The correlation between dengue incidence and diurnal ranges of temperature of Colombo district, Sri Lanka 2005–2014

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. D. B. Ehelepola

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Background: Meteorological factors affect dengue transmission. Mechanisms of the way in which different diurnal temperatures, ranging around different mean temperatures, influence dengue transmission were published after 2011. Objective: We endeavored to determine the correlation between dengue incidence and diurnal temperature ranges (DTRs in Colombo district, Sri Lanka, and to explore the possibilities of using our findings to improve control of dengue. Design: We calculated the weekly dengue incidence in Colombo during 2005–2014, after data on all of the reported dengue patients and estimated mid-year populations were collected. We obtained daily maximum and minimum temperatures from two Colombo weather stations, averaged, and converted them into weekly data. Weekly averages of DTR versus dengue incidence graphs were plotted and correlations observed. The count of days per week with a DTR of >7.5°C and 7.5°C with an 8-week lag period, and a positive correlation between dengue incidence and a DTR<7.5°C, also with an 8-week lag. Conclusions: Large DTRs were negatively correlated with dengue transmission in Colombo district. We propose to take advantage of that in local dengue control efforts. Our results agree with previous studies on the topic and with a mathematical model of relative vectorial capacity of Aedes aegypti. Global warming and declining DTR are likely to favor a rise of dengue, and we suggest a simple method to mitigate this.

SIMBIO-SYS for BepiColombo: status and issues.

Science.gov (United States)

Flamini, E.; Capaccioni, F.; Cremonese, G.; Palumbo, P.; Formaro, R.; Mugnuolo, R.; Debei, S.; Ficai Veltroni, I.; Dami, M.; Tommasi, L.; SIMBIO-SYS Team

The SIMBIO-SYS (Spectrometer and Imaging for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem) is a complex instrument suite part of the scientific payload of the Mercury Planetary Orbiter for the BepiColombo mission, the last of the cornerstone missions of the European Space Agency (ESA) Horizon+ science program. The BepiColombo mission is compose by two scientific satellites on, Mercury Magnetic Orbiter-MMO, realized by the Japanese Space Agency JAXA, devoted to the study of the planet environment and the other, the Mercury Planetary Orbiter realized by ESA, devoted to the detailed study of the Hermean surface and interior. The SIMBIOSYS instrument will provide all the science imaging capability of the Bepicolombo MPO spacecraft. It consists of three channels: the STereo imaging Channel (STC), with broad spectral band in the 400-950 nm range and medium spatial resolution (up to 50 m/px), that will provide Digital Terrain Model of the entire surface of the planet with an accuracy better than 80 m; the High Resolution Imaging Channel HRIC), with broad spectral bands in the 400-900 nm range and high spatial resolution (up to 5 m/px), that will provide high resolution images of about 20% of the surface, and the Visible and near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging channel (VIHI), with high spectral resolution (up to 6 nm) in the 400-2000 nm range and spatial resolution up to 100 m/px, it will provide the global covergae at 400 m/px with the spectral information. SIMBIO-SYS will provide unprecedented high-resolution images, the Digital Terrain Model of the entire surface, and the surface composition in wide spectral range, at resolutions and coverage higher than the MESSENGER mission with a full co-alignememt of the three channels. The main scientific objectives can be summarized as follows: Definition of the impact flux in the inner Solar System: based on the impact crater population records Understanding of the accretional model of an end member of the Solar System: based on

An analysis of the geodesy and relativity experiments of BepiColombo

Science.gov (United States)

Imperi, Luigi; Iess, Luciano; Mariani, Mirco J.

2018-02-01

BepiColombo is a ESA-JAXA mission aimed to a comprehensive exploration of Mercury, the innermost planet of the solar system. The Mercury Orbiter Radio science Experiment (MORE) will exploit a state of the art microwave tracking system, including an advanced Ka-band transponder, to determine the gravity field and the rotational state of the planet, and to perform extensive tests of relativistic gravity. In this work we analyze all the aspects of the radio science investigation, which include: (i) the solar conjunction experiment in cruise; (ii) the gravimetry and rotation experiments; (iii) the fundamental physics test. We report on the results of numerical simulations based on the latest mission scenario, with launch in October 2018 and arrival at Mercury in December 2025. We show that the gravity and rotation measurements expected from BepiColombo will allow to better characterize the size of an inner solid core inside the outer liquid core, and the properties of the outer mantle and the crust. We discuss how the current estimate of several parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters can be improved by MORE through the determination of the heliocentric motion of Mercury and by measuring the propagation time of radio waves. We also assess in a quantitative way the benefits of an extended mission.

Effects of Climate Change on Urban Rainwater Harvesting in Colombo City, Sri Lanka

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kwong Fai A. Lo

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to water-related issues due to rapid urbanization, installation of complex infrastructure and changes in rainfall patterns. This study aims at assessing the impacts of climate change on rainwater harvesting systems (RWH in the tropical urban city, Colombo, Sri Lanka. The future climate change projections are downscaled from global circulation models to the urban catchment scale using the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG, described in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC Fourth Assessment Report (AR4, coupled with Inter Comparison Project (CMIP3 model results. Historical rainfall data from 1981–2010 is used to simulate long-term future rainfall data from 2011–2099. The percentage change of the rainfall is calculated. The rainfall patterns are analyzed based on the daily, monthly, seasonal and annual time scales. Water requirements are calculated based on the selected scenario types. Rainfall and water demand data are incorporated into a water balance model. Climate change impacts for the selected RWH scenarios are calculated based on the water security analysis for each scenario. Analysis of the future rainfall data of Colombo reveals that several extreme weather events with very heavy rainfall may occur in the future. However, the frequency of these big events may not occur too often. Most of the selected global circulation models (GCMs in this study predict that there will be more rainfall towards the end of this century (2080-2099. Residential RWH systems will be more affected than non-residential systems. RWH systems in Colombo should include potential future climate changes in their future design and planning and be prepared for excess runoff and additional measures against potential overflow and urban floods.

Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy to Investigate the Silicate Mineralogy of Mercury Analogues: Supporting MERTIS Onboard BepiColombo Mission

Science.gov (United States)

Varatharajan, I.; Maturilli, A.; Helbert, J.; Ulrich, G.; Born, K.; Namur, O.; Kästner, B.; Hecht, L.; Charlier, B.; Hiesinger, H.

2018-05-01

Nano-FTIR Spectroscopy is used to investigate the silicate mineralogy of synthetic Mercury analogues produced under reduced conditions representing different Mercury terrains. The study will support MERTIS payload onboard BepiColombo mission.

Exploiting the Modified Colombo-Nyquist Rule for Co-estimating Sub-monthly Gravity Field Solutions from a GRACE-like Mission

Science.gov (United States)

Devaraju, B.; Weigelt, M.; Mueller, J.

2017-12-01

In order to suppress the impact of aliasing errors on the standard monthly GRACE gravity-field solutions, co-estimating sub-monthly (daily/two-day) low-degree solutions has been suggested as a solution. The maximum degree of the low-degree solutions is chosen via the Colombo-Nyquist rule of thumb. However, it is now established that the sampling of satellites puts a restriction on the maximum estimable order and not the degree - modified Colombo-Nyquist rule. Therefore, in this contribution, we co-estimate low-order sub-monthly solutions, and compare and contrast them with the low-degree sub-monthly solutions. We also investigate their efficacies in dealing with aliasing errors.

Challenges of the science data processing, analysis and archiving approach in BepiColombo

Science.gov (United States)

Martinez, Santa

BepiColombo is a joint mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to the planet Mercury. It comprises two separate orbiters: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). After approximately 7.5 years of cruise, BepiColombo will arrive at Mercury in 2024 and will gather data during a 1-year nominal mission, with a possible 1-year extension. The approach selected for BepiColombo for the processing, analysis and archiving of the science data represents a significant change with respect to previous ESA planetary missions. Traditionally Instrument Teams are responsible for processing, analysing and preparing their science data for the long-term archive, however in BepiColombo, the Science Ground Segment (SGS), located in Madrid, Spain, will play a key role in these activities. Fundamental aspects of this approach include: the involvement of the SGS in the definition, development and operation of the instrument processing pipelines; the production of ready-to-archive science products compatible with NASA’s Planetary Data System (PDS) standards in all the processing steps; the joint development of a quick-look analysis system to monitor deviations between planned and executed observations to feed back the results into the different planning cycles when possible; and a mission archive providing access to the scientific products and to the operational data throughout the different phases of the mission (from the early development phase to the legacy phase). In order to achieve these goals, the SGS will need to overcome a number of challenges. The proposed approach requires a flexible infrastructure able to cope with a distributed data processing system, residing in different locations but designed as a single entity. For this, all aspects related to the integration of software developed by different Instrument Teams and the alignment of their development schedules will need to be

Oviposition and vertical dispersal of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Jayathilake, T A Hasini D G; Wickramasinghe, Mervyn B; de Silva, B G D Nissanka K

2015-09-01

The Colombo City in Sri Lanka is experiencing tremendous development and construction of multiple storey buildings and high rise apartments. The change in housing types and microhabitats might have altered the flight and breeding behaviour of Aedes mosquito population. This study was carried out to determine the vertical dispersal and abundance of Aedes mosquitoes in multiple storey buildings in the Colombo district, with respect to abiotic factors such as rainfall, humidity and wind speed. Hence, this study is of paramount importance, particularly for planning and implementation of control measures against Aedes mosquitoes. An ovitrap based study was carried out at four selected multiple storey buildings in four residential areas located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from August to December 2013. Results were analyzed using four indices; ovitrap index, mean number of larvae, mean number of eggs and mean number of larvae per ovipaddle. The results implied that Aedes mosquitoes could be found in different elevations from ground floor to the highest floor (130 ft). There was a significant difference between height and ovitrap index (pAedes mosquitoes (pAedes mosquitoes are able to breed at any level of the buildings and not restricted by their height. The indices (mean number of larvae, mean number of eggs) representing the vertical dispersal with respect to abundance seemed to be statistically non-significant (p>0.05) with height which indicates high abundance of Aedes mosquitoes at higher floors. Abiotic factors also seemed to cause significant effect to the vertical dispersal of Aedes mosquitoes in high rise buildings.

Machine Learning Approach to Deconvolution of Thermal Infrared (TIR) Spectrum of Mercury Supporting MERTIS Onboard ESA/JAXA BepiColombo

Science.gov (United States)

Varatharajan, I.; D'Amore, M.; Maturilli, A.; Helbert, J.; Hiesinger, H.

2018-04-01

Machine learning approach to spectral unmixing of emissivity spectra of Mercury is carried out using endmember spectral library measured at simulated daytime surface conditions of Mercury. Study supports MERTIS payload onboard ESA/JAXA BepiColombo.

El atrio como estrategia estructural en nuevos rascacielos que renuncian a la verticalidad: casos de estudio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cámara, M.

2013-12-01

Full Text Available In the last decade, a new type of high rise building has been emerging. They are leaning or undulating skyscrapers which become real architectural icons by defying the building logic that the preservation of the vertical line implies. The acceptance of this last aspect is making emerge several works of this kind signed by some of the most influential architectural firms in the world. But, do these new involve works new structural concepts or strategies that answer to their singular characters? Here, the structural solution of two examples is analyzed to identify those contributions with a structural/architectural nature that could became a base for the development of this type. The use of the atrium is recognized as one of them. An assessment based on models of its influence on the structural behavior of leaning towers is carried out.En la última década, ha venido emergiendo un nuevo tipo de edificio en altura. Se trata de rascacielos inclinados u ondulados que, desafiando toda la lógica edificatoria que supone la conservación de la verticalidad, se convierten en auténticos hitos e iconos arquitectónicos. El reconocimiento de este último aspecto está conduciendo a la emergencia de varias representaciones de este tipo respaldadas por algunos de los estudios de arquitectura más influyentes del panorama internacional. Pero, ¿vienen estas actuaciones acompañadas de nuevos conceptos o estrategias estructurales o de diseño que respondan a la singularidad que las caracteriza? Se analiza aquí la solución estructural de dos ejemplos para identificar aquellas aportaciones de carácter estructural/arquitectónico que apuntan a servir de base para el desarrollo del tipo. Reconociéndose la utilización del atrio como una de ellas, se lleva a cabo una evaluación basada en modelos de su influencia en el comportamiento estructural de torres inclinadas.

Dinâmica de crescimento de espécies de um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista em Colombo, PR

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aline Canetti

2014-04-01

Full Text Available Estudos visando o uso adequado dos recursos da floresta são indispensáveis para o manejo e conservação de remanescentes florestais, como os da Floresta Ombrófila Mista. Tendo em vista a necessidade de se aprimorar conhecimentos sobre o crescimento de espécies em regiões subtropicais, o presente trabalho teve por objetivo monitorar o crescimento diamétrico intra-anual de espécies arbóreas em Colombo, Paraná. Em novembro de 2009 foram instaladas faixas dendrométricas em árvores adultas (de 15 a 25 indivíduos de 9 espécies dentre as mais frequentes em um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista. As medições de incremento diamétrico foram feitas mensalmente, até junho de 2011. Ocotea bicolor se diferenciou das outras espécies, apresentando crescimento superior e constante. Isto pode ser atribuído ao menor recobrimento da copa das árvores, favorecendo o acesso à luz pela espécie e consequentemente o seu crescimento. O maior crescimento de todas as espécies estudadas ocorreu no outono de 2011, estação antecedida por um inverno de baixa precipitação (inverno de 2010, em que a luminosidade esteve mais disponível para a produção fotossintética.

Straylight analysis of the BepiColombo Laser Altimeter

Science.gov (United States)

Weigel, T.; Rugi-Grond, E.; Kudielka, K.

2008-09-01

The BepiColombo Laser Altimeter (BELA) shall profile the surface of planet Mercury and operates on the day side as well as on the night side. Because of the high thermal loads, most interior surfaces of the front optics are highly reflective and specular, including the baffle. This puts a handicap on the straylight performance, which is needed to limit the solar background. We present the design measures used to reach an attenuation of about 10-8. We resume the method of backward straylight analysis which starts the rays at the detector and analyses the results in object space. The backward analysis can be quickly compiled and challenges computer resources rather than labor effort. This is very useful in a conceptual design phase when a design is iterated and trade-offs are to be performed. For one design, we compare the results with values obtained from a forward analysis.

Mercury Science Objectives and Traceability Within the BepiColombo Project: Optimising the Science Output of the Next Mission to Mercury

Science.gov (United States)

Besse, S.; Benkhoff, J.; Bentley, M.; Cornet, T.; Moissl, R.; Munoz, C.; Zender, J.

2018-05-01

The BepiColombo Science Ground Segment is developing, in collaboration with the instrument teams, targeted science traceability matrix of each instrument. They are defined in such a way that they can be tracked during the observation lifecycle.

Coupled thermo-elastic and optical performance analyses of a reflective baffle for the BepiColombo laser altimeter (BELA) receiver

Science.gov (United States)

Heesel, E.; Weigel, T.; Lochmatter, P.; Rugi Grond, E.

2017-11-01

For the BepiColombo mission, the extreme thermal environment around Mercury requires good heat shields for the instruments. The BepiColombo Laser altimeter (BELA) Receiver will be equipped with a specular reflective baffle in order to limit the solar power impact. The design uses a Stavroudis geometry with alternating elliptical and hyperbolic vanes to reflect radiation at angles >38° back into space. The thermal loads on the baffle lead to deformations, and the resulting changes in the optical performance can be modeled by ray-tracing. Conventional interfaces, such as Zernike surface fitting, fail to provide a proper import of the mechanical distortions into optical models. We have studied alternative models such as free form surface representations and compared them to a simple modeling approach with straight segments. The performance merit is presented in terms of the power rejection ratio and the absence of specular stray-light.

The pre-flight calibration setup of the instrument SIMBIO-SYS onboard the mission BepiColombo

Science.gov (United States)

Poulet, F.; Rodriguez-Ferreira, J.; Arondel, A.; Dassas, K.; Eng, P.; Lami, P.; Langevin, Y.; Longval, Y.; Pradel, P.; Dami, M.

2015-11-01

BepiColombo, an European Space Agency (ESA) mission being conducted in cooperation with the Japan space agency, will explore Mercury with a set of eleven instruments onboard the spacecraft Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO). Among them, SIMBIO-SYS (Spectrometers and Imagers for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem) is a complex instrument that will provide images and spectra in the 400-2000 nm wavelength range of the entire surface of Mercury. Pre-flight calibration of the SYMBIO-SYS instrument is mandatory for reliable scientific interpretation of images and spectra returned from the planet Mercury. This paper presents the calibration device designed and implemented for the specific requirements of this instrument. It mainly consists of a thermal vacuum chamber simulating the space environment, an optical bench collecting calibration sources and optical elements that simulate the conditions of Mercury observations, mechanical interfaces used for positioning the three channels inside the vacuum chamber, thermal interfaces to explore the operating temperatures, computer interfaces that allow to communicate with both the instrument and the calibration elements and synchronize the calibrations sequences with the status of the calibration device. As the major goal is the characterization of the radiometric performances of the three channels of SIMBIO-SYS, radiometric performances of the test setup evaluated by simulations and measurements are emphasized.

Space weather at planet Venus during the forthcoming BepiColombo flybys

Science.gov (United States)

McKenna-Lawlor, S.; Jackson, B.; Odstrcil, D.

2018-03-01

The BepiColombo (BC) Mission which will be launched in 2018, will include during its Cruise Phase two flybys of Venus and five Mercury flybys. It will then enter a one Earth year orbit about Mercury (with a possible one-year extension) during which two spacecraft, one provided by ESA (MPO) and one provided by JAXA (MMO), will perform both autonomous and coordinated observations of the Hermean environment at various separations. The measurements will take place during the minimum of solar cycle 24 and the rise of solar cycle 25. At the start of the minimum of solar cycle 23, four major flares, each associated with the production of MeV particle radiation and CME activity occurred. Predictions of the HAFv.2 model of the arrival of particle radiation and a travelling shock at Venus on 6 December 2006 were verified by in-situ measurements made aboard Venus Express (VEX) by the ASPERA 4 instrument. Interplanetary scintillation observations, as well as the ENLIL 3-D MHD model when employed separately or in combination, enable the making of predictions of the solar wind density and speed at various locations in the inner heliosphere. Both methods, which outdate HAFv.2, are utilized in the present paper to predict (retrospectively) the arrival of the flare related, interplanetary propagating shock recorded at Venus on 6 December 2006 aboard VEX with a view to putting in place the facility to make very reliable space weather predictions for BC during both its Cruise Phase and when in the Hermean environment itself. The successful matching of the December 2006 predictions with in-situ signatures recorded aboard Venus Express provide confidence that the predictive methodology to be adopted will be appropriate to provide space weather predictions for BepiColombo during its Venus flybys and throughout the mission.

Unmarried women's decisions on pregnancy termination: Qualitative interviews in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Olsson, Pia; Wijewardena, Kumudu

2010-11-01

In Sri Lanka pregnancy termination is very restricted by law and social norms. Premarital sex, and pregnancies are not generally accepted and unmarried pregnant women are vulnerable in their decision-making on pregnancy termination. The objective of this study was to describe the circumstances of becoming pregnant and factors considered in the decision-making for seeking pregnancy termination in a sample of unmarried women in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 unmarried women seeking pregnancy terminations at a reproductive health centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The interviews were later analysed using qualitative content analysis. Becoming pregnant in a love relationship was predominant in this sample. Awareness of contraceptives varied and initial reaction to the pregnancy involved strong contradictory emotions. Multiple interrelated factors were considered in the decision-making for termination. Family pressure was the most prominent factor followed by the partner's qualities and attitude towards the pregnancy, economic factors and own feelings, values and future fertility. The women described that their own emotional, religious and economic reasons for continuing the pregnancy were often outweighed by their responsibility to the family, male partner and unborn child. These unmarried women's sexual and reproductive rights were limited and for many the pregnancy termination was socially unsafe. They found themselves at the interface of two value systems. Modern values allow for relationships with men prior to marriage; whereas, traditional values did not. The limited possibilities to prevent pregnancies and little hope for support if continuing the pregnancy; made women seek pregnancy termination despite own doubts. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The BepiColombo MORE gravimetry and rotation experiments with the ORBIT14 software

Science.gov (United States)

Cicalò, S.; Schettino, G.; Di Ruzza, S.; Alessi, E. M.; Tommei, G.; Milani, A.

2016-04-01

The BepiColombo mission to Mercury is an ESA/JAXA cornerstone mission, consisting of two spacecraft in orbit around Mercury addressing several scientific issues. One spacecraft is the Mercury Planetary Orbiter, with full instrumentation to perform radio science experiments. Very precise radio tracking from Earth, on-board accelerometer and optical measurements will provide large data sets. From these it will be possible to study the global gravity field of Mercury and its tidal variations, its rotation state and the orbit of its centre of mass. With the gravity field and rotation state, it is possible to constrain the internal structure of the planet. With the orbit of Mercury, it is possible to constrain relativistic theories of gravitation. In order to assess that all the scientific goals are achievable with the required level of accuracy, full cycle numerical simulations of the radio science experiment have been performed. Simulated tracking, accelerometer and optical camera data have been generated, and a long list of variables including the spacecraft initial conditions, the accelerometer calibrations and the gravity field coefficients have been determined by a least-squares fit. The simulation results are encouraging: the experiments are feasible at the required level of accuracy provided that some critical terms in the accelerometer error are moderated. We will show that BepiColombo will be able to provide at least an order of magnitude improvement in the knowledge of Love number k2, libration amplitudes and obliquity, along with a gravity field determination up to degree 25 with a signal-to-noise ratio of 10.

Getting Ready for BepiColombo: A Modeling Approach to Infer the Solar Wind Plasma Parameters Upstream of Mercury from Magnetic Field Observations

Science.gov (United States)

Fatemi, S.; Poirier, N.; Holmström, M.; Wieser, M.; Barabash, S.

2018-05-01

We have developed a model to infer the solar wind plasma parameters upstream of Mercury from magnetic field observations in Mercury's magnetosphere. This is important for observations by MESSENGER and the future mission to Mercury, BepiColombo.

Measurement and stability of the pointing of the BepiColombo Laser Altimeter under thermal load

Science.gov (United States)

Gouman, J.; Beck, T.; Affolter, M.; Thomas, N.; Geissbühler, U.; Péteut, A.; Bandy, T.; Servonet, A.; Piazza, D.; Seiferlin, K.

2014-04-01

The first European laser altimeter, designed for interplanetary flight, BELA, (on BepiColombo mission to Mercury) will be launched in July 2016. This abstract describes the setup used to characterize the angular movements of BELA during the simulation of the environment that the instrument will encounter when orbiting Mercury. Tests performed using the Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) show that the setup is accurate enough to characterize angular movements of the instrument components with an accuracy of ≈ 10 μrad.

Updated science issues and observation plans of BepiColombo Mercury Magnetosphere Orbiter (MMO)

Science.gov (United States)

Murakami, G.; Fujimoto, M.; Hayakawa, H.

2017-12-01

After the successful observation by the first Mercury orbiter MESSENGER ended in 2015, Mercury becomes one of the most curious planets to investigate. MESSENGER raised new science issues, such as the northward offset of planetary dipole magnetic filed, the highly dynamic magnetosphere, and the year-to-year constant exosphere. These outstanding discoveries still remain as open issues due to some limitations of instruments onboard MESSENGER and its extended elliptical orbit with apherm in southern hemisphere. The next Mercury exploration project BepiColombo will address these open issues. BepiColombo is an ESA-JAXA joint mission to Mercury with the aim to understand the process of planetary formation and evolution as well as to understand Mercury's extreme environment in the solar system. Two spacecraft, i.e. the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO), will be launched in October 2018 by an Ariane-5 launch vehicle and arrive at Mercury in December 2025. The mechanical test in a complete stack configuration has been performed in the ESA test center and successfully finished. MMO is mainly designed for plasma observations and is expected to extract essential elements of space plasma physics that become visible in the Hermean environment. MMO has large constraints on science operations, such as thermal issue and limited telemetry rate. Due to the thermal issue each science instrument cannot always be turned on. In addition, due to the low telemetry rate in average, only a part ( 20-30%) of science mission data with high resolution can be downlinked. Therefore, in order to maximize the scientific results and outcomes to be achieved by MMO, we are now working to optimize the science observation and downlink plans in detail. Here we present the updated science goals for MMO based on the latest MESSENGER results and the current observation plans how to approach these science issues.

ANÁLISE DE RELATÓRIOS AMBIENTAIS PRÉVIOS DE CURITIBA/PR COM BASE NOS PRINCÍPIOS DO PLANEJAMENTO DA PAISAGEM

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laura Freire Estêvez

2015-09-01

Full Text Available O Planejamento da Paisagem aplicado ao meio urbanizado tem como um dos princípios a manutenção ou melhoria da qualidade ambiental urbana, que pode ser diminuída com a crescente instalação de empreendimentos na cidade. Para avaliar os impactos ambientais desses empreendimentos antes da sua instalação, o Estatuto da Cidade (BRASIL, 2001 instituiu o Estudo Prévio de Impacto de Vizinhança - EIV. O Município de Curitiba realiza estudos de impactos ambientais de empreendimentos e suas atividades desde 1997 com o estabelecimento do Relatório Ambiental Prévio – RAP (CURITIBA, 1997. O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar RAPs elaborados em Curitiba, PR, com base nos princípios do Planejamento da Paisagem e com isso fornecer subsídios para a reflexão sobre a possibilidade de um planejamento urbano que considere a qualidade ambiental. Para a avaliação dos RAPs foram definidos critérios e parâmetros, com base nos estudos de qualidade ambiental urbana, nos estudos sobre cidades saudáveis da Organização Mundial da Saúde e em princípios da Flor da Permacultura. Os critérios definidos foram: Espaços Livres, Cobertura Vegetal, Verticalidade das Edificações, Usos Potencialmente Poluidores, Estilos de Vida Saudável e Pegada Ecológica. Apesar de tratar sobre alguns impactos ambientais negativos de forma superficial, os RAPs não contemplam a grande maioria dos impactos ambientais negativos relacionados à qualidade ambiental urbana e, mesmo assim, forneceram diagnósticos favoráveis à instalação dos empreendimentos. Esse diagnóstico foi aceito pelo poder público que permitiu a instalação dos empreendimentos, que resultaram em diminuição da qualidade ambiental urbana.

Fuzzy Traffic Control with Vehicle-to-Everything Communication.

Science.gov (United States)

Salman, Muntaser A; Ozdemir, Suat; Celebi, Fatih V

2018-01-27

Traffic signal control (TSC) with vehicle-to everything (V2X) communication can be a very efficient solution to traffic congestion problem. Ratio of vehicles equipped with V2X communication capability in the traffic to the total number of vehicles (called penetration rate PR) is still low, thus V2X based TSC systems need to be supported by some other mechanisms. PR is the major factor that affects the quality of TSC process along with the evaluation interval. Quality of the TSC in each direction is a function of overall TSC quality of an intersection. Hence, quality evaluation of each direction should follow the evaluation of the overall intersection. Computational intelligence, more specifically swarm algorithm, has been recently used in this field in a European Framework Program FP7 supported project called COLOMBO. In this paper, using COLOMBO framework, further investigations have been done and two new methodologies using simple and fuzzy logic have been proposed. To evaluate the performance of our proposed methods, a comparison with COLOMBOs approach has been realized. The results reveal that TSC problem can be solved as a logical problem rather than an optimization problem. Performance of the proposed approaches is good enough to be suggested for future work under realistic scenarios even under low PR.

A time for dogma, a time for the Bible, a time for condoms: Building a Catholic theology of prevention in the face of public health policies at Casa Fonte Colombo in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Science.gov (United States)

Seffner, Fernando; Garcia, Jonathan; Muñoz-Laboy, Miguel; Parker, Richard

2011-01-01

The Casa Fonte Colombo (CFC) is a religious organisation that assists people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The funding for its activities comes from public sources such as the Brazilian National STD/AIDS Program as well as the Catholic Church. Capuchin (Franciscan) priests run the CFC, and it has an extensive group of volunteers made up mostly of women. Between 2006 and 2009, we observed daily life at the Casa Fonte Colombo and interviewed priests, volunteers, employees, service providers, and clients. We also attended meetings, group sessions, and celebrations. Everyday actions carried out by the CFC reveal the efforts to resolve the tension between the position of the Catholic Church and the Brazilian state in the politics of AIDS. These efforts affirm that the Casa Fonte Colombo presents itself as a space where the position of the Catholic Church, as much as the politics of public health, are re-worked, giving way to a progressive act of Catholic prevention and assistance for AIDS, that we call “theology of prevention.” PMID:21834734

Machine Learning Applied to Dawn/VIR data of Vesta in view of MERTIS/BepiColombo.

Science.gov (United States)

Helbert, J.; D'Amore, M.; Le Scaon, R.; Maturilli, A.; Palomba, E.; Longobardo, A.; Hiesinger, H.

2016-12-01

Remote sensing spectroscopy is one of the most commonly used technique in planetary science and for recent instruments producing huge amount of data, classic methods could fails to unlock the full scientific potential buried in the measurements. We explored several Machine Learning techniques: multi-step clustering method is developed, using an image segmentation method, a stream algorithm, and hierarchical clustering. The MErcury Radiometer and Thermal infrared Imaging Spectrometer (MERTIS) is part of the payload of the Mercury Planetary Orbiter spacecraft of the ESA-JAXA BepiColombo mission. MERTIS's scientific goals are to infer rock-forming minerals, to map surface composition, and to study surface temperature variations on Mercury. The NASA mission DAWN carry a suites of instruments aimed at understanding the two most massive objects in the main asteroid belt: Vesta and Ceres. DAWN has already successfully completed the exploration of Vesta in September 2012 and it is now in the last phase of the mission around Ceres. To cope with the stream of data that will be delivered by MERTIS, we developed an algorithm that could aggregate new data as they come in during the mission giving the scientist a guide for the most interesting and new discovery on Mercury. The DAWN/VESTA VIR data is a testbed for the algorithm. The algorithm identified the Olivine outcrops around two craters on Vesta's surface described in Ammannito et al., 2013. We furthermore mimic the data acquisition process as if the mission were dumping the data live. The algorithm provides insightful information on the novelty and classes int he data as they are collected. This will enhance MERTIS targeting and maximize its scientific return during BepiColombo mission at Mercury. E Ammannito et al. "Olivine in an unexpected location on Vesta/'s surface". In: Nature 504.7478 (2013), pp. 122-125.

Risk Mitigation Testing with the BepiColombo MPO SADA

Science.gov (United States)

Zemann, J.; Heinrich, B.; Skulicz, A.; Madsen, M.; Weisenstein, W.; Modugno, F.; Althaus, F.; Panhofer, T.; Osterseher, G.

2013-09-01

A Solar Array (SA) Drive Assembly (SADA) for the BepiColombo mission is being developed and qualified at RUAG Space Zürich (RSSZ). The system is consisting of the Solar Array Drive Mechanism (SADM) and the Solar Array Drive Electronics (SADE) which is subcontracted to RUAG Space Austria (RSA).This paper deals with the risk mitigation activities and the lesson learnt from this development. In specific following topics substantiated by bread board (BB) test results will be addressed in detail:Slipring Bread Board Test: Verification of lifetime and electrical performance of carbon brush technology Potentiometer BB Tests: Focus on lifetime verification (> 650000 revolution) and accuracy requirement SADM EM BB Test: Subcomponent (front-bearing and gearbox) characterization; complete test campaign equivalent to QM test.EM SADM/ SADE Combined Test: Verification of combined performance (accuracy, torque margin) and micro-vibration testing of SADA systemSADE Bread Board Test: Parameter optimization; Test campaign equivalent to QM testThe main improvements identified in frame of BB testing and already implemented in the SADM EM/QM and SADE EQM are:• Improved preload device for gearbox• Improved motor ball-bearing assembly• Position sensor improvements• Calibration process for potentiometer• SADE motor controller optimization toachieve required running smoothness• Overall improvement of test equipment.

Tobacco smoking among school children in Colombo district, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Katulanda, Prasad; Liyanage, Isurujith Kongala; Wickramasinghe, Kremlin; Piyadigama, Indunil; Karunathilake, Indika M; Palmer, Paula H; Matthews, David R

2015-03-01

Tobacco smoking is an important problem among schoolchildren. The authors studied the patterns of tobacco smoking among schoolchildren in Colombo, Sri Lanka, using a self-administered questionnaire. Multistaged stratified random sampling was used to select 6000 students. Response rate was 90.7% (5446), out of which 53.4% were males. Prevalence rates for males and females, respectively, were as follows: having smoked at least 1 complete cigarette: 27.0% and 13.3%, smoked more than 100 cigarettes: 2.3% and 0.3%, daily smoking: 1.8% and 0.2%. Mean age of starting to smoke was 14.16 years. The tobacco products most used were cigarettes (91.5%) and bidis (3.8%). In univariate analysis, male gender, parental smoking, studying non-science subjects, peer smoking, and participating in sports were significantly associated with smoking of at least 1 complete cigarette (P < .05). In multivariate analysis, the most significant correlates were having close friends (odds ratio = 3.29, confidence interval = 2.47-4.37) or parents who smoked (odds ratio = 1.86, confidence interval = 1.28-2.71). Female smoking has increased from previously reported values. These high-risk groups can be targets for preventive programs. © 2013 APJPH.

Use of illicit substances among schoolchildren in colombo district, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Liyanage, Isurujith Kongala; Wickramasinghe, Kremlin; Ratnayake, Himali Erandathie; Palmer, Paula; Matthews, David R; Katulanda, Prasad

2013-01-01

This study aimed to understand the usage patterns and correlates of illicit drug use among schoolchildren in Colombo district, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study was carried out among grade 10 and 12 students using a self-administered questionnaire. From the 6000 students selected, 5353(89.22%) responded. Betel chewing with tobacco was seen in 28.48% males and 10.44% females. Substances such as Barbul, Madana Modaka, and cough syrups that are not established as illicit drugs were used as psychoactive substances. Ingredients of some of these compounds are not fully understood or regulated. Prevalence of cannabis use was 3.85% in males and 0.24% in females. Studying nonscience subjects for Advanced Level, doing sports, low academic performance, and peer smoking significantly increased the odds of using one or more substances (P substances were used by schoolchildren. More strategies to prevent further aggravation of these behaviors are needed. Constituents of some compounds are not understood and need further evaluation. Recognized high-risk groups can be targets for preventive and cessation programs.

METHODOLOGICAL CONTRIBUTION FOR THE ANALYSIS OF EMERGENT FRAGILITY: case study of the municipality of Colombo, Paraná.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luciano de Almeida

2009-06-01

Full Text Available This paper proposes an adaptation of the methodology of Environmental Fragility in order to detect Emergent Fragility.  We discuss the need for methods for measuring the impact of agriculture  which take different agricultural practices and ways of using natural resources into account. This methodological analysis is carried out through a case study of the municipality of Colombo, Paraná, in the Greater Curitiba Metropolitan Region.  This municipality is situated in an area of water springs and above an aquifer. It can be characterized by the presence of conventional and intensive vegetable production as well as the cultivation of several annual crops.   We elaborated several charts on Environmental Fragility (Potential and Emergent and evaluated the impact that agriculture has had on the quality and availability of water resources in the area we studied.  We went on to generate new parameters for distinguishing agricultural practices and their respective environmental impacts. Data have shown that, to the extent that different forms of agricultural use of soil are recognized and analyzed with greater precision, prospects for emergent fragility also vary. In the case of Colombo, data show that capacity for soil protection is greater when our proposed methodology is implemented, yet reaffirm the notion that agriculture that is practiced in areas where vegetables are grown implies high levels of soil vulnerability, also affecting water sources. Furthermore, we are led to conclude that the methodological procedures we propose are important in order to break with an erroneous view that generalizes the environmental impacts that agriculture causes, and in order to place greater value on the use of more  conservationist agricultural techniques.

O Programa PET-Saúde na organização do lócus da prática como espaço de formação dos profissionais de saúde: um relato de experiências.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marilene da Cruz Magalhães BUFFON

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Este artigo objetiva relatar a experiência do Pró-PET Saúde da Universidade Federal do Paraná com a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Colombo-PR. Trata-se de um relato de experiência retrospectivo e descritivo sobre o tema da integração acadêmica e trabalho multiprofissional. As atividades foram desenvolvidas pelos acadêmicos, preceptores e tutores dos cursos de enfermagem, farmácia, nutrição, medicina, odontologia e terapia ocupacional. O trabalho visou à integração, mediante ações, realizadas pelos grupos: diagnóstico em saúde, atenção à saúde, educação permanente e controle social. O Pró-PET Saúde vem fortalecendo a interação entre ensino-serviço-comunidade, importante para a construção de serviços de saúde mais qualificados e possibilitando ações mais próximas às necessidades do Sistema Único de Saúde. Esta vivência possibilitou qualificar a formação acadêmico-profissional na linha da interdisciplinaridade, sendo importante para o fortalecimento da interação entre os profissionais e a articulação das ações de saúde.

The role of an intergovernmental regional organization in combating drug trafficking: a perspective of the Colombo Plan Bureau.

Science.gov (United States)

Abarro, P A

1987-01-01

The Colombo Plan was established in 1950 as a regional intergovernmental organization for co-operative economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific comprising 26 member States. The permanent secretariat is the Colombo Plan Bureau to which is attached the Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) headed by a drug adviser, who consults with Governments and helps develop co-operative programmes for drug abuse prevention and control. DAP functions in close liaison and co-operation with organizations of the United Nations system and other regional and international organizations in pursuing activities in line with the international strategy and policies for drug control of the United Nations. DAP assists member States in creating public awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and drug trafficking through the use of mass media, seminars, workshops and conferences and study exchange programmes. It assists Governments in updating their drug laws and in establishing special drug units and national co-ordinating bodies on drug abuse control. DAP encourages and supports the utilization of community resources and the activities of non-governmental organizations and voluntary bodies for the prevention and reduction of drug abuse, as well as the use of mass media for more co-ordinated efforts in this area. It assists member States in developing human resources and technical expertise of personnel in the various disciplines of law enforcement, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, through training, seminars, study exchange fellowship programmes and research. DAP also assists in promoting co-operation at the regional and interregional levels, and is involved in developing and strengthening co-operation between agencies of member States that deal with drug problems.

APPRAISING THE STRONGLY ASSOCIATED IMPACTS TO CHOOSE THE MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT: A CASE STUDY OF COLOMBO METROPOLITAN AREA IN SRI LANKA

OpenAIRE

Manjula Madhuwanthi; Ashuboda Marasinghe; Shusaku Nomura

2016-01-01

This study examines a model to evaluate the probability of choosing the mode of public transport with finding most significant aspects related to the characteristic of the journey, characteristic of the traveler and the personal behavior of the traveler. The study area was focused on eleven Divisional Secretariat Divisions of the Colombo Metropolitan Area in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. This area has the most economically advanced functions as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The cu...

Calibration of the KA Band Tracking of the Bepi-Colombo Spacecraft (more Experiment)

Science.gov (United States)

Barriot, J.; Serafini, J.; Sichoix, L.

2013-12-01

The radiosciences Bepi-Colombo MORE experiment will use X/X, X/Ka and Ka/Ka band radio links to make accurate measurements of the spacecraft range and range rate. Tropospheric zenith wet delays range from 1.5 cm to 10 cm, with high variability (less than 1000 s) and will impair these accurate measurements. Conditions vary from summer (worse) to winter (better), from day (worse) to night (better). These wet delays cannot be estimated from ground weather measurements and alternative calibration methods should be used in order to cope with the MORE requirements (no more than 3 mm at 1000 s). Due to the Mercury orbit, MORE measurements will be performed by daylight and more frequently in summer than in winter (from Northern hemisphere). Two systems have been considered to calibrate this wet delay: Water Vapor Radiometers (WVRs) and GPS receivers. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a new class of WVRs reaching a 5 percent accuracy for the wet delay calibration (0.75 mm to 5 mm), but these WVRs are expensive to build and operate. GPS receivers are also routinely used for the calibration of data from NASA Deep Space probes, but several studies have shown that GPS receivers can give good calibration (through wet delay mapping functions) for long time variations, but are not accurate enough for short time variations (100 to 1000 s), and that WVRs must be used to efficiently calibrate the wet troposphere delays over such time spans. We think that such a calibration could be done by assimilating data from all the GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and IRNSS) that will be available at the time of the Bepi-Colombo arrival at Mercury (2021), provided that the underlying physics of the turbulent atmosphere and evapotranspiration processes are properly taken into account at such time scales. This implies to do a tomographic image of the troposphere overlying each Deep Space tracking station at time scales of less than 1000 s. For this purpose, we have

ÉTICAS DE AUTOGOBIERNO BIOMÉDICO: HORIZONTALIDAD Y VERTICALIDAD EN LA ARGENTINA POST-2001

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Diego Santiago Buttigliero

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Este artículo presenta una experiencia de alteración de las configuraciones de gobierno de un hospital en el marco de la crisis político - social argentina del año 2001. A partir de una metodología de investigación basada en “producciones narrativas” de un grupo de médicos residentes del Hospital Provincial de la República, el texto muestra el trabajo de los agentes de salud en conte xtos de extrema precariedad y da cuenta de la emergencia de nuevas éticas, prácticas y formas de organización a partir de la conexión con formas de poder que proliferaron desde la base social en el contexto de esa crisis. Estas formas de organización y prá cticas permiten la articulación de nuevas éticas como un mecanismo económico clave sobre el cual emerge el marco para pensar nuevas formas de organización y de gobierno del hospital. Se utiliza el concepto de “ eticopolítica ” con el fin de enfocar la cualid ad activa de los sujetos, el grado de reflexión en torno a su acción y la conexión de estos dos factores con la política y las relaciones de poder.

PR-PR: cross-platform laboratory automation system.

Science.gov (United States)

Linshiz, Gregory; Stawski, Nina; Goyal, Garima; Bi, Changhao; Poust, Sean; Sharma, Monica; Mutalik, Vivek; Keasling, Jay D; Hillson, Nathan J

2014-08-15

To enable protocol standardization, sharing, and efficient implementation across laboratory automation platforms, we have further developed the PR-PR open-source high-level biology-friendly robot programming language as a cross-platform laboratory automation system. Beyond liquid-handling robotics, PR-PR now supports microfluidic and microscopy platforms, as well as protocol translation into human languages, such as English. While the same set of basic PR-PR commands and features are available for each supported platform, the underlying optimization and translation modules vary from platform to platform. Here, we describe these further developments to PR-PR, and demonstrate the experimental implementation and validation of PR-PR protocols for combinatorial modified Golden Gate DNA assembly across liquid-handling robotic, microfluidic, and manual platforms. To further test PR-PR cross-platform performance, we then implement and assess PR-PR protocols for Kunkel DNA mutagenesis and hierarchical Gibson DNA assembly for microfluidic and manual platforms.

Testing of the BipiColombo Antenna Pointing Mechanism

Science.gov (United States)

Campo, Pablo; Barrio, Aingeru; Martin, Fernando

2015-09-01

BepiColombo is an ESA mission to Mercury, its planetary orbiter (MPO) has two antenna pointing mechanism, High gain antenna (HGA) pointing mechanism steers and points a large reflector which is integrated at system level by TAS-I Rome. Medium gain antenna (MGA) APM points a 1.5 m boom with a horn antenna. Both radiating elements are exposed to sun fluxes as high as 10 solar constants without protections.A previous paper [1] described the design and development process to solve the challenges of performing in harsh environment.. Current paper is focused on the testing process of the qualification units. Testing performance of antenna pointing mechanism in its specific environmental conditions has required special set-up and techniques. The process has provided valuable feedback on the design and the testing methods which have been included in the PFM design and tests.Some of the technologies and components were developed on dedicated items priort to EQM, but once integrated, test behaviour had relevant differences.Some of the major concerns for the APM testing are:- Create during the thermal vacuum testing the qualification temperature map with gradients along the APM. From of 200oC to 70oC.- Test in that conditions the radio frequency and pointing performances adding also high RF power to check the power handling and self-heating of the rotary joint.- Test in life up to 12000 equivalent APM revolutions, that is 14.3 million motor revolutions in different thermal conditions.- Measure low thermal distortion of the mechanical chain, being at the same time insulated from external environment and interfaces (55 arcsec pointing error)- Perform deployment of large items guaranteeing during the process low humidity, below 5% to protect dry lubrication- Verify stability with representative inertia of large boom or reflector 20 Kgm2.

MIXS on BepiColombo and its DEPFET based focal plane instrumentation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Treis, J., E-mail: jft@hll.mpg.d [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Solar System Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 2, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau (Germany); Andricek, L. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Physics, Foehringer Ring 6, 80805 Munich (Germany); Aschauer, F. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics, Giessenbachstrasse, 85748 Garching (Germany); Heinzinger, K. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); PNSensor GmbH, Roemerstrasse 28, 80803 Munich (Germany); Herrmann, S. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics, Giessenbachstrasse, 85748 Garching (Germany); Hilchenbach, M. [MPI for Solar System Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 2, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau (Germany); Lauf, T. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics, Giessenbachstrasse, 85748 Garching (Germany); Lechner, P.; Lutz, G.; Majewski, P. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); PNSensor GmbH, Roemerstrasse 28, 80803 Munich (Germany); Porro, M. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics, Giessenbachstrasse, 85748 Garching (Germany); Richter, R.H. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Physics, Foehringer Ring 6, 80805 Munich (Germany); Schaller, G. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics, Giessenbachstrasse, 85748 Garching (Germany); Schnecke, M. [MPI Semiconductor Laboratory, Otto-Hahn-Ring 6, 81739 Munich (Germany); MPI for Physics, Foehringer Ring 6, 80805 Munich (Germany)

2010-12-11

Focal plane instrumentation based on DEPFET Macropixel devices, being a combination of the Detector-Amplifier structure DEPFET with a silicon drift chamber (SDD), has been proposed for the MIXS (Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer) instrument on ESA's Mercury exploration mission BepiColombo. MIXS images X-ray fluorescent radiation from the Mercury surface with a lightweight X-ray mirror system on the focal plane detector to measure the spatially resolved element abundance in Mercury's crust. The sensor needs to have an energy resolution better than 200 eV FWHM at 1 keV and is required to cover an energy range from 0.5 to 10 keV, for a pixel size of 300x300{mu}m{sup 2}. Main challenges for the instrument are radiation damage and the difficult thermal environment in the mercury orbit. The production of the first batch of flight devices has been finished at the MPI semiconductor laboratory. Prototype modules have been assembled to verify the electrical properties of the devices; selected results are presented here. The prototype devices, Macropixel prototypes for the SIMBOL-X focal plane, are electrically fully compatible, but have a pixel size of 0.5x0.5 mm{sup 2}. Excellent homogeneity and near Fano-limited energy resolution at high readout speeds have been observed on these devices.

MIXS on BepiColombo and its DEPFET based focal plane instrumentation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Treis, J.; Andricek, L.; Aschauer, F.; Heinzinger, K.; Herrmann, S.; Hilchenbach, M.; Lauf, T.; Lechner, P.; Lutz, G.; Majewski, P.; Porro, M.; Richter, R.H.; Schaller, G.; Schnecke, M.

2010-01-01

Focal plane instrumentation based on DEPFET Macropixel devices, being a combination of the Detector-Amplifier structure DEPFET with a silicon drift chamber (SDD), has been proposed for the MIXS (Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer) instrument on ESA's Mercury exploration mission BepiColombo. MIXS images X-ray fluorescent radiation from the Mercury surface with a lightweight X-ray mirror system on the focal plane detector to measure the spatially resolved element abundance in Mercury's crust. The sensor needs to have an energy resolution better than 200 eV FWHM at 1 keV and is required to cover an energy range from 0.5 to 10 keV, for a pixel size of 300x300μm 2 . Main challenges for the instrument are radiation damage and the difficult thermal environment in the mercury orbit. The production of the first batch of flight devices has been finished at the MPI semiconductor laboratory. Prototype modules have been assembled to verify the electrical properties of the devices; selected results are presented here. The prototype devices, Macropixel prototypes for the SIMBOL-X focal plane, are electrically fully compatible, but have a pixel size of 0.5x0.5 mm 2 . Excellent homogeneity and near Fano-limited energy resolution at high readout speeds have been observed on these devices.

MIXS on BepiColombo and its DEPFET based focal plane instrumentation

Science.gov (United States)

Treis, J.; Andricek, L.; Aschauer, F.; Heinzinger, K.; Herrmann, S.; Hilchenbach, M.; Lauf, T.; Lechner, P.; Lutz, G.; Majewski, P.; Porro, M.; Richter, R. H.; Schaller, G.; Schnecke, M.; Schopper, F.; Soltau, H.; Stefanescu, A.; Strüder, L.; de Vita, G.

2010-12-01

Focal plane instrumentation based on DEPFET Macropixel devices, being a combination of the Detector-Amplifier structure DEPFET with a silicon drift chamber (SDD), has been proposed for the MIXS (Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer) instrument on ESA's Mercury exploration mission BepiColombo. MIXS images X-ray fluorescent radiation from the Mercury surface with a lightweight X-ray mirror system on the focal plane detector to measure the spatially resolved element abundance in Mercury's crust. The sensor needs to have an energy resolution better than 200 eV FWHM at 1 keV and is required to cover an energy range from 0.5 to 10 keV, for a pixel size of 300×300μm2. Main challenges for the instrument are radiation damage and the difficult thermal environment in the mercury orbit. The production of the first batch of flight devices has been finished at the MPI semiconductor laboratory. Prototype modules have been assembled to verify the electrical properties of the devices; selected results are presented here. The prototype devices, Macropixel prototypes for the SIMBOL-X focal plane, are electrically fully compatible, but have a pixel size of 0.5×0.5 mm2. Excellent homogeneity and near Fano-limited energy resolution at high readout speeds have been observed on these devices.

Consequences of parental corporal punishment on 12-year old children in the Colombo district.

Science.gov (United States)

de Zoysa, Piyanjali; Newcombe, Peter A; Rajapakse, Lalini

2008-03-01

To study the association between parental corporal punishment and psychological maladjustment in children. Potential mediating variables of this association were explored. The relationship between corporal punishment and physical abuse was also investigated. DESIGN, SETTING AND SAMPLE: The children (N = 1226, 12-year olds) were selected from government schools in the Colombo district, using a stratified random sampling technique. Self-administered instruments, adapted and validated to the Sri Lankan context were used. The experience of parental corporal punishment was shown to be moderately, but significantly, associated with psychological maladjustment in children. This association was enhanced by the child witnessing or experiencing non-parent-to-child violence (eg. domestic, community, teacher and peer violence). The extent of the child's support network, the nature of the parent-child relationship and the child's attitude to corporal punishment did not significantly alter the association between corporal punishment and psychological maladjustment. Corporal punishment was also moderately, but significantly, associated with child physical abuse. Parental corporal punishment is associated with psychological harm for children; this association is further enhanced by other forms of violence in a child's life.

MUNDOS DE FRONTERA. LA FRONTERA NORTE DE MÉXICO Y LA FRONTERA COLOMBO-VENEZOLANA. UNA MIRADA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elizabeth Zamora Cardozo

2012-06-01

Full Text Available La frontera entre Tijuana y los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica, es la más transitada del mundo. Le sigue en América la colombo-venezolana, especialmente la conformada por el eje San Antonio-Ureña-Norte de Santander. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar algunos aspectos que identifican a dos espacios caracterizados por su diversidad, dinamismo y pluralidad. Me detengo en situaciones relativas al cruce hacia los Estados Unidos, así como en aspectos relacionados con los modos de vida y el mundo cotidiano de los habitantes de estas fronteras. También hago alusión al tema de la violencia, así como al papel de San Toribio Romo, de Juan Soldado y de Jesús Malverde quienes se han convertido en importantes referentes religiosos para quienes emprenden la aventura de cruzar hacia los Estados Unidos.

MICRO SIMULATION OF PELICAN CROSSING AT THE ROAD SECTION OF COLOMBO STREET, YOGYAKARTA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anggraeni Hapsari

2013-05-01

Full Text Available Yogyakarta has a problem related to pedestrians. The inappropriate implementation of crossing facility and disobedience of pedestrians while crossing the street leads to conflicts between pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Taking the road section of Colombo Street as the case study, this research proposed pelican crossing with independent and coordination time signal operation. Using Aimsun software, the existing traffic signal, geometric design, traffic flow and turning proportion were taken into account to build the initial model. Afterwards, a calibration of queue length and a validation of vehicle speed were carried out to obtain a basic model which represents the existing condition of the system. Comparing the basic model and the alternatives in terms of performances of junctions, road section and pedestrians in the pelican, this research resulted in setting double cycling of pelican as 100 seconds for the independent operation and setting common cycle time 120 seconds for the coordination operation as the best alternatives. In addition, the implementation of pelican crossing brought about the reduction of vehicle speed in the road section so that the safety of pedestrian increased. Keywords: Pedestrian, pelican crossing, Aimsun, signal time, speed

Nuclear methods in soil-plant aspects of sustainable agriculture. Proceedings of an FAO/IAEA regional seminar for Asia and the Pacific held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 5-9 April 1993

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1995-01-01

The document contains 24 papers presented at the FAO/IAEA Regional Seminar for Asia and the Pacific organized by the Soil Fertility, Irrigation and Crop Production Section of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and agriculture and held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, between 5-9 April 1993. A separate abstract was prepared for each paper. Refs, figs and tabs

Estimates of dengue force of infection in children in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Clarence C Tam

Full Text Available Dengue is the most important vector-borne viral disease worldwide and a major cause of childhood fever burden in Sri Lanka, which has experienced a number of large epidemics in the past decade. Despite this, data on the burden and transmission of dengue virus in the Indian Subcontinent are lacking. As part of a longitudinal fever surveillance study, we conducted a dengue seroprevalence survey among children aged <12 years in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We used a catalytic model to estimate the risk of primary infection among seronegative children. Over 50% of children had IgG antibodies to dengue virus and seroprevalence increased with age. The risk of primary infection was 14.1% per year (95% CI: 12.7%-15.6%, indicating that among initially seronegative children, approximately 1 in 7 experience their first infection within 12 months. There was weak evidence to suggest that the force of primary infection could be lower for children aged 6 years and above. We estimate that there are approximately 30 primary dengue infections among children <12 years in the community for every case notified to national surveillance, although this ratio is closer to 100:1 among infants. Dengue represents a considerable infection burden among children in urban Sri Lanka, with levels of transmission comparable to those in the more established epidemics of Southeast Asia.

PrP Knockout Cells Expressing Transmembrane PrP Resist Prion Infection.

Science.gov (United States)

Marshall, Karen E; Hughson, Andrew; Vascellari, Sarah; Priola, Suzette A; Sakudo, Akikazu; Onodera, Takashi; Baron, Gerald S

2017-01-15

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring of the prion protein (PrP C ) influences PrP C misfolding into the disease-associated isoform, PrP res , as well as prion propagation and infectivity. GPI proteins are found in cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich membrane regions called rafts. Exchanging the GPI anchor for a nonraft transmembrane sequence redirects PrP C away from rafts. Previous studies showed that nonraft transmembrane PrP C variants resist conversion to PrP res when transfected into scrapie-infected N2a neuroblastoma cells, likely due to segregation of transmembrane PrP C and GPI-anchored PrP res in distinct membrane environments. Thus, it remained unclear whether transmembrane PrP C might convert to PrP res if seeded by an exogenous source of PrP res not associated with host cell rafts and without the potential influence of endogenous expression of GPI-anchored PrP C To further explore these questions, constructs containing either a C-terminal wild-type GPI anchor signal sequence or a nonraft transmembrane sequence containing a flexible linker were expressed in a cell line derived from PrP knockout hippocampal neurons, NpL2. NpL2 cells have physiological similarities to primary neurons, representing a novel and advantageous model for studying transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) infection. Cells were infected with inocula from multiple prion strains and in different biochemical states (i.e., membrane bound as in brain microsomes from wild-type mice or purified GPI-anchorless amyloid fibrils). Only GPI-anchored PrP C supported persistent PrP res propagation. Our data provide strong evidence that in cell culture GPI anchor-directed membrane association of PrP C is required for persistent PrP res propagation, implicating raft microdomains as a location for conversion. Mechanisms of prion propagation, and what makes them transmissible, are poorly understood. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchoring of the prion protein (PrP C

On PR group classes and PR algebra membership

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lebedenko, V.M.

1978-01-01

The necessary and sufficient conditions are found for the membership of Lee algebras to PR algebra class, to algebras with commutation relations of [Hsub(i), Hsub(j)]=rsub(ij)Hsub(i) (i< j) type. Due to this, a criterion is obtained for the membership of the Lee froups to PR group classes, connected and simply connected Lee groups, which Lee algebras are PR algebras

Neutron Scattering from fcc Pr and Pr3Tl

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Birgeneau, R. J.; Als-Nielsen, Jens Aage; Bucher, E.

1972-01-01

Elastic-neutron-scattering measurements on the singlet-ground-state ferromagnets fcc Pr and Pr3 Tl are reported. Both exhibit magnetic phase transitions, possibly to a simple ferromagnetic state at 20 and 11.6 °K, respectively. The transitions appear to be of second order although that in fcc Pr...

Isothermal sections of the state diagram for the Pr-Ni-Ge system at 870 (0-0,5Pr) and 670 K (0,5-1Pr)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fedyna, M.F.; Pecharskij, V.K.; Bodak, O.I.

1987-01-01

Method of X-ray phase and microstructural analyses were used to study Pr-Ni-Ge ternary system at 870K (0-0.50 at.fractions of Pr) and 670K (0.50-1.00 at.fractions of Pr). 11 ternary compounds exist in the system: Pr 1-x (NiGe) 13 (x=0.24), PrNi 2 Ge 2 , Pr 2 Ni 3 Ge 5 , PrNiGe 3 , Pr 2 NiGe 6 , Pr 3 Ni 4 Ge 4 , PrNi (1-x) Ge 2 (x=0.33), PrNiGe, Pr(NiGe) 2-x (x=0.14), Pr 3 NiGe 2 , ∼Pr 5 NiGe 4 . Crystal structure was determined for seven ternary compounds

Environmental and Socio-Demographic Determinants of Dengue Fever in Colombo City, Sri Lanka

Science.gov (United States)

Tipre, Meghan; Luvall, Jeffrey; Haque, Akhlaque; McClure, Leslie; Zaitchik, Ben; Sathiakumar, Nalini

2014-01-01

Dengue fever has increased exponentially in Sri Lanka, from 24.4 cases per 100,000 in 2003 to 165.3 per 100,000 population in 2013. Although early warning systems using predictor models have been previously developed in other settings, it is important to develop such models in each local setting. Further, the ability of these models to be applicable at smaller geographic units will enhance current vector control and disease surveillance measures. The aim of this paper was to identify environmental and socio-economic status (SES) risk factors that may predict dengue fever at the Gram Niladhari Divisions (GND) level (smallest administrative unit) in Colombo city, Sri Lanka. These factors included landcover classes, amount of vegetation, population density, water access and neighborhood SES as determined by roof type. A geographically weighted regression (GWR) was used to develop the prediction model. A total 55 GND units covering an area of 37 sq km were investigated. We found that GND units with decreased vegetation, higher built-up area, higher population density and poor access to tap-water supply were associated with high risk of dengue; the pertinent GND units were concentrated in the center of the city. This is the first study in Sri Lanka to include both environmental and socio-demographic factors in prediction models for dengue fever. The methodology may be useful in enhancing ongoing dengue fever control measures in the country, and to be extended to other countries in the region that have an increasing incidence of dengue fever.

Photoemission of heavy fermion superconductor PrOs4Sb12 and other Pr compounds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imada, S.; Yamasaki, A.; Sekiyama, A.; Settai, R.; Onuki, Y.; Suga, S.; Sugawara, H.; Sato, H.; Ochiai, A.

2004-01-01

Full text: Strongly correlated electronic states due to Pr 4f electrons found in several Pr compounds have recently been attracting much attention. The Pr 4f electrons are much more localized than in Ce due to the lanthanoid contraction. Therefore, the number of the Pr systems that show strong electron correlation is much smaller than Ce systems. We will present a comparative study of Pr 4f electronic states in such systems as the heavy fermion superconductor PrOs 4 Sb 12 , the Kondo system PrSn 3 and the localized 4f systems Pr 4 X 3 (X = Sb and Bi). The Pr 4f electronic state was probed by means of the Pr 3d → 4f resonant photoemission (RPES). Because the kinetic energy (E K ) of the photoelectrons is as high as ∼ 900 eV, this method is much more bulk sensitive than the 4d → 4f RPES with E K ∼ 100 eV. The energy resolution could be set to about 100 meV by utilizing the soft X-rays from BL25SU in SPring-8 and the SCIENTA SES-200 analyzer. The Pr 4f excitation spectrum of PrSn 3 was found to show a very strong intensity at the Fermi level (E F ). This can be interpreted as the Kondo resonance which has been observed in the Kondo Ce and Yb compounds. In the Pr 4f spectrum of the heavy fermion superconductor PrOs 4 Sb 12 , the intensity at E F was smaller than in PrSn 3 . This clearly shows that the Kondo temperature (T K ) is much lower in PrOs 4 Sb 12 than in PrSn 3 . We have further found a strong excitation energy dependence in the RPES line shape. In the case of Pr 4 X 3 (X = Sb and Bi), the intensity at E B was much smaller than PrSn 3 and PrOs 4 Sb 12 , which is consistent with the localized character of Pr 4f electrons in Pr 4 X 3 . The Pr 4f spectra of these localized systems are qualitatively well reproduced by a cluster model calculation that takes into account the hybridization between the Pr 4f orbital and the conduction and valence bands made up by the X p and Pr 5d states

Stock Price Reaction to Announcements of Right Issues and Debenture Issues: Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Udani Chathurika Edirisinghe

2015-02-01

Full Text Available This study investigates the stock market reaction for right issues and debenture issues of Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE during the period of 2005 to 2011 while providing evidence for the research question “how do stock prices react to the debt and equity issue announcements of listed companies in CSE?” In investigating the ex-ante and ex-post market reactions the study employees event study methodology, while predicting abnormal returns, based on three alternative normal/expected returns modeling methods, namely Mean Adjusted Model, Market Adjusted Model, and Capital Asset Pricing Model. When testing the alternative hypothesis, whether stock prices significantly reacts to the announcement of right & debenture issues, results of all models show positive market reaction during the 30 days prior to the announcement and react negatively from 2 days after the announcements for right issues, but for debenture issues market reacted negatively during the period prior to debenture issues and continue to do the same during the post event period. Although the magnitude and significance of abnormal return generated through three alternatives methods differ, the pattern of the CAAR of all models are similar. Thus, as far as the speed of the price adjustment is concerned it seems that the CSE is not efficient.

Suured prügifirmad valmistuvad prügipuuduseks / Mirko Ojakivi

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Ojakivi, Mirko

2010-01-01

Ragn-Sells ja Adelan Prügiveod soovivad luba jäätmete pikaajaliseks vaheladestamiseks Tallinna piiril. Ragn-Sells saaks jäätmekütusetehase planeerimise ja ehitamise ajal endale koguda ligi 35 000 t segaolmejäätmeid aastas, Adelan Prügiveod sooviks ladestada ligi 50 000 t prügi aastas

Crystal Field Levels of Pr3+ in PrFeO3 and PrGaO3 Determined by Inelastic Neutron Scattering

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Feldmann, K.; Henning, K.; Kaun, L.

1975-01-01

The crystal field splitting of the 3H4 ground state of the Pr ion in PrFeO3 and PrGaO3 has been investigated by inelastic scattering of thermal neutrons. At several temperatures the transitions have been measured by TAS and TOF methods for polycrystalline PrFeO3 and by the TOF method...... for polycrystalline PrGaO3. Energy level schemes which are different for these materials are given....

PrP N-terminal domain triggers PrPSc-like aggregation of Dpl

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erlich, Paul; Cesbron, Jean-Yves; Lemaire-Vieille, Catherine; Curt, Aurelie; Andrieu, Jean-Pierre; Schoehn, Guy; Jamin, Marc; Gagnon, Jean

2008-01-01

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are fatal neurodegenerative disorders thought to be transmitted by self-perpetuating conformational conversion of a neuronal membrane glycoprotein (PrP C , for 'cellular prion protein') into an abnormal state (PrP Sc , for 'scrapie prion protein'). Doppel (Dpl) is a protein that shares significant biochemical and structural homology with PrP C . In contrast to its homologue PrP C , Dpl is unable to participate in prion disease progression or to achieve an abnormal PrP Sc -like state. We have constructed a chimeric mouse protein, composed of the N-terminal domain of PrP C (residues 23-125) and the C-terminal part of Dpl (residues 58-157). This chimeric protein displays PrP-like biochemical and structural features; when incubated in presence of NaCl, the α-helical monomer forms soluble β-sheet-rich oligomers which acquire partial resistance to pepsin proteolysis in vitro, as do PrP oligomers. Moreover, the presence of aggregates akin to protofibrils is observed in soluble oligomeric species by electron microscopy

Bi3+–Pr3+ energy transfer processes and luminescent properties of LuAG:Bi,Pr and YAG:Bi,Pr single crystalline films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zorenko, Y.; Gorbenko, V.; Savchyn, V.; Zorenko, T.; Nikl, M.; Mares, J.A.; Beitlerova, A.; Jary, V.

2013-01-01

Absorption, cathodoluminescence, excitation spectra of photoluminescence (PL) and PL decay kinetics were studied at 300 K for the double doped with Bi 3+ –Pr 3+ and separately doped with Bi 3+ and Pr 3+ Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 (LuAG) and Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) single crystalline film (SCF) phosphors grown by the liquid phase epitaxy method. The emission bands in the UV range arising from the intrinsic radiative transitions of Bi 3+ based centers, and emission bands in the visible range, related to the luminescence of excitons localized around Bi 3+ based centers, were identified both in Bi–Pr and Bi-doped LuAG and YAG SCFs. The energy transfer processes from the host lattice simultaneously to Bi 3+ and Pr 3+ ions and from Bi 3+ to Pr 3+ ions were investigated. Competition between Pr 3+ and Bi 3+ ions in the energy transfer processes from the LuAG and YAG hosts was evidenced. The strong decrease of the intensity of Pr 3+ luminescence both in LuAG:Pr and YAG:Pr SCFs phosphors, grown from Bi 2 O 3 flux, is observed due to the quenching influence of Bi 3+ flux related impurity. Due to overlap of the UV emission band of Bi 3+ centers with the f–d absorption bands of Pr 3+ ions in the UV range and the luminescence of excitons localized around Bi ions with the f–f absorption bands of Pr 3+ ions in the visible range, an effective energy transfer from Bi 3+ ions to Pr 3+ ions takes place in LuAG:Bi,Pr and YAG:Bi,Pr SCFs, resulting in the appearance of slower component in the decay kinetics of the Pr 3+ d–f luminescence. -- Highlights: • Bi and Pr doped film phosphor grown by liquid phase epitaxy method. • Energy transfer from Bi 3+ to Pr 3+ ions. • Strong quenching of the Pr 3+ luminescence by Bi 3+ co-dopant

Advanced staring Si PIN visible sensor chip assembly for Bepi-Colombo mission to Mercury

Science.gov (United States)

Mills, R. E.; Drab, J. J.; Gin, A.

2009-08-01

The planet Mercury, by its near proximity to the sun, has always posed a formidable challenge to spacecraft. The Bepi-Colombo mission, coordinated by the European Space Agency, will be a pioneering effort in the investigation of this planet. Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) has been given the opportunity to develop the radiation hardened, high operability, high SNR, advanced staring focal plane array (FPA) for the spacecraft destined (Fig. 1) to explore the planet Mercury. This mission will launch in 2013 on a journey lasting approximately 6 years. When it arrives at Mercury in August 2019, it will endure temperatures as high as 350°C as well as relatively high radiation environments during its 1 year data collection period from September 2019 until September 2020. To support this challenging goal, RVS has designed and produced a custom visible sensor based on a 2048 x 2048 (2k2) format with a 10 μm unit cell. This sensor will support both the High Resolution Imaging Camera (HRIC) and the Stereo Camera (STC) instruments. This dual purpose sensor was designed to achieve high sensitivity as well as low input noise (<100 e-) for space-based, low light conditions. It also must maintain performance parameters in a total ionizing dose environment up to 70 kRad (Si) as well as immunity to latch-up and singe event upset. This paper will show full sensor chip assembly data highlighting the performance parameters prior to irradiation. Radiation testing performance will be reported by an independent source in a subsequent paper.

Interaction between Shadoo and PrP Affects the PrP-Folding Pathway.

Science.gov (United States)

Ciric, Danica; Richard, Charles-Adrien; Moudjou, Mohammed; Chapuis, Jérôme; Sibille, Pierre; Daude, Nathalie; Westaway, David; Adrover, Miguel; Béringue, Vincent; Martin, Davy; Rezaei, Human

2015-06-01

Prion diseases are characterized by conformational changes of a cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into a β-sheet-enriched and aggregated conformer (PrP(Sc)). Shadoo (Sho), a member of the prion protein family, is expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and is highly conserved among vertebrates. On the basis of histoanatomical colocalization and sequence similarities, it is suspected that Sho and PrP may be functionally related. The downregulation of Sho expression during prion pathology and the direct interaction between Sho and PrP, as revealed by two-hybrid analysis, suggest a relationship between Sho and prion replication. Using biochemical and biophysical approaches, we demonstrate that Sho forms a 1:1 complex with full-length PrP with a dissociation constant in the micromolar range, and this interaction consequently modifies the PrP-folding pathway. Using a truncated PrP that mimics the C-terminal C1 fragment, an allosteric binding behavior with a Hill number of 4 was observed, suggesting that at least a tetramerization state occurs. A cell-based prion titration assay performed with different concentrations of Sho revealed an increase in the PrP(Sc) conversion rate in the presence of Sho. Collectively, our observations suggest that Sho can affect the prion replication process by (i) acting as a holdase and (ii) interfering with the dominant-negative inhibitor effect of the C1 fragment. Since the inception of the prion theory, the search for a cofactor involved in the conversion process has been an active field of research. Although the PrP interactome presents a broad landscape, candidates corresponding to specific criteria for cofactors are currently missing. Here, we describe for the first time that Sho can affect PrP structural dynamics and therefore increase the prion conversion rate. A biochemical characterization of Sho-PrP indicates that Sho acts as an ATP-independent holdase. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights

Recombinant PrPSc shares structural features with brain-derived PrPSc: Insights from limited proteolysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Sevillano, Alejandro M; Fernández-Borges, Natalia; Younas, Neelam; Wang, Fei; R Elezgarai, Saioa; Bravo, Susana; Vázquez-Fernández, Ester; Rosa, Isaac; Eraña, Hasier; Gil, David; Veiga, Sonia; Vidal, Enric; Erickson-Beltran, Melissa L; Guitián, Esteban; Silva, Christopher J; Nonno, Romolo; Ma, Jiyan; Castilla, Joaquín; R Requena, Jesús

2018-01-01

Very solid evidence suggests that the core of full length PrPSc is a 4-rung β-solenoid, and that individual PrPSc subunits stack to form amyloid fibers. We recently used limited proteolysis to map the β-strands and connecting loops that make up the PrPSc solenoid. Using high resolution SDS-PAGE followed by epitope analysis, and mass spectrometry, we identified positions ~116/118, 133-134, 141, 152-153, 162, 169 and 179 (murine numbering) as Proteinase K (PK) cleavage sites in PrPSc. Such sites likely define loops and/or borders of β-strands, helping us to predict the threading of the β-solenoid. We have now extended this approach to recombinant PrPSc (recPrPSc). The term recPrPSc refers to bona fide recombinant prions prepared by PMCA, exhibiting infectivity with attack rates of ~100%. Limited proteolysis of mouse and bank vole recPrPSc species yielded N-terminally truncated PK-resistant fragments similar to those seen in brain-derived PrPSc, albeit with varying relative yields. Along with these fragments, doubly N- and C-terminally truncated fragments, in particular ~89/97-152, were detected in some recPrPSc preparations; similar fragments are characteristic of atypical strains of brain-derived PrPSc. Our results suggest a shared architecture of recPrPSc and brain PrPSc prions. The observed differences, in particular the distinct yields of specific PK-resistant fragments, are likely due to differences in threading which result in the specific biochemical characteristics of recPrPSc. Furthermore, recombinant PrPSc offers exciting opportunities for structural studies unachievable with brain-derived PrPSc.

Pr-magnetism in the quasi-skutterudite compound PrFe2Al8.

Science.gov (United States)

Nair, Harikrishnan S; Ogunbunmi, Michael O; Kumar, C M N; Adroja, D T; Manuel, P; Fortes, D; Taylor, J; Strydom, A M

2017-08-31

The intermetallic compound PrFe 2 Al 8 that possesses a three-dimensional network structure of Al polyhedra centered at the transition metal element Fe and the rare earth Pr is investigated through neutron powder diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering in order to elucidate the magnetic ground state of Pr and Fe and the crystal field effects of Pr. Our neutron diffraction study confirms long-range magnetic order of Pr below [Formula: see text] K in this compound. Subsequent magnetic structure estimation reveals a magnetic propagation vector [Formula: see text] with a magnetic moment value of [Formula: see text]/Pr along the orthorhombic c-axis and evidence the lack of ordering in the Fe sublattice. The inelastic neutron scattering study reveals one crystalline electric field excitation near 19 meV at 5 K in PrFe 2 Al 8 . The energy-integrated intensity of the 19 meV excitation as a function of [Formula: see text] follows the square of the magnetic form factor of [Formula: see text] thereby confirming that the inelastic excitation belongs to the Pr sublattice. The second sum rule applied to the dynamic structure factor indicates only 1.6(2) [Formula: see text] evolving at the 19 meV peak compared to the 3.58 [Formula: see text] for free [Formula: see text], indicating that the crystal field ground state is magnetic and the missing moment is associated with the resolution limited quasi-elastic line. The magnetic order occurring in Pr in PrFe 2 Al 8 is counter-intuitive to the symmetry-allowed crystal field level scheme, hence, is suggestive of exchange-mediated mechanisms of ordering stemming from the magnetic ground state of the crystal field levels.

State diagram of Pr-Bi system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abulkhaev, V.L.; Ganiev, I.N.

1994-01-01

By means of thermal differential analysis, X-ray and microstructural analysis the state diagram of Pr-Bi system was studied. Following intermetallic compounds were defined in the system: Pr 2 Bi, Pr 5 Bi 3 , Pr 4 Bi 3 , Pr Bi, PrBi 2 , Pr 2 Bi, Pr 5 Bi 3 , Pr 4 Bi 3 and PrBi 2 . The data analysis on Ln-Bi diagram allowed to determine the regularity of change of properties of intermetallic compounds in the line of rare earth elements of cerium subgroup.

Simulating Large Area, High Intensity AM0 Illumination on Earth- Representative Testing at Elevated Temperatures for the BepiColombo and SolO Missions

Science.gov (United States)

Oberhuttinger, C.; Quabis, D.; Zimmermann, C. G.

2014-08-01

During both the BepiColombo and the Solar Orbiter (SolO) mission, severe environmental conditions with sun intensities up to 10.6 solar constants (SCs) resp. 12.8 SCs will be encountered. Therefore, a special cell design was developed which can withstand these environmental loads. To verify the solar cells under representative conditions, a set of specific tests is conducted. The key qualification test for these high intensity, high temperature (HIHT) missions is a combined test, which exposes a large number of cells simultaneously to the complete AM0 spectrum at the required irradiance and temperature. Such a test was set up in the VTC1.5 chamber located at ESTEC. This paper provides an overview of the challenges in designing a setup capable of achieving this HIHT simulation. The solutions that were developed will be presented. Also the performance of the setup will be illustrated by actual test results.

Prion protein (PrP) gene-knockout cell lines: insight into functions of the PrP

Science.gov (United States)

Sakudo, Akikazu; Onodera, Takashi

2015-01-01

Elucidation of prion protein (PrP) functions is crucial to fully understand prion diseases. A major approach to studying PrP functions is the use of PrP gene-knockout (Prnp−/−) mice. So far, six types of Prnp−/− mice have been generated, demonstrating the promiscuous functions of PrP. Recently, other PrP family members, such as Doppel and Shadoo, have been found. However, information obtained from comparative studies of structural and functional analyses of these PrP family proteins do not fully reveal PrP functions. Recently, varieties of Prnp−/− cell lines established from Prnp−/− mice have contributed to the analysis of PrP functions. In this mini-review, we focus on Prnp−/− cell lines and summarize currently available Prnp−/− cell lines and their characterizations. In addition, we introduce the recent advances in the methodology of cell line generation with knockout or knockdown of the PrP gene. We also discuss how these cell lines have provided valuable insights into PrP functions and show future perspectives. PMID:25642423

Prion protein (PrP) gene-knockout cell lines: insight into functions of the PrP

OpenAIRE

Sakudo, Akikazu; Onodera, Takashi

2015-01-01

Elucidation of prion protein (PrP) functions is crucial to fully understand prion diseases. A major approach to studying PrP functions is the use of PrP gene-knockout (Prnp ?/?) mice. So far, six types of Prnp ?/? mice have been generated, demonstrating the promiscuous functions of PrP. Recently, other PrP family members, such as Doppel and Shadoo, have been found. However, information obtained from comparative studies of structural and functional analyses of these PrP family proteins do not ...

Development of a High Temperature Antenna Pointing Mechanism for BepiColombo Planetary Orbiter

Science.gov (United States)

Campo, Pablo; Barrio, Aingeru; Puente, Nicolas; Kyle, Robert

2013-09-01

BepiColombo is an ESA mission to Mercury its planetary orbiter (MPO) has two antenna pointing mechanism, High gain antenna pointing mechanism steers and points a large reflector which is integrated at system level by TAS-I Rome. Medium gain antenna (MGA) APM points a 1.5 m boom with a horn antenna. Both radiating elements exposed to sun fluxes as high as 10 solar constants without protections.The pointing mechanism is a major challenge as high performances are required in a harsh environment. It has required the development of new technologies, and components specially dedicated for the mission needs. Some of the state of the art required for the mission was achieved during the preparatory technology development activities [1]. However the number of critical elements involved, and the difficulties of some areas have required the continuation of the developments, and new research activities had to be launched in CD phase. Some of the major concerns and related areas of development are:- High temperature and long life requirements for the gearhead motors (up to 15500 equivalent APM revolutions, 19 million motor revolution)- Low thermal distortion of the mechanical chain, being at the same time insulating from external environment and interfaces (55 arcsec pointing error)- Low heat leak to the spacecraft (in the order of 50W per APM)- High precision position control, low microvibration noise and error stability in motion (16 arcsec/s)- High power radio frequency (18W in band Ka, 30 in X band) with phase stability for use in radio-science (3mm in Ka band, 5o in X band).- Wide range of motion (full 360o with end-stops)Currently HGA APM EQM azimuth and elevation stages are assembled and ready for test at actuator level.

Revisiting progesterone receptor (PR) actions in breast cancer: Insights into PR repressive functions.

Science.gov (United States)

Proietti, Cecilia J; Cenciarini, Mauro E; Elizalde, Patricia V

2018-05-01

Progesterone receptor (PR) is a master regulator in female reproductive tissues that controls developmental processes and proliferation and differentiation during the reproductive cycle and pregnancy. PR also plays a role in progression of endocrine-dependent breast cancer. As a member of the nuclear receptor family of ligand-dependent transcription factors, the main action of PR is to regulate networks of target gene expression in response to binding its cognate steroid hormone, progesterone. Liganded-PR transcriptional activation has been thoroughly studied and associated mechanisms have been described while progesterone-mediated repression has remained less explored. The present work summarizes recent advances in the understanding of how PR-mediated repression is accomplished in breast cancer cells and highlights the significance of fully understanding the determinants of context-dependent PR action. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Students' perception of school environment and life satisfaction at Sinhala-medium secondary schools in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Nonaka, Daisuke; Gunawardena, Nalika S; Indrawansa, Susantha; Nanri, Akiko; Rajapakse, Lalini; Mizoue, Tetsuya; Samarasinghe, Diyanath

2012-11-01

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between students' perception of physical and psychosocial school environment and satisfaction with life among secondary school students in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 20 Sinhala-medium secondary schools between January and February in 2010. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with students in grade seven (n = 342) and grade ten (n = 446). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for confounding variables, was used to assess the associations between students'satisfaction with life measured by Cantril ladders, and scores of perceived physical and psychosocial school environment that focused on school cleanliness and attractiveness, relations with teachers and peers, satisfaction with school and bullying. Students in the highest quartile of school environment score were significantly more likely to have high life satisfaction, compared to those in the lowest quartile (adjusted odds ratio 2.32; 95% confidence interval 1.35-3.99). Odds ratio of high life satisfaction increased with increasing school environment scores (p for trendenvironment were significantly more likely to have high life satisfaction. Positive changes in the focused areas of school environment have the potential to lead to improved life satisfaction of students.

Phase diagram of Pr-P system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mironov, K.E.

1981-01-01

An area of the Pr-P system, adjoining to the Pr ordinate, is plotted up by the DTA method. Presence of P solid solution in Pr is established. Data on thermal stability of PrP, PrP 2 , PrP 5 and PrP 7 are generalized. The diagram of phase transformations in Pr-P system is plotted up proceeding from the whole complex of the data, presented. A supposition is made on a possible formation of solid solutions between the highest polyphosphide and phosphorus [ru

Cu4Pr6(MoO4)11-Pr2(MoO4)3 system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arzumanyan, G.A.

1982-01-01

Existence boundaries and Dalton compositions (CuPr(MoO 4 ) 2 , CuPr 3 (MoO 4 ) 5 ) of solid solutions that in the mojority are of shcheelite dsitored structure have been determined in the Cu 4 Pr 6 (MoO 4 ) 11 -Pr 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 system. It has been revealed that regions of homogeneity near the CuPr(MoO 4 ) 2 composition have a horseshoeshaped profile

Fan tomography of the tropospheric water vapor for the calibration of the Ka band tracking of the Bepi-Colombo spacecraft (MORE experiment).

Science.gov (United States)

Barriot, Jean-Pierre; Serafini, Jonathan; Sichoix, Lydie

2012-07-01

The radiosciences Bepi-Colombo MORE experiment will use X/X, X/Ka and Ka/Ka band radio links to make accurate measurements of the spacecraft range and range rate. Tropospheric zenith wet delays range from 1.5 cm to 10 cm, with high variability (less than 1000 s) and will impair these accurate measurements. Conditions vary from summer (worse) to winter (better), from day (worse) to night (better). These wet delays cannot be estimated from ground weather measurements and alternative calibration methods should be used in order to cope with the MORE requirements (no more than 3 mm at 1000 s). Due to the Mercury orbit, MORE measurements will be performed by daylight and more frequently in summer than in winter (from Northern hemisphere). Two systems have been considered to calibrate this wet delay: Water Vapour Radiometers (WVRs) and GPS receivers. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a new class of WVRs reaching a 5 percent accuracy for the wet delay calibration (0.75 mm to 5 mm), but these WVRs are expensive to build and operate. GPS receivers are also routinely used for the calibration of data from NASA Deep Space probes, but several studies have shown that GPS receivers can give good calibration (through wet delay mapping functions) for long time variations, but are not accurate enough for short time variations (100 to 1000 s), and that WVRs must be used to efficiently calibrate the wet troposphere delays over such time spans. We think that such a calibration could be done by assimilating data from all the GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and IRNSS) that will be available at the time of the Bepi-Colombo arrival at Mercury (2021), provided that the underlying physics of the turbulent atmosphere and evapotranspiration processes are properly taken into account at such time scales. This implies to do a tomographic image of the troposphere overlying each Deep Space tracking station at time scales of less than 1000 s. For this purpose, we have

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.

Determinantes de la integración colombo-venezolana y perspectivas ante la dimisión de Venezuela a la CAN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luis Nelson Beltrán Mora

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Este ensayo hace un balance del comercio colombovenezolano en el período 1990 - 2006, señalando que la integración aumentó los flujos de manufacturas, inversiones y puestos de trabajo para los dos países; la agenda económica se impuso a las agitadas relaciones políticas. Los logros de la integración económica están en peligro por la dimisión de Venezuela a la Comunidad Andina de Naciones – CAN en abril de 2006. A pesar de los síntomas de de intermediación privados, el comercio continúa creciendo como consecuencia de la coyuntura económica favorable para ambas naciones. La dimisión de Venezuela sólo traerá problemas en el corto plazo al comercio colombo-venezolano en la medida que el vecino país no respete el artículo 135 del Acuerdo de Cartagena; en el largo plazo el intercambio podría ser más promisorio si los dos Estados restablecen o generan nuevos acuerdos comerciales en el marco andino o bilateral.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) 101

Science.gov (United States)

... than 70%. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods. Download PrEP 101 Consumer Info Sheet Vital Signs Fact Sheet on Daily Pill Can Prevent HIV (PrEP) Expand All Collapse All Video Introductions to PrEP What is PrEP? A Brief ...

PrP Conformational Transitions Alter Species Preference of a PrP-specific antibody

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Zou, W.Q.; Langeveld, J.P.M.; Xiao, X.; Chen, S.; McGeer, P.L.; Yuan, J.; Payne, M.C.; Kang, H.E.; McGeehan, J.M.; Sy, M.S.; Greenspan, N.S.; Kaplan, D.; Wang, G.X.; Parchi, P.; Hoover, E.A.; Kneale, G.; Telling, G.; Surewicz, W.; Kong, Q.; Guo, J.

2010-01-01

The epitope of the 3F4 antibody most commonly used in human prion disease diagnosis is believed to consist of residues Met-Lys-His-Met (MKHM) corresponding to human PrP-(109–112). This assumption is based mainly on the observation that 3F4 reacts with human and hamster PrP but not with PrP from

PrP expression, PrPSc accumulation and innervation of splenic compartments in sheep experimentally infected with scrapie.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Randi Sørby

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: In prion disease, the peripheral expression of PrP(C is necessary for the transfer of infectivity to the central nervous system. The spleen is involved in neuroinvasion and neural dissemination in prion diseases but the nature of this involvement is not known. The present study undertook the investigation of the spatial relationship between sites of PrP(Sc accumulation, localisation of nerve fibres and PrP(C expression in the tissue compartments of the spleen of scrapie-inoculated and control sheep. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Laser microdissection and quantitative PCR were used to determine PrP mRNA levels and results were compared with immunohistochemical protocols to distinguish PrP(C and PrP(Sc in tissue compartments of the spleen. In sheep experimentally infected with scrapie, the major sites of accumulation of PrP(Sc in the spleen, namely the lymphoid nodules and the marginal zone, expressed low levels of PrP mRNA. Double immunohistochemical labelling for PrP(Sc and the pan-nerve fibre marker, PGP, was used to evaluate the density of innervation of splenic tissue compartments and the intimacy of association between PrP(Sc and nerves. Some nerve fibres were observed to accompany blood vessels into the PrP(Sc-laden germinal centres. However, the close association between nerves and PrP(Sc was most apparent in the marginal zone. Other sites of close association were adjacent to the wall of the central artery of PALS and the outer rim of germinal centres. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings suggest that the degree of PrP(Sc accumulation does not depend on the expression level of PrP(C. Though several splenic compartments may contribute to neuroinvasion, the marginal zone may play a central role in being the compartment with most apparent association between nerves and PrP(Sc.

ESO PR Highlights in 2006

Science.gov (United States)

2007-01-01

Last year proved to be another exceptional year for the European organisation for ground-based astronomy. ESO should begin the New Year with two new member states: Spain (PR 05/06) and the Czech Republic (PR 52/06). ESO PR Highlights 2006 2006 was a year of renovation and revolution in the world of planets. A new Earth-like exoplanet has been discovered (PR 03/06) using a network of telescopes from all over the world (including the Danish 1.54-m one at ESO La Silla). It is not the only child of this fruitful year: thanks to the combined use of ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and La Silla instruments, a surprising system of twin giant exoplanets was found (PR 29/06), and a trio of Neptune-like planets hosted by a nearby star were identified (PR 18/06). These results open new perspectives on the search for habitable zones and on the understanding of the mechanism of planet formation. The VISIR instrument on the VLT has been providing unique information to answer this last question, by supplying a high resolution view of a planet-forming disc (PR 36/06). There are not only new members in the planets' register: during the General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union held in Prague (Czech Republic), it was decided that Pluto is not a planet anymore but a 'dwarf planet'. Whatever its status, Pluto still has a satellite, Charon, whose radius and density have been measured more accurately by observing a rare occultation from different sites, including Cerro Paranal (PR 02/06). The scientific community dedicated 2006 to the great physicist James Clerk Maxwell (it was the 175th anniversary of the birth): without his electromagnetic theory of light, none of the astonishing discoveries of modern physics could have been achieved. Nowadays we can look at distant galaxies in great detail: the GIRAFFE spectrograph on the VLT revealed that galaxies 6 billion years ago had the same amount of dark matter relative to stars than nowadays (PR 10/06), while SINFONI gave an

Cancer de la próstata

OpenAIRE

Mendoza, Lupi Alejandro; Fundación Valle de Lili; Gutierrez, María Carolina; López Cardona, Arturo

1997-01-01

¿Qué es la próstata?/¿Qué es la hiperplasia benigna de próstata?/El cáncer de próstata/¿Se hereda el cáncer de próstata?/¿Cómo se presenta y hacia donde se disemina el cáncer de próstata?/¿Cómo de descubre el cáncer de próstata?/¿Qué estudia la ultrasonografía transrectal o ecografía a través de recto?/¿Cómo se analizan los niveles de PSA?/¿Cómo se clasifica el cáncer de próstata?¿Cómo se determina la terapia más adecuada para un cáncer de próstata?/¿Cuáles son las opciones de tratamiento par...

Production of no-carrier-added 139Pr via precursor decay in the proton bombardment of natPr

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Steyn, G.F.; Vermeulen, C.; Nortier, F.M.; Szelecsenyi, F.; Kovacs, Z.; Qaim, S.M.

2006-01-01

Excitation functions and production rates are presented for various Pr and Nd radionuclides formed in the bombardment of Pr with protons, from their respective thresholds up to 100 MeV. The indirect production route 141 Pr(p, 3n) 139m Nd → 139 Pr is investigated as an alternative to the direct production route 140 Ce(p, 2n) 139 Pr for producing no-carrier-added 139 Pr of high radionuclidic purity. The simultaneous production of 139 Pr and 140 Nd using Pr as target is investigated. The advantages and disadvantages of both production routes are discussed. Experimental thick-target production rates are presented for selected Pr radionuclides formed in the bombardment of nat Ce with protons at incident energies of 20, 26 and 32 MeV. All the experimental excitation functions obtained in this work are compared with theoretical predictions by means of the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model as implemented in the code ALICE-IPPE. The results of this work are also compared with previous literature experimental data, if available

Erfolgsfaktoren unternehmerischer Krisen-PR

OpenAIRE

Scharr, Florian

2006-01-01

Ob "Peanuts", "Elchtest" oder "Hoechst-Störfall" - bei diesen bekannten Öffentlichkeitskrisen der letzten Jahre rief die mangelhafte Krisen-PR der betroffenen Unternehmen bei Medien und Bevölkerung mehr Empörung hervor als die originären Auslöser und potenzierte so den entstandenen Vertrauensverlust. Auch die sich gerade erst entwickelnde PR-Forschung bietet noch keine konkrete Hilfestellung zur Gestaltung von Krisen-PR. Mit dem bedeutenden Diskurs- und dadurch Realitätsgestaltungsmittel Pres...

Salvinorin A analogues PR-37 and PR-38 attenuate compound 48/80-induced itch responses in mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Salaga, M; Polepally, P R; Zielinska, M; Marynowski, M; Fabisiak, A; Murawska, N; Sobczak, K; Sacharczuk, M; Do Rego, J C; Roth, B L; Zjawiony, J K; Fichna, J

2015-09-01

The opioid system plays a crucial role in several physiological processes in the CNS and in the periphery. It has also been shown that selective opioid receptor agonists exert potent inhibitory action on pruritus and pain. In this study we examined whether two analogues of Salvinorin A, PR-37 and PR-38, exhibit antipruritic properties in mice. To examine the antiscratch effect of PR-37 and PR-38 we used a mouse model of compound 48/80-induced pruritus. In order to elucidate the mechanism of action of tested compounds, specific antagonists of opioid and cannabinoid receptors were used. The effect of PR-37 on the CNS was assessed by measuring motor parameters and exploratory behaviours in mice. PR-37 and PR-38, jnjected s.c., significantly reduced the number of compound 48/80-induced scratching behaviours in mice in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PR-38 was also active when orally administered. The antiscratch activity of PR-37 was blocked by the selective κ opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine, and that of PR-38 by the selective μ opioid receptor antagonist, β-funaltrexamine. In conclusion, a novel framework for the development of new antipruritic drugs derived from salvinorin A has been validated. © 2015 The British Pharmacological Society.

Colonial museology and the Buddhist chronicles of Sri Lanka: agency and negotiation in the development of the palm-leaf manuscript collection at the Colombo Museum.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jonathan Sweet

2015-04-01

Full Text Available The roles of colonial museums in South Asia have been understood in terms of the dissemination of museology within the British Empire. This has often underplayed the participation of local intellectuals in the formation of museum collections, and thus has not recognized their agency in the creation of knowledge and of longstanding cultural assets. This article addresses this in part through an historical case study of the development of the palm-leaf manuscript collection at the Colombo Museum in nineteenth century Ceylon. The article focuses on the relationships between Government aims, local intellectuals and the Buddhist clergy. I argue that colonial museology and collecting activity in Ceylon ought to be understood as a negotiated process and a number of reasons for this are discussed. This article contributes to an area of museological research that is exploring the roles of indigenous actors in colonial collecting and museum practice in South Asia and broader geographical contexts.

Infectivity-associated PrP(Sc) and disease duration-associated PrP(Sc) of mouse BSE prions.

Science.gov (United States)

Miyazawa, Kohtaro; Okada, Hiroyuki; Masujin, Kentaro; Iwamaru, Yoshifumi; Yokoyama, Takashi

2015-01-01

Disease-related prion protein (PrP(Sc)), which is a structural isoform of the host-encoded cellular prion protein, is thought to be a causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. However, the specific role of PrP(Sc) in prion pathogenesis and its relationship to infectivity remain controversial. A time-course study of prion-affected mice was conducted, which showed that the prion infectivity was not simply proportional to the amount of PrP(Sc) in the brain. Centrifugation (20,000 ×g) of the brain homogenate showed that most of the PrP(Sc) was precipitated into the pellet, and the supernatant contained only a slight amount of PrP(Sc). Interestingly, mice inoculated with the obtained supernatant showed incubation periods that were approximately 15 d longer than those of mice inoculated with the crude homogenate even though both inocula contained almost the same infectivity. Our results suggest that a small population of fine PrP(Sc) may be responsible for prion infectivity and that large, aggregated PrP(Sc) may contribute to determining prion disease duration.

Thermodynamic assessment of the Pr-Zn binary system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huang, X.M.; Liu, L.B.; Zhang, L.G.; Jia, B.R.; Jin, Z.P.; Zheng, F.

2008-01-01

On the basis of available experimental data of phase diagram and thermodynamic properties, the Pr-Zn binary system has been optimized using the CALPHAD approach. The phases, including liquid and bcc A 2(βPr) were treated as substitutional solutions, while the intermetallic compounds, including PrZn, PrZn 2 , PrZn 3 , Pr 3 Zn 11 , Pr 13 Zn 58 , Pr 3 Zn 22 , Pr 2 Zn 17 and PrZn 11 were modeled as stoichiometric compounds. As the result of optimization, a set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters has been obtained, which can be used to reproduce the reported experimental data

Mechanistic prospective for human PrPC conversion to PrPSc: Molecular dynamic insights

OpenAIRE

Nooshin Azari; Mohammad Reza Dayer; Nematollah Razmi; Mohammad Saaid Dayer

2013-01-01

PrPC conversion to PrPSc isoform is the main known cause for prion diseases including Crutzfeldt-Jakob, Gerstmann-Sträussler-Sheinker syndrome and fatal familial insomnia in human. The precise mechanism underling this conversion is yet to be well understood. In the present work, using the coordinate file of PrPC (available on the Protein Data Bank) as a starting structure, separate molecular dynamic simulations were carried out at neutral and acidic pH in an explicit water box at 37°C and 1 ...

Piperazine derivatives inhibit PrP/PrP(res) propagation in vitro and in vivo.

Science.gov (United States)

Leidel, Fabienne; Eiden, Martin; Geissen, Markus; Hirschberger, Thomas; Tavan, Paul; Giese, Armin; Kretzschmar, Hans A; Schätzl, Hermann; Groschup, Martin H

2014-02-28

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders, which are not curable and no effective treatment exists so far. The major neuropathological change in diseased brains is the conversion of the normal cellular form of the prion protein PrPc(C) into a disease-associated isoform PrP(Sc). PrP(Sc) accumulates into multimeres and fibrillar aggregates, which leads to the formation of amyloid plaques. Increasing evidence indicates a fundamental role of PrP(Sc) species and its aggregation in the pathogenesis of prion diseases, which initiates the pathological cascade and leads to neurodegeneration accompanied by spongiform changes. In search of compounds that have the potential to interfere with PrP(Sc) formation and propagation, we used a cell based assay for the screening of potential aggregation inhibitors. The assay deals with a permanently prion infected cell line that was adapted for a high-throughput screening of a compound library composed of 10,000 compounds (DIVERset 2, ChemBridge). We could detect six different classes of highly potent inhibitors of PrP(Sc) propagation in vitro and identified piperazine derivatives as a new inhibitory lead structure, which increased incubation time of scrapie infected mice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification and expression analysis of a pathogenresponsive PR ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

related (PR) proteins. PR-1 genes represent the first identified PR gene family. Most members of PR-1 gene family are not inducible by pathogen attacks. In this study, we identified a pathogen-responsive PR-1 gene designated as VqPR-1 ...

PR Crisis Melalui Media Sosial

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gladys Carlina

2017-07-01

Full Text Available The background of this research is communication, new media, PR and PR Crisis. Fourth of this background has a close relationship, starting from communication, human in everyday life would require communication to receive and convey information, human can not be released from human life. The advancement of the times and the development of technology, causing people to communicate easily and the development of this era caused a new challenge for the PR and PR Crisis of a company, they should be able to maintain a positive image of the company in the minds of people. In this study using descriptive qualitative methodology, it contains many writings and drawings compared to the numbers. The purpose of this research is to know the strategy used by Pizza Hut in dealing with the issue of expired food. Penelitin results, social media is very positive impact on Pizza Hut in the recovery of food issues expired. The strategy used by the Pizza Hut Crisis PR is to utilize social media. Visible from the issue of expired food that disappeared in public and Pizza Hut restaurant until now crowded visited. Latar belakang dari penelitian ini yaitu komunikasi, media baru, PR dan PR Krisis. Keempat dari latar belakang ini mempunyai hubungan yang erat, dimulai dari komunikasi, manusia di dalam kehidupan sehari-hari tentunya memerlukan komunikasi untuk menerima dan menyampaikan informasi, manusia tidak bisa dilepaskan dari kehidupan manusia. Majunya perkembangan zaman dan perkembangan teknologi, menyebabkan manusia melakukan komunikasi dengan mudah dan perkembangan zaman ini menyebabkan adanya tantangan baru bagi para PR dan PR Krisis sebuah perusahaan, mereka harus bisa mempertahankan citra positif perusahaan di benak masyarakat. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif deksriptif, memuat banyak tulisan dan gambar dibandingkan angka-angka. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui strategi yang digunakan oleh Pizza Hut dalam menangani isu makanan

Studies in the Crystalline Electric Field in Pr2 Al and Pr Al by the Inelastic Neutron Scattering Method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slisenko, V.I.; Ivanitskij, P.G.; Vasil'kevich, A.A.; Krotenko, V.T.; Majstrenko, A.N.

1993-01-01

Results of inelastic neutron scattering in polycrystalline Pr 2 Al and Pr Al are reported. The parameters of the crystal field Hamiltonian for the orthorhombic point symmetry of the Pr 3+ ions in Pr 2 Al and Pr Al are derived from neutron spectra. Using These parameters the magnetic contribution to the specific heat is calculated

Tips for the PR Chairman for Education Associations. PR Bookshelf No. 2.

Science.gov (United States)

National Education Association, Washington, DC.

This booklet is intended to aid leaders of local education associations in developing a continuing public relations (PR) program aimed at establishing and maintaining a favorable public image for teachers. Although it offers useful guidelines for developing a PR program, the booklet does not contain lists of specific things to do. Instead, it…

75 FR 44847 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Forms 943, 943-PR, 943-A, and 943A-PR

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-29

... 943, 943-PR, 943- A, and 943A-PR AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and... comments concerning Forms 943, Employer's Annual Tax Return for Agricultural Employees, 943-PR, Planilla..., Agricultural Employer's Record of Federal Tax Liability, and 943A-PR, Registro De La Obligacion Contributiva...

Segurança humana na América do Sul: uma abordagem para as relações colombo-brasileira

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luis Fernando Vargas-Alzate

2012-01-01

Full Text Available El presente artículo ofrece un análisis de la concepción y aplicación de la seguridad humana en el contexto suramericano, particularmente en las relaciones colombo-brasileñas. Partiendo del análisis sobre la seguridad internacional, los autores ofrecen un panorama general del cambio de orientación de la misma una vez la Organización de las Naciones Unidas imprimió integralidad al concepto hasta llevarlo a la seguridad humana en las regiones. Como asunto específico de análisis, el artículo desarrolla un análisis histórico cualitativo de la seguridad en la zona de frontera entre Colombia y Brasil. Asimismo, se detiene en la construcción de una reflexión analítica sobre las políticas exteriores de ambos Estados y su aplicación en la región amazónica y la frontera en particular, punto focal del trabajo académico. Finalmente, concluye grandes distancias entre la aplicación del concepto de seguridad entre Suramérica y otras regiones, a la vez que identifica situaciones poco comunes dentro del marco de la institucionalidad para el área limítrofe entre los dos países suramericanos, en especial en la aplicación del concepto de seguridad humana.

An Urban Heat Island Study of the Colombo Metropolitan Area, Sri Lanka, Based on Landsat Data (1997–2017

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manjula Ranagalage

2017-06-01

Full Text Available One of the major impacts associated with unplanned rapid urban growth is the decrease of urban vegetation, which is often replaced with impervious surfaces such as buildings, parking lots, roads, and pavements. Consequently, as the percentage of impervious surfaces continues to increase at the expense of vegetation cover, surface urban heat island (SUHI forms and becomes more intense. The Colombo Metropolitan Area (CMA, Sri Lanka, is one of the rapidly urbanizing metropolitan regions in South Asia. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal variations of land surface temperature (LST in the CMA in the context of the SUHI phenomenon using Landsat data. More specifically, we examined the relationship of LST with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI and the normalized difference built-up index (NDBI at three time points (1997, 2007 and 2017. In addition, we also identified environmentally critical areas based on LST and NDVI. We found significant correlations of LST with NDVI (negative and NDBI (positive (p < 0.001 across all three time points. Most of the environmentally critical areas are located in the central business district (CBD, near the harbor, across the coastal belt, and along the main transportation network. We recommend that those identified environmentally critical areas be considered in the future urban planning and landscape development of the city. Green spaces can help improve the environmental sustainability of the CMA.

Small protease sensitive oligomers of PrPSc in distinct human prions determine conversion rate of PrP(C.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chae Kim

Full Text Available The mammalian prions replicate by converting cellular prion protein (PrP(C into pathogenic conformational isoform (PrP(Sc. Variations in prions, which cause different disease phenotypes, are referred to as strains. The mechanism of high-fidelity replication of prion strains in the absence of nucleic acid remains unsolved. We investigated the impact of different conformational characteristics of PrP(Sc on conversion of PrP(C in vitro using PrP(Sc seeds from the most frequent human prion disease worldwide, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD. The conversion potency of a broad spectrum of distinct sCJD prions was governed by the level, conformation, and stability of small oligomers of the protease-sensitive (s PrP(Sc. The smallest most potent prions present in sCJD brains were composed only of∼20 monomers of PrP(Sc. The tight correlation between conversion potency of small oligomers of human sPrP(Sc observed in vitro and duration of the disease suggests that sPrP(Sc conformers are an important determinant of prion strain characteristics that control the progression rate of the disease.

78 FR 47051 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Forms 943, 943-PR, 943-A, and 943A-PR

Science.gov (United States)

2013-08-02

... 943, 943-PR, 943- A, and 943A-PR AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and..., 943-PR, Planilla Para La Declarcion Anual De La Contribucion Federal Del Patrono De Empleados Agricolas, 943-A, Agricultural Employer's Record of Federal Tax Liability, and 943A-PR, Registro De La...

Die prädikatsergänzung (das prädikatsattribut in der Slovenischen Syntax

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Breda Pogorelec

1972-12-01

Full Text Available In der vorliegenden Abhandlung wird die erwähnte Problematik in der slovenischen grammatischen -Überlieferung behandelt und mit interessanten Ergebnissen vor allem der tschechischen Sprachtheorie ergänzt, es wird der Terminus Prädikatsergänzung gegenüber dem Terminus Prädikatsattribut begründet; auf dieser Grundlage werden auch die bisher behandelten Arten von Prädikatsergänzungen mit neuen ergänzt. Dabei findet wenn nur möglich das einfache Transformationsverfahren Verwendung, das die Veranschaulichung der stufenweisen Determinierung durch das Prädikatsattribut ermöglicht. Das Material entstammt vorwiegend der Sprache der Kunst, der Grund dafür ist vor allem in der Tatsache zu suchen, daß in dieser Sprache dieser Form die Rolle eines natürlichen Kondensators zufällt, weshalb sie verhältnismäßig häufig vorkommt. Die Abhandlung befaßt sich eingehender auch mit dem Problem der Wortfolge und berührt auch die graphische Darstellung der bei der Prädikatsergänzung üblichen Pausen.

Bolonia y la buena práctica de las prácticas

OpenAIRE

García Delgado, Javier

2016-01-01

A propósito de la implantación del controvertido “plan Bolonia” se están difundiendo algunas ideas negativas en relación con una supuesta “mercantilización” de la universidad, algunas relacionadas con la explotación de los estudiantes a través de las prácticas en empresas, o prácticas externas, sobre las cuales se reflexiona en este artículo. ¿Qué hemos aprendido tras las ya casi tres décadas transcurridas desde la promulgación del decreto del año 81 que autorizaba este tipo de prácticas? Ese...

Analytically calculated post-Keplerian range and range-rate perturbations: the solar Lense-Thirring effect and BepiColombo

Science.gov (United States)

Iorio, Lorenzo

2018-05-01

We analytically calculate the time series for the perturbations Δ ρ \\left(t\\right), Δ \\dot{ρ }\\left(t\\right) induced by a general disturbing acceleration A on the mutual range ρ and range-rate \\dot{ρ } of two test particles A, B orbiting the same spinning body. We apply it to the general relativistic Lense-Thirring effect, due to the primary's spin S, and the classical perturbation arising from its quadrupole mass moment J2 for arbitrary orbital geometries and orientation of the source's symmetry axis {\\hat{S}}. The Earth-Mercury range and range-rate are nominally affected by the Sun's gravitomagnetic field to the 10 m, 10-3 cm s-1 level, respectively, during the extended phase (2026-2028) of the forthcoming BepiColombo mission to Mercury whose expected tracking accuracy is of the order of ≃0.1 m, 2 × 10-4 cm s-1. The competing signatures due to the solar quadrupole J_2^{\\odot }, if modelled at the σ _{J_2^{\\odot }}˜eq 10^{-9} level of the latest planetary ephemerides INPOP17a, are nearly 10 times smaller than the relativistic gravitomagnetic effects. The position and velocity vectors \\boldsymbol {r}, \\boldsymbol {v} of Mercury and Earth are changed by the solar Lense-Thirring effect by about 10 m, 1.5 m and 10-3 cm s-1, 10-5 cm s-1, respectively, over 2 yr; neglecting such shifts may have an impact on long-term integrations of the inner Solar system dynamics over ˜Gyr time-scales.

PrPST, a Soluble, Protease Resistant and Truncated PrP Form Features in the Pathogenesis of a Genetic Prion Disease

Science.gov (United States)

Frid, Kati; Binyamin, Orli; Gabizon, Ruth

2013-01-01

While the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc in the transmissible form of prion disease requires a preexisting PrPSc seed, in genetic prion disease accumulation of disease related PrP could be associated with biochemical and metabolic modifications resulting from the designated PrP mutation. To investigate this possibility, we looked into the time related changes of PrP proteins in the brains of TgMHu2ME199K/wt mice, a line modeling for heterozygous genetic prion disease linked to the E200K PrP mutation. We found that while oligomeric entities of mutant E199KPrP exist at all ages, aggregates of wt PrP in the same brains presented only in advanced disease, indicating a late onset conversion process. We also show that most PK resistant PrP in TgMHu2ME199K mice is soluble and truncated (PrPST), a pathogenic form never before associated with prion disease. We next looked into brain samples from E200K patients and found that both PK resistant PrPs, PrPST as in TgMHu2ME199K mice, and “classical” PrPSc as in infectious prion diseases, coincide in the patient's post mortem brains. We hypothesize that aberrant metabolism of mutant PrPs may result in the formation of previously unknown forms of the prion protein and that these may be central for the fatal outcome of the genetic prion condition. PMID:23922744

HIV-negative male couples' attitudes about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and using PrEP with a sexual agreement.

Science.gov (United States)

Mitchell, Jason W; Lee, Ji-Young; Woodyatt, Cory; Bauermeister, José; Sullivan, Patrick; Stephenson, Rob

2016-08-01

One efficacious strategy to help prevent HIV is oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily regimen of antiretroviral treatment taken by HIV-negative individuals. Two of the recommendations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for PrEP pertain to being in a relationship (i.e., male couples). Despite the recognition of how primary partners in male couples' relationships shape HIV risk and CDC's PrEP guidelines, there is a paucity of data that examine HIV-negative male couples' attitudes toward PrEP use and using PrEP with a sexual agreement. A sexual agreement is an explicit agreement made between two individuals about what sex and other related behaviors may occur within and outside of their relationship. In this qualitative study, we examine HIV-negative male couples' attitudes toward PrEP use and whether they thought PrEP could be integrated into a sexual agreement. Data for this study are drawn from couple-level interviews conducted in 2014 with 29 HIV-negative male couples who had a sexual agreement and were from Atlanta or Detroit. Both passive (e.g., flyers) and active (e.g., targeted Facebook advertisements) recruitment methods were used; the sample was stratified by agreement type. Thematic analysis was applied to identify the following themes regarding HIV-negative male couples' attitudes toward PrEP use: (1) PrEP and condom use; (2) concerns about PrEP (e.g., effectiveness, side effects, and promoting sexually risky behavior); and (3) accessibility of PrEP. Some thought PrEP could be a part of couples' agreement because it could help reduce sexual anxiety and sexual risk, and would help keep the couple safe. Others described PrEP use with an agreement as something for "others". Some were also concerned that incorporating PrEP could usurp the need for a sexual agreement in a couples' relationship. These themes highlight the need to improve informational messaging and promotion efforts about PrEP among HIV-negative male couples

PrEP Whores and HIV Prevention: The Queer Communication of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Science.gov (United States)

Spieldenner, Andrew

2016-12-01

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been introduced as another biomedical tool in HIV prevention. Whereas other such tools-including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and interruption of perinatal transmission-have been embraced by those impacted by HIV, PrEP has been met with more conflict, especially within the gay community and HIV organizations. The "PrEP whore" has come to designate the social value and personal practices of those taking PrEP. This study examines the "PrEP whore" discourse by using queer theory and quare theory. Within these theoretical vantage points, the study explicates four discursive areas: slut shaming, dirty/clean binaries, mourning the loss of condoms, and reclaiming the inner whore. The study illuminates possible discursive strategies that lie outside of the domains of public health and within the individual and community.

Incorporation of Pr into LuAG ceramics

Science.gov (United States)

Marchewka, M. R.; Chapman, M. G.; Qian, H.; Jacobsohn, L. G.

2017-06-01

An investigation of the effects of Pr in (Lu1-xPrx)3Al5O12 (LuAG:Pr) ceramics was carried out by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) measurements coupled with luminescence measurements. It was found that the Pr concentration that maximizes luminescence emission depends on the thermal processing conditions. While the calcined LuAG:Pr powder showed maximum luminescence emission for Pr concentrations between 0.18 and 0.33 at.%, maximum emission of ceramic bodies sintered at 1500 °C for 20 h was obtained with Pr concentrations between 0.018 and 0.18 at.%. Further, for short sintering times up to about 3 h, luminescence emission intensity is maximum for Pr concentrations around 0.33 at.%. Longer sintering times lead to the formation of PrAlO3 as a secondary phase, concomitant with a reduction of the intensity of luminescence emission.

PrPC from stem cells to cancer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Séverine eMartin-Lannerée

2014-09-01

Full Text Available The cellular prion protein PrPC was initially discovered as the normal counterpart of the pathological scrapie prion protein PrPSc, the main component of the infectious agent of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies. While clues as to the physiological function of this ubiquitous protein were greatly anticipated from the development of knock-out animals, PrP-null mice turned out to be viable and to develop without major phenotypic abnormalities. Notwithstanding, the discovery that hematopoietic stem cells from PrP-null mice have impaired long-term repopulating potential has set the stage for investigating into the role of PrPC in stem cell biology. A wealth of data have now exemplified that PrPC is expressed in distinct types of stem cells and regulates their self-renewal as well as their differentiation potential. A role for PrPC in the fate restriction of embryonic stem cells has further been proposed. Paralleling these observations, an overexpression of PrPC has been documented in various types of tumours. In line with the contribution of PrPC to stemness and to the proliferation of cancer cells, PrPC was recently found to be enriched in subpopulations of tumour-initiating cells. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role played by PrPC in stem cell biology and discuss how the subversion of its function may contribute to cancer progression.

PrP-C1 fragment in cattle brains reveals features of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathy associated PrPsc.

Science.gov (United States)

Serra, Fabienne; Müller, Joachim; Gray, John; Lüthi, Ramona; Dudas, Sandor; Czub, Stefanie; Seuberlich, Torsten

2017-03-15

Three different types of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are known and supposedly caused by distinct prion strains: the classical (C-) BSE type that was typically found during the BSE epidemic, and two relatively rare atypical BSE types, termed H-BSE and L-BSE. The three BSE types differ in the molecular phenotype of the disease associated prion protein, namely the N-terminally truncated proteinase K (PK) resistant prion protein fragment (PrP res ). In this study, we report and analyze yet another PrP res type (PrP res-2011 ), which was found in severely autolytic brain samples of two cows in the framework of disease surveillance in Switzerland in 2011. Analysis of brain tissues from these animals by PK titration and PK inhibitor assays ruled out the process of autolysis as the cause for the aberrant PrP res profile. Immunochemical characterization of the PrP fragments present in the 2011 cases by epitope mapping indicated that PrP res-2011 corresponds in its primary sequence to the physiologically occurring PrP-C1 fragment. However, high speed centrifugation, sucrose gradient assay and NaPTA precipitation revealed biochemical similarities between PrP res-2011 and the disease-associated prion protein found in BSE affected cattle in terms of detergent insolubility, PK resistance and PrP aggregation. Although it remains to be established whether PrP res-2011 is associated with a transmissible disease, our results point out the need of further research on the role the PrP-C1 aggregation and misfolding in health and disease. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

STRATEGIJSKA ULOGA PR U SPORTU

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Duško Tomić

2005-05-01

Full Text Available PR in the modern world are developed with rapid speed and become important aspect of strategic management. Modern menagers are very interesting in PR and they observe that there is not successful strategy without experiance theory and practice in PR. The goals must be defined, basic phylosophy to, and managers must take responsability and describe everithing what they have to do. It must be financial fond and evaluation must be done

Progesterone receptors (PR) mediate STAT actions: PR and prolactin receptor signaling crosstalk in breast cancer models.

Science.gov (United States)

Leehy, Katherine A; Truong, Thu H; Mauro, Laura J; Lange, Carol A

2018-02-01

Estrogen is the major mitogenic stimulus of mammary gland development during puberty wherein ER signaling acts to induce abundant PR expression. PR signaling, in contrast, is the primary driver of mammary epithelial cell proliferation in adulthood. The high circulating levels of progesterone during pregnancy signal through PR, inducing expression of the prolactin receptor (PRLR). Cooperation between PR and prolactin (PRL) signaling, via regulation of downstream components in the PRL signaling pathway including JAKs and STATs, facilitates the alveolar morphogenesis observed during pregnancy. Indeed, these pathways are fully integrated via activation of shared signaling pathways (i.e. JAKs, MAPKs) as well as by the convergence of PRs and STATs at target genes relevant to both mammary gland biology and breast cancer progression (i.e. proliferation, stem cell outgrowth, tissue cell type heterogeneity). Thus, rather than a single mediator such as ER, transcription factor cascades (ER>PR>STATs) are responsible for rapid proliferative and developmental programming in the normal mammary gland. It is not surprising that these same mediators typify uncontrolled proliferation in a majority of breast cancers, where ER and PR are most often co-expressed and may cooperate to drive malignant tumor progression. This review will primarily focus on the integration of PR and PRL signaling in breast cancer models and the importance of this cross-talk in cancer progression in the context of mammographic density. Components of these PR/PRL signaling pathways could offer alternative drug targets and logical complements to anti-ER or anti-estrogen-based endocrine therapies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of the differences in oxidation potentials for the Pr3+/Pr2+ and Ce3+/Ce2+ pairs in halide melts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mikheev, N.B.; Auerman, L.N.; Rumer, I.A.; D'yachkova, R.A.

1983-01-01

Cocrystallization has been used with the (PrOCl)/sub s. ph/ - (PrCl 2 , PrCl 3 , SrCl 2 ) melt system to examine the dependence of the cerium(III) cocrystallization coefficient on the X/sub Pr 2+ /X/sub Pr 3+ / ratio in the melt. Measurement has been made in this way of the difference in oxidation potentials for the pairs Pr 3+ /Pr 2+ and Ce 3+ /Ce 2+ : ΔE/sub Pr 3+ /Pr 2+0 -E/sub Ce 3+ /Ce 2+ / 0 , which is 0.08 +/- 0.04 V for chloride

Electronic structures of PrBa2Cu3O7, Pr2Ba4Cu7O15-y(y=0,1), and PrBa2Cu4O8 based on LSDA+U method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tavana, A.; Shirazi, M.; Akhavan, M.

2009-01-01

The electronic structures of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (Pr123), Pr 2 Ba 4 Cu 7 O 15-y (Pr247), and PrBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 (Pr124) cuprates have been obtained using density-functional theory in the local spin density approximation plus onsite Coulomb interaction (LSDA+U). Onsite Hubbard correlation, U, has been considered for Pr-f and Cu-d orbitals and the effects of considering these correlation corrections on the Pr-O hybridizations have been inspected. Results imply that the Pr ionization state in Pr123 system is constituted from two different configurations, and the energy of the f states in these two configurations has an important role in superconductivity properties of the system. Our calculations also show that in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems, suppression of superconductivity is weaker than that in the Pr123 system. This occurs due to the weaker Pr-O bond in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems. The role of the double chain and single chain on the conduction properties of these compounds has been investigated. We have also studied the effect of oxygen deficiency in Pr247 system, which seems to revive superconductivity in this system. Investigating the hole carriers in the CuO 2 plane shows a correlation between superconductivity suppression and hole decrement in the planes. (Abstract Copyright [2009], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

On the nature of the dhcp to fcc transition under pressure in Pr and Pr-Th alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vijayakumar, V.; Godwal, B.K.; Sikka, S.K.; Chidambaram, R.

1988-01-01

The results of electrical resistance (R), thermoelectric power (TEP) and X-ray diffraction measurements on praseodymium (Pr) and its alloys with thorium under pressure are reported. The maximum in R vs P curve exhibited by Pr persists only in the dhcp phase of Pr-Th alloy. X-ray measurements confirmed that in the alloys also the maximum in R vs P curve is due to the dhcp → fcc transition. Thus the behaviour of Pr and Pr-Th alloys is different from that of La and its alloys with Ce and Th where the maximum in the R vs P curve is electronic in origin and is exhibited by the dhcp, fcc and dist fcc phases. (author). 14 refs

O processo de socialização e de solidariedade

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paulo de Salles Oliveira

2013-08-01

Full Text Available Vivemos numa sociedade marcadamente individualista e consumista, cujas repercussões interferem nas diversas maneiras como se desenvolve a sociabilidade. Entendê-las demanda esforço, porém mais complexo ainda é o desafio para encontrar modos de superação dos impasses envolvidos nessas questões. Seria possível identificar relações enraizadas e profundas de convivência social, lastreadas na solidariedade e com possibilidade de se expandirem de forma generalizada no seio da sociedade? A discussão parte de conceitos de socialização baseados na verticalidade das interações, passando pelas interpretações em que há espaço para influências recíprocas entre os sujeitos e se encerra com a aproximação entre socialização e cultura solidária, buscando um caminho alternativo. Conquanto ainda modesto, ele é concreto, pois vivenciado por pessoas que estão ao mesmo tempo tão próximas a nós e, muitas vezes, distantes de nossa percepção.

Molecular insights on analogs of HIV PR inhibitors toward HTLV-1 PR through QM/MM interactions and molecular dynamics studies: comparative structure analysis of wild and mutant HTLV-1 PR.

Science.gov (United States)

Selvaraj, Chandrabose; Singh, Poonam; Singh, Sanjeev Kumar

2014-12-01

Retroviruses HTLV-1 and HIV-1 are the primary causative agents of fatal adult T-cell leukemia and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) disease. Both retroviruses are similar in characteristics mechanism, and it encodes for protease that mainly involved in the viral replication process. On the basis of the therapeutic success of HIV-1 PR inhibitors, the protease of HTLV-1 is mainly considered as a potential target for chemotherapy. At the same time, structural similarities in both enzymes that originate HIV PR inhibitors can also be an HTLV-1 PR inhibitor. But the expectations failed because of rejection of HIV PR inhibitors from the HTLV-1 PR binding pocket. In this present study, the reason for the HIV PR inhibitor rejection from the HTLV-1 binding site was identified through sequence analysis and molecular dynamics simulation method. Functional analysis of M37A mutation in HTLV PR clearly shows that the MET37 specificity and screening of potential inhibitors targeting MET37 is performed by using approved 90% similar HIV PR inhibitor compounds. From this approach, we report few compounds with a tendency to accept/donate electron specifically to an important site residue MET37 in HTLV-1 PR binding pocket. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pr4N2S3 and Pr4N2Se3: two non-isostructural praseodymium(iii) nitride chalcogenides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lissner, Falk; Schleid, Thomas

2005-01-01

The non-isostructural nitride chalcogenides of praseodymium, Pr 4 N 2 S 3 and Pr 4 N 2 Se 3 , are formed by the reaction of the praseodymium metal with sodium azide (NaN 3 ), praseodymium trihalide (PrX 3 ; X = Cl, Br, I) and the respective chalcogen (sulfur or selenium) at 900 C in evacuated silica ampoules after seven days. Both crystallize monoclinically in space group C2/c (Pr 4 N 2 S 3 : a = 1788.57(9), b = 986.04(5), c = 1266.49(6) pm, β = 134.546(7) , Z = 8; Pr 4 N 2 Se 3 : a = 1311.76(7), b = 1017.03(5), c = 650.42(3) pm, β = 90.114(6) , Z = 4). The crystal structures of both compounds show a layered construction, dominated by N 3- -centred (Pr 3+ ) 4 tetrahedra which share a common edge first. Continuing linkage of the so resulting bitetrahedral [N 2 Pr 6 ] 12+ units via the non-connected vertices to layers according to [stack ∞ 2 ]{[N(Pr) 2/2 e (Pr') 2/2 v ] 3+ } forms different kinds of tetrahedral nets which can be described as layers consisting of ''four- and eight-rings'' for Pr 4 N 2 S 3 and as layers of ''six-rings'' for Pr 4 N 2 Se 3 . Whereas the crystal structure of Pr 4 N 2 S 3 exhibits four different Pr 3+ cations with coordination numbers of six (2 x) and seven (2 x) against N 3- and S 2- , the number of cations in the nitride selenide (Pr 4 N 2 Se 3 ) is reduced to half (Pr1 and Pr2) also having six- and sevenfold anionic coordination spheres. Further motifs for the connection of [NM 4 ] 9+ tetrahedra in crystal structures of nitride chalcogenides and halides of the rare-earth elements with ratios of N: M = 1: 2 are presented and discussed. (Abstract Copyright [2005], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.) [de

Energy transfer between Pr3+ and Mn2+ in K2YZr(PO4)3: Pr, Mn phosphor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang Wei; Wang Yuhua

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ co-doped K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 phosphor is a novel type of practical visible quantum cutting phosphor in promising application. → The optimal quantum efficiency (QE) of this co-doped system K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 : Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ reached to 126.3%. → The Mn 2+6 A 1g → 4 E g - 4 A 1g transition was found to coincide well with the 1 S 0 → 1 I 6 transition of Pr 3+ . → The energy transfer from Pr 3+ to Mn 2+ was also observed, converting the first photon from the PCE of Pr 3+ into the red emission of Mn 2+ , and the QC process occurred in this Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ co-doped K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 phosphor. - Abstract: Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ co-doped K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 samples were prepared by solid-state reaction method and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were investigated in ultra-violet (UV) and vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) region. The results indicated that in Pr 3+ singly doped K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 sample, the first-step transition ( 1 S 0 → 1 I 6 , 3 P J around 405 nm) of Pr 3+ is near the ultraviolet (UV) range, not useful for practical application. When Mn 2+ was doped as a co-activator ion, the energy of 1 S 0 → 1 I 6 , 3 P J transition can be transferred synchronously from Pr 3+ to Mn 2+ and then emit a visible photon. The optimal quantum efficiency (QE) of this co-doped system K 2 YZr(PO 4 ) 3 : Pr 3+ , Mn 2+ reached to 126.3%, suggesting a novel type of practical visible quantum cutting phosphor in promising application.

E-PR technologies in political party activities

OpenAIRE

Tereshchuk Vitaliy Ivanovych

2016-01-01

The article discusses the role of the Internet as an important communicative tool in the field of political PR. The article reviews the characteristics of PR-activities on the Internet and the features of e-PR in the political sphere. Particular attention is paid to the system of political party’s e-PR tools.

Phase diagrams of Pr-C system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Eremenko, V.N.; Velikanova, T.Ya.; Gordijchuk, O.V.

1988-01-01

Results of the X-ray phase, metallographic and high-temperature differential thermal analysis are used for the first time to plot a diagram of the Pr-C system state. Carbides are formed in the system: Pr 2 C 3 with the bcc-structure of the Pu 2 C 3 type and with the period a 0 = 0.85722+-0.00026 within the phase region + 2 C 3 >, a 0 0.86078+-0.00016 nm - within the region 2 C 3 >+α-PrC 2 ; dimorphous PrC 2 : α-PrC 2 with the bct-structure of the CaC 2 type and periods a 0.38517+-0.00011, c 0 = 0.64337+-0.00019 nm; β-PrC 2 with the fcc-structure, probably, of KCN type. Dicarbide melts congruently at 2320 grad. C, forming eutectics with graphite at 2254+-6 grad. C and composition of 71.5% (at.)C. It is polymorphously transformed in the phase region 2 C 3 > + 2 > at 1145+-4 grad. C, and in the region 2 >+C at 1134+-4 grad. C. Sesquicarbide melts incongruently at 1545+-4 grad. C. The eutectic reaction L ↔ + 2 C 3 > occurs at 800+-4 grad. C, the eutectic composition ∼ 15% (at.)C. The temperature of the eutectoid reaction ↔ + 2 C 3 > is 675+-6 grad C. The limiting carbon solubility in β-Pr is about 8 and in α-Pr it is about 5% (at.)

Internet innovation in PR management

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ćalasan Veljko B.

2014-01-01

Full Text Available PR Management in the last decade has evolved to unimaginable limits . Its rapid 'evolution ' is directly linked to the development and innovation, above all, of internet communications - Cyber 'world'. Although the genesis of PR management was announced in a way, the changes of the modern PR management have led to a change in the general attitude towards this particular activity. It has become an indispensable factor for the success of every business or social enterprise. In the general run for internet contents with better quality, as an indispensable tool of PR management , for better use of cyberspace , a new generation of PR manager is created, who has almost no resemblance to the earlier managers before two decades. For these reasons, we believe that Internet innovation through the implementation of PR management, changed the world economy and society. Adjusting speed to this, virtual , yet very real world , is proportional to the speed of development of an economic system as a whole, or any company at the micro level , and society in general .Internet is not an important innovation itself to be sufficient to meet the form and define the essence of economic relations. Only its proper exploitation with the constant use of tested and more intense innovation is the only way to the overall success . The absence of the above, in our opinion, is a sure path to failure.

La préservation, atout essentiel pour contrer la précarité des ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

La préservation, atout essentiel pour contrer la précarité des moyens de subsistance en ... Union mondiale pour la conservation de la nature et des ressources ... la recherche menée dans les domaines des sciences sociales, des sciences ...

Bruken av nasjonale prøver

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Skov, Poul

2010-01-01

Artiklen beskriver resultater fra en omfattende evaluering af brugen af de nationale prøver i norsk grundskole. De nationale prøver er blevet modtaget positivt af mange kommuner og skoleledere og i mindre grad af lærerne. Resultaterne viser også, at prøverne er styrende for undervisningen, at bru...

PrP(ST), a soluble, protease resistant and truncated PrP form features in the pathogenesis of a genetic prion disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Friedman-Levi, Yael; Mizrahi, Michal; Frid, Kati; Binyamin, Orli; Gabizon, Ruth

2013-01-01

While the conversion of PrP(C) into PrP(Sc) in the transmissible form of prion disease requires a preexisting PrP(Sc) seed, in genetic prion disease accumulation of disease related PrP could be associated with biochemical and metabolic modifications resulting from the designated PrP mutation. To investigate this possibility, we looked into the time related changes of PrP proteins in the brains of TgMHu2ME199K/wt mice, a line modeling for heterozygous genetic prion disease linked to the E200K PrP mutation. We found that while oligomeric entities of mutant E199KPrP exist at all ages, aggregates of wt PrP in the same brains presented only in advanced disease, indicating a late onset conversion process. We also show that most PK resistant PrP in TgMHu2ME199K mice is soluble and truncated (PrP(ST)), a pathogenic form never before associated with prion disease. We next looked into brain samples from E200K patients and found that both PK resistant PrPs, PrP(ST) as in TgMHu2ME199K mice, and "classical" PrP(Sc) as in infectious prion diseases, coincide in the patient's post mortem brains. We hypothesize that aberrant metabolism of mutant PrPs may result in the formation of previously unknown forms of the prion protein and that these may be central for the fatal outcome of the genetic prion condition.

PrP(ST, a soluble, protease resistant and truncated PrP form features in the pathogenesis of a genetic prion disease.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yael Friedman-Levi

Full Text Available While the conversion of PrP(C into PrP(Sc in the transmissible form of prion disease requires a preexisting PrP(Sc seed, in genetic prion disease accumulation of disease related PrP could be associated with biochemical and metabolic modifications resulting from the designated PrP mutation. To investigate this possibility, we looked into the time related changes of PrP proteins in the brains of TgMHu2ME199K/wt mice, a line modeling for heterozygous genetic prion disease linked to the E200K PrP mutation. We found that while oligomeric entities of mutant E199KPrP exist at all ages, aggregates of wt PrP in the same brains presented only in advanced disease, indicating a late onset conversion process. We also show that most PK resistant PrP in TgMHu2ME199K mice is soluble and truncated (PrP(ST, a pathogenic form never before associated with prion disease. We next looked into brain samples from E200K patients and found that both PK resistant PrPs, PrP(ST as in TgMHu2ME199K mice, and "classical" PrP(Sc as in infectious prion diseases, coincide in the patient's post mortem brains. We hypothesize that aberrant metabolism of mutant PrPs may result in the formation of previously unknown forms of the prion protein and that these may be central for the fatal outcome of the genetic prion condition.

Lessons learned from the experiences of informal PrEP users in France: results from the ANRS-PrEPage study.

Science.gov (United States)

Rivierez, I; Quatremere, G; Spire, B; Ghosn, J; Rojas Castro, D

2018-05-30

Before January 2016, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a new biomedical HIV-prevention tool, was only available in France via ANRS-Ipergay clinical study but informal use was reported outside this setting. PrEPage qualitative study reports profiles and experiences of participants who used PrEP outside of a biomedical trial before this prevention method was authorized. Between March 2015 and February 2016, a cross-section of twenty-four informal PrEP users, mostly MSM, was recruited to complete in-depth semi-structured interviews. While ANRS-Ipergay was still ongoing (2012-2016), participants described their initiation to PrEP, the way they used it and the difficulties they faced to acquire antiretroviral drugs in an environment where PrEP was still not widely known and often criticized . Through the testimonies, different user profiles and motivation toward informal PrEP use emerged: (a) participants who have increasing difficulties using condoms, (b) "opportunists" who tried PrEP without the intention of using it regularly and (c) participants with a risk aversion who sought additional protection against HIV. Participants chose to use PrEP and/or their usual prevention strategies depending on available supplies, type of partners and individual attitudes toward risk. The feeling of living a safer sex life helped participants to outweigh the fear of possible toxicity and drug resistance. Participants' needs and expectations about PrEP implementation in France were also presented.

Computerbasiert prüfen [Computer-based Assessment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Frey, Peter

2006-08-01

Full Text Available [english] Computer-based testing in medical education offers new perspectives. Advantages are sequential or adaptive testing, integration of movies or sound, rapid feedback to candidates and management of web-based question banks. Computer-based testing can also be implemented in an OSCE examination. In e-learning environments formative self-assessment are often implemented and gives helpful feedbacks to learners. Disadvantages in high-stake exams are the high requirements as well for the quality of testing (e.g. standard setting as additionally for the information technology and especially for security. [german] Computerbasierte Prüfungen im Medizinstudium eröffnen neue Möglichkeiten. Vorteile solcher Prüfungen liegen im sequentiellen oder adaptiven Prüfen, in der Integration von Bewegtbildern oder Ton, der raschen Auswertung und zentraler Verwaltung der Prüfungsfragen via Internet. Ein Einsatzgebiet mit vertretbarem Aufwand sind Prüfungen mit mehreren Stationen wie beispielsweise die OSCE-Prüfung. Computerbasierte formative Selbsttests werden im Bereiche e-learning häufig angeboten. Das hilft den Lernenden ihren Wissensstand besser einzuschätzen oder sich mit den Leistungen anderer zu vergleichen. Grenzen zeigen sich bei den summativen Prüfungen beim Prüfungsort, da zuhause Betrug möglich ist. Höhere ärztliche Kompetenzen wie Untersuchungstechnik oder Kommunikation eigenen sich kaum für rechnergestützte Prüfungen.

On the PR-algebras

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lebedenko, V.M.

1978-01-01

The PR-algebras, i.e. the Lie algebras with commutation relations of [Hsub(i),Hsub(j)]=rsub(ij)Hsub(i)(i< j) type are investigated. On the basis of former results a criterion for the membership of 2-solvable Lie algebras to the PR-algebra class is given. The conditions imposed by the criterion are formulated in the linear algebra language

PrP aggregation can be seeded by pre-formed recombinant PrP amyloid fibrils without the replication of infectious prions.

Science.gov (United States)

Barron, Rona M; King, Declan; Jeffrey, Martin; McGovern, Gillian; Agarwal, Sonya; Gill, Andrew C; Piccardo, Pedro

2016-10-01

Mammalian prions are unusual infectious agents, as they are thought to consist solely of aggregates of misfolded prion protein (PrP). Generation of synthetic prions, composed of recombinant PrP (recPrP) refolded into fibrils, has been utilised to address whether PrP aggregates are, indeed, infectious prions. In several reports, neurological disease similar to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) has been described following inoculation and passage of various forms of fibrils in transgenic mice and hamsters. However, in studies described here, we show that inoculation of recPrP fibrils does not cause TSE disease, but, instead, seeds the formation of PrP amyloid plaques in PrP-P101L knock-in transgenic mice (101LL). Importantly, both WT-recPrP fibrils and 101L-recPrP fibrils can seed plaque formation, indicating that the fibrillar conformation, and not the primary sequence of PrP in the inoculum, is important in initiating seeding. No replication of infectious prions or TSE disease was observed following both primary inoculation and subsequent subpassage. These data, therefore, argue against recPrP fibrils being infectious prions and, instead, indicate that these pre-formed seeds are acting to accelerate the formation of PrP amyloid plaques in 101LL Tg mice. In addition, these data reproduce a phenotype which was previously observed in 101LL mice following inoculation with brain extract containing in vivo-generated PrP amyloid fibrils, which has not been shown for other synthetic prion models. These data are reminiscent of the "prion-like" spread of aggregated forms of the beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ), α-synuclein and tau observed following inoculation of transgenic mice with pre-formed seeds of each misfolded protein. Hence, even when the protein is PrP, misfolding and aggregation do not reproduce the full clinicopathological phenotype of disease. The initiation and spread of protein aggregation in transgenic mouse lines following inoculation with pre

Epidemiology and symptomatology of depression in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional population-based survey in Colombo District.

Science.gov (United States)

Ball, Harriet A; Siribaddana, Sisira H; Kovas, Yulia; Glozier, Nick; McGuffin, Peter; Sumathipala, Athula; Hotopf, Matthew

2010-06-01

It is important to understand the nature of depression in non-Western and lower-income countries, but little such research exists. This study aimed to examine the characteristic features of depression in Sri Lanka, and to identify environmental risk factors. Depression diagnoses, symptoms and impairment were measured using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, in a population-based sample of 6014 twins and non-twins in the Colombo region of Sri Lanka (the CoTASS sample). Socio-demographic factors and environments were assessed via questionnaires. Lifetime-ever depression was reported in 6.6% of participants, rising to 11.2% if the functional impairment criterion was excluded. The symptom profile of depression and its socio-demographic associations were very comparable to those in Western and more economically developed countries, whether functional impairment was included in the definition or not. Standard of living was independently associated with depression, especially among men at the more deprived end of the distribution. Specific associations were found with both financial wellbeing and material characteristics of the home environment. The observational associations identified are cross-sectional, so do not necessarily imply causal links. Aside from a lower prevalence, depression is very similar in this predominantly urban Sri Lankan sample to higher-income, Western countries, and may be under-identified due to a relatively low cultural appropriateness of the assessment of impairment. Under Sri Lanka's cultural and environmental context, certain aspects of the material environment are associated with depression among certain segments of society, perhaps because of their particular link to social status and social networks. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth and scintillation properties of Pr doped YAP with different Pr concentrations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yanagida, Takayuki; Kamada, Kei; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Sugiyama, Makoto; Furuya, Yuki; Yamaji, Akihiro; Yokota, Yuui; Yoshikawa, Akira

2010-01-01

Pr 3+ 0.2, 0.75, and 3 mol% doped YAP single crystalline scintillators were grown by using the micro-pulling down (μ-PD) method. Pr 3+ 0.05 mol% doped YAP was also prepared by using the Czochralski method. In transmittance spectra, 4f-5d absorption line appeared at 230 nm. The μ-PD grown crystals showed intense emission at 290 nm while the Czochralski grown one showed an emission peak at 245 nm in radio luminescence spectra under X-ray excitation. Among them, the Czochralski grown one exhibited the highest light yield under 137 Cs 662 keV excitation and the absolute light yield of this sample was estimated to be 20400±2000 ph/MeV. The decay time constants of these scintillators were around 10 ns due to Pr 3+ 5d-4f transition.

Growth and scintillation properties of Pr doped YAP with different Pr concentrations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yanagida, Takayuki, E-mail: t_yanagi@tagen.tohoku.ac.j [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Kamada, Kei; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Sugiyama, Makoto; Furuya, Yuki [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Yamaji, Akihiro [New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Yokota, Yuui [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Yoshikawa, Akira [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan)

2010-11-21

Pr{sup 3+} 0.2, 0.75, and 3 mol% doped YAP single crystalline scintillators were grown by using the micro-pulling down ({mu}-PD) method. Pr{sup 3+} 0.05 mol% doped YAP was also prepared by using the Czochralski method. In transmittance spectra, 4f-5d absorption line appeared at 230 nm. The {mu}-PD grown crystals showed intense emission at 290 nm while the Czochralski grown one showed an emission peak at 245 nm in radio luminescence spectra under X-ray excitation. Among them, the Czochralski grown one exhibited the highest light yield under {sup 137}Cs 662 keV excitation and the absolute light yield of this sample was estimated to be 20400{+-}2000 ph/MeV. The decay time constants of these scintillators were around 10 ns due to Pr{sup 3+} 5d-4f transition.

Magnetic properties of Pr ions in perovskite-type oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sekizawa, K.; Kitagawa, M.; Takano, Y.

1998-01-01

Magnetic properties of Pr ions with the controlled valence on the A and B sites of perovskite-type oxides (ABO 3 ) were investigated for two systems. PrSc 1-x Mg x O 3 and BaPr 1-x Bi x O 3 . From the magnetic susceptibility χ versus temperature T curves of PrSc 1-x Mg x O 3 , the χ-T curve for molar Pr 3+ ions on the A site and that of Pr 4+ ions were obtained. The 1/χ-T curves for both ions exhibit the crystalline electric field (CEF) effect and the effective magneticmoment μ eff above 100 K is 3.41 μ B for Pr 3- and 2.58 μ B for Pr 4+ , respectively. The χ-T curve of PrSc 0.8 Mg 0.2 O 3 is similar to that of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O y . In the BaPr 1-x Bi x O 3 system, only one intermediate phase BaPr 0.5 Bi 0.5 O 3 exists, in which Pr and Bi take an ordered arrangement on the B site. The magnetic susceptibility χ for Pr 4+ and that of Pr 3+ in the ordered arrangement with Bi 5- on the B site are much smaller than those for the A site, reflecting the strong CEF effect on the B site. Experimental χ-T curves can be well reproducedby the numerical calculation for Pr 3+ or Pr 4+ ions in the molecular field and the CEF with proper respective parameters. (orig.)

Prévalence, facteurs associés et prédisposant au syndrome ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Introduction: Le syndrome métabolique est associé aux maladies cardiovasculaires. L'infection au VIH est devenue aujourd'hui une maladie chronique. L'objectif de cette étude est de déterminer la prévalence, les facteurs associés et prédisposant au syndrome métabolique chez les patients infectés par le VIH sous ...

Aspects of Pr3+ luminescence in solids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Srivastava, A.M.

2016-01-01

A brief perspective on the influence of “host lattice-Pr 3+ ” interactions on the optical properties of the Pr 3+ ion in solids is presented. How the energy position of the Pr 3+ 4f 1 5d 1 configuration relative to the 1 S 0 , 3 P J and host lattice conduction band levels influences the Pr 3+ optical properties is highlighted by considering solids in which the 4f 1 5d 1 configuration (1) is energetically above the 1 S 0 level, (2) is energetically below the 1 S 0 level, (3) is energetically close to the 1 S 0 level, and (4) overlaps with the host lattice conduction band. - Highlights: • Spectroscopic properties of Pr 3+ in solids is examined. • The influence of Pr 3+ 4f 1 5d 1 energy position relative to the 4f 2 levels is discussed. • The effect of interaction between Pr 3+ 4f 1 5d 1 and host conduction level is illustrated. • The paper identifies potential commercial applications.

Exotic behaviours in the Pr-based filled skutterudites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sato, H; Sugawara, H; Namiki, T; Saha, S R; Osaki, S; Matsuda, T D; Aoki, Y; Inada, Y; Shishido, H; Settai, R; Onuki, Y

2003-01-01

The exotic features of the Pr-based filled skutterudites are reviewed based on the electronic transport properties, specific heat and de Haas-van Alphen experiments, putting the emphasis on PrFe 4 P 12 and PrOs 4 Sb 12 . As references, the experiments on the related La- and Ce-filled skutterudites are also examined and discussed. Compared to their La reference compounds, the Fermi surface is very similar in PrOs 4 Sb 12 , suggesting the well localized character of 4f electrons, while it looks largely different in PrFe 4 P 12 . For the cyclotron effective mass, both PrFe 4 P 12 and PrOs 4 Sb 12 exhibit a strong enhancement, in reasonable agreement with the large specific heat coefficient

Competency profile of PR professional in sport

OpenAIRE

Gazdíková, Lenka

2013-01-01

Title: Competency profile of PR professional in sport Objective: The objective is to identify competencies required to a position of PR professional in sport. The aim of a survey is to verify the level of competencies which follows compiling competency profile and comparison with existing profile of PR specialist. Methods: The objective is achieved using survey, interview and analysis of competency models database. Results: The result of this paper is competency profile of PR professional in ...

Digitale prøver – et litteraturstudie

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Karen Louise Møller

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Digitale prøveformer bliver efterhånden mere og mere udbredte. Denne artikel er baseret på et litteraturstudie foretaget for at få indsigt i primært forskningslitteraturen om digitale prøveformer. I artiklen præsenterer vi de forskellige typer digitale prøver, der omtales og diskuteres i litteraturen, og vi beskriver de potentielle fordele af bl.a. økonomisk, administrativ og pædagogisk karakter, der ifølge litteraturen kan opnås ved at bruge digitale prøver. Vi beskriver endvidere de udfordringer og potentielle ulemper, der kan være forbundet med indførelse af digitale prøver. Det drejer sig bl.a. om udfordringer hvad angår prøvesystem, organisation, teknologi, kompetenceudvikling og uddannelseskultur. Vi beskriver i artiklen en række konkrete eksempler på digitale prøver, og vi præsenterer resultater fra undersøgelser af underviseres og studerendes oplevelser med digitale prøveformer. Against the backdrop of the rapid spread of digitized tests and exams, this article sets out to present some of the results of a literature study carried out with the aim of gaining insight into the research literature on this topic. The article presents different types of tests, focusing on the financial, administrative, and pedagogical advantages described and discussed in the literature as potentially attainable through the use of digitized exams. In addition, the challenges and potential problems connected with the introduction of digitized tests are described. Among these are challenges related to the test system or to competence development as well as organizational, technological, and cultural challenges. Finally, the article provides concrete descriptions of tests and presents results from select studies of teacher and student experiences of digitized tests.

Magnetic and thermodynamic properties of the Pr-based ferromagnet PrGe2-δ

Science.gov (United States)

Matsumoto, Keisuke T.; Morioka, Naoya; Hiraoka, Koichi

2018-03-01

We investigated the magnetization, M, and specific heat, C, of ThSi2-type PrGe2-δ. A polycrystalline sample of PrGe2-δ was prepared by arc-melting. Magnetization divided by magnetic field, M / B, increased sharply and C showed a clear jump at the Curie temperature, TC, of 14.6 K; these results indicate that PrGe2-δ ordered ferromagnetically. The magnetic entropy at TC reached R ln 3, indicating a quasi-triplet crystalline electric field (CEF) ground state. The maximum value of magnetic entropy change was 11.5 J/K kg with a field change of 7 T, which is comparable to those of other right rare-earth based magnetocaloric materials. This large magnetic entropy change was attributed to the quasi-triplet ground state of the CEF.

Microstructure and martensitic transformation of Ni-Ti-Pr alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Chunwang [Inner Mongolia University of Technology, College of Science, Hohhot (China); Shanghai Maritime University, College of Arts and Sciences, Shanghai (China); Zhao, Shilei; Jin, Yongjun; Hou, Qingyu [Inner Mongolia University of Technology, College of Science, Hohhot (China); Guo, Shaoqiang [Beihang University, Key Laboratory of Micro-nano Measurement, Manipulation and Physics (Ministry of Education), Department of Physics, Beijing (China)

2017-09-15

The effect of Pr addition on the microstructure and martensitic transformation behavior of Ni{sub 50}Ti{sub 50-x}Pr{sub x} (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9) alloys were investigated experimentally. Results show that the microstructures of Ni-Ti-Pr alloys consist of the NiTi matrix and the NiPr precipitate with the Ti solute. The martensitic transformation start temperature decreases gradually with the increase in Pr fraction. The stress around NiPr precipitates is responsible for the decrease in martensitic transformation temperature with the increase in Pr fraction in Ni-Ti-Pr alloys. (orig.)

The PR Officer's Survival Kit.

Science.gov (United States)

Woodrum, Robert L.

1996-01-01

A former corporate public relations (PR) professional shares strategies for communicating and cooperating with the chief executive officer, and particularly for coping with differences in perceptions of the public relations officer's role. Basic attributes of a successful PR professional are outlined: good communication skills, an analytical…

Praseodymium valency from crystal structure in Pr-Ba-Cu-O and (Y-Pr)-Ba-Cu-O single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Collin, G.; Albouy, P.A.; Monod, P.; Ribault, M.

1990-01-01

The substitution of Pr to Y leads to materials with a general formula (Y 1-v Pr v ) (Ba 2-x Pr x ) (Cu 3-y vac y ) O 6+x/2-y+z and with a structural transition around v + x' ∼ 0.5. For v + x 0.5 the crystals are tetragonal, La 1.5 Ba 1.5 Cu 3 O 7±z type, with the characteristic tri-twinning of this phase. The Pr valency, in the range 3-3.2 + depending on preparation conditions, is determined from interatomic distances. Orthorhombic crystals of Pr Ba Cu O prepared at high temperatures exhibit a high amount of defects, y ∼ 0.25 on the Cu(1) site and are semiconductors with a T -1/4 activation law attributed to the praseodymium valence fluctuation

Prática de ensino supervisionada em educação pré-escolar

OpenAIRE

Patrício, Linda Cristel

2017-01-01

O presente relatório de estágio desenvolveu-se no âmbito da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada, tendo por finalidade a obtenção do grau de mestre em Educação Pré-Escolar. A prática educativa foi desenvolvida em contexto de Creche e Jardim-de-Infância e a temática que me mereceu particular reflexão foi o desenvolvimento motor, no sentido de saber que oportunidades neste âmbito, são proporcionadas às crianças. Considerando a educação física como um domínio enquadrado nas Orientações Curricular...

Scintillation properties of μPD-grown Y{sub 4}Al{sub 2}O{sub 9}:Pr (YAM:Pr) crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Drozdowski, Winicjusz, E-mail: wind@fizyka.umk.pl [Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun (Poland); Brylew, Kamil [Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudziadzka 5, 87-100 Torun (Poland); Malinowski, Michał [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw (Poland); Turczyński, Sebastian [Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Wolczynska 133, 01-919 Warsaw (Poland)

2015-05-25

Highlights: • YAM:Pr crystals do scintillate and as such deserve further interest. • Fast d–f luminescence of Pr{sup 3+} ions appears in X-ray excited spectra. • Two components (24 and 790 ns) constitute scintillation time profiles. - Abstract: Y{sub 4}Al{sub 2}O{sub 9}:Pr (YAM:Pr) crystals have been grown by the micro-pulling-down method and their scintillation properties have been investigated. YAM:0.1%Pr displays a light yield of about 2000 ph/MeV and its scintillation time profile contains a prompt component with a decay time of 23.5 ns and a contribution of 20%. Radioluminescence spectra show both fast d–f and slow f–f praseodymium emissions. Low temperature glow curves are complex, consisting of discrete peaks and broad bands related to quasi-continuous trap distributions. Overall scintillation performance of YAM:Pr deteriorates with increasing praseodymium concentration.

Der Effekt von Akupunktur in der Prävention von Prüfungsangst

OpenAIRE

Krüger, Peter

2017-01-01

Prüfungsangst ist ein weit verbreitetes gesellschaftliches Phänomen, das bisher in nur wenigen wissenschaftlichen Ansätzen untersucht wurde. Die Zahl der Studenten, die Gehirn - Doping zur Leistungssteigerung und zur Minimierung von Prüfungsangst nutzen, steigt stetig an. In bisherigen Studien wurde Akupunktur an Herz 7 als vielversprechende Behandlungsalternative dargestellt. Basierend auf diesen Ergebnissen, wurde in dieser Arbeit untersucht, ob eine Einzelpunktakupunktur an Herz 7 die ...

PR's involvement in International Cooperation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Anonymous,

1995-01-01

In The Netherlands, the Research Station for Cattle, Sheep and Horse Husbandry (in Dutch abbreviated as PR) bridges the gap between more basic and disciplinary research done at universities and research institutes on the one hand and the extension service and the farmers on the other hand. The PR

Identification of PrP sequences essential for the interaction between the PrP polymers and Aβ peptide in a yeast-based assay

OpenAIRE

Rubel, Aleksandr A; Ryzhova, Tatyana A; Antonets, Kirill S; Chernoff, Yury O; Galkin, Alexey P

2013-01-01

Alzheimer disease is associated with the accumulation of oligomeric amyloid β peptide (Aβ), accompanied by synaptic dysfunction and neuronal death. Polymeric form of prion protein (PrP), PrPSc, is implicated in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Recently, it was shown that the monomeric cellular form of PrP (PrPC), located on the neuron surface, binds Aβ oligomers (and possibly other β-rich conformers) via the PrP23–27 and PrP90–110 segments, acting as Aβ receptor. On the other...

75 FR 51531 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Forms 941, 941-PR, 941-SS, 941-X, 941-X(PR), Schedule B...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-08-20

... 941, 941-PR, 941- SS, 941-X, 941-X(PR), Schedule B (Form 941), Schedule R (Form 941) and Schedule B (Form 941-PR) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments... comments concerning Forms 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return), 941-PR (Planilla Para La...

78 FR 47056 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Forms 941, 941-PR, 941-SS, 941-X, 941-X(PR), Schedule B...

Science.gov (United States)

2013-08-02

... 941, 941-PR, 941- SS, 941-X, 941-X(PR), Schedule B (Form 941), Schedule R (Form 941)and Schedule B (Form 941-PR) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments... Forms 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return), 941-PR, 941-SS (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax...

Conditions promoting and restraining agronomic effectiveness of water-insoluble phosphate sources, in particular phosphate rock (PR): III. 32P-aided soil-PR interaction studies aimed at enhancing P bioavailability from PR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Borlan, Z.; Soare, M.; Gavriluta, I.; Alexandrescu, A.; Stefanescu, D.

2002-01-01

Mobilization of PR and bioavailability of PR-P for plants takes place through complex chemical and biochemical processes that occurs during prolonged soil interaction with PR. There is a high probability that certain processes of a biochemical nature are also involved through proteinaceous ion carriers whose concentration and physiological activity in plant roots may be influenced by means of specially formulated foliar fertilizer compositions. 32 P-aided studies have contributed to identify possibilities of enhancing PR-P bioavailability through foliar fertilizer application. (author)

Cytosolic PrP Can Participate in Prion-Mediated Toxicity

Science.gov (United States)

Thackray, Alana M.; Zhang, Chang; Arndt, Tina

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Prion diseases are characterized by a conformational change in the normal host protein PrPC. While the majority of mature PrPC is tethered to the plasma membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, topological variants of this protein can arise during its biosynthesis. Here we have generated Drosophila transgenic for cytosolic ovine PrP in order to investigate its toxic potential in flies in the absence or presence of exogenous ovine prions. While cytosolic ovine PrP expressed in Drosophila was predominantly detergent insoluble and showed resistance to low concentrations of proteinase K, it was not overtly detrimental to the flies. However, Drosophila transgenic for cytosolic PrP expression exposed to classical or atypical scrapie prion inocula showed a faster decrease in locomotor activity than similar flies exposed to scrapie-free material. The susceptibility to classical scrapie inocula could be assessed in Drosophila transgenic for panneuronal expression of cytosolic PrP, whereas susceptibility to atypical scrapie required ubiquitous PrP expression. Significantly, the toxic phenotype induced by ovine scrapie in cytosolic PrP transgenic Drosophila was transmissible to recipient PrP transgenic flies. These data show that while cytosolic PrP expression does not adversely affect Drosophila, this topological PrP variant can participate in the generation of transmissible scrapie-induced toxicity. These observations also show that PrP transgenic Drosophila are susceptible to classical and atypical scrapie prion strains and highlight the utility of this invertebrate host as a model of mammalian prion disease. IMPORTANCE During prion diseases, the host protein PrPC converts into an abnormal conformer, PrPSc, a process coupled to the generation of transmissible prions and neurotoxicity. While PrPC is principally a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein, the role of topological variants, such as cytosolic PrP, in prion-mediated toxicity and

Home-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP services for gay and bisexual men: An opportunity to address barriers to PrEP uptake and persistence.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Steven A John

Full Text Available Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. Despite the promise of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP in reducing HIV transmission risk, barriers for uptake and persistence exist. We sought to identify whether GBM in a nationwide cohort who have not yet initiated PrEP (n = 906 would prefer to get PrEP-related care from a primary care provider (PCP compared to a specialist clinic or provider. We then sought to identify their level of interest and factors associated with preference for using home-based PrEP services (i.e., HB-PrEP, defined to participants as conducting HIV/STI self-testing from home with PrEP prescription mailing after an initial in-person clinic visit. We examined the associations of demographics, sexual HIV transmission risk, concern about frequent medical checkups associated with PrEP, health care access, and PrEP intentions with preferences for healthcare provider type and HB-PrEP. Concern about frequent medical checkups were associated with preferring a PCP for PrEP-related care, but men who perceived a barrier to bringing up the topic of PrEP with a doctor preferred a specialist clinic or provider more than a PCP. HB-PrEP was more appealing for younger men and those engaged in sexual HIV transmission risk, suggesting HB-PrEP could help reach GBM most vulnerable to HIV and in need of PrEP. HB-PrEP expansion has potential to increase PrEP uptake and persistence among GBM, particularly for men with barriers to clinic-based care and higher intentions to initiate PrEP. Clinical guidelines regarding HB-PrEP are needed to expand its use.

Jurnalistikadan gələn PR-çı

OpenAIRE

Mənsimi, Cəfər; Soltan, Arzu (editör)

2017-01-01

Azerbaycan'da ilk online PR derggisi olan PRoloq.az'da PR uzmanı ve "PR labarotoriya"nın başkanı Afet Yaqubova ile röportaj. PR mütəxəssisi və PR laboratoriyanın direktoru Afət Yaqubova ilə müsahibə,

Thermodynamic database for the Co-Pr system

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

S.H. Zhou

2016-03-01

Full Text Available In this article, we describe data on (1 compositions for both as-cast and heat treated specimens were summarized in Table 1; (2 the determined enthalpy of mixing of liquid phase is listed in Table 2; (3 thermodynamic database of the Co-Pr system in TDB format for the research articled entitle Chemical partitioning for the Co-Pr system: First-principles, experiments and energetic calculations to investigate the hard magnetic phase W. Keywords: Thermodynamic database of Co-Pr, Solution calorimeter measurement, Phase diagram Co-Pr

Prácticas curriculares

OpenAIRE

García-Gordillo, Mar; Checa Godoy, Antonio; Gómez Mompart, Josep Lluis (Coordinador); Herrero Subías, Mónica (Coordinador)

2015-01-01

Esta ponencia pretende analizar, sucintamente, la situacion presente de las prácticas externas en las facultades de Comunicacion españolas. En una coyuntura sumamente peculiar, no solo para las prácticas de los titulos de Comunicacion, sino para todas las practicas universitarias, por los numerosos y a veces contradictorios cambios acaecidos en la legislacion reciente y los vaivenes normativos de las universidades; por la profunda crisis que viene atravesando el sector de la...

Luminescence dependence of Pr3+ activated SiO2 nanophosphor on Pr3+ concentration, temperature, and ZnO incorporation

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Mhlongo, GH

2011-08-01

Full Text Available Green-emitting ZnO nanoparticles were successfully embedded in Pr3+-doped SiO2 by a sol–gel method resulting in a red-emitting ZnO·SiO2:Pr3+ nanocomposite phosphor. The particle morphology and luminescent properties of SiO2:Pr3+ phosphor powders...

Electronic structures of PrBa2Cu3O7 and PrBa2Cu4O8 systems based on LSDA+U approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shirazi, M.; Tavana, A.; Akhavan, M.

2007-01-01

Full text: The electronic structures of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (Pr123) and PrBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 (Pr124) have been obtained by means of the density functional theory in the local spin density approximation plus on-site Coulomb interaction. The correlation correction has been applied to the Cu 3d and Pr 4f states. Calculations show that the localized Pr-O bands form near the Fermi surface and do not cross the Fermi level. Comparison of the hole absorbing ability of pfy and the pdy states shows that pfy state has dominant role in grabbing holes from the system and causes Pr124 to be non-superconducting like Pr123. We suggest that hybridization of Pr and O atoms in Pr124 system is weaker than Pr123 compound and this may be the reason for the higher critical doping of Pr by which the superconductivity is completely suppressed. Displacement of the conduction bands at the Fermi level is the criterion of Cu (3dx2-y2) character, and when Cu (3dx2-y2) character is stronger in a band, the band displaces more intensively under applying the correction Ucu. We estimate the hole-concentration from this displacement, and good agreement with experiment is seen. The displacement of the CuO 2 plane bands in the minority and majority spin channels in Pr124 is less than that in Pr123. Displacement of the double chain bands in Pr124 is higher than the single chain bands in Pr123. This feature is related to a stronger Cu (3dx2-y2) character in the double chain. So, the spin and conduction features of the Pr124 double chains are stronger than Pr123 single chain, which is the origin of metallic behavior of Pr124 at low temperatures.(authors)

Electronic structures of PrBa2Cu3O7 and PrBa2Cu4O8 systems based on LSDA+U approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shirazi, M.; Tavana, A.; Akhavan, M.

2007-01-01

Full text: The electronic structures of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 (Pr123) and PrBa 2 Cu 4 O 8 (Pr124) have been obtained by means of the density functional theory in the local spin density approximation plus on-site Coulomb interaction. The correlation correction has been applied to the Cu 3d and Pr 4f states. Calculations show that the localized Pr-O bands form near the Fermi surface and do not cross the Fermi level. Comparison of the hole absorbing ability of pfy and the pdy states shows that pfy state has dominant role in grabbing holes from the system and causes Pr124 to be non-superconducting like Pr123. We suggest that hybridization of Pr and O atoms in Pr124 system is weaker than Pr123 compound and this may be the reason for the higher critical doping of Pr by which the superconductivity is completely suppressed. Displacement of the conduction bands at the Fermi level is the criterion of Cu (3dx2-y2) character, and when Cu (3dx2-y2) character is stronger in a band, the band displaces more intensively under applying the correction Ucu. We estimate the hole-concentration from this displacement, and good agreement with experiment is seen. The displacement of the CuO 2 plane bands in the minority and majority spin channels in Pr124 is less than that in Pr123. Displacement of the double chain bands in Pr124 is higher than the single chain bands in Pr123. This feature is related to a stronger Cu (3dx2-y2) character in the double chain. So, the spin and conduction features of the Pr124 double chains are stronger than Pr123 single chain, which is the origin of metallic behavior of Pr124 at low temperatures. (authors)

Purification and Fibrillation of Full-Length Recombinant PrP.

Science.gov (United States)

Makarava, Natallia; Savtchenko, Regina; Baskakov, Ilia V

2017-01-01

Misfolding and aggregation of prion protein are related to several neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, fatal familial insomnia, and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker disease. A growing number of applications in the prion field including assays for detection of PrP Sc and methods for production of PrP Sc de novo require recombinant prion protein (PrP) of high purity and quality. Here, we report an experimental procedure for expression and purification of full-length mammalian prion protein. This protocol has been proved to yield PrP of extremely high purity that lacks PrP adducts, oxidative modifications, or truncation, which is typically generated as a result of spontaneous oxidation or degradation. We also describe methods for preparation of amyloid fibrils from recombinant PrP in vitro. Recombinant PrP fibrils can be used as a noninfectious synthetic surrogate of PrP Sc for development of prion diagnostics including generation of PrP Sc -specific antibody.

PrPC displays an essential protective role from oxidative stress in an astrocyte cell line derived from PrPC knockout mice

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bertuchi, Fernanda R.; Bourgeon, Dominique M.G.; Landemberger, Michele C.; Martins, Vilma R.; Cerchiaro, Giselle

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► PrP C in solution acts as a radical scavenger. ► PrP C reduces hydrogen peroxide toxicity in astrocytes. ► Increase in ROS disrupted the cell cycle in the PrP C -knockout astrocytes. ► PrP C prevents the cell death independently of an SOD-like activity. -- Abstract: The PrP C protein, which is especially present in the cellular membrane of nervous system cells, has been extensively studied for its controversial antioxidant activity. In this study, we elucidated the free radical scavenger activity of purified murine PrP C in solution and its participation as a cell protector in astrocytes that were subjected to treatment with an oxidant. In vitro and using an EPR spin-trapping technique, we observed that PrP C decreased the oxidation of the DMPO trap in a Fenton reaction system (Cu 2+ /ascorbate/H 2 O 2 ), which was demonstrated by approximately 70% less DMPO/OH · . In cultured PrP C -knockout astrocytes from mice, the absence of PrP C caused an increase in intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation during the first 3 h of H 2 O 2 treatment. This rapid increase in ROS disrupted the cell cycle in the PrP C -knockout astrocytes, which increased the population of cells in the sub-G1 phase when compared with cultured wild-type astrocytes. We conclude that PrP C in solution acts as a radical scavenger, and in astrocytes, it is essential for protection from oxidative stress caused by an external chemical agent, which is a likely condition in human neurodegenerative CNS disorders and pathological conditions such as ischemia.

Electrocardiographic PR-interval duration and cardiovascular risk

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rasmussen, Peter Vibe; Nielsen, Jonas Bille; Skov, Morten Wagner

2017-01-01

Background Because of ambiguous reports in the literature, we aimed to investigate the association between PR interval and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death, heart failure, and pacemaker implantation, allowing for a nonlinear relationship. MethodsWe included 293,111 individuals...... into 7 groups based on the population PR interval distribution. Cox models were used, with reference to a PR interval between 152 and 161 ms (40th to heart failure...... adjustment. A long PR interval conferred an increased risk of heart failure ( > 200 ms; HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.22-1.42; P 200 ms (HR, 3...

Redox induces diverse effects on recombinant human wild-type PrP and mutated PrP with inserted or deleted octarepeats.

Science.gov (United States)

Shi, Qi; Chen, Cao; Zhang, Bao-Yun; Zhou, Wei; Xiao, Kang; Dong, Xiao-Ping

2018-04-01

Normal prion protein (PrP) contains two cysteines at amino acids 179 and 214, which may form intra‑ and interpeptide disulfide bonds. To determine the possible effects of this disulfide bridge on the biochemical features of PrP, prokaryotic recombinant human wild‑type PrP (PG5), and mutated PrPs with seven extra octarepeats (PG12) or with all five octarepeats removed (PG0), were subjected to redox in vitro. Sedimentation assays revealed a large portion of aggregation in redox‑treated PG5, but not in PG0 and PG12. Circular dichroism analysis detected increased β‑sheet and decreased α‑helix in PG5 subjected to redox, increased random‑coil and decreased β‑sheet in PG0, and increased random‑coil, but limited changes to β‑sheet content, in PG12. Thioflavin T fluorescence tests indicated that fluorescent value was increased in PG5 subjected to redox. In addition, proteinase K (PK) digestions indicated that PK resistance was stronger in PG12 and PG0 compared with in PG5; redox enhanced the PK resistance of all three PrP constructs, particularly PG0 and PG12. These data indicated that formation of a disulfide bond induces marked alterations in the secondary structure and biochemical characteristics of PrP. In addition, the octarepeat region within the PrP peptide markedly influences the effects of redox on the biochemical phenotypes of PrP, thus highlighting the importance of the number of octarepeats in the biological functions of PrP.

PrPc Does Not Mediate Internalization of PrPSc but Is Required at an Early Stage for De Novo Prion Infection of Rov Cells▿

Science.gov (United States)

Paquet, Sophie; Daude, Nathalie; Courageot, Marie-Pierre; Chapuis, Jérôme; Laude, Hubert; Vilette, Didier

2007-01-01

We have studied the interactions of exogenous prions with an epithelial cell line inducibly expressing PrPc protein and permissive to infection by a sheep scrapie agent. We demonstrate that abnormal PrP (PrPSc) and prion infectivity are efficiently internalized in Rov cells, whether or not PrPc is expressed. At odds with earlier studies implicating cellular heparan sulfates in PrPSc internalization, we failed to find any involvement of such molecules in Rov cells, indicating that prions can enter target cells by several routes. We further show that PrPSc taken up in the absence of PrPc was unable to promote efficient prion multiplication once PrPc expression was restored in the cells. This observation argues that interaction of PrPSc with PrPc has to occur early, in a specific subcellular compartment(s), and is consistent with the view that the first prion multiplication events may occur at the cell surface. PMID:17626095

Development of a Macroinvertebrate - based Index of Biotic Integrity (M-IBI for Colombo-Sri Jayawardhanapura Canal System (A new approach to assess stream/ wetland health

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Nilakarawasam

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Macroinvertebrates have been identified as excellent indicators of stream (wetland health as they respond rapidly to environmental changers and provide short to medium term pollution history records. Current study was aimed to develop a Macroinvertebrate-based Index of Biotic Integrity (M-IBI to monitor stream health of Colombo-Sri Jayawardhanapura canal system. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using a D-framed kick net from ten stations during the period of Nov 2008 to June 2009. Habitat characteristics and some water quality parameters also recorded. For the index development, those ten stations were grouped into two as ’Reference’ and ‘Degraded’ based on their habitat characteristics and some water quality parameters. Then 41vcandidate metrics were nominated for statistical analysis process. After considering their sensitivity to stream impairment, ability of showing exceptionally strong discrimination between reference and degraded sites and less redundancy, ten candidate metrics were selected for M-IBI development. Validity of the index was tested with a new independent data set. Scores acquired for these data set were positively correlated with DO values (r = 0.578. That concluded the potential of using M-IBI developed for biological monitoring and improving biotic integrity of streams and wetlands.

Level of health literacy and factors associated with it among school teachers in an education zone in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

H. M. B. H. Denuwara

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Health literacy refers to people's competencies to access, understand, judge and apply health information in healthcare, disease prevention and health promotion. This study aimed to describe the level of health literacy and the factors associated with it among school teachers in an Education Zone in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods A cross-sectional study among 520 teachers measured health literacy using the selfadministered, culturally adapted Sinhalese translation of Health Literacy Survey-European Union (HLS-EU. Health literacy assessment was based on self-reported competencies to access, understand, judge and apply health information in the domains of disease prevention, healthcare and health promotion. Based on a score, respondents were divided into four levels of health literacy as 'inadequate', 'problematic', 'sufficient' and 'excellent' as well as into two levels as 'limited' and 'adequate'. Factors associated with 'limited' health literacy was determined by using univariate analysis and assessing their associations using chi square test. Multivariate analysis was also done using multiple logistic regression to determine factors associated with limited health literacy controlled for confounding effects. A p value of 0.05 determined the significance. Results The response rate was 96.5%. Mean age was 43years (SD = +9.75, 81.7% (n = 410 were females and 66.1% (n = 332 were graduates. Only 3.6% (n = 18 taught the subject health while 18.3% (n = 92 taught science. 'Limited' health literacy was found in 32.5% (95% CI 28.4%–36.6% while 67.5% (95% CI 63.4%–71.6%, 61.2% (95% CI 56.9%-65.5% and 6.4% (95% CI 4.3%–8.5% showed 'adequate', 'sufficient' and 'excellent' levels, respectively. 'Problematic' and 'inadequate' health literacy were 31.5% (95% CI 27.4%-35.6% and 1% (95% CI 0.1%–1.9%. Univariate analysis showed not being a member of health club/welfare group (p = 0.002, having not done any special course on health (p = 0

Level of health literacy and factors associated with it among school teachers in an education zone in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Science.gov (United States)

Denuwara, H M B H; Gunawardena, Nalika Sepali

2017-07-06

Health literacy refers to people's competencies to access, understand, judge and apply health information in healthcare, disease prevention and health promotion. This study aimed to describe the level of health literacy and the factors associated with it among school teachers in an Education Zone in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional study among 520 teachers measured health literacy using the selfadministered, culturally adapted Sinhalese translation of Health Literacy Survey-European Union (HLS-EU). Health literacy assessment was based on self-reported competencies to access, understand, judge and apply health information in the domains of disease prevention, healthcare and health promotion. Based on a score, respondents were divided into four levels of health literacy as 'inadequate', 'problematic', 'sufficient' and 'excellent' as well as into two levels as 'limited' and 'adequate'. Factors associated with 'limited' health literacy was determined by using univariate analysis and assessing their associations using chi square test. Multivariate analysis was also done using multiple logistic regression to determine factors associated with limited health literacy controlled for confounding effects. A p value of 0.05 determined the significance. The response rate was 96.5%. Mean age was 43years (SD = +9.75), 81.7% (n = 410) were females and 66.1% (n = 332) were graduates. Only 3.6% (n = 18) taught the subject health while 18.3% (n = 92) taught science. 'Limited' health literacy was found in 32.5% (95% CI 28.4%-36.6%) while 67.5% (95% CI 63.4%-71.6%), 61.2% (95% CI 56.9%-65.5%) and 6.4% (95% CI 4.3%-8.5%) showed 'adequate', 'sufficient' and 'excellent' levels, respectively. 'Problematic' and 'inadequate' health literacy were 31.5% (95% CI 27.4%-35.6%) and 1% (95% CI 0.1%-1.9%). Univariate analysis showed not being a member of health club/welfare group (p = 0.002), having not done any special course on health (p = 0.009), not getting an opportunity to participate

Crystal structure of PrOHSO4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fahey, J.A.; Williams, G.J.B.; Haschke, J.M.

1979-01-01

PrOHSO 4 was prepared by hydrothermal reaction of Pr(OH) 3 with Pr 2 (SO 4 ) 3 x H 2 O at 450 to 500 0 C and 1,200 +- 200 atm water pressure. The space group is P2 1 /c; the cell parameters are a = 4.488, b = 12.495, c = 7.091 A, β = 111.08, Z = 4, d/sub x/ = 4.49 g/cm 3 . Atomic coordinates and anisotropic thermal parameters are tabulated. A stereoscopic protection of the cation coordination sphere is shown and discussed. 2 figures, 3 tables

Experimental Models of Inherited PrP Prion Diseases.

Science.gov (United States)

Watts, Joel C; Prusiner, Stanley B

2017-11-01

The inherited prion protein (PrP) prion disorders, which include familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease, and fatal familial insomnia, constitute ∼10%-15% of all PrP prion disease cases in humans. Attempts to generate animal models of these disorders using transgenic mice expressing mutant PrP have produced variable results. Although many lines of mice develop spontaneous signs of neurological illness with accompanying prion disease-specific neuropathological changes, others do not. Furthermore, demonstrating the presence of protease-resistant PrP species and prion infectivity-two of the hallmarks of the PrP prion disorders-in the brains of spontaneously sick mice has proven particularly challenging. Here, we review the progress that has been made toward developing accurate mouse models of the inherited PrP prion disorders. Copyright © 2017 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved.

Biro Konsultan PR dan Kompetensi Praktisi PR di Era Industrialisasi Komunikasi dan Pencitraan

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dina Sekar Vusparatih

2013-04-01

Full Text Available The world of communication starts to experience rapid development in various aspects of life, almost all over the world. In Indonesia, it is marked by the emergence of a lot of tv and radio stations, and started the trend of imaging strategy efforts that is used to win the regional election, nasional election, and even to win marketing competition through company’s products or services image branding. This phenomenon is the opportunity for PR consultants to be successful team in designing appropriate communication strategies and appropriate steps to build the image. This opportunity is used by many people which is characterized by the proliferation of consultancies. Competition between consultants becomes so tight considering the companies or organizations that intend to hire consultants also want the best. Competitive bidding process was conducted, to win this, it needs solid team of consultants required in skills and morally. PR competencies of each member are needed to grow into a successful PR consultant. 

Teoria e prática das práticas alternativas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fernando D. de Avila-Pires

1995-04-01

Full Text Available São abordados, os fundamentos científicos e a ética da utilização das práticas de medicina alternativa em voga no Brasil. Ressalta-se que, em geral, o termo alternativo não é definido e que pode se referir aos princípios básicos ou aos métodos de diagnóstico e tratamento. Sugere-se que a escolha individual de um sistema terapêutico é mais influenciada por fatores culturais, pela tradição familiar e pela moda, do que pela análise racional dos seus fundamentos. Estabelece-se que o que distingue realmente os diferentes sistemas são seus princípios e não suas práticas.

Teoria e prática das práticas alternativas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Avila-Pires Fernando D. de

1995-01-01

Full Text Available São abordados, os fundamentos científicos e a ética da utilização das práticas de medicina alternativa em voga no Brasil. Ressalta-se que, em geral, o termo alternativo não é definido e que pode se referir aos princípios básicos ou aos métodos de diagnóstico e tratamento. Sugere-se que a escolha individual de um sistema terapêutico é mais influenciada por fatores culturais, pela tradição familiar e pela moda, do que pela análise racional dos seus fundamentos. Estabelece-se que o que distingue realmente os diferentes sistemas são seus princípios e não suas práticas.

Na+/K+-ATPase is present in scrapie-associated fibrils, modulates PrP misfolding in vitro and links PrP function and dysfunction.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

James F Graham

Full Text Available Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are characterised by widespread deposition of fibrillar and/or plaque-like forms of the prion protein. These aggregated forms are produced by misfolding of the normal prion protein, PrP(C, to the disease-associated form, PrP(Sc, through mechanisms that remain elusive but which require either direct or indirect interaction between PrP(C and PrP(Sc isoforms. A wealth of evidence implicates other non-PrP molecules as active participants in the misfolding process, to catalyse and direct the conformational conversion of PrP(C or to provide a scaffold ensuring correct alignment of PrP(C and PrP(Sc during conversion. Such molecules may be specific to different scrapie strains to facilitate differential prion protein misfolding. Since molecular cofactors may become integrated into the growing protein fibril during prion conversion, we have investigated the proteins contained in prion disease-specific deposits by shotgun proteomics of scrapie-associated fibrils (SAF from mice infected with 3 different strains of mouse-passaged scrapie. Concomitant use of negative control preparations allowed us to identify and discount proteins that are enriched non-specifically by the SAF isolation protocol. We found several proteins that co-purified specifically with SAF from infected brains but none of these were reproducibly and demonstrably specific for particular scrapie strains. The α-chain of Na(+/K(+-ATPase was common to SAF from all 3 strains and we tested the ability of this protein to modulate in vitro misfolding of recombinant PrP. Na(+/K(+-ATPase enhanced the efficiency of disease-specific conversion of recombinant PrP suggesting that it may act as a molecular cofactor. Consistent with previous results, the same protein inhibited fibrillisation kinetics of recombinant PrP. Since functional interactions between PrP(C and Na(+/K(+-ATPase have previously been reported in astrocytes, our data highlight this molecule as

Political PR is dying. Long live business PR! / Ilyn Oleg

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Oleg, Ilyn

2005-01-01

Vene suurima suhtekorraldusagentuuri Imageland Public Relations rahvusvaheliste suhete juhi hinnangul on Venemaal peamisteks probleemideks PR professionaalide vähesus, nende kehv haritus oma erialal, samuti vähene teadlikkus suhtekorralduse tähtsusest äris

Profesi PR Identik dengan Perempuan ?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Neni Yulianita

2004-09-01

Full Text Available Profesi Public Relations (PR atau di Indonesia lebih dikenal dengan Humas, seringkali diidentikkan dengan profesi yang pantas dijabat oleh kaum perempuan. Adanya sebagian kalangan masyarakat yang menjudge bahwa profesi ini lebih tepat dijabat oleh kaum perempuan, dengan alasan profesi ini menuntut keterampilan, daya tarik, dan keluwesan. Dengan adanya anggapan tersebut,  tentu saja telah memberikan implikasi pada kaum laki-laki  sehingga menimbulkan keraguan pada mereka untuk menekuni bidang kajian PR/Humas di berbagai Perguruan Tinggi yang memiliki bidang ini. Ironisnya, user masih menganggap kaum laki-lakilah yang lebih tepat menjabat profesi PR, dengan anggapan antara lain bahwa laki-laki lebih energik, aktif, rasional, agresif, memiliki stamina atau fisik yang lebih kuat, dan memiliki kemampuan dalam penguasaan hardware atau teknologi komunikasi mutakhir yang lebih baik dibanding wanita yang dianggap lebih emosional, pasif, dan submisif. Anggapan ini tentu saja sangat merugikan perempuan,  walaupun hasil penelitian Robins dinyatakan bahwa,  “Tidak ada beda  laki-laki dan perempuan yang konsisten dalam kemampuan memecahkan masalah, keterampilan analitis, dorongan kompetitif, motivasi, sosiobilitas, atau kemampuan belajar”.  Untuk itu, dalam tulisan ini, penulis menyajikan jawaban apakah benar Profesi PR lebih tepat dijabat oleh Perempuan?

Prion propagation in cells expressing PrP glycosylation mutants.

Science.gov (United States)

Salamat, Muhammad K; Dron, Michel; Chapuis, Jérôme; Langevin, Christelle; Laude, Hubert

2011-04-01

Infection by prions involves conversion of a host-encoded cell surface protein (PrP(C)) to a disease-related isoform (PrP(Sc)). PrP(C) carries two glycosylation sites variably occupied by complex N-glycans, which have been suggested by previous studies to influence the susceptibility to these diseases and to determine characteristics of prion strains. We used the Rov cell system, which is susceptible to sheep prions, to generate a series of PrP(C) glycosylation mutants with mutations at one or both attachment sites. We examined their subcellular trafficking and ability to convert into PrP(Sc) and to sustain stable prion propagation in the absence of wild-type PrP. The susceptibility to infection of mutants monoglycosylated at either site differed dramatically depending on the amino acid substitution. Aglycosylated double mutants showed overaccumulation in the Golgi compartment and failed to be infected. Introduction of an ectopic glycosylation site near the N terminus fully restored cell surface expression of PrP but not convertibility into PrP(Sc), while PrP(C) with three glycosylation sites conferred cell permissiveness to infection similarly to the wild type. In contrast, predominantly aglycosylated molecules with nonmutated N-glycosylation sequons, produced in cells expressing glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchorless PrP(C), were able to form infectious PrP(Sc). Together our findings suggest that glycosylation is important for efficient trafficking of anchored PrP to the cell surface and sustained prion propagation. However, properly trafficked glycosylation mutants were not necessarily prone to conversion, thus making it difficult in such studies to discern whether the amino acid changes or glycan chain removal most influences the permissiveness to prion infection.

Thermoelectric power of PrMg3

Science.gov (United States)

Isikawa, Yosikazu; Somiya, Kazuya; Koyanagi, Huruto; Mizushima, Toshio; Kuwai, Tomohiko; Tayama, Takashi

2010-01-01

PrMg3 is supposed to be one of the strongly correlated electron systems originated from the hybridization between the Pr 4f and conduction electrons, because the gigantic electronic specific heat coefficient C/T was observed at low temperatures. However, a typical behaviour of - ln T dependence was not observed in the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity. The thermoelectric power S is a powerful tool to investigate the density of states at the Fermi energy. We measured carefully the thermoelectric power of PrMg3 in the temperature range between 2 and 300 K. S is extremely small, ranged within ±1 μV/K over the whole temperature. The value of S/T at low temperature limit was also significantly smaller than expected from the specific heat results. We therefore conclude that the density of state at the Fermi level is not enhanced in PrMg3.

Thermoelectric power of PrMg3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Isikawa, Yosikazu; Somiya, Kazuya; Koyanagi, Huruto; Mizushima, Toshio; Kuwai, Tomohiko; Tayama, Takashi

2010-01-01

PrMg 3 is supposed to be one of the strongly correlated electron systems originated from the hybridization between the Pr 4f and conduction electrons, because the gigantic electronic specific heat coefficient C/T was observed at low temperatures. However, a typical behaviour of - ln T dependence was not observed in the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity. The thermoelectric power S is a powerful tool to investigate the density of states at the Fermi energy. We measured carefully the thermoelectric power of PrMg 3 in the temperature range between 2 and 300 K. S is extremely small, ranged within ±1 μV/K over the whole temperature. The value of S/T at low temperature limit was also significantly smaller than expected from the specific heat results. We therefore conclude that the density of state at the Fermi level is not enhanced in PrMg 3 .

Prépositions et rection verbale étude des prépositions avec, contre, en, par, parmi, pour

CERN Document Server

Ashino, Fumitake; Paillard, Denis

2017-01-01

Cet ouvrage étudie une série de prépositions du français (avec, contre, par, parmi, en et pour) dont la caractéristique commune est d'introduire un terme (Y) constituant un mode d'appréhension particulier du terme (X) avec lequel ces prépositions établissent une relation (X prép Y), et dont un grand nombre d'emplois sont liés à la rection verbale.

Demographic differences in PrEP–related stereotypes: Implications for implementation

Science.gov (United States)

Golub, Sarit. A.; Gamarel, Kristi E.; Surace, Anthony

2015-01-01

Qualitative interviews about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) stereotypes were conducted with a subsample of 160 MSM who participated in a PrEP messaging study. Negative stereotypes about PrEP users were identified by 80% of participants. Two types of stereotypes were most common: PrEP users are HIV-infected (and lying about it), and PrEP users are promiscuous and resistant to condom use. Participants’ identification of these stereotype categories differed significantly by demographic factors (i.e. race/ethnicity, education). Expanding access to PrEP requires recognizing potential differences in the experience or anticipation of PrEP-related stereotypes that might impact willingness to discuss PrEP with providers, friends, or partners. PMID:26143247

Interaction between 14-3-3β and PrP influences the dimerization of 14-3-3 and fibrillization of PrP106-126.

Science.gov (United States)

Han, Jun; Song, Qin-Qin; Sun, Peng; Zhang, Jin; Wang, Xu; Song, Juan; Li, Gong-Qi; Liu, Ying-Hui; Mei, Guo-Yong; Shi, Qi; Tian, Chan; Chen, Cao; Gao, Chen; Zhao, Bo; Dong, Xiao-Ping

2014-02-01

Proteins of the 14-3-3 family are universal participate in multiple cellular processes. However, their exact role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases remains unclear. In this study, we proposed that human PrP was able to form molecular complex with 14-3-3β. The domains responsible for the interactions between PrP and 14-3-3β were mapped at the segments of amino acid (aa) residues 106-126 within PrP and aa 1-38 within 14-3-3β. Homology modeling revealed that the key aa residues for molecular interaction were D22 and D23 in 14-3-3β as well as K110 in PrP. Mutations in these aa residues inhibited the interaction between the two proteins in vitro. Our results also showed that recombinant PrP encouraged 14-3-3β dimer formation, whereas PrP106-126 peptide inhibited it. Recombinant 14-3-3β disaggregated the mature PrP106-126 fibrils in vitro. Moreover, the PrP-14-3-3 protein complexes were observed in the brain tissues of normal and scrapie agent 263K infected hamsters. Colocalization of PrP and 14-3-3 was seen in the cytoplasm of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, as well as human cervical cancer cell line HeLa transiently expressing full-length human PrP. Our current data suggest the neuroprotection of PrPC and neuron damage caused by PrPSc may be associated with their functions of 14-3-3 dimerization regulation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Radio- and VUV - Excited Luminescence of YAP:Ce, YAP:Pr and YAG:Pr

Science.gov (United States)

2001-01-01

Pr 3+ ions.", Acta Physica Polonica A, 90 pp.407-10, 1996. 6. C. Pedrini, D. Bouttet, C. Dujardin, B. Moine, I. Dafinei, P. Lecoq, M. Koselja, K...34Spectroscopy and thermoluminescence of LuAIO 3:Ce" Acta Physica Polonica A,.90, pp.377-383, 1996 17. A.J. Wojtowicz, J. Glodo, W. Drozdowski, K.R. Przegietka...Malinowski, M.F. Joubert, B. Jacquier. "Simultaneous laser action at blue and orange wavelengths in YAG:Pr 3+ Physica Status Solidi A, 140, pp.K49-52, 1993 5

Mechanically alloyed PrFeB nanocrystalline magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaszuwara, W.; Leonowicz, M.

1998-01-01

Mechanically alloyed PrFeB nanocrystalline magnets were prepared by extensive ball milling of Pr, Fe and Fe 80 B 20 powders, followed by diffusion annealing. After milling, the material consisted of nanocrystalline α-Fe crystallites embedded in amorphous Pr-rich matrix. Thermomagnetic and calorimetric investigations of the transformations which occurred during annealing showed that the amorphous phase crystallised at 240 C, leading to the formation of crystalline Pr having lattice constants 10% greater than those shown in the ASTM data. This fact indicated that mechanical alloying and low temperature annealing led to the formation of a solid solution of either Fe or B in Pr, which does not exist in the equilibrium state. The Pr 2 Fe 14 B phase was subsequently formed within a temperature range of 420-620 C. The magnetic properties of magnets depend on the phase structure and grain size. Milling time appears to be a decisive processing parameter for the tailoring of the magnetic properties. Depending on the phase structure, the coercivities varied from 100 to 1200 kA/m and, respectively, the remanences from 0.98 T to 0.6 T. The highest maximum energy product was 80 kJ/m 3 . (orig.)

Effects of FlAsH/Tetracysteine (TC) tag on PrP proteolysis and PrPres formation by TC-scanning

Science.gov (United States)

Taguchi, Yuzuru; Hohsfield, Lindsay A.; Hollister, Jason R.

2014-01-01

The FlAsH/tetracysteine (FlAsH/TC) tag is a powerful tool for fluorescent labeling of proteins. However, even small tags such as FlAsH/TC could alter the behavior of the tagged proteins, especially if the insertion occurs at internal sites. Defining the influence of FlAsH/TC on nearby protein-protein interactions might aid in selecting appropriate positions for internal TC insertions and allow the exploitation of serial FlAsH/TC insertions (TC-scanning) as a probe to characterize sites of protein-protein interaction. To explore this application in the context of substrate-protease interactions, we analyzed the effect of FlAsH/TC insertions on proteolysis of cellular prion protein (PrPsen) in in vitro reactions and generation of the C1 metabolic fragment of PrPsen in live neuroblastoma cells. The influence of FlAsH/TC insertion was evaluated by TC-scanning across the cleavage sites of each protease. The results showed that FlAsH/TC inhibited protease cleavage only within limited ranges of the cleavage sites that varied from about 1 to 6 residues-wide depending on the protease, providing an estimate of the PrP residues interacting with each protease. TC-scanning was also used to probe a different type of protein-protein interaction, the conformational conversion of FlAsH-PrPsen to the prion disease-associated isoform, PrPres. PrP constructs with FlAsH/TC insertions at residues 90–96 but not 97–101 were converted to FlAsH-PrPres, identifying a boundary separating loosely versus compactly folded regions of PrPres. Our observations demonstrate that TC-scanning with the FlAsH/TC tag can be a versatile method for probing protein-protein interactions and folding processes. PMID:23943295

Study of PrP - I heterogeneous equilibrium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vasil'eva, I.G.; Mironov, K.E.; Tarasenko, A.D.

1976-01-01

Using static methods the authors have measured the equilibrium vapor pressure in the system PrP+I 2 at different temperatures and different initial iodine concentrations. The equilibrium reactions in the system have been determined. The reaction of PrP with iodine is irreversible. The content of PrI 3 and I 2 in the gas phase is negligible. The pressure in the system is determined by the partial pressure of phosphorus

Préface

Science.gov (United States)

Chardonnet, Christian; Millot, Guy

2006-10-01

COLOQ, réunion nationale biennale initiée en 1988 par la communauté française des lasers, de l'optique non linéaire et de l'optique quantique atteint sa neuvième édition. Depuis sa création, les objectifs poursuivis sont les suivants : - réunir la communauté française des lasers, de l'optique non linéaire et de l'optique quantique, en dépassant les clivages fondamental/appliqué, recherche publique/industrielle, - faire le point sur les avancées récentes, - permettre aux jeunes chercheurs de se rencontrer, de s'exprimer et de s'aguerrir au plan national. Le but est que tout thésard du domaine de l'optique puisse participer à COLOQ une fois durant sa thèse, présenter son travail et de se confronter à la communauté de l'optique. COLOQ9 s'est tenu, pour sa 9e édition, sur le campus universitaire de Dijon, du 7 au 9 septembre 2005. Il a été une grande réussite : nombre de participants (255) et de présentations scientifiques record (148 affiches), forte représentation des industriels (15) et participation d'environ 200 lycéens aux conférences grand public. Le nombre plus élevé que prévu d'affiches a rendu un peu serrée leur présentation : une attention particulière sera portée à cet aspect lors des prochaines éditions. Ces journées ont été consacrées à des conférences invitées données par des scientifiques de haut niveau et à des présentations sous forme d'affiches. Une plage de temps importante a été réservée pour des discussions autour des affiches. À proximité immédiate de la salle de conférence, l'exposition de matériels spécialisés pour les lasers, l'optique et l'optoélectronique a été une occasion pour les jeunes participants de découvrir et contacter les industriels et les autres grands acteurs de l'optique. L'année 2005 ayant été l'année mondiale de la physique, COLOQ9 a retenu comme thème central ”1905-2005 : à propos d'Einstein". Plusieurs grandes conférences ont été dédiées à ce th

Singlet ground-state fluctuations in praseodymium observed by muon spin relaxation in PrP and PrP0.9

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Noakes, D R; Waeppling, R; Kalvius, G M; Jr, M F White; Stronach, C E

2005-01-01

Muon spin relaxation (μSR) in the singlet ground-state compounds PrP and PrP 0.9 reveals the unusual situation of a Lorentzian local field distribution with fast-fluctuation-limit strong-collision dynamics, a case that does not show motional narrowing. Contrary to publications by others, where PrP 0.9 was asserted to have vacancy-induced spin-glass freezing, no spin-glass freezing is seen in PrP 0.9 or PrP down to ≤100mK. This was confirmed by magnetization measurements on these same samples. In both compounds, the muon spin relaxation rate does increase as temperature decreases, demonstrating increasing strength of the paramagnetic response. A Monte Carlo model of fluctuations of Pr ions out of their crystalline-electric-field singlet ground states into their magnetic excited states (and back down again) produces the strong-collision-dynamic Lorentzian relaxation functions observed at each individual temperature but not the observed temperature dependence. This model contains no exchange interaction, and so predicts decreasing paramagnetic response as the temperature decreases, contrary to the temperature dependence observed. Comparison of the simulations to the data suggests that the exchange interaction is causing the system to approach magnetic freezing (by mode softening), but fails to complete the process

Cathodoluminescence properties of SiO2:Pr3+and ZnO.SiO2:Pr3+ phosphor nanopowders

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Mhlongo, GH

2010-10-01

Full Text Available regardless of the incorporation of Pr3+ and nanocrystalline ZnO or annealing at 600 °C. The particles were mostly spherical and agglomerated as confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis of dried gels performed... Science, vol. 45(19): 5228-5236 Cathodoluminescence properties of SiO2:Pr 3+and ZnO·SiO2:Pr 3+ phosphor nanopowders G. H. Mhlongo, O. M. Ntwaeaborwa, M. S. Dhlamini, H. C. Swart, K. T. Hillie ABSTRACT: The successful incorporation of Zn...

Novel receptor-like kinases in cacao contain PR-1 extracellular domains.

Science.gov (United States)

Teixeira, Paulo José Pereira Lima; Costa, Gustavo Gilson Lacerda; Fiorin, Gabriel Lorencini; Pereira, Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães; Mondego, Jorge Maurício Costa

2013-08-01

Members of the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) family are well-known markers of plant defence responses, forming part of the arsenal of the secreted proteins produced on pathogen recognition. Here, we report the identification of two cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) PR-1s that are fused to transmembrane regions and serine/threonine kinase domains, in a manner characteristic of receptor-like kinases (RLKs). These proteins (TcPR-1f and TcPR-1g) were named PR-1 receptor kinases (PR-1RKs). Phylogenetic analysis of RLKs and PR-1 proteins from cacao indicated that PR-1RKs originated from a fusion between sequences encoding PR-1 and the kinase domain of a LecRLK (Lectin Receptor-Like Kinase). Retrotransposition marks surround TcPR-1f, suggesting that retrotransposition was involved in the origin of PR-1RKs. Genes with a similar domain architecture to cacao PR-1RKs were found in rice (Oryza sativa), barrel medic (Medicago truncatula) and a nonphototrophic bacterium (Herpetosiphon aurantiacus). However, their kinase domains differed from those found in LecRLKs, indicating the occurrence of convergent evolution. TcPR-1g expression was up-regulated in the biotrophic stage of witches' broom disease, suggesting a role for PR-1RKs during cacao defence responses. We hypothesize that PR-1RKs transduce a defence signal by interacting with a PR-1 ligand. © 2013 BSPP AND JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

77 FR 68102 - Foreign-Trade Zone 163-Ponce, PR; Application for Subzone; Zimmer Manufacturing BV; Ponce, PR

Science.gov (United States)

2012-11-15

... DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Foreign-Trade Zones Board [B-81-2012] Foreign-Trade Zone 163--Ponce, PR; Application for Subzone; Zimmer Manufacturing BV; Ponce, PR An application has been submitted to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) by CODEZOL, C.D., grantee of FTZ 163, requesting special- purpose subzone...

O conhecimento pré-colombiano do Brasil pelos portugueses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thomaz Oscar Marcondes de Souza

1961-09-01

Full Text Available A brilhante emprêsa marítima realizada pelo infante D. Henrique ao longo da costa ocidental da África; a passagem do cabo da Boa Esperança em 1488 por Bartolomeu Dias; o desco-brimento do caminho marítimo para a índia por Vasco da Ga-ma em 1498; as guerras e conquistas na Ásia com a figura ím-par de Afonso de Albuquerque; o ter Portugal mantido por mais de três séculos a integridade territorial do Brasil, vencendo fran-ceses, holandeses e espanhóis, não satisfazem a vaidade nacio-nal de certos historiadores portuguêses . Querem mais . Que-rem que tudo que possa constituir prioridade, em se tratando de descobrimento marítimos, pertença a Portugal. Navegado-res do quilate de Colombo, Caboto, Vespucci, Pinzon, Verraz-zano, Cartier e outros, não passam de medíocres, de embustei-ros e de falsos descobridores que se apropriaram de glórias alheias, sendo que o Genovês, o pouco que sabia de navegação, aprendeu em Portugal.

Family planning providers' role in offering PrEP to women.

Science.gov (United States)

Seidman, Dominika; Weber, Shannon; Carlson, Kimberly; Witt, Jacki

2018-03-09

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provides a radically different HIV prevention option for women. Not only is PrEP the first discrete, woman-controlled method that is taken in advance of exposure, but it is both safe and highly effective, offering over 90% protection if taken daily. While multiple modalities of PrEP are in development ranging from vaginal rings to injectables and implants, only PrEP with oral tenofovir/emtricitabine is currently FDA-approved. Family planning clinics provide key access points for many women to learn about and obtain PrEP. By incorporating PrEP services into family planning care, family planning providers have the opportunity to meet women's expectations, ensure women are aware of and offered comprehensive HIV prevention options, and reverse emerging disparities in PrEP access. Despite real and perceived barriers to integrating PrEP into family planning care, providing PrEP services, ranging from education to onsite provision, is not only possible but an important component of providing high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare to women. Lessons learned from early adopters will help guide those in family planning settings initiating or enhancing PrEP services. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Assistência pré-natal no Brasil

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elaine Fernandes Viellas

2014-08-01

Full Text Available O estudo tem por objetivo analisar a assistência pré-natal oferecida às gestantes usuárias de serviços de saúde públicos e/ou privados utilizando dados da pesquisa Nascer no Brasil, realizada em 2011 e 2012. As informações foram obtidas por meio de entrevista com a puérpera durante a internação hospitalar e dados do cartão de pré- natal. Os resultados mostram cobertura elevada da assistência pré-natal (98,7% tendo 75,8% das mulheres iniciado o pré-natal antes da 16a semana gestacional e 73,1% compareceram a seis ou mais consultas. O pré-natal foi realizado, sobretudo, em unidades básicas (89,6%, públicas (74,6%, pelo mesmo profissional (88,4%, em sua maioria médicos (75,6%, e 96% receberam o cartão de pré-natal. Um quarto das gestantes foi considerado de risco. Do total das entrevistadas, apenas 58,7% foram orientadas sobre a maternidade de referência, e 16,2% procuraram mais de um serviço para a admissão para o parto. Desafios persistem para a melhoria da qualidade dessa assistência, com a realização de procedimentos efetivos para a redução de desfechos desfavoráveis.

Study on GIF PR/PP evaluation methodology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, B. H.; Kwon, E. H.; Kim, H. D. [KAERI, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2012-10-15

Proliferation resistance (PR) and physical protection (PP) is one of the four technology goals of generation IV nuclear energy systems (NESs). The PR component of the goal focuses on providing strong assurance that generation IV NESs are the least desirable sources for the diversion or undeclared production of nuclear materials, whereas the PP portion of the goal ensures that generation IV NESs are robust against theft and sabotage. In 2002, the road map of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) envisioned that the R and D program for PR and PP would have three areas: 1) safeguards and physical protection technology R and D for each GIF system; 2) formulation of PR and PP criteria and metrics; and 3) evaluation of the criteria and metrics. To cover these R and D items, the PR and PP Working Group (PRPPWG) was formed in late 2002 and has since developed a methodology for PR and PP evaluation. In a succession of revisions beginning in 2004, consensus was achieved amongst all participating GIF countries and related organizations (i.e., IAEA and EU), and Revision 6 of the methodology report was approved by GIF for open distribution in 2011. The paper describes in detail the methodology developed by the PRPPWG and discusses its applicability to the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) fuel cycle with pyro processing currently under development in Korea.

Familial CJD Associated PrP Mutants within Transmembrane Region Induced Ctm-PrP Retention in ER and Triggered Apoptosis by ER Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xin; Shi, Qi; Xu, Kun; Gao, Chen; Chen, Cao; Li, Xiao-Li; Wang, Gui-Rong; Tian, Chan; Han, Jun; Dong, Xiao-Ping

2011-01-01

Background Genetic prion diseases are linked to point and inserted mutations in the prion protein (PrP) gene that are presumed to favor conversion of the cellular isoform of PrP (PrPC) to the pathogenic one (PrPSc). The pathogenic mechanisms and the subcellular sites of the conversion are not completely understood. Here we introduce several PRNP gene mutations (such as, PrP-KDEL, PrP-3AV, PrP-A117V, PrP-G114V, PrP-P102L and PrP-E200K) into the cultured cells in order to explore the pathogenic mechanism of familial prion disease. Methodology/Principal Findings To address the roles of aberrant retention of PrP in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the recombinant plasmids expressing full-length human PrP tailed with an ER signal peptide at the COOH-terminal (PrP-KDEL) and PrP with three amino acids exchange in transmembrane region (PrP-3AV) were constructed. In the preparations of transient transfections, 18-kD COOH-terminal proteolytic resistant fragments (Ctm-PrP) were detected in the cells expressing PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV. Analyses of the cell viabilities in the presences of tunicamycin and brefeldin A revealed that expressions of PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV sensitized the transfected cells to ER stress stimuli. Western blots and RT-PCR identified the clear alternations of ER stress associated events in the cells expressing PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV that induced ER mediated apoptosis by CHOP and capase-12 apoptosis pathway. Moreover, several familial CJD related PrP mutants were transiently introduced into the cultured cells. Only the mutants within the transmembrane region (G114V and A117V) induced the formation of Ctm-PrP and caused the ER stress, while the mutants outside the transmembrane region (P102L and E200K) failed. Conclusions/Significance The data indicate that the retention of PrP in ER through formation of Ctm-PrP results in ER stress and cell apoptosis. The cytopathic activities caused by different familial CJD associated PrP mutants may vary, among them the mutants

Familial CJD associated PrP mutants within transmembrane region induced Ctm-PrP retention in ER and triggered apoptosis by ER stress in SH-SY5Y cells.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xin Wang

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Genetic prion diseases are linked to point and inserted mutations in the prion protein (PrP gene that are presumed to favor conversion of the cellular isoform of PrP (PrP(C to the pathogenic one (PrP(Sc. The pathogenic mechanisms and the subcellular sites of the conversion are not completely understood. Here we introduce several PRNP gene mutations (such as, PrP-KDEL, PrP-3AV, PrP-A117V, PrP-G114V, PrP-P102L and PrP-E200K into the cultured cells in order to explore the pathogenic mechanism of familial prion disease. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To address the roles of aberrant retention of PrP in endoplasmic reticulum (ER, the recombinant plasmids expressing full-length human PrP tailed with an ER signal peptide at the COOH-terminal (PrP-KDEL and PrP with three amino acids exchange in transmembrane region (PrP-3AV were constructed. In the preparations of transient transfections, 18-kD COOH-terminal proteolytic resistant fragments (Ctm-PrP were detected in the cells expressing PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV. Analyses of the cell viabilities in the presences of tunicamycin and brefeldin A revealed that expressions of PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV sensitized the transfected cells to ER stress stimuli. Western blots and RT-PCR identified the clear alternations of ER stress associated events in the cells expressing PrP-KDEL and PrP-3AV that induced ER mediated apoptosis by CHOP and caspase-12 apoptosis pathway. Moreover, several familial CJD related PrP mutants were transiently introduced into the cultured cells. Only the mutants within the transmembrane region (G114V and A117V induced the formation of Ctm-PrP and caused the ER stress, while the mutants outside the transmembrane region (P102L and E200K failed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The data indicate that the retention of PrP in ER through formation of Ctm-PrP results in ER stress and cell apoptosis. The cytopathic activities caused by different familial CJD associated PrP mutants may vary, among them

Electronic structures of PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Ba{sub 4}Cu{sub 7}O{sub 15-y}(y=0,1), and PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 4}O{sub 8} based on LSDA+U method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tavana, A. [Magnet Research Laboratory (MRL), Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran (Iran); Department of Physics, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil (Iran); Shirazi, M.; Akhavan, M. [Magnet Research Laboratory (MRL), Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran (Iran)

2009-10-15

The electronic structures of PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} (Pr123), Pr{sub 2}Ba{sub 4}Cu{sub 7}O{sub 15-y} (Pr247), and PrBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 4}O{sub 8} (Pr124) cuprates have been obtained using density-functional theory in the local spin density approximation plus onsite Coulomb interaction (LSDA+U). Onsite Hubbard correlation, U, has been considered for Pr-f and Cu-d orbitals and the effects of considering these correlation corrections on the Pr-O hybridizations have been inspected. Results imply that the Pr ionization state in Pr123 system is constituted from two different configurations, and the energy of the f states in these two configurations has an important role in superconductivity properties of the system. Our calculations also show that in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems, suppression of superconductivity is weaker than that in the Pr123 system. This occurs due to the weaker Pr-O bond in both Pr124 and Pr247 systems. The role of the double chain and single chain on the conduction properties of these compounds has been investigated. We have also studied the effect of oxygen deficiency in Pr247 system, which seems to revive superconductivity in this system. Investigating the hole carriers in the CuO{sub 2} plane shows a correlation between superconductivity suppression and hole decrement in the planes. (Abstract Copyright [2009], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

PrP mRNA and protein expression in brain and PrP(c) in CSF in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease MM1 and VV2.

Science.gov (United States)

Llorens, Franc; Ansoleaga, Belén; Garcia-Esparcia, Paula; Zafar, Saima; Grau-Rivera, Oriol; López-González, Irene; Blanco, Rosi; Carmona, Margarita; Yagüe, Jordi; Nos, Carlos; Del Río, José Antonio; Gelpí, Ellen; Zerr, Inga; Ferrer, Isidre

2013-01-01

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a heterogenic neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal post-translational processing of cellular prion protein (PrP(c)). CJD displays distinctive clinical and pathological features which correlate with the genotype at the codon 129 (methionine or valine: M or V respectively) in the prion protein gene and with size of the protease-resistant core of the abnormal prion protein PrP(sc) (type 1: 20/21 kDa and type 2: 19 kDa). MM1 and VV2 are the most common sporadic CJD (sCJD) subtypes. PrP mRNA expression levels in the frontal cortex and cerebellum are reduced in sCJD in a form subtype-dependent. Total PrP protein levels and PrP(sc) levels in the frontal cortex and cerebellum accumulate differentially in sCJD MM1 and sCJD VV2 with no relation between PrP(sc) deposition and spongiform degeneration and neuron loss, but with microgliosis, and IL6 and TNF-α response. In the CSF, reduced PrP(c), the only form present in this compartment, occurs in sCJD MM1 and VV2. PrP mRNA expression is also reduced in the frontal cortex in advanced stages of Alzheimer disease, Lewy body disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and frontotemporal lobe degeneration, but PrP(c) levels in brain varies from one disease to another. Reduced PrP(c) levels in CSF correlate with PrP mRNA expression in brain, which in turn reflects severity of degeneration in sCJD.

ER and PR expression and survival after endometrial cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, Deborah; Stewart, Colin J R; Clarke, Edward M; Lose, Felicity; Davies, Claire; Armes, Jane; Obermair, Andreas; Brennan, Donal; Webb, Penelope M; Nagle, Christina M; Spurdle, Amanda B

2018-02-01

To measure association between endometrial carcinoma ER and PR status and endometrial cancer (EC) survival, accounting for inter-observer variation. The intensity and proportion of tumor cell expression of ER and PR in ECs were assessed independently and semi-quantitatively by two pathologists using digital images of duplicate tumor tissue microarrays (TMAs). Cases with inconsistent initial assessment were reviewed and final scoring agreed. The association between overall and EC-specific survival and hormone receptor expression (intensity, proportion and combined) was assessed using Cox regression analysis. The C-index was used to evaluate model discrimination with addition of ER and PR status. Tumor ER and PR analysis was possible in 659 TMAs from 255 patients, and in 459 TMAs from 243 patients, respectively. Initial ER and PR scoring was consistent in 82% and 80% of cases, respectively. In multivariate analyses decreased ER and PR expression was associated with increased tumor-related mortality. Associations reached statistical significance for ER proportion score (P=0.05), ER intensity score (P=0.003), and PR combined score (P=0.04). Decreased expression of combined ER/PR expression was associated with poorer EC-specific survival than decreased expression of either hormone receptor alone (P=0.005). However, hormone receptor status did not significantly improve mortality prediction in individual cases. ER and PR expression combined, using cut-points that capture variation in scoring and across cores, is significantly associated with EC-specific survival in analyses adjusting for known prognostic factors. However, at the individual level, ER and PR expression does not improve mortality prediction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acetylcholinesterase triggers the aggregation of PrP 106-126

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pera, M.; Roman, S.; Ratia, M.; Camps, P.; Munoz-Torrero, D.; Colombo, L.; Manzoni, C.; Salmona, M.; Badia, A.; Clos, M.V.

2006-01-01

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a senile plaque component, promotes amyloid-β-protein (Aβ) fibril formation in vitro. The presence of prion protein (PrP) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) senile plaques prompted us to assess if AChE could trigger the PrP peptides aggregation as well. Consequently, the efficacy of AChE on the PrP peptide spanning-residues 106-126 aggregation containing a coumarin fluorescence probe (coumarin-PrP 106-126) was studied. Kinetics of coumarin-PrP 106-126 aggregation showed a significant increase of maximum size of aggregates (MSA), which was dependent on AChE concentration. AChE-PrP 106-126 aggregates showed the tinctorial and optical amyloid properties as determined by polarized light and electronic microscopy analysis. A remarkable inhibition of MSA was obtained with propidium iodide, suggesting that AChE triggers PrP 106-126 and Aβ aggregation through a similar mechanism. Huprines (AChE inhibitors) also significantly decreased MSA induced by AChE as well, unveiling the potential interest for some AChE inhibitors as a novel class of potential anti-prion drugs

Purification and Fibrillation of Full-Length Recombinant PrP

OpenAIRE

Makarava, Natallia; Baskakov, Ilia V.

2012-01-01

Misfolding and aggregation of prion protein (PrP) is related to several neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as Creutzfeldt–Jacob disease, fatal familial insomnia, and Gerstmann–Straussler–Sheinker disease. Certain applications in prion area require recombinant PrP of high purity and quality. Here, we report an experimental procedure for expression and purification of full-length mammalian PrP. This protocol has been proved to yield PrP of extremely high purity that lac...

Prion Propagation in Cells Expressing PrP Glycosylation Mutants ▿

Science.gov (United States)

Salamat, Muhammad K.; Dron, Michel; Chapuis, Jérôme; Langevin, Christelle; Laude, Hubert

2011-01-01

Infection by prions involves conversion of a host-encoded cell surface protein (PrPC) to a disease-related isoform (PrPSc). PrPC carries two glycosylation sites variably occupied by complex N-glycans, which have been suggested by previous studies to influence the susceptibility to these diseases and to determine characteristics of prion strains. We used the Rov cell system, which is susceptible to sheep prions, to generate a series of PrPC glycosylation mutants with mutations at one or both attachment sites. We examined their subcellular trafficking and ability to convert into PrPSc and to sustain stable prion propagation in the absence of wild-type PrP. The susceptibility to infection of mutants monoglycosylated at either site differed dramatically depending on the amino acid substitution. Aglycosylated double mutants showed overaccumulation in the Golgi compartment and failed to be infected. Introduction of an ectopic glycosylation site near the N terminus fully restored cell surface expression of PrP but not convertibility into PrPSc, while PrPC with three glycosylation sites conferred cell permissiveness to infection similarly to the wild type. In contrast, predominantly aglycosylated molecules with nonmutated N-glycosylation sequons, produced in cells expressing glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchorless PrPC, were able to form infectious PrPSc. Together our findings suggest that glycosylation is important for efficient trafficking of anchored PrP to the cell surface and sustained prion propagation. However, properly trafficked glycosylation mutants were not necessarily prone to conversion, thus making it difficult in such studies to discern whether the amino acid changes or glycan chain removal most influences the permissiveness to prion infection. PMID:21248032

Glycan-deficient PrP stimulates VEGFR2 signaling via glycosaminoglycan.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Zhenxing; Zhang, Huixia; Hu, Fei; Yang, Liheng; Yang, Xiaowen; Zhu, Ying; Sy, Man-Sun; Li, Chaoyang

2016-06-01

Whether the two N-linked glycans are important in prion, PrP, biology is unresolved. In Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, the two glycans are clearly not important in the cell surface expression of transfected human PrP. Compared to fully-glycosylated PrP, glycan-deficient PrP preferentially partitions to lipid raft. In CHO cells glycan-deficient PrP also interacts with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), resulting in VEGFR2 activation and enhanced Akt phosphorylation. Accordingly, CHO cells expressing glycan-deficient PrP lacking the GAG binding motif or cells treated with heparinase to remove GAG show diminished Akt signaling. Being in lipid raft is critical, chimeric glycan-deficient PrP with CD4 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains is absent in lipid raft and does not activate Akt signaling. CHO cells bearing glycan-deficient PrP also exhibit enhanced cellular adhesion and migration. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which glycan-deficient PrP, GAG, and VEGFR2 interact, activating VEGFR2 and resulting in changes in cellular behavior. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pathogenesis of PR3-ANCA associated vasculitis

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kallenberg, C. G. M.

2008-01-01

Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG) is closely associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA), particularly those directed to proteinase 3 (PR3). ANCA directed to myeloperoxidase (MPO) are associated with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and the Churg Strauss syndrome. PR3-ANCA associated

Comparative NMR study of nPrBTP and iPrBTP

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Adam, C.; Muellich, U.; Geist, A.; Geckeis, H. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - KIT, Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal - INE, Herrmann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); Rohde, V. [Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology - ICT, Environmental Engineering, Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Str. 7, 76327 Pfinztal (Germany); Kaden, P. [Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf e. V., Institute of Resource Ecology, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden (Germany); Panak, P.J. [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - KIT, Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal - INE, Herrmann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (Germany); University of Heidelberg, Department of Physical Chemistry, Im Neuenheimer Feld 253, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)

2016-07-01

Bis-triazinyl-pyridine type ligands are important extracting agents for separating trivalent actinide ions from trivalent lanthanides. The alkyl substituents on the lateral triazine rings have a significant effect on the stability of the ligand against hydrolysis and radiolysis. Furthermore they influence solubility, extraction behaviour and selectivity. TRLFS and extraction studies suggest differences in complexation and extraction behaviour of BTP ligands bearing iso-propyl or n-propyl substituents, respectively. As NMR studies allow insight into the metal-ligand bonding, we conducted NMR studies on a range of {sup 15}N-labelled nPrBTP and iPrBTP Ln(III) and Am(III) complexes. Our results show that no strong change in the metal-ligand bonding occurs, thus excluding electronic reasons for differences in complexation behaviour, extraction kinetics and selectivity. This supports mechanistic reasons for the observed differences. (authors)

Advancing tendencies? PR leadership, general leadership, and leadership pedagogy

OpenAIRE

McKie, D; Willis, P

2014-01-01

What are the best ways to advance PR leadership? In exploring answers, we consider the last two decades of PR literature and identify two main tendencies. We link those two with general leadership literature and practices, as well as with literature on leadership pedagogy. We conclude that, rather than recent moves to look within the field, without self-reflection, to existing PR perspectives and figures for solutions, looking outwards has greater potential to transform not only the PR leader...

Ten years experience of PR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dobak, Dobroslav

2002-01-01

This paper is an effort to summarize the way Slovak Bohunice NPP has gone through since the historical change in the Middle and Eastern European countries. Milestones on the way were: 1989 - change of political system; increasing interest of the public appearance; creation of work capacities - personnel and technical; education/exchange with Western countries; 1994 - establishment of Foreign Affairs and PR Department reporting directly to the NPP manager; application of various approaches, some observed from other countries; creation of utility policy - place of PR in the company; establishment of QA system - description of PR activities, goals, interlinks etc.; annual planning process including activities, finance, education (training). Lessons learned are: the NPP managers were not prepared; the public was not (and still is not) prepared to obtain specific information; education is crucial in opinion winning; simple overtake of methods from others is not always applicable; strategy and feedback are necessary. Special case was the early closure Bohunice V1 NPP

A phase I trial of PR-104, a pre-prodrug of the bioreductive prodrug PR-104A, given weekly to solid tumour patients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

McKeage, Mark J; Gu, Yongchuan; Wilson, William R; Hill, Andrew; Amies, Karen; Melink, Teresa J; Jameson, Michael B

2011-01-01

The phosphate ester PR-104 is rapidly converted in vivo to the alcohol PR-104A, a nitrogen mustard prodrug that is metabolised to hydroxylamine (PR-104H) and amine (PR-104M) DNA crosslinking agents by one-electron reductases in hypoxic cells and by aldo-keto reductase 1C3 independently of oxygen. In a previous phase I study using a q 3 week schedule of PR-104, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 1100 mg/m 2 and fatigue, neutropenic fever and infection were dose-limiting. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and MTD of weekly PR-104. Patients with advanced solid tumours received PR-104 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion on days 1, 8 and 15 every 28 days with assessment of pharmacokinetics on cycle 1 day 1. Twenty-six patients (pts) were enrolled (16 male/10 female; median age 58 yrs, range 30 to 70 yrs) who had received a median of two prior chemotherapy regimens (range, 0 to 3) for melanoma (8 pts), colorectal or anal cancer (3 pts), NSCLC (3 pts), sarcoma (3 pts), glioblastoma (2 pts), salivary gland tumours (2 pts) or other solid tumours (5 pts). PR-104 was administered at 135 mg/m 2 (3 pts), 270 mg/m 2 (6 pts), 540 mg/m 2 (6 pts), 675 mg/m 2 (7 pts) and 900 mg/m 2 (4 pts) for a median of two treatment cycles (range, 1 to 7 cycles) and five infusions (range, 1 to 18) per patient. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycle one included grade four thrombocytopenia at 540 mg/m 2 (1 of 6 pts) and grade four thrombocytopenia and neutropenia at 900 mg/m 2 (2 of 4 pts). At an intermediate dose of 675 mg/m 2 , there were no DLTs among a total of seven patients given 12 treatment cycles but all experienced moderate to severe (grade 2 to 4) haematological toxicity. Thrombocytopenia was delayed in its onset and nadir, and its recovery was protracted and incomplete in many patients. There were no complete or partial tumour responses. PR-104-induced thrombocytopenia and neutropenia correlated with plasma AUC of PR-104

Genetic determinants of P wave duration and PR segment

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Verweij, Niek; Mateo Leach, Irene; van den Boogaard, Malou; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Christoffels, Vincent M.; Hillege, Hans L.; van Gilst, Wiek H.; Barnett, Phil; de Boer, Rudolf A.; van der Harst, Pim

2014-01-01

The PR interval on the ECG reflects atrial depolarization and atrioventricular nodal delay which can be partially differentiated by P wave duration and PR segment, respectively. Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci for PR interval, but it remains to be determined

Genetic Determinants of P Wave Duration and PR Segment

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Verweij, Niek; Mateo Leach, Irene; van den Boogaard, Malou; van Veldhuisen, Dirk J.; Christoffels, Vincent M.; Hillege, Hans L.; van Gilst, Wiek H.; Barnett, Phil; de Boer, Rudolf A.; van der Harst, Pim

Background-The PR interval on the ECG reflects atrial depolarization and atrioventricular nodal delay which can be partially differentiated by P wave duration and PR segment, respectively. Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci for PR interval, but it remains to be

Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities of PR-39 derived peptides.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Edwin J A Veldhuizen

Full Text Available The porcine cathelicidin PR-39 is a host defence peptide that plays a pivotal role in the innate immune defence of the pig against infections. Besides direct antimicrobial activity, it is involved in immunomodulation, wound healing and several other biological processes. In this study, the antimicrobial- and immunomodulatory activity of PR-39, and N- and C-terminal derivatives of PR-39 were tested. PR-39 exhibited an unexpected broad antimicrobial spectrum including several Gram positive strains such as Bacillus globigii and Enterococcus faecalis. Of organisms tested, only Staphylococcus aureus was insensitive to PR-39. Truncation of PR-39 down to 15 (N-terminal amino acids did not lead to major loss of activity, while peptides corresponding to the C-terminal part of PR-39 were hampered in their antimicrobial activity. However, shorter peptides were all much more sensitive to inhibition by salt. Active peptides induced ATP leakage and loss of membrane potential in Bacillus globigii and Escherichia coli, indicating a lytic mechanism of action for these peptides. Finally, only the mature peptide was able to induce IL-8 production in porcine macrophages, but some shorter peptides also had an effect on TNF-α production showing differential regulation of cytokine induction by PR-39 derived peptides. None of the active peptides showed high cytotoxicity highlighting the potential of these peptides for use as an alternative to antibiotics.

Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Activities of PR-39 Derived Peptides

Science.gov (United States)

Veldhuizen, Edwin J. A.; Schneider, Viktoria A. F.; Agustiandari, Herfita; van Dijk, Albert; Tjeerdsma-van Bokhoven, Johanna L. M.; Bikker, Floris J.; Haagsman, Henk P.

2014-01-01

The porcine cathelicidin PR-39 is a host defence peptide that plays a pivotal role in the innate immune defence of the pig against infections. Besides direct antimicrobial activity, it is involved in immunomodulation, wound healing and several other biological processes. In this study, the antimicrobial- and immunomodulatory activity of PR-39, and N- and C-terminal derivatives of PR-39 were tested. PR-39 exhibited an unexpected broad antimicrobial spectrum including several Gram positive strains such as Bacillus globigii and Enterococcus faecalis. Of organisms tested, only Staphylococcus aureus was insensitive to PR-39. Truncation of PR-39 down to 15 (N-terminal) amino acids did not lead to major loss of activity, while peptides corresponding to the C-terminal part of PR-39 were hampered in their antimicrobial activity. However, shorter peptides were all much more sensitive to inhibition by salt. Active peptides induced ATP leakage and loss of membrane potential in Bacillus globigii and Escherichia coli, indicating a lytic mechanism of action for these peptides. Finally, only the mature peptide was able to induce IL-8 production in porcine macrophages, but some shorter peptides also had an effect on TNF-α production showing differential regulation of cytokine induction by PR-39 derived peptides. None of the active peptides showed high cytotoxicity highlighting the potential of these peptides for use as an alternative to antibiotics. PMID:24755622

Programa Pró-Letramento : interface entre formação continuada, prática docente e ensino da leitura

OpenAIRE

Lúcia da Silva Cabral, Maria

2009-01-01

Essa pesquisa visa analisar os impactos da Formação Continuada na prática docente dos professores das séries iniciais do Ensino Fundamental no eixo do ensino da leitura, no Programa Pró-Letramento Alfabetização e Linguagem. Para realizar, então, esta investigação qualitativa, observamos os processos de Formação Continuada dos orientadores de estudos e também dos professores no programa mencionado. Realizamos também observação da prática de duas professoras em turmas iniciais ...

Desnutrição e práticas pré-escolares de leitura e escrita

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sandra Maria Sawaya

2013-01-01

Full Text Available O presente artigo procura dar conta de alguns dos resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com um grupo de treze crianças de três a cinco anos em uma instituição de educação infantil que atende crianças com desnutrição primária. Um dos objetivos do estudo foi verificar que relações e práticas de leitura e escrita se desenvolvem entre esse grupo de crianças e seu professor na pré-escola. Os dados obtidos corroboram estudos que apontam a necessidade de revisar os pressupostos das políticas educacionais de que as crianças de camadas populares trazem para a instituição de ensino problemas de aprendizagem devido a atrasos no desenvolvimento linguístico e cognitivo em decorrência da ausência de práticas de leitura e escrita em seu universo sociocultural.

Aprendizagem como/na prática

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jean Lave

2015-12-01

Full Text Available ResumoEste artigo considera como o estudo da cultura e da aprendizagem pode ser de particular relevância para o campo da antropologia sociocultural em geral. O termo mais importante na expressão “cultura & aprendizagem” talvez seja o logograma “&” – ou seja, coloca-se a questão sobre o que conecta cultura e aprendizagem, perguntando-se como esses termos estão relacionados. Como devemos compreender cultura e aprendizagem como instâncias produtoras delas próprias, e uma da outra, na prática? Recalibrando em termos relacionais, podemos dizer que não é possível abordar a “aprendizagem” ou “cultura e aprendizagem” sem o seu emaranhamento na vida político-econômica, nas lutas e disputas históricas, em suas coerências e incoerências, e na produção relacional e histórica da vida cotidiana. Através das lentes da teoria da prática social, os estudos etnográficos sobre aprendizagem na prática oferecem diferentes entendimentos sobre como certa vida e certas disputas e incoerências são produzidas.

Interferon-Stimulated Genes Are Transcriptionally Repressed by PR in Breast Cancer.

Science.gov (United States)

Walter, Katherine R; Goodman, Merit L; Singhal, Hari; Hall, Jade A; Li, Tianbao; Holloran, Sean M; Trinca, Gloria M; Gibson, Katelin A; Jin, Victor X; Greene, Geoffrey L; Hagan, Christy R

2017-10-01

The progesterone receptor (PR) regulates transcriptional programs that drive proliferation, survival, and stem cell phenotypes. Although the role of native progesterone in the development of breast cancer remains controversial, PR clearly alters the transcriptome in breast tumors. This study identifies a class of genes, Interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), potently downregulated by ligand-activated PR which have not been previously shown to be regulated by PR. Progestin-dependent transcriptional repression of ISGs was observed in breast cancer cell line models and human breast tumors. Ligand-independent regulation of ISGs was also observed, as basal transcript levels were markedly higher in cells with PR knockdown. PR repressed ISG transcription in response to IFN treatment, the canonical mechanism through which these genes are activated. Liganded PR is robustly recruited to enhancer regions of ISGs, and ISG transcriptional repression is dependent upon PR's ability to bind DNA. In response to PR activation, key regulatory transcription factors that are required for IFN-activated ISG transcription, STAT2 and IRF9, exhibit impaired recruitment to ISG promoter regions, correlating with PR/ligand-dependent ISG transcriptional repression. IFN activation is a critical early step in nascent tumor recognition and destruction through immunosurveillance. As the large majority of breast tumors are PR positive at the time of diagnosis, PR-dependent downregulation of IFN signaling may be a mechanism through which early PR-positive breast tumors evade the immune system and develop into clinically relevant tumors. Implications: This study highlights a novel transcriptional mechanism through which PR drives breast cancer development and potentially evades the immune system. Mol Cancer Res; 15(10); 1331-40. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

O sentido objetivo da prática administrativa

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paulo Tromboni Nascimento

Full Text Available Este artigo examina o sentido da prática administrativa e defende a tese de que é objetivo. A discussão busca a caracterização geral do objeto de investigação. No lugar do objeto das ciências da natureza, inanimado e isolado do sujeito, entra a prática administrativa com sentido objetivo derivado da lógica da situação objetiva do administrador no contexto organizacional. Vale dizer derivado dos propósitos, da rede estruturada de relações sociais e do sistema de práticas da organização. O que torna real a sua axiologia referenciada na eficiência e eficácia da ação, além de fazer da prática administrativa um fator de regulação e mudança controlada da organização. Examinar cientificamente uma prática é criar as condições para mudá-la via uma dialética da descrição, explicação e prescrição. A filosofia da prática é proposta como pressuposto geral da pesquisa científica em administração.

The PR in PN for Education Associations. PR Bookshelf, No. 3.

Science.gov (United States)

National Education Association, Washington, DC.

This booklet presents suggestions and guidelines for the effective use of public relations (PR) techniques during professional negotiations (PN) among teachers, administrators, and boards of education. Introductory sections present the National Education Association (NEA) position regarding professional negotiation and grievance procedures and…

Low fraction of the 222K PrP variant in the protease-resistant moiety of PrPres in heterozygous scrapie positive goats.

Science.gov (United States)

Mazza, Maria; Guglielmetti, Chiara; Ingravalle, Francesco; Brusadore, Sonia; Langeveld, Jan P M; Ekateriniadou, Loukia V; Andréoletti, Olivier; Casalone, Cristina; Acutis, Pier Luigi

2017-07-01

The presence of lysine (K) at codon 222 has been associated with resistance to classical scrapie in goats, but few scrapie cases have been identified in 222Q/K animals. To investigate the contribution of the 222K variant to PrPres formation in natural and experimental Q/K scrapie cases, we applied an immunoblotting method based on the use of two different monoclonal antibodies, F99/97.6.1 and SAF84, chosen for their different affinities to 222K and 222Q PrP variants. Our finding that PrPres seems to be formed nearly totally by the 222Q variant provides evidence that the 222K PrP variant confers resistance to conversion to PrPres formation and reinforces the view that this mutation has a protective role against classical scrapie in goats.

PrEP implementation research in Africa: what is new?

Science.gov (United States)

Cowan, Frances M; Delany-Moretlwe, Sinead; Sanders, Eduard J; Mugo, Nelly R; Guedou, Fernand A; Alary, Michel; Behanzin, Luc; Mugurungi, Owen; Bekker, Linda-Gail

2016-01-01

Of the two million new HIV infections in adults in 2014, 70% occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Several African countries have already approved guidelines for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at substantial risk of HIV as part of combination HIV prevention but key questions remain about how to identify and deliver PrEP to those at greatest need. Throughout the continent, individuals in sero-discordant relationships, and members of key populations (sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women and injection drug users) are likely to benefit from the availability of PrEP. In addition, adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are at substantial risk in some parts of the continent. It has been estimated that at least three million individuals in Africa are likely to be eligible for PrEP according to WHO's criteria. Tens of demonstration projects are planned or underway across the continent among a range of countries, populations and delivery settings. In each of the target populations, there are overarching issues related to (i) creating demand for PrEP, (ii) addressing supply-side issues and (iii) providing appropriate and tailored adherence support. Critical for creating demand for PrEP is the normalization of HIV prevention. Community-level interventions which engage opinion leaders as well as empowerment interventions for those at highest risk will be key. Critical to supply of PrEP is that services are accessible for all, including for stigmatized populations. Establishing accessible integrated services provides the opportunity to address other public health priorities including the unmet need for HIV testing, contraception and sexually transmitted infections treatment. National policies need to include minimum standards for training and quality assurance for PrEP implementation and to address supply chain issues. Adherence support needs to recognize that social and structural factors are likely to have an important influence

A Closer Look at Racism and Heterosexism in Medical Students' Clinical Decision-Making Related to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Implications for PrEP Education.

Science.gov (United States)

Calabrese, Sarah K; Earnshaw, Valerie A; Krakower, Douglas S; Underhill, Kristen; Vincent, Wilson; Magnus, Manya; Hansen, Nathan B; Kershaw, Trace S; Mayer, Kenneth H; Betancourt, Joseph R; Dovidio, John F

2018-04-01

Social biases among healthcare providers could limit PrEP access. In this survey study of 115 US medical students, we examined associations between biases (racism and heterosexism) and PrEP clinical decision-making and explored prior PrEP education as a potential buffer. After viewing a vignette about a PrEP-seeking MSM patient, participants reported anticipated patient behavior (condomless sex, extra-relational sex, and adherence), intention to prescribe PrEP to the patient, biases, and background characteristics. Minimal evidence for racism affecting clinical decision-making emerged. In unadjusted analyses, heterosexism indirectly affected prescribing intention via all anticipated behaviors, tested as parallel mediators. Participants expressing greater heterosexism more strongly anticipated increased risk behavior and adherence problems, which were associated with lower prescribing intention. The indirect effect via condomless sex remained significant adjusting for background characteristics. Prior PrEP education did not buffer any indirect effects. Heterosexism may compromise PrEP provision to MSM and should be addressed in PrEP-related medical education.

Research into the evaluation of PR activities in companies from Serbia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Milan Nikolic

2016-04-01

Full Text Available This paper presents the results of a research into the volume, type and quality of the evaluation of public relations activities in companies in Serbia. The survey was conducted via a web survey. The responses were collected from 50 PR service managers from 50 companies in Serbia. The results are presented through descriptive statistics and correlation analysis where some of the observed sizes of the connection were analyzed. The main conclusions can be summarized as follows: PR functions are often not assigned sufficient importance in companies in Serbia; the evaluation of PR activity is slightly neglected compared to other PR activities; intensive and continuous evaluation of the performances of PR activities increases the likelihood of the complete PR function of the company being successful; companies that are not so successful use evaluation less than successful companies; the evaluation of PR activities is mostly done through a method for measuring quantity; the main problems in the evaluation of PR activities are lack of time and money. The evaluation of PR activities in companies in Serbia can be improved through a greater understanding on the part of top managers, and also by hiring additional PR practitioners.

Paramagnetic probes to study PrNi5?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hutchinson, W.D.; Harker, S.J.; Stewart, G.A.; Chaplin, D.H.; Kaplan, N.

1996-01-01

The Van-Vleck paramagnet PrNi 5 has been the focus of many studies in the past as a result of its usefulness as a nuclear cooling agent. Extensive continuous wave praseodymium NMR measurements have been carried out on this compound. However pulsed NMR and therefore precise relaxation measurements particularly at mK temperatures have proved elusive. In this work we have proposed to use radiative gamma-ray detection to indirectly measure Pr NMR in PrNi 5 via cross relaxation to suitable paramagnetic impurity probes placed at Ni lattice sites. 57 Co was chosen as the most compatible nuclear orientation isotope with an appropriate nuclear g-factor. The choice of 57 Co also allows the use of Moessbauer spectroscopy to check the site occupancy. This poster details the production of a 57 Co doped PrNi 5 single crystal specimen including the specimen preparation problems encountered, 57 Fe Moessbauer and preliminary nuclear orientation measurements

Luminescence of the SrCl2:Pr crystals under high-energy excitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Antonyak, O.T.; Voloshinovskii, A.S.; Vistovskyy, V.V.; Stryganyuk, G.B.; Kregel, O.P.

2014-01-01

The present research was carried out in order to elucidate the mechanisms of energy transfer from the crystal lattice to Pr 3+ ions in SrCl 2 . The luminescence excitation and emission spectra as well as luminescence kinetics of the SrCl 2 :Pr single crystals containing 0.2 mol% Pr were investigated at 300 and 10 K using the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) synchrotron radiation. The X-ray excited luminescence spectra of the SrCl 2 :Pr (C Pr =0.2 and 0.5 mol%) and SrCl 2 :Pr, K (C Pr =1.5 mol%; C K =1.5 mol%) crystals were studied at 294 and 80 K. Under optical excitation of the samples in the Pr 3+ absorption bands, there were observed five fast ultraviolet emissions assigned to the 4f 1 5d→4f 2 transitions, and two long-wave bands corresponding to the f–f transitions. Furthermore, the intrinsic emission bands of SrCl 2 were observed at 10 K. The X-ray excited luminescence spectrum of the SrCl 2 :Pr crystal containing 0.2 mol% Pr, besides intrinsic emission band near 400 nm, has got a long-wave band at about 490 nm of the Pr 3+ centers. There were not observed any emission bands of the Pr 3+ centers corresponding to the 4f 1 5d–4f 2 transitions in the X-ray excited luminescence spectrum of the SrCl 2 :Pr crystal. The possible mechanisms of energy transfer from the SrCl 2 matrix to the Pr 3+ centers are discussed. -- Highlights: • Spectral-luminescent properties of SrCl 2 :Pr have been investigated. • The identification of emission 4f–4f and 5d–4f bands of Pr 3+ ions was performed. • Adding of potassium prevents clustering of the Pr 3+ centers in the SrCl 2 :Pr, K crystals. • Under X-ray excitation at 80–300 K only Pr 3+ 4f–4f and intrinsic emission is observed

Comparing the physical properties of Pr/Gd and Pr/Ce substitutions in Ru(Gd1.5Ce0.5)Sr2Cu2O10- δ

Science.gov (United States)

Khajehnezhad, A.; Nikseresht, N.; Hadipour, H.; Akhavan, M.

2008-06-01

We have compared the electrical and magnetic properties of Ru(Gd1.5- x Pr x )Ce0.5Sr2Cu2O10- δ (Pr/Gd samples) with x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.033, 0.035, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.1 and RuGd1.5(Ce0.5- x Pr x ) Sr2 Cu2O10- δ (Pr/Ce samples) with x = 0.0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 prepared by the standard solid-state reaction technique. We obtained the XRD patterns for different samples with various x. The lattice parameters versus x for different substitutions have been obtained from Rietveld analysis. To determine how the magnetic and superconducting properties of these layered cuprate systems can be affected by Pr substitution, the resistivity, and magnetoresistivity, with H ext varying from 0.0 to 15 kOe, have been measured at various temperatures. Superconducting transition temperature T c and magnetic transition T irr , have been obtained through resistivity and ac susceptibility measurements. The T c suppression due to Pr/Gd and Pr/Ce substitutions show competition between pair breaking by magnetic impurities, hole doping due to different valances of ions, difference in ionic radii, and oxygen stoichiometry. Pr/Gd substitution suppresses superconductivity more rapidly than for Pr/Ce, showing that the effect of hole doping and magnetic impurity pair breaking is stronger than the difference in ionic radii. In Pr/Gd substitution, the small difference between the ionic radii of Pr3+,4+ and Gd3+, and absorption of more oxygen due to the higher valence of Pr with respect to Gd, decreases the mean Ru-Ru distance, and as a result, the magnetic exchange interaction becomes stronger with the increase of x. However, Pr/Ce substitution has the opposite effect. The magnetic parameters such as H c , obtained through magnetization measurements versus applied magnetic field isotherm at 77 K and room temperatures, become stronger with x in Pr/Gd and weaker with x in Pr/Ce substitution.

Early Delivery of Misfolded PrP from ER to Lysosomes by Autophagy

Science.gov (United States)

Cortes, Constanza J.; Qin, Kefeng; Norstrom, Eric M.; Green, William N.; Bindokas, Vytautas P.; Mastrianni, James A.

2013-01-01

Prion diseases are linked to the accumulation of a misfolded isoform (PrPSc) of prion protein (PrP). Evidence suggests that lysosomes are degradation endpoints and sites of the accumulation of PrPSc. We questioned whether lysosomes participate in the early quality control of newly generated misfolded PrP. We found PrP carrying the disease-associated T182A mutation (Mut-PrP) was delivered to lysosomes in a Golgi-independent manner. Time-lapse live cell imaging revealed early formation and uptake of GFP-tagged Mut-PrP aggregates into LysoTracker labeled vesicles. Compared with Wt-PrP, Mut-PrP expression was associated with an elevation in several markers of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, and it extensively colocalized with the autophagosome-specific marker, LC3B. In autophagy deficient (ATG5−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, or in normal cells treated with the autophagy-inhibitor 3-MA, Mut-PrP colocalization with lysosomes was reduced to a similar extent. Additionally, 3-MA selectively impaired the degradation of insoluble Mut-PrP, resulting in an increase in protease-resistant PrP, whereas the induction of autophagy by rapamycin reduced it. These findings suggest that autophagy might function as a quality control mechanism to limit the accumulation of misfolded PrP that normally leads to the generation of PrPSc. PMID:24454378

On the subgroups of PR groups

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lebedenko, V.M.

1979-01-01

The subgroups of PR-groups are being studied, i.e., the subgroups of connected and simply connected nonabelian Lie groups, their Lie algebras being defined by the commuting relations of the type [Hsub(i), Hsub(j)] = rsub(ij)Hsub(i) (i 1 of PR-group G there exists such complementary subgroup G 2 and that group G is expanded in semidirect product G = G 1 xG 2 [ru

Features of the advertising and PR in tourism

OpenAIRE

M. A. Zubarieva

2015-01-01

The article discusses the use of topical issues of important tools of social communication of applied tactical direction (advertising) and strategic (PR). The main types of advertising in tourism and types of PR ­ activities are characterized.The main difference between advertising and PR in the tourism sector is defined, the main attention is given to correct choice of optimal (most efficient) advertising channel (means). Specific nature, advertising issues as the main tool for the promotion...

On orbits and admissible subalgebras for the PR groups

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lebedenko, V.M.

1977-01-01

The PR-groups (Lie groups with commutation relations of [Hsub(i),Hsub(0)] = rsub(ij)Hsub(i) (i< j)-type) are investigated within the Kirillov orbit method. Orbits for all the PR-groups are constructed in a general form. For some classes of PR-groups orbits and admissible subalgebras are obtained in an explicit form

Pressure dependence of crystal field splitting in Pr pnictides and chalcogenides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schirber, J.E.; Weaver, H.T.; Ginley, D.S.

1978-01-01

We have measured the pressure dependence of the Pr nuclear magnetic resonance shift in PrN, PrP, PrSb, PrAs, PrS and PrSe. The shifts in all the pnictides increase while in the chalcogenides the shifts decrease with pressure. The rare earth frequency shift is inversely proportional to the crystal field splitting in the context of the point charge model (PCM) so a decrease would be expected for all of these materials at a rate of 5/3 the volume compressibility. Our values for the pnictides tend to be considerably larger than the PCM value as well as the wrong sign. The chalcogenide values are much nearer in magnitude and are of the right sign for the PCM. Contrary to the report of Guertin et al. we see no anomaly in the pressure dependence of the susceptibility of PrS. The fact that PrN which is reported to be non-metallic also shows the wrong sign for the PCM presents difficulties for various conduction electron explanations for this unexpected behavior of the pnictides

Nomes próprios em Paulo Leminski

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Olga Kempinska

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Este artigo propõe uma discussão sobre o uso dos nomes próprios na obra de Paulo Leminski. Com especial atenção debruça- se sobre a relação entre o nome próprio e o processo social de identificação e de classificação e sobre o potencial subversivo do humor associado ao uso poético do nome próprio por Leminski. Em conclusão insiste-se na ambiguidade envolvida na recepção do humor, subversivo e, ao mesmo tempo, comprometido devido a seu apelo à empatia do leitor.

Fracasos en prótesis parcial removible

OpenAIRE

Samsó Manzanedo, Jorge; Salsench Cabré, Juan

1986-01-01

Escribir sobre fracasos en prótesis parcial removible entraña ciertas dificultades, entre ellas el especificar qué es un fracaso, qué es un error y lo más difícil, qué es el éxito. Los que esto escriben han visto prótesis parciales removibles ver­daderamente mal realizadas, que han causado un gran daño en el sis­tema estomatognático del portador sin que él se diera cuenta y lo que aún es peor, creyendo que su prótesis satisfacía plenamente los requeri­mientos para poderla considerar un éxito....

An insight to the molecular interactions of the FDA approved HIV PR drugs against L38L↑N↑L PR mutant.

Science.gov (United States)

Sanusi, Zainab K; Govender, Thavendran; Maguire, Glenn E M; Maseko, Sibusiso B; Lin, Johnson; Kruger, Hendrik G; Honarparvar, Bahareh

2018-03-01

The aspartate protease of the human immune deficiency type-1 virus (HIV-1) has become a crucial antiviral target in which many useful antiretroviral inhibitors have been developed. However, it seems the emergence of new HIV-1 PR mutations enhances drug resistance, hence, the available FDA approved drugs show less activity towards the protease. A mutation and insertion designated L38L↑N↑L PR was recently reported from subtype of C-SA HIV-1. An integrated two-layered ONIOM (QM:MM) method was employed in this study to examine the binding affinities of the nine HIV PR inhibitors against this mutant. The computed binding free energies as well as experimental data revealed a reduced inhibitory activity towards the L38L↑N↑L PR in comparison with subtype C-SA HIV-1 PR. This observation suggests that the insertion and mutations significantly affect the binding affinities or characteristics of the HIV PIs and/or parent PR. The same trend for the computational binding free energies was observed for eight of the nine inhibitors with respect to the experimental binding free energies. The outcome of this study shows that ONIOM method can be used as a reliable computational approach to rationalize lead compounds against specific targets. The nature of the intermolecular interactions in terms of the host-guest hydrogen bond interactions is discussed using the atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis. Natural bond orbital analysis was also used to determine the extent of charge transfer between the QM region of the L38L↑N↑L PR enzyme and FDA approved drugs. AIM analysis showed that the interaction between the QM region of the L38L↑N↑L PR and FDA approved drugs are electrostatic dominant, the bond stability computed from the NBO analysis supports the results from the AIM application. Future studies will focus on the improvement of the computational model by considering explicit water molecules in the active pocket. We believe that this approach has the potential to

An insight to the molecular interactions of the FDA approved HIV PR drugs against L38L↑N↑L PR mutant

Science.gov (United States)

Sanusi, Zainab K.; Govender, Thavendran; Maguire, Glenn E. M.; Maseko, Sibusiso B.; Lin, Johnson; Kruger, Hendrik G.; Honarparvar, Bahareh

2018-03-01

The aspartate protease of the human immune deficiency type-1 virus (HIV-1) has become a crucial antiviral target in which many useful antiretroviral inhibitors have been developed. However, it seems the emergence of new HIV-1 PR mutations enhances drug resistance, hence, the available FDA approved drugs show less activity towards the protease. A mutation and insertion designated L38L↑N↑L PR was recently reported from subtype of C-SA HIV-1. An integrated two-layered ONIOM (QM:MM) method was employed in this study to examine the binding affinities of the nine HIV PR inhibitors against this mutant. The computed binding free energies as well as experimental data revealed a reduced inhibitory activity towards the L38L↑N↑L PR in comparison with subtype C-SA HIV-1 PR. This observation suggests that the insertion and mutations significantly affect the binding affinities or characteristics of the HIV PIs and/or parent PR. The same trend for the computational binding free energies was observed for eight of the nine inhibitors with respect to the experimental binding free energies. The outcome of this study shows that ONIOM method can be used as a reliable computational approach to rationalize lead compounds against specific targets. The nature of the intermolecular interactions in terms of the host-guest hydrogen bond interactions is discussed using the atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis. Natural bond orbital analysis was also used to determine the extent of charge transfer between the QM region of the L38L↑N↑L PR enzyme and FDA approved drugs. AIM analysis showed that the interaction between the QM region of the L38L↑N↑L PR and FDA approved drugs are electrostatic dominant, the bond stability computed from the NBO analysis supports the results from the AIM application. Future studies will focus on the improvement of the computational model by considering explicit water molecules in the active pocket. We believe that this approach has the potential to provide

ESO PR Highlights in 2000

Science.gov (United States)

2001-01-01

At the beginning of the new millennium, ESO and its staff are facing the future with confidence. The four 8.2-m Unit Telescopes of the Very Large Telescope (VLT) are in great shape and the VLT Interferometer (VLTI) will soon have "first fringes". The intercontinental ALMA project is progressing well and concepts for extremely large optical/infrared telescopes are being studied. They can also look back at a fruitful and rewarding past year. Perhaps the most important, single development has been the rapid transition of the Very Large Telescope (VLT). From being a "high-tech project under construction" it has now become a highly proficient, world-class astronomical observatory. This trend is clearly reflected in ESO's Press Releases , as more and more front-line scientific results emerge from rich data obtained at this very efficient facility. There were also exciting news from several of the instruments at La Silla. At the same time, the ESO community may soon grow, as steps towards membership are being taken by various European countries. Throughout 2000, a total of 54 PR communications were made, with a large number of Press Photos and Video Clips, cf. the 2000 PR Index. Some of the ESO PR highlights may be accessed directly via the clickable image on the present page. ESO PR Photo 01/01 is also available in a larger (non-clickable) version [ JPEG: 566 x 566 pix - 112k]. It may be reproduced, if credit is given to the European Southern Observatory.

33 CFR 161.20 - Position Report (PR).

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 2 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Position Report (PR). 161.20 Section 161.20 Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED... Report (PR). A vessel must report its name and position: (a) Upon point of entry into a VMRS area; (b) At...

Plant Reliability - an Integrated System for Management (PR-ISM)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aukeman, M.C.; Leininger, E.G.; Carr, P.

1984-01-01

The Toledo Edison Company, located in Toledo, Ohio, United States of America, recently implemented a comprehensive maintenance management information system for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The system is called PR-ISM, meaning Plant Reliability - An Integrated System for Management. PR-ISM provides the tools needed by station management to effectively plan and control maintenance and other plant activities. The PR-ISM system as it exists today consists of four integrated computer applications: equipment data base maintenance, maintenance work order control, administrative activity tracking, and technical specification compliance. PR-ISM is designed as an integrated on-line system and incorporates strong human factors features. PR-ISM provides each responsible person information to do his job on a daily basis and to look ahead towards future events. It goes beyond 'after the fact' reporting. In this respect, PR-ISM is an 'interactive' control system which: captures work requirements and commitments as they are identified, provides accurate and up-to-date status immediately to those who need it, simplifies paperwork and reduces the associated time delays, provides the information base for work management and reliability analysis, and improves productivity by replacing clerical tasks and consolidating maintenance activities. The functional and technical features of PR-ISM, the experience of Toledo Edison during the first year of operation, and the factors which led to the success of the development project are highlighted. (author)

PrP0\\0 mice show behavioral abnormalities that suggest PrPC has a role in maintaining the cytoskeleton.

Science.gov (United States)

Background/Introduction. PrPC is highly conserved among mammals, but its natural function is unclear. Prnp ablated mice (PrP0/0) appear to develop normally and are able to reproduce. These observations seem to indicate that the gene is not essential for viability, in spite of it being highly conse...

PrEP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region: opportunities, implementation and barriers

Science.gov (United States)

Zablotska, Iryna; Grulich, Andrew E; Phanuphak, Nittaya; Anand, Tarandeep; Janyam, Surang; Poonkasetwattana, Midnight; Baggaley, Rachel; van Griensven, Frits; Lo, Ying-Ru

2016-01-01

Introduction HIV epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region are concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) and other key populations. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention intervention and could be a potential game changer in the region. We discuss the progress towards PrEP implementation in the Asia-Pacific region, including opportunities and barriers. Discussion Awareness about PrEP in the Asia-Pacific is still low and so are its levels of use. A high proportion of MSM who are aware of PrEP are willing to use it. Key PrEP implementation barriers include poor knowledge about PrEP, limited access to PrEP, weak or non-existent HIV prevention programmes for MSM and other key populations, high cost of PrEP, stigma and discrimination against key populations and restrictive laws in some countries. Only several clinical trials, demonstration projects and a few larger-scale implementation studies have been implemented so far in Thailand and Australia. However, novel approaches to PrEP implementation have emerged: researcher-, facility- and community-led models of care, with PrEP services for fee and for free. The WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV testing, treatment and prevention call for an expanded access to PrEP worldwide and have provided guidance on PrEP implementation in the region. Some countries like Australia have released national PrEP guidelines. There are growing community leadership and consultation processes to initiate PrEP implementation in Asia and the Pacific. Conclusions Countries of the Asia-Pacific region will benefit from adding PrEP to their HIV prevention packages, but for many this is a critical step that requires resourcing. Having an impact on the HIV epidemic requires investment. The next years should see the region transitioning from limited PrEP implementation projects to growing access to PrEP and expansion of HIV prevention programmes. PMID:27760688

Cytosolically expressed PrP GPI-signal peptide interacts with mitochondria.

Science.gov (United States)

Guizzunti, Gianni; Zurzolo, Chiara

2015-01-01

We previously reported that PrP GPI-anchor signal peptide (GPI-SP) is specifically degraded by the proteasome. Additionally, we showed that the point mutation P238S, responsible for a genetic form of prion diseases, while not affecting the GPI-anchoring process, results in the accumulation of PrP GPI-SP, suggesting the possibility that PrP GPI-anchor signal peptide could play a role in neurodegenerative prion diseases. We now show that PrP GPI-SP, when expressed as a cytosolic peptide, is able to localize to the mitochondria and to induce mitochondrial fragmentation and vacuolarization, followed by loss in mitochondrial membrane potential, ultimately resulting in apoptosis. Our results identify the GPI-SP of PrP as a novel candidate responsible for the impairment in mitochondrial function involved in the synaptic pathology observed in prion diseases, establishing a link between PrP GPI-SP accumulation and neuronal death.

A time for dogma, a time for the Bible, a time for condoms: building a Catholic theology of prevention in the face of public health policies at Casa Fonte Colombo in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Science.gov (United States)

Seffner, Fernando; Garcia, Jonathan; Muñoz-Laboy, Miguel; Parker, Richard

2011-01-01

The Casa Fonte Colombo (CFC) is a religious organisation that assists people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The funding for its activities comes from public sources such as the Brazilian National STD/AIDS Program as well as the Catholic Church. Capuchin (Franciscan) priests run the CFC and it has an extensive group of volunteers made up mostly of women. Between 2006 and 2009, we observed daily life at the CFC and interviewed priests, volunteers, employees, service providers, and clients. We also attended meetings, group sessions, and celebrations. Everyday actions carried out by the CFC reveal the efforts to resolve the tension between the position of the Catholic Church and the Brazilian state in the politics of AIDS. These efforts affirm that the CFC presents itself as a space where the position of the Catholic Church, as much as the politics of public health, are re-worked, giving way to a progressive act of Catholic prevention and assistance for AIDS that we call 'theology of prevention'.

Study into non-quasibinary sections of Pr2S3-Bi2S3-Pr2O3 triple system (Bi2S3)0. 45(Pr2O3)0. 55 - (Bi2S3)0. 45(Pr2S3)0. 55 and (Bi2S3)0. 75 (Pr2S3)0. 25 - (Bi2S3)0. 75(Pr2O3)0. 25

OpenAIRE

НЕЙМАТОВА А.В.; МАМЕДОВ Ф.М.; БАХТИЯРЛЫ И.Б.

2016-01-01

Методами дифференциальнo-термическoго (ДТ), рентгенофазового (РФ), микроструктурного (МС) методов анализа исследованы неквазибинарные разрезы (Bi2S3)0.45(Pr2O3)0.55 (Bi2S3)0.45(Pr2S3)0.55 и (Bi2S3)0.75 (Pr2S3)0.25 (Bi2S3)0.75(Pr2O3)0.25 тройной системы Pr2S3-Bi2S3-Pr2O3 построена диаграмма состояния, определены координанты нони моновариантныхравновесий....

Application of the GIF PR and PP methodology to a commercial fast reactor system for a preliminary analysis of PR scenarios

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rossi, Fabiana

2015-01-01

The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Proliferation Resistance and Physical Protection (PR and PP) Working Group has developed a methodology for the PR and PP evaluation of the next generation Nuclear Energy Systems (NESs). Following the methodology proposed by the working group, applicable to assessing the proliferation resistance of an NES and its individual elements, the main objective of this work is to apply the methodology to show an example of how its results could be used by designers to improve the PR of the system. In this study, the reactor site of a hypothetical and commercial sodium‑cooled fast neutron nuclear reactor system (SFR) was used as the target NES for the application of the methodology. The design of this SFR is based on the layout of the Japanese Sodium Fast Reactor (JSFR) with a safeguards design based on the safeguards approach of the Japanese prototype fast breeder reactor Monju. The methodology is applied to all the PR scenarios described in the methodology: diversion, misuse and breakout. The methodology was first applied to the SFR to check if this system meets the target of PR as described in the GIF goal; secondly, a comparison between the SFR and a light water reactor (LWR) with an open fuel cycle was performed to evaluate if and how it would be possible to improve the PR and PP of the SFR. The LWR layout is based on the European Pressurized Water Reactor. The comparison was implemented according to the following example development target: achieving proliferation resistance to material diversion similar or superior to domestic and international advanced LWR. Three main actions were performed: implement the evaluation methodology based on its assumptions; characterize the PR and PP for the nuclear energy system applying the methodology to the SFR; and identify recommendations for system designers through comparing the SFR with the LWR.

RIZ Tumor and Breast Cancer: The PR Domain

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Aznar-Derunes, Celine

2005-01-01

.... RIZ is the founding member of the PR-domain family of zinc finger genes. Two protein products are produced from the RIZ gene which differ by the presence or the absence of the PR domain: RIZ1 and RIZ2...

Phase equilibria of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

She, Jia; Zhan, Yongzhong; Li, Chunliu; Du, Yong; Xu, Honghui; He, Yuehui

2010-01-01

The phase equilibria of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K have been investigated mainly by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The 14 binary compounds, i.e. AlZr 3 , AlZr 2 , Al 2 Zr 3 , Al 3 Zr 4 , AlZr, Al 3 Zr 2 , Al 2 Zr, Al 3 Zr, α-Al 11 Pr 3 , Al 3 Pr, Al 2 Pr, β-AlPr, AlPr 2 and β-AlPr 3 were confirmed. No binary compound was found in the Pr-Zr binary system. The result shows that the isothermal section of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K consists of 17 single-phase regions, 31 two-phase regions and 15 three-phase regions. All the intermediate compounds phases in this system have not a remarkable solid solution at 773 K. No ternary compound is found in this work.

The thermodynamic characteristics of vaporization in the NaI-PrI3 system

Science.gov (United States)

Motalov, V. B.; Kudin, L. S.; Markus, T.

2009-05-01

The vaporization of the NaI-PrI3 quasi-binary system was studied by high-temperature mass spectrometry over the whole concentration range. At 623-994 K, saturated vapor contained not only (NaI) n and (PrI3) n molecules ( n = 1, 2) and Na+(NaI) n ( n = 0-4) and I-(PrI3) n ( n = 1-2) ions but also mixed molecular and ionic associates recorded for the first time (NaPrI4, Na2PrI5, NaPrI{3/+}, Na2PrI{4/+}, Na3PrI{5/+}, Na4PrI{6/+}, NaPrI{5/-}, and NaPr2I{8/-}). The partial vapor pressures of molecules were calculated, and the equilibrium constants of the dissociation of neutral and charged associates were measured. The enthalpies of molecular and ion-molecular reactions were determined, and the enthalpies of formation of gaseous molecules and ions were obtained.

Quantitating PrP Polymorphisms Present in Prions from Heterozygous Scrapie-Infected Sheep.

Science.gov (United States)

Silva, Christopher J; Erickson-Beltran, Melissa L; Hui, Colleen; Badiola, Juan José; Nicholson, Eric M; Requena, Jesús R; Bolea, Rosa

2017-01-03

Scrapie is a prion (PrP Sc ) disease of sheep. The incubation period of sheep scrapie is strongly influenced by polymorphisms at positions 136, 154, and 171 of a sheep's normal cellular prion protein (PrP C ). Chymotrypsin was used to digest sheep recombinant PrP to identify a set of characteristic peptides [M 132 LGSXMSRPL 141 (X = A or V), Y 153 XENMY 158 (X,= H or R), and Y 166 RPVDXY 172 (X = H, K, Q, or R)] that could be used to detect and quantitate polymorphisms at positions 136, 154, and 171 of sheep PrP C or PrP Sc . These peptides were used to develop a multiple reaction monitoring method (MRM) to detect the amounts of a particular polymorphism in a sample of PrP Sc isolated from sheep heterozygous for their PrP C proteins. The limit of detection for these peptides was less than 50 attomole. Spinal cord tissue from heterozygous (ARQ/VRQ or ARH/ARQ) scrapie-infected Rasa Aragonesa sheep was analyzed using this MRM method. Both sets of heterozygotes show the presence of both polymorphisms in PrP Sc . This was true for samples containing both proteinase K (PK)-sensitive and PK-resistant PrP Sc and samples containing only the PK-resistant PrP Sc . These results show that heterozygous animals contain PrP Sc that is composed of significant amounts of both PrP polymorphisms.

A phase III randomized controlled study on the efficacy and improved bowel function of prolonged-release (PR) oxycodone-naloxone (up to 160/80 mg daily) vs oxycodone PR.

Science.gov (United States)

Dupoiron, D; Stachowiak, A; Loewenstein, O; Ellery, A; Kremers, W; Bosse, B; Hopp, M

2017-10-01

Oxycodone/naloxone (OXN PR) is a prolonged-release formulation containing oxycodone and naloxone in a 2:1 ratio. This study aimed to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of doses up to OXN160/80 mg PR compared with oxycodone prolonged-release formulation (OxyPR) in a randomised controlled trial. Two hundred and forty-three patients were randomised to treatment with OXN PR (n = 123) or OxyPR (n = 120) during the 5-week double-blind study. Measured were: opioid-induced constipation [bowel function index score (BFI)]; analgesic efficacy (NRS 0-10); daily laxative rescue medication use; rescue medication use, and the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week. A subanalysis was conducted in cancer patients. Greater reductions in mean BFI scores were reported for the OXN PR group compared with OxyPR from Week 1 onwards; at Week 5 the mean change from baseline was -32.5 versus -14.2. Average 24-h pain scores were low and remained stable in the range 3-4 in both treatment groups. Analgesic rescue medication use was similar between the groups. Patients receiving OXN PR used significantly lower mean daily doses of laxative rescue medication than those receiving OxyPR (P = 0.006). The number of CSBM in the OXN PR group approximately doubled compared with a 25% decrease in the OxyPR group. Comparable results to the total study population were reported in the cancer patient subgroup. OXN PR in daily doses of up to 160/80 mg significantly improves bowel function compared with equivalent doses of OxyPR while still providing comparable analgesic efficacy. Effective analgesia can be achieved using oxycodone/naloxone PR up to 160/80 mg daily without compromising bowel function. A similar outcome was reported in cancer and non-cancer patients. © 2017 The Authors. European Journal of Pain published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Pain Federation - EFIC®.

Deletion of Pr130 Interrupts Cardiac Development in Zebrafish

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jie Yang

2016-11-01

Full Text Available Protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B, alpha (PPP2R3A, a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A, is a major serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates crucial function in development and growth. Previous research has implied that PPP2R3A was involved in heart failure, and PR130, the largest transcription of PPP2R3A, functioning in the calcium release of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR, plays an important role in the excitation-contraction (EC coupling. To obtain a better understanding of PR130 functions in myocardium and cardiac development, two pr130-deletion zebrafish lines were generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas system. Pr130-knockout zebrafish exhibited cardiac looping defects and decreased cardiac function (decreased fractional area and fractional shortening. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E staining demonstrated reduced cardiomyocytes. Subsequent transmission electron microscopy revealed that the bright and dark bands were narrowed and blurred, the Z- and M-lines were fogged, and the gaps between longitudinal myocardial fibers were increased. Additionally, increased apoptosis was observed in cardiomyocyte in pr130-knockout zebrafish compared to wild-type (WT. Taken together, our results suggest that pr130 is required for normal myocardium formation and efficient cardiac contractile function.

Las prácticas en el contexto comunicativo

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Guillermo Orozco Gómez

2015-01-01

Full Text Available La comunicación debe ser entendida como proceso y producto de diversas prácticas sociales, cuyos componentes básicos son la sociabilidad, la ritualidad y la tecnicidad. Desde una perspectiva democrática, esas prácticas deben ser fortalecidas, especialmente en uno de sus aspectos esenciales: el diálogo y los "escenarios para ese diálogo". Actualmente el desafío radica en el fortalecimiento de las prácticas sociales -autónomas y democráticas- y especialmente de la comunicación, producto y componente de ellas.

Phase equilibria of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

She, Jia [Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials and New Processing Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 (China); Zhan, Yongzhong, E-mail: zyzmatres@yahoo.com.c [Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials and New Processing Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 (China); Li, Chunliu [Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Materials and New Processing Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi 530004 (China); Du, Yong; Xu, Honghui; He, Yuehui [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083 (China)

2010-07-30

The phase equilibria of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K have been investigated mainly by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The 14 binary compounds, i.e. AlZr{sub 3}, AlZr{sub 2}, Al{sub 2}Zr{sub 3}, Al{sub 3}Zr{sub 4}, AlZr, Al{sub 3}Zr{sub 2}, Al{sub 2}Zr, Al{sub 3}Zr, {alpha}-Al{sub 11}Pr{sub 3}, Al{sub 3}Pr, Al{sub 2}Pr, {beta}-AlPr, AlPr{sub 2} and {beta}-AlPr{sub 3} were confirmed. No binary compound was found in the Pr-Zr binary system. The result shows that the isothermal section of the Al-Pr-Zr ternary system at 773 K consists of 17 single-phase regions, 31 two-phase regions and 15 three-phase regions. All the intermediate compounds phases in this system have not a remarkable solid solution at 773 K. No ternary compound is found in this work.

Pr2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposites for thermal applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, Suelanny Carvalho da

2012-01-01

In this work, Pr x Fe 94 - x B 6 (x = 6, 8, 10 and 12) nanostructured powders were prepared by a combination of hydrogenation, disproportionation, desorption and recombination (HDDR) process with high energy milling applied to the mixture of an as-cast alloy (Pr 14 Fe 80 B 6 ) and α-Fe. The produced nanoparticles showed magnetic properties comparable to those reported in hyperthermia studies. The optimal time to obtain the magnetic nanoparticles is 5 hours (at 900 rpm). It was verified that longer milling times cause an increase in carbon percentage on the particles. The carbon is derived from oleic acid added as a surfactant in the milling step. The nanocomposites exhibit coercive force ranging from 80 Oe (6.5 kAm -1 ) to 170 Oe (13.5 kAm -1 ) and magnetic moments in the range of 81 129 Am2kg -1 . From the X-ray diffraction analyses, only two phases were found in all samples: α-Fe and the magnetic phase Pr 2 Fe 14 B. Individual nanoparticles with diameter of about 20 nm were verified. The samples studied presented heating when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (f = 222 kHz e H max ∼3.7 kAm -1 ) comparable to reported in literature. Temperature variations (ΔT) of the powders were: 51 K for Pr 6 Fe 88 B 6 , 41 K for Pr 8 Fe 86 B 6 , 38 K for Pr 10 Fe 8 4 B 6 and T = 34 K for Pr 12 Fe 82 B 6 . The specific absorption rates (SARs) of the powders were 201 Wkg -1 for Pr 6 Fe 88 B 6 composition, 158 Wkg -1 on the composition Pr 8 Fe 86 B 6 , and 114 Wkg -1 for Pr 10 Fe 84 B 6 and Pr 12 Fe 82 B 6 compositions. (author)

Role of cell death in the propagation of PrP(Sc) in immune cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Takahashi, Kenichi; Inoshima, Yasuo; Ishiguro, Naotaka

2015-03-01

A number of studies have suggested that macrophages, dendritic cells, and follicular dendritic cells play an important role in the propagation of PrP(Sc). Both accumulation and proteolysis of PrP(Sc) have been demonstrated in peripheral macrophages. Macrophages may act as reservoirs for PrP(Sc) particles if the cells die during transient PrP(Sc) propagation. However, whether cell death plays a role in PrP(Sc) propagation in macrophages remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the possibility of propagation and transmission of PrP(Sc) between dead immune cells and living neural cells. We found that under specific conditions, transient PrP(Sc) propagation occurs in dead cells, indicating that interaction between PrP(C) and PrP(Sc) on plasma membrane lipid rafts might be important for PrP(Sc) propagation. Co-culturing of killed donor PrP(Sc)-infected macrophages with recipient N2a-3 neuroblastoma cells accelerated PrP(Sc) transmission. Our results suggest that cell death may play an important role in PrP(Sc) propagation, whereas transient PrP(Sc) propagation in macrophages has little effect on PrP(Sc) transmission.

Genetic human prion disease modelled in PrP transgenic Drosophila.

Science.gov (United States)

Thackray, Alana M; Cardova, Alzbeta; Wolf, Hanna; Pradl, Lydia; Vorberg, Ina; Jackson, Walker S; Bujdoso, Raymond

2017-09-20

Inherited human prion diseases, such as fatal familial insomnia (FFI) and familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (fCJD), are associated with autosomal dominant mutations in the human prion protein gene PRNP and accumulation of PrP Sc , an abnormal isomer of the normal host protein PrP C , in the brain of affected individuals. PrP Sc is the principal component of the transmissible neurotoxic prion agent. It is important to identify molecular pathways and cellular processes that regulate prion formation and prion-induced neurotoxicity. This will allow identification of possible therapeutic interventions for individuals with, or at risk from, genetic human prion disease. Increasingly, Drosophila has been used to model human neurodegenerative disease. An important unanswered question is whether genetic prion disease with concomitant spontaneous prion formation can be modelled in Drosophila We have used pUAST/PhiC31-mediated site-directed mutagenesis to generate Drosophila transgenic for murine or hamster PrP (prion protein) that carry single-codon mutations associated with genetic human prion disease. Mouse or hamster PrP harbouring an FFI (D178N) or fCJD (E200K) mutation showed mild Proteinase K resistance when expressed in Drosophila Adult Drosophila transgenic for FFI or fCJD variants of mouse or hamster PrP displayed a spontaneous decline in locomotor ability that increased in severity as the flies aged. Significantly, this mutant PrP-mediated neurotoxic fly phenotype was transferable to recipient Drosophila that expressed the wild-type form of the transgene. Collectively, our novel data are indicative of the spontaneous formation of a PrP-dependent neurotoxic phenotype in FFI- or CJD-PrP transgenic Drosophila and show that inherited human prion disease can be modelled in this invertebrate host. © 2017 The Author(s).

The Role of Shed PrPc in the Neuropathogenesis of HIV Infection.

Science.gov (United States)

Megra, Bezawit W; Eugenin, Eliseo A; Berman, Joan W

2017-07-01

HIV-1 enters the CNS soon after peripheral infection and causes chronic neuroinflammation and neuronal damage that leads to cognitive impairment in 40-70% of HIV-infected people. The nonpathogenic cellular isoform of the human prion protein (PrP c ) is an adhesion molecule constitutively expressed in the CNS. Previously, our laboratory showed that shed PrP c (sPrP c ) is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-infected people with cognitive deficits as compared with infected people with no impairment. In this article, we demonstrate that CCL2 and TNF-α, inflammatory mediators that are elevated in the CNS of HIV-infected people, increase shedding of PrP c from human astrocytes by increasing the active form of the metalloprotease ADAM10. We show that the consequence of this shedding can be the production of inflammatory mediators, because treatment of astrocytes with rPrP c increased secretion of CCL2, CXCL-12, and IL-8. Supernatants from rPrP c -treated astrocytes containing factors produced in response to this treatment, but not rPrP c by itself, cause increased chemotaxis of both uninfected and HIV-infected human monocytes, suggesting a role for sPrP c in monocyte recruitment into the brain. Furthermore, we examined whether PrP c participates in glutamate uptake and found that rPrP c decreased uptake of this metabolite in astrocytes, which could lead to neurotoxicity and neuronal loss. Collectively, our data characterize mediators involved in PrP c shedding and the effect of this sPrP c on monocyte chemotaxis and glutamate uptake from astrocytes. We propose that shedding of PrP c could be a potential target for therapeutics to limit the cognitive impairment characteristic of neuroAIDS. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

PR-10 proteins as potential mediators of melatonin-cytokinin cross-talk in plants: crystallographic studies of LlPR-10.2B isoform from yellow lupine.

Science.gov (United States)

Sliwiak, Joanna; Sikorski, Michal; Jaskolski, Mariusz

2018-04-06

LlPR-10.2B, a Pathogenesis-related class 10 (PR-10) protein from yellow lupine (Lupinus luteus) was crystallized in complex with melatonin, an emerging important plant regulator and antioxidant. The structure reveals two molecules of melatonin bound in the internal cavity of the protein, plus a very well-defined electron density near the cavity entrance, corresponding to an unknown ligand molecule comprised of two flat rings, which is most likely a product of melatonin transformation. In a separate LlPR-10.2B co-crystallization experiment with an equimolar mixture of melatonin and trans-zeatin, which is a cytokinin phytohormone well recognized as a PR-10-binding partner, a quaternary 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 complex was formed, in which one of the melatonin-binding sites has been substituted with trans-zeatin, whereas the binding of melatonin at the second binding site and binding of the unknown ligand are undisturbed. This unusual complex, when compared with the previously described PR-10/trans-zeatin complexes and with the emerging structural information about melatonin binding by PR-10 proteins, provides intriguing insights into the role of PR-10 proteins in phytohormone regulation in plants, especially with the involvement of melatonin, and implicates the PR-10 proteins as low-affinity melatonin binders under the conditions of elevated melatonin concentration. Atomic coordinates and processed structure factors corresponding to the final models of the LlPR-10.2B/melatonin and LlPR-10.2B/melatonin + trans-zeatin complexes have been deposited with the Protein Data Bank (PDB) under the accession codes 5MXB and 5MXW. The corresponding raw X-ray diffraction images have been deposited in the RepOD Repository at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling (ICM) of the University of Warsaw, Poland, and are available for download with the following Digital Object Identifiers (DOI): https://doi.org/10.18150/repod.9923638 and https://doi.org/10

238. Prótesis percutáneas: el fin de la prótesis mecánica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

C. Porras

2012-04-01

Dado el bajo riesgo que representa una primera reintervención, especialmente a edad relativamente joven, creemos recomendable expandir la edad en la que se implantan prótesis biológicas en posición aórtica y difícil de justificar la implantación de prótesis mecánicas en dicha posición, salvo en pacientes muy jóvenes en los que la reparación valvular o el procedimiento de Ross no sean posibles.

Energy transfer of the quantum-cutter couple Pr{sup 3+}–Mn{sup 2+} in CaF{sub 2}:Pr{sup 3+}, Mn{sup 2+} nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kuzmanoski, Ana [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Engesserstraße 15, D-76131 Karlsruhe (Germany); Pankratov, Vladimir, E-mail: vpank@latnet.lv [Research Center of Molecular Materials, University of Oulu, PO Box 3000, 90014 Oulu (Finland); Feldmann, Claus, E-mail: claus.feldmann@kit.edu [Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Engesserstraße 15, D-76131 Karlsruhe (Germany)

2016-11-15

CaF{sub 2}:Pr (1 mol%), CaF{sub 2}:Mn (5 mol%) and CaF{sub 2}:Pr,Mn (1 mol%, 5 mol%) nanoparticles are prepared via a microwave-mediated synthesis in ionic liquids. The nanoparticles are highly crystalline and exhibit particle diameters <50 nm.In contrast to bulk-CaF{sub 2}:Pr,Mn,energy transfer between Pr{sup 3+}and Mn{sup 2+}under {sup 1}S{sub 0}→{sup 1}I{sub 6} relaxation on Pr{sup 3+} and {sup 4}G({sup 4}T{sub 1g})→{sup 6}S(A{sub 1g}) emission of Mn{sup 2+} is observed for the first time. Such energy transfer represents the essential first step of the quantum-cutting cascade via the Pr{sup 3+}–Mn{sup 2+} couple, which is most interesting as both expected photons – {sup 3}P{sub 0}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} emission of Pr{sup 3+}and {sup 4}G({sup 4}T{sub 1g})→{sup 6}S(A{sub 1g}) emission of Mn{sup 2+} – are emitted in the green spectral range. While bulk crystals were said not to show energy transfer due to prohibiting selection rules, vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectroscopy of CaF{sub 2}:Pr, Mn nanoparticles firstly proves efficient Pr{sup 3+}→Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer, which can be ascribed to the reduced site symmetry and considerable spin–orbit interaction in the nanocrystals.

Magnetic properties in the vortex state of Pr1-xNdxPt4Ge12 and PrPt3.88Fe0.12Ge12 superconductors

Science.gov (United States)

Chandra, L. S. Sharath; Chattopadhyay, M. K.

2018-03-01

We report the temperature and magnetic field dependence of magnetization of Pr1-xNdxPt4Ge12 (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1) and PrPt3.88Fe0.12Ge12 below 10 K and up to 2 T magnetic field. When compared to the parent PrPt4Ge12, while the critical current density and flux pinning properties are enhanced in the Pr1-xNdxPt4Ge12 samples, they are considerably diminished in the PrPt3.88Fe0.12Ge12 sample. We argue that the observed changes are related to the way the substituting atoms at different crystallographic sites influence the superconductivity in these Germanide skutterudites.

PR, Lobbyism and Democracy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ørsten, Mark; Willig, Ida; Pedersen, Leif Hemming

2017-01-01

The growth of PR in Scandinavia is linked both to the mediatization of politics and to the decline of corporatism. Studies in Sweden and Norway suggest that one consequence of these changes is the increasing number of politicians who find new careers as lobbyists in the private sector. In this st......The growth of PR in Scandinavia is linked both to the mediatization of politics and to the decline of corporatism. Studies in Sweden and Norway suggest that one consequence of these changes is the increasing number of politicians who find new careers as lobbyists in the private sector....... Still, 89 percent of all the registered job positions fall outside of lobbyism. 11 percent of the job positions fall within the wider field associated with the emerging field of policy professionals (including lobbyism), while lobbyism on its own accounts for 2 percent of the job positions....

Beyond PrPres Type 1/Type 2 Dichotomy in Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Science.gov (United States)

Simon, Stéphanie; Lugan, Séverine; Bilheude, Jean-Marc; Perret-Liaudet, Armand; Ironside, James W.; Haik, Stéphane; Basset-Leobon, Christelle; Lacroux, Caroline; Peoch', Katell; Streichenberger, Nathalie; Langeveld, Jan; Head, Mark W.; Grassi, Jacques; Hauw, Jean-Jacques; Schelcher, Francois; Delisle, Marie Bernadette; Andréoletti, Olivier

2008-01-01

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) cases are currently subclassified according to the methionine/valine polymorphism at codon 129 of the PRNP gene and the proteinase K (PK) digested abnormal prion protein (PrPres) identified on Western blotting (type 1 or type 2). These biochemically distinct PrPres types have been considered to represent potential distinct prion strains. However, since cases of CJD show co-occurrence of type 1 and type 2 PrPres in the brain, the basis of this classification system and its relationship to agent strain are under discussion. Different brain areas from 41 sCJD and 12 iatrogenic CJD (iCJD) cases were investigated, using Western blotting for PrPres and two other biochemical assays reflecting the behaviour of the disease-associated form of the prion protein (PrPSc) under variable PK digestion conditions. In 30% of cases, both type 1 and type 2 PrPres were identified. Despite this, the other two biochemical assays found that PrPSc from an individual patient demonstrated uniform biochemical properties. Moreover, in sCJD, four distinct biochemical PrPSc subgroups were identified that correlated with the current sCJD clinico-pathological classification. In iCJD, four similar biochemical clusters were observed, but these did not correlate to any particular PRNP 129 polymorphism or western blot PrPres pattern. The identification of four different PrPSc biochemical subgroups in sCJD and iCJD, irrespective of the PRNP polymorphism at codon 129 and the PrPres isoform provides an alternative biochemical definition of PrPSc diversity and new insight in the perception of Human TSE agents variability. PMID:18389084

Anomalous properties of PrBa2Cu3O7: a comment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sampathkumaran, E.V.

1992-01-01

Considerable attention has been paid in the literature to understand the suppression of superconductivity and the large Neel temperature of the Pr sub-lattice in PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . Here we briefly recall the superconducting and magnetic anomalies noted earlier in other Pr based systems due to the partial delocalisation of the Pr-4f orbital to show that the gross anomalous features observed for PrBa 2 Cu 4 O 7 are not unique. (orig.)

Estudo de fatores pró-trombóticos e pró-inflamatórios na cardiomiopatia chagásica

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Leila Maria Magalhães Pessoa de Melo

2010-10-01

Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: A relação entre atividade inflamatória e pró-trombótica na cardiomiopatia chagásica e em outras etiologias é obscura. OBJETIVO: Estudar o perfil de marcadores pró-trombóticos e pró-inflamatórios em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca chagásica e compará-los com os de etiologia não chagásica. MÉTODOS: Coorte transversal. Critérios de inclusão: fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE um mês. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo 1 (G1 - sorologias positivas para Chagas - e grupo 2 (G2 - sorologias negativas para Chagas. Fator pró-inflamatório: PCR ultrassensível. Fatores pró-trombóticos: fator trombina-antitrombina, fibrinogênio, antígeno do fator de von Willebrand, P-selectina plasmática e tromboelastograma. Amostra calculada para poder de 80%, assumindo-se diferença de 1/3 de desvio-padrão; p significativo se < 0,05. Análise estatística: teste exato de Fischer para variáveis categóricas; teste t de Student não pareado para variáveis contínuas paramétricas e teste de Mann-Whitney para variáveis contínuas não paramétricas. RESULTADOS: Entre janeiro e junho de 2008, foram incluídos 150 pacientes, 80 no G1 e 70 no G2. Ambos os grupos mantinham médias de PCR ultrassensível acima dos valores de referência, porém, sem diferença significativa (p=0,328. Os níveis de fibrinogênio foram maiores no G2 do que no G1 (p=0,015. Entre as variáveis do tromboelastograma, os parâmetros MA (p=0,0013, G (p=0,0012 e TG (p=0,0005 foram maiores no G2 em comparação ao G1. CONCLUSÃO: Não há indícios de maior status pró-trombótico entre chagásicos. A dosagem de fibrinogênio e dos parâmetros MA, G e TG do tromboelastograma apontam para status pró-trombótico entre não chagásicos. Ambos os grupos tinham atividade inflamatória exacerbada.

Incommensurate magnetic ordering of PrPdAl

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keller, L. [Paul Scherrer Inst. (PSI), Villigen (Switzerland); Doenni, A. [National Research Inst. for Metals, Tsukuba, Ibaraki (Japan). Tsukuba Lab.; Fauth, F. [Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 75 - Paris (France)

1997-09-01

The intermetallic rare earth compound PrPdAl with ZrNiAl-type structure was investigated by means of powder neutron diffraction. PrPdAl orders below T{sub N} {approx_equal}4.2 K with an incommensurate antiferromagnetic propagation vector k = [1/2,0,{tau}], {tau}=0.398. The best fit was obtained with a sinusoidal modulation of the magnetic moments along the c-axis. (author) 2 figs., 2 refs.

Low fraction of the 222K PrP variant in the protease-resistant moiety of PrPres in heterozygous scrapie positive goats

OpenAIRE

Mazza, Maria; Guglielmetti, Chiara; Ingravalle, Francesco; Brusadore, Sonia; Langeveld, Jan P. M.; Ekateriniadou, Loukia V.; Andréoletti, Olivier; Casalone, Cristina; Acutis, Pier Luigi

2017-01-01

The presence of lysine (K) at codon 222 has been associated with resistance to classical scrapie in goats, but few scrapie cases have been identified in 222Q/K animals. To investigate the contribution of the 222K variant to PrPres formation in natural and experimental Q/K scrapie cases, we applied an immunoblotting method based on the use of two different monoclonal antibodies, F99/97.6.1 and SAF84, chosen for their different affinities to 222K and 222Q PrP variants. Our finding that PrPres s...

Preparing for the Rollout of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP: A Vignette Survey to Identify Intended Sexual Behaviors among Women in Kenya and South Africa if Using PrEP.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Amy Corneli

Full Text Available Several clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP in reducing HIV risk. One concern with introducing PrEP is whether users will engage in riskier sexual behaviors.We assessed the effect that PrEP may have on sexual risk behaviors by administering a survey to 799 women in Bondo, Kenya, and Pretoria, South Africa. Participants were asked about their sexual behavior intentions twice--once as if they were taking PrEP and once as if they were not taking PrEP--within four risk situations (vignettes. They responded using a 5-point ordinal scale. We used a series of linear mixed effects models with an unstructured residual covariance matrix to estimate the between- and within-subject differences in the mean likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior across the PrEP and non-PrEP contexts. We also calculated the total percentage of participants who reported a greater likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior if taking PrEP than if not taking PrEP, by vignette.We found statistically significant differences in the mean likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior with the between-subject comparison (-0.17, p < 0.01 and with the within-subject comparison (-0.31, p < 0.001. Depending on the vignette, 27% to 40% of participants reported a greater likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior if taking PrEP than if not taking PrEP.Our findings indicate that modest increases in risky sexual behavior could occur with PrEP. Although responses from the majority of participants suggest they would not be more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior if they took PrEP, a substantial proportion might. Programs rolling out PrEP should be prepared to assist similar women in making informed choices about reducing their risk of HIV and about their sexual health beyond HIV prevention.

Selective recognition of Pr3+ based on fluorescence enhancement sensor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ganjali, M.R.; Hosseini, M.; Ghafarloo, A.; Khoobi, M.; Faridbod, F.; Shafiee, A.; Norouzi, P.

2013-01-01

(E)-2-(1-(4-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene) hydrazinecarbothioamide (L) has been used to detect trace amounts of praseodymium ion in acetonitrile–water solution (MeCN/H 2 O) by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent probe undergoes fluorescent emission intensity enhancement upon binding to Pr 3+ ions in MeCN/H 2 O (9/1:v/v) solution. The fluorescence enhancement of L is attributed to a 1:1 complex formation between L and Pr 3+ , which has been utilized as the basis for selective detection of Pr 3+ . The sensor can be applied to the quantification of praseodymium ion with a linear range of 1.6 × 10 −7 to 1.0 × 10 −5 M. The limit of detection was 8.3 × 10 −8 M. The sensor exhibits high selectivity toward praseodymium ions in comparison with common metal ions. The proposed fluorescent sensor was successfully used for determination of Pr 3+ in water samples. - Highlights: • A new fluorescent sensor is introduced as a selective probe for Pr 3+ detection. • Fluorescent intensity of the chemical probe enhances upon binding to Pr 3+ ion. • The sensor can be used for Pr 3+ determination in the range of 1.6 × 10 −7 –1.0 × 10 −5 M

The role of e-PR in foreign policy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tereshchuk Vitaliy Ivanovych

2015-10-01

Full Text Available The article discusses the role of the Internet as a global communication tool in the PR-support of the implementation of foreign policy. Special attention is paid to such innovative directions of electronic foreign PR as the creation of "virtual embassies" (on the example of the United States.

PR-teenuse hind tõuseb 20% / Eda-Liis Kann

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Kann, Eda-Liis, 1979-

2004-01-01

Suhtekorraldusfirmad prognoosivad aasta teiseks pooleks PR-teenuste 20protsendilist hinnatõusu. Kommenteerivad Kersti Luha, Maren Pärn, Ingrid Eha, Maria Raudsepp, Heidi Pihlak ja Rein Meripõld. Lisa: Väikefirmale on PR-teenus kallis

A One Health Framework for the Evaluation of Rabies Control Programmes: A Case Study from Colombo City, Sri Lanka

Science.gov (United States)

Häsler, Barbara; Hiby, Elly; Gilbert, Will; Obeyesekere, Nalinika; Bennani, Houda; Rushton, Jonathan

2014-01-01

Background One Health addresses complex challenges to promote the health of all species and the environment by integrating relevant sciences at systems level. Its application to zoonotic diseases is recommended, but few coherent frameworks exist that combine approaches from multiple disciplines. Rabies requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective and efficient management. Methodology/Principal Findings A framework is proposed to assess the value of rabies interventions holistically. The economic assessment compares additional monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits of an intervention taking into account epidemiological, animal welfare, societal impact and cost data. It is complemented by an ethical assessment. The framework is applied to Colombo City, Sri Lanka, where modified dog rabies intervention measures were implemented in 2007. The two options included for analysis were the control measures in place until 2006 (“baseline scenario”) and the new comprehensive intervention measures (“intervention”) for a four-year duration. Differences in control cost; monetary human health costs after exposure; Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost due to human rabies deaths and the psychological burden following a bite; negative impact on animal welfare; epidemiological indicators; social acceptance of dogs; and ethical considerations were estimated using a mixed method approach including primary and secondary data. Over the four years analysed, the intervention cost US $1.03 million more than the baseline scenario in 2011 prices (adjusted for inflation) and caused a reduction in dog rabies cases; 738 DALYs averted; an increase in acceptability among non-dog owners; a perception of positive changes in society including a decrease in the number of roaming dogs; and a net reduction in the impact on animal welfare from intermediate-high to low-intermediate. Conclusions The findings illustrate the multiple outcomes relevant to stakeholders and allow

A one health framework for the evaluation of rabies control programmes: a case study from Colombo City, Sri Lanka.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Barbara Häsler

2014-10-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: One Health addresses complex challenges to promote the health of all species and the environment by integrating relevant sciences at systems level. Its application to zoonotic diseases is recommended, but few coherent frameworks exist that combine approaches from multiple disciplines. Rabies requires an interdisciplinary approach for effective and efficient management. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A framework is proposed to assess the value of rabies interventions holistically. The economic assessment compares additional monetary and non-monetary costs and benefits of an intervention taking into account epidemiological, animal welfare, societal impact and cost data. It is complemented by an ethical assessment. The framework is applied to Colombo City, Sri Lanka, where modified dog rabies intervention measures were implemented in 2007. The two options included for analysis were the control measures in place until 2006 ("baseline scenario" and the new comprehensive intervention measures ("intervention" for a four-year duration. Differences in control cost; monetary human health costs after exposure; Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs lost due to human rabies deaths and the psychological burden following a bite; negative impact on animal welfare; epidemiological indicators; social acceptance of dogs; and ethical considerations were estimated using a mixed method approach including primary and secondary data. Over the four years analysed, the intervention cost US $1.03 million more than the baseline scenario in 2011 prices (adjusted for inflation and caused a reduction in dog rabies cases; 738 DALYs averted; an increase in acceptability among non-dog owners; a perception of positive changes in society including a decrease in the number of roaming dogs; and a net reduction in the impact on animal welfare from intermediate-high to low-intermediate. CONCLUSIONS: The findings illustrate the multiple outcomes relevant to stakeholders

Features of the advertising and PR in tourism

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. A. Zubarieva

2015-05-01

Full Text Available The article discusses the use of topical issues of important tools of social communication of applied tactical direction (advertising and strategic (PR. The main types of advertising in tourism and types of PR ­ activities are characterized.The main difference between advertising and PR in the tourism sector is defined, the main attention is given to correct choice of optimal (most efficient advertising channel (means. Specific nature, advertising issues as the main tool for the promotion of tourist product on the network market are defined. The advantages and importance of the innovation of the media as the Internet are detailed. the most popular types of Internet advertising in the tourism sector, in particular ­ placing information in catalogs of Internet resources; registration site in search engines work; banners; mailings via email are considered. The rating position of tourist sites on the Internet (top 15 is shown. A number of approaches to the study and systematization of information of Internet advertising in tourism, the specificity and modern advanced technologies of Internet advertising in the tourism sector are identified. The conclusion about the fact that considered issues about advertising and PR in tourism only form an idea of the complexity and diversity of tourism as advertising via newspapers, radio, television and especially of Internet means. The possibilities of tourism advertising and PR on the Internet have no limits.

Relato de atividades práticas vivenciadas

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marlise Rieger

2011-12-01

Full Text Available O presente artigo tem por principal objetivo a descrição e análise crítica das atividades práticas vivenciadas no Centro Municipal de Educação Infantil, localizada na cidade de Sinop-MT. O referido estágio Curricular Supervisionado foi realizado durante o sexto semestre do curso de Licenciatura Plena em Pedagogia. O qual é necessário para uma formação profissional a fim de adequar essa formação às expectativas do mercado de trabalho onde o licenciado irá atuar. O estágio de atividades práticas da oportunidade de aliar e fortalecer a teoria com a prática. A metodologia utilizada nas atividades práticas com as crianças foi de socializar e estimular a criatividade e a oralidade. Nas crianças, com a faixa etária de 4 e 5 anos, as mudanças ocorrem muito rápido e se processam aos saltos contínuos de organização, interagindo de diferentes maneiras no ambiente físico e social que o cerca numa instituição, diferente das que vive com suas famílias. O resultado obtido nesse estágio foi de suma importância para a compreensão, que cabe ao professor trabalhar com conteúdos diversos, básicos essenciais ate os conhecimentos específicos das diversas áreas do conhecimento. Palavras-chave: educação infantil; estágio curricular supervisionado; atividades práticas; crianças.

The thermodynamics of Pr55Gag-RNA interaction regulate the assembly of HIV.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hanumant S Tanwar

2017-02-01

Full Text Available The interactions that occur during HIV Pr55Gag oligomerization and genomic RNA packaging are essential elements that facilitate HIV assembly. However, mechanistic details of these interactions are not clearly defined. Here, we overcome previous limitations in producing large quantities of full-length recombinant Pr55Gag that is required for isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC studies, and we have revealed the thermodynamic properties of HIV assembly for the first time. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the binding between RNA and HIV Pr55Gag is an energetically favourable reaction (ΔG<0 that is further enhanced by the oligomerization of Pr55Gag. The change in enthalpy (ΔH widens sequentially from: (1 Pr55Gag-Psi RNA binding during HIV genome selection; to (2 Pr55Gag-Guanosine Uridine (GU-containing RNA binding in cytoplasm/plasma membrane; and then to (3 Pr55Gag-Adenosine(A-containing RNA binding in immature HIV. These data imply the stepwise increments of heat being released during HIV biogenesis may help to facilitate the process of viral assembly. By mimicking the interactions between A-containing RNA and oligomeric Pr55Gag in immature HIV, it was noted that a p6 domain truncated Pr50Gag Δp6 is less efficient than full-length Pr55Gag in this thermodynamic process. These data suggest a potential unknown role of p6 in Pr55Gag-Pr55Gag oligomerization and/or Pr55Gag-RNA interaction during HIV assembly. Our data provide direct evidence on how nucleic acid sequences and the oligomeric state of Pr55Gag regulate HIV assembly.

Oxidation of Helix-3 methionines precedes the formation of PK resistant PrP.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tamar Canello

2010-07-01

Full Text Available While elucidating the peculiar epitope of the alpha-PrP mAb IPC2, we found that PrPSc exhibits the sulfoxidation of residue M213 as a covalent signature. Subsequent computational analysis predicted that the presence of sulfoxide groups at both Met residues 206 and 213 destabilize the alpha-fold, suggesting oxidation may facilitate the conversion of PrPC into PrPSc. To further study the effect of oxidation on prion formation, we generated pAbs to linear PrP peptides encompassing the Helix-3 region, as opposed to the non-linear complexed epitope of IPC2. We now show that pAbs, whose epitopes comprise Met residues, readily detected PrPC, but could not recognize most PrPSc bands unless they were vigorously reduced. Next, we showed that the alpha-Met pAbs did not recognize newly formed PrPSc, as is the case for the PK resistant PrP present in lines of prion infected cells. In addition, these reagents did not detect intermediate forms such as PK sensitive and partially aggregated PrPs present in infected brains. Finally, we show that PrP molecules harboring the pathogenic mutation E200K, which is linked to the most common form of familial CJD, may be spontaneously oxidized. We conclude that the oxidation of methionine residues in Helix-3 represents an early and important event in the conversion of PrPC to PrPSc. We believe that further investigation into the mechanism and role of PrP oxidation will be central in finally elucidating the mechanism by which a normal cell protein converts into a pathogenic entity that causes fatal brain degeneration.

Mechanoluminescence and photoluminescence of Pr3+ activated KMgF3 phosphor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dhoble, S.J.; Kher, R.S.; Furetta, C.

2003-01-01

A Czochralski method for the preparation of crystalline KMgF 3 : Pr phosphors are reported. Photoluminescence (PL) and mechanoluminescence (ML) characteristics are studied. Photoluminescence of Pr 3+ activated KMgF 3 shows the strong emission of Pr 3+ ions were observed at 498 and 650 nm by excitation of 213 mn. ML of KMgF 3 : Pr 3+ shows two peaks, which have been observed in ML intensity versus time curve. The ML peak shows the recombination of electrons with free radical (anion radical produced by γ-irradiation) released from two type traps during the mechanical pressure applied on KMgF 3 : Pr 3+ phosphor. It has a supra linear ML response with γ-ray exposure and a negligible fading. These properties of phosphor should be suitable in dosimetry of ionization relation using ML technique. Therefore the KMgF 3 : Pr 3+ phosphor proposed for ML dosimetry of ionization radiations. (Author)

Genetic and biochemical studies of the lipid-containing bacteriophage PR4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vanden Boom, T.J.

1989-01-01

Bacteriophage PR4 is a lipid-containing bacterial virus able to infect Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The icosahedral virion consists of an external protein capsid layer which surrounds a membrane vesicle enclosed ds DNA genome. The author has analyzed the time course of phage PR4 protein synthesis and have identified at least 34 proteins present in phage infected cells not detected in uninfected control cultures. In addition, he has isolated a more extensive set of conditional-lethal nonsense mutants of this virus. This collection of mutants permitted the identification of seven additional phage PR4 gene products, including the terminal genome protein and an accessory lytic factor. The present collection of phage PR4 mutants has been assigned to 19 distinct genetic groups on the basis of genetic complementation tests and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the proteins produced in mutant-infected UV-irradiated cells. A restriction endonuclease map of the phage PR4 genome was constructed which includes 59 sites for ten restriction endonucleases. In addition, he has constructed a collection of recombinant plasmids containing subgenomic DNA fragments of bacteriophage PR4. He has used this collection of plasmids to generate a physical-genetic map of the PR4 genome. The physical-genetic map localizes mutations in 13 phage PR4 genetic groups on the viral DNA molecule. To investigate the role of phosphatidylglycerol (PG) in phage assembly and infectivity, he propagated PR4 on an E. coli mutant defective in PG synthesis. The PG content of phage PR4 grown on the mutant host accounted for 0.4% of the total viral phospholipids, representing a 90-fold decrease in PG relative to the PG content of phage grown on a wild type host

Elaboration and characterization of unreported (Pr,Nd)5Ni19 hydrides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lemort, Lucille; Latroche, Michel; Knosp, Bernard; Bernard, Patrick

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → Two new compounds Pr 5 Ni 19 and Nd 5 Ni 19 have been synthesized and their crystallographic structures have been determined. → Two polymorphic types are reported to coexist for the same composition, one rhombohedral and one hexagonal. → The hydrogen sorption properties of these two novel compounds have been measured and they exhibit capacities of 1.33%(wt) for Pr 5 Ni 19 and 1.17%(wt) for Nd 5 Ni 19 under 10 MPa. - Abstract: In this study two new compounds have been synthesized: Pr 5 Ni 19 and Nd 5 Ni 19 . The crystallographic structures as well as the thermodynamic properties of the hydrogen absorbing compounds Pr 5 Ni 19 and Nd 5 Ni 19 have been determined. Both compounds exist under two polymorphic types that can be described as the stacking along the c axis of two different subunits [(Pr,Nd) 2 Ni 4 ] and [(Pr,Nd)Ni 5 ]: the hexagonal (2H) Pr 5 Co 19 -type structure (space group P6 3 /mmc) and the rhombohedral (3R) Ce 5 Co 19 -type structure (space group R-3m). The two compounds are able to form hydrides at room temperature, in the pressure range of 0-10 MPa. They show desorption pressure plateaux around 0.8 MPa for Pr 5 Ni 19 and 1 MPa for Nd 5 Ni 19 and exhibit capacities under 10 MPa of 1.33 wt% for Pr 5 Ni 19 and 1.17 wt% for Nd 5 Ni 19 at the first cycle.

Phase relations in the SiC-Al2O3-Pr2O3 system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan, W.; Wu, L.; Jiang, Y.; Huang, Z.

2016-01-01

Phase relations in the Si-Al-Pr-O-C system, including the SiC-Al 2 O 3 -Pr 2 O 3 , the Al 2 O 3 -Pr 2 O 3 -SiO 2 and the SiC-Al 2 O 3 -Pr 2 O 3 -SiO 2 subsystems, were determined by means of XRD phase analysis of solid-state-reacted samples fabricated by using SiC, Al 2 O 3 , Pr 2 O 3 and SiO 2 powders as the starting materials. Subsolidus phase diagrams of the systems were presented. Two Pr-aluminates, namely PrAlO 3 (PrAP) and PrAl 11 O 18 (β(Pr) β-Al 2 O 3 type) were formed in the SiC-Al 2 O 3 -Pr 2 O 3 system. SiC was compatible with both of them. Pr-silicates of Pr 2 SiO 5 , Pr 2 Si 2 O 7 and Pr 9.33 Si 6 O 26 (H(Pr) apatite type) were formed owing to presence of SiO 2 impurity in the SiC powder. The presence of the SiO 2 extended the ternary system of SiC-Al 2 O 3 -Pr 2 O 3 into a quaternary system of SiC-Al 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -Pr 2 O 3 (Si-Al-Pr-O-C). SiC was compatible with Al 2 O 3 , Pr 2 O 3 and the Pr-silicates. The effect of SiO 2 on the phase relations and liquid phase sintering of SiC ceramics was discussed.

Thermodynamic database for the Co-Pr system.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, S H; Kramer, M J; Meng, F Q; McCallum, R W; Ott, R T

2016-03-01

In this article, we describe data on (1) compositions for both as-cast and heat treated specimens were summarized in Table 1; (2) the determined enthalpy of mixing of liquid phase is listed in Table 2; (3) thermodynamic database of the Co-Pr system in TDB format for the research articled entitle Chemical partitioning for the Co-Pr system: First-principles, experiments and energetic calculations to investigate the hard magnetic phase W.

O planejamento como prática do poder

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucas Maia dos Santos

2009-12-01

Full Text Available

Este texto visa apresentar uma leitura crítica acerca da prática de planejamento. Não é um esboço histórico, mas tão-somente uma interpretação do planejamento e como este está inserido na lógica de reprodução da sociedade capitalista. Argumenta para tanto que a prática de planejamento é realizada pela instituição estatal. Esta é um produto genuíno das sociedades de classes. O próprio estado tem como base social uma classe específica: a burocracia. Esta defende, dentro dos quadros da sociedade capitalista, os interesses gerais da burguesia, por mais que possa dentro de dadas circunstâncias sociais específicas opor-se a frações da burguesia, mas nunca aos interesses gerais de classe da burguesia. Defendemos que o poder é uma relação de dominação. Como tal, o planejamento é desta maneira uma manifestação da dominação de classe através da regulação do estado. A instituição estatal é desta forma responsável tanto por regularizar a prática do planejamento, quanto em muitos casos executar os planos ela própria. Assim, defende-se neste texto a necessidade de se superar as relações sociais que engendram o planejamento viabilizado pelo estado. Suprime-se assim o próprio planejamento.

S1P in HDL promotes interaction between SR-BI and S1PR1 and activates S1PR1-mediated biological functions: calcium flux and S1PR1 internalization.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Mi-Hye; Appleton, Kathryn M; El-Shewy, Hesham M; Sorci-Thomas, Mary G; Thomas, Michael J; Lopes-Virella, Maria F; Luttrell, Louis M; Hammad, Samar M; Klein, Richard L

2017-02-01

HDL normally transports about 50-70% of plasma sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and the S1P in HDL reportedly mediates several HDL-associated biological effects and signaling pathways. The HDL receptor, SR-BI, as well as the cell surface receptors for S1P (S1PRs) may be involved partially and/or completely in these HDL-induced processes. Here we investigate the nature of the HDL-stimulated interaction between the HDL receptor, SR-BI, and S1PR1 using a protein-fragment complementation assay and confocal microscopy. In both primary rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and HEK293 cells, the S1P content in HDL particles increased intracellular calcium concentration, which was mediated by S1PR1. Mechanistic studies performed in HEK293 cells showed that incubation of cells with HDL led to an increase in the physical interaction between the SR-BI and S1PR1 receptors that mainly occurred on the plasma membrane. Model recombinant HDL (rHDL) particles formed in vitro with S1P incorporated into the particle initiated the internalization of S1PR1, whereas rHDL without supplemented S1P did not, suggesting that S1P transported in HDL can selectively activate S1PR1. In conclusion, these data suggest that S1P in HDL stimulates the transient interaction between SR-BI and S1PRs that can activate S1PRs and induce an elevation in intracellular calcium concentration.

Crystal growth and scintillation properties of Pr-doped SrI2 single crystals

Science.gov (United States)

Yokota, Yuui; Ito, Tomoki; Yoshino, Masao; Yamaji, Akihiro; Ohashi, Yuji; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Kamada, Kei; Yoshikawa, Akira

2018-04-01

Pr-doped SrI2 (Pr:SrI2) single crystals with various Pr concentrations were grown by the halide-micro-pulling-down (H-μ-PD) method, and the scintillation properties were investigated. Pr1%:SrI2 single crystal with high transparency could be grown by the H-μ-PD method while Pr2, 3 and 5%:SrI2 single crystals included some cracks and opaque parts. In the photoluminescence spectrum of the Pr1%:SrI2 single crystal, an emission peak originated from the Pr3+ ion was observed around 435 nm while the radioluminescence spectra showed an emission peak around 535 nm for the undoped SrI2 and Pr:SrI2 single crystals. Light yields of Pr1, 2, 3 and 5%:SrI2 single crystals under γ-ray irradiation were 7700, 8700, 7200 and 6700 photons/MeV, respectively. Decay times of Pr1 and 2%:SrI2 single crystals under γ-ray irradiation were 55.9 and 35.0 ns of the fast decay component, and 435 and 408 ns of the slow decay component, respectively.

Conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas acerca da detecção do câncer de próstata Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas acerca de la detección del cáncer de próstata Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding the detection of prostate cancer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elenir Pereira de Paiva

2010-01-01

Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Analisar conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas em relação ao câncer de próstata de homens com idade entre 50 e 80 anos, adstritos à uma unidade do PSF no Município de Juiz de Fora - MG. MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional realizado por meio de inquérito domiciliar abrangendo amostra aleatória de 160 homens residentes em área adscrita desse programa. RESULTADOS: Da amostra, 69,4% eram casados, 88,8% tinham filhos, 86,3% informaram utilizar o PSF, 63,8% apresentaram conhecimento, 40,6% atitudes e 28,1% práticas adequadas. Os homens com conhecimento adequado tiveram prevalência 7,6 vezes (IC 95%=2,4-23,6 mais elevada de referir práticas adequadas. Aqueles com atitudes adequadas tiveram prevalência quase 2 vezes maior (RP=1,8; IC=1,1-3,0 de referir práticas adequadas. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo corrobora a prevenção e a detecção precoce, como estratégias básicas para o controle do câncer de próstata, e têm como requisito essencial um conjunto de atividades educativas constantes, persistentes e dinâmicas para os homens.OBJETIVO: Analizar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en relación al cáncer de próstata de hombres con edad entre 50 y 80 años, inscritos en la una unidad del PSF en el Municipio de Juiz de Fora - MG. MÉTODOS: Estudio seccional realizado por medio de encuesta domiciliar abarcando una muestra aleatoria de 160 hombres residentes en área adscrita a ese programa. RESULTADOS: De la muestra, 69,4% eran casados, 88,8% tenían hijos, 86,3% informaron utilizar el PSF, 63,8% presentaron conocimiento, 40,6% actitudes y 28,1% prácticas adecuadas. Los hombres con conocimiento adecuado tuvieron incidencia 7,6 veces (IC 95%=2,4-23,6 más elevada de referir prácticas adecuadas. Aquellos con actitudes adecuadas tuvieron incidencia casi 2 veces mayor (RP=1,8; IC=1,1-3,0 de referir prácticas adecuadas. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio corrobora la prevención y la detección precoz, como estrategias básicas para el control del c

Solid-state phase equilibria in the Fe-Pt-Pr ternary system at 1173 K

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ren Jing; Gu Zhengfei; Cheng Gang; Zhou Huaiying

2005-01-01

The solid-state phase equilibria in the Fe-Pt-Pr ternary system at 1173 K (Pr ≤ 70%) were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The 1173 K isothermal section consists of 13 single-phase regions, 22 two-phase regions and 10 three-phase regions. At 1173 K, we have observed that the maximum solid solubility of Pt in α-Fe is below 1.5 at.% and the solid solution region of Pt in γ-Fe is from 2 to 35 at.%; the maximum solid solubility of Fe in Pt is 18 at.%. The maximum solubility of Fe in PrPt 5 , PrPt 3 , PrPt 2 , Pr 3 Pt 4 , PrPt, Pr 3 Pt 2 and Pr 7 Pt 3 is below 1 at.%. The maximum solubility of Pr in α-(Fe, Pt), γ-(Fe, Pt), FePt, FePt 3 and (Pt, Fe) (the solid solution of Fe in Pt) is 6, 2, 4, 4.5 and 1.5 at.%, respectively. In this work, it is found that the phase Pr 3 Pt 4 does not exist in the ternary system. The binary compounds Fe 7 Pr and Fe 2 Pr and any new ternary compounds were not observed

Preferences for Long-Acting Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Daily Oral PrEP, or Condoms for HIV Prevention Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Science.gov (United States)

Greene, George J; Swann, Greg; Fought, Angela J; Carballo-Diéguez, Alex; Hope, Thomas J; Kiser, Patrick F; Mustanski, Brian; D'Aquila, Richard T

2017-05-01

HIV prevention method preferences were evaluated among 512 U.S. men who have sex with men (MSM; median age: 22 years). Approximately 90 % consistently preferred one option across pairwise comparisons of condoms, daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and long-acting PrEP delivered via either an injectable or one of two types of PrEP implants differing in visibility. Condoms were most frequently preferred (33.8 %), followed by non-visible implants (21.5 %), and oral PrEP (17.0 %); HIV risk was reported by more choosing implants. In a follow-up question comparing the four PrEP options only, daily oral pills and non-visible implants were most frequently preferred (35.5 and 34.3 %, respectively), followed by injections (25.2 %) and visible implants (4.3 %). An inductive, open-coding approach determined that convenience, duration of protection, and privacy were the most commonly cited reasons for a PrEP method choice, and associated with self-report of HIV risk. Tailoring PrEP product development to privacy and other concerns important to those at highest HIV risk may improve HIV prevention.

Case Studies in e-RPL and e-PR

Science.gov (United States)

Cameron, Roslyn; Miller, Allison

2014-01-01

The use of ePortfolios for recognition of prior learning (e-RPL) and for professional recognition (e-PR) is slowly gaining in popularity in the VET sector however their use is sporadic across educational sectors, disciplines, educational institutions and professions. Added to this is an array of purposes and types of e-RPL and e-PR models and…

Avaliação pré-anestésica e redução dos custos do preparo pré-operatório

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Márcia Rodrigues Neder Issa

2011-02-01

Full Text Available JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A avaliação pré-anestésica (APA é fundamental no preparo do paciente cirúrgico. Entre suas muitas vantagens, destaca-se a redução dos custos com o preparo pré-operatório. Embora estudos prévios tenham constatado esse benefício, não é certo que ele se aplique adequadamente em nosso meio. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os custos do preparo pré-operatório realizado pelo cirurgião com os custos estimados a partir da APA. Paralelamente, comparou-se a classificação do estado físico da American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA determinada pelo anestesiologista ou por outros especialistas. MÉTODO: Duzentos pacientes candidatos a procedimentos cirúrgicos ou diagnósticos eletivos, cujo preparo pré-operatório foi orientado pelo cirurgião, foram submetidos à APA após internação hospitalar. O anestesiologista determinou os exames complementares ou as consultas especializadas e necessárias a cada paciente. Foram comparados o número e os custos dos exames ou consultas indicados pelo anestesiologista com aqueles realizados no preparo pré-operatório. Comparou-se também a classificação da ASA determinada pelo anestesiologista ou pelo médico que realizou a consulta especializada. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.075 exames complementares realizados, 55,8% não estavam indicados, o que equivaleu a uma fração de 50,8% do custo total com exames. O anestesiologista considerou que 37 pacientes (18,5% não precisariam realizar exames. O custo do preparo orientado pelo cirurgião foi 25,11% maior do que o custo estimado a partir da avaliação pré-anestésica, sendo essa diferença estatisticamente significante (p < 0,01. Houve discordância na classificação da ASA em 9,3% dos pacientes avaliados pelo especialista. CONCLUSÕES: O preparo pré-operatório baseado na avaliação pré-anestésica criteriosa pode resultar em significativa redução dos custos quando comparado ao preparo orientado pelo cirurgi

Single-crystal FCC and DHCP phases in Ce/Pr superlattices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, S.; Goff, J.P.; Ward, R.C.C.; Wells, M.R.; McIntyre, G.J.

2002-01-01

Cerium usually comprises a mixture of polycrystalline FCC and DHCP allotropes. Single-crystal Ce has been stabilised in Ce/Pr superlattices grown using molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that FCC or DHCP phases can be obtained depending on superlattice composition and growth conditions. Low-temperature neutron scattering was performed on Ce/Pr samples using the triple-axis spectrometer D10 at the ILL. Such measurements revealed one sample, [Ce 20 Pr 20 ] 60 , to be a single crystal with a DHCP unit cell; while another, [Ce 30 Pr 10 ] 56 , was a mixture of FCC and DHCP phases. Antiferromagnetic ordering of magnetic moments was observed in the DHCP sample (T N =11.1 K) with a magnetic structure similar to that found in bulk β-Ce. Surprisingly, the magnetic ordering was found to be confined to single Ce blocks. Furthermore, it was found that, at low temperatures, the lattice contraction observed for bulk FCC Ce was suppressed in Ce/Pr superlattices. (orig.)

PR-etenduse osatäitjad / Kadri Bank, Kadri Jakobson

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Bank, Kadri

2011-01-01

Käsimüügiravimite vabaturule lubamise temaatika on ravimitootjate ja apteegikettide omanike vahel käivitanud PR-sõja. Ravimitootjate Liidu PR-kampaania avaürituseks oli käsimüügiravimite vabamüüki lubamise uuringu esitlus

RIZ Tumor Suppressor and Breast Cancer: The PR Domain

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Aznar-Derunes, Celine

2004-01-01

.... RIZ is the founding member of the PR-domain family of zinc finger genes. Two protein products are produced from the RIZ gene which differ by the presence or the absence of the PR domain : RIZ1 and RIZ2...

Specific heat of filled skutterudite PrOs4P12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuhira, Kazuyuki; Doi, Yoshihiro; Wakeshima, Makoto; Hinatsu, Yukio; Kihou, Kunihiro; Sekine, Chihiro; Shirotani, Ichimin

2005-01-01

We report the specific heat of filled skutterudite compounds PrOs 4 P 12 and LaOs 4 P 12 down to 1.8K. The specific heat divided by temperature C(T)/T in PrOs 4 P 12 shows a shoulder around 13K. This shoulder is caused by a Schottky anomaly due to a crystalline electric field effect. The electronic specific heat coefficients γ of PrOs 4 P 12 and LaOs 4 P 12 are estimated to be 56.5 and 21.6mJ/K 2 mol, respectively. The value of γ in PrOs 4 P 12 is 2.6 times larger than that in LaOs 4 P 12

Comprensión lectora : prácticas de Psicología

OpenAIRE

Manuel de los Bueis, José Manuel

2011-01-01

Prácticas en la especialidad de Psicología de la educación, realizadas en gabinete privado. Taller de comprensión lectora. Se describen algunas tareas llevadas a cabo en las prácticas: entrevistas, taller de comprensión lectora, evaluación, supervisión. Pràctiques en l'especialitat de Psicologia de l'educació, realitzades en gabinet privat. Taller de comprensió lectora. Es descriuen algunes tasques portades a terme en les pràctiques: entrevistes, taller de comprensió lectora, avaluació, su...

Assessment of the PrPc Amino-Terminal Domain in Prion Species Barriers.

Science.gov (United States)

Davenport, Kristen A; Henderson, Davin M; Mathiason, Candace K; Hoover, Edward A

2016-12-01

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle are prion diseases that are caused by the same protein-misfolding mechanism, but they appear to pose different risks to humans. We are interested in understanding the differences between the species barriers of CWD and BSE. We used real-time, quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to model the central molecular event in prion disease, the templated misfolding of the normal prion protein, PrP c , to a pathogenic, amyloid isoform, scrapie prion protein, PrP Sc We examined the role of the PrP c amino-terminal domain (N-terminal domain [NTD], amino acids [aa] 23 to 90) in cross-species conversion by comparing the conversion efficiency of various prion seeds in either full-length (aa 23 to 231) or truncated (aa 90 to 231) PrP c We demonstrate that the presence of white-tailed deer and bovine NTDs hindered seeded conversion of PrP c , but human and bank vole NTDs did the opposite. Additionally, full-length human and bank vole PrP c s were more likely to be converted to amyloid by CWD prions than were their truncated forms. A chimera with replacement of the human NTD by the bovine NTD resembled human PrP c The requirement for an NTD, but not for the specific human sequence, suggests that the NTD interacts with other regions of the human PrP c to increase promiscuity. These data contribute to the evidence that, in addition to primary sequence, prion species barriers are controlled by interactions of the substrate NTD with the rest of the substrate PrP c molecule. We demonstrate that the amino-terminal domain of the normal prion protein, PrP c , hinders seeded conversion of bovine and white-tailed deer PrP c s to the prion forms, but it facilitates conversion of the human and bank vole PrP c s to the prion forms. Additionally, we demonstrate that the amino-terminal domain of human and bank vole PrP c s requires interaction with the rest of the molecule to facilitate conversion by CWD

On the dimorphism of Pr{sub 6}Mo{sub 10}O{sub 39}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rudolph, Daniel; Laufer, Sonja; Hartenbach, Ingo [Stuttgart Univ. (Germany). Inst. for Inorganic Chemistry

2017-07-01

Attempts to synthesize Pr{sub 4}Mo{sub 7}O{sub 27} using Pr, Pr{sub 6}O{sub 11} and MoO{sub 3} in a molar ratio of 8:6:77 led to a main product of scheelite-type Pr{sub 0.667}[MoO{sub 4}] and few single crystals of the triclinic A-type Pr{sub 6}Mo{sub 10}O{sub 39}. The latter crystallizes in space group P anti 1 (a=945.25(1), b=1058.49(2), c=1815.16(3) pm; α=104.149(1), β=95.220(1), γ=102.617(1) , Z=2). Its crystal structure comprises six crystallographically independent Pr{sup 3+} cations, eight tetrahedral [MoO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} units, and one [Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}]{sup 2-} entity. The cations display coordination numbers of seven (1 x) and eight (5 x), while the [MoO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} tetrahedra are surrounded by five Pr{sup 3+} cations each. The [Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}]{sup 2-} anions exhibit a coordination environment of seven Pr{sup 3+} cations. The attempt to synthesize PrF[MoO{sub 4}] using PrOF (from in situ thermal decomposition of PrF[CO{sub 3}]) as reagent did not lead to the desired product but to monoclinic B-type Pr{sub 6}Mo{sub 10}O{sub 39}. This slightly less dense modification compared to its triclinic analogue crystallizes in space group C2/c (a=1247.93(3), b=1989.68(6), c=1392.52 (4) pm, β=100.505(2) , Z=4) with three crystallographically independent Pr{sup 3+} cations, four [MoO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} tetrahedra, and again one [Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}]{sup 2-} unit in the crystal structure. Thus, both Pr{sub 6}Mo{sub 10}O{sub 39} modifications are better described with the structured formula Pr{sub 6}[MoO{sub 4}]{sub 8}[Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}]. The coordination numbers around the Pr{sup 3+} cations are seven (1 x) and eight (2 x) while all four [MoO{sub 4}]{sup 2-} anions are again surrounded by five Pr{sup 3+} cations each. Six of the latter represent the coordination environment around the [Mo{sub 2}O{sub 7}]{sup 2-} entities. Besides the thorough comparison of the crystal structures single crystal Raman spectra were recorded for both Pr{sub 6}Mo{sub 10}O{sub 39

Incommensurate magnetism in PrBa2Cu3O6.92

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hill, J.P.; Boothroyd, A.T.; Andersen, N.H.

1998-01-01

We report resonant x-ray magnetic scattering and high-resolution neutron-diffraction studies of the Pr site magnetism in high quality single crystals of PrBa2Cu3O6.92. These studies reveal that the Pr sublattice orders at 19 K in a well correlated, long period incommensurate structure with probable...

S1P in HDL promotes interaction between SR-BI and S1PR1 and activates S1PR1-mediated biological functions: calcium flux and S1PR1 internalization[S

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Mi-Hye; Appleton, Kathryn M.; El-Shewy, Hesham M.; Sorci-Thomas, Mary G.; Thomas, Michael J.; Lopes-Virella, Maria F.; Luttrell, Louis M.; Hammad, Samar M.; Klein, Richard L.

2017-01-01

HDL normally transports about 50–70% of plasma sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), and the S1P in HDL reportedly mediates several HDL-associated biological effects and signaling pathways. The HDL receptor, SR-BI, as well as the cell surface receptors for S1P (S1PRs) may be involved partially and/or completely in these HDL-induced processes. Here we investigate the nature of the HDL-stimulated interaction between the HDL receptor, SR-BI, and S1PR1 using a protein-fragment complementation assay and confocal microscopy. In both primary rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells and HEK293 cells, the S1P content in HDL particles increased intracellular calcium concentration, which was mediated by S1PR1. Mechanistic studies performed in HEK293 cells showed that incubation of cells with HDL led to an increase in the physical interaction between the SR-BI and S1PR1 receptors that mainly occurred on the plasma membrane. Model recombinant HDL (rHDL) particles formed in vitro with S1P incorporated into the particle initiated the internalization of S1PR1, whereas rHDL without supplemented S1P did not, suggesting that S1P transported in HDL can selectively activate S1PR1. In conclusion, these data suggest that S1P in HDL stimulates the transient interaction between SR-BI and S1PRs that can activate S1PRs and induce an elevation in intracellular calcium concentration. PMID:27881715

75 FR 2165 - Puerto Rico Disaster No. PR-00007

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-14

... SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration Nos. 12004 and 12005; Puerto Rico Disaster No. PR-00007] Puerto Rico Disaster No. PR-00007 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the Commonwealth of...

Unraveling Prion Protein Interactions with Aptamers and Other PrP-Binding Nucleic Acids.

Science.gov (United States)

Macedo, Bruno; Cordeiro, Yraima

2017-05-17

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that affect humans and other mammals. The etiologic agents common to these diseases are misfolded conformations of the prion protein (PrP). The molecular mechanisms that trigger the structural conversion of the normal cellular PrP (PrP C ) into the pathogenic conformer (PrP Sc ) are still poorly understood. It is proposed that a molecular cofactor would act as a catalyst, lowering the activation energy of the conversion process, therefore favoring the transition of PrP C to PrP Sc . Several in vitro studies have described physical interactions between PrP and different classes of molecules, which might play a role in either PrP physiology or pathology. Among these molecules, nucleic acids (NAs) are highlighted as potential PrP molecular partners. In this context, the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) methodology has proven extremely valuable to investigate PrP-NA interactions, due to its ability to select small nucleic acids, also termed aptamers, that bind PrP with high affinity and specificity. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can be folded into a wide range of structures (from harpins to G-quadruplexes). They are selected from a nucleic acid pool containing a large number (10 14 -10 16 ) of random sequences of the same size (~20-100 bases). Aptamers stand out because of their potential ability to bind with different affinities to distinct conformations of the same protein target. Therefore, the identification of high-affinity and selective PrP ligands may aid the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools for TSEs. This review will focus on the selection of aptamers targeted against either full-length or truncated forms of PrP, discussing the implications that result from interactions of PrP with NAs, and their potential advances in the studies of prions. We will also provide a critical evaluation

Parimad suhtekorraldusteod konkursil Baltic PR Awards

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

2012-01-01

Balti riikide suhtekorraldusliidud koostöös Rahvusvahelise Avalike Suhete Assotsiatsiooniga (IPRA) korraldavad 2001. aastast iga aasta kommunikatsioonijuhtimisalast auhinnakonkurssi Baltic PR Awards

Relação docente-discente em Enfermagem e problemas na formação para o Sistema Único de Saúde Relación docente-discente en Enfermería y problemas en la formación para el Sistema Único de Salud Nursing faculty-student relationship and issues in the education of nurses for the Brazilian Universal Healthcare System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rodrigo Otávio Moretti-Pires

2009-10-01

Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Investigar o processo ensino-aprendizado em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior da Região Norte do Brasil, com relação ao modelo pedagógico e a formação do enfermeiro para o Sistema Único de Saúde/ Programa de Saúde da Família (SUS/PSF. METODOS: Grupo focal e entrevistas individuais semi-estruturadas, com seis discentes do último período do curso investigado, analisadas através do marco teórico freireano e literatura do SUS/PSF, por hermenêutica dialética. RESULTADOS: Verticalidade na relação entre docentes e discentes, com falta de autonomia e silenciamento dos alunos, além de falta de articulação entre ensino e a prática do SUS/PSF. CONCLUSÃO: Há necessidade de reorientação do ensino em Enfermagem no curso investigado.OBJETIVO: Investigar el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje en una Institución de Enseñanza Superior de la Región Norte del Brasil, con relación al modelo pedagógico y la formación del enfermero para el Sistema Único de Salud/ Programa de Salud de la Familia (SUS/PSF. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron Grupo focal y entrevistas individuales semi-estructuradas, con seis discentes del último período de la Institución investigada, cuyos datos fueron analizados a través del marco teórico freireano y literatura del SUS/PSF, por hermenéutica dialéctica RESULTADOS: Verticalidad en la relación entre docentes y discentes, con falta de autonomía y silenciamiento de los alumnos, además de falta de articulación entre enseñanza y práctica del SUS/PSF. CONCLUSIÓN: Hay necesidad de reorientación de la enseñanza en Enfermería en la Institución investigada.OBJECTIVE: To describe the teaching and learning process of a pedagogical model to educate nurses for the Brazilian universal health care system / family health program (UHS/FHP in use at a higher education institution in the north of Brazil. METHODS: Focus groups and individualized semi-structured interviews with 6 senior nursing students were used

Ansiedade estado pré-competitiva em atletas de voleibol infanto-juvenis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thais do Amaral MACHADO

Full Text Available Resumo Compreender a relação entre ansiedade-estado pré-competitiva e desempenho esportivo se constitui em importante meio para ajudar os esportistas a diagnosticar e controlar emoções. O presente estudo pretendeu: a comparar o nível de ansiedade pré-competitiva entre atletas homens e mulheres, das equipes finalistas da Taça Paraná de Voleibol 2011; b comparar os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva entre as equipes campeã e vice-campeã masculina, bem como entre as equipes campeã e vice-campeã feminina; c comparar os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva dos atletas titulares e reservas, para as equipes de ambos os sexos; d verificar a relação entre os níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva e o tempo de prática dos atletas das equipes masculinas, bem como das equipes femininas. Participaram do estudo quatro equipes infanto-juvenis, finalistas da Taça Paraná 2011, totalizando 24 atletas do sexo feminino e 23 do sexo masculino (idade 16,16 ± 0,34 anos e tempo de prática (4,97 ± 1,99 anos. Para avaliar a ansiedade pré-competitiva, utilizou-se o instrumento CSAI-2. As coletas ocorreram 30 minutos antes do início dos jogos finais. De forma geral, as equipes finalistas apresentaram níveis de ansiedade geral pré-competitiva similares, embora tenham sido encontradas diferenças significativas entre atletas mulheres titulares e reservas em relação à autoconfiança, sendo que as titulares apresentaram médias mais elevadas neste aspecto.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la prueba de Papanicolaou

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fernando Bazán

2007-03-01

Full Text Available Objetivos: Determinar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas con respecto a la prueba de Papanicolaou (Pap; hallar la asociación entre la edad y grado de instrucción frente a dichas variables y describir las características sobre la práctica periódica del Pap. Diseño: Analítico y transversal. Lugar: Hospital Nacional Docente Madre-Niño ‘San Bartolomé’. Pacientes: Mujeres en edad fértil de consultorios externos. Intervenciones: Cuestionario estructurado, auto-desarrollado, durante noviembre-2005 a enero-2006. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó: X2, t student, Anova y OR. Principales medidas de resultados: Nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en mujeres sobre el Pap, y asociaciones y características sobre su práctica periódica. Resultados: De 501 encuestadas, en 63% se encontró nivel bajo de conocimiento, en 66% una actitud desfavorable y en 71% una práctica incorrecta sobre la prueba de Papanicolaou; se obtuvo un OR = 1,45 (IC = 0,98 a 2,16 entre el nivel de conocimiento y la práctica correcta; la difusión por los medios de comunicación sobre el Pap fue 6,2% y la mayor barrera para no tener una práctica periódica del Pap fue el género masculino del ejecutor (34,2%. Conclusiones: Los niveles de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas, en nuestra población, son bajos. El mayor nivel de conocimiento no está relacionado con la práctica correcta del Pap. Existe poca difusión sobre el Pap por los medios de comunicación y las limitantes a que las mujeres se tomen el Pap son principalmente psicológicas.

Computational identification of novel PR-1-type genes in Oryza sativa

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Figure 3 shows a phylogenetic tree of PR-1 amino acid se- quences. In this tree, PR-1 proteins in Arabidopsis, tobacco, pepper, maize, wheat and barley were selected as reference data. In addition, the Schizophyllum commune PR-1 protein. (pSc7) was used as the outgroup sequence. The phylogenetic tree shows that ...

Who Will Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Why?: Understanding PrEP Awareness and Acceptability amongst Men Who Have Sex with Men in the UK--A Mixed Methods Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Frankis, Jamie; Young, Ingrid; Flowers, Paul; McDaid, Lisa

2016-01-01

Recent clinical trials suggest that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce HIV transmission by up to 86% for men who have sex with men (MSM), whilst relatively high levels of PrEP acceptability have been reported to date. This study examines PrEP awareness amongst sub-groups of MSM communities and acceptability amongst MSM in a low prevalence region (Scotland, UK), using a mixed methods design. Quantitative surveys of n = 690 MSM recruited online via social and sociosexual media were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. In addition, n = 10 in-depth qualitative interviews with MSM were analysed thematically. Under one third (29.7%) of MSM had heard of PrEP, with awareness related to living in large cities, degree level education, commercial gay scene use and reporting an HIV test in the last year. Just under half of participants (47.8%) were likely to use PrEP if it were available but there was no relationship between PrEP acceptability and previous PrEP awareness. Younger men (18-25 years) and those who report higher risk UAI were significantly more likely to say they would use PrEP. Qualitative data described specific PrEP scenarios, illustrating how risk, patterns of sexual practice and social relationships could affect motivation for and nature of PrEP use. These findings suggest substantial interest PrEP amongst MSM reporting HIV risk behaviours in Scotland. Given the Proud results, there is a strong case to investigate PrEP implementation within the UK. However, it appears that disparities in awareness have already emerged along traditional indicators of inequality. Our research identifies the need for comprehensive support when PrEP is introduced, including a key online component, to ensure equity of awareness across diverse MSM communities (e.g. by geography, education, gay scene use and HIV proximity), as well as to responding to the diverse informational and sexual health needs of all MSM communities.

Who Will Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP and Why?: Understanding PrEP Awareness and Acceptability amongst Men Who Have Sex with Men in the UK--A Mixed Methods Study.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jamie Frankis

Full Text Available Recent clinical trials suggest that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP may reduce HIV transmission by up to 86% for men who have sex with men (MSM, whilst relatively high levels of PrEP acceptability have been reported to date. This study examines PrEP awareness amongst sub-groups of MSM communities and acceptability amongst MSM in a low prevalence region (Scotland, UK, using a mixed methods design.Quantitative surveys of n = 690 MSM recruited online via social and sociosexual media were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. In addition, n = 10 in-depth qualitative interviews with MSM were analysed thematically.Under one third (29.7% of MSM had heard of PrEP, with awareness related to living in large cities, degree level education, commercial gay scene use and reporting an HIV test in the last year. Just under half of participants (47.8% were likely to use PrEP if it were available but there was no relationship between PrEP acceptability and previous PrEP awareness. Younger men (18-25 years and those who report higher risk UAI were significantly more likely to say they would use PrEP. Qualitative data described specific PrEP scenarios, illustrating how risk, patterns of sexual practice and social relationships could affect motivation for and nature of PrEP use.These findings suggest substantial interest PrEP amongst MSM reporting HIV risk behaviours in Scotland. Given the Proud results, there is a strong case to investigate PrEP implementation within the UK. However, it appears that disparities in awareness have already emerged along traditional indicators of inequality. Our research identifies the need for comprehensive support when PrEP is introduced, including a key online component, to ensure equity of awareness across diverse MSM communities (e.g. by geography, education, gay scene use and HIV proximity, as well as to responding to the diverse informational and sexual health needs of all MSM communities.

Gestación y prácticas de cuidado

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ELIZABETH ARÉVALO SÁNCHEZ

2007-12-01

Full Text Available La presente investigación tiene como objetivo valorar las prácticas de cuidado que realizan, consigo mismas y con el hijo por nacer, 150 gestantes que asisten al Centro Operativo Local Engativá, inscritas en el proyecto 7317: "Familias gestantes: bebés sanos y deseados del Departamento Administrativo de Bienestar Social", utilizando una metodología cuantitativa y descriptiva. Se aplicó el "Instrumento para valorar las prácticas de cuidado que realizan consigo mismas y con el hijo por nacer las mujeres en la etapa prenatal", desarrollado por enfermeras investigadoras de la Facultad de Enfermería de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1, y los datos se analizaron de manera descriptiva por medio de frecuencias y porcentajes. Los resultados se obtuvieron mediante el análisis de seis dimensiones que forman el instrumento donde se identifican y caracterizan las prácticas de cuidado. Se concluye que en el grupo de gestantes hay una regular práctica de cuidado en las dimensiones de: estimulación prenatal (56,67%, ejercicio y descanso (78%, alimentación (82,67% y buena práctica de cuidado en higiene y cuidados personales (88%, sistemas de apoyo (82% y sustancias no beneficiosas (78,67%.

Sialic Acid on the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor Regulates PrP-mediated Cell Signaling and Prion Formation.

Science.gov (United States)

Bate, Clive; Nolan, William; Williams, Alun

2016-01-01

The prion diseases occur following the conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into disease-related isoforms (PrP(Sc)). In this study, the role of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor attached to PrP(C) in prion formation was examined using a cell painting technique. PrP(Sc) formation in two prion-infected neuronal cell lines (ScGT1 and ScN2a cells) and in scrapie-infected primary cortical neurons was increased following the introduction of PrP(C). In contrast, PrP(C) containing a GPI anchor from which the sialic acid had been removed (desialylated PrP(C)) was not converted to PrP(Sc). Furthermore, the presence of desialylated PrP(C) inhibited the production of PrP(Sc) within prion-infected cortical neurons and ScGT1 and ScN2a cells. The membrane rafts surrounding desialylated PrP(C) contained greater amounts of sialylated gangliosides and cholesterol than membrane rafts surrounding PrP(C). Desialylated PrP(C) was less sensitive to cholesterol depletion than PrP(C) and was not released from cells by treatment with glimepiride. The presence of desialylated PrP(C) in neurons caused the dissociation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 from PrP-containing membrane rafts and reduced the activation of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2. These findings show that the sialic acid moiety of the GPI attached to PrP(C) modifies local membrane microenvironments that are important in PrP-mediated cell signaling and PrP(Sc) formation. These results suggest that pharmacological modification of GPI glycosylation might constitute a novel therapeutic approach to prion diseases. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

PrB{sub 7}{sup -}. A praseodymium-doped boron cluster with a Pr{sup II} center coordinated by a doubly aromatic planar η{sup 7}-B{sub 7}{sup 3-} ligand

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, Teng-Teng; Jian, Tian; Wang, Lai-Sheng [Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI (United States); Li, Wan-Lu; Chen, Xin; Li, Jun [Department of Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Organic Optoelectronics and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing (China)

2017-06-06

The structure and bonding of a Pr-doped boron cluster (PrB{sub 7}{sup -}) are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry. The adiabatic electron detachment energy of PrB{sub 7}{sup -} is found to be low [1.47(8) eV]. A large energy gap is observed between the first and second detachment features, indicating a highly stable neutral PrB{sub 7}. Global minimum searches and comparison between experiment and theory show that PrB{sub 7}{sup -} has a half-sandwich structure with C{sub 6v} symmetry. Chemical bonding analyses show that PrB{sub 7}{sup -} can be viewed as a Pr{sup II}[η{sup 7}-B{sub 7}{sup 3-}] complex with three unpaired electrons, corresponding to a Pr (4f{sup 2}6s{sup 1}) open-shell configuration. Upon detachment of the 6s electron, the neutral PrB{sub 7} cluster is a highly stable Pr{sup III}[η{sup 7}-B{sub 7}{sup 3-}] complex with Pr in its favorite +3 oxidation state. The B{sub 7}{sup 3-} ligand is found to be highly stable and doubly aromatic with six delocalized π and six delocalized σ electrons and should exist for a series of lanthanide M{sup III}[η{sup 7}-B{sub 7}{sup 3-}] complexes. (copyright 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Predicting QRS and PR interval prolongations in humans using nonclinical data.

Science.gov (United States)

Bergenholm, L; Parkinson, J; Mettetal, J; Evans, N D; Chappell, M J; Collins, T

2017-10-01

Risk of cardiac conduction slowing (QRS/PR prolongations) is assessed prior to clinical trials using in vitro and in vivo studies. Understanding the quantitative translation of these studies to the clinical situation enables improved risk assessment in the nonclinical phase. Four compounds that prolong QRS and/or PR (AZD1305, flecainide, quinidine and verapamil) were characterized using in vitro (sodium/calcium channels), in vivo (guinea pigs/dogs) and clinical data. Concentration-matched translational relationships were developed based on in vitro and in vivo modelling, and the in vitro to clinical translation of AZD1305 was quantified using an in vitro model. Meaningful (10%) human QRS/PR effects correlated with low levels of in vitro Na v 1.5 block (3-7%) and Ca v 1.2 binding (13-21%) for all compounds. The in vitro model developed using AZD1305 successfully predicted QRS/PR effects for the remaining drugs. Meaningful QRS/PR changes in humans correlated with small effects in guinea pigs and dogs (QRS 2.3-4.6% and PR 2.3-10%), suggesting that worst-case human effects can be predicted by assuming four times greater effects at the same concentration from dog/guinea pig data. Small changes in vitro and in vivo consistently translated to meaningful PR/QRS changes in humans across compounds. Assuming broad applicability of these approaches to assess cardiovascular safety risk for non-arrhythmic drugs, this study provides a means of predicting human QRS/PR effects of new drugs from effects observed in nonclinical studies. © 2017 The British Pharmacological Society.

Green and red luminescence in co-precipitation synthesized Pr:LuAG nanophosphor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, S. Arun; Kumar, K. Ashok; Gunaseelan, M.; Senthilselvan, J., E-mail: jsselvan@hotmail.com [Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai–600 025, Tamil Nadu (India); Asokan, K. [Materials Science Group, Inter University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi-110067 (India)

2016-05-06

Pr:LuAG nanophosphor is an effective candidate in magnetic resonance imaging coupled positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) for medical imaging and scintillator applications. LuAG:Pr (0.05, 0.15 mol%) nanoscale ceramic powders were synthesized by co-precipitation method using urea as precipitant. Effect of antisite defect on structure and luminescence behavior was investigated. Pr:LuAG nanoceramic powders are found crystallized in cubic structure by high temperature calcination at 1400 °C and it shows antisite defect. HR-SEM analysis revealed spherically shaped Pr:LuAG nanoceramic particulate powders with ∼100 nm size. By the excitation at 450 nm, Pr:LuAG nanophosphor exhibit green to red luminescence in the wavelength range of 520 to 680 nm, which is originated from multiplet transition of Pr{sup 3+} ions.

Ubiquitin Ligase gp78 Targets Unglycosylated Prion Protein PrP for Ubiquitylation and Degradation

OpenAIRE

Shao, Jia; Choe, Vitnary; Cheng, Haili; Tsai, Yien Che; Weissman, Allan M.; Luo, Shiwen; Rao, Hai

2014-01-01

Prion protein PrP is a central player in several devastating neurodegenerative disorders, including mad cow disease and Creutzfeltd-Jacob disease. Conformational alteration of PrP into an aggregation-prone infectious form PrPSc can trigger pathogenic events. How levels of PrP are regulated is poorly understood. Human PrP is known to be degraded by the proteasome, but the specific proteolytic pathway responsible for PrP destruction remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the ubiquitin ligas...

Boosted protease inhibitors and the electrocardiographic measures of QT and PR durations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Soliman, Elsayed Z; Lundgren, Jens D; Roediger, Mollie P

2011-01-01

There are contradictory reports regarding the effects of protease inhibitors on the ECG measures of QT and PR interval durations. The effect of interrupting use of protease inhibitors on QT and PR progression is also unknown.......There are contradictory reports regarding the effects of protease inhibitors on the ECG measures of QT and PR interval durations. The effect of interrupting use of protease inhibitors on QT and PR progression is also unknown....

Farmakologisk behandling af præmatur ejakulation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kuhlmann, Ida Berglund; Hedegaard, Ulla; Christensen, Mette Marie H

2017-01-01

Forfatterne anbefaler lokalanæstesi med lidokain og/eller prilokain som førstevalg. Andet valg til behandling vil være dapoxetin, som er en korttidsvirkende SSRI med indikationen præmatur ejakulation. Som tredje valg kan overvejes SSRI'et sertralin......Forfatterne anbefaler lokalanæstesi med lidokain og/eller prilokain som førstevalg. Andet valg til behandling vil være dapoxetin, som er en korttidsvirkende SSRI med indikationen præmatur ejakulation. Som tredje valg kan overvejes SSRI'et sertralin...

Role of PR-Interval In Predicting the Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bidstrup, Signe Brøker; Salling Olesen, Morten; Hastrup Svendsen, Jesper

2013-01-01

The identification of individuals at high risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) is important to prevent potentially lethal and invalidating complications of this arrhythmia. Recently, several studies have investigated the association between PR-interval and the risk of AF and have tested...... the value of PR-interval in personalized risk scores for AF. However, the results of these studies are generally conflicting. When looking for an association between a prolonged PR-interval (first-degree atrioventricular [AV] block vs. normal PR-interval) and an increased risk of AF, not all studies were...... able to find a consistent and statistically significant association. In two recent studies, however, the investigators were able to show an increased risk of AF for individuals with PR-intervals in the short range compared with individuals in the middle range. The existence of a true U...

PrEP in Europe - expectations, opportunities and barriers.

Science.gov (United States)

McCormack, Sheena Mary; Noseda, Veronica; Molina, Jean-Michel

2016-01-01

In contrast to the global trend showing a decline in new HIV infections, the number reported in the World Health Organization (WHO) region of Europe is increasing. Health systems are disparate, but even countries with free access to screening and treatment observe continuing high rates of new infections in key populations, notably men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is only available in France. This commentary describes the European epidemics and healthcare settings where PrEP could be delivered, how need might be estimated for MSM and the residual barriers to access. Health systems and government commitment to HIV prevention and care, both financial and political, differ considerably between the countries that make up Europe. A common feature is that funds for prevention are a small fraction of funds for care. Although care is generally good, access is limited in the middle-income countries of Eastern Europe and central Asia, and only 19% of people living with HIV received antiretroviral therapy in 2014. It is challenging to motivate governments or civil society to implement PrEP in the context of this unmet treatment need, which is driven by limited national health budgets and diminishing assistance from foreign aid. The high-income countries of Western Europe have hesitated to embrace PrEP for different reasons, initially due to key gaps in the evidence. Now that PrEP has been shown to be highly effective in European MSM in two randomized controlled trials, it is clear that the major barrier is the cost of the drug which is still on patent, although inadequate health systems and diminishing investment in civil society are also key challenges to overcome. The momentum to implement PrEP in European countries is increasing and provides a welcome opportunity to expand and improve clinical services and civil society support focused on HIV and related infections including other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.

Comparison between TRMM PR and

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

A comparison between TRMM PR rainfall estimates and rain gauge data from ANEEL and com- bined gauge/satellite ..... correctly the of the south Atlantic convergence ..... vapor, snow cover, and sea ice derived from SSM/I mea- surements ...

EI/DSD : ejercicio práctico 1, febrero 2013

OpenAIRE

Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

2013-01-01

Exercici pràctic 1 (EP1)d'estructura de la informació, disseny d'estructures de dades. Ejercicio práctico 1 (EP1) de estructura de la información, diseño de estructuras de datos. Exercise 1 (EP1) about information structure, data structure design.

EI/DSD : exercici pràctic 1, febrer 2013

OpenAIRE

Blasco Planesas, Jordi

2013-01-01

Exercici pràctic 1 (EP1)d'estructura de la informació, disseny d'estructures de dades. Ejercicio práctico 1 (EP1) de estructura de la información, diseño de estructuras de datos. Exercise 1 (EP1) about information structure, data structure design.

Electronic structure of Pr doped into superconducting Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O ceramics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Egorov, A.I.; Karazhanova, G.I.; Smirnov, Yu.P.; Sovestnov, A.E.; Tyunis, A.V.; Shaburov, V.A.

1992-07-01

The shift of K α 1 and K β 1 X-ray lines of Pr in HTS-ceramic Bi 1.7 Pb 0.3 Sr 2-x Pr x Ca 2 Cu 3 O y (0,10≤x≤0,50, refer to PrF 3 ) are measured experimentally. The valence m(x), the charge q(x) and the 4f(x)-, 5d(x)-levels population of Pr are determined from experimental shifts. It is found that the Pr valence is near 3; the small valence increasing m≅3,04 at x=0,1 is observed. The small of Pr 5d-electron localization in ceramics in comparison with PrF 3 is revealed (∼0,1-0,2 5d-electron per Pr-atom). The probable cause of the superconductivity suppression in Y 1-x Pr xB a 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ system is discussed. 26 refs.; 6 figs.; 1 tab

CD36 participates in PrP(106-126-induced activation of microglia.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammed Kouadir

Full Text Available Microglial activation is a characteristic feature of the pathogenesis of prion diseases. The molecular mechanisms that underlie prion-induced microglial activation are not very well understood. In the present study, we investigated the role of the class B scavenger receptor CD36 in microglial activation induced by neurotoxic prion protein (PrP fragment 106-126 (PrP(106-126. We first examined the time course of CD36 mRNA expression upon exposure to PrP(106-126 in BV2 microglia. We then analyzed different parameters of microglial activation in PrP(106-126-treated cells in the presence or not of anti-CD36 monoclonal antibody (mAb. The cells were first incubated for 1 h with CD36 monoclonal antibody to block the CD36 receptor, and were then treated with neurotoxic prion peptides PrP(106-126. The results showed that PrP(106-126 treatment led to a rapid yet transitory increase in the mRNA expression of CD36, upregulated mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, increased iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO production, stimulated the activation of NF-κB and caspase-1, and elevated Fyn activity. The blockade of CD36 had no effect on PrP(106-126-stimulated NF-κB activation and TNF-α protein release, abrogated the PrP(106-126-induced iNOS stimulation, downregulated IL-1β and IL-6 expression at both mRNA and protein levels as well as TNF-α mRNA expression, decreased NO production and Fyn phosphorylation, reduced caspase-1 cleavage induced by moderate PrP(106-126-treatment, but had no effect on caspase-1 activation after treatment with a high concentration of PrP(106-126. Together, these results suggest that CD36 is involved in PrP(106-126-induced microglial activation and that the participation of CD36 in the interaction between PrP(106-126 and microglia may be mediated by Src tyrosine kinases. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the activation of microglia by neurotoxic prion peptides

Atividade antibacteriana in vitro da própolis marrom

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria F.F. Gomes

2016-04-01

Full Text Available Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antibacteriana in vitro da própolis marrom, por meio da determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM. O extrato alcoólico de própolis foi obtido de 35 g de própolis bruta macerada em 65 mL de álcool de cereais. As concentrações do extrato de própolis usadas foram: 75mg/mL; 56,4mg/mL; 37,5mg/mL; 18,9mg/mL; 9,3mg/mL; 4,5mg/mL e 2,25mg/mL. Foram utilizados 32 isolados de bactérias Gram-positivas: Rhodococcus equi, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus spp. e Streptococcus spp., e 32 isolados de bactérias Gram-negativas: Enterobacter agglomerans, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella spp. e Serratia rubidaea, provenientes de processos clínicos infecciosos de animais domésticos, obtidas e armazenadas no Laboratório de Bacteriologia da FAMEZ/UFMS. O extrato de própolis marrom apresentou atividade antimicrobiana com CIM variando de 2,25 a 18,9mg/mL para as bactérias Gram-positivas e 4,5 a 18,9mg/mL para as bactérias Gram-negativas, sendo as bactérias provenientes de bovinos e caninos as mais resistentes. Conclui-se que a própolis marrom tem ação bactericida, em função da espécie da bactéria e da procedência animal.

Synthesis and growth of single crystals of PrCl3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pei, Jen Shieh.

1984-01-01

An efficient method for growth of high optical quality single crystals of PrCl 3 . The method consists in careful drying of the hydrated chloride, PrCl 3 . 7H 2 O, with a protective atmosphere of anhydrous HCl and Ar. A subsequent growth was done by the zone melting technique. The hydrated chloride had prepared from dissolution of the oxide Pr 6 O 11 in hydrochloric acid. The grown crystals had characterized fluorescence and x-ray diffraction measurements. (Author) [pt

PrEP implementation: moving from trials to policy and practice.

Science.gov (United States)

Cáceres, Carlos F; O'Reilly, Kevin R; Mayer, Kenneth H; Baggaley, Rachel

2015-01-01

It is increasingly clear that the HIV response will not be sustainable if the number of infections is not significantly reduced. For two decades, research has been ongoing to identify new behavioural and biomedical strategies to prevent HIV infection. In the past few years, the efficacy of several new strategies has been demonstrated, including oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP; i.e. daily use of tenofovir/emtricitabine). Because several social, political and logistic barriers remain, however, optimal PrEP implementation will require a better dissemination of new evidence in a number of areas and additional implementation research from various disciplinary perspectives (i.e. social science, policy and ethics; health systems; and economics, including cost-effectiveness studies). Discussion of new evidence on those topics, as well as case studies of potential PrEP implementation in diverse environments, can improve the understanding of the role that PrEP may play in addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.In light of these needs, the Network for Multidisciplinary Studies in ARV-based HIV Prevention (NEMUS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) were honoured to co-organize a special issue of JIAS aimed at contributing to a scholarly discussion of current conditions surrounding PrEP implementation, potential impact and efficiency, social science concerns and the study of PrEP implementation in specific country cases. The papers included in this monograph identify and cover many of the main aspects of the complex yet promising discussions around PrEP implementation today. This is a collection of timely contributions from global leaders in HIV research and policy that addresses geographic diversity, uses a trans-disciplinary approach and covers a variety of the complex issues raised by PrEP. As this publication will become accessible to all, we hope that it will remain a valuable resource for policy makers, programme managers, researchers and activists around the

Pascal e o amor-próprio

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jean-Robert Armogathe

2006-12-01

Full Text Available Uma abordagem lexográfica do amor próprio nos escritos de Pascal: carta (1651 sobre a morte de seu pai, frag. La 978 e nove ocorrências nos Pensamentos. A partir dos diferentes "amores-próprios" enumerados pela tradição, o amor-próprio natural de Adão, anterior à Queda, que para Tomás de Aquino é indiferente, é identificado por Jansenius como pervertido em concupiscência. Em sua Apologia, Pascal segue a linha jansenista de um modo tão radical que os teólogos de Port-Royal julgaram preciso mitigar seus sentimentos a ponto de contradizê-lo, como fez Nicole, que descreveu o amor-próprio como um substituto hipocrítico do comportamento virtuoso.A lexicological approach of self-love in Pascal’s writings: letter (1651 about his father’s death, frag. La 978 and nine occurrences in the Pensées. From the different "self-loves" enumerated by the tradition, Adam’s natural self-love, before the Fall, which is indifferent for Thomas Aquinas, is identified by Jansenius as perverted into concupiscentia. In his Apology, Pascal follows the Jansenist line, in such a radical way that the Port-Royal theologians found necessary to mitigate his feelings, up to contradict him, like Nicole did, who described self-love as a hypocritical substitute to virtuous behaviour.

Fatores de risco para pré-eclâmpsia

OpenAIRE

Moura da Silva, Genivaldo

2009-01-01

A pré-eclâmpsia é uma doença específica da gravidez, de etiologia multifatorial, que acomete 5 a 10% das gestantes, cujos efeitos e complicações são a maior causa de morbimortalidade materno-infantil. A identificação de fatores de riscos é importante para a compreensão da patogênese, estabelecimento de estratégias de prevenção e controle da préeclâmpsia. Recentemente estudos clínicos e laboratoriais apontam para a hipótese de associação entre a periodontite materna e pré-eclâmp...

La práctica/estilo de vida swinger: ¿una práctica social-sexual perversa?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Johnny Javier Orejuela

Full Text Available Este artículo reflexiona, desde una perspectiva interdisciplinar -sociología, antropología y psicoanálisis- sobre la práctica swinger en tanto estilo de vida en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Esta connotación de lo swinger, como una práctica que permite el establecimiento del lazo social con sentido, lleva a cuestionar una percepción moralizante y prejuiciosa de la misma, compartida no sólo por personas que la consideran como una transgresión del deber ser de la sexualidad, sino también por profesionales del campo "psi", que la califican como perversa. El texto discute ambas posturas, que parecen desconocer las inflexiones resultantes de las actuales transformaciones de la intimidad.

Perspectivas historiográficas de las prácticas de lectura

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luis Ernesto Pardo Rodríguez

2011-08-01

Full Text Available Con el propósito de identificar elementos teóricos que orienten una descripción conceptual e histórica de las prácticas de lectura, el artículo recoge las voces de autores que, a su vez lectores, narran y describen sus propias historias de lectura: Alberto Manguel, Roger Chartier, Michel de Certeau, Ana Teberosky y Guglielmo Cavallo (prácticas de lectura y la lectura; Robert Darnton, Peter Burke y Renán Silva (fundamentos históricos e historiográficos; Giovanni Papini, Carl Sagan y Marcel Proust (los espacios e historias sobre prácticas de lectura. Con base en ello se adoptan tres perspectivas: la primera habla de un acercamiento a la lectura silenciosa como un hito en la transformación del aprendizaje y de los procesos cognitivos y de la intimidad en la práctica de lectura; la segunda, el impacto de la imprenta en las prácticas de lectura, una invención mecánica que generaliza el uso del papel en la impresión de textos y revoluciona las condiciones sociales, políticas y religiosas de la época, el acceso a la información, la transformación de los formatos de impresión y la producción y divulgación del conocimiento; y finalmente, un acercamiento conceptual a las prácticas de lectura, los abordajes investigativos desde el concepto de práctica y una aproximación histórica a las prácticas de lectura.

Microwave absorption in YBCO/PrBCO superlattices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carlos, W.E.; Kaplan, R.; Lowndes, D.H.; Norton, D.P.

1992-01-01

In this paper, non-resonant microwave absorption is employed to probe YBCO/PrBCO superlattices and compare the response to that of a YBCO film. Near the transition temperatures, the response of the superlattice samples and the YBCO film have similar amplitudes and orientation dependencies. At lower temperatures, the response of the superlattices is much stronger than that of the YBCO film and, while both responses are hysteretic at low temperatures, the widths of the hysteresis have opposite orientation dependencies, which the authors attribute to the role of the PrBCO layers

Prion infections and anti-PrP antibodies trigger converging neurotoxic pathways.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Uli S Herrmann

2015-02-01

Full Text Available Prions induce lethal neurodegeneration and consist of PrPSc, an aggregated conformer of the cellular prion protein PrPC. Antibody-derived ligands to the globular domain of PrPC (collectively termed GDL are also neurotoxic. Here we show that GDL and prion infections activate the same pathways. Firstly, both GDL and prion infection of cerebellar organotypic cultured slices (COCS induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS. Accordingly, ROS scavenging, which counteracts GDL toxicity in vitro and in vivo, prolonged the lifespan of prion-infected mice and protected prion-infected COCS from neurodegeneration. Instead, neither glutamate receptor antagonists nor inhibitors of endoplasmic reticulum calcium channels abolished neurotoxicity in either model. Secondly, antibodies against the flexible tail (FT of PrPC reduced neurotoxicity in both GDL-exposed and prion-infected COCS, suggesting that the FT executes toxicity in both paradigms. Thirdly, the PERK pathway of the unfolded protein response was activated in both models. Finally, 80% of transcriptionally downregulated genes overlapped between prion-infected and GDL-treated COCS. We conclude that GDL mimic the interaction of PrPSc with PrPC, thereby triggering the downstream events characteristic of prion infection.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Flagstaff Car-Park and Park-and-Ride (P+R)

CERN Document Server

GS Department

2011-01-01

As part of the new arrangements following the arrival of the tram-line at CERN, an Automatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) system has been installed restricting access to the Flagstaff Car-park and the Park-and-Ride (P+R) zone according to the conditions set out below: Holders of a valid P+R user card may enter the car-park at all hours but may only park in the area specifically designated as the P+R zone. P+R user cards can be purchased from the Fondation des Parkings de Genève (http://www.ge.ch/parkings/abonnements.html)   Members of CERN personnel and of contractors' personnel, whatever their status, may freely access the Flagstaff Car-Park at all hours, as long as their vehicle is duly registered with CERN, but they may not use the P+R zone, which is reserved for holders of P+R user cards. Please check that your vehicle number-plates are properly registered via AdaMS (http://cern.ch/adams). If this is not the case, the following action must be taken: - for private or co...

Israel’s Attack on Osiraq: A Model for Future Preventive Strikes?

Science.gov (United States)

2004-09-01

a handwritten letter to the Italian Foreign Minister, Emilio Colombo in hopes of convincing Colombo and Italy to refrain from helping Iraq’s nuclear...Technical Information Center Ft. Belvoir, Virginia 2. Dudley Knox Library Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, California 3. Major Peter Ford Las Vegas , Nevada

Who Will Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Why?: Understanding PrEP Awareness and Acceptability amongst Men Who Have Sex with Men in the UK – A Mixed Methods Study

Science.gov (United States)

Frankis, Jamie; Young, Ingrid; Flowers, Paul; McDaid, Lisa

2016-01-01

Background Recent clinical trials suggest that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may reduce HIV transmission by up to 86% for men who have sex with men (MSM), whilst relatively high levels of PrEP acceptability have been reported to date. This study examines PrEP awareness amongst sub-groups of MSM communities and acceptability amongst MSM in a low prevalence region (Scotland, UK), using a mixed methods design. Methods Quantitative surveys of n = 690 MSM recruited online via social and sociosexual media were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. In addition, n = 10 in-depth qualitative interviews with MSM were analysed thematically. Results Under one third (29.7%) of MSM had heard of PrEP, with awareness related to living in large cities, degree level education, commercial gay scene use and reporting an HIV test in the last year. Just under half of participants (47.8%) were likely to use PrEP if it were available but there was no relationship between PrEP acceptability and previous PrEP awareness. Younger men (18–25 years) and those who report higher risk UAI were significantly more likely to say they would use PrEP. Qualitative data described specific PrEP scenarios, illustrating how risk, patterns of sexual practice and social relationships could affect motivation for and nature of PrEP use. Conclusion These findings suggest substantial interest PrEP amongst MSM reporting HIV risk behaviours in Scotland. Given the Proud results, there is a strong case to investigate PrEP implementation within the UK. However, it appears that disparities in awareness have already emerged along traditional indicators of inequality. Our research identifies the need for comprehensive support when PrEP is introduced, including a key online component, to ensure equity of awareness across diverse MSM communities (e.g. by geography, education, gay scene use and HIV proximity), as well as to responding to the diverse informational and sexual health

Credibility Discourse of PR Agencies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Isaksson, Maria; Jørgensen, Poul Erik Flyvholm

2008-01-01

to giving assurance of their expertise, trustworthiness and empathy, thus confirming our overall expectation that corporate credibility discourse is relatively uniform from a European perspective. However, contrary to our assumptions, the results of our study show that PR credibility discourse demonstrates...

Magnetic properties of PrMn2-xFexGe2-57Fe Moessbauer spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, J L; Campbell, S J; Cadogan, J M; Tegus, O; Studer, A J; Hofmann, M

2006-01-01

We have investigated the magnetic behaviour of PrMn 2-x Fe x Ge 2 compounds with x = 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 over the temperature range 4.2-350 K using ac magnetic susceptibility, dc magnetization and 57 Fe Moessbauer effect spectroscopy, as well as neutron diffraction for the PrMn 1.2 Fe 0.8 Ge 2 compound. Replacement of Mn with Fe leads to contraction of the unit cell and a shortening of the Mn-Mn spacing, resulting in modification of the magnetic structure. PrMn 1.6 Fe 0.4 Ge 2 is an intralayer antiferromagnet at room temperature and ferromagnetic below T C inter ∼230 K with additional ferromagnetic ordering of the Pr sublattice detected below T C Pr ∼30 K. Re-entrant ferromagnetism has been observed in PrMn 1.4 Fe 0.6 Ge 2 with four magnetic transitions (T N intra ∼333 K, T C inter ∼168 K, T N inter ∼152 K and T C Pr ∼40 K). Moreover, it was found that T C inter and T C Pr increase with applied field while T N inter decreases. PrMn 1.2 Fe 0.8 Ge 2 is antiferromagnetic with T N intra ∼242 K and T N inter ∼154 K. The magnetic transition temperatures for all compounds are also marked by changes in the 57 Fe magnetic hyperfine field and the electric quadrupole interaction parameters. The 57 Fe transferred hyperfine field at 4.5 K in PrMn 1.6 Fe 0.4 Ge 2 and PrMn 1.4 Fe 0.6 Ge 2 is reduced (below the ordering temperature of the Pr sublattice) compared with that at 80 K (above T C Pr ), indicating that the transferred hyperfine field from Pr acts in the opposite direction to that from the Mn atoms. The neutron data for PrMn 1.2 Fe 0.8 Ge 2 demonstrate that an anisotropic thermal expansion occurs within the interplanar antiferromagnetic range

Allocutions et présentations du Jour 1: Ouverture et Session ...

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

Allocutions et présentations du Jour 1: Ouverture et Session introductive. 04 novembre 2010. Jérôme Gérard. Retrouvez les documents présentés lors de la cérémonie d'ouverture et de la session introductive du Colloque ci-dessous. Interventions de la Cérémonie d'ouverture: Pr. Dieudonné OUEDRAOGO, Directeur de ...

Alf Prøysens fortellinger om teskjekjerringa som en ”uferdig estetikk”

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Skaret, Anne

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Alf Prøysen’s Mrs Pepperpot stories compose a large and manifold material covering a plethora of editions, media, languages, and illustrations. Focusing on how Prøysen presented the stories in Norway in an interplay between various media and editions from the midst of the 1950s, this article discusses Prøysen’s work in light of Peter Lunenfeld’s notion of “unfinished business”. Originally developed to grapple with computer technology in the era of digital culture, the notion of the “unfinished” also seems as an appropriate perspective on Prøysen’s artistic strategy when developing and presenting his Mrs Pepperpot. The article argues that Prøysen’s constant reworkings of the stories for new media and editions may have played an important part in developing the Mrs Pepperpot stories as they allowed Prøysen to explore and experiment with his little old lady through sound, text, and illustration.

Prótesis totales y lesiones bucales en adultos mayores institucionalizados

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Beatriz García Alpízar

2012-03-01

Full Text Available Fundamento: las prótesis dentales constituyen una alternativa al perderse los dientes, pero no están exentas de provocar daños, que junto a la susceptibilidad de los tejidos, provocada por el envejecimiento e inadecuados estilos de vida, pueden llevar a la aparición de lesiones bucales. Objetivo: describir las características de pacientes portadores de prótesis totales y su relación con las lesiones bucales. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, con 93 ancianos institucionalizados portadores de prótesis total. Se utilizaron las pruebas de chi cuadrado y el riesgo relativo para determinar la asociación entre las variables: edad, sexo, higiene, estado de conservación, tiempo y frecuencia de uso de la prótesis, necesidades de prótesis, tipo de lesión, localización, hábito de fumar, enfermedades sistémicas y medicamentos empleados. Resultados: el 78,5 % de los ancianos presentó lesiones relacionadas con el uso de la prótesis. La estomatitis subprótesis fue la lesión más frecuente. La presencia de lesiones bucales fue significativa en aquellos con 80 años y más (100 %. El 95,8 % tenían prótesis deterioradas, y en la totalidad de ellos, las prótesis tenían 21 años y más de uso. El riesgo de desarrollar lesiones fue 2,98 veces superior en aquellos con una higiene bucal deficiente. El 100 % de los ancianos diabéticos y anémicos presentaron lesiones. Conclusiones: las lesiones bucales estuvieron muy relacionadas con los factores locales: estado de conservación, higiene, tiempo de uso de las prótesis; y con factores generales como: incremento de la edad, enfermedades sistémicas y uso de medicamentos para su tratamiento.

Electron spin resonance of Gd in the nuclear cooling agent: PrNi5 single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Levin, R.; Davidov, D.; Grayevsky, A.; Shaltiel, D.; Zevin, V.

1980-01-01

The ESR of Gd in single crystals of PrNi 5 is observed to exhibit significant angular dependence of the resonance position and linewidth at low temperatures. This is interpreted in terms of the axial spin Hamiltonian which takes the anisotropic susceptibility and the Gd-Pr exchange into consideration. From lineshape analysis the axial crystal field parameter and isotropic Gd-Pr exchange are derived. The Gd ESR linewidth increases with temperature; the thermal broadening is angularly dependent. This is similar to that observed for the Pr NMR in PrNi 5 single crystals. Both the NMR and ESR thermal broadenings are attributed to low-frequency fluctuations of the Pr ions induced by the Pr-Pr exchange coupling. A model for hexagonal Van-Vleck compounds is given and with the linewidth enables the Pr-Pr exchange coupling, under the assumption of a Gaussian or a Lorenzian distribution of the low-frequency fluctuation spectra, to be extracted. It is suggested that the angular dependence of the ESR thermal broadening is due to the Gd-Pr exchange coupling. (UK)

Characteristics of PR interval as predictor for atrial fibrillation: association with biomarkers and outcomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Schumacher, Katja; Dagres, Nikolaos; Hindricks, Gerhard; Husser, Daniela; Bollmann, Andreas; Kornej, Jelena

2017-10-01

The PR interval may be considered as a simple and easily obtainable predictor for adverse events, including atrial fibrillation (AF), pacemaker implantation, and mortality. Interestingly, both high and low extremes of the PR duration are associated with AF risk. However, the results regarding PR prolongation as a risk factor for AF are inconsistent. Some studies have analyzed the impact of P duration (as a part of the PR interval) and demonstrated that the P-duration contributes to the length of PR interval and adverse outcomes. The PR prolongation could be considered as a marker for cardiovascular degenerative aging caused by myocardial fibrosis and vascular inflammation. Furthermore, due to PR prolongation chronically raised intra-atrial pressure and consequential neuro-hormonal activation predispose systemic vascular endothelial dysfunction and explain the associations with adverse vascular events. In this review, we discuss the association between biomarkers with PR interval in AF.

Nasal associated lymphoid tissue of the Syrian golden hamster expresses high levels of PrPC.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Melissa D Clouse

Full Text Available The key event in the pathogenesis of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is a template-dependent misfolding event where an infectious isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc comes into contact with native prion protein (PrPC and changes its conformation to PrPSc. In many extraneurally inoculated models of prion disease this PrPC misfolding event occurs in lymphoid tissues prior to neuroinvasion. The primary objective of this study was to compare levels of total PrPC in hamster lymphoid tissues involved in the early pathogenesis of prion disease. Lymphoid tissues were collected from golden Syrian hamsters and Western blot analysis was performed to quantify PrPC levels. PrPC immunohistochemistry (IHC of paraffin embedded tissue sections was performed to identify PrPC distribution in tissues of the lymphoreticular system. Nasal associated lymphoid tissue contained the highest amount of total PrPC followed by Peyer's patches, mesenteric and submandibular lymph nodes, and spleen. The relative levels of PrPC expression in IHC processed tissue correlated strongly with the Western blot data, with high levels of PrPC corresponding with a higher percentage of PrPC positive B cell follicles. High levels of PrPC in lymphoid tissues closely associated with the nasal cavity could contribute to the relative increased efficiency of the nasal route of entry of prions, compared to other routes of infection.

Nasal associated lymphoid tissue of the Syrian golden hamster expresses high levels of PrPC.

Science.gov (United States)

Clouse, Melissa D; Shikiya, Ronald A; Bartz, Jason C; Kincaid, Anthony E

2015-01-01

The key event in the pathogenesis of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is a template-dependent misfolding event where an infectious isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc) comes into contact with native prion protein (PrPC) and changes its conformation to PrPSc. In many extraneurally inoculated models of prion disease this PrPC misfolding event occurs in lymphoid tissues prior to neuroinvasion. The primary objective of this study was to compare levels of total PrPC in hamster lymphoid tissues involved in the early pathogenesis of prion disease. Lymphoid tissues were collected from golden Syrian hamsters and Western blot analysis was performed to quantify PrPC levels. PrPC immunohistochemistry (IHC) of paraffin embedded tissue sections was performed to identify PrPC distribution in tissues of the lymphoreticular system. Nasal associated lymphoid tissue contained the highest amount of total PrPC followed by Peyer's patches, mesenteric and submandibular lymph nodes, and spleen. The relative levels of PrPC expression in IHC processed tissue correlated strongly with the Western blot data, with high levels of PrPC corresponding with a higher percentage of PrPC positive B cell follicles. High levels of PrPC in lymphoid tissues closely associated with the nasal cavity could contribute to the relative increased efficiency of the nasal route of entry of prions, compared to other routes of infection.

Præverbalitet i Musikterapi

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Niels Hannibal

2003-03-01

Full Text Available Denne artikel er en oversættelse af mit foredrag på verdenskongressen i musikterapi i Oxford 2002. Den er baseret på min ph.d. afhandling »Præverbal Overføring i Musikterapi«, der blev forsvaret juni 2001. Formålet med artiklen er at validere min forskning om præverbal overføring i musikterapi i den musikalske interaktion gennem formidling af den pragmatiske anvendelse. I artiklen argumenterer jeg for anvendelse af Sterns psykologiske udviklingsteori og Sotolorow & Atwoodes teori om psykoterapi som fortolkningskontekst for musikalsk interaktion, når fokus er interaktion, relation og overføring. Det illustreres gennem en case analyse hvorledes begreberne kan anvendes på kliniske data. Det konkluderes at psykologisk teori og tænkning er nødvendig for at kunne forstå og beskrive musikalsk interaktion i et psykologisk perspektiv.

Cognição, atenção, temperamento e comportamento em crianças nascidas pré-termo na fase pré-escolar

OpenAIRE

Fabíola Dantas Andrez Nobre Arantes de Carvalho

2015-01-01

O nascimento pré-termo aumenta o risco para problemas no desenvolvimento. O estudo teve por objetivos: a) examinar as associações entre condições clínicas neonatais e indicadores de cognição, atenção, temperamento e comportamento de crianças nascidas pré-termo; b) comparar esses indicadores em grupos estratificados pelo nível de prematuridade. A amostra foi composta por 50 crianças nascidas pré-termo (idade gestacional média = 31 semanas [26-35] e com peso ao nascimento médio de 1.190g [650-1...

Methamphetamine increases Prion Protein and induces dopamine-dependent expression of protease resistant PrPsc.

Science.gov (United States)

Ferrucci, M; Ryskalin, L; Biagioni, F; Gambardella, S; Busceti, C L; Falleni, A; Lazzeri, G; Fornai, F

2017-07-01

The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is physiologically expressed within selective brain areas of mammals. Alterations in the secondary structure of this protein lead to scrapie-like prion protein (PrPsc), which precipitates in the cell. PrPsc has been detected in infectious, inherited or sporadic neurodegenerative disorders. Prion protein metabolism is dependent on autophagy and ubiquitin proteasome. Despite not being fully elucidated, the physiological role of prion protein relates to chaperones which rescue cells under stressful conditions.Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused drug which produces oxidative stress in various brain areas causing mitochondrial alterations and protein misfolding. These effects produce a compensatory increase of chaperones while clogging cell clearing pathways. In the present study, we explored whether METH administration modifies the amount of PrPc. Since high levels of PrPc when the clearing systems are clogged may lead to its misfolding into PrPsc, we further tested whether METH exposure triggers the appearance of PrPsc. We analysed the effects of METH and dopamine administration in PC12 and striatal cells by using SDS-PAGE Coomassie blue, immune- histochemistry and immune-gold electron microscopy. To analyze whether METH administration produces PrPsc aggregates we used antibodies directed against PrP following exposure to proteinase K or sarkosyl which digest folded PrPc but misfolded PrPsc. We fond that METH triggers PrPsc aggregates in DA-containing cells while METH is not effective in primary striatal neurons which do not produce DA. In the latter cells exogenous DA is needed to trigger PrPsc accumulation similarly to what happens in DA containing cells under the effects of METH. The present findings, while fostering novel molecular mechanisms involving prion proteins, indicate that, cell pathology similar to prion disorders can be mimicked via a DA-dependent mechanism by a drug of abuse.

Complejidad versus simplicidad en prótesis total removible

OpenAIRE

Escuin Henar, Tomás J. (Tomás José); Ferré de Guilarte, Antonio; Gascón Mayordomo, Francisco; Salsench Cabré, Juan

1992-01-01

En el presente trabajo valoramos los resultados a distancia (dos años) del método de elaboración de la Prótesis Total Removible, mediante la utilización de parámetros clínicos, con el fin de simplificar el proceso de elaboración de la Prótesis Total.

Estado de conservación de la prótesis y presencia de lesiones en mucosas de pacientes portadores de prótesis parcial removible

OpenAIRE

Bernal Luna, Cinthya del Pilar

2010-01-01

Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la relación entre el estado de conservación de la prótesis y la presencia de lesiones en mucosas de pacientes portadores de prótesis parcial removible Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. En este estudio se evaluaron 50 pacientes adultos (mayores de 60 años) portadores de prótesis parcial removible. Se realizó el examen clínico odontológico y se registraron los hallazgos en una fi...

Prolonged PR interval predicts clinical recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation.

Science.gov (United States)

Park, Junbeom; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Lee, Jihei Sara; Park, Jin Kyu; Uhm, Jae Sun; Joung, Boyoung; Lee, Moon Hyoung; Pak, Hui-Nam

2014-10-07

A prolonged PR interval is known to be a poor prognostic factor in cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PR interval and clinical outcome in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). We prospectively included 576 patients with AF (75.5% male, 57.8±11.6 years old, 68.8% paroxysmal AF) who underwent RFCA. We analyzed preprocedural sinus rhythm ECGs obtained in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug, and all enrolled patients were categorized into 4 groups based on the quartile values of the PR interval (166, 182, and 202 ms), and were analyzed according to the left atrium (LA) volume (CT; Computed tomography), LA voltage (NavX), and clinical outcome of AF ablation. Based on quartile value of PR interval, the highest quartile of PR interval (Q4; PR ≥202 ms) was oldest (PPR interval was a significant predictor of AF recurrence after RFCA of AF (HR=1.969, 95% CI 1.343 to 2.886, P=0.001). The PR interval was closely associated with advanced LA remodeling due to AF, and had a noninvasive significant predictive value of clinical recurrence of AF after RFCA. © 2014 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

Electronic and crystal structure, EPR and magnetic investigations of YF{sub 3}:1%RE (RE = Pr, Ho, Er and Tm) and LaF{sub 3}:1%Pr nanocrystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Talik, E., E-mail: talik@us.edu.pl [Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, ul. Uniwersytecka 4, 40-007 Katowice (Poland); Zajdel, P.; Guzik, A.; Skrzypek, D. [Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, ul. Uniwersytecka 4, 40-007 Katowice (Poland); Lipińska, L.; Michalska, M. [Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, ul. Wólczyńska 133, 01-919 Warszawa (Poland)

2014-12-15

Highlights: • The thermal decomposition method was successfully applied for the first time in order to obtain the good quality nanocrystals of YF{sub 3}:1%RE. • For YF{sub 3}:1%Pr and LaF{sub 3}:1%Pr extra phase PrF{sub 3} was found. • The XPS energy gap is about 10 eV. • Surface contamination can be responsible for the deterioration of the optical properties of the composites. - Abstract: A new chemical synthesis route by a thermal decomposition of nitrates and acetates, preceded by solution displacement reaction, was successfully applied to obtain the YF{sub 3}:1%RE (RE = Pr, Ho, Er and Tm) and LaF{sub 3}:1%Pr nanocrystals. The samples were characterized by the following methods: X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), magnetic susceptibility thermal dependence measurements and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The obtained YF{sub 3}:1%RE (RE = Pr, Ho, Er and Tm) materials crystallized with orthorhombic symmetry, whilst LaF{sub 3}:1%Pr exhibits hexagonal structure. Chemical composition determined by EDX, XPS and magnetic measurements was close to nominal formula. SEM images show the nanometric size of the grains. Surface contamination can be suggested to be responsible for the deterioration of the optical properties of the composites.

Ciencia y tecnología Colombo-Suiza ayuda a alimentar el planeta: de la revolución verde a la revolución microbiana

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alia Rodriguez

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Por milenios los agricultores han mejorado sus cultivos utilizando la variación genética y seleccionando las mejores variedades. Hoy nos enfrentamos a un reto sin precedentes: alimentar la creciente población mundial. Así, aumentar los rendimientos de cultivos de importancia global, como la yuca, es crucial para la seguridad alimentaria.. Esta raíz tropical alimenta aproximadamente 1.000 millones de personas en alrededor de 105 países en el mundo y sus productos son la tercera fuente de calorías más importante para los países del trópico. Esta planta es altamente dependiente de la asociación con hongos formadores de micorrizas arbusculares (HFMA. Estos hongos ayudan a la planta a obtener fósforo del suelo, un nutriente limitante principalmente en los suelos del trópico. Recientemente, nuestro grupo de investigación colombo-suizo, mostró que la inoculación de cultivos de yuca con Rhizophagus irregularis incrementó los rendimientos en dos localidades diferentes de Colombia. Más aún, conseguimos enormes diferencias en la productividad de la yuca, utilizando diferentes líneas genéticamente mejoradas del hongo R. irregularis, en condiciones de campo. Es improbable observar cambios tan dramáticos, en campo, en la producción de yuca, con un ciclo de mejoramiento de la planta. Así, combinando la agronomía con la biología y la genética, proponemos un cambio en el paradigma del mejoramiento vegetal, que pueda contribuir a resolver el problema de hambruna en el mundo.

PR-CALC: A Program for the Reconstruction of NMR Spectra from Projections

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Coggins, Brian E.; Zhou Pei

2006-01-01

Projection-reconstruction NMR (PR-NMR) has attracted growing attention as a method for collecting multidimensional NMR data rapidly. The PR-NMR procedure involves measuring lower-dimensional projections of a higher-dimensional spectrum, which are then used for the mathematical reconstruction of the full spectrum. We describe here the program PR-CALC, for the reconstruction of NMR spectra from projection data. This program implements a number of reconstruction algorithms, highly optimized to achieve maximal performance, and manages the reconstruction process automatically, producing either full spectra or subsets, such as regions or slices, as requested. The ability to obtain subsets allows large spectra to be analyzed by reconstructing and examining only those subsets containing peaks, offering considerable savings in processing time and storage space. PR-CALC is straightforward to use, and integrates directly into the conventional pipeline for data processing and analysis. It was written in standard C+ + and should run on any platform. The organization is flexible, and permits easy extension of capabilities, as well as reuse in new software. PR-CALC should facilitate the widespread utilization of PR-NMR in biomedical research

Hydrogenation of ethylene over PrCo5Hsub(2.4)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soga, Kazuo; Imamura, Hayao; Ikeda, Sakuji

1977-01-01

To elucidate the chemical reactivity of the hydrogen atom absorbed in the hydrogenated alloy PrCo 5 H sub(n), the hydrogenation of ethylene was carried out over PrCo 5 Hsub(2.4) in the absence (A) or presence (B) of hydrogen in gas phase. PrCo 5 Hsub(2.4) was prepared from PrCo 5 according to an ordinary procedure with repeated heating and cooling in hydrogen atmosphere. The hydrogenation of ethylene was conducted at about -70 0 C in a conventional gas circulation system in a pressure range of ethylene 5 -- 16 cmHg and hydrogen 0 -- 38.0 cmHg. The hydrogenation rate was followed by gas chromatography. In the case of (A), the total gas pressure in the gas phase remained constant during the reaction. The hydrogenation rate was independent of the partial pressure of ethylene and it increased in proportion to the concentration of the absorbed hydrogen atom. The rate of desorption of the absorbed hydrogen atom from PrCo 5 Hsub(2.4) also measured under a reduced pressure. The desorption rate was approximately the same as the hydrogenation rate under the similar conditions. From these results, it was concluded that the migration process of the absorbed hydrogen atom from the bulk of the alloy to its surface was rate-determining. In the case of (B), on the other hand, the hydrogenation rate was accelerated by the gaseous hydrogen; the rate increased almost linearly with increasing pressure of hydrogen. The hydrogenation of ethylene was also conducted over PrCo 5 under the similar conditions. (auth.)

Review of HIV Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and example of HIV PrEP Toolkit

Science.gov (United States)

2017-08-28

at Initiation of Sexual Activity Correct & Consistent Condom Use Prevention of mother-to- child transmission July 16, 2012: FDA approves...Okulicz JF, Medicine 2016 PrEP Utilization in a Managed Care System (Kaiser Permanente) 1200 ~ 1045 1000 . 800 600 . 400 200 0 835 657 0

PrP(Sc-specific antibodies with the ability to immunodetect prion oligomers.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mourad Tayebi

Full Text Available The development of antibodies with binding capacity towards soluble oligomeric forms of PrPSc recognised in the aggregation process in early stage of the disease would be of paramount importance in diagnosing prion diseases before extensive neuropathology has ensued. As blood transfusion appears to be efficient in the transmission of the infectious prion agent, there is an urgent need to develop reagents that would specifically recognize oligomeric forms of the abnormally folded prion protein, PrPSc.To that end, we show that anti-PrP monoclonal antibodies (called PRIOC mAbs derived from mice immunised with native PrP-coated microbeads are able to immunodetect oligomers/multimers of PrPSc. Oligomer-specific immunoreactivity displayed by these PRIOC mAbs was demonstrated as large aggregates of immunoreactive deposits in prion-permissive neuroblastoma cell lines but not in equivalent non-infected or prn-p(0/0 cell lines. In contrast, an anti-monomer PrP antibody displayed diffuse immunoreactivity restricted to the cell membrane. Furthermore, our PRIOC mAbs did not display any binding with monomeric recombinant and cellular prion proteins but strongly detected PrPSc oligomers as shown by a newly developed sensitive and specific ELISA. Finally, PrioC antibodies were also able to bind soluble oligomers formed of Aβ and α-synuclein. These findings demonstrate the potential use of anti-prion antibodies that bind PrPSc oligomers, recognised in early stage of the disease, for the diagnosis of prion diseases in blood and other body fluids.

Prática de ensino supervisionada em Educação Pré-escolar e Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico

OpenAIRE

Fernandes, Marta Daniela Oliveira

2016-01-01

O presente relatório retrata e analisa o trabalho desenvolvido no âmbito da unidade curricular de Prática de Ensino Supervisionada (PES), do mestrado em Educação PréEscolar e Ensino do 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico da Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Bragança. A prática pedagógica foi desenvolvida em dois contextos da cidade de Bragança, sendo numa primeira fase num Jardim de Infância de uma Instituição Particular de Solidariedade Social (IPSS), numa sala com catorze crian...

Las mejores prácticas de las organizaciones y los profesionales

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Robert L. SCHALOCK

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Este artículo se centra en las prácticas basadas en la evidencia y, sobre esta base, hacemos una invitación a que busquemos entre todos cuáles son las mejores prácticas, quién es el profesional más adecuado y qué significa ser una organización eficaz y eficiente. Tanto los profesionales como las organizaciones ofrecen servicios y apoyos que contribuyen a mejorar el bienestar y el crecimiento personal de los usuarios. En el contexto de la discusión sobre las prácticas profesionales y de las organizaciones, indicaré que las mejores prácticas profesionales empiezan con el respeto hacia las personas, el cumplimiento de los estándares y las normas éticas y deontológicas, y la utilización de las prácticas basadas en la evidencia y de la evaluación del efecto y de los resultados conseguidos. Indicaré, asimismo, que las mejores prácticas de la organización empiezan con el compromiso de ser una entidad basada en valores y, a la vez, de ser eficaz y eficiente en la prestación de los servicios y apoyos. Este compromiso de la organización se refleja en el uso de las mejores prácticas, que consisten en la utilización de equipos de alto rendimiento, en el paradigma de los apoyos, en la evaluación de los resultados obtenidos y en la mejora continua de la calidad.Como se observa en la Figura 1, examinaremos cada uno de los componentes de las mejores prácticas profesionales y de las organizaciones. Además, indicaré que, a través de su acción recíproca, las mejores prácticas de los profesionales y de las organizaciones generan un entorno cultural que tiene un efecto directo, no solo en la mejora de los servicios y apoyos que la organización ofrece a los usuarios, sino también en el bienestar y crecimiento personal del personal de la organización, lo cual, a su vez, redunda en un aumento de su eficacia y eficiencia.

Anomalous Schottky specific heat and structural distortion in ferromagnetic PrAl2.

Science.gov (United States)

Pathak, Arjun K; Paudyal, D; Mudryk, Y; Gschneidner, K A; Pecharsky, V K

2013-05-03

Unique from other rare earth dialuminides, PrAl(2) undergoes a cubic to tetragonal distortion below T = 30 K in a zero magnetic field, but the system recovers its cubic symmetry upon the application of an external magnetic field of 10 kOe via a lifting of the 4f crystal field splitting. The nuclear Schottky specific heat in PrAl(2) is anomalously high compared to that of pure Pr metal. First principles calculations reveal that the 4f crystal field splitting in the tetragonally distorted phase of PrAl(2) underpins the observed unusual low temperature phenomena.

Magnetic order in PrBa2Cu3O6+x

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Longmore, A.; Nutley, M.P.; Boothroyd, A.T.

1994-01-01

We have studied the magnetic ordering of the Cu and Pr ions in PrBa2Cu3O6+x by neutron diffraction on single crystals with different oxygen contents. Two types of Cu ordering were observed, qualitatively similar to the anti-ferromagnetic phases reported in some studies of YBa2Cu3O6+x. A third...... magnetic structure was observed below 15K, which we believe corresponds to the magnetic ordering of the Pr sub-lattice....

Downconversion in Pr3+–Yb3+ co-doped ZBLA fluoride glasses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maalej, O.; Boulard, B.; Dieudonné, B.; Ferrari, M.; Dammak, M.; Dammak, M.

2015-01-01

Fluorozirconate ZBLA glasses with molar composition 57ZrF 4 –34BaF 2 –5LaF 3 –4AlF 3 –0.5PrF 3 –xYbF 3 (from x=0 to 10) were synthesized to evaluate the rate of the conversion of visible photons into infrared photons. The emission spectra in the near infrared (NIR) at 950–1100 nm and the luminescence decays in the visible and NIR indicate an energy transfer from Pr 3+ to Yb 3+ upon blue excitation of Pr 3+ at 440 nm. The energy transfer efficiency increases with Yb 3+ concentration to reach 86% with 0.5Pr 3+ –10Yb 3+ co-doping (in mol%). However, the quenching of the Yb 3+ emission strongly reduces the efficiency of the downconversion process: the decay time values decrease from 600 µs (x=0.5 mol%) to 85 µs (x=10 mol%). - Highlights: • We synthesized 0.5Pr 3+ –xYb 3+ co-doped ZBLA glasses (from x=0 to 10 mol %). • Photoluminescence of Yb 3+ was observed at 980 nm under blue excitation. • Time resolved measurements have been performed in the visible and near infrared. • Energy transfer efficiency from Pr 3+ to Yb 3+ reaches 86% in 0.5 Pr 3+ –10Yb 3+ glass

Hydrogen-induced electrical and optical switching in Pd capped Pr ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

Wintec

Abstract. In this study, modification in the properties of hydrogen-induced switchable mirror based on Pr nanoparticle layers is reported. The reversible changes in hydrogen-induced electrical and optical properties of Pd capped Pr nanoparticle layers have been studied as a function of hydrogenation time and compared.

Crystal growth and luminescence properties of Pr-doped LuLiF4 single crystal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sugiyama, Makoto; Yanagida, Takayuki; Yokota, Yuui; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Yoshikawa, Akira

2013-01-01

0.1, 1, and 3% Pr (with respect to Lu) doped LuLiF 4 (Pr:LuLiF 4 ) single crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. Transparency of the grown crystals was higher than 70% in the visible wavelength region with some absorption bands due to Pr 3+ 4f-4f transitions. Intense absorption bands related with the Pr 3+ 4f-5d transitions were observed at 190 and 215 nm. In radioluminescence spectra, Pr 3+ 5d-4f emissions were observed at 220, 240, 340, and 405 nm. In the pulse height spectra recorded under 137 Cs γ-ray excitation, the Pr 3% doped sample showed the highest light yield of 2050 photons/MeV and the scintillation decay time of it exhibited 23 and 72 ns also excited by 137 Cs γ-ray. -- Highlights: ► 0.1, 1, and 3% Pr-doped LuLiF 4 single crystals were grown by the μ-PD method. ► Pr 3+ 5d-4f emission peaks appeared at 220, 240, 340, and 405 nm ► The Pr 3%:LuLiF 4 crystal showed the highest light yield of 2050 photons/MeV

Prøvetagning af grundvand

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sørensen, Inga

Bogen fokuserer på prøveatgning af grundvand og drikkevand til forskellige formål såsom undersøgelse af forurenede grunde, grundvandsmonitering samt produktion af drikkevand. Da grundvand i sagens natur findes under jordoverfladen, beskriver bogen også væsentlige forhold om hydrogeologi og...

Synthesis and characterization of praseodymium-142 hydroxyapatite (142Pr-HA)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duyeh Setiawan; Daud Nurhasan

2015-01-01

The use of radioisotope of lanthanide group with range of beta energy 0.4 - 2.2 MeV has been renewed interest in nuclear medicine. Praseodymium-142 radioisotope ( 142 Pr, t 1/2 = 19.2 hours, E β = 2.16 MeV) is suitable for applications radiotherapy. Labelled of the hydroxyapatite (Ca 10 (PO 4 )6(OH) 2 ) can be used as carrier of radionuclide after injection in the body injection. This research aim as a preliminary studies to make praseodymium-142 hydroxyapatite ( 142 Pr-HA) as a radiotherapy agent. The optimum condition of praseodymium-142 hydroxyapatite synthesis by controlling several parameters such as the pH and the weight of hydroxyapatite was obtained from process by used the nonradioactive praseodymium. The optimum condition of hydroxyapatite by praseodymium are at pH 5 and weight ratio praseodymium : hydroxyapatite is 1 : 16. The percentage of labeling hydroxyapatite with 142 PrCl 3 was 99.50% and the radiochemical purity of 142 Pr-Ha was 95.20%. (author)

Mass spectrometric investigation of neutral and charged constituents in saturated vapor over PrI3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Motalov, V.B.; Vorobiev, D.E.; Kudin, L.S.; Markus, T.

2009-01-01

The Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric technique was used to study vapor species over praseodymium triiodide. The monomer, PrI 3 , and dimer, Pr 2 I 6 , molecules and the negative ions, PrI 4 - and Pr 2 I 7 - , were observed in saturated vapor in the temperature range from 856 K to 1048 K. The partial vapor pressures of neutral constituents were determined and the enthalpies of sublimation obtained using the second and the third laws of thermodynamics (Δ s H deg. (298.15 K) = 291 ± 4 kJ mol -1 for PrI 3 , and Δ s H deg. (298.15 K) = 400 ± 30 kJ mol -1 for Pr 2 I 6 ). The equilibrium constants for various ion molecular reactions were measured and the enthalpies of reactions obtained. The enthalpies of formation, Δ f H deg. (298.15 K) kJ mol -1 , of gaseous molecules and ions were calculated and are as follows: -374 ± 6 (PrI 3 ), -929 ± 30 (Pr 2 I 6 ), -867 ± 30 (PrI 4 - ), -1432 ± 50 (Pr 2 I 7 - )

Polo-like kinase 3 (PLK3) mediates the clearance of the accumulated PrP mutants transiently expressed in cultured cells and pathogenic PrP(Sc) in prion infected cell line via protein interaction.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Hui; Tian, Chan; Fan, Xue-Yu; Chen, Li-Na; Lv, Yan; Sun, Jing; Zhao, Yang-Jing; Zhang, Lu-bin; Wang, Jing; Shi, Qi; Gao, Chen; Chen, Cao; Shao, Qi-Xiang; Dong, Xiao-Ping

2015-05-01

Polo-like kinases (PLKs) family has long been known to be critical for cell cycle and recent studies have pointed to new dimensions of PLKs function in the nervous system. Our previous study has verified that the levels of PLK3 in the brain are severely downregulated in prion-related diseases. However, the associations of PLKs with prion protein remain unclear. In the present study, we confirmed that PrP protein constitutively interacts with PLK3 as determined by both in vitro and in vivo assays. Both the kinase domain and polo-box domain of PLK3 were proved to bind PrP proteins expressed in mammalian cell lines. Overexpression of PLK3 did not affect the level of wild-type PrP, but significantly decreased the levels of the mutated PrPs in cultured cells. The kinase domain appeared to be responsible for the clearance of abnormally aggregated PrPs, but this function seemed to be independent of its kinase activity. RNA-mediated knockdown of PLK3 obviously aggravated the accumulation of cytosolic PrPs. Moreover, PLK3 overexpression in a scrapie infected cell line caused notable reduce of PrP(Sc) level in a dose-dependent manner, but had minimal effect on the expression of PrP(C) in its normal partner cell line. Our findings here confirmed the molecular interaction between PLK3 and PrP and outlined the regulatory activity of PLK3 on the degradation of abnormal PrPs, even its pathogenic isoform PrP(Sc). We, therefore, assume that the recovery of PLK3 in the early stage of prion infection may be helpful to prevent the toxic accumulation of PrP(Sc) in the brain tissues. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evicted | IDRC - International Development Research Centre

International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

2017-10-20

Oct 20, 2017 ... While they struggled with rising alcoholism, drug use, and crime, they also felt a stronger sense of “home” and “belonging” than those in Colombo who had been displaced by development. Material circumstances improved for most of those resettled in new multistorey condominiums in Colombo, but their ...

Prügi tekkekohas sortimise kavatsus on läbi kukkunud / Anti Ronk

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Ronk, Anti

2004-01-01

Korteriühistute ja prügifirmade kogemuste kohaselt ei ole Eesti inimesed harjunud prügi sorteerima ega kasuta vastavaid konteinereid. Kommentaarid Lauka korteriühistu eksjuhilt Nelli Vahemetsalt ja Ragn-Sellsi müügijuhilt Maren Pärnalt. Lisa: Prügi

Flow Cytometric Detection of PrPSc in Neurons and Glial Cells from Prion-Infected Mouse Brains.

Science.gov (United States)

Yamasaki, Takeshi; Suzuki, Akio; Hasebe, Rie; Horiuchi, Motohiro

2018-01-01

In prion diseases, an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrP Sc ) accumulates in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the brains of animals affected by prions. Detailed analyses of PrP Sc -positive neurons and glial cells are required to clarify their pathophysiological roles in the disease. Here, we report a novel method for the detection of PrP Sc in neurons and glial cells from the brains of prion-infected mice by flow cytometry using PrP Sc -specific staining with monoclonal antibody (MAb) 132. The combination of PrP Sc staining and immunolabeling of neural cell markers clearly distinguished neurons, astrocytes, and microglia that were positive for PrP Sc from those that were PrP Sc negative. The flow cytometric analysis of PrP Sc revealed the appearance of PrP Sc -positive neurons, astrocytes, and microglia at 60 days after intracerebral prion inoculation, suggesting the presence of PrP Sc in the glial cells, as well as in neurons, from an early stage of infection. Moreover, the kinetic analysis of PrP Sc revealed a continuous increase in the proportion of PrP Sc -positive cells for all cell types with disease progression. Finally, we applied this method to isolate neurons, astrocytes, and microglia positive for PrP Sc from a prion-infected mouse brain by florescence-activated cell sorting. The method described here enables comprehensive analyses specific to PrP Sc -positive neurons, astrocytes, and microglia that will contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological roles of neurons and glial cells in PrP Sc -associated pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Although formation of PrP Sc in neurons is associated closely with neurodegeneration in prion diseases, the mechanism of neurodegeneration is not understood completely. On the other hand, recent studies proposed the important roles of glial cells in PrP Sc -associated pathogenesis, such as the intracerebral spread of PrP Sc and clearance of PrP Sc from the brain. Despite the great need for detailed analyses

PR Interval Prolongation and Cryptogenic Stroke: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Science.gov (United States)

Montalvo, Mayra; Tadi, Prasanna; Merkler, Alexander; Gialdini, Gino; Martin-Schild, Sheryl; Navalkele, Digvijaya; Samai, Alyana; Nouh, Amre; Hussain, Mohammad; Goldblatt, Steven; Hemendinger, Morgan; Chu, Antony; Song, Christopher; Kamel, Hooman; Furie, Karen L; Yaghi, Shadi

2017-10-01

Atrial dysfunction or "cardiopathy" has been recently proposed as a mechanism in cryptogenic stroke. A prolonged PR interval may reflect impaired atrial conduction and thus may be a biomarker of atrial cardiopathy. We aim to compare the prevalence of PR interval prolongation in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS) when compared with known non-cryptogenic non-cardioembolic stroke (NCNCS) subtypes. We used prospective ischemic stroke databases of 3 comprehensive stroke centers to identify patients 18 years or older with a discharge diagnosis of ischemic non-cardioembolic stroke between December 1, 2013 and August 31, 2015. The main outcome was ischemic stroke subtype (CS versus NCNCS). We compared PR intervals as a continuous and categorical variable (PR interval prolongation and CS. We identified 644 patients with ischemic non-cardioembolic stroke (224 CS and 420 NCNCS). Patients with CS were more likely to have a PR of 200 milliseconds or greater when compared with those with NCNCS (23.2% versus 13.8%, P = .009). After adjusting for factors that were significant in univariate analyses, a PR of 200 milliseconds or greater was independently associated with CS (odds ratio [OR] 1.70, 95% CI 1.08-2.70). The association was more pronounced when excluding patients on atrioventricular nodal blocking agents (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.44-4.83). A PR of 200 milliseconds or greater is associated with CS and may be a biomarker of atrial cardiopathy in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association. Copyright © 2017 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PrPC has nucleic acid chaperoning properties similar to the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1.

Science.gov (United States)

Derrington, Edmund; Gabus, Caroline; Leblanc, Pascal; Chnaidermann, Jonas; Grave, Linda; Dormont, Dominique; Swietnicki, Wieslaw; Morillas, Manuel; Marck, Daniel; Nandi, Pradip; Darlix, Jean-Luc

2002-01-01

The function of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) remains obscure. Studies suggest that PrPC functions in several processes including signal transduction and Cu2+ metabolism. PrPC has also been established to bind nucleic acids. Therefore we investigated the properties of PrPC as a putative nucleic acid chaperone. Surprisingly, PrPC possesses all the nucleic acid chaperoning properties previously specific to retroviral nucleocapsid proteins. PrPC appears to be a molecular mimic of NCP7, the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1. Thus PrPC, like NCP7, chaperones the annealing of tRNA(Lys) to the HIV-1 primer binding site, the initial step of retrovirus replication. PrPC also chaperones the two DNA strand transfers required for production of a complete proviral DNA with LTRs. Concerning the functions of NCP7 during budding, PrPC also mimices NCP7 by dimerizing the HIV-1 genomic RNA. These data are unprecedented because, although many cellular proteins have been identified as nucleic acid chaperones, none have the properties of retroviral nucleocapsid proteins.

Best Practices marketing relacional. Caso práctico

OpenAIRE

Cardama Otero, Maria

2016-01-01

el proyecto quiere servir de guía de buenas prácticas para el marketing digital de un comercio. Se desarrolla un caso práctico referido a una tienda de ropa infantil. This Project studies how a firm should develop a digital marketing strategy. We aim to propose ways to establish collaborative relationships to deliver value to customers and stakeholders, and see how they should be integrated in the overall value proposition. A general framework of best practices is described and applied to ...

The future of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Science.gov (United States)

Özdener, Ayşe Elif; Park, Tae Eun; Kalabalik, Julie; Gupta, Rachna

2017-05-01

People at high risk for HIV acquisition should be offered pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) is currently the only medication recommended for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in people at high risk for HIV acquisition. This article will review medications currently under investigation and the future landscape of PrEP therapy. Areas covered: This article will review clinical trials that have investigated nontraditional regimens of TDF/FTC, antiretroviral agents from different drug classes such as integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) as potential PrEP therapies. Expert commentary: Currently, there are several investigational drugs in the pipeline for PrEP against HIV infection. Increased utilization of PrEP therapy depends on provider identification of people at high risk for HIV transmission. Advances in PrEP development will expand options and access for people and reduce the risk of HIV acquisition.

Electronic structure of PrBa2Cu3O7

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Singh, D.J.

1994-01-01

Electronic-structure calculations, within the local spin density approximation (LSDA), are reported for PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . Significant charge transfer from the Pr ions to both the CuO 2 planes and the chains is found relative to YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . This supports hole depletion explanations for the insulating character of PrBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 . The LSDA electronic structure shows a prominent ''ridge'' Fermi surface analogous to that in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 , but broader. It is proposed that high-resolution positron measurements of this width may provide a useful test of hole depletion models

Synthesis and thermoluminescence of LaAlO3:Pr3+ to UVC radiation dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Morales-Hernández, A.; Zarate-Medina, J.; Contreras-García, M.E.; Azorín-Nieto, J.; Rivera-Montalvo, T.

2016-01-01

Thermoluminescent (TL) response of trivalent praseodymium ion doped lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ ) obtained by Pechini method and Spray Dryer was studied. TL response of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ powders submitted at 1600 °C exhibited one peak centered at 157 °C. Sensitivity of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ was improved in around 90 times compared with undoped LaAlO 3 . TL response as a function of wavelength showed a maximum in 230 nm. Dosimetric characteristics of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ under UVR radiation effects were analyzed. Evaluation of activation energy was obtained by Glow Fit v.1.3 software. Experimental results about thermoluminescent characteristics of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ suggest as good candidate to be employed as a complementary thermoluminescent device with other TL phosphors as aluminum oxide - Highlights: • High sensitivity of new phosphor to UVC dosimetry was is studied. • Thermoluminescence response of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ is presented. • LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ is suggested as UVCR dosimeter. • TL response of LaAlO 3 :Pr 3+ has dependence on sintering temperature.

Cell-cycle regulation of non-enzymatic functions of the Drosophila methyltransferase PR-Set7.

Science.gov (United States)

Zouaz, Amel; Fernando, Céline; Perez, Yannick; Sardet, Claude; Julien, Eric; Grimaud, Charlotte

2018-04-06

Tight cell-cycle regulation of the histone H4-K20 methyltransferase PR-Set7 is essential for the maintenance of genome integrity. In mammals, this mainly involves the interaction of PR-Set7 with the replication factor PCNA, which triggers the degradation of the enzyme by the CRL4CDT2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. PR-Set7 is also targeted by the SCFβ-TRCP ligase, but the role of this additional regulatory pathway remains unclear. Here, we show that Drosophila PR-Set7 undergoes a cell-cycle proteolytic regulation, independently of its interaction with PCNA. Instead, Slimb, the ortholog of β-TRCP, is specifically required for the degradation of the nuclear pool of PR-Set7 prior to S phase. Consequently, inactivation of Slimb leads to nuclear accumulation of PR-Set7, which triggers aberrant chromatin compaction and G1/S arrest. Strikingly, these phenotypes result from non-enzymatic PR-Set7 functions that prevent proper histone H4 acetylation independently of H4K20 methylation. Altogether, these results identify the Slimb-mediated PR-Set7 proteolysis as a new critical regulatory mechanism required for proper interphase chromatin organization at G1/S transition.

Design of PR current control with selective harmonic compensators using Matlab

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniel Zammit

2017-12-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a procedure to design a Proportional Resonant (PR current controller with additional PR selective harmonic compensators for Grid Connected Photovoltaic (PV Inverters. The design of the PR current control and the harmonic compensators will be carried out using Matlab. Testing was carried out on a 3 kW Grid-Connected PV Inverter which was designed and constructed for this research. Both simulation and experimental results will be presented. Keywords: Inverters, Proportional-resonant controllers, Harmonic compensation, Photovoltaic, Matlab, SISO design tool

Cómo evitar fracasos en prótesis dental parcial removible

OpenAIRE

Giraldo R, Olga Lucía

2008-01-01

Una prótesis dental parcial removible constituye una modalidad terapéutica para restaurar rebordes edéntulos parciales, donde una prótesis parcial fija no está indicada. La prótesis dental parcial removible, aunque es un excelente medio para reemplazar dientes perdidos, puede ser una seria amenaza para los dientes remanentes, por los posibles efectos de palanca que ejerce sobre las estructuras dentarias, cuando no se planea adecuadamente. La preservación de los dientes remanentes y la maximiz...

Triinu rukkileib nimetati Baltimaade parimaks PR-projektiks

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

2014-01-01

Leiburi leivatehase ja kommunikatsioonibüroo Hamburg ja Partnerid ühisprojekt "Leiburi Leivategu" nimetati üleeuroopalisel pr-spetsialistide konkursil 2013. a. parimaks kommunikatsiooniprojektiks Baltimaades

Kosmotropic anions promote conversion of recombinant prion protein into a PrPSc-like misfolded form.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rodrigo Diaz-Espinoza

Full Text Available Prions are self-propagating proteins involved in transmissible spongiform encephalopaties in mammals. An aberrant conformation with amyloid-like features of a cell surface protein, termed prion protein (PrP, is thought to be the essential component of the infectious particle, though accessory co-factor molecules such as lipids and nucleotides may be involved. The cellular co-factors and environmental conditions implicated in PrP misfolding are not completely understood. To address this issue, several studies have been done inducing misfolding of recombinant PrP (recPrP into classical amyloid structures using partially denaturing conditions. In this work, we report that misfolding of recPrP into PrP(Sc-like aggregates can be induced by simply incubating the protein in the presence of kosmotropic salts at concentrations that are known to retain or increase the stability of the protein. We used a simple experimental reaction (protein, buffer and salts submitted to agitation/incubation cycles at physiological temperature and pH. The formation of protease resistant-recPrP was time and salt-concentration dependent and required the presence of kosmotropic anions such as F(- or SO(4(-2. The molecular weights of the protease resistant recPrP fragments are reminiscent of those found in degradation assays of bona fide PrP(Sc. The aggregates also exhibited PrP(Sc-like ultrastructural features including rod-shape morphology under electron microscope, high beta-sheet content and thioflavin-T positive signal. The formation of recPrP aggregates with PrP(Sc biochemical features under conditions closer to physiological in the absence of organic co-factor molecules provides a simple setup that may prove helpful to understand the molecular mechanism of PrP misfolding.

Spectroscopic properties of Pr{sup 3+} ions embedded in lithium borate glasses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramteke, D.D. [Department of Applied Physics, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur 440010 (India); Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Swart, H.C., E-mail: swarthc@ufs.ac.za [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300 (South Africa); Gedam, R.S., E-mail: rupesh_gedam@rediffmail.com [Department of Applied Physics, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur 440010 (India)

2016-01-01

A series of lithium borate glasses with different Pr{sup 3+} contents were prepared by the melt quench technique to explore the new material for solid state light applications. We found that the addition of Pr{sup 3+} ions in the glass matrix has a profound effect on the properties of the glasses. The presence of Pr{sup 3+} ions in the glass matrix created various absorption bands compared to the base glass. These bands were due to the ground state ({sup 3}H{sub 4}) of the Pr{sup 3+} to the various excited states. Optical energy band gap was calculated by Tauc's method which showed a decreasing trend with an increase in the Pr{sup 3+} content. This might be due to structural changes when the glass structure became rigid due to the Pr{sup 3+} ions and this was confirmed by the density results. Rigidity of the glass structure was further confirmed by the Fourier transformed infrared results. The excitation spectra showed bands at {sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}P{sub 2}, {sup 3}P{sub 1} and {sup 3}P{sub 0} nm. The {sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}P{sub 2} band was used to study the unresolved {sup 1}D{sub 2}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} and {sup 3}P{sub 0}→{sup 3}H{sub 6} transitions of the Pr{sup 3+} ions.

Critical role of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) in acute vascular inflammation.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Guoqi; Yang, Li; Kim, Gab Seok; Ryan, Kieran; Lu, Shulin; O'Donnell, Rebekah K; Spokes, Katherine; Shapiro, Nathan; Aird, William C; Kluk, Michael J; Yano, Kiichiro; Sanchez, Teresa

2013-07-18

The endothelium, as the interface between blood and all tissues, plays a critical role in inflammation. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid, highly abundant in plasma, that potently regulates endothelial responses through interaction with its receptors (S1PRs). Here, we studied the role of S1PR2 in the regulation of the proadhesion and proinflammatory phenotype of the endothelium. By using genetic approaches and a S1PR2-specific antagonist (JTE013), we found that S1PR2 plays a key role in the permeability and inflammatory responses of the vascular endothelium during endotoxemia. Experiments with bone marrow chimeras (S1pr2(+/+) → S1pr2(+/+), S1pr2(+/+) → S1pr2(-/-), and S1pr2(-/-) → S1pr2(+/+)) indicate the critical role of S1PR2 in the stromal compartment, in the regulation of vascular permeability and vascular inflammation. In vitro, JTE013 potently inhibited tumor necrosis factor α-induced endothelial inflammation. Finally, we provide detailed mechanisms on the downstream signaling of S1PR2 in vascular inflammation that include the activation of the stress-activated protein kinase pathway that, together with the Rho-kinase nuclear factor kappa B pathway (NF-kB), are required for S1PR2-mediated endothelial inflammatory responses. Taken together, our data indicate that S1PR2 is a key regulator of the proinflammatory phenotype of the endothelium and identify S1PR2 as a novel therapeutic target for vascular disorders.

Dialética da pratica e ação sem prática

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ubaldo Puppi

1982-12-01

Full Text Available O conceito de prática recobriria o de sistema de ação, não fosse a existência de sistemas de ação sem prática. Resta que uma prática é um sistema de ação. Como conseqüência, suposta a reciprocação de sistema com teoria e uma atenta inspeção nos termos da proposição, há equivalência semântica entre "prática teórica " e "sistema de ação prático". Num e noutro caso, a contradição interna aos pares de conceitos se resolve dialeticamente. Graças à dialética, são fundidos numa unidade de sentido, síntese de tensões opostas. Daí a proposta de uma dialética da prática global, conjuntamente abstrata e histórica. Destotalizada ou à margem dessa dialética, pode ser destacada a ação sem prática, exemplificada no drama. Dramática é precisamente uma ação que não é prática. O tempo e o lugar da prática são a história e o mundo do homem; o tempo e o lugar do drama são a ficção cultural e a substância simbólica. Mimese da prática, o drama, reproduz, não os traços do modelo, mas a sua produção, tornando-se por sua vez modelo do modelo. Mimese não é cópia, é forma autônoma de eficiência, paradoxalmente sem prática mas especular.

Fatores associados à adequação do cuidado pré-natal e à assistência ao parto em São Tomé e Príncipe, 2008-2009

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Patrícia Alexandra da Graça Dantas dos Reis

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Neste artigo, foram identificados fatores sociodemográficos associados com o cuidado pré-natal e com a assistência ao parto em São Tomé e Príncipe. A amostra foi composta por 1.326 nascidos vivos de mulheres de 15 a 49 anos que participaram do Inquérito Demográfico e Sanitário de São Tomé e Príncipe, 2008-2009. Foram utilizados modelos de regressão logística e multinomial multiníveis. A adequação global do cuidado pré-natal foi de 26% e da assistência ao parto de 7% quando realizado por médicos e de 76% quando realizado por enfermeiras/auxiliares. Os fatores associados ao pré-natal e à assistência ao parto adequados foram: ordem de nascimento, educação materna e o índice de bem-estar econômico. O local de residência se mostrou fator importante apenas em relação à assistência ao parto. Observou-se que os efeitos aleatórios referentes às áreas onde as mulheres residem exerceram impacto importante sobre a chance de realizar pré-natal adequado e parto com profissionais capacitados. A importância dos fatores socioeconômicos aponta para a elaboração de ações que visem reduzir a desigualdade social em São Tomé e Príncipe.

Nitrate-assisted photocatalytic efficiency of defective Eu-doped Pr(OH)3 nanostructures.

Science.gov (United States)

Aškrabić, S; Araújo, V D; Passacantando, M; Bernardi, M I B; Tomić, N; Dojčinović, B; Manojlović, D; Čalija, B; Miletić, M; Dohčević-Mitrović, Z D

2017-12-06

Pr(OH) 3 one-dimensional nanostructures are a less studied member of lanthanide hydroxide nanostructures, which recently demonstrated an excellent adsorption capacity for organic pollutant removal from wastewater. In this study, Pr 1-x Eu x (OH) 3 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.05) defective nanostructures were synthesized by a facile and scalable microwave-assisted hydrothermal method using KOH as an alkaline metal precursor. The phase and surface composition, morphology, vibrational, electronic and optical properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Raman, infrared (IR), photoluminescence (PL), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). It was deduced that the incorporation of Eu 3+ ions promoted the formation of oxygen vacancies in the already defective Pr(OH) 3 , subsequently changing the Pr(OH) 3 nanorod morphology. The presence of KNO 3 phase was registered in the Eu-doped samples. The oxygen-deficient Eu-doped Pr(OH) 3 nanostructures displayed an improved photocatalytic activity in the removal of reactive orange (RO16) dye under UV-vis light irradiation. An enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Eu-doped Pr(OH) 3 nanostructures was caused by the synergetic effect of oxygen vacancies and Eu 3+ (NO 3 - ) ions present on the Pr(OH) 3 surface, the charge separation efficiency and the formation of the reactive radicals. In addition, the 3% Eu-doped sample exhibited very good adsorptive properties due to different morphology and higher electrostatic attraction with the anionic dye. Pr 1-x Eu x (OH) 3 nanostructures with the possibility of tuning their adsorption/photocatalytic properties present a great potential for wastewater treatment.

Electrical PR Interval Variation Predicts New Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions.

Science.gov (United States)

Chun, Kwang Jin; Hwang, Jin Kyung; Park, Seung-Jung; On, Young Keun; Kim, June Soo; Park, Kyoung-Min

2016-04-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and fluctuation of autonomic tone is more prominent in patients with AF. As autonomic tone affects the heart rate (HR), and there is an inverse relationship between HR and PR interval, PR interval variation could be greater in patients with AF than in those without AF. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between PR interval variation and new-onset AF in patients with frequent PACs.We retrospectively enrolled 207 patients with frequent PACs who underwent electrocardiographs at least 4 times during the follow-up period. The PR variation was calculated by subtracting the minimum PR interval from the maximum PR interval. The outcomes were new occurrence of AF and all-cause mortality during the follow-up period.During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, 24 patients (11.6%) developed new-onset AF. Univariate analysis showed that prolonged PR interval (PR interval > 200 ms, P = 0.021), long PR variation (PR variation > 36.5 ms, P = 0.018), and PR variation (P = 0.004) as a continuous variable were associated with an increased risk of AF. Cox regression analysis showed that prolonged PR interval (hazard ratio = 3.321, 95% CI 1.064-10.362, P = 0.039) and PR variation (hazard ratio = 1.013, 95% CI 1.002-1.024, P = 0.022) were independent predictors for new-onset AF. However, PR variation and prolonged PR interval were not associated with all-cause mortality (P = 0.465 and 0.774, respectively).PR interval variation and prolonged PR interval are independent risk factors for new-onset AF in patients with frequent PACs. However we were unable to determine a cut-off value of PR interval variation for new-onset AF.

Valence determination as a function of doping in $PrBa_{2} Cu_{3} O_{7}$

CERN Document Server

Staub, U; Wasserman, S R; Conner, A G O; Kramer, M J; Patterson, B D; Shi, M; Knapp, M P

2000-01-01

We present results of X-ray absorption near edge spectra (XANES), neutron powder diffraction, and resonant X-ray diffraction on samples of PrBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / and Pr/sub 1-x/Ca/sub x/Ba /sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7/. The data are obtained as a function of the doping levels of oxygen and Ca. There are significant changes in the Pr L/sub 3/ XANES spectra with changes in oxygen or Ca concentrations, indicating that the Pr electronic properties are affected by doping. The resonant X-ray scattering experiments show that the changes observed occur on Pr ions incorporated in the PrBa /sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta / structure, and are not the result of changes to a Pr-containing impurity phase. A quantitative model, based on literature precedent, is used to extract Pr valences from the data, although the XANES cannot distinguish between models involving charge transfer and those involving hybridization. The results are compared with data obtained from Pb/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Pr/sub 1-x/Ca/sub x/Cu/sub 3/O/sub ...

The relationship of structure to superconductivity in the Pr-Ba-Cu-O system

Science.gov (United States)

Minseo, P.

1994-05-01

The relation of structure to lack of superconductivity in Pr-Ba-Cu-O was systematically investigated. First, the phase equilibria of this system was studied to find the processing parameters which maximize the cation-site ordering between Pr and Ba ions. Second, a comparative study between superconducting Nd-Ba-Cu-O and nonsuperconducting Pr-Ba-Cu-O was performed by forming solid-solution Nd-Pr-Ba-Cu-O. The relation between structure and superconductivity in Nd(1-x)Pr(x)Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) is investigated. T sub c decreases monotonically with increasing x and superconductivity disappears at around x = 0.3 to 0.4. T sub c is enhanced by 10 K when the sample is processed at an oxygen partial pressure (PO2) of 0.01 atm, followed by oxygenation at 450 C. Depression of T sub c as a function of x and PO2 is explained in terms of a charge-transfer model. It is suggested that destruction of superconductivity in the RE(1-x)Pr(x)Ba2Cu3O(7-delta) (RE=rare-earth) system can be viewed as disruption of four-fold planar coordinated Cu ions in the chain-site due to permanent occupation of extra Pr ions on Ba sites.

Diagnostic prénatal: quelles sont les techniques actuelles et futures ? (flyer)

CERN Multimedia

2002-01-01

La majorité des bébés qui viennent au monde ne présentent pas d'anomalies particulières. Cependant, il faut savoir qu'environ 1 foetus 170 présente une anomalie chromosomique (défaut de la structure ou du nombre de chromosomes) qui va peser plus ou moins lourdement sur sa vie future et 1 foetus sur 100 présente une maladie génique due à un changement dans un gène. Le diagnostic prénatal a connu et connaît une formidable expansion grâce aux progrès technologiques en génétique et imagerie foetale.

33 CFR 110.74c - Bahia de San Juan, PR.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... 33 Navigation and Navigable Waters 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Bahia de San Juan, PR. 110.74c Section 110.74c Navigation and Navigable Waters COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANCHORAGES ANCHORAGE REGULATIONS Special Anchorage Areas § 110.74c Bahia de San Juan, PR. The waters of San Antonio...

Lessons Learned from PR and PP Case Study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bley, D.C. [Buttonwood Consulting, Inc., 11738 English Mill Court, Oakton, VA 22124 (United States)

2009-06-15

The Generation-IV International Forum (GIF) working group on proliferation resistance and physical protection (PR and PP) has developed a methodology for evaluating the PR and PP effectiveness of Gen-IV nuclear energy systems. A number of applications studies culminating in the 2008-2009 Case Study have been helpful in developing the methodology, and in testing its ease of use and ability to provide useful information to designers and policy/decision makers. This paper examines the lessons learned from these studies. The applications studies evaluated a set of PR and PP measures for an 'Example Sodium Fast Reactor' (ESFR), a hypothetical design incorporating many features of anticipated Gen-IV energy systems. The objectives of the 2008- 2009 Case Study were to exercise the GIF PR and PP Methodology for a complete Gen-IV reactor/fuel cycle system; to demonstrate, via the comparison of different design options, that the methodology can generate meaningful results for designers and decision makers; to provide examples of PR and PP evaluations for future users; to facilitate transition to other studies; and to facilitate other ongoing collaborative efforts (e.g., INPRO) and associated efforts (e.g., GNEP). We will explain how the Case Study met these goals. PR Lessons Learned. We found that completeness in 'diversion' pathways can be ensured and that a set of diversion pathway segments can be developed along with proliferation resistance measures for each pathway. The examination of 'misuse' found that misuse, for achieving weapons-usable fissile material, is a complex process, i.e., it is not a single action on a single piece of equipment, but rather an integrated exploitation of various assets and system elements. We found that 'breakout' is a modifying strategy within the diversion and misuse threats and takes various forms that depend upon intent and aggressiveness, and ultimately the proliferation time assumed by a

Calculation of effective Coulomb interaction in PrCoO3

Science.gov (United States)

Dutta, Paromita; Lal, Sohan; Pandey, Sudhir K.

2018-04-01

It is very essential to know the suitable value of effective coulomb interaction (Ueff) which will be material specific, if one wants to learn about various physical features of strongly correlated systems in an extensive manner. In present work, the constrained density function theory (DFT) method has been used to evaluate the suitable Ueff value between the localized electrons for 3d and 4f orbitals in strongly correlated system. For the evaluation of suitable Ueff, the d/f-linearization energy (Ed/f) is very important and is found to be >= 44 eV above Fermi level. The Ueff is predicted by local density approximation (LDA) functional for both the impurity atoms separately are found to be Co (3d electrons) ˜ 6.3 eV and Pr (4f electrons) ˜ 7.0 eV for Ed/f ˜ 44 eV above Fermi level. The Ueff value for Pr (4f electrons) is higher than Co (3d electrons). This indicates that Pr 4f electrons is more localized than Co 3d electrons in PrCoO3 compound.

Formación del carácter y razonamiento práctico

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ximena Vallejo Álvarez

2008-01-01

Full Text Available En este artículo se sostiene que existe una primacía de la práctica y la acción sobre el conocimiento intelectual y la contemplación. Si esta tesis fuese falsa, no resulta comprensible por qué la prudencia y el hombre prudente son la virtud suprema y el modelo de la vida buena en Aristóteles. La cuestión inicial es 1 ¿Cómo entender la racionalidad del deseo o qué significa deseo razonado?, y esto implica dos cuestiones adicionales: 2 ¿Qué es el silogismo práctico y qué relación tiene con la recta razón? y 3 ¿cuál es la relación entre el razonamiento práctico, la prudencia y el hombre prudente? Estas cuestiones son analizadas para establecer algunas de las semejanzas y diferencias entre el silogismo práctico, los diversos tipos de inferencias prácticas y otros tipos de razonamientos, tratando de mostrar la relación que existe entre la formación del carácter o modo de ser, la recta razón y el silogismo práctico.

Visible-to-UVC upconversion efficiency and mechanisms of Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} and Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cates, Ezra L. [Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625 (United States); Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625 (United States); Wilkinson, Angus P. [School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332 (United States); Kim, Jae-Hong, E-mail: jaehong.kim@yale.edu [Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 (United States)

2015-04-15

Visible-to-UVC upconversion (UC) by Pr{sup 3+}-doped materials is a promising candidate for application to sustainable disinfection technologies, including light-activated antimicrobial surfaces and solar water treatment. In this work, we studied Pr{sup 3+} upconversion in an oxyfluoride host system for the first time, employing Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics. Compared to the previously studied Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+} reference material, the oxyfluoride host resulted in a 5-fold increase in intermediate state lifetime, likely due to a lower maximum phonon energy; however, only a 60% gain in UC intensity was observed. To explain this discrepancy, luminescence spectral distribution and decay kinetics were studied in both phosphor systems. The Pr{sup 3+} 4f5d band energy distribution in each phosphor was found to play a key role by allowing or disallowing the occurrence of a previously unexplored UC mechanism, which had a significant impact on overall efficiency. - Highlights: • Visible-to-UVC upconversion by Pr{sup 3+} was studied in an oxyfluoride host matrix for the first time. • Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics were synthesized and characterized. • Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} shows more intense UV upconversion than Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+}, with differing mechanisms. • 4f5d band energy and {sup 1}D{sub 2} involvement are important in maximizing upconversion efficiency.

Elaboration and characterization of unreported (Pr,Nd){sub 5}Ni{sub 19} hydrides

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lemort, Lucille [ICMPE CMTR CNRS UMR 7182, 2-8 rue Henri Dunant, 94320 Thiais Cedex (France); Latroche, Michel, E-mail: michel.latroche@icmpe.cnrs.fr [ICMPE CMTR CNRS UMR 7182, 2-8 rue Henri Dunant, 94320 Thiais Cedex (France); Knosp, Bernard; Bernard, Patrick [SAFT, Direction de la Recherche, 111-113 Boulevard Alfred Daney, 33074 Bordeaux (France)

2011-09-15

Research highlights: > Two new compounds Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} have been synthesized and their crystallographic structures have been determined. > Two polymorphic types are reported to coexist for the same composition, one rhombohedral and one hexagonal. > The hydrogen sorption properties of these two novel compounds have been measured and they exhibit capacities of 1.33%(wt) for Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and 1.17%(wt) for Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} under 10 MPa. - Abstract: In this study two new compounds have been synthesized: Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19}. The crystallographic structures as well as the thermodynamic properties of the hydrogen absorbing compounds Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} have been determined. Both compounds exist under two polymorphic types that can be described as the stacking along the c axis of two different subunits [(Pr,Nd){sub 2}Ni{sub 4}] and [(Pr,Nd)Ni{sub 5}]: the hexagonal (2H) Pr{sub 5}Co{sub 19}-type structure (space group P6{sub 3}/mmc) and the rhombohedral (3R) Ce{sub 5}Co{sub 19}-type structure (space group R-3m). The two compounds are able to form hydrides at room temperature, in the pressure range of 0-10 MPa. They show desorption pressure plateaux around 0.8 MPa for Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and 1 MPa for Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and exhibit capacities under 10 MPa of 1.33 wt% for Pr{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} and 1.17 wt% for Nd{sub 5}Ni{sub 19} at the first cycle.

Implementación de miniproyectos de investigación: una forma no convencional en los trabajos prácticos de práctica profesional bioquímica

OpenAIRE

Pawluk, Diana Beatriz

2013-01-01

En la presente tesis, se implementó y evaluó un trabajo práctico innovador, no estructurado, mediante el desarrollo de pequeños proyectos de investigación o “miniproyectos” con finales abiertos, aplicando técnicas de Biología Molecular. Se evaluó el impacto sobre las actitudes que experimentaron los alumnos al realizar una actividad práctica tradicional (Grupo Control), en comparación con la de aquellos que hicieron una actividad práctica no estructurada (Grupo Ensayo), de la Sección Parasi...

Understanding the Press Kit and Its Use by the Media: When PR Material Becomes News

Science.gov (United States)

Weisgerber, Corinne

2006-01-01

This activity helps students understand the relationship between public relations (PR) writing and news writing by demonstrating how PR material gets used in the production of news stories. Considering that "more than 70 percent of daily newspaper copy emanates from PR-generated releases," it is important for students to learn how PR professionals…

L-Arginine ethylester enhances in vitro amplification of PrP(Sc) in macaques with atypical L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy and enables presymptomatic detection of PrP(Sc) in the bodily fluids.

Science.gov (United States)

Murayama, Y; Ono, F; Shimozaki, N; Shibata, H

2016-02-12

Protease-resistant, misfolded isoforms (PrP(Sc)) of a normal cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) in the bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and saliva, are expected to be useful diagnostic markers of prion diseases, and nonhuman primate models are suited for performing valid diagnostic tests for human Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). We developed an effective amplification method for PrP(Sc) derived from macaques infected with the atypical L-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy (L-BSE) prion by using mouse brain homogenate as a substrate in the presence of polyanions and L-arginine ethylester. This method was highly sensitive and detected PrP(Sc) in infected brain homogenate diluted up to 10(10) by sequential amplification. This method in combination with PrP(Sc) precipitation by sodium phosphotungstic acid is capable of amplifying very small amounts of PrP(Sc) contained in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), saliva, urine, and plasma of macaques that have been intracerebrally inoculated with the L-BSE prion. Furthermore, PrP(Sc) was detectable in the saliva or urine samples as well as CSF samples obtained at the preclinical phases of the disease. Thus, our novel method may be useful for furthering the understanding of bodily fluid leakage of PrP(Sc) in nonhuman primate models. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In vitro and in vivo studies identify important features of dengue virus pr-E protein interactions.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aihua Zheng

2010-10-01

Full Text Available Flaviviruses bud into the endoplasmic reticulum and are transported through the secretory pathway, where the mildly acidic environment triggers particle rearrangement and allows furin processing of the prM protein to pr and M. The peripheral pr peptide remains bound to virus at low pH and inhibits virus-membrane interaction. Upon exocytosis, the release of pr at neutral pH completes virus maturation to an infectious particle. Together this evidence suggests that pr may shield the flavivirus fusion protein E from the low pH environment of the exocytic pathway. Here we developed an in vitro system to reconstitute the interaction of dengue virus (DENV pr with soluble truncated E proteins. At low pH recombinant pr bound to both monomeric and dimeric forms of E and blocked their membrane insertion. Exogenous pr interacted with mature infectious DENV and specifically inhibited virus fusion and infection. Alanine substitution of E H244, a highly conserved histidine residue in the pr-E interface, blocked pr-E interaction and reduced release of DENV virus-like particles. Folding, membrane insertion and trimerization of the H244A mutant E protein were preserved, and particle release could be partially rescued by neutralization of the low pH of the secretory pathway. Thus, pr acts to silence flavivirus fusion activity during virus secretion, and this function can be separated from the chaperone activity of prM. The sequence conservation of key residues involved in the flavivirus pr-E interaction suggests that this protein-protein interface may be a useful target for broad-spectrum inhibitors.

A STUDY OF PR PRACTITIONERS' USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS IN CYPRUS

OpenAIRE

MARCOS KOMODROMOS

2014-01-01

This study is aimed at both researchers and public relations (PR) practitioners. The use of social media tools and technologies — such as blogs, social networking, microblogging, podcasts, etc. — is a very important factor for PR practitioners, helping them to improve important organizational processes. The research employs a mixed methodology, with data being analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. A sample of 25 senior PR practitioners was purposively selected from different sectors...

Présentation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Stéphane Haber

2010-08-01

Full Text Available Les articles réunis dans ce dossier de la revue Astérion portent sur la première génération de la Théorie critique (dont Max Horkheimer, Walter Benjamin, Theodor W. Adorno, Herbert Marcuse et Erich Fromm constituent sans doute les figures principales. Ils se concentrent plus précisément sur les contributions philosophiques qui marquèrent la période ouverte par l’accession de Horkheimer à la direction de l’Institut de recherches sociales (1931 et close par la publication en 1944 de Dialektik...

Implications of HIV PrEP Trials Results

Science.gov (United States)

Anton, Peter; Fletcher, Courtney V.; DeGruttola, Victor; McGowan, Ian; Becker, Stephen; Zwerski, Sheryl; Burns, David

2011-01-01

Abstract Six randomized clinical trials have been implemented to examine the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and/or TDF/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) as preexposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 infection (PrEP). Although largely complementary, the six trials have many similar features. As the earliest results become available, an urgent question may arise regarding whether changes should be made in the conduct of the other trials. To consider this in advance, a Consultation on the Implications of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Trials Results sponsored by the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) was held on January 29, 2010, at the Natcher Conference Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD. Participants included basic scientists, clinical researchers (including investigators performing the current PrEP trials), and representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the agencies sponsoring the trials: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the BMGF, and the U.S. NIH. We report here a summary of the presentations and highlights of salient discussion topics from this workshop. PMID:20969483

Practicality of the cyclotron production of radiolanthanide 142Pr. A potential for therapeutic applications and biodistribution studies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mahdi Sadeghi; Bakht, M.K.; Leila Mokhtari

2011-01-01

Radiolanthanide praseodymium-142 (T 1/2 = 19.12 h, E β - = 2.162 MeV (96.3%), E γ = 1575 keV (3.7%)) due to its high β-emission and low specific γ-emission could not only be a therapeutic radionuclide, but also a suitable radionuclide in order for biodistribution studies. Conventionally, 142 Pr produces via 141 Pr(n,γ) 142 Pr reaction by irradiation in a low-fluence reactor and this study evaluates cyclotron reaction production of it. 142 Pr excitation function via nat La(α,n) 142 Pr, 142 Ce(p,n) 142 Pr, and nat Pr(d,p) 142 Pr reactions were calculated by TALYS-1.2 and EMPIRE-2.19beta codes, and with the data taken from the TENDL-2010 database. In addition, we compared them with the reported measurement by experimental data. Requisite thickness of targets was obtained by SRIM-2010 code for each reaction. The 142 Pr production yield was evaluated with attention to excitation function and stopping power. Similar to reactor produced 142 Pr; 141 Pr impurity exists in cyclotron produced 142 Pr while it could not be separated by chemical methods. Therefore, cyclotron and reactor produced 142 Pr will be in carrier added form. (author)

Estilo cognitivo de dependencia-independencia de campo y proceso lector

OpenAIRE

Kirchner, Teresa

1987-01-01

Este estudio trata de determinar si se dan relaciones de covariación entre la aptitud de reestructuración (una de las manifestaciones del constructo «Dependencia-Independencia de campo» (DIC) y el proceso lector.La DIC es uno de los Estilos Cognitivos surgidos a raíz de las investigaciones que sobre la percepción de la verticalidad realizaban Witkin y Asch a finales de los años 40, y que derivó finalmente en un modelo explicativo de las diferencias individuales, basado en el grado de diferenc...

Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Pr-modified BiFeO3 multiferroic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Varshney, Dinesh; Sharma, Poorva; Satapathy, S.; Gupta, P.K.

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: -- Highlights: • BFO and Bi 0.95 Pr 0.05 FeO 3 prepared successfully via solid state reaction route. • XRD confirms rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. • Relaxation process is attributed to thermal motion and hopping of V O 2+ . • Magnetization is enhanced in Bi 0.95 Pr 0.05 FeO 3 sample. • Enhanced magnetization stem from suppression of the spiral spin modulation. -- Abstract: The structural, vibrational, magnetic and dielectric properties of polycrystalline BiFeO 3 and Bi 0.95 Pr 0.05 FeO 3 are investigated by combining X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering spectra, magnetometry and dielectric measurements. Structural symmetry with rhombohedral R3c phase is revealed for both parent and 5% Pr substitution at Bi site, serving no chemical pressure and causes no structural transition from R3c to any other phase is identified from X-ray diffraction patterns and Raman scattering spectra. The shifting of phonon modes towards higher frequency side is attributed to lower atomic mass of Pr ion as compared to Bi ion. The magnetic measurements at room temperature indicate that Pr substitution induces ferromagnetism and discerns large and non-zero remnant magnetization as compare to pristine BiFeO 3 . Both dielectric permittivity and loss factor of Bi 0.95 Pr 0.05 FeO 3 strongly decreases with increased frequency. Significant role of hopping of oxygen ion vacancies in Bi 0.95 Pr 0.05 FeO 3 is inferred from modulus spectra and ac conductivity analysis

Prática de ensino supervisionada em educação pré-escolar e ensino do 1.º ciclo do ensino básico

OpenAIRE

Batista, Sofia Adelaide Pinheiro Miranda

2012-01-01

O presente relatório assenta na descrição dos estágios realizados em educação pré-escolar e 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico entre fevereiro e junho de 2011 e, outubro e fevereiro de 2012, respetivamente. No âmbito da educação pré-escolar, aceitamos como referenciais pedagógicos o modelo curricular HighScope e as Orientações Curriculares para Educação Pré-escolar. Para o 1º Ciclo do Ensino Básico utilizamos, sempre que foi possível, uma pedagogia de participação, não seguindo um modelo concreto. Tod...

Athletes as PR Spokespeople: the NFL’s “A Crucial Catch” PR Campaign Explored

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chyna Teresa Trible

2015-06-01

Full Text Available The results of the present study were presented at the 2015 International Conference on Communication and Management and examined the National Football League’s (NFL “A Crucial Catch” breast cancer awareness campaign in the United States. Variables included identification with NFL athletes, exposure to the campaign, NFL fanship, and intention to schedule a breast cancer screening (the action promoted by NFL athletes in this PR campaign. Social media outlets and an e-mail listserv of the School of Communication at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York, USA were employed to solicit participants (n=119 in a survey. A questionnaire composed of items modified from Brown and Bocarnea’s (2007a Celebrity-Persona Parasocial Identification Scale to investigate identification with NFL athletes was used. Statistically significant relationships were found between identification with NFL athletes and exposure, identification with NFL athletes and intention to schedule a breast cancer screening, and identification with NFL athletes and NFL fanship. NFL fanship was also significantly related to exposure to the campaign. Implications for future studies analyzing PR campaigns produced by the NFL and FIFA are suggested.

Redox behavior of a low-doped Pr-CeO_2(111) surface. A DFT+U study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Milberg, Brian; Juan, Alfredo; Irigoyen, Beatriz

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Pr doping facilitates oxygen donation due to the easy formation of Pr"3"+/Pr"4"+ and Ce"3"+/Ce"4"+ redox couples. • Pr doping also favors the formation of superoxide (O_2"−) radicals on surface O-holes. • CO can be oxidized by superoxide radical forming a CO_2 molecule floating on the surface. • CO can also interact on the (O_2"−)/Pr"3"+ interphase and forms weakly adsorbed carbonate-type intermediates. - Abstract: In this work, we investigated the redox behavior (donation and replenishing of oxygen) of a low praseodymium (Pr)-doped CeO_2(111) surface. We considered a 3.7 at.% Pr doping and performed density functional calculations using the GGA formalism with the ‘U’ correction on Ce(4f) and Pr(4f) orbitals. Our results indicate that Pr doping promotes oxygen donation by lowering the energy necessary to form surface anionic vacancies. When the Ce_0_._9_6_3Pr_0_._0_3_7O_2(111) surface donates one oxygen, the two excess electrons locate on Pr and Ce cations and reduce them to Pr"3"+ and Ce"3"+ ones. Praseodymium doping also favors the activation of O_2 molecule on surface O-holes, leading to formation of a superoxide (O_2"−) radical as well as to reoxidation of the Ce"3"+ cation to Ce"4"+ one. Additionally, we used the CO molecular adsorption for testing the reactivity of those superoxide species. The calculations expose the ability of these radicals to oxidize CO forming a CO_2 molecule floating on the surface. However, when the superoxide is in the immediate vicinity of Pr dopant a carbonate-type species is formed. Our theoretical results may help to gain insight into redox properties and improved catalytic performance of low-doped Pr-CeO_2 solids.

S1PR3 Signaling Drives Bacterial Killing and Is Required for Survival in Bacterial Sepsis.

Science.gov (United States)

Hou, JinChao; Chen, QiXing; Wu, XiaoLiang; Zhao, DongYan; Reuveni, Hadas; Licht, Tamar; Xu, MengLong; Hu, Hu; Hoeft, Andreas; Ben-Sasson, Shmuel A; Shu, Qiang; Fang, XiangMing

2017-12-15

Efficient elimination of pathogenic bacteria is a critical determinant in the outcome of sepsis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) mediates multiple aspects of the inflammatory response during sepsis, but whether S1PR3 signaling is necessary for eliminating the invading pathogens remains unknown. To investigate the role of S1PR3 in antibacterial immunity during sepsis. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments were performed using cell and murine models. S1PR3 levels were determined in patients with sepsis and healthy volunteers. S1PR3 protein levels were up-regulated in macrophages upon bacterial stimulation. S1pr3 -/- mice showed increased mortality and increased bacterial burden in multiple models of sepsis. The transfer of wild-type bone marrow-derived macrophages rescued S1pr3 -/- mice from lethal sepsis. S1PR3-overexpressing macrophages further ameliorated the mortality rate of sepsis. Loss of S1PR3 led to markedly decreased bacterial killing in macrophages. Enhancing endogenous S1PR3 activity using a peptide agonist potentiated the macrophage bactericidal function and improved survival rates in multiple models of sepsis. Mechanically, the reactive oxygen species levels were decreased and phagosome maturation was delayed in S1pr3 -/- macrophages due to impaired recruitment of vacuolar protein-sorting 34 to the phagosomes. In addition, S1RP3 expression levels were elevated in monocytes from patients with sepsis. Higher levels of monocytic S1PR3 were associated with efficient intracellular bactericidal activity, better immune status, and preferable outcomes. S1PR3 signaling drives bacterial killing and is essential for survival in bacterial sepsis. Interventions targeting S1PR3 signaling could have translational implications for manipulating the innate immune response to combat pathogens.

Prügiveo hind hakkab olenema inimesest endast / Peep Aaviksoo ; interv. Jaan Rõõmussaar

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Aaviksoo, Peep, 1956-

2004-01-01

Ilmunud ka: Stolitsa, 5. nov. 2004, lk. 3. AS-i Tallinna Prügila taotles prügi ladestamishinna tõstmist, ettevõtlusameti hinna ja tarbijakaitse osakond pidas taotletavat hinda liiga kõrgeks. Tallinna abilinnapea vastab küsimustele prügimajanduse kota

PrPC expression and prion seeding activity in the alimentary tract and lymphoid tissue of deer.

Science.gov (United States)

Davenport, Kristen A; Hoover, Clare E; Bian, Jifeng; Telling, Glenn C; Mathiason, Candace K; Hoover, Edward A

2017-01-01

The agent responsible for prion diseases is a misfolded form of a normal protein (PrPC). The prion hypothesis stipulates that PrPC must be present for the disease to manifest. Cervid populations across the world are infected with chronic wasting disease, a horizontally-transmissible prion disease that is likely spread via oral exposure to infectious prions (PrPCWD). Though PrPCWD has been identified in many tissues, there has been little effort to characterize the overall PrPC expression in cervids and its relationship to PrPCWD accumulation. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to describe PrPC expression in naïve white-tailed deer. We used real-time, quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to detect prion seeding activity in CWD-infected deer. We assessed tissues comprising the alimentary tract, alimentary-associated lymphoid tissue and systemic lymphoid tissue from 5 naïve deer. PrPC was expressed in all tissues, though expression was often very low compared to the level in the CNS. IHC identified specific cell types wherein PrPC expression is very high. To compare the distribution of PrPC to PrPCWD, we examined 5 deer with advanced CWD infection. Using RT-QuIC, we detected prion seeding activity in all 21 tissues. In 3 subclinical deer sacrificed 4 months post-inoculation, we detected PrPCWD consistently in alimentary-associated lymphoid tissue, irregularly in alimentary tract tissues, and not at all in the brain. Contrary to our hypothesis that PrPC levels dictate prion accumulation, PrPC expression was higher in the lower gastrointestinal tissues than in the alimentary-associated lymphoid system and was higher in salivary glands than in the oropharyngeal lymphoid tissue. These data suggest that PrPC expression is not the sole driver of prion accumulation and that alimentary tract tissues accumulate prions before centrifugal spread from the brain occurs.

The Pr and Ca substitution in GdBa2Cu3O7-8

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shakeri, H.; Akhavan, M.

2002-01-01

The granular Gd 1 -x-zPr x Ca z Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 -8 (Gd Pr Ca-123) high-temperature cuprate samples with 0.0≤x≤0.3 and 0.0≤z≤0.35 are prepared by standard solid state reaction and characterized by XRD and SEM techniques. The BaCuO 2 and impurity phases are less than 1% in the samples having high levels of Pr and Ca concentrations. The electrical resistivity measurements show a nonlinear reduction in T c (x,z=etc) versus x. Moreover, the T c (z) curve with x=0 is nonlinear and a plateau appears at z≅0.05-0.015. For Pr-Ca-doped samples with a constant concentration of Pr, T c increases with the increase of Ca up to an optimum value of Ca doping and then in decreases. Based on these observations, we suggest that hole filling and hole localization the main effects of Pr ion substitution. The magnetic measurements indicate that the value of H C 1 is in the order of 10 m T. The magnetoresistance measurements have been measured and analyzed. The superconducting transition region is broadened by the application of magnetic field. The experimental data near the on sen of superconductivity are fitted with the Ambegakor and Halperin (A H) phase-slip model. We observe that the A H parameter, γ(H), depends not only on the temperature and the magnetic field, but also on the Pr and Ca ions concentrations. It is observed that the critical current density increases with Ca substitution and decreases with pr substitution in Gd-123 system. We suggest that the pr ion substitution probably enhances the weak link, but the Ca ion acts as flux pinning center in the Gd Pr Ca-123 system

Práticas de empoderamento feminino na América Latina*

OpenAIRE

Saldanha Marinho, Paloma Abelin; Gonçalves, Hebe Signorini

2016-01-01

Desde una breve presentación sobre los debates que sustentan el concepto de empoderamiento y de la inserción del término en la perspectiva de los estudios de género, el artículo presenta una revisión bibliográfica sobre las prácticas del empoderamiento femenino, realizadas y registradas en Latinoamérica entre los años 2000 y 2012. Los ejes de análisis encontrados en las prácticas fueron empoderamiento con base en la renta femenina, prácticas originadas en la cotidianidad de las mujeres y las ...

Práticas de empoderamento feminino na América Latina

OpenAIRE

Marinho, Paloma Abelin Saldanha; Gonçalves, Hebe Signorini

2018-01-01

A partir de uma breve apresentação a respeito dos debates que embasam o conceito de empoderamento e da inserção do termo na perspectiva dos estudos de gênero, o artigo apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica a respeito das práticas de empoderamento feminino, realizadas e registradas na América Latina, entre os anos 2000 e 2012. A respeito das práticas de empoderamento encontradas, os três eixos principais de análise foram: o empoderamento ancorado na renda feminina, as práticas de empoderamento o...

Les prélèvements dendrochronologiques des bois de charpente : méthodes et techniques de prélèvements en contexte de restauration

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sylvain Aumard

2004-03-01

Full Text Available L’objectif de cette journée d’information était de sensibiliser les archéologues du bâti aux méthodes de prélèvements dendrochronologiques des bois de charpente. Au moment de leur restauration, les charpentes ne peuvent pas toujours faire l’objet d’une campagne d’échantillonnage par les bons soins des dendrochronologues. Ainsi, lors de leur réfection, seul l’archéologue présent sur place peut relayer le laboratoire dans l’urgence afin de préserver le potentiel historique des pièces remplacées...

Local distortion induced metal-to-insulator phase transition in PrRu4P12

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cao, D.; Heffner, R.H.; Jeong, I.-K.; Bauer, E.D.; Bridges, F.; Yuhasz, W.M.; Maple, M.B.

2005-01-01

Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) experiments have been carried out on PrRu 4 P 12 and PrOs 4 P 12 to study the metal-to-insulator (MI) phase transition in PrRu 4 P 12 . No Pr displacement was observed across the MI transition temperature from the EXAFS data. Instead, our EXAFS data clearly show that a Ru displacement is associated with this MI transition. The very high Debye temperature for the Ru-P bond (Θ D =690 K) suggests that a slight rotation/displacement of relatively rigid RuP 6 octahedra leads to this small Ru displacement, which accompanies the MI transition at 62 K in PrRu 4 P 12

Study of valence of cerium and praseodymium ions in Pr1-xCexO2 solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gartsman, K.G.; Kartenko, N.F.; Melekh, B.T.

1990-01-01

Effect of preparation conditions of Pr 1-x Ce x O 2 solid solutions on Ce and Pr ion valence within Pr 1-x Ce x O 2 system is studied. The data obtained enable to conclude that praseodymium may depending on annealing conditions change its state from Pr 3+ to Pr 4+ , while Ce 4+ is stable in Pr 1-x Ce x O 2 solid solutions

Muon spin relaxation and nonmagnetic Kondo state in PrInAg2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

MacLaughlin, D. E.; Heffner, R. H.; Nieuwenhuys, G. J.; Canfield, P. C.; Amato, A.; Baines, C.; Schenck, A.; Luke, G. M.; Fudamoto, Y.; Uemura, Y. J.

2000-01-01

Muon spin relaxation experiments have been carried out in the Kondo compound PrInAg 2 . The zero-field muon relaxation rate is found to be independent of temperature between 0.1 and 10 K, which rules out a magnetic origin (spin freezing or a conventional Kondo effect) for the previously observed specific-heat anomaly at ∼0.5 K. At low temperatures the muon relaxation can be quantitatively understood in terms of the muon's interaction with nuclear magnetism, including hyperfine enhancement of the 141 Pr nuclear moment at low temperatures. This argues against a Pr 3+ ground-state electronic magnetic moment, and is strong evidence for the doublet Γ 3 crystalline-electric-field-split ground state required for a nonmagnetic route to heavy-electron behavior. The data imply the existence of an exchange interaction between neighboring Pr 3+ ions of the order of 0.2 K in temperature units, which should be taken into account in a complete theory of a nonmagnetic Kondo effect in PrInAg 2 . (c) 2000 The American Physical Society

Er aftalelovens § 36 internationalt præceptiv?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sørensen, Eric Aa.; Werlauff, Erik

2014-01-01

underlagt fremmed ret som følge af parternes vedtagelse. Særligt analyseres det, i hvilket omfang aftalelovens § 36 kan kvalificeres som internationalt ufravigelig, og dette besvares benægtende. Udviklingen i EU, både lovgivningsmæssigt og i retspraksis, viser, at en internationalt præceptiv regel skal...... varetage en almen interesse, og at det således ikke er tilstrækkeligt, at en regel udelukkende varetager stærke private interesser. I lighed med fransk og tysk retspraksis kan en regel som aftalelovens § 36 derfor ikke anses for at være internationalt præceptiv....

PR-strategia pienelle vaatebrändille : Case: Arela

OpenAIRE

Keskitalo, Aino

2016-01-01

Opinnäytetyön lähtökohtana oli laatia pienelle vaatebrändille PR-strategia, jota yritys voi hyödyntää jatkossa. Yhteistyöyritys tässä työssä oli suomalainen Arela, joka tunnetaan erityisesti laadukkaista kašmirneuleistaan. PR-strategian laatimisen tarkoituksena on antaa Arelalle työkaluja, jotka voivat auttaa brändiä saamaan lisää näkyvyyttä etenkin printti- ja verkkolehdissä sekä sosiaalisessa mediassa. Lisäksi sen tavoitteena on lisätä yleisesti brändin tunnettuutta ja luoda positiivista mi...

76 FR 63628 - Preliminary Damage Assessment for Individual Assistance Operations Manual (9327.2-PR)

Science.gov (United States)

2011-10-13

...] Preliminary Damage Assessment for Individual Assistance Operations Manual (9327.2-PR) AGENCY: Federal... Individual Assistance Operations Manual (9327.2-PR). DATES: Comments must be received by November 14, 2011... of the draft Preliminary Damage Assessment for Individual Assistance Operations Manual (9327.2-PR) on...

Crystal growth and scintillation properties of Pr-doped oxyorthosilicate for different concentration

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Totsuka, Daisuke, E-mail: totsuka@mail.tagen.tohoku.ac.jp [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Nihon Kessho Kogaku Co. Ltd (Japan); Yanagida, Takayuki [New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe) 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579 (Japan); Fujimoto, Yutaka [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Pejchal, Jan [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Institute of Physics AS CR, Cukrovarnicka 10, Prague 6, 162-53 (Czech Republic); Yokota, Yuui [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Yoshikawa, Akira [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe) 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579 (Japan)

2011-07-01

0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 mol% Pr (with respect to Lu) doped Lu{sub 2}SiO{sub 5} (LSO) single crystals were grown by the micro-pulling down ({mu}-PD) method. The grown crystals were transparent, and a slight segregation of Pr{sup 3+} was observed both in the crystal cross-section and growth direction. Transparency in the visible wavelength range was about 80% in all the crystals. Intense absorptions related with the Pr{sup 3+} 4f-5d transitions were observed around 230 and 255 nm, and weak absorptions due to the 4f-4f transitions were detected around 450 nm. In radioluminescence spectra, the Pr{sup 3+} 5d-4f transitions were observed around 275and 310 nm, and emissions due to the 4f-4f transition were observed around 500 nm. In the pulse height analysis using {sup 137}Cs gamma-ray excitation, Pr 0.1% doped sample showed the highest light yield of 2,800 ph/MeV. In the decay time measurements using different excitation sources (photoluminescence, X- and gamma-ray), two different processes related to the 5d-4f emission peaks were found. Fast decay component corresponds to direct excitation of Pr{sup 3+} (4-6 ns) and slower component (25 ns) reflects the energy migration process from the host lattice to the emission center.

Binding of the fibronectin-mimetic peptide, PR_b, to α5β1 on pig islet cells increases fibronectin production and facilitates internalization of PR_b functionalized liposomes

Science.gov (United States)

Atchison, Nicole A.; Fan, Wei; Papas, Klearchos K.; Hering, Bernhard J.; Tsapatsis, Michael; Kokkoli, Efrosini

2010-01-01

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes. Recent studies have demonstrated that human islet allografts can restore insulin independence to patients with this disease. As islet isolation and immunotherapeutic techniques improve, the demand for this cell-based therapy will dictate the need for other sources of islets. Pig islets could provide an unlimited supply for xenotransplantation and have shown promise as an alternative to human islet allografts. However, stresses imposed during islet isolation and transplantation decrease islet viability, leading to loss of graft function. In this study, we investigated the ability of a fibronectin-mimetic peptide, PR_b, which specifically binds to the α5β1 integrin, to reestablish lost extracellular matrix (ECM) around isolated pig islets and increase internalization of liposomes. Confocal microscopy and western blotting were used to show the presence of the integrin α5β1 on the pig islets on day 0 (day of isolation), as well as different days of islet culture. Islets cultured in medium supplemented with free PR_b for 48 hours were found to have increased levels of ECM fibronectin secretion compared to islets in normal culture conditions. Using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry we found that PR_b peptide-amphiphile functionalized liposomes delivered to the pig islets internalized into the cells in a PR_b concentration dependent manner, and non-functionalized liposomes showed minimal internalization. These studies proved that the fibronectin-mimetic peptide, PR_b, is an appropriate peptide bullet for applications involving α5β1 expressing pig islet cells. Fibronectin production stimulated through α5β1 PR_b binding may decrease apoptosis and therefore increase islet viability in culture. In addition, PR_b peptide-amphiphile functionalized liposomes may be used for targeted delivery of different agents to pig islet cells. PMID:20704278

Magnetic and electromagnetic properties of Pr doped strontium ferrite/polyaniline composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Ying; Li, Yuqing; Wang, Yan, E-mail: wangyan287580632@126.com

2014-11-15

This paper reported three acid (including hydrochloric acid HCl, p-toluenesulfonic acid PTS and D-camphor-10-acid CSA) doped SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}/PANI composite film and the HCl–PANI film prepared by a sol–gel method and in-situ oxidative polymerization. The characteristics of the film phase structure, surface morphology, conductivity and magnetic and electromagnetic properties were studied by using XRD, XPS, FESEM, four-probe tester, VSM and Vector Network Analyzer. The resistivity of organic acid doped composite films is higher than that of the HCl doped one. The saturation and remanent magnetization of PTS and HCl doped composite films are greater than the CSA-doped one; however, the coercivity of the three acid doped composite films is basically 5546 Oe. The saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization and coercivity of SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film are greater than those of the SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}–PANI composite film. In the frequency range of 8–12 GHz, the dielectric loss of HCl–PANI film is the maximum, and the dielectric loss of SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film is the minimum; the magnetic loss of the four films is in descending order as SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film, PrSrM/(HCl–PANI) composite film, PrSrM/(CSA–PANI) and HCl–PANI film. - Highlights: • Synthesizing three acid doped SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}/PANI composite films. • By sol–gel method and in-situ oxidative polymerization. • With excellent magnetic and electromagnetic properties. • The particular coating structure of PANI and Sr-ferrite. • Great interest for magnetic material and microwave absorbers.