π bonds show significant bonding contributions from the resonance energy due to covalent-ionic mixing. This quantity is shown to correlate linearly with the corresponding "molecular electronegativity" and to reflect the mechanism required to satisfy the equilibrium condition for the bond. The π bonds for molecules possessing high molecular electronegativity are charge-shift bonds, wherein bonding is dominated by the resonance energy of the covalent and ionic forms, rather than by either form by itself.

Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) of Type AN/GRN-27 (V) Instrument Landing System with Traveling-Wave Localizer Antenna.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

reference glideslope). three an- common to tennas. both trans- ,11 =. 635 nitters), an side band immediate ref.) shutdown after an automatic IlA transfer will...CONDITION PRESENT: PINT CL 5.n8X 10-. BI8 HR)2 + (1.14O X10-6 .168 HR) _ 1.g2X10-4 PCF =___ - 4X XX10- 44.1J2 + 13 ~C (~j7X10-2 4 4 8 PCLVA )(1.92 X 10

104. Photocopied August 1978. CYLINDER USED IN THE ERECTION OF ...

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

104. Photocopied August 1978. CYLINDER USED IN THE ERECTION OF THE INCLINED BUTTRESSES FOR POWER HOUSE REINFORCEMENT IN 1916. AN AIR LOCK WAS PLACED ON TOP OF THE CYLINDER: THE LOWER PORTION OF THE VERTICAL ELEMENT RESTED ON THE POWER HOUSE FOUNDATION APRON: THE INCLINED ELEMENT WAS CUT LEVEL WITH THE RIVER BED. THE INCLINED PORTION OF THE CYLINDER CONTAINED THE SHIELD USED TO BEGIN THE ERECTION OF THE SEGMENTED INCLINED CAST IRON BUTTRESSES. (764) - Michigan Lake Superior Power Company, Portage Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa County, MI

Transgenderism and reproduction.

PubMed

TʼSjoen, Guy; Van Caenegem, Eva; Wierckx, Katrien

2013-12-01

The development of new reproductive medicine techniques creates opportunities for preserving fertility in transgender persons. Before, losing fertility was accepted as the price to pay for transitioning. The desire for children is present in many trans persons, as in the general population. Ethical concerns are sometimes raised against the preservation of fertility; however, the only unique aspect of this group is the gender transition of one of the parents. All other elements such as same sex parenthood, use of donor gametes, social stigma, etc., can be found in other groups of parents. Not all reproductive options for all trans persons are equal because not only the gametes are of importance, but also the sex of the (future) partner. In trans women, the best option to preserve gametes is cryopreservation of sperm by preference initiated before starting hormonal therapy. In trans men, donor sperm is most often used, but in theory, there are three options available to preserve fertility: oocyte banking, embryo banking and banking of ovarian tissue. Fertility is possible for both trans men and women, but it requires timely cryopreservation of gametes or stopping cross-sex hormones and possible fertility treatments which are costly and may be unpleasant. Centers should elucidate their policy and inform trans persons on the possibilities and limitations.

Imagining the Future: Perspectives Among Youth and Caregivers in the Trans Youth Family Study

PubMed Central

Katz-Wise, Sabra L.; Budge, Stephanie L.; Orovecz, Joe J.; Nguyen, Bradford; Nava-Coulter, Brett; Thomson, Katharine

2016-01-01

Future perspectives of transgender youth and their caregivers may be shaped by knowledge of discrimination and adverse mental health among transgender adults. Qualitative data from the Trans Youth Family Study were used to examine how transgender and gender nonconforming (TGN) youth and their caregivers imagine the youth's future. A community-based sample of 16 families (16 TGN youth, ages 7-18 years, and 29 caregivers) was recruited from two regions in the United States. Participants completed in-person qualitative interviews and surveys. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology for coding procedures. Analyses yielded 104 higher order themes across 45 interviews, with eight prominent themes: comparing experiences with others, gender affirming hormones, gender affirming surgery, gender norms, questioning whether the youth is really transgender, expectations for romantic relationships, uncertainty about the future, and worries about physical and emotional safety. A conceptual model of future perspectives in TGN youth and caregivers is presented and clinical implications are discussed. PMID:28068129

Urinary trans-trans muconic acid (exposure biomarker to benzene) and hippuric acid (exposure biomarker to toluene) concentrations in Mexican women living in high-risk scenarios of air pollution.

PubMed

Pruneda-Alvarez, Lucía G; Ruíz-Vera, Tania; Ochoa-Martínez, Angeles C; Pérez-Maldonado, Iván N

2017-11-02

This study aimed to determine t,t-muconic acid (t,t-MA; exposure biomarker for benzene) and hippuric acid (HA; exposure biomarker for toluene) concentrations in the urine of women living in Mexico. In a cross-sectional study, apparently healthy women (n = 104) were voluntarily recruited from localities with a high risk of air pollution; t,t-MA and HA in urine were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Mean urinary levels of t,t-MA ranged from 680 to 1,310 μg/g creatinine. Mean values of HA ranged from 0.38 to 0.87 g/g creatinine. In conclusion, compared to data recently reported in literature, we found high urinary levels of t,t-MA and HA in assessed women participating in this study. We therefore deem the implementation of a strategy aimed at the reduction of exposure as a necessary measure for the evaluated communities.

HSF and Msn2/4p can exclusively or cooperatively activate the yeast HSP104 gene.

PubMed

Grably, Melanie R; Stanhill, Ariel; Tell, Osnat; Engelberg, David

2002-04-01

In an effort to understand how an accurate level of stress-specific expression is obtained, we studied the promoter of the yeast HSP104 gene. Through 5' deletions, we defined a 334 bp fragment upstream of the first coding AUG as sufficient and essential for maximal basal activity and a 260 bp fragment as sufficient and essential for heat shock responsiveness. These sequences contain heat shock elements (HSEs) and stress response elements (STREs) that cooperate to achieve maximal inducible expression. However, in the absence of one set of factors (e.g. in msn2Deltamsn4Delta cells) proper induction is obtained exclusively through HSEs. We also show that HSP104 is constitutively derepressed in ras2Delta cells. This derepression is achieved exclusively through activation of STREs, with no role for HSEs. Strikingly, in ras2Deltamsn2Deltamsn4Delta cells the HSP104 promoter is also derepressed, but in this strain derepression is mediated through HSEs, showing the flexibility and adaptation of the promoter. Thus, appropriate transcription of HSP104 is usually obtained through cooperation between the Msn2/4/STRE and the HSF/ HSE systems, but each factor could activate the promoter alone, backing up the other. Transcription control of HSP104 is adaptive and robust, ensuring proper expression under extreme conditions and in various mutants.

Intelligent Transportation Systems for Commercial Vehicle Operations

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-10-15

What is TransLink? - Public/private partnership - Multi-modal initiative - Focused on linking elements of transportation system - Laboratory using real world data - Looking toward the next generation of transportation operations and management

The Capability of Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors to Measure Amputees' Trans-Tibial Stump/Socket Interface Pressures

PubMed Central

Al-Fakih, Ebrahim A.; Abu Osman, Noor Azuan; Eshraghi, Arezoo; Adikan, Faisal Rafiq Mahamd

2013-01-01

This study presents the first investigation into the capability of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to measure interface pressure between the stump and the prosthetic sockets of a trans-tibial amputee. FBG element(s) were recoated with and embedded in a thin layer of epoxy material to form a sensing pad, which was in turn embedded in a silicone polymer material to form a pressure sensor. The sensor was tested in real time by inserting a heavy-duty balloon into the socket and inflating it by using an air compressor. This test was conducted to examine the sensitivity and repeatability of the sensor when subjected to pressure from the stump of the trans-tibial amputee and to mimic the actual environment of the amputee's Patellar Tendon (PT) bar. The sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 127 pm/N and a maximum FSO hysteresis of around ∼0.09 in real-time operation. Very good reliability was achieved when the sensor was utilized for in situ measurements. This study may lead to smart FBG-based amputee stump/socket structures for pressure monitoring in amputee socket systems, which will result in better-designed prosthetic sockets that ensure improved patient satisfaction. PMID:23941909

The capability of fiber Bragg grating sensors to measure amputees' trans-tibial stump/socket interface pressures.

PubMed

Al-Fakih, Ebrahim A; Osman, Noor Azuan Abu; Eshraghi, Arezoo; Adikan, Faisal Rafiq Mahamd

2013-08-12

This study presents the first investigation into the capability of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to measure interface pressure between the stump and the prosthetic sockets of a trans-tibial amputee. FBG element(s) were recoated with and embedded in a thin layer of epoxy material to form a sensing pad, which was in turn embedded in a silicone polymer material to form a pressure sensor. The sensor was tested in real time by inserting a heavy-duty balloon into the socket and inflating it by using an air compressor. This test was conducted to examine the sensitivity and repeatability of the sensor when subjected to pressure from the stump of the trans-tibial amputee and to mimic the actual environment of the amputee's Patellar Tendon (PT) bar. The sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 127 pm/N and a maximum FSO hysteresis of around ~0.09 in real-time operation. Very good reliability was achieved when the sensor was utilized for in situ measurements. This study may lead to smart FBG-based amputee stump/socket structures for pressure monitoring in amputee socket systems, which will result in better-designed prosthetic sockets that ensure improved patient satisfaction.

TransCut: interactive rendering of translucent cutouts.

PubMed

Li, Dongping; Sun, Xin; Ren, Zhong; Lin, Stephen; Tong, Yiying; Guo, Baining; Zhou, Kun

2013-03-01

We present TransCut, a technique for interactive rendering of translucent objects undergoing fracturing and cutting operations. As the object is fractured or cut open, the user can directly examine and intuitively understand the complex translucent interior, as well as edit material properties through painting on cross sections and recombining the broken pieces—all with immediate and realistic visual feedback. This new mode of interaction with translucent volumes is made possible with two technical contributions. The first is a novel solver for the diffusion equation (DE) over a tetrahedral mesh that produces high-quality results comparable to the state-of-art finite element method (FEM) of Arbree et al. but at substantially higher speeds. This accuracy and efficiency is obtained by computing the discrete divergences of the diffusion equation and constructing the DE matrix using analytic formulas derived for linear finite elements. The second contribution is a multiresolution algorithm to significantly accelerate our DE solver while adapting to the frequent changes in topological structure of dynamic objects. The entire multiresolution DE solver is highly parallel and easily implemented on the GPU. We believe TransCut provides a novel visual effect for heterogeneous translucent objects undergoing fracturing and cutting operations.

Rapid evolution of regulatory element libraries for tunable transcriptional and translational control of gene expression.

PubMed

Jin, Erqing; Wong, Lynn; Jiao, Yun; Engel, Jake; Holdridge, Benjamin; Xu, Peng

2017-12-01

Engineering cell factories for producing biofuels and pharmaceuticals has spurred great interests to develop rapid and efficient synthetic biology tools customized for modular pathway engineering. Along the way, combinatorial gene expression control through modification of regulatory element offered tremendous opportunity for fine-tuning gene expression and generating digital-like genetic circuits. In this report, we present an efficient evolutionary approach to build a range of regulatory control elements. The reported method allows for rapid construction of promoter, 5'UTR, terminator and trans -activating RNA libraries. Synthetic overlapping oligos with high portion of degenerate nucleotides flanking the regulatory element could be efficiently assembled to a vector expressing fluorescence reporter. This approach combines high mutation rate of the synthetic DNA with the high assembly efficiency of Gibson Mix. Our constructed library demonstrates broad range of transcriptional or translational gene expression dynamics. Specifically, both the promoter library and 5'UTR library exhibits gene expression dynamics spanning across three order of magnitude. The terminator library and trans -activating RNA library displays relatively narrowed gene expression pattern. The reported study provides a versatile toolbox for rapidly constructing a large family of prokaryotic regulatory elements. These libraries also facilitate the implementation of combinatorial pathway engineering principles and the engineering of more efficient microbial cell factory for various biomanufacturing applications.

Full trans-activation mediated by the immediate-early protein of equine herpesvirus 1 requires a consensus TATA box, but not its cognate binding sequence.

PubMed

Kim, Seong K; Shakya, Akhalesh K; O'Callaghan, Dennis J

2016-01-04

The immediate-early protein (IEP) of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has extensive homology to the IEP of alphaherpesviruses and possesses domains essential for trans-activation, including an acidic trans-activation domain (TAD) and binding domains for DNA, TFIIB, and TBP. Our data showed that the IEP directly interacted with transcription factor TFIIA, which is known to stabilize the binding of TBP and TFIID to the TATA box of core promoters. When the TATA box of the EICP0 promoter was mutated to a nonfunctional TATA box, IEP-mediated trans-activation was reduced from 22-fold to 7-fold. The IEP trans-activated the viral promoters in a TATA motif-dependent manner. Our previous data showed that the IEP is able to repress its own promoter when the IEP-binding sequence (IEBS) is located within 26-bp from the TATA box. When the IEBS was located at 100 bp upstream of the TATA box, IEP-mediated trans-activation was very similar to that of the minimal IE(nt -89 to +73) promoter lacking the IEBS. As the distance from the IEBS to the TATA box decreased, IEP-mediated trans-activation progressively decreased, indicating that the IEBS located within 100 bp from the TATA box sequence functions as a distance-dependent repressive element. These results indicated that IEP-mediated full trans-activation requires a consensus TATA box of core promoters, but not its binding to the cognate sequence (IEBS). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Finite element analysis of the contact interface between trans-femoral stump and prosthetic socket.

PubMed

Zhang, Linlin; Zhu, Ming; Shen, Ling; Zheng, Feng

2013-01-01

Transfemoral amputees need prosthetic devices after amputation surgery, and the interface pressure between the residual limb and prosthetic socket has a significant effect on an amputee's satisfaction and comfort. The purpose of this study was to build a nonlinear finite element model to investigate the interface pressure between the above-knee residual limb and its prosthetic socket. The model was three-dimensional (3D) with consideration of nonlinear boundary conditions. Contact analysis was used to simulate the friction conditions between skin and the socket. The normal stresses up to 80.57 kPa at the distal end of the soft tissue. The longitudinal and circumferential shear stress distributions at the limb-socket interface were also simulated. This study explores the influences of load transfer between trans-femoral residual limb and its prosthetic socket.

Interactions of trans-acting factor(s) with the estradiol response element and nuclear factor 1 of the vitellogenin II gene of Japanese quail.

PubMed

Gupta, S; Upadhayay, R; Kanungo, M S

1996-08-01

This study was directed at achieving an understanding of the mechanisms by which steroid hormones control the synthesis of vitellogenin (VTG) protein in the liver of the Japanese quail. Northern hybridization shows that administration of estradiol alone or with progesterone stimulates the synthesis of VTG mRNA. Gel mobility shift assay of DNA fragments containing the ERE and NF 1 shows that estradiol alone or with progesterone increases the levels of nuclear proteins that bind to these cis-acting elements of the promoter of the VTG gene. The cooperative effect of the two hormones seen at the level of expression of the VTG gene may be due to protein-protein interactions of trans-acting factors that bind to ERE and NF 1.

Paramecium tetraurelia chromatin assembly factor-1-like protein PtCAF-1 is involved in RNA-mediated control of DNA elimination.

PubMed

Ignarski, Michael; Singh, Aditi; Swart, Estienne C; Arambasic, Miroslav; Sandoval, Pamela Y; Nowacki, Mariusz

2014-10-29

Genome-wide DNA remodelling in the ciliate Paramecium is ensured by RNA-mediated trans-nuclear crosstalk between the germline and the somatic genomes during sexual development. The rearrangements include elimination of transposable elements, minisatellites and tens of thousands non-coding elements called internally eliminated sequences (IESs). The trans-nuclear genome comparison process employs a distinct class of germline small RNAs (scnRNAs) that are compared against the parental somatic genome to select the germline-specific subset of scnRNAs that subsequently target DNA elimination in the progeny genome. Only a handful of proteins involved in this process have been identified so far and the mechanism of DNA targeting is unknown. Here we describe chromatin assembly factor-1-like protein (PtCAF-1), which we show is required for the survival of sexual progeny and localizes first in the parental and later in the newly developing macronucleus. Gene silencing shows that PtCAF-1 is required for the elimination of transposable elements and a subset of IESs. PTCAF-1 depletion also impairs the selection of germline-specific scnRNAs during development. We identify specific histone modifications appearing during Paramecium development which are strongly reduced in PTCAF-1 depleted cells. Our results demonstrate the importance of PtCAF-1 for the epigenetic trans-nuclear cross-talk mechanism. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy of Hydrogen in the 784-852 NM Region and Corresponding Line Shape Implementation Into HITRAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Yan; Wang, Jin; Cheng, Cunfeng; Liu, An-Wen; Hu, Shui-Ming; Wcislo, Piotr; Kochanov, Roman V.; Gordon, Iouli E.; Rothman, Laurence S.

2016-06-01

The hydrogen molecule as the most abundant neutral molecule in the universe is an important object of studies in different areas of science, especially astrophysics. The precision spectroscopy of the hydrogen molecule is particularly useful to verify the quantum electrodynamics theory (QED) in a molecular system. The electric quadrupole transitions of the second overtone of H_2 have been recorded with a high precision cavity ring-down spectrometer. A total of eight lines including the extremely weak S3(5) line in the 784-852 nm range have been observed. The line positions have been determined to an accuracy of 3 × 10-4 cm-1 and the line intensities were determined with a relative accuracy of about 1%. The deviations between the experimental and theoretical frequencies are less than 5 × 10-4 cm-1, which is much smaller than the claimed theoretical uncertainty of 0.0025cm-1. The data from this experiment along with other high-quality H_2 spectra have also been analyzed by the Hartmann-Tran profile as a test case for incorporating parametrization of this profile in the HITRAN database. It was incorporated in the new relational structure of the HITRAN database (www.hitran.org) and into the HITRAN Application Programming Interface (HAPI) for the case of H_2 spectra. Tan Y, Wang J, Cheng C-F, Zhao X-Q, Liu A-W, Hu S-M, J Mol Spectrosc 2014;300:60-4; Tran H, Ngo NH, Hartmann J-M, J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf 2013;129:199-203; Wcislo P, Gordon IE, Tran H, Tan Y, Hu S-M, Campargue A, et al., Accepted J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf HighRus Special Issue, 2015 Rothman LS, Gordon IE, Babikov Y, Barbe A, Chris Benner D, Bernath PF, et al., J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf 2013;130:4-50; Kochanov RV, Gordon IE, Rothman LS, Wcislo P, Hill C, Wilzewski JS, Submitted to J Quant Spectrosc Radiat Transf HighRus Special Issue, 2015.

Epigenetic functions enriched in transcription factors binding to mouse recombination hotspots.

PubMed

Wu, Min; Kwoh, Chee-Keong; Przytycka, Teresa M; Li, Jing; Zheng, Jie

2012-06-21

The regulatory mechanism of recombination is a fundamental problem in genomics, with wide applications in genome-wide association studies, birth-defect diseases, molecular evolution, cancer research, etc. In mammalian genomes, recombination events cluster into short genomic regions called "recombination hotspots". Recently, a 13-mer motif enriched in hotspots is identified as a candidate cis-regulatory element of human recombination hotspots; moreover, a zinc finger protein, PRDM9, binds to this motif and is associated with variation of recombination phenotype in human and mouse genomes, thus is a trans-acting regulator of recombination hotspots. However, this pair of cis and trans-regulators covers only a fraction of hotspots, thus other regulators of recombination hotspots remain to be discovered. In this paper, we propose an approach to predicting additional trans-regulators from DNA-binding proteins by comparing their enrichment of binding sites in hotspots. Applying this approach on newly mapped mouse hotspots genome-wide, we confirmed that PRDM9 is a major trans-regulator of hotspots. In addition, a list of top candidate trans-regulators of mouse hotspots is reported. Using GO analysis we observed that the top genes are enriched with function of histone modification, highlighting the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of recombination hotspots.

Epigenetic functions enriched in transcription factors binding to mouse recombination hotspots

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The regulatory mechanism of recombination is a fundamental problem in genomics, with wide applications in genome-wide association studies, birth-defect diseases, molecular evolution, cancer research, etc. In mammalian genomes, recombination events cluster into short genomic regions called "recombination hotspots". Recently, a 13-mer motif enriched in hotspots is identified as a candidate cis-regulatory element of human recombination hotspots; moreover, a zinc finger protein, PRDM9, binds to this motif and is associated with variation of recombination phenotype in human and mouse genomes, thus is a trans-acting regulator of recombination hotspots. However, this pair of cis and trans-regulators covers only a fraction of hotspots, thus other regulators of recombination hotspots remain to be discovered. In this paper, we propose an approach to predicting additional trans-regulators from DNA-binding proteins by comparing their enrichment of binding sites in hotspots. Applying this approach on newly mapped mouse hotspots genome-wide, we confirmed that PRDM9 is a major trans-regulator of hotspots. In addition, a list of top candidate trans-regulators of mouse hotspots is reported. Using GO analysis we observed that the top genes are enriched with function of histone modification, highlighting the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of recombination hotspots. PMID:22759569

Deep Optical Spectroscopy of Planetary Nebulae: The Search for Neutron-Capture Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sterling, Nicholas C.; Garofali, K.; Dinerstein, H. L.; Hwang, S.; Redfield, S.

2013-01-01

We present deep, high-resolution (R=36,700) optical spectra of five planetary nebulae (PNe), taken with the 2D-coude echelle spectrograph on the 2.7-m Harlan J. Smith Telescope at McDonald Observatory. These observations are part of a larger optical survey of PNe, designed to unambiguously detect emission lines from neutron(n)-capture elements (atomic number Z>30). The abundances of these elements are of particular interest in PNe, since they can be produced by slow n-capture nucleosynthesis (the ``s-process'') during the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stage of evolution of PN progenitor stars. The first large-scale investigation of n-capture element abundances in PNe (Sterling & Dinerstein 2008, ApJS, 174, 157) surveyed [Kr III] and [Se IV] transitions in the K band spectra of more than 80 PNe. However, the abundances derived from these data relied on ionization corrections that were often large and uncertain due to the detection of only one ion per element. Transitions of other Se and Kr ions, as well as many other trans-iron species, reside at optical wavelengths. High-resolution spectra are essential to unequivocally identify these lines and resolve potential blends with other species. The spectra we present are rich in emission features, with between 125 and 600 distinct lines detected in each PN. Emission from at least one Kr ion is detected in all five objects, and two (Hb 12 and J 900) exhibit emission from multiple Kr ions. We detected multiple Xe ions in J 900, as well as Se, Br, and Rb lines. Hb 12 also exhibits Xe emission, and the first detection of [Se II] in a PN to our knowledge. The spectra display a wealth of other emission lines, including permitted features of second-row elements and forbidden transitions of several iron-peak elements (e.g., Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu). Our survey makes it possible to derive more accurate Se and Kr abundances in PNe, and reveals the enrichment of other trans-iron elements. This enables more accurate s-process enrichment factors to be derived for PNe, providing important constraints to models of AGB nucleosynthesis and the chemical evolution of trans-iron nuclides. This research was supported by NSF awards AST-0708425 and AST-901432.

Information Needs Assessment for a Medicine Ward-Focused Rounding Dashboard.

PubMed

Aakre, Christopher A; Chaudhry, Rajeev; Pickering, Brian W; Herasevich, Vitaly

2016-08-01

To identify the routine information needs of inpatient clinicians on the general wards for the development of an electronic dashboard. Survey of internal medicine and subspecialty clinicians from March 2014-July 2014 at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. An information needs assessment was generated from all unique data elements extracted from all handoff and rounding tools used by clinicians in our ICUs and general wards. An electronic survey was distributed to 104 inpatient medical providers. 89 unique data elements were identified from currently utilized handoff and rounding instruments. All data elements were present in our multipurpose ICU-based dashboard. 42 of 104 (40 %) surveys were returned. Data elements important (50/89, 56 %) and unimportant (24/89, 27 %) for routine use were identified. No significant differences in data element ranking were observed between supervisory and nonsupervisory roles. The routine information needs of general ward clinicians are a subset of data elements used routinely by ICU clinicians. Our findings suggest an electronic dashboard could be adapted from the critical care setting to the general wards with minimal modification.

Migration of small bodies and dust to the terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ipatov, Sergei I.; Mather, John C.

2005-02-01

We integrated the orbital evolution of 30,000 Jupiter-family comets, 1300 resonant asteroids, and 7000 asteroidal, trans-Neptunian, and cometary dust particles. For initial orbital elements of bodies close to those of Comets 2P, 10P, 44P, and 113P, a few objects got Earth-crossing orbits with semi-major axes a<2 AU and moved in such orbits for more than 1 Myr (up to tens or even hundreds of Myrs). Three objects (from 2P and 10P runs) even got inner-Earth orbits (with aphelion distance Q<0.983 AU) and Aten orbits for Myrs. Our results show that the trans-Neptunian belt can provide a significant portion of near-Earth objects, or the number of trans-Neptunian objects migrating inside the solar system can be smaller than it was earlier considered, or most of 1-km former trans-Neptunian objects that had got near-Earth object orbits for millions of years disintegrated into mini-comets and dust during a smaller part of their dynamical lifetimes. The probability of a collision of an asteroidal or cometary particle during its lifetime with the Earth was maximum at diameter d˜ 100 mum. At d<10 mum such probability for trans-Neptunian particles was less than that for asteroidal particles by less than an order of magnitude, so the fraction of trans-Neptunian particles with such diameter near Earth can be considerable.

[Trans-uranium elements in food products (review)].

PubMed

Vasilenko, I Ia

1994-01-01

The data of Russian and foreign authors concerning of level environmental contamination and migration of transuranic elements in food chains, metabolism and biological danger of nuclides entering in human body with foods are reviewed. A level of radionuclide load of population and doses of radiation are discussed and the danger is estimated. The doses of radiation from radionuclide ingestion are lower than level of allowed radiation safety standards.

Chronic oral treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) or all-trans-retinoic acid does not alter depression-like behaviors in rats.

PubMed

Ferguson, Sherry A; Cisneros, F Javier; Gough, B; Hanig, Joseph P; Berry, Kimberly J

2005-10-01

Oral treatment with the anti-acne drug Accutane (isotretinoin, 13-cis-retinoic acid) has been associated with suicide ideation and depression. Here, depression-like behaviors (i.e., behavioral despair and anhedonia) were quantified in adult Sprague-Dawley rats gavaged daily beginning at postnatal day (PND) 82 with 13-cis-RA (7.5 or 22.5 mg/kg) or all-trans-retinoic acid (10 or 15 mg/kg ). Tested at PND 130-131 in the Forced Swim Test, 7.5 mg/kg 13-cis-RA marginally decreased immobility and slightly increased climb/struggle durations whereas neither all-trans-retinoic acid group differed from controls. Voluntary saccharin solution (0.03%) intake at PND 102-104 and PND 151-153 was not different from controls in any treated group, although all RA-treated groups had lower intakes. Swim speed in a water maze at PND 180 was similar across groups, indicating no RA-induced differences in physical ability. Open field activity was mildly decreased at PND 91 in 7.5 mg/kg-treated males only, but it was within the control range at PND 119, 147, and 175. Thus, at serum levels similar to those in humans receiving the drug, chronic 13-cis-RA treatment did not severely affect depression-like behaviors in rats. These data do not substantiate the hypothesis of 13-cis-RA-induced depression.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat specifies two different transcription complexes, only one of which is regulated by Tat.

PubMed Central

Lu, X; Welsh, T M; Peterlin, B M

1993-01-01

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat sets up two different transcription complexes, which have been called processive and nonprocessive complexes. By mutating and substituting cis-acting sequences, we mapped elements of the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat that are responsible for creating each transcription complex. Whereas processive complexes are efficiently assembled by upstream promoter elements in the absence of the TATA box, nonprocessive complexes absolutely require the TATA box. Moreover, the TATA box alone can set up these nonprocessive complexes, and nonprocessive but not processive complexes are trans activated by Tat. Finally, a strong DNA-binding site between the TATA box and trans-activation-responsive region interferes with either the assembly or movement of these nonprocessive complexes and diminishes the effects of Tat. Thus, Tat affects a critical step in the formation of elongation-competent transcription complexes. Images PMID:8445708

Retinoid metabolism and transplacental pharmacokinetics in the cynomolgus monkey following a nonteratogenic dosing regimen with all-trans-retinoic acid.

PubMed

Tzimas, G; Nau, H; Hendrickx, A G; Peterson, P E; Hummler, H

1996-11-01

Retinoids often exhibit a complex metabolic pattern and differential transplacental kinetics, which make it difficult to pinpoint the proximate compound responsible for the observed teratogenic effect. We have therefore studied the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) in cynomolgus monkeys following application of a nonteratogenic dosing regimen and compared the results with corresponding data from a previous study with a teratogenic dosing regimen with 13-cis-RA [Hummler et al. (1994) Teratology 50:184-193]. All-trans-RA was administered to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) by nasogastric intubation at a dose of 5 mg/kg body wt once daily from gestational day (GD) 16 to 26 and twice daily at 8-h intervals from GD 27 to 31. Examination of the fetuses of four dams on GD 100 +/- 2 showed no embryotoxic or teratogenic effects of the applied dosing regimen (Experiment 1). Maternal plasma retinoid pharmacokinetics on GD 16, 26, and 31 as well as embryonic retinoid profiles after the last drug administration on GD 31 were determined in thirteen further dams (Experiment 2). All-trans-RA reached much lower plasma concentrations after the last two treatments on GD 31 than after the first one on GD 16 and the eleventh one on GD 26 (0-24-h area-under-the-concentration-time-curve (AUC) values: 104 +/- 59 ng x h/ml (after the last treatment on GD 31), 189 +/- 110 (GD 16) and 393 +/- 305 ng x h/ml (GD 26). The predominant plasma metabolites of all-trans-RA were its beta-glucuronide and the beta-glucuronide of all-trans-4-oxo-RA. Both of these retinoids accumulated in the plasma during the period of treatment and displayed AUC values 5- to 30-fold higher than those of all-trans-RA. Embryonic concentrations of all-trans-RA were not increased over endogenous levels after the last administration on GD 31 when plasma concentrations were low. To evaluate the placental transport of all-trans-RA in the presence of high plasma concentrations, a further experiment was performed, in which a single dose of all-trans-RA (10 mg/kg body wt) was given to four pregnant monkeys on GD 31, and plasma pharmacokinetics as well as embryonic concentrations of retinoids at 4 h post-treatment were determined (Experiment 3). This dosing schedule yielded high plasma concentrations of all-trans-RA, while embryonic concentrations were about 40% of plasma levels. Based on the plasma AUC values on GDs 16 and 26 obtained in Experiment 2 and the degree of placental transfer, as determined on GD 31 in the presence of high plasma levels in Experiment 3, we estimated embryonic AUC values for the 24-h period following the nonteratogenic doses on GDs 16 and 26 in Experiment 2. These AUC values were similarly high to the embryonic AUC value of all-trans-RA obtained after application of the teratogenic dosing regimen with 13-cis-RA [Hummler et al. (1994) Teratology 50:184-193]. In addition, plasma AUC values of all-trans-RA were 2- to 7-fold higher after all-trans-RA administration (present study) than after dosing with the teratogenic dose of 13-cis-RA. These results strengthen our recent suggestion that the teratogenic effects induced in cynomolgus monkeys by 13-cis-RA treatment cannot solely result from the action of all-trans-RA, but may involve 13-cis-RA and 13-cis-4-oxo-RA, which could act directly or function as transport vehicle.

trans-Resveratrol ameliorates anxiety-like behaviors and fear memory deficits in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed

Li, Gaowen; Wang, Gang; Shi, Jing; Xie, Xueyi; Fei, Ning; Chen, Ling; Liu, Na; Yang, Mingxin; Pan, Jianchun; Huang, Wu; Xu, Ying

2018-05-01

trans-Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol enriched in grape seed and skin, has been extensively investigated for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-psychiatric properties. The present study examined the effects of trans-resveratrol on ameliorating anxiety-like behaviors and fear memory deficits induced by time-dependent sensitization (TDS) procedure, which is a classical animal model for mimicking posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The results suggested that trans-resveratrol at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg (via gavage, i.g.) reversed TDS-induced decreases in the percentage of time spent in the center of arena, the open arm entries and time spent in the open arms in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. It also decreased the percentage of freezing time in the contextual fear paradigm that was increased in TDS treated rats. Further study suggested that TDS-induced abnormality in the limbic hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (L-HPA) axis was reversed by trans-resveratrol, i.e. it reversed increased adrenal gland index and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) levels, and rescued the differential expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala. Neurobiological studies suggested that trans-resveratrol increased phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, which were decreased in rats subjected to TDS. These results provide compelling evidence that trans-resveratrol protects neurons against PTSD-like stress insults by regulation of L-HPA axis function and activation of downstream neuroprotective molecules, such as pCREB and BDNF expression. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Full trans–activation mediated by the immediate–early protein of equine herpesvirus 1 requires a consensus TATA box, but not its cognate binding sequence

PubMed Central

Kim, Seong K.; Shakya, Akhalesh K.; O'Callaghan, Dennis J.

2015-01-01

The immediate-early protein (IEP) of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has extensive homology to the IEP of alphaherpesviruses and possesses domains essential for trans-activation, including an acidic trans-activation domain (TAD) and binding domains for DNA, TFIIB, and TBP. Our data showed that the IEP directly interacted with transcription factor TFIIA, which is known to stabilize the binding of TBP and TFIID to the TATA box of core promoters. When the TATA box of the EICP0 promoter was mutated to a nonfunctional TATA box, IEP-mediated trans-activation was reduced from 22-fold to 7-fold. The IEP trans-activated the viral promoters in a TATA motif-dependent manner. Our previous data showed that the IEP is able to repress its own promoter when the IEP-binding sequence (IEBS) is located within 26-bp from the TATA box. When the IEBS was located at 100 bp upstream of the TATA box, IEP-mediated trans-activation was very similar to that of the minimal IE(nt −89 to +73) promoter lacking the IEBS. As the distance from the IEBS to the TATA box decreased, IEP-mediated trans-activation progressively decreased, indicating that the IEBS located within 100 bp from the TATA box sequence functions as a distance-dependent repressive element. These results indicated that IEP-mediated full trans-activation requires a consensus TATA box of core promoters, but not its binding to the cognate sequence (IEBS). PMID:26541315

Truncated ORF1 proteins can suppress LINE-1 retrotransposition in trans

PubMed Central

Sokolowski, Mark; Chynces, May; deHaro, Dawn; Christian, Claiborne M.

2017-01-01

Abstract Long interspersed element 1 (L1) is an autonomous non-LTR retroelement that is active in mammalian genomes. Although retrotranspositionally incompetent and functional L1 loci are present in the same genomes, it remains unknown whether non-functional L1s have any trans effect on mobilization of active elements. Using bioinformatic analysis, we identified over a thousand of human L1 loci containing at least one stop codon in their ORF1 sequence. RNAseq analysis confirmed that many of these loci are expressed. We demonstrate that introduction of equivalent stop codons in the full-length human L1 sequence leads to the expression of truncated ORF1 proteins. When supplied in trans some truncated human ORF1 proteins suppress human L1 retrotransposition. This effect requires the N-terminus and coiled-coil domain (C-C) as mutations within the ORF1p C-C domain abolish the suppressive effect of truncated proteins on L1 retrotransposition. We demonstrate that the expression levels and length of truncated ORF1 proteins influence their ability to suppress L1 retrotransposition. Taken together these findings suggest that L1 retrotransposition may be influenced by coexpression of defective L1 loci and that these L1 loci may reduce accumulation of de novo L1 integration events. PMID:28431148

The Impact of Complexity on the Expertise Reversal Effect: Experimental Evidence from Testing Accounting Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Blayney, Paul; Kalyuga, Slava; Sweller, John

2016-01-01

Element interactivity is a central concept of cognitive load theory that defines the complexity of a learning task. The reduction of task complexity through a temporary segmentation or isolation of interacting elements was investigated with 104 students randomly assigned to an interacting elements group, where participants were required to deal…

Trace Elements Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment in Drinking Water from the Agricultural and Pastoral Areas of Bay County, Xinjiang, China.

PubMed

Turdi, Muyessar; Yang, Linsheng

2016-09-23

Tap water samples were collected from 180 families in four agricultural (KYR: Keyir, KRW: Kariwak, YTR: Yatur, DW: Dawanqi) and two pastoral areas (B: Bulong and Y: Yangchang) in Bay County, Xinjiang, China, and levels of seven trace elements (Cd, Cr, As Ni, Pb, Zn, Se) were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess potential health risks. Remarkable spatial variations of contamination were observed. Overall, the health risk was more severe for carcinogenic versus non-carcinogenic pollutants due to heavy metal. The risk index was greater for children overall (Cr > As > Cd and Zn > Se for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic elements, respectively). The total risk index was greater in agricultural areas (DW > KYR > YTR > KRW > B > Y). Total risk indices were greater where well water was the source versus fountain water; for the latter, the total health risk index was greater versus glacier water. Main health risk factors were Cr and As in DW, KYR, YTR, KRW, and B, and Zn, Cr, and As in the Y region. Overall, total trace element-induced health risk (including for DW adults) was higher than acceptable (10(-6)) and lower than priority risk levels (10(-4)) (KYR, YTR, KRW, Y, and B). For DW children, total health risk reached 1.08 × 10(-4), higher than acceptable and priority risk levels (10(-4)).

Finite Element Method Analysis of An Out Flow With Free Surface In Transition Zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saoula, R. Iddir S.; Mokhtar, K. Ait

The object of this work is to present this part of the fluid mechanics that relates to out-flows of the fluid to big speeds in transitions. Results usually gotten by the classic processes can only have a qualitative aspect. The method fluently used for the count of these out-flows to big speeds is the one of characteristics, this approach remains interesting so much that doesn't appear within the out-flow of intersections of shock waves, as well as of reflections of these. In the simple geometry case, the method of finite differences satisfying result, But when the complexity of this geometry imposes itself, it is the method of finite elements that is proposed to solve this type of prob- lem, in particular for problems Trans critic. The goal of our work is to analyse free surface flows in channels no prismatic has oblong transverse section in zone of tran- sition. (Convergent, divergent). The basic mathematical model of this study is Saint Venant derivatives partial equations. To solve these equations we use the finite ele- ment method, the element of reference is the triangular element with 6 nodes which are quadratic in speed and linear in height (pressure). Our results and their obtains by others are very close to experimental results.

The Regulation of Aldehyde Oxidase in Imaginal Wing Discs of Drosophila Hybrids: Evidence for cis- and trans-Acting Control Elements

PubMed Central

Sprey, Th. E.; Kuhn, David T.

1987-01-01

The aldehyde oxidase (Aldox) distribution pattern was determined for wing discs of partial hybrids between D. melanogaster and D. simulans. In these animals the regulation of Aldox activity is not uniform over the disc epithelium as both cis-dominant and trans -acting control were evident in different regions of the disc. The Aldox expression was shown to be regulated by loci on the X chromosome, 2L and 3R of D. melanogaster and 2R and 3R of D. simulans. PMID:17246366

Mini-Review: Ergothioneine and Ovothiol Biosyntheses, an Unprecedented Trans-Sulfur Strategy in Natural Product Biosynthesis.

PubMed

Naowarojna, Nathchar; Cheng, Ronghai; Chen, Li; Quill, Melissa; Xu, Meiling; Zhao, Changming; Liu, Pinghua

2018-06-19

As one of the most abundant elements on earth, sulfur is part of many small molecular metabolites and is key to their biological activities. Over the past few decades, some general strategies have been discovered for the incorporation of sulfur into natural products. In this review, we summarize recent efforts in elucidating the biosynthetic details for two sulfur-containing metabolites, ergothioneine and ovothiol. Their biosyntheses involve an unprecedented trans-sulfur strategy, a combination of a mononuclear non-heme iron enzyme-catalyzed oxidative C-S bond formation reaction and a PLP enzyme-mediated C-S lyase reaction.

Simultaneous Evaporation of Cu and Sn from Liquid Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sung-Hoon; Kang, Youn-Bae

2016-08-01

In order to understand evaporation refining of tramp elements in molten ferrous scrap, Cu and Sn, a series of experiments were carried out using liquid-gas reaction in a levitation melting equipment. Effect of S and C, which are abundant in hot metal from ironmaking process, was examined and analyzed by employing a comprehensive evaporation kinetic model developed by the present authors (Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:250-258, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:259-266, 2014; Jung et al. in Metall Mater Trans B 46B:267-277, 2014; Jung and Kang in Metall Mater Trans B 10.1007/s11663-016-0601-5, 2016). Evaporation of Cu and Sn were treated by evaporation of individual species such as Cu(g), CuS(g), Sn(g), and SnS(g), along with CS2(g). Decrease of Cu and Sn content in liquid steel was in good agreement with the model prediction. Optimum conditions of steel composition for the rapid evaporation of Cu and Sn were proposed by utilizing the model predictions.

Recurrent giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus

PubMed Central

Lee, Ser Yee; Chan, Weng Hoong; Sivanandan, Ranjiv; Lim, Dennis Teck Hock; Wong, Wai Keong

2009-01-01

Giant fibrovascular polyps of the esophagus and hypopharynx are rare benign esophageal tumors. They arise most commonly in the upper esophagus and may, rarely, originate in the hypopharynx. They can vary significantly in size. Even though they are benign, they may be lethal due to either bleeding or, rarely, asphyxiation if a large polyp is regurgitated. Patients commonly present with dysphagia or hematemesis. The polyps may not be well visualized on endoscopy and imaging plays a vital role in aiding diagnosis as well as providing important information for pre-operative planning, such as the location of the pedicle, the vascularity of the polyp and the tissue elements of the mass. They can also be recurrent in rare cases, especially if the resection margins of the base are involved. We review the recent literature and report a case of a 61-year-old man with a recurrent giant esophageal fibrovascular polyp with illustrative contrast barium swallow, CT and intra-operative images, who required several surgeries via a combination of endoscopic, trans-oral, trans-cervical, trans-thoracic and trans-abdominal approaches. PMID:19653354

Efficient trans-cleavage by the Schistosoma mansoni SMα1 hammerhead ribozyme in the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus

PubMed Central

Vazquez-Tello, Alejandro; Castán, Pablo; Moreno, Renata; Smith, James M.; Berenguer, José; Cedergren, Robert

2002-01-01

The catalytic hammerhead structure has been found in association with repetitive DNA from several animals, including salamanders, crickets and schistosomes, and functions to process in cis the long multimer transcripts into monomer RNA in vivo. The cellular role of these repetitive elements and their transcripts is unknown. Moreover, none of these natural hammerheads have been shown to trans-cleave a host mRNA in vivo. We analyzed the cis- and trans-cleavage properties of the hammerhead ribozyme associated with the SMα DNA family from the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. The efficiency of trans-cleavage of a target RNA in vitro was affected mainly by both the temperature-dependent chemical step and the ribozyme–product dissociation step. The optimal temperature for trans-cleavage was 70°C. This result was confirmed when both the SMα1 ribozyme and the target RNA were expressed in the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus. Moreover, SMα1 RNA showed a remarkable thermostability, equal or superior to that of the most stable RNAs in this species, suggesting that SMα1 RNA has been selected for stability. Computer analysis predicts that the monomer and multimer transcripts fold into highly compact secondary structures, which may explain their exceptional stability in vivo. PMID:11917021

Experimental Study of Temperature-Dependence Laws of Non-Voigt Absorption Line Shape Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilzewski, Jonas; Birk, Manfred; Loos, Joep; Wagner, Georg

2017-06-01

To improve the understanding of temperature-dependence laws of spectral line shape parameters, spectra of the ν_3 rovibrational band of CO_2 perturbed by 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 mbar of N_2 were measured at nine temperatures between 190 K and 330 K using a 22 cm long single-pass absorption cell in a Bruker IFS125 HR Fourier Transform spectrometer. The spectra were fitted employing a quadratic speed-dependent hard collision model in the Hartmann-Tran implementation extended to account for line mixing in the Rosenkranz approximation by means of a multispectrum fitting approach developed at DLR This enables high accuracy parameter retrievals to reproduce the spectra down to noise level and we will present the behavior of line widths, shifts, speed-dependence-, collisional narrowing- and line mixing-parameters over this 140 K temperature range. Tran et al. JQSRT 129, 199-203 (2013); JQSRT 134, 104 (2014). Loos et al., 2014; http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11156. Ngo et al. JQSRT 29, 89-100 (2013); JQSRT 134, 105 (2014).

Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

PubMed Central

de Souza, Russell J; Mente, Andrew; Maroleanu, Adriana; Cozma, Adrian I; Kishibe, Teruko; Uleryk, Elizabeth; Budylowski, Patrick; Schünemann, Holger; Beyene, Joseph

2015-01-01

Objective To systematically review associations between intake of saturated fat and trans unsaturated fat and all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated mortality, ischemic stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, and CINAHL from inception to 1 May 2015, supplemented by bibliographies of retrieved articles and previous reviews. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Observational studies reporting associations of saturated fat and/or trans unsaturated fat (total, industrially manufactured, or from ruminant animals) with all cause mortality, CHD/CVD mortality, total CHD, ischemic stroke, or type 2 diabetes. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias. Multivariable relative risks were pooled. Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified. Potential publication bias was assessed and subgroup analyses were undertaken. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate quality of evidence and certainty of conclusions. Results For saturated fat, three to 12 prospective cohort studies for each association were pooled (five to 17 comparisons with 90 501-339 090 participants). Saturated fat intake was not associated with all cause mortality (relative risk 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.09), CVD mortality (0.97, 0.84 to 1.12), total CHD (1.06, 0.95 to 1.17), ischemic stroke (1.02, 0.90 to 1.15), or type 2 diabetes (0.95, 0.88 to 1.03). There was no convincing lack of association between saturated fat and CHD mortality (1.15, 0.97 to 1.36; P=0.10). For trans fats, one to six prospective cohort studies for each association were pooled (two to seven comparisons with 12 942-230 135 participants). Total trans fat intake was associated with all cause mortality (1.34, 1.16 to 1.56), CHD mortality (1.28, 1.09 to 1.50), and total CHD (1.21, 1.10 to 1.33) but not ischemic stroke (1.07, 0.88 to 1.28) or type 2 diabetes (1.10, 0.95 to 1.27). Industrial, but not ruminant, trans fats were associated with CHD mortality (1.18 (1.04 to 1.33) v 1.01 (0.71 to 1.43)) and CHD (1.42 (1.05 to 1.92) v 0.93 (0.73 to 1.18)). Ruminant trans-palmitoleic acid was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes (0.58, 0.46 to 0.74). The certainty of associations between saturated fat and all outcomes was “very low.” The certainty of associations of trans fat with CHD outcomes was “moderate” and “very low” to “low” for other associations. Conclusions Saturated fats are not associated with all cause mortality, CVD, CHD, ischemic stroke, or type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is heterogeneous with methodological limitations. Trans fats are associated with all cause mortality, total CHD, and CHD mortality, probably because of higher levels of intake of industrial trans fats than ruminant trans fats. Dietary guidelines must carefully consider the health effects of recommendations for alternative macronutrients to replace trans fats and saturated fats. PMID:26268692

Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

PubMed

de Souza, Russell J; Mente, Andrew; Maroleanu, Adriana; Cozma, Adrian I; Ha, Vanessa; Kishibe, Teruko; Uleryk, Elizabeth; Budylowski, Patrick; Schünemann, Holger; Beyene, Joseph; Anand, Sonia S

2015-08-11

To systematically review associations between intake of saturated fat and trans unsaturated fat and all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated mortality, coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated mortality, ischemic stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, and CINAHL from inception to 1 May 2015, supplemented by bibliographies of retrieved articles and previous reviews. Observational studies reporting associations of saturated fat and/or trans unsaturated fat (total, industrially manufactured, or from ruminant animals) with all cause mortality, CHD/CVD mortality, total CHD, ischemic stroke, or type 2 diabetes. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study risks of bias. Multivariable relative risks were pooled. Heterogeneity was assessed and quantified. Potential publication bias was assessed and subgroup analyses were undertaken. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate quality of evidence and certainty of conclusions. For saturated fat, three to 12 prospective cohort studies for each association were pooled (five to 17 comparisons with 90,501-339,090 participants). Saturated fat intake was not associated with all cause mortality (relative risk 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.09), CVD mortality (0.97, 0.84 to 1.12), total CHD (1.06, 0.95 to 1.17), ischemic stroke (1.02, 0.90 to 1.15), or type 2 diabetes (0.95, 0.88 to 1.03). There was no convincing lack of association between saturated fat and CHD mortality (1.15, 0.97 to 1.36; P=0.10). For trans fats, one to six prospective cohort studies for each association were pooled (two to seven comparisons with 12,942-230,135 participants). Total trans fat intake was associated with all cause mortality (1.34, 1.16 to 1.56), CHD mortality (1.28, 1.09 to 1.50), and total CHD (1.21, 1.10 to 1.33) but not ischemic stroke (1.07, 0.88 to 1.28) or type 2 diabetes (1.10, 0.95 to 1.27). Industrial, but not ruminant, trans fats were associated with CHD mortality (1.18 (1.04 to 1.33) v 1.01 (0.71 to 1.43)) and CHD (1.42 (1.05 to 1.92) v 0.93 (0.73 to 1.18)). Ruminant trans-palmitoleic acid was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes (0.58, 0.46 to 0.74). The certainty of associations between saturated fat and all outcomes was "very low." The certainty of associations of trans fat with CHD outcomes was "moderate" and "very low" to "low" for other associations. Saturated fats are not associated with all cause mortality, CVD, CHD, ischemic stroke, or type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is heterogeneous with methodological limitations. Trans fats are associated with all cause mortality, total CHD, and CHD mortality, probably because of higher levels of intake of industrial trans fats than ruminant trans fats. Dietary guidelines must carefully consider the health effects of recommendations for alternative macronutrients to replace trans fats and saturated fats. © de Souza et al 2015.

Chemical studies of elements with Z ⩾ 104 in gas phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Türler, Andreas; Eichler, Robert; Yakushev, Alexander

2015-12-01

Chemical investigations of superheavy elements in the gas-phase, i.e. elements with Z ≥ 104, allow assessing the influence of relativistic effects on their chemical properties. Furthermore, for some superheavy elements and their compounds quite unique gas-phase chemical properties were predicted. The experimental verification of these properties yields supporting evidence for a firm assignment of the atomic number. Prominent examples are the high volatility observed for HsO4 or the very weak interaction of Cn with gold surfaces. The unique properties of HsO4 were exploited to discover the doubly-magic even-even nucleus 270Hs and the new isotope 271Hs. The combination of kinematic pre-separation and gas-phase chemistry allowed gaining access to a new class of relatively fragile compounds, the carbonyl complexes of elements Sg through Mt. A not yet resolved issue concerns the interaction of Fl with gold surfaces. While competing experiments agree on the fact that Fl is a volatile element, there are discrepancies concerning its adsorption on gold surfaces with respect to its daughter Cn. The elucidation of these and other questions amounts to the fascination that gas-phase chemical investigations exert on current research at the extreme limits of chemistry today.

A dynamic N-capping motif in cytochrome b5: evidence for a pH-controlled conformational switch.

PubMed

Davis, Ronald B; Lecomte, Juliette T J

2006-05-01

Apocytochrome b5 is a marginally stable protein exhibiting under native conditions a slow conformational exchange in its C-terminal region. The affected elements of secondary structure include a 3(10)-helix containing at its N-terminus a histidine Ncap and a subsequent proline. Participation of the neutral histidine side-chain in backbone amide capping lowers the imidazole pKa. To explore the nature of the conformational exchange in the protein and determine whether it is related to cis-trans isomerization of the His-Pro bond, three octapeptides encompassing the helix were synthesized and studied by NMR spectroscopy. One corresponded to the wild-type sequence, the second was the D-histidine epimer, and the third contained an alanine in place of the proline. It was found that the rates of cis-trans interconversion in the proline-containing peptides were slower than the rates of the conformational exchange in the protein. In addition, the wild-type peptide hinted at a predisposition for Ncap formation when in the trans configuration. Analysis of the pH response of the peptides and protein suggested that at pH near neutral, the conformational exchange detected in the protein involved only species with a trans His-Pro bond and could be approximated with a three-state model by which the terminal helix sampled a locally unfolded state. This state, which contained an uncapped histidine with a normal pKa, partitioned into neutral and protonated populations according to pH. The intrinsic conformational bias of the wild-type peptide and the pH-driven equilibria illustrated how a 3(10)-element could serve as a nucleation site for structural rearrangement. 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Development of a parallel FE simulator for modeling the whole trans-scale failure process of rock from meso- to engineering-scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gen; Tang, Chun-An; Liang, Zheng-Zhao

2017-01-01

Multi-scale high-resolution modeling of rock failure process is a powerful means in modern rock mechanics studies to reveal the complex failure mechanism and to evaluate engineering risks. However, multi-scale continuous modeling of rock, from deformation, damage to failure, has raised high requirements on the design, implementation scheme and computation capacity of the numerical software system. This study is aimed at developing the parallel finite element procedure, a parallel rock failure process analysis (RFPA) simulator that is capable of modeling the whole trans-scale failure process of rock. Based on the statistical meso-damage mechanical method, the RFPA simulator is able to construct heterogeneous rock models with multiple mechanical properties, deal with and represent the trans-scale propagation of cracks, in which the stress and strain fields are solved for the damage evolution analysis of representative volume element by the parallel finite element method (FEM) solver. This paper describes the theoretical basis of the approach and provides the details of the parallel implementation on a Windows - Linux interactive platform. A numerical model is built to test the parallel performance of FEM solver. Numerical simulations are then carried out on a laboratory-scale uniaxial compression test, and field-scale net fracture spacing and engineering-scale rock slope examples, respectively. The simulation results indicate that relatively high speedup and computation efficiency can be achieved by the parallel FEM solver with a reasonable boot process. In laboratory-scale simulation, the well-known physical phenomena, such as the macroscopic fracture pattern and stress-strain responses, can be reproduced. In field-scale simulation, the formation process of net fracture spacing from initiation, propagation to saturation can be revealed completely. In engineering-scale simulation, the whole progressive failure process of the rock slope can be well modeled. It is shown that the parallel FE simulator developed in this study is an efficient tool for modeling the whole trans-scale failure process of rock from meso- to engineering-scale.

The Partitioning of Impurity Elements in Iron-Carbon Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

Chemical composition Carbides Steels lo. ABSTRACT YCanliniM an ravaria «Id* 11 nacaiaary and ld* niif |r by block numbmt) (SEE REVERSE SIDE) DD 1...ee9 lns/.^‘:;𔃼Sl’’l96t ^^2^ ” hontin^s of Mekel-Chromium. 9 LOw’^’l’lt^ jr STh"s Trans. ASM. v. 60. 1967. p, 699-706. ’ Trans. TMS-AIMl^V 242 I968^p... 9 ) Thus if M’ > M (as in Figure 1), k < 1 and the ferrite is richer in X than the carbide. If M* < M, then k > 1 and the carbide is

Application of gamma spectrometry in the Kola peninsula (in Russian)

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

Golovin, I.V.; Kolesnik, N.I.; Antipov, V.S.

1973-01-01

The methodology used and results obtained in gamma spectrometric studies of pre-Cambrian formations of some nickel-bearing regions of the Kola Penlnsula are described. The radioactive element contents of typical metamorphic and magmatic complexes and sulfide ores are presented. (au-trans)

Project Columbiad: Mission to the Moon. Book 2, volume 3: Stage configuration designs; volume 4: Program plan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The Earth Orbital Rendezvous (EOR) configuration for the piloted mission is composed of three propulsive elements in addition to the Crew Module (CM): Primary Trans-Lunar Injection (PTLI), Lunar Braking Module (LBM), and Earth Return Module (ERM). The precursor mission is also composed of three propulsive elements in addition to its surface payloads: PTLI, LBM and the Payload Landing Module (PLM). Refer to Volume 1, Section 5.1 and 5.2 for a break-up of the different stages into the four launches. A quick summary is as follows: PTLI is on Launch 1 and 3 while the LBM, PLM, and surface payloads are on Launch 2 and another LBM, ERM, and CM on Launch 4. The precursor mission is designed to be as modular as possible with the piloted mission for developmental cost considerations. The following topics are discussed: launch vehicle description; primary trans-lunar injection stage; lunar braking module; earth return module; crew module; payload landing module; and surface payload description.

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity of substituted benzyl iminoether Pt(II) complexes of the type cis- and trans-[PtCl2{E-N(H)=C(OMe)CH2-C6H4-p-R}2] (R=Me, OMe, F). X-ray structure of trans-[PtCl2{E-N(H)=C(OMe)CH2-C6H4-p-F}2].

PubMed

Mazzega Sbovata, Silvia; Bettio, Frazia; Marzano, Christine; Tassan, Augusto; Mozzon, Mirto; Bertani, Roberta; Benetollo, Franco; Michelin, Rino A

2008-04-01

New substituted benzyl iminoether derivatives of the type cis- and trans-[PtCl(2){E-N(H)C(OMe)CH(2)-C(6)H(4)-p-R}(2)] (R=Me (1a, 2a), OMe (3a, 4a), F (5a, 6a)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR spectroscopy and NMR techniques. The iminoether ligands are in the E configuration, which is stable in solution and in the solid state, as confirmed by the (1)H NMR data. Complex trans-[PtCl(2){E-N(H)C(OMe)CH(2)-C(6)H(4)-p-F}(2)] (6a) was also characterized by an X-ray diffraction study. Complexes 1a-6a have been tested against a panel of human tumor cell lines in order to evaluate their cytotoxic activity. cis-Isomers were significant more potent than the corresponding trans-isomers against all tumor cell lines tested; moreover, complexes 1a and 5a showed IC(50) values from about 2-fold to 6-fold lower than those exhibited by cisplatin, used as reference platinum anticancer drug.

Specific trans-acting proteins interact with auxiliary RNA polyadenylation elements in the COX-2 3′-UTR

PubMed Central

Hall-Pogar, Tyra; Liang, Songchun; Hague, Lisa K.; Lutz, Carol S.

2007-01-01

Two cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, are present in human cells. While COX-1 is constitutively expressed, COX-2 is inducible and up-regulated in response to many signals. Since increased transcriptional activity accounts for only part of COX-2 up-regulation, we chose to explore other RNA processing mechanisms in the regulation of this gene. Previously, we showed that COX-2 is regulated by alternative polyadenylation, and that the COX-2 proximal polyadenylation signal contains auxiliary upstream sequence elements (USEs) that are very important in efficient polyadenylation. To explore trans-acting protein factors interacting with these cis-acting RNA elements, we performed pull-down assays with HeLa nuclear extract and biotinylated RNA oligonucleotides representing COX-2 USEs. We identified PSF, p54nrb, PTB, and U1A as proteins specifically bound to the COX-2 USEs. We further explored their participation in polyadenylation using MS2 phage coat protein-MS2 RNA binding site tethering assays, and found that tethering any of these four proteins to the COX-2 USE mutant RNA can compensate for these cis-acting elements. Finally, we suggest that these proteins (p54nrb, PTB, PSF, and U1A) may interact as a complex since immunoprecipitations of the transfected MS2 fusion proteins coprecipitate the other proteins. PMID:17507659

Regular square planer bis-(4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione)/copper(II) complex: Trans/cis-DFT isomerization, crystal structure, thermal, solvatochromism, hirshfeld surface and DNA-binding analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hema, M. K.; Karthik, C. S.; Warad, Ismail; Lokanath, N. K.; Zarrouk, Abdelkader; Kumara, Karthik; Pampa, K. J.; Mallu, P.

2018-04-01

Trans-[Cu(O∩O)2] complex, O∩O = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione was reported with high potential toward CT-DNA binder. The solved XRD-structure of complex indicated a perfect regular square-planer geometry around the Cu(II) center. The trans/cis-DFT-isomerization calculation supported the XRD seen in reflecting the trans-isomer as the kinetic-favor isomer. The desired complex structure was also characterized by conductivity measurement, CHN-elemental analyses, MS, EDX, SEM, UV-Vis., FT-IR, HAS and TG/DTG. The Solvatochromism behavior of the complex was evaluated using four different polar solvents. MPE and Hirshfeld surface analysis (HSA) come to an agreement that fluoride and thiophene protons atoms are with suitable electro-potential environment to form non-classical H-bonds of type CThsbnd H⋯F. The DNA-binding properties were investigated by viscosity tests and spectrometric titrations, the results revealed the complex as strong calf-thymus DNA binder. High intrinsic-binding constants value ∼1.8 × 105 was collected.

The rapid evolution of X-linked male-biased gene expression and the large-X effect in Drosophila yakuba, D. santomea, and their hybrids.

PubMed

Llopart, Ana

2012-12-01

The X chromosome has a large effect on hybrid dysfunction, particularly on hybrid male sterility. Although the evidence for this so-called large-X effect is clear, its molecular causes are not yet fully understood. One possibility is that, under certain conditions, evolution proceeds faster in X-linked than in autosomal loci (i.e., faster-X effect) due to both natural selection and their hemizygosity in males, an effect that is expected to be greatest in genes with male-biased expression. Here, I study genome-wide variation in transcript abundance between Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea, within these species and in their hybrid males to evaluate both the faster-X and large-X effects at the level of expression. I find that in X-linked male-biased genes (MBGs) expression evolves faster than in their autosomal counterparts, an effect that is accompanied by a unique reduction in expression polymorphism. This suggests that Darwinian selection is driving expression differences between species, likely enhanced by the hemizygosity of the X chromosome in males. Despite the recent split of the two sister species under study, abundant changes in both cis- and trans-regulatory elements underlie expression divergence in the majority of the genes analyzed, with significant differences in allelic ratios of transcript abundance between the two reciprocal F(1) hybrid males. Cis-trans coevolution at molecular level, evolved shortly after populations become isolated, may therefore contribute to explain the breakdown of the regulation of gene expression in hybrid males. Additionally, the X chromosome plays a large role in this hybrid male misexpression, which affects not only MBG but also, to a lesser degree, nonsex-biased genes. Interestingly, hybrid male misexpression is concentrated mostly in autosomal genes, likely facilitated by the rapid evolution of sex-linked trans-acting factors. I suggest that the faster evolution of X-linked MBGs, at both protein and expression levels, contributes to explain the large effect of the X chromosome on hybrid male sterility, likely mediating widespread autosomal misexpression through the preferential recognition of cis-regulatory elements by conspecific trans-acting factors (i.e., cis-trans conspecific recognition).

Application of screened Coulomb potential in fitting DBV star PG 0112+104

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Y. H.

2018-03-01

With 78.7 d of observations for PG 0112+104, a pulsating DB star, from Campaign 8 of Kepler 2 mission, Hermes et al. made a detailed mode identification. A reliable mode identification, with 5 l = 1 modes, 3 l = 2 modes, and 3 l = 1 or 2 modes, was identified. Grids of DBV star models are evolved by WDEC with element diffusion effect of pure Coulomb potential and screened Coulomb potential. Fitting the identified modes of PG 0112+104 by the calculated ones, we studied the difference of element diffusion effect between adopting pure Coulomb potential and screened Coulomb potential. Our aim is to reduce the fitting error by studying new input physics. The starting models including their chemical composition profile are from white dwarf models evolved by MESA. They were calculated following the stellar evolution from the main sequence to the start of the white dwarf cooling sequences. The optimal parameters are basically consistent with that of previous spectroscopic and asteroseismological studies. The pure and screened Coulomb potential lead to different composition profiles of the C/O-He interface area. High k modes are very sensitive to the area. However, most of the observed modes for PG 0112+104 are low k modes. The σRMS taking the screened Coulomb potential is reduced by 4 per cent compared with taking the pure Coulomb potential when fitting the identified low k modes of PG 0112+104. Fitting the Kepler 2 data with our models improved the σRMS of the fit by 27 per cent.

Interfacing the Ab initio multiple spawning method with electronic structure methods in GAMESS: Photodecay of trans-Azomethane

DOE PAGES

Gaenko, Alexander; DeFusco, Albert; Varganov, Sergey A.; ...

2014-10-20

This work presents a nonadiabatic molecular dynamics study of the nonradiative decay of photoexcited trans-azomethane, using the ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) program that has been interfaced with the General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System (GAMESS) quantum chemistry package for on-the-fly electronic structure evaluation. The interface strategy is discussed, and the capabilities of the combined programs are demonstrated with a nonadiabatic molecular dynamics study of the nonradiative decay of photoexcited trans-azomethane. Energies, gradients, and nonadiabatic coupling matrix elements were obtained with the state-averaged complete active space self-consistent field method, as implemented in GAMESS. The influence of initial vibrational excitationmore » on the outcome of the photoinduced isomerization is explored. Increased vibrational excitation in the CNNC torsional mode shortens the excited state lifetime. Depending on the degree of vibrational excitation, the excited state lifetime varies from ~60–200 fs. As a result, these short lifetimes are in agreement with time-resolved photoionization mass spectroscopy experiments.« less

Burst Testing and Analysis of Superalloy Disks With a Dual Grain Microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gayda, John; Kantzos, Pete

2006-01-01

Elastic-plastic finite element analyses of room temperature burst tests on four superalloy disks were conducted and reported in this paper. Two alloys, Rene 104 (General Electric Aircraft Engines) and Alloy 10 (Honeywell Engines & Systems), were studied. For both alloys an advanced dual microstructure disk, fine grain bore and coarse grain rim, were analyzed and compared with conventional disks with uniform microstructures, coarse grain for Rene 104 and fine grain for Alloy 10. The analysis and experimental data were in good agreement up to burst. At burst, the analysis underestimated the speed and growth of the Rene 104 disks, but overestimated the speed and growth of the Alloy 10 disks. Fractography revealed that the Alloy 10 disks displayed significant surface microcracking and coalescence in comparison to Rene 104 disks. This phenomenon may help explain the differences between the Alloy 10 disks and the Rene 104 disks, as well as the observed deviations between analytical and experimental data at burst.

Analysis of some cytokinins in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography after solid-phase extraction.

PubMed

Ge, Liya; Yong, Jean Wan Hong; Tan, Swee Ngin; Yang, Xin Hao; Ong, Eng Shi

2004-09-03

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) was developed for the separation of cytokinins including trans-zeatin, trans-zeatin-O-glucoside, dihydrozeatin, dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside, meta-topolin riboside, N6-isopentenyladenine and N6-benzylaminopurine. Under the optimum conditions, i.e. a combination of 10 mM phosphate and 10 mM borate as the running buffer containing 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate at pH 10.4, the separation of seven cytokinin standards was accomplished within 11 min. The C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was used to pre-concentrate the putative cytokinins present in the coconut water. Following which, the eluate was further purified using mixed mode Oasis MCX SPE columns and this additional step helps to reduce matrix interference during MECC. After the two solid-phase extraction steps, the optimized MECC method was able to screen for certain cytokinins (zeatin-O-glucoside and dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside) present in coconut water. After this screening, the presence of zeatin-O-glucoside and dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside in coconut water was further confirmed by independent high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments.

cis- and trans-acting elements of the estrogen-regulated vitellogenin gene B1 of Xenopus laevis.

PubMed

Wahli, W; Martinez, E; Corthésy, B; Cardinaux, J R

1989-01-01

Vitellogenin genes are expressed under strict estrogen control in the liver of female oviparous vertebrates. Gene transfer experiments using estrogen-responsive cells have shown that the 13 bp perfect palindromic element GGTCACTGTGACC found upstream of the Xenopus laevis vitellogenin gene A2 promoter mediates hormonal stimulation and thus, was called the estrogen-responsive element (ERE). In the Xenopus vitellogenin genes B1 and B2 there are two closely adjacent EREs with one or more base substitutions when compared to the consensus ERE GGTCANNNTGACC. On their own, these degenerated elements have only a low or no regulatory capacity at all but act together synergistically to form an estrogen-responsive unit (ERU) with the same strength as the perfect palindromic 13 bp element. Analysis of estrogen receptor binding to the gene B1 ERU revealed a cooperative interaction of receptor dimers to the two adjacent imperfect EREs which most likely explains the synergistic stimulation observed in vivo. Furthermore, a promoter activator element located between positions --113 and --42 of the gene B1 and functional in the human MCF-7 and the Xenopus B3.2 cells has been identified and shown to be involved in the high level of induced transcription activity when the ERE is placed at a distance from the promoter. Finally, a hormone-controlled in vitro transcription system derived from Xenopus liver nuclear extracts was exploited to characterize two additional novel cis-acting elements within the vitellogenin gene B1 promoter. One of them, a negative regulatory element (NRE), is responsible for repression of promoter activity in the absence of hormone. The second is related to the NF-I binding site and is required, together with the ERE, to mediate hormonal induction. Moreover, we detected three trans-acting activities in Xenopus liver nuclear extracts that interact with these regions and demonstrated that they participate in the regulation of the expression of the vitellogenin promoter in vitro.

Persistence of an Oncogenic Papillomavirus Genome Requires cis Elements from the Viral Transcriptional Enhancer

PubMed Central

Van Doorslaer, Koenraad; Chen, Dan; Chapman, Sandra; Khan, Jameela

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) genomes are replicated and maintained as extrachromosomal plasmids during persistent infection. The viral E2 proteins are thought to promote stable maintenance replication by tethering the viral DNA to host chromatin. However, this has been very difficult to prove genetically, as the E2 protein is involved in transcriptional regulation and initiation of replication, as well as its assumed role in genome maintenance. This makes mutational analysis of viral trans factors and cis elements in the background of the viral genome problematic and difficult to interpret. To circumvent this problem, we have developed a complementation assay in which the complete wild-type HPV18 genome is transfected into primary human keratinocytes along with subgenomic or mutated replicons that contain the minimal replication origin. The wild-type genome provides the E1 and E2 proteins in trans, allowing us to determine additional cis elements that are required for long-term replication and partitioning of the replicon. We found that, in addition to the core replication origin (and the three E2 binding sites located therein), additional sequences from the transcriptional enhancer portion of the URR (upstream regulatory region) are required in cis for long-term genome replication. PMID:29162712

cis elements and trans-acting factors involved in dimer formation of murine leukemia virus RNA.

PubMed

Prats, A C; Roy, C; Wang, P A; Erard, M; Housset, V; Gabus, C; Paoletti, C; Darlix, J L

1990-02-01

The genetic material of all retroviruses examined so far consists of two identical RNA molecules joined at their 5' ends by the dimer linkage structure (DLS). Since the precise location of the DLS as well as the mechanism and role(s) of RNA dimerization remain unclear, we analyzed the dimerization process of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) genomic RNA. For this purpose we derived an in vitro model for RNA dimerization. By using this model, murine leukemia virus RNA was shown to form dimeric molecules. Deletion mutagenesis in the 620-nucleotide leader of MoMuLV RNA showed that the dimer promoting sequences are located within the encapsidation element Psi between positions 215 and 420. Furthermore, hybridization assays in which DNA oligomers were used to probe monomer and dimer forms of MoMuLV RNA indicated that the DLS probably maps between positions 280 and 330 from the RNA 5' end. Also, retroviral nucleocapsid protein was shown to catalyze dimerization of MoMuLV RNA and to be tightly bound to genomic dimer RNA in virions. These results suggest that MoMuLV RNA dimerization and encapsidation are probably controlled by the same cis element, Psi, and trans-acting factor, nucleocapsid protein, and thus might be linked during virion formation.

cis elements and trans-acting factors involved in dimer formation of murine leukemia virus RNA.

PubMed Central

Prats, A C; Roy, C; Wang, P A; Erard, M; Housset, V; Gabus, C; Paoletti, C; Darlix, J L

1990-01-01

The genetic material of all retroviruses examined so far consists of two identical RNA molecules joined at their 5' ends by the dimer linkage structure (DLS). Since the precise location of the DLS as well as the mechanism and role(s) of RNA dimerization remain unclear, we analyzed the dimerization process of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) genomic RNA. For this purpose we derived an in vitro model for RNA dimerization. By using this model, murine leukemia virus RNA was shown to form dimeric molecules. Deletion mutagenesis in the 620-nucleotide leader of MoMuLV RNA showed that the dimer promoting sequences are located within the encapsidation element Psi between positions 215 and 420. Furthermore, hybridization assays in which DNA oligomers were used to probe monomer and dimer forms of MoMuLV RNA indicated that the DLS probably maps between positions 280 and 330 from the RNA 5' end. Also, retroviral nucleocapsid protein was shown to catalyze dimerization of MoMuLV RNA and to be tightly bound to genomic dimer RNA in virions. These results suggest that MoMuLV RNA dimerization and encapsidation are probably controlled by the same cis element, Psi, and trans-acting factor, nucleocapsid protein, and thus might be linked during virion formation. Images PMID:2153242

Network-directed cis-mediator analysis of normal prostate tissue expression profiles reveals downstream regulatory associations of prostate cancer susceptibility loci.

PubMed

Larson, Nicholas B; McDonnell, Shannon K; Fogarty, Zach; Larson, Melissa C; Cheville, John; Riska, Shaun; Baheti, Saurabh; Weber, Alexandra M; Nair, Asha A; Wang, Liang; O'Brien, Daniel; Davila, Jaime; Schaid, Daniel J; Thibodeau, Stephen N

2017-10-17

Large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with risk of prostate cancer. Many of these genetic variants are presumed to be regulatory in nature; however, follow-up expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) association studies have to-date been restricted largely to cis -acting associations due to study limitations. While trans -eQTL scans suffer from high testing dimensionality, recent evidence indicates most trans -eQTL associations are mediated by cis -regulated genes, such as transcription factors. Leveraging a data-driven gene co-expression network, we conducted a comprehensive cis -mediator analysis using RNA-Seq data from 471 normal prostate tissue samples to identify downstream regulatory associations of previously identified prostate cancer risk variants. We discovered multiple trans -eQTL associations that were significantly mediated by cis -regulated transcripts, four of which involved risk locus 17q12, proximal transcription factor HNF1B , and target trans -genes with known HNF response elements ( MIA2 , SRC , SEMA6A , KIF12 ). We additionally identified evidence of cis -acting down-regulation of MSMB via rs10993994 corresponding to reduced co-expression of NDRG1 . The majority of these cis -mediator relationships demonstrated trans -eQTL replicability in 87 prostate tissue samples from the Gene-Tissue Expression Project. These findings provide further biological context to known risk loci and outline new hypotheses for investigation into the etiology of prostate cancer.

Vesiculated Long Non-Coding RNAs: Offshore Packages Deciphering Trans-Regulation between Cells, Cancer Progression and Resistance to Therapies

PubMed Central

Fatima, Farah; Nawaz, Muhammad

2017-01-01

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized vesicles secreted from virtually all cell types and are thought to transport proteins, lipids and nucleic acids including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) between cells. Since, ncRNAs are central to transcriptional regulation during developmental processes; eukaryotes might have evolved novel means of post-transcriptional regulation by trans-locating ncRNAs between cells. EV-mediated transportation of regulatory elements provides a novel source of trans-regulation between cells. In the last decade, studies were mainly focused on microRNAs; however, functions of long ncRNA (lncRNA) have been much less studied. Here, we review the regulatory roles of EV-linked ncRNAs, placing a particular focus on lncRNAs, how they can foster dictated patterns of trans-regulation in recipient cells. This refers to envisaging novel mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, cellular reprogramming and genomic instability elicited in recipient cells, ultimately permitting the generation of cancer initiating cell phenotypes, senescence and resistance to chemotherapies. Conversely, such trans-regulation may introduce RNA interference in recipient cancer cells causing the suppression of oncogenes and anti-apoptotic proteins; thus favoring tumor inhibition. Collectively, understanding these mechanisms could be of great value to EV-based RNA therapeutics achieved through gene manipulation within cancer cells, whereas the ncRNA content of EVs from cancer patients could serve as non-invasive source of diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators in response to therapies. PMID:29657282

Evaluation of ADINA. Part I. Theory and Programing Descriptions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-06-08

Problem," Numerical and Computer Methods in Structural Mechanics, S. J. Feaves, N. Pe-rone, J. Robinson and W.C. Schnobrich, eds., Academic Press, New...connectivity array N102 ’NDM*NlJME-ITW0 YL Element nodal coordinates N103 ---- NUME IELT Element number of nodes N104 NUME IPST Stress printing flag N105 NUME

Protein trans-splicing on an M13 bacteriophage: towards directed evolution of a semisynthetic split intein by phage display.

PubMed

Garbe, Daniel; Thiel, Ilka V; Mootz, Henning D

2010-10-01

Split inteins link their fused peptide or protein sequences with a peptide bond in an autocatalytic reaction called protein trans-splicing. This reaction is becoming increasingly important for a variety of applications in protein semisynthesis, polypeptide circularisation, construction of biosensors, or segmental isotopic labelling of proteins. However, split inteins exhibit greatly varying solubility, efficiency and tolerance towards the nature of the fused sequences as well as reaction conditions. We envisioned that phage display as an in vitro selection technique would provide a powerful tool for the directed evolution of split inteins with improved properties. As a first step towards this goal, we show that presentation of active split inteins on an M13 bacteriophage is feasible. Two different C-terminal intein fragments of the Ssp DnaB intein, artificially split at amino acid positions 104 and 11, were encoded in a phagemid vector in fusion to a truncated gpIII protein. For efficient production of hybrid phages, the presence of a soluble domain tag at their N-termini was necessary. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the hybrid phages supported protein trans-splicing with a protein or a synthetic peptide, respectively, containing the complementary intein fragment. Incorporation of biotin or desthiobiotin by this reaction provides a straightforward strategy for future enrichment of desired mutants from randomised libraries of the C-terminal intein fragments on streptavidin beads. Protein semisynthesis on a phage could also be exploited for the selection of chemically modified proteins with unique properties. © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Control of microstructure and mechanical properties of laser solid formed Inconel 718 superalloy by electromagnetic stirring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fencheng; Cheng, Hongmao; Yu, Xiaobin; Yang, Guang; Huang, Chunping; Lin, Xin; Chen, Jing

2018-02-01

The coarse columnar grains and special interface in laser solid formed (LSFed) Inconel 718 superalloy workpieces seriously affect their mechanical properties. To improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of LSFed Inconel 718 superalloy, electromagnetic stirring (EMS) was introduced to alter the solidification process of the molten pool during LSF. The results show that EMS could not completely eliminate the epitaxially growing columnar grains, however, the strong convection of liquid metals can effectively influence the solid-liquid interface growing mode. The segregation of alloying elements on the front of solid-liquid interface is inhibited and the degree of constitutional supercooling decreases correspondingly. Comparing the microstructures of samples formed under different process parameters, the size and amount of the γ+Laves eutectic phases formed in interdendritic area decrease along with the increasing magnetic field intensity, resulting in more uniformly distributed alloying elements. The residual stress distribution is proved to be more uniform, which is beneficial to the grain refinement after recrystallilzaiton. Mechanical properties testing results show an improvement of 100 MPa in tensile strength and 22% in elongation was obtained after EMS was used. The high cycle fatigue properties at room temperature was also improved from 4.09 × 104 cycles to 8.21 × 104 cycles for the as-deposited samples, and from 5.45 × 104 cycles to 12.73 × 104 cycles for the heat treated samples respectively.

Damage Tolerance Testing of a NASA TransHab Derivative Woven Inflatable Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edgecombe, John; delaFuente, Horacio; Valle, Gerard

2009-01-01

Current options for Lunar habitat architecture include inflatable habitats and airlocks. Inflatable structures can have mass and volume advantages over conventional structures. However, inflatable structures carry different inherent risks and are at a lower Technical Readiness Level (TRL) than more conventional metallic structures. One of the risks associated with inflatable structures is in understanding the tolerance to induced damage. The Damage Tolerance Test (DTT) is designed to study the structural integrity of an expandable structure. TransHab (Figure 1) was an experimental inflatable module developed at the NASA/Johnson Space Center in the 1990 s. The TransHab design was originally envisioned for use in Mars Transits but was also studied as a potential habitat for the International Space Station (ISS). The design of the TransHab module was based on a woven design using an Aramid fabric. Testing of this design demonstrated a high level of predictability and repeatability with analytical predictions of stresses and deflections. Based on JSC s experience with the design and analysis of woven inflatable structures, the Damage Tolerance Test article was designed and fabricated using a woven design. The DTT article was inflated to 45 psig, representing 25% of the ultimate burst pressure, and one of the one-inch wide longitudinal structural members was severed by initiating a Linear Shaped Charge (LSC). Strain gage measurements, at the interface between the expandable elements (straps) and the nonexpandable metallic elements for pre-selected longitudinal straps, were taken throughout pressurization of the module and strap separation. Strain gage measurements show no change in longitudinal strap loading at the bulkhead interface after strap separation indicating loads in the restraint layer were re-distributed local to the damaged area due to the effects of friction under high internal pressure loading. The test completed all primary objectives with better than expected results. This paper will discuss space inflatable structures, damage tolerance analysis, test results, and applicability to the Lunar architecture.

[Comparison of external fixation with or without limited internal fixation for open knee fractures].

PubMed

Li, K N; Lan, H; He, Z Y; Wang, X J; Yuan, J; Zhao, P; Mu, J S

2018-03-01

Objective: To explore the characteristics and methods of different fixation methods and prevention of open knee joint fracture. Methods: The data of 86 cases of open knee joint fracture admitted from January 2002 to December 2015 in Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University were analyzed retrospectively.There were 65 males and 21 females aged of 38.6 years. There were 38 cases treated with trans articular external fixation alone, 48 cases were in the trans articular external fixation plus auxiliary limited internal fixation group. All the patients were treated according to the same three stages except for different fixation methods. Observation of external fixation and fracture fixation, fracture healing, wound healing and treatment, treatment and related factors of infection control and knee function recovery. χ(2) test was used to analyze data. Results: Eleven patients had primary wound healing, accounting for 12.8%. Seventy-five patients had two wounds healed, accounting for 87.2%. Only 38 cases of trans articular external fixator group had 31 cases of articular surface reduction, accounting for 81.6%; Five cases of trans articular external fixator assisted limited internal fixation group had 5 cases of poor reduction, accounting for 10.4%; There was significant difference between the two groups (χ(2)=44.132, P <0.05). Take a single cross joint external fixation group, a total of 23 cases of patients with infection, accounted for 60.5% of external fixation group; trans articular external fixation assisted limited internal fixation group there were 30 cases of patients with infection, accounting for the assistance of external fixator and limited internal fixation group 62.5%; There was significant difference between the two groups(χ(2)=0.035, P >0.05). Five cases of fracture nonunion cases of serious infection, patients voluntarily underwent amputation. The Lysholm Knee Scale: In the external fixation group, 23 cases were less than 50 points, accounting for 60.5%, 15 cases were more than 50 points, accounting for 39.5%, external fixation and limited internal fixation group 20 cases were less than 50 points, accounting for 41.7%, 28 cases were more than 50 points, accounting for 58.3%; There was significant difference between the two groups(χ(2)=1.279, P >0.05). Conclusions: Prevention and control of infection is a central link in the treatment of open fracture of the knee. Trans articular external fixator plus limited internal fixation is an important measure to treat open fracture of the knee-joint.

Molecular reconstruction of extinct LINE-1 elements and their interaction with nonautonomous elements.

PubMed

Wagstaff, Bradley J; Kroutter, Emily N; Derbes, Rebecca S; Belancio, Victoria P; Roy-Engel, Astrid M

2013-01-01

Non-long terminal repeat retroelements continue to impact the human genome through cis-activity of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) and trans-mobilization of Alu. Current activity is dominated by modern subfamilies of these elements, leaving behind an evolutionary graveyard of extinct Alu and L1 subfamilies. Because Alu is a nonautonomous element that relies on L1 to retrotranspose, there is the possibility that competition between these elements has driven selection and antagonistic coevolution between Alu and L1. Through analysis of synonymous versus nonsynonymous codon evolution across L1 subfamilies, we find that the C-terminal ORF2 cys domain experienced a dramatic increase in amino acid substitution rate in the transition from L1PA5 to L1PA4 subfamilies. This observation coincides with the previously reported rapid evolution of ORF1 during the same transition period. Ancestral Alu sequences have been previously reconstructed, as their short size and ubiquity have made it relatively easy to retrieve consensus sequences from the human genome. In contrast, creating constructs of extinct L1 copies is a more laborious task. Here, we report our efforts to recreate and evaluate the retrotransposition capabilities of two ancestral L1 elements, L1PA4 and L1PA8 that were active ~18 and ~40 Ma, respectively. Relative to the modern L1PA1 subfamily, we find that both elements are similarly active in a cell culture retrotransposition assay in HeLa, and both are able to efficiently trans-mobilize Alu elements from several subfamilies. Although we observe some variation in Alu subfamily retrotransposition efficiency, any coevolution that may have occurred between LINEs and SINEs is not evident from these data. Population dynamics and stochastic variation in the number of active source elements likely play an important role in individual LINE or SINE subfamily amplification. If coevolution also contributes to changing retrotransposition rates and the progression of subfamilies, cell factors are likely to play an important mediating role in changing LINE-SINE interactions over evolutionary time.

Molecular Reconstruction of Extinct LINE-1 Elements and Their Interaction with Nonautonomous Elements

PubMed Central

Wagstaff, Bradley J.; Kroutter, Emily N.; Derbes, Rebecca S.; Belancio, Victoria P.; Roy-Engel, Astrid M.

2013-01-01

Non-long terminal repeat retroelements continue to impact the human genome through cis-activity of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) and trans-mobilization of Alu. Current activity is dominated by modern subfamilies of these elements, leaving behind an evolutionary graveyard of extinct Alu and L1 subfamilies. Because Alu is a nonautonomous element that relies on L1 to retrotranspose, there is the possibility that competition between these elements has driven selection and antagonistic coevolution between Alu and L1. Through analysis of synonymous versus nonsynonymous codon evolution across L1 subfamilies, we find that the C-terminal ORF2 cys domain experienced a dramatic increase in amino acid substitution rate in the transition from L1PA5 to L1PA4 subfamilies. This observation coincides with the previously reported rapid evolution of ORF1 during the same transition period. Ancestral Alu sequences have been previously reconstructed, as their short size and ubiquity have made it relatively easy to retrieve consensus sequences from the human genome. In contrast, creating constructs of extinct L1 copies is a more laborious task. Here, we report our efforts to recreate and evaluate the retrotransposition capabilities of two ancestral L1 elements, L1PA4 and L1PA8 that were active ∼18 and ∼40 Ma, respectively. Relative to the modern L1PA1 subfamily, we find that both elements are similarly active in a cell culture retrotransposition assay in HeLa, and both are able to efficiently trans-mobilize Alu elements from several subfamilies. Although we observe some variation in Alu subfamily retrotransposition efficiency, any coevolution that may have occurred between LINEs and SINEs is not evident from these data. Population dynamics and stochastic variation in the number of active source elements likely play an important role in individual LINE or SINE subfamily amplification. If coevolution also contributes to changing retrotransposition rates and the progression of subfamilies, cell factors are likely to play an important mediating role in changing LINE-SINE interactions over evolutionary time. PMID:22918960

Fatigue Assessment of Underwater CFRP-Repaired Steel Panels using Finite Element Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

hypothesized that the range in stress-intensity factor, ∆K, governs fatigue crack growth, (Paris and Erdogan 1963). The Paris law represents the...Fibre in Canada. J. C. Institute: 25-39. Paris, P., and F. Erdogan . 1963. A Critical Analysis of crack Propagation Laws. Trans. ASME, Ser. D

Trans-ACTIONS: Activities for Involving Students with Books.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Los Angeles City Schools, CA. Div. of Instructional Planning and Services.

Suggestions are given for over 50 activities which secondary students at many levels can use with fiction or non-fiction to provide opportunities to read, relate, reflect, and record their thoughts about a book. The primary goal is to help students gain insight into the literary elements that prompt their responses. Stated objectives for each…

CRISPR/Cas9 and active genetics-based trans-species replacement of the endogenous Drosophila kni-L2 CRM reveals unexpected complexity.

PubMed

Xu, Xiang-Ru Shannon; Gantz, Valentino Matteo; Siomava, Natalia; Bier, Ethan

2017-12-23

The knirps ( kni ) locus encodes transcription factors required for induction of the L2 wing vein in Drosophila . Here, we employ diverse CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools to generate a series of targeted lesions within the endogenous cis-regulatory module (CRM) required for kni expression in the L2 vein primordium. Phenotypic analysis of these ' in locus ' mutations based on both expression of Kni protein and adult wing phenotypes, reveals novel unexpected features of L2-CRM function including evidence for a chromosome pairing-dependent process that promotes transcription. We also demonstrate that self-propagating active genetic elements (CopyCat elements) can efficiently delete and replace the L2-CRM with orthologous sequences from other divergent fly species. Wing vein phenotypes resulting from these trans-species enhancer replacements parallel features of the respective donor fly species. This highly sensitive phenotypic readout of enhancer function in a native genomic context reveals novel features of CRM function undetected by traditional reporter gene analysis. © 2017, Xu et al.

CRISPR/Cas9 and active genetics-based trans-species replacement of the endogenous Drosophila kni-L2 CRM reveals unexpected complexity

PubMed Central

Siomava, Natalia

2017-01-01

The knirps (kni) locus encodes transcription factors required for induction of the L2 wing vein in Drosophila. Here, we employ diverse CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tools to generate a series of targeted lesions within the endogenous cis-regulatory module (CRM) required for kni expression in the L2 vein primordium. Phenotypic analysis of these ‘in locus’ mutations based on both expression of Kni protein and adult wing phenotypes, reveals novel unexpected features of L2-CRM function including evidence for a chromosome pairing-dependent process that promotes transcription. We also demonstrate that self-propagating active genetic elements (CopyCat elements) can efficiently delete and replace the L2-CRM with orthologous sequences from other divergent fly species. Wing vein phenotypes resulting from these trans-species enhancer replacements parallel features of the respective donor fly species. This highly sensitive phenotypic readout of enhancer function in a native genomic context reveals novel features of CRM function undetected by traditional reporter gene analysis. PMID:29274230

Nucleosynthesis in the Innermost Ejecta of Neutrino-driven Supernova Explosions in Two Dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanajo, Shinya; Müller, Bernhard; Janka, Hans-Thomas; Heger, Alexander

2018-01-01

We examine nucleosynthesis in the innermost neutrino-processed ejecta (a few {10}-3 {M}ȯ ) of self-consistent two-dimensional explosion models of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) for six progenitor stars with different initial masses. Three models have initial masses near the low-mass end of the SN range of 8.8 {M}ȯ (e8.8; electron-capture SN), 9.6 {M}ȯ (z9.6), and 8.1 {M}ȯ (u8.1), with initial metallicities of 1, 0, and 10‑4 times the solar metallicity, respectively. The other three are solar-metallicity models with initial masses of 11.2 {M}ȯ (s11), 15 {M}ȯ (s15), and 27 {M}ȯ (s27). The low-mass models e8.8, z9.6, and u8.1 exhibit high production factors (nucleosynthetic abundances relative to the solar abundances) of 100–200 for light trans-Fe elements from Zn to Zr. This is associated with an appreciable ejection of neutron-rich matter in these models. Remarkably, the nucleosynthetic outcomes for the progenitors e8.8 and z9.6 are almost identical, including interesting productions of 48Ca and 60Fe, irrespective of their quite different (O–Ne–Mg and Fe) cores prior to collapse. In the more massive models s11, s15, and s27, several proton-rich isotopes of light trans-Fe elements including the p-isotope 92Mo (for s27) are made, up to production factors of ∼30. Both electron-capture SNe and CCSNe near the low-mass end can therefore be dominant contributors to the Galactic inventory of light trans-Fe elements from Zn to Zr and probably 48Ca and live 60Fe. The innermost ejecta of more massive SNe may have only subdominant contributions to the chemical enrichment of the Galaxy except for 92Mo.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation Factor ERLIN2: Oncogenic Roles and Molecular Targeting of Breast Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

Targeting of Breast Cancer 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-0152 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-0152 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Zeng... Element -Binding Protein 1c (SREBP1c), the key lipogenic trans-activator; (4) ERLIN2 regulates activation of SREBP1c by interacting with Insulin...the major samples are gene amplified and/or over-expressed (pɘ.05). This new data further supports the findings that ERLIN2 plays an important

Investigation of trace elements in ancient pottery from Jenini, Brong Ahafo region, Ghana by INAA and Compton suppression spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyarko, B. J. B.; Bredwa-Mensah, Y.; Serfor-Armah, Y.; Dampare, S. B.; Akaho, E. H. K.; Osae, S.; Perbi, A.; Chatt, A.

2007-10-01

Concentrations of trace elements in ancient pottery excavated from Jenini in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in conjunction with both conventional and Compton suppression counting. Jenini was a slave Camp of Samory Toure during the indigenous slavery and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Pottery fragments found during the excavation of the grave tombs of the slaves who died in the slave camps were analysed. In all, 26 trace elements were determined in 40 pottery fragments. These elemental concentrations were processed using multivariate statistical methods, cluster, factor and discriminant analyses in order to determine similarities and correlation between the various samples. The suitability of the two counting systems for determination of trace elements in pottery objects has been evaluated.

Interference removals on Pd, Ru and Au with ICP-QQQ-MS in PGE RM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadeem Hussain Bokhari, Syed; Meisel, Thomas; Walkner, Christoph

2015-04-01

Gold and platinum group elements (PGE) are essential industrial precious metals with high world demand due to their unique properties. Struggle for natural exploration of PGE is on great pace and recycling from industrial wastes, electronics and catalytic convertor is on the rise for PGE supply chain. Along with these developments it is becoming more challenging for analytical chemists to determine gold and PGE out of complex matrix which causes severe interferences. The current state of art is online analysis coupled with chromatographic separation of interferences. The ICP-QQQ-MS Agilent 8800 has the capability of using multi tunes and mass shifts. We aim to remove interferences on Pd+ (for direct and isotope dilution analysis) Au+ and Ru+ in lieu of chemical separations. YO+, SrOH+, ZnAr+, NiAr+, ZrO+, CuAr+, MoO+ , Ru+and Cd+ are expected interferences on Pd+ while Au+ is interfered by TaO+, HfOH+, GdAr+ and 102Ru+ ,104Ru+ by 102Pd+ ,104Pd+ etc. Initial test were performed on pure solutions of 1mg/l (interfering elements): 1 ng/l (Pd, Ru & Au) respectively. The outcomes of initial tests were applied on PGE reference material (RM) WMG-1 and SARM-7 (digested with Na2O2 sintering). The results obtained show that YO+, SrOH+ interfere (104Pd,105Pd), 104 Ru+ on (104Pd), ZnAr+ has slight interference on (104Pd and106Pd), ZrO+, NiAr+, CuAr+ interferences are negligible, MoO+ has severe interference on (108Pd, 110Pd) and that Cd+ has severe isobaric interference on (106Pd,108Pd, 110Pd). These interference have been removed by formation of Pd(NH3)3+complex. The TaO+, HfOH+ and GdAr+ interferences on Au+ are best removed by formation of Au(NH3)+ and Au(NH3)2+ complexes. 102Pd+,104Pd+interference on 102Ru+ ,104Ru+ can be removed by formation of Ru(NH3)4+ and RuO+ compounds. The results obtained comply with certified values of RM. The developed method is being tested on low concentration PGE reference materials. References: Sugiyama, N. " Removal of complex spectral interferences on noble metal isotopes." Agilent 8800 ICP-QQQ Application Handbook, 2014, 42-46.

Activation of vitellogenin II gene expression by steroid hormones in the old Japanese quail.

PubMed

Gupta, S; Upadhyay, R; Kanungo, M S

1998-11-01

Alterations in the basal transcription rates of eukaryotic genes are believed to involve the binding of trans-acting factor(s) with specific DNA sequences in the promoter. We show here two interrelated events for the VTGII gene of the old, non-egg laying Japanese quail: alterations in the structure of the chromatin encompassing the gene, and binding of trans-acting factors to the promoter of the gene. Estradiol/progesterone alone or together cause alterations in the conformation of the chromatin of the promoter region of the gene. This may allow free access of nuclear protein(s) to the cis-acting elements, ERE, PRE and NF1, in the promoter of the gene and cause activation of transcription.

The Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS)—High-latitude Component

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petit, J.-M.; Kavelaars, J. J.; Gladman, B. J.; Jones, R. L.; Parker, J. Wm.; Bieryla, A.; Van Laerhoven, C.; Pike, R. E.; Nicholson, P.; Ashby, M. L. N.; Lawler, S. M.

2017-05-01

The High Ecliptic Latitude (HiLat) extension of the Canada-France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS), conducted from 2006 June to 2009 July, discovered a set of Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) that we report here. The HiLat component was designed to address one of the shortcomings of ecliptic surveys (like CFEPS), their low sensitivity to high-inclination objects. We searched 701 deg2 of sky ranging from 12° to 85° ecliptic latitude and discovered 24 TNOs, with inclinations between 15° and 104°. This survey places a very strong constraint on the inclination distribution of the hot component of the classical Kuiper Belt, ruling out any possibility of a large intrinsic fraction of highly inclined orbits. Using the parameterization of Brown, the HiLat sample combined with CFEPS imposes a width 14° ≤ σ ≤ 15.°5, with a best match for σ = 14.°5. HiLat discovered the first retrograde TNO, 2008 KV42, with an almost polar orbit with inclination 104°, and (418993) = 2009 MS9, a scattering object with perihelion in the region of Saturn’s influence, with a ˜ 400 au and I = 68°.

36 CFR 13.104 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., completely enclosed, with a roof and walls which may have windows and door(s). Claimant means a person who.... Shelter means a structure designed to provide temporary relief from the elements and is characterized as a...

Hsf1p and Msn2/4p cooperate in the expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes HSP26 and HSP104 in a gene- and stress type-dependent manner.

PubMed

Amorós, M; Estruch, F

2001-03-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses several transcription factors involved in the transcriptional activation of stress-induced genes. Among them, the heat shock factor (Hsf1p) and the zinc finger proteins of the general stress response (Msn2p and Msn4p) have been shown to play a major role in stress protection. Some heat shock protein (HSP) genes contain both heat shock elements (HSEs) and stress response elements (STREs), suggesting the involvement of both transcription factors in their regulation. Analysis of the stress-induced expression of two of these genes, HSP26 and HSP104, reveals that the contribution of Hsf1p and Msn2/4p is different depending on the gene and the stress condition.

A canonical discriminant analysis to study the association between milk fatty acids of ruminal origin and milk fat depression in dairy cows.

PubMed

Conte, G; Dimauro, C; Serra, A; Macciotta, N P P; Mele, M

2018-04-04

Although milk fat depression (MFD) has been observed and described since the beginning of the last century, all the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved are still not completely understood. Some fatty acids (FA) originating during rumen biohydrogenation have been proposed as causative elements of MFD. However, contradictory results were obtained when studying the effect of single FA on MFD. An alternative could be the simultaneous evaluation of the effect of many FA using a multivariate approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between individual milk FA of ruminal origin and MFD using canonical discriminant analysis, a multivariate technique able to distinguish 2 or more groups on the basis of a pool of variables. In a commercial dairy herd, a diet containing 26% starch on a DM basis induced an unintentional MFD syndrome in 14 cows out of 40. Milk yielded by these 14 animals showed a fat content lower than 50% of the ordinary value, whereas milk production and protein content were normal. The remaining 26 cows secreted typical milk fat content and therefore were considered the control group, even though they ate the same diet. The stepwise discriminant analysis selected 14 milk FA of ruminal origin most able to distinguish the 2 groups. This restricted pool of FA was used, as variables, in a run of the canonical discriminant analysis that was able to significantly discriminate between the 2 groups. Out of the 14 FA, 5 conjugated linoleic acid isomers (C18:2 trans-10,trans-12, C18:2 trans-8,trans-10, C18:2 trans-11,cis-13, C18:2 cis-9,cis-11, C18:2 cis-10,cis-12) and C15:0 iso were more related to the control group, whereas C18:2 trans-10,cis-12, C16:1 trans-6-7, C16:1 trans-9, C18:1 trans-6-8, C18:1 trans-9, C18:1 trans-10, C18:1 cis-11, and C18:3n-3 were positively associated with the MFD group, allowing a complete discrimination. On the basis of these results, we can conclude that (1) the shift of ruminal biohydrogenation from C18:1 trans-11 to C18:1 trans-10 seemed to be strongly associated with MFD; (2) at the same time, other C18:1 trans isomers showed a similar association; (3) on the contrary, conjugated linoleic acid isomers other than C18:2 trans-10,cis-12 seemed to be associated with a normal fat secretion. Results confirmed that MFD is the consequence of a combined effect of the outflow of many ruminal FA, which collectively affect mammary fat synthesis. Because the animals of the 2 groups were fed the same diet, these results suggested that factors other than diet are involved in the MFD syndrome. Feeding behavior (i.e., ability to select dietary ingredients in a total mixed ration), rumen environment and the composition of ruminal bacteria are additional factors able to modify the products of rumen biohydrogenation. Results of the present work confirmed that the multivariate approach can be a useful tool to evaluate a metabolic pathway that involves several parameters, providing interesting suggestions about the role of some FA involved in MFD. However, results about the MFD syndrome obtained in the present research require a deep molecular investigation to be confirmed. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mechanism of estrogen activation of c-myc oncogene expression.

PubMed

Dubik, D; Shiu, R P

1992-08-01

The estrogen receptor complex is a known trans-acting factor that regulates transcription of specific genes through an interaction with a specific estrogen-responsive cis-acting element (ERE). In previous studies we have shown that in estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cells estrogen rapidly activates c-myc expression. This activated expression occurs through enhanced transcription and does not require the synthesis of new protein intermediates; therefore, an ERE is present in the human c-myc gene regulatory region. To localize the ERE, constructs containing varying lengths of the c-myc 5'-flanking region ranging from -2327 to +25 (relative to the P1 promoter) placed adjacent to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase reporter gene (CAT) were prepared. They were used in transient transfection studies in MCF-7 and HeLa cells co-transfected with an estrogen receptor expression vector. These studies reveal that all constructs containing the P2 promoter region exhibited estrogen-regulated CAT expression and that a 116-bp region upstream and encompassing the P2 TATA box is necessary for this activity. Analysis of this 116-bp region failed to identify a cis-acting element with sequences resembling the consensus ERE; however, co-transfection studies with mutant estrogen receptor expression vectors showed that the DNA-binding domain of the receptor is essential for estrogen-regulated CAT gene expression. We have also observed that anti-estrogen receptor complexes can weakly trans-activate from this 116-bp region but fail to do so from the ERE-containing ApoVLDLII-CAT construct. To explain these results we propose a new mechanism of estrogen trans-activation in the c-myc gene promoter.

Multilocus genotyping identifies a highly homogeneous phytoplasma lineage associated with sweet cherry virescence disease in China and its carriage by an erythroneurine leafhopper

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Phytoplasmas are a diverse group of insect-transmitted, cell wall-less bacteria that colonize plant phloem sieve elements and cause numerous diseases in economically important crops. Living a trans-kingdom parasitic life, phytoplasmas possess dynamic genomes and evolve rapidly toward formation of di...

CASTLE Series, 1954.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

Hull Number Off EM Civ Off EM Civ Comments 7.3.7.0 Landing Ship Dock Belle Grove (LSD-2) 20 318 0 19 321 0 Boat Pool mother ship; also trans- Element...42.67) (85.34) UPPER LIMIT CLOUD TOP HEIGHT 120 240 (6.58) LOWER LIMIT (73.15) CLOUD TOP HEIGHT 10A00 ft (33.53 kmc ) E E~100 200

Recognition of RNA Editing Sites Is Directed by Unique Proteins in Chloroplasts: Biochemical Identification of cis-Acting Elements and trans-Acting Factors Involved in RNA Editing in Tobacco and Pea Chloroplasts

PubMed Central

Miyamoto, Tetsuya; Obokata, Junichi; Sugiura, Masahiro

2002-01-01

RNA editing in higher-plant chloroplasts involves C-to-U conversions at specific sites. Although in vivo analyses have been performed, little is known about the biochemical aspects of chloroplast editing reactions. Here we improved our original in vitro system and devised a procedure for preparing active chloroplast extracts not only from tobacco plants but also from pea plants. Using our tobacco in vitro system, cis-acting elements were defined for psbE and petB mRNAs. Distinct proteins were found to bind specifically to each cis-element, a 56-kDa protein to the psbE site and a 70-kDa species to the petB site. Pea chloroplasts lack the corresponding editing site in psbE since T is already present in the DNA. Parallel in vitro analyses with tobacco and pea extracts revealed that the pea plant has no editing activity for psbE mRNAs and lacks the 56-kDa protein, whereas petB mRNAs are edited and the 70-kDa protein is also present. Therefore, coevolution of an editing site and its cognate trans-factor was demonstrated biochemically in psbE mRNA editing between tobacco and pea plants. PMID:12215530

Participation of Water in the Binding of Estrogen Receptor with Estrogen Responsive Element in vitro.

PubMed

Zhu, Guo-Zhang; Tang, Guo-Qing; Ruan, Kang-Cheng; Gong, Yue-Ting; Zhang, Yong-Lian

1998-01-01

Many reports have showed that bound water was involved in the interaction between/among the macromolecules. However, it has not been reported whether bound water is also involved in the binding of trans-factors and cis-elements in the regulation of the eukaryotic gene trans-cription or not. Preliminary studies have been made on the effect of bound water on the binding of estrogen receptor with estrogen responsive element in vitro. In the gel retardation assay using the cytosol extract of rat uterus as the supplier of estrogen receptor and 32 bp oligonucleotide containing a concensus vitellogenin A(2) ERE as the probe, various cosolvents, such as glycerol, sucrose, N-dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide, were added respectively to the reaction mixture in varying concentrations to regulate the osmotic pressure. The results indicated that the binding of ER-ERE was enhanced with the increase in the final concentration of these individual cosolvents. On the other hand, when the reaction was carried out under an increasing hydrostatic pressure, the ER-ERE binding was decreased sharply. After decompression the binding of ER-ERE was gradually restored to the normal level with the lapse of time. These results suggested that bound water was directly involved in the binding of ER-ERE and may play an important role in the regulation of the eukaryotic gene transcription.

Biogeochemical Processes in Steppe Landscapes of the Ergeni Upland in the Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinin, P. I.; Kudrevatykh, I. Yu.; Vagapov, I. M.; Borisov, A. V.; Alekseev, A. O.

2018-05-01

A soil catena was studied on the Ergeni Upland; the soils and plants were sampled in five dependent points. The contents of macro- and microelements in them were determined. It was found that the radial (vertical) geochemical migration predominates in the eluvial positions of the catena, and the lateral geochemical migration predominates in the transeluvial and transeluvial-accumulative positions. Plants of the Poa L. genus intensely accumulated elements within the eluvial part of the catena, whereas plants of the Artemisia genus were element accumulators within the trans-superaquatic position. Plants of the Artemisia genus were generally characterized by a higher coefficient of the biological uptake of elements in all parts of the catena, except for the eluvial position, where this parameter was higher for plants from the Poa L genus. A rise in the magnetic susceptibility of the soil profile relative to the parent material was the highest in the eluvial position and the lowest in the trans-superaquatic position. A comparative analysis of geochemical ratios for modern soils showed that they are determined by the topographic position of the given point. However, the gradient of variations for surface soils is much smaller in comparison with that for buried soils indicative of the climatic fluctuations. The obtained geochemical indicators can be used for comparative analysis of buried soils found not only on the divides but also in the subordinate landscape positions.

The trans-activator RNF12 and cis-acting elements effectuate X chromosome inactivation independent of X-pairing.

PubMed

Barakat, Tahsin Stefan; Loos, Friedemann; van Staveren, Selma; Myronova, Elvira; Ghazvini, Mehrnaz; Grootegoed, J Anton; Gribnau, Joost

2014-03-20

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female placental mammals is a vital mechanism for dosage compensation between X-linked and autosomal genes. XCI starts with activation of Xist and silencing of the negative regulator Tsix, followed by cis spreading of Xist RNA over the future inactive X chromosome (Xi). Here, we show that XCI does not require physical contact between the two X chromosomes (X-pairing) but is regulated by trans-acting diffusible factors. We found that the X-encoded trans-acting and dose-dependent XCI-activator RNF12 acts in concert with the cis-regulatory region containing Jpx, Ftx, and Xpr to activate Xist and to overcome repression by Tsix. RNF12 acts at two subsequent steps; two active copies of Rnf12 drive initiation of XCI, and one copy needs to remain active to maintain XCI toward establishment of the Xi. This two-step mechanism ensures that XCI is very robust and fine-tuned, preventing XCI of both X chromosomes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tailings dams stability analysis using numerical modelling of geotechnical and geophysical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihai, S.; Zlagnean, M.; Oancea, I.; Petrescu, A.

2009-04-01

Methods for monitoring seepage and detecting internal erosion are essential for the safety evaluation of embankment dams. Internal erosion is one of the major reasons for embankment dam failures, and there are thousands of large tailings dams and waste-rock dumps in the world that may pe considered as hotspots for environmental impact. In this research the geophysical survey works were performed on Cetatuia 2 tailings dam. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) method was able to detect spatially anomalous zones inside the embankment dam. These anomalies are the results of internal erosion phenomena which may progressing inside the dam and is difficult to detect by conventional methods. Data aquired by geophysical survey together with their interpretations were used in the numerical model for slope stability assessment. The final results show us the structural weakness induced by the presence of internal erosion elements especially for seismic loading case. This research methodology may be also available for tailings dam monitoring purposes. Electrical Rezistivity Imaging (ERI) was performed on Cetatuia 2 dam at the Uranium Milling Plant Feldioara, in order to map areas with lateral and vertical changes in resistivity. The electrodes are connected to an automated computer operated switch box that selects the 4 electrodes to be used. A computer controls the switch box and the measuring device, and runs a program that selects the electrodes, makes the measurement, and stores the measurement. For inversion processing procedures was used Res2Din software. The measured resistivity were plotted by the pseudo section contouring method. There are five resistivity pseudosections obtained from the Cetatuia 2 tailings dam during the october 2007 measurements. Four transversal profiles trans1 to trans4 are perpendicular to the berms and the longitudinal one long1 is placed along dam's crest. The high resistivities near the berms surfaces corresponds to unsaturated fill materials and the low resistivities near the crest correspond to water saturated material. The resistivities values greater then 80 ohm.m may be explained by some error obtained for that inversion model. Profiles trans3 and trans4 were measured on perpendicular directions to berm alignment and show two distinct zones. The upward low resistivities zone correspond to water saturated materials especially from the compacted clay dam's core and the downward high resistivities zone belongs to unsaturated fill materials. The boundary between high and low resistivity at the depth of about 5 to 7 meters shows the groundwater level. The continuation of the high resistivity zones towards the end of the profile trans3, which is different from other profiles is probably due to the presence of dry coarse materials in shallow depth correspondingly to sandy clay. The sand fractions from the clay matrix may be affected by internal erosional phenomena, due to seepage currents that overpassed the material critical gradient. In this case the relative high resistivities values were considered as a presumptive erosional pattern. This profile was considered for the slope stability finite element modelling. The profile long1 which is placed along dam's crest is the longest profiles and extends up to nearly 420 m. The boundary between high and low resistivity at the depth of about 4 to 8 meters shows the groundwater across the dam core. The central part of the profile (about meter 200) shows the same relative high resistivities that occurred on transversal profile trans3. Resistivity data was used for building the 3D electrical resistivity model. The water saturated materials have locations very close to dam's crest (resistivity values usually lower then 10 ohm.m) and on both dam's arms. The groundwater levels were confirmed by the piezometric measurements. Electrical Rezistivity Imaging method had the possibility to show the most important disturbant elements that in certain conditions may weak the dam's state of safety. This study considered the SSR (Shear Strength Reduction) technique for slope stability numerical modelling. In the SSR finite element technique, elasto-plastic strength is assumed for dam's materials and shear strengths are progressively reduced until collapse occurs. Numerical modelling was performed on the most critical profile choosed through analysis of geophysical and geotechnical informational volume achieved by insitu or in laboratory tests. Finite element analysis were considered in two situations: first, before geophysical investigations and second considering the whole informational of data achieved. Both situations were analysed in static and pseudo-static conditions. The factor of safety before geophysical investigations is high enough to describe a stable state of stability even for the seismic load. The total displacement distributions were modified by the presence of internal erosional element giving a high state of instability, especially for the pseudo-static case. These analysis using the finite element method prove the importance of structural disturbance elements that may occure inside the dam body produced by internal erosional processes.

Cis elements and trans-acting factors involved in the RNA dimerization of the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1.

PubMed

Darlix, J L; Gabus, C; Nugeyre, M T; Clavel, F; Barré-Sinoussi, F

1990-12-05

The retroviral genome consists of two identical RNA molecules joined at their 5' ends by the Dimer Linkage Structure (DLS). To study the mechanism of dimerization and the DLS of HIV-1 RNA, large amounts of bona fide HIV-1 RNA and of mutants have been synthesized in vitro. We report that HIV-1 RNA forms dimeric molecules and that viral nucleocapsid (NC) protein NCp15 greatly activates dimerization. Deletion mutagenesis in the RNA 5' 1333 nucleotides indicated that a small domain of 100 nucleotides, located between positions 311 to 415 from the 5' end, is necessary and sufficient to promote HIV-1 RNA dimerization. This dimerization domain encompasses an encapsidation element located between the 5' splice donor site and initiator AUG of gag and shows little sequence variations in different strains of HIV-1. Furthermore, cross-linking analysis of the interactions between NC and HIV-1 RNA (311 to 415) locates a major contact site in the encapsidation element of HIV-1 RNA. The genomic RNA dimer is tightly associated with nucleocapsid protein molecules in avian and murine retroviruses, and this ribonucleoprotein structure is believed to be the template for reverse transcription. Genomic RNA-protein interactions have been analyzed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virions and results showed that NC protein molecules are tightly bound to the genomic RNA dimer. Since retroviral RNA dimerization and packaging appear to be under the control of the same cis element, the encapsidation sequences, and trans-acting factor, the NC protein, they are probably related events in the course of virion assembly.

Essential and non-essential elements in natural vegetation in southern Norway: contribution from different sources.

PubMed

Nordløkken, Marit; Berg, Torunn; Flaten, Trond Peder; Steinnes, Eiliv

2015-01-01

Concentrations of essential and non-essential elements in five widespread species of natural boreal vegetation were studied with respect to seasonal variation and contribution from different sources. The plant species included in the study were Betula pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Vaccinium uliginosum, Calluna vulgaris and Deschampsia flexuosa. Concentrations of elements essential to plants remained essentially constant or decreased slightly throughout the growing season. Concentrations of most non-essential elements increased or tended to increase on a dry mass basis from June to July as well as from July to September. The increasing trend for these elements was observed for all species except C. vulgaris. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the material indicated a common source for many of the non-essential elements; Sc, Ti, V, Ga, As, Y, Sb, lanthanides, Pb, Bi, and U, i.e. both elements presumably of geogenic origin and elements associated with trans-boundary air pollution. Uptake by plant roots appeared to be the main source of nutrient elements as well as some non-essential elements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Item Description: ISS TransHab Restraint Sample and Photo Documentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, Constance

2000-01-01

The yellow strap seen in the display is a piece of the main restraint layer of a test article for the ISS TransHab spacecraft, First conceived as a technology which is capable of supporting a [human] crew of six on an extended space journey such as the six-month trip to Mars, TransHab (short for "Transit habitat") is the first space inflatable module ever designed. As this text is written it is being considered as a replacement for the Habitation module on the International Space Station (ISS). It constitutes a major breakthrough both in technology and in tectonics: capable of tight packaging at light weight for efficient launch, the vehicle can then be inflated to its full size on orbit via its own inflation tanks. This is made possible by the separation of its main structural elements from its pressure-shell. In other words, all spacecraft flown to date have been of an exoskeletal type---i.e., its hard outer shell acts both as a pressure container and as its main channel for structural loading This includes the ISS, which is currently under construction in Low Earth Orbit [275 miles above the Earth]. By contrast TransHab is the first endoskeletal space Habitat, consisting of a dual system: a light, reconfigurable central structure of graphite composite and a multilayered, deployable pressure shell.

Water-quality assessment of the Rio Grande Valley, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas; organic compounds and trace elements in bed sediment and fish tissue, 1992-93

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carter, L.F.; Anderholm, S.K.

1997-01-01

The occurrence and distribution of contaminants in aquatic systems are major components of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. Bed-sediment samples were collected at 18 sites in the Rio Grande Valley study unit between September 1992 and March 1993 to characterize the geographic distribution of organic compounds, including chlorinated insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and other chlorinated hydrocarbons, and also trace elements. Two-millimeter-size- fraction sediment was analyzed for organic compounds and less than 63-micron-size-fraction sediment was analyzed for trace elements. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in 33 percent of the bed-sediment samples. With the exception of DDT-related compounds, no other organochlorine insecticides or polychlorinated biphenyls were detected in samples of bed sediment. Whole-body fish samples were collected at 11 of the bed- sediment sites and analyzed for organic compounds. Organic compounds were reported more frequently in samples of fish, and more types of organic compounds were found in whole-body fish samples than in bed-sediment samples. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in 91 percent of whole-body fish samples. Polychlorinated biphenyls, cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, trans- nonachlor, and hexachlorobenzene were other organic compounds detected in whole-body samples of fish from at least one site. Because of the extent of mineralized areas in the Rio Grande Basin arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc concentrations in bed-sediment samples could represent natural conditions at most sites. However, a combination of natural conditions and human activities appears to be associated with elevated trace-element concentrations in the bed-sediment sample from the site Rio Grande near Creede, Colorado, because this sample exceeded the background trace-element concentrations calculated for this study. Fish-liver samples were collected at 12 of the bed-sediment sites and analyzed for trace elements. Certain trace elements were detected at higher concentrations in fish-liver samples than in bed-sediment samples from the same site. Both bed-sediment and fish-tissue samples are necessary for a complete environmental assessment of the occurrence and distribution of trace elements.

An ancient trans-kingdom horizontal transfer of Penelope -like retroelements from arthropods to conifers

Treesearch

Xuan Lin; Nurul Faridi; Claudio Casola

2016-01-01

Comparative genomics analyses empowered by the wealth of sequenced genomes have revealed numerous instances of horizontal DNA transfers between distantly related species. In  eukaryotes, repetitive DNA sequences known as transposable elements (TEs) are especially prone to  move across species boundaries. Such horizontal transposon transfers, or HTTs, are relatively  ...

Optical Input/Electrical Output Memory Elements based on a Liquid Crystalline Azobenzene Polymer.

PubMed

Mosciatti, Thomas; Bonacchi, Sara; Gobbi, Marco; Ferlauto, Laura; Liscio, Fabiola; Giorgini, Loris; Orgiu, Emanuele; Samorì, Paolo

2016-03-01

Responsive polymer materials can change their properties when subjected to external stimuli. In this work, thin films of thermotropic poly(metha)acrylate/azobenzene polymers are explored as active layer in light-programmable, electrically readable memories. The memory effect is based on the reversible modifications of the film morphology induced by the photoisomerization of azobenzene mesogenic groups. When the film is in the liquid crystalline phase, the trans → cis isomerization induces a major surface reorganization on the mesoscopic scale that is characterized by a reduction in the effective thickness of the film. The film conductivity is measured in vertical two-terminal devices in which the polymer is sandwiched between a Au contact and a liquid compliant E-GaIn drop. We demonstrate that the trans → cis isomerization is accompanied by a reversible 100-fold change in the film conductance. In this way, the device can be set in a high- or low-resistance state by light irradiation at different wavelengths. This result paves the way toward the potential use of poly(metha)acrylate/azobenzene polymer films as active layer for optical input/electrical output memory elements.

Synthesis and characterization of fac-[M(CO)3(P)(OO)] and cis-trans-[M(CO)2(P)2(OO)] complexes (M = Re, (99m)Tc) with acetylacetone and curcumin as OO donor bidentate ligands.

PubMed

Triantis, Charalampos; Tsotakos, Theodoros; Tsoukalas, Charalampos; Sagnou, Marina; Raptopoulou, Catherine; Terzis, Aris; Psycharis, Vassilis; Pelecanou, Maria; Pirmettis, Ioannis; Papadopoulos, Minas

2013-11-18

The synthesis and characterization of neutral mixed ligand complexes fac-[M(CO)3(P)(OO)] and cis-trans-[M(CO)2(P)2(OO)] (M = Re, (99m)Tc), with deprotonated acetylacetone or curcumin as the OO donor bidentate ligands and a phosphine (triphenylphosphine or methyldiphenylphosphine) as the monodentate P ligand, is described. The complexes were synthesized through the corresponding fac-[M(CO)3(H2O)(OO)] (M = Re, (99m)Tc) intermediate aqua complex. In the presence of phosphine, replacement of the H2O molecule of the intermediate complex at room temperature generates the neutral tricarbonyl monophosphine fac-[Re(CO)3(P)(OO)] complex, while under reflux conditions further replacement of the trans to the phosphine carbonyl generates the new stable dicarbonyl bisphosphine complex cis-trans-[Re(CO)2(P)2(OO)]. The Re complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic methods, and X-ray crystallography showing a distorted octahedral geometry around Re. Both the monophosphine and the bisphosphine complexes of curcumin show selective binding to β-amyloid plaques of Alzheimer's disease. At the (99m)Tc tracer level, the same type of complexes, fac-[(99m)Tc(CO)3(P)(OO)] and cis-trans-[(99m)Tc(CO)2(P)2(OO)], are formed introducing new donor combinations for (99m)Tc(I). Overall, β-diketonate and phosphine constitute a versatile ligand combination for Re(I) and (99m)Tc(I), and the successful employment of the multipotent curcumin as β-diketone provides a solid example of the pharmacological potential of this system.

Comparative Genome Analyses of Streptococcus suis Isolates from Endocarditis Demonstrate Persistence of Dual Phenotypic Clones

PubMed Central

Tohya, Mari; Watanabe, Takayasu; Maruyama, Fumito; Arai, Sakura; Ota, Atsushi; Athey, Taryn B. T.; Fittipaldi, Nahuel; Nakagawa, Ichiro; Sekizaki, Tsutomu

2016-01-01

Many bacterial species coexist in the same niche as heterogeneous clones with different phenotypes; however, understanding of infectious diseases by polyphenotypic bacteria is still limited. In the present study, encapsulation in isolates of the porcine pathogen Streptococcus suis from persistent endocarditis lesions was examined. Coexistence of both encapsulated and unencapsulated S. suis isolates was found in 26 out of 59 endocarditis samples. The isolates were serotype 2, and belonged to two different sequence types (STs), ST1 and ST28. The genomes of each of the 26 pairs of encapsulated and unencapsulated isolates from the 26 samples were sequenced. The data showed that each pair of isolates had one or more unique nonsynonymous mutations in the cps gene, and the encapsulated and unencapsulated isolates from the same samples were closest to each other. Pairwise comparisons of the sequences of cps genes in 7 pairs of encapsulated and unencapsulated isolates identified insertion/deletions (indels) ranging from one to 104 bp in different cps genes of unencapsulated isolates. Capsule expression was restored in a subset of unencapsulated isolates by complementation in trans with cps expression vectors. Examination of gene content common to isolates indicated that mutation frequency was higher in ST28 pairs than in ST1 pairs. Genes within mobile genetic elements were mutation hot spots among ST28 isolates. Taken all together, our results demonstrate the coexistence of dual phenotype (encapsulated and unencapsulated) bacterial clones and suggest that the dual phenotypes arose independently in each farm by means of spontaneous mutations in cps genes. PMID:27433935

X chromosome inactivation in a female carrier of a 1.28 Mb deletion encompassing the human X inactivation centre.

PubMed

de Hoon, B; Splinter, Erik; Eussen, B; Douben, J C W; Rentmeester, E; van de Heijning, M; Laven, J S E; de Klein, J E M M; Liebelt, J; Gribnau, J

2017-11-05

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a mechanism specifically initiated in female cells to silence one X chromosome, thereby equalizing the dose of X-linked gene products between male and female cells. XCI is regulated by a locus on the X chromosome termed the X-inactivation centre (XIC). Located within the XIC is XIST , which acts as a master regulator of XCI. During XCI, XIST is upregulated on the inactive X chromosome and chromosome-wide cis spreading of XIST leads to inactivation. In mouse, the Xic comprises Xist and all cis -regulatory elements and genes involved in Xist regulation. The activity of the XIC is regulated by trans -acting factors located elsewhere in the genome: X-encoded XCI activators positively regulating XCI, and autosomally encoded XCI inhibitors providing the threshold for XCI initiation. Whether human XCI is regulated through a similar mechanism, involving trans -regulatory factors acting on the XIC has remained elusive so far. Here, we describe a female individual with ovarian dysgenesis and a small X chromosomal deletion of the XIC. SNP-array and targeted locus amplification (TLA) analysis defined the deletion to a 1.28 megabase region, including XIST and all elements and genes that perform cis -regulatory functions in mouse XCI. Cells carrying this deletion still initiate XCI on the unaffected X chromosome, indicating that XCI can be initiated in the presence of only one XIC. Our results indicate that the trans -acting factors required for XCI initiation are located outside the deletion, providing evidence that the regulatory mechanisms of XCI are conserved between mouse and human.This article is part of the themed issue 'X-chromosome inactivation: a tribute to Mary Lyon'. © 2017 The Authors.

Chemical experiments with superheavy elements.

PubMed

Türler, Andreas

2010-01-01

Unnoticed by many chemists, the Periodic Table of the Elements has been extended significantly in the last couple of years and the 7th period has very recently been completed with eka-Rn (element 118) currently being the heaviest element whose synthesis has been reported. These 'superheavy' elements (also called transactinides with atomic number > or = 104 (Rf)) have been artificially synthesized in fusion reactions at accelerators in minute quantities of a few single atoms. In addition, all isotopes of the transactinide elements are radioactive and decay with rather short half-lives. Nevertheless, it has been possible in some cases to investigate experimentally chemical properties of transactinide elements and even synthesize simple compounds. The experimental investigation of superheavy elements is especially intriguing, since theoretical calculations predict significant deviations from periodic trends due to the influence of strong relativistic effects. In this contribution first experiments with hassium (Hs, atomic number 108), copernicium (Cn, atomic number 112) and element 114 (eka-Pb) are reviewed.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils from the surroundings of the Trans-Amazonian Highway, Brazil.

PubMed

de Souza, Edna Santos; Fernandes, Antonio Rodrigues; de Souza Braz, Anderson Martins; Sabino, Lorena Lira Leite; Alleoni, Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú

2015-01-01

The Trans-Amazonian Highway (TAH) is located in the northern region of Brazil, comprising a border region where agricultural, mining, and logging activities are the main activities responsible for fostering economic development, in addition to large hydroelectric plants. Such activities lead to environmental contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Environmental monitoring is only possible through the determination of element contents under natural conditions. Many extraction methods have been proposed to determine PTEs' bioavailability in the soil; however, there is no consensus about which extractor is most suitable. In this study, we determined the contents of PTEs in soils in the surroundings of TAH after mineral extraction with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-triethanolamine (DTPA-TEA), Mehlich I, and Mehlich III solutions. Soil samples were collected in areas of natural vegetation in the vicinity of TAH in the state of Pará, Brazil. Chemical attributes and particle size were determined, besides concentrations of Fe, Al, Mn, and Ti by sulfuric acid digestion, Si after alkaline solution attack, and poorly crystalline Fe, Al, and "free" Fe oxides. Mehlich III solution extracted greater contents from Fe, Al, and Pb as compared to Mehlich I and DTPA-TEA and similar contents from Cd, Mn, Zn, and Cu. Significant correlations were found between concentrations of PTEs and the contents of Fe and Mn oxides as well as organic carbon and soil cation exchange capacity. Contents of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn by the three methods were positively correlated.

Estimation of the size of genetic bottlenecks in cell-to-cell movement of soil-borne wheat mosaic virus and the possible role of the bottlenecks in speeding up selection of variations in trans-acting genes or elements.

PubMed

Miyashita, Shuhei; Kishino, Hirohisa

2010-02-01

Genetic bottlenecks facilitate the fixation and extinction of variants in populations, and viral populations are no exception to this theory. To examine the existence of genetic bottlenecks in cell-to-cell movement of plant RNA viruses, we prepared constructs for Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus RNA2 vectors carrying two different fluorescent proteins, yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) and cyan fluorescent protein (CFP). Coinoculation of host plant leaves with the two RNA2 vectors and the wild-type RNA1 showed separation of the two vector RNA2s, mostly within seven to nine cell-to-cell movements from individual initially coinfected cells. Our statistical analysis showed that the number of viral RNA genomes establishing infection in adjacent cells after the first cell-to-cell movement from an initially infected cell was 5.97 +/- 0.22 on average and 5.02 +/- 0.29 after the second cell-to-cell movement. These results indicate that plant RNA viruses may generally face narrow genetic bottlenecks in every cell-to-cell movement. Furthermore, our model suggests that, rather than suffering from fitness losses caused by the bottlenecks, the plant RNA viruses are utilizing the repeated genetic bottlenecks as an essential element of rapid selection of their adaptive variants in trans-acting genes or elements to respond to host shifting and changes in the growth conditions of the hosts.

A convenient method for the quantitative determination of elemental sulfur in coal by HPLC analysis of perchloroethylene extracts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buchanan, D.H.; Coombs, K.J.; Murphy, P.M.; Chaven, C.

1993-01-01

A convenient method for the quantitative determination of elemental sulfur in coal is described. Elemental sulfur is extracted from the coal with hot perchloroethylene (PCE) (tetrachloroethene, C2Cl4) and quantitatively determined by HPLC analysis on a C18 reverse-phase column using UV detection. Calibration solutions were prepared from sublimed sulfur. Results of quantitative HPLC analyses agreed with those of a chemical/spectroscopic analysis. The HPLC method was found to be linear over the concentration range of 6 ?? 10-4 to 2 ?? 10-2 g/L. The lower detection limit was 4 ?? 10-4 g/L, which for a coal sample of 20 g is equivalent to 0.0006% by weight of coal. Since elemental sulfur is known to react slowly with hydrocarbons at the temperature of boiling PCE, standard solutions of sulfur in PCE were heated with coals from the Argonne Premium Coal Sample program. Pseudo-first-order uptake of sulfur by the coals was observed over several weeks of heating. For the Illinois No. 6 premium coal, the rate constant for sulfur uptake was 9.7 ?? 10-7 s-1, too small for retrograde reactions between solubilized sulfur and coal to cause a significant loss in elemental sulfur isolated during the analytical extraction. No elemental sulfur was produced when the following pure compounds were heated to reflux in PCE for up to 1 week: benzyl sulfide, octyl sulfide, thiane, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, sulfuric acid, or ferrous sulfate. A sluury of mineral pyrite in PCE contained elemental sulfur which increased in concentration with heating time. ?? 1993 American Chemical Society.

Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of α-keto stabilized sulfur ylide: Synthesis, structural, theoretical and catalytic activity studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabounchei, Seyyed Javad; Hashemi, Ali; Sedghi, Asieh; Bayat, Mehdi; Akhlaghi Bagherjeri, Fateme; Gable, Robert W.

2017-05-01

Reaction of dimethyl sulfide with 2, 3‧-dibromoacetophenone led to formation of sulfonium salt [Me2SCH2C(O)C6H4-m-Br]Br (1). The resulted sulfonium salt was treated with NaOH and gave the α-keto stabilized sulfur ylide Me2SC(H)C(O)C6H4-m-Br (2). This ligand was reacted with [MCl2(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) to form the new cis- and trans-[MCl2(ylide)2] (M = Pd (cis- and trans-3), Pt (cis- and trans-4)) complexes. Characterization of the obtained compounds was performed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR. Recrystallization of dichlorobis(ylide) palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes from DMSO solution yielded the crystalline products, which X-ray diffraction data revealed that the both compounds were crystallized as cis-[MCl2(ylide)(DMSO)] (M = Pd (5), Pt (6)) complexes. Also, a theoretical study on structure and nature of the Msbnd C bonding between the Y ligand (ylide) and [MCl2·DMSO] fragments in [YMCl2·DMSO] (M = Pd, Pt) complexes has been reported via NBO and energy-decomposition analysis (EDA). Furthermore, the palladium catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura reaction of various aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids was performed. The results showed that the Pd(II) complexes cis- and trans-3 catalyzed efficiently coupling reactions at low catalyst loading and short reaction time.

Infrared Spectroscopy of Mobility-Selected H+-Gly-Pro-Gly-Gly (GPGG)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masson, Antoine; Kamrath, Michael Z.; Perez, Marta A. S.; Glover, Matthew S.; Rothlisberger, U.; Clemmer, David E.; Rizzo, Thomas R.

2015-09-01

We report the first results from a new instrument capable of acquiring infrared spectra of mobility-selected ions. This demonstration involves using ion mobility to first separate the protonated peptide Gly-Pro-Gly-Gly (GPGG) into two conformational families with collisional cross-sections of 93.8 and 96.8 Å2. After separation, each family is independently analyzed by acquiring the infrared predissociation spectrum of the H2-tagged molecules. The ion mobility and spectroscopic data combined with density functional theory (DFT) based molecular dynamics simulations confirm the presence of one major conformer per family, which arises from cis/ trans isomerization about the proline residue. We induce isomerization between the two conformers by using collisional activation in the drift tube and monitor the evolution of the ion distribution with ion mobility and infrared spectroscopy. While the cis-proline species is the preferred gas-phase structure, its relative population is smaller than that of the trans-proline species in the initial ion mobility drift distribution. This suggests that a portion of the trans-proline ion population is kinetically trapped as a higher energy conformer and may retain structural elements from solution.

Toward the definition of stereochemical requirements for MT2-selective antagonists and partial agonists by studying 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin derivatives.

PubMed

Bedini, Annalida; Lucarini, Simone; Spadoni, Gilberto; Tarzia, Giorgio; Scaglione, Francesco; Dugnani, Silvana; Pannacci, Marilou; Lucini, Valeria; Carmi, Caterina; Pala, Daniele; Rivara, Silvia; Mor, Marco

2011-12-22

New derivatives of 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4-P-PDOT) were prepared and tested on cloned MT1 and MT2 receptors, with the purpose of merging previously reported pharmacophores for nonselective agonists and for MT2-selective antagonists. A 8-methoxy group increases binding affinity of both (±)-cis- and (±)-trans-4-P-PDOT, and it can be bioisosterically replaced by a bromine. Conformational analysis of 8-methoxy-4-P-PDOT by molecular dynamics, supported by NMR data, revealed an energetically favored conformation for the (2S,4S)-cis isomer and a less favorable conformation for the (2R,4S)-trans one, fulfilling the requirements of a pharmacophore model for nonselective melatonin receptor agonists. A new superposition model, including features characteristic of MT2-selective antagonists, suggests that MT1/MT2 agonists and MT2 antagonists can share the same arrangement for their pharmacophoric elements. The model correctly predicted the eutomers of (±)-cis- and (±)-trans-4-P-PDOT. The model was validated by preparing three dihydronaphthalene derivatives, either able or not able to reproduce the putative active conformation of 4-P-PDOT.

Yeast one-hybrid system used to identify the binding proteins for rat glutathione S-transferase P enhancer I.

PubMed

Liao, Ming-Xiang; Liu, Dong-Yuan; Zuo, Jin; Fang, Fu-De

2002-03-01

To detect the trans-factors specifically binding to the strong enhancer element (GPEI) in the upstream of rat glutathione S-transferase P (GST-P) gene. Yeast one-hybrid system was used to screen rat lung MATCHMAKER cDNA library to identify potential trans-factors that can interact with core sequence of GPEI(cGPEI). Electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to analyze the binding of transfactors to cGPEI. cDNA fragments coding for the C-terminal part of the transcription factor c-Jun and rat adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) were isolated. The binding of c-Jun and ANT to GPEI core sequence were confirmed. Rat c-jun transcriptional factor and ANT may interact with cGPEI. They could play an important role in the induced expression of GST-P gene.

The Canada–France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS)—High-latitude Component

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

Petit, J-M.; Kavelaars, J. J.; Gladman, B. J.

The High Ecliptic Latitude (HiLat) extension of the Canada–France Ecliptic Plane Survey (CFEPS), conducted from 2006 June to 2009 July, discovered a set of Trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) that we report here. The HiLat component was designed to address one of the shortcomings of ecliptic surveys (like CFEPS), their low sensitivity to high-inclination objects. We searched 701 deg{sup 2} of sky ranging from 12° to 85° ecliptic latitude and discovered 24 TNOs, with inclinations between 15° and 104°. This survey places a very strong constraint on the inclination distribution of the hot component of the classical Kuiper Belt, ruling out any possibilitymore » of a large intrinsic fraction of highly inclined orbits. Using the parameterization of Brown, the HiLat sample combined with CFEPS imposes a width 14° ≤  σ  ≤ 15.°5, with a best match for σ  = 14.°5. HiLat discovered the first retrograde TNO, 2008 KV{sub 42}, with an almost polar orbit with inclination 104°, and (418993) = 2009 MS{sub 9}, a scattering object with perihelion in the region of Saturn’s influence, with a  ∼ 400 au and i  = 68°.« less

Four regulatory elements in the human c-fos promoter mediate transactivation by HTLV-1 Tax protein.

PubMed

Alexandre, C; Verrier, B

1991-04-01

Expression of the human c-fos proto-oncogene is activated in trans by the Tax protein encoded by human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1). Indeed, we show here that a HeLa clone stably transfected by Tax expresses Fos at a high level. We also show that multiple elements of the human c-fos promoter, i.e. the v-sis conditioned medium inducible element (SIE), the dyad symmetry element (DSE) necessary for growth factor induction, the octanucleotide direct repeat element (DR), and the cyclic AMP response element (CRE) centred at -60, can all mediate Tax transactivation. In the DSE, the 10bp central core that binds the serum response factor (SRF) is, by itself, sufficient to mediate Tax transactivation. Moreover, a CRE-binding protein is involved in Tax activation through the CRE-60 element. Since Fos is a transregulator of cellular genes, our results suggest that the oncoprotein plays a crucial role in T-cell transformation by HTLV-1 in conjunction with other Tax-inducible genes.

Ultra-Heavy Galactic Cosmic Ray Abundances from the SuperTIGER Instrument: evidence for an OB association origin of GCR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Ryan; Supertiger Collaboration

2017-01-01

We report Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) abundances of elements from 26Fe to 40Zr measured by the SuperTIGER (Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder) instrument during 55 days of exposure on a long-duration balloon flight over Antarctica. SuperTIGER measures charge (Z) and energy (E) using a combination of three scintillator and two Cherenkov detectors, and employs a scintillating fiber hodoscope for event trajectory determination. These observations resolve elemental abundances in this charge range with single-element resolution and good statistics. We also derived GCR source abundances, which support a model of cosmic-ray origin in which the source material consists of a mixture of 19-6+ 11 % material from massive stars and 81% normal interstellar medium (ISM) material with solar system abundances. The results also show a preferential acceleration, ordered by atomic mass (A), of refractory elements over volatile elements by a factor of 4. Both the refractory and volatile elements show a mass-dependent enhancement with similar mass dependence. (now AIP Congressional Science Fellow).

Application of human reliability analysis to nursing errors in hospitals.

PubMed

Inoue, Kayoko; Koizumi, Akio

2004-12-01

Adverse events in hospitals, such as in surgery, anesthesia, radiology, intensive care, internal medicine, and pharmacy, are of worldwide concern and it is important, therefore, to learn from such incidents. There are currently no appropriate tools based on state-of-the art models available for the analysis of large bodies of medical incident reports. In this study, a new model was developed to facilitate medical error analysis in combination with quantitative risk assessment. This model enables detection of the organizational factors that underlie medical errors, and the expedition of decision making in terms of necessary action. Furthermore, it determines medical tasks as module practices and uses a unique coding system to describe incidents. This coding system has seven vectors for error classification: patient category, working shift, module practice, linkage chain (error type, direct threat, and indirect threat), medication, severity, and potential hazard. Such mathematical formulation permitted us to derive two parameters: error rates for module practices and weights for the aforementioned seven elements. The error rate of each module practice was calculated by dividing the annual number of incident reports of each module practice by the annual number of the corresponding module practice. The weight of a given element was calculated by the summation of incident report error rates for an element of interest. This model was applied specifically to nursing practices in six hospitals over a year; 5,339 incident reports with a total of 63,294,144 module practices conducted were analyzed. Quality assurance (QA) of our model was introduced by checking the records of quantities of practices and reproducibility of analysis of medical incident reports. For both items, QA guaranteed legitimacy of our model. Error rates for all module practices were approximately of the order 10(-4) in all hospitals. Three major organizational factors were found to underlie medical errors: "violation of rules" with a weight of 826 x 10(-4), "failure of labor management" with a weight of 661 x 10(-4), and "defects in the standardization of nursing practices" with a weight of 495 x 10(-4).

High copy number of highly similar mariner-like transposons in planarian (Platyhelminthe): evidence for a trans-phyla horizontal transfer.

PubMed

Garcia-Fernàndez, J; Bayascas-Ramírez, J R; Marfany, G; Muñoz-Mármol, A M; Casali, A; Baguñà, J; Saló, E

1995-05-01

Several DNA sequences similar to the mariner element were isolated and characterized in the platyhelminthe Dugesia (Girardia) tigrina. They were 1,288 bp long, flanked by two 32 bp-inverted repeats, and contained a single 339 amino acid open-reading frame (ORF) encoding the transposase. The number of copies of this element is approximately 8,000 per haploid genome, constituting a member of the middle-repetitive DNA of Dugesia tigrina. Sequence analysis of several elements showed a high percentage of conservation between the different copies. Most of them presented an intact ORF and the standard signals of actively expressed genes, which suggests that some of them are or have recently been functional transposons. The high degree of similarity shared with other mariner elements from some arthropods, together with the fact that this element is undetectable in other planarian species, strongly suggests a case of horizontal transfer between these two distant phyla.

Mutagenicity evaluation of forty-one metal salts by the umu test.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Akiko; Kohyama, Yuko; Hanawa, Takao

2002-01-01

Metallic biomaterials implanted in a human body may corrode and wear, releasing metal ions and debris which may induce adverse reactions such as inflammation, allergy, neoplastic formation, developmental malformation, etc. Mutagenicity is a very fundamental and important toxicity related to carcinogenicity and reproductive/developmental toxicity because the damages to genes or DNA can be a cause of carcinogenesis and developmental abnormalities. However, available mutagenic data on metallic ions and compounds are restricted to the number of elements. Therefore, to obtain the systematic data necessary for metal ion mutagenicity, 41 metal salts encompassing 36 metals and 5 metallic elements tested with different valences, were evaluated on their mutagenicity by a microbial test, the umu test. As a result, K(2)Cr(2)O(7), RhCl(3), IrCl(4), and MgCl(2) are positive without metabolic activation. Concentrations having the maximum mutagenic effect (C(max)) are 9.65 x 10(-5), 1.00 x 10(-4), 3.11 x 10(-3), 4.12 x 10(-3) mol. L(-1), respectively. CuCl(2), VCl(3), CuCl, RhCl(3), K(2)Cr(2)O(7), and IrCl(4) are positive with metabolic activation by S-9 mix with C(max) of 1.60 x 10(-5), 3.91 x 10(-5), 1.57 x 10(-4), 2.00 x 10(-4), 3.86 x 10(-4), 1.56 x 10(-2) mol. L(-1), respectively. Thirty-five metal salts were negative for tests performed both with and without metabolic activation, whereas it was impossible to evaluate the mutagenicity of MoCl(5) and ZrCl(4) by the umu test because of their colorimetric reaction to testing reagents. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

7 CFR 1717.860 - Lien accommodations and subordinations under section 306E of the RE Act.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... accommodation and including the amount and maturity of the proposed loan, a general description of the... model codes for any buildings to be constructed, as required by 7 CFR 1792.104. All other elements of an...

Extensibility of Human Asteroid Mission to Mars and Other Destinations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDonald, Mark A.; Caram, Jose M.; Lopez, Pedro; Hinkel, Heather D.; Bowie, Jonathan T.; Abell, Paul A.; Drake, Bret G.; Martinez, Roland M.; Chodas, Paul W.; Hack, Kurt;

A quasi-dynamic nonlinear finite element model to investigate prosthetic interface stresses during walking for trans-tibial amputees.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaohong; Zhang, Ming; Li, Xiaobing; Lee, Winson C C

2005-07-01

To predict the interface pressure between residual limb and prosthetic socket for trans-tibial amputees during walking. A quasi-dynamic finite element model was built based on the actual geometry of residual limb, internal bones and socket liner. To simulate the friction/slip boundary conditions between the skin and liner, automated surface-to-surface contact was used. Besides variable external loads and material inertia, the coupling between the large rigid displacement of knee joint and small elastic deformation of residual limb and prosthetic components were also considered. Interface pressure distribution was found to have the same profile during walking. The high pressures fall over popliteal depression, middle patella tendon, lateral tibia and medial tibia regions. Interface pressure predicted by static or quasi-dynamic analysis had the similar double-peaked waveform shape in stance phase. The consideration of inertial effects and motion of knee joint cause 210% average variation of the area between the pressure curve and the horizontal line of pressure threshold between two cases, even though there is only a small change in the peak pressure. The findings in this paper show that the coupling dynamic effects of inertial loads and knee flexion must be considered to study interface pressure between residual limb and prosthetic socket during walking.

77 FR 76173 - Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; State of Washington; Regional Haze State...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-26

...EPA is proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove a Washington Regional Haze Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Washington on December 22, 2010, that addresses regional haze for the first implementation period. This plan was submitted to meet the requirements of Clean Air Act (CAA) sections 169A and 169B that require states to prevent any future and remedy any existing man-made impairment of visibility in mandatory Class I areas. EPA is proposing to: (1) Approve portions of this SIP submittal as meeting most of the requirements of the regional haze program, (2) propose a limited approval and limited disapproval of the SO2 Best Available Retrofit Technology (BART) determination for Intalco Aluminum Corp. (Intalco) potline operation and propose a federal ``Better than BART'' alternative, and (3) propose to disapprove the NOx BART determination for five BART emission units at the Tesoro Refining and Marketing refinery (Tesoro) and propose a federal Better than BART alternative. This combined rule package of proposed SIP approved elements and proposed federal elements will meet the requirements of CAA sections 169A and 169B. On August 20, 2012, EPA approved those provisions of the Washington SIP addressing the BART determination for TransAlta Centralia Generation L.L.C. coal fired power plant (TransAlta).

Spectroscopic studies, fluorescence quenching by molecular oxygen and amplified spontaneous emission of 1,4-bis [2-(2-pyridyl) vinyl] benzene (P2VB) diolefinic laser dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Daly, Samy A.; Ebeid, E. M.

2014-04-01

The UV-visible electronic absorption spectra, molar absorptivity, fluorescence spectra, fluorescence quantum yield and excited state lifetime of 1,4-bis [2-(2-pyridyl) vinyl] benzene P2VB were measured in different solvents. The fluorescence quenching of P2VB by molecular oxygen was also studied using lifetime measurements. A 2 × 10-4 mol dm-3 solution of P2VB in dimethyl formamide (DMF) gave amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in blue spectral region with emission maximum at 420 nm upon pumping by 337.1 nitrogen laser pulse. The photochemical quantum yields (ϕc) of trans-cis photoisomerization of P2VB were calculated in different organic solvents. The photoreactivity of P2VB are also studied PMMA matrix.

Elucidating bonding preferences in tetrakis(imido)uranate(VI) dianions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Nickolas H.; Xie, Jing; Ray, Debmalya; Zeller, Matthias; Gagliardi, Laura; Bart, Suzanne C.

2017-09-01

Actinyl species, [AnO2]2+, are well-known derivatives of the f-block because of their natural occurrence and essential roles in the nuclear fuel cycle. Along with their nitrogen analogues, [An(NR)2]2+, actinyls are characterized by their two strong trans-An-element multiple bonds, a consequence of the inverse trans influence. We report that these robust bonds can be weakened significantly by increasing the number of multiple bonds to uranium, as demonstrated by a family of uranium(VI) dianions bearing four U-N multiple bonds, [M]2[U(NR)4] (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs). Their geometry is dictated by cation coordination and sterics rather than by electronic factors. Multiple bond weakening by the addition of strong π donors has the potential for applications in the processing of high-valent actinyls, commonly found in environmental pollutants and spent nuclear fuels.

Evidence for the packaging of multiple copies of Tf1 mRNA into particles and the trans priming of reverse transcription.

PubMed

Haag, A L; Lin, J H; Levin, H L

2000-08-01

Long terminal repeat (LTR)-containing retrotransposons and retroviruses are close relatives that possess similar mechanisms of reverse transcription. The particles of retroviruses package two copies of viral mRNA that both function as templates for the reverse transcription of the element. We studied the LTR-retrotransposon Tf1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe to test whether multiple copies of transposon mRNA participate in the production of cDNA. Using the unique self-priming property of Tf1, we obtained evidence that multiple copies of Tf1 mRNA were packaged into virus-like particles. By coexpressing two distinct versions of Tf1, we found that the bulk of reverse transcription that was initiated on one mRNA template was subsequently transferred to others. In addition, the first 11 nucleotides of one mRNA were able to prime, in trans, the reverse transcription of another mRNA.

2013 Review of Neutron and Non-Neutron Nuclear Data

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

Holden, N. E.

2014-05-23

The results of a review and evaluation of neutron and non-neutron nuclear data published in the scientific literature over the past three years since the ISRD-14 Symposium has been performed and the highlights are presented. Included in the data review are the status of new chemical elements, new measurements of the isotopic composition for many chemical elements and the resulting change in the atomic weight values. New half-life measurements for both short-lived and longlived nuclides, some alpha decay and double beta decay measurements for quasistable nuclides are discussed. The latest evaluation of atomic masses has been published. Data from newmore » measurements on the very heavy (trans-meitnerium) elements are discussed and tabulated. Data on various recent neutron cross section and resonance integral measurements are discussed and tabulated.« less

Hyperfine interactions of trans-lead elements studied by nuclear radiations

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

Ansaldo, E.J.

1973-09-16

The applications of nuclear radiation methods to the study of hyperfine interactions (hfi) for elements beyond Pb in the periodic table are reviewed. A general discussion of hfi is presented along with a review of specific methods. The techniques are illustrated whenever possible by their application to the actinides, with emphasis on the unsolved aspects of the results. A special method of sample preparation is ion implantation, in which stable or radioactive ions of practically any element are shot into the host, either by means of isotope separators or the recoil energy of nuclear reactions or radioactive decays. The locationmore » of the implanted (recoiled) atom in the lattice has to be assessed for a reliable determination of the hfi. Therefore, a chapter on the channeling technique is also included. (JRD)« less

Comparative Genomics of Recent Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O104:H4: Short-Term Evolution of an Emerging Pathogen

PubMed Central

Grad, Yonatan H.; Godfrey, Paul; Cerquiera, Gustavo C.; Mariani-Kurkdjian, Patricia; Gouali, Malika; Bingen, Edouard; Shea, Terrence P.; Haas, Brian J.; Griggs, Allison; Young, Sarah; Zeng, Qiandong; Lipsitch, Marc; Waldor, Matthew K.; Weill, François-Xavier; Wortman, Jennifer R.; Hanage, William P.

2013-01-01

ABSTRACT The large outbreak of diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 in Europe from May to July 2011 highlighted the potential of a rarely identified E. coli serogroup to cause severe disease. Prior to the outbreak, there were very few reports of disease caused by this pathogen and thus little known of its diversity and evolution. The identification of cases of HUS caused by E. coli O104:H4 in France and Turkey after the outbreak and with no clear epidemiological links raises questions about whether these sporadic cases are derived from the outbreak. Here, we report genome sequences of five independent isolates from these cases and results of a comparative analysis with historical and 2011 outbreak isolates. These analyses revealed that the five isolates are not derived from the outbreak strain; however, they are more closely related to the outbreak strain and each other than to isolates identified prior to the 2011 outbreak. Over the short time scale represented by these closely related organisms, the majority of genome variation is found within their mobile genetic elements: none of the nine O104:H4 isolates compared here contain the same set of plasmids, and their prophages and genomic islands also differ. Moreover, the presence of closely related HUS-associated E. coli O104:H4 isolates supports the contention that fully virulent O104:H4 isolates are widespread and emphasizes the possibility of future food-borne E. coli O104:H4 outbreaks. PMID:23341549

SmartR: an open-source platform for interactive visual analytics for translational research data

PubMed Central

Herzinger, Sascha; Gu, Wei; Satagopam, Venkata; Eifes, Serge; Rege, Kavita; Barbosa-Silva, Adriano; Schneider, Reinhard

2017-01-01

Abstract Summary: In translational research, efficient knowledge exchange between the different fields of expertise is crucial. An open platform that is capable of storing a multitude of data types such as clinical, pre-clinical or OMICS data combined with strong visual analytical capabilities will significantly accelerate the scientific progress by making data more accessible and hypothesis generation easier. The open data warehouse tranSMART is capable of storing a variety of data types and has a growing user community including both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. tranSMART, however, currently lacks interactive and dynamic visual analytics and does not permit any post-processing interaction or exploration. For this reason, we developed SmartR, a plugin for tranSMART, that equips the platform not only with several dynamic visual analytical workflows, but also provides its own framework for the addition of new custom workflows. Modern web technologies such as D3.js or AngularJS were used to build a set of standard visualizations that were heavily improved with dynamic elements. Availability and Implementation: The source code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License and is freely available on GitHub: https://github.com/transmart/SmartR. Contact: reinhard.schneider@uni.lu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. PMID:28334291

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations near the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, east-central Alaska Range, Alaska, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, S. D.; Clague, J. J.; Rabus, B.; Stead, D.

2013-12-01

Multiple, active, deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD) are present near the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Richardson Highway in the east-central Alaska Range, Alaska, USA. We documented spatial and temporal variations in rates of surface movement of the DSGSDs between 2003 and 2011 using RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 D-InSAR images. Deformation rates exceed 10 cm/month over very large areas (>1 km2) of many rock slopes. Recent climatic change and strong seismic shaking, especially during the 2002 M 7.9 Denali Fault earthquake, appear to have exacerbated slope deformation. We also mapped DSGSD geological and morphological characteristics using field- and GIS-based methods, and constructed a conceptual 2D distinct-element numerical model of one of the DSGSDs. Preliminary results indicate that large-scale buckling or kink-band slumping may be occurring. The DSGSDs are capable of generating long-runout landslides that might impact the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Richardson Highway. They could also block tributary valleys, thereby impounding lakes that might drain suddenly. Wrapped 24-day RADARSAT-2 descending spotlight interferogram showing deformation north of Fels Glacier. The interferogram is partially transparent and is overlaid on a 2009 WorldView-1 panchromatic image. Acquisition interval: August 2 - August 26, 2011. UTM Zone 6N.

SmartR: an open-source platform for interactive visual analytics for translational research data.

PubMed

Herzinger, Sascha; Gu, Wei; Satagopam, Venkata; Eifes, Serge; Rege, Kavita; Barbosa-Silva, Adriano; Schneider, Reinhard

2017-07-15

In translational research, efficient knowledge exchange between the different fields of expertise is crucial. An open platform that is capable of storing a multitude of data types such as clinical, pre-clinical or OMICS data combined with strong visual analytical capabilities will significantly accelerate the scientific progress by making data more accessible and hypothesis generation easier. The open data warehouse tranSMART is capable of storing a variety of data types and has a growing user community including both academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies. tranSMART, however, currently lacks interactive and dynamic visual analytics and does not permit any post-processing interaction or exploration. For this reason, we developed SmartR , a plugin for tranSMART, that equips the platform not only with several dynamic visual analytical workflows, but also provides its own framework for the addition of new custom workflows. Modern web technologies such as D3.js or AngularJS were used to build a set of standard visualizations that were heavily improved with dynamic elements. The source code is licensed under the Apache 2.0 License and is freely available on GitHub: https://github.com/transmart/SmartR . reinhard.schneider@uni.lu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

Synthesis and molecular structure of a zinc complex of the vitamin K3 analogue phthiocol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kathawate, Laxmi; Sproules, Stephen; Pawar, Omkar; Markad, Ganesh; Haram, Santosh; Puranik, Vedavati; Salunke-Gawali, Sunita

2013-09-01

The complex [Zn(phthiocol)2(H2O)2]; 1, where phthiocol is 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, electrochemical and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The νCO stretch shifts to lower frequencies upon complexation of phthiocol to Zn2+. 1H NMR spectra show an upfield shift of the benzenoid ring protons in 1. There is a bathochromic shift of the LMCT band in the UV-vis spectra of 1. Single crystal X-ray structure of 1 show distorted octahedral geometry around Zn2+. Two phthiocol ligands are in plane with the metal, while water molecules are trans to this plane. Coordination of deprotonated phthiocol ligands is 'trans, trans' to Zn2+. Intra as well as intermolecular interactions are observed in 1. Molecules of 1 show three dimensional network through CH⋯O and OH⋯O interactions. Additional anodic peaks are observed in cyclic voltammogram of phthiocol ligand due to oxidation of reduced species formed during reduction. One-electron reduction of 1 is shown to be reversible and DFT studies define this redox event as ligand-centered.

Elastic, Optoelectronic and Thermoelectric Properties of the Lead-Free Halide Semiconductors Cs2AgBi X 6 ( X = Cl, Br): Ab Initio Investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guechi, N.; Bouhemadou, A.; Bin-Omran, S.; Bourzami, A.; Louail, L.

2018-02-01

We report a detailed investigation of the elastic moduli, electronic band structure, density of states, chemical bonding, electron and hole effective masses, optical response functions and thermoelectric properties of the lead-free halide double perovskites Cs2AgBiCl6 and Cs2AgBiBr6 using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBEsol) and the Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential. Because of the presence of heavy elements in the studied compounds, we include the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect. Our calculated structural parameters agree very well with the available experimental and theoretical findings. Single-crystal and polycrystalline elastic constants are predicted using the total-energy versus strain approach. Three-dimensional representations of the crystallographic direction dependence on the shear modulus, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio demonstrate a noticeable elastic anisotropy. The TB-mBJ potential with SOC yields an indirect band gap of 2.44 (1.93) eV for Cs2AgBiCl6 (Cs2AgBiBr6), in good agreement with the existing experimental data. The chemical bonding features are probed via density of states and valence electron density distribution calculations. Optical response functions were predicted from the calculated band structure. Both of the investigated compounds have a significant absorption coefficient (˜ 25 × 104 {cm}^{ - 1} ) in the visible range of sunlight. The thermoelectric properties of the title compounds were investigated using the FP-LAPW approach in combination with the semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory. The Cs2AgBiCl6 and Cs2AgBiBr6 compounds have a large thermopower S, which makes them potential candidates for thermoelectric applications.

USAF Summer Faculty Research Program. 1980. Research Reports. Volume II.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-10-01

Radiation Damage Profiles and Annealing Dr. Samuel C. Ling Effects of 120 keV Sulfur Implants in GaAs 45 Finite Element Modeling of Elastic-Plastic Dr...described more fully in a later section. II. OBJECTIVES: Laboratory management is acutely aware of the shortcomings of the current informational processes...are fixed, there are only two modes of heat trans- fer - radiation and conduction. At the low temperatures necessary for superconductivity, radiation

Analysis of Transient Electromagnetic Scattering from Three Dimensional Cavities

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

New York, 2002. [24] J. Jin and J. L. Volakis, A hybrid finite element method for scattering and radiation by micro strip patch antennas and arrays...applications such as the design of cavity-backed conformal antennas and the deliberate control in the form of enhancement or reduction of radar cross...electromagnetic scattering analysis, IEEE Trans. Antennas Propagat., 50 (2002), pp. 1192–1202. [22] J. Jin, Electromagnetic scattering from large, deep, and

Defense Reform: Supporting the Whole-of-Government Approach in Tomorrow’s Crisis

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-03-29

government approach to trans-regional, multi-domain, and multi-functional threats. In addition to keeping military and political focus on broader...structure with more subordinate commands and less multi-domain and multi-functional integration, or in this case , vertical integration. Relying on ... APPROACH IN TOMORROW’S CRISIS 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) Lt Col John B

Adoption and Design of Emerging Dietary Policies to Improve Cardiometabolic Health in the US.

PubMed

Huang, Yue; Pomeranz, Jennifer; Wilde, Parke; Capewell, Simon; Gaziano, Tom; O'Flaherty, Martin; Kersh, Rogan; Whitsel, Laurie; Mozaffarian, Dariush; Micha, Renata

2018-04-14

Suboptimal diet is a leading cause of cardiometabolic disease and economic burdens. Evidence-based dietary policies within 5 domains-food prices, reformulation, marketing, labeling, and government food assistance programs-appear promising at improving cardiometabolic health. Yet, the extent of new dietary policy adoption in the US and key elements crucial to define in designing such policies are not well established. We created an inventory of recent US dietary policy cases aiming to improve cardiometabolic health and assessed the extent of their proposal and adoption at federal, state, local, and tribal levels; and categorized and characterized the key elements in their policy design. Recent federal dietary policies adopted to improve cardiometabolic health include reformulation (trans-fat elimination), marketing (mass-media campaigns to increase fruits and vegetables), labeling (Nutrition Facts Panel updates, menu calorie labeling), and food assistance programs (financial incentives for fruits and vegetables in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program). Federal voluntary guidelines have been proposed for sodium reformulation and food marketing to children. Recent state proposals included sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes, marketing restrictions, and SNAP restrictions, but few were enacted. Local efforts varied significantly, with certain localities consistently leading in the proposal or adoption of relevant policies. Across all jurisdictions, most commonly selected dietary targets included fruits and vegetables, SSBs, trans-fat, added sugar, sodium, and calories; other healthy (e.g., nuts) or unhealthy (e.g., processed meats) factors were largely not addressed. Key policy elements to define in designing these policies included those common across domains (e.g., level of government, target population, dietary target, dietary definition, implementation mechanism), and domain-specific (e.g., media channels for food marketing domain) or policy-specific (e.g., earmarking for taxes) elements. Characteristics of certain elements were similarly defined (e.g., fruit and vegetable definition, warning language used in SSB warning labels), while others varied across cases within a policy (e.g., tax base for SSB taxes). Several key elements were not always sufficiently characterized in government documents, and dietary target selections and definitions did not consistently align with the evidence-base. These findings highlight recent action on dietary policies to improve cardiometabolic health in the US; and key elements necessary to design such policies.

Building Stories about Sea Level Rise through Interactive Visualizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stephens, S. H.; DeLorme, D. E.; Hagen, S. C.

2013-12-01

Digital media provide storytellers with dynamic new tools for communicating about scientific issues via interactive narrative visualizations. While traditional storytelling uses plot, characterization, and point of view to engage audiences with underlying themes and messages, interactive visualizations can be described as 'narrative builders' that promote insight through the process of discovery (Dove, G. & Jones, S. 2012, Proc. IHCI 2012). Narrative visualizations are used in online journalism to tell complex stories that allow readers to select aspects of datasets to explore and construct alternative interpretations of information (Segel, E. & Heer, J. 2010, IEEE Trans. Vis. Comp. Graph.16, 1139), thus enabling them to participate in the story-building process. Nevertheless, narrative visualizations also incorporate author-selected narrative elements that help guide and constrain the overall themes and messaging of the visualization (Hullman, J. & Diakopoulos, N. 2011, IEEE Trans. Vis. Comp. Graph. 17, 2231). One specific type of interactive narrative visualization that is used for science communication is the sea level rise (SLR) viewer. SLR viewers generally consist of a base map, upon which projections of sea level rise scenarios can be layered, and various controls for changing the viewpoint and scenario parameters. They are used to communicate the results of scientific modeling and help readers visualize the potential impacts of SLR on the coastal zone. Readers can use SLR viewers to construct personal narratives of the effects of SLR under different scenarios in locations that are important to them, thus extending the potential reach and impact of scientific research. With careful selection of narrative elements that guide reader interpretation, the communicative aspects of these visualizations may be made more effective. This presentation reports the results of a content analysis of a subset of existing SLR viewers selected in order to comprehensively identify and characterize the narrative elements that contribute to this storytelling medium. The results describe four layers of narrative elements in these viewers: data, visual representations, annotations, and interactivity; and explain the ways in which these elements are used to communicate about SLR. Most existing SLR viewers have been designed with attention to technical usability; however, careful design of narrative elements could increase their overall effectiveness as story-building tools. The analysis concludes with recommendations for narrative elements that should be considered when designing new SLR viewers, and offers suggestions for integrating these components to balance author-driven and reader-driven design features for more effective messaging.

[Induction of free radicals after dietary exposure by mercury contaminated rice and protective effect of coexisting selenium].

PubMed

Ji, Xiu-ling; Cheng, Jin-ping; Wang, Wen-hua; Qu, Li-ya; Zhao, Xiao-xiang; Zhuang, Hui-sheng

2006-10-01

Sprague-Dawley rats were reared by environmental mercury contaminated rice to survey the potential health risk of Wanshan mercury mining area. Electron spin resonance (ESR) was introduced to detect the species and the intensities of free radicals, using spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO). The results showed that the mercury-contaminated rice significantly increased the levels of free radicals and MDA in rat brain at 7 days (p < 0.05). ESR spectrums showed that the principal spin adducts resulted from the trapping of alkyl free radical (alphaH = 22.7 x 10(-4)T +/- 1.6 x 10(-4)T, alphaN = 15.5 x 10(-4)T +/- 0.5 x 10(-4)T), and hydroxyl radical. Levels of free radicals and MDA increased slowly until after 90-day exposure period (83%, 100%). Element correlation analysis showed high correlations of mercury and selenium in the brain of rat fed with Wanshan rice, suggesting that the coexisting selenium in rice exhibited antagonistic effects on both mercury accumulation and toxicity. The slight increases of free radicals in rat brain at 7, 20 and 30-day exposure periods should be related with the scavenger effect of Se.

Caspase inhibitors affect the kinetics and dimensions of tracheary elements in xylogenic Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) cell cultures.

PubMed

Twumasi, Peter; Iakimova, Elena T; Qian, Tian; van Ieperen, Wim; Schel, Jan H N; Emons, Anne Mie C; van Kooten, Olaf; Woltering, Ernst J

2010-08-06

The xylem vascular system is composed of fused dead, hollow cells called tracheary elements (TEs) that originate through trans-differentiation of root and shoot cambium cells. TEs undergo autolysis as they differentiate and mature. The final stage of the formation of TEs in plants is the death of the involved cells, a process showing some similarities to programmed cell death (PCD) in animal systems. Plant proteases with functional similarity to proteases involved in mammalian apoptotic cell death (caspases) are suggested as an integral part of the core mechanism of most PCD responses in plants, but participation of plant caspase-like proteases in TE PCD has not yet been documented. Confocal microscopic images revealed the consecutive stages of TE formation in Zinnia cells during trans-differentiation. Application of the caspase inhibitors Z-Asp-CH2-DCB, Ac-YVAD-CMK and Ac-DEVD-CHO affected the kinetics of formation and the dimensions of the TEs resulting in a significant delay of TE formation, production of larger TEs and in elimination of the 'two-wave' pattern of TE production. DNA breakdown and appearance of TUNEL-positive nuclei was observed in xylogenic cultures and this was suppressed in the presence of caspase inhibitors. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report showing that caspase inhibitors can modulate the process of trans-differentiation in Zinnia xylogenic cell cultures. As caspase inhibitors are closely associated with cell death inhibition in a variety of plant systems, this suggests that the altered TE formation results from suppression of PCD. The findings presented here are a first step towards the use of appropriate PCD signalling modulators or related molecular genetic strategies to improve the hydraulic properties of xylem vessels in favour of the quality and shelf life of plants or plant parts.

Element Abundances in the Galactic Cosmic Rays with Atomic Number (Z) in the Interval 30 is less than or equal to Z is less than or equal to 40

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbier, Louis; Binns, W. R.; Christian, E.; deNolfo, G.; Geier, S.; Israel, M. H.; Link, J. T.; Mewaldt, R. A.; Mitchell, J.; Rauch, B. F.

2004-01-01

We present new results on the elemental abundances of galactic cosmic rays with atomic number, Z, greater than 30, and comparison of these observations with abundances expected from galactic propagation of various suggested models of the cosmic-ray source. We combine preliminary results from the 2003-04 flight of the Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (TIGER) cosmic-ray detector with previously reported results from the 2001-02 flight. This instrument flew over Antarctica for nearly 32 days at a mean atmospheric depth of 5.2 mb in December 2001 - January 2002. At the time of submission of this abstract, January 8, 2004, TIGER was again in the air over Antarctica having completed 22 days of an expected 30day flight at a mean atmospheric depth of about 4 nb, Data from the first flight demonstrated excellent resolution of individual elements, and we expect similar resolution from the second flight.

Synthesis, interaction with DNA and bovine serum albumin of the transition metal complexes of demethylcantharate and 2-aminobenzothiazole

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Lin, Qiu-Yue; Li, Shi-Kun; Zhao, Yu-Ling; Wang, Peng-Peng; Chen, Miao-Miao

2012-12-01

Four new transition metal complexes (Habtz)2[M(DCA)2]·6H2O (M = Co(II) (1), Ni(II) (2), Cu(II) (3), Zn(II) (4); DCA = demethylcantharate, 7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate, C8H8O5; Habtz = 2-aminobenzothiazole acid, C7H7N2S) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. The coordination number of complex was six. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that complex 3 crystallized in the triclinic crystal system with P1¯ space group. The DNA-binding properties of the complexes were investigated by electronic absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, viscosity measurements. Title complexes could bind to DNA via partial intercalative mode. The Kb of the complexes were 5.33 × 104 (1), 7.04 × 104 (2), 9.91 × 104 (3) and 5.03 × 104 L mol-1 (4). The results of agarose gel electrophoresis showed that Cu(II) complex could cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA via radical-based mechanism. The complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) through a static quenching with the binding constants Ka of 1.11 × 104 (1), 1.24 × 106 (2), 8.42 × 105 (3) and 1.75 × 104 L mol-1 (4). The complexes had intense antiproliferative activities against human hepatoma cell lines (SMMC7721) and human gastric cancer cells (MGC80-3) lines in vitro. Cu(II) complex had the strongest activity against human gastric cancer cells.

ExportAid: database of RNA elements regulating nuclear RNA export in mammals.

PubMed

Giulietti, Matteo; Milantoni, Sara Armida; Armeni, Tatiana; Principato, Giovanni; Piva, Francesco

2015-01-15

Regulation of nuclear mRNA export or retention is carried out by RNA elements but the mechanism is not yet well understood. To understand the mRNA export process, it is important to collect all the involved RNA elements and their trans-acting factors. By hand-curated literature screening we collected, in ExportAid database, experimentally assessed data about RNA elements regulating nuclear export or retention of endogenous, heterologous or artificial RNAs in mammalian cells. This database could help to understand the RNA export language and to study the possible export efficiency alterations owing to mutations or polymorphisms. Currently, ExportAid stores 235 and 96 RNA elements, respectively, increasing and decreasing export efficiency, and 98 neutral assessed sequences. Freely accessible without registration at http://www.introni.it/ExportAid/ExportAid.html. Database and web interface are implemented in Perl, MySQL, Apache and JavaScript with all major browsers supported. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Estrogen-dependent downregulation of hairy and enhancer of split homolog-1 gene expression in breast cancer cells is mediated via a 3' distal element.

PubMed

Müller, Patrick; Merrell, Kenneth W; Crofts, Justin D; Rönnlund, Caroline; Lin, Chin-Yo; Gustafsson, Jan-Ake; Ström, Anders

2009-03-01

Regulation of hairy and enhancer of split homologue-1 (HES-1) by estradiol and all-trans retinoic acid affects proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Here, we identify and characterize cis-regulatory elements involved in HES-1 regulation. In the distal 5' promoter of the HES-1 gene, we found a retinoic acid response element and in the distal 3' region, an estrogen receptor alpha(ER)alpha binding site. The ERalpha binding site, composed of an estrogen response element (ERE) and an ERE half-site, is important for both ERalpha binding and transcriptional regulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that ERalpha is recruited to the ERE and associates with the HES-1 promoter. We also show recruitment of nuclear receptor co-regulators to the ERE in response to estradiol, followed by a decrease in histone acetylation and RNA polymerase II docking in the HES-1 promoter region. Our findings are consistent with a novel type of repressive estrogen response element in the distal 3' region of the HES-1 gene.

Development of Enhanced Avionics Flight Hardware Selection Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, K.; Watson, G. L.

2003-01-01

The primary objective of this research was to determine the processes and feasibility of using commercial off-the-shelf PC104 hardware for flight applications. This would lead to a faster, better, and cheaper approach to low-budget programs as opposed to the design, procurement. and fabrication of space flight hardware. This effort will provide experimental evaluation with results of flight environmental testing. Also, a method and/or suggestion used to bring test hardware up to flight standards will be given. Several microgravity programs, such as the Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment, Self-Diffusion in Liquid Elements, and various other programs, are interested in PC104 environmental testing to establish the limits of this technology.

Photoinduced Regeneration of an Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Sensor for Sensitively Detecting Adenosine Triphosphate.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaoyu; Song, Chunxia; Yang, Ke; Hong, Wenwen; Lu, Ying; Yu, Ping; Mao, Lanqun

2018-04-17

Electrochemical aptasensors generally include three elements, that is, recognition element, signal-transformation element, and regeneration element. In this study, a new adenosine triphosphate (ATP) aptasensor is developed by combining three elements into one DNA oligonucleotide chain. In the DNA oligonucleotide chain, DNA aptamer is used as the recognition element, ferrocene group attached at the 3'-end of the aptamer is used as the signal-transformation element, and azobenzene moiety embedded into the DNA chain is used as the regeneration element. In addition to the similar analytical properties with the traditional ones, the aptasensor developed here is easily regenerated with UV-light irradiation. The current response recorded on the aptasensor increases with increasing the concentration of ATP in the incubation solution and is linear with the logarithm of ATP concentration in the range from 1 nM to 100 μM. The limit of detection is 0.5 nM (S/N = 3). The basal level of ATP in the rat brain cortex microdialysate is determined to be 21.33 ± 4.1 nM ( n = 3). After being challenged with ATP, the aptasensor could be readily regenerated by UV-light irradiation for more than seven cycles. The regeneration of the aptasensor is proposed to be regulated by conversing azobenzene from its trans to cis form under UV irradiation.

Uncertainties in nuclear transition matrix elements for neutrinoless {beta}{beta} decay

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

Rath, P. K.

Uncertainties in nuclear transition matrix elements M{sup (0{nu})} and M{sub N}{sup (0{nu})} due to the exchange of light and heavy Majorana neutrinos, respectively have been estimated by calculating sets of twelve nuclear transition matrix elements for the neutrinoless {beta}{beta} decay of {sup 94,96}Zr, {sup 98,100}Mo, {sup 104}Ru, {sup 110}Pd, {sup 128,130}Te and {sup 150}Nd isotopes in the case of 0{sup +}{yields}0{sup +} transition by considering four different parameterizations of a Hamiltonian with pairing plus multipolar effective two-body interaction and three different parameterizations of Jastrow short range correlations. Exclusion of nuclear transition matrix elements calculated with the Miller-Spencer parametrization reduces themore » uncertainties by 10%-15%.« less

Computer-Aided Transformation of PDE Models: Languages, Representations, and a Calculus of Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-05

discretizations . We maintain that what is clear at the mathematical level should be equally clear in computation. In this small STIR project, we separate the...concerns of describing and discretizing such models by defining an input language representing PDE, including steady-state and tran- sient, linear and...solvers, such as [8, 9], focused on the solvers themselves and particular families of discretizations (e. g. finite elements), and now it is natural to

Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC, and Maximum Likelihood. Effects of Temporal Phase Difference

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Technical Report 1373 November 1990 Cramer-Rao Bound, MUSIC , And Maximum Likelihood Effects of Temporal Phase o Difference C. V. TranI OTIC Approved... MUSIC , and Maximum Likelihood (ML) asymptotic variances corresponding to the two-source direction-of-arrival estimation where sources were modeled as...1pI = 1.00, SNR = 20 dB ..................................... 27 2. MUSIC for two equipowered signals impinging on a 5-element ULA (a) IpI = 0.50, SNR

Two dimensional finite element modelling for dynamic water diffusion through stratum corneum.

PubMed

Xiao, Perry; Imhof, Robert E

2012-10-01

Solvents penetration through in vivo human stratum corneum (SC) has always been an interesting research area for trans-dermal drug delivery studies, and the importance of intercellular routes (diffuse in between corneocytes) and transcellular routes (diffuse through corneocytes) during diffusion is often debatable. In this paper, we have developed a two dimensional finite element model to simulate the dynamic water diffusion through the SC. It is based on the brick-and-mortar model, with brick represents corneocytes and mortar represents lipids, respectively. It simulates the dynamic water diffusion process through the SC from pre-defined initial conditions and boundary conditions. Although the simulation is based on water diffusions, the principles can also be applied to the diffusions of other topical applied substances. The simulation results show that both intercellular routes and transcellular routes are important for water diffusion. Although intercellular routes have higher flux rates, most of the water still diffuse through transcellular routes because of the high cross area ratio of corneocytes and lipids. The diffusion water flux, or trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), is reversely proportional to corneocyte size, i.e. the larger the corneocyte size, the lower the TEWL, and vice versa. There is also an effect of the SC thickness, external air conditions and diffusion coefficients on the water diffusion through SC on the resulting TEWL. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

APOBEC3G Inhibits HIV-1 RNA Elongation by Inactivating the Viral Trans-Activation Response Element

PubMed Central

Nowarski, Roni; Prabhu, Ponnandy; Kenig, Edan; Smith, Yoav; Britan-Rosich, Elena; Kotler, Moshe

2014-01-01

Deamination of cytidine residues in viral DNA (vDNA) is a major mechanism by which APOBEC3G (A3G) inhibits vif-deficient HIV-1 replication. dC to dU transition following RNase-H activity leads to viral cDNA degradation, production of non-functional proteins, formation of undesired stop codons and decreased viral protein synthesis. Here we demonstrate that A3G provides an additional layer of defence against HIV-1 infection dependent on inhibition of proviral transcription. HIV-1 transcription elongation is regulated by the trans-activation response (TAR) element, a short stem-loop RNA structure required for elongation factors binding. Vif-deficient HIV-1-infected cells accumulate short viral transcripts and produce lower amounts of full-length HIV-1 transcripts due to A3G deamination of the TAR apical loop cytidine, highlighting the requirement for TAR loop integrity in HIV-1 transcription. Finally, we show that free ssDNA termini are not essential for A3G activity and a gap of CCC motif blocked with juxtaposed DNA or RNA on either or 3′+5′ ends is sufficient for A3G deamination, identifying A3G as an efficient mutator, and that deamination of (−)SSDNA results in an early block of HIV-1 transcription. PMID:24859335

APOBEC3G inhibits HIV-1 RNA elongation by inactivating the viral trans-activation response element.

PubMed

Nowarski, Roni; Prabhu, Ponnandy; Kenig, Edan; Smith, Yoav; Britan-Rosich, Elena; Kotler, Moshe

2014-07-29

Deamination of cytidine residues in viral DNA is a major mechanism by which APOBEC3G (A3G) inhibits vif-deficient human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. dC-to-dU transition following RNase-H activity leads to viral cDNA degradation, production of non-functional proteins, formation of undesired stop codons and decreased viral protein synthesis. Here, we demonstrate that A3G provides an additional layer of defense against HIV-1 infection dependent on inhibition of proviral transcription. HIV-1 transcription elongation is regulated by the trans-activation response (TAR) element, a short stem-loop RNA structure required for elongation factors binding. Vif-deficient HIV-1-infected cells accumulate short viral transcripts and produce lower amounts of full-length HIV-1 transcripts due to A3G deamination of the TAR apical loop cytidine, highlighting the requirement for TAR loop integrity in HIV-1 transcription. We further show that free single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) termini are not essential for A3G activity and a gap of CCC motif blocked with juxtaposed DNA or RNA on either or 3'+5' ends is sufficient for A3G deamination. These results identify A3G as an efficient mutator and that deamination of (-)SSDNA results in an early block of HIV-1 transcription. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Basic Research on the Composition of Heavy Cosmic Rays: The Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder Experiment (TIGER)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Binns, W. Robert

2004-01-01

Among the most fundamental astrophysical problems is understanding the mechanism by which particles are accelerated to the enormous energies observed in the cosmic rays. That problem can be conveniently divided into two questions: (1) What is the source of the energy and the mechanism for converting the energy of that source into the energy of individual cosmic-ray nuclei, and (2) what is the source of the material that is accelerated and the mechanism for injecting that material into the cosmic-ray accelerator? There is a general consensus that the answer to the first of these questions, for nuclei with energy eV, is that the source of their energy is almost certainly from supernova explosions (e.g., Ginzburg & Syrovatskii, 1964). The answer to the second question is still uncertain, although evidence in favor of a superbubble origin of cosmic rays is becoming quite significant (Higdon et al, 2203 and Binns, 2005 (Submitted to ApJ). There are several ways of interpreting available data that lead to quite different models for the source of the material and its injection mechanism. With the The Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder Experiment (TIGER) instrument we have obtained data that will help to distinguish among these possible models. In the report, the TIGER flights, the instrument itself, results, and a publication list as a result of the work are presented.

An Autonomous BMP2 Regulatory Element in Mesenchymal Cells

PubMed Central

Kruithof, Boudewijn P.T.; Fritz, David T.; Liu, Yijun; Garsetti, Diane E.; Frank, David B.; Pregizer, Steven K.; Gaussin, Vinciane; Mortlock, Douglas P.; Rogers, Melissa B.

2014-01-01

BMP2 is a morphogen that controls mesenchymal cell differentiation and behavior. For example, BMP2 concentration controls the differentiation of mesenchymal precursors into myocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Sequences within the 3′untranslated region (UTR) of the Bmp2 mRNA mediate a post-transcriptional block of protein synthesis. Interaction of cell and developmental stage-specific trans-regulatory factors with the 3′UTR is a nimble and versatile mechanism for modulating this potent morphogen in different cell types. We show here, that an ultra-conserved sequence in the 3′UTR functions independently of promoter, coding region, and 3′UTR context in primary and immortalized tissue culture cells and in transgenic mice. Our findings indicate that the ultra-conserved sequence is an autonomously functioning post-transcriptional element that may be used to modulate the level of BMP2 and other proteins while retaining tissue specific regulatory elements. PMID:21268088

Drought responsive gene expression regulatory divergence between upland and lowland ecotypes of a perennial C4 grass

PubMed Central

Lovell, John T.; Schwartz, Scott; Lowry, David B.; Shakirov, Eugene V.; Bonnette, Jason E.; Weng, Xiaoyu; Wang, Mei; Johnson, Jenifer; Sreedasyam, Avinash; Plott, Christopher; Jenkins, Jerry; Schmutz, Jeremy; Juenger, Thomas E.

2016-01-01

Climatic adaptation is an example of a genotype-by-environment interaction (G×E) of fitness. Selection upon gene expression regulatory variation can contribute to adaptive phenotypic diversity; however, surprisingly few studies have examined how genome-wide patterns of gene expression G×E are manifested in response to environmental stress and other selective agents that cause climatic adaptation. Here, we characterize drought-responsive expression divergence between upland (drought-adapted) and lowland (mesic) ecotypes of the perennial C4 grass, Panicum hallii, in natural field conditions. Overall, we find that cis-regulatory elements contributed to gene expression divergence across 47% of genes, 7.2% of which exhibit drought-responsive G×E. While less well-represented, we observe 1294 genes (7.8%) with trans effects. Trans-by-environment interactions are weaker and much less common than cis G×E, occurring in only 0.7% of trans-regulated genes. Finally, gene expression heterosis is highly enriched in expression phenotypes with significant G×E. As such, modes of inheritance that drive heterosis, such as dominance or overdominance, may be common among G×E genes. Interestingly, motifs specific to drought-responsive transcription factors are highly enriched in the promoters of genes exhibiting G×E and trans regulation, indicating that expression G×E and heterosis may result from the evolution of transcription factors or their binding sites. P. hallii serves as the genomic model for its close relative and emerging biofuel crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Accordingly, the results here not only aid in the discovery of the genetic mechanisms that underlie local adaptation but also provide a foundation to improve switchgrass yield under water-limited conditions. PMID:26953271

Synthesis, structural characterization and conversion of dinuclear iron-sulfur clusters containing the disulfide ligand: [Cp*Fe(μ-η2:η2-bdt)(cis-μ-η1:η1-S2)FeCp*], [Cp*Fe(μ-S(C6H4S2))(cis-μ-η1:η1-S2)FeCp*], and [{Cp*Fe(bdt)}2(trans-μ-η1:η1-S2)].

PubMed

Ji, Xiaoxiao; Tong, Peng; Yang, Dawei; Wang, Baomin; Zhao, Jinfeng; Li, Yang; Qu, Jingping

2017-03-21

The treatment of [Cp*Fe(μ-η 2 :η 4 -bdt)FeCp*] (1, Cp* = η 5 -C 5 Me 5 , bdt = benzene-1,2-dithiolate) with 1/4 equiv. of elemental sulfur (S 8 ) gave a dinuclear iron-sulfur cluster [Cp*Fe(μ-η 2 :η 2 -bdt)(cis-μ-η 1 :η 1 -S 2 )FeCp*] (2), which contains a cis-1,2-disulfide ligand. When complex 2 further interacted with 1/8 equiv. of S 8 , another sulfur atom inserted into an Fe-S bond to give a rare product [Cp*Fe(μ-S(C 6 H 4 S 2 ))(cis-μ-η 1 :η 1 -S 2 )FeCp*] (3). Unexpectedly, a trans-1,2 disulfide-bridged diiron complex [{Cp*Fe(bdt)} 2 (trans-μ-η 1 :η 1 -S 2 )] (4) was isolated from the reaction of complex 1 with 1/2 equiv. of S 8 , which represents a structural isomer of [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin-type clusters. In addition, cis-1,2-disulfide-bridged complex 3 can slowly convert into trans-1,2-disulfide-bridged complex 4 and the complex [Cp*Fe(μ-η 2 :η 2 -S 2 )(cis-μ-η 1 :η 1 -S 2 )FeCp*] (5) by self-assembly reaction at ambient temperature, which is evidenced by time-dependent 1 H NMR spectroscopy.

Osmolality/salinity-responsive enhancers (OSREs) control induction of osmoprotective genes in euryhaline fish

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaodan; Kültz, Dietmar

2017-01-01

Fish respond to salinity stress by transcriptional induction of many genes, but the mechanism of their osmotic regulation is unknown. We developed a reporter assay using cells derived from the brain of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus (OmB cells) to identify osmolality/salinity-responsive enhancers (OSREs) in the genes of O. mossambicus. Genomic DNA comprising the regulatory regions of two strongly salinity-induced genes, inositol monophosphatase 1 (IMPA1.1) and myo-inositol phosphate synthase (MIPS), was isolated and analyzed with dual luciferase enhancer trap reporter assays. We identified five sequences (two in IMPA1.1 and three in MIPS) that share a common consensus element (DDKGGAAWWDWWYDNRB), which we named “OSRE1.” Additional OSREs that were less effective in conferring salinity-induced trans-activation and do not match the OSRE1 consensus also were identified in both MIPS and IMPA1.1. Although OSRE1 shares homology with the mammalian osmotic-response element/tonicity-responsive enhancer (ORE/TonE) enhancer, the latter is insufficient to confer osmotic induction in fish. Like other enhancers, OSRE1 trans-activates genes independent of orientation. We conclude that OSRE1 is a cis-regulatory element (CRE) that enhances the hyperosmotic induction of osmoregulated genes in fish. Our study also shows that tailored reporter assays developed for OmB cells facilitate the identification of CREs in fish genomes. Knowledge of the OSRE1 motif allows affinity-purification of the corresponding transcription factor and computational approaches for enhancer screening of fish genomes. Moreover, our study enables targeted inactivation of OSRE1 enhancers, a method superior to gene knockout for functional characterization because it confines impairment of gene function to a specific context (salinity stress) and eliminates pitfalls of constitutive gene knockouts (embryonic lethality, developmental compensation). PMID:28289196

Potential roles for transposable elements in creating imprinted expression.

PubMed

Anderson, Sarah N; Springer, Nathan M

2018-04-01

Changes in gene expression can have profound effects on phenotype. Nature has provided many complex patterns of gene regulation such as imprinting. Imprinted genes exhibit differences in the expression of the maternal and paternal alleles, even though they reside in the same nucleus with access to the same trans-acting factors. Significant attention has been focused on the potential reasons that imprinted expression could be beneficial and stabilized by selection. However, less attention has focused on understanding how imprinted expression might arise or decay. We discuss the evidence for frequent turnover of imprinted expression based on evolutionary analyses in plants and the potential role for transposable elements (TEs) in creating imprinted expression patterns. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of lead, molybdenum, rubidium, arsenic and organochlorines on spermatogenesis in fish: monitoring at Mekong Delta area and in vitro experiment.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Sonoko; Miura, Chiemi; Ito, Aki; Agusa, Tetsuro; Iwata, Hisato; Tanabe, Shinsuke; Tuyen, Bui Cach; Miura, Takeshi

2007-06-05

To estimate the influence of water contaminants on fish reproduction in the Mekong Delta area, we sampled cultivated male catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), investigated testicular development, and measured persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace element levels in muscle and liver, respectively. Various testes sizes were observed although sampling took place during a short period. Histological analysis revealed that all developmental stages of germ cells were observed in catfish with large testis, whereas only necrotic spermatogonia but no other germ cells were observed in catfish with small testis. In small testis, furthermore, vacuolization and hypertrophy of Sertoli cells were observed. Measurement of POPs in muscle and trace elements in liver demonstrated that there were negative correlations between GSI and the concentrations of Pb, Mo, Rb and As. To clarify possible direct effects of Pb, Mo, Rb and As on spermatogenesis in fish, we investigated the effects of these trace elements on spermatogenesis using in vitro testicular organ culture of Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). Treatment with each of the trace elements alone did not affect spermatogenesis. However, treatment with 10(-7)M of Pb, 10(-5) and 10(-4)M of Mo, 10(-5)-10(-3)M of Rb or 10(-5)M of As inhibited the spermatogenesis induced by 11-ketotestosterone (11KT). Furthermore, treatment with 10(-4)M of As in combination with 11KT caused necrosis of testicular fragments. Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that Pb, Mo, Rb and As can exert inhibitory effects on spermatogenesis in catfish inhabiting the Mekong Delta area.

Gas-phase ozonolysis of the monoterpenoids ( S)-(+)-carvone, ( R)-(-)-carvone, (-)-carveol, geraniol and citral

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, Fabíola Maria N.; Veloso, M. C. C.; de P. Pereira, P. A.; de Andrade, J. B.

Biogenic emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a fundamental role in atmospheric chemistry. Vegetation is the most abundant natural source of VOCs, while terpenoids, as limonene, α and β pinene and mircene, top the plants emission list. Much interest has been demonstrated in oxidation and photooxidation reactions of VOCs, particularly of monoterpenoids, owing to their diversity and to uncertainties regarding their mechanism of reaction. Quantification of primary carbonylic compounds, as well as of biradical reaction components, is highly relevant to the understanding of the major reactions. In this context, taking into account both structural factors and the fact that these compounds are found in the essential oils of plants typically found in Brazil and that they may be present in the atmosphere from emission by the plants, the monoterpenoids ( S)-(+)-carvone, ( R)-(-)-carvone, (-)-carveol, geraniol and citral (a mixture of the isomers geranial and neral) were selected for this study. The ozonolysis reactions of the monoterpenoids were carried out under dark conditions for all experiments, due to their photochemical reactivity. The analysis of the results lets us propose a mechanism by which these reactions occur. The observed results of the ozonolysis of S and R carvone suggest that the stereochemistry of asymmetric carbon does not affect either in the yields of both formaldehyde and of OH radicals produced in the reaction, or in the reactivity of these compounds, for which the rate constants were in the scale of 10 -6 s -1. We found that, in the (-)-carveol's cis and trans mixture, even though the hydroxyl in the axial position—in the case of trans-(C) and cis-(D') isomers—favors the attack by the ozone molecule on the external double bond, thus increasing the mixture's reactivity (k=2.0×10-4s), it affects the average production of formaldehyde. The presence of geraniol and citral led to the production of formaldehyde, propanone, glyoxal, methyl-glyoxal and cyclohexanone (OH radicals) as reaction products. The influence of an electron attractor group bonded to the carbon of the double bond, on the reactivity of the double bond, could not be observed in the case of citral, due to strong interference occurring in the instrument in all experiments with this monoterpenoid. For this reason, only the kinetics of geraniol was monitored (k=9.0×10-4s).

Fragrant unsaturated aldehydes elicit activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 system leading to the upregulation of thioredoxin expression and protection against oxidative stress.

PubMed

Masutani, Hiroshi; Otsuki, Ryoko; Yamaguchi, Yoshimi; Takenaka, Masahiro; Kanoh, Nobue; Takatera, Koji; Kunimoto, Yuji; Yodoi, Junji

2009-05-01

Thioredoxin, a key molecule in redox regulation, and many redox enzymes are regulated through the antioxidant responsive element (ARE). To search for antioxidative constituents, we screened extracts from vegetables and found that the extracts of Perilla frutescens and Artemisia princeps have potent thioredoxin-inducing activities. By activity-guided purification of Perilla frutescens extracts, we identified perillaldehyde as a novel thioredoxin inducer. Fragrant unsaturated aldehydes, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde, safranal, 2,4-octadienal, citral, trans-2, cis-6-nonadienal, and trans-2-hexenal showed the ability to activate ARE. Perillaldehyde-induced activation through the ARE was suppressed by the overexpression of wild-type Keap1, whereas sulforaphane-induced activation seemed to be partially suppressed. Mutant Keap1 (R272A/K287A or C273A/C288A) did not suppress this activation. Pretreatment with perillaldehyde reduced the H(2)O(2)-induced cytotoxicity. Thus, we show that fragrant unsaturated aldehydes from edible plants are novel thioredoxin inducers and ARE activators and may be beneficial for protection against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. These results also suggest that perillaldehyde activates the Nrf2-Keap1 system and that the lysine and arginine residues juxtaposed to the critical cysteine residues of Keap1 are required for signal sensing.

A biochemical logic gate using an enzyme and its inhibitor. Part II: The logic gate.

PubMed

Sivan, Sarit; Tuchman, Samuel; Lotan, Noah

2003-06-01

Enzyme-Based Logic Gates (ENLOGs) are key components in bio-molecular systems for information processing. This report and the previous one in this series address the characterization of two bio-molecular switching elements, namely the alpha-chymotrypsin (alphaCT) derivative p-phenylazobenzoyl-alpha-chymotrypsin (PABalphaCT) and its inhibitor (proflavine), as well as their assembly into a logic gate. The experimental output of the proposed system is expressed in terms of enzymic activity and this was translated into logic output (i.e. "1" or "0") relative to a predetermined threshold value. We have found that an univalent link exists between the dominant isomers of PABalphaCT (cis or trans), the dominant form of either acridine (proflavine) or acridan and the logic output of the system. Thus, of all possible combinations, only the trans-PABalphaCT and the acridan lead to an enzymic activity that can be defined as logic output "1". The system operates under the rules of Boolean algebra and performs as an "AND" logic gate.

Evidence for the Packaging of Multiple Copies of Tf1 mRNA into Particles and the trans Priming of Reverse Transcription

PubMed Central

Haag, Amanda Leigh; Lin, Jia-Hwei; Levin, Henry L.

2000-01-01

Long terminal repeat (LTR)-containing retrotransposons and retroviruses are close relatives that possess similar mechanisms of reverse transcription. The particles of retroviruses package two copies of viral mRNA that both function as templates for the reverse transcription of the element. We studied the LTR-retrotransposon Tf1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe to test whether multiple copies of transposon mRNA participate in the production of cDNA. Using the unique self-priming property of Tf1, we obtained evidence that multiple copies of Tf1 mRNA were packaged into virus-like particles. By coexpressing two distinct versions of Tf1, we found that the bulk of reverse transcription that was initiated on one mRNA template was subsequently transferred to others. In addition, the first 11 nucleotides of one mRNA were able to prime, in trans, the reverse transcription of another mRNA. PMID:10888658

A trans-phase granular continuum relation and its use in simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamrin, Ken; Dunatunga, Sachith; Askari, Hesam

The ability to model a large granular system as a continuum would offer tremendous benefits in computation time compared to discrete particle methods. However, two infamous problems arise in the pursuit of this vision: (i) the constitutive relation for granular materials is still unclear and hotly debated, and (ii) a model and corresponding numerical method must wear ``many hats'' as, in general circumstances, it must be able to capture and accurately represent the material as it crosses through its collisional, dense-flowing, and solid-like states. Here we present a minimal trans-phase model, merging an elastic response beneath a fictional yield criterion, a mu(I) rheology for liquid-like flow above the static yield criterion, and a disconnection rule to model separation of the grains into a low-temperature gas. We simulate our model with a meshless method (in high strain/mixing cases) and the finite-element method. It is able to match experimental data in many geometries, including collapsing columns, impact on granular beds, draining silos, and granular drag problems.

Identifying Galactic Cosmic Ray Origins With Super-TIGER

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deNolfo, Georgia; Binns, W. R.; Israel, M. H.; Christian, E. R.; Mitchell, J. W.; Hams, T.; Link, J. T.; Sasaki, M.; Labrador, A. W.; Mewaldt, R. A.;

Interaction with biomacromolecules and antiproliferative activities of Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) complexes of demethylcantharate and 2,2'-bipyridine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fan; Lin, Qiu-Yue; Hu, Wan-Li; Song, Wen-Ji; Shen, Shu-Ting; Gui, Pan

2013-06-01

Three new transition metal complexes [Mn2(DCA)2(bipy)2]·5H2O (1), [M2(DCA)2(bipy)2(H2O)]·10H2O(M = Ni(II)(2);Zn(II)(3)), (DCA = demethylcantharate, 7-oxabicyclo[2,2,1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxylate, C8H8O5) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction techniques. Each metal ion was six-coordinated in complexes. Complex 1 has a Mn2O2 center. Complexes 2 and 3 have asymmetric binuclear structure. Great amount of intermolecular hydrogen-bonding and π-π* stacking interactions were formed in these complex structures. The DNA-binding properties of complexes were investigated by electronic absorption spectra and viscosity measurements. The DNA binding constants Kb/(L mol-1) were 1.71 × 104 (1), 2.62 × 104 (2) and 1.59 × 104 (3) at 298 K. The complexes could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) strongly through static quenching. The protein binding constants Ka/(L mol-1) were 7.27 × 104 (1), 4.55 × 104 (2) and 7.87 × 104 L mol-1 (3) and binding site was one. The complexes bind more tightly with DNA and BSA than with ligands. Complexes 1 and 3 had stronger inhibition ratios than Na2(DCA) against human hepatoma cells (SMMC-7721) lines and human gastric cancer cells (MGC80-3) lines in vitro. Complex 3 showed the strongest antiproliferative activity against SMMC-7721 (IC50 = 29.46 ± 2.12 μmol L-1) and MGC80-3 (IC50 = 27.02 ± 2.38 μmol L-1), which shows potential in anti-cancer drug development.

KSC-97PC1802

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

NASA’s Lunar Prospector is prepared for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft, seen in the background, at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

KSC-97PC1804

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

KSC-97PC1806

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

KSC-97PC1805

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff move NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft over the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

KSC-97PC1803

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems technicians prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

KSC-97PC1807

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-12-18

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft atop the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m

Structural Analysis Computer Programs for Rigid Multicomponent Pavement Structures with Discontinuities--WESLIQID and WESLAYER. Report 1. Program Development and Numerical Presentations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-05-01

represented as a Winkler foundation. The program can treat any number of slabs connected by steel bars or other load trans- fer devices at the joints...dimensional finite element method. The inherent flexibility of such an approach permits the analysis of a rigid pavement with steel bars and stabilized...layers and provides an efficient tool for analyzing stress conditions at the joint. Unfor- tunately, such a procedure would require a tremendously

Lunar Prospector mated to 4th stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA's Lunar Prospector spacecraft to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m.

Kinetics of photoirradiation-induced synthesis of soy oil-conjugated linoleic acid isomers.

PubMed

Jain, Vishal P; Proctor, Andrew

2007-02-07

Photoirradiation of soy oil with UV/visible light has been shown to produce significant amounts of trans,trans conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers through conversion of various synthesized intermediate cis,trans isomers. The objective of this study was to determine the kinetics of CLA isomers synthesis to better understand the production of various isomers. Soy oil was irradiated with UV/visible light for 144 h in the presence of an iodine catalyst and CLA isomers analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). Arrhenius plots were developed for the conversion of soy oil linoleic acid (A) to form cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA (B), conversion of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA to form trans,trans-CLA (C) with respect to B, and formation of trans,trans-CLA isomers with respect to C. The kinetics of consumption of linoleic acid (LA) to form cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA was found to be of second-order with a rate constant of 9.01 x 10-7 L/mol s. The rate of formation of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA isomers depends on the rate of formation from LA and its rate of consumption to form trans,trans-CLA isomers. The conversion of cis-, trans/trans-, cis-CLA isomers to trans,trans-CLA isomers was found to be of first-order with a rate constant of 2.75 x 10-6 s-1. However, the formation of thermodynamically stable trans,trans-CLA isomers (C) with respect to C was found to be a zero-order reaction with a rate constant of 10.66 x 10-7 mol/L s. The consumption of LA was found to be the rate-determining step in the CLA isomers formation reaction mechanism. The findings provide a better understanding of the mechanism of CLA isomers synthesis by photoirradiation and the factors controlling the ratio of various isomers.

Allelopathic substances in Pueraria thunbergiana.

PubMed

Kato-Noguchi, Hisashi

2003-07-01

Leaves of Pueraria thunbergiana possess allelopathic activity and the putative compounds causing this growth inhibitory effect were isolated from their aqueous methanol extract. The chemical structures of these growth inhibitors were determined by high-resolution MS and 1H NMR spectral data as cis,trans-xanthoxin and trans,trans-xanthoxin. cis,trans-Xanthoxin and trans,trans-xanthoxin inhibited the root growth of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) seedlings at concentrations greater than 0.3 and 3 microM, respectively. The doses required for 50% inhibition on the cress roots were 1.1 and 14 microM for cis,trans- and trans,trans-xanthoxin, respectively. The concentrations of cis,trans- and trans,trans-xanthoxin in P. thunbergiana leaves were 51.4 and 72.5 ng g(-1) fresh weight, respectively. The effectiveness of cis,trans- and trans,trans-xanthoxin on the growth inhibition and the occurrence of both xanthoxins in P. thunbergiana suggest that xanthoxins may contribute to the growth inhibitory effect of P. thunbergiana, and may play an important role in the allelopathy of P. thunbergiana after being released into the soil.

The Joint Airlock Module is moved to the payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Joint Airlock Module is moved closer to the payload canister. The airlock will be installed in the payload bay of Atlantis for mission STS-104 to the International Space Station. The airlock is a pressurized flight element consisting of two cylindrical chambers attached end-to-end by a connecting bulkhead and hatch. Once installed and activated, the Airlock becomes the primary path for spacewalk entry to and departure from the Space Station for U.S. spacesuits, which are known as Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs. In addition, the Joint Airlock is designed to support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity. STS-104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B.

Research on Electromagnetic Force Distribution and Vibration Performance of A Novel 10/4 Switched Reluctance Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Ziyu; Wang, Xinyu; Cao, Cheng; Liu, Meng; Wang, Kangxi

2017-06-01

Radial electromagnetic force is one of the main reasons causing the vibration and noise of the switched reluctance motor. Based on this, the novel structure of 10/4 pole switched reluctance motor is proposed, which increases the air gap flux and electromagnetic torque by increasing the number of stator poles. In addition, the excitation current of the stator winding is reduced by early turn-off angle. Through the finite element modelling analysis, the results show the superiority of the new type of switched reluctance motor. In the end, the vibration characteristics of the conventional motor and the new motor are compared and analysed, and the effect of the structure of this new type of switched reluctance motor is verified.

A HLA class I cis-regulatory element whose activity can be modulated by hormones.

PubMed

Sim, B C; Hui, K M

1994-12-01

To elucidate the basis of the down-regulation in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression and to identify possible DNA-binding regulatory elements that have the potential to interact with class I MHC genes, we have studied the transcriptional regulation of class I HLA genes in human breast carcinoma cells. A 9 base pair (bp) negative cis-regulatory element (NRE) has been identified using band-shift assays employing DNA sequences derived from the 5'-flanking region of HLA class I genes. This 9-bp element, GTCATGGCG, located within exon I of the HLA class I gene, can potently inhibit the expression of a heterologous thymidine kinase (TK) gene promoter and the HLA enhancer element. Furthermore, this regulatory element can exert its suppressive function in either the sense or anti-sense orientation. More interestingly, NRE can suppress dexamethasone-mediated gene activation in the context of the reported glucocorticoid-responsive element (GRE) in MCF-7 cells but has no influence on the estrogen-mediated transcriptional activation of MCF-7 cells in the context of the reported estrogen-responsive element (ERE). Furthermore, the presence of such a regulatory element within the HLA class I gene whose activity can be modulated by hormones correlates well with our observation that the level of HLA class I gene expression can be down-regulated by hormones in human breast carcinoma cells. Such interactions between negative regulatory elements and specific hormone trans-activators are novel and suggest a versatile form of transcriptional control.

Small RNAs, big impact: small RNA pathways in transposon control and their effect on the host stress response.

PubMed

Wheeler, Bayly S

2013-12-01

Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are a major constituent of most genomes. Organisms regulate transposable element expression, transposition, and insertion site preference, mitigating the genome instability caused by uncontrolled transposition. A recent burst of research has demonstrated the critical role of small non-coding RNAs in regulating transposition in fungi, plants, and animals. While mechanistically distinct, these pathways work through a conserved paradigm. The presence of a transposon is communicated by the presence of its RNA or by its integration into specific genomic loci. These signals are then translated into small non-coding RNAs that guide epigenetic modifications and gene silencing back to the transposon. In addition to being regulated by the host, transposable elements are themselves capable of influencing host gene expression. Transposon expression is responsive to environmental signals, and many transposons are activated by various cellular stresses. TEs can confer local gene regulation by acting as enhancers and can also confer global gene regulation through their non-coding RNAs. Thus, transposable elements can act as stress-responsive regulators that control host gene expression in cis and trans.

Mechanism of transcription termination by RNA polymerase III utilizes a nontemplate-strand sequence-specific signal element

PubMed Central

Arimbasseri, Aneeshkumar G.; Maraia, Richard J.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Understanding the mechanism of transcription termination by a eukaryotic RNA polymerase (RNAP) has been limited by lack of a characterizable intermediate that reflects transition from an elongation complex to a true termination event. While other multisubunit RNAPs require multipartite cis-signals and/or ancillary factors to mediate pausing and release of the nascent transcript from the clutches of these enzymes, RNAP III does so with precision and efficiency on a simple oligo(dT) tract, independent of other cis-elements or trans-factors. We report a RNAP III pre-termination complex that reveals termination mechanisms controlled by sequence-specific elements in the non-template strand. Furthermore, the TFIIF-like, RNAP III subunit, C37 is required for this function of the non-template strand signal. The results reveal the RNAP III terminator as an information-rich control element. While the template strand promotes destabilization via a weak oligo(rU:dA) hybrid, the non-template strand provides distinct sequence-specific destabilizing information through interactions with the C37 subunit. PMID:25959395

The Heavy Nuclei eXplorer (HNX) Small Explorer Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitchell, John; Binns, W. Robert; Hams, Thomas; Israel, Martin; Krizmanic, John; Link, Jason; Rauch, Brian; Sakai, Kenichi; Sasaki, Makoto; Westphal, Andrew; Wiedenbeck, Mark; Heavy Nuclei eXplorer Collaboration

2015-04-01

The Heavy Nuclei eXplorer (HNX) will investigate the nature of the reservoirs of nuclei at the cosmic-ray sources, the mechanisms by which nuclei are removed from the reservoirs and injected into the cosmic accelerators, and the acceleration mechanism. HNX will use two large high-precision instruments, the Extremely-heavy Cosmic-ray Composition Observer (ECCO) and the Cosmic-ray Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (CosmicTIGER), flying in the SpaceX DragonLab, to measure, for the first time, the abundance of every individual element in the periodic table from carbon through the actinides, providing the first measurement of many of these elements. HNX will measure several thousand ultra-heavy galactic cosmic ray (UHGCR) nuclei Z >= 30, including about 50 actinides, and will: determine whether GCRs are accelerated from new or old material, and find their age; measure the mix of nucleosynthesis processes responsible for the UHGCRs; determine how UHGCR elements are selected for acceleration, and measure the mean integrated pathlength traversed by UHGCRs before observation. The scientific motivation and instrument complement of HNX will be discussed.

The Heavy Nuclei eXplorer (HNX) Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krizmanic, John; Mitchell, John; Binns, W. Robert; Hams, Thomas; Israel, Martin; Link, Jason; Rauch, Brian; Sakai, Kenichi; Sasaki, Makoto; Westphal, Andrew; Wiedenbeck, Mark; Heavy Nuclei eXplorer Collaboration

2016-03-01

The Heavy Nuclei eXplorer (HNX) will use two large high-precision instruments, the Extremely-heavy Cosmic-ray Composition Observer (ECCO) and the Cosmic-ray Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (CosmicTIGER), designed to fly in a SpaceX DragonLab Capsule, to measure the cosmic-ray abundance of every individual element in the periodic table from carbon through curium, providing the first measurement of many of these elements. These measurements provide an investigation on the nature of the source material of cosmic rays, the processes that inject them into cosmic accelerators, and the acceleration mechanisms. HNX will measure several thousand ultra-heavy galactic cosmic ray (UHGCR) nuclei with Z >= 30 , including about 50 actinides (Z >= 79). These data allow for a measurement of the mix of new and old material that is accelerated to GCRs, determine their age, measure the mix of nucleosynthesis processes responsible for the UHGCRs, determine how UHGCR elements are selected for acceleration, and measure the mean integrated pathlength traversed by UHGCRs before observation. The scientific motivation and instrumentation of HNX will be discussed as well as recent beam test results.

Methanol-Independent Protein Expression by AOX1 Promoter with trans-Acting Elements Engineering and Glucose-Glycerol-Shift Induction in Pichia pastoris

PubMed Central

Wang, Jinjia; Wang, Xiaolong; Shi, Lei; Qi, Fei; Zhang, Ping; Zhang, Yuanxing; Zhou, Xiangshan; Song, Zhiwei; Cai, Menghao

2017-01-01

The alcohol oxidase 1 promoter (PAOX1) of Pichia pastoris is commonly used for high level expression of recombinant proteins. While the safety risk of methanol and tough process control for methanol induction usually cause problems especially in large-scale fermentation. By testing the functions of trans-acting elements of PAOX1 and combinatorially engineering of them, we successfully constructed a methanol-free PAOX1 start-up strain, in which, three transcription repressors were identified and deleted and, one transcription activator were overexpressed. The strain expressed 77% GFP levels in glycerol compared to the wide-type in methanol. Then, insulin precursor (IP) was expressed, taking which as a model, we developed a novel glucose-glycerol-shift induced PAOX1 start-up for this methanol-free strain. A batch phase with glucose of 40 g/L followed by controlling residual glucose not lower than 20 g/L was compatible for supporting cell growth and suppressing PAOX1. Then, glycerol induction was started after glucose used up. Accordingly, an optimal bioprocess was further determined, generating a high IP production of 2.46 g/L in a 5-L bioreactor with dramatical decrease of oxygen consumption and heat evolution comparing with the wild-type in methanol. This mutant and bioprocess represent a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional glycerol-repressed/methanol-induced PAOX1 system. PMID:28150747

The superTIGER instrument: Measurement of elemental abundances of ultra-heavy galactic cosmic rays

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

Binns, W. R.; Bose, R. G.; Braun, D. L.

2014-06-10

The SuperTIGER (Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder) instrument was developed to measure the abundances of galactic cosmic-ray elements from {sub 10}Ne to {sub 40}Zr with individual element resolution and the high statistics needed to test models of cosmic-ray origins. SuperTIGER also makes exploratory measurements of the abundances of elements with 40 < Z ≤ 60 and measures the energy spectra of the more abundant elements for Z ≤ 30 from about 0.8 to 10 GeV/nucleon. This instrument is an enlarged and higher resolution version of the earlier TIGER instrument. It was designed to provide the largest geometric acceptance possible andmore » to reach as high an altitude as possible, flying on a standard long-duration 1.11 million m{sup 3} balloon. SuperTIGER was launched from Williams Field, McMurdo Station, Antarctica, on 2012 December 8, and made about 2.7 revolutions around the South Pole in 55 days of flight, returning data on over 50 × 10{sup 6} cosmic-ray nuclei with Z ≥ 10, including ∼1300 with Z > 29 and ∼60 with Z > 49. Here, we describe the instrument, the methods of charge identification employed, the SuperTIGER balloon flight, and the instrument performance.« less

THE SuperTIGER Instrument: Measurement of Elemental Abundances of Ultra-Heavy Galactic Cosmic Rays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Binns, W. R.; Bose, R. G.; Braun, D. L.; Brandt, T. J.; Daniels, W. M.; DowKonnt, P. F.; Fitzsimmons, S. P.; Hahne, D. J.; Hams, T.; Israel, M. H.;

Transactional sex and prevalence of STIs: a cross-sectional study of MSM and transwomen screened for an HIV prevention trial

PubMed Central

Solomon, Marc M; Nureña, César R; Tanur, Judith M; Montoya, Orlando; Grant, Robert M; McConnell, J Jeff

2015-01-01

Introduction Few studies have characterised the degree of engagement in transactional sex among men and trans-gender women who have sex with men and explored its association with sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus in Ecuador. Method We screened 642 men who have sex with men and transgender women for a pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trial (iPrEx) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, 2007–2009. We analysed the association of degree of engagement in transactional sex and prevalence of sexually transmitted infections including human immunodeficiency virus using chi-square and analysis of variance tests. Results Although just 6.2% of those who screened self-identified as sex workers, 52.1% reported having engaged in transactional sex. Compared to those who had never been paid for sex, those who had been paid were more likely to have a sexually transmitted infection (56.6% vs. 45.0%, p =0.007) and trended towards a higher human immunodeficiency virus prevalence (16.6% vs. 10.4%, p =0.082) at screening. Transgender women compared to other men who have sex with men were more likely to have sexually transmitted infections diagnosed at screening (75.6% vs. 50.0%, p =0.001). Discussion Transactional sex is practiced widely but occasionally among the men who have sex with men and trans-gender women in Guayaquil who screened for the iPrEx study; however, engaging in transactional sex may not lead to a sex worker self-identification. Both transactional sex and being a transgender woman are associated with sexually transmitted infections prevalence. PMID:25520017

"There's no chasing involved": cis/trans relationships, "tranny chasers," and the future of a sex-positive trans politics.

PubMed

Tompkins, Avery Brooks

2014-01-01

This article adds to a small, but growing, body of work on trans sexualities and partnerships, and provides a much-needed inquiry into the complex and contested politics of desire when we take trans identities, bodies, and sexualities into account. Using digital ethnographic data from YouTube videos along with in-person observational data from LGBTQ and trans conferences in the U.S., Tompkins argues that a sex-positive trans politics cannot emerge in trans and trans-allied communities if the rhetoric of the "tranny chaser" continues to inform discourses of desire and attraction to trans people.

Ellipsoidal terrain correction based on multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection of the reference ellipsoid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ardalan, A. A.; Safari, A.

2004-09-01

An operational algorithm for computation of terrain correction (or local gravity field modeling) based on application of closed-form solution of the Newton integral in terms of Cartesian coordinates in multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection of the reference ellipsoid is presented. Multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection of the reference ellipsoid has been derived and is described in detail for the first time. Ellipsoidal mass elements with various sizes on the surface of the reference ellipsoid are selected and the gravitational potential and vector of gravitational intensity (i.e. gravitational acceleration) of the mass elements are computed via numerical solution of the Newton integral in terms of geodetic coordinates {λ,ϕ,h}. Four base- edge points of the ellipsoidal mass elements are transformed into a multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection surface to build Cartesian mass elements by associating the height of the corresponding ellipsoidal mass elements to the transformed area elements. Using the closed-form solution of the Newton integral in terms of Cartesian coordinates, the gravitational potential and vector of gravitational intensity of the transformed Cartesian mass elements are computed and compared with those of the numerical solution of the Newton integral for the ellipsoidal mass elements in terms of geodetic coordinates. Numerical tests indicate that the difference between the two computations, i.e. numerical solution of the Newton integral for ellipsoidal mass elements in terms of geodetic coordinates and closed-form solution of the Newton integral in terms of Cartesian coordinates, in a multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection, is less than 1.6×10-8 m2/s2 for a mass element with a cross section area of 10×10 m and a height of 10,000 m. For a mass element with a cross section area of 1×1 km and a height of 10,000 m the difference is less than 1.5×10-4m2/s2. Since 1.5× 10-4 m2/s2 is equivalent to 1.5×10-5m in the vertical direction, it can be concluded that a method for terrain correction (or local gravity field modeling) based on closed-form solution of the Newton integral in terms of Cartesian coordinates of a multi-cylindrical equal-area map projection of the reference ellipsoid has been developed which has the accuracy of terrain correction (or local gravity field modeling) based on the Newton integral in terms of ellipsoidal coordinates.

Failure Behavior Characterization of Mo-Modified Ti Surface by Impact Test and Finite Element Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yong; Qin, Jianfeng; Zhang, Xiangyu; Lin, Naiming; Huang, Xiaobo; Tang, Bin

2015-07-01

Using the impact test and finite element simulation, the failure behavior of the Mo-modified layer on pure Ti was investigated. In the impact test, four loads of 100, 300, 500, and 700 N and 104 impacts were adopted. The three-dimensional residual impact dents were examined using an optical microscope (Olympus-DSX500i), indicating that the impact resistance of the Ti surface was improved. Two failure modes cohesive and wearing were elucidated by electron backscatter diffraction and energy-dispersive spectrometer performed in a field-emission scanning electron microscope. Through finite element forward analysis performed at a typical impact load of 300 N, stress-strain distributions in the Mo-modified Ti were quantitatively determined. In addition, the failure behavior of the Mo-modified layer was determined and an ideal failure model was proposed for high-load impact, based on the experimental and finite element forward analysis results.

Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 3 and Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1 Regulate Alternative RNA Splicing and Gene Expression of Human Papillomavirus 18 through Two Functionally Distinguishable cis Elements.

PubMed

Ajiro, Masahiko; Tang, Shuang; Doorbar, John; Zheng, Zhi-Ming

2016-10-15

Human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) is the second most common oncogenic HPV type associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Like other oncogenic HPVs, HPV18 encodes two major (one early and one late) polycistronic pre-mRNAs that are regulated by alternative RNA splicing to produce a repertoire of viral transcripts for the expression of individual viral genes. However, RNA cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors contributing to HPV18 alternative RNA splicing remain unknown. In this study, an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) in the nucleotide (nt) 3520 to 3550 region in the HPV18 genome was identified and characterized for promotion of HPV18 929^3434 splicing and E1^E4 production through interaction with SRSF3, a host oncogenic splicing factor differentially expressed in epithelial cells and keratinocytes. Introduction of point mutations in the SRSF3-binding site or knockdown of SRSF3 expression in cells reduces 929^3434 splicing and E1^E4 production but activates other, minor 929^3465 and 929^3506 splicing. Knockdown of SRSF3 expression also enhances the expression of E2 and L1 mRNAs. An exonic splicing silencer (ESS) in the HPV18 nt 612 to 639 region was identified as being inhibitory to the 233^416 splicing of HPV18 E6E7 pre-mRNAs via binding to hnRNP A1, a well-characterized, abundantly and ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein. Introduction of point mutations into the hnRNP A1-binding site or knockdown of hnRNP A1 expression promoted 233^416 splicing and reduced E6 expression. These data provide the first evidence that the alternative RNA splicing of HPV18 pre-mRNAs is subject to regulation by viral RNA cis elements and host trans-acting splicing factors. Expression of HPV18 genes is regulated by alternative RNA splicing of viral polycistronic pre-mRNAs to produce a repertoire of viral early and late transcripts. RNA cis elements and trans-acting factors contributing to HPV18 alternative RNA splicing have been discovered in this study for the first time. The identified ESS at the E7 open reading frame (ORF) prevents HPV18 233^416 splicing in the E6 ORF through interaction with a host splicing factor, hnRNP A1, and regulates E6 and E7 expression of the early E6E7 polycistronic pre-mRNA. The identified ESE at the E1^E4 ORF promotes HPV18 929^3434 splicing of both viral early and late pre-mRNAs and E1^E4 production through interaction with SRSF3. This study provides important observations on how alternative RNA splicing of HPV18 pre-mRNAs is subject to regulation by viral RNA cis elements and host splicing factors and offers potential therapeutic targets to overcome HPV-related cancer. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 3 and Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A1 Regulate Alternative RNA Splicing and Gene Expression of Human Papillomavirus 18 through Two Functionally Distinguishable cis Elements

PubMed Central

Ajiro, Masahiko; Tang, Shuang; Doorbar, John

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) is the second most common oncogenic HPV type associated with cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancers. Like other oncogenic HPVs, HPV18 encodes two major (one early and one late) polycistronic pre-mRNAs that are regulated by alternative RNA splicing to produce a repertoire of viral transcripts for the expression of individual viral genes. However, RNA cis-regulatory elements and trans-acting factors contributing to HPV18 alternative RNA splicing remain unknown. In this study, an exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) in the nucleotide (nt) 3520 to 3550 region in the HPV18 genome was identified and characterized for promotion of HPV18 929^3434 splicing and E1^E4 production through interaction with SRSF3, a host oncogenic splicing factor differentially expressed in epithelial cells and keratinocytes. Introduction of point mutations in the SRSF3-binding site or knockdown of SRSF3 expression in cells reduces 929^3434 splicing and E1^E4 production but activates other, minor 929^3465 and 929^3506 splicing. Knockdown of SRSF3 expression also enhances the expression of E2 and L1 mRNAs. An exonic splicing silencer (ESS) in the HPV18 nt 612 to 639 region was identified as being inhibitory to the 233^416 splicing of HPV18 E6E7 pre-mRNAs via binding to hnRNP A1, a well-characterized, abundantly and ubiquitously expressed RNA-binding protein. Introduction of point mutations into the hnRNP A1-binding site or knockdown of hnRNP A1 expression promoted 233^416 splicing and reduced E6 expression. These data provide the first evidence that the alternative RNA splicing of HPV18 pre-mRNAs is subject to regulation by viral RNA cis elements and host trans-acting splicing factors. IMPORTANCE Expression of HPV18 genes is regulated by alternative RNA splicing of viral polycistronic pre-mRNAs to produce a repertoire of viral early and late transcripts. RNA cis elements and trans-acting factors contributing to HPV18 alternative RNA splicing have been discovered in this study for the first time. The identified ESS at the E7 open reading frame (ORF) prevents HPV18 233^416 splicing in the E6 ORF through interaction with a host splicing factor, hnRNP A1, and regulates E6 and E7 expression of the early E6E7 polycistronic pre-mRNA. The identified ESE at the E1^E4 ORF promotes HPV18 929^3434 splicing of both viral early and late pre-mRNAs and E1^E4 production through interaction with SRSF3. This study provides important observations on how alternative RNA splicing of HPV18 pre-mRNAs is subject to regulation by viral RNA cis elements and host splicing factors and offers potential therapeutic targets to overcome HPV-related cancer. PMID:27489271

Sexual desire in trans persons: associations with sex reassignment treatment.

PubMed

Wierckx, Katrien; Elaut, Els; Van Hoorde, Birgit; Heylens, Gunter; De Cuypere, Griet; Monstrey, Stan; Weyers, Steven; Hoebeke, Piet; T'Sjoen, Guy

2014-01-01

Sex steroids and genital surgery are known to affect sexual desire, but little research has focused on the effects of cross-sex hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery on sexual desire in trans persons. This study aims to explore associations between sex reassignment therapy (SRT) and sexual desire in a large cohort of trans persons. A cross-sectional single specialized center study including 214 trans women (male-to-female trans persons) and 138 trans men (female-to-male trans persons). Questionnaires assessing demographics, medical history, frequency of sexual desire, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and treatment satisfaction. In retrospect, 62.4% of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT. Seventy-three percent of trans women never or rarely experienced spontaneous and responsive sexual desire. A third reported associated personal or relational distress resulting in a prevalence of HSDD of 22%. Respondents who had undergone vaginoplasty experienced more spontaneous sexual desire compared with those who planned this surgery but had not yet undergone it (P = 0.03). In retrospect, the majority of trans men (71.0%) reported an increase in sexual desire after SRT. Thirty percent of trans men never or rarely felt sexual desire; 39.7% from time to time, and 30.6% often or always. Five percent of trans men met the criteria for HSDD. Trans men who were less satisfied with the phalloplasty had a higher prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). Trans persons who were more satisfied with the hormonal therapy had a lower prevalence of HSDD (P = 0.02). HSDD was more prevalent in trans women compared with trans men. The majority of trans women reported a decrease in sexual desire after SRT, whereas the opposite was observed in trans men. Our results show a significant sexual impact of surgical interventions and both hormonal and surgical treatment satisfaction on the sexual desire in trans persons. © 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

The Joint Airlock Module is moved to the payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers standing inside the payload canister help guide the Joint Airlock Module into place. The airlock will be installed in the payload bay of Atlantis for mission STS-104 to the International Space Station. The airlock is a pressurized flight element consisting of two cylindrical chambers attached end-to-end by a connecting bulkhead and hatch. Once installed and activated, the Airlock becomes the primary path for spacewalk entry to and departure from the Space Station for U.S. spacesuits, which are known as Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs. In addition, the Joint Airlock is designed to support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity. STS-104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B.

The Joint Airlock Module is moved to the payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Joint Airlock Module is lifted from its workstand for a transfer to the payload canister. The airlock will be installed in the payload bay of Atlantis for mission STS-104 to the International Space Station. The airlock is a pressurized flight element consisting of two cylindrical chambers attached end-to-end by a connecting bulkhead and hatch. Once installed and activated, the airlock becomes the primary path for spacewalk entry to and departure from the Space Station for U.S. spacesuits, which are known as Extravehicular Mobility Units, or EMUs. In addition, the Joint Airlock is designed to support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity. STS-104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B.

Activation of RNA polymerase III transcription of human Alu repetitive elements by adenovirus type 5: Requirement for the E1b 58-Kilodalton protein and the products of E4 open reading frames 3 and 6

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

Panning, B.; Smiley, J.R.

1993-06-01

Alu elements are the single most abundant class of dispersed repeated sequences in the human genome, comprising 5-10% of the mass of human DNA. This report demonstrates that Ad5 infection strongly stimulates Pol III transcription of human Alu elements in HeLa and 293 cells. In contrast to the cases of Ad5-induced Pol III transcriptional activation, this process requires the E1b 58-kDa protein and the products of E4 open reading frames (ORFs) 3 and 6 in addition to the E1a 289-residue product. These findings suggest novel regulatory properties of the Ad5 E1b and E4 proteins and raise the possibility that analogousmore » cellular trans-acting factors serve to modulate Alu expression in vivo.« less

SuperTIGER: On the Cosmic Ray Charge Frontier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandt, Theresa J.

2017-08-01

The Super Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder (SuperTIGER) was designed to measure significant statistics particularly for cosmic rays (CRs) with charge > 30. These heaviest nuclei are some 10^3-10^5 times rarer than the lighter elements. With the longest science flight to date on a Long Duration Balloon in 2012-13, SuperTIGER has collected >1200 of these rare nuclei and millions of lighter CR events. After the instrument spent two winters in Antarctica, we recovered it and are completing preparations for a second flight. We present results from the first flight, including the highest statistical precision measurements of CR charges from 30-40 to date. We anticipate even greater improvements with our second flight, this coming austral summer, 2017-18 from McMurdo, Antarctica. The results show enhanced numbers of elements formed in massive stars relative to solar system values, and thus give insight into the origin of Galactic CRs, likely in OB associations, and into the atomic processes which accelerate nuclei.

Legal issues for transgender people: a review of persistent threats.

PubMed

Green, Jamison

2017-10-01

Background The legal status of transgender (trans) people is in constant flux. Over the past 70 years, gradually increasing transgender visibility, national and global advocacy, and, more recently, widespread Internet access, communication, and broadening support from allies, have all contributed to successful campaigns that have improved transgender lives and legitimised transgender. Still, traumatic interactions with the legal system or policing agencies remain plentiful. This is a very general overview of the most common legal issues confronting trans people. It aims to inform medical and mental health providers about the trepidation with which their patients and clients must engage legal systems, and the scope of their concerns, which ultimately affect their health. This review relies upon reports generated by advocacy organisations based on population surveys in several countries, the projects undertaken by legal and human rights advocacy groups, the topics most frequently discussed in academic texts examining transgender legal issues, and draws upon the author's personal advocacy experience. The most complicated and persistent issues are identity recognition, family law and relationship issues, adverse discrimination and anti-transgender violence and its aftermath. Criminal law, almost universally, treats trans people according to the lowest common denominator, their genital status, which supposedly supports expediency and "safety". Global legal and human rights efforts remain desperately needed to lift transgender people from the margins of society and provide them with equal opportunities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Access to appropriate and meaningful health care is a crucial element necessary to affirm the humanity of any person.

Feeding a High Concentrate Diet Down-Regulates Expression of ACACA, LPL and SCD and Modifies Milk Composition in Lactating Goats

PubMed Central

Tao, Hui; Chang, Guangjun; Xu, Tianle; Zhao, Huajian; Zhang, Kai; Shen, Xiangzhen

2015-01-01

High concentrate diets are fed to early and mid-lactation stages dairy ruminants to meet the energy demands for high milk production in modern milk industry. The present study evaluated the effects of a high concentrate diet on milk fat and milk composition, especially, cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk and gene expression of lactating goats. Eight mid-lactating goats with rumen fistula were randomly assigned into a high concentrate diet (HCD) group and low concentrate diet (LCD) group. High concentrate diet feeding significantly increased lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in plasma and decreased milk fat content, vaccenic acid (VA) and cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk of the lactating goats. The mRNA expression levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein B 1c (SREBP1c), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), fatty acid synthetase (FASN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA, ACCα) involving in lipid metabolism were analyzed, and ACACA and LPL all decreased in their expression level in the mammary glands of goats fed a high concentrate diet. DNA methylation rate of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) was elevated and decreased, and SCD mRNA and protein expression was reduced significantly in the mammary glands of goats fed a high concentrate diet. In conclusion, feeding a high concentrate diet to lactating goats decreases milk fat and reduced expression of SCD in the mammary gland, which finally induced cis-9, trans-11 CLA content in milk. PMID:26086219

U. S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Summary for July 1970

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-09-22

o o- e ... " ......... CURRENT OPERATIONS ......... ............ I* USN OPERATIONS .7 - Operation Sea Float / Tran I-Tung Dao III...Fleet 21......................... .............. 19 VNN OPERATIONS . Tran Hung Dao I............ .................... 21 Tran Hung Dao II...24 Tran Hung Dao V .................................... 28Tran Hung Dao XI 30 Tran Hung Dao XII (Special Operation

[Comparative study on five pretreatment methods for ICP-OES determination of mineral elements in Rosa rugosa].

PubMed

Zhao, Ning; Yang, Bin; Duan, Yu-Cen; Lei, Ran

2011-08-01

Abstract Five different pretreatment methods, including dry ashing and microwave digestion with four acid systems (HNO3 + H2O2, HNO3 + H2O2 + HF, HNO3 + HClO4 and HNO3 + HClO4 + HF), were employed for digestion of the samples of Rosa rugosa. Nine major and trace elements were determined using ICP-OES method. The addition standard recovery rates indicate that, with the system of HNO3 + HClO4, better results can be obtained for most of the determined elements. With this method, except for Fe, the recovery rates are in the range of 95.4%-104.6%. For Fe, higher recovery rate (99%) was obtained with HNO3 + H2O2 + HF system.

DNA methylation induced changes in chromatin conformation of the promoter of the vitellogenin II gene of Japanese quail during aging.

PubMed

Gupta, Sanjay; Pathak, Rashmi U; Kanungo, Madhu S

2006-08-01

One approach to the understanding of the molecular basis of aging in higher organisms may be to use genes whose timing and rate of expression during the life span run parallel with specific functions that can be monitored. The genes for egg proteins, such as vitellogenin (VTG), which is expressed in the liver, and ovalbumin, lysozyme etc. that are expressed in the oviduct of birds, meet these requirements. Egg laying function is dependent on the production of these proteins, which, in turn, depends on the expression of their genes. In this communication we present the age-related studies on the VTG II gene of the bird, Japanese quail. The gene is expressed only in the liver and its expression is considerably lower in old birds that do not lay eggs. Comparison of the promoter region of the gene carrying the two important cis-acting elements, estrogen responsive element (ERE) and progesterone responsive element (PRE), shows it to be 100% homologous to the corresponding region of the chicken VTG II gene. Methylation of DNA and conformation of chromatin of this region were studied, as they are known to be important for regulation of expression of genes. Our studies show that in the liver of adult female quails which lay eggs, a -CCGG- sequence located in this region is hypomethylated, and the chromatin encompassing this region of the gene is relaxed. In the old, the -CCGG- sequence is hypermethylated and the chromatin is compact. This is correlated with a decrease in the expression of the gene and decrease in egg production. Further, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) shows that the levels/affinity of specific trans-acting factors that bind to ERE and PRE present in the region, are not different in adult and old birds. Hence the methylation status of the -CCGG- sequence that is located in-between the ERE and the PRE may be crucial for the conformation of chromatin and availability of these two important cis-acting elements for the binding of the trans-acting factors. This, in turn, may downregulate the expression of the gene in old birds.

Handbook of Supersonic Aerodynamics. Section 18. Shock Tubes

DTIC Science & Technology

1959-12-01

f942. 13. Sal i, M. N. "Ionization of the Solar Chromosphere," Phil . Map., Vol. 40 (1920), p. 472. a p.p ._ "Elements in the Sun," Phil . Mag., Vol...Monica, Calif.: Rand Corporation, 1955. 36. Hilsenrath, J. and Beckett , C. W. Thermodynamic Properties of Argon-Free Air. NBS Re ort 3991. Washington...University of Toronoi- TM-. 79. King, L. V. "On the Convection of Hent from Small Cylinders in a Stream of Fluid," Phil . Trans. RoY. Soc. London, A214 (1914

HRMA calibration handbook: EKC gravity compensated XRCF models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tananbaum, H. D.; Jerius, D.; Hughes, J.

1994-06-01

This document, consisting of hardcopy printout of explanatory text, figures, and tables, represents one incarnation of the AXAF high resolution mirror assembly (HRMA) Calibration Handbook. However, as we have envisioned it, the handbook also consists of electronic versions of this hardcopy printout (in the form of postscript files), the individual scripts which produced the various figures and the associated input data, the model raytrace files, and all scripts, parameter files, and input data necessary to generate the raytraces. These data are all available electronically as either ASCII or FITS files. The handbook is intended to be a living document and will be updated as new information and/or fabrication data on the HRMA are obtained, or when the need for additional results are indicated. The SAO Mission Support Team (MST) is developing a high fidelity HRMA model, consisting of analytical and numerical calculations, computer software, and databases of fundamental physical constants, laboratory measurements, configuration data, finite element models, AXAF assembly data, and so on. This model serves as the basis for the simulations presented in the handbook. The 'core' of the model is the raytrace package OSAC, which we have substantially modified and now refer to as SAOsac. One major structural modification to the software has been to utilize the UNIX binary pipe data transport mechanism for passing rays between program modules. This change has made it possible to simulate rays which are distributed randomly over the entrance aperture of the telescope. It has also resulted in a highly efficient system for tracing large numbers of rays. In one application to date (the analysis of VETA-I ring focus data) we have employed 2 x 107 rays, a substantial improvement over the limit of 1 x 104 rays in the original OSAC module. A second major modification is the manner in which SAOsac incorporates low spatial frequency surface errors into the geometric raytrace. The original OSAC included the ability to use Legendre-Fourier polynomials to describe deviations from the basic optical prescription. To this we have added bicubic splines to address a deficiency in the handling of the sharper deformations in the areas of mirror support pads. SAO has developed software (TRANS-FIT) to translate the most common finite element analysis models into these forms for incorporation into the raytrace program.

High-throughput sequence analysis of Ciona intestinalis SL trans-spliced mRNAs: alternative expression modes and gene function correlates.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Jun; Dewar, Ken; Wasserscheid, Jessica; Wiley, Graham B; Macmil, Simone L; Roe, Bruce A; Zeller, Robert W; Satou, Yutaka; Hastings, Kenneth E M

2010-05-01

Pre-mRNA 5' spliced-leader (SL) trans-splicing occurs in some metazoan groups but not in others. Genome-wide characterization of the trans-spliced mRNA subpopulation has not yet been reported for any metazoan. We carried out a high-throughput analysis of the SL trans-spliced mRNA population of the ascidian tunicate Ciona intestinalis by 454 Life Sciences (Roche) pyrosequencing of SL-PCR-amplified random-primed reverse transcripts of tailbud embryo RNA. We obtained approximately 250,000 high-quality reads corresponding to 8790 genes, approximately 58% of the Ciona total gene number. The great depth of this data revealed new aspects of trans-splicing, including the existence of a significant class of "infrequently trans-spliced" genes, accounting for approximately 28% of represented genes, that generate largely non-trans-spliced mRNAs, but also produce trans-spliced mRNAs, in part through alternative promoter use. Thus, the conventional qualitative dichotomy of trans-spliced versus non-trans-spliced genes should be supplanted by a more accurate quantitative view recognizing frequently and infrequently trans-spliced gene categories. Our data include reads representing approximately 80% of Ciona frequently trans-spliced genes. Our analysis also revealed significant use of closely spaced alternative trans-splice acceptor sites which further underscores the mechanistic similarity of cis- and trans-splicing and indicates that the prevalence of +/-3-nt alternative splicing events at tandem acceptor sites, NAGNAG, is driven by spliceosomal mechanisms, and not nonsense-mediated decay, or selection at the protein level. The breadth of gene representation data enabled us to find new correlations between trans-splicing status and gene function, namely the overrepresentation in the frequently trans-spliced gene class of genes associated with plasma/endomembrane system, Ca(2+) homeostasis, and actin cytoskeleton.

Determinants of Chromosome Architecture: Insulator Pairing in cis and in trans

PubMed Central

Fujioka, Miki; Mistry, Hemlata; Schedl, Paul; Jaynes, James B.

2016-01-01

The chromosomes of multicellular animals are organized into a series of topologically independent looped domains. This domain organization is critical for the proper utilization and propagation of the genetic information encoded by the chromosome. A special set of architectural elements, called boundaries or insulators, are responsible both for subdividing the chromatin into discrete domains and for determining the topological organization of these domains. Central to the architectural functions of insulators are homologous and heterologous insulator:insulator pairing interactions. The former (pairing between copies of the same insulator) dictates the process of homolog alignment and pairing in trans, while the latter (pairing between different insulators) defines the topology of looped domains in cis. To elucidate the principles governing these architectural functions, we use two insulators, Homie and Nhomie, that flank the Drosophila even skipped locus. We show that homologous insulator interactions in trans, between Homie on one homolog and Homie on the other, or between Nhomie on one homolog and Nhomie on the other, mediate transvection. Critically, these homologous insulator:insulator interactions are orientation-dependent. Consistent with a role in the alignment and pairing of homologs, self-pairing in trans is head-to-head. Head-to-head self-interactions in cis have been reported for other fly insulators, suggesting that this is a general principle of self-pairing. Homie and Nhomie not only pair with themselves, but with each other. Heterologous Homie-Nhomie interactions occur in cis, and we show that they serve to delimit a looped chromosomal domain that contains the even skipped transcription unit and its associated enhancers. The topology of this loop is defined by the heterologous pairing properties of Homie and Nhomie. Instead of being head-to-head, which would generate a circular loop, Homie-Nhomie pairing is head-to-tail. Head-to-tail pairing in cis generates a stem-loop, a configuration much like that observed in classical lampbrush chromosomes. These pairing principles provide a mechanistic underpinning for the observed topologies within and between chromosomes. PMID:26910731

An integrated -omics analysis of the epigenetic landscape of gene expression in human blood cells.

PubMed

Kennedy, Elizabeth M; Goehring, George N; Nichols, Michael H; Robins, Chloe; Mehta, Divya; Klengel, Torsten; Eskin, Eleazar; Smith, Alicia K; Conneely, Karen N

2018-06-19

Gene expression can be influenced by DNA methylation 1) distally, at regulatory elements such as enhancers, as well as 2) proximally, at promoters. Our current understanding of the influence of distal DNA methylation changes on gene expression patterns is incomplete. Here, we characterize genome-wide methylation and expression patterns for ~ 13 k genes to explore how DNA methylation interacts with gene expression, throughout the genome. We used a linear mixed model framework to assess the correlation of DNA methylation at ~ 400 k CpGs with gene expression changes at ~ 13 k transcripts in two independent datasets from human blood cells. Among CpGs at which methylation significantly associates with transcription (eCpGs), > 50% are distal (> 50 kb) or trans (different chromosome) to the correlated gene. Many eCpG-transcript pairs are consistent between studies and ~ 90% of neighboring eCpGs associate with the same gene, within studies. We find that enhancers (P < 5e-18) and microRNA genes (P = 9e-3) are overrepresented among trans eCpGs, and insulators and long intergenic non-coding RNAs are enriched among cis and distal eCpGs. Intragenic-eCpG-transcript correlations are negative in 60-70% of occurrences and are enriched for annotated gene promoters and enhancers (P < 0.002), highlighting the importance of intragenic regulation. Gene Ontology analysis indicates that trans eCpGs are enriched for transcription factor genes and chromatin modifiers, suggesting that some trans eCpGs represent the influence of gene networks and higher-order transcriptional control. This work sheds new light on the interplay between epigenetic changes and gene expression, and provides useful data for mining biologically-relevant results from epigenome-wide association studies.

DIVWAG Model Documentation. Volume II. Programmer/Analyst Manual. Part 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-07-01

that portion of the Intelligence and Control Model regulating supporting aerial fire and artillery. flight corridor: a rectangular area centered along...0.0. N N,( ON ~~ *0,U0 0 ZMN .. .6 N 6’ N N~. C4NANCy 0 -0 0 4.0 4 - 񓿀.104M 2 0 .i..i.6 C4 - - 0) 14 U.U 00 cocoa eeoc a 0iW z0 7 A 0) ;C a a . z 0...modifiers and all required data elements. (1) There are two basic rules regulating the entry of data elements when required by an order or an order modifier

First finding of a mammoth female ( Mammuthus primigenius Blum.) on the Taimyr Peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirillova, I. V.; Shidlovskiy, F. K.; Khasanov, B. F.

2011-02-01

The first finding of a mammoth female skeleton from the Kastykhtakh River valley, Taimyr Peninsula, is described. The skeleton consists of 104 elements including the skull and lower jaw; small distal limb bones, tail vertebrae, and one tusk are absent. There are teeth of the two last changes in the jaws. The skeleton elements have individual features: sigmoid contact of the low second and third molars, crack in the neural arch of the atlas, and false joint and calluses on places of the rib fractures. The calibrated radiocarbon dating of the tubular bone is 32 070-30 565 yr (Kargin interglacial time).

Use of Trans Fat Information on Food Labels and Its Determinants in a Multiethnic College Student Population

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jasti, Sunitha; Kovacs, Szilvia

2010-01-01

Objectives: To examine the correlates of trans fat knowledge and trans fat label use; to examine the influence of trans fat knowledge, trans fat label use, and dietary attitudes on intake of high trans fat food. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: An urban commuter college. Subjects: Two hundred twenty-two college students. Variables…

Analysis of Trans Fat in Edible Oils with Cooking Process

PubMed Central

Song, Juhee; Park, Joohyeok; Jung, Jinyeong; Lee, Chankyu; Gim, Seo Yeoung; Ka, HyeJung; Yi, BoRa; Kim, Mi-Ja; Kim, Cho-il

2015-01-01

Trans fat is a unsaturated fatty acid with trans configuration and separated double bonds. Analytical methods have been introduced to analyze trans fat content in foods including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography (GC), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, reverses-phase silver ion high performance liquid chromatography, and silver nitrate thin layer chromatography. Currently, FT-IR spectroscopy and GC are mostly used methods. Trans fat content in 6 vegetable oils were analyzed and processing effects including baking, stir-frying, pan-frying, and frying on the formation of trans fat in corn oil was evaluated by GC. Among tested vegetable oils, corn oil has 0.25 g trans fat/100 g, whereas other oils including rapeseed, soybean, olive, perilla, and sesame oils did not have detectable amount of trans fat content. Among cooking methods, stir-frying increased trans fat in corn oil whereas baking, pan-frying, and frying procedures did not make changes in trans fat content compared to untreated corn oils. However, the trans fat content was so low and food label can be declared as ‘0’ trans based on the regulation of Ministry of Food ad Drug Safety (MFDS) (< 2 g/100 g edible oil). PMID:26483890

Genomic atlas of the human plasma proteome.

PubMed

Sun, Benjamin B; Maranville, Joseph C; Peters, James E; Stacey, David; Staley, James R; Blackshaw, James; Burgess, Stephen; Jiang, Tao; Paige, Ellie; Surendran, Praveen; Oliver-Williams, Clare; Kamat, Mihir A; Prins, Bram P; Wilcox, Sheri K; Zimmerman, Erik S; Chi, An; Bansal, Narinder; Spain, Sarah L; Wood, Angela M; Morrell, Nicholas W; Bradley, John R; Janjic, Nebojsa; Roberts, David J; Ouwehand, Willem H; Todd, John A; Soranzo, Nicole; Suhre, Karsten; Paul, Dirk S; Fox, Caroline S; Plenge, Robert M; Danesh, John; Runz, Heiko; Butterworth, Adam S

2018-06-01

Although plasma proteins have important roles in biological processes and are the direct targets of many drugs, the genetic factors that control inter-individual variation in plasma protein levels are not well understood. Here we characterize the genetic architecture of the human plasma proteome in healthy blood donors from the INTERVAL study. We identify 1,927 genetic associations with 1,478 proteins, a fourfold increase on existing knowledge, including trans associations for 1,104 proteins. To understand the consequences of perturbations in plasma protein levels, we apply an integrated approach that links genetic variation with biological pathway, disease, and drug databases. We show that protein quantitative trait loci overlap with gene expression quantitative trait loci, as well as with disease-associated loci, and find evidence that protein biomarkers have causal roles in disease using Mendelian randomization analysis. By linking genetic factors to diseases via specific proteins, our analyses highlight potential therapeutic targets, opportunities for matching existing drugs with new disease indications, and potential safety concerns for drugs under development.

Year-round movements of a Wahlberg's eagle Aquila wahlbergi tracked by satellite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyburg, B.-U.; Mendelsohn, J.M.; Ellis, D.H.; Smith, D.G.; Meyburg, C.; Kemp, A.C.

1995-01-01

An adult female Wahlberg's Eagle from northern Namibia was tracked by satellite ovcr a total distance of 8816 km and located 104 times between 11 February and 4 November 1994. It migrated on an almost due north heading to northern Cameroon, north-eastern Nigeria and western Chad through the rain forest belt of the Congo and Zaire after the breeding season. The total trans-equatorial distance between the breeding and non-breeding ranges was 3520 km. During the non-breeding season the bird ranged over a large area (ca. 60 000 km2) for about six weeks (29 April - 14 June) in these three countries in a rather nomadic pattern covering a minimum distance of 1256 km. During two further months (14 June - 14 August) it restricted its movements to an area of about 50002 km near Maiduguri in the Sudan savannah of north-eastern Nigeria. The return migration took about two weeks longer than that to the north, which took about a month.

Non-suicidal self-injury in trans people: associations with psychological symptoms, victimization, interpersonal functioning, and perceived social support.

PubMed

Claes, Laurence; Bouman, Walter Pierre; Witcomb, Gemma; Thurston, Megan; Fernandez-Aranda, Fernando; Arcelus, Jon

2015-01-01

There is a paucity of systematic research in the area of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in trans people. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NSSI in trans people and the associations with intra- and interpersonal problems. Participants were 155 untreated individuals with a diagnosis of transsexualism (according to International Classification of Disease-10 criteria) attending a national gender identity clinic. All participants completed the Self-Injury Questionnaire, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Hamburg Body Drawing Scale, the Experiences of Transphobia Scale, the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The sample consisted of 66.5% trans women and 33.5% trans men and 36.8% of them had a history of engaging in NSSI. The prevalence of NSSI was significantly higher in trans men (57.7%) compared with trans women (26.2%). Trans individuals with NSSI reported more psychological and interpersonal problems and perceived less social support compared with trans individuals without NSSI. Moreover, the probability of having experienced physical harassment related to being trans was highest in trans women with NSSI (compared with those without NSSI). The study found that with respect to psychological symptoms, trans women reported significantly more intrapersonal and interpersonal symptoms compared with trans men. Finally, the results of the regression analysis showed that the probability of engaging in NSSI by trans individuals was significantly positively related to a younger age, being trans male, and reporting more psychological symptoms. The high levels of NSSI behavior and its association with interpersonal and interpersonal difficulties and lack of social support need to be taken into consideration when assessing trans individuals. The effect of cross-sex hormones and sex reassignment surgery on psychological functioning, including NSSI behavior, as part of the transitional journey of trans individuals should be explored in future studies. © 2014 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Regional view of a Trans-African Drainage System.

PubMed

Abdelkareem, Mohamed; El-Baz, Farouk

2015-05-01

Despite the arid to hyperarid climate of the Great Sahara of North Africa, pluvial climates dominated the region. Radar data shed some light on the postulated Trans-African Drainage System and its relationship to active and inactive tributaries of the Nile basin. Interpretations of recent elevation data confirm a source of the river water from the Red Sea highlands did not connect the Atlantic Ocean across Tushka basin, highlands of Uwinate and Darfur, and Chad basin, but northward to the ancestral Nile Delta. Elements of topography and climate were considered. They show that the former segments of the Nile closely mirror present-day tributaries of the Nile basin in drainage geometry, landscape, and climate. A rainfall data interpolation scenario revealed that this basin received concurrent runoff from both flanks such as Gabgaba-Allaqi to the east and Tushka basin to the west, similar to present-day Sobat and White Nile tributaries, respectively. Overall the western tributaries such as those of Tushka basin and Howar lead to the Nile, which was (and still is) the biggest river system in Africa.

Regional view of a Trans-African Drainage System

PubMed Central

Abdelkareem, Mohamed; El-Baz, Farouk

2014-01-01

Despite the arid to hyperarid climate of the Great Sahara of North Africa, pluvial climates dominated the region. Radar data shed some light on the postulated Trans-African Drainage System and its relationship to active and inactive tributaries of the Nile basin. Interpretations of recent elevation data confirm a source of the river water from the Red Sea highlands did not connect the Atlantic Ocean across Tushka basin, highlands of Uwinate and Darfur, and Chad basin, but northward to the ancestral Nile Delta. Elements of topography and climate were considered. They show that the former segments of the Nile closely mirror present-day tributaries of the Nile basin in drainage geometry, landscape, and climate. A rainfall data interpolation scenario revealed that this basin received concurrent runoff from both flanks such as Gabgaba-Allaqi to the east and Tushka basin to the west, similar to present-day Sobat and White Nile tributaries, respectively. Overall the western tributaries such as those of Tushka basin and Howar lead to the Nile, which was (and still is) the biggest river system in Africa. PMID:26257941

Targeting excited states in all-trans polyenes with electron-pair states.

PubMed

Boguslawski, Katharina

2016-12-21

Wavefunctions restricted to electron pair states are promising models for strongly correlated systems. Specifically, the pair Coupled Cluster Doubles (pCCD) ansatz allows us to accurately describe bond dissociation processes and heavy-element containing compounds with multiple quasi-degenerate single-particle states. Here, we extend the pCCD method to model excited states using the equation of motion (EOM) formalism. As the cluster operator of pCCD is restricted to electron-pair excitations, EOM-pCCD allows us to target excited electron-pair states only. To model singly excited states within EOM-pCCD, we modify the configuration interaction ansatz of EOM-pCCD to contain also single excitations. Our proposed model represents a simple and cost-effective alternative to conventional EOM-CC methods to study singly excited electronic states. The performance of the excited state models is assessed against the lowest-lying excited states of the uranyl cation and the two lowest-lying excited states of all-trans polyenes. Our numerical results suggest that EOM-pCCD including single excitations is a good starting point to target singly excited states.

Manipulation of Nano-/Micro Particles Using Light-Actuated Marangoni Tweezers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Cunjing; Varanakkottu, Subramanyan; Hardt, Steffen; Nano-; Microfluidics, Center of Smart Interfaces, TU Darmstadt Team

2015-11-01

The ability to manipulate and produce patterns of nano-/micro objects has been of great interest from both a fundamental and an application point of view. Here we demonstrate particle patterning using an optical landscape and optical nanoparticle manipulation based on light-actuated Marangoni tweezers. A liquid film with a photosurfactant which exists in two isomeric states (cis and trans) is employed for that purpose. Under multiple laser spots created by diffractive optical elements from a He-Cd laser, cis-rich regions with higher surface tension than unexposed trans-rich regions are created, resulting in converging Marangoni flows directing particles attached to the liquid surface toward the irradiated area. 10 μm polystyrene particles and 600 nm λ-DNA molecules distributed over the liquid surface move to the nearest laser spot and can be arranged in specific patterns. Furthermore, 100 nm polystyrene particles and 20 nm quantum dots can also be trapped, and the 100 nm particles can be driven along quite complex trajectories. Compared to conventional optical tweezers, the corresponding power requirements are much lower.

Conformational Analysis of Retinoic Acids: Effects of Steric Interactions on Nonplanar Conjugated Polyenes

PubMed Central

Cox, Bryan D.; Muccio, Donald D.; Hamilton, Tracy P.

2013-01-01

Retinoic acids and other vitamin A analogs contain a trimethylcyclohexenyl ring in conjugation with a polyene chain joined at carbon-6 (C6) and carbon-7 (C7). A MP2-SCS/cc-pVDZ// B3LYP/6-31G(d) 2-D potential energy surface was computed for all-trans retinoic acid, which had 6 minima (3 enantiomeric pairs). The global minima were distorted s-gauche enantiomers (6–7 = 53°) with half-chair conformations of the ring. Distorted s-gauche enantiomers (6–7 = 55°) with inverted half-chair ring conformations were 1.7 kJ/mol above the global minima. The s-trans enantiomers (6–7 = 164°) were 11.3 kJ/mol above the global minima. Steric energies were computed by the method of Guo and Karplus to identify key structural elements in retinoic acids which determines their conformation. Small molecule crystal structures in the CCDC database with trimethylcyclohexenyl ring and exocyclic double bonds have ring-chain geometries near to one of the 6 energy minima of retinoic acids, except for retinaldehyde iminium cations. PMID:25798372

Conformational Analysis of Retinoic Acids: Effects of Steric Interactions on Nonplanar Conjugated Polyenes.

PubMed

Cox, Bryan D; Muccio, Donald D; Hamilton, Tracy P

2013-05-01

Retinoic acids and other vitamin A analogs contain a trimethylcyclohexenyl ring in conjugation with a polyene chain joined at carbon-6 (C6) and carbon-7 (C7). A MP2-SCS/cc-pVDZ// B3LYP/6-31G(d) 2-D potential energy surface was computed for all- trans retinoic acid, which had 6 minima (3 enantiomeric pairs). The global minima were distorted s-gauche enantiomers ( 6-7 = 53°) with half-chair conformations of the ring. Distorted s-gauche enantiomers ( 6-7 = 55°) with inverted half-chair ring conformations were 1.7 kJ/mol above the global minima. The s-trans enantiomers ( 6-7 = 164°) were 11.3 kJ/mol above the global minima. Steric energies were computed by the method of Guo and Karplus to identify key structural elements in retinoic acids which determines their conformation. Small molecule crystal structures in the CCDC database with trimethylcyclohexenyl ring and exocyclic double bonds have ring-chain geometries near to one of the 6 energy minima of retinoic acids, except for retinaldehyde iminium cations.

The inverse-trans-influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis(carbene) complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregson, Matthew; Lu, Erli; Mills, David P.; Tuna, Floriana; McInnes, Eric J. L.; Hennig, Christoph; Scheinost, Andreas C.; McMaster, Jonathan; Lewis, William; Blake, Alexander J.; Kerridge, Andrew; Liddle, Stephen T.

2017-02-01

Across the periodic table the trans-influence operates, whereby tightly bonded ligands selectively lengthen mutually trans metal-ligand bonds. Conversely, in high oxidation state actinide complexes the inverse-trans-influence operates, where normally cis strongly donating ligands instead reside trans and actually reinforce each other. However, because the inverse-trans-influence is restricted to high-valent actinyls and a few uranium(V/VI) complexes, it has had limited scope in an area with few unifying rules. Here we report tetravalent cerium, uranium and thorium bis(carbene) complexes with trans C=M=C cores where experimental and theoretical data suggest the presence of an inverse-trans-influence. Studies of hypothetical praseodymium(IV) and terbium(IV) analogues suggest the inverse-trans-influence may extend to these ions but it also diminishes significantly as the 4f orbitals are populated. This work suggests that the inverse-trans-influence may occur beyond high oxidation state 5f metals and hence could encompass mid-range oxidation state actinides and lanthanides. Thus, the inverse-trans-influence might be a more general f-block principle.

The inverse-trans-influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis(carbene) complexes.

PubMed

Gregson, Matthew; Lu, Erli; Mills, David P; Tuna, Floriana; McInnes, Eric J L; Hennig, Christoph; Scheinost, Andreas C; McMaster, Jonathan; Lewis, William; Blake, Alexander J; Kerridge, Andrew; Liddle, Stephen T

2017-02-03

Across the periodic table the trans-influence operates, whereby tightly bonded ligands selectively lengthen mutually trans metal-ligand bonds. Conversely, in high oxidation state actinide complexes the inverse-trans-influence operates, where normally cis strongly donating ligands instead reside trans and actually reinforce each other. However, because the inverse-trans-influence is restricted to high-valent actinyls and a few uranium(V/VI) complexes, it has had limited scope in an area with few unifying rules. Here we report tetravalent cerium, uranium and thorium bis(carbene) complexes with trans C=M=C cores where experimental and theoretical data suggest the presence of an inverse-trans-influence. Studies of hypothetical praseodymium(IV) and terbium(IV) analogues suggest the inverse-trans-influence may extend to these ions but it also diminishes significantly as the 4f orbitals are populated. This work suggests that the inverse-trans-influence may occur beyond high oxidation state 5f metals and hence could encompass mid-range oxidation state actinides and lanthanides. Thus, the inverse-trans-influence might be a more general f-block principle.

The inverse-trans-influence in tetravalent lanthanide and actinide bis(carbene) complexes

PubMed Central

Gregson, Matthew; Lu, Erli; Mills, David P.; Tuna, Floriana; McInnes, Eric J. L.; Hennig, Christoph; Scheinost, Andreas C.; McMaster, Jonathan; Lewis, William; Blake, Alexander J.; Kerridge, Andrew; Liddle, Stephen T.

2017-01-01

Across the periodic table the trans-influence operates, whereby tightly bonded ligands selectively lengthen mutually trans metal–ligand bonds. Conversely, in high oxidation state actinide complexes the inverse-trans-influence operates, where normally cis strongly donating ligands instead reside trans and actually reinforce each other. However, because the inverse-trans-influence is restricted to high-valent actinyls and a few uranium(V/VI) complexes, it has had limited scope in an area with few unifying rules. Here we report tetravalent cerium, uranium and thorium bis(carbene) complexes with trans C=M=C cores where experimental and theoretical data suggest the presence of an inverse-trans-influence. Studies of hypothetical praseodymium(IV) and terbium(IV) analogues suggest the inverse-trans-influence may extend to these ions but it also diminishes significantly as the 4f orbitals are populated. This work suggests that the inverse-trans-influence may occur beyond high oxidation state 5f metals and hence could encompass mid-range oxidation state actinides and lanthanides. Thus, the inverse-trans-influence might be a more general f-block principle. PMID:28155857

Interfacial Bioorthogonal Chemistry for Biomaterials Synthesis and Patterning and Development of Catalytic Method for "Turning-On" the Tetrazine Ligation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Han

The bioorthogonal trans-cyclooctene-tetrazine ligation has emerged into a powerful tool in the field of biomedical research. The development and the versatile applications of tetrazine ligation was made possible by the advancement of trans-cyclooctene synthesis. Based on the previous art of photoisomerization methods in Fox group, I carried out the first practical photosynthesis of trans-cycloheptene derivatives that were stabilized as silver(I) complexes form, as well as the photoisomerization of silicon-containing hetero- trans-cycloheptene derivatives. The reactivity of both the trans-cycloheptene silver(I) complexes and the hetero-trans-cycloheptene derivatives were investigated. Based on the rapid trans-cyclooctene-tetrazine ligation, first example of interfacial crosslinking will be described in Chapter 2. Bioocompatible hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel microspheres and channels were generated in a diffusion controlled fashion. These hydrogels can be covalently tagged with 3D resolution without the help of any external stimulus or triggers. An in vitro tumor model was achieved by 3D encapsulation and culture of LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Also included in Chapter 2 will be a novel interfacial polymerization strategy developed for the synthesis of hybrid multiblock copolymer. Meter-long copolymer fibers were pulled out of interface of two immiscible solutions. The unique modular approach enables the facile incorporation of functional peptides into the copolymer to fine-tune its biological properties. A fibronectin-derived peptide was successfully introduced onto the fibers during the polymerization and dramatically promoted the attachment and alignment of fibroblasts and myoepithelial-like cells. In Chapter 3, a novel method to activate rapid bioorthogonal reactivity catalytically will be described. This was achieved by catalytic conversion of an unreactive, latent dihydrotetrazine to reaction-ready tetrazine functionality. Series of long wavelength photosensitizers were found to catalyze the oxidation of DHTz to Tz effieciently in the presence of light and air. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was found to catalyze the oxidation at nanomolar concentrations in absence of peroxide. These methods can provide a milder and more physiology-friendly way to "turn-on" rapid tetrazine ligation reactivity with great promise in extending to a wide range of applications in materials, cellular, and in vivo systems. Moreover, based on the previous bioorthogonal interfacial polymerization developed from our group, DHTz functionality can be successfully incorporated onto the copolymer fibers, which can be activated postsynthetically by either light or an HRP enzyme. Conjugations with small molecule fluorophores, cell-instructive peptide sequences and fluorescent proteins were accomplished, providing a new tool for modulating the cell adhesive properties of a biomaterial. TCO-tetrazine ligation has emerged as a multifaceted strategy in polymer and biomaterials discovery, bringing promising results and exhilarating progress. The versatile materials we developed here will prove useful and become indispensable elements in the tissue engineering toolbox.

Relativistic extension of a charge-conservative finite element solver for time-dependent Maxwell-Vlasov equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, D.-Y.; Moon, H.; Omelchenko, Y. A.; Teixeira, F. L.

2018-01-01

Accurate modeling of relativistic particle motion is essential for physical predictions in many problems involving vacuum electronic devices, particle accelerators, and relativistic plasmas. A local, explicit, and charge-conserving finite-element time-domain (FETD) particle-in-cell (PIC) algorithm for time-dependent (non-relativistic) Maxwell-Vlasov equations on irregular (unstructured) meshes was recently developed by Moon et al. [Comput. Phys. Commun. 194, 43 (2015); IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 44, 1353 (2016)]. Here, we extend this FETD-PIC algorithm to the relativistic regime by implementing and comparing three relativistic particle-pushers: (relativistic) Boris, Vay, and Higuera-Cary. We illustrate the application of the proposed relativistic FETD-PIC algorithm for the analysis of particle cyclotron motion at relativistic speeds, harmonic particle oscillation in the Lorentz-boosted frame, and relativistic Bernstein modes in magnetized charge-neutral (pair) plasmas.

HIV Prevalence, Sexual Partners, Sexual Behavior and HIV Acquisition Risk Among Trans Men, San Francisco, 2014.

PubMed

McFarland, Willi; Wilson, Erin C; Raymond, Henry F

2017-12-01

We surveyed 122 trans men using a hybrid sampling method that included randomly selected physical and online venues and peer referral to measure HIV prevalence and risk behaviors. HIV prevalence was 0% (one-sided 97.5% confidence interval 0-3.3%). Of 366 partnerships described, 44.8% were with cisgender women, 23.8% with cisgender men, 20.8% with trans men, and 10.7% with trans women. Condomless receptive anal and front hole/vaginal sex averaged one to three episodes per six months. HIV prevalence in trans men is likely closer to heterosexual cisgender men and women in San Francisco than trans women or MSM. Prevention prioritizing trans women and MSM, coupled with individualized and relevant sexual health education for trans men with partners from these populations, may best address the HIV prevention needs of trans men. Systematic collection of transgender status in Census and health data is needed to understand other health disparities among trans men.

Effect of Trans, Trans-Farnesol on Pseudogymnoascus destructans and Several Closely Related Species.

PubMed

Raudabaugh, Daniel B; Miller, Andrew N

2015-12-01

Bat white-nose syndrome, caused by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, has dramatically reduced the populations of many hibernating North American bat species. The search for effective biological control agents targeting P. destructans is of great importance. We report that the sesquiterpene trans, trans-farnesol, which is also a Candida albicans quorum sensing compound, prevented in vitro conidial germination for at least 14 days and inhibited growth of preexisting hyphae of five P. destructans isolates in filtered potato dextrose broth at 10 °C. Depending on the inoculation concentrations, both spore and hyphal inhibition occurred upon exposure to concentrations as low as 15-20 µM trans, trans-farnesol. In contrast, most North American Pseudogymnoascus isolates were more tolerant to the exposure of trans, trans-farnesol. Our results suggest that some Candida isolates may have the potential to inhibit the growth of P. destructans and that the sesquiterpene trans, trans-farnesol has the potential to be utilized as a biological control agent.

A Comparison of Trans Women, Trans Men, Genderqueer Individuals, and Cisgender Brothers and Sisters on the Bem Sex-Role Inventory: Ratings by Self and Siblings.

PubMed

Factor, Rhonda J; Rothblum, Esther D

2017-01-01

A U.S. national sample of 295 transgender adults (trans women, trans men, and genderqueer individuals) and their cisgender siblings completed the Bem Sex-Role Inventory about their siblings as well as themselves, which enabled a comparison between self-perceptions and sibling's perceptions of personality characteristics. Self-reported personality characteristics scored as feminine of trans women were not statistically different from those of their cisgender sisters, but they were significantly higher than self-reported femininity scores of trans men, genderqueer individuals, and cisgender brothers. Self-reported personality characteristics scored as masculine of trans men did not differ significantly from those of their cisgender brothers, but they were higher than those of trans women. Trans men and cisgender brothers were viewed by their siblings in a more sex-typed way than they rated themselves, whereas trans women and cisgender sisters were rated by their siblings in a less sex-typed way than they viewed themselves.

Deletion endpoint allele-specificity in the developmentally regulated elimination of an internal sequence (IES) in Paramecium.

PubMed Central

Dubrana, K; Le Mouël, A; Amar, L

1997-01-01

Ciliated protozoa undergo thousands of site-specific DNA deletion events during the programmed development of micronuclear genomes to macronuclear genomes. Two deletion elements, W1 and W2, were identified in the Paramecium primaurelia wild-type 156 strain. Here, we report the characterization of both elements in wild-type strain 168 and show that they display variant deletion patterns when compared with those of strain 156. The W1 ( 168 ) element is defective for deletion. The W2 ( 168 ) element is excised utilizing two alternative boundaries on one side, both are different from the boundary utilized to excise the W2156 element. By crossing the 156 and 168 strains, we demonstrate that the definition of all deletion endpoints are each controlled by cis -acting determinant(s) rather than by strain-specific trans-acting factor(s). Sequence comparison of all deleted DNA segments indicates that the 5'-TA-3'terminal sequence is strictly required at their ends. Furthermore the identity of the first eight base pairs of these ends to a previously established consensus sequence correlates with the frequency of the corresponding deletion events. Our data implies the existence of an adaptive convergent evolution of these Paramecium deleted DNA segment end sequences. PMID:9171098

Useful Bicistronic Reporter System for Studying Poly(A) Site-Defining cis Elements and Regulation of Alternative Polyadenylation.

PubMed

Deng, Zhongyuan; Zhang, Shen; Gu, Shaohua; Ni, Xinzhi; Zeng, Wenxian; Li, Xianchun

2018-01-17

The link between polyadenylation (pA) and various biological, behavioral, and pathological events of eukaryotes underlines the need to develop in vivo polyadenylation assay methods for characterization of the cis -acting elements, trans -acting factors and environmental stimuli that affect polyadenylation efficiency and/or relative usage of two alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites. The current protein-based CAT or luciferase reporter systems can measure the polyadenylation efficiency of a single pA site or candidate cis element but not the choice of two APA sites. To address this issue, we developed a set of four new bicistronic reporter vectors that harbor either two luciferase or fluorescence protein open reading frames connected with one Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES). Transfection of single or dual insertion constructs of these vectors into mammalian cells demonstrated that they could be utilized not only to quantify the strength of a single candidate pA site or cis element, but also to accurately measure the relative usage of two APA sites at both the mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein levels. This represents the first reporter system that can study polyadenylation efficiency of a single pA site or element and regulation of two APA sites at both the mRNA and protein levels.

Insights into the Galactic Cosmic-ray Source from the TIGER Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Link, Jason T.; Barbier, L. M.; Binns, W. R.; Christian, E. R.; Cummings, J. R.; Geier, S.; Israel, M. H.; Lodders, K.; Mewaldt,R. A.; Mitchell, J. W.;

A modularized pulse programmer for NMR spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Wenping; Bao, Qingjia; Yang, Liang; Chen, Yiqun; Liu, Chaoyang; Qiu, Jianqing; Ye, Chaohui

2011-02-01

A modularized pulse programmer for a NMR spectrometer is described. It consists of a networked PCI-104 single-board computer and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The PCI-104 is dedicated to translate the pulse sequence elements from the host computer into 48-bit binary words and download these words to the FPGA, while the FPGA functions as a sequencer to execute these binary words. High-resolution NMR spectra obtained on a home-built spectrometer with four pulse programmers working concurrently demonstrate the effectiveness of the pulse programmer. Advantages of the module include (1) once designed it can be duplicated and used to construct a scalable NMR/MRI system with multiple transmitter and receiver channels, (2) it is a totally programmable system in which all specific applications are determined by software, and (3) it provides enough reserve for possible new pulse sequences.

Adenovirus EIIA early promoter: transcriptional control elements and induction by the viral pre-early EIA gene, which appears to be sequence independent.

PubMed Central

Murthy, S C; Bhat, G P; Thimmappaya, B

1985-01-01

A molecular dissection of the adenovirus EIIA early (E) promoter was undertaken to study the sequence elements required for transcription and to examine the nucleotide sequences, if any, specific for its trans-activation by the viral pre-early EIA gene product. A chimeric gene in which the EIIA-E promoter region fused to the coding sequences of the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene was used in transient assays to identify the transcriptional control regions. Deletion mapping studies revealed that the upstream DNA sequences up to -86 were sufficient for the optimal basal level transcription in HeLa cells and also for the EIA-induced transcription. A series of linker-scanning (LS) mutants were constructed to precisely identify the nucleotide sequences that control transcription. Analysis of these LS mutants allowed us to identify two regions of the promoter that are critical for the EIIA-E transcription. These regions are located between -29 and -21 (region I) and between -82 and -66 (region II). Mutations in region I affected initiation and appeared functionally similar to the "TATA" sequence of the commonly studied promoters. To examine whether or not the EIIA-E promoter contained DNA sequences specific for the trans-activation by the EIA, the LS mutants were analyzed in a cotransfection assay containing a plasmid carrying the EIA gene. CAT activity of all of the LS mutants was induced by the EIA gene in this assay, suggesting that the induction of transcription of the EIIA-E promoter by the EIA gene is not sequence-specific. Images PMID:3857577

Hfq restructures RNA-IN and RNA-OUT and facilitates antisense pairing in the Tn10/IS10 system

PubMed Central

Ross, Joseph A.; Ellis, Michael J.; Hossain, Shahan; Haniford, David B.

2013-01-01

Hfq functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation in a wide range of bacteria, usually by promoting base-pairing of mRNAs and trans-encoded sRNAs that share partial sequence complementarity. It is less clear if Hfq is required for pairing of cis-encoded RNAs (i.e., antisense RNAs) with their target mRNAs. In the current work, we have characterized the interactions between Escherichia coli Hfq and the components of the Tn10/IS10 antisense system, RNA-IN and RNA-OUT. We show that Hfq interacts with RNA-OUT through its proximal RNA-binding surface, as is typical for Hfq and trans-encoded sRNAs. In contrast, RNA-IN binds both proximal and distal RNA-binding surfaces in Hfq with a higher affinity for the latter, as is typical for mRNA interactions in canonical sRNA-mRNA pairs. Importantly, an amino acid substitution in Hfq that interferes with RNA binding to the proximal site negatively impacts RNA-IN:OUT pairing in vitro and suppresses the ability of Hfq to negatively regulate IS10 transposition in vivo. We also show that Hfq binding to RNA-IN and RNA-OUT alters secondary structure elements in both of these RNAs and speculate that this could be important in how Hfq facilitates RNA-IN:OUT pairing. Based on the results presented here, we suggest that Hfq could be involved in regulating RNA pairing in other antisense systems, including systems encoded by other transposable elements. PMID:23510801

Chemistry of the superheavy elements.

PubMed

Schädel, Matthias

2015-03-13

The quest for superheavy elements (SHEs) is driven by the desire to find and explore one of the extreme limits of existence of matter. These elements exist solely due to their nuclear shell stabilization. All 15 presently 'known' SHEs (11 are officially 'discovered' and named) up to element 118 are short-lived and are man-made atom-at-a-time in heavy ion induced nuclear reactions. They are identical to the transactinide elements located in the seventh period of the periodic table beginning with rutherfordium (element 104), dubnium (element 105) and seaborgium (element 106) in groups 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Their chemical properties are often surprising and unexpected from simple extrapolations. After hassium (element 108), chemistry has now reached copernicium (element 112) and flerovium (element 114). For the later ones, the focus is on questions of their metallic or possibly noble gas-like character originating from interplay of most pronounced relativistic effects and electron-shell effects. SHEs provide unique opportunities to get insights into the influence of strong relativistic effects on the atomic electrons and to probe 'relativistically' influenced chemical properties and the architecture of the periodic table at its farthest reach. In addition, they establish a test bench to challenge the validity and predictive power of modern fully relativistic quantum chemical models. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

On the occurrence of metallic character in the periodic table of the chemical elements.

PubMed

Hensel, Friedrich; Slocombe, Daniel R; Edwards, Peter P

2015-03-13

The classification of a chemical element as either 'metal' or 'non-metal' continues to form the basis of an instantly recognizable, universal representation of the periodic table (Mendeleeff D. 1905 The principles of chemistry, vol. II, p. 23; Poliakoff M. & Tang S. 2015 Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 373: , 20140211). Here, we review major, pre-quantum-mechanical innovations (Goldhammer DA. 1913 Dispersion und Absorption des Lichtes; Herzfeld KF. 1927 Phys. Rev. 29: , 701-705) that allow an understanding of the metallic or non-metallic status of the chemical elements under both ambient and extreme conditions. A special emphasis will be placed on recent experimental advances that investigate how the electronic properties of chemical elements vary with temperature and density, and how this invariably relates to a changing status of the chemical elements. Thus, the prototypical non-metals, hydrogen and helium, becomes metallic at high densities; and the acknowledged metals, mercury, rubidium and caesium, transform into their non-metallic forms at low elemental densities. This reflects the fundamental fact that, at temperatures above the absolute zero of temperature, there is therefore no clear dividing line between metals and non-metals. Our conventional demarcation of chemical elements as metals or non-metals within the periodic table is of course governed by our experience of the nature of the elements under ambient conditions. Examination of these other situations helps us to examine the exact divisions of the chemical elements into metals and non-metals (Mendeleeff D. 1905 The principles of chemistry, vol. II, p. 23). © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

An internal regulatory element controls troponin I gene expression

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

Yutzey, K.E.; Kline, R.L.; Konieczmy, S.F.

1989-04-01

During skeletal myogenesis, approximately 20 contractile proteins and related gene products temporally accumulate as the cells fuse to form multinucleated muscle fibers. In most instances, the contractile protein genes are regulated transcriptionally, which suggests that a common molecular mechanism may coordinate the expression of this diverse and evolutionarily unrelated gene set. Recent studies have examined the muscle-specific cis-acting elements associated with numerous contractile protein genes. All of the identified regulatory elements are positioned in the 5'-flanking regions, usually within 1,500 base pairs of the transcription start site. Surprisingly, a DNA consensus sequence that is common to each contractile protein genemore » has not been identified. In contrast to the results of these earlier studies, the authors have found that the 5'-flanking region of the quail troponin I (TnI) gene is not sufficient to permit the normal myofiber transcriptional activation of the gene. Instead, the TnI gene utilizes a unique internal regulatory element that is responsible for the correct myofiber-specific expression pattern associated with the TnI gene. This is the first example in which a contractile protein gene has been shown to rely primarily on an internal regulatory element to elicit transcriptional activation during myogenesis. The diversity of regulatory elements associated with the contractile protein genes suggests that the temporal expression of the genes may involve individual cis-trans regulatory components specific for each gene.« less

An internal regulatory element controls troponin I gene expression.

PubMed Central

Yutzey, K E; Kline, R L; Konieczny, S F

1989-01-01

During skeletal myogenesis, approximately 20 contractile proteins and related gene products temporally accumulate as the cells fuse to form multinucleated muscle fibers. In most instances, the contractile protein genes are regulated transcriptionally, which suggests that a common molecular mechanism may coordinate the expression of this diverse and evolutionarily unrelated gene set. Recent studies have examined the muscle-specific cis-acting elements associated with numerous contractile protein genes. All of the identified regulatory elements are positioned in the 5'-flanking regions, usually within 1,500 base pairs of the transcription start site. Surprisingly, a DNA consensus sequence that is common to each contractile protein gene has not been identified. In contrast to the results of these earlier studies, we have found that the 5'-flanking region of the quail troponin I (TnI) gene is not sufficient to permit the normal myofiber transcriptional activation of the gene. Instead, the TnI gene utilizes a unique internal regulatory element that is responsible for the correct myofiber-specific expression pattern associated with the TnI gene. This is the first example in which a contractile protein gene has been shown to rely primarily on an internal regulatory element to elicit transcriptional activation during myogenesis. The diversity of regulatory elements associated with the contractile protein genes suggests that the temporal expression of the genes may involve individual cis-trans regulatory components specific for each gene. Images PMID:2725509

Attitudes, Beliefs, and Barriers to PrEP Among Trans Men.

PubMed

Rowniak, Stefan; Ong-Flaherty, Chenit; Selix, Nancy; Kowell, Niko

2017-08-01

The study examined the attitudes and knowledge of transgender men (trans men) regarding pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Three focus groups of trans men were conducted with a trans male facilitator for a total of 21 participants. Six themes were identified; the range of information about PrEP and possible side effects, the economic realities for trans men, finding a trans-competent provider, trans male sexuality, the importance of contraception, and condom use. Despite identified risk and some information that has been disseminated, many trans men still lack adequate information regarding PrEP. There exist significant barriers to PrEP access for trans men. Participants commented that many providers avoid important discussions regarding sexuality and contraception. The education of health care professionals must include competency in working with transgender populations. More research is needed with regard to interactions between PrEP, testosterone, and hormonal contraception.

Conceptual biotransformation of 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid, 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide in rat whole embryo culture.

PubMed

Creech Kraft, J; Juchau, M R

1992-05-28

In cultured rat conceptuses, intraamniotic microinjections of 2500 ng/mL of 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid, 600 ng/mL 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid or 4000 ng/mL all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide, produce qualitatively and quantitatively similar patterns of dysmorphogenesis as those reported after the intraamniotic microinjection of 250 ng/mL all-trans-retinoic acid [Lee et al., Teratology 44: 313-323, 1991; Creech Kraft et al., Teratology 45: 259-270, 1992]. In the present study, we utilized HPLC techniques to analyze retinoid levels in cultured rat conceptuses, 1.5 hr after intraamniotic microinjections of 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid (2500 ng/mL), 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid (600 ng/mL) or all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide (4000 ng/mL). Our findings show that, after the microinjections of 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid or 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid (at these selected concentrations), 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid was predominant in the embryos proper at concentrations of about 200 nM. This was roughly equivalent to the levels of all-trans-retinoic acid assayed after microinjections of all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide (4000 ng/mL). We conclude from these studies that both 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinoic acid behave as ultimate or proximate dysmorphogens.

Mineral elements and essential oil contents of Scutellaria luteo-caerulea Bornm. & Snit

PubMed Central

Nikbin, Mohammad; Kazemipour, Nasrin; Maghsoodlou, Malek Taher; Valizadeh, Jafar; Sepehrimanesh, Masood; Davarimanesh, Amene

2014-01-01

Objective: Scutellaria luteo-caerulea Bornm. & Snit. is one of the species of genus Scutellaria, within the family of the Lamiaceae, that is used for immune system stimulation and antibacterial effects in traditional medicine in Iran. The aims of this study were to analyze essential oils and mineral element contents of leaves of S. luteo-caerulea in flowering stage of development. Materials and Methods: The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of S. luteo-caerulea and were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Moreover, microwave digestion with atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used for the mineral elements assay. Results: Ninety-seven constituents were detected. Between them, the major components were trans-caryophyllene (25.4%), D-germacrene (7.9%), and linalool (7.4%). Determination of mineral elements showed that the highest minerals were Ca2+ (65.14±1.95 µg/ml) and K+ (64.67±3.10 µg/ml). Conclusion: Presence of different essential oils and rich sources of Ca2+ and K+ candidate this plant as an auxiliary medication in different diseases, but more complementary researches are needed about its potency and side effects. PMID:25050316

Ultra-Heavy Galactic Cosmic Ray Abundances from the SuperTIGER Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Ryan; Binns, W. R.; Bose, R. G.; Dowkontt, P. F.; Israel, M. H.; Rauch, B. F.; Ward, J. E.; Brandt, T. J.; de Nolfo, G. A.; Hams, T.; Link, J. T.; Mitchell, J. W.; Sakai, K.; Sasaki, M.; Labrador, A. W.; Mewaldt, R. A.; Stone, E. C.; Waddington, C. J.; Wiedenbeck, M. E.

2015-04-01

The SuperTIGER (Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder) experiment was launched on a long-duration balloon flight from Williams Field, Antarctica, on December 8, 2012. SuperTIGER flew for a total of 55 days at a mean atmospheric depth of 4.4 g/cm2. The instrument measured the abundances of galactic cosmic rays in the charge (Z) range Z = 10 to Z = 40 with high statistical precision and excellent charge resolution, displaying well-resolved individual-element peaks at every charge up to and including Z = 40. We will describe the instrument, data analysis techniques used, balloon flight, and payload recovery. The data that will be presented contain more than 600 events in the charge range from Z = 30 to Z = 40, with charge resolution at iron of <0.18 cu. Our results confirm with improved statistics the earlier results from TIGER supporting a model of cosmic-ray origin in OB associations, with preferential acceleration of refractory elements over volatile elements. This research was supported by NASA under grants NNX09AC17G, NNX14AB25G, the Peggy and Steve Fossett Foundation, and the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences at Washington University.

Association analysis of the SLC22A11 (organic anion transporter 4) and SLC22A12 (urate transporter 1) urate transporter locus with gout in New Zealand case-control sample sets reveals multiple ancestral-specific effects

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Introduction There is inconsistent association between urate transporters SLC22A11 (organic anion transporter 4 (OAT4)) and SLC22A12 (urate transporter 1 (URAT1)) and risk of gout. New Zealand (NZ) Māori and Pacific Island people have higher serum urate and more severe gout than European people. The aim of this study was to test genetic variation across the SLC22A11/SLC22A12 locus for association with risk of gout in NZ sample sets. Methods A total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in four haplotype blocks were genotyped using TaqMan® and Sequenom MassArray in 1003 gout cases and 1156 controls. All cases had gout according to the 1977 American Rheumatism Association criteria. Association analysis of single markers and haplotypes was performed using PLINK and Stata. Results A haplotype block 1 SNP (rs17299124) (upstream of SLC22A11) was associated with gout in less admixed Polynesian sample sets, but not European Caucasian (odds ratio; OR = 3.38, P = 6.1 × 10-4; OR = 0.91, P = 0.40, respectively) sample sets. A protective block 1 haplotype caused the rs17299124 association (OR = 0.28, P = 6.0 × 10-4). Within haplotype block 2 (SLC22A11) we could not replicate previous reports of association of rs2078267 with gout in European Caucasian (OR = 0.98, P = 0.82) sample sets, however this SNP was associated with gout in Polynesian (OR = 1.51, P = 0.022) sample sets. Within haplotype block 3 (including SLC22A12) analysis of haplotypes revealed a haplotype with trans-ancestral protective effects (OR = 0.80, P = 0.004), and a second haplotype conferring protection in less admixed Polynesian sample sets (OR = 0.63, P = 0.028) but risk in European Caucasian samples (OR = 1.33, P = 0.039). Conclusions Our analysis provides evidence for multiple ancestral-specific effects across the SLC22A11/SLC22A12 locus that presumably influence the activity of OAT4 and URAT1 and risk of gout. Further fine mapping of the association signal is needed using trans-ancestral re-sequence data. PMID:24360580

Measurements of B --> {pi,eta,eta;{'}}lnu_{l} branching fractions and determination of |V_{ub}| with semileptonically tagged B mesons.

PubMed

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

2008-08-22

We report measurements of branching fractions for the decays B-->Plnu_{l}, where P are the pseudoscalar charmless mesons pi;{-}, pi;{0}, eta and eta;{'}, based on 348 fb;{-1} of data collected with the BABAR detector, using B0 and B+ mesons found in the recoil of a second B meson decaying as B-->D;{(*)}lnu_{l}. Assuming isospin symmetry, we combine pionic branching fractions to obtain B(B;{0}-->pi;{-}l;{+}nu_{l})=(1.54+/-0.17_{(stat)}+/-0.09_{(syst)})x10;{-4}; we find 3.2sigma evidence of the decay B;{+}-->etal;{+}nu_{l} and measure its branching fraction to be (0.64+/-0.20_{(stat)}+/-0.03_{(syst)})x10;{-4}, and determine B(B;{+}-->eta;{'}l;{+}nu_{l})<0.47x10;{-4} to 90% confidence level. Using partial branching fractions for the pionic decays in ranges of the momentum transfer and a variety of form factor calculation, we obtain values of the magnitude of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{ub}| in ranging from 3.6x10;{-3} to 4.1x10;{-3}.

Propulsion Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-31

Manual 91 - 710 Vol. 2 ( AFSPCMAN 91 - 710 V2). 8. Astrium EADS. 2010. cs.astrium.eads.net. April. 9. Astrium EADS. 2010. : http...of the High Energy Density Matter (HEDM) Conference. Albuquerque, NM, February 24-27, (Phillips Lab PL-CP- 91 -3003, p. 3 ). 104. Sullivan, D. J...Chapter 3 . DATES COVERED (From - To) 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Chapter 18 - Propulsion Systems 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT

77 FR 1676 - EasTrans, LLC; Notice Granting Extension of Time

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-11

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. PR10-30-002] EasTrans, LLC; Notice Granting Extension of Time On December 16, 2011, EasTrans, LLC (EasTrans) filed a request to... 20, 2010). Upon consideration, notice is hereby given that an extension of time for EasTrans to file...

[CONTENT OF TRANS FATTY ACIDS IN FOOD PRODUCTS IN SPAIN].

PubMed

Robledo de Dios, Teresa; Dal Re Saavedra, M Ángeles; Villar Villalba, Carmen; Pérez-Farinós, Napoleón

2015-09-01

trans fatty acids are associated to several health disorders, as ischemic heart disease or diabetes mellitus. to assess the content of trans fatty acids in products in Spain, and the percentage of trans fatty acids respecting total fatty acids. 443 food products were acquired in Spain, and they were classified into groups. The content in fatty acids was analyzed using gas chromatography. Estimates of central tendency and variability of the content of trans fatty acids in each food group were computed (in g of trans fatty acids/100 g of product). The percentage of trans fatty acids respecting total fatty acids was calculated in each group. 443 products were grouped into 42 groups. Median of trans fatty acids was less than 0.55 g / 100 g of product in all groups except one. 83 % of groups had less than 2 % of trans fatty acids, and 71 % of groups had less than 1 %. the content of trans fatty acids in Spain is low, and it currently doesn't play a public health problem. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Comparison of TVT, TVT-O/TOT and mini slings for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: 30 months follow up in 531 patients.

PubMed

Stavros, Charalambous; Ioannis, Vouros; Vasileios, Sakalis I; Gkotsi, Anastasia Ch; Georgios, Salpiggidis; Papathanasiou, Athanasios; Rombis, Vasileios

2012-09-01

Although mid-urethral slings (MUS), have been extensively used for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), no published data exists for the efficiency and the complications of these methods in large patient series. This is a retrospective analysis on patients who underwent MUS surgery since 1999. 531 patients were studied and the results of preoperative assessment, perioperative, early postoperatively and each follow up were registered. Patients were classified in three groups according to the MUS used. Efficacy of each method was evaluated in terms of early postoperative course, late complications and patient's symptoms improvement based questioners, pad test, uroflowmetry, filling cystometry and ultrasonography. Evaluation took place at 7th and 30th postoperative day, 3rd and 12th month and then annually. Each patient was characterized as cured, improved or failed. Trans Obturator (TO) group prevailed in efficiency with no significant differences between trans obturator route with inside-out (TVT-O) and outside-in (TOT). Success rate at 30th month evaluation, was higher in the TO group than in Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) or Single-Incision Mini Slings (SIMS) group (93.4% vs 89.5%, 93.4% vs. 91.7%). None TVT patient required reoperation for remaining/reoccurring SUI, while 1.04% of TO group and 5.48% of SIMS group did. Patients of TVT group underwent reoperation for tape related complications in 2.25%, while 2.07% of TO group and none of SIMS group did. The potential limitation of the study is its retrospective character. Even though TO tapes and SIMS seem more efficient than TVT, they carry a risk of SUI re-occurrence that must be weighted towards the risk of potential complications after TVT.

Femoral Access PCI in a Default Radial Center Identifies High-Risk Patients With Poor Outcomes.

PubMed

Uddin, Muezz; Bundhoo, Shantu; Mitra, Rito; Ossei-Gerning, Nicholas; Morris, Keith; Anderson, Richard; Kinnaird, Tim

2015-10-01

Increasingly the trans-radial route (TRR) is preferred over the trans-femoral route (TFR) for PCI. However, even in high volume default TRR centers a cohort of patients undergo TFR PCI. We examined the demographics, procedural characteristics, and outcomes of patients undergoing PCI via the TF. The patient demographics, procedural data, and outcomes of 5,379 consecutive patients undergoing PCI at a default radial center between 2009 and 2012 were examined. Major bleeding (MB) was classified by ACUITY and BARC definitions. A total of 559 (10.4%) patients underwent PCI via the TFR and 4,820 patients via the TRR (89.6%). Baseline variables associated with TFR were shock, previous CABG, chronic total occlusion intervention, rotablation/laser use, female sex, and renal failure. Sixty-five patients of the TFR cohort (11.6%) experienced MB with 27 (41.5%) being access site related. MB was significantly more frequent than in the radial cohort. The variables independently associated with MB in the TFR cohort were renal failure, acute presentation, shock, and age. In the TFR, patients with MB mortality was high at 30 days (17.2% vs 2.6% for no MB, P < 0.0001) and at 1 year (37.6% vs 5.0%, P < 0.0001). Shock and MB were highly predictive of 30 day and 12 month mortality. In a default radial PCI center 10% of patients undergo PCI via the femoral artery. These patients have high baseline bleeding risk and undergo complex interventions. As a result the incidence of major bleeding, transfusion and death are high. Alternative strategies are required to optimize outcomes in this select group. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A low noise single-transistor transimpedance preamplifier for Fourier-transform mass spectrometry using a T feedback network

PubMed Central

Lin, Tzu-Yung; Green, Roger J.; O’Connor, Peter B.

2012-01-01

A novel single-transistor transimpedance preamplifier has been introduced for improving performance in Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. A low noise junction field-effect transistor (JFET), BF862, is used as the main amplification stage of this trans-impedance preamplifier, and a T-shaped feedback network is introduced as both the feedback and the gate biasing solutions. The T feedback network has been studied using an operational amplifier (Op Amp), AD8099. Such a feedback system allows ∼100-fold less feedback resistance at a given transimpedance, hence preserving bandwidth, which is beneficial to applications demanding high gain. The single-transistor preamplifier yields a tested transimpedance of ∼104 Ω (80 dBΩ) in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 1 MHz (mass-to-charge ratio, m/z, of around 180-180k for a 12-T FT-ICR system), with a low power consumption of ∼6 mW, which implies that this preamplifier is well suited to a 12-T FT-ICR mass spectrometer. In trading noise performance for higher trans-impedance, an alternative preamplifier design, an AD8099 preamplifier with the T feedback network, has also been studied with a capability of ∼106 Ω (120 dBΩ) transimpedance in the same frequency range. The resistive components in the T feedback network reported here can be replaced by complex impedances, which allows adaptation of this feedback system to other frequency, transimpedance, and noise characteristics for applications not only in other mass spectrometers, such as Orbitrap, time-of-flight (TOF), and ion trap systems, but also in other charge/current detecting systems such as spectroscopy systems, microscopy systems, optical communication systems, or charge-coupled devices (CCDs). PMID:23020394

A low noise single-transistor transimpedance preamplifier for Fourier-transform mass spectrometry using a T feedback network.

PubMed

Lin, Tzu-Yung; Green, Roger J; O'Connor, Peter B

2012-09-01

A novel single-transistor transimpedance preamplifier has been introduced for improving performance in Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. A low noise junction field-effect transistor (JFET), BF862, is used as the main amplification stage of this trans-impedance preamplifier, and a T-shaped feedback network is introduced as both the feedback and the gate biasing solutions. The T feedback network has been studied using an operational amplifier (Op Amp), AD8099. Such a feedback system allows ~100-fold less feedback resistance at a given transimpedance, hence preserving bandwidth, which is beneficial to applications demanding high gain. The single-transistor preamplifier yields a tested transimpedance of ~10(4) Ω (80 dBΩ) in the frequency range between 1 kHz and 1 MHz (mass-to-charge ratio, m/z, of around 180-180k for a 12-T FT-ICR system), with a low power consumption of ~6 mW, which implies that this preamplifier is well suited to a 12-T FT-ICR mass spectrometer. In trading noise performance for higher trans-impedance, an alternative preamplifier design, an AD8099 preamplifier with the T feedback network, has also been studied with a capability of ~10(6) Ω (120 dBΩ) transimpedance in the same frequency range. The resistive components in the T feedback network reported here can be replaced by complex impedances, which allows adaptation of this feedback system to other frequency, transimpedance, and noise characteristics for applications not only in other mass spectrometers, such as Orbitrap, time-of-flight (TOF), and ion trap systems, but also in other charge/current detecting systems such as spectroscopy systems, microscopy systems, optical communication systems, or charge-coupled devices (CCDs).

Incidence of HIV Type 1 Infection, Antiretroviral Drug Resistance, and Molecular Characterization in Newly Diagnosed Individuals in Argentina: A Global Fund Project

PubMed Central

Gómez-Carrillo, M.; Vignoles, M.; Rubio, A.E.; dos Ramos Farias, M.S.; Vila, M.; Rossi, D.; Ralón, G.; Marone, R.; Reynaga, E.; Sosa, J.; Torres, O.; Maestri, M.; Ávila, M.M.; Salomón, H.

2011-01-01

Abstract An HIV incidence estimation was performed among men who have sex with men (MSM), drug users (DUs), sex workers (SWs), and pregnant women (PW) from Argentina. Volunteers older than 18 years old without a previous HIV-positive diagnosis were included. HIV-positive samples were analyzed by the Serological Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) to estimate incidence. By partial RT-PCR and sequencing of the HIV pol gene, an HIV subtype and resistance profile were determined. A total of 12,192 volunteers were recruited from October 2006 to September 2008. A higher HIV prevalence was detected among trans SWs (33.9%, 38/112), male SWs (10.8%, 12/111), and MSM 10.4% (161/1549). HIV incidence estimates by STARHS was also higher on trans SWs (11.31 per 100 person-years), male SWs (6.06 per 100 person-years), and MSM (6.36 per 100 person-years). Antiretroviral primary resistant mutations were detected in 8.4% of the study group, with a higher frequency in female DUs (33.3%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that 124 (57.9%) samples were subtype B, 84 (39.3%) intersubtype BF recombinants, 5 (2.3%) subtype C, and 1 (0.5%) subtype F in the pol region. Subtype B was most commonly found in MSM and male SWs whereas the intersubtype BF recombinant was more prevalent in female DUs, female SWs, and PW. Given the high HIV prevalence and incidence found in most of these groups, monitoring the continuing spread of the HIV epidemic is essential for determining public health priorities, assessing the impact of interventions, and estimating current and future health care needs. PMID:20860532

Formation of fusarenone X, nivalenol, zearalenone, alpha-trans-zearalenol, beta-trans-zearalenol, and fusarin C by Fusarium crookwellense.

PubMed Central

Golinski, P; Vesonder, R F; Latus-Zietkiewicz, D; Perkowski, J

1988-01-01

Fusarium crookwellense KF748 (NRRL A-28100) (isolated from dry rotted potato tubers in Central Poland) produced six mycotoxins on both rice and corn substrates at 25 degrees C. The metabolites detected were zearalenone, alpha-trans-zearalenol, beta-trans-zearalenol, fusarin C, and the trichothecenes fusarenone X and nivalenol. This is the first report of formation of alpha-trans-zearalenol, beta-trans-zearalenol, fusarenone X, and nivalenol by F. crookwellense. PMID:2972254

ECOMICS: A Web-Based Toolkit for Investigating the Biomolecular Web in Ecosystems Using a Trans-omics Approach

PubMed Central

Morioka, Yusuke; Everroad, R. Craig; Shino, Amiu; Matsushima, Akihiro; Haruna, Hideaki; Moriya, Shigeharu; Toyoda, Tetsuro; Kikuchi, Jun

2012-01-01

Ecosystems can be conceptually thought of as interconnected environmental and metabolic systems, in which small molecules to macro-molecules interact through diverse networks. State-of-the-art technologies in post-genomic science offer ways to inspect and analyze this biomolecular web using omics-based approaches. Exploring useful genes and enzymes, as well as biomass resources responsible for anabolism and catabolism within ecosystems will contribute to a better understanding of environmental functions and their application to biotechnology. Here we present ECOMICS, a suite of web-based tools for ECosystem trans-OMICS investigation that target metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and meta-metabolomic systems, including biomacromolecular mixtures derived from biomass. ECOMICS is made of four integrated webtools. E-class allows for the sequence-based taxonomic classification of eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomal data and the functional classification of selected enzymes. FT2B allows for the digital processing of NMR spectra for downstream metabolic or chemical phenotyping. Bm-Char allows for statistical assignment of specific compounds found in lignocellulose-based biomass, and HetMap is a data matrix generator and correlation calculator that can be applied to trans-omics datasets as analyzed by these and other web tools. This web suite is unique in that it allows for the monitoring of biomass metabolism in a particular environment, i.e., from macromolecular complexes (FT2DB and Bm-Char) to microbial composition and degradation (E-class), and makes possible the understanding of relationships between molecular and microbial elements (HetMap). This website is available to the public domain at: https://database.riken.jp/ecomics/. PMID:22319563

Efficient Formation of Light-Absorbing Polymeric Nanoparticles from the Reaction of Soluble Fe(III) with C4 and C6 Dicarboxylic Acids.

PubMed

Tran, Ashley; Williams, Geoffrey; Younus, Shagufta; Ali, Nujhat N; Blair, Sandra L; Nizkorodov, Sergey A; Al-Abadleh, Hind A

2017-09-05

The role of transition metals in the formation and aging of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) from aliphatic and aromatic precursors in heterogeneous/multiphase reactions is not well understood. The reactivity of soluble Fe(III) toward known benzene photooxidation products that include fumaric (trans-butenedioic) and muconic (trans,trans-2,4-hexadienedioic) acids was investigated. Efficient formation of brightly colored nanoparticles was observed that are mostly rod- or irregular-shaped depending on the structure of the organic precursor. The particles were characterized for their optical properties, growth rate, elemental composition, iron content, and oxidation state. Results indicate that these particles have mass absorption coefficients on the same order as black carbon and larger than that of biomass burning aerosols. The particles are also amorphous in nature and consist of polymeric chains of Fe centers complexed to carboxylate groups. The oxidation state of Fe was found to be in between Fe(III) and Fe(II) in standard compounds. The organic reactant to iron molar ratio and pH were found to affect the particle growth rate. Control experiments using maleic acid (cis-butenedioic acid) and succinic acid (butanedioic acid) produced no particles. The formation of particles reported herein could account for new pathways that lead to SOA and brown carbon formation mediated by transition metals. In addition, the multiple chemically active components in these particles (iron, organics, and acidic groups) may have an effect on their chemical reactivity (enhanced uptake of trace gases, catalysis, and production of reactive oxygen species) and their likely poor cloud/ice nucleation properties.

Trans-Laminar-Reinforced (TLR) Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinders, Mark; Dickinson, Larry

1997-01-01

A Trans-Laminar-Reinforced (TLR) composite is defined as composite laminate with up to five percent volume of fibrous reinforcement oriented in a 'trans-laminar' fashion in the through-thickness direction. The TLR can be continuous threads as in 'stitched laminates', or it can be discontinuous rods or pins as in 'Z-Fiber(TM) materials. It has been repeatedly documented in the literature that adding TLR to an otherwise two dimensional laminate results in the following advantages: substantially improved compression-after-impact response; considerably increased fracture toughness in mode 1 (double cantilever beam) and mode 2 (end notch flexure); and severely restricted size and growth of impact damage and edge delamination. TLR has also been used to eliminate catastrophic stiffener disbonding in stiffened structures. TLR directly supports the 'Achilles heel' of laminated composites, that is delamination. As little as one percent volume of TLR significantly alters the mechanical response of laminates. The objective of this work was to characterize the effects of TLR on the in-plane and inter-laminar mechanical response of undamaged composite laminates. Detailed finite element models of 'unit cells', or representative volumes, were used to study the effects of adding TLR on the elastic constants; the in-plane strength; and the initiation of delamination. Parameters investigated included TLR material, TLR volume fraction, TLR diameter, TLR through-thickness angle, ply stacking sequence, and the microstructural features of pure resin regions and curved in-plane fibers. The work was limited to the linear response of undamaged material with at least one ply interface. An inter-laminar dominated problem of practical interest, a flanged skin in bending, was also modeled.

Performance assessments of Android-powered military applications operating on tactical handheld devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Brian A.; Fronczek, Lisa; Morse, Emile; Kootbally, Zeid; Schlenoff, Craig

2013-05-01

Transformative Apps (TransApps) is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded program whose goal is to develop a range of militarily-relevant software applications ("apps") to enhance the operational-effectiveness of military personnel on (and off) the battlefield. TransApps is also developing a military apps marketplace to facilitate rapid development and dissemination of applications to address user needs by connecting engaged communities of endusers with development groups. The National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) role in the TransApps program is to design and implement evaluation procedures to assess the performance of: 1) the various software applications, 2) software-hardware interactions, and 3) the supporting online application marketplace. Specifically, NIST is responsible for evaluating 50+ tactically-relevant applications operating on numerous Android™-powered platforms. NIST efforts include functional regression testing and quantitative performance testing. This paper discusses the evaluation methodologies employed to assess the performance of three key program elements: 1) handheld-based applications and their integration with various hardware platforms, 2) client-based applications and 3) network technologies operating on both the handheld and client systems along with their integration into the application marketplace. Handheld-based applications are assessed using a combination of utility and usability-based checklists and quantitative performance tests. Client-based applications are assessed to replicate current overseas disconnected (i.e. no network connectivity between handhelds) operations and to assess connected operations envisioned for later use. Finally, networked applications are assessed on handhelds to establish baselines of performance for when connectivity will be common usage.

Structural Impact of Three Parkinsonism-Associated Missense Mutations on Human DJ-1

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

Lakshminarasimhan, M.; Maldonado, M.T.; Zhou, W.

2009-05-20

A number of missense mutations in the oxidative stress response protein DJ-1 are implicated in rare forms of familial Parkinsonism. The best-characterized Parkinsonian DJ-1 missense mutation, L166P, disrupts homodimerization and results in a poorly folded protein. The molecular basis by which the other Parkinsonism-associated mutations disrupt the function of DJ-1, however, is incompletely understood. In this study we show that three different Parkinsonism-associated DJ-1 missense mutations (A104T, E163K, and M26I) reduce the thermal stability of DJ-1 in solution by subtly perturbing the structure of DJ-1 without causing major folding defects or loss of dimerization. Atomic resolution X-ray crystallography shows thatmore » the A104T substitution introduces water and a discretely disordered residue into the core of the protein, E163K disrupts a key salt bridge with R145, and M26I causes packing defects in the core of the dimer. The deleterious effect of each Parkinsonism-associated mutation on DJ-1 is dissected by analysis of engineered substitutions (M26L, A104V, and E163K/R145E) that partially alleviate each of the defects introduced by the A104T, E163K and M26I mutations. In total, our results suggest that the protective function of DJ-1 can be compromised by diverse perturbations in its structural integrity, particularly near the junctions of secondary structural elements.« less

Binge-type behavior in rats consuming trans-fat-free shortening

PubMed Central

Wojnicki, F.H.E.; Charny, G.; Corwin, R.L.W.

2009-01-01

Studies from this and another laboratory involving an animal model of binge-type behavior have used vegetable shortening containing trans-fats. Due to reformulations by vegetable shortening manufacturers to remove trans-fats from their products, only trans-fat-free shortenings are now available. The goal of the present study was to assess binge-type behavior in rats with trans-fat and trans-free vegetable shortening. Trans-fat-free shortening was provided to three different groups of non-food-deprived male Sprague Dawley rats on different schedules of access: continuous access (24 hr/day — 7days/week), daily access (1 hr every day), and intermittent access (1 hr on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays). Trans-fat shortening was provided to a fourth group on the intermittent access schedule. A fifth group had no shortening access (chow only). Both intermittent groups (trans-fat-free and trans-fat) consumed significantly more shortening during the 1-hr period of availability than did the daily group, and there was no difference in shortening intakes between the intermittent groups. These results are identical to previous reports of binge-type behavior in rats using this model. Thus, binge-type behavior in the present behavioral model depends upon the schedule of access, not the presence of trans fats in the shortening. PMID:18499201

Binge-type behavior in rats consuming trans-fat-free shortening.

PubMed

Wojnicki, F H E; Charny, G; Corwin, R L W

2008-07-05

Studies from this and another laboratory involving an animal model of binge-type behavior have used vegetable shortening containing trans-fats. Due to reformulations by vegetable shortening manufacturers to remove trans-fats from their products, only trans-fat-free shortenings are now available. The goal of the present study was to assess binge-type behavior in rats with trans-fat and trans-free vegetable shortening. Trans-fat-free shortening was provided to three different groups of non-food-deprived male Sprague Dawley rats on different schedules of access: continuous access (24 h/day-7 days/week), daily access (1 h every day), and intermittent access (1 h on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays). Trans-fat shortening was provided to a fourth group on the intermittent access schedule. A fifth group had no shortening access (chow only). Both intermittent groups (trans-fat-free and trans-fat) consumed significantly more shortening during the 1-h period of availability than did the daily group, and there was no difference in shortening intakes between the intermittent groups. These results are identical to previous reports of binge-type behavior in rats using this model. Thus, binge-type behavior in the present behavioral model depends upon the schedule of access, not the presence of trans-fats in the shortening.

Desire to Have Children Among Transgender People in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Center Study.

PubMed

Auer, Matthias K; Fuss, Johannes; Nieder, Timo O; Briken, Peer; Biedermann, Sarah V; Stalla, Günter K; Beckmann, Matthias W; Hildebrandt, Thomas

2018-05-01

Many trans individuals undergo medical interventions that result in irreversible loss of fertility. Little is known about their desire to have children and attitudes toward fertility preservation options. To study how the desire for children and the use of fertility preservation options varies among trans women and trans men in different transitioning stages in Germany. In this cross-sectional multi-center study, N = 99 trans women and N = 90 trans men were included. Of these, 26 of each sex were just about to start medical treatment. Outcome parameter were the prevalence and determinants of a desire to have children in trans persons. Before treatment, a desire for children was significantly higher in trans men compared to trans women (P = .016). In contrast, in those who had already started treatment, a current desire to have children was equally present in about one fourth of participants of both genders while the interest in having children in the future was significantly higher in trans women (69.9%) than in trans men (46.9%; P = .034). Although 76.1% of trans women and 76.6% of trans men indicated that they had at least thought about preserving germ cells before starting medical transition, only 9.6% of trans women and 3.1% of trans men had put this idea into practice. Most trans men in both groups indicated that insemination of a female partner with sperm from an unrelated donor was a suitable option to fulfill their child wish, potentially explaining their low interest in preserving their own germ cells. Finally, a logistic regression analysis accounting for potential confounders revealed that overall trans women were more than twice as likely to have a current desire to have children (odds ratio 2.58), and this wish was on average 5.3% lower with each year of increasing age. A low level of fertility preservation among trans persons is contrasted by a high level of desire for children. This highlights the importance of counseling trans individuals regarding fertility preservation options. To our knowledge, this is the first study that addresses desire to have children in a clinical sample of trans women. It is also the first that investigates this issue among trans men who have not started medical treatment, and the first comparison of both genders. A limitation for the generalization of our results is the special legal context in Germany that forbids oocyte donation for reciprocal in vitro fertilization. Reproductive desire is high among trans individuals, but the use of reproductive options is surprisingly low. Auer MK, Fuss J, Nieder TO, et al. Desire to Have Children Among Transgender People in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Center Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:757-767. Copyright © 2018 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Variable dual carbon-bromine stable isotope fractionation during enzyme-catalyzed reductive dehalogenation of brominated ethenes.

PubMed

Woods, Angela; Kuntze, Kevin; Gelman, Faina; Halicz, Ludwik; Nijenhuis, Ivonne

2018-01-01

The potential of compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA) to characterize biotransformation of brominated organic compounds (BOCs) was assessed and compared to chlorinated analogues. Sulfurospirillum multivorans and Desulfitobacterium hafniense PCE-S catalyzed the dehalogenation of tribromoethene (TBE) to either vinyl bromide (VB) or ethene, respectively. Significantly lower isotope fractionation was observed for TBE dehalogenation by S. multivorans (ε C  = -1.3 ± 0.2‰) compared to D. hafniense (ε C  = -7.7 ± 1.5‰). However, higher fractionation was observed for dibromoethene (DBE) dehalogenation by S. multivorans (ε C  = -16.8 ± 1.8‰ and -21.2 ± 1.6‰ for trans- and cis-1,2- (DBE) respectively), compared to D. hafniense PCE-S (ε C  = -9.5 ± 1.2‰ and -14.5 ± 0.7‰ for trans-1,2-DBE and cis-1,2-DBE, respectively). Significant, but similar, bromine fractionation was observed for for S. multivorans (ε Br  = -0.53 ± 0.15‰, -1.03 ± 0.26‰, and -1.18 ± 0.13‰ for trans-1,2-DBE, cis-1,2-DBE and TBE, respectively) and D. hafniense PCE-S (ε Br  = -0.97 ± 0.28‰, -1.16 ± 0.36‰, and -1.34 ± 0.32‰ for cis-1,2-DBE, TBE and trans-1,2-DBE, respectively). Variable CBr dual-element slopes were estimated at Λ (ε C /ε Br ) = 1.03 ± 0.2, 17.9 ± 5.8, and 29.9 ± 11.0 for S. multivorans debrominating TBE, cis-1,2-DBE and trans-1,2-DBE, respectively, and at 7.14 ± 1.6, 8.27 ± 3.7, and 8.92 ± 2.4 for D. hafniense PCE-S debrominating trans-1,2-DBE, TBE and cis-1,2-DBE, respectively. A high variability in isotope fractionation, which was substrate property related, was observed for S. multivorans but not D. hafniense, similar as observed for chlorinated ethenes, and may be due to rate-limiting steps preceding the bond-cleavage or differences in the reaction mechanism. Overall, significant isotope fractionation was observed and, therefore, CSIA can be applied to monitor the fate of brominated ethenes in the environment. Isotope effects differences, however, are not systematically comparable to chlorinated ethenes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Thousand Words Are Worth a Picture: A Snapshot of Trans* Postsecondary Educators in Higher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simmons, Symone L.

2017-01-01

Trans* is becoming a buzzword and trans* celebrities have become increasingly visible. On college campuses, trans* students have also become more visible and advocacy for them continues to be extremely important. To support these claims, some literature has emerged regarding trans* college students' identity development and experiences on…

The Yeast Anaerobic Response Element AR1b Regulates Aerobic Antifungal Drug-dependent Sterol Gene Expression*

PubMed Central

Gallo-Ebert, Christina; Donigan, Melissa; Liu, Hsing-Yin; Pascual, Florencia; Manners, Melissa; Pandya, Devanshi; Swanson, Robert; Gallagher, Denise; Chen, WeiWei; Carman, George M.; Nickels, Joseph T.

2013-01-01

Saccharomyces cerevisiae ergosterol biosynthesis, like cholesterol biosynthesis in mammals, is regulated at the transcriptional level by a sterol feedback mechanism. Yeast studies defined a 7-bp consensus sterol-response element (SRE) common to genes involved in sterol biosynthesis and two transcription factors, Upc2 and Ecm22, which direct transcription of sterol biosynthetic genes. The 7-bp consensus SRE is identical to the anaerobic response element, AR1c. Data indicate that Upc2 and Ecm22 function through binding to this SRE site. We now show that it is two novel anaerobic AR1b elements in the UPC2 promoter that direct global ERG gene expression in response to a block in de novo ergosterol biosynthesis, brought about by antifungal drug treatment. The AR1b elements are absolutely required for auto-induction of UPC2 gene expression and protein and require Upc2 and Ecm22 for function. We further demonstrate the direct binding of recombinant expressed S. cerevisiae ScUpc2 and pathogenic Candida albicans CaUpc2 and Candida glabrata CgUpc2 to AR1b and SRE/AR1c elements. Recombinant endogenous promoter studies show that the UPC2 anaerobic AR1b elements act in trans to regulate ergosterol gene expression. Our results indicate that Upc2 must occupy UPC2 AR1b elements in order for ERG gene expression induction to take place. Thus, the two UPC2-AR1b elements drive expression of all ERG genes necessary for maintaining normal antifungal susceptibility, as wild type cells lacking these elements have increased susceptibility to azole antifungal drugs. Therefore, targeting these specific sites for antifungal therapy represents a novel approach to treat systemic fungal infections. PMID:24163365

Elemental Abundances of Ultra-Heavy Galactic Cosmic Rays from the SuperTIGER Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, Ryan

2016-07-01

The SuperTIGER (Trans-Iron Galactic Element Recorder) experiment was launched on a long-duration balloon flight from Williams Field, Antarctica, on December 8, 2012. The instrument measured the relative elemental abundances of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR) for charge (Z) Z>10 with excellent charge resolution, displaying well resolved individual element peaks for 10 ≤ Z ≤ 40. During its record-breaking 55-day flight, SuperTIGER collected ˜4.73 x10^{6} Iron nuclei, ˜8 times as many as detected by its predecessor, TIGER, with charge resolution at iron of 0.17 cu. SuperTIGER measures charge (Z) and energy (E) using a combination of three scintillator and two Cherenkov detectors, and employs a scintillating fiber hodoscope for event trajectory determination. The SuperTIGER data have been analyzed to correct for instrument effects and remove events that underwent nuclear interactions within the instrument. The data include more than 600 events in the charge range 30 < Z ≤ 40. SuperTIGER is the first experiment to resolve elemental abundances of every element in this charge range with high statistics and single-element resolution. The relative abundances of the galactic cosmic ray source have been derived from the measured relative elemental abundances using atmospheric and interstellar propagations. The SuperTIGER measured abundances are generally consistent with previous experimental results from TIGER and ACE-CRIS, with improved statistical precision. The SuperTIGER results confirm the earlier results from TIGER, supporting a model of cosmic-ray origin in OB associations, with preferential acceleration of refractory elements over volatile elements ordered by atomic mass (A). A second SuperTIGER Antarctic flight is planned for December 2017. Details of the instrument, flight, data analysis, and ongoing preparations will be presented.

trans-trans Conjugated linoleic acid enriched soybean oil reduces fatty liver and lowers serum cholesterol in obese zucker rats.

PubMed

Gilbert, William; Gadang, Vidya; Proctor, Andrew; Jain, Vishal; Devareddy, Latha

2011-10-01

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collection of octadecadienoic fatty acids that have been shown to possess numerous health benefits. The CLA used in our study was produced by the photoisomerization of soybean oil and consists of about 20% CLA; this CLA consists of 75% trans-trans (a mixture of t8,t10; t9,t11; t10,t12) isomers. This method could be readily used to increase the CLA content of all soybean oil used as a food ingredient. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil, fed as a dietary supplement, on body composition, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and markers of glucose control and liver function of obese fa/fa Zucker rats. The trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil lowered the serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels by 41 and 50%, respectively, when compared to obese controls. Trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil supplementation also lowered the liver lipid content significantly (P < 0.05) with a concomitant decrease in the liver weight in the obese rats. In addition, glycated hemoglobin values were improved in the group receiving CLA-enriched soybean oil in comparison to the obese control. PPAR-γ expression in white adipose tissue was unchanged. In conclusion, trans-trans CLA-rich soy oil was effective in lowering total liver lipids and serum cholesterol.

A Linear trans-Bis(imido) Neptunium(V) Actinyl Analog: Np(V)(NDipp)2((t)Bu2bipy)2Cl (Dipp = 2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3).

PubMed

Brown, Jessie L; Batista, Enrique R; Boncella, James M; Gaunt, Andrew J; Reilly, Sean D; Scott, Brian L; Tomson, Neil C

2015-08-05

The discovery that imido analogs of actinyl dioxo cations can be extended beyond uranium into the transuranic elements is presented. Synthesis of the Np(V) complex, Np(NDipp)2((t)Bu2bipy)2Cl (1), is achieved through treatment of a Np(IV) precursor with a bipyridine coligand and lithium-amide reagent. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized, analyzed by (1)H NMR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopies, and the electronic structure evaluated by DFT calculations.

Transactions of the Conference of Army Mathematicians (23rd), held at U. S. Army Mobility Research and Development Laboratory, Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, 11-13 May 1977

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-02-01

Trans. ASME, Vol. 81, 1959, pp. 259- 264 . 112 0 C> 0 LJj 0 CD 0 D ~) . [") r "-’ . 1’ n -- 1 . 2 0 1 . lj 0 1. :iO 1 • 13 0 ? . (JO p;a...n ntout Compute determinant elements forb n, Comoute and write backsc~tter cross-section\\ (Figure 2.2-1) 264 J. BACKSCATTER CROSS-SECTION FOR A...Overrelaxation Iteration Methods," Report WAPD -TM-1038, Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Westinghouse Electric Corp., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10

Late Leonardian plants from West Texas: The youngest Paleozoic plant megafossils in North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mamay, S.H.; Miller, J.M.; Rohr, D.M.

1984-01-01

Abundant Permian plant megafossils were discovered in the Del Norte Mountains of Brewster County, Trans-Pecos Texas. The flora is dominated by a new and distinctive type of gigantopteroid leaves. Marine invertebrates are closely associated, and this admixture of continental and marine fossils indicates a deltaic depositional setting, probably on the southern margin of the Permian Basin. Conodonts indicate correlation with the uppermost Leonardian Road Canyon Formation in the Glass Mountains. These are the youngest Paleozoic plant megafossils known in North America; they add an important paleontological element to the classic Permian area of this Continent.

A Linear trans -Bis(imido) Neptunium(V) Actinyl Analog: Np V (NDipp) 2 ( tBu 2 bipy) 2Cl (Dipp = 2,6- i Pr 2C 6H 3)

DOE PAGES

Brown, Jessie L.; Batista, Enrique R.; Boncella, James M.; ...

2015-07-22

We present the discovery that imido analogs of actinyl dioxo cations can be extended beyond uranium into the transuranic elements. Synthesis of the Np(V) complex, Np(NDipp) 2( tBu 2bipy) 2Cl (1), is achieved through treatment of a Np(IV) precursor with a bipyridine co-ligand and lithium-amide reagent. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized, analyzed by 1H NMR and UV/vis/NIR spectroscopies, and the electronic structure evaluated by DFT calculations.

Characterization of cis- and trans-octadecenoic acid positional isomers in edible fat and oil using gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector equipped with highly polar ionic liquid capillary column.

PubMed

Yoshinaga, Kazuaki; Asanuma, Masaharu; Mizobe, Hoyo; Kojima, Koichi; Nagai, Toshiharu; Beppu, Fumiaki; Gotoh, Naohiro

2014-10-01

In this study, the characterisation of all cis- and trans-octadecenoic acid (C18:1) positional isomers in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO) and milk fat, which contain several cis- and trans-C18:1 positional isomers, was achieved by gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector equipped with a highly polar ionic liquid capillary column (SLB-IL111). Prior to analysis, the cis- and trans-C18:1 fractions in PHVO and milk fat were separated using a silver-ion cartridge. The resolution of all cis-C18:1 positional isomers was successfully accomplished at the optimal isothermal column temperature of 120 °C. Similarly, the positional isomers of trans-C18:1, except for trans-6-C18:1 and trans-7-C18:1, were separated at 120 °C. The resolution of trans-6-C18:1 and trans-7-C18:1 isomers was made possible by increasing the column temperature to 160 °C. This analytical method is suitable for determining the cis- and trans-C18:1 positional isomers in edible fats and oils. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What governs the enrichment of Pb in the continental crust? An answer from the Mexican Volcanic Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldstein, S. L.; Lagatta, A.; Langmuir, C. H.; Straub, S. M.; Martin-Del-Pozzo, A.

2009-12-01

One of Al Hofmann’s many important contributions to our understanding of geochemical cycling in the Earth is the observation that Pb behaves like the light rare earth elements Ce and Nd during melting to form oceanic basalts, but is enriched in the continental crust compared to the LREE by nearly an order of magnitude (Hofmann et al. 1986). This is unusual behavior, and has been called one of the Pb paradoxes, since in most cases, the ratios of elements are effectively the same in the continental crust and oceanic basalts if they show similar mantle melting behavior. One of several mechanisms suggested to mediate this special enrichment is hydrothermal circulation at ocean ridges, which preferentially transports Pb compared to the REE from the interior of the ocean crust to the surface. We confirm the importance of hydrothermal processes at the East Pacific to mediate Pb enrichment at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (TMVB, through comparison of Pb isotope and Ce/Pb ratios of TMVB lavas with sediments from DSDP Site 487 near the Middle America trench. The lavas of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt include “high Nb” alkali basalts (HNAB), whose trace element patterns lack subduction signatures. The HNAB basalts and hydrothermally affected sediments from DSDP 487, form end-members that bound calcalkaline lavas from volcanoes Colima, Toluca, Popocatépetl, and Malinche in Ce/Pb versus Pb isotope space. The HNAB represent the high Ce/Pb and high Pb-isotope end-member. The hydrothermal sediments have Pb isotopes like Pacific MORB but Ce/Pb ratios typical of the arcs and the continental crust, and an order of magnitude lower than MORB. No analyzed calcalkaline lavas are have compositions outside of the bounds formed by the HNAB and the hydrothermal sediments. The Ce/Pb and Pb isotope ratios show that the calcalkaline lava compositions are inconsistent with contributions from HNAB and EPR MORB, rather the contributions are from HNAB upper mantle and subducted hydrothermal sediments. The Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt data confirm the two-step process of Pb enrichment in the arc lavas (and more generally in the continental crust). In the first step, hydrothermal processes at the East Pacific Rise preferentially transport Pb from the basaltic oceanic crust to surface sediments. In the second step, during subduction, these sediments are the main source of asthenospheric mantle-derived Pb to the lavas. Our data also confirm the importance of subduction contributions to the Quaternary Mexican arc, despite the >40 km thick continental crust. Ref: Hofmann et al. (1986) EPSL 79 p. 33-45.

Coexpression Analysis Identifies Two Oxidoreductases Involved in the Biosynthesis of the Monoterpene Acid Moiety of Natural Pyrethrin Insecticides in Tanacetum cinerariifolium1[OPEN

PubMed Central

Moghe, Gaurav D.

2018-01-01

Flowers of Tanacetum cinerariifolium produce a set of compounds known collectively as pyrethrins, which are commercially important pesticides that are strongly toxic to flying insects but not to most vertebrates. A pyrethrin molecule is an ester consisting of either trans-chrysanthemic acid or its modified form, pyrethric acid, and one of three alcohols, jasmolone, pyrethrolone, and cinerolone, that appear to be derived from jasmonic acid. Chrysanthemyl diphosphate synthase (CDS), the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of trans-chrysanthemic acid, was characterized previously and its gene isolated. TcCDS produces free trans-chrysanthemol in addition to trans-chrysanthemyl diphosphate, but the enzymes responsible for the conversion of trans-chrysanthemol to the corresponding aldehyde and then to the acid have not been reported. We used an RNA sequencing-based approach and coexpression correlation analysis to identify several candidate genes encoding putative trans-chrysanthemol and trans-chrysanthemal dehydrogenases. We functionally characterized the proteins encoded by these genes using a combination of in vitro biochemical assays and heterologous expression in planta to demonstrate that TcADH2 encodes an enzyme that oxidizes trans-chrysanthemol to trans-chrysanthemal, while TcALDH1 encodes an enzyme that oxidizes trans-chrysanthemal into trans-chrysanthemic acid. Transient coexpression of TcADH2 and TcALDH1 together with TcCDS in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves results in the production of trans-chrysanthemic acid as well as several other side products. The majority (58%) of trans-chrysanthemic acid was glycosylated or otherwise modified. Overall, these data identify key steps in the biosynthesis of pyrethrins and demonstrate the feasibility of metabolic engineering to produce components of these defense compounds in a heterologous host. PMID:29122986

Survey of the trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid content of cocoa-containing and chocolate products.

PubMed

Hurst, W Jeffrey; Glinski, Jan A; Miller, Kenneth B; Apgar, Joan; Davey, Matthew H; Stuart, David A

2008-09-24

Dietary resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene) has been implicated in the health benefits associated with grapes and red wine, more specifically with potential benefits for metabolic syndrome, energy use, and increased endurance. Levels of trans-resveratrol and its glucoside, trans-piceid, were determined in 19 top selling commercially available cocoa-containing and chocolate products from the U.S. market. Amounts of trans-resveratrol and trans-piceid were closely correlated with the amount of nonfat cocoa solids (NFCS) in the cocoa-containing products. Among these products, trans-resveratrol levels were highest in cocoa powders (1.85 +/- 0.43 microg/g), followed by unsweetened baking chocolates (1.24 +/- 0.22), semisweet chocolate baking chips (0.52 +/- 0.14), dark chocolates (0.35 +/- 0.08), milk chocolates (0.10 +/- 0.05), and chocolate syrups (0.09 +/- 0.02). These cocoa-containing and chocolate products have about 3-5 times more trans-piceid than trans-resveratrol. Levels of trans-piceid were highest in the cocoa powders (7.14 +/- 0.80 microg/g), followed by unsweetened baking chocolates (4.04 +/- 0.14), semisweet chocolate baking chips (2.01 +/- 0.18), dark chocolates (1.82 +/- 0.36), milk chocolates (0.44 +/- 0.06), and chocolate syrups (0.35 +/- 0.06). On an equal weight basis, cocoa powder had about half as much trans-resveratrol as the average California red wine. On a per serving basis, cocoa-containing and chocolate products had less trans-resveratrol than red wine and grape juice but more than roasted peanuts. Overall, these cocoa-containing and chocolate products rank second after red wines and grape juice in foods with the highest levels of total trans-resveratrol in the diet.

Spatiotemporal manipulation of retinoic acid activity in zebrafish hindbrain development via photo-isomerization.

PubMed

Xu, Lijun; Feng, Zhiping; Sinha, Deepak; Ducos, Bertrand; Ebenstein, Yuval; Tadmor, Arbel D; Gauron, Carole; Le Saux, Thomas; Lin, Shuo; Weiss, Shimon; Vriz, Sophie; Jullien, Ludovic; Bensimon, David

2012-09-01

All-trans retinoic acid (RA) is a key player in many developmental pathways. Most methods used to study its effects in development involve continuous all-trans RA activation by incubation in a solution of all-trans RA or by implanting all-trans RA-soaked beads at desired locations in the embryo. Here we show that the UV-driven photo-isomerization of 13-cis RA to the trans-isomer (and vice versa) can be used to non-invasively and quantitatively control the concentration of all-trans RA in a developing embryo in time and space. This facilitates the global or local perturbation of developmental pathways with a pulse of all-trans RA of known concentration or its inactivation by UV illumination. In zebrafish embryos in which endogenous synthesis of all-trans RA is impaired, incubation for as little as 5 minutes in 1 nM all-trans RA (a pulse) or 5 nM 13-cis RA followed by 1-minute UV illumination is sufficient to rescue the development of the hindbrain if performed no later than bud stage. However, if subsequent to this all-trans RA pulse the embryo is illuminated (no later than bud stage) for 1 minute with UV light (to isomerize, i.e. deactivate, all-trans RA), the rescue of hindbrain development is impaired. This suggests that all-trans RA is sequestered in embryos that have been transiently exposed to it. Using 13-cis RA isomerization with UV light, we further show that local illumination at bud stage of the head region (but not the tail) is sufficient to rescue hindbrain formation in embryos whose all-trans RA synthetic pathway has been impaired.

Fast switchable ferroelectric liquid crystal gratings with two electro-optical modes

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

Ma, Ying; Srivastava, A. K., E-mail: abhishek-srivastava-lu@yahoo.co.in; Chigrinov, V. G.

In this article, we reveal a theoretical and experimental illustration of the Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) grating fabricated by mean of patterned alignment based on photo-alignment. The complexity related to the mismatching of the predefined alignment domains on the top and bottom substrate has been avoided by incorporating only one side photo aligned substrate while the other substrate does not have any alignment layer. Depending on the easy axis in the said alignment domains and the azimuth plane of the impinging polarized light, the diffracting element can be tuned in two modes i.e. DIFF/OFF switchable and DIFF/TRANS switchable modes, whichmore » can be applied to different applications. The diffraction profile has been illustrated theoretically that fits well with the experimental finding and thus the proposed diffraction elements with fast response time and high diffraction efficiency could find application in many modern devices.« less

Reference H Piloted Assessment (LaRC.1) Pilot Briefing Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, E. Bruce; Raney, David L.; Hahne, David E.; Derry, Stephen D.; Glaab, Louis J.

1999-01-01

This document describes the purpose of and method by which an assessment of the Boeing Reference H High-Speed Civil Transport design was evaluated in the NASA Langley Research Center's Visual/Motion Simulator in January 1997. Six pilots were invited to perform approximately 60 different Mission Task Elements that represent most normal and emergency flight operations of concern to the High Speed Research program. The Reference H design represents a candidate configuration for a High-Speed Civil Transport, a second generation supersonic civilian transport aircraft. The High-Speed Civil Transport is intended to be economically sound and environmentally safe while carrying passengers and cargo at supersonic speeds with a trans-Pacific range. This simulation study was designated "LaRC. 1" for the purposes of planning, scheduling and reporting within the Guidance and Flight Controls super-element of the High-Speed Research program. The study was based upon Cycle 3 release of the Reference H simulation model.

Extended inheritance from an organizational point of view.

PubMed

Pontarotti, Gaëlle

2015-12-01

In this paper, I argue that the increasing data about non-genetic inheritance requires the construction of a new conceptual framework that should complement the inclusive approaches already discussed in the literature. More precisely, I hold that this framework should be epistemologically relevant for evolutionary biologists in capturing the limits of extended inheritance and in reassessing the boundaries of biological systems that transmit traits to their offspring. I outline the first elements of an organizational account of extended inheritance. In this account, the category of inherited factors is neither restricted to genes nor extended to stable resources related to trans-generational similarities. Instead, it includes persisting constitutive elements appearing as difference makers for heterogeneous organizational constraints, namely for heterogeneous constitutive parts whose specific role is to harness flows of matter and energy across generations of clearly delimited extended organized systems. This both inclusive and restrictive framework opens an additional way to apprehend how extended inheritance may affect evolutionary trajectories.

Determination of the core promoter regions of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPS3 gene.

PubMed

Joo, Yoo Jin; Kim, Jin-Ha; Baek, Joung Hee; Seong, Ki Moon; Lee, Jae Yung; Kim, Joon

2009-01-01

Ribosomal protein genes (RPG), which are scattered throughout the genomes of all eukaryotes, are subjected to coordinated expression. In yeast, the expression of RPGs is highly regulated, mainly at the transcriptional level. Recent research has found that many ribosomal proteins (RPs) function in multiple processes in addition to protein synthesis. Therefore, detailed knowledge of promoter architecture as well as gene regulation is important in understanding the multiple cellular processes mediated by RPGs. In this study, we investigated the functional architecture of the yeast RPS3 promoter and identified many putative cis-elements. Using beta-galactosidase reporter analysis and EMSA, the core promoter of RPS3 containing UASrpg and T-rich regions was corroborated. Moreover, the promoter occupancy of RPS3 by three transcription factors was confirmed. Taken together, our results further the current understanding of the promoter architecture and trans-elements of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae RPS3 gene.

Micromorphic approach for gradient-extended thermo-elastic-plastic solids in the logarithmic strain space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aldakheel, Fadi

2017-11-01

The coupled thermo-mechanical strain gradient plasticity theory that accounts for microstructure-based size effects is outlined within this work. It extends the recent work of Miehe et al. (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 268:704-734, 2014) to account for thermal effects at finite strains. From the computational viewpoint, the finite element design of the coupled problem is not straightforward and requires additional strategies due to the difficulties near the elastic-plastic boundaries. To simplify the finite element formulation, we extend it toward the micromorphic approach to gradient thermo-plasticity model in the logarithmic strain space. The key point is the introduction of dual local-global field variables via a penalty method, where only the global fields are restricted by boundary conditions. Hence, the problem of restricting the gradient variable to the plastic domain is relaxed, which makes the formulation very attractive for finite element implementation as discussed in Forest (J Eng Mech 135:117-131, 2009) and Miehe et al. (Philos Trans R Soc A Math Phys Eng Sci 374:20150170, 2016).

Evolutionary Insights into RNA trans-Splicing in Vertebrates

PubMed Central

Lei, Quan; Li, Cong; Zuo, Zhixiang; Huang, Chunhua; Cheng, Hanhua; Zhou, Rongjia

2016-01-01

Pre-RNA splicing is an essential step in generating mature mRNA. RNA trans-splicing combines two separate pre-mRNA molecules to form a chimeric non-co-linear RNA, which may exert a function distinct from its original molecules. Trans-spliced RNAs may encode novel proteins or serve as noncoding or regulatory RNAs. These novel RNAs not only increase the complexity of the proteome but also provide new regulatory mechanisms for gene expression. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that trans-splicing occurs frequently in both physiological and pathological processes. In addition, mRNA reprogramming based on trans-splicing has been successfully applied in RNA-based therapies for human genetic diseases. Nevertheless, clarifying the extent and evolution of trans-splicing in vertebrates and developing detection methods for trans-splicing remain challenging. In this review, we summarize previous research, highlight recent advances in trans-splicing, and discuss possible splicing mechanisms and functions from an evolutionary viewpoint. PMID:26966239

Overview of local, state, and national government legislation restricting trans fats.

PubMed

Assaf, Raymen R

2014-03-01

Trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated oils, have long been associated with cardiovascular disease. In 2003, the Food and Drug Administration mandated that trans fat content of ≥0.5 g be listed on food labeling; the next year, the World Health Organization released a recommended daily limit on trans fat intake. During the following decade, legislatures in different municipal and state governments moved trans fat regulation forward, whereas many food companies decided to independently phase out trans fat in their products. The advancement of these parallel processes suggests an emerging best practices phenomenon, integrating public health, law, and the food industry. With both legislation and markets seemingly favoring a limitation on trans fat content in foods, attention has once again shifted to the Food and Drug Administration for a ruling on the safety of trans fats. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous analysis of tramadol, O-desmethyltramadol, and N-desmethyltramadol enantiomers in rat plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetics.

PubMed

Godoy, Ana Leonor Pardo Campos; De Moraes, Natália Valadares; Martinez, Edson Zangiacomi; Carvalho, Teresa Maria De Jesus Ponte; Marques, Maria Paula; Lanchote, Vera Lucia

2011-04-01

Tramadol (T) is available as a racemic mixture of (+)-trans-T and (-)-trans-T. The main metabolic pathways are O-demethylation and N-demethylation, producing trans-O-desmethyltramadol (M1) and trans-N-desmethyltramadol (M2) enantiomers, respectively. The analgesic effect of T is related to the opioid activity of (+)-trans-T and (+)-M1 and to the monoaminergic action of (+/-)-trans-T. This is the first study using tandem mass spectrometry as a detection system for the simultaneous analysis of trans-T, M1, and M2 enantiomers. The analytes were resolved on a Chiralpak® AD column using hexane:ethanol (95.5:4.5, v/v) plus 0.1% diethylamine as the mobile phase. The quantitation limits were 0.5 ng/ml for trans-T and M1 and 0.1 ng/ml for M2. The method developed and validated here was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats. Male Wistar rats (n=6 at each time point) received a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg racemic trans-T. Blood samples were collected up to 12 h after drug administration. The kinetic disposition of trans-T and M2 was enantioselective (AUC((+))/((-)) ratio=4.16 and 6.36, respectively). The direction and extent of enantioselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of trans-T and M2 in rats were comparable to data previously reported for healthy volunteers, suggesting that rats are a suitable model for enantioselective studies of trans-T pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The toxicity of dietary trans fats.

PubMed

Ganguly, Riya; Pierce, Grant N

2015-04-01

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death today. Trans fatty acids have been identified as an important cause of cardiovascular disease and the resulting clinical end points such as strokes and heart attacks. Although legislative efforts have limited the trans fats in our diet, significant amounts remain. Understanding the impact trans fats have on our body, therefore, remains a critical focus of study. In addition, paradoxically, recent research has now identified an important cardioprotective role for a sub-category of trans fats, the ruminant trans fats. Learning more about the mechanisms responsible for not only the toxic actions of trans fats but also their potential as beneficial compounds within our diet is essential to modulate cardiovascular disease today. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Correlations between conceptal concentrations of all-trans-retinoic acid and dysmorphogenesis after microinjections of all-trans-retinoic acid, 13-cis-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide, or retinol in cultured whole rat embryos.

PubMed

Kraft, J C; Juchau, M R

1992-01-01

Retinol (4,000 ng/ml), all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide (4,000 ng/ml), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (1,500 ng/ml) each produced dysmorphogenic effects qualitatively similar to those elicited by 250 ng/ml of all-trans-retinoic acid after microinjections of the respective individual retinoids into the amniotic cavities of cultured whole rat embryos. Subsequent HPLC analyses of the cultured whole conceptuses, embryos proper, yolk sacs, and culture media (24 hr after microinjections) indicated that conceptal biotransformation of each of the retinoids had occurred during the culture period. All-trans-retinoic acid was present in the embryos proper at quantitatively similar concentrations (20-100 nM) after microinjections of the selected quantities of each of the microinjected retinoids: retinol, all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide, 13-cis-retinoic acid, or all-trans-retinoic acid. The results suggested that all-trans-retinoic acid acted as an ultimate dysmorphogen for the retinoids tested with respect to the anomalies monitored in the embryo culture system.

The antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin involves the serotonergic system.

PubMed

Jiang, Xi; Zhu, Keqi; Xu, Quanyi; Wang, Guokang; Zhang, Jiajia; Cao, Rongrong; Ye, Jiang; Yu, Xuefeng

2017-04-11

The antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin, a compound present rich in algae, was evaluated through behavioral and neurochemical methods. Results showed that trans-astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased the immobility time in force swim test and tail suspension test, but did not influence locomotor activity. Trans-astaxanthin treatment did not effectively antagonize hypothermia and ptosis induced by reserpine. However, pre-treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine abolished the anti-immobility effect of trans-astaxanthin in force swim and tail suspension test. These results suggested that the mechanism of antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin may involve the serotonergic system, but not noradrenaline system. This hypothesis was confirmed by neurochemical assays which showed that trans-astaxanthin increased serotonin levels in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, striatum and hypothalamus. Furthermore, our data suggested that trans-astaxanthin decreased indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and hypothalamus. Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity subsequently decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and increased the serotonin/tryptophan ratio in these brain regions. Taken together, these findings indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin involves the serotonergic system.

The antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin involves the serotonergic system

PubMed Central

Jiang, Xi; Zhu, Keqi; Xu, Quanyi; Wang, Guokang; Zhang, Jiajia; Cao, Rongrong; Ye, Jiang; Yu, Xuefeng

2017-01-01

The antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin, a compound present rich in algae, was evaluated through behavioral and neurochemical methods. Results showed that trans-astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased the immobility time in force swim test and tail suspension test, but did not influence locomotor activity. Trans-astaxanthin treatment did not effectively antagonize hypothermia and ptosis induced by reserpine. However, pre-treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine abolished the anti-immobility effect of trans-astaxanthin in force swim and tail suspension test. These results suggested that the mechanism of antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin may involve the serotonergic system, but not noradrenaline system. This hypothesis was confirmed by neurochemical assays which showed that trans-astaxanthin increased serotonin levels in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, striatum and hypothalamus. Furthermore, our data suggested that trans-astaxanthin decreased indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase activity in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and hypothalamus. Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity subsequently decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and increased the serotonin/tryptophan ratio in these brain regions. Taken together, these findings indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of trans-astaxanthin involves the serotonergic system. PMID:28424423

RUBIDIUM ABUNDANCES IN THE GLOBULAR CLUSTERS NGC 6752, NGC 1904, AND NGC 104 (47 Tuc)

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

D'Orazi, Valentina; Lugaro, Maria; Campbell, Simon W.

2013-10-10

Large star-to-star variations of the abundances of proton-capture elements, such as Na and O, in globular clusters (GCs) are interpreted as the effect of internal pollution resulting from the presence of multiple stellar populations. To better constrain this scenario, we investigate the abundance distribution of the heavy element rubidium (Rb) in NGC 6752, NGC 1904, and NGC 104 (47 Tuc). Combining the results from our sample with those in the literature, we found that Rb exhibits no star-to-star variations, regardless of cluster metallicity, with the possible intriguing, although very uncertain, exception of the metal-rich bulge cluster NGC 6388. If nomore » star-to-star variations can be confirmed for all GCs, this finding implies that the stellar source of the proton-capture element variations must not have produced significant amounts of Rb. This element is observed to be enhanced at extremely high levels in intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch (IM-AGB) stars in the Magellanic Clouds (i.e., at a metallicity similar to 47 Tuc and NGC 6388). This fact may present a challenge to this popular candidate polluter, unless the mass range of the observed IM-AGB stars does not participate in the formation of the second-generation stars in GCs. A number of possible solutions are available to resolve this conundrum, including the fact that the Magellanic Cloud observations are very uncertain and may need to be revised. The fast rotating massive stars scenario would not face this potential problem as the slow mechanical winds of these stars during their main-sequence phase do not carry any Rb enhancements; however, these candidates face even bigger issues such as the production of Li and the close overlap with core-collapse supernova timescales. Observations of Sr, Rb, and Zr in metal-rich clusters such as NGC 6388 and NGC 6441 are sorely needed to clarify the situation.« less

A role for circadian evening elements in cold-regulated gene expression in Arabidopsis.

PubMed

Mikkelsen, Michael D; Thomashow, Michael F

2009-10-01

The plant transcriptome is dramatically altered in response to low temperature. The cis-acting DNA regulatory elements and trans-acting factors that regulate the majority of cold-regulated genes are unknown. Previous bioinformatic analysis has indicated that the promoters of cold-induced genes are enriched in the Evening Element (EE), AAAATATCT, a DNA regulatory element that has a role in circadian-regulated gene expression. Here we tested the role of EE and EE-like (EEL) elements in cold-induced expression of two Arabidopsis genes, CONSTANS-like 1 (COL1; At5g54470) and a gene encoding a 27-kDa protein of unknown function that we designated COLD-REGULATED GENE 27 (COR27; At5g42900). Mutational analysis indicated that the EE/EEL elements were required for cold induction of COL1 and COR27, and that their action was amplified through coupling with ABA response element (ABRE)-like (ABREL) motifs. An artificial promoter consisting solely of four EE motifs interspersed with three ABREL motifs was sufficient to impart cold-induced gene expression. Both COL1 and COR27 were found to be regulated by the circadian clock at warm growth temperatures and cold-induction of COR27 was gated by the clock. These results suggest that cold- and clock-regulated gene expression are integrated through regulatory proteins that bind to EE and EEL elements supported by transcription factors acting at ABREL sequences. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the coupling of EE and EEL motifs with ABREL motifs is highly enriched in cold-induced genes and thus may constitute a DNA regulatory element pair with a significant role in configuring the low-temperature transcriptome.

Antioxidant capacity of trans-resveratrol dietary supplements alone or combined with the mycotoxin beauvericin.

PubMed

Mallebrera, Beatriz; Maietti, Annalisa; Tedeschi, Paola; Font, Guillermina; Ruiz, Maria-Jose; Brandolini, Vincenzo

2017-07-01

Trans-resveratrol (trans-RSV) is a polyphenol with multiples biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, and antiplatelet. It occurs naturally in grapes and derivate, peanuts and berries. Beauvericin (BEA) is a mycotoxin present in cereals that produces cytotoxicity, intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. The general objective of this research was to evaluate whether trans-RSV could be used as a good polyphenol against damages produced by BEA. Because trans-RSV can be ingested through dietary supplements, to reach this goal, the following specific objectives were proposed: to determine a) the trans-RSV content in different polyphenol dietary supplements by capillary electrophoresis, b) the antioxidant capacity of the trans-RSV in polyphenol supplements, and c) the influence of BEA in the antioxidant capacity of trans-RSV when they are in combination by photochemioluminiscence assay. The results obtained in this study showed that all polyphenol dietary supplements present higher RSV content that the content of the label. The polyphenol supplements present antioxidant capacity. And the combination of trans-RSV and BEA did not affect the antioxidant capacity of trans-RSV. Thus, RSV could contribute to decrease oxidant effects produced by BEA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Genomic overview of mRNA 5′-leader trans-splicing in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis

PubMed Central

Satou, Yutaka; Hamaguchi, Makoto; Takeuchi, Keisuke; Hastings, Kenneth E. M.; Satoh, Nori

2006-01-01

Although spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing in the chordates was discovered in the tunicate Ciona intestinalis there has been no genomic overview analysis of the extent of trans-splicing or the make-up of the trans-spliced and non-trans-spliced gene populations of this model organism. Here we report such an analysis for Ciona based on the oligo-capping full-length cDNA approach. We randomly sampled 2078 5′-full-length ESTs representing 668 genes, or 4.2% of the entire genome. Our results indicate that Ciona contains a single major SL, which is efficiently trans-spliced to mRNAs transcribed from a specific set of genes representing ∼50% of the total number of expressed genes, and that individual trans-spliced mRNA species are, on average, 2–3-fold less abundant than non-trans-spliced mRNA species. Our results also identify a relationship between trans-splicing status and gene functional classification; ribosomal protein genes fall predominantly into the non-trans-spliced category. In addition, our data provide the first evidence for the occurrence of polycistronic transcription in Ciona. An interesting feature of the Ciona polycistronic transcription units is that the great majority entirely lack intercistronic sequences. PMID:16822859

Trans Fat Intake and Its Dietary Sources in General Populations Worldwide: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Wanders, Anne J.; Zock, Peter L.; Brouwer, Ingeborg A.

2017-01-01

After the discovery that trans fat increases the risk of coronary heart disease, trans fat content of foods have considerably changed. The aim of this study was to systematically review available data on intakes of trans fat and its dietary sources in general populations worldwide. Data from national dietary surveys and population studies published from 1995 onward were searched via Scopus and websites of national public health institutes. Relevant data from 29 countries were identified. The most up to date estimates of total trans fat intake ranged from 0.3 to 4.2 percent of total energy intake (En%) across countries. Seven countries had trans fat intakes higher than the World Health Organization recommendation of 1 En%. In 16 out of 21 countries with data on dietary sources, intakes of trans fat from animal sources were higher than that from industrial sources. Time trend data from 20 countries showed substantial declines in industrial trans fat intake since 1995. In conclusion, nowadays, in the majority of countries for which data are available, average trans fat intake is lower than the recommended maximum intake of 1 En%, with intakes from animal sources being higher than from industrial sources. In the past 20 years, substantial reductions in industrial trans fat have been achieved in many countries. PMID:28783062

'I am not a man': Trans-specific barriers and facilitators to PrEP acceptability among transgender women.

PubMed

Sevelius, Jae M; Keatley, JoAnne; Calma, Nikki; Arnold, Emily

2016-01-01

The frequent conflation of transgender ('trans') women with 'men who have sex with men (MSM)' in HIV prevention obscures trans women's unique gender identities, social and behavioural vulnerabilities, and their disproportionately high rates of HIV infection. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an efficacious biomedical HIV prevention approach. However, trans women are underrepresented in PrEP research, and are often aggregated with MSM without consideration for their unique positions within sociocultural contexts. This study examined PrEP acceptability among trans women via three focus groups and nine individual interviews (total N = 30) in San Francisco. While knowledge of PrEP was low, interest was relatively high once participants were informed. Due to past negative healthcare experiences, ability to obtain PrEP from a trans-competent provider was cited as essential to PrEP uptake and adherence. Participants noted that PrEP could address situations in which trans women experience reduced power to negotiate safer sex, including sex work. Trans-specific barriers included lack of trans-inclusive marketing of PrEP, prioritisation of hormone use, and medical mistrust due to transphobia. Findings underscore the importance of disaggregating trans women from MSM in HIV prevention strategies to mitigate disparate risk among this highly vulnerable population.

Synthesis and structural characterisation of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with a flexible, ferrocene-based P,S-donor amidophosphine ligand.

PubMed

Tauchman, Jiří; Císařová, Ivana; Stěpnička, Petr

2014-01-28

1'-Diphenylphosphino-1-{[(2-(methylthio)ethyl)amino]carbonyl}ferrocene (1), accessible via amidation of 1'-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-1-carboxylic acid (Hdpf) with 2-(methylthio)ethylamine, reacts with [PdCl2(cod)] (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) at a 1 : 1 metal-to-ligand ratio to give trans-[PdCl2(1-κ(2)P,S)] (trans-2) as the sole product. A similar reaction with [PtCl2(cod)] affords a mixture of cis- and trans-[PtCl2(1-κ(2)P,S)] (cis- and trans-3), which can be separated by fractional crystallisation. Complexation reactions performed with 2 equiv. of the ligand are less selective, yielding mixtures of the expected bis-phosphine complexes (i.e., trans-[PdCl2(1-κP)2], or a mixture of cis- and trans-[PtCl2(-κP)2]) with the respective monophosphine complexes. The structures of 1, trans-2, cis-3 and trans-3 determined by X-ray diffraction demonstrate the ability of the title ligand to act as a flexible cis- or trans-P,S-chelate donor (the ligand bite angles are 174.03(2)/173.05(2)° for trans-2/3 and 92.86(2)° for cis-3).

13-cis-retinoic acid metabolism in vivo. The major tissue metabolites in the rat have the all-trans configuration.

PubMed

McCormick, A M; Kroll, K D; Napoli, J L

1983-08-02

The liver and intestinal metabolites of orally dosed 13-cis-[11-3H]retinoic acid were analyzed in normal and 13-cis-retinoic acid treated rats 3 h after administration of the radiolabeled retinoid. all-trans-Retinoic acid was identified as a liver and intestinal mucosa metabolite in normal rats given physiological doses of 13-cis-[3H]retinoic acid. all-trans-Retinoyl glucuronide was identified as the most abundant radiolabeled metabolite in mucosa and a prominent liver metabolite under the same conditions. Thus, the major 13-cis-retinoic acid metabolites retained in liver and mucosa, two retinoid target tissues, had the all-trans configuration. These data indicate that the isomerization of 13-cis-retinoic acid to all-trans-retinoic acid and the subsequent conversion to all-trans-retinoyl glucuronide are central events in the in vivo metabolism of 13-cis-retinoic acid in the rat. Moreover, the all-trans-retinoic acid detected in vivo could account for a significant fraction of the physiological activity of 13-cis-retinoic acid. The tissue disposition and metabolism of orally dosed 13-cis-[3H]retinoic acid are modulated by retinoid treatment. Chronic 13-cis-retinoic acid treatment apparently increased the intestinal accumulation of all-trans-retinoic acid, all-trans-retinoyl glucuronide, and 13-cis-retinoyl glucuronide. The liver concentrations of tritiated all-trans-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinoyl glucuronide were also elevated in 13-cis-retinoic acid treated rats.

Molecular structures of carotenoids as predicted by MNDO-AM1 molecular orbital calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashimoto, Hideki; Yoda, Takeshi; Kobayashi, Takayoshi; Young, Andrew J.

2002-02-01

Semi-empirical molecular orbital calculations using AM1 Hamiltonian (MNDO-AM1 method) were performed for a number of biologically important carotenoid molecules, namely all- trans-β-carotene, all- trans-zeaxanthin, and all- trans-violaxanthin (found in higher plants and algae) together with all- trans-canthaxanthin, all- trans-astaxanthin, and all- trans-tunaxanthin in order to predict their stable structures. The molecular structures of all- trans-β-carotene, all- trans-canthaxanthin, and all- trans-astaxanthin predicted based on molecular orbital calculations were compared with those determined by X-ray crystallography. Predicted bond lengths, bond angles, and dihedral angles showed an excellent agreement with those determined experimentally, a fact that validated the present theoretical calculations. Comparison of the bond lengths, bond angles and dihedral angles of the most stable conformer among all the carotenoid molecules showed that the displacements are localized around the substituent groups and hence around the cyclohexene rings. The most stable conformers of all- trans-zeaxanthin and all- trans-violaxanthin gave rise to a torsion angle around the C6-C7 bond to be ±48.7 and -84.8°, respectively. This difference is a key factor in relation to the biological function of these two carotenoids in plants and algae (the xanthophyll cycle). Further analyses by calculating the atomic charges and using enpartment calculations (division of bond energies between component atoms) were performed to ascribe the cause of the different observed torsion angles.

A conserved intronic U1 snRNP-binding sequence promotes trans-splicing in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Gao, Jun-Li; Fan, Yu-Jie; Wang, Xiu-Ye; Zhang, Yu; Pu, Jia; Li, Liang; Shao, Wei; Zhan, Shuai; Hao, Jianjiang

2015-01-01

Unlike typical cis-splicing, trans-splicing joins exons from two separate transcripts to produce chimeric mRNA and has been detected in most eukaryotes. Trans-splicing in trypanosomes and nematodes has been characterized as a spliced leader RNA-facilitated reaction; in contrast, its mechanism in higher eukaryotes remains unclear. Here we investigate mod(mdg4), a classic trans-spliced gene in Drosophila, and report that two critical RNA sequences in the middle of the last 5′ intron, TSA and TSB, promote trans-splicing of mod(mdg4). In TSA, a 13-nucleotide (nt) core motif is conserved across Drosophila species and is essential and sufficient for trans-splicing, which binds U1 small nuclear RNP (snRNP) through strong base-pairing with U1 snRNA. In TSB, a conserved secondary structure acts as an enhancer. Deletions of TSA and TSB using the CRISPR/Cas9 system result in developmental defects in flies. Although it is not clear how the 5′ intron finds the 3′ introns, compensatory changes in U1 snRNA rescue trans-splicing of TSA mutants, demonstrating that U1 recruitment is critical to promote trans-splicing in vivo. Furthermore, TSA core-like motifs are found in many other trans-spliced Drosophila genes, including lola. These findings represent a novel mechanism of trans-splicing, in which RNA motifs in the 5′ intron are sufficient to bring separate transcripts into close proximity to promote trans-splicing. PMID:25838544

Ca2+ binding and conformational changes in a calmodulin domain.

PubMed

Evenäs, J; Malmendal, A; Thulin, E; Carlström, G; Forsén, S

1998-09-29

Calcium activation of the C-terminal domain of calmodulin was studied using 1H and 15N NMR spectroscopy. The important role played by the conserved bidentate glutamate Ca2+ ligand in the binding loops is emphasized by the striking effects resulting from a mutation of this glutamic acid to a glutamine, i.e. E104Q in loop III and E140Q in loop IV. The study involves determination of Ca2+ binding constants, assignments, and structural characterizations of the apo, (Ca2+)1, and (Ca2+)2 states of the E104Q mutant and comparisons to the wild-type protein and the E140Q mutant [Evenäs et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36, 3448-3457]. NMR titration data show sequential Ca2+ binding in the E104Q mutant. The first Ca2+ binds to loop IV and the second to loop III, which is the order reverse to that observed for the E140Q mutant. In both mutants, the major structural changes occur upon Ca2+ binding to loop IV, which implies a different response to Ca2+ binding in the N- and C-terminal EF-hands. Spectral characteristics show that the (Ca2+)1 and (Ca2+)2 states of the E104Q mutant undergo global exchange on a 10-100 micros time scale between conformations seemingly similar to the closed and open structures of this domain in wild-type calmodulin, paralleling earlier observations for the (Ca2+)2 state of the E140Q mutant, indicating that both glutamic acid residues, E104 and E140, are required for stabilization of the open conformation in the (Ca2+)2 state. To verify that the NOE constraints cannot be fulfilled in a single structure, solution structures of the (Ca2+)2 state of the E104Q mutant are calculated. Within the ensemble of structures the precision is good. However, the clearly dynamic nature of the state, a large number of violated distance restraints, ill-defined secondary structural elements, and comparisons to the structures of calmodulin indicate that the ensemble does not provide a good picture of the (Ca2+)2 state of the E104Q mutant but rather represents the distance-averaged structure of at least two distinct different conformations.

Quantitative Measurement of Trans-Fats by Infrared Spectroscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Edward B.; Davies, Don R.; Campbell, Mike

2007-01-01

Trans-fat is a general term, which is mainly used to describe the various trans geometric isomers present in unsaturated fatty acids. Various techniques are now used for a quantitative measurement of the amount of trans-fats present in foods and cooking oil.

Migration of comets to the terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ipatov, Sergei I.; Mather, John C.

2007-05-01

The orbital evolution of 30,000 objects with initial orbits close to those of Jupiter-family comets (JFCs) and also of 15,000 dust particles was integrated [1-3]. For initial orbital elements close to those of Comets 2P, 10P, 44P, and 113P, a few objects got Earth-crossing orbits with semi-major axes a<2 AU and aphelion distances Q<4.2 AU, or even got inner-Earth (Q<0.983 AU), Aten, or typical asteroidal orbits, and moved in such orbits for more than 1 Myr (up to tens or even hundreds of Myrs). Most of former trans-Neptunian objects that have typical near-Earth object (NEO) orbits moved in such orbits for Myrs, so during most of this time they were extinct comets. From a dynamical point of view, the fraction of extinct comets among NEOs can exceed several tens of percent, but, probably, many extinct comets disintegrated into mini-comets and dust during a smaller part of their dynamical lifetimes if these lifetimes were large. The probability of the collision of Comet 10P with the Earth during a dynamical lifetime of the comet was P[E]≈1.4•10-4, but 80% of this mean probability was due only to one object among 2600 considered objects with orbits close to that of Comet 10P. For runs for Comet 2P, P[E]≈(1-5)•10-4. For most other considered JFCs, 10-6 < P[E] < 10-5. For Comets 22P and 39P, P[E]≈ (1-2)•10-6; and for Comets 9P, 28P and 44P, P[E]≈(2-5)•10-6. For all considered JFCs, P[E]>4•10-6. The Bulirsh-Stoer method of integration and a symplectic method gave similar results. In our runs the probability of a collision of one object with the Earth could be greater than the sum of probabilities for thousands of other objects. The ratios of probabilities of collisions of JFCs with Venus and Mars to the mass of a planet usually were not smaller than that for Earth. For dust particles started from comets and asteroids, P[E ]was maximum for diameters d~100 μm. These maximum values of P [E] were usually (exclusive for 2P) greater at least by an order of magnitude than the values for parent comets. [1] Ipatov S.I. and Mather J.C. (2004) Annals of the New York Acad. of Sci., v. 1017, 46-65. [2] Ipatov S.I. et al. (2004) Annals of the New York Acad. of Sci., v. 1017, 66-80. [3] Ipatov S.I. and Mather J.C. (2006) Adv. in Space Res., v. 37, N 1, 126-137.

Load transfer mechanics between trans-tibial prosthetic socket and residual limb--dynamic effects.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaohong; Zhang, Ming; Lee, Winson C C

2004-09-01

The effects of inertial loads on the interface stresses between trans-tibial residual limb and prosthetic socket were investigated. The motion of the limb and prosthesis was monitored using a Vicon motion analysis system and the ground reaction force was measured by a force platform. Equivalent loads at the knee joint during walking were calculated in two cases with and without consideration of the material inertia. A 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model based on the actual geometry of residual limb, internal bones and socket liner was developed to study the mechanical interaction between socket and residual limb during walking. To simulate the friction/slip boundary conditions between the skin and liner, automated surface-to-surface contact was used. The prediction results indicated that interface pressure and shear stress had the similar double-peaked waveform shape in stance phase. The average difference in interface stresses between the two cases with and without consideration of inertial forces was 8.4% in stance phase and 20.1% in swing phase. The maximum difference during stance phase is up to 19%. This suggests that it is preferable to consider the material inertia effect in a fully dynamic FE model.

Estrogenic Activities of Fatty Acids and a Sterol Isolated from Royal Jelly

PubMed Central

Isohama, Yoichiro; Maruyama, Hiroe; Yamada, Yayoi; Narita, Yukio; Ohta, Shozo; Araki, Yoko; Miyata, Takeshi; Mishima, Satoshi

2008-01-01

We have previously reported that royal jelly (RJ) from honeybees (Apis mellifera) has weak estrogenic activity mediated by interaction with estrogen receptors that leads to changes in gene expression and cell proliferation. In this study, we isolated four compounds from RJ that exhibit estrogenic activity as evaluated by a ligand-binding assay for the estrogen receptor (ER) β. These compounds were identified as 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, 10-hydroxydecanoic acid, trans-2-decenoic acid and 24-methylenecholesterol. All these compounds inhibited binding of 17β-estradiol to ERβ, although more weakly than diethylstilbestrol or phytoestrogens. However, these compounds had little or no effect on the binding of 17β-estradiol to ERα. Expression assays suggested that these compounds activated ER, as evidenced by enhanced transcription of a reporter gene containing an estrogen-responsive element. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with these compounds enhanced their proliferation, but concomitant treatment with tamoxifen blocked this effect. Exposure of immature rats to these compounds by subcutaneous injection induced mild hypertrophy of the luminal epithelium of the uterus, but was not associated with an increase in uterine weight. These findings provide evidence that these compounds contribute to the estrogenic effect of RJ. PMID:18830443

Migration of Trans-Neptunian Objects to a Near-Earth Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ipatov, S. I.; Mather, J. C.; Oegerle, William (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Our estimates of the migration of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) to a near-Earth space are based on the results of investigations of orbital evolution of TNOs and Jupiter-crossing objects (JCOs). The orbital evolution of TNOs was considered in many papers. Recently we investigated the evolution for intervals of at least 5-10 Myr of 2500 JCOs under the gravitational influence of all planets, except for Mercury and Pluto (without dissipative factors). In the first series we considered N=2000 orbits near the orbits of 30 real Jupiter-family comets with period P(sub alpha)less than 10 yr, and in the second series we took N=500 orbits close to the orbit of Comet 10P Tempel 2 (alpha=3.1 AU, e=0.53, i=12 deg). We calculated the probabilities of collisions of objects with the terrestrial planets, using orbital elements obtained with a step equal to 500 yr, and then summarized the results for all time intervals and all bodies, obtaining the total probability P(sub sigma) of collisions with a planet and the total time interval T(sub sigma) during which perihelion distance q of bodies was less than a semimajor axis of the planet.

Whole-genome analysis of genetic recombination of hepatitis delta virus: molecular domain in delta antigen determining trans-activating efficiency.

PubMed

Chao, Mei; Lin, Chia-Chi; Lin, Feng-Ming; Li, Hsin-Pai; Iang, Shan-Bei

2015-12-01

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is the only animal RNA virus that has an unbranched rod-like genome with ribozyme activity and is replicated by host RNA polymerase. HDV RNA recombination was previously demonstrated in patients and in cultured cells by analysis of a region corresponding to the C terminus of the delta antigen (HDAg), the only viral-encoded protein. Here, a whole-genome recombination map of HDV was constructed using an experimental system in which two HDV-1 sequences were co-transfected into cultured cells and the recombinants were analysed by sequencing of cloned reverse transcription-PCR products. Fifty homologous recombinants with 60 crossovers mapping to 22 junctions were identified from 200 analysed clones. Small HDAg chimeras harbouring a junction newly detected in the recombination map were then constructed. The results further indicated that the genome-replication level of HDV was sensitive to the sixth amino acid within the N-terminal 22 aa of HDAg. Therefore, the recombination map established in this study provided a tool for not only understanding HDV RNA recombination, but also elucidating the related mechanisms, such as molecular elements responsible for the trans-activation levels of the small HDAg.

Clinical and epidemiological use of nested PCR targeting the repetitive element IS1111 associated with the transposase gene from Coxiella burnetii.

PubMed

Mares-Guia, Maria Angélica M M; Guterres, Alexandro; Rozental, Tatiana; Ferreira, Michelle Dos Santos; Lemos, Elba R S

Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii-a small obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium found in a variety of animals. It is transmitted to humans by inhalation of contaminated aerosols from urine, feces, milk, amniotic fluid, placenta, abortion products, wool, and rarely by ingestion of raw milk from infected animals. Nested PCR can improve the sensitivity and specificity of testing while offering a suitable amplicon size for sequencing. Serial dilutions were performed tenfold to test the limit of detection, and the result was 10× detection of C. burnetti DNA with internal nested PCR primers relative to trans-PCR. Different biological samples were tested and identified only in nested PCR. This demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the primers. Of the 19 samples, which amplify the partial sequence of C. burnetii, 12 were positive by conventional PCR and nested PCR. Seven samples-five spleen tissue samples from rodents and two tick samples-were only positive in nested PCR. With these new internal primers for trans-PCR, we demonstrate that our nested PCR assay for C. burnetii can achieve better results than conventional PCR. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.

Plasma pharmacokinetics and metabolism of 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acid in the cynomolgus monkey and the identification of 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronides. A comparison to one human case study with isotretinoin.

PubMed

Kraft, J C; Slikker, W; Bailey, J R; Roberts, L G; Fischer, B; Wittfoht, W; Nau, H

1991-01-01

In order to compare the disposition and metabolism of 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) and all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) in the nonpregnant female cynomolgus monkey, the plasma concentrations of the parent compound, the oxidized metabolites 4-oxo-13-cis-retinoic acid and 4-oxo-all-trans-retinoic acid, and the conjugate metabolites 13-cis-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide (13-cis-RAG) and all trans-retinoyl-beta-glucuronide (all-trans-RAG), were determined on day 1 and day 10 after oral dosing of 2 and 10 mg 13-cis- and all-trans-RA/kg/day. Both 13-cis-RAG and all-trans-RAG have been identified as major plasma metabolites in these studies using thermospray/HPLC/mass-spectrometry of the intact conjugates. AUC comparisons from 0-24 hr after administration indicated that 13-cis-RA treatment resulted in primarily cis metabolites and all-trans-RA treatment resulted in primarily trans metabolites, although low levels of isomerization products were observed. Comparison of the two doses (2 and 10 mg/kg, po) revealed that the AUCs were proportional to the dose administered. Although qualitatively similar, elimination of 13-cis-RA in the monkey was more rapid than in the human, and approximately a 10-fold greater dose of 13-cis-RA was required in the monkey to produce the AUC values comparable to the human. The elimination of all-trans-RA in monkey was faster than that of 13-cis-RA and tended to increase with repeated dosing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

LUMINOSITY EVOLUTION OF GAMMA-RAY PULSARS

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

Hirotani, Kouichi, E-mail: hirotani@tiara.sinica.edu.tw

2013-04-01

We investigate the electrodynamic structure of a pulsar outer-magnetospheric particle accelerator and the resulting gamma-ray emission. By considering the condition for the accelerator to be self-sustained, we derive how the trans-magnetic-field thickness of the accelerator evolves with the pulsar age. It is found that the thickness is small but increases steadily if the neutron-star envelope is contaminated by sufficient light elements. For such a light element envelope, the gamma-ray luminosity of the accelerator is kept approximately constant as a function of age in the initial 10,000 yr, forming the lower bound of the observed distribution of the gamma-ray luminosity ofmore » rotation-powered pulsars. If the envelope consists of only heavy elements, on the other hand, the thickness is greater, but it increases less rapidly than a light element envelope. For such a heavy element envelope, the gamma-ray luminosity decreases relatively rapidly, forming the upper bound of the observed distribution. The gamma-ray luminosity of a general pulsar resides between these two extreme cases, reflecting the envelope composition and the magnetic inclination angle with respect to the rotation axis. The cutoff energy of the primary curvature emission is regulated below several GeV even for young pulsars because the gap thickness, and hence the acceleration electric field, is suppressed by the polarization of the produced pairs.« less

A Candidate Trans-acting Modulator of Fetal Hemoglobin Gene Expression in the Arab-Indian Haplotype of Sickle Cell Anemia

PubMed Central

Vathipadiekal, Vinod; Farrell, John J.; Wang, Shuai; Edward, Heather L.; Shappell, Heather; Al-Rubaish, A.M.; Al-Muhanna, Fahad; Naserullah, Z.; Alsuliman, A.; Qutub, Hatem Othman; Simkin, Irene; Farrer, Lindsay A.; Jiang, Zhihua; Luo, Hong-Yuan; Huang, Shengwen; Mostoslavsky, Gustavo; Murphy, George J.; Patra, Pradeep.K.; Chui, David H.K.; Alsultan, Abdulrahman; Al-Ali, Amein K.; Sebastiani, Paola.; Steinberg, Martin. H.

2016-01-01

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels are higher in the Arab-Indian (AI) β-globin gene haplotype of sickle cell anemia compared with African-origin haplotypes. To study genetic elements that effect HbF expression in the AI haplotype we completed whole genome sequencing in 14 Saudi AI haplotype sickle hemoglobin homozygotes—seven selected for low HbF (8.2±1.3%) and seven selected for high HbF (23.5±.2.6%). An intronic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in ANTXR1, an anthrax toxin receptor (chromosome 2p13), was associated with HbF. These results were replicated in two independent Saudi AI haplotype cohorts of 120 and 139 patients, but not in 76 Saudi Benin haplotype, 894 African origin haplotype and 44 Arab Indian haplotype patients of Indian descent, suggesting that this association is effective only in the Saudi AI haplotype background. ANTXR1 variants explained 10% of the HbF variability compared with 8% for BCL11A. These two genes had independent, additive effects on HbF and together explained about 15% of HbF variability in Saudi AI sickle cell anemia patients. ANTXR1 was expressed at mRNA and protein levels in erythroid progenitors derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and CD34+ cells. As CD34+ cells matured and their HbF decreased ANTXR1 expression increased; as iPSCs differentiated and their HbF increased, ANTXR1 expression decreased. Along with elements in cis to the HbF genes, ANTXR1 contributes to the variation in HbF in Saudi AI haplotype sickle cell anemia and is the first gene in trans to HBB that is associated with HbF only in carriers of the Saudi AI haplotype. PMID:27501013

A Functional Element Necessary for Fetal Hemoglobin Silencing

PubMed Central

Sankaran, Vijay G.; Xu, Jian; Byron, Rachel; Greisman, Harvey A.; Fisher, Chris; Weatherall, David J.; Sabath, Daniel E.; Groudine, Mark; Orkin, Stuart H.; Premawardhena, Anuja; Bender, M.A.

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND An improved understanding of the regulation of the fetal hemoglobin genes holds promise for the development of targeted therapeutic approaches for fetal hemoglobin induction in the β-hemoglobinopathies. Although recent studies have uncovered trans-acting factors necessary for this regulation, limited insight has been gained into the cis-regulatory elements involved. METHODS We identified three families with unusual patterns of hemoglobin expression, suggestive of deletions in the locus of the β-globin gene (β-globin locus). We performed array comparative genomic hybridization to map these deletions and confirmed breakpoints by means of polymerase-chain-reaction assays and DNA sequencing. We compared these deletions, along with previously mapped deletions, and studied the trans-acting factors binding to these sites in the β-globin locus by using chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS We found a new (δβ)0-thalassemia deletion and a rare hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin deletion with identical downstream breakpoints. Comparison of the two deletions resulted in the identification of a small intergenic region required for γ-globin (fetal hemoglobin) gene silencing. We mapped a Kurdish β0-thalassemia deletion, which retains the required intergenic region, deletes other surrounding sequences, and maintains fetal hemoglobin silencing. By comparing these deletions and other previously mapped deletions, we elucidated a 3.5-kb intergenic region near the 5′ end of the δ-globin gene that is necessary for γ-globin silencing. We found that a critical fetal hemoglobin silencing factor, BCL11A, and its partners bind within this region in the chromatin of adult erythroid cells. CONCLUSIONS By studying three families with unusual deletions in the β-globin locus, we identified an intergenic region near the δ-globin gene that is necessary for fetal hemoglobin silencing. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.) PMID:21879898

Stress-Induced Transcriptional Regulation in the Developing Rat Brain Involves Increased Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate-Regulatory Element Binding Activity

PubMed Central

Hatalski, Carolyn G.; Baram, Tallie Z.

2012-01-01

The cAMP-regulatory element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) functions as a trans-acting regulator of genes containing the CRE sequence in their promoter. These include a number of critical genes, such as CRF, involved in the hypothalamic response to stressful stimuli in the adult. The ability of the developing rat (during the first 2 postnatal weeks) to mount the full complement of this stress response has been questioned. We have previously demonstrated the stress-induced up-regulation of the transcription of hypothalamic CRF during the second postnatal week in the rat. The focus of the current study was to explore the mechanism of transcriptional regulation in response to stress through the physiological induction of transcriptional trans-activators that bind to the CRE in the developing rat brain. CRE-binding activity was detected via gel shift analysis in extracts from both the hypothalamus and the cerebral cortex of the developing rat. CREB was identified in these extracts by Western blot analysis and was shown to be the major contributor to the CRE-binding activity by gel shift analysis with two specific antibodies directed against CREB. After acute hypothermic stress, the abundance of CRE-binding activity (but not of total immunoreactive CREB), increased in hypothalamic extracts. This enhanced CRE-binding activity was blocked by an antiserum directed against CREB and was accompanied by an apparent increase in CREB phosphorylation. These results indicate that posttranslational enhancement of CRE-binding activity is likely to constitute an important mechanism for up-regulation of genes possessing the CRE sequence in the developing rat hypothalamus by adverse external signals. PMID:9415405

The future of PrEP among transgender women: the critical role of gender affirmation in research and clinical practices.

PubMed

Sevelius, Jae M; Deutsch, Madeline B; Grant, Robert

2016-01-01

Globally, transgender ("trans") women are one of the key populations most disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the newest and most promising biomedical HIV prevention intervention to date. This paper reviews relevant literature to describe the current state of the science and describes the potential role of PrEP among trans women, including a discussion of unique considerations for maximizing the impact of PrEP for this vulnerable population. Available information, including but not limited to existing scientific literature, about trans women and PrEP was reviewed and critiqued based on author expertise, including PrEP clinical trials and rollout. To date, PrEP demonstration projects and clinical trials have largely excluded trans women, or have not included them in a meaningful way. Data collection strategies that fail to identify trans women in clinical trials and research further limit the ability to draw conclusions about trans women's unique needs and devise strategies to meet them. Gender-affirming providers and clinic environments are essential components of any sexual health programme that aims to serve trans women, as they will largely avoid settings that may result in stigmatizing encounters and threats to their identities. While there is currently no evidence to suggest drug-drug interactions between PrEP and commonly used feminizing hormone regimens, community concerns about potential interactions may limit interest in and uptake of PrEP among trans women. In scaling up PrEP for trans women, it is essential to engage trans communities, utilize trans-inclusive research and marketing strategies and identify and/or train healthcare providers to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans women, including transition-related care such as hormone provision. PrEP implementation guidelines must consider and address trans women's unique barriers and facilitators to uptake and adherence.

Assessment and comparison of in vitro immunoregulatory activity of three astaxanthin stereoisomers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Weihong; Xing, Lihong; Lin, Hong; Leng, Kailiang; Zhai, Yuxiu; Liu, Xiaofang

2016-04-01

In recent years, the immune-modulatory role of all- trans astaxanthin from different pigment sources has been studied. It was reported that all- trans astaxanthin might exist as three stereoisomers, and the composition of all- trans stereoisomers in natural materials differs from that of synthetic products. However, the different biological effects of various all- trans stereoisomers still remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the bioactivity of three astaxanthin stereoisomers, ( 3S, 3'S)- trans-, ( 3R,3'R)- trans-and meso-trans-astaxanthin, in regulating cell-mediated immune response using mice lymphocytes and peritoneal exudates cells (PECs) systems. After the treatment with three astaxanthin stereoisomers (20 μmol L-1), the lymphocyte proliferation capacity, neutral red phagocytosis of PECs and natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity were comparatively assessed. The results showed that all three astaxanthin stereoisomers significantly promoted lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytic capacity of PECs, and cytotoxic activity of NK cells. Moreover, the ( 3S,3'S)-trans-astaxanthin exhibited a much higher response than others.

Nutrition, sensory evaluation, and performance analysis of hydrogenated frying oils.

PubMed

Hack, Danielle M; Bordi, Peter L; Hessert, S William

2009-12-01

The Food and Drug Administration now requires labeling of trans fats on nutrition labels, a decision that has created a push to reformulate deep-fat frying oils. Prior to the passage of this law, frying oils contained trans fats because trans fats made the oils more stable and thus allowing for longer frying usage. In the present study, oil performance, sensory evaluation and nutritional analysis was conducted on trans fat-free oils through a 10-day degradation process using French fries to break down the oil. The goal of the study was to test oil stability and nutrition analysis and to learn consumer preference between trans fat and trans fat-free oils. Sensory evaluation indicated a preference for fries composed from trans fat-free oil mixtures. The most stable oils were also combination oils. Based on these findings, industry representatives considering using the trans fat-free frying oils should consider using blended oils instead, which met customers' taste preference and minimized oil rancidity and usage.

Monitoring trans-Resveratrol in Grape Berry Skins During Ripening and in Corresponding Wines by HPLC

PubMed Central

Geana, Elisabeta I.; Dinca, Oana R.; Ionete, Roxana E.; Artem, Victoria

2015-01-01

Summary Trans-resveratrol (3,5,4’-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is naturally present in the skin of grapes and therefore is expected to occur in grape products. Recently, there has been a renewal of interest in wine as medical treatment for various disorders. In this study, berry skins of five red grape varieties were analysed at weekly intervals for trans-resveratrol production, during 2012 and 2013 harvest. The obtained wines were also evaluated. Quantification of trans-resveratrol in grape skin extracts and wines was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography. Favourable viticultural climate during harvest in 2012 resulted in a higher content of trans-resveratrol. The highest trans-resveratrol content was in Pinot Noir and Feteasca Neagra grape varieties, both in berry skins and wines, while the lowest amounts were identified in Cabernet Sauvignon variety. We can conclude that there was a significant correlation between the content of trans-resveratrol in grape skins and that in the respective wine. PMID:27904334

Differentiating between Central Nervous System Lymphoma and High-grade Glioma Using Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast and Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MR Imaging with Histogram Analysis.

PubMed

Murayama, Kazuhiro; Nishiyama, Yuya; Hirose, Yuichi; Abe, Masato; Ohyu, Shigeharu; Ninomiya, Ayako; Fukuba, Takashi; Katada, Kazuhiro; Toyama, Hiroshi

2018-01-10

We evaluated the diagnostic performance of histogram analysis of data from a combination of dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI for quantitative differentiation between central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL) and high-grade glioma (HGG), with the aim of identifying useful perfusion parameters as objective radiological markers for differentiating between them. Eight lesions with CNSLs and 15 with HGGs who underwent MRI examination, including DCE and DSC-MRI, were enrolled in our retrospective study. DSC-MRI provides a corrected cerebral blood volume (cCBV), and DCE-MRI provides a volume transfer coefficient (K trans ) for transfer from plasma to the extravascular extracellular space. K trans and cCBV were measured from a round region-of-interest in the slice of maximum size on the contrast-enhanced lesion. The differences in t values between CNSL and HGG for determining the most appropriate percentile of K trans and cCBV were investigated. The differences in K trans , cCBV, and K trans /cCBV between CNSL and HGG were investigated using histogram analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of K trans , cCBV, and K trans /cCBV ratio was performed. The 30 th percentile (C30) in K trans and 80 th percentile (C80) in cCBV were the most appropriate percentiles for distinguishing between CNSL and HGG from the differences in t values. CNSL showed significantly lower C80 cCBV, significantly higher C30 K trans , and significantly higher C30 K trans /C80 cCBV than those of HGG. In ROC analysis, C30 K trans /C80 cCBV had the best discriminative value for differentiating between CNSL and HGG as compared to C30 K trans or C80 cCBV. The combination of K trans by DCE-MRI and cCBV by DSC-MRI was found to reveal the characteristics of vascularity and permeability of a lesion more precisely than either K trans or cCBV alone. Histogram analysis of these vascular microenvironments enabled quantitative differentiation between CNSL and HGG.

Insights into the intramolecular donor stabilisation of organostannylene palladium and platinum complexes: syntheses, structures and DFT calculations.

PubMed

Wagner, Michael; Deáky, Vajk; Dietz, Christina; Martincová, Jana; Mahieu, Bernard; Jambor, Roman; Herres-Pawlis, Sonja; Jurkschat, Klaus

2013-05-17

The syntheses of the transition metal complexes cis-[(4-tBu-2,6-{P(O)(OiPr)2}2C6H2SnCl)2MX2] (1, M = Pd, X = Cl; 2, M = Pd, X = Br; 3, M = Pd, X = I; 4, M = Pt, X = Cl), cis-[{2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3SnCl}2MX2] (5, M = Pd, X = I; 6, M = Pt, X = Cl), trans-[{2,6-(Me2NCH2)2C6H3SnI}2PtI2] (7) and trans-[(4-tBu-2,6-{P(O)(OiPr)2}2C6H2SnCl)PdI2]2 (8) are reported. Also reported is the serendipitous formation of the unprecedented complexes trans-[(4-tBu-2,6-{P(O)(OiPr)2}2C6H2SnCl)2Pt(SnCl3)2] (10) and [(4-tBu-2,6-{P(O)(OiPr)2}2C6H2SnCl)3Pt(SnCl3)2] (11). The compounds were characterised by elemental analyses, (1)H, (13)C, (31)P, (119)Sn and (195)Pt NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, UV/Vis spectroscopy and, in the cases of compounds 1, 3 and 4, also by Mössbauer spectroscopy. All the compounds show the tin atoms in a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment. The Mössbauer spectra suggest the tin atoms to be present in the oxidation state III. The kinetic lability of the complexes was studied by redistribution reactions between compounds 1 and 3 as well as between 1 and cis-[{2,6-(Me2 NCH2)2C6H3SnCl}2PdCl2]. DFT calculations provided insights into both the bonding situation of the compounds and the energy difference between the cis and trans isomers. The latter is influenced by the donor strength of the pincer-type ligands. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

She's always a woman: Butch lesbian trans women in the lesbian community.

PubMed

Rossiter, Hannah

2016-01-01

While the visibility and acceptance of trans women have grown globally in recent years, this progress has primarily been within a traditional, heteronormative narrative. But a growing number of trans women identify as butch lesbians and challenge this heteronormative narrative. The existence of butch trans women has created a debate on where they fit within queer and lesbian communities and how their gender performance fits within traditional butch/femme understandings of lesbian or queer relationships. This article seeks to explore the intersections of gender identity and sexual orientation that butch trans women experience when they engage with lesbian and trans communities.

Epoxidation of the methamphetamine pyrolysis product, trans-phenylpropene, to trans-phenylpropylene oxide by CYP enzymes and stereoselective glutathione adduct formation

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

Sanga, Madhu; Younis, Islam R.; Tirumalai, Padma S.

2006-03-01

Pyrolytic products of smoked methamphetamine hydrochloride are well established. Among the various degradation products formed, trans-phenylpropene (trans-{beta}-methylstyrene) is structurally similar to styrene analogues known to be bioactivated by CYP enzymes. In human liver microsomes, trans-phenylpropene was converted to the epoxide trans-phenylpropylene oxide (trans-2-methyl-3-phenyloxirane) and cinnamyl alcohol. Incubation of trans-phenylpropene with microsomes in the presence of enzyme-specific P450 enzyme inhibitors indicated the involvement of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4 enzymes. Both (R,R)-phenylpropylene oxide and (S,S)-phenylpropylene oxide were formed in human liver microsomal preparations. Enantiomers of trans-phenylpropylene oxide were stereoselectively and regioselectively conjugated in a Phase II drug metabolism reaction catalyzed by humanmore » liver cytosolic enzymes consisting of conjugation with glutathione. The structure of the phenylpropylene oxide-glutathione adduct is consistent with nucleophilic ring-opening by attack at the benzylic carbon. Exposure of cultured C6 glial cells to (S,S)-phenylpropylene oxide produced a cytotoxic response in a concentration-dependent manner based on cell degeneration and death.« less

[Trans healthcare : Between depsychopathologization and a needs-based treatment of accompanying mental disorders].

PubMed

Nieder, T O; Güldenring, A; Köhler, A; Briken, P

2017-05-01

Historically, the function of psychiatry and psychotherapy in the healthcare treatment of transsexualism has been impaired by the basic assumption that non-conforming gender experiences and behavior are automatically considered as expressions of psychopathology. In line with revision of the diagnostic criteria and changing standards of care and treatment recommendations, the therapeutic relationship between mental healthcare professionals and transgender individuals is critically discussed aiming at providing a needs-based psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment and a patient-centered approach for trans persons. Literature search focusing on the prevalence of trans persons and the presence of accompanying mental disorders. Discussion of professional experiences with mental healthcare of trans persons. Trans persons without clinically relevant mental distress do not need any kind of psychiatric or psychotherapeutic treatment; however, trans people with clinically relevant mental impairment need safe access to mental healthcare without linking the trans identity a priori to a mental disorder. In order to ensure individual trans healthcare in the long term, the therapeutic relationship should take into account both the body knowledge and self-determination of trans persons as well as the clinical expertise of mental healthcare professionals.

Mapping Fifteen Trace Elements in Human Seminal Plasma and Sperm DNA.

PubMed

Ali, Sazan; Chaspoul, Florence; Anderson, Loundou; Bergé-Lefranc, David; Achard, Vincent; Perrin, Jeanne; Gallice, Philippe; Guichaoua, Marie

2017-02-01

Studies suggest a relationship between semen quality and the concentration of trace elements in serum or seminal plasma. However, trace elements may be linked to DNA and capable of altering the gene expression patterns. Thus, trace element interactions with DNA may contribute to the mechanisms for a trans-generational reproductive effect. We developed an analytical method to determine the amount of trace elements bound to the sperm DNA, and to estimate their affinity for the sperm DNA by the ratio: R = Log [metal concentration in the sperm DNA/metal concentration in seminal plasma]. We then analyzed the concentrations of 15 trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, As, Sb, and Se) in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA in 64 normal and 30 abnormal semen specimens with Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study showed all trace elements were detected in the seminal plasma and only metals were detected in the sperm DNA. There was no correlation between the metals' concentrations in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA. Al had the highest affinity for DNA followed by Pb and Cd. This strong affinity is consistent with the known mutagenic effects of these metals. The lowest affinity was observed for Zn and Ti. We observed a significant increase of Al linked to the sperm DNA of patients with oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Al's reproductive toxicity might be due to Al linked to DNA, by altering spermatogenesis and expression patterns of genes involved in the function of reproduction.

Mineralogy and crystallization history of a highly differentiated REE-enriched hypabyssal rhyolite: Round Top laccolith, Trans-Pecos, Texas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Neill, L. Christine; Elliott, Brent A.; Kyle, J. Richard

2017-09-01

The Round Top hypabyssal rhyolite laccolith is a highly evolved magmatic system, enriched in incompatible elements including REE [Rare Earth Element(s)], U, Be, and F. The Round Top intrusion is part of a series of Paleogene intrusions emplaced as the Sierra Blanca Complex. These intrusions are situated within long-lived, complex tectonic regimes that have been subjected to regional compression and subduction, punctuated by extensional bimodal volcanism. The enrichment in the rhyolite that comprises Round Top is the result of the prolonged removal of compatible elements from the source magma chamber through the emplacement of earlier magmatic events. With the emplacement of each sequential laccolith, the F-rich source magma became more enriched in incompatible elements, with increasing HREE [Heavy Rare Earth Elements(s)] concentrations. The emplacement of Round Top as a laccolith (versus that of an extrusive rhyolitic flow) facilitated the retention of the volatile-rich vapor phase within the magma, forming ubiquitous REE-bearing minerals, mainly yttrofluorite and yttrocerite. The high temperature mineral-vapor phase alteration of the feldspar groundmass was essential to the formation of REE minerals, where the pervasive open pore space was occupied by the late-crystallizing minerals. These late-forming REE-bearing minerals also occur as crystals associated with other accessory and trace phases, as inclusions within other phases, along grain boundaries, and along fractures and within voids. The rhyolite at Round Top and other laccolith intrusions in the Sierra Blanca Complex represent a new sub-type of magmatic rare earth element hosting system.

The Super-TIGER Instrument to Probe Galactic Cosmic Ray Origins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, John W.; Binns, W. R.; Bose, R, G.; Braun, D. L.; Christian, E. R.; Daniels, W. M; DeNolfo, G. A.; Dowkontt, P. F.; Hahne, D. J.; Hams, T.;

Comparison of region-of-interest-averaged and pixel-averaged analysis of DCE-MRI data based on simulations and pre-clinical experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Dianning; Zamora, Marta; Oto, Aytekin; Karczmar, Gregory S.; Fan, Xiaobing

2017-09-01

Differences between region-of-interest (ROI) and pixel-by-pixel analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data were investigated in this study with computer simulations and pre-clinical experiments. ROIs were simulated with 10, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 different pixels. For each pixel, a contrast agent concentration as a function of time, C(t), was calculated using the Tofts DCE-MRI model with randomly generated physiological parameters (K trans and v e) and the Parker population arterial input function. The average C(t) for each ROI was calculated and then K trans and v e for the ROI was extracted. The simulations were run 100 times for each ROI with new K trans and v e generated. In addition, white Gaussian noise was added to C(t) with 3, 6, and 12 dB signal-to-noise ratios to each C(t). For pre-clinical experiments, Copenhagen rats (n  =  6) with implanted prostate tumors in the hind limb were used in this study. The DCE-MRI data were acquired with a temporal resolution of ~5 s in a 4.7 T animal scanner, before, during, and after a bolus injection (<5 s) of Gd-DTPA for a total imaging duration of ~10 min. K trans and v e were calculated in two ways: (i) by fitting C(t) for each pixel, and then averaging the pixel values over the entire ROI, and (ii) by averaging C(t) over the entire ROI, and then fitting averaged C(t) to extract K trans and v e. The simulation results showed that in heterogeneous ROIs, the pixel-by-pixel averaged K trans was ~25% to ~50% larger (p  <  0.01) than the ROI-averaged K trans. At higher noise levels, the pixel-averaged K trans was greater than the ‘true’ K trans, but the ROI-averaged K trans was lower than the ‘true’ K trans. The ROI-averaged K trans was closer to the true K trans than pixel-averaged K trans for high noise levels. In pre-clinical experiments, the pixel-by-pixel averaged K trans was ~15% larger than the ROI-averaged K trans. Overall, with the Tofts model, the extracted physiological parameters from the pixel-by-pixel averages were larger than the ROI averages. These differences were dependent on the heterogeneity of the ROI.

Enhanced antioxidant effect of trans-resveratrol: potential of binary systems with polyethylene glycol and cyclodextrin.

PubMed

Moyano-Mendez, Josè Ramon; Fabbrocini, Gabriella; De Stefano, Daniela; Mazzella, Caterina; Mayol, Laura; Scognamiglio, Immacolata; Carnuccio, Rosa; Ayala, Fabio; La Rotonda, Maria Immacolata; De Rosa, Giuseppe

2014-10-01

Trans-resveratrol, a polyphenol extracted from Vitis vinifera, has different beneficial effects following its administration on the skin. Here the potential use of binary systems to enhance in vitro and in vivo activity of trans-resveratrol was investigated. Thus the aqueous solubility of trans-resveratrol was investigated in the presence of growing concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or β-cyclodextrin (βCD) as solubilizing excipients. Then, the solid dispersion of trans-resveratrol with PEG or inclusion complexes trans-resveratrol/βCD were prepared and characterised by different methods. Cytotoxicity and inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following H2O2 challenge in the presence of trans-resveratrol, alone or associated to the excipients, was evaluated on human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line. Both the trans-resveratrol-containing binary systems induced significant reduction of H2O2-induced ROS production, especially in the case of βCD that was selected for the following phase of the study. Thus, the effect of a cream containing trans-resveratrol, alone or associated to βCD, on different skin parameters such as corneometry, colorimetry and elastometry, was evaluated on human volunteers. All patients showed a visible improvement of clinical conditions with a remarkable decrease of aging signs, but this effect was higher of the hemi face treated with the βCD-containing formulation versus formulation containing trans-resveratrol alone.

Distribution of trans-resveratrol and its metabolites after acute or sustained administration in mouse heart, brain, and liver.

PubMed

Menet, Marie-Claude; Baron, Stephanie; Taghi, Meryam; Diestra, Remi; Dargère, Delphine; Laprévote, Olivier; Nivet-Antoine, Valérie; Beaudeux, Jean-Louis; Bédarida, Tatiana; Cottart, Charles-Henry

2017-08-01

Trans-resveratrol is widely studied for its potentially beneficial effects on numerous disorders. It is rapidly metabolized and its metabolites can exhibit biological activity. The present study aimed to investigate whether acute or sustained trans-resveratrol administration impacted on the distribution of trans-resveratrol and its metabolites in brain, heart, and liver. We used ultra-HPLC quadrupole-TOF (UHPLC-Q-TOF) in a full-scan mode to identify and assess large numbers of resveratrol metabolites. For acute intake, mice were overfed with a single dose of trans-resveratrol (150 mg/kg) and organs were collected after 30 and 60 min. For sustained intake, trans-resveratrol was given in the chow (0.04% w/w corresponding to 40 mg/kg/day), and plasma and the organs were collected after 3 months of this resveratrol diet. We found that trans-resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide and resveratrol-3-sulfate were the main metabolites found after acute intake, and free trans-resveratrol (in the brain and heart) and dihydroresveratrol derivatives were found after sustained administration CONCLUSIONS: Our results show notable differences between acute and sustained administration of trans-resveratrol and distribution of trans-resveratrol and its metabolites in mouse heart, brain, and liver. The results suggest a strategy for development of galenic forms of resveratrol. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Anti-genotoxicity of trans-anethole and eugenol in mice.

PubMed

Abraham, S K

2001-05-01

The naturally occurring flavouring agents trans-anethole and eugenol were evaluated for antigenotoxic effects in mice. The test doses of trans-anethole (40-400 mg/kg body weight) and eugenol (50-500 mg/kg weight) were administered by gavage 2 and 20 h before the genotoxins were injected intraperitoneally. Anti-genotoxic effects were assessed in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Pretreatment with trans-anethole and eugenol led to significant antigenotoxic effects against cyclophosphamide (CPH), procarbazine (PCB), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and urethane (URE). In addition, trans-anethole inhibited the genotoxicity of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). Both trans-anethole and eugenol exerted dose-related antigenotoxic effects against PCB and URE. There was no significant increase in genotoxicity when trans-anethole (40-400 mg/kg body weight) and eugenol (50-500 mg/kg body weight) were administered alone.

A Novel Cell-Based Hybrid Acoustic Wave Biosensor with Impedimetric Sensing Capabilities

PubMed Central

Liu, Fei; Li, Fang; Nordin, Anis Nurashikin; Voiculescu, Ioana

2013-01-01

A novel multiparametric biosensor system based on living cells will be presented. The biosensor system includes two biosensing techniques on a single device: resonant frequency measurements and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). The multiparametric sensor system is based on the innovative use of the upper electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonator as working electrode for the ECIS technique. The QCM acoustic wave sensor consists of a thin AT-cut quartz substrate with two gold electrodes on opposite sides. For integration of the QCM with the ECIS technique a semicircular counter electrode was fabricated near the upper electrode on the same side of the quartz crystal. Bovine aortic endothelial live cells (BAECs) were successfully cultured on this hybrid biosensor. Finite element modeling of the bulk acoustic wave resonator using COMSOL simulations was performed. Simultaneous gravimetric and impedimetric measurements performed over a period of time on the same cell culture were conducted to validate the device's sensitivity. The time necessary for the BAEC cells to attach and form a compact monolayer on the biosensor was 35∼45 minutes for 1.5 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; 60 minutes for 2.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; 70 minutes for 3.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; and 100 minutes for 5.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs. It was demonstrated that this time is the same for both gravimetric and impedimetric measurements. This hybrid biosensor will be employed in the future for water toxicity detection. PMID:23459387

Resident Ratings of Communication Skills Using the Kalamazoo Adapted Checklist.

PubMed

Porcerelli, John H; Brennan, Simone; Carty, Jennifer; Ziadni, Maisa; Markova, Tsveti

2015-09-01

The Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist-Adapted (KEECC-A) is a well-regarded instrument for evaluating communication and interpersonal skills. To date, little research has been conducted that assesses the accuracy of resident self-ratings of their communication skills. To assess whether residents can accurately self-rate communication skills, using the KEECC-A, during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). A group of 104 residents from 8 specialties completed a multistation OSCE as part of an institutional communication skills curriculum conducted at a single institution. Standardized patients (SPs) and observers were trained in rating communication skills using the KEECC-A. Standardized patient ratings and resident self-ratings were completed immediately following each OSCE encounter, and trained observers rated archived videotapes of the encounters. Resident self-ratings and SP ratings using the KEECC-A were significantly correlated (r104  = 0.238, P = .02), as were resident self-ratings and observer ratings (r104  = 0.284, P = .004). The correlation between the SP ratings and observer (r104  = 0.378, P = .001) ratings were larger in magnitude, but not significantly different (P > .05) from resident/SP or resident/observer correlations. The results suggest that residents, with a modicum of training using the KEECC-A, can accurately rate their own communication and interpersonal skills during an OSCE. Using trained observers to rate resident communication skills provides a unique opportunity for evaluating SP and resident self-ratings. Our findings also lend further support for the reliability and validity of the KEECC-A.

Microfabrication of low-loss lumped-element Josephson circuits for non-reciprocal and parametric devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cicak, Katarina; Lecocq, Florent; Ranzani, Leonardo; Peterson, Gabriel A.; Kotler, Shlomi; Teufel, John D.; Simmonds, Raymond W.; Aumentado, Jose

Recent developments in coupled mode theory have opened the doors to new nonreciprocal amplification techniques that can be directly leveraged to produce high quantum efficiency in current measurements in microwave quantum information. However, taking advantage of these techniques requires flexible multi-mode circuit designs comprised of low-loss materials that can be implemented using common fabrication techniques. In this talk we discuss the design and fabrication of a new class of multi-pole lumped-element superconducting parametric amplifiers based on Nb/Al-AlOx/Nb Josephson junctions on silicon or sapphire. To reduce intrinsic loss in these circuits we utilize PECVD amorphous silicon as a low-loss dielectric (tanδ 5 ×10-4), resulting in nearly quantum-limited directional amplification.

A novel E2 box-GATA element modulates Cdc6 transcription during human cells polyploidization

PubMed Central

Vilaboa, Nuria; Bermejo, Rodrigo; Martinez, Pilar; Bornstein, Rafael; Calés, Carmela

2004-01-01

Cdc6 is a key regulator of the strict alternation of S and M phases during the mitotic cell cycle. In mammalian and plant cells that physiologically become polyploid, cdc6 is transcriptionally and post-translationally regulated. We have recently reported that Cdc6 levels are maintained in megakaryoblastic HEL cells, but severely downregulated by ectopic expression of transcriptional repressor Drosophila melanogaster escargot. Here, we show that cdc6 promoter activity is upregulated during megakaryocytic differentiation of HEL endoreplicating cells, and that Escargot interferes with such activation. Transactivation experiments showed that a 1.7 kb region located at 2800 upstream cdc6 transcription initiation site behaved as a potent enhancer in endoreplicating cells only. This activity was mainly dependent on a novel cis-regulatory element composed by an E2 box overlapping a GATA motif. Ectopic Escargot could bind this regulatory element in vitro and endogenous GATA-1 and E2A formed specific complexes in megakaryoblastic cells as well as in primary megakaryocytes. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that both transcription factors were occupying the E2 box/GATA site in vivo. Altogether, these data suggest that cdc6 expression could be actively maintained during megakaryocytic differentiation through transcriptional mechanisms involving specific cis- and trans-regulatory elements. PMID:15590906

Improving the value of clinical research through the use of Common Data Elements.

PubMed

Sheehan, Jerry; Hirschfeld, Steven; Foster, Erin; Ghitza, Udi; Goetz, Kerry; Karpinski, Joanna; Lang, Lisa; Moser, Richard P; Odenkirchen, Joanne; Reeves, Dianne; Rubinstein, Yaffa; Werner, Ellen; Huerta, Michael

2016-12-01

The use of Common Data Elements can facilitate cross-study comparisons, data aggregation, and meta-analyses; simplify training and operations; improve overall efficiency; promote interoperability between different systems; and improve the quality of data collection. A Common Data Element is a combination of a precisely defined question (variable) paired with a specified set of responses to the question that is common to multiple datasets or used across different studies. Common Data Elements, especially when they conform to accepted standards, are identified by research communities from variable sets currently in use or are newly developed to address a designated data need. There are no formal international specifications governing the construction or use of Common Data Elements. Consequently, Common Data Elements tend to be made available by research communities on an empiric basis. Some limitations of Common Data Elements are that there may still be differences across studies in the interpretation and implementation of the Common Data Elements, variable validity in different populations, and inhibition by some existing research practices and the use of legacy data systems. Current National Institutes of Health efforts to support Common Data Element use are linked to the strengthening of National Institutes of Health Data Sharing policies and the investments in data repositories. Initiatives include cross-domain and domain-specific resources, construction of a Common Data Element Portal, and establishment of trans-National Institutes of Health working groups to address technical and implementation topics. The National Institutes of Health is seeking to lower the barriers to Common Data Element use through greater awareness and encourage the culture change necessary for their uptake and use. As National Institutes of Health, other agencies, professional societies, patient registries, and advocacy groups continue efforts to develop and promote the responsible use of Common Data Elements, particularly if linked to accepted data standards and terminologies, continued engagement with and feedback from the research community will remain important. © The Author(s) 2016.

News coverage and sales of products with trans fat: effects before and after changes in federal labeling policy.

PubMed

Niederdeppe, Jeff; Frosch, Dominick L

2009-05-01

The Food and Drug Administration mandated that food products list the amount of trans fat per serving on nutrition facts labels by January 1, 2006. There have been no coordinated efforts to raise awareness about trans fat since the policy went into effect, but news coverage may promote informed decisions about food purchases. This paper assesses whether news coverage influenced sales of products containing trans fat, between December 13, 2004, and June 24, 2007, both before and after the labeling policy went into effect. Sales data for products containing trans fat from a major grocery store chain with stores throughout Los Angeles County were merged with news coverage data from LexisNexis and ProQuest. Cross-sectional time-series regression was conducted in 2008 to assess the effect of news coverage on weekly unit sales volume for seven trans-fat products across 11,997 store-weeks. News coverage effects were apparent for sales of two of the seven trans-fat products in the year before the trans-fat nutrition facts labeling policy went into effect (p<0.05 with Bonferroni correction). News coverage effects were observed for sales of six of the seven trans-fat products in the post-labeling period (p<0.05 with Bonferroni correction). For most products, effects were strongest at concurrent and 1-week lags, and they dissipated over time. News coverage about trans fat, combined with labeling information, appears to influence consumer behavior in the short term. News coverage and product labeling may not be sufficient to promote sustained changes in trans-fat purchases.

Measurement of the B0→π-ℓ+ν and B+→η(')ℓ+ν branching fractions, the B0→π-ℓ+ν and B+→ηℓ+ν form-factor shapes, and determination of |Vub|

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Amo Sanchez, P.; Lees, J. P.; Poireau, V.; Prencipe, E.; Tisserand, V.; Garra Tico, J.; Grauges, E.; Martinelli, M.; Milanes, D. A.; Palano, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Eigen, G.; Stugu, B.; Sun, L.; Brown, D. N.; Kerth, L. T.; Kolomensky, Yu. G.; Lynch, G.; Osipenkov, I. L.; Koch, H.; Schroeder, T.; Asgeirsson, D. J.; Hearty, C.; Mattison, T. S.; McKenna, J. A.; Khan, A.; Randle-Conde, A.; Blinov, V. E.; Buzykaev, A. R.; Druzhinin, V. P.; Golubev, V. B.; Kravchenko, E. A.; Onuchin, A. P.; Serednyakov, S. I.; Skovpen, Yu. I.; Solodov, E. P.; Todyshev, K. Yu.; Yushkov, A. N.; Bondioli, M.; Curry, S.; Kirkby, D.; Lankford, A. J.; Mandelkern, M.; Martin, E. C.; Stoker, D. P.; Atmacan, H.; Gary, J. W.; Liu, F.; Long, O.; Vitug, G. M.; Campagnari, C.; Hong, T. M.; Kovalskyi, D.; Richman, J. D.; West, C.; Eisner, A. M.; Heusch, C. A.; Kroseberg, J.; Lockman, W. S.; Martinez, A. J.; Schalk, T.; Schumm, B. A.; Seiden, A.; Winstrom, L. O.; Cheng, C. H.; Doll, D. A.; Echenard, B.; Hitlin, D. G.; Ongmongkolkul, P.; Porter, F. C.; Rakitin, A. Y.; Andreassen, R.; Dubrovin, M. S.; Mancinelli, G.; Meadows, B. T.; Sokoloff, M. D.; Bloom, P. C.; Ford, W. T.; Gaz, A.; Nagel, M.; Nauenberg, U.; Smith, J. G.; Wagner, S. R.; Ayad, R.; Toki, W. H.; Jasper, H.; Karbach, T. M.; Petzold, A.; Spaan, B.; Kobel, M. J.; Schubert, K. R.; Schwierz, R.; Bernard, D.; Verderi, M.; Clark, P. J.; Playfer, S.; Watson, J. E.; Andreotti, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bozzi, C.; Calabrese, R.; Cecchi, A.; Cibinetto, G.; Fioravanti, E.; Franchini, P.; Luppi, E.; Munerato, M.; Negrini, M.; Petrella, A.; Piemontese, L.; Baldini-Ferroli, R.; Calcaterra, A.; de Sangro, R.; Finocchiaro, G.; Nicolaci, M.; Pacetti, S.; Patteri, P.; Peruzzi, I. M.; Piccolo, M.; Rama, M.; Zallo, A.; Contri, R.; Guido, E.; Lo Vetere, M.; Monge, M. R.; Passaggio, S.; Patrignani, C.; Robutti, E.; Tosi, S.; Bhuyan, B.; Prasad, V.; Lee, C. L.; Morii, M.; Adametz, A.; Marks, J.; Uwer, U.; Bernlochner, F. U.; Ebert, M.; Lacker, H. M.; Lueck, T.; Volk, A.; Dauncey, P. D.; Tibbetts, M.; Behera, P. K.; Mallik, U.; Chen, C.; Cochran, J.; Crawley, H. B.; Dong, L.; Meyer, W. T.; Prell, S.; Rosenberg, E. I.; Rubin, A. E.; Gritsan, A. V.; Guo, Z. J.; Arnaud, N.; Davier, M.; Derkach, D.; Firmino da Costa, J.; Grosdidier, G.; Le Diberder, F.; Lutz, A. M.; Malaescu, B.; Perez, A.; Roudeau, P.; Schune, M. H.; Serrano, J.; Sordini, V.; Stocchi, A.; Wang, L.; Wormser, G.; Lange, D. J.; Wright, D. M.; Bingham, I.; Chavez, C. A.; Coleman, J. P.; Fry, J. R.; Gabathuler, E.; Gamet, R.; Hutchcroft, D. E.; Payne, D. J.; Touramanis, C.; Bevan, A. J.; di Lodovico, F.; Sacco, R.; Sigamani, M.; Cowan, G.; Paramesvaran, S.; Wren, A. C.; Brown, D. N.; Davis, C. L.; Denig, A. G.; Fritsch, M.; Gradl, W.; Hafner, A.; Alwyn, K. E.; Bailey, D.; Barlow, R. J.; Jackson, G.; Lafferty, G. D.; Anderson, J.; Cenci, R.; Jawahery, A.; Roberts, D. A.; Simi, G.; Tuggle, J. M.; Dallapiccola, C.; Salvati, E.; Cowan, R.; Dujmic, D.; Sciolla, G.; Zhao, M.; Lindemann, D.; Patel, P. M.; Robertson, S. H.; Schram, M.; Biassoni, P.; Lazzaro, A.; Lombardo, V.; Palombo, F.; Stracka, S.; Cremaldi, L.; Godang, R.; Kroeger, R.; Sonnek, P.; Summers, D. J.; Nguyen, X.; Simard, M.; Taras, P.; de Nardo, G.; Monorchio, D.; Onorato, G.; Sciacca, C.; Raven, G.; Snoek, H. L.; Jessop, C. P.; Knoepfel, K. J.; Losecco, J. M.; Wang, W. F.; Corwin, L. A.; Honscheid, K.; Kass, R.; Morris, J. P.; Blount, N. L.; Brau, J.; Frey, R.; Igonkina, O.; Kolb, J. A.; Rahmat, R.; Sinev, N. B.; Strom, D.; Strube, J.; Torrence, E.; Castelli, G.; Feltresi, E.; Gagliardi, N.; Margoni, M.; Morandin, M.; Posocco, M.; Rotondo, M.; Simonetto, F.; Stroili, R.; Ben-Haim, E.; Bonneaud, G. R.; Briand, H.; Calderini, G.; Chauveau, J.; Hamon, O.; Leruste, Ph.; Marchiori, G.; Ocariz, J.; Prendki, J.; Sitt, S.; Biasini, M.; Manoni, E.; Rossi, A.; Angelini, C.; Batignani, G.; Bettarini, S.; Carpinelli, M.; Casarosa, G.; Cervelli, A.; Forti, F.; Giorgi, M. A.; Lusiani, A.; Neri, N.; Paoloni, E.; Rizzo, G.; Walsh, J. J.; Lopes Pegna, D.; Lu, C.; Olsen, J.; Smith, A. J. S.; Telnov, A. V.; Anulli, F.; Baracchini, E.; Cavoto, G.; Faccini, R.; Ferrarotto, F.; Ferroni, F.; Gaspero, M.; Li Gioi, L.; Mazzoni, M. A.; Piredda, G.; Renga, F.; Hartmann, T.; Leddig, T.; Schröder, H.; Waldi, R.; Adye, T.; Franek, B.; Olaiya, E. O.; Wilson, F. F.; Emery, S.; Hamel de Monchenault, G.; Vasseur, G.; Yèche, Ch.; Zito, M.; Allen, M. T.; Aston, D.; Bard, D. J.; Bartoldus, R.; Benitez, J. F.; Cartaro, C.; Convery, M. R.; Dorfan, J.; Dubois-Felsmann, G. P.; Dunwoodie, W.; Field, R. C.; Franco Sevilla, M.; Fulsom, B. G.; Gabareen, A. M.; Graham, M. T.; Grenier, P.; Hast, C.; Innes, W. R.; Kelsey, M. H.; Kim, H.; Kim, P.; Kocian, M. L.; Leith, D. W. G. S.; Li, S.; Lindquist, B.; Luitz, S.; Lynch, H. L.; Macfarlane, D. B.; Marsiske, H.; Muller, D. R.; Neal, H.; Nelson, S.; O'Grady, C. P.; Ofte, I.; Perl, M.; Pulliam, T.; Ratcliff, B. N.; Roodman, A.; Salnikov, A. A.; Santoro, V.; Schindler, R. H.; Schwiening, J.; Snyder, A.; Su, D.; Sullivan, M. K.; Sun, S.; Suzuki, K.; Thompson, J. M.; Va'Vra, J.; Wagner, A. P.; Weaver, M.; Wisniewski, W. J.; Wittgen, M.; Wright, D. H.; Wulsin, H. W.; Yarritu, A. K.; Young, C. C.; Ziegler, V.; Chen, X. R.; Park, W.; Purohit, M. V.; White, R. M.; Wilson, J. R.; Sekula, S. J.; Bellis, M.; Burchat, P. R.; Edwards, A. J.; Miyashita, T. S.; Ahmed, S.; Alam, M. S.; Ernst, J. A.; Pan, B.; Saeed, M. A.; Zain, S. B.; Guttman, N.; Soffer, A.; Lund, P.; Spanier, S. M.; Eckmann, R.; Ritchie, J. L.; Ruland, A. M.; Schilling, C. J.; Schwitters, R. F.; Wray, B. C.; Izen, J. M.; Lou, X. C.; Bianchi, F.; Gamba, D.; Pelliccioni, M.; Bomben, M.; Lanceri, L.; Vitale, L.; Lopez-March, N.; Martinez-Vidal, F.; Oyanguren, A.; Albert, J.; Banerjee, Sw.; Choi, H. H. F.; Hamano, K.; King, G. J.; Kowalewski, R.; Lewczuk, M. J.; Lindsay, C.; Nugent, I. M.; Roney, J. M.; Sobie, R. J.; Gershon, T. J.; Harrison, P. F.; Latham, T. E.; Puccio, E. M. T.; Band, H. R.; Dasu, S.; Flood, K. T.; Pan, Y.; Prepost, R.; Vuosalo, C. O.; Wu, S. L.

2011-03-01

We report the results of a study of the exclusive charmless semileptonic decays, B+→η(')ℓ+ν and B0→π-ℓ+ν, undertaken with approximately 464×106 BB¯ pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector. The analysis uses events in which the signal B decays are reconstructed with a loose neutrino reconstruction technique. We obtain partial branching fractions for B+→ηℓ+ν and B0→π-ℓ+ν decays in three and 12 bins of q2, respectively, from which we extract the f+(q2) form-factor shapes and the total branching fractions B(B+→ηℓ+ν)=(0.36±0.05stat±0.04syst)×10-4 and B(B0→π-ℓ+ν)=(1.42±0.05stat±0.07syst)×10-4. We also measure B(B+→η'ℓ+ν)=(0.24±0.08stat±0.03syst)×10-4. We obtain values for the magnitude of the CKM matrix element |Vub| using three different QCD calculations.

The effect of tobacco smoke exposure on the generation of reactive oxygen species and cellular membrane damage using co-culture model of blood brain barrier with astrocytes.

PubMed

Seo, Seung-Beom; Choe, Eun Sang; Kim, Kwang-Sik; Shim, Soon-Mi

2017-06-01

Brain tissue is known to be vulnerable to the exposure by tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke can induce generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing inflammatory activity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of tobacco smoke on cell cytotoxicity, generation of ROS, and cellular membrane damage in astrocytes and BBB using a co-culture system. Cell viability of U373MG cells was reduced in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 96.7% to 40.3% by tobacco smoke condensate (TSC). Cell viability of U373MG co-cultured with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was 104.9% at the IC 50 value of TSC. Trans-epithelial electric resistance values drastically decreased 80% following 12-h incubation. The value was maintained until 48 h and then increased at 72-h incubation (85%). It then decreased to 75% at 120 h. Generation of ROS increased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 102.7% to 107.9%, when various concentrations of TSC (4-16 mg/mL) were administered to the U373MG monoculture. When TSC was added into U373MG co-cultured with HBMECs, production of ROS ranged from 101.7% to 102.6%, slightly increasing over 12 h. Maximum exposure-generated ROS of 104.8% was reached at 24 h. Cell cytotoxicity and oxidative stress levels in the U373MG co-culture model system with HBMECs were lower than U373MG monoculture. HBMECs effectively acted as a barrier to protect the astrocytes (U373MG) from toxicity of TSC.

Local Anesthetics in the Gas-Phase the Rotational Spectrum of Butamben and Isobutamben

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallejo-López, Montserrat; Ecija, Patricia; Caminati, Walther; Grabow, Jens-Uwe; Lesarri, Alberto; Cocinero, Emilio J.

2016-06-01

Benzocaine (BZ), butamben (BTN) and isobutamben (BTI) are local anesthetics characterized by a hydrophilic head and a lipophilic aliphatic tail linked by an aminobenzoate group. Previous rotational work on BZ (H2N-C6H4-COO-Et) showed that its ethyl aliphatic tail may adopt either in-plane (trans) or out of plane (gauche) conformations, with a low interconversion barrier below 50 cm-1. Here we extend the rotational study to BTN and BTI, isolated in a supersonic jet expansion and vaporized either by heating or UV ps-laser ablation methods. Both molecules share a 14 heavy-atoms skeleton, differing in their butyl (-(CH2)3-CH3) or isobutyl (-CH2-CH(CH3)2) four-carbon tail. We detected a single conformer for BTN and two conformers for BTI. The two molecules do not adopt an all-trans carbon skeleton. Conversely, the β-ethyl carbon in BTN is gauche. For BTI the β-carbon may be either trans or gauche. The microwave spectrum covered the cm- (BTN, BTI, 6-18 GHz) and mm-wave (BTW, 50-75 GHz) frequency ranges.In all the cases, rotational and centrifugal distortion constants as well as the diagonal elements of the 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor were accurate determined and compared to the theoretical results (ab initio and DFT). No transitions belonging to configurations predicted as higher minima of the PES were found, pointing out that conformational interconversions may take place in the jet. A. Lesarri, S. T. Shipman, G. G. Brown, L. Alvarez-Valtierra, R. D. Suenram, B. H. Pate, Int. Symp. Mol. Spectrosc., 2008, Comm. RH07. E. Aguado, A. Longarte, E. Alejandro, J. A. Fernández, F. Castaño, J. Phys. Chem. A, 2006, 110, 6010.

The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 attenuates oxidative stress-induced β cells apoptosis via up-regulation of glutathione peroxidase 1.

PubMed

Yang, Yingfeng; Xie, Fangyu; Qin, Dandan; Zong, Chen; Han, Feng; Pu, Zeqing; Liu, Dong; Li, Xia; Zhang, Yuchao; Liu, Yuantao; Wang, Xiangdong

2018-06-15

Our previous study showed that NR4A1 protects against oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis. However, the targets downstream of NR4A1 are incompletely known. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is the most common antioxidant enzyme in the glutathione peroxidase class. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether GPX1 is a mediator of the protective effects of NR4A1 in pancreatic β cells. A pancreatic β cell line, MIN6, was used to generate NR4A1 over-expression cell line. GPX1 expression and GPX1 promoter trans-activation in these cells was determined. These cells were then treated with H 2 O 2 , and the active caspase3 level was determined. NR4A1 over-expression in MIN6 cells resulted in increased GPX1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Dual luciferase assay showed that NR4A1 over-expression was able to enhance the trans-activation of GPX1 promoter, and the critical regulatory elements were narrowed down between 0 to -2000 bp in GPX1 promoter with a putative NR4A1 binding site (-273 to -268). ChIP assays demonstrated that NR4A1 physically associates with the GPX1 promoter. Over-expression of GPX1 reduced the active level of Caspase3 after H 2 O 2 treatment. NR4A1 increases the expression of GPX1 by enhancing the trans-activation of GPX1 promoter through binding to the putative binding site on GPX1 promoter. NR4A1 potentially protects pancreatic β cells against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by increasing GPX1 expression. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vitro comparative study of vibro-acoustography versus pulse-echo ultrasound in imaging permanent prostate brachytherapy seeds

PubMed Central

Mitri, F.G.; Davis, B.J.; Greenleaf, J.F.; Fatemi, M.

2010-01-01

Background Permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) is a common treatment for early stage prostate cancer. While the modern approach using trans-rectal ultrasound guidance has demonstrated excellent outcome, the efficacy of PPB depends on achieving complete radiation dose coverage of the prostate by obtaining a proper radiation source (seed) distribution. Currently, brachytherapy seed placement is guided by trans-rectal ultrasound imaging and fluoroscopy. A significant percentage of seeds are not detected by trans-rectal ultrasound because certain seed orientations are invisible making accurate intra-operative feedback of radiation dosimetry very difficult, if not impossible. Therefore, intra-operative correction of suboptimal seed distributions cannot easily be done with current methods. Vibro-acoustography (VA) is an imaging modality that is capable of imaging solids at any orientation, and the resulting images are speckle free. Objective and methods The purpose of this study is to compare the capabilities of VA and pulse-echo ultrasound in imaging PPB seeds at various angles and show the sensitivity of detection to seed orientation. In the VA experiment, two intersecting ultrasound beams driven at f1 = 3.00 MHz and f2 = 3.020 MHz respectively were focused on the seeds attached to a latex membrane while the amplitude of the acoustic emission produced at the difference frequency 20 kHz was detected by a low frequency hydrophone. Results Finite element simulations and results of experiments conducted under well-controlled conditions in a water tank on a series of seeds indicate that the seeds can be detected at any orientation with VA, whereas pulse-echo ultrasound is very sensitive to the seed orientation. Conclusion It is concluded that vibro-acoustography is superior to pulse-echo ultrasound for detection of PPB seeds. PMID:18538365

Design and Construction of an Experimental Filament Winding Machine

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

Mandrel to Heat Shield 102 H.3 Nusselt Geometric Analysis to Determine View Factor 104 H.4 Lamp Bank over Elemental Mandrel Area 105 J. 1 Mandrel inside...emissivity of the lamp bank Tj temperature of individual lamp in the lamp bank w, convective heat transfer coefficient N. Nusselt number Ro Reynolds...mandrel. The design intention was to allow cylinders to be formed by helical or hoop winding, or any variation in between. The type of winding is

NASCAP-2K Version 4.2 Users Manual

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-31

the surface element is metal or dielectric coating , the conductivity and capacitance (if a coating ), and the electron emission stimulated by incident...film covering an underlying conductor in meters. It is ignored for conductors . Bulk conductivity . This property is the bulk conductivity of the...surface material in ohms-1 m-1. A negative value indicates that the material is a conductor . If the bulk conductivity is in excess of 10-4 Ω-1 m-1, the

Robust Littoral Characterization using Electro-Optical Sensors

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-30

be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number . 1...Electro-Optical Sensors 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT... NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Orgeon State University,COAS,104 Ocean Admin Bldg,Corvallis,OR,97331-5503 8. PERFORMING

Zinc chlorophyll aggregates as hole transporters for biocompatible, natural-photosynthesis-inspired solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yue; Sasaki, Shin-ichi; Tamiaki, Hitoshi; Liu, Cheng-Liang; Song, Jiaxing; Tian, Wenjing; Zheng, Enqiang; Wei, Yingjin; Chen, Gang; Fu, Xueqi; Wang, Xiao-Feng

2015-11-01

The intriguing properties of extremely efficient delocalization and migration of excitons in chlorophyll (Chl) J-type aggregates have inspired intense research activities toward their structural understanding, functional interpretation and mimicry synthesis. Herein, we demonstrated the J-aggregates of zinc methyl 3-devinyl-3-hydroxymethyl-pyropheophorbide a (ZnChl-1) generated by spin-coating method for the application as a hole transporter in titania-based solar cells using methyl trans-32-carboxypyropheophorbide a (H2Chl-2) or its zinc complex (ZnChl-2) as the sensitizer. The effective carrier mobility of the J-aggregates films was determined by the organic field-effect transistor to be 6.2 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1. Solar cells sharing the architecture of FTO/H2Chl-2 or ZnChl-2 on TiO2/(ZnChl-1)n/Ag were fabricated and the factors that presumably determine their photovoltaic performances were discussed. The photovoltaic devices studied herein employing inexpensive and pollution-free biomaterials provide a unique solution of utilizing solar energy with a care of the important environmental issue.

A rapid HPLC method for simultaneous determination of tretinoin and isotretinoin in dermatological formulations.

PubMed

Tashtoush, Bassam M; Jacobson, Elaine L; Jacobson, Myron K

2007-02-19

A rapid method using an isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatography and UV detection for determination of both all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) and 13-cis retinoic acid (isotretinoin) in dermatological preparations is presented. Tretinoin and isotretinoin samples were extracted with acetonitrile by a procedure that can be completed in less than 10 min. Subsequent separation and quantification of amounts as low as 10 pmol was accomplished in less than 15 min using reversed-phase HPLC with isocratic elution with 0.01% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)/acetonitrile (15:85, v/v). Validation experiments confirmed the precision and accuracy of the method. When applied to commercial tretinoin samples, recoveries of 104.9% for cream formulations and 107.7% for gel formulations were obtained. Application of the method for analysis of a tretinoin cream exposed to solar simulated light (SSL) demonstrated detection of the major photoisomerization product isotretinoin as well as 9-cis retinoic acid, demonstrating the utility of the method for studies of tretinoin photostability. The method should also facilitate studies of the formulation compatibility and photocompatibility of tretinoin with agents that may improve its clinical tolerability.

YouTube as a Site of Counternarratives to Transnormativity.

PubMed

Miller, Jordan F

2018-06-12

In this article, I discuss how transnormativity can be disrupted by not exaggerating the physical aspects of medical transition and by engaging in conversations around consequential sources of tension within gender and sexual minority communities, namely linguistic understandings of trans and gendered racism within white, gay cisgender communities toward trans communities of color. This study is based on qualitative interviews with six trans YouTubers; these interviews were complemented by analyses of these YouTubers' videos and select comments on these videos. With this exploratory study, I aim to provide nuance to existing lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) YouTube literature through highlighting the experiences of non-binary trans vloggers and trans vloggers of color, regardless of medical transition status, as well as contribute a transfeminist analysis to ongoing conversations around transnormativity within sociology, cultural and media studies, and queer and trans theory.

Replacements for Trans Fats—Will There Be an Oil Shortage?

PubMed Central

Klonoff, David C.

2007-01-01

Manufacturers use the process of hydrogenation to create trans fats in order to increase the shelf life of baked and fried foods. Ingestion of trans fats is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A groundswell of public sentiment is causing regulatory bodies to ban the use of trans fats in foods. Alternatives to trans fats are needed now in order to preserve the freshness and provide an appealing texture of many packaged foods. As trans fats become phased out, there are eight types of approaches currently being developed to substitute for these fats as ingredients for baked and fried foods: (1) modified hydrogenation, (2) genetically modified seeds, (3) interesterification, (4) fractionation and blending, (5) butter and animal fat, (6) natural saturated oils, (7) natural unsaturated oils, and (8) fat substitutes. These alternatives to trans fats will require close scrutiny to ascertain whether they will also turn out to be linked with cardiovascular disease. PMID:19885099

Photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of trans-resveratrol.

PubMed

Silva, Cláudia Gomes; Monteiro, Judith; Marques, Rita R N; Silva, Adrián M T; Martínez, Cristina; Canle, Moisés; Faria, Joaquim Luís

2013-04-01

Photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of the emerging pollutant trans-resveratrol has been studied under different irradiation wavelengths and using different TiO2 catalysts. trans-Resveratrol was more easily degraded when irradiated using the whole spectral range (UV-Vis) rather than with UV and near-UV to visible irradiation. The main intermediate of trans-resveratrol phototransformation was identified as its isomer cis-resveratrol. Different TiO2 catalysts were used to carry out the photocatalytic degradation of trans-resveratrol. Catalysts properties such as crystallite dimensions, surface area and presence of hydroxy surface groups are shown to be crucial to the photocatalytic efficiency of the materials tested. From the point of view of trans-resveratrol abatement, the photocatalytic process was more efficient than the pure photochemical one resulting in higher degradation rates and higher organic content removal. Six photoproducts of trans-resveratrol phototransformation were identified mainly resulting from the attack of the hydroxyl radical to the organic molecule.

The conflation of gender and sex: Gaps and opportunities in HIV data among transgender women and MSM

PubMed Central

Poteat, Tonia; German, Danielle; Flynn, Colin

2016-01-01

Historically, HIV studies have conflated men who have sex with men (MSM) with transgender (trans) women, explicitly excluded trans individuals, or included sample sizes of trans people that are too small to reach meaningful conclusions. Despite the heavy burden of HIV among trans women, conflation of this population with MSM has limited the information available on the social and behavioural factors that increase HIV vulnerability among trans women and how these factors may differ from MSM. Using data sets from quantitative studies among MSM (n = 645) and trans women (n = 89), as well as qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 trans women in Baltimore, we explore what these data tell us about similarities and differences in HIV vulnerability between the two groups and where they leave gaps in our understanding. We conclude with implications for data collection and intervention development. PMID:26785751

The conflation of gender and sex: Gaps and opportunities in HIV data among transgender women and MSM.

PubMed

Poteat, Tonia; German, Danielle; Flynn, Colin

2016-01-01

Historically, HIV studies have conflated men who have sex with men (MSM) with transgender (trans) women, explicitly excluded trans individuals, or included sample sizes of trans people that are too small to reach meaningful conclusions. Despite the heavy burden of HIV among trans women, conflation of this population with MSM has limited the information available on the social and behavioural factors that increase HIV vulnerability among trans women and how these factors may differ from MSM. Using data sets from quantitative studies among MSM (n = 645) and trans women (n = 89), as well as qualitative in-depth interviews with 30 trans women in Baltimore, we explore what these data tell us about similarities and differences in HIV vulnerability between the two groups and where they leave gaps in our understanding. We conclude with implications for data collection and intervention development.

"It Will Change if People Keep Talking": Trans* Students in College and University Housing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nicolazzo, Z.; Marine, Susan B.

2015-01-01

Trans* individuals have recently received greater attention in mainstream media. Trans* students and their concerns are also becoming more visible, as evidenced by the recent increase in the number of colleges and universities that are offering trans*-inclusive housing options. However, such increased visibility does not readily equate to…

77 FR 22576 - Possible Revocation of Ocean Transportation Intermediary License No. 021899-Trans World Logistics...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-16

... FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION [Docket No. 12-04] Possible Revocation of Ocean Transportation Intermediary License No. 021899--Trans World Logistics Corporation; Order To Show Cause Trans World Logistics Corporation (Trans World Logistics) is an Indiana corporation, incorporated in October 2006. Records maintained by the Commission's Bureau of...

Structural Elucidation of cis / trans Dicaffeoylquinic Acid Photoisomerization Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry

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

Zheng, Xueyun; Renslow, Ryan S.; Makola, Mpho M.

Due to the recently uncovered health benefits and anti-HIV activities of dicaffeoylquinic acids (diCQAs), understanding their structures and functions is of great interest for drug discovery efforts. DiCQAs are analytically challenging to identify and quantify since they commonly exist as a diverse mixture of positional and geometric (cis/trans) isomers. In this work, we utilized ion mobility spectrometry coupled with mass spectrometry to separate the various isomers before and after UV irradiation. The experimental collision cross sections were then compared with theoretical structures to differentiate and identify the diCQA isomers. Our analyses found that naturally the diCQAs existed predominantly as trans/transmore » isomers, but after 3 h of UV irradiation, cis/cis, cis/trans, trans/cis, and trans/trans isomers were all present in the mixture. This is the first report of successful differentiation of cis/trans diCQA isomers individually, which shows the great promise of IMS coupled with theoretical calculations for determining the structure and activity relationships of different isomers in drug discovery studies.« less

In vivo trans-rectal ultrasound coupled trans-rectal near-infrared optical tomography of canine prostate bearing transmissible venereal tumor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhen; Holyoak, G. Reed; Bartels, Kenneth E.; Ritchey, Jerry W.; Xu, Guan; Bunting, Charles F.; Slobodov, Gennady; Krasinski, Jerzy S.; Piao, Daqing

2009-02-01

In vivo trans-rectal near-infrared (NIR) optical tomography is conducted on a tumor-bearing canine prostate with the assistance of trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS). The canine prostate tumor model is made possible by a unique round cell neoplasm of dogs, transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) that can be transferred from dog to dog regardless of histocompatibility. A characterized TVT cell line was homogenized and passed twice in subcutaneous tissue of NOD/SCID mice. Following the second passage, the tumor was recovered, homogenized and then inoculated by ultrasound guidance into the prostate gland of a healthy dog. The dog was then imaged with a combined trans-rectal NIR and TRUS imager using an integrated trans-rectal NIR/US applicator. The image was taken by NIR and US modalities concurrently, both in sagittal view. The trans-rectal NIR imager is a continuous-wave system that illuminates 7 source channels sequentially by a fiber switch to deliver sufficient light power to the relatively more absorbing prostate tissue and samples 7 detection channels simultaneously by a gated intensified high-resolution CCD camera. This work tests the feasibility of detecting prostate tumor by trans-rectal NIR optical tomography and the benefit of augmenting TRUS with trans-rectal NIR imaging.

Repair Activity of trans-Resveratrol toward 2'-Deoxyguanosine Radicals.

PubMed

Cheng, Xing; An, Ping; Li, Shujin; Zhou, Liping

2018-04-26

In the present study, the repair activity of trans-resveratrol toward 2'-deoxyguanosine (dGuo) radicals in polar and nonpolar solvents was studied using density functional theory. The hydrogen transfer/proton coupled electron transfer and single electron transfer (SET) mechanisms between trans-resveratrol and dGuo-radicals were considered. Taking into consideration the molar fraction of neutral trans-resveratrol (ROH) and anionic trans-resveratrol (RO - ), the overall rate constants for repairing dGuo-radicals by trans-resveratrol are 9.94 × 10 8 and 2.01 × 10 9 dm 3 mol -1 s -1 in polar and nonpolar solvents, respectively, and the overall rate constant of repairing cation radical (dGuo •+ ) by trans-resveratrol via an SET mechanism is 7.17 × 10 9 dm 3 mol -1 s -1 . The repair activity of RO - toward dGuo-radicals is better than that of ROH, but the repair activity of ROH toward dGuo •+ is better than that of RO - . Unfortunately, neither ROH nor RO - can repair the 2'-deoxyribose radicals of dGuo. It can therefore be concluded that trans-resveratrol is an effective antioxidant for repairing base radicals of dGuo and dGuo •+ . The study can help us understand the repair activity of trans-resveratrol toward dGuo radicals.

Standing balance in people with trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes: A literature review.

PubMed

Seth, Mayank; Lamberg, Eric

2017-08-01

Balance is an important variable to consider during the rehabilitation process of individuals with trans-tibial amputation. Limited evidence exists on the balance abilities of people with trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes. The purpose of this article is to review literature and determine if standing balance is diminished in people with trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes. Literature review. Data were obtained from PubMed, Google Scholar, OandP.org , CINHAL, and Science Direct. Studies were selected only if they included standing balance assessment of people with unilateral trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes. The review yielded seven articles that met the inclusion criteria. The general test methodology required participants to stand still on force platforms, with feet together, while center of pressure or postural sway was recorded. According to the findings of this review, individuals with trans-tibial amputees due to vascular causes have diminished balance abilities. Limited evidence suggests their balance might be further diminished as compared to individuals with trans-tibial amputation due to trauma. Although the evidence is limited, because of the underlying pathology and presence of comorbidities in individuals with trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes, one cannot ignore these findings, as even a minor injury from a fall may develop into a non-healing ulcer and affect their health and well-being more severely than individuals with trans-tibial amputation due to trauma. Clinical relevance Individuals with trans-tibial amputation due to vascular causes have diminished balance abilities compared to healthy individuals and individuals with trans-tibial amputation due to trauma. This difference should be considered when designing and fabricating prostheses. Prosthetists and rehabilitation clinicians should consider designing amputation cause-specific rehabilitation interventions, focussing on balance and other functional limitations related to comorbidities of amputation.

Rod outer segment retinol formation is independent of Abca4, arrestin, rhodopsin kinase, and rhodopsin palmitylation.

PubMed

Blakeley, Lorie R; Chen, Chunhe; Chen, Ching-Kang; Chen, Jeannie; Crouch, Rosalie K; Travis, Gabriel H; Koutalos, Yiannis

2011-06-01

The reactive aldehyde all-trans retinal is released in rod photoreceptor outer segments by photoactivated rhodopsin and is eliminated through reduction to all-trans retinol. This study was undertaken to determine whether all-trans retinol formation depends on Abca4, arrestin, rhodopsin kinase, and the palmitylation of rhodopsin, all of which are factors that affect the release and sequestration of all-trans retinal. Experiments were performed in isolated retinas and single living rods derived from 129/sv wild-type mice and Abca4-, arrestin-, and rhodopsin kinase-deficient mice and in genetically modified mice containing unpalmitylated rhodopsin. Formation of all-trans retinol was measured by imaging its fluorescence and by HPLC of retina extracts. The release of all-trans retinal from photoactivated rhodopsin was measured in purified rod outer segment membranes according to the increase in tryptophan fluorescence. All experiments were performed at 37°C. The kinetics of all-trans retinol formation in the different types of genetically modified mice are in reasonable agreement with those in wild-type animals. The kinetics of all-trans retinol formation in 129/sv mice are similar to those in C57BL/6, although the latter are known to regenerate rhodopsin much more slowly. The release of all-trans retinal from rhodopsin in purified membranes is significantly faster than the formation of all-trans retinol in intact cells and is independent of the presence of the palmitate groups. The regeneration of rhodopsin and the recycling of its chromophore are not strongly coupled. Neither the activities of Abca4, rhodopsin kinase, and arrestin, nor the palmitylation of rhodopsin affects the formation of all-trans retinol.

An in vivo confocal Raman study of the delivery of trans retinol to the skin.

PubMed

Pudney, Paul D A; Mélot, Mickaël; Caspers, Peter J; Van Der Pol, Andre; Puppels, Gerwin J

2007-08-01

The purpose of this study is to monitor in vivo the delivery of trans-retinol into human skin. Delivery to real systems, such as skin, can be extremely difficult to execute and is problematic to confirm and measure. So far, methods for studying the delivery of compounds through the skin are mostly ex vivo and so inherently influence the skin and may not translate directly to the in vivo situation. Raman spectroscopy is uniquely placed to be able to measure biological processes in vivo, and this paper shows that the trans-retinol penetration into the skin can successfully be measured in vivo using this technique. This study measured the volar forearm of volunteers treated with 0.3% trans-retinol in propylene glycol (PG)/ethanol and 0.3% trans-retinol in caprylic/capric acid triglyceride (MYRITOL318), an oil found in skin creams. Solutions were applied and then confocal Raman depth profiles were obtained of the stratum corneum (SC) and into the viable epidermis (VE) up to 10 hours after treatment. Remarkable differences between a penetrating and a nonpenetrating solution can clearly be observed. Treating with trans-retinol in PG/ethanol results in trans-retinol penetrating through the SC and into the VE. Its penetration was also observed to be highly correlated with the depth of penetration of the PG, which is well known as an efficient penetration enhancer. In contrast, while treating with trans-retinol in MYRITOL318, trans-retinol hardly penetrates at all. For the first time, the penetration of trans-retinol has been monitored directly after application of solutions, in vivo without skin excision. Here, the effect of two different solutions on the delivery of trans-retinol into the skin was measured very effectively in vivo by Raman spectroscopy.

Internal loop/bulge and hairpin loop of the iron-responsive element of ferritin mRNA contribute to maximal iron regulatory protein 2 binding and translational regulation in the iso-iron-responsive element/iso-iron regulatory protein family.

PubMed

Ke, Y; Sierzputowska-Gracz, H; Gdaniec, Z; Theil, E C

2000-05-23

Iron-responsive elements (IREs), a natural group of mRNA-specific sequences, bind iron regulatory proteins (IRPs) differentially and fold into hairpins [with a hexaloop (HL) CAGUGX] with helical distortions: an internal loop/bulge (IL/B) (UGC/C) or C-bulge. C-bulge iso-IREs bind IRP2 more poorly, as oligomers (n = 28-30), and have a weaker signal response in vivo. Two trans-loop GC base pairs occur in the ferritin IRE (IL/B and HL) but only one in C-bulge iso-IREs (HL); metal ions and protons perturb the IL/B [Gdaniec et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 1505-1512]. IRE function (translation) and physical properties (T(m) and accessibility to nucleases) are now compared for IL/B and C-bulge IREs and for HL mutants. Conversion of the IL/B into a C-bulge by a single deletion in the IL/B or by substituting the HL CG base pair with UA both derepressed ferritin synthesis 4-fold in rabbit reticulocyte lysates (IRP1 + IRP2), confirming differences in IRP2 binding observed for the oligomers. Since the engineered C-bulge IRE was more helical near the IL/B [Cu(phen)(2) resistant] and more stable (T(m) increased) and the HL mutant was less helical near the IL/B (ribonuclease T1 sensitive) and less stable (T(m) decreased), both CG trans-loop base pairs contribute to maximum IRP2 binding and translational regulation. The (1)H NMR spectrum of the Mg-IRE complex revealed, in contrast to the localized IL/B effects of Co(III) hexaammine observed previously, perturbation of the IL/B plus HL and interloop helix. The lower stability and greater helix distortion in the ferritin IL/B-IRE compared to the C-bulge iso-IREs create a combinatorial set of RNA/protein interactions that control protein synthesis rates with a range of signal sensitivities.

The future of PrEP among transgender women: the critical role of gender affirmation in research and clinical practices

PubMed Central

Sevelius, Jae M; Deutsch, Madeline B; Grant, Robert

2016-01-01

Introduction Globally, transgender (“trans”) women are one of the key populations most disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the newest and most promising biomedical HIV prevention intervention to date. This paper reviews relevant literature to describe the current state of the science and describes the potential role of PrEP among trans women, including a discussion of unique considerations for maximizing the impact of PrEP for this vulnerable population. Methods Available information, including but not limited to existing scientific literature, about trans women and PrEP was reviewed and critiqued based on author expertise, including PrEP clinical trials and rollout. Results To date, PrEP demonstration projects and clinical trials have largely excluded trans women, or have not included them in a meaningful way. Data collection strategies that fail to identify trans women in clinical trials and research further limit the ability to draw conclusions about trans women's unique needs and devise strategies to meet them. Gender-affirming providers and clinic environments are essential components of any sexual health programme that aims to serve trans women, as they will largely avoid settings that may result in stigmatizing encounters and threats to their identities. While there is currently no evidence to suggest drug-drug interactions between PrEP and commonly used feminizing hormone regimens, community concerns about potential interactions may limit interest in and uptake of PrEP among trans women. Conclusions In scaling up PrEP for trans women, it is essential to engage trans communities, utilize trans-inclusive research and marketing strategies and identify and/or train healthcare providers to provide gender-affirming healthcare to trans women, including transition-related care such as hormone provision. PrEP implementation guidelines must consider and address trans women's unique barriers and facilitators to uptake and adherence. PMID:27760683

Improved synthesis of (S)-N-Boc-5-oxaproline for protein synthesis with the α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation.

PubMed

Murar, Claudia E; Harmand, Thibault J; Bode, Jeffrey W

2017-09-15

We describe a new route for the synthesis of (S)-N-Boc-5-oxaproline. This building block is a key element for the chemical synthesis of proteins with the α-ketoacid-hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation. The new synthetic pathway to the enantiopure oxaproline is based on a chiral amine mediated enantioselective conjugate addition of a hydroxylamine to trans-4-oxo-2-butenoate. This route is practical, scalable and economical and provides decagram amounts of material for protein synthesis and conversion to other protected forms of (S)-oxaproline. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Co-localization of polar replication fork barriers and rRNA transcription terminators in mouse rDNA.

PubMed

López-estraño, C; Schvartzman, J B; Krimer, D B; Hernández, P

1998-03-27

We investigated the replication of the region where transcription terminates in mouse rDNA. It contains a replication fork barrier (RFB) that behaves in a polar manner, arresting only replication forks moving in the direction opposite to transcription. This RFB consists of several closely spaced fork arrest sites that co-localize with the transcription terminator elements, known as Sal boxes. Sal boxes are the target for mTTF-I (murine transcription termination factor I). These results suggest that both termination of rRNA transcription and replication fork arrest may share cis-acting as well as trans-acting factors. Copyright 1998 Academic Press Limited.

Manned Mars mission environmental control and life support subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hueter, Uwe

1986-01-01

A specific design is not presented, but the general philosophy regarding potential Environmental Control/Life Support System (ECLSS) requirements, concepts, issues, and technology needs are discussed. The focus is on a manned Mars mission occurring in the late 1990's. Discussions on the Trans-Mars Vehicle, the Mars Excursion Module (MEM), and a Martian base facility are covered. The functions, performance requirements, and design loads of a typical ECLSS are listed, and the issues and technology briefly discussed. Several ECLSS concepts and options are identified, and comparative weights and volumes are provided for these. Several aspects of the space station ECLSS are contrasted with the Mars element ECLSS.

Influence of central metalloligand geometry on electronic communication between metals: syntheses, crystal structures, MMCT properties of isomeric cyanido-bridged Fe2Ru complexes, and TDDFT calculations.

PubMed

Ma, Xiao; Lin, Chen-Sheng; Hu, Sheng-Min; Tan, Chun-Hong; Wen, Yue-Hong; Sheng, Tian-Lu; Wu, Xin-Tao

2014-06-02

To investigate how the central metalloligand geometry influences distant or vicinal metal-to-metal charge-transfer (MMCT) properties of polynuclear complexes, cis- and trans-isomeric heterotrimetallic complexes, and their one- and two-electron oxidation products, cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(II)NCRu(II)(phen)2CN-Fe(II)(dppe)Cp][PF6]2 (cis/trans-1[PF6]2), cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(II)NCRu(II)(phen)2CNFe(III)-(dppe)Cp][PF6]3 (cis/trans-1[PF6]3) and cis/trans-[Cp(dppe)Fe(III)NCRu(II)(phen)2CN-Fe(III)(dppe)Cp][PF6]4 (cis/trans-1[PF6]4) have been synthesized and characterized. Electrochemical measurements show the presence of electronic interactions between the two external Fe(II) atoms of the cis- and trans-isomeric complexes cis/trans-1[PF6]2. The electronic properties of all these complexes were studied and compared by spectroscopic techniques and TDDFT//DFT calculations. As expected, both mixed valence complexes cis/trans-1[PF6]3 exhibited different strong absorption signals in the NIR region, which should mainly be attributed to a transition from an MO that is delocalized over the Ru(II)-CN-Fe(II) subunit to a Fe(III) d orbital with some contributions from the co-ligands. Moreover, the NIR transition energy in trans-1[PF6]3 is lower than that in cis-1[PF6]3, which is related to the symmetry of their molecular orbitals on the basis of the molecular orbital analysis. Also, the electronic spectra of the two-electron oxidized complexes show that trans-1[PF6]4 possesses lower vicinal Ru(II) → Fe(III) MMCT transition energy than cis-1[PF6]4. Moreover, the assignment of MMCT transition of the oxidized products and the differences of the electronic properties between the cis and trans complexes can be well rationalized using TDDFT//DFT calculations. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Change in trans fatty acid content of fast-food purchases associated with New York City's restaurant regulation: a pre-post study.

PubMed

Angell, Sonia Y; Cobb, Laura K; Curtis, Christine J; Konty, Kevin J; Silver, Lynn D

2012-07-17

Dietary trans fat increases risk for coronary heart disease. In 2006, New York City (NYC) passed the first regulation in the United States restricting trans fat use in restaurants. To assess the effect of the NYC regulation on the trans and saturated fat content of fast-food purchases. Cross-sectional study that included purchase receipts matched to available nutritional information and brief surveys of adult lunchtime restaurant customers conducted in 2007 and 2009, before and after implementation of the regulation. 168 randomly selected NYC restaurant locations of 11 fast-food chains. Adult restaurant customers interviewed in 2007 and 2009. Change in mean grams of trans fat, saturated fat, trans plus saturated fat, and trans fat per 1000 kcal per purchase, overall and by chain type. The final sample included 6969 purchases in 2007 and 7885 purchases in 2009. Overall, mean trans fat per purchase decreased by 2.4 g (95% CI, -2.8 to -2.0 g; P < 0.001), whereas saturated fat showed a slight increase of 0.55 g (CI, 0.1 to 1.0 g; P = 0.011). Mean trans plus saturated fat content decreased by 1.9 g overall (CI, -2.5 to -1.2 g; P < 0.001). Mean trans fat per 1000 kcal decreased by 2.7 g per 1000 kcal (CI, -3.1 to -2.3 g per 1000 kcal; P < 0.001). Purchases with zero grams of trans fat increased from 32% to 59%. In a multivariate analysis, the poverty rate of the neighborhood in which the restaurant was located was not associated with changes. Fast-food restaurants that were included may not be representative of all NYC restaurants. The introduction of a local restaurant regulation was associated with a substantial and statistically significant decrease in the trans fat content of purchases at fast-food chains, without a commensurate increase in saturated fat. Restaurant patrons from high- and low-poverty neighborhoods benefited equally. However, federal regulation will be necessary to fully eliminate population exposure to industrial trans fat sources. City of New York and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Healthy Eating Research program.

Biotransformation of trans-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (trans-HCFO-1233zd)

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

Schmidt, Tobias; Bertermann, Rüdiger; Rusch, George M.

2013-05-01

trans-1-Chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (trans-HCFO-1233zd) is a novel foam blowing and precision cleaning agent with a very low impact for global warming and ozone depletion. trans-HCFO-1233zd also has a low potential for toxicity in rodents and is negative in genotoxicity testing. The biotransformation of trans-HCFO-1233zd and kinetics of metabolite excretion with urine were assessed in vitro and in animals after inhalation exposures. For in vitro characterization, liver microsomes from rats, rabbits and humans were incubated with trans-HCFO-1233zd. Male Sprague Dawley rats and female New Zealand White rabbits were exposed to 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 ppm for 6 h and urine was collected formore » 48 h after the end of the exposure. Study specimens were analyzed for metabolites using {sup 19}F NMR, LC-MS/MS and GC/MS. S-(3,3,3-trifluoro-trans-propenyl)-glutathione was identified as predominant metabolite of trans-HCFO-1233zd in all microsomal incubation experiments in the presence of glutathione. Products of the oxidative biotransformation of trans-HCFO-1233zd were only minor metabolites when glutathione was present. In rats, both 3,3,3-trifluorolactic acid and N-acetyl-(3,3,3-trifluoro-trans-propenyl)-L-cysteine were observed as major urinary metabolites. 3,3,3-Trifluorolactic acid was not detected in the urine of rabbits. Quantitation showed rapid excretion of both metabolites in both species (t{sub 1/2} < 6 h) and the extent of biotransformation of trans-HCFO-1233zd was determined as approximately 0.01% of received dose in rabbits and approximately 0.002% in rats. trans-HCFO-1233zd undergoes both oxidative biotransformation and glutathione conjugation at very low rates. The low extent of biotransformation and the rapid excretion of metabolites formed are consistent with the very low potential for toxicity of trans-HCFO-1233zd in mammals. - Highlights: ► No lethality and clinical signs were observed. ► Glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P-450 dependent biotransformation in vivo. ► Low biotransformation (< 0.01%) and fast metabolite excretion (t{sub 1/2} < 6 h). ► Glutathione adduct as predominant in vitro metabolite in all tested species. ► Toxic metabolites could not be detected in any great extent.« less

Trans-fatty acid consumption and heart rate variability in two separate cohorts of older and younger adults

PubMed Central

Soares-Miranda, Luisa; Stein, Phyllis K; Imamura, Fumiaki; Sattelmair, Jacob; Lemaitre, Rozenn N; Siscovick, David S; Mota, Jorge; Mozaffarian, Dariush

2014-01-01

Background Trans-fatty acid (TFA) consumption is associated with risk of coronary heart disease, and trans-18:2, but not trans-18:1, in red blood cells membranes has been associated with sudden cardiac arrest. Abnormal heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic dysfunction and predicts cardiac death. Relationships between TFA consumption and HRV remain under-studied. We determined whether total TFA consumption, as well as trans-18:1 and trans-18:2 TFA consumption, were independently associated with HRV in two independent cohorts in the US and Portugal. Methods and Results In two independent cohorts of older US adults (Cardiovascular Health Study ([CHS], age=72±5yrs, 1989/1995) and young Portuguese adults (Porto, age=19±2yrs, 2008/2010), we assessed habitual TFA intake by food frequency questionnaires in CHS (separately estimating trans-18:1 and trans-18:2) and multiple 24-hour recalls in Porto (estimating total TFA only, which in a subset correlated with circulating trans-18:2, but not trans-18:1, suggesting that we captured the former). HRV was assessed using 24-hour Holters in CHS (N=1,076) and repeated short-term (5-min) ECGs in Porto (N=160). We used multivariate-adjusted linear regression to relate TFA consumption to HRV cross-sectionally (CHS, Porto) and longitudinally (CHS). In CHS, higher trans-18:2 consumption was associated with lower 24-hour standard-deviation-of-all-normal-to-normal-intervals (SDNN) both cross-sectionally (−12%, 95%CI=6–19%, p=0.001) and longitudinally (−15%, 95%CI=4–25 %, p= 0.009), and lower 24-hour SDANN and SDNN-index (p<0.05 each). Higher trans-18:1 consumption in CHS was associated with more favorable 24-hour HRV, in particular time-domain indices (SDNN, SDANN, SDNN-index; p<0.05 each). In Porto, each higher SD TFA consumption was associated with 4% lower 5-min SDNN (95%CI=1–8%, p=0.04), and 7% lower 5-min rMSSD (95%CI=1–13%, p=0.04). Conclusions Trans-18:2 consumption is associated with specific, less favorable indices of HRV in both older and young adults. Trans-18:1 consumption is associated with more favorable HRV indices in older adults. Our results support the need to investigate potential HRV related mechanisms whereby trans-18:2 may increase arrhythmic risk. PMID:22772898

The high sensitivity of the rabbit to the teratogenic effects of 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) is a consequence of prolonged exposure of the embryo to 13-cis-retinoic acid and 13-cis-4-oxo-retinoic acid, and not of isomerization to all-trans-retinoic acid.

PubMed

Tzimas, G; Bürgin, H; Collins, M D; Hummler, H; Nau, H

1994-01-01

Previous studies suggested that the rabbit is much more susceptible to the teratogenic action of 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA) than the mouse or the rat, while the teratogenicity of all-trans-RA was comparable in these species. In the present study we investigated if pharmacokinetics can explain these species- and structure-related differences. The embryotoxic and teratogenic potential of all-trans-retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) and 13-cis-RA were evaluated in the Swiss hare rabbit after oral administration of daily doses of the two drugs throughout organogenesis, from gestation day (GD) 6 to 18 (plug day = GD 0). All-trans-RA was given at dose levels of 0.7, 2 or 6 mg/kg body weight per day and 13-cis-RA at 3, 7.5 or 10 mg/kg per day. The doses needed to elicit a minimum teratogenic response were found to be 6 mg/kg per day for all-trans-RA and 10 mg/kg per day for 13-cis-RA. Using these doses, transplacental pharmacokinetics of all-trans- and 13-cis-RA were performed. Pregnant rabbits were treated once daily from GD 7 to 12 and plasma and embryo samples were collected for HPLC analysis at various time intervals after the final dose. The main plasma metabolites of all-trans- and 13-cis-RA were all-trans-beta-glucuronide (all-trans-RAG) and 13-cis-4-oxo-RA, respectively. The elimination of 13-cis-RA and its metabolites from maternal plasma were much slower than of all-trans-RA resulting in accumulation of the 13-cis-isomers in plasma. Marked differences in the placental transfer of the two drugs and their metabolites were observed. All-trans-RA and all-trans-4-oxo-RA were efficiently transferred to the rabbit embryo, reaching concentrations similar to the plasma levels. On the contrary, the 13-cis-isomers reached the embryo to a lesser extent. Despite its limited placental transfer, a considerable embryonic exposure to 13-cis-RA and 13-cis-4-oxo-RA was noticed after treatment with isotretinoin, as indicated by their area-under-the-concentration-time-curve (AUC) values in the embryo, which were in the same range as the corresponding AUC value of all-trans-RA after treatment with the all-trans-isomer.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Genetic exchange between endogenous and exogenous LINE-1 repetitive elements in mouse cells.

PubMed Central

Belmaaza, A; Wallenburg, J C; Brouillette, S; Gusew, N; Chartrand, P

1990-01-01

The repetitive LINE (L1) elements of the mouse, which are present at about 10(5) copies per genome and share over 80% of sequence homology, were examined for their ability to undergo genetic exchange with exogenous L1 sequences. The exogenous L1 sequences, carried by a shuttle vector, consisted of an internal fragment from L1Md-A2, a previously described member of the L1 family of the mouse. Using an assay that does not require the reconstitution of a selectable marker we found that this vector, in either circular or linear form, acquired DNA sequences from endogenous L1 elements at a frequency of 10(-3) to 10(-4) per rescued vector. Physical analysis of the acquired L1 sequences revealed that distinct endogenous L1 elements acted as donors and that different subfamilies participated. These results demonstrate that L1 elements are readily capable of genetic exchange. Apart from gene conversion events, the acquisition of L1 sequences outside the region of homology suggested that a second mechanism was also involved in the genetic exchange. A model which accounts for this mechanism is presented and its potential implication on the rearrangement of L1 elements is discussed. Images PMID:1978749

Experimental determination of carbon partitioning between upper mantle minerals and silicate melts: initial results and comparison to trace element partitioning (Nb, Rb, Ba, U, Th, K)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenthal, A.; Hauri, E. H.; Hirschmann, M. M.; Davis, F. A.; Withers, A. C.; Fogel, M. L.

2012-12-01

Inventories of C in the mantle and magmatic fluxes of C between the mantle and the Earth's outer envelopes are poorly constrained in part owing to challenges in determining undegassed C concentrations of pristine basalts. Saal et al. [1] proposed that the behavior of Nb could be used as a proxy for C, owing to apparently similar behavior of the two elements in Siqueiros Transform MORB, but higher C/Nb ratios in popping rocks [2] call into question the applicability of the C/Nb proxy. Here, we present experimentally determined carbon partition coefficients (D's) between nominally volatile-free mantle minerals (olivine, OL; orthopyroxene, OPX; clinopyroxene, CPX; garnet, GA) and melts at 0.8-3 GPa, and 1250-1500°C. We conducted piston-cylinder experiments using an olivine-tholeiite + 4 wt% CO2, doped with Nb, Rb, U, Th, and 13C to enhance detection limits. To promote growth of crystals big enough for SIMS analyses, experiments were either long (<6 days), or at an initial higher temperature (T) before cooling slowly to a target T. We also produced SIMS calibration glass standards with varying amounts of C, and subject to ongoing analyses. We analyzed carbon (12C, 13C), H, F, and trace elements (Nb, Rb, Ba, U, Th, K) of both mineral phases and quenched liquids in subsets of experimental runs (21 in graphite-lined Pt-capsules, 6 in Fe-doped Pt-lined capsules) using both Cameca IMS 6F and NanoSIMS instruments. D's measured for 12C and 13C are close to 5x10-4, in most cases D13C>D12C, but a few have the opposite. Continuous exchange of the liquid (initially rich in 13C) with the graphite capsules (rich in 12C) may yield D's with 13C>12C. D's with 12C>13C are likely owing to either low count rates or comparatively high analytical contamination. Concentrations in minerals vary from 0.20-3.46 ppm for C, 25-176 ppm for H2O, and 0.05-1.21 ppm for F, whereas liquids tend to much higher values (C≤0.9 wt%; H2O≤1.5 wt%; F≤34 ppm; P≤0.25 wt%; S≤43 ppm; Cl≤77 ppm). Resulting D's indicate that C is highly incompatible in all major mantle mineral phases, with D's for OL, OPX and CPX of close to 5x10-4, and for GA ~2.2x10-4. D's for H2O (2x10-4 to ~3x10-2) and F (~2.3x10-3 to ~5.8x10-2) are comparable to those found in previous studies. Trace element partition determinations are in progress, but comparison to previous studies indicates that carbon is significantly more incompatible during mantle melting than Nb, U, or Th, and has behavior approximately similar to Ba. We therefore suggest that undegassed C/Ba ratios may be useful indicators of C fluxes and concentrations in basalt source regions where very low degrees of melting might fractionate C/Nb ratios. [1] Saal, A, Hauri, EH, Langmuir, CH, Perfit, M (2002) Nature 419, 451-455. [2] Cartigny, P, Pineau, F, Aubaud, C, Javoy, M (2008) Earth Planet Sci Lett 265, 672-685.

Volatilization, transport and sublimation of metallic and non-metallic elements in high temperature gases at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Symonds, R.B.; Rose, William I.; Reed, M.H.; Lichte, F.E.; Finnegan, David L.

1987-01-01

Condensates, silica tube sublimates and incrustations were sampled from 500-800??C fumaroles and lava samples were collected at Merapi Volcano, Indonesia in Jan.-Feb., 1984. With respect to the magma, Merapi gases are enriched by factors greater than 105 in Se, Re, Bi and Cd; 104-105 in Au, Br, In, Pb and W; 103-104 in Mo, Cl, Cs, S, Sn and Ag; 102-103 in As, Zn, F and Rb; and 1-102 in Cu, K, Na, Sb, Ni, Ga, V, Fe, Mn and Li. The fumaroles are transporting more than 106 grams/day ( g d) of S, Cl and F; 104-106 g/d of Al, Br, Zn, Fe, K and Mg; 103-104 g d of Pb, As, Mo, Mn, V, W and Sr; and less than 103 g d of Ni, Cu, Cr, Ga, Sb, Bi, Cd, Li, Co and U. With decreasing temperature (800-500??C) there were five sublimate zones found in silica tubes: 1) cristobalite and magnetite (first deposition of Si, Fe and Al); 2) K-Ca sulfate, acmite, halite, sylvite and pyrite (maximum deposition of Cl, Na, K, Si, S, Fe, Mo, Br, Al, Rb, Cs, Mn, W, P, Ca, Re, Ag, Au and Co); 3) aphthitalite (K-Na sulfate), sphalerite, galena and Cs-K. sulfate (maximum deposition of Zn, Bi, Cd, Se and In; higher deposition of Pb and Sn); 4) Pb-K chloride and Na-K-Fe sulfate (maximum deposition of Pb, Sn and Cu); and 5) Zn, Cu and K-Pb sulfates (maximum deposition of Pb, Sn, Ti, As and Sb). The incrustations surrounding the fumaroles are also chemically zoned. Bi, Cd, Pb, W, Mo, Zn, Cu, K, Na, V, Fe and Mn are concentrated most in or very close to the vent as expected with cooling, atmospheric contamination and dispersion. The highly volatile elements Br, Cl, As and Sb are transported primarily away from high temperature vents. Ba, Si, P, Al, Ca and Cr are derived from wall rock reactions. Incomplete degassing of shallow magma at 915??C is the origin of most of the elements in the Merapi volcanic gas, although it is partly contaminated by particles or wall rock reactions. The metals are transported predominantly as chloride species. As the gas cools in the fumarolic environment, it becomes saturated with sublimate phases that fractionate from the gas in the order of their equilibrium saturation temperatures. Devolatilization of a cooling batholith could transport enough acids and metals to a hydrothermal system to play a significant role in forming an ore deposit. However, sublimation from a high temperature, high velocity carrier gas is not efficient enough to form a large ore deposit. Re, Se, Cd and Bi could be used as supporting evidence for magmatic fluid transport in an ore deposit. ?? 1987.

New York City trans fat ban: improving the default option when purchasing foods prepared outside the home

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The adverse effects of trans fatty acid (trans fat) on cardiovascular health have been known for at least 2 decades. During that time, both the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intake guidelines have recommended restricting trans fat intake to the ex...

Micro-Sugar-Snap and -Wire-Cut Cookie Baking with Trans- and Zero-Trans-Fat Shortenings

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of trans- and zero-trans-fat shortenings on cookie-baking performance was evaluated, using the two AACC micro-cookie-baking methods. Regardless of fat type, sugar-snap cookies made with a given flour were larger in diameter, smaller in height, and greater in weight loss during baking tha...

76 FR 28026 - TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP; Notice of Request for Waiver

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-13

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. OR11-7-000] TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP; Notice of Request for Waiver Take notice that on May 2, 2011, TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, LP (TransCanada Keystone) filed a request for waiver of the requirement in 18 CFR 342.4(c) that...

A synthesis of 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal and 4-(3H) 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal.

PubMed

Chandra, A; Srivastava, S K

1997-07-01

4-Hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal, the most abundant and toxic unsaturated aldehyde generated during membrane lipid peroxidation, was synthesized starting from fumaraldehyde dimethyl acetal. In the first step of the synthesis, the fumaraldehyde dimethyl acetal was partially hydrolyzed using amberlyst catalyst to obtain the monoacetal. The 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal was synthesized by the Grignard reaction of the fumaraldehyde monoacetal with 1-bromopentane. 4-Hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal, obtained as its dimethylacetal, was oxidized to its corresponding 4-keto derivative using pyridinium chlorochromate buffered with sodium acetate as the oxidizing agent. 4-(3H) 4-Hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal was obtained in one step by the sodium borotriteride reduction of the 4-keto derivative.

Economic Analysis of a Postulated space Tourism Transportation System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, Allan S.

2002-01-01

Design concepts and associated costs were defined for a family of launch vehicles supporting a space tourism endeavor requiring the weekly transport of space tourists to and from an Earth- orbiting facility. The stated business goal for the Space Tourist Transportation System (STTS) element of the proposed commercial space venture was to transport and return ~50 passengers a week to LEO at a cost of roughly 50 K per seat commencing in 2005. This paper summarizes the economic analyses conducted within a broader Systems Engineering study of the postulated concept. Parametric costs were derived using TransCostSystems' (TCS) Cost Engineering Handbook, version 7. Costs were developed as a function of critical system characteristics and selected business scenarios. Various economic strategies directed toward achieving a cost of ~50 K per seat were identified and examined. The study indicated that with a `nominal' business scenario, the initial cost for developing and producing a fully reusable, 2-stage STTS element for a baseline of 46-passengers was about 15.5 B assuming a plausible `commercialization factor' of 0.333. The associated per-seat ticket cost was ~890 K, more than an order of magnitude higher than desired. If the system is enlarged to 104 passengers for better efficiency, the STTS initial cost for the nominal business scenario is increased to about 19.8 B and the per-seat ticket cost is reduced to ~530 K. It was concluded that achieving the desired ticket cost of 50 K per seat is not feasible unless the size of the STTS, and therefore of the entire system, is substantially increased. However, for the specified operational characteristics, it was shown that a system capacity of thousands of passengers per week is required. This implies an extremely high total system development cost, which is not very realistic as a commercial venture, especially in the proposed time frame. These results suggested that ambitious commercial space ventures may have to rely on sizeable government subsidies for economic viability. For example, in this study a hypothesized government subsidy of half the STTS development cost reduced the per-seat ticket cost by about 35%. A number of other business scenarios were also investigated, including `expensing' the entire program initial cost. These analyses showed that even greater government participation, additional aggressive business strategies and/or very low commercialization factors (in the range of 1/9 to 1/30) must be implemented or attained to achieve the desired per-seat cost of 50 K per passenger with reasonably sized vehicles.

Finite element structural redesign by large admissible perturbations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernitsas, Michael M.; Beyko, E.; Rim, C. W.; Alzahabi, B.

1991-01-01

In structural redesign, two structural states are involved; the baseline (known) State S1 with unacceptable performance, and the objective (unknown) State S2 with given performance specifications. The difference between the two states in performance and design variables may be as high as 100 percent or more depending on the scale of the structure. A Perturbation Approach to Redesign (PAR) is presented to relate any two structural states S1 and S2 that are modeled by the same finite element model and represented by different values of the design variables. General perturbation equations are derived expressing implicitly the natural frequencies, dynamic modes, static deflections, static stresses, Euler buckling loads, and buckling modes of the objective S2 in terms of its performance specifications, and S1 data and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) results. Large Admissible Perturbation (LEAP) algorithms are implemented in code RESTRUCT to define the objective S2 incrementally without trial and error by postprocessing FEA results of S1 with no additional FEAs. Systematic numerical applications in redesign of a 10 element 48 degree of freedom (dof) beam, a 104 element 192 dof offshore tower, a 64 element 216 dof plate, and a 144 element 896 dof cylindrical shell show the accuracy, efficiency, and potential of PAR to find an objective state that may differ 100 percent from the baseline design.

2006 marketplace survey of trans-fatty acid content of margarines and butters, cookies and snack cakes, and savory snacks.

PubMed

Albers, Matthew J; Harnack, Lisa J; Steffen, Lyn M; Jacobs, David R

2008-02-01

In recent years, newer technologies have been developed to reduce the trans-fat content of fats and oils used in manufacturing food products. To examine the implications of these changes on foods in the marketplace, a survey was conducted to assess current levels of trans and saturated fat in three food categories: margarines and butters; cookies and snack cakes; and savory snacks. A sampling of products from each category was conducted at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in the Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, metropolitan area in July of 2006. All information was obtained from product labels, except price, which was recorded from price listings on product shelving. Most margarines and butters (21 of 29), cookies and snack cakes (34 of 44), and savory snacks (31 of 40) were labeled as containing 0 g trans fat. However, some products contained substantial amounts of trans fat. Most notably, 3 of 40 savory snack products were labeled as containing > or =3 g trans fat. Significant inverse correlations were found between product price and the saturated and trans-fat content of margarines (r=-0.45) and savory snacks (r=-0.32). In conclusion, it appears that the food industry has made progress in reducing the trans-fat content in a variety of products. Nonetheless, consumers need to read product labels because the trans-fat content of individual products can vary considerably. Products that are lower in trans and saturated fat tend to cost more, which may be a barrier to their purchase for price-conscious consumers.

Trans-dissemination of exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells fosters both HIV-1 trans-infection in resting CD4+ T lymphocytes and reactivation of the HIV-1 reservoir.

PubMed

Chiozzini, Chiara; Arenaccio, Claudia; Olivetta, Eleonora; Anticoli, Simona; Manfredi, Francesco; Ferrantelli, Flavia; d'Ettorre, Gabriella; Schietroma, Ivan; Andreotti, Mauro; Federico, Maurizio

2017-09-01

Intact HIV-1 and exosomes can be internalized by dendritic cells (DCs) through a common pathway leading to their transmission to CD4 + T lymphocytes by means of mechanisms defined as trans-infection and trans-dissemination, respectively. We previously reported that exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells activate both uninfected quiescent CD4 + T lymphocytes, which become permissive to HIV-1, and latently infected cells, with release of HIV-1 particles. However, nothing is known about the effects of trans-dissemination of exosomes produced by HIV-1-infected cells on uninfected or latently HIV-1-infected CD4 + T lymphocytes. Here, we report that trans-dissemination of exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells induces cell activation in resting CD4 + T lymphocytes, which appears stronger with mature than immature DCs. Using purified preparations of both HIV-1 and exosomes, we observed that mDC-mediated trans-dissemination of exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells to resting CD4 + T lymphocytes induces efficient trans-infection and HIV-1 expression in target cells. Most relevant, when both mDCs and CD4 + T lymphocytes were isolated from combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART)-treated HIV-1-infected patients, trans-dissemination of exosomes from HIV-1-infected cells led to HIV-1 reactivation from the viral reservoir. In sum, our data suggest a role of exosome trans-dissemination in both HIV-1 spread in the infected host and reactivation of the HIV-1 reservoir.

Effect of malondialdehyde modification on the binding of aroma compounds to soy protein isolates.

PubMed

Wang, Juan; Zhao, Mouming; Qiu, Chaoying; Sun, Weizheng

2018-03-01

The interactions of soy protein isolate (SPI) and flavor compounds (hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, 1-octen-3-ol, trans-2-octenal, nonanal, and trans-2-nonenal) were investigated. The influence of SPI structure modified by malondialdehyde (MDA) and flavor compound structure on the interactions were determined by using headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography (GC) combined with mass spectrometry (MS). The binding of native SPI to the flavor compounds decreased in the order trans-2-nonenal>nonanal>trans-2-octenal>trans-2-hexenal>hexanal>1-octen-3-ol. It might be attributed to that aldehydes are more hydrophobic than alcohols. The former is more conducive to hydrophobic binding with the SPI. Furthermore, the aldehydes, in particular trans-s-undecenal, could also react covalently. The effect of MDA modification on protein-flavor interactions depended on the structure of the flavor compound. Upon low concentration of MDA (≤1mM), the binding of all six flavors to SPI increased. However, a further increase in the extent of MDA (≥2.5mM), more soluble and even insoluble aggregates formed, which reduced the binding of hexanal and nonanal to SPI. The other four flavors with double bond revealed little changes in binding (trans-2-octenal, and trans-2-nonenal) or even an increase in binding (trans-2-hexenal, and 1-octen-3-ol). The results suggested that hydrophobic interactions were weakened upon high extent of oxidation, whereas covalent interactions were enhanced. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Critical dimensions of trans-sacral corridors assessed by 3D CT models: Relevance for implant positioning in fractures of the sacrum.

PubMed

Wagner, Daniel; Kamer, Lukas; Sawaguchi, Takeshi; Geoff Richards, R; Noser, Hansrudi; Uesugi, Masafumi; Ossendorf, Christian; Rommens, Pol M

2017-11-01

Trans-sacral implants can be used alternatively to sacro-iliac screws in the treatment of osteoporosis-associated fragility fractures of the pelvis and the sacrum. We investigated trans-sacral corridor dimensions, the number of individuals amenable to trans-sacral fixation, as well as the osseous boundaries and shape of the S1 corridor. 3D models were reconstructed from pelvic CT scans from 92 Europeans and 64 Japanese. A corridor of <12 mm was considered critical for trans-sacral implant positioning, and <8 mm as impossible. A statistical model of trans-sacral corridor S1 was computed. The limiting cranio-caudal diameter was 11.6 mm (±5.4) for S1 and 14 mm (±2.4) for S2. Trans-sacral implant positioning was critical in 52% of cases for S1, and in 21% for S2. The S1 corridor was impossible in 26%, with no impossible corridor in S2. Antero-superiorly, the S1 corridor was limited not only by the sacrum but in 40% by the iliac fossa. The statistical model demonstrated a consistent oval shape of the trans-section of corridor S1. Considering the variable in size and shape of trans-sacral corridors in S1, a thorough anatomical knowledge and preoperative planning are mandatory using trans-sacral implants. In critical cases, S2 is a veritable alternative. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2577-2584, 2017. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mammary Cancer and Activation of Transposable Elements

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

formal monthly electronic lab meeting between Peaston lab and Edwards lab. And regularly hold meetings. • An informal schedule was set up with a plan...cytes and ADS-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (ADS-iPSCs) (19) and primary mouse ES cells to isolated sperm and oocytes (20). We selected an...051 59 5 92% H9-IMR90 5875 7 669 782 605 58 91% oocyte - ES cell (mouse) 4727 1 204 883 334 25 93% sperm - ES cell (mouse) 4580 4 364 748 1027 104 91

Asteroid families - An initial search

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, James G.

1992-01-01

A stereo examination was conducted for clusters in three-dimensional proper element space within a sample of both numbered and faint Palomar-Leiden Survey (PLS) asteroids. The clusters were then objectively filtered for small Poisson probability of chance occurrence; 104 were accepted as families with 4- to 12-member populations, and are interpreted as impact-generated. Structure is common in the well-populated families: the better-sampled families are accordingly discussed in terms of their geometry and taxonomy. Some families are very rich in faint PLS members.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Various Blast Loading Descriptors as Occupant Injury Predictors for Underbody Blast Events

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-09

of Hybrid III ATD LSDYNA model with FTSS v7.1.6 finite element dummy 6 Unclassified: Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release...descriptors as occupant injury predictors for underbody blast events Recording injury metrics Response from the dummy especially pelvic acceleration and...Ciip(H&ad CG,2) "’"’ "-......--------, I Max : 122.669 @59.81 7!; Time, ms Pelvic Z acceleration, g I I Clip: -4.75737 Ts:97.4138 Te: 104.414

'It was like I had to fit into a category': Care-seekers' experiences of gender regulation in the Swedish trans-specific healthcare.

PubMed

Linander, Ida; Alm, Erika; Goicolea, Isabel; Harryson, Lisa

2017-05-01

The few previous studies investigating regulation of gender in trans-specific healthcare are mainly based on text material and interviews with care-providers or consist solely of theoretical analyses. There is a lack of studies analysing how the regulation of gender is expressed in the care-seeker's own experiences, especially in a Nordic context. The aim of this study is to analyse narratives of individuals with trans experiences (sometimes called transgender people) to examine how gender performances can be regulated in trans-specific care in Sweden. The conceptual framework is inspired by trans studies, a Foucauldian analysis of power, queer phenomenology and the concept of cisnormativity. Fourteen interviews with people with trans experiences are analysed with constructivist grounded theory. The participants' experiences indicate that gender is constructed as norm-conforming, binary and stable in trans-specific healthcare. This gendered position is resisted, negotiated and embraced by the care-seekers. Norms and discourses both inside and outside trans-specific care contribute to the regulation and limit the room for action for care-users. We conclude that a trans-specific care that has a confirming approach to its care-users, instead of the current focus on gender norm conformity, has the potential to increase the self-determination of gender performance and increase the quality of care.

The Oral Bioavailability of Trans-Resveratrol from a Grapevine-Shoot Extract in Healthy Humans is Significantly Increased by Micellar Solubilization.

PubMed

Calvo-Castro, Laura A; Schiborr, Christina; David, Franziska; Ehrt, Heidi; Voggel, Jenny; Sus, Nadine; Behnam, Dariush; Bosy-Westphal, Anja; Frank, Jan

2018-05-01

Grapevine-shoot extract Vineatrol30 contains abundant resveratrol monomers and oligomers with health-promoting potential. However, the oral bioavailability of these compounds in humans is low (˂1-2%). The aim of this study was to improve the oral bioavailability of resveratrol from vineatrol by micellar solubilization. Twelve healthy volunteers (six women, six men) randomly ingested a single dose of 500 mg vineatrol (30 mg trans-resveratrol, 75 mg trans-ε-viniferin) as native powder or liquid micelles. Plasma and urine were collected at baseline and over 24 h after intake. Resveratrol and viniferin were analyzed by HPLC. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and mean maximum plasma trans-resveratrol concentrations were 5.0-fold and 10.6-fold higher, respectively, after micellar supplementation relative to the native powder. However, no detectable amounts of trans-ε-viniferin were found in either plasma or urine. The transepithelial permeability of trans-resveratrol and trans-ε-viniferin across differentiated Caco-2 monolayers was consistent to the absorbed fractions in vivo. The oral bioavailability of trans-resveratrol from the grapevine-shoot extract Vineatrol30 was significantly increased using a liquid micellar formulation, without any treatment-related adverse effects, making it a suitable system for improved supplementation of trans-resveratrol. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comparing Trans-Spectrum and Same-Sex-Attracted Youth in Australia: Increased Risks, Increased Activisms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Tiffany; Hillier, Lynne

2013-01-01

Tran-spectrum youth include those who are gender questioning, transgender, intersex, genderqueer, and androgynous. Drawing on data from an Australian study of more than 3,000 same-sex-attracted and trans-spectrum youth aged 14 to 21, this article compares a group of 91 trans-spectrum youth from the study to "cisgender" same-sex-attracted…

21 CFR 573.637 - Methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienoic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... RELATED PRODUCTS FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN FEED AND DRINKING WATER OF ANIMALS Food Additive Listing...-octadecadienoic acids). The food additive, methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10... conditions: (a) The food additive is manufactured by the reaction of refined sunflower oil with methanol to...

21 CFR 573.637 - Methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienoic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... RELATED PRODUCTS FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN FEED AND DRINKING WATER OF ANIMALS Food Additive Listing...-octadecadienoic acids). The food additive, methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10... conditions: (a) The food additive is manufactured by the reaction of refined sunflower oil with methanol to...

21 CFR 573.637 - Methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienoic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... RELATED PRODUCTS FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN FEED AND DRINKING WATER OF ANIMALS Food Additive Listing...-octadecadienoic acids). The food additive, methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10... conditions: (a) The food additive is manufactured by the reaction of refined sunflower oil with methanol to...

21 CFR 573.637 - Methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienoic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... RELATED PRODUCTS FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN FEED AND DRINKING WATER OF ANIMALS Food Additive Listing...-octadecadienoic acids). The food additive, methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10... conditions: (a) The food additive is manufactured by the reaction of refined sunflower oil with methanol to...

21 CFR 573.637 - Methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12-octadecadienoic...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... RELATED PRODUCTS FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED IN FEED AND DRINKING WATER OF ANIMALS Food Additive Listing...-octadecadienoic acids). The food additive, methyl esters of conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10... conditions: (a) The food additive is manufactured by the reaction of refined sunflower oil with methanol to...

Relationship Between Ktrans and K1 with Simultaneous Versus Separate MR/PET in Rabbits with VX2 Tumors.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Hee; Kang, Seung Kwan; Goo, Jin Mo; Lee, Jae Sung; Cheon, Gi Jeong; Seo, Seongho; Hwang, Eui Jin

2017-03-01

To compare the relationship between K trans from DCE-MRI and K 1 from dynamic 13 N-NH 3 -PET, with simultaneous and separate MR/PET in the VX-2 rabbit carcinoma model. MR/PET was performed simultaneously and separately, 14 and 15 days after VX-2 tumor implantation at the paravertebral muscle. The K trans and K 1 values were estimated using an in-house software program. The relationships between K trans and K 1 were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficients and linear/non-linear regression function. Assuming a linear relationship, K trans and K 1 exhibited a moderate positive correlations with both simultaneous (r=0.54-0.57) and separate (r=0.53-0.69) imaging. However, while the K trans and K 1 from separate imaging were linearly correlated, those from simultaneous imaging exhibited a non-linear relationship. The amount of change in K 1 associated with a unit increase in K trans varied depending on K trans values. The relationship between K trans and K 1 may be mis-interpreted with separate MR and PET acquisition. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

trans Octadecenoic acid and trans octadecadienoic acid are inversely related to long-chain polyunsaturates in human milk: results of a large birth cohort study.

PubMed

Szabó, Eva; Boehm, Günther; Beermann, Christopher; Weyermann, Maria; Brenner, Hermann; Rothenbacher, Dietrich; Decsi, Tamás

2007-05-01

Several observational studies indicate that trans isomeric fatty acids may interfere with the metabolism of essential fatty acids in the human organism. The objective was to investigate the relation between trans fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturates in mature human milk. Human milk samples (n=769) were obtained at the 6th week of lactation from mothers participating in a birth cohort study in Germany. The fatty acid composition of the milk samples was measured by high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography. trans Octadecenoic and trans octadecadienoic acids were inversely correlated with linoleic acid (r=-0.32 and -0.33, P<0.0001 for both), alpha-linolenic acid (r=-0.35 and -0.27, P<0.0001), arachidonic acid (r=-0.60 and -0.47, P<0.0001), and docosahexaenoic acid (r=-0.51 and -0.33, P<0.0001). In contrast, no inverse correlations were observed between trans hexadecenoic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The data obtained in the present study suggest that the availability of 18-carbon trans isomeric fatty acids may be inversely related to the availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in mature human milk.

Pneumocandin biosynthesis: involvement of a trans-selective proline hydroxylase.

PubMed

Houwaart, Stefanie; Youssar, Loubna; Hüttel, Wolfgang

2014-11-03

Echinocandins are cyclic nonribosomal hexapeptides based mostly on nonproteinogenic amino acids and displaying strong antifungal activity. Despite previous studies on their biosynthesis by fungi, the origin of three amino acids, trans-4- and trans-3-hydroxyproline, as well as trans-3-hydroxy-4-methylproline, is still unknown. Here we describe the identification, overexpression, and characterization of GloF, the first eukaryotic α-ketoglutarate/Fe(II) -dependent proline hydroxylase from the pneumocandin biosynthesis cluster of the fungus Glarea lozoyensis ATCC 74030. In in vitro transformations with L-proline, GloF generates trans-4- and trans-3-hydroxyproline simultaneously in a ratio of 8:1; the latter reaction was previously unknown for proline hydroxylase catalysis. trans-4-Methyl-L-proline is converted into the corresponding trans-3-hydroxyproline. All three hydroxyprolines required for the biosynthesis of the echinocandins pneumocandins A0 and B0 in G. lozoyensis are thus provided by GloF. Sequence analyses revealed that GloF is not related to bacterial proline hydroxylases, and none of the putative proteins with high sequence similarity in the databases has been characterized so far. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The evolutionary landscape of intergenic trans-splicing events in insects

PubMed Central

Kong, Yimeng; Zhou, Hongxia; Yu, Yao; Chen, Longxian; Hao, Pei; Li, Xuan

2015-01-01

To explore the landscape of intergenic trans-splicing events and characterize their functions and evolutionary dynamics, we conduct a mega-data study of a phylogeny containing eight species across five orders of class Insecta, a model system spanning 400 million years of evolution. A total of 1,627 trans-splicing events involving 2,199 genes are identified, accounting for 1.58% of the total genes. Homology analysis reveals that mod(mdg4)-like trans-splicing is the only conserved event that is consistently observed in multiple species across two orders, which represents a unique case of functional diversification involving trans-splicing. Thus, evolutionarily its potential for generating proteins with novel function is not broadly utilized by insects. Furthermore, 146 non-mod trans-spliced transcripts are found to resemble canonical genes from different species. Trans-splicing preserving the function of ‘breakup' genes may serve as a general mechanism for relaxing the constraints on gene structure, with profound implications for the evolution of genes and genomes. PMID:26521696

Enhancer Activation Requires Trans-Recruitment of a Mega Transcription Factor Complex

PubMed Central

Liu, Zhijie; Merkurjev, Daria; Yang, Feng; Li, Wenbo; Oh, Soohwan; Friedman, Meyer J.; Song, Xiaoyuan; Zhang, Feng; Ma, Qi; Ohgi, Kenneth; Krones, Anna; Rosenfeld, Michael G.

2014-01-01

Summary Enhancers provide critical information directing cell-type specific transcriptional programs, regulated by binding of signal-dependent transcription factors and their associated cofactors. Here we report that the most strongly activated estrogen (E2)-responsive enhancers are characterized by trans-recruitment and in situ assembly of a large 1-2 MDa complex of diverse DNA-binding transcription factors by ERα at ERE-containing enhancers. We refer to enhancers recruiting these factors as mega transcription factor-bound in trans (MegaTrans) enhancers. The MegaTrans complex is a signature of the most potent functional enhancers and is required for activation of enhancer RNA transcription and recruitment of coactivators, including p300 and Med1. The MegaTrans complex functions, in part, by recruiting specific enzymatic machinery, exemplified by DNA-dependent protein kinase. Thus, MegaTrans-containing enhancers represent a cohort of functional enhancers that mediate a broad and important transcriptional program and provide a molecular explanation for transcription factor clustering and hotspots noted in the genome. PMID:25303530

Trans fatty acids enhance amyloidogenic processing of the Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein (APP).

PubMed

Grimm, Marcus O W; Rothhaar, Tatjana L; Grösgen, Sven; Burg, Verena K; Hundsdörfer, Benjamin; Haupenthal, Viola J; Friess, Petra; Kins, Stefan; Grimm, Heike S; Hartmann, Tobias

2012-10-01

Hydrogenation of oils and diary products of ruminant animals leads to an increasing amount of trans fatty acids in the human diet. Trans fatty acids are incorporated in several lipids and accumulate in the membrane of cells. Here we systematically investigate whether the regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is affected by trans fatty acids compared to the cis conformation. Our experiments clearly show that trans fatty acids compared to cis fatty acids increase amyloidogenic and decrease nonamyloidogenic processing of APP, resulting in an increased production of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides, main components of senile plaques, which are a characteristic neuropathological hallmark for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, our results show that oligomerization and aggregation of Aβ are increased by trans fatty acids. The mechanisms identified by this in vitro study suggest that the intake of trans fatty acids potentially increases the AD risk or causes an earlier onset of the disease. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ab initio calculations of the absorption spectrum of chalcone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oumi, Manabu; Maurice, David; Head-Gordon, Martin

1999-03-01

The excitation energies and excited states of trans-chalcone ( trans-( s-cis)-1,3-diphenylpropenone), and several related molecules ( trans-( s-cis)-3-phenylpropenal, s-cis-1-phenylpropenone, propenal, trans-( s-cis)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-phenylpropenone, trans-( s-cis)3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-phenylpropenone) have been calculated using single reference ab initio molecular orbital methods, and characterized by attachment-detachment density analysis. The results suggest assignments for the lowest three electronic transitions observed experimentally for trans-( s-cis)-chalcone in solution. The extent of localization of the electronic transitions is established by calculations on the excited states of trans-( s-cis)-3-phenylpropenal, s-cis-1-phenylpropenone and propenal, as well as analysis of the chalcone calculations. Contrary to some previous work, none of these excitations are strongly delocalized over the entire molecule. Calculated substituent shifts for the hydroxy chalcones are in qualitative agreement with experimental data, and support the localized interpretation of the main π→ π* transition.

Discretization of the induced-charge boundary integral equation.

PubMed

Bardhan, Jaydeep P; Eisenberg, Robert S; Gillespie, Dirk

2009-07-01

Boundary-element methods (BEMs) for solving integral equations numerically have been used in many fields to compute the induced charges at dielectric boundaries. In this paper, we consider a more accurate implementation of BEM in the context of ions in aqueous solution near proteins, but our results are applicable more generally. The ions that modulate protein function are often within a few angstroms of the protein, which leads to the significant accumulation of polarization charge at the protein-solvent interface. Computing the induced charge accurately and quickly poses a numerical challenge in solving a popular integral equation using BEM. In particular, the accuracy of simulations can depend strongly on seemingly minor details of how the entries of the BEM matrix are calculated. We demonstrate that when the dielectric interface is discretized into flat tiles, the qualocation method of Tausch [IEEE Trans Comput.-Comput.-Aided Des. 20, 1398 (2001)] to compute the BEM matrix elements is always more accurate than the traditional centroid-collocation method. Qualocation is not more expensive to implement than collocation and can save significant computational time by reducing the number of boundary elements needed to discretize the dielectric interfaces.

Discretization of the induced-charge boundary integral equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bardhan, Jaydeep P.; Eisenberg, Robert S.; Gillespie, Dirk

2009-07-01

Boundary-element methods (BEMs) for solving integral equations numerically have been used in many fields to compute the induced charges at dielectric boundaries. In this paper, we consider a more accurate implementation of BEM in the context of ions in aqueous solution near proteins, but our results are applicable more generally. The ions that modulate protein function are often within a few angstroms of the protein, which leads to the significant accumulation of polarization charge at the protein-solvent interface. Computing the induced charge accurately and quickly poses a numerical challenge in solving a popular integral equation using BEM. In particular, the accuracy of simulations can depend strongly on seemingly minor details of how the entries of the BEM matrix are calculated. We demonstrate that when the dielectric interface is discretized into flat tiles, the qualocation method of Tausch [IEEE Trans Comput.-Comput.-Aided Des. 20, 1398 (2001)] to compute the BEM matrix elements is always more accurate than the traditional centroid-collocation method. Qualocation is not more expensive to implement than collocation and can save significant computational time by reducing the number of boundary elements needed to discretize the dielectric interfaces.

De novo piRNA cluster formation in the Drosophila germ line triggered by transgenes containing a transcribed transposon fragment.

PubMed

Olovnikov, Ivan; Ryazansky, Sergei; Shpiz, Sergey; Lavrov, Sergey; Abramov, Yuri; Vaury, Chantal; Jensen, Silke; Kalmykova, Alla

2013-06-01

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) provide defence against transposable element (TE) expansion in the germ line of metazoans. piRNAs are processed from the transcripts encoded by specialized heterochromatic clusters enriched in damaged copies of transposons. How these regions are recognized as a source of piRNAs is still elusive. The aim of this study is to determine how transgenes that contain a fragment of the Long Interspersed Nuclear Elements (LINE)-like I transposon lead to an acquired TE resistance in Drosophila. We show that such transgenes, being inserted in unique euchromatic regions that normally do not produce small RNAs, become de novo bidirectional piRNA clusters that silence I-element activity in the germ line. Strikingly, small RNAs of both polarities are generated from the entire transgene and flanking genomic sequences--not only from the transposon fragment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis shows that in ovaries, the trimethylated histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3) mark associates with transgenes producing piRNAs. We show that transgene-derived hsp70 piRNAs stimulate in trans cleavage of cognate endogenous transcripts with subsequent processing of the non-homologous parts of these transcripts into piRNAs.

Chromatin Accessibility Mapping Identifies Mediators of Basal Transcription and Retinoid-Induced Repression of OTX2 in Medulloblastoma

PubMed Central

Zhang, Monica; Song, Lingyun; Lee, Bum-Kyu; Iyer, Vishwanath R.; Furey, Terrence S.; Crawford, Gregory E.; Yan, Hai; He, Yiping

2014-01-01

Despite an emerging understanding of the genetic alterations giving rise to various tumors, the mechanisms whereby most oncogenes are overexpressed remain unclear. Here we have utilized an integrated approach of genomewide regulatory element mapping via DNase-seq followed by conventional reporter assays and transcription factor binding site discovery to characterize the transcriptional regulation of the medulloblastoma oncogene Orthodenticle Homeobox 2 (OTX2). Through these studies we have revealed that OTX2 is differentially regulated in medulloblastoma at the level of chromatin accessibility, which is in part mediated by DNA methylation. In cell lines exhibiting chromatin accessibility of OTX2 regulatory regions, we found that autoregulation maintains OTX2 expression. Comparison of medulloblastoma regulatory elements with those of the developing brain reveals that these tumors engage a developmental regulatory program to drive OTX2 transcription. Finally, we have identified a transcriptional regulatory element mediating retinoid-induced OTX2 repression in these tumors. This work characterizes for the first time the mechanisms of OTX2 overexpression in medulloblastoma. Furthermore, this study establishes proof of principle for applying ENCODE datasets towards the characterization of upstream trans-acting factors mediating expression of individual genes. PMID:25198066

Translational efficiency of poliovirus mRNA: mapping inhibitory cis-acting elements within the 5' noncoding region.

PubMed Central

Pelletier, J; Kaplan, G; Racaniello, V R; Sonenberg, N

1988-01-01

Poliovirus mRNA contains a long 5' noncoding region of about 750 nucleotides (the exact number varies among the three virus serotypes), which contains several AUG codons upstream of the major initiator AUG. Unlike most eucaryotic mRNAs, poliovirus does not contain a m7GpppX (where X is any nucleotide) cap structure at its 5' end and is translated by a cap-independent mechanism. To study the manner by which poliovirus mRNA is expressed, we examined the translational efficiencies of a series of deletion mutants within the 5' noncoding region of the mRNA. In this paper we report striking translation system-specific differences in the ability of the altered mRNAs to be translated. The results suggest the existence of an inhibitory cis-acting element(s) within the 5' noncoding region of poliovirus (between nucleotides 70 and 381) which restricts mRNA translation in reticulocyte lysate, wheat germ extract, and Xenopus oocytes, but not in HeLa cell extracts. In addition, we show that HeLa cell extracts contain a trans-acting factor(s) that overcomes this restriction. Images PMID:2836606

Template Recognition Mechanisms by Replicase Proteins Differ between Bipartite Positive-Strand Genomic RNAs of a Plant Virus▿

PubMed Central

Iwakawa, Hiro-oki; Mine, Akira; Hyodo, Kiwamu; An, Mengnan; Kaido, Masanori; Mise, Kazuyuki; Okuno, Tetsuro

2011-01-01

Recognition of RNA templates by viral replicase proteins is one of the key steps in the replication process of all RNA viruses. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, including primary RNA elements that are recognized by the viral replicase proteins, are not well understood. Here, we used aptamer pulldown assays with membrane fractionation and protein-RNA coimmunoprecipitation in a cell-free viral translation/replication system to investigate how viral replicase proteins recognize the bipartite genomic RNAs of the Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV). RCNMV replicase proteins bound specifically to a Y-shaped RNA element (YRE) located in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of RNA2, which also interacted with the 480-kDa replicase complexes that contain viral and host proteins. The replicase-YRE interaction recruited RNA2 to the membrane fraction. Conversely, RNA1 fragments failed to interact with the replicase proteins supplied in trans. The results of protein-RNA coimmunoprecipitation assays suggest that RNA1 interacts with the replicase proteins coupled with their translation. Thus, the initial template recognition mechanisms employed by the replicase differ between RCNMV bipartite genomic RNAs and RNA elements are primary determinants of the differential replication mechanism. PMID:20980498

Becoming lesbian: Monique Wittig's queer-trans-feminism.

PubMed

Henderson, Kevin

2018-04-03

Inspired by Lynne Huffer's queer feminist genealogy, this article explores queer-trans-feminism as a project that would bring together queer, feminist, and transgender theory and politics into a shared critical lineage. I suggest that Monique Wittig is a neglected thinker who could re-enliven connections and debates within queer, feminist, and trans theory and politics. Utilizing recent historiographies of queer and feminist theory, I imagine what it would mean to hold on to the figure of the lesbian as a figure for queer-trans-feminist politics rather than render the lesbian anachronistic. I then explore the implications of Wittig's notion that "lesbians are not women" for a queer-trans-feminism. I argue that Wittig's critique of the language of the social sciences offers queer-trans-feminist scholars a source for contemporary self-critique and coalition.

Trans-dimensional joint inversion of seabed scattering and reflection data.

PubMed

Steininger, Gavin; Dettmer, Jan; Dosso, Stan E; Holland, Charles W

2013-03-01

This paper examines joint inversion of acoustic scattering and reflection data to resolve seabed interface roughness parameters (spectral strength, exponent, and cutoff) and geoacoustic profiles. Trans-dimensional (trans-D) Bayesian sampling is applied with both the number of sediment layers and the order (zeroth or first) of auto-regressive parameters in the error model treated as unknowns. A prior distribution that allows fluid sediment layers over an elastic basement in a trans-D inversion is derived and implemented. Three cases are considered: Scattering-only inversion, joint scattering and reflection inversion, and joint inversion with the trans-D auto-regressive error model. Including reflection data improves the resolution of scattering and geoacoustic parameters. The trans-D auto-regressive model further improves scattering resolution and correctly differentiates between strongly and weakly correlated residual errors.

Examination of the persistency of milk fatty acid composition responses to fish oil and sunflower oil in the diet of dairy cows.

PubMed

Shingfield, K J; Reynolds, C K; Hervás, G; Griinari, J M; Grandison, A S; Beever, D E

2006-02-01

Based on the potential benefits of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for human health, there is a need to develop effective strategies for enhancing milk fat CLA concentrations. Levels of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk can be increased by supplements of fish oil (FO) and sunflower oil (SO), but there is considerable variation in the response. Part of this variance may reflect time-dependent ruminal adaptations to high levels of lipid in the diet, which lead to alterations in the formation of specific biohydrogenation intermediates. To test this hypothesis, 16 late lactation Holstein-British Friesian cows were used in a repeated measures randomized block design to examine milk fatty acid composition responses to FO and SO in the diet over a 28-d period. Cows were allocated at random to corn silage-based rations (8 per treatment) containing 0 (control) or 45 g of oil supplement/kg of dry matter consisting (1:2; wt/wt) of FO and SO (FSO), and milk composition was determined on alternate days from d 1. Compared with the control, the FSO diet decreased mean dry matter intake (21.1 vs. 17.9 kg/d), milk fat (47.7 vs. 32.6 g/kg), and protein content (36.1 vs. 33.3 g/kg), but had no effect on milk yield (27.1 vs. 26.4 kg/d). Reductions in milk fat content relative to the FSO diet were associated with increases in milk trans-10 18:1, trans-10, cis-12 CLA, and trans-9, cis-11 CLA concentrations (r(2) = 0.74, 0.57, and 0.80, respectively). Compared with the control, the FSO diet reduced milk 4:0 to 18:0 and cis 18:1 content and increased trans 18:1, trans 18:2, cis-9, trans-11 CLA, 20:5 n-3, and 22:6 n-3 concentrations. The FSO diet caused a rapid elevation in milk cis-9, trans-11 CLA content, reaching a maximum of 5.37 g/100 g of fatty acids on d 5, but these increases were transient, declining to 2.35 g/100 g of fatty acids by d 15. They remained relatively constant thereafter. Even though concentrations of trans-11 18:1 followed the same pattern of temporal changes as cis-9, trans-11 CLA, the total trans 18:1 content of FSO milk was unchanged because of the concomitant increases in the concentration of other isomers (Delta(4-10) and Delta(12-15)), predominantely trans-10 18:1. In conclusion, supplementing diets with FSO enhances milk fat cis-9, trans-11 CLA content, but the high level of enrichment declines because of changes in ruminal biohydrogenation that result in trans-10 replacing trans-11 as the major 18:1 biohydrogenation intermediate formed in the rumen.

Simple and short synthesis of trans-(R)-nerolidol, a pheromone component of fruit spotting bug.

PubMed

Le Thanh, C; Chauhan, Kamlesh R

2014-03-01

A three-step synthesis of enantiomerically pure (R) and (S)-trans nerolidol from commercially available E,E-fanesol is described. Trans nerolidol is an abundant sesquiterpene in many plant species, almost enantiomerically pure; however, the configuration of chirality is S. There is no natural resource for R-trans nerolidol, which has recently been identified as a pheromone component of the fruit spotting bug Amblypelta lutescens. The simple syntheses reported here will make enantiomerically pure R- and S-trans nerolidol and homologues available for further research and ultimately for use in integrated pest management strategies comprising pheromones.

THE IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION AND GENTRIFICATION ON AN OUTDOOR TRANS SEX WORK ENVIRONMENT: VIOLENCE, DISPLACEMENT AND POLICING.

PubMed

Lyons, Tara; Krüsi, Andrea; Pierre, Leslie; Small, Will; Shannon, Kate

2017-12-01

The objective of this study was to investigate how environmental and structural changes to a trans outdoor work environment impacted sex workers in Vancouver, Canada. The issue of changes to the work area arose during qualitative interviews with 33 trans sex workers. In response, ethnographic walks that incorporated photography were undertaken with trans sex workers. Changes to the work environment were found to increase vulnerabilities to client violence, displace trans sex workers, and affect policing practices. Within a criminalized context, construction and gentrification enhanced vulnerabilities to violence and harassment from police and residents.

Potential energy profile, structural, vibrational and reactivity descriptors of trans-2-methoxycinnamic acid by FTIR, FT-Raman and quantum chemical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arjunan, V.; Anitha, R.; Thenmozhi, S.; Marchewka, M. K.; Mohan, S.

2016-06-01

The stable conformers of trans-2-methoxycinnamic acid (trans-2MCA) are determined by potential energy profile analysis. The energies of the s-cis and s-trans conformers of trans-2MCA determined by B3LYP/cc-pVTZ method are -612.9788331 Hartrees and -612.9780953 Hartrees, respectively. The vibrational and electronic investigations of the stable s-cis and s-trans conformers of trans-2-methoxycinnamic acid have been carried out extensively with FTIR and FT-Raman spectral techniques. The s-cis conformer (I) with a (C16-C17-C18-O19) dihedral angle equal to 0° is found to be more favoured relative to the one s-trans (II) with (C16-C17-C18-O19) = 180°, possibly due to delocalization, hydrogen bonding and steric repulsion effects between the methoxy and acrylic acid groups. The DFT studies are performed with B3LYP method by utilizing 6-311++G** and cc-pVTZ basis sets to determine the structure, thermodynamic properties, vibrational characteristics and chemical shifts of the compound. The total dipole moments of the conformers determined by B3LYP/cc-pVTZ method are 3.35 D and 4.87 D for s-cis and s-trans, respectively. It reveals the higher polarity of s-trans conformer of trans-2MCA molecule. The electronic and steric influence of the methoxy group on the skeletal frequencies has been analysed. The energies of the frontier molecular orbitals and the LUMO-HOMO energy gap have been determined. The MEP of s-cis conformer lie in the range +1.374e × 10-2 to -1.374e × 10-2 while for s-trans it is +1.591e × 10-2 to -1.591e × 10-2. The total electron density of s-cis conformer lie in the range +5.273e × 10-2 to -5.273e × 10-2 while for s-trans it is +5.403e × 10-2 to -5.403e × 10-2. The MEP and total electron density shows that the s-cis conformer is less polar, less reactive and more stable than the s-trans conformer. All the reactivity descriptors of the molecule have been discussed. Intramolecular electronic interactions and their stabilisation energies have analysed by NBO method.

Normal modes of a superconducting transmission-line resonator with embedded lumped element circuit components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mortensen, Henrik Lund; Mølmer, Klaus; Andersen, Christian Kraglund

2016-11-01

We present a method to identify the coupled, normal modes of a superconducting transmission line with an embedded lumped element circuit. We evaluate the effective transmission-line nonlinearities in the case of Kerr-like Josephson interactions in the circuit and in the case where the embedded circuit constitutes a qubit degree of freedom, which is Rabi coupled to the field in the transmission line. Our theory quantitatively accounts for the very high and positive Kerr nonlinearities observed in a recent experiment [M. Rehák, P. Neilinger, M. Grajcar, G. Oelsner, U. Hübner, E. Il'ichev, and H.-G. Meyer, Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 162604 (2014), 10.1063/1.4873719], and we can evaluate the accomplishments of modified versions of the experimental circuit.

Two MCAT elements of the SM alpha-actin promoter function differentially in SM vs. non-SM cells.

PubMed

Swartz, E A; Johnson, A D; Owens, G K

1998-08-01

Transcriptional activity of the smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin gene is differentially regulated in SM vs. non-SM cells. Contained within the rat SM alpha-actin promoter are two MCAT motifs, binding sites for transcription enhancer factor 1 (TEF-1) transcriptional factors implicated in the regulation of many muscle-specific genes. Transfections of SM alpha-actin promoter-CAT constructs containing wild-type or mutagenized MCAT elements were performed to evaluate their functional significance. Mutation of the MCAT elements resulted in increased transcriptional activity in SM cells, whereas these mutations either had no effect or decreased activity in L6 myotubes or endothelial cells. High-resolution gel shift assays resolved several complexes of different mobilities that were formed between MCAT oligonucleotides and nuclear extracts from the different cell types, although no single band was unique to SM. Western blot analysis of nuclear extracts with polyclonal antibodies to conserved domains of the TEF-1 gene family revealed multiple reactive bands, some that were similar and others that differed between SM and non-SM. Supershift assays with a polyclonal antibody to the TEF-related protein family demonstrated that TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins were contained in the shifted complexes. Results suggest that the MCAT elements may contribute to cell type-specific regulation of the SM alpha-actin gene. However, it remains to be determined whether the differential transcriptional activity of MCAT elements in SM vs. non-SM is due to differences in expression of TEF-1 or TEF-1-related proteins or to unique (cell type specific) combinatorial interactions of the MCAT elements with other cis-elements and trans-factors.

Genomic organization of the Neurospora crassa gsn gene: possible involvement of the STRE and HSE elements in the modulation of transcription during heat shock.

PubMed

Freitas, F Zanolli; Bertolini, M C

2004-12-01

Glycogen synthase, an enzyme involved in glycogen biosynthesis, is regulated by phosphorylation and by the allosteric ligand glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). In addition, enzyme levels can be regulated by changes in gene expression. We recently cloned a cDNA for glycogen synthase ( gsn) from Neurospora crassa, and showed that gsn transcription decreased when cells were exposed to heat shock (shifted from 30 degrees C to 45 degrees C). In order to understand the mechanisms that control gsn expression, we isolated the gene, including its 5' and 3' flanking regions, from the genome of N. crassa. An ORF of approximately 2.4 kb was identified, which is interrupted by four small introns (II-V). Intron I (482 bp) is located in the 5'UTR region. Three putative Transcription Initiation Sites (TISs) were mapped, one of which lies downstream of a canonical TATA-box sequence (5'-TGTATAAA-3'). Analysis of the 5'-flanking region revealed the presence of putative transcription factor-binding sites, including Heat Shock Elements (HSEs) and STress Responsive Elements (STREs). The possible involvement of these motifs in the negative regulation of gsn transcription was investigated using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA) with nuclear extracts of N. crassa mycelium obtained before and after heat shock, and DNA fragments encompassing HSE and STRE elements from the 5'-flanking region. While elements within the promoter region are involved in transcription under heat shock, elements in the 5'UTR intron may participate in transcription during vegetative growth. The results thus suggest that N. crassa possesses trans -acting elements that interact with the 5'-flanking region to regulate gsn transcription during heat shock and vegetative growth.

Inequities in access to HIV prevention services for transgender men: results of a global survey of men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Scheim, Ayden I; Santos, Glenn-Milo; Arreola, Sonya; Makofane, Keletso; Do, Tri D; Hebert, Patrick; Thomann, Matthew; Ayala, George

2016-01-01

Free or low-cost HIV testing, condoms, and lubricants are foundational HIV prevention strategies, yet are often inaccessible for men who have sex with men (MSM). In the global context of stigma and poor healthcare access, transgender (trans) MSM may face additional barriers to HIV prevention services. Drawing on data from a global survey of MSM, we aimed to describe perceived access to prevention services among trans MSM, examine associations between stigma and access, and compare access between trans MSM and cisgender (non-transgender) MSM. The 2014 Global Men's Health and Rights online survey was open to MSM (inclusive of trans MSM) from any country and available in seven languages. Baseline data (n=3857) were collected from July to October 2014. Among trans MSM, correlations were calculated between perceived service accessibility and anti-transgender violence, healthcare provider stigma, and discrimination. Using a nested matched-pair study design, trans MSM were matched 4:1 to cisgender MSM on age group, region, and HIV status, and conditional logistic regression models compared perceived access to prevention services by transgender status. About 3.4% of respondents were trans men, of whom 69 were included in the present analysis. The average trans MSM participant was 26 to 35 years old (56.5%); lived in western Europe, North America, or Oceania (75.4%); and reported being HIV-negative (98.6%). HIV testing, condoms, and lubricants were accessible for 43.5, 53.6, and 26.1% of trans MSM, respectively. Ever having been arrested or convicted due to being trans and higher exposure to healthcare provider stigma in the past six months were associated with less access to some prevention services. Compared to matched cisgender controls, trans MSM reported significantly lower odds of perceived access to HIV testing (OR=0.57, 95% CI=0.33, 0.98) and condom-compatible lubricants (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.30, 0.98). This first look at access to HIV prevention services for trans MSM globally found that most reported inadequate access to basic prevention services and that they were less likely than cisgender MSM to have access to HIV testing and lubricants. Results indicate the need to enhance access to basic HIV prevention services for trans MSM, including MSM-specific services.

Synthesis of 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2-oxa-4-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene derivatives by base-promoted heterocyclization of alkyl N-(cis(trans)-3,trans(cis)-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)carbamates and N-(cis(trans)-3,trans(cis)-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamides.

PubMed

Gómez-Sanchez, Elena; Soriano, Elena; Marco-Contelles, José

2007-11-09

We have studied the base-promoted heterocyclization of alkyl N-(cis(trans)-3,trans(cis)-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)carbamates and N-(cis(trans)-3,trans(cis)-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamides, investigating the effect of the nitrogen protecting group and the relative configuration of the leaving group at C3 and C4 on the outcome of this reaction. We have observed that the sodium hydride-promoted heterocyclization of alkyl N-(cis-3,trans-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)carbamates (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) is a convenient method for the synthesis of 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives. For instance, the reaction of tert-butyl N-(cis-3,trans-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)carbamate (10) with sodium hydride in DMF at room temperature provides 2-bromo-7-[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (2) (52% yield), whose t-BuOK-promoted hydrogen bromide elimination affords 7-[(tert-butoxy)carbonyl]-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene (31) in 78% yield, an intermediate in the total synthesis of epibatidine (1). However, the NaH/DMF-mediated heterocyclization of alkyl N-(trans-3,cis-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)carbamates (11, 13) is a more structure dependent reaction, where the nucleophilic attack of the oxygen atom of the protecting group controls the outcome of the reaction, giving rise to benzooxazolone and 2-oxa-4-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene derivatives, respectively, from low to moderate yields, in complex reaction mixtures. Conversely, the NaH/DMF heterocyclizations of N-(cis-3,trans-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (40) or N-(trans-3,cis-4-dibromocyclohex-1-yl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (42) are very clean reactions giving 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane or 2-oxa-4-azabicyclo[3.3.1]non-3-ene derivatives, respectively, in good yields. Finally, a mechanistic investigation, based on DFT calculations, has been carried out to rationalize the formation of the different adducts.

Mediation Analysis Demonstrates That Trans-eQTLs Are Often Explained by Cis-Mediation: A Genome-Wide Analysis among 1,800 South Asians

PubMed Central

Pierce, Brandon L.; Tong, Lin; Chen, Lin S.; Rahaman, Ronald; Argos, Maria; Jasmine, Farzana; Roy, Shantanu; Paul-Brutus, Rachelle; Westra, Harm-Jan; Franke, Lude; Esko, Tonu; Zaman, Rakibuz; Islam, Tariqul; Rahman, Mahfuzar; Baron, John A.; Kibriya, Muhammad G.; Ahsan, Habibul

2014-01-01

A large fraction of human genes are regulated by genetic variation near the transcribed sequence (cis-eQTL, expression quantitative trait locus), and many cis-eQTLs have implications for human disease. Less is known regarding the effects of genetic variation on expression of distant genes (trans-eQTLs) and their biological mechanisms. In this work, we use genome-wide data on SNPs and array-based expression measures from mononuclear cells obtained from a population-based cohort of 1,799 Bangladeshi individuals to characterize cis- and trans-eQTLs and determine if observed trans-eQTL associations are mediated by expression of transcripts in cis with the SNPs showing trans-association, using Sobel tests of mediation. We observed 434 independent trans-eQTL associations at a false-discovery rate of 0.05, and 189 of these trans-eQTLs were also cis-eQTLs (enrichment P<0.0001). Among these 189 trans-eQTL associations, 39 were significantly attenuated after adjusting for a cis-mediator based on Sobel P<10-5. We attempted to replicate 21 of these mediation signals in two European cohorts, and while only 7 trans-eQTL associations were present in one or both cohorts, 6 showed evidence of cis-mediation. Analyses of simulated data show that complete mediation will be observed as partial mediation in the presence of mediator measurement error or imperfect LD between measured and causal variants. Our data demonstrates that trans-associations can become significantly stronger or switch directions after adjusting for a potential mediator. Using simulated data, we demonstrate that this phenomenon is expected in the presence of strong cis-trans confounding and when the measured cis-transcript is correlated with the true (unmeasured) mediator. In conclusion, by applying mediation analysis to eQTL data, we show that a substantial fraction of observed trans-eQTL associations can be explained by cis-mediation. Future studies should focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying widespread cis-mediation and their relevance to disease biology, as well as using mediation analysis to improve eQTL discovery. PMID:25474530

Fine-scale mapping of the 4q24 locus identifies two independent loci associated with breast cancer risk.

PubMed

Guo, Xingyi; Long, Jirong; Zeng, Chenjie; Michailidou, Kyriaki; Ghoussaini, Maya; Bolla, Manjeet K; Wang, Qin; Milne, Roger L; Shu, Xiao-Ou; Cai, Qiuyin; Beesley, Jonathan; Kar, Siddhartha P; Andrulis, Irene L; Anton-Culver, Hoda; Arndt, Volker; Beckmann, Matthias W; Beeghly-Fadiel, Alicia; Benitez, Javier; Blot, William; Bogdanova, Natalia; Bojesen, Stig E; Brauch, Hiltrud; Brenner, Hermann; Brinton, Louise; Broeks, Annegien; Brüning, Thomas; Burwinkel, Barbara; Cai, Hui; Canisius, Sander; Chang-Claude, Jenny; Choi, Ji-Yeob; Couch, Fergus J; Cox, Angela; Cross, Simon S; Czene, Kamila; Darabi, Hatef; Devilee, Peter; Droit, Arnaud; Dörk, Thilo; Fasching, Peter A; Fletcher, Olivia; Flyger, Henrik; Fostira, Florentia; Gaborieau, Valerie; García-Closas, Montserrat; Giles, Graham G; Grip, Mervi; Guénel, Pascal; Haiman, Christopher A; Hamann, Ute; Hartman, Mikael; Hollestelle, Antoinette; Hopper, John L; Hsiung, Chia-Ni; Ito, Hidemi; Jakubowska, Anna; Johnson, Nichola; Kabisch, Maria; Kang, Daehee; Khan, Sofia; Knight, Julia A; Kosma, Veli-Matti; Lambrechts, Diether; Le Marchand, Loic; Li, Jingmei; Lindblom, Annika; Lophatananon, Artitaya; Lubinski, Jan; Mannermaa, Arto; Manoukian, Siranoush; Margolin, Sara; Marme, Frederik; Matsuo, Keitaro; McLean, Catriona A; Meindl, Alfons; Muir, Kenneth; Neuhausen, Susan L; Nevanlinna, Heli; Nord, Silje; Olson, Janet E; Orr, Nick; Peterlongo, Paolo; Putti, Thomas Choudary; Rudolph, Anja; Sangrajrang, Suleeporn; Sawyer, Elinor J; Schmidt, Marjanka K; Schmutzler, Rita K; Shen, Chen-Yang; Shi, Jiajun; Shrubsole, Martha J; Southey, Melissa C; Swerdlow, Anthony; Teo, Soo Hwang; Thienpont, Bernard; Toland, Amanda Ewart; Tollenaar, Robert A E M; Tomlinson, Ian P M; Truong, Thérèse; Tseng, Chiu-Chen; van den Ouweland, Ans; Wen, Wanqing; Winqvist, Robert; Wu, Anna; Yip, Cheng Har; Zamora, M Pilar; Zheng, Ying; Hall, Per; Pharoah, Paul D P; Simard, Jacques; Chenevix-Trench, Georgia; Dunning, Alison M; Easton, Douglas F; Zheng, Wei

2015-11-01

A recent association study identified a common variant (rs9790517) at 4q24 to be associated with breast cancer risk. Independent association signals and potential functional variants in this locus have not been explored. We conducted a fine-mapping analysis in 55,540 breast cancer cases and 51,168 controls from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium. Conditional analyses identified two independent association signals among women of European ancestry, represented by rs9790517 [conditional P = 2.51 × 10(-4); OR, 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02-1.07] and rs77928427 (P = 1.86 × 10(-4); OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07). Functional annotation using data from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project revealed two putative functional variants, rs62331150 and rs73838678 in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with rs9790517 (r(2) ≥ 0.90) residing in the active promoter or enhancer, respectively, of the nearest gene, TET2. Both variants are located in DNase I hypersensitivity and transcription factor-binding sites. Using data from both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC), we showed that rs62331150 was associated with level of expression of TET2 in breast normal and tumor tissue. Our study identified two independent association signals at 4q24 in relation to breast cancer risk and suggested that observed association in this locus may be mediated through the regulation of TET2. Fine-mapping study with large sample size warranted for identification of independent loci for breast cancer risk. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

“Completely out-at-sea” with “two-gender medicine”: A qualitative analysis of physician-side barriers to providing healthcare for transgender patients

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Members of the transgender community have identified healthcare access barriers, yet a corresponding inquiry into healthcare provider perspectives has lagged. Our aim was to examine physician perceptions of barriers to healthcare provision for transgender patients. Methods This was a qualitative study with physician participants from Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured interviews were used to capture a progression of ideas related to barriers faced by physicians when caring for trans patients. Qualitative data were then transcribed verbatim and analysed with an emergent grounded theory approach. Results A total of thirteen (13) physician participants were interviewed. Analysis revealed healthcare barriers that grouped into five themes: Accessing resources, medical knowledge deficits, ethics of transition-related medical care, diagnosing vs. pathologising trans patients, and health system determinants. A centralising theme of “not knowing where to go or who to talk to” was also identified. Conclusions The findings of this study show that physicians perceive barriers to the care of trans patients, and that these barriers are multifactorial. Access barriers impede physicians when referring patients to specialists or searching for reliable treatment information. Clinical management of trans patients is complicated by a lack of knowledge, and by ethical considerations regarding treatments—which can be unfamiliar or challenging to physicians. The disciplinary division of responsibilities within medicine further complicates care; few practitioners identify trans healthcare as an interest area, and there is a tendency to overemphasise trans status in mental health evaluations. Failure to recognise and accommodate trans patients within sex-segregated healthcare systems leads to deficient health policy. The findings of this study suggest potential solutions to trans healthcare barriers at the informational level—with increased awareness of clinical guidelines and by including trans health issues in medical education—and at the institutional level, with support for both trans-focused and trans-friendly primary care models. PMID:22559234

Erythrocyte trans-fatty acids, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals

PubMed Central

Yu, D.X.; Sun, Q.; Ye, X.W.; Pan, A.; Zong, G.; Zhou, Y.H.; Li, H.X.; Hu, F.B.; Lin, X.

2013-01-01

Aims/hypothesis Few data are available about intakes and food sources of trans-fatty acids (TFAs) or their associations with cardiometabolic outcomes in Asian people who consume a prudent diet but are experiencing rapid nutritional transitions. We aimed to investigate the relationships between TFA biomarkers and type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in Chinese individuals. Methods Erythrocyte fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography among 3,107 men and women (50–70 years) recruited from urban and rural areas in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Results Total trans-18:1 and two trans-18:2 isomers were detected and accounted for 0.37% of the total fatty acids in the erythrocytes. Concentrations of TFAs were higher in women than men, and in urban than rural residents. Of the TFAs, trans-18:1, but not trans-18:2, showed a modest association with dairy consumption (β=0.27), but not with other foods. After adjustment for BMI, social-demographic, lifestyle and dietary factors and other TFAs, erythrocyte trans-18:1 was shown to be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (OR comparing extreme quartiles=0.68, 95% CI=0.48, 0.97, ptrend=0.02), as well as 20–50% lower odds of central obesity, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and chronic inflammation. In contrast, trans-18:2 fatty acids were positively associated with high triacylglycerol (ptrend<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (ptrend=0.03) levels, but not with diabetes and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusions/interpretation Among middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with overall low erythrocyte TFAs levels, trans-18:1 might serve as a marker of dairy intake. Higher trans-18:1 levels were associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, whereas higher trans-18:2 levels were associated with dyslipidaemia. PMID:22886370

Steady-State pharmacokinetics and tolerability of trans-resveratrol 2000 mg twice daily with food, quercetin and alcohol (ethanol) in healthy human subjects.

PubMed

la Porte, Charles; Voduc, Nha; Zhang, Guijun; Seguin, Isabelle; Tardiff, Danielle; Singhal, Neera; Cameron, D William

2010-07-01

Trans-resveratrol is a polyphenol, which is found in red wine and has cancer chemo-preventive properties and disease-preventive properties. The pharmacokinetics of trans-resveratrol have been investigated in single-dose studies and in studies with relatively low dosages. The present study aimed to investigate the steady-state pharmacokinetics and tolerability of trans-resveratrol 2000 mg twice daily with food, quercetin and alcohol (ethanol). This was a two-period, open-label, single-arm, within-subject control study in eight healthy subjects. The steady-state 12-hour pharmacokinetics of trans-resveratrol 2000 mg twice daily were studied with a standard breakfast, a high-fat breakfast, quercetin 500 mg twice daily and 5% alcohol 100 mL. Trans-resveratrol plasma concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The mean (SD) area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 hours (AUC(12)) and maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of trans-resveratrol were 3558 (2195) ng * h/mL and 1274 (790) ng/mL, respectively, after the standard breakfast. The high-fat breakfast significantly decreased the AUC(12) and C(max) by 45% and 46%, respectively, when compared with the standard breakfast. Quercetin 500 mg twice daily or 5% alcohol 100 mL did not influence trans-resveratrol pharmacokinetics. Diarrhoea was reported in six of the eight subjects. Significant but not clinically relevant changes from baseline were observed in serum potassium and total bilirubin levels. Trans-resveratrol 2000 mg twice daily resulted in adequate exposure and was well tolerated by healthy subjects, although diarrhoea was frequently observed. In order to maximize trans-resveratrol exposure, it should be taken with a standard breakfast and not with a high-fat meal. Furthermore, combined intake with quercetin or alcohol did not influence trans-resveratrol exposure.

"Completely out-at-sea" with "two-gender medicine": a qualitative analysis of physician-side barriers to providing healthcare for transgender patients.

PubMed

Snelgrove, John W; Jasudavisius, Amanda M; Rowe, Bradley W; Head, Evan M; Bauer, Greta R

2012-05-04

Members of the transgender community have identified healthcare access barriers, yet a corresponding inquiry into healthcare provider perspectives has lagged. Our aim was to examine physician perceptions of barriers to healthcare provision for transgender patients. This was a qualitative study with physician participants from Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured interviews were used to capture a progression of ideas related to barriers faced by physicians when caring for trans patients. Qualitative data were then transcribed verbatim and analysed with an emergent grounded theory approach. A total of thirteen (13) physician participants were interviewed. Analysis revealed healthcare barriers that grouped into five themes: Accessing resources, medical knowledge deficits, ethics of transition-related medical care, diagnosing vs. pathologising trans patients, and health system determinants. A centralising theme of "not knowing where to go or who to talk to" was also identified. The findings of this study show that physicians perceive barriers to the care of trans patients, and that these barriers are multifactorial. Access barriers impede physicians when referring patients to specialists or searching for reliable treatment information. Clinical management of trans patients is complicated by a lack of knowledge, and by ethical considerations regarding treatments--which can be unfamiliar or challenging to physicians. The disciplinary division of responsibilities within medicine further complicates care; few practitioners identify trans healthcare as an interest area, and there is a tendency to overemphasise trans status in mental health evaluations. Failure to recognise and accommodate trans patients within sex-segregated healthcare systems leads to deficient health policy. The findings of this study suggest potential solutions to trans healthcare barriers at the informational level--with increased awareness of clinical guidelines and by including trans health issues in medical education-and at the institutional level, with support for both trans-focused and trans-friendly primary care models.

Reported emergency department avoidance, use, and experiences of transgender persons in Ontario, Canada: results from a respondent-driven sampling survey.

PubMed

Bauer, Greta R; Scheim, Ayden I; Deutsch, Madeline B; Massarella, Carys

2014-06-01

Transgender, transsexual, or transitioned (trans) people have reported avoiding medical care because of negative experiences or fear of such experiences. The extent of trans-specific negative emergency department (ED) experiences, and of ED avoidance, has not been documented. The Trans PULSE Project conducted a survey of trans people in Ontario, Canada (n=433) in 2009 to 2010, using respondent-driven sampling, a tracked network-based method for studying hidden populations. Weighted frequencies and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the trans population in Ontario and for the subgroup (n=167) reporting ED use in their felt gender. Four hundred eight participants completed the ED experience items. Trans people were young (34% aged 16 to 24 years and only 10% >55 years); approximately half were female-to-male and half male-to-female. Medically supervised hormones were used by 37% (95% CI 30% to 46%), and 27% (95% CI 20% to 35%) had at least 1 transition-related surgery. Past-year ED need was reported by 33% (95% CI 26% to 40%) of trans Ontarians, though only 71% (95% CI 40% to 91%) of those with self-reported need indicated that they were able to obtain care. An estimated 21% (95% CI 14% to 25%) reported ever avoiding ED care because of a perception that their trans status would negatively affect such an encounter. Trans-specific negative ED experiences were reported by 52% (95% CI 34% to 72%) of users presenting in their felt gender. This first exploratory analysis of ED avoidance, utilization, and experiences by trans persons documented ED avoidance and possible unmet need for emergency care among trans Ontarians. Additional research, including validation of measures, is needed. Copyright © 2013 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Experiences of stigma and discrimination in social and healthcare settings among trans people living with HIV in the UK.

PubMed

Hibbert, M; Wolton, A; Crenna-Jennings, W; Benton, L; Kirwan, P; Lut, I; Okala, S; Ross, M; Furegato, M; Nambiar, K; Douglas, N; Roche, J; Jeffries, J; Reeves, I; Nelson, M; Weerawardhana, C; Jamal, Z; Hudson, A; Delpech, V

2018-07-01

The People Living with HIV StigmaSurvey UK 2015 was a community led national survey investigating experiences of people living with HIV in the UK in the past 12 months. Participants aged 18 and over were recruited through over 120 cross-sector community organisations and 46 HIV clinics to complete an anonymous online survey. Trans is an umbrella term which refers to individuals whose current gender identity is different to the gender they were assigned at birth. Trans participants self-identified via gender identity and gender at birth questions. Descriptive analyses of reported experiences in social and health care settings were conducted and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify sociodemographic predictors of reporting being treated differently to non-HIV patients, and being delayed or refused healthcare treatment in the past 12 months. 31 out of 1576 participants (2%) identified as trans (19 trans women, 5 trans men, 2 gender queer/non-binary, 5 other). High levels of social stigma were reported for all participants, with trans participants significantly more likely to report worrying about verbal harassment (39% vs. 23%), and exclusion from family gatherings (23% vs. 9%) in the last 12 months, compared to cisgender participants. Furthermore, 10% of trans participants reported physical assault in the last 12 months, compared to 4% of cisgender participants. Identifying as trans was a predictor of reporting being treated differently to non-HIV patients (48% vs. 30%; aOR 2.61, CI 1.06, 6.42) and being delayed or refused healthcare (41% vs. 16%; aOR 4.58, CI 1.83, 11.44). Trans people living with HIV in the UK experience high levels of stigma and discrimination, including within healthcare settings, which is likely to impact upon health outcomes. Trans-specific education and awareness within healthcare settings could help to improve service provision for this demographic.

RNA localization in Xenopus oocytes uses a core group of trans-acting factors irrespective of destination.

PubMed

Snedden, Donald D; Bertke, Michelle M; Vernon, Dominic; Huber, Paul W

2013-07-01

The 3' untranslated region of mRNA encoding PHAX, a phosphoprotein required for nuclear export of U-type snRNAs, contains cis-acting sequence motifs E2 and VM1 that are required for localization of RNAs to the vegetal hemisphere of Xenopus oocytes. However, we have found that PHAX mRNA is transported to the opposite, animal, hemisphere. A set of proteins that cross-link to the localization elements of vegetally localized RNAs are also cross-linked to PHAX and An1 mRNAs, demonstrating that the composition of RNP complexes that form on these localization elements is highly conserved irrespective of the final destination of the RNA. The ability of RNAs to bind this core group of proteins is correlated with localization activity. Staufen1, which binds to Vg1 and VegT mRNAs, is not associated with RNAs localized to the animal hemisphere and may determine, at least in part, the direction of RNA movement in Xenopus oocytes.

Splicing predictions reliably classify different types of alternative splicing

PubMed Central

Busch, Anke; Hertel, Klemens J.

2015-01-01

Alternative splicing is a key player in the creation of complex mammalian transcriptomes and its misregulation is associated with many human diseases. Multiple mRNA isoforms are generated from most human genes, a process mediated by the interplay of various RNA signature elements and trans-acting factors that guide spliceosomal assembly and intron removal. Here, we introduce a splicing predictor that evaluates hundreds of RNA features simultaneously to successfully differentiate between exons that are constitutively spliced, exons that undergo alternative 5′ or 3′ splice-site selection, and alternative cassette-type exons. Surprisingly, the splicing predictor did not feature strong discriminatory contributions from binding sites for known splicing regulators. Rather, the ability of an exon to be involved in one or multiple types of alternative splicing is dictated by its immediate sequence context, mainly driven by the identity of the exon's splice sites, the conservation around them, and its exon/intron architecture. Thus, the splicing behavior of human exons can be reliably predicted based on basic RNA sequence elements. PMID:25805853

Fate-Regulating Circuits in Viruses: From Discovery to New Therapy Targets

PubMed Central

Pai, Anand; Weinberger, Leor S.

2018-01-01

Current antivirals effectively target diverse viruses at various stages of their viral lifecycles. Nevertheless, curative therapy has remained elusive for important pathogens (e.g., HIV-1 and herpesviruses), in large part due to viral latency and the evolution of resistance to existing therapies. Here, we review the discovery of viral ‘master’ circuits: virus-encoded auto-regulatory gene networks that can autonomously control viral expression programs (i.e., between active, latent, and abortive fates). These circuits offer a potential new class of antivirals that could lead to intrinsic combination-antiviral therapies within a single molecule—evolutionary escape from such circuit ‘disruptors’ would require simultaneous evolution of both the cis regulatory element (e.g., the DNA-binding site) and the trans element (e.g., the transcription factor) for the circuit’s function to be recapitulated. We review the architectures of these fate-regulating master circuits in HIV-1 and the human herpesvirus cytomegalovirus (CMV) along with potential circuit-disruption strategies that may ultimately enable escape-resistant antiviral therapies. PMID:28800289

Evolutionary conservation of cold-induced antisense RNAs of FLOWERING LOCUS C in Arabidopsis thaliana perennial relatives.

PubMed

Castaings, Loren; Bergonzi, Sara; Albani, Maria C; Kemi, Ulla; Savolainen, Outi; Coupland, George

2014-07-17

Antisense RNA (asRNA) COOLAIR is expressed at A. thaliana FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) in response to winter temperatures. Its contribution to cold-induced silencing of FLC was proposed but its functional and evolutionary significance remain unclear. Here we identify a highly conserved block containing the COOLAIR first exon and core promoter at the 3' end of several FLC orthologues. Furthermore, asRNAs related to COOLAIR are expressed at FLC loci in the perennials A. alpina and A. lyrata, although some splicing variants differ from A. thaliana. Study of the A. alpina orthologue, PERPETUAL FLOWERING 1 (PEP1), demonstrates that AaCOOLAIR is induced each winter of the perennial life cycle. Introduction of PEP1 into A. thaliana reveals that AaCOOLAIR cis-elements confer cold-inducibility in this heterologous species while the difference between PEP1 and FLC mRNA patterns depends on both cis-elements and species-specific trans-acting factors. Thus, expression of COOLAIR is highly conserved, supporting its importance in FLC regulation.

Transposition of a Ds element from a plasmid into the plant genome in Nicotiana plumbaginifolia protoplast-derived cells.

PubMed

Houba-Hérin, N; Domin, M; Pédron, J

1994-07-01

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia haploid protoplasts were co-transformed with two plasmids, one with a NPT-II/Ds element and one with a gene encoding an amino-terminal truncated Ac transposase. It is shown that Ds can efficiently transpose from extrachromosomal DNA to N. plumbaginifolia chromosomes when the Ac transposase gene is present in trans. Ds has been shown to have transposed into the plant genome in a limited number of copies (1.9 copies per genome), for 21/32 transgenic lines tested. The flanking sequences present in the original plasmid are missing in these 21 plants. In only two of 21 plants was part of the transposase construct integrated. By segregation analysis of transgenic progeny, Ds was shown to be present in the heterozygous state in 10 lines even though haploid protoplasts had been originally transformed. This observation could indicate that integration occurred after or during DNA replication that leads to protoplast diploidization.

Experimental data showing the thermal behavior of a flat roof with phase change material.

PubMed

Tokuç, Ayça; Başaran, Tahsin; Yesügey, S Cengiz

2015-12-01

The selection and configuration of building materials for optimal energy efficiency in a building require some assumptions and models for the thermal behavior of the utilized materials. Although the models for many materials can be considered acceptable for simulation and calculation purposes, the work for modeling the real time behavior of phase change materials is still under development. The data given in this article shows the thermal behavior of a flat roof element with a phase change material (PCM) layer. The temperature and energy given to and taken from the building element are reported. In addition the solid-liquid behavior of the PCM is tracked through images. The resulting thermal behavior of the phase change material is discussed and simulated in [1] A. Tokuç, T. Başaran, S.C. Yesügey, An experimental and numerical investigation on the use of phase change materials in building elements: the case of a flat roof in Istanbul, Build. Energy, vol. 102, 2015, pp. 91-104.

Mineral content of Chinese medicinal herbs used as diuretic treatments for Taiwanese children.

PubMed

Chen, Chien-Yi

2005-01-01

Eighteen major, minor and trace elements in 12 Chinese medicinal herbs commonly consumed by Taiwanese Children as diuretics were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Dried and powdered herb samples were irradiated in a neutron flux of ca. 2 x 10(12) n/cm2 s under separate short and long irradiation schemes. Lichen (IAEA-336) was used as the reference standard, and tomato leaves (NIST-SRM 1570a) were employed for cross-checking the accuracy of the results. INAA was shown to be a reliable multi-element analytical method for determining the content of both toxicologically and nutritionally important minerals in Chinese medicinal herbs. Determined elements were present in the dried herbs in concentrations ranging from 10(4) to 10(-3) microg/g. The mineral contents and the maximum daily intake values of the tested herbs were compared with published values and with the recommended daily intakes for Taiwanese children as specified by the World Health Organization.

Effects of the naturally occurring alkenylbenzenes eugenol and trans-anethole on drug-metabolizing enzymes in the rat liver.

PubMed

Rompelberg, C J; Verhagen, H; van Bladeren, P J

1993-09-01

In order to study the effects of trans-anethole and eugenol on drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in vivo, male Wistar rats were treated by gavage with trans-anethole (125 or 250 mg/kg body weight) or eugenol (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg body weight) daily for 10 days. In liver microsomes and cytosol various phase-I and phase-II biotransformation enzyme activities were determined. No effect on total cytochrome P-450 content in liver microsomes from rats treated with eugenol or trans-anethole was observed. Administration of 1000 mg eugenol/kg body weight, but not the lower doses, significantly increased cytochrome P-450-dependent 7-ethoxy-resorufin O-deethylation (EROD) and 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylation (PROD); administration of trans-anethole (125 or 250 mg/kg body weight) did not alter EROD and PROD activities. In rat liver cytosol, UDP-glucuronyl transferase (GT) activity towards the substrate 4-chlorophenol was significantly increased in all treated rats, and activity towards 4-hydroxybiphenyl as substrate was significantly increased in rats treated with 250 mg trans-anethole/kg or with 500 or 1000 mg eugenol/kg. DT-diaphorase (DTD) activity was only significantly enhanced in the liver cytosol of rats treated with trans-anethole at 250 mg/kg body weight. Enhancement of cytosolic glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was found for all eugenol- and trans-anethole-treated rats. In addition, significantly increased levels of GST subunit 2 were measured by HPLC in the liver cytosol of rats treated with eugenol (500 or 1000 mg/kg body eight) or trans-anethole (250 mg/kg body weight). It is concluded that both eugenol and trans-anethole preferentially induced phase II biotransformation enzymes in rat liver in vivo.

A Randomized Phase 2 Study of Long-Acting TransCon GH vs Daily GH in Childhood GH Deficiency.

PubMed

Chatelain, Pierre; Malievskiy, Oleg; Radziuk, Klaudziya; Senatorova, Ganna; Abdou, Magdy O; Vlachopapadopoulou, Elpis; Skorodok, Yulia; Peterkova, Valentina; Leff, Jonathan A; Beckert, Michael

2017-05-01

TransCon Growth Hormone (GH) (Ascendis Pharma) is a long-acting recombinant sustained-release human GH prodrug in development for children with GH deficiency (GHD). To compare the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and efficacy of weekly TransCon GH to that of daily GH in prepubertal children with GHD. Randomized, open-label, active-controlled study of three doses of weekly TransCon GH versus daily Genotropin (Pfizer). Thirty-eight centers in 14 European countries and Egypt. Prepubertal male and female treatment-naïve children with GHD (n = 53). Subjects received one of three TransCon GH doses (0.14, 0.21, or 0.30 mg GH/kg/wk) or Genotropin 0.03 mg GH/kg/d for 26 weeks. GH and insulinlike growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, growth, adverse events, and immunogenicity. Both GH maximum concentration and area under the curve were similar following TransCon GH or Genotropin administration at comparable doses. A dose response was observed, with IGF-1 standard deviation scores increasing into the normal range for all three TransCon GH doses. Annualized mean height velocity for the three TransCon GH doses ranged from 11.9 cm to 13.9 cm, which was not statistically different from 11.6 cm for Genotropin. Adverse events were mild to moderate, and most were unrelated to the study drug. Injection site tolerance was good. One TransCon GH subject developed a low-titer, nonneutralizing antibody response to GH. The results suggest that long-acting TransCon GH is comparable to daily Genotropin for GH (pharmacokinetics) and IGF-1 (pharmacodynamics) levels, safety, and efficacy and support advancement into phase 3 development. Copyright © 2017 Endocrine Society

The need for multisectoral food chain approaches to reduce trans fat consumption in India.

PubMed

Downs, Shauna M; Singh, Archna; Gupta, Vidhu; Lock, Karen; Ghosh-Jerath, Suparna

2015-07-22

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends virtually eliminating trans fat from the global food supply. Although several high-income countries have successfully reduced trans fat levels in foods, low- and middle-income countries such as India face additional challenges to its removal from the food supply. This study provides a systems analysis of the Indian food chain to assess intervention options for reducing trans fat intake in low-income consumers. Data were collected at the manufacturer, retailer and consumer levels. Qualitative interviews were conducted with vanaspati manufacturers (n = 13) and local food vendors (n = 44). Laboratory analyses (n = 39) of street foods/snacks sold by the vendors were also conducted. Trans fat and snack intakes were also examined in low-income consumers in two rural villages (n = 260) and an urban slum (n = 261). Manufacturers of vanaspati described reducing trans fat levels as feasible but identified challenges in using healthier oils. The fat content of sampled oils from street vendors contained high levels of saturated fat (24.7-69.3 % of total fat) and trans fat (0.1-29.9 % of total fat). Households were consuming snacks high in trans fat as part of daily diets (31 % village and 84.3 % of slum households) and 4 % of rural and 13 % of urban households exceeded WHO recommendations for trans fat intakes. A multisectoral food chain approach to reducing trans fat is needed in India and likely in other low- and middle-income countries worldwide. This will require investment in development of competitively priced bakery shortenings and economic incentives for manufacturing foods using healthier oils. Increased production of healthier oils will also be required alongside these investments, which will become increasingly important as more and more countries begin investing in palm oil production.

Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Pharmacodynamic Biomarker for Pazopanib in Metastatic Renal Carcinoma.

PubMed

Sweis, Randy F; Medved, Milica; Towey, Shannon; Karczmar, Gregory S; Oto, Aytekin; Szmulewitz, Russell Z; O'Donnell, Peter H; Fishkin, Paul; Karrison, Theodore; Stadler, Walter M

2017-04-01

Traditional imaging assessment criteria might not correlate well with clinical benefit from vascular endothelial growth factor pathway-directed therapy in metastatic renal cancer. Preclinical data suggest tumor growth is preceded by a rise in K trans level, a parameter derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that reflects vascular permeability. We thus hypothesized that K trans might be a predictive biomarker for pazopanib. Patients with metastatic renal cancer were treated with pazopanib at 800 mg oral daily until disease progression. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis with a DCE-MRI sequence was obtained at baseline and every 8 weeks. Seventy-three DCE-MRI scans were completed and 66 were technically assessable. Of the 17 patients with at least 1 DCE-MRI scan after the baseline scan, 16 (94%) had a decline in K trans level. Changes in K trans compared with baseline after 1, 8, 16, and 24 weeks were -49%, -65%, -63%, and -53%, respectively (P = .0052, repeated measures analysis of variance). The median K trans nadir occurred at 8 weeks. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 32.1 weeks. PFS was longer in patients with higher baseline K trans values (P = .036, log rank). Baseline K trans did not reach significance in a Cox proportional hazard model including clinical prognostic index and previous treatments (P = .083). We show that K trans is a pharmacodynamic biomarker for pazopanib therapy in metastatic renal cancer. Because of the small sample size, the predictive capacity of K trans recovery could not be assessed, but baseline K trans correlated with PFS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Diet-induced milk fat depression is associated with alterations in ruminal biohydrogenation pathways and formation of novel fatty acid intermediates in lactating cows.

PubMed

Ventto, Laura; Leskinen, Heidi; Kairenius, Piia; Stefański, Tomasz; Bayat, Ali R; Vilkki, Johanna; Shingfield, Kevin J

2017-02-01

The biohydrogenation theory of milk fat depression (MFD) attributes decreases in milk fat in cows to the formation of specific fatty acids (FA) in the rumen. Trans-10, cis-12-CLA is the only biohydrogenation intermediate known to inhibit milk fat synthesis, but it is uncertain if increased ruminal synthesis is the sole explanation of MFD. Four lactating cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments and 35-d experimental periods to evaluate the effect of diets formulated to cause differences in ruminal lipid metabolism and milk fat synthesis on the flow of FA and dimethyl acetal at the omasum. Treatments comprised total mixed rations based on grass silage with a forage:concentrate ratio of 35:65 or 65:35 containing 0 or 50 g/kg sunflower oil (SO). Supplementing the high-concentrate diet with SO lowered milk fat synthesis from -20·2 to -31·9 % relative to other treatments. Decreases in milk fat were accompanied by alterations in ruminal biohydrogenation favouring the trans-10 pathway and an increase in the formation of specific intermediates including trans-4 to trans-10-18 : 1, trans-8, trans-10-CLA, trans-9, cis-11-CLA and trans-10, cis-15-18 : 2. Flow of trans-10, cis-12-CLA at the omasum was greater on high- than low-concentrate diets but unaffected by SO. In conclusion, ruminal trans-10, cis-12-CLA formation was not increased on a diet causing MFD suggesting that other biohydrogenation intermediates or additional mechanisms contribute to the regulation of fat synthesis in the bovine mammary gland.

Differential effect of corn oil-based low trans structured fat on the plasma and hepatic lipid profile in an atherogenic mouse model: comparison to hydrogenated trans fat.

PubMed

Cho, Yun-Young; Kwon, Eun-Young; Kim, Hye-Jin; Jeon, Seon-Min; Lee, Ki-Teak; Choi, Myung-Sook

2011-01-20

Trans fat are not desirable in many aspects on health maintenance. Low trans structured fats have been reported to be relatively more safe than trans fats. We examined the effects of low trans structured fat from corn oil (LC), compared with high trans fat shortening, on cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in apo E deficient mice which is an atherogenic animal model. The animals were fed a high trans fat (10% fat: commercial shortening (CS)) or a low trans fat (LC) diet for 12 weeks. LC decreased apo B and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride concentration compared to the CS group but significantly increased plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration and fecal lipids with a simultaneous increase in HDL-cholesterol level, apo A-I, and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total cholesterol (HTR). Reduction of hepatic lipid levels by inclusion of LC intake was observed alongside modulation of hepatic enzyme activities related to cholesterol esterification, fatty acid metabolism and fecal lipids level compared to the CS group. The differential effects of LC intake on the plasma and hepatic lipid profile seemed to be partly due to the fatty acid composition of LC which contains higher MUFA, PUFA and SFA content as well as lower content of trans fatty acids compared to CS. We suggest that LC may exert a dual effect on plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism in an atherogenic animal model. Accordingly, LC, supplemented at 10% in diet, had an anti-atherogenic effect on these apo E-/- mice, and increased fecal lipids, decreased hepatic steatosis, but elevated plasma lipids. Further studies are needed to verify the exact mode of action regarding the complex physiological changes and alteration in lipid metabolism caused by LC.

Reactive intermediates in 4He nanodroplets: Infrared laser Stark spectroscopy of dihydroxycarbene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broderick, Bernadette M.; McCaslin, Laura; Moradi, Christopher P.; Stanton, John F.; Douberly, Gary E.

2015-04-01

Singlet dihydroxycarbene ( HO C ̈ OH ) is produced via pyrolytic decomposition of oxalic acid, captured by helium nanodroplets, and probed with infrared laser Stark spectroscopy. Rovibrational bands in the OH stretch region are assigned to either trans,trans- or trans,cis-rotamers on the basis of symmetry type, nuclear spin statistical weights, and comparisons to electronic structure theory calculations. Stark spectroscopy provides the inertial components of the permanent electric dipole moments for these rotamers. The dipole components for trans, trans- and trans, cis-rotamers are (μa, μb) = (0.00, 0.68(6)) and (1.63(3), 1.50(5)), respectively. The infrared spectra lack evidence for the higher energy cis,cis-rotamer, which is consistent with a previously proposed pyrolytic decomposition mechanism of oxalic acid and computations of HO C ̈ OH torsional interconversion and tautomerization barriers.

Barriers and facilitators to HIV and sexually transmitted infections testing for gay, bisexual, and other transgender men who have sex with men.

PubMed

Scheim, Ayden I; Travers, Robb

2017-08-01

Transgender men who have sex with men (trans MSM) may be at elevated risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), and therefore require access to HIV and STI testing services. However, trans people often face stigma, discrimination, and gaps in provider competence when attempting to access health care and may therefore postpone, avoid, or be refused care. In this context, quantitative data have indicated low access to, and uptake of, HIV testing among trans MSM. The present manuscript aimed to identify trans MSM's perspectives on barriers and facilitators to HIV and STI testing. As part of a community-based research project investigating HIV risk and resilience among trans MSM, 40 trans MSM aged 18 and above and living in Ontario, Canada participated in one-on-one qualitative interviews in 2013. Participants described a number of barriers to HIV and other STI testing. These included both trans-specific and general difficulties in accessing sexual health services, lack of trans health knowledge among testing providers, limited clinical capacity to meet STI testing needs, and a perceived gap between trans-inclusive policies and their implementation in practice. Two major facilitators were identified: access to trusted and flexible testing providers, and integration of testing with ongoing monitoring for hormone therapy. Based on these findings, we provide recommendations for enhancing access to HIV and STI testing for this key population.

Bioavailability of trans-resveratrol from red wine in humans.

PubMed

Vitaglione, Paola; Sforza, Stefano; Galaverna, Gianni; Ghidini, Cristiana; Caporaso, Nicola; Vescovi, Pier Paolo; Fogliano, Vincenzo; Marchelli, Rosangela

2005-05-01

Many in vitro studies demonstrated significant biological effects of trans-resveratrol. Thus, understanding the rate of intestinal absorption and metabolization in vivo of trans-resveratrol is the prerequisite to evaluate its potential health impact. Bioavailability studies mainly in animals or in humans using the pure compound at very high doses were performed. In this work, trans-resveratrol bioavailability from a moderate consumption of red wine in 25 healthy humans has been studied by three different experiments. The wine ingestion was associated to three different dietary approaches: fasting, a standard meal, a meal with high and low amount of lipids. Trans-resveratrol 3- and 4'-glucuronides were synthesized, purified, and characterized as pure standards. Bioavailability data were obtained by measuring the concentration of free, 3-glucuronide and 4'-glucuronide trans-resveratrol by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), both with ultraviolet (UV) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection, in serum samples taken at different times after red wine administration. Free trans-resveratrol was found, in trace amounts, only in some serum samples collected 30 min after red wine ingestion while after longer times resveratrol glucuronides predominated. Trans-resveratrol bioavailability was shown to be independent from the meal or its lipid content. The finding in human serum of trans-resveratrol glucuronides, rather than the free form of the compound, with a high interindividual variability, raises some doubts about the health effects of dietary resveratrol consumption and suggests that the benefits associated to red wine consumption could be probably due to the whole antioxidant pool present in red wine.

Effect of ferulic acid supplementation on the developmental competence of porcine embryos during in vitro maturation.

PubMed

Tanihara, Fuminori; Hirata, Maki; Nhien, Nguyen Thi; Hirano, Takayuki; Kunihara, Toshiki; Otoi, Takeshige

2018-05-16

The value of laboratory and genetically-modified pigs is becoming increasingly clear; however, their in vitro development remains inefficient. Trans-ferulic acid (trans-FA) is an aromatic compound that is abundant in plant cell walls, and which exhibits antioxidant effects in vitro. Trans-FA is known to improve sperm viability and motility; however, its effects on porcine oocytes are unknown. Our aim was to investigate the effects of trans-FA supplementation during in vitro maturation on the meiotic and developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Oocytes were matured either without (control) or with trans-FA (10, 100, and 1,000 µM), fertilized, and cultured in vitro for 7 days. The maturation rate of oocytes cultured with 10 µM trans-FA (81.6%) was significantly higher than that of controls (65.0%; P<0.05). The fertilization rate of oocytes matured with 10 µM trans-FA (57.4%) was also significantly higher than that of controls (32.7%) and oocytes cultured with other concentrations (33.1% and 22.7% for 100 and 1,000 µM, respectively; P<0.05). Moreover, the blastocyst formation rate of oocytes matured with 10 µM trans-FA (6.9%) was significantly higher than that of controls (2.3%; P<0.05). Our results suggest that in vitro maturation with 10 µM trans-FA is beneficial for the in vitro production of porcine embryos and has the potential to improve production system.

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding and catalytic applications of Ru(III) complexes.

PubMed

Shoair, A F; El-Shobaky, A R; Azab, E A

2015-01-01

A new series of azodye ligands 5-chloro-3-hydroxy-4-(aryldiazenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one (HLn) were synthesized by coupling of 5-chloro-3-hydroxypyridin-2(1H)-one with aniline and its p-derivatives. These ligands and their Ru(III) complexes of the type trans-[Ru(Ln)2(AsPh3)2]Cl were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, (1)H NMR and UV-Visible spectra as well as magnetic and thermal measurements. The molar conductance measurements proved that all the complexes are electrolytes. IR spectra show that the ligands (HLn) acts as a monobasic bidentate ligand by coordinating via the nitrogen atom of the azo group (NN) and oxygen atom of the deprotonated phenolic OH group, thereby forming a six-membered chelating ring and concomitant formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The molecular and electronic structures of the investigated compounds (HLn) were also studied using quantum chemical calculations. The calf thymus DNA binding activity of the ligands (HLn) and their Ru(III) complexes were studied by absorption spectra and viscosity measurements. The mechanism and the catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by trans-[Ru(Ln)2(AsPh3)2]Cl with hydrogen peroxide as co-oxidant were described. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Discovery and physical characterization of a large scattered disk object at 92 au

DOE PAGES

Gerdes, D. W.; Sako, M.; Hamilton, S.; ...

2017-04-10

We report the observation and physical characterization of the possible dwarf planet 2014 UZmore » $$_{224}$$ ("DeeDee"), a dynamically detached trans-Neptunian object discovered at 92 AU. This object is currently the second-most distant known trans-Neptunian object with reported orbital elements, surpassed in distance only by the dwarf planet Eris. The object was discovered with an $r$-band magnitude of 23.0 in data collected by the Dark Energy Survey between 2014 and 2016. Its 1140-year orbit has $$(a,e,i) = (109~\\mathrm{AU},2 0.54, 26.8^{\\circ})$$. It will reach its perihelion distance of 38 AU in the year 2142. Integrations of its orbit show it to be dynamically stable on Gyr timescales, with only weak interactions with Neptune. We have performed followup observations with ALMA, using 3 hours of on-source integration time to measure the object's thermal emission in the Rayleigh-Jeans tail. As a result, the signal is detected at 7$$\\sigma$$ significance, from which we determine a $V$-band albedo of $$18.0^{+4.0}_{-2.9}\\mathrm{(stat)}^{+1.5}_{-1.2}\\mathrm{(sys)}$$ percent and a diameter of $$541^{+47}_{-51}\\mathrm{(stat)}^{+19}_{-20}\\mathrm{(sys)}$$~km, assuming a spherical body with uniform surface properties.« less

The Unicellular Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as an Experimental System to Study Chloroplast RNA Metabolism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nickelsen, J.; Kück, U.

Chloroplasts are typical organelles of photoautotrophic eukaryotic cells which drive a variety of functions, including photosynthesis. For many years the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has served as an experimental organism for studying photosynthetic processes. The recent development of molecular tools for this organism together with efficient methods of genetic analysis and the availability of many photosynthesis mutants has now made this alga a powerful model system for the analysis of chloroplast biogenesis. For example, techniques have been developed to transfer recombinant DNA into both the nuclear and the chloroplast genome. This allows both complementation tests and analyses of gene functions in vivo. Moreover, site-specific DNA recombinations in the chloroplast allow targeted gene disruption experiments which enable a "reverse genetics" to be performed. The potential of the algal system for the study of chloroplast biogenesis is illustrated in this review by the description of regulatory systems of gene expression involved in organelle biogenesis. One example concerns the regulation of trans-splicing of chloroplast mRNAs, a process which is controlled by both multiple nuclear- and chloroplast-encoded factors. The second example involves the stabilization of chloroplast mRNAs. The available data lead us predict distinct RNA elements, which interact with trans-acting factors to protect the RNA against nucleolytic attacks.

Assessing forest roads and their edge effects on burn severity patterns using satellite data and geospatial analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, S. D.; Clague, J. J.; Rabus, B.; Stead, D.

2011-12-01

Multiple, active, deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD) are present near the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Richardson Highway in the east-central Alaska Range, Alaska, USA. We documented spatial and temporal variations in rates of surface movement of the DSGSDs between 2003 and 2011 using RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 D-InSAR images. Deformation rates exceed 10 cm/month over very large areas (>1 km2) of many rock slopes. Recent climatic change and strong seismic shaking, especially during the 2002 M 7.9 Denali Fault earthquake, appear to have exacerbated slope deformation. We also mapped DSGSD geological and morphological characteristics using field- and GIS-based methods, and constructed a conceptual 2D distinct-element numerical model of one of the DSGSDs. Preliminary results indicate that large-scale buckling or kink-band slumping may be occurring. The DSGSDs are capable of generating long-runout landslides that might impact the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and Richardson Highway. They could also block tributary valleys, thereby impounding lakes that might drain suddenly. Wrapped 24-day RADARSAT-2 descending spotlight interferogram showing deformation north of Fels Glacier. The interferogram is partially transparent and is overlaid on a 2009 WorldView-1 panchromatic image. Acquisition interval: August 2 - August 26, 2011. UTM Zone 6N.

Ionic Liquid Droplet Microreactor for Catalysis Reactions Not at Equilibrium.

PubMed

Zhang, Ming; Ettelaie, Rammile; Yan, Tao; Zhang, Suojiang; Cheng, Fangqin; Binks, Bernard P; Yang, Hengquan

2017-12-06

We develop a novel strategy to more effectively and controllably process continuous enzymatic or homogeneous catalysis reactions based on nonaqueous Pickering emulsions. A key element of this strategy is "bottom-up" construction of a macroscale continuous flow reaction system through packing catalyst-containing micron-sized ionic liquid (IL) droplet in oil in a column reactor. Due to the continuous influx of reactants into the droplet microreactors and the continuous release of products from the droplet microreactors, catalysis reactions in such a system can take place without limitations arising from establishment of the reaction equilibrium and catalyst separation, inherent in conventional batch reactions. As proof of the concept, enzymatic enantioselective trans-esterification and CuI-catalyzed cycloaddition reactions using this IL droplet-based flow system both exhibit 8 to 25-fold enhancement in catalysis efficiency compared to their batch counterparts, and a durability of at least 4000 h for the enantioselective trans-esterification of 1-phenylethyl alcohol, otherwise unattainable in their batch counterparts. We further establish a theoretical model for such a catalysis system working under nonequilibrium conditions, which not only supports the experimental results but also helps to predict reaction progress at a microscale level. Being operationally simple, efficient, and adaptive, this strategy provides an unprecedented platform for practical applications of enzymes and homogeneous catalysts even at a controllable level.

Synthesis, crystal structure and bioactivity of manganese complexes with asymmetric chiral Schiff base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Enfeng; Wei, Yi; Huang, Fuping; Yu, Qing; Bian, Hedong; Liang, Hong; Lei, Fuhou

2018-03-01

A couple of chiral unsymmtrical Schiff base ligands, (1R,2R) (-)chxn (salH) (naftalH) and (1S,2S) (-)chxn (salH) (naftalH) had been synthesized by the condensation of salicylaldehyde and 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde with two isomers of (1R,2R)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamin and (1S,2S)-trans-1,2-cyclohexanediamin, respectively. At the same time, two manganese complexes have been synthesized and fully characterized by FT-IR spectrum, elemental analyses, single crystal X-ray diffraction. The interaction of the two Mn (III) complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by spectroscopic techniques. The result reveals that the complexes can strongly quench the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA through a static quenching mechanism. The binding constant and binding mode has been determined. The secondary structure and the amino acid residues microenvironment of BSA change in the presence of these complexes. SOD-like activity and ABTS free radical scavenging ability were also studied. The antioxidant capacity of the compounds showed that the complexes and their corresponding BSA adducts showed some SOD activity. The results of ABTS free radical scavenging showed that the activity of the BSA adduct was more obvious than that of the complex.

Discovery and physical characterization of a large scattered disk object at 92 au

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

Gerdes, D. W.; Sako, M.; Hamilton, S.

We report the observation and physical characterization of the possible dwarf planet 2014 UZmore » $$_{224}$$ ("DeeDee"), a dynamically detached trans-Neptunian object discovered at 92 AU. This object is currently the second-most distant known trans-Neptunian object with reported orbital elements, surpassed in distance only by the dwarf planet Eris. The object was discovered with an $r$-band magnitude of 23.0 in data collected by the Dark Energy Survey between 2014 and 2016. Its 1140-year orbit has $$(a,e,i) = (109~\\mathrm{AU},2 0.54, 26.8^{\\circ})$$. It will reach its perihelion distance of 38 AU in the year 2142. Integrations of its orbit show it to be dynamically stable on Gyr timescales, with only weak interactions with Neptune. We have performed followup observations with ALMA, using 3 hours of on-source integration time to measure the object's thermal emission in the Rayleigh-Jeans tail. As a result, the signal is detected at 7$$\\sigma$$ significance, from which we determine a $V$-band albedo of $$18.0^{+4.0}_{-2.9}\\mathrm{(stat)}^{+1.5}_{-1.2}\\mathrm{(sys)}$$ percent and a diameter of $$541^{+47}_{-51}\\mathrm{(stat)}^{+19}_{-20}\\mathrm{(sys)}$$~km, assuming a spherical body with uniform surface properties.« less

Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial screening and computational studies of 4-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylideneamino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Obasi, L. N.; Kaior, G. U.; Rhyman, L.; Alswaidan, Ibrahim A.; Fun, Hoong-Kun; Ramasami, P.

2016-09-01

The Schiff base, 4-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-allylideneamino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one (TPMC/AAP) was synthesized by the condensation of 4-aminoantipyrine (4-amino-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenylpyrazole-3-one) and trans-para-methoxycinnamaldehyde (trans-3,4-methoxyphenyl-2-propenal) in dry methanol at 75 °C. The compound was characterized using elemental microanalysis, IR, NMR, UV spectroscopies and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The X-ray structure determination shows that the Schiff base, (TPMC/AAP) is orthorhombic with the Pbca space group. The anti-microbial screening of the compound was carried out with Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtillis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudemonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using agar well diffusion method. The Schiff base possesses significant antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound was also determined and the activity was compared with that of conventional drugs ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole. The compound (TPMC/AAP) showed varying activity against the cultured bacteria and fungi used. To complement the experimental data, density functional theory (DFT) was used to have deeper understanding into the molecular parameters and infrared spectra of the compound.

Exploring TAR–RNA aptamer loop–loop interaction by X-ray crystallography, UV spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance

PubMed Central

Lebars, Isabelle; Legrand, Pierre; Aimé, Ahissan; Pinaud, Noël; Fribourg, Sébastien; Di Primo, Carmelo

2008-01-01

In HIV-1, trans-activation of transcription of the viral genome is regulated by an imperfect hairpin, the trans-activating responsive (TAR) RNA element, located at the 5′ untranslated end of all viral transcripts. TAR acts as a binding site for viral and cellular proteins. In an attempt to identify RNA ligands that would interfere with the virus life-cycle by interacting with TAR, an in vitro selection was previously carried out. RNA hairpins that formed kissing-loop dimers with TAR were selected [Ducongé F. and Toulmé JJ (1999) RNA, 5:1605–1614]. We describe here the crystal structure of TAR bound to a high-affinity RNA aptamer. The two hairpins form a kissing complex and interact through six Watson–Crick base pairs. The complex adopts an overall conformation with an inter-helix angle of 28.1°, thus contrasting with previously reported solution and modelling studies. Structural analysis reveals that inter-backbone hydrogen bonds between ribose 2′ hydroxyl and phosphate oxygens at the stem-loop junctions can be formed. Thermal denaturation and surface plasmon resonance experiments with chemically modified 2′-O-methyl incorporated into both hairpins at key positions, clearly demonstrate the involvement of this intermolecular network of hydrogen bonds in complex stability. PMID:18996893

A 2D model of axial symmetry for proximal tubule of an average human nephron: indicative results of diffusion, convection and absorption processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Insfrán, J. F.; Ubal, S.; Di Paolo, y. J.

2016-04-01

A simplified model of a proximal convoluted tubule of an average human nephron is presented. The model considers the 2D axisymmetric flow of the luminal solution exchanging matter with the tubule walls and the peritubular fluid by means of 0D models for the epithelial cells. The tubule radius is considered to vary along the conduit due to the trans-epithelial pressure difference. The fate of more than ten typical solutes is tracked down by the model. The Navier-Stokes and Reaction-Diffusion-Advection equations (considering the electro-neutrality principle) are solved in the lumen, giving a detailed picture of the velocity, pressure and concentration fields, along with trans-membrane fluxes and tubule deformation, via coupling with the 0D model for the tubule wall. The calculations are carried out numerically by means of the finite element method. The results obtained show good agreement with those published by other authors using models that ignore the diffusive transport and disregard a detailed calculation of velocity, pressure and concentrations. This work should be seen as a first approach towards the development of a more comprehensive model of the filtration process taking place in the kidneys, which ultimately helps in devising a device that can mimic/complement the renal function.

Alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition in long-chain poly-l-lysine: Formation of alpha-helical fibrils by poly-l-lysine.

PubMed

Cieślik-Boczula, Katarzyna

2017-06-01

The temperature-induced α-helix to β-sheet transition in long-chain poly-l-lysine (PLL), accompanied by the gauche-to-trans isomerization of CH 2 groups in the hydrocarbon side chains of Lys amino acid residues, and formation of β-sheet as well as α-helix fibrillar aggregates of PLL have been studied using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In a low-temperature alkaline water solution or in a methanol-rich water mixture, the secondary structure of PLL is represented by α-helical conformations with unordered and gauche-rich hydrocarbon side chains. Under these conditions, PLL molecules aggregate into α-helical fibrils. PLLs dominated by extended antiparallel β-sheet structures with highly ordered trans-rich hydrocarbon side chains are formed in a high-temperature range at alkaline pD and aggregate into fibrillar, protofibrillar, and spherical forms. Presented data support the idea that fibrillar aggregation is a varied phenomenon possible in repetitive structural elements with not only a β-sheet-rich conformation, but also an α-helical-rich conformation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. and Société Française de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire (SFBBM). All rights reserved.

The long-term evolution of known resonant trans-Neptunian objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saillenfest, M.; Lari, G.

2017-07-01

Aims: Numerous trans-Neptunian objects are known to be in mean-motion resonance with Neptune. We aim to describe their long-term orbital evolution (both past and future) by means of a one-degree-of-freedom secular model. In this paper, we focus only on objects with a semi-major axis larger than 50 astronomical units (au). Methods: For each resonant object considered, a 500 000-year numerical integration is performed. The output is digitally filtered to get the parameters of the resonant secular model. Their long-term (Giga-year) orbital evolution is then represented by the level curves of the secular Hamiltonian. Results: For the majority of objects considered, the mean-motion resonance has little impact on the long-term trajectories (the secular dynamics is similar to a non-resonant one). However, a subset of objects is strongly affected by the resonance, producing moderately-high-amplitude oscillations of the perihelion distance and/or libration of the argument of perihelion around a fixed centre. Moreover, the high perihelion distance of the object 2015 FJ345 is plainly explained by long-term resonant dynamics, allowing us to also deduce its orbital elements at the time of capture in resonance (at least 15 million years ago). The same type of past evolution is expected for 2014 FZ71.

"Oh Yeah--Is She a He-She?" Female to Male Transgendered Pupils in the Formal and Informal Cultures of an English Secondary School

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Flynn, Sarah

2016-01-01

Recent research suggests that trans* pupils are subject to much trans-exclusionary practice in schools and find there is little positive change in attitudes, despite statutory requirements and greater recognition of trans* identities. This paper explores the ways in which two female to male trans* pupils in a London girls' school were excluded in…

Sex and Gender Diversity Among Transgender Persons in Ontario, Canada: Results From a Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey

PubMed Central

Scheim, Ayden I.; Bauer, Greta R.

2015-01-01

Recent estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 200 adults may be trans (transgender, transsexual, or transitioned). Knowledge about dimensions of sex and gender in trans populations is crucial to development of inclusive policy, practice, and research, but limited data have been available, particularly from probability samples. The Trans PULSE community-based research project surveyed trans Ontarians (n = 433) in 2009–2010 using respondent-driven sampling. Frequencies were weighted by recruitment probability to produce estimates for the networked Ontario trans population. An estimated 30% of trans Ontarians were living their day-to-day lives in their birth gender, and 23% were living in their felt gender with no medical intervention. In all, 42% were using hormones, while 15% of male-to-female spectrum persons had undergone vaginoplasty and 0.4% of female-to-male spectrum persons had had phalloplasty. Of those living in their felt gender, 59% had begun to do so within the past four years. A minority of trans Ontarians reported a linear transition from one sex to another, yet such a trajectory is often assumed to be the norm. Accounting for this observed diversity, we recommend policy and practice changes to increase social inclusion and service access for trans persons, regardless of transition status. PMID:24750105

Determination of target fat-soluble micronutrients in rainbow trout's muscle and liver tissues by liquid chromatography with diode array-tandem mass spectrometry detection.

PubMed

Pérez Fernández, Virginia; Ventura, Salvatore; Tomai, Pierpaolo; Curini, Roberta; Gentili, Alessandra

2017-03-01

This paper describes an analytical approach, based on LC-diode array detector-MS/MS (LC-DAD-MS/MS), for characterizing the fat-soluble micronutrient fraction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two different procedures were applied to isolate the analytes from liver and muscle tissue: overnight cold saponification to hydrolyze bound forms and to simplify the analysis; matrix solid-phase dispersion to avoid artifacts and to maintain unaltered the naturally occurring forms. Analytes were separated on a C 30 analytical column by using a nonaqueous reversed mobile phase compatible with the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Compared to other works, the most relevant advantage of the here illustrated method is the large amount of information obtained with few analytical steps: nine fat-soluble vitamins (3,4-dehydroretinol, retinol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, phylloquinone, and menaquinone-4) and eight carotenoids (all-trans-lutein, all-trans-astaxanthin, all-trans-zeaxanthin, all-trans-β-cryptoxanthin, all-trans-canthaxanthin, all-trans-ζ-carotene, all-trans-β-carotene, and all-trans-γ-carotene) were quantified after the method validation, while other untargeted carotenoids were tentatively identified by exploiting the identification power of the LC-DAD-MS/MS hyphenation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Sex and gender diversity among transgender persons in Ontario, Canada: results from a respondent-driven sampling survey.

PubMed

Scheim, Ayden I; Bauer, Greta R

2015-01-01

Recent estimates suggest that as many as 1 in 200 adults may be trans (transgender, transsexual, or transitioned). Knowledge about dimensions of sex and gender in trans populations is crucial to development of inclusive policy, practice, and research, but limited data have been available, particularly from probability samples. The Trans PULSE community-based research project surveyed trans Ontarians (n=433) in 2009-2010 using respondent-driven sampling. Frequencies were weighted by recruitment probability to produce estimates for the networked Ontario trans population. An estimated 30% of trans Ontarians were living their day-to-day lives in their birth gender, and 23% were living in their felt gender with no medical intervention. In all, 42% were using hormones, while 15% of male-to-female spectrum persons had undergone vaginoplasty and 0.4% of female-to-male spectrum persons had had phalloplasty. Of those living in their felt gender, 59% had begun to do so within the past four years. A minority of trans Ontarians reported a linear transition from one sex to another, yet such a trajectory is often assumed to be the norm. Accounting for this observed diversity, we recommend policy and practice changes to increase social inclusion and service access for trans persons, regardless of transition status.

Can trans-generational experiments be used to enhance species resilience to ocean warming and acidification?

PubMed

Chakravarti, Leela J; Jarrold, Michael D; Gibbin, Emma M; Christen, Felix; Massamba-N'Siala, Gloria; Blier, Pierre U; Calosi, Piero

2016-10-01

Human-assisted, trans-generational exposure to ocean warming and acidification has been proposed as a conservation and/or restoration tool to produce resilient offspring. To improve our understanding of the need for and the efficacy of this approach, we characterized life-history and physiological responses in offspring of the marine polychaete Ophryotrocha labronica exposed to predicted ocean warming (OW: + 3°C), ocean acidification (OA: pH -0.5) and their combination (OWA: + 3°C, pH -0.5), following the exposure of their parents to either control conditions ( within-generational exposure ) or the same conditions ( trans-generational exposure ). Trans-generational exposure to OW fully alleviated the negative effects of within-generational exposure to OW on fecundity and egg volume and was accompanied by increased metabolic activity. While within-generational exposure to OA reduced juvenile growth rates and egg volume, trans-generational exposure alleviated the former but could not restore the latter. Surprisingly, exposure to OWA had no negative impacts within- or trans-generationally. Our results highlight the potential for trans-generational laboratory experiments in producing offspring that are resilient to OW and OA. However, trans-generational exposure does not always appear to improve traits and therefore may not be a universally useful tool for all species in the face of global change.