Characteristic component profiling and identification of different Uncaria species based on high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry coupled with rDNA ITS sequence.

PubMed

Zhao, Bingqiang; Huang, Yanjun; Chen, Qiulan; Chen, Qizhao; Miao, Hui; Zhu, Shuang; Zeng, Changqing

2018-03-01

Uncaria is a multi-source herb and its species identification has become a bottleneck in quality control. To study the identification method of different Uncaria species herbs through HPLC-MS coupled with rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (rDNA ITS) sequence, both plant morphological traits and molecular identification were used to determine the species of every collected Uncaria herb. The genetic analysis of different Uncaria species was performed using their rDNA ITS sequence as a molecular marker. Meanwhile, the phylogenetic relationships of 22 samples from six Uncaria species were divided and classified clearly. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, a practical HPLC method to differentiate various varieties of Uncaria herbs was set up based on a set of characteristic components across each species. A high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector tandem ion trap and time of flight mass spectrometry technique combined with reference substances was utilized to derive 21 characteristic compounds containing six groups of six Uncaria species in China. Thus, this study provides a feasible method to solve the current problem of confusion in Uncaria species, and makes a significant step forward in the appropriate clinical use, in-depth research and further utilization of different Uncaria species. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nephroprotective Effect of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn against Cisplatin-Induced Renal Damage.

PubMed

Kannan, Narayanan; Sakthivel, Kunnathur Murugesan; Guruvayoorappan, Chandrasekaran

2016-01-01

Cisplatin (CP) is an important chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors. However, clinical use of CP has been limited due to its adverse effect of nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Bauhinia tomentosa against CP-induced renal damage in rats. Administration of methonolic extract of B. tomentosa (250 mg/kg b.w.) results in a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, treatment with B. tomentosa increased body weight and relative organ weight when compared with that of the CP-induced control group. Moreover, treatment with B. tomentosa extract significantly decreased lipid peroxidation(LPO), serum urea, and creatinine when compared with the CP-induced control group. Thus, the present study highlights the potential role of B. tomentosa and its use as a new protective strategy against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.

Oxindole: A chemical prism carrying plethora of therapeutic benefits.

PubMed

Kaur, Maninder; Singh, Manjinder; Chadha, Navriti; Silakari, Om

2016-11-10

Oxindole has emerged as a valuable scaffold in medicinal chemistry possessing diverse range of pharmacological activities. Its value has further been increased by its natural occurrence as alkaloids in variety of plants. It was first extracted from the cat claw's plant Uncaria tomentosa found in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South and Central America. Traditionally as well as present emerging therapeutic potential of oxindole nucleus has captured the interest of medicinal chemists to synthesize novel oxindole derivatives. In the present review the authors have integrated its chemistry and synthetic strategies developed after 1945. Also the information of naturally occurring oxindole alkaloids has been incorporated. The detailed pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-HIV, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, kinase inhibitory, AChE inhibitory, anti-leishmanial, β3 adrenergic receptor agonistic, phosphatase inhibitory, analgesic, spermicidal, vasopressin antagonists, progesterone antagonists, neuroprotection, and NMDA blocker activities of oxindole derivatives alongwith their SAR has also been discussed in detail. Additionally, information regarding the oxindole derivatives in clinical trials has been incorporated. Thus, this review will provide insights for the synthetic as well as medicinal chemist for the designing and synthesis of novel oxindole derivatives with novel improved range of pharmacological implications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Neuroprotective Compounds from Uncaria rhynchophylla against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity

PubMed Central

Xian, Yan-Fang; Lin, Zhi-Xiu; Mao, Qing-Qiu; Hu, Zhen; Zhao, Ming; Che, Chun-Tao; Ip, Siu-Po

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a component herb of many Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous study in our laboratory has demonstrated that an ethanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla ameliorated cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease induced by D-galactose. However, the active ingredients of Uncaria rhynchophylla responsible for the anti-Alzheimer's disease activity have not been identified. This study aims to identify the active ingredients of Uncaria rhynchophylla by a bioassay-guided fractionation approach and explore the acting mechanism of these active ingredients by using a well-established cellular model of Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid- (Aβ-) induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. The results showed that six alkaloids, namely, corynoxine, corynoxine B, corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine, and rhynchophylline were isolated from the extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Among them, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline significantly decreased Aβ-induced cell death, intracellular calcium overloading, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in PC12 cells. These results suggest that rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline are the major active ingredients responsible for the protective action of Uncaria rhynchophylla against Aβ-induced neuronal toxicity, and their neuroprotective effect may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting intracellular calcium overloading and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. PMID:22778778

Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Neuroprotective Compounds from Uncaria rhynchophylla against Beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Xian, Yan-Fang; Lin, Zhi-Xiu; Mao, Qing-Qiu; Hu, Zhen; Zhao, Ming; Che, Chun-Tao; Ip, Siu-Po

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a component herb of many Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Previous study in our laboratory has demonstrated that an ethanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla ameliorated cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease induced by D-galactose. However, the active ingredients of Uncaria rhynchophylla responsible for the anti-Alzheimer's disease activity have not been identified. This study aims to identify the active ingredients of Uncaria rhynchophylla by a bioassay-guided fractionation approach and explore the acting mechanism of these active ingredients by using a well-established cellular model of Alzheimer's disease, beta-amyloid- (Aβ-) induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells. The results showed that six alkaloids, namely, corynoxine, corynoxine B, corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine, and rhynchophylline were isolated from the extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Among them, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline significantly decreased Aβ-induced cell death, intracellular calcium overloading, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in PC12 cells. These results suggest that rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline are the major active ingredients responsible for the protective action of Uncaria rhynchophylla against Aβ-induced neuronal toxicity, and their neuroprotective effect may be mediated, at least in part, by inhibiting intracellular calcium overloading and tau protein hyperphosphorylation.

Non-selective feeding and oviposition behavior of Cryptocephalus trifasciata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cryptocephalinae), precludes its use as a biological control agent for downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Downy rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa), a southeast Asian native shrub, invades natural areas in Florida and Hawaii where it forms dense, impenetrable thickets. We tested the host affinity and survivorship of a case bearing beetle, Cryptocephalus trifasciata on R. tomentosa and related species. C...

Identification of Aroma-active Compounds in Essential Oil from Uncaria Hook by Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry.

PubMed

Iwasa, Megumi; Nakaya, Satoshi; Maki, Yusuke; Marumoto, Shinsuke; Usami, Atsushi; Miyazawa, Mitsuo

2015-01-01

The chemical composition of essential oil extracted from Uncaria Hook ("Chotoko" in Japanese), the branch with curved hook of the herbal medicine Uncaria rhynchophylla has been investigated by GC and GC-MS analyses. Eighty-four compounds, representing 90.8% of the total content was identified in oil obtained from Uncaria Hook. The main components i were (E)-cinnamaldehyde (13.4%), α-copaene (8.0%), methyl eugenol (6.8%), δ-cadinene (5.3%), and curcumene (3.6%). The important key aroma-active compounds in the oil were detected by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), using the flavor dilution (FD) factor to express the odor potency of each compounds. Furthermore, the odor activity value (OAV) has been used as a measure of the relative contribution of each compound to the aroma of the Uncaria Hook oil. The GC-O and AEDA results showed that α-copaene (FD = 4, OAV = 4376), (E)-linalool oxide (FD = 64, OAV = 9.1), and methyl eugenol (FD = 64, OAV = 29) contributed to the woody and spicy odor of Uncaria Hook oil, whereas furfural (FD = 8, OAV = 4808) contributed to its sweet odor. These results warrant further investigations of the application of essential oil from Uncaria Hook in the phytochemical and medicinal fields.

Protective effect of Bauhinia tomentosa on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis by regulating antioxidant and inflammatory mediators.

PubMed

Kannan, Narayanan; Guruvayoorappan, Chandrasekharan

2013-05-01

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis (UC), are life-long and recurrent disorders of the gastrointestinal tract with unknown etiology. The present study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Bauhinia tomentosa during ulcerative colitis (UC). Three groups of animals (n=6) were treated with B. tomentosa (5, 10, 20 mg/kg B.wt respectively) for 5 consecutive days before induction of UC. UC was induced by intracolonic injection of 3% acetic acid. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring and histological examination. Furthermore, the mucosal content of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity confirms that B. tomentosa could significantly inhibit colitis in a dose dependent manner. The myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression studies and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay also supported that B. tomentosa could significantly inhibit experimental colitis. The effect was comparable to the standard drug sulfasalazine. Colonic mucosal injury parallels with the result of histological and biochemical evaluations. The extracts obtained from B. tomentosa possess active substances, which exert marked protective effects in acute experimental colitis, possibly by regulating the antioxidant and inflammatory mediators. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Immunomodulatory effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract and its derivative compound, rhodomyrtone, on head kidney macrophages of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

PubMed

Na-Phatthalung, Pinanong; Teles, Mariana; Voravuthikunchai, Supayang Piyawan; Tort, Lluís; Fierro-Castro, Camino

2018-04-01

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a medicinal plant that shows biological effects including immunomodulatory activity on human and other mammals but not in fish. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of R. tomentosa leaf extract and its active compound, rhodomyrtone, on the immune responses, using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney (HK) macrophages as a model. The tested immune functions included the expression of genes involved in innate immune and inflammatory responses and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gene expression was evaluated after exposure to 10 μg mL -1 of R. tomentosa and 1 μg mL -1 of rhodomyrtone for 4 and 24 h. R. tomentosa and rhodomyrtone induced changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il1β, il8, and tnfα), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il10 and tgfβ), inducible enzymes (inos, cox2, and arginase), and an antioxidant enzyme (gpx1). Co-exposure of R. tomentosa with LPS resulted in a prominent reduction in the expression of genes related to an inflammatory process (il1β, il8, tnfα, inos, saa, hepcidin, and gpx1), suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, co-exposure of rhodomyrtone with LPS led to a downregulation of inflammation-related genes (il1β, inos, saa, and hepcidin). In addition, exposure to both natural plant products caused a reduction in cellular ROS levels by HK macrophages. The present results indicate that R. tomentosa and rhodomyrtone exerted immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects on fish macrophages, thus opening up the possibility of using these natural products to further develop immunostimulants for health management in aquaculture.

Characteristic Chromatogram: A Method of Discriminate and Quantitative Analysis for Quality Evaluation of Uncaria Stem with Hooks.

PubMed

Hou, Jinjun; Feng, Ruihong; Zhang, Yibei; Pan, Huiqin; Yao, Shuai; Han, Sumei; Feng, Zijin; Cai, Luying; Wu, Wanying; Guo, De-An

2018-04-01

It remains a challenge to establish new monographs for herbal drugs derived from multiple botanical sources. Specifically, the difficulty involves discriminating and quantifying these herbs with components whose levels vary markedly among different samples. Using Uncaria stem with hooks as an example, a characteristic chromatogram was proposed to discriminate its five botanical origins and to quantify its characteristic components in the chromatogram. The characteristic chromatogram with respect to the components of Uncaria stem with hooks with the five botanical origins was established using 0.02% diethylamine and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The total analysis time was 50 min and the detection wavelength was 245 nm. Using the same chromatogram parameters, the single standard to determine multicomponents method was validated to simultaneously quantify nine indole alkaloids, including vincosamide, 3 α -dihydrocadambine, isocorynoxeine, corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, rhynchophylline, hirsuteine, hirsutine, and geissoschizine methyl ether. The results showed that only the Uncaria stem with hooks from Uncaria rhynchophylla , the most widely used in the herbal market, showed the presence of these nine alkaloids. The conversion factors were 1.27, 2.32, 0.98, 1.04, 1.00, 1.02, 1.26, 1.33, and 1.25, respectively. The limits of quantitation were lower than 700 ng/mL. The total contents of 31 batches of Uncaria stem with hooks were in the range of 0.1 - 0.6%, except for Uncaria hirsuta Havil and Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil. The results also showed that the total content of indole alkaloids tended to decrease with an increase in the hook diameter. This showed that the characteristic chromatogram is practical for controlling the quality of traditional Chinese medicines with multiple botanical origins. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Pharmacological actions of Uncaria alkaloids, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline.

PubMed

Shi, Jing-Shan; Yu, Jun-Xian; Chen, Xiu-Ping; Xu, Rui-Xia

2003-02-01

The pharmacological actions of Uncaria alkaloids, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline extracted from Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq Jacks were reviewed. The alkaloids mainly act on cardiovascular system and central nervous system including the hypotension, brachycardia, antiarrhythmia, and protection of cerebral ischemia and sedation. The active mechanisms were related to blocking of calcium channel, opening of potassium channel, and regulating of nerve transmitters transport and metabolism, etc.

[Correlation research of photosynthetic characteristics and medicinal materials production with 4 Uncariae Cum Uncis].

PubMed

Luo, Min; Song, Zhi-Qin; Yang, Ping-Fei; Liu, Hai; Yang, Zai-Gang; Wu, Ming-Kai

2017-01-01

Using four Uncariae Cum Uncis materials including Uncaria sinensis (HGT), U. hirsutea (MGT), Jianhe U. rhynchophylla (JHGT) and U. rhynchophylla(GT) as the research objects, the correlations between medicinal materials' yield and photosynthetic ecophysiology-factors in the plant exuberant growth period were studied. Results showed that the Uncaria plants net photosynthetic rate (Pn) changed by unimodal curve. There was not "midday depression" phenomenon. There was a different relationship among the photosynthetic ecophysiology-factors and between photosynthetic ecophysiology-factors and medicinal materials' yield. Pn,Tl,Gs had a significant correlation with medicinal materials' yield（M）and were the most important factors of growth. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Mechanisms of herb-induced nephrotoxicity.

PubMed

Allard, T; Wenner, T; Greten, H J; Efferth, T

2013-01-01

Herbal therapies gained much popularity among the general public, but compared to therapies approved by official authorities, toxicological studies are frequently not available for them. Hence, there may be inherent risks and the kidneys may be especially vulnerable to toxic effects. Herbs may induce nephrotoxicity by induction of apoptosis. High oxalate contents in Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) may induce acute nephropathy. Triptolide from Thunder God Vine (Triperygium wilfordii Hook) is a diterpenoid epoxide with induces reactive oxygen species and nephrotubular apoptosis. Cranberry juice is discussed as promoter of kidney stone formation (nephrolithiasis). Abuse of guaifenesin from Roughbark (Guaicum officinale L.) increases stone formation. Aristolochia acids from Aristolochia fangchi Y.C.Wu ex L.D. Chow & S.M. Hwang causes the well-known aristolochic acid nephropathy and carcinogenesis by DNA adduct formation. Carboxyatractyloside from Impila (Callilepsis laureola DC.) inhibits mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Acute allergic interstitial nephritis was diagnosed after intake of Peruvian Cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa Willd. DC.). Whether or not Willow Bark (Salix alba L.) induces analgesic nephropathwy is a matter of discussion. Other herbal therapies are considered to affect the rennin-angiotensisn-aldosterone (RAA) system Ephedra sinica Stapf with its ingredient ephedrine. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens DC. Ex Meisn.) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) may inhibit major renal transport processes needed for filtration, secretion, and absorption. Strategies to minimize nephrotoxicity include (1) quality control and standardization of herbal products, (2) research on the molecular modes of action to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms of herbal products as well as (3) clinical trials to demonstrate efficacy and safety.

The Immunomodulatory Potential of Selected Bioactive Plant-Based Compounds in Breast Cancer: A Review.

PubMed

Baraya, Yushau Shuaibu; Wong, Kah Keng; Yaacob, Nik Soriani

2017-01-01

Breast cancer has continued to cause high cancer death rates among women worldwide. The use of plants' natural products in breast cancer treatment has received more attention in recent years due to their potentially wider safety margin and the potential to complement conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Plantbased products have demonstrated anticancer potential through different biological pathways including modulation of the immune system. Immunomodulatory properties of medicinal plants have been shown to mitigate breast cancer cell growth. Different immune cell types participate in this process especially cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells, and cytokines including chemokines and tumor necrosis factor-α. Medicinal plants such as Glycyrrhiza glabra, Uncaria tomentosa, Camellia sinensis, Panax ginseng, Prunus armenaica (apricot), Allium sativum, Arctium lappa and Curcuma longa were reported to hold strong potential in breast cancer treatment in various parts of the world. Interestingly, research findings have shown that these plants possess bioactive immunomodulators as their main constituents producing the anticancer effects. These immunomodulatory compounds include ajoene, arctigenin, β-carotene, curcumin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, ginsan, glabridin and quinic acid. In this review, we discussed the ability of these eight immunomodulators in regulating the immune system potentially applicable in breast cancer treatment via anti-inflammatory (curcumin, arctigenin, glabridin and ajoene) and lymphocytes activation (β-carotene, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, quinic acid and ginsan) properties, as well as future research direction in their use for breast cancer treatment. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

Tolerance and efficacy of emamectin benzoate and ivermectin for the treatment of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio).

PubMed

Collymore, Chereen; Watral, Virginia; White, Julie R; Colvin, Michael E; Rasmussen, Skye; Tolwani, Ravi J; Kent, Michael L

2014-10-01

Tolerance of adult zebrafish and efficacy of emamectin benzoate and ivermectin in eliminating Pseudocapillaria tomentosa infection were evaluated. In the tolerance study, behavioral changes, fecundity, histopathology, and mortality were evaluated for in-feed administration of emamectin (0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 mg/kg) and ivermectin (0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg). All doses of emamectin were well tolerated. Ivermectin 0.05 mg/kg administration resulted in mild behavioral changes and a transient decrease in fecundity. Ivermectin 0.10 mg/kg administration resulted in severe behavioral changes and some mortality. In the efficacy study, emamectin (0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg) and ivermectin (0.05 mg/kg) were evaluated for their efficacy in eliminating P. tomentosa infection. Emamectin reduced parasite burden in infected zebrafish, and ivermectin eliminated intestinal nematode infections. Despite a small margin of safety, ivermectin 0.05 mg/kg was effective at eliminating P. tomentosa infection in adult zebrafish. Higher doses or a longer course of treatment may be needed for complete elimination of P. tomentosa infection using emamectin. In this study, we propose two possible treatments for intestinal nematode infections in zebrafish.

Anxiolytic effects of the aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Jung, Ji Wook; Ahn, Nam Yoon; Oh, Hye Rim; Lee, Bo Kyung; Lee, Kang Jin; Kim, Sun Yeou; Cheong, Jae Hoon; Ryu, Jong Hoon

2006-11-24

The purpose of this study was to characterize the putative anxiolytic-like effects of the aqueous extract of hooks with stem of Uncaria rhynchophylla using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and the hole-board apparatus in rats and mice. Control rats were treated with an equal volume of saline, and positive control rats with buspirone (1 mg/kg). Single or repeated treatments of the aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 7 days significantly increased the time-spent and entries into open arms of the EPM, and reduced the time-spent and entries into the closed arms versus saline controls (P<0.05). However, no changes in spontaneous locomotor activity or myorelaxant effects were observed versus saline controls. In the hole-board test, repeated treatment with the aqueous extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (100 or 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) significantly increased the number of head-dips (P<0.05). In addition, the anxiolytic-like effects of Uncaria rhynchophylla extract as assessed using the EPM test were abolished by WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist. These results suggest that Uncaria rhynchophylla is an effective anxiolytic agent, and acts via the serotonergic nervous system.

In vitro anti-breast cancer activity of ethanolic extract of Wrightia tomentosa: role of pro-apoptotic effects of oleanolic acid and urosolic acid.

PubMed

Chakravarti, Bandana; Maurya, Ranjani; Siddiqui, Jawed Akhtar; Bid, Hemant Kumar; Rajendran, S M; Yadav, Prem P; Konwar, Rituraj

2012-06-26

Wrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult. (Apocynaceae) is known in the traditional medicine for anti-cancer activity along with other broad indications like snake and scorpion bites, renal complications, menstrual disorders etc. However, the anti-cancer activity of this plant or its constituents has never been studied systematically in any cancer types so far. To evaluate the anti-cancer activities of the ethanolic extract of W. tomentosa and identified constituent active molecule(s) against breast cancer. Powdered leaves of W. tomentosa were extracted with ethanol. The ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa were tested for its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The ethanolic extract, subsequent hexane fractions and fraction F-4 of W. tomentosa inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The fraction F-4 obtained from hexane fraction inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells in concentration and time dependent manner with IC₅₀ of 50 μg/ml and 30 μg/ml for 24 h, 28 μg/ml and 22 μg/ml for 48 h and 25 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml for 72 h respectively. The fraction F-4 induced G1 cell cycle arrest, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequent apoptosis. Apoptosis is indicated in terms of increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, enhanced Annexin-V positivity, caspase 8 activation and DNA fragmentation. The active molecule isolated from fraction F-4, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid inhibited cell proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells at IC₅₀ value of 7.5 μM and 7.0 μM respectively, whereas there is devoid of significant cell inhibiting activity in non-cancer originated cells, HEK-293. In both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, oleanolic acid and urosolic acid induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as indicated by significant increase in Annexin-V positive apoptotic cell counts. Our results suggest that W. tomentosa extracts has significant anti-cancer activity against breast cancer cells due to induction of apoptosis pathway. Olenolic and urosolic acid are important constituent molecules in the extract responsible for anti-cancer activity of W. tomentosa.

Protective effects on vascular endothelial cell in N'-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA)-induced hypertensive rats from the combination of effective components of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Semen Raphani.

PubMed

Li, Yunlun; Yang, Wenqing; Zhu, Qingjun; Yang, Jinguo; Wang, Zhen

2015-08-01

Endothelial dysfunction is closely associated with hypertension. Protection of vascular endothelial cell is the key to prevention and treatment of hypertension. Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid, isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Uncaria rbyncbopbylla and Semen Raphani respectively, exhibit properties of anti-hypertension and protection of blood vessels. In the present study, we observed the protective effect of the combined use of Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid to the vascular endothelial cell in N'-nitro-L-arginine-induced hypertensive rats and investigate the preliminary mechanism. Blood pressure was detected by non-invasive rats tail method to observe the anti-hypertension effect of drugs. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the integrity or shedding state of vascular endothelial cell. The amount of circulating endothelial cells and CD54 and CD62P expression on circulating endothelial cells were tested to evaluate the endothelium function. In this study, we found that the Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid compatibility can effectively lower the blood pressure, improve the structural integrity of vascular endothelium, and significantly reduce the number of circulating endothelial cells. Furthermore, the mean fluorescence intensity of CD54 and CD62P expressed showed decrease after the intervention of Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid compatibility. In conclusion, the combination of effective components of the Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids and Semen Raphani soluble alkaloid demonstrated good antihypertension effect and vascular endothelium protective effect. The preliminary mechanism of the protective effect may attribute to relieve the overall low-grade inflammation.

Cytotoxic activity and composition of petroleum ether extract from Magydaris tomentosa (Desf.) W. D. J. Koch (Apiaceae).

PubMed

Autore, Giuseppina; Marzocco, Stefania; Formisano, Carmen; Bruno, Maurizio; Rosselli, Sergio; Jemia, Mariem Ben; Senatore, Felice

2015-01-16

The petroleum ether extract of Magydaris tomentosa flowers (Desf.) W. D. J. Koch has been analyzed by GC-MS. It is mainly constituted by furanocoumarins such as xanthotoxin, xanthotoxol, isopimpinellin, and bergaptene. Other coumarins such as 7-methoxy-8-(2-formyl-2-methylpropyl) coumarin and osthole also occurred. The antiproliferative activity of Magydaris tomentosa flower extract has been evaluated in vitro on murine monocye/macrophages (J774A.1), human melanoma (A375) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) tumor cell lines, showing a major activity against the latter.

Tolerance and Efficacy of Emamectin Benzoate and Ivermectin for the Treatment of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in Laboratory Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

PubMed Central

Collymore, Chereen; Watral, Virginia; White, Julie R.; Colvin, Michael E.; Rasmussen, Skye; Tolwani, Ravi J.

2014-01-01

Abstract Tolerance of adult zebrafish and efficacy of emamectin benzoate and ivermectin in eliminating Pseudocapillaria tomentosa infection were evaluated. In the tolerance study, behavioral changes, fecundity, histopathology, and mortality were evaluated for in-feed administration of emamectin (0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 mg/kg) and ivermectin (0.05 and 0.10 mg/kg). All doses of emamectin were well tolerated. Ivermectin 0.05 mg/kg administration resulted in mild behavioral changes and a transient decrease in fecundity. Ivermectin 0.10 mg/kg administration resulted in severe behavioral changes and some mortality. In the efficacy study, emamectin (0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg) and ivermectin (0.05 mg/kg) were evaluated for their efficacy in eliminating P. tomentosa infection. Emamectin reduced parasite burden in infected zebrafish, and ivermectin eliminated intestinal nematode infections. Despite a small margin of safety, ivermectin 0.05 mg/kg was effective at eliminating P. tomentosa infection in adult zebrafish. Higher doses or a longer course of treatment may be needed for complete elimination of P. tomentosa infection using emamectin. In this study, we propose two possible treatments for intestinal nematode infections in zebrafish. PMID:25237985

Validation of Reference Genes for Gene Expression by Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR in Stem Segments Spanning Primary to Secondary Growth in Populus tomentosa.

PubMed

Wang, Ying; Chen, Yajuan; Ding, Liping; Zhang, Jiewei; Wei, Jianhua; Wang, Hongzhi

2016-01-01

The vertical segments of Populus stems are an ideal experimental system for analyzing the gene expression patterns involved in primary and secondary growth during wood formation. Suitable internal control genes are indispensable to quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays of gene expression. In this study, the expression stability of eight candidate reference genes was evaluated in a series of vertical stem segments of Populus tomentosa. Analysis through software packages geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper showed that genes ribosomal protein (RP) and tubulin beta (TUBB) were the most unstable across the developmental stages of P. tomentosa stems, and the combination of the three reference genes, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), Actin (ACT6) and elongation factor 1-beta (EF1-beta) can provide accurate and reliable normalization of qRT-PCR analysis for target gene expression in stem segments undergoing primary and secondary growth in P. tomentosa. These results provide crucial information for transcriptional analysis in the P. tomentosa stem, which may help to improve the quality of gene expression data in these vertical stem segments, which constitute an excellent plant system for the study of wood formation.

Effect of Lagerstroemia tomentosa and Diospyros virginiana methanolic extracts on different drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Esfahani, B. Nasr; Hozoorbakhsh, F.; Rashed, Kh.; Havaei, S.A.; Heidari, K.; Moghim, Sh.

2014-01-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the causative agent of tuberculosis. The increasing incidence of multi drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug resistance tuberculosis (XDR-TB) worldwide highlighted the urgent need to search for alternative antimycobacterial agents. More and more people in developing countries utilize traditional medicine for their major primary health care needs. It has been determined that pharmaceutical plant, Lagerstroemia tomentosa and Diospyros virginiana, possesses some antibacterial effect. In this study, the antimycobacterial effects of L. tomentosa and D. virginiana methanolic extracts on sensitive and resistant isolates of MTB were examined. Leaf methanolic extract was prepared using methanol 70%. Sensitivity and resistance of isolates was determined by proportion method. The effects of two different methonolic extract concentrations (20 and 40 μg/ml) of the plants were examined against 6 sensitive and resistant strains of MTB with different patterns of drug resistance. MTB H37Rv (ATCC 27294) was set as control in all culturing and sensitivity testing processes. The results showed that L. tomentosa and D. virginiana methanolic extracts had weak inhibitory effect on different strains of MTB. The highest percentage of inhibition for L. tomentosa and D. virginiana was observed 38% and 33.3%, respectively. PMID:25657789

Two species of Gelechioidea (Lepidoptera) from Southeast Asia associated with downy rose myrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Myrtaceae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Two species of Gelechioidea (Lepidoptera), Metharmostis multilineata Adamski, n. sp. (Cosmopterigidae), and Idiophantis soreuta Meyrick, 1906 (Gelechiidae), were collected in southeastern Asia for evaluation as potential biocontrol agents against downy rose myrtle, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hass...

Milled Paulownia tomentosa as a substrate component in greenhouse annual production

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Recent research has indicated the potential of wood fiber products as alternative substrate components. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Paulowinia tomentosa amended substrates on production of greenhouse grown annuals. Paulownia (PT) was used alone (100% PT) and combined with di...

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibition by active principles from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Hou, Wen-Chi; Lin, Rong-Dih; Chen, Cheng-Tang; Lee, Mei-Hsien

2005-08-22

Attenuation of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity may provide protection against oxidative neurodegeneration. For this reason, inhibition of MAO-B activity is used as part of the treatment of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients. The hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks. (Rubiaceae) is a traditional Chinese herbal drug that is generally used to treat convulsive disorders. In this study, the fractionation and purification of Uncaria rhynchophylla extracts using a bioguided assay isolated two known compounds, (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin. The compounds inhibited MAO-B, as measured by an assay of rat brain MAO-B separated by electrophoresis on a 7.5% native polyacrylamide gel. The IC(50) values of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin were 88.6 and 58.9 microM, respectively, and inhibition occurred in a dose-dependent manner, as measured by the fluorescence method. The Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed K(i) values for (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin of 74 and 21 microM, respectively. This suggests that these two compounds, isolated here for the first time from Uncaria rhynchophylla, might be able to protect against neurodegeneration in vitro, and, therefore, the molecular mechanism deserves further study. This finding may also increase interest in the health benefits of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

Methanolic extracts of Uncaria rhynchophylla induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Jo, Kyung-Jin; Cha, Mi-Ran; Lee, Mi-Ra; Yoon, Mi-Young; Park, Hae-Ryong

2008-06-01

In this paper, we report the anticancer activities of Uncaria rhynchophylla extracts, a Rubiaceae plant native to China. Traditionally, Uncaria rhynchophylla has been used in the prevention and treatment of neurotoxicity. However, the cytotoxic activity of Uncaria rhynchophylla against human colon carcinoma cells has not, until now, been elucidated. We found that the methanolic extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (URE) have cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells. The URE showed highly cytotoxic effects via the MTT reduction assay, LDH release assay, and colony formation assay. As expected, URE inhibited the growth of HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, the methanolic URE of the 500 microg/ml showed 15.8% inhibition against growth of HT-29 cells. It induced characteristic apoptotic effects in HT-29 cells, including chromatin condensation and sharking occurring 24 h when the cells were treated at a concentration of the 500 microg/ml. The activation of caspase-3 and the specific proteolytic cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase were detected over the course of apoptosis induction. These results indicate that URE contains bioactive materials with strong activity, and is a potential chemotherapeutic agent candidate against HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells.

Morchella tomentosa: a unique belowground structure and a new clade of morels

Treesearch

Franck O.P. Stefani; Serge Sokolski; Trish L. Wurtz; Yves Piché; Richard C. Hamelin; J. André Fortin; Jean A. Bérubé

2010-01-01

Mechanisms involved in post-fire morel fructification remain unclear. A new undescribed belowground vegetative structure of Marchella tomentosa in a burned boreal forest was investigated north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The name "radiscisclerotium" is proposed to define this peculiar and elaborate belowground vegetative structure of ...

[Molecular identification of medicinal plant genus Uncaria in Guizhou].

PubMed

Gang, Tao; Liu, Tao; Zhu, Ying; Liu, Zuo-Yi

2008-06-01

To analyze rDNA ITS regions of the Medicinal Plant Genus Uncaria in Guizhou and construct their phylogenetic tree in order to supply molecular evidence of taxonomy and identification of these Medicinal Plants in genetic level. The ITS gene fragments of the 4 Medicinal Plants were PCR amplified and sequenced. The rDNA ITS regions were analyzed by means of the software of ClustalX, BioEdit and PAUP* 4.0 beta 10. The entire sequences of rDNA ITS1, ITS2, and 5.8S rDNA were obtained, The Maximum-parsimony tree of four ITS regions together with those of similar sequences from GenBank were found, as Mitrayna rubrostipulata (AJ492621 ) and Mitragyna rubrostipulata (AJ605988) were designated as outgroup. The 4 medicinal plants are the 4 species in the genus Uncaria, and are mostly similar to the Uncaria rhynhcophylla.

Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke show strong antiviral activity against the sexually transmitted pathogen herpes simplex virus type 2.

PubMed

Churqui, Marianela Patzi; Lind, Liza; Thörn, Karolina; Svensson, Alexandra; Savolainen, Otto; Aranda, Katty Terrazas; Eriksson, Kristina

2018-01-10

Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have been traditionally used by women of the Tacana tribe in the Bolivian Amazonas for genital hygiene and for treatment of genital infection/inflammation. To assess the ability of extracts from Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke to block genital viral infection by herpes simplex virus type 2. Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke were collected from the Amazon region of La Paz, Bolivia. Extracts were prepared and screened for anti-viral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) using both in vitro and in in vivo models of infection. Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke efficiently blocked HSV-2 infection of cell cultures without major cell cytotoxic effects. Extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke could prevent HSV-2 disease development when administered together with virus in a mouse model of genital HSV-2 infection. In vitro analyses revealed that both plant extracts exerted their anti-HSV-2 effects by interfering with viral cell attachment and entry, but could not block viral replication post entry. These studies show that extracts of Equisetum giganteum L and Copaifera reticulate Ducke have potent antiviral activities against HSV-2 comparable to those two previously identified plants, Croton lechleri Müll. Arg. and Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC. These studies confirm that plants used by the Tacana tribe could be explored further for the development of novel topical antiviral microbicides. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa: New Host Records for Metanastria gemella and Arna bipunctapex

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Surveys for host specific natural enemies of R. tomentosa in China (mainland and Hong Kong) resulted in the discovery of two lepidopteran species that have not been previously reported as herbivores of the plant: M. gemella and A. bipunctapex. Multiple generations of both species were reared on R. t...

Development and application of microsatellites in candidate genes related to wood properties in the Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.).

PubMed

Du, Qingzhang; Gong, Chenrui; Pan, Wei; Zhang, Deqiang

2013-02-01

Gene-derived simple sequence repeats (genic SSRs), also known as functional markers, are often preferred over random genomic markers because they represent variation in gene coding and/or regulatory regions. We characterized 544 genic SSR loci derived from 138 candidate genes involved in wood formation, distributed throughout the genome of Populus tomentosa, a key ecological and cultivated wood production species. Of these SSRs, three-quarters were located in the promoter or intron regions, and dinucleotide (59.7%) and trinucleotide repeat motifs (26.5%) predominated. By screening 15 wild P. tomentosa ecotypes, we identified 188 polymorphic genic SSRs with 861 alleles, 2-7 alleles for each marker. Transferability analysis of 30 random genic SSRs, testing whether these SSRs work in 26 genotypes of five genus Populus sections (outgroup, Salix matsudana), showed that 72% of the SSRs could be amplified in Turanga and 100% could be amplified in Leuce. Based on genotyping of these 26 genotypes, a neighbour-joining analysis showed the expected six phylogenetic groupings. In silico analysis of SSR variation in 220 sequences that are homologous between P. tomentosa and Populus trichocarpa suggested that genic SSR variations between relatives were predominantly affected by repeat motif variations or flanking sequence mutations. Inheritance tests and single-marker associations demonstrated the power of genic SSRs in family-based linkage mapping and candidate gene-based association studies, as well as marker-assisted selection and comparative genomic studies of P. tomentosa and related species.

Uncaria alkaloids reverse ABCB1-mediated cancer multidrug resistance

PubMed Central

Huang, Bao-Yuan; Zeng, Yu; Li, Ying-Jie; Huang, Xiao-Jun; Hu, Nan; Yao, Nan; Chen, Min-Feng; Yang, Zai-Gang; Chen, Zhe-Sheng; Zhang, Dong-Mei; Zeng, Chang-Qing

2017-01-01

The overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is the main cause of cancer multidrug resistance (MDR), which leads to chemotherapy failure. Uncaria alkaloids are the major active components isolated from uncaria, which is a common Chinese herbal medicine. In this study, the MDR-reversal activities of uncaria alkaloids, including rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine (Icory), hirsutine and hirsuteine, were screened; they all exhibited potent reversal efficacy when combined with doxorubicin. Among them, Icory significantly sensitized ABCB1-overexpressing HepG2/ADM and MCF-7/ADR cells to vincristine, doxorubicin and paclitaxel, but not to the non-ABCB1 substrate cisplatin. Noteworthy, Icory selectively reversed ABCB1-overexpressing MDR cancer cells but not ABCC1- or ABCG2-mediated MDR. Further mechanistic study revealed that Icory increased the intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin in ABCB1-overexpressing cells by blocking the efflux function of ABCB1. Instead of inhibiting ABCB1 expression and localization, Icory acts as a substrate of the ABCB1 transporter by competitively binding to substrate binding sites. Collectively, these results indicated that Icory reversed ABCB1-mediated MDR by suppressing its efflux function, and it would be beneficial to increase the efficacy of these types of uncaria alkaloids and develop them to be selective ABCB1-mediated MDR-reversal agents. PMID:28534954

Effects of simulated deposition of acid mist and iron ore particulate matter on photosynthesis and the generation of oxidative stress in Schinus terebinthifolius Radii and Sophora tomentosa L.

PubMed

Kuki, Kacilda Naomi; Oliva, Marco Antônio; Pereira, Eduardo Gusmão; Costa, Alan Carlos; Cambraia, José

2008-09-15

Particulate matter is a natural occurrence in the environment, but some industries, such as the iron ore sector, can raise the total amount of particles in the atmosphere. This industry is primarily a source of iron and sulfur dioxide particulates. The effects of the pollutants from the iron ore industries on representatives of restinga vegetation in a Brazilian coastal ecosystem were investigated using physiological and biochemical measures. Two species, Schinus terebinthifolius and Sophora tomentosa, were exposed to simulated deposition of acid mist and iron ore particulate matter in acrylic chambers in a greenhouse. Parameters such as gas exchange, fluorescence emission, chlorophyll content, total iron content, antioxidant enzyme activity and malondialdehyde content were assessed in order to evaluate the responses of the two species. Neither treatment was capable of inducing oxidative stress in S. terebinthifolius. Nevertheless, the deposition of iron ore particulates on this species increased chlorophyll content, the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II and the electron transport rate, while iron content was unaltered. On the other hand, S. tomentosa showed a greater sensitivity to the treatments. Plants of S. tomentosa that were exposed to acid mist had a decrease in photosynthesis, while the deposition of iron particulate matter led to an increase in iron content and membrane permeability of the leaves. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalases and superoxide dismutase, were enhanced by both treatments. The results suggested that the two restinga species use different strategies to overcome the stressful conditions created by the deposition of particulate matter, either solid or wet. It seems that while S. terebinthifolius avoided stress, S. tomentosa used antioxidant enzyme systems to partially neutralize oxidative stress. The findings also point to the potential use of S. tomentosa as a biomarker species under field conditions.

First report of Puccinia psidii caused rust-disease epiphytotic on the invasive shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (downy-rose myrtle, Family: Myrtaceae) of south Asian origin is an invasive shrub that has formed monotypic stands in Florida. During the winter and spring of 2010-2012, a rust disease of epiphytotic proportion was observed on young foliage, stem terminals and i...

Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Zhao, Jiao Jiao; Xu, Jian; Feng, Feng; Qu, Wei

2015-09-15

The genus Uncaria belongs to the family Rubiaceae, which mainly distributed in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Southeast America. Their leaves and hooks have long been thought to have healing powers and are already being tested as a treatment for asthma, cancer, cirrhosis, diabetes, hypertension, stroke and rheumatism. The present review aims to provide systematically reorganized information on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Uncaria to support for further therapeutic potential of this genus. To better understanding this genus, information on the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships in indole alkaloids is also represented. The literature study of this review is based on various databases search (SCIFinder, Science Direct, CNKI, Wiley online library, Spring Link, Web of Science, PubMed, Wanfang Data, Medalink, Google scholar, ACS, Tropicos, Council of Heads of Australasian Herbaria, The New York Botanical Garden, African Plants Database at Genera Botanical Garden, The Plant List and SEINet) and library search for Biological Abstract and some local books on ethnopharmacology. 19 species of the genus Uncaria are found to be important folk medicines in China, Malaysia, Phillippines, Africa and Southeast America, etc, and have been served for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, hyperpyrexia, hypertension and headaches, etc. More than 200 compounds have been isolated from Uncaria, including indole alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phenols, phenylpropanoids, etc. As characteristic constituents, indole alkaloids have been considered as main efficacy component for hypertension, epilepsy, depressant, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, pharmacokinetic and metabolism investigation reveal that the indole alkaloids are likely to be absorbed, metabolized and excreted at early time points. Moreover, the specific inhibition of CYP isozymes can regulate their hydroxylation metabolites at C-10 and C-11. Preliminary investigations on pharmacological properties of the Uncaria species have enlightened their efficacious remedy for hypertension, asthma, cancer, diabetes, rheumatism and neurodegenerative diseases. To ensure the safety and effectiveness in clinical application, research on bioactive compounds, pharmacological mechanisms and toxicity of the genus Uncaria as well as the stereo-chemistry and structure-activity relationships of indole alkaloids seem very important. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A review on indole alkaloids isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla and their pharmacological studies.

PubMed

Ndagijimana, Andre; Wang, Xiaoming; Pan, Guixiang; Zhang, Fan; Feng, Hong; Olaleye, Olajide

2013-04-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks, Rubiaceae, is one of the original plants of the important Chinese crude drug, Gou-teng, mainly used for the treatment of convulsion, hypertension, epilepsy, eclampsia, and cerebral diseases. The pharmacological activities of this plant are related to the presence of active compounds predominantly indole alkaloids. In this article, we have reviewed some reports about the pharmacological activities of the main indole alkaloids isolated from U. rhynchophylla. This review paper will contribute to the studies on the chemistry, safety and quality control of medicinal preparations containing Uncaria species. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Testing Carea varipes and Neostauropus alternus as biological control agents for the Florida invasive plant species Rhodomyrtus tomentosa.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (RT) a native plant to Southeastern Asia, commonly known as downy rose myrtle, is invasive to the regions of Central and South Florida. Introduced in the early 1920’s, this weed is currently considered a Category I invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. RT...

Maintenance of water uptake and reduced water loss contribute to water stress tolerance of Spiraea alba Du Roi and Spiraea tomentosa L.

PubMed

Stanton, Kelly M; Mickelbart, Michael V

2014-01-01

Two primarily eastern US native shrubs, Spiraea alba Du Roi and Spiraea tomentosa L., are typically found growing in wet areas, often with standing water. Both species have potential for use in the landscape, but little is known of their environmental requirements, including their adaptation to water stress. Two geographic accessions of each species were evaluated for their response to water stress under greenhouse conditions. Above-ground biomass, water relations and gas exchange were measured in well-watered and water stress treatments. In both species, water stress resulted in reduced growth, transpiration and pre-dawn water potential. However, both species also exhibited the ability to osmotically adjust to lower soil water content, resulting in maintained midday leaf turgor potential in all accessions. Net CO2 assimilation was reduced only in one accession of S. alba, primarily due to large reductions in stomatal conductance. S. tomentosa lost a larger proportion of leaves than S. alba in response to water stress. The primary water stress tolerance strategies of S. alba and S. tomentosa appear to be the maintenance of water uptake and reduced water loss.

First report of Puccinia psidii caused rust disease epiphytotic on the invasive shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida

Treesearch

M. B. Rayamajhi; P. D. Pratt; N. B. Klopfenstein; A. L. Ross-Davis; L. Rodgers

2013-01-01

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (downy-rose myrtle, family: Myrtaceae), of South Asian origin, is an invasive shrub that has formed monotypic stands in Florida (3). During the winter and spring of 2010 through 2012, a rust disease of epiphytotic proportion was observed on young foliage, stem terminals, and immature fruits of this shrub in natural areas of Martin...

Analysis of genetic composition and transmitted parental heterozygosity of natural 2n gametes in Populus tomentosa based on SSR markers.

PubMed

Han, Zhiqiang; Geng, Xining; Du, Kang; Xu, Congping; Yao, Pengqiang; Bai, Fengying; Kang, Xiangyang

2018-06-01

Natural 2n female gametes and transmission of parental heterozygosity by natural 2n gametes in Populus tomentosa are reported for the first time, which provides a new approach to polyploid breeding. Naturally occurring 2n pollen is widespread in Populus tomentosa and plays an important role in polyploid breeding. However, the competitiveness of 2n pollen is lower than that of haploid pollen during pollination and fertilization, so 2n pollen is less efficient at fertilizing haploid female gametes to produce polyploids. In theory, polyploids can also be obtained when 2n female gametes are fertilized by haploid pollen. Thus, the question becomes whether natural 2n female gametes exist in P. tomentosa, which can be answered by examining the genetic composition of natural 2n gametes. In this study, the origin of 87 triploids from the hybrid combination "X-2 × Z-5" was identified by SSR markers and 21% of natural 2n gametes were found to originate from female parents. Four SSR loci with low recombination rates were used to identify the genetic composition of natural 2n gametes. The results showed that the genetic composition of 2n female gametes was mainly characterized by SDR, while 2n male gametes were mainly produced by FDR. Moreover, the transmission of parental heterozygosity by natural 2n gametes, which is significantly different between female and male parents in FDR and SDR types, was analysed using 42 SSR primers. Here, we report naturally occurring 2n female gametes for the first time in P. tomentosa and reveal the genetic constitution and transmitted parental heterozygosity of these gametes. Our results provide a foundation for theoretical research into 2n gametes and their application in new polyploid breeding strategies.

Tripartite symbiosis of Sophora tomentosa, rhizobia and arbuscular mycorhizal fungi.

PubMed

Toma, Maíra Akemi; Soares de Carvalho, Teotonio; Azarias Guimarães, Amanda; Martins da Costa, Elaine; Savana da Silva, Jacqueline; de Souza Moreira, Fatima Maria

Sophora tomentosa is a pantropical legume species with potential for recovery of areas degraded by salinization, and for stabilization of sand dunes. However, few studies on this species have been carried out, and none regarding its symbiotic relationship with beneficial soil microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diversity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria isolated from nodules of Sophora tomentosa, and to analyze the occurrence of colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the roots of this legume in seafront soil. Thus, seeds, root nodules, and soil from the rhizosphere of Sophora tomentosa were collected. From the soil samples, trap cultures with this species were established to extract spores and to evaluate arbuscular mycorhizal fungi colonization in legume roots, as well as to capture rhizobia. Rhizobia strains were isolated from nodules collected in the field or from the trap cultures. Representative isolates of the groups obtained in the similarity dendrogram, based on phenotypic characteristics, had their 16S rRNA genes sequenced. The legume species showed nodules with indeterminate growth, and reddish color, distributed throughout the root. Fifty-one strains of these nodules were isolated, of which 21 were classified in the genus Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Rhizobium and especially Sinorhizobium. Strains closely related to Sinorhizobium adhaerens were the predominant bacteria in nodules. The other genera found, with the exception of Rhizobium, are probably endophytic bacteria in the nodules. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was observed colonizing the roots, but arbuscular mycorhizal fungi spores were not found in the trap cultures. Therefore Sophora tomentosa is associated with both arbuscular mycorhizal fungi and nodulating nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Copyright © 2017 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Comparative analysis of antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extracts prepared with various solvents.

PubMed

Abd Hamid, Hazrulrizawati; Mutazah, Roziasyahira; Yusoff, Mashitah M; Abd Karim, Nurul Ashikin; Abdull Razis, Ahmad Faizal

2017-10-01

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects and has been used to treat wounds, colic diarrhoea, heartburns, abscesses and gynaecopathy. The potential antiproliferative activities of R. tomentosa extracts from different solvents were evaluated in vitro on HepG2, MCF-7 and HT 29 cell lines while antioxidant activity was monitored by radical scavenging assay (DPPH), copper reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and β-carotene bleaching assay. Extracts from R. tomentosa show the viability of the cells in concentration-dependent manner. According to the IC50 obtained, the ethyl acetate extracts showed significant antiproliferative activity on HepG2 (IC50 11.47 ± 0.280 μg/mL), MCF-7 (IC50 2.68 ± 0.529 μg/mL) and HT 29 (IC50 16.18 ± 0.538 μg/mL) after 72 h of treatment. Bioassay guided fractionation of the ethyl acetate extract led to the isolation of lupeol. Methanol extracts show significant antioxidant activities in DPPH (EC50 110.25 ± 0.005 μg/ml), CUPRAC (EC50 53.84 ± 0.004) and β-carotene bleaching (EC50 58.62 ± 0.001) due to the presence of high total flavonoid and total phenolic content which were 110.822 ± 0.017 mg butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)/g and 190.467 ± 0.009 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g respectively. Taken together, the results extracts show the R. tomentosa as a potential source of antioxidant and antiproliferative efficacy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lumichrome and phenyllactic acid as chemical markers of thistle (Galactites tomentosa Moench) honey.

PubMed

Tuberoso, Carlo I G; Bifulco, Ersilia; Caboni, Pierluigi; Sarais, Giorgia; Cottiglia, Filippo; Floris, Ignazio

2011-01-12

HPLC-DAD-MS/MS chromatograms of thistle (Galactites tomentosa Moench) unifloral honeys, previously selected by sensory evaluation and melissopalynological analysis, showed high levels of two compounds. One was characterized as phenyllactic acid, a common acid found in honeys, but the other compound was very unusual for honeys. This compound was extracted from honey with ethyl acetate and purified by SPE using C(18), SiOH, and NH(2) phases. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments as well as HPLC-MS/MS and Q-TOF analysis, and it was identified as lumichrome (7,8-dimethylalloxazine). Lumichrome is known to be the main product of degradation obtained in acid medium from riboflavin (vitamin B(2)), and this is the first report of the presence of lumichrome in honeys. Analysis of the G. tomentosa raw honey and flowers extracts confirmed the floral origin of this compound. The average amount of lumichrome in thistle honey was 29.4 ± 14.9 mg/kg, while phenyllactic acid was 418.6 ± 168.9 mg/kg. Lumichrome, along with the unusual high level of phenyllactic acid, could be used as a marker for the botanical classification of unifloral thistle (G. tomentosa) honey.

Rauniticine-allo-oxindole B and rauniticinic-allo acid B, new heteroyohimbine-type oxindole alkaloids from the stems of Malaysian Uncaria longiflora var. pteropoda.

PubMed

Salim, Fatimah; Ismail, Nor Hadiani; Awang, Khalijah; Ahmad, Rohaya

2011-08-04

Two new heteroyohimbine-type oxindole alkaloids, rauniticine-allo-oxindole B and rauniticinic-allo acid B, have been successfully isolated from the stems extract of Malaysian Uncaria longiflora var. pteropoda. The structures of the two new alkaloids were determined by spectroscopic analysis.

Comparative study of volatile components from male and female flower buds of Populus × tomentosa by HS-SPME-GC-MS.

PubMed

Xu, Liang; Liu, Haiping; Ma, Yucui; Wu, Cui; Li, Ruiqi; Chao, Zhimao

2018-06-13

The differences of volatile components in male (MFB) and female flower buds (FFB) of Populus × tomentosa were analysed and compared by HS-SPME with GC-MS for the first time. A total of 34 compounds were identified. Two clusters were clearly divided into male and female by hierarchical clustering analysis. Both the male and female flower buds showed methyl salicylate (22.83 and 24.09%, respectively) and 2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde (10.05 and 12.41%, respectively) as the main volatile constituents. The content of 2-cyclohexen-1-one, benzyl benzoate, and methyl benzoate in FFB was remarkably higher than in MFB. In contrast, the content of ethyl benzoate in MFB was greater than that in FFB. The phenomena showed the characteristic differences between MFB and FFB of P. × tomentosa, which enriched the basic studies on dioecious plant.

Uncarinic acids: phospholipase Cgamma1 inhibitors from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Lee, J S; Yang, M Y; Yeo, H; Kim, J; Lee, H S; Ahn, J S

1999-05-17

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CHCl3 extract from hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla led to the isolation of two triterpene esters, namely uncarinic acids A (1) and B (2). Their structures were established by spectroscopic and chemical methods. These compounds inhibited phospholipase Cgamma1 with IC50 values of 35.66 and 44.55 microM, respectively.

Simultaneous separation and determination of four uncaria alkaloids by capillary electrophoresis using dual cyclodextrin system.

PubMed

Li, Lou; Xu, Liying; Chen, Meng; Zhang, Guangbin; Zhang, Hongfen; Chen, Anjia

2017-07-15

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple, quick and precise capillary zone electrophoresis method (CZE) for the separation and determination of uncaria alkaloids using dual cyclodextrins as additives for the separation. The four analytes were baseline separated within 15min at the applied voltage of 15kV with a running buffer (pH 5.7) consisting of 40.0mM phosphate buffer, 161.7mM 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and 2.21mM mono-(6-ethylenediamine-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (ED-β-CD). Under the optimum conditions, a good linearity was achieved with correlation coefficients from 0.9989 to 0.9992. The detection limits and the quantitation limits ranged from 0.63 to 0.98μg/mL and from 2.08 to 3.28μg/mL, respectively. Excellent accuracy and precision were obtained. Recoveries of the analytes varied from 97.1 to 103.2%. This method was suitable for the quantitative determination of these alkaloids in the stem with hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla and the formulations of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systematic chemical profiling of Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' by ultra-fast liquid chromatography/diode-array detector/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Pan-lin; Liu, Meng-hua; Hu, Jie-hui; Su, Wei-wei

2014-03-01

Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa', as the original plant of the traditional Chinese medicine "Huajuhong", has been used as antitussive and expectorant in clinic for thousands of years. The fruit epicarp and whole fruit of this plant were both literarily recorded and commonly used. In the present study, an ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-DAD-Q-TOF-MS/MS) based chemical profiling method was developed for rapid holistic quality evaluation of C. grandis 'Tomentosa', which laid basis for chemical comparison of two medicinal parts. As a result, forty-eight constituents, mainly belonging to flavonoids and coumarins, were unambiguously identified by comparison with reference standards and/or tentatively characterized by elucidating UV spectra, quasi-molecular ions and fragment ions referring to information available in literature. Both of the epicarp and whole fruit samples were rich in flavonoids and coumarins, but major flavonoids contents in whole fruit were significantly higher than in epicarp (P<0.5). The proposed method could be useful in quality control and standardization of C. grandis 'Tomentosa' raw materials and its products. Results obtained in this study will provide a basis for quality assessment and further study in vivo. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Anti-tumor and Chemoprotective Effect of Bauhinia tomentosa by Regulating Growth Factors and Inflammatory Mediators.

PubMed

Kannan, Narayanan; Sakthivel, Kunnathur Murugesan; Guruvayoorappan, Chandrasekaran

2015-01-01

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the toxic side effects of the commonly used chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CTX), the use of herbal medicines with fewer side effects but having potential use as inducing anti-cancer outcomes in situ has become increasingly popular. The present study sought to investigate the effects of a methanolic extract of Bauhinia tomentosa against Dalton's ascites lymphoma (DAL) induced ascites as well as solid tumors in BALB/c mice. Specifically, B. tomentosa extract was administered intraperitonealy (IP) at 10 mg/kg. BW body weight starting just after tumor cell implantation and thereafter for 10 consecutive days. In the ascites tumor model hosts, administration of extract resulted in a 52% increase in the life span. In solid tumor models, co-administration of extract and CTX significantly reduced tumor volume (relative to in untreated hosts) by 73% compared to just by 52% when the extract alone was provided. Co-administration of the extract also mitigated CTX-induced toxicity, including decreases in WBC count, and in bone marrow cellularity and α-esterase activity. Extract treatment also attenuated any increases in serum levels of TNFα, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, GM-CSF, and VEGF seen in tumor-bearing hosts. This study confirmed that, the potent antitumor activity of B.tomentosa extract may be associated with immune modulatory effects by regulating anti-oxidants and cytokine levels.

[Exploration of a quantitative methodology to characterize the retention of PM2.5 and other atmospheric particulate matter by plant leaves: taking Populus tomentosa as an example].

PubMed

Zhang, Zhi-Dan; Xi, Ben-Ye; Cao, Zhi-Guo; Jia, Li-Ming

2014-08-01

Taking Populus tomentosa as an example, a methodology called elution-weighing-particle size-analysis (EWPA) was proposed to evaluate quantitatively the ability of retaining fine particulate matter (PM2.5, diameter d ≤ 2.5 μm) and atmospheric particulate matter by plant leaves using laser particle size analyzer and balance. This method achieved a direct, accurate measurement with superior operability about the quality and particle size distribution of atmospheric particulate matter retained by plant leaves. First, a pre-experiment was taken to test the stability of the method. After cleaning, centrifugation and drying, the particulate matter was collected and weighed, and then its particle size distribution was analyzed by laser particle size analyzer. Finally, the mass of particulate matter retained by unit area of leaf and stand was translated from the leaf area and leaf area index. This method was applied to a P. tomentosa stand which had not experienced rain for 27 days in Beijing Olympic Forest Park. The results showed that the average particle size of the atmospheric particulate matter retained by P. tomentosa was 17.8 μm, and the volume percentages of the retained PM2.5, inhalable particulate matter (PM10, d ≤ 10 μm) and total suspended particle (TSP, d ≤ 100 μm) were 13.7%, 47.2%, and 99.9%, respectively. The masses of PM2.5, PM10, TSP and total particulate matter were 8.88 x 10(-6), 30.6 x 10(-6), 64.7 x 10(-6) and 64.8 x 10(-6) g x cm(-2) respectively. The retention quantities of PM2.5, PM10, TSP and total particulate matter by the P. tomentosa stand were 0.963, 3.32, 7.01 and 7.02 kg x hm(-2), respectively.

An integrated strategy for the systematic characterization and discovery of new indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla by UHPLC/DAD/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS.

PubMed

Pan, Huiqin; Yang, Wenzhi; Zhang, Yibei; Yang, Min; Feng, Ruihong; Wu, Wanying; Guo, Dean

2015-08-01

The exploration of new chemical entities from herbal medicines may provide candidates for the in silico screening of drug leads. However, this significant work is hindered by the presence of multiple classes of plant metabolites and many re-discovered structures. This study presents an integrated strategy that uses ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/linear ion-trap quadrupole/Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC/LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) coupled with in-house library data for the systematic characterization and discovery of new potentially bioactive molecules. Exploration of the indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) is presented as a model study. Initially, the primary characterization of alkaloids was achieved using mass defect filtering and neutral loss filtering. Subsequently, phytochemical isolation obtained 14 alkaloid compounds as reference standards, including a new one identified as 16,17-dihydro-O-demethylhirsuteine by NMR analyses. The direct-infusion fragmentation behaviors of these isolated alkaloids were studied to provide diagnostic structural information facilitating the rapid differentiation and characterization of four different alkaloid subtypes. Ultimately, after combining the experimental results with a survey of an in-house library containing 129 alkaloids isolated from the Uncaria genus, a total of 92 alkaloids (60 free alkaloids and 32 alkaloid O-glycosides) were identified or tentatively characterized, 56 of which are potential new alkaloids for the Uncaria genus. Hydroxylation on ring A, broad variations in the C-15 side chain, new N-oxides, and numerous O-glycosides, represent the novel features of the newly discovered indole alkaloid structures. These results greatly expand our knowledge of UR chemistry and are useful for the computational screening of potentially bioactive molecules from indole alkaloids. Graphical Abstract A four-step integrated strategy for the systematic characterization and efficient discovery of new indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

Tetracyclic indole alkaloids with antinematode activity from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Kong, Fandong; Ma, Qingyun; Huang, Shengzhuo; Yang, Shuang; Fu, Linran; Zhou, Liman; Dai, Haofu; Yu, Zhifang; Zhao, Youxing

2017-06-01

A new tetracyclic indole alkaloid, 17-O-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetradehydrogeissoschizine, together with seven known ones, were isolated from the aerial part of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structures were unambiguously elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparing with the literature data. Among them, compounds 1, 3, 4 and 6-8 showed potent to moderate antinematode activities against Panagrellus redivevus at a concentration of 250 μg/mL.

Uncaria rhynchophylla, a Chinese medicinal herb, has potent antiaggregation effects on Alzheimer's beta-amyloid proteins.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Hironori; Iwasaki, Koh; Furukawa, Katsutoshi; Seki, Takashi; He, Mei; Maruyama, Masahiro; Tomita, Naoki; Kudo, Yukitsuka; Higuchi, Makoto; Saido, Takaomi C; Maeda, Sumihiro; Takashima, Akihiko; Hara, Masahiko; Ohizumi, Yasushi; Arai, Hiroyuki

2006-08-01

Because the deposition of beta-amyloid protein (Abeta) is a consistent pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains, inhibition of Abeta generation, prevention of Abeta fibril formation, or destabilization of preformed Abeta fibrils would be attractive therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD. We examined the effects of several medicinal herbs used in traditional Chinese medical formulae on the formation and destabilization of Abeta fibrils by using the thioflavin T binding assay, atomic force microscopic imaging, and electrophoresis. Our study demonstrates that several of these herbs have potent inhibitory effects on fibril formation of both Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) in concentration-dependent manners; in particular, Uncaria rhynchophylla inhibited Abeta aggregation most intensively. Significant destabilization of preformed Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42) fibrils was also induced by Uncaria rhynchophylla as well as some other herb extracts. Three-dimensional HPLC analysis indicated that the water extract of this herb contains several different chemical compounds, including oxindole and indol alkaloids, which have been regarded as neuroprotective. Our results suggest that Uncaria rhynchophylla has remarkably inhibitory effects on the regulation of Abeta fibrils, and we conclude that this medicinal herb could have the potency to be a novel therapeutic agent to prevent and/or cure AD.

Status and limiting factors of three rare plant species in the coastal lowlands and mid-elevation woodlands of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pratt, Linda W.; VanDeMark, Joshua R.; Euaparadorn, Melody

2011-01-01

Two endangered plant species (Portulaca sclerocarpa, `ihi mākole, and Sesbania tomentosa, `ōhai) and a species of concern (Bobea timonioides, `ahakea) native to the coastal lowlands and dry mid-elevation woodlands of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park were studied for more than two years to determine their stand structure, short-term mortality rates, patterns of reproductive phenology, success of fruit production, seed germination rates in the greenhouse, presence of soil seed bank, and survival of both natural and planted seedlings. The role of rodents as fruit and seed predators was evaluated using exclosures and seed offerings in open and closed stations or cages. Rodents were excluded from randomly selected plants of P. sclerocarpa and from branches of S. tomentosa, and flower and fruit production were compared to that of adjacent unprotected plants. Tagged S. tomentosa fruit were also monitored monthly to detect rodent predation.

Geissoschizine methyl ether N-oxide, a new alkaloid with antiacetylcholinesterase activity from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Jiang, Wei-Wei; Su, Jia; Wu, Xing-De; He, Juan; Peng, Li-Yan; Cheng, Xiao; Zhao, Qin-Shi

2015-01-01

Geissoschizine methyl ether N-oxide, a new oxindole alkaloid, along with 14 known alkaloids, was isolated from the aerial part of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectral methods, including 2D NMR experiments, and confirmed by comparing with the literature data. In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity assay showed that the new compound exhibited anti-AChE activity with IC₅₀ value of 23.4 μM.

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. leaf extract: An alternative approach for the treatment of staphylococcal bovine mastitis.

PubMed

Mordmuang, Auemphon; Voravuthikunchai, Supayang Piyawan

2015-10-01

Antibiotic residues in dairy products as well as emergence of antimicrobial resistance in foodborne pathogens have been recognized as global public health concerns. The present work was aimed to study a potent antibacterial extract from natural product as an alternative treatment for staphylococcal bovine mastitis. Staphylococcal isolates (n=44) were isolated from milk samples freshly squeezed from individual cows. All staphylococcal isolates were resistant to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gentamicin, penicillin, except vancomycin. Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf ethanolic extract was accessed for its antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory potential. The extract exhibited profound antibacterial activity against all of staphylococcal isolates with MIC and MBC values ranged from 16-64 μg/ml and 64->128 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the extract also exerted anti-protein denaturation and human red blood cell membrane stabilizing activity. The results support the use of R. tomentosa extract that could be applied to cure bovine mastitis and to reduce inflammatory injury caused by the bacterial infections. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

(±)-Uncarilins A and B, Dimeric Isoechinulin-Type Alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Geng, Chang-An; Huang, Xiao-Yan; Ma, Yun-Bao; Hou, Bo; Li, Tian-Ze; Zhang, Xue-Mei; Chen, Ji-Jun

2017-04-28

(±)-Uncarilins A and B (1a/1b and 2a/2b), two pairs of unusual dimeric isoechinulin-type enantiomers with a symmetric four-membered core, were isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla driven by LCMS-IT-TOF analyses. Their structures were elucidated by extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectra, X-ray diffraction, and ECD spectroscopic data. (-)-Uncarilin B (2a) showed activities on MT 1 and MT 2 receptors with agonistic rates of 11.26% and 52.44% at a concentration of 0.25 mM.

Determination of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Potential of Some Medicinal Plants from Saurashtra Region, India

PubMed Central

Kaneria, M.; Baravalia, Y.; Vaghasiya, Y.; Chanda, S.

2009-01-01

Many plants used in Saurashtra folk medicine have been reported to exhibit high antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In the present study, some parts of five plants, Guazuma ulmifolia L., Manilkara zapota L., Melia azedarach L., Syzygium cumini L. and Wrightia tomentosa R.& S., were evaluated for their antibacterial activity, total phenol content, flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity and phytochemical analysis, using successive extraction by cold percolation method with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against five bacterial strains viz. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Enterobacter aerogenes by agar well diffusion method. Among the plants screened, W. tomentosa leaf and fruit showed the best antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible than Gram-negative bacteria. Methanol extract of M. zapota showed the best 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity. Highest total phenol content was shown by M. zapota and S. cumini in methanol extract, while highest flavonoid content was shown by W. tomentosa stem in petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate extract. In all the plants, cardiac glycosides and triterpenes were more as compared to other phytoconstituents. PMID:20502546

Potential Bio-Control Agent from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa against Listeria monocytogenes

PubMed Central

Odedina, Grace Fiyinfoluwa; Vongkamjan, Kitiya; Voravuthikunchai, Supayang Piyawan

2015-01-01

Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen implicated in many outbreaks of listeriosis. This study aimed at screening for the potential use of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa ethanolic leaf extract as a bio-control agent against L. monocytogenes. Twenty-two L. monocytogenes isolates were checked with 16 commercial antibiotics and isolates displayed resistance to 10 antibiotics. All the tested isolates were sensitive to the extract with inhibition zones ranging from 14 to 16 mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 16 to 32 µg/mL and 128 to 512 µg/mL, respectively. Time-kill assay showed that the extract had remarkable bactericidal effects on L. monocytogenes. The extract at a concentration of 16 µg/mL reduced tolerance to 10% NaCl in L. monocytogenes in 4 h. Stationary phase L. monocytogenes cells were rapidly inactivated by greater than 3-log units within 30 min of contact time with R. tomentosa extract at 128 µg/mL. Electron microscopy revealed fragmentary bacteria with changes in the physical and morphological properties. Our study demonstrates the potential of the extract for further development into a bio-control agent in food to prevent the incidence of L. monocytogenes contamination. PMID:26371033

Uncaria rhynchophylla ameliorates cognitive deficits induced by D-galactose in mice.

PubMed

Xian, Yan-Fang; Lin, Zhi-Xiu; Zhao, Ming; Mao, Qing-Qiu; Ip, Siu-Po; Che, Chun-Tao

2011-12-01

The stem with hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla is a component herb of many traditional formulae for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, scientific evidence of the efficacy of Uncaria rhynchophylla in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in animal models is lacking. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether the 70 % aqueous ethanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla (EUR) could protect against D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cognitive deficits in mice. Mice were given a subcutaneous injection of D-gal (50 mg/kg) and orally administered EUR (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks. The effect of EUR on D-gal-induced cognitive deficits was evaluated by measuring behavioral and neurochemical parameters of AD and the antioxidant status of brain tissue. The results showed that EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly increased exploratory behavior (assessed by an open-field test) and improved spatial learning and memory function (assessed by the Morris water maze test) in D-gal-treated mice. In addition, EUR (200 or 400 mg/kg) significantly increased the levels of acetylcholine and glutathione and decreased the activity of acetylcholinesterase and the level of malondialdehyde in the brains of D-gal-treated mice. These results indicate that EUR ameliorates cognitive deficits induced by D-gal in mice, and that this action may be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and the enhancement of the antioxidant status of brain tissue. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

[Contents mensuration of total alkaloid in Uncaria rhynchophylla by acid dye colorimetry].

PubMed

Zeng, Chang-qing; Luo, Bei-liang

2007-08-01

To investigate the method of determination of total alkaloids Uncaria rhynchophylla. The Contents of total Alkaloid were determined by Acid dye Colorimetry. Acid dye color conditions: pH3.6 buffer 5.0 ml, bromocresol green liquid 5.0 ml; chloroform extraction three times, each time was exeracted for 2 minutes, put it aside for at least 5 minutes for the determination of the best method. Rhynchophylline 6.018 microg - 108.324 microg in the linear range, Recoveriys rate was 97.19%, RSD was 1.34% (n = 6). The method is simple, highly sensitive and reproducible.

A new species of Rhopalosiphum (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on Chusquea tomentosa (Poaceae, Bambusoideae) from Costa Rica

PubMed Central

Hidalgo, Nicolás Pérez; Martínez-Torres, David; Collantes-Alegre, Jorge Mariano; Muller, William Villalobos; Nafría, Juan M. Nieto

2012-01-01

Abstract The new species Rhopalosiphum chusqueae Pérez Hidalgo & Villalobos Muller, is described from apterous viviparous females caught on Chusquea tomentosa in Cerro de la Muerte (Costa Rica). The identity of the species is supported both by the morphological features and by a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA containing the 5’ region of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) and on the nuclear gene coding for the Elongation factor-1 alpha (EF1α). The taxonomic position of the new species is discussed. An identification key to the Aphidinae species living on plants of Bambusoideae (Poaceae) is presented. PMID:22328859

Chemical constituents from the flowering buds of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn (FBBT).

PubMed

Radha, Raja; Vasantha, Vairathevar Sivasamy; Pitchumani, Kasi

2016-07-01

Isolation and characterisation of compounds, 1-(2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4″-methoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxypropane-1,3-dione (1), 5-hydroxyflavone (2), 3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxyflavone (3), 3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone (4) and 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone-3-O-rhamnoside (5) are reported from the air dried flowering buds of Bauhinia tomentosa Linn. Their structures are determined on the basis of extensive chemical and spectral evidences. Compound (1) is reported for the first time from the plant source. While compounds (2) and (4) are reported for the first time from this genus, compound (2) is reported for the second time from the natural source.

De novo transcriptome sequencing and digital gene expression analysis predict biosynthetic pathway of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline from Uncaria rhynchophylla, a non-model plant with potent anti-alzheimer's properties.

PubMed

Guo, Qianqian; Ma, Xiaojun; Wei, Shugen; Qiu, Deyou; Wilson, Iain W; Wu, Peng; Tang, Qi; Liu, Lijun; Dong, Shoukun; Zu, Wei

2014-08-12

The major medicinal alkaloids isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla (gouteng in chinese) capsules are rhynchophylline (RIN) and isorhynchophylline (IRN). Extracts containing these terpene indole alkaloids (TIAs) can inhibit the formation and destabilize preformed fibrils of amyloid β protein (a pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease), and have been shown to improve the cognitive function of mice with Alzheimer-like symptoms. The biosynthetic pathways of RIN and IRN are largely unknown. In this study, RNA-sequencing of pooled Uncaria capsules RNA samples taken at three developmental stages that accumulate different amount of RIN and IRN was performed. More than 50 million high-quality reads from a cDNA library were generated and de novo assembled. Sequences for all of the known enzymes involved in TIAs synthesis were identified. Additionally, 193 cytochrome P450 (CYP450), 280 methyltransferase and 144 isomerase genes were identified, that are potential candidates for enzymes involved in RIN and IRN synthesis. Digital gene expression profile (DGE) analysis was performed on the three capsule developmental stages, and based on genes possessing expression profiles consistent with RIN and IRN levels; four CYP450s, three methyltransferases and three isomerases were identified as the candidates most likely to be involved in the later steps of RIN and IRN biosynthesis. A combination of de novo transcriptome assembly and DGE analysis was shown to be a powerful method for identifying genes encoding enzymes potentially involved in the biosynthesis of important secondary metabolites in a non-model plant. The transcriptome data from this study provides an important resource for understanding the formation of major bioactive constituents in the capsule extract from Uncaria, and provides information that may aid in metabolic engineering to increase yields of these important alkaloids.

Seed Anatomy and Water Uptake in Relation to Seed Dormancy in Opuntia tomentosa (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae)

PubMed Central

Orozco-Segovia, A.; Márquez-Guzmán, J.; Sánchez-Coronado, M. E.; Gamboa de Buen, A.; Baskin, J. M.; Baskin, C. C.

2007-01-01

Background and Aims There is considerable confusion in the literature concerning impermeability of seeds with ‘hard’ seed coats, because the ability to take up (imbibe) water has not been tested in most of them. Seeds of Opuntia tomentosa were reported recently to have a water-impermeable seed coat sensu lato (i.e. physical dormancy), in combination with physiological dormancy. However, physical dormancy is not known to occur in Cactaceae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if seeds of O. tomentosa are water-permeable or water-impermeable, i.e. if they have physical dormancy. Methods The micromorphology of the seed coat and associated structures were characterized by SEM and light microscopy. Permeability of the seed-covering layers was assessed by an increase in mass of seeds on a wet substrate and by dye-tracking and uptake of tritiated water by intact versus scarified seeds. Key Results A germination valve and a water channel are formed in the hilum–micropyle region during dehydration and ageing in seeds of O. tomentosa. The funicular envelope undoubtedly plays a role in germination of Opuntia seeds via restriction of water uptake and mechanical resistance to expansion of the embryo. However, seeds do not exhibit any of three features characteristic of those with physical dormancy. Thus, they do not have a water-impermeable layer(s) of palisade cells (macrosclereids) or a water gap sensu stricto and they imbibe water without the seed coat being disrupted. Conclusions Although dormancy in seeds of this species can be broken by scarification, they have physiological dormancy only. Further, based on information in the literature, it is concluded that it is unlikely that any species of Opuntia has physical dormancy. This is the first integrative study of the anatomy, dynamics of water uptake and dormancy in seeds of Cactaceae subfamily Opuntioideae. PMID:17298989

Metabolic Profiles and cDNA-AFLP Analysis of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Salvia castanea Diel f. tomentosa Stib

PubMed Central

Liang, Xiao; Liang, Zongsuo; Zhang, Meixiang; Shen, Shuang; Liu, Hongyun; Liu, Yan

2012-01-01

Plants of the genus Salvia produce various types of phenolic compounds and tanshinones which are effective for treatment of coronary heart disease. Salvia miltiorrhiza and S. castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib are two important members of the genus. In this study, metabolic profiles and cDNA-AFLP analysis of four samples were employed to identify novel genes potentially involved in phenolic compounds and tanshinones biosynthesis, including the red roots from the two species and two tanshinone-free roots from S. miltiorrhiza. The results showed that the red roots of S. castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib produced high contents of rosmarinic acid (21.77 mg/g) and tanshinone IIA (12.60 mg/g), but low content of salvianolic acid B (1.45 mg/g). The red roots of S. miltiorrhiza produced high content of salvianolic acid B (18.69 mg/g), while tanshinones accumulation in this sample was much less than that in S. castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib. Tanshinones were not detected in the two tanshinone-free samples, which produced high contents of phenolic compounds. A cDNA-AFLP analysis with 128 primer pairs revealed that 2300 transcript derived fragments (TDFs) were differentially expressed among the four samples. About 323 TDFs were sequenced, of which 78 TDFs were annotated with known functions through BLASTX searching the Genbank database and 14 annotated TDFs were assigned into secondary metabolic pathways through searching the KEGGPATHWAY database. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that the expression of 9 TDFs was positively correlated with accumulation of phenolic compounds and tanshinones. These TDFs additionally showed coordinated transcriptional response with 6 previously-identified genes involved in biosynthesis of tanshinones and phenolic compounds in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots treated with yeast extract. The sequence data in the present work not only provided us candidate genes involved in phenolic compounds and tanshinones biosynthesis but also gave us further insight into secondary metabolism in Salvia. PMID:22303439

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of nine cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase family members in Populus tomentosa.

PubMed

Chao, Nan; Liu, Shu-Xin; Liu, Bing-Mei; Li, Ning; Jiang, Xiang-Ning; Gai, Ying

2014-11-01

Nine CAD/CAD-like genes in P. tomentosa were classified into four classes based on expression patterns, phylogenetic analysis and biochemical properties with modification for the previous claim of SAD. Cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) functions in monolignol biosynthesis and plays a critical role in wood development and defense. In this study, we isolated and cloned nine CAD/CAD-like genes in the Populus tomentosa genome. We investigated differential expression using microarray chips and found that PtoCAD1 was highly expressed in bud, root and vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) with the greatest expression in the root. Differential expression in tissues was demonstrated for PtoCAD3, PtoCAD6 and PtoCAD9. Biochemical analysis of purified PtoCADs in vitro indicated PtoCAD1, PtoCAD2 and PtoCAD8 had detectable activity against both coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde. PtoCAD1 used both substrates with high efficiency. PtoCAD2 showed no specific requirement for sinapaldehyde in spite of its high identity with so-called PtrSAD (sinapyl alcohol dehydrogenase). In addition, the enzymatic activity of PtoCAD1 and PtoCAD2 was affected by temperature. We classified these nine CAD/CAD-like genes into four classes: class I included PtoCAD1, which was a bone fide CAD with the highest activity; class II included PtoCAD2, -5, -7, -8, which might function in monolignol biosynthesis and defense; class III genes included PtoCAD3, -6, -9, which have a distinct expression pattern; class IV included PtoCAD12, which has a distinct structure. These data suggest divergence of the PtoCADs and its homologs, related to their functions. We propose genes in class II are a subset of CAD genes that evolved before angiosperms appeared. These results suggest CAD/CAD-like genes in classes I and II play a role in monolignol biosynthesis and contribute to our knowledge of lignin biosynthesis in P. tomentosa.

Colletotrilactam A-D, novel lactams from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7, a fungal endophyte of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Wei, Bo; Yang, Zhong-Duo; Chen, Xiao-Wei; Zhou, Shuang-Yan; Yu, Hai-Tao; Sun, Jing-Yun; Yao, Xiao-Jun; Wang, Yong-Gang; Xue, Hong-Yan

2016-09-01

Four novel lactams, colletotrilactam A-D (1-4), along with six known compounds (5-10) were isolated from the culture broth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7, a fungal endophyte of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive NMR spectroscopy. Isolates were tested for monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity and compound 9 showed potent MAO inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 8.93±0.34μg/mL, when the IC50 value of iproniazid as a standard was 1.80±0.5μg/mL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of phospholipase cgamma1 and cancer cell proliferation by triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Lee, J S; Kim, J; Kim, B Y; Lee, H S; Ahn, J S; Chang, Y S

2000-06-01

Investigation of the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla resulted in isolation of six phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) inhibitors (1-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated as pentacyclic triterpene esters by spectroscopic and chemical analysis. Three of them, namely uncarinic acids C (1), D (2), and E (3), are newly reported as natural products. All the compounds showed dose-dependent inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 in vitro with IC(50) values of 9.5-44.6 microM and inhibited the proliferation of human cancer cells with IC(50) values of 0.5-6.5 microg/mL.

Semisynthesis and Structure-Activity Studies of Uncarinic Acid C Isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla as a Specific Inhibitor of the Nucleation Phase in Amyloid β42 Aggregation.

PubMed

Yoshioka, Takuya; Murakami, Kazuma; Ido, Kyohei; Hanaki, Mizuho; Yamaguchi, Kanoko; Midorikawa, Satohiro; Taniwaki, Shinji; Gunji, Hiroki; Irie, Kazuhiro

2016-10-28

Oligomers of the 42-mer amyloid-β protein (Aβ42), rather than fibrils, cause synaptic dysfunction in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The nucleation phase in a nucleation-dependent aggregation model of Aβ42 is related to the formation of oligomers. Uncaria rhynchophylla is one component of "Yokukansan", a Kampo medicine, which is widely used for treating AD symptoms. Previously, an extract of U. rhynchophylla was found to reduce the aggregation of Aβ42, but its active principles have yet to be identified. In the present work, uncarinic acid C (3) was identified as an inhibitor of Aβ42 aggregation that is present in U. rhynchophylla. Moreover, compound 3 acted as a specific inhibitor of the nucleation phase of Aβ42 aggregation. Compound 3 was synthesized from saponin A (10), an abundant byproduct of rutin purified from Uncaria elliptica. Comprehensive structure-activity studies on 3 suggest that both a C-27 ferulate and a C-28 carboxylic acid group are required for its inhibitory activity. These findings may aid the development of oligomer-specific inhibitors for AD therapy.

Polyphenol Composition, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Seeds from Two Underexploited Wild Licania Species: L. rigida and L. tomentosa.

PubMed

Parra Pessoa, Igor; Lopes Neto, José Joaquim; Silva de Almeida, Thiago; Felipe Farias, Davi; Vieira, Leonardo Rogério; Lima de Medeiros, Jackeline; Augusti Boligon, Aline; Peijnenburg, Ad; Castelar, Ivan; Fontenele Urano Carvalho, Ana

2016-12-21

Studies have shown the benefit of antioxidants in the prevention or treatment of human diseases and promoted a growing interest in new sources of plant antioxidants for pharmacological use. This study aimed to add value to two underexploited wild plant species ( Licania rigida) and L. tomentosa ) from Brazilian flora. Thus, the phenolic compounds profile of their seed ethanol extract and derived fractions were elucidated by HPLC, the antioxidant capacity was assessed by in vitro chemical tests and the cytotoxicity determined using the human carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and Caco-2. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts of each species. The extracts and fractions showed excellent antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (SC 50 , ranging from 9.15 to 248.8 µg/mL). The aqueous fraction of L. rigida seeds was most effective in preventing lipid peroxidation under basal conditions (IC 50 60.80 µg/mL) whereas, in the presence of stress inducer, the methanolic fraction of L. tomentosa performed best (IC 50 8.55 µg/mL). None of the samples showed iron chelating capacity. Ethanolic seed extracts of both species did not reveal any cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cells. Both plant species showed a promising phenolic profile with potent antioxidant capacity and deserve attention to be sustainably explored.

[Protective effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids pretreatment on hippocampal neurons after acute hypoxia].

PubMed

Liu, Wei; Zhang, Zhao-qin; Zhao, Xiao-min; Gao, Yun-sheng

2006-05-01

To investigate the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla total alkaloids (RTA) pretreatment on the voltage-gated sodium currents of the rat hippocampal neurons after acute hypoxia. Primary cultured hippocampal neurons were divided into RTA pre-treated and non-pretreated groups. Patch clamp whole-cell recording was used to compare the voltage-gated sodium current amplitude and threshold with those before hypoxia. After acute hypoxia, sodium current amplitude was significantly decreased and its threshold was upside. RTA pretreatment could inhibit the reduction of sodium current amplitude. RTA pretreatment alleviates the acute hypoxia-induced change of sodium currents, which may be one of the mechanisms for protective effect of RTA on cells.

New phenylpropanoid-substituted flavan-3-ols and flavonols from the leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Li, Ruxin; Cheng, Jintang; Jiao, Mengjiao; Li, Li; Guo, Cong; Chen, Sha; Liu, An

2017-01-01

Uncariols A (1) and B (2), two new phenylpropanoid-substituted flavan-3-ols, and (±)-uncariols C (3a/3b) and D (4a/4b), two pairs of new phenylpropanoid-substituted flavonol enantiomers, together with nine known compounds (5-13), were isolated from the leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The structures of 1-4 were established primarily by NMR and HRESIMS experiments. The absolute configurations of the new ones were deduced via the circular dichroism (CD) and quantum chemical calculations of the electronic circular dichroic (ECD) spectra. In addition, all of the isolated compounds showed potent antioxidant activity in the DPPH radical scavenging test. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Molecular evaluation of herbal compounds as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Chen, Yan-Xiu; Li, Guan-Zeng; Zhang, Bin; Xia, Zhang-Yong; Zhang, Mei

2016-07-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disease and the predominant cause of dementia. Common symptoms include short-term memory loss, and confusion with time and place. Individuals with AD depend on their caregivers for assistance, and may pose a burden to them. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme is a key target in AD and inhibition of this enzyme may be a promising strategy in the drug discovery process. In the present study, an inhibitory assay was carried out against AChE using total alkaloidal plants and herbal extracts commonly available in vegetable markets. Subsequently, molecular docking simulation analyses of the bioactive compounds present in the plants were conducted, as well as a protein‑ligand interaction analysis. The stability of the docked protein‑ligand complex was assessed by 20 ns molecular dynamics simulation. The inhibitory assay demonstrated that Uncaria rhynchophylla and Portulaca oleracea were able to inhibit AChE. In addition, molecular docking simulation analyses indicated that catechin present in Uncaria rhynchophylla, and dopamine and norepinephrine present in Portulaca oleracea, had the best docking scores and interaction energy. In conclusion, catechin in Uncaria rhynchophylla, and dopamine and norepinephrine in Portulaca oleracea may be used to treat AD.

Potential Usefulness of the Kampo Medicine Yokukansan, Containing Uncaria Hook, for Paediatric Emotional and Behavioural Disorders: A Case Series

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background. Paediatric emotional and behavioural disorders (EBD) are relatively common diseases. Although nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments are utilized in these cases, it is sometimes difficult to manage the symptoms of EBD. Historically, Uncaria hook has been used for treating nighttime crying and convulsions in children. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the Kampo medicine Yokukansan (YKS), which contains Uncaria hook, is efficacious for behaviour disorders in Alzheimer's disease patients. Herein, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of YKS in a series of cases with paediatric EBD. Patients and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all paediatric patients who sought Japanese Kampo therapy at our outpatient clinics between April 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013; we selected patients who were diagnosed with paediatric EBD and were treated with YKS. Results. After screening all candidates, 3 patients were eligible for this analysis. Their average age was 11.6 years (range 10–13 years). All 3 patients responded very well to YKS within 1 month. No drug-related adverse events were observed during the course of YKS treatment. Conclusion. Yokukansan may be efficacious for paediatric EBD. We believe these results warrant further evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of Yokukansan for paediatric EBD in a carefully designed, double-blind, randomized clinical study. PMID:24204394

Anti-plasmodial activity of Dicoma tomentosa (Asteraceae) and identification of urospermal A-15-O-acetate as the main active compound

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Natural products could play an important role in the challenge to discover new anti-malarial drugs. In a previous study, Dicoma tomentosa (Asteraceae) was selected for its promising anti-plasmodial activity after a preliminary screening of several plants traditionally used in Burkina Faso to treat malaria. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the anti-plasmodial properties of this plant and to isolate the active anti-plasmodial compounds. Methods Eight crude extracts obtained from D. tomentosa whole plant were tested in vitro against two Plasmodium falciparum strains (3D7 and W2) using the p-LDH assay (colorimetric method). The Peters’ four-days suppressive test model (Plasmodium berghei-infected mice) was used to evaluate the in vivo anti-plasmodial activity. An in vitro bioguided fractionation was undertaken on a dichloromethane extract, using preparative HPLC and TLC techniques. The identity of the pure compound was assessed using UV, MS and NMR spectroscopic analysis. In vitro cytotoxicity against WI38 human fibroblasts (WST-1 assay) and haemolytic activity were also evaluated for extracts and pure compounds in order to check selectivity. Results The best in vitro anti-plasmodial results were obtained with the dichloromethane, diethylether, ethylacetate and methanol extracts, which exhibited a high activity (IC50 ≤ 5 μg/ml). Hot water and hydroethanolic extracts also showed a good activity (IC50 ≤ 15 μg/ml), which confirmed the traditional use and the promising anti-malarial potential of the plant. The activity was also confirmed in vivo for all tested extracts. However, most of the active extracts also exhibited cytotoxic activity, but no extract was found to display any haemolytic activity. The bioguided fractionation process allowed to isolate and identify a sesquiterpene lactone (urospermal A-15-O-acetate) as the major anti-plasmodial compound of the plant (IC50 < 1 μg/ml against both 3D7 and W2 strains). This was also found to be the main cytotoxic compound (SI = 3.3). While this melampolide has already been described in the plant, this paper is the first report on the biological properties of this compound. Conclusions The present study highlighted the very promising anti-plasmodial activity of D. tomentosa and enabled to identify its main active compound, urospermal A-15-O-acetate. The high anti-plasmodial activity of this compound merits further study about its anti-plasmodial mechanism of action. The active extracts of D. tomentosa, as well as urospermal A 15-O-acetate, displayed only a moderate selectivity, and further studies are needed to assess the safety of the use of the plant by the local population. PMID:22909422

Transgenic Restoration of Urea Transporter A1 Confers Maximal Urinary Concentration in the Absence of Urea Transporter A3.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Wang, Yanhua; Mistry, Abinash; LaRocque, Lauren M; Molina, Patrick A; Rogers, Richard T; Blount, Mitsi A; Sands, Jeff M

2016-05-01

Urea has a critical role in urinary concentration. Mice lacking the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) urea transporter A1 (UT-A1) and urea transporter A3 (UT-A3) have very low levels of urea permeability and are unable to concentrate urine. To investigate the role of UT-A1 in the concentration of urine, we transgenically expressed UT-A1 in knockout mice lacking UT-A1 and UT-A3 using a construct with a UT-A1 gene that cannot be spliced to produce UT-A3. This construct was inserted behind the original UT-A promoter to yield a mouse expressing only UT-A1 (UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-)). Western blot analysis demonstrated UT-A1 in the inner medulla of UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) and wild-type mice, but not in UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice, and an absence of UT-A3 in UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) and UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice. Immunohistochemistry in UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) mice also showed negative UT-A3 staining in kidney and other tissues and positive UT-A1 staining only in the IMCD. Urea permeability in isolated perfused IMCDs showed basal permeability in the UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) mice was similar to levels in wild-type mice, but vasopressin stimulation of urea permeability in wild-type mice was significantly greater (100% increase) than in UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) mice (8% increase). Notably, basal urine osmolalities in both wild-type and UT-A1(+/+)/UT-A3(-/-) mice increased upon overnight water restriction. We conclude that transgenic expression of UT-A1 restores basal urea permeability to the level in wild-type mice but does not restore vasopressin-stimulated levels of urea permeability. This information suggests that transgenic expression of UT-A1 alone in mice lacking UT-A1 and UT-A3 is sufficient to restore urine-concentrating ability. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Transgenic Restoration of Urea Transporter A1 Confers Maximal Urinary Concentration in the Absence of Urea Transporter A3

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanhua; Mistry, Abinash; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Molina, Patrick A.; Rogers, Richard T.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Sands, Jeff M.

2016-01-01

Urea has a critical role in urinary concentration. Mice lacking the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) urea transporter A1 (UT-A1) and urea transporter A3 (UT-A3) have very low levels of urea permeability and are unable to concentrate urine. To investigate the role of UT-A1 in the concentration of urine, we transgenically expressed UT-A1 in knockout mice lacking UT-A1 and UT-A3 using a construct with a UT-A1 gene that cannot be spliced to produce UT-A3. This construct was inserted behind the original UT-A promoter to yield a mouse expressing only UT-A1 (UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/−). Western blot analysis demonstrated UT-A1 in the inner medulla of UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− and wild-type mice, but not in UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice, and an absence of UT-A3 in UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− and UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice. Immunohistochemistry in UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− mice also showed negative UT-A3 staining in kidney and other tissues and positive UT-A1 staining only in the IMCD. Urea permeability in isolated perfused IMCDs showed basal permeability in the UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− mice was similar to levels in wild-type mice, but vasopressin stimulation of urea permeability in wild-type mice was significantly greater (100% increase) than in UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− mice (8% increase). Notably, basal urine osmolalities in both wild-type and UT-A1+/+/UT-A3−/− mice increased upon overnight water restriction. We conclude that transgenic expression of UT-A1 restores basal urea permeability to the level in wild-type mice but does not restore vasopressin-stimulated levels of urea permeability. This information suggests that transgenic expression of UT-A1 alone in mice lacking UT-A1 and UT-A3 is sufficient to restore urine-concentrating ability. PMID:26407594

Comparative study of fourteen alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla hooks and leaves using HPLC-diode array detection-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/MS method.

PubMed

Qu, Jialin; Gong, Tianxing; Ma, Bin; Zhang, Lin; Kano, Yoshihiro; Yuan, Dan

2012-01-01

The purpose of the study is to compare alkaloid profile of Uncaria rhynchophylla hooks and leaves. Ten oxindole alkaloids and four glycosidic indole alkaloids were identified using HPLC-diode array detection (DAD) or LC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-MS method, and a HPLC-UV method for simultaneous quantification of major alkaloids was validated. The hooks are characterized by high levels of four oxindole alkaloids rhynchophylline (R), isorhynchophylline (IR), corynoxeine (C) and isocorynoxeine (IC), while the leaves contained high level of two glycosidic indole alkaloids vincoside lactam (VL) and strictosidine (S). The presented methods have proven its usefulness in chemical characterization of U. rhynchophylla hooks and leaves.

Geissoschizine methyl ether, a corynanthean-type indole alkaloid from Uncaria rhynchophylla as a potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

PubMed

Yang, Zhong-Duo; Duan, Dong-Zhu; Du, Juan; Yang, Ming-Jun; Li, Shuo; Yao, Xiao-Jun

2012-01-01

Geissoschizine methyl ether (1), a newly discovered strong acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, along with six weakly active alkaloids, vallesiachotamine (2), hisuteine (3), hirsutine (4), isorhynchophylline (5), cisocorynoxeine (6) and corynoxeine (7) have been isolated from Uncaria rhynchophylla. Geissoschizine methyl ether (1) inhibited 50% of AChE activity at concentrations of 3.7 ± 0.3 µg mL(-1) while the IC(50) value of physostigmine as a standard was 0.013 ± 0.002 µg mL(-1). The mode of AChE inhibition by 1 was reversible and non-competitive. In addition, molecular modelling was performed to explore the binding mode of inhibitor 1 at the active site of AChE.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical, Antioxidative, and Antifungal Activities of Pergularia tomentosa L.

PubMed Central

Belghith, Hafedh; Ben Abdallah, Ferjani; Belghith, Karima

2017-01-01

Crude extracts from a medicinal Tunisian plant, Pergularia tomentosa L., were the investigated natural material. Butanolic extract of roots analyzed with IR spectra revealed the presence of hydroxyl, alcoholic, and carboxylic groups and sugars units. Analysis of some secondary metabolites, total phenolic, flavonoids, flavonols, and procyanidins, was performed using different solvents following the increased gradient of polarity. Fruits and leaves contained the highest amounts of all these compounds. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by the determination of free radical scavenging activity and the reducing power of methanolic extracts. Fruits and leaf extracts were the most powerful antioxidants for the two-assay in vitro system. Stems and fruits extracts exhibit an antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici which could become an alternative to synthetic fungicide to control Solanum species fungal diseases. PMID:28409159

Constituents of the root of Anemone tomentosa.

PubMed

Hu, Hao-Bin; Zheng, Xu-Dong; Jian, Yu-Feng; Liu, Jian-Xin; Zhu, Ji-Hua

2011-07-01

A new diterpene glycoside, tomentoside I (1), along with eleven known compounds, including the four coumarins, 4,5-dimethoxyl-7-methylcoumarin (2), 4,7-dimethoxyl-5-methylcoumarin (3), isofraxidin (4) and fraxidin (5) as well as the seven triterpenoids, oleanolic acid (6), oleanolic acid 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (7), oleanolic acid 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), hederagenin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (9), betulinic acid (10), 18-hydroxyursolic acid (11) and 2α,3β,23-trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (12) were isolated from the ethanolic extract of the root of Anemone tomentosa and their chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. The antimicrobial activities of compounds 1-12 were measured using the agar disc-diffusion method. Also, their antioxidant activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were evaluated.

Comparison of Antemortem and Environmental Samples for Zebrafish Health Monitoring and Quarantine.

PubMed

Crim, Marcus J; Lawrence, Christian; Livingston, Robert S; Rakitin, Andrei; Hurley, Shane J; Riley, Lela K

2017-07-01

Molecular diagnostic assays offer both exquisite sensitivity and the ability to test a wide variety of sample types. Various types of environmental sample, such as detritus and concentrated water, might provide a useful adjunct to sentinels in routine zebrafish health monitoring. Similarly, antemortem sampling would be advantageous for expediting zebrafish quarantine, without euthanasia of valuable fish. We evaluated the detection of Mycobacterium chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. peregrinum, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, and Pseudoloma neurophilia in zebrafish, detritus, pooled feces, and filter membranes after filtration of 1000-, 500-, and 150-mL water samples by real-time PCR analysis. Sensitivity varied according to sample type and pathogen, and environmental sampling was significantly more sensitive than zebrafish sampling for detecting Mycobacterium spp. but not for Pseudocapillaria neurophilia or Pseudoloma tomentosa. The results of these experiments provide strong evidence of the utility of multiple sample types for detecting pathogens according to each pathogen's life cycle and ecological niche within zebrafish systems. In a separate experiment, zebrafish subclinically infected with M. chelonae, M. marinum, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, or Pseudoloma neurophilia were pair-spawned and individually tested with subsets of embryos from each clutch that received no rinse, a fluidizing rinse, or were surface-disinfected with sodium hypochlorite. Frequently, one or both parents were subclinically infected with pathogen(s) that were not detected in any embryo subset. Therefore, negative results from embryo samples may not reflect the health status of the parent zebrafish.

Identification and allelic dissection uncover roles of lncRNAs in secondary growth of Populus tomentosa.

PubMed

Zhou, Daling; Du, Qingzhang; Chen, Jinhui; Wang, Qingshi; Zhang, Deqiang

2017-10-01

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) function in various biological processes. However, their roles in secondary growth of plants remain poorly understood. Here, 15,691 lncRNAs were identified from vascular cambium, developing xylem, and mature xylem of Populus tomentosa with high and low biomass using RNA-seq, including 1,994 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed (DE) among the six libraries. 3,569 cis-regulated and 3,297 trans-regulated protein-coding genes were predicted as potential target genes (PTGs) of the DE lncRNAs to participate in biological regulation. Then, 476 and 28 lncRNAs were identified as putative targets and endogenous target mimics (eTMs) of Populus known microRNAs (miRNAs), respectively. Genome re-sequencing of 435 individuals from a natural population of P. tomentosa found 34,015 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 178 lncRNA loci and 522 PTGs. Single-SNP associations analysis detected 2,993 associations with 10 growth and wood-property traits under additive and dominance model. Epistasis analysis identified 17,656 epistatic SNP pairs, providing evidence for potential regulatory interactions between lncRNAs and their PTGs. Furthermore, a reconstructed epistatic network, representing interactions of 8 lncRNAs and 15 PTGs, might enrich regulation roles of genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway. These findings may enhance our understanding of non-coding genes in plants. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Kazusa DNA Research Institute.

Comparison of Antemortem and Environmental Samples for Zebrafish Health Monitoring and Quarantine

PubMed Central

Crim, Marcus J; Lawrence, Christian; Livingston, Robert S; Rakitin, Andrei; Hurley, Shane J; Riley, Lela K

2017-01-01

Molecular diagnostic assays offer both exquisite sensitivity and the ability to test a wide variety of sample types. Various types of environmental sample, such as detritus and concentrated water, might provide a useful adjunct to sentinels in routine zebrafish health monitoring. Similarly, antemortem sampling would be advantageous for expediting zebrafish quarantine, without euthanasia of valuable fish. We evaluated the detection of Mycobacterium chelonae, M. fortuitum, M. peregrinum, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, and Pseudoloma neurophilia in zebrafish, detritus, pooled feces, and filter membranes after filtration of 1000-, 500-, and 150-mL water samples by real-time PCR analysis. Sensitivity varied according to sample type and pathogen, and environmental sampling was significantly more sensitive than zebrafish sampling for detecting Mycobacterium spp. but not for Pseudocapillaria neurophilia or Pseudoloma tomentosa. The results of these experiments provide strong evidence of the utility of multiple sample types for detecting pathogens according to each pathogen's life cycle and ecological niche within zebrafish systems. In a separate experiment, zebrafish subclinically infected with M. chelonae, M. marinum, Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, Pseudocapillaria tomentosa, or Pseudoloma neurophilia were pair-spawned and individually tested with subsets of embryos from each clutch that received no rinse, a fluidizing rinse, or were surface-disinfected with sodium hypochlorite. Frequently, one or both parents were subclinically infected with pathogen(s) that were not detected in any embryo subset. Therefore, negative results from embryo samples may not reflect the health status of the parent zebrafish. PMID:28724491

Alkaloid fraction of Uncaria rhynchophylla protects against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampal slices.

PubMed

Lee, Jongseok; Son, Dongwook; Lee, Pyeongjae; Kim, Sun-Yeou; Kim, Hocheol; Kim, Chang-Ju; Lim, Eunhee

2003-09-04

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a medicinal herb which has sedative and anticonvulsive effects and has been applied in the treatment of epilepsy in Oriental medicine. In this study, the effect of alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neuronal cell death was investigated. Pretreatment with an alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla for 1 h decreased the degree of neuronal damage induced by NMDA exposure in cultured hippocampal slices and also inhibited NMDA-induced enhanced expressions of apoptosis-related genes such as c-jun, p53, and bax. In the present study, the alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla was shown to have a protective property against NMDA-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing the NMDA-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampal slices.

Triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla drive potent IL-12-dependent Th1 polarization.

PubMed

Umeyama, Akemi; Yahisa, Yoshinori; Okada, Minori; Okayama, Eriko; Uda, Ayaka; Shoji, Noboru; Lee, Je-Jung; Takei, Masao; Hashimoto, Toshihiro

2010-10-01

Dendritic cells (DC) are key antigen-presenting cells that link innate and adaptive immunity and ultimately activate antigen-specific T cells. In the current study, we demonstrated that two triterpene esters, uncarinic acid C (1) and uncarinic acid D (2), which are isolated from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla, activate phenotypic and cytokine production alterations in DC. We also show that 1 and 2 modulate human DC function in a fashion that favors Th1 cell polarization. The effect of 1 (E configuration at the 2' position) was approximately 20 times more potent than that of 2 (Z configuration at 2'). These results indicated that the configuration of the 2' double bond greatly effects activity. Thus, 1 and 2 may prove useful as DC-based vaccines for cancer immunotherapy.

The Interactions between the Long Non-coding RNA NERDL and Its Target Gene Affect Wood Formation in Populus tomentosa

PubMed Central

Shi, Wan; Quan, Mingyang; Du, Qingzhang; Zhang, Deqiang

2017-01-01

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulatory factors for plant growth and development, but little is known about the allelic interactions of lncRNAs with mRNA in perennial plants. Here, we analyzed the interaction of the NERD (Needed for RDR2-independent DNA methylation) Populus tomentosa gene PtoNERD with its putative regulator, the lncRNA NERDL (NERD-related lncRNA), which partially overlaps with the promoter region of this gene. Expression analysis in eight tissues showed a positive correlation between NERDL and PtoNERD (r = 0.62), suggesting that the interaction of NERDL with its putative target might be involved in wood formation. We conducted association mapping in a natural population of P. tomentosa (435 unrelated individuals) to evaluate genetic variation and the interaction of the lncRNA NERDL with PtoNERD. Using additive and dominant models, we identified 30 SNPs (P < 0.01) associated with five tree growth and wood property traits. Each SNP explained 3.90–8.57% of phenotypic variance, suggesting that NERDL and its putative target play a common role in wood formation. Epistasis analysis uncovered nine SNP-SNP association pairs between NERDL and PtoNERD, with an information gain of -7.55 to 2.16%, reflecting the strong interactions between NERDL and its putative target. This analysis provides a powerful method for deciphering the genetic interactions of lncRNAs with mRNA and dissecting the complex genetic network of quantitative traits in trees. PMID:28674544

Systematic identification and quantification of tetracyclic monoterpenoid oxindole alkaloids in Uncaria rhynchophylla and their fragmentations in Q-TOF-MS spectra.

PubMed

Xie, Shuanglu; Shi, Yuanyuan; Wang, Yixiang; Wu, Chunyong; Liu, Wenyuan; Feng, Feng; Xie, Ning

2013-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) is a species of Uncaria that is distributed mainly in China and Japan. In this study, the chemical constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinic acids, in UR have been systematically identified and quantified by a developed method of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF-MS). Tetracyclic monoterpenoid oxindole alkaloids (TMOAs) are characteristic compounds in this herb, and their fragmentations in Q-TOF-MS have been investigated. Diagnostic fragmentation ions (DFIs) were first delineated for isorhynchophylline-type (7S, C20-ethyl) and corynoxeine-type (7R, C20-vinyl) TMOAs, and these were used for identification of these alkaloids in UR. In this study, a total of 29 compounds, comprising 18 alkaloids, six flavonoids, and five quinic acids, were identified. Among them, there are four novel TMOAs, named as 22-O-β-glucopyranosyl isorhynchophyllic acid (10), 22-O-β-glucopyranosyl rhynchophyllic acid (11), 9-hydroxy isocorynoxeine (16), and 9-hydroxy corynoxeine (20), which have not been reported previously. Furthermore, eight marker compounds, namely chlorogenic acid (3), catechin (8), epicatechin (9), isocorynoxeine (24), rhynchophylline (25), isorhynchophylline (27), vincoside lactam (28), and corynoxeine (29), have been simultaneously quantified. The developed method has been validated and successfully applied to analyze three samples of UR from Jiangxi Province. The contents of the marker compounds have been detected and compared. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Final Environmental Assessment of Military Housing Privatization Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), pecan ( Carya illinoensis ), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), water oak (Quercus nigra), red oak (Quercus sp...blackjack oak (Q. marilandica), mockernut hickory ( Carya tomentosa), pignut hickory (C. glabra), blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), winged elm (Ulmus alata

Urea transporter proteins as targets for small-molecule diuretics.

PubMed

Esteva-Font, Cristina; Anderson, Marc O; Verkman, Alan S

2015-02-01

Conventional diuretics such as furosemide and thiazides target salt transporters in kidney tubules, but urea transporters (UTs) have emerged as alternative targets. UTs are a family of transmembrane channels expressed in a variety of mammalian tissues, in particular the kidney. UT knockout mice and humans with UT mutations exhibit reduced maximal urinary osmolality, demonstrating that UTs are necessary for the concentration of urine. Small-molecule screening has identified potent and selective inhibitors of UT-A, the UT protein expressed in renal tubule epithelial cells, and UT-B, the UT protein expressed in vasa recta endothelial cells. Data from UT knockout mice and from rodents administered UT inhibitors support the diuretic action of UT inhibition. The kidney-specific expression of UT-A1, together with high selectivity of the small-molecule inhibitors, means that off-target effects of such small-molecule drugs should be minimal. This Review summarizes the structure, expression and function of UTs, and looks at the evidence supporting the validity of UTs as targets for the development of salt-sparing diuretics with a unique mechanism of action. UT-targeted inhibitors may be useful alone or in combination with conventional diuretics for therapy of various oedemas and hyponatraemias, potentially including those refractory to treatment with current diuretics.

Role of thin descending limb urea transport in renal urea handling and the urine concentrating mechanism

PubMed Central

Lei, Tianluo; Zhou, Lei; Layton, Anita T.; Zhou, Hong; Zhao, Xuejian; Bankir, Lise

2011-01-01

Urea transporters UT-A2 and UT-B are expressed in epithelia of thin descending limb of Henle's loop and in descending vasa recta, respectively. To study their role and possible interaction in the context of the urine concentration mechanism, a UT-A2 and UT-B double knockout (UT-A2/B knockout) mouse model was generated by targeted deletion of the UT-A2 promoter in embryonic stem cells with UT-B gene knockout. The UT-A2/B knockout mice lacked detectable UT-A2 and UT-B transcripts and proteins and showed normal survival and growth. Daily urine output was significantly higher in UT-A2/B knockout mice than that in wild-type mice and lower than that in UT-B knockout mice. Urine osmolality in UT-A2/B knockout mice was intermediate between that in UT-B knockout and wild-type mice. The changes in urine osmolality and flow rate, plasma and urine urea concentration, as well as non-urea solute concentration after an acute urea load or chronic changes in protein intake suggested that UT-A2 plays a role in the progressive accumulation of urea in the inner medulla. These results suggest that in wild-type mice UT-A2 facilitates urea absorption by urea efflux from the thin descending limb of short loops of Henle. Moreover, UT-A2 deletion in UT-B knockout mice partially remedies the urine concentrating defect caused by UT-B deletion, by reducing urea loss from the descending limbs to the peripheral circulation; instead, urea is returned to the inner medulla through the loops of Henle and the collecting ducts. PMID:21849488

Role of thin descending limb urea transport in renal urea handling and the urine concentrating mechanism.

PubMed

Lei, Tianluo; Zhou, Lei; Layton, Anita T; Zhou, Hong; Zhao, Xuejian; Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2011-12-01

Urea transporters UT-A2 and UT-B are expressed in epithelia of thin descending limb of Henle's loop and in descending vasa recta, respectively. To study their role and possible interaction in the context of the urine concentration mechanism, a UT-A2 and UT-B double knockout (UT-A2/B knockout) mouse model was generated by targeted deletion of the UT-A2 promoter in embryonic stem cells with UT-B gene knockout. The UT-A2/B knockout mice lacked detectable UT-A2 and UT-B transcripts and proteins and showed normal survival and growth. Daily urine output was significantly higher in UT-A2/B knockout mice than that in wild-type mice and lower than that in UT-B knockout mice. Urine osmolality in UT-A2/B knockout mice was intermediate between that in UT-B knockout and wild-type mice. The changes in urine osmolality and flow rate, plasma and urine urea concentration, as well as non-urea solute concentration after an acute urea load or chronic changes in protein intake suggested that UT-A2 plays a role in the progressive accumulation of urea in the inner medulla. These results suggest that in wild-type mice UT-A2 facilitates urea absorption by urea efflux from the thin descending limb of short loops of Henle. Moreover, UT-A2 deletion in UT-B knockout mice partially remedies the urine concentrating defect caused by UT-B deletion, by reducing urea loss from the descending limbs to the peripheral circulation; instead, urea is returned to the inner medulla through the loops of Henle and the collecting ducts.

Foliar nutrient concentrations of oak, hickory, and red maple

Treesearch

Amy J. Scherzer; Robert P. Long; Joanne Rebbeck

2003-01-01

Early autumn foliar nutrient concentrations of overstory oak (white oak [Quercus alba L.] or chestnut oak [Q. prinus L.]) understory hickory (mockernut hickory [Carya tomentosa (Poir.) Nutt.] or pignut hickory [C. glabra (Mill.) Sweet]), and both overstory and understory red maple (...

Genes and proteins of urea transporters.

PubMed

Sands, Jeff M; Blount, Mitsi A

2014-01-01

A urea transporter protein in the kidney was first proposed in 1987. The first urea transporter cDNA was cloned in 1993. The SLC14a urea transporter family contains two major subgroups: SLC14a1, the UT-B urea transporter originally isolated from erythrocytes; and SLC14a2, the UT-A group originally isolated from kidney inner medulla. Slc14a1, the human UT-B gene, arises from a single locus located on chromosome 18q12.1-q21.1, which is located close to Slc14a2. Slc14a1 includes 11 exons, with the coding region extending from exon 4 to exon 11, and is approximately 30 kb in length. The Slc14a2 gene is a very large gene with 24 exons, is approximately 300 kb in length, and encodes 6 different isoforms. Slc14a2 contains two promoter elements: promoter I is located in the typical position, upstream of exon 1, and drives the transcription of UT-A1, UT-A1b, UT-A3, UT-A3b, and UT-A4; while promoter II is located within intron 12 and drives the transcription of UT-A2 and UT-A2b. UT-A1 and UT-A3 are located in the inner medullary collecting duct, UT-A2 in the thin descending limb and liver, UT-A5 in testis, UT-A6 in colon, UT-B1 primarily in descending vasa recta and erythrocytes, and UT-B2 in rumen.

Allelic Interactions among Pto-MIR475b and Its Four Target Genes Potentially Affect Growth and Wood Properties in Populus

PubMed Central

Xiao, Liang; Quan, Mingyang; Du, Qingzhang; Chen, Jinhui; Xie, Jianbo; Zhang, Deqiang

2017-01-01

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant growth and development, but few studies have illuminated the allelic interactions among miRNAs and their targets in perennial plants. Here, we combined analysis of expression patterns and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based association studies to explore the interactions between Pto-MIR475b and its four target genes (Pto-PPR1, Pto-PPR2, Pto-PPR3, and Pto-PPR4) in 435 unrelated individuals of Populus tomentosa. Expression patterns showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.447 to -0.411, P < 0.01) between Pto-MIR475b and its four targets in eight tissues of P. tomentosa, suggesting that Pto-miR475b may negatively regulate the four targets. Single SNP-based association studies identified 93 significant associations (P < 0.01, Q < 0.1) representing associations of 80 unique SNPs in Pto-MIR475b and its four targets with nine traits, revealing their potential roles in tree growth and wood formation. Moreover, one common SNP in the precursor region significantly altered the secondary structure of the pre-Pto-miR475b and changed the expression level of Pto-MIR475b. Analysis of epistatic interactions identified 115 significant SNP–SNP associations (P < 0.01) representing 45 unique SNPs from Pto-MIR475b and its four targets for 10 traits, revealing that genetic interactions between Pto-MIR475b and its targets influence quantitative traits of perennial plants. Our study provided a feasible strategy to study population genetics in forest trees and enhanced our understanding of miRNAs by dissecting the allelic interactions between this miRNA and its targets in P. tomentosa. PMID:28680433

Alkaloids from the hook-bearing branch of Uncaria rhynchophylla and their neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced HT22 cell death

PubMed Central

Qi, Wen; Yue, Si-Jia; Sun, Jia-Hong; Simpkins, James W.; Zhang, Lin; Yuan, Dan

2015-01-01

One new alkaloid, 4-geissoschizine N-oxide methyl ether (1), was isolated from the EtOH extract of the hook-bearing branch of Uncaria rhynchophylla, together with 10 known alkaloids, 3-epi-geissoschizine methyl ether (2) isolated from U. rhynchophylla for the first time, geissoschizine methyl ether (3), 4-hirsuteine N-oxide (4), hirsuteine (5), hirsutine (6), 3α-dihydro-cadambine (7), 3β-isodihydro-cadambine (8), cadambine (9), strictosamide (10), and akuammigine (11). The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, ESI-QTOF MS, NMR, and circular dichroism experiments. Neuroprotective effects of 1–9 were investigated against 3 mM glutamate-induced HT22 cell death. The activity assay showed that 2, 3, 5, and 6 exhibited potent neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced HT22 cell death. However, only weak neuroprotective activities were observed for 1, 4, 7, 8, and 9. PMID:24899363

Alkaloids from the leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla and their inhibitory activity on NO production in lipopolysaccharide-activated microglia.

PubMed

Yuan, Dan; Ma, Bin; Wu, Chunfu; Yang, Jingyu; Zhang, Lijia; Liu, Suiku; Wu, Lijun; Kano, Yoshihiro

2008-07-01

Two new isomeric alkaloids, 18,19-dehydrocorynoxinic acid B (1) and 18,19-dehydrocorynoxinic acid (2), were isolated from the CHCl3 extract of the leaves of Uncaria rhynchophylla, together with four known rhynchophylline-type alkaloids, corynoxeine (3), isocorynoxeine (4), rhynchophylline (5), and isorhynchophylline (6), and an indole alkaloid glucoside, vincoside lactam (7). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including UV, IR, HREIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and CD experiments. The activity assay showed that compounds 3-6, with a C-16 carboxylic ester group, and 7 exhibited inhibitory activity on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO release in primary cultured rat cortical microglia (IC 50: 13.7-19.0 microM). However, only weak inhibitory activity was observed for compounds 1 and 2, with a C-16 carboxylic acid group (IC 50: >100 microM).

Structure-activity relationship of pentacylic triterpene esters from Uncaria rhynchophylla as inhibitors of phospholipase Cgamma1.

PubMed

Lee, Ji Suk; Yoo, Hunseung; Suh, Young Ger; Jung, Jae Kyung; Kim, Jinwoong

2008-10-01

A systematic structure-activity relationship of 3beta-hydroxy-27- P- E-coumaroyloxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid ( 7), a triterpene ester isolated from UNCARIA RHYNCHOPHYLLA as a phospholipase Cgamma1 inhibitor, was undertaken with a view toward elucidating its chemical mode of action on PLCgamma1. Related derivatives and analogues of 7 were synthesized and their inhibitory activities against PLCgamma1 were evaluated IN VITRO. The results indicate that 3-OH and 27-esterification may be essential, and that 28-COOH and the 2' double bond appear to be important for activity. Furthermore, the compound possessing a P-coumaroyloxy at position 27 rather than at the 3 and 28 positions shows the greatest inhibitory activity against PLCgamma1. Therefore, this inhibitor will be providing a chemical lead for the further development of cancer chemopreventive or cancer chemotherapeutic agents that have lower toxicity against normal tissues.

Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of Gastrodia elata Bl. and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks.

PubMed

Liu, J; Mori, A

1992-12-01

Gastrodia elata Bl. (GE) and Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Jacks (UR) are two traditional Chinese medicinal herbal drugs, used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy. Their antioxidant effects in vivo and their free radical scavenging effects in vitro were investigated. Epileptogenic foci in the lateral brain of the rat were induced by the injection of ferric chloride into the lateral cortex. Both extracts significantly inhibited the increase in levels of lipid peroxide in the ipsilateral cortex, at all times observed. In addition, the two extracts also induced an early increase of activity of superoxide dismutase in the mitochondrial fraction of the ipsilateral cortex. In in vitro experiments, the two extracts exhibited significant dose-dependent scavenging effects on free radicals, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. These results suggest that the proposed antiepileptic effects of GE and UR may be attributable to the antioxidant activity of the active components in these two medicinal herbs.

Indole Alkaloids Inhibiting Neural Stem Cell from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Wei, Xin; Jiang, Li-Ping; Guo, Ying; Khan, Afsar; Liu, Ya-Ping; Yu, Hao-Fei; Wang, Bei; Ding, Cai-Feng; Zhu, Pei-Feng; Chen, Ying-Ying; Zhao, Yun-Li; Chen, Yong-Bing; Wang, Yi-Fen; Luo, Xiao-Dong

2017-10-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is commonly recognized as a traditional treatment for dizziness, cerebrovascular diseases, and nervous disorders in China. Previously, the neuro-protective activities of the alkaloids from U. rhynchophylla were intensively reported. In current work, three new indole alkaloids (1-3), identified as geissoschizic acid (1), geissoschizic acid N 4 -oxide (2), and 3β-sitsirikine N 4 -oxide (3), as well as 26 known analogues were isolated from U. rhynchophylla. However, in the neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation assay for all isolated compounds, geissoschizic acid (1), geissoschizic acid N 4 -oxide (2), isocorynoxeine (6), isorhynchophylline (7), (4S)-akuammigine N-oxide (8), and (4S)-rhynchophylline N-oxide (10) showed unexpected inhibitory activities at 10 μM. Unlike previous neuro-protective reports, as a warning or caution, our finding showcased a clue for possible NSCs toxicity and the neural lesions risk of U. rhynchophylla, while the structure-activity relationships of the isolated compounds were discussed also.

New zwitterionic monoterpene indole alkaloids from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Guo, Qiang; Yang, Hongshuai; Liu, Xinyu; Si, Xiali; Liang, Hong; Tu, Pengfei; Zhang, Qingying

2018-01-31

Four new zwitterionic monoterpene indole alkaloids, rhynchophyllioniums A-D (1-4), together with eight known alkaloids (5-12), were isolated from the hook-bearing stems of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD, and the zwitterionic forms and absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All the isolates, including the monoterpene indole alkaloids with free C-22 carboxyl group and those with C-22 carboxyl methyl ester, were proved to be naturally coexisting in the herb by LC-MS analysis. This is the first report of monoterpene indole alkaloids that exist in the form of zwitterion. Additionally, the cytotoxic activities of all isolates against A549, HepG2, and MCF-7 cell lines are reported. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prostate cell membrane chromatography-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for screening of active constituents from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

He, Jianyu; Han, Shengli; Yang, Fangfang; Zhou, Nan; Wang, Sicen

2013-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to treat hypertension and convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Rat prostate cell membrane chromatography combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify active constituents from U. rhynchophylla extracts. Four compounds (corynoxeine, isorhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine and rhynchophylline) were discovered. Competitive binding assay results indicated that the four compounds were in direct competition at a single common binding site and interacted with α1A adrenergic receptors (α1A-AR) in a manner similar to tamsulosin. Affinity constant values of the four compounds binding with α1A-AR were also measured using rat prostate cell membrane chromatography (CMC). Finally, their pharmacodynamic effects were tested on rat caudal arteries. This CMC combined LC-MS system offers a means of drug discovery by screening natural medicinal herbs for new pharmacologically active molecules targeting specific receptors.

Physicochemical characterisation of four cherry species (Prunus spp.) grown in China.

PubMed

Cao, Jinping; Jiang, Qing; Lin, Juanying; Li, Xian; Sun, Chongde; Chen, Kunsong

2015-04-15

The physicochemical characteristics of four cherry species (Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus pseudocerasus and Prunus tomentosa) were evaluated. Inter-species variability was greater than intra-species differences. Glucose and fructose were the main sugars, and malic acid was the main organic acid in all species. Combining HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS technologies, total 25 phenolic components were preliminarily identified. P. avium was characterised by high fruit weight, edible proportion, sugar content and low acid content, which made it suitable for fresh eating. P. cerasus was high in acid content and anthocyanins content, making it a good processing species. P. pseudocerasus had rich flavonols varieties and high proportion of hydrocinnamic acids. P. tomentosa was characterised by high total phenolics content (especially flavonols and tannins) and antioxidant activity, indicating a great developmental potential as a health fruit. The results of the present study might provide theoretical guidance for the further development and utilisation of cherries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Do linden trees kill bees? Reviewing the causes of bee deaths on silver linden (Tilia tomentosa).

PubMed

Koch, Hauke; Stevenson, Philip C

2017-09-01

For decades, linden trees (basswoods or lime trees), and particularly silver linden ( Tilia tomentosa ), have been linked to mass bee deaths. This phenomenon is often attributed to the purported occurrence of the carbohydrate mannose, which is toxic to bees, in Tilia nectar. In this review, however, we conclude that from existing literature there is no experimental evidence for toxicity to bees in linden nectar. Bee deaths on Tilia probably result from starvation, owing to insufficient nectar resources late in the tree's flowering period. We recommend ensuring sufficient alternative food sources in cities during late summer to reduce bee deaths on silver linden. Silver linden metabolites such as floral volatiles, pollen chemistry and nectar secondary compounds remain underexplored, particularly their toxic or behavioural effects on bees. Some evidence for the presence of caffeine in linden nectar may mean that linden trees can chemically deceive foraging bees to make sub-optimal foraging decisions, in some cases leading to their starvation. © 2017 The Author(s).

Forskolin stimulation promotes urea transporter UT-A1 ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation in MDCK cells

PubMed Central

Su, Hua; Carter, Conner B.; Laur, Oskar; Sands, Jeff M.

2012-01-01

The adenylyl cyclase stimulator forskolin (FSK) stimulates UT-A1 phosphorylation, membrane trafficking, and urea transport activity. Here, we found that FSK stimulation induces UT-A1 ubiquitination in UT-A1 Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. This suggests that phosphorylation by FSK also triggers the protein degradation machinery for UT-A1. UT-A1-MDCK cells were treated with 100 μg/ml cycloheximide to inhibit protein synthesis, with or without 10 μM FSK. Total UT-A1 protein abundance was significantly reduced after FSK treatment, concomitantly ubiquitinated UT-A1 was increased. We then specifically investigated the effect of FSK on UT-A1 expressed on the cell plasma membrane. FSK treatment accelerated UT-A1 removal from the cell plasma membrane by increasing UT-A1 endocytosis as judged by biotinylation/MesNa treatment and confocal microscopy. We further found that inhibition of the clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway, but not the caveolin-mediated endocytic pathway, significantly blocks FSK-stimulated UT-A1 endocytosis. The PKA inhibitor H89 and the proteasome inhibitors MG132 and lactacystin reduced FSK-induced membrane UT-A1 reduction. Our study shows that FSK activates the UT-A1 urea transporter and the activation/phosphorylation subsequently triggers the downregulation of UT-A1, which represents an important mechanism for the cell to return to the basal conditions after vasopressin stimulation. PMID:22914781

Modulation of kidney urea transporter UT-A3 activity by alpha2,6-sialylation

PubMed Central

Qian, Xiaoqian; Sands, Jeff M.; Song, Xiang; Chen, Guangping

2016-01-01

Two urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, are expressed in the kidney terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and are important for the production of concentrated urine. UT-A1, as the largest isoform of all UT-A urea transporters, has gained much attention and been extensively studied; however the role and the regulation of UT-A3 are less explored. In this study, we investigated UT-A3 regulation by glycosylation modification. A site-directed mutagenesis verified a single glycosylation site in UT-A3 at Asn279. Loss of the glycosylation reduced forskolin-stimulated UT-A3 cell membrane expression and urea transport activity. UT-A3 has two glycosylation forms, 45 kDa and 65 kDa. Using sugar specific-binding lectins, the UT-A3 glycosylation profile was examined. The 45 kDa form was pulled down by lectin Con A and GNL, indicating an immature glycan with a high amount of mannose (Man); whereas the 65 kDa form is a mature glycan composed of acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), poly-N-acetyllactosame (poly-LacNAc) that was pulled down by WGA and tomato lectin, respectively. Interestingly, the mature form of UT-A3 glycan contains significant amounts of sialic acid. We explored the enzymes responsible for directing UT-A3 sialylation. Sialyltransferase ST6GalI, but not ST3GalIV, catabolizes UT-A3 α2, 6-sialylation. Activation of PKC by PDB treatment promoted UT-A3 glycan sialylation and membrane surface expression. PKC inhibitor chelerythrine blocks ST6GalI-induced UT-A3 sialylation. Increased sialylation by ST6GalI increased UT-A3 protein stability and urea transport activity. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of UT-A3 regulation by ST6GalI-mediated sialylation modification that may play an important in kidney urea reabsorption and the urinary concentrating mechanism. PMID:26972907

Urea Transport and Clinical Potential of Urearetics

PubMed Central

Klein, Janet D.; Sands, Jeff M.

2016-01-01

Purpose of review Urea is transported by urea transporter proteins in kidney, erythrocytes, and other tissues. Mice in which different urea transporters have been knocked-out have urine concentrating defects, which has led to the development and testing of UT-A and UT-B inhibitors as urearetics. This review summarizes the knowledge gained during the past year on urea transporter regulation and investigations into the clinical potential of urearetics. Recent findings UT-A1 undergoes several post-translational modifications that increase its function by increasing UT-A1 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane. UT-A1 is phosphorylated by PKA, Epac, PKCα, and AMPK, all at different serine residues. UT-A1 is also regulated by 14-3-3, which contributes to UT-A1 removal from the membrane. UT-A1 is glycosylated with various glycan moieties in animal models of diabetes mellitus. Transgenic expression of UT-A1 into UT-A1/UT-A3 knock-out mice restores urine concentrating ability. UT-B is present in descending vasa recta and urinary bladder, and is linked to bladder cancer. Inhibitors of UT-A and UT-B have been developed that result in diuresis with fewer abnormalities in serum electrolytes than conventional diuretics. Summary Urea transporters play critical roles in the urine concentrating mechanism. Urea transport inhibitors are a promising new class of diuretic agents. PMID:27367911

Effect of a Herbal-Leucine mix on the IL-1β-induced cartilage degradation and inflammatory gene expression in human chondrocytes

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Conventional treatments for the articular diseases are often effective for symptom relief, but can also cause significant side effects and do not slow the progression of the disease. Several natural substances have been shown to be effective at relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), and preliminary evidence suggests that some of these compounds may exert a favorable influence on the course of the disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory/chondroprotective potential of a Herbal and amino acid mixture containing extract of the Uncaria tomentosa, Boswellia spp., Lepidium meyenii and L-Leucine on the IL-1β-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), glycosaminoglycan (GAG), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), aggrecan (ACAN) and type II collagen (COL2A1) in human OA chondrocytes and OA cartilage explants. Methods Primary OA chondrocytes or OA cartilage explants were pretreated with Herbal-Leucine mixture (HLM, 1-10 μg/ml) and then stimulated with IL-1β (5 ng/ml). Effect of HLM on IL-1β-induced gene expression of iNOS, MMP-9, MMP-13, ACAN and COL2A1 was verified by real time-PCR. Estimation of NO and GAG release in culture supernatant was done using commercially available kits. Results HLM tested in these in vitro studies was found to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent, as evidenced by strong inhibition of iNOS, MMP-9 and MMP-13 expression and NO production in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes (p < 0.05). Supporting these gene expression results, IL-1β-induced cartilage matrix breakdown, as evidenced by GAG release from cartilage explants, was also significantly blocked (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the presence of herbal-Leucine mixture (HLM) up-regulation of ACAN and COL2A1 expression in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes was also noted (p < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of HLM were mediated by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kB in human OA chondrocytes in presence of IL-1β. Conclusion Our data suggests that HLM could be chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent in arthritis, switching chondrocyte gene expression from catabolic direction towards anabolic and regenerative, and consequently this approach may be potentially useful as a new adjunct therapeutic/preventive agent for OA or injury recovery. PMID:21854562

Developing Hypothetical Inhibition Mechanism of Novel Urea Transporter B Inhibitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Min; Tou, Weng Ieong; Zhou, Hong; Li, Fei; Ren, Huiwen; Chen, Calvin Yu-Chian; Yang, Baoxue

2014-07-01

Urea transporter B (UT-B) is a membrane channel protein that specifically transports urea. UT-B null mouse exhibited urea selective urine concentrating ability deficiency, which suggests the potential clinical applications of the UT-B inhibitors as novel diuretics. Primary high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) of 50000 small-molecular drug-like compounds identified 2319 hit compounds. These 2319 compounds were screened by high-throughput screening using an erythrocyte osmotic lysis assay. Based on the pharmacological data, putative UT-B binding sites were identified by structure-based drug design and validated by ligand-based and QSAR model. Additionally, UT-B structural and functional characteristics under inhibitors treated and untreated conditions were simulated by molecular dynamics (MD). As the result, we identified four classes of compounds with UT-B inhibitory activity and predicted a human UT-B model, based on which computative binding sites were identified and validated. A novel potential mechanism of UT-B inhibitory activity was discovered by comparing UT-B from different species. Results suggest residue PHE198 in rat and mouse UT-B might block the inhibitor migration pathway. Inhibitory mechanisms of UT-B inhibitors and the functions of key residues in UT-B were proposed. The binding site analysis provides a structural basis for lead identification and optimization of UT-B inhibitors.

Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Urea Transporters

PubMed Central

Verkman, Alan S.; Esteva-Font, Cristina; Cil, Onur; Anderson, Marc O.; Li, Fei; Li, Min; Lei, Tianluo; Ren, Huiwen; Yang, Baoxue

2015-01-01

Urea transporter (UT) proteins, which include isoforms of UT-A in kidney tubule epithelia and UT-B in vasa recta endothelia and erythrocytes, facilitate urinary concentrating function. Inhibitors of urea transporter function have potential clinical applications as sodium-sparing diuretics, or ‘urearetics,’ in edema from different etiologies, such as congestive heart failure and cirrhosis, as well as in syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). High-throughput screening of drug-like small molecules has identified UT-A and UT-B inhibitors with nanomolar potency. Inhibitors have been identified with different UT-A versus UT-B selectivity profiles and putative binding sites on UT proteins. Studies in rodent models support the utility of UT inhibitors in reducing urinary concentration, though testing in clinically relevant animal models of edema has not yet been done. PMID:25298345

Urea transport and clinical potential of urearetics.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Sands, Jeff M

2016-09-01

Urea is transported by urea transporter proteins in kidney, erythrocytes, and other tissues. Mice in which different urea transporters have been knocked out have urine-concentrating defects, which has led to the development and testing of urea transporters Slc14A2 (UT-A) and Slc14A1 (UT-B) inhibitors as urearetics. This review summarizes the knowledge gained during the past year on urea transporter regulation and investigations into the clinical potential of urearetics. UT-A1 undergoes several posttranslational modifications that increase its function by increasing UT-A1 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane. UT-A1 is phosphorylated by protein kinase A, exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP, protein kinase Cα, and AMP-activated protein kinase, all at different serine residues. UT-A1 is also regulated by 14-3-3, which contributes to UT-A1 removal from the membrane. UT-A1 is glycosylated with various glycan moieties in animal models of diabetes mellitus. Transgenic expression of UT-A1 into UT-A1/UT-A3 knockout mice restores urine-concentrating ability. UT-B is present in descending vasa recta and urinary bladder, and is linked to bladder cancer. Inhibitors of UT-A and UT-B have been developed that result in diuresis with fewer abnormalities in serum electrolytes than conventional diuretics. Urea transporters play critical roles in the urine-concentrating mechanism. Urea transport inhibitors are a promising new class of diuretic agent.

Modulation of kidney urea transporter UT-A3 activity by alpha2,6-sialylation.

PubMed

Qian, Xiaoqian; Sands, Jeff M; Song, Xiang; Chen, Guangping

2016-07-01

Two urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, are expressed in the kidney terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and are important for the production of concentrated urine. UT-A1, as the largest isoform of all UT-A urea transporters, has gained much attention and been extensively studied; however, the role and the regulation of UT-A3 are less explored. In this study, we investigated UT-A3 regulation by glycosylation modification. A site-directed mutagenesis verified a single glycosylation site in UT-A3 at Asn279. Loss of the glycosylation reduced forskolin-stimulated UT-A3 cell membrane expression and urea transport activity. UT-A3 has two glycosylation forms, 45 and 65 kDa. Using sugar-specific binding lectins, the UT-A3 glycosylation profile was examined. The 45-kDa form was pulled down by lectin concanavalin A (Con A) and Galant husnivalis lectin (GNL), indicating an immature glycan with a high amount of mannose (Man), whereas the 65-kDa form is a mature glycan composed of acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and poly-N-acetyllactosame (poly-LacNAc) that was pulled down by wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and tomato lectin, respectively. Interestingly, the mature form of UT-A3 glycan contains significant amounts of sialic acid. We explored the enzymes responsible for directing UT-A3 sialylation. Sialyltransferase ST6GalI, but not ST3GalIV, catabolizes UT-A3 α2,6-sialylation. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by PDB treatment promoted UT-A3 glycan sialylation and membrane surface expression. The PKC inhibitor chelerythrine blocks ST6GalI-induced UT-A3 sialylation. Increased sialylation by ST6GalI increased UT-A3 protein stability and urea transport activity. Collectively, our study reveals a novel mechanism of UT-A3 regulation by ST6GalI-mediated sialylation modification that may play an important role in kidney urea reabsorption and the urinary concentrating mechanism.

Regulation of Urea Transporters by Tonicity-responsive Enhancer Binding Protein

PubMed Central

Kwon, H. Moo; Kim, Jim

2007-01-01

Urea accumulation in the renal inner medulla plays a key role in the maintenance of maximal urinary concentrating ability. Urea transport in the kidney is mediated by transporter proteins that include renal urea transporter (UT-A) and erythrocyte urea transporter (UT-B). UT-A1 and UT-A2 are produced from the same gene. There is an active tonicity-responsive enhancer (TonE) in the promoter of UT-A1, and the UT-A1 promoter is stimulated by hypertonicity via tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP). The downregulation of UT-A2 raises the possibility that TonEBP also regulates its promoter. There is some evidence that TonEBP regulates expression of UT-A in vivo; (1) during the renal development of the urinary concentrating ability, expression of TonEBP precedes that of UT-A1; (2) in transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative form of TonEBP, expression of UT-A1 and UT-A2 is severely impaired; (3) in treatment with cyclosporine A, TonEBP was significantly downregulated after 28 days. This downregulation involves mRNA levels of UT-A2; (4) in hypokalemic animals, downregulation of TonEBP contributed to the down regulation of UT-A in the inner medulla. These data support that TonEBP directly contributes to the urinary concentration and renal urea recycling by the regulation of urea transporters. PMID:24459497

Biomass of Four Hardwoods from Lower Piedmont Pine-Hardwood Stands in Alabama

Treesearch

Donald L. Sirois

1983-01-01

Biomass equations for complete tree, whole tree, and stemwood, with and without bark, both green and dry, are presented for four southern hardwoods - sweetgum (Liquidumbar styraciflua L.); hickory, both mockernut and pignut (Carya tomentosa (Poir.) Nutt. and C. glabra (Mill.) Sweet); red oak (Quercus...

Structural Relationships Of Selected Tree Species at Several Mid-Latitude Deciduous Forest Sites in Virginia

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-09-01

are included in the deciduous analyses. They are mockernut hickory { Carya tomentosa), American elm {Ulmus americana), pecan { Carya illinoensis ), and...alba, white ash (Fraxinus americana), and pecan ( Carya illinoensis ). A number of these trees have plaques indicating the dates of planting (late 1700s

The Prioninae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) of Hispaniola with diagnoses, descriptions of new species, distribution records, and key for identification

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Prioninae (Cerambycidae) of Hispaniola are reviewed. Tweny-seven species are known from the island, including five new ones and a new genus described herein: Elateropsis dichroma Lingafelter, new species, Elateropsis woodleyi Lingafelter, new species, Solenoptera tomentosa Lingafelter, new spec...

View of the cinder block milking barn (UT126D) and attached ...

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

View of the cinder block milking barn (UT-126-D) and attached livestock barn (UT-126-B) with large barn (UT-126-A) in the foreground, looking east-northeast - Thomas Powers Ranch, Milking Barn, 4137 North Highway 224, Snyderville, Summit County, UT

Serotyping reanalysis of unserotypable Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates by agar gel diffusion test.

PubMed

Morioka, Ayako; Shimazaki, Yoko; Uchiyama, Mariko; Suzuki, Shoko

2016-05-03

We observed increasing unserotypable (UT) Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates using agar gel diffusion (AGD) test. To reanalyze their serovar, we performed rapid slide agglutination (RSA) test and multiplex PCR for 47 UT isolates. Of these, 25 were serovar 1 (UT-serovar 1), 20 were serovar 2 (UT-serovar 2) and 2 were serovar 15 (UT-serovar 15). We examined serotyping antigen extraction temperature to determine heat influence. UT-serovar 1 and 15 were influenced by heat, because their precipitation lines were observed in the case of low antigen extraction temperature. To investigate the relationship between antigenicity and genotype, we performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis using UT-serovar 2 and 15. The predominant PFGE pattern of UT-serovar 2 was identical to that of serovar 2.

Serotyping reanalysis of unserotypable Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates by agar gel diffusion test

PubMed Central

MORIOKA, Ayako; SHIMAZAKI, Yoko; UCHIYAMA, Mariko; SUZUKI, Shoko

2016-01-01

We observed increasing unserotypable (UT) Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates using agar gel diffusion (AGD) test. To reanalyze their serovar, we performed rapid slide agglutination (RSA) test and multiplex PCR for 47 UT isolates. Of these, 25 were serovar 1 (UT-serovar 1), 20 were serovar 2 (UT-serovar 2) and 2 were serovar 15 (UT-serovar 15). We examined serotyping antigen extraction temperature to determine heat influence. UT-serovar 1 and 15 were influenced by heat, because their precipitation lines were observed in the case of low antigen extraction temperature. To investigate the relationship between antigenicity and genotype, we performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis using UT-serovar 2 and 15. The predominant PFGE pattern of UT-serovar 2 was identical to that of serovar 2. PMID:26726101

Supercritical fluid chromatography for separation and preparation of tautomeric 7-epimeric spiro oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria macrophylla.

PubMed

Yang, Wenzhi; Zhang, Yibei; Pan, Huiqin; Yao, Changliang; Hou, Jinjun; Yao, Shuai; Cai, Luying; Feng, Ruihong; Wu, Wanying; Guo, Dean

2017-02-05

Increasing challenge arising from configurational interconversion in aqueous solvent renders it rather difficult to isolate high-purity tautomeric reference standards and thus largely hinders the holistic quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Spiro oxindole alkaloids (SOAs), as the markers for the medicinal Uncaria herbs, can easily isomerize in polar or aqueous solvent via a retro-Mannich reaction. In the present study, supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is utilized to separate and isolate two pairs of 7-epimeric SOAs, including rhynchophylline (R) and isorhynchophylline (IR), corynoxine (C) and corynoxine B (CB), from Uncaria macrophylla. Initially, the solvent that can stabilize SOA epimers was systematically screened, and acetonitrile was used to dissolve and as the modifier in SFC. Then, key parameters of ultra-high performance SFC (ultra-performance convergence chromatography, UPC 2 ), comprising stationary phase, additive in modifier, column temperature, ABPR pressure, and flow rate, were optimized in sequence. Two isocratic UPC 2 methods were developed on the achiral Torus 1-AA and Torus Diol columns, suitable for UV and MS detection, respectively. MCI gel column chromatography fractionated the U. macrophylla extract into two mixtures (R/IR and C/CB). Preparative SFC, using a Viridis Prep Silica 2-EP OBD column and acetonitrile-0.2% diethylamine in CO 2 as the mobile phase, was finally employed for compound purification. As a result, the purity of four SOA compounds was all higher than 95%. Different from reversed-phase HPLC, SFC, by use of water-free mobile phase (inert CO 2 and aprotic modifier), provides a solution to rapid analysis and isolation of tautomeric reference standards for quality control of TCM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mass defect filtering-oriented classification and precursor ions list-triggered high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis for the discovery of indole alkaloids from Uncaria sinensis.

PubMed

Pan, Huiqin; Yang, Wenzhi; Yao, Changliang; Shen, Yao; Zhang, Yibei; Shi, Xiaojian; Yao, Shuai; Wu, Wanying; Guo, Dean

2017-09-22

Discovery of new natural compounds is becoming increasingly challenging because of the interference from those known and abundant components. The aim of this study is to report a dereplication strategy, by integrating mass defect filtering (MDF)-oriented novelty classification and precursor ions list (PIL)-triggered high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, and to validate it by discovering new indole alkaloids from the medicinal herb Uncaria sinensis. Rapid chromatographic separation was achieved on a Kinetex ® EVO C18 column (<16min). An in-house MDF algorithm, developed based on the informed phytochemistry information and molecular design, could more exactly screen the target alkaloids and divide them into three novelty levels: Known (KN), Unknown-but-Predicted (UP), and Unexpected (UN). A hybrid data acquisition method, namely PIL-triggered collision-induced dissociation-MS 2 and high-energy C-trap dissociation-MS 3 with dynamic exclusion on a linear ion trap/Orbitrap mass spectrometer, facilitated the acquisition of diverse product ions sufficient for the structural elucidation of both indole alkaloids and the N-oxides. Ultimately, 158 potentially new alkaloids, including 10 UP and 108 UN, were rapidly characterized from the stem, leaf, and flower of U. sinensis. Two new alkaloid compounds thereof were successfully isolated and identified by 1D and 2D NMR analyses. The varied ring E and novel alkaloid-acylquinic acid conjugates were first reported from the whole Uncaria genus. Conclusively, it is a practical chemical dereplication strategy that can enhance the efficiency and has the potential to be a routine approach for the discovery of new natural compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Response of Planted Royal Paulownia to Weed Control Treatments After Coppice

Treesearch

David O. Mitchem; James E. Johnson; Richard E. Kreh

2002-01-01

Today there is an increased interest in growing royal paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) in the southeastern United States, but difficulties have been encountered in the Piedmont due to heavy clays and intense competition for moisture. Two royal paulownia plantations were established on the Virginia Piedmont to evaluate the effects that weedmats have on...

Genetic transformation of Populus tomentosa to improve salt tolerance

Treesearch

Ningxia Du; Xin Liu; Yun Li; Shouyi Chen; Jinsong Zhang; Da Ha; Wenguang Deng; Chunkui Sun; Yingzhi Zhang; Paula M Pijut

2012-01-01

Soil salinity can be a limiting factor for productivity in agriculture and forestry. In order to fully utilize saline lands productively in plantation forestry for pulp production, the genetic modification of tree species for salt tolerance may be required. The AhDREB1 gene, a DREB-like transcription factor gene, was transferred into ...

Development rate, consumption, and host fidelity of Neostauropus alternus (Walker, 1855) Lepidoptera: Notodontidae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Asian shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is an invasive weed in Florida and Hawaii, USA. Surveys for natural enemies of this exotic shrub in Hong Kong, China resulted in the development of a laboratory colony and host range testing of Neostauropus alternus (Walker 1855) as a potential biological contro...

Development rate, consumption and host specificity of Carea varipes (Lepidoptera: Nolidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Asian shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is an invasive weed in Florida and Hawaii, USA. Surveys for natural enemies of this exotic shrub in Hong Kong, China resulted in the development of a laboratory colony and initial host range testing of Carea varipes as a potential biological control agent of R. ...

Host range of Caloptilia triadicae (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): an adventive herbivore of Chinese tallowtree (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In its native range the invasive weed, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is host to a suite of herbivores. One, Strepsicrates sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) was collected in China in 2014, introduced under quarantine in Florida, USA and tested against related species to determine its host range and suitability ...

Triterpenoid saponins from the root of Anemone tomentosa.

PubMed

Wang, Yi; Kang, Wei; Hong, Liang-jian; Hai, Wen-li; Wang, Xiao-yang; Tang, Hai-feng; Tian, Xiang-rong

2013-01-01

Three new triterpenoid saponins, tomentoside A (1), B (2) and C (3), along with four known saponins (4-7) were isolated from the root of Anemone tomentosa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as 3-O-β-D-ribopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-L-arabinopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 3-O-β-D-ribopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-xylopyranosyl hederagenin 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-xylopyranosyl oleanolic acid 28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. In the oligosaccharide chains of compound 3, the characteristic D-galactose residue is a rare structural feature and secondly encountered among triterpenoid saponins from Anemone.

Rhynchophylline from Uncaria rhynchophylla functionally turns delayed rectifiers into A-Type K+ channels.

PubMed

Chou, Chun-Hsiao; Gong, Chi-Li; Chao, Chia-Chia; Lin, Chia-Huei; Kwan, Chiu-Yin; Hsieh, Ching-Liang; Leung, Yuk-Man

2009-05-22

Rhynchophylline (1), a neuroprotective agent isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Uncaria rhynchophylla, was shown to affect voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channel slow inactivation in mouse neuroblastoma N2A cells. Extracellular 1 (30 microM) accelerated the slow decay of Kv currents and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve to the left. Intracellular dialysis of 1 did not accelerate the slow current decay, suggesting that this compound acts extracellularly. In addition, the percent blockage of Kv currents by this substance was independent of the degree of depolarization and the intracellular K(+) concentration. Therefore, 1 did not appear to directly block the outer channel pore, with the results obtained suggesting that it drastically accelerated Kv channel slow inactivation. Interestingly, 1 also shifted the activation curve to the left. This alkaloid also strongly accelerated slow inactivation and caused a left shift of the activation curve of Kv1.2 channels heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells. Thus, this compound functionally turned delayed rectifiers into A-type K(+) channels.

Ameliorating effect of new constituents from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla on scopolamine-induced memory impairment.

PubMed

Shin, Suk-Chul; Lee, Dong-Ung

2013-07-01

To study the chemical constituents and their anti-amnesic effect from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The isolation of compounds was performed by chromatographic techniques and their structures were identified on the basis of spectral analysis. Their ameliorating effects on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in vivo using a Morris water-maze task and passive avoidance task system were evaluated. Activity-guided fractionation of the total extracts resulted in the isolation of four constituents, trans-anethole (1), p-anisaldehyde (2), estragole (3), and 3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid (4), which were found for the first time from this plant. Compound 1 exhibited a better memory enhancing effect than tacrine, a positive agent, at the same dose in the passive avoidance test and a similar property in the water-maze test, and its action may be mediated, in part, by the acetylcholine enhancing cholinergic nervous system. Copyright © 2013 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression

PubMed Central

Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Lin, Yi-Wen; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Hsu-Jan; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus PMID:21837247

Neuroprotective Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures by Modulating Hippocampal Mossy Fiber Sprouting, Neuron Survival, Astrocyte Proliferation, and S100B Expression.

PubMed

Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Lin, Yi-Wen; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Hsu-Jan; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2012-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anticonvulsive effect in our previous studies, and the cellular mechanisms behind this are still little known. Because of this, we wanted to determine the importance of the role of UR on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy. Oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate the onset of epileptic seizure in animal tests. Hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting dramatically decreased, while neuronal survival increased with UR treatment in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas. Furthermore, oral UR for 6 weeks significantly attenuated the overexpression of astrocyte proliferation and S100B proteins but not γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A)) receptors. These results indicate that oral UR for 6 weeks can successfully attenuate mossy fiber sprouting, astrocyte proliferation, and S100B protein overexpression and increase neuronal survival in KA-induced epileptic rat hippocampus.

Two new ortho benzoquinones from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Zhang, Qian; Chen, Lei; Hu, Le-Jian; Liu, Wen-Yuan; Feng, Feng; Qu, Wei

2016-03-01

The present study was designed to determine the chemical constituents of the stems and hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla. The chemical constituents were isolated and purified from CH2Cl2 fraction by chromatography. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. Their cytotoxicity was tested using MTT method. Two new ortho benzoquinones, 3-diethylamino-5-methoxy-1, 2-benzoquinone (1) and 3-ethylamino-5-methoxy-1, 2-benzoquinone (2), together with a known compound isorhynchophyllic acid (3) were isolated from U. rhynchophylla. These compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against cancer cells A549, HepG2 and A2780. Compounds 1 and 2 were new ortho benzoquinones and showed weak antiproliferative activities on A549, HepG2 and A2780 cells. Compound 3 significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549, HepG2 and A2780 cells with IC50 values being 5.8, 12.8 and 11.8 µmol·L(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2016 China Pharmaceutical University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Urea transporter UT-B deletion induces DNA damage and apoptosis in mouse bladder urothelium.

PubMed

Dong, Zixun; Ran, Jianhua; Zhou, Hong; Chen, Jihui; Lei, Tianluo; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Lin, Guiting; Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2013-01-01

Previous studies found that urea transporter UT-B is abundantly expressed in bladder urothelium. However, the dynamic role of UT-B in bladder urothelial cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiological roles of UT-B in bladder urothelium using UT-B knockout mouse model and T24 cell line. Urea and NO measurement, mRNA expression micro-array analysis, light and transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis assays, DNA damage and repair determination, and intracellular signaling examination were performed in UT-B null bladders vs wild-type bladders and in vitro T24 epithelial cells. UT-B was highly expressed in mouse bladder urothelium. The genes, Dcaf11, MCM2-4, Uch-L1, Bnip3 and 45 S pre rRNA, related to DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly regulated in UT-B null urothelium. DNA damage and apoptosis highly occurred in UT-B null urothelium. Urea and NO levels were significantly higher in UT-B null urothelium than that in wild-type, which may affect L-arginine metabolism and the intracellular signals related to DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings were consistent with the in vitro study in T24 cells that, after urea loading, exhibited cell cycle delay and apoptosis. UT-B may play an important role in protecting bladder urothelium by balancing intracellular urea concentration. Disruption of UT-B function induces DNA damage and apoptosis in bladder, which can result in bladder disorders.

Thienoquinolins exert diuresis by strongly inhibiting UT-A urea transporters

PubMed Central

Ren, Huiwen; Wang, Yanhua; Xing, Yongning; Ran, Jianhua; Liu, Ming; Lei, Tianluo; Zhou, Hong; Li, Runtao; Sands, Jeff M.

2014-01-01

Urea transporters (UT) play an important role in the urine concentration mechanism by mediating intrarenal urea recycling, suggesting that UT inhibitors could have therapeutic use as a novel class of diuretic. Recently, we found a thienoquinolin UT inhibitor, PU-14, that exhibited diuretic activity. The purpose of this study was to identify more potent UT inhibitors that strongly inhibit UT-A isoforms in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Efficient thienoquinolin UT inhibitors were identified by structure-activity relationship analysis. Urea transport inhibition activity was assayed in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. Diuretic activity of the compound was determined in rats and mice using metabolic cages. The results show that the compound PU-48 exhibited potent UT-A inhibition activity. The inhibition was 69.5% with an IC50 of 0.32 μM. PU-48 significantly inhibited urea transport in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. PU-48 caused significant diuresis in UT-B null mice, which indicates that UT-A is the target of PU-48. The diuresis caused by PU-48 did not change blood Na+, K+, or Cl− levels or nonurea solute excretion in rats and mice. No toxicity was detected in cells or animals treated with PU-48. The results indicate that thienoquinolin UT inhibitors induce a diuresis by inhibiting UT-A in the IMCD. This suggests that they may have the potential to be developed as a novel class of diuretics with fewer side effects than classical diuretics. PMID:25298523

Thienoquinolins exert diuresis by strongly inhibiting UT-A urea transporters.

PubMed

Ren, Huiwen; Wang, Yanhua; Xing, Yongning; Ran, Jianhua; Liu, Ming; Lei, Tianluo; Zhou, Hong; Li, Runtao; Sands, Jeff M; Yang, Baoxue

2014-12-15

Urea transporters (UT) play an important role in the urine concentration mechanism by mediating intrarenal urea recycling, suggesting that UT inhibitors could have therapeutic use as a novel class of diuretic. Recently, we found a thienoquinolin UT inhibitor, PU-14, that exhibited diuretic activity. The purpose of this study was to identify more potent UT inhibitors that strongly inhibit UT-A isoforms in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Efficient thienoquinolin UT inhibitors were identified by structure-activity relationship analysis. Urea transport inhibition activity was assayed in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. Diuretic activity of the compound was determined in rats and mice using metabolic cages. The results show that the compound PU-48 exhibited potent UT-A inhibition activity. The inhibition was 69.5% with an IC50 of 0.32 μM. PU-48 significantly inhibited urea transport in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. PU-48 caused significant diuresis in UT-B null mice, which indicates that UT-A is the target of PU-48. The diuresis caused by PU-48 did not change blood Na(+), K(+), or Cl(-) levels or nonurea solute excretion in rats and mice. No toxicity was detected in cells or animals treated with PU-48. The results indicate that thienoquinolin UT inhibitors induce a diuresis by inhibiting UT-A in the IMCD. This suggests that they may have the potential to be developed as a novel class of diuretics with fewer side effects than classical diuretics. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Urea Transporter UT-B Deletion Induces DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Mouse Bladder Urothelium

PubMed Central

Zhou, Hong; Chen, Jihui; Lei, Tianluo; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Lin, Guiting; Bankir, Lise; Yang, Baoxue

2013-01-01

Background Previous studies found that urea transporter UT-B is abundantly expressed in bladder urothelium. However, the dynamic role of UT-B in bladder urothelial cells remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the physiological roles of UT-B in bladder urothelium using UT-B knockout mouse model and T24 cell line. Methodology/Principal Findings Urea and NO measurement, mRNA expression micro-array analysis, light and transmission electron microscopy, apoptosis assays, DNA damage and repair determination, and intracellular signaling examination were performed in UT-B null bladders vs wild-type bladders and in vitro T24 epithelial cells. UT-B was highly expressed in mouse bladder urothelium. The genes, Dcaf11, MCM2-4, Uch-L1, Bnip3 and 45 S pre rRNA, related to DNA damage and apoptosis were significantly regulated in UT-B null urothelium. DNA damage and apoptosis highly occurred in UT-B null urothelium. Urea and NO levels were significantly higher in UT-B null urothelium than that in wild-type, which may affect L-arginine metabolism and the intracellular signals related to DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings were consistent with the in vitro study in T24 cells that, after urea loading, exhibited cell cycle delay and apoptosis. Conclusions/Significance UT-B may play an important role in protecting bladder urothelium by balancing intracellular urea concentration. Disruption of UT-B function induces DNA damage and apoptosis in bladder, which can result in bladder disorders. PMID:24204711

Assessment of the Effects of Plasma Bubbles on GAIM-GM

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

m / s , 230 m / s was chosen as a realistic upper bound that fit well into the modified IFM grid resolution. The sun...to a second condition where the bubbles would form at 2000 LT and then allowed to super-rotate at 230 m / s , or 7.5 degrees/hr, depicted in Figure 7...moving east at 230 m / s . Units are in TEC electrons per square meter. ( a ) 00UT (b) 01UT (c) 02UT (d) 03 UT (e) 04UT (f) 05UT 1 1 2 1

Generation and phenotypic analysis of mice lacking all urea transporters.

PubMed

Jiang, Tao; Li, Yingjie; Layton, Anita T; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Li, Min; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Baoxue

2017-02-01

Urea transporters (UT) are a family of transmembrane urea-selective channel proteins expressed in multiple tissues and play an important role in the urine concentrating mechanism of the mammalian kidney. UT inhibitors have diuretic activity and could be developed as novel diuretics. To determine if functional deficiency of all UTs in all tissues causes physiological abnormality, we established a novel mouse model in which all UTs were knocked out by deleting an 87 kb of DNA fragment containing most parts of Slc14a1 and Slc14a2 genes. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence confirmed that there is no expression of urea transporter in these all-UT-knockout mice. Daily urine output was nearly 3.5-fold higher, with significantly lower urine osmolality in all-UT-knockout mice than that in wild-type mice. All-UT-knockout mice were not able to increase urinary urea concentration and osmolality after water deprivation, acute urea loading, or high protein intake. A computational model that simulated UT-knockout mouse models identified the individual contribution of each UT in urine concentrating mechanism. Knocking out all UTs also decreased the blood pressure and promoted the maturation of the male reproductive system. Thus, functional deficiency of all UTs caused a urea-selective urine-concentrating defect with little physiological abnormality in extrarenal organs. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Generation and phenotypic analysis of mice lacking all urea transporters

PubMed Central

Jiang, Tao; Li, Yingjie; Layton, Anita T.; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Li, Min; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Baoxue

2017-01-01

Urea transporters (UT) are a family of transmembrane urea-selective channel proteins expressed in multiple tissues and play an important role in the urine concentrating mechanism of the mammalian kidney. UT inhibitors have been identified to have diuretic activity and might be developed as novel diuretics. To determine if functional deficiency of all UTs in all tissues causes physiological abnormality, we established a novel mouse model in which all UTs were knocked out by deleting an 87 kb of DNA fragment containing most parts of Slc14a1 and Slc14a2 genes. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence confirmed that there is no expression of urea transporter in all-UT-knockout mice. Daily urine output was nearly 3.5-fold higher, with significantly lower urine osmolality, in all-UT-knockout-mice than that in wild-type mice, and urine osmolality was significantly lower. All-UT-knockout mice were not able to increase urinary urea concentration and osmolality after water deprivation, acute urea loading or high protein intake. A computational model that simulated UT knockout mouse models identified the individual contribution of each UT in urine concentrating mechanism. Knocking out all UTs also decreased the blood pressure and promoted the maturation of the male reproductive system. These results revealed that functional deficiency of all UTs caused urea selective urine concentrating defect with little physiological abnormality in extrarenal organs. PMID:27914708

Allelic variation within the S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase gene family is associated with wood properties in Chinese white poplar (Populus tomentosa)

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) is the only eukaryotic enzyme capable of S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH) catabolism for the maintenance of cellular transmethylation potential. Recently, biochemical and genetic studies in herbaceous species have obtained important discoveries in the function of SAHH, and an extensive characterization of SAHH family in even one tree species is essential, but currently lacking. Results Here, we first identified the SAHH family from Populus tomentosa using molecular cloning method. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 SAHH proteins from dicotyledons, monocotyledons, and lower plants revealed that the sequences formed two monophyletic groups: the PtrSAHHA with PtoSAHHA and PtrSAHHB with PtoSAHHB. Examination of tissue-specific expression profiles of the PtoSAHH family revealed similar expression patterns; high levels of expression in xylem were found. Nucleotide diversity and linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the PtoSAHH family, sampled from P. tomentosa natural distribution, revealed that PtoSAHH harbors high single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity (π=0.01059±0.00122 and 0.00930±0.00079,respectively) and low LD (r2 > 0.1, within 800 bp and 2,200 bp, respectively). Using an LD-linkage analysis approach, two noncoding SNPs (PtoSAHHB_1065 and PtoSAHHA_2203) and the corresponding haplotypes were found to significantly associate with α-cellulose content, and a nonsynonymous SNP (PtoSAHHB_410) within the SAHH signature motifs showed significant association with fiber length, with an average of 3.14% of the phenotypic variance explained. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that PtoSAHHs were split off prior to the divergence of interspecies in Populus, and SAHHs may play a key role promoting transmethylation reactions in the secondary cell walls biosynthesis in trees. Hence, our findings provide insights into SAHH function and evolution in woody species and also offer a theoretical basis for marker-aided selection breeding to improve the wood quality of Populus. PMID:25079429

Ultra-Rapid dUT1 Measurements on Japan-Fennoscandian Baselines - Application to 24-hour Sessions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matsuzaka, Shigeru; Kurihara, Shinobu; Sekido, Mamoru; Hobiger, Thomas; Haas, Rudiger; Ritakari, Jouko; Wagner, Jan

2010-01-01

GSI, NICT, OSO, and MRO have been engaged in Ultra-rapid dUT1 experiments since 2007 aiming at the technological possibility of real-time dUT1 results using the e-VLBI technique. We have already successfully determined dUT1 in less than four minutes after the end of an experimental Intensive session in 2008, and at present we routinely get the results within 30 minutes for regular Intensives. In 2009 we applied the technique to 24-hour sessions and continuously obtained dUT1 values by processing and analyzing Tsukuba Onsala data in near real-time. It showed a detailed behavior of UT1 variations, which could be very valuable for scientific study as well as for precise prediction of UT1-UTC.

Localization and regulation of a facilitative urea transporter in the kidney of the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).

PubMed

Uchiyama, Minoru; Kikuchi, Ryosuke; Konno, Norifumi; Wakasugi, Tatsuya; Matsuda, Kouhei

2009-01-01

Urea is the major excretory end product of nitrogen metabolism in most chelonian reptiles. In the present study, we report the isolation of a 1632 base pair cDNA from turtle kidney with one open reading frame putatively encoding a 403-residue protein, the turtle urea transporter (turtle UT). The first cloned reptilian UT has high homology with UTs (facilitated urea transporters) cloned from vertebrates, and most closely resembles the UT-A subfamily. Injection of turtle UT cRNA into Xenopus oocytes induced a 6-fold increase in [(14)C]urea uptake that was inhibited by phloretin. The turtle UT mRNA expression and tissue distribution were examined by RT-PCR with total RNA from various tissues. Expression of turtle UT mRNA was restricted to the kidney, and no signal was detected in the other tissues, such as brain, heart, alimentary tract and urinary bladder. An approximately 58 kDa protein band was detected in membrane fractions of the kidney by western blot using an affinity-purified antibody that recognized turtle UT expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In an immunohistochemical study using the anti-turtle UT antibody, UT-immunopositive cells were observed along the distal tubule but not in the collecting duct. In turtles under dry conditions, plasma osmolality and urea concentration increased, and using semi-quantitative RT-PCR the UT mRNA expression level in the kidney was found to increase 2-fold compared with control. The present results, taken together, suggest that the turtle UT probably contributes to urea transport in the distal tubule segments of the kidney in response to hyperosmotic stress under dry conditions.

Molecular Mechanisms of Urea Transport in Health and Disease

PubMed Central

Klein, Janet D.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Sands, Jeff M.

2012-01-01

In the late 1980s, urea permeability measurements produced values that could not be explained by paracellular transport or lipid phase diffusion. The existence of urea transport proteins were thus proposed and less than a decade later, the first urea transporter was cloned. The SLC14A family of urea transporters has two major subgroups, designated SLC14A1 (or UT-B) and Slc14A2 (or UT-A). UT-B and UT-A gene products are glycoproteins located in various extra-renal tissues however, a majority of the resulting isoforms are found in the kidney. The UT-B (Slc14A1) urea transporter was originally isolated from erythrocytes and two isoforms have been reported. In kidney, UT-B is located primarily in the descending vasa recta. The UT-A (Slc14A2) urea transporter yields 6 distinct isoforms, of which 3 are found chiefly in the kidney medulla. UT-A1 and UT-A3 are found in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), while UT-A2 is located in the thin descending limb. These transporters are crucial to the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine. The regulation of urea transporter activity in the IMCD involves acute modification through phosphorylation and subsequent movement to the plasma membrane. UT-A1 and UT-A3 accumulate in the plasma membrane in response to stimulation by vasopressin or hypertonicity. Long term regulation of the urea transporters in the IMCD involves altering protein abundance in response to changes in hydration status, low protein diets, or adrenal steroids. Urea transporters have been studied using animal models of disease including diabetes mellitus, lithium intoxication, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug responses. Exciting new genetically engineered mouse models are being developed to study these transporters. PMID:23007461

Molecular mechanisms of urea transport in health and disease.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Blount, Mitsi A; Sands, Jeff M

2012-12-01

In the late 1980s, urea permeability measurements produced values that could not be explained by paracellular transport or lipid phase diffusion. The existence of urea transport proteins were thus proposed and less than a decade later, the first urea transporter was cloned. The family of urea transporters has two major subgroups, designated SLC14A1 (or UT-B) and Slc14A2 (or UT-A). UT-B and UT-A gene products are glycoproteins located in various extra-renal tissues however, a majority of the resulting isoforms are found in the kidney. The UT-B (Slc14A1) urea transporter was originally isolated from erythrocytes and two isoforms have been reported. In kidney, UT-B is located primarily in the descending vasa recta. The UT-A (Slc14A2) urea transporter yields six distinct isoforms, of which three are found chiefly in the kidney medulla. UT-A1 and UT-A3 are found in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), while UT-A2 is located in the thin descending limb. These transporters are crucial to the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. The regulation of urea transporter activity in the IMCD involves acute modification through phosphorylation and subsequent movement to the plasma membrane. UT-A1 and UT-A3 accumulate in the plasma membrane in response to stimulation by vasopressin or hypertonicity. Long-term regulation of the urea transporters in the IMCD involves altering protein abundance in response to changes in hydration status, low protein diets, or adrenal steroids. Urea transporters have been studied using animal models of disease including diabetes mellitus, lithium intoxication, hypertension, and nephrotoxic drug responses. Exciting new genetically engineered mouse models are being developed to study these transporters.

Understory Density Characteristics in Several Midlatitude Temperature Forests

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-03-01

Vaccinium corymbosum ), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica), white oak (Q. alba), mockemut hickory (Carya tomentosa), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), and...Cedar Juniperis virginiana Red Juniper U Fraser Magnolia Magnolia fraseri Umbrella-tree U Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum Unkn. U Loblolly Pine...plants and shrubs include ferns (many species), lowbush blueberry ( Vaccinium augustifolium), southern running-pine (Lycopodium digitatum), poison ivy

Above Ground Field Evaluation and GC-MS Analysis of Naturally Durable Wood Species

Treesearch

G.T. Kirker; A.B. Blodgett; S.T. Lebow; C.A. Clausen

2012-01-01

Nine wood species are being evaluated in above ground field studies in Mississippi and Wisconsin. Candidate naturally durable wood (NDW) species are being rated at yearly intervals for resistance to decay, cupping, and checking. Field ratings after 12 months exposure are presented. To date, Paulownia tomentosa (PAW) and southern yellow pine (SYP)...

Patterns of Genetic Variation in Woody Plant Species in the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project

Treesearch

Victoria L. Sork; Anthony Koop; Marie Ann de la Fuente; Paul Foster; Jay Raveill

1997-01-01

We quantified current patterns of genetic variation of three woody plant species—Carya tomentosa (Juglandaceae), Quercus alba (Fagaceae), and Sassafras albidum (Lauraceae)—distributed throughout the nine Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) study sites and evaluated the data in light of the MOFEP...

76 FR 55169 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on Five Petitions To List Seven...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-06

... (Michener 2000, p. 24). The adult male and female bees feed upon flower nectar for nourishment. Many species... of visitation records of Hawaiian Hylaeus bees to native flowers (Daly and Magnacca 2003, p. 11) and... anthracinus adults have been observed visiting the flowers of Sesbania tomentosa, Scaevola sericea, Sida...

Renal Phenotype of UT-A Urea Transporter Knockout Mice

PubMed Central

Fenton, Robert A.; Flynn, Anneliese; Shodeinde, Adetola; Smith, Craig P.; Schnermann, Jurgen; Knepper, Mark A.

2006-01-01

The urea transporters UT-A1 and UT-A3 mediate rapid transepithelial urea transport across the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). In a previous study, using a new mouse model in which both UT-A1 and UT-A3 were genetically deleted from the IMCD (UT-A1/3−/− mice), we investigated the role of these transporters in the function of the renal inner medulla. Here we report a series of studies investigating more generally the renal phenotype of UT-A1/3−/− mice. Pathological screening revealed abnormalities in both the testis (increased size) and kidney (decreased size and vascular congestion) of UT-A1/3−/− mice. Total urinary nitrate and nitrite excretion rates in UT-A1/3−/− mice were more than double those in wildtype mice. Total renal blood flow was not different between UT-A1/3−/− and wildtype mice, but underwent a greater percentage decrease in response to NG-Nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester Hydrochloride (L-NAME) infusion. Whole kidney glomerular filtration rate was not different in UT-A1/3−/− mice compared to controls and underwent a similar increase in response to a greater dietary protein intake. Fractional urea excretion was markedly elevated in UT-A1/3−/− mice on a 40% protein diet, reaching 102.4 ± 8.8% of the filtered load, suggesting that there may be active urea secretion along the renal tubule. Although there was a marked urinary concentrating defect in UT-A1/3−/− mice, there was no decrease in aquaporin-2 or -3 expression. Furthermore, although urea accumulation in the inner medulla was markedly attenuated, there was no decrease in NaCl concentration in tissue from outer medulla or 2 levels of the inner medulla. PMID:15829709

Rehabilitation Exercises to Induce Balanced Scapular Muscle Activity in an Anti-gravity Posture

PubMed Central

Ishigaki, Tomonobu; Yamanaka, Masanori; Hirokawa, Motoki; Tai, Keita; Ezawa, Yuya; Samukawa, Mina; Tohyama, Harukazu; Sugawara, Makoto

2014-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the intramuscular balance ratios of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) and the lower trapezius muscle (LT), and the intermuscular balance ratios of the UT and the serratus anterior muscle (SA) among prone extension (ProExt), prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (ProHAbd), forward flexion in the side-lying position (SideFlex), side-lying external rotation (SideEr), shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal abduction load (FlexBand), and shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal adduction load (FlexBall) in the standing posture. [Methods] The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the UT, LT and SA were measured during the tasks. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was calculated for each muscle, and the UT/LT ratios and the UT/SA ratios were compared among the tasks. [Results] The UT/LT ratio with the FlexBand was not significantly different from those of the four exercises in the side-lying and prone postures. The UT/SA ratio with the FlexBall demonstrated appropriate balanced activity. [Conclusion] In an anti-gravity posture, we recommend the FlexBand and the FlexBall for inducing balanced UT/LT and UT/SA ratios, respectively. PMID:25540485

The UT-A Urea Transporter Promoter, UT-Aα, Targets Principal Cells of the Renal Inner Medullary Collecting Duct

PubMed Central

Fenton, Robert A.; Shodeinde, Adetola; Knepper, Mark A.

2006-01-01

The urea transporters, UT-A1 and UT-A3, two members of the UT-A gene family, are localized to the terminal portion of the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). In this manuscript, we demonstrate that 4.2-kb of the 5′-flanking region of the UT-A gene (UT-Aα promoter) is sufficient to drive the IMCD-specific expression of a heterologous reporter gene, β-galactosidase (β-Gal), in transgenic mice. RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry demonstrate that within the kidney, transgene expression is confined to the terminal portion of the IMCD. Co-localization studies with aquaporin 2 show that expression is localized to the principal cells of the IMCD2 and IMCD3 regions. Utilizing β-Gal activity assays, we further show that within the kidney, the β-Gal transgene can be regulated by both water restriction and glucocorticoids, similar to the regulation of the endogenous UT-A gene. These results demonstrate that 4.2-kb of the UT-Aα promoter is sufficient to drive expression of a heterologous reporter gene in a tissue-specific and cell-specific fashion in transgenic mice PMID:16091580

Rehabilitation Exercises to Induce Balanced Scapular Muscle Activity in an Anti-gravity Posture.

PubMed

Ishigaki, Tomonobu; Yamanaka, Masanori; Hirokawa, Motoki; Tai, Keita; Ezawa, Yuya; Samukawa, Mina; Tohyama, Harukazu; Sugawara, Makoto

2014-12-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the intramuscular balance ratios of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) and the lower trapezius muscle (LT), and the intermuscular balance ratios of the UT and the serratus anterior muscle (SA) among prone extension (ProExt), prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (ProHAbd), forward flexion in the side-lying position (SideFlex), side-lying external rotation (SideEr), shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal abduction load (FlexBand), and shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal adduction load (FlexBall) in the standing posture. [Methods] The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the UT, LT and SA were measured during the tasks. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (%MVIC) was calculated for each muscle, and the UT/LT ratios and the UT/SA ratios were compared among the tasks. [Results] The UT/LT ratio with the FlexBand was not significantly different from those of the four exercises in the side-lying and prone postures. The UT/SA ratio with the FlexBall demonstrated appropriate balanced activity. [Conclusion] In an anti-gravity posture, we recommend the FlexBand and the FlexBall for inducing balanced UT/LT and UT/SA ratios, respectively.

A Comprehensive Study on the Internet of Underwater Things: Applications, Challenges, and Channel Models †

PubMed Central

Wu, Geng-De; Huang, Chun-Ju

2017-01-01

The Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) is a novel class of Internet of Things (IoT), and is defined as the network of smart interconnected underwater objects. IoUT is expected to enable various practical applications, such as environmental monitoring, underwater exploration, and disaster prevention. With these applications, IoUT is regarded as one of the potential technologies toward developing smart cities. To support the concept of IoUT, Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) have emerged as a promising network system. UWSNs are different from the traditional Territorial Wireless Sensor Networks (TWSNs), and have several unique properties, such as long propagation delay, narrow bandwidth, and low reliability. These unique properties would be great challenges for IoUT. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive study of IoUT, and the main contributions of this paper are threefold: (1) we introduce and classify the practical underwater applications that can highlight the importance of IoUT; (2) we point out the differences between UWSNs and traditional TWSNs, and these differences are the main challenges for IoUT; and (3) we investigate and evaluate the channel models, which are the technical core for designing reliable communication protocols on IoUT. PMID:28640220

A Comprehensive Study on the Internet of Underwater Things: Applications, Challenges, and Channel Models.

PubMed

Kao, Chien-Chi; Lin, Yi-Shan; Wu, Geng-De; Huang, Chun-Ju

2017-06-22

The Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) is a novel class of Internet of Things (IoT), and is defined as the network of smart interconnected underwater objects. IoUT is expected to enable various practical applications, such as environmental monitoring, underwater exploration, and disaster prevention. With these applications, IoUT is regarded as one of the potential technologies toward developing smart cities. To support the concept of IoUT, Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs) have emerged as a promising network system. UWSNs are different from the traditional Territorial Wireless Sensor Networks (TWSNs), and have several unique properties, such as long propagation delay, narrow bandwidth, and low reliability. These unique properties would be great challenges for IoUT. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive study of IoUT, and the main contributions of this paper are threefold: (1) we introduce and classify the practical underwater applications that can highlight the importance of IoUT; (2) we point out the differences between UWSNs and traditional TWSNs, and these differences are the main challenges for IoUT; and (3) we investigate and evaluate the channel models, which are the technical core for designing reliable communication protocols on IoUT.

Middle and long-term prediction of UT1-UTC based on combination of Gray Model and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Song; Xu, Tian-he; Sun, Zhang-zhen; Li, Jia-jing

2017-02-01

UT1-UTC is an important part of the Earth Orientation Parameters (EOP). The high-precision predictions of UT1-UTC play a key role in practical applications of deep space exploration, spacecraft tracking and satellite navigation and positioning. In this paper, a new prediction method with combination of Gray Model (GM(1, 1)) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) is developed. The main idea is as following. Firstly, the UT1-UTC data are preprocessed by removing the leap second and Earth's zonal harmonic tidal to get UT1R-TAI data. Periodic terms are estimated and removed by the least square to get UT2R-TAI. Then the linear terms of UT2R-TAI data are modeled by the GM(1, 1), and the residual terms are modeled by the ARIMA. Finally, the UT2R-TAI prediction can be performed based on the combined model of GM(1, 1) and ARIMA, and the UT1-UTC predictions are obtained by adding the corresponding periodic terms, leap second correction and the Earth's zonal harmonic tidal correction. The results show that the proposed model can be used to predict UT1-UTC effectively with higher middle and long-term (from 32 to 360 days) accuracy than those of LS + AR, LS + MAR and WLS + MAR.

Biochemical properties of urea transporters.

PubMed

Chen, Guangping

2014-01-01

Urea and urea transporters (UT) are critical to the production of concentrated urine and hence in maintaining body fluid balance. The UT-A1 urea transporter is the major and most important UT isoform in the kidney. Native UT-A1, expressed in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) epithelial cells, is a glycosylated protein with two glycoforms of 117 and 97 kDa. Vasopressin is the major hormone in vivo that rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1. The cell signaling pathway for vasopressin-mediated UT-A1 phosphorylation and activity involves two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways: protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac). In this chapter, we will discuss UT-A1 regulation by phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation.

Modeling of flux, binding and substitution of urea molecules in the urea transporter dvUT.

PubMed

Zhang, Hai-Tian; Wang, Zhe; Yu, Tao; Sang, Jian-Ping; Zou, Xian-Wu; Zou, Xiaoqin

2017-09-01

Urea transporters (UTs) are transmembrane proteins that transport urea molecules across cell membranes and play a crucial role in urea excretion and water balance. Modeling the functional characteristics of UTs helps us understand how their structures accomplish the functions at the atomic level, and facilitates future therapeutic design targeting the UTs. This study was based on the crystal structure of Desulfovibrio vulgaris urea transporter (dvUT). To model the binding behavior of urea molecules in dvUT, we constructed a cooperative binding model. To model the substitution of urea by the urea analogue N,N'-dimethylurea (DMU) in dvUT, we calculated the occupation probability of DMU along the urea pore and the ratio of the occupation probabilities of DMU at the external (S ext ) and internal (S int ) binding sites, and we established the mutual substitution rule for binding and substitution of urea and DMU. Based on these calculations and modelings, together with the use of the Monte Carlo (MC) method, we further modeled the urea flux in dvUT, equilibrium urea binding to dvUT, and the substitution of urea by DMU in the dvUT. Our modeling results are in good agreement with the existing experimental functional data. Furthermore, the modelings have discovered the microscopic process and mechanisms of those functional characteristics. The methods and the results would help our future understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the diseases associated with impaired UT functions and rational drug design for the treatment of these diseases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rupture utérine sur utérus bicorne à 12 semaines d'aménorrhée: à propos d'un cas

PubMed Central

Itchimouh, Sanaa; Khabtou, Karima; Mahdaoui, Sakher; Boufettal, Houssine; Samouh, Naima

2016-01-01

La fréquence des malformations utérines ayant un impact sur la reproduction est difficile à apprécier. Leur mise en évidence nécessite un bilan spécifique (hystérosalpingographie, hystéroscopie, cœlioscopie). La fertilité spontanée peut être altérée en fonction du type d'anomalie utérine. Toutes ces anomalies peuvent avoir des répercussions sur l’évolution de la conception à type de fausses couches précoces et tardives, de grossesse extra utérine, de menace d'accouchement prématuré, d'accouchement prématuré, de pathologies vasculaires gravidiques et de retard de croissance intra-utérin. L'utérus bicorne est la plus connue des malformations et représente environ la moitié des anomalies de l'utérus. La survenue d'une telle grossesse constitue une situation à risque pouvant entraîner une mort maternelle, mais le diagnostic précoce et un bon suivi peut mener des grossesses à terme sur des utérus malformé. Le dépistage échographique devrait permettre la détection systématique de ce genre de cas afin de prendre préventivement les mesures qui s'imposent. Nous rapportons un cas de rupture utérine sur utérus bicorne unicervical sur grossesse à 12 semaines d'aménorrhée. PMID:27642490

78 FR 45473 - Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-29

...-0600; Airspace Docket No. 13-ANM-18 Proposed Amendment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT AGENCY... action proposes to amend Class E airspace at St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, UT, by removing... aircraft operations at St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, UT. DATES: Comments must be received on or...

76 FR 2800 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Lucin, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-18

...-2010-1208; Airspace Docket No. 10-ANM-16] Establishment of Class E Airspace; Lucin, UT AGENCY: Federal... E en route domestic airspace for the Lucin VORTAC, Lucin, UT. DATES: Effective 0901 UTC, February 17..., UT, incorrectly referenced the existing Class E en route domestic airspace exclusion above 8,500 feet...

Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in the selective loss of urotensin-II contractile activity in aortae isolated from UT receptor knockout mice

PubMed Central

Behm, David J; Harrison, Stephen M; Ao, Zhaohui; Maniscalco, Kristeen; Pickering, Susan J; Grau, Evelyn V; Woods, Tina N; Coatney, Robert W; Doe, Christopher P A; Willette, Robert N; Johns, Douglas G; Douglas, Stephen A

2003-01-01

Urotensin-II (U-II) is among the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictors identified and may play a role in the aetiology of essential hypertension. Currently, only one mouse U-II receptor (UT) gene has been cloned. It is postulated that this protein is solely responsible for mediating U-II-induced vasoconstriction. This hypothesis has been investigated in the present study, which assessed basal haemodynamics and vascular reactivity to hU-II in wild-type (UT(+/+)) and UT receptor knockout (UT(−/−)) mice. Basal left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes/pressures, stroke volumes, mean arterial blood pressures, heart rates, cardiac outputs and ejection fractions in UT(+/+) mice and in UT(−/−) mice were similar. Relative to UT(+/+) mouse isolated thoracic aorta, where hU-II was a potent spasmogen (pEC50=8.26±0.08) that evoked relatively little vasoconstriction (17±2% 60 mM KCl), vessels isolated from UT(−/−) mice did not respond to hU-II. However, in contrast, the superior mesenteric artery isolated from both the genotypes did not contract in the presence of hU-II. Reactivity to unrelated vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine, endothelin-1, KCl) and endothelium-dependent/independent vasodilator agents (carbachol, sodium nitroprusside) was similar in the aorta and superior mesenteric arteries isolated from both the genotypes. The present study is the first to directly link hU-II-induced vasoconstriction with the UT receptor. Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in loss of hU-II contractile action with no ‘nonspecific' alterations in vascular reactivity. However, as might be predicted based on the limited contractile efficacy recorded in vitro, the contribution that hU-II and its receptor make to basal systemic haemodynamics appears to be negligible in this species. PMID:12770952

The Effects of Pulsed Radiation Therapy on Tumor Oxygenation in 2 Murine Models of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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

Wobb, Jessica; Krueger, Sarah A.; Kane, Jonathan L.

2015-07-15

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of low-dose pulsed radiation therapy (PRT) in 2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts and to investigate the mechanism of action of PRT compared with standard radiation therapy (SRT). Methods and Materials: Subcutaneous radiosensitive UT-SCC-14 and radioresistant UT-SCC-15 xenografts were established in athymic NIH III HO female mice. Tumors were irradiated with 2 Gy/day by continuous standard delivery (SRT: 2 Gy) or discontinuous low-dose pulsed delivery (PRT: 0.2 Gy × 10 with 3-min pulse interval) to total doses of 20 Gy (UT14) or 40 Gy (UT15) using a clinical 5-day on/2-day off schedule. Treatment response was assessed by changes inmore » tumor volume, {sup 18}F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) (tumor metabolism), and {sup 18}F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) (hypoxia) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging before, at midpoint, and after treatment. Tumor hypoxia using pimonidazole staining and vascular density (CD34 staining) were assessed by quantitative histopathology. Results: UT15 and UT14 tumors responded similarly in terms of growth delay to either SRT or PRT. When compared with UT14 tumors, UT15 tumors demonstrated significantly lower uptake of FDG at all time points after irradiation. UT14 tumors demonstrated higher levels of tumor hypoxia after SRT when compared with PRT as measured by {sup 18}F-FMISO PET. By contrast, no differences were seen in {sup 18}F-FMISO PET imaging between SRT and PRT for UT15 tumors. Histologic analysis of pimonidazole staining mimicked the {sup 18}F-FMISO PET imaging data, showing an increase in hypoxia in SRT-treated UT14 tumors but not PRT-treated tumors. Conclusions: Differences in {sup 18}F-FMISO uptake for UT14 tumors after radiation therapy between PRT and SRT were measurable despite the similar tumor growth delay responses. In UT15 tumors, both SRT and PRT were equally effective at reducing tumor hypoxia to a significant level as measured by {sup 18}F-FMISO and pimonidazole.« less

First report of Ecpyrrhoerrhoe puralis (South) (Pyraloidea: Crambidae: Pyraustinae) in North America: a naturalized exotic pyraustine from Asia feeding on Paulownia Siebold & Zucc

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The first record and identification of a very large, yellow pyraustine in the eastern United States, Ecpyrrhoerrhoe puralis, is documented. This exotic moth is reported to feed on Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud., an invasive plant from China. A partial checklist of the species currently in Ecpy...

Assessment of the potentiality of TDZ on multiple shoot induction in Bauhinia tomentosa L., a woody legume.

PubMed

Naz, Ruphi; Anis, M; Aref, I M

2012-12-01

An efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro multiplication of Bauhinia tomentosa L. was developed. Multiple shoots were regenerated from cotyledonary node and stem nodal segments excised from in vitro raised seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 μM) of thidiazuron (TDZ). The maximum response (62.6%) was recorded on MS medium amended with 0.8 μM TDZ. A long exposure to TDZ for 8 weeks showed abnormalities such as fasciation and compact shoots formation. To avoid adverse effects of prolonged exposure to TDZ in long-term establishment, the culture were transferred to TDZ free MS medium for further multiplication and elongation. The highest number of shoots and shoot length were recorded at the end of fourth subculture passage. Ex vitro rooting was achieved when the basal cut end of regenerated shoots were dipped in 200 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) for half an hour followed by their transplantation in plastic pots filled with sterile Soilrite™ where 60% plantlets grew well and all expressed normal development.

Neuroprotection by methanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla against global cerebral ischemia in rats.

PubMed

Suk, Kyoungho; Kim, Sun Yeou; Leem, Kanghyun; Kim, Young Ock; Park, Sun Young; Hur, Jinyoung; Baek, Jihwoon; Lee, Kang Jin; Zheng, Hu Zhan; Kim, Hocheol

2002-04-21

In traditional Oriental medicine, Uncaria rhynchophylla has been used to lower blood pressure and to relieve various neurological symptoms. However, scientific evidence related to its effectiveness or precise modes of action has not been available. Thus, in the current study, we evaluated neuroprotective effects of U. rhynchophylla after transient global ischemia using 4-vessel occlusion model in rats. Methanol extract of U. rhynchophylla administered intraperitoneally (100-1000 mg/kg at 0 and 90 min after reperfusion) significantly protected hippocampal CA1 neurons against 10 min transient forebrain ischemia. Measurement of neuronal cell density in CA1 region at 7 days after ischemia by Nissl staining revealed more than 70% protection in U. rhynchophylla-treated rats compared to saline-treated animals. In U. rhynchophylla-treated animals, induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in hippocampus at 24 hr after ischemia was significantly inhibited at both mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, U. rhynchophylla extract inhibited TNF-alpha and nitric oxide production in BV-2 mouse microglial cells in vitro. These anti-inflammatory actions of U. rhynchophylla extract may contribute to its neuroprotective effects.

Uncaria rhynchophylla inhibits the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-1β through blocking nuclear factor κB, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Ji-Hee; Bae, Chang Hwan; Park, Sun Young; Lee, Sang Joon; Kim, YoungHee

2010-10-01

The stems with hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla have been used in traditional medicine as an antipyretic, antihypertensive, and anticonvulsant in China and Korea. In this study, we investigated the mechanism responsible for anti-inflammatory effects of U. rhynchophylla in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The aqueous extract of U. rhynchophylla inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin (IL)-1β secretion as well as inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, without affecting cell viability. Furthermore, U. rhynchophylla suppressed LPS-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, phosphorylation, and degradation of inhibitory protein IκB (IκB)-α, phosphorylation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These results suggest that U. rhynchophylla has the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO and IL-1β production in macrophages through blockade in the phosphorylation of Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases, following IκB-α degradation and NF-κB activation.

Identification and Quantification of Alkaloid in KHR98 and Fragmentation Pathways in HPLC-Q-TOF-MS.

PubMed

Long, Jiakun; Wang, Yang; Xu, Chen; Liu, Tingting; Duan, Gengli; Yu, Yingjia

2018-05-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is woody climber plant distributed mainly in China and Japan, the stems and hooks of which can be collected as "Gou-Teng" for the treatment of hyperpyrexia, epilepsy and preeclampsia. Fudan University first manufactured KHR98, the extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla. In order to study the active components and structural information of KHR98, we established a HPLC coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF)-MS method for rapid analysis of alkaloids. In qualitative analysis, a total of eight compounds, including four known alkaloids and four unknown components, were detected and identified. The fragmentation behaviors, such as the fragment ion information and the fragmentation pathways of the eight components were summarized simultaneously, and the concentration of the above components was determined by HPLC-MS method. The quantitative method was proved to be reproducible, precise and accurate. This study shed light on the standardization and quality control of the KHR98 and provided a foundation for the further research on pharmacology, follow-up clinical research and New Drug Applications.

New triterpenic acids from Uncaria rhynchophylla: chemistry, NO-inhibitory activity, and tandem mass spectrometric analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi-bei; Yang, Wen-zhi; Yao, Chang-liang; Feng, Rui-hong; Yang, Min; Guo, De-an; Wu, Wan-ying

2014-07-01

Five new oleanane and ursane type triterpenes, namely uncarinic acids F-J (1-5), together with six known triterpenic acids (6-11) were isolated from the stems and hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Structure elucidation of 1-5 was based on the integrated analyses of high-resolution MS data, 1D ((1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, DEPT) and 2D (HSQC, HMBC, ROESY) NMR spectra. Compounds 4, 10, and 11 exhibited weak inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells (with IC50 1.48, 7.01, and 1.89 μM, respectively) with dexamethasone (IC50 0.04 μM) and quercetin (IC50 0.86 μM) as the positive controls. 19-OH substituted oleanane triterpenic acids (1, 2, 5, 8) were prone to eliminate CH2O3, whereas those ursane-type encompassing 19-OH (3, 6, 7, 9, 4) were featured by preferred cleavage of H2O while performing the negative collision-induced MS/MS fragmentation on an LTQ/Orbitrap mass spectrometer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Uncaria rhynchophylla and rhynchophylline improved kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures via IL-1β and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

PubMed

Ho, Tin-Yun; Tang, Nou-Ying; Hsiang, Chien-Yun; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2014-05-15

Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) has been used for the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy in traditional Chinese medicine. This study reported the major anti-convulsive signaling pathways and effective targets of UR and rhynchophylline (RP) using genomic and immunohistochemical studies. Epileptic seizure model was established by intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA) in rats. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings indicated that UR and RP improved KA-induced epileptic seizures. Toll-like receptor (TLR) and neurotrophin signaling pathways were regulated by UR in both cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. KA upregulated the expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophin factor (BDNF), which were involved in TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, respectively. However, UR and RP downregulated the KA-induced IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Our findings suggested that UR and RP exhibited anti-convulsive effects in KA-induced rats via the regulation of TLR and neurotrophin signaling pathways, and the subsequent inhibition of IL-1β and BDNF gene expressions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Evaluating Corrosion in SAVY Containers using Non-Destructive Techniques

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

Davenport, Matthew Nicholas; Vaidya, Rajendra U.; Abeyta, Adrian Anthony

Powerpoint presentation on Ultrasonic and Eddy Current NDT; UT Theory; Eddy current (ECA): How it works; Controlled Corrosion at NM Tech; Results – HCl Corrosion; Waveform Data for 10M HCl; Accuracy Statistics; Results – FeCl 3 Pitting; Waveforms for Anhydrous FeCl 3; Analyzing Corroded Stainless Steel 316L Plates; 316L Plate to Imitate Pitting; ECA Pit Depth Calibration Curve; C Scan Imaging; UT Pit Detection; SST Containers: Ultrasonic (UT) vs. CMM; UT Data Analysis; UT Conclusions and Observations; ECA Conclusions; Automated System Vision.

Diuresis and reduced urinary osmolality in rats produced by small-molecule UT-A-selective urea transport inhibitors.

PubMed

Esteva-Font, Cristina; Cil, Onur; Phuan, Puay-Wah; Su, Tao; Lee, Sujin; Anderson, Marc O; Verkman, A S

2014-09-01

Urea transport (UT) proteins of the UT-A class are expressed in epithelial cells in kidney tubules, where they are required for the formation of a concentrated urine by countercurrent multiplication. Here, using a recently developed high-throughput assay to identify UT-A inhibitors, a screen of 50,000 synthetic small molecules identified UT-A inhibitors of aryl-thiazole, γ-sultambenzosulfonamide, aminocarbonitrile butene, and 4-isoxazolamide chemical classes. Structure-activity analysis identified compounds that inhibited UT-A selectively by a noncompetitive mechanism with IC50 down to ∼1 μM. Molecular modeling identified putative inhibitor binding sites on rat UT-A. To test compound efficacy in rats, formulations and administration procedures were established to give therapeutic inhibitor concentrations in blood and urine. We found that intravenous administration of an indole thiazole or a γ-sultambenzosulfonamide at 20 mg/kg increased urine output by 3-5-fold and reduced urine osmolality by ∼2-fold compared to vehicle control rats, even under conditions of maximum antidiuresis produced by 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). The diuresis was reversible and showed urea > salt excretion. The results provide proof of concept for the diuretic action of UT-A-selective inhibitors. UT-A inhibitors are first in their class salt-sparing diuretics with potential clinical indications in volume-overload edemas and high-vasopressin-associated hyponatremias. © FASEB.

Movie Smoking, Movie Horror, and Urge to Smoke

PubMed Central

SARGENT, James D.; MARUSKA, Karin; MORGENSTERN, Matthis; ISENSEE, Barbara; HANEWINKEL, Reiner

2010-01-01

It is known that exposure to smoking cues increases urge to smoke (UTS), but little is known about other media factors that might also increase UTS. We hypothesized that horror/thriller movies might also increase UTS by increasing negative affect. We surveyed 536 movie patrons who were smokers aged 18 years or older. Subjects had exited 26 movies, of which 12 contained smoking and two were horror films, one with and one without smoking. We used random effects regression to assess the association between exposure to movie smoking, movie horror, both and UTS, controlling for confounding factors. Median age was 26 years and 52% were female. Mean UTS was 5.9, 6.6, 6.6, and 8.7 for smokers exiting movies without smoking, with smoking, horror without smoking and horror with smoking respectively. Smoking in movies was associated with a significantly higher UTS (0.63 [95% CI 0.31–0.94]). Horror with smoking increased UTS by 2.8 points (95% C.I. 2.3, 3.5); the horror without smoking estimate was 0.88, but not statistically significant. This short report offers preliminary evidence that movie horror as one factor besides visual smoking cues that could increase UTS in a community setting. PMID:20301876

Movie smoking, movie horror, and urge to smoke.

PubMed

Sargent, James D; Maruska, Karin; Morgenstern, Matthis; Isensee, Barbara; Hanewinkel, Reiner

2009-01-01

It is known that exposure to smoking cues increases urge to smoke (UTS), but little is known about other media factors that might also increase UTS. We hypothesized that horror/ thriller movies might also increase UTS by increasing negative affect. We surveyed 536 movie patrons who were smokers aged 18 years or older. Subjects had exited 26 movies, of which 12 contained smoking and two were horrorfilms, one with and one without smoking. We used random effects regression to assess the association between exposure to movie smoking, movie horror, both and UTS, controlling for confounding factors. Median age was 26 years and 52% were female. Mean UTS was 5.9, 6.6, 6.6, and 8.7 for smokers exiting movies without smoking, with smoking, horror without smoking and horror with smoking respectively. Smoking in movies was associated with a significantly higher UTS (0.63 [95% CI 0.31-0.94]). Horror with smoking increased UTS by 2.8 points (95% C.I. 2.3, 3.5); the horror without smoking estimate was 0.88, but not statistically significant. This short report offers preliminary evidence that movie horror as one factor besides visual smoking cues that could increase UTS in a community setting.

Role of Uremic Toxins for Kidney, Cardiovascular, and Bone Dysfunction.

PubMed

Fujii, Hideki; Goto, Shunsuke; Fukagawa, Masafumi

2018-05-16

With decreasing kidney function, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mineral bone disorders frequently emerge in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). For these patients, in addition to the traditional risk factors, non-traditional CKD-specific risk factors are also associated with such diseases and conditions. One of these non-traditional risk factors is the accumulation of uremic toxins (UTs). In addition, the accumulation of UTs further deteriorates kidney function. Recently, a huge number of UTs have been identified. Although many experimental and clinical studies have reported associations between UTs and the progression of CKD, CVD, and bone disease, these relationships are very complex and have not been fully elucidated. Among the UTs, indoxyl sulfate, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and p -cresylsulfate have been of particular focus, up until now. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiological influences of these UTs on the kidney, cardiovascular system, and bone, and discuss the clinical data regarding the harmful effects of these UTs on diseases and conditions.

Alternative channels for urea in the inner medulla of the rat kidney.

PubMed

Nawata, C Michele; Dantzler, William H; Pannabecker, Thomas L

2015-12-01

The ascending thin limbs (ATLs) and lower descending thin limbs (DTLs) of Henle's loop in the inner medulla of the rat are highly permeable to urea, and yet no urea transporters have been identified in these sections. We hypothesized that novel, yet-unidentified transporters in these tubule segments could explain the high urea permeability. cDNAs encoding for Na(+)-glucose transporter 1a (SGLT1a), Na(+)-glucose transporter 1 (NaGLT1), urea transporter (UT)-A2c, and UT-A2d were isolated and cloned from the Munich-Wistar rat inner medulla. SGLT1a is a novel NH2-terminal truncated variant of SGLT1. NaGLT1 is a Na(+)-dependent glucose transporter primarily located in the proximal tubules and not previously described in the thin limbs. UT-A2c and UT-A2d are novel variants of UT-A2. UT-A2c is truncated at the COOH terminus, and UT-A2d has one exon skipped. When rats underwent water restriction for 72 h, mRNA levels of SGLT1a increased in ATLs, NaGLT1 levels increased in both ATLs and DTLs, and UT-A2c increased in ATLs. [(14)C]urea uptake assays performed on Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing these proteins revealed that despite having structural differences from their full-length versions, SGLT1a, UT-A2c, and UT-A2d enhanced urea uptake. NaGLT1 also facilitated urea uptake. Uptakes were Na(+) independent and inhibitable by phloretin and/or phloridzin. Our data indicate that there are several alternative channels for urea in the rat inner medulla that could potentially contribute to the high urea permeabilities in thin limb segments. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Attenuates FFA Induced Ceramide Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in an Adiponectin Dependent Manner.

PubMed

Obanda, Diana N; Zhao, Peng; Richard, Allison J; Ribnicky, David; Cefalu, William T; Stephens, Jacqueline M

2016-01-01

Excess dietary lipids result in the accumulation of lipid metabolites including ceramides that can attenuate insulin signaling. There is evidence that a botanical extract of Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) improves insulin action, yet the precise mechanism(s) are not known. Hence, we examined the effects of Urtica dioica L. (UT) on adipocytes. We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of UT on free fatty acid (palmitic acid) induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation and modulation of ceramidase expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipocytes were exposed to excess FFAs in the presence or absence of UT. Effects on adiponectin expression, ceramidase expression, ceramidase activity, ceramide accumulation and insulin signaling were determined. As expected, FFAs reduced adiponectin expression and increased the expression of ceramidase enzymes but not their activity. FFA also induced the accumulation of ceramides and reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in adipocytes. The effects of FFA were partially reversed by UT. UT enhanced adiponectin expression and ceramidase activity in the presence of excess FFAs. UT abated ceramide accumulation and increased insulin sensitivity via enhanced Akt phosphorylation. A siRNA knockdown of adiponectin expression prevented UT from exerting positive effects on ceramidase activity but not Akt phosphorylation. In adipocytes, the ability of UT to antagonize the negative effects of FFA by modulating ceramidase activity and ceramide accumulation is dependent on the presence of adiponectin. However, the ability of UT to enhance Akt phosphorylation is independent of adiponectin expression. These studies demonstrate direct effects of UT on adipocytes and suggest this botanical extract is metabolically beneficial.

Salt-sparing diuretic action of a water-soluble urea analog inhibitor of urea transporters UT-A and UT-B in rats

PubMed Central

Cil, Onur; Esteva-Font, Cristina; Tas, Sadik Taskin; Su, Tao; Lee, Sujin; Anderson, Marc O.; Ertunc, Mert; Verkman, A. S.

2015-01-01

Inhibitors of kidney urea transporter (UT) proteins have potential use as salt-sparing diuretics (‘urearetics’) with a different mechanism of action than diuretics that target salt transporters. To study UT inhibition in rats, we screened about 10,000 drugs, natural products and urea analogs for inhibition of rat UT-A1. Drug and natural product screening found nicotine, sanguinarine and an indolcarbonylchromenone with IC50 of 10–20 μM. Urea analog screening found methylacetamide and dimethylthiourea (DMTU). DMTU fully and reversibly inhibited rat UT-A1 and UT-B by a noncompetitive mechanism with IC50 of 2–3 mM. Homology modeling and docking computations suggested DMTU binding sites on rat UT-A1. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg DMTU, peak plasma concentration was 9 mM with t1/2 of about 10 hours, and a urine concentration of 20–40 mM. Rats chronically treated with DMTU had a sustained, reversible reduction in urine osmolality from 1800 to 600 mOsm, a 3-fold increase in urine output, and mild hypokalemia. DMTU did not impair urinary concentrating function in rats on a low protein diet. Compared to furosemide-treated rats, the DMTU-treated rats had greater diuresis and reduced urinary salt loss. In a model of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone secretion, DMTU treatment prevented hyponatremia and water retention produced by water-loading in dDAVP-treated rats. Thus, our results establish a rat model of UT inhibition and demonstrate the diuretic efficacy of UT inhibition. PMID:25993324

Alternative channels for urea in the inner medulla of the rat kidney

PubMed Central

Dantzler, William H.; Pannabecker, Thomas L.

2015-01-01

The ascending thin limbs (ATLs) and lower descending thin limbs (DTLs) of Henle's loop in the inner medulla of the rat are highly permeable to urea, and yet no urea transporters have been identified in these sections. We hypothesized that novel, yet-unidentified transporters in these tubule segments could explain the high urea permeability. cDNAs encoding for Na+-glucose transporter 1a (SGLT1a), Na+-glucose transporter 1 (NaGLT1), urea transporter (UT)-A2c, and UT-A2d were isolated and cloned from the Munich-Wistar rat inner medulla. SGLT1a is a novel NH2-terminal truncated variant of SGLT1. NaGLT1 is a Na+-dependent glucose transporter primarily located in the proximal tubules and not previously described in the thin limbs. UT-A2c and UT-A2d are novel variants of UT-A2. UT-A2c is truncated at the COOH terminus, and UT-A2d has one exon skipped. When rats underwent water restriction for 72 h, mRNA levels of SGLT1a increased in ATLs, NaGLT1 levels increased in both ATLs and DTLs, and UT-A2c increased in ATLs. [14C]urea uptake assays performed on Xenopus oocytes heterologously expressing these proteins revealed that despite having structural differences from their full-length versions, SGLT1a, UT-A2c, and UT-A2d enhanced urea uptake. NaGLT1 also facilitated urea uptake. Uptakes were Na+ independent and inhibitable by phloretin and/or phloridzin. Our data indicate that there are several alternative channels for urea in the rat inner medulla that could potentially contribute to the high urea permeabilities in thin limb segments. PMID:26423860

Salt-sparing diuretic action of a water-soluble urea analog inhibitor of urea transporters UT-A and UT-B in rats.

PubMed

Cil, Onur; Esteva-Font, Cristina; Tas, Sadik Taskin; Su, Tao; Lee, Sujin; Anderson, Marc O; Ertunc, Mert; Verkman, Alan S

2015-08-01

Inhibitors of kidney urea transporter (UT) proteins have potential use as salt-sparing diuretics ('urearetics') with a different mechanism of action than diuretics that target salt transporters. To study UT inhibition in rats, we screened about 10,000 drugs, natural products and urea analogs for inhibition of rat UT-A1. Drug and natural product screening found nicotine, sanguinarine and an indolcarbonylchromenone with IC50 of 10-20 μM. Urea analog screening found methylacetamide and dimethylthiourea (DMTU). DMTU fully and reversibly inhibited rat UT-A1 and UT-B by a noncompetitive mechanism with IC50 of 2-3 mM. Homology modeling and docking computations suggested DMTU binding sites on rat UT-A1. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg DMTU, peak plasma concentration was 9 mM with t1/2 of about 10 h, and a urine concentration of 20-40 mM. Rats chronically treated with DMTU had a sustained, reversible reduction in urine osmolality from 1800 to 600 mOsm, a 3-fold increase in urine output, and mild hypokalemia. DMTU did not impair urinary concentrating function in rats on a low protein diet. Compared to furosemide-treated rats, the DMTU-treated rats had greater diuresis and reduced urinary salt loss. In a model of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, DMTU treatment prevented hyponatremia and water retention produced by water-loading in dDAVP-treated rats. Thus, our results establish a rat model of UT inhibition and demonstrate the diuretic efficacy of UT inhibition.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Attenuates FFA Induced Ceramide Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes in an Adiponectin Dependent Manner

PubMed Central

Obanda, Diana N.; Zhao, Peng; Richard, Allison J.; Ribnicky, David; Cefalu, William T.; Stephens, Jacqueline M.

2016-01-01

Objective Excess dietary lipids result in the accumulation of lipid metabolites including ceramides that can attenuate insulin signaling. There is evidence that a botanical extract of Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) improves insulin action, yet the precise mechanism(s) are not known. Hence, we examined the effects of Urtica dioica L. (UT) on adipocytes. Research Design We investigated the effects of an ethanolic extract of UT on free fatty acid (palmitic acid) induced inhibition of insulin-stimulated Akt serine phosphorylation and modulation of ceramidase expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipocytes were exposed to excess FFAs in the presence or absence of UT. Effects on adiponectin expression, ceramidase expression, ceramidase activity, ceramide accumulation and insulin signaling were determined. Results As expected, FFAs reduced adiponectin expression and increased the expression of ceramidase enzymes but not their activity. FFA also induced the accumulation of ceramides and reduced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt in adipocytes. The effects of FFA were partially reversed by UT. UT enhanced adiponectin expression and ceramidase activity in the presence of excess FFAs. UT abated ceramide accumulation and increased insulin sensitivity via enhanced Akt phosphorylation. A siRNA knockdown of adiponectin expression prevented UT from exerting positive effects on ceramidase activity but not Akt phosphorylation. Conclusions In adipocytes, the ability of UT to antagonize the negative effects of FFA by modulating ceramidase activity and ceramide accumulation is dependent on the presence of adiponectin. However, the ability of UT to enhance Akt phosphorylation is independent of adiponectin expression. These studies demonstrate direct effects of UT on adipocytes and suggest this botanical extract is metabolically beneficial. PMID:26939068

Testing the stress-gradient hypothesis during the restoration of tropical degraded land using the shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa as a nurse plant

Treesearch

Nan Liu; Hai Ren; Sufen Yuan; Qinfeng Guo; Long Yang

2013-01-01

The relative importance of facilitation and competition between pairwise plants across abiotic stress gradients as predicted by the stress-gradient hypothesis has been confirmed in arid and temperate ecosystems, but the hypothesis has rarely been tested in tropical systems, particularly across nutrient gradients. The current research examines the interactions between a...

Upregulation of erythropoietin receptor in UT-7/EPO cells inhibits simulated microgravity-induced cell apoptosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Li-xue; Cui, Shao-yan; Zhong, Jian; Yi, Zong-chun; Sun, Yan; Fan, Yu-bo; Zhuang, Feng-yuan

2011-07-01

Hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation can be altered in either spaceflight or under simulated microgravity experiments on the ground, however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Our previous study showed that exposure of the human erythropoietin (EPO)-dependent leukemia cell line UT-7/EPO to conditions of simulated microgravity significantly inhibited the cellular proliferation rate and induced cell apoptosis. We postulated that the downregulation of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) expression in UT-7/EPO cells under simulated microgravity may be a possible reason for microgravity triggered apoptosis. In this paper, a human EPOR gene was transferred into UT-7/EPO cells and the resulting expression of EPOR on the surface of UT-7/EPO cells increased approximately 61% ( p < 0.05) as selected by the antibiotic G418. It was also shown through cytometry assays and morphological observations that microgravity-induced apoptosis markedly decreased in these UT-7/EPO-EPOR cells. Thus, we concluded that upregulation of EPOR in UT-7/EPO cells could inhibit the simulated microgravity-induced cell apoptosis in this EPO dependent cell line.

The Astronomical Almanac Online - Glossary

Science.gov Websites

Astronomical Almanac. Δ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm T}}$: the difference between Terrestrial Time (TT) and Universal Time (UT): $\\Delta {\\rm T} = {\\rm TT} - {\\rm UT}1 $. $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm UT1}}$ (or $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm UT}}$): the value of the difference between

Impact of aerobic and anaerobic exercise training on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in athletes.

PubMed

Park, Song-Young; Kwak, Yi-Sub

2016-04-01

Exercise mediates an excessive free radical production leading to oxidative stress (OS). The body has natural antioxidant systems that help decrease OS, and these systems may be enhanced with exercise training. However, only a few studies have investigated the differences in resting OS and antioxidant capacity (AOC) between aerobically trained athletes (ET), anaerobically trained athletes (RT), and untrained individuals (UT). Therefore, this study sought to investigate the resting and postexercise OS and AOC in ET, RT, and UT. Sixty healthy young males (26.6±0.8 yr) participated in this study. Subjects were divided into three groups, ET, RT, and UT by distinct training background. Resting plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PC) were not significantly different in ET, RT, and UT. However, MDA and PC were significantly increased following a graded exercise test (GXT) in UT but not in ET and RT. Resting total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and TAC were not different in ET, RT, and UT. Interestingly, TAC levels significantly decreased after the GXT in all groups. Additionally, UT showed lower post-exercise TAC levels compared to ET and RT. These results showed that ET, RT, and UT have similar OS and AOC at rest. However, both ET and RT have greater AOC against exercise mediated OS compared to UT. These findings may explain, at least in part, why both aerobic and anaerobic types of exercise training improve redox balance. However, it appears there is no specific exercise type effect in terms of redox balance.

Data and Tools | Research Site Name | NREL

Science.gov Websites

aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Research Topic 1 Lorem Ipsum Tool 1 Lorem Ipsum Facility

78 FR 49116 - Modification of Class E Airspace; Brigham City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-13

...; telephone (425) 203-4537. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: History On June 5, 2013, the FAA published in the... extending upward from 700 feet or more above the surface of the earth. * * * * * ANM UT E5 Brigham City, UT...

Identification of Active Compounds in the Root of Merung (Coptosapelta tomentosa Valeton K. Heyne)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitriyana

2018-04-01

The roots of Merung (Coptosapelta tomentosa Valeton K. Heyne) are a group of shrubs usually found on the margins of secondary dryland forest. Empirically, local people have been using the roots of Merung for medical treatment. However, some researches show that the plant extract is used as a poisonous material applied on the tip of the arrow (dart). Based on the online literature study, there are less than 5 articles that provide information about the active compound of this root extract. This study aimed to give additional information more deeply about the content of active compound of Merung root extract in three fractions, n-hexane (nonpolar), ethyl acetate (semi polar) and methanol (polar). The extract was then analysed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS analysis of root extract in n-hexane showed there were 56 compounds, with the main compound being decanoic acid, methyl ester (peak 5, 10.13%), 11-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (peak 15, 10.43%) and 1H-Pyrazole, 3- (4-chlorophenyl) -4, 5-dihydro-1-phenyl (peak 43, 11.25%). Extracts in ethyl acetate fraction obtained 81 compounds. The largest component is Benzoic acid (peak 19, 22.40%), whereas in methanol there are 38 compounds, of which the main component is 2-Furancarboxaldehyde, 5-(hydroxyl methyl) (peak 29, 30.46%).

Cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract from Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. stem bark in a rat model of scopolamine.

PubMed

Ionita, Radu; Postu, Paula Alexandra; Beppe, Galba Jean; Mihasan, Marius; Petre, Brindusa Alina; Hancianu, Monica; Cioanca, Oana; Hritcu, Lucian

2017-03-28

Plants of the genus Markhamia have been traditionally used by different tribes in various parts of West African countries, including Cameroun. Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. (Bignoniaceae) is used as an antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer agent. The current study was undertaken in order to investigate its anti-amnesic and antioxidant potential on scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment and to determine its possible mechanism of action. Rats were pretreated with the aqueous extract (50 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.), for 10 days, and received a single injection of scopolamine (0.7 mg/kg, i.p.) before training in Y-maze and radial arm-maze tests. The biochemical parameters in the rat hippocampus were also assessed to explore oxidative status. Statistical analyses were performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. F values for which p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. In the scopolamine-treated rats, the aqueous extract improved memory in behavioral tests and decreased the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus. Also, the aqueous extract exhibited anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. These results suggest that the aqueous extract ameliorates scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairment by attenuation of the oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus.

[Research on the application of grey system theory in the pattern recognition for chromatographic fingerprints of traditional Chinese medicine].

PubMed

Wei, Hang; Lin, Li; Zhang, Yuan; Wang, Lianjing; Chen, Qinqun

2013-02-01

A model based on grey system theory was proposed for pattern recognition in chromatographic fingerprints (CF) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The grey relational grade among the data series of each testing CF and the ideal CF was obtained by entropy and norm respectively, then the principle of "maximal matching degree" was introduced to make judgments, so as to achieve the purpose of variety identification and quality evaluation. A satisfactory result in the high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of 56 batches of different varieties of Exocarpium Citrus Grandis was achieved with this model. The errors in the chromatographic fingerprint analysis caused by traditional similarity method or grey correlation method were overcome, as the samples of Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa' and Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck were correctly distinguished in the experiment. Furthermore in the study on the variety identification of Citrus grandis 'Tomentosa', the recognition rates were up to 92.85%, although the types and the contents of the chemical compositions of the samples were very close. At the same time, the model had the merits of low computation complexity and easy operation by computer programming. The research indicated that the grey system theory has good applicability to pattern recognition in the chromatographic fingerprints of TCM.

Using ITS2 PCR-RFLP to generate molecular markers for authentication of Sophora flavescens Ait.

PubMed

Lin, Tzu Che; Yeh, Mau Shing; Cheng, Ya Ming; Lin, Li Chang; Sung, Jih Min

2012-03-15

Dried root of Sophora flavescens Ait. is a medicinal material occasionally misused or adulterated by other species similar in appearance. In this study the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of DNA samples of S. flavescens Ait. collected from different areas of Taiwan were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared. The effectiveness of using ITS2 PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-generated markers to differentiate S. flavescens Ait. from possible adulterants was also evaluated. The S. flavescens Ait. samples collected from different areas were extremely low in ITS sequence variability at species level. ITS2 PCR-RFLP coupled with restriction enzymes Sac I, Sac II, Xho I or Pvu I produced specific fragments for all tested variants. ITS2 PCR-RFLP coupled with Sac II was further performed to identify mixtures of DNA extracts of S. flavescens Ait. and Sophora tomentosa L. in various ratios. The developed ITS2 PCR-RFLP markers could detect mixed DNA samples of S. flavescens Ait./S. tomentosa L. up to a ratio of 10:1. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of ITS2 PCR-RFLP coupled with pre-selected restriction enzymes for practical and accurate authentication of S. flavescens Ait. The technique is also suitable for analysing S. flavescens Ait. mixed with other adulterants.

Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats

PubMed Central

Tang, Nou-Ying; Ho, Tin-Yun; Chen, Chao-Hsiang

2017-01-01

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons. PMID:28386293

Oral administration of Uncariae rhynchophylla inhibits the development of DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions via IFN-gamma down-regulation in NC/Nga mice.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Young; Jung, Jung-A; Kim, Tae-Ho; Seo, Sang-Wan; Jung, Sung-Ki; Park, Cheung-Seog

2009-04-21

Uncariae rhynchophylla (UR) is an herb which has blood pressure lowering and anti-inflammatory effects and has been prescribed traditionally to treat stroke and vascular dementia. In the present study, we examined whether UR suppress Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice treated with 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) under SPF conditions. The effect of UR in DNFB- treated NC/Nga mice was determined by measuring the skin symptom severity, levels of serum IgE, and of the amounts of IL-4 and IFN-gamma secreted by activated T cells in draining lymph nodes. Oral administration of UR to DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was found to inhibit ear thickness increases and the skin lesions induced by DNFB. IFN-gamma production by CD4+ T cells from the lymph nodes of DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice was significantly inhibited by UR treatment, although levels of IL-4 and total IgE in serum were not. UR may suppress the development of AD-like dermatitis in DNFB-treated NC/Nga mice by reducing IFN-gamma production.

Long-Term Intake of Uncaria rhynchophylla Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats.

PubMed

Tang, Nou-Ying; Lin, Yi-Wen; Ho, Tin-Yun; Cheng, Chin-Yi; Chen, Chao-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2017-01-01

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects. We established a rat epilepsy model by injecting kainic acid (KA, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently investigated the effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and its underlying mechanisms. Electroencephalogram and epileptic behaviors revealed that the KA injection induced epileptic seizures. Following KA injection, S100B levels increased in the hippocampus. This phenomenon was attenuated by the oral administration of UR and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg). Both drugs significantly reversed receptor potentiation for advanced glycation end product proteins. Rats with KA-induced epilepsy exhibited no increase in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 3, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and chemokine receptor type 2, which play a role in inflammation. Our results provide novel and detailed mechanisms, explaining the role of UR in KA-induced epileptic seizures in hippocampal CA1 neurons.

[Vasodilative effects of indole alkaloids obtained from domestic plants, Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. and Amsonia elliptica Roem. et Schult].

PubMed

Ozaki, Y

1990-02-01

Vasodilative effects of hirsutine (HS) and hirsuteine (HST) which were isolated from the domestic plant Uncaria rhynchophylla Miq. and beta-yohimbine (beta-Y) which was isolated from the domestic plant Amsonia elliptica Roem. et Schult. were carried out. In the hind-limb artery of anesthetized dogs, intra-arterial administration of HS, HST and beta-Y caused a vasodilatation. The vasodilative potency of HS was somewhat stronger than that of HST, and the potency of both alkaloids was approximately equal to that of papaverine. The vasodilative effect of beta-Y was similar to that of yohimbine, which is considered to be derived from its alpha-adrenoceptor blocking effect, and the potency of both alkaloids was approximately the same, while the effect of beta-Y was stronger than that of papaverine. In the coronary artery, HS showed a vasodilatation and its potency was weaker than that of papaverine. Also, HS showed the same effect in the cerebral artery, and the potency of HS was approximately the same as that of papaverine. These results suggest that the mode of the vasodilative effect induced by HS may partly differ from that of papaverine.

Oral Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) reduces kainic acid-induced epileptic seizures and neuronal death accompanied by attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B proteins in rats.

PubMed

Lin, Yi-Wen; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2011-05-17

Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Here we aim to determine the protective role of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR), an herbal drug belong to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), on epileptic rats. To address this issue, we tested the effect of UR on kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizures and further investigate the underlying mechanisms. Oral UR successfully decreased neuronal death and discharges in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The population spikes (PSs) were decreased from 4.1 ± 0.4 mV to 2.1 ± 0.3 mV in KA-induced epileptic seizures and UR-treated groups, respectively. Oral UR protected animals from neuronal death induced by KA treatment (from 34 ± 4.6 to 191.7 ± 48.6 neurons/field) through attenuating glial cell proliferation and S100B protein expression but not GABAA and TRPV1 receptors. The above results provide detail mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective action of UR on KA-induced epileptic seizure in hippocampal CA1 neurons. Crown Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regions of conservation and divergence in the 3' untranslated sequences of genomic RNA from Ross River virus isolates.

PubMed

Faragher, S G; Dalgarno, L

1986-07-20

The 3' untranslated (UT) sequences of the genomic RNAs of five geographic variants of the alphavirus Ross River virus (RRV) were determined and compared with the 3' UT sequence of RRV T48, the prototype strain. Part of the 3' UT region of Getah virus, a close serological relative of RRV, was also sequenced. The RRV 3' UT region varies markedly in length between variants. Large deletions or insertions, sequence rearrangements and single nucleotide substitutions are observed. A sequence tract of 49 to 58 nucleotides, which is repeated as four blocks in the RRV T48 3' UT region, occurs only once in the 3' UT region of one RRV strain (NB5092), indicating that the existence of repeat sequence blocks is not essential for RRV replication. However, the precise sequence of the 3' proximal copy of the repeat block and its position relative to the poly(A) tail were identical in all RRV isolates examined, suggesting that it has an important role in RRV replication. Nucleotide substitutions between RRV variants are distributed non-randomly along the length of the 3' UT region. The sequence of 120 to 130 nucleotides adjacent to the poly(A) tail is strongly conserved. Getah virus RNA contains three repeat sequence blocks in the 3' UT region. These are similar in sequence to those in RRV RNA but differ in their arrangement. Homology between the RRV and Getah 3' UT sequences is greatest in the 3' proximal repeat sequence block that shows three differences in 49 nucleotides. The 3' proximal repeat in Getah RNA occurs at the same position, relative to the poly(A) tail, as in all RRV variants. The RRV and Getah virus 3' UT sequences show extensive homology in the region between the 3' proximal repeat and the poly(A) tail but, apart from the repeat blocks themselves, they show no significant homology elsewhere.

Evidence that one is more likely to see the aurora near Moscow than near Ann Arbor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liemohn, Michael; Immel, Thomas; Katus, Roxanne

We present a superposed epoch analysis of solar wind drivers and geomagnetic index responses during magnetic storms, categorized as a function of universal time (UT) of the storm peak, to investigate the dependency of storm intensity on UT. Storms with Dst minimum less than - 100 nT were identified in the 1970 - 2012 era (totaling 310 events), covering four solar cycles. The storms were classified into 6 groups based on the UT of the minimum Dst (36 to 82 events per bin), then each grouping was superposed on a timeline that aligns the time of the minimum Dst. Fifteen different quantities were considered, seven solar wind parameters and eight activity indices derived from ground-based magnetometers. Statistical analyses of the superposed means against each other (between the different UT groupings) were conducted to determine the mathematical significance of similarities and differences in the time series plots. It was found that most of the solar wind parameters have essentially no significant difference between the UT groupings, as expected. The exception is solar wind velocity, which appears to be bifurcated into two levels with three of the UT groupings systematically faster than the other three (although, interestingly, not three consecutive UT bins). The geomagnetic activity indices, however, all show statistically significant differences with UT during the main phase and/or early recovery phase. Specifically, the 16, 20, and 00 UT groupings are stronger storms than those in the other UT bins. That is, storms are stronger when the Asian sector is on the nightside (American sector on the dayside) during the main phase. An inference from these findings, therefore, is that one is more likely to see the aurora near Moscow in Russia than near Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States, even though these two cities have very similar magnetic latitudes (52 degrees).

Applying Public Health Screening Criteria: How Does Universal Newborn Screening Compare to Universal Tumor Screening for Lynch Syndrome in Adults with Colorectal Cancer?

PubMed Central

Cragun, Deborah; DeBate, Rita D.; Pal, Tuya

2014-01-01

Institutions have increasingly begun to adopt universal tumor screening (UTS) programs whereby tumors from all newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are screened to identify who should be offered germline testing for Lynch syndrome (the most common cause of hereditary CRC). Given limited information about the impact of universal screening programs to detect hereditary disease in adults, we apply criteria used to evaluate public health screening programs and compares and contrasts UTS with universal newborn screening (NBS) for the purpose of examining ethical implications and anticipating potential outcomes of UTS. Both UTS and a core set of NBS conditions clearly meet most of the Wilson and Jungner screening criteria. However, many state NBS panels include additional conditions that do not meet several of these criteria, and there is currently insufficient data to confirm that UTS meets some of these criteria. Comparing UTS and NBS with regard to newer screening criteria raises additional issues that require attention for both UTS and NBS. Comparisons also highlight the importance of evaluating the implementation of genomic tests to ensure or improve their effectiveness at reducing morbidity and mortality while minimizing potential harms. PMID:25323653

Implementation of straight and curved steel girder erection design tools construction : summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-11-05

Project 0-5574 Curved Plate Girder Design for Safe and Economical Construction, resulted in the : development of two design tools, UT Lift and UT Bridge. UT Lift is a spreadsheet-based program for analyzing : steel girders during lifting while ...

Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Modulates Hyperosmotic-Induced Urea Transporter A1 Relocation in the Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells.

PubMed

Li, Yong-Xia; Huang, Yun; Liu, Song; Mao, Yan; Yuan, Cheng-Yan; Yang, Xiao; Yao, Li-Jun

2016-01-01

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) regulates urine concentration by mediating the vasopressin-induced aquaporin 2 expression and water permeability, although it is unknown whether GSK3 also mediates the accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of GSK3 on UT-A1 distribution. Mouse inner medullary collecting duct 3 cells were transfected with UT-A1-GFP construct. The stable transfected cells were cultured under hypertonic conditions, treated with GSK3 inhibitor lithium chloride, GSK3 activator, lysosome or proteasome inhibitor. The expression levels of UT-A1, GSK3, and phospho-GSK3 were analyzed using western blot. The interaction between UT-A1 and the Golgi apparatus was examined using confocal immunofluorescence microscope. The UT-A1 trafficking was examined using the biotinylation of surface membranes. UT-A1 dissociated away from the Golgi apparatus and translocated to the plasma membrane under hypertonic-NaCl and NaCl plus urea stimulation. This movement was accompanied by the increased phosphorylation of GSK3 and its localization on the cellular membrane. Moreover, these results were duplicated by treating the cells with the GSK3 inhibitor, and by contrast, were partially reversed by the GSK3 activator. Treating cells with a lysosome or proteasome inhibitor failed to attenuate the effects of hypertonic stimulus, indicating that the loss of UT-A1 from the Golgi was not due to degradation. Our results suggest that GSK3 may in part modulate the hypertonic-induced intracellular UT-A1 redistribution and its accumulation on the plasma membrane, which may constitute another mechanism by which GSK3 modulates urine concentration. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Isometric muscle activation of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles varies by arm position: a pilot study with healthy volunteers with implications for rehabilitation.

PubMed

Miyasaka, Junsuke; Arai, Ryuzo; Ito, Taisuke; Shingu, Nobuyuki; Hasegawa, Satoshi; Ibuki, Satoko; Ichihashi, Noriaki; Matsuda, Shuichi; Moritani, Toshio

2017-07-01

This study aimed to determine the most appropriate angle and moving direction of the arm for improving coordination of the periscapular muscles, including the serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT). Muscle activation amplitudes were evaluated in the SA, UT, MT, and LT in 11 healthy subjects by use of surface electromyography. The subjects were asked to maintain the arm position at 5 elevated positions with maximal effort against applied manual forces, which were directed from upper to lower (test 1), lower to upper (test 2), posterior to anterior in the frontal plane and lateral to medial in the sagittal plane (test 3), and anterior to posterior in the frontal plane and medial to lateral in the sagittal plane (test 4). The relative activity of the UT with respect to the SA, MT, and LT was calculated, resulting in the UT/SA, UT/MT, and UT/LT ratios. Test 4 in all positions but 150° of elevation in the frontal plane showed high activity of the SA with a low UT/SA ratio. High MT activity with a low UT/MT ratio was observed during test 3 at the 90° elevated position, whereas high LT activity without UT hyperactivation was not found. To strengthen the periscapular muscles in the balanced condition, horizontal adduction is recommended for the SA. Horizontal abduction at the 90° elevated position should be effective for the MT. Because no technique in this study was effective for the LT, further studies are needed. Copyright © 2016 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Urinary concentrating defect in mice with selective deletion of phloretin-sensitive urea transporters in the renal collecting duct

PubMed Central

Fenton, Robert A.; Chou, Chung-Lin; Stewart, Gavin S.; Smith, Craig P.; Knepper, Mark A.

2004-01-01

To investigate the role of inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) urea transporters in the renal concentrating mechanism, we deleted 3 kb of the UT-A urea transporter gene containing a single 140-bp exon (exon 10). Deletion of this segment selectively disrupted expression of the two known IMCD isoforms of UT-A, namely UT-A1 and UT-A3, producing UT-A1/3-/- mice. In isolated perfused IMCDs from UT-A1/3-/- mice, there was a complete absence of phloretin-sensitive or vasopressin-stimulated urea transport. On a normal protein intake (20% protein diet), UT-A1/3-/- mice had significantly greater fluid consumption and urine flow and a reduced maximal urinary osmolality relative to wild-type controls. These differences in urinary concentrating capacity were nearly eliminated when urea excretion was decreased by dietary protein restriction (4% by weight), consistent with the 1958 Berliner hypothesis stating that the chief role of IMCD urea transport in the concentrating mechanism is the prevention of urea-induced osmotic diuresis. Analysis of inner medullary tissue after water restriction revealed marked depletion of urea in UT-A1/3-/- mice, confirming the concept that phloretin-sensitive IMCD urea transporters play a central role in medullary urea accumulation. However, there were no significant differences in mean inner medullary Na+ or Cl- concentrations between UT-A1/3-/- mice and wild-type controls, indicating that the processes that concentrate NaCl were intact. Thus, these results do not corroborate the predictions of passive medullary concentrating models stating that NaCl accumulation in the inner medulla depends on rapid vasopressin-regulated urea transport across the IMCD epithelium. PMID:15123796

Transcranial direct current stimulation versus user training on improving online myoelectric control for amputees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Lizhi; Zhang, Dingguo; Jiang, Ning; Sheng, Xinjun; Zhu, Xiangyang

2017-08-01

Objective. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and user training (UT) are two types of methods to improve myoelectric control performance for amputees. In this study, we compared the independent effect between tDCS and UT, and investigated the combined effect of tDCS and UT. Approach. An online paradigm of simultaneous and proportional control (SPC) based on electromyography (EMG) was adopted. The proposed experiments were conducted on six naïve unilateral trans-radial amputees. The subjects each received three types of 20 min interventions: active tDCS with motor training (tDCS  +  UT), active tDCS with quiet sitting (tDCS), and sham tDCS with motor training (UT). The interventions were applied at one week intervals in a randomized order. The subjects performed online control of a feedback arrow with two degrees of freedom (DoFs) to accomplish target reaching motor tasks in pre-sessions and post-sessions. We compared the performance, measured by completion rate, completion time, and efficiency coefficient, between pre-sessions and post-sessions. Main results. The results showed that the intervention tDCS  +  UT and tDCS significantly improved the online SPC performance (i.e. improved the completion rate; reduced the completion time; and improved the efficiency coefficient), while intervention UT did not significantly change the performance. The results also showed that the online SPC performance after intervention tDCS  +  UT and tDCS was not significantly different, but both were significantly better than that after intervention UT. Significance. tDCS could be an effective intervention to improve the online SPC performance in a short time.

Near real-time monitoring of UT1 with geodetic VLBI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haas, R.; Hobiger, T.; Sekido, M.; Koyama, Y.; Kondo, T.; Takiguchi, H.; Kurihara, S.; Kokado, K.; Tanimoto, D.; Nozawa, K.; Wagner, J.; Ritakari, J.; Mujunen, A.; Uunila, M.

2011-07-01

Geodetic VLBI is unique among the geodetic space techniques since it provides a direct connection between the international terrestrial reference frame and the international celestial reference frame. The Earth rotation angle, usually expressed as UT1, can be determined directly from geodetic VLBI observations. Accurate information about the Earth rotation angle is necessary and important for navigation purposes, in particular for satellite missions and space navigation. A near real-time knowledge of UT1 with high accuracy is therefore highly desirable. During the last few years the advances in data transfer over high-speed optical fibre lines have made it possible to electronically send the observational data from a VLBI radio telescope on one side of the globe in real-time to a VLBI correlator on the other side of the globe. Thus, data of two telescopes on opposite sides of the Earth, forming a long east-west oriented baseline, can be correlated in near real-time. Furthermore, advances in automated processing of the correlation results have made it possible to derive the Earth rotation angle UT1 in near real-time. Since 2007, the VLBI research groups in Sweden, Finland and Japan collaborate to derive UT1 in near real-time. Several dedicated so-called ultra-rapid UT1-sessions with 1-2 hours duration were performed. It was shown that final UT1-results can be derived within a few minutes after the end of an observing session (Sekido et al., 2008; Matsuzaka et al., 2008). The quality of the UT1-results is on the same level as the so-called IERS rapid solutions, but with a much lower latency (Haas et al., 2010). Recently, the ultra-rapid approach has been applied to standard 24 hour long VLBI observing sessions that are organized by the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The long east-west baseline between Onsala (Sweden) and Tsukuba (Japan) is used to derive UT1 with a sliding window approach already during the ongoing IVS-session. The data processing and analysis is performed with a fully automated analysis software (Hobiger et al., 2010). We present results from the ultra-rapid UT1-sessions, both, from dedicated one-baseline sessions, as well from 24-hour ultra-rapid sessions during standard IVS-experiments. The near real-time UT1 results are compared to corresponding post-processing results, and results from independent analyses and techniques. Refrences: Sekido et al. (2008) Ultra-rapid UT1 measurements by e-VLBI, Earth Planets and Space, Vol. 60, 865-870. Matsuzaka et al. (2008) Ultra Rapid UT1 Experiment with e-VLBI, In: Proc. 5th IVS General Meeting, 68-71. Haas R et al. (2010) Ultra-Rapid DUT1-Observations with E-VLBI. Artificial Satellites, 45, 75-79. Hobiger et al. (2010) Fully automated VLBI analysis with c5++ for ultra-rapid determination of UT1, Earth Planets Space.

CPO Prediction: Accuracy Assessment and Impact on UT1 Intensive Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malkin, Zinovy

2010-01-01

The UT1 Intensive results heavily depend on the celestial pole offset (CPO) model used during data processing. Since accurate CPO values are available with a delay of two to four weeks, CPO predictions are necessarily applied to the UT1 Intensive data analysis, and errors in the predictions can influence the operational UT1 accuracy. In this paper we assess the real accuracy of CPO prediction using the actual IERS and PUL predictions made in 2007-2009. Also, results of operational processing were analyzed to investigate the actual impact of EOP prediction errors on the rapid UT1 results. It was found that the impact of CPO prediction errors is at a level of several microseconds, whereas the impact of the inaccuracy in the polar motion prediction may be about one order of magnitude larger for ultra-rapid UT1 results. The situation can be amended if the IERS Rapid solution will be updated more frequently.

Transport characteristics of urea transporter-B.

PubMed

Yang, Baoxue

2014-01-01

UT-B represents the major urea transporter in erythrocytes, in addition to being expressed in kidney descending vasa recta, brain, spleen, ureter, bladder, and testis. Expression of urea transporter UT-B confers high urea permeability to mammalian erythrocytes. Erythrocyte membranes are also permeable to various urea analogues, suggesting common transport pathways for urea and structurally similar solutes. UT-B is highly permeable to urea and the chemical analogues formamide, acetamide, methylurea, methylformamide, ammonium carbamate, and acrylamide, each with a Ps > 5.0 × 10(-6) cm/s at 10 °C. The amides formamide, acetamide, acrylamide, and butyramide efficiently diffuse across lipid bilayers. The urea analogues dimethylurea, acryalmide, methylurea, thiourea, and methylformamide inhibit UT-B-mediated urea transport by >60 % by a pore-blocking mechanism. UT-B is also a water channel in erythrocytes and has a single-channel water permeability that is similar to aquaporin-1. Whether UT-B is an NH3 channel still needs further study. Urea permeability (Purea) in erythrocytes differs between different mammals. Carnivores (dog, fox, cat) exhibit high Purea. In contrast, herbivores (cow, donkey, sheep) show much lower Purea. Erythrocyte Purea in human and pig (omnivores) was intermediate. Rodents and lagomorphs (mouse, rat, rabbit) have Purea intermediate between carnivores and omnivores. Birds that do not excrete urea and do not express UT-B in their erythrocytes have very low values. In contrast to Purea, water permeability is relatively similar in all mammals studied. This chapter will provide information about the transporter characteristics of UT-B.

A novel small-molecule thienoquinolin urea transporter inhibitor acts as a potential diuretic.

PubMed

Li, Fei; Lei, Tianluo; Zhu, Juanjuan; Wang, Weiling; Sun, Yi; Chen, Jihui; Dong, Zixun; Zhou, Hong; Yang, Baoxue

2013-06-01

Urea transporters (UTs) are a family of membrane channel proteins that are specifically permeable to urea and play an important role in intrarenal urea recycling and in urine concentration. Using an erythrocyte osmotic lysis assay, we screened a small-molecule library for inhibitors of UT-facilitated urea transport. A novel class of thienoquinolin UT-B inhibitors were identified, of which PU-14 had potent inhibition activity on human, rabbit, rat, and mouse UT-B. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of PU-14 on rat UT-B-mediated urea transport was ∼0.8 μmol/l, and it did not affect urea transport in mouse erythrocytes lacking UT-B but inhibited UT-A-type urea transporters, with 36% inhibition at 4 μmol/l. PU-14 showed no significant cellular toxicity at concentrations up to its solubility limit of 80 μmol/l. Subcutaneous delivery of PU-14 (at 12.5, 50, and 100 mg/kg) to rats caused an increase of urine output and a decrease of the urine urea concentration and subsequent osmolality without electrolyte disturbances and liver or renal damages. This suggests that PU-14 has a diuretic effect by urea-selective diuresis. Thus, PU-14 or its analogs might be developed as a new diuretic to increase renal fluid clearance in diseases associated with water retention without causing electrolyte imbalance. PU-14 may establish 'chemical knockout' animal models to study the physiological functions of UTs.

75 FR 22892 - Environmental Impact Statement: Salt Lake County, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-30

... Lake County, UT AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USDOT. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY... be prepared for a proposed transportation improvement project in Salt Lake County, Utah. FOR FURTHER... 4700 South, Suite 9A, Salt Lake City, UT 84118, telephone (801) 963-0182, e-mail [email protected

75 FR 9476 - Environmental Impact Statement: Salt Lake County, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-02

... Lake County, UT AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY... be prepared for a proposed transportation improvement project in Salt Lake County, Utah. FOR FURTHER... 9A, Salt Lake City, UT 84118, Telephone: (801) 963-0182, E-mail: [email protected] . The Utah...

A Study of the Broadband Parametric Acoustic Array

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-04

iJ~ exp[~~) fj 2 0 . (3.8) This expression indicates a maximum when f =--n (3.9) This result was derived by Findeisen . 64 Using the definitions of n...Interactions of Progressive Finite Amplitude Waves in Nondispersive Fluids," J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 50, 1299-1312 (1971). 64. A. G. Findeisen and S. A. Means, "A...Clynch, ARL:UT 126 George P. Coble, ARL:UT 127 Bernie R. Criswell, ARL:IJT 128 Charles R. Culbertson, ARL:UT 129 Allen G. Findeisen , ARL:UT 130 Karl C

Symmetry Reductions of Fourth-Order Nonlinear Diffusion Equations: Lubrication Model and Some Generalizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gandarias, M. L.; Medina, E.

Fourth-order nonlinear diffusion equations appear frequently in the description of physical processes, among these, the lubrication equation ut = (unuxxxx)x or the corresponding modified version ut = unuxxxx play an important role in the study of the interface movements. In this work we analyze the generalizations of the above equations given by ut = (f(u)uxxxx)x, ut = (f(u)uxxxx, and we find that if f(u) = un or f(u) = e-u the equations admit extra classical symmetries. The corresponding reductions are performed and some solutions are characterized.

Neural reactivation links unconscious thought to decision-making performance.

PubMed

Creswell, John David; Bursley, James K; Satpute, Ajay B

2013-12-01

Brief periods of unconscious thought (UT) have been shown to improve decision making compared with making an immediate decision (ID). We reveal a neural mechanism for UT in decision making using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants (N = 33) encoded information on a set of consumer products (e.g. 48 attributes describing four different cars), and we manipulated whether participants (i) consciously thought about this information (conscious thought), (ii) completed a difficult 2-back working memory task (UT) or (iii) made an immediate decision about the consumer products (ID) in a within-subjects blocked design. To differentiate UT neural activity from 2-back working memory neural activity, participants completed an independent 2-back task and this neural activity was subtracted from neural activity occurring during the UT 2-back task. Consistent with a neural reactivation account, we found that the same regions activated during the encoding of complex decision information (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left intermediate visual cortex) continued to be activated during a subsequent 2-min UT period. Moreover, neural reactivation in these regions was predictive of subsequent behavioral decision-making performance after the UT period. These results provide initial evidence for post-encoding unconscious neural reactivation in facilitating decision making.

Usability Tests in Medicine: A Cost-Benefit Analysis for Hospitals Before Acquiring Medical Devices for Theatre.

PubMed

Gonser, Phillipp; Fuchsberger, Thomas; Matern, Ulrich

2017-08-01

The use of active medical devices in clinical routine should be as safe and efficient as possible. Usability tests (UTs) help improve these aspects of medical devices during their development, but UTs can be of use for hospitals even after a product has been launched. The present pilot study examines the costs and possible benefits of UT for hospitals before buying new medical devices for theatre. Two active medical devices with different complexity were tested in a standardized UT and a cost-benefit analysis was carried out assuming a different device bought at the same price with a higher usability could increase the efficiency of task solving and due to that save valuable theatre time. The cost of the UT amounted up to €19.400. Hospitals could benefit from UTs before buying new devices for theatre by reducing time-consuming operator errors and thereby increase productivity and patient safety. The possible benefits amounted from €23.300 to €1.570.000 (median = €797.000). Not only hospitals could benefit economically from investing in a UT before deciding to buy a medical device, but especially patients would profit from a higher usability by reducing possible operator errors and increase safety and performance of use.

Neural reactivation links unconscious thought to decision-making performance

PubMed Central

Bursley, James K.; Satpute, Ajay B.

2013-01-01

Brief periods of unconscious thought (UT) have been shown to improve decision making compared with making an immediate decision (ID). We reveal a neural mechanism for UT in decision making using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants (N = 33) encoded information on a set of consumer products (e.g. 48 attributes describing four different cars), and we manipulated whether participants (i) consciously thought about this information (conscious thought), (ii) completed a difficult 2-back working memory task (UT) or (iii) made an immediate decision about the consumer products (ID) in a within-subjects blocked design. To differentiate UT neural activity from 2-back working memory neural activity, participants completed an independent 2-back task and this neural activity was subtracted from neural activity occurring during the UT 2-back task. Consistent with a neural reactivation account, we found that the same regions activated during the encoding of complex decision information (right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left intermediate visual cortex) continued to be activated during a subsequent 2-min UT period. Moreover, neural reactivation in these regions was predictive of subsequent behavioral decision-making performance after the UT period. These results provide initial evidence for post-encoding unconscious neural reactivation in facilitating decision making. PMID:23314012

Issue des accouchements sur utérus cicatriciel dans un hôpital universitaire au Burkina

PubMed Central

Dembélé, Adama; Tarnagda, Zekiba; Ouédraogo, Jean Louis; Thiombiano, Oumarou; Bambara, Moussa

2012-01-01

Certains auteurs ont tendance à privilégier la césarienne comme méthode de prise en charge d'une parturiente porteuse d'un utérus cicatriciel. D'autres auteurs préconisent un accouchement par voie basse quand des paramètres cliniques précis sont observés. Le but de cette étude est d'analyser la prise en charge et l'issue des accouchements sur utérus cicatriciel au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Souro Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso et de la comparer aux différentes approches recommandées. Nous avons menés une étude transversale dans le Département de Gynécologie d'Obstétrique et de Médecine de la Reproduction du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sanou Souro de Bobo Dioulasso du 1er août 2006 au 1er août 2007 et a concerné 252 parturientes ayant un utérus cicatriciel parmi 4256 accouchements déroulés pendant la même période. Les accouchements sur utérus cicatriciels ont représenté 5,92 % de l'ensemble des accouchements dans notre département. La moyenne d'âge des patientes était de 26,2 ans et la parité moyenne de 4,3. Une césarienne d'emblée a été pratiquée chez 44% des parturientes ayant un utérus cicatriciel et 56 % parmi elles ont fait l'objet d'une épreuve utérine. Sur l'ensemble des épreuves utérines, 61% des parturientes ont accouché par voie basse. La mortalité maternelle était nulle et La mortalité périnatale était relativement importante. Les conditions d'acceptabilité de la voie basse ont été les mêmes chez toutes les patientes et un check liste a été proposé pour une meilleure prise en charge. L'épreuve utérine en salle d'accouchement doit être la règle à chaque fois que cela est possible chez une parturiente porteuse d'utérus cicatriciel. L’établissement d'un check liste pour accouchement par voie basse sur utérus cicatriciel facilite les prises de décision. PMID:23133695

Clinical utility of third-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

PubMed

Cruz-Martinez, R; Savchev, S; Cruz-Lemini, M; Mendez, A; Gratacos, E; Figueras, F

2015-03-01

To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile. Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings. UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Accouchements sur utérus cicatriciel en République Démocratique du Congo: épreuve utérine et facteurs déterminants de l’issue

PubMed Central

Momat, Félix Kitenge wa; Zalagile, Pierre Akilimali; Mukalenge, Faustin Chenge; Luboya, Oscar Numbi; Kalala, Cléophas Tshibangu; Mashinda, Désiré; Grangé, Gilles; Mukuku, Olivier; Kaj, Fanny Malonga; Lubamba, Chamy Cham; Bwama, Joseph Bagambe; Mukoko, Célestin Kayembe; Kakoma, Jean Baptiste; Kalungwe, Justin Kizonde

2017-01-01

Introduction L'objectif était d'identifier les principaux facteurs de risque associés à un échec d'épreuve utérine et définir un score prédictif d'accouchement sur utérus cicatriciel en République Démocratique du Congo. Méthodes Étude multicentrique, transversale et analytique des patientes porteuses d'un utérus cicatriciel sur la période du 1er janvier au 31 décembre 2013 dans quatre maternités de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). Un modèle de régression logistique a été construit pour identifier les facteurs associés à l'échec de l'épreuve utérine. De ce modèle, un score prédictif a été construit pour prédire l'échec de l'épreuve utérine dans les maternités de la RDC. La courbe ROC a été utilisée pour évaluer la capacité du score construit à identifier les patientes à risque de connaitre un échec de l'épreuve utérine. Le cut off point du score prédictif a été déterminé en fonction de la sensibilité et spécificité optimale via l'index de Youden. Tous les tests ont été réalisés au seuil de signification α=0,05. Résultats Deux types de facteurs explicatifs de l'échec de l'épreuve utérine ont été retenus. Il s'agit d'un facteur sociodémographique (âge maternel) et de trois facteurs obstétricaux (hauteur utérine, présentation du fœtus et rupture prématurée des membranes). Le score de prédiction a été défini pour prédire l'échec de l'épreuve utérine. La construction de ce score s'est basée sur quatre éléments : l'âge maternel, l'état de la poche des eaux à l'admission, la hauteur utérine et la présentation fœtale. Le score minimal est de 4 et le score maximal est de 16. Le seuil est de 7. Un Score total supérieur ou égal à 7 traduit un risque d'échec de l'épreuve utérine. Conclusion L'utilisation de ce score prédictif chez les patientes pourra améliorer la qualité dans les indications de la voie haute, l'augmentation des taux de césariennes prophylactiques ainsi que la meilleure sélection des patientes soumises à l'épreuve utérine. Ceci pourra également contribuer à la réduction de la morbi-mortalité fœto-maternelle liée à la gestion de l'accouchement sur utérus cicatriciels. PMID:28819492

Curvularides A-E: antifungal hybrid peptide-polyketides from the endophytic fungus Curvularia geniculata.

PubMed

Chomcheon, Porntep; Wiyakrutta, Suthep; Aree, Thammarat; Sriubolmas, Nongluksna; Ngamrojanavanich, Nattaya; Mahidol, Chulabhorn; Ruchirawat, Somsak; Kittakoop, Prasat

2010-09-24

Five new hybrid peptide-polyketides, curvularides A-E (1-5), were isolated from the endophytic fungus Curvularia geniculata, which was obtained from the limbs of Catunaregam tomentosa. Structure elucidation for curvularides A-E (1-5) was accomplished by analysis of spectroscopic data, as well as by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Curvularide B (2) exhibited antifungal activity against Candida albicans, and it also showed synergistic activity with a fluconazole drug.

[Policy recommendations based on SWOT analysis for agricultural industrialization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials--a case study of uncariae ramulus cum uncis from Jianhe county in Guizhou province].

PubMed

Hu, Yong; Huo, Ke-Yi; Xiang, Hua

2013-09-01

This thesis reviews the historical background of agricultural industrialization, and analyzes the major theories of agricultural industrialization. It also utilizes SWOT analysis method to discuss the industrialization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Jianhe county, and finally it puts forward the recommendations for its further development.

Colletotrichine A, a new sesquiterpenoid from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7, a fungal endophyte of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Wei; Yang, Zhong-Duo; Sun, Jian-Hui; Song, Tong-Tong; Zhu, Bao-Ying; Zhao, Jun-Wen

2018-04-01

One new compound, Colletotrichine A (1), was produced by the fungal Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7. The structure was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of 1 was also evaluated. Compound 1 showed AChE-inhibiting activity with IC 50 value of 28 μg/mL.

Cluster Observations of Ion Dispersions near the Exterior Cusp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C.; Grison, B.; Berchem, J.; Trattner, K. J.; Pitout, F.; Richard, R. L.; Taylor, M. G.; Laakso, H. E.; Masson, A.; Dunlop, M. W.; Dandouras, I. S.; Reme, H.; Fazakerley, A. N.; Daly, P. W.

2013-12-01

The cusps are the places where the Earth's magnetic field lines, connected to the inner side of the magnetopause, converge. It is therefore the place where signatures of processes occurring near the subsolar point, in the tail lobes, as well as near the dawn and dusk flanks are observed. The main process that injects solar wind plasma into the polar cusp is now generally accepted to be magnetic reconnection. Depending on the IMF direction, this process will take place equatorward (for IMF southward), poleward (for IMF northward) or on the side (for IMF azimuthal) of the cusp. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed around 280 km/s and the density around 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft were still in the "magnetotail" configuration with two perfect tetrahedra of 2000 km around apogee and turning into an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. We will investigate the origin of the injections forming the dispersions and if these can be explained by the reconnection between the interplanetary magnetic field and the Earth's magnetic field.

Ultrasonic Phased Array Assessment of the Interference Fit and Leak Path of the North Anna Unit 2 Control Rod Drive Mechanism Nozzle 63 with Destructive Validation

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

Crawford, Susan L.; Cinson, Anthony D.; MacFarlan, Paul J.

2012-08-01

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonic testing (UT) for primary water leak path assessments of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) upper head penetrations. Operating reactors have experienced leakage when stress corrosion cracking of nickel-based alloy penetrations allowed primary water into the annulus of the interference fit between the penetration and the low-alloy steel RPV head. In this investigation, UT leak path data were acquired for an Alloy 600 control rod drive mechanism nozzle penetration, referred to as Nozzle 63, which was removed from the North Anna Unit 2 reactor when the RPV head was replacedmore » in 2002. In-service inspection prior to the head replacement indicated that Nozzle 63 had a probable leakage path through the interference fit region. Nozzle 63 was examined using a phased-array UT probe with a 5.0-MHz, eight-element annular array. Immersion data were acquired from the nozzle inner diameter surface. The UT data were interpreted by comparing to responses measured on a mockup penetration with known features. Following acquisition of the UT data, Nozzle 63 was destructively examined to determine if the features identified in the UT examination, including leakage paths and crystalline boric acid deposits, could be visually confirmed. Additional measurements of boric acid deposit thickness and low-alloy steel wastage were made to assess how these factors affect the UT response. The implications of these findings for interpreting UT leak path data are described.« less

Causes of high O3 in the lower free troposphere over the Pacific Northwest as observed at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrose, J. L.; Reidmiller, D. R.; Jaffe, D. A.

2011-09-01

We measured O3, CO, Hg, sub-micron particle scattering of mid-visible light (σsp), and water vapor (WV) at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory (MBO) in central Oregon, USA since 2004. The data were used to identify sources of large ozone enhancements in the lower free troposphere (FT). A total of 25 high-ozone events, defined as time periods when the 8-h averaged O3 mixing ratio was >70.0 ppbv, were recorded. The events occurred between early March and late September. For 18 of the 25 event days we were able to identify sources based on (1) relative enhancements of O3, CO, Hg and WV compared with the corresponding monthly distributions and (2) supporting data from the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, the Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS) global aerosol model, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite-derived active fire counts from the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS). Our analysis suggests that enhanced O3 levels during all the identified events were transported to MBO in the FT and were driven mostly by subsidence of O3-rich air masses from the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UT/LS), Asian long range transport (ALRT) and mixed ALRT + UT/LS influences. The UT/LS events were depleted in CO and total atmospheric mercury (TAM) compared to monthly median values. Levels of O3 and CO tended to be anti-correlated during UT/LS events, consistent with transport from clean regions in the UT. Conversely, the ALRT events were characterized by concomitant enhancements in CO and TAM with mean values during each event that were >70th percentile values for the months during which the events occurred. Unlike for UT/LS events, levels of O3 and CO during ALRT events tended to be correlated, consistent with photochemical O3 production in polluted air masses transported across the Pacific. The mixed ALRT + UT/LS events exhibited characteristics that were intermediate between those of the ALRT and UT/LS events. For the classifiable cases the fractional distribution of each event type was: UT/LS, ˜44% (n = 8); ALRT + UT/LS, ˜33% (n = 6); ALRT, ˜22% (n = 4). In terms of the total number of classifiable high-ozone event hours UT/LS, ALRT + UT/LS and ALRT events accounted for ˜52% (t = 85), ˜36% (t = 59) and ˜13% (t = 21), respectively. The results indicate that downward mixing of O3-rich air masses from the UT/LS together with trans-Pacific transport of urban/industrial and biomass burning emissions from the Asian continent are the most important mechanisms for delivering high O3 levels (i.e., 8-h averages >70.0 ppbv) to the lower FT in the Pacific Northwest.

Impacts | Research Site Name | NREL

Science.gov Websites

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78 FR 63380 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-24

...-0600; Airspace Docket No. 13-ANM-18] Amendment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action amends Class E airspace at St. George Municipal Airport, St. George, UT, by removing the operating hours established by a Notice to...

Comparison of Dawn and Dusk Precipitating Electron Energy Populations Shortly After the Initial Shock for the January 10th, 1997 Magnetic Cloud

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spann, J.; Germany, G.; Swift, W.; Parks, G.; Brittnacher, M.; Elsen, R.

1997-01-01

The observed precipitating electron energy between 0130 UT and 0400 UT of January 10 th, 1997, indicates that there is a more energetic precipitating electron population that appears in the auroral oval at 1800-2200 UT at 030) UT. This increase in energy occurs after the initial shock of the magnetic cloud reaches the Earth (0114 UT) and after faint but dynamic polar cap precipitation has been cleared out. The more energetic population is observed to remain rather constant in MLT through the onset of auroral activity (0330 UT) and to the end of the Polar spacecraft apogee pass. Data from the Ultraviolet Imager LBH long and LBH short images are used to quantify the average energy of the precipitating auroral electrons. The Wind spacecraft located about 100 RE upstream monitored the IMF and plasma parameters during the passing of the cloud. The affects of oblique angle viewing are included in the analysis. Suggestions as to the source of this hot electron population will be presented.

Cross-Modal Approach for Karaoke Artifacts Correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Wei-Qi; Kankanhalli, Mohan S.

In this chapter, we combine adaptive sampling in conjunction with video analogies (VA) to correct the audio stream in the karaoke environment κ= {κ (t) : κ (t) = (U(t), K(t)), t in ({t}s, {t}e)} where t s and t e are start time and end time respectively, U(t) is the user multimedia data. We employ multiple streams from the karaoke data K(t) = ({K}_{V }(t), {K}M(t), {K}S(t)), where K V (t), K M (t) and K S (t) are the video, musical accompaniment and original singer's rendition respectively along with the user multimedia data U(t) = ({U}A(t),{U}_{V }(t)) where U V (t) is the user video captured with a camera and U A (t) is the user's rendition of the song. We analyze the audio and video streaming features Ψ (κ ) = {Ψ (U(t), K(t))} = {Ψ (U(t)), Ψ (K(t))} = {{Ψ }U(t), {Ψ }K(t)}, to produce the corrected singing, namely output U '(t), which is made as close as possible to the original singer's rendition. Note that Ψ represents any kind of feature processing.

Cross-Modal Approach for Karaoke Artifacts Correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Wei-Qi; Kankanhalli, Mohan S.

In this chapter, we combine adaptive sampling in conjunction with video analogies (VA) to correct the audio stream in the karaoke environment kappa= {kappa (t) : kappa (t) = (U(t), K(t)), t in ({t}s, {t}e)} where t s and t e are start time and end time respectively, U(t) is the user multimedia data. We employ multiple streams from the karaoke data K(t) = ({K}_{V }(t), {K}M(t), {K}S(t)), where K V (t), K M (t) and K S (t) are the video, musical accompaniment and original singer's rendition respectively along with the user multimedia data U(t) = ({U}A(t),{U}_{V }(t)) where U V (t) is the user video captured with a camera and U A (t) is the user's rendition of the song. We analyze the audio and video streaming features Ψ (kappa ) = {Ψ (U(t), K(t))} = {Ψ (U(t)), Ψ (K(t))} = {{Ψ }U(t), {Ψ }K(t)}, to produce the corrected singing, namely output U ' (t), which is made as close as possible to the original singer's rendition. Note that Ψ represents any kind of feature processing.

Cerebro-renal interactions: impact of uremic toxins on cognitive function.

PubMed

Watanabe, Kimio; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi; Nakayama, Masaaki

2014-09-01

Cognitive impairment (CI) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has received attention as an important problem in recent years. Causes of CI with CKD are multifactorial, and include cerebrovascular disease, renal anemia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, dialysis disequilibrium, and uremic toxins (UTs). Among these causes, little is known about the role of UTs. We therefore selected 21 uremic compounds, and summarized reports of cerebro-renal interactions associated with UTs. Among the compounds, uric acid, indoxyl sulfate, p-cresyl sulfate, interleukin 1-β, interleukin 6, TNF-α, and PTH were most likely to affect the cerebro-renal interaction dysfunction; however, sufficient data have not been obtained for other UTs. Notably, most of the data were not obtained under uremic conditions; therefore, the impact and mechanism of each UT on cognition and central nervous system in uremic state remains unknown. At present, impacts and mechanisms of UT effects on cognition are poorly understood. Clarifying the mechanisms and establishing novel therapeutic strategies for cerebro-renal interaction dysfunction is expected to be subject of future research. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Movement of NH3 through the human urea transporter B: a new gas channel

PubMed Central

Musa-Aziz, Raif; Enkavi, Giray; Mahinthichaichan, P.; Tajkhorshid, Emad; Boron, Walter F.

2013-01-01

Aquaporins and Rh proteins can function as gas (CO2 and NH3) channels. The present study explores the urea, H2O, CO2, and NH3 permeability of the human urea transporter B (UT-B) (SLC14A1), expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We monitored urea uptake using [14C]urea and measured osmotic water permeability (Pf) using video microscopy. To obtain a semiquantitative measure of gas permeability, we used microelectrodes to record the maximum transient change in surface pH (ΔpHS) caused by exposing oocytes to 5% CO2/33 mM HCO3− (pHS increase) or 0.5 mM NH3/NH4+ (pHS decrease). UT-B expression increased oocyte permeability to urea by >20-fold, and Pf by 8-fold vs. H2O-injected control oocytes. UT-B expression had no effect on the CO2-induced ΔpHS but doubled the NH3-induced ΔpHS. Phloretin reduced UT-B-dependent urea uptake (Jurea*) by 45%, Pf* by 50%, and (−ΔpHS*)NH3 by 70%. p-Chloromercuribenzene sulfonate reduced Jurea* by 25%, Pf* by 30%, and (ΔpHS*)NH3 by 100%. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of membrane-embedded models of UT-B identified the monomeric UT-B pores as the main conduction pathway for both H2O and NH3 and characterized the energetics associated with permeation of these species through the channel. Mutating each of two conserved threonines lining the monomeric urea pores reduced H2O and NH3 permeability. Our data confirm that UT-B has significant H2O permeability and for the first time demonstrate significant NH3 permeability. Thus the UTs become the third family of gas channels. Inhibitor and mutagenesis studies and results of MD simulations suggest that NH3 and H2O pass through the three monomeric urea channels in UT-B. PMID:23552862

Tolerance of uncertainty: Conceptual analysis, integrative model, and implications for healthcare.

PubMed

Hillen, Marij A; Gutheil, Caitlin M; Strout, Tania D; Smets, Ellen M A; Han, Paul K J

2017-05-01

Uncertainty tolerance (UT) is an important, well-studied phenomenon in health care and many other important domains of life, yet its conceptualization and measurement by researchers in various disciplines have varied substantially and its essential nature remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to: 1) analyze the meaning and logical coherence of UT as conceptualized by developers of UT measures, and 2) develop an integrative conceptual model to guide future empirical research regarding the nature, causes, and effects of UT. A narrative review and conceptual analysis of 18 existing measures of Uncertainty and Ambiguity Tolerance was conducted, focusing on how measure developers in various fields have defined both the "uncertainty" and "tolerance" components of UT-both explicitly through their writings and implicitly through the items constituting their measures. Both explicit and implicit conceptual definitions of uncertainty and tolerance vary substantially and are often poorly and inconsistently specified. A logically coherent, unified understanding or theoretical model of UT is lacking. To address these gaps, we propose a new integrative definition and multidimensional conceptual model that construes UT as the set of negative and positive psychological responses-cognitive, emotional, and behavioral-provoked by the conscious awareness of ignorance about particular aspects of the world. This model synthesizes insights from various disciplines and provides an organizing framework for future research. We discuss how this model can facilitate further empirical and theoretical research to better measure and understand the nature, determinants, and outcomes of UT in health care and other domains of life. Uncertainty tolerance is an important and complex phenomenon requiring more precise and consistent definition. An integrative definition and conceptual model, intended as a tentative and flexible point of departure for future research, adds needed breadth, specificity, and precision to efforts to conceptualize and measure UT. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Impact of aspirin on trophoblastic invasion in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler at 11-14 weeks: a randomized controlled study.

PubMed

Scazzocchio, E; Oros, D; Diaz, D; Ramirez, J C; Ricart, M; Meler, E; González de Agüero, R; Gratacos, E; Figueras, F

2017-04-01

Defective trophoblastic invasion is a key feature in many cases of pre-eclampsia (PE). Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler is a validated non-invasive proxy for trophoblastic invasion. The aim of this study was to explore whether low-dose aspirin, administered from the first trimester, improves trophoblastic invasion, evaluated by UtA Doppler during the second and third trimesters in women defined as high risk by abnormal first-trimester UtA Doppler. This randomized Phase-II study had a triple-blind, parallel-arm, controlled design. Singleton pregnancies with abnormal mean UtA Doppler at 11-14 weeks and absence of other major risk factors for PE received 150 mg extended-release aspirin or identical-appearing placebo tablets from study inclusion to 28 weeks. Main outcome measure was UtA pulsatility index (PI) at 28 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcomes included frequency of development of PE and growth restriction/small-for-gestational age (SGA). A total of 155 women completed the follow-up and were analyzed. No difference in mean UtA-PI was found between women in the aspirin and placebo groups at 28 weeks (mean UtA-PI Z-score (mean ± SD), 0.99 ± 1.48 vs 0.85 ± 1.25; P = 0.52). Seven women developed PE: four (5%) in the aspirin group and three (4%) in the placebo group. There was a trend toward lower incidence of SGA in the aspirin group (8.8% vs 17.3%; P = 0.11). In women with defective trophoblastic invasion, as reflected by abnormal UtA Doppler, low-dose aspirin started in the first trimester does not have a significant effect on UtA impedance as pregnancy progresses; however, the study was underpowered to detect potential small effects . Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Broad band energy spectrum and a low frequency QPO from H1743-322 in the hard state revealed by INTEGRAL and Swift observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, J.; Cadolle Bel, M.; Tomsick, J. A.; Hannikainen, D.; Pottschmidt, K.; Kuulkers, E.; Corbel, S.; Coriat, M.; Goldwurm, A.; Russell, D. M.; Wilms, J.

2011-04-01

Following the report of renewed activity of the microquasar H1743-322 (aka IGR J17464-3213, ATels #3263, #3267) we have triggered a Swift ToO. The observation was performed on April 10, 2011 between 7.9h UT and 16.12h UT, therefore in quasi-simultaneity with the INTEGRAL bulge monitoring program (April 10, 2011 18.0h UT to 21.7h UT). The Swift/XRT was operated in Window Timing mode.

An extract of Urtica dioica L. mitigates obesity induced insulin resistance in mice skeletal muscle via protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A).

PubMed

Obanda, Diana N; Ribnicky, David; Yu, Yongmei; Stephens, Jacqueline; Cefalu, William T

2016-02-26

The leaf extract of Urtica dioica L. (UT) has been reported to improve glucose homeostasis in vivo, but definitive studies on efficacy and mechanism of action are lacking. We investigated the effects of UT on obesity- induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD supplemented with UT. Body weight, body composition, plasma glucose and plasma insulin were monitored. Skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) was analyzed for insulin sensitivity, ceramide accumulation and the post translational modification and activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). PP2A is activated by ceramides and dephosphorylates Akt. C2C12 myotubes exposed to excess free fatty acids with or without UT were also evaluated for insulin signaling and modulation of PP2A. The HFD induced insulin resistance, increased fasting plasma glucose, enhanced ceramide accumulation and PP2A activity in skeletal muscle. Supplementation with UT improved plasma glucose homeostasis and enhanced skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity without affecting body weight and body composition. In myotubes, UT attenuated the ability of FFAs to induce insulin resistance and PP2A hyperactivity without affecting ceramide accumulation and PP2A expression. UT decreased PP2A activity through posttranslational modification that was accompanied by a reduction in Akt dephosphorylation.

Major Solar Proton Event during September 24-30, 2001 using Imaging Riometer Technique (P42)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, A. K.; Vhatkar, R. S.

2006-11-01

sharma_ashokkumar@yahoo.com Major outbursts of mass and energy i.e. a fast full halo CME with speed of 2402 km/sec from region 9632, located on the Sun at S16 E23 was observed at 1030 UT by SOHO/LASCO C3 coronagraph on September 24, 2001. The proton event at greater than 100 MeV began at 1440 UT on 24 September, reached a maximum of 31.2 PFU at 0755 UT on 25 September and ended at 1940 UT on 26 September 2001. The protons event at greater than 10 MeV began at 1215 UT on 24 September, reached a maximum of 12,900 PFU at 2235 UT on 25 September and ended at 1710 UT on 30 September 2001. These extremely high energetic protons accelerated during CMEs produces significant ionization in the D region of the ionosphere at high latitudes. Increase in ionization in the D region causes cosmic noise absorption. The major Polar Cap Absorption (PCA) observed during SEPTEMBER 24 -30, 2001 will be discussed in this paper. Imaging riometer observations were made from Kilpisjarvi (69.05oN; 20.79oW), Northern Finland during the PCA event. For this the remote and insitu data have been used. The imaging riometer for ionospheric studies (IRIS) is used to quantify the intensity, time of occurrence and location of CME effects on the ionosphere.

The Use of Daily Geodetic UT1 and LOD Data in the Optimal Estimation of UT1 and LOD With the JPL Kalman Earth Orientation Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freedman, A. P.; Steppe, J. A.

1995-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Kalman Earth Orientation Filter (KEOF) uses several of the Earth rotation data sets available to generate optimally interpolated UT1 and LOD series to support spacecraft navigation. This paper compares use of various data sets within KEOF.

75 FR 62461 - Revocation and Establishment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-12

...-0660; Airspace Docket No. 10-ANM-4] Revocation and Establishment of Class E Airspace; St. George, UT... Class E airspace at St. George, UT, as the airport will be closing, eliminating the need for controlled airspace. This action will establish Class E airspace for the new St. George Municipal Airport located to...

76 FR 28074 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Utah Museum of Natural History, Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-05-13

... Museum of Natural History, Salt Lake City, UT AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice... of the Utah Museum of Natural History, Salt Lake City, UT. The human remains were removed from Snow... sole responsibility of the museum, institution, or Federal agency that has control of the Native...

Polar Electrodynamics During the 14-16 July 2012 Geomagnetic Storm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, B. J.; Merkin, V. G.; Korth, H.; Dyrud, L. P.; Barnes, R. J.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.; Gjerloev, J. W.; Fentzke, J.

2012-12-01

We present an analysis of the Birkeland current dynamics observed by AMPERE during the CME-driven geomagnetic storm of 14-16 July, 2012, when the provisional Dst reached -125 nT from 17 to 19 UT on 15 July. The CME magnetic cloud presented a consistently southward IMF lasting over 30 hours, affording an opportunity to examine the system response under sustained, steady forcing. The shock arrived at ACE at 1725 UT on 14 July 2012 when the proton speed increased from 390 to 640 km/s by 1738 UT, while the IMF remained southward and intensified from -4 nT to between -10 and -15 nT. By 1810 UT the Birkeland currents increased in intensity by a factor of 5 to 10 and expanded equatorward to about 60N MLAT. During the sheath passage, the IMF rotated multiple times between southward, duskward, dawnard, or northward and the dayside Birkeland currents displayed considerable variability in both intensity and distribution. An impulsive enhancement in nightside currents occurred near 0150 UT on 15 July followed by a second event near 0330 UT, after which the nightside expanded equatorward to 55 MLAT. At ACE the CME sheath was observed until 0551 UT on 15 July when the IMF magnitude increased from 10 nT to 25 nT by 0554 UT and turned consistently southward, BZ = -13 to -15 nT, and anti-sunward, BX = +18 to +23 nT as the CME magnetic cloud arrived. The cloud passage lasted until 1350 UT on 16 July during which time the IMF decreased nearly linearly in time from 27 nT to 10 nT, had a consistently southward orientation, and the proton speed gradually decreased from 650 km/s to 400 km/s. The IMF BZ remained steadily below -14 nT until 0400 UT on 16 July. The first additional current intensification occurred on the dayside at 0620 UT on 15 July. During the next three hours, the currents expanded equatorward of 50N MLAT, and were generally symmetric between dawn and dusk exhibiting pertburbations exceeding 3000 nT. There were multiple, >2000 nT, nightside impulsive events indicating major substorms followed by extended periods displaying two sets of upward-downward current pairs in the evening sector, consistent with a double auroral oval structure. SuperDARN observations, and MHD simulations are used to estimate the time history of energy flux to the ionosphere, quantify the flows, and discuss the possible effects of heavy ion loading and inner magnetosphere dynamics not included in MHD simulations presented here.

Optimization, Purification, and Starch Stain Wash Application of Two New α-Amylases Extracted from Leaves and Stems of Pergularia tomentosa

PubMed Central

El Abed, Hanen; Belghith, Hafedh; Ben Abdallah, Ferjani; Belghith, Karima

2017-01-01

A continuous research is attempted to fulfil the highest industrial demands of natural amylases presenting special properties. New α-amylases extracted from stems and leaves of Pergularia tomentosa, which is widespread and growing spontaneously in Tunisia, were studied by the means of their activities optimization and purification. Some similarities were recorded for the two identified enzymes: (i) the highest amylase activity showed a promoted thermal stability at 50°C; (ii) the starch substrate at 1% enhanced the enzyme activity; (iii) the two α-amylases seem to be calcium-independent; (iv) Zn2+, Cu2+, and Ag2+ were considered as important inhibitors of the enzyme activity. Following the increased gradient of elution on Mono Q-Sepharose column, an increase in the specific activity of 11.82-fold and 10.92-fold was recorded, respectively, for leaves and stems with the presence of different peaks on the purification profiles. Pergularia amylases activities were stable and compatible with the tested commercial detergents. The combination of plant amylase and detergent allowed us to enhance the wash performance with an increase of 35.24 and 42.56%, respectively, for stems and leaves amylases. Characterized amylases were reported to have a promoted potential for their implication notably in detergent industry as well as biotechnological sector. PMID:29392138

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase by geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa.

PubMed

Song, Yeong Hun; Uddin, Zia; Jin, Young Min; Li, Zuopeng; Curtis-Long, Marcus John; Kim, Kwang Dong; Cho, Jung Keun; Park, Ki Hun

2017-12-01

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase are important targets to treat obesity and diabetes, due to their deep correlation with insulin and leptin signalling, and glucose regulation. The methanol extract of Paulownia tomentosa fruits showed potent inhibition against both enzymes. Purification of this extract led to eight geranylated flavonoids (1-8) displaying dual inhibition of PTP1B and α-glucosidase. The isolated compounds were identified as flavanones (1-5) and dihydroflavonols (6-8). Inhibitory potencies of these compounds varied accordingly, but most of the compounds were highly effective against PTP1B (IC 50  = 1.9-8.2 μM) than α-glucosidase (IC 50  = 2.2-78.9 μM). Mimulone (1) was the most effective against PTP1B with IC 50  = 1.9 μM, whereas 6-geranyl-3,3',5,5',7-pentahydroxy-4'-methoxyflavane (8) displayed potent inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC 50  = 2.2 μM). All inhibitors showed mixed type Ι inhibition toward PTP1B, and were noncompetitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. This mixed type behavior against PTP1B was fully demonstrated by showing a decrease in V max , an increase of K m , and K ik /K iv ratio ranging between 2.66 and 3.69.

A method for collecting eggs of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from zebrafish Danio rerio and efficacy of heat and chlorine for killing the nematode’s eggs

PubMed Central

Martins, ML; Watral, V; Rodrigues-Soares, JP; Kent, ML

2016-01-01

Pseudocapillaria tomentosa is a common pathogen of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in research facilities. We developed a method to collect and concentrate the nematode eggs using a modified sugar centrifugation method, and documented their normal development. Embryonating stages with blastomere formation followed by elongation of the embryo prior to larva formation cumulated in developed larvae inside the eggs and hatching after 5–10 d. We then evaluated the efficacy of heat and chlorine to kill them based on a larva development assay. Eggs were exposed to 40, 50, 60°C for 30 min and 1 h. Chlorine treatment was performed at 100, 250, 500, 1000, 3000 and 6000 ppm for 10 min. Samples exposed to 40°C for 30 min or 1 h showed incidences of larvated eggs similar to controls. In contrast, no larvation occurred with eggs exposed to either 50 or 60°C for 30 min or 1 h. Remarkably, in repeated assays, samples exposed to low doses of chlorine (100, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm for 10 min) showed significantly higher incidence of larvation than controls. Eggs treated with 3,000 ppm for 10 min did not develop larvae and no eggs were found after 6,000 ppm treatment. PMID:27334246

Assessment of the protective potential of Premna tomentosa (L. Verbenaceae) extract on lipid profile and lipid-metabolizing enzymes in acetaminophen-intoxicated rats.

PubMed

Devi, Kasi Pandima; Sreepriya, Meenakshi; Balakrishna, Kedike; Veluchamy, Gopalasamy; Devaki, Thiruvegadam

2004-06-01

The liver is often damaged by environmental toxins, poor eating habits, alcohol and over-the-counter drug use that damage and weaken the liver, leading to important public health problems such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and alcoholic liver diseases. It is cardinal to treat liver disorders, because it affects the biochemistry of the cell directly. Damage to the liver can be prevented by including a balanced diet that includes nutrients and herbs that support a healthy liver. Premna tomentosa (PT) is one such herbal drug used widely in India for the treatment of liver disorders, and we have already reported the hepatoprotective potential and antioxidant property of methanolic extract of PT leaves. Because injury to the liver can promote a variety of reactions with consequent effect on lipids, the present study was designed to elucidate the hypolipidemic effect of PT extract in acetaminophen (AA)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Animals were pretreated with PT extract (750 mg/kg, orally) for 15 days and then induced with hepatotoxicity by AA (640 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). PT extract pretreatment significantly inhibited induced alterations in the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, phospholipids, serum lipoproteins, and lipid-metabolizing enzymes. The results indicate that PT extract improves lipid metabolism and has the potential for use in hepatic disorders. Copyright Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Preliminary screening of some traditional zulu medicinal plants for anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activities.

PubMed

Lin, J; Opoku, A R; Geheeb-Keller, M; Hutchings, A D; Terblanche, S E; Jäger, A K; van Staden, J

1999-12-15

Aqueous and methanolic extracts from different parts of nine traditional Zulu medicinal plants, of the Vitaceae from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were evaluated for therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agents. Of the twenty-nine crude extracts assayed for prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, only five methanolic extracts of Cyphostemma natalitium-root, Rhoicissus digitata-leaf, R. rhomboidea-root, R. tomentosa-leaf/stem and R. tridentata-root showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1). The extracts of R. digitata-leaf and of R. rhomboidea-root exhibited the highest inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with 53 and 56%, respectively. The results suggest that Rhoicissus digitata leaves and of Rhoicissus rhomboidea roots may have the potential to be used as anti-inflammatory agents. All the screened plant extracts showed some degrees of anti-microbial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. The methanolic extracts of C. natalitium-stem and root, R. rhomboidea-root, and R. tomentosa-leaf/stem, showed different anti-microbial activities against almost all micro-organisms tested. Generally, these plant extracts inhibited the gram-positive micro-organisms more than the gram-negative ones. Several plant extracts inhibited the growth of Candida albicans while only one plant extract showed inhibitory activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All the plant extracts which demonstrated good anti-inflammatory activities also showed better inhibitory activity against Candida albicans.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agent using Rhodomyrtus tomentosa acetone extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voravuthikunchai, Supayang P.; Chorachoo, Julalak; Jaiswal, Lily; Shankar, Shiv

2013-12-01

The capability of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa acetone extract (RAE) for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been explored for the first time. Silver nanoparticles with a surface plasmon resonance band centered at 420-430 nm were synthesized by reacting RAE with AgNO3. Reaction time, temperature, concentration of AgNO3 and RAE could accelerate the reduction rate of Ag+ and affect AgNPs size. The nanoparticles were found to be 10-30 nm in size and spherical in shape. XRD data demonstrated crystalline nature of AgNPs dominated by (200) facets. FTIR results showed decrease in intensity of peaks at 3394, 1716 and 1618 cm-1 indicating the involvement of O-H, carbonyl group and C=C stretching with the formation of AgNPs with RAE, respectively. The C-O-C and C-N stretching suggested the presence of many phytochemicals on the surface of the nanoparticles. High negative zeta potential values confirmed the stability of AgNPs in water. In vitro antibacterial activity of AgNPs was tested against Staphylococcus aureus using broth microdilution method. AgNPs capped with RAE demonstrated profound antibacterial activity against the organisms with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration in the range between 3.1-6.2 and 6.2-50 μgmL-1, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles could be applied as an effective antimicrobial agent against staphylococcal infections.

Very high cloud detection in more than two decades of HIRS data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolat, Utkan; Menzel, W. Paul; Olson, Erik; Frey, Richard

2013-04-01

This paper reports on the use of High-resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) measurements to infer the presence of upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric (UT/LS) clouds. UT/LS cloud detection is based on the fact that, when viewing an opaque UT/LS cloud that fills the sensor field of view, positive lapse rates above the tropopause cause a more absorbing CO2 or H2O-sensitive spectral band to measure a brightness temperature warmer than that of a less absorbing or nearly transparent infrared window spectral band. The HIRS sensor has flown on 16 polar-orbiting satellites from TIROS-N through NOAA-19 and Metop-A and -B, forming the only 30 year record that includes H2O and CO2-sensitive spectral bands enabling the detection of these UT/LS clouds. Comparison with collocated Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization data reveals that 97% of the HIRS UT/LS cloud determinations are within 2.5 km of the tropopause (defined as the coldest level in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Data Assimilation System); more clouds are found above the tropopause than below. From NOAA-14 data spanning 1995 through 2005, we find indications of UT/LS clouds in 0.7% of the observations from 60N to 60S using CO2 absorption bands; however, in the region of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), this increases to 1.7%. During El Niño years, UT/LS clouds shift eastward out of their normal location in the western Pacific region. Monthly trends from 1987 through 2011 using data from NOAA-10 onwards show decreases in UT/LS cloud detection in the region of the ITCZ from 1987 until 1996, increases until 2001, and decreases thereafter.

Distinct sources of injections in the polar cusp observed by Cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C. Philippe; Reme, Henri; Dunlop, Malcolm; Daly, Patrick; Laakso, Harri; Berchem, Jean; Richard, Robert; Taylor, Matthew; Trattner, Karlheinz; Grison, Benjamin; Dandouras, Iannis; Fazakerley, Andrew; Pitout, Frederic; Masson, Arnaud

The main process that injects solar wind plasma into the polar cusp is now generally accepted to be magnetic reconnection. Depending on the IMF direction, this process takes place equatorward (for IMF southward), poleward (for IMF northward) or on the dusk or dawn sides (for IMF azimuthal) of the cusp. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed lower than usual around 280 km/s and the density around 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft had an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. Using the time of flight technique on the upgoing and downgoing ions in the dispersions, we obtain an altitude of the sources of these ions between 14 and 20 RE. Using Tsyganenko model, these sources are located on the dusk flank, past the terminator. The first injection by C3 is seen at approximately the same time as the 2nd injection on C1 but their sources at the magnetopause were separated by more than 10 RE. This would imply that two distinct sources were active at the same time on the dusk flank of the magnetosphere.

Uterine artery blood flow, fetal hypoxia and fetal growth

PubMed Central

Browne, Vaughn A.; Julian, Colleen G.; Toledo-Jaldin, Lillian; Cioffi-Ragan, Darleen; Vargas, Enrique; Moore, Lorna G.

2015-01-01

Evolutionary trade-offs required for bipedalism and brain expansion influence the pregnancy rise in uterine artery (UtA) blood flow and, in turn, reproductive success. We consider the importance of UtA blood flow by reviewing its determinants and presenting data from 191 normotensive (normal, n = 125) or hypertensive (preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH), n = 29) Andean residents of very high (4100–4300 m) or low altitude (400 m, n = 37). Prior studies show that UtA blood flow is reduced in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) but whether the IUGR is due to resultant fetal hypoxia is unclear. We found higher UtA blood flow and Doppler indices of fetal hypoxia in normotensive women at high versus low altitude but similar fetal growth. UtA blood flow was markedly lower in early-onset PE versus normal high-altitude women, and their fetuses more hypoxic as indicated by lower fetal heart rate, Doppler indices and greater IUGR. We concluded that, despite greater fetal hypoxia, fetal growth was well defended by higher UtA blood flows in normal Andeans at high altitude but when compounded by lower UtA blood flow in early-onset PE, exaggerated fetal hypoxia caused the fetus to respond by decreasing cardiac output and redistributing blood flow to help maintain brain development at the expense of growth elsewhere. We speculate that UtA blood flow is not only an important supply line but also a trigger for stimulating the metabolic and other processes regulating feto-placental metabolism and growth. Studies using the natural laboratory of high altitude are valuable for identifying the physiological and genetic mechanisms involved in human reproductive success. PMID:25602072

Emergence of late-onset placental dysfunction: relationship to the change in uterine artery blood flow resistance between the first and third trimesters.

PubMed

Llurba, Elisa; Turan, Ozhan; Kasdaglis, Tania; Harman, Chris R; Baschat, Ahmet A

2013-06-01

To test if emergence of third-trimester (T3) placental dysfunction is related to the impedance change in uterine artery blood flow resistance between the first trimester (T1) and T3. Mean T1 and T3 uterine artery (mUtA) pulsatility index (PI) was measured in 1098 singletons. Each patient's individual mUtA-PI change was calculated ([(T3 PI - T1 PI/interval in days)] × 100; ΔmUtA-PI). This parameter and T1 and T3 mUtA-PI z-scores were related to placenta-related disease (PRD) and to constitutionally small neonates (CS). Forty-seven (5%) women had PRD and 83 (8.7%) delivered a CS neonate. T1 and T3 mUtA-PI z-scores were higher with PRD (0.418 versus -0.097 and 1.06 versus -0.13, p < 0.001 for all). Change in mUtA-PI (ΔmUtA PI) was similar for patients with PRD. However, the prevalence of PRD doubled with rising ΔmUtA-PI (11.1% versus 5.2%, p = 0.041). T3 uterine artery Doppler performs significantly better in detecting patients at risk for late-onset PRD than T1 or the gestational age change in uterine artery Doppler resistance This suggests that a proportion of late emerging PRD is not amenable to early screening by uterine artery Doppler. Further research is essential to identify the optimal screening strategy for late-onset placental dysfunction. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Structure and permeation mechanism of a mammalian urea transporter

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

Levin, Elena J.; Cao, Yu; Enkavi, Giray

2012-09-17

As an adaptation to infrequent access to water, terrestrial mammals produce urine that is hyperosmotic to plasma. To prevent osmotic diuresis by the large quantity of urea generated by protein catabolism, the kidney epithelia contain facilitative urea transporters (UTs) that allow rapid equilibration between the urinary space and the hyperosmotic interstitium. Here we report the first X-ray crystal structure of a mammalian UT, UT-B, at a resolution of 2.36 {angstrom}. UT-B is a homotrimer and each protomer contains a urea conduction pore with a narrow selectivity filter. Structural analyses and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the selectivity filter has twomore » urea binding sites separated by an approximately 5.0 kcal/mol energy barrier. Functional studies showed that the rate of urea conduction in UT-B is increased by hypoosmotic stress, and that the site of osmoregulation coincides with the location of the energy barrier.« less

Structure and permeation mechanism of a mammalian urea transporter

PubMed Central

Levin, Elena J.; Cao, Yu; Enkavi, Giray; Quick, Matthias; Pan, Yaping; Tajkhorshid, Emad; Zhou, Ming

2012-01-01

As an adaptation to infrequent access to water, terrestrial mammals produce urine that is hyperosmotic to plasma. To prevent osmotic diuresis by the large quantity of urea generated by protein catabolism, the kidney epithelia contain facilitative urea transporters (UTs) that allow rapid equilibration between the urinary space and the hyperosmotic interstitium. Here we report the first X-ray crystal structure of a mammalian UT, UT-B, at a resolution of 2.36 Å. UT-B is a homotrimer and each protomer contains a urea conduction pore with a narrow selectivity filter. Structural analyses and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the selectivity filter has two urea binding sites separated by an approximately 5.0 kcal/mol energy barrier. Functional studies showed that the rate of urea conduction in UT-B is increased by hypoosmotic stress, and that the site of osmoregulation coincides with the location of the energy barrier. PMID:22733730

Simultaneous observation of the poleward expansion of substorm electrojet activity and the tailward expansion of current sheet disruption in the near-earth magnetotail

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lopez, R. E.; Koskinen, H. E. J.; Pulkkinen, T. I.; Bosinger, T.; Mcentire, R. W.; Potemra, T. A.

1993-01-01

A substorm that occurred on 7 June 1985 at 2209 UT for which simultaneous measurements from ground stations and CCE are available is considered. The event occurred during a close conjunction between CCE, the EISCAT magnetometer cross, and the STARE radar, allowing a detailed comparison of satellite and ground-based data. Two discrete activations took place during the first few minutes of this substorm: the expansion phase onset at 2209 UT and an intensification at 2212 UT, corresponding to a poleward expansion of activity. The energetic particle data indicate that the active region of the magnetotail during the 2212 UT intensification was located tailward of the active region at 2209 UT. This is direct evidence for a correspondence between tailward expansion of localized activity in the near-earth magnetotail (current disruption and particle energization) and poleward expansion of activity (electrojet formation) in the ionosphere.

Uncaria gambir Roxb. mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using diethanolamine as capping agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Labanni, A.; Zulhadjri; Handayani, D.; Arief, S.

2018-01-01

Studies of silver nanoparticles preparation has been developed increasingly due to the wide application in various areas and field, such as medicine, energy, catalysis, and electronic. An environmental-friendly method is needed to fabricate biocompatible silver nanoparticles without producing hazardous materials to the environment. In this study, we synthesized silver nanoparticles by green synthesis method, using leaf extract of gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) as bioreducing agent and aqueous diethanolamine (DEA) solution as capping agents. The AgNO3/DEA molar ratio was varied to investigate the effect of DEA concentration to the properties of silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by colour changes to yellowish brown and confirmed by result of UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis which shown absorption band at 400 to 410 nm. The absorbance was increased to the reaction time of 24 hours, and was decrease by the increasing of DEA concentration in reaction. TEM analysis showed that prepared silver nanoparticles were spherical in shape with diameter of 3,5 - 45,5 nm. The diameter of DEA capped silver nanoparticles was 13 nm, smaller than uncapped silver nanoparticles which was 26 nm It exhibited good stability to time reaction of one month which was potential to be developed in some fields.

Phylogeny and classification of Naucleeae s.l. (Rubiaceae) inferred from molecular (ITS, rBCL, and tRNT-F) and morphological data.

PubMed

Razafimandimbison, Sylvain G; Bremer, Birgitta

2002-07-01

Parsimony analyses of the tribe Naucleeae sensu lato (s.l.) using the noncoding internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear rDNA, the protein-coding rbcL and noncoding trnT-F regions of chloroplast DNA, and morphological data were performed to construct new intratribal classification, test the monophyly of previous subtribal circumscriptions, and evaluate the generic status of Naucleeae s.l. Fifty-two ITS, 45 rbcL, and 55 trnT-F new sequences are published here. Our study supports the monophyly of the subtribes Anthocephalidae, Mitragynae, Uncariae all sensu Haviland and Naucleinae sensu Ridsdale. There was no support for Cephalanthidae sensu Haviland and Adininae sensu Ridsdale. Naucleeae can be subdivided into six highly supported and morphologically distinct subtribes, Breoniinae, Cephalanthinae, Corynantheinae, Naucleinae, and Mitragyninae, Uncarinae, plus one, Adininae, which is poorly supported. The relationships among these subtribes were largely unresolved. We maintain the following 22 genera: Adina, Adinauclea, Breonadia, Breonia, Burttdavya, Cephalanthus, Gyrostipula, Haldina, Janotia, Ludekia, Metadina, Mitragyna, Myrmeconauclea, Nauclea, Neolamarckia, Neonauclea, Ochreinauclea, Pausinystalia, Pertusadina, Sarcocephalus, Sinoadina, and Uncaria. Pseudocinchona is reestablished. Corynanthe is restricted to C. paniculata and Hallea is reincluded in Mitragyna. Our results were inconclusive for assessing the relationships among Adina, Adinauclea, Metadina, and Pertusadina due to lack of resolution.

Effects of hirsutine, an antihypertensive indole alkaloid from Uncaria rhynchophylla, on intracellular calcium in rat thoracic aorta.

PubMed

Horie, S; Yano, S; Aimi, N; Sakai, S; Watanabe, K

1992-01-01

The effects of hirsutine, an indole alkaloid from Uncaria rhynchophylla (MIQ.) Jackson, on cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]cyt) were studied by using fura-2-Ca2+ fluorescence in smooth muscle of the isolated rat aorta. Noradrenaline and high K+ solution produced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]cyt. Application of hirsutine after the increases in [Ca2+]cyt induced by noradrenaline and high K+ notably decreased [Ca2+]cyt, suggesting that hirsutine inhibits Ca2+ influx mainly through a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel. Furthermore, the effect of hirsutine on intracellular Ca2+ store was studied by using contractile responses to caffeine under the Ca(2+)-free nutrient condition in the rat aorta. When hirsutine was added at 30 microM before caffeine treatment, the agent slightly but significantly reduced the caffeine-induced contraction. When added during Ca2+ loading, hirsutine definitely augmented the contractile response to caffeine. These results suggest that hirsutine inhibits Ca2+ release from the Ca2+ store and increases Ca2+ uptake into the Ca2+ store, leading to a reduction of intracellular Ca2+ level. It is concluded that hirsutine reduces intracellular Ca2+ level through its effect on the Ca2+ store as well as through its effect on the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel.

Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, inhibits inflammation-mediated neurotoxicity and microglial activation.

PubMed

Jung, Hwan Yong; Nam, Kyong Nyon; Woo, Byung-Choel; Kim, Kyoo-Pil; Kim, Sung-Ok; Lee, Eunjoo H

2013-01-01

Chronic microglial activation endangers neuronal survival through the release of various pro-inflammatory and neurotoxic factors. As such, negative regulators of microglial activation have been considered as potential therapeutic candidates to reduce the risk of neurodegeneration associated with inflammation. Uncaria rhynchophylla (U. rhynchophylla) is a traditional oriental herb that has been used for treatment of disorders of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Hirsutine (HS), one of the major indole alkaloids of U. rhynchophylla, has demonstrated neuroprotective potential. The aim of the present study was to examine the efficacy of HS in the repression of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity and microglial cell activation. In organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, HS blocked lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-related hippocampal cell death and production of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and interleukin-1β. HS was demonstrated to effectively inhibit LPS-induced NO release from cultured rat brain microglia. The compound reduced the LPS-stimulated production of PGE2 and intracellular reactive oxygen species. HS significantly decreased LPS-induced phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt signaling proteins. In conclusion, HS reduces the production of various neurotoxic factors in activated microglial cells and possesses neuroprotective activity in a model of inflammation-induced neurotoxicity.

Hirsutine, an Indole Alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Inhibits Late Step in Dengue Virus Lifecycle.

PubMed

Hishiki, Takayuki; Kato, Fumihiro; Tajima, Shigeru; Toume, Kazufumi; Umezaki, Masahito; Takasaki, Tomohiko; Miura, Tomoyuki

2017-01-01

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes and is a public health issue worldwide. No antiviral drugs specific for treating dengue infection are currently available. To identify novel DENV inhibitors, we analyzed a library of 95 compounds and 120 extracts derived from crude drugs (herbal medicines). In the primary screening, A549 cells infected with DENV-1 were cultured in the presence of each compound and extract at a final concentration of 10 μM (compound) and 100 μg/mL (extract), and reduction of viral focus formation was assessed. Next, we eliminated compounds and extracts which were cytotoxic using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla , was identified as a potent anti-DENV compound exhibiting high efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Hirsutine showed antiviral activity against all DENV serotypes. Time-of-drug-addition and time-of-drug-elimination assays indicated that hirsutine inhibits the viral particle assembly, budding, or release step but not the viral translation and replication steps in the DENV lifecycle. A subgenomic replicon system was used to confirm that hirsutine does not restrict viral genome RNA replication. Hirsutine is a novel DENV inhibitor and potential candidate for treating dengue fever.

Hirsutine, an Indole Alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, Inhibits Late Step in Dengue Virus Lifecycle

PubMed Central

Hishiki, Takayuki; Kato, Fumihiro; Tajima, Shigeru; Toume, Kazufumi; Umezaki, Masahito; Takasaki, Tomohiko; Miura, Tomoyuki

2017-01-01

Dengue virus (DENV) is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes and is a public health issue worldwide. No antiviral drugs specific for treating dengue infection are currently available. To identify novel DENV inhibitors, we analyzed a library of 95 compounds and 120 extracts derived from crude drugs (herbal medicines). In the primary screening, A549 cells infected with DENV-1 were cultured in the presence of each compound and extract at a final concentration of 10 μM (compound) and 100 μg/mL (extract), and reduction of viral focus formation was assessed. Next, we eliminated compounds and extracts which were cytotoxic using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Hirsutine, an indole alkaloid of Uncaria rhynchophylla, was identified as a potent anti-DENV compound exhibiting high efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Hirsutine showed antiviral activity against all DENV serotypes. Time-of-drug-addition and time-of-drug-elimination assays indicated that hirsutine inhibits the viral particle assembly, budding, or release step but not the viral translation and replication steps in the DENV lifecycle. A subgenomic replicon system was used to confirm that hirsutine does not restrict viral genome RNA replication. Hirsutine is a novel DENV inhibitor and potential candidate for treating dengue fever. PMID:28912773

Proanthocyanidins from Uncaria rhynchophylla induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells while enhancing cytotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Xin; Leung, George Pak-Heng; Zhang, Zhang-Jin; Xiao, Jian-Bo; Lao, Li-Xing; Feng, Feng; Mak, Judith Choi-Wo; Wang, Ying; Sze, Stephen Cho-Wing; Zhang, Kalin Yan-Bo

2017-09-01

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Current treatments often result in systematic toxicity and drug resistance. Combinational use of non-toxic phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxicity would be one promising approach. In this study, bioactive proanthocyanidins from Uncaria rhynchophylla (UPAs) were isolated and their anti-breast cancer effects alone and in combination with 5- fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The results showed that UPAs significantly inhibited cell viability and migration ability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, UPAs induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner which was associated with increased cellular reactive oxygen species production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increases of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and levels of cleaved caspase 3. Treatments of the cells with UPAs resulted in an increase in G2/M cell cycle arrest. Cytotoxic effects of 5-FU against MDA-MB-231 cells were enhanced by UPAs. The combination treatment of UPAs and 5-FU for 48 h elicited a synergistic cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231 cells. Altogether, these data suggest that UPAs are potential therapeutic agents for breast cancer. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pharmacological Effects of Active Compounds on Neurodegenerative Disease with Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a Commonly Used Poststroke Decoction

PubMed Central

Chik, Stanley C. C.; Or, Terry C. T.; Luo, D.; Yang, Cindy L. H.; Lau, Allan S. Y.

2013-01-01

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to the selective loss of neuronal systems in patients. The diseases cause high morbidity and mortality to approximately 22 million people worldwide and the number is expected to be tripled by 2050. Up to now, there is no effective prevention and treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases. Although some of the clinical therapies target at slowing down the progression of symptoms of the diseases, the general effectiveness of the drugs has been far from satisfactory. Traditional Chinese medicine becomes popular alternative remedies as it has been practiced clinically for more than thousands of years in China. As neurodegenerative diseases are mediated through different pathways, herbal decoction with multiple herbs is used as an effective therapeutic approach to work on multiple targets. Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction, a popular TCM decoction, has been used to treat stroke in China. The decoction contains compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, iridoids, carotenoids, and natural phenols, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent publications of the pharmacological effects of these five groups of compounds. Understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds may provide new treatment opportunities for the patients with neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:24348193

Causes of high O3 in the lower free troposphere over the Pacific Northwest as observed at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ambrose, J. L.; Reidmiller, D.; Jaffe, D. A.

2011-12-01

We measured O3, CO, Hg, sub-micron particle scattering of mid-visible light (σsp), and water vapor (WV) at the Mt. Bachelor Observatory (MBO) in central Oregon, USA since 2004. The data were used to identify sources of large ozone enhancements in the lower free troposphere (FT) from 2004-2009. A total of 25 high-ozone events, defined as time periods when the 8-hr averaged O3 mixing ratio was >70.0 ppbv, were recorded. The events occurred between early March and late September. For 18 of the 25 event days we were able to identify sources based on (1) relative enhancements of O3, CO, Hg and WV compared with the corresponding monthly distributions and (2) supporting data from the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, the Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS) global aerosol model, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite-derived active fire counts from the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS). Our analysis suggests that enhanced O3 levels during all the identified events were transported to MBO in the FT and were driven mostly by subsidence of O3-rich air masses from the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere (UT/LS), Asian long range transport (ALRT) and mixed ALRT+UT/LS influences. The UT/LS events were depleted in CO and total atmospheric mercury (TAM) compared to monthly median values. Levels of O3 and CO tended to be anti-correlated during UT/LS events, consistent with transport from clean regions in the UT. Conversely, the ALRT events were characterized by concomitant enhancements in CO and TAM with mean values during each event that were >70th percentile values for the months during which the events occurred. Unlike for UT/LS events, levels of O3 and CO during ALRT events tended to be correlated, consistent with photochemical O3 production in polluted air masses transported across the Pacific. The mixed ALRT+UT/LS events exhibited characteristics that were intermediate between those of the ALRT and UT/LS events. For the classifiable cases the fractional distribution of each event type was: UT/LS, ~44% (n=8); ALRT+UT/LS, ~33% (n=6); ALRT, ~22% (n=4). In terms of the total number of classifiable high-ozone event hours UT/LS, ALRT+UT/LS and ALRT events accounted for ~52% (t=85), ~36% (t=59) and ~13% (t=21), respectively. The results indicate that downward mixing of O3-rich air masses from the UT/LS together with trans-Pacific transport of urban/industrial and biomass burning emissions from the Asian continent are the most important mechanisms for delivering high O3 levels (i.e., 8-hr averages >70.0 ppbv) to the lower FT in the Pacific Northwest. The high-ozone event characterization methodology developed from the 2004-2009 data set is further applied to observations made at MBO during 2010 and 2011.

75 FR 58433 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Brigham Young University, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-24

... University, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo, UT AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice... objects in the possession of the Brigham Young University, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo, UT. The..., 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the museum...

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Discovery of 2 hot Jupiters KELT-14b & KELT-15b (Rodriguez+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez, J. E.; Colon, K. D.; Stassun, K. G.; Wright, D.; Cargile, P. A.; Bayliss, D.; Pepper, J.; Collins, K. A.; Kuhn, R. B.; Lund, M. B.; Siverd, R. J.; Zhou, G.; Gaudi, B. S.; Tinney, C. G.; Penev, K.; Tan, T. G.; Stockdale, C.; Curtis, I. A.; James, D.; Udry, S.; Segransan, D.; Bieryla, A.; Latham, D. W.; Beatty, T. G.; Eastman, J. D.; Myers, G.; Bartz, J.; Bento, J.; Jensen, E. L. N.; Oberst, T. E.; Stevens, D. J.

2018-04-01

Spectroscopic observations of KELT-14 and KELT-15 were carried out using the CYCLOPS2 fiber feed with the UCLES spectrograph instrument on the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) over two observing runs: UT 2015 February 02-UT 2015 March 01 and UT 2015 May 6-UT 2015 May 13. The instrumental set-up and observing strategy for these observations closely follow that described in earlier CYCLOPS RV papers (Addison et al. 2013ApJ...774L...9A, 2014ApJ...792..112A). CORALIE is a fiber-fed echelle spectrograph (Queloz et al. 2001Msngr.105....1Q) attached to the Swiss 1.2 m Leonard Euler telescope at the ESO La Silla Observatory in Chile. It has a spectral resolution of R~60000, a wavelength range of 3900-6800 Å, and is able to measure radial velocities of bright stars to a precision of 3 m/s or better (Pepe et al. 2002, J/A+A/388/632). We obtained spectra at five epochs of KELT-15 from UT 2015 September 02 to UT 2015 September 14. (3 data files).

Structural, optical, thermal and mechanical properties of Urea tartaric acid single crystals.

PubMed

Vinothkumar, P; Rajeswari, K; Kumar, R Mohan; Bhaskaran, A

2015-06-15

Urea tartaric acid (UT) an organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material was synthesized from aqueous solution and the crystals were grown by the slow evaporation technique. The single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the UT crystal belongs to the orthorhombic system. The functional groups of UT have been identified by the Fourier transform infrared spectral studies. The optical transparent window in the visible and near the IR regions was investigated. The transmittance of UT has been used to calculate the refractive index (n) as a function of the wavelength. The nonlinear optical property of the grown crystal has been confirmed by the Kurtz powder second harmonic generation test. The birefringence of the crystal was determined using a tungsten halogen lamp source. The laser induced surface damage threshold for the grown crystal was measured using the Nd:YAG laser. The anisotropic in mechanical property of the grown crystals was studied using Vicker's microhardness tester at different planes. The etch pit density of UT crystals was investigated. The thermal behavior of UT was investigated using the TG-DTA and DSC studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Approaches to reduce urinary tract injury during management of placenta accreta, increta, and percreta: a systematic review.

PubMed

Tam Tam, Kiran Babu; Dozier, James; Martin, James Nello

2012-04-01

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to answer the following question: are there enhancements to standard peripartum hysterectomy technique that minimize unintentional urinary tract (UT) injury in pregnancies complicated by invasive placental attachment (INPLAT)? A PubMed search of English language articles on INPLAT published by June 2010 was conducted. Data regarding the following parameters was required for inclusion in the quantitative analysis of the review's objective: (1) type of INPLAT, (2) details pertaining to medical and surgical management of INPLAT, and (3) complications, if any, associated with management. An attempt was made to identify approaches that may lower the risk of unintentional UT injury. Most cases (285 of 292) were managed by hysterectomy. There were 83 (29%) cases of unintentional UT injury. Antenatal diagnosis of INPLAT lowered the rate of UT injury (39% vs. 63%; P = 0.04). Information regarding surgical technique or medical management was available for 90 cases; 14 of these underwent a standard hysterectomy technique. Methotrexate treatment and 11 modifications of the surgical technique were associated with 16% unintentional UT injury rate as opposed to 57% for standard hysterectomy (P = 0.002). The use of ureteral stents reduced risk of urologic injury (P = 0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified antenatal diagnosis as the significant predictor of an intact UT. Antenatal diagnosis of INPLAT is paramount to minimize UT injury. Utilization of management modifications identified in this review may reduce urologic injury due to INPLAT.

An extract of Urtica dioica L. mitigates obesity induced insulin resistance in mice skeletal muscle via protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)

PubMed Central

Obanda, Diana N.; Ribnicky, David; Yu, Yongmei; Stephens, Jacqueline; Cefalu, William T.

2016-01-01

The leaf extract of Urtica dioica L. (UT) has been reported to improve glucose homeostasis in vivo, but definitive studies on efficacy and mechanism of action are lacking. We investigated the effects of UT on obesity- induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) and HFD supplemented with UT. Body weight, body composition, plasma glucose and plasma insulin were monitored. Skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) was analyzed for insulin sensitivity, ceramide accumulation and the post translational modification and activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). PP2A is activated by ceramides and dephosphorylates Akt. C2C12 myotubes exposed to excess free fatty acids with or without UT were also evaluated for insulin signaling and modulation of PP2A. The HFD induced insulin resistance, increased fasting plasma glucose, enhanced ceramide accumulation and PP2A activity in skeletal muscle. Supplementation with UT improved plasma glucose homeostasis and enhanced skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity without affecting body weight and body composition. In myotubes, UT attenuated the ability of FFAs to induce insulin resistance and PP2A hyperactivity without affecting ceramide accumulation and PP2A expression. UT decreased PP2A activity through posttranslational modification that was accompanied by a reduction in Akt dephosphorylation. PMID:26916435

Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon-juniper communities within the Interior West; 1997 September 15-18; Provo, UT

Treesearch

Stephen B. Monsen; Richard Stevens

1999-01-01

A symposium held September 15-18,1997, in Provo, UT, and Sanpete County, UT, provided information on the ecology, management, resource values, and restoration of pinyon-juniper communities in the Interior Western United States. The conference was hosted by the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources in...

Hypovolemic intolerance to lower body negative pressure in female runners.

PubMed

Morikawa, T; Sagawa, S; Torii, R; Endo, Y; Yamazaki, F; Shiraki, K

2001-12-01

An attenuated baroreflex response and orthostatic intolerance have been reported in endurance-trained male athletes; however, it is still unknown whether this occurs also in females. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether endurance exercise-trained women had a predisposition to orthostatic compromise, and if so, what causative factor(s) may induce orthostatic intolerance. We studied cardiovascular and hormonal responses to graded lower body negative pressure (LBNP) (0 to -60 mm Hg) in 26 middle-distance female runners (18.6 +/- 0.1 yr) as the exercise-trained (ET) subjects and 23 age-matched untrained (UT) control subjects. On the basis of the occurrence of syncope episodes during LBNP, ET and UT subjects were further allocated to two groups; ET with presyncope (ET+syncope) and without presyncope (ET-syncope) and UT with presyncope (UT+syncope) and without presyncope (UT-syncope). Occurrence of presyncope episodes during LBNP was higher in ET (65.4%, P < 0.05) than that for UT (34.8%). Leg compliance was higher (P < 0.05) in ET than in UT. LBNP reduced stroke volume (SV) more (P < 0.05), increased heart rate (HR) higher (P < 0.05), and increased forearm vascular resistance (FVR) more in ET+syncope as compared with the other groups. Response of vasoactive hormones to LBNP was higher in ET+syncope (P < 0.05) than that of the other groups except for norepinephrine (NE); high in both ET+syncope and UT+syncope. The relationship between SV and NE, an index of sympathetic neuronal response, had no training-related changes during LBNP. We conclude that exercise-trained females have a high incidence of orthostatic intolerance during LBNP, with a greater reduction of SV independent of changes in baroreflex and neurohumoral function. A lower incidence of LBNP intolerance in UT may be accounted for by a lower reduction of SV during LBNP. An increase in leg compliance in the exercise-trained females may play an important role in inducing pronounced reduction of SV and hence the intolerance to LBNP.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Pathway Inhibition Resolves Tumor Hypoxia and Improves Local Tumor Control After Single-Dose Irradiation

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

Helbig, Linda; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden; Koi, Lydia

2014-01-01

Purpose: To study the effects of BAY-84-7296, a novel orally bioavailable inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) activity, on hypoxia, microenvironment, and radiation response of tumors. Methods and Materials: UT-SCC-5 and UT-SCC-14 human squamous cell carcinomas were transplanted subcutaneously in nude mice. When tumors reached 4 mm in diameter BAY-84-7296 (Bayer Pharma AG) or carrier was daily administered to the animals. At 7 mm tumors were either excised for Western blot and immunohistologic investigations or were irradiated with single doses. After irradiation animals were randomized to receive BAY-84-7296 maintenance or carrier. Local tumor control was evaluatedmore » 150 days after irradiation, and the dose to control 50% of tumors (TCD{sub 50}) was calculated. Results: BAY-84-7296 decreased nuclear HIF-1α expression. Daily administration of inhibitor for approximately 2 weeks resulted in a marked decrease of pimonidazole hypoxic fraction in UT-SCC-5 (0.5% vs 21%, P<.0001) and in UT-SCC-14 (0.3% vs 19%, P<.0001). This decrease was accompanied by a significant increase in fraction of perfused vessels in UT-SCC-14 but not in UT-SCC-5. Bromodeoxyuridine and Ki67 labeling indices were significantly reduced only in UT-SCC-5. No significant changes were observed in vascular area or necrosis. BAY-84-7296 before single-dose irradiation significantly decreased TCD{sub 50}, with an enhancement ratio of 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.72) in UT-SCC-5 and of 1.55 (95% CI 1.26-1.94) in UT-SCC-14. BAY-84-7296 maintenance after irradiation did not further decrease TCD{sub 50}. Conclusions: BAY-84-7296 resulted in a marked decrease in tumor hypoxia and substantially reduced radioresistance of tumor cells with the capacity to cause a local recurrence after irradiation. The data suggest that reduction of cellular hypoxia tolerance by BAY-84-7296 may represent the primary biological mechanism underlying the observed enhancement of radiation response. Whether this mechanism contributes to the improved outcome of fractionated chemoradiation therapy warrants further investigation.« less

Increased Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness in Overhead Athletes with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

PubMed Central

Leong, Hio Teng; Hug, François; Fu, Siu Ngor

2016-01-01

Although excessive tension of the upper trapezius (UT) is thought to contribute to rotator cuff tendinopathy, no study examined UT tension in athletes with and without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Here we used UT shear modulus measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness/tension. The aims of this study were twofold: 1) to determine whether the UT muscle shear modulus is altered in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy compared to asymptomatic athletes, and 2) to detect optimal cut-off points of UT shear modulus in identifying athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Forty-three male volleyball players (17 asymptomatic and 26 with rotator cuff tendinopathy, mean age = 22.9±3.5 years) participated in the study. UT shear modulus was quantified during active arm holding at 30° and 60° of shoulder abduction and passive arm positioning at 0°, 30° and 60° of shoulder abduction. During the active tasks, the UT shear modulus was higher in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy than the asymptomatic athletes (p = 0.002), regardless the arm position. During the passive tasks, athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy exhibited a higher UT shear modulus than asymptomatic athletes only at 0° of shoulder abduction (13.0±2.5 kPa vs 10.2±1.8 kPa, p = 0.001). When considering the active task, an optimal cut-off shear modulus of 12.0 kPa at 30° of shoulder abduction (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.57, AUC = 0.757, p = 0.008) and 9.5 kPa at 60° of shoulder abduction (sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.67, AUC = 0.816, p = 0.002) was detected. When considering the passive task at 0° of shoulder abduction, a cut-off of 12.2 kPa was found (sensitivity = 0.73, AUC = 0.817, p = 0.001). Findings from the present study show that monitoring passive and active UT muscle shear modulus may provide important information for the prevention/rehabilitation of rotator cuff tendinopathy. PMID:27159276

Increased Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness in Overhead Athletes with Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.

PubMed

Leong, Hio Teng; Hug, François; Fu, Siu Ngor

2016-01-01

Although excessive tension of the upper trapezius (UT) is thought to contribute to rotator cuff tendinopathy, no study examined UT tension in athletes with and without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Here we used UT shear modulus measured using ultrasound shear wave elastography as an index of muscle stiffness/tension. The aims of this study were twofold: 1) to determine whether the UT muscle shear modulus is altered in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy compared to asymptomatic athletes, and 2) to detect optimal cut-off points of UT shear modulus in identifying athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy. Forty-three male volleyball players (17 asymptomatic and 26 with rotator cuff tendinopathy, mean age = 22.9±3.5 years) participated in the study. UT shear modulus was quantified during active arm holding at 30° and 60° of shoulder abduction and passive arm positioning at 0°, 30° and 60° of shoulder abduction. During the active tasks, the UT shear modulus was higher in athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy than the asymptomatic athletes (p = 0.002), regardless the arm position. During the passive tasks, athletes with rotator cuff tendinopathy exhibited a higher UT shear modulus than asymptomatic athletes only at 0° of shoulder abduction (13.0±2.5 kPa vs 10.2±1.8 kPa, p = 0.001). When considering the active task, an optimal cut-off shear modulus of 12.0 kPa at 30° of shoulder abduction (sensitivity = 0.84, specificity = 0.57, AUC = 0.757, p = 0.008) and 9.5 kPa at 60° of shoulder abduction (sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.67, AUC = 0.816, p = 0.002) was detected. When considering the passive task at 0° of shoulder abduction, a cut-off of 12.2 kPa was found (sensitivity = 0.73, AUC = 0.817, p = 0.001). Findings from the present study show that monitoring passive and active UT muscle shear modulus may provide important information for the prevention/rehabilitation of rotator cuff tendinopathy.

The Hale-Bopp comet - an unexpected guest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorodetchi, Dumitru

A number of 3 photographs are given of the comewt Hale-Bopp made at UT 1997 March 18.0937 (refractor RT-80(80 cm., 1:10); Fomapan T-800 (DT=10 min). 2) UT 1997 March 18.010; Cassegrain-reflector AT -400 (630, 1:16); film 100 ASA (DT=1 min) 3)UT 1997 April 5.8097; telobiectiv Tair -11 (13,5 cm, 1:2.8); Fomapan T-800 (DT =2 min)

SALT Spectroscopic classification of ASASSN-18lp as a dwarf nova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckley, D. A. H.; Gromadzki, M.; Dong, Subo; Stanek, K. Z.

2018-06-01

ASASSN-18lp (AT 2018cex) was discovered by the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASAS-SN, Shappee et al. 2014) on UT 2018-06-05.24 at g 16 mag. It was observed with the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) using the Robert Stobie Spectrograph on UT 2018-06-05.75 UT (HJD 2458275.2561) employing the PG300 lines/mm grating.

CRTS-II Detection of Increased Optical Activity from CTA 102

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djorgovski, S. G.; Drake, A. J.; Mahabal, A. A.; Graham, M. J.; Christensen, E.; Larson, S. M.

2017-12-01

We report the detection of significant optical brightening of FSRQ CTA 102 by CRTS-II on 2017 Dec. 8.15 UT. At that time CTA 102 was seen to have risen approximately 1.4 mags (to V_CSS = 14.15) compared with previous observations taken on 2017 Nov. 23 UT. Additional survey observations taken on 2017 Dec. 15 UT show CTA 102 at V_CSS = 14.05.

Different weight bearing push-up plus exercises with and without isometric horizontal abduction in subjects with scapular winging: A randomized trial.

PubMed

Choi, Woo-Jeong; Yoon, Tae-Lim; Choi, Sil-Ah; Lee, Ji-Hyun; Cynn, Heon-Seock

2017-07-01

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the application of isometric horizontal abduction (IHA) differentially affected two weight-bearing push-up plus exercises by examining activation of the scapulothoracic muscles in subjects with scapular winging. Fifteen male subjects performed standard push-up plus (SPP) and wall push-up plus (WPP), with and without IHA. Two-way analyses of variance using two within-subject factors were used to determine the statistical significance of observed differences in upper trapezius (UT), pectoralis major (PM), and serratus anterior (SA) muscle activities and UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios. UT and SA muscle activities were greater during SPP than WPP. PM muscle activity was lower with IHA application. The UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios were lower during SPP than WPP. The PM/SA muscle activity ratio was lower with IHA application. The results suggest that IHA application using a Thera-Band can effectively reduce PM muscle activity during SPP and WPP exercises. Moreover, the SPP exercise can be used to increase UT and SA muscle activity and reduce the UT/SA and PM/SA muscle activity ratios in subjects with scapular winging. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Science alliance: A vital ORNL-UT partnership

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

Richmond, C.R.; Riedinger, L.; Garritano, T.

1991-01-01

Partnerships between Department of Energy national laboratories and universities have long been keys to advancing scientific research and education in the United States. Perhaps the most enduring and closely knit of these relationships is the one between Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Since its birth in the 1940's, ORNL has had a very special relationship with UT, and today the two institutions have closer ties than virtually any other university and national laboratory. Seven years ago, ORNL and UT began a new era of cooperation by creating the Science Alliance, a Center of Excellencemore » at UT sponsored by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. As the oldest and largest of these centers, the Science Alliance is the primary vehicle through which Tennessee promotes research and educational collaboration between UT and ORNL. By letting the two institutions pool their intellectual and financial resources, the alliance creates a more fertile scientific environment than either could achieve on its own. Part of the UT College of Liberal Arts, the Science Alliance is composed of four divisions (Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Mathematics and Computer Science) that team 100 of the university's top faculty with their outstanding colleagues from ORNL.« less

The emerging physiological roles of the SLC14A family of urea transporters

PubMed Central

Stewart, Gavin

2011-01-01

In mammals, urea is the main nitrogenous breakdown product of protein catabolism and is produced in the liver. In certain tissues, the movement of urea across cell membranes is specifically mediated by a group of proteins known as the SLC14A family of facilitative urea transporters. These proteins are derived from two distinct genes, UT-A (SLC14A2) and UT-B (SLC14A1). Facilitative urea transporters play an important role in two major physiological processes – urinary concentration and urea nitrogen salvaging. Although UT-A and UT-B transporters both have a similar basic structure and mediate the transport of urea in a facilitative manner, there are a number of significant differences between them. UT-A transporters are mainly found in the kidney, are highly specific for urea, have relatively lower transport rates and are highly regulated at both gene expression and cellular localization levels. In contrast, UT-B transporters are more widespread in their tissue location, transport both urea and water, have a relatively high transport rate, are inhibited by mercurial compounds and currently appear to be less acutely regulated. This review details the fundamental research that has so far been performed to investigate the function and physiological significance of these two types of urea transporters. PMID:21449978

Performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and a Simplified Finnish Diabetes Risk Score in a Community-Based, Cross-Sectional Programme for Screening of Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dysglycaemia in Madrid, Spain: The SPREDIA-2 Study.

PubMed

Salinero-Fort, M A; Burgos-Lunar, C; Lahoz, C; Mostaza, J M; Abánades-Herranz, J C; Laguna-Cuesta, F; Estirado-de Cabo, E; García-Iglesias, F; González-Alegre, T; Fernández-Puntero, B; Montesano-Sánchez, L; Vicent-López, D; Cornejo-Del Río, V; Fernández-García, P J; Sánchez-Arroyo, V; Sabín-Rodríguez, C; López-López, S; Patrón-Barandio, P; Gómez-Campelo, P

2016-01-01

To evaluate the performance of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) and a simplified FINDRISC score (MADRISC) in screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (UT2DM) and dysglycaemia. A population-based, cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out with participants with UT2DM, ranged between 45-74 years and lived in two districts in the north of metropolitan Madrid (Spain). The FINDRISC and MADRISC scores were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve method (ROC-AUC). Four different gold standards were used for UT2DM and any dysglycaemia, as follows: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HbA1c, and OGTT or HbA1c. Dysglycaemia and UT2DM were defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria. The study population comprised 1,426 participants (832 females and 594 males) with a mean age of 62 years (SD = 6.1). When HbA1c or OGTT criteria were used, the prevalence of UT2DM was 7.4% (10.4% in men and 5.2% in women; p<0.01) and the FINDRISC ROC-AUC for UT2DM was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74). The optimal cut-off point was ≥13 (sensitivity = 63.8%, specificity = 65.1%). The ROC-AUC of MADRISC was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72-0.81) with ≥13 as the optimal cut-off point (sensitivity = 84.8%, specificity = 54.6%). FINDRISC score ≥12 for detecting any dysglycaemia offered the best cut-off point when HbA1c alone or OGTT and HbA1c were the criteria used. FINDRISC proved to be a useful instrument in screening for dysglycaemia and UT2DM. In the screening of UT2DM, the simplified MADRISC performed as well as FINDRISC.

Cluster Observations of Particle Injections in the Exterior Cusp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C. P.; Grison, B.; Berchem, J.; Trattner, K. J.; Lavraud, B.; Pitout, F.; Soucek, J.; Richard, R. L.; Laakso, H. E.; Masson, A.; Dunlop, M. W.; Dandouras, I. S.; Reme, H.; Fazakerley, A. N.; Daly, P. W.

2014-12-01

The main process that injects solar wind plasma into the polar cusp is now generally accepted to be magnetic reconnection. Depending on the IMF direction, this process takes place equatorward (for IMF southward), poleward (for IMF northward) or on the dusk or dawn sides (for IMF azimuthal) of the cusp. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed lower than usual around 280 km/s with the density of order 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft had an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. Using the time of flight technique on the upgoing and downgoing ions, which leads to energy dispersions, we obtain distances of the ion sources between 14 and 20 RE from the spacecraft. Using Tsyganenko model, we find that these sources are located on the dusk flank, past the terminator. The first injection by C3 is seen at approximately the same time as the 2nd injection on C1 but their sources at the magnetopause were separated by more than 7 RE. This would imply that two distinct sources were active at the same time on the dusk flank of the magnetosphere. In addition, a flow reversal was observed at the magnetopause on C4 which would be an indication that reconnection is taking place near the exterior cusp.

Influence of ultrasound and diamond burs treatments on microtensile bond strength.

PubMed

Conde, Alexandre; Mainieri, Vivian; Mota, Eduardo Goncalves; Oshima, Hugo Mitsuo

2012-01-01

To compare surface treatments with CVDentUS ultrasound tips (UT) and KGSorensen diamond burs (DB) on etched (e) and non-etched (n/e) dentin. The microtensile bond strength (μTBS) was measured and fractography was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sixteen molars were divided into four groups of four teeth each according to treatment (DB-n/e; DB-e; UT-n/e; UT-e). The teeth were restored, sectioned into samples for μTBS (n=40) and tested on a EMIC DL-2000 universal machine (0.5 mm/min) and analyzed by SEM for fracture classification. For analysis of the data on μTBS, the two-way ANOVA, using treatment and acid etching as fixed factor, and the Tukey test were used (α=0.05). To failures classification in cohesive in dentin (CD); cohesive in composite resin (CC); cohesive interfacial on base or top of hybrid layer (CBT); cohesive in adhesive (CA); mixed (M); interfacial on smear layer (S) the Fisher's exact test (α=0.05) was performed. The mean values of μTBS (in MPa) in the different groups were as follows: UT-e: 45.31 ± 8.16; DB-e: 34.04 ± 9.29; UT-n/e: 15.17 ± 3.71; and DB-n/e: 9.86 ± 3.80. On analysis of the SEM micrographs, the DB-n/e group showed total obstruction of dentinal tubules; the UT-n/e group showed partial desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface; the DB-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules; and the UT-e group showed complete desobstruction of dentinal tubules and irregular surface. The combination of ultrasound treatment and acid etching provides high values of μTBS. An association exists between CA/CC failures and the UT method, CBT failure and the DB method, CBT/CC failures and etching, S failure and non-etching.

Gastrodia and Uncaria (tianma gouteng) water extract exerts antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects against cerebral ischemia in vitro and in vivo.

PubMed

Xian, Jia Wen; Choi, Angus Yiu-Ting; Lau, Clara Bik-San; Leung, Wing Nang; Ng, Chun Fai; Chan, Chun Wai

2016-01-01

Gastrodia and Uncaria decoction (tianma gouteng yin) is commonly used in Chinese medicine to treat cerebral ischemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of a water extract (GUW) of Gastrodia elata (tianma; GE) and Uncaria rhynchophylla (gouteng; UR) against ischemic insult using oxygen-glucose-deprived neuronal differentiated PC12 cells and rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). GUW was prepared by boiling raw GE and UR in water, followed by the lyophilization of the resulting extract. Neuronal differentiated PC12 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation with or without GUW. The neuroprotective effects of GUW were compared with those of the corresponding GE and UR extracts to tease apart the effects of the different herbs. The synergistic effect of GE and UR in GUW was measured using a modified version of Burgi's formulae. The neuroprotective mechanisms via Nrf2 and anti-apoptotic pathways were investigated using real time PCR and enzyme activity assays. The neuroprotective effects of GUW were studied in vivo using a rat MCAO model. Neurofunctional outcome and brain infarct volume we assessed. H&E staining, cresyl violet staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the histological outcome. The results of lactate dehydrogenase assay showed that GUW protected cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.001). Moreover, the neuroprotective effects of GUW were greater than those of GE + UR (P = 0.018). Burgi's formula showed that the herbs in GUW acted synergistically to protect cells from ischemic injury. GUW significantly upregulated Bcl-2 expression (P = 0.0130) and reduced caspase-3 activity by 60 % (P < 0.001). GUW upregulated Nrf-2 expression (P = 0.0066) and the antioxidant response element pathway genes. The infarct volume was reduced by 55 % at day 7 of reperfusion (P < 0.001), and significant improvements were observed in the neurological deficit score and beam-walking test at 7 days (P < 0.001). H&E and cresyl violet staining revealed higher tissue integrity in the GUW treatment group compared with MCAO rats. GUW modulated the antioxidant system and antiapoptotic genes in oxygen-glucose deprived neuronal differentiated PC12 cells and MCAO sprague-dawley rats.

Allelic variation in PtoPsbW associated with photosynthesis, growth, and wood properties in Populus tomentosa.

PubMed

Wang, Longxin; Wang, Bowen; Du, Qingzhang; Chen, Jinhui; Tian, Jiaxing; Yang, Xiaohui; Zhang, Deqiang

2017-02-01

Photosynthesis is one of the most important reactions on earth. PsbW, a nuclear-encoded subunit of photosystem II (PSII), stabilizes PSII structure and plays an important role in photosynthesis. Here, we used candidate gene-based linkage disequilibrium (LD) mapping to detect significant associations between allelic variations of PtoPsbW and traits related to photosynthesis, growth, and wood properties in Populus tomentosa. PtoPsbW showed the highest expression in leaves and it increased during the development of these leaves, suggesting that PtoPsbW may play an important role in plant growth and development. Analysis of nucleotide diversity and LD revealed that PtoPsbW has low single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) diversity (π tot  = 0.0048 and θ w  = 0.0050) and relatively low average value of LD (0.1500), indicating that PtoPsbW is conserved due to its indispensable function. Using single-SNP associations in an association population of 435 individuals, we identified five significant associations at the threshold of P ≤ 0.05, explaining 3.28-15.98 % of the phenotypic variation. Haplotype-based association analyses indicated that 13 haplotypes (P ≤ 0.05) from six blocks were associated with photosynthesis, growth, and wood properties. Our work shows that identifying allelic variation and LD can help to decipher the genetic basis of photosynthesis and could potentially be applied for molecular marker-assisted selection in Populus.

Iron Ore Industry Emissions as a Potential Ecological Risk Factor for Tropical Coastal Vegetation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuki, Kacilda N.; Oliva, Marco A.; Pereira, Eduardo G.

2008-07-01

In the coastal zone of the Espírito Santo state, Brazil, fragments of restinga, which form a natural ecosystem, share their space with an increasing number of iron ore industries. The iron ore dust and SO2 originating from the industry processing activities can interfere with the vegetation of the adjacent ecosystems at various levels. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of industry emissions on representative members of the restinga flora, by measuring physiological and phenological parameters. Foliar samples of Ipomoea pes caprae, Canavalia rosea, Sophora tomentosa, and Schinus terebinthifolius were collected at three increasing distances from an ore industry (1.0, 5.0, and 15.0 km), and were assessed for their dust deposition, chlorophyll, and Fe content. Phenological monitoring was focused on the formation of shoots, flowers, and fruits and was also performed throughout the course of a year. The results showed that the edaphic characteristics and the mineral constitutions of the plants were affected by industry emissions. In addition, the chlorophyll content of the four species increased with proximity to the industry. Phenological data revealed that the reproductive effort, as measured by fruit production, was affected by emissions and S. tomentosa was the most affected species. The use of an integrative approach that combines biochemical and ecological data indicates that the restinga flora is under stress due to industry emissions, which on a long-term basis may put the ecosystem at risk.

Iron ore industry emissions as a potential ecological risk factor for tropical coastal vegetation.

PubMed

Kuki, Kacilda N; Oliva, Marco A; Pereira, Eduardo G

2008-07-01

In the coastal zone of the Espírito Santo state, Brazil, fragments of restinga, which form a natural ecosystem, share their space with an increasing number of iron ore industries. The iron ore dust and SO(2) originating from the industry processing activities can interfere with the vegetation of the adjacent ecosystems at various levels. This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of industry emissions on representative members of the restinga flora, by measuring physiological and phenological parameters. Foliar samples of Ipomoea pes caprae, Canavalia rosea, Sophora tomentosa, and Schinus terebinthifolius were collected at three increasing distances from an ore industry (1.0, 5.0, and 15.0 km), and were assessed for their dust deposition, chlorophyll, and Fe content. Phenological monitoring was focused on the formation of shoots, flowers, and fruits and was also performed throughout the course of a year. The results showed that the edaphic characteristics and the mineral constitutions of the plants were affected by industry emissions. In addition, the chlorophyll content of the four species increased with proximity to the industry. Phenological data revealed that the reproductive effort, as measured by fruit production, was affected by emissions and S. tomentosa was the most affected species. The use of an integrative approach that combines biochemical and ecological data indicates that the restinga flora is under stress due to industry emissions, which on a long-term basis may put the ecosystem at risk.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Sloan i follow-up light curves of HATS-18 (Penev+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penev, K.; Hartman, J. D.; Bakos, G. A.; Ciceri, S.; Brahm, R.; Bayliss, D.; Bento, J.; Jordan, A.; Csubry, Z.; Bhatti, W.; de Val-Borro, M.; Espinoza, N.; Zhou, G.; Mancini, L.; Rabus, M.; Suc, V.; Henning, T.; Schmidt, B.; Noyes, R. W.; Lazar, J.; Papp, I.; Sari, P.

2017-02-01

The star HATS-18 was observed by HATSouth instruments between UT 2011 April 18 and UT 2013 July 21 using the HS-2, HS-4, and HS-6 units at the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, the High Energy Spectroscopic Survey (H.E.S.S.) site in Namibia, and Siding Spring Observatory (SSO) in Australia, respectively. A total of 5372, 3758, and 4008 images of HATS-18 were obtained with HS-2, HS-4, and HS-6, respectively. The observations were obtained through a Sloan r filter with an exposure time of 240s. We obtained follow-up light curves of HATS-18 using the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope (LCOGT) 1m telescope network. An ingress was observed on UT 2015 July 18 with the SBIG camera and a Sloan i filter on the 1m at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). A total of 33 images were collected at a median cadence of 201s. A full transit was observed on UT 2016 January 22 with the sinistro camera and a Sloan i filter on the 1m at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory. A total of 61 images were collected at a median cadence of 219s. For the record, we also note that a full transit was observed on UT 2016 January 3 with the SBIG camera on the 1m at SAAO; however, due to tracking and weather problems, we were unable to extract high-precision photometry from these images, and therefore do not include these data in our analysis. The data are available in Table1. Spectroscopic follow-up observations of HATS-18 were carried out with WiFeS on the Australian National University (ANU) 2.3m telescope and with the Fiber-fed Extended Range Optical Spectrograph (FEROS) on the MPG 2.2m. A total of three spectra were obtained with WiFeS between UT 2015 February 28 and UT 2015 March 2, two at a resolution of R=Δλ/λ=7000, and one at R=3000. We obtained six R=48000 spectra with FEROS between UT 2015 June 12 and UT 2015 June 20. The data are provided in Table2. (2 data files).

The variability and IRI2007-predictability of hmF2 over South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mbambo, M. C.; McKinnell, Lee-Anne; Habarulema, J. B.

2013-11-01

This paper presents an investigation into the variability and predictability of the maximum height of the ionospheric F2 layer, hmF2 over the South African region. Data from three South African stations, namely Madimbo (22.4°S, 26.5°E, dip angle: -61.47°), Grahamstown (33.3°S, 26.5°E, dip angle: -64.08°) and Louisvale (28.5°S, 21.2°E, dip angle: -65.44°) were used in this study. The results indicate that hmF2 shows a larger variability around midnight than during the daytime for all seasons. Monthly median hmF2 values were used in all cases and were compared with predictions from the IRI-2007 model, using the URSI (Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale) coefficient option. The analysis covers the diurnal and seasonal hourly hmF2 values for the selected months and time sectors e.g. January, July, April and October for 2003 and 2005. The time ranges between (03h00-23h00 UT; LT = UT + 2h) representing the local sunrise, midday, sunset and midnight hours. The time covers sunrise, midday, sunrise, and midnight hours (03-06h00 UT, 07-11h00 UT, sunrise 16-18h00 UT and 22-23h00 UT; LT = UT + 2h). The dependence of the results on solar activity levels was also investigated. The IRI-2007 predictions follow fairly well the diurnal and seasonal variation patterns of the observed hmF2 values at all the stations. However, the IRI-2007 model overestimates and underestimates the hmF2 value during different months for all the solar activity periods.

The InterCon network: a program for education partnerships at the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center.

PubMed

Castro, G A; Bouldin, P A; Farver, D W; Maugans, L A; Sanders, L C; Booker, J

1999-04-01

The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center (UT-Houston) has created programs and activities to address the state's pressing needs in minority education. Through InterCon, a network of universities and K-12 schools, UT-Houston works with its partners to identify competitive candidates in the current pool of minority graduates with bachelor's degrees and to help them--along with their non-minority counterparts--progress in their education. Another objective is to expand the pool of minorities underrepresented in medicine who complete high school and go to college. In 1994 UT-Houston and Prairie View A&M University created a collaborative venture to provide new educational opportunities at UT-Houston for Prairie View's predominantly African American students. A three-track summer internship program--a result of that collaboration--has since been expanded to partnerships with other minority and majority universities throughout Texas. In 1998, for example, 108 undergraduate students from these universities (and 40 other universities nationwide) participated in research, professional, and administrative summer internships at UT-Houston. The InterCon network also has partnerships with K-12 schools. UT-Houston works with inner-city, suburban, and rural school districts to develop education models that can be transferred throughout the state. The partnerships deal with helping to teach basic academic skills and computer literacy, improve science-related instruction, meet demands for health promotion materials and information for school-initiated health and wellness programs, and develop distance-learning paradigms. UT-Houston views InterCon as a program helping Texas institutions to engage and adapt to the socioeconomic factors, demographic changes, and technology explosion that currently challenge public education.

Distribution of extracellular matrix molecules in human uterine tubes during the menstrual cycle: a histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

PubMed

Godoy-Guzmán, Carlos; Nuñez, Claudio; Orihuela, Pedro; Campos, Antonio; Carriel, Víctor

2018-04-16

The uterine tube (UT) is an important and complex organ of the women's reproductive system. In general, the anatomy and basic histology of this organ are well-known. However, the composition and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the UT is still poorly understood. The ECM is a complex supramolecular material produced by cells which is commonly restricted to the basement membrane and interstitial spaces. ECM molecules play not only a structural role, they are also important for cell growth, survival and differentiation in all tissues. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the deposition and distribution of type I and III collagens and proteoglycans (decorin, biglycan, fibromodulin and versican) in human UT during the follicular and luteal phases by using histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. Our results showed a broad synthesis of collagens (I and III) in the stroma of the UT. The analysis by regions showed, in the mucosa, a specific distribution of versican and fibromodulin in the epithelial surface, whereas decorin and fibromodulin were observed in the lamina propria. Versican and decorin were found in the stroma of the muscular layer, whereas all studied proteoglycans were identified in the serosa. Curiously, biglycan was restricted to the wall of the blood vessels of the serosa and muscular layers. Furthermore, there was an immunoreaction for collagens, decorin, versican and fibromodulin in the UT peripheral nerves. The differential distribution of these ECM molecules in the different layers of the UT could be related to specific structural and/or biomechanical functions needed for the oviductal transport, successful fertilization and early embryogenesis. However, further molecular studies under physiological and pathological conditions are still needed to elucidate the specific role of each molecule in the human UT. © 2018 Anatomical Society.

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

Bonner, H.W.; Buffington, C.K.; Leslie, S.W.

Following a 25 ..mu..Ci/kg i/p injection, /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity from the mitochondria and fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR) of the superficial rectus femoris (FG-fibers) and combined soleus muscle (SO-fibers) of trained (T, N = 9) and untrained (UT, N = 8) male Wistar rats was determined. The FG mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity from rested animals was 3.9 (T) and 5.3 (UT) times greater than the FSR from this muscle group while the SO-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity was 13.2 (T) and 20.5 (UT) times greater when compared with the respective SO-FSR (p less than 0.01). Themore » mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content of the SO-fibers from rested animals was 58% UT, (p less than 0.01) and 148% (T, p less than 0.001) greater than that of the FG mitochondria. After 20 to 26 weeks of exercise training the SO-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content of the rested-T animals was approximately 18% lower (p less than 0.05) while the T-FG-mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content was 48% less than that of UT animals (p less than 0.01) with a concomitant 28% greater /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity in SO-FSR for the T-group as compared to UT (p less than 0.01). Following a rapidly exhaustive treadmill run the mitochondrial /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ content in the UT group was depressed by 21% in SO-fibers and 37% in FG-fibers (p less than 0.01) with no changes occurring in the T-group. Exhaustion produced no significant changes in the /sup 45/Ca/sup + +/ activity of the FSR from either group of animals.« less

Determination of Extraction Process Conditions of Gambier Catechin (Uncaria Gambier Roxb) from Solok Bio Bio Lima Puluh Kota District – West Sumatera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desni Rahman, Elly; Sari, Ellyta; Burmawi; Frizka; Endah

2018-03-01

Catechin content is the determinant key of quality in gambier trade. The required Catechin content of gambier extracts as a herbal medicinal ingridient is greater than 90%. Mostly, Local gambier that produced by community is not uniform and low quality, thus lowering the price in the export markets. The quality improvement of gambier can be done by extraction and purification processes. This study aims to determine the best extraction process of catechin from Gambier (Uncaria Roxb) which derived from Solok Bio Bio Lima Puluh Kota, West Sumatra. The research methodology includes pre purification: raw materials preparation, washing, filtration, extraction, drying and testing. Washing was done on 100 gr gambier with a variation of water at 500, 600, 700, and 800 ml, heating for an hour at a temperature of 70°C, screened, filtered, and allow to stand until a precipitate is formed, wash repeatedly, filtered, and dried. Further, extract with a solvent variation of : water, etyl acetate, heated at 70°C temperature for 1 hour, then filtered. Filtrate then thickened by using a Rotary evaporator, dried at 50°C temperature for 48 hours and analyzed. The results showed that the best conditions of the extraction process is by using a solvent etyl acetate, at a temperature of 70°C, grading 97.40% catechins.

Immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides isolated from Taxillus chinensis and Uncaria rhyncophylla.

PubMed

Zhang, Lin; Koyyalamudi, Sundar Rao; Jeong, Sang Chul; Reddy, Narsimha; Bailey, Trevor; Longvah, T

2013-11-06

Taxillus chinensis and Uncaria rhyncophylla are the herbs used in traditional Chinese anticancer formulations. During the past decade, research on plant polysaccharides has gained importance due to their therapeutic value and minimum side effects. In this study, hot water extraction method was employed to isolate polysaccharides from the stems of T. chinensis and stems with hooks of U. rhyncophylla. Size-exclusion chromatography was then used for further fractionation. Separated fractions from T. chinensis were designated as TCP-1, TCP-2 and TCP-3 and those from U. rhyncophylla were termed UC-1 and UC-2. Their sugar compositions were estimated using gas chromatography that revealed the presence fructose, glucose, xylose, arbinose, and rhamnose. Amino acid analysis of these fractions has indicated that they are protein-bound polysaccharides. The antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH and yeast assays. The ability of these polysaccharide fractions to stimulate mouse macrophages was measured using Griess reagent and ELISA test. The results revealed that some of the isolated fractions (TCP-2, TCP-3, UC-1 and UC-2) displayed significant antioxidant activities and were also found to be effective immunomodulators in a concentration-dependent manner. Outcomes of this research strongly indicate that U. rhyncophylla and T. chinensis have therapeutic potential to be used for the treatment of cancer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Decrease in Dengue virus-2 infection and reduction of cytokine/chemokine production by Uncaria guianensis in human hepatocyte cell line Huh-7.

PubMed

Mello, Cíntia da Silva; Valente, Ligia Maria Marino; Wolff, Thiago; Lima-Junior, Raimundo Sousa; Fialho, Luciana Gomes; Marinho, Cintia Ferreira; Azeredo, Elzinandes Leal; Oliveira-Pinto, Luzia Maria; Pereira, Rita de Cássia Alves; Siani, Antonio Carlos; Kubelka, Claire Fernandes

2017-06-01

Dengue fever may present hemorrhages and cavitary effusions as result of exacerbated immune responses. We investigated hydro-alcoholic extracts from leaves (UGL) and bark (UGB) of the medicinal species Uncaria guinanensis with respect to antiviral effects in Dengue virus (DENV) infection and in immunological parameters associated with in vivo physiopathological features. Chemical profiles from UGB or UGL were compared in thin layer chromatography and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance using flavonoid compounds and a pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid-enriched fraction as references. DENV-2-infected hepatocytes (Huh-7) were treated with extracts. Cell viability, DENV antigens and immunological factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or flow cytometry. The UGL mainly differed from UGB by selectively containing the flavonoid kaempferitrin. UGB and UGL improved hepatocyte viability. Both extracts reduced intracellular viral antigen and inhibited the secretion of viral non-structural protein (NS1), which is indicative of viral replication. Reduction in secretion of macrophage migration inhibitory factor was achieved by UGB, of interleukin-6 by UGL, and of interleukin-8 by both UGB and UGL. MAIN. The U. guianensis extracts presented, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects for DENV and possibly a hepatocyte-protective activity. Further studies may be performed to consider these products as potential candidates for the development of an herbal product for the future treatment of dengue.

A multiherbal formulation influencing immune response in vitro.

PubMed

Menghini, L; Leporini, L; Scanu, N; Pintore, G; Ferrante, C; Recinella, L; Orlando, G; Vacca, M; Brunetti, L

2012-02-01

Aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phytocomplexes of Uncaria, Shiitake and Ribes in terms of viability and inflammatory response on immune cell-derived cultures. Standardized extracts of Uncaria, Shitake and Ribes and their commercial formulation were tested on cell lines PBMC, U937 and macrophage. The activity was evaluated in terms of cell viability (MTT test), variations of oxidative marker release (ROS and PGE2) and modulatory effects on immune response (gene expression of IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα, RT-PCR). Cell viability was not affected by extracts, except subtle variations observed only at higher doses (>250 µg/mL). The extract mixture was well tolerated, with no effects on cell viability up to doses of 500 µg/mL. Pre-treatment of macrophages with subtoxic doses of the extracts reduced the basal release of oxidative markers and enhanced the cell response to exogenous oxidant stimulation, as revealed by ROS and PGE2 release reduction. The same treatment on macrophage resulted in a selective modulation of the immune response, as shown by an increase of IL-6 mRNA and, partially, IL-8 mRNA, while a reduction was observed for TNFα mRNA. Data confirm that extracts and their formulations can act as regulator of the immune system with mechanisms involving the oxidative stress and the release of selected proinflammatory cytokines.

[Determination of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in Uncaria rhynchophylla by HPLC].

PubMed

Yang, Xiu-Juan; Hong, Yan-Long; Wu, Fei; Ruan, Ke-Feng; Feng, Yi

2013-03-01

To explore an HPLC method for determination of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline in Uncaria rhnchophylla. An HPLC method has been developed for determination of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline. The transformation of rhnchophylline and isorhnchophylline after heating was also studied by HPLC-ESI-MS. Good linearities of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline were 0.064-5.100, 0.064-5.110 mg, respectively. The average recoveries were from 87.51% to 88.83% for rhynchophylline and from 107.9% to 113.9% for isorhynchophylline. The recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhnchophylline reference solutions after extraction were 12.60% and 40.00% in the reflux extraction procedure, respectively. While in the ultrasonic extraction procedure, the average recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline was from 99.48% to 103.2% and from 97.00% to 99.59%, resepectively. The recoveries of rhynchophylline and isorhnchophylline reference solutions after extraction were 47.08% and 51.03%, respectively. The unqualified recovery could be elucidated by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis, indicating that trhynchophylline could be transformed mostly into isorhynchophylline and a little amount of unkown composition, while isorhynchophylline could be transformed into rhynchophylline isocorynoxeine, corynoxeine and 22-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl isocorynoxeinic acid during the extraction procedure. Ultrasonic extraction procedure was more sutble for HPLC determination of the content of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline in U. rhnchophylla, however, the recovery problems should be paid attention to when it comes to the determination.

Preparative separation of six rhynchophylla alkaloids from Uncaria macrophylla wall by pH-zone refining counter-current chromatography.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinghai; Lin, Changhu; Duan, Wenjuan; Wang, Xiao; Luo, Aiqin

2013-12-12

pH-Zone refining counter-current chromatography was successfully applied to the preparative isolation and purification of six alkaloids from the ethanol extracts of Uncaria macrophylla Wall. Because of the low content of alkaloids (about 0.2%, w/w) in U. macrophylla Wall, the target compounds were enriched by pH-zone refining counter-current chromatography using a two-phase solvent system composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-isopropanol-water (2:6:3:9, v/v), adding 10 mM triethylamine in organic stationary phase and 5 mM hydrochloric acid in aqueous mobile phase. Then pH-zone refining counter-current chromatography using the other two-phase solvent system was used for final purification. Six target compounds were finally isolated and purified by following two-phase solvent system composed of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE)-acetonitrile-water (4:0.5:5, v/v), adding triethylamine (TEA) (10 mM) to the organic phase and HCl (5 mM) to aqueous mobile phase. The separation of 2.8 g enriched total alkaloids yielded 36 mg hirsutine, 48 mg hirsuteine, 82 mg uncarine C, 73 mg uncarine E, 163 mg rhynchophylline, and 149 mg corynoxeine, all with purities above 96% as verified by HPLC Their structures were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Effects of the hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla on neurotoxicity in the 6-hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Shim, Jin Sup; Kim, Hyo Geun; Ju, Mi Sun; Choi, Jin Gyu; Jeong, Seo Young; Oh, Myung Sook

2009-11-12

While the hook of Uncaria rhynchophylla (URH) is a traditional herb used in northeast Asia for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD)-like symptoms such as tremor, it has not been experimentally evaluated in a PD model. We investigated the effects of URH on 6-hydroxydapamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in in vitro and in vivo models of PD. The cell viability, anti-oxidative activity, and anti-apoptotic activity of a water extract of URH (URE) were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide, reactive oxygen species (ROS), total glutathione (GSH), and caspase-3 assays in PC12 cells stressed by 6-OHDA. We also investigated the behavioral recovery and dopaminergic neuron protection of URE using an apomorphine-induced rotation test and tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry in the hemi-parkinsonian rat model of the unilateral 6-OHDA lesion of the medial forebrain bundle. In PC12 cells, URE significantly reduced cell death and the generation of ROS, increased GSH levels, and inhibited caspase-3 activity induced by 6-OHDA. In 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, posttreatment with URE (5 mg/kg/day for 14 days) significantly reduced apomorphine-induced rotation, and it lowered dopaminergic neuronal loss in substantia nigra pars compacta. URE possesses neuroprotective activity against 6-OHDA-induced toxicity through anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activities in PD models.

[Effects of combined use of total alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Coryadlis ambailis migo on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats].

PubMed

Hu, Xue-yong; Sun, An-sheng; Sui, Yu-xia

2007-11-01

To study the effects of combined use of total alkaloids (TA) of Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and Coryadlis ambailis migo (CAM) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. Rat model of middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion was established, the changes of neurological state was scored before and after treatment with the two kinds of TA, single or combined, and the changes of cerebral infarcted volume, cerebral water content, activities of NOS and SOD and content of MDA in rats' brain were estimated as well. After being treated with the combination of both TA, the average neurological score, cerebral infracted volume, cerebral water content, activity of NOS and content of MDA in the model rats significantly decreased, and the activity of SOD was significantly increased (all P < 0.05). The effect of combined use of the two TA was higher than that of use TA of UR or CAM alone (P <0.05). Moreover, the central nervous system inhibitory effect induced by combined TA was significantly weaker than that of UR. Combined use of TA of UR and CAM may facilitate the protection against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion damage, the action mechanism might be relevant to reducing the lipid peroxidation injury of brain cells through inhibiting the NOS activity and increasing the SOD activity.

Uncaria rhynchophylla (miq) Jack plays a role in neuronal protection in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Su, Shan-Yu; Jan, Ya-Min; Hsieh, Ching-Tou; Cheng, Chin-Yi; Shyu, Woei-Cherng; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2010-01-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack (UR) is one of many Chinese herbs. Our previous studies have shown that UR has both anticonvulsive and free radical-scavenging activities in kainic acid (KA)-treated rats. The aim of the present study was to use the effect of UR on activated microglia, nitric oxide synthase, and apoptotic cells to investigate its function in neuroproction in KA-treated rats. UR of 1.0 or 0.5 g/kg was orally administered for 3 days (first day, second day, and 30 min prior to KA administration on the third day), or 10 mg/kg (intraperitoneal injection, i.p.) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 30 min prior to KA (2 microg/2 microl) was injected into the right hippocampus region of Sprague-Dawly rats. ED1 (mouse anti rat CD68), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells were observed in the hippocampus region. The results indicated that 1.0 g/kg, 0.5 g/kg of UR and 10 mg/kg of L-NAME reduced the counts of ED1, nNOS, iNOS immunoreactive cells and apoptotic cells in KA-treated rats. This study demonstrates that UR can reduce microglia activation, nNOS, iNOS and apoptosis, suggesting that UR plays a neuro-protective role against neuronal damage in KA-treated rats.

Protective effects of novel single compound, Hirsutine on hypoxic neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Wu, Li Xin; Gu, Xian Feng; Zhu, Yi Chun; Zhu, Yi Zhun

2011-01-10

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a traditional Chinese herb that has been applied in China for treatment of ailments of the cardiovascular system, but little is known about its active constituents and effect in cardiomyocytes. In present study, we investigated the cardioprotective effect of 0.1μΜ, 1μΜ and 10μΜ Hirsutine isolated from the methanolic extracts of Uncaria rhynchophylla by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on neonatal rat cardiomyocytes treated with hypoxia to determine the mechanism underlying the protective effect with regard to cardiac anti-oxidant enzymes and apoptosis genes. Hirsutine significantly increased the viability of cardiomyocytes injured by hypoxia. Gene expression levels of proapoptotic genes (Bax, Fas and caspase-3) were significantly downregulated compared with the hypoxic control group (P<0.05), whereas the expression level of Bcl-2 was upregulated following Hirsutine treatment (P<0.05). Correspondingly, Hirsutine treatment increased Bcl-2 protein level and decreased Bax protein level. Assay investigating cardiac anti-oxidant enzymes provided further evidence for the protective effect of Hirsutine, as indicated by the induction of the anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase. The results of present study suggest that the mechanism of action of Hirsutine in hypoxic neonatal rat cardiomyocytes may be related to its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties. This may open an avenue for developing novel candidate compounds with cardioprotectiveeffect from unique Chinese plant. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Backfilling behavior of a mixed aggregate based on construction waste and ultrafine tailings

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qinli; Xiao, Chongchun; Chen, Xin

2017-01-01

To study the possibility of utilizing mixed construction waste and ultrafine tailings (CW&UT) as a backfilling aggregate that can be placed underground in a mine, physicochemical evaluation, proportioning strength tests, and pumpability experiments were conducted. It was revealed that mixed CW&UT can be used as a backfilling aggregate due to the complementarities of their physicochemical properties. In addition, as the results of the proportioning strength tests show, the compressive strength of a cemented CW&UT backfilling specimen cured for 28 days, with a mass fraction of 72–74%, a cement-sand ratio of 1:12, and a CW proportion of 30%, is higher than 1.0 MPa, which meets the safety requirements and economic consideration of backfilling technology in many underground metal mines, and can also be enhanced with an increase in the cement-sand ratio. The results of the pumpability experiments show that cemented backfilling slurry based on CW&UT can be transported to the stope underground with a common filling pump, with a 16.6 MPa maximum pressure, with the condition that the time of emergency shut-down is less than approximately 20 min. All in all, the research to utilize mixed CW&UT as a backfilling aggregate can not only provide a way to dispose of CW&UT but also will bring large economic benefits and can provide constructive guidance for environmental protection. PMID:28662072

Effects of ultrasonic pretreatments on quality, energy consumption and sterilization of barley grass in freeze drying.

PubMed

Cao, Xiaohuang; Zhang, Min; Mujumdar, Arun S; Zhong, Qifeng; Wang, Zhushang

2018-01-01

Barley grass is a plant resource for rehabilitation therapy. Its processing requires retaining nutrition well for rehabilitation cure of consumers. To meet the aim as well as low energy consumption and microbiological safety of products, ultrasonic treatments (UT) were applied to bathing materials at different power levels (10, 30, 45, 60W/L) for 10mins. After treatments, the bathed barley grass (100g) was freeze-dried under vacuum -0.09MPa with fixed power of 2W/g. Parameters of color, microbial colony, energy consumption, glass transition temperature, moisture content, water activity, taste substances, contents of flavonoid and chlorophyll were determined after drying. In contrast with no treatment case, UT (45W/L) decreased drying time by 14% and decreased energy consumption by 19%; UT (60W/L) decreased total microbial colonies by 33%. Also, UT (30W/L) yielded contents of flavonoid (9.2/kg) and chlorophyll (10.5g/kg) of dried sample; UT power (10W/L) yielded the highest L ∗ (51.5) and the lowest a ∗ (-9.3) value. Simultaneously, UT leads to a higher glass transition temperature (Tg), lower water activity and produces less sourness and bitterness of dried products. Ultra-sonication is an alternative to improve quality, flavor and energy consumption of barley grass in freeze drying. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Backfilling behavior of a mixed aggregate based on construction waste and ultrafine tailings.

PubMed

Chen, Qiusong; Zhang, Qinli; Xiao, Chongchun; Chen, Xin

2017-01-01

To study the possibility of utilizing mixed construction waste and ultrafine tailings (CW&UT) as a backfilling aggregate that can be placed underground in a mine, physicochemical evaluation, proportioning strength tests, and pumpability experiments were conducted. It was revealed that mixed CW&UT can be used as a backfilling aggregate due to the complementarities of their physicochemical properties. In addition, as the results of the proportioning strength tests show, the compressive strength of a cemented CW&UT backfilling specimen cured for 28 days, with a mass fraction of 72-74%, a cement-sand ratio of 1:12, and a CW proportion of 30%, is higher than 1.0 MPa, which meets the safety requirements and economic consideration of backfilling technology in many underground metal mines, and can also be enhanced with an increase in the cement-sand ratio. The results of the pumpability experiments show that cemented backfilling slurry based on CW&UT can be transported to the stope underground with a common filling pump, with a 16.6 MPa maximum pressure, with the condition that the time of emergency shut-down is less than approximately 20 min. All in all, the research to utilize mixed CW&UT as a backfilling aggregate can not only provide a way to dispose of CW&UT but also will bring large economic benefits and can provide constructive guidance for environmental protection.

EEJ and EIA variations during modeling substorms with different onset moments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klimenko, V. V.; Klimenko, M. V.

2015-11-01

This paper presents the simulations of four modeling substorms with different moment of substorm onset at 00:00 UT, 06:00 UT, 12:00 UT, and 18:00 UT for spring equinoctial conditions in solar activity minimum. Such investigation provides opportunity to examine the longitudinal dependence of ionospheric response to geomagnetic substorms. Model runs were performed using modified Global Self-consistent Model of the Thermosphere, Ionosphere and Protonosphere (GSM TIP). We analyzed GSM TIP simulated global distributions of foF2, low latitude electric field and ionospheric currents at geomagnetic equator and their disturbances at different UT moments substorms. We considered in more detail the variations in equatorial ionization anomaly, equatorial electrojet and counter equatorial electrojet during substorms. It is shown that: (1) the effects in EIA, EEJ and CEJ strongly depend on the substorm onset moment; (2) disturbances in equatorial zonal current density during substorm has significant longitudinal dependence; (3) the observed controversy on the equatorial ionospheric electric field signature of substorms can depend on the substorm onset moments, i.e., on the longitudinal variability in parameters of the thermosphere-ionosphere system.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Venus mesosphere ALMA observations (Piccialli+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piccialli, A.; Moreno, R.; Encrenaz, T.; Fouchet, T.; Lellouch, E.; Widemann, T.

2017-07-01

Observations of Venus were obtained using the ALMA interferometer within the project labeled 2011.0.00136.S. We observed - with a single receiver tuning setup - the CO, SO, SO2 and H2O rotational lines at frequencies of 345.795GHz, 346.528GHz, 346.652GHz and 335.395GHz, respectively. The spectral resolution (originally 61kHz) was binned to 0.35MHz in order to optimize the S/N. These observations were obtained on November 14, 2011, between 22:15 and 22:53 UT; on November 15, 2011, between 20:39 and 21:11 UT; on November 26, 2011, between 21:24 and 22:02 UT; and on November 27, 2011, between 21:07 and 21:58 UT. (23 data files).

Effect of protein supplementation on expression and distribution of urea transporter-B in lambs fed low-quality forage.

PubMed

Ludden, P A; Stohrer, R M; Austin, K J; Atkinson, R L; Belden, E L; Harlow, H J

2009-04-01

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of ruminal protein degradability, supplementation frequency, and increasing dietary protein on the expression and distribution of urea transporter-B (UT-B) in lambs fed low-quality forage (mature crested wheatgrass hay; 4.2 to 4.7% CP). In Exp. 1, 15 Dorset wether lambs (initial BW=45.8+/-1.3 kg) were blocked by initial BW and assigned to 1 of 3 treatments within a randomized complete block design for 28 d, with supplements fed to achieve 7, 10, or 13% total dietary CP. In Exp. 2, 13 Dorset wether lambs (initial BW=34+/-4 kg) were used in a completely randomized design and given 1 of 4 isonitrogenous supplements: 1) ruminally degradable protein (RDP) fed daily (n=3), 2) RDP fed on alternate days (n=3), 3) ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) fed on alternate days (n=3), or 4) a 50:50 mixture of RDP and RUP fed on alternate days (n=4) for 18 d. Alternate-day treatments were fed at twice that of daily supplementation. On the last day of both experiments, lambs were killed and samples taken for Western blot analyses for UT-B. Immunoblotting using a rabbit polyclonal antibody to UT-B confirmed the presence of distinct 32-kDa (consistent with a nonglycosylated UT-B protein) and 47-kDa (probable N-glycosylated form of UT-B) protein bands in all 9 tissues analyzed. In both experiments, the liver, dorsal rumen, reticulum, and ventral rumen displayed strong bands at 32 kDa and lighter bands at 47 kDa, whereas the cecum, large colon, spiral colon, and parotid salivary gland displayed slight 32-kDa bands and stronger, more visible bands at 47 kDa. Both protein bands were apparent in the kidney at similar visual intensities in Exp. 1, whereas the relative intensities of the 2 UT-B bands in the kidney were variable, and appeared somewhat reciprocal among animals in Exp. 2. Although the abundance of the 47-kDa UT-B band in the ventral rumen was greater (P=0.03) in lambs fed RDP daily in Exp. 2, no other treatment differences (P >or= 0.15 to 0.99) in the abundance of the 32- or 47-kDa UT-B proteins within tissues were observed in either experiment. Although protein supplementation strategy had little effect on UT-B expression in tissues other than the ventral rumen, differences in the degree of glycosylation of UT-B across tissues may provide insight into its regulation.

Improved UT1 Predictions through Low-Latency VLBI Observations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-14

J Geod (2010) 84:399–402 DOI 10.1007/s00190-010-0372-8 SHORT NOTE Improved UT1 predictions through low-latency VLBI observations Brian Luzum · Axel...polar motion and nutation on UT1 determinations from VLBI Intensive obser- vations. J Geod 82(12):863. doi:10.1007/s00190-008-0212-2 Ray JR, Carter WE...Behrend D (2007) The International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS): current capabilities and future prospects. J Geod 81(6–8):479. doi

Disposition of feedwater nozzle UT indications in a BWR

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

Leshnoff, S.D.; Orski, M.A.

A technical logic is developed, which justifies the disposition of feedwater nozzle ultrasonic testing (UT) indications in order to return to operation without visual inspection of the vessel inside surface. Present regulatory guidance is to inspect the inside surface from the inside if a reportable indication is found. A highly sensitive, tomographic UT technique, developed by Kraftwerk Union, is used to detect and size machined notches in the blend radius and bore regions of a full-sized feedwater nozzle mock-up.

Hariswaran Sitaraman | NREL

Science.gov Websites

pertaining to combustion and particulate flows. Education 2013 Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, UT, Austin 2010 M.S., Aerospace Engineering, UT, Austin 2008 B. Tech, Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, Chennai

Antigenic and functional properties of the human red blood cell urea transporter hUT-B1.

PubMed

Lucien, Nicole; Sidoux-Walter, Frédéric; Roudier, Nathalie; Ripoche, Pierre; Huet, Martine; Trinh-Trang-Tan, Marie-Marcelle; Cartron, Jean-Pierre; Bailly, Pascal

2002-09-13

The Kidd (JK) blood group locus encodes the urea transporter hUT-B1, which is expressed on human red blood cells and other tissues. The common JK*A/JK*B blood group polymorphism is caused by a single nucleotide transition G838A changing Asp-280 to Asn-280 on the polypeptide, and transfection of erythroleukemic K562 cells with hUT-B1 cDNAs carrying either the G838 or the A838 nucleotide substitutions resulted in the isolation of stable clones that expressed the Jk(a) or Jk(b) antigens, respectively, thus providing the first direct demonstration that the hUT-B1 gene encodes the Kidd blood group antigens. In addition, immunochemical analysis of red blood cells demonstrated that hUT-B1 also exhibits ABO determinants attached to the single N-linked sugar chain at Asn-211. Moreover, immunoadsorption studies, using inside-out and right-side-out red cell membrane vesicles as competing antigen, demonstrated that the C- and N-terminal ends of hUT-B1 are oriented intracellularly. Mutagenesis and functional studies by expression in Xenopus oocytes revealed that both cysteines Cys-25 and Cys-30 (but not alone) are essential for plasma membrane addressing. Conversely, the transport function was not affected by the JK*A/JK*B polymorphism, C-terminal deletion (residues 360-389), or mutation of the extracellular N-glycosylation consensus site and remains poorly para-chloromercuribenzene sulfonate (pCMBS)-sensitive. However, transport studies by stopped flow light scattering using Jk-K562 transfectants demonstrated that the hUT-B1-mediated urea transport is pCMBS-sensitive in an erythroid context, as reported previously for the transporter of human red blood cells. Mutagenesis analysis also indicated that Cys-151 and Cys-236, at least alone, are not involved in pCMBS inhibition. Altogether, these antigenic, topologic, and functional properties might have implications into the physiology of hUT-B1 and other members of the urea transporter family.

Multi-point observations of Ion Dispersions near the Exterior Cusp with Cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C.-Philippe; Grison, Benjamin; Berchem, Jean; Trattner, Kralheinz; Pitout, Frederic; Richard, Robert; Taylor, Matt; Soucek, Jan; Laakso, Harri; Masson, Arnaud; Dunlop, Malcolm; Dandouras, Iannis; Reme, Henri; Fazakerley, Andrew; Daly, Patrick

2014-05-01

The exterior cusp is the most external region of the polar magnetosphere in direct contact with the plasma and the magnetic field from the solar wind. Unlike the rest of the magnetopause surface, the exterior cusp is a singular region with small and turbulent magnetic field and where large entry of plasma from solar origin takes place. The main process that injects solar wind plasma into the polar cusp is now generally accepted to be magnetic reconnection. Depending on the IMF direction, this process will take place equatorward (for IMF southward), poleward (for IMF northward) or on the dusk or dawn sides (for IMF azimuthal) of the cusp. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed lower than usual around 280 km/s and the density around 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft were still in the "magnetotail" configuration with two perfect tetrahedra of 2000 km around apogee and turning into an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. Using the time of flight technique on the upgoing and downgoing ions in the dispersions, we obtain an altitude of the sources of these ions between 14 and 20 RE. Using Tsyganenko model, these sources are located on the dusk flank, past the terminator. In addition, before entering the cusp, the magnetopause crossing was characterized by a large shear in By and bipolar plasma flows, suggesting that reconnection was taking place near the exterior cusp. We will discuss the extent of the reconnection line along the flank of the magnetopause based on these observations.

Improving a Bimanual Motor Skill Through Unimanual Training

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Takuji; Nozaki, Daichi

2016-01-01

When we learn a bimanual motor skill (e.g., rowing a boat), we often break it down into unimanual practices (e.g., a rowing drill with the left or right arm). Such unimanual practice is thought to be useful for learning bimanual motor skills efficiently because the learner can concentrate on learning to perform a simpler component. However, it is not so straightforward to assume that unimanual training (UT) improves bimanual performance. We have previously demonstrated that motor memories for reaching movements consist of three different parts: unimanual-specific, bimanual-specific, and overlapping parts. According to this scheme, UT appears to be less effective, as its training effect is only partially transferred to the same limb for bimanual movement. In the present study, counter-intuitively, we demonstrate that, even after the bimanual skill is almost fully learned by means of bimanual training (BT), additional UT could further improve bimanual skill. We hypothesized that this effect occurs because UT increases the memory content in the overlapping part, which might contribute to an increase in the memory for bimanual movement. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether the UT performed after sufficient BT could improve the bimanual performance. Participants practiced performing bimanual reaching movements (BM) in the presence of a novel force-field imposed only on their left arm. As an index for the motor performance, we used the error-clamp method (i.e., after-effect of the left arm) to evaluate the force output to compensate for the force-field during the reaching movement. After sufficient BT, the training effect reached a plateau. However, UT performed subsequently improved the bimanual performance significantly. In contrast, when the same amount of BT was continued, the bimanual performance remained unchanged, highlighting the beneficial effect of UT on bimanual performance. Considering memory structure, we also expected that BT could improve unimanual performance, which was confirmed by another experiment. These results provide a new interpretation of why UT was useful for improving a bimanual skill, and propose a practical strategy for enhancing performance by performing training in various contexts. PMID:27471452

Mare and foal survival and subsequent fertility of mares treated for uterine torsion.

PubMed

Spoormakers, T J P; Graat, E A M; ter Braake, F; Stout, T A E; Bergman, H J

2016-03-01

Previous surveys have reported that mare and foal survival after correction of uterine torsion (UT) varies from 60 to 84% and from 30 to 54%, respectively. Furthermore, resolution via a standing flank laparotomy (SFL) has been associated with better foal, but not mare, survival. To compare the success of SFL with other correction methods (e.g. midline or flank laparotomy under general anaesthesia; correction per vaginam). Retrospective analysis of clinical records. Data on correction technique, stage of gestation, degree of rotation, survival and subsequent fertility for 189 mares treated for UT at 3 equine referral hospitals in The Netherlands during 1987-2007 were analysed. Mean stage of gestation at diagnosis was 283 days (range 153-369 days), with the majority of UTs (77.5%) occurring before Day 320 of gestation. After correction of UT, 90.5% of mares and 82.3% of foals survived to hospital discharge, between 3 and 39 days later, and to foaling. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that correction method and stage of gestation at UT affected survival of foals and mares. For foals, survival was 88.7% after SFL compared with 35.0% after other methods (P = 0.001). When UT occurred at <320 days, 90.6% of foals survived, compared with 56.1% at ≥320 days (P = 0.007). For mare survival, an interaction between stage of gestation and correction method was detected (P = 0.02), with higher survival after SFL (97.1%) than other methods (50.0%) at <320 days of gestation (P<0.01). When UT occurred at ≥320 days, mare survival did not differ between techniques (76.0 vs. 68.8%; P = 0.6). Of 123 mares that were bred again, 93.5% became pregnant; fertility did not differ between mares treated by SFL (93.9%) and other techniques (87.5%; P = 0.9). Standing flank laparotomy is the surgical technique of choice for resolving uncomplicated equine UT (i.e. with no coexisting gastrointestinal lesions) except when the stage of gestation exceeds 320 days. © 2015 EVJ Ltd.

The transverse technique; a complementary approach to the measurement of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler.

PubMed

Drouin, Olivier; Johnson, Jo-Ann; Chaemsaithong, Piya; Metcalfe, Amy; Huber, Janie; Schwarzenberger, Jill; Winters, Erin; Stavness, Lesley; Tse, Ada W T; Lu, Jing; Lim, Wan Teng; Leung, Tak Yeung; Bujold, Emmanuel; Sahota, Daljit; Poon, Liona C

2017-10-04

The objectives of this study were to 1) define the protocol for the first-trimester assessment of the uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) using the new transverse technique, 2) evaluate UtA-PI measured by the transverse approach versus that obtained by the conventional sagittal approach, and 3) determine if accelerated onsite training (both methods) of inexperienced sonographers can achieve reproducible UtA-PI measurements compared to that measured by an experienced sonographer. The study consists of 2 parts conducted in 2 centers (Part 1, Calgary, Canada and Part 2, Hong Kong). Part 1 Prospective observational study of women with singleton pregnancies between 11-13+6 weeks' gestation. UtA-PI measurements were performed using the 2 techniques (4 sonographers trained in both methods, 10 cases each) and measurement indices (PI), time required and subjective difficulty to obtain satisfactory measurements were compared. One sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank sign test was used when appropriate. Bland-Altman difference plots were used to assess measurement agreement, and intra-class correlation (ICC) was used to evaluate measurement reliability. A target plot was used to assess measures of central tendency and dispersion. Part 2 One experienced and three inexperienced sonographers prospectively measured the UtA-PI at 11-13+6 weeks' gestation in two groups of women (42 and 35, respectively), with singleton pregnancies using both approaches. Inexperienced sonographers underwent accelerated on-site training by the experienced sonographer. Measurement approach and sonographer order were on a random basis. ICC, Bland-Altman and Passing-Bablok analyses were performed to assess measurement agreement, reliability and effect of accelerated training. Part 1 We observed no difference in the mean time to acquire the measurements (Sagittal: 118 seconds vs Transverse: 106 seconds, p=0.38). The 4 sonographers reported the transverse technique was subjectively easier to perform (p=0.04). The bias (95% LOA) and the ICC between sagittal and transverse measurements was -0.05 (-0.48 to 0.37) and 0.94 for the mean UtA-PIs respectively. Measurements obtained using the transverse technique after correcting for gestation were significantly closer to the expected distribution than the sagittal technique. Part 2 There were no significant differences in the median UtA-PI measurements using the different approaches for both experienced and inexperienced sonographers (p>0.05 for all sonographers). Mean UtA-PI measurement reliability between approaches was high for the experienced (ICC=0.92) and inexperienced sonographers (ICC>0.81). UtA-PI measurement approaches did not deviate from linearity whilst biases ranged from -0.10 to 0.07. Median time required was similar (sagittal vs. transverse: 56.11 sec vs. 49.29 sec; p=0.054). This novel transverse approach for the measurement of UtA-PI in the first-trimester appears comparable to the sagittal approach and can be used in first-trimester preeclampsia screening. Providing accelerated onsite training can be helpful to improve UtA-PI measurement reliability and could potentially facilitate the broad implementation of first-trimester preeclampsia screening. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The Accuracy of Radio Interferometric Measurements of Earth Rotation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eubanks, T. M.; Steppe, J. A.; Spieth, M. A.

1985-01-01

The accuracy of very long base interferometry earth rotation (UT1) measurements is examined by intercomparing TEMPO and POLARIS data for 1982 and the first half of 1983. None of these data are simultaneous, and so a proper intercomparison requires accounting for the scatter introduced by the rapid, unpredictable, UT1 variations driven by exchanges of angular momentum with the atmosphere. A statistical model of these variations, based on meteorological estimates of the Atmospheric Angular Momentum is derived, and the optimal linear (Kalman) smoother for this model is constructed. The scatter between smoothed and independent raw data is consistent with the residual formal errors, which do not depend upon the actual scatter of the UT1 data. This represents the first time that an accurate prediction of the scatter between UT1 data sets were possible.

Using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing in Lieu of Radiography for Acceptance of Carbon Steel Piping Welds

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

Moran, Traci L.; Anderson, Michael T.; Cinson, Anthony D.

2014-08-01

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is conducting studies for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assess the capability, effectiveness, and reliability of ultrasonic testing (UT) as a replacement method for radiographic testing (RT) for volumetric examination of nuclear power plant (NPP) components. This particular study focused on evaluating the use of UT on carbon steel plate welds. Welding fabrication flaws included a combination of planar and volumetric types, e.g., incomplete fusion, lack of penetration, cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions. The examinations were conducted using phased-array (PA) UT techniques applied primarily for detection and flaw type characterization. This papermore » will discuss the results of using UT in lieu of RT for detection and classification of fabrication flaws in carbon steel plate welds.« less

Electromyographic analysis of the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles during push-ups on stable and unstable bases in subjects with scapular dyskinesis.

PubMed

Pirauá, André Luiz Torres; Pitangui, Ana Carolina Rodarti; Silva, Juliana Pereira; Pereira dos Passos, Muana Hiandra; Alves de Oliveira, Valéria Mayaly; Batista, Laísla da Silva Paixão; Cappato de Araújo, Rodrigo

2014-10-01

The present study was performed to assess the electromyographic activity of the scapular muscles during push-ups on a stable and unstable surface, in subjects with scapular dyskinesis. Muscle activation (upper trapezius [UT]; lower trapezius [LT]; upper serratus anterior [SA_5th]; lower serratus anterior [SA_7th]) and ratios (UT/LT; UT/SA_5th; UT/ SA_7th) levels were determined by surface EMG in 30 asymptomatic men with scapular dyskinesis, during push-up performed on a stable and unstable surface. Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures was used for statistical analyses. The unstable surface caused a decrease in the EMG activity of the serratus anterior and an increase in EMG activity of the trapezius (p=0.001). UT/SA_5th and UT/ SA_7th ratios were higher during unstable push-ups (p=0.001). The results suggest that, in individuals with scapular dyskinesis, there is increased EMG activity of the trapezius and decreased EMG activity of the serratus anterior in response to an unstable surface. These results suggest that the performance of the push up exercise on an unstable surface may be more favorable to produce higher levels of trapezius activation and lower levels of serratus anterior activation. However, if the goal of the exercise program is the strengthening of the SA muscle, it is suggested to perform the push up on a stable surface. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aerodynamics and pollen ultrastructure in Ephedra.

PubMed

Bolinder, Kristina; Niklas, Karl J; Rydin, Catarina

2015-03-01

• Pollen dispersal is affected by the terminal settling velocity (Ut) of the grains, which is determined by their size, bulk density, and by atmospheric conditions. The likelihood that wind-dispersed pollen is captured by ovulate organs is influenced by the aerodynamic environment created around and by ovulate organs. We investigated pollen ultrastructure and Ut of Ephedra foeminea (purported to be entomophilous), and simulated the capture efficiency of its ovules. Results were compared with those from previously studied anemophilous Ephedra species.• Ut was determined using stroboscopic photography of pollen in free fall. The acceleration field around an "average" ovule was calculated, and inflight behavior of pollen grains was predicted using computer simulations. Pollen morphology and ultrastructure were investigated using SEM and STEM.• Pollen wall ultrastructure was correlated with Ut in Ephedra. The relative proportion and amount of granules in the infratectum determine pollen bulk densities, and (together with overall size) determine Ut and thus dispersal capability. Computer simulations failed to reveal any functional traits favoring anemophilous pollen capture in E. foeminea.• The fast Ut and dense ultrastructure of E. foeminea pollen are consistent with functional traits that distinguish entomophilous species from anemophilous species. In anemophilous Ephedra species, ovulate organs create an aerodynamic microenvironment that directs airborne pollen to the pollination drops. In E. foeminea, no such microenvironment is created. Ephedroid palynomorphs from the Cretaceous share the ultrastructural characteristics of E. foeminea, and at least some may, therefore, have been produced by insect-pollinated plants. © 2015 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Longitudinal study of the ionospheric response to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 and manifestation of TADs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, S.; Galav, P.; Dashora, N.; Pandey, R.

2011-06-01

Response of low latitude ionosphere to the geomagnetic storm of 15 May 2005 has been studied using total electron content (TEC) data, obtained from three GPS stations namely, Yibal, Udaipur and Kunming situated near the northern crest of equatorial ionization anomaly at different longitudes. Solar wind parameters, north-south component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) and AE index data have been used to infer the strength of the geomagnetic storm. A large value of eastward interplanetary electric field at 06:15 UT, during the time of maximum southward IMF Bz has been used to infer the transmission of an eastward prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) which resulted in a peak in TEC at 07:45 UT due to the local uplift of plasma in the low latitudes near the anomaly crest over a wide range of longitudes. Wave-like modulations superposed over the second enhancement in TEC between 09:15 UT to 10:30 UT have been observed at all the three stations. The second enhancement in TEC along with the modulations of up to 5 TECU have been attributed to the combined effect of super plasma fountain and traveling atmospheric disturbances (TAD). Observed large enhancements in TEC are a cause of concern for satellite based navigation and ground positioning. Increased [O/N2] ratio between 09:15 UT to 10:15 UT when modulations in TEC have been also observed, confirms the presence of TADs over a wide range of longitudes.

Colletotrichine B, a new sesquiterpenoid from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7, a fungal endophyte of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Chen, Xiao-Wei; Yang, Zhong-Duo; Li, Xiao-Fei; Sun, Jian-Hui; Yang, Li-Jun; Zhang, Xin-Guo

2018-02-08

One new compound, colletotrichine B (1), was produced by the fungal Colletotrichum gloeosporioides GT-7. The structure of 1 was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Monoamine oxidase (MAO), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kα) inhibitory activity of 1 was also evaluated. Compound 1 showed only AChE inhibiting activity with IC 50 value of 38.0 ± 2.67 μg/mL.

Status and Prospects for Combined GPS LOD and VLBI UT1 Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senior, K.; Kouba, J.; Ray, J.

2010-01-01

A Kalman filter was developed to combine VLBI estimates of UT1-TAI with biased length of day (LOD) estimates from GPS. The VLBI results are the analyses of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center group from 24-hr multi-station observing sessions several times per week and the nearly daily 1-hr single-baseline sessions. Daily GPS LOD estimates from the International GNSS Service (IGS) are combined with the VLBI UT1-TAI by modeling the natural excitation of LOD as the integral of a white noise process (i.e., as a random walk) and the UT1 variations as the integration of LOD, similar to the method described by Morabito et al. (1988). To account for GPS technique errors, which express themselves mostly as temporally correlated biases in the LOD measurements, a Gauss-Markov model has been added to assimilate the IGS data, together with a fortnightly sinusoidal term to capture errors in the IGS treatments of tidal effects. Evaluated against independent atmospheric and oceanic axial angular momentum (AAM + OAM) excitations and compared to other UT1/LOD combinations, ours performs best overall in terms of lowest RMS residual and highest correlation with (AAM + OAM) over sliding intervals down to 3 d. The IERS 05C04 and Bulletin A combinations show strong high-frequency smoothing and other problems. Until modified, the JPL SPACE series suffered in the high frequencies from not including any GPS-based LODs. We find, surprisingly, that further improvements are possible in the Kalman filter combination by selective rejection of some VLBI data. The best combined results are obtained by excluding all the 1-hr single-baseline UT1 data as well as those 24-hr UT1 measurements with formal errors greater than 5 μs (about 18% of the multi-baseline sessions). A rescaling of the VLBI formal errors, rather than rejection, was not an effective strategy. These results suggest that the UT1 errors of the 1-hr and weaker 24-hr VLBI sessions are non-Gaussian and more heterogeneous than expected, possibly due to the diversity of observing geometries used, other neglected systematic effects, or to the much shorter observational averaging interval of the single-baseline sessions. UT1 prediction services could benefit from better handling of VLBI inputs together with proper assimilation of IGS LOD products, including using the Ultra-rapid series that is updated four times daily with 15 hr delay.

A prospective randomized comparison of unsedated ultrathin versus standard esophagogastroduodenoscopy in routine outpatient gastroenterology practice: does it work better through the nose?

PubMed

Birkner, B; Fritz, N; Schatke, W; Hasford, J

2003-08-01

In an outpatient gastroenterological practice setting, highly effective diagnostic procedures and patient satisfaction play an important role. Ultrathin endoscopy in unsedated patients has been shown to be more cost-effective and time-efficient in comparison with standard endoscopy. A prospective randomized study was carried out in unsedated patients to compare performance, feasibility, safety, and patient tolerance between ultrathin transnasal (UT), ultrathin oral (UO), and standard (SO) esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). A total of 200 of 600 eligible patients consented to participate in the study, and were randomly assigned to undergo UT, UO, or SO. Patients reported their tolerance of the procedure (anxiety, pain, gagging, and overall satisfaction; Likert scale 1-10), and the endoscopists reported the effectiveness of the procedure (handling, picture quality, and overall performance; Likert scale 1-10). Statistics were calculated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. After randomization, 65, 67, and 68 patients were allocated to the UT, UO, and SO groups, respectively. Failure to achieve complete EGD by the intended route occurred in 14 patients (22 %) in the UT group. Compared to the SO group, patients in the UT and UO groups rated anxiety before the procedure as being more intense - median score (10 % quantile estimate; 90 % quantile estimate): UT, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); UO, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); SO, 0.0 (0.0; 2.0); p < 0.0001), whereas SO patients experienced a higher level of anxiety during the procedure ( P < 0.0001). Pain during insertion of the endoscope was the least intense in the UO group: UT, 2.0 (1.0; 5.0); UO, 1.0 (1.0; 3.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); P < 0.001). Gagging during insertion was more pronounced in the UO group: UT, 2.0 (1.0; 4.0); UO, 3.0 (1.0; 7.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 5.0); P < 0.01). The patients' score for the overall assessment was better in the SO group ( P < 0.0001). The endoscopists' overall assessment for ultrathin EGD was poorer than for standard EGD: UT, 3.0 (2.0; 5.0); UO, 3.0 (2.0; 5.0); SO, 2.0 (1.0; 3.0); P < 0.0001). Ultrathin endoscopy through both the transnasal and oral routes has limited use in routine outpatient practice. Techniques for reducing pain and gagging may improve patient tolerance. Further technical improvements are needed to allow routine implementation.

Air impacts from three alternatives for producing JP-8 jet fuel.

PubMed

Kositkanawuth, Ketwalee; Gangupomu, Roja Haritha; Sattler, Melanie L; Dennis, Brian H; MacDonnell, Frederick M; Billo, Richard; Priest, John W

2012-10-01

To increase U.S. petroleum energy independence, the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) has developed a direct coal liquefaction process which uses a hydrogenated solvent and a proprietary catalyst to convert lignite coal to crude oil. This sweet crude can be refined to form JP-8 military jet fuel, as well as other end products like gasoline and diesel. This paper presents an analysis of air pollutants resulting from using UT Arlington's liquefaction process to produce crude and then JP-8, compared with 2 alternative processes: conventional crude extraction and refining (CCER), and the Fischer-Tropsch process. For each of the 3 processes, air pollutant emissions through production of JP-8 fuel were considered, including emissions from upstream extraction/ production, transportation, and conversion/refining. Air pollutants from the direct liquefaction process were measured using a LandTEC GEM2000 Plus, Draeger color detector tubes, OhioLumex RA-915 Light Hg Analyzer, and SRI 8610 gas chromatograph with thermal conductivity detector. According to the screening analysis presented here, producing jet fuel from UT Arlington crude results in lower levels of pollutants compared to international conventional crude extraction/refining. Compared to US domestic CCER, the UTA process emits lower levels of CO2-e, NO(x), and Hg, and higher levels of CO and SO2. Emissions from the UT Arlington process for producing JP-8 are estimated to be lower than for the Fischer-Tropsch process for all pollutants, with the exception of CO2-e, which were high for the UT Arlington process due to nitrous oxide emissions from crude refining. When comparing emissions from conventional lignite combustion to produce electricity, versus UT Arlington coal liquefaction to make JP-8 and subsequent JP-8 transport, emissions from the UT Arlington process are estimated to be lower for all air pollutants, per MJ of power delivered to the end user. The United States currently imports two-thirds of its crude oil, leaving its transportation system especially vulnerable to disruptions in international crude supplies. At current use rates, U.S. coal reserves (262 billion short tons, including 23 billion short tons lignite) would last 236 years. Accordingly, the University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) has developed a process that converts lignite to crude oil, at about half the cost of regular crude. According to the screening analysis presented here, producing jet fuel from UT Arlington crude generates lower levels of pollutants compared to international conventional crude extraction/refining (CCER).

PREFACE: 19th International Conference on the Application of High Magnetic Fields in Semiconductor Physics and Nanotechnology (HMF-19)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muraki, Koji; Takeyama, Shojiro

2011-12-01

This volume contains invited and contributed papers from the 19th International Conference on the Application of High Magnetic Fields in Semiconductor Physics and Nanotechnology (HMF-19) held in Fukuoka, Japan, from 1-6 August 2010. This conference was mainly sponsored by the Tokyo University-'Horiba International fund', which was donated by Dr Masao Horiba, the founder of Horiba Ltd. The scientific program of HMF-19 consisted of 37 invited talks, 24 contributed talks, and 83 posters, which is available from the conference homepage http://www.hmf19.iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp/index.html. Each manuscript submitted for publication in this volume has been independently reviewed. The Editor is very grateful to all the reviewers for their quick responses and helpful reports and to all the authors for their submissions and patience for the delay in the editorial process. Finally, the Editor would like to express his sincere gratitude to all the individuals involved in the conference organization and all the attendees, who made this conference so successful. Koji Muraki Conference photograph Committees Chair Conference chairS Takeyama(ISSP-UT) Conference secretary T Machida (IIS-UT) Program chair K Muraki (NTT) Local organizing chair K Oto (Chiba Univ.) Advisory Committee International Domestic L Brey (ES) T Ando (TIT) Z H Chen (CN) Y Hirayama (Tohoku Univ.) S Das Sarma (US) G Kido (NIMS) L Eaves (GB) N Miura (JP) J P Eisenstein (US) J Nitta (Tohoku Univ.) K Ensslin (CH) T Takamasu (NIMS) J Furdyna (US) G M Gusev (BR) I Kukushkin (RU) Z D Kvon (RU) G Landwehr (DE) J C Maan (NL) A H MacDonald (US) N F Oliveira Jr (BR) A Pinczuk (US) J C Portal (FR) A Sachrajda (CA) M K Sanyal(IN) R Stepniewski(PL) Program Committee Chair: K Muraki(NTT) International Domestic G Bauer (AU) H Ajiki (Osaka Univ.) G Boebinger (US) H Aoki (Hongo, UT) S Ivanov (RU) K Nomura (RIKEN) K von Klitzing (DE) T Okamoto (Hongo, UT) R Nicholas (GB) T Osada (ISSP-UT ) M Potemski (FR) N Studart (BR) U Zeitler (NL) Local Organizing Committee Chair: K Oto(Chiba Univ.) Y H Matsuda (ISSP-UT) H Yokoi (Kumamoto Univ.) M Itoh (IIS-UT) M Noda (ISSP-UT) H Sawabe (ISSP-UT) Sponsors Horiba International Conference (Dr Masao Horiba's Donation) The University of Tokyo Fukuoka City The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo The Global Center of Excellence for Physical Sciences Frontier, The University of Tokyo

Simulated microgravity induce apoptosis and down-regulation of erythropoietin receptor of UT-7/EPO cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Li-xue; Cui, Shao-yan; Zhong, Jian; Yi, Zong-chun; Sun, Yan; Fan, Yu-bo; Zhuang, Feng-yuan

2010-11-01

Hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation can be alternated on either spaceflight or under simulated microgravity experiments on the ground; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In the present study, we have demonstrated that exposure of human erythropoietin (EPO)-dependent leukemia cell line UT-7/EPO cells to conditions of simulated microgravity with a rotary culture instrument significantly inhibited the cellular proliferation rate. Adding higher concentrations of EPO to the culture medium failed to improve the inhibitory status. Cell apoptosis was detected by fluorescence staining of cell nuclei and a flow cytometry assay using Annexin V/PI double staining. This microgravity-induced apoptosis in UT-7/EPO cells could be blocked by a pancaspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. Immunoblotting demonstrated that rotary culture resulted in a reduction of the expression of Bcl-xL, an anti-apoptotic protein, and the cleavage of caspase-3. Furthermore, rotary culture reduced surface localization and protein content, as well as the mRNA expression of erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) of UT-7/EPO. Take together, the findings indicated that simulated microgravity may induce mitochondrial related apoptosis of UT-7/EPO cell through depressing the EPO-EPOR pathway.

Joint NuSTAR and IRIS observation of a microflaring active region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannah, I. G.; Kleint, L.; Krucker, S.; Glesener, L.; Grefenstette, B.

2017-12-01

We present observations of a weakly microflaring active region observed in X-rays with NuSTAR, UV with IRIS and EUV with SDO/AIA. NuSTAR was pointed at this unnamed active region near the East limb between 23:27UT and 23:37UT 26-July-2016, finding mostly quiescent emission except for a small microflare about 23:35UT. The NuSTAR spectrum for the pre-microflare time (23:27UT to 23:34UT) is well fitted by a single thermal component of about 3MK and combined with SDO/AIA we can determine the differential emission measure (DEM), finding it, as expected, drops very sharply to higher temperatures. During the subsequent microflare, the increase in NuSTAR counts matches a little brightening loop observed with IRIS SJI 1400Å and SDO/AIA. Fortuitously the IRIS slit crosses this microflaring loop and we find an increased emission in Si IV 1394Å, Si IV 1403Å and O IV 1402Å but only average line widths and velocities. The NuSTAR microflare spectrum shows heating to higher temperatures and also allows us to investigate the energetics of this event.

X-ray Pulsations from AXP 1E 1547-5407 Detected with RXTE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dib, R.; Kaspi, V. M.; Gavriil, F. P.; Woods, P. M.

2008-10-01

We observed AXP 1E 1547-5407 which is currently in outburst (see ATELs #1756, #1761, #1763) with RXTE on October 4 (4 ks), and 6 (1.4 ks, 1.6 ks). The 2-20 keV pulse profile of these observations (October 04 UT 21:51:04, October 06 UT 01:46:04, and October 06 UT 23:31:04) shows a single broad pulse that is qualitatively similar to that reported in Halpern et al. (2008, ApJ, 676, 1178), though there is a possible hint of additional peaks.

Characterization of the near-Earth Asteroid 2002 NY40

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

central wavelength for a given observation, it typically operates in two modes, a blue -wavelength mode that ranges from 4000–7000 Å and a red...wavelength mode that covers 6000–9000 Å. The blue mode currently operates with a long pass filter configuration blocking all wavelengths shorter than 4000 Å... blue spectra were taken from 9:10–9:54 UT and red spectra were taken from 10:59–11:25 UT. Additional red data were taken on the 18th from 8:41–9:17 UT

Direct Measurements of the Convective Recycling of the Upper Troposphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bertram, Timothy H.; Perring, Anne E.; Wooldridge, Paul J.; Crounse, John D.; Kwan, Alan J.; Wennberg, Paul O.; Scheuer, Eric; Dibb, Jack; Avery, Melody; Sachse, Glen;

Prediction of UT1-UTC, LOD and AAM χ3 by combination of least-squares and multivariate stochastic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedzielski, Tomasz; Kosek, Wiesław

2008-02-01

This article presents the application of a multivariate prediction technique for predicting universal time (UT1-UTC), length of day (LOD) and the axial component of atmospheric angular momentum (AAM χ 3). The multivariate predictions of LOD and UT1-UTC are generated by means of the combination of (1) least-squares (LS) extrapolation of models for annual, semiannual, 18.6-year, 9.3-year oscillations and for the linear trend, and (2) multivariate autoregressive (MAR) stochastic prediction of LS residuals (LS + MAR). The MAR technique enables the use of the AAM χ 3 time-series as the explanatory variable for the computation of LOD or UT1-UTC predictions. In order to evaluate the performance of this approach, two other prediction schemes are also applied: (1) LS extrapolation, (2) combination of LS extrapolation and univariate autoregressive (AR) prediction of LS residuals (LS + AR). The multivariate predictions of AAM χ 3 data, however, are computed as a combination of the extrapolation of the LS model for annual and semiannual oscillations and the LS + MAR. The AAM χ 3 predictions are also compared with LS extrapolation and LS + AR prediction. It is shown that the predictions of LOD and UT1-UTC based on LS + MAR taking into account the axial component of AAM are more accurate than the predictions of LOD and UT1-UTC based on LS extrapolation or on LS + AR. In particular, the UT1-UTC predictions based on LS + MAR during El Niño/La Niña events exhibit considerably smaller prediction errors than those calculated by means of LS or LS + AR. The AAM χ 3 time-series is predicted using LS + MAR with higher accuracy than applying LS extrapolation itself in the case of medium-term predictions (up to 100 days in the future). However, the predictions of AAM χ 3 reveal the best accuracy for LS + AR.

75 FR 10995 - IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-10

... Read in Part Alma, GA VORTAC......... Dublin, GA *3000 VORTAC. *1700--MOCA *2000--GNSS MEA Alma R-345... V626 Is Amended To Read in Part Myton, UT VORTAC Ymont, UT FIX *15000 *12600--MOCA *12600--GNSS MEA...

Use of anaerobic hydrolysis pretreatment to enhance ultrasonic disintegration of excess sludge.

PubMed

Li, Xianjin; Zhu, Tong; Shen, Yang; Chai, Tianyu; Xie, Yuanhua; You, Meiyan; Wang, Youzhao

2016-01-01

To improve the excess sludge disintegration efficiency, reduce the sludge disintegration cost, and increase sludge biodegradability, a combined pretreatment of anaerobic hydrolysis (AH) and ultrasonic treatment (UT) was proposed for excess sludge. Results showed that AH had an advantage in dissolving flocs, modifying sludge characteristics, and reducing the difficulty of sludge disintegration, whereas UT was advantageous in damaging cell walls, releasing intracellular substances, and decomposing macromolecular material. The combined AH-UT process was an efficient method for excess sludge pretreatment. The optimized solution involved AH for 3 days, followed by UT for 10 min. After treatment, chemical oxygen demand, protein, and peptidoglycan concentrations reached 3,949.5 mg O2/L, 752.5 mg/L and 619.1 mg/L, respectively. This work has great significance for further engineering applications, namely, reducing energy consumption, increasing the sludge disintegration rate, and improving the biochemical properties of sludge.

Carcinome à cellule vitreuse du col de l'utérus: à propos d'un cas et revue de littérature

PubMed Central

Hakimi, Ihssane; Zazi, Abdelghani; Chahdi, Hafsa; Guelzim, Khalid; Kouach, Jaouad; Babahabib, Myabdellah; Elhassani, Myehdi; Rahali, Driss Moussaoui; Dehayni, Mohammed

2015-01-01

Le carcinome à cellule vitreuse du col de l'utérus est un type de histologique rare de cancer du col de l'utérus qui survient à un âge plus jeune, et s'associe au risque élevé d’échec thérapeutique et le pronostic est plus mauvais en comparaison au type cellulaire squameux. La radiothérapie est associée au risque diminué de récidive. Le but de cette étude est de récapituler à travers d'une observation et une revue de littérature les données sur l'incidence, le comportement clinique et la survie globale de patients avec le carcinome à cellule vitreuse du col de l'utérus. PMID:26664556

A Case for Thinking Without Consciousness.

PubMed

Dijksterhuis, Ap; Strick, Madelijn

2016-01-01

People can engage in prolonged thought processes, such as when they are facing an important decision or when they are working on a scientific discovery. Such thought processes can take months or even years. We argue that while people engage in such thinking, they make progress not only when they consciously think but also sometimes when they are consciously thinking about something else-that is, while they think unconsciously. We review the literature on unconscious thought (UT) processes and conclude that there is indeed quite some evidence for UT. Conceptualized as a form of unconscious goal pursuit, UT is likely to be especially fruitful for thought processes that are complex, important, or interesting to the thinker. In addition, we discuss other characteristics of the UT process. We end with proposing Type 3 processes, in addition to Type 1 and Type 2 (or Systems 1 and 2) processes, to accommodate prolonged thought processes in models on thought. © The Author(s) 2015.

Floral contrivances and specialised pollination mechanism strongly influence mixed mating in Wrightia tomentosa (Apocynaceae).

PubMed

Barman, C; Singh, V K; Das, S; Tandon, R

2018-05-01

Reproductive success of a plant species is largely influenced by the outcome of mating pattern in a population. It is believed that a significantly larger proportion of animal-pollinated plants have evolved a mixed-mating strategy, the extent of which may vary among species. It is thus pertinent to investigate the key contributors to mating success, especially to identify the reproductive constraints in depauperate populations of threatened plant species. We examined the contribution of floral architecture, pollination mechanism and breeding system on the extent of outcrossing rate in a near-threatened tree species, Wrightia tomentosa. The breeding system was ascertained from controlled pollination experiments. In order to determine outcrossing rate, 60 open-pollinated progeny were analysed using an AFLP markers. Although the trees are self-compatible, herkogamy and compartmentalisation of pollen and nectar in different chambers of the floral tube effectively prevent spontaneous autogamy. Pollination is achieved through specialised interaction with moths. Differential foraging behaviour of settling moths and hawkmoths leads to different proportions of geitonogamous and xenogamous pollen on the stigma. However, most open-pollinated progeny were the result of xenogamy (outcrossing rate, tm = 0.68). The study shows that floral contrivances and pollination system have a strong influence on mating pattern. The differential foraging behaviour of the pollinators causes deposition of a mixture of self- and cross-pollen to produce a mixed brood. Inbreeding depression and geitonogamy appear to play a significant role in sustaining mixed mating in this species. © 2018 German Society for Plant Sciences and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Development of a Threshold Model to Predict Germination of Populus tomentosa Seeds after Harvest and Storage under Ambient Condition

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei-Qing; Cheng, Hong-Yan; Song, Song-Quan

2013-01-01

Effects of temperature, storage time and their combination on germination of aspen (Populus tomentosa) seeds were investigated. Aspen seeds were germinated at 5 to 30°C at 5°C intervals after storage for a period of time under 28°C and 75% relative humidity. The effect of temperature on aspen seed germination could not be effectively described by the thermal time (TT) model, which underestimated the germination rate at 5°C and poorly predicted the time courses of germination at 10, 20, 25 and 30°C. A modified TT model (MTT) which assumed a two-phased linear relationship between germination rate and temperature was more accurate in predicting the germination rate and percentage and had a higher likelihood of being correct than the TT model. The maximum lifetime threshold (MLT) model accurately described the effect of storage time on seed germination across all the germination temperatures. An aging thermal time (ATT) model combining both the TT and MLT models was developed to describe the effect of both temperature and storage time on seed germination. When the ATT model was applied to germination data across all the temperatures and storage times, it produced a relatively poor fit. Adjusting the ATT model to separately fit germination data at low and high temperatures in the suboptimal range increased the models accuracy for predicting seed germination. Both the MLT and ATT models indicate that germination of aspen seeds have distinct physiological responses to temperature within a suboptimal range. PMID:23658654

A university system's approach to enhancing the educational mission of health science schools and institutions: the University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education

PubMed Central

Buja, L. Maximilian; Cox, Susan M.; Lieberman, Steven A.; MacClements, Jonathan; Williams, Janet F.; Esterl, Robert M.; Shine, Kenneth I.

2013-01-01

Background The academy movement developed in the United States as an important approach to enhance the educational mission and facilitate the recognition and work of educators at medical schools and health science institutions. Objectives Academies initially formed at individual medical schools. Educators and leaders in The University of Texas System (the UT System, UTS) recognized the academy movement as a means both to address special challenges and pursue opportunities for advancing the educational mission of academic health sciences institutions. Methods The UTS academy process was started by the appointment of a Chancellor's Health Fellow for Education in 2004. Subsequently, the University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education (UTAHSE) was formed by bringing together esteemed faculty educators from the six UTS health science institutions. Results Currently, the UTAHSE has 132 voting members who were selected through a rigorous, system-wide peer review and who represent multiple professional backgrounds and all six campuses. With support from the UTS, the UTAHSE has developed and sustained an annual Innovations in Health Science Education conference, a small grants program and an Innovations in Health Science Education Award, among other UTS health science educational activities. The UTAHSE represents one university system's innovative approach to enhancing its educational mission through multi- and interdisciplinary as well as inter-institutional collaboration. Conclusions The UTAHSE is presented as a model for the development of other consortia-type academies that could involve several components of a university system or coalitions of several institutions. PMID:23490406

Treatment patterns in hyperlipidaemia patients based on administrative claim databases in Japan.

PubMed

Wake, Mayumi; Onishi, Yoshie; Guelfucci, Florent; Oh, Akinori; Hiroi, Shinzo; Shimasaki, Yukio; Teramoto, Tamio

2018-05-01

Real-world evidence on treatment of hyperlipidaemia (HLD) in Japan is limited. We aimed to describe treatment patterns, persistence with, and adherence to treatment in Japanese patients with HLD. Retrospective analyses of adult HLD patients receiving drug therapy in 2014-2015 were conducted using the Japan Medical Data Center (JMDC) and Medical Data Vision (MDV) databases. Depending on their HLD treatment history, individuals were categorised as untreated (UT) or previously treated (PT), and were followed for at least 12 months. Outcomes of interest included prescribing patterns of HLD drug classes, persistence with treatment at 12 months, and adherence to treatment. Data for 49,582 and 53,865 patients from the JMDC and MDV databases, respectively, were analysed. First-line HLD prescriptions for UT patients were predominantly for moderate statins (JMDC: 75.9%, MDV: 77.0%). PT patients most commonly received combination therapy (JMDC: 43.9%, MDV: 52.6%). Approximately half of the UT patients discontinued treatment during observation. Within each cohort, persistence rates were lower in UT patients than in PT patients (JMDC: 45.0% vs. 77.5%; MDV: 51.9% vs. 85.3%). Adherence was ≥80% across almost all HLD drug classes, and was slightly lower in the JMDC cohort than MDV cohort. Most common prescriptions were moderate statins in UT patients and combination therapy in PT patients. The high discontinuation rate of HLD therapy in UT patients warrants further investigation and identification of methods to encourage and support long-term persistence. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Metformin, an AMPK activator, stimulates the phosphorylation of aquaporin 2 and urea transporter A1 in inner medullary collecting ducts.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D; Wang, Yanhua; Blount, Mitsi A; Molina, Patrick A; LaRocque, Lauren M; Ruiz, Joseph A; Sands, Jeff M

2016-05-15

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by production of very large quantities of dilute urine due to an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results from mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in ∼90% of families. These patients do not have mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) or urea transporter UT-A1 (UT-A1). We tested adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) since it is known to phosphorylate another vasopressin-sensitive transporter, NKCC2 (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter). We found AMPK expressed in rat inner medulla (IM). AMPK directly phosphorylated AQP2 and UT-A1 in vitro. Metformin, an AMPK activator, increased phosphorylation of both AQP2 and UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Metformin increased the apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2, but not UT-A1, in rat IM. Metformin increased both osmotic water permeability and urea permeability in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. These findings suggest that metformin increases osmotic water permeability by increasing AQP2 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane but increases urea permeability by activating UT-A1 already present in the membrane. Lastly, metformin increased urine osmolality in mice lacking a V2R, a mouse model of congenital NDI. We conclude that AMPK activation by metformin mimics many of the mechanisms by which vasopressin increases urine-concentrating ability. These findings suggest that metformin may be a novel therapeutic option for congenital NDI due to V2R mutations. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Metformin, an AMPK activator, stimulates the phosphorylation of aquaporin 2 and urea transporter A1 in inner medullary collecting ducts

PubMed Central

Wang, Yanhua; Blount, Mitsi A.; Molina, Patrick A.; LaRocque, Lauren M.; Ruiz, Joseph A.

2016-01-01

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is characterized by production of very large quantities of dilute urine due to an inability of the kidney to respond to vasopressin. Congenital NDI results from mutations in the type 2 vasopressin receptor (V2R) in ∼90% of families. These patients do not have mutations in aquaporin-2 (AQP2) or urea transporter UT-A1 (UT-A1). We tested adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) since it is known to phosphorylate another vasopressin-sensitive transporter, NKCC2 (Na-K-2Cl cotransporter). We found AMPK expressed in rat inner medulla (IM). AMPK directly phosphorylated AQP2 and UT-A1 in vitro. Metformin, an AMPK activator, increased phosphorylation of both AQP2 and UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCDs). Metformin increased the apical plasma membrane accumulation of AQP2, but not UT-A1, in rat IM. Metformin increased both osmotic water permeability and urea permeability in perfused rat terminal IMCDs. These findings suggest that metformin increases osmotic water permeability by increasing AQP2 accumulation in the apical plasma membrane but increases urea permeability by activating UT-A1 already present in the membrane. Lastly, metformin increased urine osmolality in mice lacking a V2R, a mouse model of congenital NDI. We conclude that AMPK activation by metformin mimics many of the mechanisms by which vasopressin increases urine-concentrating ability. These findings suggest that metformin may be a novel therapeutic option for congenital NDI due to V2R mutations. PMID:26962099

Ionospheric Anomalies Related to the (M = 7.3), August 27, 2012, Puerto Earthquake, (M = 6.8), August 30, 2012 Jan Mayen Island Earthquake, and (M = 7.6), August 31, 2012, Philippines Earthquake: Two-Dimensional Principal Component Analysis

PubMed Central

Lin, Jyh-Woei

2013-01-01

Two-dimensional principal component analysis (2DPCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) are used to examine the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) data during the time period from 00:00 on August 21 to 12: 45 on August 31 (UT), which are 10 days before the M = 7.6 Philippines earthquake at 12:47:34 on August 31, 2012 (UT) with the depth at 34.9 km. From the results by using 2DPCA, a TEC precursor of Philippines earthquake is found during the time period from 4:25 to 4:40 on August 28, 2012 (UT) with the duration time of at least 15 minutes. Another earthquake-related TEC anomaly is detectable for the time period from 04:35 to 04:40 on August 27, 2012 (UT) with the duration time of at least 5 minutes during the Puerto earthquake at 04: 37:20 on August 27, 2012 (UT) (M w = 7.3) with the depth at 20.3 km. The precursor of the Puerto earthquake is not detectable. TEC anomaly is not to be found related to the Jan Mayen Island earthquake (M w = 6.8) at 13:43:24 on August 30, 2012 (UT). These earthquake-related TEC anomalies are detectable by using 2DPCA rather than PCA. They are localized nearby the epicenters of the Philippines and Puerto earthquakes. PMID:23844386

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

PubMed

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

2012-03-01

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

RadNet Air Data From St. George, UT

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for St. George, UT from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

INTERSECTION OF 445 NORTH & 1040 EAST, SALT LAKE CITY, ...

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

INTERSECTION OF 445 NORTH & 1040 EAST, SALT LAKE CITY, UT. VIEW LOOKING SOUTH. REPHOTOGRAPH OF HISTORIC SHIPLER PHOTO # 18272, UTAH STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY COLLECTION. - Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, UT

Nonpeptidic urotensin-II receptor antagonists I: in vitro pharmacological characterization of SB-706375

PubMed Central

Douglas, Stephen A; Behm, David J; Aiyar, Nambi V; Naselsky, Diane; Disa, Jyoti; Brooks, David P; Ohlstein, Eliot H; Gleason, John G; Sarau, Henry M; Foley, James J; Buckley, Peter T; Schmidt, Dulcie B; Wixted, William E; Widdowson, Katherine; Riley, Graham; Jin, Jian; Gallagher, Timothy F; Schmidt, Stanley J; Ridgers, Lance; Christmann, Lisa T; Keenan, Richard M; Knight, Steven D; Dhanak, Dashyant

2005-01-01

SB-706375 potently inhibited [125I]hU-II binding to both mammalian recombinant and ‘native' UT receptors (Ki 4.7±1.5 to 20.7±3.6 nM at rodent, feline and primate recombinant UT receptors and Ki 5.4±0.4 nM at the endogenous UT receptor in SJRH30 cells). Prior exposure to SB-706375 (1 μM, 30 min) did not alter [125I]hU-II binding affinity or density in recombinant cells (KD 3.1±0.4 vs 5.8±0.9 nM and Bmax 3.1±1.0 vs 2.8±0.8 pmol mg−1) consistent with a reversible mode of action. The novel, nonpeptidic radioligand [3H]SB-657510, a close analogue of SB-706375, bound to the monkey UT receptor (KD 2.6±0.4 nM, Bmax 0.86±0.12 pmol mg−1) in a manner that was inhibited by both U-II isopeptides and SB-706375 (Ki 4.6±1.4 to 17.6±5.4 nM) consistent with the sulphonamides and native U-II ligands sharing a common UT receptor binding domain. SB-706375 was a potent, competitive hU-II antagonist across species with pKb 7.29–8.00 in HEK293-UT receptor cells (inhibition of [Ca2+]i-mobilization) and pKb 7.47 in rat isolated aorta (inhibition of contraction). SB-706375 also reversed tone established in the rat aorta by prior exposure to hU-II (Kapp∼20 nM). SB-706375 was a selective U-II antagonist with ⩾100-fold selectivity for the human UT receptor compared to 86 distinct receptors, ion channels, enzymes, transporters and nuclear hormones (Ki/IC50>1 μM). Accordingly, the contractile responses induced in isolated aortae by KCl, phenylephrine, angiotensin II and endothelin-1 were unaltered by SB-706375 (1 μM). In summary, SB-706375 is a high-affinity, surmountable, reversible and selective nonpeptide UT receptor antagonist with cross-species activity that will assist in delineating the pathophysiological actions of U-II in mammals. PMID:15852036

Cluster Observations of reconnection along the dusk flank of the magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C.-Philippe; Grison, Benjamin; Berchem, Jean; Trattner, Karlheinz; Lavraud, Benoit; Pitout, Frederic; Soucek, Jan; Richard, Robert; Laakso, Harri; Masson, Arnaud; Dunlop, Malcolm; Dandouras, Iannis; Reme, Henri; Fazakerley, Andrew; Daly, Patrick

2015-04-01

Magnetic reconnection is generally accepted to be the main process that transfers particles and energy from the solar wind to the magnetosphere. The location of the reconnection site depends on the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) in the solar wind: on the dayside magnetosphere for an IMF southward, on the lobes for an IMF northward and on the flanks for an IMF in the East-West direction. Since most of observations of reconnection events have sampled a limited region of space simultaneously it is still not yet know if the reconnection line is extended over large regions of the magnetosphere or if is patchy and made of many reconnection lines. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side where we observe multiple sources of reconnection/injections. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed lower than usual around 280 km/s with the density of order 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft had an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. Using the time of flight technique on the upgoing and downgoing ions, which leads to energy dispersions, we obtain distances of the ion sources between 14 and 20 RE from the spacecraft. The slope of the ion energy dispersions confirmed these distances. Using Tsyganenko model, we find that these sources are located on the dusk flank, past the terminator. The first injection by C3 is seen at approximately the same time as the 2nd injection on C1 but their sources at the magnetopause were separated by more than 7 RE. This would imply that two distinct sources were active at the same time on the dusk flank of the magnetosphere. In addition, a flow reversal was observed at the magnetopause on C4 which would be an indication that reconnection is also taking place near the exterior cusp quasi-simultaneously.

Local over-expression of VEGF-DΔNΔC in the uterine arteries of pregnant sheep results in long-term changes in uterine artery contractility and angiogenesis.

PubMed

Mehta, Vedanta; Abi-Nader, Khalil N; Shangaris, Panicos; Shaw, S W Steven; Filippi, Elisa; Benjamin, Elizabeth; Boyd, Michael; Peebles, Donald M; Martin, John; Zachary, Ian; David, Anna L

2014-01-01

The normal development of the uteroplacental circulation in pregnancy depends on angiogenic and vasodilatory factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Reduced uterine artery blood flow (UABF) is a common cause of fetal growth restriction; abnormalities in angiogenic factors are implicated. Previously we showed that adenovirus (Ad)-mediated VEGF-A165 expression in the pregnant sheep uterine artery (UtA) increased nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, altered vascular reactivity and increased UABF. VEGF-D is a VEGF family member that promotes angiogenesis and vasodilatation but, in contrast to VEGF-A, does not increase vascular permeability. Here we examined the effect of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC vector encoding a fully processed form of VEGF-D, on the uteroplacental circulation. UtA transit-time flow probes and carotid artery catheters were implanted in mid-gestation pregnant sheep (n = 5) to measure baseline UABF and maternal haemodynamics respectively. 7-14 days later, after injection of Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC vector (5×10(11) particles) into one UtA and an Ad vector encoding β-galactosidase (Ad.LacZ) contralaterally, UABF was measured daily until scheduled post-mortem examination at term. UtAs were assessed for vascular reactivity, NOS expression and endothelial cell proliferation; NOS expression was studied in ex vivo transduced UtA endothelial cells (UAECs). At 4 weeks post-injection, Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC treated UtAs showed significantly lesser vasoconstriction (Emax144.0 v/s 184.2, p = 0.002). There was a tendency to higher UABF in Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC compared to Ad.LacZ transduced UtAs (50.58% v/s 26.94%, p = 0.152). There was no significant effect on maternal haemodynamics. An increased number of proliferating endothelial cells and adventitial blood vessels were observed in immunohistochemistry. Ad.VEGF-DΔNΔC expression in cultured UAECs upregulated eNOS and iNOS expression. Local over-expression of VEGF-DΔNΔC in the UtAs of pregnant mid-gestation sheep reduced vasoconstriction, promoted endothelial cell proliferation and showed a trend towards increased UABF. Studies in cultured UAECs indicate that VEGF-DΔNΔC may act in part through upregulation of eNOS and iNOS.

Simultaneous quantitative analyses of indole and oxindole alkaloids of Uncaria Hook in rat plasma and brain after oral administration of the traditional Japanese medicine Yokukansan using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Kushida, Hirotaka; Fukutake, Miwako; Tabuchi, Masahiro; Katsuhara, Takao; Nishimura, Hiroaki; Ikarashi, Yasushi; Kanitani, Masanao; Kase, Yoshio

2013-12-01

Uncaria Hook (UH) alkaloids are involved in the beneficial effects of Yokukansan. However, the pharmacokinetics of UH alkaloids after oral administration of Yokukansan has not yet been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we developed and validated a sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantitation of seven UH alkaloids (corynoxeine, isocorynoxeine, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline, hirsutine, hirsuteine and geissoschizine methyl ether) in rat plasma and brain. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile, chromatographic separation was performed using an Ascentis Express RP-amide column, with gradient elution with 0.2% formic acid and acetonitrile at 0.3 mL/min. All analytes in the plasma and brain showed good linearity over a wide concentration range (r > 0.995). Intra-day and inter-day variations of each constituent were 8.6 and 8.0% or less in the plasma, and 14.9 and 15.0% or less in the brain, respectively. The validated LC/MS/MS method was applied in the pharmacokinetic studies of UH alkaloids after oral administration of Yokukansan to rats. In the plasma, rhynchophylline, hirsutine, hirsuteine and geissoschizine methyl ether were detected, but only geissoschizine methyl ether was detected in the brain. These results suggest that geissoschizine methyl ether is an important constituent of the pharmacological effects of Yokukansan. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Dereplication-guided isolation of a new indole alkaloid triglycoside from the hooks of Uncaria rhynchophylla by LC with ion trap time-of-flight MS.

PubMed

Zhang, Jian-Gang; Huang, Xiao-Yan; Ma, Yun-Bao; Zhang, Xue-Mei; Chen, Ji-Jun; Geng, Chang-An

2018-04-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-Teng) as the monarch herb of many formulae (Fufang), e.g. "Tian-Ma-Gou-Teng-Yin," "Ling-Jiao-Gou-Teng-Yin," and "Yi-Gan-San", is a famous traditional Chinese medicine documented in the Chinese pharmacopoeia for mental and cardiovascular diseases. In the traditional Chinese medicine system, only the hook-bearing stems are used as the crude materials for Gou-Teng, and the hooks are always considered more effective than the stems. Focusing on the mono-herb and its active constituents from combinatorial formulae is the core idea of reductionism of traditional Chinese medicine theory. Detailed liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis on the hooks of U. rhynchophylla was performed to profile the chemical constituents based on tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation and UV absorption. Under the guidance of liquid chromatography with ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry, one new indole alkaloid triglycoside (1), together with five known compounds 2-6 as the main constituents, were isolated from the hooks of U. rhynchophylla by various column chromatography methods. Compound 1 showed moderate activity on MT 1 and MT 2 melatonin receptors with agonistic rates of 79.6 and 46.3% at the concentration of 1 mM. This dereplication strategy can be equally applicable to rapidly disclose the active constituents of other Chinese herbs through targeted purification. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline inhibit c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and nuclear factor-kappaB activity in kainic acid-treated rats.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ching-Liang; Ho, Tin-Yun; Su, Shan-Yu; Lo, Wan-Yu; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Tang, Nou-Ying

2009-01-01

Our previous studies have shown that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) can reduce epileptic seizures. We hypothesized that UR and its major component rhynchophylline (RH), reduce epileptic seizures in rats treated with kainic acid (KA) by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator-protein-1 (AP-1) activity, and by eliminating superoxide anions. Therefore, the level of superoxide anions and the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1 were measured. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pre-treated with UR (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), RH (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then KA was administered intra-peritoneal (i.p.). The results indicated that UR, RH, and VA can reduce epileptic seizures and the level of superoxide anions in the blood. Furthermore, KA was demonstrated to induce the DNA binding activities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. However, these inductions were inhibited by pre-treatment with UR, RH, or VA for 3 days. Moreover, UR and RH were shown to be involved in the suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. This study suggested that UR and RH have antiepileptic effects in KA-induced seizures and are associated with the regulation of the innate immune system via a reduction in the level of superoxide anions, JNK phosphorylation, and NF-kappaB activation.

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats

PubMed Central

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period. PMID:24381640

Antiepileptic Effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla and Rhynchophylline Involved in the Initiation of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Phosphorylation of MAPK Signal Pathways in Acute Seizures of Kainic Acid-Treated Rats.

PubMed

Hsu, Hsin-Cheng; Tang, Nou-Ying; Liu, Chung-Hsiang; Hsieh, Ching-Liang

2013-01-01

Seizures cause inflammation of the central nervous system. The extent of the inflammation is related to the severity and recurrence of the seizures. Cell surface receptors are stimulated by stimulators such as kainic acid (KA), which causes intracellular mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway transmission to coordinate a response. It is known that Uncaria rhynchophylla (UR) and rhynchophylline (RP) have anticonvulsive effects, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a novel strategy for treating epilepsy by investigating how UR and RP initiate their anticonvulsive mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered KA (12 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce seizure before being sacrificed. The brain was removed 3 h after KA administration. The results indicate that pretreatment with UR (1.0 g/kg), RP (0.25 mg/kg), and valproic acid (VA, 250 mg/kg) for 3 d could reduce epileptic seizures and could also reduce the expression of c-Jun aminoterminal kinase phosphorylation (JNKp) of MAPK signal pathways in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus brain tissues. Proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 β , IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor- α remain unchanged, indicating that the anticonvulsive effect of UR and RP is initially involved in the JNKp MAPK signal pathway during the KA-induced acute seizure period.

Chemical and biological comparison of different sections of Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-Teng).

PubMed

Zhang, Jian-Gang; Geng, Chang-An; Huang, Xiao-Yan; Chen, Xing-Long; Ma, Yun-Bao; Zhang, Xue-Mei; Chen, Ji-Jun

2017-02-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou-Teng in Chinese) is officially documented in Chinese pharmacopoeia as one of the authentic sources for the crude drug of Gou-Teng which has long been used for mental and cardiovascular diseases. Indole alkaloids are the characteristic constituents responsible for the desired hypotensive effect; however, the psychiatric active constituents of Gou-Teng are still unclear. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, only the hook-bearing stems of U. rhynchophylla are used as the crude materials for Gou-Teng, while its leaves and fruits are scarcely used. The present study aimed to compare the metabolic fingerprints of different parts (hooks, stems, leaves and fruits) of U. rhynchophylla by LC-DAD-MS/MS analysis and further evaluate their psychiatric activities on HEK293 cell line in vitro. A total of 38 constituents including 26 alkaloids, six flavonoids, two triterpenoids, two chlorogenic acid analogs and two other compounds were characterized. The different parts of U. rhynchophylla can be well differentiated from their chemical profiles. Leaves displayed the most potent activity on both MT 1 and MT 2 receptors, with agonistic rates of 39.7% and 97.6%. For 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2C receptors, hooks showed the strongest activity with agonistic rates of 92.6% and 83.1%, respectively. This investigation provided valuable information for understanding the chemical divergence between different parts of U. rhynchophylla, and their substantial bases for psychiatric purposes.

Metabolites of hirsuteine and hirsutine, the major indole alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla, in rats.

PubMed

Nakazawa, Takahiro; Banba, Koh-ichi; Hata, Kazumasa; Nihei, Yutaka; Hoshikawa, Ayumi; Ohsawa, Keisuke

2006-08-01

The metabolic fate of hirsuteine (HT) and hirsutine (HS), the major indole alkaloids of Uncaria rhynchophylla, was investigated using rats. On HPLC analysis, urine from rats orally administered HT were found to contain two metabolites (HT1 and HT2) together with unchanged HT. Similarly HS also was metabolized to two compounds (HS1 and HS2). Metabolite structures were determined to be 11-hydroxyhirsuteine-11-O-beta-D-glucuronide (HT1), 11-hydroxyhirsuteine (HT2), 11-hydroxyhirsutine-11-O-beta-D-glucuronide (HS1) and 11-hydroxyhirsutine (HS2), based on spectroscopic and chemical data. HT1 and HS1 were also detected in bile from rats administered HT and HS, respectively. Total cumulative urinary excretion within 72 h of oral administration was approximately 14% and 26% of the HT and HS doses, respectively, while total cumulative biliary excretion was 35% and 46%, respectively. HT and HS 11-hydroxylation were catalyzed by rat liver microsomes. This 11-hydroxylation activity was inhibited by addition of SKF-525A (a nonselective CYP inhibitor) or cimetidine (a CYP2C inhibitor). These results indicate that orally administered HT and HS are converted to 11-hydroxy metabolites in rats, and that the metabolites are predominantly excreted in bile rather than urine following glucuronidation. Furthermore, the results suggest that CYP2C enzymes are involved, at least in part, in the specific 11-hydroxylation of HT and HS.

RadNet Air Data From Salt Lake City, UT

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This page presents radiation air monitoring and air filter analysis data for Salt Lake City, UT from EPA's RadNet system. RadNet is a nationwide network of monitoring stations that measure radiation in air, drinking water and precipitation.

Studies of Ionospheric Processes in the Atmosphere and the Laboratory

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

relevance to HAARP observations, and on vibrationally-excited levels of the O2 ground state [2] and the b1Σ +g excited state [3]. Synergy with the...UT [20] 29.4 (33) 260 0.94 .077 3/24/95 1737 UT 43.4 (44) 278 0.54 0.53 HAARP 62N, 145W 3/20/04 0617 UT [21] 54 (44) 290 0.33 0.54... HAARP 0.62 5.0E8 1.09E8 4.6 Studies of Ionospheric Processes in the Atmosphere and the Laboratory RTO-MP-IST-056 1 - 9 UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED

On the Logical Development of Statistical Models.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

David Steinberg, and Jean Wallis for their helpful cosments to a preliminary draft of this work. -21- REFERENCES [1] Anscombe, F. J. and Tukey, J. W ...effect of a known vector x of predictor variables. In this way we obtain an explicative-static or type 11 model and -3- W .- r󈧬 41 U) 3 0) H + N 1 0...dependency is: Yt M it + ut p(ut ) - U It P(ut M-t) - I - t (2.1) t W P01 + Vt-1(P11 - P0 1) where Yt can only have the values zero and one, p is its

Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge and Its Integration with Software Engineering

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

e pro ess ona  soc e es  y  end of 2012. 801/27/2010 4/25/2011 9 Topic 2 (Article Title)Part 1 Related Topics Article Structure Lorem ipsum dolor  sit...amet[1], consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim...veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor [2] in

Can flavonoid-rich chocolate modulate arterial elasticity and pathological uterine artery Doppler blood flow in pregnant women? A pilot study.

PubMed

von Wowern, Emma; Olofsson, Per

2018-09-01

Dark chocolate has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and might also modulate hypertensive complications in pregnancy and uteroplacental blood flow. Increased uteroplacental resistance is associated with systemic arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate the short-term effect of flavonoid-rich chocolate on arterial stiffness and Doppler blood flow velocimetry indexes in pregnant women with compromised uteroplacental blood flow. Doppler blood flow velocimetry and digital pulse wave analysis (DPA) were performed in 25 women pregnant in the second and third trimesters with uterine artery (UtA) score (UAS) 3-4, before and after 3 days of ingestion of chocolate with high flavonoid and antioxidant contents. UtA pulsatility index (PI), UtA diastolic notching, UAS (semiquantitative measure of PI and notching combined), and umbilical artery PI were calculated, and DPA variables representing central and peripheral maternal arteries were recorded. Mean UtA PI (p = .049) and UAS (p = .025) significantly decreased after chocolate consumption. There were no significant changes in UtA diastolic notching or any DPA indexes of arterial stiffness/vascular tone. Chocolate may have beneficial effects on the uteroplacental circulation, but in this pilot study, we could not demonstrate effects on arterial vascular tone as assessed by DPA.

Breakout Reconnection Observed by the TESIS EUV Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reva, A. A.; Ulyanov, A. S.; Shestov, S. V.; Kuzin, S. V.

2016-01-01

We present experimental evidence of the coronal mass ejection (CME) breakout reconnection, observed by the TESIS EUV telescope. The telescope could observe solar corona up to 2 R⊙ from the Sun center in the Fe 171 Å line. Starting from 2009 April 8, TESIS observed an active region (AR) that had a quadrupolar structure with an X-point 0.5 R⊙ above photosphere. A magnetic field reconstructed from the Michelson Doppler Imager data also has a multipolar structure with an X-point above the AR. At 21:45 UT on April 9, the loops near the X-point started to move away from each other with a velocity of ≈7 km s-1. At 01:15 UT on April 10, a bright stripe appeared between the loops, and the flux in the GOES 0.5-4 Å channel increased. We interpret the loops’ sideways motion and the bright stripe as evidence of the breakout reconnection. At 01:45 UT, the loops below the X-point started to slowly move up. At 15:10 UT, the CME started to accelerate impulsively, while at the same time a flare arcade formed below the CME. After 15:50 UT, the CME moved with constant velocity. The CME evolution precisely followed the breakout model scenario.

Prediction of Tensile Strength of Friction Stir Weld Joints with Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Neural Network

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dewan, Mohammad W.; Huggett, Daniel J.; Liao, T. Warren; Wahab, Muhammad A.; Okeil, Ayman M.

2015-01-01

Friction-stir-welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process where joint properties are dependent on welding process parameters. In the current study three critical process parameters including spindle speed (??), plunge force (????), and welding speed (??) are considered key factors in the determination of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of welded aluminum alloy joints. A total of 73 weld schedules were welded and tensile properties were subsequently obtained experimentally. It is observed that all three process parameters have direct influence on UTS of the welded joints. Utilizing experimental data, an optimized adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model has been developed to predict UTS of FSW joints. A total of 1200 models were developed by varying the number of membership functions (MFs), type of MFs, and combination of four input variables (??,??,????,??????) utilizing a MATLAB platform. Note EFI denotes an empirical force index derived from the three process parameters. For comparison, optimized artificial neural network (ANN) models were also developed to predict UTS from FSW process parameters. By comparing ANFIS and ANN predicted results, it was found that optimized ANFIS models provide better results than ANN. This newly developed best ANFIS model could be utilized for prediction of UTS of FSW joints.

Influence of fatigue and velocity on the latency and recruitment order of scapular muscles.

PubMed

Mendez-Rebolledo, Guillermo; Gatica-Rojas, Valeska; Guzman-Muñoz, Eduardo; Martinez-Valdes, Eduardo; Guzman-Venegas, Rodrigo; Berral de la Rosa, Francisco Jose

2018-07-01

To determine the influence of velocity and fatigue on scapular muscle activation latency and recruitment order during a voluntary arm raise task, in healthy individuals. Cross-sectional study. University laboratory. Twenty three male adults per group (high-velocity and low-velocity). Onset latency of scapular muscles [Anterior deltoid (AD), lower trapezius (LT), middle trapezius (MT), upper trapezius (UT), and serratus anterior (SA)] was assessed by surface electromyography. The participants were assigned to one of two groups: low-velocity or high-velocity. Both groups performed a voluntary arm raise task in the scapular plane under two conditions: no-fatigue and fatigue. The UT showed early activation (p < 0.01) in the fatigue condition when performing the arm raise task at a high velocity. At a low velocity and with no muscular fatigue, the recruitment order was MT, LT, SA, AD, and UT. However, the recruitment order changed in the high-velocity with muscular fatigue condition, since the recruitment order was UT, AD, SA, LT, and MT. The simultaneous presence of fatigue and high-velocity in an arm raise task is associated with a decrease in the UT activation latency and a modification of the recruitment order of scapular muscles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial of Ultrathin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) versus DSAEK.

PubMed

Dickman, Mor M; Kruit, Pieter J; Remeijer, Lies; van Rooij, Jeroen; Van der Lelij, Allegonda; Wijdh, Robert H J; van den Biggelaar, Frank J H M; Berendschot, Tos T J M; Nuijts, Rudy M M A

2016-11-01

To compare visual acuity, refraction, endothelial cell density (ECD), and complications after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and ultrathin DSAEK (UT-DSAEK). A multicenter, prospective, double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial. From 66 patients with irreversible corneal endothelial dysfunction dues to Fuchs' dystrophy who enrolled from 4 tertiary medical centers in the Netherlands, 66 eyes were studied. Participants were centrally randomized to undergo either UT-DSAEK or DSAEK, based on preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), recipient central corneal thickness, patient age, and recruitment center. Donor corneas were precut by a single cornea bank. Participants underwent ophthalmic examinations preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation, including manifest refraction, BSCVA using an Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, and endothelium imaging. BSCVA 12 months postoperatively. Preoperative BSCVA did not differ between patients undergoing DSAEK (0.35 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.27-0.43]; n = 32) and UT-DSAEK (0.37 logMAR [95% CI 0.31-0.43]; n = 34; P = 0.8). BSCVA was significantly better after UT-DSAEK compared with that after DSAEK at 3 months (0.17 logMAR [95% CI 0.13-0.21], n = 31 vs. 0.28 logMAR [95% CI 0.23-0.33], n = 31; P = 0.001), 6 months (0.14 logMAR [95% CI 0.10-0.18], n = 30 vs. 0.24 logMAR [95% CI 0.20-0.28], n = 30; P = 0.002), and 12 months (0.13 logMAR [95% CI 0.09-0.17], n = 33 vs. 0.20 logMAR [95% CI 0.15-0.25], n = 29; P = 0.03). Refraction, ECD loss (40% at 3 months; P < 0.001), donor loss (DSAEK n = 2 vs. UT-DSAEK n = 3 [relative risk {RR} 1.4 {95% CI 0.24-7.5}; P = 0.7]), and graft dislocation (DSAEK n = 5 vs. UT-DSAEK n = 5 [RR 1.0 {95% CI 0.34-3.33}; P = 0.9]) did not differ between UT-DSAEK and DSAEK. Donor thickness was significantly thinner for UT-DSAEK (101 μm [95% CI 93-110 μm]; range 50-145 μm) than for DSAEK (209 μm [95% CI 196-222 μm]; range 147-289 μm; P < 0.001). This study indicates that compared with DSAEK, UT-DSAEK results in faster and better recovery of BSCVA with similar refractive outcomes, endothelial cell loss, and incidence of complications. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook contribute to protective effect of traditional Japanese medicine yokukansan against amyloid β oligomer-induced neuronal death.

PubMed

Kanno, Hitomi; Kawakami, Zenji; Iizuka, Seiichi; Tabuchi, Masahiro; Mizoguchi, Kazushige; Ikarashi, Yasushi; Kase, Yoshio

2013-08-26

Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, composed of seven medicinal herbs has been traditionally used to treat neurosis, insomnia, and night crying and irritability in children. Recently, this medicine has been reported to improve the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) that often become problematic in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, which are extremely toxic to neurons, are involved in neurodegeneration in AD. In animals, yokukansan has been proven to improve memory impairments and BPSD-like behavior in transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein and mice intracerebroventricularly injected with Aβ oligomers. These results suggest that yokukansan is potentially able to reduce the neurotoxicity of Aβ oligomers. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the improving effects brought by yokukansan that consists of seven herbs for Aβ oligomer-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and to identify the candidate herbs in yokukansan's action. Primary cultured rat cortical neurons were used. Neurotoxicity induced by Aβ oligomers (3µM) and improving effects of yokukansan (300-1000 µg/mL) and its constituent herbs were evaluated in MTT assay, DNA fragmentation analysis, and electron microscopic analysis at 48h after treatment with Aβ oligomers and drugs. Moreover, changes in expression of genes related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and in caspase-3 activity that is the enzyme closely related to apoptosis were analyzed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Yokukansan ameliorated Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal damage in a dose-dependent manner in the MTT assay. This drug also suppressed DNA fragmentation caused by Aβ oligomers. Electron microscopic analysis suggested that yokukansan reduced karyopyknosis and the expansion of rough ER caused by Aβ oligomers. However, neither Aβ oligomers nor yokukansan affected the mRNA expression of any ER stress-related genes, including CHOP and GRP78. On the other hand, yokukansan dose-dependently suppressed Aβ oligomer-induced activation of caspase-3. Among the seven constituents of yokukansan, Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook (60-200 µg/mL) suppressed Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal damage, DNA fragmentation, karyopyknosis, and caspase-3 activation to almost the same extent as yokukansan. The present results suggest that yokukansan possesses an ameliorative effect against Aβ oligomer-induced neuronal apoptosis through the suppression of caspase-3 activation. Glycyrrhiza and Uncaria Hook may, at least in part, contribute to the neuroprotective effect of yokukansan. These mechanisms may underlie the improving effects of yokukansan on memory impairment and BPSD-like behaviors induced by Aβ oligomers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

CHINESE PLAT, 1919 (L19 19 4 E, SALT LAKE CITY ...

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

CHINESE PLAT, 1919 (L19 19 4 E, SALT LAKE CITY CEMETERY LOCATER), SALT LAKE CITY, UT. VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST AT CHINESE PLAT MARKER AND BURNER. - Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, UT

Simple Event | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Morbi lobortis urna et posuere interdum. Fusce vulputate finibus magna et molestie. Fusce consequat, sapien a euismod vestibulum, nisl quam hendrerit quam, vitae finibus tellus orci viverra lacus. Donec condimentum purus ut fermentum egestas. Praesent tempus ligula ut ipsum tempus, eu ullamcorper arcu fringilla.

Pre-heated dual-cured resin cements: analysis of the degree of conversion and ultimate tensile strength.

PubMed

França, Flávio Álvares; Oliveira, Michele de; Rodrigues, José Augusto; Arrais, César Augusto Galvão

2011-01-01

This study evaluated the degree of conversion (DC) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of dual-cured resin cements heated to 50º C prior to and during polymerization. Disc- and hourglass-shaped specimens of Rely X ARC (RX) and Variolink II (VII) were obtained using addition silicon molds. The products were manipulated at 25º C or 50º C and were subjected to 3 curing conditions: light-activation through a glass slide or through a pre-cured 2-mm thick resin composite disc, or they were allowed to self-cure (SC). All specimens were dark-stored dry for 15 days. For DC analysis, the resin cements were placed into the mold located on the center of a horizontal diamond on the attenuated total reflectance element in the optical bench of a Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometer. Infrared spectra (n = 6) were collected between 1680 and 1500 cm-1, and DC was calculated by standard methods using changes in ratios of aliphatic-to-aromatic C=C absorption peaks from uncured and cured states. For UTS test, specimens (n = 10) were tested in tension in a universal testing machine (crosshead speed of 1 mm/min) until failure. DC and UTS data were submitted to 2-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's test (α= 5%). Both products showed higher DC at 50º C than at 25º C in all curing conditions. No significant difference in UTS was noted between most light-activated groups at 25º C and those at 50º C. VII SC groups showed higher UTS at 50º C than at 25º C (p < 0.05). Increased temperature led to higher DC, but its effects on resin cement UTS depended on the curing condition.

Accurate procedure for deriving UTI at a submilliarcsecond accuracy from Greenwich Sidereal Time or from the stellar angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capitaine, N.; Gontier, A.-M.

1993-08-01

Present observations using modern astrometric techniques are supposed to provide the Earth orientation parameters, and therefore UT1, with an accuracy better than ±1 mas. In practice, UT1 is determined through the intermediary of Greenwich Sidereal Time (GST), using both the conventional relationship between Greenwich Mean Sidereal Time (GMST) and UTl (Aoki et al. 1982) and the so-called "equation of the equinoxes" limited to the first order terms with respect to the nutation quantities. This highly complex relation between sidereal time and UT1 is not accurate at the milliaresecond level which gives rise to spurious terms of milliaresecond amplitude in the derived UTl. A more complete relationship between GST and UT1 has been recommended by Aoki & Kinoshita (1983) and Aoki (1991) taking into account the second order terms in the difference between GST and GM ST, the largest one having an amplitude of 2.64 mas and a 18.6 yr-period. This paper explains how this complete expansion of GST implicitly uses the concept of "nonrotating origin" (NRO) as proposed by Guinot in 1979 and would, therefore, provide a more accurate value of UTl and consequently of the Earth's angular velocity. This paper shows, moreover, that such a procedure would be simplified and conceptually clarified by the explicit use of the NRO as previously proposed (Guinot 1979; Capitaine et al. 1986). The two corresponding options (implicit or explicit use of the NRO) are shown to be equivalent for defining the specific Earth's angle of rotation and then UT1. The of the use of such an accurate procedure which has been proposed in the new IERS standards (McCarthy 1992a) instead of the usual one are estimated for the practical derivation of UT1.

Role of IMF B y in the prompt electric field disturbances over equatorial ionosphere during a space weather event

DOE PAGES

Chakrabarty, Dipu; Hui, Debrup; Rout, Diptiranjan; ...

2017-02-04

On 7 January 2005 (Ap=40) prompt penetration electric field perturbations of opposite polarities were observed over Thumba and Jicamarca on a few occasions during 13:45–16:30 UT. However, the electric field was found to be eastward during 14:45–15:30 UT over both Thumba and Jicamarca contrary to the general expectation wherein opposite polarities are expected at nearly antipodal points. On closer scrutiny, three important observational features are noticed during 14:10–15:15 UT. First, during 14:10–14:45 UT, despite increasing southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B z condition, the already westward electric field over Thumba weakened (less westward) while the eastward electric field over Jicamarcamore » intensified (more eastward). Second, the electric field not only became anomalously eastward over Thumba but also got intensified further during 14:45–15:00 UT similar to Jicamarca. Third, during 15:00–15:15 UT, despite IMF B z remaining steadily southward, the eastward electric field continued to intensify over Thumba but weakened over Jicamarca. It is suggested that the changes in IMF B y component under southward IMF B z condition are responsible for skewing the ionospheric equipotential patterns over the dip equator in such a way that Thumba came into the same DP2 cell as that of Jicamarca leading to anomalous electric field variations. Magnetic field measurements along the Indian and Jicamarca longitude sectors and changes in high-latitude ionospheric convection patterns provide credence to this proposition. Therefore, in conclusion, the present investigation shows that the variations in IMF B y are fundamentally important to understand the prompt penetration effects over low latitudes.« less

Comparison between transdermal nitroglycerin and sildenafil citrate in intrauterine growth restriction: effects on uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility indices.

PubMed

Trapani, A; Gonçalves, L F; Trapani, T F; Franco, M J; Galluzzo, R N; Pires, M M S

2016-07-01

To evaluate the effects of transdermal nitroglycerin (GTN) and sildenafil citrate on Doppler velocity waveforms of the uterine (UtA), umbilical (UA) and fetal middle cerebral (MCA) arteries in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). This was a prospective study of 35 singleton pregnancies (gestational age, 24-31 weeks) with IUGR and abnormal UtA and UA Doppler waveforms. We compared maternal arterial blood pressure and Z-scores of the pulsatility index (PI) of UtA, UA and fetal MCA before and after application of a transdermal GTN patch (average dose, 0.4 mg/h), oral sildenafil citrate (50 mg) or placebo. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA for paired samples. There was a significant decrease in UtA-PI after application of GTN (21.0%) and sildenafil citrate (20.4%). A significant reduction in UA-PI was also observed for both GTN (19.1%) and sildenafil citrate (18.2%). There was no difference in UtA- and UA-PI when the GTN and sildenafil groups were compared. No changes in Doppler velocimetry were observed in the placebo group and no significant change in MCA-PI was observed in any group. Maternal arterial blood pressure decreased with administration of both GTN and sildenafil citrate in those with pre-eclampsia. The use of transdermal GTN or sildenafil citrate in pregnancies with IUGR is associated with a significant reduction in both UtA and UA Doppler PI, as well as maternal arterial blood pressure. Neither drug affected the MCA-PI. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Role of IMF B y in the prompt electric field disturbances over equatorial ionosphere during a space weather event

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

Chakrabarty, Dipu; Hui, Debrup; Rout, Diptiranjan

On 7 January 2005 (Ap=40) prompt penetration electric field perturbations of opposite polarities were observed over Thumba and Jicamarca on a few occasions during 13:45–16:30 UT. However, the electric field was found to be eastward during 14:45–15:30 UT over both Thumba and Jicamarca contrary to the general expectation wherein opposite polarities are expected at nearly antipodal points. On closer scrutiny, three important observational features are noticed during 14:10–15:15 UT. First, during 14:10–14:45 UT, despite increasing southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B z condition, the already westward electric field over Thumba weakened (less westward) while the eastward electric field over Jicamarcamore » intensified (more eastward). Second, the electric field not only became anomalously eastward over Thumba but also got intensified further during 14:45–15:00 UT similar to Jicamarca. Third, during 15:00–15:15 UT, despite IMF B z remaining steadily southward, the eastward electric field continued to intensify over Thumba but weakened over Jicamarca. It is suggested that the changes in IMF B y component under southward IMF B z condition are responsible for skewing the ionospheric equipotential patterns over the dip equator in such a way that Thumba came into the same DP2 cell as that of Jicamarca leading to anomalous electric field variations. Magnetic field measurements along the Indian and Jicamarca longitude sectors and changes in high-latitude ionospheric convection patterns provide credence to this proposition. Therefore, in conclusion, the present investigation shows that the variations in IMF B y are fundamentally important to understand the prompt penetration effects over low latitudes.« less

The overall computer/mobile devices usage time is related to newly diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based study.

PubMed

Meng, Ge; Liu, Fangfang; Fang, Liyun; Li, Chunlei; Zhang, Qing; Liu, Li; Wu, Hongmei; Du, Huanmin; Shi, Hongbin; Xia, Yang; Guo, Xiaoyan; Liu, Xing; Bao, Xue; Su, Qian; Gu, Yeqing; Yu, Fei; Yang, Huijun; Yu, Bin; Sun, Shaomei; Wang, Xing; Zhou, Ming; Jia, Qiyu; Guo, Qi; Chen, Xin; Song, Kun; Wang, Guolin; Huang, Guowei; Niu, Kaijun

2016-11-01

The computer/mobile devices usage time (CMD-UT) is closely related to a sedentary lifestyle, which is an important risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). But their direct relationship remains unclear. We aimed to examine the relationship between CMD-UT and newly diagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 7516 adults in Tianjin, China. The CMD-UT was collected via a questionnaire included five categories. NAFLD [with normal or elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels] was diagnosed by at least twice liver ultrasonography examinations and serum ALT concentrations (>41 U/L in males and >33 U/L in females). The prevalence of overall NAFLD, NAFLD with normal or elevated ALT levels was 18.2, 14.2, and 4.0%, respectively. After adjustments for potential confounding factors, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of having overall NAFLD by increasing CMD-UT levels were 1.00 for <1 h/d, 1.58 (1.22-2.05) for 1-3 h/d, 1.58 (1.18-2.11) for 3-5 h/d, 1.65 (1.21-2.27) for 5-10 h/d, and 1.99 (1.29-3.05) for ≥10h/d (P-trend for CMD-UT levels = 0.02), respectively. Similar relations were observed with the use of NAFLD with normal or elevated ALT levels. The present study is the first to find that CMD-UT levels are independently associated with NAFLD. Key Messages The computer/mobile devices usage time levels are independently associated with the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Predictors of upper trapezius pain with myofascial trigger points in food service workers: The STROBE study.

PubMed

Hwang, Ui-Jae; Kwon, Oh-Yun; Yi, Chung-Hwi; Jeon, Hye-Seon; Weon, Jong-Hyuck; Ha, Sung-Min

2017-06-01

Shoulder pain occurs commonly in food service workers (FSWs) who repetitively perform motions of the upper limbs. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on the upper trapezius (UT) are among the most common musculoskeletal shoulder pain syndromes. This study determined the psychological, posture, mobility, and strength factors associated with pain severity in FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs.In this cross-sectional study, we measured 17 variables in 163 FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs: a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, age, sex, Borg rating of perceived exertion (BRPE) scale, beck depression inventory, forward head posture angle, rounded shoulder angle (RSA), shoulder slope angle, scapular downward rotation ratio, cervical lateral-bending side difference angle, cervical rotation side difference angle, glenohumeral internal rotation angle, shoulder horizontal adduction angle, serratus anterior (SA) strength, lower trapezius (LT) strength, bicep strength, and glenohumeral external rotator strength, in 163 FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs.The model for factors influencing UT pain with MTrPs included SA strength, age, BRPE, LT strength, and RSA as predictor variables that accounted for 68.7% of the variance in VAS (P < .001) in multiple regression models with a stepwise selection procedure. The following were independent variables influencing the VAS in the order of standardized coefficients: SA strength (β = -0.380), age (β = 0.287), BRPE (β = 0.239), LT strength (β = -0.195), and RSA (β = 0.125).SA strength, age, BRPE, LT strength, and RSA variables should be considered when evaluating and intervening in UT pain with MTrPs in FSWs.

Predictors of upper trapezius pain with myofascial trigger points in food service workers

PubMed Central

Hwang, Ui-Jae; Kwon, Oh-Yun; Yi, Chung-Hwi; Jeon, Hye-Seon; Weon, Jong-Hyuck; Ha, Sung-Min

2017-01-01

Abstract Shoulder pain occurs commonly in food service workers (FSWs) who repetitively perform motions of the upper limbs. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on the upper trapezius (UT) are among the most common musculoskeletal shoulder pain syndromes. This study determined the psychological, posture, mobility, and strength factors associated with pain severity in FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs. In this cross-sectional study, we measured 17 variables in 163 FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs: a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, age, sex, Borg rating of perceived exertion (BRPE) scale, beck depression inventory, forward head posture angle, rounded shoulder angle (RSA), shoulder slope angle, scapular downward rotation ratio, cervical lateral-bending side difference angle, cervical rotation side difference angle, glenohumeral internal rotation angle, shoulder horizontal adduction angle, serratus anterior (SA) strength, lower trapezius (LT) strength, bicep strength, and glenohumeral external rotator strength, in 163 FSWs with UT pain due to MTrPs. The model for factors influencing UT pain with MTrPs included SA strength, age, BRPE, LT strength, and RSA as predictor variables that accounted for 68.7% of the variance in VAS (P < .001) in multiple regression models with a stepwise selection procedure. The following were independent variables influencing the VAS in the order of standardized coefficients: SA strength (β = −0.380), age (β = 0.287), BRPE (β = 0.239), LT strength (β = −0.195), and RSA (β = 0.125). SA strength, age, BRPE, LT strength, and RSA variables should be considered when evaluating and intervening in UT pain with MTrPs in FSWs. PMID:28658117

Musculoskeletal health profile for elite female footballers versus untrained young women before and after 16 weeks of football training.

PubMed

Jackman, Sarah R; Scott, Suzanne; Randers, Morten Bredsgaard; Orntoft, Christina; Blackwell, Jamie; Zar, Abdossaleh; Helge, Eva Wulff; Mohr, Magni; Krustrup, Peter

2013-01-01

We investigated the musculoskeletal health profile of elite female football players (ET) in comparison to untrained (UT) young women subjected to 16 weeks of football training (2 × 1 h per week). DXA scans, blood sampling, sprint testing and Flamingo postural balance testing were carried out for 27 Danish national team players and 28 untrained women, with eight women being tested after training. At baseline total BMD and BMC were 13% (1.305 ± 0.050 versus 1.159 ± 0.056 g · cm(-2)) and 23% (3047 ± 235 versus 2477 ± 526 g) higher (P <0.001) and leg BMD and BMC were 24 and 28% higher (P <0.01) in ET than in UT. Resting plasma osteocalcin was 45% higher in ET than in UT (28.8 ± 10.9 versus 19.9 ± 9.9 µg · L(-1), P <0.05). Total lean body mass was 14% higher (50.4 ± 3.3 versus 44.3 ± 4.0 kg) in ET compared with UT, with no difference in total body mass. The number of Flamingo test falls was 56-63% less (P <0.01) and 30 m sprinting speed was 31% faster (P <0.001) in ET than UT. After 16 weeks of football training for UT, lean body mass increased by 1.4 ± 0.5 kg and the number of left leg falls decreased by 29% (P <0.05). No significant changes occurred in BMD or BMC, but plasma osteocalcin increased (P <0.05) by 37%. In summary, elite women footballers have an impressive musculoskeletal health profile compared with untrained controls, but short-term football training seems to reduce the risk of falls and increase bone formation.

Unilateral and Immediate Stimulation of Acupuncture Points Xiaohai (SI8) and Jianwaishu (SI14) of the Small Intestine Meridian Increases Electromyographic Activity and Strength in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Upper Trapezius Muscle.

PubMed

de Souza, Leandro L; de Araujo, Fernanda L B; da Silva, Fernanda A M; Mucciaroni, Thaís S; de Araujo, João E

2016-10-01

We previously showed that a yin meridian of the upper limb decreased electromyographic activity (root mean square) and muscle strength ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of stimulation. Here, we tested the upper trapezius (UT) muscle response after stimulation of a yang meridian of the upper limb, the small intestine (SI). Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were randomized into the following groups: UT muscle (SI14), distant of the UT muscle (SI8), without stimulation (CG), and sham (R3). An acupuncturist certificated by the Brazilian Society of Physical Therapists and Acupuncturists performed the needle insertion. Each volunteer received only one stimulation to the right upper limb. The evaluation occurred before, 5 minutes after, and 20 minutes after needle withdrawal. The root mean square activity increased on the right side in the UT muscle for the SI8 and SI14 groups (F 3,37  = 4.67; p < 0.025) at the 20-minute evaluation. The most vigorous response occurred on the contralateral side because the effects were maintained for 5 minutes after withdrawal (F 3,37  = 4.52; p < 0.025). Both groups showed an increase in the UT muscle strength at the 20-minute evaluation (F 3,37  = 3.41; p < 0.025). The CG and R3 groups did not show any changes. Our data indicate that SI a yang meridian increases the UT muscle response. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Concentrically trained cyclists are not more susceptible to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage than are stretch-shortening exercise-trained runners.

PubMed

Snieckus, Audrius; Kamandulis, Sigitas; Venckūnas, Tomas; Brazaitis, Marius; Volungevičius, Gintautas; Skurvydas, Albertas

2013-03-01

Here, we test the hypothesis that continuous concentric exercise training renders skeletal muscles more susceptible to damage in response to eccentric exercise. Elite road cyclists (CYC; n = 10, training experience 8.1 ± 2.0 years, age 22.9 ± 3.7 years), long-distance runners (LDR; n = 10, 9.9 ± 2.3 years, 24.4 ± 2.5 years), and healthy untrained (UT) men (n = 10; 22.4 ± 1.7 years) performed 100 submaximal eccentric contractions at constant angular velocity of 60° s(-1). Concentric isokinetic peak torque, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and electrically induced knee extension torque were measured at baseline and immediately and 48 h after an eccentric exercise bout. Muscle soreness was assessed and plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity was measured at baseline and 48 h after exercise. Voluntary and electrically stimulated knee extension torque reduction were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in UT than in LDR and CYC. Immediately and 48 h after exercise, MVC decreased by 32 % and 20 % in UT, 20 % and 5 % in LDR, and 25 % and 6 % in CYC. Electrically induced 20 Hz torque decreased at the same times by 61 and 29 % in UT, 40 and 17 % in LDR, and 26 and 14 % in CYC. Muscle soreness and plasma CK activity 48 h after exercise did not differ significantly between athletes and UT subjects. In conclusion, even though elite endurance athletes are more resistant to eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage than are UT people, stretch-shortening exercise-trained LDR have no advantage over concentrically trained CYC.

Enhanced Right-Chamber Remodeling in Endurance Ultra-Trail Athletes Compared to Marathon Runners Detected by Standard and Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

PubMed Central

Ujka, Kristian; Bastiani, Luca; D'Angelo, Gennaro; Catuzzo, Bruna; Tonacci, Alessandro; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Giardini, Guido; Pratali, Lorenza

2017-01-01

Background: Strenuous and endurance exercise training have been associated with morphological and functional heart remodeling. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel technique that allows an accurate quantification of global myocardium deformation. Our aim was to evaluate together left and right cardiac remodeling in different long-distance running athletes: marathon runners (42 km) (M) and endurance mountain runners (>300 Km) (UT). Methods: A total of 92 athletes (70 males, 76%) including 47 M [age 45 ± 7 years; training: 18 (9–53) years*days/week], 45 UT [age 42 ± 9, training: 30 (15–66) years*days/week] underwent conventional echocardiography and STE (Beyond Diogenes 2.0, AMID) during the agonistic season. Results: Right ventricle (RV) end-diastolic area (p = 0.026), fractional area changing (FAC) (p = 0.008) and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were significantly increasedin UT athletes. Furthermore, UT showed larger right atrium (RA) volume (p = 0.03), reduced RA GLS and significantly increased RA global circumferential strain (GCS) compared to M. After adjustment for age, sex, and HR as covariates, UT showed a reduced RA GLS (OR 0.907; CI 0.856–0.961) and increased RV FAC (OR 1.172; CI: 1.044–1.317) compared to M. Conclusion: Athletes enrolled in UT endurance activities showed RV and RA morphological and functional remodeling to increased preload in comparison with M runners characterized by increased RV FAC and reduced RA GLS. Follow-up studies are needed to better assess the long-term clinical impact of these modifications. 2D STE is a useful tool for investigating the deformation dynamic in different sports specialties. PMID:28790928

Role of IMF By in the prompt electric field disturbances over equatorial ionosphere during a space weather event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakrabarty, D.; Hui, Debrup; Rout, Diptiranjan; Sekar, R.; Bhattacharyya, Archana; Reeves, G. D.; Ruohoniemi, J. M.

2017-02-01

On 7 January 2005 (Ap=40) prompt penetration electric field perturbations of opposite polarities were observed over Thumba and Jicamarca on a few occasions during 13:45-16:30 UT. However, the electric field was found to be eastward during 14:45-15:30 UT over both Thumba and Jicamarca contrary to the general expectation wherein opposite polarities are expected at nearly antipodal points. On closer scrutiny, three important observational features are noticed during 14:10-15:15 UT. First, during 14:10-14:45 UT, despite increasing southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz condition, the already westward electric field over Thumba weakened (less westward) while the eastward electric field over Jicamarca intensified (more eastward). Second, the electric field not only became anomalously eastward over Thumba but also got intensified further during 14:45-15:00 UT similar to Jicamarca. Third, during 15:00-15:15 UT, despite IMF Bz remaining steadily southward, the eastward electric field continued to intensify over Thumba but weakened over Jicamarca. It is suggested that the changes in IMF By component under southward IMF Bz condition are responsible for skewing the ionospheric equipotential patterns over the dip equator in such a way that Thumba came into the same DP2 cell as that of Jicamarca leading to anomalous electric field variations. Magnetic field measurements along the Indian and Jicamarca longitude sectors and changes in high-latitude ionospheric convection patterns provide credence to this proposition. Thus, the present investigation shows that the variations in IMF By are fundamentally important to understand the prompt penetration effects over low latitudes.

A comparison of three different physiotherapy modalities used in the physiotherapy of burns.

PubMed

Sar, Zübeyir; Polat, Mine Gülden; Özgül, Bahar; Aydoğdu, Onur; Camcoğlu, Burcu; Acar, Ahmet Hakan; Yurdalan, Saadet Ufuk

2013-01-01

The present study compared the effectiveness of matrix rhythm therapy, ultrasound treatment (UT), laser treatment (LT) used in the physiotherapy of burns. The study was conducted at the Wound and Burn Healing Center, Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Education and Research Hospital (Turkey) from June 2009 to January 2012. The case series comprised 39 individuals with second- and third-degree upper-limb burns, whose burn traumas ended approximately 1 to 3 months previously. Participants were separated into three groups: matrix rhythm treatment (MRT), UT and LT; each group was also applied a treatment protocol including whirlpool and exercise. Pain, range of motion (ROM), muscular strength, skin elasticity, and sensory functions were evaluated before and after the treatment. Pressure sense and passive ROM were higher in the MRT group than in the LT group (P < .05). Pain was lower in the LT group than in the UT group, and passive ROM was higher in the UT group than the in LT group (P < .05). Active ROM was found to increase in all treatment groups, whereas passive ROM increased only in the MRT and UT groups; pressure sense increased only in the MRT group, and pain decreased only in the LT group (P < .05). MRT was found to be more effective in the restoration of sensory functions than LT, whereas LT was more effective in reducing pain than UT. No significant difference was observed in terms of skin elasticity according to the results of three treatment modalities. It is suggested that further research with more cases should be conducted to examine the long-term effect of treatment modalities.

CHINESE PLAT, 1919 (L19 19 4 E, SALT LAKE CITY ...

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

CHINESE PLAT, 1919 (L19 19 4 E, SALT LAKE CITY CEMETERY LOCATER), SALT LAKE CITY, UT. VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST AT CHINESE PLAT MARKER, BURNER & CHINESE GRAVES. - Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, UT

Tensile properties and water absorption assessment of linear low-Density Polyethylene/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Kenaf composites: effect of eco-friendly coupling agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, A. L.; Ismail, H.; Abu Bakar, A.

2018-02-01

Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) filled with untreated kenaf (UT-KNF) and eco-friendly coupling agent (ECA)-treated kenaf (ECAT-KNF) were prepared using ThermoHaake internal mixer, respectively. Filler loadings of UT-KNF and ECAT-KNF used in this study are 10 and 40 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr). The effect of ECA on tensile properties and water absorption of LLDPE/PVOH/KNF composites were investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis was applied to visualize filler-matrix adhesion. The results indicate LLDPE/PVOH/ECAT-KNF composites possess higher tensile strength and tensile modulus, but lower elongation at break compared to LLDPE/PVOH/UT-KNF composites. The morphological studies of tensile fractured surfaces using FESEM support the increment in tensile properties of LLDPE/PVOH/ECAT-KNF composites. Nevertheless, LLDPE/PVOH/UT-KNF composites reveal higher water absorption compared to LLDPE/PVOH/ECAT-KNF composites.

Ultrathin nanosheets of graphitic carbon nitride heterojunction with flower like Bi2O3 for photodegradation of organic pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bano, Zahira; Muhmood, Tahir; Xia, Mingzhu; Lei, Wu; Wang, Fengyun

2018-05-01

The flower like microrods (MR) of α-Bi2O3 defined as (MR-Bi2O3) and ultrathin g-C3N4(UT-C3N4) p-n junction was successfully prepared by loading different concentrations of UT-C3N4 over MR-Bi2O3. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly studied by XRD, SEM, XPS, TEM, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, FT-IR and PL spectra. The results showed that the UT-C3N4 has been wrapped in the flower like MR-Bi2O3. The designing of the p-n junction of UT- C3N4 and MR-Bi2O3 can enhance the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB was drastically increased by designing of the p-n junction that is due to the photogenerated electron–hole pair’s separation efficiency.

Sources of enhanced SO2 in the tropical Western Pacific UT/LS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rollins, A. W.; Thornberry, T. D.; Liu, S.; Ray, E. A.; Atlas, E. L.; Navarro, M. A.; Schauffler, S.; Bui, T. V.; Gao, R. S.

2017-12-01

Sulfur dioxide is an important precursor to aerosols in the stratosphere. Typical mixing ratios of SO2 in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UT/LS) are on the order of a few pptv. Convective transport of SO2 from source regions near the surface can produce local enhancements in the UT/LS of more than one order of magnitude compared to typical values. These local enhancements if sufficient in number and/or magnitude might be important for the stratospheric aerosol budget. Here we analyze three such local enhancements observed during the NASA POSIDON mission. We use back-trajectories and tracer species to demonstrate that significant SO2 in the UT/LS on different occasions originated from 1) a volcano in Papua New Guinea, 2) convection over Asia, and 3) transport of air by a typhoon. These examples that were observed on three out of ten flights indicate that significant SO2 over the Western Pacific is not uncommon, and may be an important fraction of the stratospheric aerosol budget.

Regulation of renal urea transport by vasopressin.

PubMed

Sands, Jeff M; Blount, Mitsi A; Klein, Janet D

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways.

Nova Scorpii 2011 = PNV J16551100-3838120

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waagen, Elizabeth O.

2011-06-01

Announces the discovery of Nova Scorpii 2011 = PNV J16551100-3838120 by John Seach (Chatsworth Island, NSW, Australia) on 2011 June 1.40 UT at magnitude 9.5 (DSLR + orange filter). Spectra by Bernard Heathcote (South Yarra, Vic, Australia) on Jun 2.4896 UT, A. Arai, T. Kajikawa, and M. Nagashima (Kyoto Sangyo University, Japan) on 2011 June 2.68 UT, and Masayuki Yamanaka and Ryosuke Itoh (Hiroshima University, Japan) on Jun 2 UT indicate a highly-reddened classical nova. Initially reported to the AAVSO by Seach and announced in AAVSO Special Notice #240 (Arne Henden) and IAU CBET 2735 (Daniel W. E. Green, ed.). The object was designated PNV J18102135-2305306 when posted on the Central Bureau's Transient Objects Confirmation Page (TOCP) webpage. Finder charts with sequence may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (http://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details, observations, and links to images. [Nova Sco 2011 subsequently assigned the name V1312 Sco

Une complication rare des léiomyomes utérins: hémopéritoine massif par rupture de varices

PubMed Central

Ymele, Florent Fouelifack; Tsuala, Jovanny Fouogue; Fouedjio, Jeanne Hortence; Nangué, Charlette; De Kayo, Caroline Kayo; Dobgima, Pisoh Walter; Mbu, Robinson Enoh

2013-01-01

Les léiomyomes utérins sont des causes exceptionnelles d'hémopéritoine. Nous rapportons ici le cas d'une femme de 46 ans nullipare, en instance d'une hystérectomie totale indiquée pour utérus polymyomateux symptomatique. Elle a été opérée en urgence pour hémopéritoine aigu et massif compliqué de choc hémorragique. L'origine de l'hémopéritoine était la rupture spontanée d'une varice du léiomyome. Quoique rare l'éventualité d'un hémopéritoine causé par un fibrome utérin devrait être évoquée devant tout abdomen aigu spontané chez une femme en âge de procréer. La présence de varices sur les fibromes augmenterait le risque d'hémorragie spontanée. PMID:23717724

VizieR Online Data Catalog: The AllWISE motion survey (AllWISE2) (Kirkpatrick+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kirkpatrick, J. D.; Kellogg, K.; Schneider, A. C.; Fajardo-Acosta, S.; Cushing, M. C.; Greco, J.; Mace, G. N.; Gelino, C. R.; Wright, E. L.; Eisenhardt, P. R. M.; Stern, D.; Faherty, J. K.; Sheppard, S. S.; Lansbury, G. B.; Logsdon, S. E.; Martin, E. C.; McLean, I. S.; Schurr, S. D.; Cutri, R. M.; Conrow, T.

2016-07-01

Observations for the spectroscopic follow-up of interesting AllWISE sources are listed in Table 4. Optical follow-up was conducted with the Palomar/Double Spectrograph on the Hale 5m telescope on Palomar Mountain, California, as our primary optical spectrograph in the northern hemisphere. It was used during the UT nights of 2014 January 26, February 23/24, April 22, June 25/26, July 21, September 27, October 24, and November 15 as well as 2015 June 08, September 07, and December 10. The Boller & Chivens Spectrograph (BCSpec) on the 2.5m Irenee duPont telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile, served as our primary optical spectrograph in the southern hemisphere and was used on the UT nights of 2014 April 30, May 01-04, and November 16-20. Spectra of 10 objects were obtained on the UT nights of 2014 July 03-04 and 2015 December 07-10 at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) 3.58m New Technology Telescope (NTT) at La Silla, Chile. Spectra of seven objects were obtained on the UT nights of 2014 June 26, 2015 August 13, and 2015 December 05 with the Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) at the 10m W. M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. SpeX on the NASA 3m Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, served as our primary near-infrared spectrograph in the northern hemisphere. The UT dates of observation were 2014 November 11 and 2015 January 27, May 08-09, June 27, July 03-05, and July 20. The Folded-port Infrared Echellette (FIRE) at the 6.5m Walter Baade Telescope at Las Campanas Observatory, Chile, served as our primary near-infrared spectrograph in the southern hemisphere. The UT dates of observation were 2014 August 07-09, 2015 February 08, and 2015 May 31. Several sources were also observed with the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (NIRSPEC) at the 10m W. M. Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The observation dates were UT 2014 April 12 and December 03, and 2015 July 03 and July 11. (9 data files).

Nitrogen oxides in the global upper troposphere interpreted with cloud-sliced NO2 from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marais, Eloise A.; Jacob, Daniel J.; Choi, Sungyeon; Joiner, Joanna; Belmonte-Rivas, Maria; Cohen, Ronald C.; Ryerson, Thomas B.; Weinheimer, Andrew J.; Volz-Thomas, Andreas

2017-04-01

Nitrogen oxides (NOx ≡ NO + NO2) are long lived in the upper troposphere (UT), and so have a large impact on ozone formation where ozone is a powerful greenhouse gas. Measurements of UT NOx are limited to summertime aircraft campaigns predominantly in North America. There are year-round NOx measurements from instruments onboard commercial aircraft, but NO2 measurements are susceptible to large interferences. Satellites provide global coverage, but traditional space-based NO2 observations only provide one piece of vertical information in the troposphere. New cloud-sliced satellite NO2 products offer additional vertical information by retrieving partial NO2 columns above clouds and further exploit differences in cloud heights to calculate UT NO2 mixing ratios. Two new cloud-sliced NO2 products from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI; 2004 launch) provide seasonal UT NO2 data centered at 350 hPa for 2005-2007 (NASA product) and 380 hPa for 2006 only (KNMI). Differences between the products include spectral fitting to obtain NO2 along the viewing path (slant column), the air mass factor calculation to convert slant columns to true vertical columns, treatment of the stratospheric NO2 component, and the choice of cloud products. The resultant NASA NO2 mixing ratios are 30% higher than KNMI NO2 and are consistent with summertime aircraft NO2 observations over North America. Comparison between NASA NO2 and the GEOS-Chem chemical transport model exposes glaring inadequacies in the model. In summer in the eastern US lightning NOx emissions are overestimated by at least a factor of 2, corroborated by comparison of GEOS-Chem and MOZAIC aircraft observations of reactive nitrogen (NOy). Too fast heterogeneous hydrolysis of dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) leads to an underestimate in UT NO2 in winter across the northern hemisphere. Absence of interannual variability in lightning flashes in the lightning NOx parameterization induces biases in UT NO2 in the tropics due to anomalous lightning activity linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Ongoing work is to use GEOS-Chem to investigate the implications of updated representation of UT NOx on ozone.

On the Performance of Quorum Replication on the Internet

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-31

ISP in Cambridge, MA MA2 ISP in Cambridge, MA MA3 ISP in Martha’s Vineyard, MA MA4 ISP in Massachusetts, MA MD ISP in Laurel, MD MEX National...1523 171 96% 58% MA2 28% 742 1517 230 94% 59% NC 32% 465 616 255 90% 63% ISR2 3% 424 70 400 100% 97% UT1 27% 979 1847 189 96% 55% MA1 29% 645 712 238... MA2 UT2 UT1 CA1 AUS NC NZ TW KR CA2 CA3 Fig. 4. Our crumbling wall quorum system. of the first row are in North America. TW, which has lossy

Spectroscopic classification of supernova SN 2018Z by NUTS (NOT Un-biased Transient Survey)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuncarayakti, H.; Mattila, S.; Kotak, R.; Harmanen, J.; Reynolds, T.; Pastorello, A.; Benetti, S.; Stritzinger, M.; Onori, F.; Somero, A.; Kangas, T.; Lundqvist, P.; Taddia, F.; Ergon, M.

2018-01-01

The NOT Unbiased Transient Survey (NUTS; ATel #8992) collaboration reports the spectroscopic classification of supernova SN 2018Z in host galaxy SDSS J231809.76+212553.5 The observations were performed with the 2.56 m Nordic Optical Telescope equipped with ALFOSC (range 350-950 nm; resolution 1.6 nm) on 2018-01-09.9 UT. Survey Name | IAU Name | Discovery (UT) | Discovery mag | Observation (UT) | Redshift | Type | Phase | Notes PS18ao | SN 2018Z | 2018-01-01.2 | 19.96 | 2018-01-09.9 | 0.102 | Ia | post-maximum? | (1) (1) Redshift was derived from the SN and host absorption features.

Comet ISON Swoops Around the Sun

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-02

Comet ISON swoops around the sun and through Scorpius. This composite merges an SDO AIA 171 sun image (Nov. 28, 2214 UT), SOHO C2 (2036 UT) and C3 (2030 UT) images, and a DSS view of the sky in northern Scorpius. Credit: NASA/ESA/SOHO, NASA/SDO, DSS, and Francis Reddy NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Spectroscopic classification of SN 2017hro with NOT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babooram, C.; Jormanainen, J.; Wagner, S.; Wierda, F.; Kuncarayakti, H.; Fedorets, G.; Dyrbye, S.

2017-11-01

We report the spectroscopic classification of supernova SN 2017hro (ATLAS17mwv) in host galaxy 2MASX J22161573+4003267. The observations were performed with the 2.56 m Nordic Optical Telescope equipped with ALFOSC (range 350-950 nm; resolution 1.6 nm) on 2017-11-01.8 UT. Survey Name | IAU Name | Discovery (UT) | Discovery mag | Observation (UT) | Redshift | Type | Phase | Notes ATLAS17mwv | SN 2017hro | 2017-10-28.3 | 18.765 | 2017-11-01.8 | 0.015 | II | around maximum | (1) (1) SN redshift is obtained from host emission lines and consistent with that derived from the SN spectrum.

77 FR 61652 - Utah Disaster # UT-00015

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-10

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration 13326 and 13327] Utah Disaster UT-00015 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the State of UTAH dated 10/01/2012. Incident: Flooding. Incident Period: 09/11...

Swift/XRT detection of an outburst from SXP 15.3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ducci, L.; Romano, P.; Kennea, J. A.; Malacaria, C.; Covino, S.; Santangelo, A.; Evans, P. A.; Coe, M. J.; Townsend, L. J.

2017-12-01

During an observation of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) carried out from December 2nd 2017, 11:12:03 UT to 19:30:52 UT (total exposure time of 7 ks), Swift/XRT detected renewed activity from the Be X-ray binary SXP 15.3.

76 FR 45177 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Nephi, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-28

... at Nephi UT, to accommodate aircraft using new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) standard instrument approach procedures at Nephi Municipal Airport. This improves the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. DATES: Effective date, 0901 UTC, October...

Distinct sources of particles near the cusp and the dusk flank of the magnetosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escoubet, C. P.; Grison, B.; Berchem, J.; Trattner, K. J.; Lavraud, B.; Pitout, F.; Soucek, J.; Richard, R. L.; Laakso, H. E.; Masson, A.; Dunlop, M.; Dandouras, I. S.; Rème, H.; Fazakerley, A. N.; Daly, P. W.

2015-12-01

At the magnetopause, the location of the magnetic reconnection sites depends on the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) in the solar wind: on the dayside magnetosphere for an IMF southward, on the lobes for an IMF northward and on the flanks for an IMF in the East-West direction. Since most of observations of reconnection events have sampled a limited region of space simultaneously it is still not yet know if the reconnection line is extended over large regions of the magnetosphere or if is patchy and made of many reconnection lines. We report a Cluster crossing on 5 January 2002 near the exterior cusp on the southern dusk side where we observe multiple sources of reconnection/injections. The IMF was mainly azimuthal (IMF-By around -5 nT), the solar wind speed lower than usual around 280 km/s with the density of order 5 cm-3. The four Cluster spacecraft had an elongated configuration near the magnetopause. C4 was the first spacecraft to enter the cusp around 19:52:04 UT, followed by C2 at 19:52:35 UT, C1 at 19:54:24 UT and C3 at 20:13:15 UT. C4 and C1 observed two ion energy dispersions at 20:10 UT and 20:40 UT and C3 at 20:35 UT and 21:15 UT. Using the time of flight technique on the upgoing and downgoing ions, which leads to energy dispersions, we obtain distances of the ion sources between 14 and 20 RE from the spacecraft. The slope of the ion energy dispersions confirmed these distances. Using Tsyganenko model, we find that these sources are located on the dusk flank, past the terminator. The first injection by C3 is seen at approximately the same time as the 2nd injection on C1 but their sources at the magnetopause were separated by more than 7 RE. This would imply that two distinct sources were active at the same time on the dusk flank of the magnetosphere. In addition, a flow reversal was observed at the magnetopause on C4 which would be an indication that reconnection is also taking place near the exterior cusp quasi-simultaneously. A three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation will be used to determine the global topology of the magnetic field during the event.

The effects of smartphone use on upper extremity muscle activity and pain threshold

PubMed Central

Lee, Minkyung; Hong, Yunkyung; Lee, Seunghoon; Won, Jinyoung; Yang, Jinjun; Park, Sookyoung; Chang, Kyu-Tae; Hong, Yonggeun

2015-01-01

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle activity and pressure-induced pain in the upper extremities are affected by smartphone use, and to compare the effects of phone handling with one hand and with both hands. [Subjects] The study subjects were asymptomatic women 20–22 years of age. [Methods] The subjects sat in a chair with their feet on the floor and the elbow flexed, holding a smartphone positioned on the thigh. Subsequently, the subjects typed the Korean anthem for 3 min, one-handed or with both hands. Each subject repeated the task three times, with a 5-min rest period between tasks to minimize fatigue. Electromyography (EMG) was used to record the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (UT), extensor pollicis longus (EPL), and abductor pollicis (AP) during phone operation. We also used a dolorimeter to measure the pressure-induced pain threshold in the UT. [Results] We observed higher muscle activity in the UT, AP, and EPL in one-handed smartphone use than in its two-handed use. The pressure-induced pain threshold of the UT was lower after use of the smartphone, especially after one-handed use. [Conclusion] Our results show that smartphone operation with one hand caused greater UT pain and induced increased upper extremity muscle activity. PMID:26180311

High-flavanol and high-theobromine versus low-flavanol and low-theobromine chocolate to improve uterine artery pulsatility index: a double blind randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Bujold, Emmanuel; Leblanc, Vicky; Lavoie-Lebel, Élise; Babar, Asma; Girard, Mario; Poungui, Lionel; Blanchet, Claudine; Marc, Isabelle; Lemieux, Simone; Belkacem, Abdous; Sidi, Elhadji Laouan; Dodin, Sylvie

2017-09-01

To evaluate the impact of high-flavanol and high-theobromine (HFHT) chocolate in women at risk of preeclampsia (PE). We conducted a single-center randomized controlled trial including women with singleton pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks gestation who had bilateral abnormal uterine artery (UtA) waveforms (notching) and elevated pulsatility index (PI). Participants were randomized to either HFHT or low-flavanol and low-theobromine (LFLT) chocolate (30 grams daily for a total of 12 weeks). UtA PI, reported as multiple of medians (MoM) adjusted for gestational age, was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after randomization. One hundred thirty-one women were randomized with mean gestational age of 12.4 ± 0.6 weeks and a mean UtA PI of 1.39 ± 0.31 MoM. UtA PI adjusted for gestational age significantly decreased from baseline to the second visit (12 weeks later) in the two groups (p < 0.0001) but no significant difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.16). Compared with LFLT chocolate, daily intake of HFHT chocolate was not associated with significant changes of UtA PI. Nevertheless, the improvement observed in both groups suggests that chocolate could improve placental function independently of flavanol and/or theobromine content.

CO-CD base management model of Universitas Terbuka community service program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kridasakti, S. W.; Sudirah; Siregar, H.

2018-03-01

These studies were to respond whether the UT social-aid management had been executed under CO-CD principles (Ife J. 1995) and what CO-CD base community service management model can be built. The goals of these evaluational studies were UT social-aid managerial performance profile (2011-2013) and CO-CD management model development. The methods used were Survey and FGD. For data collection were involving the UT officers, the counterparts, and the documents. The analysis used combination between the Performance Analysis (Irawan P., 2003) and the CIPP (Stuffelbeam, D, L., & Shinkfield, A, J., 1985). The findings showed that the quantitative targeting in program completion was credible in achievement (85%). However, the “qulitative targeting” of the management goals was indicating far from a good-stage (≤5.0_Interval-Force: 1-10 Scale). The “Gap” was due to the absent of socialization_needs-analysis_maintenance_release factors on the UT social-service grand-policy. The trial of CO-CD Base Management Model had been imposed to the community that turned out to be very effective to self-help, and the ensuing SOP had been successfully defined. Conclusion, ‘CO-CD Principles’ were not designed in UT community service programs management. However, if efficiency and effectivity likely to be achieved, the SOP of ‘CO-CD Base Management Model has to be adopted.

Temporary hearing loss influences post-stimulus time histogram and single neuron action potential estimates from human compound action potentials

PubMed Central

Lichtenhan, Jeffery T.; Chertoff, Mark E.

2008-01-01

An analytic compound action potential (CAP) obtained by convolving functional representations of the post-stimulus time histogram summed across auditory nerve neurons [P(t)] and a single neuron action potential [U(t)] was fit to human CAPs. The analytic CAP fit to pre- and postnoise-induced temporary hearing threshold shift (TTS) estimated in vivoP(t) and U(t) and the number of neurons contributing to the CAPs (N). The width of P(t) decreased with increasing signal level and was wider at the lowest signal level following noise exposure. P(t) latency decreased with increasing signal level and was shorter at all signal levels following noise exposure. The damping and oscillatory frequency of U(t) increased with signal level. For subjects with large amounts of TTS, U(t) had greater damping than before noise exposure particularly at low signal levels. Additionally, U(t) oscillation was lower in frequency at all click intensities following noise exposure. N increased with signal level and was smaller after noise exposure at the lowest signal level. Collectively these findings indicate that neurons contributing to the CAP during TTS are fewer in number, shorter in latency, and poorer in synchrony than before noise exposure. Moreover, estimates of single neuron action potentials may decay more rapidly and have a lower oscillatory frequency during TTS. PMID:18397026

Expression of urea transporters and their regulation.

PubMed

Klein, Janet D

2014-01-01

UT-A and UT-B families of urea transporters consist of multiple isoforms that are subject to regulation of both acutely and by long-term measures. This chapter provides a brief overview of the expression of the urea transporter forms and their locations in the kidney. Rapid regulation of UT-A1 results from the combination of phosphorylation and membrane accumulation. Phosphorylation of UT-A1 has been linked to vasopressin and hyperosmolality, although through different kinases. Other acute influences on urea transporter activity are ubiquitination and glycosylation, both of which influence the membrane association of the urea transporter, again through different mechanisms. Long-term regulation of urea transport is most closely associated with the environment that the kidney experiences. Low-protein diets may influence the amount of urea transporter available. Conditions of osmotic diuresis, where urea concentrations are low, will prompt an increase in urea transporter abundance. Although adrenal steroids affect urea transporter abundance, conflicting reports make conclusions tenuous. Urea transporters are upregulated when P2Y2 purinergic receptors are decreased, suggesting a role for these receptors in UT regulation. Hypercalcemia and hypokalemia both cause urine concentration deficiencies. Urea transporter abundances are reduced in aging animals and animals with angiotensin-converting enzyme deficiencies. This chapter will provide information about both rapid and long-term regulation of urea transporters and provide an introduction into the literature.

Research Topic | Research Site Name | NREL

Science.gov Websites

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Research Staff | Research Site Name | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Research Staff Research Staff Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et , consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. lorem.ipsum

Radio re-brightening of MAXI J1535-571 as it transitions back towards the hard state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russell, T. D.; Altamirano, D.; Tetarenko, A. J.; Sivakoff, G. R.; Neilsen, J.; Miller-Jones, J. C. A.; van den Eijnden, J.; Jacpot Xrb Collaboration

2017-10-01

As part of an ongoing Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) campaign monitoring the current outburst of MAXI J1535-571, we observed the source on 2017 October 25 between 06:09 UT and 09:24 UT (MJD 58051.32 +/- 0.07).

75 FR 39147 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Bryce Canyon, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-07-08

... E airspace at Bryce Canyon, UT, to accommodate aircraft using a new Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) at Bryce Canyon Airport. This will improve the safety and management of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations at the airport. DATES...

ISSE | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Science.gov Websites

are leading a study to better understand Appalachian tourism and identify opportunities to grow tourism activities and encourage business development. See the February 8, 2018 article in the UT Daily Beacon, "UT faculty members conduct research on tourism in Appalachia" and the December 18

Deer Creek Dam, Dam, 1,204 feet/238 degrees from intersection of ...

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

Deer Creek Dam, Dam, 1,204 feet/238 degrees from intersection of dam complex access road and U.S. Highway 189 to center of dam, 874 feet/352 degrees from Hydroelectric Powerplant (HAER UT-93-B) to center of dam, Charleston, Wasatch County, UT

Day Jobs/Nightwork: Academic Staff Studying towards Higher Degrees

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winberg, C.; Adams, A.; Esbach, J.; Groenewald, W.; Lakay, D.; Muzondo, I.; Randall, K.; Seane, G.; Siyepu, S.; Veeran, P.

2010-01-01

Universities of Technology (UTs) offer career-focused education in a wide variety of disciplines and fields. Traditionally, UTs recruited academic staff with relevant workplace experience, rather than academic qualifications. The result of this strategy was, while many lecturers possessed professional qualifications in their field, they did not…

Threshold friction velocity of crusted windblown soils in the Columbia Plateau

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Wind erosion processes are governed by soil physical properties and surface characteristics. Erosion is initiated when the friction velocity exceeds the threshold friction velocity (u*t) of soils. Although u*t is influenced by soil physical properties such as wetness and crusting, there is little in...

Validation of Chlorine and Oxygen Isotope Ratio Analysis to Differentiate Perchlorate Sources and to Document Perchlorate Biodegradation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-12-01

UCMR) data Hockley County, TX (s)Improper Cathodic Protection Elevated Storage Tank 32 TX Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant Texarkana ...River Army Depot Texarkana , TX Propellant Handling Monitoring Well 80 UT Alliant Tech Systems Magna, UT Rocket Manufacturing Public Water Supply Well

Microsatellite markers and polymorphism in cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.)

Treesearch

Alisa P. Ramakrishnan; Craig E. Coleman; Susan E. Meyer; Daniel J. Fairbanks

2001-01-01

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) individuals were genetically characterized using polymorphic microsatellite markers. Through analysis of alleles of five polymorphic loci, genotypes were constructed of individuals from four populations in Utah and Nevada. There were 15 different genotypes: Whiterocks, UT, had nine genotypes, Hobble Creek, UT, had seven genotypes,...

75 FR 62627 - Environmental Impact Statement; Davis County, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-12

... County, UT AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY: FWHA is... cooperation with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), will prepare an EIS on a proposal to address... and need and are based on agency and public input. These alternatives include: (1) Taking no action...

Analysis of the Use of Online Tutorial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fatimah, Fatia; Andriyansah; Wahyuni, Purwaningdyah Murti

2012-01-01

UT (Universitas Terbuka), the open university in Indonesia, is one of the large universities in Indonesia that has more than 300,000 students. UT, as a distance learning education, has conducted online tutorial since 2001. The implementation of an effective and efficient online tutorial depends on three components: students, tutors, and supporting…

34. August, 1971. PHOTOCOPY: GENERAL VIEW OF CITY OF MERCUR ...

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

34. August, 1971. PHOTOCOPY: GENERAL VIEW OF CITY OF MERCUR CA. 1910 (THIS HISTORIC VIEW IS TAKEN FROM A PUBLICATION BY UTAH POWER & LIGHT CO. CREDIT REQUESTED TO COMPANY.). (SEE UT-10-2 FOR PRESENT DAY VIEW). - DeLamar Mercur Mines Company, Golden Gate Mill, Ophir, Tooele County, UT

Nutritive value of some herbages for dromedary camel in Iran.

PubMed

Towhidi, A

2007-01-01

To prepare standard tables of chemical composition of feedstuffs and to determine digestibility and palatability of different plant species in dromedary camel, this research was carried out by considering the most consuming herbages of Iranian desert rages. The plant species were included Atriplex lentiformis, Alhagi persarum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Saueda fruticosa, Haloxylon ammodendron, Tamarix kotschyi, Hammada salicornica, Salsola yazdiana, Salsola tomentosa, Tamarix aphylla and Artemisia sieberi. Thirty samples of the browsing parts were collected from the rangelands of Yazd province in autumn. Chemical composition of samples including Dry Matter (DM), Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Ether Extract (EE), Total Ash (TA), macro elements (Ca, P, Mg, K), micro elements (Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn)and gross energy (GE) were analyzed. The in vitro digestibility was determined by camel rumen liquor in Tilley and Terry method. Palatability of the plants were measured by three mature camels in cafeteria trials. The camels voluntarily fed 11 plant species during one hour for six days. Data were analyzed by GLM method in SAS software. The highest CP (18.3%) and the lowest NDF (40.4%) and ADF (35.4%) were related to Tamarix aphylla. The lowest CP (5.5%) and the highest NDF (72.8%) and ADF (59.6%) were related to Artemisia sieberi. The highest organic matter digestibility in dry matter was related to Haloxylon ammodendron. The results also indicated that Atriplex lentiformis, Alhagi persarum, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Saueda fruticosa, Haloxylon ammodendron, Salsola tomentosa, Hammada salicornica, Tamarix kotschyi, Salsola yazdiana, Tamarix aphylla and Artemisia sieberi were more pleasure feed, respectively. It was not observed any correlation between %DOMD and chemical composition. Moreover, There was not a consistent relationship between the palatability of herbages with %DOMD or chemical composition.

Bud extracts from Tilia tomentosa Moench inhibit hippocampal neuronal firing through GABAA and benzodiazepine receptors activation.

PubMed

Allio, Arianna; Calorio, Chiara; Franchino, Claudio; Gavello, Daniela; Carbone, Emilio; Marcantoni, Andrea

2015-08-22

Tilia tomentosa Moench bud extracts (TTBEs) is used in traditional medicine for centuries as sedative compound. Different plants belonging to the Tilia genus have shown their efficacy in the treatment of anxiety but still little is known about the mechanism of action of their bud extracts. To evaluate the action of TTBEs as anxiolytic and sedative compound on in vitro hippocampal neurons. The anxiolytic effect of TTBEs was assayed by testing the effects of these compounds on GABAA receptor-activated chloride current of hippocampal neurons by means of the patch-clamp technique and microelectrode-arrays (MEAs). TTBEs acutely administered on mouse hippocampal neurons, activated a chloride current comparable to that measured in the presence of GABA (100 µM). Bicuculline (100 µM) and picrotoxin (100 µM) blocked about 90% of this current, while the remaining 10% was blocked by adding the benzodiazepine (BDZ) antagonist flumazenil (30 µM). Flumazenil alone blocked nearly 60% of the TTBEs activated current, suggesting that TTBEs binds to both GABAA and BDZ receptor sites. Application of high-doses of TTBEs on spontaneous active hippocampal neurons grown for 3 weeks on MEAs blocked the synchronous activity of these neurons. The effects were mimicked by GABA and prevented by picrotoxin (100µM) and flumazenil (30 µM). At minimal doses, TTBEs reduced the frequency of synchronized bursts and increased the cross-correlation index of synchronized neuronal firing. Our data suggest that TTBEs mimics GABA and BDZ agonists by targeting hippocampal GABAergic synapses and inhibiting network excitability by increasing the strength of inhibitory synaptic outputs. Our results contribute toward the validation of TTBEs as effective sedative and anxiolytic compound. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of Action of Uncaria rhynchophylla Ethanolic Extract for Its Vasodilatory Effects.

PubMed

Loh, Yean Chun; Ch'ng, Yung Sing; Tan, Chu Shan; Ahmad, Mariam; Asmawi, Mohd Zaini; Yam, Mun Fei

2017-09-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is one of the major components included in Traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions for hypertensive treatment. Previous studies have suggested that U. rhynchophylla might contain vasodilation-mediating active compounds, especially indole alkaloids. Hence, this study was carried out to determine the vasodilatory effects of U. rhynchophylla, which was extracted by different solvents. The most effective extract was then further studied for its signaling mechanism pathways. The authenticity of U. rhynchophylla was assured by using modernized tri-step Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), including conventional 1D FTIR, second derivative scanning combined with 2D-correlated IR spectroscopy. Results obtained proved that the fingerprint of U. rhynchophylla used was identical to the atlas. Isolated aortic rings from male Sprague-Dawley rats were preconstricted with phenylephrine (PE) followed by cumulative addition of U. rhynchophylla extracts. The signaling mechanism pathways were studied by incubation with different receptor antagonists before the PE precontraction. In conclusion, the 95% ethanolic U. rhynchophylla extract (GT100) was found to be most effective with an EC 50 value of 0.028 ± 0.002 mg/mL and an R max value of 101.30% ± 2.82%. The signaling mechanism pathways employed for exerting its vasodilatory effects included nitric oxide/soluble guanylyl cylcase/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO/sGC/cGMP) and PGI 2 (endothelium-derived relaxing factors), G protein-coupled M 3 - and β 2 receptors, regulation of membrane potential through voltage-operated calcium channel, intracellular Ca 2+ released from inositol triphosphate receptor (IP 3 R), and all potassium channels except the K ca channel.

Nova Centauri 2013 = PNV J13544700-5909080

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waagen, Elizabeth O.

2013-12-01

Announces the discovery of V1369 Cen = Nova Cen 2013 = PNV J13544700-5909080 by John Seach (Chatsworth Island, NSW, Australia) at unfiltered magnitude 5.5 on 2013 December 02.692 UT. Low-resolution spectra obtained by Locke on Dec. 03.3776 UT and by Kaufman on Dec. 03.621 UT show strong Ha and Hb emission lines, indicating the object is a nova. Announced on IAU CBAT Central Bureau Electronic Telegram 3732 (Daniel W. E. Green, ed.). Finder charts with sequences may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (http://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details and observations.

The generic gradient-like structure of certain asymptotically autonomous semilinear parabolic equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jänig, A.

2018-05-01

We consider asymptotically autonomous semilinear parabolic equations u_t + Au = f(t,u). Suppose that $f(t,.)\\to f^\\pm$ as $t\\to\\pm\\infty$, where the semiflows induced by \\label{eq:140602-1511} u_t + Au = f^\\pm(u) \\tag{*} are gradient-like. Under certain assumptions, it is shown that generically with respect to a perturbation $g$ with $g(t)\\to 0$ as $|t|\\to\\infty$, every solution of u_t + Au = f(t,u) + g(t) is a connection between equilibria $e^\\pm$ of \\eqref{eq:140602-1511} with $m(e^-)\\geq m(e^+)$. Moreover, if the Morse indices satisfy $m(e^-) = m(e^+)$, then $u$ is isolated by linearization.

The Use of Open Educational Resources in Online Learning: A Study of Students' Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Harsasi, Meirani

2015-01-01

Universitas Terbuka (UT) is Indonesia's higher education institution which implements distance education system. The term distance implies that learning is not performed face-to-face but there is geographically separation between students and teacher. Therefore, UT must provide many kinds of learning modes and learning support. To facilitate…

Career Support for Students with Disabilities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Greenberg, Robert M.; Muir, Alan; Gilreath, Crystal

2003-01-01

Career services at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UT-Knoxville) had always strived to serve students with disabilities, but didn't know how many students with disabilities actually "were" being served. Then, in the summer of 1998, Alan Muir walked into UT career services and things began to change. This article details how that change came…

76 FR 40354 - Environmental Impacts Statements; Notice of Availability

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

.... 20110216, Final EIS, FHWA, UT, Hyde Park/North Logan Corridor Project, Proposed 200 East Transportation Corridor between North Logan City and Hyde Park, Funding, Right-of-Way Acquisitions and US Army COE Section 404 Permit, Cache County, UT, Review Period Ends: 08/08/2011, Contact: Paul C. Ziman 801-955-3525...

78 FR 45848 - Amendment of Class E Airspace; Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-30

... Salt Lake City, UT, to accommodate aircraft using Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) or Localizer (LOC) standard instrument approach procedures at Salt..., and makes a minor change to the legal description of Class E airspace extending upward from 1,200 feet...

Pragmatic Exchanges and Cooperation to Prepare Quality Engineers and Technologists

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Lung-Sheng

2014-01-01

The mission of national colleges of technology (NCT's) in Japan and the universities of technology (UT's) in Taiwan is to pragmatically prepare quality engineers and technologists. In recent years, the partnership among NCT's and UT's is extended and expanded. This paper introduces the pragmatic and successful partnership between National United…

75 FR 75492 - Notice of Realty Action; Recreation and Public Purposes Act Classification, San Juan County, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-03

...-87677] Notice of Realty Action; Recreation and Public Purposes Act Classification, San Juan County, UT... Management (BLM) has examined and found suitable for classification for lease or conveyance to the Utah... regarding this proposed classification until January 18, 2011. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted to the...

78 FR 2434 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-11

... Inventory Completion: Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Natural History Museum of Utah has completed an inventory of human... culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects may contact the Natural History...

78 FR 2430 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-11

... Inventory Completion: Natural History Museum of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Natural History Museum of Utah has completed an inventory of human... culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects may contact the Natural History...

77 FR 52057 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Brigham Young University, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-28

... Inventory Completion: Brigham Young University, Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo, UT; Correction AGENCY... Museum of Peoples and Cultures, Provo, UT. The human remains and associated funerary objects were removed... 1971, the human remains were donated to the Museum of Peoples and Cultures and were accessioned...

Conscious and unconscious thought in risky choice: testing the capacity principle and the appropriate weighting principle of unconscious thought theory.

PubMed

Ashby, Nathaniel J S; Glöckner, Andreas; Dickert, Stephan

2011-01-01

Daily we make decisions ranging from the mundane to the seemingly pivotal that shape our lives. Assuming rationality, all relevant information about one's options should be thoroughly examined in order to make the best choice. However, some findings suggest that under specific circumstances thinking too much has disadvantageous effects on decision quality and that it might be best to let the unconscious do the busy work. In three studies we test the capacity assumption and the appropriate weighting principle of Unconscious Thought Theory using a classic risky choice paradigm and including a "deliberation with information" condition. Although we replicate an advantage for unconscious thought (UT) over "deliberation without information," we find that "deliberation with information" equals or outperforms UT in risky choices. These results speak against the generality of the assumption that UT has a higher capacity for information integration and show that this capacity assumption does not hold in all domains. Furthermore, we show that "deliberate thought with information" leads to more differentiated knowledge compared to UT which speaks against the generality of the appropriate weighting assumption.

Influence of the welding temperature and the welding speed on the mechanical properties of friction stir welds in EN AW-2219-T87

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bachmann, A.; Krutzlinger, M.; Zaeh, M. F.

2018-06-01

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is an innovative joining technique, which has proven to produce high quality joints in high strength aluminum alloys. Consequently, it is commonly used to manufacture lightweight aerospace structures with stringent requirements. For these structures, it is necessary to ensure a high ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Various studies have reported that the UTS is significantly influenced by the welding parameters. Samples welded with different parameter sets showed a considerably different UTS, despite being free from detectable welding defects (e.g. tunnel defect, voids, or lack of penetration). Based on the observations in the literature, a hypothesis was posed. The welding temperature along with the welding speed determine the UTS of the weld. This study aims to prove this hypothesis experimentally by using temperature-controlled FSW to join plates of EN AW-2219-T87 in butt joint configuration. The welded samples were examined using visual inspection, metallography, X-ray imaging, and uniaxial tensile tests. Finally, a statistical analysis was conducted. Hereby, the hypothesis was confirmed.

Regulation of Renal Urea Transport by Vasopressin

PubMed Central

Sands, Jeff M.; Blount, Mitsi A.; Klein, Janet D.

2011-01-01

Terrestrial life would be miserable without the ability to concentrate urine. Production of concentrated urine requires complex interactions among the nephron segments and vasculature in the kidney medulla. In addition to water channels (aquaporins) and sodium transporters, urea transporters are critically important to the theories proposed to explain the physiologic processes occurring when urine is concentrated. Vasopressin (anti-diuretic hormone) is the key hormone regulating the production of concentrated urine. Vasopressin rapidly increases water and urea transport in the terminal inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD). Vasopressin rapidly increases urea permeability in the IMCD through increases in phosphorylation and apical plasma-membrane accumulation of the urea transporter A1 (UT-A1). Vasopressin acts through two cAMP-dependent signaling pathways in the IMCD: protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cAMP Epac. Protein kinase A phosphorylates UT-A1 at serines 486 and 499. In summary, vasopressin regulates urea transport acutely by increasing UT-A1 phosphorylation and the apical plasma-membrane accumulation of UT-A1 through two cAMP-dependent pathways. PMID:21686211

Novel FR-900493 Analogues That Inhibit the Outgrowth of Clostridium difficile Spores

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

The spectrum of antibacterial activity for the nucleoside antibiotic FR-900493 (1) can be extended by chemical modifications. We have generated a small focused library based on the structure of 1 and identified UT-17415 (9), UT-17455 (10), UT-17460 (11), and UT-17465 (12), which exhibit anti-Clostridium difficile growth inhibitory activity. These analogues also inhibit the outgrowth of C. difficile spores at 2× minimum inhibitory concentration. One of these analogues, 11, relative to 1 exhibits over 180-fold and 15-fold greater activity against the enzymes, phospho-MurNAc-pentapeptide translocase (MraY) and polyprenyl phosphate-GlcNAc-1-phosphate transferase (WecA), respectively. The phosphotransferase inhibitor 11 displays antimicrobial activity against several tested bacteria including Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium spp., and Mycobacterium smegmatis, but no growth inhibitory activity is observed against the other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The selectivity index (Vero cell cytotoxicity/C. difficileantimicrobial activity) of 11 is approximately 17, and 11 does not induce hemolysis even at a 100 μM concentration. PMID:29503973

Effective four-fermion operators in top physics: A roadmap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar-Saavedra, J. A.

2011-02-01

We write down a minimal basis for dimension-six gauge-invariant four-fermion operators, with some operator replacements with respect to previous ones which make it simpler for calculations. Using this basis we classify all four-fermion operator contributions involving one or two top quarks. Taking into account the different fermion chiralities, possible colour contractions and independent flavour combinations, a total number of 572 gauge-invariant operators are involved. We apply this to calculate all three-body top decay widths t→dud, t→dei+ν, t→uuu, t→uej+ei-, t→uνν (with i,j,k generation indices) mediated by dimension-six four-fermion operators, including the interference with the Standard Model amplitudes when present. All single top production cross sections in pp, pp¯ and ee collisions are calculated as well, namely ud→dt, dd→ut, ud→dt, uu→ut, uu→ut, ee→ut and the charge conjugate processes. We also compute all top pair production cross sections, uu→tt¯, dd→tt¯, uu→tt and ee→tt¯. Our results are completely general, without assuming any particular relation among effective operator coefficients.

Maternal serum homocysteine and uterine artery Doppler as predictors of preeclampsia and poor placentation.

PubMed

Maged, Ahmed M; Saad, Hany; Meshaal, Hadeer; Salah, Emad; Abdelaziz, Suzy; Omran, Eman; Deeb, Wesam S; Katta, Maha

2017-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of maternal serum total Homocysteine (tHcy) and uterine artery (Ut-A) Doppler as predictors of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and other complications related to poor placentation. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 500 women with spontaneous pregnancies. tHcy was measured at 15-19 weeks, and then, Ut-A Doppler was performed at 18-22 weeks of pregnancy. 453 pregnant women completed the follow-up of the study. The tHcy and Ut-A resistance index were significantly higher in women who developed PE, IUGR, and other complications when compared to controls (tHcy: 7.033 ± 2.744, 6.321 ± 3.645, and 6.602 ± 2.469 vs 4.701 ± 2.082 μmol/L, respectively, p value <0.001 and Ut-A resistance index: 0.587 ± 0.072, 0.587 ± 0.053, and 0.597 ± 0.069 vs 0.524 ± 0.025, respectively, p value <0.001). The use of both tHcy assessment and Ut-A Doppler improved the sensitivity of prediction of PE relative to the use of each one alone (85.2 relative to 73.33 and 60%, respectively). The use of elevated homocysteine and uterine artery Doppler screening are valuable in prediction of preeclampsia, IUGR, and poor placentation disorders. CLINCALTRIAL. NCT02854501.

Robust Ambiguity Estimation for an Automated Analysis of the Intensive Sessions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareinen, Niko; Hobiger, Thomas; Haas, Rüdiger

2016-12-01

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a unique space-geodetic technique that can directly determine the Earth's phase of rotation, namely UT1. The daily estimates of the difference between UT1 and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) are computed from one-hour long VLBI Intensive sessions. These sessions are essential for providing timely UT1 estimates for satellite navigation systems. To produce timely UT1 estimates, efforts have been made to completely automate the analysis of VLBI Intensive sessions. This requires automated processing of X- and S-band group delays. These data often contain an unknown number of integer ambiguities in the observed group delays. In an automated analysis with the c5++ software the standard approach in resolving the ambiguities is to perform a simplified parameter estimation using a least-squares adjustment (L2-norm minimization). We implement the robust L1-norm with an alternative estimation method in c5++. The implemented method is used to automatically estimate the ambiguities in VLBI Intensive sessions for the Kokee-Wettzell baseline. The results are compared to an analysis setup where the ambiguity estimation is computed using the L2-norm. Additionally, we investigate three alternative weighting strategies for the ambiguity estimation. The results show that in automated analysis the L1-norm resolves ambiguities better than the L2-norm. The use of the L1-norm leads to a significantly higher number of good quality UT1-UTC estimates with each of the three weighting strategies.

Microbial fuel cell characterisation and evaluation of Lysinibacillus macroides MFC02 electrigenic capability.

PubMed

Uma Vanitha, Murugan; Natarajan, Muthusamy; Sridhar, Harikrishnamoorthy; Umamaheswari, Sankaran

2017-05-01

Microbial fuel cell (MFC) is the most prominent research field due to its capability to generate electricity by utilizing the renewable sources. In the present study, Two MFC designs namely, H type-Microbial fuel cell (HT-MFC) and U type-Microbial fuel cell (UT-MFC) were constructed based on standardized H shaped anode and cathode compartment as well as U shaped anode and cathode compartments, respectively. In order to lower the cost for MFC construction, Pencil graphite lead was used as electrode and salt agar as Proton exchange membrane. Results inferred that newly constructed UT-MFC showed high electron production when compared to the HT-MFC. UT-MFC displayed an output of about 377 ± 18.85 mV (millivolts); whereas HT-MFC rendered only 237 ± 11.85 mV (millivolts) of power generation, which might be due to the low internal resistance. By increasing the number of cathode in UT-MFC, power production was increased upto 313 ± 15.65 mV in Open circuit voltage (OCV). Electrogenic bacteria namely, Lysinibacillus macroides (Acc. No. KX011879) rendered enriched power generation. The attachment of bacteria as a biofilm on pencil graphite lead was analyzed using fluorescent microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on our findings, it was observed that UT-MFC has a tendency to produce high electron generation using pencil graphite lead as the electrode material.

Identification of the Quality Spot Welding used Non Destructive Test-Ultrasonic Testing: (Effect of Welding Time)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sifa, A.; Endramawan, T.; Badruzzaman

2017-03-01

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is frequently used as one way of welding is used in the manufacturing process, especially in the automotive industry [4][5][6][7]. Several parameters influence the process of welding points. To determine the quality of a welding job needs to be tested, either by damaging or testing without damage, in this study conducted experimental testing the quality of welding or identify quality of the nugget by using Non-Destructive Test (NDT) -Ultrasonic Testing (UT), in which the identification of the quality of the welding is done with parameter thickness of worksheet after welding using NDT-UT with use same material worksheet and have more thickness of worksheet, the thickness of the worksheet single plate 1mm, with the capability of propagation Ultrasonic Testing (UT) standard limited> 3 mm [1], welding process parameters such as the time difference between 1-10s and the welding current of 8 KV, visually Heat Affected Zone ( HAZ ) have different results due to the length of time of welding. UT uses a probe that is used with a frequency of 4 MHz, diameter 10 mm, range 100 and the couplant used is oil. Identification techniques using drop 6dB, with sound velocity 2267 m / s of Fe, with the result that the effect of the Welding time affect the size of the HAZ, identification with the lowest time 1s show results capable identified joined through NDT - UT.

Auto-detection of Halo CME Parameters as the Initial Condition of Solar Wind Propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Kyu-Cheol; Park, Mi-Young; Kim, Jae-Hun

2017-12-01

Halo coronal mass ejections (CMEs) originating from solar activities give rise to geomagnetic storms when they reach the Earth. Variations in the geomagnetic field during a geomagnetic storm can damage satellites, communication systems, electrical power grids, and power systems, and induce currents. Therefore, automated techniques for detecting and analyzing halo CMEs have been eliciting increasing attention for the monitoring and prediction of the space weather environment. In this study, we developed an algorithm to sense and detect halo CMEs using large angle and spectrometric coronagraph (LASCO) C3 coronagraph images from the solar and heliospheric observatory (SOHO) satellite. In addition, we developed an image processing technique to derive the morphological and dynamical characteristics of halo CMEs, namely, the source location, width, actual CME speed, and arrival time at a 21.5 solar radius. The proposed halo CME automatic analysis model was validated using a model of the past three halo CME events. As a result, a solar event that occurred at 03:38 UT on Mar. 23, 2014 was predicted to arrive at Earth at 23:00 UT on Mar. 25, whereas the actual arrival time was at 04:30 UT on Mar. 26, which is a difference of 5 hr and 30 min. In addition, a solar event that occurred at 12:55 UT on Apr. 18, 2014 was estimated to arrive at Earth at 16:00 UT on Apr. 20, which is 4 hr ahead of the actual arrival time of 20:00 UT on the same day. However, the estimation error was reduced significantly compared to the ENLIL model. As a further study, the model will be applied to many more events for validation and testing, and after such tests are completed, on-line service will be provided at the Korean Space Weather Center to detect halo CMEs and derive the model parameters.

Cardiovascular health profile of elite female football players compared to untrained controls before and after short-term football training.

PubMed

Randers, Morten Bredsgaard; Andersen, Lars Juel; Orntoft, Christina; Bendiksen, Mads; Johansen, Lars; Horton, Joshua; Hansen, Peter Riis; Krustrup, Peter

2013-01-01

This study examined the intermittent exercise performance and cardiovascular health profile in elite female football players in comparison to untrained young women, as well as a subgroup subjected to football training 2x1 h · week(-1) for 16 weeks. Twenty-seven Danish national team players (elite trained, ET) and 28 untrained women (UT) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-scanning (DXA), comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography, treadmill and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 2 (IE2) testing. Eight women in UT were also tested after the football training period. Maximal oxygen uptake rate (VO2max), peak ventilation and peak lactate were 40, 18 and 51% higher (P< 0.01) in ET than UT, respectively. Cardiac dimensions and function were greater in ET than UT, with left ventricular diastolic diameter, right ventricular diastolic diameter, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak transmitral flow in early diastole divided by peak transmitral flow velocity in late diastole during atrial contraction (E/A-ratio) being 13, 19, 27 and 41%, respectively, greater in ET than UT (P< 0.001 to< 0.05). Yo-Yo IE2 performance was 7-fold higher in ET than UT (1772 ± 508 vs. 234 ± 66 m, P< 0.001), fat mass was 51% lower (P< 0.001) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 20% higher (P< 0.01). Sixteen weeks of football elevated VO2max and Yo-Yo IE2 performance by 16 and 40%, respectively, and lowered fat mass by 6%. Cardiac function was markedly improved by 16 weeks of football training with 26 and 46% increases in TAPSE and E/A ratio, respectively, reaching levels comparable to ET. In summary, elite female football players have a superior cardiovascular health profile and intermittent exercise performance compared to untrained controls, but short-term football training can markedly improve the cardiovascular health status.

Automated ambiguity estimation for VLBI Intensive sessions using L1-norm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareinen, Niko; Hobiger, Thomas; Haas, Rüdiger

2016-12-01

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is a space-geodetic technique that is uniquely capable of direct observation of the angle of the Earth's rotation about the Celestial Intermediate Pole (CIP) axis, namely UT1. The daily estimates of the difference between UT1 and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) provided by the 1-h long VLBI Intensive sessions are essential in providing timely UT1 estimates for satellite navigation systems and orbit determination. In order to produce timely UT1 estimates, efforts have been made to completely automate the analysis of VLBI Intensive sessions. This involves the automatic processing of X- and S-band group delays. These data contain an unknown number of integer ambiguities in the observed group delays. They are introduced as a side-effect of the bandwidth synthesis technique, which is used to combine correlator results from the narrow channels that span the individual bands. In an automated analysis with the c5++ software the standard approach in resolving the ambiguities is to perform a simplified parameter estimation using a least-squares adjustment (L2-norm minimisation). We implement L1-norm as an alternative estimation method in c5++. The implemented method is used to automatically estimate the ambiguities in VLBI Intensive sessions on the Kokee-Wettzell baseline. The results are compared to an analysis set-up where the ambiguity estimation is computed using the L2-norm. For both methods three different weighting strategies for the ambiguity estimation are assessed. The results show that the L1-norm is better at automatically resolving the ambiguities than the L2-norm. The use of the L1-norm leads to a significantly higher number of good quality UT1-UTC estimates with each of the three weighting strategies. The increase in the number of sessions is approximately 5% for each weighting strategy. This is accompanied by smaller post-fit residuals in the final UT1-UTC estimation step.

What is the cost of maintaining a kidney in upper-tract transitional-cell carcinoma? An objective analysis of cost and survival.

PubMed

Pak, Raymond W; Moskowitz, Eric J; Bagley, Demetrius H

2009-03-01

For many years, the gold standard in upper urinary tract transitional-cell carcinoma (UT-TCC) management has been nephroureterectomy with excision of the bladder cuff. Advances in endourologic instrumentation have allowed urologists to manage this malignancy. The feasibility and success of conservative measures for UT-TCC have been widely published, but there has not been an objective cost analysis performed to date. Our goal was to examine the direct costs of renal-sparing conservative measures v nephroureterectomy and subsequent chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Secondary analysis includes a discussion of survival and quality-of-life issues for both treatment cohorts. Retrospective review of a cohort of patients treated at our institution with renal-sparing ureteroscopic management of UT-TCC who were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The costs per case were based on equipment, anesthesia, surgeon fees, pathologic evaluation fees, and hospital stay. ESRD and CKD costs were estimated based on published reports. From 1996 to 2006, 254 patients were evaluated and treated for UT-TCC at our institution. A cohort of 57 patients was examined who had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Renal preservation in our series approached 81%, with cancer-specific survival of 94.7%. Assuming a worst-case scenario of a solitary kidney with recurrences at each follow-up for 5 years v nephroureterectomy and dialysis for the same period, an estimated $252,272 U.S. dollars would be saved. This savings would cover the expenses of five cadaveric renal transplantations. Conservative endoscopic management of UT-TCC in our experience should be the gold standard management for low-grade and superficial-stage disease. From a cost perspective, renal-sparing UT-TCC management is effective in reducing ESRD health care expenses.

ACE ID genotype and the muscle strength and size response to unilateral resistance training.

PubMed

Pescatello, Linda S; Kostek, Matthew A; Gordish-Dressman, Heather; Thompson, Paul D; Seip, Richard L; Price, Thomas B; Angelopoulos, Theodore J; Clarkson, Priscilla M; Gordon, Paul M; Moyna, Niall M; Visich, Paul S; Zoeller, Robert F; Devaney, Joseph M; Hoffman, Eric P

2006-06-01

To examine associations among the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism and the response to a 12-wk (2 d.wk) unilateral, upper-arm resistance training (RT) program in the trained (T, nondominant) and untrained (UT, dominant) arms. Subjects were 631 (mean+/-SEM, 24.2+/-0.2 yr) white (80%) men (42%) and women (58%). The ACE ID genotype was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium with frequencies of 23.1, 46.1, and 30.8% for ACE II, ID, and DD, respectively (chi=1.688, P=0.430). Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) assessed peak elbow flexor muscle strength. Magnetic resonance imaging measured biceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). Multiple variable and repeated-measures ANCOVA tested whether muscle strength and size differed at baseline and pre- to post-RT among T and UT and ACE ID genotype. Baseline muscle strength and size were greater in UT than T (P<0.001) and did not differ among ACE ID genotype in either arm (P >or= 0.05). In T, MVC increases were greater for ACE II/ID (22%) than DD (17%) (P<0.05), whereas 1RM (51%) and CSA (19%) gains were not different among ACE ID genotype pre- to post-RT (P >or= 0.05). In UT, MVC increased among ACE II/ID (7%) (P<0.001) but was similar among ACE DD (2%) pre- to post-RT (P >or= 0.05). In UT, 1RM (11%) and CSA (2%) increases were greater for ACE DD/ID than ACE II (1RM, 7%; CSA, -0.1%) (P<0.05). ACE ID genotype explained approximately 1% of the MVC response to RT in T and approximately 2% of MVC, 2% of 1RM, and 4% of CSA response in UT (P<0.05). ACE ID genotype is associated with the contralateral effects of unilateral RT, perhaps more so than with the muscle strength and size adaptations that result from RT.

Analysis of readability and quality of web pages addressing both common and uncommon topics in pediatric surgery.

PubMed

Adorisio, Ottavio; Silveri, Massimiliano; Rivosecchi, Massimo; Tozzi, Alberto Eugenio; Scottoni, Federico; Buonuomo, Paola Sabrina

2012-06-01

The quality medical information on Internet is highly variable. The aim of this study is to determine if Web pages addressing four common pediatric surgical topics (CT) and four uncommon pediatric surgical topics (UT) differ significantly in terms of quality and/or characteristics. We performed an Internet search regarding four CT, addressing more frequent clinical conditions with an incidence≤1:1.500 children (inguinal hernia, varicocele, umbilical hernia, and phimosis) and four UT addressing less frequent clinical conditions with an incidence≥1:1.500 children (anorectal malformation, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, and omphalocele), using a popular search engine (Google). We evaluated readability with the Flesch reading ease (FRE) and the Flesch-Kincaid grade (FKG) and quality of content using the site checker of the HON Code of Conduct (HON code) for each website. In this study, 30/40 websites addressing CT versus 33/50 addressing UT responded to our criteria. No differences statistically significant in advertisements between the two groups were found (15 vs. 16%) (p>0.05). No differences were found in terms of time from last update, owner/author type, financial disclosure, accreditation, or advertising. CT had higher quality level according to the HON code (6.54±1.38 vs. 5.05±1.82) (p<0.05). Mean FRE was 47.38±14.27 versus 46.24±14.56, respectively, for CT and UT (p>0.05). The mean FKG was 8.1±1.9 for CT versus 8±1.9 for UT (p>0.05). Websites devoted to pediatric surgical topics have higher readability and quality information for disease diagnosis and natural history. Otherwise, the quality of pediatric surgical information on the Internet is high for CT and UT. A high reading level is required to use these resources. Copyright © 2012 by Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Effects of short-term training on insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in standardbred horses.

PubMed

Stewart-Hunt, L; Geor, R J; McCutcheon, L J

2006-08-01

Increased insulin sensitivity occurs after a period of exercise training, but the mechanisms underlying this training-associated increase in insulin action have not been investigated. To examine the effects of short-term endurance training (7 consecutive days) and a subsequent period of inactivity (5 days) on whole body insulin sensitivity and GLUT-4 protein and the activities of glycogen synthase (GS) and hexokinase (HK) in skeletal muscle. It was hypothesised that training would increase insulin sensitivity in association with increased GLUT-4 protein and activities of GS and HK, but that these changes would be transient, returning to baseline after 5 days of inactivity. Seven mature Standardbred horses completed training consisting of 7 consecutive days of 45 min of treadmill exercise at a speed that elicited 55% of pretraining maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak). Insulin sensitivity was determined by rate of glucose disposal (M) during the last 60 min of a 120 min euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) performed before (-2 days) and at 1 and 6 days following training. VO2peak was measured before (UT) and after (TR) training and the period of inactivity (IA). Training resulted in a 9% increase in mean VO2peak (P<0.05) that was maintained following inactivity (IA). Mean M values were more than 2-fold higher (P<0.05) in TR than in UT. Mean M was also higher (P<0.05) in IA when compared to UT. GLUT-4 protien abundancewas more than 10-fold higher in TR and IA (P<0.001) than in UT. Pre-EHC GS activity and GS fractional velocity were increased (P<0.05) in TR when compared to UT and IA. Pre-EHC HK activity was increased (P<0.05) in IA when compared to UT and TR. Muscle glycogen was 66% lower (P<0.05) in TR than in UT and IA. Short-term training resulted in increases in whole body insulin sensitivity, and GLUT-4 protein content and glycogen synthase activity in skeletal muscle. The enhancements in insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 protein and glycogen synthase activity were still evident after 5 days of inactivity. Insulin resistance in equids has been associated with obesity and predisposition to laminitis. Regular physical activity may mitigate risk of these conditions via enhancement of insulin sensitivity and/or control of bodyweight.

Nitrogen oxides and ozone in the tropopause region of the Northern Hemisphere: Measurements from commercial aircraft in 1995/1996 and 1997

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Dominik; Staehelin, Johannes; Jeker, Dominique; Wernli, Heini; Schumann, Ulrich

2001-11-01

Measurements of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2) and ozone (O3) were performed from a Swissair B-747 passenger aircraft in two extended time periods (May 1995 to May 1996, August to November 1997) in the framework of the Swiss NOXAR and the European POLINAT 2 project. The measurements were obtained on a total of 623 flights between Europe and destinations in the United States and the Far East. NO2 measurements were obtained only after December 1995 and were less precise than the NO measurements. Therefore daytime NO2 values were derived from measured NO and O3 concentrations assuming photostationary equilibrium. The completed NOx data set (measured NO, measured NO2 during night, and calculated NO2 during day) includes a complete annual cycle and is the most extensive and representative data set currently available for the upper troposphere (UT) and the lower stratosphere (LS) covering a significant proportion of the northern hemisphere between 15°N and 65°N. NOx concentrations in midlatitudes (30°-60°N) showed a marked seasonal variation both in the UT and the LS with a maximum in summer (median/mean values of 159/264 pptv in UT, 199/237 pptv in LS) and a minimum in winter (51/99 pptv in UT, 67/91 pptv in LS). Mean NOx concentrations were generally much higher than the respective median values, in particular in the UT, which reflects the important contribution from comparatively few very high concentrations observed in large-scale convection/lightning and small-scale aircraft plumes. Seasonal mean NOx concentrations in the UT were up to 3-4 times higher over continental regions than over the North Atlantic during summer. Lightning production of NO and convective vertical transport from the polluted boundary layer thus appear to have dominated the upper tropospheric NOx budget over these continental regions, particularly during summer. Ozone concentrations at aircraft cruising levels typically varied by an order of magnitude due to the strong vertical gradient in the LS. Seasonal mean values were dominated by large-scale dynamical processes controlling the altitude of the tropopause and the O3 abundance in the LS. O3 in the UT in midlatitudes showed a broad maximum between June and August, typical of observations in the free troposphere.

Strong [Fe X] Emission and Deep Optical Eclipses of the Classical Nova V5593 Sgr 2012 No. 5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starrfield, Sumner; Wagner, R. Mark; Walter, Frederick M.; Woodward, Charles E.; Schwarz, Greg; Krautter, Joachim

2016-01-01

V5593 Sgr was discovered by T. Kojima on 2012 July 16.512 UT at a magnitude of ~12.6. A low-resolution spectrum obtained by M. Fujii on 2012 July 18.572 UT confirmed that the object was indeed a Classical Nova. The AAVSO V-band light curve showed that the nova peaked near 11th mag on July 23-24 UT and subsequently declined in brightness with a t_2 of about 27 days making it a moderately fast nova. We obtained optical spectroscopy of V5593 Sgr between 2012 July 26 and 2013 February 19 UT with the SMARTS/CTIO 1.5 m telescope (+RC spectrograph) and then between 2014 August 25 and 2015 June 17 UT using the MDM Observatory 2.4 m Hiltner telescope (+CCDS), the 8.4 m Large Binocular Telescope (+MODS1), and the 6.5 m MMT (+BlueChannel). The SMARTS spectra confirmed the Fe II classification but showed that by 2013 February 19 UT the Fe II lines became much weaker and strong He II 468.5 nm and [Fe VII] 608.7 nm became prominent. A spectrum obtained on 2014 August 25 UT exhibited Balmer, He II, and [Fe VII] emission lines, but also for the first time, the presence of strong [Fe X] 637.4 nm emission with an observed intensity ratio with respect to Halpha of about 1.5. Other identified emission lines in our spectra included O VI, [Ca V], [Ca VI], [Ca VII], [Fe VI], [Fe XI], and [Fe XIV]. Surprisingly, [O III] emission was weak or absent. By 2015 June, a spectrum showed that the observed [Fe X]/Halpha intensity ratio had decreased to about 0.74. Contemporaneous optical photometry was obtained with the SMARTS/CTIO 1 m telescope (+ANDICAM) between 2014 March 19 and 2015 September 28 UT in the BVRIJHK bands. In agreement with our spectra in quiescence, V5593 Sgr is very red with (B-V) ~ 1 mag and (V-K) ~ 5 mag. The photometry shows ellipsoidal-like modulations with a peak-to-peak amplitude exceeding 2 mag in R and I. The modulation is seen in B through K; however, the amplitude is lower in JHK. Brief eclipses occur at the minimum of the ellipsoidal variation with a depth of at least 5 mag in R and I. The eclipse is seen in all bands covered by our observations. Two or more candidate periods may be consistent with the data. We will discuss these results in the context of other classical novae including GQ Mus and V723 Cas.

Laser and plasma dental soldering techniques applied to Ti-6Al-4V alloy: ultimate tensile strength and finite element analysis.

PubMed

Castro, Morgana G; Araújo, Cleudmar A; Menegaz, Gabriela L; Silva, João Paulo L; Nóbilo, Mauro Antônio A; Simamoto Júnior, Paulo Cézar

2015-05-01

The literature provides limited information regarding the performance of Ti-6Al-4V laser and plasma joints welded in prefabricated bars in dental applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical strength of different diameters of Ti-6Al-4V alloy welded with laser and plasma techniques. Forty-five dumbbell-shaped rods were created from Ti-6Al-4V and divided into 9 groups (n=5): a control group with 3-mm and intact bars; groups PL2.5, PL3, PL4, and PL5 (specimens with 2.5-, 3-, 4-, and 5-mm diameters welded with plasma); and groups L2.5, L3, L4, and L5 (specimens with 2.5-, 3-, 4-, and 5-mm diameters welded with laser). The specimens were tested for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and elongation percentages (EP) were obtained. Fractured specimens were analyzed by stereomicroscopy, and welded area percentages (WAP) were calculated. Images were made with scanning electron microscopy. In the initial analysis, the data were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA (2×4) and the Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test. In the second analysis, the UTS and EP data were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA, and the Dunnett test was used to compare the 4 experimental groups with the control group (α=.05). The Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient tests were applied to correlate the study factors. Finite element models were developed in a workbench environment with boundary conditions simulating those of a tensile test. The 2-way ANOVA showed that the factors welding type and diameter were significant for the UTS and WAP values. However, the interaction between them was not significant. The 1-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences among the groups for UTS, WAP, and EP values. The Dunnett test showed that all the tested groups had lower UTS and EP values than the control group. The 2.5- and 3-mm diameter groups showed higher values for UTS and WAP than the other test groups. A positive correlation was found between welded area percentage and UTS and a negative correlation between these parameters and the diameters of the specimens. No statistically significant difference was found between the weld techniques. Under the experimental conditions described, diameters of 2.5 and 3 mm resulted in higher UTS and WAP for both laser and plasma welding and appear to be the best option for joining prefabricated rods in this kind of union. Copyright © 2015 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

JVLA detection of H1743-322 in its hard state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mooley, K. P.; Tendulkar, S. P.; Walton, D. J.; Fuerst, F.; Harrison, F. A.; Tomsick, J. A.

2014-09-01

We carried out radio observations of the blackhole X-ray binary H1743-322 (IGR J17464-3213, ATel#6474) with the Jansky VLA in the X-band (8-12 GHz). The on-source observations were carried out between 2014 Sep 20, 23:56:26 UT and 2014 Sep 21, 00:18:22 UT.

78 FR 64004 - Notice of Intent To Collect Fees on Public Lands in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-25

... To Collect Fees on Public Lands in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Washington County, UT... Intent to Collect Fees on Public Lands in the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, Washington County, UT, which contained erroneous information regarding the use of the America the Beautiful passes at...

78 FR 58158 - Establishment of Class E Airspace; Wasatch, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-23

...., long. 111[deg]07'28'' W.; to Lat. 39[deg]03'55'' N., long. 110[deg]37'49'' W.; to Lat. 38[deg]28'51'' N... Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: This action establishes Class E airspace..., Wasatch, UT, to facilitate vectoring of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft under control of Salt Lake...

EIA responds to Nature article on shale gas projections

EIA Publications

2014-01-01

EIA has responded to a December 4, 2014 Nature article on projections of shale gas production made by EIA and by the Bureau of Economic Geology of the University of Texas at Austin (BEG/UT) with a letter to the editors of Nature. BEG/UT has also responded to the article in their own letter to the editor.

Perspectives on Deafness in Higher Education: A Look at the University of Tennessee Program. Readings in Deafness Monograph No. 8.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association, Silver Spring, MD.

The publication describes the role of the University of Tennessee (UT) in providing higher education, continuing education, and resource services for education and rehabilitation of hearing impaired persons. Separate papers address the following topics: the UT teacher training program, an orientation program to serve state rehabilitation agency…

78 FR 76781 - Proposed Modification of Class B Airspace; Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-12-19

... City, UT AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking... City Class B airspace area by raising the floor of a small portion of Class B airspace between the Salt Lake City Class B surface area and the Hill Air Force Base (AFB) Class D airspace area. This action...

75 FR 57288 - Notice of Inventory Completion: Utah Museum of Natural History, Salt Lake City, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-20

... the human remains was made by the Utah Museum of Natural History professional staff and a report sent... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Inventory Completion: Utah Museum of... possession and control of the Utah Museum of Natural History, Salt Lake City, UT. The human remains and...

On the Taylor Approximation of Control Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-01-01

ugt ) - x(u,t). New and precise bounds on the length of cn (u,t), as well as on the nnsize of the projectionsooaf En (U,t) an some special subspacee of...results in [6]. $ -16- ~’ - 4 G r: .. .7, ’- ...... 1. R. W. Brockett, Volterra series and geometric control theory , Automatics, 12 (1976), pp. 167

Geophysical excitation of LOD/UT1 estimated from the output of the global circulation models of the atmosphere - ERA-40 reanalysis and of the ocean - OMCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korbacz, A.; Brzeziński, A.; Thomas, M.

2008-04-01

We use new estimates of the global atmospheric and oceanic angular momenta (AAM, OAM) to study the influence on LOD/UT1. The AAM series was calculated from the output fields of the atmospheric general circulation model ERA-40 reanalysis. The OAM series is an outcome of global ocean model OMCT simulation driven by global fields of the atmospheric parameters from the ERA- 40 reanalysis. The excitation data cover the period between 1963 and 2001. Our calculations concern atmospheric and oceanic effects in LOD/UT1 over the periods between 20 days and decades. Results are compared to those derived from the alternative AAM/OAM data sets.

Soft Particle Spectrometer, Langmuir Probe, and Data Analysis for Aerospace Magnetospheric/Thermospheric Coupling Rocket Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharber, J. R.; Frahm, R. A.; Scherrer, J. R.

1997-01-01

Under this grant two instruments, a soft particle spectrometer and a Langmuir probe, were refurbished and calibrated, and flown on three instrumented rocket payloads as part of the Magnetosphere/Thermosphere Coupling program. The flights took place at the Poker Flat Research Range on February 12, 1994 (T(sub o) = 1316:00 UT), February 2, 1995 (T(sub o) = 1527:20 UT), and November 27, 1995 (T(sub o) = 0807:24 UT). In this report the observations of the particle instrumentation flown on all three of the flights are described, and brief descriptions of relevant geophysical activity for each flight are provided. Calibrations of the particle instrumentation for all ARIA flights are also provided.

The Satellite View of Extra-Tropical Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange and the UT/LS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoeberl, Mark R.

2004-01-01

This talk will review satellite studies which have helped define the UT/LS and stratosphere-troposphere exchange. Satellites have provided a global perspective but have had limited temporal and spatial measurements for stratosphere-troposphere exchange (STE) studies. Nonetheless, long lived tracer measurements from satellites can be used as proxies for age-of-air can thus provide estimates of mixing and transport processes in the UT/LS. These measurements can be compared to model estimates of the mean age-of-air and trace gas fluxes providing an important model diagnostic. With the launch of EOS Aura, the potential for satellite trace gas measurements of the lower-most stratosphere and STE is significantly improved, and Aura s mission will be briefly described.

Damage Detection in Rotorcraft Composite Structures Using Thermography and Laser-Based Ultrasound

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anastasi, Robert F.; Zalameda, Joseph N.; Madaras, Eric I.

2004-01-01

New rotorcraft structural composite designs incorporate lower structural weight, reduced manufacturing complexity, and improved threat protection. These new structural concepts require nondestructive evaluation inspection technologies that can potentially be field-portable and able to inspect complex geometries for damage or structural defects. Two candidate technologies were considered: Thermography and Laser-Based Ultrasound (Laser UT). Thermography and Laser UT have the advantage of being non-contact inspection methods, with Thermography being a full-field imaging method and Laser UT a point scanning technique. These techniques were used to inspect composite samples that contained both embedded flaws and impact damage of various size and shape. Results showed that the inspection techniques were able to detect both embedded and impact damage with varying degrees of success.

Discovery and Classification of Optical Transient in M81 : P60- M81-081203

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasliwal, M. M.; Cenko, S. B.; Quimby, R.; Rau, A.; Ofek, E. O.; Kulkarni, S. R.

2008-12-01

On UT 2008 Dec 3.303, P60-FasTING (Palomar 60-inch Fast Transients In Nearby Galaxies) discovered an optical transient in M81 at RA(J2000) = 09:55:16.920, DEC(J2000)=+69:02:17.68, offset from the nucleus by 87.2"W, 97.4"S. P60-M81-081203 had a brightness of g = 20.5 +/- 0.1 at discovery. It was not detected by P60 to g > 22.3 on Nov 30.410. There is no counterpart in SDSS or SIMBAD. Follow-up spectroscopy with the Double Beam Spectrograph on the Palomar Hale telescope showed a featureless spectrum on Dec 4 UT and Dec 5 UT.

Experimental validation of ultrasonic NDE simulation software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dib, Gerges; Larche, Michael; Diaz, Aaron A.; Crawford, Susan L.; Prowant, Matthew S.; Anderson, Michael T.

2016-02-01

Computer modeling and simulation is becoming an essential tool for transducer design and insight into ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (UT-NDE). As the popularity of simulation tools for UT-NDE increases, it becomes important to assess their reliability to model acoustic responses from defects in operating components and provide information that is consistent with in-field inspection data. This includes information about the detectability of different defect types for a given UT probe. Recently, a cooperative program between the Electrical Power Research Institute and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission was established to validate numerical modeling software commonly used for simulating UT-NDE of nuclear power plant components. In the first phase of this cooperative, extensive experimental UT measurements were conducted on machined notches with varying depth, length, and orientation in stainless steel plates. Then, the notches were modeled in CIVA, a semi-analytical NDE simulation platform developed by the French Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, and their responses compared with the experimental measurements. Discrepancies between experimental and simulation results are due to either improper inputs to the simulation model, or to incorrect approximations and assumptions in the numerical models. To address the former, a variation study was conducted on the different parameters that are required as inputs for the model, specifically the specimen and transducer properties. Then, the ability of simulations to give accurate predictions regarding the detectability of the different defects was demonstrated. This includes the results in terms of the variations in defect amplitude indications, and the ratios between tip diffracted and specular signal amplitudes.

Physical, mechanical, and flexural properties of 3 orthodontic wires: an in-vitro study.

PubMed

Juvvadi, Shubhaker Rao; Kailasam, Vignesh; Padmanabhan, Sridevi; Chitharanjan, Arun B

2010-11-01

Understanding the biologic requirements of orthodontic patients requires proper characterization studies of new archwire alloys. The aims of this study were to evaluate properties of wires made of 2 new materials and to compare their properties with those of stainless steel. The sample consisted of 30 straight lengths of 3 types of wires: stainless steel, titanium-molybdenum alloy, and beta-titanium alloy. Eight properties were evaluated: wire dimension, edge bevel, composition, surface characteristics, frictional characteristics, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), modulus of elasticity (E), yield strength (YS), and load deflection characteristics. A toolmaker's microscope was used to measure the edge bevel, and x-ray fluorescence was used for composition analysis. Surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy were used for surface evaluation. A universal testing machine was used to evaluate frictional characteristics, tensile strength, and 3-point bending. Stainless steel was the smoothest wire; it had the lowest friction and spring-back values and high values for stiffness, E, YS, and UTS. The titanium-molybdenum alloy was the roughest wire; it had high friction and intermediate spring-back, stiffness, and UTS values. The beta-titanium alloy was intermediate for smoothness, friction, and UTS but had the highest spring-back. The beta-titanium alloy with increased UTS and YS had a low E value, suggesting that it would have greater resistance to fracture, thereby overcoming a major disadvantage of titanium-molybdenum alloy wires. The beta-titanium alloy wire would also deliver gentler forces. Copyright © 2010 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of aging on mechanical properties of sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles during transition from lying to sitting position-A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Kocur, Piotr; Grzeskowiak, Marcin; Wiernicka, Marzena; Goliwas, Magdalena; Lewandowski, Jacek; Łochyński, Dawid

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the viscoelastic properties of the upper trapezius (UT) and the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle during transition from lying to sitting position. The study included 39 older (mean age 67±5.9years) and 36 younger (21.1±1.8years) women. Tone, stiffness and elasticity of the UT and the SCM were measured by means of myotonometry (MyotonPRO) in lying and then, in sitting position. The results were compared using two-way analysis of variance. Irrespective of the position, older women presented with significantly higher muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity than younger subjects (P<0.05). In both groups, the transition from lying to sitting position resulted in a decrease (P<0.05) in the tone and stiffness, but not the elasticity (P>0.05) of the SCM, and stimulated an increase in the tone, stiffness and elasticity of the UT (P<0.05). The degree of changes in both study groups was similar, except from the absolute value of the UT elasticity, significantly higher increase in older women than in younger subjects (P<0.05). Age contributes to an increase in the stiffness and tone of the UT and the SCM, as well as to a decrease in the elasticity of these muscles in female subjects. In contrast, age exerts only a slight effect on the mechanical properties of both muscles during transition from lying to sitting position. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sources of tropospheric ozone along the Asian Pacific Rim: An analysis of ozonesonde observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongyu; Jacob, Daniel J.; Chan, Lo Yin; Oltmans, Samuel J.; Bey, Isabelle; Yantosca, Robert M.; Harris, Joyce M.; Duncan, Bryan N.; Martin, Randall V.

2002-11-01

The sources contributing to tropospheric ozone over the Asian Pacific Rim in different seasons are quantified by analysis of Hong Kong and Japanese ozonesonde observations with a global three-dimensional (3-D) chemical transport model (GEOS-CHEM) driven by assimilated meteorological observations. Particular focus is placed on the extensive observations available from Hong Kong in 1996. In the middle-upper troposphere (MT-UT), maximum Asian pollution influence along the Pacific Rim occurs in summer, reflecting rapid convective transport of surface pollution. In the lower troposphere (LT) the season of maximum Asian pollution influence shifts to summer at midlatitudes from fall at low latitudes due to monsoonal influence. The UT ozone minimum and high variability observed over Hong Kong in winter reflects frequent tropical intrusions alternating with stratospheric intrusions. Asian biomass burning makes a major contribution to ozone at <32°N in spring. Maximum European pollution influence (<5 ppbv) occurs in spring in the LT. North American pollution influence exceeds European influence in the UT-MT, reflecting the uplift from convection and the warm conveyor belts over the eastern seaboard of North America. African outflow makes a major contribution to ozone in the low-latitude MT-UT over the Pacific Rim during November-April. Lightning influence over the Pacific Rim is minimum in summer due to westward UT transport at low latitudes associated with the Tibetan anticyclone. The Asian outflow flux of ozone to the Pacific is maximum in spring and fall and includes a major contribution from Asian anthropogenic sources year-round.

Sources of Tropospheric Ozone along the Asian Pacific Rim: An Analysis of Ozonesonde Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Hong-Yu; Jacob, Daniel J.; Chan, Lo Yin; Oltmans, Samuel J.; Bey, Isabelle; Yantosca, Robert M.; Harris, Joyce M.; Duncan, Bryan N.; Martin, Randall V.

2002-01-01

The sources contributing to tropospheric ozone over the Asian Pacific Rim in different seasons are quantified by analysis of Hong Kong and Japanese ozonesonde observations with a global three-dimensional (3-D) chemical transport model (GEOS-CHEM) driven by assimilated meteorological observations. Particular focus is placed on the extensive observations available from Hong Kong in 1996. In the middle-upper troposphere (MT- UT), maximum Asian pollution influence along the Pacific Rim occurs in summer, reflecting rapid convective transport of surface pollution. In the lower troposphere (LT) the season of maximum Asian pollution influence shifts to summer at midlatitudes from fall at low latitudes due to monsoonal influence. The UT ozone minimum and high variability observed over Hong Kong in winter reflects frequent tropical intrusions alternating with stratospheric intrusions. Asian biomass burning makes a major contribution to ozone at less than 32 deg.N in spring. Maximum European pollution influence (less than 5 ppbv) occurs in spring in the LT. North American pollution influence exceeds European influence in the UT-MT, reflecting the uplift from convection and the warm conveyor belts over the eastern seaboard of North America. African outflow makes a major contribution to ozone in the low-latitude MT-UT over the Pacific Rim during November- April. Lightning influence over the Pacific Rim is minimum in summer due to westward UT transport at low latitudes associated with the Tibetan anticyclone. The Asian outflow flux of ozone to the Pacific is maximum in spring and fall and includes a major contribution from Asian anthropogenic sources year-round.

Characterizing UT/LS O3 from Global Ozonesonde Profiles Using a Clustering Technique and Meteorological Reanalyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stauffer, R. M.; Thompson, A. M.

2017-12-01

Previous studies employing the self-organizing map (SOM) clustering technique to US ozonesonde data proved valuable for quantifying UT/LS O3 variability, and linking meteorological and chemical drivers to the shape of the ozone (O3) profile from the troposphere to the lower stratosphere. Focus has thus far been limited to specific geographical regions, but SOM has demonstrated the advantages of clustering over monthly climatological O3 averages, which mask day-to-day variability in the O3 profile and the correspondence between O3 and meteorology. We expand SOM to a global set of ozonesonde profiles, mostly from WOUDC, spanning 1980-present from 30 sites to evaluate global O3 climatologies and quantify links to geophysical processes for various meteorological regimes. Four clusters of O3 mixing ratio profiles are generated for each site, which show dominant profile shapes that correspond to site latitude. Offsets among O3 profile clusters and monthly O3 climatologies are 100s of ppbv in the UT/LS at higher latitude sites with active dynamics. Examination of meteorological reanalyses reveals a clear relationship among SOM clusters and covarying meteorological fields (geopotential height, potential vorticity, and tropopause height) for most sites. Tropical SOM clusters show marked dependence on velocity potential anomalies calculated from reanalysis winds, with low UT/LS O3 amounts corresponding to enhanced upper-level divergence, and vice versa. In addition to creating SOM cluster-based O3 climatologies, these results are meant to inform future approaches to validation of chemical transport models and satellite retrievals, which often struggle in the UT/LS region.

Evaluation of biochemical markers combined with uterine artery Doppler parameters in fetuses with growth restriction: a case-control study.

PubMed

Zamarian, Ana Cristina Perez; Araujo Júnior, Edward; Daher, Sílvia; Rolo, Liliam Cristine; Moron, Antonio Fernandes; Nardozza, Luciano Marcondes Machado

2016-10-01

Assessing the biochemical markers levels and the uterine artery Doppler (UtA) parameters in fetuses with growth restriction (FGR). Prospective case-control study included 66 patients with diagnosis of FGR and 64 healthy pregnancies at 24-41 weeks of gestation. For both groups, maternal circulating concentrations of biochemical factors of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), soluble endoglin(sEng), adiponectin, A disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM-12), pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), angiopoietin-2 (ANGI-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were assayed by ELISA and UtA by Doppler were performed. ANOVA, Mann-Whitney tests and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to compare the biochemical factors, UtA Doppler and EFW Z-score between the groups. Concentrations of sFlt-1, sEng, PAPP-A were significantly higher in FGR than controls (p < 0.0001, p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively), but concentration of ANGI-2 (p < 0.0001) was significantly lower in FGR than controls and ADAM-12 levels had a tendency to be lower in the FGR, though not statistically significant (p = 0.059). Increased sEng concentrations were correlated with abnormal UtA Doppler in FGR. Fetal growth restriction fetuses showed increased serum levels of sFlt-1, sEng and PAPP-A with levels of ANGI-2 decreased and a positive association between elevated concentrations of sEng and changing impedance of UtA Doppler were observed.

RNA-Seq analysis of glycosylation related gene expression in STZ-induced diabetic rat kidney

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The UT-A1 urea transporter is crucial to the kidney’s ability to generate the concentrated urine. Native UT-A1 from kidney inner medulla (IM) is a heavily glycosylated protein with two glycosylation forms of 97 and 117 kDa. In diabetes, protein abundance, particularly the 117 kD isoform, is si...

78 FR 36743 - Adoption of Final Environmental Assessment (UT-040-09-03) Prepared for the Upper Kanab Creek...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-19

... Assessment (UT-040-09-03) Prepared for the Upper Kanab Creek Watershed Vegetation Management Project AGENCY... (NRCS) announces its intent to adopt the Kanab Creek Watershed Vegetation Management Project EA, as... Management Project EA, request a copy of the EA, or submit comments on actions being taken by NRCS regarding...

77 FR 75186 - Notice of Closure, Target Shooting Public Safety Closure on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-19

... Closure, Target Shooting Public Safety Closure on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, UT AGENCY: Bureau of... Lake Mountains in Utah County, Utah, to recreational target shooting to protect public safety. This... shooting closure within the described area will remain in effect no longer than two years from December 19...

Change and Our Future at UTS Library: It's Not Just about Technology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Booth, Mal; Schofield, Sally; Tiffen, Belinda

2012-01-01

This paper describes our vision for the new UTS Library opening in 2016/17. Preparations are currently focussed on implementing enabling technologies which will move up to 80% of the print collection to an automated storage and retrieval system. This will allow the physical library to shift from a space dominated by book storage to a vibrant space…

Brief Report: Independent Validation of Autism Spectrum Disorder Case Status in the Utah Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network Site

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bakian, Amanda V.; Bilder, Deborah A.; Carbone, Paul S.; Hunt, Tyler D.; Petersen, Brent; Rice, Catherine E.

2015-01-01

An independent validation was conducted of the Utah Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network's (UT-ADDM) classification of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). UT-ADDM final case status (n = 90) was compared with final case status as determined by independent external expert reviewers (EERs). Inter-rater reliability…

Engaging with Clients and Personalising Services at UTS Library: Measuring the Value for Libraries and Their Clients

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tiffen, Belinda; England, Ashley

2011-01-01

Libraries have found themselves overtaken by commercial entities providing open, unmediated information services, causing debate about the future of libraries. It has been argued that in order to stay relevant, libraries must undertake a fundamental shift towards a new focus on engaging with clients. At University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)…

77 FR 30883 - Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-130; UT

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-24

...-0438; Airspace Docket No. 11-AWP-20]; Amendment of Area Navigation (RNAV) Route Q-130; UT AGENCY... description of RNAV route Q-130 by changing the name of the MRRNY waypoint to ROCCY. The FAA is taking this... waypoint names in the Q-130 description. In addition, the FAA is making minor editorial changes to the...

Microstructure and properties of ultrafine grained structure of Cu-Zn-Si alloy fabricated by heavy cold rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miura, H.; Kobayashi, T.; Kobayashi, M.

2014-08-01

Cu-18.2Zn-1.5Si-0.25Fe (mass%) alloy was heavily cold rolled. Ultrafine grained (UFGed) structure, containing a mixture of lamellar and mechanical twins, was easily and homogeneously formed. The average grain size was approximately 100 nm. The as-rolled sample showed quite high ultimate tensile strength (UTS) over 1 GPa. The UTS was higher than those obtained by multi directional forging. When the samples were annealed at relatively low temperatures between 553 K and 653 K, they showed slight hardening followed by large softening due to occurrence of static recrystallization (SRX). Annealing of UFGed structure at relatively low temperature of around 0.4 Tm caused extensive SRX that, in turn, induces ultrafine RXed grained structure. The grain size of the RXed sample was as fine as 200 nm. Although the annealing induced recovery of ductility while UTS gradually reduces, UTS over 1 GPa with ductility of 15 % were attained. The RXed grains mainly contained ultrafine annealing twins. Therefore, UFGed structure and superior mechanical properties could be achieved by a simple process of cold rolling, i.e., without severe plastic deformation.

Real-time nondestructive monitoring of the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process by combined airborne acoustic emission and non-contact ultrasonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lu; Basantes-Defaz, Alexandra-Del-Carmen; Abbasi, Zeynab; Yuhas, Donald; Ozevin, Didem; Indacochea, Ernesto

2018-03-01

Welding is a key manufacturing process for many industries and may introduce defects into the welded parts causing significant negative impacts, potentially ruining high-cost pieces. Therefore, a real-time process monitoring method is important to implement for avoiding producing a low-quality weld. Due to high surface temperature and possible contamination of surface by contact transducers, the welding process should be monitored via non-contact transducers. In this paper, airborne acoustic emission (AE) transducers tuned at 60 kHz and non-contact ultrasonic testing (UT) transducers tuned at 500 kHz are implemented for real time weld monitoring. AE is a passive nondestructive evaluation method that listens for the process noise, and provides information about the uniformity of manufacturing process. UT provides more quantitative information about weld defects. One of the most common weld defects as burn-through is investigated. The influences of weld defects on AE signatures (time-driven data) and UT signals (received signal energy, change in peak frequency) are presented. The level of burn-through damage is defined by using single method or combine AE/UT methods.

A comparison of LOD and UT1-UTC forecasts by different combined prediction techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosek, W.; Kalarus, M.; Johnson, T. J.; Wooden, W. H.; McCarthy, D. D.; Popiński, W.

Stochastic prediction techniques including autocovariance, autoregressive, autoregressive moving average, and neural networks were applied to the UT1-UTC and Length of Day (LOD) International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Servive (IERS) EOPC04 time series to evaluate the capabilities of each method. All known effects such as leap seconds and solid Earth zonal tides were first removed from the observed values of UT1-UTC and LOD. Two combination procedures were applied to predict the resulting LODR time series: 1) the combination of the least-squares (LS) extrapolation with a stochastic predition method, and 2) the combination of the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) filtering and a stochastic prediction method. The results of the combination of the LS extrapolation with different stochastic prediction techniques were compared with the results of the UT1-UTC prediction method currently used by the IERS Rapid Service/Prediction Centre (RS/PC). It was found that the prediction accuracy depends on the starting prediction epochs, and for the combined forecast methods, the mean prediction errors for 1 to about 70 days in the future are of the same order as those of the method used by the IERS RS/PC.

Sex differences in quadrupedal walking gaits of Uner Tan syndrome cases, healthy humans and nonhuman primates.

PubMed

Tan, Uner

2017-03-01

Uner Tan syndrome (UTS) cases with habitual quadrupedal locomotion (QL), impaired intelligence, and dysarthric or no speech predominantly use lateral sequence (LS) gait like nonprimates rather than the predominantly diagonal sequence (DS) gait of nonhuman primates. However, these studies neglected possible sex-related differences in these gait types. (1) To assess the possible sex-related gait types in UTS cases, healthy infants and adults with requested QL, and the nonhuman primates. (2) To test the hypothesis that sex differences may exist in quadrupedal walking gaits in UTS cases, healthy humans, and nonhuman primates. The UTS cases were filmed, the other study groups were taken from public open 'youtube' videos, which were used to assess the walking gait types as DS and LS. The right and left hind-limb phase values were calculated separately for males and females to allow a possible sex difference in walking gaits to be determined. Females predominantly used DS gait, contrary to males with predominantly LS gait. Consistent with the working hypothesis, the results suggested a biological sex-related trend in preferred walking gaits exists in all of the human and nonhuman primates using QL.

Nova Sco 2011 No. 2 = PNV J16364440-4132340 = PNV J16364300-4132460

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waagen, Elizabeth O.

2011-09-01

Announcement of discovery of Nova Sco 2011 No. 2 = PNV J16364440-4132340 = PNV J16364300-4132460. Discovered independently by John Seach (Chatsworth Island, NSW, Australia, on 2011 Sep. 06.37 UT at mag=9.8 (DSLR)) and by Yuji Nakamura (Kameyama, Mie, Japan, on 2011 Sep. 06.4313 UT at mag=9.7 C (CCD)). Posted on the IAU Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams Transient Object Confirmation Page (TOCP) as PNV J16364440-4132340 (Nakamura) and PNV J16364300-4132460 (Seach); identifications consolidated in VSX under PNV J16364440-4132340. Spectra obtained by A. Arai et al. on 2011 Sep. 7.42 UT suggest a highly reddened Fe II-type classical nova. Spectra by F. Walter and J. Seron obtained Sep. 2011 8.091 UT confirm a young galactic nova; they report spectra are reminiscent of an early recurrent nova. Initially announced in AAVSO Special Notice #251 (Matthew Templeton) and IAU Central Bureau Electronic Telegram 2813 (Daniel W. E. Green, ed.). Finder charts with sequence may be created using the AAVSO Variable Star Plotter (http://www.aavso.org/vsp). Observations should be submitted to the AAVSO International Database. See full Alert Notice for more details and observations.