Neuroanatomical correlates of Klinefelter syndrome studied in relation to the neuropsychological profile☆

PubMed Central

Skakkebæk, Anne; Gravholt, Claus Højbjerg; Rasmussen, Peter Mondrup; Bojesen, Anders; Jensen, Jens Søndergaard; Fedder, Jens; Laurberg, Peter; Hertz, Jens Michael; Østergaard, John Rosendahl; Pedersen, Anders Degn; Wallentin, Mikkel

2013-01-01

Brain imaging in Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) (KS), a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome, may contribute to understanding the relationship between gene expression, brain structure, and subsequent cognitive disabilities and psychiatric disorders. We conducted the largest to date voxel-based morphometry study of 65 KS subjects and 65 controls matched for age and education and correlated these data to neuropsychological test scores. The KS patients had significantly smaller total brain volume (TBV), total gray matter volume (GMV) and total white matter volume (WMV) compared to controls, whereas no volumetric difference in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) was found. There were no differences in TBV, GMV, WMV or CSF between testosterone treated KS (T-KS) and untreated KS (U-KS) patients. Compared to controls, KS patients had significantly decreased GMV bilaterally in insula, putamen, caudate, hippocampus, amygdala, temporal pole and frontal inferior orbita. Additionally, the right parahippocampal region and cerebellar volumes were reduced in KS patients. KS patients had significantly larger volumes in right postcentral gyrus, precuneus and parietal regions. Multivariate classification analysis discriminated KS patients from controls with 96.9% (p < 0.001) accuracy. Regression analyses, however, revealed no significant association between GMV differences and cognitive and psychological factors within the KS patients and controls or the groups combined. These results show that although gene dosage effect of having and extra X-chromosome may lead to large scale alterations of brain morphometry and extended cognitive disabilities no simple correspondence links these measures. PMID:24266006

Hepatic Kaposi Sarcoma Revisited: An Important but Less Commonly Seen Neoplasm in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

PubMed

Chen, Frank; Gulati, Mittul; Tchelepi, Hisham

2017-03-01

Hepatic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most commonly seen hepatic neoplasm in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), found in 34% of patients in an autopsy series. However, the incidence of hepatic KS has significantly declined since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy and is not as commonly seen on imaging. We present a case of hepatic KS in a patient with AIDS, which was initially mistaken for hepatic abscesses on computed tomography. We discuss the computed tomography, grayscale ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound appearance of hepatic KS and how to distinguish this hepatic neoplasm from other common hepatic lesions seen in patients with AIDS.

GREATS: GOODS Re-ionization Era wide-Area Treasury from Spitzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labbe, Ivo; Oesch, Pascal; Illingworth, Garth; van Dokkum, Pieter; Franx, Marijn; Gonzalez, Valentino; Bouwens, Rychard; Magee, Dan; Smit, Renske; Holden, Brad; Stefanon, Mauro; Stiavelli, Massimo

2014-12-01

Joint HST/WFC3 and Spitzer/IRAC observations are a powerful tool to probe the buildup of early galaxies, as demonstrated by the recent IRAC detections and stellar mass estimates of several bright z~9-10 galaxies (only 500 Myr after the Big Bang). However, the vast majority of galaxies in the reionization epoch have not been individually detected with IRAC, as extragalactic surveys have mostly focused on medium-deep and wide surveys. IRAC detections are crucial for understanding the evolution of the first galaxies, providing constraints on stellar masses, star formation histories, emission line strengths, and ages. We therefore propose to complete Spitzer's legacy with an ultradeep survey in the CANDELS/GOODS South and North fields at 3.6 and 4.5 micron to 27.1, 26.7 mag (AB,5sigma). Ultradeep data over substantial areas are needed to detect normal galaxies at z>7, provide good statistics, and mitigate field-to-field variance. We demonstrate using pilot ultradeep data from cycle 10 on a small area in GOODS-S, that we can successfully recover IRAC photometry to these limits. GREATS will result in the IRAC detection of 200 galaxies at 750% of the total stellar mass density to z~8. The full UV-IR spectral energy distributions would for the first time enable detailed studies of trends and scatter with luminosity, redshift, color, and size. GREATS will also detect quiescent galaxies at 3

30 CFR 203.32 - What other requirements or restrictions apply to royalty relief for a qualified phase 2 or phase...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on... qualified ultra-deep well is a directional well (either an original well or a sidetrack) drilled across a...

SPECIAL ISSUE DEVOTED TO THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE A.M. PROKHOROV GENERAL PHYSICS INSTITUTE: High-speed ablation of ultradeep channels by a phase-conjugate dynamically controlled passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basiev, T. T.; Garnov, S. V.; Klimentov, S. M.; Pivovarov, P. A.; Gavrilov, A. V.; Smetanin, S. N.; Solokhin, S. A.; Fedin, A. V.

2007-10-01

Parameters of high-speed ablation of ultradeep channels by controlled pulse trains from a single-mode phase-conjugate dynamic cavity Nd:YAG laser emitting 20-200-ns, 70-250-mJ pulses at a pulse repetition rate in a train of 40-250 kHz are studied. The optimal parameters of ablation are found, for which a long-lived region of a hot rarefied gas was maintained in the ultradeep channel, which suppressed the shielding action of the surface plasma. The control of the lasing process during ablation optimises not only the heating and plasma formation, but also the removal of the processed material in the pause between laser pulses. Adaptive regulation of lasing parameters during ablation made it possible to obtain ultradeep channels of length 8-27 mm and diameters 80-300 μm of the input and output holes in metals (aluminium, steel and Inconel 718 nickel superalloy) and ultrahard ceramics (Al2O3, AlN, SiC).

PdBI cold dust imaging of two extremely red H – [4.5] > 4 galaxies discovered with SEDS and CANDELS

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

Caputi, K. I.; Popping, G.; Spaans, M.

2014-06-20

We report Plateau de Bure Interferometer (PdBI) 1.1 mm continuum imaging toward two extremely red H – [4.5] > 4 (AB) galaxies at z > 3, which we have previously discovered making use of Spitzer SEDS and Hubble Space Telescope CANDELS ultra-deep images of the Ultra Deep Survey field. One of our objects is detected on the PdBI map with a 4.3σ significance, corresponding to S{sub ν}(1.1 mm)=0.78±0.18 mJy. By combining this detection with the Spitzer 8 and 24 μm photometry for this source, and SCUBA2 flux density upper limits, we infer that this galaxy is a composite active galacticmore » nucleus/star-forming system. The infrared (IR)-derived star formation rate is SFR ≈ 200 ± 100 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1}, which implies that this galaxy is a higher-redshift analogue of the ordinary ultra-luminous infrared galaxies more commonly found at z ∼ 2-3. In the field of the other target, we find a tentative 3.1σ detection on the PdBI 1.1 mm map, but 3.7 arcsec away of our target position, so it likely corresponds to a different object. In spite of the lower significance, the PdBI detection is supported by a close SCUBA2 3.3σ detection. No counterpart is found on either the deep SEDS or CANDELS maps, so, if real, the PdBI source could be similar in nature to the submillimeter source GN10. We conclude that the analysis of ultra-deep near- and mid-IR images offers an efficient, alternative route to discover new sites of powerful star formation activity at high redshifts.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: HD61005 SPHERE H and Ks images (Olofsson+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olofsson, J.; Samland, M.; Avenhaus, H.; Caceres, C.; Henning, T.; Moor, A.; Milli, J.; Canovas, H.; Quanz, S. P.; Schreiber, M. R.; Augereau, J.-C.; Bayo, A.; Bazzon, A.; Beuzit, J.-L.; Boccaletti, A.; Buenzli, E.; Casassus, S.; Chauvin, G.; Dominik, C.; Desidera, S.; Feldt, M.; Gratton, R.; Janson, M.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Langlois, M.; Lannier, J.; Maire, A.-L.; Mesa, D.; Pinte, C.; Rouan, D.; Salter, G.; Thalmann, C.; Vigan, A.

2016-05-01

The fits files contains the reduced ADI and DPI SPHERE observations used to produce Fig. 1 of the paper. Besides the primary card, the files consists of 6 additional ImageHDU. The first and second one contain the SPHERE IRDIS ADI H band observations and the noise map. The third and fourth contain the SPHERE IRDIS ADI Ks band observations and the corresponding noise map. Finally, the fifth and sixth ImageHDU contain the SPHERE IRDIS DPI H band data as well as the noise map. Each ADI image has 1024x1024 pixels, while the DPI images have 1800x1800 pixels. The header of the primary card contains the pixel sizes for each datasets and the wavelengths of the H and K band observations. (2 data files).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: VIPERS Multi-Lambda Survey (Moutard+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moutard, T.; Arnouts, S.; Ilbert, O.; Coupon, J.; Hudelot, P.; Vibert, D.; Comte, V.; Conseil, S.; Davidzon, I.; Guzzo, L.; Llebaria, A.; Martin, C.; McCracken, H. J.; Milliard, B.; Morrison, G.; Schiminovich, D.; Treyer, M.; van Werbaeke, L.

2016-05-01

The Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) is an imaging survey performed with Mega-Cam in five optical bands u*, g, r, i, z. we use the images and photometric catalogues of the W1 and W4 fields from the worldwide T00073 release produced by TERAPIX4. Since 2010, we have conducted a Ks-band follow-up of the VIPERS fields with the WIRCam instrument at CFHT. The original motivation was to guarantee an almost complete detection in Ks band of the VIPERS spectroscopic galaxies. (2 data files).

A Ks-band-selected catalogue of objects in the ALHAMBRA survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nieves-Seoane, L.; Fernandez-Soto, A.; Arnalte-Mur, P.; Molino, A.; Stefanon, M.; Ferreras, I.; Ascaso, B.; Ballesteros, F. J.; Cristóbal-Hornillos, D.; López-Sanjuán, C.; Hurtado-Gil, Ll.; Márquez, I.; Masegosa, J.; Aguerri, J. A. L.; Alfaro, E.; Aparicio-Villegas, T.; Benítez, N.; Broadhurst, T.; Cabrera-Caño, J.; Castander, F. J.; Cepa, J.; Cerviño, M.; González Delgado, R. M.; Husillos, C.; Infante, L.; Martínez, V. J.; Moles, M.; Olmo, A. del; Perea, J.; Pović, M.; Prada, F.; Quintana, J. M.; Troncoso-Iribarren, P.; Viironen, K.

2017-02-01

The original ALHAMBRA catalogue contained over 400 000 galaxies selected using a synthetic F814W image, to the magnitude limit AB(F814W) ≈ 24.5. Given the photometric redshift depth of the ALHAMBRA multiband data ( = 0.86) and the approximately I-band selection, there is a noticeable bias against red objects at moderate redshift. We avoid this bias by creating a new catalogue selected in the Ks band. This newly obtained catalogue is certainly shallower in terms of apparent magnitude, but deeper in terms of redshift, with a significant population of red objects at z > 1. We select objects using the Ks band images, which reach an approximate AB magnitude limit Ks ≈ 22. We generate masks and derive completeness functions to characterize the sample. We have tested the quality of the photometry and photometric redshifts using both internal and external checks. Our final catalogue includes ≈95 000 sources down to Ks ≈ 22, with a significant tail towards high redshift. We have checked that there is a large sample of objects with spectral energy distributions that correspond to that of massive, passively evolving galaxies at z > 1, reaching as far as z ≈ 2.5. We have tested the possibility of combining our data with deep infrared observations at longer wavelengths, particularly Spitzer IRAC data.

First data release of the Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aihara, Hiroaki; Armstrong, Robert; Bickerton, Steven; Bosch, James; Coupon, Jean; Furusawa, Hisanori; Hayashi, Yusuke; Ikeda, Hiroyuki; Kamata, Yukiko; Karoji, Hiroshi; Kawanomoto, Satoshi; Koike, Michitaro; Komiyama, Yutaka; Lang, Dustin; Lupton, Robert H.; Mineo, Sogo; Miyatake, Hironao; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Morokuma, Tomoki; Obuchi, Yoshiyuki; Oishi, Yukie; Okura, Yuki; Price, Paul A.; Takata, Tadafumi; Tanaka, Manobu M.; Tanaka, Masayuki; Tanaka, Yoko; Uchida, Tomohisa; Uraguchi, Fumihiro; Utsumi, Yousuke; Wang, Shiang-Yu; Yamada, Yoshihiko; Yamanoi, Hitomi; Yasuda, Naoki; Arimoto, Nobuo; Chiba, Masashi; Finet, Francois; Fujimori, Hiroki; Fujimoto, Seiji; Furusawa, Junko; Goto, Tomotsugu; Goulding, Andy; Gunn, James E.; Harikane, Yuichi; Hattori, Takashi; Hayashi, Masao; Hełminiak, Krzysztof G.; Higuchi, Ryo; Hikage, Chiaki; Ho, Paul T. P.; Hsieh, Bau-Ching; Huang, Kuiyun; Huang, Song; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Iwata, Ikuru; Jaelani, Anton T.; Jian, Hung-Yu; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Katayama, Nobuhiko; Kojima, Takashi; Konno, Akira; Koshida, Shintaro; Kusakabe, Haruka; Leauthaud, Alexie; Lee, Chien-Hsiu; Lin, Lihwai; Lin, Yen-Ting; Mandelbaum, Rachel; Matsuoka, Yoshiki; Medezinski, Elinor; Miyama, Shoken; Momose, Rieko; More, Anupreeta; More, Surhud; Mukae, Shiro; Murata, Ryoma; Murayama, Hitoshi; Nagao, Tohru; Nakata, Fumiaki; Niida, Mana; Niikura, Hiroko; Nishizawa, Atsushi J.; Oguri, Masamune; Okabe, Nobuhiro; Ono, Yoshiaki; Onodera, Masato; Onoue, Masafusa; Ouchi, Masami; Pyo, Tae-Soo; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Simet, Melanie; Speagle, Joshua; Spergel, David N.; Strauss, Michael A.; Sugahara, Yuma; Sugiyama, Naoshi; Suto, Yasushi; Suzuki, Nao; Tait, Philip J.; Takada, Masahiro; Terai, Tsuyoshi; Toba, Yoshiki; Turner, Edwin L.; Uchiyama, Hisakazu; Umetsu, Keiichi; Urata, Yuji; Usuda, Tomonori; Yeh, Sherry; Yuma, Suraphong

2018-01-01

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) is a three-layered imaging survey aimed at addressing some of the most important outstanding questions in astronomy today, including the nature of dark matter and dark energy. The survey has been awarded 300 nights of observing time at the Subaru Telescope, and it started in 2014 March. This paper presents the first public data release of HSC-SSP. This release includes data taken in the first 1.7 yr of observations (61.5 nights), and each of the Wide, Deep, and UltraDeep layers covers about 108, 26, and 4 square degrees down to depths of i ˜ 26.4, ˜26.5, and ˜27.0 mag, respectively (5 σ for point sources). All the layers are observed in five broad bands (grizy), and the Deep and UltraDeep layers are observed in narrow bands as well. We achieve an impressive image quality of 0{^''.}6 in the i band in the Wide layer. We show that we achieve 1%-2% point spread function (PSF) photometry (root mean square) both internally and externally (against Pan-STARRS1), and ˜10 mas and 40 mas internal and external astrometric accuracy, respectively. Both the calibrated images and catalogs are made available to the community through dedicated user interfaces and database servers. In addition to the pipeline products, we also provide value-added products such as photometric redshifts and a collection of public spectroscopic redshifts. Detailed descriptions of all the data can be found online. The data release website is https://hsc-release.mtk.nao.ac.jp.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Arches cluster: IR phot., extinction and masses (Habibi+, 2013)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habibi, M.; Stolte, A.; Brandner, W.; Hussmann, B.; Motohara, K.

2013-05-01

We observed the Arches cluster out to its tidal radius using Ks-band and H-band imaging obtained on June 6-10 2008 with NAOS/CONICA at the VLT combined with Subaro/Cisco J-band data to gain a full understanding of the cluster mass distribution. The acquired Ks-band images cover four fields of 27.8*27.8(arcsec) each, provided by the medium resolution camera (S27) with a pixel scale of 0.027(arcsec). During the Ks-band observations, the natural visual seeing varied from 0.61" to 0.98". We achieved typical spatial resolutions of 0.081-0.135(arcsec) on individual frames using this AO setup. Seeing-limited J-band observations, on July 17, 2000, were performed with the CISCO spectrograph and camera which provided a pixel scale of 0.116(arcsec) and a field of view of 2*2(arcmin). An average seeing of 0.49(arcsec) resulted into a Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of the point-spread function (PSF) of 0.39(arcsec) on the combined image. The catalogue includes derived infrared-photometry in J, H and Ks bands as well as derived individual extinction value and stellar masses. We used the NAOS-CONICA observations obtained in March 2002 in the central part of the Arches cluster to cover the whole cluster area. (1 data file).

KS-Detect – Validation of Solar Thermal PCR for the Diagnosis of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Using Pseudo-Biopsy Samples

PubMed Central

Snodgrass, Ryan; Gardner, Andrea; Jiang, Li; Fu, Cheng; Cesarman, Ethel; Erickson, David

2016-01-01

Resource-limited settings present unique engineering challenges for medical diagnostics. Diagnosis is often needed for those unable to reach central healthcare systems, making portability and independence from traditional energy infrastructure essential device parameters. In 2014, our group presented a microfluidic device that performed a solar-powered variant of the polymerase chain reaction, which we called solar thermal PCR. In this work, we expand on our previous effort by presenting an integrated, portable, solar thermal PCR system targeted towards the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma. We call this system KS-Detect, and we now report the system’s performance as a diagnostic tool using pseudo-biopsy samples made from varying concentrations of human lymphoma cell lines positive for the KS herpesvirus (KSHV). KS-Detect achieved 83% sensitivity and 70% specificity at high (≥10%) KSHV+ cell concentrations when diagnosing pseudo-biopsy samples by smartphone image. Using histology, we confirm that our prepared pseudo-biopsies contain similar KSHV+ cell concentrations as human biopsies positive for KS. Through our testing of samples derived from human cell lines, we validate KS-Detect as a viable, portable KS diagnostic tool, and we identify critical engineering considerations for future solar-thermal PCR devices. PMID:26799834

Altered neurite morphology and cholinergic function of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons from a patient with Kleefstra syndrome and autism

PubMed Central

Nagy, J; Kobolák, J; Berzsenyi, S; Ábrahám, Z; Avci, H X; Bock, I; Bekes, Z; Hodoscsek, B; Chandrasekaran, A; Téglási, A; Dezső, P; Koványi, B; Vörös, E T; Fodor, L; Szél, T; Németh, K; Balázs, A; Dinnyés, A; Lendvai, B; Lévay, G; Román, V

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to establish an in vitro Kleefstra syndrome (KS) disease model using the human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology. Previously, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient with Kleefstra syndrome (KS-ASD) carrying a deleterious premature termination codon mutation in the EHMT1 gene was identified. Patient specific hiPSCs generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the KS-ASD patient were differentiated into post-mitotic cortical neurons. Lower levels of EHMT1 mRNA as well as protein expression were confirmed in these cells. Morphological analysis on neuronal cells differentiated from the KS-ASD patient-derived hiPSC clones showed significantly shorter neurites and reduced arborization compared to cells generated from healthy controls. Moreover, density of dendritic protrusions of neuronal cells derived from KS-ASD hiPSCs was lower than that of control cells. Synaptic connections and spontaneous neuronal activity measured by live cell calcium imaging could be detected after 5 weeks of differentiation, when KS-ASD cells exhibited higher sensitivity of calcium responses to acetylcholine stimulation indicating a lower nicotinic cholinergic tone at baseline condition in KS-ASD cells. In addition, gene expression profiling of differentiated neuronal cells from the KS-ASD patient revealed higher expression of proliferation-related genes and lower mRNA levels of genes involved in neuronal maturation and migration. Our data demonstrate anomalous neuronal morphology, functional activity and gene expression in KS-ASD patient-specific hiPSC-derived neuronal cultures, which offers an in vitro system that contributes to a better understanding of KS and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD. PMID:28742076

Structural and Functional Neuroimaging in Klinefelter (47,XXY) Syndrome: A Review of the Literature and Preliminary Results from a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Steinman, Kyle; Ross, Judith; Lai, Song; Reiss, Allan; Hoeft, Fumiko

2009-01-01

Klinefelter (47,XXY) syndrome (KS), the most common form of sex-chromosomal aneuploidy, is characterized by physical, endocrinologic, and reproductive abnormalities. Individuals with KS also exhibit a cognitive/behavioral phenotype characterized by language and language-based learning disabilities and executive and attentional dysfunction in the…

30 CFR 203.36 - Do I keep royalty relief if prices rise significantly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to... drills and begins producing from a qualified phase 2 ultra-deep well in 2008 on a lease issued in 2004 in... which was exceeded. Example 2: Assume that a lessee: (1) Drills and produces from well no.1, a qualified...

THE GRAY NEEDLE: LARGE GRAINS IN THE HD 15115 DEBRIS DISK FROM LBT /PISCES/Ks AND LBTI /LMIRcam/L' ADAPTIVE OPTICS IMAGING

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

Rodigas, Timothy J.; Hinz, Philip M.; Vaitheeswaran, Vidhya

We present diffraction-limited Ks band and L' adaptive optics images of the edge-on debris disk around the nearby F2 star HD 15115, obtained with a single 8.4 m primary mirror at the Large Binocular Telescope. At the Ks band, the disk is detected at signal-to-noise per resolution element (SNRE) {approx} 3-8 from {approx}1 to 2.''5 (45-113 AU) on the western side and from {approx}1.''2 to 2.''1 (63-90 AU) on the east. At L' the disk is detected at SNRE {approx} 2.5 from {approx}1 to 1.''45 (45-90 AU) on both sides, implying more symmetric disk structure at 3.8 {mu}m. At bothmore » wavelengths the disk has a bow-like shape and is offset from the star to the north by a few AU. A surface brightness asymmetry exists between the two sides of the disk at the Ks band, but not at L'. The surface brightness at the Ks band declines inside 1'' ({approx}45 AU), which may be indicative of a gap in the disk near 1''. The Ks - L' disk color, after removal of the stellar color, is mostly gray for both sides of the disk. This suggests that scattered light is coming from large dust grains, with 3-10 {mu}m sized grains on the east side and 1-10 {mu}m dust grains on the west. This may suggest that the west side is composed of smaller dust grains than the east side, which would support the interpretation that the disk is being dynamically affected by interactions with the local interstellar medium.« less

(18)F-FDG PET/CT findings in a case with HIV (-) Kaposi sarcoma.

PubMed

Ozdemir, E; Poyraz, N Y; Keskin, M; Kandemir, Z; Turkolmez, S

2014-01-01

Although mucocutaneous sites are the most frequently encountered sites of involvement, Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) may also occasionally involve the breast and the skeletal, endocrine, urinary and nervous systems.. Various imaging modalities may be used to delineate the extent of the disease by detecting unexpected sites of involvement. Herein, we report a case of classical type KS, in whom staging with (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging disclosed widespread disease and unexpected findings of bone and salivary gland involvement. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. and SEMNIM. All rights reserved.

Ultra-deep K S-band Imaging of the Hubble Frontier Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brammer, Gabriel B.; Marchesini, Danilo; Labbé, Ivo; Spitler, Lee; Lange-Vagle, Daniel; Barker, Elizbeth A.; Tanaka, Masayuki; Fontana, Adriano; Galametz, Audrey; Ferré-Mateu, Anna; Kodama, Tadayuki; Lundgren, Britt; Martis, Nicholas; Muzzin, Adam; Stefanon, Mauro; Toft, Sune; van der Wel, Arjen; Vulcani, Benedetta; Whitaker, Katherine E.

2016-09-01

We present an overview of the “KIFF” project, which provides ultra-deep K s -band imaging of all six of the Hubble Frontier Fields clusters, Abell 2744, MACS-0416, Abell S1063, Abell 370, MACS-0717, and MACS-1149. All of these fields have recently been observed with large allocations of Directors’ Discretionary Time with the Hubble and Spitzer telescopes, covering 0.4\\lt λ \\lt 1.6 μ {{m}} and 3.6-4.5 μ {{m}}, respectively. VLT/HAWK-I integrations of the first four fields reach 5σ limiting depths of {K}s˜ 26.0 (AB, point sources) and have excellent image quality (FWHM ˜ 0.″4). The MACS-0717 and MACS-1149 fields are observable from the northern hemisphere, and shorter Keck/MOSFIRE integrations on those fields reach limiting depths of K s = 25.5 and 25.1, with a seeing FWHM of ˜ 0.″4 and 0\\buildrel{\\prime\\prime}\\over{.} 5. In all cases the K s -band mosaics cover the primary cluster and parallel HST/ACS+WFC3 fields. The total area of the K s -band coverage is 490 arcmin2. The K s -band at 2.2 μ {{m}} crucially fills the gap between the reddest HST filter (1.6 μ {{m}} ˜ H band) and the IRAC 3.6 μ {{m}} passband. While reaching the full depths of the space-based imaging is not currently feasible from the ground, the deep K s -band images provide important constraints on both the redshifts and the stellar population properties of galaxies extending well below the characteristic stellar mass across most of the age of the universe, down to and including the redshifts of the targeted galaxy clusters (z≲ 0.5). Reduced, aligned mosaics of all six survey fields are provided.

Precise weak lensing constraints from deep high-resolution Ks images: VLT/HAWK-I analysis of the super-massive galaxy cluster RCS2 J 232727.7-020437 at z = 0.70

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrabback, Tim; Schirmer, Mischa; van der Burg, Remco F. J.; Hoekstra, Henk; Buddendiek, Axel; Applegate, Douglas; Bradač, Maruša; Eifler, Tim; Erben, Thomas; Gladders, Michael D.; Hernández-Martín, Beatriz; Hildebrandt, Hendrik; Hoag, Austin; Klaes, Dominik; von der Linden, Anja; Marchesini, Danilo; Muzzin, Adam; Sharon, Keren; Stefanon, Mauro

2018-03-01

We demonstrate that deep good-seeing VLT/HAWK-I Ks images complemented with g + z-band photometry can yield a sensitivity for weak lensing studies of massive galaxy clusters at redshifts 0.7 ≲ z ≲ 1.1, which is almost identical to the sensitivity of HST/ACS mosaics of single-orbit depth. Key reasons for this good performance are the excellent image quality frequently achievable for Ks imaging from the ground, a highly effective photometric selection of background galaxies, and a galaxy ellipticity dispersion that is noticeably lower than for optically observed high-redshift galaxy samples. Incorporating results from the 3D-HST and UltraVISTA surveys we also obtained a more accurate calibration of the source redshift distribution than previously achieved for similar optical weak lensing data sets. Here we studied the extremely massive galaxy cluster RCS2 J232727.7-020437 (z = 0.699), combining deep VLT/HAWK-I Ks images (point spread function with a 0.''35 full width at half maximum) with LBT/LBC photometry. The resulting weak lensing mass reconstruction suggests that the cluster consists of a single overdensity, which is detected with a peak significance of 10.1σ. We constrained the cluster mass to M200c/(1015 M⊙) = 2.06-0.26+0.28(stat.) ± 0.12(sys.) assuming a spherical Navarro, Frenk & White model and simulation-based priors on the concentration, making it one of the most massive galaxy clusters known in the z ≳ 0.7 Universe. We also cross-checked the HAWK-I measurements through an analysis of overlapping HST/ACS images, yielding fully consistent estimates of the lensing signal. Based on observations conducted with the ESO Very Large Telescope, the Large Binocular Telescope, and the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, as detailed in the acknowledgements.

Morphological and Glucose Metabolism Abnormalities in Alcoholic Korsakoff's Syndrome: Group Comparisons and Individual Analyses

PubMed Central

Pitel, Anne-Lise; Aupée, Anne-Marie; Chételat, Gaël; Mézenge, Florence; Beaunieux, Hélène; de la Sayette, Vincent; Viader, Fausto; Baron, Jean-Claude; Eustache, Francis; Desgranges, Béatrice

2009-01-01

Background Gray matter volume studies have been limited to few brain regions of interest, and white matter and glucose metabolism have received limited research attention in Korsakoff's syndrome (KS). Because of the lack of brain biomarkers, KS was found to be underdiagnosed in postmortem studies. Methodology/Principal Findings Nine consecutively selected patients with KS and 22 matched controls underwent both structural magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography examinations. Using a whole-brain analysis, the between-group comparisons of gray matter and white matter density and relative glucose uptake between patients with KS and controls showed the involvement of both the frontocerebellar and the Papez circuits, including morphological abnormalities in their nodes and connection tracts and probably resulting hypometabolism. The direct comparison of the regional distribution and degree of gray matter hypodensity and hypometabolism within the KS group indicated very consistent gray matter distribution of both abnormalities, with a single area of significant difference in the middle cingulate cortex showing greater hypometabolism than hypodensity. Finally, the analysis of the variability in the individual patterns of brain abnormalities within our sample of KS patients revealed that the middle cingulate cortex was the only brain region showing significant GM hypodensity and hypometabolism in each of our 9 KS patients. Conclusions/Significance These results indicate widespread brain abnormalities in KS including both gray and white matter damage mainly involving two brain networks, namely, the fronto-cerebellar circuit and the Papez circuit. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the middle cingulate cortex may play a key role in the pathophysiology of KS and could be considered as a potential in vivo brain biomarker. PMID:19936229

30 CFR 203.42 - What conditions and limitations apply to royalty relief for deep wells and phase 1 ultra-deep wells?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... or deeper, your lease cannot earn an RSV under § 203.41 as a result of drilling any subsequent deep wells or phase 1 ultra-deep wells. (b) You determine RSV under § 203.41 for the first qualified deep... wells, that determination establishes the total RSV available for that drilling depth interval on your...

30 CFR 203.42 - What conditions and limitations apply to royalty relief for deep wells and phase 1 ultra-deep wells?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... or deeper, your lease cannot earn an RSV under § 203.41 as a result of drilling any subsequent deep wells or phase 1 ultra-deep wells. (b) You determine RSV under § 203.41 for the first qualified deep... wells, that determination establishes the total RSV available for that drilling depth interval on your...

30 CFR 203.42 - What conditions and limitations apply to royalty relief for deep wells and phase 1 ultra-deep wells?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... or deeper, your lease cannot earn an RSV under § 203.41 as a result of drilling any subsequent deep wells or phase 1 ultra-deep wells. (b) You determine RSV under § 203.41 for the first qualified deep... wells, that determination establishes the total RSV available for that drilling depth interval on your...

30 CFR 203.33 - To which production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra... after May 18, 2007, reported on the Oil and Gas Operations Report, Part A (OGOR-A) for your lease under... the unitized portion of lease A (drilled after the ultra-deep well on the non-unitized portion of that...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.30 Which leases...

30 CFR 203.34 - To which production may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.34 To which... lease, except as provided in paragraph (c) of § 203.33; (c) To any liquid hydrocarbon (oil and...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.35 What... Development in writing of your intent to begin drilling operations on all your ultra-deep wells. (b) Before...

30 CFR 203.33 - To which production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... INTERIOR MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.33... from qualified wells on or after May 18, 2007, reported on the Oil and Gas Operations Report, Part A...

30 CFR 203.31 - If I have a qualified phase 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... INTERIOR MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.31... applies if your lease: (i) Has produced gas or oil from a deep well with a perforated interval the top of...

Study on Ultra-deep Azimuthal Electromagnetic Resistivity LWD Tool by Influence Quantification on Azimuthal Depth of Investigation and Real Signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Kesai; Gao, Jie; Ju, Xiaodong; Zhu, Jun; Xiong, Yanchun; Liu, Shuai

2018-05-01

This paper proposes a new tool design of ultra-deep azimuthal electromagnetic (EM) resistivity logging while drilling (LWD) for deeper geosteering and formation evaluation, which can benefit hydrocarbon exploration and development. First, a forward numerical simulation of azimuthal EM resistivity LWD is created based on the fast Hankel transform (FHT) method, and its accuracy is confirmed under classic formation conditions. Then, a reasonable range of tool parameters is designed by analyzing the logging response. However, modern technological limitations pose challenges to selecting appropriate tool parameters for ultra-deep azimuthal detection under detectable signal conditions. Therefore, this paper uses grey relational analysis (GRA) to quantify the influence of tool parameters on voltage and azimuthal investigation depth. After analyzing thousands of simulation data under different environmental conditions, the random forest is used to fit data and identify an optimal combination of tool parameters due to its high efficiency and accuracy. Finally, the structure of the ultra-deep azimuthal EM resistivity LWD tool is designed with a theoretical azimuthal investigation depth of 27.42-29.89 m in classic different isotropic and anisotropic formations. This design serves as a reliable theoretical foundation for efficient geosteering and formation evaluation in high-angle and horizontal (HA/HZ) wells in the future.

NIR Tully-Fisher in the Zone of Avoidance - III. Deep NIR catalogue of the HIZOA galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Said, Khaled; Kraan-Korteweg, Renée C.; Jarrett, T. H.; Staveley-Smith, Lister; Williams, Wendy L.

2016-11-01

We present a deep near-infrared (NIR; J, H, and Ks bands) photometric catalogue of sources from the Parkes H I Zone of Avoidance (HIZOA) survey, which forms the basis for an investigation of the matter distribution in the Zone of Avoidance. Observations were conducted between 2006 and 2013 using the Infrared Survey Facility (IRSF), a 1.4-m telescope situated at the South African Astronomical Observatory site in Sutherland. The images cover all 1108 HIZOA detections and yield 915 galaxies. An additional 105 bright 2MASS galaxies in the southern ZOA were imaged with the IRSF, resulting in 129 galaxies. The average Ks-band seeing and sky background for the survey are 1.38 arcsec and 20.1 mag, respectively. The detection rate as a function of stellar density and dust extinction is found to depend mainly on the H I mass of the H I detected galaxies, which in principal correlates with the NIR brightness of the spiral galaxies. The measured isophotal magnitudes are of sufficient accuracy (errors ˜0.02 mag) to be used in a Tully-Fisher analysis. In the final NIR catalogue, 285 galaxies have both IRSF and 2MASS photometry (180 HIZOA plus 105 bright 2MASX galaxies). The Ks-band isophotal magnitudes presented in this paper agree, within the uncertainties, with those reported in the 2MASX catalogue. Another 30 galaxies, from the HIZOA northern extension, are also covered by UKIDSS Galactic Plane Survey (GPS) images, which are one magnitude deeper than our IRSF images. A modified version of our photometry pipeline was used to derive the photometric parameters of these UKIDSS galaxies. Good agreement was found between the respective Ks-band isophotal magnitudes. These comparisons confirm the robustness of the isophotal parameters and demonstrate that the IRSF images do not suffer from foreground contamination, after star removal, nor underestimate the isophotal fluxes of ZoA galaxies.

30 CFR 203.31 - If I have a qualified phase 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following table in billions of cubic... 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep wellthat is: Then your lease earns an RSV on this volume of gas... the price conditions in § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following...

30 CFR 203.34 - To which production may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false To which production may an RSV earned by... may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease not be applied? You may not apply an RSV earned under § 203.31: (a) To production from completions less than 15,000 feet...

30 CFR 203.31 - If I have a qualified phase 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following table in billions of cubic... 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep wellthat is: Then your lease earns an RSV on this volume of gas... the price conditions in § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following...

30 CFR 203.34 - To which production may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false To which production may an RSV earned by... may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease not be applied? You may not apply an RSV earned under § 203.31: (a) To production from completions less than 15,000 feet...

30 CFR 203.34 - To which production may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false To which production may an RSV earned by... may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease not be applied? You may not apply an RSV earned under § 203.31: (a) To production from completions less than 15,000 feet...

30 CFR 203.31 - If I have a qualified phase 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following table in billions of cubic... 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep wellthat is: Then your lease earns an RSV on this volume of gas... the price conditions in § 203.36, your qualified well earns your lease an RSV shown in the following...

30 CFR 203.42 - What conditions and limitations apply to royalty relief for deep wells and phase 1 ultra-deep wells?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Deep Gas Wells on Leases Not... royalty relief under § 203.41. If . . . Then . . . (a) Your lease has produced gas or oil from a well with... RSV under § 203.41 as a result of drilling any subsequent deep wells or phase 1 ultra-deep wells. (b...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

30 CFR 203.30 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.30 Section 203.30 Mineral Resources... for royalty relief as a result of drilling a phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? Your lease may... longitude in water depths entirely less than 400 meters deep. (b) The lease has not produced gas or oil from...

Appendectomy

MedlinePlus

... Alternative Names Appendix removal; Surgery - appendectomy; Appendicitis - appendectomy Images Anatomical landmarks, front view Appendectomy - series References Maa J, Kirkwood KS. The appendix. In: Townsend CM Jr, ...

30 CFR 203.31 - If I have a qualified phase 2 or qualified phase 3 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... water less than 400 meters deep (see § 203.30(a)), has no existing deep or ultra-deep wells and that the... depths partly or entirely less than 200 meters and has not previously produced from a deep well (§ 203.30... which is 16,000 feet TVD SS and your lease is located in water 100 meters deep. Then in 2008, you drill...

30 CFR 203.33 - To which production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false To which production do I apply the RSV earned... production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease or in my unit? (a) You must apply the RSV allowed in § 203.31(a) and (b) to gas volumes produced from qualified...

30 CFR 203.33 - To which production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false To which production do I apply the RSV earned... production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease or in my unit? (a) You must apply the RSV allowed in § 203.31(a) and (b) to gas volumes produced from qualified...

30 CFR 203.33 - To which production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 2 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false To which production do I apply the RSV earned... production do I apply the RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my lease or in my unit? (a) You must apply the RSV allowed in § 203.31(a) and (b) to gas volumes produced from qualified...

Modification of Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for DNA content data analysis through distribution alignment.

PubMed

Huang, Shuguang; Yeo, Adeline A; Li, Shuyu Dan

2007-10-01

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test is a statistical method often used for comparing two distributions. In high-throughput screening (HTS) studies, such distributions usually arise from the phenotype of independent cell populations. However, the K-S test has been criticized for being overly sensitive in applications, and it often detects a statistically significant difference that is not biologically meaningful. One major reason is that there is a common phenomenon in HTS studies that systematic drifting exists among the distributions due to reasons such as instrument variation, plate edge effect, accidental difference in sample handling, etc. In particular, in high-content cellular imaging experiments, the location shift could be dramatic since some compounds themselves are fluorescent. This oversensitivity of the K-S test is particularly overpowered in cellular assays where the sample sizes are very big (usually several thousands). In this paper, a modified K-S test is proposed to deal with the nonspecific location-shift problem in HTS studies. Specifically, we propose that the distributions are "normalized" by density curve alignment before the K-S test is conducted. In applications to simulation data and real experimental data, the results show that the proposed method has improved specificity.

Vaginal bleeding between periods

MedlinePlus

... periods; Intermenstrual bleeding; Spotting; Metrorrhagia Images ... S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology . 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016: ...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

30 CFR 203.35 - What administrative steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? 203.35 Section 203.35 Mineral... steps must I take to use the RSV earned by a qualified phase 2 or phase 3 ultra-deep well? To use an RSV... of the size of the RSV earned by your lease. (2) If you produced from a qualified phase 2 or phase 3...

Sensitive biomarkers of alcoholism's effect on brain macrostructure: similarities and differences between France and the United States

PubMed Central

Le Berre, Anne-Pascale; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Chanraud, Sandra; Beaunieux, Hélène; Eustache, Francis; Martinot, Jean-Luc; Reynaud, Michel; Martelli, Catherine; Rohlfing, Torsten; Pfefferbaum, Adolf; Sullivan, Edith V.

2015-01-01

Alcohol consumption patterns and recognition of health outcomes related to hazardous drinking vary widely internationally, raising the question whether these national differences are reflected in brain damage observed in alcoholism. This retrospective analysis assessed variability of alcoholism's effects on brain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and white matter volumes between France and the United States (U.S.). MRI data from two French sites (Caen and Orsay) and a U.S. laboratory (SRI/Stanford University) were acquired on 1.5T imaging systems in 287 controls, 165 uncomplicated alcoholics (ALC), and 26 alcoholics with Korsakoff's Syndrome (KS). All data were analyzed at the U.S. site using atlas-based parcellation. Results revealed graded CSF volume enlargement from ALC to KS and white matter volume deficits in KS only. In ALC from France but not the U.S., CSF and white matter volumes correlated with lifetime alcohol consumption, alcoholism duration, and length of sobriety. MRI highlighted CSF volume enlargement in both ALC and KS, serving as a basis for an ex vacuo process to explain correlated gray matter shrinkage. By contrast, MRI provided a sensitive in vivo biomarker of white matter volume shrinkage in KS only, suggesting a specific process sensitive to mechanisms contributing to Wernicke's encephalopathy, the precursor of KS. Identified structural brain abnormalities may provide biomarkers underlying alcoholism's heterogeneity in and among nations and suggest a substrate of gray matter tissue shrinkage. Proposed are hypotheses for national differences in interpreting whether the severity of sequelae observe a graded phenomenon or a continuum from uncomplicated alcoholism to alcoholism complicated by KS. PMID:26157376

The SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES) - V. Submillimetre properties of near-infrared-selected galaxies in the Subaru/XMM -Newton deep field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, T.; Mortier, A. M. J.; Shimasaku, K.; Coppin, K.; Pope, A.; Ivison, R. J.; Hanami, H.; Serjeant, S.; Clements, D. L.; Priddey, R. S.; Dunlop, J. S.; Takata, T.; Aretxaga, I.; Chapman, S. C.; Eales, S. A.; Farrah, D.; Granato, G. L.; Halpern, M.; Hughes, D. H.; van Kampen, E.; Scott, D.; Sekiguchi, K.; Smail, I.; Vaccari, M.

2007-11-01

We have studied the submillimetre (submm) properties of the following classes of near-infrared-selected (NIR-selected) massive galaxies at high redshifts: BzK-selected star-forming galaxies (BzKs); distant red galaxies (DRGs); and extremely red objects (EROs). We used the SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES), the largest uniform submm survey to date. Partial overlap of SIRIUS/NIR images and SHADES in Subaru/XMM-Newton deep field has allowed us to identify four submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies, which are detected in the mid-IR, 24μ m, and the radio, 1.4GHz. We find that all of our submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies satisfy the BzK selection criteria, i.e. BzK ≡ (z - K)AB - (B - z)AB >= -0.2, except for one galaxy whose B - z and z - K colours are however close to the BzK colour boundary. Two of the submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies satisfy all of the selection criteria we considered, i.e. they belong to the BzK-DRG-ERO overlapping population, or `extremely red' BzKs. Although these extremely red BzKs are rare (0.25 arcmin-2), up to 20 per cent of this population could be submm galaxies. This fraction is significantly higher than that found for other galaxy populations studied here. Via a stacking analysis, we have detected the 850-μ m flux of submm-faint BzKs and EROs in our SCUBA maps. While the contribution of z ~ 2 BzKs to the submm background is about 10-15 per cent and similar to that from EROs typically at z ~ 1, BzKs have a higher fraction (~30 per cent) of submm flux in resolved sources compared with EROs and submm sources as a whole. From the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting analysis for both submm-bright and submm-faint BzKs, we found no clear signature that submm-bright BzKs are experiencing a specifically luminous evolutionary phase, compared with submm-faint BzKs. An alternative explanation might be that submm-bright BzKs are more massive than submm-faint ones.

Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry in Kallmann syndrome associated with mirror movements.

PubMed

Koenigkam-Santos, M; Santos, A C; Borduqui, T; Versiani, B R; Hallak, J E C; Crippa, J A S; Castro, M

2008-10-01

There are 2 main hypotheses concerning the cause of mirror movements (MM) in Kallmann syndrome (KS): abnormal development of the primary motor system, involving the ipsilateral corticospinal tract; and lack of contralateral motor cortex inhibitory mechanisms, mainly through the corpus callosum. The purpose of our study was to determine white and gray matter volume changes in a KS population by using optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and to investigate the relationship between the abnormalities and the presence of MM, addressing the 2 mentioned hypotheses. T1-weighted volumetric images from 21 patients with KS and 16 matched control subjects were analyzed with optimized VBM. Images were segmented and spatially normalized, and these deformation parameters were then applied to the original images before the second segmentation. Patients were divided into groups with and without MM, and a t test statistic was then applied on a voxel-by-voxel basis between the groups and controls to evaluate significant differences. When considering our hypothesis a priori, we found that 2 areas of increased gray matter volume, in the left primary motor and sensorimotor cortex, were demonstrated only in patients with MM, when compared with healthy controls. Regarding white matter alterations, no areas of altered volume involving the corpus callosum or the projection of the corticospinal tract were demonstrated. The VBM study did not show significant white matter changes in patients with KS but showed gray matter alterations in keeping with a hypertrophic response to a deficient pyramidal decussation in patients with MM. In addition, gray matter alterations were observed in patients without MM, which can represent more complex mechanisms determining the presence or absence of this symptom.

The Emergence of the Infrared Transient VVV-WIT-06

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minniti, D.; Saito, R. K.; Forster, F.; Pignata, G.; Ivanov, V. D.; Lucas, P. W.; Beamin, J. C.; Borissova, J.; Catelan, M.; Gonzalez, O. A.; Hempel, M.; Hsiao, E.; Kurtev, R.; Majaess, D.; Masetti, N.; Morrell, N. I.; Phillips, M. M.; Pullen, J. B.; Rejkuba, M.; Smith, L.; Surot, F.; Valenti, E.; Zoccali, M.

2017-11-01

We report the discovery of an enigmatic large-amplitude ({{Δ }}{Ks}> 10.5 mag) transient event in near-IR data obtained by the VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) ESO Public Survey. The object (designated VVV-WIT-06) is located at R.A. = 17:07:18.917, decl. = -39:06:26.45 (J2000), corresponding to Galactic coordinates l = 347.14539, b = 0.88522. It exhibits a clear eruption, peaking at Ks = 9 mag during 2013 July and fading to {Ks}˜ 16.5 in 2017. Our late near-IR spectra show post-outburst emission lines, including some broad emission lines (upward of {FWHM}˜ 3000 km s-1). We estimate a total extinction of {A}V=10{--}15 mag in the surrounding field, and no progenitor was observed in ZYJHKs images obtained during 2010-2012 (down to {K}s> 18.5 mag). Subsequent deep near-IR imaging and spectroscopy, in concert with the available multiband photometry, indicate that VVV-WIT-06 may be either: (I) the closest Type I SN observed in about 400 years, (II) an exotic high-amplitude nova that would extend the known realm of such objects, or (III) a stellar merger. In all of these cases, VVV-WIT-06 is a fascinating and curious astrophysical target under any of the scenarios considered. Based on observations taken within the ESO programmes 179.B-2002 and 298.D-5048, and on observations carried out at the Magellan Telescope at LCO.

MIGHTEE: The MeerKAT International GHz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, A. Russ; Jarvis, Matt

2017-05-01

The MeerKAT telescope is the precursor of the Square Kilometre Array mid-frequency dish array to be deployed later this decade on the African continent. MIGHTEE is one of the MeerKAT large survey projects designed to pathfind SKA key science in cosmology and galaxy evolution. Through a tiered radio continuum deep imaging project including several fields totaling 20 square degrees to microJy sensitivities and an ultra-deep image of a single 1 square degree field of view, MIGHTEE will explore dark matter and large scale structure, the evolution of galaxies, including AGN activity and star formation as a function of cosmic time and environment, the emergence and evolution of magnetic fields in galaxies, and the magnetic counter part to large scale structure of the universe.

Optical Reference Stars for Space Surveillance: Future Plans: Latest Developments

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Micron All Sky Survey ( 2MASS ) has imaged the entire sky in near-infrared J(1.25m), H(1.65 m), and Ks(2.16 m) bandpasses from Mt Hopkins, Arizona...and Cerro Tololo, Chile. The 10-sigma detection levels reached 15.8, 15.1, and 14.3 mag at the J, H, and Ks bands, respectively. The 2MASS data...no proper motions for the stars. Information on 2MASS can be found at http://www.ipac.caltech.edu/ 2mass . UCAC The basis of the USNO CCD

Finding new sub-stellar co-moving companion candidates - the case of CT Cha

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Tobias; Neuhäuser, Ralph

2008-05-01

We have searched for close and faint companions around T Tauri stars in the Chamaeleon star forming region. Two epochs of direct imaging data were taken with the VLT Adaptive Optics instrument NaCo in February 2006 and March 2007 in Ks band for the classical T Tauri star CT Cha together with a Hipparcos binary for astrometric calibration. Moreover a J band image was taken in March 2007 to get color information. We found CT Cha to have a very faint companion (Ks0=14.6 mag) of 2.67” separation corresponding to 440AU. We show that CT Cha A and the faint object form a common proper motion pair and that the companion is not a non-moving background object (with 4σ significance).

ULTRA-DEEP GEMINI NEAR-INFRARED OBSERVATIONS OF THE BULGE GLOBULAR CLUSTER NGC 6624

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

Saracino, S.; Dalessandro, E.; Ferraro, F. R.

2016-11-20

We used ultra-deep J and K {sub s} images secured with the near-infrared (NIR) GSAOI camera assisted by the multi-conjugate adaptive optics system GeMS at the GEMINI South Telescope in Chile, to obtain a ( K {sub s} , J - K {sub s} ) color–magnitude diagram (CMD) for the bulge globular cluster NGC 6624. We obtained the deepest and most accurate NIR CMD from the ground for this cluster, by reaching K {sub s} ∼ 21.5, approximately 8 mag below the horizontal branch level. The entire extension of the Main Sequence (MS) is nicely sampled and at K {submore » s} ∼ 20 we detected the so-called MS “knee” in a purely NIR CMD. By taking advantage of the exquisite quality of the data, we estimated the absolute age of NGC 6624 ( t {sub age} = 12.0 ± 0.5 Gyr), which turns out to be in good agreement with previous studies in the literature. We also analyzed the luminosity and mass functions of MS stars down to M ∼ 0.45 M{sub ⊙}, finding evidence of a significant increase of low-mass stars at increasing distances from the cluster center. This is a clear signature of mass segregation, confirming that NGC 6624 is in an advanced stage of dynamical evolution.« less

Development and Validation of an Ultradeep Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Testing of Plasma Cell-Free DNA from Patients with Advanced Cancer.

PubMed

Janku, Filip; Zhang, Shile; Waters, Jill; Liu, Li; Huang, Helen J; Subbiah, Vivek; Hong, David S; Karp, Daniel D; Fu, Siqing; Cai, Xuyu; Ramzanali, Nishma M; Madwani, Kiran; Cabrilo, Goran; Andrews, Debra L; Zhao, Yue; Javle, Milind; Kopetz, E Scott; Luthra, Rajyalakshmi; Kim, Hyunsung J; Gnerre, Sante; Satya, Ravi Vijaya; Chuang, Han-Yu; Kruglyak, Kristina M; Toung, Jonathan; Zhao, Chen; Shen, Richard; Heymach, John V; Meric-Bernstam, Funda; Mills, Gordon B; Fan, Jian-Bing; Salathia, Neeraj S

2017-09-15

Purpose: Tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma can be used for molecular testing and provide an attractive alternative to tumor tissue. Commonly used PCR-based technologies can test for limited number of alterations at the time. Therefore, novel ultrasensitive technologies capable of testing for a broad spectrum of molecular alterations are needed to further personalized cancer therapy. Experimental Design: We developed a highly sensitive ultradeep next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay using reagents from TruSeqNano library preparation and NexteraRapid Capture target enrichment kits to generate plasma cfDNA sequencing libraries for mutational analysis in 61 cancer-related genes using common bioinformatics tools. The results were retrospectively compared with molecular testing of archival primary or metastatic tumor tissue obtained at different points of clinical care. Results: In a study of 55 patients with advanced cancer, the ultradeep NGS assay detected 82% (complete detection) to 87% (complete and partial detection) of the aberrations identified in discordantly collected corresponding archival tumor tissue. Patients with a low variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutant cfDNA survived longer than those with a high VAF did ( P = 0.018). In patients undergoing systemic therapy, radiological response was positively associated with changes in cfDNA VAF ( P = 0.02), and compared with unchanged/increased mutant cfDNA VAF, decreased cfDNA VAF was associated with longer time to treatment failure (TTF; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Ultradeep NGS assay has good sensitivity compared with conventional clinical mutation testing of archival specimens. A high VAF in mutant cfDNA corresponded with shorter survival. Changes in VAF of mutated cfDNA were associated with TTF. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5648-56. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Genomic variation in macrophage-cultured European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus Olot/91 revealed using ultra-deep next generation sequencing.

PubMed

Lu, Zen H; Brown, Alexander; Wilson, Alison D; Calvert, Jay G; Balasch, Monica; Fuentes-Utrilla, Pablo; Loecherbach, Julia; Turner, Frances; Talbot, Richard; Archibald, Alan L; Ait-Ali, Tahar

2014-03-04

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a disease of major economic impact worldwide. The etiologic agent of this disease is the PRRS virus (PRRSV). Increasing evidence suggest that microevolution within a coexisting quasispecies population can give rise to high sequence heterogeneity in PRRSV. We developed a pipeline based on the ultra-deep next generation sequencing approach to first construct the complete genome of a European PRRSV, strain Olot/9, cultured on macrophages and then capture the rare variants representative of the mixed quasispecies population. Olot/91 differs from the reference Lelystad strain by about 5% and a total of 88 variants, with frequencies as low as 1%, were detected in the mixed population. These variants included 16 non-synonymous variants concentrated in the genes encoding structural and nonstructural proteins; including Glycoprotein 2a and 5. Using an ultra-deep sequencing methodology, the complete genome of Olot/91 was constructed without any prior knowledge of the sequence. Rare variants that constitute minor fractions of the heterogeneous PRRSV population could successfully be detected to allow further exploration of microevolutionary events.

Insights about minority HIV-1 strains in transmitted drug resistance mutation dynamics and disease progression.

PubMed

Leda, Ana Rachel; Hunter, James; Oliveira, Ursula Castro; Azevedo, Inacio Junqueira; Sucupira, Maria Cecilia Araripe; Diaz, Ricardo Sobhie

2018-04-19

The presence of minority transmitted drug resistance mutations was assessed using ultra-deep sequencing and correlated with disease progression among recently HIV-1-infected individuals from Brazil. Samples at baseline during recent infection and 1 year after the establishment of the infection were analysed. Viral RNA and proviral DNA from 25 individuals were subjected to ultra-deep sequencing of the reverse transcriptase and protease regions of HIV-1. Viral strains carrying transmitted drug resistance mutations were detected in 9 out of the 25 patients, for all major antiretroviral classes, ranging from one to five mutations per patient. Ultra-deep sequencing detected strains with frequencies as low as 1.6% and only strains with frequencies >20% were detected by population plasma sequencing (three patients). Transmitted drug resistance strains with frequencies <14.8% did not persist upon established infection. The presence of transmitted drug resistance mutations was negatively correlated with the viral load and with CD4+ T cell count decay. Transmitted drug resistance mutations representing small percentages of the viral population do not persist during infection because they are negatively selected in the first year after HIV-1 seroconversion.

Nonlocal Means Denoising of Self-Gated and k-Space Sorted 4-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Using Block-Matching and 3-Dimensional Filtering: Implications for Pancreatic Tumor Registration and Segmentation

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

Jin, Jun; McKenzie, Elizabeth; Fan, Zhaoyang

Purpose: To denoise self-gated k-space sorted 4-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (SG-KS-4D-MRI) by applying a nonlocal means denoising filter, block-matching and 3-dimensional filtering (BM3D), to test its impact on the accuracy of 4D image deformable registration and automated tumor segmentation for pancreatic cancer patients. Methods and Materials: Nine patients with pancreatic cancer and abdominal SG-KS-4D-MRI were included in the study. Block-matching and 3D filtering was adapted to search in the axial slices/frames adjacent to the reference image patch in the spatial and temporal domains. The patches with high similarity to the reference patch were used to collectively denoise the 4D-MRI image. Themore » pancreas tumor was manually contoured on the first end-of-exhalation phase for both the raw and the denoised 4D-MRI. B-spline deformable registration was applied to the subsequent phases for contour propagation. The consistency of tumor volume defined by the standard deviation of gross tumor volumes from 10 breathing phases (σ-GTV), tumor motion trajectories in 3 cardinal motion planes, 4D-MRI imaging noise, and image contrast-to-noise ratio were compared between the raw and denoised groups. Results: Block-matching and 3D filtering visually and quantitatively reduced image noise by 52% and improved image contrast-to-noise ratio by 56%, without compromising soft tissue edge definitions. Automatic tumor segmentation is statistically more consistent on the denoised 4D-MRI (σ-GTV = 0.6 cm{sup 3}) than on the raw 4D-MRI (σ-GTV = 0.8 cm{sup 3}). Tumor end-of-exhalation location is also more reproducible on the denoised 4D-MRI than on the raw 4D-MRI in all 3 cardinal motion planes. Conclusions: Block-matching and 3D filtering can significantly reduce random image noise while maintaining structural features in the SG-KS-4D-MRI datasets. In this study of pancreatic tumor segmentation, automatic segmentation of GTV in the registered image sets is shown to be more consistent on the denoised 4D-MRI than on the raw 4D-MRI.« less

Our Selves, Our Scene, Our Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Media and Methods, 1978

1978-01-01

Compiles words, images, writing, and pictures that capture how students see themselves and the personal events in their lives, their immediate environments, and their views on television, pollution, old age, movies, and other aspects of American life. (KS)

VizieR Online Data Catalog: BzJK observations around radio galaxies (Galametz+, 2009)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galametz, A.; De Breuck, C.; Vernet, J.; Stern, D.; Rettura, A.; Marmo, C.; Omont, A.; Allen, M.; Seymour, N.

2010-02-01

We imaged the two targets using the Bessel B-band filter of the Large Format Camera (LFC) on the Palomar 5m Hale Telescope. We imaged the radio galaxy fields using the z-band filter of Palomar/LFC. In February 2005, we observed 7C 1751+6809 for 60-min under photometric conditions. In August 2005, we observed 7C 1756+6520 for 135-min but in non-photometric conditions. The tables provide the B, z, J and Ks magnitudes and coordinates of the pBzK* galaxies (red passively evolving candidates selected by BzK=(z-K)-(B-z)<-0.2 and (z-K)>2.2) for both fields. The B and z bands were obtained using the Large Format Camera (LFC) on the Palomar 5m Hale Telescope, and the J and Ks bands using Wide-field Infrared Camera (WIRCAM) of the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). (2 data files).

The Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC): Deep Near-Infrared Imaging and the Selection of Distant Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quadri, Ryan; Marchesini, Danilo; van Dokkum, Pieter; Gawiser, Eric; Franx, Marijn; Lira, Paulina; Rudnick, Gregory; Urry, C. Megan; Maza, José; Kriek, Mariska; Barrientos, L. Felipe; Blanc, Guillermo A.; Castander, Francisco J.; Christlein, Daniel; Coppi, Paolo S.; Hall, Patrick B.; Herrera, David; Infante, Leopoldo; Taylor, Edward N.; Treister, Ezequiel; Willis, Jon P.

2007-09-01

We present deep near-infrared JHK imaging of four 10' × 10' fields. The observations were carried out as part of the Multiwavelength Survey by Yale-Chile (MUSYC) with ISPI on the CTIO 4 m telescope. The typical point-source limiting depths are J ~ 22.5, H ~ 21.5, and K ~ 21 (5 σ Vega). The effective seeing in the final images is ~1.0″. We combine these data with MUSYC UBVRIz imaging to create K-selected catalogs that are unique for their uniform size, depth, filter coverage, and image quality. We investigate the rest-frame optical colors and photometric redshifts of galaxies that are selected using common color selection techniques, including distant red galaxies (DRGs), star-forming and passive BzKs, and the rest-frame UV-selected BM, BX, and Lyman break galaxies (LBGs). These techniques are effective at isolating large samples of high-redshift galaxies, but none provide complete or uniform samples across the targeted redshift ranges. The DRG and BM/BX/LBG criteria identify populations of red and blue galaxies, respectively, as they were designed to do. The star-forming BzKs have a very wide redshift distribution, extending down to z ~ 1, a wide range of colors, and may include galaxies with very low specific star formation rates. In comparison, the passive BzKs are fewer in number, have a different distribution of K magnitudes, and have a somewhat different redshift distribution. By combining either the DRG and BM/BX/LBG criteria, or the star-forming and passive BzK criteria, it appears possible to define a reasonably complete sample of galaxies to our flux limit over specific redshift ranges. However, the redshift dependence of both the completeness and sampled range of rest-frame colors poses an ultimate limit to the usefulness of these techniques.

Registration of nine sorghum seed parent (A/B) lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nine sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] A1 cyto plasmic-genic male sterile seed parent (A) and their maintainer (B) lines [KS 133A/B, KS 134A/B, KS 135A/B, KS 136A/B, KS 137A/B, KS 138A/B, KS 139A/B, KS 140A/B and KS 141A/B] were released by the Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Cent...

Using Ultradeep Pyrosequencing to Study HIV-1 Coreceptor Usage in Primary and Dual Infection

PubMed Central

Wagner, Gabriel A.; Pacold, Mary E.; Vigil, Edgar; Caballero, Gemma; Morris, Sheldon R.; Kosakovsky Pond, Sergei L.; Little, Susan J.; Richman, Douglas D.; Gianella, Sara; Smith, Davey M.

2013-01-01

HIV-1 dual infection (DI) and CXCR4 (X4) coreceptor usage are associated with accelerated disease progression but frequency and dynamics of coreceptor usage during DI is unknown. Ultradeep sequencing was used to interrogate for DI and infer coreceptor usage in longitudinal blood samples of 102 subjects. At baseline, X4 usage was high (23 subjects harbored X4 variants) and was not associated with infection duration or DI. Coreceptor usage changed over time in 12 of 47 participants, and X4 usage emerged in 4 of 41 monoinfections vs 2 of 5 superinfections (P = .12), suggesting a weak statistical trend toward occurrence of superinfection and acquiring X4 usage. PMID:23599311

Longitudinal Evaluation of Cornea With Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Scheimpflug Imaging Before and After Lasik

PubMed Central

Chan, Tommy C.Y.; Biswas, Sayantan; Yu, Marco; Jhanji, Vishal

2015-01-01

Abstract Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the latest advancement in anterior segment imaging. There are limited data regarding its performance after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We compared the reliability of swept-source OCT and Scheimpflug imaging for evaluation of corneal parameters in refractive surgery candidates with myopia or myopic astigmatism. Three consecutive measurements were obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively using swept-source OCT and Scheimpflug imaging. The study parameters included central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), keratometry at steep (Ks) and flat (Kf) axes, mean keratometry (Km), and, anterior and posterior best fit spheres (Ant and Post BFS). The main outcome measures included reliability of measurements before and after LASIK was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and reproducibility coefficients (RC). Association between the mean value of corneal parameters with age, spherical equivalent (SEQ), and residual bed thickness (RBT) and association of variance heterogeneity of corneal parameters and these covariates were analyzed. Twenty-six right eyes of 26 participants (mean age, 32.7 ± 6.9 yrs; mean SEQ, −6.27 ± 1.67 D) were included. Preoperatively, swept-source OCT demonstrated significantly higher ICC for Ks, CCT, TCT, and Post BFS (P ≤ 0.016), compared with Scheimpflug imaging. Swept-source OCT demonstrated significantly smaller RC values for CCT, TCT, and Post BFS (P ≤ 0.001). After LASIK, both devices had significant differences in measurements for all corneal parameters (P ≤ 0.015). Swept-source OCT demonstrated a significantly higher ICC and smaller RC for all measurements, compared with Scheimpflug imaging (P ≤ 0.001). Association of variance heterogeneity was only found in pre-LASIK Ant BFS and post-LASIK Post BFS for swept-source OCT, whereas significant association of variance heterogeneity was noted for all measurements except Ks and Km for Scheimpflug imaging. This study reported higher reliability of swept-source OCT for post-LASIK corneal measurements, as compared with Scheimpflug imaging. The reliability of corneal parameters measured with Scheimpflug imaging after LASIK was not consistent across different age, SEQ, and RBT measurements. These factors need to be considered during follow-up and evaluation of post-LASIK patients for further surgical procedures. PMID:26222852

Monitoring therapy responses at the leukemic subclone level by ultra-deep amplicon resequencing in acute myeloid leukemia.

PubMed

Ojamies, P N; Kontro, M; Edgren, H; Ellonen, P; Lagström, S; Almusa, H; Miettinen, T; Eldfors, S; Tamborero, D; Wennerberg, K; Heckman, C; Porkka, K; Wolf, M; Kallioniemi, O

2017-05-01

In our individualized systems medicine program, personalized treatment options are identified and administered to chemorefractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients based on exome sequencing and ex vivo drug sensitivity and resistance testing data. Here, we analyzed how clonal heterogeneity affects the responses of 13 AML patients to chemotherapy or targeted treatments using ultra-deep (average 68 000 × coverage) amplicon resequencing. Using amplicon resequencing, we identified 16 variants from 4 patients (frequency 0.54-2%) that were not detected previously by exome sequencing. A correlation-based method was developed to detect mutation-specific responses in serial samples across multiple time points. Significant subclone-specific responses were observed for both chemotherapy and targeted therapy. We detected subclonal responses in patients where clinical European LeukemiaNet (ELN) criteria showed no response. Subclonal responses also helped to identify putative mechanisms underlying drug sensitivities, such as sensitivity to azacitidine in DNMT3A mutated cell clones and resistance to cytarabine in a subclone with loss of NF1 gene. In summary, ultra-deep amplicon resequencing method enables sensitive quantification of subclonal variants and their responses to therapies. This approach provides new opportunities for designing combinatorial therapies blocking multiple subclones as well as for real-time assessment of such treatments.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea Survey DR1 (Saito+, 2012)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, R. K.; Hempel, M.; Minniti, D.; Lucas, P. W.; Rejkuba, M.; Toledo, I.; Gonzalez, O. A.; Alonso-Garcia, J.; Irwin, M. J.; Gonzalez-Solares, E.; Hodgkin, S. T.; Lewis, J. R.; Cross, N.; Ivanov, V. D.; Kerins, E.; Emerson, J. P.; Soto, M.; Amores, E. B.; Gurovich, S.; Dekany, I.; Angeloni, R.; Beamin, J. C.; Catelan, M.; Padilla, N.; Zoccali, M.; Pietrukowicz, P.; Moni Bidin, C.; Mauro, F.; Geisler, D.; Folkes, S. L.; Sale, S. E.; Borissova, J.; Kurtev, R.; Ahumada, A. V.; Alonso, M. V.; Adamson, A.; Arias, J. I.; Bandyopadhyay, R. M.; Barba, R. H.; Barbuy, B.; Baume, G. L.; Bedin, L. R.; Bellini, A.; Benjamin, R.; Bica, E.; Bonatto, C.; Bronfman, L.; Carraro, G.; Chene, A. N.; Claria, J. J.; Clarke, J. R. A.; Contreras, C.; Corvillon, A.; de Grijs, R.; Dias, B.; Drew, J. E.; Farina, C.; Feinstein, C.; Fernandez-Lajus, E.; Gamen, R. C.; Gieren, W.; Goldman, B.; Gonzalez-Fernandez, C.; Grand, R. J. J.; Gunthardt, G.; Hambly, N. C.; Hanson, M. M.; Helminiak, K. G.; Hoare, M. G.; Huckvale, L.; Jordan, A.; Kinemuchi, K.; Longmore, A.; Lopez-Corredoira, M.; Maccarone, T.; Maja! Ess, D.; M Artin, E. L.; Masetti, N.; Mennickent, R. E.; Mirabel, I. F.; Monaco, L.; Morelli, L.; Motta, V.; Palma, T.; Parisi, M. C.; Parker, Q.; Penaloza, F.; Pietrzynski, G.; Pignata, G.; Popescu, B.; Read, M. A.; Rojas, A.; Roman-Lopes, A.; Ruiz, M. T.; Saviane, I.; Schreiber, M. R.; Schroeder, A. C.; Sharma, S.; Smith, M. D.; Sodre, L. Jr; Stead, J.; Stephens, A. W.; Tamura, M.; Tappert, C.; Thompson, M. A.; Valenti, E.; Vanzi, L.; Walton, N. A.; Weidmann, W.; Zijlstra, A.

2015-01-01

The VVV survey targets the galactic bulge and a piece of the adjacent plane in Z, Y, J, H, and Ks. The total area of this survey is 520 square degrees and contains 355 open and 33 globular clusters. The VVV is multi-epoch in nature in order to detect a large number of variable objects and will provide > 100 carefully spaced observations for each tile. 5-sigma detection limits are Z=21.9, Y=21.2, J=20.2, H=18.2, Ks=18.1. These will be used to create a 3-dimensional map of the Bulge from well-understood distance indicators such as RR Lyrae stars. Other science drivers include the ages of stellar populations, globular cluster evolution, as well as the stellar initial mass function. The VVV Survey data delivered in this part of ESO Data Release 1 (DR1) includes the VISTA/VIRCAM paw-print and tile images that were acquired until September 30, 2010, and processed by the Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit (CASU). This VVV_CAT data release contains the single-epoch band-merged (Z,Y,J,H,Ks) catalogues associated with the VVV tile images that have already been released in the part of DR1 identified as VVV in the ESO archive. VVV_CAT contains 269 tile catalogues. (1 data file).

Clinical characteristics of 138 Chinese female patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

PubMed Central

Tang, Rui-yi; Ma, Miao; Lin, Shou-qing; Zhang, Yi-wen; Wang, Ya-ping

2017-01-01

Objective To evaluate the clinical features of Chinese women with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging findings, therapeutic management and fertility outcomes of 138 women with IHH. All patients had been treated and followed up at an academic medical centre during 1990–2016. Results Among the 138 patients, 82 patients (59.4%) were diagnosed with normosmic IHH and 56 patients (40.6%) were diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome (KS). The patients with IHH experienced occasional menses (4.3%), spontaneous thelarche (45.7%) or spontaneous pubarche (50.7%). Women with thelarche had a higher percentage of pubarche (P < 0.001) and higher gonadotropin concentrations (P < 0.01). Olfactory bulb/sulci abnormalities were found during the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of all patients with KS. Most patients with IHH had osteopenia and low bone age. Among the 16 women who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment, ovulation induction or assisted reproductive technology, the clinical pregnancy rate was 81.3% and the live birth rate was 68.8%. Conclusions The present study revealed that the phenotypic spectrum of women with IHH is broader than typical primary amenorrhoea with no secondary sexual development, including occasional menses, spontaneous thelarche or pubarche. MRI of the olfactory system can facilitate the diagnosis of KS. Pregnancy can be achieved after receiving appropriate treatment. PMID:29018155

Star Cluster Population in NGC7727

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trancho, G.; Miller, B. W.; Schweizer, F.; Whitmore, B.

2004-12-01

We present observations of the merger NGC7727 taken in the optical with HST and in the K-band with with Gemini South in excellent seeing. Comparing the optical data with Monte-Carlo simulations (Whitmore et al. 1997) suggests the presence of an intermediate-age population, but this is not conclusive due to the age/metallicity degeneracy in optical colours. Therefore, we have obtained images in Ks with FLAMINGOS-I on Gemini South since the V-I vs. V-Ks diagram is an excellent separator of age and metallicity. Comparing the data with Bruzual & Charlot (2001) models confirms the presence of an intermediate-age population (between 1-2 Gyr) and, surprisingly, a lack of old, metal-poor clusters.

Chasing passive galaxies in the early Universe: a critical analysis in CANDELS GOODS-South

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merlin, E.; Fontana, A.; Castellano, M.; Santini, P.; Torelli, M.; Boutsia, K.; Wang, T.; Grazian, A.; Pentericci, L.; Schreiber, C.; Ciesla, L.; McLure, R.; Derriere, S.; Dunlop, J. S.; Elbaz, D.

2018-01-01

We search for passive galaxies at z > 3 in the GOODS-South field, using different techniques based on photometric data, and paying attention to develop methods that are sensitive to objects that have become passive shortly before the epoch of observation. We use CANDELS HST catalogues, ultra-deep Ks data and new IRAC photometry, performing spectral energy distribution fitting using models with abruptly quenched star formation histories. We then single out galaxies which are best fitted by a passively evolving model, and having only low probability (<5 per cent) star-forming solutions. We verify the effects of including nebular lines emission, and we consider possible solutions at different redshifts. The number of selected sources dramatically depends on the models used in the spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting. Without including emission lines and with photometric redshifts fixed at the CANDELS estimate, we single out 30 candidates; the inclusion of nebular lines emission reduces the sample to 10 objects; allowing for solutions at different redshifts, only two galaxies survive as robust candidates. Most of the candidates are not far-infrared emitters, corroborating their association with passive galaxies. Our results translate into an upper limit in the number density of ∼0.173 arcmin2 above the detection limit. However, we conclude that the selection of passive galaxies at z > 3 is still subject to significant uncertainties, being sensitive to assumptions in the SED modelling adopted and to the relatively low S/N of the objects. By means of dedicated simulations, we show that JWST will greatly enhance the accuracy, allowing for a much more robust classification.

Validation of a simple and fast method to quantify in vitro mineralization with fluorescent probes used in molecular imaging of bone

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

Moester, Martiene J.C.; Schoeman, Monique A.E.; Oudshoorn, Ineke B.

2014-01-03

Highlights: •We validate a simple and fast method of quantification of in vitro mineralization. •Fluorescently labeled agents can detect calcium deposits in the mineralized matrix of cell cultures. •Fluorescent signals of the probes correlated with Alizarin Red S staining. -- Abstract: Alizarin Red S staining is the standard method to indicate and quantify matrix mineralization during differentiation of osteoblast cultures. KS483 cells are multipotent mouse mesenchymal progenitor cells that can differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes and osteoblasts and are a well-characterized model for the study of bone formation. Matrix mineralization is the last step of differentiation of bone cells and ismore » therefore a very important outcome measure in bone research. Fluorescently labelled calcium chelating agents, e.g. BoneTag and OsteoSense, are currently used for in vivo imaging of bone. The aim of the present study was to validate these probes for fast and simple detection and quantification of in vitro matrix mineralization by KS483 cells and thus enabling high-throughput screening experiments. KS483 cells were cultured under osteogenic conditions in the presence of compounds that either stimulate or inhibit osteoblast differentiation and thereby matrix mineralization. After 21 days of differentiation, fluorescence of stained cultures was quantified with a near-infrared imager and compared to Alizarin Red S quantification. Fluorescence of both probes closely correlated to Alizarin Red S staining in both inhibiting and stimulating conditions. In addition, both compounds displayed specificity for mineralized nodules. We therefore conclude that this method of quantification of bone mineralization using fluorescent compounds is a good alternative for the Alizarin Red S staining.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Young stellar objects in NGC 6823 (Riaz+, 2012)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riaz, B.; Martin, E. L.; Tata, R.; Monin, J.-L.; Phan-Bao, N.; Bouy, H.

2016-10-01

The optical V-, R- and I-band images were obtained using the Prime Focus camera [William Herschel Telescope (WHT)/Wide Field Camera (WFC) detector] mounted on 4-m WHT in La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. Observations were performed in 2005 May, The NIR J-, H-, Ks-band images were obtained using the Infrared Side Port Imager (ISPI) mounted on Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) 4-m Blanco Telescope in Cerro Tololo, Chile. Observations were performed in 2007 March. (3 data files).

VizieR Online Data Catalog: VANDELS High-Redshift Galaxy Evolution (McLure+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLure, R.; Pentericci, L.; Vandels Team

2017-11-01

This is the first data release (DR1) of the VANDELS survey, an ESO public spectroscopy survey targeting the high-redshift Universe. The VANDELS survey uses the VIMOS spectrograph on ESO's VLT to obtain ultra-deep, medium resolution, optical spectra of galaxies within the UKIDSS Ultra Deep Survey (UDS) and Chandra Deep Field South (CDFS) survey fields (0.2 sq. degree total area). Using robust photometric redshift pre-selection, VANDELS is targeting ~2100 galaxies in the redshift interval 1.0=3. In addition, VANDELS is targeting a substantial number of passive galaxies in the redshift interval 1.0

A Preliminary Study of the Ability of the 4Kscore test, the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial-Risk Calculator and the European Research Screening Prostate-Risk Calculator for Predicting High-Grade Prostate Cancer.

PubMed

Borque-Fernando, Á; Esteban-Escaño, L M; Rubio-Briones, J; Lou-Mercadé, A C; García-Ruiz, R; Tejero-Sánchez, A; Muñoz-Rivero, M V; Cabañuz-Plo, T; Alfaro-Torres, J; Marquina-Ibáñez, I M; Hakim-Alonso, S; Mejía-Urbáez, E; Gil-Fabra, J; Gil-Martínez, P; Ávarez-Alegret, R; Sanz, G; Gil-Sanz, M J

2016-04-01

To prevent the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer (PC), therapeutic strategies have been established such as active surveillance and focal therapy, as well as methods for clarifying the diagnosis of high-grade prostate cancer (HGPC) (defined as a Gleason score ≥7), such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and new markers such as the 4Kscore test (4KsT). By means of a pilot study, we aim to test the ability of the 4KsT to identify HGPC in prostate biopsies (Bx) and compare the test with other multivariate prognostic models such as the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial Risk Calculator 2.0 (PCPTRC 2.0) and the European Research Screening Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator 4 (ERSPC-RC 4). Fifty-one patients underwent a prostate Bx according to standard clinical practice, with a minimum of 10 cores. The diagnosis of HGPC was agreed upon by 4 uropathologists. We compared the predictions from the various models by using the Mann-Whitney U test, area under the ROC curve (AUC) (DeLong test), probability density function (PDF), box plots and clinical utility curves. Forty-three percent of the patients had PC, and 23.5% had HGPC. The medians of probability for the 4KsT, PCPTRC 2.0 and ERSPC-RC 4 were significantly different between the patients with HGPC and those without HGPC (p≤.022) and were more differentiated in the case of 4KsT (51.5% for HGPC [25-75 percentile: 25-80.5%] vs. 16% [P 25-75: 8-26.5%] for non-HGPC; p=.002). All models presented AUCs above 0.7, with no significant differences between any of them and 4KsT (p≥.20). The PDF and box plots showed good discriminative ability, especially in the ERSPC-RC 4 and 4KsT models. The utility curves showed how a cutoff of 9% for 4KsT identified all cases of HGPC and provided a 22% savings in biopsies, which is similar to what occurs with the ERSPC-RC 4 models and a cutoff of 3%. The assessed predictive models offer good discriminative ability for HGPCs in Bx. The 4KsT is a good classification model as a whole, followed by ERSPC-RC 4 and PCPTRC 2.0. The clinical utility curves help suggest cutoff points for clinical decisions: 9% for 4KsT and 3% for ERSPC-RC 4. This preliminary study should be interpreted with caution due to its limited sample size. Copyright © 2015 AEU. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Collagen Fibrils and Proteoglycans of Macular Dystrophy Cornea: Ultrastructure and 3D Transmission Electron Tomography.

PubMed

Akhtar, Saeed; Alkatan, Hind M; Kirat, Omar; Khan, Adnan A; Almubrad, Turki

2015-06-01

We report the ultrastructure and 3D transmission electron tomography of collagen fibrils (CFs), proteoglycans (PGs), and microfibrils within the CF of corneas of patients with macular corneal dystrophy (MCD). Three normal corneas and three MCD corneas from three Saudi patients (aged 25, 31, and 49 years, respectively) were used for this study. The corneas were processed for light and electron microscopy studies. 3D images were composed from a set of 120 ultrastructural images using the program "Composer" and visualized using the program "Visuliser Kai". 3D image analysis of MCD cornea showed a clear organization of PGs around the CF at very high magnification and degeneration of the microfibrils within the CF. Within the MCD cornea, the PG area in the anterior stroma was significantly larger than in the middle and posterior stroma. The PG area in the MCD cornea was significantly larger compared with the PG area in the normal cornea. The CF diameter and inter-fibrillar spacing of the MCD cornea were significantly smaller compared with those of the normal cornea. Ultrastructural 3D imaging showed that the production of unsulfated keratin sulfate (KS) may lead to the degeneration of micro-CFs within the CFs. The effect of the unsulfated KS was higher in the anterior stroma compared with the posterior stroma.

Ultradeep electron cyclotron resonance plasma etching of GaN

DOE PAGES

Harrison, Sara E.; Voss, Lars F.; Torres, Andrea M.; ...

2017-07-25

Here, ultradeep (≥5 μm) electron cyclotron resonance plasma etching of GaN micropillars was investigated. Parametric studies on the influence of the applied radio-frequency power, chlorine content in a Cl 2/Ar etch plasma, and operating pressure on the etch depth, GaN-to-SiO 2 selectivity, and surface morphology were performed. Etch depths of >10 μm were achieved over a wide range of parameters. Etch rates and sidewall roughness were found to be most sensitive to variations in RF power and % Cl 2 in the etch plasma. Selectivities of >20:1 GaN:SiO 2 were achieved under several chemically driven etch conditions where a maximummore » selectivity of ~39:1 was obtained using a 100% Cl 2 plasma. The etch profile and (0001) surface morphology were significantly influenced by operating pressure and the chlorine content in the plasma. Optimized etch conditions yielded >10 μm tall micropillars with nanometer-scale sidewall roughness, high GaN:SiO 2 selectivity, and nearly vertical etch profiles. These results provide a promising route for the fabrication of ultradeep GaN microstructures for use in electronic and optoelectronic device applications. In addition, dry etch induced preferential crystallographic etching in GaN microstructures is also demonstrated, which may be of great interest for applications requiring access to non- or semipolar GaN surfaces.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: VVV Survey RR Lyr stars in Southern Galactic plane (Minniti+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minniti, D.; Dekany, I.; Majaess, D.; Palma, T.; Pullen, J.; Rejkuba, M.; Alonso-Garcia, J.; Catelan, M.; Contreras Ramos, R.; Gonzalez, O. A.; Hempel, M.; Irwin, M.; Lucas, P. W.; Saito, R. K.; Tissera, P.; Valenti, E.; Zoccali, M.

2017-08-01

The NIR VISTA Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) Survey observations were acquired with the VIRCAM camera at the VISTA 4.1m telescope at ESO Paranal Observatory. In the disk fields typically 70 epochs of observations were acquired in the Ks-band between the years 2010 and 2015, in addition to complementary single-epoch observations in the ZYJH bands. The 16 NIR detectors of VIRCAM produce an image of 11.6'*11.6' and a pixel scale of 0.34''/pixel. The deep multi-epoch Ks band photometry allows us to unveil faint variable sources deep in the disk regions of our Galaxy. A search for RRab stars was made throughout tiles d001 to d038 of the VVV survey's disk field, which is a thin slice through the Galactic plane spanning 295

CO2 exchange coefficients from remotely-sensed wind speed measurements: SSM/I versus QuikSCAT in 2000

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carr, M.; Tang, W.; Liu, W. T.

2002-01-01

We compare here the air-sea exchange coefficient for C02 estimated with monthly mean wind speed measured by the Special Sensing Microwave Imager (SSM/I), Ks , and by the scatterometer QuikSCAT, Kq, for the year 2000.

Strategies for High-Resolution 3-D Millimeter Wave Imaging.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-02-01

Co-Investigator K.S. Lee - Graduate Student (50%) P. Frangos - Graduate Student (50%) Y. Shen - Graduate Student (50%) K. Schultz - Graduate...period of this report: * P. Frangos (Ph.D.) - "One-Dinensionl Inverse Scattering: Exact Methods and Applications", * C.L. Werner (Ph.D.) - ŗ-D

Subcloning of three osteoblastic cell lines with distinct differentiation phenotypes from the mouse osteoblastic cell line KS-4.

PubMed

Yamashita, T; Ishii, H; Shimoda, K; Sampath, T K; Katagiri, T; Wada, M; Osawa, T; Suda, T

1996-11-01

Three distinct osteoblastic cell lines (KS418, KS460, and KS483) were subcloned from the mouse osteoblastic KS-4 cells, which possessed the abilities not only to differentiate into mature osteoblasts, but also to support osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells. The order of the magnitude of the basal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was KS483 > KS418 > KS460. KS483 cells were also more differentiated than KS418 and KS460 in terms of ALP activity and osteocalcin production, when cultured in growth medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. In long-term culture, KS418 and KS483 apparently differentiated into mature osteoblasts and formed calcified nodules without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that calcification occurring in the nodules was initiated in the matrix vesicles as observed in bone formation in vivo. Nodule formation and mineral deposition occurred simultaneously in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate, but the former always preceded the latter without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. In contrast, KS460 cells did not show time-dependent increases of ALP activity, type I collagen expression and osteocalcin production, which were induced by treatment with recombinant osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). The three cell lines similarly supported osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. These results indicate that the three cell lines subcloned from the original KS-4 cells represent phenotypically distinct osteoblasts during osteoblast differentiation, but are equipped similarly with the capacity to support osteoclast differentiation. The subcloned cells of the KS-4 series may provide useful systems in which to study osteoblast differentiation and function.

Macrostructural abnormalities in Korsakoff syndrome compared with uncomplicated alcoholism.

PubMed

Pitel, A-L; Chételat, G; Le Berre, A P; Desgranges, B; Eustache, F; Beaunieux, H

2012-04-24

To distinguish, in patients with Korsakoff syndrome (KS), the structural brain abnormalities shared with alcoholic patients without KS (AL), from those specific to KS. MRI data were collected in 11 alcoholic patients with KS, 34 alcoholic patients without KS, and 25 healthy control subjects (CS). Gray and white matter volumes were compared in the 3 groups using a voxel-based approach. A conjunction analysis indicated a large pattern of shared gray and white matter volume deficits in AL and KS. There were graded effects of volume deficits (KS < AL < CS) in the medial portion of the thalami, hypothalamus (mammillary bodies), left insula, and genu of the corpus callosum. Abnormalities in the left thalamic radiation were observed only in KS. Our results indicate considerable similarities in the pattern of gray and white matter damage in AL and KS. This finding confirms the widespread neurotoxic effect of chronic alcohol consumption. Only a few cerebral regions, including the medial thalami, mammillary bodies, and corpus callosum, were more severely damaged in KS than in AL. The continuum of macrostructural damage from AL to KS is therefore restricted to key brain structures. Longitudinal investigations are required to determine whether alcoholic patients with medial thalamic volumes that are comparable to those of patients with KS are at increased risk of developing KS.

Measurements of absolute branching fractions for D mesons decays into two pseudoscalar mesons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.; Albrecht, M.; Amoroso, A.; An, F. F.; An, Q.; Bai, J. Z.; Bai, Y.; Bakina, O.; Ferroli, R. Baldini; Ban, Y.; Bennett, D. W.; Bennett, J. V.; Berger, N.; Bertani, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bian, J. M.; Bianchi, F.; Boger, E.; Boyko, I.; Briere, R. A.; Cai, H.; Cai, X.; Cakir, O.; Calcaterra, A.; Cao, G. F.; Cetin, S. A.; Chai, J.; Chang, J. F.; Chelkov, G.; Chen, G.; Chen, H. S.; Chen, J. C.; Chen, M. L.; Chen, P. L.; Chen, S. J.; Chen, X. R.; Chen, Y. B.; Chu, X. K.; Cibinetto, G.; Dai, H. L.; Dai, J. P.; Dbeyssi, A.; Dedovich, D.; Deng, Z. Y.; Denig, A.; Denysenko, I.; Destefanis, M.; de Mori, F.; Ding, Y.; Dong, C.; Dong, J.; Dong, L. Y.; Dong, M. Y.; Dou, Z. L.; Du, S. X.; Duan, P. F.; Fang, J.; Fang, S. S.; Fang, Y.; Farinelli, R.; Fava, L.; Fegan, S.; Feldbauer, F.; Felici, G.; Feng, C. Q.; Fioravanti, E.; Fritsch, M.; Fu, C. D.; Gao, Q.; Gao, X. L.; Gao, Y.; Gao, Y. G.; Gao, Z.; Garzia, I.; Goetzen, K.; Gong, L.; Gong, W. X.; Gradl, W.; Greco, M.; Gu, M. H.; Gu, Y. T.; Guo, A. Q.; Guo, R. P.; Guo, Y. P.; Haddadi, Z.; Han, S.; Hao, X. Q.; Harris, F. A.; He, K. L.; He, X. Q.; Heinsius, F. H.; Held, T.; Heng, Y. K.; Holtmann, T.; Hou, Z. L.; Hu, H. M.; Hu, T.; Hu, Y.; Huang, G. S.; Huang, J. S.; Huang, X. T.; Huang, X. Z.; Huang, Z. L.; Hussain, T.; Andersson, W. Ikegami; Ji, Q.; Ji, Q. P.; Ji, X. B.; Ji, X. L.; Jiang, X. S.; Jiang, X. Y.; Jiao, J. B.; Jiao, Z.; Jin, D. P.; Jin, S.; Jin, Y.; Johansson, T.; Julin, A.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Kang, X. L.; Kang, X. S.; Kavatsyuk, M.; Ke, B. C.; Khan, T.; Khoukaz, A.; Kiese, P.; Kliemt, R.; Koch, L.; Kolcu, O. B.; Kopf, B.; Kornicer, M.; Kuemmel, M.; Kuessner, M.; Kuhlmann, M.; Kupsc, A.; Kühn, W.; Lange, J. S.; Lara, M.; Larin, P.; Lavezzi, L.; Leithoff, H.; Leng, C.; Li, C.; Li, Cheng; Li, D. M.; Li, F.; Li, F. Y.; Li, G.; Li, H. B.; Li, H. J.; Li, J. C.; Li, Jin; Li, K. J.; Li, Kang; Li, Ke; Li, Lei; Li, P. L.; Li, P. R.; Li, Q. Y.; Li, W. D.; Li, W. G.; Li, X. L.; Li, X. N.; Li, X. Q.; Li, Z. B.; Liang, H.; Liang, Y. F.; Liang, Y. T.; Liao, G. R.; Lin, D. X.; Liu, B.; Liu, B. J.; Liu, C. X.; Liu, D.; Liu, F. H.; Liu, Fang; Liu, Feng; Liu, H. B.; Liu, H. M.; Liu, Huanhuan; Liu, Huihui; Liu, J. B.; Liu, J. P.; Liu, J. Y.; Liu, K.; Liu, K. Y.; Liu, Ke; Liu, L. D.; Liu, P. L.; Liu, Q.; Liu, S. B.; Liu, X.; Liu, Y. B.; Liu, Z. A.; Liu, Zhiqing; Long, Y. F.; Lou, X. C.; Lu, H. J.; Lu, J. G.; Lu, Y.; Lu, Y. P.; Luo, C. L.; Luo, M. X.; Luo, X. L.; Lyu, X. R.; Ma, F. C.; Ma, H. L.; Ma, L. L.; Ma, M. M.; Ma, Q. M.; Ma, T.; Ma, X. N.; Ma, X. Y.; Ma, Y. M.; Maas, F. E.; Maggiora, M.; Malik, Q. A.; Mao, Y. J.; Mao, Z. P.; Marcello, S.; Meng, Z. X.; Messchendorp, J. G.; Mezzadri, G.; Min, J.; Min, T. J.; Mitchell, R. E.; Mo, X. H.; Mo, Y. J.; Morales, C. Morales; Muchnoi, N. Yu.; Muramatsu, H.; Mustafa, A.; Nefedov, Y.; Nerling, F.; Nikolaev, I. B.; Ning, Z.; Nisar, S.; Niu, S. L.; Niu, X. Y.; Olsen, S. L.; Ouyang, Q.; Pacetti, S.; Pan, Y.; Papenbrock, M.; Patteri, P.; Pelizaeus, M.; Pellegrino, J.; Peng, H. P.; Peters, K.; Pettersson, J.; Ping, J. L.; Ping, R. G.; Pitka, A.; Poling, R.; Prasad, V.; Qi, H. R.; Qi, M.; Qian, S.; Qiao, C. F.; Qin, N.; Qin, X. S.; Qin, Z. H.; Qiu, J. F.; Rashid, K. H.; Redmer, C. F.; Richter, M.; Ripka, M.; Rolo, M.; Rong, G.; Rosner, Ch.; Sarantsev, A.; Savrié, M.; Schnier, C.; Schoenning, K.; Shan, W.; Shao, M.; Shen, C. P.; Shen, P. X.; Shen, X. Y.; Sheng, H. Y.; Song, J. J.; Song, W. M.; Song, X. Y.; Sosio, S.; Sowa, C.; Spataro, S.; Sun, G. X.; Sun, J. F.; Sun, L.; Sun, S. S.; Sun, X. H.; Sun, Y. J.; Sun, Y. K.; Sun, Y. Z.; Sun, Z. J.; Sun, Z. T.; Tang, C. J.; Tang, G. Y.; Tang, X.; Tapan, I.; Tiemens, M.; Tsednee, B.; Uman, I.; Varner, G. S.; Wang, B.; Wang, B. L.; Wang, D.; Wang, D. Y.; Wang, Dan; Wang, K.; Wang, L. L.; Wang, L. S.; Wang, M.; Wang, Meng; Wang, P.; Wang, P. L.; Wang, W. P.; Wang, X. F.; Wang, Y.; Wang, Y. D.; Wang, Y. F.; Wang, Y. Q.; Wang, Z.; Wang, Z. G.; Wang, Z. Y.; Wang, Zongyuan; Weber, T.; Wei, D. H.; Wei, J. H.; Weidenkaff, P.; Wen, S. P.; Wiedner, U.; Wolke, M.; Wu, L. H.; Wu, L. J.; Wu, Z.; Xia, L.; Xia, Y.; Xiao, D.; Xiao, H.; Xiao, Y. J.; Xiao, Z. J.; Xie, Y. G.; Xie, Y. H.; Xiong, X. A.; Xiu, Q. L.; Xu, G. F.; Xu, J. J.; Xu, L.; Xu, Q. J.; Xu, Q. N.; Xu, X. P.; Yan, L.; Yan, W. B.; Yan, W. C.; Yan, Y. H.; Yang, H. J.; Yang, H. X.; Yang, L.; Yang, Y. H.; Yang, Y. X.; Ye, M.; Ye, M. H.; Yin, J. H.; You, Z. Y.; Yu, B. X.; Yu, C. X.; Yu, J. S.; Yuan, C. Z.; Yuan, Y.; Yuncu, A.; Zafar, A. A.; Zeng, Y.; Zeng, Z.; Zhang, B. X.; Zhang, B. Y.; Zhang, C. C.; Zhang, D. H.; Zhang, H. H.; Zhang, H. Y.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, J. L.; Zhang, J. Q.; Zhang, J. W.; Zhang, J. Y.; Zhang, J. Z.; Zhang, K.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, S. Q.; Zhang, X. Y.; Zhang, Y. H.; Zhang, Y. T.; Zhang, Yang; Zhang, Yao; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Z. H.; Zhang, Z. P.; Zhang, Z. Y.; Zhao, G.; Zhao, J. W.; Zhao, J. Y.; Zhao, J. Z.; Zhao, Lei; Zhao, Ling; Zhao, M. G.; Zhao, Q.; Zhao, S. J.; Zhao, T. C.; Zhao, Y. B.; Zhao, Z. G.; Zhemchugov, A.; Zheng, B.; Zheng, J. P.; Zheng, Y. H.; Zhong, B.; Zhou, L.; Zhou, X.; Zhou, X. K.; Zhou, X. R.; Zhou, X. Y.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, J.; Zhu, K.; Zhu, K. J.; Zhu, S.; Zhu, S. H.; Zhu, X. L.; Zhu, Y. C.; Zhu, Y. S.; Zhu, Z. A.; Zhuang, J.; Zou, B. S.; Zou, J. H.; Besiii Collaboration

2018-04-01

Using a data sample of e+e- collision data with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb-1 taken at the center-of-mass energy √{s }=3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, we measure the absolute branching fractions of the two-body hadronic decays D+→π+π0 , K+π0, π+η , K+η , π+η', K+η', KS0π+, KS0K+, and D0→π+π-, K+K-, K∓π±, KS0π0, KS0η , KS0η'. Our results are consistent with previous measurements within uncertainties. Among them, the branching fractions for D+→π+π0, K+π0, π+η , π+η', KS0π+, KS0K+ and D0→KS0π0, KS0η , KS0η' are determined with improved precision compared to the world average values.

Registration of six grain sorghum pollinator (R) lines

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Six sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] pollinators [KS142R (Reg. No. PI XXXX), KS143R (Reg. No. PI XXXX), KS144R (Reg.No. PI XXXX), KS145R (Reg. No. PI XXXX), KS146R (Reg. No. PI XXXX) and KS147R (Reg. No. PI XXXX) were developed from random mating using a recurrent selection followed by pedigree...

Study of Cabibbo suppressed decays of the Ds+ charmed-strange meson involving a KS0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Link, J. M.; Yager, P. M.; Anjos, J. C.; Bediaga, I.; Castromonte, C.; Machado, A. A.; Magnin, J.; Massafferri, A.; de Miranda, J. M.; Pepe, I. M.; Polycarpo, E.; Dos Reis, A. C.; Carrillo, S.; Casimiro, E.; Cuautle, E.; Sánchez-Hernández, A.; Uribe, C.; Vázquez, F.; Agostino, L.; Cinquini, L.; Cumalat, J. P.; Frisullo, V.; O'Reilly, B.; Segoni, I.; Stenson, K.; Tucker, R. S.; Butler, J. N.; Cheung, H. W. K.; Chiodini, G.; Gaines, I.; Garbincius, P. H.; Garren, L. A.; Gottschalk, E.; Kasper, P. H.; Kreymer, A. E.; Kutschke, R.; Wang, M.; Benussi, L.; Bianco, S.; Fabbri, F. L.; Zallo, A.; Reyes, M.; Cawlfield, C.; Kim, D. Y.; Rahimi, A.; Wiss, J.; Gardner, R.; Kryemadhi, A.; Chung, Y. S.; Kang, J. S.; Ko, B. R.; Kwak, J. W.; Lee, K. B.; Cho, K.; Park, H.; Alimonti, G.; Barberis, S.; Boschini, M.; Cerutti, A.; D'Angelo, P.; Dicorato, M.; Dini, P.; Edera, L.; Erba, S.; Inzani, P.; Leveraro, F.; Malvezzi, S.; Menasce, D.; Mezzadri, M.; Moroni, L.; Pedrini, D.; Pontoglio, C.; Prelz, F.; Rovere, M.; Sala, S.; Davenport, T. F.; Arena, V.; Boca, G.; Bonomi, G.; Gianini, G.; Liguori, G.; Lopes Pegna, D.; Merlo, M. M.; Pantea, D.; Ratti, S. P.; Riccardi, C.; Vitulo, P.; Göbel, C.; Otalora, J.; Hernandez, H.; Lopez, A. M.; Mendez, H.; Paris, A.; Quinones, J.; Ramirez, J. E.; Zhang, Y.; Wilson, J. R.; Handler, T.; Mitchell, R.; Engh, D.; Hosack, M.; Johns, W. E.; Luiggi, E.; Nehring, M.; Sheldon, P. D.; Vaandering, E. W.; Webster, M.; Sheaff, M.; Focus Collaboration

2008-02-01

We study the decay of Ds+ mesons into final states involving a KS0 and report the discovery of Cabibbo suppressed decay modes Ds+ →KS0π-π+π+ (179 ± 36 events) and Ds+ →KS0π+ (113 ± 26 events). The branching fraction ratios for the new modes are Γ (Ds+ →KS0π-π+π+)/Γ (Ds+ →KS0K-π+π+) = 0.18 ± 0.04 ± 0.05 and Γ (Ds+ →KS0π+)/Γ (Ds+ →KS0K+) = 0.104 ± 0.024 ± 0.014.

Study of Cabibbo suppressed decays of the Ds+ charmed-strange meson involving a KS0

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

FOCUS Collaboration; Link, J. M.; Yager, P. M.; Anjos, J. C.; Bediaga, I.; Castromonte, C.; Machado, A. A.; Magnin, J.; Massafferri, A.; de Miranda, J. M.; Pepe, I. M.; Polycarpo, E.; Dos Reis, A. C.; Carrillo, S.; Casimiro, E.; Cuautle, E.; Sánchez-Hernández, A.; Uribe, C.; Vázquez, F.; Agostino, L.; Cinquini, L.; Cumalat, J. P.; Frisullo, V.; O'Reilly, B.; Segoni, I.; Stenson, K.; Tucker, R. S.; Butler, J. N.; Cheung, H. W. K.; Chiodini, G.; Gaines, I.; Garbincius, P. H.; Garren, L. A.; Gottschalk, E.; Kasper, P. H.; Kreymer, A. E.; Kutschke, R.; Wang, M.; Benussi, L.; Bianco, S.; Fabbri, F. L.; Zallo, A.; Reyes, M.; Cawlfield, C.; Kim, D. Y.; Rahimi, A.; Wiss, J.; Gardner, R.; Kryemadhi, A.; Chung, Y. S.; Kang, J. S.; Ko, B. R.; Kwak, J. W.; Lee, K. B.; Cho, K.; Park, H.; Alimonti, G.; Barberis, S.; Boschini, M.; Cerutti, A.; D'Angelo, P.; Dicorato, M.; Dini, P.; Edera, L.; Erba, S.; Inzani, P.; Leveraro, F.; Malvezzi, S.; Menasce, D.; Mezzadri, M.; Moroni, L.; Pedrini, D.; Pontoglio, C.; Prelz, F.; Rovere, M.; Sala, S.; Davenport, T. F.; Arena, V.; Boca, G.; Bonomi, G.; Gianini, G.; Liguori, G.; Lopes Pegna, D.; Merlo, M. M.; Pantea, D.; Ratti, S. P.; Riccardi, C.; Vitulo, P.; Göbel, C.; Otalora, J.; Hernandez, H.; Lopez, A. M.; Mendez, H.; Paris, A.; Quinones, J.; Ramirez, J. E.; Zhang, Y.; Wilson, J. R.; Handler, T.; Mitchell, R.; Engh, D.; Hosack, M.; Johns, W. E.; Luiggi, E.; Nehring, M.; Sheldon, P. D.; Vaandering, E. W.; Webster, M.; Sheaff, M.

2008-02-01

We study the decay of Ds+ mesons into final states involving a KS0 and report the discovery of Cabibbo suppressed decay modes Ds+→KS0πππ (179±36 events) and Ds+→KS0π (113±26 events). The branching fraction ratios for the new modes are Γ(Ds+→KS0πππ)Γ(Ds+→KS0Kππ)=0.18±0.04±0.05 and Γ(Ds+→KS0π)Γ(Ds+→KS0K)=0.104±0.024±0.014.

Infection of KSHV and Interaction with HIV: The Bad Romance.

PubMed

Qin, Jie; Lu, Chun

2017-01-01

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), namely, human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is considered as the pathogen of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the most frequent cancer in untreated HIV-infected individuals. Patients infected with HIV have a much higher possibility developing KS than average individual. Researchers have found that HIV, which functions as a cofactor of KS, contributes a lot to the development of KS. In this article, we will give a brief introduction of KS and KSHV and how the interaction between KSHV and HIV contributes to the development of KS. Also we will take a glance at the development of treatment in KS, especially AIDS-KS.

Resolving the Shell of the Superbubble 30 Doradus C with Chandra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Laura

2017-09-01

We propose to observe the superbubble (SB) 30 Doradus C (30 Dor C) with ACIS-S for 100 ks to resolve and characterize the non-thermal shell, point sources, and the young supernova remnant (SNR) J0536 6913 at sub-arcsecond scales. 30 Dor C has been imaged off axis repeatedly by Chandra due to its proximity to SN 1987A, but the majority of the shell has only been observed <20 ks at off-axis distances of >10 arcminutes. The on-axis spatial resolution, sensitivity, and low background of ACIS-S are necessary to disentangle point sources from diffuse emission, to localize synchrotron filaments associated with accelerated electrons, and to investigate the SNR J0536 6913.

Quantum Imaging: New Methods and Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-23

entanglement, both in the sense of two-photon entanglement in a large Hilbert space of pixels and in the sense of entanglement of more than two... Greenberger -Horne-Zeilinger and W-states entangled in time (or energy) and space”, Phys. Rev. A 79, 025802-1- 025802-4 (2009). 34. R. Meyers, K.S

Congenital hyperinsulinism as the presenting feature of Kabuki syndrome: clinical and molecular characterization of 10 affected individuals.

PubMed

Yap, Kai Lee; Johnson, Amy E Knight; Fischer, David; Kandikatla, Priscilla; Deml, Jacea; Nelakuditi, Viswateja; Halbach, Sara; Jeha, George S; Burrage, Lindsay C; Bodamer, Olaf; Benavides, Valeria C; Lewis, Andrea M; Ellard, Sian; Shah, Pratik; Cody, Declan; Diaz, Alejandro; Devarajan, Aishwarya; Truong, Lisa; Greeley, Siri Atma W; De Leó-Crutchlow, Diva D; Edmondson, Andrew C; Das, Soma; Thornton, Paul; Waggoner, Darrel; Del Gaudio, Daniela

2018-06-15

Describe the clinical and molecular findings of patients with Kabuki syndrome (KS) who present with hypoglycemia due to congenital hyperinsulinism (HI), and assess the incidence of KS in patients with HI. We documented the clinical features and molecular diagnoses of 10 infants with persistent HI and KS via a combination of sequencing and copy-number profiling methodologies. Subsequently, we retrospectively evaluated 100 infants with HI lacking a genetic diagnosis, for causative variants in KS genes. Molecular diagnoses of KS were established by identification of pathogenic variants in KMT2D (n = 5) and KDM6A (n = 5). Among the 100 infants with HI of unknown genetic etiology, a KS diagnosis was uncovered in one patient. The incidence of HI among patients with KS may be higher than previously reported, and KS may account for as much as 1% of patients diagnosed with HI. As the recognition of dysmorphic features associated with KS is challenging in the neonatal period, we propose KS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HI. Since HI in patients with KS is well managed medically, a timely recognition of hyperinsulinemic episodes will improve outcomes, and prevent aggravation of the preexisting mild to moderate intellectual disability in KS.

Measuring and modeling the salting-out effect in ammonium sulfate solutions.

PubMed

Wang, Chen; Lei, Ying Duan; Endo, Satoshi; Wania, Frank

2014-11-18

The presence of inorganic salts significantly influences the partitioning behavior of organic compounds between environmentally relevant aqueous phases, such as seawater or aqueous aerosol, and other, nonaqueous phases (gas phase, organic phase, etc.). In this study, salting-out coefficients (or Setschenow constants) (KS [M(-1)]) for 38 diverse neutral compounds in ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) solutions were measured using a shared headspace passive dosing method and a negligible depletion solid phase microextraction technique. The measured KS were all positive, varied from 0.216 to 0.729, and had standard errors in the range of 0.006-0.060. Compared to KS for sodium chloride (NaCl) in the literature, KS values for (NH4)2SO4 are always higher for the same compound, suggesting a higher salting-out effect of (NH4)2SO4. A polyparameter linear free energy relationship (pp-LFER) for predicting KS in (NH4)2SO4 solutions was generated using the experimental data for calibration. pp-LFER predicted KS agreed well with measured KS reported in the literature. KS for (NH4)2SO4 was also predicted using the quantum-chemical COSMOtherm software and the thermodynamic model AIOMFAC. While COSMOtherm generally overpredicted the experimental KS, predicted and experimental values were correlated. Therefore, a fitting factor needs to be applied when using the current version of COSMOtherm to predict KS. AIOMFAC tends to underpredict the measured KS((NH4)2SO4) but always overpredicts KS(NaCl). The prediction error is generally larger for KS(NaCl) than for KS((NH4)2SO4). AIOMFAC also predicted a dependence of KS on the salt concentrations, which is not observed in the experimental data. In order to demonstrate that the models developed and calibrated in this study can be applied to estimate Setschenow coefficients for atmospherically relevant compounds involved in secondary organic aerosol formation based on chemical structure alone, we predicted and compared KS for selected α-pinene oxidation products.

SMART-X: Square Meter, Arcsecond Resolution Telescope for X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vikhlinin, Alexey; SMART-X Collaboration

2013-04-01

SMART-X is a concept for a next-generation X-ray observatory with large-area, 0.5" angular resolution grazing incidence adjustable X-ray mirrors, high-throughput critical angle transmission gratings, and X-ray microcalorimeter and CMOS-based imager in the focal plane. High angular resolution is enabled by new technology based on controlling the shape of mirror segments using thin film piezo actuators deposited on the back surface. Science applications include observations of growth of supermassive black holes since redshifts of ~10, ultra-deep surveys over 10's of square degrees, galaxy assembly at z=2-3, as well as new opportunities in the high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and time domains. We also review the progress in technology development, tests, and mission design over the past year.

The influence of sex chromosome aneuploidy on brain asymmetry.

PubMed

Rezaie, Roozbeh; Daly, Eileen M; Cutter, William J; Murphy, Declan G M; Robertson, Dene M W; DeLisi, Lynn E; Mackay, Clare E; Barrick, Thomas R; Crow, Timothy J; Roberts, Neil

2009-01-05

The cognitive deficits present in individuals with sex chromosome aneuploidies suggest that hemispheric differentiation of function is determined by an X-Y homologous gene [Crow (1993); Lancet 342:594-598]. In particular, females with Turner's syndrome (TS) who have only one X-chromosome exhibit deficits of spatial ability whereas males with Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) who possess a supernumerary X-chromosome are delayed in acquiring words. Since spatial and verbal abilities are generally associated with right and left hemispheric function, such deficits may relate to anomalies of cerebral asymmetry. We therefore applied a novel image analysis technique to investigate the relationship between sex chromosome dosage and structural brain asymmetry. Specifically, we tested Crow's prediction that the magnitude of the brain torque (i.e., a combination of rightward frontal and leftward occipital asymmetry) would, as a function of sex chromosome dosage, be respectively decreased in TS women and increased in KS men, relative to genotypically normal controls. We found that brain torque was not significantly different in TS women and KS men, in comparison to controls. However, TS women exhibited significantly increased leftward brain asymmetry, restricted to the posterior of the brain and focused on the superior temporal and parietal-occipital association cortex, while KS men showed a trend for decreased brain asymmetry throughout the frontal lobes. The findings suggest that the number of sex chromosomes influences the development of brain asymmetry not simply to modify the torque but in a complex pattern along the antero-posterior axis. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Fingerprints of Modified RNA Bases from Deep Sequencing Profiles.

PubMed

Kietrys, Anna M; Velema, Willem A; Kool, Eric T

2017-11-29

Posttranscriptional modifications of RNA bases are not only found in many noncoding RNAs but have also recently been identified in coding (messenger) RNAs as well. They require complex and laborious methods to locate, and many still lack methods for localized detection. Here we test the ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect and distinguish between ten modified bases in synthetic RNAs. We compare ultradeep sequencing patterns of modified bases, including miscoding, insertions and deletions (indels), and truncations, to unmodified bases in the same contexts. The data show widely varied responses to modification, ranging from no response, to high levels of mutations, insertions, deletions, and truncations. The patterns are distinct for several of the modifications, and suggest the future use of ultradeep sequencing as a fingerprinting strategy for locating and identifying modifications in cellular RNAs.

Ultra-Deep Sequencing Analysis of the Hepatitis A Virus 5'-Untranslated Region among Cases of the Same Outbreak from a Single Source

PubMed Central

Wu, Shuang; Nakamoto, Shingo; Kanda, Tatsuo; Jiang, Xia; Nakamura, Masato; Miyamura, Tatsuo; Shirasawa, Hiroshi; Sugiura, Nobuyuki; Takahashi-Nakaguchi, Azusa; Gonoi, Tohru; Yokosuka, Osamu

2014-01-01

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a causative agent of acute viral hepatitis for which an effective vaccine has been developed. Here we describe ultra-deep pyrosequences (UDPSs) of HAV 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) among cases of the same outbreak, which arose from a single source, associated with a revolving sushi bar. We determined the reference sequence from HAV-derived clone from an attendant by the Sanger method. Sixteen UDPSs from this outbreak and one from another sporadic case were compared with this reference. Nucleotide errors yielded a UDPS error rate of < 1%. This study confirmed that nucleotide substitutions of this region are transition mutations in outbreak cases, that insertion was observed only in non-severe cases, and that these nucleotide substitutions were different from those of the sporadic case. Analysis of UDPSs detected low-prevalence HAV variations in 5'UTR, but no specific mutations associated with severity in these outbreak cases. To our surprise, HAV strains in this outbreak conserved HAV IRES sequence even if we performed analysis of UDPSs. UDPS analysis of HAV 5'UTR gave us no association between the disease severity of hepatitis A and HAV 5'UTR substitutions. It might be more interesting to perform ultra-deep sequencing of full length HAV genome in order to reveal possible unknown genomic determinants associated with disease severity. Further studies will be needed. PMID:24396287

Reproduction in men with Klinefelter syndrome: the past, the present, and the future.

PubMed

Paduch, Darius A; Bolyakov, Alexander; Cohen, Paula; Travis, Alexander

2009-03-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common chromosomal aberration in men. There are approximately 250,000 men with KS in the United States, and the prevalence of KS in male reproductive practices is 3 to 4%; however, most men are never diagnosed. KS has an effect on normal development, growth, social interactions, bone structure, and sexual and reproductive function, thus a multidisciplinary approach to men with KS is important in providing state of the art care to children and men with KS. Over the last 10 years, with advancements in artificial reproductive techniques and the successful delivery of healthy children from men with KS, the involvement of reproductive endocrinologists and urologists in the care of patients with KS is becoming commonplace. The new areas of intense research investigate optimal methods of hormonal manipulations, preservation of fertility in adolescents, and development of universal early screening programs for KS. This review provides the latest update in our understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, and evolving paradigms of therapy in adolescents and men with KS.

Measurements of time-dependent CP violation in B0→ωKS0, f0(980)KS0, KS0π0 and K+K-KS0 decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Y.; Chen, K.-F.; Miyake, H.; Tajima, O.; Trabelsi, K.; Abe, K.; Abe, K.; Adachi, I.; Aihara, H.; Anipko, D.; Bakich, A. M.; Barberio, E.; Bitenc, U.; Bizjak, I.; Blyth, S.; Bondar, A.; Bračko, M.; Browder, T. E.; Chang, M.-C.; Chang, P.; Chen, A.; Chen, W. T.; Cheon, B. G.; Chistov, R.; Choi, Y.; Choi, Y. K.; Cole, S.; Dalseno, J.; Danilov, M.; Dash, M.; Dragic, J.; Drutskoy, A.; Eidelman, S.; Fratina, S.; Gabyshev, N.; Golob, B.; Ha, H.; Haba, J.; Hara, K.; Hara, T.; Hastings, N. C.; Hayashii, H.; Hazumi, M.; Heffernan, D.; Higuchi, T.; Hokuue, T.; Hoshi, Y.; Hou, W.-S.; Hsiung, Y. B.; Iijima, T.; Ikado, K.; Inami, K.; Ishikawa, A.; Ishino, H.; Itoh, R.; Iwasaki, M.; Iwasaki, Y.; Kaji, H.; Kang, J. H.; Kapusta, P.; Kawai, H.; Kawasaki, T.; Kim, H. J.; Kim, H. O.; Kim, Y. J.; Kinoshita, K.; Korpar, S.; Križan, P.; Krokovny, P.; Kulasiri, R.; Kumar, R.; Kuo, C. C.; Kuzmin, A.; Kwon, Y.-J.; Lee, M. J.; Lesiak, T.; Limosani, A.; Lin, S.-W.; Liventsev, D.; Matsumoto, T.; McOnie, S.; Miyabayashi, K.; Miyata, H.; Miyazaki, Y.; Mizuk, R.; Mohapatra, D.; Moloney, G. R.; Nakahama, Y.; Nakano, E.; Nakao, M.; Natkaniec, Z.; Nishida, S.; Nitoh, O.; Ogawa, S.; Okuno, S.; Olsen, S. L.; Onuki, Y.; Ozaki, H.; Pakhlov, P.; Pakhlova, G.; Park, C. W.; Pestotnik, R.; Piilonen, L. E.; Sakai, Y.; Satoyama, N.; Schietinger, T.; Schneider, O.; Schwartz, A. J.; Seidl, R.; Senyo, K.; Sevior, M. E.; Shapkin, M.; Shibuya, H.; Singh, J. B.; Somov, A.; Soni, N.; Stanič, S.; Starič, M.; Stoeck, H.; Sumisawa, K.; Sumiyoshi, T.; Suzuki, S.; Takasaki, F.; Tamai, K.; Tanaka, M.; Taylor, G. N.; Teramoto, Y.; Tian, X. C.; Tikhomirov, I.; Tsukamoto, T.; Uehara, S.; Ueno, K.; Unno, Y.; Uno, S.; Ushiroda, Y.; Usov, Y.; Varner, G.; Varvell, K. E.; Villa, S.; Vinokurova, A.; Wang, C. H.; Watanabe, Y.; Won, E.; Yabsley, B. D.; Yamaguchi, A.; Yamashita, Y.; Yamauchi, M.; Yusa, Y.; Zhilich, V.; Zhulanov, V.; Zupanc, A.

2007-11-01

We present measurements of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0→ωKS0, f0(980)KS0, KS0π0 and K+K-KS0 decays based on a sample of 535×106 BB¯ pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB energy-asymmetric e+e- collider. One neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in one of the specified decay channels, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified from its decay products. CP-violation parameters for each of the decay modes are obtained from the asymmetries in the distributions of the proper-time intervals between the two B decays.

Kanamycin Sulphate Loaded PLGA-Vitamin-E-TPGS Long Circulating Nanoparticles Using Combined Coating of PEG and Water-Soluble Chitosan

PubMed Central

Mustafa, Sanaul

2017-01-01

Kanamycin sulphate (KS) is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein synthesis inhibitor. Due to its intense hydrophilicity, KS is cleared from the body within 8 h. KS has a very short plasma half-life (2.5 h). KS is used in high concentrations to reach the therapeutic levels in plasma, which results in serious nephrotoxicity/ototoxicity. To overcome aforementioned limitations, the current study aimed to develop KS loaded PLGA-Vitamin-E-TPGS nanoparticles (KS-PLGA-TPGS NPs), to act as an efficient carrier for controlled delivery of KS. To achieve a substantial extension in blood circulation, a combined design, affixation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to KS-PLGA-TPGS NPs and adsorption of water-soluble chitosan (WSC) (cationic deacetylated chitin) to particle surface, was raised for surface modification of NPs. Surface modified NPs (KS-PEG-WSC NPs) were prepared to provide controlled delivery and circulate in the bloodstream for an extended period of time, thus minimizing dosing frequency. In vivo pharmacokinetics and in vivo biodistribution following intramuscular administration were investigated. NPs surface charge was close to neutral +3.61 mV and significantly affected by the WSC coating. KS-PEG-WSC NPs presented striking prolongation in blood circulation, reduced protein binding, and long drew-out the blood circulation half-life with resultant reduced kidney sequestration vis-à-vis KS-PLGA-TPGS NPs. The studies, therefore, indicate the successful formulation development of KS-PEG-WSC NPs with reduced frequency of dosing of KS indicating low incidence of nephrotoxicity/ototoxicity. PMID:28352475

Galaxy population properties of the massive X-ray luminous galaxy cluster XDCP J0044.0-2033 at z = 1.58. Red-sequence formation, massive galaxy assembly, and central star formation activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fassbender, R.; Nastasi, A.; Santos, J. S.; Lidman, C.; Verdugo, M.; Koyama, Y.; Rosati, P.; Pierini, D.; Padilla, N.; Romeo, A. D.; Menci, N.; Bongiorno, A.; Castellano, M.; Cerulo, P.; Fontana, A.; Galametz, A.; Grazian, A.; Lamastra, A.; Pentericci, L.; Sommariva, V.; Strazzullo, V.; Šuhada, R.; Tozzi, P.

2014-08-01

Context. Recent observational progress has enabled the detection of galaxy clusters and groups out to very high redshifts and for the first time allows detailed studies of galaxy population properties in these densest environments in what was formerly known as the "redshift desert" at z> 1.5. Aims: We aim to investigate various galaxy population properties of the massive X-ray luminous galaxy cluster XDCP J0044.0-2033 at z = 1.58, which constitutes the most extreme currently known matter-density peak at this redshift. Methods: We analyzed deep VLT/HAWK-I near-infrared data with an image quality of 0.5'' and limiting Vega magnitudes (50% completeness) of 24.2 in J- and 22.8 in the Ks band, complemented by similarly deep Subaru imaging in i and V, Spitzer observations at 4.5 μm, and new spectroscopic observations with VLT/FORS 2. Results: We detect a cluster-associated excess population of about 90 galaxies, most of them located within the inner 30'' (250 kpc) of the X-ray centroid, which follows a centrally peaked, compact NFW galaxy surface-density profile with a concentration of c200 ≃ 10. Based on the Spitzer 4.5 μm imaging data, we measure a total enclosed stellar mass of M∗500 ≃ (6.3 ± 1.6) × 1012 M⊙ and a resulting stellar mass fraction of f∗,500 = M∗,500/M500 = (3.3 ± 1.4)%, consistent with local values. The total J- and Ks-band galaxy luminosity functions of the core region yield characteristic magnitudes J* and Ks* consistent with expectations from simple zf = 3 burst models. However, a detailed look at the morphologies and color distributions of the spectroscopically confirmed members reveals that the most massive galaxies are undergoing a very active mass-assembly epoch through merging processes. Consequently, the bright end of the cluster red sequence is not in place, while a red-locus population is present at intermediate magnitudes [Ks*, Ks* + 1.6], which is then sharply truncated at magnitudes fainter than Ks* + 1.6. The dominant cluster-core population comprises post-quenched galaxies transitioning toward the red sequence at intermediate magnitudes, while additionally a significant blue-cloud population of faint star-forming galaxies is present even in the densest central regions. Based on a color-color selection performed to separate different cluster galaxy types, we find that the blue star-forming population is concentrated in clumpy structures and dominates in particular at and beyond the R500 radius. On the other hand, the fraction of post-starburst galaxies steadily increases toward the center, while the red-locus population and red-sequence transition galaxies seem to reach their peak fractions already at intermediate cluster-centric radii of about r ~ 200 kpc. Conclusions: Our observations support the scenario in which the dominant effect of the dense z ≃ 1.6 cluster environment is an accelerated mass-assembly timescale (~1 Gyr or shorter) through merging activity that is responsible for driving core galaxies across the mass-quenching threshold of log (M∗/M⊙) ≃ 10.4. Beyond this mass limit, star formation is suppressed on timescales of ~1 Gyr, while the direct environmental quenching process seems to be subdominant and is acting on significantly longer timescales (~2-3 Gyr). Based on observations under programme ID 084.A-0844, 087.A-0351, and 089.A-0419 collected at the European Organisation for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile.J- and Ks-band FITS files are available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/568/A5

Simultaneous Chandra/EHT/NuSTAR Monitoring of Sgr A* Flares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garmire, Gordon

2017-09-01

EHT will observe SgrA* at 0.85 mm during the period 2017 April 5-14 UT. These will be the first mm VLBI observations with sufficient effective area and angular resolution to produce time-resolved images of the event horizon of a black hole, enabling tests of general relativity in the strong gravity regime and a search for structural variability, especially during flares. Chandra Flight Ops has identified windows on four dates when Chandra can observe SgrA* uninterrupted for 33 ks simultaneous with EHT. NuSTAR will coordinate to observe simultaneously in these windows. This Cycle 19 observation will cover one of the four windows. The other three will be covered by splitting 100 ks of Cycle 18 time currently in ObsIDs 19726 and 19727 into three observations (Proposal 18620742).

The Science Advantage of a Redder Filter for WFIRST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, James; Stauffer, John; Milam, Stefanie N.; Holler, Bryan J.

2018-01-01

WFIRST will be capable of providing Hubble-quality imaging performance over several thousand square degrees of the sky. The wide-area, high spatial resolution survey data from WFIRST will be unsurpassed for probably many decades into the future. With the current baseline design, the WFIRST filter complement will extend from the bluest wavelength allowed by the optical design to a reddest filter (F184W) that has a red cutoff at 2.0 microns. Extension of the imaging capabilities even slightly beyond the 2.0 micron wavelength cut-off would provide significant advantages over the presently proposed science for objects both near and far. The inclusion of a Ks (2.0-2.3 micron) filter would result in a wider range and more comprehensive set of Solar System investigations. It would also extend the range of higher-redshift population studies. In this poster, we outline some of the science advantages for adding a K filter, similar in bandpass to the 2MASS Ks filter, in order to extend the wavelength range for WFIRST as far to the red as the thermal performance of the spacecraft allows.

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

Straatman, Caroline M. S.; Labbé, Ivo; Van Houdt, Josha

The FourStar galaxy evolution survey (ZFOURGE) is a 45 night legacy program with the FourStar near-infrared camera on Magellan and one of the most sensitive surveys to date. ZFOURGE covers a total of 400 arcmin{sup 2} in cosmic fields CDFS, COSMOS and UDS, overlapping CANDELS. We present photometric catalogs comprising >70,000 galaxies, selected from ultradeep K {sub s} -band detection images (25.5–26.5 AB mag, 5 σ , total), and >80% complete to K {sub s} < 25.3–25.9 AB. We use 5 near-IR medium-bandwidth filters ( J {sub 1}, J {sub 2}, J {sub 3}, H {sub s} , H {submore » l} ) as well as broad-band K {sub s} at 1.05–2.16 μ m to 25–26 AB at a seeing of ∼0.″5. Each field has ancillary imaging in 26–40 filters at 0.3–8 μ m. We derive photometric redshifts and stellar population properties. Comparing with spectroscopic redshifts indicates a photometric redshift uncertainty σ {sub z} = 0.010, 0.009, and 0.011 in CDFS, COSMOS, and UDS. As spectroscopic samples are often biased toward bright and blue sources, we also inspect the photometric redshift differences between close pairs of galaxies, finding σ {sub z} {sub ,pairs} = 0.01–0.02 at 1 < z < 2.5. We quantify how σ {sub z} {sub ,pairs} depends on redshift, magnitude, spectral energy distribution type, and the inclusion of FourStar medium bands. σ {sub z} {sub ,pairs} is smallest for bright, blue star-forming samples, while red star-forming galaxies have the worst σ {sub z} {sub ,pairs}. Including FourStar medium bands reduces σ {sub z} {sub ,pairs} by 50% at 1.5 < z < 2.5. We calculate star formation rates (SFRs) based on ultraviolet and ultradeep far-IR Spitzer /MIPS and Herschel /PACS data. We derive rest-frame U − V and V − J colors, and illustrate how these correlate with specific SFR and dust emission to z = 3.5. We confirm the existence of quiescent galaxies at z ∼ 3, demonstrating their SFRs are suppressed by > ×15.« less

Aberrant Gene Expression Profiles in Pluripotent Stem Cells Induced from Fibroblasts of a Klinefelter Syndrome Patient*

PubMed Central

Ma, Yu; Li, Chunliang; Gu, Junjie; Tang, Fan; Li, Chun; Li, Peng; Ping, Ping; Yang, Shi; Li, Zheng; Jin, Ying

2012-01-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common male chromosome aneuploidy. Its pathophysiology is largely unexplained due to the lack of adequate models. Here, we report the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) lines from a KS patient with a karyotype of 47, XXY. Derived KS-iPSCs meet all criteria of normal iPSCs with the potential for germ cell differentiation. Although X chromosome inactivation occurs in all KS-iPSCs, genome-wide transcriptome analysis identifies aberrantly expressed genes associated with the clinical features of KS. Our KS-iPSCs can serve as a cellular model for KS research. Identified genes may become biomarkers for early diagnosis or potential therapeutic targets for KS and significantly accelerate the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Klinefelter syndrome. PMID:23019320

Array analyses of SmKS waves and the stratification of Earth's outermost core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneshima, Satoshi

2018-03-01

We perform array analyses of SmKS waves in order to investigate the Vp structure of the Earth's outermost core. For earthquakes recorded by broadband seismometer networks in the world, we measure differential travel times between S3KS and S2KS, between S4KS and S3KS, and between S5KS and S3KS by array techniques. The differential times are well fit by a Vp model of the Earth's outermost core, KHOMC (Kaneshima and Helffrich, 2013). Differential slownesses of S4KS and S2KS relative to S2KS are also measured for the highest quality data. The measured slownesses, with unique sensitivity to the outer core 200-400 km below the CMB, are matched by KHOMC. These observations consolidate the evidence for the presence at the top of the outer core of a layer that has a distinctively steeper Vp gradient than the bulk of the outer core. We invert new SmKS differential time data set by a tau-p method and attempt to refine the Vp profile of KHOMC. The essential features of KHOMC are preserved after the model refinement. However, the newly estimated layer thickness is nearly 450 km, which is thicker than that of KHOMC. The Vp anomalies relative to PREM for the depths 400-800 km below the CMB are less than 0.03 km/s, consistent with the degree of agreement between different Vp models for the depth range.

Comparative study of kanamycin sulphate microparticles and nanoparticles for intramuscular administration: preparation in vitro release and preliminary in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Mustafa, Sanaul; Devi, V Kusum; Pai, Roopa S

2016-11-01

Kanamycin sulphate (KS) is a Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein synthesis inhibitor. KS is polycationic, a property responsible for KS poor oral absorption half-life (2.5 h) and rapid renal clearance, which results in serious nephrotoxicity/ototoxicity. The current study aimed to develop KS-loaded PLGA vitamin-E-TPGS microparticles (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) to reduce the dosing frequency and dose-related adverse effect. In vitro release was sustained up to 10 days for KS PLGA-TPGS MPs and 13 days for KS PLGA-TPGS NPs in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) pH 7.4. The in vivo pharmacokinetic test in Wistar rats showed that the AUC 0-∞ of KS PLGA-TPGS NPs (280.58 μg/mL*min) was about 1.62-fold higher than that of KS PLGA-TPGS MPs (172.30 μg/mL*min). Further, in vivo protein-binding assay ascribed 1.20-fold increase in the uptake of KS PLGA-TPGS NPs through the alveolar macrophage (AM). The studies, therefore, could provide another useful tool for successful development of KS MPs and NPs.

Measurements of absolute branching fractions for D mesons decays into two pseudoscalar mesons

DOE PAGES

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.; ...

2018-04-09

Using a data sample of e +e - collision data with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb -1 taken at the center-of-mass energy √s = 3:773 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, we measure the absolute branching fractions of the two-body hadronic decays D + → π⁺π⁰, K⁺π⁰, μ⁺η, K⁺η, π⁺η', K⁺η',more » $$K_s^0$$π⁺, $$K_s^0$$K⁺, and D⁰ → π⁺π⁻, K⁺K⁻, K ∓π ±, $$K_s^0$$π⁰, $$K_s^0$$η, $$K_s^0$$η'. Our results are consistent with previous measurements within uncertainties. Among them, the branching fractions for D⁺ → π⁺π⁰, K⁺π⁰, π⁺η, π⁺η', $$K_s^0$$π⁺, $$K_s^0$$K⁺ and D° → $$K_s^0$$π⁰, $$K_s^0$$η, $$K_s^0$$η' are determined with improved precision compared to the world average values.« less

Measurements of absolute branching fractions for D mesons decays into two pseudoscalar mesons

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

Ablikim, M.; Achasov, M. N.; Ahmed, S.

Using a data sample of e +e - collision data with an integrated luminosity of 2.93 fb -1 taken at the center-of-mass energy √s = 3:773 GeV with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage rings, we measure the absolute branching fractions of the two-body hadronic decays D + → π⁺π⁰, K⁺π⁰, μ⁺η, K⁺η, π⁺η', K⁺η',more » $$K_s^0$$π⁺, $$K_s^0$$K⁺, and D⁰ → π⁺π⁻, K⁺K⁻, K ∓π ±, $$K_s^0$$π⁰, $$K_s^0$$η, $$K_s^0$$η'. Our results are consistent with previous measurements within uncertainties. Among them, the branching fractions for D⁺ → π⁺π⁰, K⁺π⁰, π⁺η, π⁺η', $$K_s^0$$π⁺, $$K_s^0$$K⁺ and D° → $$K_s^0$$π⁰, $$K_s^0$$η, $$K_s^0$$η' are determined with improved precision compared to the world average values.« less

Deep search for companions to probable young brown dwarfs. VLT/NACO adaptive optics imaging using IR wavefront sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauvin, G.; Faherty, J.; Boccaletti, A.; Cruz, K.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Zuckerman, B.; Bessell, M. S.; Beuzit, J.-L.; Bonnefoy, M.; Dumas, C.; Lowrance, P.; Mouillet, D.; Song, I.

2012-12-01

Aims: We have obtained high contrast images of four nearby, faint, and very low mass objects 2MASS J04351455-1414468, SDSS J044337.61+000205.1, 2MASS J06085283-2753583 and 2MASS J06524851-5741376 (hereafter 2MASS0435-14, SDSS0443+00, 2MASS0608-27 and 2MASS0652-57), identified in the field as probable isolated young brown dwarfs. Our goal was to search for binary companions down to the planetary mass regime. Methods: We used the NAOS-CONICA adaptive optics instrument (NACO) and its unique capability to sense the wavefront in the near-infrared to acquire sharp images of the four systems in Ks, with a field of view of 28'' × 28''. Additional J and L' imaging and follow-up observations at a second epoch were obtained for 2MASS0652-57. Results: With a typical contrast ΔKs = 4.0-7.0 mag, our observations are sensitive down to the planetary mass regime considering a minimum age of 10 to 120 Myr for these systems. No additional point sources are detected in the environment of 2MASS0435-14, SDSS0443+00 and 2MASS0608-27 between 0.1-12'' (i.e. about 2 to 250 AU at 20 pc). 2MASS0652-57 is resolved as a ~230 mas binary. Follow-up observations reject a background contaminate, resolve the orbital motion of the pair, and confirm with high confidence that the system is physically bound. The J, Ks and L' photometry suggest a q ~ 0.7-0.8 mass ratio binary with a probable semi-major axis of 5-6 AU. Among the four systems, 2MASS0652-57 is probably the less constrained in terms of age determination. Further analysis would be necessary to confirm its youth. It would then be interesting to determine its orbital and physical properties to derive the system's dynamical mass and to test evolutionary model predictions. Based on observations collected at the European Southern Observatory, Chile (ESO programmes 076.C-0554(A), 076.C-0554(B) and 085.C-0257(A).

A Strongly Lensed Massive Ultracompact Quiescent Galaxy at z ~ 2.4 in the COSMOS/UltraVISTA Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muzzin, Adam; Labbé, Ivo; Franx, Marijn; van Dokkum, Pieter; Holt, J.; Szomoru, Daniel; van de Sande, Jesse; Brammer, Gabriel; Marchesini, Danilo; Stefanon, Mauro; Buitrago, F.; Caputi, K. I.; Dunlop, James; Fynbo, J. P. U.; Le Févre, Olivier; McCracken, Henry J.; Milvang-Jensen, Bo

2012-12-01

We report the discovery of a massive ultracompact quiescent galaxy that has been strongly lensed into multiple images by a foreground galaxy at z = 0.960. This system was serendipitously discovered as a set of extremely Ks -bright high-redshift galaxies with red J - Ks colors using new data from the UltraVISTA YJHKs near-infrared survey. The system was also previously identified as an optically faint lens/source system using the COSMOS Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) imaging by Faure et al. Photometric redshifts for the three brightest images of the source galaxy determined from 27-band photometry place the source at z = 2.4 ± 0.1. We provide an updated lens model for the system that is a good fit to the positions and morphologies of the galaxies in the ACS image. The lens model implies that the magnification of the three brightest images is a factor of 4-5. We use the lens model, combined with the Ks -band image, to constrain the size and Sérsic profile of the galaxy. The best-fit model is an ultracompact galaxy (Re = 0.64+0.08 - 0.18 kpc, lensing-corrected), with a Sérsic profile that is intermediate between a disk and a bulge profile (n = 2.2+2.3 - 0.9), albeit with considerable uncertainties on the Sérsic profile. We present aperture photometry for the source galaxy images that have been corrected for flux contamination from the central lens. The best-fit stellar population model is a massive galaxy (log(M star/M ⊙) = 10.8+0.1 - 0.1, lensing-corrected) with an age of 1.0+1.0 - 0.4 Gyr, moderate dust extinction (Av = 0.8+0.5 - 0.6), and a low specific star formation rate (log(SSFR) <-11.0 yr-1). This is typical of massive "red-and-dead" galaxies at this redshift and confirms that this source is the first bona fide strongly lensed massive ultracompact quiescent galaxy to be discovered. We conclude with a discussion of the prospects of finding a larger sample of these galaxies. Based on data products from observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under ESO program ID 179.A-2005 and on data products produced by TERAPIX and the Cambridge Astronomy Survey Unit on behalf of the UltraVISTA consortium.

Multi-conjugated adaptive optics imaging of distant galaxies - a comparison of Gemini/GSAOI and VLT/HAWK-I data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schirmer, Mischa; Garrel, Vincent; Sivo, Gaetano; Marin, Eduardo; Carrasco, Eleazar R.

2017-11-01

Multi-conjugated adaptive optics (MCAO) yield nearly diffraction-limited images at 2 μm wavelengths. Currently, Gemini Multi-Conjugate Adaptive Optics System (GeMS)/Gemini South Adaptive Optics Imager (GSAOI) at Gemini South is the only MCAO facility instrument at an 8-m telescope. Using real data, and for the first time, we investigate the gain in depth and signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) when MCAO is employed for Ks-band observations of distant galaxies. Our analysis is based on the Frontier Fields cluster MACS J0416.1-2403, observed with GeMS/GSAOI (near diffraction-limited) and compared against Very Large Telescope/HAWK-I (natural seeing) data. Using galaxy number counts, we show that the substantially increased thermal background and lower optical throughput of the MCAO unit are fully compensated for by the wavefront correction because the galaxy images can be measured in smaller apertures with less sky noise. We also performed a direct comparison of the S/N of sources detected in both data sets. For objects with intrinsic angular sizes corresponding to half the HAWK-I image seeing, the gain in S/N is 40 per cent. Even smaller objects experience a boost in S/N by up to a factor of 2.5 despite our suboptimal natural guide star configuration. The depth of the near diffraction limited images is more difficult to quantify than that of seeing limited images, due to a strong dependence on the intrinsic source profiles. Our results emphasize the importance of cooled MCAO systems for Ks-band observations with future, extremely large telescopes.

Markers to differentiate between Kaposi's sarcoma and tuberculous pleural effusions in HIV-positive patients.

PubMed

Coleman, M; Finney, L J; Komrower, D; Chitani, A; Bates, J; Chipungu, G A; Corbett, E; Allain, T J

2015-02-01

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and tuberculosis (TB) commonly cause pleural effusions in high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden resource-limited countries. Differentiating between them is challenging, as pleural biopsy and TB culture are rarely available. To identify markers to differentiate between TB effusions and KS effusions in HIV-positive patients, and to compare liquid culture and Xpert MTB/RIF in pleural fluid. Fifty HIV-positive patients with pleural effusions recruited in Malawi underwent pleural ultrasound and aspiration. Fluid visual inspection, cell count, bacterial culture, glucose/protein, solid and liquid TB culture and Xpert were performed. The mean age of the patients was 32 years; 30/50 (60%) were male and 29 (58%) had cutaneous/oral KS. Thirteen (26%) pleural fluid samples were liquid culture-positive for TB, while 9/13 (69%) were Xpert-positive. Three (10.3%) KS patients had culture-positive TB effusions; 17 (58.6%) had KS effusions. The relative risk of TB in KS patients increased with limited KS, loculated fluid and low glucose. Eleven (52.3%) non-KS patients had culture-positive TB effusions associated with male sex, straw-coloured fluid and fibrin stranding on ultrasound. KS patients were most likely to have KS effusion, but TB should be considered. Most non-KS patients had TB, supporting the use of World Health Organization guidelines. Xpert identified two thirds of liquid culture-positive results.

Ferropericlase inclusions in ultradeep diamonds from Sao Luiz (Brazil): high Li abundances and diverse Li-isotope and trace element compositions suggest an origin from a subduction mélange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seitz, Hans-Michael; Brey, Gerhard P.; Harris, Jeffrey W.; Durali-Müller, Soodabeh; Ludwig, Thomas; Höfer, Heidi E.

2018-05-01

The most remarkable feature of the inclusion suite in ultradeep alluvial and kimberlitic diamonds from Sao Luiz (Juina area in Brazil) is the enormous range in Mg# [100xMg/(Mg + Fe)] of the ferropericlases (fper). The Mg-richer ferropericlases are from the boundary to the lower mantle or from the lower mantle itself when they coexist with ringwoodite or Mg- perovskite (bridgmanite). This, however, is not an explanation for the more Fe-rich members and a lowermost mantle or a "D" layer origin has been proposed for them. Such a suggested ultra-deep origin separates the Fe-rich fper-bearing diamonds from the rest of the Sao Luiz ultradeep diamond inclusion suite, which also contains Ca-rich phases. These are now thought to have an origin in the uppermost lower mantle and in the transition zone and to belong either to a peridotitic or mafic (subducted oceanic crust) protolith lithology. We analysed a new set of more Fe-rich ferropericlase inclusions from 10 Sao Luiz ultradeep alluvial diamonds for their Li isotope composition by solution MC-ICP-MS (multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), their major and minor elements by EPMA (electron probe micro-analyser) and their Li-contents by SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry), with the aim to understand the origin of the ferropericlase protoliths. Our new data confirm the wide range of ferropericlase Mg# that were reported before and augment the known lack of correlation between major and minor elements. Four pooled ferropericlase inclusions from four diamonds provided sufficient material to determine for the first time their Li isotope composition, which ranges from δ7Li + 9.6 ‰ to -3.9 ‰. This wide Li isotopic range encompasses that of serpentinized ocean floor peridotites including rodingites and ophicarbonates, fresh and altered MORB (mid ocean ridge basalt), seafloor sediments and of eclogites. This large range in Li isotopic composition, up to 5 times higher than `primitive upper mantle' Li-abundances, and an extremely large and incoherent range in Mg# and Cr, Ni, Mn, Na contents in the ferropericlase inclusions suggests that their protoliths were members of the above lithologies. This mélange of altered rocks originally contained a variety of carbonates (calcite, magnesite, dolomite, siderite) and brucite as the secondary products in veins and as patches and Ca-rich members like rodingites and ophicarbonates. Dehydration and redox reactions during or after deep subduction into the transition zone and the upper parts of the lower mantle led to the formation of diamond and ferropericlase inclusions with variable compositions and a predominance of the Ca-rich, high-pressure silicate inclusions. We suggest that the latter originated from peridotites, mafic rocks and sedimentary rocks as redox products between calcite and SiO2.

Quantitative analysis of the Ca2+‐dependent regulation of delayed rectifier K+ current I Ks in rabbit ventricular myocytes

PubMed Central

Bartos, Daniel C.; Morotti, Stefano; Ginsburg, Kenneth S.; Grandi, Eleonora

2017-01-01

Key points [Ca2+]i enhanced rabbit ventricular slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I Ks) by negatively shifting the voltage dependence of activation and slowing deactivation, similar to perfusion of isoproterenol.Rabbit ventricular rapidly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I Kr) amplitude and voltage dependence were unaffected by high [Ca2+]i.When measuring or simulating I Ks during an action potential, I Ks was not different during a physiological Ca2+ transient or when [Ca2+]i was buffered to 500 nm. Abstract The slowly activating delayed rectifier K+ current (I Ks) contributes to repolarization of the cardiac action potential (AP). Intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) stimulation modulate I Ks amplitude and kinetics, but details of these important I Ks regulators and their interaction are limited. We assessed the [Ca2+]i dependence of I Ks in steady‐state conditions and with dynamically changing membrane potential and [Ca2+]i during an AP. I Ks was recorded from freshly isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes using whole‐cell patch clamp. With intracellular pipette solutions that controlled free [Ca2+]i, we found that raising [Ca2+]i from 100 to 600 nm produced similar increases in I Ks as did β‐AR activation, and the effects appeared additive. Both β‐AR activation and high [Ca2+]i increased maximally activated tail I Ks, negatively shifted the voltage dependence of activation, and slowed deactivation kinetics. These data informed changes in our well‐established mathematical model of the rabbit myocyte. In both AP‐clamp experiments and simulations, I Ks recorded during a normal physiological Ca2+ transient was similar to I Ks measured with [Ca2+]i clamped at 500–600 nm. Thus, our study provides novel quantitative data as to how physiological [Ca2+]i regulates I Ks amplitude and kinetics during the normal rabbit AP. Our results suggest that micromolar [Ca2+]i, in the submembrane or junctional cleft space, is not required to maximize [Ca2+]i‐dependent I Ks activation during normal Ca2+ transients. PMID:28008618

Isolation and Characterization of a Geobacillus thermoleovorans Strain from an Ultra-Deep South African Gold Mine

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

Deflaun, Mary F.; Fredrickson, Jim K.; Dong, Hailiang

2007-03-08

A thermophilic, facultative bacterium was isolated from a depth of 3.1 km below ground surface in an ultradeep gold mine in South Africa. This isolate, designated GE-7, was cultivated from pH 8.0, 600C fissure water. GE-7 grows optimally at 650C, pH 6.5 on a wide range of carbon substrates including GE-7 is a long rod-shaped bacterium (4-6 µm long x 0.5 wide) with terminal endospores and flagella, in addition to O2, can also utilize nitrate as an electron acceptor. Phylogenetic analysis of GE-7 16S rDNA sequence revealed high sequence similarity with G. thermoleovorans DSM 5366T (99.6%), however, certain phenotypic characteristicsmore » of GE-7 were distinct from this and other strains of G. thermoleovorans previously described.« less

Rare Earth Element Concentrations in Geothermal Wells at the Puna Geothermal Field, Hawaii

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

Fowler, Andrew; Zierenberg, Robert

Rare earth element concentrations in the geothermal wells at the Puna geothermal field, Hawaii. Samples taken from geothermal wells KS-5, KS-6W, KS-9W, KS-14E, and KS-16N. Includes pH and concentrations for Cerium, Dysprosium, Erbium, Europium, Gadolinium, Holmium, Lanthanum, Lutetium, Neodymium, Praseodymium, Samarium, Terbium, Thulium, Yttrium, and Ytterbium. Samples collected on November 11-17, 2016.

7 CFR 1000.52 - Adjusted Class I differentials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 13159 3.10 JEFF DAVIS GA 13161 3.45 JEFFERSON GA 13163 3.30 JENKINS GA 13165 3.30 JOHNSON GA 13167 3.30....45 THOMAS GA 13275 3.45 TIFT GA 13277 3.45 TOOMBS GA 13279 3.45 TOWNS GA 13281 3.10 TREUTLEN GA 13283....20 STANTON KS 20187 2.20 STEVENS KS 20189 2.20 SUMNER KS 20191 2.20 THOMAS KS 20193 2.00 TREGO KS...

7 CFR 1000.52 - Adjusted Class I differentials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 13159 3.10 JEFF DAVIS GA 13161 3.45 JEFFERSON GA 13163 3.30 JENKINS GA 13165 3.30 JOHNSON GA 13167 3.30....45 THOMAS GA 13275 3.45 TIFT GA 13277 3.45 TOOMBS GA 13279 3.45 TOWNS GA 13281 3.10 TREUTLEN GA 13283....20 STANTON KS 20187 2.20 STEVENS KS 20189 2.20 SUMNER KS 20191 2.20 THOMAS KS 20193 2.00 TREGO KS...

7 CFR 1000.52 - Adjusted Class I differentials.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 13159 3.10 JEFF DAVIS GA 13161 3.45 JEFFERSON GA 13163 3.30 JENKINS GA 13165 3.30 JOHNSON GA 13167 3.30....45 THOMAS GA 13275 3.45 TIFT GA 13277 3.45 TOOMBS GA 13279 3.45 TOWNS GA 13281 3.10 TREUTLEN GA 13283....20 STANTON KS 20187 2.20 STEVENS KS 20189 2.20 SUMNER KS 20191 2.20 THOMAS KS 20193 2.00 TREGO KS...

Kaposi's sarcoma concealed by stasis dermatitis in a patient with psoriasis.

PubMed

Erdoğan, Hilal Kaya; Bulur, Işıl; Saraçoğlu, Zeynep Nurhan; Karapınar, Tekden; Arık, Deniz

2017-09-01

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal and angioproliferative neoplasm. KS may be accompanied by psoriasis; however, in most of these cases the main mechanism involves iatrogenic KS associated with the immunosuppressive drugs that are used in psoriasis treatment. In angioproliferative lesions as a result of venous insufficiency and stasis dermatitis, acroangiodermatitis (pseudo-KS) is initially considered. However, the concurrent occurrence of psoriasis, stasis dermatitis, and KS has not been previously reported. We report a case of classic-type KS in an 83-year-old man that was concealed by stasis dermatitis and accompanied by psoriasis.

Variable stars in the Galactic center, as revealed by the VVV Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molina, Claudio Navarro; Borissova, Jura; Catelan, Márcio; Kurtev, Radostin; Medina, Nicolás

2017-09-01

A variability search has been performed in the Galactic center, using the nearinfrared images from the Vista Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) Survey. Light curves contain 89 epochs in the KS band. A total of 353 variable stars were found, of which only 47 are already present in the literature.

Anthropometry in Klinefelter syndrome--multifactorial influences due to CAG length, testosterone treatment and possibly intrauterine hypogonadism.

PubMed

Chang, Simon; Skakkebæk, Anne; Trolle, Christian; Bojesen, Anders; Hertz, Jens Michael; Cohen, Arieh; Hougaard, David Michael; Wallentin, Mikkel; Pedersen, Anders Degn; Østergaard, John Rosendahl; Gravholt, Claus Højbjerg

2015-03-01

Klinefelter syndrome, 47, XXY (KS), is underdiagnosed partly due to few clinical signs complicating identification of affected individuals. Certain phenotypic traits are common in KS. However, not all aspects of the KS phenotype are well described. To describe anthropometry and body composition in KS and relate findings to biochemistry and X-chromosome related genetic markers. Seventy three KS males referred to our clinic and 73 age-matched controls underwent comprehensive measurements of anthropometry and body composition in a cross-sectional, case-controlled study. Furthermore, genetic analysis for parental origin of the supernumerary X-chromosome, skewed X-chromosome inactivation and androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat length was done. Anthropometry and body composition in KS and the effect of genotype hereon. KS males were taller (absolute difference: 5.1 cm, P < .001) with longer legs (5.7 cm, P < .001) compared with controls. Furthermore, 2D:4D was increased in KS males (relative effect size: Cohen's d = 0.40), reflecting reduced fetal testosterone exposure. Also, bi-iliac width (0.41), waist (0.52), and hip circumference (0.47) (P < .02 for all), as well as total fat mass (0.74), abdominal fat mass (0.67), and total body fat percentage (0.84) was increased in KS males (P < .001 for all), while bitesticular volume was reduced (4.6). AR CAG repeat length was comparable in KS and controls, and among KS CAG correlated to arm length (P = .04), arm span (P = .01), and leg length (P = .04). Effects of parental origin of the supernumerary X-chromosome and skewed X-chromosome inactivation were negligible. Anthropometry and body composition in KS is specific and dysmorphic and affected by AR CAG repeat length and decreased exposure to testosterone already during fetal life.

Kidney-specific WNK1 isoform (KS-WNK1) is a potent activator of WNK4 and NCC.

PubMed

Argaiz, Eduardo R; Chavez-Canales, Maria; Ostrosky-Frid, Mauricio; Rodriguez-Gama, Alejandro; Vázquez, Norma; Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Xochiquetzal; Garcia-Valdés, Jesus; Hadchouel, Juliette; Ellison, David H; Gamba, Gerardo

2018-05-30

Familial Hyperkalemic Hypertension (FHHt) can be mainly attributed to increased activity of the renal Na+:Cl- cotransporter (NCC), which is caused by altered expression and regulation of the WNK1 and WNK4 kinases. The WNK1 gene gives rise to a kidney-specific isoform that lacks the kinase domain (KS-WNK1), the expression of which occurs primarily in the distal convoluted tubule. The role played by KS-WNK1 in the modulation of the WNK/SPAK/NCC pathway remains elusive. In the present study, we assessed the effect of human KS-WNK1 on NCC activity and on the WNK4-SPAK pathway. Microinjection of oocytes with human KS-WNK1 cRNA induces remarkable activation and phosphorylation of SPAK and NCC. The effect of KS-WNK1 was abrogated by eliminating a WNK-WNK interacting domain and by a specific WNK inhibitor, WNK463, indicating that the activation of SPAK/NCC by KS-WNK1 is due to interaction with another WNK kinase. Under control conditions in oocytes, the activating serine 335 of the WNK4 T loop is not phosphorylated. In contrast, this serine becomes phosphorylated when the intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i) is reduced or when KS-WNK1 is co-expressed with WNK4. KS-WNK1-mediated activation of WNK4 is not due to a decrease of the [Cl-]i. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis revealed that KS-WNK1 and WNK4 interact with each other and that WNK4 becomes autophosphorylated at serine 335 when it is associated with KS-WNK1. Together, these observations suggest that WNK4 becomes active in the presence of KS-WNK1, despite a constant [Cl-]i.

Measurements of unjacketed moduli of porous rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarokh, A.; Makhnenko, R. Y.; Labuz, J.

2017-12-01

Coupling of stress and pore pressure appears in a number of applications dealing with subsurface (sedimentary) rock, including petroleum exploration and waste storage. Poroelastic analyses consider the compressibility of the solid constituents forming the rock, and often times solid bulk modulus Ks is assumed to be the same as the dominant mineral bulk modulus. In fact, there are two different parameters describing solid compressibility of a porous rock: the unjacketed bulk modulus Ks' and the unjacketed pore modulus Ks". Experimental techniques are developed to measure the two poroelastic parameters of fluid-saturated porous rock under the unjacketed condition. In an unjacketed experiment, the rock without a membrane is loaded by the fluid in a pressure vessel. The confining fluid permeates the connected pore space throughout the interior of the rock. Therefore, changes in mean stress P will produce equal changes in pore pressure p, i.e. ΔP = Δp. The test can also be performed with a jacketed rock specimen by applying equal increments of mean stress and pore pressure. The unjacketed bulk modulus, Ks', is obtained by measuring the bulk strain with resistive strain gages. The unjacketed pore modulus, Ks", the pore volume counterpart to Ks', is a measure of the change in pore pressure per unit pore volume strain under the unjacketed condition. Several indirect estimates of Ks" have been reported but limitations of these approaches do not provide an accurate value. We present direct measurements of Ks" with detailed calibration on the system volumetric response. The results indicate that for Dunnville sandstone Ks' and Ks" are equal while for Berea sandstone, a difference between the two moduli exists, which is explained by the presence of non-connected pores. The experiments also strongly suggest that both Ks' and Ks" are independent of effective stress.

First-principles study on the bulk and (1 1 1) surface half-metallicity of KS and RbS in CsCl structure

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

Li, Lei; Lei, Gang; Gao, Qiang

2015-08-15

Graphical abstract: Spin-polarized total and atomic DOS at S-(1 1 1) terminated slab and bulk in CsCl-type RbS. - Highlights: • The half metallic properties of CsCl-type RbS and KS have been studied. • The RbS's and KS's (1 1 1) slabs have been investigated. • Surface energy of RbS's and KS's (1 1 1) slabs are calculated. - Abstract: The electronic and magnetic properties of RbS and KS in CsCl structure have been investigated by using the full-potential local-orbital minimum-basis method. Calculating the relation between the total energies and lattice parameters for RbS and KS, we find out thatmore » the equilibrium lattice parameters are 4.02 Å and 3.84 Å for RbS and KS, respectively. According to our calculations in generalized gradient approximation approximation, both RbS and KS are half-metallic ferromagnets with the magnetic moments of 1 μ{sub B} per formula unit, and band gap of 4.287 eV for RbS and 4.395 eV for KS. We also have studied the electronic and magnetic properties of (1 1 1) surfaces of RbS and KS, and have found out that the half-metallicity of their bulk is preserved in all of those surfaces. Finally, through the calculations of formation energy of RbS and KS, it is found that their thin films are stable in the equilibrium conditions, and the Rb-terminated (1 1 1) slab of RbS and the K-terminated (1 1 1) slab of KS are more stable than their S-terminated (1 1 1) slabs. All of the above properties lead the compounds of RbS and KS in CsCl structure to be promising candidates for spintronic applications.« less

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) sero-detection and HIV association in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), non-KS tumors and non-neoplastic conditions

PubMed Central

Mwakigonja, Amos R; Pyakurel, Pawan; Kokhaei, Parviz; Pak, Fatemeh; Lema, Leonard K; Kaaya, Ephata E; Biberfeld, Peter

2008-01-01

Background The association of the human herpesvirus-8/Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (HHV-8/KSHV) serology with various malignancies in Tanzania is not currently well established while previous studies were based on either PCR or immunofluorescence assays [IFA] but not with a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Selected archival diagnostic biopsies (n = 184) and sera from indigenous patients with KS (n = 120), non-KS tumors (n = 24) and non-neoplastic lesions (n = 40) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Tanzania, were evaluated by diagnostic histopathology, immunohistology [anti-HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA)] and serology for HIV (ELISA) and HHV-8 (IFA and ELISA). Results About 66.3% (n = 122) cases including AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (AKS) (n = 93), reactive conditions (n = 28) and only one non-KS tumour were HIV positive. Endemic KS (EKS) patients were mostly males (96.3%, 26/27) who were less (69.9%, 65/93) predominant in AIDS-associated (AKS). A high (89%) percentage of patients with anti-HHV-8 antibodies was found in the cohort including the HIV positive (92%) cases, males (81.2%), KS patients (93%), non-KS tumors (92%), and reactive conditions (75%). All HHV-8 seronegative KS cases were nodular stage whereas both sera and corresponding biopsies from early stage KS were HHV-8+. Assay sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and specificity were 98.6%, 93.5% and 16.7% for IFA and 93.5%, 98.6% and 50.0% for ELISA respectively. Conclusion HHV-8 seroprevalence at MNH appears high as expected among AKS cases and males but also in non-KS patients. ELISA showed a combination of high HHV-8 sensitivity as well as higher PPV and specificity than IFA which however, showed higher sensitivity. The apparent stage-dependent, inverted serum HHV-8 immunoreactivity supports a notion of viral immune-segregation during KS development. Routine HHV-8 screening should be considered particularly in patients at risk of KS and for selection of blood/organ donations. PMID:18590556

Quantitative analysis of the Ca2+ -dependent regulation of delayed rectifier K+ current IKs in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

PubMed

Bartos, Daniel C; Morotti, Stefano; Ginsburg, Kenneth S; Grandi, Eleonora; Bers, Donald M

2017-04-01

[Ca 2+ ] i enhanced rabbit ventricular slowly activating delayed rectifier K + current (I Ks ) by negatively shifting the voltage dependence of activation and slowing deactivation, similar to perfusion of isoproterenol. Rabbit ventricular rapidly activating delayed rectifier K + current (I Kr ) amplitude and voltage dependence were unaffected by high [Ca 2+ ] i . When measuring or simulating I Ks during an action potential, I Ks was not different during a physiological Ca 2+ transient or when [Ca 2+ ] i was buffered to 500 nm. The slowly activating delayed rectifier K + current (I Ks ) contributes to repolarization of the cardiac action potential (AP). Intracellular Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] i ) and β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation modulate I Ks amplitude and kinetics, but details of these important I Ks regulators and their interaction are limited. We assessed the [Ca 2+ ] i dependence of I Ks in steady-state conditions and with dynamically changing membrane potential and [Ca 2+ ] i during an AP. I Ks was recorded from freshly isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes using whole-cell patch clamp. With intracellular pipette solutions that controlled free [Ca 2+ ] i , we found that raising [Ca 2+ ] i from 100 to 600 nm produced similar increases in I Ks as did β-AR activation, and the effects appeared additive. Both β-AR activation and high [Ca 2+ ] i increased maximally activated tail I Ks , negatively shifted the voltage dependence of activation, and slowed deactivation kinetics. These data informed changes in our well-established mathematical model of the rabbit myocyte. In both AP-clamp experiments and simulations, I Ks recorded during a normal physiological Ca 2+ transient was similar to I Ks measured with [Ca 2+ ] i clamped at 500-600 nm. Thus, our study provides novel quantitative data as to how physiological [Ca 2+ ] i regulates I Ks amplitude and kinetics during the normal rabbit AP. Our results suggest that micromolar [Ca 2+ ] i , in the submembrane or junctional cleft space, is not required to maximize [Ca 2+ ] i -dependent I Ks activation during normal Ca 2+ transients. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2016 The Physiological Society.

A Cancer Gene Selection Algorithm Based on the K-S Test and CFS.

PubMed

Su, Qiang; Wang, Yina; Jiang, Xiaobing; Chen, Fuxue; Lu, Wen-Cong

2017-01-01

To address the challenging problem of selecting distinguished genes from cancer gene expression datasets, this paper presents a gene subset selection algorithm based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and correlation-based feature selection (CFS) principles. The algorithm selects distinguished genes first using the K-S test, and then, it uses CFS to select genes from those selected by the K-S test. We adopted support vector machines (SVM) as the classification tool and used the criteria of accuracy to evaluate the performance of the classifiers on the selected gene subsets. This approach compared the proposed gene subset selection algorithm with the K-S test, CFS, minimum-redundancy maximum-relevancy (mRMR), and ReliefF algorithms. The average experimental results of the aforementioned gene selection algorithms for 5 gene expression datasets demonstrate that, based on accuracy, the performance of the new K-S and CFS-based algorithm is better than those of the K-S test, CFS, mRMR, and ReliefF algorithms. The experimental results show that the K-S test-CFS gene selection algorithm is a very effective and promising approach compared to the K-S test, CFS, mRMR, and ReliefF algorithms.

Revisiting the continuum hypothesis: toward an in-depth exploration of executive functions in korsakoff syndrome.

PubMed

Brion, Mélanie; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Beaunieux, Hélène; Maurage, Pierre

2014-01-01

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is a neurological state mostly caused by alcohol-dependence and leading to disproportionate episodic memory deficits. KS patients present more severe anterograde amnesia than Alcohol-Dependent Subjects (ADS), which led to the continuum hypothesis postulating a progressive increase in brain and cognitive damages during the evolution from ADS to KS. This hypothesis has been extensively examined for memory but is still debated for other abilities, notably executive functions (EF). EF have up to now been explored by unspecific tasks in KS, and few studies explored their interactions with memory. Exploring EF in KS by specific tasks based on current EF models could thus renew the exploration of the continuum hypothesis. This paper will propose a research program aiming at: (1) clarifying the extent of executive dysfunctions in KS by tasks focusing on specific EF subcomponents; (2) determining the differential EF deficits in ADS and KS; (3) exploring EF-memory interactions in KS with innovative tasks. At the fundamental level, this exploration will test the continuum hypothesis beyond memory. At the clinical level, it will propose new rehabilitation tools focusing on the EF specifically impaired in KS.

Revisiting the Continuum Hypothesis: Toward an In-Depth Exploration of Executive Functions in Korsakoff Syndrome

PubMed Central

Brion, Mélanie; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Beaunieux, Hélène; Maurage, Pierre

2014-01-01

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is a neurological state mostly caused by alcohol-dependence and leading to disproportionate episodic memory deficits. KS patients present more severe anterograde amnesia than Alcohol-Dependent Subjects (ADS), which led to the continuum hypothesis postulating a progressive increase in brain and cognitive damages during the evolution from ADS to KS. This hypothesis has been extensively examined for memory but is still debated for other abilities, notably executive functions (EF). EF have up to now been explored by unspecific tasks in KS, and few studies explored their interactions with memory. Exploring EF in KS by specific tasks based on current EF models could thus renew the exploration of the continuum hypothesis. This paper will propose a research program aiming at: (1) clarifying the extent of executive dysfunctions in KS by tasks focusing on specific EF subcomponents; (2) determining the differential EF deficits in ADS and KS; (3) exploring EF-memory interactions in KS with innovative tasks. At the fundamental level, this exploration will test the continuum hypothesis beyond memory. At the clinical level, it will propose new rehabilitation tools focusing on the EF specifically impaired in KS. PMID:25071526

Unraveling molecular pathways shared by Kabuki and Kabuki-like syndromes.

PubMed

Lintas, C; Persico, A M

2017-01-31

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by a typical facial gestalt, variable degrees of intellectual disability, organ malformations, postnatal growth retardation and skeletal abnormalities. So far, KMT2D or KDM6A mutation has been identified as the main cause of KS, accounting for 56%-75% and 3%-8% of cases, respectively. Patients without mutations in 1 of the 2 causative KS genes are often referred to as affected by Kabuki-like syndrome. Overall, they represent approximately 30% of KS cases, pointing toward substantial genetic heterogeneity for this condition. Here, we review all currently available literature describing KS-like phenotypes (or phenocopies) associated with genetic variants located in loci different from KMT2D and KDM6A . We also report on a new KS phenocopy harboring a 5 Mb de novo deletion in chr10p11.22-11.21. An enrichment analysis aimed at identifying functional Gene Ontology classes shared by the 2 known KS causative genes and by new candidate genes currently associated with KS-like phenotypes primarily converges upon abnormal chromatin remodeling and transcriptional dysregulation as pivotal to the pathophysiology of KS phenotypic hallmarks. The identification of mutations in genes belonging to the same functional pathways of KMT2D and KDM6A can help design molecular screenings targeted to KS-like phenotypes. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Hyper Suprime-Cam SSP Survey: Overview and survey design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aihara, Hiroaki; Arimoto, Nobuo; Armstrong, Robert; Arnouts, Stéphane; Bahcall, Neta A.; Bickerton, Steven; Bosch, James; Bundy, Kevin; Capak, Peter L.; Chan, James H. H.; Chiba, Masashi; Coupon, Jean; Egami, Eiichi; Enoki, Motohiro; Finet, Francois; Fujimori, Hiroki; Fujimoto, Seiji; Furusawa, Hisanori; Furusawa, Junko; Goto, Tomotsugu; Goulding, Andy; Greco, Johnny P.; Greene, Jenny E.; Gunn, James E.; Hamana, Takashi; Harikane, Yuichi; Hashimoto, Yasuhiro; Hattori, Takashi; Hayashi, Masao; Hayashi, Yusuke; Hełminiak, Krzysztof G.; Higuchi, Ryo; Hikage, Chiaki; Ho, Paul T. P.; Hsieh, Bau-Ching; Huang, Kuiyun; Huang, Song; Ikeda, Hiroyuki; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Inoue, Akio K.; Iwasawa, Kazushi; Iwata, Ikuru; Jaelani, Anton T.; Jian, Hung-Yu; Kamata, Yukiko; Karoji, Hiroshi; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Katayama, Nobuhiko; Kawanomoto, Satoshi; Kayo, Issha; Koda, Jin; Koike, Michitaro; Kojima, Takashi; Komiyama, Yutaka; Konno, Akira; Koshida, Shintaro; Koyama, Yusei; Kusakabe, Haruka; Leauthaud, Alexie; Lee, Chien-Hsiu; Lin, Lihwai; Lin, Yen-Ting; Lupton, Robert H.; Mandelbaum, Rachel; Matsuoka, Yoshiki; Medezinski, Elinor; Mineo, Sogo; Miyama, Shoken; Miyatake, Hironao; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Momose, Rieko; More, Anupreeta; More, Surhud; Moritani, Yuki; Moriya, Takashi J.; Morokuma, Tomoki; Mukae, Shiro; Murata, Ryoma; Murayama, Hitoshi; Nagao, Tohru; Nakata, Fumiaki; Niida, Mana; Niikura, Hiroko; Nishizawa, Atsushi J.; Obuchi, Yoshiyuki; Oguri, Masamune; Oishi, Yukie; Okabe, Nobuhiro; Okamoto, Sakurako; Okura, Yuki; Ono, Yoshiaki; Onodera, Masato; Onoue, Masafusa; Osato, Ken; Ouchi, Masami; Price, Paul A.; Pyo, Tae-Soo; Sako, Masao; Sawicki, Marcin; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Shimasaku, Kazuhiro; Shimono, Atsushi; Shirasaki, Masato; Silverman, John D.; Simet, Melanie; Speagle, Joshua; Spergel, David N.; Strauss, Michael A.; Sugahara, Yuma; Sugiyama, Naoshi; Suto, Yasushi; Suyu, Sherry H.; Suzuki, Nao; Tait, Philip J.; Takada, Masahiro; Takata, Tadafumi; Tamura, Naoyuki; Tanaka, Manobu M.; Tanaka, Masaomi; Tanaka, Masayuki; Tanaka, Yoko; Terai, Tsuyoshi; Terashima, Yuichi; Toba, Yoshiki; Tominaga, Nozomu; Toshikawa, Jun; Turner, Edwin L.; Uchida, Tomohisa; Uchiyama, Hisakazu; Umetsu, Keiichi; Uraguchi, Fumihiro; Urata, Yuji; Usuda, Tomonori; Utsumi, Yousuke; Wang, Shiang-Yu; Wang, Wei-Hao; Wong, Kenneth C.; Yabe, Kiyoto; Yamada, Yoshihiko; Yamanoi, Hitomi; Yasuda, Naoki; Yeh, Sherry; Yonehara, Atsunori; Yuma, Suraphong

2018-01-01

Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) is a wide-field imaging camera on the prime focus of the 8.2-m Subaru telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. A team of scientists from Japan, Taiwan, and Princeton University is using HSC to carry out a 300-night multi-band imaging survey of the high-latitude sky. The survey includes three layers: the Wide layer will cover 1400 deg2 in five broad bands (grizy), with a 5 σ point-source depth of r ≈ 26. The Deep layer covers a total of 26 deg2 in four fields, going roughly a magnitude fainter, while the UltraDeep layer goes almost a magnitude fainter still in two pointings of HSC (a total of 3.5 deg2). Here we describe the instrument, the science goals of the survey, and the survey strategy and data processing. This paper serves as an introduction to a special issue of the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan, which includes a large number of technical and scientific papers describing results from the early phases of this survey.

Quantitative analysis of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling using live-cell total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy.

PubMed

Johnson, Heath E; Haugh, Jason M

2013-12-02

This unit focuses on the use of total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and image analysis methods to study the dynamics of signal transduction mediated by class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) in mammalian cells. The first four protocols cover live-cell imaging experiments, image acquisition parameters, and basic image processing and segmentation. These methods are generally applicable to live-cell TIRF experiments. The remaining protocols outline more advanced image analysis methods, which were developed in our laboratory for the purpose of characterizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of PI3K signaling. These methods may be extended to analyze other cellular processes monitored using fluorescent biosensors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Antitumor Activities of Kushen: Literature Review

PubMed Central

Sun, Mingyu; Cao, Hongyan; Sun, Lin; Dong, Shu; Bian, Yanqin; Han, Jun; Zhang, Lijun; Ren, Shuang; Hu, Yiyang; Liu, Chenghai; Xu, Lieming; Liu, Ping

2012-01-01

To discover and develop novel natural compounds with therapeutic selectivity or that can preferentially kill cancer cells without significant toxicity to normal cells is an important area in cancer chemotherapy. Kushen, the dried roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. Kushen alkaloids (KS-As) and kushen flavonoids (KS-Fs) are well-characterized components in kushen. KS-As containing oxymatrine, matrine, and total alkaloids have been developed in China as anticancer drugs. More potent antitumor activities were identified in KS-Fs than in KS-As in vitro and in vivo. KS-Fs may be developed as novel antitumor agents. PMID:22969826

Procedural Learning and Memory Rehabilitation in Korsakoff's Syndrome - a Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Oudman, Erik; Nijboer, Tanja C W; Postma, Albert; Wijnia, Jan W; Van der Stigchel, Stefan

2015-06-01

Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder caused by alcohol abuse and thiamine deficiency. Patients with KS show restricted autonomy due to their severe declarative amnesia and executive disorders. Recently, it has been suggested that procedural learning and memory are relatively preserved in KS and can effectively support autonomy in KS. In the present review we describe the available evidence on procedural learning and memory in KS and highlight advances in memory rehabilitation that have been demonstrated to support procedural memory. The specific purpose of this review was to increase insights in the available tools for successful memory rehabilitation and give suggestions how to apply these tools in clinical practice to increase procedural learning in KS. Current evidence suggests that when memory rehabilitation is adjusted to the specific needs of KS patients, this will increase their ability to learn procedures and their typically compromised autonomy gets enhanced.

Growth requirements of hyperthermophilic sulfur-dependent heterotrophic archaea isolated from a shallow submarine geothermal system with reference to their essential amino acids.

PubMed Central

Hoaki, T; Nishijima, M; Kato, M; Adachi, K; Mizobuchi, S; Hanzawa, N; Maruyama, T

1994-01-01

Three hyperthermophilic sulfur-dependent heterotrophs were isolated from a shallow submarine hydrothermal system at an inlet of Kodakara-jima island, Kagoshima, Japan. The isolates grew at 60 to 97 degrees C, with the optimum temperatures at 85 to 90 degrees C. Sensitivity to rifampin and the existence of ether lipids indicated that the isolates are hyperthermophilic archaea. Partial sequencing of the genes coding for 16S rRNA showed that the three isolates are closely related to the genus Thermococcus. They grew on proteinaceous mixtures, such as yeast extract, Casamino Acids, and purified proteins (e.g., casein and gelatin), but not on carbohydrates or organic acids as sole carbon and energy sources. Nine amino acids were essential for growth of isolate KS-1 (Thr, Leu, Ile, Val, Met, Phe, His, Tyr, and Arg). Isolate KS-2 required Lys in addition to the nine amino acids, and KS-8 required Lys instead of Tyr. In comparative studies, it was shown that Thermococcus celer DSM 2476 required 10 amino acids (Thr, Leu, Ile, Val, Met, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, and Arg) while Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638 required only Ile and Val. The hyperthermophilic fermentative eubacterium Thermotoga neapolitana DSM 4359 did not require any amino acids for growth. Images PMID:8085828

Fertility Preservation in Klinefelter Syndrome Patients during the Transition Period.

PubMed

Rives, Nathalie; Rives, Aurélie; Rondanino, Christine; Castanet, Mireille; Cuny, Ariane; Sibert, Louis

2018-01-01

Spermatozoa have occasionally been identified in ejaculate of adult Klinefelter syndrome (KS) patients but very exceptionally in KS adolescents. Spermatozoa can also be retrieved in testicular tissue of KS adolescents. The testis may also harbor spermatogonia and noncompletely differentiated germ cells. Neither clinical features nor hormonal parameters could predict germ cell recovery in KS adults or adolescents. No predictive factors can actually demonstrate that early diagnosis of KS would allow increasing the chance of sperm retrieval even if it has been suggested that semen quality may decline with age in KS patients. Leydig cell dysfunction may also be another factor that might affect the spermatogenesis process in XXY adolescents. Fertility preservation might be preferentially proposed in KS adolescents when semen sampling is possible, when the patient is able to consider alternative options to become a father, and to accept germ cell retrieval failure. However, precocious diagnosis of KS has also to be considered because it might not solely improve the possibility of fertility preservation after the onset of puberty, but also the medical care and the quality of life of these patients. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Dietary Keratan Sulfate from Shark Cartilage Modulates Gut Microbiota and Increases the Abundance of Lactobacillus spp.

PubMed

Shang, Qingsen; Li, Qinying; Zhang, Meifang; Song, Guanrui; Shi, Jingjing; Jiang, Hao; Cai, Chao; Hao, Jiejie; Li, Guoyun; Yu, Guangli

2016-12-08

Keratan sulfate (KS) represents an important family of glycosaminoglycans that are critical in diverse physiological processes. Recently, accumulating evidence has provided a wealth of information on the bioactivity of KS, which established it as an attractive candidate for drug development. However, although KS has been widely explored, less attention has been given to its effect on gut microbiota. Therefore, given that gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in health homeostasis and disease pathogenesis, we investigated here in detail the effect of KS on gut microbiota by high-throughput sequencing. As revealed by heatmap and principal component analysis, the mice gut microbiota was readily altered at different taxonomic levels by intake of low (8 mg/kg) and high dosage (40 mg/kg) of KS. Interestingly, KS exerted a differing effect on male and female microbiota. Specifically, KS induced a much more drastic increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in female (sixteen-fold) versus male mice (two-fold). In addition, combined with alterations in gut microbiota, KS also significantly reduced body weight while maintaining normal gut homeostasis. Altogether, we first demonstrated a sex-dependent effect of KS on gut microbiota and highlighted that it may be used as a novel prebiotic for disease management.

How genetically heterogeneous is Kabuki syndrome?: MLL2 testing in 116 patients, review and analyses of mutation and phenotypic spectrum.

PubMed

Banka, Siddharth; Veeramachaneni, Ratna; Reardon, William; Howard, Emma; Bunstone, Sancha; Ragge, Nicola; Parker, Michael J; Crow, Yanick J; Kerr, Bronwyn; Kingston, Helen; Metcalfe, Kay; Chandler, Kate; Magee, Alex; Stewart, Fiona; McConnell, Vivienne P M; Donnelly, Deirdre E; Berland, Siren; Houge, Gunnar; Morton, Jenny E; Oley, Christine; Revencu, Nicole; Park, Soo-Mi; Davies, Sally J; Fry, Andrew E; Lynch, Sally Ann; Gill, Harinder; Schweiger, Susann; Lam, Wayne W K; Tolmie, John; Mohammed, Shehla N; Hobson, Emma; Smith, Audrey; Blyth, Moira; Bennett, Christopher; Vasudevan, Pradeep C; García-Miñaúr, Sixto; Henderson, Alex; Goodship, Judith; Wright, Michael J; Fisher, Richard; Gibbons, Richard; Price, Susan M; C de Silva, Deepthi; Temple, I Karen; Collins, Amanda L; Lachlan, Katherine; Elmslie, Frances; McEntagart, Meriel; Castle, Bruce; Clayton-Smith, Jill; Black, Graeme C; Donnai, Dian

2012-04-01

MLL2 mutations are detected in 55 to 80% of patients with Kabuki syndrome (KS). In 20 to 45% patients with KS, the genetic basis remains unknown, suggesting possible genetic heterogeneity. Here, we present the largest yet reported cohort of 116 patients with KS. We identified MLL2 variants in 74 patients, of which 47 are novel and a majority are truncating. We show that pathogenic missense mutations were commonly located in exon 48. We undertook a systematic facial KS morphology study of patients with KS at our regional dysmorphology meeting. Our data suggest that nearly all patients with typical KS facial features have pathogenic MLL2 mutations, although KS can be phenotypically variable. Furthermore, we show that MLL2 mutation-positive KS patients are more likely to have feeding problems, kidney anomalies, early breast bud development, joint dislocations and palatal malformations in comparison with MLL2 mutation-negative patients. Our work expands the mutation spectrum of MLL2 that may help in better understanding of this molecule, which is important in gene expression, epigenetic control of active chromatin states, embryonic development and cancer. Our analyses of the phenotype indicates that MLL2 mutation-positive and -negative patients differ systematically, and genetic heterogeneity of KS is not as extensive as previously suggested. Moreover, phenotypic variability of KS suggests that MLL2 testing should be considered even in atypical patients.

Korsakoff's syndrome: a critical review.

PubMed

Arts, Nicolaas Jm; Walvoort, Serge Jw; Kessels, Roy Pc

2017-01-01

In this review, we present a survey on Korsakoff's syndrome (KS), a residual syndrome in patients who suffered from a Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) that is predominantly characterized by global amnesia, and in more severe cases also by cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. We describe the history of KS and its definition, its epidemiology, and the lack of consensus criteria for its diagnosis. The cognitive and behavioral symptoms of KS, which include anterograde and retrograde amnesia, executive dysfunction, confabulation, apathy, as well as affective and social-cognitive impairments, are discussed. Moreover, recent insights into the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms of these symptoms are presented. In addition, the evidence so far on the etiology of KS is examined, highlighting the role of thiamine and alcohol and discussing the continuity hypothesis. Furthermore, the neuropathology of KS is reviewed, focusing on abnormalities in the diencephalon, including the mammillary bodies and thalamic nuclei. Pharmacological treatment options and nonpharmacological interventions, such as those based on cognitive rehabilitation, are discussed. Our review shows that thiamine deficiency (TD) is a crucial factor in the etiology of KS. Although alcohol abuse is by far the most important context in which TD occurs, there is no convincing evidence for an essential contribution of ethanol neurotoxicity (EN) to the development of WE or to the progression of WE to KS. Future research on the postmortem histopathological analysis of brain tissues of KS patients is crucial for the advancement of our knowledge of KS, especially for associating its symptoms with lesions in various thalamic nuclei. A necessary requirement for the advancement of studies on KS is the broad acceptance of a comprehensive definition and definite diagnostic criteria. Therefore, in this review, we propose such a definition of KS and draft outlines for prospective diagnostic criteria.

Korsakoff’s syndrome: a critical review

PubMed Central

Arts, Nicolaas JM; Walvoort, Serge JW; Kessels, Roy PC

2017-01-01

In this review, we present a survey on Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS), a residual syndrome in patients who suffered from a Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) that is predominantly characterized by global amnesia, and in more severe cases also by cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. We describe the history of KS and its definition, its epidemiology, and the lack of consensus criteria for its diagnosis. The cognitive and behavioral symptoms of KS, which include anterograde and retrograde amnesia, executive dysfunction, confabulation, apathy, as well as affective and social-cognitive impairments, are discussed. Moreover, recent insights into the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms of these symptoms are presented. In addition, the evidence so far on the etiology of KS is examined, highlighting the role of thiamine and alcohol and discussing the continuity hypothesis. Furthermore, the neuropathology of KS is reviewed, focusing on abnormalities in the diencephalon, including the mammillary bodies and thalamic nuclei. Pharmacological treatment options and nonpharmacological interventions, such as those based on cognitive rehabilitation, are discussed. Our review shows that thiamine deficiency (TD) is a crucial factor in the etiology of KS. Although alcohol abuse is by far the most important context in which TD occurs, there is no convincing evidence for an essential contribution of ethanol neurotoxicity (EN) to the development of WE or to the progression of WE to KS. Future research on the postmortem histopathological analysis of brain tissues of KS patients is crucial for the advancement of our knowledge of KS, especially for associating its symptoms with lesions in various thalamic nuclei. A necessary requirement for the advancement of studies on KS is the broad acceptance of a comprehensive definition and definite diagnostic criteria. Therefore, in this review, we propose such a definition of KS and draft outlines for prospective diagnostic criteria. PMID:29225466

Role of WNK4 and kidney-specific WNK1 in mediating the effect of high dietary K+ intake on ROMK channel in the distal convoluted tubule.

PubMed

Wu, Peng; Gao, Zhong-Xiuzi; Su, Xiao-Tong; Ellison, David H; Hadchouel, Juliette; Teulon, Jacques; Wang, Wen-Hui

2018-04-18

With-no-lysine kinase 4 (WNK4) and kidney-Specific (KS)-WNK1 regulate ROMK (Kir1.1) channels in a variety of cell models. We now explore the role of WNK4 and KS-WNK1 in regulating ROMK in the native distal convoluted tubule (DCT)/connecting tubule (CNT) by measuring TPNQ (ROMK inhibitor)-sensitive K+ currents with whole-cell recording. TPNQ-sensitive K+ currents in DCT2/CNT of KS-WNK1-/- and WNK4-/- mice were significantly smaller than that of WT mice. In contrast, the basolateral K+ channels (a Kir4.1/5.1 heterotetramer) in the DCT were not inhibited. Moreover, WNK4-/- mice were hypokalemic while KS-WNK1-/- mice had normal plasma K+ level. High K+ (HK) intake significantly increased TPNQ-sensitive K+ currents in DCT2/CNT of WT and WNK4-/- mice but not in KS-WNK1-/- mice. However, TPNQ-sensitive K+ currents in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) were normal not only under control conditions but also significantly increased in response to HK in KS-WNK1-/- mice. This suggests that the deletion of KS-WNK1-induced inhibition of ROMK occurs only in the DCT2/CNT. Renal clearance study further demonstrated that the deletion of KS-WNK1 did not affect the renal ability of K+ excretion under control conditions and during increasing K+ intake. Also, HK intake did not cause hyperkalemia in KS-WNK1-/- mice. We conclude that KS-WNK1 but not WNK4 is required for HK-intake-induced stimulation of ROMK activity in DCT2/CNT. However, KS-WNK1 is not essential for HK-induced stimulation of ROMK in the CCD and the lack of KS-WNK1 does not affect net renal K+ excretion.

Neurobehavioral and Psychosocial Issues in Klinefelter Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geschwind, Daniel H.; Dykens, Elisabeth

2004-01-01

Klinefelter Syndrome (KS) is a relatively common (1/500 to 1/1,000) genetic syndrome caused by an extra X chromosome in males, leading to an XXY karyotype. In most cases, the physical and neurobehavioral characteristics of KS are relatively mild, and KS is not usually associated with moderate or severe mental retardation. However, KS is often…

Ultradeep Sequencing for Detection of Quasispecies Variants in the Major Hydrophilic Region of Hepatitis B Virus in Indonesian Patients

PubMed Central

Yamani, Laura Navika; Utsumi, Takako; Juniastuti; Wandono, Hadi; Widjanarko, Doddy; Triantanoe, Ari; Wasityastuti, Widya; Liang, Yujiao; Okada, Rina; Tanahashi, Toshihito; Murakami, Yoshiki; Azuma, Takeshi; Soetjipto; Lusida, Maria Inge; Hayashi, Yoshitake

2015-01-01

Quasispecies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with variations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) can evolve during infection, allowing HBV to evade neutralizing antibodies. These escape variants may contribute to chronic infections. In this study, we looked for MHR variants in HBV quasispecies using ultradeep sequencing and evaluated the relationship between these variants and clinical manifestations in infected patients. We enrolled 30 Indonesian patients with hepatitis B infection (11 with chronic hepatitis and 19 with advanced liver disease). The most common subgenotype/subtype of HBV was B3/adw (97%). The HBsAg titer was lower in patients with advanced liver disease than that in patients with chronic hepatitis. The MHR variants were grouped based on the percentage of the viral population affected: major, ≥20% of the total population; intermediate, 5% to <20%; and minor, 1% to <5%. The rates of MHR variation that were present in the major and intermediate viral population were significantly greater in patients with advanced liver disease than those in chronic patients. The most frequent MHR variants related to immune evasion in the major and intermediate populations were P120Q/T, T123A, P127T, Q129H/R, M133L/T, and G145R. The major population of MHR variants causing impaired of HBsAg secretion (e.g., G119R, Q129R, T140I, and G145R) was detected only in advanced liver disease patients. This is the first study to use ultradeep sequencing for the detection of MHR variants of HBV quasispecies in Indonesian patients. We found that a greater number of MHR variations was related to disease severity and reduced likelihood of HBsAg titer. PMID:26202119

Evolution of simeprevir-resistant variants over time by ultra-deep sequencing in HCV genotype 1b.

PubMed

Akuta, Norio; Suzuki, Fumitaka; Sezaki, Hitomi; Suzuki, Yoshiyuki; Hosaka, Tetsuya; Kobayashi, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Mariko; Saitoh, Satoshi; Ikeda, Kenji; Kumada, Hiromitsu

2014-08-01

Using ultra-deep sequencing technology, the present study was designed to investigate the evolution of simeprevir-resistant variants (amino acid substitutions of aa80, aa155, aa156, and aa168 positions in HCV NS3 region) over time. In Toranomon Hospital, 18 Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b, received triple therapy of simeprevir/PEG-IFN/ribavirin (DRAGON or CONCERT study). Sustained virological response rate was 67%, and that was significantly higher in patients with IL28B rs8099917 TT than in those with non-TT. Six patients, who did not achieve sustained virological response, were tested for resistant variants by ultra-deep sequencing, at the baseline, at the time of re-elevation of viral loads, and at 96 weeks after the completion of treatment. Twelve of 18 resistant variants, detected at re-elevation of viral load, were de novo resistant variants. Ten of 12 de novo resistant variants become undetectable over time, and that five of seven resistant variants, detected at baseline, persisted over time. In one patient, variants of Q80R at baseline (0.3%) increased at 96-week after the cessation of treatment (10.2%), and de novo resistant variants of D168E (0.3%) also increased at 96-week after the cessation of treatment (9.7%). In conclusion, the present study indicates that the emergence of simeprevir-resistant variants after the start of treatment could not be predicted at baseline, and the majority of de novo resistant variants become undetectable over time. Further large-scale prospective studies should be performed to investigate the clinical utility in detecting simeprevir-resistant variants. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Updated branching fraction measurements of B ( s) 0 → K S 0 h + h ' - decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-11-01

The charmless three-body decays B ( s) 0 → K S 0 h + h ' - (where h (') = π, K) are analysed using a sample of pp collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb-1. The branching fractions are measured relative to that of the B 0 → K S 0 π + π - decay, and are determined to be: B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{K}^{± /π^{∓})}{B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{K}+{π}-)}=0.123± 0.009(stat)± 0.015(syst), B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{K}^{+/K-)}{B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{π}+{π}-)}=0.549± 0.018(stat)± 0.033(syst), B({B}_s^0\\to {K}S^0{π}^{+/π-)}{B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{π}+{π}-)}=0.191± 0.027(stat)± 0.031(syst)± 0.011({f}_s/{f}_d), B({B}_s^0\\to {K}S^0{K}^{± /π^{∓})}{B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{π}+{π}-)}=1.70± 0.07(stat)± 0.11(syst)± 0.10({f}_s/{f}_d), B({B}_s^0\\to {K}S^0{K}^{+/K-)}{B({B}^0\\to {K}S^0{π}+{π}-)}\\in [0.008-0.051] at 90% confidence level, where f s / f d represents the ratio of hadronisation fractions of the B s 0 and B 0 mesons. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Body proportions in children with Kabuki syndrome.

PubMed

Penders, Bas; Schott, Nina; Gerver, Willem-Jan M; Stumpel, Constance T R M

2016-03-01

Facial characteristics, short stature, and skeletal anomalies have been described for the clinical diagnosis of Kabuki Syndrome (KS) in children. However, no studies have investigated body proportions in KS. Knowledge of body proportions in KS may contribute to better insight into the growth pattern and characterization of this genetic disorder. Therefore we compared body proportions of children with KS to normally proportioned controls to investigate if atypical body proportions are part of this genetic disorder. This study was designed and conducted within the setting of the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), the official Dutch expert center for Kabuki syndrome. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 32 children (11 children with KS and 21 controls). Body proportions were determined by means of photogrammetric anthropometry, measurements based on digital photography. Body proportions, quantified as body ratios, differ significantly in children with KS from normally proportioned children. Children with KS have larger heads and longer arms proportional to their trunks and have been found to have longer upper arms proportional to their tibia length and feet. Based on deviations in body proportions it was shown possible to discern children with KS from normally proportioned controls. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aberrant ocular architecture and function in patients with Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Brand, Cristin; Zitzmann, Michael; Eter, Nicole; Kliesch, Sabine; Wistuba, Joachim; Alnawaiseh, Maged; Heiduschka, Peter

2017-10-13

Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), the most common chromosomal disorder in men (47,XXY), is associated with numerous comorbidities. Based on a number of isolated case reports, we performed the first systematic and comprehensive evaluation of eye health in KS patients with a focus on ocular structure and vascularization. Twenty-one KS patients and 26 male and 38 female controls underwent a variety of non-invasive examinations investigating ocular morphology (examination of retinal thickness, optic nerve head, and cornea) and function (visual field testing and quantification of ocular vessel density by optical coherence tomography angiography). In comparison to healthy controls, KS patients exhibited a smaller foveal avascular zone and a decreased retinal thickness due to a drastically thinner outer nuclear layer. The cornea of KS patients showed a decreased peripheral thickness and volume. In perimetry evaluation, KS patients required brighter stimuli and gave more irregular values. KS patients show an ocular phenotype including morphological and functional features, which is very likely caused by the supernumerary X chromosome. Thus, KS should not be limited to infertility, endocrine dysfunction, neurocognitive and psychosocial comorbidities. Defining an aberrant ocular morphology and function, awareness for possible eye problems should be raised.

Classic Kaposi's sarcoma presenting in the oral cavity of two HIV-negative Quechua patients.

PubMed

Mohanna, Salim; Bravo, Francisco; Ferrufino, Juan Carlos; Sanchez, Juvenal; Gotuzzo, Eduardo

2007-09-01

Traditionally, classic KS lesions have a general distribution, often involving the skin of the feet and legs, and to a lesser extent, that of the hands, arms, and trunk. Oral involvement is a rare manifestation. Initial oral involvement is an even rarer occurrence. We report two unusual cases of classic KS presenting in the oral cavity of two patients from indigenous origin; the first patient with primary oral KS lesion on the hard palate, with no other signs of the condition in any other region of the body; the second patient with generalized dermal KS lesions with lymph node and lower lip involvement. In conclusion, clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the typical clinical, gross, and histologic features of KS. Moreover, we would like to emphasize that oral KS may affect patients without AIDS or exposure to immunosuppression. The awareness of oral classic KS as a diagnostic possibility is important in the work-up of vascular lesions in the oral cavity of non-immunosuppressed individuals.

Measurement of the nuclear multiplicity ratio for Ks0 hadronization at CLAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniel, A.; Hicks, K.; Brooks, W. K.; Hakobyan, H.; Adhikari, K. P.; Adikaram, D.; Aghasyan, M.; Amarian, M.; Anghinolfi, M.; Avakian, H.; Baghdasaryan, H.; Battaglieri, M.; Batourine, V.; Bedlinskiy, I.; Bennett, R. P.; Biselli, A. S.; Bookwalter, C.; Briscoe, W. J.; Burkert, V. D.; Carman, D. S.; Casey, L.; Celentano, A.; Chandavar, S.; Cole, P. L.; Contalbrigo, M.; Crede, V.; D'Angelo, A.; Dashyan, N.; De Vita, R.; De Sanctis, E.; Deur, A.; Dey, B.; Dickson, R.; Djalali, C.; Dodge, G. E.; Doughty, D.; Egiyan, H.; El Fassi, L.; Elouadrhiri, L.; Eugenio, P.; Fedotov, G.; Fegan, S.; Gabrielyan, M. Y.; Gevorgyan, N.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Giovanetti, K. L.; Girod, F. X.; Goetz, J. T.; Gohn, W.; Golovatch, E.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K. A.; Guidal, M.; Guo, L.; Hanretty, C.; Heddle, D.; Holtrop, M.; Hyde, C. E.; Ilieva, Y.; Ireland, D. G.; Ishkhanov, B. S.; Isupov, E. L.; Jawalkar, S. S.; Jo, H. S.; Joo, K.; Kalantarians, N.; Keller, D.; Khandaker, M.; Khetarpal, P.; Kim, A.; Kim, W.; Klein, A.; Klein, F. J.; Kubarovsky, V.; Kuleshov, S. V.; Kuznetsov, V.; Lu, H. Y.; MacGregor, I. J. D.; Mao, Y.; Markov, N.; Mayer, M.; McAndrew, J.; McKinnon, B.; Meyer, C. A.; Mineeva, T.; Mirazita, M.; Mokeev, V.; Moutarde, H.; Munevar, E.; Nadel-Turonski, P.; Ni, A.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Niculescu, I.; Osipenko, M.; Ostrovidov, A. I.; Paolone, M.; Pappalardo, L.; Paremuzyan, R.; Park, K.; Park, S.; Pasyuk, E.; Anefalos Pereira, S.; Phelps, E.; Pisano, S.; Pogorelko, O.; Pozdniakov, S.; Price, J. W.; Procureur, S.; Protopopescu, D.; Raue, B. A.; Ricco, G.; Rimal, D.; Ripani, M.; Rosner, G.; Rossi, P.; Sabatié, F.; Saini, M. S.; Salgado, C.; Schott, D.; Schumacher, R. A.; Seraydaryan, H.; Sharabian, Y. G.; Smith, G. D.; Sober, D. I.; Sokhan, D.; Stepanyan, S. S.; Stepanyan, S.; Strauch, S.; Taiuti, M.; Tang, W.; Taylor, C. E.; Tkachenko, S.; Ungaro, M.; Vernarsky, B.; Vineyard, M. F.; Voskanyan, H.; Voutier, E.; Watts, D. P.; Weinstein, L. B.; Weygand, D. P.; Wood, M. H.; Zana, L.; Zachariou, N.; Zhao, B.; Zhao, Z. W.

2011-11-01

The influence of cold nuclear matter on lepto-production of hadrons in semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering is measured using the CLAS detector in Hall B at Jefferson Lab and a 5.014 GeV electron beam. We report the Ks0 multiplicity ratios for targets of C, Fe, and Pb relative to deuterium as a function of the fractional virtual photon energy z transferred to the Ks0 and the transverse momentum squared pT2 of the Ks0. We find that the multiplicity ratios for Ks0 are reduced in the nuclear medium at high z and low pT2, with a trend for the Ks0 transverse momentum to be broadened in the nucleus for large pT2.

A Comparison of Galaxy Bulge+Disk Decomposition Between Pan-STARRS and SDSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lokken, Martine Elena; McPartland, Conor; Sanders, David B.

2018-01-01

Measurements of the size and shape of bulges in galaxies provide key constraints for models of galaxy evolution. A comprehensive catalog of bulge measurements for Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) DR7 galaxies is currently available to the public. However, the Pan-STARRS1 (PS1) 3π survey now covers the same region with ~1-2 mag deeper photometry, a ~10-30% smaller PSF, and additional coverage in y-band. To test how much improvement in galaxy parameter measurements (e.g. bulge + disk) can be achieved using the new PS1 data, we make use of ultra-deep imaging data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) Subaru Strategic Program (SSP). We fit bulge+disk models to images of 372 bright (mi < 18.5) galaxies detected in all three surveys. Comparison of galaxy parameters derived from SDSS and PS1 images with those measured from HSC-SSP images shows a tighter correlation between PS1 and SSP measurements for both bulge and disk parameters. Bulge parameters, such as bulge-to-total fraction and bulge radius, show the strongest improvement. However, measurements of all parameters degrade for galaxies with total r-band magnitude below the SDSS spectroscopic limit, mr = 17.7. We plan to use the PS1 3π survey data to produce an updated catalog of bulge+disk decomposition measurements for the entire SDSS DR7 spectroscopic galaxy sample.

30 CFR 203.44 - What administrative steps must I take to use the royalty suspension volume?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... ultra-deep well on a lease that is located entirely in water more than 200 meters and less than 400 meters deep. (e) The MMS Regional Supervisor for Production and Development may extend the deadline for...

30 CFR 203.44 - What administrative steps must I take to use the royalty suspension volume?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Deep Gas Wells on... in writing of your intent to begin drilling operations on all deep wells and phase 1 ultra-deep wells...

Tracking the origins and drivers of subclonal metastatic expansion in prostate cancer

DOE PAGES

Hong, Matthew K. H.; Macintyre, Geoff; Wedge, David C.; ...

2015-04-01

Tumour heterogeneity in primary prostate cancer is a well-established phenomenon. However, how the subclonal diversity of tumours changes during metastasis and progression to lethality is poorly understood. Here we reveal the precise direction of metastatic spread across four lethal prostate cancer patients using whole-genome and ultra-deep targeted sequencing of longitudinally collected primary and metastatic tumours. We find one case of metastatic spread to the surgical bed causing local recurrence, and another case of cross-metastatic site seeding combining with dynamic remoulding of subclonal mixtures in response to therapy. By ultra-deep sequencing end-stage blood, we detect both metastatic and primary tumour clones,more » even years after removal of the prostate. As a result, analysis of mutations associated with metastasis reveals an enrichment of TP53 mutations, and additional sequencing of metastases from 19 patients demonstrates that acquisition of TP53 mutations is linked with the expansion of subclones with metastatic potential which we can detect in the blood.« less

Tracking the origins and drivers of subclonal metastatic expansion in prostate cancer.

PubMed

Hong, Matthew K H; Macintyre, Geoff; Wedge, David C; Van Loo, Peter; Patel, Keval; Lunke, Sebastian; Alexandrov, Ludmil B; Sloggett, Clare; Cmero, Marek; Marass, Francesco; Tsui, Dana; Mangiola, Stefano; Lonie, Andrew; Naeem, Haroon; Sapre, Nikhil; Phal, Pramit M; Kurganovs, Natalie; Chin, Xiaowen; Kerger, Michael; Warren, Anne Y; Neal, David; Gnanapragasam, Vincent; Rosenfeld, Nitzan; Pedersen, John S; Ryan, Andrew; Haviv, Izhak; Costello, Anthony J; Corcoran, Niall M; Hovens, Christopher M

2015-04-01

Tumour heterogeneity in primary prostate cancer is a well-established phenomenon. However, how the subclonal diversity of tumours changes during metastasis and progression to lethality is poorly understood. Here we reveal the precise direction of metastatic spread across four lethal prostate cancer patients using whole-genome and ultra-deep targeted sequencing of longitudinally collected primary and metastatic tumours. We find one case of metastatic spread to the surgical bed causing local recurrence, and another case of cross-metastatic site seeding combining with dynamic remoulding of subclonal mixtures in response to therapy. By ultra-deep sequencing end-stage blood, we detect both metastatic and primary tumour clones, even years after removal of the prostate. Analysis of mutations associated with metastasis reveals an enrichment of TP53 mutations, and additional sequencing of metastases from 19 patients demonstrates that acquisition of TP53 mutations is linked with the expansion of subclones with metastatic potential which we can detect in the blood.

A VLT Large Programme to Study Galaxies at z ~ 2: GMASS — the Galaxy Mass Assembly Ultra-deep Spectroscopic Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurk, Jaron; Cimatti, Andrea; Daddi, Emanuele; Mignoli, Marco; Bolzonella, Micol; Pozzetti, Lucia; Cassata, Paolo; Halliday, Claire; Zamorani, Gianni; Berta, Stefano; Brusa, Marcella; Dickinson, Mark; Franceschini, Alberto; Rodighiero, Guilia; Rosati, Piero; Renzini, Alvio

2009-03-01

We report on the motivation, sample selection and first results of our VLT FORS2 Large Programme (173.A-0687), which has obtained the longest targeted spectra of distant galaxies obtained so far with the VLT. These long exposures, up to 77 hours for objects included in three masks, were required to detect spectral features of extremely faint galaxies, such as absorption lines of passive galaxies at z > 1.4, a population that had previously escaped attention due to its faintness in the optical wavelength regime, but which represents a critical phase in the evolution of massive galaxies. The ultra-deep spectroscopy allowed us to estimate the stellar metallicity of star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2, to trace colour bimodality up to z = 2 and to characterise a galaxy cluster progenitor at z = 1.6. The approximately 200 spectra produced by GMASS constitute a lasting legacy, populating the “redshift desert” in GOODS-S.

Mass Modeling of Frontier Fields Cluster MACS J1149.5+2223 Using Strong and Weak Lensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finney, Emily Quinn; Bradač, Maruša; Huang, Kuang-Han; Hoag, Austin; Morishita, Takahiro; Schrabback, Tim; Treu, Tommaso; Borello Schmidt, Kasper; Lemaux, Brian C.; Wang, Xin; Mason, Charlotte

2018-05-01

We present a gravitational-lensing model of MACS J1149.5+2223 using ultra-deep Hubble Frontier Fields imaging data and spectroscopic redshifts from HST grism and Very Large Telescope (VLT)/MUSE spectroscopic data. We create total mass maps using 38 multiple images (13 sources) and 608 weak-lensing galaxies, as well as 100 multiple images of 31 star-forming regions in the galaxy that hosts supernova Refsdal. We find good agreement with a range of recent models within the HST field of view. We present a map of the ratio of projected stellar mass to total mass (f ⋆) and find that the stellar mass fraction for this cluster peaks on the primary BCG. Averaging within a radius of 0.3 Mpc, we obtain a value of < {f}\\star > ={0.012}-0.003+0.004, consistent with other recent results for this ratio in cluster environments, though with a large global error (up to δf ⋆ = 0.005) primarily due to the choice of IMF. We compare values of f ⋆ and measures of star formation efficiency for this cluster to other Hubble Frontier Fields clusters studied in the literature, finding that MACS1149 has a higher stellar mass fraction than these other clusters but a star formation efficiency typical of massive clusters.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Galaxy samples rest-frame ultraviolet structure (Bond+, 2014)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bond, N. A.; Gardner, J. P.; de Mello, D. F.; Teplitz, H. I.; Rafelski, M.; Koekemoer, A. M.; Coe, D.; Grogin, N.; Gawiser, E.; Ravindranath, S.; Scarlata, C.

2017-03-01

In this paper, we use data taken as part of a program (GO 11563, PI: Teplitz) to obtain UV imaging of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (hereafter UVUDF) and study intermediate-redshift galaxy structure in the F336W, F275W, and F225W filters, complementing existing optical and near-IR measurements from the 2012 Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF12; Ellis et al. 2013ApJ...763L...7E) survey. We use AB magnitudes throughout and assume a concordance cosmology with H0=71 km/s/Mpc, ωm=0.27, and ωλ=0.73 (Spergel et al. 2007ApJS..170..377S). The UVUDF data and the optical Hubble Ultradeep Field (UDF; Beckwith et al. 2006, J/AJ/132/1729) are both contained within a single deep field in the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey South. The new UVUDF data include imaging in three filters (F336W, F275W, and F225W), obtained in 10 visits, for a total of 30 orbits per filter. In addition, from the UDF, we make use of deep drizzled images taken in the observed optical with the F435W, F606W, and F775W filters. (1 data file).

A very slow basal layer underlying large-scale low-velocity anomalies in the lower mantle beneath the Pacific: evidence from core phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garnero, Edward J.; Helmberger, Donald V.

A multi-phase analysis using long-period World Wide Standardized Seismograph Network and Canadian Network data has been conducted using core-phases for deep focus events from the southwest Pacific. These include SKS, S2KS, SV diff, and SP dKS. The last phase emerges from SKS near 106° and is associated with a P-wave diffracting along the bottom of the mantle. Patterns in S2KS - SKS differential travel times ( TS2KS - SKS) correlate with those in SP dKS - SKS ( TSP dKS - SKS ). TS2KS - SKS values strongly depend on variations in VS structure in the lower third of the mantle, whereas TSP dKS - SKS values mainly depend on VP structure and variations in a thin zone (100 km or less) at the very base of the mantle. Anomalously large TS2KS - SKS and TSP dKS - SKS values (relative to the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM)) are present for Fiji-Tonga and Kermadec events (recorded in North and South America), along with anomalously large SV diff amplitudes well into the core's shadow. More northerly paths beneath the Pacific to North America for Indonesian and Solomon events display both PREM-like and anomalous times. A model compatible with the observations is presented, and contains a thin very-low-velocity layer at the base of the mantle that underlies the large volumetric lower-mantle low-velocity regions in the southwest Pacific. A low-velocity layer of 20-100 km thickness with reductions of up to 5-10% (relative to PREM) can reproduce TSP dKS - SKS as well as SV diff amplitudes. Large-scale (more than 1000 km) lower-mantle VS heterogeneity (2-4%) can explain long-wavelength trends in TS2KS - SKS. The exact thickness and velocity reduction in the basal layer is uncertain, owing to difficulties in resolving whether anomalous structure occurs on the source- and/or receiver-side of wavepaths (at the CMB).

ISPI | CTIO

Science.gov Websites

Visitor's Computer Guidelines Network Connection Request Instruments Instruments by Telescope IR Instruments ‹› You are here CTIO Home » Astronomers » Instruments » IR Instruments » ISPI ISPI The CTIO matched to f/8 IR image quality of ~0.6 arcsec 10.25 x 10.25 arcmin field of view, broad band J,H and Ks

Differences in Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-specific and –nonspecific immune responses in classic Kaposi sarcoma cases and matched controls in Sicily

PubMed Central

Amodio, Emanuele; Goedert, James J.; Barozzi, Patrizia; Riva, Giovanni; Firenze, Alberto; Bonura, Filippa; Viviano, Enza; Romano, Nino; Luppi, Mario

2011-01-01

SUMMARY Kaposi sarcoma (KS) may develop because of incompetent immune responses, both nonspecifically and specifically against the KS-associated herpes virus (KSHV). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 classic (non-AIDS) KS cases, 13 KSHV seropositives (without KS), and 15 KSHV-seronegative controls were tested for interferon-γ T-cell (Elispot) responses to KSHV-LANA, KSHV-K8.1, and CMV/EBV peptide pools. The forearm and thigh of each participant also was tested for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) against common recall antigens. Groups were compared with Fisher exact test and multinomial logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). KSHV Elispot response was detected in 10 (67%) classic KS cases, 11 (85%) KSHV seropositives (without KS), and 2 (13%) seronegative controls. All 4 cases with KSHV-LANA responses had current KS lesions, whereas 5 of 6 cases with KSHV-K8.1 responses had no lesions (P=0.048). No case responded to both LANA and K8.1. Compared to seronegative controls, risk for classic KS was inversely related to DTH in the thigh (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.94, P=0.01), directly associated with DTH in the forearm (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02–1.80, P=0.04), and tended to be increased 5-fold per KSHV Elispot response (OR 5.13, 95% CI 0.86–30.77, P=0.07). Compared to KSHV seropositives (without KS), risk for classic KS, was reduced 5-fold (OR 0.20, CI 0.03–0.77, P=0.04) per KSHV response. CMV/EBV Elispot responses were irrelevant. Deficiency of both KSHV-specific and –nonspecific immunity is associated with classic KS. This may clarify why Kaposi sarcoma responds to immune reconstitution. PMID:21740480

A case of Klinefelter syndrome with hypersexual desire

PubMed Central

Perampalam, Sumathy; Barker, Anthony; Nolan, Christopher J

2017-01-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal disorder affecting males, with the typical karyotype of 47,XXY due to a supernumerary X chromosome, which causes progressive testicular failure resulting in androgen deficiency and infertility. Despite it being the most common sex chromosomal disorder, its diagnosis is easily missed. In addition to its classical clinical features of tall stature, gynaecomastia, small testes, and symptoms and signs of hypogonadism including infertility, KS is also often associated with neurocognitive, behavioural and psychiatric disorders. We present a 44-year-old man with KS who, despite having erectile dysfunction, paradoxically had increased libido. He used sildenafil to overcome his erectile dysfunction. Hypersexuality was manifested by very frequent masturbation, multiple sexual partners most of whom were casual, and a sexual offence conviction at the age of 17 years. Discussion focuses on the frequent failure of clinicians to diagnose KS, the neurocognitive, behavioural and psychiatric aspects of KS, this unusual presentation of hypersexuality in a man with KS, and the challenges of medical management of hypogonadism in a man with a history of a sexual offence. Learning points: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is common in men (about 1 in 600 males), but the diagnosis is very often missed. In addition to classic features of hypogonadism, patients with KS can often have associated neurocognitive, behavioural and/or psychiatric disorders. More awareness of the association between KS and difficulties related to verbal skills in boys could improve rates of early diagnosis and prevent longer-term psychosocial disability. Hypersexuality in the context of hypogonadism raises the possibility of sex steroid independent mechanistic pathways for libido. Testosterone replacement therapy in KS with hypersexuality should be undertaken with caution using a multidisciplinary team approach. PMID:28883919

Klinefelter syndrome, cardiovascular system, and thromboembolic disease: review of literature and clinical perspectives.

PubMed

Salzano, Andrea; Arcopinto, Michele; Marra, Alberto M; Bobbio, Emanuele; Esposito, Daniela; Accardo, Giacomo; Giallauria, Francesco; Bossone, Eduardo; Vigorito, Carlo; Lenzi, Andrea; Pasquali, Daniela; Isidori, Andrea M; Cittadini, Antonio

2016-07-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most frequently occurring sex chromosomal aberration in males, with an incidence of about 1 in 500-700 newborns. Data acquired from large registry-based studies revealed an increase in mortality rates among KS patients when compared with mortality rates among the general population. Among all causes of death, metabolic, cardiovascular, and hemostatic complication seem to play a pivotal role. KS is associated, as are other chromosomal pathologies and genetic diseases, with cardiac congenital anomalies that contribute to the increase in mortality. The aim of the current study was to systematically review the relationships between KS and the cardiovascular system and hemostatic balance. In summary, patients with KS display an increased cardiovascular risk profile, characterized by increased prevalence of metabolic abnormalities including Diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and alterations in biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. KS does not, however, appear to be associated with arterial hypertension. Moreover, KS patients are characterized by subclinical abnormalities in left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and endothelial function, which, when associated with chronotropic incompetence may led to reduced cardiopulmonary performance. KS patients appear to be at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, attributing to an increased risk of thromboembolic events with a high prevalence of recurrent venous ulcers, venous insufficiency, recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolism with higher risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. It appears that cardiovascular involvement in KS is mainly due to chromosomal abnormalities rather than solely on low serum testosterone levels. On the basis of evidence acquisition and authors' own experience, a flowchart addressing the management of cardiovascular function and prognosis of KS patients has been developed for clinical use. © 2016 European Society of Endocrinology.

Arbitrarily exhaustive hypergraph generation of 4-, 6-, 8-, 16-, and 32-dimensional quantum contextual sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pavičić, Mladen

2017-06-01

Quantum contextuality turns out to be a necessary resource for universal quantum computation and important in the field of quantum information processing. It is therefore of interest both for theoretical considerations and for experimental implementation to find new types and instances of contextual sets and develop methods of their optimal generation. We present an arbitrarily exhaustive hypergraph-based generation of the most explored contextual sets [Kochen-Specker (KS) ones] in 4, 6, 8, 16, and 32 dimensions. We consider and analyze 12 KS classes and obtain numerous properties of theirs, which we then compare with the results previously obtained in the literature. We generate several thousand additional types and instances of KS sets, including all KS sets in three of the classes and the upper part of a fourth set. We make use of the McKay-Megill-Pavičić (MMP) hypergraph language, algorithms, and programs to generate KS sets strictly following their definition from the Kochen-Specker theorem. This approach proves to be particularly advantageous over the parity-proof-based ones (which prevail in the literature) since it turns out that only a very few KS sets have a parity proof (in six KS classes <0.01% and in one of them 0%). MMP hypergraph formalism enables a translation of an exponentially complex task of solving systems of nonlinear equations, describing KS vector orthogonalities, into a statistically linearly complex task of evaluating vertex states of hypergraph edges, thus exponentially speeding up the generation of KS sets and enabling us to generate billions of novel instances of them. The MMP hypergraph notation also enables us to graphically represent KS sets and to visually discern their features.

Episodic and working memory deficits in alcoholic Korsakoff patients: the continuity theory revisited.

PubMed

Pitel, Anne Lise; Beaunieux, Hélène; Witkowski, Thomas; Vabret, François; de la Sayette, Vincent; Viader, Fausto; Desgranges, Béatrice; Eustache, Francis

2008-07-01

The exact nature of episodic and working memory impairments in alcoholic Korsakoff patients (KS) remains unclear, as does the specificity of these neuropsychological deficits compared with those of non-Korsakoff alcoholics (AL). The goals of the present study were therefore to (1) specify the nature of episodic and working memory impairments in KS, (2) determine the specificity of the KS neuropsychological profile compared with the AL profile, and (3) observe the distribution of individual performances within the 2 patient groups. We investigated episodic memory (encoding and retrieval abilities, contextual memory and state of consciousness associated with memories), the slave systems of working memory (phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad and episodic buffer) and executive functions (inhibition, flexibility, updating and integration abilities) in 14 strictly selected KS, 40 AL and 55 control subjects (CS). Compared with CS, KS displayed impairments of episodic memory encoding and retrieval, contextual memory, recollection, the slave systems of working memory and executive functions. Although episodic memory was more severely impaired in KS than in AL, the single specificity of the KS profile was a disproportionately large encoding deficit. Apart from organizational and updating abilities, the slave systems of working memory and inhibition, flexibility and integration abilities were impaired to the same extent in both alcoholic groups. However, some KS were unable to complete the most difficult executive tasks. There was only a partial overlap of individual performances by KS and AL for episodic memory and a total mixture of the 2 groups for working memory. Korsakoff's syndrome encompasses impairments of the different episodic and working memory components. AL and KS displayed similar profiles of episodic and working memory deficits, in accordance with neuroimaging investigations showing similar patterns of brain damage in both alcoholic groups.

Vulnerability for autism traits in boys and men with an extra X chromosome (47,XXY): the mediating role of cognitive flexibility.

PubMed

van Rijn, Sophie; Bierman, Marit; Bruining, Hilgo; Swaab, Hanna

2012-10-01

The XXY chromosomal pattern (Klinefelter syndrome, KS) has been associated with specific effects on physical, neurobiological, endocrinological and psychological development. This study was focused on the described risk for autism in KS, and the cognitive mechanisms that mediate this risk. Our aim was to assess whether autistic features in KS result from impairments in executive functioning, more specifically difficulties in cognitive flexibility. In total, 71 boys and men with KS and 61 non-clinical controls participated in the study. Autistic features were assessed using the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ). Mental flexibility was measured using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The level of autism traits was significantly increased in the KS group, the effect size for total AQ score was 1.6. The KS group also showed significantly more difficulties in cognitive flexibility, as indicated by and increased number of perseverative (but not non-perseverative) errors in the WCST. This effect was independent of intellectual functioning, age or testosterone supplements. Within the KS group, the number of perseverative errors was significantly (positively) correlated with total AQ score. Our findings suggest that KS can be associated with dysfunctions in mental flexibility, and that individuals with more mental flexibility problems also have more autism traits. This insight is relevant for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of severe problems in individuals with KS. Implications also extend beyond this specific syndrome. As executive dysfunctions in KS have also been linked to ADHD symptoms and thought disorder, this could be a shared mechanism contributing to overlap in symptoms and comorbidity between different psychiatric conditions. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Disseminated Kaposi's Sarcoma in Patients with HIV Infection Correlates to High Serum Levels of IL-10

PubMed Central

Farias, Kleber Juvenal Silva; Genre, Julieta; Oliveira, Carlo José Freire; Guedes, Paulo Marcos Matta; da Fonseca, Benedito Antônio Lopes

2014-01-01

Abstract Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) is the etiologic agent of all Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the outcome of which is associated with immuno-dysregulation, resulting in the abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serum levels of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α from patients with KS-AIDS, classic KS, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without KS. A correlation between HHV-8 molecular detection and cytokine production was also performed. We observed that IL-10 production was higher in patients with KS-AIDS when compared to those with classic KS or HIV. However, no significant differences were seen for IFN-γ, TNF-α, or IL-17 production between studied groups. When patients with KS-AIDS were analyzed according to lesion topography, IL-10 levels were higher in patients with disseminated disease than those observed in patients with only cutaneous lesions or cutaneous and digestive and/or respiratory tract lesions. Finally, patients with KS-AIDS that presented viral DNA for HHV-8 in serum showed a higher production of IL-10 when compared with those patients with a negative result for nested polymerase chain reaction for the virus. The results presented here are the first to demonstrate that there exists a stratification of patients with KS-AIDS according to lesion topography where IL-10 levels are higher in those individuals with disseminated disease than those with only localized lesions. PMID:25026101

A comparative clinical study of Snuhi Ksheera Sutra, Tilanala Kshara Sutra and Apamarga Kshara Sutra in Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano).

PubMed

Lobo, Supreeth Joyal; Bhuyan, C; Gupta, S K; Dudhamal, T S

2012-01-01

Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano) at modern parlance is a common anorectal condition prevalent in the populations worldwide and its prevalence is second highest after Arsha (hemorrhoids). Kshara Sutra (K.S.) is one of the chief modality in the treatment of Bhagandara in Ayurvedic science. Exploration of the new plants for the preparation of Kshara as a better substitute to Apamarga Kshara is the need of the hour. To find out an effective alternative to Apamarga K.S. in view of easy processing, a Snuhi Ksheera Sutra without any Kshara and the Tilanala K.S. were opted for their clinical evaluation. Total 33 cases of Bhagandara were divided randomly into 3 groups, having 11 patients in each group. In Group A, Snuhi Ksheera Sutra; in Group B, Tilanala K.S. and in Group C, Apamarga K.S. were used. Assessment was done on objective (Unit Cutting Time - UCT) and subjective parameters. Statistically insignificant difference was observed in the efficacy of treatment by subjective parameters like pain, discharge, etc. between the three groups. It was found that Tilanala K.S. showed higher UCT (9.76 days) while lower in Snuhi Ksheera Sutra (7.42 days) as compared to Apamarga K.S. (8.82 days). Thus Tilanala K.S. can be used as a substitute for Apamarga K.S. and Snuhi Ksheera Sutra can be employed in the recurrent fibrosed cases of Bhagandara.

A comparative clinical study of Snuhi Ksheera Sutra, Tilanala Kshara Sutra and Apamarga Kshara Sutra in Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano)

PubMed Central

Lobo, Supreeth Joyal; Bhuyan, C.; Gupta, S. K.; Dudhamal, T. S.

2012-01-01

Bhagandara (Fistula in Ano) at modern parlance is a common anorectal condition prevalent in the populations worldwide and its prevalence is second highest after Arsha (hemorrhoids). Kshara Sutra (K.S.) is one of the chief modality in the treatment of Bhagandara in Ayurvedic science. Exploration of the new plants for the preparation of Kshara as a better substitute to Apamarga Kshara is the need of the hour. To find out an effective alternative to Apamarga K.S. in view of easy processing, a Snuhi Ksheera Sutra without any Kshara and the Tilanala K.S. were opted for their clinical evaluation. Total 33 cases of Bhagandara were divided randomly into 3 groups, having 11 patients in each group. In Group A, Snuhi Ksheera Sutra; in Group B, Tilanala K.S. and in Group C, Apamarga K.S. were used. Assessment was done on objective (Unit Cutting Time - UCT) and subjective parameters. Statistically insignificant difference was observed in the efficacy of treatment by subjective parameters like pain, discharge, etc. between the three groups. It was found that Tilanala K.S. showed higher UCT (9.76 days) while lower in Snuhi Ksheera Sutra (7.42 days) as compared to Apamarga K.S. (8.82 days). Thus Tilanala K.S. can be used as a substitute for Apamarga K.S. and Snuhi Ksheera Sutra can be employed in the recurrent fibrosed cases of Bhagandara. PMID:23049190

Co-observation of sporadic K layer and sporadic Na layer at Beijing, China (40.6°N, 116.2°E)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Jing

2016-07-01

A double-laser beam lidar was successfully developed to simultaneously measure K and Na layers at Beijing (40.6°N, 116.2°E) in 2010. Statistical analysis of the parameters of sporadic K (Ks) and sporadic Na (Nas) layers was performed over two years of lidar data, and different characteristics of them were found. The average Ks occurrence (2.9 %) was lower than that of Nas (5.9 %); the Nas occurrence had a maximum (19.3 %) in May-June months and a minimum (1.6 %) in January-February months, while the Ks occurrence had a maximum (4.9 %) in January-February months and a minimum (1.0 %) in September-Octerbor months; most Ks peaks tended to occur around 93 km, which was ~ 2 km lower than that of Nas (~ 95 km); the Ks peak density was often at least one order of magnitude lower than that of Nas; notably, two Ks with high peak densities (> 1000 cm-3) were observed, which was much higher than K density (15-300 cm-3) reported before. The ascending time of Ks was often longer than its descending time, but an opposite trend occurred for Nas. During the 152 cases of joint observation for the K and Na layers, 21 % (32/152) were cases in which Ks and Nas events simultaneously occurred, while 79% (120/152) were cases in which only one layer (K or Na) exhibited a strong Ks or Nas.

Routine educational outcome measures in health studies: Key Stage 1 in the ORACLE Children Study follow-up of randomised trial cohorts.

PubMed

Jones, David R; Pike, Katie; Kenyon, Sara; Pike, Laura; Henderson, Brian; Brocklehurst, Peter; Marlow, Neil; Salt, Alison; Taylor, David J

2011-01-01

Statutory educational attainment measures are rarely used as health study outcomes, but Key Stage 1 (KS1) data formed secondary outcomes in the long-term follow-up to age 7 years of the ORACLE II trial of antibiotic use in preterm babies. This paper describes the approach, compares different approaches to analysis of the KS1 data and compares use of summary KS1 (level) data with use of individual question scores. 3394 children born to women in the ORACLE Children Study and resident in England at age 7. Analysis of educational achievement measured by national end of KS1 data (KS1) using Poisson regression modelling and anchoring of the KS1 data using external standards. KS1 summary level data were obtained for 3239 (95%) eligible children; raw individual question scores were obtained for 1899 (54%). Use of individual question scores where available did not change the conclusion of no evidence of treatment effects based on summary KS1 outcome data. When accessible for medical research purposes, routinely collected educational outcome data may have advantages of low cost and standardised definition. Here, summary scores lead to similar conclusions to raw (individual question) scores and so are attractive and cost-effective alternatives.

The role of genes, intelligence, personality, and social engagement in cognitive performance in Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Skakkebæk, Anne; Moore, Philip J; Pedersen, Anders Degn; Bojesen, Anders; Kristensen, Maria Krarup; Fedder, Jens; Laurberg, Peter; Hertz, Jens Michael; Østergaard, John Rosendahl; Wallentin, Mikkel; Gravholt, Claus Højbjerg

2017-03-01

The determinants of cognitive deficits among individuals with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) are not well understood. This study was conducted to assess the impact of general intelligence, personality, and social engagement on cognitive performance among patients with KS and a group of controls matched for age and years of education. Sixty-nine patients with KS and 69 controls were assessed in terms of IQ, NEO personality inventory, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) scale, and measures of cognitive performance reflecting working memory and executive function. Patients with KS performed more poorly on memory and executive-function tasks. Patients with KS also exhibited greater neuroticism and less extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness than controls. Memory deficits among patients with KS were associated with lower intelligence, while diminished executive functioning was mediated by both lower intelligence and less social engagement. Our results suggest that among patients with KS, memory deficits are principally a function of lower general intelligence, while executive-function deficits are associated with both lower intelligence and poorer social skills. This suggests a potential influence of social engagement on executive cognitive functioning (and/or vice-versa) among individuals with KS, and perhaps those with other genetic disorders. Future longitudinal research would be important to further clarify this and other issues discussed in this research.

The FourStar Galaxy Evolution Survey (ZFOURGE): Ultraviolet to Far-infrared Catalogs, Medium-bandwidth Photometric Redshifts with Improved Accuracy, Stellar Masses, and Confirmation of Quiescent Galaxies to z ˜ 3.5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Straatman, Caroline M. S.; Spitler, Lee R.; Quadri, Ryan F.; Labbé, Ivo; Glazebrook, Karl; Persson, S. Eric; Papovich, Casey; Tran, Kim-Vy H.; Brammer, Gabriel B.; Cowley, Michael; Tomczak, Adam; Nanayakkara, Themiya; Alcorn, Leo; Allen, Rebecca; Broussard, Adam; van Dokkum, Pieter; Forrest, Ben; van Houdt, Josha; Kacprzak, Glenn G.; Kawinwanichakij, Lalitwadee; Kelson, Daniel D.; Lee, Janice; McCarthy, Patrick J.; Mehrtens, Nicola; Monson, Andrew; Murphy, David; Rees, Glen; Tilvi, Vithal; Whitaker, Katherine E.

2016-10-01

The FourStar galaxy evolution survey (ZFOURGE) is a 45 night legacy program with the FourStar near-infrared camera on Magellan and one of the most sensitive surveys to date. ZFOURGE covers a total of 400 arcmin2 in cosmic fields CDFS, COSMOS and UDS, overlapping CANDELS. We present photometric catalogs comprising >70,000 galaxies, selected from ultradeep K s -band detection images (25.5-26.5 AB mag, 5σ, total), and >80% complete to K s < 25.3-25.9 AB. We use 5 near-IR medium-bandwidth filters (J 1, J 2, J 3, H s , H l ) as well as broad-band K s at 1.05-2.16 μm to 25-26 AB at a seeing of ˜0.″5. Each field has ancillary imaging in 26-40 filters at 0.3-8 μm. We derive photometric redshifts and stellar population properties. Comparing with spectroscopic redshifts indicates a photometric redshift uncertainty σ z = 0.010, 0.009, and 0.011 in CDFS, COSMOS, and UDS. As spectroscopic samples are often biased toward bright and blue sources, we also inspect the photometric redshift differences between close pairs of galaxies, finding σ z,pairs = 0.01-0.02 at 1 < z < 2.5. We quantify how σ z,pairs depends on redshift, magnitude, spectral energy distribution type, and the inclusion of FourStar medium bands. σ z,pairs is smallest for bright, blue star-forming samples, while red star-forming galaxies have the worst σ z,pairs. Including FourStar medium bands reduces σ z,pairs by 50% at 1.5 < z < 2.5. We calculate star formation rates (SFRs) based on ultraviolet and ultradeep far-IR Spitzer/MIPS and Herschel/PACS data. We derive rest-frame U - V and V - J colors, and illustrate how these correlate with specific SFR and dust emission to z = 3.5. We confirm the existence of quiescent galaxies at z ˜ 3, demonstrating their SFRs are suppressed by > ×15. This paper contains data gathered with the 6.5 meter Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas observatory, Chile

A 16 deg2 survey of emission-line galaxies at z < 1.5 in HSC-SSP Public Data Release 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Masao; Tanaka, Masayuki; Shimakawa, Rhythm; Furusawa, Hisanori; Momose, Rieko; Koyama, Yusei; Silverman, John D.; Kodama, Tadayuki; Komiyama, Yutaka; Leauthaud, Alexie; Lin, Yen-Ting; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Nagao, Tohru; Nishizawa, Atsushi J.; Ouchi, Masami; Shibuya, Takatoshi; Tadaki, Ken-ichi; Yabe, Kiyoto

2018-01-01

We present initial results from the Subaru Strategic Program (SSP) with Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) on a comprehensive survey of emission-line galaxies at z < 1.5 based on narrowband imaging. The first Public Data Release provides us with data from two narrowband filters, specifically NB816 and NB921 over 5.7 deg2 and 16.2 deg2 respectively. The 5 σ limiting magnitudes are 25.2 mag (UltraDeep layer, 1.4 deg2) and 24.8 mag (Deep layer, 4.3 deg2) for NB816, and 25.1 mag (UltraDeep, 2.9 deg2) and 24.6-24.8 mag (Deep, 13.3 deg2) for NB921. The wide-field imaging allows us to construct unprecedentedly large samples of 8054 H α emitters at z ≈ 0.25 and 0.40, 8656 [O III] emitters at z ≈ 0.63 and 0.84, and 16877 [O II] emitters at z ≈ 1.19 and 1.47. We map the cosmic web on scales out to about 50 comoving Mpc that includes galaxy clusters, identified by red sequence galaxies, located at the intersection of filamentary structures of star-forming galaxies. The luminosity functions of emission-line galaxies are measured with precision and are consistent with published studies. The wide field coverage of the data enables us to measure the luminosity functions up to brighter luminosities than previous studies. The comparison of the luminosity functions between the different HSC-SSP fields suggests that a survey volume of >5 × 105 Mpc3 is essential to overcome cosmic variance. Since the current data have not reached the full depth expected for the HSC-SSP, the color cut in i - NB816 or z - NB921 induces a bias towards star-forming galaxies with large equivalent widths, primarily seen in the stellar mass functions for the H α emitters at z ≈ 0.25-0.40. Even so, the emission-line galaxies clearly cover a wide range of luminosity, stellar mass, and environment, thus demonstrating the usefulness of the narrowband data from the HSC-SSP for investigating star-forming galaxies at z < 1.5.

A robust and cost-effective approach to sequence and analyze complete genomes of small RNA viruses

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Background: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows ultra-deep sequencing of nucleic acids. The use of sequence-independent amplification of viral nucleic acids without utilization of target-specific primers provides advantages over traditional sequencing methods and allows detection of unsuspected ...

When does germ cell loss and fibrosis occur in patients with Klinefelter syndrome?

PubMed

Van Saen, D; Vloeberghs, V; Gies, I; Mateizel, I; Sermon, K; De Schepper, Jean; Tournaye, H; Goossens, E

2018-06-01

When does germ cell loss and fibrosis occur in patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS)? In KS, germ cell loss is not observed in testicular tissue from fetuses in the second semester of pregnancy but present at a prepubertal age when the testicular architecture is still normal, while fibrosis is highly present at an adolescent age. Most KS patients are azoospermic at adult age because of a massive germ cell loss. However, the timing when this germ cell loss starts is not known. It is assumed that germ cell loss increases at puberty. Therefore, testicular sperm extraction (TESE) at an adolescent age has been suggested to increase the chances of sperm retrieval at onset of spermatogenesis. However, recent data indicate that testicular biopsies from peripubertal KS patients contain only a few germ cells. In this study, we give an update on fertility preservation in adolescent KS patients and evaluate whether fertility preservation would be beneficial at prepubertal age. The possibility of retrieving testicular spermatozoa by TESE was evaluated in adolescent and adult KS men. The presence of spermatogonia and the degree of fibrosis were also analysed in testicular biopsies from KS patients at different ages. The patients were divided into four age groups: foetal (n = 5), prepubertal (aged 4-7 years; n = 4), peripubertal (aged 12-16 years; n = 20) and adult (aged 18-41 years; n = 27) KS patients. In peripubertal and adult KS patients, retrieval of spermatozoa was attempted by semen analysis after masturbation, vibrostimulation, electroejaculation or by TESE. MAGE-A4 immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the presence of germ cells in testicular biopsies from foetal, prepubertal, peripubertal and adult KS patients. Tissue morphology was evaluated by haematoxylin-periodic acid Schiff (H/PAS) staining. Testicular spermatozoa were collected by TESE in 48.1% of the adult KS patients, while spermatozoa were recovered after TESE in only one peripubertal patient (5.0%). Germ cells were detectable in testicular biopsies from 21% of adult men for whom no spermatozoa could be retrieved by TESE and in 31.5% of peripubertal KS boys. Very small numbers of spermatogonia (0.03-0.06 spermatogonia/tubule) were detected in three out of four (75%) prepubertal patients. At a foetal age, the number of germ cells was similar for KS and control samples. Increased signs of fibrosis were not present at foetal and prepubertal ages, but peripubertal and adult KS patients showed high levels of fibrosis. N/A. Only four prepubertal biopsies were included in this study, but they all showed a very low germ cell number. A high variability in the number of spermatogonia per mm2 was observed in the limited (n = 5) number of foetal biopsies. However, testicular biopsies from prepubertal and foetal Klinefelter patients are difficult to obtain. Testicular tissue banking at a prepubertal age has been suggested as a potential method for fertility preservation in early diagnosed KS boys. However, our results show that a reduction in germ cell number has already taken place in childhood. Therefore, offering testicular tissue banking in young KS boys to prevent subsequent sterility might be a questionable strategy. However, this should be confirmed in a larger study population. This project was funded by the scientific Fund Willy Gepts from the UZ Brussel (D.V.S., J.D.S.), grants from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (E.G.) and a Methusalem grant (K.S.). D.V.S is a post-doctoral fellow of the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO; 12M2815N). No conflict of interest is declared.

Involvement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

PubMed Central

Sakurada, Shinsaku; Kato, Tetsuji; Mashiba, Kohichi; Mori, Shigeo

1996-01-01

To examine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the development of edema associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), we exploited animal model systems to detect the activity that induces vascular hyper‐permeability (VHP) using cultured AIDS‐KS spindle cells. Cultured AIDS‐KS spindle cells and conditioned medium (AIDS‐KS‐CM) that had been semi‐purified through a heparin affinity column were tested for the ability to induce VHP in animals. The AIDS‐KS spindle cells and AIDS‐KS‐CM induced VHP that was histamine‐independent. The VHP‐inducing activity was detected in the 0.5 M NaCl fraction from the heparin affinity column and was blocked by anti‐VEGF neutralizing antibody. In addition, the production of VEGF was demonstrated in fresh AIDS‐KS tissue as well as in cultured AIDS‐KS cells, while control cells were negative for VEGF production. From these observations, we concluded that AIDS‐KS cells produce a factor(s) that promotes VHP, and this factor could be VEGF. PMID:9045943

Ultra-deep GEMINI Near-infrared Observations of the Bulge Globular Cluster NGC 6624.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saracino, S.; Dalessandro, E.; Ferraro, F. R.; Geisler, D.; Mauro, F.; Lanzoni, B.; Origlia, L.; Miocchi, P.; Cohen, R. E.; Villanova, S.; Moni Bidin, C.

2016-11-01

We used ultra-deep J and K s images secured with the near-infrared (NIR) GSAOI camera assisted by the multi-conjugate adaptive optics system GeMS at the GEMINI South Telescope in Chile, to obtain a (K s , J - K s ) color-magnitude diagram (CMD) for the bulge globular cluster NGC 6624. We obtained the deepest and most accurate NIR CMD from the ground for this cluster, by reaching K s ˜ 21.5, approximately 8 mag below the horizontal branch level. The entire extension of the Main Sequence (MS) is nicely sampled and at K s ˜ 20 we detected the so-called MS “knee” in a purely NIR CMD. By taking advantage of the exquisite quality of the data, we estimated the absolute age of NGC 6624 (t age = 12.0 ± 0.5 Gyr), which turns out to be in good agreement with previous studies in the literature. We also analyzed the luminosity and mass functions of MS stars down to M ˜ 0.45 M⊙, finding evidence of a significant increase of low-mass stars at increasing distances from the cluster center. This is a clear signature of mass segregation, confirming that NGC 6624 is in an advanced stage of dynamical evolution. Based on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under a cooperative agreement with the NSF on behalf of the Gemini partnership: the National Science Foundation (United States), the National Research Council (Canada), CONICYT (Chile), the Australian Research Council (Australia), Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brazil) and Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Productiva (Argentina). Based on observations gathered with ESO-VISTA telescope (program ID 179.B-2002).

Simultaneous blood flow and blood oxygenation measurements using a combination of diffuse speckle contrast analysis and near-infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seong, Myeongsu; Phillips, Zephaniah; Mai, Phuong Minh; Yeo, Chaebeom; Song, Cheol; Lee, Kijoon; Kim, Jae Gwan

2016-02-01

A combined diffuse speckle contrast analysis (DSCA)-near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) system is proposed to simultaneously measure qualitative blood flow and blood oxygenation changes in human tissue. The system employs an optical switch to alternate two laser sources at two different wavelengths and a CCD camera to capture the speckle image. Therefore, an optical density can be measured from two wavelengths for NIRS measurements and a speckle contrast can be calculated for DSCA measurements. In order to validate the system, a flow phantom test and an arm occlusion protocol for arterial and venous occlusion were performed. Shorter exposure times (<1 ms) show a higher drop (between 50% and 66%) and recovery of 1/KS2 values after occlusion (approximately 150%), but longer exposure time (3 ms) shows more consistent hemodynamic changes. For four subjects, the 1/KS2 values dropped to an average of 82.1±4.0% during the occlusion period and the average recovery of 1/KS2 values after occlusion was 109.1±0.8%. There was also an approximately equivalent amplitude change in oxyhemoglobin (OHb) and deoxyhemoglobin (RHb) during arterial occlusion (max RHb=0.0085±0.0024 mM/DPF, min OHb=-0.0057±0.0044 mM/DPF). The sensitivity of the system makes it a suitable modality to observe qualitative hemodynamic trends during induced physiological changes.

The use of infrared thermography to detect the stages of estrus cycle and ovulation time in anatolian shepherd dogs.

PubMed

Olğaç, Kemal Tuna; Akçay, Ergun; Çil, Beste; Uçar, Burak Mehmet; Daşkın, Ali

2017-01-01

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of thermographic monitoring, using the temperature changes of perianal and perivulvar areas for the determination of estrus in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. Fifteen bitches were used in the study. Blood and vaginal smear samples were collected and thermographic monitoring of perianal and perivulvar areas were carried out starting from proestrus to early diestrus. Also, external signs of estrus were investigated. Smear samples were evaluated by light microscopy after Diff-Quik staining method and superficial and keratinized superficial cells were determined as percentage (S + KS%). Progesterone and luteinizing hormone measurements were done by radioimmunoassay. The difference in temperature between perianal and perivulvar areas was evaluated through thermographic images by FLIR ResearchIR Software. According to the results obtained from the study, differences between progesterone and S + KS% were statistically significant ( P  < 0,05). Although temperature showed increase and decrease with progesterone and S + KS%, the differences were not important statistically ( P  > 0,05). Serum luteinizing hormone levels did not sign any difference ( P  > 0,05). As a result, thermographic monitoring alone is not enough for estrus detection in Anatolian Shepherd bitches. However, it can be used to assist the actual estrus detection technique in terms of providing some foreknowledge by evaluating the differences in temperature.

Neuroimaging Characteristics of Small-Vessel Disease in Older Adults with Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer Disease.

PubMed

Mimenza-Alvarado, Alberto; Aguilar-Navarro, Sara G; Yeverino-Castro, Sara; Mendoza-Franco, César; Ávila-Funes, José Alberto; Román, Gustavo C

2018-01-01

Cerebral small-vessel disease (SVD) represents the most frequent type of vascular brain lesions, often coexisting with Alzheimer disease (AD). By quantifying white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and hippocampal and parietal atrophy, we aimed to describe the prevalence and severity of SVD among older adults with normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and probable AD and to describe associated risk factors. This study included 105 older adults evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging and clinical and neuropsychological tests. We used the Fazekas scale (FS) for quantification of WMH, the Scheltens scale (SS) for hippocampal atrophy, and the Koedam scale (KS) for parietal atrophy. Logistic regression models were performed to determine the association between FS, SS, and KS scores and the presence of NC, MCI, or probable AD. Compared to NC subjects, SVD was more prevalent in MCI and probable AD subjects. After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression showed a positive association between higher scores on the FS and probable AD (OR = 7.6, 95% CI 2.7-20, p < 0.001). With the use of the SS and KS (OR = 4.5, 95% CI 3.5-58, p = 0.003 and OR = 8.9, 95% CI 1-72, p = 0.04, respectively), the risk also remained significant for probable AD. These results suggest an association between severity of vascular brain lesions and neurodegeneration.

Kallmann syndrome and paranoid schizophrenia: a rare combination.

PubMed

Verhoeven, Willem M A; Egger, Jos I M; Hovens, Johannes E; Hoefsloot, Lies

2013-01-17

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a genetically heterogeneous and rare disorder characterised by the combination of hypothalamic hypogonadism and anosmia/hyposmia, a variable degree of intellectual disability and several somatic anomalies. In about one-third of the patients, mutations have been identified in at least seven different genes. Virtually no data are available about possible neuropsychiatric symptoms in KS. Here, a young adult male is described with a previous clinical diagnosis of KS and recent paranoid schizophrenia of which positive, but not negative symptoms, fully remitted upon treatment with antipsychotics. Neither genome-wide array analysis nor mutation analyses disclosed imbalances or mutations in any of presently known KS disease genes. This is the first report on a patient with KS and paranoid schizophrenia in whom extensive genetic analyses were performed. It is concluded that further studies are warranted in order to elucidate a possible increased risk for psychiatric symptoms in patients with KS.

Absolute branching fractions of Cabibbo-suppressed D→K Kmacr decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonvicini, G.; Cinabro, D.; Dubrovin, M.; Lincoln, A.; Rademacker, J.; Asner, D. M.; Edwards, K. W.; Naik, P.; Reed, J.; Briere, R. A.; Ferguson, T.; Tatishvili, G.; Vogel, H.; Watkins, M. E.; Rosner, J. L.; Alexander, J. P.; Cassel, D. G.; Duboscq, J. E.; Ehrlich, R.; Fields, L.; Gibbons, L.; Gray, R.; Gray, S. W.; Hartill, D. L.; Heltsley, B. K.; Hertz, D.; Jones, C. D.; Kandaswamy, J.; Kreinick, D. L.; Kuznetsov, V. E.; Mahlke-Krüger, H.; Mohapatra, D.; Miyake, H.; Onyisi, P. U. E.; Patterson, J. R.; Peterson, D.; Riley, D.; Ryd, A.; Sadoff, A. J.; Shi, X.; Stroiney, S.; Sun, W. M.; Wilksen, T.; Athar, S. B.; Patel, R.; Yelton, J.; Rubin, P.; Eisenstein, B. I.; Karliner, I.; Mehrabyan, S.; Lowrey, N.; Selen, M.; White, E. J.; Wiss, J.; Mitchell, R. E.; Shepherd, M. R.; Besson, D.; Pedlar, T. K.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; Gao, K. Y.; Hietala, J.; Kubota, Y.; Klein, T.; Lang, B. W.; Poling, R.; Scott, A. W.; Zweber, P.; Dobbs, S.; Metreveli, Z.; Seth, K. K.; Tomaradze, A.; Libby, J.; Powell, A.; Wilkinson, G.; Ecklund, K. M.; Love, W.; Savinov, V.; Lopez, A.; Mendez, H.; Ramirez, J.; Ge, J. Y.; Miller, D. H.; Shipsey, I. P. J.; Xin, B.; Adams, G. S.; Anderson, M.; Cummings, J. P.; Danko, I.; Hu, D.; Moziak, B.; Napolitano, J.; He, Q.; Insler, J.; Muramatsu, H.; Park, C. S.; Thorndike, E. H.; Yang, F.; Artuso, M.; Blusk, S.; Khalil, S.; Li, J.; Mountain, R.; Nisar, S.; Randrianarivony, K.; Sultana, N.; Skwarnicki, T.; Stone, S.; Wang, J. C.; Zhang, L. M.

2008-05-01

Using 281pb-1 of data collected with the CLEO-c detector at the ψ(3770) resonance, we have studied Cabibbo-suppressed decays of D mesons to final states with two kaons. We present results for the absolute branching fractions of the modes D0→K+K-, D0→KS0KS0, and D+→K+KS0. We measure B(D0→K+K-)=(4.08±0.08±0.09)×10-3, B(D0→KS0KS0)=(1.46±0.32±0.09)×10-4, and B(D+→K+KS0)=(3.14±0.09±0.08)×10-3. We also determine the ratio B(D0→K+K-)/B(D0→π+π-)=2.89±0.05±0.06. For each measurement, the first uncertainty is statistical and the second uncertainty is systematic.

A synthetic cryptochrome inhibitor induces anti-proliferative effects and increases chemosensitivity in human breast cancer cells

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

Chun, Sung Kook; Department of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747; Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-747

Disruption of circadian rhythm is a major cause of breast cancer in humans. Cryptochrome (CRY), a circadian transcription factor, is a risk factor for initiation of breast cancer, and it is differentially expressed between normal and breast cancer tissues. Here, we evaluated the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity of KS15, a recently discovered small-molecule inhibitor of CRY, in human breast cancer cells. First, we investigated whether KS15 treatment could promote E-box-mediated transcription by inhibiting the activity of CRY in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Protein and mRNA levels of regulators of cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as core clock genes,more » were differentially modulated in response to KS15. Next, we investigated whether KS15 could inhibit proliferation and increase sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs in MCF-7 cells. We found that KS15 decreased the speed of cell growth and increased the chemosensitivity of MCF-7 cells to doxorubicin and tamoxifen, but had no effect on MCF-10A cells. These findings suggested that pharmacological inhibition of CRY by KS15 exerts an anti-proliferative effect and increases sensitivity to anti-tumor drugs in a specific type of breast cancer. - Highlights: • Cryptochrome inhibitor (KS15) has anti-tumor activity to human breast cancer cells. • KS15 induces differential changes in cell cycle regulators and pro-apoptotic genes. • KS15 inhibits MCF-7 cell growth and enhances susceptibility to anti-tumor drugs.« less

Vertical distribution of soil saturated hydraulic conductivity and its influencing factors in a small karst catchment in Southwest China.

PubMed

Fu, Tonggang; Chen, Hongsong; Zhang, Wei; Nie, Yunpeng; Wang, Kelin

2015-03-01

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is one of the most important soil hydraulic parameters influencing hydrological processes. This paper aims to investigate the vertical distribution of Ks and to analyze its influencing factors in a small karst catchment in Southwest China. Ks was measured in 23 soil profiles for six soil horizons using a constant head method. These profiles were chosen in different topographical locations (upslope, downslope, and depression) and different land-use types (forestland, shrubland, shrub-grassland, and farmland). The influencing factors of Ks, including rock fragment content (RC), bulk density (BD), capillary porosity (CP), non-capillary porosity (NCP), and soil organic carbon (SOC), were analyzed by partial correlation analysis. The mean Ks value was higher in the entire profile in the upslope and downslope, but lower value, acting as a water-resisting layer, was found in the 10-20 cm soil depth in the depression. Higher mean Ks values were found in the soil profiles in the forestland, shrubland, and shrub-grassland, but lower in the farmland. These results indicated that saturation-excess runoff could occur primarily in the hillslopes but infiltration-excess runoff in the depression. Compared with other land-use types, surface runoff is more likely to occur in the farmlands. RC had higher correlation coefficients with Ks in all categories concerned except in the forestland and farmland with little or no rock fragments, indicating that RC was the dominant influencing factor of Ks. These results suggested that the vertical distributions of Ks and RC should be considered for hydrological modeling in karst areas.

Treatment Response and Mortality among Patients Starting Antiretroviral Therapy with and without Kaposi Sarcoma: A Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Maskew, Mhairi; Fox, Matthew P.; van Cutsem, Gilles; Chu, Kathryn; MacPhail, Patrick; Boulle, Andrew; Egger, Matthias; Africa, for IeDEA Southern

2013-01-01

Background Improved survival among HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has focused attention on AIDS-related cancers including Kaposi sarcoma (KS). However, the effect of KS on response to ART is not well-described in Southern Africa. We assessed the effect of KS on survival and immunologic and virologic treatment responses at 6- and 12-months after initiation of ART. Methods We analyzed prospectively collected data from a cohort of HIV-infected adults initiating ART in South Africa. Differences in mortality between those with and without KS at ART initiation were estimated with Cox proportional hazard models. Log-binomial models were used to assess differences in CD4 count response and HIV virologic suppression within a year of initiating treatment. Results Between January 2001–January 2008, 13,847 HIV-infected adults initiated ART at the study clinics. Those with KS at ART initiation (n = 247, 2%) were similar to those without KS (n = 13600,98%) with respect to age (35 vs. 35yrs), presenting CD4 count (74 vs. 85cells/mm3) and proportion on TB treatment (37% vs. 30%). In models adjusted for sex, baseline CD4 count, age, treatment site, tuberculosis and year of ART initiation, KS patients were over three times more likely to have died at any time after ART initiation (hazard ratio[HR]: 3.62; 95% CI: 2.71–4.84) than those without KS. The increased risk was highest within the first year on ART (HR: 4.05; 95% CI: 2.95–5.55) and attenuated thereafter (HR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.08–4.89). Those with KS also gained, on average, 29 fewer CD4 cells (95% CI: 7–52cells/mm3) and were less likely to increase their CD4 count by 50 cells from baseline (RR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.99–2.06) within the first 6-months of treatment. Conclusions HIV-infected adults presenting with KS have increased risk of mortality even after initiation of ART with the greatest risk in the first year. Among those who survive the first year on therapy, subjects with KS demonstrated a poorer immunologic response to ART than those without KS. PMID:23755122

Mutation Update for Kabuki Syndrome Genes KMT2D and KDM6A and Further Delineation of X-Linked Kabuki Syndrome Subtype 2.

PubMed

Bögershausen, Nina; Gatinois, Vincent; Riehmer, Vera; Kayserili, Hülya; Becker, Jutta; Thoenes, Michaela; Simsek-Kiper, Pelin Özlem; Barat-Houari, Mouna; Elcioglu, Nursel H; Wieczorek, Dagmar; Tinschert, Sigrid; Sarrabay, Guillaume; Strom, Tim M; Fabre, Aurélie; Baynam, Gareth; Sanchez, Elodie; Nürnberg, Gudrun; Altunoglu, Umut; Capri, Yline; Isidor, Bertrand; Lacombe, Didier; Corsini, Carole; Cormier-Daire, Valérie; Sanlaville, Damien; Giuliano, Fabienne; Le Quan Sang, Kim-Hanh; Kayirangwa, Honorine; Nürnberg, Peter; Meitinger, Thomas; Boduroglu, Koray; Zoll, Barbara; Lyonnet, Stanislas; Tzschach, Andreas; Verloes, Alain; Di Donato, Nataliya; Touitou, Isabelle; Netzer, Christian; Li, Yun; Geneviève, David; Yigit, Gökhan; Wollnik, Bernd

2016-09-01

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare but recognizable condition that consists of a characteristic face, short stature, various organ malformations, and a variable degree of intellectual disability. Mutations in KMT2D have been identified as the main cause for KS, whereas mutations in KDM6A are a much less frequent cause. Here, we report a mutation screening in a case series of 347 unpublished patients, in which we identified 12 novel KDM6A mutations (KS type 2) and 208 mutations in KMT2D (KS type 1), 132 of them novel. Two of the KDM6A mutations were maternally inherited and nine were shown to be de novo. We give an up-to-date overview of all published mutations for the two KS genes and point out possible mutation hot spots and strategies for molecular genetic testing. We also report the clinical details for 11 patients with KS type 2, summarize the published clinical information, specifically with a focus on the less well-defined X-linked KS type 2, and comment on phenotype-genotype correlations as well as sex-specific phenotypic differences. Finally, we also discuss a possible role of KDM6A in Kabuki-like Turner syndrome and report a mutation screening of KDM6C (UTY) in male KS patients. © 2016 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

Source Memory in Korsakoff Syndrome: Disentangling the Mechanisms of Temporal Confusion.

PubMed

Brion, Mélanie; de Timary, Philippe; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Maurage, Pierre

2017-03-01

Korsakoff syndrome (KS), most frequently resulting from alcohol dependence (ALC), is characterized by severe anterograde amnesia. It has been suggested that these deficits may extend to other memory components, and notably source memory deficits involved in the disorientation and temporal confusion frequently observed in KS. However, the extent of this source memory impairment in KS and its usefulness for the differential diagnosis between ALC and KS remain unexplored. Nineteen patients with KS were compared with 19 alcohol-dependent individuals and 19 controls in a source memory test exploring temporal context confusions ("continuous recognition task"). Episodic memory and psychopathological comorbidities were controlled for. While no source memory deficit was observed in ALC, KS was associated with a significant presence of temporal context confusion, even when the influence of comorbidities was taken into account. This source memory impairment did not appear to be related to performances on episodic memory or executive functions. Patients with KS displayed source memory deficits, as indexed by temporal context confusions. The absence of a relationship with episodic memory performances seems to indicate that source memory impairment is not a mere by-product of amnesia. As ALC was associated with preserved source memory, the presence of temporal context confusion may serve as a complementary tool for the differential diagnosis between ALC and KS. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

LOWER EXTREMITY KINEMATICS OF ACL-REPAIRED AND NON-INJURED FEMALES WHEN USING KNEE SAVERS®.

PubMed

Stone, Whitley J; Arnett, Scott W; Hoover, Donald L

2017-10-01

Knee Savers® (KS) are an ergonomic aid purported to lessen the risk of injuries linked to deep squats. While widely used in sports such as baseball and softball, KS have not been tested to determine their effect upon lower extremity kinematics in any population. The purpose of the study was to determine if KS influenced the lower extremity kinematics when females with previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstruction and healthy participants completed an end-range squat. A repeated measures, counter-balanced laboratory study design was used. Twenty female participants (mean (SD) - age: 21.65 (2.06) yrs, height: 175.26 (9.29) cm, weight: 64.66 (7.72) kg) with a history of ACL-repair (n=10) or non-injury (n=10) completed this study. Participants completed a standardized trial of three deep squats with and without KS. Movement was analyzed using 2D video analysis methods increasingly available in clinical environments. During the ascending phases of a squatting motion, there was significantly greater medial ( p  = .009) and lateral ( p  = .005) motion of the patella in the frontal plane for non-injured participants, when compared to the ACL-repaired group. No significant differences were found in sagittal plane lower extremity kinematics when squatting with and without KS. Ascending angular velocity was slower in ACL-repaired than non-injured females ( p  = .008) and slower with the KS than without KS for non-injured females ( p  = .007). When squatting with and without KS, the non-injured group experienced more frontal plane motion at the knee, compared to the ACL-repaired group. However, while KS are purported to influence lower extremity joint positions during the bottom phase of a deep squat, the data from the current study did not support this claim. Additionally, KS appear to slow ascending velocity for those without a history of ACL-repair. These findings may have clinically meaningful implications for athletes who use KS during sport activities. Level 2.

Differences in Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-specific and herpesvirus-non-specific immune responses in classic Kaposi sarcoma cases and matched controls in Sicily.

PubMed

Amodio, Emanuele; Goedert, James J; Barozzi, Patrizia; Riva, Giovanni; Firenze, Alberto; Bonura, Filippa; Viviano, Enza; Romano, Nino; Luppi, Mario

2011-10-01

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) might develop because of incompetent immune responses, both non-specifically and specifically against the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 15 classic (non-AIDS) KS cases, 13 KSHV seropositives (without KS) and 15 KSHV-seronegative controls were tested for interferon-γ T-cell (enzyme-linked immunospot [Elispot]) responses to KSHV-latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), KSHV-K8.1 and CMV/Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) peptide pools. The forearm and thigh of each participant was also tested for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) against common recall antigens. Groups were compared with Fisher exact test and multinomial logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A KSHV Elispot response was detected in 10 (67%) classic KS cases, 11 (85%) KSHV seropositives (without KS) and two (13%) seronegative controls. All four cases with KSHV-LANA responses had current KS lesions, whereas five of six cases with KSHV-K8.1 responses had no lesions (P = 0.048). No case responded to both LANA and K8.1. Compared with the seronegative controls, the risk for classic KS was inversely related to DTH in the thigh (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.94, P = 0.01), directly associated with DTH in the forearm (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.80, P = 0.04) and tended to be increased fivefold per KSHV Elispot response (OR 5.13, 95% CI 0.86-30.77, P = 0.07). Compared with KSHV seropositives (without KS), the risk for classic KS was reduced fivefold (OR 0.20, CI 0.03-0.77, P = 0.04) per KSHV response. The CMV/EBV Elispot responses were irrelevant. Deficiency of both KSHV-specific and KSHV-non-specific immunity is associated with classic KS. This might clarify why Kaposi sarcoma responds to immune reconstitution. © 2011 Japanese Cancer Association and this article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Utility of immunohistochemical staining with FLI1, D2-40, CD31, and CD34 in the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related and non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi sarcoma.

PubMed

Rosado, Flavia G Nunes; Itani, Doha M; Coffin, Cheryl M; Cates, Justin M

2012-03-01

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular tumor frequently associated with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection, advanced age, or iatrogenic immunosuppression. Immunohistochemistry for CD31 and CD34, and more recently for FLI1 and D2-40, has been used as ancillary diagnostic tests for KS, despite little information regarding the sensitivities and differential staining patterns of the latter 2 markers in the major clinical subtypes and histologic stages of KS. This retrospective study aims to assess the prevalence of the vascular markers D2-40 and FLI1 in the main clinical subgroups and tumor stages of KS. Twenty-four cases of KS (12 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]-related cases and 12 non-AIDS-related cases; 11 nodular-stage and 13 patch/plaque-stage KS) were stained for CD34, CD31, D2-40, and FLI1 by immunohistochemistry. The distribution of immunoreactivity was compared between the clinical subtypes and tumor stages of KS using the Mann-Whitney test. CD31, CD34, D2-40, and FLI1 strongly and diffusely stained tumor cells in 75%, 92%, 67%, and 92% of AIDS-related cases and 58%, 92%, 67%, and 75% of non-AIDS-related cases, respectively. Differences in the proportions of positive cases between AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related cases did not reach statistical significance. No significant staining differences were observed between nodular- and patch/plaque-stage KS either. There are no differences in the distribution of immunohistochemical reactivity for CD31, CD34, D2-40, or FLI1 between AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related KS or between nodular- and patch/plaque-stage KS. All of the markers studied demonstrated high sensitivity in both clinical settings and both stages of tumor progression.

GOODS Far Infrared Imaging with Herschel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frayer, David T.; Elbaz, D.; Dickinson, M.; GOODS-Herschel Team

2010-01-01

Most of the stars in galaxies formed at high redshift in dusty environments, where their energy was absorbed and re-radiated at infrared wavelengths. Similarly, much of the growth of nuclear black holes in active galactic nuclei (AGN) was also obscured from direct view at UV/optical and X-ray wavelengths. The Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey Herschel (GOODS-H) open time key program will obtain the deepest far-infrared view of the distant universe, mapping the history of galaxy growth and AGN activity over a broad swath of cosmic time. GOODS-H will image the GOODS-North field with the PACS and SPIRE instruments at 100 to 500 microns, matching the deep survey of GOODS-South in the guaranteed time key program. GOODS-H will also observe an ultradeep sub-field within GOODS-South with PACS, reaching the deepest flux limits planned for Herschel (0.6 mJy at 100 microns with S/N=5). GOODS-H data will detect thousands of luminous and ultraluminous infrared galaxies out to z=4 or beyond, measuring their far-infrared luminosities and spectral energy distributions, and providing the best constraints on star formation rates and AGN activity during this key epoch of galaxy and black hole growth in the young universe.

Update on the slow delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Ks)): role in modulating cardiac function.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenzhen; Du, Lupei; Li, Minyong

2012-01-01

The slow delayed rectifier current (I(Ks)) is the slow component of cardiac delayed rectifier current and is critical for the late phase repolarization of cardiac action potential. This current is also an important target for Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) to regulate the cardiac electivity to accommodate to heart rate alterations in response to exercise or emotional stress and can be up-regulated by β- adrenergic or other signal molecules. I(Ks) channel is originated by the co-assembly of pore-forming KCNQ1 α-subunit and accessory KCNE1 β-subunit. Mutations in any subunit can bring about severe long QT syndrome (LQT-1, LQT-5) as characterized by deliquium, seizures and sudden death. This review summarizes the normal physiological functions and molecular basis of I(Ks) channels, as well as illustrates up-to-date development on its blockers and activators. Therefore, the current extensive survey should generate fundamental understanding of the role of I(Ks) channel in modulating cardiac function and donate some instructions to the progression of I(Ks) blockers and activators as potential antiarrhythmic agents or pharmacological tools to determine the physiological and pathological function of I(Ks).

AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

PubMed

Thomas, Sumi; Sindhu, C B; Sreekumar, S; Sasidharan, P K

2011-06-01

Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common malignant neoplasm occuring in HIV patients. Although the prevalence of HIV infection is high in Asian countries, KS is rarely reported. We report a case of fatal KS involving the skin and mucous membranes in a homosexual male.

Interesting presentation of Kounis syndrome secondary to amoxicillin/ clavulanate use: Coronary vasospasm and simultaneous appropriate implantable defibrillator shock.

PubMed

Canpolat, Uğur; Koçyiğit, Duygu; Aytemir, Kudret

2017-07-01

Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as concurrent acute coronary syndrome and allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. Despite being increasingly reported, it is still an underdiagnosed entity. Several medications are already known to result in KS. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a frequently used antibiotic, and its use has been linked with KS. The aim of the present report was to draw attention to rare clinical manifestation of KS following peroral amoxicillin/clavulanate use.

Histological variants of cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma

PubMed Central

Grayson, Wayne; Pantanowitz, Liron

2008-01-01

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the broad clinicopathologic spectrum of cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma (KS) lesions. Variants discussed include: usual KS lesions associated with disease progression (i.e. patch, plaque and nodular stage); morphologic subtypes alluded to in the older literature such as anaplastic and telangiectatic KS, as well as several lymphedematous variants; and numerous recently described variants including hyperkeratotic, keloidal, micronodular, pyogenic granuloma-like, ecchymotic, and intravascular KS. Involuting lesions as a result of treatment related regression are also presented. PMID:18655700

Hyper-luminous dust-obscured galaxies discovered by the Hyper Suprime-Cam on Subaru and WISE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toba, Yoshiki; Nagao, Tohru; Strauss, Michael A.; Aoki, Kentaro; Goto, Tomotsugu; Imanishi, Masatoshi; Kawaguchi, Toshihiro; Terashima, Yuichi; Ueda, Yoshihiro; Bosch, James; Bundy, Kevin; Doi, Yoshiyuki; Inami, Hanae; Komiyama, Yutaka; Lupton, Robert H.; Matsuhara, Hideo; Matsuoka, Yoshiki; Miyazaki, Satoshi; Morokuma, Tomoki; Nakata, Fumiaki; Oi, Nagisa; Onoue, Masafusa; Oyabu, Shinki; Price, Paul; Tait, Philip J.; Takata, Tadafumi; Tanaka, Manobu M.; Terai, Tsuyoshi; Turner, Edwin L.; Uchida, Tomohisa; Usuda, Tomonori; Utsumi, Yousuke; Yamada, Yoshihiko; Wang, Shiang-Yu

2015-10-01

We present the photometric properties of a sample of infrared (IR) bright dust-obscured galaxies (DOGs). Combining wide and deep optical images obtained with the Hyper Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope and all-sky mid-IR (MIR) images taken with Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, we discovered 48 DOGs with i - Ks > 1.2 and i - [22] > 7.0, where i, Ks, and [22] represent AB magnitude in the i-band, Ks-band, and 22 μm, respectively, in the GAMA 14 hr field (˜ 9 deg2). Among these objects, 31 (˜ 65%) show power-law spectral energy distributions (SEDs) in the near-IR (NIR) and MIR regime, while the remainder show an NIR bump in their SEDs. Assuming that the redshift distribution for our DOGs sample is Gaussian, with mean and sigma z = 1.99 ± 0.45, we calculated their total IR luminosity using an empirical relation between 22 μm luminosity and total IR luminosity. The average value of the total IR luminosity is (3.5 ± 1.1) × 1013 L⊙, which classifies them as hyper-luminous infrared galaxies. We also derived the total IR luminosity function (LF) and IR luminosity density (LD) for a flux-limited subsample of 18 DOGs with 22 μm flux greater than 3.0 mJy and with i-band magnitude brighter than 24 AB magnitude. The derived space density for this subsample is log φ = -6.59 ± 0.11 [Mpc-3]. The IR LF for DOGs including data obtained from the literature is fitted well by a double-power law. The derived lower limit for the IR LD for our sample is ρIR ˜ 3.8 × 107 [L⊙ Mpc-3] and its contributions to the total IR LD, IR LD of all ultra-luminous infrared galaxies, and that of all DOGs are > 3%, > 9%, and > 15%, respectively.

Dysregulation of X-Linked Gene Expression in Klinefelter’s Syndrome and Association With Verbal Cognition

PubMed Central

Vawter, Marquis P.; Harvey, Philip D.; DeLisi, Lynn E.

2007-01-01

Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal karyotype with one or more extra X chromosomes. KS individuals often show language impairment and the phenotype might be due to overexpression of genes on the extra X chromosome(s). We profiled mRNA derived from lymphoblastoid cell lines from males with documented KS and control males using the Affymetrix U133P microarray platform. There were 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KS group compared with controls after Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery adjustment. The DEGs included 14 X chromosome genes which were significantly over-represented. The Y chromosome had zero DEGs. In exploratory analysis of gene expression–cognition relationships, 12 DEGs showed significant correlation of expression with measures of verbal cognition in KS. Overexpression of one pseudoautosomal gene, GTPBP6 (GTP binding protein 6, putative) was inversely correlated with verbal IQ (r = −0.86, P < 0.001) and four other measures of verbal ability. Overexpression of XIST was found in KS compared to XY controls suggesting that silencing of many genes on the X chromosome might occur in KS similar to XX females. The microarray findings for eight DEGs were validated by quantitative PCR. The 14 X chromosome DEGs were not differentially expressed in prior studies comparing female and male brains suggesting a dysregulation profile unique to KS. Examination of X-linked DEGs, such as GTPBP6, TAF9L, and CXORF21, that show verbal cognition–gene expression correlations may establish a causal link between these genes, neurodevelopment, and language function. A screen of candidate genes may serve as biomarkers of KS for early diagnosis. PMID:17347996

UV-B-induced cutaneous inflammation and prospects for antioxidant treatment in Kindler syndrome.

PubMed

Maier, Kristin; He, Yinghong; Wölfle, Ute; Esser, Philipp R; Brummer, Tilman; Schempp, Christoph; Bruckner-Tuderman, Leena; Has, Cristina

2016-12-15

Kindler syndrome (KS), a rare, autosomal recessive disorder comprises mechanical skin fragility and photosensitivity, which manifest early in life. The progression of the disorder is irreversible and results in tissue damage in form of cutaneous and mucosal atrophy and scarring and epithelial cancers. Here, we unravel molecular mechanisms of increased UV-B sensitivity of keratinocytes derived from KS patients. We show that the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, are upregulated in KS skin and in UV-B irradiated KS keratinocytes. These cytokines are dependent on p38 activation, which is increased in the absence of kindlin-1 and induced by higher ROS levels. Other dysregulated cytokines and growth factors were identified in this study and might be involved in paracrine interactions contributing to KS pathology. We show a direct relationship between kindlin-1 abundance and UV-B induced apoptosis in keratinocytes, whereas kindlin-2 overexpression has no compensatory effect. Importantly, low levels of kindlin-1 are sufficient to relieve or rescue this feature. Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of UV-B induced apoptosis is a valid therapeutic goal to influence long term complications of KS. Here, we demonstrate that antioxidants and the plant flavonoid luteolin represent feasible topical therapeutic approaches decreasing UV-B induced apoptosis in two-dimensional and organotypic KS cultures. We provide evidence for potential new therapeutic approaches to mitigate the progressive course of KS, for which no cure is available to date. Furthermore, we established organotypic KS models, a valuable in vitro tool for research with a morphology similar to the skin of patients in situ. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Quantification of oral palatine Langerhans cells in HIV/AIDS associated oral Kaposi sarcoma with and without oral candidiasis.

PubMed

Jivan, Vibha; Meer, Shabnum

2016-01-01

Langerhans cells (LCs) are effective antigen-presenting cells that function as "custodians" of mucosa, modifying the immune system to pathogen entry, and tolerance to self-antigen and commensal microbes. A reduction in number of LCs in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals may predispose to local mucosal infections. To quantitatively determine the number of oral mucosal LCs in HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated oral Kaposi sarcoma (KS) with/without oral candidiasis (OC) and to define in situ interrelationships between the cells, OC, and HIV infection. Thirty-two periodic acid-Schiff. (PAS) stained histologic sections of palatal HIV/AIDS associated KS with intact oral epithelium were examined for Candida and divided into two groups: . (1) KS coinfected with Candida and. (2) KS noninfected with Candida. Sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD1a. The standard length of surface epithelium was measured and number of positively stained LCs counted per unit length. Control cases included non-Candida infected palatal mucosa overlying pleomorphic adenoma. (PA) and oral mucosa infected with Candida in otherwise healthy individuals. LC number per unit length of surface epithelium was statistically significantly greatest in uninfected PA mucosa and lowest in KS coinfected with Candida (P = 0.0001). A statistically significant difference was also noted between uninfected PA mucosa and non-Candida infected KS (P = 0.0014), in KS coinfected with Candida and non-infected KS (P = 0.0035), between OC and PA (P = 0.0001), and OC and KS coinfected with Candida (P = 0.0247). LC numbers are significantly reduced in oral tissues of HIV/AIDS infected patients by Candida infection when compared to oral tissues without.

Empirical transfer functions: Application to the determination of outermost core velocity structure using teleseismic SmKS phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eaton, D. W.; Alexandrakis, C.

2007-05-01

Teleseismic SmKS waves propagate as S-waves in the mantle and compressional (K) waves in the core, with m-1 underside bounce points at the core-mantle boundary. For long-period or broadband recordings at epicentral distances of 115-135°, higher-order SmKS waves (3 ≤ m < ∞) are not often discernible as distinct pulses. Instead, they are typically manifested as a weakly dispersive waveform that lags SKKS by ~ 12-32s. In a ray-theoretical representation of this process, there is a strong geometrical similarity between the coalescence of SmKS turning waves to form a composite arrival and the interference of mantle S waves to form teleseismic Love waves. SmKS waves can thus be viewed as a type of pseudo-interface wave, the dispersive properties of which depend strongly on the fine-scale velocity structure of the outermost core. In order to analyze SmKS arrivals, we have developed an empirical transfer-function (ETF) technique that uses SKKS as a reference phase. An ETF is a wave-shaping filter that transforms the observed SKKS pulse into the observed SmKS pulse. We obtain this filter by windowing the respective pulses and applying frequency- domain Wiener deconvolution. Each ETF contains SmKS-SKKS differential arrival-time, phase-shift and relative-amplitude information; it also implicitly removes the source-time function and instrument response, thus facilitating the merging of results from different stations and events. Here, we apply this approach to global observations of SmKS phases and invert the results to yield a new velocity model for the outermost core region.

Kaposi’s Sarcoma in HIV-infected patients in South Africa: multi-cohort study in the antiretroviral therapy era

PubMed Central

Bohlius, Julia; Valeri, Fabio; Maskew, Mhairi; Prozesky, Hans; Garone, Daniela; Sengayi, Mazvita; Fox, Matthew P.; Davies, Mary-Ann; Egger, Matthias

2015-01-01

The incidence of Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) is high in South Africa but the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not well defined. We examined incidence and survival of KS in HIV-infected patients enrolled in South African ART programs. We analyzed data of three ART programs: Khayelitsha township and Tygerberg Hospital programs in Cape Town and Themba Lethu program in Johannesburg. We included patients aged >16 years. ART was defined as a regimen of at least three drugs. We estimated incidence rates of KS for patients on ART and not on ART. We calculated Cox models adjusted for age, sex and time-updated CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA. 18,254 patients (median age 34.5 years, 64% female, median CD4 cell count at enrolment 105 cells/μL) were included. During 37,488 person-years follow-up 162 patients developed KS. The incidence was 1,682/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1,406–2,011) among patients not receiving ART and 138/100,000 person-years (95% CI 102–187) among patients on ART. The adjusted hazard ratio comparing time on ART with time not on ART was 0.19 (95% CI 0.13–0.28). Low CD4 cell counts (time-updated) and male sex were also associated with KS. Estimated survival of KS patients at one year was 72.2% (95% CI 64.9–80.2) and higher in men than in women. The incidence of KS is substantially lower on ART than not on ART. Timely initiation of ART is essential to preventing KS and KS-associated morbidity and mortality in South Africa and other regions in Africa with a high burden of HIV. PMID:24729433

Dysregulation of X-linked gene expression in Klinefelter's syndrome and association with verbal cognition.

PubMed

Vawter, Marquis P; Harvey, Philip D; DeLisi, Lynn E

2007-09-05

Klinefelter's Syndrome (KS) is a chromosomal karyotype with one or more extra X chromosomes. KS individuals often show language impairment and the phenotype might be due to overexpression of genes on the extra X chromosome(s). We profiled mRNA derived from lymphoblastoid cell lines from males with documented KS and control males using the Affymetrix U133P microarray platform. There were 129 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KS group compared with controls after Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery adjustment. The DEGs included 14 X chromosome genes which were significantly over-represented. The Y chromosome had zero DEGs. In exploratory analysis of gene expression-cognition relationships, 12 DEGs showed significant correlation of expression with measures of verbal cognition in KS. Overexpression of one pseudoautosomal gene, GTPBP6 (GTP binding protein 6, putative) was inversely correlated with verbal IQ (r = -0.86, P < 0.001) and four other measures of verbal ability. Overexpression of XIST was found in KS compared to XY controls suggesting that silencing of many genes on the X chromosome might occur in KS similar to XX females. The microarray findings for eight DEGs were validated by quantitative PCR. The 14 X chromosome DEGs were not differentially expressed in prior studies comparing female and male brains suggesting a dysregulation profile unique to KS. Examination of X-linked DEGs, such as GTPBP6, TAF9L, and CXORF21, that show verbal cognition-gene expression correlations may establish a causal link between these genes, neurodevelopment, and language function. A screen of candidate genes may serve as biomarkers of KS for early diagnosis. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Isolation and characterisation of a dwarf rice mutant exhibiting defective gibberellins biosynthesis.

PubMed

Ji, S H; Gururani, M A; Lee, J W; Ahn, B-O; Chun, S-C

2014-03-01

We have isolated a severe dwarf mutant derived from a Ds (Dissociation) insertion mutant rice (Oryza sativa var. japonica c.v. Dongjin). This severe dwarf phenotype, has short and dark green leaves, reduced shoot growth early in the seedling stage, and later severe dwarfism with failure to initiate flowering. When treated with bioactive GA3 , mutants are restored to the normal wild-type phenotype. Reverse transcription PCR analyses of 22 candidate genes related to the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway revealed that among 22 candidate genes tested, a dwarf mutant transcript was not expressed only in one OsKS2 gene. Genetic analysis revealed that the severe dwarf phenotype was controlled by recessive mutation of a single nuclear gene. The putative OsKS2 gene was a chromosome 4-located ent-kaurene synthase (KS), encoding the enzyme that catalyses an early step of the GA biosynthesis pathway. Sequence analysis revealed that osks2 carried a 1-bp deletion in the ORF region of OsKS2, which led to a loss-of-function mutation. The expression pattern of OsKS2 in wild-type cv Dongjin, showed that it is expressed in all organs, most prominently in the stem and floral organs. Morphological characteristics of the dwarf mutant showed dramatic modifications in internal structure and external morphology. We propose that dwarfism in this mutant is caused by a point mutation in OsKS2, which plays a significant role in growth and development of higher plants. Further investigation on OsKS2 and other OsKS-like proteins is underway and may yield better understanding of the putative role of OsKS in severe dwarf mutants. © 2013 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Ginseng gintonin activates the human cardiac delayed rectifier K+ channel: involvement of Ca2+/calmodulin binding sites.

PubMed

Choi, Sun-Hye; Lee, Byung-Hwan; Kim, Hyeon-Joong; Jung, Seok-Won; Kim, Hyun-Sook; Shin, Ho-Chul; Lee, Jun-Hee; Kim, Hyoung-Chun; Rhim, Hyewhon; Hwang, Sung-Hee; Ha, Tal Soo; Kim, Hyun-Ji; Cho, Hana; Nah, Seung-Yeol

2014-09-01

Gintonin, a novel, ginseng-derived G protein-coupled lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand, elicits [Ca(2+)]i transients in neuronal and non-neuronal cells via pertussis toxin-sensitive and pertussis toxin-insensitive G proteins. The slowly activating delayed rectifier K(+) (I(Ks)) channel is a cardiac K(+) channel composed of KCNQ1 and KCNE1 subunits. The C terminus of the KCNQ1 channel protein has two calmodulin-binding sites that are involved in regulating I(Ks) channels. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of gintonin-mediated activation of human I(Ks) channel activity by expressing human I(Ks) channels in Xenopus oocytes. We found that gintonin enhances IKs channel currents in concentration- and voltage-dependent manners. The EC50 for the I(Ks) channel was 0.05 ± 0.01 μg/ml. Gintonin-mediated activation of the I(Ks) channels was blocked by an LPA1/3 receptor antagonist, an active phospholipase C inhibitor, an IP3 receptor antagonist, and the calcium chelator BAPTA. Gintonin-mediated activation of both the I(Ks) channel was also blocked by the calmodulin (CaM) blocker calmidazolium. Mutations in the KCNQ1 [Ca(2+)]i/CaM-binding IQ motif sites (S373P, W392R, or R539W)blocked the action of gintonin on I(Ks) channel. However, gintonin had no effect on hERG K(+) channel activity. These results show that gintonin-mediated enhancement of I(Ks) channel currents is achieved through binding of the [Ca(2+)]i/CaM complex to the C terminus of KCNQ1 subunit.

Placido disk-based topography versus high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera for corneal power measurements in keratoconic and post-LASIK eyes: reliability and agreement.

PubMed

Penna, Rachele R; de Sanctis, Ugo; Catalano, Martina; Brusasco, Luca; Grignolo, Federico M

2017-01-01

To compare the repeatability/reproducibility of measurement by high-resolution Placido disk-based topography with that of a high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera and assess the agreement between the two instruments in measuring corneal power in eyes with keratoconus and post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). One eye each of 36 keratoconic patients and 20 subjects who had undergone LASIK was included in this prospective observational study. Two independent examiners worked in a random order to take three measurements of each eye with both instruments. Four parameters were measured on the anterior cornea: steep keratometry (Ks), flat keratometry (Kf), mean keratometry (Km), and astigmatism (Ks-Kf). Intra-examiner repeatability and inter-examiner reproducibility were evaluated by calculating the within-subject standard deviation (Sw) the coefficient of repeatability (R), the coefficient of variation (CoV), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement between instruments was tested with the Bland-Altman method by calculating the 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA). In keratoconic eyes, the intra-examiner and inter-examiner ICC were >0.95. As compared with measurement by high-resolution Placido disk-based topography, the intra-examiner R of the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera was lower for Kf (0.32 vs 0.88), Ks (0.61 vs 0.88), and Km (0.32 vs 0.84) but higher for Ks-Kf (0.70 vs 0.57). Inter-examiner R values were lower for all parameters measured using the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera. The 95% LoA were -1.28 to +0.55 for Kf, -1.36 to +0.99 for Ks, -1.08 to +0.50 for Km, and -1.11 to +1.48 for Ks-Kf. In the post-LASIK eyes, the intra-examiner and inter-examiner ICC were >0.87 for all parameters. The intra-examiner and inter-examiner R were lower for all parameters measured using the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera. The intra-examiner R was 0.17 vs 0.88 for Kf, 0.21 vs 0.88 for Ks, 0.17 vs 0.86 for Km, and 0.28 vs 0.33 for Ks-Kf. The inter-examiner R was 0.09 vs 0.64 for Kf, 0.15 vs 0.56 for Ks, 0.09 vs 0.59 for Km, and 0.18 vs 0.23 for Ks-Kf. The 95% LoA were -0.54 to +0.58 for Kf, -0.51 to +0.53 for Ks and Km, and -0.28 to +0.27 for Ks-Kf. As compared with Placido disk-based topography, the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera provides more repeatable and reproducible measurements of Ks, Kf and Ks in keratoconic and post-LASIK eyes. Agreement between instruments is fair in keratoconus and very good in post-LASIK eyes.

Placido disk-based topography versus high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera for corneal power measurements in keratoconic and post-LASIK eyes: reliability and agreement

PubMed Central

Penna, Rachele R.; de Sanctis, Ugo; Catalano, Martina; Brusasco, Luca; Grignolo, Federico M.

2017-01-01

AIM To compare the repeatability/reproducibility of measurement by high-resolution Placido disk-based topography with that of a high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera and assess the agreement between the two instruments in measuring corneal power in eyes with keratoconus and post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS One eye each of 36 keratoconic patients and 20 subjects who had undergone LASIK was included in this prospective observational study. Two independent examiners worked in a random order to take three measurements of each eye with both instruments. Four parameters were measured on the anterior cornea: steep keratometry (Ks), flat keratometry (Kf), mean keratometry (Km), and astigmatism (Ks-Kf). Intra-examiner repeatability and inter-examiner reproducibility were evaluated by calculating the within-subject standard deviation (Sw) the coefficient of repeatability (R), the coefficient of variation (CoV), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement between instruments was tested with the Bland-Altman method by calculating the 95% limits of agreement (95% LoA). RESULTS In keratoconic eyes, the intra-examiner and inter-examiner ICC were >0.95. As compared with measurement by high-resolution Placido disk-based topography, the intra-examiner R of the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera was lower for Kf (0.32 vs 0.88), Ks (0.61 vs 0.88), and Km (0.32 vs 0.84) but higher for Ks-Kf (0.70 vs 0.57). Inter-examiner R values were lower for all parameters measured using the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera. The 95% LoA were -1.28 to +0.55 for Kf, -1.36 to +0.99 for Ks, -1.08 to +0.50 for Km, and -1.11 to +1.48 for Ks-Kf. In the post-LASIK eyes, the intra-examiner and inter-examiner ICC were >0.87 for all parameters. The intra-examiner and inter-examiner R were lower for all parameters measured using the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera. The intra-examiner R was 0.17 vs 0.88 for Kf, 0.21 vs 0.88 for Ks, 0.17 vs 0.86 for Km, and 0.28 vs 0.33 for Ks-Kf. The inter-examiner R was 0.09 vs 0.64 for Kf, 0.15 vs 0.56 for Ks, 0.09 vs 0.59 for Km, and 0.18 vs 0.23 for Ks-Kf. The 95% LoA were -0.54 to +0.58 for Kf, -0.51 to +0.53 for Ks and Km, and -0.28 to +0.27 for Ks-Kf. CONCLUSION As compared with Placido disk-based topography, the high-resolution rotating Scheimpflug camera provides more repeatable and reproducible measurements of Ks, Kf and Ks in keratoconic and post-LASIK eyes. Agreement between instruments is fair in keratoconus and very good in post-LASIK eyes. PMID:28393039

Is the HD 15115 inner disk really asymmetrical?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazoyer, J.; Boccaletti, A.; Augereau, J.-C.; Lagrange, A.-M.; Galicher, R.; Baudoz, P.

2014-09-01

Context. Debris disks are intrinsically connected to the planetary system's formation and evolution. The development of high-contrast imaging techniques in the past 20 years is now allowing the detection of faint material around bright stars with high angular resolution, hence opening an avenue to study in detail the structures of circumstellar disks and their relation to planetary formation. Aims: The purpose of this paper is to revisit the morphology of the almost edge-on debris disk around HD 15115. Methods: We analyzed data from the Gemini science archive obtained in 2009 and 2011 with the Near-Infrared Coronagraphic Imager instrument in the H and Ks bands using coronagraphy and angular differential imaging techniques. Results: We resolved the disk in both the H and Ks bands. We confirmed the position angles inferred by previous authors, as well as the brightness asymmetry, which is the origin of the object's nickname, the blue needle. We were able to detect the bow-like shape of the disk suspected from other observations. However, these new NICI images suggest the presence of a highly inclined ring-like disk of which we see the brighter side and the ansae located at 90 AU symmetrically about the star. The inner part is likely depleted of dust. The fainter side of the disk is suspected but not firmly detected, which also indicates a large anisotropic scattering factor. Conclusions: The morphological symmetry of the disk contrasts with the obvious brightness asymmetry. This asymmetry may be explained by the coexistence of several types of grains in this disk and/or variable dust density. Interaction with the interstellar medium was invoked by previous authors as a possible explanation but other mechanisms may account for the brightness asymmetry, for instance a recent collision in the disk. Based on data retrieved from the Gemini archive.

Chlorophyllase in Piper betle L. has a role in chlorophyll homeostasis and senescence dependent chlorophyll breakdown.

PubMed

Gupta, Supriya; Gupta, Sanjay Mohan; Sane, Aniruddha P; Kumar, Nikhil

2012-06-01

Total chlorophyll content and chlorophyllase (chlorophyll-chlorophyllido hydrolase EC 3.1.1.14) activity in fresh leaves of Piper betle L. landrace KS was, respectively, twofold higher and eight fold lower than KV, showing negative correlation between chlorophyll and chlorophyllase activity. Specific chlorophyllase activity was nearly eightfold more in KV than KS. ORF of 918 nt was found in cloned putative chlorophyllase cDNAs from KV and KS. The gene was present as single copy in both the landraces. The encoded polypeptide of 306 amino acids differed only at two positions between the KV and KS; 203 (cysteine to tyrosine) and 301 (glutamine to glycine). Difference in chlorophyllase gene expression between KV and KS was evident in fresh and excised leaves. Up regulation of chlorophyllase gene by ABA and down regulation by BAP was observed in both the landraces; however, there was quantitative difference between KV and KS. Data suggests that chlorophyllase in P. betle is involved in chlorophyll homeostasis and chlorophyll loss during post harvest senescence.

Ketoacylsynthase Domains of a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Synthase in Thraustochytrium sp. Strain ATCC 26185 Can Effectively Function as Stand-Alone Enzymes in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Xie, Xi; Meesapyodsuk, Dauenpen; Qiu, Xiao

2017-05-01

Thraustochytrium sp. strain ATCC 26185 accumulates a high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutritionally important ω-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLCPUFA) synthesized primarily by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthase, a type I polyketide synthase-like megaenzyme. The PUFA synthase in this species comprises three large subunits, each with multiple catalytic domains. It was hypothesized that among these domains, ketoacylsynthase (KS) domains might be critical for catalyzing the condensation of specific unsaturated acyl-acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) with malonyl-ACP, thereby retaining double bonds in an extended acyl chain. To investigate the functions of these putative KS domains, two segment sequences from subunit A (KS-A) and subunit B (KS-B) of the PUFA synthase were dissected and then expressed as stand-alone enzymes in Escherichia coli The results showed that both KS-A and KS-B domains could complement the defective phenotypes of both E. coli fabB and fabF mutants. Overexpression of these domains in wild-type E. coli led to increases in total fatty acid production. KS-B produced a higher ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while KS-A could improve the overall production of fatty acids more effectively, particularly for the production of SFAs, implying that KS-A is more comparable to FabF, while KS-B is more similar to FabB in catalytic functions. Successful complementation and functional expression of the embedded KS domains in E. coli are the first step forward in studying the molecular mechanism of the PUFA synthase for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs in Thraustochytrium IMPORTANCE Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs) are important for human health. They can be biosynthesized in either an aerobic pathway or an anaerobic pathway in nature. However, abundant VLCPUFAs in marine microorganisms are primarily synthesized by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthase, a megaenzyme with multiple subunits, each with multiple catalytic domains. Furthermore, the fundamental mechanism for this enzyme to synthesize these fatty acids still remains unknown. This report started with dissecting the embedded KS domains of the PUFA synthase from marine protist Thraustochytrium sp. strain ATCC 26185 and then expressing them in wild-type E. coli and mutants defective in condensation of acyl-ACP with malonyl-ACP. Successful complementation of the mutants and improved fatty acid production in the overexpression experiments indicate that these KS domains can effectively function as stand-alone enzymes in E. coli This result has paved the way for further studying of molecular mechanisms of the PUFA synthase for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Ketoacylsynthase Domains of a Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Synthase in Thraustochytrium sp. Strain ATCC 26185 Can Effectively Function as Stand-Alone Enzymes in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Xie, Xi; Meesapyodsuk, Dauenpen

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Thraustochytrium sp. strain ATCC 26185 accumulates a high level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a nutritionally important ω-3 very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (VLCPUFA) synthesized primarily by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthase, a type I polyketide synthase-like megaenzyme. The PUFA synthase in this species comprises three large subunits, each with multiple catalytic domains. It was hypothesized that among these domains, ketoacylsynthase (KS) domains might be critical for catalyzing the condensation of specific unsaturated acyl-acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) with malonyl-ACP, thereby retaining double bonds in an extended acyl chain. To investigate the functions of these putative KS domains, two segment sequences from subunit A (KS-A) and subunit B (KS-B) of the PUFA synthase were dissected and then expressed as stand-alone enzymes in Escherichia coli. The results showed that both KS-A and KS-B domains could complement the defective phenotypes of both E. coli fabB and fabF mutants. Overexpression of these domains in wild-type E. coli led to increases in total fatty acid production. KS-B produced a higher ratio of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while KS-A could improve the overall production of fatty acids more effectively, particularly for the production of SFAs, implying that KS-A is more comparable to FabF, while KS-B is more similar to FabB in catalytic functions. Successful complementation and functional expression of the embedded KS domains in E. coli are the first step forward in studying the molecular mechanism of the PUFA synthase for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs in Thraustochytrium. IMPORTANCE Very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (VLCPUFAs) are important for human health. They can be biosynthesized in either an aerobic pathway or an anaerobic pathway in nature. However, abundant VLCPUFAs in marine microorganisms are primarily synthesized by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthase, a megaenzyme with multiple subunits, each with multiple catalytic domains. Furthermore, the fundamental mechanism for this enzyme to synthesize these fatty acids still remains unknown. This report started with dissecting the embedded KS domains of the PUFA synthase from marine protist Thraustochytrium sp. strain ATCC 26185 and then expressing them in wild-type E. coli and mutants defective in condensation of acyl-ACP with malonyl-ACP. Successful complementation of the mutants and improved fatty acid production in the overexpression experiments indicate that these KS domains can effectively function as stand-alone enzymes in E. coli. This result has paved the way for further studying of molecular mechanisms of the PUFA synthase for the biosynthesis of VLCPUFAs. PMID:28213537

The Koslowski-Sahlmann representation: quantum configuration space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campiglia, Miguel; Varadarajan, Madhavan

2014-09-01

The Koslowski-Sahlmann (KS) representation is a generalization of the representation underlying the discrete spatial geometry of loop quantum gravity (LQG), to accommodate states labelled by smooth spatial geometries. As shown recently, the KS representation supports, in addition to the action of the holonomy and flux operators, the action of operators which are the quantum counterparts of certain connection dependent functions known as ‘background exponentials’. Here we show that the KS representation displays the following properties which are the exact counterparts of LQG ones: (i) the abelian * algebra of SU(2) holonomies and ‘U(1)’ background exponentials can be completed to a C* algebra, (ii) the space of semianalytic SU(2) connections is topologically dense in the spectrum of this algebra, (iii) there exists a measure on this spectrum for which the KS Hilbert space is realized as the space of square integrable functions on the spectrum, (iv) the spectrum admits a characterization as a projective limit of finite numbers of copies of SU(2) and U(1), (v) the algebra underlying the KS representation is constructed from cylindrical functions and their derivations in exactly the same way as the LQG (holonomy-flux) algebra except that the KS cylindrical functions depend on the holonomies and the background exponentials, this extra dependence being responsible for the differences between the KS and LQG algebras. While these results are obtained for compact spaces, they are expected to be of use for the construction of the KS representation in the asymptotically flat case.

Evaluation of kasugamycin for fire blight management, effect on nontarget bacteria, and assessment of kasugamycin resistance potential in Erwinia amylovora.

PubMed

McGhee, Gayle C; Sundin, George W

2011-02-01

The emergence and spread of streptomycin-resistant strains of Erwinia amylovora in Michigan has necessitated the evaluation of new compounds effective for fire blight control. The aminoglycoside antibiotic kasugamycin (Ks) targets the bacterial ribosome and is particularly active against E. amylovora. The efficacy of Ks formulated as Kasumin 2L for control of fire blight was evaluated in six experiments conducted over four field seasons in our experimental orchards in East Lansing, MI. Blossom blight control was statistically equivalent to the industry standard streptomycin in all experiments. E. amylovora populations remained constant on apple flower stigmas pretreated with Kasumin and were ≈100-fold lower than on stigmas treated with water. Kasumin applied to apple trees in the field also resulted in a 100-fold reduced total culturable bacterial population compared with trees treated with water. We performed a prospective analysis of the potential for kasugamycin resistance (Ks(R)) development in E. amylovora which focused on spontaneous resistance development and acquisition of a transferrable Ks(R) gene. In replicated lab experiments, the development of spontaneous resistance in E. amylovora to Ks at 250 or 500 ppm was not observed when cells were directly plated on medium containing high concentrations of the antibiotic. However, exposure to increasing concentrations of Ks in media (initial concentration 25 μg ml(-1)) resulted in the selection of Ks resistance (at 150 μg ml(-1)) in the E. amylovora strains Ea110, Ea273, and Ea1189. Analysis of mutants indicated that they harbored mutations in the kasugamycin target ksgA gene and that all mutants were impacted in relative fitness observable through a reduced growth rate in vitro and decreased virulence in immature pear fruit. The possible occurrence of a reservoir of Ks(R) genes in orchard environments was also examined. Culturable gram-negative bacteria were surveyed from six experimental apple orchards that had received at least one Kasumin application. In total, 401 Ks(R) isolates (42 different species) were recovered from apple flowers and leaves and orchard soil samples. Although we have not established the presence of a transferrable Ks(R) gene in orchard bacteria, the frequency, number of species, and presence of Ks(R) enterobacterial species in orchard samples suggests the possible role of nontarget bacteria in the future transfer of a Ks(R) gene to E. amylovora. Our data confirm the importance of kasugamycin as an alternate antibiotic for fire blight management and lay the groundwork for the development and incorporation of resistance management strategies.

30 CFR 203.41 - If I have a qualified deep well or a qualified phase 1 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 200 meters but entirely less than 400 meters deep that: (1) Occurs before December 18, 2008; and (2... § 203.31(b) applies. In both situations, your lease must be partly or entirely in less than 200 meters...

Organic geochemistry of core samples from an ultradeep hot well (300°C, 7 km)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Price, Leigh C.

1982-01-01

Concepts prevelant among petroleum organic geochemists concerning the thermal fate of hydrocarbons, with subsequent graphite formation, and greenschist metamorphism, are in sharp contradiction to these data. Conventional concepts of the distribution of heavy hydrocarbons with increasing temperature and depth apparently require further review and revision.

Kinetics of Graphite Oxidation in Reacting Flow from Imaging Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-21

where ks i = Ai · e x p (−Ei/T ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 3 Summary of carbon oxidation studies; α, β , and n ...61 7 Summary of carbon oxidation studies; Values of A,B, n correspond to Eq. (116...O2] n exp � − β T � (18) where α, β , and n are determined through fitting of experimental data. A summary of experimental studies is shown in Table

VizieR Online Data Catalog: The multiplicity of M dwarfs in young moving groups (Shan+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shan, Y.; Yee, J. C.; Bowler, B. P.; Cieza, L. A.; Montet, B. T.; Canovas, H.; Liu, M. C.; Close, L. M.; Hinz, P. M.; Males, J. R.; Morzinski, K. M.; Vaz, A.; Bailey, V. P.; Follette K. B.; MagAO Team

2018-04-01

Adaptive optics observations were conducted on the 6.5m Magellan Clay Telescope at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile using the MagAO instrument. Images were taken with two science cameras simultaneously: Clio in the near-infrared, and VisAO in the optical. The MagAO/Clio observations in H or Ks bands span 2014 Apr 17-21 to 2015 Nov 26-27. (4 data files).

The Psychoeducational Profile of Boys with Klinefelter Syndrome.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rovet, Joanne; And Others

1996-01-01

This article integrates the literature on intelligence and achievement outcomes in boys with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). It reports results of a study following 36 boys with KS and 33 sibling controls. Boys with KS demonstrated verbal cognitive deficits and significant underachievement in reading, spelling, and arithmetic, which increased with age.…

78 FR 14097 - Pulse Oximeters-Premarket Notification Submissions [510(k)s]; Guidance for Industry and Food and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-04

... (Formerly 2007D-0252)] Pulse Oximeters--Premarket Notification Submissions [510(k)s]; Guidance for Industry... entitled ``Pulse Oximeters--Premarket Notification Submissions [510(k)s].'' This guidance document pertains to non-invasive pulse oximeters intended for prescription use to measure arterial blood oxygen...

76 FR 21827 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; El Dorado, KS

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-19

...-directional beacon (NDB) at Captain Jack Thomas/El Dorado Airport, El Dorado, KS, has made this action necessary for the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at Captain Jack Thomas... instrument approach procedures at Captain Jack Thomas/El Dorado Airport, El Dorado, KS. Airspace...

Registration of 'Tiger' wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

‘Tiger’ hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed at Research Center-Hays, Kansas State University and released by Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2010. Tiger was selected from a three-way cross KS98H245/’Trego’//KS98HW518 made in 1999 at Hays, KS. The objective of this ...

Barriers to knowledge sharing in Chinese healthcare referral services: an emergent theoretical model.

PubMed

Zhou, Lihong; Nunes, Miguel Baptista

2016-01-01

This paper reports on a research study that aims to identify and explain barriers to knowledge sharing (KS) in the provision of healthcare referral services in Chinese healthcare organisations. An inductive case study approach was employed, in which 24 healthcare professionals and workers from four healthcare organisations in the province of Hubei, Central China, were interviewed using semi-structured scripts. Through data analysis, 14 KS barriers emerged in four main themes: interpersonal trust barriers, communication barriers, management and leadership barriers, and inter-institutional barriers. A cause-consequence analysis of the identified barriers revealed that three of them are at the core of the majority of problems, namely, the absence of national and local policies for inter-hospital KS, lack of a specific hospital KS requirement, and lack of mutual acquaintance. To resolve KS problems, it is of great importance that healthcare governance agencies, both at the national and regional levels, take leadership in the process of KS implementation by establishing specific and strong policies for inter-institutional KS in the referral process. This paper raises important issues that exceed academic interests and are important to healthcare professionals, hospital managers, and Information communication technology (ICT) managers in hospitals, as well as healthcare politicians and policy makers.

Kushenin Combined with Nucleos(t)ide Analogues for Chronic Hepatitis B: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Chen, Zhe; Ma, Xiao; Zhao, Yanling; Wang, Jiabo; Zhang, Yaming; Zhu, Yun; Wang, Lifu; Chen, Chang; Wei, Shizhang; Yang, Zhirui; Gong, Man; Shen, Honghui; Bai, Zhaofang; Guo, Yuming; Niu, Ming; Xiao, Xiaohe

2015-01-01

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Kushenin (KS) combined with nucleoside analogues (NAs) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of KS combined with NAs for CHB were identified through 7 databases. Frequencies of loss of serum HBeAg, HBeAg seroconversion, undetectable serum HBV-DNA, ALT normalization, and adverse events at 48 weeks were abstracted by two reviewers. The Cochrane software was performed to assess the risk of bias in the included trials. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 software. Results. 18 RCTs involving 1684 subjects with CHB were included in the analysis. KS combined with NAs including lamivudine (LAM), entecavir (ETV), adefovir dipivoxil (ADV), and telbivudine (TLV) showed different degree of improvement in CHB indices. KS combined with NAs increased the frequency of loss of serum HBeAg, HBeAg seroconversion, undetectable HBV-DNA levels, and ALT normalization compared with single agents. It also decreased serum ALT and AST level after one-year treatment. However, KS combined with TLV did not show a significant difference in CHB indices. The side-effects of KS combined with NAs were light and of low frequency. Conclusion. KS combined with NAs improves the efficacy of NAs in CHB. PMID:26347789

Beyond Thiamine: Treatment for Cognitive Impairment in Korsakoff's Syndrome.

PubMed

Johnson, Justin M; Fox, Valerie

2018-03-27

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a condition whose treatment many consultation-liaison psychiatrists know quite well. Less clear, however, is the treatment of its dementia disorder descendent, the Korsakoff's syndrome (KS). This article seeks to review treatment options and provide recommendations for consultation-liaison psychiatrists treating cognitive impairment in KS. In this nonsystematic review, we reviewed PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Google Scholar for published reports and studies regarding treatment of KS. The literature revealed case reports and placebo-controlled trials of various medications for treatment of KS, though the samples sizes were small and were mostly case reports. There is more attention devoted toward medications used in other dementia disorders, such as donepezil and memantine. The literature revealed more studies around behavioral interventions recommended for treatment of memory impairment in KS and they focused on cognitive remediation and environmental adaptation, such as the use of PDAs or alarms. There is no single, well-studied intervention proven effective as a primary treatment for cognitive impairment in KS. An approach of using environmental modifications in a well-structured living environment, combined with various cognitive interventions, such as pictorial associations, and perhaps a trial of donepezil or memantine, likely represents the best strategy for treating long-term cognitive impairment in KS. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Kabuki syndrome is not caused by a microdeletion in the DiGeorge/velocardiofacial chromosomal region within 22q11.2

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

Li, M.; Zackai, E.H.; Kaplan, P.

1996-10-16

Kabuki syndrome (KS) or Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome is a sporadic disorder characterized by postnatal growth retardation, developmental delay, mild to moderate retardation, and a characteristic facial appearance. Cardiovascular defects, clefts of the lip, palate, or both, and musculoskeletal abnormalities occur in about 50% of patients with KS. The cause of this multiple congenital anomaly syndrome is unknown, and investigators have speculated that KS is a contiguous gene-deletion syndrome. Based on the presence of congenital heart defects in patients with KS, it was suggested that this disorder might share a common cause with the 22q11 deletion syndromes. A preliminary study of 2more » patients with KS failed to detect a deletion within 22q11. We report the results of fluorescence in situ hybridization with cosmid probes for loci D22S75 (N25) and D22S259 (1132) within the DiGeorge chromosomal region (DGCR) on metaphase spreads from an additional 5 patients, 2 non-Japanese and 3 Japanese, with KS. None of the 5 had deletions at either locus. It is unlikely that KS is caused by a deletion within 22q11. 16 refs.« less

Predictive power of Koplik's spots for the diagnosis of measles.

PubMed

Zenner, Dominik; Nacul, Luis

2012-03-12

Measles is a major cause of mortality globally. In many countries, management of measles is based on clinical suspicion, but the predictive value of clinical diagnosis depends on knowledge and population prevalence of measles. In the pre-vaccine era with high measles incidence, Koplik's spots (KS) were said to be "pathognomonic". This study prospectively evaluated test properties and diagnostic odds ratios (OR) of KS. Data including KS status were prospectively collected for a six-month period on all suspected measles cases reported to the North-West London Health Protection Unit. Saliva test kits were sent to all cases and KS test properties were analysed against measles confirmation by PCR or IgM testing (gold standard). The positive predictive value (PPV) of clinically suspecting measles was 50%. Using KS as diagnostic tool improved the PPV to 80% and the presence of KS was associated with confirmed measles in the multi-variable analysis (OR 7.2, 95% Confidence Interval 2.1-24.9, p=0.001). We found that Koplik's spots were highly predictive of confirmed measles and could be a good clinical tool to enable prompt measles management and control measures, as action often needs to be taken in the absence of laboratory confirmation. We suggest that current clinical case definitions might benefit from the inclusion of KS.

Barriers to knowledge sharing in Chinese healthcare referral services: an emergent theoretical model

PubMed Central

Nunes, Miguel Baptista

2016-01-01

Background This paper reports on a research study that aims to identify and explain barriers to knowledge sharing (KS) in the provision of healthcare referral services in Chinese healthcare organisations. Design An inductive case study approach was employed, in which 24 healthcare professionals and workers from four healthcare organisations in the province of Hubei, Central China, were interviewed using semi-structured scripts. Results Through data analysis, 14 KS barriers emerged in four main themes: interpersonal trust barriers, communication barriers, management and leadership barriers, and inter-institutional barriers. A cause–consequence analysis of the identified barriers revealed that three of them are at the core of the majority of problems, namely, the absence of national and local policies for inter-hospital KS, lack of a specific hospital KS requirement, and lack of mutual acquaintance. Conclusions To resolve KS problems, it is of great importance that healthcare governance agencies, both at the national and regional levels, take leadership in the process of KS implementation by establishing specific and strong policies for inter-institutional KS in the referral process. This paper raises important issues that exceed academic interests and are important to healthcare professionals, hospital managers, and Information communication technology (ICT) managers in hospitals, as well as healthcare politicians and policy makers. PMID:26895146

Testicular lactate content is compromised in men with Klinefelter Syndrome.

PubMed

Alves, Marco G; Martins, Ana D; Jarak, Ivana; Barros, Alberto; Silva, Joaquina; Sousa, Mário; Oliveira, Pedro F

2016-03-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of human infertility, but the mechanism(s) responsible for its phenotype remain largely unknown. KS is associated with alterations in body composition and with a higher risk of developing metabolic diseases. We therefore hypothesized that KS men seeking fertility treatment possess an altered testicular metabolism profile that may hamper the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Testicular biopsies from control (46, XY) (n = 6) and KS (47, XXY) (n = 6) individuals were collected and analyzed by proton high-resolution magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The mRNA and protein expression of crucial glycolysis-associated enzymes and transporters were evaluated in parallel by quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. Our data revealed altered regulation of glucose transporters (GLUT1 and GLUT3); phosphofructokinase 1, liver isoform (PFKL); and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression in the testis of KS patients. Moreover, we detected a severe reduction in lactate and creatine accumulation within testicular tissue from KS men. The aberrant levels of the biomarkers detected in testicular biopsies of KS men may therefore be associated with the infertility phenotypes presented by these men. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 208-216, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated with Kaposi sarcoma: higher incidence and mortality in Africa than in the UK.

PubMed

Letang, Emilio; Lewis, James J; Bower, Mark; Mosam, Anisa; Borok, Margareth; Campbell, Thomas B; Naniche, Denise; Newsom-Davis, Tom; Shaik, Fahmida; Fiorillo, Suzanne; Miro, Jose M; Schellenberg, David; Easterbrook, Philippa J

2013-06-19

To assess the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of Kaposi sarcoma-associated paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (KS-IRIS) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive HIV-infected patients with Kaposi sarcoma initiating ART in both well resourced and limited-resourced settings. Pooled analysis of three prospective cohorts of ART-naive HIV-infected patients with Kaposi sarcoma from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and one from the UK. KS-IRIS case definition was standardized across sites. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to identify the incidence and predictors of KS-IRIS and Kaposi sarcoma-associated mortality. Fifty-eight of 417 (13.9%) eligible individuals experienced KS-IRIS with an incidence 2.5 times higher in the African vs. European cohorts (P=0.001). ART alone as initial Kaposi sarcoma treatment (hazard ratio 2.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-8.69); T1 Kaposi sarcoma stage (hazard ratio 2.96, 95% CI 1.26-6.94); and plasma HIV-1 RNA more than 5 log₁₀ copies/ml (hazard ratio 2.14, 95% CI 1.25-3.67) independently predicted KS-IRIS at baseline. Detectable plasma Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) DNA additionally predicted KS-IRIS among the 259 patients with KSHV DNA assessed (hazard ratio 2.98, 95% CI 1.23-7.19). Nineteen KS-IRIS patients died, all in SSA. Kaposi sarcoma mortality was 3.3-fold higher in Africa, and was predicted by KS-IRIS (hazard ratio 19.24, CI 7.62-48.58), lack of chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.35, 95% CI 1.09-5.05), pre-ART CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% CI 0.99-4.2), and detectable baseline KSHV DNA (hazard ratio 2.12, 95% CI 0.94-4.77). KS-IRIS incidence and mortality are higher in SSA than in the UK. This is largely explained by the more advanced Kaposi sarcoma disease and lower chemotherapy availability. KS-IRIS is a major contributor to Kaposi sarcoma-associated mortality in Africa. Our results support the need to increase awareness on KS-IRIS, encourage earlier presentation, referral and diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma, and advocate on access to systemic chemotherapy in Africa. © 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Ultra-deep sequencing reveals high prevalence and broad structural diversity of hepatitis B surface antigen mutations in a global population

PubMed Central

Gencay, Mikael; Hübner, Kirsten; Gohl, Peter; Seffner, Anja; Weizenegger, Michael; Neofytos, Dionysios; Batrla, Richard; Woeste, Andreas; Kim, Hyon-suk; Westergaard, Gaston; Reinsch, Christine; Brill, Eva; Thu Thuy, Pham Thi; Hoang, Bui Huu; Sonderup, Mark; Spearman, C. Wendy; Pabinger, Stephan; Gautier, Jérémie; Brancaccio, Giuseppina; Fasano, Massimo; Santantonio, Teresa; Gaeta, Giovanni B.; Nauck, Markus; Kaminski, Wolfgang E.

2017-01-01

The diversity of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has a significant impact on the performance of diagnostic screening tests and the clinical outcome of hepatitis B infection. Neutralizing or diagnostic antibodies against the HBsAg are directed towards its highly conserved major hydrophilic region (MHR), in particular towards its “a” determinant subdomain. Here, we explored, on a global scale, the genetic diversity of the HBsAg MHR in a large, multi-ethnic cohort of randomly selected subjects with HBV infection from four continents. A total of 1553 HBsAg positive blood samples of subjects originating from 20 different countries across Africa, America, Asia and central Europe were characterized for amino acid variation in the MHR. Using highly sensitive ultra-deep sequencing, we found 72.8% of the successfully sequenced subjects (n = 1391) demonstrated amino acid sequence variation in the HBsAg MHR. This indicates that the global variation frequency in the HBsAg MHR is threefold higher than previously reported. The majority of the amino acid mutations were found in the HBV genotypes B (28.9%) and C (25.4%). Collectively, we identified 345 distinct amino acid mutations in the MHR. Among these, we report 62 previously unknown mutations, which extends the worldwide pool of currently known HBsAg MHR mutations by 22%. Importantly, topological analysis identified the “a” determinant upstream flanking region as the structurally most diverse subdomain of the HBsAg MHR. The highest prevalence of “a” determinant region mutations was observed in subjects from Asia, followed by the African, American and European cohorts, respectively. Finally, we found that more than half (59.3%) of all HBV subjects investigated carried multiple MHR mutations. Together, this worldwide ultra-deep sequencing based genotyping study reveals that the global prevalence and structural complexity of variation in the hepatitis B surface antigen have, to date, been significantly underappreciated. PMID:28472040

Ultra-deep sequencing reveals high prevalence and broad structural diversity of hepatitis B surface antigen mutations in a global population.

PubMed

Gencay, Mikael; Hübner, Kirsten; Gohl, Peter; Seffner, Anja; Weizenegger, Michael; Neofytos, Dionysios; Batrla, Richard; Woeste, Andreas; Kim, Hyon-Suk; Westergaard, Gaston; Reinsch, Christine; Brill, Eva; Thu Thuy, Pham Thi; Hoang, Bui Huu; Sonderup, Mark; Spearman, C Wendy; Pabinger, Stephan; Gautier, Jérémie; Brancaccio, Giuseppina; Fasano, Massimo; Santantonio, Teresa; Gaeta, Giovanni B; Nauck, Markus; Kaminski, Wolfgang E

2017-01-01

The diversity of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has a significant impact on the performance of diagnostic screening tests and the clinical outcome of hepatitis B infection. Neutralizing or diagnostic antibodies against the HBsAg are directed towards its highly conserved major hydrophilic region (MHR), in particular towards its "a" determinant subdomain. Here, we explored, on a global scale, the genetic diversity of the HBsAg MHR in a large, multi-ethnic cohort of randomly selected subjects with HBV infection from four continents. A total of 1553 HBsAg positive blood samples of subjects originating from 20 different countries across Africa, America, Asia and central Europe were characterized for amino acid variation in the MHR. Using highly sensitive ultra-deep sequencing, we found 72.8% of the successfully sequenced subjects (n = 1391) demonstrated amino acid sequence variation in the HBsAg MHR. This indicates that the global variation frequency in the HBsAg MHR is threefold higher than previously reported. The majority of the amino acid mutations were found in the HBV genotypes B (28.9%) and C (25.4%). Collectively, we identified 345 distinct amino acid mutations in the MHR. Among these, we report 62 previously unknown mutations, which extends the worldwide pool of currently known HBsAg MHR mutations by 22%. Importantly, topological analysis identified the "a" determinant upstream flanking region as the structurally most diverse subdomain of the HBsAg MHR. The highest prevalence of "a" determinant region mutations was observed in subjects from Asia, followed by the African, American and European cohorts, respectively. Finally, we found that more than half (59.3%) of all HBV subjects investigated carried multiple MHR mutations. Together, this worldwide ultra-deep sequencing based genotyping study reveals that the global prevalence and structural complexity of variation in the hepatitis B surface antigen have, to date, been significantly underappreciated.

When less is more: 'slicing' sequencing data improves read decoding accuracy and de novo assembly quality.

PubMed

Lonardi, Stefano; Mirebrahim, Hamid; Wanamaker, Steve; Alpert, Matthew; Ciardo, Gianfranco; Duma, Denisa; Close, Timothy J

2015-09-15

As the invention of DNA sequencing in the 70s, computational biologists have had to deal with the problem of de novo genome assembly with limited (or insufficient) depth of sequencing. In this work, we investigate the opposite problem, that is, the challenge of dealing with excessive depth of sequencing. We explore the effect of ultra-deep sequencing data in two domains: (i) the problem of decoding reads to bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones (in the context of the combinatorial pooling design we have recently proposed), and (ii) the problem of de novo assembly of BAC clones. Using real ultra-deep sequencing data, we show that when the depth of sequencing increases over a certain threshold, sequencing errors make these two problems harder and harder (instead of easier, as one would expect with error-free data), and as a consequence the quality of the solution degrades with more and more data. For the first problem, we propose an effective solution based on 'divide and conquer': we 'slice' a large dataset into smaller samples of optimal size, decode each slice independently, and then merge the results. Experimental results on over 15 000 barley BACs and over 4000 cowpea BACs demonstrate a significant improvement in the quality of the decoding and the final assembly. For the second problem, we show for the first time that modern de novo assemblers cannot take advantage of ultra-deep sequencing data. Python scripts to process slices and resolve decoding conflicts are available from http://goo.gl/YXgdHT; software Hashfilter can be downloaded from http://goo.gl/MIyZHs stelo@cs.ucr.edu or timothy.close@ucr.edu Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Genome-wide site-specific differential methylation in the blood of individuals with Klinefelter Syndrome

PubMed Central

Wan, Emily S.; Qiu, Weiliang; Morrow, Jarrett; Beaty, Terri H.; Hetmanski, Jacqueline; Make, Barry J.; Lomas, David A.; Silverman, Edwin K.; DeMeo, Dawn L.

2015-01-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47 XXY) is a common sex-chromosome aneuploidy with an estimated prevalence of 1 in every 660 male births. Investigations into the associations between DNA methylation and the highly variable clinical manifestations of KS have largely focused on the supernumerary X chromosome; systematic investigations of the epigenome have been limited. We obtained genome-wide DNA methylation data from peripheral blood using the Illumina HumanMethylation450K platform in 5 KS (47 XXY), 102 male (46 XY), and 113 female (46 XX) control subjects participating in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Gene Study. Empirical Bayes-mediated models were used to test for differential methylation by KS status. CpG sites with a false-discovery rate <0.05 from the first-generation HumanMethylation27K platform were further examined in an independent replication cohort of 2 KS subjects, 590 male, and 495 female controls drawn from the International COPD Genetics Network (ICGN). Differential methylation at sites throughout the genome were identified, including 86 CpG sites that were differentially methylated in KS subjects relative to both male and female controls. CpG sites annotated to the HEN1 methyltransferase homolog 1 (HENMT1), calcyclin-binding protein (CACYBP), and GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) genes were among the “KS-specific” loci that were replicated in ICGN. We therefore conclude that site-specific differential methylation exists throughout the genome in KS. The functional impact and clinical relevance of these differentially methylated loci should be explored in future studies. PMID:25988574

Photoproduction of scalar mesons using CLAS at JLab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandavar, Shloka; Hicks, Kenneth; Weygand, Dennis; CLAS Collaboration

2014-09-01

The search for glueballs has been ongoing for decades. The lightest glueball has been predicted by quenched lattice QCD to have a mass in the range of 1.0-1.7 GeV and JPC =0++ . The mixing of glueball states with neighbouring meson states complicates their identification. The f0 (1500) is one of several candidates for the lightest glueball, whose presence in the Ks0 Ks0 channel is investigated in photoproduction using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. This is done by studying the reaction, γp -->fJ p -->Ks0> Ks0p --> 2 (π+π-) p using data from the g12 experiment. A brief description of this analysis, along with a preliminary partial wave analysis results will be presented. The search for glueballs has been ongoing for decades. The lightest glueball has been predicted by quenched lattice QCD to have a mass in the range of 1.0-1.7 GeV and JPC =0++ . The mixing of glueball states with neighbouring meson states complicates their identification. The f0 (1500) is one of several candidates for the lightest glueball, whose presence in the Ks0Ks0 channel is investigated in photoproduction using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) at Jefferson Lab. This is done by studying the reaction, γp -->fJ p -->Ks0 Ks0p --> 2 (π+π-) p using data from the g12 experiment. A brief description of this analysis, along with a preliminary partial wave analysis results will be presented. NSF.

Distinctive pattern of expression of spermatogenic molecular markers in testes of azoospermic men with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Kleiman, Sandra E; Yogev, Leah; Lehavi, Ofer; Yavetz, Haim; Hauser, Ron

2016-06-01

Mature sperm cells can be found in testicular specimens extracted from azoospermic men with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (KS). The present study evaluates the expression of various known molecular markers of spermatogenesis in a population of men with KS and assesses the ability of those markers to predict spermatogenesis. Two groups of men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent testicular sperm-retrieval procedures were included in the study: 31 had non-mosaic KS (KS group) and 91 had normal karyotype (NK group). Each group was subdivided into mixed atrophy (containing some mature sperm cells) or Sertoli cell only syndrome according to testicular histology and cytology observations. Semi-quantitative histological morphometric analysis (interstitial hyperplasia and hyalinization, tubules with cells and abnormal thickness of the basement membrane) and expression of spermatogenetic markers (DAZ, RBM, BOLL, and CDY1) were evaluated and compared among those subgroups. Clear differences in the histological morphometry and spermatogenetic marker expression were noted between the KS and NK groups. There was a significant difference in the expression of spermatogenetic markers between the subgroups of the NK group (as expected), while no difference could be discerned between the two subgroups in the KS group. We conclude that molecular spermatogenetic markers have a pattern of expression in men with KS that is distinctively different from that of men with NK, and that it precludes and limits their use for predicting spermatogenesis in the former. It is suggested that this difference might be due to the specific highly abnormal histological morphometric parameters in KS specimens.

Estimation of Turbulent Heat Fluxes by Assimilation of Land Surface Temperature Observations From GOES Satellites Into an Ensemble Kalman Smoother Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tongren; Bateni, S. M.; Neale, C. M. U.; Auligne, T.; Liu, Shaomin

2018-03-01

In different studies, land surface temperature (LST) observations have been assimilated into the variational data assimilation (VDA) approaches to estimate turbulent heat fluxes. The VDA methods yield accurate turbulent heat fluxes, but they need an adjoint model, which is difficult to derive and code. They also cannot directly calculate the uncertainty of their estimates. To overcome the abovementioned drawbacks, this study assimilates LST data from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite into the ensemble Kalman smoother (EnKS) data assimilation system to estimate turbulent heat fluxes. EnKS does not need to derive the adjoint term and directly generates statistical information on the accuracy of its predictions. It uses the heat diffusion equation to simulate LST. EnKS with the state augmentation approach finds the optimal values for the unknown parameters (i.e., evaporative fraction and neutral bulk heat transfer coefficient, CHN) by minimizing the misfit between LST observations from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite and LST estimations from the heat diffusion equation. The augmented EnKS scheme is tested over six Ameriflux sites with a wide range of hydrological and vegetative conditions. The results show that EnKS can predict not only the model parameters and turbulent heat fluxes but also their uncertainties over a variety of land surface conditions. Compared to the variational method, EnKS yields suboptimal turbulent heat fluxes. However, suboptimality of EnKS is small, and its results are comparable to those of the VDA method. Overall, EnKS is a feasible and reliable method for estimation of turbulent heat fluxes.

Predicting heavy metals' adsorption edges and adsorption isotherms on MnO2 with the parameters determined from Langmuir kinetics.

PubMed

Hu, Qinghai; Xiao, Zhongjin; Xiong, Xinmei; Zhou, Gongming; Guan, Xiaohong

2015-01-01

Although surface complexation models have been widely used to describe the adsorption of heavy metals, few studies have verified the feasibility of modeling the adsorption kinetics, edge, and isotherm data with one pH-independent parameter. A close inspection of the derivation process of Langmuir isotherm revealed that the equilibrium constant derived from the Langmuir kinetic model, KS-kinetic, is theoretically equivalent to the adsorption constant in Langmuir isotherm, KS-Langmuir. The modified Langmuir kinetic model (MLK model) and modified Langmuir isotherm model (MLI model) incorporating pH factor were developed. The MLK model was employed to simulate the adsorption kinetics of Cu(II), Co(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) on MnO2 at pH3.2 or 3.3 to get the values of KS-kinetic. The adsorption edges of heavy metals could be modeled with the modified metal partitioning model (MMP model), and the values of KS-Langmuir were obtained. The values of KS-kinetic and KS-Langmuir are very close to each other, validating that the constants obtained by these two methods are basically the same. The MMP model with KS-kinetic constants could predict the adsorption edges of heavy metals on MnO2 very well at different adsorbent/adsorbate concentrations. Moreover, the adsorption isotherms of heavy metals on MnO2 at various pH levels could be predicted reasonably well by the MLI model with the KS-kinetic constants. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-positive subjects in Uganda.

PubMed

Ziegler, J L; Newton, R; Katongole-Mbidde, E; Mbulataiye, S; De Cock, K; Wabinga, H; Mugerwa, J; Katabira, E; Jaffe, H; Parkin, D M; Reeves, G; Weiss, R; Beral, V

1997-11-01

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is associated epidemiologically with HIV infection and with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8 or KSHV). Both KS and HIV infection are common in Uganda. We conducted a case-control study of 458 HIV-seropositive. Ugandan adults with KS and 568 HIV-seropositive subjects without KS to examine risk factors for HIV-associated KS. We recruited newly diagnosed adult KS cases from five hospitals in Kampala, Uganda and controls from a large referral clinic for HIV infection at Mulago Hospital. All cases and controls were counselled and tested for HIV and answered an interviewer-administered questionnaire about their home, socio-economic conditions, lifestyle and sexual behaviour before they became ill. Only HIV-seropositive subjects were included in the analysis. There were 295 males and 163 females with KS and 227 male and 341 female controls. Age distribution was similar but there was a higher proportion of cases (45%) than controls (29%) residing in rural regions of Uganda. KS cases were more likely than controls to have a higher level of education (X2 for trend, 4.8; P = 0.03), to have occupations associated with affluence [chi 2 for heterogeneity, 17.3 on 5 degrees of freedom (df); P = 0.004] and to come from larger settlements [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for settlements of > 1000 versus 10-99 houses, 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-3.0]. Cases were more likely than controls to have high household income (chi 2 for trend, 32.6; P < 0.001) and other markers of urban or rural wealth such as owning several cows (chi 2 for trend, 9.5; P = 0.002). Cases were more likely to travel away from home (adjusted OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3) and more likely to have spent increasing time in contact with water (chi 2 for trend, 12.3; P < 0.001). Few indices of sexual behaviour were related to risk of KS, including reported number of sexual partners. Cases were more likely than controls to be married to one rather than several spouses (adjusted OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2) and to have reported a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) (adjusted OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3). Among HIV-infected subjects, KS cases are characterized by better education and greater affluence, compared with controls. Urban address, travel away from home, exposure to water, monogamous marriage and self-reported STD were also more frequent among KS cases than controls. The higher socio-economic status of persons with HIV and KS may be a marker for enhanced exposure to a possibly sexually transmitted agent, or for a delayed exposure to a childhood infection. The risk posed by exposure to water among KS cases requires further study.

78 FR 39574 - Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-02

...., One Learjet Way, Wichita, KS 67209-2942; telephone 316- 946-2000; fax 316-946-2220; email [email protected] Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946-4120; fax: 316- 946-4107; email: [email protected], Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316-946- 4120; fax: 316-946-4107; email: [email protected] . (l) Material...

Employee Determinants to Share Knowledge in a U.S. Federal Government Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Kenneth C.

2013-01-01

Although the literature indicates that knowledge sharing (KS) research is prevalent in the private sector, there is scant empirical research data about KS in the public sector. Moreover, organizations lack an understanding of employee KS behavior. This study investigated two research questions: First, how does the perceived importance of five…

78 FR 33963 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Atwood, KS

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-06

...; Airspace Docket No. 11-ACE-24] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Atwood, KS AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action amends Class E airspace at Atwood, KS... published in the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Class E airspace for the...

77 FR 68681 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Anthony, KS

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-16

...-0652; Airspace Docket No. 12-ACE-4] Amendment of Class E Airspace; Anthony, KS AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action amends Class E airspace at Anthony, KS... the Federal Register a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend Class E airspace for the Anthony...

Multi-Disciplinary Knowledge Synthesis for Human Health Assessment on Earth and in Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christakos, G.

We discuss methodological developments in multi-disciplinary knowledge synthesis (KS) of human health assessment. A theoretical KS framework can provide the rational means for the assimilation of various information bases (general, site-specific etc.) that are relevant to the life system of interest. KS-based techniques produce a realistic representation of the system, provide a rigorous assessment of the uncertainty sources, and generate informative health state predictions across space-time. The underlying epistemic cognition methodology is based on teleologic criteria and stochastic logic principles. The mathematics of KS involves a powerful and versatile spatiotemporal random field model that accounts rigorously for the uncertainty features of the life system and imposes no restriction on the shape of the probability distributions or the form of the predictors. KS theory is instrumental in understanding natural heterogeneities, assessing crucial human exposure correlations and laws of physical change, and explaining toxicokinetic mechanisms and dependencies in a spatiotemporal life system domain. It is hoped that a better understanding of KS fundamentals would generate multi-disciplinary models that are useful for the maintenance of human health on Earth and in Space.

Suppressed Decays of Ds+ Mesons to Two Pseudoscalar Mesons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, G. S.; Anderson, M.; Cummings, J. P.; Danko, I.; Hu, D.; Moziak, B.; Napolitano, J.; He, Q.; Insler, J.; Muramatsu, H.; Park, C. S.; Thorndike, E. H.; Yang, F.; Artuso, M.; Blusk, S.; Khalil, S.; Li, J.; Menaa, N.; Mountain, R.; Nisar, S.; Randrianarivony, K.; Sia, R.; Skwarnicki, T.; Stone, S.; Wang, J. C.; Bonvicini, G.; Cinabro, D.; Dubrovin, M.; Lincoln, A.; Asner, D. M.; Edwards, K. W.; Naik, P.; Briere, R. A.; Ferguson, T.; Tatishvili, G.; Vogel, H.; Watkins, M. E.; Rosner, J. L.; Adam, N. E.; Alexander, J. P.; Cassel, D. G.; Duboscq, J. E.; Ehrlich, R.; Fields, L.; Gibbons, L.; Gray, R.; Gray, S. W.; Hartill, D. L.; Heltsley, B. K.; Hertz, D.; Jones, C. D.; Kandaswamy, J.; Kreinick, D. L.; Kuznetsov, V. E.; Mahlke-Krüger, H.; Mohapatra, D.; Onyisi, P. U. E.; Patterson, J. R.; Peterson, D.; Riley, D.; Ryd, A.; Sadoff, A. J.; Shi, X.; Stroiney, S.; Sun, W. M.; Wilksen, T.; Athar, S. B.; Patel, R.; Yelton, J.; Rubin, P.; Eisenstein, B. I.; Karliner, I.; Lowrey, N.; Selen, M.; White, E. J.; Wiss, J.; Mitchell, R. E.; Shepherd, M. R.; Besson, D.; Pedlar, T. K.; Cronin-Hennessy, D.; Gao, K. Y.; Hietala, J.; Kubota, Y.; Klein, T.; Lang, B. W.; Poling, R.; Scott, A. W.; Zweber, P.; Dobbs, S.; Metreveli, Z.; Seth, K. K.; Tomaradze, A.; Ernst, J.; Ecklund, K. M.; Severini, H.; Love, W.; Savinov, V.; Lopez, A.; Mehrabyan, S.; Mendez, H.; Ramirez, J.; Ge, J. Y.; Miller, D. H.; Sanghi, B.; Shipsey, I. P. J.; Xin, B.

2007-11-01

Using data collected near the Ds*+Ds- peak production energy Ecm=4170MeV by the CLEO-c detector, we study the decays of Ds+ mesons to two pseudoscalar mesons. We report on searches for the singly Cabibbo-suppressed Ds+ decay modes K+η, K+η', π+KS0, K+π0, and the isospin-forbidden decay mode Ds+→π+π0. We normalize with respect to the Cabibbo-favored Ds+ modes π+η, π+η', and K+KS0, and obtain ratios of branching fractions: B(Ds+→K+η)/B(Ds+→π+η)=(8.9±1.5±0.4)%, B(Ds+→K+η')/B(Ds+→π+η')=(4.2±1.3±0.3)%, B(Ds+→π+KS0)/B(Ds+→K+KS0)=(8.2±0.9±0.2)%, B(Ds+→K+π0)/B(Ds+→K+KS0)=(5.5±1.3±0.7)%, and B(Ds+→π+π0)/B(Ds+→K+KS0)<4.1% at 90% C.L., where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Antiproliferative properties of toremifene on AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma cells.

PubMed

Hong, Angela; Leigh, Bryan R

2002-12-01

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplastic apoptosis manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Toremifene is known to upregulate transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), which is a growth-inhibitory factor for KS. We investigated the in vitro effect of toremifene on KS cells. MTT assay was used to measure the growth of four KS cell lines and a human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cell line after incubation with toremifene. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and ELISA were used to measure the level of TGF-beta1. The IC(50) for the KS cells ranged from 2.2 to 3.2 microM, and 80% of the growth inhibition occurred within 24 h. Toremifene enhanced TGF-beta1 mRNA expression, and the level of TGF-beta1 increased from 103 to 473 pg/ml after 48 h of incubation. Toremifene had no effect on the growth of HUVE cells. Toremifene has a specific antiproliferative effect on KS cells. The stimulation of TGF-beta1 production may play a role in the antiproliferative process. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

Anterograde episodic memory in Korsakoff syndrome.

PubMed

Fama, Rosemary; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Sullivan, Edith V

2012-06-01

A profound anterograde memory deficit for information, regardless of the nature of the material, is the hallmark of Korsakoff syndrome, an amnesic condition resulting from severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Since the late nineteenth century when the Russian physician, S. S. Korsakoff, initially described this syndrome associated with "polyneuropathy," the observed global amnesia has been a primary focus of neuroscience and neuropsychology. In this review we highlight the historical studies that examined anterograde episodic memory processes in KS, present a timeline and evidence supporting the myriad theories proffered to account for this memory dysfunction, and summarize what is known about the neuroanatomical correlates and neural systems presumed affected in KS. Rigorous study of KS amnesia and associated memory disorders of other etiologies provide evidence for distinct mnemonic component processes and neural networks imperative for normal declarative and nondeclarative memory abilities and for mnemonic processes spared in KS, from whence emerged the appreciation that memory is not a unitary function. Debate continues regarding the qualitative and quantitative differences between KS and other amnesias and what brain regions and neural pathways are necessary and sufficient to produce KS amnesia.

Anterograde Episodic Memory in Korsakoff Syndrome

PubMed Central

Fama, Rosemary; Pitel, Anne-Lise; Sullivan, Edith V.

2016-01-01

A profound anterograde memory deficit for information, regardless of the nature of the material, is the hallmark of Korsakoff syndrome, an amnesic condition resulting from severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Since the late nineteenth century when the Russian physician, S. S. Korsakoff, initially described this syndrome associated with “polyneuropathy,” the observed global amnesia has been a primary focus of neuroscience and neuropsychology. In this review we highlight the historical studies that examined anterograde episodic memory processes in KS, present a timeline and evidence supporting the myriad theories proffered to account for this memory dysfunction, and summarize what is known about the neuroanatomical correlates and neural systems presumed affected in KS. Rigorous study of KS amnesia and associated memory disorders of other etiologies provide evidence for distinct mnemonic component processes and neural networks imperative for normal declarative and nondeclarative memory abilities and for mnemonic processes spared in KS, from whence emerged the appreciation that memory is not a unitary function. Debate continues regarding the qualitative and quantitative differences between KS and other amnesias and what brain regions and neural pathways are necessary and sufficient to produce KS amnesia. PMID:22644546

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Collinder 261 Chandra sources & optical counterparts (Vats+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vats, S.; van den Berg, M.

2017-10-01

Cr 261 was observed with the Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer (ACIS) on board Chandra starting 2009 November 9 14:50 UTC, for a total exposure time of 53.8ks (ObsID 11308). We retrieved optical images of Cr 261 in the B and V bands from the ESO public archive. These data were taken as part of the ESO Imaging Survey (EIS; program ID 164.O-0561). The observations of Cr 261 were made using the Wide Field Imager (WFI), mounted on the 2.2m MPG/ESO telescope at La Silla, Chile. The Cr 261 data were taken from 2001 June 27 23:55 UTC to 2001 June 28 00:38 UTC, with a total exposure time of 510s in the B and V filter each. (2 data files).

Sakurai's Object Continues to Brighten and Expand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinkle, Kenneth H.; Joyce, Richard R.; Matheson, Thomas

2017-01-01

Sakurai's Object (V4334 Sgr), the prototype final flash object discovered in the mid-1990s, was observed to undergo rapid cooling becoming as faint as 25th magnitude at K during the first decade of the 21st century. A review of imaging data suggests the minimum K magnitude occurred about 2006. Sakuarai's Object was re-acquired at K in 2010. Between 2010 Sep and 2013 Apr Sakurai's object brightened more than 2 magnitudes to K=14.2. Here we report on a Gemini-NIRI K band AO image obtained in 2016 July. The Ks magnitude was 13.35. The AO image also records the continuing expansion of the debris cloud. The central star remains obscured. Spectro-spatial NIFS images of the spectral region around He I 1.0830 micron and a GMOS optical spectrum, both observed in 2015, will also be displayed.

Kaposi's sarcoma of the head and neck: a review.

PubMed

Ramírez-Amador, Velia; Anaya-Saavedra, Gabriela; Martínez-Mata, Guillermo

2010-03-01

Important advances in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) knowledge have been achieved, but KS is still a dilemma. It is an angioproliferative disorder classified as an intermediate neoplasm due to the absence of conventional clinical features of malignancy, but at the moment, it remains unclear if KS could be considered a reactive proliferation of endothelial cells and spindle cells, a true malignancy or both. In this review, the authors address the main epidemiological, clinical, and biological features, of the five types of KS, with emphasis on KS affecting the head and neck region. Also, a revision is done in relation with transmission, the role of saliva, and the pathogenic events associated with human herpesvirus type-8 (HHV-8). Treatment options are revised, highlighting the need for future approaches focused on targeting signaling pathways. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

VISION - Vienna survey in Orion. I. VISTA Orion A Survey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meingast, Stefan; Alves, João; Mardones, Diego; Teixeira, Paula Stella; Lombardi, Marco; Großschedl, Josefa; Ascenso, Joana; Bouy, Herve; Forbrich, Jan; Goodman, Alyssa; Hacar, Alvaro; Hasenberger, Birgit; Kainulainen, Jouni; Kubiak, Karolina; Lada, Charles; Lada, Elizabeth; Moitinho, André; Petr-Gotzens, Monika; Rodrigues, Lara; Román-Zúñiga, Carlos G.

2016-03-01

Context. Orion A hosts the nearest massive star factory, thus offering a unique opportunity to resolve the processes connected with the formation of both low- and high-mass stars. Here we present the most detailed and sensitive near-infrared (NIR) observations of the entire molecular cloud to date. Aims: With the unique combination of high image quality, survey coverage, and sensitivity, our NIR survey of Orion A aims at establishing a solid empirical foundation for further studies of this important cloud. In this first paper we present the observations, data reduction, and source catalog generation. To demonstrate the data quality, we present a first application of our catalog to estimate the number of stars currently forming inside Orion A and to verify the existence of a more evolved young foreground population. Methods: We used the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) to survey the entire Orion A molecular cloud in the NIR J,H, and KS bands, covering a total of ~18.3 deg2. We implemented all data reduction recipes independently of the ESO pipeline. Estimates of the young populations toward Orion A are derived via the KS-band luminosity function. Results: Our catalog (799 995 sources) increases the source counts compared to the Two Micron All Sky Survey by about an order of magnitude. The 90% completeness limits are 20.4, 19.9, and 19.0 mag in J,H, and KS, respectively. The reduced images have 20% better resolution on average compared to pipeline products. We find between 2300 and 3000 embedded objects in Orion A and confirm that there is an extended foreground population above the Galactic field, in agreement with previous work. Conclusions: The Orion A VISTA catalog represents the most detailed NIR view of the nearest massive star-forming region and provides a fundamental basis for future studies of star formation processes toward Orion. Based on observations made with ESO Telescopes at the La Silla Paranal Observatory under program ID 090.C-0797(A).Image data and full Table B.1 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/587/A153

Comparison of Kaposi Sarcoma Risk in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Adults Across 5 Continents: A Multiregional Multicohort Study.

PubMed

2017-10-15

We compared Kaposi sarcoma (KS) risk in adults who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the Asia-Pacific, South Africa, Europe, Latin, and North America. We included cohort data of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults who started ART after 1995 within the framework of 2 large collaborations of observational HIV cohorts. We present incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). We included 208140 patients from 57 countries. Over a period of 1066572 person-years, 2046 KS cases were diagnosed. KS incidence rates per 100000 person-years were 52 in the Asia-Pacific and ranged between 180 and 280 in the other regions. KS risk was 5 times higher in South African women (aHR, 4.56; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 2.73-7.62) than in their European counterparts, and 2 times higher in South African men (2.21; 1.34-3.63). In Europe, Latin, and North America KS risk was 6 times higher in men who have sex with men (aHR, 5.95; 95% CI, 5.09-6.96) than in women. Comparing patients with current CD4 cell counts ≥700 cells/µL with those whose counts were <50 cells/µL, the KS risk was halved in South Africa (aHR, 0.53; 95% CI, .17-1.63) but reduced by ≥95% in other regions. Despite important ART-related declines in KS incidence, men and women in South Africa and men who have sex with men remain at increased KS risk, likely due to high human herpesvirus 8 coinfection rates. Early ART initiation and maintenance of high CD4 cell counts are essential to further reducing KS incidence worldwide, but additional measures might be needed, especially in Southern Africa. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Prolonged experimental drought reduces plant hydraulic conductance and transpiration and increases mortality in a piñon–juniper woodland

PubMed Central

Pangle, Robert E; Limousin, Jean-Marc; Plaut, Jennifer A; Yepez, Enrico A; Hudson, Patrick J; Boutz, Amanda L; Gehres, Nathan; Pockman, William T; McDowell, Nate G

2015-01-01

Plant hydraulic conductance (ks) is a critical control on whole-plant water use and carbon uptake and, during drought, influences whether plants survive or die. To assess long-term physiological and hydraulic responses of mature trees to water availability, we manipulated ecosystem-scale water availability from 2007 to 2013 in a piñon pine (Pinus edulis) and juniper (Juniperus monosperma) woodland. We examined the relationship between ks and subsequent mortality using more than 5 years of physiological observations, and the subsequent impact of reduced hydraulic function and mortality on total woody canopy transpiration (EC) and conductance (GC). For both species, we observed significant reductions in plant transpiration (E) and ks under experimentally imposed drought. Conversely, supplemental water additions increased E and ks in both species. Interestingly, both species exhibited similar declines in ks under the imposed drought conditions, despite their differing stomatal responses and mortality patterns during drought. Reduced whole-plant ks also reduced carbon assimilation in both species, as leaf-level stomatal conductance (gs) and net photosynthesis (An) declined strongly with decreasing ks. Finally, we observed that chronically low whole-plant ks was associated with greater canopy dieback and mortality for both piñon and juniper and that subsequent reductions in woody canopy biomass due to mortality had a significant impact on both daily and annual canopy EC and GC. Our data indicate that significant reductions in ks precede drought-related tree mortality events in this system, and the consequence is a significant reduction in canopy gas exchange and carbon fixation. Our results suggest that reductions in productivity and woody plant cover in piñon–juniper woodlands can be expected due to reduced plant hydraulic conductance and increased mortality of both piñon pine and juniper under anticipated future conditions of more frequent and persistent regional drought in the southwestern United States. PMID:25937906

Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism/Kallmann syndrome and effects of different modalities of hormonal treatment: a single-center study of 281 patients.

PubMed

Trabado, Séverine; Maione, Luigi; Bry-Gauillard, Hélène; Affres, Hélène; Salenave, Sylvie; Sarfati, Julie; Bouvattier, Claire; Delemer, Brigitte; Chanson, Philippe; Le Bouc, Yves; Brailly-Tabard, Sylvie; Young, Jacques

2014-02-01

Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a testicular hormone secreted during fetal life, the neonatal period, and after puberty. To measure INSL3 levels in a large series of men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH)/ Kallmann syndrome (KS), in order to assess its diagnostic value and to investigate its regulation. We studied 281 CHH/KS patients (91 untreated, 96 receiving T, and 94 receiving combined gonadotropin therapy [human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, and FSH]) and 72 age-matched healthy men. Serum INSL3 was immunoassayed with a validated RIA. Mean (±SD) INSL3 levels (pg/mL) were 659 ± 279 in controls and lower (60 ± 43; P < .001) in untreated CHH/KS patients, with no overlap between the two groups, when the threshold of 250 pg/mL was used. Basal INSL3 levels were lower in both untreated CHH/KS men with cryptorchidism than in those with intrascrotal testes and in patients with testicular volumes below 4 mL. Significant positive correlations between INSL3 and both serum total T and LH levels were observed in untreated CHH/KS. Mean INSL3 levels remained low in T-treated CHH/KS patients and were significantly higher in men receiving combined hCG-FSH therapy (P < .001), but the increase was lower cryptorchid patients. FSH-hCG combination therapy or hCG monotherapy, contrary to T and FSH monotherapies, significantly increased INSL3 levels in CHH/KS. INSL3 is as sensitive a marker as T for the evaluation of altered Leydig cell function in CHH/KS patients. INSL3 levels correlate with LH levels in CHH/KS men showing, together with the rise in INSL3 levels during hCG therapy, that INSL3 secretion seems not constitutively secreted during adulthood but is dependence on pituitary LH.

A Search for H(alpha) Emission in the Far Outer Discs of Extremely Large Spiral Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, Vera; Hunter, Deidre

2007-08-01

Little is known about the kinematics of galaxies far beyond the relatively bright regions sampled in radio or optical radial velocity studies. Most often, the velocities are obtained as part of large surveys, where the effort is made to obtain many rotation curves, rather than to extend a rotation curve as far as possible. Because the composition of dark matter remains unknown, it is important to devise observations that will help to constrain its properties. We propose to obtain ultra-deep Hα images (in the rest frame of the galaxy) for UGC 2885 and NGC 801, two extremely large Sc galaxies. We expect to detect Hα regions far beyond their nuclei and into the extreme outer disc, for which we will then obtain radial velocities. Increased knowledge concerning the kinematics of these galaxies will tighten the constraints on mass models, and shed light on the properties of dark matter. Ultimately, we hope to learn more about the outermost galaxy, where disc and halo blend.

Route learning in Korsakoff's syndrome: Residual acquisition of spatial memory despite profound amnesia.

PubMed

Oudman, Erik; Van der Stigchel, Stefan; Nijboer, Tanja C W; Wijnia, Jan W; Seekles, Maaike L; Postma, Albert

2016-03-01

Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is characterized by explicit amnesia, but relatively spared implicit memory. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent KS patients can acquire spatial information while performing a spatial navigation task. Furthermore, we examined whether residual spatial acquisition in KS was based on automatic or effortful coding processes. Therefore, 20 KS patients and 20 matched healthy controls performed six tasks on spatial navigation after they navigated through a residential area. Ten participants per group were instructed to pay close attention (intentional condition), while 10 received mock instructions (incidental condition). KS patients showed hampered performance on a majority of tasks, yet their performance was superior to chance level on a route time and distance estimation tasks, a map drawing task and a route walking task. Performance was relatively spared on the route distance estimation task, but there were large variations between participants. Acquisition in KS was automatic rather than effortful, since no significant differences were obtained between the intentional and incidental condition on any task, whereas for the healthy controls, the intention to learn was beneficial for the map drawing task and the route walking task. The results of this study suggest that KS patients are still able to acquire spatial information during navigation on multiple domains despite the presence of the explicit amnesia. Residual acquisition is most likely based on automatic coding processes. © 2014 The British Psychological Society.

Reinforced glass-ionomer cements: the influence of conditioners on marginal leakage.

PubMed

Yap, A U; Mok, B Y

1997-06-01

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of conditioners on the enamel and dentine margin sealing ability of three different reinforced glass-ionomer cements. Two Class V preparations were made on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 36 freshly extracted molar teeth. Preparations were solely in enamel or dentine/cementum. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 12 and restored with either Ketac Silver (KS), Hi-Dense (HD) or Miracle-Mix (MM) with and without (-C) their respective conditioners. All materials were capsulated and were manipulated according to the manufacturers' instructions. The restorations were finished as recommended by the manufacturers and then stored in saline at 37 degrees C for 1 week, polished, thermally stressed, subjected to dye penetration, sectioned and scored. Rankings in the order of decreasing leakage were as follows: enamel margin KS > KS-C > HD-C > HD > MM > MM-C; dentine margin KS > HD-C > KS-C > HD > MM-C > MM. At the enamel margins, only HD showed a significant increase in leakage when conditioner was not used. At the dentine margin, however, KS had significantly more leakage than KS-C and HD-C had significantly more leakage than HD. There was no significant difference in leakage for MM both with and without conditioner. The influence of conditioners on marginal leakage appears to be both product and tissue specific.

The identification of HESX1 mutations in Kallmann syndrome

PubMed Central

Newbern, Kayce; Natrajan, Nithya; Kim, Hyung-Goo; Chorich, Lynn .P.; Halvorson, Lisa; Cameron, Richard S.; Layman, Lawrence C.

2013-01-01

Objective To determine if HESX1 mutations are present in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH)/Kallmann syndrome (KS). HESX1 mutations have previously been characterized in patients with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), and combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). We hypothesized that IHH/KS represents a milder phenotypic variant of SOD. Design PCR-based DNA sequencing was performed on 217 well-characterized IHH/KS patients. Putative missense mutations were analyzed by sorting intolerant from tolerant (SIFT) and Clustal Ω. Setting An academic medical center Patients 217 IHH/KS and 192 controls Interventions DNA was extracted from patients and controls; genotype/phenotype comparisons were made Main Outcome Measures DNA sequence of HESX1, SIFT analysis, and ortholog alignment Results Two novel heterozygous missense mutations (p.H42Y and p.V75L) and previously reported heterozygous missense mutation p.Q6H in HESX1 were identified in 3/217 (1.4%) patients. All were males with KS. Both p.Q6H and p.H42Y were predicted to be deleterious by SIFT, while p.V75L was conserved in 8/9 species. No other IHH/KS gene mutations were present. Conclusions HESX1 mutations may cause KS in addition to more severe phenotypes. Our findings expand the phenotypic spectrum of HESX1 mutations in humans, thereby broadening its role in development. PMID:23465708

Chemosensory Dysfunction in Alcohol-Related Disorders: A Joint Exploration of Olfaction and Taste.

PubMed

Brion, Mélanie; de Timary, Philippe; Vander Stappen, Caroline; Guettat, Lamia; Lecomte, Benoît; Rombaux, Philippe; Maurage, Pierre

2015-11-01

Chemosensory (olfaction-taste) dysfunctions are considered as reliable biomarkers in many neurological and psychiatric states. However, experimental measures of chemosensory abilities are lacking in alcohol-dependence (AD) and Korsakoff Syndrome (KS, a neurological complication of AD), despite the role played by alcohol-related odors and taste in the emergence and maintenance of AD. This study thus investigated chemosensory impairments in AD and KS. Olfactory-gustatory measures were taken among 20 KS, 20 AD, and 20 control participants. Olfaction (odor detection-discrimination-identification) was assessed using the "Sniffin Sticks" battery and taste was measured using the "Taste Strips" task. Impairments were found for high-level olfaction in AD (odor discrimination) and KS (odor discrimination-identification), even after controlling for psychopathological comorbidities. Gustatory deficits were also observed in both groups, indexing a global deficit for chemosensory perception. Finally, the gradient of impairment between the successive disease stages for odor identification suggests that the hypothesis of a continuum between AD and KS regarding cognitive deficits can be generalized to chemosensory perception. AD and KS are thus characterized by deficits in chemosensory abilities, which could constitute a marker of the AD-KS transition. In view of its deleterious influence on everyday life, chemosensory dysfunction should also be taken into account in clinical settings. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The role of hypogonadism in Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Høst, Christian; Skakkebæk, Anne; Groth, Kristian A; Bojesen, Anders

2014-01-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47, XXY) is the most abundant sex-chromosome disorder, and is a common cause of infertility and hypogonadism in men. Most men with KS go through life without knowing the diagnosis, as only 25% are diagnosed and only a few of these before puberty. Apart from hypogonadism and azoospermia, most men with KS suffer from some degree of learning disability and may have various kinds of psychiatric problems. The effects of long-term hypogonadism may be diffi cult to discern from the gene dose effect of the extra X-chromosome. Whatever the cause, alterations in body composition, with more fat and less muscle mass and diminished bone mineral mass, as well as increased risk of metabolic consequences, such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are all common in KS. These findings should be a concern as they are not simply laboratory findings; epidemiological studies in KS populations show an increased risk of both hospitalization and death from various diseases. Testosterone treatment should be offered to KS patients from early puberty, to secure a proper masculine development, nonetheless the evidence is weak or nonexisting, since no randomized controlled trials have ever been published. Here, we will review the current knowledge of hypogonadism in KS and the rationale for testosterone treatment and try to give our best recommendations for surveillance of this rather common, but often ignored, syndrome.

The role of hypogonadism in Klinefelter Syndrome

PubMed Central

Høst, Christian; Skakkebæk, Anne; Groth, Kristian A; Bojesen, Anders

2014-01-01

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47, XXY) is the most abundant sex-chromosome disorder, and is a common cause of infertility and hypogonadism in men. Most men with KS go through life without knowing the diagnosis, as only 25% are diagnosed and only a few of these before puberty. Apart from hypogonadism and azoospermia, most men with KS suffer from some degree of learning disability and may have various kinds of psychiatric problems. The effects of long-term hypogonadism may be difficult to discern from the gene dose effect of the extra X-chromosome. Whatever the cause, alterations in body composition, with more fat and less muscle mass and diminished bone mineral mass, as well as increased risk of metabolic consequences, such as type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome are all common in KS. These findings should be a concern as they are not simply laboratory findings; epidemiological studies in KS populations show an increased risk of both hospitalization and death from various diseases. Testosterone treatment should be offered to KS patients from early puberty, to secure a proper masculine development, nonetheless the evidence is weak or nonexisting, since no randomized controlled trials have ever been published. Here, we will review the current knowledge of hypogonadism in KS and the rationale for testosterone treatment and try to give our best recommendations for surveillance of this rather common, but often ignored, syndrome. PMID:24407186

Identifying Areas of Potential Wetland Hydrology in Irrigated Croplands Using Aerial Image Interpretation and Analysis of Rainfall Normality

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

engineering and environmental challenges. ERDC develops innovative solutions in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and... tte rn o f p ea ks , i nd ic at in g th e we t p or tio n of ea ch y ea r, fo llo we d by a s ha rp d ec lin e in to th e dr y s ea so

A rare case of lateral ovotesticular disorder with Klinefelter syndrome mosaicism 46, XX/47, XXY: An unusual presentation.

PubMed

Talreja, Shyam M; Banerjee, Indraneel; Yadav, Sher Singh; Tomar, Vinay

2015-01-01

Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT-DSD) is a rare disorder of sexual differentiation characterized by the presence of both ovarian and testicular tissues in the same individual. It's incidence ranges from 3% to 10% of all disorder of DSD's, and the most common presentation is 46, XX followed by 46, XX/46, XY mosaicism and 46, XY. Klinefelter syndrome (KS) mosaicism 46, XX/47, XXY is extremely rare, and its association with the ovotesticular disorder is even rarer. We report an unusual case of 16-year-old with male habitus who presented with complains of cyclic hematuria. On examination, he had bilateral gynecomastia, unilateral left cryptorchidism, absent facial hair, sparse axillary hair growth, and pubic hair distribution of feminine type. The right testis was of normal size located normally in hemiscrotum and was confirmed by radio imaging. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic area behind posterior half of urinary bladder. Chromosomal analysis revealed 46, XX/47, XXY mosaicism of female karyotype and KS. Histopathological report of this left side excised specimen confirmed the structures to be ovary, uterus, and fallopian tube, thus confirming our diagnosis of the lateral ovotesticular disorder. Meticulous workup combined interdisciplinary approach will lead to early diagnosis and resolve timely sex reassignment issues and also prevent consequences arising due to gonadal insufficiency.

Hawaiian Language and Culture in the Middle Level Math Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Terai, Kim E.

2010-01-01

The Kamehameha Schools (KS) is a private co-educational institution that was established under the terms of the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop in 1887. KS operates three campuses Kapalama (O'ahu), Pukalani (Maui), and Kea'au (Hawai'i island) that serves over 6,500 students from preschool through twelfth grade. KS recently adopted a…

Induction of senescence pathways in Kindler syndrome primary keratinocytes.

PubMed

Piccinni, E; Di Zenzo, G; Maurelli, R; Dellambra, E; Teson, M; Has, C; Zambruno, G; Castiglia, D

2013-05-01

Individuals with Kindler syndrome (KS) have loss-of-function mutations in the FERMT1 gene that encodes the focal adhesion component kindlin-1. The major clinical manifestation of KS is epidermal atrophy (premature skin ageing). This phenotypic feature is thought to be related to the decreased proliferation rate of KS keratinocytes; nevertheless, molecular mediators of such abnormal behaviour have not been fully elucidated. To investigate how kindlin-1 deficiency affects the proliferative potential of primary human keratinocytes. We serially cultivated nine primary KS keratinocyte strains until senescence and determined their lifespan and colony-forming efficiency (CFE) at each serial passage. The expression of molecular markers of stemness and cellular senescence were investigated by immunoblotting using cell extracts of primary keratinocyte cultures from patients with KS and healthy donors. In another set of experiments, kindlin-1 downregulation in normal keratinocytes was obtained by small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. We found that KS keratinocytes exhibited a precocious senescence and strongly reduced clonogenic potential. Moreover, KS cultures showed a strikingly increased percentage of aborted colonies (paraclones) already at early passages indicating an early depletion of stem cells. Immunoblotting analysis of KS keratinocyte extracts showed reduced levels of the stemness markers p63 and Bmi-1, upregulation of p16 and scant amounts of hypophosphorylated Rb protein, which indicated cell cycle-arrested status. Treatment of normal human primary keratinocytes with siRNA targeting kindlin-1 proved that its deficiency was directly responsible for p63, Bmi-1 and pRb downregulation and p16 induction. Our data directly implicate kindlin-1 in preventing premature senescence of keratinocytes. © 2013 The Authors. BJD © 2013 British Association of Dermatologists.

A novel dual inhibitor of microtubule and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibits survival of multiple myeloma and osteoclastogenesis.

PubMed

Pandey, Manoj K; Gowda, Krishne; Sung, Shen-Shu; Abraham, Thomas; Budak-Alpdogan, Tulin; Talamo, Giampolo; Dovat, Sinisa; Amin, Shantu

2017-09-01

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) regulates many vital signaling pathways and plays a critical role in cell proliferation, survival, migration, and resistance. Previously, we reported that a small molecule, KS99, is an inhibitor of tubulin polymerization. In the present study, we explored whether KS99 is a dual inhibitor of BTK and tubulin polymerization. Although it is known that BTK is required for clonogenic growth and resistance, and microtubules are essential for cancer cell growth, dual targeting of these two components has not been explored previously. Through docking studies, we predicted that KS99 interacts directly with the catalytic domain of BTK and inhibits phosphorylation at the Y223 residue and kinase activities. Treatment of KS99 reduces the cell viability of multiple myeloma (MM) and CD138 + cells, with an IC 50 of between 0.5 and 1.0 μmol/L. We found that KS99 is able to induce apoptosis in MM cells in a caspase-dependent manner. KS99 suppressed the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced differentiation of macrophages to osteoclasts in a dose-dependent manner and, importantly, inhibited the expression of cytokines associated with bone loss. Finally, we found that KS99 inhibits the in vivo tumor growth of MM cells through the inhibition of BTK and tubulin. Overall, our results show that dual inhibition of BTK and tubulin polymerization by KS99 is a viable option in MM treatment, particularly in the inhibition of refraction and relapse. Copyright © 2017 ISEH - International Society for Experimental Hematology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficiency of generation of optical centers in KS-4V and KU-1 quartz glasses at neutron and gamma irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islamov, A. Kh.; Salikhbaev, U. S.; Ibragimova, E. M.; Nuritdinov, I.; Fayzullaev, B. S.; Vukolov, K. Yu.; Orlovskiy, I.

2013-11-01

Pure quartz glasses of KS-4V and KU-1 types are candidates for optical plasma diagnostic system in ITER. The purpose of experiment was to study the efficiency of defect production in these glasses under irradiation with 60Со γ-quanta (5.7 Gy/s) dose range of 102-107 Gy and the fission reactor neutrons in the fluency range of 1020-1023 n/m2 and gammas simulating the plasma influence. In KU-1 (1000 ppm OH) the accumulation kinetics of E‧-(5.75 eV) and NBO-(1.9 eV) centers at γ-doses⩾5×105 Gy and neutron fluencies <1021 n/m2 is faster, than that in KS-4V glasses (<0.1 ppm OH) that is caused by rupture of hydrogen bonds. At fluencies >1021 n/m2 the NBO accumulation kinetics is slower in KU-1 than in KS-4B, because highly mobile hydrogen atoms access to the generated NBO centers. In KS-4V irradiated to γ-doses102-5 × 103 Gy a new unstable absorption band at 1.8 eV was found, which is caused by the glass synthesis conditions and alkali metal impurities. The transparency at 3.5-6.2 eV at fluencies 1020-5 × 1021 n/m2 is higher in KS-4V than KU-1. However at fluencies >1021 n/m2 in KS-4V the photoluminescence band at 2.7 eV is more intensive and distorts a diagnosed signal. The transparency in 3.5-1.2 eV at fluencies >1021 n/m2 is higher in KU-1 than KS-4V.

Immunophenotypes of macular corneal dystrophy in India and correlation with mutations in CHST6.

PubMed

Sultana, Afia; Klintworth, Gordon K; Thonar, Eugene J-M A; Vemuganti, Geeta K; Kannabiran, Chitra

2009-01-01

To determine the immunophenotypes of macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) in Indian patients and to correlate them with mutations in the carbohydrate 6-sulfotransferase (CHST6) gene. Sixty-four patients from 53 families with MCD that were previously screened for mutations in CHST6 were included in an immunophenotype analysis. Antigenic keratan sulfate (AgKS) in serum as well as corneal tissue was evaluated in 31 families. Only cornea was evaluated in 11 families, and only serum was evaluated in 11 families. AgKS was detected in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded corneal sections by immunohistochemistry and in serum by ELISA using a monoclonal antibody against sulfated forms of KS in patients with MCD as well as normal controls. Analysis of corneal and/or serum AgKS disclosed MCD type I (27 families), MCD type IA (5 families), and MCD type II (3 families) in the cases studied. An additional 10 families were either MCD type I or MCD type IA since only serum AgKS data were available. Seven families manifested atypical immunophenotypes since the corneal AgKS expression was either of MCD type I or MCD type IA, but serum AgKS levels ranged from 19 ng/ml to 388 ng/ml. More than one immunophenotype was detected amongst siblings in two families. Each immunophenotype was associated with mutational heterogeneity in CHST6. MCD type I was the predominant immunophenotype in the Indian population studied followed by MCD type IA and then MCD type II. We detected further immunophenotypic heterogeneity by finding atypical patterns of AgKS reactivity in a subset of families. There were no simple correlations between immunophenotypes and specific mutations in CHST6, suggesting that factors other than CHST6 mutations may be contributing to the immunophenotypes in MCD.

Kounis syndrome due to antibiotics: A global overview from pharmacovigilance databases.

PubMed

Renda, Francesca; Marotta, Elena; Landoni, Giovanni; Belletti, Alessandro; Cuconato, Virginia; Pani, Luca

2016-12-01

Kounis syndrome (KS) is characterized by concurrent presence of anaphylactic and cardiac components. Available evidence suggests that antibiotics are frequently associated to KS. We therefore analyzed KS cases associated with antibiotics use from the two largest pharmacovigilance databases. Two pharmacovigilance databases, EudraVigilance and VigiLyze, were searched for cases reporting the adverse reaction "Kounis Syndrome" with antibiotics as suspected active substance. We analyzed the period from December 1st, 2001 to February 16th, 2016. For the most reported active substance, proportional reporting ratio (PRR) was calculated. A total of 10 cases of KS associated with antibiotic use were retrieved from EudraVigilance database. Mean patients' age was 58.2years and 70% were male. The most frequently reported suspected antibiotic was the combination amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (four cases). VigiLyze database reported 13 KS cases associated to antibiotics. Mean age was 56years and 61% of patients were male. The most frequently reported antibiotic was again the combination amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (five cases). Seven duplicate cases were identified, leaving a total of 16 cases of KS, with six of them associated to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid use. The PRR value for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid against other kinds of antibiotics was 2.62 considering EudraVigilance data and 1.61 considering VigiLyze data. This analysis provided a complete picture of the cases of KS associated with antibiotic use and identified a possible association between amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and KS. Since the number of cases is low, especially considering its wide use, further analyses are needed to confirm the association. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hypogonadism Makes Dyslipidemia in Klinefelter's Syndrome.

PubMed

Lee, Hyo Serk; Park, Chan Woo; Lee, Joong Shik; Seo, Ju Tae

2017-11-01

Klinefelter's syndrome (KS) is a genetic syndrome that presents with hypogonadism and is associated with metabolic syndrome. Patients demonstrating hypogonadism show a greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome due to changes in body composition. We aimed to determine the association between KS and dyslipidemia. The KS group comprised 55 patients who visited the infertility clinic for an infertility evaluation and were confirmed as having a diagnosis of KS. The control group comprised 120 patients who visited the clinic for health screening. Patient characteristics were compared between the two groups with respect to height, weight, body mass index (BMI), testosterone, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels. Height and weight were significantly greater in patients belonging to the KS group, but no statistically significant difference was found with respect to the BMI. Testosterone levels in patients belonging to the KS group were significantly lower compared to the control group (2.4 ± 2.6 vs. 5.2 ± 1.8 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, TG levels in patients belonging to the KS group were increased (134.9 ± 127.8 vs. 187.9 ± 192.1 mg/dL, P = 0.004) and HDL cholesterol was significantly decreased (51.2 ± 22.0 vs. 44.0 ± 9.5 mg/dL, P = 0.009). LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.076 and P = 0.256, respectively). Significant differences were noted between patients belonging to the KS group and normal control group with respect to elevated TG and decreased HDL cholesterol levels. © 2017 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Double KS0 photoproduction off the proton at CLAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandavar, S.; Goetz, J. T.; Hicks, K.; Keller, D.; Kunkel, M. C.; Paolone, M.; Weygand, D. P.; Adhikari, K. P.; Adhikari, S.; Akbar, Z.; Ball, J.; Balossino, I.; Barion, L.; Bashkanov, M.; Battaglieri, M.; Bedlinskiy, I.; Biselli, A. S.; Briscoe, W. J.; Brooks, W. K.; Burkert, V. D.; Cao, F.; Carman, D. S.; Celentano, A.; Charles, G.; Chetry, T.; Ciullo, G.; Clark, L.; Cole, P. L.; Contalbrigo, M.; Crede, V.; D'Angelo, A.; Dashyan, N.; De Vita, R.; De Sanctis, E.; Defurne, M.; Deur, A.; Djalali, C.; Dupre, R.; Egiyan, H.; El Alaoui, A.; El Fassi, L.; Eugenio, P.; Fedotov, G.; Filippi, A.; Fradi, A.; Gavalian, G.; Ghandilyan, Y.; Gilfoyle, G. P.; Girod, F. X.; Glazier, D. I.; Gohn, W.; Golovatch, E.; Gothe, R. W.; Griffioen, K. A.; Guidal, M.; Guo, L.; Hafidi, K.; Hakobyan, H.; Hanretty, C.; Harrison, N.; Hattawy, M.; Heddle, D.; Holtrop, M.; Ilieva, Y.; Ireland, D. G.; Isupov, E. L.; Jenkins, D.; Johnston, S.; Joo, K.; Joosten, S.; Kabir, M. L.; Khachatryan, G.; Khachatryan, M.; Khandaker, M.; Kim, W.; Klein, A.; Klein, F. J.; Kubarovsky, V.; Lanza, L.; Lenisa, P.; Livingston, K.; MacGregor, I. J. D.; Markov, N.; McCracken, M. E.; McKinnon, B.; Meyer, C. A.; Mineeva, T.; Mokeev, V.; Movsisyan, A.; Munoz Camacho, C.; Nadel-Turonski, P.; Niccolai, S.; Niculescu, G.; Osipenko, M.; Ostrovidov, A. I.; Paremuzyan, R.; Park, K.; Pasyuk, E.; Phelps, W.; Pogorelko, O.; Price, J. W.; Prok, Y.; Protopopescu, D.; Raue, B. A.; Ripani, M.; Riser, D.; Ritchie, B. G.; Rizzo, A.; Rosner, G.; Sabatié, F.; Salgado, C.; Schumacher, R. A.; Sharabian, Y. G.; Simonyan, A.; Skorodumina, Iu.; Sokhan, D.; Smith, G. D.; Sparveris, N.; Stepanyan, S.; Strakovsky, I. I.; Strauch, S.; Ungaro, M.; Voutier, E.; Wei, X.; Zachariou, N.; Zhang, J.; Zhao, Z. W.; CLAS Collaboration

2018-02-01

The f0(1500 ) meson resonance is one of several contenders to have significant mixing with the lightest glueball. This resonance is well established from several previous experiments. Here we present the first photoproduction data for the f0(1500 ) via decay into the KS0KS0 channel using the CLAS detector. The reaction γ p →fJp →KS0KS0p , where J =0 ,2 , was measured with photon energies from 2.7-5.1 GeV. A clear peak is seen at 1500 MeV in the background subtracted invariant mass spectra of the two kaons. This is enhanced if the measured four-momentum transfer to the proton target is restricted to be less than 1.0 GeV2. By comparing data with simulations, it can be concluded that the peak at 1500 MeV is produced primarily at low t , which is consistent with a t -channel production mechanism.

Thalamic abnormalities are a cardinal feature of alcohol-related brain dysfunction.

PubMed

Pitel, Anne Lise; Segobin, Shailendra H; Ritz, Ludivine; Eustache, Francis; Beaunieux, Hélène

2015-07-01

Two brain networks are particularly affected by the harmful effect of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption: the circuit of Papez and the frontocerebellar circuit, in both of which the thalamus plays a key role. Shrinkage of the thalamus is more severe in alcoholics with Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) than in those without neurological complication (AL). In accordance with the gradient effect of thalamic abnormalities between AL and KS, the pattern of brain dysfunction in the Papez's circuit results in anterograde amnesia in KS and only mild-to-moderate episodic memory disorders in AL. On the opposite, dysfunction of the frontocerebellar circuit results in a similar pattern of working memory and executive deficits in the AL and KS. Several hypotheses, mutually compatible, can be drawn to explain that the severe thalamic shrinkage observed in KS has different consequences in the neuropsychological profile associated with the two brain networks. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Kabuki syndrome: diagnostic and treatment considerations

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder first diagnosed in 1981. Unknown by most primary care physicians and clinicians in the mental health fields, children with KS present with unique facial characteristics, mental retardation, health problems and socio-emotional delays that are often mistaken for other diagnostic problems. Literature detailing the psychological and psychosocial features of this disorder is scant, and psychotherapeutic approaches have not been described. In this article, we present a case description and treatment of a child with KS and her family. A brief review of KS is then provided, highlighting its signs and symptoms. Factors related to differential diagnoses are identified to aid primary care and mental health clinicians in better understanding this unique syndrome. Interventions with similar populations are discussed from which a psychological approach to KS is suggested. Finally, implications for primary care physicians are described and suggestions for further research indicated. PMID:23997823

76 FR 78812 - Standard Instrument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-20

... Independence, KS, Independence Muni, ILS OR LOC RWY 35, Amdt 1A Olathe, KS, Johnson County Executive, LOC RWY 36, Amdt 1B Olathe, KS, Johnson County Executive, LOC/DME RWY 18, Amdt 7D Boston, MA, General Edward... Middleton Island, AK, Middleton Island, RNAV (GPS) RWY 1, Amdt 1 Middleton Island, AK, Middleton Island...

Do KS/BE Preschools Help Hawaiian Children Succeed in the Public Schools?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Heath, Robert W.; Plett, Jerald D.

Presented are results of the tracking of the 1985-86 cohort of preschool alumni of the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate (KS/BE) as they entered and completed kindergarten in the 1986-87 school year. During the 1985-86 program year, 100 preschoolers were enrolled in the KS/BE Pre-kindergarten Education Program at five sites. An additional group of…

Search for lepton flavor violating τ decays with a KS0 meson

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belle Collaboration; Miyazaki, Y.; Abe, K.; Abe, K.; Aihara, H.; Anipko, D.; Arinstein, K.; Aulchenko, V.; Aushev, T.; Bakich, A. M.; Barbero, M.; Bedny, I.; Belous, K.; Bitenc, U.; Bizjak, I.; Blyth, S.; Bondar, A.; Bozek, A.; Bračko, M.; Browder, T. E.; Chen, A.; Chen, W. T.; Chistov, R.; Choi, Y.; Choi, Y. K.; Chuvikov, A.; Cole, S.; Dalseno, J.; Danilov, M.; Dash, M.; Dragic, J.; Eidelman, S.; Epifanov, D.; Gabyshev, N.; Gershon, T.; Gorišek, A.; Ha, H.; Hayasaka, K.; Hayashii, H.; Hazumi, M.; Heffernan, D.; Hokuue, T.; Hoshi, Y.; Hou, S.; Iijima, T.; Imoto, A.; Inami, K.; Ishikawa, A.; Itoh, R.; Iwasaki, M.; Iwasaki, Y.; Kang, J. H.; Kapusta, P.; Kawai, H.; Khan, H. R.; Kichimi, H.; Kim, H. O.; Korpar, S.; Krokovny, P.; Kumar, R.; Kuo, C. C.; Kuzmin, A.; Kwon, Y.-J.; Lee, J.; Lesiak, T.; Lin, S.-W.; Mandl, F.; Matsumoto, T.; McOnie, S.; Mitaroff, W.; Miyake, H.; Miyata, H.; Nakano, E.; Nakao, M.; Nishida, S.; Nitoh, O.; Noguchi, S.; Ogawa, S.; Ohshima, T.; Okabe, T.; Okuno, S.; Onuki, Y.; Ozaki, H.; Palka, H.; Park, H.; Peak, L. S.; Pestotnik, R.; Piilonen, L. E.; Poluektov, A.; Sakai, Y.; Schietinger, T.; Schneider, O.; Seidl, R.; Senyo, K.; Sevior, M. E.; Shapkin, M.; Shibuya, H.; Shwartz, B.; Sidorov, V.; Singh, J. B.; Somov, A.; Soni, N.; Stanič, S.; Starič, M.; Stoeck, H.; Sumisawa, K.; Sumiyoshi, T.; Takasaki, F.; Tamura, N.; Tanaka, M.; Taylor, G. N.; Teramoto, Y.; Tian, X. C.; Tsukamoto, T.; Uehara, S.; Ueno, K.; Uglov, T.; Uno, S.; Urquijo, P.; Usov, Y.; Varner, G.; Villa, S.; Wang, C. C.; Wang, C. H.; Watanabe, Y.; Won, E.; Yamaguchi, A.; Yamashita, Y.; Yamauchi, M.; Zhang, L. M.; Zhilich, V.

2006-08-01

We have searched for the lepton flavor violating decays τ→ℓKS0 (ℓ=e or μ), using a data sample of 281 fb-1 collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB ee asymmetric-energy collider. No evidence for a signal was found in either of the decay modes, and we set the following upper limits for the branching fractions: B(τ→eKS0)<5.6×10 and B(τ→μKS0)<4.9×10 at the 90% confidence level. These results improve the previously published limits set by the CLEO Collaboration by factors of 16 and 19, respectively.

A new limit on the CP violating decay KS → 3π0 with the KLOE experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babusci, D.; Badoni, D.; Balwierz-Pytko, I.; Bencivenni, G.; Bini, C.; Bloise, C.; Bossi, F.; Branchini, P.; Budano, A.; Caldeira Balkeståhl, L.; Capon, G.; Ceradini, F.; Ciambrone, P.; Curciarello, F.; Czerwiński, E.; Danè, E.; De Leo, V.; De Lucia, E.; De Robertis, G.; De Santis, A.; Di Domenico, A.; Di Donato, C.; Di Salvo, R.; Domenici, D.; Erriquez, O.; Fanizzi, G.; Fantini, A.; Felici, G.; Fiore, S.; Franzini, P.; Gauzzi, P.; Giardina, G.; Giovannella, S.; Gonnella, F.; Graziani, E.; Happacher, F.; Heijkenskjöld, L.; Höistad, B.; Iafolla, L.; Jacewicz, M.; Johansson, T.; Kacprzak, K.; Kupsc, A.; Lee-Franzini, J.; Leverington, B.; Loddo, F.; Loffredo, S.; Mandaglio, G.; Martemianov, M.; Martini, M.; Mascolo, M.; Messi, R.; Miscetti, S.; Morello, G.; Moricciani, D.; Moskal, P.; Nguyen, F.; Passeri, A.; Patera, V.; Prado Longhi, I.; Ranieri, A.; Redmer, C. F.; Santangelo, P.; Sarra, I.; Schioppa, M.; Sciascia, B.; Silarski, M.; Taccini, C.; Tortora, L.; Venanzoni, G.; Wiślicki, W.; Wolke, M.; Zdebik, J.

2013-06-01

We have carried out a new direct search for the CP violating decay KS → 3π0 with 1.7 fb-1 of e+e- collisions collected by the KLOE detector at the Φ-factory DAΦNE. We have searched for this decay in a sample of about 5.9 ×108KSKL events tagging the KS by means of the KL interaction in the calorimeter and requiring six prompt photons. With respect to our previous search, the analysis has been improved by increasing of a factor four the tagged sample and by a more effective background rejection of fake KS tags and spurious clusters. We find no candidates in data and simulated background samples, while we expect 0.12 standard model events. Normalizing to the number of KS → 2π0 events in the same sample, we set the upper limit on BR (KS → 3π0) ⩽ 2.6 ×10-8 at 90% C.L., five times lower than the previous limit. We also set the upper limit on the η000 parameter, |η000 | ⩽ 0.0088 at 90% C.L., improving by a factor two the latest direct measurement.

Elevation of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels, but not angiopoietin 2, in the plasma of human immunodeficiency virus-infected African women with clinical Kaposi sarcoma.

PubMed

Graham, Susan M; Rajwans, Nimerta; Richardson, Barbra A; Jaoko, Walter; McClelland, R Scott; Overbaugh, Julie; Liles, W Conrad

2014-10-01

Circulating levels of endothelial activation biomarkers are elevated in during infection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and may also be increased in Kaposi sarcoma (KS). We compared 23 HIV-1-seropositive women with clinically diagnosed KS with 46 randomly selected controls matched for visit year, CD4 count, and antiretroviral therapy status. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify differences between cases and controls. The odds of clinical KS increased with increasing plasma viral load and with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels above or equal to the median. There was a borderline association between increasing plasma angiopoietin 2 levels and KS. In multivariable modeling including plasma viral load, angiopoietin 2, and ICAM-1, plasma ICAM-1 levels above or equal to the median remained associated with clinical KS (odds ratio = 14.2, 95% confidence interval = 2.3-87.7). Circulating ICAM-1 levels should be evaluated as a potential biomarker for disease progression and treatment response among HIV-infected KS patients. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

The pulmonary histopathology of anti-KS transfer RNA synthetase syndrome.

PubMed

Schneider, Frank; Aggarwal, Rohit; Bi, David; Gibson, Kevin; Oddis, Chester; Yousem, Samuel A

2015-01-01

The clinical spectrum of the antisynthetase syndromes (AS) has been poorly defined, although some frequently present with pulmonary manifestations. The anti-KS anti-asparaginyl-transfer RNA synthetase syndrome is one in which pulmonary interstitial lung disease is almost always present and yet the histopathologic spectrum is not well described. To define the morphologic manifestations of pulmonary disease in those patients with anti-KS antiasparaginyl syndrome. We reviewed the connective tissue disorder registry of the University of Pittsburgh and identified those patients with anti-KS autoantibodies who presented with interstitial lung disease and had surgical lung biopsies. The 5 patients with anti-KS antisynthetase syndrome were usually women presenting with dyspnea and without myositis, but with mechanic's hands (60%) and Raynaud phenomenon (40%). They most often presented with a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern of fibrosis (80%), with the final patient displaying organizing pneumonia. Pulmonary interstitial lung disease is a common presentation in patients with the anti-KS-antisynthetase syndrome, who are often women with rather subtle or subclinical connective tissue disease, whereas the literature emphasizes the nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern often diagnosed clinically. Usual interstitial pneumonia and organizing pneumonia patterns of interstitial injury need to be added to this clinical differential diagnosis.

Presence of spermatogonia in 47,XXY men with no spermatozoa recovered after testicular sperm extraction.

PubMed

Van Saen, Dorien; Tournaye, Herman; Goossens, Ellen

2012-02-01

To evaluate the presence of spermatogonia in men diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), in whom no testicular spermatozoa were recovered by testicular sperm extraction. Retrospective case series. University hospital. Testicular samples from 22 nonmosaic 47,XXY men, aged 24-43 years, with no spermatozoa at multiple biopsies. Paraffin-embedded testicular tissue was sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and immunostainings were performed for both MAGE-A4 and vimentin. The presence of spermatogonia. Massive fibrosis and hyalinization were observed in all men with KS. Spermatogonia were observed in 4 of 22 men with KS, with differentiation up to the spermatocyte level in 2 of them. A few men with KS, having no spermatozoa after testicular sperm extraction, still had few spermatogonia. These patients may eventually benefit from in vitro maturation using spermatogonial stem cells. The adult KS population can thus be divided into three subgroups: one subgroup showing focal spermatogenesis, a second having spermatogonia, and a third group in which no germ cells can be recovered. Further research is necessary to unravel the mechanism leading to these different patterns in patients with KS. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Translational Rodent Models of Korsakoff Syndrome Reveal the Critical Neuroanatomical Substrates of Memory Dysfunction and Recovery

PubMed Central

Hall, Joseph M.; Resende, Leticia S.

2016-01-01

Investigation of the amnesic disorder Korsakoff Syndrome (KS) has been vital in elucidating the critical brain regions involved in learning and memory. Although the thalamus and mammillary bodies are the primary sites of neuropathology in KS, functional deactivation of the hippocampus and certain cortical regions also contributes to the chronic cognitive dysfunction reported in KS. The rodent pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD) model has been used to study the extent of hippocampal and cortical neuroadaptations in KS. In the PTD model, the hippocampus, frontal and retrosplenial cortical regions display loss of cholinergic innervation, decreases in behaviorally stimulated acetylcholine release and reductions in neurotrophins. While PTD treatment results in significant impairment in measures of spatial learning and memory, other cognitive processes are left intact and may be recruited to improve cognitive outcome. In addition, behavioral recovery can be stimulated in the PTD model by increasing acetylcholine levels in the medial septum, hippocampus and frontal cortex, but not in the retrosplenial cortex. These data indicate that although the hippocampus and frontal cortex are involved in the pathogenesis of KS, these regions retain neuroplasticity and may be critical targets for improving cognitive outcome in KS. PMID:22528861

Translational rodent models of Korsakoff syndrome reveal the critical neuroanatomical substrates of memory dysfunction and recovery.

PubMed

Savage, Lisa M; Hall, Joseph M; Resende, Leticia S

2012-06-01

Investigation of the amnesic disorder Korsakoff Syndrome (KS) has been vital in elucidating the critical brain regions involved in learning and memory. Although the thalamus and mammillary bodies are the primary sites of neuropathology in KS, functional deactivation of the hippocampus and certain cortical regions also contributes to the chronic cognitive dysfunction reported in KS. The rodent pyrithiamine-induced thiamine deficiency (PTD) model has been used to study the extent of hippocampal and cortical neuroadaptations in KS. In the PTD model, the hippocampus, frontal and retrosplenial cortical regions display loss of cholinergic innervation, decreases in behaviorally stimulated acetylcholine release and reductions in neurotrophins. While PTD treatment results in significant impairment in measures of spatial learning and memory, other cognitive processes are left intact and may be recruited to improve cognitive outcome. In addition, behavioral recovery can be stimulated in the PTD model by increasing acetylcholine levels in the medial septum, hippocampus and frontal cortex, but not in the retrosplenial cortex. These data indicate that although the hippocampus and frontal cortex are involved in the pathogenesis of KS, these regions retain neuroplasticity and may be critical targets for improving cognitive outcome in KS.

Uncrowding R 136 from VLT/SPHERE extreme adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khorrami, Z.; Vakili, F.; Lanz, T.; Langlois, M.; Lagadec, E.; Meyer, M. R.; Robbe-Dubois, S.; Abe, L.; Avenhaus, H.; Beuzit, J. L.; Gratton, R.; Mouillet, D.; Origné, A.; Petit, C.; Ramos, J.

2017-06-01

This paper presents the sharpest near-IR images of the massive cluster R 136 to date, based on the extreme adaptive optics of the SPHERE focal instrument implemented on the ESO Very Large Telescope and operated in its IRDIS imaging mode.The crowded stellar population in the core of the R 136 starburst compact cluster remains still to be characterized in terms of individual luminosities, age, mass and multiplicity. SPHERE/VLT and its high contrast imaging possibilities open new windows to make progress on these questions.Stacking-up a few hundreds of short exposures in J and Ks spectral bands over a field of view (FoV) of 10.9″ × 12.3″ centered on the R 136a1 stellar component, enabled us to carry a refined photometric analysis of the core of R 136. We detected 1110 and 1059 sources in J and Ks images respectively with 818 common sources. Thanks to better angular resolution and dynamic range, we found that more than 62.6% (16.5%) of the stars, detected both in J and Ks data, have neighbours closer than 0.2'' (0.1''). The closest stars are resolved down to the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the point spread function (PSF) measured by Starfinder. Among resolved and/or detected sources R 136a1 and R 136c have optical companions and R 136a3 is resolved as two stars (PSF fitting) separated by 59 ± 2 mas. This new companion of R 136a3 presents a correlation coefficient of 86% in J and 75% in Ks. The new set of detected sources were used to re-assess the age and extinction of R 136 based on 54 spectroscopically stars that have been recently studied with HST slit-spectroscopy (Crowther et al. 2016, MNRAS, 458, 624) of the core of this cluster. Over 90% of these 54 sources identified visual companions (closer than 0.2''). We found the most probable age and extinction for these sources are Myr, AJ = (0.45 ± 0.5) mag and AK = (0.2 ± 0.5) mag within the photometric and spectroscopic error-bars. Additionally, using PARSEC evolutionary isochrones and tracks, we estimated the stellar mass range for each detected source (common in J and K data) and plotted the generalized histogram of mass (MF with error-bars). Using SPHERE data, we have gone one step further and partially resolved and studied the initial mass function covering mass range of (3-300) M⊙ at the age of 1 and 1.5 Myr. The density in the core of R 136 (0.1-1.4 pc) is estimated and extrapolated in 3D and larger radii (up to 6 pc). We show that the stars in the core are still unresolved due to crowding, and the results we obtained are upper limits. Higher angular resolution is mandatory to overcome these difficulties. Based on data collected at the European Southern Observatory, Chile, Guaranteed Time Observation 095.D-0309(K).The catalogue is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (http://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/602/A56

Studying Galaxy Formation with the Hubble, Spitzer and James Webb Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan P.

2007-01-01

The deepest optical to infrared observations of the universe include the Hubble Deep Fields, the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey and the recent Hubble Ultra-Deep Field. Galaxies are seen in these surveys at redshifts 2x3, less than 1 Gyr after the Big Bang, at the end of a period when light from the galaxies has reionized Hydrogen in the inter-galactic medium. These observations, combined with theoretical understanding, indicate that the first stars and galaxies formed at z>lO, beyond the reach of the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. To observe the first galaxies, NASA is planning the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a large (6.5m), cold (<50K), infrared-optimized observatory to be launched early in the next decade into orbit around the second Earth- Sun Lagrange point. JWST will have four instruments: The Near-Infrared Camera, the Near-Infrared multi-object Spectrograph, and the Tunable Filter Imager will cover the wavelength range 0.6 to 5 microns, while the Mid-Infrared Instrument will do both imaging and spectroscopy from 5 to 28.5 microns. In addition to JWST's ability to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, I will also briefly review its expected contributions to studies of the formation of stars and planetary systems.

Studying Galaxy Formation with the Hubble, Spitzer and James Webb Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan F.; Barbier, L. M.; Barthelmy, S. D.; Cummings, J. R.; Fenimore, E. E.; Gehrels, N.; Hullinger, D. D.; Markwardt, C. B.; Palmer, D. M.; Parsons, A. M.;

Studying Galaxy Formation with the Hubble, Spitzer and James Webb Space Telescopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan P.

2007-01-01

The deepest optical to infrared observations of the universe include the Hubble Deep Fields, the Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey and the recent Hubble Ultra-Deep Field. Galaxies are seen in these surveys at redshifts z>6, less than 1 Gyr after the Big Bang, at the end of a period when light from the galaxies has reionized Hydrogen in the inter-galactic medium. These observations, combined with theoretical understanding, indicate that the first stars and galaxies formed at z>10, beyond the reach of the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. To observe the first galaxies, NASA is planning the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a large (6.5m), cold (<50K), infrared-optimized observatory to be launched early in the next decade into orbit around the second Earth- Sun Lagrange point. JWST will have four instruments: The Near-Infrared Camera, the Near-Infrared multi-object Spectrograph, and the Tunable Filter Imager will cover the wavelength range 0.6 to 5 microns, while the Mid-Infrared Instrument will do both imaging and spectroscopy from 5 to 28.5 microns. In addition to JWST's ability to study the formation and evolution of galaxies, I will also briefly review its expected contributions to studies of the formation of stars and planetary systems.

77 FR 31831 - Designation for the Topeka, KS; Cedar Rapids, IA; Minot, ND; and Cincinnati, OH Areas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-30

... the Topeka, KS; Cedar Rapids, IA; Minot, ND; and Cincinnati, OH Areas AGENCY: Grain Inspection.... Applications were due by March 12, 2012. Topeka, KS; Cedar Rapids, IA; Minot, ND and Cincinnati, OH areas were...) 233-7063 7/1/2012 6/30/2015 Mid-Iowa Cedar Rapids, IA; (319) 363-0239...... 7/1/2012 6/30/2015 Minot...

Stratification of earth's outermost core inferred from SmKS array data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneshima, Satoshi; Matsuzawa, Takanori

2015-12-01

S mKS arrivals recorded by large-scale broadband seismometer arrays are analyzed to investigate the depth profile of P wave speed ( V p ) in the outermost core. The V p structure of the upper 700 km of the outer core has been determined using S mKS waves of Fiji-Tonga events recorded at stations in Europe. According to a recent outer core model (KHOMC), the V p value is 0.45 % slower at the core mantle boundary (CMB) than produced by the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM), and the slow anomaly gradually diminishes to insignificant values at ˜300 km below the CMB. In this study, after verifying these KHOMC features, we show that the differential travel times measured for S mKS waves that are recorded by other large-scale arrays sampling laterally different regions are well matched by KHOMC. We also show that KHOMC precisely fits the observed relative slowness values between S2KS, S3KS, and S4KS (S mKS waves with m= 2, 3, and 4). Based on these observations, we conclude that S mKS predominantly reflect the outer core structure. Then we evaluate biases of secondary importance which may be caused by mantle heterogeneity. The KHOMC V p profile can be characterized by a significant difference in the radial V p gradient between the shallower 300 km and the deeper part of the upper 700 km of the core. The shallower part has a V p gradient of -0.0018 s -1, which is steeper by 0.0001 s -1 when compared to the deeper core presented by PREM. The steeper V p gradient anomaly of the uppermost core corresponds to a radial variation in the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K '= d K/ d P. The K ' value is 3.7, which is larger by about 0.2 than that of the deeper core. The radial variation in K ' is too large to have a purely thermal origin, according to recent ab initio calculations on liquid iron alloys, and thus requires a thick and compositionally stratified layering at the outermost outer core.

Validated high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection method for the determination of residual keratan sulfate and other glucosamine impurities in sodium chondroitin sulfate.

PubMed

Bottelli, Susanna; Grillo, Gianluca; Barindelli, Edoardo; Nencioni, Alessandro; Di Maria, Alessandro; Fossati, Tiziano

2017-07-07

An efficient and sensitive analytical method based on high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) was devised for the determination of glucosamine (GlcN) in sodium chondroitin sulfate (CS). Glucosamine (GlcN) is intended as marker of residual keratan sulfate (KS) and other impurities generating glucosamine by acidic hydrolyzation. The latter brings CS and KS to their respective monomers. Since GlcN is present only in KS we developed a method that separates GlcN from GalN, the principal hydrolytic product of CS, and then we validated it in order to quantify GlcN. Method validation was performed by spiking CS raw material with known amounts of KS. Detection limit was 0.5% of KS in CS (corresponding to 0.1μg/ml), and the linear range was 0.5-5% of KS in CS (corresponding to 0.1-1μg/ml). The optimized analysis was carried out on an ICS-5000 system (Dionex, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) equipped with a Dionex Amino Trap guard column (3mm×30mm), Dionex CarboPac-PA20 (3mm×30mm) and a Dionex CarboPac-PA20 analytical column (3mm×150mm) using gradient elution at a 0.5ml/min flow rate. Regression equations revealed good linear relationship (R 2 =0.99, n=5) within the test ranges. Quality parameters, including precision and accuracy, were fully validated and found to be satisfactory. The fully validated HPAEC-PAD method was readily applied for the quantification of residual KS in CS in several raw materials and USP/EP reference substance. Results confirmed that the HPAEC-PAD method is more specific than the electrophoretic method for related substance reported in EP and provides sensitive determination of KS in acid-hydrolyzed CS samples, enabling the quantitation of KS and other impurities (generating glucosamine) in CS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of the interaction of flavonoids with 3-mercaptopropionic acid modified CdTe quantum dots mediated by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide in aqueous medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aucelio, Ricardo Q.; Carvalho, Juliana M.; Real, Juliana T.; Maqueira-Espinosa, Luis; Pérez-Gramatges, Aurora; da Silva, Andrea R.

2017-02-01

Flavonoids are polyphenols that help the maintenance of health, aiding the prevention of diseases. In this work, CdTe QDs coated with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3MPA), with an average size of 2.7 nm, were used as photoluminescence probe for flavonoids in different conditions. The interaction between 14 flavonoids and QDs was evaluated in aqueous dispersions in the absence and in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). To establish a relationship between photoluminescence quenching and the concentration of flavonoids, the Stern-Volmer model was used. In the absence of CTAB, the linear ranges for quercetin, morin and rutin were from 5.0 × 10- 6 mol L- 1 to 6.0 × 10- 5 mol L- 1 and from 1.0 × 10- 5 mol L- 1 to 6.0 × 10- 4 mol L- 1 for kaempferol. The sensibility of the Stern-Volmer curves (Ks) indicated that quercetin interacts more strongly with the probe: Ks quercetin > Ks kaempferol > Ks rutin > Ks morin. The conjugation extension in the 3 rings, and the acidic hydroxyl groups (positions 3ʹand 4ʹ) in the B-ring enhanced the interaction with 3MPA-CdTe QDs. The other flavonoids do not interact with the probe at 10- 5 mol L- 1 level. In CTAB organized dispersions, Ks 3-hydroxyflavone > Ks 7-hydroxyflavone > Ks flavona > Ks rutin in the range from 1.0 × 10- 6 mol L- 1 to 1.2 × 10- 5 mol L- 1 for flavones and of 1.0 × 10- 6 mol L- 1 to 1.0 × 10- 5 mol L- 1 for rutin. Dynamic light scattering, conductometric measurements and microenvironment polarity studies were employed to elucidate the QDs-flavonoids interaction in systems containing CTAB. The quenching can be attributed to the preferential solubility of hydrophobic flavonoid in the palisade layer of the CTAB aggregates adsorbed on the surface of the 3MPA CdTe QDs.

Preparation and Electrocatalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles Immobilized on the Surface of 4-Mercaptobenzoyl-Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-20

thiolate -Au bonds,30 and so GNP/MB-MWCNT hybrids were synthesized using a modified literature procedure.31 The SEM images show sequential...4 The electrocatalytic stability of GNP/MB-MWCNT supposes to be originated from the formation of stable thiolate -Au bonds that prevent aggregation of...Moon, K.-S.; Wong, C. P. Carbon 2007, 45, 655–661. (19) Sandler, J.; Shaffer, M. S. P.; Prasse, T.; Bauhofer, W.; Schulte, K.; Windle, A. H. Polymer

Investigating the Current State of V1535 Sco

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linford, Justin

2017-09-01

We request 25 ks of time on the ACIS instrument to image the nova system V1535 Sco in quiescence. The observations will reveal several details about the physics of the system. The presence of X-rays and variations in the light curve will prove the resumption of accretion onto the white dwarf. Absorption, especially in the soft X-rays, will probe the presence of a strong stellar wind from the companion star. The X-ray spectrum will place limits on the white dwarf mass.

Specific PET Imaging Probes for Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Metastases

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

K. S. (2005) 67-kDa laminin receptor promotes internalization of cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1-expressing Escherichia coli K1 into human brain...Chung JW, Kim KS (2005) 67-kDa laminin receptor promotes internalization of cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1-expressing Esch- erichia coli K1 into human...SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER E -Mail: 5f

TH-A-18C-09: Ultra-Fast Monte Carlo Simulation for Cone Beam CT Imaging of Brain Trauma

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

Sisniega, A; Zbijewski, W; Stayman, J

Purpose: Application of cone-beam CT (CBCT) to low-contrast soft tissue imaging, such as in detection of traumatic brain injury, is challenged by high levels of scatter. A fast, accurate scatter correction method based on Monte Carlo (MC) estimation is developed for application in high-quality CBCT imaging of acute brain injury. Methods: The correction involves MC scatter estimation executed on an NVIDIA GTX 780 GPU (MC-GPU), with baseline simulation speed of ~1e7 photons/sec. MC-GPU is accelerated by a novel, GPU-optimized implementation of variance reduction (VR) techniques (forced detection and photon splitting). The number of simulated tracks and projections is reduced formore » additional speed-up. Residual noise is removed and the missing scatter projections are estimated via kernel smoothing (KS) in projection plane and across gantry angles. The method is assessed using CBCT images of a head phantom presenting a realistic simulation of fresh intracranial hemorrhage (100 kVp, 180 mAs, 720 projections, source-detector distance 700 mm, source-axis distance 480 mm). Results: For a fixed run-time of ~1 sec/projection, GPU-optimized VR reduces the noise in MC-GPU scatter estimates by a factor of 4. For scatter correction, MC-GPU with VR is executed with 4-fold angular downsampling and 1e5 photons/projection, yielding 3.5 minute run-time per scan, and de-noised with optimized KS. Corrected CBCT images demonstrate uniformity improvement of 18 HU and contrast improvement of 26 HU compared to no correction, and a 52% increase in contrast-tonoise ratio in simulated hemorrhage compared to “oracle” constant fraction correction. Conclusion: Acceleration of MC-GPU achieved through GPU-optimized variance reduction and kernel smoothing yields an efficient (<5 min/scan) and accurate scatter correction that does not rely on additional hardware or simplifying assumptions about the scatter distribution. The method is undergoing implementation in a novel CBCT dedicated to brain trauma imaging at the point of care in sports and military applications. Research grant from Carestream Health. JY is an employee of Carestream Health.« less

30 CFR 203.2 - How can I obtain royalty relief?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 203.49). (g) Located in a designated GOM shallow water area Drill and produce gas from an ultra-deep...) Located in a designated GOM deep water area (i.e., 200 meters or greater) and acquired in a lease sale... 203.79). (c) Located in a designated GOM deep water area and acquired in a lease sale held before...

Diagnosis and clinical characteristics of congenital anosmia: case series report.

PubMed

Qu, Qiuyi; Liu, Jianfeng; Ni, Daofeng; Zhang, Qiuhang; Yang, Dazhang; Wang, Naya; Wu, Xueyan; Han, Honglei

2010-12-01

congenital anosmia is extremely rare and tends to present late. We report on a series of patients with congenital anosmia to analyze its clinical characteristics and present illustrative cases. retrospective chart review. tertiary care centre. thirty-five patients with congenital anosmia were reviewed. A thorough medical history taking, physical examination, and nasal endoscopy were performed in all patients. T&T olfactory testing (n = 33), olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) (n = 33), and sinonasal computed tomography (CT) (n = 35) were carried out. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the olfactory pathway (n = 34) were available. Serum sex hormones were tested (n = 33). physical examination, olfactory testing, MRI of the olfactory pathway, and serum sex hormones. twenty cases were isolated congenital anosmia (ICA). Fifteen cases were congenital anosmia with other anomalies, including 12 cases with Kallmann syndrome (KS), two with CHARGE syndrome, and one with hypoplasia of the nasal cavity and nasal sinus. T&T olfactory testing indicated anosmia (n = 33). No OERP was obtained (n = 33). CT scans indicated three abnormal patients, including two with unilateral choanal atresia and one with hypoplasia of the nasal cavity and sinus. MRI demonstrated aplasia or hypoplasia of the olfactory bulbs, tracts, and olfactory sulci (n = 34). Serum sex hormones were low in 12 patients with KS. early diagnosis of congenital anosmia on the basis of olfactory symptoms is difficult. MRI of the olfactory pathway plays an important role in anatomic location. ICA is the most common congenital anosmia. KS is the primary presentation of congenital anosmia with other anomalies.

HFF-DeepSpace Photometric Catalogs of the 12 Hubble Frontier Fields, Clusters, and Parallels: Photometry, Photometric Redshifts, and Stellar Masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shipley, Heath V.; Lange-Vagle, Daniel; Marchesini, Danilo; Brammer, Gabriel B.; Ferrarese, Laura; Stefanon, Mauro; Kado-Fong, Erin; Whitaker, Katherine E.; Oesch, Pascal A.; Feinstein, Adina D.; Labbé, Ivo; Lundgren, Britt; Martis, Nicholas; Muzzin, Adam; Nedkova, Kalina; Skelton, Rosalind; van der Wel, Arjen

2018-03-01

We present Hubble multi-wavelength photometric catalogs, including (up to) 17 filters with the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Wide Field Camera 3 from the ultra-violet to near-infrared for the Hubble Frontier Fields and associated parallels. We have constructed homogeneous photometric catalogs for all six clusters and their parallels. To further expand these data catalogs, we have added ultra-deep K S -band imaging at 2.2 μm from the Very Large Telescope HAWK-I and Keck-I MOSFIRE instruments. We also add post-cryogenic Spitzer imaging at 3.6 and 4.5 μm with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC), as well as archival IRAC 5.8 and 8.0 μm imaging when available. We introduce the public release of the multi-wavelength (0.2–8 μm) photometric catalogs, and we describe the unique steps applied for the construction of these catalogs. Particular emphasis is given to the source detection band, the contamination of light from the bright cluster galaxies (bCGs), and intra-cluster light (ICL). In addition to the photometric catalogs, we provide catalogs of photometric redshifts and stellar population properties. Furthermore, this includes all the images used in the construction of the catalogs, including the combined models of bCGs and ICL, the residual images, segmentation maps, and more. These catalogs are a robust data set of the Hubble Frontier Fields and will be an important aid in designing future surveys, as well as planning follow-up programs with current and future observatories to answer key questions remaining about first light, reionization, the assembly of galaxies, and many more topics, most notably by identifying high-redshift sources to target.

AEGIS: The Diversity of Bright Near-IR-selected Distant Red Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conselice, C. J.; Newman, J. A.; Georgakakis, A.; Almaini, O.; Coil, A. L.; Cooper, M. C.; Eisenhardt, P.; Foucaud, S.; Koekemoer, A.; Lotz, J.; Noeske, K.; Weiner, B.; Willmer, C. N. A.

2007-05-01

We use deep and wide near-infrared (NIR) imaging from the Palomar telescope combined with DEEP2 spectroscopy and HST and Chandra imaging to investigate the nature of galaxies that are red in NIR colors. We locate these ``distant red galaxies'' (DRGs) through the color cut (J-K)Vega>2.3 over 0.7 deg2, where we find 1010 DRG candidates down to Ks=20.5. We combine 95 high-quality spectroscopic redshifts with photometric redshifts from BRIJK photometry to determine the redshift and stellar mass distributions for these systems, and the morphological/structural and X-ray properties for 107 DRGs in the Extended Groth Strip. We find that many bright (J-K)Vega>2.3 galaxies with Ks<20.5 are at redshifts z<2, with 64% in the range 12 systems being massive with M*>1011 Msolar. HST imaging shows that the structural properties and morphologies of DRGs are also diverse, with the majority elliptical/compact (57%) and the remainder edge-on spiral (7%) and peculiar (29%). The DRGs at z<1.4 with high-quality spectroscopic redshifts are generally compact, with small half-light radii, and span a range in rest-frame optical properties. The spectral energy distribution for the DRGs at z<1.4 differs from higher redshift DRGs: they are bluer by 1 mag in observed (I-J) color. A pure IR color selection of high-redshift populations is not sufficient to identify unique populations, and other colors or spectroscopic redshifts are needed to produce homogeneous samples.

Comparing Stellar Populations Across the Hubble Sequence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loeffler, Shane; Kaleida, Catherine C.; Parkash, Vaishali

2015-01-01

Previous work (Jansen et al., 2000, Taylor et al., 2005) has revealed trends in the optical wavelength radial profiles of galaxies across the Hubble Sequence. Radial profiles offer insight into stellar populations, metallicity, and dust concentrations, aspects which are deeply tied to the individual evolution of a galaxy. The Nearby Field Galaxy Survey (NFGS) provides a sampling of nearby galaxies that spans the range of morphological types, luminosities, and masses. Currently available NFGS data includes optical radial surface profiles and spectra of 196 nearby galaxies. We aim to look for trends in the infrared portion of the spectrum for these galaxies, but find that existing 2MASS data is not sufficiently deep. Herein, we expand the available data for the NGFS galaxy IC1639 deeper into the infrared using new data taken with the Infrared Sideport Imager (ISPI) on the 4-m Blanco Telescope at the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile. Images taken in J, H, and Ks were reduced using standard IRAF and IDL procedures. Photometric calibrations were completed by using the highest quality (AAA) 2MASS stars in the field. Aperture photometry was then performed on the galaxy and radial profiles of surface brightness, J-H color, and H-Ks color were produced. For IC1639, the new ISPI data reveals flat color gradients and surface brightness gradients that decrease with radius. These trends reveal an archetypal elliptical galaxy, with a relatively homogeneous stellar population, stellar density decreasing with radius, and little-to-no obscuration by dust. We have obtained ISPI images for an additional 8 galaxies, and further reduction and analysis of these data will allow for investigation of radial trends in the infrared for galaxies across the Hubble Sequence.

Kulish-Sklyanin-type models: Integrability and reductions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerdjikov, V. S.

2017-08-01

We start with a Riemann-Hilbert problem ( RHP) related to BD.I- type symmetric spaces SO(2 r + 1)/ S( O(2 r - 2 s+1) ⊗ O(2 s)), s ≥ 1. We consider two RHPs: the first is formulated on the real axis R in the complex-λ plane; the second, on R ⊗ iR. The first RHP for s = 1 allows solving the Kulish-Sklyanin (KS) model; the second RHP is related to a new type of KS model. We consider an important example of nontrivial deep reductions of the KS model and show its effect on the scattering matrix. In particular, we obtain new two-component nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Finally, using the Wronski relations, we show that the inverse scattering method for KS models can be understood as generalized Fourier transforms. We thus find a way to characterize all the fundamental properties of KS models including the hierarchy of equations and the hierarchy of their Hamiltonian structures.

Non-HIV-related Kaposi sarcoma in 2 Hispanic patients arising in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency.

PubMed

Que, Syril Kt; DeFelice, Taylor; Abdulla, Farah R; Cassarino, David; Patel, Rishi R

2015-06-01

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection that can be confused with the clinical and histological findings of chronic venous insufficiency. Definitive diagnosis of KS can only be achieved by performing a polymerase chain reaction for HHV-8 or by immunostaining for the HHV-8 antigen. We describe 2 unusual clinical presentations of KS in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency with clinical and histologic features consistent with stasis dermatitis but positive HHV-8 immunostaining. Both patients had no known risk factors for KS. We propose the possibility that these cases may represent a new clinical variant of KS that may become more prevalent over time. Further studies are needed to identify the risk factors involved. Meanwhile, skin biopsy with HHV-8 testing may be warranted for violaceous patches and plaques arising on the legs in the setting of chronic venous insufficiency, especially in patients who are unresponsive to treatment.

Executive functioning in chronic alcoholism and Korsakoff syndrome.

PubMed

Maharasingam, Malini; Macniven, Jamie A B; Mason, Oliver J

2013-01-01

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is characterized by dense anterograde and retrograde amnesia. There is often a temporal gradient to the retrograde amnesia, with earlier memories more readily recalled than recent memories. Executive functioning has also been found to be impaired in KS. However, research comparing executive functioning between chronic alcoholics (AL) and patients with KS has been relatively sparse to date. In a group comparison design, executive functioning in 15 KS patients and 16 chronic alcoholic patients was assessed using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome test (BADS) and other secondary measures. The KS group was found to be significantly more impaired than the AL group on overall performance on the BADS (p < .05). Korsakoff patients are significantly more impaired in executive functioning than non-Korsakoff chronic alcoholics. We thank the participants of the study and also acknowledge the support of the University of Nottingham, particularly Nadina Lincoln, and the North East London NHS Foundation Trust. We are also very grateful to the anonymous reviewers of earlier drafts of this manuscript for their invaluable comments.

Detection of human herpesvirus 8 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction: development and standardisation of methods.

PubMed

Speicher, David J; Johnson, Newell W

2012-09-11

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the aetiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD), and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is rare in Australia, but endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South-east Asia and Oceania. While the treatment of external KS lesions can be monitored by clinical observation, the internal lesions of KS, MCD and PEL require extensive and expensive internal imaging, or autopsy. In patients with MCD and PEL, if HHV-8 viraemia is not reduced quickly, ~50% die within 24 months. HHV-8 qPCR is a valuable tool for monitoring HHV-8 viraemia, but is not available in many parts of the world, including those with high prevalence of KS and HHV-8. A new molecular facility with stringent three-phase workflow was established, adhering to NPAAC and CLSI guidelines. Three fully validated quantitative assays were developed: two for detection and quantification of HHV-8; one for GAPDH, necessary for normalisation of viral loads in tissue and peripheral blood. The HHV-8 ORF73 and ORF26 qPCR assays were 100% specific. All qPCR assays, displayed a broad dynamic range (102 to 1010 copies/μL TE Buffer) with a limit of detection of 4.85x103, 5.61x102, and 2.59x102 copies/μL TE Buffer and a limit of quantification of 4.85x103, 3.01x102, and 1.38x102 copies/μL TE Buffer for HHV-8 ORF73, HHV-8 ORF26, and GAPDH respectively.The assays were tested on a panel of 35 KS biopsies from Queensland. All were HHV-8 qPCR positive with average viral load of 2.96x105 HHV-8 copies/μL DNA extract (range: 4.37x103 to 1.47x106 copies/μL DNA extract): When normalised these equate to an average viral load of 2.44x104 HHV-8 copies/103 cells (range: 2.20x102 to 7.38x105 HHV-8 copies/103 cells). These are the first fully optimised, validated and MIQE compliant HHV-8 qPCR assays established in Australia. They worked well for qualitative detection of HHV-8 in archival tissue, and are well-suited for quantitative detection in whole blood. They are now available for research, for clinical diagnosis of HHV-8 infection, and for monitoring treatment efficacy.

Acroangiodermatitis mimicking Kaposi's sarcoma in an HIV-positive man.

PubMed

Goorney, B P; Newsham, J; Fitzgerald, D; Motta, L

2018-06-01

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the commonest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related malignancy with its characteristic cutaneous morphological appearance and histopathological features. However, it can be simulated by other co-morbid opportunistic infections and unrelated dermatological conditions. We describe such a case of acroangiodermatitis in an HIV co-infected man, based on exclusion of KS histologically and the absence of human herpesvirus 8, the causative agent of KS.

The Use of National Data Sets to Baseline Science Education Reform: Exploring Value-Added Approaches

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Homer, Matt; Ryder, Jim; Donnelly, Jim

2011-01-01

This paper uses data from the National Pupil Database to investigate the differences in "performance" across the range of science courses available following the 2006 Key Stage 4 (KS4) science reforms in England. This is a value-added exploration (from Key Stage 3 [KS3] to KS4) aimed not at the student or the school level, but rather at…

The KS Method in Light of Generalized Euler Parameters.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-01-01

motion for the restricted two-body problem is trans- formed via the Kustaanheimo - Stiefel transformation method (KS) into a dynamical equation in the... Kustaanheimo - Stiefel2 transformation method (KS) in the two-body problem. Many papers have appeared in which specific problems or applications have... TRANSFORMATION MATRIX P. Kustaanheimo and E. Stiefel2 proposed a regularization method by intro- ducing a 4 x 4 transformation matrix and four-component

Kindler syndrome with palmoplantar hyperhidrosis and blonde hair.

PubMed

Maheshwari, Anshul; Dhaked, Daulat Ram; Mathur, Deepak K; Bhargava, Puneet

2015-01-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a very rare genodermatosis characterized by acral blistering starting in infancy along with photosensitivity, progressive poikiloderma, cutaneous atrophy, and a variable degree of mucosal involvement. A large number of other cutaneous and extracutaneous features have been described, which aid in diagnosing it. Generally KS has been found to be associated with hypohidrosis/anhidrosis. We herein present a rare case of KS with unique features.

The Use of a Knowledge Survey as an Indicator of Student Learning in an Introductory Biology Course

PubMed Central

2005-01-01

A knowledge survey (KS) is a series of content-based questions sequenced in order of presentation during a course. Students do not answer the questions; rather, they rank their confidence in their ability to answer each question. A 304-question KS was designed and implemented for a multisection, multi-instructor introductory biology course to determine whether this tool could be used to assess student learning. The KS was administered during the first 2 wk and the last 2 wk of the semester online via WebCT. Results were scored using one point for each “not confident” response (level 1), two points for each “possibly confident” response (level 2), and three points for each “confident” response (level 3). We found that scores increased significantly between the pre- and post-KS, indicating that student confidence in their knowledge of the course material increased over the semester. However, the correlation between student confidence and final grades was negligible or low, and chi-square tests show that KS scores and matched exam questions were not significantly related. We conclude that under the conditions implemented in our study, the KS does not reliably measure student learning as measured by final grades or exam questions. PMID:16341258

Occurrence of bacteriophages infecting Aeromonas, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella in water and association with contamination sources in Thailand.

PubMed

Wangkahad, Bencharong; Bosup, Suchada; Mongkolsuk, Skorn; Sirikanchana, Kwanrawee

2015-06-01

The co-residence of bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts in humans, animals, and environmental sources directed the use of bacteriophages to track the origins of the pathogenic bacteria that can be found in contaminated water. The objective of this study was to enumerate bacteriophages of Aeromonas caviae (AecaKS148), Enterobacter sp. (EnspKS513), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KlpnKS648) in water and evaluate their association with contamination sources (human vs. animals). Bacterial host strains were isolated from untreated wastewater in Bangkok, Thailand. A double-layer agar technique was used to detect bacteriophages. All three bacteriophages were detected in polluted canal samples, with likely contamination from human wastewater, whereas none was found in non-polluted river samples. AecaKS148 was found to be associated with human fecal sources, while EnspKS513 and KlpnKS648 seemed to be equally prevalent in both human and animal fecal sources. Both bacteriophages were also present in polluted canals that could receive contamination from other fecal sources or the environment. In conclusion, all three bacteriophages were successfully monitored in Bangkok, Thailand. This study provided an example of bacteriophages for potential use as source identifiers of pathogen contamination. The results from this study will assist in controlling sources of pathogen contamination, especially in developing countries.

An extra X or Y chromosome: contrasting the cognitive and motor phenotypes in childhood in boys with 47,XYY syndrome or 47,XXY Klinefelter syndrome

PubMed Central

Ross, Judith L.; Zeger, Martha P.D.; Kushner, Harvey; Zinn, Andrew R.; Roeltgen, David P.

2010-01-01

Objective The goal of this study was to contrast the cognitive phenotypes in boys with 47,XYY (XYY) karyotype and boys with 47,XXY karyotype (Klinefelter syndrome, KS), who share an extra copy of the X-Y pseudoautosomal region but differ in their dosage of strictly sex-linked genes. Methods Neuropsychological evaluation of general cognitive ability, language, memory, attention, visual-spatial abilities, visual-motor skills, and motor function. Results Study cohort: 21 boys with 47,XYY and 93 boys with 47,XXY (KS), ages 4-17 years, and 36 age-matched control boys. Both the XYY and KS groups performed less well, on average, than the controls on tests of general cognitive ability, achievement, language, verbal memory, some aspects of attention and executive function, and motor function. The boys with XYY on average had more severe and pervasive language impairment, at both simple and complex levels, and the boys with KS on average had greater motor impairment in gross motor function and coordination, especially in running speed and agility. Conclusions The results from these large XYY and KS cohorts have important neurocognitive and educational implications. From the neurocognitive standpoint, the presenting findings afford an opportunity to gain insights into brain development in boys with XYY and those with KS. From the educational standpoint, it is critical that boys with XYY or KS receive appropriate educational interventions that target their specific learning challenges. These findings also provide important information for counseling clinicians and families about these disorders. PMID:20014371

Structural and evolutionary relationships of "AT-less" type I polyketide synthase ketosynthases.

PubMed

Lohman, Jeremy R; Ma, Ming; Osipiuk, Jerzy; Nocek, Boguslaw; Kim, Youngchang; Chang, Changsoo; Cuff, Marianne; Mack, Jamey; Bigelow, Lance; Li, Hui; Endres, Michael; Babnigg, Gyorgy; Joachimiak, Andrzej; Phillips, George N; Shen, Ben

2015-10-13

Acyltransferase (AT)-less type I polyketide synthases (PKSs) break the type I PKS paradigm. They lack the integrated AT domains within their modules and instead use a discrete AT that acts in trans, whereas a type I PKS module minimally contains AT, acyl carrier protein (ACP), and ketosynthase (KS) domains. Structures of canonical type I PKS KS-AT didomains reveal structured linkers that connect the two domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs have remnants of these linkers, which have been hypothesized to be AT docking domains. Natural products produced by AT-less type I PKSs are very complex because of an increased representation of unique modifying domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs possess substrate specificity and fall into phylogenetic clades that correlate with their substrates, whereas canonical type I PKS KSs are monophyletic. We have solved crystal structures of seven AT-less type I PKS KS domains that represent various sequence clusters, revealing insight into the large structural and subtle amino acid residue differences that lead to unique active site topologies and substrate specificities. One set of structures represents a larger group of KS domains from both canonical and AT-less type I PKSs that accept amino acid-containing substrates. One structure has a partial AT-domain, revealing the structural consequences of a type I PKS KS evolving into an AT-less type I PKS KS. These structures highlight the structural diversity within the AT-less type I PKS KS family, and most important, provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of substrate specificity within the type I PKSs.

Structural and evolutionary relationships of “AT-less” type I polyketide synthase ketosynthases

PubMed Central

Lohman, Jeremy R.; Ma, Ming; Osipiuk, Jerzy; Nocek, Boguslaw; Kim, Youngchang; Chang, Changsoo; Cuff, Marianne; Mack, Jamey; Bigelow, Lance; Li, Hui; Endres, Michael; Babnigg, Gyorgy; Joachimiak, Andrzej; Phillips, George N.; Shen, Ben

2015-01-01

Acyltransferase (AT)-less type I polyketide synthases (PKSs) break the type I PKS paradigm. They lack the integrated AT domains within their modules and instead use a discrete AT that acts in trans, whereas a type I PKS module minimally contains AT, acyl carrier protein (ACP), and ketosynthase (KS) domains. Structures of canonical type I PKS KS-AT didomains reveal structured linkers that connect the two domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs have remnants of these linkers, which have been hypothesized to be AT docking domains. Natural products produced by AT-less type I PKSs are very complex because of an increased representation of unique modifying domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs possess substrate specificity and fall into phylogenetic clades that correlate with their substrates, whereas canonical type I PKS KSs are monophyletic. We have solved crystal structures of seven AT-less type I PKS KS domains that represent various sequence clusters, revealing insight into the large structural and subtle amino acid residue differences that lead to unique active site topologies and substrate specificities. One set of structures represents a larger group of KS domains from both canonical and AT-less type I PKSs that accept amino acid-containing substrates. One structure has a partial AT-domain, revealing the structural consequences of a type I PKS KS evolving into an AT-less type I PKS KS. These structures highlight the structural diversity within the AT-less type I PKS KS family, and most important, provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of substrate specificity within the type I PKSs. PMID:26420866

Serum and synovial fluid concentrations of keratan sulfate and hyaluronan in dogs with induced stifle joint osteoarthritis following cranial cruciate ligament transection.

PubMed

Budsberg, Steven C; Lenz, Mary Ellen; Thonar, Eugene J-M A

2006-03-01

To examine longitudinal changes in serum and synovial fluid concentrations of keratan sulfate (KS) and hyaluronan (HA) after cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) transection in dogs. 12 clinically normal adult mixed-breed dogs. Following CCL transection in the right stifle joint, KS and HA concentrations were determined in serum and neat (undiluted) synovial fluid prior to and 1, 2, 3, and 12 months after surgery. Postsurgical dilution of synovial fluid was corrected by use of urea as a passive marker. Synovial fluid KS and HA concentrations decreased at 1, 2, and 3 months after surgery in operated stifle joints, compared with baseline values. Synovial fluid KS concentration decreased in unoperated stifle joints at 1 month. A decrease in synovial fluid KS concentration was found in operated stifle joints, compared with unoperated stifle joints, at 2 and 3 months, and a decrease in synovial fluid HA concentrations was also found in operated stifle joints, compared with unoperated stifle joints, at 1, 2, and 3 months. Serum KS concentrations increased from baseline values at 3 months after surgery. Hyaluronan concentrations in operated stifle joints were lower than baseline values at 1, 2, and 3 months. Urea-adjusted synovial fluid concentrations revealed that dilution did not account for the decline in biomarker concentrations. The initial decrease and subsequent increase in synovial fluid concentrations of HA and KS may be caused by an acute inflammatory response to surgical intervention that negatively affects cartilage metabolism or an increase in production of immature proteoglycans.

Probing the Structure near the Top of the Earth's Outer Core Using SmKS Traveltimes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, V. C.; Zhao, L.; Hung, S.

2013-12-01

The Earth's solid inner core is composed of heavy Fe and Ni with a fraction of light elements such as O, S, Si. These light elements were expelled from the inner core during its formation and rise up through the outer core as the result of buoyancy, but their existence is still a mystery. Some authors have presented seismological evidence for lowered wave speed beneath the core-mantle boundary (CMB) relative to PREM, suggesting light elements there, but counter argument also exists. In this study, we use traveltime measurements from recorded and modeled SmKS waves to investigate the effect of the velocity under the CMB on the differential traveltimes between SKKS and S3KS waves (TS3KS-TSKKS). Due to the long propagation distance and interference with neighboring phases, the arrival times of SKKS and S3KS waves are difficult to define accurately in the records. Therefore in our analysis we measure both the observed and model-predicted differential traveltime TS3KS-TSKKS by cross-correlating the waveform of Hilbert-transformed S3KS with that of SKKS. We use synthetic seismograms calculated by the Direct-Solution Method (DSM) in a suite of 1D models with different structural profiles under the CMB to examine the existence of a zone of lowered velocity at the top of the outer core. We are conducting a systematic investigation using waveforms available at IRIS from globally distributed large deep earthquakes. Results from events we have processed so far indicate that the velocity under the CMB is slightly slower than that in PREM.

Dynamics of the cognitive procedural learning in alcoholics with Korsakoff's syndrome.

PubMed

Beaunieux, Hélène; Pitel, Anne L; Witkowski, Thomas; Vabret, François; Viader, Fausto; Eustache, Francis

2013-06-01

While procedures acquired before the development of amnesia are likely to be preserved in alcoholic patients with Korsakoff's syndrome, the ability of Korsakoff patients (KS) to learn new cognitive procedures is called in question. According to the Adaptive Control of Thoughts model, learning a new cognitive procedure requires highly controlled processes in the initial cognitive phase, which may be difficult for KS with episodic and working memory deficits. The goals of the present study were to examine the learning dynamics of KS compared with uncomplicated alcoholic patients (AL) and control subjects (CS) and to determine the contribution of episodic and working memory abilities in cognitive procedural learning performance. Fourteen KS, 15 AL, and 15 CS were submitted to 40 trials (4 daily learning sessions) of the Tower of Toronto task (disk-transfer task similar to the tower of Hanoi task) as well as episodic and working memory tasks. The 10 KS who were able to perform the cognitive procedural learning task obtained lower results than both CS and AL. The cognitive phase was longer in the Korsakoff's syndrome group than in the other 2 groups but did not differ between the 3 groups any more when episodic memory abilities were controlled. Our results indicate that KS have impaired cognitive procedural learning abilities compared with both AL and CS. Episodic memory deficits observed in KS result in a delayed transition from the cognitive learning phase to more advanced learning phases and, as a consequence, in an absence of automation of the procedure within 40 trials. Copyright © 2012 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Incidence of Kawasaki Syndrome among Children in Hawai‘i

PubMed Central

Christensen, Krista Y; Belay, Ermias D; Steiner, Claudia A; Effler, Paul V; Miyamura, Jill; Forbes, Susan; Schonberger, Lawrence B; Melish, Marian

2010-01-01

Objective To describe the occurrence of Kawasaki syndrome (KS) among different racial/ethnic groups in Hawai‘i. Methods Retrospective analysis of children <18 years of age, with a focus on children <5 years of age, living in Hawai‘i who were hospitalized with KS using the 1996–2006 Hawai‘i State Inpatient Data. Results Children <5 years of age accounted for 84% of the 528 patients <18 years of age with KS. The average annual incidence among this age group was 50.4 per 100,000 children <5 years of age, ranging from 45.5 to 56.5. Asian and Pacific Islander children accounted for 92% of the children <5 years of age with KS during the study period; the average annual incidence was 62.9 per 100,000. Within this group, Japanese children had the highest incidence (210.5), followed by Native Hawaiian children (86.9), other Asian children (84.9), and Chinese children (83.2). The incidence for white children (13.7) was lower than for these racial/ethnic groups. The median age of KS admission for children <5 years of age was 21 months overall, 24 months for Japanese children, 14.5 months for Native Hawaiian children and 26.5 months for white children. Conclusions The high average annual KS incidence for children <5 years of age in Hawai‘i compared to the rest of the United States population reflects an increased KS incidence among Asian and Pacific Islander children, especially Japanese children. The incidence for white children was slightly higher than or similar to that generally reported nationwide. PMID:20845285

A history of undescended testes in young men with Klinefelter syndrome does not reduce the chances for successful microsurgical testicular sperm extraction.

PubMed

Ragab, M W; Cremers, J-F; Zitzmann, M; Nieschlag, E; Kliesch, S; Rohayem, J

2018-06-21

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and undescended testes (UDT) are known etiologies for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), and coexistence of both etiologies is not uncommon. Patients with both KS and a history of UDT are therefore considered to have extremely reduced chances for paternity. We aimed to analyze the impact of previous surgically corrected unilateral or bilateral UDT on sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) by microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in azoospermic men with KS. Age, testicular volumes, and hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis function were investigated in relation to SRRs in 29 non-mosaic KS patients (47,XXY) with a history of UDT (group 1) who underwent mTESE between 2008 and 2016 in our center and compared to the data of age- and serum testosterone-matched non-mosaic KS controls with eutopic testes at birth (group 2), and to those of 51 men with NOA and a normal male karyotype (46,XY), but previous UDT (group 3). SRRs in KS patients with surgically corrected UDT during childhood were comparable to SRRs of KS patients with eutopic testes at birth: 31% (35% in unilateral and 22% in bilateral UDT) vs. 38% (p = 0.581). SRRs and Leydig cell function in group 1 were negatively correlated with age. Significantly higher SRRs (66%) were found in euploid azoospermic men with surgically corrected UDT (p < 0.001). A history of UDT does not preclude chances for future fatherhood in young azoospermic males with KS. In one of three men with previous unilateral UDT and in one of 4-5 in those with previous bilateral UDT, spermatozoa can be harvested by mTESE during late adolescence or young adulthood for immediate or future use in assisted reproduction. © 2018 American Society of Andrology and European Academy of Andrology.

Prioritizing Genetic Testing in Patients With Kallmann Syndrome Using Clinical Phenotypes

PubMed Central

Costa-Barbosa, Flavia Amanda; Balasubramanian, Ravikumar; Keefe, Kimberly W.; Shaw, Natalie D.; Al-Tassan, Nada; Plummer, Lacey; Dwyer, Andrew A.; Buck, Cassandra L.; Choi, Jin-Ho; Seminara, Stephanie B.; Quinton, Richard; Monies, Dorota; Meyer, Brian; Hall, Janet E.; Pitteloud, Nelly

2013-01-01

Context: The complexity of genetic testing in Kallmann syndrome (KS) is growing and costly. Thus, it is important to leverage the clinical evaluations of KS patients to prioritize genetic screening. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine which reproductive and nonreproductive phenotypes of KS subjects have implications for specific gene mutations. Subjects: Two hundred nineteen KS patients were studied: 151 with identified rare sequence variants (RSVs) in 8 genes known to cause KS (KAL1, NELF, CHD7, HS6ST1, FGF8/FGFR1, or PROK2/PROKR2) and 68 KS subjects who remain RSV negative for all 8 genes. Main Outcome Measures: Reproductive and nonreproductive phenotypes within each genetic group were measured. Results: Male KS subjects with KAL1 RSVs displayed the most severe reproductive phenotype with testicular volumes (TVs) at presentation of 1.5 ± 0.1 mL vs 3.7 ± 0.3 mL, P < .05 vs all non-KAL1 probands. In both sexes, synkinesia was enriched but not unique to patients with KAL1 RSVs compared with KAL1-negative probands (43% vs 12%; P < .05). Similarly, dental agenesis and digital bone abnormalities were enriched in patients with RSVs in the FGF8/FGFR1 signaling pathway compared with all other gene groups combined (39% vs 4% and 23% vs 0%; P < .05, respectively). Hearing loss marked the probands with CHD7 RSVs (40% vs 13% in non-CHD7 probands; P < .05). Renal agenesis and cleft lip/palate did not emerge as statistically significant phenotypic predictors. Conclusions: Certain clinical features in men and women are highly associated with genetic causes of KS. Synkinesia (KAL1), dental agenesis (FGF8/FGFR1), digital bony abnormalities (FGF8/FGFR1), and hearing loss (CHD7) can be useful for prioritizing genetic screening. PMID:23533228

Novel pathogenic mutations and skin biopsy analysis in Knobloch syndrome

PubMed Central

Suzuki, Oscar; Kague, Erika; Bagatini, Kelly; Tu, Hongmin; Heljasvaara, Ritva; Carvalhaes, Lorenza; Gava, Elisandra; de Oliveira, Gisele; Godoi, Paulo; Oliva, Glaucius; Kitten, Gregory; Pihlajaniemi, Taina; Passos-Bueno, Maria-Rita

2009-01-01

Purpose To facilitate future diagnosis of Knobloch syndrome (KS) and better understand its etiology, we sought to identify not yet described COL18A1 mutations in KS patients. In addition, we tested whether mutations in this gene lead to absence of the COL18A1 gene product and attempted to better characterize the functional effect of a previously reported missense mutation. Methods Direct sequencing of COL18A1 exons was performed in KS patients from four unrelated pedigrees. We used immunofluorescent histochemistry in skin biopsies to evaluate the presence of type XVIII collagen in four KS patients carrying two already described mutations: c.3277C>T, a nonsense mutation, and c.3601G>A, a missense mutation. Furthermore, we determined the binding properties of the mutated endostatin domain p.A1381T (c.3601G>A) to extracellular matrix proteins using ELISA and surface plasmon resonance assays. Results We identified four novel mutations in COL18A1, including a large deletion involving exon 41. Skin biopsies from KS patients revealed lack of type XVIII collagen in epithelial basement membranes and blood vessels. We also found a reduced affinity of p.A1381T endostatin to some extracellular matrix components. Conclusions COL18A1 mutations involved in Knobloch syndrome have a distribution bias toward the coding exons of the C-terminal end. Large deletions must also be considered when point mutations are not identified in patients with characteristic KS phenotype. We report, for the first time, lack of type XVIII collagen in KS patients by immunofluorescent histochemistry in skin biopsy samples. As a final point, we suggest the employment of this technique as a preliminary and complementary test for diagnosis of KS in cases when mutation screening either does not detect mutations or reveals mutations of uncertain effect, such as the p.A1381T change. PMID:19390655

Novel pathogenic mutations and skin biopsy analysis in Knobloch syndrome.

PubMed

Suzuki, Oscar; Kague, Erika; Bagatini, Kelly; Tu, Hongmin; Heljasvaara, Ritva; Carvalhaes, Lorenza; Gava, Elisandra; de Oliveira, Gisele; Godoi, Paulo; Oliva, Glaucius; Kitten, Gregory; Pihlajaniemi, Taina; Passos-Bueno, Maria-Rita

2009-01-01

To facilitate future diagnosis of Knobloch syndrome (KS) and better understand its etiology, we sought to identify not yet described COL18A1 mutations in KS patients. In addition, we tested whether mutations in this gene lead to absence of the COL18A1 gene product and attempted to better characterize the functional effect of a previously reported missense mutation. Direct sequencing of COL18A1 exons was performed in KS patients from four unrelated pedigrees. We used immunofluorescent histochemistry in skin biopsies to evaluate the presence of type XVIII collagen in four KS patients carrying two already described mutations: c.3277C>T, a nonsense mutation, and c.3601G>A, a missense mutation. Furthermore, we determined the binding properties of the mutated endostatin domain p.A1381T (c.3601G>A) to extracellular matrix proteins using ELISA and surface plasmon resonance assays. We identified four novel mutations in COL18A1, including a large deletion involving exon 41. Skin biopsies from KS patients revealed lack of type XVIII collagen in epithelial basement membranes and blood vessels. We also found a reduced affinity of p.A1381T endostatin to some extracellular matrix components. COL18A1 mutations involved in Knobloch syndrome have a distribution bias toward the coding exons of the C-terminal end. Large deletions must also be considered when point mutations are not identified in patients with characteristic KS phenotype. We report, for the first time, lack of type XVIII collagen in KS patients by immunofluorescent histochemistry in skin biopsy samples. As a final point, we suggest the employment of this technique as a preliminary and complementary test for diagnosis of KS in cases when mutation screening either does not detect mutations or reveals mutations of uncertain effect, such as the p.A1381T change.

Immunophenotypes of macular corneal dystrophy in India and correlation with mutations in CHST6

PubMed Central

Klintworth, Gordon K.; Thonar, Eugene J-M.A.; Vemuganti, Geeta K.; Kannabiran, Chitra

2009-01-01

Purpose To determine the immunophenotypes of macular corneal dystrophy (MCD) in Indian patients and to correlate them with mutations in the carbohydrate 6-sulfotransferase (CHST6) gene. Methods Sixty-four patients from 53 families with MCD that were previously screened for mutations in CHST6 were included in an immunophenotype analysis. Antigenic keratan sulfate (AgKS) in serum as well as corneal tissue was evaluated in 31 families. Only cornea was evaluated in 11 families, and only serum was evaluated in 11 families. AgKS was detected in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded corneal sections by immunohistochemistry and in serum by ELISA using a monoclonal antibody against sulfated forms of KS in patients with MCD as well as normal controls. Results Analysis of corneal and/or serum AgKS disclosed MCD type I (27 families), MCD type IA (5 families), and MCD type II (3 families) in the cases studied. An additional 10 families were either MCD type I or MCD type IA since only serum AgKS data were available. Seven families manifested atypical immunophenotypes since the corneal AgKS expression was either of MCD type I or MCD type IA, but serum AgKS levels ranged from 19 ng/ml to 388 ng/ml. More than one immunophenotype was detected amongst siblings in two families. Each immunophenotype was associated with mutational heterogeneity in CHST6. Conclusions MCD type I was the predominant immunophenotype in the Indian population studied followed by MCD type IA and then MCD type II. We detected further immunophenotypic heterogeneity by finding atypical patterns of AgKS reactivity in a subset of families. There were no simple correlations between immunophenotypes and specific mutations in CHST6, suggesting that factors other than CHST6 mutations may be contributing to the immunophenotypes in MCD. PMID:19204788

Field, laboratory, and modeling investigation of the skin effect at wells with slotted casing, Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrash, Warren; Clemo, Tom; Fox, Jessica J.; Johnson, Timothy C.

2006-07-01

Understanding and quantification of wellbore skin improves our ability to accurately measure or estimate hydrologic parameters with tests at wells such as pumping tests, flowmeter tests, and slug tests. This paper presents observations and results from a series of field, laboratory, and modeling tests which, together, explain the source of wellbore skin at wells at a research wellfield and which support estimation of skin thickness ( ds) and skin hydraulic conductivity ( Ks). Positive wellbore skin effects were recognized at wells in the shallow, unconfined, coarse-grained fluvial aquifer at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site (BHRS). Well development efforts at the BHRS removed residual drilling fines but only marginally reduced the skin effect. Likely causes for the remaining wellbore skin effect were examined; partial clogging of screen slots with sand is consistent with field observations and can account for the magnitude of wellbore skin effect observed. We then use the WTAQ code ( Barlow and Moench, 1999) with a redefinition of the term for delayed observation well response to include skin effects at observation wells (in addition to pumping wells) in order to analyze aquifer tests at the BHRS for average Ks values at individual wells. Systematic differences in Ks values are recognized in results at pumping ( Ks_Q) and observation ( Ks_obs) wells: larger values are seen at observation wells (average Ks_obs=0.0023 cm/s) than pumping wells. Two possible causes are recognized for the occurrence of higher Ks values at observation wells than pumping wells: (1) flow diversion between aquifer layers on approach to a pumping well with positive skin; and (2) larger portion of flow passing through lower-K zones in the heterogeneous aquifer near the pumping well than the observation wells due to strongly radially convergent flow near the pumping well. For the well-aquifer system at the BHRS, modeling analyses of drawdown vs time at observation wells provide better Ks estimates than those from pumping wells.

Incidence rate of Kaposi sarcoma in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in Southern Africa: a prospective multi-cohort study

PubMed Central

Rohner, Eliane; Valeri, Fabio; Maskew, Mhairi; Prozesky, Hans; Rabie, Helena; Garone, Daniela; Dickinson, Diana; Chimbetete, Cleophas; Lumano-Mulenga, Priscilla; Sikazwe, Izukanji; Wyss, Natascha; Clough-Gorr, Kerri M.; Egger, Matthias; Chi, Benjamin H.; Bohlius, Julia

2014-01-01

Background The risk of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) among HIV-infected persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not well defined in resource-limited settings. We studied KS incidence rates and associated risk factors in children and adults on ART in Southern Africa. Methods We included patient data of six ART programs in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We estimated KS incidence rates in patients on ART measuring time from 30 days after ART initiation to KS diagnosis, last follow-up visit, or death. We assessed risk factors (age, sex, calendar year, WHO stage, tuberculosis, and CD4 counts) using Cox models. Findings We analyzed data from 173,245 patients (61% female, 8% children aged <16 years) who started ART between 2004 and 2010. 564 incident cases were diagnosed during 343,927 person-years (pys). KS incidence rate overall was 164/100,000 pys (95% confidence interval [CI] 151–178). The incidence rate was highest 30 to 90 days after ART initiation (413/100,000 pys; 95% CI 342–497) and declined thereafter (86/100,000 pys[95% CI 71–105]>2 years after ART initiation). Male sex (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.34; 95% CI 1.12–1.61), low current CD4 counts (≥500 cells/µL versus <50 cells/µL, adjusted HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.23–0.55) and age (5 to 9 years versus 30 to 39 years, adjusted HR 0.20; 95% CI 0.05–0.79) were relevant risk factors for developing KS. Interpretation Despite ART, KS risk in HIV-infected persons in Southern Africa remains high. Early HIV testing and maintaining high CD4 counts is needed to further reduce KS-related morbidity and mortality. PMID:25393941

Phase II Study of Bevacizumab in Patients With HIV-Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

PubMed Central

Uldrick, Thomas S.; Wyvill, Kathleen M.; Kumar, Pallavi; O'Mahony, Deirdre; Bernstein, Wendy; Aleman, Karen; Polizzotto, Mark N.; Steinberg, Seth M.; Pittaluga, Stefania; Marshall, Vickie; Whitby, Denise; Little, Richard F.; Yarchoan, Robert

2012-01-01

Purpose Alternatives to cytotoxic agents are desirable for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) contributes to KS pathogenesis. We evaluated the humanized anti–VEGF-A monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, in patients with HIV-KS. Patients and Methods Patients with HIV-KS who either experienced progression while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for at least 1 month or did not regress despite HAART for at least 4 months were administered bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenously on days 1 and 8 and then every 3 weeks. The primary objective was assessment of antitumor activity using modified AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) criteria for HIV-KS. HIV-uninfected patients were also eligible and observed separately. Results Seventeen HIV-infected patients were enrolled. Fourteen patients had been receiving effective HAART for at least 6 months (median, 1 year). Thirteen patients had advanced disease (ACTG T1), 13 patients had received prior chemotherapy for KS, and seven patients had CD4 count less than 200 cells/μL. Median number of cycles was 10 (range, 1 to 37 cycles); median follow-up was 8.3 months (range, 3 to 36 months). Of 16 assessable patients, best tumor responses observed were complete response (CR) in three patients (19%), partial response (PR) in two patients (12%), stable disease in nine patients (56%), and progressive disease in two patients (12%). Overall response rate (CR + PR) was 31% (95% CI, 11% to 58.7%). Four of five responders had received prior chemotherapy for KS. Over 202 cycles, grade 3 to 4 adverse events at least possibly attributed to therapy included hypertension (n = 7), neutropenia (n = 5), cellulitis (n = 3), and headache (n = 2). Conclusion Bevacizumab is tolerated in patients with HIV-KS and has activity in a subset of patients. PMID:22430271

Sperm Retrieval in Patients with Klinefelter Syndrome: A Skewed Regression Model Analysis.

PubMed

Chehrazi, Mohammad; Rahimiforoushani, Abbas; Sabbaghian, Marjan; Nourijelyani, Keramat; Sadighi Gilani, Mohammad Ali; Hoseini, Mostafa; Vesali, Samira; Yaseri, Mehdi; Alizadeh, Ahad; Mohammad, Kazem; Samani, Reza Omani

2017-01-01

The most common chromosomal abnormality due to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is Klinefelter syndrome (KS) which occurs in 1-1.72 out of 500-1000 male infants. The probability of retrieving sperm as the outcome could be asymmetrically different between patients with and without KS, therefore logistic regression analysis is not a well-qualified test for this type of data. This study has been designed to evaluate skewed regression model analysis for data collected from microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) among azoospermic patients with and without non-mosaic KS syndrome. This cohort study compared the micro-TESE outcome between 134 men with classic KS and 537 men with NOA and normal karyotype who were referred to Royan Institute between 2009 and 2011. In addition to our main outcome, which was sperm retrieval, we also used logistic and skewed regression analyses to compare the following demographic and hormonal factors: age, level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone between the two groups. A comparison of the micro-TESE between the KS and control groups showed a success rate of 28.4% (38/134) for the KS group and 22.2% (119/537) for the control group. In the KS group, a significantly difference (P<0.001) existed between testosterone levels for the successful sperm retrieval group (3.4 ± 0.48 mg/mL) compared to the unsuccessful sperm retrieval group (2.33 ± 0.23 mg/mL). The index for quasi Akaike information criterion (QAIC) had a goodness of fit of 74 for the skewed model which was lower than logistic regression (QAIC=85). According to the results, skewed regression is more efficient in estimating sperm retrieval success when the data from patients with KS are analyzed. This finding should be investigated by conducting additional studies with different data structures.

What is the effect of local controls on the temporal stability of soil water contents?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, G.; Pachepsky, Y. A.; Vereecken, H.; Vanderlinden, K.; Hardelauf, H.; Herbst, M.

2012-04-01

Temporal stability of soil water content (TS SWC) reflects the spatio-temporal organization of SWC. Factors and their interactions that control this organization, are not completely understood and have not been quantified yet. It is understood that these factors should be classified into groups of local and non-local controls. This work is a first attempt to evaluate the effects of soil properties at a certain location as local controls Time series of SWC were generated by running water flow simulations with the HYDRUS6 code. Bare and grassed sandy loam, loam and clay soils were represented by sets of 100 independent soil columns. Within each set, values of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) were generated randomly assuming for the standard deviation of the scaling factor of ln Ks a value ranging from 0.1 to 1.0. Weather conditions were the same for all of the soil columns. SWC at depths of 0.05 and 0.60 m, and the average water content of the top 1 m were analyzed. The temporal stability was characterized by calculating the mean relative differences (MRD) of soil water content. MRD distributions from simulations, developed from the log-normal distribution of Ks, agreed well with the experimental studies found in the literature. Generally, Ks was the leading variable to define the MRD rank for a specific location. Higher MRD corresponded to the lowest values of Ks when a single textural class was considered. Higher MRD were found in the finer texture when mixtures of textural classes were considered and similar values of Ks were compared. The relationships between the spread of the MRD distributions and the scaling factor of ln Ks were nonlinear. Variation in MRD was higher in coarser textures than in finer ones and more variability was seen in the topsoil than in the subsoil. Established vegetation decreased variability of MRD in the root zone and increased variability below. The dependence of MRD on Ks opens the possibility of using SWC sensor networks to relate variations of MRD of measured SWC time series to spatial variations of Ks. TS of SWC can provide information on Ks variability at ungauged watersheds if the effect of non-local controls of SWC on TS is not significant. Using the spatiotemporal statistics to convert the information about the temporal variability of soil moisture into information about the spatial variability of soil hydraulic properties presents an interesting avenue for further exploration.

The experience of violence against children in domestic servitude in Haiti: Results from the Violence Against Children Survey, Haiti 2012.

PubMed

Gilbert, Leah; Reza, Avid; Mercy, James; Lea, Veronica; Lee, Juliette; Xu, Likang; Marcelin, Louis Herns; Hast, Marisa; Vertefeuille, John; Domercant, Jean Wysler

2018-02-01

There have been estimates that over 150,000 Haitian children are living in servitude. Child domestic servants who perform unpaid labor are referred to as "restavèks." Restavèks are often stigmatized, prohibited from attending school, and isolated from family placing them at higher risk for experiencing violence. In the absence of national data on the experiences of restavèks in Haiti, the study objective was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of restavèks in Haiti and to assess their experiences of violence in childhood. The Violence Against Children Survey was a nationally representative, cross-sectional household survey of 13-24year olds (n=2916) conducted May-June 2012 in Haiti. A stratified three-stage cluster design was used to sample households and camps containing persons displaced by the 2010 earthquake. Respondents were interviewed to assess lifetime prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual violence occurring before age 18. Chi-squared tests were used to assess the association between having been a restavèk and experiencing violence in childhood. In this study 17.4% of females and 12.2% of males reported having been restavèks before age 18. Restavèks were more likely to have worked in childhood, have never attended school, and to have come from a household that did not have enough money for food in childhood. Females who had been restavèks in childhood had higher odds of reporting childhood physical (OR 2.04 [1.40-2.97]); emotional (OR 2.41 [1.80-3.23]); and sexual violence (OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.34-2.58]) compared to females who had never been restavèks. Similarly, males who had ever been restavèks in childhood had significantly increased odds of emotional violence (OR 3.06 [1.99-4.70]) and sexual violence (OR 1.85 [1.12-3.07]) compared to males who had never been restavèks, but there was no difference in childhood physical violence. This study demonstrates that child domestic servants in Haiti experience higher rates of childhood violence and have less access to education and financial resources than other Haitian children. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both the lack of human rights law enforcement and the poor economic circumstances that allow the practice of restavèk to continue in Haiti. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Klinefelter syndrome and fertility: sperm preservation should not be offered to children with Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Franik, S; Hoeijmakers, Y; D'Hauwers, K; Braat, D D M; Nelen, W L M; Smeets, D; Claahsen-van der Grinten, H L; Ramos, L; Fleischer, K

2016-09-01

Should fertility preservation be offered to children with Klinefelter syndrome (KS)? Current evidence shows that fertility preservation should not be offered to adolescents with KS younger than 16 years because of lower retrieval rates for germ cells by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) compared with retrieval rates for adolescents and adults between 16 and 30 years. KS, the most common chromosomal disorder in men leading to non-obstructive azoospermia, is caused by the presence of at least one additional X chromosome. The onset of puberty in adolescents with KS leads to progressive degeneration of the testicular environment. The impact of the subsequent tissue degeneration on fertility potential of patients with KS is unknown, but in previous literature it has been suggested that fertility preservation should be started in adolescents as early as possible. However spermatozoa can be found by TESE in about 50% of adults with KS despite severe testicular degeneration. This review discusses the current evidence for fertility preservation in children and adolescents and possible prognostic markers for fertility treatment in KS. An extensive literature search was conducted, searching Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl and Web of Science from origin until April 2016 for 'Klinefelter syndrome' and 'fertility' and various synonyms. Titles and abstracts have been scanned manually by the authors for eligibility. In total 76 studies were found to be eligible for inclusion in this review. Information from the papers was extracted separately by two authors. Various studies have shown that pre-pubertal children with KS already have a reduced number of germ cells despite a normal hormonal profile during childhood. The presence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate of adolescents with KS is extremely rare. Using TESE, the retrieval rates of spermatozoa for adolescents younger than 16 years old are much lower (0-20%) compared with those for adolescents and young adults between 16 and 30 years old (40-70%). Although spermatogonia can be found by TESE in about half of the peri-pubertal adolescents, there are currently no clinically functional techniques for their future use. Children and adolescents need to be informed that early fertility preservation before the age of 16 cannot guarantee fertility later in life and may even reduce the chances for offspring by removing functional immature germ cells which may possibly develop into spermatozoa after puberty. Furthermore, except for the age of patients with KS, there are no identified factors that can reliably be used as a predictive marker for fertility preservation. Most of the evidence presented in this review is based on studies including a small number of adolescents with KS. Therefore, the studies may have been underpowered to detect clinically significant differences for their various outcomes, especially for potential predictive factors for fertility preservation, such as hormone levels. Furthermore, the population of patients with KS diagnosed during childhood might be different from the adult population with KS where the diagnosis is based on infertility. Results based on comparisons between the two groups must be interpreted with caution. Despite the limitations, this review summarizes the current evidence for managing fertility preservation in patients with KS to provide optimal health care. There was no funding for this study. S.F., Y.H., K.D., W.L.M.N., D.S., H.L.C.-v.d.G. and L.R. declare to have no conflicts of interests. D.D.M.B. reports grants from Merck Serono, grants from Ferring and grants from MSD, outside the submitted work. K.F. reports personal fees from MSD (commercial sponsor), personal fees from Ferring (commercial sponsor), grants from Merck-Serono (commercial sponsor), grants from Ferring (commercial sponsor) and grants from MSD (commercial sponsor), outside the submitted work. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Multiwavelength Properties of the X-Ray Sources in the Groth-Westphal Strip Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyaji, Takamitsu; Sarajedini, Vicki; Griffiths, Richard E.; Yamada, Toru; Schurch, Matthew; Cristóbal-Hornillos, David; Motohara, Kentaro

2004-06-01

We summarize the multiwavelength properties of X-ray sources detected in the 80 ks XMM-Newton observation of the Groth-Westphal strip, a contiguous strip of 28 Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) images. Among the ~150 X-ray sources detected in the XMM-Newton field of view, 23 are within the WFPC2 fields. Ten spectroscopic redshifts are available from the Deep Extragalactic Evolutionary Probe and Canada-France Redshift Survey projects. Four of these show broad Mg II emission and can be classified as type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Two of those without any broad lines, nevertheless, have [Ne V] emission, which is an unambiguous signature of AGN activity. One is a narrow-line Seyfert 1 and the other a type 2 AGN. As a follow-up, we have made near-infrared spectroscopic observations using the OHS/CISCO spectrometer for five of the X-ray sources for which we found no indication of AGN activity in the optical spectrum. We have detected Hα+[N II] emission in four of them. A broad Hα component and/or a large [N II]/Hα ratio is seen, suggestive of AGN activity. Nineteen sources have been detected in the Ks band, and four of these are extremely red objects (EROs) (I814-Ks>4). The optical counterparts for the majority of the X-ray sources are bulge-dominated. The I814-Ks color of these bulge-dominated hosts are indeed consistent with evolving elliptical galaxies, while contaminations from star formation/AGNs seems to be present in their V606-I814 color. Assuming that the known local relations among the bulge luminosity, central velocity dispersion, and the mass of the central blackhole still hold at z~1, we compare the AGN luminosity with the Eddington luminosity of the central blackhole mass. The AGN bolometric luminosity to Eddington luminosity ratio ranges from 0.3% to 10%. Based on observations from the XMM-Newton, an ESA science mission with instruments and contributions directly funded by ESA member states and NASA. Also based on data collected at Subaru Telescope, which is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.

Dynamics, Chemical Abundances, and ages of Globular Clusters in the Virgo Cluster of Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guhathakurta, Puragra; NGVS Collaboration

2018-01-01

We present a study of the dynamics, metallicities, and ages of globular clusters (GCs) in the Next Generation Virgo cluster Survey (NGVS), a deep, multi-band (u, g, r, i, z, and Ks), wide-field (104 deg2) imaging survey carried out using the 3.6-m Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope and MegaCam imager. GC candidates were selected from the NGVS survey using photometric and image morphology criteria and these were followed up with deep, medium-resolution, multi-object spectroscopy using the Keck II 10-m telescope and DEIMOS spectrograph. The primary spectroscopic targets were candidate GC satellites of dwarf elliptical (dE) and ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the Virgo cluster. While many objects were confirmed as GC satellites of Virgo dEs and UDGs, many turned out to be non-satellites based on their radial velocity and/or positional mismatch any identifiable Virgo cluster galaxy. We have used a combination of spectral characteristics (e.g., presence of absorption vs. emission lines), new Gaussian mixture modeling of radial velocity and sky position data, and a new extreme deconvolution analysis of ugrizKs photometry and image morphology, to classify all the objects in our sample into: (1) GC satellites of dE galaxies, (2) GC satellites of UDGs, (3) intra-cluster GCs (ICGCs) in the Virgo cluster, (4) GCs in the outer halo of the central cluster galaxy M87, (5) foreground Milky Way stars, and (6) distant background galaxies. We use these data to study the dynamics and dark matter content of dE and UDGs in the Virgo cluster, place important constraints on the nature of dE nuclei, and study the origin of ICGCs versus GCs in the remote M87 halo.We are grateful for financial support from the NSF and NASA/STScI.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Globular cluster candidates in NGC4258 (Gonzalez-Lopezlira+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Lopezlira, R. A.; Lomeli-Nunez, L.; Alamo-Martinez, K.; Ordenes-Briceno, Y.; Loinard, L.; Georgiev, I. Y.; Munoz, R. P.; Puzia, T. H.; Bruzual, G. A.; Gwyn, S.

2017-08-01

All data for the present work were obtained with the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope (CFHT). The optical images of NGC 4258 are all archival, and were acquired with MegaCam. Images were originally secured through programs 08BH55, 09AH42, 09AH98, 09BH95 (P.I. E. Magnier, u*-band); 09AC04 (P.I. R. Lasker, u* and i' filters); 10AT01 (P.I. C. Ngeow, g', r', and i' bands), and 11AC08 (P.I. G. Harris, g' and i' data) spanning 2008 Dec to 2011 Mar. The Ks-band images of NGC 4258 were acquired on 2013 March 27 UT, through proposal 13AC98 (P.I. R. Gonzalez-Lopezlira), with the Wide-field InfraRed Camera (WIRCam). (2 data files).

Entropy of homeomorphisms on unimodal inverse limit spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruin, H.; Štimac, S.

2013-04-01

We prove that every self-homeomorphism h : Ks → Ks on the inverse limit space Ks of the tent map Ts with slope s \\in (\\sqrt 2, 2] has topological entropy htop(h) = |R| log s, where R \\in { Z} is such that h and σR are isotopic. Conclusions on all possible values of the entropy of homeomorphisms of the inverse limit space of a (renormalizable) quadratic map are also drawn.

Kindler syndrome with severe mucosal involvement in childhood.

PubMed

Krishna, C V; Parmar, N V; Has, C

2014-04-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is an inherited dermatosis linked to the FERMT1 gene, and is characterized clinically by trauma-induced acral skin blisters in infancy and childhood, photosensitivity, and progressive poikiloderma. We report a case of KS in a 7-year-old Indian girl with severe mucosal involvement of the oral cavity and genitourinary tract. Mutation analysis in the girl showed a homozygous FERMT1 mutation, c.862C>T, p.R288*. The clinical manifestations in patients with KS show significant inter individual variation, even with the same type of mutations and within members of the same family. Our case highlights the role of environmental modifiers in regulating the clinical features of KS. © 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.

MEASUREMENT OF sin 2φ1 IN b → c And b → s DECAYS AT Belle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hastings, Nicholas C.

Measurements of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0 → J/ψK0, φK0, K+K- KS, η' KS, f0 (980) KS and ωKS decays based on 386 × 106 Bbar{B} pairs collected by the Belle detector are presented. With this data sample, the J/ψK0 mode provides a precision measurement of sin2 φ1. The other modes, which proceed via b → s penguin (loop) diagrams are sensitive to new physics phases which may appear within the loop. Differing sin2 φ1 measurements between J/ψK0 and the b → s penguin modes could be a signature of such phases.

Cancer Management in Kabuki Syndrome: The First Case of Wilms Tumor and a Literature Review.

PubMed

Teranishi, Hideto; Koga, Yuhki; Nakashima, Kentaro; Morihana, Eiji; Ishii, Kanako; Sakai, Yasunari; Taguchi, Tomoaki; Oda, Yoshinao; Miyake, Noriko; Matsumoto, Naomichi; Ohga, Shouichi

2018-02-27

A 3-year-old Japanese girl treated for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and Dandy-Walker syndrome was diagnosed with Kabuki syndrome (KS) with a mutation of KMT2D; c.13285C>T:p.Q4429*. Concurrently, macrohematuria portended the diagnosis of Wilms tumor. Postoperative chemotherapy has achieved complete remission despite a prolonged and reduced regimen due to liver dysfunction and convulsions. Cancer predisposition has been suggested for KS due to oncogenic mutations in KMT2D or KDM6A. The first case of nephroblastoma exemplified the treatability of malignancies in KS patients, as shown in the 9 cases reviewed. Active screening and intervention are recommended for the cure of malignancy in KS children.

Validation of soil hydraulic pedotransfer functions at the local and catchment scale for an Indonesian basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booij, Martijn J.; Oldhoff, Ruben J. J.; Rustanto, Andry

2016-04-01

In order to accurately model the hydrological processes in a catchment, information on the soil hydraulic properties is of great importance. These data can be obtained by conducting field work, which is costly and time consuming, or by using pedotransfer functions (PTFs). A PTF is an empirical relationship between easily obtainable soil characteristics and a soil hydraulic parameter. In this study, PTFs for the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and the available water content (AWC) are investigated. PTFs are area-specific, since for instance tropical soils often have a different composition and hydraulic behaviour compared to temperate soils. Application of temperate soil PTFs on tropical soils might result in poor performance, which is a problem as few tropical soil PTFs are available. The objective of this study is to determine whether Ks and AWC can be accurately approximated using PTFs, by analysing their performance at both the local scale and the catchment scale. Four published PTFs for Ks and AWC are validated on a data set of 91 soil samples collected in the Upper Bengawan Solo catchment on Java, Indonesia. The AWC is predicted very poorly, with Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values below zero for all selected PTFs. For Ks PTFs better results were found. The Wösten and Rosetta-3 PTFs predict the Ks moderately accurate, with NSE values of 0.28 and 0.39, respectively. New PTFs for both AWC and Ks were developed using multiple linear regression and NSE values of 0.37 (AWC) and 0.55 (Ks) were obtained. Although these values are not very high, they are significantly higher than for the published PTFs. The hydrological SWAT model was set up for the Keduang, a sub-catchment of the Upper Bengawan Solo River, to simulate monthly catchment streamflow. Eleven cases were defined to validate the PTFs at the catchment scale. For the Ks-PTF cases NSE values of around 0.84 were obtained for the validation period. The use of AWC PTFs resulted in slightly lower NSE values, although the differences in model accuracy are low. The small differences between the cases are caused by the soil homogeneity in the Keduang catchment. Without model calibration an NSE value of 0.51 was found. At the local scale, the Wösten and Rosetta-3 PTFs can be used to predict Ks. AWC PTFs show insufficient accuracy at the local scale. At the catchment scale, the Wösten and Rosetta-3 Ks PTFs and the developed AWC and Ks PTFs are validated. It is recommended to use the PTFs developed in this study for the Upper Bengawan Solo catchment. More research is needed on the effect of PTF input on simulated hydrological state variables, such as soil moisture content, and the effect of catchment soil heterogeneity on the validation and application of PTFs.

30 CFR 203.1 - What is MMS's authority to grant royalty relief?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (water less than 400 meters deep) and you produce from an ultra-deep well (top of the perforated interval... less than 400 meters deep and you produce from a deep well (top of the perforated interval is at least... from any lease if: (1) Your lease is in deep water (water at least 200 meters deep); (2) Your lease is...

30 CFR 203.36 - Do I keep royalty relief if prices rise significantly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Office of Natural Resources Revenue royalties on all gas production to which an RSV otherwise would be... BCF of RSV earned under § 203.31(a) by a phase 2 ultra-deep well on a lease that is located in water partly or entirely less than 200 meters deep issued before December 18, 2008; and (ii) Any RSV earned...

30 CFR 203.36 - Do I keep royalty relief if prices rise significantly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Office of Natural Resources Revenue royalties on all gas production to which an RSV otherwise would be... BCF of RSV earned under § 203.31(a) by a phase 2 ultra-deep well on a lease that is located in water partly or entirely less than 200 meters deep issued before December 18, 2008; and (ii) Any RSV earned...

30 CFR 203.36 - Do I keep royalty relief if prices rise significantly?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Office of Natural Resources Revenue royalties on all gas production to which an RSV otherwise would be... BCF of RSV earned under § 203.31(a) by a phase 2 ultra-deep well on a lease that is located in water partly or entirely less than 200 meters deep issued before December 18, 2008; and (ii) Any RSV earned...

30 CFR 203.32 - What other requirements or restrictions apply to royalty relief for a qualified phase 2 or phase...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Ultra-Deep Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.32 What... (either an original well or a sidetrack) drilled across a lease line, then either: (1) The lease with the...

Glycosaminoglycan levels in dried blood spots of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and mucolipidoses

PubMed Central

Kubaski, Francyne; Suzuki, Yasuyuki; Orii, Kenji; Giugliani, Roberto; Church, Heather J.; Mason, Robert W.; Dũng, Vũ Chí; Ngoc, Can Thi Bich; Yamaguchi, Seiji; Kobayashi, Hironori; Girisha, Katta M.; Fukao, Toshiyuki; Orii, Tadao; Tomatsu, Shunji

2017-01-01

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) and mucolipidoses (ML) are groups of lysosomal storage disorders in which lysosomal hydrolases are deficient leading to accumulation of undegraded glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), throughout the body, subsequently resulting in progressive damage to multiple tissues and organs. Assays using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) have been established to measure GAGs in serum or plasma from MPS and ML patients, but few studies were performed to determine whether these assays are sufficiently robust to measure GAG levels in dried blood spots (DBS) of patients with MPS and ML. Material and methods In this study, we evaluated GAG levels in DBS samples from 124 MPS and ML patients (MPS I = 16; MPS II = 21; MPS III = 40; MPS IV = 32; MPS VI =10; MPS VII = 1; ML= 4), and compared them with 115 age-matched controls. Disaccharides were produced from polymer GAGs by digestion with chondroitinase B, heparitinase, and keratanase II. Subsequently, dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS-0S, HS-NS), and keratan sulfate (mono-sulfated KS, di-sulfated KS, and ratio of di-sulfated KS in total KS) were measured by MS/MS. Results Untreated patients with MPS I, II, VI, and ML had higher levels of DS compared to control samples. Untreated patients with MPS I, II, III, VI, and ML had higher levels of HS-0S; and untreated patients with MPS II, III and VI and ML had higher levels of HS-NS. Levels of KS were age dependent, so although levels of both mono-sulfated KS and di-sulfated KS were generally higher in patients, particularly for MPS II and MPS IV, age group numbers were not sufficient to determine significance of such changes. However, the ratio of di-sulfated KS in total KS was significantly higher in all MPS patients younger than 5 years old, compared to age-matched controls. MPS I and VI patients treated with HSCT had normal levels of DS, and MPS I, VI, and VII treated with ERT or HSCT had normal levels of HS-0S and HS-NS, indicating that both treatments are effective in decreasing blood GAG levels. Conclusion Measurement of GAG levels in DBS is useful for diagnosis and potentially for monitoring the therapeutic efficacy in MPS. PMID:28065440

Hypersexuality, Paraphilic Behaviors, and Gender Dysphoria in Individuals with Klinefelter's Syndrome.

PubMed

Fisher, Alessandra D; Castellini, Giovanni; Casale, Helen; Fanni, Egidia; Bandini, Elisa; Campone, Beatrice; Ferruccio, Naika; Maseroli, Elisa; Boddi, Valentina; Dèttore, Davide; Pizzocaro, Alessandro; Balercia, Giancarlo; Oppo, Alessandro; Ricca, Valdo; Maggi, Mario

2015-12-01

An increased risk of autistic traits in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) has been reported. In addition, some studies have shown an increased incidence of gender dysphoria (GD) and paraphilia in autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of (i) paraphilic fantasies and behaviors; and (ii) GD symptomatology in KS. A sample of 46 KS individuals and 43 healthy male controls (HC) were evaluated. Subjects were studied by means of several psychometric tests, such as Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Revised (RME) to measure autistic traits, Gender Identity/GD questionnaire (GIDYQ-AA), and Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST). In addition, body uneasiness psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R). The presence and frequency of any paraphilic fantasy and behavior was assessed by means of a clinical interview based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition criteria. Finally, all individuals included were assessed by Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised to evaluate intelligence quotient (IQ). Data from a subsample of a previous published series of male to female GD individuals, with the battery of psychological measures useful to provide a psychopathological explanation of GD in KS population available, was also considered. When compared with HC, KS reported significantly lower total, verbal and performance IQ scores and higher SCL-90 obsession-compulsive symptoms (all P < 0.001). In line with previously reported findings, KS showed higher autistic traits according with both RME and AQ tests (P < 0.001). With respect to sexuality, KS showed a significant higher frequency of voyeuristic fantasies during masturbation (52.2% vs. 25.6%) and higher SAST scores (P = 0.012). A mediation role of obsessive symptoms on the relationship between Klinefelter and SAST was confirmed (unstandardized estimate b = 2.75, standard error = 0.43 P < 0.001). Finally, KS individuals showed significantly higher gender dysphoric symptoms than HC (P = 0.004), which were mediated by the presence of autistic traits (Sobel's test; P < 0.05). KS is associated with hypersexuality, paraphilic behaviors, and GD, which were mediated by obsessive-compulsive and autistic traits. © 2015 International Society for Sexual Medicine.

Large-scale experimental observations of sheet flow on a sandbar under skewed-asymmetric waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mieras, Ryan S.; Puleo, Jack A.; Anderson, Dylan; Cox, Daniel T.; Hsu, Tian-Jian

2017-06-01

A novel large wave flume experiment was conducted on a fixed, barred beach with a sediment pit on the sandbar, allowing for the isolation of small-scale bed response to large-scale forcing. Concurrent measurements of instantaneous sheet layer sediment concentration profiles and near-bed velocity profiles were obtained on a sandbar for the first time. Two sediment distributions were used with median grain diameters, d50, of 0.17 and 0.27 mm. Sheet flow occurred primarily under wave crests, where sheet thickness increased with increasing wave height. A proportionality constant, Λ, was used to relate maximum Shields parameter to maximum sheet thickness (normalized by d50), with bed shear stress computed using the quadratic drag law. An enhanced sheet layer thickness was apparent for the smaller sediment experiments (Λ = 18.7), when directly compared to closed-conduit oscillatory flow tunnel data (Λ = 10.6). However, Λ varied significantly (5 < Λ < 31) depending on the procedure used to estimate grain roughness, ks, and wave friction factor, fw. Three models for ks were compared (keeping the model for fw fixed): constant ks = 2.5d50, and two expressions dependent on flow intensity, derived from steady and oscillatory sheet flow experiments. Values of ks/d50 varied by two orders of magnitude and exhibited an inverse relationship with Λ, where Λ ˜ 30 for ks/d50 of O(1) while Λ ˜ 5 for ks/d50 of O(100). Two expressions for fw were also tested (with the steady flow-based model for ks), yielding a difference of 69% (Λ ˜ 13 versus Λ ˜ 22).

Productivity and selenium concentrations in egg and tissue of laying quails fed selenium from hydroponically produced selenium-enriched kale sprout (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra L.).

PubMed

Chinrasri, Orawan; Chantiratikul, Piyanete; Maneetong, Sarunya; Chookhampaeng, Sumalee; Chantiratikul, Anut

2013-12-01

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Se from hydroponically produced Se-enriched kale sprout (HPSeKS) on productive performance, egg quality, and Se concentrations in egg and tissue of laying quails. Two-hundred quails, 63 days of age, were divided into four groups. Each group consisted of five replicates and each replicate had ten birds, according to a completely randomized design. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. The dietary treatments were T1 (control diet), T2 (control diet plus 0.2 mg Se/kg from sodium selenite), T3 (control diet plus 0.2 mg Se/kg from Se-enriched yeast), T4 (control diet plus 0.2 mg Se/kg from HPSeKS). The findings revealed that productive performance and egg quality of quails were not altered (p > 0.05) by Se sources. Whole egg Se concentrations of quails fed Se from HPSeKS and Se-enriched yeast were higher (p < 0.05) than that of quails fed the control diet. Breast muscle Se concentrations in quails fed Se from HPSeKS were higher (p < 0.05) than that of quails fed Se from sodium selenite and Se-enriched yeast. Heart tissue Se concentrations of quails fed Se from Se-enriched yeast and HPSeKS were similar (p > 0.05), but higher (p < 0.05) than that of quails fed Se from sodium selenite. The results reveal that Se from HPSeKS did not change the performance and egg quality of quails. The effectiveness of Se from HPSeKS was comparable to that of Se-enriched yeast, which was higher than that of Se from sodium selenite.

Array-CGH in patients with Kabuki-like phenotype: Identification of two patients with complex rearrangements including 2q37 deletions and no other recurrent aberration

PubMed Central

Cuscó, Ivon; del Campo, Miguel; Vilardell, Mireia; González, Eva; Gener, Blanca; Galán, Enrique; Toledo, Laura; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A

2008-01-01

Background Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by specific facial features, mild to moderate mental retardation, postnatal growth delay, skeletal abnormalities, and unusual dermatoglyphic patterns with prominent fingertip pads. A 3.5 Mb duplication at 8p23.1-p22 was once reported as a specific alteration in KS but has not been confirmed in other patients. The molecular basis of KS remains unknown. Methods We have studied 16 Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of KS or KS-like to search for genomic imbalances using genome-wide array technologies. All putative rearrangements were confirmed by FISH, microsatellite markers and/or MLPA assays, which also determined whether the imbalance was de novo or inherited. Results No duplication at 8p23.1-p22 was observed in our patients. We detected complex rearrangements involving 2q in two patients with Kabuki-like features: 1) a de novo inverted duplication of 11 Mb with a 4.5 Mb terminal deletion, and 2) a de novo 7.2 Mb-terminal deletion in a patient with an additional de novo 0.5 Mb interstitial deletion in 16p. Additional copy number variations (CNV), either inherited or reported in normal controls, were identified and interpreted as polymorphic variants. No specific CNV was significantly increased in the KS group. Conclusion Our results further confirmed that genomic duplications of 8p23 region are not a common cause of KS and failed to detect other recurrent rearrangement causing this disorder. The detection of two patients with 2q37 deletions suggests that there is a phenotypic overlap between the two conditions, and screening this region in the Kabuki-like patients should be considered. PMID:18405349

Array-CGH in patients with Kabuki-like phenotype: identification of two patients with complex rearrangements including 2q37 deletions and no other recurrent aberration.

PubMed

Cuscó, Ivon; del Campo, Miguel; Vilardell, Mireia; González, Eva; Gener, Blanca; Galán, Enrique; Toledo, Laura; Pérez-Jurado, Luis A

2008-04-11

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by specific facial features, mild to moderate mental retardation, postnatal growth delay, skeletal abnormalities, and unusual dermatoglyphic patterns with prominent fingertip pads. A 3.5 Mb duplication at 8p23.1-p22 was once reported as a specific alteration in KS but has not been confirmed in other patients. The molecular basis of KS remains unknown. We have studied 16 Spanish patients with a clinical diagnosis of KS or KS-like to search for genomic imbalances using genome-wide array technologies. All putative rearrangements were confirmed by FISH, microsatellite markers and/or MLPA assays, which also determined whether the imbalance was de novo or inherited. No duplication at 8p23.1-p22 was observed in our patients. We detected complex rearrangements involving 2q in two patients with Kabuki-like features: 1) a de novo inverted duplication of 11 Mb with a 4.5 Mb terminal deletion, and 2) a de novo 7.2 Mb-terminal deletion in a patient with an additional de novo 0.5 Mb interstitial deletion in 16p. Additional copy number variations (CNV), either inherited or reported in normal controls, were identified and interpreted as polymorphic variants. No specific CNV was significantly increased in the KS group. Our results further confirmed that genomic duplications of 8p23 region are not a common cause of KS and failed to detect other recurrent rearrangement causing this disorder. The detection of two patients with 2q37 deletions suggests that there is a phenotypic overlap between the two conditions, and screening this region in the Kabuki-like patients should be considered.

Measurement of KS0 and K*0 in p +p ,d +Au , and Cu + Cu collisions at √{sNN}=200 GeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adare, A.; Afanasiev, S.; Aidala, C.; Ajitanand, N. N.; Akiba, Y.; Akimoto, R.; Al-Bataineh, H.; Alexander, J.; Alfred, M.; Angerami, A.; Aoki, K.; Apadula, N.; Aphecetche, L.; Aramaki, Y.; Armendariz, R.; Aronson, S. H.; Asai, J.; Asano, H.; Atomssa, E. T.; Averbeck, R.; Awes, T. C.; Azmoun, B.; Babintsev, V.; Bai, M.; Baksay, G.; Baksay, L.; Baldisseri, A.; Bandara, N. S.; Bannier, B.; Barish, K. N.; Barnes, P. D.; Bassalleck, B.; Basye, A. T.; Bathe, S.; Batsouli, S.; Baublis, V.; Baumann, C.; Bazilevsky, A.; Beaumier, M.; Beckman, S.; Belikov, S.; Belmont, R.; Bennett, R.; Berdnikov, A.; Berdnikov, Y.; Bhom, J. H.; Bickley, A. A.; Black, D.; Blau, D. S.; Boissevain, J. G.; Bok, J. S.; Borel, H.; Boyle, K.; Brooks, M. L.; Bryslawskyj, J.; Buesching, H.; Bumazhnov, V.; Bunce, G.; Butsyk, S.; Campbell, S.; Caringi, A.; Chang, B. S.; Charvet, J.-L.; Chen, C.-H.; Chernichenko, S.; Chi, C. Y.; Chiba, J.; Chiu, M.; Choi, I. J.; Choi, J. B.; Choudhury, R. K.; Christiansen, P.; Chujo, T.; Chung, P.; Churyn, A.; Chvala, O.; Cianciolo, V.; Citron, Z.; Cleven, C. R.; Cole, B. A.; Comets, M. P.; Conesa Del Valle, Z.; Connors, M.; Constantin, P.; Csanád, M.; Csörgő, T.; Dahms, T.; Dairaku, S.; Danchev, I.; Das, K.; Datta, A.; Daugherity, M. S.; David, G.; Dayananda, M. K.; Deaton, M. B.; Deblasio, K.; Dehmelt, K.; Delagrange, H.; Denisov, A.; D'Enterria, D.; Deshpande, A.; Desmond, E. J.; Dharmawardane, K. V.; Dietzsch, O.; Ding, L.; Dion, A.; Do, J. H.; Donadelli, M.; Drapier, O.; Drees, A.; Drees, K. A.; Dubey, A. K.; Durham, J. M.; Durum, A.; Dutta, D.; Dzhordzhadze, V.; D'Orazio, L.; Edwards, S.; Efremenko, Y. V.; Egdemir, J.; Ellinghaus, F.; Emam, W. S.; Engelmore, T.; Enokizono, A.; En'yo, H.; Esumi, S.; Eyser, K. O.; Fadem, B.; Feege, N.; Fields, D. E.; Finger, M.; Finger, M.; Fleuret, F.; Fokin, S. L.; Fraenkel, Z.; Frantz, J. E.; Franz, A.; Frawley, A. D.; Fujiwara, K.; Fukao, Y.; Fusayasu, T.; Gadrat, S.; Gal, C.; Gallus, P.; Garg, P.; Garishvili, I.; Ge, H.; Giordano, F.; Glenn, A.; Gong, H.; Gonin, M.; Gosset, J.; Goto, Y.; Granier de Cassagnac, R.; Grau, N.; Greene, S. V.; Grim, G.; Grosse Perdekamp, M.; Gu, Y.; Gunji, T.; Guragain, H.; Gustafsson, H.-Å.; Hachiya, T.; Hadj Henni, A.; Haegemann, C.; Haggerty, J. S.; Hahn, K. I.; Hamagaki, H.; Hamblen, J.; Han, R.; Han, S. Y.; Hanks, J.; Harada, H.; Hartouni, E. P.; Haruna, K.; Hasegawa, S.; Haslum, E.; Hayano, R.; He, X.; Heffner, M.; Hemmick, T. K.; Hester, T.; Hiejima, H.; Hill, J. C.; Hobbs, R.; Hohlmann, M.; Hollis, R. S.; Holzmann, W.; Homma, K.; Hong, B.; Horaguchi, T.; Hornback, D.; Hoshino, T.; Huang, S.; Ichihara, T.; Ichimiya, R.; Iinuma, H.; Ikeda, Y.; Imai, K.; Imazu, Y.; Inaba, M.; Inoue, Y.; Iordanova, A.; Isenhower, D.; Isenhower, L.; Ishihara, M.; Isobe, T.; Issah, M.; Isupov, A.; Ivanischev, D.; Ivanishchev, D.; Iwanaga, Y.; Jacak, B. V.; Jeon, S. J.; Jezghani, M.; Jia, J.; Jiang, X.; Jin, J.; Jinnouchi, O.; Johnson, B. M.; Jones, T.; Joo, E.; Joo, K. S.; Jouan, D.; Jumper, D. S.; Kajihara, F.; Kametani, S.; Kamihara, N.; Kamin, J.; Kaneta, M.; Kang, J. H.; Kang, J. S.; Kanou, H.; Kapustinsky, J.; Karatsu, K.; Kasai, M.; Kawall, D.; Kawashima, M.; Kazantsev, A. V.; Kempel, T.; Key, J. A.; Khachatryan, V.; Khanzadeev, A.; Kihara, K.; Kijima, K. M.; Kikuchi, J.; Kim, A.; Kim, B. I.; Kim, C.; Kim, D. H.; Kim, D. J.; Kim, E.; Kim, E.-J.; Kim, H.-J.; Kim, M.; Kim, Y.-J.; Kim, Y. K.; Kinney, E.; Kiss, Á.; Kistenev, E.; Kiyomichi, A.; Klatsky, J.; Klay, J.; Klein-Boesing, C.; Kleinjan, D.; Kline, P.; Koblesky, T.; Kochenda, L.; Kochetkov, V.; Kofarago, M.; Komkov, B.; Konno, M.; Koster, J.; Kotchetkov, D.; Kotov, D.; Kozlov, A.; Král, A.; Kravitz, A.; Kubart, J.; Kunde, G. J.; Kurihara, N.; Kurita, K.; Kurosawa, M.; Kweon, M. J.; Kwon, Y.; Kyle, G. S.; Lacey, R.; Lai, Y. S.; Lajoie, J. G.; Lebedev, A.; Lee, D. M.; Lee, J.; Lee, K. B.; Lee, K. S.; Lee, M. K.; Lee, S. H.; Lee, T.; Leitch, M. J.; Leite, M. A. L.; Leitgab, M.; Lenzi, B.; Li, X.; Lichtenwalner, P.; Liebing, P.; Lim, S. H.; Linden Levy, L. A.; Liška, T.; Litvinenko, A.; Liu, H.; Liu, M. X.; Love, B.; Lynch, D.; Maguire, C. F.; Makdisi, Y. I.; Makek, M.; Malakhov, A.; Malik, M. D.; Manion, A.; Manko, V. I.; Mannel, E.; Mao, Y.; Mašek, L.; Masui, H.; Matathias, F.; McCumber, M.; McGaughey, P. L.; McGlinchey, D.; McKinney, C.; Means, N.; Meles, A.; Mendoza, M.; Meredith, B.; Miake, Y.; Mibe, T.; Mignerey, A. C.; Mikeš, P.; Miki, K.; Miller, A. J.; Miller, T. E.; Milov, A.; Mioduszewski, S.; Mishra, D. K.; Mishra, M.; Mitchell, J. T.; Mitrovski, M.; Miyasaka, S.; Mizuno, S.; Mohanty, A. K.; Montuenga, P.; Moon, H. J.; Moon, T.; Morino, Y.; Morreale, A.; Morrison, D. P.; Moukhanova, T. V.; Mukhopadhyay, D.; Murakami, T.; Murata, J.; Mwai, A.; Nagamiya, S.; Nagata, Y.; Nagle, J. L.; Naglis, M.; Nagy, M. I.; Nakagawa, I.; Nakagomi, H.; Nakamiya, Y.; Nakamura, K. R.; Nakamura, T.; Nakano, K.; Nam, S.; Nattrass, C.; Netrakanti, P. K.; Newby, J.; Nguyen, M.; Nihashi, M.; Niida, T.; Norman, B. E.; Nouicer, R.; Novitzky, N.; Nyanin, A. S.; Oakley, C.; O'Brien, E.; Oda, S. X.; Ogilvie, C. A.; Ohnishi, H.; Oka, M.; Okada, K.; Omiwade, O. O.; Onuki, Y.; Orjuela Koop, J. D.; Oskarsson, A.; Ouchida, M.; Ozaki, H.; Ozawa, K.; Pak, R.; Pal, D.; Palounek, A. P. T.; Pantuev, V.; Papavassiliou, V.; Park, I. H.; Park, J.; Park, S.; Park, S. K.; Park, W. J.; Pate, S. F.; Patel, L.; Patel, M.; Pei, H.; Peng, J.-C.; Pereira, H.; Perepelitsa, D. V.; Perera, G. D. N.; Peresedov, V.; Peressounko, D. Yu.; Perry, J.; Petti, R.; Pinkenburg, C.; Pinson, R.; Pisani, R. P.; Proissl, M.; Purschke, M. L.; Purwar, A. K.; Qu, H.; Rak, J.; Rakotozafindrabe, A.; Ravinovich, I.; Read, K. F.; Rembeczki, S.; Reuter, M.; Reygers, K.; Reynolds, D.; Riabov, V.; Riabov, Y.; Richardson, E.; Riveli, N.; Roach, D.; Roche, G.; Rolnick, S. D.; Romana, A.; Rosati, M.; Rosen, C. A.; Rosendahl, S. S. E.; Rosnet, P.; Rowan, Z.; Rubin, J. G.; Rukoyatkin, P.; Ružička, P.; Rykov, V. L.; Sahlmueller, B.; Saito, N.; Sakaguchi, T.; Sakai, S.; Sakashita, K.; Sakata, H.; Sako, H.; Samsonov, V.; Sano, S.; Sarsour, M.; Sato, S.; Sato, T.; Sawada, S.; Schaefer, B.; Schmoll, B. K.; Sedgwick, K.; Seele, J.; Seidl, R.; Semenov, V.; Sen, A.; Seto, R.; Sett, P.; Sexton, A.; Sharma, D.; Shein, I.; Shevel, A.; Shibata, T.-A.; Shigaki, K.; Shimomura, M.; Shoji, K.; Shukla, P.; Sickles, A.; Silva, C. L.; Silvermyr, D.; Silvestre, C.; Sim, K. S.; Singh, B. K.; Singh, C. P.; Singh, V.; Skutnik, S.; Slunečka, M.; Soldatov, A.; Soltz, R. A.; Sondheim, W. E.; Sorensen, S. P.; Sourikova, I. V.; Staley, F.; Stankus, P. W.; Stenlund, E.; Stepanov, M.; Ster, A.; Stoll, S. P.; Sugitate, T.; Suire, C.; Sukhanov, A.; Sumita, T.; Sun, J.; Sziklai, J.; Tabaru, T.; Takagi, S.; Takagui, E. M.; Takahara, A.; Taketani, A.; Tanabe, R.; Tanaka, Y.; Taneja, S.; Tanida, K.; Tannenbaum, M. J.; Tarafdar, S.; Taranenko, A.; Tarján, P.; Themann, H.; Thomas, D.; Thomas, T. L.; Timilsina, A.; Todoroki, T.; Togawa, M.; Toia, A.; Tojo, J.; Tomášek, L.; Tomášek, M.; Torii, H.; Towell, M.; Towell, R.; Towell, R. S.; Tram, V.-N.; Tserruya, I.; Tsuchimoto, Y.; Vale, C.; Valle, H.; van Hecke, H. W.; Vargyas, M.; Vazquez-Zambrano, E.; Veicht, A.; Velkovska, J.; Vértesi, R.; Vinogradov, A. A.; Virius, M.; Vrba, V.; Vznuzdaev, E.; Wagner, M.; Walker, D.; Wang, X. R.; Watanabe, D.; Watanabe, K.; Watanabe, Y.; Watanabe, Y. S.; Wei, F.; Wei, R.; Wessels, J.; Whitaker, S.; White, S. N.; Winter, D.; Wolin, S.; Woody, C. L.; Wright, R. M.; Wysocki, M.; Xia, B.; Xie, W.; Xue, L.; Yalcin, S.; Yamaguchi, Y. L.; Yamaura, K.; Yang, R.; Yanovich, A.; Yasin, Z.; Ying, J.; Yokkaichi, S.; Yoon, I.; You, Z.; Young, G. R.; Younus, I.; Yushmanov, I. E.; Zajc, W. A.; Zaudtke, O.; Zelenski, A.; Zhang, C.; Zhou, S.; Zimányi, J.; Zolin, L.; Phenix Collaboration

2014-11-01

The PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider has performed a systematic study of KS0 and K*0 meson production at midrapidity in p +p ,d +Au , and Cu +Cu collisions at √{s NN}=200 GeV. The KS0 and K*0 mesons are reconstructed via their KS0→π0(→γ γ ) π0(→γ γ ) and K*0→K±π∓ decay modes, respectively. The measured transverse-momentum spectra are used to determine the nuclear modification factor of KS0 and K*0 mesons in d +Au and Cu +Cu collisions at different centralities. In the d +Au collisions, the nuclear modification factor of KS0 and K*0 mesons is almost constant as a function of transverse momentum and is consistent with unity, showing that cold-nuclear-matter effects do not play a significant role in the measured kinematic range. In Cu +Cu collisions, within the uncertainties no nuclear modification is registered in peripheral collisions. In central collisions, both mesons show suppression relative to the expectations from the p +p yield scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions in the Cu +Cu system. In the pT range 2 - 5 GeV /c , the strange mesons (KS0,K*0) similarly to the ϕ meson with hidden strangeness, show an intermediate suppression between the more suppressed light quark mesons (π0) and the nonsuppressed baryons (p ,p ¯). At higher transverse momentum, pT>5 GeV /c , production of all particles is similarly suppressed by a factor of ≈2 .

Expression of exon-8-skipped kindlin-1 does not compensate for defects of Kindler syndrome.

PubMed

Natsuga, Ken; Nishie, Wataru; Shinkuma, Satoru; Nakamura, Hideki; Matsushima, Yoichiro; Tatsuta, Aya; Komine, Mayumi; Shimizu, Hiroshi

2011-01-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare, inherited skin disease characterized by blister formation and generalized poikiloderma. Mutations in KIND1, which encodes kindlin-1, are responsible for KS. c.1089del/1089+1del is a recurrent splice-site deletion mutation in KS patients. To elucidate the effects of c.1089del/1089+1del at the mRNA and protein level. Two KS patients with c.1089del/1089+1del were included in this study. Immunofluorescence analysis of KS skin samples using antibodies against the dermo-epidermal junction proteins was performed. Exon-trapping experiments were performed to isolate the mRNA sequences transcribed from genomic DNA harbouring c.1089del/1089+1del. β1 integrin activation in HeLa cells transfected with truncated KIND1 cDNA was analyzed. Immunofluorescence study showed positive expression of kindlin-1 in KS skin with c.1089del/1089+1del mutation. We identified the exon-8-skipped in-frame transcript as the main product among multiple splicing variants derived from that mutation. HeLa cells transfected with KIND1 cDNA without exon 8 showed impaired β1 integrin activation. Exon-8-coding amino acids are located in the FERM F2 domain, which is conserved among species, and the unstructured region between F2 and the pleckstrin homology domain. This study suggests that exon-8-skipped truncated kindlin-1 is functionally defective and does not compensate for the defects of KS, even though kindlin-1 expression in skin is positive. Copyright © 2010 Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Different profile of endothelial cell apoptosis in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome.

PubMed

Condorelli, R A; Calogero, A E; La Vignera, S

2013-02-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of testosterone (T) therapy on the sexual function of middle-aged patients with acquired pre-pubertal hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (HrHy) and patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). A selected series of 35 middle-aged hypogonadal patients, including those who had recently been observed during andrological counseling (extracted from our database) and had not yet begun hormonal treatment, was recruited for this evaluation. This series of patients included 20 patients with acquired prepubertal HrHy and 15 KS patients who were matched by age and body mass index. All patients underwent an andrological evaluation, which included the administration of the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and the evaluation of penile echo color Doppler. In addition, by flow cytometry we evaluated the serum levels of apoptotic endothelial microparticles (EMPa) and the vitronectin receptor (VR) at baseline and 6 months after the onset of T therapy. After 6 months of T therapy, patients with HrHy demonstrated mean IIEF-5 scores and a peak systolic velocity that were significantly greater and a mean acceleration time that was significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of patients with KS (p<0.05). In addition, patients with HrHy showed mean EMPa values and VR serum concentrations that were significantly lower than those of patients with KS (p<0.05). KS patients showed significantly improved IIEF-5 scores and Doppler parameters (p<0.05) but not EMPa or VR serum concentrations following treatment. These results indicate that erectile dysfunction in KS can improve with T therapy, although this improvement is more profound in HrHy patients, and these results also suggest that T therapy does not improve the severity of endothelial cell apoptosis in KS patients.

Influence of Natural Thermal Gradients on Whole Animal Rates of Protein Synthesis in Marine Gammarid Amphipods

PubMed Central

Rastrick, Samuel P. S.; Whiteley, Nia M.

2013-01-01

Although temperature is known to have an important effect on protein synthesis rates and growth in aquatic ectotherms held in the laboratory, little is known about the effects of thermal gradients on natural populations in the field. To address this issue we determined whole-animal fractional rates of protein synthesis (ks) in four dominant species of gammarid amphipods with different distributions along the coasts of Western Europe from arctic to temperate latitudes. Up to three populations of each species were collected in the summer and ks measured within 48 h. Summer ks values were relatively high in the temperate species, Gammarus locusta, from Portugal (48°N) and Wales (53°N) and were maintained across latitudes by the conservation of translational efficiency. In sharp contrast, summer ks remained remarkably low in the boreal/temperate species G. duebeni from Wales, Scotland (58°N) and Tromsø (70°N), probably as a temporary energy saving strategy to ensure survival in rapidly fluctuating environments of the high intertidal. Values for ks increased in acclimated G. duebeni from Scotland and Tromsø showing a lack of compensation with latitude. In the subarctic/boreal species, G. oceanicus, summer ks remained unchanged in Scotland and Tromsø but fell significantly in Svalbard (79°N) at 5°C, despite a slight increase in RNA content. At 79°N, mean ks was 4.5 times higher in the circumpolar species G. setosus than in G. oceanicus due to a doubling in RNA content. The relationship between whole-animal protein synthesis rates and natural thermal gradients is complex, varies between species and appears to be associated with local temperatures and their variability, as well as changes in other environmental factors. PMID:23544122

Sub-millimetre properties of massive star-forming galaxies at z ~ 2 in SHADES/SXDF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, T.; Mortier, A. M. J.; Shimasaku, K.; Coppin, K.; Pope, A.; Ivison, R. J.; Hanami, H.; Serjeant, S.; Dunlop, J. S.

2007-05-01

We study the submillimetre (submm) properties of the following NIR-selected massive galaxies at high redshifts: BzK-selected star-forming galaxies (BzKs), distant red galaxies (DRGs) and extremely red objects (EROs). We used the SCUBA HAlf Degree Extragalactic Survey (SHADES), the largest uniform submm survey to date. We detected 6 NIR-selected galaxies in our SCUBA map. Four submm-detected galaxies out of six are found to be detected both at 24 micron and in radio (1.4 GHz), and therefore confirmed as genuine submm-bright galaxies. We identify two submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies are the BzK-DRG-ERO overlapping population. Although this overlapping population is rare, about 12% of this population could be submm galaxies. With a stacking analysis, we detected the 850-micron flux of submm-faint BzKs and EROs in our SCUBA maps. While the contribution from BzKs at z˜2 to submm background is about 10 - 15 % and similar to that from EROs typically at z˜1, BzKs have a higher fraction (˜30%) of flux in resolved sources than EROs do. Therefore, submm flux of BzKs seems to be biased high. From the SED fitting using an evolutionary model of starbursts with radiative transfer, submm-bright NIR-selected galaxies, mostly BzKs, are found to have the stellar mass of >5x1010M[sun] with the bolometric luminosity of >3x1012L[sun]. On the other hand, an average SED of submm-faint BzKs indicates the typical stellar mass of <6x1010M[sun] and therefore less massive.

Risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma in human immunodeficiency virus patients after initiation of antiretroviral therapy: A nested case-control study in Kenya.

PubMed

Lupia, Rodgers; Wabuyia, Peter B; Otiato, Peter; Fang, Chi-Tai; Tsai, Feng-Jen

2017-12-01

This study aimed to evaluate the association between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence and development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients. We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study of 165 participants (33 cases and 132 controls) receiving HAART care at Maseno Hospital, Kenya, from January 2005 to October 2013. Cases were HIV-positive adults with KS, who were matched with controls in a ratio of 1:4 based on age (±5 years of each case), sex, and KS diagnosis date. Perfect adherence to HAART was assessed on every clinic visit by patients' self-reporting and pill counts. Chi-square tests were performed to compare socioeconomic and clinical statuses between cases and controls. A conditional logistic regression was used to assess the effects of perfect adherence to HAART, the latest CD4 count, education level, distance to health-care facility, initial World Health Organization stage, and number of regular sexual partners on the development of KS. Only 63.6% participants reported perfect adherence, and the control group had a significantly higher percentage of perfect adherence (75.0%) than did cases (18.2%). After adjustment for potential imbalances in the baseline and clinical characteristics, patients with imperfect HAART adherence had 20-times greater risk of developing KS than patients with perfect HAART adherence [hazard ratios: 21.0, 95% confidence interval: 4.2-105.1]. Patients with low latest CD4 count (≤350 cells/mm 3 ) had a seven-times greater risk of developing KS than did their counterparts (HRs: 7.1, 95% CI: 1.4-36.2). Imperfect HAART adherence and low latest CD4 count are significantly associated with KS development. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Accounting for Aquifer Heterogeneity in Analysis of the Skin Effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrash, W.; Clemo, T.; Fox, J. J.; Johnson, T. C.

2005-12-01

Because results of hydraulic tests in boreholes can be influenced by wellbore skin, understanding and quantification of wellbore skin improves our ability to estimate hydraulic conductivity (K) with such tests. We have investigated positive skin at 10-cm ID PVC wells with slotted casing that were emplaced in a 15-m thick coarse fluvial aquifer at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site (BHRS), and we have concluded that the skin effect derives from sand grains partially clogging the slotted casing. We use the WTAQ code (Moench, 1997; Barlow and Moench, 1999) with a redefinition of the term for delayed observation well response to include skin effects at observation wells (in addition to pumping wells) in order to analyze aquifer tests for average skin conductivity (Ks) values at individual wells at the BHRS. Systematic differences in Ks values are recognized in results at pumping (Ks Q) and observation (Ks obs) wells: larger values are seen at observation wells (average Ks obs = 0.0023 cm/s) than pumping wells. Two possible causes are recognized for the occurrence of higher Ks values at observation wells than pumping wells: (1) flow diversion between aquifer layers on approach to a pumping well with a positive skin; and (2) larger portion of flow passing through lower-K zones in the heterogeneous aquifer near the pumping well than the observation wells due to strongly radially convergent flow near the pumping well. Because of the increased drawdown at a pumping well compared with an observation well due to heterogeneity in the aquifer, observation wells provide better Ks estimates than those from pumping wells for the well-aquifer system at the BHRS.

Hydraulic architecture and tracheid allometry in mature Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii trees.

PubMed

Gonzalez-Benecke, C A; Martin, T A; Peter, G F

2010-03-01

Pinus palustris Mill. (longleaf pine, LL) and Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii (slash pine, SL) frequently co-occur in lower coastal plain flatwoods of the USA, with LL typically inhabiting slightly higher and better-drained microsites than SL. The hydraulic architecture and tracheid dimensions of roots, trunk and branches of mature LL and SL trees were compared to understand their role in species microsite occupation. Root xylem had higher sapwood-specific hydraulic conductivity (k(s)) and was less resistant to cavitation compared with branches and trunk sapwood. Root k(s) of LL was significantly higher than SL, whereas branch and trunk k(s) did not differ between species. No differences in vulnerability to cavitation were observed in any of the organs between species. Across all organs, there was a significant but weak trade-off between water conduction efficiency and safety. Tracheid hydraulic diameter (D(h)) was strongly correlated with k(s) across all organs, explaining >73% of the variation in k(s). In contrast, tracheid length (L(t)) explained only 2.4% of the variability. Nevertheless, for trunk xylem, k(s) was 39.5% higher at 20 m compared with 1.8 m; this increase in k(s) was uncorrelated with D(h) and cell-wall thickness but was strongly correlated with the difference in L(t). Tracheid allometry markedly changed between sapwood of roots, trunks and branches, possibly reflecting different mechanical constraints. Even though vulnerability to cavitation was not different for sapwood of roots, branches or the trunks of LL and SL, higher sapwood to leaf area ratio and higher maximum sapwood-specific hydraulic conductivity in roots of LL are functional traits that may provide LL with a competitive advantage on drier soil microsites.

Isolation and characterization of a Ds-tagged rice (Oryza sativa L.) GA-responsive dwarf mutant defective in an early step of the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway.

PubMed

Margis-Pinheiro, Marcia; Zhou, Xue-Rong; Zhu, Qian-Hao; Dennis, Elizabeth S; Upadhyaya, Narayana M

2005-03-01

We have isolated a severe dwarf transposon (Ds) insertion mutant in rice (Oryza sativa L.), which could be differentiated early in the seedling stage by reduced shoot growth and dark green leaves, and later by severe dwarfism and failure to initiate flowering. These mutants, however, showed normal seed germination and root growth. One of the sequences flanking Ds, rescued from the mutant, was of a chromosome 4-located putative ent-kaurene synthase (KS) gene, encoding the enzyme catalyzing the second step of the gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis pathway. Dwarf mutants were always homozygous for this Ds insertion and no normal plants homozygous for this mutation were recovered in the segregating progeny, indicating that the Ds insertion mutation is recessive. As mutations in three recently reported rice GA-responsive dwarf mutant alleles and the dwarf mutation identified in this study mapped to the same locus, we designate the corresponding gene OsKS1. The osks1 mutant seedlings were responsive to exogenous gibberellin (GA3). OsKS1 transcripts of about 2.3 kb were detected in leaves and stem of wild-type plants, but not in germinating seeds or roots, suggesting that OsKS1 is not involved in germination or root growth. There are at least five OsKS1-like genes in the rice genome, four of which are also represented in rice expressed sequence tag (EST) databases. All OsKS1-like genes are transcribed with different expression patterns. ESTs corresponding to all six OsKS genes are represented in other cereal databases including barley, wheat and maize, suggesting that they are biologically active.

Structural and evolutionary relationships of "AT-less" type I polyketide synthase ketosynthases

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

Lohman, Jeremy; Ma, Ming; Osipiuk, Jerzy

2015-10-13

Acyltransferase (AT)-less type I polyketide synthases (PKSs) break the type I PKS paradigm. They lack the integrated AT domains within their modules and instead use a discrete AT that acts in trans, whereas a type I PKS module minimally contains AT, acyl carrier protein (ACP), and ketosynthase (KS) domains. Structures of canonical type I PKS KS-AT didomains reveal structured linkers that connect the two domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs have remnants of these linkers, which have been hypothesized to be AT docking domains. Natural products produced by AT-less type I PKSs are very complex because of an increased representationmore » of unique modifying domains. AT-less type I PKS KSs possess substrate specificity and fall into phylogenetic clades that correlate with their substrates, whereas canonical type I PKS KSs are monophyletic. We have solved crystal structures of seven AT-less type I PKS KS domains that represent various sequence clusters, revealing insight into the large structural and subtle amino acid residue differences that lead to unique active site topologies and substrate specificities. One set of structures represents a larger group of KS domains from both canonical and AT-less type I PKSs that accept amino acid-containing substrates. One structure has a partial AT-domain, revealing the structural consequences of a type I PKS KS evolving into an AT-less type I PKS KS. These structures highlight the structural diversity within the AT-less type I PKS KS family, and most important, provide a unique opportunity to study the molecular evolution of substrate specificity within the type I PKSs.« less

Paclitaxel is safe and effective in the treatment of advanced AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

PubMed

Gill, P S; Tulpule, A; Espina, B M; Cabriales, S; Bresnahan, J; Ilaw, M; Louie, S; Gustafson, N F; Brown, M A; Orcutt, C; Winograd, B; Scadden, D T

1999-06-01

Liposomal anthracyclines are the present standard treatment for advanced AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). No effective therapies have been defined for use after treatment failure of these agents. A phase II trial was thus conducted with paclitaxel in patients with advanced KS to assess safety and antitumor activity. A regimen of paclitaxel at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) was given every 2 weeks to patients with advanced AIDS-related KS. Patients were treated until complete remission, disease progression, or unacceptable toxicity occurred. Fifty-six patients with advanced AIDS-related KS were accrued. Tumor-associated edema was present in 70% of patients and visceral involvement in 45%. Forty patients (71%) had received prior systemic therapy; 31 of these were resistant to an anthracycline. The median entry CD4(+) lymphocyte count was 20 cells/mm(3) (range, 0 to 358). A median of 10 cycles (range, 1 to 54+) of paclitaxel was administered. Fifty-nine percent of patients showed complete (n = 1) or partial response (n = 32) to paclitaxel. The median duration of response was 10.4 months (range, 2.8 to 26.7+ months) and the median survival was 15.4 months. The main side effects of therapy were grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in 61% of patients and mild-to-moderate alopecia in 87%. Paclitaxel at 100 mg/m(2) given every 2 weeks is active and well tolerated in the treatment of advanced and previously treated AIDS-related KS. The median duration of response is among the longest observed for any regimen or single agent reported for AIDS-related KS. Paclitaxel at this dosage and schedule is a treatment option for patients with advanced AIDS-related KS, including those who have experienced treatment failure of prior systemic therapy.

Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Periodontal Pathogens Suppress Histone Deacetylases, EZH2, and SUV39H1 To Promote Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication

PubMed Central

Yu, Xiaolan; Shahir, Abdel-Malek; Sha, Jingfeng; Feng, Zhimin; Eapen, Betty; Nithianantham, Stanley; Das, Biswajit; Karn, Jonathan; Weinberg, Aaron; Bissada, Nabil F.

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum produce five different short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as metabolic by-products. We detect significantly higher levels of SCFAs in the saliva of patients with severe periodontal disease. The different SCFAs stimulate lytic gene expression of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) dose dependently and synergistically. SCFAs inhibit class-1/2 histone deacetylases (HDACs) and downregulate expression of silent information regulator-1 (SIRT1). SCFAs also downregulate expression of enhancer of zeste homolog2 (EZH2) and suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog1 (SUV39H1), which are two histone N-lysine methyltransferases (HLMTs). By suppressing the different components of host epigenetic regulatory machinery, SCFAs increase histone acetylation and decrease repressive histone trimethylations to transactivate the viral chromatin. These new findings provide mechanistic support that SCFAs from periodontal pathogens stimulate KSHV replication and infection in the oral cavity and are potential risk factors for development of oral Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). IMPORTANCE About 20% of KS patients develop KS lesions first in the oral cavity, while other patients never develop oral KS. It is not known if the oral microenvironment plays a role in oral KS tumor development. In this work, we demonstrate that a group of metabolic by-products, namely, short-chain fatty acids, from bacteria that cause periodontal disease promote lytic replication of KSHV, the etiological agent associated with KS. These new findings provide mechanistic support that periodontal pathogens create a unique microenvironment in the oral cavity that contributes to KSHV replication and development of oral KS. PMID:24501407

33 CFR 208.11 - Regulations for use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation and/or project operation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... Lk KS Mitchel Solomon R FIM 722.3204.8 1488.31455.6 1455.61428.0 3368212602 126023341 PL 78-534PL 79....34051.0 137309410 9410820 PL 78-534 USBR. Kirwin Dam & Res KS Phillips N Fork Solomon R FICR 215.189.6... 1330 890 PL 78-534 VT Webster Dam & Res KS Rocks S Fork Solomon R FIRC 183.472.1 1923.71892.5 1892...

33 CFR 208.11 - Regulations for use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation and/or project operation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Lk KS Mitchel Solomon R FIM 722.3204.8 1488.31455.6 1455.61428.0 3368212602 126023341 PL 78-534PL 79....34051.0 137309410 9410820 PL 78-534 USBR. Kirwin Dam & Res KS Phillips N Fork Solomon R FICR 215.189.6... 1330 890 PL 78-534 VT Webster Dam & Res KS Rocks S Fork Solomon R FIRC 183.472.1 1923.71892.5 1892...

33 CFR 208.11 - Regulations for use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation and/or project operation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Lk KS Mitchel Solomon R FIM 722.3204.8 1488.31455.6 1455.61428.0 3368212602 126023341 PL 78-534PL 79....34051.0 137309410 9410820 PL 78-534 USBR. Kirwin Dam & Res KS Phillips N Fork Solomon R FICR 215.189.6... 1330 890 PL 78-534 VT Webster Dam & Res KS Rocks S Fork Solomon R FIRC 183.472.1 1923.71892.5 1892...

Drugs that may provoke Kounis syndrome.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Maria Catarina Luís; Coelho, Daniela; Granja, Cristina

2013-01-01

Kounis Syndrome (KS) is the contemporary occurrence of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) with an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. This syndrome has been reported in association with a variety of drugs, food, insect stings, environmental exposures and medical conditions. Cases of KS seem to be more often encountered in everyday clinical practice than anticipated. It is believed that the lack of awareness of this association may lead to underreporting. We report a case of KS secondary to diclofenac intake.

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

Kang, J.S.; Technical Research Laboratories, POSCO, Pohang 790-300; Seol, Jae-Bok, E-mail: j.seol@mpie.de

We investigated the microstructural evolution of high strength low alloy steel, Fe–2.0Mn–0.15Si–0.05C (wt.%), by varying the continuous cooling rates from 1 K/s to 50 K/s using three-dimensional electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Granular bainitic microstructure was prevalent under a slow cooling rate of 1–10 K/s, while lath-type bainite was dominant at a high cooling rate of 50 K/s. The acicular ferrite that was the major microstructure under the intermediate ranges of cooling rates between 10 K/s and 30 K/s was tangled with each other, leading to a three-dimensional interwoven structure with highly misoriented grains. Because of the formationmore » of three-dimensional structures, we propose that the terms “acicular ferrite” and “bainitic ferrite,” which are currently used in steel, be replaced by the terms “interwoven acicular bainite” and “lath bainite,” respectively. Moreover, we also confirmed that the cooling rate is an important factor in determining whether bainitic microstructures occur in the form of granular bainite, interwoven bainite, or lath bainite. - Highlights: • The morphology of bainitic grains was characterized by 3D-EBSD. • The ‘interwoven bainite’ and ‘lath bainite’ were suggested. • Interwoven bainite consisted of lenticular plates that were interlinked in 3D regime. • The packets of lath bainite were aligned in a specific direction.« less

Effects of human recombinant interleukin-1 beta on protein synthesis in rat tissues compared with a classical acute-phase reaction induced by turpentine. Rapid response of muscle to interleukin-1 beta.

PubMed Central

Ballmer, P E; McNurlan, M A; Southorn, B G; Grant, I; Garlick, P J

1991-01-01

The early time course (1, 3, 9, 24 h) of changes in rates of protein synthesis (ks) in liver and three different muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus and heart) was investigated after injection of saline, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) or turpentine in rats. IL-1 injection induced a consistent increase in body temperature of about 3 degrees C between 3 and 5 h, but thereafter a hypothermic response occurred. With turpentine, a delayed fever response with a peak value by 9 h was observed. Both IL-1 and turpentine had no effect on protein synthesis in the small intestine, but produced a significant increase in ks in the liver at 9 h. By 24 h in IL-1-treated animals, liver ks had returned back to control values, whereas the turpentine-treated group showed a progressive rise in ks. Gastrocnemius and soleus muscles exhibited a significant fall in ks at 9 h after IL-1 and turpentine injection compared with the control. In contrast, the ks of heart muscle increased at 3-9 h after IL-1 injection, but there was no effect of turpentine. Thus for the first time a marked decrease of protein synthesis in skeletal muscle in response to IL-1 could be demonstrated. PMID:1719958

Recreational Drug Use and Risk of Kaposi's Sarcoma in HIV- and HHV-8-Coinfected Homosexual Men

PubMed Central

Chao, Chun; Jacobson, Lisa P.; Jenkins, Frank J.; Tashkin, Donald; Martínez-Maza, Otoniel; Roth, Michael D.; Ng, Leslie; Margolick, Joseph B.; Chmiel, Joan S.; Detels, Roger

2009-01-01

Abstract Experimental data suggested that exposure to recreational drugs might adversely affect antitumor immunity, which led us to examine the hypothesis that use of marijuana, cocaine, poppers, and amphetamines might increase the risk of Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) in HIV- and HHV-8-coinfected homosexual men. We analyzed data prospectively collected from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) between 1984 and 2002. Among the 1335 HIV- and HHV-8-coinfected white men, 401 KS cases were identified. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the effects of time-varying recreational drug use on KS risk adjusting for potential confounders. The effects of both recent use (6 months prior) of recreational drugs and lagged exposure (i.e., use from 3 and 5 years prior) were examined. We did not observe any clear association with KS for recent use of any of the four drugs. In the analyses using lagged exposures, KS risk was associated with use of poppers 3–5 years prior [hazard ratio (HR)3 years prior = 1.27, 95% CI (0.97–1.67), HR5 years prior = 1.46 (1.01–2.13)]. However, no clear dose-response relationship was observed. These findings do not support a biological association between use of these substances and KS development in HIV- and HHV-8-coinfected homosexual men. PMID:19108691

Defining Malaysian Knowledge Society: Results from the Delphi Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamid, Norsiah Abdul; Zaman, Halimah Badioze

This paper outlines the findings of research where the central idea is to define the term Knowledge Society (KS) in Malaysian context. The research focuses on three important dimensions, namely knowledge, ICT and human capital. This study adopts a modified Delphi technique to seek the important dimensions that can contribute to the development of Malaysian's KS. The Delphi technique involved ten experts in a five-round iterative and controlled feedback procedure to obtain consensus on the important dimensions and to verify the proposed definition of KS. The finding shows that all three dimensions proposed initially scored high and moderate consensus. Round One (R1) proposed an initial definition of KS and required comments and inputs from the panel. These inputs were then used to develop items for a R2 questionnaire. In R2, 56 out of 73 items scored high consensus and in R3, 63 out of 90 items scored high. R4 was conducted to re-rate the new items, in which 8 out of 17 items scored high. Other items scored moderate consensus and no item scored low or no consensus in all rounds. The final round (R5) was employed to verify the final definition of KS. Findings and discovery of this study are significant to the definition of KS and the development of a framework in the Malaysian context.

Relationship between cigarette format and mouth-level exposure to tar and nicotine in smokers of Russian king-size cigarettes.

PubMed

Ashley, Madeleine; Dixon, Mike; Prasad, Krishna

2014-10-01

Differences in length and circumference of cigarettes may influence smoker behaviour and exposure to smoke constituents. Superslim king-size (KSSS) cigarettes (17mm circumference versus 25mm circumference of conventional king-size [KS] cigarettes), have gained popularity in several countries, including Russia. Some smoke constituents are lower in machine-smoked KSSS versus KS cigarettes, but few data exist on actual exposure in smokers. We investigated mouth-level exposure (MLE) to tar and nicotine in Russian smokers of KSSS versus KS cigarettes and measured smoke constituents under machine-smoking conditions. MLE to tar was similar for smokers of 1mg ISO tar yield products, but lower for smokers of 4mg and 7mg KSSS versus KS cigarettes. MLE to nicotine was lower in smokers of 4mg KSSS versus KS cigarettes, but not for other tar bands. No gender differences were observed for nicotine or tar MLE. Under International Organization for Standardization, Health Canada Intense and Massachusetts regimes, KSSS cigarettes tended to yield less carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, nitric oxide, acrylonitrile, benzene, 1,3-butadiene and tobacco-specific nitrosamines, but more formaldehyde, than KS cigarettes. In summary, differences in MLE were observed between cigarette formats, but not systematically across pack tar bands. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of ent-kaurene synthase and kaurene oxidase involved in gibberellin biosynthesis from Scoparia dulcis.

PubMed

Yamamura, Yoshimi; Taguchi, Yukari; Ichitani, Kei; Umebara, Io; Ohshita, Ayako; Kurosaki, Fumiya; Lee, Jung-Bum

2018-03-01

Gibberellins (GAs) are ubiquitous diterpenoids in higher plants, whereas some higher plants produce unique species-specific diterpenoids. In GA biosynthesis, ent-kaurene synthase (KS) and ent-kaurene oxidase (KO) are key players which catalyze early step(s) of the cyclization and oxidation reactions. We have studied the functional characterization of gene products of a KS (SdKS) and two KOs (SdKO1 and SdKO2) involved in GA biosynthesis in Scoparia dulcis. Using an in vivo heterologous expression system of Escherichia coli, we found that SdKS catalyzed a cyclization reaction from ent-CPP to ent-kaurene and that the SdKOs oxidized ent-kaurene to ent-kaurenoic acid after modification of the N-terminal region for adaptation to the E. coli expression system. The real-time PCR results showed that the SdKS, SdKO1 and SdKO2 genes were mainly expressed in the root and lateral root systems, which are elongating tissues. Based on these results, we suggest that these three genes may be responsible for the metabolism of GAs in S. dulcis.

Experimental test of state-independent quantum contextuality of an indivisible quantum system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Meng; Huang, Yun-Feng; Cao, Dong-Yang; Zhang, Chao; Zhang, Yong-Sheng; Liu, Bi-Heng; Li, Chuan-Feng; Guo, Guang-Can

2014-05-01

Since the quantum mechanics was born, quantum mechanics was argued among scientists because the differences between quantum mechanics and the classical physics. Because of this, some people give hidden variable theory. One of the hidden variable theory is non-contextual hidden variable theory, and KS inequalities are famous in non-contextual hidden variable theory. But the original KS inequalities have 117 directions to measure, so it is almost impossible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. However bout two years ago, Sixia Yu and C.H. Oh point out that for a single qutrit, we only need to measure 13 directions, then we can test the KS inequalities. This makes it possible to test the KS inequalities in experiment. We use the polarization and the path of single photon to construct a qutrit, and we use the half-wave plates, the beam displacers and polar beam splitters to prepare the quantum state and finish the measurement. And the result prove that quantum mechanics is right and non-contextual hidden variable theory is wrong.

Mild clinical phenotype of Kindler syndrome associated with late diagnosis and skin cancer.

PubMed

Has, C; Burger, B; Volz, A; Kohlhase, J; Bruckner-Tuderman, L; Itin, P

2010-01-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a heritable skin disorder with a complex phenotype consisting of congenital skin blistering, photosensitivity, progressive generalized poikiloderma and extensive skin atrophy. Here we describe 2 siblings with KS, who are, to the best of our knowledge, the oldest patients reported so far in the literature. The diagnosis was established in their seventh and eighth decades of life, and confirmed by mutation analysis. Both patients were homozygous for the recurrent FERMT1 mutation, c.328C→T, p.R110X. Because of a relatively mild course of the disease, mucosal membranes in the eyes and oesophagus being predominantly affected in recent years, they had been treated under other diagnoses, such as scleroderma. Cutaneous precancerous lesions and epithelial skin cancer arose in both siblings after the age of 50 years and were treated in an early stage. Taken together, we describe the natural course of KS, the morphological abnormalities occurring in the skin of older KS patients, we discuss the differential diagnosis and the association between KS and squamous cell carcinoma. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Patient-centered knowledge sharing in healthcare organizations: Identifying the external barriers.

PubMed

Zhou, Lihong

2017-12-01

This paper reports on a research study, which aims to identify, qualify, and theorize the external barriers that prevent and hinder the exercises and activities of patient-centered knowledge sharing (KS) in healthcare organizations. The project adopted a qualitative secondary analysis approach as the overarching methodology to guide the analysis of data collected in a previously completed research study. Specifically, 46 semi-structured interview data were included and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. The secondary analysis showed that healthcare KS is strongly influenced and hindered by five external barriers: social belief and preference, cultural values, healthcare education structure, political decisions, and economic environment and constraints. Moreover, the research findings suggest that these external barriers cannot be overlooked in KS implementation and operation in healthcare organizations and should be carefully assessed beginning in the early stages of KS design and strategic planning. Based on the secondary analysis, this paper proposes a conceptual model, which will contribute to the development of hypotheses in the future for building a generalized knowledge. The case study used is Chinese healthcare, but the KS problems studied can be shared across international borders.

Kaposi's sarcoma in Vaud and Neuchatel, Switzerland, 1978-2002.

PubMed

Levi, Fabio; Randimbison, Lalao; Te, Van-Cong; Franceschi, Silvia; La Vecchia, Carlo

2004-07-01

We have considered trends in the incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) between 1978 and 2002, using data from the Swiss Cancer Registries of Vaud and Neuchâtel (786000 inhabitants). Overall, 163 cases were registered, 149 in men and 14 in women. After a peak reached in 1988-1992 in both men (2.71/100000, world-standard) and women (0.26/100000), a considerable decline was observed thereafter, to reach 0.80/100000 men and 0.06/100000 women in 1998-2002. In men, there was a substantial decline (from 4.91/100000 in 1988-1992 to 0.56 in 1998-2002) at age 15-44 years, a fall from 2.91 in 1993-1997 to 2.37 in 1998-2002 at age 45-64 years, but some increases over the last decade in the elderly, likely due to cases of classic KS. The declines in KS confirm that earlier anti-retroviral therapies (HAART) had already reduced the risk of KS, and the newest highly active anti-retroviral therapies have further contributed to the decline of KS in recent years.

Comparison of D--> KS0 pi and D--> KL0 pi decay rates.

PubMed

He, Q; Insler, J; Muramatsu, H; Park, C S; Thorndike, E H; Yang, F; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Artuso, M; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Li, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Nisar, S; Randrianarivony, K; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, K; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Lincoln, A; Asner, D M; Edwards, K W; Briere, R A; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Rosner, J L; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ehrlich, R; Fields, L; Gibbons, L; Gray, R; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hertz, D; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Onyisi, P U E; Patterson, J R; Peterson, D; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Ryd, A; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shi, X; Stroiney, S; Sun, W M; Wilksen, T; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Patel, R; Potlia, V; Yelton, J; Rubin, P; Cawlfield, C; Eisenstein, B I; Karliner, I; Kim, D; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Selen, M; White, E J; Wiss, J; Mitchell, R E; Shepherd, M R; Besson, D; Pedlar, T K; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Gao, K Y; Hietala, J; Kubota, Y; Klein, T; Lang, B W; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Zweber, P; Dobbs, S; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Ernst, J; Ecklund, K M; Severini, H; Love, W; Savinov, V; Aquines, O; Li, Z; Lopez, A; Mehrabyan, S; Mendez, H; Ramirez, J; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shipsey, I P J; Xin, B; Adams, G S; Anderson, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Hu, D; Moziak, B; Napolitano, J

2008-03-07

We present measurements of D--> KS0 pi and D--> KL0 pi branching fractions using 281 pb(-1) of psi(3770) data at the CLEO-c experiment. We find that B(D0--> KS0 pi 0) is larger than B(D0--> KL0 pi 0), with an asymmetry of R(D0)=0.108+/-0.025+/-0.024. For B(D+--> KS0 pi+) and B(D+--> KL0 pi+), we observe no measurable difference; the asymmetry is R(D+)=0.022+/-0.016+/-0.018. The D0 asymmetry is consistent with the value based on the U-spin prediction A(D0--> K0 pi 0)/A(D0--> K0 pi 0)=-tan2 theta C, where theta C is the Cabibbo angle.

Expression of Estrogen Receptors Alpha (ER-α), Beta (ER-β), and G Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 (GPR30) in Testicular Tissue of Men with Klinefelter Syndrome.

PubMed

Bernardino, R L; Alves, M G; Silva, J; Barros, A; Ferraz, L; Sousa, M; Sá, R; Oliveira, P F

2016-06-01

Men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) present severe hormonal dysregulation, particularly elevated serum estradiol concentration. Estrogens act through specific receptors and regulate testes development and spermatogenesis. Herein, we evaluated GPR30, ERα, and ERβ mRNA expression in testis of KS men and men with 46XY karyotype by reverse transcriptase and quantitative PCR. ERβ transcripts are the most abundant in testicular tissue of 46XY men. Notably, testicular GPR30 transcription in KS men was approximately 12 times higher. Since GPR30 is essential to mediate estrogen effects over steroidogenesis, our data illustrate that GPR30 may underpin the testicular alterations observed in KS men. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

City of Parsons, Kansas

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against the city of Parsons, KS, for alleged violations at the wastewater treatment plant located at 1636 22000 Rd, Parsons, KS 67357.

33 CFR 208.11 - Regulations for use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation and/or project operation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... VA Pwr. Glen Elder Dam & Waconda Lk KS Mitchel Solomon R FIM 722.3204.8 1488.31455.6 1455.61428.0... 820 PL 78-534 USBR. Kirwin Dam & Res KS Phillips N Fork Solomon R F ICR 215.1 89.6 1757.3 1729.2 1729... Webster Dam & Res KS Rocks S Fork Solomon R F IRC 183.4 72.1 1923.7 1892.5 1892.5 1860.0 8480 3772 3772...

33 CFR 208.11 - Regulations for use of storage allocated for flood control or navigation and/or project operation...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... VA Pwr. Glen Elder Dam & Waconda Lk KS Mitchel Solomon R FIM 722.3204.8 1488.31455.6 1455.61428.0... 820 PL 78-534 USBR. Kirwin Dam & Res KS Phillips N Fork Solomon R F ICR 215.1 89.6 1757.3 1729.2 1729... Webster Dam & Res KS Rocks S Fork Solomon R F IRC 183.4 72.1 1923.7 1892.5 1892.5 1860.0 8480 3772 3772...

Search for the rare decay KS^0to {μ+}{μ-}

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aaij, R.; Abellan Beteta, C.; Adametz, A.; Adeva, B.; Adinolfi, M.; Adrover, C.; Affolder, A.; Ajaltouni, Z.; Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F.; Alexander, M.; Ali, S.; Alkhazov, G.; Alvarez Cartelle, P.; Alves, A. A.; Amato, S.; Amhis, Y.; Anderlini, L.; Anderson, J.; Appleby, R. B.; Aquines Gutierrez, O.; Archilli, F.; Artamonov, A.; Artuso, M.; Aslanides, E.; Auriemma, G.; Bachmann, S.; Back, J. J.; Baesso, C.; Baldini, W.; Barlow, R. J.; Barschel, C.; Barsuk, S.; Barter, W.; Bates, A.; Bauer, Th.; Bay, A.; Beddow, J.; Bediaga, I.; Belogurov, S.; Belous, K.; Belyaev, I.; Ben-Haim, E.; Benayoun, M.; Bencivenni, G.; Benson, S.; Benton, J.; Berezhnoy, A.; Bernet, R.; Bettler, M.-O.; van Beuzekom, M.; Bien, A.; Bifani, S.; Bird, T.; Bizzeti, A.; Bjørnstad, P. M.; Blake, T.; Blanc, F.; Blanks, C.; Blouw, J.; Blusk, S.; Bobrov, A.; Bocci, V.; Bondar, A.; Bondar, N.; Bonivento, W.; Borghi, S.; Borgia, A.; Bowcock, T. J. V.; Bozzi, C.; Brambach, T.; van den Brand, J.; Bressieux, J.; Brett, D.; Britsch, M.; Britton, T.; Brook, N. H.; Brown, H.; Büchler-Germann, A.; Burducea, I.; Bursche, A.; Buytaert, J.; Cadeddu, S.; Callot, O.; Calvi, M.; Calvo Gomez, M.; Camboni, A.; Campana, P.; Carbone, A.; Carboni, G.; Cardinale, R.; Cardini, A.; Carson, L.; Carvalho Akiba, K.; Casse, G.; Cattaneo, M.; Cauet, Ch.; Charles, M.; Charpentier, Ph.; Chen, P.; Chiapolini, N.; Chrzaszcz, M.; Ciba, K.; Vidal, X. Cid; Ciezarek, G.; Clarke, P. E. L.; Clemencic, M.; Cliff, H. V.; Closier, J.; Coca, C.; Coco, V.; Cogan, J.; Cogneras, E.; Collins, P.; Comerma-Montells, A.; Contu, A.; Cook, A.; Coombes, M.; Corti, G.; Couturier, B.; Cowan, G. A.; Craik, D.; Cunliffe, S.; Currie, R.; D'Ambrosio, C.; David, P.; David, P. N. Y.; De Bonis, I.; De Bruyn, K.; De Capua, S.; De Cian, M.; De Miranda, J. M.; De Paula, L.; De Simone, P.; Decamp, D.; Deckenhoff, M.; Degaudenzi, H.; Del Buono, L.; Deplano, C.; Derkach, D.; Deschamps, O.; Dettori, F.; Di Canto, A.; Dickens, J.; Dijkstra, H.; Diniz Batista, P.; Domingo Bonal, F.; Donleavy, S.; Dordei, F.; Suárez, A. Dosil; Dossett, D.; Dovbnya, A.; Dupertuis, F.; Dzhelyadin, R.; Dziurda, A.; Dzyuba, A.; Easo, S.; Egede, U.; Egorychev, V.; Eidelman, S.; van Eijk, D.; Eisenhardt, S.; Ekelhof, R.; Eklund, L.; El Rifai, I.; Elsasser, Ch.; Elsby, D.; Esperante Pereira, D.; Falabella, A.; Färber, C.; Fardell, G.; Farinelli, C.; Farry, S.; Fave, V.; Fernandez Albor, V.; Ferreira Rodrigues, F.; Ferro-Luzzi, M.; Filippov, S.; Fitzpatrick, C.; Fontana, M.; Fontanelli, F.; Forty, R.; Francisco, O.; Frank, M.; Frei, C.; Frosini, M.; Furcas, S.; Gallas Torreira, A.; Galli, D.; Gandelman, M.; Gandini, P.; Gao, Y.; Garnier, J.-C.; Garofoli, J.; GarraTico, J.; Garrido, L.; Gaspar, C.; Gauld, R.; Gersabeck, E.; Gersabeck, M.; Gershon, T.; Ghez, Ph.; Gibson, V.; Gligorov, V. V.; Göbel, C.; Golubkov, D.; Golutvin, A.; Gomes, A.; Gordon, H.; Grabalosa Gándara, M.; Graciani Diaz, R.; Granado Cardoso, L. A.; Graugés, E.; Graziani, G.; Grecu, A.; Greening, E.; Gregson, S.; Grünberg, O.; Gui, B.; Gushchin, E.; Guz, Yu.; Gys, T.; Hadjivasiliou, C.; Haefeli, G.; Haen, C.; Haines, S. C.; Hall, S.; Hampson, T.; Hansmann-Menzemer, S.; Harnew, N.; Harnew, S. T.; Harrison, J.; Harrison, P. F.; Hartmann, T.; He, J.; Heijne, V.; Hennessy, K.; Henrard, P.; Hernando Morata, J. A.; van Herwijnen, E.; Hicks, E.; Hill, D.; Hoballah, M.; Hopchev, P.; Hulsbergen, W.; Hunt, P.; Huse, T.; Hussain, N.; Huston, R. S.; Hutchcroft, D.; Hynds, D.; Iakovenko, V.; Ilten, P.; Imong, J.; Jacobsson, R.; Jaeger, A.; Jahjah Hussein, M.; Jans, E.; Jansen, F.; Jaton, P.; Jean-Marie, B.; Jing, F.; John, M.; Johnson, D.; Jones, C. R.; Jost, B.; Kaballo, M.; Kandybei, S.; Karacson, M.; Karbach, T. M.; Keaveney, J.; Kenyon, I. R.; Kerzel, U.; Ketel, T.; Keune, A.; Khanji, B.; Kim, Y. M.; Kochebina, O.; Komarov, V.; Koopman, R. F.; Koppenburg, P.; Korolev, M.; Kozlinskiy, A.; Kravchuk, L.; Kreplin, K.; Kreps, M.; Krocker, G.; Krokovny, P.; Kruse, F.; Kucharczyk, M.; Kudryavtsev, V.; Kvaratskheliya, T.; La Thi, V. N.; Lacarrere, D.; Lafferty, G.; Lai, A.; Lambert, D.; Lambert, R. W.; Lanciotti, E.; Lanfranchi, G.; Langenbruch, C.; Latham, T.; Lazzeroni, C.; Le Gac, R.; van Leerdam, J.; Lees, J.-P.; Lefèvre, R.; Leflat, A.; Lefrançois, J.; Leroy, O.; Lesiak, T.; Li, Y.; Li Gioi, L.; Liles, M.; Lindner, R.; Linn, C.; Liu, B.; Liu, G.; von Loeben, J.; Lopes, J. H.; Lopez Asamar, E.; Lopez-March, N.; Lu, H.; Luisier, J.; Mac Raighne, A.; Machefert, F.; Machikhiliyan, I. V.; Maciuc, F.; Maev, O.; Magnin, J.; Maino, M.; Malde, S.; Manca, G.; Mancinelli, G.; Mangiafave, N.; Marconi, U.; Märki, R.; Marks, J.; Martellotti, G.; Martens, A.; Martin, L.; Martín Sánchez, A.; Martinelli, M.; Santos, D. Martinez; Massafferri, A.; Mathe, Z.; Matteuzzi, C.; Matveev, M.; Maurice, E.; Mazurov, A.; McCarthy, J.; McGregor, G.; McNulty, R.; Meissner, M.; Merk, M.; Merkel, J.; Milanes, D. A.; Minard, M.-N.; Molina Rodriguez, J.; Monteil, S.; Moran, D.; Morawski, P.; Mountain, R.; Mous, I.; Muheim, F.; Müller, K.; Muresan, R.; Muryn, B.; Muster, B.; Mylroie-Smith, J.; Naik, P.; Nakada, T.; Nandakumar, R.; Nasteva, I.; Needham, M.; Neufeld, N.; Nguyen, A. D.; Nguyen-Mau, C.; Nicol, M.; Niess, V.; Nikitin, N.; Nikodem, T.; Nomerotski, A.; Novoselov, A.; Oblakowska-Mucha, A.; Obraztsov, V.; Oggero, S.; Ogilvy, S.; Okhrimenko, O.; Oldeman, R.; Orlandea, M.; Otalora Goicochea, J. M.; Owen, P.; Pal, B. K.; Palano, A.; Palutan, M.; Panman, J.; Papanestis, A.; Pappagallo, M.; Parkes, C.; Parkinson, C. J.; Passaleva, G.; Patel, G. D.; Patel, M.; Patrick, G. N.; Patrignani, C.; Pavel-Nicorescu, C.; Pazos Alvarez, A.; Pellegrino, A.; Penso, G.; Pepe Altarelli, M.; Perazzini, S.; Perego, D. L.; Perez Trigo, E.; Pérez-Calero Yzquierdo, A.; Perret, P.; Perrin-Terrin, M.; Pessina, G.; Petridis, K.; Petrolini, A.; Phan, A.; Picatoste Olloqui, E.; Pie Valls, B.; Pietrzyk, B.; Pilař, T.; Pinci, D.; Playfer, S.; Plo Casasus, M.; Polci, F.; Polok, G.; Poluektov, A.; Polycarpo, E.; Popov, D.; Popovici, B.; Potterat, C.; Powell, A.; Prisciandaro, J.; Pugatch, V.; Puig Navarro, A.; Qian, W.; Rademacker, J. H.; Rakotomiaramanana, B.; Rangel, M. S.; Raniuk, I.; Rauschmayr, N.; Raven, G.; Redford, S.; Reid, M. M.; dos Reis, A. C.; Ricciardi, S.; Richards, A.; Rinnert, K.; Rives Molina, V.; Roa Romero, D. A.; Robbe, P.; Rodrigues, E.; Rodriguez Perez, P.; Rogers, G. J.; Roiser, S.; Romanovsky, V.; Romero Vidal, A.; Rouvinet, J.; Ruf, T.; Ruiz, H.; Sabatino, G.; Saborido Silva, J. J.; Sagidova, N.; Sail, P.; Saitta, B.; Salzmann, C.; Sanmartin Sedes, B.; Sannino, M.; Santacesaria, R.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santinelli, R.; Santovetti, E.; Sapunov, M.; Sarti, A.; Satriano, C.; Satta, A.; Savrie, M.; Schaack, P.; Schiller, M.; Schindler, H.; Schleich, S.; Schlupp, M.; Schmelling, M.; Schmidt, B.; Schneider, O.; Schopper, A.; Schune, M.-H.; Schwemmer, R.; Sciascia, B.; Sciubba, A.; Seco, M.; Semennikov, A.; Senderowska, K.; Sepp, I.; Serra, N.; Serrano, J.; Seyfert, P.; Shapkin, M.; Shapoval, I.; Shatalov, P.; Shcheglov, Y.; Shears, T.; Shekhtman, L.; Shevchenko, O.; Shevchenko, V.; Shires, A.; Silva Coutinho, R.; Skwarnicki, T.; Smith, N. A.; Smith, E.; Smith, M.; Sobczak, K.; Soler, F. J. P.; Solomin, A.; Soomro, F.; Souza, D.; Souza De Paula, B.; Spaan, B.; Sparkes, A.; Spradlin, P.; Stagni, F.; Stahl, S.; Steinkamp, O.; Stoica, S.; Stone, S.; Storaci, B.; Straticiuc, M.; Straumann, U.; Subbiah, V. K.; Swientek, S.; Szczekowski, M.; Szczypka, P.; Szumlak, T.; T'Jampens, S.; Teklishyn, M.; Teodorescu, E.; Teubert, F.; Thomas, C.; Thomas, E.; van Tilburg, J.; Tisserand, V.; Tobin, M.; Tolk, S.; Topp-Joergensen, S.; Torr, N.; Tournefier, E.; Tourneur, S.; Tran, M. T.; Tsaregorodtsev, A.; Tuning, N.; Ubeda Garcia, M.; Ukleja, A.; Urner, D.; Uwer, U.; Vagnoni, V.; Valenti, G.; Vazquez Gomez, R.; Vazquez Regueiro, P.; Vecchi, S.; Velthuis, J. J.; Veltri, M.; Veneziano, G.; Vesterinen, M.; Viaud, B.; Videau, I.; Vieira, D.; Vilasis-Cardona, X.; Visniakov, J.; Vollhardt, A.; Volyanskyy, D.; Voong, D.; Vorobyev, A.; Vorobyev, V.; Voss, H.; Voß, C.; Waldi, R.; Wallace, R.; Wandernoth, S.; Wang, J.; Ward, D. R.; Watson, N. K.; Webber, A. D.; Websdale, D.; Whitehead, M.; Wicht, J.; Wiedner, D.; Wiggers, L.; Wilkinson, G.; Williams, M. P.; Williams, M.; Wilson, F. F.; Wishahi, J.; Witek, M.; Witzeling, W.; Wotton, S. A.; Wright, S.; Wu, S.; Wyllie, K.; Xie, Y.; Xing, F.; Xing, Z.; Yang, Z.; Young, R.; Yuan, X.; Yushchenko, O.; Zangoli, M.; Zavertyaev, M.; Zhang, F.; Zhang, L.; Zhang, W. C.; Zhang, Y.; Zhelezov, A.; Zhong, L.; Zvyagin, A.

2013-01-01

A search for the decay KS^0to {μ+}{μ-} is performed, based on a data sample of 1.0 fb-1 of pp collisions at sqrt{s}=7TeV collected by the LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The observed number of candidates is consistent with the background-only hypothesis, yielding an upper limit of {B}( {KS^0to {μ+}{μ-}} ) < 11(9) × 10-9 at 95 (90)% confidence level. This limit is a factor of thirty below the previous measurement.

On the Origin of the Near-infrared Emission from the Neutron-star Low-mass X-Ray Binary GX 9+1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van den Berg, Maureen; Homan, Jeroen

2017-01-01

We have determined an improved position for the luminous persistent neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary and atoll source GX 9+1 from archival Chandra X-ray Observatory data. The new position significantly differs from a previously published Chandra position for this source. Based on the revised X-ray position we have identified a new near-infrared (NIR) counterpart to GX 9+1 in Ks-band images obtained with the PANIC and FourStar cameras on the Magellan Baade Telescope. NIR spectra of this {K}s=16.5+/- 0.1 mag star, taken with the FIRE spectrograph on the Baade Telescope, show a strong Br γ emission line, which is a clear signature that we discovered the true NIR counterpart to GX 9+1. The mass donor in GX 9+1 cannot be a late-type giant, as such a star would be brighter than the estimated absolute Ks magnitude of the NIR counterpart. The slope of the dereddened NIR spectrum is poorly constrained due to uncertainties in the column density NH and NIR extinction. Considering the source’s distance and X-ray luminosity, we argue that NH likely lies near the high end of the previously suggested range. If this is indeed the case, the NIR spectrum is consistent with thermal emission from a heated accretion disk, possibly with a contribution from the secondary. In this respect, GX 9+1 is similar to other bright atolls and the Z sources, whose NIR spectra do not show the slope that is expected for a dominant contribution from optically thin synchrotron emission from the inner regions of a jet. This paper includes data gathered with the 6.5 m Magellan Telescopes located at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile.

Novel method of using dynamic electrical impedance signals for noninvasive diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Gajre, Suhas S; Anand, Sneh; Singh, U; Saxena, Rajendra K

2006-01-01

Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee is the most commonly occurring non-fatal irreversible disease, mainly in the elderly population and particularly in female. Various invasive and non-invasive methods are reported for the diagnosis of this articular cartilage pathology. Well known techniques such as X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, arthroscopy and arthrography are having their disadvantages, and diagnosis of OA in early stages with simple effective noninvasive method is still a biomedical engineering problem. Analyzing knee joint noninvasive signals around knee might give simple solution for diagnosis of knee OA. We used electrical impedance data from knees to compare normal and osteoarthritic subjects during the most common dynamic conditions of the knee, i.e. walking and knee swing. It was found that there is substantial difference in the properties of the walking cycle (WC) and knee swing cycle (KS) signals. In experiments on 90 pathological (combined for KS and WC signals) and 72 normal signals (combined), suitable features were drawn. Then signals were used to classify as normal or pathological. Artificial multilayer feed forward neural network was trained using back propagation algorithm for the classification. On a training data set of 54 signals for KS signals, the classification efficiency for a test set of 54 was 70.37% and 85.19% with and without normalization respectively wrt base impedance. Similarly, the training set of 27 WC signals and test set of 27 signals resulted in 77.78% and 66.67% classification efficiency. The results indicate that dynamic electrical impedance signals have potential to be used as a novel method for noninvasive diagnosis of knee OA.

Role of Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose in the Work-up of Febrile AIDS Patients. Experience with Dual Head Coincidence Imaging.

PubMed

Santiago, Jonas F.; Jana, Suman; Gilbert, Holly M.; Salem, Shahenda; Bellman, Paul Curtis; Hsu, Ricky K.S.; Naddaf, Sleiman; Abdel-Dayem, Hussein M.

1999-11-01

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: This study was undertaken to find the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F18-FDG) in the diagnostic work-up of febrile Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. Forty-seven (42 male and 5 female; mean age = 40.3 years) febrile patients with AIDS underwent imaging with F18-FDG by Dual Head Coincidence Imaging (DHCI). Findings were correlated with other imaging modalities.RESULTS: Our data show good sensitivity for scanning with F18-FDG by DHCI in determining the extent of Castleman's disease, lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), adenocarcinoma, and germ cell carcinoma. Various opportunistic infections also manifest with increased F18-FDG uptake.CONCLUSION: Total-body imaging can be done with F18-FDG with better resolution and a shorter procedure time compared to imaging with Gallium-67 (Ga-67). Furthermore, F18-FDG is more sensitive than Ga-67 for evaluating extent of involvement in various pathologies affecting AIDS patients. The new technology of DHCI is a good alternative for hospitals with no dedicated positron emission tomography (PET) scanner.

Cloning of an osteoblastic cell line involved in the formation of osteoclast-like cells.

PubMed

Yamashita, T; Asano, K; Takahashi, N; Akatsu, T; Udagawa, N; Sasaki, T; Martin, T J; Suda, T

1990-12-01

Experiments have been carried out to determine the mechanisms involved in the formation of osteoclast-like cells from spleen cells in mice. Osteoclasts were defined as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells (TRACP-positive MNCs) in which specific calcitonin receptors were identified by autoradiography with labeled salmon calcitonin. Furthermore, cultures rich in these cells produced resorption pits when grown on dentine slices. Several clonal cell lines were obtained from fetal mouse calvariae and screened for their ability to induce TRACP-positive MNCs in response to 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3] in co-cultures with spleen cells. A cell line, KS-4, was identified with the greatest potency in inducing osteoclast-like cell formation in co-culture with spleen cells. The capacity of KS-4 cells to produce this effect was much greater than that of two bone marrow-derived stromal cell lines (MC3T3-G2/PA6 and ST2 cells), which we have previously shown to be effective in this system but to require treatment with dexamethasone in addition to 1 alpha, 25(OH)2D3 (Udagawa et al.: Endocrinology 125:1805-1813, 1989). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increased cAMP production in KS-4 cells, and PTH and interleukin-1 alpha also induced TRACP-positive MNCs in co-cultures with spleen cells. Contact between living KS-4 and spleen cells was necessary for osteoclast formation to take place, since this did not occur when the two populations were separated by a membrane filter, or when the KS-4 cells were killed by fixation. Separate cultures of either spleen cells or KS-4 cells formed no TRACP-positive MNCs. KS-4 cells synthesized predominantly type I collagen, formed bone nodules without added of beta-glycerophosphate in a long-term culture, and expressed increasing alkaline phosphatase activity after confluence in culture. These results indicate that the KS-4 cells have properties consistent with progression toward the osteoblast phenotype and represent a single cell line with the ability to promote osteoclast formation by a contact-requiring process.

Variability of streambed hydraulic conductivity in an intermittent stream reach regulated by Vented Dams: A case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naganna, Sujay Raghavendra; Deka, Paresh Chandra

2018-07-01

The hydro-geological properties of streambed together with the hydraulic gradients determine the fluxes of water, energy and solutes between the stream and underlying aquifer system. Dam induced sedimentation affects hyporheic processes and alters substrate pore space geometries in the course of progressive stabilization of the sediment layers. Uncertainty in stream-aquifer interactions arises from the inherent complex-nested flow paths and spatio-temporal variability of streambed hydraulic properties. A detailed field investigation of streambed hydraulic conductivity (Ks) using Guelph Permeameter was carried out in an intermittent stream reach of the Pavanje river basin located in the mountainous, forested tract of western ghats of India. The present study reports the spatial and temporal variability of streambed hydraulic conductivity along the stream reach obstructed by two Vented Dams in sequence. Statistical tests such as Levene's and Welch's t-tests were employed to check for various variability measures. The strength of spatial dependence and the presence of spatial autocorrelation among the streambed Ks samples were tested by using Moran's I statistic. The measures of central tendency and dispersion pointed out reasonable spatial variability in Ks distribution throughout the study reach during two consecutive years 2016 and 2017. The streambed was heterogeneous with regard to hydraulic conductivity distribution with high-Ks zones near the backwater areas of the vented dam and low-Ks zones particularly at the tail water section of vented dams. Dam operational strategies were responsible for seasonal fluctuations in sedimentation and modifications to streambed substrate characteristics (such as porosity, grain size, packing etc.), resulting in heterogeneous streambed Ks profiles. The channel downstream of vented dams contained significantly more cohesive deposits of fine sediment due to the overflow of surplus suspended sediment-laden water at low velocity and pressure head. The statistical test results accept the hypothesis of significant spatial variability of streambed Ks but refuse to accept the temporal variations. The deterministic and geo-statistical approaches of spatial interpolation provided virtuous surface maps of streambed Ks distribution.

A Handheld Calculator (HHC) Program for Thermal Imaging Target Acquisition Analysis - A User’s Guide.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

Quanticou VA 22134 (R. F. DeKinder. Ji.) Fort Leavenworth. KS 602" Commander Dugway Proving Ground I Commander ATTN: STEDP-MT Atmospheric Sciences Lah...Documentation. Atmo.spheric Sciences Lalsuratun Report h.Sl.TR.48172. January 1981. I. . P. Olser. J. T. Wood. C. J. Nash. (C) I isionics E4) Sensor...7f’’ I PtoiecU Manager MIICV I Diicctoi ’Aairen, MI 48~01)0 Atmospheric Sciences Lab ATTN: 1)1LAS-I) I I’oject Manager White Sands Missile Rang

VizieR Online Data Catalog: New young stellar cluster towards IRAS 04186+5143 (Yun+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, J. L.; Elia, D.; Djupvik, A. A.; Torrelles, J. M.; Molinari, S.

2016-01-01

Near-IR (J, H, and KS) images were obtained on 2009 September 8 using the Nordic Optical Telescope near-IR Camera and Spectrograph (NOTCam). The region around the position of the IRAS source was mapped using the single-dish Onsala Space Observatory (OSO) 20-m radio telescope (Onsala, Sweden) in 2009 April. Three maps were obtained in the rotational lines of 12CO(1-0), 13CO(1-0), and CS(2-1) at 115.271, 110.201, and 97.981GHz, respectively. (2 data files).

Solidification in direct metal deposition by LENS processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmeister, William; Griffith, Michelle

2001-09-01

Thermal imaging and metallographic analysis were used to study Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) processing of 316 stainless steel and H13 tool steel. The cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface were measured over a range of conduction conditions. The length scale of the molten zone controls cooling rates during solidification in direct metal deposition. In LENS processing, the molten zone ranges from 0.5 mm in length to 1.5 mm, resulting in cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface ranging from 200 6,000 Ks-1.

The Chajnantor Sub/Millimeter Survey Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golwala, Sunil

2018-01-01

We are developing the Chajnantor Sub/millimeter Survey Telescope, a project to build a 30-m telescope operating at wavelengths as short as 850 µm with 1 degree field of view for imaging and multi-object spectroscopic surveys. This project will provide massive new data sets for studying star formation at high redshift and in the local universe, feedback mechanisms in galaxy evolution, the structure of galaxy clusters, and the cosmological peculiar velocity field. We will highlight CSST's capabilities for studying galaxy evolution, where it will: trace the evolution of dusty, star-forming galaxies from high redshift to the z ≍ 1-3 epoch when they dominate the cosmic star formation rate; connect this population to the high-redshift rest-frame UV/optical galaxy population; use these dusty galaxies, the most biased overdensities, to guide ultra-deep followup at z > 3.5 and possibly z > 7; measure the brightness of important submm/FIR spectral lines like [CII]; search for molecular and atomic outflows; and do calorimetry of the CGM via the thermal SZ effect. We will describe the expected surveys addressing these science goals, the novel telescope design, and the planned survey instrumentation.

Mining Metatranscriptomic Data of a Cyanobacterial Bloom for Patterns of Secondary Metabolism Gene Expression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penn, K.; Wang, J.; Thompson, J. R.

2012-12-01

The secondary metabolism of bacterial cells produces small molecules that can have both medicinal properties and toxigenic effects. This study focuses on mining metatranscriptomes from a tropical eutrophic water reservoir in Singapore experiencing a cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom dominated by Microcystis, to identify the types of secondary metabolites genes being expressed and by what taxa. A phylogenomic approach as implemented in the online tool Natural Product Domain Seeker (NaPDoS) was used. NaPDoS was recently developed to classify ketosynthase and condensation domains from polyketide synthases and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases, respectively, to provide insight into potential types of pathway products. Water samples from the reservoir were collected six times over a day/night cycle. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to ribosomal depletion followed by cDNA synthesis and next-generation Illumina DNA sequencing, generating 493,468 to 678,064 95-101 base pairs post-quality control reads per sample. Evidence for expression of PKS and NRPS type genes based on identification of a ketosynthase and condensation domains are present in all time points. KS domains fall into to two main phylogenetic groups, type I and type II, within the type II group of domains are domains for fatty acid biosynthesis (fab), which is considered a part of primary metabolism. Type I KS domains are part of the classic PKS natural product biosynthetic genes that make things such as antibiotics and other toxins such as microcystin. 2849 KS domains were detected in the combined reservoir samples, of these 1141 were likely from fatty acid biosynthesis and 1708 were related to secondary metabolism type KS domains. The most abundant KS domains (485) besides the fab genes are closely related to a KS domain that is not currently experimentally linked to a known secondary metabolite but the domain is found in four Microcystis genomes along with two other species of cyanobacteria. The three KS domains from the microcystin pathway make up 238 of the KS domains. The third most abundant KS domain is related to a protein annotated as a heterocyst glycolipid protein from the Microcystis aeruginosa genome sequence, as Microcystis is not known to produce heterocysts the gene is likely a part of an undescribed type of glycolipid biosynthetic pathway. In relation to NRPS pathways there were 899 reads classified as condensation domains. The most abundant one is closely related to the C domains from an uncharacterized NRPS pathway. The next most abundant domains are from microcystin (178), aeruginosin (84) and micropeptin (47) all are NRPS pathways from Microcystis. Although it is unsurprising that most of the KS and C domains are from Microcystis it is clear that there are still uncharacterized secondary metabolites produced by this well studied bacterial genus. Unexpectedly, there are more KS domains related to secondary metabolism then fabs. This study provides unique insight into the production of secondary metabolites in a natural setting and supports that these have an important ecological function because of the significant transcription levels at all time points. A clear understanding of the ecological function of secondary metabolites will undoubtedly be crucial to future efforts to control cyanoHABs.

Development of red-shifted mutants derived from luciferase of Brazilian click beetle Pyrearinus termitilluminans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishiguchi, Tomoki; Yamada, Toshimichi; Nasu, Yusuke; Ito, Mashiho; Yoshimura, Hideaki; Ozawa, Takeaki

2015-10-01

Luciferase, a bioluminescent protein, has been used as an analytical tool to visualize intracellular phenomena. Luciferase with red light emission is particularly useful for bioluminescence imaging because of its high transmittance in mammalian tissues. However, the luminescence intensity of existing luciferases with their emission over 600 nm is insufficient for imaging studies because of their weak intensities. We developed mutants of Emerald luciferase (Eluc) from Brazilian click beetle (Pyrearinus termitilluminans), which emits the strongest bioluminescence among beetle luciferases. We successively introduced four amino acid mutations into the luciferase based on a predicted structure of Eluc using homology modeling. Results showed that quadruple mutations R214K/H241K/S246H/H347A into the beetle luciferase emit luminescence with emission maximum at 626 nm, 88-nm red-shift from the wild-type luciferase. This mutant luciferase is anticipated for application in in vivo multicolor imaging in living samples.

Development of red-shifted mutants derived from luciferase of Brazilian click beetle Pyrearinus termitilluminans.

PubMed

Nishiguchi, Tomoki; Yamada, Toshimichi; Nasu, Yusuke; Ito, Mashiho; Yoshimura, Hideaki; Ozawa, Takeaki

2015-10-01

Luciferase, a bioluminescent protein, has been used as an analytical tool to visualize intracellular phenomena. Luciferase with red light emission is particularly useful for bioluminescence imaging because of its high transmittance in mammalian tissues. However, the luminescence intensity of existing luciferases with their emission over 600 nm is insufficient for imaging studies because of their weak intensities. We developed mutants of Emerald luciferase (Eluc) from Brazilian click beetle (Pyrearinus termitilluminans), which emits the strongest bioluminescence among beetle luciferases. We successively introduced four amino acid mutations into the luciferase based on a predicted structure of Eluc using homology modeling. Results showed that quadruple mutations R214K/H241K/S246H/H347A into the beetle luciferase emit luminescence with emission maximum at 626 nm, 88-nm red-shift from the wild-type luciferase. This mutant luciferase is anticipated for application in in vivo multicolor imaging in living samples.

Application of Multi-Threshold NULL Convention Logic to Adaptive Beamforming Circuits for Ultra-Low Power

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-03-31

Abstract: With the decrease of transistor feature sizes into the ultra-deep submicron range, leakage power becomes an important design challenge for...MTNCL design showed substantial improvements in terms of active energy and leakage power compared to the equivalent synchronous design. Keywords...switching could use a large portion of power. Additionally, leakage power has come to dominate power consumption as process sizes shrink. Adaptive

30 CFR 203.32 - What other requirements or restrictions apply to royalty relief for a qualified phase 2 or phase...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... a qualified ultra-deep well on your lease is within a unitized portion of your lease, the RSV earned... interval that initially produces earns the RSV or (2) If the perforated interval crosses a lease line, the lease where the surface of the well is located earns the RSV. (c) Any RSV earned under § 203.31 is in...

30 CFR 203.32 - What other requirements or restrictions apply to royalty relief for a qualified phase 2 or phase...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... a qualified ultra-deep well on your lease is within a unitized portion of your lease, the RSV earned... interval that initially produces earns the RSV or (2) If the perforated interval crosses a lease line, the lease where the surface of the well is located earns the RSV. (c) Any RSV earned under § 203.31 is in...

30 CFR 203.32 - What other requirements or restrictions apply to royalty relief for a qualified phase 2 or phase...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... a qualified ultra-deep well on your lease is within a unitized portion of your lease, the RSV earned... interval that initially produces earns the RSV or (2) If the perforated interval crosses a lease line, the lease where the surface of the well is located earns the RSV. (c) Any RSV earned under § 203.31 is in...

30 CFR 203.41 - If I have a qualified deep well or a qualified phase 1 ultra-deep well, what royalty relief would...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Deep Gas Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.41 If I have... not . . . And if it later . . . Then your lease . . . (1) produced gas or oil from any deep well or...

30 CFR 203.40 - Which leases are eligible for royalty relief as a result of drilling a deep well or a phase 1...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... a result of drilling a deep well or a phase 1 ultra-deep well? 203.40 Section 203.40 Mineral... MINERALS REVENUE MANAGEMENT RELIEF OR REDUCTION IN ROYALTY RATES OCS Oil, Gas, and Sulfur General Royalty Relief for Drilling Deep Gas Wells on Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.40 Which...

30 CFR 203.34 - To which production may an RSV earned by qualified phase 2 and phase 3 ultra-deep wells on my...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., on a lease that is located entirely or partly in water less than 200 meters deep; or (2) May 18, 2007, on a lease that is located entirely in water more than 200 meters deep. ... Leases Not Subject to Deep Water Royalty Relief § 203.34 To which production may an RSV earned by...

JPRS Report, Science & Technology, USSR: Science & Technology Policy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-07-10

gas exploration are being increased by 1.7-fold, while the amount of deep drilling is being increased by 1.5-fold. Such imposing tasks require new...territory based on geotraverses, ultradeep drilling , and space geological research has been introduced, a number of geodynamic models, including...cooperation of the ministry with the academy. The gauge of success of our cooperation is the implementation of these programs with the attainment of specific

Parametric study on the behavior of an innovative subsurface tension leg platform in ultra-deep water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhen, Xing-wei; Huang, Yi

2017-10-01

This study focuses on a new technology of Subsurface Tension Leg Platform (STLP), which utilizes the shallowwater rated well completion equipment and technology for the development of large oil and gas fields in ultra-deep water (UDW). Thus, the STLP concept offers attractive advantages over conventional field development concepts. STLP is basically a pre-installed Subsurface Sea-star Platform (SSP), which supports rigid risers and shallow-water rated well completion equipment. The paper details the results of the parametric study on the behavior of STLP at a water depth of 3000 m. At first, a general description of the STLP configuration and working principle is introduced. Then, the numerical models for the global analysis of the STLP in waves and current are presented. After that, extensive parametric studies are carried out with regarding to SSP/tethers system analysis, global dynamic analysis and riser interference analysis. Critical points are addressed on the mooring pattern and riser arrangement under the influence of ocean current, to ensure that the requirements on SSP stability and riser interference are well satisfied. Finally, conclusions and discussions are made. The results indicate that STLP is a competitive well and riser solution in up to 3000 m water depth for offshore petroleum production.

Breaking the 1000-gene barrier for Mimivirus using ultra-deep genome and transcriptome sequencing.

PubMed

Legendre, Matthieu; Santini, Sébastien; Rico, Alain; Abergel, Chantal; Claverie, Jean-Michel

2011-03-04

Mimivirus, a giant dsDNA virus infecting Acanthamoeba, is the prototype of the mimiviridae family, the latest addition to the family of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs). Its 1.2 Mb-genome was initially predicted to encode 917 genes. A subsequent RNA-Seq analysis precisely mapped many transcript boundaries and identified 75 new genes. We now report a much deeper analysis using the SOLiD™ technology combining RNA-Seq of the Mimivirus transcriptome during the infectious cycle (202.4 Million reads), and a complete genome re-sequencing (45.3 Million reads). This study corrected the genome sequence and identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms. Our results also provided clear evidence of previously overlooked transcription units, including an important RNA polymerase subunit distantly related to Euryarchea homologues. The total Mimivirus gene count is now 1018, 11% greater than the original annotation. This study highlights the huge progress brought about by ultra-deep sequencing for the comprehensive annotation of virus genomes, opening the door to a complete one-nucleotide resolution level description of their transcriptional activity, and to the realistic modeling of the viral genome expression at the ultimate molecular level. This work also illustrates the need to go beyond bioinformatics-only approaches for the annotation of short protein and non-coding genes in viral genomes.

Different rates of spontaneous mutation of chloroplastic and nuclear viroids as determined by high-fidelity ultra-deep sequencing.

PubMed

López-Carrasco, Amparo; Ballesteros, Cristina; Sentandreu, Vicente; Delgado, Sonia; Gago-Zachert, Selma; Flores, Ricardo; Sanjuán, Rafael

2017-09-01

Mutation rates vary by orders of magnitude across biological systems, being higher for simpler genomes. The simplest known genomes correspond to viroids, subviral plant replicons constituted by circular non-coding RNAs of few hundred bases. Previous work has revealed an extremely high mutation rate for chrysanthemum chlorotic mottle viroid, a chloroplast-replicating viroid. However, whether this is a general feature of viroids remains unclear. Here, we have used high-fidelity ultra-deep sequencing to determine the mutation rate in a common host (eggplant) of two viroids, each representative of one family: the chloroplastic eggplant latent viroid (ELVd, Avsunviroidae) and the nuclear potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd, Pospiviroidae). This revealed higher mutation frequencies in ELVd than in PSTVd, as well as marked differences in the types of mutations produced. Rates of spontaneous mutation, quantified in vivo using the lethal mutation method, ranged from 1/1000 to 1/800 for ELVd and from 1/7000 to 1/3800 for PSTVd depending on sequencing run. These results suggest that extremely high mutability is a common feature of chloroplastic viroids, whereas the mutation rates of PSTVd and potentially other nuclear viroids appear significantly lower and closer to those of some RNA viruses.

Different rates of spontaneous mutation of chloroplastic and nuclear viroids as determined by high-fidelity ultra-deep sequencing

PubMed Central

Ballesteros, Cristina; Sentandreu, Vicente; Gago-Zachert, Selma

2017-01-01

Mutation rates vary by orders of magnitude across biological systems, being higher for simpler genomes. The simplest known genomes correspond to viroids, subviral plant replicons constituted by circular non-coding RNAs of few hundred bases. Previous work has revealed an extremely high mutation rate for chrysanthemum chlorotic mottle viroid, a chloroplast-replicating viroid. However, whether this is a general feature of viroids remains unclear. Here, we have used high-fidelity ultra-deep sequencing to determine the mutation rate in a common host (eggplant) of two viroids, each representative of one family: the chloroplastic eggplant latent viroid (ELVd, Avsunviroidae) and the nuclear potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd, Pospiviroidae). This revealed higher mutation frequencies in ELVd than in PSTVd, as well as marked differences in the types of mutations produced. Rates of spontaneous mutation, quantified in vivo using the lethal mutation method, ranged from 1/1000 to 1/800 for ELVd and from 1/7000 to 1/3800 for PSTVd depending on sequencing run. These results suggest that extremely high mutability is a common feature of chloroplastic viroids, whereas the mutation rates of PSTVd and potentially other nuclear viroids appear significantly lower and closer to those of some RNA viruses. PMID:28910391

Parsons, Kansas - Clean Water Act Public Notice

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The EPA is providing notice of a proposed Administrative Penalty Assessment against the city of Parsons, KS, for alleged violations at the wastewater treatment plant located at 1636 22000 Road, Parsons, KS 67357.

Kaposi Sarcoma

MedlinePlus

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a cancer that causes patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of ... of cancer cells, blood vessels, and blood cells. KS is caused by infection with human herpesvirus-8 ( ...

Study of B → Kππγ decays at the BaBar experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graugés, Eugeni; BaBar Collaboration

2016-04-01

The preliminary results obtained from the analysis of the B meson radiative decays to Kππγ, recorded at the BaBar experiment, are presented. A preliminary measurement of the time-dependent CP asymmetry related to the hadronic CP eigenstate ρ0 KS0 is extracted from the radiative-penguin decay B0 → KS0 π+π- γ. The decay B+ →K+π+π- γ is used to measure the intermediate resonant amplitudes of different resonances decaying to Kππ through the intermediate states ρ0K+, K*0π+ and (Kπ) S -waveπ+. Assuming (isospin symmetry) that the resonant amplitudes are the same for B0 → KS0 π+π- γ, the time-dependent CP asymmetry of the B0 → KS0 ργ decay is obtained.

Kindler syndrome in mice and men.

PubMed

Duperret, Elizabeth K; Ridky, Todd W

2014-09-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) in humans is a severe skin blistering disease associated with inflammation and increased risk of epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This disease is known to be caused by loss-of-function mutations in Kindlin-1, a focal adhesion β-integrin binding protein. Thus far, it has been unclear what specific signaling events occur in KS keratinocytes to promote tumorigenesis, especially since loss of β-integrins and focal adhesion complexes has been previously shown to prevent or delay tumor formation. In the April issue of Nature Medicine, Rognoni and colleagues generate a transgenic mouse lacking Kindlin-1 in the epidermis to model the key features of KS, and show that Kindlin-1 regulates Wnt and TGFβ signaling independent of β-integrins. These β1-integrin-independent functions of Kindlin-1 may contribute to the increased SCC risk in KS patients.

Effects of Butyltins (BTs) on Mitogen-Activated-Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase (MAP3K) and Ras Activity in Human Natural Killer Cells

PubMed Central

Celada, Lindsay J.; Whalen, Margaret M.

2013-01-01

Butyltins (BTs) contaminate the environment and are found in human blood. BTs, tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT), diminish the cytotoxic function and levels of key proteins of human natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are an initial immune defense against tumors, virally-infected cells and antibody-coated cells and thus critical to human health. The signaling pathways that regulate NK cell functions include mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Studies have shown that exposure to BTs leads to the activation of specific MAPKs and MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks) in human NK cells. MAP2K kinases (MAP3Ks) are upstream activators of MAP2Ks, which then activate MAPKs. The current study examined if BT-induced activation of MAP3Ks was responsible for MAP2K and thus, MAPK activation. This study examines the effects of TBT and DBT on the total levels of two MAP3Ks, c-Raf and ASK1, as well as activating and inhibitory phosphorylation sites on these MAP3Ks. In addition, the immediate upstream activator of c-Raf, Ras, was examined for BT-induced alterations. Our results show significant activation of the MAP3K, c-Raf, in human NK cells within 10 minutes of TBT exposure and the MAP3K, ASK1, after one hour exposures to TBT. In addition, our results suggest that both TBT and DBT are impacting the regulation of c-Raf. PMID:24038145

[Genetic improvement of breeding materials in tropical and sub- tropical maize].

PubMed

Sansern, Jampatong; Chaba, Jampatong

2011-12-01

In the present study, 122 maize local cultivars and adapted exotic germplasm from Thailand were used to develop open pollinate varieties (OPVs) using modified ear-to-row scheme, top-cross or test-cross programmes. Ten new maize OPVs with distinct characters were created based on the precise breeding objectives and directional design. The selection of breeding materials was based upon three factors: elite performance, broad adaptability, and genetic diversity. The synthesizing system provided four features: genetic mixing and recombination, equal comparable genetic contribution, mild selection pressure, and maximum intermating for genetic equilibrium (i.e., the female traits were close for the genetic com-positions). Subsequently, Suwan 1 composite and its deritives (Suwan 2, Suwan 3 composite, Suwan 5 and KS24 synthetics), KS6 and KS28 synthetics with the dent type of different origins, and Caripeno DMR composite, KS23, and KS27 synthetics with the dent type of Non-Suwan 1 origin were developed. These OPVs had been improved for 2~13 cycles using S1 recurrent selection method. About 50 inbred lines were developed from these OPVs, and 16 elite single (three-way) crosses were combined and released from these inbred lines. At present, at least one parental inbred line of all the tropical hybrids was derived from Suwan (KS) germplasm in Thailand. Based on the theory of the synthesizing OPVs and developing inbred lines, this paper discussed the genetic moderate diversity, relationship, heterotic group, and patterns for synthesizing OPVs, and inspiration for composed OPVs to heterosis breeding.

Aldosterone downregulates delayed rectifier potassium currents through an angiotensin type 1 receptor-dependent mechanism.

PubMed

Lv, Yankun; Wang, Yanjun; Zhu, Xiaoran; Zhang, Hua

2018-01-01

We have previously shown that aldosterone downregulates delayed rectifier potassium currents (I Ks ) via activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in adult guinea pig cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigate whether angiotensin II/angiotensin type 1 receptor (AngII/AT1R) and intracellular calcium also play a role in these effects. Ventricular cardiomyocytes were isolated from adult guinea pigs and incubated with aldosterone (1 μmol·L -1 ) either alone or in combination with enalapril (1 μmol·L -1 ), losartan (1 μmol·L -1 ), nimodipine (1 μmol·L -1 ), or BAPTA-AM (2.5 μmol·L -1 ) for 24 h. We used the conventional whole cell patch-clamp technique to record the I Ks component. In addition, we evaluated expression of the I Ks subunits KCNQ1 and KCNE1 using Western blotting. Our results showed that both enalapril and losartan, but not nimodipine or BAPTA-AM, completely reversed the aldosterone-induced inhibition of I Ks and its effects on KCNQ1/KCNE1 protein levels. Furthermore, we found that AngII/AT1R mediates the inhibitory effects of aldosterone on I Ks . Finally, the downregulation of I Ks induced by aldosterone did not occur secondarily to a change in intracellular calcium concentrations. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that crosstalk between MR and AT1R underlies the effects of aldosterone, and provide new insights into the mechanism underlying potassium channels.

Observing the Earliest Galaxies: Looking for the Sources of Reionization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Illingworth, Garth

2015-04-01

Systematic searches for the earliest galaxies in the reionization epoch finally became possible in 2009 when the Hubble Space Telescope was updated with a powerful new infrared camera during the final Shuttle servicing mission SM4 to Hubble. The reionization epoch represents the last major phase transition of the universe and was a major event in cosmic history. The intense ultraviolet radiation from young star-forming galaxies is increasingly considered to be the source of the photons that reionized intergalactic hydrogen in the period between the ``dark ages'' (the time before the first stars and galaxies at about 100-200 million years after the Big Bang) and the end of reionization around 800-900 million years. Yet finding and measuring the earliest galaxies in this era of cosmic dawn has proven to a challenging task, even with Hubble's new infrared camera. I will discuss the deep imaging undertaken by Hubble and the remarkable insights that have accrued from the imaging datasets taken over the last decade on the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field (HUDF, HUDF09/12) and other regions. The HUDF datasets are central to the story and have been assembled into the eXtreme Deep Field (XDF), the deepest image ever from Hubble data. The XDF, when combined with results from shallower wide-area imaging surveys (e.g., GOODS, CANDELS) and with detections of galaxies from the Frontier Fields, has provided significant insights into the role of galaxies in reionization. Yet many questions remain. The puzzle is far from being fully solved and, while much will done over the next few years, the solution likely awaits the launch of JWST. NASA/STScI Grant HST-GO-11563.

High Resolution Near-IR Imaging of VY Canis Majoris with LBT / LMIRCam (2 - 5 μm)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shenoy, Dinesh; Jones, T. J.; Humphreys, R. M.; LMIRCam Instrument Team

2013-06-01

HST imaging of the famous red hypergiant VY Canis Majoris shows a complex circumstellar reflection nebula indicative of multiple asymmetric ejection episodes. Constructing a more complete picture of the mass loss mechanism compels extending high resolution imaging of massive stars such as VY CMa into the near-infrared, where the mechanism for emission from circumstellar ejecta transitions from scattering to thermal. We present LBT/LMIRCam observations of VY CMa at Ks (2.2 μm), L' (3.8 μm) and M (4.9 μm) at sub-arcsecond resolution, comparable to the HST in the optical. The peculiar Southwest (SW) Clump, first identified as a highly reddened feature seen only at the longest wavelength (1 μm) in the HST images, appears bright in the three LMIRCam filters. The SW Clump is found to be optically thick at all three wavelengths. A silicate grain model yields a lower limit mass on the order of 7E-4 M⊙

Wide-field Infrared Polarimetry of the ρ Ophiuchi Cloud Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Jungmi; Tamura, Motohide; Hough, James H.; Nakajima, Yasushi; Nishiyama, Shogo; Kusakabe, Nobuhiko; Nagata, Tetsuya; Kandori, Ryo

2015-09-01

We conducted wide and deep simultaneous JHKs-band imaging polarimetry of the ρ Ophiuchi cloud complex. Aperture polarimetry in the JHKs band was conducted for 2136 sources in all three bands, of which 322 sources have significant polarizations in all the JHKs bands and have been used for a discussion of the core magnetic fields. There is a positive correlation between degrees of polarization and H - Ks color up to H - Ks ≈ 3.5. The magnetic field structures in the core region are revealed up to at least AV ≈ 47 mag and are unambiguously defined in each sub-region (core) of Oph-A, Oph-B, Oph-C, Oph-E, Oph-F, and Oph-AC. Their directions, degrees of polarization, and polarization efficiencies differ but their changes are gradual; thus, the magnetic fields appear to be connected from core to core, rather than as a simple overlap of the different cloud core components. Comparing our results with the large-scale field structures obtained from previous optical polarimetric studies, we suggest that the magnetic field structures in the core were distorted by the cluster formation in this region, which may have been induced by shock compression due to wind/radiation from the Scorpius-Centaurus association.

Kindler syndrome: a study of five Egyptian cases with evaluation of severity.

PubMed

Nofal, Eman; Assaf, Magda; Elmosalamy, Khaled

2008-07-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by four major features (acral blisters, photosensitivity, poikiloderma, and cutaneous atrophy) and many associated findings. The diagnosis of KS includes clinical features, ultrastructural findings, and, recently, immunostaining and genetic studies. Varying degrees of severity of the syndrome have been described. Five patients with clinical features consistent with KS were included in this study. All patients were subjected to histopathologic and ultrastructural studies. Cases 1 and 2 presented with severe major features, severe mucosal involvement, and many other associated findings. Case 3 presented with severe major features, but mild and limited mucosal involvement and other associated findings. Cases 4 and 5 showed mild major features and few other findings. Histopathology revealed nonspecific poikiloderma. Marked thickening of the lamina densa and splitting of the lamina lucida were the main ultrastructural findings. KS may be classified into mild, moderate, and severe according to the severity of the major features and mucosal involvement. Because histopathologic and ultrastructural findings are not pathognomonic, clinical features remain the mainstay for the diagnosis of KS, and the need for immunostaining with kindlin antibody and genetic studies may be restricted to early cases with incomplete features.

Kindler syndrome: a new mutation and new diagnostic possibilities.

PubMed

Burch, Joanna M; Fassihi, Hiva; Jones, Catherine A; Mengshol, Sarah C; Fitzpatrick, James E; McGrath, John A

2006-05-01

Kindler syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by blistering in infancy, followed by the onset of poikiloderma and photosensitivity in childhood. The recently elucidated molecular pathogenesis involves mutations in KIND1, a gene encoding the protein kindlin-1, which is involved in the attachment of the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix in basal keratinocytes. We describe a child with the neonatal diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa simplex who developed poikiloderma and skin fragility at 6 years of age. His skin showed diminished staining with anti-kindlin-1 antibody, and genetic analysis revealed that he was a compound heterozygote with a previously unreported mutation in KIND1. Ultrastructural clues to the diagnosis of KS were present in a biopsy specimen that was obtained when the patient was 10 months old, before he developed poikiloderma and photosensitivity. In this case, a combination of a known mutation (R271X) and a newly described mutation (1755delT) in the KIND1 gene produced loss of function in kindlin-1, leading to the clinical features of KS. Ultrastructural findings characteristic of KS were evident years before the onset of poikiloderma and sun sensitivity. In infancy, electron microscopy can enable early, accurate diagnosis of KS.

Probing new physics in B→f0(980)K decays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri, A. K.; Mawlong, B.; Mohanta, R.

2006-12-01

We study the hadronic decay modes B±(0)→f0(980)K±(0), involving a scalar and a pseudoscalar meson in the final state. These decay modes are dominated by the loop induced b→sq¯q(q=s,u,d) penguins along with a small b→u tree level transition (for B+→f0K+) and annihilation diagrams. Therefore, the standard model expectation of direct CP violation is negligibly small and the mixing-induced CP violation parameter in the mode B0→f0KS is expected to give the same value of sin⁡(2β), as extracted from B0→J/ψKS but with opposite sign. Using the generalized factorization approach we find the direct CP violation in the decay mode B+→f0K+ to be of the order of few percent. We then study the effect of the R-parity violating supersymmetric model and show that the direct CP violating asymmetry in B+→f0(980)K+ could be as large as ˜80% and the mixing-induced CP asymmetry in B0→f0KS (i.e., -Sf0KS) could deviate significantly from that of sin⁡(2β)J/ψKS.

Heavier alkali-metal monosulfides (KS, RbS, CsS, and FrS) and their cations.

PubMed

Lee, Edmond P F; Wright, Timothy G

2005-10-08

The heavier alkali-metal monosulfides (KS, RbS, CsS, and FrS) have been studied by high-level ab initio calculations. The RCCSD(T) method has been employed, combined with large flexible valence basis sets. All-electron basis sets are used for potassium and sulfur, with effective core potentials being used for the other metals, describing the core electrons. Potential-energy curves are calculated for the lowest two neutral and cationic states: all neutral monosulfide species have a (2)Pi ground state, in contrast with the alkali-metal monoxide species, which undergo a change in the electronic ground state from (2)Pi to (2)Sigma(+) as the group is descended. In the cases of KS, RbS, and CsS, spin-orbit curves are also calculated. We also calculate potential-energy curves for the lowest (3)Sigma(-) and (3)Pi states of the cations. From the potential-energy curves, spectroscopic constants are derived, and for KS the spectroscopic results are compared to experimental spectroscopic values. Ionization energies, dissociation energies, and heats of formation are also calculated; for KS, we explore the effects of relativity and basis set extrapolation on these values.

Stochastic density functional theory at finite temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cytter, Yael; Rabani, Eran; Neuhauser, Daniel; Baer, Roi

2018-03-01

Simulations in the warm dense matter regime using finite temperature Kohn-Sham density functional theory (FT-KS-DFT), while frequently used, are computationally expensive due to the partial occupation of a very large number of high-energy KS eigenstates which are obtained from subspace diagonalization. We have developed a stochastic method for applying FT-KS-DFT, that overcomes the bottleneck of calculating the occupied KS orbitals by directly obtaining the density from the KS Hamiltonian. The proposed algorithm scales as O (" close=")N3T3)">N T-1 and is compared with the high-temperature limit scaling O

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