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Sample records for box o3a p38

  1. The activation of p38 MAPK primarily contributes to UV-induced RhoB expression by recruiting the c-Jun and p300 to the distal CCAAT box of the RhoB promoter

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ahn, Jiwon; Choi, Jeong-Hae; Won, Misun; Kang, Chang-Mo; Gyun, Mi-Rang; Park, Hee-Moon; Kim, Chun-Ho; Chung, Kyung-Sook

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: → Regulation of transcriptional activation of RhoB is still unclear. → We examine the effect of p38 MAPK inhibition, and c-Jun and RhoB depletion on UV-induced RhoB expression and apoptosis. → We identify the regions of RhoB promoter necessary to confer UV responsiveness using pRhoB-luciferase reporter assays. → c-Jun, ATF2 and p300 are dominantly associated with NF-Y on the distal CCAAT box. → The activation of p38 MAPK primarily contribute to UV-induced RhoB expression by recruiting the c-Jun and p300 proteins on distal CCAAT box of RhoB promoter. -- Abstract: The Ras-related small GTP-binding protein RhoB is rapidly induced in response to genotoxic stresses caused by ionizing radiation. It is known that UV-induced RhoB expression results from the binding of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) via NF-Y to the inverted CCAAT box (-23) of the RhoB promoter. Here, we show that the association of c-Jun with the distal CCAAT box (-72) is primarily involved in UV-induced RhoB expression and p38 MAPK regulated RhoB induction through the distal CCAAT box. UV-induced RhoB expression and apoptosis were markedly attenuated by pretreatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor. siRNA knockdown of RhoB, ATF2 and c-Jun resulted in decreased RhoB expression and eventually restored the growth of UV-irradiated Jurkat cells. In the reporter assay using luciferase under the RhoB promoter, inhibition of RhoB promoter activity by the p38 inhibitor and knockdown of c-Jun using siRNA occurred through the distal CCAAT box. Immunoprecipitation and DNA affinity protein binding assays revealed the association of c-Jun and p300 via NF-YA and the dissociation of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) via c-Jun recruitment to the CCAAT boxes of the RhoB promoter. These results suggest that the activation of p38 MAPK primarily contributes to UV-induced RhoB expression by recruiting the c-Jun and p300 proteins to the distal CCAAT box of the RhoB promoter in Jurkat cells.

  2. Unfractionated Heparin Alleviates Human Lung Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction Induced by High Mobility Group Box 1 Through Regulation of P38–GSK3β–Snail Signaling Pathway

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zhenggang Luan

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available Background/Aims: The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1 has been regarded as an important inflammatory mediator. Previous studies showed the involvement of HMGB1 protein in the dysfunction of endothelial barrier function during acute lung injury. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we used recombinant human HMGB1 (rhHMGB1 and HMGB1 plasmid to treat human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMECs. We examined endothelial permeability by measuring TEER value and HRP flux. Western blot and real-time PCR were used to examined change of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT markers and related pathways. Immunofluorescence was used to examine localization and expression of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin. SB203580.was used to block p38 pathway. Unfractionated heparin (UFH and RAGE siRNA were also used to antagonize the effect of HMGB1. Results: We showed that HMGB1 induced EndoMT with downregulation of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin at both mRNA and protein levels in HPMECs. We also demonstrated that HMGB1 upregulated endothelial permeability by measuring TEER value and HRP flux. Moreover, HMGB1 activated p38/GSK3β/Snail signaling pathway and treatment with p38 inhibitor SB203580 abolished its biological effects. In addition, we found that UFH was able to reverse the effect of HMGB1 on EndoMT and endothelial permeability through inhibition of p38 signaling in a dose-dependent manner. We discovered that RAGE, a membrane receptor of HMGB1, transduced p38/Snail pathway to EndoMT. RAGE siRNA inhibited the effect of HMGB1 induced EndoMT in HPMECs. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 induced EndoMT through RAGE receptor and p38/GSK3β/Snail pathway. While UFH antagonized HMGB1 and maintained the integrity of the endothelial barrier through p38 inhibition.

  3. Redox-sensitive up-regulation of eNOS by purple grape juice in endothelial cells: role of PI3-kinase/Akt, p38 MAPK, JNK, FoxO1 and FoxO3a.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mahmoud Alhosin

    Full Text Available The vascular protective effect of grape-derived polyphenols has been attributable, in part, to their direct action on blood vessels by stimulating the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO. The aim of the present study was to determine whether Concord grape juice (CGJ, which contains high levels of polyphenols, stimulates the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS in porcine coronary artery endothelial cells and, if so, to determine the signaling pathway involved. CGJ dose- and time-dependently increased eNOS mRNA and protein levels and this effect is associated with an increased formation of NO in endothelial cells. The stimulatory effect of CGJ on eNOS mRNA is not associated with an increased eNOS mRNA stability and inhibited by antioxidants such as MnTMPyP, PEG-catalase, and catalase, and by wortmannin (an inhibitor of PI3-kinase, SB 203580 (an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, and SP 600125 (an inhibitor of JNK. Moreover, CGJ induced the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS in endothelial cells and this effect is inhibited by MnTMPyP, PEG-catalase, and catalase. The CGJ-induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK kinases is abolished by MnTMPyP. CGJ induced phosphorylation of transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3a, which regulate negatively eNOS expression, and this effect is prevented by MnTMPyP, PEG-catalase, wortmannin, SB203580 and SP600125. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that the FoxO3a protein is associated with the eNOS promoter in control cells and that CGJ induced its dissociation. Thus, the present study indicates that CGJ up-regulates the expression of eNOS mRNA and protein leading to an increased formation of NO in endothelial cells. The stimulatory effect of CGJ is a redox-sensitive event involving PI3-kinase/Akt, p38 MAPK and JNK pathways, and the inactivation of the FoxO transcription factors, FoxO1 and FoxO3a, thereby preventing their repression of the eNOS gene.

  4. NOx and O3 above a tropical rainforest: an analysis with a global and box model

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    C. E. Reeves

    2010-11-01

    Full Text Available A cross-platform field campaign, OP3, was conducted in the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo between April and July of 2008. Among the suite of observations recorded, the campaign included measurements of NOx and O3 – crucial outputs of any model chemistry mechanism. We describe the measurements of these species made from both the ground site and aircraft. We then use the output from two resolutions of the chemistry transport model p-TOMCAT to illustrate the ability of a global model chemical mechanism to capture the chemistry at the rainforest site. The basic model performance is good for NOx and poor for ozone. A box model containing the same chemical mechanism is used to explore the results of the global model in more depth and make comparisons between the two. Without some parameterization of the nighttime boundary layer – free troposphere mixing (i.e. the use of a dilution parameter, the box model does not reproduce the observations, pointing to the importance of adequately representing physical processes for comparisons with surface measurements. We conclude with a discussion of box model budget calculations of chemical reaction fluxes, deposition and mixing, and compare these results to output from p-TOMCAT. These show the same chemical mechanism behaves similarly in both models, but that emissions and advection play particularly strong roles in influencing the comparison to surface measurements.

  5. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) upregulates catalase levels in response to low dose H2O2 treatment through enhancement of mRNA stability.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sen, Prosenjit; Chakraborty, Prabir Kumar; Raha, Sanghamitra

    2005-08-15

    V79 fibroblasts were repetitively stressed through multiple exposures to a low dose (30 microM) H2O2 in culture for 4 weeks. Catalase activity, protein levels and mRNA levels increased markedly (5-6-fold) during this time and these augmentations were inhibited by the simultaneous presence of SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK). p38MAPK became dually phosphorylated and ATF-2, a p38MAPK substrate also became increasingly phosphorylated over the repetitive stress period. Short interfering RNA that induced effective silencing of p38MAPK, was used to silence p38MAPK in V79 fibroblasts. Silencing of p38MAPK drastically hindered the elevation in catalase (protein and mRNA) levels observed after a single low dose (50 microM) of H2O. The rise in catalase mRNA levels induced by low concentration (single and multiple dose) H2O2 treatment was established to be unconnected with transcriptional upregulation but was brought forth primarily by an enhancement in catalase mRNA stability through the action of p38MAPK. Therefore, our data strongly indicate that activation of p38MAPK is a key controlling step in the upregulation of catalase levels by low dose H2O2 treatment.

  6. Construction of anatase/rutile TiO2 hollow boxes for highly efficient photocatalytic performance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jia, Changchao; Zhang, Xiao; Yang, Ping

    2018-02-01

    Hollow TiO2 hierarchical boxes with suitable anatase and rutile ratios were designed for photocatalysis. The unique hierarchical structure was fabricated via a Topotactic synthetic method. CaTiO3 cubes were acted as the sacrificial templates to create TiO2 hollow hierarchical boxes with well-defined phase distribution. The phase composition of the hollow TiO2 hierarchical boxes is similar to that of TiO2 P25 nanoparticles (∼80% anatase, and 20% rutile). Compared with nanaoparticles, TiO2 hollow boxes with hierarchical structures exhibited an excellent performance in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue organic pollutant. Quantificationally, the degradation rate of the hollow boxes is higher than that of TiO2 P25 nanoparticles by a factor of 2.7. This is ascribed that hollow structure provide an opportunity for using incident light more efficiently. The surface hierarchical and well-organized porous structures are beneficial to supply more active sites and enough transport channels for reactant molecules. The boxes consist of single crystal anatase and rutile combined well with each other, which gives photon-generated carriers transfer efficiently.

  7. Inhibition of cyclophilin A suppresses H2O2-enhanced replication of HCMV through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xiao, Jun; Song, Xin; Deng, Jiang; Lv, Liping; Ma, Ping; Gao, Bo; Zhou, Xipeng; Zhang, Yanyu; Xu, Jinbo

    2016-09-01

    Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can be accelerated by intracellular and extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) stimulation, mediated by the activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. However, it remains unknown whether host gene expression is involved in H2O2-upregulated HCMV replication. Here, we show that the expression of the host gene, cyclophilin A (CyPA), could be facilitated by treatment with H2O2 in a dose-dependent manner. Experiments with CyPA-specific siRNA, or with cyclosporine A, an inhibitor of CyPA, confirmed that H2O2-mediated upregulation of HCMV replication is specifically mediated by upregulation of CyPA expression. Furthermore, depletion or inhibition of CyPA reduced H2O2-induced p38 activation, consistent with that of H2O2-upregulated HCMV lytic replication. These results show that H2O2 is capable of activating ROS-CyPA-p38 MAPK interactions to enhance HCMV replication.

  8. Optical properties of a new Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} semiconductor with fluorite-type δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Zuoshan; Bi, Shala; Wan, Yingpeng [State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123 (China); Huang, Pengjie [College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006 (China); Zheng, Min, E-mail: zhengmin@suda.edu.cn [College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006 (China)

    2017-03-31

    Highlights: • Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} semiconductor nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method. • Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} keeps the structural characteristics of the patrimonial δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} structure. • Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} show an efficient optical absorption in visible light. • Photocatalytic property was markedly enhanced for Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} nanoparticles. • The mechanism of this photocatalysis system was proposed. - Abstract: Bi{sup 3+}-containing inorganic materials usually show rich optical and electronic properties due to the hybridization between 6s and 6p electronic components together with the lone pair in Bi{sup 3+} ions. In this work, a new semiconductor of bismuth molybdate Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} (19Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}·7MoO{sub 3}) was synthesized by the sol-gel film coating and the following heat process. The samples developed into nanoparticles with average size of 40 nm. The phase formation was verified via the XRD Rietveld structural refinement. Orthorhombic Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} can be regarded to be derived from the cubic δ-phase Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} structure. The microstructure was investigated by SEM, EDX, TEM, BET and XPS measurements. The UV-vis absorption spectra showed that the band gap of Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} (2.38 eV) was greatly narrowed in comparison with Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3} (2.6 eV). This enhances the efficient absorption of visible light. Meanwhile, the conduction band of is wider and shows more dispersion, which greatly benefits the mobility of the light-induced charges taking part in the photocatalytic reactions. Bi{sub 38}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 78} nanoparticles possess efficient activities on the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) solutions under the excitation of visible-light. The photocatalysis activities and mechanisms were discussed on the crystal structure characteristics and the measurements such as photoluminescence, exciton lifetime and XPS results.

  9. 78 FR 76813 - Igor Bobel, Inmate #-67253-066, FCI Loretto, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 1000...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-12-19

    ... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Industry and Security Igor Bobel, Inmate -67253-066, FCI Loretto, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 1000, Loretto, PA 15940; Order Denying Export Privileges On May... 1000, Loretto, PA 15940, and when acting for or on behalf of Bobel, his representatives, assigns...

  10. Quenching of I(2P1/2) by O3 and O(3P).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Azyazov, Valeriy N; Antonov, Ivan O; Heaven, Michael C

    2007-04-26

    Oxygen-iodine lasers that utilize electrical or microwave discharges to produce singlet oxygen are currently being developed. The discharge generators differ from conventional chemical singlet oxygen generators in that they produce significant amounts of atomic oxygen. Post-discharge chemistry includes channels that lead to the formation of ozone. Consequently, removal of I(2P1/2) by O atoms and O3 may impact the efficiency of discharge driven iodine lasers. In the present study, we have measured the rate constants for quenching of I(2P1/2) by O(3P) atoms and O3 using pulsed laser photolysis techniques. The rate constant for quenching by O3, (1.8 +/- 0.4) x 10(-12) cm3 s-1, was found to be a factor of 5 smaller than the literature value. The rate constant for quenching by O(3P) was (1.2 +/- 0.2) x 10(-11) cm3 s-1.

  11. Decreased microRNA-125a-3p contributes to upregulation of p38 MAPK in rat trigeminal ganglions with orofacial inflammatory pain.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dong, Yingchun; Li, Pengfei; Ni, Yanhong; Zhao, Junjie; Liu, Zhiqiang

    2014-01-01

    Orofacial inflammatory pain is a difficult clinical problem, and the specific molecular mechanisms for this pain remain largely unexplained. The present study aimed to determine the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and disclose the underlying role of miR-125a-3p in orofacial inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Thirty-two differentially expressed miRNAs were first screened using a microarray chip in ipsilateral trigeminal ganglions (TGs) following CFA injection into the orofacial skin innervated by trigeminal nerve, and a portion of them, including miR-23a*, -24-2*, -26a, -92a, -125a-3p, -183 and -299 were subsequently selected and validated by qPCR. The target genes were predicted based on the miRWalk website and were further analyzed by gene ontology (GO). Further studies revealed miR-125a-3p expression was down-regulated, whereas both the expression of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) alpha and CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) were up-regulated in ipsilateral TGs at different time points after CFA injection compared with control. Furthermore, mechanistic study revealed that miR-125a-3p negatively regulates p38 alpha gene expression and is positively correlated with the head withdrawal threshold reflecting pain. Luciferase assay showed that binding of miR-125a-3p to the 3'UTR of p38 alpha gene suppressed the transcriptional activity, and overexpression of miR-125a-3p significantly inhibited the p38 alpha mRNA level in ND8/34 cells. Taken together, our results show that miR-125a-3p is negatively correlated with the development and maintenance of orofacial inflammatory pain via regulating p38 MAPK.

  12. Decreased microRNA-125a-3p contributes to upregulation of p38 MAPK in rat trigeminal ganglions with orofacial inflammatory pain.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yingchun Dong

    Full Text Available Orofacial inflammatory pain is a difficult clinical problem, and the specific molecular mechanisms for this pain remain largely unexplained. The present study aimed to determine the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs and disclose the underlying role of miR-125a-3p in orofacial inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA. Thirty-two differentially expressed miRNAs were first screened using a microarray chip in ipsilateral trigeminal ganglions (TGs following CFA injection into the orofacial skin innervated by trigeminal nerve, and a portion of them, including miR-23a*, -24-2*, -26a, -92a, -125a-3p, -183 and -299 were subsequently selected and validated by qPCR. The target genes were predicted based on the miRWalk website and were further analyzed by gene ontology (GO. Further studies revealed miR-125a-3p expression was down-regulated, whereas both the expression of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase alpha and CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide were up-regulated in ipsilateral TGs at different time points after CFA injection compared with control. Furthermore, mechanistic study revealed that miR-125a-3p negatively regulates p38 alpha gene expression and is positively correlated with the head withdrawal threshold reflecting pain. Luciferase assay showed that binding of miR-125a-3p to the 3'UTR of p38 alpha gene suppressed the transcriptional activity, and overexpression of miR-125a-3p significantly inhibited the p38 alpha mRNA level in ND8/34 cells. Taken together, our results show that miR-125a-3p is negatively correlated with the development and maintenance of orofacial inflammatory pain via regulating p38 MAPK.

  13. Treatment with a JNK inhibitor increases, whereas treatment with a p38 inhibitor decreases, H2O2-induced calf pulmonary arterial endothelial cell death.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Woo Hyun

    2017-08-01

    Oxidative stress induces apoptosis in endothelial cells (ECs). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote cell death by regulating the activity of various mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in ECs. The present study investigated the effects of MAPK inhibitors on cell survival and glutathione (GSH) levels upon H 2 O 2 treatment in calf pulmonary artery ECs (CPAECs). H 2 O 2 treatment inhibited the growth and induced the death of CPAECs, as well as causing GSH depletion and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). While treatment with the MEK or JNK inhibitor impaired the growth of H 2 O 2 -treated CPAECs, treatment with the p38 inhibitor attenuated this inhibition of growth. Additionally, JNK inhibitor treatment increased the proportion of sub-G 1 phase cells in H 2 O 2 -treated CPAECs and further decreased the MMP. However, treatment with a p38 inhibitor reversed the effects of H 2 O 2 treatment on cell growth and the MMP. Similarly, JNK inhibitor treatment further increased, whereas p38 inhibitor treatment decreased, the proportion of GSH-depleted cells in H 2 O 2 -treated CPAECs. Each of the MAPK inhibitors affected cell survival, and ROS or GSH levels differently in H 2 O 2 -untreated, control CPAECs. The data suggest that the exposure of CPAECs to H 2 O 2 caused the cell growth inhibition and cell death through GSH depletion. Furthermore, JNK inhibitor treatment further enhanced, whereas p38 inhibitors attenuated, these effects. Thus, the results of the present study suggest a specific protective role for the p38 inhibitor, and not the JNK inhibitor, against H 2 O 2 -induced cell growth inhibition and cell death.

  14. C3G knock-down enhances migration and invasion by increasing Rap1-mediated p38α activation, while it impairs tumor growth through p38α-independent mechanisms

    Science.gov (United States)

    Priego, Neibla; Arechederra, María; Sequera, Celia; Bragado, Paloma; Vázquez-Carballo, Ana; Gutiérrez-Uzquiza, Álvaro; Martín-Granado, Víctor; Ventura, Juan José; Kazanietz, Marcelo G.; Guerrero, Carmen; Porras, Almudena

    2016-01-01

    C3G, a Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor (GEF) for Rap1 and R-Ras, has been shown to play important roles in development and cancer. Previous studies determined that C3G regulates cell death through down-regulation of p38α MAPK activity. Here, we found that C3G knock-down in MEFs and HCT116 cells promotes migration and invasion through Rap1-mediated p38α hyper-activation. These effects of C3G were inhibited by Rap1 knock-down or inactivation. The enhanced migration observed in C3G depleted HCT116 cells was associated with reduction in E-cadherin expression, internalization of ZO-1, actin cytoskeleton reorganization and decreased adhesion. We also found that matrix metalloproteases MMP2 and MMP9 are involved in the pro-invasive effect of C3G down-regulation. Additionally, our studies revealed that both C3G and p38α collaborate to promote growth of HCT116 cells in vitro and in vivo, possibly by enhancing cell survival. In fact, knocking-down C3G or p38α individually or together promoted cell death in vitro, although only the double C3G-p38α silencing was able to increase cell death within tumors. Notably, we found that the pro-tumorigenic function of C3G does not depend on p38α or Rap1 activation. Altogether, our studies uncover novel mechanisms by which C3G controls key aspects of tumorigenesis. PMID:27286263

  15. Electron Excitation Cross Sections for the S II Transitions: 3s(exp 2)3p(exp 3) 4S(exp o) approaches 3s(exp 2)3p(exp 3) 2D(exp o), 2P(exp o), and 3s3p(exp 4) 4P

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liao, C.; Chutjian, A.; Hitz, D.; Tayal, S. S.

    1997-01-01

    Experimental and theoretical collisional excitation cross sections are reported for the transitions 3s(exp 2)3p(exp 3)4S(exp o) approaches 3s(exp 2)3p(exp 3) 2D(exp o), 2P(exp o), and 3s3P(exp 4) 4P in S II. The transition wavelengths (energies) are 6716 A (1.85 eV), 4069 A (3.05 eV), and 1256 A (9.87 eV), respectively. In the experiments, use is made of the energy-loss merged-beams method. The metastable fraction of the S II beam was assessed and minimized. The contribution of elastically scattered electrons was reduced by the use of a lowered solenoidal magnetic field and a modulated radio-frequency voltage on the analyzing plates and by retarding grids to reject the elastically scattered electrons with larger Larmor radii. For each transition, comparisons are made among experiments, the new 19 state R-matrix calculation, and three other close-coupling calculations.

  16. Magnetorresistência colossal em La5/8-yPr yCa3/8MnO3 Magnetoresistance in La5/8-yPr yCa3/8MnO3

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    S. H. Masunaga

    2007-09-01

    Full Text Available Amostras policristalinas de La5/8-yPr yCa3/8MnO3, 0 0,35 também mostram uma transição para o estado de ordenamento de carga/orbital T OC. Uma análise das medidas de ro(T, H sugere a coexistência de pelo menos duas fases distintas nesses materiais: uma ferromagnética-metálica FMM e uma segunda, com ordenamento de carga/orbital e comportamento isolante OCI. Os resultados também permitem concluir que as frações volumétricas dessas fases podem ser manipuladas, alterando-se parâmetros termodinâmicos como T e H. A magnetorresistência MR(T, determinada através das medidas de ro(T, H, foi observada ocorrer em uma larga faixa de temperatura e em todas as amostras pertencentes à série. Amostras ricas em Pr (y > 0,35 revelam um efeito de magnetorresistência colossal amplificado devido à coexistência e competição das FMM e OCI cujas frações volumétricas podem ser alteradas via mudança da temperatura e aplicação de um campo magnético externo.Polycrystalline samples of La5/8-yPr yCa3/8MnO3; 0 0.35 a transition to a charge and orbital-ordered state was also observed. The rho(T, H data analyses suggest the coexistence of at least two ordered phases in these samples: a ferromagnetic metallic phase FMM and a charge and orbital-ordered insulating COI phase.The data also indicate that the volume fraction of these phases can be changed by the variation of thermodynamic parameters like temperature T and magnetic field H. The magnetoresistance MR(T determined from rho(T, H data were observed in a large temperature range for all samples. In addition, samples with y > 0.35 were found to display a pronounced colossal magnetoresistance effect due to a severe competition between FMM and COI coexisting phases.

  17. MKK3 Was Involved in Larval Settlement of the Barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite through Activating the Kinase Activity of p38MAPK

    KAUST Repository

    Zhang, Gen

    2013-07-29

    The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) plays a key role in larval settlement of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. To study the signaling pathway associated with p38MAPK during larval settlement, we sought to identify the upstream kinase of p38MAPK. Three MKKs (MKK3, MKK4 and MKK7) and three MAPKs (p38MAPK, ERK and JNK) in A. amphitrite were cloned and recombinantly expressed in E. coli. Through kinase assays, we found that MKK3, but not MKK4 or MKK7, phosphorylated p38MAPK. Furthermore, MKK3 activity was specific to p38MAPK, as it did not phosphorylate ERK or JNK. To further investigate the functional relationship between MKK3 and p38MAPK in vivo, we studied the localization of phospho-MKK3 (pMKK3) and MKK3 by immunostaining. Consistent with the patterns of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK (pp38MAPK), pMKK3 and MKK3 mainly localized to the antennules of the cyprids. Western blot analysis revealed that pMKK3 levels, like pp38MAPK levels, were elevated at cyprid stage, compared to nauplii and juvenile stages. Moreover, pMKK3 levels increased after treatment with adult barnacle crude extracts, suggesting that MKK3 might mediate the stimulatory effects of adult barnacle extracts on the p38MAPK pathway. © 2013 Zhang et al.

  18. MKK3 Was Involved in Larval Settlement of the Barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite through Activating the Kinase Activity of p38MAPK

    KAUST Repository

    Zhang, Gen; He, Li-Sheng; Wong, Yue Him; Qian, Pei-Yuan

    2013-01-01

    The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) plays a key role in larval settlement of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. To study the signaling pathway associated with p38MAPK during larval settlement, we sought to identify the upstream kinase of p38MAPK. Three MKKs (MKK3, MKK4 and MKK7) and three MAPKs (p38MAPK, ERK and JNK) in A. amphitrite were cloned and recombinantly expressed in E. coli. Through kinase assays, we found that MKK3, but not MKK4 or MKK7, phosphorylated p38MAPK. Furthermore, MKK3 activity was specific to p38MAPK, as it did not phosphorylate ERK or JNK. To further investigate the functional relationship between MKK3 and p38MAPK in vivo, we studied the localization of phospho-MKK3 (pMKK3) and MKK3 by immunostaining. Consistent with the patterns of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK (pp38MAPK), pMKK3 and MKK3 mainly localized to the antennules of the cyprids. Western blot analysis revealed that pMKK3 levels, like pp38MAPK levels, were elevated at cyprid stage, compared to nauplii and juvenile stages. Moreover, pMKK3 levels increased after treatment with adult barnacle crude extracts, suggesting that MKK3 might mediate the stimulatory effects of adult barnacle extracts on the p38MAPK pathway. © 2013 Zhang et al.

  19. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase by allopurinol prevents skeletal muscle atrophy: role of p38 MAPKinase and E3 ubiquitin ligases.

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    Frederic Derbre

    Full Text Available Alterations in muscle play an important role in common diseases and conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS are generated during hindlimb unloading due, at least in part, to the activation of xanthine oxidase (XO. The major aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which XO activation causes unloading-induced muscle atrophy in rats, and its possible prevention by allopurinol, a well-known inhibitor of this enzyme. For this purpose we studied one of the main redox sensitive signalling cascades involved in skeletal muscle atrophy i.e. p38 MAPKinase, and the expression of two well known muscle specific E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in proteolysis, the Muscle atrophy F-Box (MAFbx; also known as atrogin-1 and Muscle RING (Really Interesting New Gene Finger-1 (MuRF-1. We found that hindlimb unloading induced a significant increase in XO activity and in the protein expression of the antioxidant enzymes CuZnSOD and Catalase in skeletal muscle. The most relevant new fact reported in this paper is that inhibition of XO with allopurinol, a drug widely used in clinical practice, prevents soleus muscle atrophy by ~20% after hindlimb unloading. This was associated with the inhibition of the p38 MAPK-MAFbx pathway. Our data suggest that XO was involved in the loss of muscle mass via the activation of the p38MAPK-MAFbx pathway in unloaded muscle atrophy. Thus, allopurinol may have clinical benefits to combat skeletal muscle atrophy in bedridden, astronauts, sarcopenic, and cachexic patients.

  20. Boxed Permutation Pattern Matching

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Amit, Mika; Bille, Philip; Cording, Patrick Hagge

    2016-01-01

    the goal is to only find the boxed subsequences of T that are order-isomorphic to P. This problem was introduced by Bruner and Lackner who showed that it can be solved in O(n3) time. Cho et al. [CPM 2015] gave an O(n2m) time algorithm and improved it to O(n2 logm). In this paper we present a solution...

  1. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) overexpression in clinical staging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

    Science.gov (United States)

    Farhat; Asnir, R. A.; Yudhistira, A.; Daulay, E. R.; Muzakkir, M. M.; Yulius, S.

    2018-03-01

    Molecular biological research on nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been widely practiced, such as VEGF, EGFR, COX-2 expression and so on. MAPK plays a role in cell growth such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, primarily contributing to gene expression, where p38 MAPK pathway mostly associate with anti-apoptosis and cause cell transformation. The aim of this study is to determine the expression of p38 MAPK in clinical stage of nasopharyngeal carcinoma so that the result can be helpful in prognosis and adjunctive therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The research design is descriptive. It was done in THT- KL Department of FK USU/RSUP Haji Adam Malik, Medan and Pathology Anatomical Department of FK USU. The study was conducted from December 2011 to May 2012. The Samples are all patients who diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in oncology division of Otorhinolaryngology Department. p38 MAPK overexpression was found in 21 samples (70%) from 30 nasopharyngeal carcinoma samples. The elevated of p38 MAPK expression most found on T4 by eight samples (38.1%), N3 lymph node group by nine samples (42.9%), stage IV of clinical staging is as many as 15 samples (71.4%). p38 MAPK most expressed in stage IV clinical staging of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

  2. Crystal structure and magnetic properties of the Ba3TeCo3P2O14, Pb3TeCo3P2O14, and Pb3TeCo3V2O14 langasites

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Krizan, J.W.; de la Cruz, C.; Andersen, Niels Hessel

    2013-01-01

    We report the structural and magnetic characterizations of Ba3TeCo3P2O14, Pb3TeCo3P2O14, and Pb3TeCo3V2O14, compounds that are based on the mineral dugganite, which is isostructural to langasites. The magnetic part of the structure consists of layers of Co2+ triangles. Nuclear and magnetic...... structures were determined through a co-refinement of synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction data. In contrast to the undistorted P321 langasite structure of Ba3TeCo3P2O14, a complex structural distortion yielding a large supercell is found for both Pb3TeCo3P2O14 and Pb3TeCo3V2O14. Comparison...... of the three compounds studied along with the zinc analog Pb3TeZn3P2O14, also characterized here, suggests that the distortion is driven by Pb2+ lone pairs; as such, the Pb compounds crystallize in a pyroelectric space group, P2. Magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements were...

  3. Optimization of Paclitaxel Containing pH-Sensitive Liposomes By 3 Factor, 3 Level Box-Behnken Design.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rane, Smita; Prabhakar, Bala

    2013-07-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the combined influence of 3 independent variables in the preparation of paclitaxel containing pH-sensitive liposomes. A 3 factor, 3 levels Box-Behnken design was used to derive a second order polynomial equation and construct contour plots to predict responses. The independent variables selected were molar ratio phosphatidylcholine:diolylphosphatidylethanolamine (X1), molar concentration of cholesterylhemisuccinate (X2), and amount of drug (X3). Fifteen batches were prepared by thin film hydration method and evaluated for percent drug entrapment, vesicle size, and pH sensitivity. The transformed values of the independent variables and the percent drug entrapment were subjected to multiple regression to establish full model second order polynomial equation. F was calculated to confirm the omission of insignificant terms from the full model equation to derive a reduced model polynomial equation to predict the dependent variables. Contour plots were constructed to show the effects of X1, X2, and X3 on the percent drug entrapment. A model was validated for accurate prediction of the percent drug entrapment by performing checkpoint analysis. The computer optimization process and contour plots predicted the levels of independent variables X1, X2, and X3 (0.99, -0.06, 0, respectively), for maximized response of percent drug entrapment with constraints on vesicle size and pH sensitivity.

  4. p38 MAP kinase is required for Wnt3a-mediated osterix expression independently of Wnt-LRP5/6-GSK3β signaling axis in dental follicle cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sakisaka, Yukihiko; Kanaya, Sousuke; Nakamura, Takashi; Tamura, Masato; Shimauchi, Hidetoshi; Nemoto, Eiji

    2016-01-01

    Wnt3a is a secreted glycoprotein that activates the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)/β-catenin signaling pathway through low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP)5/6 co-receptors. Wnt3a has been implicated in periodontal development and homeostasis, as well as in cementum formation. Recently, we have reported that Wnt3a increases alkaline phosphatase expression through the induction of osterix (Osx) expression in dental follicle cells, a precursor of cementoblasts. However, the molecular mechanism by which Wnt3a induces Osx expression is still unknown. In this study, we show that Wnt3a-induced Osx expression was inhibited in the presence of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (SB203580 and SB202190) at gene and protein levels, as assessed by real-time PCR and immunocytohistochemistry, respectively. Pretreatment of cells with Dickkopf-1, a potent canonical Wnt antagonist binding to LRP5/6 co-receptors, did not influence Wnt3a-mediated p38 MAPK phosphorylation, suggesting that Wnt3a activates p38 MAPK through LRP5/6-independent signaling. On the other hand, pretreatment with p38 MAPK inhibitors had no effects on the phosphorylated status of GSK3β and β-catenin as well as β-catenin nuclear translocation, but inhibited Wnt3a-mediated β-catenin transcriptional activity. These findings suggest that p38 MAPK modulates canonical Wnt signaling at the β-catenin transcriptional level without any crosstalk with the Wnt3a-mediated LRP5/6-GSK3β signaling axis and subsequent β-catenin nuclear translocation. These findings expand our knowledge of the mechanisms controlling periodontal development and regeneration. - Highlights: • Wnt3a induces Osx expression via p38 MAPK signaling in dental follicle cells. • p38 MAPK has no crosstalk with Wnt3a-mediated LRP5/6 and GSK3β signaling. • p38 MAPK is required for Wnt signaling at the β-catenin transcriptional level.

  5. Sodium bicarbonate ingestion and boxing performance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Siegler, Jason C; Hirscher, Kristian

    2010-01-01

    Boxing is a sport that consists of multiple high-intensity bouts separated by minimal recovery time and may benefit from a pre-exercise alkalotic state. The purpose of this study was to observe the ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion on boxing performance. Ten amateur boxers volunteered to participate in 2 competitive sparring bouts. The boxers were prematched for weight and boxing ability and consumed either 0.3 g.kg(-1) body weight (BW) of NaHCO3 (BICARB) or 0.045 g.kg(-1) BW of NaCl placebo (PLAC) mixed in diluted low calorie-flavored cordial. The sparring bouts consisted of four 3-minute rounds, each separated by 1-minute seated recovery. Blood acid-base (pH, bicarbonate [HCO3(-)], base excess [BE]), and performance (rates of perceived exertion [RPE], heart rate [HR] [HR(ave) and HR(max)], total punches landed successfully) profiles were analyzed before (where applicable) and after sparring. The results indicated a significant interaction effect for HCO3(-) (p < or = 0.001) and BE (p < 0.001), but not for pH (p = 0.48). Post hoc analysis revealed higher presparring HCO3(-) and BE for the BICARB condition, but no differences between the BICARB and PLAC conditions postsparring. There was a significant increase in punches landed during the BICARB condition (p < 0.001); however, no significant interaction effects for HRave (p = 0.15), HRmax (p = 0.32), or RPE (p = 0.38). The metabolic alkalosis induced by the NaHCO3 loading elevated before and after sparring blood buffering capacity. In practical application, the findings suggest that a standard NaHCO3 loading dose (0.3 g.kg(-1)) improves punch efficacy during 4 rounds of sparring performance.

  6. A proteomic screen reveals the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mdm34p as an essential target of the F-box protein Mdm30p.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ota, Kazuhisa; Kito, Keiji; Okada, Satoshi; Ito, Takashi

    2008-10-01

    Ubiquitination plays various critical roles in eukaryotic cellular regulation and is mediated by a cascade of enzymes including ubiquitin protein ligase (E3). The Skp1-Cullin-F-box protein complex comprises the largest E3 family, in each member of which a unique F-box protein binds its targets to define substrate specificity. Although genome sequencing uncovers a growing number of F-box proteins, most of them have remained as "orphans" because of the difficulties in identification of their substrates. To address this issue, we tested a quantitative proteomic approach by combining the stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC), parallel affinity purification (PAP) that we had developed for efficient enrichment of ubiquitinated proteins, and mass spectrometry (MS). We applied this SILAC-PAP-MS approach to compare ubiquitinated proteins between yeast cells with and without over-expressed Mdm30p, an F-box protein implicated in mitochondrial morphology. Consequently, we identified the mitochondrial outer membrane protein Mdm34p as a target of Mdm30p. Furthermore, we found that mitochondrial defects induced by deletion of MDM30 are not only recapitulated by a mutant Mdm34p defective in interaction with Mdm30p but alleviated by ubiquitination-mimicking forms of Mdm34p. These results indicate that Mdm34p is a physiologically important target of Mdm30p.

  7. Shaping 3-D boxes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Stenholt, Rasmus; Madsen, Claus B.

    2011-01-01

    Enabling users to shape 3-D boxes in immersive virtual environments is a non-trivial problem. In this paper, a new family of techniques for creating rectangular boxes of arbitrary position, orientation, and size is presented and evaluated. These new techniques are based solely on position data...

  8. Ge 3P 6Si 2O 25: A cage structure closely related to the intersecting tunnel structure KMo 3P 6Si 2O 25

    Science.gov (United States)

    Leclaire, A.; Raveau, B.

    1988-08-01

    A germanosilicophosphate Ge 3P 6Si 2O 25 has been isolated. Its structure was solved from a single-crystal study in the space group P overline31c . Its cell parameters are a = b = 7.994(1) Å, c = 16.513(2) Å, Z = 2. The refinement by full-matrix least-squares calculations leads to R = 0.043 with 686 independent reflections. The structure of this oxide is built up from corner-sharing PO 4 and SiO 4 tetrahedra and GeO 6 octahedra. One observes a feature common to several silicophosphates: the presence of the structural unit P 6Si 2O 25 built up from a disilicate group sharing its corners with six PO 4 tetrahedra. The structural relationships between this oxide and the silicophosphates AMo 3P 6Si 2O 25 and Si 3P 6Si 2O 25 (or Ge 3P 6 Ge 2O 25) are described.

  9. In Silico Screening and In Vitro Activity Measurement of Javamide Analogues as Potential p38 MAPK Inhibitors

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jae B. Park

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK is a protein kinase critically involved in the progress of inflammation/stress-associated diseases. Our data suggested that javamide analogues may contain strong anti-inflammation activities, but there is little information about their effects on p38 MAPK. Therefore, in this paper, the effects of thirty javamide analogues on p38 MAPK were investigated using in silico screening and in vitro p38 MAPK assay methods. The javamide analogues were synthesized and their chemical structures were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR spectroscopic methods. Then, the javamide analogues were screened using an in silico modeling program. The screened analogues demonstrated a wide range of binding energy (ΔE; −20 to −39 and several analogues with ΔE; −34 to −39 showed strong binding affinity to p38 MAPK. In vitro p38 MAPK assay, the kinase was significantly inhibited by the analogues with great binding energy (ΔE; −34 to −39 and in silico scores (Avg. score; −27.5 to −29.3. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of both assays showed a positive correlation between the in silico scores and p38 MAPK inhibition. In fact, the javamide analogues with top five in silico scores (Avg. score; −27.5 to −29.3 were found to inhibit p38 MAPK by 27–31% (p < 0.05 better than those with less scores (ΔE < −27.0. Especially, javamide-II-O-ethyl ester with relatively high in silico score (Avg. score; −29.2 inhibited p38 MAPK (IC50 = 9.9 μM a little better than its methyl ester with best in silico score (Avg. score; −29.3. To support the ability to inhibit p38 MAPK, the treatment of javamide-II-ethyl and -methyl esters could suppress the production of IL-8 and MCP-1 protein significantly by 22–73% (p < 0.05 in the differentiated THP-1 cells, and the inhibition was slightly stronger by the ethyl ester than the methyl ester. Altogether, this study suggests that javamide-II-O-ethyl ester may

  10. LARVICIDAL BENZOQUINONE FROM EMBELIA SCHIMPERI C.P. ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    a

    C.P. Kiprono1*, J.O. Midiwo2, P.K. Kipkemboi1 and Santino Ladogana3. 1Department of Chemistry, Moi University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya. 2Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya. 3Department of Chemistry and Physics, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA,.

  11. Orbital-Specific observation of O2p and Ni3d electrons in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

    Science.gov (United States)

    Satou, Yoshinori; Komine, Shigeki; Shimizu, Sumera

    2017-09-01

    Cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries containing Ni2+ have attracted much interest because of their high theoretical capacity. However, the precise electronic structures of these cathode materials have not yet been clearly observed, especially the energy positions of the O2p and Ni3d orbitals and the shape of the density of states. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative energy positions and shape of the density of states of O2p and Ni3d for LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 experimentally. We cleaved a LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 pellet in an Ar-filled glove box and performed synchrotron ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy for different photon energies, which enabled us to investigate the relative cross-section intensity of O2p and Ni3d. As a result, the valence-band structure was determined. We found that O2p electrons are itinerant and exist in the vicinity of the Fermi energy more than Ni3d electrons. Ni3d electrons are more localized and spread mainly from 1.2-1.5 eV below the Fermi energy. To validate the electronic structure, we measured the synchrotron O K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure of electrochemically lithium-extracted LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2. The electronic structure demonstrated that ligand holes in the oxygen atoms form below the Fermi level during the initial stage of Li extraction and that the formation rate of the holes decreases with Li extraction.

  12. Preparation of hollow Zn2SnO4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a triple buffering structure and their electrochemical performance for lithium-ion batteries

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Huang, Haijian; Huang, Ying; Wang, Mingyue; Chen, Xuefang; Zhao, Yang; Wang, Ke; Wu, Haiwei

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • A new hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites were synthesized through two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcined process for the first time. • The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the ternary composites were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, BJH, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurements. • The hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites were proved to have a triple buffering nanostructure. The hollow interior of the Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes, the carbon coating layer on the surface of the boxes and the 3D carbon network constructed by the graphene sheets can work together to effectively improve the electrochemical performance of the material. • The hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (726.9 mAh g −1 at a current density of 300 mA g −1 after 50 cycles) and high rate capability compared with the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@graphene binary composites, the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C binary composites, the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes and the solid Zn 2 SnO 4 cubes. - Abstract: Hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites with a three-dimensional triple buffering structure are prepared by two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcined process. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the ternary composites were investigated by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman, BET, BJH, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurements. The hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes are coated with carbon layer and then supported by graphene sheets to form a 3D carbon conductive network. Compared with the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@graphene binary composites, the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C binary composites, the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes and the solid Zn 2 SnO 4 cubes, the hollow Zn 2 SnO 4 boxes@C/graphene ternary composites show an enhanced electrochemical performance (726.9 mAh g −1 at a current density of 300 mA g −1 after 50 cycles) and high rate

  13. Boxing fatalities in relation to rule changes in Japan: secondary data analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Teramoto, Masaru; Cross, Chad L; Cushman, Daniel M; Willick, Stuart E

    2018-01-18

    To examine whether changing weigh-in from the same day of the match to the day before the match and prohibiting 6-oz gloves are associated with fatalities in boxing matches sanctioned by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC). We analyzed the rates of boxing fatalities before and after the two rule changes above via secondary analysis of data. Demographics and boxing records of deceased boxers were examined using descriptive statistics, exact binomial test the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test and Fisher's exact tests. As of this study, a total of 38 boxers (23.9 ± 3.3 years of age) reportedly died due to injuries sustained in JBC-sanctioned boxing matches since 1952. Changing weigh-in to the day before the match or prohibiting 6-oz gloves was not significantly associated with the rates of boxing fatalities 5 years and 10 years before and after the rule changes (p > 0.05). Deceased boxers after these rule changes were significantly older, completed significantly more rounds in the final match, and were significantly less likely to lose the previous match (prior to the final match) and to do so by knockouts (p boxing fatalities.

  14. Orbital-Specific observation of O2p and Ni3d electrons in LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2, a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yoshinori Satou

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries containing Ni2+ have attracted much interest because of their high theoretical capacity. However, the precise electronic structures of these cathode materials have not yet been clearly observed, especially the energy positions of the O2p and Ni3d orbitals and the shape of the density of states. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative energy positions and shape of the density of states of O2p and Ni3d for LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 experimentally. We cleaved a LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 pellet in an Ar-filled glove box and performed synchrotron ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy for different photon energies, which enabled us to investigate the relative cross-section intensity of O2p and Ni3d. As a result, the valence-band structure was determined. We found that O2p electrons are itinerant and exist in the vicinity of the Fermi energy more than Ni3d electrons. Ni3d electrons are more localized and spread mainly from 1.2–1.5 eV below the Fermi energy. To validate the electronic structure, we measured the synchrotron O K-edge X-ray absorption fine structure of electrochemically lithium-extracted LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2. The electronic structure demonstrated that ligand holes in the oxygen atoms form below the Fermi level during the initial stage of Li extraction and that the formation rate of the holes decreases with Li extraction.

  15. A chimeric cyclic interferon-α2b peptide induces apoptosis by sequential activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase Cδ and p38 MAP kinase.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Blank, V C; Bertucci, L; Furmento, V A; Peña, C; Marino, V J; Roguin, L P

    2013-06-10

    We have previously demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1/3 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) activation are involved in the apoptotic response triggered by a chimeric cyclic peptide of the interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b) in WISH cells. Since the peptide also induced serine phosphorylation of STAT proteins, in the present study we examined the kinase involved in serine STAT1 phosphorylation and the signaling effectors acting upstream such activation. We first found that p38 MAPK is involved in serine STAT1 phosphorylation, since a reduction of phophoserine-STAT1 levels was evident after incubating WISH cells with cyclic peptide in the presence of a p38 pharmacological inhibitor or a dominant-negative p38 mutant. Next, we demonstrated that the peptide induced activation of protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ). Based on this finding, the role of this kinase was then evaluated. After incubating WISH cells with a PKCδ inhibitor or after decreasing PKCδ expression levels by RNA interference, both peptide-induced serine STAT1 and p38 phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased, indicating that PKCδ functions as an upstream regulator of p38. We also showed that PKCδ and p38 activation stimulated by the peptide was inhibited by a specific pharmacological inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) or by a dominant-negative p85 PI3K-regulatory subunit, suggesting that PI3K is upstream in the signaling cascade. In addition, the role of PI3K and PKCδ in cyclic peptide-induced apoptosis was examined. Both signaling effectors were found to regulate the antiproliferative activity and the apoptotic response triggered by the cyclic peptide in WISH cells. In conclusion, we herein demonstrated that STAT1 serine phosphorylation is mediated by the sequential activation of PI3K, PKCδ and p38 MAPK. This signaling cascade contributes to the antitumor effect induced by the chimeric IFN-α2b cyclic peptide in WISH cells. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc

  16. Investigations on FCAM-III (Ca2.38Mg2.09Fe3+10.61Fe2+1.59Al9.33O36): A new homologue of the aenigmatite structure-type in the system CaO-MgO-Fe2O3-Al2O3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zöll, Klaus; Kahlenberg, Volker; Krüger, Hannes; Tropper, Peter

    2018-02-01

    In the course of a systematic study of a part of the quaternary system Fe2O3-CaO-Al2O3-MgO (FCAM) the previously unknown compound Ca2.38Mg2.09Fe3+10.61Fe2+1.59Al9.33O36 (FCAM-III) has been synthesized. By analogy with the so-called SFCA series [1-5], our investigation in the system of FCAM shows the existence of a stoichiometric homologous series M14+6nO20+8n, where M = Fe, Ca, Al, Mg and n = 1 or 2. In air, we can prove the formation of coexisting FCAM-III and FCAM-I solid solutions at 1400 °C. By increasing the temperature up to 1425 °C FCAM-I disappears completely and FCAM-III co-exists with magnesiumferrite and a variety of calcium iron oxides. At 1450 °C FCAM-III breaks down to a mixture of FCAM-I again as well as magnesioferrite and melt. Small single-crystals of FCAM-III up to 35 μm in size could be retrieved from the 1425 °C experiment and were subsequently characterized using electron microprobe analysis and synchroton X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Finally the Fe2+/Fetot ratio was calculated from the total iron content based on the crystal-chemical formula obtained from EMPA measurements and charge balance considerations. FCAM-III or Ca2.38Mg2.09Fe3+10.61Fe2+1.59Al9.33O36 has a triclinic crystal structure (space group P 1 ̅). The basic crystallographic data are: a = 10.223(22) Å, b = 10.316(21) Å, c = 14.203(15) Å, α = 93.473(50)°, β = 107.418(67)°, γ = 109.646(60)°, V = 1323.85(2) ų, Z = 1. Using Schreinemaker's technique to analyze the phase relations in the system Fe2O3-CaO-Al2O3-MgO it was possible to obtain the semi-quantitative stability relations between the participating phases and construct a topologically correct phase sequence as a function of T and fO2. The analysis shows that Ca2Al0.5Fe1.5O5 (C2A0.25F0.75) and CaAl1.5Fe2.5O7 (CA0.75F1.25) with higher calculated Fe2+ contents are preferably formed at lower oxygen fugacity and react to CaAl0.5Fe1.5O4 (CA0.25F0.75) by increasing fO2. Spinel-type magnesium

  17. Phosphorylation events implicating p38 and PI3K mediate tungstate-effects in MIN6 beta cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Piquer, Sandra; Barcelo-Batllori, Silvia; Julia, Marta; Marzo, Nuria; Nadal, Belen; Guinovart, Joan J.; Gomis, Ramon

    2007-01-01

    Oral administration of sodium tungstate is an effective treatment for diabetes in animal models. Several lines of evidence indicate the pancreatic beta cell as one of the targets of tungstate action. Here, we examined the molecular mechanism by which this compound exerts its effects on the beta cell line MIN6. Tungstate treatment induced phosphorylation and subsequent activation of p38 and PI3K which in turn are implicated in tungstate PDX-1 nuclear localization and activation. Although no effect was observed in glucose-induced insulin secretion we found that tungstate activates basal insulin release, a process driven, at least in part, by activation of p38. These results show a direct involvement of p38 and PI3K phosphorylation in the mechanism of action of tungstate in the beta cell

  18. p38gamma and p38delta mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs, new stars in the MAPK galaxy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alejandra eEscós

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available The protein kinases p38γ and p38δ belong to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK family. p38MAPK signalling controls many cellular processes and is one of the most conserved mechanisms in eukaryotes for the cellular response to environmental stress and inflammation. Although p38γ and p38δ are widely expressed, it is likely that they perform specific functions in different tissues. Their involvement in human pathologies such as inflammation-related diseases or cancer is starting to be uncovered. In this article we give a general overview and highlight recent advances made in defining the functions of p38γ and p38δ, focusing in innate immunity and inflammation. We consider the potential of the pharmacological targeting of MAPK pathways to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and cancer

  19. High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress Mediates Apoptosis and Extracellular Matrix Metabolic Imbalances Possibly via p38 MAPK Activation in Rat Nucleus Pulposus Cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xiaofei Cheng

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Objectives. To investigate whether high glucose-induced oxidative stress is implicated in apoptosis of rat nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs and abnormal expression of critical genes involved in the metabolic balance of extracellular matrix (ECM. Methods. NPCs were cultured with various concentrations of glucose to detect cell viability and apoptosis. Cells cultured with high glucose (25 mM were untreated or pretreated with N-acetylcysteine or a p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 202190. Reactive oxygen species (ROS production was evaluated. Activation of p38 MAPK was measured by Western blot. The expression of ECM metabolism-related genes, including type II collagen, aggrecan, SRY-related high-mobility-group box 9 (Sox-9, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1, was analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Results. High glucose reduced viability of NPCs and induced apoptosis. High glucose resulted in increased ROS generation and p38 MAPK activation. In addition, it negatively regulated the expression of type II collagen, aggrecan, Sox-9, and TIMP-1 and positively regulated MMP-3 expression. These results were changed by pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine or SB 202190. Conclusions. High glucose might promote apoptosis of NPCs, trigger ECM catabolic pathways, and inhibit its anabolic activities, possibly through a p38 MAPK-dependent oxidative stress mechanism.

  20. Non-stoichiometry in the KMo2P3O12-tunnel structure: The oxide K0.75MoNbP3O12

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leclaire, A.; Borel, M.M.; Grandin, A.; Raveau, B.

    1990-01-01

    K 0.75 MoNbP 3 O 12 , M r =503.009, orthorhombic, Pbcm, a=8.8518 (5), b=9.1453 (11), c=12.5174 (11) A, V=1013.3 (3) A 3 , Z=4, D x =3.300 Mg m -3 , λ(Mo Kα)=0.71073 A, μ=3.13 mm -1 , F(000)=953, T=294 K, R=0.029, wR=0.033 for 1235 observed reflections. This compound is isostructural with KMo 2 P 3 O 12 -type oxides. Its framework is built up from MoO 6 octahedra and PO 4 tetrahedra which delimit tunnels running along b. Different from KMo 2 P 3 O 12 , the tunnels are partly occupied by the potassium ions which are distributed at random. (orig.)

  1. Redução de perdas pós-colheita em tomate de mesa acondicionado em três tipos de caixas Reduction of tomato post-harvest losses stored in three different types of boxes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rita Fátima A. Luengo

    2001-07-01

    Full Text Available Atualmente, no Brasil, a embalagem mais usada para tomate continua sendo a caixa de madeira que era usada para transportar querosene na segunda guerra mundial, há meio século, conhecida como caixa "K". Esta embalagem possui características que favorecem as injúrias mecânicas e comprometem a durabilidade e qualidade das hortaliças, como o fato de apresentar superfície áspera, alojar patógenos, profundidade excessiva, possuir aberturas laterais cortantes. Considerando os problemas da caixa K e a necessidade de proteção do tomate, a Embrapa Hortaliças iniciou, em janeiro de 1997, pesquisa para geração de uma embalagem adequada para acondicionamento e transporte de tomate. A embalagem definitiva foi testada em relação à caixa 'K' e caixa de plástico existente no mercado. Nos frutos de tomate foram avaliados a variação de matéria fresca, vida útil, cor, danos mecânicos, variação da firmeza, teor relativo de água e deterioração. A nova embalagem foi nomeada caixa Embrapa e apresenta menores percentagens de danos mecânicos, provavelmente a característica mais importante avaliada, reduzindo perdas pós-colheita em tomate de mesa.The most common box used for harvested vegetables in Brazil is the wood one which was used for kerosene transporting during second world war, in 1945. This box causes mechanical damage and reduces vegetables shelf-life and quality, due to its rough surface allowing pathogen colonization, due to the excessive number of fruit layers, and due to the lateral cut openings. Considering the problems of the K box and the necessity of protecting tomato fruits, Embrapa Hortaliças began in January 1997 a research to develop an adequate box to protect tomato fruits. The definitive box, named "Embrapa box", was compared with the K box and the most common plastic boxes from the market. The weight, shelf-life, color, mechanical damage, firmness, relative water content and deterioration were evaluated. The damage

  2. Uncertainty propagation of p-boxes using sparse polynomial chaos expansions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Schöbi, Roland, E-mail: schoebi@ibk.baug.ethz.ch; Sudret, Bruno, E-mail: sudret@ibk.baug.ethz.ch

    2017-06-15

    In modern engineering, physical processes are modelled and analysed using advanced computer simulations, such as finite element models. Furthermore, concepts of reliability analysis and robust design are becoming popular, hence, making efficient quantification and propagation of uncertainties an important aspect. In this context, a typical workflow includes the characterization of the uncertainty in the input variables. In this paper, input variables are modelled by probability-boxes (p-boxes), accounting for both aleatory and epistemic uncertainty. The propagation of p-boxes leads to p-boxes of the output of the computational model. A two-level meta-modelling approach is proposed using non-intrusive sparse polynomial chaos expansions to surrogate the exact computational model and, hence, to facilitate the uncertainty quantification analysis. The capabilities of the proposed approach are illustrated through applications using a benchmark analytical function and two realistic engineering problem settings. They show that the proposed two-level approach allows for an accurate estimation of the statistics of the response quantity of interest using a small number of evaluations of the exact computational model. This is crucial in cases where the computational costs are dominated by the runs of high-fidelity computational models.

  3. Uncertainty propagation of p-boxes using sparse polynomial chaos expansions

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schöbi, Roland; Sudret, Bruno

    2017-06-01

    In modern engineering, physical processes are modelled and analysed using advanced computer simulations, such as finite element models. Furthermore, concepts of reliability analysis and robust design are becoming popular, hence, making efficient quantification and propagation of uncertainties an important aspect. In this context, a typical workflow includes the characterization of the uncertainty in the input variables. In this paper, input variables are modelled by probability-boxes (p-boxes), accounting for both aleatory and epistemic uncertainty. The propagation of p-boxes leads to p-boxes of the output of the computational model. A two-level meta-modelling approach is proposed using non-intrusive sparse polynomial chaos expansions to surrogate the exact computational model and, hence, to facilitate the uncertainty quantification analysis. The capabilities of the proposed approach are illustrated through applications using a benchmark analytical function and two realistic engineering problem settings. They show that the proposed two-level approach allows for an accurate estimation of the statistics of the response quantity of interest using a small number of evaluations of the exact computational model. This is crucial in cases where the computational costs are dominated by the runs of high-fidelity computational models.

  4. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Ruthenium Silicophosphate: RuP 3SiO 11

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fukuoka, Hiroshi; Imoto, Hideo; Saito, Taro

    1996-01-01

    A new ruthenium silicophosphate RuP3SiO11was obtained and the structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the trigonal space groupR3cwitha= 8.253(3)Å,c= 39.317(4)Å,V= 2319(2)Å3,Z= 12,R= 0.029, andRW= 0.026. The structure is composed of RuO6, Si2O7, and P2O7units. The Si2O7unit shares the six oxygen atoms with six P2O7units, while the P2O7unit shares the six oxygen atoms with two Si2O7units and four RuO6octahedra. The anionic part forms an infinite three-dimensional network of silicophosphate. RuP3SiO11is isotypic with MoP3SiO11.

  5. Al2O3 Passivation Effect in HfO2·Al2O3 Laminate Structures Grown on InP Substrates.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kang, Hang-Kyu; Kang, Yu-Seon; Kim, Dae-Kyoung; Baik, Min; Song, Jin-Dong; An, Youngseo; Kim, Hyoungsub; Cho, Mann-Ho

    2017-05-24

    The passivation effect of an Al 2 O 3 layer on the electrical properties was investigated in HfO 2 -Al 2 O 3 laminate structures grown on indium phosphide (InP) substrate by atomic-layer deposition. The chemical state obtained using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that interfacial reactions were dependent on the presence of the Al 2 O 3 passivation layer and its sequence in the HfO 2 -Al 2 O 3 laminate structures. Because of the interfacial reaction, the Al 2 O 3 /HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 structure showed the best electrical characteristics. The top Al 2 O 3 layer suppressed the interdiffusion of oxidizing species into the HfO 2 films, whereas the bottom Al 2 O 3 layer blocked the outdiffusion of In and P atoms. As a result, the formation of In-O bonds was more effectively suppressed in the Al 2 O 3 /HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 /InP structure than that in the HfO 2 -on-InP system. Moreover, conductance data revealed that the Al 2 O 3 layer on InP reduces the midgap traps to 2.6 × 10 12 eV -1 cm -2 (compared to that of HfO 2 /InP, that is, 5.4 × 10 12 eV -1 cm -2 ). The suppression of gap states caused by the outdiffusion of In atoms significantly controls the degradation of capacitors caused by leakage current through the stacked oxide layers.

  6. Electron excitation cross sections for the 2s(2)2p(3)4S(O) -- 2s(2)2p(3)2D(O) (forbidden) and 4S(O) -- 2s2p(4) 4P (resonance) transitions in O II

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zuo, M.; Smith, Steven J.; Chutjian, A.; Williams, I. D.; Tayal, S. S.; Mclaughlin, Brendan M.

    1995-01-01

    Experimental and theoretical excitation cross sections are reported for the first forbidden transition 4S(O) -- 2S(2)2p(3) 2D(O) (lambda-lambda 3726, 3729) and the first allowed (resonance) transition 4S(O) -- 2s2p(4) 4P(lambda-833) in O II. Use is made of electron energy loss and merged-beams methods. The electron energy range covered is 3.33 (threshold) to 15 eV for the S -- D transition, and 14.9 (threshold) to 40 eV for the S -- P transition. Care was taken to assess and minimize the metastable fraction of the O II beam. An electron mirror was designed and tested to reflect inelastically backscattered electrons into the forward direction to account for the full range of polar scattering angles. Comparisons are made between present experiments and 11-state R-matrix calculations. Calculations are also presented for the 4S(O) -- 2s(2)2p(3)2P(O) (lambda-2470) transition.

  7. Observation-based modelling and analysis of O3 Production in the Seoul Metropolitan Area during KORUS-AQ

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schroeder, J.; Crawford, J. H.; Fried, A.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Blake, D. R.; Blake, N. J.; Wisthaler, A.; Lee, G.; Ahn, J. Y.

    2017-12-01

    The Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA) has a population of 24 million and frequently experiences unhealthy levels of ozone (O3). In this work, data from the Korea-United States Air Quality Study (KORUS-AQ, May 2 - June 11, 2016) were used to constrain a 0-D photochemical box model, allowing for calculation of key photochemical parameters related to O3 chemistry in the SMA. During KORUS-AQ, the NASA DC-8 flew 20 research flights over the Korean Peninsula. Routine overflights of the SMA in the morning, midday, and afternoon allowed for evaluation of diurnal photochemical tendencies in both the urban core of Seoul and surrounding areas. During KORUS-AQ, the SMA experienced 39 days where the max 8-hour O3 exceeded the Korean AQS value of 60 ppbv. Box model calculations constrained with high-frequency data from the DC-8 show that rates of net O3 production (P(O3)) in urban Seoul were similar to outlying metropolitan areas across all times of day, with the highest median values occurring around midday in both cases ( 15 ppbv/hr). Although mixing ratios of key ozone precursors such as NOx and reactive VOCs were substantially higher in urban Seoul than outlying areas, net P(O3) was sustained across the region due to non-linearities in O3 chemistry. Box model calculations show that urban Seoul was strongly radical-limited, while outlying areas were either slightly NOx-limited or near the `transition' area. This suggests that P(O3) can be mitigated in urban Seoul by reducing VOC emissions, but regional air quality would benefit from reductions in both NOx and VOCs. Box model simulations of the response of P(O3) to omitting select VOCs suggest that reactive aromatics - particularly toluene, which had a median mixing ratio of 2 ppbv across SMA - contributed most to radical abundances ( 60%) and P(O3), and reductions in aromatic emissions would be most effective towards reducing P(O3). Biogenics and light alkenes account for 25% and 10% of radical abundances in the SMA, respectively

  8. Stimulation of p38 (HOG1) kinase pathway by ionizing radiation results in downstream modulation of ATF/CREB transcription factor activity in NIH-3T3 cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stevenson, Mary Ann; Yao Jin

    1997-01-01

    Purpose/Objective:p38 kinase, a member of the MAP kinase family, is activated in response to stresses such as high osmolarity and UV irradiation as well exposure to cytokines such as IL1β and TNFα. The kinase is part of a signal transduction pathway that leads from receptor activation through a three kinase cascade resulting in the activation of p38. p38 activation then leads to the phosphorylation of target proteins that include transcription factors such as nuclear factor of interleukin 6 and members of the activating transcription factor (ATF) family, and in addition, the stress protein, HSP27, via activation of MAPKAP2 kinase. In the present report, we have investigated the potential role of p38 in the response of NIH-3T3 cells to ionizing radiation. Materials and Methods:NIH-3T3 cells were grown to confluence in DMEM+10%CS and then serum deprived for 24 hours in DMEM+0.1%CS. Radiation exposures were delivered using a Philips RT250 (250Kvp X-ray tube). Activated forms of p38 kinase and ATF/CREB transcription factors were identified using immunoblotting techniques employing activation specific antibodies raised against the phosphorylated forms of the kinases/transcription factors. Kinase activity was directly measured using immunokinase assays. DNA binding of transcription factors to their respective consensus sequences was assayed by EMSA. Results:We found that p38 becomes rapidly phosphorylated and activated by exposure to ionizing radiation. Significantly, p38 is activated to a similar degree and with a similar time course by serum derpviation and entry of cells into a non-proliferating G 0 state, suggesting a causal role for p38 in quiescence. Phosphorylation of p38 directly correlated with phosphorylation and activation of ATF/CREB family members as well as DNA binding by these activated factors. Conclusion:Activation of p38 kinase and downstream transcription factors may play an important role in the response of cells to ionizing radiation. We are

  9. Proteasome inhibition-induced p38 MAPK/ERK signaling regulates autophagy and apoptosis through the dual phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, Cheol-Hee; Lee, Byung-Hoon; Ahn, Sang-Gun; Oh, Seon-Hee

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► MG132 induces the phosphorylation of GSK3β Ser9 and, to a lesser extent, of GSK3β Thr390 . ► MG132 induces dephosphorylation of p70S6K Thr389 and phosphorylation of p70S6K Thr421/Ser424 . ► Inactivation of p38 dephosphorylates GSK3β Ser9 and phosphorylates GSK3β Thr390 . ► Inactivation of p38 phosphorylates p70S6K Thr389 and increases the phosphorylation of p70S6K Thr421/Ser424 . ► Inactivation of p38 decreases autophagy and increases apoptosis induced by MG132. -- Abstract: Proteasome inhibition is a promising approach for cancer treatment; however, the underlying mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that proteasome inhibition-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates autophagy and apoptosis by modulating the phosphorylation status of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) and 70 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K). The treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with MG132 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through the induction of ATF6a, PERK phosphorylation, and CHOP, and apoptosis through the cleavage of Bax and procaspase-3. MG132 caused the phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser 9 and, to a lesser extent, Thr 390 , the dephosphorylation of p70S6K at Thr 389 , and the phosphorylation of p70S6K at Thr 421 and Ser 424 . The specific p38 inhibitor SB203080 reduced the p-GSK3β Ser9 and autophagy through the phosphorylation of p70S6K Thr389 ; however, it augmented the levels of p-ERK, p-GSK3β Thr390 , and p-70S6K Thr421/Ser424 induced by MG132, and increased apoptotic cell death. The GSK inhibitor SB216763, but not lithium, inhibited the MG132-induced phosphorylation of p38, and the downstream signaling pathway was consistent with that in SB203580-treated cells. Taken together, our data show that proteasome inhibition regulates p38/GSK Ser9 /p70S6K Thr380 and ERK/GSK3β Thr390 /p70S6K Thr421/Ser424 kinase signaling, which is involved in cell survival and cell death.

  10. Effects of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}/CeO{sub 2} co-doping on microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Co{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 38}){sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3}O{sub 3} ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Yuqin; Zhou, Xiaohua, E-mail: 1250590698@qq.com; Yang, Xinshi; Sun, Chengli; Yang, Fan; Chen, Hetuo

    2016-09-15

    The effects of CeO{sub 2}/Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} co-doping on the microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Ba(Co{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 0.38}){sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3}O{sub 3}-xA-xB (x = 0,1,2,3,4,6; A = 0.1204 wt%Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}; B = 0.1 wt%CeO{sub 2}) ceramics prepared by the conventional solid-state route technique were investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results presented that all the well sintered samples exhibited the main phase BaZn{sub 0.33}Nb{sub 0.67}O{sub 3}−Ba{sub 3}CoNb{sub 2}O{sub 9}. A certain amount of Ba{sub 8}CoNb{sub 6}O{sub 24} surface secondary phase and minority phase of Ba{sub 5}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 15} were also observed in all sintered ceramics. The 1:2 B-site cation ordering degree was found to influenced by the substitution of Y{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 4+} in the crystal lattice, especially for x = 0.02. Then the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) picture of the optimally well-sintered (1350 °C for 20 h) ceramic has shown a dense microstructure. Although the ε{sub r} almost kept unchanged, appropriate doping content would greatly improve the Q × f value. Meanwhile, the τ{sub f} value first declined and then increased with increasing x. At last, the excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε{sub r} = 36.09, Q × f = 72006 GHz, τ{sub f} = 3.35 ppm/ºC were obtained for the ceramic with x = 0.02 sintered in air at 1350 °C for 20 h. - Graphical abstract: Fig. SEM images of as-sintered Ba(Co{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 0.38}){sub 1/3}Nb{sub 2/3}O{sub 3}-xA-Xb (A = 0.1204 wt%Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}; B = 0.1 wt%CeO{sub 2)}ceramics: (a) x = 0,(b) x = 0.01,(c) x = 0.02,(d) x = 0.03, (e) x = 0.04,(f) x = 0.06. The images confirmed the presences of two phases on the surface of the ceramics, plate-shaped grains (Ba{sub 8}(C{sub O},Zn){sub 1}Nb{sub 6}O{sub 24}phase) and needle-shaped grains (Ba{sub 3}(Co{sub 0.6}Zn{sub 0.38}){sub 1}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} phase). As a small content of CeO{sub 2}/Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} (x = 0.01–0.04) was codoped into the BCZN ceramics, the

  11. Structure of β-TlMo2P3O13

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Costentin, G.; Borel, M.M.; Grandin, A.; Leclaire, A.; Raveau, B.

    1991-01-01

    Thallium molybdenum triphosphate, TlMo 2 P 3 O 13 , M r =679.16, monoclinic, P2 1 /c, a=9.7536 (3), b=19.0640 (16), c=6.3945 (7) A, β=107.099 (7) 0 , V=1136 (2) A 3 , Z=4, D m not measured, D x =4.08 Mg m -3 , λ(MoKα)=0.71073 A, μ=16.90 mm -1 , F(000)=314, T=293 K, 951 reflections, R=0.047, ωR=0.047. The lattice is built up from MoO 6 , PO 4 and P 2 O 7 groups delimiting tunnels where the Tl + ions are located. The title compound is isotyopic with β-KMo 2 P 3 O 13 . (orig.)

  12. Proteasome inhibition-induced p38 MAPK/ERK signaling regulates autophagy and apoptosis through the dual phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3{beta}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Choi, Cheol-Hee [Research Center for Resistant Cells, Chosun University, Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Byung-Hoon [College of Pharmacy and Multiscreening Center for Drug Development, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742 (Korea, Republic of); Ahn, Sang-Gun [Department of Pathology, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of); Oh, Seon-Hee, E-mail: oshccw@hanmail.net [Research Center for Resistant Cells, Chosun University, Seosuk-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of)

    2012-02-24

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MG132 induces the phosphorylation of GSK3{beta}{sup Ser9} and, to a lesser extent, of GSK3{beta}{sup Thr390}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer MG132 induces dephosphorylation of p70S6K{sup Thr389} and phosphorylation of p70S6K{sup Thr421/Ser424}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inactivation of p38 dephosphorylates GSK3{beta}{sup Ser9} and phosphorylates GSK3{beta}{sup Thr390}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inactivation of p38 phosphorylates p70S6K{sup Thr389} and increases the phosphorylation of p70S6K{sup Thr421/Ser424}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Inactivation of p38 decreases autophagy and increases apoptosis induced by MG132. -- Abstract: Proteasome inhibition is a promising approach for cancer treatment; however, the underlying mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that proteasome inhibition-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase regulates autophagy and apoptosis by modulating the phosphorylation status of glycogen synthase kinase 3{beta} (GSK3{beta}) and 70 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K). The treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with MG132 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress through the induction of ATF6a, PERK phosphorylation, and CHOP, and apoptosis through the cleavage of Bax and procaspase-3. MG132 caused the phosphorylation of GSK3{beta} at Ser{sup 9} and, to a lesser extent, Thr{sup 390}, the dephosphorylation of p70S6K at Thr{sup 389}, and the phosphorylation of p70S6K at Thr{sup 421} and Ser{sup 424}. The specific p38 inhibitor SB203080 reduced the p-GSK3{beta}{sup Ser9} and autophagy through the phosphorylation of p70S6K{sup Thr389}; however, it augmented the levels of p-ERK, p-GSK3{beta}{sup Thr390}, and p-70S6K{sup Thr421/Ser424} induced by MG132, and increased apoptotic cell death. The GSK inhibitor SB216763, but not lithium, inhibited the MG132-induced phosphorylation of p38, and the downstream signaling pathway was consistent with that in SB203580-treated cells. Taken together, our

  13. Design and Comparative Study of O3/P2 Hybrid Structures for Room Temperature Sodium-Ion Batteries.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Qi, Xingguo; Liu, Lilu; Song, Ningning; Gao, Fei; Yang, Kai; Lu, Yaxiang; Yang, Haitao; Hu, Yong-Sheng; Cheng, Zhao-Hua; Chen, Liquan

    2017-11-22

    Rechargeable sodium-ion batteries have drawn increasing attention as candidates for the post lithium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage systems. Layered oxides are the most promising cathode materials and their pure phases (e.g., P2, O3) have been widely investigated. Here we report a series of cathode materials with O3/P2 hybrid phase for sodium-ion batteries, which possesses advantages of both P2 and O3 structures. The designed material, Na 0.78 Ni 0.2 Fe 0.38 Mn 0.42 O 2 , can deliver a capacity of 86 mAh g -1 with great rate capability and cycling performance. 66% capacity is still maintained when the current rate reaches as high as 10C, and the capacity retention is 90% after 1500 cycles. Moreover, in situ XRD was performed to examine the structure change during electrochemical testing in different voltage ranges, and the results demonstrate 4 V as the optimized upper voltage limit, with which smaller polarization, better structural stability, and better cycling performance are achieved. The results obtained here provide new insights in designing cathode materials with optimal structure and improved performance for sodium-ion batteries.

  14. The energetics of semicontact 3 x 2-min amateur boxing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Davis, Philip; Leithäuser, Renate M; Beneke, Ralph

    2014-03-01

    The energy expenditure of amateur boxing is unknown. Total metabolic cost (Wtot) as an aggregate of aerobic (Waer), anaerobic lactic (W[lactate]), and anaerobic alactic (WPCr) energy of a 3 × 2-min semicontact amateur boxing bout was analyzed. Ten boxers (mean ± SD [lower/upper 95% confidence intervals]) age 23.7 ± 4.1 (20.8/26.6) y, height 180.2 ± 7.0 (175.2/185.2) cm, body mass 70.6 ± 5.7 (66.5/74.7) kg performed a semicontact bout against handheld pads created from previously analyzed video footage of competitive bouts. Net metabolic energy was calculated using respiratory gases and blood [lactate]. Waer, 526.0 ± 57.1 (485.1/566.9) kJ, was higher (P boxing is predominantly aerobic. They also highlight the importance of a highly developed aerobic capacity as a prerequisite of a high activity rate during rounds and recovery of the high-energy phosphate system during breaks as interrelated requirements of successful boxing.

  15. BaO-Nd2O3-CuOx subsolidus equilibria under carbonate-free conditions at pO2=100 Pa and at pO2=21 kPa

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wong-Ng, W.; Cook, L.P.; Suh, J.; Coutts, R.; Stalick, J.K.; Levin, I.; Huang, Q.

    2003-01-01

    Subsolidus phase equilibria of the BaO-Nd 2 O 3 -CuO x system at pO 2 =100 Pa (0.1% O 2 volume fraction, 810 deg. C) and at pO 2 =21 kPa (21% O 2 volume fraction, 930 deg. C) have been investigated by applying controlled-atmosphere methods to minimize the presence of carbonate and CO 2 and H 2 O contamination. Under carbonate-free conditions, the BaO-Nd 2 O 3 -CuO x phase diagrams at pO 2 =100 Pa and at pO 2 =21 kPa are similar to one another except for differences in the extent of the solid solutions. Apart from the limiting binary phases, the ternary system consists of three solid solutions and one stoichiometric ternary compound. The first solid solution is the high T c series, Ba 2-x Nd 1+x Cu 3 O 6+z (0.3≥x≥0 at pO 2 =100 Pa; 0.95≥x≥ 0 at pO 2 =21 kPa). At pO 2 =21 kPa, a compositionally dependent phase change was detected, from tetragonal (0.7>x≥0) to orthorhombic (0.95≥x≥0.7). The second solid solution series, the 'brown-phase' Ba 1+x Nd 2-x CuO z , has a narrow homogeneity region (0.10>x≥0 at pO 2 =100 Pa; 0.15>x≥0 at pO 2 =21 kPa). In the high BaO part of the phase diagram, a third solid solution (Ba 2-x Nd x )CuO 3+z (x=0 to ∼ 0.3 at pO 2 =100 Pa; x=0-0.45 at pO 2 =21 kPa) was confirmed, as well as a nominally stoichiometric phase, Ba 4 Nd 2 Cu 2 O z . The latter phase is an insulator, with a structure comprised of unusual CuO 5 linear chains. A significant difference in tie line distribution involving the Ba 2-x Nd 1+x Cu 3 O 6+z superconductor was found under carbonate-free conditions relative to literature studies completed in air. Instead of the BaCuO 2+x -Ba 2+x Nd 4-x Cu 2 O z tie line normally encountered in air, a Ba 2-x Nd 1+x Cu 3 O 6+z -(Ba,Nd) 2 CuO 3+x tie line was established. This tie line substantially expands the field of stability of the Ba 2-x Nd 1+x Cu 3 O 6+z superconductor phase into the BaO-rich region of the phase diagram. Implications for the processing of materials based on the Ba 2-x Nd 1+x Cu 3 O 6+z

  16. p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling Activates Sterol Regulatory Element-binding Protein-2 in Hepatocyte Cells via p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Caspase-3.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pham, Dan Duc; Do, Hai Thi; Bruelle, Céline; Kukkonen, Jyrki P; Eriksson, Ove; Mogollón, Isabel; Korhonen, Laura T; Arumäe, Urmas; Lindholm, Dan

    2016-05-13

    Nerve growth factor (NGF) influences the survival and differentiation of a specific population of neurons during development, but its role in non-neuronal cells has been less studied. We observed here that NGF and its pro-form, pro-NGF, are elevated in fatty livers from leptin-deficient mice compared with controls, concomitant with an increase in low density lipoprotein receptors (LDLRs). Stimulation of mouse primary hepatocytes with NGF or pro-NGF increased LDLR expression through the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Studies using Huh7 human hepatocyte cells showed that the neurotrophins activate the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP2) that regulates genes involved in lipid metabolism. The mechanisms for this were related to stimulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and activation of caspase-3 and SREBP2 cleavage following NGF and pro-NGF stimulations. Cell fractionation experiments showed that caspase-3 activity was increased particularly in the membrane fraction that harbors SREBP2 and caspase-2. Experiments showed further that caspase-2 interacts with pro-caspase-3 and that p38 MAPK reduced this interaction and caused caspase-3 activation. Because of the increased caspase-3 activity, the cells did not undergo cell death following p75NTR stimulation, possibly due to concomitant activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway by the neurotrophins. These results identify a novel signaling pathway triggered by ligand-activated p75NTR that via p38 MAPK and caspase-3 mediate the activation of SREBP2. This pathway may regulate LDLRs and lipid uptake particularly after injury or during tissue inflammation accompanied by an increased production of growth factors, including NGF and pro-NGF. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  17. Andrographolide induces vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis through a SHP-1-PP2A-p38MAPK-p53 cascade.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Yu-Ying; Hsieh, Cheng-Ying; Jayakumar, Thanasekaran; Lin, Kuan-Hung; Chou, Duen-Suey; Lu, Wan-Jung; Hsu, Ming-Jen; Sheu, Joen-Rong

    2014-07-10

    The abnormal growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is considered a critical pathogenic process in inflammatory vascular diseases. We have previously demonstrated that protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A)-mediated NF-κB dephosphorylation contributes to the anti-inflammatory properties of andrographolide, a novel NF-κB inhibitor. In this study, we investigated whether andrographolide causes apoptosis, and characterized its apoptotic mechanisms in rat VSMCs. Andrographolide activated the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), leading to p53 phosphorylation. Phosphorylated p53 subsequently transactivated the expression of Bax, a pro-apoptotic protein. Transfection with pp2a small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed andrographolide-induced p38MAPK activation, p53 phosphorylation, and caspase 3 activation. Andrographolide also activated the Src homology 1 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-1), and induced PP2A dephosphorylation, both of which were inhibited by the SHP-1 inhibitor sodium stibogluconate (SSG) or shp-1 siRNA. SSG or shp-1 siRNA prevented andrographolide-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that andrographolide activates the PP2A-p38MAPK-p53-Bax cascade, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and VSMC death through an SHP-1-dependent mechanism.

  18. The influence of SiO2 Addition on 2MgO-Al2O3-3.3P2O5 Glass

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Larsen, P.H.; Poulsen, F.W.; Berg, Rolf W.

    1999-01-01

    2MgO-Al2O3-3.3P2O5 glasses with increasing amounts of SiO2 are considered for sealing applications in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). The change in chemical durability under SOFC anode conditions and the linear thermal expansion is measured as functions of the SiO2 concentration. Raman spectroscopy...... analysis of the glasses reveals no sign of important changes in the glass structure upon SiO2 addition. Some increase in glass durability with SiO2 concentration is reported and its cause is discussed....

  19. The role of Forkhead-box Class O (FoxO) transcription factors in cancer: A target for the management of cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Reagan-Shaw, Shannon; Ahmad, Nihal

    2007-01-01

    Human Forkhead-Box Class O (FoxO) transcription factors are primarily regulated through the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3k)-Akt pathway via phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion. Acetylation and ubiquitination represent another level of regulation for FoxO proteins and FoxO-regulated gene expression. FoxO factors can act as tumor suppressors; however, the loss of FoxO function leads to increased cellular survival and a predisposition to neoplasia, especially of epithelial cancers. Based on the critical role of FoxO signaling, this family of transcription factors appears to be a promising target for future drug discovery for epithelial cancers. This review describes mechanism of the regulation of FoxO proteins and their role in epithelial cancers. Based on the current knowledge and studies in the past decade, we suggest that the development of novel agents which specifically activate FoxO members could be useful in the prevention as well as treatment of cancer in general and epithelial cancers in particular

  20. Relaxation electron excitations in Al2O3, Y3Al5O12 and YAlO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kuznetsov, A.I.; Namozov, B.R.; Myurk, V.V.

    1985-01-01

    Excitation spectra of short-wave Al 2 O 3 , YAlO 3 and Y 3 Al 5 O 12 crystal luminescence, cathodoluminescence (including time resolution) and lay-temperature thermoluminescence are investigated. Analysis of experimental data permits to distingnish among these objects pairs of bands of supposedly characteristic luminescences: 7.5 and 3.8 eV (Al 2 O 3 ), 5.9 and 4.2 eV (YAlO 3 ), and 4.9 and 4.2 eV (Y 3 Al 5 O 12 ), where recombination luminescence is characteristic for long-wave ones, at that time exciton-like luminescence - for short-wave ones. A hypothesis about strong difference between states of an autolocalized exciton and ''autolocalized hole + electron'' (responsible for short-wave and long-wave bands of characteristic luminescence) is expressed; the difference is based on their genetic origin from different regions of a valent zone (in particular, long-wave bands - from the subzone of heavy holes of a valent zone ceiling, originating from nonbinding 2p-orbitals of oxygen)

  1. Escape of O(3P), O(1D), and O(1S) from the Martian atmosphere

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fox, Jane L.; Hać, Aleksander B.

    2018-01-01

    We have computed here the escape probabilities, fluxes and rates for hot O atoms that are initially produced in the ground state and the first two excited metastable states, O(1D)and O(1S), in the Martian thermosphere by dissociative recombination of O2+. In order to compare our results with those of our previous calculations and with those of others, we have employed here the pre-MAVEN models that we have used previously. To compute the escape probabilities, we have employed the Monte Carlo escape code that has been described previously, but we here use for the first time energy-dependent elastic cross sections for collisions of the energetic O atoms with each of the twelve background species in our model. We also incorporate three mechanisms that interchange identities of the O(3P) and O(1D) atoms, including collisional excitation of O(3P) to O(1D), quenching of O(1D) to O(3P), and excitation exchange of O(1D) with O(3P). We find that the escape probabilities of O atoms that are produced initially as O(1D) are reduced compared to those in which these processes are not included, but the escape probabilities of O atoms that are initially produced as O(3P) are not significantly reduced. As a guide for our future research and those of other investigators, we review here what is known about the interactions of O atoms with other species in which the energies of the O atoms are altered, and several other sources of hot and escaping O, many of which have been suggested by other investigators. We will incorporate these data in a future MAVEN-like model.

  2. Luteolin and fisetin suppress oxidative stress by modulating sirtuins and forkhead box O3a expression under in vitro diabetic conditions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Arang; Lee, Wooje; Yun, Jung-Mi

    2017-10-01

    Chronic hyperglycemia induces oxidative stress via accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and contributes to diabetic complications. Hyperglycemia induces mitochondrial superoxide anion production through the increased activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. This study aimed to determine whether fisetin and luteolin treatments suppress the oxidative stress by modulating the expression of sirtuins (SIRTs) and forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) under hyperglycemic conditions in human monocytes. Human monocytic cells (THP-1) were cultured under osmotic control (14.5 mmol/L mannitol), normoglycemic (NG, 5.5 mmol/L glucose), or hyperglycemic (HG, 20 mmol/L glucose) conditions, in the absence or presence of fisetin and luteolin for 48 h. To determine the effect of fisetin and luteolin treatments on high glucose-induced oxidative stress, western blotting and intracellular staining were performed. Hyperglycemic conditions increased the ROS production, as compared to normoglycemic condition. However, fisetin and luteolin treatments inhibited ROS production under hyperglycemia. To obtain further insight into ROS production in hyperglycemic conditions, evaluation of p47phox expression revealed that fisetin and luteolin treatments inhibited p47phox expression under hyperglycemic conditions. Conversely, the expression levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, and FOXO3a were decreased under high glucose conditions compared to normal glucose conditions, but exposure to fisetin and luteolin induced the expression of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, and FOXO3a. The above findings suggest that fisetin and luteolin inhibited high glucose-induced ROS production in monocytes through the activation of SIRTs and FOXO3a. The results of our study supports current researches that state fisetin and luteolin as potential agents for the development of novel strategies for diabetes.

  3. The Drosophila MAPK p38c regulates oxidative stress and lipid homeostasis in the intestine.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sveta Chakrabarti

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available The p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP kinase signaling cassette has been implicated in stress and immunity in evolutionarily diverse species. In response to a wide variety of physical, chemical and biological stresses p38 kinases phosphorylate various substrates, transcription factors of the ATF family and other protein kinases, regulating cellular adaptation to stress. The Drosophila genome encodes three p38 kinases named p38a, p38b and p38c. In this study, we have analyzed the role of p38c in the Drosophila intestine. The p38c gene is expressed in the midgut and upregulated upon intestinal infection. We showed that p38c mutant flies are more resistant to infection with the lethal pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila but are more susceptible to the non-pathogenic bacterium Erwinia carotovora 15. This phenotype was linked to a lower production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS in the gut of p38c mutants, whereby the transcription of the ROS-producing enzyme Duox is reduced in p38c mutant flies. Our genetic analysis shows that p38c functions in a pathway with Mekk1 and Mkk3 to induce the phosphorylation of Atf-2, a transcription factor that controls Duox expression. Interestingly, p38c deficient flies accumulate lipids in the intestine while expressing higher levels of antimicrobial peptide and metabolic genes. The role of p38c in lipid metabolism is mediated by the Atf3 transcription factor. This observation suggests that p38c and Atf3 function in a common pathway in the intestine to regulate lipid metabolism and immune homeostasis. Collectively, our study demonstrates that p38c plays a central role in the intestine of Drosophila. It also reveals that many roles initially attributed to p38a are in fact mediated by p38c.

  4. The Drosophila MAPK p38c regulates oxidative stress and lipid homeostasis in the intestine.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chakrabarti, Sveta; Poidevin, Mickaël; Lemaitre, Bruno

    2014-09-01

    The p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling cassette has been implicated in stress and immunity in evolutionarily diverse species. In response to a wide variety of physical, chemical and biological stresses p38 kinases phosphorylate various substrates, transcription factors of the ATF family and other protein kinases, regulating cellular adaptation to stress. The Drosophila genome encodes three p38 kinases named p38a, p38b and p38c. In this study, we have analyzed the role of p38c in the Drosophila intestine. The p38c gene is expressed in the midgut and upregulated upon intestinal infection. We showed that p38c mutant flies are more resistant to infection with the lethal pathogen Pseudomonas entomophila but are more susceptible to the non-pathogenic bacterium Erwinia carotovora 15. This phenotype was linked to a lower production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the gut of p38c mutants, whereby the transcription of the ROS-producing enzyme Duox is reduced in p38c mutant flies. Our genetic analysis shows that p38c functions in a pathway with Mekk1 and Mkk3 to induce the phosphorylation of Atf-2, a transcription factor that controls Duox expression. Interestingly, p38c deficient flies accumulate lipids in the intestine while expressing higher levels of antimicrobial peptide and metabolic genes. The role of p38c in lipid metabolism is mediated by the Atf3 transcription factor. This observation suggests that p38c and Atf3 function in a common pathway in the intestine to regulate lipid metabolism and immune homeostasis. Collectively, our study demonstrates that p38c plays a central role in the intestine of Drosophila. It also reveals that many roles initially attributed to p38a are in fact mediated by p38c.

  5. Repetitive box lifting performance is impaired in a hot environment: implications for altered work-rest cycles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maresh, Carl M; Sökmen, Bulent; Armstrong, Lawrence E; Dias, Joao C; Pryor, J Luke; Creighton, Brent C; Muñoz, Colleen X; Apicella, Jenna M; Casa, Douglas J; Lee, Elaine C; Anderson, Jeffery M; Kraemer, William J

    2014-01-01

    This study investigated the effects of environmental temperature on repetitive box lifting (RBL) performance, associated stress hormone and creatine kinase (CK) responses. Ten healthy males performed two experimental trials in a random crossover design. The trials consisted of three 40 min (10 min sitting, 20 min standing, and 10 min RBL) circuits performed in either 23 °C or 38 °C followed by a 180 min seated recovery period in 23 °C. RBL performance (i.e., number of boxes lifted) was reduced (p ≤ 0.05) in 38 °C compared to the 23 °C trial. Physiological Strain Index was significantly different between trials (38 °C: 8.5 ± 1.1 versus 23 °C: 7.2 ± 0.7; p ≤ 0.01). Plasma testosterone was elevated (p ≤ 0.05) across both trials and then decreased at 60 min recovery, compared to pre-exercise (PRE) measures, but was higher (p ≤ 0.05) during the 38 °C trial. Plasma cortisol increased (p ≤ 0.05) at 60 min during both trials and remained elevated until 120 min in 23 °C, and until 60 min recovery in 38 °C. Serum CK was greater through 48 hr post compared to PRE values in both trials. Thus, 10 min RBL performance was reduced in 38 °C despite the 30-min rest periods between RBL intervals. Plasma testosterone and cortisol were generally higher during the 38 °C trial, suggesting a greater stress response. Additional research is needed to determine optimal work:rest cycles for maximizing work performance in thermally oppressive environments.

  6. F-box-like domain in the polerovirus protein P0 is required for silencing suppressor function

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pazhouhandeh, Maghsoud; Dieterle, Monika; Marrocco, Katia; Lechner, Esther; Berry, Bassam; Brault, Véronique; Hemmer, Odile; Kretsch, Thomas; Richards, Kenneth E.; Genschik, Pascal; Ziegler-Graff, Véronique

    2006-01-01

    Plants employ small RNA-mediated posttranscriptional gene silencing as a virus defense mechanism. In response, plant viruses encode proteins that can suppress RNA silencing, but the mode of action of most such proteins is poorly understood. Here, we show that the silencing suppressor protein P0 of two Arabidopsis-infecting poleroviruses interacts by means of a conserved minimal F-box motif with Arabidopsis thaliana orthologs of S-phase kinase-related protein 1 (SKP1), a component of the SCF family of ubiquitin E3 ligases. Point mutations in the F-box-like motif abolished the P0–SKP1 ortholog interaction, diminished virus pathogenicity, and inhibited the silencing suppressor activity of P0. Knockdown of expression of a SKP1 ortholog in Nicotiana benthamiana rendered the plants resistant to polerovirus infection. Together, the results support a model in which P0 acts as an F-box protein that targets an essential component of the host posttranscriptional gene silencing machinery. PMID:16446454

  7. Oxothiomolybdenum derivatives of the superlacunary crown heteropolyanion {P8W48}: structure of [K4{Mo4O4S4(H2O)3(OH)2}2(WO2)(P8W48O184)]30– and studies in solution.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Korenev, Vladimir S; Floquet, Sébastien; Marrot, Jérôme; Haouas, Mohamed; Mbomekallé, Israël-Martyr; Taulelle, Francis; Sokolov, Maxim N; Fedin, Vladimir P; Cadot, Emmanuel

    2012-02-20

    Reaction of the cyclic lacunary [H(7)P(8)W(48)O(184)](33-) anion (noted P(8)W(48)) with the [Mo(2)S(2)O(2)(H(2)O)(6)](2+) oxothiocation led to two compounds, namely, [K(4){Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(WO(2))(P(8)W(48)O(184))](30-) (denoted 1) and [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) (denoted 2), which were characterized in the solid state and solution. In the solid state, the structure of [K(4){Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(WO(2))(P(8)W(48)O(184))](30-) reveals the presence of two disordered {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) "handles" connected on both sides of the P(8)W(48) ring. Such a disorder is consistent with the presence of two geometrical isomers where the relative disposition of the two {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) handles are arranged in a perpendicular or parallel mode. Such an interpretation is fully supported by (31)P and (183)W NMR solution studies. The relative stability of both geometrical isomers appears to be dependent upon the nature of the internal alkali cations, i.e., Na(+) vs K(+), and increased lability of the two {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) handles, compared to the oxo analogous, was clearly identified by significant broadening of the (31)P and (183)W NMR lines. Solution studies carried out by UV-vis spectroscopy showed that formation of the adduct [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) occurs in the 1.5-4.7 pH range and corresponds to a fast and quantitative condensation process. Furthermore, (31)P NMR titrations in solution reveal formation of the "monohandle" derivative [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(P(8)W(48)O(184))](38-) as an intermediate prior to formation of the "bishandle" derivatives. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) was studied in aqueous medium and compared with the parent anion P(8)W(48).

  8. Forkhead box P3 regulates ARHGAP15 expression and affects migration of glioma cells through the Rac1 signaling pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Zhen; Zhang, Biao; Wang, Chen; Fu, Tao; Li, Lianling; Wu, Qiaoli; Cai, Ying; Wang, Jinhuan

    2017-01-01

    Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) plays a crucial role in the development and function of regulatory T cells and was recently identified as a tumor suppressor in different cancer types. Forkhead box P3 is expressed in normal brain tissues, but is strongly downregulated or absent in glioblastomas. In order to understand the FOXP3 adjustment mechanisms in glioma cells, we performed a DNA microarray in U87 cells overexpressing FOXP3 and validated the differences using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry in vitro and in vivo. We found that FOXP3 can regulate the expression of ARHGAP15. Expression of FOXP3 was also correlated with ARHGAP15 in glioma samples. Overexpression of FOXP3 inhibited glioma cell migration through ARHGAP15 upregulation and Rac1 inactivation. Silencing of FOXP3 promoted migration through ARHGAP15 downregulation and Rac1 activation. ARHGAP15, a GTPase-activating protein for Rac1, inhibits small GTPase signaling in a dual negative manner. We found that there is a correlation between expression of ARHGAP15 and glioma level. The small GTPase Rac1 plays an important role in cell migration. In addition, we found that FOXP3 regulates expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers E-cadherin and N-cadherin, which is important given that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is critically involved in tumor spreading and dissemination. Thus, FOXP3 or ARHGAP15 may serve as a new molecular target for antimetastatic therapies in treating glioma. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Science published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Cancer Association.

  9. Effect of the thin Ga2O3 layer in n+-ZnO/n-Ga2O3/p-Cu2O heterojunction solar cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Minami, Tadatsugu; Nishi, Yuki; Miyata, Toshihiro

    2013-01-01

    The influence of inserting a Ga 2 O 3 thin film as an n-type semiconductor layer on the obtainable photovoltaic properties in Cu 2 O-based heterojunction solar cells was investigated with a transparent conductive Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin film/n-Ga 2 O 3 thin film/p-Cu 2 O sheet structure. It was found that this Ga 2 O 3 thin film can greatly improve the performance of Cu 2 O-based heterojunction solar cells fabricated using polycrystalline Cu 2 O sheets that had been prepared by a thermal oxidization of copper sheets. The obtained photovoltaic properties in the AZO/Ga 2 O 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction solar cells were strongly dependent on the deposition conditions of the Ga 2 O 3 films. The external quantum efficiency obtained in AZO/Ga 2 O 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction solar cells was found to be greater at wavelengths below approximately 500 nm than that obtained in AZO/Cu 2 O heterojunction solar cells (i.e., prepared without a Ga 2 O 3 layer) at equivalent wavelengths. This improvement of photovoltaic properties is mainly attributed to a decrease in the level of defects at the interface between the Ga 2 O 3 thin film and the Cu 2 O sheet. Conversion efficiencies over 5% were obtained in AZO/Ga 2 O 3 /Cu 2 O heterojunction solar cells fabricated using an n-Ga 2 O 3 thin-film layer prepared with a thickness of 40–80 nm at an O 2 gas pressure of approximately 1.7 Pa by a pulsed laser deposition. - Highlights: • We demonstrate high-efficiency Cu 2 O-based p-n heterojunction solar cells. • A non-doped Ga 2 O 3 thin film was used as an n-type semiconductor layer. • The Ga 2 O 3 thin film was prepared at a low temperature by a low damage deposition. • p-type Cu 2 O sheets prepared by thermal oxidization of copper sheets were used. • Conversion efficiencies over 5% were obtained in AZO/n-Ga 2 O 3 /p-Cu 2 O solar cells

  10. Quantifying the Physical Response to a Contemporary Amateur Boxing Simulation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Finlay, Mitchell J; Greig, Matt; Page, Richard M

    2018-04-01

    Finlay, MJ, Greig, M, and Page, RM. Quantifying the physical response to a contemporary amateur boxing simulation. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 1005-1012, 2018-This study examined the physical response to a contemporary boxing-specific exercise protocol (BSEP), based on notational analysis of amateur boxing. Nine male senior elite amateur boxers completed a 3 × 3-minute BSEP, with a 1-minute passive recovery period interspersing each round. Average (HRave) and peak (HRpeak) heart rates, average (V[Combining Dot Above]O2ave) and peak oxygen consumptions (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak), blood lactate (BLa) concentrations, rating of perceived exertion, and both triaxial and uniaxial PlayerLoad metrics were recorded during the completion of the BSEP. Blood lactate concentration increased significantly in each round (Round 1 = 2.4 ± 1.3 mmol·L; Round 2 = 3.3 ± 1.7 mmol·L; Round 3 = 4.3 ± 2.6 mmol·L). Significantly lower HRave and HRpeak values were found in the first round (HRave: 150 ± 15 b·min; HRpeak: 162 ± 12 b·min) when compared with the second (HRave: 156 ± 16 b·min; HRpeak: 166 ± 13 b·min) and third (HRave: 150 ± 15 b·min; HRpeak: 169 ± 14 b·min). No significant differences were found in any of the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 or PlayerLoad metrics recorded during the BSEP. The BSEP based on notational analysis elicited a fatigue response across rounds, confirming its validity. The BSEP can be used as a training tool for boxing-specific conditioning with implications for reduced injury risk, and to assess the physical response to boxing-specific interventions. Moreover, the BSEP can also be manipulated to suit all levels of participants or training phases, with practical applications in performance monitoring and microcycle periodization.

  11. The system La(PO3)3-Ca(PO3)2-P2O5

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jungowska, W.; Znamierowska, T.

    1993-01-01

    Ternary system La(PO 3 ) 3 -Ca(PO 3 ) 2 -P 2 O 5 has been studied by means of thermal and roentgenography analysis. The existence of single intermediate compound CaLa(PO 3 ) 5 has been observed. The phase diagrams for the ternary system as well as for two binary systems La(PO 3 ) 3 -Ca(PO 3 ) 2 and CaLa(PO 3 ) 5 -LaP 5 O 11 have been shown. 7 refs, 3 figs

  12. Linear-to-λ-Shape P-O-P Bond Transmutation in Polyphosphates with Infinite (PO3)∞ Chain.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Ying; Li, Lin; Han, Shujuan; Lei, Bing-Hua; Abudoureheman, Maierhaba; Yang, Zhihua; Pan, Shilie

    2017-09-05

    A new metal polyphosphate, α-CsBa 2 (PO 3 ) 5 , exhibiting the first example of a linear P-O-P bond angle in a one-dimensional (PO 3 ) ∞ chain has been reported. Interestingly, α → β phase transition occurs in CsBa 2 (PO 3 ) 5 along with the P-O-P bonds varying from linear to λ-shape, suggesting that α-CsBa 2 (PO 3 ) 5 with unfavorable linear P-O-P bonds is more stable at ambient temperature.

  13. Arsenic trioxide mediates HAPI microglia inflammatory response and subsequent neuron apoptosis through p38/JNK MAPK/STAT3 pathway

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mao, Jiamin; Yang, Jianbing; Zhang, Yan; Li, Ting; Wang, Cheng; Xu, Lingfei; Hu, Qiaoyun; Wang, Xiaoke; Jiang, Shengyang; Nie, Xiaoke; Chen, Gang

    2016-01-01

    Arsenic is a widely distributed toxic metalloid all over the world. Inorganic arsenic species are supposed to affect astrocytic functions and to cause neuron apoptosis in CNS. Microglias are the key cell type involved in innate immune responses in CNS, and microglia activation has been linked to inflammation and neurotoxicity. In this study, using ELISA, we showed that Arsenic trioxide up-regulated the expression and secretion of IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent manner in cultured HAPI microglia cells. The secretion of IL-1β caused the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y. These pro-inflammatory responses were inhibited by the STAT3 blocker, AG490 and P38/JNK MAPK blockers SB202190, SP600125. Further, Arsenic trioxide exposure could induce phosphorylation and activation of STAT3, and the translocation of STAT3 from the cytosol to the nucleus in this HAPI microglia cell line. Thus, the STAT3 signaling pathway can be activated after Arsenic trioxide treatment. However, P38/JNK MAPK blockers SB202190, SP600125 also obviously attenuated STAT3 activation and transnuclear transport induced by Arsenic trioxide. In concert with these results, we highlighted that the secretion of IL-1β and STAT3 activation induced by Arsenic trioxide can be mediated by elevation of P38/JNK MAPK in HAPI microglia cells and then induced the toxicity of neurons. - Highlights: • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced expression of IL-β in HAPI microglia. • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced activation of MAPK pathways in HAPI microglia. • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced activation of STAT3 pathways in HAPI microglia. • The expression of IL-β though P38/JNK MAPK/STAT3 pathways in HAPI microglia.

  14. Arsenic trioxide mediates HAPI microglia inflammatory response and subsequent neuron apoptosis through p38/JNK MAPK/STAT3 pathway

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mao, Jiamin [Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Yang, Jianbing [Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Zhang, Yan [Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Li, Ting [Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Wang, Cheng [Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Xu, Lingfei; Hu, Qiaoyun; Wang, Xiaoke; Jiang, Shengyang [Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Nie, Xiaoke [Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China); Chen, Gang, E-mail: chengang@ntu.edu.cn [Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001 (China)

    2016-07-15

    Arsenic is a widely distributed toxic metalloid all over the world. Inorganic arsenic species are supposed to affect astrocytic functions and to cause neuron apoptosis in CNS. Microglias are the key cell type involved in innate immune responses in CNS, and microglia activation has been linked to inflammation and neurotoxicity. In this study, using ELISA, we showed that Arsenic trioxide up-regulated the expression and secretion of IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent manner in cultured HAPI microglia cells. The secretion of IL-1β caused the apoptosis of SH-SY5Y. These pro-inflammatory responses were inhibited by the STAT3 blocker, AG490 and P38/JNK MAPK blockers SB202190, SP600125. Further, Arsenic trioxide exposure could induce phosphorylation and activation of STAT3, and the translocation of STAT3 from the cytosol to the nucleus in this HAPI microglia cell line. Thus, the STAT3 signaling pathway can be activated after Arsenic trioxide treatment. However, P38/JNK MAPK blockers SB202190, SP600125 also obviously attenuated STAT3 activation and transnuclear transport induced by Arsenic trioxide. In concert with these results, we highlighted that the secretion of IL-1β and STAT3 activation induced by Arsenic trioxide can be mediated by elevation of P38/JNK MAPK in HAPI microglia cells and then induced the toxicity of neurons. - Highlights: • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced expression of IL-β in HAPI microglia. • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced activation of MAPK pathways in HAPI microglia. • Arsenic trioxide exposure induced activation of STAT3 pathways in HAPI microglia. • The expression of IL-β though P38/JNK MAPK/STAT3 pathways in HAPI microglia.

  15. p38β, A Novel Regulatory Target of Pokemon in Hepatic Cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ying Tan

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available Pokemon is an important proto-oncogene involved in various biological processes and cancer development, such as cell differentiation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Pokemon is recognized as a transcription factor localized upstream of several oncogenes, regulating their expression. p38MAPKs act as key regulatory factors in cellular signaling pathways associated with inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. p38β, a member of p38MAPK family, is closely correlated with tumorigenesis, but the mechanism of activation remains unclear. In this study, we found overexpression of Pokemon promoted the growth, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. However, a p38 inhibitor SB202190 efficiently attenuated the promoting effect of Pokemon in the HepG2 cells. Targeted expression or silencing of Pokemon changed cellular p38β protein level and phosphorylation of downstream ATF2 in the p38 signaling pathway. Both dual luciferase report assay and ChIP assay suggested that p38β is a novel regulatory target of the transcription factor Pokemon and positively regulated by Pokemon in hepatic cells.

  16. p38β, A novel regulatory target of Pokemon in hepatic cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Zhe; Liu, Feng; Zhang, Nannan; Cao, Deliang; Liu, Min; Tan, Ying; Jiang, Yuyang

    2013-06-27

    Pokemon is an important proto-oncogene involved in various biological processes and cancer development, such as cell differentiation, tumorigenesis and metastasis. Pokemon is recognized as a transcription factor localized upstream of several oncogenes, regulating their expression. p38MAPKs act as key regulatory factors in cellular signaling pathways associated with inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. p38β, a member of p38MAPK family, is closely correlated with tumorigenesis, but the mechanism of activation remains unclear. In this study, we found overexpression of Pokemon promoted the growth, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. However, a p38 inhibitor SB202190 efficiently attenuated the promoting effect of Pokemon in the HepG2 cells. Targeted expression or silencing of Pokemon changed cellular p38β protein level and phosphorylation of downstream ATF2 in the p38 signaling pathway. Both dual luciferase report assay and ChIP assay suggested that p38β is a novel regulatory target of the transcription factor Pokemon and positively regulated by Pokemon in hepatic cells.

  17. Fabrication of a P3HT-ZnO Nanowires Gas Sensor Detecting Ammonia Gas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chin-Guo Kuo

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available In this study, an organic-inorganic semiconductor gas sensor was fabricated to detect ammonia gas. An inorganic semiconductor was a zinc oxide (ZnO nanowire array produced by atomic layer deposition (ALD while an organic material was a p-type semiconductor, poly(3-hexylthiophene (P3HT. P3HT was suitable for the gas sensing application due to its high hole mobility, good stability, and good electrical conductivity. In this work, P3HT was coated on the zinc oxide nanowires by the spin coating to form an organic-inorganic heterogeneous interface of the gas sensor for detecting ammonia gas. The thicknesses of the P3HT were around 462 nm, 397 nm, and 277 nm when the speeds of the spin coating were 4000 rpm, 5000 rpm, and 6000 rpm, respectively. The electrical properties and sensing characteristics of the gas sensing device at room temperature were evaluated by Hall effect measurement and the sensitivity of detecting ammonia gas. The results of Hall effect measurement for the P3HT-ZnO nanowires semiconductor with 462 nm P3HT film showed that the carrier concentration and the mobility were 2.7 × 1019 cm−3 and 24.7 cm2∙V−1∙s−1 respectively. The gas sensing device prepared by the P3HT-ZnO nanowires semiconductor had better sensitivity than the device composed of the ZnO film and P3HT film. Additionally, this gas sensing device could reach a maximum sensitivity around 11.58 per ppm.

  18. Effects of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} content on ionic conductivity of Li{sub 2}O-TiO{sub 2}-P{sub 2}O{sub 5} glasses and glass-ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mohaghegh, E., E-mail: elnaz.mohaghegh@gmail.com [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 11155-9466 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Nemati, A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, 11155-9466 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Eftekhari Yekta, B. [Ceramic Division, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Banijamali, S. [Ceramic Division, Materials & Energy Research Center, Alborz, 31787-316 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

    2017-04-01

    In this study, Li{sub 2}O-TiO{sub 2}-P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-x(Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}) (x = 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 weight part) glass and glass-ceramics were synthesized through conventional melt-quenching method and subsequently heat treatment. Glass samples were studied by UV–visible spectroscopy and crystallized samples were characterized by differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffractometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Besides, electrical properties were examined according to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Experimental optical spectra of the Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-doped glasses revealed strong UV absorption band in the range of 330–370 nm, which were attributed to the presence of Fe{sup 3+} ions. The major crystalline phase of the fabricated glass-ceramics was LiTi{sub 2}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}. However, Li{sub 3}PO{sub 4} was also identified as the minor one. Considering the impedance spectroscopy studies, ionic conductivity of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} containing glasses was higher than that of the base glass. Additionally, the maximum bulk ionic conductivity of 1.38 × 10{sup −3} S/cm was achieved as well as activation energy as low as 0.26 eV at room temperature for x = 5. - Highlights: • Bulk and total ionic conductivity was extracted by using impedance spectroscopy. • Ionic conductivity of the studied glasses and glass-ceramics increased with increasing Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} content. • The highest bulk ionic conductivity at room temperature was found to be 1.38 × 10{sup −3} S/cm for GC{sub 5}.

  19. Hepatic p38α regulates gluconeogenesis by suppressing AMPK.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jing, Yanyan; Liu, Wei; Cao, Hongchao; Zhang, Duo; Yao, Xuan; Zhang, Shengjie; Xia, Hongfeng; Li, Dan; Wang, Yu-cheng; Yan, Jun; Hui, Lijian; Ying, Hao

    2015-06-01

    It is proposed that p38 is involved in gluconeogenesis, however, the genetic evidence is lacking and precise mechanisms remain poorly understood. We sought to delineate the role of hepatic p38α in gluconeogenesis during fasting by applying a loss-of-function genetic approach. We examined fasting glucose levels, performed pyruvate tolerance test, imaged G6Pase promoter activity, as well as determined the expression of gluconeogenic genes in mice with a targeted deletion of p38α in liver. Results were confirmed both in vivo and in vitro by using an adenoviral dominant-negative form of p38α (p38α-AF) and the constitutively active mitogen-activated protein kinase 6, respectively. Adenoviral dominant-negative form of AMP-activated protein kinase α (DN-AMPKα) was employed to test our proposed model. Mice lacking hepatic p38α exhibited reduced fasting glucose level and impaired gluconeogenesis. Interestingly, hepatic deficiency of p38α did not result in an alteration in CREB phosphorylation, but led to an increase in AMPKα phosphorylation. Adenoviral DN-AMPKα could abolish the effect of p38α-AF on gluconeogenesis. Knockdown of up-steam transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 decreased the AMPKα phosphorylation induced by p38α-AF, suggesting a negative feedback loop. Consistently, inverse correlations between p38 and AMPKα phosphorylation were observed during fasting and in diabetic mouse models. Importantly, adenoviral p38α-AF treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Our study provides evidence that hepatic p38α functions as a negative regulator of AMPK signaling in maintaining gluconeogenesis, dysregulation of this regulatory network contributes to unrestrained gluconeogenesis in diabetes, and hepatic p38α could be a drug target for hyperglycemia. Copyright © 2015 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Dipeptide species regulate p38MAPK–Smad3 signalling to maintain chronic myelogenous leukaemia stem cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Naka, Kazuhito; Jomen, Yoshie; Ishihara, Kaori; Kim, Junil; Ishimoto, Takahiro; Bae, Eun-Jin; Mohney, Robert P.; Stirdivant, Steven M.; Oshima, Hiroko; Oshima, Masanobu; Kim, Dong-Wook; Nakauchi, Hiromitsu; Takihara, Yoshihiro; Kato, Yukio; Ooshima, Akira; Kim, Seong-Jin

    2015-01-01

    Understanding the specific survival of the rare chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) stem cell population could provide a target for therapeutics aimed at eradicating these cells. However, little is known about how survival signalling is regulated in CML stem cells. In this study, we survey global metabolic differences between murine normal haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CML stem cells using metabolomics techniques. Strikingly, we show that CML stem cells accumulate significantly higher levels of certain dipeptide species than normal HSCs. Once internalized, these dipeptide species activate amino-acid signalling via a pathway involving p38MAPK and the stemness transcription factor Smad3, which promotes CML stem cell maintenance. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of dipeptide uptake inhibits CML stem cell activity in vivo. Our results demonstrate that dipeptide species support CML stem cell maintenance by activating p38MAPK–Smad3 signalling in vivo, and thus point towards a potential therapeutic target for CML treatment. PMID:26289811

  1. Curcumin I mediates neuroprotective effect through attenuation of quinoprotein formation, p-p38 MAPK expression, and caspase-3 activation in 6-hydroxydopamine treated SH-SY5Y cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Meesarapee, Benjawan; Thampithak, Anusorn; Jaisin, Yamaratee; Sanvarinda, Pimtip; Suksamrarn, Apichart; Tuchinda, Patoomratana; Morales, Noppawan Phumala; Sanvarinda, Yupin

    2014-04-01

    6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) selectively enters dopaminergic neurons and undergoes auto-oxidation resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species and dopamine quinones, subsequently leading to apoptosis. This mechanism mimics the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and has been used to induce experimental Parkinsonism in both in vitro and in vivo systems. In this study, we investigated the effects of curcumin I (diferuloylmethane) purified from Curcuma longa on quinoprotein production, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p-p38), and caspase-3 activation in 6-OHDA-treated SH-SY5Y dopaminergic cells. Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y with curcumin I at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 20 μM, significantly decreased the formation of quinoprotein and reduced the levels of p-p38 and cleaved caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the levels of the dopaminergic neuron marker, phospho-tyrosine hydroxylase (p-TH), were also dose-dependently increased upon treatment with curcumin I. Our results clearly demonstrated that curcumin I protects neurons against oxidative damage, as shown by attenuation of p-p38 expression, caspase-3-activation, and toxic quinoprotein formation, together with the restoration of p-TH levels. This study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of curcumin I in the chemoprevention of oxidative stress-related neurodegeneration. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Nonlinear Optical Properties of a New Alkali and Alkaline Earth Metal Carbonate RbNa5Ca5(CO3)8

    OpenAIRE

    Qiaoling Chen; Min Luo

    2016-01-01

    A new nonlinear optical (NLO) material, RbNa5Ca5(CO3)8, has been synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The crystal structure is established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. RbNa5Ca5(CO3)8 crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system with space group P63mc (No. 186). The structure of RbNa5Ca5(CO3)8 can be described as the adjacent infinite [CaCO3]∞ layers lying in the a-b plane bridged through standing-on-edge [CO3] groups by sharing O atoms (two-fold coordinated) to build a framework wi...

  3. Heart rate response during a simulated Olympic boxing match is predominantly above ventilatory threshold 2: a cross sectional study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    de Lira CA

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available Claudio Andre Barbosa de Lira,1 Luiz Fernando Peixinho-Pena,2 Rodrigo Luiz Vancini1,2 Rafael Júlio de Freitas Guina Fachina,3,4 Alexandre Aparecido de Almeida,2 Marília dos Santos Andrade,2 Antonio Carlos da Silva2 1Setor de Fisiologia Humana e do Exercício, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG, Câmpus Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil; 2Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; 3Departamento de Ciência do Esporte, Faculdade de Educação Física (FEF, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil; 4Confederação Brasileira de Basketball (CBB, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Abstract: The present study aimed to describe heart rate (HR responses during a simulated Olympic boxing match and examine physiological parameters of boxing athletes. Ten highly trained Olympic boxing athletes (six men and four women performed a maximal graded exercise test on a motorized treadmill to determine maximal oxygen uptake (52.2 mL · kg-1 · min-1 ± 7.2 mL · kg-1 · min-1 and ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2. Ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 were used to classify the intensity of exercise based on respective HR during a boxing match. In addition, oxygen uptake (VO2 was estimated during the match based on the HR response and the HR-VO2 relationship obtained from a maximal graded exercise test for each participant. On a separate day, participants performed a boxing match lasting three rounds, 2 minutes each, with a 1-minute recovery period between each round, during which HR was measured. In this context, HR and VO2 were above ventilatory threshold 2 during 219.8 seconds ± 67.4 seconds. There was an increase in HR and VO2 as a function of round (round 3 < round 2 < round 1, P < 0.0001.These findings may direct individual training programs for boxing practitioners and other athletes. Keywords: heart rate, physiological profile, intermittent exercise, combat sports, boxing

  4. Crystal orientation dependence of the optical bandgap of (1 - x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-xPbTiO3 single crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wan Xinming; Zhao Xiangyong; Chan, H.L.W.; Choy, C.L.; Luo Haosu

    2005-01-01

    The transmission spectra of rhombohedral 0.71Pb(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -0.29PbTiO 3 (PMN-0.29PT) and tetragonal PMN-0.38PT single crystals were obtained in the main crystallographic directions , and . The absorption coefficients were computed and the optical bandgaps were calculated in both direct and indirect transitions. The energy of phonons contributing in the indirect transition was also calculated. For PMN-0.38PT single crystal in all the three directions, the values of direct bandgaps E gd are all slightly lower than those of PMN-0.29PT single crystal, while the indirect bandgaps E gi are all higher. For different crystallographic directions, the values of E gi for -direction are lower compared with and directions, both for PMN-0.29PT and PMN-0.38PT single crystals. Some discussions about the B-site cation d-orbits and the O-anion 2p orbits that determine the basic energy level of the single crystals are presented. The optical transition mechanism was also discussed

  5. Suppression of cadmium-induced JNK/p38 activation and HSP70 family gene expression by LL-Z1640-2 in NIH3T3 cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sugisawa, Nobusuke; Matsuoka, Masato; Okuno, Takeo; Igisu, Hideki

    2004-01-01

    When NIH3T3 cells were exposed to CdCl 2 , the three major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, were phosphorylated in a time (1-9 h)- and dose (1-20 μM)-dependent manner. Treatment with a macrocyclic nonaketide compound, LL-Z1640-2 (10-100 ng/ml), suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs without affecting the total protein level in cells exposed to 10 μM CdCl 2 for 6 h. CdCl 2 -induced phosphorylation of c-Jun on Ser63 and that on Ser73, and resultant accumulation of total c-Jun protein were also suppressed by LL-Z1640-2 treatment. The in vitro kinase assays also showed significant inhibitory effects of LL-Z1640-2 (at 10 or 25 ng/ml) on JNK and p38 but less markedly. In contrast to JNK and p38, ERK activity was inhibited moderately only at 50 or 100 ng/ml LL-Z1640-2. On the other hand, other JNK inhibitors, SP600125 and L-JNKI1, failed to suppress CdCl 2 -induced activation of the JNK pathway. Among the mouse stress response genes upregulated in response to CdCl 2 exposure, the expressions of hsp68 (encoding for heat shock 70 kDa protein 1; Hsp70-1) and grp78 (encoding for 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein; Grp78) genes were suppressed by treatment with 25 ng/ml LL-Z1640-2. Thus, LL-Z1640-2 could suppress CdCl 2 -induced activation of JNK/p38 pathways and expression of HSP70 family genes in NIH3T3 cells. LL-Z1640-2 seems to be useful to analyze functions of toxic metal-induced JNK/p38 activation

  6. HAT-P-38h

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sato, Bun'ei; Hartman, Joel D.; Bakos, Gaspar Á.

    2012-01-01

    We report on the discovery of HAT-P-38b, a Saturn-mass exoplanet, transiting the V = 12.56 dwarf star GSC 2314-00559 on a P = 4.6404 d circular orbit. The host star is a 0.89 M-circle dot late G dwarf, with solar metallicity and a radius of 0.92 R-circle dot. The planetary companion has a mass of...

  7. Chk1 inhibition activates p53 through p38 MAPK in tetraploid cancer cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vitale, Ilio; Senovilla, Laura; Galluzzi, Lorenzo; Criollo, Alfredo; Vivet, Sonia; Castedo, Maria; Kroemer, Guido

    2008-07-01

    We have previously shown that tetraploid cancer cells succumb through a p53-dependent apoptotic pathway when checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) is depleted by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or inhibited with 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01). Here, we demonstrate that Chk1 inhibition results in the activating phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). Depletion of p38 MAPK by transfection with a siRNA targeting the alpha isoform of p38 MAPK (p38alpha MAPK) abolishes the phosphorylation of p53 on serines 15 and 46 that is induced by Chk1 knockdown. The siRNA-mediated downregulation and pharmacological inhibition of p38alpha MAPK (with SB 203580) also reduces cell death induced by Chk1 knockdown or UCN-01. These results underscore the role of p38 MAPK as a pro-apoptotic kinase in the p53-dependant pathway for the therapeutic elimination of polyploidy cells.

  8. A short-breath-hold technique for lung pO2 mapping with 3He MRI.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Miller, G Wilson; Mugler, John P; Altes, Talissa A; Cai, Jing; Mata, Jaime F; de Lange, Eduard E; Tobias, William A; Cates, Gordon D; Brookeman, James R

    2010-01-01

    A pulse-sequence strategy was developed for generating regional maps of alveolar oxygen partial pressure (pO2) in a single 6-sec breath hold, for use in human subjects with impaired lung function. Like previously described methods, pO2 values are obtained by measuring the oxygen-induced T1 relaxation of inhaled hyperpolarized 3He. Unlike other methods, only two 3He images are acquired: one with reverse-centric and the other with centric phase-encoding order. This phase-encoding arrangement minimizes the effects of regional flip-angle variations, so that an accurate map of instantaneous pO2 can be calculated from two images acquired a few seconds apart. By combining this phase-encoding strategy with variable flip angles, the vast majority of the hyperpolarized magnetization goes directly into the T1 measurement, minimizing noise in the resulting pO2 map. The short-breath-hold pulse sequence was tested in phantoms containing known O2 concentrations. The mean difference between measured and prepared pO2 values was 1 mm Hg. The method was also tested in four healthy volunteers and three lung-transplant patients. Maps of healthy subjects were largely uniform, whereas focal regions of abnormal pO2 were observed in diseased subjects. Mean pO2 values varied with inhaled O2 concentration. Mean pO2 was consistent with normal steady-state values in subjects who inhaled 3He diluted only with room air. Copyright (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  9. Electrical transport through Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 p-n and p-p heterostructures modulated by bound charges at a ferroelectric surface: Ferroelectric p-n diode

    Science.gov (United States)

    Watanabe, Yukio

    1999-05-01

    Current through (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 ferroelectrics on perovskite semiconductors is found to exhibit diode characteristics of which polarity is universally determined by the carrier conduction-type semiconductors. A persisting highly reproducible resistance modulation by a dc voltage, which has a short retention, is observed and is ascribed to a band bending of the ferroelectric by the formation of charged traps. This interpretation is consistent with a large relaxation current observed at a low voltage. On the other hand, a reproducible resistance modulation by a pulse voltage, which has a long retention, is observed in metal/(Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3/SrTiO3:Nb but not in metal/(Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3/(La,Sr)2CuO4 and is attributed to a possible band bending due to the spontaneous polarization (P) switching. The observed current voltage (IV) characteristics, the polarity dependence, the relaxation, and the modulation are explicable, if we assume a p-n or a p-p junction at the ferroelectric semiconductor interface (p: hole conduction type, n: electron conduction type). The analysis suggests that an intrinsically inhomogeneous P (∇P) near the ferroelectric/metal interface is likely very weak or existing in a very thin layer, when a reaction of the metal with the ferroelectric is eliminated. Additionally, the various aspects of transport through ferroelectrics are explained as a transport in the carrier depleted region.

  10. Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-Ga2O3 diode with high breakdown voltage

    Science.gov (United States)

    Watahiki, Tatsuro; Yuda, Yohei; Furukawa, Akihiko; Yamamuka, Mikio; Takiguchi, Yuki; Miyajima, Shinsuke

    2017-11-01

    Heterojunction p-Cu2O/n-β-Ga2O3 diodes were fabricated on an epitaxially grown β-Ga2O3(001) layer. The reverse breakdown voltage of these p-n diodes reached 1.49 kV with a specific on-resistance of 8.2 mΩ cm2. The leakage current of the p-n diodes was lower than that of the Schottky barrier diode due to the higher barrier height against the electron. The ideality factor of the p-n diode was 1.31. It indicated that some portion of the recombination current at the interface contributed to the forward current, but the diffusion current was the dominant. The forward current more than 100 A/cm2 indicated the lower conduction band offset at the hetero-interface between Cu2O and Ga2O3 layers than that predicted from the bulk properties, resulting in such a high forward current without limitation. These results open the possibility of advanced device structures for wide bandgap Ga2O3 to achieve higher breakdown voltage and lower on-resistance.

  11. CXCR3 chemokine receptor-induced chemotaxis in human airway epithelial cells: role of p38 MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shahabuddin, Syed; Ji, Rong; Wang, Ping; Brailoiu, Eugene; Dun, Na; Yang, Yi; Aksoy, Mark O; Kelsen, Steven G

    2006-07-01

    Human airway epithelial cells (HAEC) constitutively express the CXC chemokine receptor CXCR3, which regulates epithelial cell movement. In diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, characterized by denudation of the epithelial lining, epithelial cell migration may contribute to airway repair and reconstitution. This study compared the potency and efficacy of three CXCR3 ligands, I-TAC/CXCL11, IP-10/CXCL10, and Mig/CXCL9, as inducers of chemotaxis in HAEC and examined the underlying signaling pathways involved. Studies were performed in cultured HAEC from normal subjects and the 16-HBE cell line. In normal HAEC, the efficacy of I-TAC-induced chemotaxis was 349 +/- 88% (mean +/- SE) of the medium control and approximately one-half the response to epidermal growth factor, a highly potent chemoattractant. In normal HAEC, Mig, IP-10, and I-TAC induced chemotaxis with similar potency and a rank order of efficacy of I-TAC = IP-10 > Mig. Preincubation with pertussis toxin completely blocked CXCR3-induced migration. Of interest, intracellular [Ca(2+)] did not rise in response to I-TAC, IP-10, or Mig. I-TAC induced a rapid phosphorylation (5-10 min) of two of the three MAPKs, i.e., p38 and ERK1/2. Pretreatment of HAEC with the p38 inhibitor SB 20358 or the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin dose-dependently inhibited the chemotactic response to I-TAC. In contrast, the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 had no effect on chemotaxis. These data indicate that in HAEC, CXCR3-mediated chemotaxis involves a G protein, which activates both the p38 MAPK and PI3K pathways in a calcium-independent fashion.

  12. Administração Pública e Agenda Ambiental – A3P - Considerações sobre a implementação nos órgãos públicos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Lailze Simões Albuquerque Cavalcante

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available O ambiente sustentável e a política socioambiental merecem destaque na sociedade hodierna. Busca-se colocar em prática ações ambientais nas empresas politicamente atualizadas sob o ponto de vista ambiental. A legislação que acolhe é vasta e expressiva. O Ministério do Meio Ambiente, em parceria com o Ibama, instituiu a denominada A3P- Agenda Ambiental na Administração Pública, pautada em ação a caminho da construção de uma nova cultura institucional nos órgãos e entidades públicos. Além de estimular os gestores públicos a incorporar princípios e critérios de gestão socioambiental em suas atividades rotineiras, ressalta a relevância da economia de recursos naturais e à redução de gastos institucionais por meio do uso racional dos bens públicos, da gestão adequada dos resíduos, da licitação sustentável e da promoção da sensibilização, capacitação e qualidade de vida no ambiente de trabalho. Além disso, a A3P busca também despertar o comprometimento do servidor/colaborador na redução de despesas da própria instituição, com exemplo educativo para as presentes e futuras gerações.

  13. Study of phase equilibria and glass formation in the CaO-WO3-P2O5 system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bielis, I.Ya.

    1980-01-01

    The method of quenching has been used to investigate the liquidus surface of a portion of the CaO-WO 3 -P 2 O 5 system limited by the Ca(PO 3 ) 2 -W 2 O 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and CaWO 4 -Ca 2 P 2 O 7 cross-sections. The primary crystallization fields on the compounds: WO 3 , W 2 O 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , CaWO 4 , Ca 2 P 7 O 7 , Ca(PO 3 ) 2 are separated. The liquidus surface isotherms at 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 deg C have been plotted on the concentration triangle plane. It has been found that the cross-sections of W 2 O 3 (PO 4 ) 2 -Ca(PO 3 ) 2 , WO 3 -Ca(PO 3 ) 2 , WO 3 -Ca 2 P 2 O 7 and CaWO 4 -Ca 2 P 2 O 7 are eutectic-type quasi-binary systems. The position of the glass transition region in the CaO-WO 3 -P 2 O 5 system has been determined for the treatment temperatures of 1100, 1200 and 1300 deg C and a correlation between the configuration of the glass transition region and the phase diagram of the system has been demonstrated [ru

  14. The reaction O((3)P) + HOBr: Temperature dependence of the rate constant and importance of the reaction as an HOBr stratospheric loss process

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nesbitt, F. L.; Monks, P. S.; Payne, W. A.; Stief, L. J.; Toumi, R.

    1995-01-01

    The absolute rate constant for the reaction O((3)P) + HOBr has been measured between T = 233K and 423K using the discharge-flow kinetic technique coupled to mass spectrometric detection. The value of the rate coefficient at room temperature is (2.5 +/- 0.6) x 10(exp -11)cu cm/molecule/s and the derived Arrhenius expression is (1.4 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp -10) exp((-430 +/- 260)/T)cu cm/molecule/s. From these rate data the atmospheric lifetime of HOBr with respect to reaction with O((3)P) is about 0.6h at z = 25 km which is comparable to the photolysis lifetime based on recent measurements of the UV cross section for HOBr. Implications for HOBr loss in the stratosphere have been tested using a 1D photochemical box model. With the inclusion of the rate parameters and products for the O + HOBr reaction, calculated concentration profiles of BrO increase by up to 33% around z = 35 km. This result indicates that the inclusion of the O + HOBr reaction in global atmospheric chemistry models may have an impact on bromine partitioning in the middle atmosphere.

  15. [Boxing: traumatology and prevention].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cabanis, Emmanuel-Alain; Iba-Zizen, Marie-Thérèse; Perez, Georges; Senegas, Xavier; Furgoni, Julien; Pineau, Jean-Claude; Louquet, Jean-Louis; Henrion, Roger

    2010-10-01

    In 1986, a surgeon who, as an amateur boxer himself was concerned with boxers' health, approached a pioneering Parisian neuroimaging unit. Thus began a study in close cooperation with the French Boxing Federation, spanning 25 years. In a first series of 52 volunteer boxers (13 amateurs and 39 professionals), during which MRI gradually replaced computed tomography, ten risk factors were identified, which notably included boxing style: only one of 40 "stylists" with a good boxing technique had cortical atrophy (4.5 %), compared to 15 % of "sloggers". Changes to the French Boxing Federation rules placed the accent on medical prevention. The second series, of 247 boxers (81 amateurs and 266 professionals), showed a clear improvement, as lesions were suspected in 14 individuals, of which only 4 (1.35 %) were probably due to boxing. The third and fourth series were part of a protocol called "Brain-Boxing-Ageing", which included 76 boxers (11 having suffered KOs) and 120 MRI scans, with reproducible CT and MRI acquisitions (9 sequences with 1.5 T then 3 T, and CT). MRI anomalies secondary to boxing were found in 11 % of amateurs and 38 % of professionals (atrophy, high vascular T2 signal areas, 2 cases of post-KO subdural bleeding). CT revealed sinus damage in 13 % of the amateurs and 19 % of the professionals. The risk of acute and chronic facial and brain damage was underline, along with detailed precautionary measures (organization of bouts, role of the referee and ringside doctor, and application of French Boxing Federation rules).

  16. The Fractal Characteristics of the Landslides by Box-Counting and P-A Model

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Zhiwang; Zhou, Fangfang; Cao, Hao

    2018-01-01

    The landslide is a kind of complicated phenomenon with nonlinear inter-reaction. The traditional theories and methods are difficult to study the uncertainty characteristics of dynamic evolution of the landslides. This paper applies box-counting and P-A model to study the fractal characteristics of geometric shape and spatial distribution of the landslide hazards in the study area from Badong county to Zigui county in TGP reservoir region. The data obtained from the study area shows power-law distributions of geometric shape and spatial distribution of the landslides, and thus reveals some fractal or self-similarity properties. The fractral dimensions DAP of the spatial distribution of landslides by P-A model shows that DAP of the western landslides in the study area are smaller than those of the east, which shows that the geometry of the eastern landslide is more irregular and complicated than the western ones. The results show box-counting model and P-A model can be used to characterize the fractal characteristics of geometric shape and spatial distribution of the landslides.

  17. Expressão de p53, p16 E COX-2 em carcinoma escamoso de esôfago e associação histopatológica p53, p16 E COX-2 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and histopathological association

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Izabella Paz Danezi Felin

    2008-12-01

    Full Text Available RACIONAL: O câncer de esôfago representa cerca de 2% dos tumores malignos e a terceira causa mais comum de câncer do trato gastrointestinal. A associação do prognóstico do câncer de esôfago com alguns marcadores imunoistoquímicos, como as proteínas p53, p16 e a ciclooxigenase 2 (COX-2 tem sido relatada. A detecção de marcadores moleculares através de imunoistoquímica pode ser utilizada para avaliação prognóstica. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a associação entre a expressão das proteínas p53, p16 e a COX-2 com o estádio do carcinoma escamoso de esôfago. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas 31 amostras de ressecção cirúrgica por esofagectomia diagnosticadas como carcinoma de células escamosas de esôfago e 31 amostras não-tumorais referentes a cada caso. Realizou-se a revisão histopatológica e o estádio pTNM. Amostras tumorais e não-tumorais adjacentes foram submetidas a análise imunoistoquímica para avaliar o conteúdo das proteínas p53, p16 e COX-2. Foi considerada positiva a expressão nuclear para p53 em quantidade igual ou superior a 10,00% das células e presença da expressão citoplasmática de acordo com três escores (1, 2, 3 de intensidade (leve, moderada, acentuada de imunocoloração para COX-2. RESULTADOS: Em área tumoral, as análises revelaram 48,38% de positividade para p53, 16,12% de positividade para p16, e 100,00% de positividade escores 1+, 2+ ou 3+ para COX-2. No entanto, quando se avaliou possível relação da expressão destes marcadores com o estádio, apenas a COX-2, escore 3+ intensidade acentuada mostraram associação significativa. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou que existe relação positiva entre a expressão de COX-2, escore 3+ e estádio mais avançado no carcinoma de esôfago.BACKGROUND: The esophageal carcinoma represents about 2% of malignant tumors and is the third most common cause of gastrointestinal cancer. The correlation between immunohistochemistry markers, such as p53, p16

  18. [Ag67(SPhMe2)32(PPh3)8]3+: Synthesis, Total Structure, and Optical Properties of a Large Box-Shaped Silver Nanocluster

    KAUST Repository

    Alhilaly, Mohammad J.; Bootharaju, Megalamane Siddaramappa; Joshi, Chakra Prasad; Besong, Tabot M.D.; Emwas, Abdul-Hamid M.; Juarez-Mosqueda, Rosalba; Kaappa, Sami; Malola, Sami; Adil, Karim; Shkurenko, Aleksander; Hakkinen, Hannu; Eddaoudi, Mohamed; Bakr, Osman

    2016-01-01

    Engineering the surface ligands of metal nanoparticles is critical in designing unique arrangements of metal atoms. Here, we report the synthesis and total structure determination of a large box-shaped Ag-67 nanocluster (NC) protected by a mixed shell of thiolate (2,4-dimethylbenzenethiolate, SPhMe2) and phosphine (triphenylphosphine, PPh3) ligands. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) revealed the cluster formula to be [Ag-67(SPhMe2)(32)(PPh3)(8)](3+). The crystal structure shows an Ag-23 metal core covered by a layer of Ag44S32P8 arranged in the shape of a box. The Ag-13, core was formed through an unprecedented centered cuboctahedron, i.e., Ag-13, unlike the common centered Ag-13 icosahedron geometry. Two types of ligand motifs, eight AgS3P and eight bridging thiols, were found to stabilize the whole cluster. The optical spectrum of this NC displayed highly structured multiple absorption peaks. The electronic structure and optical spectrum of Ag-67 were computed using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) for both the full cluster [Ag-67(SPhMe2)(32)(PPh3)(8)](3+) and a reduced model [Ag-67(SH)(32)(PH3)(8)](3+). The lowest metal-to-metal transitions in the range 500-800 nm could be explained by considering the reduced model that shows almost identical electronic states to 32 free electrons in a jellium box. The successful synthesis of the large box-shaped Ag-67 NC facilitated by the combined use of phosphine and thiol paves the way for synthesizing other metal clusters with unprecedented shapes by judicious choice of thiols and phosphines.

  19. [Ag67(SPhMe2)32(PPh3)8]3+: Synthesis, Total Structure, and Optical Properties of a Large Box-Shaped Silver Nanocluster

    KAUST Repository

    Alhilaly, Mohammad J.

    2016-10-13

    Engineering the surface ligands of metal nanoparticles is critical in designing unique arrangements of metal atoms. Here, we report the synthesis and total structure determination of a large box-shaped Ag-67 nanocluster (NC) protected by a mixed shell of thiolate (2,4-dimethylbenzenethiolate, SPhMe2) and phosphine (triphenylphosphine, PPh3) ligands. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) revealed the cluster formula to be [Ag-67(SPhMe2)(32)(PPh3)(8)](3+). The crystal structure shows an Ag-23 metal core covered by a layer of Ag44S32P8 arranged in the shape of a box. The Ag-13, core was formed through an unprecedented centered cuboctahedron, i.e., Ag-13, unlike the common centered Ag-13 icosahedron geometry. Two types of ligand motifs, eight AgS3P and eight bridging thiols, were found to stabilize the whole cluster. The optical spectrum of this NC displayed highly structured multiple absorption peaks. The electronic structure and optical spectrum of Ag-67 were computed using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) for both the full cluster [Ag-67(SPhMe2)(32)(PPh3)(8)](3+) and a reduced model [Ag-67(SH)(32)(PH3)(8)](3+). The lowest metal-to-metal transitions in the range 500-800 nm could be explained by considering the reduced model that shows almost identical electronic states to 32 free electrons in a jellium box. The successful synthesis of the large box-shaped Ag-67 NC facilitated by the combined use of phosphine and thiol paves the way for synthesizing other metal clusters with unprecedented shapes by judicious choice of thiols and phosphines.

  20. The Effect of Bee Venom on COX-2, P38, ERK and JNK in RAW 264.7 Cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jae-Young Sim

    2003-06-01

    Full Text Available Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Bee Venom on the lipopolysaccharide(LPS, sodium nitroprusside(SNP, hydrogen peroxide(H2O2-induced expressions of cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2, p38, jun N-terminal Kinase(JNK and extra-signal response kinase(ERK in RAW 264.7 cells, a murine macrophage cell line. Methods : The expressions of COX-2, p38, JNK and ERK were determined by western blotting with corresponding antibodies.\\ Results : 1. The 0.5, 1 and 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited significantly LPS and SNP-induced expression of COX-2 compared with control, respectively. The 0.5, 1 and 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited insignificantly H2O2-induced expression of COX-2 compared with control, respectively. 2. The 0.5, 1 and 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited significantly LPS, SNP and H2O2-induced expression of p38 compared with control, respectively. 3. The 1 and 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited significantly SNP-induced expression of JNK compared with control, respectively. All of bee venom inhibited insignificantly LPS and H2O2-induced expression of JNK compared with control, respectively. 4. The 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited significantly SNP-induced expression of ERK, the 0.5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom increased significantly H2O2-induced expression of ERK compared with control. The 0.5, 1 and 5 ㎍/㎖ of bee venom inhibited insignificantly LPS-induced expression of ERK compared with control, respectively.

  1. Ghrelin protects against depleted uranium-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells through oxidative stress-mediated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hao, Yuhui; Liu, Cong; Huang, Jiawei; Gu, Ying; Li, Hong; Yang, Zhangyou; Liu, Jing [State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038 (China); Wang, Weidong, E-mail: wwdwyl@sina.com [Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People Hospital, Shanghai 200233 (China); Li, Rong, E-mail: yuhui_hao@126.com [State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing 400038 (China)

    2016-01-01

    Depleted uranium (DU) mainly accumulates in the bone over the long term. Osteoblast cells are responsible for the formation of bone, and they are sensitive to DU damage. However, studies investigating methods of reducing DU damage in osteoblasts are rarely reported. Ghrelin is a stomach hormone that stimulates growth hormones released from the hypothalamic–pituitary axis, and it is believed to play an important physiological role in bone metabolism. This study evaluates the impact of ghrelin on DU-induced apoptosis of the osteoblast MC3T3-E1 and investigates its underlying mechanisms. The results show that ghrelin relieved the intracellular oxidative stress induced by DU, eliminated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced lipid peroxidation by increasing intracellular GSH levels; in addition, ghrelin effectively suppressed apoptosis, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited cytochrome c release and caspase-3 activation after DU exposure. Moreover, ghrelin significantly reduced the expression of DU-induced phosphorylated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). A specific inhibitor (SB203580) or specific siRNA of p38-MAPK could significantly suppress DU-induced apoptosis and related signals, whereas ROS production was not affected. In addition, ghrelin receptor inhibition could reduce the anti-apoptosis effect of ghrelin on DU and reverse the effect of ghrelin on intracellular ROS and p38-MAPK after DU exposure. These results suggest that ghrelin can suppress DU-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells, reduce DU-induced oxidative stress by interacting with its receptor, and inhibit downstream p38-MAPK activation, thereby suppressing the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. - Highlights: • Ghrelin suppressed DU-induced apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells. • Ghrelin inhibited DU-induced oxidative stress and further p38-MAPK activation. • Ghrelin further suppressed mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway. • The anti-oxidation effect of

  2. An accidental statistician the life and memories of George E. P. Box

    CERN Document Server

    Box, George E P

    2013-01-01

    Celebrating the life of an admired pioneer in statisticsIn this captivating and inspiring memoir, world-renowned statistician George E. P. Box offers a firsthand account of his life and statistical work. Writing in an engaging, charming style, Dr. Box reveals the unlikely events that led him to a career in statistics, beginning with his job as a chemist conducting experiments for the British army during World War II. At this turning point in his life and career, Dr. Box taught himself the statistical methods necessary to analyze his own findings when there were no statist

  3. A Comparison of Energy Expenditure During "Wii Boxing" Versus Heavy Bag Boxing in Young Adults.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Perusek, Kristen; Sparks, Kenneth; Little, Kathleen; Motley, Mary; Patterson, Sheila; Wieand, Jennifer

    2014-02-01

    Traditional computer videogames are sedentary, whereas new computer videogames, such as the Nintendo(®) (Redmond, WA) "Wii™ Sports" games, allow users to physically interact while playing the sport. Energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during heavy bag boxing versus the Nintendo "Wii Boxing" game were compared. Fifteen males and 14 females (mean age, 25.6 years; height, 171.3 cm; weight, 71.8 kg) randomly selected (by a coin toss) heavy bag boxing or "Wii Boxing" for their first test session and completed the other protocol at their second session at least 2 days later. Each session lasted for a total duration of 30 minutes and consisted of 10 3-minute exercise bouts with measurements of HR, RPE, and EE obtained from indirect calorimetry. A paired-samples t test was used to analyze the results. Significant differences were found for HR (bag, 156 beats per minute; Wii, 138 beats per minute; P=0.001) and RPE (bag, 13.8; Wii, 11.4; P=0.0001) but not for EE (bag, 8.0 kcal/minute; Wii, 7.1 kcal/minute; bag, 241 total kcal; Wii, 213 total kcal; P=0.078). The results suggest that computer active videogames, such as the Nintendo Wii, have the potential to provide similar EE as their traditional forms of exercise and may be a sufficient replacement for traditional target HR zone activities, especially in less fit individuals. Further research is needed to compare EE for different "Wii Sports" games with those for their traditional forms of exercise.

  4. Carprofen Induction of p75NTR Dependent Apoptosis via the p38 MAPK Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khwaja, Fatima S.; Quann, Emily J.; Pattabiraman, Nagarajan; Wynne, Shehla; Djakiew, Daniel

    2008-01-01

    The p75NTR functions as a tumor suppressor in prostate epithelial cells, where its expression declines with progression to malignant cancer. Previously, we demonstrated that treatment with R-flurbiprofen or ibuprofen induced p75NTR expression in several prostate cancer cell lines leading to p75NTR mediated decreased survival. Utilizing the 2-phenyl propionic acid moiety of these profens as a pharmacophore, we screened an in silico data base of 30 million compounds and identified carprofen as having an order of magnitude greater activity for induction of p75NTR levels and inhibition of cell survival. Prostate (PC-3, DU-145) and bladder (T24) cancer cells were more sensitive to carprofen induction of p75NTR associated loss of survival than breast (MCF7) and fibroblast (3T3) cells. Transfection of prostate cell lines with a dominant negative form of p75NTR prior to carprofen treatment partially rescued cell survival demonstrating a cause and effect relationship between carprofen induction of p75NTR levels and inhibition of survival. Carprofen induced apoptotic nuclear fragmentation in prostate but not in MCF7 and 3T3 cells. Furthermore, siRNA knockdown of the p38 MAPK protein prevented induction of p75NTR by carprofen in both prostate cell lines. Carprofen treatment induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK as early as within 1 minute. Expression of a dominant negative form of MK2, the kinase downstream of p38 MAPK frequently associated with signaling cascades leading to apoptosis, prevented carprofen induction of the p75NTR protein. Collectively, we identify carprofen as a highly potent profen capable of inducing p75NTR dependent apoptosis via the p38 MAPK pathway in prostate cancer cells. PMID:18974393

  5. STAT1, STAT3 and p38MAPK are involved in the apoptotic effect induced by a chimeric cyclic interferon-{alpha}2b peptide

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Blank, Viviana C.; Pena, Clara [Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (UBA-CONICET), School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Junin 956-C1113AAD Buenos Aires (Argentina); Roguin, Leonor P., E-mail: rvroguin@qb.ffyb.uba.ar [Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (UBA-CONICET), School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Junin 956-C1113AAD Buenos Aires (Argentina)

    2010-02-15

    In the search of mimetic peptides of the interferon-{alpha}2b molecule (IFN-{alpha}2b), we have previously designed and synthesized a chimeric cyclic peptide of the IFN-{alpha}2b that inhibits WISH cell proliferation by inducing an apoptotic response. Here, we first studied the ability of this peptide to activate intracellular signaling pathways and then evaluated the participation of some signals in the induction of apoptosis. Stimulation of WISH cells with the cyclic peptide showed tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak1 and Tyk2 kinases, tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 transcription factors and activation of p38 MAPK pathway, although phosphorylation levels or kinetics were in some conditions different to those obtained under IFN-{alpha}2b stimulus. JNK and p44/42 pathways were not activated by the peptide in WISH cells. We also showed that STAT1 and STAT3 downregulation by RNA interference decreased the antiproliferative activity and the amount of apoptotic cells induced by the peptide. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK also reduced the peptide growth inhibitory activity and the apoptotic effect. Thus, we demonstrated that the cyclic peptide regulates WISH cell proliferation through the activation of Jak/STAT signaling pathway. In addition, our results indicate that p38 MAPK may also be involved in cell growth regulation. This study suggests that STAT1, STAT3 and p38 MAPK would be mediating the antitumor and apoptotic response triggered by the cyclic peptide in WISH cells.

  6. STAT1, STAT3 and p38MAPK are involved in the apoptotic effect induced by a chimeric cyclic interferon-α2b peptide

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Blank, Viviana C.; Pena, Clara; Roguin, Leonor P.

    2010-01-01

    In the search of mimetic peptides of the interferon-α2b molecule (IFN-α2b), we have previously designed and synthesized a chimeric cyclic peptide of the IFN-α2b that inhibits WISH cell proliferation by inducing an apoptotic response. Here, we first studied the ability of this peptide to activate intracellular signaling pathways and then evaluated the participation of some signals in the induction of apoptosis. Stimulation of WISH cells with the cyclic peptide showed tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak1 and Tyk2 kinases, tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3 transcription factors and activation of p38 MAPK pathway, although phosphorylation levels or kinetics were in some conditions different to those obtained under IFN-α2b stimulus. JNK and p44/42 pathways were not activated by the peptide in WISH cells. We also showed that STAT1 and STAT3 downregulation by RNA interference decreased the antiproliferative activity and the amount of apoptotic cells induced by the peptide. Pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK also reduced the peptide growth inhibitory activity and the apoptotic effect. Thus, we demonstrated that the cyclic peptide regulates WISH cell proliferation through the activation of Jak/STAT signaling pathway. In addition, our results indicate that p38 MAPK may also be involved in cell growth regulation. This study suggests that STAT1, STAT3 and p38 MAPK would be mediating the antitumor and apoptotic response triggered by the cyclic peptide in WISH cells.

  7. Immunoexpression of interleukin 17, transforming growth factor β1, and forkhead box P3 in periapical granulomas, radicular cysts, and residual radicular cysts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Andrade, Ana Luiza Dias Leite de; Nonaka, Cassiano Francisco Weege; Gordón-Núñez, Manuel Antonio; Freitas, Roseana de Almeida; Galvão, Hébel Cavalcanti

    2013-08-01

    Different cell types and cytokines have been identified as contributors to the formation of periapical lesions. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the immunoexpression of interleukin (IL)-17, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and the forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) in periapical lesions, correlating them with the type of lesion, the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and the thickness of the cystic epithelial lining. Twenty periapical granulomas (PGs), 20 radicular cysts (RCs), and 20 residual radicular cysts (RRCs) were submitted to immunohistochemical analysis using anti-IL-17, anti-TGF-β1, and anti-FoxP3 antibodies. In comparison with PGs and RCs, RRCs exhibited a lower immunoexpression of IL-17 and TGF-β1 (P = .021 and P periapical lesions. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. On the feasibility of p-type Ga2O3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kyrtsos, Alexandros; Matsubara, Masahiko; Bellotti, Enrico

    2018-01-01

    We investigate the various cation substitutional dopants in Ga2O3 for the possibility of p-type conductivity using density functional theory. Our calculations include both standard density functional theory and hybrid functional calculations. We demonstrate that all the investigated dopants result in deep acceptor levels, not able to contribute to the p-type conductivity of Ga2O3. In light of these results, we compare our findings with other wide bandgap oxides and reexamine previous experiments on zinc doping in Ga2O3.

  9. A Mixed-Valent Molybdenum Monophosphate with a Layer Structure: KMo 3P 2O 14

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guesdon, A.; Borel, M. M.; Leclaire, A.; Grandin, A.; Raveau, B.

    1994-03-01

    A new mixed-valent molybdenum monophosphate with a layer structure KMo 3P 2O 14 has been isolated. It crystallizes in the space group P2 1/ m with a = 8.599(2) Å, b = 6.392(2) Å, c = 10.602(1) Å, and β = 111.65(2)°. The layers [Mo 3P 2O 14] ∞ are parallel to (100) and consist of [MoPO 8] ∞ chains running along limitb→ , in which one MoO 6 octahedron alternates with one PO 4 tetrahedron. In fact, four [MoPO 8] ∞ chains share the corners of their polyhedra and the edges of their octahedra, forming [Mo 4P 4O 24] ∞ columns which are linked through MoO 5 bipyramids along limitc→. The K + ions interleaved between these layers are surrounded by eight oxygens, forming bicapped trigonal prisms KO 8. Besides the unusual trigonal bipyramids MoO 5, this structure is also characterized by a tendency to the localization of the electrons, since one octahedral site is occupied by Mo(V), whereas the other octahedral site and the trigonal bipyramid are occupied by Mo(VI). The similarity of this structure with pure octahedral layer structures suggests the possibility of generating various derivatives, and of ion exchange properties.

  10. Effects of oral Lactobacillus administration on antioxidant activities and CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells in NZB/W F1 mice.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tzang, Bor-Show; Liu, Chung-Hsien; Hsu, Kuo-Ching; Chen, Yi-Hsing; Huang, Chih-Yang; Hsu, Tsai-Ching

    2017-09-01

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that is characterised by a dysregulation of the immune system, which causes inflammation responses, excessive oxidative stress and a reduction in the number of cluster of differentiation (CD)4+CD25+forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)+ T cells. Supplementation with certain Lactobacillus strains has been suggested to be beneficial in the comprehensive treatment of SLE. However, little is known about the effect and mechanism of certain Lactobacillus strains on SLE. To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus on SLE, NZB/W F1 mice were orally gavaged with Lactobacillus paracasei GMNL-32 (GMNL-32), Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-89 (GMNL-89) and L. reuteri GMNL-263 (GMNL-263). Supplementation with GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 significantly increased antioxidant activity, reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels and significantly decreased the toll-like receptors/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 signalling in NZB/W F1 mice. Notably, supplementation with GMNL-263, but not GMNL-32 and GMNL-89, in NZB/W F1 mice significantly increased the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells. These findings reveal beneficial effects of GMNL-32, GMNL-89 and GMNL-263 on NZB/W F1 mice and suggest that these specific Lactobacillus strains can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment of SLE patients.

  11. Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Mediates ICAM-1-Dependent Monocyte Adhesion through p38 MAPK and p42/p44 MAPK-Dependent Akt Activation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lin, Chih-Chung; Lee, I-Ta; Hsu, Chun-Hao; Hsu, Chih-Kai; Chi, Pei-Ling; Hsiao, Li-Der; Yang, Chuen-Mao

    2015-01-01

    Up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is frequently implicated in lung inflammation. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to play a key role in inflammation via adhesion molecules induction, and then causes lung injury. However, the mechanisms underlying S1P-induced ICAM-1 expression in human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs) remain unclear. The effect of S1P on ICAM-1 expression was determined by Western blot and real-time PCR. The involvement of signaling pathways in these responses was investigated by using the selective pharmacological inhibitors and transfection with siRNAs. S1P markedly induced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion which were attenuated by pretreatment with the inhibitor of S1PR1 (W123), S1PR3 (CAY10444), c-Src (PP1), EGFR (AG1478), PDGFR (AG1296), MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB202190), JNK1/2 (SP600125), PI3K (LY294002), or AP-1 (Tanshinone IIA) and transfection with siRNA of S1PR1, S1PR3, c-Src, EGFR, PDGFR, p38, p42, JNK1, c-Jun, or c-Fos. We observed that S1P-stimulated p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK activation was mediated via a c-Src/EGFR and PDGFR-dependent pathway. S1P caused the c-Src/EGFR/PDGFR complex formation. On the other hand, we demonstrated that S1P induced p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK-dependent Akt activation. In addition, S1P-stimulated JNK1/2 phosphorylation was attenuated by SP600125 or PP1. Finally, S1P enhanced c-Fos mRNA levels and c-Jun phosphorylation. S1P-induced c-Jun activation was reduced by PP1, AG1478, AG1296, U0126, SP600125, SB202190, or LY294002. These results demonstrated that S1P-induced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion were mediated through S1PR1/3/c-Src/EGFR, PDGFR/p38 MAPK, p42/p44 MAPK/Akt-dependent AP-1 activation. PMID:25734900

  12. p38 MAPK inhibitors: a patent review (2012 - 2013).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bühler, Stefanie; Laufer, Stefan A

    2014-05-01

    The p38 MAPK is a ubiquitous target in the research-based pharmaceutical industry. It plays a decisive role in the regulation of the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Since novel biological therapies have revolutionized the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, an intensive global search is underway for small molecules for the same application. Herein, the patents and the corresponding publications of international companies, which focus on the development and identification of a new generation of small-molecule p38 inhibitors, are summarized. The most promising approach is the development of linear binders, which induce a glycine flip at Gly110 of the kinase hinge region by a carbonyl oxygen atom of the respective ligand. The major focus of the patent works was the application of molecules in new indications. Previous applications were in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; currently, there are several new applications, including pulmonary diseases, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Targeting p38 upstream kinases and downstream effectors has also proved to be a very promising step in the development of more effective inhibitors. A further trend is drug combination, applied to a wide range of indications, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer.

  13. p38 MAPK activation and H3K4 trimethylation is decreased by lactate in vitro and high intensity resistance training in human skeletal muscle.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lena Willkomm

    Full Text Available Exercise induces adaptation of skeletal muscle by acutely modulating intracellular signaling, gene expression, protein turnover and myogenic activation of skeletal muscle stem cells (Satellite cells, SCs. Lactate (La-induced metabolic stimulation alone has been shown to modify SC proliferation and differentiation. Although the mechanistic basis remains elusive, it was demonstrated that La affects signaling via p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK which might contribute to trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3 known to regulate satellite cell proliferation and differentiation. We investigated the effects of La on p38 MAPK and H3K4me3 in a model of activated SCs. Differentiating C2C12 myoblasts were treated with La (20 mM and samples analysed using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. We determined a reduction of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, decreased H3K4me3 and reduced expression of Myf5, myogenin, and myosin heavy chain (MHC leading to decreased differentiation of La-treated C2C12 cells after 5 days of repeated La treatment. We further investigated whether this regulatory pathway would be affected in human skeletal muscle by the application of two different resistance exercise regimes (RE associated with distinct metabolic demands and blood La accumulation. Muscle biopsies were obtained 15, 30 min, 1, 4, and 24 h post exercise after moderate intensity RE (STD vs. high intensity RE (HIT. Consistent with in vitro results, reduced p38 phosphorylation and blunted H3K4me3 were also observed upon metabolically demanding HIT RE in human skeletal muscle. Our data provide evidence that La-accumulation acutely affects p38 MAPK signaling, gene expression and thereby cell differentiation and adaptation in vitro, and likely in vivo.

  14. p38 MAPK activation and H3K4 trimethylation is decreased by lactate in vitro and high intensity resistance training in human skeletal muscle.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Willkomm, Lena; Gehlert, Sebastian; Jacko, Daniel; Schiffer, Thorsten; Bloch, Wilhelm

    2017-01-01

    Exercise induces adaptation of skeletal muscle by acutely modulating intracellular signaling, gene expression, protein turnover and myogenic activation of skeletal muscle stem cells (Satellite cells, SCs). Lactate (La)-induced metabolic stimulation alone has been shown to modify SC proliferation and differentiation. Although the mechanistic basis remains elusive, it was demonstrated that La affects signaling via p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) which might contribute to trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) known to regulate satellite cell proliferation and differentiation. We investigated the effects of La on p38 MAPK and H3K4me3 in a model of activated SCs. Differentiating C2C12 myoblasts were treated with La (20 mM) and samples analysed using qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. We determined a reduction of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, decreased H3K4me3 and reduced expression of Myf5, myogenin, and myosin heavy chain (MHC) leading to decreased differentiation of La-treated C2C12 cells after 5 days of repeated La treatment. We further investigated whether this regulatory pathway would be affected in human skeletal muscle by the application of two different resistance exercise regimes (RE) associated with distinct metabolic demands and blood La accumulation. Muscle biopsies were obtained 15, 30 min, 1, 4, and 24 h post exercise after moderate intensity RE (STD) vs. high intensity RE (HIT). Consistent with in vitro results, reduced p38 phosphorylation and blunted H3K4me3 were also observed upon metabolically demanding HIT RE in human skeletal muscle. Our data provide evidence that La-accumulation acutely affects p38 MAPK signaling, gene expression and thereby cell differentiation and adaptation in vitro, and likely in vivo.

  15. Phosphorylation of the Grb2- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85-binding p36/38 by Syk in Lck-negative T cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    von Willebrand, M; Williams, S; Tailor, P; Mustelin, T

    1998-06-01

    Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway by the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) in T cells involves a positive role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) activity. We recently reported that over-expression of the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in the Lck-negative JCaM1 cells enabled the TCR to induce a normal activation of the Erk2 MAPK and enhanced transcription of a reporter gene driven by the nuclear factor of activated T cells and AP-1. Because this system allows us to analyse the targets for Syk in receptor-mediated signalling, we examined the role of PI3K in signalling events between the TCR-regulated Syk and the downstream activation of Erk2. We report that inhibition of PI3K by wortmannin or an inhibitory p85 construct, p85deltaiSH2, reduced the TCR-induced Syk-dependent activation of Erk2, as well as the appearance of phospho-Erk and phospho-Mek. At the same time, expression of Syk resulted in the activation-dependent phosphorylation of three proteins that bound to the src homology 2 (SH2) domains of PI3K p85. The strongest of these bands had an apparent molecular mass of 36-38 kDa on SDS gels, and it was quantitatively removed from the lysates by adsorption to a fusion protein containing the SH2 domain of Grb2. The appearance of this band was Syk dependent, and it was seen only upon triggering of the TCR complex. Thus, p36/38 was phosphorylated by Syk or a Syk-regulated kinase, and this protein may provide a link to the recruitment and activation of PI3K, as well as to the Ras-MAPK pathway, in TCR-triggered T cells.

  16. Chronic tooth pulp inflammation induces persistent expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) and phosphorylated p38 (pp38) in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Worsley, M.A.; Allen, C.E.; Billinton, A.; King, A.E.; Boissonade, F.M.

    2014-01-01

    Background Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase are transiently phosphorylated (activated) in the spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus by acute noxious stimuli. Acute stimulation of dental pulp induces short-lived ERK activation in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), and p38 inhibition attenuates short-term sensitization in Vc induced by acute pulpal stimulation. We have developed a model to study central changes following chronic inflammation of dental pulp that induces long-term sensitization. Here, we examine the effects of chronic inflammation and acute stimulation on the expression of phosphorylated ERK (pERK), phosphorylated p38 (pp38) and Fos in Vc. Results Chronic inflammation alone induced bilateral expression of pERK and pp38 in Vc, but did not induce Fos expression. Stimulation of both non-inflamed and inflamed pulps significantly increased pERK and pp38 bilaterally; expression was greatest in inflamed, stimulated animals, and was similar following 10-min and 60-min stimulation. Stimulation for 60 min, but not 10 min, induced Fos in ipsilateral Vc; Fos expression was significantly greater in inflamed, stimulated animals. pERK was present in both neurons and astrocytes; pp38 was present in neurons and other non-neuronal, non-astrocytic cell types. Conclusions This study provides the first demonstration that chronic inflammation of tooth pulp induces persistent bilateral activation of ERK and p38 within Vc, and that this activation is further increased by acute stimulation. This altered activity in intracellular signaling is likely to be linked to the sensitization that is seen in our animal model and in patients with pulpitis. Our data indicate that pERK and pp38 are more accurate markers of central change than Fos expression. In our model, localization of pERK and pp38 within specific cell types differs from that seen following acute stimulation. This may indicate specific roles for different cell types in

  17. Phase equilibrium and crystallization of glasses in Na2O-La2O3-Y2O3-P2O5 system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fedorova, E.N.; Shmatok, L.K.; Kozhina, I.I.; Barabanova, T.P.

    1986-01-01

    Phase diagrams of La(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 and Y(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 sections in which binary metaphosphates NaLa(PO 3 ) 4 and NaY(PO 3 ) 4 are formed have been studied. For La(PO 3 ) 3 -Y(PO 3 ) 3 and LaP 5 O 14 -YP 5 O 14 sections liquidus curves are plotted. In the pentaphosphate system the existence of solid solutions has been found. In La(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 , Y(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 , La(PO 3 ) 3 -Y(PO 3 ) 3 and LaP 5 O 17 -YP 5 O 14 pseudobinary systems in the whole concentration range glasses are formed. Pentaphosphate glasses have the least tendency to crystallization. The glasses of La(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 , Y(PO 3 ) 3 -NaPO 3 , La(PO 3 ) 3 -Y(PO 3 ) 3 sections possess high crystallizability. Crystallooptical and roentgenometric characteristics of La(PO 3 ) 3 , Y(PO 3 ) 3 , NaPO 3 , NaLa(PO 3 ) 4 and NaY(PO 3 ) 4 compounds are determined

  18. Icaritin induces MC3T3-E1 subclone14 cell differentiation through estrogen receptor-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 signaling activation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wu, Zhidi; Ou, Ling; Wang, Chaopeng; Yang, Li; Wang, Panpan; Liu, Hengrui; Xiong, Yingquan; Sun, Kehuan; Zhang, Ronghua; Zhu, Xiaofeng

    2017-10-01

    Icaritin (ICT), a hydrolytic product of icariin from the genus Epimedium, has many indicated pharmacological and biological activities. Several studies have shown that ICT has potential osteoprotective effects, including stimulation of osteoblast differentiation and inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. However, the molecular mechanism for this anabolic action of ICT remains largely unknown. Here, we found that ICT could enhance MC3T3-E1 subclone 14 preosteoblastic cell differentiation associated with increased mRNA levels and protein expression of the differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), type 1 collagen (COL1), osteocalcin (OC), osteoponin (OPN) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and improved mineralization, confirmed by bone nodule formation and collagen synthesis. To characterize the underlying mechanisms, we examined the effect of ICT on estrogen receptor (ER) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. ICT treatment induced p38 kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation, but it demonstrated at the same time point no effect on activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ER antagonist ICI182780, p38 antagonist SB203580 and ERK1/2 antagonist PD98059 markedly inhibited the ICT-induced the mRNA expression of ALP, COL1, OC and OPN. ICI182780 attenuated the ICT-induced phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. These observations indicate a potential mechanism of osteogenic effects of ICT involving the ERK1/2 and p38 pathway activation through the ER. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  19. Theory of the 4d → 2p X-ray emission spectroscopy in Ce2O3, Pr2O3 and Dy2O3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tanaka, Satoshi; Ogasawara, Haruhiko; Okada, Kozo; Kotani, Akio.

    1995-01-01

    The 4d → 2p X-ray emission spectra (XES) of Ce 2 O 3 , Pr 2 O 3 and Dy 2 O 3 have been calculated with an impurity Anderson model with the full multiplet couplings, following the Kramers-Heisenberg formula in the second order optical process. Experimental results have been well reproduced with this model by using a constant value for the 4d core hole lifetime damping Γ(4d) in the case of Ce 2 O 3 and Pr 2 O 3 , while in the case of Dy 2 O 3 it is necessary to take into account the term dependence of Γ(4d), which is consistent with the previous theoretical analyses of 4d X-ray photoemission spectra. It was also shown that both the spin-orbit couplings of the 4d core level in the final state and the 4f level in the initial state are key factors to cause the branching ratio in the L γ line larger than that in the L β line. The phase matching of the wave functions between the intermediate and final states smears out the hybridization effect in the 4d → 2p XES in Ce 2 O 3 and Pr 2 O 3 . (author)

  20. PENGUJIAN AKTIVITAS KOMPOSIT Fe2O3-SiO2 SEBAGAI FOTOKATALIS PADA FOTODEGRADASI 4-KLOROFENOL (The Activity Test of Fe2O3-SiO2 Composite As Photocatalyst on 4-Chlorophenol Photodegradation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eko Sri Kunarti

    2009-03-01

    Full Text Available ABSTRAK  Pada penelitian ini telah dilakukan pengujian aktivitas komposit Fe2O3-SiO2 sebagai fotokatalis pada fotodegradasi 4-klorofenol. Penelitian diawali dengan preparasi dan karakterisasi fotokatalis Fe2O3-SiO2. Preparasi dilakukan dengan metode sol-gel pada temperatur kamar menggunakan tetraetil ortosilikat (TEOS dan besi (III nitrat sebagai prekursor diikuti dengan perlakuan termal pada temperature 500 oC. Karakterisasi dilakukan dengan metode spektrometri inframerah, difraksi sinar-X dan spektrometri fluoresensi sinar-X. Uji aktivitas komposit untuk fotodegradasi 4-klorofenol dilakukan dalam reaktor tertutup yang dilengkapi dengan lampu UV. Pada uji ini telah dipelajari pengaruh waktu penyinaran dan pH larutan terhadap efektivitas fotodegradasi 4-klorofenol. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komposit Fe2O3-SiO2 dapat dipreparasi dengan metode sol-gel pada temperatur kamar diikuti perlakuan termal. Komposit Fe2O3-SiO2 dapat meningkatkan efektivitas fotodegradasi 4-klorofenol dari 11,86 % menjadi 55,38 %. Efektivitas fotodegradasi 4- klorofenol dipengaruhi waktu penyinaran dan pH larutan yang semakin lama waktu penyinaran efektifitas fotodegradasi semakin tinggi, namun waktu penyinaran yang lebih lama dari 4 jam dapat menurunkan efektivitasnya. pH larutan memberikan pengaruh yang berbeda-beda pada efektivitas fotodegradasi 4-klorofenol.   ABSTRACT The activity test of Fe2O3-SiO2 composite as photocatalyst on 4-chlorophenol photodegradation has been studied. The research was initiated by preparation of Fe2O3-SiO2 photocatalyst and followed by characterization. The preparation was conducted by sol-gel method at room temperature using tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS and iron (III nitrate as precursors followed by thermal treatment at a temperature of 500oC. The characterizations were performed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD, Infrared and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrophotometry. The photocatalytic activity test of composites for 4 chlorophenol

  1. 3d-4p x-ray spectrum emitted by highly ionized uranium from a laser-produced plasma in the 3.8<λ<4.4-A wavelength range

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mandelbaum, P.; Seely, J.F.; Kania, D.R.; Kauffman, R.L.

    1992-01-01

    This work extends a previous analysis of the x-ray spectrum of a laser-produced uranium plasma [P. Mandelbaum et al., Phys. Rev. A 44, 5752 (1991)] to the longer-wavelength range (3.8 +65 ) through As-like (U +59 ) isoelectronic sequences are identified in the spectrum, in good agreement with the previous analysis of the spectrum emitted at shorter wavelengths

  2. Virulence factor NSs of rift valley fever virus recruits the F-box protein FBXO3 to degrade subunit p62 of general transcription factor TFIIH.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kainulainen, Markus; Habjan, Matthias; Hubel, Philipp; Busch, Laura; Lau, Simone; Colinge, Jacques; Superti-Furga, Giulio; Pichlmair, Andreas; Weber, Friedemann

    2014-03-01

    The nonstructural protein NSs is the main virulence factor of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV; family Bunyaviridae, genus Phlebovirus), a serious pathogen of livestock and humans in Africa. RVFV NSs blocks transcriptional upregulation of antiviral type I interferons (IFN) and destroys the general transcription factor TFIIH subunit p62 via the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Here, we identified a subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligases, F-box protein FBXO3, as a host cell interactor of NSs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of FBXO3 rescued p62 protein levels in RVFV-infected cells and elevated IFN transcription by 1 order of magnitude. NSs interacts with the full-length FBXO3 protein as well as with a truncated isoform that lacks the C-terminal acidic and poly(R)-rich domains. These isoforms are present in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. NSs exclusively removes the nuclear pool of full-length FBXO3, likely due to consumption during the degradation process. F-box proteins form the variable substrate recognition subunit of the so-called SCF ubiquitin ligases, which also contain the constant components Skp1, cullin 1 (or cullin 7), and Rbx1. siRNA knockdown of Skp1 also protected p62 from degradation, suggesting involvement in NSs action. However, knockdown of cullin 1, cullin 7, or Rbx1 could not rescue p62 degradation by NSs. Our data show that the enzymatic removal of p62 via the host cell factor FBXO3 is a major mechanism of IFN suppression by RVFV. Rift Valley fever virus is a serious emerging pathogen of animals and humans. Its main virulence factor, NSs, enables unhindered virus replication by suppressing the antiviral innate immune system. We identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXO3 as a novel host cell interactor of NSs. NSs recruits FBXO3 to destroy the general host cell transcription factor TFIIH-p62, resulting in suppression of the transcriptional upregulation of innate immunity.

  3. Preparation of Calcium Phosphate/pDNA Nanoparticles for Exogenous Gene Delivery by Co-Precipitation Method: Optimization of Formulation Variables Using Box-Behnken Design.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Wenpan; Zhang, Xirui; Jing, Shasha; Xin, Xiu; Chen, Kang; Chen, Dawei; Hu, Haiyang

    2017-08-01

    This research focused on optimizing the preparations of pDNA-loaded calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles by employing a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design. Results indicated that a Ca/P ratio of 189.56, pH of 7.82, and a stirring speed of 528.83 rpm were the optimum conditions for preparation of the nanoparticles. The size of the optimized CaP/pDNA nanoparticles was 61.3 ± 3.64 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.341 and an encapsulation efficiency of up to 92.11%. The optimized CaP/pDNA nanoparticles had high transfection efficiency and demonstrated good biocompatibility in vitro. Therefore, the Box-Behnken design method was successful in providing desirable CaP nanoparticle pDNA delivery systems by optimizing the experimental factors. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. p38- and MK2-dependent signalling promotes stress-induced centriolar satellite remodelling via 14-3-3-dependent sequestration of CEP131/AZI1

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tollenaere, Maxim A X; Villumsen, Bine H; Blasius, Melanie

    2015-01-01

    Centriolar satellites (CS) are small granular structures that cluster in the vicinity of centrosomes. CS are highly susceptible to stress stimuli, triggering abrupt displacement of key CS factors. Here we discover a linear p38-MK2-14-3-3 signalling pathway that specifically targets CEP131 to trig...

  5. Thermal stability of multilayered Pt-Al2O3 nanocoatings for high temperature CSP systems

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Nuru, ZY

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available B), 115-120 Thermal stability of multilayered Pt-Al2O3 nanocoatings for high temperature CSP systems Z.Y. Nuru a, b, *, L. Kotsedi a, b, C.J. Arendse c, D. Motaung d, B. Mwakikunga d, K. Roro d, e, M. Maaza a, b a UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair... Pretoria, South Africa e R&D Core-Energy, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, P O Box 395, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa Abstract This contribution reports on the effect of thermal annealing on sputtered Pt–Al(sub2)O(sub3) multilayered...

  6. Primary retention following nuclear recoil in β-decay: Proposed synthesis of a metastable rare gas oxide ((38)ArO4) from ((38)ClO4(-)) and the evolution of chemical bonding over the nuclear transmutation reaction path.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Timm, Matthew J; Matta, Chérif F

    2014-12-01

    Argon tetroxide (ArO4) is the last member of the N=50 e(-) isoelectronic and isosteric series of ions: SiO4(4-), PO4(3-), SO4(2-), and ClO4(-). A high level computational study demonstrated that while ArO4 is kinetically stable it has a considerable positive enthalpy of formation (of ~298kcal/mol) (Lindh et al., 1999. J. Phys. Chem. A 103, pp. 8295-8302) confirming earlier predictions by Pyykkö (1990. Phys. Scr. 33, pp. 52-53). ArO4 can be expected to be difficult to synthesize by traditional chemistry due to its metastability and has not yet been synthesized at the time of writing. A computational investigation of the changes in the chemical bonding of chlorate (ClO4(-)) when the central chlorine atom undergoes a nuclear transmutation from the unstable artificial chlorine isotope (38)Cl to the stable rare argon isotope (38)Ar through β-decay, hence potentially leading to the formation of ArO4, is reported. A mathematical model is presented that allows for the prediction of yields following the recoil of a nucleus upon ejecting a β-electron. It is demonstrated that below a critical angle between the ejected β-electron and that of the accompanying antineutrino their respective linear momentums can cancel to such an extent as imparting a recoil to the daughter atom insufficient for breaking the Ar-O bond. As a result, a primary retention yield of ~1% of ArO4 is predicted following the nuclear disintegration. The study is conducted at the quadratic configuration interaction with single and double excitations [QCISD/6-311+G(3df)] level of theory followed by an analysis of the electron density by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Crossed potential energy surfaces (PES) were used to construct a PES from the metastable ArO4 ground singlet state to the Ar-O bond dissociation product ArO3+O((3)P) from which the predicted barrier to dissociation is ca. 22kcal/mol and the exothermic reaction energy is ca. 28kcal/mol [(U)MP2/6-311+G(d)]. Copyright © 2014

  7. The role of p38 MAP kinase in cancer cell apoptosis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lenassi, M.; Plemenitas, A.

    2006-01-01

    Background. Cellular behaviour in response to many extracellular stimuli is mediated through MAP kinase signalling pathways. p38 MAP kinase that is represented in mammals by four isoforms (p38α, p38β, p38γ and p38δ) is one of the four main subgroups of MAP kinases. Recent studies show that p38 activation is necessary for cancer cell death initiated by variety of anti-cancer agents. This finding connected cancer therapies previously considered to be mechanistically unrelated and raised the possibility of developing anti-cancer agents that lack the side effects caused by events upstream of p38 MAPK. Many of the details of p38 induced apoptosis still need to be elucidated. Since most of the past studies rely only on the cell culture models, all the results have to be verified using in vivo models. Also very little is known about the role of p38 mediated apoptosis on non-neoplastic cells in response to anti-cancer agents. Conclusion. Although p38 activation of cancer cell apoptosis is a very complex process, recent studies indicate a good starting point for new strategies that would increase the efficiency and decrease the toxicity of proven therapies. (author)

  8. Small atomic displacements in the molybdenophosphates AMo2P3O12 (A = K, Rb, Tl)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leclaire, A.; Raveau, B.

    1988-01-01

    KMo 2 P 3 O 12 , M r = 515.90, orthorhombic, Pbnm, a = 17.6398(14), b = 9.1761(4), c = 12.3000(8) A, V = 1990.9(4) A 3 , Z=8, D x = 3.44 Mg m -3 , λ(Mo Kα) = 0.71069 A, μ = 3.42 mm -1 , F(000) = 1952. T = 294 K, R = 0.028 for 2123 reflections. RbMo 2 P 3 O 12 , M r = 562.26, orthorhombic, Pbcm, a = 8.8314(8), b = 9.2368(7), c = 12.3051(9) A, V = 1003.8(4) A 3 , Z=4, D x = 3.72 Mg m -3 , λ(Mo Kα) = 0.71069 A, μ = 8.08 mm -1 , F(000) = 1048, T = 294 K, R = 0.044 for 2073 reflections. The Mo 2 P 3 O 12 frameworks of the K, Rb and Tl compounds are almost the same. The main difference is in the position of the alkaline-earth ions in the tunnels, which induces, in the potassium compound, a superstructure along a. The alkaline-earth ions are slightly displaced as their size decreases in order that the A-O distances may agree with the sum of the ionic radii. (orig.)

  9. p38α MAPK Is Required for Tooth Morphogenesis and Enamel Secretion*

    Science.gov (United States)

    Greenblatt, Matthew B.; Kim, Jung-Min; Oh, Hwanhee; Park, Kwang Hwan; Choo, Min-Kyung; Sano, Yasuyo; Tye, Coralee E.; Skobe, Ziedonis; Davis, Roger J.; Park, Jin Mo; Bei, Marianna; Glimcher, Laurie H.; Shim, Jae-Hyuck

    2015-01-01

    An improved understanding of the molecular pathways that drive tooth morphogenesis and enamel secretion is needed to generate teeth from organ cultures for therapeutic implantation or to determine the pathogenesis of primary disorders of dentition (Abdollah, S., Macias-Silva, M., Tsukazaki, T., Hayashi, H., Attisano, L., and Wrana, J. L. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 27678–27685). Here we present a novel ectodermal dysplasia phenotype associated with conditional deletion of p38α MAPK in ectodermal appendages using K14-cre mice (p38αK14 mice). These mice display impaired patterning of dental cusps and a profound defect in the production and biomechanical strength of dental enamel because of defects in ameloblast differentiation and activity. In the absence of p38α, expression of amelogenin and β4-integrin in ameloblasts and p21 in the enamel knot was significantly reduced. Mice lacking the MAP2K MKK6, but not mice lacking MAP2K MKK3, also show the enamel defects, implying that MKK6 functions as an upstream kinase of p38α in ectodermal appendages. Lastly, stimulation with BMP2/7 in both explant culture and an ameloblast cell line confirm that p38α functions downstream of BMPs in this context. Thus, BMP-induced activation of the p38α MAPK pathway is critical for the morphogenesis of tooth cusps and the secretion of dental enamel. PMID:25406311

  10. Characterization of Ni-P-SiO_2-Al_2O_3 nanocomposite coatings on aluminum substrate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rahemi Ardakani, S.; Afshar, A.; Sadreddini, S.; Ghanbari, A.A.

    2017-01-01

    In the present work, nano-composites of Ni-P-SiO_2-Al_2O_3 were coated on a 6061 aluminum substrate. The surface morphology of the nano-composite coating was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of SiO_2 in the coating was determined by Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-Ray (EDX) and the crystalline structure of the coating was examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). All the experiments concerning the corrosion behavior of the coating carried out in 3.5%wt NaCl solution and evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization technique. The results showed that an incorporation of SiO_2 and Al_2O_3 in Ni-P coating at the SiO_2 concentration of 10 g/L and 14 g/L Al_2O_3 led to the lowest corrosion rate (i_c_o_r_r = 0.88 μA/cm"2), the most positive E_c_o_r_r and maximum microhardness (537 μHV). Furthermore, increasing the amount of nanoparticles in the coating was found to decrease CPE_d_l and improve porosity. - Highlights: • The maximum content of Al_2O_3 and SiO_2 in the coating was increased to 14.02%wt and 4.54%wt, respectively. • By enhancing the amount of nanoparticles in the coating, there was higher corrosion resistance. • Increasing the nanoparticles content in the coating improved microhardness of coating. • The maximum of microhardness of Ni-P-SiO_2-Al_2O_3 was measured to be 537 μHV.

  11. Regulation of peripheral inflammation by spinal p38 MAP kinase in rats.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    David L Boyle

    2006-09-01

    Full Text Available Somatic afferent input to the spinal cord from a peripheral inflammatory site can modulate the peripheral response. However, the intracellular signaling mechanisms in the spinal cord that regulate this linkage have not been defined. Previous studies suggest spinal cord p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP kinase and cytokines participate in nociceptive behavior. We therefore determined whether these pathways also regulate peripheral inflammation in rat adjuvant arthritis, which is a model of rheumatoid arthritis.Selective blockade of spinal cord p38 MAP kinase by administering the p38 inhibitor SB203580 via intrathecal (IT catheters in rats with adjuvant arthritis markedly suppressed paw swelling, inhibited synovial inflammation, and decreased radiographic evidence of joint destruction. The same dose of SB203580 delivered systemically had no effect, indicating that the effect was mediated by local concentrations in the neural compartment. Evaluation of articular gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR showed that spinal p38 inhibition markedly decreased synovial interleukin-1 and -6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP3 gene expression. Activation of p38 required tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha in the nervous system because IT etanercept (a TNF inhibitor given during adjuvant arthritis blocked spinal p38 phosphorylation and reduced clinical signs of adjuvant arthritis.These data suggest that peripheral inflammation is sensed by the central nervous system (CNS, which subsequently activates stress-induced kinases in the spinal cord via a TNFalpha-dependent mechanism. Intracellular p38 MAP kinase signaling processes this information and profoundly modulates somatic inflammatory responses. Characterization of this mechanism could have clinical and basic research implications by supporting development of new treatments for arthritis and clarifying how the CNS regulates peripheral immune responses.

  12. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase plays a key role in regulating MAPKAPK2 expression

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sudo, Tatsuhiko; Kawai, Kayoko; Matsuzaki, Hiroshi; Osada, Hiroyuki

    2005-01-01

    One of three major families of the mitogen-activated kinases (MAPK), p38 as well as JNK, has been shown to transduce extracellular stress stimuli into cellular responses by phospho-relay cascades. Among p38 families, p38α is a widely characterized isoform and the biological phenomena are explained by its kinase activity regulating functions of its downstream substrates. However, its specific contributions to each phenomenon are yet not fully elucidated. For better understanding of the role of MAPKs, especially p38α, we utilized newly established mouse fibroblast cell lines originated from a p38α null mouse, namely, a parental cell line without p38α gene locus, knockout of p38α (KOP), Zeosin-resistant (ZKOP), revertant of p38α (RKOP), and Exip revertant (EKOP). EKOP is smaller in size but grows faster than the others. Although comparable amounts of ERK and JNK are expressed in each cell line, ERK is highly phosphorylated in EKOP even in normal culture conditions. Serum stimulation after serum starvation led to ERK phosphorylation in RKOP and ZKOP, but not in EKOP as much. On the contrary, relative phosphorylation level of JNK to total JNK in response to UV was low in RKOP. And its phosphorylation as well as total JNK is slightly lower in EKOP. RKOP is less sensitive to UV irradiation as judged by the survival rate. Stress response upon UV or sorbitol stimuli, leading to mitogen activate protein kinase activated kinase 2 (MAPKAPK2) phosphorylation, was only observed in RKOP. Further experiments reveal that MAPKAPK2 expression is largely suppressed in ZKOP and EKOP. Its expression was recovered by re-introduction of p38α. The loss of MAPKAPK2 expression accompanied by the defect of p38α is confirmed in an embryonic extract prepared from p38α null mice. These data demonstrate that p38 signal pathway is regulated not only by phosphorylation but also by modulation of the expression of its component. Together, we have established cell lines that can be used in

  13. Solution-processed n-ZnO nanorod/p-Co_3O_4 nanoplate heterojunction light-emitting diode

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, Jong-Woo; Lee, Su Jeong; Biswas, Pranab; Lee, Tae Il; Myoung, Jae-Min

    2017-01-01

    Highlights: • The n-ZnO nanorods were epitaxially grown on p-Co_3O_4 nanoplates. • The heteroepitaxial p-n junction was fabricated by using hydrothermal process. • The LEDs emitted reddish-orange and violet light related to ZnO point defects. • The Co_3O_4 nanoplates function as a hole injection layer. • Junction between 1D NRs and 2D NPs provides a new approach to design nanostructures. - Abstract: A heterojunction light-emitting diode (LED) based on p-type cobalt oxide (Co_3O_4) nanoplates (NPs)/n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) is demonstrated. Using a low-temperature aqueous solution process, the n-type ZnO NRs were epitaxially grown on Co_3O_4 NPs which were two-dimensionally assembled by a modified Langmuir-Blodgett process. The heterojunction LEDs exhibited a typical rectifying behavior with a turn-on voltage of about 2 V and emitted not only reddish-orange light at 610 nm but also violet light at about 400 nm. From the comparative analyses of electroluminescence and photoluminescence, it was determined that the reddish-orange light emission was related to the electronic transitions from zinc interstitials (Zn_i) to oxygen interstitials (O_i) or conduction-band minimum (CBM) to oxygen vacancies (V_O), and the violet light emission was attribute to the transition from CBM to valence-band maximum (VBM) or Zn_i to zinc vacancies (V_Z_n).

  14. Treatment of amoxicillin by O3/Fenton process in a rotating packed bed.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Mo; Zeng, Zequan; Li, Yingwen; Arowo, Moses; Chen, Jianfeng; Meng, Hong; Shao, Lei

    2015-03-01

    In this study, simulated amoxicillin wastewater was treated by the O3/Fenton process in a rotating packed bed (RPB) and the results were compared with the Fenton process and the O3 followed by Fenton (O3 + Fenton) process. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate and the ratio of 5-day biological oxygen demand to chemical oxygen demand (BOD5/COD) in the O3/Fenton process were approximately 17% and 26%, respectively, higher than those in the O3 + Fenton process with an initial pH of 3. The COD removal rate of the amoxicillin solution reached maximum at the Fe(II) concentration of 0.6 mM, temperature of 25 °C, rotation speed of 800 rpm and initial pH of 3. The BOD5/COD of the amoxicillin solution increased from 0 to 0.38 after the solution was treated by the O3/Fenton process. Analysis of the intermediates indicated that the pathway of amoxicillin degradation in the O3/Fenton process was similar to that in the O3 + Fenton process. Contrast experiment results showed that amoxicillin degradation was significantly intensified in the RPB. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of B2O3 and P2O5 on fluorosilicic mica glass-ceramic sintering process

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wu S.

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available To study the effect of B2O3 and P2O5 on fluorosilicic mica glass-ceramic sintering process, six sets of K2O-MgO-SiO2-F glasses were prepared by using B2O3 and P2O5 as sintering aid, respectively. Green bodies of the glass powder were formed by gel casting and sintered at 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000oC for 6 hours, resectively. The sintering and crystallization behavior were studied by thermal shrinkage , X-ray diffraction and SEM. The results showed that the shrinkage rate of the glass with 2wt% B2O3 and P2O5 was highest, while the rate of the glass with 5wt% P2O5 was lowest. An additional crystal other than fluorosilicic mica was precipitated in the glass ceramics generated by sintering of glass powder. The present results confirmed that the glass powder of pure K2O-MgO-SiO2-Fsystem had poor sinterability, while glass powder with minor addition of P2O5 and/or B2O3 showed good sinterability. This result was also verified by SEM.

  16. PKR is a novel functional direct player that coordinates skeletal muscle differentiation via p38MAPK/AKT pathways.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alisi, A; Spaziani, A; Anticoli, S; Ghidinelli, M; Balsano, C

    2008-03-01

    Myogenic differentiation is a highly orchestrated multistep process controlled by extracellular growth factors that modulate largely unknown signals into the cell affecting the muscle-transcription program. P38MAPK-dependent signalling, as well as PI3K/Akt pathway, has a key role in the control of muscle gene expression at different stages during the myogenic process. P38MAPK affects the activities of transcription factors, such as MyoD and myogenin, and contributes, together with PI3K/Akt pathway, to control the early and late steps of myogenic differentiation. The aim of our work was to better define the role of PKR, a dsRNA-activated protein kinase, as potential component in the differentiation program of C2C12 murine myogenic cells and to correlate its activity with p38MAPK and PI3K/Akt myogenic regulatory pathways. Here, we demonstrate that PKR is an essential component of the muscle development machinery and forms a functional complex with p38MAPK and/or Akt, contributing to muscle differentiation of committed myogenic cells in vitro. Inhibition of endogenous PKR activity by a specific (si)RNA and a PKR dominant-negative interferes with the myogenic program of C2C12 cells, causing a delay in activation of myogenic specific genes and inducing the formation of thinner myofibers. In addition, the construction of three PKR mutants allowed us to demonstrate that both N and C-terminal regions of PKR are critical for the interaction with p38MAPK and Akt. The novel discovered complex permits PKR to timely regulate the inhibition/activation of p38MAPK and Akt, controlling in this way the different steps characterizing skeletal muscle differentiation.

  17. p38 mediates mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hong Yu

    2010-05-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN affects more than 25% of patients with type 2 diabetes; however, the pathogenesis remains unclear due to lack of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms leading to PDN. In our current study, we use an animal model of type 2 diabetes in order to understand the roles of p38 in PDN. Previously, we have demonstrated that the C57BLK db/db (db/db mouse, a model of type 2 diabetes that carries the loss-of-function leptin receptor mutant, develops mechanical allodynia in the hind paws during the early stage (6-12 wk of age of diabetes. Using this timeline of PDN, we can investigate the signaling mechanisms underlying mechanical allodynia in the db/db mouse. Results We studied the role of p38 in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (LDRG during the development of mechanical allodynia in db/db mice. p38 phosphorylation was detected by immunoblots at the early stage of mechanical allodynia in LDRG of diabetic mice. Phosphorylated p38 (pp38 immunoreactivity was detected mostly in the small- to medium-sized LDRG neurons during the time period of mechanical allodynia. Treatment with an antibody against nerve growth factor (NGF significantly inhibited p38 phosphorylation in LDRG of diabetic mice. In addition, we detected higher levels of inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase (COX 2, inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α in LDRG neurons of db/db mice compared to non-diabetic db+ mice. Intrathecal delivery of SB203580, a p38 inhibitor, significantly inhibited the development of mechanical allodynia and the upregulation of COX2, iNOS and TNF-α. Conclusions Our findings suggest that NGF activated-p38 phosphorylation mediates mechanical allodynia in the db/db mouse by upregulation of multiple inflammatory mediators in LDRG.

  18. Fabrication of Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2@Y_2O_3:Eu nanocomposites with enhanced fluorescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Huiqin; Kang, Jianmiao; Yang, Jianhui; Wu, Biao

    2016-01-01

    Herein, Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2@Y_2O_3:Eu nanocomposites are synthesized through layer-by-layer assembly technology. Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2 core–shell nanospheres were prepared at first in the presence of CTAB in aqueous solution system by the modified one-pot method. A chemical precipitation method and a succeeding calcination process were adopted to the growth of Y_2O_3:Eu shells on the surfaces of Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2 core–shell nanospheres. The structure, morphology and composition of the nanocomposites were confirmed by XRD, TEM and UV–vis absorption spectrum. The prepared Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2@Y_2O_3:Eu nanocomposites have showed the emission intensity enhances to 6.23 times at 30 nm thickness of the silica spacer between the core of Au nanoparticle and the shell of Y_2O_3:Eu. According to the observations of fluorescent lifetime and the modeling of local electric field, the metal-enhanced and quenched fluorescence is closely related with the enhancement of excitation and radiative decay rate and the quenching by NRET comes as a result of competition between the distance-dependent mechanisms. This kind of multifunctional inorganic material will be widely used in electronics, biology and medical drug loading, etc. - Highlights: • Fabrication of Au_n_a_n_o_p_a_r_t_i_c_l_e@mSiO_2@Y_2O_3:Eu nanocomposites with core-spacer-shell structure. • The controllable fluorescence is achieved by adjusting the spacer thickness of silica. • The fluorescence enhancement is 6.23-fold at an optimal spacer thickness about 30 nm. • The metal-enhanced fluorescence mechanism is proposed.

  19. Dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticle-core micelles as a modular strategy for particle-in-a-box-in-a-box nanostructures

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Hove, ten J.B.; Wang, J.; Leeuwen, van F.W.B.; Velders, A.H.

    2017-01-01

    <p>The hierarchically controlled synthesis and characterization of self-assembling macromolecules and particles are key to explore and exploit new nanomaterials. Here we present a versatile strategy for constructing particle-in-a-box-in-a-box systems by assembling dendrimer-encapsulated gold

  20. In Silico Screening and In Vitro Activity Measurement of Javamide Analogues as Potential p38 MAPK Inhibitors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Jae B

    2017-12-13

    p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is a protein kinase critically involved in the progress of inflammation/stress-associated diseases. Our data suggested that javamide analogues may contain strong anti-inflammation activities, but there is little information about their effects on p38 MAPK. Therefore, in this paper, the effects of thirty javamide analogues on p38 MAPK were investigated using in silico screening and in vitro p38 MAPK assay methods. The javamide analogues were synthesized and their chemical structures were confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods. Then, the javamide analogues were screened using an in silico modeling program. The screened analogues demonstrated a wide range of binding energy (ΔE; -20 to -39) and several analogues with ΔE; -34 to -39 showed strong binding affinity to p38 MAPK. In vitro p38 MAPK assay, the kinase was significantly inhibited by the analogues with great binding energy (ΔE; -34 to -39) and in silico scores (Avg. score; -27.5 to -29.3). Furthermore, the comparative analysis of both assays showed a positive correlation between the in silico scores and p38 MAPK inhibition. In fact, the javamide analogues with top five in silico scores (Avg. score; -27.5 to -29.3) were found to inhibit p38 MAPK by 27-31% ( p silico score (Avg. score; -29.2) inhibited p38 MAPK (IC 50 = 9.9 μM) a little better than its methyl ester with best in silico score (Avg. score; -29.3). To support the ability to inhibit p38 MAPK, the treatment of javamide-II-ethyl and -methyl esters could suppress the production of IL-8 and MCP-1 protein significantly by 22-73% ( p silico and in vitro assay approach may be a useful and efficient solution as a functional screening approach in searching new lead compounds for targeted molecules.

  1. Microbiologically influenced corrosion in condenser water boxes at Crystal River-3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hayner, G.O.; Pope, D.H.; Crane, B.E.

    1988-01-01

    During the spring of 1986, several welds in the lower half of the condenser inlet water boxes at Crystal River-3 (CR-3) were found to be seeping seawater. The leakage produced red-brown and black-green colored deposits on the outside surface of the water boxes. The welds in affected areas were not uniformly attacked, and the severity of attack varied between water boxes; however, there were instances of attack on each type of pressure-retaining weld in the affected regions. Weld seepage was also seen on the outside of the inlet piping to the water boxes. A few small pin holes were seen in the base metal of the water boxes not associated with welds. In this paper the authors report the results of examinations performed at both the CR-3 site and at The Babcock and Wilcox Company Lynchburt Research Center (LRC). The inside of a water box and the exterior of the condenser inlet piping were visually inspected at the Cr-3 site. Nodules inside the water box were probed and examined. Parts of nodules were collected and microscopically examined for bacteria. Two corrosion-deposit samples removed from condenser instrument piping and the condenser inlet piping were chemically analyzed at the LRC. Four pipe samples removed from the condenser instrument piping were destructively examined at the LRC. This work included visual inspection, metallographic, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) examinations performed on selected locations of the piping samples

  2. Pregnane X receptor-dependent induction of the CYP3A4 gene by o,p'-1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethane.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Medina-Díaz, Irma M; Arteaga-Illán, Georgina; de León, Mario Bermudez; Cisneros, Bulmaro; Sierra-Santoyo, Adolfo; Vega, Libia; Gonzalez, Frank J; Elizondo, Guillermo

    2007-01-01

    CYP3A4, the predominant cytochrome P450 (P450) expressed in human liver and intestine, contributes to the metabolism of approximately half the drugs in clinical use today. CYP3A4 catalyzes the 6beta-hydroxylation of a number of steroid hormones and is involved in the bioactivation of environmental procarcinogens. The expression of CYP3A4 is affected by several stimuli, including environmental factors such as insecticides and pesticides. The o,p'-1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) isomer of DDT comprises approximately 20% of technical grade DDT, which is an organochloride pesticide. We have recently shown that o,p'-DDT exposure increases CYP3A4 mRNA levels in HepG2 cells. To determine the mechanism by which o,p'-DDT induces CYP3A4 expression, transactivation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays were carried out, revealing that o,p'-DDT activates the CYP3A4 gene promoter through the pregnane X receptor (PXR). CYP3A4 gene promoter activation resulted in both an increase in CYP3A4 mRNA levels and an increase in the total CYP3A4 activity in HepG2 cells. We also observed induction of CYP3A4 and mouse Cyp3a11 mRNA in the intestine of CYP3A4-transgenic mice after exposure to 1 mg/kg o,p'-DDT. At higher doses, a decrease of CYP3A4 inducibility was observed together with an increase in levels of interleukin 6 mRNA, a proinflammatory cytokine that strongly represses CYP3A4 transcription. The present study indicates that regulation of other genes under PXR control may be altered by o,p'-DDT exposure.

  3. A theoretical study of the reaction of O(3P) with an allyl radical C3H5

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Jong-Ho; Lee, Hohjai; Choi, Jong-Ho

    2003-11-01

    Ab initio calculations of the reaction of ground-state atomic oxygen [O(3P)] with an allyl radical (C3H5) have been carried out using the density functional method and the complete basis set model. On the calculated lowest doublet potential energy surface, the barrierless association of O(3P) to C3H5 forms three energy-rich addition intermediates, which are predicted to undergo subsequent isomerization and decomposition steps leading to various products: C3H4O+H, CH2O+C2H3, C2H4+CHO, C2H2O+CH3, C2H5+CO, C3H4+OH, and C2H4O+CH. The respective reaction mechanisms through the three addition intermediates are presented, and it has been found that the barrier height, reaction enthalpy, and the number of intermediates involved along the reaction coordinate are of extreme importance in understanding such reactive scattering processes. With the aid of Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus calculations, the major reaction pathway is predicted to be the formation of acrolein (C3H4O)+H, which is consistent with the previous gas-phase bulk kinetic experiment performed by Gutman et al. [J. Phys. Chem. 94, 3652 (1990)]. For the minor C3H4+OH channel, which has been newly found in the recent crossed beam investigations, a second barrierless, direct H-atom abstraction from the central carbon of C3H5 is calculated to compete with the addition process due to the little C-H bond dissociation energy and the formation of a stable allene product. The dynamic and kinetic characteristics of the reaction mechanism are discussed on the basis of the comparison of prior statistical calculations to the nascent internal distributions of the observed OH product.

  4. Syntheses, crystal structures and solid-state properties of the lanthanoid-containing nanoclusters [(Ln{sub 2}PW{sub 10}O{sub 38}){sub 4}(W{sub 3}O{sub 8})(OH){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sup 26-}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gupta, Rakesh; Saini, Mukesh Kumar; Hussain, Firasat [Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi (India)

    2014-12-15

    A series of lanthanoid-substituted polyoxometalates have been synthesized by a self-assembly process in potassium chloride solution by the reaction of dilacunary [P{sub 2}W{sub 19}O{sub 69}(H{sub 2}O)]{sup 14-} with mid- and late-lanthanoid Ln(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}.nH{sub 2}O salts leading to the formation of the tetrameric tungstophosphates [(Ln{sub 2}PW{sub 10}O{sub 38}){sub 4}(W{sub 3}O{sub 8})(OH){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]{sup 26-} [Ln = Y{sup 3+} (1), Sm{sup 3+} (2), Eu{sup 3+} (3), Gd{sup 3+} (4), Tb{sup 3+} (5), Dy{sup 3+} (6), Ho{sup 3+} (7), Er{sup 3+} (8), Tm{sup 3+} (9), Yb{sup 3+} (10)]. The polyanions were isolated as potassium or mixed-alkali salts. Most of the compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and various analytical techniques, such as FTIR, UV/Vis, {sup 31}P NMR and photoluminescence spectroscopy, magnetism, as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The FTIR spectra suggest that all the compounds are isomorphous. The crystal structures of these complexes consist of four A-[α-PW{sub 10}O{sub 36}]{sup 7-} units, each incorporating two Ln{sup III} ions to create four Keggin-like anions that further assemble with three additional tungstate units to form a tetramer species with C{sub 2} symmetry. The photoluminescent properties of 3a and 6a were investigated following photoexcitation at room temperature. The magnetic properties of 3a, 4a, 5a and 6a were investigated at room temperature, the complexes exhibiting paramagnetic behaviour. (Copyright copyright 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  5. p38 MAPK signaling in postnatal tendon growth and remodeling.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andrew J Schwartz

    Full Text Available Tendon is a dynamic tissue whose structure and function is influenced by mechanical loading, but little is known about the fundamental mechanisms that regulate tendon growth and remodeling in vivo. Data from cultured tendon fibroblasts indicated that the p38 MAPK pathway plays an important role in tendon fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro. To gain greater insight into the mechanisms of tendon growth, and explore the role of p38 MAPK signaling in this process, we tested the hypotheses that inducing plantaris tendon growth through the ablation of the synergist Achilles tendon would result in rapid expansion of a neotendon matrix surrounding the original tendon, and that treatment with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 would prevent this growth. Rats were treated with vehicle or SB203580, and subjected to synergist ablation by bilateral tenectomy of the Achilles tendon. Changes in histological and biochemical properties of plantaris tendons were analyzed 3, 7, or 28 days after overload, and comparisons were made to non-overloaded animals. By 28 days after overload, tendon mass had increased by 30% compared to non-overloaded samples, and cross-sectional area (CSA increased by around 50%, with most of the change occurring in the neotendon. The expansion in CSA initially occurred through the synthesis of a hyaluronic acid rich matrix that was progressively replaced with mature collagen. Pericytes were present in areas of active tendon growth, but never in the original tendon ECM. Inhibition of p38 MAPK resulted in a profound decrease in IL6 expression, and had a modest effect on the expression of other ECM and cell proliferation genes, but had a negligible impact on overall tendon growth. The combined results from this study provided novel insights into tendon mechanobiology, and suggest that p38 MAPK signaling does not appear to be necessary for tendon growth in vivo.

  6. Carprofen induction of p75NTR-dependent apoptosis via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in prostate cancer cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khwaja, Fatima S; Quann, Emily J; Pattabiraman, Nagarajan; Wynne, Shehla; Djakiew, Daniel

    2008-11-01

    The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) functions as a tumor suppressor in prostate epithelial cells, where its expression declines with progression to malignant cancer. Previously, we showed that treatment with R-flurbiprofen or ibuprofen induced p75(NTR) expression in several prostate cancer cell lines leading to p75(NTR)-mediated decreased survival. Using the 2-phenyl propionic acid moiety of these profens as a pharmacophore, we screened an in silico database of 30 million compounds and identified carprofen as having an order of magnitude greater activity for induction of p75(NTR) levels and inhibition of cell survival. Prostate (PC-3 and DU-145) and bladder (T24) cancer cells were more sensitive to carprofen induction of p75(NTR)-associated loss of survival than breast (MCF-7) and fibroblast (3T3) cells. Transfection of prostate cell lines with a dominant-negative form of p75(NTR) before carprofen treatment partially rescued cell survival, showing a cause-and-effect relationship between carprofen induction of p75(NTR) levels and inhibition of survival. Carprofen induced apoptotic nuclear fragmentation in prostate but not in MCF-7 and 3T3 cells. Furthermore, small interfering RNA knockdown of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein prevented induction of p75(NTR) by carprofen in both prostate cell lines. Carprofen treatment induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK as early as within 1 min. Expression of a dominant-negative form of MK2, the kinase downstream of p38 MAPK frequently associated with signaling cascades leading to apoptosis, prevented carprofen induction of the p75(NTR) protein. Collectively, we identify carprofen as a highly potent profen capable of inducing p75(NTR)-dependent apoptosis via the p38 MAPK pathway in prostate cancer cells.

  7. Study on the Electrochemical Property of Microporous Cobalt Phosphite[Co_11(HPO_3)_8(OH)_6

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Dong Heon; Kang, Myunggoo; Jung, Hyun; Paek, Seung-Min

    2016-01-01

    Crystalline microporous cobalt phosphite, Co_11(HPO_3)_8(OH)_6, was prepared via facile hydrothermal route without the use of any templates or surfactants. The cobalt chloride hexahydrate (CoCl_2·6H_2O) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (NaH_2PO_2·H_2O) were employed as reactants, and sodium bicarbonate(NaHCO_3) was added to adjust the pH. The resultant Co_11(HPO_3)_8(OH)_6 shows dumbbell-like shape witha size of several micrometers. The obtained materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The Co_11(HPO_3)_8(OH)_6 is applied as electrochemical energy storage electrode material because of its unique microporous nature. Different aqueous electrolytes (LiOH, NaOH, and KOH) have been tested in order to study the effect of electrolyte cations on electrochemical behavior. To investigate the capacity and stability of Co_11(HPO_3)_8(OH)_6 electrode, cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GC), and cycle stability were performed in aqueous electrolytes with different cations at room temperature. We found that the electrochemical behavior of these materials is strongly dependent on the species of electrolyte cations (Li"+,Na"+, and K"+).

  8. Heart rate response during a simulated Olympic boxing match is predominantly above ventilatory threshold 2: a cross sectional study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    de Lira, Claudio Andre Barbosa; Peixinho-Pena, Luiz Fernando; Vancini, Rodrigo Luiz; de Freitas Guina Fachina, Rafael Júlio; de Almeida, Alexandre Aparecido; Andrade, Marília Dos Santos; da Silva, Antonio Carlos

    2013-01-01

    The present study aimed to describe heart rate (HR) responses during a simulated Olympic boxing match and examine physiological parameters of boxing athletes. Ten highly trained Olympic boxing athletes (six men and four women) performed a maximal graded exercise test on a motorized treadmill to determine maximal oxygen uptake (52.2 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1) ± 7.2 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1)) and ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2. Ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 were used to classify the intensity of exercise based on respective HR during a boxing match. In addition, oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was estimated during the match based on the HR response and the HR-V̇O2 relationship obtained from a maximal graded exercise test for each participant. On a separate day, participants performed a boxing match lasting three rounds, 2 minutes each, with a 1-minute recovery period between each round, during which HR was measured. In this context, HR and V̇O2 were above ventilatory threshold 2 during 219.8 seconds ± 67.4 seconds. There was an increase in HR and V̇O2 as a function of round (round 3 boxing practitioners and other athletes.

  9. Paroxetine-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells: Activation of p38 MAP kinase and caspase-3 pathways without involvement of [Ca2+]i elevation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chou, C.-T.; He Shiping; Jan, C.-R.

    2007-01-01

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a group of antidepressants, are generally used for treatment of various mood and anxiety disorders. There has been much research showing the anti-tumor and cytotoxic activities of some antidepressants; but the detailed mechanisms were unclear. In cultured human osteosarcoma cells (MG63), paroxetine reduced cell viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Paroxetine caused apoptosis as assessed by propidium iodide-stained cells and increased caspase-3 activation. Although immunoblotting data revealed that paroxetine could activate the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), only SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) partially prevented cells from apoptosis. Paroxetine also induced [Ca 2+ ] i increases which involved the mobilization of intracellular Ca 2+ stored in the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca 2+ influx from extracellular medium. However, pretreatment with BAPTA/AM, a Ca 2+ chelator, to prevent paroxetine-induced [Ca 2+ ] i increases did not protect cells from death. The results suggest that in MG63 cells, paroxetine caused Ca 2+ -independent apoptosis via inducing p38 MAPK-associated caspase-3 activation

  10. Electrical resistivity surface for FeO-Fe2O3-P2O5 glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vaughan, J. G.; Kinser, D. L.

    1975-01-01

    The dc electrical properties and microstructure of x(FeO-Fe2O3)-(100-x)P2O5 glasses were investigated up to a maximum of x = 75 mol %. Results indicate that, in general, the minimum resistivity of the glass does not occur at equal Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) concentrations, although for the special case where x = 55 mol % the minimum does occur at Fe(2+)/Fe total = 0.5, as reported by other investigators. Evidence presented shows that the position of the minimum resistivity is a function of total iron content. The minimum shifts to glasses richer in Fe(2+) at higher total iron concentrations.

  11. Neurochemical aftermath of amateur boxing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zetterberg, Henrik; Hietala, M Albert; Jonsson, Michael; Andreasen, Niels; Styrud, Ewa; Karlsson, Ingvar; Edman, Ake; Popa, Cornel; Rasulzada, Abdullah; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Mehta, Pankaj D; Rosengren, Lars; Blennow, Kaj; Wallin, Anders

    2006-09-01

    Little solid information is available on the possible risks for neuronal injury in amateur boxing. To determine whether amateur boxing and severity of hits are associated with elevated levels of biochemical markers for neuronal injury in cerebrospinal fluid. Longitudinal study. Referral center specializing in evaluation of neurodegenerative disorders. Fourteen amateur boxers (11 men and 3 women) and 10 healthy male nonathletic control subjects. The boxers underwent lumbar puncture 7 to 10 days and 3 months after a bout. The control subjects underwent LP once. Neurofilament light protein, total tau, glial fibrillary acidic protein, phosphorylated tau, and beta-amyloid protein 1-40 (Abeta([1-40])) and 1-42 (Abeta([1-42])) concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid were measured. Increased levels after a bout compared with after 3 months of rest from boxing were found for 2 markers for neuronal and axonal injury, neurofilament light protein (mean +/- SD, 845 +/- 1140 ng/L vs 208 +/- 108 ng/L; P = .008) and total tau (mean +/- SD, 449 +/- 176 ng/L vs 306 +/- 78 ng/L; P = .006), and for the astroglial injury marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (mean +/- SD, 541 +/- 199 ng/L vs 405 +/- 138 ng/L; P = .003). The increase was significantly higher among boxers who had received many hits (>15) or high-impact hits to the head compared with boxers who reported few hits. In the boxers, concentrations of neurofilament light protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein, but not total tau, were significantly elevated after a bout compared with the nonathletic control subjects. With the exception of neurofilament light protein, there were no significant differences between boxers after 3 months of rest from boxing and the nonathletic control subjects. Amateur boxing is associated with acute neuronal and astroglial injury. If verified in longitudinal studies with extensive follow-up regarding the clinical outcome, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid may provide a scientific basis for

  12. A ''missing'' caesium member in the family of A{sub 3}Al{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12} aluminophosphates

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shvanskaya, Larisa [Moscow State Univ. (Russian Federation). Dept. of Crystallography; National Univ. of Science and Technology, Moscow (Russian Federation).; Yakubovich, Olga [Moscow State Univ. (Russian Federation). Dept. of Crystallography

    2017-07-01

    A new caesium aluminophosphate, Cs{sub 3}Al{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12}, has been synthesized by spontaneous crystallization from the melt and structurally characterized. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma, with a=9.7675(2) Aa, b=17.7537(3) Aa, c=8.1063(2) Aa, V=1405.71(2) Aa{sup 3}, and Z=4. Its crystal structure is based on an open interrupted framework built by alternating AlO{sub 4} and PO{sub 4} tetrahedra with Cs ions occupying the channels. The Cs{sub 3}Al{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12} framework topology resembles the previously known 4.8.12-net, which has been reported in the [C{sub 4}N{sub 3}H{sub 16}][Al{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12}] phase prepared by solvothermal synthesis in the presence of diethylenetriamine (DETA). The crystal chemical relationships between the K, Rb, Cs, Tl, [NH{sub 4}] and [C{sub 4}N{sub 3}H{sub 16}]-members of the A{sub 3}Al{sub 2}P{sub 3}O{sub 12} family of compounds are discussed.

  13. Structural change of NaO1/2-WO3-NbO5/2-LaO3/2-PO5/2 glass induced by electrochemical substitution of sodium ions with protons.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ishiyama, Tomohiro; Yamaguchi, Takuya; Nishii, Junji; Yamashita, Toshiharu; Kawazoe, Hiroshi; Kuwata, Naoaki; Kawamura, Junichi; Omata, Takahisa

    2015-05-28

    Structural changes of 35NaO1/2-1WO3-8NbO5/2-5LaO3/2-51PO5/2 glass (1W-glass) before and after the electrochemical substitution of sodium ions with protons by alkali-proton substitution (APS) are studied by Raman and (31)P magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopies. The glass before APS consists of (PO3(-))8.6(P2O7(4-)) chains on average and the terminal Q(1) units (-O-PO3(3-)) are bound to MO6 octahedra (M denotes niobium or tungsten) through P-O-M bonds. Some non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) in the MO6 octahedra are present in addition to the bridging oxygens (BOs) in P-O-M bonds. APS induces fragmentation of the phosphate chains because the average chain length decreases to (PO3(-))3.7(P2O7(4-)) after APS, despite the total number of modifier cations of sodium and lanthanum ions and protons being unaffected by APS. This fragmentation is induced by some of the NBOs in the MO6 octahedra before APS, changing to BOs of the newly formed M-O-P bonds after APS, because of the preferential formation of P-OH bonds over M-OH ones in the present glass. We show that APS under the conditions used here is not a simple substitution of sodium ions with protons, but it is accompanied by the structural relaxation of the glass to stabilize the injected protons.

  14. A further extension of pnictide oxide chemistry - synthesis and structure of La{sub 2}AuP{sub 2}O

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Eul, Matthias; Moeller, Manfred H.; Hoffmann, Rolf-Dieter; Jeitschko, Wolfgang; Poettgen, Rainer [Institut fuer Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Universitaet Muenster (Germany)

    2012-02-15

    The phosphide oxide La{sub 2}AuP{sub 2}O was synthesized from lanthanum filings, dried La{sub 2}O{sub 3}, gold pieces, and ground red phosphorus in the ideal 1.33:0.33:1:2 ratio in an evacuated silica tube at 1473 K. Small single crystals were obtained by recrystallization in a NaCl/KCl flux. The structure was determined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: new type, C2/m, a = 1537.3(3), b = 427.39(8), c = 1009.2(2) pm, β = 131.02(1) , wR{sub 2} = 0.046, 1102 F{sup 2} values, 38 variables. La{sub 2}AuP{sub 2}O contains two striking structural motifs: The oxygen atoms are located in La{sub 4} tetrahedra. The latter are cis-edge-shared forming polymeric cationic [La{sub 2}O]{sup 4+} chains. These cationic units are separated and charge-balanced by [AuP{sub 2}]{sup 4-} polyanions which have monovalent gold in distorted trigonal planar phosphorus coordination. Two crystallographically independent phosphorus sites occur in the polyanion, i.e. isolated P{sup 3-} besides dumb-bells P{sub 2}{sup 4-} (P2-P2 223 pm). La{sub 2}AuP{sub 2}O, which crystallizes in the form of ruby red transparent crystals, is an electron precise phosphide oxide (4La{sup 3+})(2Au{sup +})(2P{sup 3-})(P{sub 2}{sup 4-})(2O{sup 2-}). (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  15. Evaluating the Role of p38 MAPK in the Accelerated Cell Senescence of Werner Syndrome Fibroblasts

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Terence Davis

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Progeroid syndromes show features of accelerated ageing and are used as models for human ageing, of which Werner syndrome (WS is one of the most widely studied. WS fibroblasts show accelerated senescence that may result from p38 MAP kinase activation since it is prevented by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Thus, small molecule inhibition of p38-signalling may be a therapeutic strategy for WS. To develop this approach issues such as the in vivo toxicity and kinase selectivity of existing p38 inhibitors need to be addressed, so as to strengthen the evidence that p38 itself plays a critical role in mediating the effect of SB203580, and to find an inhibitor suitable for in vivo use. In this work we used a panel of different p38 inhibitors selected for: (1 having been used successfully in vivo in either animal models or human clinical trials; (2 different modes of binding to p38; and (3 different off-target kinase specificity profiles, in order to critically address the role of p38 in the premature senescence seen in WS cells. Our findings confirmed the involvement of p38 in accelerated cell senescence and identified p38 inhibitors suitable for in vivo use in WS, with BIRB 796 the most effective.

  16. Crystal structure and energy band and optical properties of phosphate Sr3P4O13

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Y.-C.; Cheng, W.-D.; Wu, D.-S.; Zhang, H.; Chen, D.-G.; Gong, Y.-J.; Kan, Z.-G.

    2004-01-01

    A single crystal of the compound Sr 3 P 4 O 13 has been found and the crystal structure has been characterized by means of single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in triclinic system and belongs to space group P1-bar. It builds up from SrO 7 polyhedra and P 4 O 13 -6 anions and has a layered structure, and the Sr atoms are located in the interlayer space. The absorption and luminescence spectrum of Sr 3 P 4 O 13 microcrystals have been measured. The calculated results of crystal energy band structure by the DFT show that the solid state of Sr 3 P 4 O 13 is an isolator with direct band gap. The calculated total and partial density of states indicate that the top valence bands are contributions from P 3p and O 2p states and low conduction bands mostly originate from Sr atomic states. The calculated optical response functions expect that the Sr 3 P 4 O 13 is a low refractive index, and it is possible that the Sr 3 P 4 O 13 is used to make transparent material between the UV and FR light zone

  17. Infrared absorption of CH3OSO and CD3OSO radicals produced upon photolysis of CH3OS(O)Cl and CD3OS(O)Cl in p-H2 matrices

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Yu-Fang; Kong, Lin-Jun; Lee, Yuan-Pern

    2012-01-01

    Irradiation at 239 ± 20 nm of a p-H 2 matrix containing methoxysulfinyl chloride, CH 3 OS(O)Cl, at 3.2 K with filtered light from a medium-pressure mercury lamp produced infrared (IR) absorption lines at 3028.4 (attributable to ν 1 , CH 2 antisymmetric stretching), 2999.5 (ν 2 , CH 3 antisymmetric stretching), 2950.4 (ν 3 , CH 3 symmetric stretching), 1465.2 (ν 4 , CH 2 scissoring), 1452.0 (ν 5 , CH 3 deformation), 1417.8 (ν 6 , CH 3 umbrella), 1165.2 (ν 7 , CH 3 wagging), 1152.1 (ν 8 , S=O stretching mixed with CH 3 rocking), 1147.8 (ν 9 , S=O stretching mixed with CH 3 wagging), 989.7 (ν 10 , C-O stretching), and 714.5 cm -1 (ν 11 , S-O stretching) modes of syn-CH 3 OSO. When CD 3 OS(O)Cl in a p-H 2 matrix was used, lines at 2275.9 (ν 1 ), 2251.9 (ν 2 ), 2083.33 ), 1070.3 (ν 4 ), 1056.0 (ν 5 ), 1085.5 (ν 6 ), 1159.7 (ν 7 ), 920.1 (ν 8 ), 889.0 (ν 9 ), 976.9 (ν 10 ), and 688.9 (ν 11 ) cm -1 appeared and are assigned to syn-CD 3 OSO; the mode numbers correspond to those used for syn-CH 3 OSO. The assignments are based on the photolytic behavior and a comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, and deuterium isotopic shifts with those predicted with the B3P86/aug-cc-pVTZ method. Our results extend the previously reported four transient IR absorption bands of gaseous syn-CH 3 OSO near 2991, 2956, 1152, and 994 cm -1 to 11 lines, including those associated with C-O, O-S, and S=O stretching modes. Vibrational wavenumbers of syn-CD 3 OSO are new. These results demonstrate the advantage of a diminished cage effect of solid p-H 2 such that the Cl atom, produced via UV photodissociation of CH 3 OS(O)Cl in situ, might escape from the original cage to yield isolated CH 3 OSO radicals.

  18. Infrared absorption of CH3OSO and CD3OSO radicals produced upon photolysis of CH3OS(O)Cl and CD3OS(O)Cl in p-H2 matrices.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Yu-Fang; Kong, Lin-Jun; Lee, Yuan-Pern

    2012-03-28

    Irradiation at 239 ± 20 nm of a p-H(2) matrix containing methoxysulfinyl chloride, CH(3)OS(O)Cl, at 3.2 K with filtered light from a medium-pressure mercury lamp produced infrared (IR) absorption lines at 3028.4 (attributable to ν(1), CH(2) antisymmetric stretching), 2999.5 (ν(2), CH(3) antisymmetric stretching), 2950.4 (ν(3), CH(3) symmetric stretching), 1465.2 (ν(4), CH(2) scissoring), 1452.0 (ν(5), CH(3) deformation), 1417.8 (ν(6), CH(3) umbrella), 1165.2 (ν(7), CH(3) wagging), 1152.1 (ν(8), S=O stretching mixed with CH(3) rocking), 1147.8 (ν(9), S=O stretching mixed with CH(3) wagging), 989.7 (ν(10), C-O stretching), and 714.5 cm(-1) (ν(11), S-O stretching) modes of syn-CH(3)OSO. When CD(3)OS(O)Cl in a p-H(2) matrix was used, lines at 2275.9 (ν(1)), 2251.9 (ν(2)), 2083.3 (ν(3)), 1070.3 (ν(4)), 1056.0 (ν(5)), 1085.5 (ν(6)), 1159.7 (ν(7)), 920.1 (ν(8)), 889.0 (ν(9)), 976.9 (ν(10)), and 688.9 (ν(11)) cm(-1) appeared and are assigned to syn-CD(3)OSO; the mode numbers correspond to those used for syn-CH(3)OSO. The assignments are based on the photolytic behavior and a comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, and deuterium isotopic shifts with those predicted with the B3P86∕aug-cc-pVTZ method. Our results extend the previously reported four transient IR absorption bands of gaseous syn-CH(3)OSO near 2991, 2956, 1152, and 994 cm(-1) to 11 lines, including those associated with C-O, O-S, and S=O stretching modes. Vibrational wavenumbers of syn-CD(3)OSO are new. These results demonstrate the advantage of a diminished cage effect of solid p-H(2) such that the Cl atom, produced via UV photodissociation of CH(3)OS(O)Cl in situ, might escape from the original cage to yield isolated CH(3)OSO radicals.

  19. Luminescence of YbP3O9 upon excitation in the UV-VUV range

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stryganyuk, G; Trots, D; Berezovskaya, I; Shalapska, T; Voloshinovskii, A; Dotsenko, V; Zimmerer, G

    2007-01-01

    X-ray powder diffraction and luminescence spectral-kinetic studies have been performed for ytterbium metaphosphate (YbP 3 O 9 ) in the 12-290 K temperature range. The diffraction investigation has shown YbP 3 O 9 to be of monoclinic P 2 1 /c structure at T = 12-290 K. Charge transfer luminescence originating from Yb 3+ ion has been revealed. The carrier confinement within the Yb 3+ charge transfer state is pronounced at T = 12 K. A tendency has been revealed for charge carriers in YbP 3 O 9 to be localized in a trapped exciton state at room temperature. The quenching mechanisms for Yb 3+ charge transfer luminescence and processes competing with the formation of the Yb 3+ charge transfer state are discussed

  20. Metabolic oxidative stress elicited by the copper(II) complex [Cu(isaepy)2] triggers apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells through the induction of the AMP-activated protein kinase/p38MAPK/p53 signalling axis: evidence for a combined use with 3-bromopyruvate in neuroblastoma treatment.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Filomeni, Giuseppe; Cardaci, Simone; Da Costa Ferreira, Ana Maria; Rotilio, Giuseppe; Ciriolo, Maria Rosa

    2011-08-01

    We have demonstrated previously that the complex bis[(2-oxindol-3-ylimino)-2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine-N,N']copper(II), named [Cu(isaepy)(2)], induces AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-dependent/p53-mediated apoptosis in tumour cells by targeting mitochondria. In the present study, we found that p38(MAPK) (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) is the molecular link in the phosphorylation cascade connecting AMPK to p53. Transfection of SH-SY5Y cells with a dominant-negative mutant of AMPK resulted in a decrease in apoptosis and a significant reduction in phospho-active p38(MAPK) and p53. Similarly, reverse genetics of p38(MAPK) yielded a reduction in p53 and a decrease in the extent of apoptosis, confirming an exclusive hierarchy of activation that proceeds via AMPK/p38(MAPK)/p53. Fuel supplies counteracted [Cu(isaepy)(2)]-induced apoptosis and AMPK/p38(MAPK)/p53 activation, with glucose being the most effective, suggesting a role for energetic imbalance in [Cu(isaepy)(2)] toxicity. Co-administration of 3BrPA (3-bromopyruvate), a well-known inhibitor of glycolysis, and succinate dehydrogenase, enhanced apoptosis and AMPK/p38(MAPK)/p53 signalling pathway activation. Under these conditions, no toxic effect was observed in SOD (superoxide dismutase)-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells or in PCNs (primary cortical neurons), which are, conversely, sensitized to the combined treatment with [Cu(isaepy)(2)] and 3BrPA only if grown in low-glucose medium or incubated with the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor dehydroepiandrosterone. Overall, the results suggest that NADPH deriving from the pentose phosphate pathway contributes to PCN resistance to [Cu(isaepy)(2)] toxicity and propose its employment in combination with 3BrPA as possible tool for cancer treatment. © The Authors Journal compilation © 2011 Biochemical Society

  1. Theoretical speciation of ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA) in agronomic conditions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yunta, Felipe; García-Marco, Sonia; Lucena, Juan J

    2003-08-27

    The presence of ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA) as the second largest component in commercial EDDHA iron chelates has recently been demonstrated. Here is reported the speciation of o,p-EDDHA by the application of a novel methodology through the determination of the complexing capacity, protonation, and Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cu(2+), and Fe(3+) stability constants. The pM values and species distribution in solution, hydroponic, and soil conditions were obtained. Due to the para position of one phenol group in o,p-EDDHA, the protonation constants and Ca and Mg stability constants have different values from those of o,o-EDDHA and p,p-EDDHA regioisomers. o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) stability constants are higher than those of EDTA/Fe(3+) but lower than those of o,o-EDDHA/Fe(3+). The sequence obtained for pFe is o,o-EDDHA/Fe(3+) >/= o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) > EDTA/Fe(3+). o,p-EDDHA/Fe(3+) can be used as an iron chelate in hydroponic conditions. Also, it can be used in soils with limited Cu availability.

  2. Injury risk in professional boxing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bledsoe, Gregory H; Li, Guohu; Levy, Fred

    2005-10-01

    Although a popular endeavor, boxing has fallen under increased scrutiny because of its association with traumatic brain injury. However, few studies have investigated the overall epidemiology of boxing injuries from representative samples, and no study has ever documented the incidence of injuries in female boxers. This study is a review of professional boxing data from the state of Nevada from September 2001 through March 2003. Medical and outcome data for all professional boxing matches occurring in Nevada between September 2001 and March 2003 (n = 524 matches) were analyzed on the basis of a pair-matched, case-control design. Cases were boxers who received an injury during the boxing matches. Boxers who were not injured served as control subjects. Both conditional and unconditional logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors for injury. The overall incidence rate of injury was 17.1 per 100 boxer-matches, or 3.4 per 100 boxer-rounds. Facial laceration accounted for 51% of all injuries, followed by hand injury (17%), eye injury (14%), and nose injury (5%). Male boxers were significantly more likely than female boxers to receive injuries (3.6 versus 1.2 per 100 boxer-rounds, P = 0.01). Male boxing matches also ended in knockouts and technical knockouts more often than did female matches (P boxing matches is high, particularly among male boxers. Superficial facial lacerations are the most common injury reported. Male boxers have a higher rate of knockout and technical knockouts than female boxers. Further research is necessary to determine the outcomes of injury, particularly the long-term neurologic outcome differences between sexes.

  3. Kinetics of the Reactions of O((sup 3)P) and Cl((sup 2)P) with HBr and Br2

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nicovich, J. M.; Wine, P. H.

    1997-01-01

    A laser flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence technique has been employed to study the kinetics of reactions (1)-(4) as a function of temperature. (1) O((sup 3)P) + Br2 yields BrO + Br((sup 2)P(sub 3/2)) at 255-350 K; (2) Cl((sup 2)P) + Br2 yields BrCl + Br((sup 2)P(sub 3/2)) at 298-401 K; (3) O((sup 3)P) + HBr yields OH + Br((sup 2)P(sub J)) at 250-402 K; (4) Cl((sup 2)P) + HBr yields HCl + Br((sup 2)P(sub J)) at 257-404 K. In all cases, the concentration of the excess reagent, i.e, HBr or Br2, was measured in situ in the slow flow system by UV-visible photometry. Heterogeneous dark reactions between XBr (X equals H or Br) and the photolytic precursors for Cl((sup 2)P) and O((sup 3)P) (Cl2 and O3, respectively) were avoided by injecting minimal amounts of precursor into the reaction mixture immediately upstream from the reaction zone. The following Arrhenius expressions summarize our results (errors are 2 sigma and represent precision only, units are cu cm/(molecule.s): k(sub 1) = (1.76 +/- 0.80) x 10(exp -11 exp[(40 +/- 100)/T]; k(sub 2) = (2.40 +/- 1.25) x 12(exp -10) exp[-(144 +/- 176)/T]; k(sub 3) = (5.11 +/- 2.82) x 10(exp -12) exp[-(1450 +/- 160)/T]; k(sub 4) = (2.25 +/- 0.56) x 10(exp -11) exp[-(400 +/- 80)/T]. The consistency (or lack thereof) of our results with those reported in previous kinetics and dynamics studies of reactions (1)-(4) is discussed.

  4. Construction of a 4 Zeptoliters Switchable 3D DNA Box Origami

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Zadegan, Reza Mohammad; Jepsen, Mette DE; Thomsen, Karen E

    2012-01-01

    The DNA origami technique is a recently developed self-assembly method that allows construction of 3D objects at the nanoscale for various applications. In the current study we report the production of a 18 × 18 × 24 nm3 hollow DNA box origami structure with a switchable lid. The structure...

  5. Turkeyen Campus, P.O. Box 10 1110, Georgetown, Guyana (S ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    a

    K values) for Fe(III) and Cr(III) complexes, respectively, at 35 oC and ionic strength 0.1 M. KEY WORDS: Paper ... A study on the feasibility of controlling the level of iron(III) and chromium(III) metal ions by ... 10-3 M. Metal spots were detected on the paper using potassium ferrocyanide solution (BDH, Poole,. UK) for Fe(III) and ...

  6. Inhibition of p38 MAPK attenuates renal atrophy and fibrosis in a murine renal artery stenosis model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Diping; Warner, Gina M; Yin, Ping; Knudsen, Bruce E; Cheng, Jingfei; Butters, Kim A; Lien, Karen R; Gray, Catherine E; Garovic, Vesna D; Lerman, Lilach O; Textor, Stephen C; Nath, Karl A; Simari, Robert D; Grande, Joseph P

    2013-04-01

    Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an important cause of chronic renal dysfunction. Recent studies have underscored a critical role for CCL2 (MCP-1)-mediated inflammation in the progression of chronic renal damage in RAS and other chronic renal diseases. In vitro studies have implicated p38 MAPK as a critical intermediate for the production of CCL2. However, a potential role of p38 signaling in the development and progression of chronic renal disease in RAS has not been previously defined. We sought to test the hypothesis that inhibition of p38 MAPK ameliorates chronic renal injury in mice with RAS. We established a murine RAS model by placing a cuff on the right renal artery and treated mice with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 or vehicle for 2 wk. In mice treated with vehicle, the cuffed kidney developed interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial inflammation. In mice treated with SB203580, the RAS-induced renal atrophy was reduced (70% vs. 39%, P < 0.05). SB203580 also reduced interstitial inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition but had no effect on the development of hypertension. SB203580 partially blocked the induction of CCL2, CCL7 (MCP-3), CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), and collagen 4 mRNA expression in the cuffed kidneys. In vitro, blockade of p38 hindered both TNF-α and TGF-β-induced CCL2 upregulation. Based on these observations, we conclude that p38 MAPK plays a critical role in the induction of CCL2/CCL7/CCR2 system and the development of interstitial inflammation in RAS.

  7. Mössbauer spectroscopy study of 60P2O5-40Fe2O3 glass crystallization

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Stoch Paweł

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available 60P2O5-40Fe2O3 glass was synthesized and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study was presented. The main goal of the research was to investigate structural changes of local environment of iron ions during gradual crystallization of the glass. It was observed that some changes were evidenced at temperature of heat treatment higher than 400°C, above which content of tetrahedrally coordinated Fe3+ was increased in cost of octahedral sites. This led to formation of areas of nucleation of α-FePO4. Crystallization of α-Fe3(P2O72 and Fe2P2O7 was also observed.

  8. Gastric volvulus: A review of 38 cases Volvo gástrico: revisão de 38 casos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Eduardo Jacob

    2009-06-01

    Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Gastric volvulus is frequently an asymptomatic disease, and it is usually diagnosed during radiographic examination of the superior digestive tract. The acute form, however, can spawn serious and lethal clinical consequences. This disease is defined by the anomalous rotation of the stomach over itself, and it can be classified according to type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation. AIM: To review the records from 38 patients with gastric volvulus diagnosed in the Hospital das Clínicas of University of São Paulo between 1968 and 2001. METHODS: This is retrospective analysis of 38 patient records. It was collected from each patient: name, age of first symptom appearance, gender, main clinical findings and complementary exams, volvulus type, extension, direction, etiology, and clinical presentation, therapeutic procedures, type of surgery performed, eventual recurrence, and long-term evolution. RESULTS: It was observed that occurrences of gastric volvulus are mainly secondary (75.8%. For the majority of patients (n=33, surgery was chosen as the treatment option: chronic disease in 29 cases and acute in four. Conservative treatment was reserved only for patients with no clinical conditions to surgical treatment. Anterior gastropexy was associated to high recurrence rates. Suturing the low gastric curve to the hepatic capsule and the transverse colon to the left subphrenic space (Tanner´s operation seemed to be the technical treatment of choice for primary gastric volvulus. CONCLUSION: Treatment of gastric volvolus must be tailored according the etiology of the disease.RACIONAL: O volvo gástrico é frequentemente condição assintomática e diagnosticado em exame radiológico feito por outras causas. A forma aguda, no entanto, pode ter consequências graves e letais. Ele é definido como rotação anômala do estômago nele próprio e classificado de acordo com o tipo, extensão, direção, causa e apresentação

  9. Synthesis of P1-(11-phenoxyundecyl)-P2-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-α-D-rhamnopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl) diphosphate and P1-(11-phenoxyundecyl)-P2-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-α-D-galactopyranosyl) diphosphate for the investigation of biosynthesis of O-antigenic polysaccharides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli O104.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Torgov, Vladimir; Danilov, Leonid; Utkina, Natalia; Veselovsky, Vladimir; Brockhausen, Inka

    2017-12-01

    Two new phenoxyundecyl diphosphate sugars were synthesized for the first time: P 1 -(11-phenoxyundecyl)-P 2 - (2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-α-D-rhamnopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranosyl) diphosphate and P 1 -(11-phenoxyundecyl)-P 2 -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-3-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-α-D-galactopyranosyl) diphosphate to study the third step of biosynthesis of the repeating units of O-antigenic polysaccharides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli O104 respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Ciglitazone induces caspase-independent apoptosis via p38-dependent AIF nuclear translocation in renal epithelial cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kwon, Chae Hwa; Yoon, Chang Soo; Kim, Yong Keun

    2008-01-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists have been reported to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell types including renal proximal epithelial cells. However, the underlying mechanism of cell death induced by PPARγ agonists has not been clearly defined in renal proximal tubular cells. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the mechanism by which ciglitazone, a synthetic PPARγ agonist, induces apoptosis in opossum kidney (OK) cells, an established renal epithelial cell line. Ciglitazone treatment induced apoptotic cell death in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Ciglitazone caused a transient activation of ERK and sustained activation of p38 MAP kinase. Ciglitazone-mediated cell death was attenuated by the p38 inhibitor SB203580 and transfection of dominant-negative form of p38, but not by the MEK inhibitor U0126, indicating that p38 MAP kinase activation is involved in the ciglitazone-induced cell death. Although ciglitazone-induced caspase-3 activation, the ciglitazone-mediated cell death was not affected by the caspase-3 inhibitor DEVD-CHO. Ciglitazone-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) nuclear translocation and these effects were prevented by the p38 inhibitor. These results suggest that ciglitazone induces caspase-independent apoptosis through p38 MAP kinase-dependent AIF nuclear translocation in OK renal epithelial cells

  11. Na3Co2(As0.52P0.48)O4(As0.95P0.05)2O7.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ben Smida, Youssef; Guesmi, Abderrahmen; Zid, Mohamed Faouzi; Driss, Ahmed

    2013-11-30

    The title compound, trisodium dicobalt(II) (arsenate/phosphate) (diarsenate/diphosphate), was prepared by a solid-state reaction. It is isostructural with Na3Co2AsO4As2O7. The framework shows the presence of CoX22O12 (X2 is statistically disordered with As0.95P0.05) units formed by sharing corners between Co1O6 octa-hedra and X22O7 groups. These units form layers perpendicular to [010]. Co2O6 octa-hedra and X1O4 (X1 = As0.54P0.46) tetra-hedra form Co2X1O8 chains parallel to [001]. Cohesion between layers and chains is ensured by the X22O7 groups, giving rise to a three-dimensional framework with broad tunnels, running along the a- and c-axis directions, in which the Na(+) ions reside. The two Co(2+) cations, the X1 site and three of the seven O atoms lie on special positions, with site symmetries 2 and m for the Co, m for the X1, and 2 and m (× 2) for the O sites. One of two Na atoms is disordered over three special positions [occupancy ratios 0.877 (10):0.110 (13):0.066 (9)] and the other is in a general position with full occupancy. A comparison between structures such as K2CdP2O7, α-NaTiP2O7 and K2MoO2P2O7 is made. The proposed structural model is supported by charge-distribution (CHARDI) analysis and bond-valence-sum (BVS) calculations. The distortion of the coordination polyhedra is analyzed by means of the effective coordination number.

  12. Heart Rate and Liking During "Kinect Boxing" Versus "Wii Boxing": The Potential for Enjoyable Vigorous Physical Activity Videogames.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sanders, Gabriel J; Peacock, Corey A; Barkley, Jacob E; Gish, Brian; Brock, Scott; Volpenhein, Josh

    2015-08-01

    Nintendo(®) (Kyoto, Japan) "Wii™ Sports Boxing" ("Wii Boxing") and Xbox(®) (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) "Kinect(®) Sports Boxing" ("Kinect Boxing") are both boxing simulation videogames that are available for two different active videogame (AVG) systems. Although these AVGs are similar, the style of gameplay required is different (i.e., upper body only versus total body movements) and may alter physical activity intensity and one's preference for playing one game over the other. AVGs that elicit the greatest physiologic challenge and are preferred by users should be identified in an effort to enhance the efficacy of physical activity interventions and programs that include AVGs. The mean heart rate (HRmean) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) for 27 adults (22.7±4.2 years old) were recorded during four 10-minute conditions: seated rest, treadmill walking at 3 miles/hour, "Wii Boxing," and "Kinect Boxing." Upon completion of all four conditions, participants indicated which condition they preferred, and HRmean and HRpeak were calculated as a percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate to classify physical activity intensity for the three activity conditions (treadmill, "Wii Boxing," and "Kinect Boxing"). "Kinect Boxing" significantly (P<0.001) increased percentage HRmean (64.1±1.6 percent of age-predicted maximum) and percentage HRpeak (76.5±1.9 percent) above all other conditions: Wii HRmean, 53.0±1.2 percent; Wii HRpeak, 61.8±1.5 percent; treadmill HRmean, 52.4±1.2 percent; treadmill HRpeak, 55.2±2.2 percent. Percentage HRpeak for "Kinect Boxing" was great enough to be considered a vigorous-intensity physical activity. There was no difference (P=0.55) in percentage HRmean between "Wii Boxing" and treadmill walking. Participants also preferred "Kinect Boxing" (P<0.001; n=26) to all other conditions ("Wii Boxing," n=1; treadmill n=0). "Kinect Boxing" was the most preferred and the only condition that was physiologically challenging enough to be classified as a

  13. Designing an orally available nontoxic p38 inhibitor with a fragment-based strategy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guarnieri, Frank

    2015-01-01

    The MAPK p38 became a focal point of inflammatory research when it was recognized that it played a key role in the production of the pro-inflammatory molecules TNF-alpha, IL-beta, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The pharmaceutical industry devoted enormous efforts to creating p38 inhibitors, because blocking p38 had the potential of downregulating a group of pro-inflammatory mediators, and thus, one drug could have a cocktail effect. The market potential seemed to be clearly established (Bonafede et al., Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 6:381-388, 2014) with a multiplicity of TNF-alpha antibodies and a soluble receptor (Mewar and Wilson, Br J Pharmacol 162:785-791, 2011) already on the market, although the relationship between TNF-alpha production and p38 activation is a complicated two-way (Sabio and Davis, Semin Immunol 26:237-245, 2014) signal transduction process. With the discovery that activated p38 stabilizes (Mancini and Di Battista, Inflamm Res 60:1083-1092, 2011) COX-2 mRNA and upregulates expression of IL-beta (Bachstetter and Van Eldik, Aging Dis 1:199-211, 2010) probably in a similar manner, inhibiting p38 appeared to be a way of blocking TNF-alpha, COX-2, and IL-beta simultaneously. At Locus Pharmaceuticals we jumped on this opportunity, because we believed that our fragment-based drug discovery approach was ideally suited for making a potent small molecule p38 inhibitor that did not bind in the ATP site, but also had the solubility, lack of planarity, and low molecular weight required of a clinical candidate. Just to be clear, in our experience highly planar compounds often result in poor pharmacokinetics, because they tend to bind strongly to plasma proteins. At Locus we typically repeated assays by adding increasing amounts of plasma to check for potency degradation in the presence of blood. We found this to be a useful early indicator of pharmacokinetics and in vivo behavior. It became clear from our work and the work of others that binding to the ATP site

  14. TGFβ1-mediated PI3K/Akt and p38 MAP kinase dependent alternative splicing of fibronectin extra domain A in human podocyte culture.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Madne, Tarunkumar Hemraj; Dockrell, Mark Edward Carl

    2018-04-30

    Alternative splicing is an important gene regulation process to distribute proteins in health and diseases. Extra Domain A+ Fibronectin (EDA+Fn) is an alternatively spliced form of fibronectin (Fn) protein, present in the extra cellular matrix (ECM) and a recognised marker of various pathologies. TGFβ1 has been shown to induce alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in many cell types. Podocytes are spectacular cell type and play a key role in filtration and synthesise ECM proteins in renal physiology and pathology. In our previous study we have demonstrated expression and alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in basal condition in human podocytes culture. TGFβ1 further induced the basal expression and alternative splicing of EDA+Fn through Alk5 receptor and SR proteins. In this study, we have investigated TGFβ1 mediated signalling involved in alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. We have performed western blotting to characterise the expression of the EDA+Fn protein and other signalling proteins and RT-PCR to look for signalling pathways involved in regulation of alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in conditionally immortalised human podocytes culture.We have used TGFβ1 as a stimulator and SB431542, SB202190 and LY294002 for inhibitory studies. In this work, we have demonstrated in human podocytes culture TGFβ1 2.5ng/ml induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, Smad2 and Smad3 via the ALK5 receptor. TGFβ1 significantly induced the PI3K/Akt pathway and the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 significantly downregulated basal as well as TGFβ1 induced alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. In addition to this, TGFβ1 significantly induced the p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway and p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway inhibitor SB202190 downregulated the TGFβ1-mediated alternative splicing of EDA+Fn in human podocytes. The results with PI3K and p38 MAP kinase signalling pathway suggest that inhibiting PI3K signalling pathway downregulated the basal alternative

  15. A boxing-oriented exercise intervention for obese adolescent males: findings from a pilot study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shultz, Sarah P; Stoner, Lee; Lambrick, Danielle M; Lane, Andrew M

    2014-12-01

    In New Zealand, obese Māori and Pasifika adolescents are at risk of numerous cardio-metabolic conditions with raising physical activity levels being proposed as a useful intervention. The present study used a mixed method design to explore the effects of a non-contact boxing-oriented training programme designed in terms of improvements to cardio-metabolic variables. Traditional recruitment strategies (media, referrals) were employed, with limited success leading to 3 adolescent boys (14-15 y) participating in the pilot intervention. Exercise sessions included 30 minutes of non-contact boxing training, followed by 30 minutes of progressive resistance training. Participants attended three 1h training sessions each week, for a total of 12 weeks. Physiological variables included anthropometric indices, visceral fat thickness, central blood pressures, central arterial stiffness (augmentation index: AIx), and carotid arterial stiffness (β). Results revealed that there was no trend for change in body weight (125.5 ± 12.1 kg vs. 126.5 ± 11.0 kg) or BMI (39.3 ± 4.1 kg·m(-2) vs. 39.0 ± 4.6 kg·m(-2)). However, there was a moderate decrease in visceral fat thickness (4.34 ± 2.51 cm vs 3.65 ± 1.11 cm, d = 0.36). There was no change in central pulse pressure (38.7 ± 7.3 mmHg vs. 38.3 ± 5.0 mmHg), however, there was a small improvement in β (3.01 ± 0.73 vs. 2.87 ± 0.84, d = 0.18). Focus group interview data with participants and their parents were used to explore issues related to motivation to participation. Results revealed participants commented on how the programme has led to new friendships, changes to their physical appearance, and increased physical fitness. Parents commented on increased self-confidence, better performance in school, and a willingness to take part in new activities. In conclusion, it appears participating in the boxing oriented training programme was motivating to participants who engaged and had some physiological benefits in obese

  16. Ab Initio Chemical Kinetics for the CH3 + O((3)P) Reaction and Related Isomerization-Decomposition of CH3O and CH2OH Radicals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Z F; Raghunath, P; Lin, M C

    2015-07-16

    The kinetics and mechanism of the CH3 + O reaction and related isomerization-decomposition of CH3O and CH2OH radicals have been studied by ab initio molecular orbital theory based on the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//CCSD/aug-cc-pVTZ, CCSD/aug-cc-pVDZ, and G2M//B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p) levels of theory. The predicted potential energy surface of the CH3 + O reaction shows that the CHO + H2 products can be directly generated from CH3O by the TS3 → LM1 → TS7 → LM2 → TS4 path, in which both LM1 and LM2 are very loose and TS7 is roaming-like. The result for the CH2O + H reaction shows that there are three low-energy barrier processes including CH2O + H → CHO + H2 via H-abstraction and CH2O + H → CH2OH and CH2O + H → CH3O by addition reactions. The predicted enthalpies of formation of the CH2OH and CH3O radicals at 0 K are in good agreement with available experimental data. Furthermore, the rate constants for the forward and some key reverse reactions have been predicted at 200-3000 K under various pressures. Based on the new reaction pathway for CH3 + O, the rate constants for the CH2O + H and CHO + H2 reactions were predicted with the microcanonical variational transition-state/Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (VTST/RRKM) theory. The predicted total and individual product branching ratios (i.e., CO versus CH2O) are in good agreement with experimental data. The rate constant for the hydrogen abstraction reaction of CH2O + H has been calculated by the canonical variational transition-state theory with quantum tunneling and small-curvature corrections to be k(CH2O + H → CHO + H2) = 2.28 × 10(-19) T(2.65) exp(-766.5/T) cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1) for the 200-3000 K temperature range. The rate constants for the addition giving CH3O and CH2OH and the decomposition of the two radicals have been calculated by the microcanonical RRKM theory with the time-dependent master equation solution of the multiple quantum well system in the 200-3000 K temperature range at 1 Torr to

  17. Purification of reversibly oxidized proteins (PROP reveals a redox switch controlling p38 MAP kinase activity.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dennis J Templeton

    2010-11-01

    Full Text Available Oxidation of cysteine residues of proteins is emerging as an important means of regulation of signal transduction, particularly of protein kinase function. Tools to detect and quantify cysteine oxidation of proteins have been a limiting factor in understanding the role of cysteine oxidation in signal transduction. As an example, the p38 MAP kinase is activated by several stress-related stimuli that are often accompanied by in vitro generation of hydrogen peroxide. We noted that hydrogen peroxide inhibited p38 activity despite paradoxically increasing the activating phosphorylation of p38. To address the possibility that cysteine oxidation may provide a negative regulatory effect on p38 activity, we developed a biochemical assay to detect reversible cysteine oxidation in intact cells. This procedure, PROP, demonstrated in vivo oxidation of p38 in response to hydrogen peroxide and also to the natural inflammatory lipid prostaglandin J2. Mutagenesis of the potential target cysteines showed that oxidation occurred preferentially on residues near the surface of the p38 molecule. Cysteine oxidation thus controls a functional redox switch regulating the intensity or duration of p38 activity that would not be revealed by immunodetection of phosphoprotein commonly interpreted as reflective of p38 activity.

  18. Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a P38-Like Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase from Echinococcus granulosus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lü, Guodong; Li, Jing; Zhang, Chuanshan; Li, Liang; Bi, Xiaojuan; Li, Chaowang; Fan, Jinliang; Lu, Xiaomei; Vuitton, Dominique A; Wen, Hao; Lin, Renyong

    2016-12-01

    Cystic echinococcosis (CE) treatment urgently requires a novel drug. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of Ser/Thr protein kinases, but still have to be characterized in Echinococcus granulosus . We identified a 1,107 bp cDNA encoding a 368 amino acid MAPK protein (Egp38) in E. granulosus . Egp38 exhibits 2 distinguishing features of p38-like kinases: a highly conserved T-X-Y motif and an activation loop segment. Structural homology modeling indicated a conserved structure among Egp38, EmMPK2, and H. sapiens p38α, implying a common binding mechanism for the ligand domain and downstream signal transduction processing similar to that described for p38α. Egp38 and its phosphorylated form are expressed in the E. granulosus larval stages vesicle and protoscolices during intermediate host infection of an intermediate host. Treatment of in vitro cultivated protoscolices with the p38-MAPK inhibitor ML3403 effectively suppressed Egp38 activity and led to significant protoscolices death within 5 days. Treatment of in vitro-cultivated protoscolices with TGF-β1 effectively induced Egp38 phosphorylation. In summary, the MAPK, Egp38, was identified in E. granulosus , as an anti-CE drug target and participates in the interplay between the host and E. granulosus via human TGF-β1.

  19. Enhancement in light harvesting ability of photoactive layer P3HT: PCBM using CuO nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tiwari, D. C.; Dwivedi, Shailendra Kumar; Dipak, Pukhrambam; Chandel, Tarun

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, we have synthesized CuO nanoparticles via precipitation method and incorporated CuO nanoparticles in the P3HT-poly (3-hexyl) thiophene: PCBM-[6, 6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester heterogeneous blend. The ratio of P3HT to CuO in the blend was varied, while maintaining the fixed ratio of PCBM. The UV-visible absorption spectra of P3HT: PCBM photoactive layer containing different weight percentages of CuO nanoparticles showed a clear enhancement in the photo absorption of the active layer. The absorption band starts from 310 nm to 750 nm for P3HT: CuO (NPs):PCBM (0.5:0.5:1). This shows that incorporation of CuO nanoparticles leads to larger absorption band. In addition, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows improvement in P3HT crystallinity and the better formation of CuO nanostructures.

  20. Structure and properties of ZnO-B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-TeO{sub 2} glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mosner, Petr, E-mail: petr.mosner@upce.cz [Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, 53210 Pardubice (Czech Republic); Vosejpkova, Katerina; Koudelka, Ladislav [Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, University of Pardubice, Faculty of Chemical Technology, 53210 Pardubice (Czech Republic); Montagne, Lionel; Revel, Bertrand [Unite de Catalyse et de Chimie du Solide - UCCS, Univ Lille Nord de France, F-59000, CNRS UMR 8181, USTL F-59655, ENSCL F-59652, Villeneuve d' Ascq (France)

    2010-11-01

    Zinc borophosphate glasses doped with TeO{sub 2} were studied in the compositional series (100 - x)[0.5ZnO-0.1B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-0.4P{sub 2}O{sub 5}]-xTeO{sub 2} in a broad concentration range of x = 0-80 mol% TeO{sub 2}. The structure of the glasses was studied by Raman and IR spectroscopy and by {sup 31}P and {sup 11}B MAS NMR spectroscopy. According to the Raman and IR spectra, TeO{sub 2} is incorporated in the structural network in the form of TeO{sub 3}, TeO{sub 3+1} and TeO{sub 4} structural units. The ratio of TeO{sub 4}/TeO{sub 3} increases with increasing TeO{sub 2} content in the glasses. The incorporation of TeO{sub x} units into the glass network is associated with the depolymerisation of phosphate chains, as revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The incorporation of TeO{sub 2} modifies also the coordination of boron atoms, where B(OP){sub 4} structural units are gradually replaced by B(OP){sub 4-n}(OTe){sub n} units. The addition of TeO{sub 2} to the parent zinc borophosphate glass results in a decrease of glass transition temperature associated with the replacement of stronger P-O and B-O bonds by weaker Te-O bonds. Chemical durability of glasses reveals a minimum at the glass containing 10 mol% TeO{sub 2}, but with further additions of TeO{sub 2} it improves and the glasses with a high TeO{sub 2} content reveal better durability than the parent zinc borophosphate glass.

  1. p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase modulates exocrine secretion in rabbit lacrimal gland.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carlsson, Stina K; Gierow, J Peter

    2012-03-01

    The lacrimal gland (LG) is an exocrine gland important for secretion of the tear film. The kinase p38 has important signal transduction functions, e.g. in gene transcription, but has previously not been known to modulate exocrine secretion. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of p38 in carbachol (Cch)-induced LG secretion in LG acinar cells in vitro. Western blotting was used to determine the phosphorylation status of p38 and p42/44 and determine expression of p38 isoforms. To determine the effect of p38 inhibition on LG secretion, PD 169316, a general p38 inhibitor, and SB 239063, an inhibitor of p38α and β, were added to the cells prior to secretion measurements. The results revealed activation of p38 mediated by Cch stimulation and inhibition of Cch-induced secretion as a result of p38 inhibition. The inhibition was observed with PD 169316 isoforms, but not with SB 239063. The p38δ isoform was shown to have robust expression both by Western blotting of acinar cells and immunofluorescence of the whole gland. In conclusion, p38 activation mediates secretion in cholinergic stimulation of rabbit LG cells.

  2. The dehydration of SrTeO3(H2O)--a topotactic reaction for preparation of the new metastable strontium oxotellurate(IV) phase ε-SrTeO3.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stöger, Berthold; Weil, Matthias; Baran, Enrique J; González-Baró, Ana C; Malo, Sylvie; Rueff, Jean Michel; Petit, Sebastien; Lepetit, Marie Bernadette; Raveau, Bernard; Barrier, Nicolas

    2011-05-28

    Microcrystalline single-phase strontium oxotellurate(IV) monohydrate, SrTeO(3)(H(2)O), was obtained by microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis under alkaline conditions at 180 °C for 30 min. A temperature of 220 °C and longer reaction times led to single crystal growth of this material. The crystal structure of SrTeO(3)(H(2)O) was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data: P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 7.7669(5), b = 7.1739(4), c = 8.3311(5) Å, β = 107.210(1)°, V = 443.42(5) Å(3), 1403 structure factors, 63 parameters, R[F(2)>2σ(F(2))] = 0.0208, wR(F(2) all) = 0.0516, S = 1.031. SrTeO(3)(H(2)O) is isotypic with the homologous BaTeO(3)(H(2)O) and is characterised by a layered assembly parallel to (100) of edge-sharing [SrO(6)(H(2)O)] polyhedra capped on each side of the layer by trigonal-prismatic [TeO(3)] units. The cohesion of the structure is accomplished by moderate O-H···O hydrogen bonding interactions between donor water molecules and acceptor O atoms of adjacent layers. In a topochemical reaction, SrTeO(3)(H(2)O) condensates above 150 °C to the metastable phase ε-SrTeO(3) and transforms upon further heating to δ-SrTeO(3). The crystal structure of ε-SrTeO(3), the fifth known polymorph of this composition, was determined from combined electron microscopy and laboratory X-ray powder diffraction studies: P2(1)/c, Z = 4, a = 6.7759(1), b = 7.2188(1), c = 8.6773(2) Å, β = 126.4980(7)°, V = 341.20(18) Å(3), R(Fobs) = 0.0166, R(Bobs) = 0.0318, Rwp = 0.0733, Goof = 1.38. The structure of ε-SrTeO(3) shows the same basic set-up as SrTeO(3)(H(2)O), but the layered arrangement of the hydrous phase transforms into a framework structure after elimination of water. The structural studies of SrTeO(3)(H(2)O) and ε-SrTeO(3) are complemented by thermal analysis and vibrational spectroscopic measurements.

  3. Tuning of the Morphology and Optoelectronic Properties of ZnO/P3HT/P3HT- b-PEO Hybrid Films via Spray Deposition Method.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Kun; Bießmann, Lorenz; Schwartzkopf, Matthias; Roth, Stephan V; Müller-Buschbaum, Peter

    2018-06-20

    The self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymers yields the possibility of using them as a template for tailoring the film morphologies of sol-gel chemistry-derived inorganic electron transport materials, such as mesoporous ZnO and TiO 2 . However, additional steps including etching and backfilling are required for the common bulk heterojunction fabrication process when using insulating diblock copolymers. Here, we use the conducting diblock copolymer poly(3-hexylthiophene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) (P3HT- b-PEO) in which P3HT acts as charge carrier transport material and light absorber, whereas PEO serves as a template for ZnO synthesis. The initial solution is subsequently spray-coated to obtain the hybrid film. Scanning electron microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering measurements reveal a significant change in the morphology of the hybrid films during deposition. Optoelectronic properties illustrate the improved charge separation and charge transfer process. Both the amount of the diblock copolymer and the annealing temperature play an important role in tuning the morphology and the optoelectronic properties. Hybrid films being sprayed from a solution with the ratio of ω ZnO , ω P3HT , and ω P3HT- b-PEO of 2:1:1 and subsequent annealing at 80 °C show the most promising morphology combined with an optimal photoluminescence quenching. Thus, the presented simple, reagent- and energy-saving fabrication method provides a promising approach for a large-scale preparation of bulk heterojunction P3HT/ZnO films on flexible substrates.

  4. Corrosion Behavior and Microhardness of Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 Nano-composite Coatings on Magnesium Alloy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sadreddini, S.; Rahemi Ardakani, S.; Rassaee, H.

    2017-05-01

    In the present work, nano-composites of Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 were coated on AZ91HP magnesium alloy. The surface morphology of the nano-composite coating was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of SiO2 in the coating was determined by energy-dispersive analysis of x-ray (EDX), and the crystalline structure of the coating was examined by x-ray diffractometer (XRD). All the experiments concerning the corrosion behavior of the coating carried out in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization technique. The results showed that an incorporation of SiO2 and Al2O3 in Ni-P coating at the SiO2 concentration of 10 g/Land 14 g/LAl2O3 led to the lowest corrosion rate ( i corr = 1.3 µA/cm2), the most positive E corr and maximum microhardness (496 VH). Furthermore, Ni-P-SiO2-Al2O3 nano-composite coating possesses less porosity than that in Ni-P coating, resulting in improving corrosion resistance.

  5. Performance Aspects and Physiological Responses in Male Amateur Boxing Competitions: A Brief Review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Slimani, Maamer; Chaabène, Helmi; Davis, Philip; Franchini, Emerson; Cheour, Foued; Chamari, Karim

    2017-04-01

    Slimani, M, Chaabène, H, Davis, P, Franchini, E, Cheour, F, and Chamari, K. Performance aspects and physiological responses in male amateur boxing competitions: a brief review. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1132-1141, 2017-Boxing is one of the most popular striking combat sports in the world. The aim of this review was to present data concerning performance analysis (time-motion and technical-tactical analysis) and physiological responses (i.e., blood lactate concentration [BLC], heart rate, and oxygen consumption) during novice and elite male simulated and official amateur boxing competitions in any age category. The present review shows that boxing competition is a high-intensity intermittent striking combat sport. Typically, the activity-to-rest ratio was higher in elite (18:1) than in novice (9:1) boxers and significant differences were observed between rounds (first round = 16:1, second round = 8:1, and third round = 6:1) in novice boxers. Thus, total stop-time and total stop-frequency increased over subsequent rounds in novice boxers. The technical-tactical aspects in elite and novice boxing bouts were different between rounds and dependent on the match outcome (i.e., winners vs. losers). Particularly, the current review highlights that triple-punch combinations, total combinations, block- and counter-punch combinations, total punches to the head, technical performance effectiveness, and defensive- and offensive-skills effectiveness may have contributed to win in novice and elite boxing competitions. Higher frequencies of technical movements were also observed in elite compared with novice boxers. From a physiological point of view, BLC increased significantly from postround 1 compared with postround 3 in novice boxing match. BLC was also higher in official than in simulated elite boxing matches in senior compared with junior boxers and in medium heavy-weight category compared with light- and medium-weight categories in junior boxing competition. A higher

  6. [Effect of lipopolysaccharides extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis on the expression of p38 and ERK1/2 in osteoblast].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lv, You; Jia, Ge; Qiu, Li-hong; Bao, Mu-rong; Yu, Ya-qiong; Guo, Yan

    2012-08-01

    To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted from Porphyromonas endodontalis(P.e) on the expression of p38 and ERK1/2 in osteoblast. MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated with 10 μg/mL P.e-LPS for 0,5,15,30,60,180 min. The phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 was measured by Western blot. Statistical analysis was performed using one- way ANOVA and Dunnett t test with SPSS11.0 software package. 10 μg/mL LPS could significantly activate p38 MAPK. The peak of phosphorylated p38 was detected at 5 to 30 min(P<0.01) and returned to baseline within 60 min; the level of phosphorylated ERK1/2 increased after the stimulation of LPS for 5 min and reached maximum at 15 min (P<0.01) and declined after 30 min. P.e-LPS can induce the expression of p38 and ERK1/2 in osteoblast MC3T3-E1, which indicates that P.e-LPS may play an important role in osteoblast through p38 and ERK1/2.

  7. Photostability enhancement of InP/ZnS quantum dots enabled by In2O3 overcoating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jo, Jung-Ho; Kim, Jong-Hoon; Lee, Sun-Hyoung; Jang, Ho Seong; Jang, Dong Seon; Lee, Ju Chul; Park, Ko Un; Choi, Yoonyoung; Ha, Chunghun; Yang, Heesun

    2015-01-01

    Although the present-level quantum dots (QDs) exhibit excellent photoluminescent performance, their photostability under a prolonged photoexcitation stays doubtful and still unsatisfactory from an industrial perspective, since it determines the reliability of QD-incorporated devices such as QD-light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs). In the present work, the overcoating of red-emitting InP/ZnS QDs with the oxide phase of In 2 O 3 is attempted to suppress the QD photooxidation, thus rendering them highly photostable. The efficacy of the oxide overlayer in substantially alleviating the QD photodegradation is verified through a comparative photostability test, where two colloidal solutions of bare versus In 2 O 3 -overcoated InP/ZnS (InP/ZnS@In 2 O 3 ) QDs are identically subjected to a continuous UV irradiation for an extended period of time. Furthermore, both InP/ZnS and InP/ZnS@In 2 O 3 QDs are packaged as color-converters with a blue LED chip, and the operational stability of the fabricated QD-LEDs is examined at a forward bias of 60 mA. Consistent with the results of UV irradiation experiment, InP/ZnS@In 2 O 3 QD-LED exhibits a superior device stability against a continual operation as compared with InP/ZnS one. - Graphical abstract: In 2 O 3 -overcoated InP/ZnS QD exhibited the superior photostability under continuous UV irradiation and LED operation for extended period of times compared to bare InP/ZnS one. - Highlights: • Red-emitting InP/ZnS QD is overcoated with the oxide phase of In 2 O 3 . • The efficacy of the oxide overlayer in substantially alleviating the QD photodegradation is demonstrated. • Compared to bare InP/ZnS QD In 2 O 3 -overcoated one exhibits the superior photostability against continuous photoexcitation

  8. Mouse preimplantation embryo responses to culture medium osmolarity include increased expression of CCM2 and p38 MAPK activation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Watson Andrew J

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Mechanisms that confer an ability to respond positively to environmental osmolarity are fundamental to ensuring embryo survival during the preimplantation period. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK occurs following exposure to hyperosmotic treatment. Recently, a novel scaffolding protein called Osmosensing Scaffold for MEKK3 (OSM was linked to p38 MAPK activation in response to sorbitol-induced hypertonicity. The human ortholog of OSM is cerebral cavernous malformation 2 (CCM2. The present study was conducted to investigate whether CCM2 is expressed during mouse preimplantation development and to determine whether this scaffolding protein is associated with p38 MAPK activation following exposure of preimplantation embryos to hyperosmotic environments. Results Our results indicate that Ccm2 along with upstream p38 MAPK pathway constituents (Map3k3, Map2k3, Map2k6, and Map2k4 are expressed throughout mouse preimplantation development. CCM2, MAP3K3 and the phosphorylated forms of MAP2K3/MAP2K6 and MAP2K4 were also detected throughout preimplantation development. Embryo culture in hyperosmotic media increased p38 MAPK activity in conjunction with elevated CCM2 levels. Conclusion These results define the expression of upstream activators of p38 MAPK during preimplantation development and indicate that embryo responses to hyperosmotic environments include elevation of CCM2 and activation of p38 MAPK.

  9. Resolution of 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide with TADDOL derivatives and calcium salts of O,O'-Dibenzoyl-(2R,3R)- or O,O'-di-p-toluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bagi, Péter; Fekete, András; Kállay, Mihály; Hessz, Dóra; Kubinyi, Miklós; Holczbauer, Tamás; Czugler, Mátyás; Fogassy, Elemér; Keglevich, György

    2014-03-01

    The resolution methods applying (-)-(4R,5R)-4,5-bis(diphenylhydroxymethyl)-2,2-dimethyldioxolane ("TADDOL"), (-)-(2R,3R)-α,α,α',α'-tetraphenyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-2,3-dimethanol ("spiro-TADDOL"), as well as the acidic and neutral Ca(2+) salts of (-)-O,O'-dibenzoyl- and (-)-O,O'-di-p-toluoyl-(2R,3R)-tartaric acid were extended for the preparation of 1-n-butyl-3-methyl-3-phospholene 1-oxide in optically active form. In one case, the intermediate diastereomeric complex could be identified by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The absolute P-configuration of the enantiomers of the phospholene oxide was also determined by comparing the experimentally obtained and calculated CD spectra. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product Ameliorates Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induced Renal Injury, Inflammation, and Apoptosis via P38/JNK Signaling Pathways

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xu Wu

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA associated chronic kidney disease is mainly caused by chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH triggered tissue damage. Receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE and its ligand high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1 are expressed on renal cells and mediate inflammatory responses in OSA-related diseases. To determine their roles in CIH-induced renal injury, soluble RAGE (sRAGE, the RAGE neutralizing antibody, was intravenously administered in a CIH model. We also evaluated the effect of sRAGE on inflammation and apoptosis. Rats were divided into four groups: (1 normal air (NA, (2 CIH, (3 CIH+sRAGE, and (4 NA+sRAGE. Our results showed that CIH accelerated renal histological injury and upregulated RAGE-HMGB1 levels involving inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6, apoptotic (Bcl-2/Bax, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (phosphorylation of P38, ERK, and JNK signal transduction pathways, which were abolished by sRAGE but p-ERK. Furthermore, sRAGE ameliorated renal dysfunction by attenuating tubular endothelial apoptosis determined by immunofluorescence staining of CD31 and TUNEL. These findings suggested that RAGE-HMGB1 activated chronic inflammatory transduction cascades that contributed to the pathogenesis of the CIH-induced renal injury. Inhibition of RAGE ligand interaction by sRAGE provided a therapeutic potential for CIH-induced renal injury, inflammation, and apoptosis through P38 and JNK pathways.

  11. Observation of red electroluminescence from an Eu2O3/ p +-Si device and improved performance by introducing a Tb2O3 layer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yin, Xue; Wang, Shenwei; Mu, Guangyao; Wan, Guangmiao; Huang, Miaoling; Yi, Lixin

    2017-01-01

    We report red electroluminescence (EL) from an Eu 2 O 3 / p + -Si device with Eu 2 O 3 film annealed in oxygen ambient at 700 °C. The red EL is ascribed to the characteristic emissions of Eu 3+ ions in Eu 2 O 3 film and the luminescence mechanism is discussed in detail. In order to optimize the device performance, Eu 2 O 3 /Tb 2 O 3 multiple films were deposited on Si wafer, and the result showed EL intensity of the device was obviously enhanced and the turn-on voltage was reduced to about 10 V. Moreover, intensity ratio I ( 5 D 0 – 7 F 2 )/ I ( 5 D 0 – 7 F 1 ) was also significantly increased with the hypersensitive transition 5 D 0 – 7 F 2 as the most prominent group at about 611 nm. The improved performance was attributed to the added Tb 2 O 3 film that it can be served as the hole-injection layer to afford extra holes injected into the Eu 2 O 3 layer. (paper)

  12. Lagrangian Photochemical Box-Model Calculations of Asian Pacific Rim Outflow During TRACE-P

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hamlin, A.; Crawford, J.; Olson, J.; Avery, M.; Sachse, G.; Barrick, J.; Blake, D.; Tan, D.; Sandholm, S.; Kondo, Y.; Singh, H.; Eisele, F.; Zondlo, M.; Flocke, F.; Talbot, R.

    2006-12-01

    NASA's TRACE-P (TRAnsport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific) mission was conducted over the northwestern Pacific February-April, 2001. During two transit flights across the Pacific, extensive pollution was observed from an Asian outflow event that split into two branches over the central Pacific, one subsiding and moving southward over the central Pacific and the other continuing eastward in the upper troposphere. The subsiding branch was observed as a widespread stagnant pollution layer between 2 and 4 km over the central Pacific during transit flights from Kona, HI to Guam. In this region, high levels of O3 (70 ppbv), CO (217 ppbv), and NOx (114 pptv) were well in excess of typical values observed during TRACE-P along the Asian coast. Evidence suggests that the subsiding branch experienced extensive photochemical processing compared to the branch that remained at altitude. To examine the processes controlling the chemical evolution of ozone and its precursors in this outflow event, data collected during the TRACE-P mission have been combined with lagrangian photochemical box model calculations. One of the largest sources of uncertainty in these calculations was associated with predicted water vapor levels along the transport trajectories calculated using the HYSPLIT model. Water vapor levels predicted by HYSPLIT trajectory calculations in the subsiding layer ranged from 3390 to 4880 ppm, while the median level observed in the pollution layer was only 637 ppm. Simulations of ozone production and associated radical chemistry differed dramatically when using water vapor levels based on trajectory calculations versus observed water vapor levels. Levels of PAN and HO2NO2, NOx reservoir species, are also influenced by uncertainties in temperature along the trajectories. These results highlight the importance of accurately representing the humidification and warming of subsiding air masses in 3-D chemical- transport models.

  13. Hydrothermal Synthesis of PbTiO3 Nanocrystals with a pH-Adjusting Agent of Ammonia Solution

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Xinyi; Huang, Zhixiong; Zhang, Lianmeng; Guo, Dongyun

    2018-05-01

    The PbTiO3 nanocrystals were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and ammonia solution was firstly used as a pH-adjusting agent. The effect of ammonia concentration on formation and morphologies of PbTiO3 nanocrystals was investigated. At low ammonia concentration (0-2.2 mol/L), no perovskite PbTiO3 phase was formed. When the ammonia concentration was 4.4 mol/L, the rod-like PbTiO3 nanocrystals with highly crystalline were successfully synthesized. As the ammonia concentration further increased to 13.2 mol/L, the flake-like PbTiO3 nanocrystals were formed.

  14. The performance of Y2O3 as interface layer between La2O3 and p-type silicon substrate

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shulong Wang

    2016-11-01

    Full Text Available In this study, the performance of Y2O3 as interface layer between La2O3 and p-type silicon substrate is studied with the help of atomic layer deposition (ALD and magnetron sputtering technology. The surface morphology of the bilayer films with different structures are observed after rapid thermal annealing (RTA by atomic force microscopy (AFM. The results show that Y2O3/Al2O3/Si structure has a larger number of small spikes on the surface and its surface roughness is worse than Al2O3/Y2O3/Si structure. The reason is that the density of Si substrate surface is much higher than that of ALD growth Al2O3. With the help of high-frequency capacitance-voltage(C-V measurement and conductivity method, the density of interface traps can be calculated. After a high temperature annealing, the metal silicate will generate at the substrate interface and result in silicon dangling bond and interface trap charge, which has been improved by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and interface trap charge density calculation. The interface trapped charge density of La2O3/Al2O3/Si stacked gate structure is lower than that of La2O3/Y2O3/Si gate structure. If Y2O3 is used to replace Al2O3 as the interfacial layer, the accumulation capacitance will increase obviously, which means lower equivalent oxide thickness (EOT. Our results show that interface layer Y2O3 grown by magnetron sputtering can effectively ensure the interface traps near the substrate at relative small level while maintain a relative higher dielectric constant than Al2O3.

  15. Involvement of a novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in larval metamorphosis of the polychaete Hydroides elegans (Haswell)

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Hao

    2010-04-19

    Hydroides elegans is a common marine fouling organism in most tropical and subtropical waters. The life cycle of H. elegans includes a planktonic larval stage in which swimming larvae normally take 5 days to attain competency to settle. Larval metamorphosis marks the beginning of its benthic life; however, the endogenous molecular mechanisms that regulate metamorphosis remain largely unknown. In this study, a PCR-based suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) library was constructed to screen the genes expressed in competent larvae but not in precompetent larvae. Among the transcripts isolated from the library, 21 significantly matched sequences in the GenBank. Many of these isolated transcripts have putative roles in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) signal transduction pathway or in response to ROS stress. A putative novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which was also isolated with SSH screen, was then cloned and characterized. The MAPK inhibitors assay showed that both p38 MAPK inhibitors SB202190 and SB203580 effectively inhibited the biofilm-induced metamorphosis of H. elegans. A cell stressors assay showed that H2O2 effectively induced larval metamorphosis of H. elegans, but the inductivity of H2O2 was also inhibited by both SB inhibitors. The catalase assay showed that the catalase could effetely inhibit H. elegans larvae from responding to inductive biofilm. These results showed that the p38 MAPK-dependent pathway plays critical role in controlling larval metamorphosis of the marine polychaete H. elegans, and the reactive oxygen radicals produced by biofilm could be the cue inducing larval metamorphosis. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  16. Zero photoelastic and water durable ZnO-SnO-P2O5-B2O3 glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saitoh, Akira; Nakata, Kohei; Tricot, Grégory; Chen, Yuanyuan; Yamamoto, Naoki; Takebe, Hiromichi

    2015-04-01

    We report properties of zero birefringent xZnO-(67-x)SnO-(33-y)P2O5-y B2O3 glasses, within 18.5 ≤ x ≤ 22 and y = 0, 3, and 10 mol. %. These compositions of boro-phosphate glasses provide both zero photoelastic constant (PEC) and improved water durability. x = 19 and y = 3 compositions show minimum PEC of -0.002 × 10-12 Pa-1, which can contribute to candidate material for fiber current sensor devise without lead. The structures of zero photoelastic glasses were investigated by Raman scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. Compositions of zero PEC glasses are explained by the empirical model proposed by Zwanziger et al. [Chem. Mater. 19, 286-290 (2007)].

  17. Post deposition annealing effect on the properties of Al2O3/InP interface

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Hogyoung; Kim, Dong Ha; Choi, Byung Joon

    2018-02-01

    Post deposition in-situ annealing effect on the interfacial and electrical properties of Au/Al2O3/n-InP junctions were investigated. With increasing the annealing time, both the barrier height and ideality factor changed slightly but the series resistance decreased significantly. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements showed that the intensities of both the near band edge (NBE) emission from InP and defect-related bands (DBs) from Al2O3 decreased with 30 min annealing. With increasing the annealing time, the diffusion of oxygen (indium) atoms into Al2O3/InP interface (into Al2O3 layer) occurred more significantly, giving rise to the increase of the interface state density. Therefore, the out-diffusion of oxygen atoms from Al2O3 during the annealing process should be controlled carefully to optimize the Al2O3/InP based devices.

  18. Structural Bioinformatics-Based Prediction of Exceptional Selectivity of p38 MAP Kinase Inhibitor PH-797804

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Xing, Li; Shieh, Huey S.; Selness, Shaun R.; Devraj, Rajesh V.; Walker, John K.; Devadas, Balekudru; Hope, Heidi R.; Compton, Robert P.; Schindler, John F.; Hirsch, Jeffrey L.; Benson, Alan G.; Kurumbail, Ravi G.; Stegeman, Roderick A.; Williams, Jennifer M.; Broadus, Richard M.; Walden, Zara; Monahan, Joseph B.; Pfizer

    2009-07-24

    PH-797804 is a diarylpyridinone inhibitor of p38{alpha} mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase derived from a racemic mixture as the more potent atropisomer (aS), first proposed by molecular modeling and subsequently confirmed by experiments. On the basis of structural comparison with a different biaryl pyrazole template and supported by dozens of high-resolution crystal structures of p38{alpha} inhibitor complexes, PH-797804 is predicted to possess a high level of specificity across the broad human kinase genome. We used a structural bioinformatics approach to identify two selectivity elements encoded by the TXXXG sequence motif on the p38{alpha} kinase hinge: (i) Thr106 that serves as the gatekeeper to the buried hydrophobic pocket occupied by 2,4-difluorophenyl of PH-797804 and (ii) the bidentate hydrogen bonds formed by the pyridinone moiety with the kinase hinge requiring an induced 180{sup o} rotation of the Met109-Gly110 peptide bond. The peptide flip occurs in p38{alpha} kinase due to the critical glycine residue marked by its conformational flexibility. Kinome-wide sequence mining revealed rare presentation of the selectivity motif. Corroboratively, PH-797804 exhibited exceptionally high specificity against MAP kinases and the related kinases. No cross-reactivity was observed in large panels of kinase screens (selectivity ratio of >500-fold). In cellular assays, PH-797804 demonstrated superior potency and selectivity consistent with the biochemical measurements. PH-797804 has met safety criteria in human phase I studies and is under clinical development for several inflammatory conditions. Understanding the rationale for selectivity at the molecular level helps elucidate the biological function and design of specific p38{alpha} kinase inhibitors.

  19. Social interaction reward decreases p38 activation in the nucleus accumbens shell of rats.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Salti, Ahmad; Kummer, Kai K; Sadangi, Chinmaya; Dechant, Georg; Saria, Alois; El Rawas, Rana

    2015-12-01

    We have previously shown that animals acquired robust conditioned place preference (CPP) to either social interaction alone or cocaine alone. Recently it has been reported that drugs of abuse abnormally activated p38, a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase family, in the nucleus accumbens. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression of the activated form of p38 (pp38) in the nucleus accumbens shell and core of rats expressing either cocaine CPP or social interaction CPP 1 h, 2 h and 24 h after the CPP test. We hypothesized that cocaine CPP will increase pp38 in the nucleus accumbens shell/core as compared to social interaction CPP. Surprisingly, we found that 24 h after social interaction CPP, pp38 neuronal levels were decreased in the nucleus accumbens shell to the level of naïve rats. Control saline rats that received saline in both compartments of the CPP apparatus and cocaine CPP rats showed similar enhanced p38 activation as compared to naïve and social interaction CPP rats. We also found that the percentage of neurons expressing dopaminergic receptor D2R and pp38 was also decreased in the shell of the nucleus accumbens of social interaction CPP rats as compared to controls. Given the emerging role of p38 in stress/anxiety behaviors, these results suggest that (1) social interaction reward has anti-stress effects; (2) cocaine conditioning per se does not affect p38 activation and that (3) marginal stress is sufficient to induce p38 activation in the shell of the nucleus accumbens. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  20. Pratol, an O-Methylated Flavone, Induces Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells via p-p38 and p-JNK Upregulation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    You Chul Chung

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme critical for melanin synthesis. It controls pigmentation in the skin. Activation of tyrosinase is currently the most common approach in the development of tanning and haircare products. Pratol is a 7-hydroxy-4-methoxyflavone found in Trifolium pratense. In this study, we investigated the effects of pratol on melanogenesis. We also studied the mechanism of action of pratol in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. The cells were treated with various concentrations (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 μM of pratol to observe its effects. The results showed that pratol significantly increased melanin content and tyrosinase activity in the cells without being cytotoxic. In addition, pratol strongly increased the expression of tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein-1 and 2 by enhancing the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. Furthermore, pratol stimulated melanogenesis via the phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK. The findings from an assay searching for the inhibitor revealed that SB203580 (a specific p38 inhibitor or SP600125 (a p-JNK inhibitor attenuated pratol-induced cellular tyrosinase activity whereas PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor did not. Additionally, pratol interfered with the phosphorylation of p-AKT. We also found that pratol-induced melanogenesis was reversed by H89, which is a specific protein kinase A inhibitor. The results suggest that, owing to its multi-functional properties, pratol may be a potential tanning agent or a therapeutic agent for hair depigmentation in the cosmetic industry.

  1. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles stimulate sea urchin immune cell phagocytic activity involving TLR/p38 MAPK-mediated signalling pathway

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pinsino, Annalisa; Russo, Roberta; Bonaventura, Rosa; Brunelli, Andrea; Marcomini, Antonio; Matranga, Valeria

    2015-01-01

    Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are one of the most widespread-engineered particles in use for drug delivery, cosmetics, and electronics. However, TiO2NP safety is still an open issue, even for ethical reasons. In this work, we investigated the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus immune cell model as a proxy to humans, to elucidate a potential pathway that can be involved in the persistent TiO2NP-immune cell interaction in vivo. Morphology, phagocytic ability, changes in activation/inactivation of a few mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK, ERK), variations of other key proteins triggering immune response (Toll-like receptor 4-like, Heat shock protein 70, Interleukin-6) and modifications in the expression of related immune response genes were investigated. Our findings indicate that TiO2NPs influence the signal transduction downstream targets of p38 MAPK without eliciting an inflammatory response or other harmful effects on biological functions. We strongly recommend sea urchin immune cells as a new powerful model for nano-safety/nano-toxicity investigations without the ethical normative issue. PMID:26412401

  2. High mobility half-metallicity in the (LaMnO3)2/(SrTiO3)8 superlattice

    KAUST Repository

    Cossu, Fabrizio

    2013-01-28

    First principles calculations have been performed to investigate the LaMnO3/SrTiO3 superlattice. Structural relaxation within the generalized gradient approximation results in no significant tiltings or rotations of oxygen octahedra, but in distinct distortions in the SrTiO3 region. Taking into account the onsite Coulomb interaction, we find that the Mn spins order ferromagnetically, in contrast to the antiferromagnetic state of bulk LaMnO3. Most importantly, the interface strain combined with charge transfer across the interface induces half-metallicity within the MnO2 layers. The superlattice is particulary interesting for spintronics applications because the half-metallic states are characterized by an extraordinary high mobility.

  3. High mobility half-metallicity in the (LaMnO3)2/(SrTiO3)8 superlattice

    KAUST Repository

    Cossu, Fabrizio; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo; Singh, Nirpendra

    2013-01-01

    First principles calculations have been performed to investigate the LaMnO3/SrTiO3 superlattice. Structural relaxation within the generalized gradient approximation results in no significant tiltings or rotations of oxygen octahedra, but in distinct distortions in the SrTiO3 region. Taking into account the onsite Coulomb interaction, we find that the Mn spins order ferromagnetically, in contrast to the antiferromagnetic state of bulk LaMnO3. Most importantly, the interface strain combined with charge transfer across the interface induces half-metallicity within the MnO2 layers. The superlattice is particulary interesting for spintronics applications because the half-metallic states are characterized by an extraordinary high mobility.

  4. Nonlinear acoustic properties of the ternary (La sub 2 O sub 3) sub x (Sm sub 2 O sub 3) sub y (P sub 2 O sub 5) sub (1-x-y) phosphate glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Senin, H.B.; Sidek, H.A.A.; Saunders, G.A.

    1994-01-01

    From measurements of changes in transit time of 10 MHz of ultrasonic wave as a function of temperature and hydrostatic pressure, the linear and non-linear acoustic properties of the ternary (La sub 2 O sub 3) sub x (Sm sub 2 O sub 3) sub y (P sub 2 O sub 5) sub (1-x-y) glasses with compositions near to that corresponding to the metaphosphate have been determined. For each glass the second order elastic stiffness tensor components C sub ijs (SOEC) continue to increase down to 10K in a manner consistent with phonons interactions with two level systems. Measurements of the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the ultrasonic wave velocities have been used to determine the hydrostatic pressure derivatives (dC sub ij/dP) sub T,P=0 of the SOEC and (dB0 sup s)/dP) sub T,P=0 of the bulk modulus B0 sup s at room temperature (293K). For the ternary (La sub 2 O sub 3) sub x (Sm sub 2 O sub 3) sub y (P sub 2 O sub 5) sub (1-x-y) glasses, (dC sub 11/dP), (dC sub 44/dP), and (dBo/dP), are small but positives; these glasses stiffen under pressure. The elastic behaviour of these ternary glasses lies intermediate between those of (Sm sub 2 O sub 3)(P sub 2 O sub 5) sub (1-x) and (La sub 2 O sub 3) sub y (P sub 2 O sub 5) sub (1-x-y) glasses. Replacement of the Sm sup 3+ by La sup 3+ in the ternary phosphate glasses negates the acoustic mode softening. Possible sources of the different effects of La sub 3+ and Sm sub 3+ modifiers on the nonlinear acoustic properties of metaphosphate glasses are discussed

  5. MicroRNA-22 impairs anti-tumor ability of dendritic cells by targeting p38.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xue Liang

    Full Text Available Dendritic cells (DCs play a critical role in triggering anti-tumor immune responses. Their intracellular p38 signaling is of great importance in controlling DC activity. In this study, we identified microRNA-22 (miR-22 as a microRNA inhibiting p38 protein expression by directly binding to the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR of its mRNA. The p38 down-regulation further interfered with the synthesis of DC-derived IL-6 and the differentiation of DC-driven Th17 cells. Moreover, overexpression of miR-22 in DCs impaired their tumor-suppressing ability while miR-22 inhibitor could reverse this phenomenon and improve the curative effect of DC-based immunotherapy. Thus, our results highlight a suppressive role for miR-22 in the process of DC-invoked anti-tumor immunity and that blocking this microRNA provides a new strategy for generating potent DC vaccines for patients with cancer.

  6. VOPcPhO:P3HT composite micro-structures with nano-porous surface morphology

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Azmer, Mohamad Izzat [Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Ahmad, Zubair, E-mail: zubairtarar@qu.edu.qa [Center for Advanced Materials (CAM), Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha (Qatar); Sulaiman, Khaulah, E-mail: khaulah@um.edu.my [Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Touati, Farid [Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, P. O. Box 2713, Doha (Qatar); Bawazeer, Tahani M. [Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah (Saudi Arabia); Alsoufi, Mohammad S. [Mechanical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah (Saudi Arabia)

    2017-03-31

    Highlights: • VOPcPhO:P3HT micro-structures with nano-porous surface morphology have been formed. • Multidimensional structures have been formed by electro-spraying technique. • The electro-sprayed films are very promising for the humidity sensors. - Abstract: In this paper, composite micro-structures of Vanadyl 2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine) (VOPcPhO) and Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) complex with nano-porous surface morphology have been developed by electro-spraying technique. The structural and morphological characteristics of the VOPcPhO:P3HT composite films have been studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The multidimensional VOPcPhO:P3HT micro-structures formed by electro-spraying with nano-porous surface morphology are very promising for the humidity sensors due to the pore sizes in the range of micro to nano-meters scale. The performance of the VOPcPhO:P3HT electro-sprayed sensor is superior in term of sensitivity, hysteresis and response/recovery times as compared to the spin-coated one. The electro-sprayed humidity sensor exhibits ∼3 times and 0.19 times lower hysteresis in capacitive and resistive mode, respectively, as compared to the spin-coated humidity sensor.

  7. Solution-processed n-ZnO nanorod/p-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoplate heterojunction light-emitting diode

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kim, Jong-Woo; Lee, Su Jeong; Biswas, Pranab [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Tae Il [Department of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam Daero, Seongnam 13120 (Korea, Republic of); Myoung, Jae-Min, E-mail: jmmyoung@yonsei.ac.kr [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722 (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-06-01

    Highlights: • The n-ZnO nanorods were epitaxially grown on p-Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoplates. • The heteroepitaxial p-n junction was fabricated by using hydrothermal process. • The LEDs emitted reddish-orange and violet light related to ZnO point defects. • The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoplates function as a hole injection layer. • Junction between 1D NRs and 2D NPs provides a new approach to design nanostructures. - Abstract: A heterojunction light-emitting diode (LED) based on p-type cobalt oxide (Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanoplates (NPs)/n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) is demonstrated. Using a low-temperature aqueous solution process, the n-type ZnO NRs were epitaxially grown on Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs which were two-dimensionally assembled by a modified Langmuir-Blodgett process. The heterojunction LEDs exhibited a typical rectifying behavior with a turn-on voltage of about 2 V and emitted not only reddish-orange light at 610 nm but also violet light at about 400 nm. From the comparative analyses of electroluminescence and photoluminescence, it was determined that the reddish-orange light emission was related to the electronic transitions from zinc interstitials (Zn{sub i}) to oxygen interstitials (O{sub i}) or conduction-band minimum (CBM) to oxygen vacancies (V{sub O}), and the violet light emission was attribute to the transition from CBM to valence-band maximum (VBM) or Zn{sub i} to zinc vacancies (V{sub Zn}).

  8. VO₂ requirements of boxing exercises.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Arseneau, Eric; Mekary, Saïd; Léger, Luc A

    2011-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to quantify the physiological requirements of various boxing exercises such as sparring, pad work, and punching bag. Because it was not possible to measure the oxygen uptake (VO₂) of "true" sparring with a collecting gas valve in the face, we developed and validated a method to measure VO₂ of "true" sparring based on "postexercise" measurements. Nine experienced male amateur boxers (Mean ± SD: age = 22.0 ± 3.5 years, height = 176.0 ± 8.0 cm, weight = 71.4 ± 10.9 kg, number of fights = 13.0 ± 9.5) of regional and provincial level volunteered to participate in 3 testing sessions: (a) maximal treadmill test in the LAB, (b) standardized boxing training in the GYM, and (c) standardized boxing exercises in the LAB. Measures of VO₂, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration [LA], rated perceived exertion level, and punching frequencies were collected. VO₂ values of 43.4 ± 5.9, 41.1 ± 5.1, 24.7 ± 6.1, 30.4 ± 5.8, and 38.3 ± 6.5 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ were obtained, which represent 69.7 ± 8.0, 66.1 ± 8.0, 39.8 ± 10.4, 48.8 ± 8.5, and 61.7 ± 10.3%VO₂peak for sparring, pad work, and punching bag at 60, 120, and 180 b·min⁻¹, respectively. Except for lower VO₂ values for punching the bag at 60 and 120 b·min⁻¹ (p < 0.05), there was no VO₂ difference between exercises. Similar pattern was obtained for %HRmax with respective values of 85.5 ± 5.9, 83.6 ± 6.3, 67.5 ± 3.5, 74.8 ± 5.9, and 83.0 ± 6.0. Finally, sparring %HRmax and [LA] were slightly higher in the GYM (91.7 ± 4.3 and 9.4 ± 2.2 mmol·L⁻¹) vs. LAB (85.5 ± 5.9 and 6.1 ± 2.3 mmol·L⁻¹). Thus, in this study simulated LAB sparring and pad work required similar VO₂ (43-41 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, respectively), which corresponds to ~70%VO₂peak. These results underline the importance of a minimum of aerobic fitness for boxers and draw some guidelines for the intensity of training.

  9. 1s2p resonant inelastic x-ray scattering in a-Fe2O3

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Caliebe, W.A.; Kao, C.-C.; Hastings, J.B.; Taguchi, M.; Kotani, A.; Uozumi, T.; Groot, F.M.F. de

    1998-01-01

    We report experimental and theoretical results on the Fe K edge x-ray absorption spectrum and 1s2p resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) spectra in a-Fe2O3 . The results are interpreted using an FeO6^9- cluster model with intra-atomic multiplet coupling and interatomic covalency

  10. Efficacy and gastrointestinal tolerability of ML3403, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase and CBS-3595, a dual inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase and phosphodiesterase 4 in CFA-induced arthritis in rats.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koch, Diana A; Silva, Rodrigo B M; de Souza, Alessandra H; Leite, Carlos E; Nicoletti, Natália F; Campos, Maria M; Laufer, Stefan; Morrone, Fernanda B

    2014-03-01

    Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 inhibitors have entered the clinical phase, although many of them have failed due to high toxicity and lack of efficacy. In the present study we compared the effects of the selective p38 inhibitor ML3403 and the dual p38-PDE4 inhibitor CBS-3595, on inflammatory and nociceptive parameters in a model of polyarthritis in rats. Male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were used for the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model and they were evaluated at 14-21 days. We also analysed the effects of these pharmacological tools on liver and gastrointestinal toxicity and on cytokine levels. Repeated CBS-3595 (3 mg/kg) or ML3403 (10 mg/kg) administration produced significant anti-inflammatory actions in the chronic arthritis model induced by CFA. CBS-3595 and ML3403 treatment also markedly reduced the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the paw tissue, whereas it widely increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Moreover, CBS-3595 produced partial anti-allodynic effects in the CFA model at 4 and 8 days after treatment. Notably, ML3403 and CBS-3595 did not show marked signs of hepatoxicity, as supported by unaltered histological observations in the liver sections. Finally, both compounds were safe in the gastrointestinal tract, according to evaluation of intestinal biopsies. CBS-3595 displayed a superior profile regarding its anti-inflammatory effects. Thus p38 MAPK/PDE4 blocking might well constitute a relevant strategy for the treatment of RA.

  11. Evidence for the Involvement of p38 MAPK Activation in Barnacle Larval Settlement

    KAUST Repository

    He, Li-Sheng

    2012-10-24

    The barnacle Balanus ( = Amphibalanus) amphitrite is a major marine fouling animal. Understanding the molecular mechanism of larval settlement in this species is critical for anti-fouling research. In this study, we cloned one isoform of p38 MAPK (Bar-p38 MAPK) from this species, which shares the significant characteristic of containing a TGY motif with other species such as yeast, Drosophila and humans. The activation of p38 MAPK was detected by an antibody that recognizes the conserved dual phosphorylation sites of TGY. The results showed that phospho-p38 MAPK (pp38 MAPK) was more highly expressed at the cyprid stage, particularly in aged cyprids, in comparison to other stages, including the nauplius and juvenile stages. Immunostaining showed that Bar-p38 MAPK and pp38 MAPK were mainly located at the cyprid antennules, and especially the third and fourth segments, which are responsible for substratum exploration during settlement. The expression and localization patterns of Bar-p38 MAPK suggest its involvement in larval settlement. This postulation was also supported by the larval settlement bioassay with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Behavioral analysis by live imaging revealed that the larvae were still capable of exploring the surface of the substratum after SB203580 treatment. This shows that the effect of p38 MAPK on larval settlement might be by regulating the secretion of permanent proteinaceous substances. Furthermore, the level of pp38 MAPK dramatically decreased after full settlement, suggesting that Bar-p38 MAPK maybe plays a role in larval settlement rather than metamorphosis. Finally, we found that Bar-p38 MAPK was highly activated when larvae confronted extracts of adult barnacle containing settlement cues, whereas larvae pre-treated with SB203580 failed to respond to the crude adult extracts.

  12. Evidence for the Involvement of p38 MAPK Activation in Barnacle Larval Settlement

    KAUST Repository

    He, Li-Sheng; Xu, Ying; Matsumura, Kiyotaka; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Gen; Qi, Shu-Hua; Qian, Pei-Yuan

    2012-01-01

    The barnacle Balanus ( = Amphibalanus) amphitrite is a major marine fouling animal. Understanding the molecular mechanism of larval settlement in this species is critical for anti-fouling research. In this study, we cloned one isoform of p38 MAPK (Bar-p38 MAPK) from this species, which shares the significant characteristic of containing a TGY motif with other species such as yeast, Drosophila and humans. The activation of p38 MAPK was detected by an antibody that recognizes the conserved dual phosphorylation sites of TGY. The results showed that phospho-p38 MAPK (pp38 MAPK) was more highly expressed at the cyprid stage, particularly in aged cyprids, in comparison to other stages, including the nauplius and juvenile stages. Immunostaining showed that Bar-p38 MAPK and pp38 MAPK were mainly located at the cyprid antennules, and especially the third and fourth segments, which are responsible for substratum exploration during settlement. The expression and localization patterns of Bar-p38 MAPK suggest its involvement in larval settlement. This postulation was also supported by the larval settlement bioassay with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. Behavioral analysis by live imaging revealed that the larvae were still capable of exploring the surface of the substratum after SB203580 treatment. This shows that the effect of p38 MAPK on larval settlement might be by regulating the secretion of permanent proteinaceous substances. Furthermore, the level of pp38 MAPK dramatically decreased after full settlement, suggesting that Bar-p38 MAPK maybe plays a role in larval settlement rather than metamorphosis. Finally, we found that Bar-p38 MAPK was highly activated when larvae confronted extracts of adult barnacle containing settlement cues, whereas larvae pre-treated with SB203580 failed to respond to the crude adult extracts.

  13. Effect of ball milling and dynamic compaction on magnetic properties of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Co(P) composite particles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Denisova, E. A. [Kirensky Institute of Physics SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Krasnoyarsk Institute of Railways Transport, Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Kuzovnikova, L. A. [Krasnoyarsk Institute of Railways Transport, Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Iskhakov, R. S., E-mail: rauf@iph.krasn.ru; Eremin, E. V. [Kirensky Institute of Physics SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation); Bukaemskiy, A. A. [Institut fur Sicherheitsforschung und Reaktortechnik, D-52425 Juelich (Germany); Nemtsev, I. V. [Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk (Russian Federation)

    2014-05-07

    The evolution of the magnetic properties of composite Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}/Co(P) particles during ball milling and dynamic compaction is investigated. To prepare starting composite particles, the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} granules were coated with a Co{sub 95}P{sub 5} shell by electroless plating. The magnetic and structural properties of the composite particles are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the use of the Physical Property Measurement System. The use of composite core-shell particles as starting powder for mechanoactivation allows to decrease treatment duration to 1 h and to produce a more homogeneous bulk sample than in the case of the mixture of Co and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} powders. The magnetic properties of the milled composite particles are correlated with changes in the microstructure. Reduction in grain size of Co during milling leads to an increase of the volume fraction of superparamagnetic particles and to a decrease of the saturation magnetization. The local magnetic anisotropy field depends on the amount of hcp-Co phase in sample. The anisotropy field value decreases from 8.4 kOe to 3.8 kOe with an increase in milling duration up to 75 min. The regimes of dynamic compaction were selected so that the magnetic characteristics—saturation magnetization and coercive field—remained unchanged.

  14. p38 MAPK mediated in compressive stress-induced chondrogenesis of rat bone marrow MSCs in 3D alginate scaffolds.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Juan; Zhao, Zhihe; Yang, Jingyuan; Liu, Jun; Wang, Jun; Li, Xiaoyu; Liu, Yurong

    2009-12-01

    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known to have the capability to form bone and cartilage, and chondrogenesis derived from MSCs is reported to be affected by mechanical stimuli. This research was aimed to study the effects of cyclic compressive stress on the chondrogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) which were encapsulated in alginate scaffolds and cultured with or without chondrogenic medium, and to investigate the role of p38 MAPK phospho-relay cascade in this process. The results show that the gene expression of chondrocyte-specific markers of Col2alpha1, aggrecan, Sox9, Runx2, and Ihh was upregulated by dynamic compressive stress introduced at the 8th day of chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. The p38 MAPK was activated by chondrogenic cytokines in a slow and lagged way, but activated by cyclic compressive stimulation in a rapid and transient manner. And inhibition of p38 activity with SB203580 suppressed gene expression of chondrocyte-specific genes stimulated by chondrogenic medium and (or) cyclic compressive stress. These findings suggest that p38 MAPK signal acts as an essential mediator in the mechano-biochemical transduction and subsequent transcriptional regulation in the process of chondrogenesis.

  15. Synthesis and study of the triphosphate salt LiSr2P3O10·8H2O

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sotnikova-Yuzhik, V.A.; Peslyak, G.V.

    1995-01-01

    Lithium triphosphate interaction with strontium nitrate in aqueous solution at 0.3 mole% concentration and 20 deg C is studied. Formation of crystal hydrate LiSr 2 P 3 O 10 ·8H 2 O and amorphous phase of variable composition Li 2,5-0,5x P 3 O 10 ·6H 2 O (0.20≤x≤0.55) is determined. Data on the stability of binary lithium-strontium triphosphate at storage, sequence of chemical and phase transitions under heating are obtained. 5 refs., 4 figs., 3 tabs

  16. Synthesis and visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity of p-n heterojunction Ag2O/NaTaO3 nanocubes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Songbo; Xu, Dongbo; Chen, Biyi; Luo, Bifu; Yan, Xu; Xiao, Lisong; Shi, Weidong

    2016-10-01

    The constructing of p-n heterojunction photocatalytic system has received much attention in environmental purification and hydrogen generation from water. In this study, an efficient visible-light-driven p-n heterojunction Ag2O/NaTaO3 was successfully prepared by chemical precipitation method at room temperature. It showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation, much higher than those of either individual Ag2O or NaTaO3. The reactive species scavenger results indicated the superoxide anion radicals (rad O2-) played key roles in RhB decoloration. From the experimental results and the relative band gap position of these semiconductors, a detailed possible photocatalytic mechanism of the Ag2O/NaTaO3 heterojunction under visible light was proposed. The enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was attributed to the interfacial electronic interaction between NaTaO3 and Ag2O and the high migration efficiency of photogenerated carriers.

  17. Theoretical study of ZnO adsorption and bonding on Al2O3 (0001) surface

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    LI Yanrong; YANG Chun; XUE Weidong; LI Jinshan; LIU Yonghua

    2004-01-01

    ZnO adsorption on sapphire (0001) surface is theoretically calculated by using a plane wave ultrasoft pseudo-potential method based on ab initio molecular dynamics. The results reveal that the surface relaxation in the first layer Al-O is reduced, even eliminated after the surface adsorption of ZnO, and the chemical bonding energy is 434.338.6) kJ·mol-1. The chemical bond of ZnO (0.185 ± 0.01 nm) has a 30° angle away from the adjacent Al-O bond, and the stable chemical adsorption position of the Zn is deflected from the surface O-hexagonal symmetry with an angle of about 30°. The analysis of the atomic populations, density of state and bonding electronic density before and after the adsorption indicates that the chemical bond formed by the O2- of the ZnO and the surface Al3+ has a strong ionic bonding characteristic, while the chemical bond formed by the Zn2+ and the surface O2- has an obvious covalent characteristic, which comes mainly from the hybridization of the Zn 4s and the O 2p and partially from that of the Zn 3d and the O 2p.

  18. Structure and functional regulation of the CD38 promoter

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun Li; Iqbal, Jameel; Zaidi, Samir; Zhu Linglng; Zhang Xuefeng; Peng Yuanzheng; Moonga, Baljit S.; Zaidi, Mone

    2006-01-01

    CD38 has multiple roles in biology, including T lymphocyte signaling, neutrophil migration, neurotransmission, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and bone remodeling. To study the transcriptional control of the CD38 gene, we cloned a putative 1.8 kb promoter fragment from a rabbit genomic DNA library. Primer extension analysis indicated two transcription start sites consistent with the absence of a TATA box. Sequence analysis revealed several AP-1, AP-4, myo-D, GATA, and SP-1 sequences. MC3T3.E1 (osteoblast) or RAW-C3 (osteoclast precursor macrophage) cells were then transfected with the CD38 promoter or its deletion fragments ligated to the luciferase reporter gene. Except for the shortest 41 bp fragment, all fragments showed significant luciferase activity. There was a marked stimulation of basal activity in the 93 bp fragment that contained a GC box and SP-1 site. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the activity of the fragments in MC3T3.E1 and RAW-C3 cells. Intracellular Ca 2+ elevations by ionomycin (10 μM) in MC3T3.E1 cells inhibited promoter activity, except in the short 41 bp. In contrast, cAMP elevation by exposure to forskolin (100 μM) inhibited activation of all fragments, except the 0.6 and 1.2 kb fragments. Finally, TNF-α stimulated promoter activity in RAW-C3 cells transfected with the 93 bp and 1.0 kb fragments, consistent with the stimulation of CD38 mRNA by TNF-α. Physiologically, therefore, modulation of the expression of the NAD + -sensing enzyme, CD38, by Ca 2+ , cAMP, and cytokines, such as TNF-α may contribute to coupling the intense metabolic activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts to their respective bone-resorbing and bone-forming functions

  19. Synergetic Effect of Ni2P/SiO2 and γ-Al2O3 Physical Mixture in Hydrodeoxygenation of Methyl Palmitate

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ivan V. Shamanaev

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available The Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst, which was prepared by in situ temperature-programmed reduction and in the mixture with the inert (SiC, SiO2 or acidic (γ-Al2O3 material was studied in methyl palmitate hydrodeoxygenation (HDO. Methyl palmitate HDO was carried out at temperatures of 270–330 °C, H2/feed volume ratio of 600 Nm3/m3, and H2 pressure of 3.0 MPa. Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst, diluted with γ-Al2O3 showed a higher activity than Ni2P/SiO2 catalyst diluted with SiC or SiO2. The conversion of methyl palmitate increased significantly in the presence of γ-Al2O3 most probably due to the acceleration of the acid-catalyzed reaction of ester hydrolysis. The synergism of Ni2P/SiO2 and γ-Al2O3 in methyl palmitate HDO can be explained by the cooperation of the metal sites of Ni2P/SiO2 and the acid sites of γ-Al2O3 in consecutive metal-catalyzed and acid-catalyzed reactions of HDO. The obtained results let us conclude that the balancing of metal and acid sites plays an important role in the development of the efficient catalyst for the HDO of fatty acid esters over supported phosphide catalysts.

  20. Oxide Synthase Expression by p38 MAP Kinase

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tuija Turpeinen

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available The role of dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1 in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS expression in A549 human pulmonary epithelial cells, J774 mouse macrophages and primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs was investigated. iNOS expression was induced by a cytokine mixture (TNF, IFNγ and IL-1β in A549 cells and by LPS in J774 cells, and it was inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitors SB202190 and BIRB 796. Stimulation with cytokine mixture or LPS enhanced also DUSP1 expression. Down-regulation of DUSP1 by siRNA increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and iNOS expression in A549 and J774 cells. In addition, LPS-induced iNOS expression was enhanced in BMMs from DUSP1(−/− mice as compared to that in BMMs from wild-type mice. The results indicate that DUSP1 suppresses iNOS expression by limiting p38 MAPK activity in human and mouse cells. Compounds that enhance DUSP1 expression or modulate its function may be beneficial in diseases complicated with increased iNOS-mediated NO production.

  1. Phase formation in K2O(K2CO3)-CdO-MoO3 system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tsirenova, G.D.; Tsybikova, B.A.; Bazarova, Zh.G.; Solodovnikov, S.F.; Zolotova, E.S.

    2000-01-01

    Phase formation in K 2 O(K 2 CO 3 )-CdO-MoO 3 system are studied by the methods of x-ray diffraction, thermal and crystal optical analyses. Three potassium-cadmium molybdates are detected: K 4 Cd(MoO 4 ) 3 with a new structure, alluodite-like K 4-2x Cd 1+x (MoO 4 ) 3 (0.26≤x≤0.38 at 470 Deg C) and K 4 CdMo 4 O 15 of K 4 MnMo 4 O 15 type. First of them decomposes in solid phase at 580 Deg C, and others melt incongruently at 720 and 515 Deg C correspondingly. It is established that K 4-2x Cd 1+x (MoO 4 ) 3 compound undergoes phase transition of the second type in the temperature interval of 500-550 Deg C. Phase diagram of quasibinary cross section K 2 MoO 4 -CdMoO 4 is plotted [ru

  2. Effect of cell density and HLA-DR incompatibility on T-cell proliferation and forkhead box P3 expression in human mixed lymphocyte reaction.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Song, E Y; Han, S; Yang, B; Morris, G P; Bui, J D

    2015-04-01

    The proliferation rates of human T cells in vitro are affected by some factors such as initial T-cell number, dose of stimulating cells, and duration of culture. The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) has been used to identify regulatory T cells in humans and is thought to correlate with tolerance to allogeneic organ transplant. Thus, it is important to optimize conditions to expand FoxP3 cell proliferation to improve engraftment of allogeneic organ transplants. We studied proliferative responses and FoxP3 expression in divided T cells with the use of flow cytometric analysis of Ki-67 in culture of different concentrations of responding cells (6 × 10(6), 4 × 10(6), 2 × 10(6), 1 × 10(6), and 0.5 × 10(6)cells/mL), different types of stimulating cells (lymphocytes and low density cells), and different numbers of HLA mismatches. The proportion of CD3(+) cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells among mononuclear cells were highest at initial cell concentration of 2 × 10(6) responder cells/mL with lymphocytes as stimulators at day-5 mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). They were highest at a concentration of 4 × 10(6) responder cells/mL with low density cells as stimulators. The recovery (%), proportion of CD3(+) cells, CD4(+)CD25(+) cells, and CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells with 2 HLA-DR incompatibility were significantly higher than those of 1 HLA-DR incompatibility at day-5 MLR. Initial cell concentration and HLA-DR incompatibility can affect the generation of FoxP3+ T cells in human MLR. These factors could be considered for efficient generation of Tregs for clinical trials in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Thermal-induced changes on the properties of spin-coated P3HT:C60 thin films for solar cell applications

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Motaung, DE

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available on the properties of spin- coated P3HT:C60 thin films for solar cell applications David E. Motaung1, 2, Gerald F. Malgas1,*, Christopher J. Arendse1, Sipho E. Mavundla1, 3 Clive J. Oliphant 1, 2 and Dirk Knoesen2 1National Centre for Nano...-structured Materials, Council for Scientific Industrial Research, P. O. Box 395, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa 2Deparment of Physics, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa 3Deparment of Chemistry, University of the Western...

  4. EPR Structural Investigations on Ag2O-B2O3-CaO-P2O5 Vitreous System

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Razvan Stefan

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available Glass samples from vitreous system 1.5Ag2O98.5%[0.47B2O3(0.53-xCaOxP2O5] with 0  x  0.08 have been obtained by undercooled method. The magnetic species existing in glass powders have been highlighting by mean of electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR. The resonance linewidth analysis reveal the interactions between magnetic ions.

  5. A novel whole-cell lysate kinase assay identifies substrates of the p38 MAPK in differentiating myoblasts

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Knight James DR

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background The p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK is a critical mediator of myoblast differentiation, and does so in part through the phosphorylation and regulation of several transcription factors and chromatin remodelling proteins. However, whether p38α is involved in processes other than gene regulation during myogenesis is currently unknown, and why other p38 isoforms cannot compensate for its loss is unclear. Methods To further characterise the involvement of p38α during myoblast differentiation, we developed and applied a simple technique for identifying relevant in vivo kinase substrates and their phosphorylation sites. In addition to identifying substrates for one kinase, the technique can be used in vitro to compare multiple kinases in the same experiment, and we made use of this to study the substrate specificities of the p38α and β isoforms. Results Applying the technique to p38α resulted in the identification of seven in vivo phosphorylation sites on six proteins, four of which are cytoplasmic, in lysate derived from differentiating myoblasts. An in vitro comparison with p38β revealed that substrate specificity does not discriminate these two isoforms, but rather that their distinguishing characteristic appears to be cellular localisation. Conclusion Our results suggest p38α has a novel cytoplasmic role during myogenesis and that its unique cellular localisation may be why p38β and other isoforms cannot compensate for its absence. The substrate-finding approach presented here also provides a necessary tool for studying the hundreds of protein kinases that exist and for uncovering the deeper mechanisms of phosphorylation-dependent cell signalling.

  6. Characterization of Ni-P-SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite coatings on aluminum substrate

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rahemi Ardakani, S., E-mail: saeed.rahemi69@gmail.com [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Afshar, A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Sadreddini, S., E-mail: sina.sadreddini1986@gmail.com [Young Researchers and Elites Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ghanbari, A.A. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, International Campus, Kish Island (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

    2017-03-01

    In the present work, nano-composites of Ni-P-SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were coated on a 6061 aluminum substrate. The surface morphology of the nano-composite coating was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The amount of SiO{sub 2} in the coating was determined by Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-Ray (EDX) and the crystalline structure of the coating was examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD). All the experiments concerning the corrosion behavior of the coating carried out in 3.5%wt NaCl solution and evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization technique. The results showed that an incorporation of SiO{sub 2} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} in Ni-P coating at the SiO{sub 2} concentration of 10 g/L and 14 g/L Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} led to the lowest corrosion rate (i{sub corr} = 0.88 μA/cm{sup 2}), the most positive E{sub corr} and maximum microhardness (537 μHV). Furthermore, increasing the amount of nanoparticles in the coating was found to decrease CPE{sub dl} and improve porosity. - Highlights: • The maximum content of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and SiO{sub 2} in the coating was increased to 14.02%wt and 4.54%wt, respectively. • By enhancing the amount of nanoparticles in the coating, there was higher corrosion resistance. • Increasing the nanoparticles content in the coating improved microhardness of coating. • The maximum of microhardness of Ni-P-SiO{sub 2}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was measured to be 537 μHV.

  7. Rapid weight gain in professional boxing and correlation with fight decisions: analysis from 71 title fights.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Daniele, Gianlorenzo; Weinstein, Richard N; Wallace, Paul Wesley; Palmieri, Vincenzo; Bianco, Massimiliano

    2016-11-01

    Boxing is a sport where athletes compete in several weight categories. Professional boxers typically dehydrate to cut their weight for the weigh-in (24 h before the contest) and then rehydrate before the fight. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) mandates a second weigh-in 12 h before the fight. Our objectives were: 1) To quantify the weight gain (WG) from the 1st to the 2nd weigh-in; 2) to investigate whether rapid WG affects boxing performance (win/loss rate) and 3) whether weight discrepancy (WD) 15 between boxers exposes them to increased health risks (rate of fights ended before time limit). From official weigh-in reports of 71 IBF fights (142 fighters) the following data were gathered/calculated for each boxer: age, weight division, 1st weight, 2nd weight, WG between weigh-ins (kg and %), WD between opponents, and fight decision. Between the weigh-ins, the average WG was 2.52 ± 1.37 kg (range -0.3/6.4 kg) and 3.8 ± 2.2% of the initial body weight (range -0.4/9.3%) and the average WD 1.94 ± 1.50 kg (maximum 7.10 kg). Both WG and WD did not affect match outcomes. We observed tendencies for higher loss rate among boxers gaining more weight, and for higher victory rate in boxers with larger WD, however without reaching significance. A significant negative correlation was found between the 1st weight and the WG, both in absolute (r = -0.278, p = 0.001) and relative value (r = -0.497, p boxing performance were not found, single cases with an alarming high WG and WD were noted.

  8. Piperlongumine induces apoptosis and autophagy in leukemic cells through targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and p38 signaling pathways.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Hongfei; Wang, Yongqiang; Gao, Hongmei; Wang, Bing; Dou, Lin; Li, Yin

    2018-02-01

    Piperlongumine is an alkaloid compound extracted from Piper longum L. It is a chemical substance with various pharmacological effects and medicinal value, including anti-tumor, lipid metabolism regulatory, antiplatelet aggregation and analgesic properties. The present study aimed to understand whether piperlongumine induces the apoptosis and autophagy of leukemic cells, and to identify the mechanism involved. Cell viability and autophagy were detected using MTT, phenazine methyl sulfate and trypan blue exclusion assays. The apoptosis rate was calculated using flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3, Akt and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) were measured using western blotting. The cell growth of leukemic cells was completely inhibited following treatment with piperlongumine, and marked apoptosis was also induced. Dead cells as a result of autophagy were stained using immunofluorescence and observed under a light microscope. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling was suppressed by treatment with piperlongumine, while p38 signaling and caspase-3 activity were induced by treatment with piperlongumine. It was concluded that piperlongumine induces apoptosis and autophagy in leukemic cells through targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and p38 signaling pathways.

  9. A Boxing-Oriented Exercise Intervention for Obese Adolescent Males: Findings from a Pilot Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sarah P. Shultz, Lee Stoner, Danielle M. Lambrick, Andrew M. Lane

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available In New Zealand, obese Māori and Pasifika adolescents are at risk of numerous cardio-metabolic conditions with raising physical activity levels being proposed as a useful intervention. The present study used a mixed method design to explore the effects of a non-contact boxing-oriented training programme designed in terms of improvements to cardio-metabolic variables. Traditional recruitment strategies (media, referrals were employed, with limited success leading to 3 adolescent boys (14-15 y participating in the pilot intervention. Exercise sessions included 30 minutes of non-contact boxing training, followed by 30 minutes of progressive resistance training. Participants attended three 1h training sessions each week, for a total of 12 weeks. Physiological variables included anthropometric indices, visceral fat thickness, central blood pressures, central arterial stiffness (augmentation index: AIx, and carotid arterial stiffness (β. Results revealed that there was no trend for change in body weight (125.5 ± 12.1 kg vs. 126.5 ± 11.0 kg or BMI (39.3 ± 4.1 kg·m-2 vs. 39.0 ± 4.6 kg·m-2. However, there was a moderate decrease in visceral fat thickness (4.34 ± 2.51 cm vs 3.65 ± 1.11 cm, d = 0.36. There was no change in central pulse pressure (38.7 ± 7.3 mmHg vs. 38.3 ± 5.0 mmHg, however, there was a small improvement in β (3.01 ± 0.73 vs. 2.87 ± 0.84, d = 0.18. Focus group interview data with participants and their parents were used to explore issues related to motivation to participation. Results revealed participants commented on how the programme has led to new friendships, changes to their physical appearance, and increased physical fitness. Parents commented on increased self-confidence, better performance in school, and a willingness to take part in new activities. In conclusion, it appears participating in the boxing oriented training programme was motivating to participants who engaged and had some physiological benefits in obese

  10. SOCS3 Expression Correlates with Severity of Inflammation, Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Activation of STAT3 and p38 MAPK in LPS-Induced Inflammation In Vivo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    João Antônio Chaves de Souza

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available SOCS3 is an inducible endogenous negative regulator of JAK/STAT pathway, which is relevant in inflammatory conditions. We used a model of LPS-induced periodontal disease in rats to correlate SOCS3 expression with the inflammatory status. In vitro we used a murine macrophage cell line to assess the physical interaction between SOCS3 and STAT3 by coimmunoprecipitation. 30 ug of LPS from Escherichia coli were injected in the gingival tissues on the palatal aspect of first molars of the animals 3x/week for up to 4 weeks. Control animals were injected with the vehicle (PBS. The rats were sacrificed at 7, 15, and 30 days. Inflammation and gene expression were assessed by stereometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and western blot. LPS injections increased inflammation, paralleled by an upregulation of SOCS3, of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and p38 MAPK. SOCS3 expression accompanied the severity of inflammation and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as the activation status of STAT3 and p38 MAPK. LPS stimulation in a macrophage cell line in vitro induced transient STAT3 activation, which was inversely correlated with a dynamic physical interaction with SOCS3, suggesting that this may be a mechanism for SOCS3 regulatory function.

  11. Vacuum ultraviolet excited luminescence properties of sol–gel derived GdP5O14:Eu3+ powders

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mbarek, Aïcha; Chadeyron, Geneviève; Boyer, Damien; Avignant, Daniel; Fourati, Mohieddine; Zambon, Daniel

    2014-01-01

    Sol–gel route has successfully been used to synthesize pure and Eu 3+ doped polycrystalline samples of the GdP 5 O 14 pentaphosphates. The as-prepared samples have structurally been characterized using X-ray diffraction. Optical properties in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) of Eu 3+ activated GdP 5 O 14 samples prepared either by sol–gel process or solid-state reaction were investigated at room temperature for comparison. In this GdP 5 O 14 host matrix the P 5 O 14 ultraphosphate groups were proved to exhibit an efficient absorption in the VUV range. The excitation spectra recorded in the VUV-UV spectral region from 120 nm to 350 nm have revealed the presence of Gd 3+ 4f–5d interconfiguration transitions, Gd 3+ –O 2− and Eu 3+ –O 2− charge transfer states(CTS)in addition to intraconfiguration transitions of Gd 3+ ions.Furthermore the Gd 3+ →Eu 3+ energy transfer process was investigated and discussed in the framework of the multiphonon relaxation process. Besides, the GdP 5 O 14 :Eu 3+ phosphor led to a strong red emission under 147/172 nm excitation, so that it can be considered as a promising red phosphor for mercury-free lamps and plasma display panels applications. -- Highlights: • Lanthanide pentaphosphates were synthesized by the sol–gel process. • A broad absorption was evidenced in the VUV range for GdP 5 O 14 :Eu 3+ . • An efficient energy transfer was proved from pentaphosphate lattice to Eu 3+ ions

  12. Improved photoelectrochemical performance of BiVO4/MoO3 heterostructure thin films

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kodan, Nisha; Mehta, B. R.

    2018-05-01

    Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films have been prepared by RF sputtering technique. BiVO4 thin films were deposited on indium doped tin oxide (In: SnO2; ITO) substrates at room temperature and 80W applied rf power. The prepared BiVO4 thin films were further annealed at 450°C for 2 hours in air to obtain crystalline monoclinic phase and successively coated with MoO3 thin films deposited at 150W rf power and 400°C for 30 minutes. The effect of coupling BiVO4 and MoO3 on the structural, optical and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties have been studied. Optical studies reveal that coupling of BiVO4 and MoO3 results in improvement of optical absorption in visible region of solar spectrum. PEC study shows approximate 3-fold and 38-fold increment in photocurrent values of BiVO4/MoO3 (0.38 mA/cm2) heterostructure thin film as compared to MoO3 (0.15 mA/cm2) and BiVO4 (10 µA/cm2) thin films at applied bias of 1 V vs Ag/AgCl in 0.5 M Na2SO4 (pH=7) electrolyte.

  13. Transparent CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/Al-ZnO p-n heterojunction diode

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kumar, Sunil, E-mail: skbgudha@gmail.com; Ansari, Mohd Zubair; Khare, Neeraj [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (India)

    2016-05-23

    A p-type Organic inorganic tin chloride (CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}) perovskite thin film has been synthesized by solution method. An n-type 1% Al doped ZnO (AZO) film has been deposited on FTO substrate by ultrasonic assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. A transparent CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction diode has been fabricated by spin coating technique. CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction shows 75% transparency in the visible region. I-V characteristic of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction shows rectifying behavior of the diode. The diode parameters calculated as ideality factor η=2.754 and barrier height Φ= 0.76 eV. The result demonstrates the potentiality of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}SnCl{sub 3}/AZO p-n heterojunction for transparent electronics.

  14. Enhanced performance of P3HT/(PCBM:ZnO:TiO{sub 2}) blend based hybrid organic solar cells

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ikram, M., E-mail: mianraj.1981@gmail.com [Solar Application Lab, Department of Physics, Government College University Lahore, 54000 Pakistan (Pakistan); Murray, R. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716 (United States); Imran, M. [Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190 (China); Ali, S. [Solar Application Lab, Department of Physics, Government College University Lahore, 54000 Pakistan (Pakistan); Shah, S.Ismat [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716 (United States); Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Delaware, Delaware 19716 (United States)

    2016-03-15

    Highlights: • We fabricated hybrid bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. • TiO{sub 2} and ZnO nanoparticles replace PCBM with fixed amount of P3HT in active layer • PCE was significantly improved by the introduction of TiO{sub 2} and ZnO. • A possible route toward low-cost OPV. • To the best of my knowledge, this work is the first time going to report. - Abstract: Quaternary blend hybrid organic solar cells enjoy both an increased light absorption range and an easy method to fabricate because of the simple structure. In this study effects of mixing inorganic metal oxides (ZnO and TiO{sub 2}) nanoparticles to the active layer of organic photovoltaics devices were investigated. The active layer primarily consists of various ratios of electron donor poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and an electron acceptor [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) together with nanostructured ZnO and TiO{sub 2} dispersed in chlorobenzene (CB) and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB). The ratio of PCBM to nanoparticles was varied keeping the ratio of P3HT to acceptor material constant. Mixing of nanoparticle plays a significant role in the resulting power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the devices. An increased PCE for ZnO/TiO{sub 2} doped devices can be attributed to increased absorption in the visible region and enhanced charge collection due to the percolation networks formed by metal oxides nanoparticles.

  15. Heat transfer flow of Cu-water and Al2O3-water micropolar nanofluids about a solid sphere in the presence of natural convection using Keller-box method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Swalmeh, Mohammed Z.; Alkasasbeh, Hamzeh T.; Hussanan, Abid; Mamat, Mustafa

    2018-06-01

    Natural convection boundary layer flow over a solid sphere in micropolar nanofluid with prescribed wall temperature is studied. Copper (Cu) and alumina (Al2O3) in water-based micropolar nanofluid has been considered. Tiwari and Das's nanofluid model with realistic empirical correlations are considered to analyze the nanoparticles effects on natural convective flow. The nonlinear partial differential equations of the boundary layer are first transformed into a non-dimensional form and then solved numerically using an implicit finite difference scheme known as Keller-box method. The effects of nanoparticles volume fraction, Prandtl number, micro-rotation parameter on temperature, velocity and angular velocity are plotted and discussed. Further, numerical results for the local Nusselt number and the local skin friction coefficient are obtained. It is found that Cu has a low heat transfer rate as compare to Al2O3 water-based micropolar nanofluid with increasing micro-rotation parameter. The present results of local Nusselt number and the local skin friction for viscous fluid are found to be in good agreement with the literature.

  16. Prioritizing Training To Maximize Results: The 3 Box System.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kearns, Paul

    2003-01-01

    Considers fundamentals of effective training and focuses on the evaluation of training. Describes the 3 Box System, which provides a framework for discussing: (1) basic training needs and priorities; (2) added value training, including ROI (return on investment); evaluation; and (3) prioritizing training budgets. (LRW)

  17. Biochemical function of typical and variant Arabidopsis thaliana U-box E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Wiborg, Jakob; O'Shea, Charlotte; Skriver, Karen

    2008-01-01

    of the distant U-box protein, AtPUB49, representing a large family of eukaryotic proteins containing a U-box linked to a cyclophilin-like peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase domain, was characterized biochemically. AtPUB49 functioned both as a prolyl isomerase and a chaperone by catalysing cis......The variance of the U-box domain in 64 Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) E3s (ubiquitin-protein ligases) was used to examine the interactions between E3s and E2s (ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes). E2s and E3s are components of the ubiquitin protein degradation pathway. Seven U-box proteins were...... analysed for their ability to ubiquitinate proteins in vitro in co-operation with different E2s. All U-box domains exhibited ubiquitination activity and interacted productively with UBC4/5-type E2s. Three and four of the U-box domains mediated ubiquitin addition in the presence of UBC13 and UBC7 E2s...

  18. GC-MS analysis of pesticidal essential oils from four Kenyan plants

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Gladys

    2015-04-01

    Apr 1, 2015 ... 3Center for Biotechnology Research and Development (CBRD), Kenya Medical Institute(KEMRI), P.O Box, 54840-. 00200 ... Others possess antifungal, insecticidal and antiseptic properties. Essential .... climate, the soil type, and other factors. ..... compounds 3,8-pmenthane-diol (from lemon eucalyptus),.

  19. Double-shell Fe2O3 hollow box-like structure for enhanced photo-Fenton degradation of malachite green dye

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, De Bin; Liu, Xiaoying; Xu, Xuan; Zhang, Yu Xin

    2018-01-01

    In this work we demonstrate the synthesis of novel Fe2O3 nanosheets with double-shell hollow morphology by replica molding from diatomite framework. The nanostructures of Fe2O3 nanosheets were examined by focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The results reveal that (1) Pure Fe2O3 nanosheets were successfully obtained; (2) The double-shell Fe2O3 hollow structure achieved via the NaOH etching silica method was observed; (3) Fe2O3 nanosheets possessed uniformly distributed porous nanosheets. Such structural features enlarged the specific surface area of Fe2O3 nanosheets and led to more catalytic active sites. In the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction, the double-shell Fe2O3 hollow morphology exhibited excellent catalytic capability for the degradation of malachite green (MG) at circumneutral pH condition. Under optimum condition, MG solution was almost completely decolorized in 60 min (99.9%). The Fe2O3 nanosheets also showed good stability and recyclability, demonstrating great potential as a promising photo-Fenton catalyst for the effective degradation of MG dye in wastewater.

  20. Fabrication of Cubic p-n Heterojunction-Like NiO/In2O3 Composite Microparticles and Their Enhanced Gas Sensing Characteristics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hou Xuemei

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Oxide semiconductor In2O3 has been extensively used as a gas sensing material for the detection of various toxic gases. However, the pure In2O3 sensor is always suffering from its low sensitivity. In the present study, a dramatic enhancement of sensing characteristic of cubic In2O3 was achieved by deliberately fabricating p-n heterojunction-like NiO/In2O3 composite microparticles as sensor material. The NiO-decorated In2O3 p-n heterojunction-like sensors were prepared through the hydrothermal transformation method. The as-synthesized products were characterized using SEM-EDS, XRD, and FT-IR, and their gas sensing characteristics were investigated by detecting the gas response. The experimental results showed that the response of the NiO/In2O3 sensors to 600 ppm methanal was 85.5 at 260°C, revealing a dramatic enhancement over the pure In2O3 cubes (21.1 at 260°C. Further, a selective detection of methanol with inappreciable cross-response to other gases, like formaldehyde, benzene, methylbenzene, trichloromethane, ethanol, and ammonia, was achieved. The cause for the enhanced gas response was discussed in detailed. In view of the facile method of fabrication of such composite sensors and the superior gas response performance of samples, the cubic p-n heterojunction-like NiO/In2O3 sensors present to be a promising and viable strategy for the detection of indoor air pollution.

  1. Transformação box-cox em experimentos com pimentão em ambiente protegido Box-cox transformation in experiments with green pepper in protected environments

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A Dal'Col Lúcio

    2011-03-01

    Full Text Available Em olericultura, o interesse é a produção de frutos comercializáveis. Em experimentos nessa área agronômica comumente são avaliadas variáveis tais como a fitomassa e o número de frutos. No entanto, essas variáveis apresentam uma característica particular que está relacionada com sua ausência no momento da colheita. Este atributo é representado por valores zero, gerando certa variabilidade e afetando a análise de variância dos dados. Assim, teve-se por objetivo definir uma transformação adequada para as variáveis observadas em colheitas por planta de experimentos com a cultura do pimentão, realizados em ambiente protegido, visando estabilizar a variabilidade gerada pela presença de valores zero nas múltiplas colheitas dos frutos. Os experimentos foram realizados nas estações sazonais verão/outono e inverno/primavera, utilizando a família de transformações de Box-Cox, com uma adaptação apresentada em Yamamura (1999. Apesar da redução na variabilidade e a normalidade dos resíduos, observadas em todos os experimentos, o uso do método não foi eficiente para tornar as variâncias homocedásticas. Concluiu-se que para dados de colheitas por planta de experimentos com pimentão, avaliando a fitomassa e o número de frutos, a transformação indicada é a inversa da raiz quarta.The major purpose of vegetable crops production systems is the profitable and economically viable yield of marketable products. Numerous field experiments with vegetable crops are carried out to determine biomass production of marketable and non-marketable variables. However, these variables possess the particular characteristic related to their presence or absence at harvest time. Absent variables, represented by zero values, generate variability and affect variance analyses. This research deals with the search of applicable transformations for variables studied in green pepper field experiments carried out in protected environments attempting

  2. Glove box adaptation, installation and commissioning of WD-XRF system for determination of PuO2 in MOX fuel samples

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Aher, Sachin; Pandey, Ashish; Khan, F.A.; Das, D.K.; Kumar, Surendra; Behere, P.G.; Mohd Afzal

    2015-01-01

    Glove Box facility forms the foremost important confinement system at nuclear fuel fabrication facility for handling of Plutonium based MOX fuels. Due to limited resources of Natural Uranium and maximum utilization of thorium, India has adopted 'Close Fuel Cycle Strategy' which involves use of Plutonium based fuels in Thermal and Fast reactors. Plutonium being radio toxic material with a higher biological half-life, Plutonium based fuel fabrication facility requires special techniques and confinement as a primary method for protection against spreading of powder contamination. Glove Box along with dynamic ventilation and HEPA Filters forms the preeminent facility for safe handling of plutonium based MOX fuels. Various equipment's, systems and instruments associated with MOX fuel production are need to be adapted inside the Glove Box with considerations of safety, ergonomics, accessibility for operations and maintenance, connections of various feed through like electrical connections, gas line supply etc. Quality Control plays the vital role in production of MOX fuels to ensure the finest quality of product to meet the defined specifications of MOX fuels. Presently AFFF is fabricating MOX fuel containing 21% and 28% PuO 2 along with DDUO 2 the first core of PFBR. Precise quantification of PuO 2 in MOX fuel pellets is necessary process control steps after batch preparation in Milling and Mixing operation. At AFFF, WD-XRF is one of the system used for determination of percentage of PuO 2 in MOX fuel batch. Glove Box adaptation of WD-XRF system along with 30 Tones Hydraulic press for sample preparation is being carried out in Type VI and Type IV Glove Boxes connected through transfer tunnel. Due to restrictions of space inside the Glove Box, a special mechanism is developed and installed for safe titling of WD-XRF system inside the Glove Box during the need of maintenance. These Glove Boxes are leak tested by various leak testing technique to meet the

  3. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates IL-8 induction by the ribotoxin deoxynivalenol in human monocytes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Islam, Zahidul; Gray, Jennifer S.; Pestka, James J.

    2006-01-01

    The effects of the ribotoxic trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated IL-8 expression were investigated in cloned human monocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). DON (250 to 1000 ng/ml) induced both IL-8 mRNA and IL-8 heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA), an indicator of IL-8 transcription, in the human U937 monocytic cell line in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression of IL-8 hnRNA, mRNA and protein correlated with p38 phosphorylation and was completely abrogated by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. DON at 500 ng/ml similarly induced p38-dependent IL-8 protein and mRNA expression in PBMC cultures from healthy volunteers. Significantly increased IL-6 and IL-1β intracellular protein and mRNA expression was also observed in PBMC treated with DON (500 ng/ml) which were also partially p38-dependent. Flow cytometry of PBMC revealed that DON-induced p38 phosphorylation varied among individuals relative to both threshold toxin concentrations (25-100 ng/ml) and relative increases in percentages of phospho-p38 + cells. DON-induced p38 activation occurred exclusively in the CD14 + monocyte population. DON was devoid of agonist activity for human Toll-like receptors 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9. However, two other ribotoxins, emetine and anisomycin, induced p38 phosphorylation in PBMC similarly to DON. Taken together, these data suggest that (1) p38 activation was required for induction of IL-8 and proinflammatory gene expression in the monocyte and (2) DON induced p38 activation in human monocytes via the ribotoxic stress response

  4. Low-temperature sol-gel synthesis of NaZr2P3O12

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Agrawal, D.K.; Adair, J.H.

    1990-01-01

    The NZP family of new low-expansion materials has attracted wide interest for its potential in advanced technological applications. NaZr 2 P 3 O 12 , which is the parent composition of this family, has been synthesized by the solution sol-gel method using special precursor solutions, which led to its formation (although poorly crystalline) at temperatures as low as 120 degrees C. The lowest temperature of formation of a single phase of NaZr 2 P 3 O 12 with a high degree of crystallinity was found to be 600 degrees C

  5. Dual pO2/pCO2 fibre optic sensing film.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Davenport, John J; Hickey, Michelle; Phillips, Justin P; Kyriacou, Panayiotis A

    2017-05-15

    A fibre optic multi-sensor has been developed for biomedical sensing applications using a tip coating solution sensitive to both oxygen and carbon dioxide. An oxygen sensitive phosphorescence quenching complex based on platinum octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) was combined with a carbon dioxide sensitive phosphorescence compound based on 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS). When excited by blue light (470 nm), the resultant coating had two fluorescent peaks at 515 nm (green) and 645 nm (red) which responded to partial pressure of CO 2 and O 2 respectively. The sensor was tested in vitro and shown to be able to measure CO 2 and O 2 simultaneously and in real time, with calibration constants of 0.0384 kPa -1 and 0.309 kPa -1 respectively. The O 2 sensitive peak received some overlap from the 515 nm peak (0.38% of peak intensity) as well as some cross-sensitivity (maximum, 5.1 kPa pCO 2 gave a measurement equivalent to 0.43 kPa of O 2 , a ratio of 0.08 : 1). However, these effects can be subtracted from measurements and no significant cross-sensitivity or overlap was seen in CO 2 measurements from O 2 . This novel compound presents great potential for use in medical sensors and we expect it to be important to a wide range of future applications.

  6. The role of non-thermal atmospheric pressure biocompatible plasma in the differentiation of osteoblastic precursor cells, MC3T3-E1.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Han, Ihn; Choi, Eun Ha

    2017-05-30

    Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma is ionized matter, composed of highly reactive species that include positive ions, negative ions, free radicals, neutral atoms, and molecules. Recent reports have suggested that non-thermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) can selectively kill a variety of cancer cells, and promote stem cell differentiation. However as of yet, the regulation of proliferation and differentiation potential of NBP has been poorly understood.Here, we investigated the effects of NBP on the osteogenic differentiation of precursor cell lines of osteoblasts, MC3T3 E1 and SaOS-2. For in vitro osteogenic differentiation, precursor cell lines were treated with NBP, and cultured with osteogenic induction medium. After 10 days of treatment, the NBP was shown to be effective in osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3 E1 cells by von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining assay. Real-time PCR was then performed to investigate the expression of osteogenic specific genes, Runx2, OCN, COL1, ALP and osterix in MC3T3 E1 cells after treatment with NBP for 4 days. Furthermore, analysis of the protein expression showed that NBP treatment significantly reduced PI3K/AKT signaling and MAPK family signaling. However, p38 controlled phosphorylation of transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) that related to cell differentiation with increased phosphorylated p38. These results suggest that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma can induce osteogenic differentiation, and enhance bone formation.

  7. Comparative Amino Acid Decomposition Analysis of Potent Type I P38α Inhibitors

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ahmad Ebadi

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available Background and purpose of the study:p38α is a member of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK considered as a prominent target in development of anti-inflammatory agents. Any abnormality in the phosphorylation process leads to the different human diseases such as cancer, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Several small molecule p38α inhibitors have been developed up to now. In this regard, structural elucidation of p38 inhibitors needs to be done enabling us in rational lead development strategies.Methods:Various interactions of three potent inhibitors with p38α active site have been evaluated in terms of binding energies and bond lengths via density function theory and MD simulations.Results:Our comparative study showed that both ab initio and MD simulation led to the relatively similar results in pharmacophore discrimination of p38α inhibitors.Conclusion:The results of the present study may find their usefulness in pharmacophore based modification of p38α inhibitors.

  8. The Prognostic Role of NEDD9 and P38 Protein Expression Levels in Urinary Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ola A. Harb

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Background. The most common malignant tumor of the urinary bladder is transitional cell carcinoma (TCC. Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9 is found to be a cell adhesion mediator. P38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase is a serine/threonine kinases member which can mediate carcinogenesis through intracellular signaling. Methods. To assess their prognostic role; NEDD9 and p38 protein were evaluated in sections from 50 paraffin blocks of TCC. Results. The high expressions of NEDD9 and p38 protein were significantly associated with grade, stage, distant metastasis (p<0.001, number of tumors, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size (p<0.001, 0.002; 0.018, <0.001; and 0.004, 0.007, respectively. High NEDD9 and p38 detection had a worse 3-year OS (p=0.041 and <0.001, respectively. By multivariate analysis the NEDD9 and p38 protein expression levels and various clinicopathological criteria including gender, grade, stage of the tumor, and regional lymph node involvement were independent prognostic parameters of TCC of the urinary bladder patients’ outcome. Conclusion. NEDD9 and p38 protein expressions were poor prognostic markers of TCC.

  9. HSP90 inhibitors potentiate PGF2α-induced IL-6 synthesis via p38 MAP kinase in osteoblasts.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kazuhiko Fujita

    Full Text Available Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90 that is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, is recognized to be a major molecular chaperone. We have previously reported that prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α, a potent bone remodeling mediator, stimulates the synthesis of interleukin-6 (IL-6 through p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP kinase and p38 MAP kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that Rho-kinase acts at a point upstream of p38 MAP kinase. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of HSP90 in the PGF2α-stimulated IL-6 synthesis and the underlying mechanism in MC3T3-E1 cells. Geldanamycin, an inhibitor of HSP90, significantly amplified both the PGF2α-stimulated IL-6 release and the mRNA expression levels. In addition, other HSP90 inhibitors, 17-allylamino-17demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG and 17-dimethylamino-ethylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-DMAG and onalespib, enhanced the PGF2α-stimulated IL-6 release. Geldanamycin, 17-AAG and onalespib markedly strengthened the PGF2α-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. Geldanamycin and 17-AAG did not affect the PGF2α-induced phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinase and myosin phosphatase targeting subunit (MYPT-1, a substrate of Rho-kinase, and the protein levels of RhoA and Rho-kinase. In addition, HSP90-siRNA enhanced the PGF2α-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. Furthermore, SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, significantly suppressed the amplification by geldanamycin, 17-AAG or 17-DMAG of the PGF2α-stimulated IL-6 release. Our results strongly suggest that HSP90 negatively regulates the PGF2α-stimulated IL-6 synthesis in osteoblasts, and that the effect of HSP90 is exerted through regulating p38 MAP kinase activation.

  10. Study of TiO2(1 1 0)-p(1x1), p(1x2) and p(1x3) surface structures by impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (ICISS)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Asari, E.; Souda, R.

    2000-01-01

    The surface structure of TiO 2 (1 1 0)-p(1x1), p(1x2) and p(1x3) were studied using impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (ICISS). We found that (i) the height of bridging oxygen for the p(1x1) is comparative to that of bulk structure, (ii) the p(1x2) surface has the added Ti 2 O 3 unit rows proposed by Onishi et al. and also the oxygen atoms rows between Ti 2 O 3 unit rows and (iii) the p(1x3) surface is constructed with the same added Ti 2 O 3 unit rows as that in the p(1x2) surface, but the bridging oxygen rows exist between the Ti 2 O 3 unit rows

  11. Confirmation test on confinement performance of improved glove box

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miura, S.; Kanazawa, J.; Nakajima, M.; Sakuno, K.; Miyata, H.

    1995-01-01

    Glove boxes are used at nuclear facilities to confine radioactive materials by ensuring a high level of airtightness and negative internal pressure. The allowable rate of air leakage is 0.1% vol/hr or less at the pre-service inspection. The negative pressure value is normally maintained at about -30 mm H 2 O. Structural strength and confinement reliability of glove boxes during earthquake are major concerns, and most important glove boxes are designed to withstand seismic class A events is Japan. This paper describes vibration tests done to confirm that improve large-sized glove boxes maintain their confinement performance and structural strength even during earthquake and that the design analysis methods used are appropriate. (author). 1 ref., 6 figs., 3 tabs

  12. Previsão de demanda: uma aplicação dos modelos Box-Jenkins na área de assistência técnica de computadores pessoais Demand forecasting: an application of the Box-Jenkins models in the technical assistance of personal computer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Liane Werner

    2003-04-01

    Full Text Available A previsão de demanda é uma atividade importante para auxiliar na determinação dos recursos necessários para a empresa. Neste artigo, a metodologia de Box-Jenkins foi utilizada para analisar dados históricos de uma empresa de assistência técnica de computadores pessoais e obter previsões do número de atendimentos. A empresa estudada apresenta três tipos de clientes diferenciados: contratos, garantia e avulsos. Como cada segmento de clientes tem suas peculiaridades, a previsão de demanda foi direcionada a cada tipo, buscando representar o comportamento de tendência e a sazonalidade por meio dos modelos de Box-Jenkins. A obtenção dos modelos mais adequados foi baseada na análise de gráficos e em testes estatísticos próprios da metodologia, os quais subsidiaram a decisão de adotar o modelo AR(1 para prever o número de atendimentos dos clientes tipo contrato, o modelo ARIMA(2,1,0 para os clientes tipo garantia e um modelo sazonal SARIMA(0,1,0(0,1,112 para os clientes tipo avulsos.Demand forecasting is an important tool to aid on the determination of necessary resources of a given company. In this paper, the Box-Jenkins methodology was applied to analyze historical data of a personal computer repair company and provide a forecast for the number of service calls. The company studied presents three segments of clients: contracts, warranty, and on-call. As each client has it own characteristics, in order to better represent tendency and seasonality behavior through the Box-Jenkins models, a specific forecasting model was developed for each segment. The choice of the optimum models were based into graphic analysis and statistical tests, which lead to the decision of adopting the AR(1 model to foresee the number of contract clients, the ARIMA(2,1,0 model for warranty clients and the SARIMA(0,1,0(0,1,112 seasonal model for on-call clients.

  13. Bending strength of glass-ceramics based on 3CaO.P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-SiO{sub 2}-MgO glass system; Resistencia a fratura de vitroceramicos do sistema 3CaO.P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-SiO{sub 2}-MgO

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Daguano, J.K.M.F.; Suzuki, P.A.; Santos, C. [Universidade de Sao Paulo (EEL/USP), Lorena, SP (Brazil). Escola de Engenharia de Lorena. Dept. de Engenharia de Materiais; Fernandes, M.H.V. [Universidade de Aveiro (UAveiro/CECICO), Aveiro (Portugal). Centro de Investigacao em Materiais Ceramicos e Compositos. Dept. de Engenharia Ceramica e do Vidro; Elias, C.N. [Instituto Militar de Engenharia (IME), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Lab. de Biomateriais

    2009-07-01

    In this work, the Modulus of Rupture of bioactive glass-ceramic based on 3CaO.P{sub 2}O{sub 5}-SiO{sub 2}-MgO system was investigated, aiming its use in bone-restorations. The mechanical property was correlated with microstructural and crystallographic features of this material. High-purity starting-powders, CaCO{sub 3}, SiO{sub 2}, MgO, Ca (H{sub 2}PO{sub 4}).H{sub 2}O, were used in this study. The powders were mixed in a stoichiometric ratio, using planetary ball-mill. The suspensions were dried, sieved and melted at 1600 deg C, for 4h. The casting ones were cooled quickly until annealing temperature 700 deg C, in which remained for 2h, with controlled cooling-rate until ambient temperature. Bulks of glass were heat-treated with temperatures varying between 700 deg C and 1100 deg C, for 4h, being after that, cooled at 3 deg C/min. Bioactive glass and glass-ceramic were characterized by HRXRD (high resolution X-ray diffraction), where whitlockite was main phase. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. Modulus of Rupture was determined by four-point bending testing using specimens of 1.5 x 2 x 25 mm and glasses presented strength near to 70MPa, while glass ceramics treated at 975 deg C-4h, presented bending strength of 120MPa. (author)

  14. A novel 3D Ag(I)-MOF: Surfactant-directed syntheses and catalytic degradation of o/m/p-Nitrophenol

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, Xue-Qian [College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for New Energy Microgrid, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002 (China); Wen, Guo-Xuan [College of Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002 (China); Wu, Ya-Pan; Dong, Wen-Wen; Zhao, Jun [College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for New Energy Microgrid, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002 (China); Li, Dong-Sheng, E-mail: lidongsheng1@126.com [College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for New Energy Microgrid, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002 (China)

    2016-10-15

    For the first time, sodium caprylate has been investigated to direct the crystal growth of 3D Ag-MOF, [Ag{sub 2}(ddcba)(4,4′-bipy){sub 2}] (1), constructing from 3,5-(di(2′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)benozoic acid and 4,4′-bipy. The single crystal diffraction analyses shows that complex 1 possess 3D neutral framework with a three-connected ThSi{sub 2} (10{sup 3}-b) topology. Compound 1 exhibits predominant catalytic activity towards the degradation of o-Nitrophenol (ONP), m-Nitrophenol (MNP) and p-Nitrophenol (PNP) in aqueous solution. The kinetics of such catalytic degradation reactions was also studied. - Graphical abstract: A novel 3D Ag(I)-MOF with ThSi{sub 2} (10{sup 3}-b) topology exhibits predominant catalytic activity towards the degradation of o-Nitrophenol (ONP), m-Nitrophenol (MNP) and p-Nitrophenol (PNP) in aqueous solution. - Highlights: • A novel 3D Ag(I)-MOF with ThSi{sub 2} (10{sup 3}-b) topology. • Surfactant as additive for directing the crystal growth. • Predominant catalytic activities for the degradation of o/m/p-nitrophenol.

  15. Mianningite, (□,Pb,Ce,Na) (U"4"+,Mn,U"6"+) Fe"3"+_2(Ti,Fe"3"+)_1_8O_3_8, a new member of the crichtonite group from Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, southwest Sichuan, China

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ge, Xiangkun; Fan, Guang; Chen, Zhangru; Ai, Yujie; Li, Guowu

    2017-01-01

    Mianningite (IMA 2014-072), ideally (□,Pb,Ce,Na)(U"4"+,Mn,U"6"+) Fe"3"+_2(Ti,Fe"3"+)_1_8O_3_8, is a new member of the crichtonite group from the Maoniuping REE deposit, Mianning county, Sichuan province, China. It was found in fractures of lamprophyre veins and in the contact between lamprophyre and a later quartz-alkali feldspar syenite dyke with REE mineralization, and is named after its type locality. Associated minerals are microcline, albite, quartz, iron-rich phlogopite, augite, muscovite, calcite, baryte, fluorite, epidote, pyrite, magnetite, hematite, galena, hydroxylapatite, titanite, ilmenite, rutile, garnet-group minerals, zircon, allanite-(Ce), monazite-(Ce), bastnaesite-(Ce), parisite-(Ce), maoniupingite-(Ce), thorite, pyrochlore-group minerals and chlorite. Mianningite occurs as opaque subhedral to euhedral tabular crystals, up to 1-2 mm in size, black in color and streak, and with a submetallic luster. Mianningite is brittle, with a conchoidal fracture. Its average micro-indentation hardness is 83.8 kg/mm"2 (load 0.2 kg), which is equivalent to ∝6 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its measured and calculated densities are 4.62 (8) g/cm"3 and 4.77 g/cm"3, respectively. Under reflected light, mianningite is grayish white, with no internal reflections. It appears isotropic and exhibits neither bireflectance nor pleochroism. The empirical formula, calculated on the basis of 38 O atoms per formula unit (apfu), is [□_0_._3_2_2(Pb_0_._2_1_5Ba_0_._0_3_7Sr_0_._0_3_6Ca_0_._0_1_0)_Σ_0_._2_9_8(Ce_0_._1_2_8La_0_._0_7_7Nd_0_._0_1_2)_Σ_0_._2_1_7 (Na_0_._1_2_7K_0_._0_3_6)_Σ_0_._1_6_3]_Σ_0_1_._0_0_0(U"4"+_0_._4_4_7Mn_0_0_._2_9_3U"6 "+_0_._1_1_2Y_0_._0_9_1Zr_0_._0_2_3Th_0_._0_1_1)_Σ_0_._9_7_7(Fe"3"+_1_._2_2_4Fe"2"+_0_._2_4_3Mg_0_._0_2_3P_0_._0_0_8Si_0_._0_0_6 □_0_._4_9_6)_Σ_2_._0_0_0(Ti_1_2_._4_6_4Fe"3"+_5_._2_9_2V"5"+_0_._1_1_8Nb_0_._0_8_3Al_0_._0_2_6Cr"3"+_0_._0_1_7)_Σ_1_8_._0_0_0O_3_8. Mianningite is trigonal, belongs to the space group R anti 3, and has

  16. A Symmetric Key Cryptographic Technique Through Swapping Bits in Binary Field Using p-Box Matrix

    OpenAIRE

    Subhranil Som; Soumasree Banerjee

    2014-01-01

    In this paper a symmetric key cryptographic algorithm named as “A Symmetric Key Cryptographic Technique Through Swapping Bits in Binary Field Using p-box Matrix“ is proposed. Secret sharing is a technique by which any information can be break down into small pieces. The secret can be reconstructed only when a sufficient number of pieces of shares are combined together; individual shares are of no use on their own. Traditional secret sharing scheme possesses high computational ...

  17. Crystal structure of molybdenyl tetrapolyphosphate (MoO)2P4O13

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Minacheva, L.Kh.; Antsishkina, A.S.; Lavrov, A.V.; Sakharova, V.G.; Nikolaev, V.P.; Poraj-Koshits, M.A.

    1979-01-01

    The structure of crystals of molybdenyl tetrapolyphosphate [MoO] 2 P 4 O 13 has been determined. The substance is crystallized in the monoclinic syngony with the following parameters of the elementary cell: a=8.288 (2); b=10.690 (3); c=19.529 (5) A; γ=106.7 (3) deg. The structural units are molybdenyl groups MoO(3 + ) and polyphosphate anions P 4 O 13 (6 - ) that are composed of four PO 4 tetrahedrons whose apexes are connected in series. Three atoms of phasphate anion form the ''internal'' P-O-P bridges, while the remaining oxygen atoms, the ''external'' P-O-Mo bridges. The optimum temperature of crystals synthesis is 450 - 460 deg C. A mixture of phase of MoO 2 P 4 O 13 and Mo(PO 3 ) 3 is obtained as temperature is raised up to 600 deg C. Consequently, the stepwise dissociation of molybdenyl ions with the splitting off of oxygen and gradual reduction in the degree of molybdenum oxidation (MoO 2 ) 2+ → (MoO) 3+ → Mo 3+ occurs in the solution

  18. 7 CFR 301.38-3 - Protected areas.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 5 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Protected areas. 301.38-3 Section 301.38-3 Agriculture..., DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DOMESTIC QUARANTINE NOTICES Black Stem Rust § 301.38-3 Protected areas. (a) The Administrator may designate as a protected area in paragraph (d) of this section any State that has eradicated...

  19. Electroacupuncture Inhibits the Activation of p38MAPK in the Central Descending Facilitatory Pathway in Rats with Inflammatory Pain

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Man-Li Hu

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs, especially p38MAPK, play a pivotal role in chronic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA relieves inflammatory pain underlying the descending pathway, that is, the periaqueductal gray (PAG, the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM, and the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH. However, whether EA antagonizes inflammatory pain through regulation of p38MAPK in this descending facilitatory pathway is unclear. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA was injected into the hind paw of rats to establish inflammatory pain model. EA was administrated for 30 min at Zusanli and Kunlun acupoints at 0.5, 24.5, 48.5, and 72.5 h, respectively. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT, paw edema, and Phosphor-p38MAPK-Immunoreactivity (p-p38MAPK-IR cells were measured before (0 h and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 25, and 73 h after CFA or saline injection. EA increased PWT at 1, 3, 25, and 73 h and inhibited paw edema at 25 and 73 h after CFA injection. Moreover, the increasing number of p-p38MAPK-IR cells which was induced by CFA was suppressed by EA stimulation in PAG and RVM at 3 and 5 h and in SCDH at 5, 7, 25, and 73 h. These results suggest that EA suppresses inflammation-induced hyperalgesia probably through inhibiting p38MAPK activation in the descending facilitatory pathway.

  20. Structure and magnetic properties of the orthorhombic n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper phases Sr3Co2O5+δ (δ=0.91, 0.64 and 0.38)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Viciu, L.; Zandbergen, H.W.; Xu, Q.; Huang, Q.; Lee, M.; Cava, R.J.

    2006-01-01

    The reduced Ruddlesden-Popper phases, Sr 3 Co 2 O 5+δ with δ=0.91, 0.64 and 0.38, have been prepared in a nitrogen atmosphere. The crystal structures were determined by powder neutron diffraction. Oxygen vacancies are found both in O(3) and O(4) sites but the majority are along one crystallographic axis in the CoO 2 plane, inducing an orthorhombic distortion of the normally tetragonal n=2 Ruddelsden-Popper structure. Superstructures due to oxygen ordering are observed by electron microscopy. The magnetic measurements reveal complex behavior with some ferromagnetic interactions present for Sr 3 Co 2 O 5.91 and Sr 3 Co 2 O 5.64 . 64

  1. Crosstalk between p38, Hsp25 and Akt in spinal motor neurons after sciatic nerve injury

    Science.gov (United States)

    Murashov, A. K.; Ul Haq, I.; Hill, C.; Park, E.; Smith, M.; Wang, X.; Wang, X.; Goldberg, D. J.; Wolgemuth, D. J.

    2001-01-01

    The p38 stress-activated protein kinase pathway is involved in regulation of phosphorylation of Hsp25, which in turn regulates actin filament dynamic in non-neuronal cells. We report that p38, Hsp25 and Akt signaling pathways were specifically activated in spinal motor neurons after sciatic nerve axotomy. The activation of the p38 kinase was required for induction of Hsp25 expression. Furthermore, Hsp25 formed a complex with Akt, a member of PI-3 kinase pathway that prevents neuronal cell death. Together, our observations implicate Hsp25 as a central player in a complex system of signaling that may both promote regeneration of nerve fibers and prevent neuronal cell death in the injured spinal cord.

  2. Mitochondrial p38β and manganese superoxide dismutase interaction mediated by estrogen in cardiomyocytes.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Han Liu

    Full Text Available While etiology behind the observed acceleration of ischemic heart disease in postmenopausal women is poorly understood, collective scientific data suggest cardioprotective effects of the endogenous female sex hormone, estrogen. We have previously shown that 17β-estradiol (E2 protects cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R by inhibiting p38α - p53 signaling in apoptosis and activating pro-survival p38β mitogen activated protein kinase (p38β MAPK, leading to suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS post H/R. However, little is known about the mechanism behind the antioxidant actions of E2-dependent p38β. The aim of this study is to determine whether the cytoprotection by estrogen involves regulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, a major mitochondrial ROS scavenging enzyme, via cardiac p38β.We identified mitochondrial p38β by immunocytochemistry and by immunoblotting in mitochondria isolated from neonatal cardiomyocytes of Sprague-Dawley rats. E2 facilitated the mitochondrial localization of the active form of the kinase, phosphorylated p38β (p-p38β. E2 also reduced the H/R-induced mitochondrial membrane potential decline, augmented the MnSOD activity and suppressed anion superoxide generation, while the dismutase protein expression remained unaltered. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed physical association between MnSOD and p38β. p38β phosphorylated MnSOD in an E2-dependent manner in in-vitro kinase assays.This work demonstrates for the first time a mitochondrial pool of active p38β and E2-mediated phosphorylation of MnSOD by the kinase. The results shed light on the mechanism behind the cytoprotective actions of E2 in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress.

  3. Klotho Protects Dopaminergic Neuron Oxidant-Induced Degeneration by Modulating ASK1 and p38 MAPK Signaling Pathways.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Reynolds K Brobey

    Full Text Available Klotho transgenic mice exhibit resistance to oxidative stress as measured by their urinal levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, albeit this anti-oxidant defense mechanism has not been locally investigated in the brain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the reactive oxygen species (ROS-sensitive apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1/p38 MAPK pathway regulates stress levels in the brain of these mice and showed that: 1 the ratio of free ASK1 to thioredoxin (Trx-bound ASK1 is relatively lower in the transgenic brain whereas the reverse is true for the Klotho knockout mice; 2 the reduced p38 activation level in the transgene corresponds to higher level of ASK1-bound Trx, while the KO mice showed elevated p38 activation and lower level of-bound Trx; and 3 that 14-3-3ζ is hyper phosphorylated (Ser-58 in the transgene which correlated with increased monomer forms. In addition, we evaluated the in vivo robustness of the protection by challenging the brains of Klotho transgenic mice with a neurotoxin, MPTP and analyzed for residual neuron numbers and integrity in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Our results show that Klotho overexpression significantly protects dopaminergic neurons against oxidative damage, partly by modulating p38 MAPK activation level. Our data highlight the importance of ASK1/p38 MAPK pathway in the brain and identify Klotho as a possible anti-oxidant effector.

  4. The role of p38 in mitochondrial respiration in male and female mice.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ju, Xiaohua; Wen, Yi; Metzger, Daniel; Jung, Marianna

    2013-06-07

    p38 is a mitogen-activated protein kinase and mediates cell growth, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which p38 plays a role in maintaining mitochondrial respiration in male and female mice under a normal condition. To achieve this aim, we have generated transgenic mice that lack p38 in cerebellar Purkinje neurons by crossing Pcp2 (Purkinje cell protein 2)-Cre mice with p38(loxP/loxP) mice. Mitochondria from cerebellum were then isolated from the transgenic and wild-type mice to measure mitochondrial respiration using XF24 respirometer. The mRNA and protein expression of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in cerebellum were also measured using RT-PCR and immunoblot methods. Separately, HT22 cells were used to determine the involvement of 17β-estradiol (E2) and COX in mitochondrial respiration. The genetic knockout of p38 in Purkinje neurons suppressed the mitochondrial respiration only in male mice and increased COX expression only in female mice. The inhibition of COX by sodium azide (SA) sharply suppressed mitochondrial respiration of HT22 cells in a manner that was protected by E2. These data suggest that p38 is required for the mitochondrial respiration of male mice. When p38 is below a normal level, females may maintain mitochondrial respiration through COX up-regulation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. effect of o,p'-DDD on the in vivo incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lund, B.-O.; Brandt, I.; Busk, L.; Hellmann, B.

    1990-01-01

    The effects of o,p'-DDD on the DNA synthesis in the C57Bl mouse lung and liver were studied. As determined by 3 H-thymidine incorporation into DNA, a selective increase in the lung DNA synthesis (+59%) was observed 2 day after a single intraperiotoneal injection of 100 mg/kg o,p'-DDD. Microautoradiography showed that incorporated 3 H-thymidine was confined to a restricted number of heavily labelled cells, presumably proliferating type II cells. At the most, a 9 times higher rate of cell proliferation was observed in the lung 4 days after an intraperitoneal injection of 500 mg/kg o,p'-DDD. Using mouse lung or liver S-9 as activating system, no mutagenic activity of o,p'-DDD was detected in the Ames test. The induced cell proliferation may indicate a tissue-selective promotor activity of o,p'-DDD in the mouse lung. (author)

  6. Preparation and photoelectric properties of p-CaFe2O4/n-WO3 composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wan, Ruiqin; Jia, Caihong; Zhang, Weifeng

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► Surface photovoltage spectroscopy investigation on p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-WO 3 composites. ► The photovoltaic response is enhanced in p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-WO 3 composites. ► The multielectron process and high rate of carrier migration in WO 3 . - Abstract: Composites of p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-WO 3 are prepared via a sol–gel technique. Their structures and optical properties are characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The photoelectric characteristics are investigated by surface photovoltage spectroscopy combined with electric field induced surface photovoltage spectroscopy. The results indicate that CaFe 2 O 4 can well form a p–n type composite with WO 3 , and the intensity and spectral region of surface photovoltaic response for the composites are strongly dependent on the molar ratio of two components. The enhancement in photoelectric properties and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers could be attributed to the energy level matching between the two components, multielectron process and the high migration rate in WO 3 .

  7. Dealkylation of alkylbenzenes: a significant pathway in the toluene, o-, m-, p-xylene + OH reaction.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Noda, Jun; Volkamer, Rainer; Molina, Mario J

    2009-09-03

    The OH-radical initiated oxidation of a series of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, o-, m-, and p-xylene) in the presence of oxygen and NO(x) was investigated in a flowtube coupled with a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS). OH-radical addition to the aromatic ring--the major reaction pathway--has previously been shown to have a particular sensitivity to experimental conditions. This is the first flowtube study that demonstrates the atmospheric relevance of product yields from the OH-addition channel on the millisecond time scale (35-75 ms); the phenol yield from benzene and cresol yields from toluene are found to be 51.0 +/- 4.3% and 17.7 +/- 2.1%, in excellent agreement with previous studies under close to atmospheric conditions. We further report unambiguous experimental evidence that dealkylation is a novel and significant pathway for toluene and o-, m-, and p-xylene oxidation. At 150 Torr of O2 partial pressure, toluene is found to dealkylate with a yield of 5.4 +/- 1.2% phenol; similarly, m-, o-, and p-xylene dealkylate with yields of 11.2 +/- 3.8%, 4.5 +/- 3.2%, and 4.3 +/- 3.1% cresol, respectively. A dealkylation mechanism via OH-addition in the ipso position is feasible (DeltaH = -9 kcal/mol for phenol formation from toluene) but does not lend itself easily to explain the significant isomer effect observed among xylenes; instead an alternative mechanism is presented that can explain this isomer effect and forms phenol and likely epoxide type products with identical m/z (indistinguishable in our CIMS analysis) via a carbene-type intermediate. Dealkylation adds to the atmospheric production of phenol- and likely epoxide-type products, with aldehydes as expected co-products, and helps improve the carbon balance in the initial stages of aromatic oxidation.

  8. Exergaming boxing versus heavy-bag boxing: are these equipotent for individuals with spinal cord injury?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mat Rosly, Maziah; Mat Rosly, Hadi; Hasnan, Nazirah; Davis, Glen M; Husain, Ruby

    2017-08-01

    Current strategies for increased physical activity and exercise in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) face many challenges with regards to maintaining their continuity of participation. Barriers cited often include problems with accessing facilities, mundane, monotonous or boring exercises and expensive equipment that is often not adapted for wheelchair users. To compare the physiological responses and user preferences between conventional heavy-bag boxing against a novel form of video game boxing, known as exergaming boxing. Cross-sectional study. Exercise laboratory setting in a university medical center. Seventeen participants with SCI were recruited, of which sixteen were male and only one female. Their mean age was 35.6±10.2 years. All of them performed a 15-minute physical exercise session of exergaming and heavy-bag boxing in a sitting position. The study assessed physiological responses in terms of oxygen consumption, metabolic equivalent (MET) and energy expenditure between exergaming and heavy-bag boxing derived from open-circuit spirometry. Participants also rated their perceived exertion using Borg's category-ratio ratings of perceived exertion. Both exergaming (MET: 4.3±1.0) and heavy-bag boxing (MET: 4.4±1.0) achieved moderate exercise intensities in these participants with SCI. Paired t-test revealed no significant differences (P>0.05, Cohen's d: 0.02-0.49) in the physiological or perceived exertional responses between the two modalities of boxing. Post session user survey reported all the participants found exergaming boxing more enjoyable. Exergaming boxing, was able to produce equipotent physiological responses as conventional heavy-bag boxing. The intensity of both exercise modalities achieved recommended intensities for health and fitness benefits. Exergaming boxing have the potential to provide an enjoyable, self-competitive environment for moderate-vigorous exercise even at the comfort of their homes.

  9. Photon cascade luminescence from Pr3+ ions in LiPrP4O12 polyphosphate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shalapska, T; Stryganyuk, G; Romanyshyn, Yu; Demchenko, P; Voloshinovskii, A; Trots, D; Gektin, A; Dorenbos, P

    2010-01-01

    The spectral-kinetic properties of luminescence from LiY 1-x Pr x P 4 O 12 (x = 1, 0.1) phosphors are studied in the 10-300 K temperature range upon excitation within the UV-VUV spectral range. The luminescence observed for LiPrP 4 O 12 at low temperatures is attributed to both intra-configurational 4f 2 → 4f 2 and inter-configurational 4f5d → 4f 2 radiative transitions of Pr 3+ . The temperature dependence of emission and the decay kinetics of Pr 3+ luminescence from LiY 1-x Pr x P 4 O 12 (x = 1, 0.1) phosphors are explained by temperature stimulated transitions from the 1 S 0 to the Pr 3+ 4f5d state. At low temperatures, the energy potential barrier between the 1 S 0 and 4f5d states is 0.014 eV for LiPrP 4 O 12 . The spectral overlap of the 1 S 0 and 4f5d states of Pr 3+ in LiY 0.9 Pr 0.1 P 4 O 12 determines the luminescence properties in the entire temperature range studied.

  10. Structural study of Al2O3-Na2O-CaO-P2O5 bioactive glasses as a function of aluminium content.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Smith, J M; King, S P; Barney, E R; Hanna, J V; Newport, R J; Pickup, D M

    2013-01-21

    Calcium phosphate based biomaterials are extensively used in the context of tissue engineering: small changes in composition can lead to significant changes in properties allowing their use in a wide range of applications. Samples of composition (Al(2)O(3))(x)(Na(2)O)(0.11-x)(CaO)(0.445)(P(2)O(5))(0.445), where x = 0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.08, were prepared by melt quenching. The atomic-scale structure has been studied using neutron diffraction and solid state (27)Al MAS NMR, and these data have been rationalised with the determined density of the final glass product. With increasing aluminium concentration the density increases initially, but beyond about 3 mol. % Al(2)O(3) the density starts to decrease. Neutron diffraction data show a concomitant change in the aluminium speciation, which is confirmed by (27)Al MAS NMR studies. The NMR data reveal that aluminium is present in 4, 5, and 6-fold coordination and that the relative concentrations of these environments change with increasing aluminium concentration. Materials containing aluminium in 6-fold coordination tend to have higher densities than analogous materials with the aluminium found in 4-fold coordination. Thus, the density changes may readily be explained in terms of an increase in the relative concentration of 4-coordinated aluminium at the expense of 6-fold aluminium as the Al(2)O(3) content is increased beyond 3 mol. %.

  11. Biochemical function of typical and variant Arabidopsis thaliana U-box E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wiborg, Jakob; O'Shea, Charlotte; Skriver, Karen

    2008-08-01

    The variance of the U-box domain in 64 Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) E3s (ubiquitin-protein ligases) was used to examine the interactions between E3s and E2s (ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes). E2s and E3s are components of the ubiquitin protein degradation pathway. Seven U-box proteins were analysed for their ability to ubiquitinate proteins in vitro in co-operation with different E2s. All U-box domains exhibited ubiquitination activity and interacted productively with UBC4/5-type E2s. Three and four of the U-box domains mediated ubiquitin addition in the presence of UBC13 and UBC7 E2s respectively, but no productive interaction was observed with the UBC15 E2 tested. The activity of AtPUB54 [Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) plant U-box 54 protein] was dependent on Trp(266) in the E2-binding cleft, and the E2 selectivity was changed by substitution of this position. The function of the distant U-box protein, AtPUB49, representing a large family of eukaryotic proteins containing a U-box linked to a cyclophilin-like peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase domain, was characterized biochemically. AtPUB49 functioned both as a prolyl isomerase and a chaperone by catalysing cis-trans isomerization of peptidyl-prolyl bonds and dissolving protein aggregates. In conclusion, both typical and atypical Arabidopsis U-box proteins were active E3s. The overlap in the E3/E2 selectivity suggests that in vivo specificity is not determined only by the E3-E2 interactions, but also by other parameters, e.g. co-existence or interactions with additional domains. The biochemical functions of AtPUB49 suggest that the protein can be involved in folding or degradation of protein substrates. Similar functions can also be retained within a protein complex with separate chaperone and U-box proteins.

  12. Creating liveable neighborhoods through context - sensitive multimodal road planning

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Beukes, Edward; Vanderschuren, Marianne; Zuidgeest, M.H.P.; Brussel, M.J.G.

    2011-01-01

    PDF (3.8 MB)First Page Preview Authors E. Beukes1, M. Vanderschuren1, M. Zuidgeest2, M. Brussel2 1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town, P. Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa2Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE,

  13. Novel Antiplatelet Activity of Minocycline Involves Inhibition of MLK3-p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Axis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jackson, Joseph W; Singh, Meera V; Singh, Vir B; Jones, Letitia D; Davidson, Gregory A; Ture, Sara; Morrell, Craig N; Schifitto, Giovanni; Maggirwar, Sanjay B

    2016-01-01

    Platelets play an essential role in hemostasis and wound healing by facilitating thrombus formation at sites of injury. Platelets also mediate inflammation and contain several pro-inflammatory molecules including cytokines and chemokines that mediate leukocyte recruitment and activation. Not surprisingly, platelet dysfunction is known to contribute to several inflammatory disorders. Antiplatelet therapies, such as aspirin, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) antagonists, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) inhibitors, and anticoagulants such as warfarin, dampen platelet activity at the risk of unwarranted bleeding. Thus, the development of drugs that reduce platelet-mediated inflammation without interfering with thrombus formation is of importance to combat platelet-associated disorders. We have shown here for the first time that the tetracycline antibiotic, minocycline, administered to HIV-infected individuals reduces plasma levels of soluble CD40L and platelet factor 4 levels, host molecules predominately released by platelets. Minocycline reduced the activation of isolated platelets in the presence of the potent platelet activator, thrombin, as measured by ELISA and flow cytometry. Platelet degranulation was reduced upon exposure to minocycline as shown by mepacrine retention and flow cytometry. However, minocycline had no effect on spreading, aggregation, GPIIb/IIIa activation, or in vivo thrombus formation. Lastly, immunoblot analysis suggests that the antiplatelet activity of minocycline is likely mediated by inhibition of mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3)-p38 MAPK signaling axis and loss of p38 activity. Our findings provide a better understanding of platelet biology and a novel repurposing of an established antibiotic, minocycline, to specifically reduce platelet granule release without affecting thrombosis, which may yield insights in generating novel, specific antiplatelet therapies.

  14. Efficiency of S&P CNX Nifty Index Option of the National Stock Exchange (NSE, India, using Box Spread Arbitrage Strategy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    G. P. Girish

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available Box spread is a trading strategy in which one simultaneously buys and sells options having the same underlying asset and time to expiration, but different exercise prices. This study examined the efficiency of European style S&P CNX Nifty Index options of National Stock Exchange, (NSE India by making use of high-frequency data on put and call options written on Nifty (Time-stamped transactions data for the time period between 1st January 2002 and 31st December 2005 using box-spread arbitrage strategy. The advantages of box-spreads include reduced joint hypothesis problem since there is no consideration of pricing model or market equilibrium, no consideration of inter-market non-synchronicity since trading box spreads involve only one market, computational simplicity with less chances of mis-specification error, estimation error and the fact that buying and selling box spreads more or less replicates risk-free lending and borrowing. One thousand three hundreds and fifty eight exercisable box-spreads were found for the time period considered of which 78 Box spreads were found to be profitable after incorporating transaction costs (32 profitable box spreads were identified for the year 2002, 19 in 2003, 14 in 2004 and 13 in 2005 The results of our study suggest that internal option market efficiency has improved over the years for S&P CNX Nifty Index options of NSE India.

  15. La{sub 3}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 2} and La{sub 5}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 4}Cl{sub 2}. Synthesis, structure and {sup 31}P solid state NMR spectroscopy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bartsch, Timo; Eul, Matthias; Poettgen, Rainer [Muenster Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Anorganische und Analytische Chemie; Benndorf, Christopher; Eckert, Hellmut [Muenster Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Physikalische Chemie; Sao Paulo Univ., Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil). Inst. of Physics

    2016-04-01

    The phosphide oxides La{sub 3}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 2} and La{sub 5}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 4}Cl{sub 2} were synthesized from lanthanum, copper(I) oxide, red phosphorus, and lanthanum(III) chloride through a ceramic technique. Single crystals can be grown in a NaCl/KCl flux. Both structures were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data: I4/mmm, a = 403.89(4), c = 2681.7(3) pm, wR2 = 0.0660, 269 F{sup 2} values, 19 variables for La{sub 3}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 2} and a = 407.52(5), c = 4056.8(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0905, 426 F{sup 2} values, 27 variables for La{sub 5}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 4}Cl{sub 2}. Refinement of the occupancy parameters revealed full occupancy for the oxygen sites in both compounds. The structures are composed of cationic (La{sub 2}O{sub 2}){sup 2+} layers and covalently bonded (Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}){sup 5-} polyanionic layers with metallic characteristics, and an additional La{sup 3+} between two adjacent (Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}){sup 5-} layers. The structure of La{sub 5}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 4}Cl{sub 2} comprises two additional LaOCl slabs per unit cell. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies revealed Pauli paramagnetism. The phosphide substructure of La{sub 3}Cu{sub 4}P{sub 4}O{sub 2} was studied by {sup 31}P solid state NMR spectroscopy. By using a suitable dipolar re-coupling approach the two distinct resonances belonging to the P{sub 2}{sup 4-} and the P{sup 3-} units could be identified.

  16. A cell-death-defying factor, anamorsin mediates cell growth through inactivation of PKC and p38MAPK

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saito, Yuri; Shibayama, Hirohiko; Tanaka, Hirokazu; Tanimura, Akira; Kanakura, Yuzuru

    2011-01-01

    Research highlights: → Anamorsin (AM) (also called CIAPIN-1) is a cell-death-defying factor. → Biological mechanisms of AM functions have not been elucidated yet. → PKCθ , PKCδ and p38MAPK were more phosphorylated in AM deficient MEF cells. → AM may negatively regulates PKCs and p38MAPK in MEF cells. -- Abstract: Anamorsin (AM) plays crucial roles in hematopoiesis and embryogenesis. AM deficient (AM KO) mice die during late gestation; AM KO embryos are anemic and very small compared to wild type (WT) embryos. To determine which signaling pathways AM utilizes for these functions, we used murine embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells generated from E-14.5 AM KO or WT embryos. Proliferation of AM KO MEF cells was markedly retarded, and PKCθ, PKCδ, and p38MAPK were more highly phosphorylated in AM KO MEF cells. Expression of cyclinD1, the target molecule of p38MAPK, was down-regulated in AM KO MEF cells. p38MAPK inhibitor as well as PKC inhibitor restored expression of cyclinD1 and cell growth in AM KO MEF cells. These data suggest that PKCθ, PKCδ, and p38MAPK activation lead to cell cycle retardation in AM KO MEF cells, and that AM may negatively regulate novel PKCs and p38MAPK in MEF cells.

  17. 38 CFR 3.959 - Tuberculosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Tuberculosis. 3.959..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Protection § 3.959 Tuberculosis. Any veteran who, on...) tuberculosis may receive compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1114(q) and 1156 as in effect before August 20, 1968...

  18. Opposite effects of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras on radiation-induced apoptosis via differential activation of PI3K/Akt and Rac/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Choi, J.-A.; Kang, C.-M.; Lee, Y.-S.; Lee, S.-J.; Bae, S.-W.; Cho, C.-K.

    2003-01-01

    It has been well known that Ras signaling is involved in various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, distinct cellular functions of Ras isozymes are not fully understood. Here we show the opposing roles of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras genes in the modulation of cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Overexpression of active isoform of Ha-Ras (12V-Ha- Ras) in Rat2 cells increases resistance to the ionizing radiation. Constitutive activation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt is detected specifically in 12V-Ha-Ras-overexpressing cells. The specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibits PI3K/Akt signaling and potentiates the radiation-induced apoptosis, suggesting that activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in the increased radio-resistance in cells overexpressing 12V-Ha-Ras. Overexpression of activated Ki-Ras (12V-Ki-Ras), on the other hand, markedly increases radiation sensitivity. The p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity is selectively enhanced by ionizing radiation in cells overexpressing 12V-Ki-Ras. The specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, PD169316, or dominant-negative p38 MAP kinase decreases radiation-induced cell death. We further show that the mechanism that underlies potentiation of cell death in cells overexpressing 12V-Ki-Ras involves Bax translocation to the mitochondrial membrane. Elevated Bax translocation following ionizing irradiation in 12V-Ki-Ras-overexpressing cells is completely inhibited by PD169316 or dominant-negative p38 MAP kinase. In addition, introduction of cells with RacN17, a dominant negative mutant of Rac, resulted in a marked inhibition of radiation-induced Bax translocation and apoptotic cell death as well as p38 MAP kinase activation. Taken together, these findings explain the opposite effects of Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras on modulation of radio-sensitivity, and suggest that differential activation of PI3K/Akt and Rac/p38 MAP kinase signaling by Ha-Ras and Ki-Ras may

  19. Optimization of an A(2)/O process for tetracycline removal via response surface methodology coupled with a Box-Behnken design.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Qi, Fang-Fang; Huang, Man-Hong; Zheng, Yu; Xu, Qi

    2015-01-01

    Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the operating conditions of an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (A(2)/O) process by maximizing the removal efficiency of tetracycline (TC). Solid retention time (SRT), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and initial TC concentration (CTC, in) were selected as independent variables for incorporation in the Box-Behnken design. The results showed SRT and CTC, in were more significant parameters than HRT for the removal efficiency of TC. TC could be completely removed under the optimal conditions of an SRT of 15.5 days, an HRT of 9.9 h and a CTC, in of 283.3 μg L(-1). TC removal efficiencies of 99% and 96% were attained for synthetic and real wastewater, respectively, under the optimal conditions. This indicated the constructed model was validated and reliable for optimizing the A(2)/O process for TC removal.

  20. Infrared absorption of CH{sub 3}OSO and CD{sub 3}OSO radicals produced upon photolysis of CH{sub 3}OS(O)Cl and CD{sub 3}OS(O)Cl in p-H{sub 2} matrices

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lee, Yu-Fang; Kong, Lin-Jun [Department of Applied Chemistry and Institute of Molecular Science, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan (China); Lee, Yuan-Pern [Department of Applied Chemistry and Institute of Molecular Science, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 Ta-Hsueh Rd., Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan (China); Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 10617, Taiwan (China)

    2012-03-28

    Irradiation at 239 {+-} 20 nm of a p-H{sub 2} matrix containing methoxysulfinyl chloride, CH{sub 3}OS(O)Cl, at 3.2 K with filtered light from a medium-pressure mercury lamp produced infrared (IR) absorption lines at 3028.4 (attributable to {nu}{sub 1}, CH{sub 2} antisymmetric stretching), 2999.5 ({nu}{sub 2}, CH{sub 3} antisymmetric stretching), 2950.4 ({nu}{sub 3}, CH{sub 3} symmetric stretching), 1465.2 ({nu}{sub 4}, CH{sub 2} scissoring), 1452.0 ({nu}{sub 5}, CH{sub 3} deformation), 1417.8 ({nu}{sub 6}, CH{sub 3} umbrella), 1165.2 ({nu}{sub 7}, CH{sub 3} wagging), 1152.1 ({nu}{sub 8}, S=O stretching mixed with CH{sub 3} rocking), 1147.8 ({nu}{sub 9}, S=O stretching mixed with CH{sub 3} wagging), 989.7 ({nu}{sub 10}, C-O stretching), and 714.5 cm{sup -1} ({nu}{sub 11}, S-O stretching) modes of syn-CH{sub 3}OSO. When CD{sub 3}OS(O)Cl in a p-H{sub 2} matrix was used, lines at 2275.9 ({nu}{sub 1}), 2251.9 ({nu}{sub 2}), 2083.3 ({nu}{sub 3}), 1070.3 ({nu}{sub 4}), 1056.0 ({nu}{sub 5}), 1085.5 ({nu}{sub 6}), 1159.7 ({nu}{sub 7}), 920.1 ({nu}{sub 8}), 889.0 ({nu}{sub 9}), 976.9 ({nu}{sub 10}), and 688.9 ({nu}{sub 11}) cm{sup -1} appeared and are assigned to syn-CD{sub 3}OSO; the mode numbers correspond to those used for syn-CH{sub 3}OSO. The assignments are based on the photolytic behavior and a comparison of observed vibrational wavenumbers, infrared intensities, and deuterium isotopic shifts with those predicted with the B3P86/aug-cc-pVTZ method. Our results extend the previously reported four transient IR absorption bands of gaseous syn-CH{sub 3}OSO near 2991, 2956, 1152, and 994 cm{sup -1} to 11 lines, including those associated with C-O, O-S, and S=O stretching modes. Vibrational wavenumbers of syn-CD{sub 3}OSO are new. These results demonstrate the advantage of a diminished cage effect of solid p-H{sub 2} such that the Cl atom, produced via UV photodissociation of CH{sub 3}OS(O)Cl in situ, might escape from the original cage to yield isolated CH{sub 3}OSO

  1. Genetic and Pharmacological Inhibition of p38α Improves Locomotor Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

    Science.gov (United States)

    Umezawa, Hiroki; Naito, Yusuke; Tanaka, Kensuke; Yoshioka, Kento; Suzuki, Kenichi; Sudo, Tatsuhiko; Hagihara, Masahiko; Hatano, Masahiko; Tatsumi, Koichiro; Kasuya, Yoshitoshi

    2017-01-01

    One of the mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38α plays a crucial role in various inflammatory diseases and apoptosis of various types of cells. In this study, we investigated the pathophysiological roles of p38α in spinal cord injury (SCI), using a mouse model. Lateral hemisection at T9 of the SC was performed in wild type (WT) and p38α+/- mice (p38α-/- showed embryonic lethality). p38α+/- mice showed a better functional recovery from SCI-associated paralyzed hindlimbs compared to WT mice at 7 days post-injury (dpi), which remained until 28 dpi (an end time point of monitoring the behavior). In histopathological analysis at 28 dpi, there was more axonal regeneration with remyelination on the caudal side of the lesion epicenter in p38α+/- mice than in WT mice. At 7 dpi, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lesion and expression of cytokines in the lesion were reduced in p38α+/- mice compared with WT mice. At the same time point, the number of apoptotic oligodendrocytes in the white matter at the caudal boarder of the lesion of p38α+/- mice was lower than that of WT mice. At 14 dpi, more neural and oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the gray matter and white matter, respectively, were observed around the lesion epicenter of p38α+/- mice compared with the case of WT mice. At the same time point, astrocytic scar formation was less apparent in p38α+/- than in WT mice, while compaction of inflammatory immune cells associated with the wound contraction was more apparent in p38α+/- than in WT mice. Furthermore, we verified the effectiveness of oral administration of SB239063, a p38α inhibitor on the hindlimb locomotor recovery after SCI. These results suggest that p38α deeply contributes to the pathogenesis of SCI and that inhibition of p38α is a beneficial strategy to recovery from SCI. PMID:28261102

  2. MAPK/p38 regulation of cytoskeleton rearrangement accelerates induction of macrophage activation by TLR4, but not TLR3.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bian, Hongjun; Li, Feifei; Wang, Wenwen; Zhao, Qi; Gao, Shanshan; Ma, Jincai; Li, Xiao; Ren, Wanhua; Qin, Chengyong; Qi, Jianni

    2017-11-01

    Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) and TLR4 utilize adaptor proteins to activate mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK), resulting in the acute but transient inflammatory response aimed at the clearance of pathogens. In the present study, it was demonstrated that macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or poly(I:C), leading to changes in cell morphology, differed significantly between the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and mouse primary peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, the expression of α- and β-tubulin was markedly decreased following LPS stimulation. By contrast, α- and β-tubulin expression were only mildly increased following poly(I:C) treatment. However, the expression of β-actin and GAPDH was not significantly affected. Furthermore, it was verified that vincristine pretreatment abrogated the cytoskeleton rearrangement and decreased the synthesis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and migration of macrophages caused by LPS. Finally, it was observed that the MAPK/p38 signaling pathway regulating cytoskeleton rearrangement may participate in LPS‑induced macrophage cytokine production and migration. Overall, the findings of the present study indicated that MAPK/p38 regulation of the cytoskeleton, particularly tubulin proteins, plays an important role in LPS-induced inflammatory responses via alleviating the synthesis and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the migration of macrophages.

  3. Lysyl Oxidase Induces Vascular Oxidative Stress and Contributes to Arterial Stiffness and Abnormal Elastin Structure in Hypertension: Role of p38MAPK.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Martínez-Revelles, Sonia; García-Redondo, Ana B; Avendaño, María S; Varona, Saray; Palao, Teresa; Orriols, Mar; Roque, Fernanda R; Fortuño, Ana; Touyz, Rhian M; Martínez-González, Jose; Salaices, Mercedes; Rodríguez, Cristina; Briones, Ana M

    2017-09-01

    Vascular stiffness, structural elastin abnormalities, and increased oxidative stress are hallmarks of hypertension. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an elastin crosslinking enzyme that produces H 2 O 2 as a by-product. We addressed the interplay between LOX, oxidative stress, vessel stiffness, and elastin. Angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused hypertensive mice and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showed increased vascular LOX expression and stiffness and an abnormal elastin structure. Mice over-expressing LOX in vascular smooth muscle cells (TgLOX) exhibited similar mechanical and elastin alterations to those of hypertensive models. LOX inhibition with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) attenuated mechanical and elastin alterations in TgLOX mice, Ang II-infused mice, and SHR. Arteries from TgLOX mice, Ang II-infused mice, and/or SHR exhibited increased vascular H 2 O 2 and O 2 .- levels, NADPH oxidase activity, and/or mitochondrial dysfunction. BAPN prevented the higher oxidative stress in hypertensive models. Treatment of TgLOX and Ang II-infused mice and SHR with the mitochondrial-targeted superoxide dismutase mimetic mito-TEMPO, the antioxidant apocynin, or the H 2 O 2 scavenger polyethylene glycol-conjugated catalase (PEG-catalase) reduced oxidative stress, vascular stiffness, and elastin alterations. Vascular p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation was increased in Ang II-infused and TgLOX mice and this effect was prevented by BAPN, mito-TEMPO, or PEG-catalase. SB203580, the p38MAPK inhibitor, normalized vessel stiffness and elastin structure in TgLOX mice. We identify LOX as a novel source of vascular reactive oxygen species and a new pathway involved in vascular stiffness and elastin remodeling in hypertension. LOX up-regulation is associated with enhanced oxidative stress that promotes p38MAPK activation, elastin structural alterations, and vascular stiffness. This pathway contributes to vascular abnormalities in hypertension. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27

  4. REX-1 expression and p38 MAPK activation status can determine proliferation/differentiation fates in human mesenchymal stem cells.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dilli Ram Bhandari

    Full Text Available BACKGROUND: REX1/ZFP42 is a well-known embryonic stem cell (ESC marker. However, the role of REX1, itself, is relatively unknown because the function of REX1 has only been reported in the differentiation of ESCs via STAT signaling pathways. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs isolated from young tissues and cancer cells express REX1. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDING: Human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hAD-MSCs strongly express REX1 and have a lower activation status of p38 MAPK, but bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBM-MSCs have weak REX1 expression and higher activation of p38 MAPK. These results indicated that REX1 expression in hMSCs was positively correlated with proliferation rates but inversely correlated with the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. In hUCB-MSCs, the roles of REX1 and p38 MAPK were investigated, and a knockdown study was performed using a lentiviral vector-based small hairpin RNA (shRNA. After REX1 knockdown, decreased cell proliferation was observed. In REX1 knocked-down hUCB-MSCs, the osteogenic differentiation ability deteriorated, but the adipogenic potential increased or was similar to that observed in the controls. The phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in hUCB-MSCs significantly increased after REX1 knockdown. After p38 MAPK inhibitor treatment, the cell growth in REX1 knocked-down hUCB-MSCs almost recovered, and the suppressed expression levels of CDK2 and CCND1 were also restored. The expression of MKK3, an upstream regulator of p38 MAPK, significantly increased in REX1 knocked-down hUCB-MSCs. The direct binding of REX1 to the MKK3 gene was confirmed by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP assay. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings showed that REX1 regulates the proliferation/differentiation of hMSCs through the suppression of p38 MAPK signaling via the direct suppression of MKK3. Therefore, p38 MAPK and REX-1 status can determine the cell fate of adult stem cells (ASCs. These

  5. Photostability enhancement of InP/ZnS quantum dots enabled by In{sub 2}O{sub 3} overcoating

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jo, Jung-Ho; Kim, Jong-Hoon; Lee, Sun-Hyoung [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul 121-791 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Ho Seong [Center for Materials Architecturing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Dong Seon; Lee, Ju Chul; Park, Ko Un; Choi, Yoonyoung [Advanced Materials Team, Materials & Devices Advanced Research Institute, LG Electronics, Seoul 137-724 (Korea, Republic of); Ha, Chunghun, E-mail: chunghun.ha@hongik.ac.kr [School of Information & Computer Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul 121-791 (Korea, Republic of); Yang, Heesun, E-mail: hyang@hongik.ac.kr [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul 121-791 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-10-25

    Although the present-level quantum dots (QDs) exhibit excellent photoluminescent performance, their photostability under a prolonged photoexcitation stays doubtful and still unsatisfactory from an industrial perspective, since it determines the reliability of QD-incorporated devices such as QD-light-emitting diodes (QD-LEDs). In the present work, the overcoating of red-emitting InP/ZnS QDs with the oxide phase of In{sub 2}O{sub 3} is attempted to suppress the QD photooxidation, thus rendering them highly photostable. The efficacy of the oxide overlayer in substantially alleviating the QD photodegradation is verified through a comparative photostability test, where two colloidal solutions of bare versus In{sub 2}O{sub 3}-overcoated InP/ZnS (InP/ZnS@In{sub 2}O{sub 3}) QDs are identically subjected to a continuous UV irradiation for an extended period of time. Furthermore, both InP/ZnS and InP/ZnS@In{sub 2}O{sub 3} QDs are packaged as color-converters with a blue LED chip, and the operational stability of the fabricated QD-LEDs is examined at a forward bias of 60 mA. Consistent with the results of UV irradiation experiment, InP/ZnS@In{sub 2}O{sub 3} QD-LED exhibits a superior device stability against a continual operation as compared with InP/ZnS one. - Graphical abstract: In{sub 2}O{sub 3}-overcoated InP/ZnS QD exhibited the superior photostability under continuous UV irradiation and LED operation for extended period of times compared to bare InP/ZnS one. - Highlights: • Red-emitting InP/ZnS QD is overcoated with the oxide phase of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. • The efficacy of the oxide overlayer in substantially alleviating the QD photodegradation is demonstrated. • Compared to bare InP/ZnS QD In{sub 2}O{sub 3}-overcoated one exhibits the superior photostability against continuous photoexcitation.

  6. Atmospheric photochemical reactivity and ozone production at two sites in Hong Kong: Application of a Master Chemical Mechanism-photochemical box model

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ling, Z. H.; Guo, H.; Lam, S. H. M.; Saunders, S. M.; Wang, T.

    2014-09-01

    A photochemical box model incorporating the Master Chemical Mechanism (v3.2), constrained with a full suite of measurements, was developed to investigate the photochemical reactivity of volatile organic compounds at a semirural site (Mount Tai Mo Shan (TMS)) and an urban site (Tsuen Wan (TW)) in Hong Kong. The levels of ozone (O3) and its precursors, and the magnitudes of the reactivity of O3 precursors, revealed significant differences in the photochemistry at the two sites. Simulated peak hydroperoxyl radical (HO2) mixing ratios were similar at TW and TMS (p = 0.05), while the simulated hydroxyl radical (OH) mixing ratios were much higher at TW (p TMS, but at TW, both HCHO and O3 photolyses were found to be major contributors. By contrast, radical-radical reactions governed HOx radical losses at TMS, while at TW, the OH + NO2 reaction was found to dominate in the morning and the radical-radical reactions at noon. Overall, the conversion of NO to NO2 by HO2 dictated the O3 production at the two sites, while O3 destruction was dominated by the OH + NO2 reaction at TW, and at TMS, O3 photolysis and the O3 + HO2 reaction were the major mechanisms. The longer OH chain length at TMS indicated that more O3 was produced for each radical that was generated at this site.

  7. Arctigenin, a dietary phytoestrogen, induces apoptosis of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells through the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway and epigenetic regulation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hsieh, Chia-Jung; Kuo, Po-Lin; Hsu, Ying-Chan; Huang, Ya-Fang; Tsai, Eing-Mei; Hsu, Ya-Ling

    2014-02-01

    This study investigates the anticancer effect of arctigenin (ATG), a natural lignan product of Arctium lappa L., in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Results indicate that ATG inhibits MDA-MB-231 cell growth by inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. ATG triggers the mitochondrial caspase-independent pathways, as indicated by changes in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, resulting in AIF and EndoG nuclear translocation. ATG increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by increasing p22(phox)/NADPH oxidase 1 interaction and decreasing glutathione level. ATG clearly increases the activation of p38 MAPK, but not JNK and ERK1/2. Antioxidant EUK-8, a synthetic catalytic superoxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenger, significantly decreases ATG-mediated p38 activation and apoptosis. Blocking p38 with a specific inhibitor suppresses ATG-mediated Bcl-2 downregulation and apoptosis. Moreover, ATG activates ATF-2, a transcription factor activated by p38, and then upregulates histone H3K9 trimethylation in the Bcl-2 gene promoter region, resulting in Bcl-2 downregulation. Taken together, the results demonstrate that ATG induces apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells via the ROS/p38 MAPK pathway and epigenetic regulation of Bcl-2 by upregulation of histone H3K9 trimethylation. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Luminescence in Eu2+ and Ce3+ doped SrCaP2O7 phosphors

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    K.N. Shinde

    Full Text Available Eu2+ and Ce3+ doped SrCaP2O7 has been achieved by modified solid state diffusion in reducing atmosphere. The prepared phosphor powders have been identified by their characteristic X-ray diffraction patterns. The mixed phases of α-Sr2P2O7 type with orthorhombic and α-Ca2P2O7 type with monoclinic form were investigated. Its excitation wavelength ranging from 250 to 430 nm fits well with the characteristic emission of UV light-emitting diode (LED. The excitation and emission spectra indicate that these phosphors can be effectively excited by the near-UV light, and emits blue (visible range due to 4f7 → 4f65d1 transition of Eu2+ particularly, SrCaP2O7: Eu2+ whereas, photoluminescence excitation spectrum measurements of Ce3+ activated SrCaP2O7 shows that the phosphor can be efficiently excited by UV–Vis light from 280 to 310 nm to realize emission in the near visible range due to the 5d–4f transition of Ce3+ ions which is applicable for scintillation purpose. The impacts of doping of divalent europium and trivalent cerium on photoluminescence properties on SrCaP2O7 pyrophosphate phosphors were investigated and I propose a feasible interpretation. Keywords: Phosphor, Luminescence, XRD, LED, FTIR

  9. Controlled carrier screening in p-n NiO/GaN piezoelectric generators by an Al2O3 insertion layer

    Science.gov (United States)

    Johar, Muhammad Ali; Jeong, Dae Kyung; Afifi Hassan, Mostafa; Kang, Jin-Ho; Ha, Jun-Seok; Key Lee, June; Ryu, Sang-Wan

    2017-12-01

    The performance of a piezoelectric generator (PG) depends significantly on the internal screening process inside the device. As piezoelectric charges appear on both ends of the piezoelectric crystal, internal screening starts to decrease the piezoelectric bias. Therefore, the piezoelectric energy generated by external stress is not fully utilized by external circuit, which is the most challenging aspect of high-efficiency PGs. In this work, the internal screening effect of a NiO/GaN p-n PG was analyzed and controlled with an Al2O3 insertion layer. Internal screening in the p-n diode PG was categorized into free-carrier screening in neutral regions and junction screening due to charge drift across the junction. It was observed that junction screening could be significantly suppressed by inserting an Al2O3 layer and that effect was dominant in a leaky diode PG. With this implementation, the piezoelectric bias of the NiO/GaN PG was improved by a factor of ~100 for high-leakage diodes and a factor of ~1.6 for low-leakage diodes. Consequently, NiO/Al2O3/GaN PGs under a stress of 5 MPa provided a piezoelectric bias of 12.1 V and a current density of 2.25 µA cm-2. The incorporation of a highly resistive Al2O3 layer between p-NiO and n-GaN layers in NiO/GaN heterojunctions provides an efficient means of improving the piezoelectric performance by controlling the internal screening of the piezoelectric field.

  10. Mortality resulting from head injury in professional boxing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baird, Lissa C; Newman, C Benjamin; Volk, Hunter; Svinth, Joseph R; Conklin, Jordan; Levy, Michael L

    2010-11-01

    The majority of boxing-related fatalities result from traumatic brain injury. Biomechanical forces in boxing result in rotational acceleration with resultant subdural hematoma and diffuse axonal injury. Given the inherent risk and the ongoing criticism boxing has received, we evaluated mortalities associated with professional boxing. We used the Velaquez Fatality Collection of boxing injuries and supplementary sources to analyze mortality from 1950 to 2007. Variables evaluated included age at time of death, association with knockout or other outcome of match, rounds fought, weight class, location of fight, and location of pretermial event. There were 339 mortalities between 1950 and 2007 (mean age, 24 ± 3.8 years); 64% were associated with knockout and 15% with technical knockout. A higher percentage occurred in the lower weight classes. The preterminal event occurred in the ring (61%), in the locker room (17%), and outside the arena (22%), We evaluated for significant changes after 1983 when championship bouts were reduced from 15 to 12 rounds. There was a significant decline in mortality after 1983. We found no significant variables to support that this decline is related to a reduction in rounds. Rather, we hypothesize the decline to be the result of a reduction in exposure to repetitive head trauma (shorter careers and fewer fights), along with increased medical oversight and stricter safety regulations. Increased efforts should be made to improve medical supervisions of boxers. Mandatory central nervous system imaging after a knockout could lead to a significant reduction in associated mortality.

  11. Kaempferol Inhibits Angiogenesis by Suppressing HIF-1α and VEGFR2 Activation via ERK/p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways in Endothelial Cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Gi Dae

    2017-12-01

    Kaempferol has been shown to inhibit vascular formation in endothelial cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we evaluated whether kaempferol exerts antiangiogenic effects by targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways in endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were treated with various concentrations of kaempferol for 24 h. Cell viability was determined by the 3- (4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay; vascular formation was analyzed by tube formation, wound healing, and mouse aortic ring assays. Activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), ERK/p38 MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR was analyzed by Western blotting. Kaempferol significantly inhibited cell migration and tube formation in endothelial cells, and suppressed microvessel sprouting in the mouse aortic ring assay. Moreover, kaempferol suppressed the activation of HIF-1α, VEGFR2, and other markers of ERK/p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in endothelial cells. These results suggest that kaempferol inhibits angiogenesis by suppressing HIF-1α and VEGFR2 activation via ERK/p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in endothelial cells.

  12. Excellent Passivation of p-Type Si Surface by Sol-Gel Al2O3 Films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hai-Qing, Xiao; Chun-Lan, Zhou; Xiao-Ning, Cao; Wen-Jing, Wang; Lei, Zhao; Hai-Ling, Li; Hong-Wei, Diao

    2009-01-01

    Al 2 O 3 films with a thickness of about 100 nm synthesized by spin coating and thermally treated are applied for field-induced surface passivation of p-type crystalline silicon. The level of surface passivation is determined by techniques based on photoconductance. An effective surface recombination velocity below 100 cm/s is obtained on 10Ω ·cm p-type c-Si wafers (Cz Si). A high density of negative fixed charges in the order of 10 12 cm −2 is detected in the Al 2 O 3 films and its impact on the level of surface passivation is demonstrated experimentally. Furthermore, a comparison between the surface passivation achieved for thermal SiO 2 and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiN x :H films on the same c-Si is presented. The high negative fixed charge density explains the excellent passivation of p-type c-Si by Al 2 O 3 . (cross-disciplinary physics and related areas of science and technology)

  13. Injuries in competitive boxing. A prospective study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Siewe, J; Rudat, J; Zarghooni, K; Sobottke, R; Eysel, P; Herren, C; Knöll, P; Illgner, U; Michael, J

    2015-03-01

    Boxing remains a subject of controversy and is often classified as dangerous. But the discussion is based mostly on retrospective studies. This survey was conducted as a prospective study. From October 2012 to September 2013, 44 competitive boxers were asked to report their injuries once a month. The questionnaire collected general information (training, competition) and recorded the number of bouts fought, injuries and resulting lost days. A total of 192 injuries were recorded, 133 of which resulted in interruption of training or competition. Each boxer sustained 3 injuries per year on average. The injury rate was 12.8 injuries per 1 000 h of training. Boxers fighting more than 3 bouts per year sustain more injuries (p=0.0075). The injury rate does is not a function of age (age≤19 vs. > 19a, p=0.53). Injuries to the head and the upper limbs occur most frequently. The most common injuries are soft tissue lacerations and contusions. Head injuries with neurological symptoms rarely occur (4.2%). Boxing has a high injury rate that is comparable with other contact sports, but most injuries are minor. Injury frequency is not a function of whether the boxer competes in the junior or adult category. Athletes fighting many bouts per year have a greater risk of injury. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  14. Synthesis and characterization of the new copper indium phosphate Cu_8In_8P_4O_3_0

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hanzelmann, Christian; Weimann, Iren; Feller, Joerg; Zak, Zdirad

    2014-01-01

    The system CuO/In_2O_3/P_2O_5 has been investigated using solid state reaction between CuO, In_2O_3 and (NH_4)_2HPO_4 in silica glass crucibles at 900 C. The powder samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. Orange single crystals of the new quaternary phase were achieved by the process of crystallization with mineralizers in sealed silica glass ampoules. They were then analyzed with EDX and single-crystal X-ray analysis in which the composition Cu_8In_8P_4O_3_0 with the triclinic space group P anti 1 (No 2) with a = 7,2429(14) Aa, b = 8,8002(18) Aa, c = 10,069(2) Aa, α = 103,62(3) , β = 106,31(3) , γ = 101,55(3) and Z = 1 was found. The three-dimensional framework consists of [InO_6] octahedra and distorted [CuO_6] octahedra, overcaped [InO_7] prisms and [PO_4] tetrahedra, also trigonal [(CuIn)O_5] bipyramids and distorted [(CuIn)O_6] octahedra, where copper and indium are partly exchanged against each other. Cu_8In_8P_4O_3_0 exhibits an incongruent melting point at 1023 C. (Copyright copyright 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  15. Fabrication and characterization of high quality n-ZnO/p-GaN heterojunction light emission diodes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zheng Hao; Mei, Z.X.; Zeng, Z.Q.; Liu, Y.Z.; Guo, L.W.; Jia, J.F.; Xue, Q.K.; Zhang, Z.; Du, X.L.

    2011-01-01

    High quality single crystalline n-type ZnO film was grown on p-type GaN substrate using molecular beam epitaxy. Transmission electron microscopy reveals a sharp ZnO/GaN interface. Light-emitting diode was fabricated from this heterostructure, and a turn-on voltage of ∼ 3.4 V was demonstrated. We found that the emission peak shifts from violet (430 nm) to near-ultraviolet (375 nm) when the driving current increases from 0.38 mA to 3.08 mA. This intriguing phenomenon can be understood by charged carrier's radical recombination occurring at both sides of the device, and the current enhancement of ZnO emission efficiency.

  16. Heat Shock Protein 70 Negatively Regulates TGF-β-Stimulated VEGF Synthesis via p38 MAP Kinase in Osteoblasts

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Go Sakai

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available Background/Aims: We previously demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β stimulates the synthesis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. Heat shock protein70 (HSP70 is a ubiquitously expressed molecular chaperone. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of HSP70 in the TGF-β-stimulated VEGF synthesis and the underlying mechanism in these cells. Methods: Culture MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated by TGF-β. Released VEGF was measured using an ELISA assay. VEGF mRNA level was quantified by RT-PCR. Phosphorylation of each protein kinase was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: VER-155008 and YM-08, both of HSP70 inhibitors, significantly amplified the TGF-β-stimulated VEGF release. In addition, the expression level of VEGF mRNA induced by TGF-β was enhanced by VER-155008. These inhibitors markedly strengthened the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. The TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase was amplified in HSP70-knockdown cells. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, significantly suppressed the amplification by these inhibitors of the TGF-β-induced VEGF release. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that HSP70 acts as a negative regulator in the TGF-β-stimulated VEGF synthesis in osteoblasts, and that the inhibitory effect of HSP70 is exerted at a point upstream of p38 MAP kinase.

  17. Modified g-C3N4/TiO2 nanosheets/ZnO ternary facet coupled heterojunction for photocatalytic degradation of p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) under visible light

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, Dong; Yu, Han; Yu, Hongbing

    2017-01-01

    Novel ternary nanocomposites with facet coupled structure were synthesized by using modified g-C3N4, TiO2 nanosheets and nano-ZnO. Nanosheet/nanosheet heterojunction structure was investigated by TEM, XPS and XRD. FT-IR and Nitrogen adsorption were illustrated for chemical/physical structure analyses. Solution of p-Toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) was chosen as target pollutant for visible light photodegradation and the excellent removal efficiency was achieved by this structurally modified g-C3N4/TiO2/ZnO hybrid. The visible light absorption improvement and quantum efficiency enhancement, which were testified by UV-vis DRS, PL and p-TSA photodegradation measurements, due to the facet coupled structure and appropriate quantity of modified g-C3N4 in the nanocomposites.

  18. Fast detoxication of 2-chloro ethyl ethyl sulfide by p-type Ag_2O semiconductor nanoparticle-loaded Al_2O_3-based supports

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ma, Meng-Wei; Kuo, Dong-Hau

    2016-01-01

    Highlights: • Detoxication of CWA surrogate of 2-chloro ethyl ethyl sulfide is investigated. • A small amount of Ag_2O on Al_2O_3-base support is sufficient to degrade 2-CEES. • Detoxication conversion >82% in 15 min is achieved for >2.5% Ag_2O/Na_2SiO_3/Al_2O_3. • Na_2SiO_3 modified Al_2O_3 to have the valley-like line pattern for depositing Ag_2O. • 2-CEES oxidation is initiated from the dominant electronic holes in p-type Ag_2O. - Abstract: p-type Ag_2O semiconductor nanoparticle-loaded Al_2O_3 or Na_2SiO_3/Al_2O_3 powders used for detoxicating the surrogate of sulfur mustard of 2-chloro ethyl ethyl sulfide (C_2H_5SCH_2CH_2Cl, 2-CEES) were investigated. Different amounts of Ag_2O and Na_2SiO_3 on catalyst supports were evaluated. Gas chromatography with a pulsed flame photometric detector (GC–PFPD) and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) were used to monitor and identify the catalytic reactions, together with reaction products analysis. The GC analyses showed that the decontamination of 2-CEES in isopropanol solvent for 15 min was above 82% efficiency for the 0.5% Na_2SiO_3/Al_2O_3 support deposited with a Ag_2O content above 2.5%. 2-(ethylthio)ethanol and 2-(ethylthio)ethanoic acid were identified as the major products after catalytic reactions. The electronic holes dominating in p-type Ag_2O is proposed to provide the key component and to initiate the catalytic reactions. The electronic hole-based detoxication mechanism is proposed.

  19. [Effect of P38MAPK signal transduction pathway on apoptosis of THP-1 induced by allicin].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liao, Yang; Chen, Jianbin; Tang, Weixue; Ge, Qunfang; Lu, Qianwei; Yang, Zesong

    2009-06-01

    The objective of this paper was to study the change of P38MAPK and Fas in the apoptosis of THP-1 cells induced by allicin. The proliferation inhibition rates of THP-1 cells after various treatments were examined by MTT assay. Apoptosis rate was determined with Annexin V- FITC/PI double staining by flow cytometry. The expression and distribution change of the phosphorylation p38MAPK (P-p38MAPK) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The changes of P-p38 MAPK and Fas proteins were detected by Western blot. The proliferations of leukemia cell line THP-1 are inhibited by allicin. MTT assay showed that allicin can inhibit the proliferation of the THP-1 cell, and the inhibition was dependent on both dose and time. The IC50 of 72 hours was 12.8 mg x L(-1). Apoptosis rate detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI was proportional to the concentration of the allicin. After the immunohistochemical staining test, the P-p38MAPK was located in the cell nucleus and plasma, showing deep brown, when adding allicin to THP-1 cell. Western blot test showed that the P-p38MAPK proteins expression was proportional to the concentration of Allicin and was also dose dependent. The levels of P-p38MAPK in negative control group, 1/2 IC50 of 72 hours group and IC50 of 72 hours group were 0.259 8 +/- 0.013 2, 0.61 2 +/- 0.008 3 and 0.505 6 +/- 0.005 5 respectively, and the levels of Fas proteins were 0.287 4 +/- 0.008 9, 0.426 8 +/- 0.007 9 and 0.597 1 +/- 0.010 9 respectively. The difference was statistically significant when compared with the negative control group (P THP-1 cells apoptosis, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of P38MAPK/Fas.

  20. Crystal structure and thermal behavior of KB3O6

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bubnova, R.S.; Fundamenskij, V.S.; Filatov, S.K.; Polyakova, I.G.

    2004-01-01

    The structure of potassium triborate prepared in metastable state by crystallization from melt at ∼ 800 deg C was studied by the method of X-ray diffraction analysis. It was ascertained that KB 3 O 6 belongs to monoclinic crystal system, space group P2 1 /c, a = 9.319(1), b = 6.648(1), c = 21.094(2) A, β = 94.38(1) deg, Z = 12. The compound is referred to a new structural type. Anion of the structure is a single boron-oxygen frame formed by three independent rigid triborate rings of [B 3 O 5 ] - , each of them consisting of two BO 3 triangles and BO 4 tetrahedron. Phase transformations during KB 3 O 6 heating up to 800 deg C, as well as thermal expansion in the range of 20-650 deg C, were studied [ru

  1. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is involved in arginase-II-mediated eNOS-uncoupling in obesity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yu, Yi; Rajapakse, Angana G; Montani, Jean-Pierre; Yang, Zhihong; Ming, Xiu-Fen

    2014-07-18

    Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-uncoupling links obesity-associated insulin resistance and type-II diabetes to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease. Studies have indicated that increased arginase is involved in eNOS-uncoupling through competing with the substrate L-arginine. Given that arginase-II (Arg-II) exerts some of its biological functions through crosstalk with signal transduction pathways, and that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38mapk) is involved in eNOS-uncoupling, we investigated here whether p38mapk is involved in Arg-II-mediated eNOS-uncoupling in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. Obesity was induced in wild type (WT) and Arg-II-deficient (Arg-II(-/-)) mice on C57BL/6 J background by high-fat diet (HFD, 55% fat) for 14 weeks starting from age of 7 weeks. The entire aortas were isolated and subjected to 1) immunoblotting analysis of the protein level of eNOS, Arg-II and p38mapk activation; 2) arginase activity assay; 3) endothelium-dependent and independent vasomotor responses; 4) en face staining of superoxide anion and NO production with Dihydroethidium and 4,5-Diaminofluorescein Diacetate, respectively, to assess eNOS-uncoupling. To evaluate the role of p38mapk, isolated aortas were treated with p38mapk inhibitor SB203580 (10 μmol/L, 1 h) prior to the analysis. In addition, the role of p38mapk in Arg-II-induced eNOS-uncoupling was investigated in cultured human endothelial cells overexpressing Arg-II in the absence or presence of shRNA against p38mapk. HFD enhanced Arg-II expression/activity and p38mapk activity, which was associated with eNOS-uncoupling as revealed by decreased NO and enhanced L-NAME-inhibitable superoxide in aortas of WT obese mice. In accordance, WT obese mice revealed decreased endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine despite of higher eNOS protein level, whereas Arg-II(-/-) obese mice were protected from HFD-induced eNOS-uncoupling and endothelial dysfunction, which

  2. UVB-Stimulated TNFα Release from Human Melanocyte and Melanoma Cells Is Mediated by p38 MAPK

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Visalini Muthusamy

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available Ultraviolet (UV radiation activates cell signaling pathways in melanocytes. As a result of altered signaling pathways and UV-induced cellular damage, melanocytes can undergo oncogenesis and develop into melanomas. In this study, we investigated the effect of UV-radiation on p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase, JNK and NFκB pathways to determine which plays a major role in stimulating TNFα secretion in human HEM (melanocytes and MM96L (melanoma cells. MM96L cells exhibited 3.5-fold higher p38 activity than HEM cells at 5 min following UVA + B radiation and 1.6-fold higher JNK activity at 15–30 min following UVB+A radiation, while NFκB was minimally activated in both cells. Irradiated HEM cells had the greatest fold of TNFα secretion (UVB: 109-fold, UVA + B: 103-fold & UVB+A: 130-fold when co-exposed to IL1α. The p38 inhibitor, SB202190, inhibited TNFα release by 93% from UVB-irradiated HEM cells. In the UVB-irradiated MM96L cells, both SB202190 and sulfasalazine (NFκB inhibitor inhibited TNFα release by 52%. Although, anisomycin was a p38 MAPK activator, it inhibited TNFα release in UV-irradiated cells. This suggests that UV-mediated TNFα release may occur via different p38 pathway intermediates compared to those stimulated by anisomycin. As such, further studies into the functional role p38 MAPK plays in regulating TNFα release in UV-irradiated melanocyte-derived cells are warranted.

  3. Synthesis of rare-earth selenate and selenite materials under 'sol-gel' hydrothermal conditions: crystal structures and characterizations of La(HSeO3)(SeO4) and KNd(SeO4)2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Wei; Chen Haohong; Yang Xinxin; Li Mangrong; Zhao Jingtai

    2004-01-01

    Two rare-earth compounds containing selenium atoms, La(HSeO 3 )(SeO 4 ) with a new open framework structure and KNd(SeO 4 ) 2 with a layered structure, have been synthesized under ''sol-gel'' hydrothermal conditions for the first time. Single-crystals of La(HSeO 3 )(SeO 4 ) crystallize in the monoclinic system (P2 1 , a=8.5905(17)A, b=7.2459(14)A, c=9.5691(19)A, β=104.91(3) o , Z=2, RAll=0.032). The structure contains puckered polyhedral layers made of LaO x (x=9,10) and SeO 4 groups, which are connected via SeO 3 -uints to the 3D structure. The crytal structure of KNd(SeO 4 ) 2 (monoclinc, P2 1 /c, a=8.7182(17)A, b=7.3225(15)A, c=11.045(2)A, β=91.38(3) o , Z=4, RAll=0.051) contains honeycomb-like six-ring NdO 9 polyhedra forming layers which are further decorated with SeO 4 tetrahedra. The K + ions occupy the interspaces of these layers and provide the charge balance

  4. Substrate-dependent post-annealing effects on the strain state and electrical transport of epitaxial La5/8-yPryCa3/8MnO3 films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu, Sixia; Wang, Haibo; Dong, Yongqi; Hong, Bing; He, Hao; Bao, Jun; Huang, Haoliang; Yang, Yuanjun; Luo, Zhenlin; Yang, Mengmeng; Gao, Chen

    2014-01-01

    Large scale electronic phase separation (EPS) between ferromagnetic metallic and charge-ordered insulating phases in La 5/8-y Pr y Ca 3/8 MnO 3 (y = 0.3) (LPCMO) is very sensitive to the structural changes. This work investigates the effects of post-annealing on the strain states and electrical transport properties of LPCMO films epitaxially grown on (001) pc SrTiO 3 (tensile strain), LaAlO 3 (compressive strain) and NdGaO 3 (near-zero strain) substrates. Before annealing, all the films are coherent-epitaxial and insulating through the measured temperature range. Obvious change of film lattice is observed during the post-annealing: the in-plane strain in LPCMO/LAO varies from −1.5% to −0.1% while that in LPCMO/STO changes from 1.6% to 1.3%, and the lattice of LPCMO/NGO keeps constant because of the good lattice-match between LPCMO and NGO. Consequently, the varied film strain leads to the emergence of metal-insulator transitions (MIT) and shift of the critical transition temperature in the electrical transport. These results demonstrate that lattice-mismatch combined with post-annealing is an effective approach to tune strain in epitaxial LPCMO films, and thus to control the EPS and MIT in the films

  5. Using Willie's Acid-Base Box for Blood Gas Analysis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dietz, John R.

    2011-01-01

    In this article, the author describes a method developed by Dr. William T. Lipscomb for teaching blood gas analysis of acid-base status and provides three examples using Willie's acid-base box. Willie's acid-base box is constructed using three of the parameters of standard arterial blood gas analysis: (1) pH; (2) bicarbonate; and (3) CO[subscript…

  6. New nighttime retrievals of O(3P) and OH densities in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere using SABER/TIMED observations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Panka, P.; Kutepov, A. A.; Kalogerakis, K. S.; Janches, D.; Feofilov, A.; Rezac, L.; Marsh, D. R.; Yigit, E.

    2017-12-01

    We present first retrievals of O(3P) and OH densities in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) using SABER/TIMED OH 2.0 and 1.6 μm limb emission observations. Recently, Kaufmann et al. [2014] reported that current SABER O(3P) densities are on average 30% higher compared to other observations. In this study we applied new detailed non-LTE model [Panka et al. 2017] of nighttime OH(v), which accounts for the new mechanism OH(v≥5)+O(3P)→O(1D)+OH(v-5) of energy transfer recently suggested by Sharma et al. [2015] and confirmed through laboratory studies by Kalogerakis et al. [2016]. Based on this model we developed a new self-consistent two channel retrieval approach for O(3P) and OH density. Using this approach, we retrieved O(3P) densities that are 10-40% lower than current SABER O(3P), as well as total OH density which is retrieved for the first time using SABER observations. We compare our retrieveals with the results of other observations and models. As it was recently shown by Panka et al. [2017], the new mechanism of OH quenching produces a significant pumping of CO2 4.3 µm emission. We discuss the effects these new O(3P) and OH retrievals have on the nighttime CO2 density retrievals from the SABER 4.3 µm channel.

  7. De terugkeer van de olifant in box 3

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van de Streek, J.L.

    2010-01-01

    De per 1 januari 2001 ingevoerde vermogensrendementsheffing van box 3 is volgens de staatssecretaris van Financiën een 'beauty of simplicity'. Het inkomen uit sparen en beleggen wordt gesteld op 4% van het gemiddelde vermogen op 1 januari en 31 december en wordt vervolgens belast tegen een tarief

  8. Electrical and dielectric characteristics of Al/Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3}/p-Si heterostructure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cherif, Ahlem, E-mail: ahlem_cherif@yahoo.fr [Université de Sousse, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences et de la Technologie, Inst Sup Inf Télécom, LabEM-LR11ES34 Energie et de Matériaux, 4011, Hammam Sousse (Tunisia); Jomni, Sami [Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, LR: LAB MA03 Matériaux, Organization et Propriétés, 2092 Tunis (Tunisia); Université de Sousse, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences et de la Technologie, 4011, Hammam Sousse (Tunisia); Mliki, Najeh [Université de Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, LR: LAB MA03 Matériaux, Organization et Propriétés, 2092 Tunis (Tunisia); Beji, Lotfi [Université de Sousse, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences et de la Technologie, Inst Sup Inf Télécom, LabEM-LR11ES34 Energie et de Matériaux, 4011, Hammam Sousse (Tunisia)

    2013-11-15

    In this work we report the electrical characteristics of high-k Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} dielectric deposited on p-Si substrate by electron beam deposition under ultra vacuum. The surface morphology of Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface topography analysis reveals that the Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3} film is nanograined and contains numerous contacts between columnar grains. The electrical properties of Al/Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3}/p-Si heterostructure are further analyzed by current–voltage (I–V), capacitance–voltage (C–V), capacitance–frequency (C–f) and conductance–frequency (G–f) measurements. The dominant conduction mechanisms which governed the Al/Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3}/p-Si heterostrucure are determined. The hetrostructure induces a significant value of leakage current: 1.1×10{sup −5} A at flat-band voltage −1 V which is linked to the structural properties of the elaborated structure. The effects of grain boundaries and oxygen vacancies within the dielectric are observed in term of leakage current. Indeed, the C(V) characteristics measured at different applied voltage show a large frequency–dispersion, indicative of the presence of a continuous distribution of interface states. So, the interface state densities are determined from the C(V) characteristics to be around 10{sup 13} eV{sup −1} cm{sup −2}. C(f) measurements elucidate that the capacitance behavior is typical of material with traps. From G(f) and C(f) measurement the trap density and relaxation time are also determined. It is suggested that the interface states series resistance are important parameters that strongly influence the electrical properties of Al/Dy{sub 2}O{sub 3}/p-Si heterostrucure.

  9. Serum induced degradation of 3D DNA box origami observed by high speed atomic force microscope

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jiang, Zaixing; Zhang, Shuai; Yang, Chuanxu

    2015-01-01

    3D DNA origami holds tremendous potential to encapsulate and selectively release therapeutic drugs. Observations of real-time performance of 3D DNA origami structures in physiological environment will contribute much to its further applications. Here, we investigate the degradation kinetics of 3D...... DNA box origami in serum using high-speed atomic force microscope optimized for imaging 3D DNA origami in real time. The time resolution allows characterizing the stages of serum effects on individual 3D DNA box origami with nanometer resolution. Our results indicate that the whole digest process...... is a combination of a rapid collapse phase and a slow degradation phase. The damages of box origami mainly happen in the collapse phase. Thus, the structure stability of 3D DNA box origami should be further improved, especially in the collapse phase, before clinical applications...

  10. Multivariate optimization of process parameters in the synthesis of calcined Ca‒Al (NO3) LDH for defluoridation using 3(3) factorial, central composite and Box-Behnken design.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ghosal, Partha S; Gupta, Ashok K; Sulaiman, Ayoob

    2016-01-01

    Response surface methodology was applied for the first time in the optimization of the preparation of layered double hydroxide (LDH) for defluoridation. The influence of three vital process parameters (viz. pH, molar ratio and calcination temperature) in the synthesis of the adsorbent 'Calcined Ca‒Al (NO3) LDH' was thoroughly examined to maximize its fluoride scavenging potential. The process parameters were optimized using the 3(3) factorial, face centered central composite and Box-Behnken designs and a comparative assessment of the methods was conducted. The maximum fluoride removal efficiency was achieved at a calcination temperature of approximately 500ºC; however, the efficiency decreased with increasing pH and molar ratio. The outcome of the comparative assessment clearly delineates the case specific nature of the models. A better predictability over the entire experimental domain was obtained with the 3(3) factorial method, whereas the Box-Behnken design was found to be the most efficient model with lesser number of experimental runs. The desirability function technique was performed for optimizing the response, wherein face centered central composite design exhibited a maximum desirability. The calcined Ca‒Al (NO3) LDH, synthesized under the optimum conditions, demonstrated the removal efficiencies of 95% and 99% for the doses of 3 g L(-1) and 5 g L(-1), respectively.

  11. 38 CFR 3.363 - Bar to benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1151.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Bar to benefits under 38... Purposes § 3.363 Bar to benefits under 38 U.S.C. 1151. (a) Claims subject to this section. This section.... (b) Administrative award, compromises, or settlements, or judgments that bar benefits under 38 U.S.C...

  12. Pengaruh komposisi komposit al2o3/ysz dan variasi feed rate terhadap ketahanan termal dan kekuatan lekat pada Ysz-al2o3/ysz double layer tbc

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Parindra Kusriantoko

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available TBC (Thermal Barrier Coating dengan YSZ-Al2O3/YSZ top coat (TCdan MCrAlY sebagai bond coat (BC yang selanjutnya disebut sebagai YSZ-Al2O3/YSZ double layer TBC dibuat dengan menggunakan metode flame spray.Hasil pelapisan sebelum dan sesudah diuji termal dikarakterisasi menggunakan SEM, EDX dan XRD.Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa semakin tinggi powder feed rate akan berpengaruh pada morfologi permukaan lapisan. Feed rate makin rendah menyebabkan struktur yang cenderung kasar dan tidak padat dan cenderung berporos. Lapisan komposit Al2O3/YSZ juga sangat berpengaruh pada pertumbuhan TGO (Thermally Grown Oxide setelah dilakukan uji termal, dimana komposisi paling bagus dengan pertumbuhan TGO paling rendah adalah 15%Al2O3/8YSZ. Hasil pengujian TGA menunjukkan semua sampel mulai teroksidasi pada temperatur 1000-1030oC dan didapatkan sampel paling stabil adalah 15% Al2O3/8YSZ 14 dan 20 gr/min. Dari pengujian XRD sampel yang memiliki fasa yang paling stabil adalah 15%Al2O3/8YSZ dengan fasa t-ZrO2 dan m-ZrO2. Dari pengujian Thermal Torch dan Pull Off komposisi 15%Al2O3/8YSZjuga memiliki ketahanan terhadap pengerusakan yang paling baik dan kelekatan yang baik sebesar 10 MPa.

  13. Netrin-1 induces the migration of Schwann cells via p38 MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway mediated by the UNC5B receptor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lv, Jianwei [General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052 (China); Tianjin Institute of Orthopedics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, No. 155, Munan Road, Tianjin 300050 (China); Sun, Xiaolei; Ma, Jianxiong [Tianjin Institute of Orthopedics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, No. 155, Munan Road, Tianjin 300050 (China); Ma, Xinlong, E-mail: gengxiao502@163.com [General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, No. 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052 (China); Tianjin Institute of Orthopedics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, No. 155, Munan Road, Tianjin 300050 (China); Zhang, Yang; Li, Fengbo; Li, Yanjun; Zhao, Zhihu [Tianjin Institute of Orthopedics in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, No. 155, Munan Road, Tianjin 300050 (China)

    2015-08-14

    Schwann cells (SCs) play an essentially supportive role in the regeneration of injured peripheral nerve system (PNS). As Netrin-1 is crucial for the normal development of nervous system (NS) and can direct the process of damaged PNS regeneration, our study was designed to determine the role of Netrin-1 in RSC96 Schwann cells (an immortalized rat Schwann cell line) proliferation and migration. Our studies demonstrated that Netrin-1 had no effect on RSC96 cells proliferation, while significantly promoted RSC96 cells migration. The Netrin-1-induced RSC96 cells migration was significantly attenuated by inhibition of p38 and PI3K through pretreatment with SB203580 and LY294002 respectively, but not inhibition of MEK1/2 and JNK by U0126-EtOH and SP600125 individually. Treatment with Netrin-1 enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 and Akt. QRT-PCR indicated that Netrin-1 and only its receptors Unc5a, Unc5b and Neogenin were expressed in RSC96 cells, among which Unc5b expressed the most. And UNC5B protein was significantly increased after stimulated by Netrin-1. In conclusion, we show here that Netrin-1-enhanced SCs migration is mediated by activating p38 MAPK and PI3K-Akt signal cascades via receptor UNC5B, which suggests that Netrin-1 could serve as a new therapeutic strategy and has potential application value for PNS regeneration. - Highlights: • Netrin-1 attracts RSC96 Schwann cells migration in a dose dependent manner. • Netrin-1 induced Schwann cells migration is p38 and PI3K-Akt signaling dependent. • UNC5B may be dominant receptor mediating Netrin-1′ effect on RSC96 cells motility. • Netrin-1 may promote peripheral nerve repair by enhancing Schwann cells motility.

  14. High rate dry etching of InGaZnO by BCl3/O2 plasma

    Science.gov (United States)

    Park, Wanjae; Whang, Ki-Woong; Gwang Yoon, Young; Hwan Kim, Jeong; Rha, Sang-Ho; Seong Hwang, Cheol

    2011-08-01

    This paper reports the results of the high-rate dry etching of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) at room temperature using BCl3/O2 plasma. We achieved an etch rate of 250 nm/min. We inferred from the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis that BOx or BOClx radicals generated from BCl3/O2 plasma cause the etching of the IGZO material. O2 initiates the etching of IGZO, and Ar removes nonvolatile byproducts from the surface during the etching process. Consequently, a smooth etched surface results when these gases are added to the etch gas.

  15. Interface energy band alignment at the all-transparent p-n heterojunction based on NiO and BaSnO3

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Jiaye; Han, Shaobo; Luo, Weihuang; Xiang, Shuhuai; Zou, Jianli; Oropeza, Freddy E.; Gu, Meng; Zhang, Kelvin H. L.

    2018-04-01

    Transparent oxide semiconductors hold great promise for many optoelectronic devices such as transparent electronics, UV-emitting devices, and photodetectors. A p-n heterojunction is the most ubiquitous building block to realize these devices. In this work, we report the fabrication and characterization of the interface properties of a transparent heterojunction consisting of p-type NiO and n-type perovskite BaSnO3. We show that high-quality NiO thin films can be epitaxially grown on BaSnO3 with sharp interfaces because of a small lattice mismatch (˜1.3%). The diode fabricated from this heterojunction exhibits rectifying behavior with a ratio of 500. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals a type II or "staggered" band alignment with valence and conduction band offsets of 1.44 eV and 1.86 eV, respectively. Moreover, a large upward band bending potential of 0.90 eV for BaSnO3 and a downward band bending potential of 0.15 eV for NiO were observed in the interface region. Such electronic properties have important implication for optoelectronic applications as the large built-in potential provides favorable energetics for photo-generated electron-hole separation/migration.

  16. Luminescence and excited state dynamics in Bi3+-doped LiLaP4O12 phosphates

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Babin, V.; Chernenko, K.; Demchenko, P.; Mihokova, E.; Nikl, M.; Pashuk, I.; Shalapska, T.; Voloshinovskii, A.; Zazubovich, S.

    2016-01-01

    Photo- and X-ray-excited luminescence characteristics of Bi-doped LiLaP 4 O 12 phosphates with different bismuth contents (from 1 to 25 at% in the melt) are investigated in the 4.2–300 K temperature range and compared with the characteristics of the undoped LiLaP 4 O 12 phosphate. The broad 2.95 eV emission band of LiLaP 4 O 12 :Bi excited around 5.4 eV is found to arise from the bismuth dopant. Relatively large FWHM and Stokes shift of the emission band and especially the data on the low-temperature decay kinetics of the 2.95 eV emission and its temperature dependence, indicating a very small spin-orbit splitting energy of the corresponding excited state, allow the conclusion that this emission arises from the radiative decay of the triplet state of an exciton localized around a Bi 3+ ion. No spectral bands are observed, arising from the electron transitions between the energy levels of Bi 3+ ions. Phenomenological model is proposed for the description of the excited state dynamics of the Bi 3+ -related localized exciton in LiLaP 4 O 12 :Bi and the parameters of the triplet localized exciton state are determined. Keywords: Photoluminescence; Time-resolved spectroscopy; Excited states; Bi 3+ centers; LiLaP 4 O 12 :Bi powders

  17. RITA can induce cell death in p53-defective cells independently of p53 function via activation of JNK/SAPK and p38.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Weilbacher, A; Gutekunst, M; Oren, M; Aulitzky, W E; van der Kuip, H

    2014-07-10

    Significant advances have been made in the development of small molecules blocking the p53/MDM2 interaction. The Mdm2 inhibitor Nutlin-3 is restricted to tumors carrying wtp53. In contrast, RITA, a compound that binds p53, has recently been shown also to restore transcriptional functions of mtp53. As more than 50% of solid tumors carry p53 mutations, RITA promises to be a more effective therapeutic strategy than Nutlin-3. We investigated effects of RITA on apoptosis, cell cycle and induction of 45 p53 target genes in a panel of 14 cell lines from different tumor entities with different p53 status as well as primary lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Nine cell strains expressed wtp53, four harbored mtp53, and three were characterized by the loss of p53 protein. A significant induction of cell death upon RITA was observed in 7 of 16 cell lines. The nonmalignant cells in our panel were substantially less sensitive. We found that in contrast to Nultin-3, RITA is capable to induce cell death not only in tumor cells harboring wtp53 and mtp53 but also in p53-null cells. Importantly, whereas p53 has a central role for RITA-mediated effects in wtp53 cells, neither p53 nor p63 or p73 were essential for the RITA response in mtp53 or p53-null cells in our panel demonstrating that besides the known p53-dependent action of RITA in wtp53 cells, RITA can induce cell death also independently of p53 in cells harboring defective p53. We identified an important role of both p38 and JNK/SAPK for sensitivity to RITA in these cells leading to a typical caspase- and BAX/BAK-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that RITA can induce apoptosis through p38 and JNK/SAPK not only in tumor cells harboring wtp53 and mtp53 but also in p53-null cells, making RITA an interesting tumor-selective drug.

  18. Immunosuppressant MPA Modulates Tight Junction through Epigenetic Activation of MLCK/MLC-2 Pathway via p38MAPK

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Niamat Khan

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Background: Mycophenolic acid (MPA is an important immunosuppressive drug (ISD prescribed to prevent graft rejection in the organ transplanted patients, however, its use is also associated with adverse side effects like sporadic gastrointestinal (GI disturbances. Recently, we reported the MPA induced tight junctions (TJs deregulation which involves MLCK/MLC-2 pathway. Here, we investigated the global histone acetylation as well as gene-specific chromatin signature of several genes associated with TJs regulation in Caco-2 cells after MPA treatment.Results: The epigenetic analysis shows that MPA treatment increases the global histone acetylation levels as well as the enrichment for transcriptional active histone modification mark (H3K4me3 at promoter regions of p38MAPK, ATF-2, MLCK, and MLC-2. In contrast, the promoter region of occludin was enriched for transcriptional repressive histone modification mark (H3K27me3 after MPA treatment. In line with the chromatin status, MPA treatment increased the expression of p38MAPK, ATF-2, MLCK, and MLC-2 both at transcriptional and translational level, while occludin expression was negatively influenced. Interestingly, the MPA induced gene expression changes and functional properties of Caco-2 cells could be blocked by the inhibition of p38MAPK using a chemical inhibitor (SB203580.Conclusions: Collectively, our results highlight that MPA disrupts the structure of TJs via p38MAPK-dependent activation of MLCK/MLC-2 pathway that results in decreased integrity of Caco-2 monolayer. These results led us to suggest that p38MAPK-mediated lose integrity of epithelial monolayer could be the possible cause of GI disturbance (barrier dysfunction in the intestine, leading to leaky style diarrhea observed in the organ-transplanted patients treated with MPA.

  19. Chromatographic determination of Fe chelated by ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid in commercial EDDHA/Fe3+ fertilizers.

    Science.gov (United States)

    García-Marco, Sonia; Torreblanca, Ana; Lucena, Juan J

    2006-02-22

    EDDHA/Fe3+ chelates are the most common fertilizers used to solve Fe chlorosis in established crops. Commercial products contain two regioisomers, ethylenediamine-N,N'-bis(o-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,o-EDDHA)/Fe3+ and ethylenediamine-N-(o-hydroxyphenylacetic)-N'-(p-hydroxyphenylacetic) acid (o,p-EDDHA)/Fe3+. Although several chromatographic methods exist for the determination of Fe3+ chelated by the o,o-EDDHA isomer, no method has been described for the quantification of Fe3+ chelated by o,p-EDDHA. In this work, factors that affect the behavior of o,p-EDDHA/Fe3+ in ion pair chromatography are reviewed: pH, ion pair reagent, and organic modifier. The best chromatographic performance was obtained with an aqueous mobile phase at pH 6.0 containing 35% acetonitrile and 5 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide under isocratic elution conditions. This method was applied to the quantification of commercial samples.

  20. Recent Advances in the Inhibition of p38 MAPK as a Potential Strategy for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Jong Kil; Kim, Nam-Jung

    2017-08-02

    P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a crucial target for chronic inflammatory diseases. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, as well as neurodegeneration, and there is no known cure. Recent studies on the underlying biology of AD in cellular and animal models have indicated that p38 MAPK is capable of orchestrating diverse events related to AD, such as tau phosphorylation, neurotoxicity, neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction. Thus, the inhibition of p38 MAPK is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of AD. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the targeting of p38 MAPK as a potential strategy for the treatment of AD and envision possibilities of p38 MAPK inhibitors as a fundamental therapeutics for AD.

  1. TGF-beta induces connexin43 gene expression in normal murine mammary gland epithelial cells via activation of p38 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tacheau, Charlotte; Fontaine, Juliette; Loy, Jennifer; Mauviel, Alain; Verrecchia, Franck

    2008-12-01

    One of the shared physiological roles between TGF-beta and connexin family members is to inhibit epithelial cell cycle progression and consequently, to provide protection against malignant transformation. Herein, we demonstrated that TGF-beta1 induces the expression of connexin43 (Cx43) in normal murine mammary gland (NMuMG) cell lines at the protein and mRNA levels, and transcriptionally. Using overexpression of a truncated dominant-negative form of Cx43, we determined that the modulation of gap junctional communication by TGF-beta1 plays a key role in the control of NMuMG cells proliferation by TGF-beta1. In addition, using overexpression of truncated dominant-negative forms of either Smad2 or Smad3, and MDA-MB-468 human breast carcinoma cells deficient for Smad4, we determined that the Smad cascade is not implicated in TGF-beta1 effect on Cx43 expression. Using specific pharmacologic inhibitors for JNK, ERK, p38, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, we demonstrated the cooperative role of p38 and PI3K/AKT signaling in TGF-beta1-induced Cx43 expression and gap junctional communication. Furthermore, transfection of a c-jun antisense expression vector significantly prevented TGF-beta1-induced Cx43 gene expression demonstrating the involvement of c-Jun/AP-1 pathway together with p38 and PI3K/AKT pathways in mediating TGF-beta1-induced Cx43 gene expression.

  2. (3)He pO2 mapping is limited by delayed-ventilation and diffusion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Marshall, Helen; Parra-Robles, Juan; Deppe, Martin H; Lipson, David A; Lawson, Rod; Wild, Jim M

    2014-03-01

    Lung pO2 mapping with (3)He MRI assumes that the sources of signal decay with time during a breath-hold are radiofrequency depolarization and oxygen-dependent T1 relaxation, but the method is sensitive to other sources of spatio-temporal signal change such as diffusion. The purpose of this work was to assess the use of (3)He pO2 mapping in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ten patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were scanned with a 3D single breath-hold pO2 mapping sequence. Images showed signal increasing over time in some lung regions due to delayed ventilation during breath-hold. Regions of physically unrealistic negative pO2 values were seen in all patients, and regional mean pO2 values of -0.3 bar were measured in the two patients most affected by delayed ventilation (where mean time to signal onset was 3-4 s). Movement of gas within the lungs during breath-hold causes regional changes in signal over time that are not related to oxygen concentration, leading to erroneous pO2 measurements using the linear oxygen-dependent signal decay model. These spatio-temporal sources of signal change cannot be reliably separated at present, making pO2 mapping using this methodology unreliable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with significant bullous emphysema or delayed ventilation. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. p38 MAPK protects human monocytes from postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-induced toxicity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lopez, Sergio; Jaramillo, Sara; Varela, Lourdes M; Ortega, Almudena; Bermudez, Beatriz; Abia, Rocio; Muriana, Francisco J G

    2013-05-01

    Postprandial triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) transport dietary fatty acids through the circulatory system to satisfy the energy and structural needs of the tissues. However, fatty acids are also able to modulate gene expression and/or induce cell death. We investigated the underlying mechanism by which postprandial TRLs of different fatty acid compositions can induce cell death in human monocytes. Three types of dietary fat [refined olive oil (ROO), high-palmitic sunflower oil (HPSO), and butter] with progressively increasing SFA:MUFA ratios (0.18, 0.41, and 2.08, respectively) were used as a source of postprandial TRLs (TRL-ROO, TRL-HPSO, and TRL-BUTTER) from healthy men. The monocytic cell line THP-1 was used as a model for this study. We demonstrated that postprandial TRLs increased intracellular lipid accumulation (31-106%), reactive oxygen species production (268-349%), DNA damage (133-1467%), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (800-1710%) and caspase-3 (696-1244%) activities, and phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) (54 kDa, 141-288%) and p38 (24-92%). These effects were significantly greater with TRL-BUTTER, and TRL-ROO did not induce DNA damage, DNA fragmentation, or p38 phosphorylation. In addition, blockade of p38, but not of JNK, significantly decreased intracellular lipid accumulation and increased cell death in postprandial TRL-treated cells. These results suggest that in human monocytes, p38 is involved in survival signaling pathways that protect against the lipid-mediated cytotoxicity induced by postprandial TRLs that are abundant in saturated fatty acids.

  4. Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of p-n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe2O4/n-Ag3VO4 under visible light irradiation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen Shifu; Zhao Wei; Liu Wei; Zhang Huaye; Yu Xiaoling; Chen Yinghao

    2009-01-01

    p-n junction photocatalyst p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was prepared by ball milling Ag 3 VO 4 in H 2 O doped with p-type CaFe 2 O 4 . The structural and optical properties of the photocatalyst were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis diffuse reflection spectrum (DRS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was higher than that of Ag 3 VO 4 . When the amount of doped p-CaFe 2 O 4 was 2.0 wt.% and the p-CaFe 2 O 4 /n-Ag 3 VO 4 was ball milled for 12 h, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency was 85.4%. Effect of ball milling time on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was also investigated. The mechanisms of the increase in the photocatalytic activity were discussed by the p-n junction principle.

  5. Enhanced electrochemical performance of Ti substituted P2-Na2/3Ni1/4Mn3/4O2 cathode material for sodium ion batteries

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhao, Wenwen; Tanaka, Akinobu; Momosaki, Kyoko; Yamamoto, Shinji; Zhang, Fabi; Guo, Qixin; Noguchi, Hideyuki

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Ti substituted P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 cathode was synthesized. • Structural and electrochemical properties of Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Ti x Mn 3/4-x O 2 were studied. • Ti substituted cathodes exhibit enhanced cycleability and rate performance. • Ti substitution has impact on stabilizing the P2 structure during cycling. -- Abstract: Ti substituted P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 cathode material with the composition of Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Ti x Mn 3/4-x O 2 has been synthesized by solid state method. The influence of Ti substitution for Mn on the structure, morphology and electrochemical performances of P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 has been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of Ti substituted sample show that they exhibit same diffraction patterns as those of pristine P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 . Progressive change in the lattice parameters of Ti substituted samples suggests that Mn was successfully substituted by Ti. In contrast to P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 which shows step-type voltage profiles, Ti substituted samples show sloping voltage profiles. Drastic capacity fade occurred for P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 cathode, while Ti substituted cathodes still show high capacity retention over 92% after 25 cycles at the voltage range of 2.0-4.3 V. Even cycled at high upper cut-off voltage of 4.5 V, Ti=0.20 sample can deliver a reversible capacity of 140 mAhg −1 with the capacity retention over 92% after 25 cycles. Furthermore, Ti substituted cathodes exhibit enhanced rate capability over pristine P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 cathode. Comparison of the Ex-situ XRD results of the cycled P2-Na 2/3 Ni 1/4 Mn 3/4 O 2 and its substituted samples provides evidence that the improved electrochemical performance of Ti substituted cathodes would be attributed to the stabilization of the structure with Ti substitution

  6. Application of Box-Behnken design for the removal of two organophosphorus pesticides by used Tea leaves

    Science.gov (United States)

    Albanis, Triantafyllos; Valileios, Sakkas; Islam, Azharul M.

    2016-04-01

    Removal of two organophosphorus pesticides bromophos methyl [BM: O, O- dimethyl - O - (2, 5-dichloro -4 bromophenyl) phosphorothioate] and quinalphos [QP: O, O-diethyl O-2-quinoxalinyl phosphorothioate] on used tea leaves were studied by batch equilibration method. Adsorption isotherms were conformed well to Langmuir for quinalphos and Freundlich equation for bromophos methyl. The kinetic data fitted well by the pseudo second order model for both pesticides. Box-Behnken design was successfully employed for experimental design and analysis of results. The interactions of pH, initial concentration and adsorbent dose on two pesticides adsorption by used tea leaves were investigated by this model. The optimum pH, initial concentration and adsorbent dose with their corresponding removal efficiency were found to be 7.88, 11.94 mg L-1, 0.37g and 100% for bromophos methyl respectively, for quinalphos 8.72, 6.44 mg L-1, 0.39g and 93.98% respectively. Keywords: Box-Behnken; quinalphos; bromophos methyl; Kinetics; used tea leaves

  7. Battery Relevant Electrochemistry of Ag7Fe3(P2O7)4 : Contrasting Contributions from the Redox Chemistries of Ag+ and Fe3+

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Yiman; Marschilok, Amy C.; Stony Brook University, NY; Takeuchi, Esther S.

    2016-01-01

    Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 is an example of an electrochemical displacement material which contains two different electrochemically active metal cations, where one cation (Ag + ) forms metallic silver nanoparticles external to the crystals of Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 via an electrochemical reduction displacement reaction, while the other cation (Fe +3 ) is electrochemically reduced with the retention of iron cations within the anion structural framework concomitant with lithium insertion. These contrasting redox chemistries within one pure cathode material enable high rate capability and reversibility when Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 is employed as cathode material in a lithium ion battery (LIB). Further, pyrophosphate materials are thermally and electrically stable, desirable attributes for cathode materials in LIBs. In this article, a bimetallic pyrophosphate material Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 is synthesized and confirmed to be a single phase by Rietveld refinement. Electrochemistry of Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 is reported for the first time in the context of lithium based batteries using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic discharge–charge cycling. The reduction displacement reaction and the lithium (de)insertion processes are investigated using ex situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction of electrochemically reduced and oxidized Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 . Ag 7 Fe 3 (P 2 O 7 ) 4 exhibits good reversibility at the iron centers indicated by ~80% capacity retention over 100 cycles following the initial formation cycle and excellent rate capability exhibited by ~70% capacity retention upon a 4-fold increase in current.

  8. Sequential allergen desensitization of basophils is non-specific and may involve p38 MAPK.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Witting Christensen, S K; Kortekaas Krohn, I; Thuraiaiyah, J; Skjold, T; Schmid, J M; Hoffmann, H J H

    2014-10-01

    Sequential allergen desensitization provides temporary tolerance for allergic patients. We adapted a clinical protocol to desensitize human blood basophils ex vivo and investigated the mechanism and allergen specificity. We included 28 adult, grass allergic subjects. The optimal, activating allergen concentration was determined by measuring activated CD63(+) CD193(+) SS(Low) basophils in a basophil activation test with 8 log-dilutions of grass allergen. Basophils in whole blood were desensitized by incubation with twofold to 2.5-fold increasing allergen doses in 10 steps starting at 1 : 1000 of the optimal dose. Involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was assessed after 3 min of allergen stimulation (n = 7). Allergen specificity was investigated by desensitizing cells from multi-allergic subjects with grass allergen and challenging with optimal doses of grass, birch, recombinant house dust mite (rDer p2) allergen or anti-IgE (n = 10). Desensitization reduced the fraction of blood basophils responding to challenge with an optimal allergen dose from a median (IQR) 81.0% (66.3-88.8) to 35.4% (19.8-47.1, P desensitized with grass allergen. Challenge with grass allergen resulted in 39.6% activation (15.8-58.3). An unrelated challenge (birch, rDer p2 or anti-IgE) resulted in 53.4% activation (30.8-66.8, P = 0.16 compared with grass). Desensitization reduced p38 MAPK phosphorylation from a median 48.1% (15.6-92.8) to 26.1% (7.4-71.2, P = 0.047) and correlated with decrease in CD63 upregulation (n = 7, r > 0.79, P Desensitization attenuated basophil response rapidly and non-specifically at a stage before p38 MAPK phosphorylation. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  9. Synthesis of the highly selective p38 MAPK inhibitor UR-13756 for possible therapeutic use in Werner syndrome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bagley, Mark C; Davis, Terence; Rokicki, Michal J; Widdowson, Caroline S; Kipling, David

    2010-02-01

    UR-13756 is a potent and selective p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, reported to have good bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties and, thus, is of potential use in the treatment of accelerated aging in Werner syndrome. Irradiation of 2-chloroacrylonitrile and methylhydrazine in ethanol at 100 °C gives 1-methyl-3-aminopyrazole, which reacts with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and a ketone, obtained by Claisen condensation of 4-picoline, in a Hantzsch-type 3-component hereocyclocondensation, to give the pyrazolopyridine UR-13756. UR-13756 shows p38 MAPK inhibitory activity in human telomerase reverse transcriptase-immortalized HCA2 dermal fibroblasts, with an IC(50) of 80 nm, as shown by ELISA, is 100% efficacious for up to 24 h at 1.0 μm and displays excellent kinase selectivity over the related stress-activated c-Jun kinases. In addition, UR-13756 is an effective p38 inhibitor at 1.0 μm in Werner syndrome cells, as shown by immunoblot. The convergent synthesis of UR-13756 is realized using microwave dielectric heating and provides a highly selective inhibitor that shows excellent selectivity for p38 MAPK over c-Jun N-terminal kinase.

  10. Optical Properties and Photoactivity of The Pigmentary TiO2 Doped with P2O5, K2O, Al2O3 and Sb2O3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Glen, M; Grzmil, B

    2011-01-01

    The influence of the increasing content of antimony calculated to Sb 2 O 3 (0.08-0.57 mol%) with the constant amount of the other additives (calculated to P 2 O 5 , K 2 O, Al 2 O 3 ) on the optical properties and photostability of doped rutile has been investigated. The properties of the obtained TiO 2 -PKAlSb samples were compared to the commercial TiO 2 -PKAl composition. The starting material was the concentrated suspension of technical-grade hydrated titanium dioxide (HTD). The dopant agents' solutions were introduced to HTD. Prepared samples were calcined with gradually increasing process temperature. The XRD analysis was used to determine the rutile content in the TiO 2 samples. Optical properties of modified titanium dioxide have been determined spectrophotometrically by measuring the colour in the white (brightness, white tone) and grey system (relative lightening power, grey tone). Photostability was characterized by the white lead-glycerin test with UV-Vis light. It was observed that with the increasing content of antimony in rutile TiO 2 , doped with phosphates, potassium and aluminium, the brightness and grey tone were increasing but white tone decreased. The changes of the relative lightening power values were insignificant. Comparing the samples of TiO 2 -PKAlSb with the TiO 2 -PKAl composition it was observed that titanium dioxide doped with antimony had better white and grey tone. The increasing Sb 2 O 3 content in the TiO 2 caused the improvement of the photostability.

  11. Measurements of defect structures by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy of the tellurite glass TeO2-P2O5-ZnO-LiNbO3 doped with ions of rare earth elements: Er3+, Nd3+ and Gd3+

    Science.gov (United States)

    Golis, E.; Yousef, El. S.; Reben, M.; Kotynia, K.; Filipecki, J.

    2015-12-01

    The objective of the study was the structural analysis of the TeO2-P2O5-ZnO-LiNbO3 tellurite glasses doped with ions of the rare-earth elements: Er3+, Nd3+ and Gd3+ based on the PALS (Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy) method of measuring positron lifetimes. Values of positron lifetimes and the corresponding intensities may be connected with the sizes and number of structural defects, such as vacancies, mono-vacancies, dislocations or pores, the sizes of which range from a few angstroms to a few dozen nanometres. Experimental positron lifetime spectrum revealed existence of two positron lifetime components τ1 and τ2. Their interpretation was based on two-state positron trapping model where the physical parameters are the annihilation velocity and positron trapping rate.

  12. Crioterapia no pós-parto: tempo de aplicação e mudanças na temperatura perineal

    OpenAIRE

    Francisco,Adriana Amorim; Oliveira,Sonia Maria Junqueira Vasconcellos de; Leventhal,Lucila Coca; Bosco,Caroline de Souza

    2013-01-01

    Estudo descritivo com dados de dois ensaios clínicos realizados em 2008 e 2009 em uma maternidade de uma instituição filantrópica da cidade de São Paulo. Teve como objetivo descrever a temperatura perineal após a aplicação de bolsa de gelo no pós-parto normal. Três grupos com 38 puérperas cada (n=114) receberam aplicação perineal de bolsa de gelo entre 2 e 48h após o parto. Os achados indicaram que com 10 min de crioterapia as médias da temperatura perineal atingiram de 13,3 a 15,3oC, com peq...

  13. Arctigenin induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through ROS/p38MAPK pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Qing-chun; Liang, Yun; Tian, Yuan; Hu, Guang-rui

    2016-01-01

    In the current study the antiproliferative effect of arctigenin, plant lignin, was evaluated on human colon cancer cell line HT-29. Furthermore, attempts were made to explore the signaling mechanism which may be responsible for its effect. Cell growth inhibition was assessed by MTT and LDH assays. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine cell arrest in the cell cycle phase and apoptosis. Furthermore, to confirm the apoptotic activity of arctigenin, caspase-9 and -3 activities analysis was performed. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) were investigated to determine their role in inducing apoptosis in arctigenin-treated HT-29 colon cancer cell line. MTT and LDH results demonstrated significant cell growth inhibitory effect of arctigenin on HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, increase in cell number arrested at G2/M phase was observed in flow cytometric analysis upon arctigenin treatment. In addition, arctigenin increased the apoptotic ratio in a dose-dependent manner. The involvement of intrinsic apoptotic pathway was indicated by the activation of caspase-9 and -3. Moreover, increased ROS production, activation of p38 MAPK and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) also revealed the role of intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in cell growth inhibition after arctigenin exposure. Arctigenin induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells by regulating ROS and p38 MAPK pathways.

  14. Synthesis and structure of Na-Li-Si-Al-P-O-N glasses prepared by melt nitridation using NH3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kidar, A.; Pomeroy, M.J.; Hampshire, S.; Mercier, C.; Leriche, A.; Revel, B.

    2012-01-01

    Na-Li-Si-Al-P-O-N glasses have been prepared by nitridation of a pre-synthesized Na 2 O-Li 2 O-SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 -Al 2 O 3 glass under anhydrous ammonia. Nitrogen for oxygen substitution increases the network connectivity leading to increases in microhardness and glass transition temperature. Raman and 31 P MAS-NMR spectroscopy indicate sequential nitridation reactions forming PO 3 N and PO 2 N 2 species. The data collected so far show no evidence of N/O substitutions in the silicate sub-network. (authors)

  15. The MADD-3 LAMMER Kinase Interacts with a p38 MAP Kinase Pathway to Regulate the Display of the EVA-1 Guidance Receptor in Caenorhabditis elegans.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Serena A D'Souza

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available The proper display of transmembrane receptors on the leading edge of migrating cells and cell extensions is essential for their response to guidance cues. We previously discovered that MADD-4, which is an ADAMTSL secreted by motor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans, interacts with an UNC-40/EVA-1 co-receptor complex on muscles to attract plasma membrane extensions called muscle arms. In nematodes, the muscle arm termini harbor the post-synaptic elements of the neuromuscular junction. Through a forward genetic screen for mutants with disrupted muscle arm extension, we discovered that a LAMMER kinase, which we call MADD-3, is required for the proper display of the EVA-1 receptor on the muscle's plasma membrane. Without MADD-3, EVA-1 levels decrease concomitantly with a reduction of the late-endosomal marker RAB-7. Through a genetic suppressor screen, we found that the levels of EVA-1 and RAB-7 can be restored in madd-3 mutants by eliminating the function of a p38 MAP kinase pathway. We also found that EVA-1 and RAB-7 will accumulate in madd-3 mutants upon disrupting CUP-5, which is a mucolipin ortholog required for proper lysosome function. Together, our data suggests that the MADD-3 LAMMER kinase antagonizes the p38-mediated endosomal trafficking of EVA-1 to the lysosome. In this way, MADD-3 ensures that sufficient levels of EVA-1 are present to guide muscle arm extension towards the source of the MADD-4 guidance cue.

  16. Isotope effect in the carbonyl sulfide reaction with O(3P)

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hattori, Shohei; Schmidt, Johan Albrecht; Mahler, Denise W.

    2012-01-01

    The sulfur kinetic isotope effect (KIE) in the reaction of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) with O((3)P) was studied in relative rate experiments at 298 ± 2 K and 955 ± 10 mbar. The reaction was carried out in a photochemical reactor using long path FTIR detection, and data were analyzed using a nonlinear...... least-squares spectral fitting procedure with line parameters from the HITRAN database. The ratio of the rate of the reaction of OC(34)S relative to OC(32)S was found to be 0.9783 ± 0.0062 ((34)e = (-21.7 ± 6.2)‰). The KIE was also calculated using quantum chemistry and classical transition state theory......; at 300 K, the isotopic fractionation was found to be (34)e = -14.8‰. The OCS sink reaction with O((3)P) cannot explain the large fractionation in (34)S, over +73‰, indicated by remote sensing data. In addition, (34)e in OCS photolysis and OH oxidation are not larger than 10‰, indicating that...

  17. Rigid, non-porous and tunable hybrid p-aminobenzoate/TiO2 materials: Toward a fine structural determination of the immobilized RhCl(Ph3)3 complex

    KAUST Repository

    Espinas, Jeff

    2015-05-01

    By exchange of ligands, Wilkinson complex RhCl(PPh3)3 are immobilized on p-aminobenzoate/TiO2 with different organic loading (6, 11 and 16%). This new hybrid material exhibit a linear correlation between the ligand content of the starting TiO2 and the rhodium loading, showing the accessibility of all surfaces amines fonctions on the non-porous parent materials. 1H, 13C, and 1D, 2D INAQUEDATE refocused and J-resolved 31P solid-state NMR confirm the well-defined structure [(≡TiO)2(n{right tail}2-O2C-C6H4-NH2)RhCl-cis-(PPh3)2]. New immobilized catalysts show interesting activity in cyclohexene hydroformylation.

  18. Rigid, non-porous and tunable hybrid p-aminobenzoate/TiO2 materials: Toward a fine structural determination of the immobilized RhCl(Ph3)3 complex

    KAUST Repository

    Espinas, Jeff; Rahal, Raed; Abou-Hamad, Edy; El Eter, Mohamad; Basset, Jean-Marie

    2015-01-01

    By exchange of ligands, Wilkinson complex RhCl(PPh3)3 are immobilized on p-aminobenzoate/TiO2 with different organic loading (6, 11 and 16%). This new hybrid material exhibit a linear correlation between the ligand content of the starting TiO2 and the rhodium loading, showing the accessibility of all surfaces amines fonctions on the non-porous parent materials. 1H, 13C, and 1D, 2D INAQUEDATE refocused and J-resolved 31P solid-state NMR confirm the well-defined structure [(≡TiO)2(n{right tail}2-O2C-C6H4-NH2)RhCl-cis-(PPh3)2]. New immobilized catalysts show interesting activity in cyclohexene hydroformylation.

  19. Study of the (p,pd), (p,pt) and (p,p3He) reactions on 12C and 16O at 75MeV

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grossiord, J.Y.; Bedjidian, M.; Guichard, A.; Gusakow, M.; Pizzi, J.R.

    1975-01-01

    The (p,pd), (p,pt) and (p,p 3 He) quasi-free scattering reactions have been studied on 12 C and 16 O targets at 75MeV. The low lying excitation levels of the residual nuclei have been observed. The appearance of T=1 states in 10 B and 14 N and of positive parity states in 13 N and 13 C can only be explained by reaction mechanisms more complex than a simple quasi-free scattering. A comparison of relative values of experimental spectroscopic factors with theoretical calculations has been made in the case of the most populated states [fr

  20. Differential activation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase in spinal cord in a model of bee venom-induced inflammation and hyperalgesia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kobayashi Kimiko

    2008-04-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Honeybee's sting on human skin can induce ongoing pain, hyperalgesia and inflammation. Injection of bee venom (BV into the intraplantar surface of the rat hindpaw induces an early onset of spontaneous pain followed by a lasting thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in the affected paw. The underlying mechanisms of BV-induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity are, however, poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK in the generation of BV-induced pain hypersensitivity. Results We found that BV injection resulted in a quick activation of p38, predominantly in the L4/L5 spinal dorsal horn ipsilateral to the inflammation from 1 hr to 7 d post-injection. Phosphorylated p38 (p-p38 was expressed in both neurons and microglia, but not in astrocytes. Intrathecal administration of the p38 inhibitor, SB203580, prevented BV-induced thermal hypersensitivity from 1 hr to 3 d, but had no effect on mechanical hypersensitivity. Activated ERK1/2 was observed exclusively in neurons in the L4/L5 dorsal horn from 2 min to 1 d, peaking at 2 min after BV injection. Intrathecal administration of the MEK inhibitor, U0126, prevented both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity from 1 hr to 2 d. p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 were expressed in neurons in distinct regions of the L4/L5 dorsal horn; p-ERK1/2 was mainly in lamina I, while p-p38 was mainly in lamina II of the dorsal horn. Conclusion The results indicate that differential activation of p38 and ERK1/2 in the dorsal horn may contribute to the generation and development of BV-induced pain hypersensitivity by different mechanisms.

  1. CdTeO3 Deposited Mesoporous NiO Photocathode for a Solar Cell

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chuan Zhao

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Semiconductor sensitized NiO photocathodes have been fabricated by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR method depositing CdTeO3 quantum dots onto mesoscopic NiO films. A solar cell using CdTeO3 deposited NiO mesoporous photocathode has been fabricated. It yields a photovoltage of 103.7 mV and a short-circuit current density of 0.364 mA/cm2. The incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE value is found to be 12% for the newly designed NiO/CdTeO3 solar cell. It shows that the p-type NiO/CdTeO3 structure could be successfully utilized to fabricate p-type solar cell.

  2. Chemical interaction between Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x} and CeO{sub 2} at pO{sub 2}=100 Pa

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wong-Ng, W.; Yang, Z.; Cook, L.P.; Huang, Q.; Frank, J. [Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (United States); Kaduk, J.A. [BP-Amoco Research, Naperville, IL (United States)

    2005-07-01

    Chemical interaction between the Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x} superconductor and the CeO{sub 2} buffer layers employed in coated conductor architectures has been modeled experimentally by investigating phase equilibria on the Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x}-CeO{sub 2} join at pO{sub 2}=100 Pa. This join is actually a non-binary join within the BaOY{sub 2}O{sub 3}CeO{sub 2}CuO{sub x} quaternary system. At an approximate mole ratio of Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x}:CeO{sub 2} = 40:60, a phase boundary was found to separate two four-phase regions. At the Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x}-rich side of the join, the four-phase region consists of Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x}, Ba(Ce{sub 1-z}Y{sub z})O{sub 3-x}, BaY{sub 2}CuO{sub 5}, and Cu{sub 2}O; at the CeO{sub 2} rich side, the four phases were determined to be Ba(Ce{sub 1-z}Y{sub z})O{sub 3-x}, BaY{sub 2}CuO{sub 5}, Cu{sub 2}O and CeO{sub 2}. At 810 C and pO{sub 2}=100 Pa, there appears to be negligible solid solution formation of the types Y{sub 1-z}Ce{sub z}O{sub 3-x} and Ce{sub 1-z}Y{sub z}O{sub 2-x}. The minimum melting temperature along the Ba{sub 2}YCu{sub 3}O{sub 6+x}-CeO{sub 2} join was determined to be {approx} 860 C. As part of this study, phase diagrams of the subsystems CeO{sub 2}-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CuO{sub x}, BaO-CeO{sub 2}-CuO{sub x}, and BaO-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} were also determined at 810 C under 100 Pa pO{sub 2}. The Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2}-CuO{sub x} diagram does not contain ternary phases and shows a tie-line from Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} to the binary phase Y{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 5-x}. Similarly, the BaO-CeO{sub 2}-CuO{sub x} diagram contains no ternary phases, but has four tie-lines originating from BaCeO{sub 3} to Ba{sub 2}CuO{sub 3+x}, BaCuO{sub 2+x}, BaCu{sub 2}O{sub 2+x} and CuO{sub x}. The BaO-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}-CeO{sub 2} system contains one ternary phase, the solid solution Ba(Ce{sub 1-z}Y{sub z})O{sub 3-x} (0{<=}z{<=}0.13), which crystallizes with the orthorhombic space group Pmcn (No. 62

  3. Generation of Free Oxygen Atoms O(3P) in Solution by Photolysis of 4-Benzoylpyridine N-Oxide

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Carraher, Jack M. [Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States); Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States); Bakac, Andreja [Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States); Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States)

    2014-08-04

    Laser flash photolysis of 4-benzoylpyridine N-oxide (BPyO) at 308 nm in aqueous solutions generates a triplet excited state 3BPyO* that absorbs strongly in the visible, λmax 490 and 380 nm. 3BPyO* decays with the rate law kdecay/s-1 = (3.3 ± 0.9) × 104 + (1.5 ± 0.2) × 109 [BPyO] to generate a mixture of isomeric hydroxylated benzoylpyridines, BPy(OH), in addition to small amounts of oxygen atoms, O(3P). Molecular oxygen quenches 3BPyO*, kQ = 1.4 × 109 M-1 s-1, but the yields of O(3P) increase in O2-saturated solutions to 36%. Other triplet quenchers have a similar effect, which rules out the observed 3BPyO* as a source of O(3P). It is concluded that O(3P) is produced from either 1BPyO* or a short-lived, unobserved, higher energy triplet generated directly from 1BPyO*. 3BPyO* is reduced by Fe2+ and by ABTS2- to the radical anion BPyO.- which exhibits a maximum at 510 nm, ε = 2200 M-1 cm-1. The anion engages in back electron transfer with ABTS.- with k = 1.7 × 109 M-1 s-1. The same species can be generated by reducing ground state BPyO with .C(CH3)2OH. The photochemistry of BPyO in acetonitrile is similar to that in aqueous solutions.

  4. THE SYNTHESIS OF Cr2O3-PILLARED MONTMORILLONITE (CrPM AND ITS USAGE FOR HOST MATERIAL OF p-NITROANILINE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Karna Wijaya

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available The synthesis of Cr2O3-pillared montmorillonite (CrPM and its usage for host material of p-nitroaniline have been conducted. The Cr2O3-pillared montmorillonite clays was prepared by a direct ion exchange method. First, the polyhydroxychromium as a pillaring spesies was intercalated into the interlayer region of the montmorillonite clays (purified clay in the monocation form, result in a montmorillonite-polyoxychromium intercalation compound. The precursors/pillaring spesies was not stable, hence it must be stabilized by calcination in order to transform the polyoxychromium via dehydration and dehydroxylation processes into Cr2O3. This oxide constituts the so-called pillar that prop the clay layers apart to a relatively large distance. The Cr2O3-pillared clays as a host material was added into ethanol solution saturated with p-nitroaniline, and mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature. The Na-montmorillonite, Cr2O3-pillared clay and p-nitroaniline-Cr2O3-pillared clay (pNA-CrPM were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD, Gas Sorption Analysis, Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR and Activated Neutron Analysis (ANA methods. The result of research showed that basal spacing (d001 of Cr2O3-pillared montmorillonite (CrPM was 18,55 Å, meanwhile the basal spacing of the hydrated Na-montmorillonite was 14,43 Å. The specific surface area of the Cr2O3-pillared montmorillonite was 174,308 m2/g, whereas p-nitroaniline-Cr2O3-pillared clay (pNA-CrPM was 133,331641 m2/g. This fact indicated that p-nitroaniline has been included into the pore of the Cr2O3-pillared clay.   Keyword: montmorillonite, pillared-clay, ion exchange, intercalate.

  5. Impact of aircraft exhaust on the atmosphere. Box model studies and 3-D mesoscale numerical case studies of seasonal differences

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Petry, H; Ebel, A; Franzkowiak, V; Hendricks, J; Lippert, E; Moellhoff, M [Koeln Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Geophysik und Meteorologie

    1998-12-31

    The impact of aircraft emissions released in the tropopause region on atmospheric trace gases as O{sub 3} or HNO{sub 3} is investigated by means of model studies. Special emphasis is drawn on seasonal effects. A box model is applied as well as a 3-D mesoscale chemistry transport model. These model studies show that the impact of aircraft emissions on ozone in the tropopause region is much stronger in summer than in late autumn with a difference of one order of magnitude. (author) 14 refs.

  6. Impact of aircraft exhaust on the atmosphere. Box model studies and 3-D mesoscale numerical case studies of seasonal differences

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Petry, H.; Ebel, A.; Franzkowiak, V.; Hendricks, J.; Lippert, E.; Moellhoff, M. [Koeln Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Geophysik und Meteorologie

    1997-12-31

    The impact of aircraft emissions released in the tropopause region on atmospheric trace gases as O{sub 3} or HNO{sub 3} is investigated by means of model studies. Special emphasis is drawn on seasonal effects. A box model is applied as well as a 3-D mesoscale chemistry transport model. These model studies show that the impact of aircraft emissions on ozone in the tropopause region is much stronger in summer than in late autumn with a difference of one order of magnitude. (author) 14 refs.

  7. Chemical durability and Structural approach of the glass series (40-y) Na2O-yFe2O3-5Al2O3-55P2O5-by IR, X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer Spectroscopy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Aqdim, S; Sayouty, El H; Elouad, B; Greneche, J M

    2012-01-01

    The relationship between the composition and structure for the glasses of general composition (40-y)Na 2 O-yFe 2 O 3 -5Al 2 O 3 -55P 2 O 5 (5≤y≤20), has been studied. The chemical durability and density of these glasses increase with increasing Fe 2 O 3 content. The dissolution rate (D R ), calculated from the weight loss in distilled water at 90°C for up to 20 days was ≈ 3.10 −9 g/cm 2 /mn which is 30 times lower than that of window glass. The structure and valence states of the iron ions in the glasses were investigated using, X-ray diffraction, 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry, potentiometric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Both Mössbauer spectrometry and potentiometric analysis allow to estimate both Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ contents in all these glasses. X-ray diffraction indicates that the local structure of iron phosphate glasses is related to the short range structures of NaFeP 2 O 7 . Infrared spectra indicate the formation of P–O–Fe bonds in the pyrophosphate glasses that replace P–O–Na bonds. The presence of a small content of Al 2 O 3 in the glass seems to play a role as a network modifier. The addition of Fe 2 O 3 to Al 2 O 3 in phosphate glasses favours the enhancement of the formation of pyrophosphate units because iron ions have stronger effect on the depolymerization of metaphosphate chains than the aluminium ions. Finally, the I.R spectra indicate that the presence of P-O-Fe bands of these glasses containing more than 15 mol%Fe 2 O 3 is consistent with their good chemical durability.

  8. Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal decomposition mechanism of the complex [Sm(p-BrBA)3bipy.H2O]2.H2O

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Haiyan; Zhang Jianjun; Ren Ning; Xu Suling; Tian Liang; Bai Jihai

    2008-01-01

    A new binuclear samarium (III) complex [Sm(p-BrBA) 3 bipy.H 2 O] 2 .H 2 O (p-BrBA = p-bromobenzoic acid; bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR, molar conductance and TG-DTG techniques. The structure of the complex was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in triclinic, space group P1-bar with a = 8.2476(7) A, b = 13.3483(10) A, c = 15.9035(13) A, α 73.9160(10) o , β = 78.9630(10) o , γ = 74.4770(10) o , Z = 1, D c 1.947 g cm -3 , F(000) = 910. The carboxylic groups are bonded to the samarium ion in two modes: bidentate bridging, monodentate. Each center Sm 3+ ion is eight-coordinated by one 2,2'-bipyridine molecular, four bidentate bridging and a monodentate carboxylic group, as well as one water molecular. The coordination polyhedron around each Sm 3+ ion can be described as bi-capped triangular prism geometry. The thermal decomposition behavior of the title complex in a static air atmosphere was investigated by TG-DTG and IR techniques

  9. Exploring the dynamics of hydrogen atom release from the radical-radical reaction of O(3P) with C3H5

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Joo, Sun-Kyu; Kwon, Lee-Kyoung; Lee, Hohjai; Choi, Jong-Ho

    2004-01-01

    The gas-phase radical-radical reaction dynamics of O( 3 P)+C 3 H 5 →H( 2 S)+C 3 H 4 O was studied at an average collision energy of 6.4 kcal/mol in a crossed beam configuration. The ground-state atomic oxygen [O( 3 P)] and allyl radicals (C 3 H 5 ) were generated by the photolysis of NO 2 and the supersonic flash pyrolysis of allyl iodide, respectively. Nascent hydrogen atom products were probed by the vacuum-ultraviolet-laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the Lyman-α region centered at 121.6 nm. With the aid of the CBS-QB3 level of ab initio theory, it has been found that the barrierless addition of O( 3 P) to C 3 H 5 forms the energy-rich addition complexes on the lowest doublet potential energy surface, which are predicted to undergo a subsequent direct decomposition step leading to the reaction products H+C 3 H 4 O. The major counterpart C 3 H 4 O of the probed hydrogen atom is calculated to be acrolein after taking into account the factors of barrier height, reaction enthalpy, and the number of intermediates involved along the reaction pathway. The nascent H-atom Doppler profile analysis shows that the average center-of-mass translational energy of the H+C 3 H 4 O products and the fraction of the total available energy released as the translational energy were determined to be 3.83 kcal/mol and 0.054, respectively. On the basis of comparison with statistical calculations, the reaction proceeds through the formation of short-lived addition complexes rather than statistical, long-lived intermediates, and the polyatomic acrolein product is significantly internally excited at the moment of the decomposition

  10. Exploring the dynamics of hydrogen atom release from the radical-radical reaction of O(3P) with C3H5

    Science.gov (United States)

    Joo, Sun-Kyu; Kwon, Lee-Kyoung; Lee, Hohjai; Choi, Jong-Ho

    2004-05-01

    The gas-phase radical-radical reaction dynamics of O(3P)+C3H5→H(2S)+C3H4O was studied at an average collision energy of 6.4 kcal/mol in a crossed beam configuration. The ground-state atomic oxygen [O(3P)] and allyl radicals (C3H5) were generated by the photolysis of NO2 and the supersonic flash pyrolysis of allyl iodide, respectively. Nascent hydrogen atom products were probed by the vacuum-ultraviolet-laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy in the Lyman-α region centered at 121.6 nm. With the aid of the CBS-QB3 level of ab initio theory, it has been found that the barrierless addition of O(3P) to C3H5 forms the energy-rich addition complexes on the lowest doublet potential energy surface, which are predicted to undergo a subsequent direct decomposition step leading to the reaction products H+C3H4O. The major counterpart C3H4O of the probed hydrogen atom is calculated to be acrolein after taking into account the factors of barrier height, reaction enthalpy, and the number of intermediates involved along the reaction pathway. The nascent H-atom Doppler profile analysis shows that the average center-of-mass translational energy of the H+C3H4O products and the fraction of the total available energy released as the translational energy were determined to be 3.83 kcal/mol and 0.054, respectively. On the basis of comparison with statistical calculations, the reaction proceeds through the formation of short-lived addition complexes rather than statistical, long-lived intermediates, and the polyatomic acrolein product is significantly internally excited at the moment of the decomposition.

  11. ~ i t i d e r m a t o ~ h ~ t i c Activities of Nine (9) Essential Oils J.R. ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    i t i d e r m a t o ~ h ~ t i c Activities of Nine (9) Essential Oils. J.R. KUIATE", S.P. KUATE'.~, N.E. KEMADJOU~, S. DJOKOUA~, F. ZIFACK~ AND J. ~. 0. ~. 0. ~. I Department of Biochemistry, FS, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon. 2~epartment of Biochemistry, FS, University of Yaoundt!, P.O. Box 812 ...

  12. A large complement of the predicted Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins are members of the U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase family.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mudgil, Yashwanti; Shiu, Shin-Han; Stone, Sophia L; Salt, Jennifer N; Goring, Daphne R

    2004-01-01

    The Arabidopsis genome was searched to identify predicted proteins containing armadillo (ARM) repeats, a motif known to mediate protein-protein interactions in a number of different animal proteins. Using domain database predictions and models generated in this study, 108 Arabidopsis proteins were identified that contained a minimum of two ARM repeats with the majority of proteins containing four to eight ARM repeats. Clustering analysis showed that the 108 predicted Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins could be divided into multiple groups with wide differences in their domain compositions and organizations. Interestingly, 41 of the 108 Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins contained a U-box, a motif present in a family of E3 ligases, and these proteins represented the largest class of Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins. In 14 of these U-box/ARM repeat proteins, there was also a novel conserved domain identified in the N-terminal region. Based on the phylogenetic tree, representative U-box/ARM repeat proteins were selected for further study. RNA-blot analyses revealed that these U-box/ARM proteins are expressed in a variety of tissues in Arabidopsis. In addition, the selected U-box/ARM proteins were found to be functional E3 ubiquitin ligases. Thus, these U-box/ARM proteins represent a new family of E3 ligases in Arabidopsis.

  13. Effect of pH on particles size and gas sensing properties of In_2O_3 nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Anand, Kanica; Thangaraj, Rengasamy; Singh, Ravi Chand

    2016-01-01

    In this work, indium oxide (In_2O_3) nanoparticles have been synthesized by co-precipitation method and the effect of pH on the structural and sensor response values of In_2O_3 nanoparticles has been reported. X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) revealed the formation of cubic phase In_2O_3 nanoparticles. FESEM results indicate the formation of nearly spherical shape In_2O_3 nanoparticles. The band gap energy value changed with change in pH value and found to have highest value at pH 9. Indium oxide nanoparticles thus prepared were deposited as thick films on alumina substrates to act as gas sensors and their sensing response to ethanol vapors and LPG at 50 ppm was investigated at different operating temperatures. It has been observed that all sensors exhibited optimum response at 300°C towards ethanol and at 400°C towards LPG. In_2O_3 nanoparticles prepared at pH 9, being smallest in size as compared to other, exhibit highest sensor response (SR).

  14. Synthesis and crystal structure of the solid solution Co3(SeO3)3-x(PO3OH)x(H2O) involving crystallographic split positions of Se4+ and P5+.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zimmermann, Iwan; Johnsson, Mats

    2013-10-21

    Three new cobalt selenite hydroxo-phosphates laying in the solid solution Co3(SeO3)3-x(PO3OH)x(H2O), with x = 0.8, x = 1.0, and x = 1.2 are reported. Single crystals were obtained by hydrothermal synthesis and the crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure can be described as a 3D framework having selenite and hydroxo-phosphate groups protruding into channels in the crystal structure. Se(4+) and P(5+) share a split position in the structure so that either SeO3 groups having a stereochemically active lone pair or tetrahedrally coordinated PO3OH groups are present. The OH-group is thus only present when the split position is occupied by P(5+). The crystal water is coordinated to a cobalt atom and TG and IR measurements show that the water and hydroxyl groups leave the structure at unusually high temperatures (>450 °C). Magnetic susceptibility measurements show antiferromagnetic coupling below 16 K and a magnetic moment of 4.02(3) μB per Co atom was observed.

  15. Excitation function measurements of sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,3n) sup 3 sup 8 K, sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2pn) sup 3 sup 8 Cl and sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2p) sup 3 sup 9 Cl reactions

    CERN Document Server

    Nagatsu, K; Suzuki, K

    1999-01-01

    For the production of sup 3 sup 8 K, excitation functions of the sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,3n) sup 3 sup 8 K reaction and its accompanying reactions sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2pn) sup 3 sup 8 Cl, and sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2p) sup 3 sup 9 Cl were measured at the proton energy of 20.5-39.5 MeV to determine the optimum conditions of irradiation. Target cells containing argon gas were prepared using specially developed tools in an argon-replaced glove box. In the sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,3n) sup 3 sup 8 K, sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2pn) sup 3 sup 8 Cl, and sup 4 sup 0 Ar(p,2p) sup 3 sup 9 Cl reactions, the maximum cross sections were 6.7+-0.7, 34+-3.3 and 11+-1.2mbarn at 37.6, 39.5 and 32.0 MeV, respectively, and the saturation thick target yields were calculated to be 560, 2200, and 1300 sup * MBq/mu A, respectively, at an incident energy of 39.5 MeV ( sup * integral yield above 21 MeV).

  16. Amplified spontaneous emission from ZnO in n-ZnO/ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite/p-AlGaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shih, Ying Tsang; Wu, Mong Kai; Li, Wei Chih; Kuan, Hon; Yang, Jer Ren; Shiojiri, Makoto; Chen, Miin Jang

    2009-04-22

    This study demonstrates amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the ultraviolet (UV) electroluminescence (EL) from ZnO at lambda~380 nm in the n-ZnO/ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite/p- Al(0.12)Ga(0.88)N heterojunction light-emitting diode. A SiO(2) layer embedded with ZnO nanodots was prepared on the p-type Al(0.12)Ga(0.88)N using spin-on coating of SiO(2) nanoparticles followed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO. An n-type Al-doped ZnO layer was deposited upon the ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer also by the ALD technique. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) reveals that the ZnO nanodots embedded in the SiO(2) matrix have diameters of 3-8 nm and the wurtzite crystal structure, which allows the transport of carriers through the thick ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer. The high quality of the n-ZnO layer was manifested by the well crystallized lattice image in the HRTEM picture and the low-threshold optically pumped stimulated emission. The low refractive index of the ZnO nanodots-SiO(2) composite layer results in the increase in the light extraction efficiency from n-ZnO and the internal optical feedback of UV EL into n-ZnO layer. Consequently, significant enhancement of the UV EL intensity and super-linear increase in the EL intensity, as well as the spectral narrowing, with injection current were observed owing to ASE in the n-ZnO layer.

  17. Box-particle probability hypothesis density filtering

    OpenAIRE

    Schikora, M.; Gning, A.; Mihaylova, L.; Cremers, D.; Koch, W.

    2014-01-01

    This paper develops a novel approach for multitarget tracking, called box-particle probability hypothesis density filter (box-PHD filter). The approach is able to track multiple targets and estimates the unknown number of targets. Furthermore, it is capable of dealing with three sources of uncertainty: stochastic, set-theoretic, and data association uncertainty. The box-PHD filter reduces the number of particles significantly, which improves the runtime considerably. The small number of box-p...

  18. Thermal and electrical properties of 60V2O5–5P2O5–(35− x) B2O3 ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    The samples of composition 60V2O5–5P2O5–(35−)B2O3–CeO2, = 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mol% were prepared by the melt-quench method. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and impedance spectroscopy. The activation energies were evaluated ...

  19. Combined use of O3/H2O2 and O3/Mn2+ in flotation of dairy wastewater

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marta Cristina Silva Carvalho

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available This work investigated the degradation of organic matter present in synthetic dairy wastewater by the combination of ozonation (ozone (O3/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 and catalytic ozonation (ozone (O3/manganese (Mn2+ associated with dispersed air flotation process. The effect of independent factors such as O3 concentration, pH and H2O2 and Mn2+ concentration was evaluated. For the flotation/O3/H2O2 treatment, the significant variables (p ≤ 0.05 were: O3 concentration (linear and quadratic effect, H2O2 concentration linear and quadratic effect, pH values (linear and quadratic effect and interaction O3 concentration versus pH. For catalytic ozonation, it was observed that the significant variable was the linear effect of O3 concentration. According to the desirability function, it was concluded that the optimal condition for the treatment of flotation/O3/H2O2 can be obtained in acidic solution using O3 concentrations greater than 42.9 mg L-1 combined with higher concentrations of H2O2 to 1071.5 mg L-1. On other hand, at pH values higher than 9.0, the addition of O3 may be neglected when using higher concentrations than 1071.5 mg L-1 of H2O2. For flotation/ozonation catalyzed by Mn2+, it was observed that metal addition did not affect treatment, resulting in an optimum condition: 53.8 mg L-1 of O3 and pH 3.6.

  20. P38/TRHr-Dependent Regulation of TPO in Thyroid Cells Contributes to the Hypothyroidism of Triclosan-Treated Rats

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pei Zhang

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available Background/Aims: Triclosan, as an antimicrobial agent and a potential endocrine disruptor, has been used extensively in diverse products, resulting in widespread human exposure. In recent years, studies suggest that triclosan could disturb thyroid functions and decline thyroid hormones (THs. Methods: To verify our hypothesis that the MAPK pathway may function significantly in triclosan-induced hypothyroidism, Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with triclosan for 31 consecutive days; Nthy-ori 3-1 cells were treated with triclosan in the presence/absence of NAC, inhibitors (SB203580 and SB202474, or TRHr siRNA. Tissues and/or cells were analyzed by several techniques including transmission electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, gene silencing, western blot, and real-time PCR. Results: Triclosan led to histopathologic changes in the thyroid and decreases in triiodothyronine (T3 and thyroxine (T4. Triclosan stimulated ROS production and oxidative stress occurrence, thereby activating the p38 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Thyrotropin releasing hormone receptor (TRHr was induced when the p38 pathway was activated, and was suppressed when that pathway was inhibited. Moreover, thyroid peroxidase (TPO was restrained and modulated by the p38/TRHr pathway after triclosan treatment. Furthermore, deiodinase 3 (D3 and hepatic enzymes (Ugt2b1, CYP1a1, CYP1a2, CYP2b1, CYP3a1, and Sult1e1 were also induced by triclosan. Conclusion: Taken together, p38/TRHr-dependent regulation of TPO in thyroid cells contributes to the hypothyroidism of triclosan-treated rats.

  1. Power Scaling of Petroleum Field Sizes and Movie Box Office Earnings.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haley, J. A.; Barton, C. C.

    2017-12-01

    The size-cumulative frequency distribution of petroleum fields has long been shown to be power scaling, Mandelbrot, 1963, and Barton and Scholz, 1995. The scaling exponents for petroleum field volumes range from 0.8 to 1.08 worldwide and are used to assess the size and number of undiscovered fields. The size-cumulative frequency distribution of movie box office earnings also exhibits a power scaling distribution for domestic, overseas, and worldwide gross box office earnings for the top 668 earning movies released between 1939 and 2016 (http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/). Box office earnings were reported in the dollars-of-the-day and were converted to 2015 U.S. dollars using the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) for domestic and overseas earnings. Because overseas earnings are not reported by country and there is no single inflation index appropriate for all overseas countries. Adjusting the box office earnings using the CPI index has two effects on the power functions fit. The first is that the scaling exponent has a narrow range (2.3 - 2.5) between the three data sets; and second, the scatter of the data points fit by the power function is reduced. The scaling exponents for the adjusted value are; 2.3 for domestic box office earnings, 2.5 for overseas box office earnings, and 2.5 worldwide box office earnings. The smaller the scaling exponent the greater the proportion of all earnings is contributed by a smaller proportion of all the movies: where E = P (a-2)/(a-1) where E is the percentage of earnings, P is the percentage of all movies in the data set. The scaling exponents for box office earnings (2.3 - 2.5) means that approximately 20% of the top earning movies contribute 70-55% of all the earnings for domestic, worldwide earnings respectively.

  2. Use of p38 MAPK Inhibitors for the Treatment of Werner Syndrome

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mark C. Bagley

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Werner syndrome provides a convincing model for aspects of the normal ageing phenotype and may provide a suitable model for therapeutic interventions designed to combat the ageing process. Cultured primary fibroblast cells from Werner syndrome patients provide a powerful model system to study the link between replicative senescence in vitro and in vivo pathophysiology. Genome instability, together with an increased pro-oxidant state, and frequent replication fork stalling, all provide plausible triggers for intracellular stress in Werner syndrome cells, and implicates p38 MAPK signaling in their shortened replicative lifespan. A number of different p38 MAPK inhibitor chemotypes have been prepared rapidly and efficiently using microwave heating techniques for biological study in Werner syndrome cells, including SB203580, VX-745, RO3201195, UR-13756 and BIRB 796, and their selectivity and potency evaluated in this cellular context. Werner syndrome fibroblasts treated with a p38 MAPK inhibitor reveal an unexpected reversal of the accelerated ageing phenotype. Thus the study of p38 inhibition and its effect upon Werner pathophysiology is likely to provide new revelations into the biological mechanisms operating in cellular senescence and human ageing in the future.

  3. Slack sodium-activated potassium channel membrane expression requires p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gururaj, Sushmitha; Fleites, John; Bhattacharjee, Arin

    2016-04-01

    p38 MAPK has long been understood as an inducible kinase under conditions of cellular stress, but there is now increasing evidence to support its role in the regulation of neuronal function. Several phosphorylation targets have been identified, an appreciable number of which are ion channels, implicating the possible involvement of p38 MAPK in neuronal excitability. The KNa channel Slack is an important protein to be studied as it is highly and ubiquitously expressed in DRG neurons and is important in the maintenance of their firing accommodation. We sought to examine if the Slack channel could be a substrate of p38 MAPK activity. First, we found that the Slack C-terminus contains two putative p38 MAPK phosphorylation sites that are highly conserved across species. Second, we show via electrophysiology experiments that KNa currents and further, Slack currents, are subject to tonic modulation by p38 MAPK. Third, biochemical approaches revealed that Slack channel regulation by p38 MAPK occurs through direct phosphorylation at the two putative sites of interaction, and mutating both sites prevented surface expression of Slack channels. Based on these results, we conclude that p38 MAPK is an obligate regulator of Slack channel function via the trafficking of channels into the membrane. The present study identifies Slack KNa channels as p38 MAPK substrates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. NH4+-NH3 removal from simulated wastewater using UV-TiO2 photocatalysis: effect of co-pollutants and pH.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vohra, M S; Selimuzzaman, S M; Al-Suwaiyan, M S

    2010-05-01

    The main objective of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of titanium dioxide (TiO2) assisted photocatalytic degradation (PCD) process for the removal of ammonium-ammonia (NH4(+)-NH3) from the aqueous phase and in the presence of co-pollutants thiosulfate (S2O3(2-)) and p-cresol (C6H4CH3OH) under varying mixed conditions. For the NH4(+)-NH3 only PCD experiments, results showed higher NH4 -NH3 removal at pH 12 compared to pH 7 and 10. For the binary NH4(+)-NH3/S2O3(2-) studies the respective results indicated a significant lowering in NH4(+)-NH3 PCD in the presence of S2O32- at pH 7/12 whereas at pH 10 a marked increase in NH4(+)-NH3 removal transpired. A similar trend was noted for the p-cresol/NH4(+)-NH3 binary system. Comparing findings from the binary (NH4(+)-NH3/S2O3(2-) and p-cresol/NH4(+)-NH3) and tertiary (NH4(+)-NH3/S2O3(2-)/p-cresol) systems, at pH 10, showed fastest NH4(+)-NH3 removal transpiring for the tertiary system as compared to the binary systems, whereas both the binary systems indicated comparable NH4(+)-NH3 removal trends. The respective details have been discussed.

  5. Thermodynamic studies of thorium phosphate diphosphate and phase investigations of Th-P-O and Th-P-H2O systems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rawat, Deepak; Dash, Smruti; Joshi, A.R.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Δ f H m o (298.15K)andC p,m o (T) of Th 2 P 3 O 13 H 3 (cr), Th 2 P 3 O 12 H(cr), α-Th 4 P 6 O 23 (cr) and β-Th 4 P 6 O 23 (cr) were measured. • Thermo-chemical reaction scheme was formulated to calculate the standard molar enthalpy of formation of β-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr). • The thermodynamic functions of the compounds present in Th-P-O and Th-P-H 2 O systems have been estimated. • The Gibbs phase diagram and predominant area diagrams for Th-P-O system have been calculated. • E H –pH diagram of Th-P-H 2 O system has been computed to determine stability of β-Th 4 P 6 O 23 (cr) in the ground water. - Abstract: The standard molar enthalpy of formation of thorium phosphate diphosphate, β-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr) has been determined using an isoperibol solution calorimeter, a differential scanning calorimeter and phase transition data of high temperature calorimeter. The enthalpy of precipitation of thorium phosphate-hydrogenphosphate hydrate, Th 2 (PO 4 ) 2 (HPO 4 )·H 2 O(cr), was measured at 298.15 K using an isoperibol solution calorimeter. Heat capacities of α-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr) and β-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr) were measured using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter. Combining these experimental data, and other auxiliary data from the literature, thermo-chemical reaction scheme was devised to calculate the standard molar enthalpy of formation of β-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr) to be {−10565.5 ± 13.6} kJ mol −1 . The thermodynamic functions for β-Th 4 (PO 4 ) 4 P 2 O 7 (cr) have been computed using Δ f H m o (298.15K),C p,m o (T) and literature data. The Gibbs phase diagram and predominant area diagrams for Th-P-O system have been computed using the thermodynamic information of the various phase present in Th-P, P-O and ThO 2 -P 2 O 5 systems. E H –pH diagram of Th-P-H 2 O system has been computed to determine stability of Th 4 P 6 O 23 (cr) in ground water

  6. 38 CFR 3.57 - Child.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Child. 3.57 Section 3.57..., and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Relationship § 3.57 Child. (a) General. (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a)(2) and (3) of this section, the term child of the veteran means an unmarried...

  7. Identification of p38α MAP kinase inhibitors by pharmacophore based virtual screening

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gangwal, Rahul P; Das, Nihar R; Thanki, Kaushik

    2014-01-01

    The p38α mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase plays a vital role in treating many inflammatory diseases. In the present study, a combined ligand and structure based pharmacophore model was developed to identify potential DFG-in selective p38 MAP kinase inhibitors. Conformations of co...

  8. Influence of phosphorous precursors on spectroscopic properties of Er3+-activated SiO2-HfO2-P2O5 planar waveguides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vasilchenko, I; Carpentiero, A; Chiappini, A; Chiasera, A; Ferrari, M; Vaccari, A; Lukowiak, A; Righini, G C; Vereshagin, V

    2014-01-01

    (70-x)SiO 2 -30HfO 2 -xP 2 O 5 (x= 5, 10 mol %) glass planar waveguides activated by 0.5 mol% Er 3 + ions were prepared by sol-gel route. Several phosphorous precursors have been investigated for the synthesis of a dielectric stable sol useful for the realization of planar waveguides. The waveguides were investigated by different diagnostic techniques. The optical properties such as refractive index, thickness, number of propagating modes and attenuation coefficient were measured at 632.8 and 543.5 nm by prism coupling technique. Transmission measurements were carried out in order to assess the transparency of the deposited films. Photoluminescence measurements and lifetime decay curves of the Er 3 + transition (4 I 13/2 → 4 I 15/2 ) were performed in order to investigate the role of P 2 O 5

  9. N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease the Protein Expression of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase via Oxidative Stress-Induced P38 Kinase in Rat Endothelial Cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Okada, Takashi; Morino, Katsutaro; Nakagawa, Fumiyuki; Tawa, Masashi; Kondo, Keiko; Sekine, Osamu; Imamura, Takeshi; Okamura, Tomio; Ugi, Satoshi; Maegawa, Hiroshi

    2017-06-24

    N -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) improve endothelial function. The arachidonic acid-derived metabolites (epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs)) are part of the endothelial hyperpolarization factor and are vasodilators independent of nitric oxide. However, little is known regarding the regulation of EET concentration by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in blood vessels. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either a control or fish oil diet for 3 weeks. Compared with the control, the fish oil diet improved acetylcholine-induced vasodilation and reduced the protein expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), a key EET metabolic enzyme, in aortic strips. Both DHA and EPA suppressed sEH protein expression in rat aorta endothelial cells (RAECs). Furthermore, the concentration of 4-hydroxy hexenal (4-HHE), a lipid peroxidation product of n -3 PUFAs, increased in n -3 PUFA-treated RAECs. In addition, 4-HHE treatment suppressed sEH expression in RAECs, suggesting that 4-HHE (derived from n -3 PUFAs) is involved in this phenomenon. The suppression of sEH was attenuated by the p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580) and by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine. In conclusion, sEH expression decreased after n -3 PUFAs treatment, potentially through oxidative stress and p38 kinase. Mild oxidative stress induced by n -3 PUFAs may contribute to their cardio-protective effect.

  10. Bending strength of glass-ceramics based on 3CaO.P2O5-SiO2-MgO glass system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Daguano, J.K.M.F.; Suzuki, P.A.; Santos, C.; Fernandes, M.H.V.; Elias, C.N.

    2009-01-01

    In this work, the Modulus of Rupture of bioactive glass-ceramic based on 3CaO.P 2 O 5 -SiO 2 -MgO system was investigated, aiming its use in bone-restorations. The mechanical property was correlated with microstructural and crystallographic features of this material. High-purity starting-powders, CaCO 3 , SiO 2 , MgO, Ca (H 2 PO 4 ).H 2 O, were used in this study. The powders were mixed in a stoichiometric ratio, using planetary ball-mill. The suspensions were dried, sieved and melted at 1600 deg C, for 4h. The casting ones were cooled quickly until annealing temperature 700 deg C, in which remained for 2h, with controlled cooling-rate until ambient temperature. Bulks of glass were heat-treated with temperatures varying between 700 deg C and 1100 deg C, for 4h, being after that, cooled at 3 deg C/min. Bioactive glass and glass-ceramic were characterized by HRXRD (high resolution X-ray diffraction), where whitlockite was main phase. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy. Modulus of Rupture was determined by four-point bending testing using specimens of 1.5 x 2 x 25 mm and glasses presented strength near to 70MPa, while glass ceramics treated at 975 deg C-4h, presented bending strength of 120MPa. (author)

  11. A highly triflated rare-earth ion in [Eu(O_3SCF_3)_8]"5"-

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bruns, Joern; Kluener, Thorsten; Kraeuter, Jessica; Wickleder, Mathias S.; Krueger, Sascha; Adlung, Matthias; Wickleder, Claudia; Niehaus, Oliver; Poettgen, Rainer

    2015-01-01

    The reaction of Eu_2O_3 with fuming nitric acid, trifluormethanesulfonic acid, and its anhydride in torch-sealed glass ampoules at 120 C gave the europium compound (NO)_5[Eu(O_3SCF_3)_8] (orthorhombic, Fddd, Z=16, a=1932.69(4), b=2878.44(7), c=2955.12(7) pm, V=16439.7(7) Aa"3). The compound exhibits the [Eu(O_3SCF_3)_8]"5"- anion showing for the first time a lanthanide ion that is exclusively coordinated by eight triflate anions. The anion has been further investigated by DFT calculations, which also allowed clear assignment of the vibrational spectra. Moreover, magnetochemical and luminescence measurements gave additional insight into the properties of this complex. The luminescence spectra revealed that the Eu"3"+ ions are in a pseudo D_4_d symmetric environment. (copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  12. Hepatocyte cytoskeleton during ischemia and reperfusion influence of ANP-mediated p38 MAPK activation

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Melanie Keller; Alexander L Gerbes; Stefanie Kulhanek-Heinze; Tobias Gerwig; Uwe Grützner; Nico van Rooijen; Angelika M Vollmar; Alexandra K Kiemer

    2005-01-01

    AIM: To determine functional consequences of this activation, whereby we focused on a potential regulation of the hepatocyte cytoskeleton during ischemia and reperfusion.METHODS: For in vivo experiments, animals received ANP (5 μg/kg) intravenously. In a different experimental setting, isolated rat livers were perfused with KH-buffer ±ANP (200 nmol/L)±SB203580 (2 μmol/L). Liverswere then kept under ischemic conditions for 24 h, and either transplanted or reperfused. Actin, Hsp27, and phosphorylated Hsp27 were determined by Western blotting, p38 MAPK activity by in vitro phosphorylation assay. F-actin distribution was determined by confocal microscopy.RESULTS: We first confirmed that ANP preconditioning leads to an activation of p38 MAPK and observedalterations of the cytoskeleton in hepatocytes of ANPpreconditioned organs. ANP induced an increase of hepatic F-actin after ischemia, which could be prevented by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 but had no effect on bile flow. After ischemia untreated livers showed a translocation of Hsp27 towards the cytoskeleton and an increase in total Hsp27, whereas ANP preconditioning prohibited translocation but caused an augmentation of Hsp27 phosphorylation. This effect is also mediated via p38 MAPK, since it was abrogated by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580.CONCLUSION: This study reveals that ANP-mediated p38 MAPK activation leads to changes in hepatocyte cytoskeleton involving an elevation of phosphorylated Hsp27 and thereby for the first time shows functional consequences of ANP-induced hepatic p38 MAPK activation.

  13. Processes Controlling CH2O Over the Baltimore/Washington DC Metropolitan Region: A Box Model Analysis Using Data from DISCOVER-AQ

    Science.gov (United States)

    Olson, J. R.; Crawford, J. H.; Fried, A.; Wisthaler, A.; Weinheimer, A. J.; Barrick, J. D.; Diskin, G. S.; Duncan, B. N.; Mikoviny, T.

    2012-12-01

    The first deployment for NASA's Earth Venture campaign DISCOVER-AQ (Deriving Information on Surface conditions from Column and Vertically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality) took place over the Baltimore/Washington DC region during July of 2011. Observations of CH2O in the lowest kilometer (pressure-altitude) indicate that median concentrations can vary day to day by as much as 5 ppbv. Further, variability within a single day can correlate with a number of species, including H2O, temperature, isoprene, and/or CO. The NASA Langley photochemical box model is used to examine the dominant budget terms for CH2O during DISCOVER-AQ and to diagnose the drivers of the CH2O variability. Modeling results show that the source of CH2O is largely dominated by isoprene. However, the variability of CH2O within single flight days is rarely directly correlated to isoprene. Rather, most often, CH2O variability is correlated to the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere, defined by OH and driven by OH precursors such as H2O, O3 photolysis rates, and NO. Sensitivity model runs where isoprene is held constant to daily medians show excellent ability to predict both the overall CH2O concentration (dominated by isoprene) and the variability of CH2O throughout a day (driven by variations in oxidative capacity).

  14. Study on crystallization kinetics and phase evolution in Li2O-Al2O3-GeO2-P2O5 glass-ceramics system

    Science.gov (United States)

    Das, Anurup; Dixit, Anupam; Goswami, Madhumita; Mythili, R.; Hajra, R. N.

    2018-04-01

    To address the safety issues related to liquid electrolyte and improve the battery performance, Solid State Electrolytes (SSEs) are now in frontier area of research interest. We report here synthesis of Li-SSE based on Li2O-Al2O3-GeO2-P2O5 (LAGP) system with NASICON structure. Glass sample with nominal composition Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P2.5Si0.5O12 was prepared by melt-quenching technique. Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics was studied using DSC and activation energy of crystallisation was calculated to be ˜ 246 kJ/mol using Kissinger's equation. XRD of heat treated samples show the formation of required LiGe2(PO4)3 phase along with other minor phases. Compositional analysis using SEM-EDX confirms enrichment of Ge and Si along the grain boundaries.

  15. Functional Roles of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Macrophage-Mediated Inflammatory Responses

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yanyan Yang

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Inflammation is a natural host defensive process that is largely regulated by macrophages during the innate immune response. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs are proline-directed serine and threonine protein kinases that regulate many physiological and pathophysiological cell responses. p38 MAPKs are key MAPKs involved in the production of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2. p38 MAPK signaling plays an essential role in regulating cellular processes, especially inflammation. In this paper, we summarize the characteristics of p38 signaling in macrophage-mediated inflammation. In addition, we discuss the potential of using inhibitors targeting p38 expression in macrophages to treat inflammatory diseases.

  16. Desmoglein 2 regulates the intestinal epithelial barrier via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ungewiß, Hanna; Vielmuth, Franziska; Suzuki, Shintaro T; Maiser, Andreas; Harz, Hartmann; Leonhardt, Heinrich; Kugelmann, Daniela; Schlegel, Nicolas; Waschke, Jens

    2017-07-24

    Intestinal epithelial barrier properties are maintained by a junctional complex consisting of tight junctions (TJ), adherens junctions (AJ) and desmosomes. Desmoglein 2 (Dsg2), an adhesion molecule of desmosomes and the only Dsg isoform expressed in enterocytes, is required for epithelial barrier properties and may contribute to barrier defects in Crohn's disease. Here, we identified extradesmosomal Dsg2 on the surface of polarized enterocytes by Triton extraction, confocal microscopy, SIM and STED. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed Dsg2-specific binding events along the cell border on the surface of enterocytes with a mean unbinding force of around 30pN. Binding events were blocked by an inhibitory antibody targeting Dsg2 which under same conditions activated p38MAPK but did not reduce cell cohesion. In enterocytes deficient for Dsg2, p38MAPK activity was reduced and both barrier integrity and reformation were impaired. Dsc2 rescue did not restore p38MAPK activity indicating that Dsg2 is required. Accordingly, direct activation of p38MAPK in Dsg2-deficient cells enhanced barrier reformation demonstrating that Dsg2-mediated activation of p38MAPK is crucial for barrier function. Collectively, our data show that Dsg2, beside its adhesion function, regulates intestinal barrier function via p38MAPK signalling. This is in contrast to keratinocytes and points towards tissue-specific signalling functions of desmosomal cadherins.

  17. Rate constant for the reaction of O(3P) with diacetylene from 210 to 423 K

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mitchell, M. B.; Nava, D. F.; Stief, L. J.

    1986-01-01

    The absolute rate constant for the reaction of O(3P) with diacetylene (C4H2) has been measured as a function of pressure and temperature by the flash-photolysis/resonance-fluorescence method. At 298 K and below, no pressure dependence of the rate constant was observed, but at 423 K a moderate (factor-of-2) increase was detected in the range 3 to 75 torr Ar.Results at or near the high-pressure limit are represented by an Arrhenius expression over the temperature range 210 to 423 K. The results are compared with previous determinations, all of which employed the discharge-flow/mass-spectrometry technique. The mechanism of the reaction is considered, including both primary and secondary processes. The heats of formation of the reactants, adducts, and products for the O(3P) + C4H2 reaction are discussed and contrasted with those for O(3P) + C2H2.

  18. Phosphide oxides RE2AuP2O (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd): synthesis, structure, chemical bonding, magnetism, and 31P and 139La solid state NMR.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bartsch, Timo; Wiegand, Thomas; Ren, Jinjun; Eckert, Hellmut; Johrendt, Dirk; Niehaus, Oliver; Eul, Matthias; Pöttgen, Rainer

    2013-02-18

    Polycrystalline samples of the phosphide oxides RE(2)AuP(2)O (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) were obtained from mixtures of the rare earth elements, binary rare earth oxides, gold powder, and red phosphorus in sealed silica tubes. Small single crystals were grown in NaCl/KCl fluxes. The samples were studied by powder X-ray diffraction, and the structures were refined from single crystal diffractometer data: La(2)AuP(2)O type, space group C2/m, a = 1515.2(4), b = 424.63(8), c = 999.2(2) pm, β = 130.90(2)°, wR2 = 0.0410, 1050 F(2) values for Ce(2)AuP(2)O, and a = 1503.6(4), b = 422.77(8), c = 993.0(2) pm, β = 130.88(2)°, wR2 = 0.0401, 1037 F(2) values for Pr(2)AuP(2)O, and a = 1501.87(5), b = 420.85(5), c = 990.3(3) pm, β = 131.12(1)°, wR2 = 0.0944, 1143 F(2) values for Nd(2)AuP(2)O with 38 variables per refinement. The structures are composed of [RE(2)O](4+) polycationic chains of cis-edge-sharing ORE(4/2) tetrahedra and polyanionic strands [AuP(2)](4-), which contain gold in almost trigonal-planar phosphorus coordination by P(3-) and P(2)(4-) entities. The isolated phosphorus atoms and the P(2) pairs in La(2)AuP(2)O could clearly be distinguished by (31)P solid state NMR spectroscopy and assigned on the basis of a double quantum NMR technique. Also, the two crystallographically inequivalent La sites could be distinguished by static (139)La NMR in conjunction with theoretical electric field gradient calculations. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements show diamagnetic behavior for La(2)AuP(2)O. Ce(2)AuP(2)O and Pr(2)AuP(2)O are Curie-Weiss paramagnets with experimental magnetic moments of 2.35 and 3.48 μ(B) per rare earth atom, respectively. Their solid state (31)P MAS NMR spectra are strongly influenced by paramagnetic interactions. Ce(2)AuP(2)O orders antiferromagnetically at 13.1(5) K and shows a metamagnetic transition at 11.5 kOe. Pr(2)AuP(2)O orders ferromagnetically at 7.0 K.

  19. BC-Box Motif-Mediated Neuronal Differentiation of Somatic Stem Cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hiroshi Kanno

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL functions to induce neuronal differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs and skin-derived precursors (SKPs. Here we identified a neuronal differentiation domain (NDD in pVHL. Neuronal differentiation of SKPs was induced by intracellular delivery of a peptide composed of the amino-acid sequences encoded by the NDD. Neuronal differentiation mediated by the NDD was caused by the binding between it and elongin C followed by Janus kinase-2 (JAK2 ubiquitination of JAK2 and inhibition of the JAK2/the signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(STAT3 pathway. The NDD in pVHL contained the BC-box motif ((A,P,S,TLXXX (A,C XXX(A,I,L,V corresponding to the binding site of elongin C. Therefore, we proposed that other BC-box proteins might also contain an NDD; and subsequently also identified in them an NDD containing the amino-acid sequence encoded by the BC-box motif in BC-box proteins. Furthermore, we showed that different NDD peptide-delivered cells differentiated into different kinds of neuron-like cells. That is, dopaminergic neuron-like cells, cholinergic neuron-like cells, GABAnergic neuron-like cells or rhodopsin-positive neuron-like cells were induced by different NDD peptides. These novel findings might contribute to the development of a new method for promoting neuronal differentiation and shed further light on the mechanism of neuronal differentiation of somatic stem cells.

  20. Water-cooled target-box design at LAMPF

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Grisham, D.; Lambert, J.

    1983-01-01

    The target boxes in the main experimental beam line (Line A) at the Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) have operated since 1976. A program of replacing the boxes is underway. This paper will present past history, design considerations, calculational results and the final box design

  1. File list: InP.Lng.50.AllAg.WI-38 [Chip-atlas[Archive

    Lifescience Database Archive (English)

    Full Text Available InP.Lng.50.AllAg.WI-38 hg19 Input control Lung WI-38 SRX268879,SRX189085,SRX189086,...SRX199883,SRX750674,SRX204161,SRX204170,SRX190006,SRX199875,SRX190028 http://dbarchive.biosciencedbc.jp/kyushu-u/hg19/assembled/InP.Lng.50.AllAg.WI-38.bed ...

  2. Electrical mobility of silver ion in Ag2O-B2O3-P2O5-TeO2 glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sklepić, Kristina; Vorokhta, Maryna; Mošner, Petr; Koudelka, Ladislav; Moguš-Milanković, Andrea

    2014-10-16

    The effect of adding TeO(2) into (100 - x)[0.5Ag(2)O - 0.1B(2)O(3) - 0.4P(2)O(5)] - xTeO(2), with 0-80 mol % TeO(2) glass, on the structural changes and electrical properties has been investigated. DSC and thermodilatomery were used to study their thermal behavior, structure was studied by Raman spectroscopy, and electrical properties have been studied by impedance spectroscopy over a wide temperature and frequency range. The introduction of TeO(2) as a third glass former to the glass network causes the structural transformation from TeO(3) (tp) to TeO(4) (tbp) which contributes to the changes in conductivity. The glasses with low TeO(2) content show only a slow decrease in dc conductivity with addition of TeO(2) due to the increase of the number of nonbridging oxygens, which increases the mobility of Ag(+) ions. The steep decrease in conductivity for glasses containing more than 40 mol % TeO(2) is a result of decrease of the Ag(2)O content and stronger cross-linkage in glass network through the formation of more Te-(eq)O(ax)-Te bonds in TeO(4) tbp units. The glasses obey ac conductivity scaling with respect to temperature, implying that the dynamic process is not temperature dependent. On the other hand, the scaling of the spectra for different glass compositions showed the deviations from the Summerfield scaling because of the local structural disorder which occurs as a result of the structural modifications in the tellurite glass network.

  3. Testing fast photochemical theory during TRACE-P based on measurements of OH, HO2, and CH2O

    Science.gov (United States)

    Olson, Jennifer R.; Crawford, J. H.; Chen, G.; Fried, A.; Evans, M. J.; Jordan, C. E.; Sandholm, S. T.; Davis, D. D.; Anderson, B. E.; Avery, M. A.; Barrick, J. D.; Blake, D. R.; Brune, W. H.; Eisele, F. L.; Flocke, F.; Harder, H.; Jacob, D. J.; Kondo, Y.; Lefer, B. L.; Martinez, M.; Mauldin, R. L.; Sachse, G. W.; Shetter, R. E.; Singh, H. B.; Talbot, R. W.; Tan, D.

    2004-08-01

    Measurements of several short-lived photochemical species (e.g., OH, HO2, and CH2O) were obtained from the DC-8 and P3-B aircraft during the NASA Transport and Chemical Evolution over the Pacific (TRACE-P) campaign. To assess fast photochemical theory over the east Asian coast and western Pacific, these measurements are compared to predictions using a photochemical time-dependent box model constrained by coincident measurements of long-lived tracers and physical parameters. Both OH and HO2 are generally overpredicted by the model throughout the troposphere, which is a different result from previous field campaigns. The calculated-to-observed ratio of OH shows an altitude trend, with OH overpredicted by 80% in the upper troposphere and by 40-60% in the middle troposphere. Boundary layer and lower tropospheric OH ratios decrease from middle tropospheric values to 1.07 for the DC-8 and to 0.70 for the P3-B. HO2 measured on the DC-8 is overpredicted by a median of 23% and shows no trend in the agreement with altitude. Three subsets of data which compose 12% of the HO2 measurements represent outliers with respect to calculated-to-observed ratios: stratospherically influenced air, upper tropospheric data with NO > 135 pptv, and data from within clouds. Pronounced underpredictions of both HO2 and OH were found for stratospherically influenced air, which is in contrast to previous studies showing good agreement of predicted and observed HOx in the stratosphere. Observational evidence of heterogeneous uptake of HO2 within low and middle tropospheric clouds is presented, though there is no indication of significant HO2 uptake within higher-altitude clouds. Model predictions of CH2O are in good agreement with observations in the median for background concentrations, but a large scatter exists. Factors contributing to this scatter are examined, including the limited availability of some important constraining measurements, particularly CH3OOH. Some high concentrations of CH2O

  4. 38 CFR 3.1000 - Entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 5121 to benefits due and unpaid upon death of a beneficiary.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 5121 to benefits due and unpaid upon death of a beneficiary. 3.1000 Section 3.1000 Pensions... Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Accrued § 3.1000 Entitlement under 38 U.S.C. 5121 to benefits due and...

  5. p38 phosphorylation in medullary microglia mediates ectopic orofacial inflammatory pain in rats.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kiyomoto, Masaaki; Shinoda, Masamichi; Honda, Kuniya; Nakaya, Yuka; Dezawa, Ko; Katagiri, Ayano; Kamakura, Satoshi; Inoue, Tomio; Iwata, Koichi

    2015-08-12

    Orofacial inflammatory pain is likely to accompany referred pain in uninflamed orofacial structures. The ectopic pain precludes precise diagnosis and makes treatment problematic, because the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Using the established ectopic orofacial pain model induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into trapezius muscle, we analyzed the possible role of p38 phosphorylation in activated microglia in ectopic orofacial pain. Mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin was induced following trapezius muscle inflammation, which accompanied microglial activation with p38 phosphorylation and hyperexcitability of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis (Vc). Intra-cisterna successive administration of a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase selective inhibitor, SB203580, suppressed microglial activation and its phosphorylation of p38. Moreover, SB203580 administration completely suppressed mechanical allodynia in the lateral facial skin and enhanced WDR neuronal excitability in Vc. Microglial interleukin-1β over-expression in Vc was induced by trapezius muscle inflammation, which was significantly suppressed by SB203580 administration. These findings indicate that microglia, activated via p38 phosphorylation, play a pivotal role in WDR neuronal hyperexcitability, which accounts for the mechanical hypersensitivity in the lateral facial skin associated with trapezius muscle inflammation.

  6. Ba3(P1−xMnxO4)2 : Blue/green inorganic materials based on ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    ‡Chemical Science and Technology Division, National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology ... We describe a blue/green inorganic material, Ba3(P1−xMnxO4)2 (I) based on tetrahedral MnO3−. 4 .... the synthesis at 600–950.

  7. Cholesterol Perturbation in Mice Results in p53 Degradation and Axonal Pathology through p38 MAPK and Mdm2 Activation.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Qingyu Qin

    Full Text Available Perturbation of lipid metabolism, especially of cholesterol homeostasis, can be catastrophic to mammalian brain, as it has the highest level of cholesterol in the body. This notion is best illustrated by the severe progressive neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC disease, one of the lysosomal storage diseases, caused by mutations in the NPC1 or NPC2 gene. In this study, we found that growth cone collapse induced by genetic or pharmacological disruption of cholesterol egress from late endosomes/lysosomes was directly related to a decrease in axonal and growth cone levels of the phosphorylated form of the tumor suppressor factor p53. Cholesterol perturbation-induced growth cone collapse and decrease in phosphorylated p53 were reduced by inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK and murine double minute (Mdm2 E3 ligase. Growth cone collapse induced by genetic (npc1-/- or pharmacological modification of cholesterol metabolism was Rho kinase (ROCK-dependent and associated with increased RhoA protein synthesis; both processes were significantly reduced by P38 MAPK or Mdm2 inhibition. Finally, in vivo ROCK inhibition significantly increased phosphorylated p53 levels and neurofilaments in axons, and axonal bundle size in npc1-/- mice. These results indicate that NPC-related and cholesterol perturbation-induced axonal pathology is associated with an abnormal signaling pathway consisting in p38 MAPK activation leading to Mdm2-mediated p53 degradation, followed by ROCK activation. These results also suggest new targets for pharmacological treatment of NPC disease and other diseases associated with disruption of cholesterol metabolism.

  8. Crystal structure of (Al,V)4(P4O12)3, archetype of double cubic ring tetraphosphate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yakubovich, O. V.; Biralo, G. V.; Dimitrova, O. V.

    2012-01-01

    The crystal structure of the (Al,V) 4 (P 4 O 12 ) 3 solid solution, obtained in the single-crystal form by hydrothermal synthesis in the Al(OH) 3 -VO 2 -NaCl-H 3 PO 4 -H 2 O system, has been solved by X-ray diffraction analysis (Xcalibur-S-CCD diffractometer, R = 0.0257): a = 13.7477(2) Å, sp. gr. I 4 bar 3d, Z = 4, and ρ calcd = 2.736 g/cm 3 . It is shown that the crystal structure of the parent cubic Al 4 (P 4 O 12 ) 3 modification can formally be considered an archetype for the formation of double isosymmetric tetraphosphates on its basis.

  9. 38 CFR 3.211 - Death.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Death. 3.211 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Evidence Requirements § 3.211 Death. Death should be... community where death occurred. (2) A copy of a coroner's report of death or a verdict of a coroner's jury...

  10. Effect of B{sub 2}O{sub 3}/P{sub 2}O{sub 5} substitution on the properties and structure of tin boro-phosphate glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Saitoh, Akira, E-mail: asaito@ehime-u.ac.jp [Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 3 Bunkyo-cho (Japan); Tricot, Grégory [LASIR UMR-CNRS 8516, Université de Lille 1, Villeneuve d' Ascq 59655 (France); UCCS UMR-CNRS 8181, Université de Lille 1, Villeneuve d' Ascq 59655 (France); Rajbhandari, Prashant [UCCS UMR-CNRS 8181, Université de Lille 1, Villeneuve d' Ascq 59655 (France); Anan, Shoji; Takebe, Hiromichi [Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama, 3 Bunkyo-cho (Japan)

    2015-01-15

    Effect of B{sub 2}O{sub 3}/P{sub 2}O{sub 5} substitution on the properties and structure of the ternary 67SnO–(33–x)P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–xB{sub 2}O{sub 3} composition line (from x = 0–33 mol%) are examined in this contribution. We show that density and glass transition temperature increase while molar volume and thermal expansion coefficient decrease with increasing B{sub 2}O{sub 3} concentration. Density and thermal properties experience an original three-domain evolution with rapid (region I: 0 ≤ x < 5), substantial (II: 5 < x ≤ 15), and moderate (III: 15 < x ≤ 33) increase. In order to explain this unconventional behaviour, the glass structure has been investigated using high magnetic field 1 dimensional {sup 31}P and {sup 11}B MAS–NMR, micro-Raman and infrared spectroscopies. {sup 11}B MAS–NMR experiments allow to (i) monitor the 3- and 4-fold coordinated borate species proportion and (ii) highlight the presence of unreported 4-fold coordinated species in the region (III). Finally, it is shown that substitution of P{sub 2}O{sub 5} by B{sub 2}O{sub 3} induces an alteration of the dimeric phosphate network and formation of mixed anion structure that consists of Q{sup 0} phosphate units, 3- and 4-fold coordinated borate units and their combinations. - Highlights: • We examined B{sub 2}O{sub 3}/P{sub 2}O{sub 5} substitution effect on the ternary SnO–P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–B{sub 2}O{sub 3} glasses. • We show a three-domains evolution for density and thermal properties. • The structure was investigated by {sup 31}P and {sup 11}B NMR, Raman and IR spectroscopies. • 3 and 4-folded borate species and unreported 4-folded species are revealed. • Mixed anion structure consists of Q{sup 0} phosphate unit and 3- and 4-folded borate units.

  11. Crystallization kinetics of BaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bansal, Narottam P.; Hyatt, Mark J.

    1989-01-01

    Barium aluminosilicate glasses are being investigated as matrix materials in high-temperature ceramic composites for structural applications. Kinetics of crystallization of two refractory glass compositions in the barium aluminosilicate system were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From variable heating rate DTA, the crystallization activation energies for glass compositions (wt percent) 10BaO-38Al2O3-51SiO2-1MoO3 (glass A) and 39BaO-25Al2O3-35SiO2-1MoO3 (glass B) were determined to be 553 and 558 kJ/mol, respectively. On thermal treatment, the crystalline phases in glasses A and B were identified as mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2) and hexacelsian (BaO-Al2O3-2SiO2), respectively. Hexacelsian is a high-temperature polymorph which is metastable below 1590 C. It undergoes structural transformation into the orthorhombic form at approximately 300 C accompanied by a large volume change which is undesirable for structural applications. A process needs to be developed where stable monoclinic celsian, rather than hexacelsian, precipitates out as the crystal phase in glass B.

  12. Mortality resulting from head injury in professional boxing: case report.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baird, Lissa C; Newman, C Benjamin; Volk, Hunter; Svinth, Joseph R; Conklin, Jordan; Levy, Michael L

    2010-08-01

    The majority of boxing-related fatalities result from traumatic brain injury. Biomechanical forces in boxing result in rotational acceleration with resultant subdural hematoma and diffuse axonal injury. Given the inherent risk and the ongoing criticism boxing has received, we evaluated mortalities associated with professional boxing. We used the Velazquez Fatality Collection of boxing injuries and supplementary sources to analyze mortality from 1950 to 2007. Variables evaluated included age at time of death, association with knockout or other outcome of match, rounds fought, weight class, location of fight, and location of preterminal event. There were 339 mortalities between 1950 and 2007 (mean age, 24 +/- 3.8 years); 64% were associated with knockout and 15% with technical knockout. A higher percentage occurred in the lower weight classes. The preterminal event occurred in the ring (61%), in the locker room (17%), and outside the arena (22%). We evaluated for significant changes after 1983 when championship bouts were reduced from 15 to 12 rounds. There was a significant decline in mortality after 1983. We found no significant variables to support that this decline is related to a reduction in rounds. Rather, we hypothesize the decline to be the result of a reduction in exposure to repetitive head trauma (shorter careers and fewer fights), along with increased medical oversight and stricter safety regulations. Increased efforts should be made to improve medical supervision of boxers. Mandatory central nervous system imaging after a knockout could lead to a significant reduction in associated mortality.

  13. 38 CFR 3.403 - Children.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Children. 3.403 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Effective Dates § 3.403 Children. (a) Awards of pension, compensation, or dependency and indemnity compensation to or for a child, or to or for a veteran or surviving...

  14. Exigências de treonina para frangos de corte machos nas fases de 1 a 20, 24 a 38 e 44 a 56 dias de idade Threonine requirement of male broiler chicks from 1 to 20, 24 to 38 and 44 to 56 days of age

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Anel Atencio

    2004-08-01

    Full Text Available Três experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de determinar a exigência de treonina e a relação treonina:lisina digestível para frangos machos, Avian Farm, nas fases de 1 a 20, 24 a 38 e 44 a 56 dias de idade. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco níveis de treonina digestível, seis repetições e 20 aves por boxe nas fases de 1 a 20 e 24 a 38 dias de idade e 16 aves por boxe na fase de 44 a 56 dias de idade. Os níveis de treonina digestível utilizados nas diferentes fases foram: de 1 a 20 dias de idade, 0,684 a 0,870% (incremento de 0,047%; de 24 a 38 dias de idade, 0,637 a 0,807% (incremento de 0,043%; e de 44 a 56 dias de idade, 0,565 a 0,715% (incremento de 0,037%. No final de cada experimento, foram avaliadas as características de desempenho e a qualidade de carcaça. Houve efeito quadrático para consumo de ração e ganho de peso na fase de 1 a 20 dias de idade. A exigência de treonina digestível (total na fase de 1 a 20 dias de idade foi de 0,777% (0,890% total, correspondente a uma relação treonina:lisina de 67%, de acordo com os resultados de ganho de peso e com o modelo descontínuo. Não houve efeito dos níveis de treonina sobre as características de desempenho, sugerindo que o nível de treonina digestível (total de 0,637 (0,731% total, correspondente a uma relação de 60%, foi suficiente para atender às exigências das aves na fase de 24 a 38 dias de idade, no entanto níveis mais baixos devem ser estudados para determinação do valor exato da exigência. Observou-se efeito linear dos níveis de treonina digestível sobre o rendimento de perna na fase de 24 a 38 dias de idade. Não houve efeito dos níveis de treonina sobre as características de desempenho e rendimento de cortes nobres na fase de 44 a 56 dias de idade, sugerindo que o nível de treonina digestível (total de 0,565% (0,650% total, correspondente a uma relação de 60%, foi suficiente para

  15. 38 CFR 3.206 - Divorce.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Divorce. 3.206 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Evidence Requirements § 3.206 Divorce. The validity of a divorce decree regular on its face, will be questioned by the Department of Veterans Affairs only...

  16. 38 CFR 3.404 - Parents.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Parents. 3.404 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Effective Dates § 3.404 Parents. Awards of additional amounts of compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation based on a parent's need for aid and...

  17. First-aid boxes - Reminder

    CERN Multimedia

    GS Department

    2010-01-01

    With a view to ensuring optimum use of the first-aid boxes on the CERN site, we should like to remind you of various changes introduced in March 2009: The TSO of the buildings concerned is responsible for the first-aid boxes, including checking their contents.   First-aid boxes may be restocked ONLY at the CERN stores (SCEM No. 54.99.80). This is no longer possible at the Infirmary. The associated cost is charged to the Departments.   First-aid boxes should be used only for mild injuries. All other cases should be referred to the Medical Service Infirmary (Bldg. 57 – ground-floor, tel. 73802) between 8.00 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. or to the Fire and Rescue Service (tel. 74444). N.B.: This information does not apply to the red emergency first-aid boxes in the underground areas or to the emergency kits for use in the event of being splashed with hydrofluoric acid.

  18. P38 MAPK expression and activation predicts failure of response to CHOP in patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vega, Gabriel G.; Avilés-Salas, Alejandro; Chalapud, J. Ramón; Martinez-Paniagua, Melisa; Pelayo, Rosana; Mayani, Héctor; Hernandez-Pando, Rogelio; Martinez-Maza, Otoniel; Huerta-Yepez, Sara; Bonavida, Benjamin; Vega, Mario I.

    2015-01-01

    The p38 MAPK is constitutively activated in B-NHL cell lines and regulates chemoresistance. Accordingly, we hypothesized that activated p38 MAPK may be associated with the in vivo unresponsiveness to chemotherapy in B-NHL patients. Tissue microarrays generated from eighty untreated patients with Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of p38 and phospho p38 (p-p38) MAPK. In addition, both Bcl-2 and NF-κB expressions were determined. Kaplan Meier analysis was assessed. Tumor tissues expressed p38 MAPK (82 %) and p-p38 MAPK (30 %). Both p38 and p-p38 MAPK expressions correlated with the high score performance status. A significant correlation was found between the expression p-p38 and poor response to CHOP. The five year median follow-up FFS was 81 % for p38 − and 34 % for p38 + and for OS was 83 % for p38 − and 47 % for p38 + . The p-p38 + tissues expressed Bcl-2 and 90 % of p-p38 − where Bcl-2 − . The coexpression of p-p38 and Bcl-2 correlated with pool EFS and OS. There was no correlation between the expression of p-p38 and the expression of NF-κB. The findings revealed, for the first time, that a subset of patients with DLBCL and whose tumors expressed high p-p38 MAPK responded poorly to CHOP therapy and had poor EFS and OS. The expression of p38, p-p38, Bcl2 and the ABC subtype are significant risk factors both p38 and p-p38 expressions remain independent prognostic factors. The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1778-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

  19. The P-38 Lightning Aircraft: Lessons Learned for Future Weapon Systems Development

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-04-01

    Defense Instruction European Theater of Operations U.S. Government Accountability Office General Electric Joint Strike Fighter · Miles Per Hour A...Anthony Shennan, The Lockheed P.38 Lightning: A History (Campbelltown, Australia: Historian Publishers, 1970), 1. 7 Warren M. Bodie, The Lockheed P-38...tips of the propellers turned towards the center of the aircraft to try to counter the tail buffeting problem; installing new more powerful "F

  20. The activity profile of elite male amateur boxing.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Davis, Philip; Benson, Peter R; Pitty, James D; Connorton, Andrew J; Waldock, Robert

    2015-01-01

    An activity profile of competitive 3 × 3-min elite-level amateur boxing was created from video footage of 29 Olympic final and semifinal bouts in 39 male boxers (mean ± SD) age 25.1 ± 3.6 y, height 178.3 ± 10.4 cm, and body mass 69.7 ± 16.5 kg. Boxing at this level requires the ability to maintain an activity rate of ~1.4 actions/s, consisting of ~20 punches, ~2.5 defensive movements, and ~47 vertical hip movements, all per minute, over 3 subsequent rounds lasting ~200 s each. Winners had higher total punches landed (P = .041) and a lower ratio of punches thrown to landed (P = .027) than losers in round 3. The hook rear-hand landed was also higher for winners than losers in round 2 (P = .038) and round 3 (P = .016), and defensive movements were used less by winners (P = .036). However, the results suggest that technical discrimination between winners and losers is difficult; bout outcome may be more dependent on which punch is "lucky" enough to be scored by the judges or who appears to be dominant on the day. This study gives both boxers and coaches a good idea of where subelite boxers need to aim if they want to become among the best amateur boxers in the world.

  1. O critério de positividade para a análise imunoistoquímica da p53 na confirmação da displasia do esôfago de Barrett faz diferença? Does positive criterium for p53 immunohistochemical analysis in the confirmation of Barrett's dysplasia make difference?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    César Vivian Lopes

    2005-12-01

    Full Text Available RACIONAL: O esôfago de Barrett é uma complicação da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico com importante potencial de malignização. Relata-se que a expressão do marcador tumoral p53 se acentua com a progressão displasia-adenocarcinoma. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a expressão da p53 no epitélio de Barrett com presença ou não de displasia conforme dois critérios de positividade. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: O material foi constituído por biopsias endoscópicas de 42 doentes com esôfago de Barrett. Cortes histológicos foram corados pela hematoxilina-eosina, pelo PAS-alcian blue e avaliados quanto à expressão imunoistoquímica da p53. O diagnóstico de displasia foi firmado pela concordância entre três patologistas. Foram utilizados dois critérios de positividade para a p53: 1. a coloração de, pelo menos, metade dos núcleos e 2. o encontro de qualquer núcleo corado. RESULTADOS: O número total de fragmentos foi de 229, com média de 5,4 por paciente. A displasia foi detectada em seis (14,3% casos. Para diferentes critérios de positividade, a p53 foi detectada, respectivamente, em 5 (13,9% e 14 (38,9% com epitélio metaplásico não-displásico. Especificamente nos seis casos displásicos, a p53 foi detectada, conforme o critério de positividade, em um (16,7% e quatro (66,7% casos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta pequena série, a expressão imunoistoquímica da p53, independente do critério de positividade, não foi de auxílio para a confirmação de alterações displásicas no esôfago de Barrett.BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus is the most serious complication of the gastroesophageal reflux disease and presents a malignant potential. The expression of the tumoral marker p53 increases with the dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence. AIMS: To evaluate the p53 expression in Barrett's esophagus with or without dysplasia according to the two positive immunostaining criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was constituted by endoscopic

  2. 38 CFR 3.503 - Children.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Children. 3.503 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Reductions and Discontinuances § 3.503 Children. (a... compensation to or for a child, or to or for a veteran or surviving spouse on behalf of such child, will be the...

  3. Influence of P2O5 and Al2O3 content on the structure of erbium-doped borosilicate glasses and on their physical, thermal, optical and luminescence properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bourhis, Kevin; Massera, Jonathan; Petit, Laeticia; Ihalainen, Heikki; Fargues, Alexandre; Cardinal, Thierry; Hupa, Leena; Hupa, Mikko; Dussauze, Marc; Rodriguez, Vincent; Boussard-Plédel, Catherine; Bureau, Bruno; Roiland, Claire; Ferraris, Monica

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Reorganization of the glass structure induced by the addition of P 2 O 5 or Al 2 O 3 . • Emission properties related to the presence of P or Al in the Er 3+ coordination shell. • Declustering observed upon addition of P 2 O 5 . • No declustering upon addition of Al 2 O 3 . - Abstract: The effect of P 2 O 5 and/or Al 2 O 3 addition in Er-doped borosilicate glasses on the physical, thermal, optical, and luminescence properties is investigated. The changes in these glass properties are related to the glass structure modifications induced by the addition of P 2 O 5 and/or Al 2 O 3 , which were probed by FTIR, 11 B MAS NMR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Variations of the polymerization degree of the silicate tetrahedra and modifications in the [3] B/ [4] B ratio are explained by a charge compensation mechanism due to the formation of AlO 4 , PO 4 groups and the formation of Al-O-P linkages in the glass network. From the absorption and luminescence properties of the Er 3+ ions at 980 nm and 1530 nm, declustering is suspected for the highest P 2 O 5 concentrations while for the highest Al 2 O 3 concentrations no declustering is observed

  4. A novel thermal and pH responsive drug delivery system based on ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tan, Licheng; Liu, Jian; Zhou, Weihua; Wei, Junchao; Peng, Zhiping

    2014-01-01

    A smart ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid was prepared by grafting thermal responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the grafting amount of PNIPAM was about 38%, and the SEM images show that the PNIPAM chains can prevent the aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles. The responsive properties of ZnO@PNIPAM were measured by photoluminescence spectra, and the results demonstrate that the PNIPAM chains grafted on ZnO surfaces can realize reversible thermal responsive and photoluminescence properties. An anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox), was used as a model drug and loaded into the hybrid nanoparticles, and an in vitro drug release test implied that ZnO@PNIPAM could work as a thermal responsive drug delivery system. Furthermore, pH sensitive drug releases were carried out in acetate buffer at pH 5.0 and pH 6.0 and in water at pH 7.0, and the results showed evident pH dependency, showing its pH responsive properties. - Graphical abstract: In this manuscript, thermal responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was grafted on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The obtained ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid showed reversible thermal responsive photoluminescent properties, and can also work as a thermal and pH responsive drug delivery system. - Highlights: • The ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid was prepared via ATRP. • The ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid showed thermal responsive properties. • The ZnO@PNIPAM hybrid can work as a thermal and pH responsive drug delivery system

  5. 38 CFR 3.205 - Marriage.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Marriage. 3.205 Section 3..., Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Evidence Requirements § 3.205 Marriage. (a) Proof of marriage. Marriage is established by one of the following types of evidence: (1) Copy or abstract of the...

  6. Chrysin protects against cisplatin-induced colon. toxicity via amelioration of oxidative stress and apoptosis: Probable role of p38MAPK and p53

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Khan, Rehan; Khan, Abdul Quaiyoom; Qamar, Wajhul; Lateef, Abdul; Tahir, Mir; Rehman, Muneeb U; Ali, Farrah; Sultana, Sarwat, E-mail: sarwat786@rediffmail.com

    2012-02-01

    Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug, is widely used as a foremost therapy against numerous forms of cancer but it has pronounced adverse effects viz., nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity etc. CDDP-induced emesis and diarrhea are also marked toxicities that may be due to intestinal injury. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavone commonly found in many plants possesses multiple biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced colon toxicity. The plausible mechanism of CDDP-induced colon toxicity and damage includes oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK and p53, and colonic epithelial cell apoptosis via upregulating the expression of Bak and cleaved caspase-3. Chrysin was administered to Wistar rats once daily for 14 consecutive days at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight orally in corn oil. On day 14, a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin was given at the dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight and animals were euthanized after 24 h of cisplatin injection. Chrysin ameliorated CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase) and phase-II detoxifying (glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase) enzyme activities. Chrysin also attenuated goblet cell disintegration, expression of phospho-p38MAPK and p53, and apoptotic tissue damage which were induced by CDDP. Histological findings further supported the protective effects of chrysin against CDDP-induced colonic damage. The results of the present study suggest that the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced colon toxicity was related with attenuation of oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK and p53, and apoptotic tissue damage. Highlights: ► Cisplatin-induced colon toxicity is associated with oxidative stress and

  7. Chrysin protects against cisplatin-induced colon. toxicity via amelioration of oxidative stress and apoptosis: Probable role of p38MAPK and p53

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khan, Rehan; Khan, Abdul Quaiyoom; Qamar, Wajhul; Lateef, Abdul; Tahir, Mir; Rehman, Muneeb U; Ali, Farrah; Sultana, Sarwat

    2012-01-01

    Cisplatin, an antineoplastic drug, is widely used as a foremost therapy against numerous forms of cancer but it has pronounced adverse effects viz., nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity etc. CDDP-induced emesis and diarrhea are also marked toxicities that may be due to intestinal injury. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavone commonly found in many plants possesses multiple biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced colon toxicity. The plausible mechanism of CDDP-induced colon toxicity and damage includes oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK and p53, and colonic epithelial cell apoptosis via upregulating the expression of Bak and cleaved caspase-3. Chrysin was administered to Wistar rats once daily for 14 consecutive days at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight orally in corn oil. On day 14, a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin was given at the dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight and animals were euthanized after 24 h of cisplatin injection. Chrysin ameliorated CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase) and phase-II detoxifying (glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase) enzyme activities. Chrysin also attenuated goblet cell disintegration, expression of phospho-p38MAPK and p53, and apoptotic tissue damage which were induced by CDDP. Histological findings further supported the protective effects of chrysin against CDDP-induced colonic damage. The results of the present study suggest that the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced colon toxicity was related with attenuation of oxidative stress, activation of p38MAPK and p53, and apoptotic tissue damage. Highlights: ► Cisplatin-induced colon toxicity is associated with oxidative stress and

  8. A simple approach to design chitosan functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles for pH responsive delivery of doxorubicin for cancer therapy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Adimoolam, Mahesh G.; Amreddy, Narsireddy; Nalam, Madhusudana Rao; Sunkara, Manorama V.

    2018-02-01

    The use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in cancer therapy offer many advantages due to their unique size, physical and biocompatible properties. In this study we have developed a formulation, comprising of anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles via a pH sensitive imine linker. Different amounts of chitosan functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-CHI) were synthesized in-situ by a simple hydrolysis method at room temperature. The synthesized nanoparticles were well characterized by TEM, Zeta Potential, TOC, XPS, TGA and VSM for their physicochemical properties. Dox was conjugated to the Fe3O4-CHI nanoparticles via a glutaraldehyde cross linker with the imine (sbnd Cdbnd Nsbnd) bond, which is sensitive to cleavage in the pH range of 4.4-6.4. The synthesized Fe3O4-Dox nanoparticles exhibited enhanced drug release in lower pH conditions which mimics the tumor microenvironment or intracellular organelles such as endosomes/lysosomes. The cell uptake and therapeutic efficacy of Fe3O4-Dox nanoparticles carried out in ovarian cancer cell (SK-OV-3) and breast cancer cell line (MCF7) showed improved therapeutic efficacy of Dox by nearly four-fold with Fe3O4-Dox nanoparticles.

  9. Sol-gel synthesis and luminescent properties of red-emitting Y(P,V)O4:Eu(3+) phosphors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Xinguo; Zhou, Fangxiang; He, Pei; Zhang, Min; Gong, Menglian

    2016-02-01

    Eu(3+)-activated Y(P,V)O4 phosphors were prepared by the EDTA sol-gel method, and the corresponding morphologies and luminescent properties were investigated. The sample particles were relatively spheroid with size of 2-3 µm and had a smooth surface. The excitation spectra for Y(P,V)O4:Eu(3+) consisted of three strong excitation bands in the 200-350 nm range, which were attributed to a Eu(3+)- O(2-) charge-transfer band and (1)A1-(1) T1/(1) T2 transitions in VO4(3-). The as-synthesized phosphors exhibited a highly efficient red luminescence at 613 nm due to the Eu(3+5) D0-(7) F2 electric dipole transition. With the increase in the V(5+)/P(5+) ratio, the luminescence intensity of the red phosphor under UV excitation was greatly improved due to enhanced VO4(3-) → Eu(3+) energy transfer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  10. Fully patterned p-channel SnO TFTs using transparent Al2O3 gate insulator and ITO as source and drain contacts

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guzmán-Caballero, D. E.; Quevedo-López, M. A.; De la Cruz, W.; Ramírez-Bon, R.

    2018-03-01

    SnO p-type was used as active layer to fabricate thin film transistors (TFTs) through photolithography and dry etching processes. The SnO p-type thin films (25 nm) were deposited by DC reactive sputtering with variable oxygen (O2) flow rate to then be annealed in air at 250 ◦C. Al2O3 gate dielectric (15 nm) was deposited by atomic layer deposition. Hall measurements showed p-type carrier concentration (N h ) of around 1 × 1018 cm-3 and Hall mobilities (μ Hall) between 0.35 and 2.64 cm2 V-1 s-1, depending on the O2 flow rate during deposition. The hole transport was dominated by variable-range hopping conduction. A change in the preferred crystalline orientation in the SnO films from (101) to (110) was associated with the increase in μ Hall. In addition, Raman vibrational modes at 110 and 209 cm-1 of polycrystalline SnO films showed certain dependence with the grain orientation. The SnO-based TFTs showed p-type behavior with low threshold voltages (V T ) and low sub threshold swing (SS) in the range from 1.76 to 3.50 V and 1.63 to 3.24 V/dec., respectively. The TFTs mobilities in the saturation regime (μ sat) were in the range of 0.12 and 1.32 cm2 V-1 s-1. The current on/off ratio (I ON/I OFF) was in the order of 102, approximately. The large values of the interface trap density (D IT) contributed to the high I OFF and the low I ON/I OFF of the TFTs.

  11. The phenomenon of phase separated in Na2O-B2O3-SiO2, Na2O-SiO2-P2O5 glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Procyk, B.; Bieniarz, P.; Plichta, E.; Pudelek, B.; Kucinski, G.; Staniewicz-Brudnik, B.

    1997-01-01

    During the thermal treatment, the phenomenon of phase separation has been observed in the some glasses. The glass has became opaque, due to the opalescence of phase separated. Investigations of the phenomenon of phase separation were conducted using the basic systems: Na 2 O-B 2 O 3 -SiO 2 , Na 2 O-SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 and theirs modifications. The occurrence of binodal and spinodal phase decomposition was observed by TEM. The phase separation inhomogeneities have drop-like character and with higher concentration shows a tendency for coalescence. The influence of the chemical composition, temperature and time on the phenomenon of phase separation in the investigated glasses has been defined. (author)

  12. P38 delta MAPK promotes breast cancer progression and lung metastasis by enhancing cell proliferation and cell detachment.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wada, M; Canals, D; Adada, M; Coant, N; Salama, M F; Helke, K L; Arthur, J S; Shroyer, K R; Kitatani, K; Obeid, L M; Hannun, Y A

    2017-11-23

    The protein p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) delta isoform (p38δ) is a poorly studied member of the MAPK family. Data analysis from The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that p38δ is highly expressed in all types of human breast cancers. Using a human breast cancer tissue array, we confirmed elevation in cancer tissue. The breast cancer mouse model, MMTV-PyMT (PyMT), developed breast tumors with lung metastasis; however, mice deleted in p38δ (PyMT/p38δ -/- ) exhibited delayed primary tumor formation and highly reduced lung metastatic burden. At the cellular level, we demonstrate that targeting of p38δ in breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 resulted in a reduced rate of cell proliferation. In addition, cells lacking p38δ also displayed an increased cell-matrix adhesion and reduced cell detachment. This effect on cell adhesion was molecularly supported by the regulation of the focal adhesion kinase by p38δ in the human breast cell lines. These studies define a previously unappreciated role for p38δ in breast cancer development and evolution by regulating tumor growth and altering metastatic properties. This study proposes MAPK p38δ protein as a key factor in breast cancer. Lack of p38δ resulted in reduced primary tumor size and blocked the metastatic potential to the lungs.

  13. Characterization of p38 MAPK isoforms for drug resistance study using systems biology approach.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Peng, Huiming; Peng, Tao; Wen, Jianguo; Engler, David A; Matsunami, Risë K; Su, Jing; Zhang, Le; Chang, Chung-Che Jeff; Zhou, Xiaobo

    2014-07-01

    p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation plays an important role in resistance to chemotherapeutic cytotoxic drugs in treating multiple myeloma (MM). However, how the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway is involved in drug resistance, in particular the roles that the various p38 isoforms play, remains largely unknown. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we developed a novel systems biology approach by integrating liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and reverse phase protein array data from human MM cell lines with computational pathway models in which the unknown parameters were inferred using a proposed novel algorithm called modularized factor graph. New mechanisms predicted by our models suggest that combined activation of various p38 isoforms may result in drug resistance in MM via regulating the related pathways including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and NFкB pathway. ERK pathway regulating cell growth is synergistically regulated by p38δ isoform, whereas nuclear factor kappa B (NFкB) pathway regulating cell apoptosis is synergistically regulated by p38α isoform. This finding that p38δ isoform promotes the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MM cells treated with bortezomib was validated by western blotting. Based on the predicted mechanisms, we further screened drug combinations in silico and found that a promising drug combination targeting ERK1/2 and NFκB might reduce the effects of drug resistance in MM cells. This study provides a framework of a systems biology approach to studying drug resistance and drug combination selection. RPPA experimental Data and Matlab source codes of modularized factor graph for parameter estimation are freely available online at http://ctsb.is.wfubmc.edu/publications/modularized-factor-graph.php. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Microstructure and mechanical properties of stir cast ZX51/Al2O3p magnesium matrix composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rahmany-Gorji, Reza; Alizadeh, Ali; Jafari, Hassan

    2016-01-01

    Magnesium matrix composites can overcome the limitations of magnesium and its alloys. This paper investigates the effect of adding Al 2 O 3 microparticles on microstructure and mechanical response of ZX51 alloy-matrix composites. Stir casting process was chosen due largely to its low cost to fabricate the novel ZX51/Al 2 O 3 p composites. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry were used in order to analyze the microstructure of as-cast composites. Tension, compression, and Brinell hardness tests were performed to determine mechanical properties of the composites. It was revealed that the microstructure of matrix alloy is composed of α-Mg grains and (α-Mg+Ca 2 Mg 6 Zn 3 ) eutectic mixture distributed predominantly along grain boundaries. The addition of Al 2 O 3 p brought about a marked grain refinement and also introduced slight amounts of porosity. The results showed that with increasing volume percentage of Al 2 O 3 p, hardness and yield strength increase while tensile strength, compressive strength, and ductility decrease; in consequence, toughness decreases as well.

  15. Projeto de caixa de madeira para manga (Mangifera Indica L. Project of wooden boxes for mangoes (Mangifera Indica L.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bárbara Janet Teruel

    2009-06-01

    Full Text Available As perdas de produtos hortícolas no Brasil são significativas e dentre as causas cita-se o uso de caixas inadequadas e ausência da cadeia do frio. Propõe-se um método de projeto de caixas, baseado em simulação computacional, otimização e validação experimental, minimizando o volume de madeira, associado a aspectos estruturais, ergonômicos e distribuição da área de aberturas. Foram projetados e construídos três protótipos de caixas (ripas retas com diferentes configurações e área efetiva de abertura de 54% e 36%. A eficiência do resfriamento de mangas variedade Tommy Atkins (Mangifera Indica L., foi avaliada determinando o tempo de resfriamento, acondicionando as frutas nas caixas de madeira desenvolvidas e de papelão usadas comercialmente, resfriadas com ar forçado à temperatura de 6ºC e umidade relativa média de 85,4±2,1%. Foi aplicado o Método de Elementos Finitos, para dimensionamento e otimização estrutural do modelo com melhor comportamento durante o resfriamento. Todas as caixas de madeira foram submetidas a ensaios de vibração, por duas horas (freqüência de 20 Hz. Não houve diferença significativa no tempo de resfriamento das frutas nas caixas de madeira (38,00±1,70 min, no entanto houve diferença significativa nas caixas de papelão (82,74±29,58 min. O modelo submetido à otimização estrutural (6% área efetiva e duas ripas laterais teve diminuição de volume de 60% e 83% de redução da seção transversal das colunas, com relação às condições iniciais. Não houve incidência de danos de mecânicos nas frutas após a vibração. A simulação computacional e estrutural pode ser ferramenta de apoio para desenvolver projetos de caixas, com grande aproximação, atendendo a critérios geométricos, ergonômicos e térmicos.Losses of horticulture product in Brazil are significant and among the main causes are the use of inappropriate boxes and the absence of a cold chain. A project for boxes

  16. FANCA and FANCC modulate TLR and p38 MAPK-dependent expression of IL-1β in macrophages.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Garbati, Michael R; Hays, Laura E; Keeble, Winifred; Yates, Jane E; Rathbun, R Keaney; Bagby, Grover C

    2013-10-31

    Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with inactivated Fanconi anemia (FA) genes, FANCA and FANCC, are hypersensitive to inflammatory cytokines. One of these, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), is also overproduced by FA mononuclear phagocytes in response to certain Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, creating an autoinhibitory loop that may contribute to the pathogenesis of progressive bone marrow (BM) failure and selection of TNF-α-resistant leukemic stem cell clones. In macrophages, the TNF-α overproduction phenotype depends on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an enzyme also known to induce expression of other inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Reasoning that IL-1β might be involved in a like autoinhibitory loop, we determined that (1) TLR activation of FANCA- and FANCC-deficient macrophages induced overproduction of both TNF-α and IL-1β in a p38-dependent manner; (2) exposure of Fancc-deficient BM progenitors to IL-1β potently suppressed the expansion of multipotent progenitor cells in vitro; and (3) although TNF-α overexpression in FA cells is controlled posttranscriptionally by the p38 substrate MAPKAPK-2, p38-dependent overproduction of IL-1β is controlled transcriptionally. We suggest that multiple inflammatory cytokines overproduced by FANCA- and FANCC-deficient mononuclear phagocytes may contribute to the progressive BM failure that characterizes FA, and that to achieve suppression of this proinflammatory state, p38 is a more promising molecular therapeutic target than either IL-1β or TNF-α alone.

  17. pO2 measurements in arteriolar networks.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Torres Filho, I P; Kerger, H; Intaglietta, M

    1996-03-01

    Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that the average arteriolar pO2 in the hamster skinfold preparation is lower than arterial systemic pO2. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that there is a longitudinal gradient of pO2 along precapillary vessels. Experiments were performed in Syrian golden hamsters bearing a dorsal skin chamber. The oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence of palladium-porphyrin complexes was used to measure intravascular pO2 in the microcirculation. Arterioles were classified in four orders according to their position in the network, first-order vessels being the entrance points. Simultaneous determinations of diameter (D), red blood cell velocity, and systemic blood gases were also made. There was a significant fall of pO2 between vessels of different orders. First-order arterioles (mean D = 64 microns) had pO2 of 51.8 +/- 9.8 mm Hg (mean +/- SD) which was equivalent to approximately equal to 73% of the arterial systemic pO2. Within the arteriolar network, further decreases of intravascular pO2 were measured, leading to a pO2 of 34.0 +/- 7.9 mm Hg in terminal arterioles (mean D = 7.7 microns). In some vessels pO2 was measured in different positions of the same arteriole. The average longitudinal arteriolar oxygen saturation gradient was 3.4 +/- 0.4 delta %/mm (range 0.8-7.2). A significant and positive correlation was found between pO2 and microhemodynamic parameters when arterioles were grouped according to their order. This relation was not significant for venules which showed a mean pO2 of 30.8 +/- 10.8 mm Hg. Tissue pO2 averaged 24.6 +/- 5.8 mm Hg. We conclude that: (1) There is an oxygen loss in arterial vessels larger than 100 micrograms in diameter, (2) arteriolar pO2 in this preparation depends on the position of the vessel within the network, (3) a substantial portion of oxygen delivery to the hamster skin is provided by the arteriolar network, and (4) only a small pO2 gradient exists between terminal

  18. Ab initio calculations of the {sup 33}S 3p{sup 4} {sup 3}P{sub J} and {sup 33}S{sup -}/{sup 37,} {sup 35}Cl 3p{sup 5} {sup 2}P{sup o}{sub J} hyperfine structures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Carette, T; Godefroid, M R, E-mail: tcarette@ulb.ac.be, E-mail: mrgodef@ulb.ac.be [Chimie Quantique et Photophysique, CP160/09, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue FD Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels (Belgium)

    2011-05-28

    We present highly correlated multi-configuration Hartree-Fock (MCHF) calculations of the hyperfine structure of the 3p{sup 5} {sup 2}P{sup o}{sub J} levels of {sup 33}S{sup -} and {sup 35,} {sup 37}Cl. We obtain good agreement with observation. The hyperfine structure of the neutral sulphur {sup 33}S 3p{sup 4} {sup 3}P{sub J} lowest multiplet that has never been measured to the knowledge of the authors is also estimated theoretically. We discuss some interesting observations made on the description of the atomic core in MCHF theory.

  19. Shell model description of 16O(p,γ)17F and 16O(p,p)16O reactions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bennaceur, K.; Michel, N.; Okolowicz, J.; Ploszajczak, M.; Bennaceur, K.; Nowacki, F.; Okolowicz, J.

    2000-01-01

    We present shell model calculations of both the structure of 17 F and the reactions 16 O(p,γ) 17 F, 16 O(p,p) 16 O. We use the ZBM interaction which provides a fair description of the properties of 16 O and neighbouring nuclei and, in particular it takes account for the complicated correlations in coexisting low-lying states of 16 O. (authors)

  20. Studies on some uranium oxides in the composition range U O3 -U3 O8-z. Vol. 3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    El-Fekey, S.A.; El-Mamoon Yahia, M.; Abd El-Razek, A.M.

    1996-01-01

    Four different crystallographic modifications of U O 3 designated as α, β, γ and δ, as well as the amorphous (A)-U O 3 have been prepared by calcining washed and unwashed uranium peroxide, washed ammonium uranate, uranyl nitrate crystals, and U O 3 .H 2 O at different temperatures. The U O 3 powders obtained were calcined at 650 degree C for 3 h in nitrogen atmosphere. Methanol, ethanol, benzene, toluene, hexane, pentane, acetone, petroleum ether, and kerosene were used as organic liquids for apparent density measurements and kerosene was found most appropriate. The results indicated that the different densities of α, β and A-U O 3 are inversely proportional to uranium concentration and temperature during precipitation while directly proportional with duration and final pH. The sequence of density of U O 3 powders appeared as follows: β>γ>δ>α>A-U O 3 . The porosity of the U O 3 phases was calculated using the equation P=D T - D p . The sequence of porosity appeared as follows A-U O 3 >α>δ>γ>β. The stoichiometry of the U 3 O 8 phase was determined titrimetrically. The use of O/U sequence appeared as follows: δ>γ>α>A-U O 3 >β indicating that the stoichiometry of the U 3 O 8 phase depends on the porosity of the U O 3 from which it was prepared. 1 figs., 3 tabs

  1. ANISOTROPY EFFECTS IN ELECTRON-CAPTURE BY O6+ FROM ALIGNED NA-ASTERISK(3P)

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    SCHLATMANN, AR; WIERSEMA, WP; HOEKSTRA, R; MORGENSTERN, R; OLSON, RE; PASCALE, J

    1994-01-01

    We report results of one electron capture by highly charged ions colliding with laser excited aligned Na*(3p). The 0 vi(10-->8) photon emission cross section after electron capture by the O6+ projectile is measured in the collision energy range 2-8 keV/amu. Effects of the Na*(3p) orbital alignment

  2. Combustion synthesis and characterization of MV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ (M = Gd, La, Y)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Motloung, Selepe J.; Lephoto, Mantwa A.; Tshabalala, Kamohelo G.; Ntwaeaborwa, Odireleng M.

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, GdV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+, LaV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ and YV0.5P0.5O4: Sm3+, Tm3+ phosphor powders were prepared by solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. The phase purity, surface morphology, optical and photoluminescence properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The XRD results indicated that the prepared powders are of a single phase and crystallized in tetragonal structure for Gd and Y systems while monoclinic phase was observed for La system. SEM showed that the samples consisted of mixed structures. The estimated band gaps were 2.2, 2.4 and 2.3 eV for Y, Gd and La systems respectively. The photoluminescence results showed four emission peaks. One peak is assigned to 1G4 - 3H6 transition of Tm3+, and three other emission peaks are attributed to 6G5/2 - 6H5/2, 6G5/2 - 6H7/2 and 6G5/2 - 6H9/2 transitions of Sm3+. The photoluminescent intensity was the highest in the gadolinium system.

  3. Pulpal inflammation after vital tooth bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ardiny Andriani

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available Background: In-office vital tooth bleaching is a treatment to remove tooth stains. Tooth sensitivity is one of side effect commonly complained by patients receiving this treatment. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine histological inflammatory cells infiltration of dental pulp after application of 38% H2O2 as a vital tooth bleaching agent. Methods: Under informed consent, a total of 15 premolars from 8 healthy subjects scheduled for orthodontic extraction were used in this study. Thirty eight percent H2O2 was applied on the buccal surface of the treated group. The treated teeth were extracted after 1 hour, 5, 8, and 15 days. All specimens were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned serially and stained with Hematoxyllin Eosin. Histological specimens were then observed under a light microscope. Results: All treated groups showed a slight disorganization of odontoblasts layer and slight inflammation in the pulp tissue adjacent to the 38% H2O2 application site. The number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN had increased significantly 1 hour after application of 38% H2O2 (p<0.05, while macrophages had significantly increased 5 days after the application (p<0.05. The most intense PMN and macrophages infiltration was found 5 days after the application and gradually decreased 8 days after application of38% H2O2. Conclusion: Application of 38% H2O2 as a vital tooth bleaching agent induces acute inflammation in human dental pulp; however, the inflammation will decrease 8 days after the application.Latar belakang: Perawatan pemutihan gigi vital metode in-office merupakan tindakan untuk menghilangkan pewarnaan pada gigi. Salah satu efek samping yang sering dikeluhkan oleh pasien yang menjalani perawatan ini adalah sensitivitas gigi. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengamati infiltrasi sel inflamasi pada pulpa gigi setelah aplikasi H2O2 38% sebagai bahan pemutih gigi. Metode: Sampel penelitian ini berupa 15 gigi premolar yang berasal dari 8

  4. Effective role of CaO/P2O5 ratio on SiO2-CaO-P2O5 glass system

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    P. Kiran

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available In the present work, the effect of the CaO/P2O5 ratio on the composition of sol-gel synthesized 58SiO2-(19 − xP2O5–(23 + xCaO (x = 0, 5, 10 and 15 mol% glass samples was studied. Further, the effect of NBO/BO ratio on hydroxy carbonated apatite layer (HCA forming ability based on dissolution behavior in simulated body fluid (SBF solution was also investigated. CaO/P2O5 ratios of synthesized glass samples were 1.2, 2, 3.6, and 9.5, respectively. NBO/BO ratios were obtained using Raman spectroscopic analysis as 0.58, 1.20, 1.46, and 1.78, respectively. All samples were soaked in the SBF solution for 7 days. The calculated weight losses of these samples were 58%, 64%, 83%, and 89% for corresponding NBO/BO ratios. The increase in CaO/P2O5 ratio increases the NBO/BO ratios. However, the increase in NBO/BO ratio increases HCA forming ability of SBF treated samples. The HCA crystalline layer formation was confirmed through X-ray Diffraction (XRD, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, Raman and Infrared spectroscopic analysis. Higher CaO/P2O5 ratio favors the increase in HCA formation for SBF treated calcium phospho silicate glasses.

  5. Stress induced enhanced polarization in multilayer BiFeO{sub 3}/BaTiO{sub 3} structure with improved energy storage properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sharma, Savita [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi (India); Department of Applied Physics, Delhi Technological University, Delhi (India); Tomar, Monika [Physics Department, Miranda House, University of Delhi, Delhi (India); Kumar, Ashok [CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S .Krishnan Marg, Delhi (India); Puri, Nitin K. [Department of Applied Physics, Delhi Technological University, Delhi (India); Gupta, Vinay, E-mail: vgupta@physics.du.ac.in, E-mail: drguptavinay@gmail.com [Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi (India)

    2015-10-15

    Present work reports the fabrication of a multilayer (5-layer) structure of BiFeO{sub 3}(BFO)/BaTiO{sub 3}(BTO) using spin-coating technique. The crystallographic structure, surface morphology and ferroelectric behavior of multilayer structure in metal-ferroelectric-metal capacitor have been studied. Le-Bail refinement of X-ray diffraction data revealed the formation of polycrystalline pure perovskite phase with induced stress. The values of remnant (P{sub r}) and saturation polarization (P{sub s}) for BFO/BTO multilayer structure are found to be 38.14 μC/cm{sup 2} and 71.54 μC/cm{sup 2} respectively, which are much higher than the corresponding values reported for bare BFO thin film. A large value of dielectric constant of 187 has been obtained for multilayer structure with a low leakage current density of 1.09 × 10{sup −7} A/cm{sup 2} at applied bias of 10 V. The BFO/BTO multilayer structure favors the enhanced energy storage capacity as compared to bare BFO thin film with improved values of energy-density and charge-discharge efficiency as 121 mJ/cm{sup 3} and 59% respectively, suggesting futuristic energy storage applications.

  6. Effect of 3G cell phone exposure with computer controlled 2-D stepper motor on non-thermal activation of the hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway in rat brain.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kesari, Kavindra Kumar; Meena, Ramovatar; Nirala, Jayprakash; Kumar, Jitender; Verma, H N

    2014-03-01

    Cell phone radiation exposure and its biological interaction is the present concern of debate. Present study aimed to investigate the effect of 3G cell phone exposure with computer controlled 2-D stepper motor on 45-day-old male Wistar rat brain. Animals were exposed for 2 h a day for 60 days by using mobile phone with angular movement up to zero to 30°. The variation of the motor is restricted to 90° with respect to the horizontal plane, moving at a pre-determined rate of 2° per minute. Immediately after 60 days of exposure, animals were scarified and numbers of parameters (DNA double-strand break, micronuclei, caspase 3, apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, expression of stress-responsive genes) were performed. Result shows that microwave radiation emitted from 3G mobile phone significantly induced DNA strand breaks in brain. Meanwhile a significant increase in micronuclei, caspase 3 and apoptosis were also observed in exposed group (P 3G mobile phone exposure causes a transient increase in phosphorylation of hsp27, hsp70, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), which leads to mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated cytochrome c release and subsequent activation of caspases, involved in the process of radiation-induced apoptotic cell death. Study shows that the oxidative stress is the main factor which activates a variety of cellular signal transduction pathways, among them the hsp27/p38MAPK is the pathway of principle stress response. Results conclude that 3G mobile phone radiations affect the brain function and cause several neurological disorders.

  7. Magnetocaloric effect in In doped YbMnO{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sattibabu, Bhumireddi, E-mail: bsb.satti@gmail.com [School of Engineering Sciences and Technology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046 (India); Department of Electronics and Physics, Institute of Science, GITAM University, Visakhapatnam 530045 (India); Bhatnagar, A.K., E-mail: anilb42@gmail.com [School of Physics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046 (India); Vinod, K.; Mani, Awadhesh [Condensed Matter Physics Division, Materials Science Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam 603102 (India)

    2017-06-01

    Magnetic and magnetocaloric (MCE) properties of Yb{sub 0.9}In{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} and Yb{sub 0.8}In{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} polycrystalline samples are presented in this paper. Isothermal magnetization measurements reveal a field induced magnetic transition. Magnetic entropy change of 2.34±0.35 J/mole-K for Yb{sub 0.9}In{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} and 2.64±0.38 J/mole-K for Yb{sub 0.8}In{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} field change ΔH =10 KOe is observed around the ferromagnetic ordering temperature of Yb{sup 3+}. Values of relative cooling power for the same field change are found to be 38.03±9 J /mol, and 40.90±10 J/mol for Yb{sub 0.9}In{sub 0.1}MnO{sub 3} and Yb{sub 0.8}In{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3}, respectively. These values suggest In doped YbMnO{sub 3} may be a potential candidate for magnetic refrigerant at low temperatures.

  8. IR spectra and structure of glasses in the BaO-WO3-P2O5 system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miroshnichenko, O.Ya.; Mombelli, V.V.

    1979-01-01

    Studied are IR absorption spectra and determined are the main structural characteristics of tungstophosphate glasses of the BaO-WO 3 -P 2 O 5 system in all the area of glass formation. It is shown that the main structural components of their anion network are phosphate chains consisting of PO 4 tetrahedrons and tungstate chains consisting of WO 4 tetrahedrons and of WO 6 octahedrons. These chains are connected by P-O-W bridges into three-dimentional tungstophosphate network, where the ratio of phosphate and tungstate structural units and their polymerization degree change without limits depending on the glass composition. Analysis of concentration frequency dependence and spectral band intensity permit to clarify the effect of each component on the glass structure in all the area of glass formation of the triple system

  9. Involvement of histone H3 phosphorylation via the activation of p38 MAPK pathway and intracellular redox status in cytotoxicity of HL-60 cells induced by Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kikuchi, Hidetomo; Yuan, Bo; Yuhara, Eisuke; Imai, Masahiko; Furutani, Ryota; Fukushima, Shin; Hazama, Shingo; Hirobe, Chieko; Ohyama, Kunio; Takagi, Norio; Toyoda, Hiroo

    2014-08-01

    We have demonstrated that an extract from the ripe fruit of Vitex angus-castus (Vitex), might be a promising anticancer candidate. In order to further provide a molecular rationale for clinical development in anticancer therapy, a detailed mechanism underlying the efficacy of Vitex against HL-60 cells was investigated. Vitex induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell viability associated with induction of apoptosis and G(2)/M cell cycle arrest, both of which were suppressed by the addition of SB203580, an inhibitor for p38 MAPK. Furthermore, SB203580 significantly suppressed Vitex-induced phosphorylation of histone H3, a downstream molecule of p38 MAPK known to be involved in apoptosis induction in tumor cells. Notably, Vitex induced upregulation of intracellular ATP, known to bind its binding pocket inside activated p38 MAPK and to be required for the activation of p38 MAPK pathway. These results, thus, suggest that upregulation of intracellular ATP and phosphorylation of histone H3 are closely associated with the activation of p38 MAPK pathway, consequently contributing to Vitex-mediated cytotoxicity. Intriguingly, a significant decrease of intracellular ROS levels and downregulation of expression level of gp91(phox), an important component of NADPH oxidase, were observed in Vitex-treated cells. A greater decline in ROS levels along with enhanced apoptosis was observed after treatment with Vitex in combination with SnPP, an inhibitor specific for HO-1. Since NADPH oxidase and HO-1 are closely correlated to redox status associated with intracellular ROS levels, the two enzymes are suggested to be implicated in Vitex-mediated cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells by regulating ROS generation. We also suggest that activation of the p38 MAPK pathway may be dependent on the alterations of intracellular ATP levels, rather than that of intracellular ROS levels. These results may have important implications for appropriate clinical uses of Vitex and provide novel insights

  10. A note on structural and dielectric properties of BiFeO3- PbTiO3 and BiFeO3- PbZrO3 composites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Satpathy, S. K.; Mohanty, N. K.; Behera, A. K.; Behera, B.; Nayak, P.

    2015-01-01

    The composites of BiFeO 3 -PbTiO 3 (BF-PT) and BiFeO 3 -PbZrO 3 (BF-PZ) were prepared by mixed oxide method. Room temperature X-ray diffraction data confirms the rhombohedral and tetragonal crystal structure respectively. Dielectric constant of BF-PZ is found to give high value compared to BF-PT and hence, there is an increase value of ac conductivity for the former. Both the composites show negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior. The activation energies of BF-PT and BF-PZ are found to be 0.35 eV and 0.53 eV respectively. The d 33 coefficients are found to be 2.0 and 2.1 pC/N for BF-PT and BF-PZ respectively

  11. Protective effect of tropisetron on rodent hepatic injury after trauma-hemorrhagic shock through P38 MAPK-dependent hemeoxygenase-1 expression.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fu-Chao Liu

    Full Text Available Tropisetron can decrease inflammatory cell responses and alleviate organ damage caused by trauma-hemorrhage, but the mechanism of these effects remains unknown. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/hemeoxygenase-1 (p38 MAPK/HO-1 pathway exerts anti-inflammatory effects on different tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether p38 MAPK/HO-1 plays any role in the tropisetron-mediated attenuation of hepatic injury after trauma-hemorrhage. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure maintained at approximately 35-40 mmHg for 90 min, followed by fluid resuscitation. During resuscitation, several treatment regimens were administered: four doses of tropisetron alone (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg body weight, or a single dose of tropisetron (1 mg/kg body weight with and without a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB-203580, 2 mg/kg body weight or HO antagonist (chromium-mesoporphyrin, 2.5 mg/kg body weight. Various parameters were measured, and the animals were sacrificed at 24 h post-resuscitation. The results showed that trauma-hemorrhage increased the following parameters: plasma concentrations of aspartate (AST and alanine aminotransferases (ALT, hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO activity, and levels of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 and -3 (CINC-1 and CINC-3, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α. These parameters were significantly improved in the tropisetron-treated rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. Tropisetron treatment also increased hepatic p38 MAPK and HO-1 expression compared with vehicle-treated trauma-hemorrhaged rats. Co-administration of SB-203580 or chromium-mesoporphyrin with tropisetron abolished the tropisetron-induced beneficial effects on the above parameters and hepatic injury. These results suggest that the protective effect of tropisetron administration on alleviation of hepatic

  12. Protective effect of tropisetron on rodent hepatic injury after trauma-hemorrhagic shock through P38 MAPK-dependent hemeoxygenase-1 expression.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Fu-Chao; Yu, Huang-Ping; Hwang, Tsong-Long; Tsai, Yung-Fong

    2012-01-01

    Tropisetron can decrease inflammatory cell responses and alleviate organ damage caused by trauma-hemorrhage, but the mechanism of these effects remains unknown. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/hemeoxygenase-1 (p38 MAPK/HO-1) pathway exerts anti-inflammatory effects on different tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate whether p38 MAPK/HO-1 plays any role in the tropisetron-mediated attenuation of hepatic injury after trauma-hemorrhage. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure maintained at approximately 35-40 mmHg for 90 min), followed by fluid resuscitation. During resuscitation, several treatment regimens were administered: four doses of tropisetron alone (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg body weight), or a single dose of tropisetron (1 mg/kg body weight) with and without a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB-203580, 2 mg/kg body weight) or HO antagonist (chromium-mesoporphyrin, 2.5 mg/kg body weight). Various parameters were measured, and the animals were sacrificed at 24 h post-resuscitation. The results showed that trauma-hemorrhage increased the following parameters: plasma concentrations of aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferases (ALT), hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and levels of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 and -3 (CINC-1 and CINC-3), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α). These parameters were significantly improved in the tropisetron-treated rats subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. Tropisetron treatment also increased hepatic p38 MAPK and HO-1 expression compared with vehicle-treated trauma-hemorrhaged rats. Co-administration of SB-203580 or chromium-mesoporphyrin with tropisetron abolished the tropisetron-induced beneficial effects on the above parameters and hepatic injury. These results suggest that the protective effect of tropisetron administration on alleviation of hepatic injury

  13. Stably dispersible P3HT/ZnO nanocomposites with tunable luminescence by in-situ hydrolysis and copolymerization of zinc methacrylate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Lin; Li Fan; Chen Yiwang; Peng Xiaoming; Zhou Weihua

    2010-01-01

    In this paper, the copolymer shell with the internal hydrophobic polymethacrylate layer and the external hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether groups was successfully bonded on the surface of ZnO nanocrystals through a simple sol-gel method, i.e., radical polymerization of zinc methacrylate (Zn(MA) 2 ) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMEMA) and hydrolysis. The prepared ZnO-poly(methacrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (ZnO-PPEGMA) nanocrystals showed good dispersion and smaller particle size, due to the presence of copolymer shell. The optical properties of ZnO-PPEGMA nanocrystals were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the absorption edge and PL emission in the UV region of ZnO-PPEGMA nanocrystals appeared obvious blue-shift, due to the smaller particle size. Incorporation of ZnO-PPEGMA nanocrystals into poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) matrix, the dispersion of P3HT/ZnO-PPEGMA nanocomposites was greatly improved and the nanocomposites possessed excellent photoluminescence stability. Meanwhile, it was observed that the PL emission of P3HT/ZnO-PPEGMA nanocomposites was enhanced significantly, due to the presence of copolymer shell and the improvement of compatibility of ZnO-PPEGMA in the P3HT matrix. The results showed that the P3HT/ZnO-PPEGMA nanocomposites could be potential candidates for optical applications.

  14. Γ-Ionizing radiation activated EGFR-p38/ERK-STAT3/CREB-1-EMT pathway for promotion of the migration/invasion of lung cancer cell and its inhibition by podophyllotoxin acetate

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cho, Jeong Hyun; Um, Hong Duck; Park, Jong Kuk [Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-05-15

    In this study, we sought to identify the intracellular machinery responsible for IR induced cancer invasion/migration. We report that IR activates the EGFR - p38/ERK - CREB-1/STAT3 pathway, which triggers EMT and increases invasion/migration of lung cancer. Moreover, we show that podophyllotoxin acetate (PA) inhibits IR-induced invasion/migration at least partly by blocking EGFR - p38/ERK - STAT3/ CREB-1signaling and thereby suppressing EMT. Our results revealed that IR increased the invasion/migration of A549 cells, and this effect was decreased by 10 nM PA treatment. PA also inhibited the expressions/activities of matrix metalloprotase (MMP) -2, MMP-9, and vimentin, suggesting that PA could block the IR-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The IR induced increases in invasion/migration were associated with the activation of EGFR-AKT, and PA inhibited this effect. P38 and p44/42 ERK were also involved in IR induced invasion/migration, and combined treatments with PA plus inhibitors of each MAPK synergistically blocked this invasion/migration. In terms of transcription factors (TFs), IR-induced increases in cyclic AMP response element-binding protein-1 (CREB-1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) increased invasion/migration and EMT. PA also inhibited these transcription factors and then blocked IR-induced invasion/migration.

  15. Γ-Ionizing radiation activated EGFR-p38/ERK-STAT3/CREB-1-EMT pathway for promotion of the migration/invasion of lung cancer cell and its inhibition by podophyllotoxin acetate

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cho, Jeong Hyun; Um, Hong Duck; Park, Jong Kuk

    2016-01-01

    In this study, we sought to identify the intracellular machinery responsible for IR induced cancer invasion/migration. We report that IR activates the EGFR - p38/ERK - CREB-1/STAT3 pathway, which triggers EMT and increases invasion/migration of lung cancer. Moreover, we show that podophyllotoxin acetate (PA) inhibits IR-induced invasion/migration at least partly by blocking EGFR - p38/ERK - STAT3/ CREB-1signaling and thereby suppressing EMT. Our results revealed that IR increased the invasion/migration of A549 cells, and this effect was decreased by 10 nM PA treatment. PA also inhibited the expressions/activities of matrix metalloprotase (MMP) -2, MMP-9, and vimentin, suggesting that PA could block the IR-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The IR induced increases in invasion/migration were associated with the activation of EGFR-AKT, and PA inhibited this effect. P38 and p44/42 ERK were also involved in IR induced invasion/migration, and combined treatments with PA plus inhibitors of each MAPK synergistically blocked this invasion/migration. In terms of transcription factors (TFs), IR-induced increases in cyclic AMP response element-binding protein-1 (CREB-1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) increased invasion/migration and EMT. PA also inhibited these transcription factors and then blocked IR-induced invasion/migration

  16. Matérias estranhas em canela em pó e páprica em pó, comercializadas no estado de São Paulo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    CORREIA Marlene

    2000-01-01

    Full Text Available Com objetivos de padronizar metodologias para matérias estranhas em canela em pó e páprica em pó e de avaliar as condições higiênicas desses condimentos, foram adquiridas, no período de agosto a novembro de 1998, 78 amostras de canela em pó e 56 de páprica em pó, em estabelecimentos comerciais de seis cidades do Estado de São Paulo. Foram utilizados métodos da Association of Official Analytical Chemists International (AOAC - 1995, 16.14.12/968.38b para canela em pó e 16.14.22/977.25B para páprica em pó. Os métodos mostraram-se adequados, sem resíduos interferentes no papel de filtro que dificultasse o diagnóstico da análise e viáveis de serem utilizados nos laboratórios de Microscopia de Alimentos. Os resultados obtidos indicaram 100% das amostras contendo fragmentos de insetos; pêlos de roedor foram isolados em 73,1% de amostras de canela em pó e 34,0% de páprica em pó, enquanto ácaros mortos apareceram, respectivamente, em 37,2% e 12,5% de amostras. É necessário revisão da legislação de alimentos em vigor, com o estabelecimento de níveis de tolerância para fragmentos de insetos.

  17. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK): A New Therapeutic Target for Reducing the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Menon, Ramkumar; Papaconstantinou, John

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) and preterm premature rupture of the membranes (pPROM) remain as a major clinical and therapeutic problem for intervention and management. Current strategies, based on our knowledge of pathways of preterm labor, have only been effective, in part, due to major gaps in our existing knowledge of risks and risk specific pathways. Areas covered Recent literature has identified physiologic aging of fetal tissues as a potential mechanistic feature of normal parturition. This process is affected by telomere dependent and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced senescence activation. Pregnancy associated risk factors can cause pathologic activation of this pathway that can cause oxidative stress induced p38 MAPK activation leading to senescence and premature aging of fetal tissues. Premature aging is associated with sterile inflammation capable of triggering preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Preterm activation of p38MAPK can be considered as a key contributor to adverse pregnancies. Expert Opinion This review considers p38MAPK activation as a potential target for therapeutic interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes mediated by stress factors. In this review, we propose multiple strategies to prevent p38MAPK activation and its functional effects. PMID:27459026

  18. Novel Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3}p-n heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability under visible light irradiation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Teng, Wei, E-mail: tengw@just.edu.cn [Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003 (China); Tan, Xiangjun [Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003 (China); Li, Xinyong [Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemical, School of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 (China); Tang, Yubin [Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003 (China)

    2017-07-01

    Graphical abstract: Excellent photocatalytic activity and stability are achieved over Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3}p-n heterostructure nanocatalyst, which was increased the charge separation efficiencies. - Highlights: • The Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3}p-n heterostructure nanocatalyst was synthesized successfully. • The composite nanocatalyst possesses excellent photocatalytic activity and stability. • The effective separation of electron-hole pairs were mainly depend on the inner electric field of p-n heterojunction. - Abstract: Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3}p-n heterojunction have been successfully fabricated by using a simple in situ solvent method. SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS and electrochemical techniques were used to study the structural and electrochemical characteristics of the resulting materials. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained composite was tested by the degradation of organic dye (methylene blue) under visible-light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3} remained 92.5% after four recycling runs, which was much higher than that of the pure Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4} (54%). The obtained results confirm that the novel Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}/MoO{sub 3} heterostructure exhibited significantly higher photocatalytic activities and improved stability compared with bare Ag{sub 3}PO{sub 4}. The excellent photocatalytic activity came from the effective separation of the electron-hole pairs under the effect of built-in electric field in the interfacial the of the p-n heterojunction, and then made the holes more available for dyes oxidation.

  19. Photoluminescence in Sm3+ doped Ba2P2O7 phosphor prepared by solution combustion method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ghawade, Sonal P.; Deshmukh, Kavita A.; Dhoble, S. J.; Deshmukh, Abhay D.

    2018-05-01

    In this paper, Sm3+ doped Ba2P2O7 phosphors were synthesized via a Solution combustion method. The crystal structure of the phosphor was characterized by XRD. Orange-red emission was observed from these phosphors under near-ultraviolet (UV) excitation at 404 nm. The luminescence properties of the obtained phosphors were characterized by different techniques. The Ba2P2O7:Sm3+ phosphor can be efficiently excited by near-UV and blue light, and their emission spectrum consists of three emission peaks, at 564, 602, and 646 nm, respectively. Based on the results, the as prepared Ba2P2O7:Sm3+ phosphors are promising orange-red-emitting phosphors exhibit great potential may be applicable as a spectral convertor in c-Si solar cell to enhance the efficiency of solar cell in future.

  20. TRAF6 promotes myogenic differentiation via the TAK1/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt pathways.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fang Xiao

    Full Text Available p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK is an essential kinase involved in myogenic differentiation. Although many substrates of p38 MAPK have been identified, little is known about its upstream activators during myogenic differentiation. TRAF6 is known to function in cytokine signaling during inflammatory responses. However, not much is known about its role in myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration. We showed here that TRAF6 and its intrinsic ubiquitin E3 ligase activity are required for myogenic differentiation. In mouse myoblasts, knockdown of TRAF6 compromised the p38 MAPK and Akt pathways, while deliberate activation of either pathway rescued the differentiation defect caused by TRAF6 knockdown. TAK1 acted as a key signal transducer downstream of TRAF6 in myogenic differentiation. In vivo, knockdown of TRAF6 in mouse muscles compromised the injury-induced muscle regeneration without impairing macrophage infiltration and myoblast proliferation. Collectively, we demonstrated that TRAF6 promotes myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration via the TAK1/p38 MAPK and Akt pathways.

  1. COMP-angiopoietin 1 increases proliferation, differentiation, and migration of stem-like cells through Tie-2-mediated activation of p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathways

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kook, Sung-Ho [Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences and School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (Korea, Republic of); Lim, Shin-Saeng [School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Eui-Sic; Lee, Young-Hoon; Han, Seong-Kyu; Lee, Kyung-Yeol [Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences and School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (Korea, Republic of); Kwon, Jungkee [College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (Korea, Republic of); Hwang, Jae-Won; Bae, Cheol-Hyeon [Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences and School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (Korea, Republic of); Seo, Young-Kwon [Research Institute of Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Jeong-Chae, E-mail: leejc88@jbnu.ac.kr [Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences and School of Dentistry, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju (Korea, Republic of)

    2014-12-12

    Highlights: • COMP-Ang1 induces Tie-2 activation in BMMSCs, but not in primary osteoblasts. • Tie-2 knockdown inhibits COMP-Ang1-stimulated proliferation and osteoblastogenesis. • Tie-2 knockdown prevents COMP-Ang1-induced activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK. • COMP-Ang1 induces migration of cells via activation of PI3K/Akt and CXCR4 pathways. • COMP-Ang1 stimulates in vivo migration of PDLSCs into a calvarial defect site of rats. - Abstract: Recombinant COMP-Ang1, a chimera of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and a short coiled-coil domain of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), is under consideration as a therapeutic agent capable of inducing the homing of cells with increased angiogenesis. However, the potentials of COMP-Ang1 to stimulate migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the associated mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the potential of COMP-Ang1 on bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and calvarial osteoblasts. COMP-Ang1 augmented Tie-2 induction at protein and mRNA levels and increased proliferation and expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix, and CXCR4 in BMMSCs, but not in osteoblasts. The COMP-Ang1-mediated increases were inhibited by Tie-2 knockdown and by treating inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), LY294002, or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), SB203580. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Akt was prevented by siRNA-mediated silencing of Tie-2. COMP-Ang1 also induced in vitro migration of BMMSCs and PDLSCs. The induced migration was suppressed by Tie-2 knockdown and by CXCR4-specific peptide antagonist or LY294002, but not by SB203580. Furthermore, COMP-Ang1 stimulated the migration of PDLSCs into calvarial defect site of rats. Collectively, our results demonstrate that COMP-Ang1-stimulated proliferation, differentiation, and migration of progenitor cells may involve the Tie-2-mediated activation of p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways.

  2. COMP-angiopoietin 1 increases proliferation, differentiation, and migration of stem-like cells through Tie-2-mediated activation of p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathways

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kook, Sung-Ho; Lim, Shin-Saeng; Cho, Eui-Sic; Lee, Young-Hoon; Han, Seong-Kyu; Lee, Kyung-Yeol; Kwon, Jungkee; Hwang, Jae-Won; Bae, Cheol-Hyeon; Seo, Young-Kwon; Lee, Jeong-Chae

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • COMP-Ang1 induces Tie-2 activation in BMMSCs, but not in primary osteoblasts. • Tie-2 knockdown inhibits COMP-Ang1-stimulated proliferation and osteoblastogenesis. • Tie-2 knockdown prevents COMP-Ang1-induced activation of PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK. • COMP-Ang1 induces migration of cells via activation of PI3K/Akt and CXCR4 pathways. • COMP-Ang1 stimulates in vivo migration of PDLSCs into a calvarial defect site of rats. - Abstract: Recombinant COMP-Ang1, a chimera of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and a short coiled-coil domain of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), is under consideration as a therapeutic agent capable of inducing the homing of cells with increased angiogenesis. However, the potentials of COMP-Ang1 to stimulate migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the associated mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the potential of COMP-Ang1 on bone marrow (BM)-MSCs, human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and calvarial osteoblasts. COMP-Ang1 augmented Tie-2 induction at protein and mRNA levels and increased proliferation and expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osterix, and CXCR4 in BMMSCs, but not in osteoblasts. The COMP-Ang1-mediated increases were inhibited by Tie-2 knockdown and by treating inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), LY294002, or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), SB203580. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Akt was prevented by siRNA-mediated silencing of Tie-2. COMP-Ang1 also induced in vitro migration of BMMSCs and PDLSCs. The induced migration was suppressed by Tie-2 knockdown and by CXCR4-specific peptide antagonist or LY294002, but not by SB203580. Furthermore, COMP-Ang1 stimulated the migration of PDLSCs into calvarial defect site of rats. Collectively, our results demonstrate that COMP-Ang1-stimulated proliferation, differentiation, and migration of progenitor cells may involve the Tie-2-mediated activation of p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways

  3. Influence of Nest Box Color and Release Sites on Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) Reproductive Success in a Commercial Almond Orchard.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Artz, Derek R; Allan, Matthew J; Wardell, Gordon I; Pitts-Singer, Theresa L

    2014-12-01

    Intensively managed, commercial orchards offer resources for managed solitary bees within agricultural landscapes and provide a means to study bee dispersal patterns, spatial movement, nest establishment, and reproduction. In 2012, we studied the impact of 1) the color of nest boxes covaried with four nest box density treatments and 2) the number of bee release sites covaried with two nest box density treatments on the reproductive success of Osmia lignaria Say in a California almond orchard pollinated by a mixture of O. lignaria and Apis mellifera L. Nest box color influenced the number of nests, total cells, and cells with male and female brood. More nests and cells were produced in light blue nest boxes than in orange or yellow nest boxes. The covariate nest box density also had a significant effect on brood production. The number of release sites did not affect O. lignaria nesting and reproduction, but the number of cavities in nest boxes influenced reproduction. Overall, the color of nest boxes and their distribution, but not the number of release sites, can greatly affect O. lignaria nest establishment and reproductive success in a commercial almond orchard. The ability to locate nesting sites in a homogenous, large orchard landscape may also be facilitated by the higher frequency of nest boxes with low numbers of cavities, and by the ability to detect certain nest box colors that best contrast with the blooming trees. © 2014 Entomological Society of America.

  4. A theoretical study of the H-abstraction reactions from HOI by moist air radiolytic products (H, OH, and O (3P)) and iodine atoms (2P(3/2)).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hammaecher, Catherine; Canneaux, Sébastien; Louis, Florent; Cantrel, Laurent

    2011-06-23

    The rate constants of the reactions of HOI molecules with H, OH, O ((3)P), and I ((2)P(3/2)) atoms have been estimated over the temperature range 300-2500 K using four different levels of theory. Geometry optimizations and vibrational frequency calculations are performed using MP2 methods combined with two basis sets (cc-pVTZ and 6-311G(d,p)). Single-point energy calculations are performed with the highly correlated ab initio coupled cluster method in the space of single, double, and triple (pertubatively) electron excitations CCSD(T) using the cc-pVTZ, cc-pVQZ, 6-311+G(3df,2p), and 6-311++G(3df,3pd) basis sets. Reaction enthalpies at 0 K were calculated at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVnZ//MP2/cc-pVTZ (n = T and Q), CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p)//MP2/6-311G(d,p), and CCSD(T)/6-311++G(3df,3pd)//MP2/6-311G(d,p) levels of theory and compared to the experimental values taken from the literature. Canonical transition-state theory with an Eckart tunneling correction is used to predict the rate constants as a function of temperature. The computational procedure has been used to predict rate constants for H-abstraction elementary reactions because there are actually no literature data to which the calculated rate constants can be directly compared. The final objective is to implement kinetics of gaseous reactions in the ASTEC (accident source term evaluation code) program to improve speciation of fission products, which can be transported along the reactor coolant system (RCS) of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) in the case of a severe accident.

  5. Chemical aspects of the radioactive decay 38S to 38Cl

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leurs, C.J.

    1978-01-01

    The cyclotron-production of 38 S with the reaction 40 Ar(p,3p) 38 S is described. An excitation curve for this nuclear reaction is given and the chemistry used to produce sulfates labeled with 38 S and H 2 38 S is described. The probability distribution of the recoil energy of 38 Cl, produced by beta-decay of 38 S, is given. The probability for rupture of the original bonds due to the radioactive decay process, is estimated for gaseous H 2 38 S and for crystalline sulfates- 38 S. The results are given for the β,γ-decay of 38 S to 38 Cl under different circumstances in inorganic solid sulfates (with and without water of crystallization) and in the mixed crystal K 2 SO 4 .K 2 BeF 4 (1 : 2500). Finally, the reactions of 38 Cl, produced by radioactive decay of 38 S (as H 2 38 S) with gaseous 1,2-dichloroethylene are discussed

  6. The protective mechanism of quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (QGC) in H2O2-induced injury of feline esophageal epithelial cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sohn, Uy Soo; Lee, Se Eun; Lee, Sung Hee; Nam, Yoonjin; Hwang, Wan Kyunn; Sohn, Uy Dong

    2016-09-01

    Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronopyranoside (QGC) is a flavonoid glucoside extracted from Rumex Aquaticus. Recent studies have shown that QGC exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidateve effect in vivo and cytoprotective effect in vitro. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), at low concentration, play role as a primary signal or second messenger, however, at high concentration, ROS are cytotoxic. In this study, we investigated the protective mechanism of QGC in H2O2-induced injury of Feline Esophageal Epithelial Cells. Primary-cultured feline esophagus cells were identified by an indirect immunofluorescent staining method using a cytokeratin monoclonal antibody. Cell viability was determined by the conventional MTT reduction assay. Western blot analysis was performed with specific antibodies to investigate the activation of MAPKs, NF-κB, and IκB-α, and the expression of COX-2. When the cells were exposed to 600 μM H2O2 medium for 24 h, cell viability decreased to 54 %. However, when cells were pretreated with 50-150 μM QGC for 12 h, the viability of cells exposed to H2O2 significantly increased in the dose dependent manner. QGC (50 μM, 12 h) also inhibited the expression of COX-2 induced by 10 μM H2O2 for 24 h. We found that treatment of H2O2 activated p38 MAPK and JNK, but not ERK. However QGC inhibited the H2O2-induced p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation. In addition, NF-κB was activated by H2O2 and translocated into the nucleus, but QGC inhibited the activation of NF-κB by blocking degradation of IκB. These data suggest that QGC reduces H2O2-induced COX-2 production by modulating the p38 MAPK, JNK, NF-κB signal pathway in feline esophageal epithelial cells.

  7. OXIDACIÓN DE p -NITROFENOL USANDO TiO 2 -ADENOSINA MONOFOSFATO I OXIDATION OF p -NITROPHENOL USING TiO 2 -ADENOSIN MONOPHOSPHATE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos F. Rivas

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available The surface of TiO2 was modified with the nucleotides adenosine 3’-monophosphate (AMP’3 and Adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP’5. The adsorption of nucleotides was adjusted to Langmuir ́s adsorption model, determining that the optimal condition for TiO 2 modification was at neutral pH. UV-Visible Diffuse Reflectance and IR Attenuated Total Reflectance spectra show that the chemisorption of nucleotides take placed on TiO 2 anatase. The new catalysts (TiO 2 -nucleotide improved the photodegradation of p -nitrophenol in a wide range of pH as compared with the titanium dioxide precursor. Most photoactivity was generated by using the new photocatalytic in the degradation of p -nitrophenol at pH = 6, obtaining high values for the pseudo first order kinetic constant (0.0254 min -1 and 0.0244 min -1 for TiO 2 -AMP’3 and TiO 2 -AMP’5, respectively. For all pH, the trend obtained for the photodegradation was: TiO 2 -AMP ́3 @ TiO 2 -AMP’5 > TiO 2 . Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics shows that the contribution of the surface reac tion rate governs the oxidation of the contaminant.

  8. 38 CFR 3.11 - Homicide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Homicide. 3.11 Section 3.11 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ADJUDICATION Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation General § 3.11 Homicide. Any person who has...

  9. Glass formation and properties of glasses in V/sub 2/O/sub 5/-B/sub 2/O/sub 3/-P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ system

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sedmale, G P; Vajvad, Ya A; Arkhipova, S E; Laukmanis, L A

    1987-01-01

    The glass formation in the system V/sub 2/O/sub 5/-B/sub 2/O/sub 3/-P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ and the properties of the obtained glasses have been studied by methods including that of the mathematical design and the treatment of the obtained data on ECM. The glass formation region is limited by the molar content of V/sub 2/O/sub 5/ 30-80%, B/sub 2/O/sub 3/ 0-45%, P/sub 2/O/sub 5/ 20-65%. The chemical stability data show that at the molar content of V/sub 2/O/sub 5/ 45-50% the transfer of vanadium from the state of the modificator to the glass-forming agent takes place. For the studied glasses the electron mechanism of conductivity is the dominating one.

  10. Application of electroless Ni-P coating on magnesium alloy via CrO3/HF free titanate pretreatment

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rajabalizadeh, Z.; Seifzadeh, D.

    2017-11-01

    The titanate conversion coating was applied as CrO3/HF free pretreatment for the electroless Ni-P plating on AM60B magnesium alloy. The microscopic images revealed that the alloy surface was completely covered by a cracked conversion film after titanate pretreatment which was mainly composed of Mg(OH)2/MgO, MgF2, TiO2, SiO2, and Al2O3/Al(OH)3. The microscopic images also revealed that numerous Ni nucleation centers were formed over the titanate film after short electroless plating times. The nucleation centers were created not only on the cracked area but also over the whole pretreated surface due to the catalytic action of the titanate film. Also, uniform, dense, and defect-free Ni-P coating with fine structure was achieved after 3 h plating. The Ni-P coating showed mixed crystalline-amorphous structure due to its moderate phosphorus content. The results of two traditional corrosion monitoring methods indicated that the Ni-P coating significantly increases the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy. Moreover, Electrochemical Noise (EN) method was used as a non-polarized technique to study the corrosion behavior of the electroless coating at different immersion times. The results of the EN tests were clearly showed the localized nature of the corrosion process. Micro-hardness value of the magnesium alloy was remarkably enhanced after the electroless plating. Finally, suitable adhesion between the Ni-P coating and the magnesium alloy substrate was confirmed by thermal shock and pull-off-adhesion tests.

  11. Zinc rescues obesity-induced cardiac hypertrophy via stimulating metallothionein to suppress oxidative stress-activated BCL10/CARD9/p38 MAPK pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Shudong; Gu, Junlian; Xu, Zheng; Zhang, Zhiguo; Bai, Tao; Xu, Jianxiang; Cai, Jun; Barnes, Gregory; Liu, Qiu-Ju; Freedman, Jonathan H; Wang, Yonggang; Liu, Quan; Zheng, Yang; Cai, Lu

    2017-06-01

    Obesity often leads to obesity-related cardiac hypertrophy (ORCH), which is suppressed by zinc-induced inactivation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which zinc inactivates p38 MAPK to prevent ORCH. Mice (4-week old) were fed either high fat diet (HFD, 60% kcal fat) or normal diet (ND, 10% kcal fat) containing variable amounts of zinc (deficiency, normal and supplement) for 3 and 6 months. P38 MAPK siRNA and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 were used to suppress p38 MAPK activity in vitro and in vivo, respectively. HFD activated p38 MAPK and increased expression of B-cell lymphoma/CLL 10 (BCL10) and caspase recruitment domain family member 9 (CARD9). These responses were enhanced by zinc deficiency and attenuated by zinc supplement. Administration of SB203580 to HFD mice or specific siRNA in palmitate-treated cardiomyocytes eliminated the HFD and zinc deficiency activation of p38 MAPK, but did not significantly impact the expression of BCL10 and CARD9. In cultured cardiomyocytes, inhibition of BCL10 expression by siRNA prevented palmitate-induced increased p38 MAPK activation and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression. In contrast, inhibition of p38 MAPK prevented ANP expression, but did not affect BCL10 expression. Deletion of metallothionein abolished the protective effect of zinc on palmitate-induced up-regulation of BCL10 and phospho-p38 MAPK. HFD and zinc deficiency synergistically induce ORCH by increasing oxidative stress-mediated activation of BCL10/CARD9/p38 MAPK signalling. Zinc supplement ameliorates ORCH through activation of metallothionein to repress oxidative stress-activated BCL10 expression and p38 MAPK activation. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

  12. p38 MAPK as an essential regulator of dorsal-ventral axis specification and skeletogenesis during sea urchin development: a re-evaluation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Molina, Maria Dolores; Quirin, Magali; Haillot, Emmanuel; Jimenez, Felipe; Chessel, Aline; Lepage, Thierry

    2017-06-15

    Dorsal-ventral axis formation in the sea urchin embryo relies on the asymmetrical expression of the TGFβ Nodal. The p38-MAPK pathway has been proposed to be essential for dorsal-ventral axis formation by acting upstream of nodal expression. Here, we report that, in contrast to previous studies that used pharmacological inhibitors of p38, manipulating the activity of p38 by genetic means has no obvious impact on morphogenesis. Instead, we discovered that p38 inhibitors strongly disrupt specification of all germ layers by blocking signalling from the Nodal receptor and by interfering with the ERK pathway. Strikingly, while expression of a mutant p38 that is resistant to SB203580 did not rescue dorsal-ventral axis formation or skeletogenesis in embryos treated with this inhibitor, expression of mutant Nodal receptors that are resistant to SB203580 fully restored nodal expression in SB203580-treated embryos. Taken together, these results establish that p38 activity is not required for dorsal-ventral axis formation through nodal expression nor for skeletogenesis. Our results prompt a re-evaluation of the conclusions of several recent studies that linked p38 activity to dorsal-ventral axis formation and to patterning of the skeleton. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  13. FANCA and FANCC modulate TLR and p38 MAPK–dependent expression of IL-1β in macrophages

    Science.gov (United States)

    Garbati, Michael R.; Hays, Laura E.; Keeble, Winifred; Yates, Jane E.; Rathbun, R. Keaney

    2013-01-01

    Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with inactivated Fanconi anemia (FA) genes, FANCA and FANCC, are hypersensitive to inflammatory cytokines. One of these, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), is also overproduced by FA mononuclear phagocytes in response to certain Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, creating an autoinhibitory loop that may contribute to the pathogenesis of progressive bone marrow (BM) failure and selection of TNF-α–resistant leukemic stem cell clones. In macrophages, the TNF-α overproduction phenotype depends on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an enzyme also known to induce expression of other inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Reasoning that IL-1β might be involved in a like autoinhibitory loop, we determined that (1) TLR activation of FANCA- and FANCC-deficient macrophages induced overproduction of both TNF-α and IL-1β in a p38-dependent manner; (2) exposure of Fancc-deficient BM progenitors to IL-1β potently suppressed the expansion of multipotent progenitor cells in vitro; and (3) although TNF-α overexpression in FA cells is controlled posttranscriptionally by the p38 substrate MAPKAPK-2, p38-dependent overproduction of IL-1β is controlled transcriptionally. We suggest that multiple inflammatory cytokines overproduced by FANCA- and FANCC-deficient mononuclear phagocytes may contribute to the progressive BM failure that characterizes FA, and that to achieve suppression of this proinflammatory state, p38 is a more promising molecular therapeutic target than either IL-1β or TNF-α alone. PMID:24046015

  14. Variations in tumour oxygen tension (pO2) during accelerated radiotherapy of head and neck carcinoma

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guichard, M.; Eschwege, F.; Luboinski, B.; Wibault, P.; Weeger, P.; Lusinchi, A.; Lartigau, E.

    1998-01-01

    The study was performed to assess the effect of accelerated radiotherapy on oxygenation of primary tumours and metastatic nodes in patients with advanced head and neck tumours. In 14 patients with head and neck tumour, oxygen tension (pO 2 ) was evaluated in normal tissues and tumours (primary tumour or metastatic neck node) before (0 Gy) and after 2 weeks (32 Gy) of accelerated radiotherapy (70 Gy in 3.5 weeks, with three daily fractions). Radiotherapy was combined with carbogen breathing in 5 patients. pO 2 was measured using a polarographic technique. For pooled normal tissues, median pO 2 was 38 mmHg before treatment and 46 mmHg after 2 weeks. For tumours, very low values ( 2 12 mmHg before treatment versus 26 mmHg after 2 weeks, P 2 was 44 mmHg at 2 weeks, compared with 13.5 mmHg before treatment (P=0.05). Very low pO 2 values, corresponding to tumour hypoxia, were found in the tumours (primary and metastatic neck nodes) prior to accelerated treatment. During the first 2 weeks of accelerated treatment, an increase in median pO 2 was found in nine of the 14 tumours, together with a decrease in the frequency of very low values. (Copyright (c) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)

  15. Crystal structures and theoretical studies of polyphosphate LiZnP3O9 for nonlinear optical applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xie, Zhiqing; Su, Xin; Ding, Hanqin; Li, Hongyi

    2018-06-01

    Nonlinear optical materials have attracted worldwide attention owing to their wide range of applications, specially in the laser field. Phosphates with noncentrosymmetric structures are potential candidates for novel ultraviolet (UV)-NLO materials, because they usually display short UV cut-off edges. In this work, a polyphosphate, the LiZnP3O9 polyphosphate crystals were grown through spontaneous crystallization from high-temperature melts. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with unit cell parameters a = 8.330(3) Å, b = 8.520(3) Å, c = 8.635(3) Å, and Z = 4. In the structure, all the P atoms are coordinated by four oxygen atoms forming the [PO4] tetrahedra and further connected to generate a zig-zag [PO3]∞ anionic framework. Thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis-NIR diffuse reflectance spectrum and powder second harmonic generation measurements are performed. In addition, the first-principles calculation was employed for better understanding the structure-property relationships of LiZnP3O9.

  16. [1,2-Bis(diisopropyl-phosphan-yl)ethane-κ(2) P,P'](carbonato-κ(2) O,O')nickel(II).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Morales-Becerril, Illan; Flores-Alamo, Marcos; Garcia, Juventino J

    2013-04-01

    In the crystal of the title compound, [Ni(CO3)(C14H32P2)], the metal center in each of three independent mol-ecules shows slight tetra-hedral distortion from ideal square-planar coordination geometry, with angles between the normals to the planes defined by the cis-P-Ni-P and cis-O-Ni-O fragments of 3.92 (17), 0.70 (16) and 2.17 (14)° in the three mol-ecules. In the crystal, there are inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds that show a laminar growth in the ab plane.

  17. Preparation and photoelectric properties of p-CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/n-WO{sub 3} composites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wan, Ruiqin; Jia, Caihong [Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials of Henan Province and School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004 (China); Zhang, Weifeng, E-mail: wfzhang@henu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials of Henan Province and School of Physics and Electronics, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004 (China)

    2012-12-15

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Surface photovoltage spectroscopy investigation on p-CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/n-WO{sub 3} composites. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The photovoltaic response is enhanced in p-CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/n-WO{sub 3} composites. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The multielectron process and high rate of carrier migration in WO{sub 3}. - Abstract: Composites of p-CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/n-WO{sub 3} are prepared via a sol-gel technique. Their structures and optical properties are characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The photoelectric characteristics are investigated by surface photovoltage spectroscopy combined with electric field induced surface photovoltage spectroscopy. The results indicate that CaFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} can well form a p-n type composite with WO{sub 3}, and the intensity and spectral region of surface photovoltaic response for the composites are strongly dependent on the molar ratio of two components. The enhancement in photoelectric properties and the effective separation of photogenerated carriers could be attributed to the energy level matching between the two components, multielectron process and the high migration rate in WO{sub 3}.

  18. A flexible system to capture sample vials in a storage box - the box vial scanner.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nowakowski, Steven E; Kressin, Kenneth R; Deick, Steven D

    2009-01-01

    Tracking sample vials in a research environment is a critical task and doing so efficiently can have a large impact on productivity, especially in high volume laboratories. There are several challenges to automating the capture process, including the variety of containers used to store samples. We developed a fast and robust system to capture the location of sample vials being placed in storage that allows the laboratories the flexibility to use sample containers of varying dimensions. With a single scan, this device captures the box identifier, the vial identifier and the location of each vial within a freezer storage box. The sample vials are tracked through a barcode label affixed to the cap while the boxes are tracked by a barcode label on the side of the box. Scanning units are placed at the point of use and forward data to a sever application for processing the scanned data. Scanning units consist of an industrial barcode reader mounted in a fixture positioning the box for scanning and providing lighting during the scan. The server application transforms the scan data into a list of storage locations holding vial identifiers. The list is then transferred to the laboratory database. The box vial scanner captures the IDs and location information for an entire box of sample vials into the laboratory database in a single scan. The system accommodates a wide variety of vials sizes by inserting risers under the sample box and a variety of storage box layouts are supported via the processing algorithm on the server.

  19. Synthesis, vibrational characteristic and luminescence properties of Er3+in HNH4ErP3O10

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chékir-Mzali, Jalila; Elgharbi, Sarra; Horchani-Naifer, Karima; Férid, Mokhtar

    2017-11-01

    Polycrystalline powders of the triphosphate of ammonium hydrogen and erbium NH4ErHP3O10 are grown by flux method. The obtained sample was characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Infrared and Raman spectroscopies. It was found that this compound is isostructural with NH4BiHP3O10. It crystallizes in the triclinic system, with space group P-1. The spectroscopic properties have been investigated in the UV-Vis and IR region via absorption, excitation, and emission spectra at room temperature. Also, the particle size distribution was investigated and the average crystallite size of HNH4ErP3O10 was 124.08 nm. The optical band gap energy (Eg ≈ 4.24 eV) was calculated from the diffuse reflectance by using the Kubelka-Munk function and Tauc's relation. The time-resolved luminescence of 4F9/2 emission has also been studied. The decay time was shown to be exponential with a pure radiative transition and the lifetime value for the transition 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 is found equal to 15, 4 μs. The effects of the crystal structure, NH4+ and OH groups on the lifetime have been revealed. The CIE chromaticity coordinates reveal that this phosphor can be a promising Yellow-orange emitting material.

  20. A Large Complement of the Predicted Arabidopsis ARM Repeat Proteins Are Members of the U-Box E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Family1[w

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mudgil, Yashwanti; Shiu, Shin-Han; Stone, Sophia L.; Salt, Jennifer N.; Goring, Daphne R.

    2004-01-01

    The Arabidopsis genome was searched to identify predicted proteins containing armadillo (ARM) repeats, a motif known to mediate protein-protein interactions in a number of different animal proteins. Using domain database predictions and models generated in this study, 108 Arabidopsis proteins were identified that contained a minimum of two ARM repeats with the majority of proteins containing four to eight ARM repeats. Clustering analysis showed that the 108 predicted Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins could be divided into multiple groups with wide differences in their domain compositions and organizations. Interestingly, 41 of the 108 Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins contained a U-box, a motif present in a family of E3 ligases, and these proteins represented the largest class of Arabidopsis ARM repeat proteins. In 14 of these U-box/ARM repeat proteins, there was also a novel conserved domain identified in the N-terminal region. Based on the phylogenetic tree, representative U-box/ARM repeat proteins were selected for further study. RNA-blot analyses revealed that these U-box/ARM proteins are expressed in a variety of tissues in Arabidopsis. In addition, the selected U-box/ARM proteins were found to be functional E3 ubiquitin ligases. Thus, these U-box/ARM proteins represent a new family of E3 ligases in Arabidopsis. PMID:14657406

  1. A resting box for outdoor sampling of adult Anopheles arabiensis in rice irrigation schemes of lower Moshi, northern Tanzania

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Msangi Shandala

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Malaria vector sampling is the best method for understanding the vector dynamics and infectivity; thus, disease transmission seasonality can be established. There is a need to protecting humans involved in the sampling of disease vectors during surveillance or in control programmes. In this study, human landing catch, two cow odour baited resting boxes and an unbaited resting box were evaluated as vector sampling tools in an area with a high proportion of Anopheles arabiensis, as the major malaria vector. Methods Three resting boxes were evaluated against human landing catch. Two were baited with cow odour, while the third was unbaited. The inner parts of the boxes were covered with black cloth materials. Experiments were arranged in latin-square design. Boxes were set in the evening and left undisturbed; mosquitoes were collected at 06:00 am the next morning, while human landing catch was done overnight. Results A total of 9,558 An. arabiensis mosquitoes were collected. 17.5% (N = 1668 were collected in resting box baited with cow body odour, 42.5% (N = 4060 in resting box baited with cow urine, 15.1% (N = 1444 in unbaited resting box and 24.9% (N = 2386 were collected by human landing catch technique. In analysis, the house positions had no effect on the density of mosquitoes caught (DF = 3, F = 0.753, P = 0.387; the sampling technique had significant impact on the caught mosquitoes densities (DF = 3, F 37. 944, P Conclusion Odour-baited resting boxes have shown the possibility of replacing the existing traditional method (human landing catch for sampling malaria vectors in areas with a high proportion of An. arabiensis as malaria vectors. Further evaluations of fermented urine and longevity of the urine odour still need to be investigated.

  2. Photoluminescence quenching and enhanced optical conductivity of P3HT derived Ho3+-doped ZnO nanostructures

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Kabongo, GL

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available , Swart HC (2016) Eu3 + doped down shifting TiO2 layer for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 484:24–32 70. Tung-Ming P, Li-Chen Y, Xin-Chang W (2010) A comparative study on the structural properties and electrical...

  3. Efficient charge injection in p-type polymer field-effect transistors with low-cost molybdenum electrodes through V2O5 interlayer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baeg, Kang-Jun; Bae, Gwang-Tae; Noh, Yong-Young

    2013-06-26

    Here we report high-performance polymer OFETs with a low-cost Mo source/drain electrode by efficient charge injection through the formation of a thermally deposited V2O5 thin film interlayer. A thermally deposited V2O5 interlayer is formed between a regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (rr-P3HT) or a p-type polymer semiconductor containing dodecyl-substituted thienylenevinylene (TV) and dodecylthiophene (PC12TV12T) and the Mo source/drain electrode. The P3HT or PC12TV12T OFETs with the bare Mo electrode exhibited lower charge carrier mobility than those with Au owing to a large barrier height for hole injection (0.5-1.0 eV). By forming the V2O5 layer, the P3HT or PC12TV12T OFETs with V2O5 on the Mo electrode exhibited charge carrier mobility comparable to that of a pristine Au electrode. Best P3HT or PC12TV12T OFETs with 5 nm thick V2O5 on Mo electrode show the charge carrier mobility of 0.12 and 0.38 cm(2)/(V s), respectively. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy results exhibited the work-function of the Mo electrode progressively changed from 4.3 to 4.9 eV with an increase in V2O5 thickness from 0 to 5 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the V2O5-deposited Mo exhibits comparable Rc to Au, which mainly results from the decreased barrier height for hole carrier injection from the low-cost metal electrode to the frontier molecular orbital of the p-type polymer semiconductor after the incorporation of the transition metal oxide hole injection layer, such as V2O5. This enables the development of large-area, low-cost electronics with the Mo electrodes and V2O5 interlayer.

  4. Research of the lime rich portions of the CaO-SiO2-P2O5 system

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Puertas, F.

    1995-03-01

    Full Text Available A detailed study has been carried out to explain the influence of Pp^ in silicate phases and in industrial raw meals upon their mineralogical compositions. Some compositions in the lime rich portion of the CaO-SiO2-P2O5 system are studied using laboratory reactants. The results showed that the compositions lying in the range of CaO = 69,5-70,1; P2O5= 16,2-19,5; SiO2 = 11,1-13,6 (wt% give, at 1000 °C, the mineralogical composition (HAp, β-C2S, C5PS which can develop a high strength in chemically bonded ceramics. At high temperature (1400 ºC these compositions give a large amount of silicocarnotite (C5PS and 2C2.C3P phase. A selected composition of the industrial raw meal with added phosphate: CaO = 62,66; SiO2 -= 17,33; Al2O3 = 4,88; Fe2O3 = 4,29; P2O5 = 8,73; MgO = 2,09 (wt% forms at 1350 ºC a clinker containing high amount of α-C2S to replace C3S. Such a clinker may have good applications in the synthesis of active belite cement.Se estudia con detalle la influencia del P2O5 sobre las composiciones mineralógicas en fases silicato y en un crudo industrial. Asimismo se estudian algunas composiciones de la zona rica en cal del sistema CaO-SiO2-P2O5 utilizando reactivos químicos. Los resultados demuestran que, a presión atmosférica y recinto abierto, las composiciones dentro de los límites CaO = 69,5-70,1; P2O5= 16,2-19,5; SiO2 = 11,1-13,6 (% en peso dan a 1000ºC la composición mineralógica siguiente: HAp, β-C2S, C5PS; pueden desarrollar una alta resistencia química en "chemically bonded ceramics". A altas temperaturas (1400°C producen una elevada proporción de silicocarnotita (C5PS S y la fase 2C2.C3P. Con la adición de fosfato a una determinada dosificación de crudo industrial (CaO = 62,66; SiO2 = 17,33; Al2O3 = 4,88; Fe2O3 = 4,29; P2O5 = 8,73; MgO = 2,09 -% en peso- se forma, a 1350°C, un clinker que contiene una alta proporción de α-C2S que reemplaza al C3S. Este clinker puede tener buenas aplicaciones en la obtención de

  5. Betaine Phosphate (CH3)3N+CH2COO-.H3PO4 Modification Using D2O

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saryati; Ridwan; Deswita; Sugiantoro, Sugik

    2002-01-01

    Betaine fosfate (CH 3 ) 3 N + CH 2 COO - .H 3 PO 4 modification by using D 2 O has been studied. This modification was carried out by slowly evaporation the saturated Betaine phosphat in the D 2 O solution in the dry box at 40 o C, until the dry crystal were formed. Based on the NMR data, can be concluded that the exchange process with D has been runed well and Betaine phosphate-D (CH 3 ) 3 N + CH 2 COO - .H 3 PO 4 has been resulted. From the X-ray diffraction pattern data can be concluded that there are a deference in the crystal structure between Betaine phosphate and Betaine phosphate modification result. From the Differential Scanning Colorimeter (DSC) diagram at the range temperature from 30 o C to 250 o C, can be shown that the Betaine phosphate-H has two endothermic transition phase, at 99 o C with a very little adsorbed calor and at 221.50 o C with -26.75 cal/g. Modified Betaine phosphate has also two endothermic transition phase, at 99.86 o C with -1.94 cal/g and at 171.01 o C with -3.48 cal/g. It can be conclosed that the D atom substitution on the H atoms in Betaine phosphate, to change the crystal and the endothermic fase temperature and energy

  6. New alkali metal diphosphates how materials to preserve the security of the environment: CsNaCu(P2O7), Rb2Cu(P2O7) and CsNaCo(P2O7) synthesis and crystal structure determination

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chernyatieva, Anastasiya; Filatova, Alyona; Spiridonova, Dariya; Krivovichev, Sergey

    2013-04-01

    In this work we describe preliminary results of the synthesis and of a crystal-chemical study of synthetic phosphates with transition metals. Due to the increasing requirements for environmental safety specialists from various industries, we are searching for sustainable forms of immobilization of hazardous waste during storage. We are also developing a component-based waste for new materials. In our continued exploratory synthesis of compounds containing transition-metals, we were able to produce the new diphosphate phases CsNaCu(P2O7), Rb2Cu(P2O7) and CsNaCo(P2O7). A crystal chemical study has allowed us to identify new phosphates. Crystals of CsNaCu(P2O7) (Phase 1) is orthorhombic, crystallizes in space group Pmn21, with a = 5.147(8), b = 15.126(2), c = 9.717(2) Å, V = 756.20 Å3, R1 = 0.066 and Rb2Cu(P2O7) (Phase 2) is orthorhombic as well, crystallizes in space group Pmcn, with a = 5.183(8), b = 10.096(1), c = 15.146(3) Å, V = 793.55 Å3, R1 = 0.063, they have been obtained by high-temperature reaction of RbNO3, CsNO3, Cu(NO3)2, NaOH and (NH4)4P2O7. Synthetic crystals of the phosphate of copper and rubidium were studied in detail by us on the structures of Rb2Cu(P2O7) and Rb2Cu3(P2O7)2 - new alkali metal copper diphosphates (CHERNYATIEVA et al., 2008). Here we report the synthesis, the structure and the properties of the title compounds and we compare these phases with the previously discovered K2CuP2O7 (ELMAADI et al., 1995) and CsNaMnP2O7 (HUANG et al., 1998). These structures crystallize in other space groups, although their structures are also based on 2-D layers, formed by P2O7 groups combined with polyhedra of the transition metals (CHERNYATIEVA et al., 2012). A crystal chemical study has allowed us to identify even new diphosphates CsNaCu(P2O7) (Phase 3). Crystals of CsNaCoP2O7 is monoclinic, space group P 21/n, with a = 7,424(2), b = 7,648(1), c = 12,931(3)Å, β = 90,71(2)° , V = 734.2(3) Å3 and R1 = 0.060. The structure is based framework of Co

  7. Formation of Ga2O3 by the oxidation of p-type GaN thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pinnisch, Melanie; Reppin, Daniel; Stehr, Jan; Laufer, Andreas; Hofmann, Detlev M.; Meyer, Bruno K. [1. Physikalisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen (Germany)

    2010-07-01

    Both GaN and Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} are wide band gap semiconductors with energies of 3.45 eV and 4.9 eV, respectively. While GaN can be achieved p- or n-type conducting by doping, Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} is n-type or high resistive dependent on the presence of oxygen vacancies. We studied the conversion of p-type Mg doped GaN thin films to Ga{sub 2}O{sub 3} by thermal treatments in the temperature range from 600 C to 1200 C and in different atmospheres. Changes of the film properties were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, photo-electron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Optical and magnetic resonance methods were used to investigate the evolution of the dopands and defects.

  8. Roymillerite, Pb24Mg9(Si9AlO28)(SiO4)(BO3)(CO3)10(OH)14O4, a new mineral: mineralogical characterization and crystal chemistry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chukanov, Nikita V.; Jonsson, Erik; Aksenov, Sergey M.; Britvin, Sergey N.; Rastsvetaeva, Ramiza K.; Belakovskiy, Dmitriy I.; Van, Konstantin V.

    2017-11-01

    The new mineral roymillerite Pb24Mg9(Si9AlO28)(SiO4)(BO3)(CO3)10(OH)14O4, related to britvinite and molybdophyllite, was discovered in a Pb-rich assemblage from the Kombat Mine, Grootfontein district, Otjozondjupa region, Namibia, which includes also jacobsite, cerussite, hausmannite, sahlinite, rhodochrosite, barite, grootfonteinite, Mn-Fe oxides, and melanotekite. Roymillerite forms platy single-crystal grains up to 1.5 mm across and up to 0.3 mm thick. The new mineral is transparent, colorless to light pink, with a strong vitreous lustre. Cleavage is perfect on (001). Density calculated using the empirical formula is equal to 5.973 g/cm3. Roymillerite is optically biaxial, negative, α = 1.86(1), β ≈ γ = 1.94(1), 2 V (meas.) = 5(5)°. The IR spectrum shows the presence of britvinite-type tetrahedral sheets, {CO}3^{2 - }, {BO}3^{3 - }, and OH- groups. The chemical composition is (wt%; electron microprobe, H2O and CO2 determined by gas chromatography, the content of B2O3 derived from structural data): MgO 4.93, MnO 1.24, FeO 0.95, PbO 75.38, B2O3 0.50, Al2O3 0.74, CO2 5.83, SiO2 7.90, H2O 1.8, total 99.27. The empirical formula based on 83 O atoms pfu (i.e. Z = 1) is Pb24.12Mg8.74Mn1.25Fe0.94B1.03Al1.04C9.46Si9.39H14.27O83. The crystal structure was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The new mineral is triclinic, space group P \\bar{1}, with a = 9.315(1), b = 9.316(1), c = 26.463(4) Å, α = 83.295(3)°, β = 83.308(3)°, γ = 60.023(2)°, V = 1971.2(6) Å3. The crystal structure of roymillerite is based built by alternating pyrophyllite-type TOT-modules Mg9(OH)8[(Si,Al)10O28] and I-blocks Pb24(OH)6O4(CO3)10(BO3,SiO4). The strongest lines of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern [ d, Å (I, %) ( hkl)] are: 25.9 (100) (001), 13.1 (11) (002), 3.480 (12) (017, 107, -115, 1-15), 3.378 (14) (126, 216), 3.282 (16) (-2-15, -1-25), 3.185 (12) (-116, 1-16), 2.684 (16) (031, 301, 030, 300, 332, -109, 0-19, 1-18), 2.382 (11) (0.0.-11). Roymillerite is

  9. A novel F-box protein CaF-box is involved in responses to plant hormones and abiotic stress in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Rugang; Guo, Weili; Yin, Yanxu; Gong, Zhen-Hui

    2014-02-10

    The F-box protein family is characterized by an F-box motif that has been shown to play an important role in regulating various developmental processes and stress responses. In this study, a novel F-box-containing gene was isolated from leaves of pepper cultivar P70 (Capsicum annuum L.) and designated CaF-box. The full-length cDNA is 2088 bp and contains an open reading frame of 1914 bp encoding a putative polypeptide of 638 amino acids with a mass of 67.8 kDa. CaF-box was expressed predominantly in stems and seeds, and the transcript was markedly upregulated in response to cold stress, abscisic acid (ABA) and salicylic acid (SA) treatment, and downregulated under osmotic and heavy metal stress. CaF-box expression was dramatically affected by salt stress, and was rapidly increased for the first hour, then sharply decreased thereafter. In order to further assess the role of CaF-box in the defense response to abiotic stress, a loss-of-function experiment in pepper plants was performed using a virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique. Measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and electrolyte leakage revealed stronger lipid peroxidation and cell death in the CaF-box-silenced plants than in control plants, suggesting CaF-box plays an important role in regulating the defense response to abiotic stress resistance in pepper plants.

  10. Blocking p38 signalling inhibits chondrogenesis in vitro but not ankylosis in a model of ankylosing spondylitis in vivo.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Braem, Kirsten; Luyten, Frank P; Lories, Rik J U

    2012-05-01

    To investigate p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling in an in vitro model of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced chondrogenesis and in vivo, with specific attention to its potential role in ankylosing enthesitis. Human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) were cultured in pellets and stimulated with BMP2 or TGFβ1 in the presence or absence of a p38 inhibitor SB203580 or proinflammatory cytokines. Chondrogenic differentiation was evaluated using quantitative PCR. Male DBA/1 mice from different litters were caged together at the age of 8 weeks and treated with SB203580 in both a preventive and therapeutic strategy. The mice were evaluated for prospective signs of arthritis and the toe joints were analysed histologically to assess disease severity. p38 inhibition by SB203580 and proinflammatory cytokines downregulated chondrogenic markers in pellet cultures stimulated by BMP2 or TGFβ1. In contrast, the in vivo experiments resulted in an increased clinical incidence of arthritis and pathology severity score, reflecting progression towards ankylosis in mice given SB203580. Inhibition of p38 inhibited chondrogenic differentiation of progenitor cells, showing that not only the SMAD signalling pathways and also alternative activation of MAPKs including p38 contribute to chondrogenesis. Such an inhibitory effect is not found in an in vivo model of joint ankylosis and spondyloarthritis. Increased incidence and severity of disease in preventive experiments and shifts in disease stages in a therapeutic experimental set-up suggest that specific inhibition of p38 may have deleterious rather than beneficial effects.

  11. Constitutive activation of p38 MAPK in tumor cells contributes to osteolytic bone lesions in multiple myeloma

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Jing; He, Jin; Wang, Ji; Cao, Yabing; Ling, Jianhua; Qian, Jianfei; Lu, Yong; Li, Haiyan; Zheng, Yuhuan; Lan, Yongsheng; Hong, Sungyoul; Matthews, Jairo; Starbuck, Michael W; Navone, Nora M; Orlowski, Robert Z.; Lin, Pei; Kwak, Larry W.; Yi, Qing

    2012-01-01

    Bone destruction is a hallmark of multiple myeloma and affects more than 80% of patients. However, current therapy is unable to completely cure and/or prevent bone lesions. Although it is accepted that myeloma cells mediate bone destruction by inhibition of osteoblasts and activation of osteoclasts, the underlying mechanism is still poorly understood. This study demonstrates that constitutive activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in myeloma cells is responsible for myeloma-induced osteolysis. Our results show that p38 is constitutively activated in most myeloma cell lines and primary myeloma cells from patients. Myeloma cells with high/detectable p38 activity, but not those with low/undetectable p38 activity, injected into SCID or SCID-hu mice caused bone destruction. Inhibition or knockdown of p38 in human myeloma reduced or prevented myeloma-induced osteolytic bone lesions without affecting tumor growth, survival, or homing to bone. Mechanistic studies showed that myeloma cell p38 activity inhibited osteoblastogenesis and bone formation and activated osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in myeloma-bearing SCID mice. This study elucidates a novel molecular mechanism—sactivation of p38 signaling in myeloma cells—by which myeloma cells induce osteolytic bone lesions and indicates that targeting myeloma cell p38 may be a viable approach to treating or preventing myeloma bone disease. PMID:22425892

  12. On-line electrochemistry-bioaffinity screening with parallel HR-LC-MS for the generation and characterization of modified p38α kinase inhibitors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Falck, David; de Vlieger, Jon S B; Giera, Martin; Honing, Maarten; Irth, Hubertus; Niessen, Wilfried M A; Kool, Jeroen

    2012-04-01

    In this study, an integrated approach is developed for the formation, identification and biological characterization of electrochemical conversion products of p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors. This work demonstrates the hyphenation of an electrochemical reaction cell with a continuous-flow bioaffinity assay and parallel LC-HR-MS. Competition of the formed products with a tracer (SKF-86002) that shows fluorescence enhancement in the orthosteric binding site of the p38α kinase is the readout for bioaffinity. Parallel HR-MS(n) experiments provided information on the identity of binders and non-binders. Finally, the data produced with this on-line system were compared to electrochemical conversion products generated off-line. The electrochemical conversion of 1-{6-chloro-5-[(2R,5S)-4-(4-fluorobenzyl)-2,5-dimethylpiperazine-1-carbonyl]-3aH-indol-3-yl}-2-morpholinoethane-1,2-dione resulted in eight products, three of which showed bioaffinity in the continuous-flow p38α bioaffinity assay used. Electrochemical conversion of BIRB796 resulted, amongst others, in the formation of the reactive quinoneimine structure and its corresponding hydroquinone. Both products were detected in the p38α bioaffinity assay, which indicates binding to the p38α kinase.

  13. Associations between Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1 Expression and Indicators of Hepatic Glucose Production in Transition Dairy Cows Supplemented with Dietary Nicotinic Acid.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Asako Kinoshita

    Full Text Available Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1 is a transcription factor which promotes hepatic glucose production (HGP by up-regulating the transcription of gluconeogenic enzymes in monogastric species. The activity of FoxO1 is inhibited by insulin-induced phosphorylation. The aims of the present study were to find associations between FoxO1 expression and variables associated with HGP as affected by feeding regimen in dairy cows during the transition period. Twenty one healthy German Holstein cows were allocated to four groups (LC-CON, HC-CON, LC-NA with 5 cows/group and HC-NA with 6 cows/group, respectively. Cows received 0 (LC-CON and HC-CON or 24 (LC-NA and HC-NA g/d nicotinic acid with high (HC or low (LC concentrate proportion from -42 days (-41.8 + 4.8; mean + standard deviation relative to expected calving date (d-42 to d24. Liver biopsy was taken at d-42, 1, 21, and 100. The total protein expression of FoxO1 (tFoxO1 and the extent of phosphorylation of FoxO1 at serine 256 (pFoxO1 were analysed semiquantitatively by Western Blotting. The expression of hepatic mRNA of FoxO1 and seven genes associated with HGP was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Mixed model and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical evaluation with the level of significance at P<0.05. No dietary effect was observed either on feed intake, energy balance, or on the concentration of blood metabolites. Neither time nor diet affected the expression of FoxO1 total protein and mRNA. A NA × concentrate interaction was found in pFoxO1. However, no corresponding dietary effect was found in the mRNA expression of investigated genes. Different patterns of correlations between FoxO1-related variables and investigated indicators for HGP were found at d21 and 100. The results indicated that the regulation of HGP did not take place on the levels of mRNA and protein expression and the phosphorylation of FoxO1 in dairy cows in early lactation.

  14. EphA2 modulates radiosensitive of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated signal pathways

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Qiao Jin

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available This experiment was conducted to investigate the role of EPH receptor A2 (EphA2 in the modulation of radiosensitivity of hepatic cellular cancer (HCC cells and to determine whether p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK signaling mediated EphA2 function in this respect. The protein expressions of EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were tested in HCC and normal hepatic tissues. In HCC 97H cells, EphA2 was overexpressed and knocked out by transfection with EphA2 expression vector and EphA2-ShRNA, respectively, prior to cell exposure to low-dose irradiation. Significantly upregulated EphA2 and phosphorylated p38MAPK were observed in HCC tissues, compared with those in normal hepatic tissues. Low-dose irradiation (1 Gy only caused minor damage to HCC 97H cells, as assessed by alterations in cell viability, apoptosis rate, and cell healing capacity (p = 0.072, p = 0.078, and p = 0.069 respectively. However, EphA2 knock-out in HCC 97H cells induced significant reduction in cell viability and cell healing capacity after these cells were subjected to low-dose irradiation. Apoptosis rate underwent dramatic increase (p < 0.01. By contrast, EphA2 overexpression in HCC 97H cells reversed these effects and enhanced cell colony formation rate, thus displaying remarkable attenuation of radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells. Further, SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38MAPK, was added to HCC 97H cells over-expressing EphA2. The effect of EphA2 overexpression on the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells was abrogated. Thus, the present study indicates that EphA2 have the ability to negatively regulate the radiosensitivity of HCC 97H cells, which mainly depends on 38MAPK-mediated signal pathways.

  15. Leaf nutrient contents of rangpur lime rootstock as afected by N, P, K, Ca and S fertilization Concentrações foliares do porta-enxerto limoeiro 'cravo' em função da adubação N, P, K, Ca e S

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jonas Ruschel

    2004-10-01

    Full Text Available Analysis of leaf nutrient contents can demonstrate plant nutritional status, identify symptoms of deficiency and toxicity, and evaluate the need to adjust fertilization programs. This research determined N:P:K:Ca:S rates for optimal nutrition of Rangpur lime - RL (Citrus limonia Osb. rootstock, in an experiment arranged in a fractional factorial design of the (¹/25 5(4 type, with 25 treatments distributed within five blocks. Seedlings of RL were transplanted into 3.8-dm³ containers filled with commercial growing media, when plant height = 10 cm, in a nursery. Treatments consisted of the following nutrient rates (g per plant: N = 0.31, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5 and 5; K = 0.4, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5 and 5; P = 0.35, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0; and Ca = 3.5, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0 and 8.0. Phosphorus and Ca were applied to the compost before transplant of seedlings, while N and K were applied later and total amounts were split into 20 weekly applications via fertigation. Nutrient sources were triple super phosphate, gypsum, NH4NO3 and KCl. Leaf nutrient concentrations of five-mo-old plants were high or in excess for N, P, K and S. Calcium and Mg concentrations were low. Greater dry mass of plants were observed at nutrient rates of N = 3.5, P = 2.7, K = 2.0, and Ca = 6.5 g per plant.A determinação das concentrações foliares representa o estado nutricional das plantas, identifica deficiências e/ou excessos e avalia a necessidade de ajustar as adubações. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a melhor combinação de doses NPKCa e S que proporcione a concentração foliar responsável pela maior quantidade de matéria seca total das plantas de porta-enxerto limoeiro `Cravo', em um experimento fatorial fracionário (¹/25 5(4, com 25 tratamentos, repartidos em cinco blocos de cinco tratamentos. As mudas do limoeiro `Cravo' (Citrus limonia Osb. foram transplantadas para recipientes (3,8 dm³ com substrato comercial, em viveiro telado, quando atingiram 10 cm. Os tratamentos

  16. Siringomas periorbitários - excisão com tesoura de castroviejo: experiência em 38 pacientes e revisão da literatura Periorbital syringomas - excision with Castroviejo scissors: experience in 38 patients and literature review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ediléia Bagatin

    2006-08-01

    Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: Siringoma é tumor anexial benigno do ducto sudoríparo écrino cujo tratamento é realizado por diversas modalidades cirúrgicas com resultados variáveis. OBJETIVO: 1. Relatar a experiência no tratamento cirúrgico de siringomas periorbitários mediante excisão com a tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo, seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção. 2. Apresentar revisão da literatura com enfoque no aspecto terapêutico. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Em 68 meses foram tratados 38 pacientes com siringomas periorbitários. Realizada a exérese cirúrgica com tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção. Realizadas avaliações sete, 30 e 90 dias após a cirurgia. O seguimento variou entre três e 62 meses, com média de 33 meses. RESULTADOS: Dos 38 pacientes tratados, 63,1% tiveram resultado ótimo, 31,6% bom e 5,3% regular. A única complicação imediata observada foi edema, e as tardias foram: hipocromia (12 casos, cicatriz deprimida (um caso e hipertrófica (um caso. Não ocorreram recidivas no período observado. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento dos siringomas periorbitários mediante exérese cirúrgica com tesoura oftalmológica de Castroviejo, seguida pela cicatrização por segunda intenção, constitui procedimento ambulatorial de baixo custo e fácil execução. Proporciona resultados satisfatórios, sem recidivas, apesar da possibilidade de ocorrer hipocromia transitória.BACKGROUND: Syringomas are benign adnexal tumors from intraepidermal eccrine ducts, treated by diverse surgical modalities with variable results. OBJECTIVES: 1. To report our experience in surgical treatment of multiple periorbital syringomas excised by Castroviejo scissors followed by healing by secondary intention. 2. To present a literature review with emphasis on therapeutic aspects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: During 68 months we treated 38 cases of periorbital syringoma. All of them were submitted to surgical excision

  17. Protective Effect of D-Limonene against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Damage in Human Lens Epithelial Cells via the p38 Pathway.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bai, Jie; Zheng, Yi; Wang, Gang; Liu, Ping

    2016-01-01

    Oxidative stress, as mediated by ROS, is a significant factor in initiating the development of age-associated cataracts; D-limonene is a common natural terpene with powerful antioxidative properties which occurs naturally in a wide variety of living organisms. It has been shown to have antioxidant effect; we found that D-limonene can effectively prevent the oxidative damage caused by H2O2 and propose that the main mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of D-limonene is the inhibition of HLECs apoptosis. In the present study, we used confocal-fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst staining, H2DCFDA staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblot analysis; the results revealed that slightly higher concentrations of D-limonene (125-1800 μM) reduced the H2O2-induced ROS generation and inhibited the H2O2-induced caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation and decreased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, it inhibited H2O2-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Thus, we conclude that D-limonene could effectively protect HLECs from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and that its antioxidative effect is significant, thereby increasing the cell survival rate.

  18. 38 CFR 3.801 - Special acts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Special acts. 3.801 Section 3.801 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ADJUDICATION Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Special Benefits § 3.801 Special acts. (a) General. A...

  19. A new glove-box system for a high-pressure tritium pump

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wilson, S.W.; Borree, R.J.; Chambers, D.I.; Chang, Y.; Merrill, J.T.; Souers, P.C.; Wiggins, R.K.

    1988-01-01

    A new glove-box system that was designed around a high-pressure tritium pump is described. The system incorporates new containment ideas such as ''burpler'' passive pressure controls, valves that can be turned from outside the box, inflatable door seals, ferro-fluidic motor-shaft seals, and rapid box-to-hood conversion during cryostaging. Currently under construction, the system will contain nine separate sections with automatic pressure-balancing and venting systems. 3 refs., 5 figs

  20. Teaching with Box Tops.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Raiser, Lynne; D'Zamko, Mary Elizabeth

    1984-01-01

    Using environmental materials (such as the phone book and placemats from fast food restaurants) can be a motivating way to teach learning disabled students skills and concepts, as shown in an approach to reading, math, science and nutrition, and social studies instruction using a JELL-O brand gelatin box. (CL)

  1. Relative brightness of the O+(2 D-2 P) doublets in low-energy aurorae

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Whiter, D. K.; Lanchester, B. S.; Gustavsson, B.; Jallo, N. I. B.; Jokiaho, O.; Dahlgren, H.; Ivchenko, N.

    2014-01-01

    The ratio of the emission line doublets from O + at 732.0 nm (I 732 ) and 733.0 nm (I 733 ) has been measured in auroral conditions of low-energy electron precipitation from Svalbard (78.°20 north, 15.°83 east). Accurate determination of R = I 732 /I 733 provides a powerful method for separating the density of the O + 2 P 1 /2,3 /2 o levels in modeling of the emissions from the doublets. A total of 383 spectra were included from the winter of 2003-2004. The value obtained is R = I 732 /I 733 = 1.38 ± 0.02, which is higher than theoretical values for thermal equilibrium in fully ionized plasma, but is lower than reported measurements by other authors in similar auroral conditions. The continuity equations for the densities of the two levels are solved for different conditions, in order to estimate the possible variations of R. The results suggest that the production of ions in the two levels from O ( 3 P 1 ) and O ( 3 P 2 ) does not follow the statistical weights, unlike astrophysical calculations for plasmas in nebulae. The physics of auroral impact ionization may account for this difference, and therefore for the raised value of R. In addition, the auroral solution of the densities of the ions, and thus of the value of R, is sensitive to the temperature of the neutral atmosphere. Although the present work is a statistical study, it shows that it is necessary to determine whether there are significant variations in the ratio resulting from non-equilibrium conditions, from auroral energy deposition, large electric fields, and changes in temperature and composition.

  2. 1,3Do and 1,3Pe states of two electron atoms under Debye plasma screening

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saha, Jayanta K.; Bhattacharyya, S.; Mukherjee, T.K.; Mukherjee, P.K.

    2010-01-01

    Extensive non-relativistic variational calculations for estimating the energy values of 2pnd( 1,3 D o ) states [n=3-6] of two electron atoms (He, Li + ,Be 2+ ) and 2pnp( 1 P e )[n=3-8] and 2pnp( 3 P e ) states [n=2-7] of Be 2+ under weakly coupled plasma screening have been performed using explicitly correlated Hylleraas type basis. The modified energy eigenvalues of 1,3 P e states arising from two p electrons of Be 2+ ion and 1,3 D o states due to 2pnd configuration of Li + and Be 2+ ion in the Debye plasma environment are being reported for the first time. The effect of plasma has been incorporated through the Debye screening model. The system tends towards gradual instability and the number of bound states reduces with increasing plasma coupling strength. The wavelengths for 2pn ' p( 1 P e )[n ' =3-8]→2pnd( 1 D o )[n=3-6] and 2pn ' p( 3 P e )[n ' =2-8]→2pnd( 3 D o )[n=3-6] transitions in plasma embedded two electron atoms have also been reported.

  3. Origin of Blue-Green Emission in α-Zn2P2O7 and Local Structure of Ln3+ Ion in α-Zn2P2O7:Ln3+ (Ln = Sm, Eu): Time-Resolved Photoluminescence, EXAFS, and DFT Measurements.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gupta, Santosh Kumar; Ghosh, Partha Sarathi; Yadav, Ashok Kumar; Jha, Shambhu Nath; Bhattacharyya, Dibyendu; Kadam, Ramakant Mahadeo

    2017-01-03

    Considering the fact that pyrophosphate-based hosts are in high demand for making highly efficient luminescence materials, we doped two visible lanthanide ions, viz. Sm 3+ and Eu 3+ , in Zn 2 P 2 O 7 . Interestingly, it was oberved that pure Zn 2 P 2 O 7 displayed blue-green dual emission on irradiation with ultraviolet light. Emission and lifetime spectroscopy shows the presence of defects in pyrophosphate samples which are responsible for such emission. DFT calculations clearly pinpointed that the electronic transitions between defect states located at just below the conduction band minimum (arises due to V O 1+ and V O 2+ defects) and valence band maximum, as well as impurity states situated in the band gap, can lead to dual emission in the blue-green region, as is also indicated by emission and lifetime spectra. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) shows the stabilization of europium as well as samarium ion in the +3 oxidation state in α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 . The fact that α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 has two different coordination numbers for zinc ions, i.e. five- and six-coordinate, the study of dopant ion distribution in this particular matrix will be an important step in realizing a highly efficient europium- and samarium-based red-emitting phosphor. Time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) shows that both of these ions are heterogeneously distributed between five- and six-coordinated Zn 2+ sites and it is the six-coordinated Zn 2+ site which is the most favorable for lanthanide ion doping. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements also suggested that a six-coordinated zinc ion is the preferred site occupied by trivalent lanthanide ions, which is in complete agreement with TRPL results. It was observed that there is almost complete transfer of photon energy from Zn 2 P 2 O 7 to Eu 3+ , whereas this transfer is inefficient and almost incomplete in case of Sm 3+ , which is indeed important information for the realization of pyrophosphate

  4. Development with age of nest box use and gregarious nesting in laying hens

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Riber, Anja Brinch

    2010-01-01

    in position (left + corner, middle, and right). Nesting behaviour was video recorded for 5 days in each of five distinct periods: age 20, 26, 32, 38, and 44 weeks. The total number of visits and the number of gregarious visits were higher in the left nest box than in the other two nest boxes at all ages...

  5. A sodium gadolinium phosphate with two different types of tunnel structure: Synthesis, crystal structure, and optical properties of Na3GdP2O8

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fang, M.; Cheng, W.-D.; Zhang, H.; Zhao, D.; Zhang, W.-L.; Yang, S.-L.

    2008-01-01

    A sodium gadolinium phosphate crystal, Na 3 GdP 2 O 8 , has been synthesized by a high-temperature solution reaction, and it exhibits a new structural family of the alkali-metal-rare-earth phosphate system. Although many compounds with formula M 3 LnP 2 O 8 have been reported, but they were shown to be orthorhombic [R. Salmon, C. Parent, M. Vlasse, G. LeFlem, Mater. Res. Bull. 13 (1978) 439] rather than monoclinic as shown in this paper. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows the structure to be monoclinic with space group C2/c and the cell parameters: a=27.55 (25), b=5.312 (4), c=13.935(11) A, β=91.30(1) o , and V=2038.80 A 3 , Z=4. Its structure features a three-dimensional GdP 2 O 8 3- anionic framework with two different types of interesting tunnels at where Na atoms are located by different manners. The framework is constructed by Gd polyhedra and isolated PO 4 tetrahedra. It is different from the structure of K 3 NdP 2 O 8 [R. Salmon, C. Parent, M. Vlasse, G. LeFlem, Mater. Res. Bull. 13 (1978) 439] with space group P2 1 /m that shows only one type of tunnel. The emission spectrum and the absorption spectrum of the compound have been investigated. Additionally, the calculations of band structure, density of states, dielectric constants, and refractive indexes have been also performed with the density functional theory method. The obtained results tend to support the experimental data. - Graphical abstract: Projection of the structure of Na 3 GdP 2 O 8 with a unit cell edge along the b-axis. The Na-O bonds are omitted for clarity

  6. A new approach to the Box-Cox transformation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jorge Iván eVélez

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available We propose a new methodology to estimate λ, the parameter of the Box-Cox transformation, as well as an alternative method to determine plausible values for it. The former is accomplished by defining a grid of values for λ and further perform a normality test on the λ -transformed data. The optimum value of λ, say λ * , is such that the p-value from the normality test is the highest. The set of plausible values is determined using the inverse probability method after plotting the p-values against the values of λ on the grid. Our methodology is illustrated with two real-world data sets. Furthermore, a simulation study suggests that our method improves the symmetry, kurtosis and, hence, the normality of data, making it a feasible alternative to the traditional Box-Cox transformation.

  7. O3 fast and simple treatment-enhanced p-doped in Spiro-MeOTAD for CH3NH3I vapor-assisted processed CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    En-Dong Jia; Xi Lou; Chun-Lan Zhou; Wei-Chang Hao; Wen-Jing Wang

    2017-01-01

    We demonstrate a simple and fast post-deposition treatment with high process compatibility on the hole transport material (HTM) Spiro-MeOTAD in vapor-assisted solution processed methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3)-based solar cells.The prepared Co-doped p-type Spiro-MeOTAD films are treated by O3 at room temperature for 5 min,10 min,and 20 min,respectively,prior to the deposition of the metal electrodes.Compared with the traditional oxidation of Spiro-MeOTAD films overnight in dry air,our fast O3 treatment of HTM at room temperature only needs just 10 min,and a relative 40.3% increment in the power conversion efficiency is observed with respect to the result of without-treated perovskite solar cells.This improvement of efficiency is mainly attributed to the obvious increase of the fill factor and short-circuit current density,despite a slight decrease in the open-circuit voltage.Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) and Hall effect measurement method are employed in our study to determine the changes of properties after O3 treatment in HTM.It is found that after the HTM is exposed to O3,its p-type doping level is enhanced.The enhancement of conductivity and Hall mobility of the film,resulting from the improvement in p-doping level of HTM,leads to better performances of perovskite solar cells.Best power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 13.05% and 16.39% are achieved with most properly optimized HTM via CH3NH3I vapor-assisted method and traditional single-step method respectively.

  8. Relationship between p53 dysfunction, CD38 expression, and IgV(H) mutation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lin, Ke; Sherrington, Paul D; Dennis, Michael; Matrai, Zoltan; Cawley, John C; Pettitt, Andrew R

    2002-08-15

    Established adverse prognostic factors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) include CD38 expression, relative lack of IgV(H) mutation, and defects of the TP53 gene. However, disruption of the p53 pathway can occur through mechanisms other than TP53 mutation, and we have recently developed a simple screening test that detects p53 dysfunction due to mutation of the genes encoding either p53 or ATM, a kinase that regulates p53. The present study was conducted to examine the predictive value of this test and to establish the relationship between p53 dysfunction, CD38 expression, and IgV(H) mutation. CLL cells from 71 patients were examined for IgV(H) mutation, CD38 expression, and p53 dysfunction (detected as an impaired p53/p21 response to ionizing radiation). Survival data obtained from 69 patients were analyzed according to each of these parameters. Relative lack of IgV(H) mutation (less than 5%; n = 45), CD38 positivity (antigen expressed on more than 20% of malignant cells; n = 19), and p53 dysfunction (n = 19) were independently confirmed as adverse prognostic factors. Intriguingly, all p53-dysfunctional patients and all but one of the CD38(+) patients had less [corrected] than 5% IgV(H) mutation. Moreover, patients with p53 dysfunction and/or CD38 positivity (n = 31) accounted for the short survival of the less mutated group. These findings indicate that the poor outcome associated with having less than 5% IgV(H) mutation may be due to the overrepresentation of high-risk patients with p53 dysfunction and/or CD38 positivity within this group, and that CD38(-) patients with functionally intact p53 may have a prolonged survival regardless of the extent of IgV(H) mutation.

  9. Recent advances towards a lithium vapor box divertor

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    R.J. Goldston

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Fusion power plants are likely to require near complete detachment of the divertor plasma from the divertor target plates, in order to have both acceptable heat flux at the target to avoid prompt damage and also acceptable plasma temperature at the target surface, to minimize long-term erosion. However hydrogenic and impurity puffing experiments show that detached operation leads easily to x-point MARFEs, impure plasmas, degradation in confinement, and lower helium pressure at the exhaust. The concept of the Lithium Vapor Box Divertor is to use local evaporation and strong differential pumping through condensation to localize low-Z gas-phase material that absorbs the plasma heat flux and so achieve detachment while avoiding these difficulties. The vapor localization has been confirmed using preliminary Navier–Stokes calculations. We use ADAS calculations of εcool, the plasma energy lost per injected lithium atom, to estimate the lithium vapor pressure, and so temperature, required for detachment, taking into account power balance. We also develop a simple model of detachment to evaluate the required upstream density, based on further taking into account dynamic pressure balance. A remarkable general result is found, not just for lithium-vapor-induced detachment, that the upstream density divided by the Greenwald-limit density scales as nup/nGW ∝ (P5/8/B3/8 Tdet1/2/(εcool+γTdet, with no explicit size scaling. Tdet is the temperature just before strong pressure loss, assumed to be ∼ ½ of the ionization potential of the dominant recycling species, and γ is the sheath heat transmission factor.

  10. Associations between Forkhead Box O1 (FoxO1) Expression and Indicators of Hepatic Glucose Production in Transition Dairy Cows Supplemented with Dietary Nicotinic Acid.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kinoshita, Asako; Locher, Lena; Tienken, Reka; Meyer, Ulrich; Dänicke, Sven; Rehage, Jürgen; Huber, Korinna

    2016-01-01

    Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) is a transcription factor which promotes hepatic glucose production (HGP) by up-regulating the transcription of gluconeogenic enzymes in monogastric species. The activity of FoxO1 is inhibited by insulin-induced phosphorylation. The aims of the present study were to find associations between FoxO1 expression and variables associated with HGP as affected by feeding regimen in dairy cows during the transition period. Twenty one healthy German Holstein cows were allocated to four groups (LC-CON, HC-CON, LC-NA with 5 cows/group and HC-NA with 6 cows/group, respectively). Cows received 0 (LC-CON and HC-CON) or 24 (LC-NA and HC-NA) g/d nicotinic acid with high (HC) or low (LC) concentrate proportion from -42 days (-41.8 + 4.8; mean + standard deviation) relative to expected calving date (d-42) to d24. Liver biopsy was taken at d-42, 1, 21, and 100. The total protein expression of FoxO1 (tFoxO1) and the extent of phosphorylation of FoxO1 at serine 256 (pFoxO1) were analysed semiquantitatively by Western Blotting. The expression of hepatic mRNA of FoxO1 and seven genes associated with HGP was measured by real-time RT-PCR. Mixed model and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical evaluation with the level of significance at Pdairy cows in early lactation.

  11. 38 CFR 3.803 - Naval pension.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-01

    ... 38 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Naval pension. 3.803 Section 3.803 Pensions, Bonuses, and Veterans' Relief DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ADJUDICATION Pension, Compensation, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Special Benefits § 3.803 Naval pension. (a) Payment of...

  12. Methanesulfonates of high-valent metals. Syntheses and structural features of MoO_2(CH_3SO_3)_2, UO_2(CH_3SO_3)_2, ReO_3(CH_3SO_3), VO(CH_3SO_3)_2, and V_2O_3(CH_3SO_3)_4 and their thermal decomposition under N_2 and O_2 atmosphere

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Betke, Ulf; Neuschulz, Kai; Wickleder, Mathias S.

    2011-01-01

    Oxide methanesulfonates of Mo, U, Re, and V have been prepared by reaction of MoO_3, UO_2(CH_3COO)_2.2 H_2O, Re_2O_7(H_2O)_2, and V_2O_5 with CH_3SO_3H or mixtures thereof with its anhydride. These compounds are the first examples of solvent-free oxide methanesulfonates of these elements. MoO_2(CH_3SO_3)_2 (Pbca, a=1487.05(4), b=752.55(2), c=1549.61(5) pm, V=1.73414(9) nm"3, Z=8) contains [MoO_2] moieties connected by [CH_3SO_3] ions to form layers parallel to (100). UO_2(CH_3SO_3)_2 (P2_1/c, a=1320.4(1), b=1014.41(6), c=1533.7(1) pm, β=112.80(1) "c"i"r"c"l"e, V=1.8937(3) nm"3, Z=8) consists of linear UO_2"2"+ ions coordinated by five [CH_3SO_3] ions, forming a layer structure. VO(CH_3SO_3)_2 (P2_1/c, a=1136.5(1), b=869.87(7), c=915.5(1) pm, β=113.66(1) "c"i"r"c"l"e, V=0.8290(2) nm"3, Z=4) contains [VO] units connected by methanesulfonate anions to form corrugated layers parallel to (100). In ReO_3(CH_3SO_3) (P anti 1, a=574.0(1), b=1279.6(3), c=1641.9(3) pm, α=102.08(2), β=96.11(2), γ=99.04(2) "c"i"r"c"l"e, V=1.1523(4) nm"3, Z=8) a chain structure exhibiting infinite O-[ReO_2]-O-[ReO_2]-O chains is formed. Each [ReO_2]-O-[ReO_2] unit is coordinated by two bidentate [CH_3SO_3] ions. V_2O_3(CH_3SO_3)_4 (I2/a, a=1645.2(3), b=583.1(1), c=1670.2(3) pm, β=102.58(3), V=1.5637(5) pm"3, Z=4) adopts a chain structure, too, but contains discrete [VO]-O-[VO] moieties, each coordinated by two bidentate [CH_3SO_3] ligands. Additional methanesulfonate ions connect the [V_2O_3] groups along [001]. Thermal decomposition of the compounds was monitored under N_2 and O_2 atmosphere by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and XRD measurements. Under N_2 the decomposition proceeds with reduction of the metal leading to the oxides MoO_2, U_3O_7, V_4O_7, and VO_2; for MoO_2(CH_3SO_3)_2, a small amount of MoS_2 is formed. If the thermal decomposition is carried out in a atmosphere of O_2 the oxides MoO_3 and V_2O_5 are formed. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag

  13. A new route for the synthesis of graphene oxide–Fe3O4 (GO–Fe3O4) nanocomposites and their Schottky diode applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Metin, Önder; Aydoğan, Şakir; Meral, Kadem

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Graphene Oxide (GO)–Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites were prepared by a novel and facile method. • The successful assembly of Fe 3 O 4 NPs onto GO sheets was displayed by TEM. • The GO–Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites/p-Si junction showed good rectifying property. -- Abstract: Addressed herein is a facile method for the preparation of magnetic graphene oxide–Fe 3 O 4 (GO–Fe 3 O 4 ) nanocomposites and the rectifying properties of (GO–Fe 3 O 4 )/p-Si junction in a Schottky diode. GO–Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposites were prepared by a novel method in which as-prepared GO sheets were decorated with the monodisperse Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (NPs) in dimethylformamide/chloroform mixture via a sonication process. The successful assembly of Fe 3 O 4 NPs onto GO sheets was displayed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Inductively couple plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis of the GO–Fe 3 O 4 nanocomposite showed that the nanocomposite consists of 20.1 wt% Fe 3 O 4 NPs which provides a specific saturation magnetization (Ms) as 16 emu/g. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the (GO–Fe 3 O 4 )/p-Si junction in a Schottky diode were studied in the temperature range of 50–350 K in the steps of 25 K. It was determined that the barrier height and ideality factor of the Au/GO–Fe 3 O 4 /p-Si/Al Schottky diode were depended on temperature as the barrier height increased while the ideality factor decreased with increasing temperature. The experimental values of barrier height and ideality factor were varied from 0.12 eV and 11.24 at 50 K to 0.76 eV and 2.49 at 350 K, respectively. The Richardson plot exhibited non-linearity at low temperatures that was attributed to the barrier inhomogeneities prevailing at the GO–Fe 3 O 4 /p-Si junction

  14. Electromechanical behavior of [001]-textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 ceramics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yan, Yongke; Wang, Yu. U.; Priya, Shashank

    2012-05-01

    [001]-textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) ceramics were synthesized by using templated grain growth method. Significantly high [001] texture degree corresponding to 0.98 Lotgering factor was achieved at 1 vol. % BaTiO3 template. Electromechanical properties for [001]-textured PMN-PT ceramics with 1 vol. % BaTiO3 were found to be d33 = 1000 pC/N, d31 = 371 pC/N, ɛr = 2591, and tanδ = ˜0.6%. Elastoelectric composite based modeling results showed that higher volume fraction of template reduces the overall dielectric constant and thus has adverse effect on the piezoelectric response. Clamping effect was modeled by deriving the changes in free energy as a function of applied electric field and microstructural boundary condition.

  15. O2(a1Δ) Quenching In The O/O2/O3 System

    Science.gov (United States)

    Azyazov, V. N.; Mikheyev, P. A.; Postell, D.; Heaven, M. C.

    2010-10-01

    The development of discharge singlet oxygen generators (DSOG's) that can operate at high pressures is required for the power scaling of the discharge oxygen iodine laser. In order to achieve efficient high-pressure DSOG operation it is important to understand the mechanisms by which singlet oxygen (O2(a1Δ)) is quenched in these devices. It has been proposed that three-body deactivation processes of the type O2(a1Δ)+O+M→2O2+M provide significant energy loss channels. To further explore these reactions the physical and reactive quenching of O2(a1Δ) in O(3P)/O2/O3/CO2/He/Ar mixtures has been investigated. Oxygen atoms and singlet oxygen molecules were produced by the 248 nm laser photolysis of ozone. The kinetics of O2(a1Δ) quenching were followed by observing the 1268 nm fluorescence of the O2a1Δ-X3∑ transition. Fast quenching of O2(a1Δ) in the presence of oxygen atoms and molecules was observed. The mechanism of the process has been examined using kinetic models, which indicate that quenching by vibrationally excited ozone is the dominant reaction.

  16. O2(a1Δ) Quenching In The O/O2/O3 System

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Azyazov, V. N.; Mikheyev, P. A.; Postell, D.; Heaven, M. C.

    2010-01-01

    The development of discharge singlet oxygen generators (DSOG's) that can operate at high pressures is required for the power scaling of the discharge oxygen iodine laser. In order to achieve efficient high-pressure DSOG operation it is important to understand the mechanisms by which singlet oxygen (O 2 (a 1 Δ)) is quenched in these devices. It has been proposed that three-body deactivation processes of the type O 2 (a 1 Δ)+O+M→2O 2 +M provide significant energy loss channels. To further explore these reactions the physical and reactive quenching of O 2 (a 1 Δ) in O( 3 P)/O 2 /O 3 /CO 2 /He/Ar mixtures has been investigated. Oxygen atoms and singlet oxygen molecules were produced by the 248 nm laser photolysis of ozone. The kinetics of O 2 (a 1 Δ) quenching were followed by observing the 1268 nm fluorescence of the O 2 a 1 Δ-X 3 Σ transition. Fast quenching of O 2 (a 1 Δ) in the presence of oxygen atoms and molecules was observed. The mechanism of the process has been examined using kinetic models, which indicate that quenching by vibrationally excited ozone is the dominant reaction.

  17. Fine-structure relaxation of O(3P) induced by collisions with He, H and H2

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lique, F.; Kłos, J.; Alexander, M. H.; Le Picard, S. D.; Dagdigian, P. J.

    2018-02-01

    The excitation of fine-structure levels of O(3P) by collisions is an important cooling process in the interstellar medium (ISM). We investigate here spin-orbit (de-)excitation of O(3Pj, j = 0, 1, 2) induced by collisions with He, H and H2 based on quantum scattering calculations of the relevant rate coefficients in the 10-1000 K temperature range. The underlying potential energy surfaces are derived from highly correlated abinitio calculations. Significant differences were found with the rate coefficients currently used in astrophysical applications. In particular, our new rate coefficients for collisions with H are up to a factor of 5 lower. Radiative transfer computations allow the assessment of the astrophysical impact of these new rate coefficients. In the case of molecular clouds, the new data are found to increase slightly the flux of the 3P1 → 3P2, while decreasing the flux of the 3P0 → 3P1 line. In the case of atomic clouds, the flux of both lines is predicted to decrease. The new rate coefficients are expected to impact significantly the modelling of cooling in astrophysical environments while also allowing new insights into oxygen chemistry in the ISM.

  18. Transparent Cu4O3/ZnO heterojunction photoelectric devices

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Hong-Sik; Yadav, Pankaj; Patel, Malkeshkumar; Kim, Joondong; Pandey, Kavita; Lim, Donggun; Jeong, Chaehwan

    2017-12-01

    The present article reports the development of flexible, self-biased, broadband, high speed and transparent heterojunction photodiode, which is essentially important for the next generation electronic devices. We grow semitransparent p-type Cu4O3 using the reactive sputtering method at room temperature. The structural and optical properties of the Cu4O3 film were investigated by using the X-ray diffraction and UV-visible spectroscopy, respectively. The p-Cu4O3/n-ZnO heterojunction diode under dark condition yields rectification behavior with an extremely low saturation current value of 1.8 × 10-10 A and a zero bias photocurrent under illumination condition. The transparent p-Cu4O3/n-ZnO heterojunction photodetector can be operated without an external bias, due to the light-induced voltage production. The metal oxide heterojunction based on Cu4O3/ZnO would provide a route for the transparent and flexible photoelectric devices, including photodetectors and photovoltaics.

  19. Cd3(MoO4)(TeO3)2: A Polar 3D Compound Containing d10-d0 SCALP-Effect Cations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Feng, Yuquan; Fan, Huitao; Zhong, Zhiguo; Wang, Hongwei; Qiu, Dongfang

    2016-11-21

    The new polar 3D cadmium molybdotellurite Cd 3 (MoO 4 )(TeO 3 ) 2 was obtained by means of a high-temperature solid-state method. Cd 3 (MoO 4 )(TeO 3 ) 2 is a monoclinic crystal system, and it exhibits the polar space group P2 1 (No. 4). The structure of Cd 3 (MoO 4 )(TeO 3 ) 2 can be viewed as a complicated 3D architecture that is composed of distorted CdO n (n = 6, 7) polyhedra, TeO 3 trigonal pyramids, and MoO 4 polyhedra. The compound features the first 3D NCS cadmium molybdotellurite with 1D 4- and 6-MR channels and a polar structure originating from the TeO 3 groups, MoO 4 groups, and displacements of d 10 Cd 2+ cations. The results were further confirmed by calculations of the net polarization. The UV-vis spectrum and thermal properties indicate that Cd 3 (MoO 4 )(TeO 3 ) 2 exhibits a broad transparent region and excellent thermal stability. SHG tests of Cd 3 (MoO 4 )(TeO 3 ) 2 revealed that its response is approximately the same as that of KH 2 PO 4 at the same grain size between 105 and 150 μm and that it is phase-matchable.

  20. The enhanced catalytic degradation of SiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C@TiO{sub 2} photo-Fenton system on p-nitrophenol

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hou, Yanhui; Wang, Yechen; Yuan, Huili; Chen, Hang; Chen, Guowei; Shen, Junhai; Li, Liangchao, E-mail: sky52@zjnu.cn [Zhejiang Normal University, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Department of Chemistry (China)

    2016-11-15

    Heterogeneous photo-Fenton SiO{sub 2}/Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/C@TiO{sub 2} (SFCT) catalyst with a core-multishell structure and a diameter of about 550 nm was successfully prepared and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), TEM, XRD, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The results illustrated that anatase TiO{sub 2} coexisted with rutile TiO{sub 2}, in which the anatase phase was the main crystal phase. In addition, the catalytic activity of SFCT catalyst had been evaluated in the catalytic degradation on p-nitrophenol (PNP). The influence factors on the PNP degradation, including SFCT component ratio (m{sub SFC}/ m{sub TiO2}), H{sub 2}O{sub 2} dosage, solution pH, and PNP concentration, had been investigated. And the contrast experiments about the photo-Fenton catalytic mechanism revealed that the SFCT-2 catalyst possessed a superior activity in the neutral environment due to the optimal activity matching between Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} and TiO{sub 2}, and it exhibited the stable catalytic performance after five successive recycles. Therefore, the SFCT-2 catalyst had a promising application for the photo-Fenton degradation of organic contaminant.